Nehemiah 2

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. II. -Strong grief can scarcely be concealed. And it becomes superiors or others to observe the appearances of distress in those around them, and to sympathize with them in it. Even Jesus marks his people’s groans, and puts their tears into his bottle. There is therefore no reason either for fear or for shame when sorrow for sin, and for the affliction of God’s people, burden our heart and sadden our countenance. Nothing is more comely than meek and humble answers, when given by distressed minds to great men. And pious ejaculations to God are proper to be intermingled with all our important dealings. The prayer of faith is never in vain. God will afford us friends, and help us where we scarcely ever expected it. It is easy with him to render the greatest on earth friendly and helpful to his church in a time of need. But every favour shown to the servants of God awakens the envy and rage of the wicked. They so heartily hate the cause of God, that they are vexed exceedingly if any take it by the hand and zealously promote it; and are ready to attack them with every arrow of envenomed malice, derision, slander, and threatening. What strong faith in God, zeal for his glory, bold courage, and prudent discretion, are then necessary, in attempting any noted work for the Lord and his church. In this manner we bid fair to animate even cowards and sluggards to join with us in it. Many will second the labours of one that is zealous and active, who had no courage to lead. Let us therefore instantly begin, as delays are dangerous; and let us carefully observe and acknowledge the kind interposals of providence in all that we meet with. 5 2 11