Working by Contraries

“God ma7iy times workcth cotitrary to oictward likelihoods. IVheji the bricks were doubled, who would look for deliverajice? As the Hebrew totigite must be read backward, or as the sun foing back ten degrees in Ahazs dial was a sign of Hezekiah’s recovery, so is providetice to be read backward. Joseph was made a slave that he 7night’be made a favourite. Who would have thought that the dungeon had been the way to the courts that error is a means to clear truth, and bondage niakcth ay for liberty?” Thus have we found sickness work for our health and poverty promote our wealth. Our worst days have turned out to be our best days, and our low estate has lifted us on high. When storms come we may welcome them, for they bring blessing on their wings; but when our calm is long and deep we ought to be on our watch, lest stagnation and disease should come of it. Science talks of curing by likes; but the Heavenly Physician heals both by likes and by contraries; in fact, he bends all things to his gracious purpose. To judge his proceedings is folly and ingratitude. What can we know? Especially what can we know of his design and purpose while his work is yet on the anvil? Our judgments at their best are only moderated foolishness. We are neither prophets nor sons of prophets, and it would be wise if we would no more speculate upon the results of divine operations, but firmly believe and patiently wait till the providence comes to the flower and to the seed, and God becomes his own interpreter.