2 Chronicles 17

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVII.—How glorious it is when remarkable piety and prosperity are so connected that they promote one another, and outward wealth and greatness lift up the heart to God!—when kings at the same time promote religion and advance the civil power of the nation!—when the personal piety of princes, and their zeal for reforming others, are equally conspicuous!—and when ministers and magistrates heartily concur in promoting the knowledge and fear of God! Religion is a reasonable service; and, in promoting reformation, we must begin with instruction in the truths of God as laid down in his word. No dictates of men, but the lively oracles of God must be produced as the ground of what we inculcate. What a powerful protection to nations is the terror of God impressed on their neighbours and enemies! No armed hosts are comparable to it. To what prodigious numbers had the Hebrews increased, had not their sin prevented it! and marvellous was the providence of God in maintaining such multitudes in so small a country as the lots of Judah and Benjamin! 5 P