1 Samuel 12

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XII.—To vindicate our character from calumny is debt which we owe to God and to ourselves: and such as are conscious of their integrity will not fear the strictest scrutiny of their conduct. But it is the greatest comfort to have God the witness of our uprightness. To resign a station on account of age, with a conscience uncorrupted, and with a character which malice itself dares not to calumniate, is glorious indeed; yet good men scarcely ever leave either church or state in so good a condition as they would wish. Hence they are so earnest in God’s work when he is taking it out of their hand: and it is honourable to die with a savoury testimony for God and his ways. But, whatever changes take place on earth, it will be always well with the righteous, and ill with the wicked. The careful remembrance of God’s former mercies and judgments, and the observation of his awful providences, are both too little to make us active and constant in the service of God: and how terrible is the case of his enemies, who can arm all nature against them! How dangerous to have the prayers of his ministers turned against us! But for nations and churches to enjoy the fervent prayers, and the faithful admonitions and encouragements, of Jehovah’s favourites is one of the greatest mercies; and will be much prized by such as are truly penitent. Nor must any ill usage provoke them to give over. If they be faithful and compassionate to the death, whatever be their success, they have delivered their own soul. In high sovereignty God distributes his special favours; and these, when enjoyed, should strongly animate us to faithfulness and constancy in his service. But no mercy in God, nor pleadings of his people shall prevent the everlasting ruin of such as are obstinate in their wickedness. 4 A