English Christian Web Book
A Treatise on Divine Providence
Stephen Charnock
About this book
A Treatise on Divine Providence — Stephen Charnock.
Author: Stephen Charnock
- 116 chapters
- 204 PDF pages
- 92,063 words
- ≈ 708 min read
- English
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Table of Contents
1Front matter
pp. 1–8 · ≈ 14 min21. His knowledge: Job. 34:21, 'For his eyes are upon all the ways of
pp. 9–9 · ≈ 3 min32. His providence.
pp. 9–9 · ≈ 3 min41. The immediateness of it; 'his eyes,' his own eyes, not another's. Not
pp. 10–10 · ≈ 2 min52. Quickness and speed of providence; 'run.' His eyes do not only
pp. 10–10 · ≈ 2 min63. Extent of providence; 'the whole earth;' all things in the earth, all
pp. 10–10 · ≈ 2 min74. Diligence of providence; 'to and fro.' His care is repeated, he looks
pp. 10–11 · ≈ 4 min81. God hath an indisputable and peculiar right to the government of
pp. 12–12 · ≈ 3 min92. God only is qualified for the universal government of the world. All
pp. 13–14 · ≈ 5 min103. There can be no reason rendered why God should not actually
pp. 15–16 · ≈ 6 min114. Therefore, God doth actually preserve and govern the world;
pp. 17–17 · ≈ 3 min121. Nothing is acted in the world without God's knowledge. The vision
pp. 18–18 · ≈ 3 min132. Nothing is acted in the world without the will of God. His will
pp. 19–19 · ≈ 3 min143. Nothing doth subsist without God's care and power. His eyes
pp. 19–24 · ≈ 18 min152. Providence extends to all the actions and motions of the creature.
pp. 25–29 · ≈ 16 min161. His ways are above human methods. Dark providences are often
pp. 30–30 · ≈ 3 min172. His ends are of a higher strain than the aims of men. Who would
pp. 30–30 · ≈ 3 min183. God hath several ends in the same action. Jacob is oppressed with
pp. 31–31 · ≈ 3 min194. God has more remote ends than short-sighted souls are able to
pp. 32–32 · ≈ 3 min201. By small means. The considerable actions in the world have
pp. 33–35 · ≈ 9 min212. By contrary means. God by his providence makes contrary things
pp. 36–36 · ≈ 3 min223. Casual means. The viper which leapt upon Paul's hand out of the
pp. 37–37 · ≈ 3 min231. By the restraints upon the passions of men. The waves of the sea,
pp. 37–37 · ≈ 3 min242. By the sudden changes which are made upon the spirits of men for
pp. 38–38 · ≈ 3 min253. In causing enemies to do things for others which are contrary to all
pp. 39–39 · ≈ 3 min264. In infatuating the counsels of men. God sets a stamp of folly upon
pp. 40–40 · ≈ 3 min275. In making the counsels of men subservient to the very ends they
pp. 41–41 · ≈ 3 min286. In making the fancies of men subservient to their own ruin. God
pp. 42–42 · ≈ 3 min291. It is certain God hath a hand about all the sinful actions in the
pp. 42–43 · ≈ 6 min302. In all God's acts about sin there is no stain to God's holiness.* In
pp. 44–53 · ≈ 32 min311. It is not well with bad men here.
pp. 54–55 · ≈ 6 min322. Neither is it bad here with good men, if all be well considered.
pp. 56–63 · ≈ 25 min331. The evil of denying providence.
pp. 64–64 · ≈ 3 min342. The grounds of the denial of it by the heathen, which we shall find
pp. 64–64 · ≈ 3 min353. The various ways wherein men practically deny providence.
pp. 64–64 · ≈ 3 min361. The evil of denying it.
pp. 64–67 · ≈ 12 min372. The second thing is, the grounds of the denial of providence. This
pp. 68–70 · ≈ 10 min383. The third thing is, the various ways wherein men practically deny
pp. 71–87 · ≈ 54 min391. Man is a special object of providence. God provides for all
pp. 88–88 · ≈ 3 min402. Holy men a more special object of it. God preserves and provides
pp. 88–88 · ≈ 3 min413. Hence it will follow that the spirits of good men have sufficient
pp. 89–89 · ≈ 3 min424. Hence follows a certain security against a good man's want. If God
pp. 89–91 · ≈ 9 min431. Seek everything you need at the hands of God. It is not only the
pp. 92–92 · ≈ 4 min442. Trust providence. To trust God when our warehouses and bags are
pp. 93–97 · ≈ 17 min453. Submit to providence. It is God's right to govern the world, and
pp. 98–98 · ≈ 3 min464. Murmur not at providence. Though we do not clearly resist it, if
pp. 99–100 · ≈ 7 min475. Study providence. It is a part of atheism not to think the acts of
pp. 101–104 · ≈ 13 min486. Ascribe the glory of every providence to God. Abraham's steward
pp. 105–106 · ≈ 7 min491. God certainly in all his actions has some end; that is without
pp. 107–107 · ≈ 3 min502. That certainly is God's end which his heart is most set upon, and
pp. 107–107 · ≈ 3 min511. That it is so de facto, and hath been so.
