From Reformation to Reformation

γ. Finally, the Third Class of Testimonies for the Existence of God is sought from Sacred Scripture , in which God has most clearly revealed Himself to the conviction of all. There the voice of God, testifying concerning Himself, and calling all to reverent attention, is heard, Isaiah 1:2; 45:5-7; Jeremiah 31:35: and what words God speaks there concerning Himself and His Existence, He confirms, through repeated Apparitions, which are related in the same place: through the mos

4. One may add extraordinary Events , whether they be miracles exceeding the powers of nature, or the marvelous revolutions of the greatest empires, or even remarkable manifestations of divine justice in the punishment of sins, in which one ought with astonishment to notice the finger of God, especially if in this manner ancient prophecies also obtain their fulfillment. 5. Neither is the marvelous Direction of Chance Occurrences to be omitted, which requires us to ascend to

3. To the elegance of individual things is added the optimal Order and Harmony , stable Mutation , and Direction toward the same End , of all things. Contemplate here the sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies, their motion, and the order, constancy, and harmony in their motion, and the coming together of all unto certain ends and effects. Similarly we discern that the earth is thus adapted in all things, that a more commodious dwelling for so many men and animals, which it is

2. From the Elegance and Craftmanship of individual created things , which argues τέχνην/ handiwork , not τύχην/ chance . The very Gentiles by this argument tried to induce everyone to acknowledge the Existence of God: comprehensively review CICERO, citing also the words of Aristotle , book II de Natura Deorum , chapter XXXVII, and chapters XXXVIII-LXVII. And also chapter VI, in which he urges Chrysippus’ [1] argumentation upon this matter. Sacred Scripture itself in a

β. Our AUTHOR appeals to the testimony of Nature or of the entire created universe: where it might be permitted to be argued, 1. From the Dependence of all things on the first cause, which we thus demonstrate: Whatever exists as finite and imperfect, that is either of itself, or from another. a . Not of itself; neither, a. positively, for, 1. thus it had been a cause producing itself: but to produce presupposes being, to be produced implies not being. 2. If it had produced

When we contend for the Existence of God, it is not only to be proven that there is eternal Being, subsisting of itself, which perhaps no Atheist would deny: albeit this also is able to be proven from this, that if sheer Nothingness had ever existed, nothing would have ever received Essence. But in addition we propose this, that there is a most wise, most powerful, and supreme Being, which created and governs all things according to the good pleasure of His own will. [1]