Isaiah 38

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXVIII.—Death being the common fate of mankind, every one ought seriously to prepare for it. And nothing can be more seasonable than fervent prayer in a time of great trouble; nor any thing more pleasant than the testimony of a good conscience, washed in Jesus’ blood. It is a relief to a distressed heart to unbosom itself to God, whose ears are open to its cry. Nor can pious souls take much pleasure in life, or personal comforts, unless God’s church be revived and comforted along with them.—God takes pleasure in shewing his people the immutability of his counsels, that they may have strong consolation. And, if one miracle served to confirm Hezekiah’s faith, why do not thousands confirm ours in the glorious Redeemer? And why are we so careless of keeping memorials of our afflictions and deliverances, and of the working of our hearts under them, for the benefit of ourselves and others?—It is hard to keep the heart from despondency under sore and complicated troubles. God’s providences indeed ought to affect our spirits with humility and constant fear; and in him alone should we hope for support and deliverance. Great is the kindness, the full forgiveness that he manifests in delivering from the utmost extremity of trouble. And the opportunity of living to his glory ought to be our principal reason for esteeming or desiring life. Blessed are those parents whose great care is to inform their children concerning Jesus and his truths! No means of relief ought to be used without dependance on the power and kindness of God. And we ought as eagerly to thank him for our deliverances as ever we prayed for them