“Resignation to God under afflictions would be impossible, if they were not viewed as coming from the hand of God. Job resigned under his afflictions, because he considered it sent from God. “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not also receive evil?” To the exercise of resignation, a belief in particular Providence is necessary. The general arrangements of Providence, which because of their benevolence, have called forth our gratitude, may fail, in the particular difficulty of our present condition, to meet our necessities. We suffer in consequence of this failure, and piety prompts us to bear the suffering with resignation to the will of God; but this would be impossible if we did not believe that the particular event happens according to the will of God. We must view Providence, not merely as instituting general laws but as directing the times and circumstances in which the operation of these laws cross our path. “In order to the further exercise of piety, the Providence in which we believe must not only be particular, but it must be exercised with design. Resignation to blind fate is not piety. We must not only feel the hand of God in our affliction, but we must realize that it has been laid on us with design. We have to do, not so much with our Father’s hand as with our Father’s heart. It is not necessary to the exercise of piety, that we should be able to penetrate His design; but we must believe its existence. We are not required to understand or explain all the mystery attendant on the doctrine of Predestination; but a belief of the doctrine is necessary to an intelligent exercise of pious resignation. A wise Providence, and to such only is intelligent piety resigned, operates with design. “Human depravity is prone to make an improper use of divine truth. The doctrine concerning God’s will of purpose is made a pretext for neglecting His will of command, and an apology for past disobedience. The transgressor pleads, “who hath resisted His will?” But sincere piety leaves God to exercise His will of purpose in His own way, and makes the will of precept its rule of duty. It leaves God to His work, and delights in it as the work of duty. It leaves God to His work, and delights in it as the work of God. Where it cannot comprehend His design, it still trusts in Him, and rejoices in the assurance that He does all things well.” ~~From the works of Dr. J.L. Dagg, Dr. Dagg was President of Mercer University from 1843-1856
“Yes, dearest Lord, ‘tis my desire Thy wise appointments to admire; And trace the footsteps of my God, Through every path in Zion’s road.” ~~Burnham
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