Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

(5.) And sometimes the Providence of God prevents the sins of his people, by removing them out of the way of Temptations by death. In which sense we may understand that Text, Isa. 57. 1. The Righteous is taken away from the Evil to come; the evil of Sin as well as Sufferings. When the Lord sees his people low spirited, and not able to grapple with strong trials and temptations which are drawing on, it is with respect to them a merciful Providence, to be disbanded by death, and set out of harms way.

(5.) And sometimes the Providence of God prevents the sins of his people, by removing them out of the way of Temptations by death. In which sense we may understand that Text, Isa. 57. 1. The Righteous is taken away from the Evil to come; the evil of Sin as well as Sufferings. When the Lord sees his people low spirited, and not able to grapple with strong tryals and temptations which are drawing on, it is with respect to them a merciful Providence, to be disbanded by death, and set out of harms way.

Now consider, and admire the Providence of God, O ye Saints, who hath had more care of your souls, than ever ye had of them. Had not the Providence of God thus wrought for you in a way of prevention, it may be you had this day been so many Magor Missabibs. How was the heart of David melted under that preventing Providence fore-mentioned in 1 Sam. 25. 34. He blesses the Lord, the Instrument, and the Counsel by which his soul was preserved from sin. Do but seriously bethink your selves of a few particulars about this case. As,

(1.) How your corrupt natures have often impetuously hurried you on towards sin, so that all the inherent grace you had, could not withstand its force, if Providence had not prevented it in some such method as you have heard,