Page:A Compendium of the Chief Doctrines of the True Christian Religion.djvu/122

118. But nevertheless it results from the whole evidence of divine revelation, that the new and true Christian religion, inasmuch as it is more immediately derived from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the One Only God of heaven and earth, is of all religions the most capable of effecting close and intimate conjunction with him; and on that account is to be esteemed more excellent, more heavenly, and more divine, than any other.

THE Lord's government in heaven and on earth is called providence: and as all the good of love, and all the truth of faith, which contribute to salvation, are solely derived from him, and not in the smallest degree from man, it hence follows, that the divine providence of the Lord enters into all and singular things tending to the salvation of the human race. He therefore says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life," John xiv. 6. And in another place, "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me: for without me ye can do nothing," John xv. 4, 5.

It is supposed by many, that the divine providence is only universal, or has respect only to the great and general affairs of the world, and of human society; and that particular or minute circumstances, as if unworthy of the notice of the Supreme Being, are left to the prudence and regulation of man. Wherefore, when they see the wicked raised to honours, wealth, and various kinds of worldly success, in preference to the good, they say in their hearts, that this would not be the case, if there were a divine providence in