Genesis 31

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXI.—What stings do riches carry with them, that for them a man is envied of his neighbour! but base-minded indeed are those wretches who are ungrateful, and who reckon temperal wealth the principal glory. What an evil world is this, where the best behaviour cannot secure one’s reputation! And often sour looks deprive families of their best supports. It is a mercy that, in the very crisis of difficulty, God visits and comforts his people: that he never changes, but wills that we should live near to him. When we get worldly blessings in a new-covenant channel, they are doubly sweet; and yet when outward mercies increase, we have great need to be stirred up to think of our celestial home. When we have gone safely out under God’s direction, we need not fear to return under his care. But how apt are the best to forget the distinguished service of God, unless they be both driven and drawn to it.—How pleasant, when married persons dwell together in unity, and do nothing important without mutual consent!—How strong is our affection to idols, when we will rather steal them than want them; and how despicable those deities that can be stolen and hidden among the staff!—God hath in his hand the hearts of all men; and he will continue to rescue his people when upon the brink of ruin, and will restrain their most outrageous enemies.—Bad hearts are pregnant with evil surmises; and if God hinder their mischievous designs, they readily pretend that they never formed them. Whatever wicked men think of foolish mirth and riotous feasting at the parting of friends, it is ordinarily a token of much coldness and corruption in religion.—Rough and undeserved reproaches provoke even good men, and of calm spirits, to vindicate themselves with heat, and to recriminate on their reproaches; and even to utter hasty wishes, which would render them miserable if they took effect. But God can marvellously over-rule the rage of men to a most friendly issue. And with meekness and prudence we ought to cherish even the im-approach towards peace and reconciliation. To forgive and forget injuries, and render good for evil, is truly christian; and near relations are doubly bound to mutual forgiveness and living in peace. But solemn covenants, amongst all, should be undertaken with the greatest deliberation, and observed with the most heedful attention