A39659:509
Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence
Divine conduct, or, The mystery of Providence wherein the being and efficacy of Providence is asserted and vindicated : the methods of Providence as it passes through the several stages of our lives opened : and the proper course of improving all Providences / directed in a treatise upon Psalm 57 ver 2 by John Flavell ...Divine conduct, or, The mysterie of Providence wherein the being and efficacy of Providence is asserted and vindicated : the methods of Providence as it passes through the several stages of our lives opened : and the proper course of improving all Providences / directed in a treatise upon Psalm 57 ver 2 by John Flavell ...
London: printed by R.W. for Francis Tyton, 1678
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
(1.) Consider your spiritual mercies and privileges with which the Lord Jesus hath invested you, and repine at your Lot of Providence if you can. One of these mercies alone, hath enough in it to sweeten all your troubles in this world. When the Apostle considered them, his heart was overwhelmed with astonishment; so that he could not forbear in the midst of all his outward troubles to cry out, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath abounded to us in all spiritual blessings, &c. Eph. 1. 3. Oh, who that sees such an Inheritance settled upon him in Christ, can ever open his mouth more to repine at his Lot of Providence!
(1.) Consider your spiritual mercJes and priviledges with which the Lord Jesus hath invested you, and repine at your Lot of Providence if you can. One of these mercies alone, hath enough in it to sweeten all your troubles in this world. When the Apostle considered them, his heart was overwhelmed with astonishment; so that he could not forbear in the midst of all his outward troubles to cry out, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath abounded to us in all spiritual blessings, &c. Eph. 1. 3. Oh, who that sees such an Inheritance setled upon him in Christ, can ever open his mouth more to repine at his Lot of Providence!
(2.) Consider your sins, and that will make you contented with your Lot. Yea, consider two things in sin. (1.) What it deserves from God, and (2.) What it requires to mortify and purge it in you. It deserves from God Eternal ruin: the merit of Hell is in the least vain thought. Every sin forfeits all the mercies you have; and if so, rather wonder your mercies are so many, than that you have no more. Besides, you cannot doubt, but your corruptions require all the crosses, wants and troubles that are upon you, and it may be, a great deal more, to mortify and subdue them. Don't you find, after all the rods that have been upon you, a proud heart still, a vain and earthly heart still? Oh how many bitter