Nehemiah 11

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI.—The church of God, even on earth, ought to be a holy city. And, since Jesus her great ruler, and his apostles and prophets, dwell in her, men ought cheerfully to fix their residence there. But alas! regard to carnal advantages or sinful liberties, or fear of persecution or expense, often keep many from the church or cause of God! It reflects great honour on magistrates and ministers when they take special care of the chief stations in nations and churches, and readily shew themselves patterns of self-denial and holy resolution. If God distinguish them with honour, they should distinguish themselves by zeal for his cause. And they, who for God’s glory forego their own advantage, shall never lose their reward; while those, who only commend duty, but do not practise it, shall be ashamed. How commodiously God disposes of men into their various habitations! In all situations therefore they ought to accommodate their circumstances to his honour; and always live as strangers and pilgrims on this earth, who have here no continuing city, but look for one to come, the builder and maker of which is God. 3