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Divine Providence: A Classic Work for Modern Readers
Rigorous, practical, and deeply reverent, Divine Providence speaks to the struggles of believers today as it tackles difficult questions with biblical truth. Does God govern the world―and how? Is he the author of sin? Why do good people suffer while bad people thrive? What does God’s providence mean for how we should live our lives? In a masterful discourse, Puritan theologian Stephen Charnock arms us to trust in the One who works all things for his glory and the good of the church. This new edition, rendered in modern English, introduces contemporary Christians to one of the greatest Puritan thinkers and the beauty of divine providence―the comforting truth that “God is righteous, wise, and good, and nothing takes place that is not in his will.” Includes study questions for discussion.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1680
37 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Charnock
210 books38 followersStephen Charnock (1628–1680), Puritan divine, was an English Puritan Presbyterian clergyman born at the St Katherine Cree parish of London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 2, 2024
Wonderful! So many good insights into Gods care for His people. Charnock lays out line after line of scriptural evidence for Gods all-pervasive providence.
I really liked the theme verse for this work that he links to providence:
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless towards Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9
I really liked the theme verse for this work that he links to providence:
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless towards Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9
November 16, 2024
I found it rather dull for the majority of the read with a few intriguing points here and there. Toward the very end it got better, which was a pleasant surprise because a few spiritual books I’ve read started rather engaging but got vanilla toward the end. I did underline some passages that I will certainly return to later.
April 7, 2023
An amazing book on the providence of God in the world, in the church, and in the lives of believers. Incredibly encouraging, and pastorally bold in rebuking our tendency to doubt and question and grumble against the providence of God. What an encouraging, faith building, biblically rooted work.
January 24, 2024
Excellent book and a great encouragement to me to trust in Gods ways and providence. I’d recommend this book to all born again believers whether you’re going through a trial in life or in the receiving end of Gods providence.
Well done 👏
Well done 👏
June 7, 2024
Excellent!!
April 10, 2024
“To deny providence is to deny God’s omniscience, which is the eye of Providence; his mercy and justice, which are the arms of Providence; his power, which is the life in motion of providence; his wisdom, which is the rudder of Providence, by which it is steered; and his holiness, which is the compass and rule of the motion of providence.“
We must interpret all things through the lens of Divine Providence. The providence of God is the sweetest comfort in distress and despair. It walks alongside God’s promises, buttressing our prayers. We must patiently and obediently wait and study God’s providence rejoicing in every circumstance.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in unsearchable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will
And ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain
For God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain
We must interpret all things through the lens of Divine Providence. The providence of God is the sweetest comfort in distress and despair. It walks alongside God’s promises, buttressing our prayers. We must patiently and obediently wait and study God’s providence rejoicing in every circumstance.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm
Deep in unsearchable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will
And ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face
His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain
For God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain
March 28, 2025
This book is beautiful. It is at the same time theologically rich and pastorally helpful. This doctrine of providence could be a cold, grey, and lifeless topic in the hands of some. However, Charnock’s work on this topic is warm, colorful, and life giving. Get a copy and read it soon. You’ll love it.
August 24, 2024
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S DIVINE PROVIDENCE ABOUT?
Question and Answer 11 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism are:
In this classic work (updated for modern readers), Charnock does his best to explain that idea. It’s something that verges on the inexplicable—but something clearly taught in Scripture—and so Charnock seeks to help his readers (originally, hearers) understand it. He doesn’t really engage in debate about it, or defend it against attacks—he does tackle some objections or hard parts to grapple with. But he’s not doing that in a polemic way, mostly he seems to work from the assumption that if he clarifies the doctrine and clears up misconceptions, that’ll be enough. (also, he’s not really trying to engage with naysayers)
That’s basically the first 13 chapters—133 pages or so, almost half the book. The second half is applying that to the Church and individual believers. I remember a former pastor of mine saying that this (and related) doctrines in Scripture weren’t used in the way most contemporary people use them—to beat up on believers who don’t quite agree with us on providence, predestination, election, and whatnot. Instead, the inspired writers used them to comfort, encourage, and give confidence to believers. And that’s just what Charnock does in the second half.
He starts by describing how Providence is an expression of care and protection for the Church and how we see that. Then he focuses on individual Christians, and how we can find comfort and encouragement in all things from these teachings. Even the last chapter here, “The Duty Providence Requires,” is made up of items like “believe in God’s work,” “remember what He as done,” “wait patiently for Him.” and so on—things that really call for the confidence I mentioned earlier to be expressed.
