1 Kings 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV.—When God visits our family with his rod, we ought to search out the sinful cause. And as sickness and death are equally the lot of young and old, we should always expect and prepare for it. It is common for sinners to be more anxious about the removal of their troubles than of their sins; and under trouble to apply for the assistance of God’s ministers, whom they heartily hate. But it is absolute folly for those who do evil to expect from God’s faithful ministers an answer of peace. It is daring to attempt imposing upon them, however aged and blind. But, as no covering can hide the hypocrite from the eye of God, no presents, nor compliments, nor flattery, must ever divert a minister from a bold and free declaration of the mind of God. Fearfully confounded will such imposers appear when he discovers them, especially at his awful bar. And ingratitude for singular favours, and seduction of others to sin, entail upon the transgressors the most terrible ruin. God sovereignly bestows his grace upon some in the very worst of families. He takes of such the greatest care, and often removes them from the evil to come by an honourable death. How amiable is early religion! and happy is it to be early ripe for, and transported to, the joy of the Lord! At the same time it is a fearful prelude of destruction to families or nations when the godly die out from among them. Alas! that, notwithstanding warnings and judgments upon the wicked, their pattern should be so greedily followed! Even amidst weakness and distress men will become more and more wicked; while God, to punish former sins, gives them up to their hearts’ lusts, till they have ripened themselves for his judgments. God’s instruments are always ready at hand for chastising even his professed people: and sin quickly reduces the wealthiest to poverty and debasement. Jerusalem is now emptied of her gold and silver; yet not chiefly Shishak, but sin, hath done it