Acts 26

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVI.—Jesus remarkably fulfils his promise, in enabling his servants to speak when brought before rulers and kings for his sake. And it is delightful to see the cause of Christ defended with all the grace and faithfulness of a Christian, and yet all the good manners of a courtier. It is an high honour to be chargeable with nothing but an avowed dependance on God’s promises, and belief of his performances, relative to the resurrection of Christ, and the eternal life of believers through him, and the general judgment of all by him.—But dreadful is their enmity against Christ, who think his followers deserve every thing cruel and barbarous for holding the fundamental truths of the gospel. Yes, devilish is their temper who can gratify themselves by forcing them, con- 129 144. trary to their conscience, to blaspheme their Saviour. And very distressing is it, though candid, to call to mind such things in our conduct. Amazing is that grace which changes such monsters into distinguished saints and eminent preachers; which honours them as noted instruments in winning multitudes to Christ, and preserves and protects them long in that honourable work. And happy are those ministers that make God’s word the standard of all their ministrations, in matter, manner, and end.—Dreadful is the condition in which the gospel and Spirit of Christ find sinful men; and marvellous the change they make, the infinite and everlasting blessings they confer, and the happy end to which they conduct. Alas, that these should ever be esteemed madness!—that 12 E many who hear the gospel should be no more than almost Christians, and never experience the power and pleasures of religion! But it is delightful when Christians wish better to others than to themselves, and make even those who hate their cause avow their innocence