2 Chronicles 20

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XX.—Numerous, active, and subtle, are the enemies of Christ’s church: and danger is often at hand when we least expect it; yea, even when we are most faithful, we are apt to be involved in great difficulties, for the trial and honour of our faith. In danger and distress, it is best to begin with solemn fasting and supplication to God for deliverance. The dangers which drive us to him will never ruin us. While we have a merciful God to flee to, we never need despair. The cries of the oppressed will enter into the ears of the righteous judge. And, the more entirely we are taken off from every self dependence in the view of our wants and wretchedness, we are the more sure to find help in the time of need. If faith and hope look upward, the everlasting arms will be underneath us. In our cries to God for deliverance, let us therefore plead his covenant relation to us, the grants he has made us, his ability to protect and deliver us; and the ingratitude, injustice, and violence, of our enemies : for readily does God bestow his answers of peace to his people : and happy are they who, renouncing their unbelieving fears, go forth, assured by faith that it shall be to them as he hath spoken. Unshaken faith is a certain cause of victory ; and even songs of praise are excellent weapons in our spiritual warfare. God can easily deliver his people, and employ their strongly confederated enemies to destroy one another : yet, he can turn his people’s distress into means of their enrichment, honour, safety, and peace. And it becomes us in such noted deliverances, to join in solemn thanksgiving, and to set up some lasting memorials of his kindness.—But O, how hard is it to render reformation thoroughly complete ; and to wean the best of men from sins which easily beset them, even when they have before smarted for them ! But it is kind in God to continue a reprover to us : and it is great gain if our providential losses turn us from the path of evil. 5 a