Deuteronomy 27

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVII.—Such as are in authority ought to exert all their influence in promoting the service of God. And, when ministers and magistrates shew themselves zealous in their station for God, people are ready to follow their example. Every privilege that we enjoy ought to be an incitement to universal holiness: and God’s law is so plain, that every one may attain a moderate knowledge of it: but to become effectual, it must be written on our hard hearts by the Spirit of God; and all obedience to it must be founded on the atoning and peace-procuring blood of Jesus Christ. In this order, what solid peace and joy are found in believing, and in cordial dedication of ourselves to God’s service! In keeping his commandments a blessed reward of grace is to be expected: but most terrible curses await those who, after professed subjection to God, and solemn acquiescence in his law and sanctions of it do voluntarily apostatize from his ways, and indulge themselves in secret or open wickedness. 4