2 Kings 10

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. X.—Obstinate sinners lay up terrible judgments or themselves and their seed: and loads of guilt extirpate numerous and flourishing families. But none are more ready to imbrue their hands in the blood of sovereign’s children than those who have been his instruments in murdering the innocent. No regard to their prince will afterwards restrain those whose hands have by his order been drenched in blood. They who debauch men’s consciences will find the effects of it return on their own heads. Guilt makes men spiritless towards when brought to a trial; they will be always ready to side with the strongest; and, when they want an excuse to cover their shame, any shadow of argument will stand. It is common for wicked men to lessen their guilt by comparing it with that of others. But friendship and intimacy with sinners involves in their punishment: and such as have been instruments in wickedness share the ruin of their wicked encouragements. How righteous are the judgments of God, even when the executors act wickedly! But it is ill-bading when pre-ended reformers are proud of their work, and indulge themselves in hypocrisy and falsehood to accomplish it. They who boast of their zeal give ground to suspect their sincerity. And though the godly, whom they caress for their selfish interests, cannot but approve what is apparently good, the Lord will at last discover their hypocrisy and evil. False religion ought to be extirpated, and obstinate idolaters slain: and, if men overlook them, Jesus will at last convene them to execute his vengeance upon them. It shews the great evil of the heart when the wisdom of the serpent meets with its poison in our work; and when with severity we extirpate one form of false worship, yet cleave at the same time to another. Real converts must put away all sin without reserve. For how awful will be our state, if, when we have done good to the souls of others, we should lose our own by our negligence in the service of God! If hypocrites receive their temporary reward of good deeds on earth, how much more glorious the reward of the diligent saint! And, while God rewards men for what they do well, it is just that he should severely punish them for what they do amiss