THE INTERPOSITIONS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE: SELECTED EXCLUSIVELY · FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. BY JOSEPH FINCHER, ESQ. AUTHOR OF "THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF PRAYER." "Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”—LUKE Xii. 7. LONDON: J. HATCHARD AND SON, PICCADILLY. JAMES NISBET, BERNERS STREET; L. B. SEELEY AND SON, FLEET STREET; AND D. MURRAY, SLOANE STREET. 1829. 27 INTRODUCTION. sweeter also than UNSPEAKABLY precious are the Holy Scriptures to all who truly estimate their sacred contents! "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: more to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; honey and the honey-comb." They are a mine of exhaustless treasure, as yet but partially explored. In them shine forth the glories of Redemption and the mysteries of Divine Providence, in all their attractive loveliness, embracing each other, and presenting a matchless display of power, benignity, and exquisite design. But it may be proper to state here, before entering upon the subject of the Interpositions of Divine Providence," that, while prosecuting the delightful task of selecting materials for his former work, entitled the "Achievements of Prayer," the Compiler was particularly struck with the fact, which he then noticed, "that the prayers of a numerous company of the holy and honourable of the Lord, had not been recorded;" subsequently his attention was directed to the examination of several of those signal displays of providential mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to individuals whose prayers have not been specified; and he distinctly perceived that some of the brightest and most remarkable displays of Divine Providence, occur where prayer, though implied, is not even mentioned. In the memorable trial of Abraham's faith; in Daniel's trial, when cast into the den of Lions; in Jeremiah's extremity when sinking in the loathsome dungeon; in the persecutions of the three children when cast into the fiery furnace; in the eventful history of Joseph; in the wonderful preservation of the Jews, when Haman had obtained a royal edict for their general destruction; and in many other instances, where the footsteps of Divine Providence are as distinctly seen; no mention of prayer is made; and throughout the book of Esther, even the name of the Hearer of prayer does not once occur. In nearly all these instances, "the bright designs of never-failing skill" are more minutely detailed, than in those parts where supplication and providence are united. May not the gracious design of the Holy Spirit, in thus giving to Divine Providence and to the ordinance of Prayer a distinct and separate prominence, have been silently to lead us to the particular examination of each? that as we are assured of the power and efficacy of fervent and effectual prayer, we may be equally assured that its success entirely depends on the gracious Interpositions of Divine Providence? This consideration has mainly induced the Compiler to lay before the Christian World the present Volume, as an accompaniment to that which has been so favourably received. And he trusts, through the blessing of the Most High, that the "Interpositions of Divine Providence," will add to the completeness and utility of the "Achievements of Prayer.” The special Providence of God continually presiding over us, regulating all our concerns, supplying all our wants, warding off from us innumerable dangers, and shielding us in seasons of great extremity and affliction, is a doctrine most animating and consolatory. It is a lamp placed by the hand of the Lord to illuminate this dark valley, and to guide the feet of his children into the path of life, This blessed truth Jehovah himself taught that favoured family whom he had chosen |