Esther 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—A good man severely feels and laments the heavy strokes of providence, whilst with humble resignation he submits to the red: and it is peculiarly grievous to him that others should suffer for his sake. How brave is it to espouse the cause of God when it seems desperate and sinking? But unhappy are those courts where all are so abandoned to gaiety, pleasure, and mirth, that nothing serious or mournful dare enter. Yea, the pride or base fear of princes has introduced the most unaccountable laws, hurtful to themselves, families, and subjects. But how friendly is it when all the members of Christ, however great, sympathize with one another in their distress! God sometimes permits the most discouraging circumstance to exercise the faith and brighten the crown of the redeemed. And it is necessary to consider well the ends of providence in putting us into our stations, and to labour to let slip no opportunity of answering them. If we have aith to trust in God, he wil never fail us. But, if through unbelief we decline the path of duty, we may expect the danger which we sinfully decline. In times of great distress, solemn fasting and supplication to God are leading means of deliverance. And such as are confined ought to join in the work as well as the attenders in public. In all our distresses there is a throne of grace open, and a God who heareth prayer. When we are truly humbled under our sins we may hope that God will deliver us from our afflictions. And, while we desire the prayers of others, let us never forget to be importunate for ourselves. And having by the prayers of faith committed our way to the Lord, we may, with the greatest courage and resolution, venture on the most dangerous work to which in providence we have a call. 6 D