Reflection 77

On providence and the possibility that God’s intent in the death of key leaders is to point the nation back to Himself – in a letter to Lady Waldegrave*… 

The Almighty seems to be taking from us our main props within; whatever was most eminent for talents and public spirit and heroism—Nelson, Pitt, and Cornwallis, all gone together. Yet the same events have very different aspects. It is possible, (reasoning from the contents of the Holy Scriptures, whence alone we can derive our scanty knowledge of the Divine principles of conduct,) it is possible, and I would hope, but I own with more than a counterbalancing of a contrary fear, that the Almighty may intend to show us our folly in trusting to an arm of flesh, and that He can deliver and protect us, when they are no more, in whom our ungrateful and irreligious nation has been used to repose its chief confidence.

*Maria Walpole (1736–1807), a British aristocrat and member of the royal family, cf. Reflection 75

Date: February 1, 1806

Volume 3: Page 250-251

Posted: 20260815