Acts 3

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—Thrice happy are they whose hearts are so fitted for devotion that the returning seasons of it, in public or private, are always welcome! And, if men heartily love prayer, they will never think morning and evening too frequent for it. Many, rich in faith, are poor and destitute in this world: but the blessings of grace do more than balance their wants. It is good to attend God’s ordinances in expectation of his favours. If he apprehend us by his Spirit, we shall lay hold on him by faith. And, if we obtain his deliverances, we ought to triumph in his praise, and even dearly to regard the honoured instruments of our deliverance. But the more God honours ministers, the more should they lay out themselves for his honour, and take every opportunity of doing good to souls.—How glorious is our exalted Saviour! And safely may we believe his apostles’ testimony concerning him. In him ancient predictions are fulfilled. And through believing dependance on his power and authority the most amazing miracles have been wrought. Marvellous is the wisdom and power of God in making even the most daring wickedness of men the great means of bringing about our salvation: and extensive is the instruction, ample the pardons, effectual the reformation, and abundant the blessings, which Jesus Christ bestows on the chief of sinners. What delightful encouragement is this to faith and repentance, that, in his seasons of mercy, we may find rest and refreshment to our souls. What excitement to rejoice in his exaltation, and to wait for his return to judgment! 2