1 Kings 9

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IX.—The Lord bears the greatest regard to his people’s hearty and solemn worship of himself. Every where his eyes are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. If we would secure to our children the entail of God’s blessings, we must leave them the examples of our fidelity. But, if our growth in grace does not correspond with our privileges, the best forms of religion will but delude and destroy us. How gracious are God’s rewards of his people’s obedience; and how severe his corrections of their transgressions! While we tremble at the ruin of Israel and their temple, let our care be to take fast hold of the better covenant, which is established upon better 43 4 promises, and in which men are kept, by the power of God, through faith unto salvation. Generous minds are forward to discharge their obligations, if it be in their power. *But very diversified are the sentiments of men concerning worldly things. Nothing but Jesus Christ, and God in him, is answerable to every need, every state, every mind. And it is glorious when great activity in secular business is attended with a proportionate ardour in religion. They who make God’s glory their first concern, may expect his blessing upon the work of their hands; for at his command both earth and sea shall concur to enrich them. 4 Q