1868 Circular Letter of the Corresponding Association (Virginia)

GOD IS A SOVEREIGN. Not such a one as seized the reigns of power, and in the language of a late President, “Runs the machine” as he finds it: but one who has planned and established the whole system of the universe, and works all things after the counsel of his own will. His government embraces every event that ever did, or ever will transpire; and this according to his own eternal purpose: that is, whatever God does, is what he eternally intended to do. Our poor finite minds, incapable of measuring the unfathomable sea of his eternal counsels, are often confounded and bewildered, in attempting to reconcile what seems to be discordant attributes in his nature, and inconsistent displays of his power. But faith comes to our aid, and assures us that all things are working together in delightful harmony, and for the good of them that love him.

Though justice and judgment are the habitation of his throne, yet righteousness and peace shall go before his face. Though truth is inflexible and cannot yield, yet mercy and truth are met together. He sent his Son into the world upon an errand of love and mercy, and raised up wicked men to kill him, the consequence of which will be known and felt to earth’s remotest limit, and fill all heaven with rapturous songs. He raised up, qualified and sent forth Stephen to preach his everlasting gospel; and raised up wicked men to stone him to death. How strange! And how seemingly inconsistent! Yet Stephen never preached so effectively as at the time of his death. Millions then unborn have caught the sound; and while there is a Bible to be read, or a gospel preacher to preach, the echo shall swell and reverberate to the latest generation. Thus from such recorded facts, we are left to gaze upon and admire the beautiful symmetry that pervades the whole of his government, though profoundly mysterious to us.