The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-10-02
CONFIDENCE IN PROVIDENCE.

The thought that constant and particu-
lar Providence Is exercised over the world,
by the Infinitely wise and benevolent God,
should lead US ever to be satisfied with all
his dealings. We are sometimes prone to
complain Of our earthly lot, CT to murmur
against what seem to he, in reference to our
selves, mysterious dispensations of Provi-
dence.." But if we cherish firm, mistaken
faith in the Scripture doctrine OF Provi-
fence. we shall rejoice 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
affective, we shall recognize, in the allot-
ment, the kind hand Of our heavenly Father;
and If others are more favored than our
selves, we shall be satisfied that it is for the
wisest and best reasons Whatever our sta
station of honor, and fitness and duty; and
that the divine estimate Of our character de-
Ponds. not on the elevation Of our sphere,
but n the manner in which we fill it; not on
our circumstances but on the spirit we
cherish in them.
So tco of the seeming inequality Of the
dealings of Providence, as manifest around
us. against which we are sometimes disposed
to mu' muir, as unjust or severe. refer not
to thu theoretical objections Of the lntidel,
which are easily answered; but rather to the
want of entire practical faith, OF entire
practical confidence in God in those dark
dispensations of his providence, with which
even the good are sometimes tempted to be
dissatisfied as if they could have advised for
the better. With regard to all such dispen-
sations, every rising mul muir shoula
at once be hushed by the thought that
God is infinitely perfect; and that If many OF
his dealings and proyidential movements
now appear unju.t or unWlse. II IS only De-
cause they are not seen in all their relatlons
and as they will be in eternity. AND 1ar
from dishonoring the providence OF Je6o-
Yah, by daring to SIT In Judgmene on ms
piicit and childlike faith in the rectitude or
bis dealings, knowing they are conducted by
infinite wisdom and infinite goodness.
There Is q jewish tradition concerning
Moses, which so beautifully illustrates this
point, as to be worthy Of universal notice,
for though merely fable, it is not on that
account, the less instructive. The great
prophet, says one of the Rabbins, was once
called by God to the top of high mountain,
and there permitted to propose any Questions
He pleased concerning the government OF
the universe. In the midst OF one OF
his INQUIRIES as to Providence, he was di-
rected to look down upon the plain below,
where was clear spring Of water. At this
spring a soldier had alighted from his horse
to drink. No sooner had he satisfied his
thirst and gone, than little boy came to
the same place, ard finding purse tho sol.
dier had dropped, picked it up and went
away. Soon after, therecame al lnfirm old
man, with hoary hairs, and weary with age
and travelling, who, having quenched his
thirst. sat down for rest and rerreshment by
the side OF tho spring. The soldier by this
time had missed his purse, and returning
demands it Of the old man. who al
firms that he had not seen it, and appeals to
heaven to attest his inncc ence, and the truth
Of his assertion. The soldier, not believing
his assertions, kills him on the spot Moses
fell on his face in horror and amazement,
that such an event should be permitted by
God; when the Divine voice thus prevents
his expostula tion: BE not sur:
prised, Moses, that the Jud g Of oil
the earth should have suffered this
to come to pass. To you there ap
pears no reason why that child should be
theoccasion of that old mans blood Icing
spill cd; Sutknow, that that same old man
some years aso, was the murderer OF that
childs father. And so in every dispense
tions of Providence, there is some wise de-
sign; and in every one the Judge Of all the
earth will do what is right"