Bonus materials
Before the introductions, prefaces, etc. the reader is presented with a nine-page outline of the work—which is a great bonus and will be very helpful for students and other readers really wanting to dive into the nitty-gritty of this work.
The editor has also broken this down into clearer chapters (see below) and added summary paragraphs to each chapter to help the reader (I’m not sure how helpful those ultimately were and stopped reading them pretty quickly).
There are also study/discussion questions provided at the end of every chapter. They don’t seem too bad—but again, I didn’t spend much time looking at those. But I think they’ll be a strong selling point for many.
The Modernizing of it All
In the Editor’s Preface, Carolyn Whiting states that
Now, I get updating pronoun use, changing to ESV, and most of the other changes (although typically “language” means changing archaic words that have changed meanings, shortening sentences, etc.). The chapters and subheads idea is great—the original edition is tough to read just because of the organization. I have no issues with what Whiting stated there.
But then I started seeing (and I don’t know how often, but it happens a few times) footnotes saying “Charnock goes on to say…” and giving us a phrase or two beyond that. Why those phrases couldn’t be added above I didn’t once understand. But it tripped me up—just how much was Whiting doing to make Charnock accessible to the modern reader? I spent too much of my mental RAM wondering about that while reading and likely didn’t get as much out of it as I should’ve.
To give you a flavor here are the first few paragraphs of the book:
Charnock's version:
"Modern Reader" version:
I can’t say the Whiting version is bad…but I don’t know that Charnock needed that much help. My son said it reminded him of copying something (encylopedia entry, article, etc.) for a report in school, but changing just enough of it so as not to be accused of plagiarism.
I do wonder if the wrong name is on the cover/title page, however.
So, what did I think about Divine Providence?
When I could stop focusing on the issues in the above section, I really appreciated the book. The first half was clearly the same kind of thinking seen in The Existence and Attributes of God.
Parts 2 and 3, the application of the doctrine to our lives and the Church? I absolutely loved that and was so encouraged it. There was so much there that was so good to see and be reminded of. It’s truly worth reading the book to get those parts (but you do need to read the first part—you can���t just jump into these sections, you need the foundation).
I can’t be as happy with this as I’d like—I just can’t get over the paraphrasing (for lack of a better term) bothers me more than it maybe should. I do think this is a lot easier to read than the non-modernized version (if only because mostly those are printed with tiny typefaces), and will reach more people. But the purist in me worries we lose too much of Charnock.
The important thing, however, is that Charnock is being brought to readers in a digestible manner. I do encourage people to pick it up because of that.
---
WHAT'S DIVINE PROVIDENCE ABOUT?
Question and Answer 11 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism are:
Q. What are God’s works of providence?
A. God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
In this classic work (updated for modern readers), Charnock does his best to explain that idea. It’s something that verges on the inexplicable—but something clearly taught in Scripture—and so Charnock seeks to help his readers (originally, hearers) understand it. He doesn’t really engage in debate about it, or defend it against attacks—he does tackle some objections or hard parts to grapple with. But he’s not doing that in a polemic way, mostly he seems to work from the assumption that if he clarifies the doctrine and clears up misconceptions, that’ll be enough. (also, he’s not really trying to engage with naysayers)
That’s basically the first 13 chapters—133 pages or so, almost half the book. The second half is applying that to the Church and individual believers. I remember a former pastor of mine saying that this (and related) doctrines in Scripture weren’t used in the way most contemporary people use them—to beat up on believers who don’t quite agree with us on providence, predestination, election, and whatnot. Instead, the inspired writers used them to comfort, encourage, and give confidence to believers. And that’s just what Charnock does in the second half.
He starts by describing how Providence is an expression of care and protection for the Church and how we see that. Then he focuses on individual Christians, and how we can find comfort and encouragement in all things from these teachings. Even the last chapter here, “The Duty Providence Requires,” is made up of items like “believe in God’s work,” “remember what He as done,” “wait patiently for Him.” and so on—things that really call for the confidence I mentioned earlier to be expressed.
Bonus materials
Before the introductions, prefaces, etc. the reader is presented with a nine-page outline of the work—which is a great bonus and will be very helpful for students and other readers really wanting to dive into the nitty-gritty of this work.
The editor has also broken this down into clearer chapters (see below) and added summary paragraphs to each chapter to help the reader (I’m not sure how helpful those ultimately were and stopped reading them pretty quickly).
