The doctrine of divine providence in regard to the sufferings of good men――one of the hardest problems of human life――might be expected to unfold itself gradually. It would be quite too much for the infancy of human thought and knowledge to grasp this problem and master all its intricacies. Hence the scope for a gradual unfolding (as we may see) all the way from the discussions in Job and the Psalms to the clearer light which shines in the epistle to the Hebrews, as also in Peter and Paul. This beautiful illustration of progress in divine revelation will well reward attention in its place. (6.) On the supposition that God’s scheme for the recovery of our lost race contemplated some atonement for sin――a provision in its very nature and relations toward both God and man exceedingly delicate and critical――it is at least presumable beforehand that God would bring out this idea _with great care_――with the wisest precaution against misconception, and not improbably with some foregoing illustrations of its significance and of its intended application. Precisely this we see in the great sacrificial system of the Mosaic economy. We only put essentially the same idea into other and more general terms when we say that a protracted course of successive revelations provides for making an antecedent economy pave the way for a subsequent one――a first revelation preparatory to a second――one set of ideas imprinted and impressed upon the human mind, made conducive to other and higher revelations yet to follow. The wisdom of such progressions can not fail to impress itself upon all thoughtful minds.――――Thus God’s revelations of himself from age to age were adjusted to the advance in spiritual development which he had provided for in the human mind. As training and culture developed higher capacities, new lessons were in order and higher attainments were made. “Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand” the loving-kindness and matchless wisdom of the Lord.