1 Samuel 5:12

REFLECTIONS

How very precious it is to observe, the attention which God hath over his own cause. Though Israel is sunk so low as to be supine and inattentive to the attempt of recovering the ark, yet God will be jealous of his own honor. Reader! do you not see a sweet instruction veiled under this? When the poor sinner bound in Satan's chain is fallen asleep, and is unconscious of his impending ruin; neither sends forth a cry for help; nor is aware that he needeth that help; then it is that the eye of Jesus is upon him, undertakes himself his cause, and goeth forth to his deliverance. Oh! blessed Jesus, how very precious is it to my soul to observe that thy grace, like the dew of Heaven, waiteth not for men, neither tarrieth for the sons of men.

And here also while poor dispirited sinners are thus taught that our God will maintain his own cause and deliver his people out of captivity; woe unto the oppressor, when our God ariseth to judgment! Secret punishments will be their lot in this life, and an open display of his anger in that which is to come. The wrath of man shall praise him, the remainder of wrath will he restrain.