Numbers 5

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—In these figures I discern that the church of God on earth ought carefully to be purged from scandalous persons and crimes; and that polluted and dishonest sinners shall be excluded from the celestial mansions. How necessary then to put away all filthiness of the flesh and spirit; and to avoid even the most distant approaches towards dishonesty, particularly with respect to Jesus Christ and his ministers! For those who preach the gospel must live by the gospel. Yea, let me avoid every thing which may beget dishonourable suspicions; and, on the contrary, beware of indulging them without sufficient ground. But innocence is the surest comfort and support under the most malignant accusations. How dreadful it is when God’s curse is the seasoner though waters of jealousy are no more, the eye of God can see, and the voice of conscience will speak out. Yea, often God most strangely brings to light the hidden things of darkness; and, however they may escape present censure or punishment, whoremongers and adulterers God will judge, and dreadfully punish! Let me therefore abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; and, if I am unjustly accused, let me commit my cause to God, who judgeth righteously, that he may bring me to the fight, and cause me to behold his righteousness. Meanwhile, let me, with the utmost accuracy examine how far I am chargeable with spiritual whoredom or apostasy; and particularly observe whether the cross of Christ, and the afflictions of the gospel, are to me a savour of death unto, oath or of life unto life