Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

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, Job 23. 9. The like resolution you •ind in David, to proceed in his duty, and cleave to the Word, how many stumbling blocks soever Providence should permit to be laid in his way. I am become (saith he) like a bottle in the smoke (not only blacked, but withered up by troubles) yet do I not forget thy Statutes, Psal. 119. 83. and again Ver. 87. They had almost consumed me upon earth: but I forsook not thy precepts.

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 unbyassed 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,