Acts 15

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XV.—Alas, how early a spirit of bigotry, legality, and attachment to ceremonies, began in the Christian church, to the great injury of the pure doctrines of salvation by Christ alone through faith! And it is a great mercy that the church is now delivered from the ancient burdensome rites of Moses, which never availed to the purification of men’s consciences; and that the salvation of sinners, greater or lesser, Jews or Gentiles, is wholly of free grace. For the faith of the gospel powerfully tends to the purification of men’s hearts and lives.—When attempts are made, especially under pretence of apostolic authority, to corrupt the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, and to pervert the souls of believers, it is high time to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. But proud and angry contentions about mere circumstances should never trouble the church, and expose her to confusion, danger, and reproach. It is a mercy that Jesus has appointed courts in proper subordination, and proper regulations, for the happy adjusting of differences. And there is need in all our disputes to adhere closely to the scriptures, and in all ecclesiastical decisions to manifest a strict regard to the gospel liberty purchased by Christ, and to the weakness of tender consciences. If they be made with proper prudence and harmony, they will in general be heartily received by church members for their edification. And greatly should we rejoice in the success of other churches, and in the union of Jews and Gentiles into one body of Christ; and carefully should all avoid giving offence to their neighbours, even in things indifferent in themselves. But, since the gospel is necessary for the confirmation of believers as well as for the conversion of sinners, not only ought ministers to labour in the ministrations of it, but all to rejoice in their success.—It is an unpleasing reflection that smaller differences should so often occasion sharp contentions between the best of men; and that dear friends should, in an ill humour, bid each other adieu for life. It is nevertheless a mercy if God make the weakness of men a mean of spreading his gospel. 12 B