Judges 10

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. X.—God can easily heap wealth on families, or under them happy with a moderate share: and it is a great mercy to a country God raises up one impartial administrator of justice after another. Those, hearts were never changed, soon relapse into the very sins for which they often severely smarted, and even become more and more wicked: and, when words of wrath are quickly condemned, God will, in justice or in love, by his double strokes;—strokes on every hand! But if at last they bring us kindly sense of sin, and cordial crying to God, we must esteem them to his greatest mercies; and, though sharp the trial, and God refuse to hear our distresses, yet let not the soul that is even frowned out of doors despair. If he makes us plead guilty at his bar, renounce our idols, and submit to his mercy, there is hope in our end. His fatherly heart is touched with our wretchedness, and ready to receive the returning prodigals. He is loath to give up his people to utter destruction; and, when he restores his favourable smile, they powerfully animate our hearts against every foe. But it is of great importance, in our spiritual warfare, to have proper leaders and directors; and especially that we cleave close to Christ, the great Captain of his people