Vol. 2

an effect of a visit from God.CHAPTER I. 277Let us learn to puta favourable interpretation always, if we can, on thatwhich happens to the clergy and to others." 23. And it came to pass, that, as soon as thedays of his ministration were accomplished, he departedto his own house."Ecclesiastical persons should not frequently appearin public, but only to discharge the functions of theirministry, and when that is done, should return tothe privacy and retirement of their own houses.man ought to be exact, faithful, and intent in theperformance of his duty, whatever happens, after theexample of Zacharias, whom neither haste to carrysuch joyful news to his wife, nor the loss of his speech,could draw from the exercise of his ministry: far,therefore, should a man be from seeking pretences tobe excused from it." 24. And after those days his wife Elisabethconceived, and hid herself five months, saying,"It belongs to God to make known theAextraordinaryfavours which he bestows on men. As forthem, they ought to conceal them, till either necessityor the glory of God obliges them to a discovery." 25. Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in thedays wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproachamong men."It is a favour to be exercised and tried; it isone also to be delivered : each has its proper time.There is a sort of honour in the world, which dependson the darkness or injustice of human judgments.Barrenness seems to be a punishment fromGod, and a disgrace to those who are ignorant ofhis ways, who value nothing but the present life and