Judges 11

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI.—The indulgers of lawless lust ordinarily entail both misery and shame upon the unhappy fruit of their guilty amours. But it is unreasonable for us to reproach a man with the unhappiness of his birth, when his practice deserves a more honourable relation. God often first debases those whom he intends to exalt, and marks men’s sins, not only in their distress, but also in the means of their deliverance. Whorish Israel must be now delivered and governed by the bastard son of an harlot, lately an exile; but no man ought to be trampled on, or despised; we may need his help ere we die. And if we have injured any, it is proper to entreat their pardon as quickly as possible. No injuries should render us unplacable. Agreements ought to be very explicit and distinct; and, if important, ought to be ratified with solemn prayer. Before entrance on war, the most solemn acknowledgments should be made to God, and repeated endeavours peaceably to compose every difference; that so, if war cannot be avoided, we may prosecute it with a good conscience, and depend on God for success in it. For it is reasonable that such as delight in war should be ruined by it. Unjust men are ready to insist upon the most antiquated claims; and, however many practise injustice, few choose to be reckoned unjust. But when the Lord hath given us any thing by special grant, we may insist upon the possession of it. To receive it from him, use it to his glory, keep it for his sake, and return it to him when he calls for it, is part of the duty which we owe to him. What care ought to be taken in contracting a solemn vow, that it may never prove a snare to our soul! And, having engaged to any thing lawful, we must in no wise go back. But it is mournful when parents by their rashness involve their obedient children in sin, in misery, or in death; and kind and comforting to make the joys and griefs of our neighbours our own. In this world, how is our wine mixed with water; our triumphs with distress; our joys with grief! Let these things make me long for the better country above