vain things against the Lord and against His Christ, — "He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh at them, and the Lord shall deride them." (Ps. ii. 4) Such was the case with Herod; God frustrated his deep-laid designs, and turned them against himself. Learn hence to put implicit confidence in God.
II. The cruelty of his officers surpassed even that of the tyrant himself. Observe how readily they execute the king's command, and murder as many male children as they can find in and about Bethlehem. Blush at the reflection that these bad men were more punctual in doing even a bad action than you in doing good. Conceive the agonized feelings of the poor mothers of these devoted innocents. Let your concern and grief be no less when you have lost your infant God by sin. Christ, though at a great distance, witnessed this barbarous spectacle with compassion, and rejoiced at the future glory of these infants in heaven.
III. Admire the goodness of God, who from the wickedness of men draws advantages for His servants, and who can produce "a honey-comb in the lion's jaw." (Judg. xiv. 8.) He permitted this slaughter that the innocents might receive the immortal crown of martyrdom. How happy was this for them! If they had lived, perhaps some of them might have been found among those who crucified Christ. Throw yourself with confidence into the arms of Providence, who knows infinitely better how to dispose of yourself and your affairs than you do yourself. Imitate, in your life, the innocence of these infant saints, that you may be " without spot before the throne of God." (Apoc. xiv. 5.)
