1 Chronicles 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—How often have parents most comfort in those children from whom they at first expected least of it! What honour doth learning, and especially piety put upon men! But it is a singular mercy to have a new covenant God to address in our prayers. To set out in the world with much earnest supplication to God is a hopeful beginning; and the most extensive and substantial blessings may boldly be asked at his throne of grace, who takes pleasure in hearing and answering the fervent prayers of faith. They that wait upon him shall renew their strength, and be protected from all their enemies. How differently God disposes of men in respect of their callings and stations on earth! He advances them to honour and power, or degrades them to - the meanest employments, as seemeth good in his sight. This world is a change scene; nothing substantial or enduring is to be expected in it. Let it quick our diligence to secure a better, where our dignity will be secure, without a riableness or shadow of turning. Behold how God rewards the Sincomites, we cleaved to the family of David! They are provided with new habitations; with their brethren, who joined the kingdom of Israel, are carried into captivity. I firmly adhere to God and my duty, he will always provide for me what I need and that which appears an afflictive separation shall at last prove a comfortable deliverance. But the curse of God shall hunt out the sinners as it did in Amsalekites, till they are utterly destroyed