Judges 15

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XV.—An alliance into prophane and graceless families, or giving way to unreasonable jealousies, are sources of great unhappiness: but when we have done our duty to prevent a quarrel, we cannot be charged with the consequences of it. Passion is terrible to all around, but it is glorious when the offended party is the first in coveting reconciliation. God often makes use of his people’s enemies to avenge their quarrel. And such as, by sin, seek to avoid suffering, only bring upon themselves more terrible destruction. The people of God indeed have need to expect but little repose in this world. One conflict closely succeeds to another: and those, whom God raises up to be deliverers in church or state, frequently receive the most base and treacherous abuse from their friends, for whose sake they spend their pains and risk their life. But, if God be for us, no matter what or who may be against us, or how small our assistance be: for, though humbling providences closely follow after the most exalting, that we may know that we are but flesh, frail flesh; and may be constrained to a constant dependance on God, and fervent supplication to him; yet will he supply all our wants, and fill our mouths with his praise