But did all this ever happen?
No; not one of these "plans" came to pass.
The cloud of war came that summer, and darkened all the bright prospect.
That visit to the seaside never came off. Instead, their father was detained in a foreign country for months and months; the lodgings were shut up, for the coast was in danger; the boatmen had to join the Navy; the holidays came, indeed, but an epidemic at the school spoilt all plans for many months, and the children had to learn, and so had the dear mother and father, what bitter disappointment means. And yet nothing seemed more certain than "Father's plan."
But there is One Whose Throne is above the highest Heavens; and when He plans, there is no mistake; no war can hinder it; no illness nor misfortune can prevent the carrying out of what He purposes.
In chapter xlvi, of Isaiah we read what God says about this, and it is a very solemn verse—
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure . . . I have purposed it, I will also do it."
When we look into our Bibles, and begin to think about the things which God has told people beforehand, and which have come to pass, we are amazed to find how many there are, and how wonderful are the fulfilments.
THE PROPHECY IN EDEN.
Gen. iii. 15.—Gal. iv. 4.
The first Prophecy, and with it a great Promise, was given by God in the Garden of Eden.