February 26
Daily Walk with Wise MenLet him seek peace, and ensue it.—1 Peter 3:11.
OMITTING the many acceptations of the word peace, here particularly external peace with men, I conceive is meant; and this is to be sought, and not only to be sought when it is willingly found, but we are to pursue and follow it when it seems to fly away; but yet, so to pursue it, as never to step out of the way of holiness and righteousness after it, and to forsake this rule that goes before it, of eschewing evil and doing good. Yea, mainly in so doing is peace to be sought and pursued, and it is most readily to be found and overtaken in that way: for the fruit of righteousness is peace.
1st. Consider that an unpeaceable, turbulent disposition is the badge of a wicked mind; as the raging sea, still casting up mire and dirt. But this love of peace, and in all good ways seeking and pursuing it, is the true character of the children of God, who is the God of peace. True the ungodly, to prevent their own just challenge, as Ahab, call the friends of true religion disturbers, and the troublers of Israel; and this will still be their impudence: but, certainly, they that love the welfare of Jerusalem, do seek, and pray for, and work for peace all they can, as a chief blessing, and the fruitful womb of multitudes of blessings.
2dly. Consider, then, that to be deprived of peace, is a heavy judgment, and calls for our prayers and tears to pursue it and entreat its return; calls us to seek it from his hand who is the sovereign dispenser of peace and war, to seek to be at peace with him, and thereby good, all good shall come unto us, and particularly this great good of outward peace in due time; and the very judgment of war shall in the event be turned into a blessing. We may pursue it among men, and not overtake it; we may use all good means, and fall short; but pursue it up as far as the throne of grace, seek it by prayer, and that will overtake it, will be sure to find it in God's hand, who stilleth the waves of the sea, and the tumults of the people. If he give quietness, who then can disturb?