Habakkuk 1:17

REFLECTIONS

READER! over and above the numberless precious things this Chapter holds forth to us in divine truths, we are here blessed by God the Holy Ghost, with a sweet sample of an Old Testament Saint at his devotions; and the Lord's gracious answer to his servant. When a child of God cries out, as Habakkuk here did, in contemplating the iniquity of the times, and feeling his own corruption also, see how gracious the Lord is? The Prophet no sooner calls to the Lord, but the Lord hears and makes answer. I cry out, because of violence, saith the Prophet; and wilt thou not hear? Yea, saith a gracious God, I will not only hear, but I will do such a work of grace in the gift of my dear son, as shall do away all the ruins of the fall. And yet, though I will work thus marvelously, there are thousands that will not believe. Reader! think what the Lord hath done in our day and generation, now redemption work is finished, and Christ returned to glory; and yet, may it not be asked in the Prophet's words, who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? Oh! for grace, to cry out with the Prophet, art thou not from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One? Lord grant it never may be said, either to him that now writes, or him that reads, behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish! for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you!