A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

2. Providence, Gods wisdom is much seen in the sustentation and governing of all things, Eph. 1. 11. He worketh all things according to the Council of his will; do but observe a little now all things are put into a subserviency to Gods purpose, sometimes the smallest things occasion events of the highest concernment; the occasion of Josephs greatness in Egypt was a dream▪ a lye cast him into prison, and a dream fetched him out: sometimes the most casual things to us are the most necessary means to accomplish that which God aimeth at; A certain man drew a bow at peradventure, and slew the King of Israel between the joints of the harness, 1 King. 22. 24. Contingencies to us are infallible events as to the purposes of God: voluntary things that depend upon the will of man, fall under the ordination of the will of God; there is more wisdom shown in ruling a skittish horse, then in rolling a stone or dead thing; God showeth his wisdom in guiding the courses of the stars, but much more in disposing the heart of man, Prov. 21. 1. there is nothing so confused, but if you look upon it in its result and final tendency, there is beauty and order in it, the tumults of the world, the prosperity of the wicked, carnal men think them the disgrace and blemish of providence, whereas they are the ornament of it, Psal. 92. 5. Lord how glorious are thy works? thy thoughts are very deep! man is discontented because he cannot fathom the deep thoughts of providence: nothing so opposite, so bad, but God can bring good out of it; the sins of men set forth the beauty of providence, as shadows and black lines in a Picture set it off the more, see Acts 4. 28, and Job 5. 12, 13. Christ hath been beholding to his enemies as much as to his friends, their potent opposition hath occasioned the further increase of his Kingdom.

2. Providence, Gods wisdom is much seen in the sustentation and governing of all things,