Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence

And yet though our present views and reflections ⟨p. 12⟩upon Providence be so short and imperfect in comparison of that in Heaven, yet such as it is under all its present disadvantages, it hath so much excellency and sweetness in it, that I may call it a little Heaven, or as Jacob called his Bethel, the Gate of Heaven. 'Tis certainly an high-way of walking with God in this world, and as sweet communion may a soul enjoy with him in his Providences, as in any of his Ordinances. How often have the hearts of its observers been melted into tears of joy,¹ at the beholding of its wise and unexpected productions! How often hath it convinced them, upon a sober recollection of the events of their lives, that if the Lord had left them to their own counsels, they had as often been their own tormenters, if not executioners? Into what, and how many fatal mischiefs had they precipitated themselves, if Providence had been as short sighted as they? They have given it their hearty thanks, for considering their Interest more than their Importunity, and not suffering them to perish by their own desires.

And yet though our present views and reflections ⟨p. 12⟩upon Providence be so short and imperfect in comparison of that in Heaven, yet such as it is under all its present disadvantages, it hath so much excellency and sweetness in it, that I may call it a little Heaven, or as Jacob called his Bethel, the Gate of Heaven. 'Tis certainly an high-way of walkking with God in this world, and as sweet communion may a soul enjoy with him in his Providences, as in any of his Ordinances. How often have the hearts of its observers been melted into tears of joy,¹ at the beholding of its wise and unexpected productions! How often hath it convinced them, upon a sober recollection of the events of their lives, that if the Lord had left them to their own counsels, they had as often been their own tormenters, if not executioners? Into what, and how many fatal mischiefs had they precipitated themselves, if Providence had been as short sighted as they? They have given it their hearty thanks, for considering their Interest more than their Importunity, and not suffering them to perish by their own desires.