Acts 13

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII.—Important is the work of preaching the gospel, and absolutely necessary for it is the direction of God’s Spirit and providence. He qualifies his servants for it, calls them to it, and directs and succeeds them in it; and with pleasure and courage they may set about it, if satisfied of their divine call. But Satan and his instruments will certainly oppose them in it with great warmth and earnestness, especially if great sinners and persons in power appear to be converted by it. Great will be their subtilty and mischievous ardour in opposing the gospel—the right ways of the Lord. All the arts of sorcery and infidelity; all the fury that blind zeal, temporal interests, and envy, can inspire; all the powers of this world; are stirred up to oppress it. But no weapon formed against Zion shall prosper. For under the influence of the Holy Ghost the word shall the more spread and be glorified. Very important are the tidings it brings us concerning the promised Saviour; for whose being born, crucified, and raised from the dead, according to the ancient oracles of God, all former dispensations towards Israel but paved the way.—By infinitely wise and seasonable advances has the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and a full redemption through him, spread and prevailed in the world. Thrice happy are they who receive him as the light of life and propitiation for sins. From eternity they were chosen in him to everlasting life. In time they are justified through his righteousness imputed, even from crimes for which the ceremonial laws allowed no explanation. They are endowed with the presence, supplies, and consolation of the Holy Ghost, and enabled to continue in the faith, profession, and obedience of the gospel, notwithstanding the most cruel persecution.—If among these converts some be remarkable for sense, others for stupid idolatries, all marks the sovereignty and power of gospel grace.—But, alas, great is their sin and danger, who, notwithstanding their visible relation to him, reject the Redeemer, and set themselves to reproach his servants, his truths, and ways. They thrust the gospel and eternal life from themselves, and provoke God to cast them off with abhorrence into everlasting perdition. Take heed, my soul, to hear only such preachers as the Holy Ghost has qualified and regularly placed in their office. Let no station make me think myself above the gospel; and let no sinfulness make me reckon myself below it. Let reading and hearing of God’s word be my constant delight; and let me carefully observe all providences in connection with Christ. Regarding the word of salvation he hath sent, and receiving the sure mercies he hath given, let me serve my generation according to the will of God, and then fall asleep in the Lord. If I am justified, let me manifest it by my good works: if I have grace implanted in my heart, let me continue therein; if I am benefited by ministers, let me love and cleave to them; and if for Jesus’ sake I am tossed to and fro, let his comforts delight my soul