pp. 108–108 · ≈ 3 min522. That according to the state of things, and God's economy, it must
pp. 108–108 · ≈ 3 min533. The improvement of it, by way of use.
pp. 109–109 · ≈ 2 min541. That all providence is for the good of the church de facto, and has
pp. 109–126 · ≈ 58 min551. Sin.
pp. 127–127 · ≈ 3 min562. Commotions in the world. There is the eye of God, that eye which
pp. 128–128 · ≈ 3 min573. Destroying judgments, yea, and the very curses sometimes are
pp. 129–129 · ≈ 3 min584. Divisions in the church. One would think this of all other things
pp. 130–130 · ≈ 3 min595. Persecutions. These naturally tend to the dissolution and utter
pp. 130–130 · ≈ 3 min601. To the improvement of the church. One of the sorest judgments
pp. 131–131 · ≈ 3 min612. In the increase of the church. The Jews crucified our Saviour to
pp. 132–132 · ≈ 3 min621. In the increase of it within its own bounds. When the Israelites
pp. 132–132 · ≈ 3 min632. In the increase of it in other parts. Paul's prison made his
pp. 133–134 · ≈ 7 min648. The Spirit of God loves the very mention of their names, he
pp. 135–136 · ≈ 7 min655. God has given the choicest things he hath to his people; he hath
pp. 137–137 · ≈ 3 min661. All the providence of God is for the glorifying his grace in Christ.
pp. 138–140 · ≈ 11 min672. God hath given the power of the providential administration of
pp. 141–145 · ≈ 17 min683. Thirdly, God in the church discovers the glory of all his attributes.
pp. 146–146 · ≈ 3 min694. Fourthly, There is a peculiar relation of God and Christ to the
pp. 147–147 · ≈ 4 min701. God hath a peculiar love to this very relation, and often mentions it
pp. 148–148 · ≈ 3 min712. This relation is prevalent with God in the highest emergencies and
pp. 148–148 · ≈ 3 min725. Fifthly, The whole interest of God in the world lies in his church
pp. 149–150 · ≈ 7 min736. It cannot be but all the providences of God shall work to the good
pp. 151–153 · ≈ 10 min747. Seventhly, The presence of God in his church will make all
pp. 154–154 · ≈ 3 min758. Eighthly, The prayers of the church have a mighty force with God
pp. 155–157 · ≈ 9 min761. God will always have a church in the world, he will have some to
pp. 158–158 · ≈ 3 min772. God will in the greatest exigencies find out means for the
pp. 159–159 · ≈ 3 min783. The church shall in the end prove victorious against all its
pp. 160–160 · ≈ 3 min794. The interest of nations is to bear a respect to the church, and
pp. 161–161 · ≈ 3 min805. We may see hence the ground of most of the judgments in the
pp. 162–162 · ≈ 3 min816. What esteem, then, should there be of the godly in the world? The
pp. 163–164 · ≈ 7 min827. It is then a very foolish thing for any to contend against the welfare
pp. 165–166 · ≈ 6 min831. It is comfort in duties and special services. Nothing shall be
pp. 167–167 · ≈ 3 min842. In meanness and lowness. It is one and the same God that rules
pp. 167–167 · ≈ 3 min853. In the greatest judgments upon others. In an epidemical judgment
pp. 167–167 · ≈ 3 min864. In the greatest extremities wherein his people may be, there are
pp. 168–168 · ≈ 4 min875. In fear of wants. The power of the government of the world cannot
pp. 169–169 · ≈ 3 min886. It is comfort in the low estate of the church at any time. God's eye
pp. 169–169 · ≈ 3 min891. It is indeed God's usual method to leave the church to extremity
pp. 170–171 · ≈ 7 min901. God glorifies his power. His eyes run to and fro to shew himself
pp. 172–172 · ≈ 3 min912. God glorifies his wisdom. 'His eyes run to and fro throughout the
pp. 173–173 · ≈ 3 min923. God glorifies his care and compassion. When his people are
pp. 174–174 · ≈ 3 min934. God glorifies his righteousness and justice. There is a measure of
pp. 175–175 · ≈ 3 min941. It being a season to improve and know their interest. Men do not
pp. 176–176 · ≈ 3 min952. As a season for acting faith at present, and an encouragement of
pp. 177–178 · ≈ 7 min963. In fitting them by the extremity for a holy reception of the mercy
pp. 179–179 · ≈ 3 min974. In securing them against future straits. For God's disappointing
pp. 179–181 · ≈ 10 min981. Will you fear man, who have a God to secure you? The church
pp. 182–182 · ≈ 3 min992. Will you fear men, who have a God to watch over their motions?
