1 Samuel 26

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVI.—One sin usually involves men in another, lest they should suffer for the former: and none are more restless in promoting mischief than treacherous neighbours and unfaithful kinsmen. Unsanctified hearts soon lose the impressions made by convictions of sin: and a little instigation will revive the old grudge, where the reconciliation is not sincere: but God can easily disarm the mighty, and leave them a prey to the feeble. It is dangerous for a wicked heart to meet with an engaging temptation. But what an honour is it to resist strong temptations, and to neglect repeated opportunities of avenging ourselves! And it highly becomes the Christian thus to commit his cause into the hand of God, and to wait his time and way of advancing him to honour. But what malicious enemies are they, who tempt us to apostatize from God by driving us from his worship and people! How severe a reckoning awaits those who shed innocent blood! and woe to the men against whom the people of God bring their just complaints! Sin is the greatest folly, and will appear so at last to the most hardened sinner, even though their convictions should never have any saving issue. God’s dispensations do all concur to prove him a righteous judge. They who shew mercy may hope to find mercy. And God will make his enemies to bow at the feet of his persecuted saints, and know that he hath loved them, and will promote them to honour