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Improvidence. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.

o acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce. Providence would only initiate mankind into the useful knowledge of her treasures, leaving the rest to employ our industry. Dr. H. More. To initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough.…

stice, propriety, or duty. That to the height of this great argument I may assert eternal providence, And justify the ways of God to men. Milton. Unless the oppression is so extreme as to justify revolution, it would not justify the evil of breaking up a government. E. Everett.

uality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation. Providence, for the most part, sets us on a level. Addison. Somebody there of his own level. Swift. Be the fair level of thy actions laid As temperance wills and prudence may persuade. Prior.

minute; continuing; unceasing. [Obs.] Throwing themselves absolutely upon God's minutely providence. Hammond.

re is also a mixture of good and evil wisely distributed by God, to serve the ends of his providence. Atterbury.

That by which a thing is to be measured; standard. He that despairs measures Providence by his own little, contracted model. South.

eutral. [Archaic] In all our undertakings God will be either our friend or our enemy; for Providence never stands neuter. South.

Exerting controlling power; as, an overruling Providence. -- O`ver*rul"ing*ly, adv.

Affording protection; sheltering; defensive. " The favor of a protective Providence." Feltham. Protective coloring (Zoöl.), coloring which serves for the concealment and preservation of a living organism. Cf. Mimicry. Wallace. -- Protective tariff (Polit. Econ.), a tariff designed to secure protection (see Protection,…

The act or process of providing or procuring; providence; foresight; preparation; management. Chaucer. The ill purveyance of his page. Spenser.

; to draw back to correct deportment or course of life; to reform. It is the intention of Providence, in all the various expressions of his goodness, to reclaim mankind. Rogers.

e; quiet or patient submission; unresisting acquiescence; as, resignation to the will and providence of God.

ward. One knows not, certainly, what other rubs might have been ordained for us by a wise Providence. W. Besant.

Selecting; tending to select. This selective providence of the Almighty. Bp. Hall.

Favor; countenance; propitiousness; as, the smiles of Providence. "The smile of heaven." Shak.

That which is sent; a message or messenger; hence, also, a visitation of providence; an affliction or trial. [Obs.] Ye have enough, parde, of Goddes sond. Chaucer.

d to great straits. For I am in a strait betwixt two. Phil. i. 23. Let no man, who owns a Providence, grow desperate under any calamity or strait whatsoever. South. Ulysses made use of the pretense of natural infirmity to conceal the straits he was in at that time in his thoughts. Broome.

he poor from starving. Then he tameth his stacks of corn, which not his covetousness, but providence, hath reserved for time of need. Fuller.

f piety among Roman Catholics. They hold no property, nor do they beg, but depend on what Providence sends. Their chief employment is preaching and giving religious instruction.