There are also study/discussion questions provided at the end of every chapter. They don’t seem too bad—but again, I didn’t spend much time looking at those. But I think they’ll be a strong selling point for many.
The Modernizing of it All
In the Editor’s Preface, Carolyn Whiting states that
I sought to retain the author’s meaning while updating the language and style, sentence by sentence, to make it more accessible for today’s reader. The original volume, which was a compilation of a series of Charnock’s sermons, had no chapters or subheads and few paragraphs. In addition to adding these features, I have inserted the occasional transition, updated spelling and pronouns for a contemporary audience, replaced archaic vocabulary with modern equivalents, and updated Scripture to the English Standard Version except where noted.
Now, I get updating pronoun use, changing to ESV, and most of the other changes (although typically “language” means changing archaic words that have changed meanings, shortening sentences, etc.). The chapters and subheads idea is great—the original edition is tough to read just because of the organization. I have no issues with what Whiting stated there.
But then I started seeing (and I don’t know how often, but it happens a few times) footnotes saying “Charnock goes on to say…” and giving us a phrase or two beyond that. Why those phrases couldn’t be added above I didn’t once understand. But it tripped me up—just how much was Whiting doing to make Charnock accessible to the modern reader? I spent too much of my mental RAM wondering about that while reading and likely didn’t get as much out of it as I should’ve.
To give you a flavor here are the first few paragraphs of the book:
Charnock's version:
In the beginning of 2 Chronicles 16, we find Baasha, king of Israel, building and fortifying Ramah. Situated on the road between Jerusalem and Samaria, Ramah is about twelve miles from Jerusalem, the metropolis of Judah and the seat of its king, Asa. Baasha intends to isolate Asa and to prohibit anyone from crossing the border between the two nations (v. 1).
Baasha is probably afraid that the people of Israel will revolt and flee to Judah because Asa has reformed the practice of religion there. Therefore, Baasha fortifies Ramah to hinder and intercept any who try to pass by on that account. “For great numbers had deserted to [Asa] from Israe| when they saw that the Lorp his God was with him” (2 Chron. 15:9).
When Asa realizes what Baasha is doing, he is afraid, and in his fear he sins by seeking help through worldly means rather than by turning to God. He enters into a covenant with Ben-hadad, king of Syria, who is a neighbor and an idolatrous prince, and purchases his assistance for the sacrilegious price of silver and gold from the temple treasury. His plan is for Ben-hadad to invade Israel’s territories and distract Baasha from fortifying Ramah. The large payment easily persuades Ben-hadad to break his covenant with Baasha, and his armies successfully take several cities, including all the store cities of Naphtali (2 Chron. 16:2-4). Baasha is forced to abandon Ramah in order to save his country, and Asa seizes the materials Baasha has left behind and uses them to build two cities, Geba and Mizpah (vv. 5-6).
"Modern Reader" version:
In the beginning of the chapter you find Baasha king of Israel raising walls about, and fortifying Ramah, a place about twelve miles from Jerusalem, the metropolis of Judah, intending by that means to block Asa up, because Ramah lay just upon the road between Jerusalem and Samaria, the seats of the two kings, ver. 1.
Baasha was probably afraid of the revolt of Israel to Judah, upon that reformation of religion wrought by Asa, and therefore would fortify that place, to be a hindrance, and to intercept any that should pass upon that account; and to this purpose makes great preparation, as appears ver. 6, for with the provision Baasha had made for the fortification of Ramah, Asa, after the seizing of the materials, builds two towns, Geba and Mispah.
Asa seeing Baasha so busy about this design, and fearing the consequence of it, hath recourse to carnal policy rather than to God; and therefore enters into league with Benhadad, a neighbour, though an idolatrous prince, and purchaseth his assistance with the sacrilegious price of the treasure of the temple, ver. 2, 3; and hereby engageth him to invade the king of Israel’s territories, that he might thereby find work for Baasha in another part, and so divert him from that design upon which he was so bent: ver. 3, ‘Go, break thy league with Baasha, that he may depart from me.’
Benhadad is easily persuaded by the quantity of gold, &c., to break his league, and make an inroad, and proves victorious, and takes many cities where the magazines and stores were laid up, ver. 4.
Baasha now, to save his country, and make head against his enemies, is forced to leave Ramah; whereupon Asa, who watched his opportunity, seizeth the materials he had left for the fortifying of Ramah, and puts them to another use, ver. 5, 6.
