'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 10

The mystery of God's providence is a most sublime consideration. It is easy to let our reason run away with itself. It is at a loss when it attempts to search into the eternal decrees of election or the entangled mazes and labyrinths in which the divine providence walks. We will have to give up the search for it, and can never be fully satisfied unless we relieve ourselves as Paul (Rom. 11:33). This knowledge is too wonderful for us. It is impossible to conduct ourselves into that secret place, that pavilion of clouds and surrounding darkness, where God sits holding the helm of the world. Our Saviour encouraged the disciples not to worry about those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul. The clay pot may be broken, but it is like the opening of the prison door to let the soul escape to its desired liberty. But even this they can only do when God permits. They cannot so much as touch us, without his permission. Notice how particular is God's providence. It is directed to the most trifling occurrences in the world; a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without the heavenly Father. His providence has even appointed what branch it will land upon, what grains it shall pick up, where it shall lodge, where it shall build, and when it shall die. Not one particle of dust moves on a well-travelled road, but God raises it, directs its motion, and directs it to the specific place he appointed for it. The strongest wind cannot move it from its appointed place. Man can be very confident that God exercises the most accurate providence over him and his affairs. Nothing comes to pass without our heavenly Father. No evil comes to pass without his permissive providence, and no good without his ordaining providence to his own ends.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Ezekiel Hopkins, Works, III:368-371
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