Numbers 12

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XII.—Too common, but very sinful, are contentions among saints; nor doth any thing produce hotter disputes than jealousy of power. Grace, natural affection, duty, and safety, are all trampled under foot when men strive for grandeur and rule. But God takes a peculiar pleasure in vindicating and honouring his faithful ministers or people. He remarks exactly, and severely avenges, the injuries done to those who, from a meek regard to his law, will not avenge themselves. It is dangerous therefore to revile God’s servants: they who do it shall at last be obliged to bow to them, and confess their sin. Yea, often God deals most sharply with his principal favourites when they offend him; and marks the abominable nature of their sin in the filth, pain, or shame of their punishment. But it is becoming when offending saints make the deepest submissions. And acceptable to God, honourable to us, and effectual for our neighbour’s advantage, are sincere and affectionate intercessions for those who have injured us. But, even while our sins hinder our heavenly journeys, the Lord will take care of our honour and comfort, if once we be penitent and humble