designments

Secondly, when by his former preparation he was enfeebled of ability and credit to perform his designments, as it were impatient to abide in expectation better opportunity, and means which

Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Voyage to Newfoundland Edward Hayes

For if the Almighty had not determin'd a fixed duration unto it, according to his mighty and merciful designments in it; if he had not said unto it, as he did unto a part of it, hitherto shalt thou go and no farther; if we consider the incessant and cutting provocations from the earth; it is not without amazement, how his patience hath permitted so long a continuance unto it; how he, who cursed the earth in the first days of the first man, and drowned it in the tenth generation after, should thus lastingly contend with flesh, and yet defer the last flames.

Christian Morals 1605-1682 1863

From his division of the people it may be likewise observed, that the near proportion there is between the males and females (which is said to hold also in other places) is an argument (and the strongest that can be produced) against polygamy, and the increase of mankind which some think might be from thence expected; for if Nature had intended to one man a plurality of wives, she would have ordered a great many more female births than male, her designments being always right and wise.

Essays on Mankind and Political Arithmetic William Petty 1655

"All Catholics must hereafter depend upon Blackwell, and he upon Garnet, and Garnet upon Persons, and Persons upon the Devil, who is the author of all rebellions, treasons, murders, disobedience and all such designments as this wicked jesuit hath hitherto contrived" ( "Sparing Discoverie"

The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 6: Fathers of the Church-Gregory XI 1840-1916 1913

And further, I pray you, use all possible diligence and endeavour to pursue and promote, at the pope's and other kings 'hand, such a speedy execution of their former designments, that the same may be effectuated sometime this next spring. "&c.

Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth Lucy Aikin 1822