2 Chronicles 29

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIX.—What strange alterations the change of sovereign may produce in a nation! And great is the mercy when God gives good men power after they have long been unwilling spectators of wickedness. It is highly honourable when those in high stations give to the Lord the first beginnings of their power and influence. And, when God gives opportunity, with earnestness, humble grief, and holy zeal, should men reform their neglects, and turn to the Lord. Corrupters of religion often leave the church and ordinances of God in the greatest confusion. And it is necessary to ponder the punishments of former sins, in order to render us hearty and active in our reformation. And much may be done in a short time if all concerned be diligent. Honourable are those ministers whom God stirs up to be leaders in the work of reformation, to provoke their brethren to jealousy: and glorious is the sight when they cheerfully work to one another’s hands in reforming the church;—when kings, princes, priests, and people, vie with one another in improving Jesus Christ as the great propitiation for sins, and in serious repentance of former sins, and returning to the observance of all God’s ordinances, grudging neither cost nor care! They will then find their work much more easy than they expected. But alas! that priests, who ought to be leaders, are often the most unqualified and careless; and need so repeatedly to be stirred up to that which is peculiarly their work! But they who love God’s altar will delight to support the service; and past neglects will quicken them to more abundant diligence