by Willliam S. Plumer
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
God reigns is a logical conclusion from God is. To deny God's providence is as atheistic as to deny his existence. A God, who neither sees, nor hears, nor knows, nor cares, nor helps, nor saves—is a vanity, and can never claim homage from intelligent men. Such a God should be derided, not worshiped. He might suit the mythology of Paganism, or meet the demands of an infidel heart—but could never command the allegiance, or win the confidence of an enlightened and pious man! Yet there have been and still are, those who deny Providence. "They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say—Who will see them?" Psalm 64:5 Some say outright, "The wicked say to themselves--'God isn't watching! He will never notice!' Arise, O Lord! Punish the wicked, O God!" Psalm 10:11-12. Nothing more derogatory to the character of God can possibly be said, than that he does not rule the world. To bring into existence and then forsake a race of beings, and care no more for them would argue a total lack of the moral attributes of divinity. Such conduct may well comport with the character of false gods—but is wholly abhorrent to the nature of Jehovah. The world may as well be without a God, as have one who is incompetent to rule it, or, who, wrapping himself in a mantle of careless indifference, abandons creation to the governance of puny mortals, to the rule of devils, or to the sway of a blind chance!
Abraham named the place "Jehovah-jireh." (The Lord Will Provide) This name has now become a proverb: "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." Genesis 22:14
I would assert eternal Providence, And justify the ways of God to men.
"Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases!" Psalm 115:3
"For I know that the Lord is great; our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever He pleases in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all the depths!" Psalm 135:5-6
"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!" Revelation 19:6
Providences are long chains with many links in them. If one link were missing, the event would fail. But it is God's chain and God's plan. The thing is fixed. The outcome is not doubtful.
"I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2
"My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do." Isaiah 46:10-11
"The plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will." Ephesians 1:11
"This is the plan determined for the whole world." Isaiah 14:26
William Swan Plumer (July 26, 1802 – October 22, 1880) was an American clergyman, theologian and author who was recognized as an intellectual leader of the Presbyterian Church in the 1800s.
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Table of Contents
Providence Asserted
Providence Defined
God's Providence Results from His Nature
God's Providence is Universal
Practical Remarks on the Nature of Providence
God's Providence is Retributive
Divine Forbearance: The Delays of Providence in Punishing the Wicked
Several Principles of the Doctrine of Providence over Wicked Men
The Mysteries of God's Providence
Practical Remarks on the Mysteries of God's Providence
The Special Kindness of Providence Towards Godly Men
Practical Remarks on the Special Kindness of Providence Towards Godly Men
Alternate Light and Darkness in Providence, Illustrated in the Case of Job
God's Providence Towards His Church Renders Unnecessary All Tormenting Fears
God's Providence over Nations
Providence Punishes Nations for Their Sins