2 Kings 21

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXI.—It is extremely dangerous to arrive too early at dignity and power; so many are lying in wait to flatter such to their ruin. And novices, being lifted up with pride, fall into the condemnation of the devil. None are apt to be more abandoned pre-illigated than those who trample on a religious education. Irreligion, and a violent attachment to devilish devices and false worship, are often closely connected. The bad example of great men, particularly kings, is often extremely infectious; and those who set it will, in the last judgment, have to answer for thousands or millions of souls which they have seduced or destroyed: for the greatest kings must shortly stand on a level with the meanest criminals at God’s bar. When men abandon them- 7. Belves to sins, the former public sins of their nation are all brought into their account, as approved and reacted by them. And nothing sooner fills up the measure of a nation’s sins than the persecution of God’s people. Terrible are the miseries which wicked magistrates are minister, lying on those under their charge. And they who imitate them to their work, bless must be in their punishment. They who foresee God must expect to be forsaken by him. But great must be the strength of that inward corruption which renders man daring in wickedness, notwithstanding the most awful warnings and judgments. Oth men’s forwardness in sinning hurries them into hell. And it is a great mercy for a nation when the career of a wicked king is short