2 Chronicles 35

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXV. -Alas! how often neither ministers nor people shew due forwardness in observing the solemn ordinances of God! Yet much might be done for the excitement of others by one in high station, who so loves him that he grudges no expense or labour in his service. And magistrates, by their example and zealous exertions, might effectually instigate and encourage even ministers to their duty; yea, where many difficulties are in the way. No one ought to become an hypocrite for the sake of carnal advantage: but certainly such as appear sincere ought to meet with peculiar encouragement. Care should be taken, by all concerned, that none be deprived of God’s ordinances on account of their poverty; and that none by public service injure his own soul’s edification. But great labour and pains are necessary in reducing all ranks and things to due order, in the observation of God’s ordinances, after they have been long neglected. The very best of men rarely leave the world without some visible blemish. How affecting it is to see this great man die in an unjust war, after he had received from God fair warning of his danger! But God, in his sovereign wisdom, often makes his people’s sinful rashness the mean of their own happiness, and of their survivors’ misery. Many lament the loss of their mercies, who never rightly improved them in the enjoyment; and grieve for the misery which they see coming on their nation, who will not take the proper methods of repentance to prevent it. Before Christ 536. • 2 Chr. 36. 22. Jer. 23. 12. & 29. 10. • Thes. 5. 24. • Ps. 106. 46. Prov. 16. 7. cb. 6. 22. Lev. 26. 42. Deut. 4. 50. 31. & 30. 3. & 32. 36. 43