The Work of Conversion

Galloping through the first seven chapters of The Mystery of Providence this weekend, (which I'm led to understand to be an "easy read" as the Puritans go) I have come across many gems already. I shall be halfway through the book by Monday and able then to more carefully savor the second half which is slower going anyway.

Here's a choice jewel upon which to meditate further- typing it out helps to embed it further into my thoughts...

(Providence) performs thousands of kind offices for men; but among them all, this is the chiefest, to lead and direct them to Christ. for consider, of all mercies, this comes through most and greatest difficulties (Eph. 1:19-20).
This, (the conversion of one's soul) is a spiritual mercy, excelling in dignity of nature all others, more than gold excels the dirt under your feet (Rev. 3:18). One such gift is worth thousands of other mercies.
This is a mercy immediately flowing out of the fountain of God's electing love, a mercy never dropped into any but an elect vessel (I Thess. 1:4-5).
...Lastly, this is an eternal mercy, one which will stick by you when father, mother, wife, children, estate, honors, health and life shall fail you (John 4:14).

-From The Mystery of Providence, by John Flavel.

Amen.