Acts 18

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVIII.—Happy are those churches where ministers are so hearty in their work that they will rather labour for their own subsistence, than prejudice men against the gospel, or give enemies an handle to reproach them as mercenary! But there is need of divine direction when to condescend and when not. Ministers should take great pains in making known Christ, and persuading men to accept of him as their only Saviour, and in defending the great truths of the gospel, till their hearers manifest themselves incorrigibly wicked, and obstinate rejecters of it. And, alas, dreadful is their destruction whose blood faithful ministers stand clear of! But, while some despise the gos- 4 pel to their own damnation, God will make it effectual to others, even the most unlikely. His elect, whether great or small, shall be all gathered in. If ministers have God’s direction, promise, presence, comfort, and protection, they need fear nothing. Success shall crown their labours; yea, even heathens, not very attentive to their duty as magistrates, shall refuse to persecute them. And the more success faithful ministers meet with, they are still the more diligent.—It is comely when old experienced Christians are inclined readily to instruct younger ones. And young preachers, who gladly accept instruction from exercised saints, though of the weaker sex, bid fair to be useful, if not famous, in gathering and edifying the church. There is little hope of such as are too wise to learn. And nothing should preachers more study than to have the scriptures stored up in their memories, and deeply written in their hearts, that all they deliver to others may be plainly marked with the authority of God 12 C