The Mystery of Providence (John Flavel)

Description

Do 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 the good of his people. 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 excellence 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' (Psalm 57:2) 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.

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.' — MARK DEVER

Table of Contents

Publisher’s Introduction vii

Introduction 1

PART ONE

THE EVIDENCE OF PROVIDENCE

1 The Work of Providence for the Saints 15

2 Our Birth and Upbringing 35

3 The Work of Conversion 57

4 Our Employment 77

5 Family Affairs 85

6 Preservation of the Saints from Evil 97

7 The Work of Sanctification 107

PART TWO

MEDITATION ON THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD

8 The Duty of Meditation on Providence 123

9 How to Meditate on the Providence of God 129

10 The Advantages of Meditating on Providence 161

PART THREE

APPLICATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF PROVIDENCE

11 Practical Implications for the Saints 207

12 Practical Problems in Connection with Providence 213

13 The Advantages of Recording our Experiences of Providence 255

Product Details

Title: The Mystery of Providence

Author: John Flavel

Publisher: Banner of Truth

Pages: 280

Binding: Paperback

Size: 18.1 x 12.0 x 1.5 cm

ISBN: 9781800402188