Deuteronomy 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—Blind and hardened indeed are the hearts of men, which need such earnest and repeated inculcation of the plainest duties. And greatly important are the statutes and testimonies of God, which are worthy of all these enforcements. Oh with what solemnity and fervour ought ministers then to preach the truths of God! His glory, and the eternal salvation or ruin of mankind, are deeply concerned in them. Let me receive every article of their divine message with the deepest awe and the most solemn regard: and, while I have an ear to hear, let me hear what the Spirit saith to the churches as said to myself. Let me walk in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. Let every carnal representation of the true God, every deviation to idols, be the detestation of my soul. And, remembering God’s covenant with me, and relation to me, let me exert all my care and skill in raising up a seed to the honour of Jesus Christ, my elder brother. Let every manifestation of God’s character or providence encourage and animate me to close walking with him. And, if I choose not that sin should become my punishment, let me never make it my pleasure. But let the immutability of God’s love, and his readiness to shew mercy to returning prodigals, lead me to a speedy and a hearty repentance for sin. And, recollecting the manifold, the distinguishing, manifestations of God to me and to his people, let me never forget my superior obligations; but, while I enjoy his peculiar blessing, return him peculiar honour. 4