REFLECTIONS
It would be a far happier world than experience proves it now is, if that charming observation of the psalmist were more generally adopted, when he saith, Lo! Children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. There is a blessedness pronounced upon the quiver that is full of them. And when a gracious parent beholds a rising generation of gracious children, to call the Lord blessed, when he is gathered to his fathers; the imagination can hardly form an idea of a subject more highly calculated to call forth thankfulness unto God. It is pleasing in the reflection to the upright in heart and mind, when like Jacob, in their dealings between man and man, they have the favor of the divine approbation. But what a double sweetness rests upon the possessions of the just, when every blessing is found to lead the soul to God, instead of drawing the heart from God. Lord, I would pray, that all thy mercies may be thus sanctified, and not one of them received but with thanksgiving and prayer; that coming from thy bounty, they may lead to thy praise, and all be doubly enjoyed in Jesus.