2 Chronicles 30

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXX.—God’s ordinances ought not to be neglected on account of a mere circumstance. It is best to engage people to duty when they are in a proper temper. And we ought to stir up all whom we can to the worship and service of God, and that by the most engaging motives; representing to them the mercies and judgments of God, and his promises and threatenings. It is never too late for sinners to return while the calls of mercy are continued: and it is only impenitence persisted in that becomes fatal. If we do all that we can to encourage them, their blood must be on their own heads if they obstinately refuse. Better that our invitations should be derided than that God should be dishonoured, and one soul murdered by our sloth. And, though few are saved, a remnant shall hear, fear, and humble themselves, and return to the Lord. What a shame it is when, on the contrary, ministers, through their inactivity, hinder the people in the service of God! But pleasant is the work when the worshippers of God have such delight in his service, that they grudge neither cost nor time for it, and can hardly bear its conclusion. And God in mercy will provide his people with useful ministers, when many, who ought to be such, are scandalously negligent. He is a God of infinite grace; ready to accept our sincere confessions of our sins, hear our prayers, and forgive our transgressions. If we are but sincerely desirous to honour him, he will, through the blood of his Son, readily pardon our manifold infirmities. Yes, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; who presents our persons and our services, and renders all acceptable in his sight