Special Providence for Anxious Souls

Description

Like his Puritan colleagues, Sedgwick was a wise observer of providence. In "Providence Handled Practically," he shows how the overruling hand of God should be considered as it comes to bear on the life of the Christian and the church. After briefly explaining the words of Matthew 10:29-31, he distinguishes between God's general and special providence. Then follows an extensive discussion of the practical use of this doctrine. The author's Thanksgiving sermon, entitled "Haman's Vanity," which was preached before the House of Commons is added as an appendix to this work. Here, Sedgwick draws a parallel between Haman's plot to decimate the Jews and a Royalist plot that was hatched in London to seize the Parliamentary leaders.

This edition has been edited for modern readers and has an introductory essay by Joel R. Beeke and Matthew Winzer.

Read it, pass it along to a friend, and be comforted by the God who promises to never forsake the works of His own hands.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

1. A Definition
2. The Acts of Providence
3. The Qualities of Providence
4. The Effects of Providence
5. Objections
6. God’s Special Providence
7. Protection
8. Permission
9. Preservation
10. A Wonderful Method
11. A Wonderful Result
12. Depending on God
13. Learning to Depend on God
14. A Reasonable Response
15. The Causes of Anxiety
16. Futile Means: Part 1
17. Futile Means: Part 2
18. Difficult Events
19. Limited Opportunities
20. Overwhelming Afflictions: Part 1
21. Overwhelming Afflictions: Part 2
22. Changing Circumstances
23. Distressing Cares
24. An Exercise in Futility
25. Waiting on God
26. God’s Timing
27. The Best Time
28. Intentional Delays
29. Learning Contentment
30. Using Lawful Means
31. Avoiding Unlawful Means
32. Walking Uprightly
33. Exercising Faith
34. Working Diligently
35. Suffering Quietly
36. Eternal Comfort
37. God’s Purpose
38. God’s Power
39. God’s Truth and Wisdom
40. God’s Tenderness and Faithfulness
41. Our Duties

Endorsements

“Like many of the Puritans, Obadiah Sedgwick was a physician of the soul. This skillfully abridged edition of Special Providence for Anxious Souls offers believers much-needed antidotes to their troubles and worries drawn out of the Scriptures—from the very nature and character of God. This delightful gem will provide encouragement to weary sufferers and direct their gaze back to the God of all comfort.”
—Nate Pickowicz, pastor of Harvest Bible Church, Gilmanton Ironworks, New Hampshire; author of Overcoming the Darkness: Biblical Help for Spiritual Depression

“In this gem from Puritan Obadiah Sedgwick, anxious souls receive comfort from God’s special providence. Meditating on Matthew 10:29–31, Sedgwick unfolds the doctrine of providence with depth and care, showing how God’s wisdom, power, and tenderness meet us in our fears. This work reminds believers that even in the most perplexing times, a sovereign and loving God works for His people’s good. Special Providence for Anxious Souls is a balm for troubled hearts—highly recommended for spiritual renewal and unwavering trust in our Lord of providence.”
—Jordan Stone, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, McKinney, Texas; assistant professor of pastoral theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Dallas

“Do you find yourself given to fear, despair, and worry? We live in an anxious age, but Obadiah Sedgwick reminds us that God governs all creation in the interest of His people. He offers the doctrine of special providence as the biblical antidote for our human propensity to fret. While Sedgwick may not be as familiar a name to Puritan lovers as Owen, Goodwin, or Watson, he is in the same league, and his pastoral reflection on providence is the perfect place to get acquainted with him. Stephen Yuille has blessed the church by making Sedgwick’s timeless encouragement readily available to us.”
—Andrew S. Ballitch, pastor, Westwood Alliance Church, Ontario, Ohio

About the Editor

Stephen Yuille is director of Puritan publishing at Reformation Heritage Books. He also serves as a pastor at Fairview Covenant Church in Granbury, Texas, and as a professor of church history at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

About the Author

Obadiah Sedgwick (ca. 1600–1658) was a Puritan pastor and prominent member of the Westminster Assembly. Other modern editions of his works include The Doubting Believer, Christ’s Counsel to His Languishing Church, and Providence Handled Practically.