A39659:752
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.
Though the Providences of God materially considered afford no evidence of Gods love to us, yet the manner in which they befall us, and the effects and fruits they produce in us, do distinguish them very manifestly; and by them we may discern whether they be sanctified Providences, and fruits of the love of God, or no. But yet these effects and fruits of Providences by which we discern their nature, do not always presently appear; but time must be allowed for the souls exercise under them. As it is Heb. 12. 11. Now no affliction for the present seemeth joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of Righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Though the Providences of God materJally considered afford no evidence of Gods love to us, yet the manner in which they befall us, and the effects and fruits they produce in us, do distinguish them very manifestly; and by them we may discern whether they be sanctified Providences, and fruits of the love of God, or no. But yet these effects and fruits of Providences by which we discern their nature, do not always presently appear; but time must be allowed for the souls exercise under them. As it is Heb. 12. 11. Now no affliction for the present seemeth joyous, but grJevous: nevertheless afterwards it yJeldeth the peaceable fruits of Righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
The benefit of a Providence is discerned as that of a medicine is, for the present it gripes, and makes the stomach sick and loathing; but afterwards we find the benefit of it in our recovery of health and cheerfulness. Now the Providences of God being some of them comfortable, and others sad and grievous to nature, and the way to discern the sanctification and blessing of them, being by the manner in which they come and their operations upon our spirits; I shall consider the case as it respects both sorts of Providences, and show you what effects of our troubles or comforts will speak them to be sanctified and blessed to us.