1 Samuel 18

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVIII.—Never let me envy the honour of others. If the Lord delight to honour, even my inferiors, it becomes me heartily to join with him. Let me love the virtuous, though it should be at the expense of losing all that I have in the world for their sake: and let me count a faithful friend among the greatest of human blessings. If friendship be true, it will be constant, and will not startle at giving the strongest assurances. But we difficult to act so, in a high station, as to procure honour without provoking envy! even the due praises of merit are grating to the ears of the envious; and often their malignant eye betrays the rancour of their heart, while indulge of their evil thoughts invites the devil to take possession of their souls. The jealousy is cruel as the grave, and thirsts for the precious life. But God guards his people from many a mortal blow secretly aimed at them. How base is it to devise hurt against those who dwell securely by us—to lay snares for our neighbour under pretence of regard to him—and to cover hatred with lying lips? But, if we are hated on earth, and snares laid for our life, let us behave with the more prudence, humility, and true bravery. Let us count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations, and through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God! God can overrule the most wicked designs of our enemies for our good, and to their confusion. And modest worth will shine with double lustre at last. God will confound the wise in their own craftiness; and in spite of every danger, exalt the man whom he delights to honour. 4 c