Nehemiah 1

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I.—Sad defects still remain in the militant church. But, whenever God has work to be done, he can easily find or qualify instruments for it. Lively saints may often be found where we could least expect them,—courts not excepted. And no dignity or distance can make such an one careless of the honour or the church of God. The poverty or persecution, which discourages others, awakens his zeal and concern. In seasons of public or private distress, fasting and tears should accompany our prayers. It is a great relief for a sorrowful spirit to pour out its complaints into the bosom of a compassionate God. While we have a God in Christ to go to, our case is never desperate. And, if he pour out upon us his Spirit of grace and supplication, he will certainly hear us. Let us then, with holy and believing awe of his greatness and grace, rest on the stability of his covenant. And let candid confessions of our sins and unworthiness attend our supplications for mercy. It is infinitely encouraging to us that we have to deal with a God who is our own God; a God who has done great things for us, and has pledged his promise to do more. Let us therefore put our own, and the hearts of all connected with the welfare of Zion, into his hand