A Platform for the Proof of Gods Providence, Title page
A PLATFORME, MADE FOR THE PROOFE OF Gods prouidence:
That is, for examining of the truth of this doctrine, whether God by his prouidence rule all things generally, and eueryevery creature and action particularly.
By Arthur Dent
LONDON. Printed by Ed. Allde for Henry Goſſon, and are to be ſolde in Paternoſter-rowe, at the ſigne of the Sunne. 1608.
A platforme made for …he proofe of Gods prouidence: …hat is, for the examining of the truth of this doctrine, whether God by his prouidence, rule all things generally, and eueryevery creature, and action particularly.
IT were to be wiſhed that all Chriſtians did vnderſtand, that, which with mouth they confeſſe, when they rehearſe the articles of their faith, …thered out of the Apoſtles doctrine.
The Confeſſion is breife, and eueryevery …orde in it very ſignificant, and well …nderſtood, would roote all hereſies out …our mindes.
The principles of Religion are therein contayned, and if hee bee but a weak… Philoſopher, that is ignorant in th… principles of Philoſophy, and it bee a ſhame for all artificers to bee ignoran… in the groundes of thoſe arts they profeſſe, it is a greater ſhame for vsus Chriſtians to make ſhew of chriſtianity, an… yet to bee ignorant in the rudiments o… our Religion.
I would to God that eueryevery one, tha… hath the name of a chriſtian, did throughly vnderſtand, and were fully inſtructe… in them, then needed not I labour … much, for the proofe of this doctrine.
For eueryevery one of vsus, when we do confeſſe God to bee almightie, do acknowledge that hee by his prouidence rule… eueryevery thing: and that wee may kno… what wee ſay, I purpoſe cheifly to hand theſe two points:
Firſt that Chriſt the Sonne … God, hath the ſelfe ſame prouiden… that God the Father hath: Second… that the prouidence of God, doth g… uerne all things generally, and eue… ſpeciall thing ſpecially.
And yet in handling theſe two, I … not recite all that may be ſaid touching this matter, but onelyonly touch ſome chiefe pointes, ſummarily which may helpe you the better to vnderſtand the large and learned tracts, that many notable men hauehave written hereof. For the firſt: