Mystery of Providence - Flavel - XVII - Chapter 12 completed and Chapter 13

Required reading 
Mystery of Providence by John Flavel (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Chapter 12 (Section 'How may we attain to an evenness and steadiness of spirit...' to the end) and Chapter 13.

My notes and thoughts
This last part of chapter 12 concerns how we may be steady no matter what circumstances providence brings us.

When we experience comfortable providences Flavel advises that 'the great danger is lest the heart be lifted up with pride and vanity, and fall into a drowsy and remiss condition.  To prevent this, we had need urge humbling and awakening considerations upon our own hearts.'  Meanwhile when we are under uncomfortable providences '...we are in equal danger of the other extreme, viz., despondency and sinking under the frowns and strokes of contrary providences.'  Flavel then spends the rest of the chapter discussing remedies to this second situation.  My favourite was: 'We may, by struggling against God, increase, but not avoid or lighten our troubles.'  So true!

Chapter 13 concluded the book with an exhortation to keep a record of the providences God has shown us.  I admire his zeal, but I'm not much of a journal person (although I love reading other people's journals).  Maybe when I more mature I'll think better of Flavel's advice!

Final verdict
Flavel's book is an excellent meditation on the important doctrine of the providence of God.  He convincingly demonstrates that God sovereignly cares for his flock in all areas of life and encourages the Lord's people to bear dutifully up under both comfortable and uncomfortable providences of God.  God is always working for our good and Flavel's work is a helpful reminder to this fact.  All Christians would do well to read this small book.

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