2 Chronicles 8

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VIII.—In the most profound peace we had need prepare for war, spiritual or temporal. It is an honour for kings to manifest the utmost regard for their subjects. How certainly, however slowly, Noah’s curse of servitude fixes at last upon the descendants of Canaan! They become slaves to the offspring of Shem, through the influence of the Lord his God. It is necessary to set bounds to our desires after created things, as they are apt become inordinate and insatiable. It is no less necessary to keep up proper distinctions between things sacred and common. And we shall find difficulty therein, if we ally ourselves in marriage, or in any other way, with the ungodly. What an excellent foundation, for even external prosperity, is a prudent and active zeal for, and constant attendance on, the worship of God! But alas! bow great the folly that, while men will risk and do so much for earthly treasures, so little is done to obtain the riches which endure for ever! 11 REFLECTIONS