Deuteronomy 29

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIX.—Unbelief and unconcern are so deep rooted within us, that, till God himself enlighten and renew our heart, we can never know, love, or serve him. Many of the most affecting providences pass unheeded by ignorant and unbelieving men: and yet a right observation of providence would powerfully induce us to a solemn surrendering of ourselves to God, and a careful fulfilment of our vows. Holy obedience is so contrary to the heart of man, that notwithstanding we are already bound by the infinite authority of God’s law, we need to be also bound by solemn vows and covenants, and these again and again repeated. But every thing in public covenanting with God ought to be made with great plainness and solemnity; that every one concerned, whether present or absent, may understand, and be duly affected with it: and especially must all our covenanting with him be founded on his grant of himself to us as our God, and his claim of us for his people. How ready are men to copy after bad examples, and to defile themselves with idols! And who knows what indwelling lusts may lead us to in our practice; for followers of iniquity often become presumptuous at last, and bless themselves, while the curse of God hangs over their heads, and his wrath abideth on them! and to what terrible and shameful judgments are such presumptuous sinners exposed! The greater the mercies we sin against, the greater judgments we may expect. The obstinate abuse of God’s mercies will at length deprive men of them. And heathen beholders are sometimes sooner awakened by God’s judgments than the hardened professors who endure them. Men’s inquiries into religious concerns are frequently rather curious than practical; and many sinfully pry into futurities, and things which he hath concealed, rather than search and practise what he hath revealed in his word, and manifested in his providence. But may I and my children always search and practise the scriptures, as the only effectual means of averting the plagues appointed for the ungodly! —