1 Chronicles 7

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—How God multiplies a people amidst hard country labour, as he did that of Issachar! he can multiply families after they have been almost utterly extirpated, as were the Benjamites; Judg. xx. How early the Hebrews, even in Egypt, began to contract marriages with the heathen! We go astray from the womb, speaking lies. The families and nations for which God intends peculiar honour often meet with singular breaches and discouragements in their way to it. Providence often seems to contradict promises: but the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. We are no where safe from danger: nor are good causes always successful. Children are certain and griefs to parents, but uncertain pleasures. They who live long only li see their sorrows multiplied, and to bury the choicest of their worldly cou To soothe the griefs of the afflicted is to act a kind and brotherly part. what a mercy is it when God compensates the breaches which he hath ra families! And virtuous women are an honour and blessing to families, as mighty and illustrious men