1 Kings 21

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXI — Nearness to great men often exposes to oppression: and there is need of stedfast adherence to the Lord’s command when we meet with strong temptations. How insatiable is a covetous heart! Many great men, in all that they have, can enjoy but small pleasure, because of some fancied want: and proud and discontented spirits terribly torment themselves. What a plague to nations are covetous and tyrannical rulers! Having their heart set on wickedness, the devil quickly furnishes the means: and nothing is too base and hypocritical, or even horrid or blasphemous, for them to stick at. When sin has hardened their heart, men glory in their wickedness, and are lost to shame. But that which is unlawfully gotten frequently proves a burden instead of a comfort. The very presence of faithful ministers, who cannot endure to see the wicked perish in their iniquities, is a terror to such, and their faithful rebukes torment them: but how much more, and how often even in this life, does the distinguished vengeance of God perplex and pursue them! Legal terrors may produce strong professions of repentance, but only a sense of God’s pardoning love can convert the heart. And, if God mark such regard to apparent repentance, how great is his mercy, and how great is his regard to those who sorrow after a godly sort!