Joshua 2

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. II.—Proper means and prudent caution must never be neglected, when we trust God with the success of our enterprises. Even the best and greatest rulers must see with other people’s eyes. And it is a great mercy to a nation when those to whom interesting affairs are committed are persons of fidelity and diligence. The grace of God can easily change the most scandalous sinner into a choice saint and a strong believer; and such as firmly believe will risk all for God. Nor must we reject them as reprobates who are guilty of some very condemnable actions: there may be true and justifying faith where much corruption still works. But it is hard to get rid of a bad character when once fixed, even by repentance and amendment: and that remaining badge of our shame ought to excite us to frequent and bitter sorrow for the sin which occasioned it. God can easily send his terrors to the hearts of his enemies, so that the boldest shall tremble: and often sinners’ frights are presages of their fall. But the faith of God’s promises will powerfully influence a person to a regard for the people of God, even at the expence of natural affections. And, when we cannot prevent the ruin of our city or nation, we ought cautiously to provide for the safety of ourselves and kindred. And all agreements, especially such as concern life and death, ought to be made with the greatest exactness. We must never mingle with the world, which lieth in wickedness, if we would not be condemned with it. Faith, which foresees the ruin of the ungodly, will urge us to save ourselves from among them: and the lives that are jeopardized for Christ’s service shall be secured by his mercy. But the most prudent means ought to be used for our safety, even while we trust our all to God and his redeeming grace. And God can easily make such as are weak enmouragers of his strong saints