Isaiah 39

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXIX.—It highly becomes us to rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep; and to honour them whom God delights to honour. They are often courted in prosperity who were con- 3 temned in adversity. Even men who hate God will caress his people on secular accounts; but often their kisses are deceitful. It is hard to be duly humble amidst great providential advancements. But to be fond of carnal respect marks very great weakness. And an intimacy or connections with the wicked usually prove a fearful plague in the issue. In shewing to our friends what we are or have, pride is ready to start up, and we forget God the giver. Ministers ought always to be plain, impartial, and faithful, in their rebukes. And, if God love us, he will find means to pull down our proud spirits, if not to take from us the things of which we are proud. Let me then never be fond of that which, in the end, may turn out vanity and veration of spirit! Let me evidence the truth of my repentance by a cordial reception of faithful reproof and a kindly submission to the chastisements of providence. Let me reckon every moment’s reprieve from hell or trouble a great mercy; and especially if God divert the storms of his vengeance till I be entered into my eternal rest