Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

But such hath the special care of Providence towards us been, that our turn to be brought upon the stage of this World was graciously reserved for better days: so that if we had had our own option, we could not have chosen for our selves, as Providence hath. We are not only furnished with the best room in this great ho•se; but before we were put into it, it was swept with the besom of National Reformation, from Idolatry, yea, and washed by the blood of Martyrs from Popish filthiness; and adorned with Gospel lights, shining in as great lustre in our days, as ever they did since the Apostles days. You might have been born in England for many Ages, and not have found a Christian in it: yea, and since Christianity was here owned, and not have met a Protestant in it. Oh what an Obligation hath Providence laid you under, by such a merciful performance as this for you?

But such hath the special care of Providence towards us been, that our turn to be brought upon the stage of this World was graciously reserved for better dayes: so that if we had had our own option, we could not have chosen for our selves, as Providence hath. We are not only furnished with the best room in this great ho•se; but before we were put into it, it was swept with the beesom of National Reformation, from Idolatry, yea, and washed by the blood of Martyrs from Popish filthiness; and adorned with Gospel lights, shining in as great lustre in our dayes, as ever they did since the Apostles dayes. You might have been born in England for many Ages, and not have found a ChristJan in it: yea, and since ChristJanity was here owned, and not have met a Protestant in it. Oh what an Obligation hath Providence laid you under, by such a merciful performance as this for you?

If you say, ¹All this indeed is true; but what is this to eternal salvation? Do not multitudes that enjoy these privileges, eternally perish notwithstanding them? yea, and perish with an aggravation of sin and misery beyond other sinners?