IN consideration of the great and manifold advantages resulting from a humble and heedful observation of Providence, I cannot but judge it the concernment of Christians, who have time and ability for such a work, to keep written memorials or journals of providences by them, for their own and others’ use and benefit. For want of collecting and communicating such observations, not only ourselves, but the church of God suffers loss and is impoverished.. - qp—
Some say the art of medicine was thus acquired and perfected. When any one had met with some rare medicinal herb, and accidentally discovered the virtues of it, he would post it up in some public place; and so the physician attained his skill by a collection of those posted experiments and receipts.
I am not for posting up all that a Christian knows or meets with in his experience; for, as I have said before, religion doth not lay all open; but yet there is a prudent, humble, and seasonable communication of our experiences and observations of Providence, which is exceedingly beneficial both to ourselves and our brethren.
If Christians, in reading the Scriptures, would judiciously collect and record the providences they meet with there; and, if destitute of other helps, they would but add those that have fallen out in their own time and experience. Oh what a precious treasure would these make! How would it prove an antidote to their souls against the spreading atheism of these days, and satisfy them, beyond what many other arguments can do, that « The Lord he is God, the Lord he is God.”
While this work was under my hand, I was both delighted and assisted by a pious and useful essay of an unknown author, (Mr. T. C. in his Isagoge,) who hath, to very good purpose, improved many scriptural passages of providence, which seem to lic out of the road of common observation; some passages I have noted out of it, which have been sweet to me. O that Christians would every where set themselves to such work! Providence carries our lives, liberties, and concerns in God’s hand every moment. Your bread is in his cupboard, your money in his purse, your safety in his enfolding arms; and sure it is the least part of what you owe, to record the favours you receive at his hands. More particularly,
1. Trust not your slippery memories with such a multitude of remarkable passages of providence as you have met, and shall meet with in your way to heaven. It is true, things that greatly affect us are not easily forgotten by us; and yet, how common is it for new impressions to raze out former ones. It was a saying of that worthy man, Dr. Harris, “My memory,” “never failed me in all my life; for indeed, I durst never trust it.” Written memorials secure us against that hazard; and besides, make them useful to others when we are gone; so that you carry not away all your treasure to heaven with you, but leave these choice legacies to your surviving friends. Certainly it were not so great a loss to lose your silver, your goods and chattels, as it is to lose your experiences which God hath this way given you in this world. 2. Take heed of clasping up those rich treasures in a book, and thinking it enough to have noted them there; but have frequent recourse to them as often as new wants, fears, or difficulties arise and assault you. Now itis seasonable to consider and reflect. Was I never so distressed before? Is this the first plunge that ever befell me? Let me consider the days of old, the years of ancient times,” as Asaph did, Psal. lxxvii. 5.
3. Beware of slighting former straits and dangers, in comparison with present ones. That which is next us, always appears greatest to us: and as time removes us further and further from our former mercies or dangers, so they lessen in our eyes, just as the land from which they sail, doth to seamen. Know that your dangers have been as great, and your fears no less formerly than now. Make it as much your business to preserve the sense and value, as the memory of former provi dences, and the fruit will be sweet to you.
EXTRACTS FROM THE LAST CHAPTER OF