1881 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

evil with good, we are misunderstood and our purposesmaligned. "The world knoweth us not because it knew himnot."-- 1 John 3:1.B.--I want to say to you before leaving, that I am much rejoicedto see clearly as I now do, why God permitted evil; that it wasnot, that he had elected ninety to hell to each one chosen forglory, and introduced evil as a pretext to justify their damnation:nor, on the other hand, was it because God could not help itsintroduction, and lacked wisdom to foresee, and power to avertit; but that he arranged for its introduction, and our recoveryfrom it as the embodiment of WISDOM, LOVE, and MERCY.A.--What a privilege is ours, dear friends, to be living during thefulfillment of the "Seventh Trumpet," during which "the mysteryof God shall be finished."--Rev. 10:7. As the mystery and cloudof error and evil begins to roll away, and we get a glimpse of ourFather's loving plans, how it rejoices and refreshes our hearts tosee him as, indeed, a God of Love. Let us lift up our hearts andrejoice, as we see that the glorious Millennial day is dawning,and that soon--"His truth shall break through every cloudThat vails and darkens his designs."In the light of the unfolding plan, Cowper's lines seem almostan inspiration:R255 : page 26God moves in a mysterious way,His wonders to perform;He plants his footsteps in the sea,And rides upon the storm.Deep in unfathomable minesOf never-failing skill,He treasures up his bright designs,And works his sovereign will.Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,The clouds ye so much dreadAre big with mercy, and shall breakIn blessings on your head.Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,But trust him for his grace;Behind a frowning providenceHe hides a smiling face.His purposes will ripen fast,Unfolding every hour;The bud may have a bitter taste,But sweet will be the flower.