It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of reflecting on divine guidance during difficult times.
John Flavel's quote suggests that individuals, particularly those considered 'saints' or morally upright, have a responsibility to contemplate how Providence, or divine intervention, has influenced their lives. This reflection is especially crucial during challenging periods, as it can provide strength and insight, reminding them of the support and guidance they have received throughout different phases of their existence.
In practice
During a sermon, a pastor might use this quote to encourage parishioners to trust in their faith during hard times.
All the tears of a penitent sinner, should he shed as many as there have fallen drops of rain, since the creation, to this day, cannot wash away one sin. The everLasting burnings in hell, cannot purify the flaming conscience, from the least sin.
All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".
Providence is like a curious piece of tapestry made of a thousand shreds, which, single, appear useless, but put together, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.
The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.
Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
Providence so orders the case, that faith and prayer come between our wants and supplies, and the goodness of God may be the more magnified in our eyes thereby.
War's a game, which, were their subjects wise, Kings would not play at.
At fifty everyone has the face he deserves.
The greatest dread of ordinary man is death, with its rude imposition interrupting fortuitous plans and fondest attachments with an unknown and unwelcome change. The yogi is a conqueror of the grief associated with death. By control of mind and life force and the development of wisdom, he makes friends with the change of consciousness called death-he becomes familiar with the state of inner calmness and aloofness from identification with the mortal body.
It is given to no human being to stereotype a set of truths, and walk safely by their guidance with his mind's eye closed.
Bras are a ludicrous invention; but if you make bralessness a rule, you're just subjecting yourself to yet another repression.
That we find a crystal or a poppy beautiful means that we are less alone, that we are more deeply inserted into existence than the course of a single life would lead us to believe.
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