Joshua 6

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VI.—God takes a peculiar pleasure in honouring his ministers and ordinances; in trying the faith and patience of his people at their setting forth in their spiritual warfare; and in shewing them that their success is not by human might or power, but by his Spirit. There is need therefore of patient perseverance in using the means of grace, though we see not their immediate good effect: for, if we follow God’s ark, we shall speed at last, and see his salvation: and he can accomplish the most remarkable events by the weakest of instruments. By the bearing of Jesus’ name, and proclaiming his gospel before sinful men, particularly on his sabbaths, what destruction is made of strong holds of inward corruptions, and high imaginations, deep-rooted customs, and laws of iniquity; of heathen and popish errors, idolatries, and superstitions, supported by all the principalities and powers of hell and earth! What in us is natural he purifies for his service; and what is sinful he devotes to irreparable ruin. Now must we murmur at the severity wherewith God executes his judgments; he is just and righteous in all his works. They that will harden their heart against him must, when too late, find their ruin inevitable. But certain and extensive is that salvation which is marked with the blood of the Son of God! In virtue hereof, such as were once infamous in wickedness become as noted in gifts and grace. Such as in this time of his grace submit to his terms of peace he will in no wise cast out; and their relations shall share of manifold mercies on their account. But dreadful and inevitable is the ruin of such as attempt to rear up what God in anger hath cast down