Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

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, Jam. 1. 14. Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed. You found your selves but feathers in the wind of temptation.

(2.) How near you have been brought to the brink of sin, and yet saved by a merciful hand of Providence. May you not say with him in Prov. 5. 14. I was almost in the midst of all evil: ⟨p. 101⟩or as Psal. 73. 2. My feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slidden. O merciful Providence! that stepped in so opportunely to your relief.

(2.) How near you have been brought to the brink of sin, and yet saved by a merciful hand of Providence. May you not say with him in