Deuteronomy 7

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—God sovereignly disposes of mankind, even with respect to their life or death, they having all forfeited whatever they have into the hands of his justice. It is dangerous to contract marriage, or cultivate intimacy with wicked persons, particularly such as are of a false religion; and absurd is the expectation, that by such means we shall convert them, when God hath warned us that they will corrupt and seduce us. The faith of God’s free love and mercy, in choosing and redeeming us, most effectually constrains to holy obedience: and what profit and pleasure is there in the faithful service of God! The most difficult duties are easily performed when we attempt them in the faith of God’s promised presence and assistance. Why should we fear our strongest enemies, though greater and mightier than we are? If God be for us, who or what can be against us? Though our conquest be gradual, it shall be complete at last. And in all our struggling let us beware of covetousness; for to enrich ourselves, even with the spoils of a false religion, may issue in our rain: and it is therefore very important to remove and avoid every temptation to sin. '