Providence and Faith

Where it surfaces

• The Swiss Family Robinson

  The father frequently thanks God for their deliverance and guidance, viewing their survival as part of a divine plan.

• Shipwreck and Preparations for Deliverance

  The father repeatedly urges his family to trust in Divine Providence, and they pray together for deliverance.

• A Landing, and Consequent Occupations

  The family begins the day with morning prayer and, upon landing, immediately falls to their knees to thank God for their preservation, demonstrating their reliance on divine providence.

• Voyage of Discovery

  Father and Fritz acknowledge Divine protection and submit to God's will after losing hope of finding companions.

• Return to the Wreck

  The mother quotes scripture ('sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof'), and the family offers prayers for safety, trusting in divine providence.

• Construction of a Bridge

  The father reflects on gratitude to Providence for providing abundant resources, and the family views their location as providentially guided.

• The Parable of the Great King

  The father's parable frames life on the island as a divine probation, with God as the Great King who provides for and judges the colonists, emphasizing faith and obedience.

• The Discovery of Potatoes

  The potato discovery is seen as a gift from God, reinforcing the family's faith and reliance on divine guidance.

• Chapter XVIII

  The father attributes the discovery of manioc and the wine cask to Providence, and the family returns thanks to God for their blessings.

• The Pinnace and the Cracker

  The father leads the children to observe the goodness of Providence, which renders labor a source of enjoyment and makes happiness result from the good of others.

• The Gourd Harvest and the Guava Discovery

  Father explicitly thanks God for the water-yielding plants, viewing them as a divine blessing for travelers in the burning climate.

• A New Country Discovered — The Troop of Buffalos; A Precious Acquisition

  The chapter opens with the family giving thanks for divine protection, and the father's decisions are guided by a sense of providential care.

• Spring, Spinning, and the Salt Mine

  The family celebrates Sunday in the open air with piety, and the father submits to divine will while hoping for his children's happiness.

• XXXIV

  The father reflects on Providence providing cotton, and the family expresses gratitude for their discoveries.

• XXXVI

  Regular Sunday worship in the crystal chapel and repeated acknowledgments of divine guidance and goodness.

• Postscript by the Editor

  The editor highlights that the family's piety and trust in divine order led to serenity and happiness despite their shipwreck, and notes that Heaven's ordination prevented a reunion.