Special Providence for Anxious Souls

by Obadiah Sedgwick, Stephen Yuille (Editor)

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

A DefinitionThe Acts of ProvidenceThe Qualities of ProvidenceThe Effects of ProvidenceObjectionsGod’s Special ProvidenceProtectionPermissionPreservationA Wonderful MethodA Wonderful ResultDepending on GodLearning to Depend on GodA Reasonable ResponseThe Causes of AnxietyFutile Part 1Futile Part 2Difficult EventsLimited OpportunitiesOverwhelming Part 1Overwhelming Part 2Changing CircumstancesDistressing CaresAn Exercise in FutilityWaiting on GodGod’s TimingThe Best TimeIntentional DelaysLearning ContentmentUsing Lawful MeansAvoiding Unlawful MeansWalking UprightlyExercising FaithWorking DiligentlySuffering QuietlyEternal ComfortGod’s PurposeGod’s PowerGod’s Truth and WisdomGod’s Tenderness and FaithfulnessOur Duties

Genres: Theology

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

Reviews

[Daniel Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal. Everyone needs to read it.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

[Adam Kareus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using Matthew 10:29 as a springboard, Sedgwick outlines the most comforting truth of all time, that our Mighty God oversees, ordains, and is involved in all of life. This is the idea of providence, which is a comfort for the believer- such as Romans 8:28 tells us. In 41 short chapters, Sedgwick speaks to the truth, the things that fight against us accepting it, and what it means to walk faithfully before the God Almighty.

[Meg Templeton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always good to remember God provides for his people!