Psalms 141

REFLECTIONS UPON PSALM CXLI.—A deep sense of need will make us importunato in prayer for speedy help, gracious acceptance, direction, preservation, and merciful restraints. Faithful and Christian reproof is a necessary and kind office of friendship. And to love reproof, and be thankful for it, is one of the surest symptoms of a gracious heart. But that reproof will be most effectual which comes from those whose unsuspected piety gives weight to their words, and whose tender manner of applying it renders it soft and penetrating. For men to pray to be put right, and yet to be displeased with rebuke for what is wrong, is base dissimulation. Often people never regard God’s candidates for the magistracy or ministry, till their own be destroyed or shamefully disgraced. But, let the case of the church or saints be ever so deplorable, fervent prayers will soon render it hopeful. And, if our eyes be fixed on God, our feet shall not slip. But the destruction of the wicked is determined, and their devices to hurt others shall but hasten their own wretchedness