2 Samuel 10:19

REFLECTIONS

READER! What a correspondence do we find, in all ages, in the circumstances of the people of God. The Lord said at the fall, that he would put enmity between the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent; and how evidently do the effects of it appear. In civil, as well as in religious life, what false constructions are frequently put upon the best intentioned actions. And what unjust, and base foundations do men of the world sometimes make, like the children of Ammon against David, to cover over their hatred to the people of God.

But principally, against thy gospel, blessed Jesus! how do the minds of all the carnal unite to treat thy gracious offers with contempt, and to abuse thy precious salvation. Is it because thy offers are of no value; or because men need them not? Alas! What but the most consummate blindness, can suggest the one; or the most horrid deception of the mind, could give rise to the other. But oh! thou blessed Redeemer, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear, do thou graciously hold forth the sceptre of mercy to my soul! Break down all the strong holds of Satan; give me to see, to feel, to embrace, to rejoice in the fulness, preciousness, and everlasting value of thy rich, free, and finished redemption. And in all the gracious offers thou art making, of peace and friendship (as David did to the king of Ammon) to the souls of poor, ruined, and undone sinners; oh! Lord, accompany thine offers with thy saving power, and make them willing to be saved in thine own way and purpose. This, Lord, I know will be the case of all whom the Father hath given unto thee, and whose salvation thou hast purchased with thy blood and righteousness; but, blessed Jesus! cut short this work in righteousness: Make haste, my Beloved, and be thou as the roe, or the young hart upon the mountains of Bether.