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280 THE AKRON OFFERING. December, 1849. Selected for the Offering. God in the Events of the Times. By Rev. H. Hervey.1 There are two grand sources of information from which we may learn our duty, and from which the wise in every age have learned what they ought to do. One is the word, and the other the providence of God. In the one God speaks; in the other he acts. By studying the word, we learn what he has revealed as the rule of faith and obedience. By observing his provi1 . Henry Hervey (1798–1872) lived for nearly four decades in Martinsburg, Ohio, where he was the pastor of the Presbyterian Church, the principal (and founder) of Martinsburg Academy and Martinsburg Female Seminary, and perhaps the editor of a religious periodical. See The Biographical Record of Knox County, Ohio (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Company, 1902), 375, Google Books, http://books .google.com/books?id=pREVAAAAYAAJ, and Stuart C. Wade, The Wade Genealogy (New York: Stuart C. Wade, 1900), 334, Google Books, http://books.google.com/books?id=iANaAAAAMAAJ. About 40 miles northeast of Columbus and 70 miles southwest of Akron, Martinsburg had a population of about 400 in 1850. Many graduates of Hervey’s schools went on to be Presbyterian leaders or the wives of Presbyterian leaders. In B. F. Smith’s 1851 report on the condition of the Ohio common schools in Knox County, Hervey’s academy is named as one of the most distinguished. “Its usefulness and benefits are indicated by the morality and general intelligence of the citizens of that part of our county,” he reports, adding, “(not a rum selling or rum manufacturing establishment to be found in its vicinity.)” See Documents, including Messages and Other Communications Made to the Fiftieth General Assembly of the State of Ohio 16, no 2 (Columbus: S. Medary, 1852), 91, Google Books, http://books google.com/books?id=kXYUAAAAYAAJ. Hervey’s reputation and influence extended beyond Martinsburg . In 1860, for example, he travelled ten miles north to Gambier, Ohio, where he served as the “Class Orator” for the 1860 commencement at Kenyon College. In his “fine voice” he delivered a “masterly” talk on “The Conservative Influence of the Scholar” in Rosse Chapel (now Rosse Hall) to a large, “fashionable and highly intellectual audience.” See E. Owen Simpson, “Kenyon College,” The University Quarterly 2, no. 1 (July 1860): 196–98, Google Books, http://books.google.com/ December, 1849 281 dence, in its various developments, we see this rule confirmed. By the one we learn what our duty is at all times and under all circumstances; and by the other our duty at particular times and under special circumstances. The two books we should study, not only attentively, but in connexion, that we may be men of understanding concerning the times, and know what we ought to do. The one illustrates the other, and neither can be studied alone to advantage. If you study the word alone, it will appear dark, inexplicable, and without an intelligible end. But studied together, the one sheds light upon the other, and both become more clear. The Savior charged some of his hearers with hypocrisy, because they could discern the face of the sky, but not the signs of the times. As we look at the face of nature for the purpose of directing our ordinary actions, so the Savior would have us carefully observe the aspect of God’s moral government as developed in the progress of events, that we may have understanding of the times. Not knowing the signs of the times, the Jews opposed and persecuted Jesus, and finally put him to death, which they would not have done had they attended to the aspects of divine providence which indicated the fulfillment of prophecy in the person of Christ. Had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. The ever varying aspect of the times, are so many developments of the great scheme of God’s providence, which is hastening to the accomplishment of his grand purposes concerning our world; and each passing event is an additional manifestation of God’s character and will; and he acts most wisely, who, as the leaves of the book of providence are being continually turned, carefully studies the lesson of each day so as to learn more of God—of his wisdom, justice, and mercy; or more of himself, his present duty and future destiny. Let us inquire. 1. What are some...

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