pp. 182–182 · ≈ 3 min1003. Will you fear men or devils, who have a God to restrain them?
pp. 183–183 · ≈ 3 min1014. Will you fear them who have a God to ruin them? Though the
pp. 184–184 · ≈ 3 min1022. Then censure not God in his dark providences. As we are often too
pp. 185–185 · ≈ 3 min1031. Therefore, first fix this in your minds, that God is righteous, wise,
pp. 186–186 · ≈ 3 min1042. Distinguish between preparations to the main work and the
pp. 187–187 · ≈ 3 min1053. Fix not your eye only upon the sensible operations of providence,
pp. 188–188 · ≈ 3 min1064. Consider not only one single act of providence, but the whole
pp. 189–191 · ≈ 10 min1071. This will help us in our inquiries in present providences.
pp. 192–192 · ≈ 3 min1082. It will support our faith. The reason of our diffidence of God in the
pp. 193–193 · ≈ 3 min1093. It will enliven our prayer.
pp. 194–194 · ≈ 3 min1104. It will prevent much sin.
pp. 195–195 · ≈ 3 min1111. All the godly formerly did act faith on a less foundation. The godly
pp. 196–196 · ≈ 3 min1122. It is your only way to have mercy for the church, and for ourselves.
pp. 197–197 · ≈ 3 min1131. Wait upon him obedientially.
pp. 198–198 · ≈ 3 min1142. Wait patiently. How often are our spirits troubled about future
pp. 199–199 · ≈ 4 min1153. Wait constantly. Though the wheels of providence seem
pp. 200–200 · ≈ 3 min1164. Wait in the use of lawful means for preservation. Not to use
pp. 201–204 · ≈ 11 min
pp. 1–8 · ≈ 14 min21. His knowledge: Job. 34:21, 'For his eyes are upon all the ways of
pp. 9–9 · ≈ 3 min32. His providence.
pp. 9–9 · ≈ 3 min41. The immediateness of it; 'his eyes,' his own eyes, not another's. Not
pp. 10–10 · ≈ 2 min52. Quickness and speed of providence; 'run.' His eyes do not only
pp. 10–10 · ≈ 2 min63. Extent of providence; 'the whole earth;' all things in the earth, all
pp. 10–10 · ≈ 2 min74. Diligence of providence; 'to and fro.' His care is repeated, he looks
pp. 10–11 · ≈ 4 min81. God hath an indisputable and peculiar right to the government of
pp. 12–12 · ≈ 3 min92. God only is qualified for the universal government of the world. All
pp. 13–14 · ≈ 5 min103. There can be no reason rendered why God should not actually
pp. 15–16 · ≈ 6 min114. Therefore, God doth actually preserve and govern the world;
pp. 17–17 · ≈ 3 min121. Nothing is acted in the world without God's knowledge. The vision
pp. 18–18 · ≈ 3 min132. Nothing is acted in the world without the will of God. His will
pp. 19–19 · ≈ 3 min143. Nothing doth subsist without God's care and power. His eyes
pp. 19–24 · ≈ 18 min152. Providence extends to all the actions and motions of the creature.
