Acts 20

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XX.—Christ’s providence can carry his servants safe through the wildest uproars, and turn mad outrage into calm tranquillity and peace. Parting with Christian friends, whom we except to see no more on earth, ought to be very devout and affectionate. And, if murderous enemies lie in wait for us, we may cautiously avoid them. If we honour Christ much, he will honour us with good companions. And, if ministers be truly faithful, they will never think they do enough in the service of Christ. They may be often wearied with, but never weary of, their work. Christians, who fervently love Christ, will make his Sabbath and supper their delight. And it is very unlike a Christian to shorten the one by unnecessary sloth and sleep, and almost forget the other by unfrequency. How criminal and dangerous is it, even at mid-day, to sleep at the worship of God! What if he—whom we affront as unworthy of our notice—he, whom we contemn as unworthy to be embraced—should seize the moment, and awaken us in eternal fire! Surely then every sermon should be heard, every sacrament received, every prayer poured forth, and every farewell of friends taken, as on the brink of eternity, and as before the awful tribunal.—Infinite is the importance of the ministerial work. With deep humility, earnest care, holy fear, self-denial, and candid fidelity, all the duties of it ought to be performed. The truths, the honour, of Jesus Christ, and the salvation of immortal souls, are all at stake. And both ministers and people have need to be recommended to the grace of God, that he may increase their gifts, graces, and success, and at last grant them a free admission to the state of perfect holiness and happiness above. 3