How often has providence convinced its observers, upon a sober recollection of the events of their lives, that if the Lord had left them to their own counsels they had as often been their own tormentors, if not executioners!
John FlavelProvidence is wiser than you, and you may be confident it has suited all things better to your eternal good than you could do had you been left to your own option.
John FlavelIf God has given you but a small portion of the world, yet if you are godly He has promised never to forsake you (Heb. 13:5). Providence has ordered that condition for you which is really best for your eternal good. If you had more of the world than you have, your heads and hearts might not be able to manage it to your advantage.
John FlavelSuppose that by revenge you might destroy one enemy; yet, by exercising the Christian's temper you might conquer threeโโโyour own lust, Satan's temptation, and your enemy's heart.
John FlavelChrist and his benefits go inseparably and undividedly... Many would willingly receive his privileges, who will not receive his person; but it cannot be; if we will have one, we must take the other too: Yea, we must accept his person first, and then his benefits: as it is in the marriage covenant, so it is here.
John Flavel