Acts 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—Men who heartily hate one another often cordially unite in opposition to Christ, his gospel, and his servants. But it is delightful when fierce persecution animates to a prudent zeal for Christ’s honour, and when he balances it by the conversion of multitudes of hardened sinners. For, if ministers preach Christ faithfully and successfully, they must expect trouble for it. Rich, full, and free, is that salvation for sinful men which is in him alone. It is necessary always to believe and receive it, and, in our stations, to exhibit and declare it. Excellent is the cause of the gospel; and nothing but absurd rage, and overbearing violence, can ever oppose it. But in the most violent opposition Jesus can inspire his most cowardly servants with wisdom and courage to make an open and bold confession of himself and his truths; and by them he can confound their most potent and learned opposers, and even convince their consciences of the inconceivable advantage of fellowship with him. Easily he restrains the wrath of men, and makes the remainder of it to praise him. And it is manifest that, however despised by men in authority, he is the Head and Lord of his church. In every case it is much better to obey God than men. He is the almighty JEHOVAH, the Maker and Governor of all things. Nothing happens without his permission and appointment. All events are a fulfilment of his inspired oracles, and execution of his ancient decrees. In every time of need let us therefore address him by solemn prayer. Often he hears and answers in mercy while his people are yet speaking. And, if he be with us, we need neither fear nor anxiously care who is against us. He knows every plot and every threatening of our enemies: and his presence and blessing are sufficient to encourage our perseverance in much tribulation. Heavenly is the delight and comfort that his Spirit can produce in our hearts! Yes, he can even make us rejoice in persecution for his sake. And glorious is the church when ministers are remarkably faithful and useful, and Christians so knit together as to be ready to give all they have for the relief of their indigent brethren