Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

(3.) The Wisdom of Providence in our provisions. And this is discovered in two things: (1.) In proportioning the quantity, not satisfying our extravagant wishes, but answering our real needs; consulting our wants, not our wantonness, Phil. 4. 19. My God shall supply all your wants; and this hath exactly suited the wishes of the best and wisest men, who desired no more at its hand. So. Jacob, Gen. 28. 20. and Agur, Prov. 30. 8, 9. Wise Providence considers our condition as Pilgrims and Strangers, and so allots the Viaticum provision, that is needful for our passage home. It knows the mischievous influence of fullness and redundancy upon most men, though sanctified; and how apt it is to make them remiss, and forgetful of God, Deut. 6. 12. that their hearts, like the Moon, suffers an Eclipse when it is at the full; and so •a•ts and orders all to their best advantage (2.) Its Wisdom is much discovered in the manner of dispensing our portion to us. It many times suffers our wants to pinch hard, and many scars to arise, out of design to magnify the care and love of God in the supply, Deut. 8. 3. Providence so orders the case, that faith and prayer coming betwixt our wants and supplies, the goodness of God may be the more magnified in our eyes thereby.

(3.) The Wisdom of Providence in our provisions. And this is discovered in two things: (1.) In proportioning the quantity, not satisfying our extravagent wishes, but answering our real needs; consulting our wants, not our wantonness, Phil. 4. 19. My God shall supply all your wants; and this hath exactly suited the wishes of the best and wisest men, who desired no more at its hand. So. Jacob, Gen. 28. 20. and Agur,