2 Kings 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—Parents ought carefully to avoid dying in debt, as it may render their children miserable. Yet, when persons are involved in debt, not by their own rashness, prodigality, or sloth, but by the afflicting providence of God, they deserve our pity, not our censure. Unforeseen providences may involve the most honest man in debts which he cannot pay. And how grievous is it (though not unjust) when providence obliges a faithful minister to die indebted to rigid creditors! But, if providence distress a good man, it will also relieve him. Let husbands then fear God, and he will take care of their widows and children. Let poor distressed widows and fatherless children cast all their care upon him: he is ready to relieve them in the most destitute case. And, if we wish or expect God to do for us, we must do all that is in our own power. It is only in our diligent endeavours that we can rightly expect his blessing: and then let us believe, and we shall quickly find, that God is more ready to give than we are to receive. To our utmost let us endeavour to clear our debts, though what remains should prove a very scanty livelihood: for nothing is properly our own till this be done. Acquaintance and friendship with God’s servants is a principal ornament of the great: and happy are those families where both heads agree in it. Happy and wise those rich persons who desire no advancement. And nothing is more comely than for those who receive favours to be earnest in expressing their gratitude: but effectual fervent prayers are the best returns that we can make. How welcome and dear are children to such us have long wanted them! and yet how quickly they may be lost! We need always to stand ready for a sudden stroke. Death often seizes at a short warning. But in every affliction the view of God’s hand should silence us. If he who gives takes away, we are called to be thankful for the length of the loan; and not to murmur that God resumes his gift. And we have need to be careful attendants on the ordinances of God, and to secure abiding comforts there, since the joys of earth so ebb and flow, and are but born and die. What sympathy do tender mothers, bereaved of their children, need at our hand! But the effectual fervent prayers of faith are prevalent even over death: for in his sovereign authority God kills and makes alive. Such as God sends to awaken dead sinners had need to be men of prayer and patience. Prophets should be content with common fare;—examples of mortification while they preach it to others; and they should be ready to communicate to others who are in need. But alas! how sin has rendered our tables snares and traps, and our provision poisonous! It is of the Lord’s mercies that our meat nourisheth us. And he can easily make a little coarse, or even bitter, food a plentiful and pleasant feast. 6