Mystery of Providence - Flavel - I - Introductions

Required reading
Mystery of Providence by John Flavel (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Banner of Truth Introduction and Flavel's Introduction.

My notes and thoughts
Michael Boland's introduction
Great little introduction.  Bolland provides: a little overview of what was happening to the puritans during the time Flavel lived; a little overview of Flavel's life and then a little overview of why Flavel's work on providence is needed in the time in which we live. 

I've heard the story of Luke Short before, but great to hear it again from Bolland: 'Luke Short was a farmer in New England who attained his hundredth year in exceptional vigour though without having sought peace with God.  One day as he sat in his fields reflecting upon his long life, he recalled a sermon he had heard in Dartmouth as a boy before he sailed to America.  The horror of dying under the curse of God was impressed upon him as he meditated on the words he had heard so long ago and he was converted to Christ - eighty-give years after hearing John Flavel preach.'  Oh what an encouragement to never think that our seed has fallen on unfruitful ground - it may be simply lying dormant to sprout when we are dead and gone!

Flavel's introduction
Basically an exposition of Psalm 57.  From the Psalm we find this doctrine: 'It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straits, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.'  I liked how he showed that 'there is a twofold reflection upon the providential works of God', one is 'entire and full'' and reserved for heaven, the other is 'partial and imperfect' and is in this life.  And although we look forward to seeing the logic of God's handiwork fully in heaven, this should not stop us from looking with imperfection now: 'How often have the hearts of its observers been melted into tears of joy at the beholding of its wise and unexpected productions!'

I think I'm going to enjoy reflecting with Flavel on this sweet doctrine we know as the providence of God.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.