Special Providences

RL Dabny, was not only a acclaimed preacher, he also commanded troops in the Confederate army.

During one worship gathering Dabny preached a sermon entitled "Special Providences" to the soldiers in his care. The sermon comforted and encouraged the men to fight with valor because God controlled all things and would not allow any man to die unless his time had come.

Later, his preaching seemed to be contradicted by his actions. When engaged in a hard battle-- and having come under heavy fire--Dabny commanded his soldiers to take cover behind tree, rock and where ever else shelter afforded itself. A certain skeptic who had heard his fiery preaching reproached Dabny for his hypocrisy.

Dabny cried out in return, "My friend, you do not understand the Word of God. I view these trees and shelters as special providences."