Providence and Individuals
Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?…


Men talk in a general way about the goodness of God, His benevolence, compassion, and long-suffering; but they think of it as a flood pouring itself out through all the world — as the light of the sun, not as the continually repeated action of an intelligent and living mind contemplating whom it visits and intending what it effects. Accordingly when they come into trouble, they can but say — "It is all for the best — God is good!" and the like, and it all falls as cold comfort upon them, and does not lessen their sorrow, because they have not accustomed their minds to feel that He is a merciful God, regarding them individually, and not a mere Universal Providence, working general laws. And then, perhaps, all of a sudden the new notion breaks upon them, "Thou God seest me!" Some especial providence, amid their infliction, runs right into their hearts; brings it close home to them, in a way they never experienced before, that God sees them.

(J. H. Newman)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

WEB: "Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.




Of the Providence of God
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