Acts 25

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXV.—No length of time can wear out, or repeated disappointments subdue, inveterate malice against Christ and his servants: no sentence is so unjust, but it will insist upon it; no murder so horrid, but it will attempt it.—By secret springs God sometimes, for the preservation of his servants, restrains the most easy and selfish compliance of judges. And, when men prudently insist on their just rights, his providence overrules all for the accomplishment of his promises. But it is hard when a righteous cause must be referred from those who enjoy divine revelation to barbarous and blood-thirsty heathens. And it is shameful when a man can scarcely get a fair hearing before he be condemned. Alas, how ignorant and unconcerned are many great men with respect to the one thing needful! Yea, many have the means of instruction always near, and never profit by them. And multitudes are eternally damned for making the gospel an object of mere curiosity.—The faithful followers and ministers of Christ easily stand clear of being enemies to the peace and order of civil societies. And judges ought to be very tender and exact in representing the case of the accused. 4