Note, 1. God can turn foes into friends when he pleases. He that has
all hearts in his hand has access to men's spirits and power over them,
working insensibly, but irresistibly upon them, can make a man's
enemies to be at peace with him, can change their minds, or force them
into a feigned submission. He can slay all enemies, and bring those
together that were at the greatest distance from each other. 2. He will
do it for us when we please him. If we make it our care to be
reconciled to God, and to keep ourselves in his love, he will incline
those that have been envious towards us, and vexatious to us, to
entertain a good opinion of us and to become our friends. God made Esau
to be at peace with Jacob, Abimelech with Isaac, and David's enemies to
court his favour and desire a league with Israel. The image of God
appearing upon the righteous, and his particular lovingkindness to
them, are enough to recommend them to the respect of all, even of those
that have been most prejudiced against them.