Judges 13

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII.—Where there is the greatest danger and the least prospect of relief, it often comes. Mercies long waited for are rendered remarkably valuable, for the encouragement of others to wait on the Lord. And, to support the sinking spirits of his people, God often issues promises of salvation long before they are fulfilled. Those, whom God honours to be deliverers of churches and nations, ought to be remarkably holy themselves, and devoted to the service of God. Parents ought to beware of infecting their children with any thing of fleshly lusts; and married persons ought to communicate their spiritual experiences one to another.—Divine instructions animate our desire after further fellowship with God: and how ready is God to satisfy such longing desires! Such as enjoy real communion with him wish all their relations to share of it. And such as know the real importance of children will be earnestly desirous of God’s direction and assistance in their education, for his honour. Mercies are mercies indeed only when they are rightly managed. But so treacherous are our memories and hearts, that we need line upon line, and precept upon precept; and to have always at hand a loving and careful remembrancer. Gratitude to God, and to his ministers for his sake, is highly agreeable: but let us never tempt the one nor the other with our curious enquiries. What God conceals we may be holy without the knowledge of: and, if we ask in prayer what is not for our real advantage, it is a great mercy to have our suit denied. But how animating is it to behold an ascending Redeemer carrying our hearts and services, all inflamed with his love, along with him! Let not his saints through unbelief be afraid of their signal mercies, or afraid to die in the Lord; but even put a just and favourable construction on the providences of God, and ever look to Jesus’s sacrifice as the great foundation of their hopes and comforts. God’s promises shall most certainly be fulfilled. And how pleasant to observe the early impressions of God’s Spirit upon our children!