THE SCHOOL & FAMILY CATECHIST
by Rev. William Smith, of Glasgow (1836)

Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 8:

Q.8. How doth God execute his decrees?

1. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

EXPLICATION.

God executeth his decrees.—God fulfils, causes to happen, or brings to pass, his purposes, designs, or intentions.

ANALYSIS.

This answer shows us that God performs his purposes in two ways:

1. In the works of creation.—Rev. iv. 11. Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
2. In his works of Providence.—Dan. iv. 35. He doth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth.