Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

(2.) The seasonableness, and opportuneness of its provisions for them: for so runs the promise, Isa. 41. 17. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them; and so hath the performance of it been. And this hath been made good to distressed Saints sometimes in a more ordinary way, God secretly blessing a little, and making it sufficient for us and ours: Job tells us of the secret of God upon his Tabernacle, Job 29. 4. (i. e.) his secret blessing is in their Tabernacles; by reason whereof it is that they subsist; but it is in an unaccountable way that they do so. And sometimes in an extraordinary way it breaks forth for their supply. So you find in 2 Kings 17. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. the Cruse and Barrel sail not.

Mr. Samuel Clarke, ¹in the Life of that painful and humble servant of Christ Mr. John Fox, records a memorable Instance of Providence, and it is this, That towards the end of King Henry the Eighth his Reign he went to London, where he quickly spent that little his friends had given him, or he had acquired by his own diligence, and began to be in great want. As one day he sate in Paul's Church, spent with long fasting▪ his countenance thin, and his eyes hollow, aft•• the ghastful manner of dying men, every one shunning a Spectacle of so much horror: There came one to him, whom he had never seen before, and thrust an untold sum of money into his hand, bidding him, be of good cheer, and accept that small gift in good part from his Country-man; and that he should make much of himself, for that within a few days new hopes ⟨p. 93⟩