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Orthodox Doctrine (Summary of Christian Divinity)

Metropolitan Platon of Moscow, tr. Pinkerton, 1814

Part 1, Section 9: Proofs of God’s Particular Providence Towards Man

But over man, as the noblest of creatures, God exerciseth a particular providential care, exclusive of the general providence above mentioned.

The particular providence of God towards man, is evident, from two considerations. First, That he pointeth out to him different ways, and granteth him various means to be virtuous. Thus, some he deterreth from evil by threatenings, and others he encourageth to good by the promises of reward; this one he correcteth by poverty, and that one he inciteth to virtue by riches. Also, to the real happiness of good parents, he hath made requisite for their children, a proper education, a good example, and an acquaintance with good books, &c. Here must also be included the great changes that take place in the governments of the world, as when one kingdom is brought into subjection to another. In all these things we behold the clearest proofs of God’s providential care of the children of men. Secondly, That the very worst of men’s intentions, and deeds, are by God over-ruled to a good end. Thus, for instance, by persecution, such as the righteous endure from the wicked, those virtues of the righteous are made evident, which, perhaps, otherwise would never have been seen: and the wicked are made ashamed; and thus often brought imperceptibly to a confession of their sins. But the wonderful ways of divine Providence are particularly shewn in the redemption of mankind, where the greatness of man’s guilt, served, in a most wonderful manner, to exhibit, in a more conspicuous light, the magnitude of God’s mercy; for, “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Rom. v. 20. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. viii. 28.