Deuteronomy 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV.—If I am the Lord’s; if, by his choice, his blood, his grace, his power, he hath distinguished me from the world; let me never affect conformity to the foolish, sinful, and barbarous customs of it. If God himself be my God and my ALL, let me never idolatrously mourn for the death of relations, as if I had nothing left, or had no hope. If my body be the temple of the Holy Ghost, bought with Jesus’ blood, let me never disfigure 25. or deform it. If I live on meat which cometh down from heaven, let me never dishonour my Provider and Portion by a base lusting after, or catching at, any thing earthly and vile. Such as are not satisfied with the lawful gratifications which God allows them, will never be satisfied in the gratification of their lawless lusts. And, though under the gospel I am not so restricted from the flesh of animals, yet I am no less restricted from intimacy and fellowship with unclean sinners, and their works of darkness and death. Here likewise I may learn that there is need of frequent and diligent assembling before God, to render us faithful in his service; that the ways of religion abound with joys and pleasures, and afford the surest grounds of thankfulness; and that there is the greatest advantage in kindness to God’s ministers, the poor, the fatherless, and widows. Let him therefore demand what he will for his service out of my outward estate, and may I give it cheerfully and seasonably! God loveth a cheerful giver; and will supply all my need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 3 C