1 Kings 13

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII.—God warns men before he strikes. And his prophets must, without fear of the greatest or the worst, faithfully declare his messages. Nothing, however contingent, or distant in futurity, is unknown to God: his purpose is fixed and unchangeable, with respect to even the smallest circumstances of our lot. Shame and disgrace attend sin and sinners at last. Most daring is their presumption who persecute the faithful messengers of God: but faithful rebukes will often provoke proud wrath. Faithful preachers are the butt of wicked men’s malice: but God will protect them. In the way of duty we need fear no danger. But it is infinitely dangerous to contemn God’s warnings, when he can so easily make us monuments of his vengeance. They, who in prosperity contemn the messengers of God, may soon be obliged by their troubles to have recourse to their prayers. Nor must saints ever be averse to pray even for them who despitefully use them.—Impenitent sinners are in general more affected with their sufferings than with their sins: neither mercies nor judgments will make any lasting impression upon reprobates. And men are often more ready to thann the instruments of their deliverance than to thank God, the author of them. God and his faithful servants detest false worship. and every thing which contributes to the support of it: and we should rather deny ourselves the common comforts of life than have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. How dangerous enemies to God’s people are false prophets and unfaithful ministers, who pretend intercourse with God! Men may be seduced to evil by appearances of piety, when no fears of suffering can drive them to it. And none are more ready to upbraid and torment us than those who have seduced us. God severely punishes the disobedience of his dearest saints! and yet how marvellously he bounds their trouble! How great his sovereignty, in permitting the tempter to escape while the seduced is so awfully punished! How necessary is constant readiness for death! But hypocrites in vain claim kindred to, and connection with, the people of God, and wish their last end to be like theirs.—God will never want witnesses for his cause. If the man of God be dead, the false prophet must attest his warnings. And how desperate those sinners who, after repeated warnings, corrections, and mercies, continue impenitent! For, sooner or later, the vengeance of God will overtake the sinner, and he shall perish in his own deceivings. 2