Wendelin's "Christian Theology": Doctrine of Providence Outline

Thesis I: The government of the creatures is defined.

Explanation: * Providence pertains to the will of God

Thesis II: The causes, adjuncts, and sorts of divine providence are to be considered

Thesis III: The efficient of actual providence.

Explanation: 1. The providence of God is built upon the testimonies of Scripture and rational arguments. 2. Arguments against providence are resolved.

Thesis IV: The material, of the object of divine providence.

Explanation: 1. All things are subject to divine providence. 2. In particular, the least things. 3. Fortuitous and contingent things. 4. Natural things. 5. In a singular manner, Man. * 6. The false opinion of the Lutherans concerning the divine decrees. Their arguments for a mutable termination of life are refuted. 7. Evils.

Thesis V: The form of divine providence.

Explanation: God’s wisdom, liberty, power, and goodness shine forth from the individual steps of providence.

Thesis VI: Preservation.

Explanation: 1. The preservation of all thins is proven out of Scripture. 2. Things are preserved with respect to species, or individuals. 3. The necessity of preservation is demonstrated. 4. God preserves things immediately [or mediately].

Thesis VII: Government.

Thesis VIII: Sorts of government.

Thesis IX: Effectual accomplishment.

Explanation: The mode is set forth, whereby God brings good things to pass. Divine Provident is ordinary or extraordinary.

Thesis X: Permission.

Explanation: 1. What does God do in the permission of evil? The matter is set forth in an example. 2. In sin, four things are to be distinguished. In what respect sin may be referred to God? The opinion of the Orthodox is explained. 3. In permission, God not only allows the impious to act, but He Himself also acts beyond the determination of the end; which is proven from Scripture. The calumny of Graver is repelled. 4. Arguments set in opposition to the Orthodox are resolved.

Thesis XI: Ordination.

Thesis XII: The end of divine providence.

Explanation: The uses of divine providence are explained.

Thesis XIII: Adjuncts of divine providence.

Explanation: 1. It is proven, that divine providence is immutable. 2. Arguments against the immutability of divine providence are resolved. * 3. The sound opinion of Luther and Melanchthon. 4. The liberty of the will is consistent with certain necessities, but not others.