2 Samuel 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV.—Most parents are incapable of continuing due severity towards their offending children. And crafty statesmen are disposed to humour their sovereign in his sinful indulgences: yea, with amazing dexterity they can dress up falsehood, to bring about their own designs. Sometimes they will pretend the mercy of God as a pattern, and the safety of the sovereign from popular insurrections, or the near approaches of death, as reasons, without any real regard to either. The children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. Truth never shames its author; and it is honourable to acknowledge our obligations. Handsome persons, and flourishing families, are to little purpose, while sin reigns in our heart, and the curse of God hovers over our head. But with what art and perseverance do wicked men pursue their carnal schemes! Often they obtain, by their insolence, what their betters could not do by their deserts, or by their earnest and modest requests. 4 **