1 Samuel 31

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXI.—In what fearful destruction Israel’s desire of a king, and Saul’s disobedience to God, issue at last! Dreadful is the case of professors when once the Lord has abandoned them. He turns our comforts into crosses; and the death of our children in our punishment, may render our own doubly miserable. In what awful sovereignty God slays the righteous with the wicked! All things here come alike to all; but eternity will make the difference. God in righteous vengeance suffers them to be their own murderers, who had murdered his priests, or attempted to murder his favourites. But horrid indeed is that pride which makes men rush into eternal misery, in order to escape a little infamy. In what shame, and disgrace, and misery, do unsanctified honours terminate! And fearful is the fate of those who court the devil’s friendship and direction. But gratitude, even to the wicked, must never be neglected 4 P