pp. 25–29 · ≈ 16 min161. His ways are above human methods. Dark providences are often
pp. 30–30 · ≈ 3 min172. His ends are of a higher strain than the aims of men. Who would
pp. 30–30 · ≈ 3 min183. God hath several ends in the same action. Jacob is oppressed with
pp. 31–31 · ≈ 3 min194. God has more remote ends than short-sighted souls are able to
pp. 32–32 · ≈ 3 min201. By small means. The considerable actions in the world have
pp. 33–35 · ≈ 9 min212. By contrary means. God by his providence makes contrary things
pp. 36–36 · ≈ 3 min223. Casual means. The viper which leapt upon Paul's hand out of the
pp. 37–37 · ≈ 3 min231. By the restraints upon the passions of men. The waves of the sea,
pp. 37–37 · ≈ 3 min242. By the sudden changes which are made upon the spirits of men for
pp. 38–38 · ≈ 3 min253. In causing enemies to do things for others which are contrary to all
pp. 39–39 · ≈ 3 min264. In infatuating the counsels of men. God sets a stamp of folly upon
pp. 40–40 · ≈ 3 min275. In making the counsels of men subservient to the very ends they
pp. 41–41 · ≈ 3 min286. In making the fancies of men subservient to their own ruin. God
pp. 42–42 · ≈ 3 min291. It is certain God hath a hand about all the sinful actions in the
pp. 42–43 · ≈ 6 min302. In all God's acts about sin there is no stain to God's holiness.* In
pp. 44–53 · ≈ 32 min311. It is not well with bad men here.
pp. 54–55 · ≈ 6 min322. Neither is it bad here with good men, if all be well considered.
pp. 56–63 · ≈ 25 min331. The evil of denying providence.
pp. 64–64 · ≈ 3 min342. The grounds of the denial of it by the heathen, which we shall find
pp. 64–64 · ≈ 3 min353. The various ways wherein men practically deny providence.
pp. 64–64 · ≈ 3 min361. The evil of denying it.
pp. 64–67 · ≈ 12 min372. The second thing is, the grounds of the denial of providence. This
pp. 68–70 · ≈ 10 min383. The third thing is, the various ways wherein men practically deny
pp. 71–87 · ≈ 54 min391. Man is a special object of providence. God provides for all
pp. 88–88 · ≈ 3 min402. Holy men a more special object of it. God preserves and provides
pp. 88–88 · ≈ 3 min413. Hence it will follow that the spirits of good men have sufficient
pp. 89–89 · ≈ 3 min424. Hence follows a certain security against a good man's want. If God
pp. 89–91 · ≈ 9 min431. Seek everything you need at the hands of God. It is not only the
pp. 92–92 · ≈ 4 min442. Trust providence. To trust God when our warehouses and bags are
pp. 93–97 · ≈ 17 min453. Submit to providence. It is God's right to govern the world, and
pp. 98–98 · ≈ 3 min464. Murmur not at providence. Though we do not clearly resist it, if
pp. 99–100 · ≈ 7 min475. Study providence. It is a part of atheism not to think the acts of
pp. 101–104 · ≈ 13 min486. Ascribe the glory of every providence to God. Abraham's steward
pp. 105–106 · ≈ 7 min491. God certainly in all his actions has some end; that is without
pp. 107–107 · ≈ 3 min502. That certainly is God's end which his heart is most set upon, and
pp. 107–107 · ≈ 3 min511. That it is so de facto, and hath been so.
pp. 108–108 · ≈ 3 min522. That according to the state of things, and God's economy, it must
pp. 108–108 · ≈ 3 min533. The improvement of it, by way of use.
pp. 109–109 · ≈ 2 min541. That all providence is for the good of the church de facto, and has
pp. 109–126 · ≈ 58 min551. Sin.
pp. 127–127 · ≈ 3 min562. Commotions in the world. There is the eye of God, that eye which
pp. 128–128 · ≈ 3 min573. Destroying judgments, yea, and the very curses sometimes are
pp. 129–129 · ≈ 3 min584. Divisions in the church. One would think this of all other things
pp. 130–130 · ≈ 3 min595. Persecutions. These naturally tend to the dissolution and utter
pp. 130–130 · ≈ 3 min601. To the improvement of the church. One of the sorest judgments
pp. 131–131 · ≈ 3 min612. In the increase of the church. The Jews crucified our Saviour to
pp. 132–132 · ≈ 3 min621. In the increase of it within its own bounds. When the Israelites
pp. 132–132 · ≈ 3 min632. In the increase of it in other parts. Paul's prison made his
pp. 133–134 · ≈ 7 min648. The Spirit of God loves the very mention of their names, he
pp. 135–136 · ≈ 7 min655. God has given the choicest things he hath to his people; he hath
pp. 137–137 · ≈ 3 min661. All the providence of God is for the glorifying his grace in Christ.
pp. 138–140 · ≈ 11 min672. God hath given the power of the providential administration of
pp. 141–145 · ≈ 17 min683. Thirdly, God in the church discovers the glory of all his attributes.
