Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

(3.) Dwell much upon the meditation of the Lords near approach; and then all these things will seem but trifles to you. Let your moderation be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand.

Exercise heavenly mindedness, and keep your §3hearts upon things eternal, under all the Providences with which the Lord exercises you in this world, Gen. 6. 9. Noah walked with God, yet met with as sad Providences in his day, as any man that ever lived since his time. But alas! we find most Providences, rather stops, than steps in our walk with God. If we be under comfortable Providences, how sensual, wanton and worldly do our hearts grow! And if sad Providences befall us, how dedolent or distracted are we! And this comes to pass partly through the narrowness, but mostly, through the deceitfulness of our spirits. Our hearts are narrow, and know not how to manage two businesses of such different natures, as Earthly and Heavenly matters ⟨p. 152⟩are without detriment to one. Pectora nostra duas curas non admittunt. But certainly such a frame of spirit is attainable that will enable us to keep on in an even and steady course with God, whatever befall us. Others have attained it, and why not we? Prosperous Providences are for the most part a dangerous state to the soul. The Moon never suffers an Eclipse, but at full; yet I• hosaphat's grace suffered no Eclipse from the fullness of his outward condition, who had riches in abundance, and his heart was lifted up in the way of Gods commandments, 2 Chron. 17. 5, 6. David •s life was as full of cares, turmoils and incumbrances, as most men we read of; yet how spiritual the temper of his heart was, that excellent Book of Psalms, (which was mostly composed amidst those distractions) will acquaint us. The Apostles were cast into as great necessities, and suffered as hard things, as ever men did; yet how raised and heavenly their spirits were amidst all, who sees not? And certainly, if it were not possible to maintain heavenly-mindedness in such a state and posture of affairs, God would never exercise any of his people with such Providences: he would never give you so much of the world to lose your hearts in the love of it, or so little to distract you with the cares of it. If therefore we were more deeply sanctified, and the tendencies of our hearts heaven-ward more ardent and vigorous; If we were more mortified to Earthly things, and could not but keep our due distance from them;