Ignorant mortals are always rash in their conclusions on
the conduct of Providence, being blinded in their views, and impatient under
woes. But, to compose my combating thoughts, and make me wait the outcome of
all things with patience, let me look into some remarkable
scripture-narratives, and see the fair sunshine of kindness, after the
storms of trouble and clouds of indignation are gone.
First, then, let me look into that which befell
Abraham, the friend of God. Think what joy filled the patriarch's bosom
when promised a son in his old age, and how this joy was increased when the
promised seed was born, and grew up to be a pretty boy—the joy of both his
parents. But, look again, and see the amazing trial, the tremendous scene
that ensues! The promised seed must be sacrificed, and that by the hand of a
most affectionate father! Yet, see his aged joints tremble all the way to
Mount Moriah, to offer up his beloved Isaac, as it were resigning the
promise again to God, trusting God to make it out some other way, though it
were by raising him from the dead.
Now, let us view the beginning of the trial of his faith;
how dark and gloomy, how opposite to reason, affection, and piety too; but,
let us connect the beginning with the latter end—and all at
once is beautiful and bright. There his faith is tried—here it triumphs.
There God commands—here he commends his obedience. There he requires—here he
restores Isaac. The voice of God at first seems to strike at his former
promise—here it confirms all with new promises, enlarged blessings, and this
glorious name superadded, "The father of the faithful." Abraham comes home
full of gladness and gratitude; and we have the divine account, to teach us
to await the end—before we draw our conclusions of God's providential way.
The second is the account of Joseph. In the first
part of the scene, see his young heart ready to burst and break with bitter
anguish! Hear many—but fruitless supplications to his cruel brethren! How
melting are his cries, while his hard-hearted brethren draw him out of the
pit, to sell him for a slave!! Nothing can save him; compassionate Reuben is
not within the reach of his cry. The price is agreed upon, the money is
paid, and away he must go; and neither his parting importunities, his
piercing cries, nor piteous back-looks, can move them to relent. Later,
after a little advancement in Egypt, he is thrown from the liberty of a
servant—into the confinement of a prison. This at first sight is a
melancholy scene; but if we look to the sufferings of a tender-hearted
father, it is heightened to the highest pitch. All his sons and daughters
gather around the grey-headed mourner, to comfort him—but in vain; for still
he thinks he sees the wild beast tearing his beloved Joseph to pieces, who
screams out for help—but none to help is near; and then he is ready to faint
through the excess of sorrow.
Now, this is the first part of the providence, which
indeed has a very dejecting aspect, and if we had never heard more of the
matter, we would have concluded them both very miserable; but let us see how
the dear connection stands. Jacob, who had mourned many years, is at last
overflowed with tides of joy. Joseph, the lost, the long-lamented Joseph, is
still alive! The youth who was sold into Egypt as a servant—has all Egypt at
his service! He who had his feet hurt with fetters—may now bind princes at
his pleasure, and teach senators wisdom! He who lately drudged about in a
dungeon, to attend prisoners—becomes a father to a king! His brothers, who
envied him for his dreams—now bow before him, as the accomplishment of those
very dreams which bred their envy! He whose life they so little valued—saves
the lives of thousands. At his word, whose supplications his brethren would
not hear—all the land of Egypt is governed! The long separated relations
meet, and melt in kindness on one another's neck!
We have, (not to name others,) a similar instance in the
great apostle Paul, and by his own observation too, in his epistle to
the Philippians. This great man, after his singular conversion, preaches
Christ unweariedly in many trials and sufferings; until, at length he
returns to Jerusalem. There by the enraged and unbelieving Jews he is set
upon, and would have been slain, had not the Roman captain rescued him. But
he is so persecuted with their cruel rage, malice, and underhand dealings,
that he is compelled to appeal to an heathen emperor. Now the great apostle
of the Gentiles, to the great grief of the church, is a poor prisoner; hence
says he, "the prisoner of Jesus Christ." He is a long time confined in
Judah, then sent to Rome, where, though shipwrecked in his passage, he
arrives, and is kept two years a prisoner at large. But, says he to the
Philippians, "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me
has actually resulted in the advancement of the gospel, so that it has
become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that
my imprisonment is for Christ. Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained
confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message
fearlessly."
How noble the connection! Paul intends to visit Rome at
his own expenses, to preach the gospel there; but Providence, on the
Emperor's expenses, brings him to make converts, not only in the royal
city—but in the very palace. The Jews think they have succeeded to their
very wish, when they have thus got rid of a pestilent fellow, and a
ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; but they could not have fallen upon
a better method to spread his doctrine, and support his cause. To appearance
his success must end, when his imprisonment begins—but it is quite the
reverse; not only Paul persists in preaching the gospel without
prohibition—but the brethren are emboldened to speak the gospel message
fearlessly.
What reason, then, have I to complain on the first part
of providence, while the outer wheel is only seen? Should I not wait, until
the inner wheel turns around—and I can read plainly the last connection? And
what though that should be reserved for eternity? There every providence
shall be completed to my everlasting comfort, and all things concerning me
connected in the most beautiful harmony. There shall not be the least gap in
my lot or life, when time is no more; but all things shall be made up to me
in Christ Jesus, to the entire satisfaction of my soul.