Nahum 2:13

REFLECTIONS

I HAVE often thought that if the ungodly and carnal world could but consider, that all the opposition which they are making against the Church is overruled to the Lord's glory and his people's furtherance; they would, even from motives of ill will, desist sometimes from the exercise of their unprovoked malice. And I have as often thought, if the people of God could but keep in view that the malice of their opposers is not only permitted, but even appointed of the Lord; and like the clouds, pregnant with refreshing showers, must at length break over their head in blessing; how would they bless God for raising up to them enemies, to thwart and call forth their graces into exercise. In the history of Egypt, the Lord himself so explains the persecutions Israel sustained. He turned their heart (it is said) to hate his people. Psalms 105:25. So that though Pharaoh stormed, and the Egyptians oppressed them, yet they were but the instruments, the hand was the Lord's. Reader! whatever tends to lead the heart to the Lord, must be of the Lord. And whether Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, or Nineveh; whether corruption within, or persecution without; whether our own deceitful hearts, or the world, or the powers of darkness, assault and harass, and afflict the people of God; wait but the issue, and listen to the voice of the Lord. To every adversary of his Church, the Lord speaks in those decisive words, behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord! Blessed Lord Jesus, I would say for myself and Reader, if - thou be for us, what need we care who or what is against us!