(5.) The design and scope of providence must not escape our thorough consideration what the aim and level of providence is. And truly this, of all others, is the most warming and melting con- sideration. You have the general account of the aim of all pro- vidences, in Rom. viii. 28. " And we know that all things work *' together for good to them that love God." A thousand friendly hand^ are at work for them to promote and bring about their happiness. O this is enough to sweeten the bitterness of provi- dence to us, that we know it shall turn to our salvation, Phil, i. 19.
(6.) The resnect and relation providence bears to our prayers, is of singular consideration, and a most taking and sweet meditation. Prayer honours providence, and providence honours prayer. Great notice is taken of this in scripture, Gen. xxiv. 45. Dan. ix. 20. Acts xii. 12. You have had the very petitions you aslced of
TitE MYSTERY OF PROVIDENCE. 41^
him. Providences have borne the very signatures of your prayers upon them. O how afFectingly sweet are such mercies ?
The Second Direction,
In all your observation of providence have special respect to that word of God which is fulfilled and made good to you thereby.
This is a clear truth, that all providences have relation to the written word. Thus Solomon in his prayer acknowledges, that the promises and providences of God went along step by step with his father David all his days ; and that his hand (put there for his pro^ vidence) had fulfilled whatever his mouth had spoken, 1 Kings viii. 24. So Joshua, in like manner, acknowledges, that " not " one thing had failed of all the good things which the Lord had *' spoken," Josh, xxiii. 14. He had carefully observed what re- lation the worlcs of God had to his word. He compared them to- gether, and found an exact harmony. And so may you too, if you will compare them as he did.
This I shall the more insist upon, because it is by some interpret ters supposed to be the very scope of the text. For (as was noted in the explication) they supply and fill the sense with quce promisit^ the things which he hath promised ; and so read the text thus, / will cry unto God most high, to God who performeth the things that he hath promised^or me.
Now, though I see no reason to limit the sense so narrowly, yet it cannot be denied, but this is a special part of its intendment. Let us, therefore, in all our reviews of providence, consider, what word of God, whether it be of threatening, caution, counsel, or pro- mise, is at any time made good to us by his providences. And hereby a twofold excellent advantage will result to us.
(1.) This will greatly confirm to us the truth of the scripture, when we shall see its truth so manifest in the events. Certainly had scripture no other seal or attestation, this alone would be an unanswerable argument of its divinity. When men shall find, in all ages, the work of God wrought so exactly according to this model, that we may say, As we have read or heard, so have we seen. O how great a confirmation is here before our eyes !
(2.) This will abundantly direct and instruct us in our present duties under all providences. We shall know hereby what we have to do, and how to carry ourselves under all changes of conditions. You can learn the voice and errand of the rod only from the word, Psal. xciv. \% The word interprets the works of God. Provi- dences in themselves are not a perfect guide. They often puzzle and entangle our thoughts ; but bring them to the word, and your duty will be quickly manifested, as Psal. Ixxiii. 16, 17. " Until I went into the sanctuary, tlien I understood their end C^
4S0 DIVINE CONDUCT ; OR,
And, not only their end, but his own dufi/, to be quiet in an af- flicted condition, and not envy their prosperity.
Well then, bring those providences you have past through, of are now under, to the word ; and you will find yourselves sur- rounded with a marvellous light ; and see the verification of the scriptures in them. I shall therefore here appeal to your consciences whether you have not found these events of providence falling out agreeable in all respects with the word.
1. The word tells you, that it is your wisdom and interest to keep close to its rules, and the duties it prescribes, that the way of holiness and obedience is the wisest way, Deut. iv. 5, 6. " This is " your wisdom."
Now let the events of providence speak, whether this be true or not. Certainly it will appear to be so whether we respect our^r^- sent comfort ox future happiness, both which we may see daily ex- posed by departure from duty, and secured by keeping close to it. Let the question be asked of the di'mikard, adulterer, or profane swearer, when by sin they have ruined body, soul, estate, and name, whether it be their wisdom to walk in these forbidden paths after their own lusts ? Whether they had not better consult- ed their own interest and comfort in keeping within the bounds and limits of God's commands .? And they cannot but confess, that this their way is their folly. " What fruit, (saith the apostle) had ye " in those things, whereof you are now ashamed ? For the end of " those things is death," Rom. vi. 21. Doth not the providence of God verify upon them those threatenings that are written in the experience of all ages ? Prov. xxiii. 29, 30. Prov. xxiii. 21* ^rov. V. 9. Job xxxi. 12. Prov. v. 10. All which woes and mi- series they escape that walk in God's statutes. Look upon all the ruined estates and bodies you may every where see, and behold the truth of the scriptures evidently made good in those sad provi- dences.
2. The word tells you, that your departure from the way of in- tegrity and simplicity, to make use of sinful policies, shall never profit you, 1 Sam. xii. 21. Prov. iii. 5.
Let the events of providence speak to this also : ask your own experience, and you shall have a full confirmation of this truth. Did you ever leave the way of simplicity and integrity, and use sinful shifts to bring about your own designs, and prosper in that way ? Certainly God hath cursed all the ways of sin ; and who- ever finds them to thrive with them, his people shall not. Is* rael would not rely upon the Lord, but trust in the shadow of Egypt, and what advantage had they by this sinful policy ? See Isa. XXX. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. David used a great deal of sinful policy to cover his wicked fact; but did it prosper! See 2 Sam, xii. 12.
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