Page 30 - Absolute Predestination With Observations On The Divine Attributes

how it is taken in Scripture. The verb predestinate is of Latin original, and
signifies, in that tongue, to deliberate beforehand with one's self how one shall
act; and in consequence of such deliberation to constitute, fore-ordain and
predetermine where, when, how and by whom anything shall be done, and to

what end it shall be done. So the Greek verb, Proorizw, which exactly answers
to the English word predestinate, and is rendered by it, signifies to resolve

beforehand within one's self what to do; and, before the thing resolved on is
actually effected, to appoint it to some certain use, and direct it to some
determinate end. The Hebrew verb Habhdel has likewise much the same

signification.

Now, none but wise men are capable (especially in matters of great importance)
of rightly determining what to do, and how to accomplish a proper end by just,

suitable and effectual means; and if this is, confessedly, a very material part of
true wisdom, who so fit to dispose of men and assign each individual his sphere
of action in this world, and his place in the world to come, as the all-wise God?

And yet, alas! how many are there who cavil at those eternal decrees which,
were we capable of fully and clearly understanding them, would appear to be as
just as they are sovereign and as wise as they are incomprehensible! Divine

preordination has for its objects all things that are created: no creature, whether
rational or irrational, animate or inanimate, is exempted from its influence. All
beings whatever, from the highest angel to the meanest reptile, and from the
meanest reptile to the minutest atom, are the objects of God's eternal decrees

and particular providence. However, the ancient fathers only make use of the
word predestination as it refers to angels or men, whether good or evil, and it is
used by the apostle Paul in a more limited sense still, so as, by it, to mean only

that branch of it which respects God's election and designation of His people to
eternal life (Rom. 8.30; Eph. 1.11).

But, that we may more justly apprehend the import of this word, and the ideas
intended to be conveyed by it, it may be proper to observe that the term
predestination, theologically taken, admits of a fourfold definition, and may be

considered as (1) "that eternal, most wise and immutable decree of God,
whereby He did from before all time determine and ordain to create, dispose of
and direct to some particular end every person and thing to which He has given,
or is yet to give, being, and to make the whole creation subservient to and

declarative of His own glory." Of this decree actual providence is the
execution. (2) Predestination may be considered as relating generally to
mankind, and them only; and in this view we define it to be "the everlasting,