2 Samuel 3

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—It is vain to struggle against the purpose and promise of God; for sure, though gradual, are the honours and triumphs which come from above. How often might men have had as many children, and much more comfort in them, in keeping close to God’s ordinance of one wife! For those things frequently prove our greatest scourges in which we promised ourselves the greatest comfort. Wicked men’s folly and sin are made at beervient to the fulfilment of God’s promises or purposes. But rash accusation seldom issues well; and proud men can as seldom bear a reproof from those whom they have greatly obliged. Weak kings are but slaves to their own servants. And there is but little dependance to be placed on those whose zeal for our service is but to gratify their own ambition. It reflects little honour upon us when 38. 40. humour, not conscience, reduces us to our duty. It is indeed our duty to undeceive those whom we have imposed upon. But wicked suppressors of the truth, fighters against their conscience, and traitors to those who have trusted them, have seldom either the grace or honour to be distinguished instruments in the great works of God. While wicked men are proud enough to overbear their superiors, they are often base enough to stoop to the most detestable treachery, in order to gratify their revenge, or destroy their suspected rivals. How hard it is when kings can only mourn over crimes committed, but dare not punish them because of the power of the guilty! Long impunity makes sinners confident. But, though murder may pass unpunished for a while, the vengeance due to it will come at last; and God will not suffer the transgressor to escape. 4 G