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That the secrets of God cannot be seen through, and therefore that our faith ought to be simple.

iv.v.xii.iv.lv312 words

53. That the secrets of God cannot be seen through, and therefore that our faith ought to be simple.4443

In the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: “We see now through the glass in an enigma, but then with face to face. Now I know partly; but then I shall know even as also I am known.”4444 Also in Solomon, in Wisdom: “And in simplicity of heart seek Him.”4445 Also in the same: “He who walketh with simplicity, walketh trustfully.”4446 Also in the same:  “Seek not things higher than thyself, and look not into things stronger than thyself.”4447 Also in Solomon: “Be not excessively righteous, and do not reason more than is required.”4448  Also in Isaiah: “Woe unto them who are convicted in themselves.”4449 Also in the Maccabees:  “Daniel in his simplicity was delivered from the mouth of the lions.”4450 Also in the Epistle of Paul to the Romans: “Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How incomprehensible are His judgments, and how unsearchable are His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? or who has been His counsellor? or who has first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed to him again?  Because from Him, and through Him, and in Him, are all things: to Him be glory for ever and ever.”4451 Also to Timothy: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they generate strifes. But the servant of God ought not to strive, but to be gentle towards all men.”4452

Footnotes

  1. 4443

    [The aphoristic force of these “heads” is often striking in the original; e.g., “Dei arcana perspici non posse, et ideo fidem nostram simplicem esse debere.”]

  2. 4444

    1 Cor. xiii. 12.

  3. 4445

    Wisd. i. 1.

  4. 4446

    Prov. x. 9.

  5. 4447

    Eccles. iii. 21.

  6. 4448

    Ecclus. vii. 17.

  7. 4449

    Isa. xxix. 15.

  8. 4450

    1 Macc. ii. 60.

  9. 4451

    Rom. xi. 33–36.

  10. 4452

    2 Tim. ii. 23, 24.