God’s Early Guidance “God's providence towards His people dates not at the time of their being called to a knowledge of Himself, but long before.  In the formation of their bodies, what goodness appears. No man has ever been able to suggest how the form or figure of the human frame could be improved.  In this indeed the wicked share the same bounty of God. In their early infancy how amazing was God’s care over them. Think too of the early and deep impressions which God often makes on the minds and hearts of His chosen, even years before their conversion. In a solitary wood among huge rocks, or hoary mountains, or by some gentle stream, or noble river, or vast expanse of waters, what conceptions of God has many a child had! In an escape from danger, what a sense of God’s goodness has stolen over the hearts of His people, even before their conversion... Even where such impressions do not end in a speedy conversion, they are often very salutary in preserving the young from the worst forms of evil.”   -- William Plumer (1802-1880)