2 Samuel 12

Ver. 23.—David’s consolation could not arise from the idea that he should die too; a consideration unworthy of such a man; but from a firm persuasion that his child was gone to glory, and that he should meet him there: and so it affords us the surest consolation under the death of infants

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XII.—It is dreadful to behold noted saints continue long impenitent in their sins: and prudent reproof is always necessary, especially for great transgressors; and when wisely administered it is doubly effectual. Every wife has a right to her husband’s most endeared affection.—Multiplying of wives never cures concupiscence, but inflames it. Great sinners are often most severe in their censures of others. Reprovers ought to deal plainly and closely with the consciences of sinners, and lay before them the aggravating circumstances of their guilt; for unbelief is the great source of all our wickedness. They must pay dear for their lusts who dare indulge them. The only way to escape the judgment which we have deserved, is by returning to God, through Jesus Christ, with humble acknowledgment of our guilt. Nothing causes more reproach to God, and his cause, than the scandalous falls of professors: especially of eminent saints, high stationed in church or state. And God will make those sins bitter to his people at last, in which they sought lasting pleasure, even though others should seem to escape unpunished. Yea, God sometimes quickly marks his people’s sin in their punishment; and often children are afflicted in their parent’s punishment. The sickness of our relations demands our earnest wrestlings with God on their behalf: and none more than that of distressed children, who cannot pray for themselves. We brought them into the world heirs of wrath; let us labour to pluck them as brands out of the burning, and bring them to Jesus the Saviour. If we must part with them, let us do it as Christians; and let their death fill us with the most serious impressions of our own. At the same time, let us fortify our patience by the comforting consideration of this pious king: let us return them into the hand of God, assured that “their angels do always behold the face of our Father which ‘is in heaven,’ and that, ‘of such is the kingdom of heaven:’ and let it be our only concern that we meet them again in his presence.—Meanwhile let us remember that submission to God’s strokes is the way to obtain the restoration of his comforts; and that he will not chide for ever, but will in wrath remember mercy.—Alas! that, while Joab was so zealous for David’s honour, David, in his fondness for the heathen crown, and his severity to the prisoners, should have so little consulted the honour of God! But, when men lie hardened in their lust, what evil are they not capable of committing! 4 I