Joshua 22

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXII.—However desirable our home be, God’s work must be preferred to it. Yes, we ought to stay contentedly out of heaven itself till our work on earth be finished, and Jesus dismiss us from our warfare with his blessing. And O! what abundant honour, and extensive happiness, shall we then obtain, as the gracious reward of our exact fulfilment of our dangerous but dutiful engagements! Our right to fellowship with God and his people should be clearly but prudently attested and commemorated, that neither we nor our posterity may lose or neglect the means of grace. And with godly jealousy professors should watch over one another. But all, especially ministers and magistrates, ought to manifest a warm but charitable zeal against every appearance of evil, particularly false worship; for who knows how far and wide, if once admitted, it may spread its baleful influence. And such as have smarted for sin may justly dread the thoughts of renewing their provocation. In this state of imperfection, even in zeal for God, heavy charges are often brought against the innocent; and therefore with great meekness and candour, and, if need be, with solemnity, ought we to explain our conduct, for the satisfaction of our brethren who have mistaken it; and be concerned, not only that our intentions be innocent, but that our brethren may have no occasion to mistake us. And with readiness and pleasure should we receive men’s candid exculpation of themselves, and thank God for it. Happy would it be for churches and nations, if all their differences were conducted with so much prudent zeal for the glory of God that it should be, as here, hard to find fault with either party