Puritan Paperbacks - The Mystery of Providence
ISBN: 9781800402188Do we believe that everything in the world and in our own lives down to the minutest details is ordered by the providence of God? Do we ever take time to observe and meditate on the workings of Providence? If not, are we missing much?
It should be a delight and pleasure to us to discern how God works all things in the world for His own glory and His people's good. But it should be an even greater pleasure to observe the particular designs of Providence in our own lives. 'O, what a world of rarities', says John Flavel, 'are to be found in Providence…With what profound wisdom, infinite tenderness, and incessant vigilance it has managed all that concerns us from first to last'. It was to persuade Christians of the excellency of observing and meditating upon this that Flavel first published his Mystery of Providence in 1678.
Since then the work has gone through many editions. Based on the words 'God that performeth all things for me' (Ps. 57 v 2) this work shows us how Providence works for us in every stage and experience of our lives. The book is richly illustrated from the lives of believers and from the author's wide reading in church history. There are avenues of spiritual knowledge and experience opened to the Christian in this work which he probably never knew existed.
Table of Contents: Author: John Flavel (1628-1691) was an English Puritan who became a non-conformist after the 'Great Ejection' of 1662. It was 10 years before he was licenced to preach again, and then only in his own home. His writings, when collected in the 19th century, filled 6 volumes. Flavel's writings are known for their practical nature. He was instrumental in promoting the 'Happy Union' of Presbyterians and Congregationalists. Endorsements: 'It is a wonderful book, the Banner serves us all by keeping it in print. Flavel does a wonderful job of helping you to meditate on how God's sovereign kindness is seen even in the strangest circumstances…he knew suffering himself, and he was faithful.'
Part One: The Evidence of Providence
1. The Work of Providence for the Saints
2. Our Birth and Upbringing
3. The Work of Conversion
4. Our Employment
5. Family Affair
6. Preservation of the Saints from Evil
7. The Work of Sanctification
Part Two: Meditation on the Providence of God
8. The Meditation on Providence
9. How to Meditate on the Providence of God
10. The Advantages of Meditating on Providence
Part Three: Application of the Doctrine of Providence
11. Practical Implications for the Saints
12. Practical Problems in Connection with Providence
13. The Advantages of Recording our Experiences of Providence
--MARK DEVER
Additional Information:
| Cover: | Softcover |
| Number of Pages: | 257 |
| Publisher: | Banner of Truth Trust |
| Publication Date: | 2021 |