- Let us always look to God's providence. In all the affairs and
business of a family we must depend upon his blessing. 1. For
raising a family. If God be not acknowledged, we have no reason
to expect his blessing; and the best-laid plans fail, unless he
crowns them with success. 2. For the safety of a family or a
city. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen, though they
neither slumber nor sleep, wake but in vain; mischief may break
out, which even early discoveries may not be able to prevent. 3.
For enriching a family. Some are so eager upon the world, that
they are continually full of care, which makes their comforts
bitter, and their lives a burden. All this is to get money; but
all in vain, except God prosper them: while those who love the
Lord, using due diligence in their lawful callings, and casting
all their care upon him, have needful success, without
uneasiness or vexation. Our care must be to keep ourselves in
the love of God; then we may be easy, whether we have little or
much of this world. But we must use the proper means very
diligently. Children are God's gifts, a heritage, and a reward;
and are to be accounted blessings, and not burdens: he who sends
mouths, will send meat, if we trust in him. They are a great
support and defence to a family. Children who are young, may be
directed aright to the mark, God's glory, and the service of
their generation; but when they are gone into the world, they
are arrows out of the hand, it is too late to direct them then.
But these arrows in the hand too often prove arrows in the
heart, a grief to godly parents. Yet, if trained according to
God's word, they generally prove the best defence in declining
years, remembering their obligations to their parents, and
taking care of them in old age. All earthly comforts are
uncertain, but the Lord will assuredly comfort and bless those
who serve him; and those who seek the conversion of sinners,
will find that their spiritual children are their joy and crown
in the day of Jesus Christ.
he value of the Divine blessing.