Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

It's plain, that this is our duty, because the §2neglect of it is every where in Scripture condemned as a sin. To be of an heedless inobservant temper is very displeasing to God; and so much appears by that Scripture, Isa. 26. 11. Lord when thy hand is lifted up they will not see. Nay, it is a sin, which God threatens and denounces woe against in his Word, Psal. 28. 4, 5. and Isa. 5. 12, 13. Yea, God not only threatens, but smites men with visible Judgements for this sin, Job 34. 26, 27.

And for this end and purpose it is, that the §3Holy Ghost hath affixed those notes of attention to the narratives of the works of Providence in Scripture: all which do invite and call men to a due and deep observation of them. So in that great and celebrated work of Providence, in delivering Israel out of Egyptian bondage, you find a note of attention twice affixed to it, Exod. 3. 2, 9. So when that daring Enemy Rabsheka (that put Hezekiah and all the people into such a consternation) was defeated by Providence, there is a note of attention prefixed to that Providence, 2 Kings 19. •. Behold, I will send a blast upon him, &c. So when God glorifies his wisdom and power, in delivering his people from their Enemies, and ensnaring them in the works of their own hands, a double note of attention is affixed to that double work of Providence,