6. A sixth property of the Divine will, is, That it’s a will of perfect Wisdom: Hence counsel is joined with it in the text; it’s not a mere will, but a will with a depth of Wisdom. He doth everything, which may render any wise, if it be wisdom to act to a right end; so doth God act all for Himself and His own Glory. “As he made, so he ordered all things for himself,” (Prov. 16:4). Moreover He knows and observes all circumstances of actions, all second causes are before God, how they will act, and when, and carries all on in an exact harmony with His Divine will and pleasure. This will is not mere will, but a will guided by the Reason and Counsel of His own Infinite Understanding. We never count a willful man a wise man, but all God’s acts are said to be in judgment, and working all things according to counsel. The wisest of men often miscarry in their ideas and contrivances; but God never did miscarry for want of Wisdom in anything; all the wisdom of men and angels is from Him. The Prophet Isaiah, speaking of man’s wisdom in plowing, sowing, threshing, “This wisdom cometh from the Lord of Hosts,” saith the Prophet, “who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working,” (Is. 28:24,29). As He made the world in Wisdom, so He governs it: for “he works all after the counsel of his own will.”
Hercules Collins (1646 -1702) From a sermon delivered in 1696 entitled “Mountains of Brass: Or A Discourse Upon The Decrees of God”
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