Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

Having proved the Concernments of the people of God to be conducted by the care of special Providence, and given Instances in the ten last named Heads, what influence Providence hath upon those Interests and concerns of theirs among the rest; we come in the next place, to prove it to be the duty of the people of God, to reflect upon these performances of Providence for them, at all times; but especially in times of straits and troubles.

HAving proved the Concernments of the people of God to be conducted by the care of special Providence, and given Instances in the ten last named Heads, what influence Providence hath upon those Interests and concerns of theirs among the rest; we come in the next place, to prove it to be the duty of the people of God, to reflect upon these performances of Providence for them, at all times; but especially in times of straits and troubles.

This I will evidence to be your unquestionable duty, by the following particulars.

This is our duty, because God hath expressly commanded it, and called his people to make the most serious reflections, and animadversions upon his works, whether of mercy or judgement. So when that dreadfullest of all Judgements was executed upon his professing people for their Apostasy from God, and God had removed the Symbols of his presence from among them, the rest are bid to go, (i.e.) by their meditations, (to send at least their thoughts) to Shiloh, and see what God did to it, Jer. 7. 12. So for mercies, God calls us to consider and review them, Micah 6. 5. Remember O my people from Shittim unto Gilgal, that ye may know the faithfulness of the Lord: q. d. if you reflect not upon that signal Providence, my faithfulness will be covered, and