Job 21:23

One dieth in his full strength. .. Another dieth in the bitterness of his soul.

Providence vindicated against the superficial observer

That which hampers men most in understanding providence is its tremendous extent. It is like a great poem, and all that one life or one observer can read is a few words, or at most, a few lines. God does not always show His hand. Sometimes He does, and when it suits Him better, He hides it. It is expedient that some mystery hang over the dispensations of this life. Whatever is unsatisfactory, therefore, at present plainly suggests that the scheme is yet unfinished. The unsatisfactory nature of the present suggests a future. Revelation steps in to tell us that this life is but the vestibule of existence. One or two considerations will modify our hasty conclusions in regard to the real fortunes of those who live and die around us, whether their circumstances be apparently prosperous or depressed.

1. Happiness and misery are by no means always according to appearance. They depend more upon the inner state of the soul than its outward surroundings, and are therefore put, to some extent, within the power of everyone.

2. Men make their judgments too much from the outside. It is the outside look of providence that puzzles us, and makes understanding difficult.

We arrive at the following conclusions--

1. God is no indifferent spectator of human fortunes, but manages them on a perfectly righteous plan.

2. The deceptive character of appearances makes it necessary to subtract a good deal from the apparent happiness and misery of the world at the outset of our investigations.

3. Physical disadvantages, and deprivation of the members and senses are capable of compensation in the other world.

4. The difficulty in understanding aright the providence of God, arises from the complex nature of many of His acts, which may have various distinct branches or departments, as penal, disciplinary, merciful, and even remunerative, all in a single stroke.

5. We can understand enough of the Divine doings to enable us to trust for the remainder.

6. The root of all happiness is a good conscience, and this is put within the reach of all.

7. A good conscience can only be had and maintained by seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness with all the means in our power.

8. And for all the purposes of practical piety, it is rather necessary we should remember the superintending arm of the great Worker, than that we should understand what He is doing. (William Isaac Keay.)