The Fountain of Life Opened

That Jesus Christ hath a providential influence upon all the affairs of this world, is evident both from Scripture assertions, and rational observations, made upon the actings of things here below.

The first Chap. of Ezek. contains an admirable Scheme or draught of providence. There you see how all the wheels, that is the motions and revolutions here on earth, are guided by the spirit that is in them. And vers. 26. it's all run up into the supreme cause. There you find one like the son of man, which is Jesus Christ, sitting upon the throne, and giving forth orders from thence, for the government of all. And if it were not so, how is it, that there are such strong combinations, and predispositions of persons and things to such ends and issues, without any communications of counsels, or holding of intelligence with one another? as in Israels deliverance out of Egypt, and innumerable more instances have appeared? Certainly if ten men from several places should all meet at one place, and about one business, without any fore-appointment among themselves; it would argue their motions were secretly over-ruled by some invisible Agent. How is it that such marvellous effects are produced in the world, by causes that carry no proportion to them? Amos 5.9. and 1 Cor. 1.27. And as often the most apt and likely means are rendered wholly ineffectual? Psal. 33.16. In a word, if Christ have no such providential influx how are his people in all ages preserved in the midst of so many millions of potent and malicious enemies; amongst whom they live, as sheep in the midst of wolves? Luk. 10.3. How is it that the bush burns, and yet is not consumed? Exod. 3.2.

The first Chap. of Ezek. contains an admirable Scheme or draught of providence. There you see how all the wheels, that is the motions and revolutions here on earth, are guided by the spirit that is in them. And vers. 26. it's all run up into the supream cause. There you find one like the son of man, which is Jesus Christ, sitting upon the throne, and giving forth orders from thence, for the government of all. And if it were not so, how is it, that there are such strong combinations, and predispositions of persons and things to such ends and issues, without any communications of counsels, or holding of intelligence with one another? as in Israels deliverance out of Aegypt, and innumerable more instances have appeared? Certainly if ten men from several places should all meet at one place, and about one business, without any fore-appointment among themselves; it would argue their motions were secretly over-ruled by some invisible Agent. How is it that such marvailous effects are produced in the world, by causes that carry no proportion to them?