Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

It is usually found in the experience of all the §1Saints, that in what Ordinance or duty soever they •ave any sensible communion with God, it naturally produces in their spirits a deep abasement and humiliation from the sense of divine condescensions to such vile poor Worms as we are. Thus Abraham, Gen. 18. 27. I am but dust and ashes. The same effect follows our converse with God in his Providences. Thus when God had in the way of his Providence prospered Jacob, how doth he lay himself at the feet of God, as a man overwhelmed with the sense of mercy! See Gen. 32. 5, 10. And Jacob said, I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast showed thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now am become two bands. Thus also it was with David, 2 Sam. 7. 18. Who am I, and what is my Fathers house, that thou hast brought me hitherto! And I doubt not, but some of you have found the like frame of heart upon you, that these holy men here expressed. Can you not remember when God lifted you up by Providence, how you cast down your selves before him, and have been viler in your own eyes than ever! Why, thus do all gracious hearts; What am I, that the Lord should do thus and thus for me! O that ever so great and holy a God should thus be concerned for so vile and sinful a Worm!

It is usually found in the experience of all the §1Saints, that in what Ordinance or duty soever they •ave any sensible communion with God, it naturally produces in their spirits a deep abasement and humiliation from the sense of divine condescensions to such vile poor Worms as we are. Thus Abraham, Gen. 18. 27. I am but dust and ashes. The same effect follows our converse with God in his Providences. Thus when God had in the way of his Providence prospered Jacob, how doth he lay himself at the feet of God, as a man overwhelmed with the sense of mercy! See