In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as
dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping of events seems, to a great degree,
to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is
drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the play and counter-play of
human interests and power and passions, the agencies of the all-merciful One, silently,
patiently working out the counsels of His own will.
