1 Samuel 8

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VIII.—We had need to be busy in our proper work while we are able; old age will quickly indispose us for it. Neither the piety of parents, nor the best education, can render a person gracious. All men transmit corruption to their posterity; no man his virtues or graces. Many children, awed by their parents’ inspection, conceal the vices which afterwards appear when the restraint is taken off. Yea, many, after promising beginnings, turn out a disgrace to their parents, and a plague to their country. The love of money is a prolific root of evil; a most dangerous plague to the soul; and renders the public administrations of church and state a public nuisance and pest. It is a common thing for people to be harmonious in casting off the government of God, discovering the vilest ingratitude to his faithful servants, and studying conformity to the world: but abusive vexation from men should drive us to our prayers for ourselves and for them. God will grant us direction and comfort when others contempt and abuse us. To punish men for their sin, God often grants them what they wish: and things, good in themselves, become a curse when they are obtained in a wrong way. But rejection of God, when we are at ease, assuredly issues in his rejection of us when we are in trouble. However great a curse unsanctified relations may be, most men are set on obtaining them. And no reproofs or warnings will restrain the obstinate sinner; but the kindest advice is frequently misrepresented, as selfish and designing. 3 z