A39659:784
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. That Providence hath various and contrary Aspects upon the people of God. 2. That it is a common thing with them, to experience great disorders of spirit under those Changes of Providence. 3. That these disorders may be (at least in a great measure) prevented, by the due use and application of those rules and helps that God hath given us in such Cases.
That Providence hath various, yea, contrary §1Aspects upon the people of God, is a case so plain, that it needs no more than the mentioning, to let it in to all our Understandings. Which of all the people of God have not felt this truth? Providence rings the changes all the world over. He increaseth the Nations, and destroyeth them; he enlargeth the Nations, and straiteneth them again, Job 12. 23. The same it doth ⟨p. 248⟩with persons, Psal. 102. 10. Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. See what a sad Alteration Providence made upon the Church, Lam. 1. 1, 12. How doth the City sit solitary that was full of people! How is she become as a Widow! She that was great among the Nations, and Princess among the Provinces, how is she become tributary! Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Behold and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger. And how great an Instance was Joh of this truth, Job 29. per tot. and 30. compared? How many thousands have complained with Naomi, whose condition hath been so strangely altered, that others have said as the people of Bethlehem did of her, Is this Naomi? Ruth 1. 19, 20, 21.