I can’t say the Whiting version is bad…but I don’t know that Charnock needed that much help. My son said it reminded him of copying something (encylopedia entry, article, etc.) for a report in school, but changing just enough of it so as not to be accused of plagiarism.
I do wonder if the wrong name is on the cover/title page, however.
So, what did I think about Divine Providence?
When I could stop focusing on the issues in the above section, I really appreciated the book. The first half was clearly the same kind of thinking seen in The Existence and Attributes of God.
Parts 2 and 3, the application of the doctrine to our lives and the Church? I absolutely loved that and was so encouraged it. There was so much there that was so good to see and be reminded of. It’s truly worth reading the book to get those parts (but you do need to read the first part—you can���t just jump into these sections, you need the foundation).
I can’t be as happy with this as I’d like—I just can’t get over the paraphrasing (for lack of a better term) bothers me more than it maybe should. I do think this is a lot easier to read than the non-modernized version (if only because mostly those are printed with tiny typefaces), and will reach more people. But the purist in me worries we lose too much of Charnock.
The important thing, however, is that Charnock is being brought to readers in a digestible manner. I do encourage people to pick it up because of that.
March 14, 2022
In the midst of some uncertain times, including a personal loss in my family, this book on the Providence of God was a timely read. It was so good that I am left disappointed by its modern obscurity, and I believe it fully merits a stand alone republication from some major Christian publisher. It has nothing but profound yet relevant theological insights into the government of God in the world. It addresses:
- In what way is God "in control"?
- How does the human will interact with divine sovereignty?
- If God is in control why does He allow such suffering and evil?
- How should we live in light of God's sovereign care of His people?
These questions and many more are addressed in detail, and though it is written 350+ years ago I did not find the writing to be overly difficult (though some portions are dense). Charnock is meticulous but clear; precise but pastoral. Some passages are so full of the overwhelming love of God for His people that I had to take pause to meditate on them. Some exerpts:
"God's methods appear in the end both wiser and better than our frames. Infinite goodness aims more at our welfare than our shallow self-love; and infinite wisdom can conduct things to our welfare, better than our short-sighted skill. He that knows all the moments of time, knows best how to time his actions. As God stayed for he fulness of time to bring the great redemption by Christ into the world, so he stays for a finless of time to bring all the great consequences and appendices of it unto his church. 'Everything is beautiful in his time.'"
"When his people are at a loss, it is his usual time to do his greatest works for them; God had promised Christ many ages, and yet no appearance of him; still promise after promise, and no performance, PS 40:8. It was then, 'Lo, I come,' yet many hundred years rolled away, and no sight of him yet. Captivity and affliction, and no Redeemer; but when the world was overrun with idolatry, the Jews oppressed by the Romans, the sceptre departed from Judah, Herod an Edomite and stranger-king, and scarce any faith left, then, he comes."
"What doth God do at the folding up of the world but perfect his people, and welcome them into glory? Therefore God principally next to himself loves his churc. The whole earth is his, but the church is his treasure...'Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good,' &c., 'assuredly with my whole heart, and with my whole soul.' As though God minded nothing else but those people he had made an everlasting covenant with, which is the highest security, and most pregnant expression of his affection that can be given to any; not to give them a parcel or moiety of his heart, but the whole, infinite, entire piece, and to engage it all with the greatest delight in doing good to them."
Cannot recomend more highly.
- In what way is God "in control"?
- How does the human will interact with divine sovereignty?
- If God is in control why does He allow such suffering and evil?
- How should we live in light of God's sovereign care of His people?
These questions and many more are addressed in detail, and though it is written 350+ years ago I did not find the writing to be overly difficult (though some portions are dense). Charnock is meticulous but clear; precise but pastoral. Some passages are so full of the overwhelming love of God for His people that I had to take pause to meditate on them. Some exerpts:
"God's methods appear in the end both wiser and better than our frames. Infinite goodness aims more at our welfare than our shallow self-love; and infinite wisdom can conduct things to our welfare, better than our short-sighted skill. He that knows all the moments of time, knows best how to time his actions. As God stayed for he fulness of time to bring the great redemption by Christ into the world, so he stays for a finless of time to bring all the great consequences and appendices of it unto his church. 'Everything is beautiful in his time.'"
"When his people are at a loss, it is his usual time to do his greatest works for them; God had promised Christ many ages, and yet no appearance of him; still promise after promise, and no performance, PS 40:8. It was then, 'Lo, I come,' yet many hundred years rolled away, and no sight of him yet. Captivity and affliction, and no Redeemer; but when the world was overrun with idolatry, the Jews oppressed by the Romans, the sceptre departed from Judah, Herod an Edomite and stranger-king, and scarce any faith left, then, he comes."
