happening without a foreknown cause, commonly called accidental. An event not come to pass is said to be contingent, which either may or may not be; what is already done is said to have been contingent, if it might or might not have been. What is contingent or casual to us is not so with God. As effects stand related to a second cause, they are oftentimes contingent; but as they stand related to the first cause, they are acts of God's counsel, and directed by his wisdom. (See NECESSITY); (See WILL).