Isaiah 36

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXVI.—How quickly providence fulfils some awful predictions! And people may meet with great distress in the way of their duty, in order that their faith may be exercised, their graces brightened, and their glory increased. Let us then always look out and prepare for it, and not wonder if our most impious and treacherous enemies for a time prevail against us, and both with threats and derision tempt us to faint in, or desert the good ways of the Lord. Let us never marvel if pride intoxicate sinners, and make them talk big of themselves, their works, and wealth; or if they should pretend power equal to God, or a commission from him. If we maintain our confidence in God, and continue in his service, we need not fear the want of his protection. It is base to make appeals to the people while the affair is but debated between princes; or to take occasion, from soft speeches to banter the more outrageously; or to talk of bettering men’s condition when their ruin is really intended. How horribly insolent is it to compare Jehovah to an idol! or to imagine ourselves a match for his power! And, though it be not always prudent to answer the blasphemy of railers, yet we ought always to be deeply affected with it. 8 F