1 Samuel 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV.—Carnal men are often more anxious for the presence of God’s ministers than for his own. But how seasonable are God’s interpositions for the deliverance of his people! He makes the faith of his servants strong, and then delights to crown their strong faith with signal victories and honours. The proud derision of their enemies issues in terrible destruction. Yes, the mightiest armies, in the hand of such an angry God, make a most pitiful appearance. And it is easy for the weakest cowards to pursue those whom the Lord hath routed. In all our ways it is best to consult God’s word. But how ready are wicked consulters, like Saul, to take their own way, without waiting for an answer! Yet rash expedients, to obtain carnal ends, are often the noted hindrances of these ends. And such as cast abroad curses, firebrands, and death, endanger themselves and families; and entangle their children, who are far better than themselves. When God refuses to answer it is an evidence that he is angry, and it is time to think seriously in what we have offended him. Violent tempers are prone to sacrifice their nearest relations to their angry passions. In such a case we ought to resist them, kings not excepted; and to protect such as are not only innocent, but honoured of God. Wicked men’s zeal often flames in trifling matters, while it languishes in things important: and rash cursing bids fair to end in profane perjury. The comforts and honours of royalty are dearly bought, by the constant care, danger, and toil, which attend them. And often men’s earthly glory makes a blaze just before the dark night of ignominy and woe seizes upon them