Required reading
Mystery of Providence by John Flavel (available from Amazon or free on the internet,
here for example)
- Chapter 2.
My notes and thoughts
Flavel now gives us a chapter on how God's providential care is shown in our birth and upbringing. He speaks of God's care in embroidering us in our mother's womb without gross deformity; of God's care that we were born in a time and place where our physical needs are provided for and where the gospel may be found; and finally of God's care to give many of us a Christian home to grow up in.
As one of those blessed with Godly parents who taught me from a young age to love the Lord, Flavel's words were striking: 'Ah, sirs, you little know what a mercy you enjoy or have enjoyed in godly parents and what a good lot Providence cast for you in this affair of your bodies and souls.' How true is he to say: 'It is a greater mercy to descend from praying parents than from the loins of nobles.' I really should be more thankful to God for my parents.
I must admit I found his words about miscarriages disappointing: 'Abortives go for nothing in the world, and there are multitudes of them. Some never had a reasonable soul breathed into them, but only rudiments and rough draft of a body; these come not into the account of men, but perish as the beast does.' Sorry Mr Flavel, but I have to disagree with you there. I believe human life begins at conception.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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