The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-01-29
Moral Readings,
Confidence in Providence.

Fhe thought that constant and particular
Providence is exercised over the world, by
tho infinitely wise md benevolent God,
should lead us ever 10 be satisfied with all his
dealings. We are sometimes prone 10 COM
plain ofthe hardships of our earthly lot, or TO
murmur against what seem to he, in refer
rnce TO ourselves, "lnysterious dispensations
.of Prov, lence." Bnt if we cherish firm,
uInshaken faith in the Scripture doctrine OF
Providence, we shall re DICE, that God OF
Infinite wisdom and goodness is on the throne
and that He orders all things with the wisest
counsel, and for the best ends.
Whatever our condition or circumstances,
whether prosperous or adverse, Joyous or AZ
fIictive, we shall recognize, in the allotment,
the kind hand of our heavenly Father; and
if others are more favored than ourselves,
wo shall be satisfied that it is for the wisest
and best reasons. Whatever our station IN
life, we shnll feel that it is for us, the station
of honor, and fitness, and duty; and that the
divine estimate of our character depends, not
on the elevation of our sphere, but on the
manner in which we ill il; not oil our cir
cumsa nces, but on the spirit we cherish III
them.
so too of the seeming inequality of the
dealings ofProvidence, as manifest around
us, against which we are sometimes disposed
10 murmur, as unjust or severe. refer no.
to the theoretical objections Of the iniidel,
(which are easily answered; but rather TO the
want of entire practical faith, OF entire prac-
ical confidence in God.n those dark dispen-
Sations ofhis providence, with which even
the good are sometimes tempted to be dissal-
isfied, as if they could have advised for the
better. With regard TO all such dispensa-
tons, every rising murmur should at once he
bushed by the thought that God is infinitely
perfect aud that if many of his dealings and
provdential movements now appear unjust
or unwise, it is only because they are not
seen in all their relations, and as they will he
in eternity And far from dishonoring the
providence ofJehovah, by daring to sit in
Judgment on his operations, we should ever
cherish an implicit and childike faith in the
.rccttudo ofhis dealings, Knowing they are
conducted by infinite wisdom, and infinite
goodness
There is a Jewish tradition concerning Mo-
ses, which so beautifully Illustrates this point,
as to be worthy of universal notice; for
though merely n fable, it is not on that ac-
count, the less instructive. That great
prophet, says one Of the Rabb;ns, was once
called by God TO the top ola high mountain,
and there permitted to propose any questions
he pleased concerning the government ofthe
universe. In the midst of his inquiries as 10
i'royidence, he was directed TO look down
upon the plain below, where was clenr
spring of water At this spring n soldier had
or had he satisfied his thirst and gone, than
ii little boy came to the same place, and find
ing purse the soldier had dropped, picked
it up and went away. Soon after there came
=o,4 infirm old man, with boary hairs,and wea-
~ with age and travelling, who, having
.qeuched his thirst, sat down for rest and
rofreshment by the side of the spring. The
soldier by this time had missed his purses"
returning demands it ofthe old man, who a.
firms that he had moi seen it, and appeals 10
heaven to attest his innocence, and the truth
-ofhis assertion. The soldier, not believing
his assertions, kills him OH the spot! Moses
falls on his face in horror and amazcment,
that such an event should be permitted by
God; when the Divine voice thus prevents
lis eXpostulation: "Be not surprised, Mo
scs, that the Judge all the earth should
have suffered this 10 come to pass. To you
there appears no reason why that child
should be the occasion ofthat old mans blood
being spilled, but know, that that same old
,.nau years ago, was the murderer of that
ciIild's father! And so in every dispensalon
ofProvidence, there is some wise design;and
in every one The Judge Of all the earth will
.tio right"