Numbers 23

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIII.—What a costly parade in religion will the worst of men make, in order to obtain their wicked ends! But tearful is their disappointment who think to make God their debtor by their services. All instruments are in his hands, and he can indulge to hypocrites the most amazing manifestations of himself, when it is for the advantage of his people; or make use of the worst of instruments to carry on his most excellent works. But beautiful is the appearance of God’s church when every thing therein is regulated according to his prescriptions. Happy and safe are they who have the gracious, the almighty, and faithful, God for their protector and portion: though troops overcome them, they shall overcome at the last; and be more than conquerors through him that loved them: he will make their enemies to acknowledge the sovereign dominion unchanging care, and almighty power of 21* their God till they who hate the life will wish to die the death of the righteous. But, alas! how obstinate and unwearied are sinners in their wicked courses, and in running from one refuge of lies to another! And it is always necessary for the saints to watch and pray, since, unknown to them, their enemies may be adding one attempt after another to destroy them