Nature shows how the weakness of God is immeasurably stronger
than men; so does history with equal clearness. The oft-quoted
saying, “Providence is always on the side of the big
battalions,” is one with an imposing sound, but it is disproved
by history over and over again. Some of the decisive battles
of the world were won by the small battalions. More than once
has the sling and the stone prevailed against the Philistine
army. Battles are won by the big brain; and wherever that may
be, slight weapons and resources are sufficient for splendid
victories. Now the all-wise God sits on the throne of the world,
and we are often filled with astonishment at the insignificant
agents with which heaven smites its foes, and causes victory
to settle on the banners of right and justice. The world’s
Ruler defeated Pharaoh with frogs and flies; He humbled Israel
with the grasshopper; He smeared the splendor of Herod with
worms; on the plains of Russia, He broke the power of Napoleon
with a snowflake. God has no need to dispatch an archangel;
when once He is angry, a microbe will do. (Text.)--W. L.
WATKINSON, “The Transfigured Sackcloth.”
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