A Silencer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 23, 1908

WHEN Whitelock was about to embark as Cromwell's envoy to Sweden, in 1655, he was much disturbed in mind as he rested in Harwich on the preceding night, which was very stormy, while he reflected on the distracted state of the nation. A confidential servant slept in an adjacent bed, who, finding that his master could not sleep, said: “Pray, sir, may I ask you a question?”

“Certainly.”

“Pray, sir, don’t you think God governed the world very well before you came into it?”

“Undoubtedly.”

“And pray, sir, don’t you think that he will govern it quite as well when you are gone out of it?”

“Certainly.”

“Then, sir, pray excuse me, but don’t you think you may as well trust him to govern it as long as you are in it?”

To this question Whitelock had nothing to reply, and turning about, soon fell asleep.—Selected.