Job 1

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I.—God can easily raise up instances of remarkable piety, even among wild Arabs, and amidst wealth: and he delights to propagate the fame of such as are remarkably pious. It is a mercy for children to have parents deeply and constantly concerned for the glory of God and the good of their souls. However lawful feasting and mirth may be on some occasions, there is always need after it to examine our hearts and conduct, and to supplicate the pardon of our mistakes in it. How closely Satan attends saints, ministers, and angels, particularly when they present themselves before God! We have great need to be always sober and vigilant, when our adversary the devil goeth about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And many, not less odious to God in their tempers and designs than Satan, thrust themselves into the assemblies of God’s people, in their house of prayer. The noted favourites and servants of God are peculiarly the objects of Satan’s malice. But precise are the limits by which he is restricted by God, who knoweth all his designs. And they, who approve themselves faithful servants to God, will find him faithful to them in preserving them from the snares of the devil. It is very common for Satan and his instruments to reproach the people of God as selfish and hypocritical in their religion: and almost as common to ascertain their declarations with curses and imprecations. And when God, for holy ends, lengthens Satan’s chain against his own people, how inexpressibly forward is he in carrying on mischief to the utmost extent of his permission! There is need then, in our happiest estate, to rejoice with trembling. How heavy are sore troubles when they come from every quarter, and on every thing, one upon the neck of another; and the last the most dreadful. Happy is it when we are graciously weaned from created comforts, of which we may be so quickly, and in so awful a manner, deprived. But no affliction should indispose us for God’s worship. The more trouble we feel, the more need we have of his grace to support us. And the views of our death should wean us from perishing things. All that we have is God’s gift, lent or given to us: and, whatever we lose, enough is left to deserve our thankfulness. Nay, a spirit of meekness bestowed is a greater blessing than all that God can take from us. But, nevertheless, how powerful are the influences of God’s grace, that can render his people composed, and heartily resigned to his will, under the sharpest trials! In all my troubles let me view God’s hand, and acquiesce in his will: and let them all drive me into the arms, the bosom, of my God. 2