1 Chronicles 28

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVIII.—It is honourable to be removed and exalted to the church eternal, while we are earnestly exerting ourselves to leave all things well in the church below. Public settlements of religion and kingdoms ought to be conducted with the utmost prudence, that (if possible) all concerned may be satisfied. Rulers in church and state should deal with those under them in the most affectionate and engaging manner. Respectful kindness has a powerful tendency to secure their cheerful service. And, even when the settlement is divine and cannot be altered, care ought to be taken to convince every one of its divinity. God puts his honourable work into what hands he pleases. But a solid knowledge of God, holy awe of him as the searcher of hearts, rewarder of piety, and punisher of apostasy, and a knowledge of our divine call, are necessary to excite us to his service. Every thing in God’s church and worship ought to be framed exactly according to his inspired model, without the smallest intermixture of the inventions of men: and in executing designs for his honour we should be benevolent and cheerful. God’s owning our fathers in his work, and especially the promises of his presence with us, should make us to renounce every unbelieving fear and every degree of insolence. And, when princes, priests, and people, heartily concur in God’s work, the spiritual building rises gloriously