Saturday, May 31, 2014

One Gracious Purpose of Mercy

Providence is God's government of the universe.

Providence is that mighty scheme which commenced before time was born;  which embraces the annals of other worlds besides ours;  which includes the history of angels, men, and devils.

Providence comprises the whole range of events which have taken place from the formation of the first creature, to the last moment of time with all the tendencies, reasons, connections, and results of things.

Providence encompasses the separate existence of each individual, with the continuation and influence of the whole, in one harmonious scheme.

We are puzzled at almost every step, at the deep, unfathomable mysteries of Providence!

How often is Jehovah, in His dealings with us, a God who hides Himself! How often does He wrap Himself in clouds, and pursue His path upon the waters, where we can neither see His goings, nor trace His footsteps! How many of His dispensations are inexplicable, and of His judgments how many are unfathomable by the short line of our reason!

But whatever we don't know now, we shall know hereafter.The crooked will be made straight, the clouds of darkness will be scattered, and all His conduct towards us placed in the broad day-light of eternity.

We shall see how all the varying, and numerous, and seemingly opposite events of our history, were combined into one gracious purpose of mercy, which was most perfectly wise in all its combinations.
 
 
[John Angell James]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Romans 8:28 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
 
 
1 Corinthians 2:9 ... But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
 
 
1 John 3:2 ... Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.