Numbers 31

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXXI.—Short-lived is success in sinning, and at last most clearly bought. Enticers to sin therefore ought to be held as our worst enemies, and treated accordingly: especially since God takes the greatest delight in comforting and honouring those who have been singularly zealous for his cause. And it is easy for him to accomplish great exploits, whether by many or by few. Our humane tenderness, carried to an excess, often spares our most dangerous enemies and the most guilty criminals. But every thing, even in war, ought to be conducted with a sacred regard to religion, strict equity, and brotherly kindness; and the whole success thankfully ascribed to God. And after every action we have need to purify ourselves in Jesus’ blood; as, even in the best, there is enough of sin to damn us, if God deal not with us according to his great mercy, and his Son’s infinite atonement. Let then every enticement of my indwelling corruptions provoke my resentment against them, and animate me to put on the whole armour of God; that, directed by Jesus, my Captain of salvation, I may exert myself for their utter destruction. And, since the Lord and I have one common cause, let me, however weak, hope for certain victory. Let me never spare an enticing lust. And let him have the honour; and let the church and my own soul have the advantage of whatever spoil the Lord shall bring to my hand