pp. 146–146 · ≈ 3 min694. Fourthly, There is a peculiar relation of God and Christ to the
pp. 147–147 · ≈ 4 min701. God hath a peculiar love to this very relation, and often mentions it
pp. 148–148 · ≈ 3 min712. This relation is prevalent with God in the highest emergencies and
pp. 148–148 · ≈ 3 min725. Fifthly, The whole interest of God in the world lies in his church
pp. 149–150 · ≈ 7 min736. It cannot be but all the providences of God shall work to the good
pp. 151–153 · ≈ 10 min747. Seventhly, The presence of God in his church will make all
pp. 154–154 · ≈ 3 min758. Eighthly, The prayers of the church have a mighty force with God
pp. 155–157 · ≈ 9 min761. God will always have a church in the world, he will have some to
pp. 158–158 · ≈ 3 min772. God will in the greatest exigencies find out means for the
pp. 159–159 · ≈ 3 min783. The church shall in the end prove victorious against all its
pp. 160–160 · ≈ 3 min794. The interest of nations is to bear a respect to the church, and
pp. 161–161 · ≈ 3 min805. We may see hence the ground of most of the judgments in the
pp. 162–162 · ≈ 3 min816. What esteem, then, should there be of the godly in the world? The
pp. 163–164 · ≈ 7 min827. It is then a very foolish thing for any to contend against the welfare
pp. 165–166 · ≈ 6 min831. It is comfort in duties and special services. Nothing shall be
pp. 167–167 · ≈ 3 min842. In meanness and lowness. It is one and the same God that rules
pp. 167–167 · ≈ 3 min853. In the greatest judgments upon others. In an epidemical judgment
pp. 167–167 · ≈ 3 min864. In the greatest extremities wherein his people may be, there are
pp. 168–168 · ≈ 4 min875. In fear of wants. The power of the government of the world cannot
pp. 169–169 · ≈ 3 min886. It is comfort in the low estate of the church at any time. God's eye
pp. 169–169 · ≈ 3 min891. It is indeed God's usual method to leave the church to extremity
pp. 170–171 · ≈ 7 min901. God glorifies his power. His eyes run to and fro to shew himself
pp. 172–172 · ≈ 3 min912. God glorifies his wisdom. 'His eyes run to and fro throughout the
pp. 173–173 · ≈ 3 min923. God glorifies his care and compassion. When his people are
pp. 174–174 · ≈ 3 min934. God glorifies his righteousness and justice. There is a measure of
pp. 175–175 · ≈ 3 min941. It being a season to improve and know their interest. Men do not
pp. 176–176 · ≈ 3 min952. As a season for acting faith at present, and an encouragement of
pp. 177–178 · ≈ 7 min963. In fitting them by the extremity for a holy reception of the mercy
pp. 179–179 · ≈ 3 min974. In securing them against future straits. For God's disappointing
pp. 179–181 · ≈ 10 min981. Will you fear man, who have a God to secure you? The church
pp. 182–182 · ≈ 3 min992. Will you fear men, who have a God to watch over their motions?
pp. 182–182 · ≈ 3 min1003. Will you fear men or devils, who have a God to restrain them?
pp. 183–183 · ≈ 3 min1014. Will you fear them who have a God to ruin them? Though the
pp. 184–184 · ≈ 3 min1022. Then censure not God in his dark providences. As we are often too
pp. 185–185 · ≈ 3 min1031. Therefore, first fix this in your minds, that God is righteous, wise,
pp. 186–186 · ≈ 3 min1042. Distinguish between preparations to the main work and the
pp. 187–187 · ≈ 3 min1053. Fix not your eye only upon the sensible operations of providence,
pp. 188–188 · ≈ 3 min1064. Consider not only one single act of providence, but the whole
pp. 189–191 · ≈ 10 min1071. This will help us in our inquiries in present providences.
pp. 192–192 · ≈ 3 min1082. It will support our faith. The reason of our diffidence of God in the
pp. 193–193 · ≈ 3 min1093. It will enliven our prayer.
pp. 194–194 · ≈ 3 min1104. It will prevent much sin.
pp. 195–195 · ≈ 3 min1111. All the godly formerly did act faith on a less foundation. The godly
pp. 196–196 · ≈ 3 min1122. It is your only way to have mercy for the church, and for ourselves.
pp. 197–197 · ≈ 3 min1131. Wait upon him obedientially.
pp. 198–198 · ≈ 3 min1142. Wait patiently. How often are our spirits troubled about future
pp. 199–199 · ≈ 4 min1153. Wait constantly. Though the wheels of providence seem
pp. 200–200 · ≈ 3 min1164. Wait in the use of lawful means for preservation. Not to use
pp. 201–204 · ≈ 11 min
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