1840 Corresponding Letter of the South Carolina Association

BRETHREN, WHY HAS GOD PERMITTED these evils to come upon his church? Why doubtless it is to try the faith of his own people—to prove them whether they will stand up for him against the gainsayers and against the wicked world now got into a church state,—and to keep them busy and employed in his service, so that they may find no time to loiter and parley with sin or give way to the tempter. For we are assured that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. He thus in his providence calls us to the duties of Christian soldiers and servants. He saith not yet to us, “Go, sit down to meat:” but rather, “Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself and serve me: and afterward thou shalt eat and drink.” Luke xvii. 7, 8.