1 Samuel 23

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIII.—No wonder that God’s enemies invade his land when his people are persecuted in it. God wisely directs his favourite servants where he has work for them: and never are men so likely to prosper as when they consult the Lord in all their ways. If he direct us, no ill usage from the distressed, or discouragement from our friends, must make us withhold our help. The worst designs are often covered with fair pretexts; and the appearances of providence are imagined tokens of God’s approbation; while even good men are hated for their most useful services, and evil-minded wretches are ready to betray their most cordial and noted benefactors. But God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to disappoint the secret purposes of their enemies. And what a mercy is it to have a pious, self-denying, and constant friend, to visit and comfort us in our distress! But what must Jesus be, when Jonathan is so kind and faithful! And what must heaven be, where we shall meet with all the kind angels, and kind spirits of just men made perfect; and with the infinitely kinder Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Let my new covenant friendship with these be renewed day by day! Behold, how men’s malice renders them miserable; and how ready brethren of the same tribe are to betray us! But God in his providence interposes for the relief of his people when their danger is at the greatest. Fear not then, my soul—only believe, and thou shalt see the glory of God 2