Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

Enquire now at the mouth of Providence, whether this be indeed so, according to the reports of the Word. Ask but your own Experiences, and you shall find, that just so Providence hath ordered it all along your way. When did you grow into a secure, vain, carnal frame, but you found some rousing, startling Providence sent to awaken you? When did you wound your Consciences with guilt, and God did not wound you for it, in some or other of your beloved enjoyments? Nay, so ordinary is this with God, that from the observations of their own frames and ways, many Christians have fore-boded and presaged troubles at hand.

Enquire now at the mouth of Providence, whether this be indeed so, according to the reports of the Word. Ask but your own Experiences, and you shall find, that just so Providence hath ordered it all along your way. When did you grow into a secure, vain, carnal frame, but you found some rouzing, startling Providence sent to awaken you? When did you wound your Consciences with guilt, and God did not wound you for it, in some or other of your beloved enjoyments? Nay, so ordinary is this with God, that from the observations of their own frames and wayes, many Christians have fore-boded and pre•aged troubles at hand.

I do not say, that God never afflicts his people, but for their sin; for he may do it for their ⟨p. 138⟩trial, 1 Pet. 4. 12. Nor do I say, that God follows every sin with a rod; for who then should stand before him? Psal. 130. 3. But this I say, that it's Gods usual way, to visit the sins of his people with rods of affliction, and this in mercy to their souls. Upon this account it was, that the rod of God was upon David in a long succession of troubles upon his Kingdom and family, after that great prevarication of his,