Matthew 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV.—God’s faithful ministers are great tormentors to them who, like devils, continue in penitent under awful convictions. Faithful reproofs, especially of great men, often procure the most inveterate resentment; in the prosecution of which all bounds of humanity, honour, justice, or gratitude, are trampled under foot; and profan, swearing, cruelty, and murder, are combined to resent the distinguished kindness. Never are the lusts of sinners more ready to rage than when intoxicated wit, carnal mirth; and none are more cruel and bloody monsters than abandoned women. But if friends die and enemies rage, let us go to Jesus, and pour out our complaints to him; and, if he withdraw, let us follow him the more eagerly. In so doing we may be reduced to straits, but never to ruin. His compassion is as unbounded as his power. And none need ever depart from him to seek happiness or subsistence from the creature. It is his to feed the hungry, to save the drowning, and to heal the diseased, when brought to the utmost extremity. Let me then cast all my care upon him, rest contented with my lot, and readily distribute to others. None ever lost, but gained, by prudently giving to the Lord and the poor. His blessing multiplies provision, but never allows to make waste. Yes, the truly liberal will be the best economists. After sermons and miracles, as well as before, let me give myself to solemn prayer. Let me never be stumbled if I meet with terrible storms in the way of my duty, never dread Christ’s hatred of, or unconcern about me; nor ever start back from my mercy, as if I took my Saviour for Satan. If he comfort me, cheerfully should I trust in, and cry to him; but never tempt his providence, even through desire to be with him. My staggering, though unfailing, faith will quickly bewray my rashness, and draw out his sharp, but kind, rebuke. Thrice happy are they who live near to Jesus, and employ him in every distress. No storm, no disease, can defy his power or kindness. 2