A39659:281
Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence
Divine conduct, or, The mystery of Providence wherein the being and efficacy of Providence is asserted and vindicated : the methods of Providence as it passes through the several stages of our lives opened : and the proper course of improving all Providences / directed in a treatise upon Psalm 57 ver 2 by John Flavell ...Divine conduct, or, The mysterie of Providence wherein the being and efficacy of Providence is asserted and vindicated : the methods of Providence as it passes through the several stages of our lives opened : and the proper course of improving all Providences / directed in a treatise upon Psalm 57 ver 2 by John Flavell ...
London: printed by R.W. for Francis Tyton, 1678
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In settling you in such an Employment and Calling §3in the world, as possibly neither your selves nor Parents could ever expect you should arrive to. There are among us such persons, as on this account are signally obliged to Divine Providence. God hath put them into such a way, as neither they nor their Parents ever projected. For, look as the Flower-de-luce in the Compass, turns now this way, then that way, and never ceases moving, till it settle to the North point; just so it is in our settlement in the world. A Child is now designed for this, then for that, but at last settles in that way of Employment which Providence designed him to. How strangely are things wheeled about by Providence! not what we, or our Parents, but what God designed shall take place. Amos was very meanly employed at ⟨p. 80⟩first, but God designed him for a more honourable and comfortable Calling, Amos 7. 14, 15. David followed the Ewes, and likely never raised his thoughts to higher things in the days of his youth; but God made him the Royal Shepherd of a better flock, Psalm 78. 70, 71. Peter and Andrew were employed as Fisher-men, but Christ calls them from that to an higher Calling, Matth. 4. 18, 19. to be fishers of men. Pareus when h• was fourteen years old, was by the instigation of his Step-mother, placed with an Apothecary; but Providence so wrought, that he was taken off from that, and fitted for the Ministry; wherein he became a fruitful and eminent Instrument to the Church. James Andreas was by reason of his Fathers inability to keep him at School, designed for a Carpenter; but was afterwards by the persuasion of friends, and assistance of the Church-stock sent to Stuttgart, and thence to the University, and so arrived to a very eminent station of service to the Chruch. A master builder OecolampadJus was by his Father designed for a Merchant; but his Mother by earnest entreaties, prevailed to keep him at School: and this Man was a blessed Instrument in the reformation of Religion, I might easily cite multitudes of such Instances; but a taste may suffice.