"What doth God do at the folding up of the world but perfect his people, and welcome them into glory? Therefore God principally next to himself loves his churc. The whole earth is his, but the church is his treasure...'Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good,' &c., 'assuredly with my whole heart, and with my whole soul.' As though God minded nothing else but those people he had made an everlasting covenant with, which is the highest security, and most pregnant expression of his affection that can be given to any; not to give them a parcel or moiety of his heart, but the whole, infinite, entire piece, and to engage it all with the greatest delight in doing good to them."
Cannot recomend more highly.
July 13, 2016
Sometimes hard to follow given the writing style. For example there are no chapters, but rather it is a long essay broken up only by propositions. Nevertheless, a wonderful and thorough declaration of God's providence.
December 3, 2023
Great work on the providence of God. Most helpful about this work include the study questions at the end of each chapter!
September 20, 2022
What did the Puritans say about providence? In Divine Providence, P&R Publishers presents Stephen Charnock’s classic work for modern readers.
Modern English
Edited by Carolyn Whiting, this new edition of Charnock’s 1680 work is beautifully rendered in smooth, modern English. It is reads quickly and convincingly. With Puritan clarity and persuasion, Charnock’s words are worshipful and memorable. “He is wise to see and strong to save” is a phrase that I haven’t been able to get out of my head.
The book is divided into three parts. First, Charnock explains that there is a providence exercised by God in the world. No one questions God’s right to govern except those consumed by “illogical ambition.” There is a preserving, caring quality to God’s providence. Charnock’s words are succinct and striking.
His Heart for the Church
I was most encouraged to see God’s providence over human hearts. He changes and turns them, even turning people’s tactics (Gen 11:4-8) and imaginations (Judg 7:22) against them. I was reminded that the Lord plans our steps, and even the heart of a king is like a stream of water in the hands of the Lord.
Next, Charnock writes how all God’s providences in the world are ordered for the good of his people. More specifically, it is the Church that sees how all providence is for the glory of God’s grace in Christ. I saw that Jesus is the true head of the Church, and he governs it for his glory and our good.
Prayer and Perseverance
Finally, Charnock shows that sincerity in God’s way gives believers an interest in all God’s providences and their goodness. As the family of God and the bride of Christ, we experience the power of prayer and the saving power of perseverance. I was reminded that nothing is impossible with God.
Study questions at the back of each chapter make this book perfect for small groups and Bible studies. The chapters are short yet robust, and give you more than enough to dwell upon as a devotional read. This is one of the most beautiful books I have seen from P&R, and it would make for a handsome graduation gift or as a beautiful Christmas present.
Timeless Truths
The book ends with duties for the Christian in regards to God’s providence. These include commands such as do not fear, remember all that God has done, and wait patiently on the Lord. These timeless truths are a great comfort, and will lead your heart and mind to worship.
I received a media copy of Divine Providence and this is my honest review.
Modern English
Edited by Carolyn Whiting, this new edition of Charnock’s 1680 work is beautifully rendered in smooth, modern English. It is reads quickly and convincingly. With Puritan clarity and persuasion, Charnock’s words are worshipful and memorable. “He is wise to see and strong to save” is a phrase that I haven’t been able to get out of my head.
The book is divided into three parts. First, Charnock explains that there is a providence exercised by God in the world. No one questions God’s right to govern except those consumed by “illogical ambition.” There is a preserving, caring quality to God’s providence. Charnock’s words are succinct and striking.
His Heart for the Church
I was most encouraged to see God’s providence over human hearts. He changes and turns them, even turning people’s tactics (Gen 11:4-8) and imaginations (Judg 7:22) against them. I was reminded that the Lord plans our steps, and even the heart of a king is like a stream of water in the hands of the Lord.
Next, Charnock writes how all God’s providences in the world are ordered for the good of his people. More specifically, it is the Church that sees how all providence is for the glory of God’s grace in Christ. I saw that Jesus is the true head of the Church, and he governs it for his glory and our good.
Prayer and Perseverance
Finally, Charnock shows that sincerity in God’s way gives believers an interest in all God’s providences and their goodness. As the family of God and the bride of Christ, we experience the power of prayer and the saving power of perseverance. I was reminded that nothing is impossible with God.
