Question 10

Doth nothing then come by chance?

No. The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposal thereof is of the Lord,^b

Do God’s decrees extend to the conduct of good men?

Yes. They are created unto good works, which God hath before ordained that they should walk in them,^c

And to their salvation?

Yes. They are vessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared to glory,^d

Do God’s decrees extend to the conduct of wicked men?

Yes. Him being delivered by the determinate counsel of God, ye by wicked hands have crucified and slain,^e

And to their destruction?

Yes. Who were of old ordained to this condemnation,^f

Is it lawful for men to cavil at God’s decrees?

No. Who art thou that repliest against God? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump, to make one vessel to honour, and another unto dishonour?^g

Are they eternal?

Yes. For we are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world,ⁱ

Are they infinitely wise?

Yes. We read of the manifold wisdom of God according to his eternal purpose,^j

Are they most holy?

Yes. Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth,^k

Are they impenetrable and unsearchable?

Yes. Who hath known the mind of the Lord?^l

Are they absolute and unchangeable?

Yes. He is in one mind, and who can turn him?^m

Are they all calculated for his own glory?

Yes. He hath made all things for himself,ⁿ

But will they be all accomplished?

Yes. Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass,^p

And will any thing come to pass that God hath not decreed?

No. For who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?^q

Are God’s precepts then, and not his decrees, the rule of our conduct?

Yes. Things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children,^s