1 Samuel 7

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—God’s ordinances will still find a place somewhere; and, if priests neglect them, pious Levites or Israelites will take care of them. The church may continue long in a wilderness state: but, when men begin to lament after an hiding God and departed ordinances, their deliverance is nigh. If we wish remarkable interposals of providence for our relief, we must put away our idols, and apply ourselves to solemn repentance, fasting, and supplication. God saves men from their sins, not in them. But it is a great mercy to have a noted favourite of heaven with us on critical occasions.—The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. And a minister’s other labours, without earnest prayers, seldom avail to the reformation of the world, or the edification of souls. The first struggles for glory are often the hardest. Scarcely can men begin to repent, but hell and earth will be in arms against them. But the prayer of faith, fixed on Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, will make things easier than could have been expected. Whatsoever we ask, believing, we shall receive; and, when God arises, his enemies must be scattered. But let us remember that noted answers of prayer deserve memorials of gratitude: and, while we gratefully acknowledge past help, we may depend on future protection. When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes his enemies to be at peace with him. Prayer and penitence can do more for a nation than the mightiest armies. And every blessing may be expected in that land where magistrates or ministers unite remarkable diligence, equity, and faithfulness, with exemplary holiness and ardent devotions