Those who believe that man is the victim of fate customarily speak of destiny or fate as being blind; untoward happenings are the result of unseeing chance, of blind necessity. Fate operates enshrouded in darkness. For such there is no answer to the question as to why things happen. Fortunately, there are many who have been delivered from the darkness and fear of paganism by gaining some understanding of what men have called Providence. To provide is simply to foresee. The provident preview the future, and make adequate preparation for conditions which they know will come. The improvident do not see; hence, they sow their grain too late, or neglect its harvesting. In fair weather they do not build; and when winter comes upon them they are not provided with either food or shelter. Having this human illustration of the necessity for providing, men have gained some understanding that the universe reveals an overruling Providence; and when, through the revelation of Christianity, they come to understand that God is Love, they have the inward comfort of knowing that this divine Love has foreseen man's every need and made provision for all blessedness. It becomes evident through experience that those who are in conformity with divine Mind naturally and necessarily receive providential guidance, blessing, and comfort to the full extent of their ability to receive.
A poet has spoken of the desire of many to be "wafted to the skies on flowery beds of ease;" but in answer to that desire there is the proverbial statement that there is no royal road to learning. Progress has to be made through whatever difficulties present themselves. When it is necessary that one shall face lions in his path, he can trust that the lions' mouths will be stopped, because the law of good, guiding him in his course of righteousness, will affect the surrounding conditions. If it be not necessary for him to face these untoward conditions, he will be enabled to walk where no lion is, and where no ravening beast comes. But whether in a land of peace, or where the arrow flies by day and the vaporous pestilence spreads at night, the one who trusts in divine Providence is walking in safety. This has been beautifully expressed by the poet who said:—
"Embosomed deep in Thy dear love,
Held in Thy law, I stand:
Thy hand in all things I behold,
And all things in Thy hand."
