A39659:693
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.
If Providence in it self be allowed to be a su• •icient discovery of Gods Will to us, then we shall be forced often times to justify and condemn the same cause or person, forasmuch as there is one event happens to all, and as it falls out to the good, so to the wicked, Eccles. 9. 2. Beside, if Providence alone were the Rule to judge any action or design by; then a wicked undertakement would cease to be so, if it should succeed well; but sin is sin still, and duty is duty still, what ever the events and issues of either be.
If Providence in it self be allowed to be a su• •icient discovery of Gods Will to us, then we shall be forced often times to justifie and condemn the same cause or person, forasmuch as there is one event happens to all, and as it falls out to the good, so to the wicked, Eccles. 9. 2. Beside, if Providence alone were the Rule to judge any action or design by; then a wicked undertakement would cease to be so, if it should succeed well; but sin is sin still, and duty is duty still, what ever the events and issues of either be.
The safest way therefore to make use of Providence in such cases is, to consider them as they follow the commands or promises of the Word, and not singly and separately in themselves. If you search the Scriptures with an indifferent and unbiased spirit, in a doubtful case, pray for counsel and direction from the Lord, attend to the dictates of Conscience. And when you have done all, shall find the Providences of God falling out agreeably to the dictates of your own conscience, and the best light you can find in the Word, you may in such cases make use of it as an encouragement to you, in the way of your duty: But the most signal demonstrations of Providence are not to be accepted against a Scripture rule; no smiles or successes of Providences may in this case encourage us to proceed; and on the other side, no frowns or discouragements of Providence should dishearten us in the way of our duty, how many soever we should encounter therein. Holy Job could not find the meaning of God in his Works, yet would he not go back from the commandments of his lips,