I do have to say that I had some of the same issues with the first part of the book as Carolyn in how Flavel emphasized the material benefits enjoyed by the readers/hearers in comparison to other parts of the world. It seems that his calls for us to look at God’s blessings in comparison to what we deserve is of much greater benefit.

It’s funny how much impact a book can have even when you already agree doctrinally with its main point. No surprises, but a great meditation on God’s sovereignty in our lives for the good of His children and for His glory.

We face such uncertainty in our lives and our own souls as frail people whose lives are but a vapor. Yet when we we stand on the Rock that is Christ, we have no reason to grumble about today nor fear for tomorrow. I’m especially thankful for Flavel’s reminders of the tremendous value in meditating on Who God is and what He has done in our lives as an encouragement to give Him the glory and trust in Him for His future mercies.

We bought 37 puritan paperbacks and are enjoying them so much through this challenge that I’m planning to add them to my children’s curriculum. Every Christian should read this stuff!

Thank you Timmy for choosing this book for us to read during the second month of the Puritan Reading Challenge. I’ve had this book on my shelf for years and never realized the precious truths contained within.

I’ve had opportunities to discuss God’s providence with my children that I would have missed were I not immersed in this reading. The idea of reading the Puritans will keep these wells of thought open and running free for further conversations as the year progresses. Just being in the habit of thinking these thoughts as I go about my day has been life changing- and I’ve only been participating for one week!

Thanks for the challenge and the discussions.

Thanks again for offering this great challenge Timmy!

Thanks. I am running out of room for things hanging. I have things on my bathroom. Sometimes I take the business card template from Word Perfect and print out a sheet of “busniness cards” and punch them out. Those are nice and small and easy to put everywhere. I am thinknig of adding my car steering wheel and dashboard to the list – is that safe?

Anyone else convicted to printi out some quotes by these Puritan authors?

I really enjoyed the book, but I confess I got about three chapters in and then I had to look up a definition for Providence. I was confusing Providence with Sovereignty. I started over and read the book and listened to the commentary from the Stillwater Presbyterian Church that you had listed on your “Flavel on the Web” post.

I gain a lot from reading your comments and postings. I thank God that he allowed me to find these great works and writings, and has placed in my heart the desire to dig my way through them.