Ezra 3

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—Let us learn to prefer the business of religion to our most pressing temporal affairs; and, in the worship of God, do what we can when we cannot do what we would. And let leaders in church and state be peculiarly active and zealous. Never should the fear of men hinder us from, but hasten us to, fellowship with God. The more enemies we have, the more need have we that God should befriend us. If we have been long secluded from the public or solemn ordinances of God, more readily should we improve opportunities when put into our hands; and by no means neglect the daily sacrifices of the closet and family. If God bring us out of the furnace of affliction, our hearts should burn with love to him; and never should we grudge to spare from ourselves, that we may have wherewith to honour him, or to relieve his poor saints; always taking care to dispose of it to the best advantage. If a good work is to be done, let us set about it with all our might, and without delay, be the difficulties ever so great. Never should we despise the day of small things, but encourage ourselves in the everlasting power and mercy of God; praising him for the beginnings of his returning mercy; assured that they will issue in perfection at last. And, while we are in this world, where shouts of joy can scarcely be discerned from the groans of weeping, let us rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep