2 Chronicles 28

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVIII.—How amazing is the strength of men’s inward corruption, that can so trample upon a pious ’education and pattern! But fearful are the punishments which God has in store for such enormous transgressors; and miserable are the nations who have such monsters of impiety for their sovereigns. God makes the nations around concur to punish the apostasy of his professing people. Often the very persons or nations, whom we have made our pattern in wickedness, are made the instruments of our punishment. And dreadfully are the mightiest numbered to the slaughter when the Lord fighteth against them. But how tender his compassion towards his offending people, even while he smites them! He observes and is provoked with those who inhumanly murder or abuse them, especially if they be brethren, or act from principles of hatred or revenge. And when he pleases he can, by his word and Spirit, render their most outrageous enemies kind and generous to them. They who are made sensible of their own sins will sympathize with their brethren’s sufferings. It is better to take warning late than never: and the victory of self-denial is more glorious than the necks of vanquished enemies. It is the greatest honor to the mighty to be merciful. But, when God lays aside one instrument of rection, he often takes another in his hand; and turns the helps which will fully secure into ruinous plagues. When we forsake God we must need, be appointed in every other confidence. And desperately hardened must mean when both mercies and judgments render them worse and worse. Happy nation where their tyrannical monsters of wickedness are quickly cut off by to make way for better princes. 6 11