2 Chronicles 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV.—What a mercy to a church and nation are pious and reforming princes! And it is comely and pleasing when those, who attempt to reform others, shew themselves proper patterns of virtue and devotion: when they act with due patience and prudence, as well as holy zeal; seeking to draw men from their abominations, without offering violence to their persons. However difficult or dangerous it may appear to repress the torrent of iniquity, zeal for God, and dependence on his assistance, will work wonders. Nay, when princes act with due steadiness and zeal in the suppression of profaneness and idolatry, they often find less difficulty than they at first imagined. Men’s consciences side with the reforming laws, even while their inclinations are against them. Outward peace and prosperity must be considered as a great mercy. And this reward of fidelity to, and trust in, God, should be improved to promote true religion: yet in the most profound peace it is proper to prepare for war: the clouds will return after the rain. God often tries his people with great danger and distress while they are proceeding in their duty in the work of reformation; but there is no craft or might that can prevail against the Lord their God. And in such cases he is ready to answer their prayer of faith, and grant them an easy victory over their enemies, spiritual or temporal. But how dreadful is the guilt of princes who rashly hurry multitudes of their subjects into ruin, death, and hell! Often they, who assist the Lord’s enemies against his people, share in their just punishments: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 11