1 Samuel 24

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIV.—Restless is the malice of wicked men: but God can bring us very near to danger, and yet keep us in perfect safety. And easily can he deliver up his enemies into the hand of the weakest of his people. How falsely rash men misinterpret the promises and providences of God! But we must not avenge our own quarrels, nor take all the advantages against our enemies which providence puts in our hand; but rather seek to overcome them with patience and kindness. If temptations come to us in a pleasing form, we must flee from them: our conscience must start, not only at evident crimes, but at the most distant appearance of evil. It is honourable when not only there is innocence, but providence clearly manifests it; and that, instead of ill designs allodged, there was nothing but the most cordial friendship. And observe— soft words are most effectual to break the bones, and turn away strong wrath. What a plague to kings are flattering and deceitful courtiers! And how shameful and galling to find that through them we have been persecuting our principal friends! But there may be confession and remorse where there is no real repentance. Love to our enemies, and a mild and generous behaviour under great provocations, are glorious tokens of future greatness. But how mad is the malicious injuring of those, at whose mercy we and all that we have may soon lie! And how prudent to keep on our guard against a known enemy! Fits of partial repentance will not last long. 3