Daniel 4

—Kings, by prayers and good wishes, as well by good instructions and good deeds, should study to be a blessing to their hearts. If God remarkably abusive or deliver us, we ought to manifest his things to those around us. And, the more wisdom and power we discern in the works of creation or providence, the more wonderful will they be in our lives. God can easily reach the greatest, and make the terrors of mankind forerentors to themselves, amidst their mighty repose. It is common for wicked men to apply to the devil, or to any thing, rather than to God, for instruction and comfort. But what is the chaff to the wheat? What amusing pomp and grandeur sinners sometimes arrive at on earth! yet saints, angels, and divine sermons, shall concur to deluse them. With deep concern faithful ministers we run impending on the heads of many quite unaffected with it themselves. And with great freedom and prudence ought they to give warning of it; for sinners must be often courted to secure their own mercies. And they, who wish to know God’s mind, ought to encourage ministers in an unrestrained freedom with them. Perhaps they may have time for repentance allotted them before they are ruined. And, in repentance, it is not enough to cease from doing evil; we must also learn to do well.—How strangely pride prevails after the most humbling warnings! And few sins more certainly or fearfully provoke God’s judgments than extravagant pride. Easily he can render the self-fancied deity a mad and senseless brute! But, if we return to him by penitential acknowledgments, he is ready to restore us our dignity and honour. Our afflictions last no longer than to accomplish God’s end of their mission. And therefore all the accounts which we give or receive of God’s marvellous works ought to begin and end with his praise. Q U