1 Kings 5

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—Condolence with the afflicted is truly kind: and faithful friends love the children for their parents’ sake. It is good for kings to cultivate peace with their neighbours, especially such as fear God. The more outward rest we have, the more earnestly we should lay out ourselves in promoting the worship and honour of God: and, when we have God’s promise to encourage us, we need never doubt of our success. They have often most of natural ingenuity who have no real knowledge of God. And frequently God employs those in building his church who have no spiritual interest in her. But it is highly honourable to assist in promoting her welfare. In all bargains, the conditions ought to be clear, that after disputes may be prevented. And labourers’ wages should be always paid with the greatest punctuality. When God hath a temple to build, he can easily provide workmen: and in his work every one ought to have his particular allotment. But great is the mercy that thousands numbered of Gentile sinners have been brought into the gospel church, and built up a spiritual temple, a meet habitation of God, through the Spirit. 2