Daniel 3:30

REFLECTIONS

READER! can you desire a stronger explanation of what scripture continually holds forth, between the righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not; than what is here brought before us. Behold the daring impiety of the Babylonish King and his nobles! Behold their cruelty also. Then mark the end of these men! Look, on the other hand, at the Lord's servants! see what confidence faith in the Lord Jesus can and will induce. And behold, how the Lord bears testimony to his people, and confirms the dependence of his redeemed. And such, depend upon it, more or less will it be in every instance. Faith in Jesus enables the believer to triumph, when all outward circumstances are most unpromising and dark. Hence some of the martyrs of God have been enabled to sing songs of rejoicing, even in the flames. They well knew, that however painful to the body, it was full of blessedness to the soul; and therefore, these afflictions were but the light afflictions of a moment, which were working out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!

Precious Jesus! make both him that writes and him that reads, if it be thy blessed will, followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises. And seeing that we are thus encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, may we run also the race that is set before us, looking unto thee the Author and Finisher of our faith. Amen.