Study questions at the back of each chapter make this book perfect for small groups and Bible studies. The chapters are short yet robust, and give you more than enough to dwell upon as a devotional read. This is one of the most beautiful books I have seen from P&R, and it would make for a handsome graduation gift or as a beautiful Christmas present.
Timeless Truths
The book ends with duties for the Christian in regards to God’s providence. These include commands such as do not fear, remember all that God has done, and wait patiently on the Lord. These timeless truths are a great comfort, and will lead your heart and mind to worship.
I received a media copy of Divine Providence and this is my honest review.
March 29, 2024
A fantastic read on the Providence of God. Carolyn Whitjng brings to modern readers the practical but understandable teachings of Stephen Charnock. Though these teachings were written over 300 years ago, they, like the Holy Bible itself, are timeless. Filled with truth from the Bible (there is an entire post section of all the scripture used, and it is from across the scriptures), this book strengthens and encourages by pointing us back to God. All things are for God and for his glory. When we right the equation, we right so many misunderstandings of who God is.
Thank you to the editor, Carolyn, for bringing such an important piece of work to the modern Christian.
Thank you to the editor, Carolyn, for bringing such an important piece of work to the modern Christian.
September 7, 2024
Theologically robust and pastorally wise. The modern church could do with a better appreciation for the providence of God, especially with regard to angst about politics and culture.
I would have liked for him to expound a little bit more about what exactly he thought was good to pray for and not to pray for, because it wasn't exactly clear.
I'm always skeptical of "modernized language"-type things but as best I could tell (with the exception of a bone-chilling use of the contraction "let's" near the beginning) it did not interfere with Charnock's voice.
I would have liked for him to expound a little bit more about what exactly he thought was good to pray for and not to pray for, because it wasn't exactly clear.
I'm always skeptical of "modernized language"-type things but as best I could tell (with the exception of a bone-chilling use of the contraction "let's" near the beginning) it did not interfere with Charnock's voice.
August 18, 2025
Full of anecdotal analogies and biblical references which provided a different vantage point on a seemingly simple pillar of faith, there is benefit to this read but it suffers from an overly repetitive and somewhat contradictory explanation. More concise summary would have increased the accuracy and better conveyed the author's point.
February 15, 2023
I will always be reading somewhere in this book until I die. It is too good to shelve. Though Charnock was a supercessionist, I can easily look past it and understand his thoughts. This deep-dive into providence is deeply needed in every age, for every believer.
March 29, 2024
Such an encouragement to be reminded of God’s sovereign acts on behalf of His people! Though we often do not understand His ways or timing, He is always working for the good of His kingdom and us, His subjects in it.
June 4, 2024
Wonderful content, but the much acclaimed translation “for modern readers” struck me early on as relentlessly flat from sentence to sentence. I was able to get past that at times later in the book, but I couldn’t shake my initial impression.
August 27, 2024
A modernized version of an ancient classic, this book on providence shows its readers how God is fully sovereign and in control. It is a highly readable book thanks to Carolyn Whiting’s update.
Well worth a read!!
Well worth a read!!
November 18, 2024
3 1/2 stars. I read this as part of my morning devotions, which it lent itself very well to. The last third became more of a struggle to finish. It does an excellent job of giving a summary of the different attributes of God and how we should respond.
December 7, 2022
One of the best books I have ever read. Highly recommend it.
March 15, 2023
Really enjoyed this updated edition of a classic work. The content of Charnock on Divine Providence is excellent. The book is updated for an easy read and very manageable chapters.
April 14, 2023
Pure gold! This along with his work on the attributes of God are top tier theology for the church.
July 10, 2023
Excellent!
October 19, 2023
Good book, but the audiobook narrator is awful!
March 16, 2024
Ordinary Providence is more amazing when supernatural miracles.
Read
July 5, 2024still on the tbr - oops
January 19, 2025
Super helpful and encouraging. A must read for all Christians!
March 9, 2025
The best full but concise view of Gods providence that I’ve read. Extremely helpful, powerful, and insightful, yet understandable and practical.
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November 11, 2024"God will do nothing but for the best, His wisdom appointing it with the highest reason, and His goodness ordering it to the most gracious end; and because He is the highest good, He doth not only will good, but the best good in everything He acts. What greater comfort can there be than that we are under the care of an infallible, unwearied, and righteous governor! Infallible because of His infinite wisdom, unwearied because of His incomprehensible omnipotency, and righteous because of His unbounded goodness and holiness. [...] The obeying part is ours, the
governing part is God's." - Stephen Charnock
governing part is God's." - Stephen Charnock
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