Acts 5

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—It is impossible to find a church on earth without tares; or much Christianity without some hypocrisy. Satan’s temptations and men’s own corruptions, particularly covetousness, easily lead them into lying and falsehood. But most heinous is this in dealing with God, as it is a direct contempt of his all-seeing Spirit. And yet, if Satan fill our heart, he will delude us into it; and even our nearest relations will encourage us in it. Seriously then should we guard against prevarication with that God who can strike liars and dissemblers dead, for the honour of his gospel and church. And happy is it when such events deter hypocrites from joining her.—Well would it be if men shewed as much care for their souls as most do for the health of their bodies! But, alas, with what blind fury do many, under pretence of religion, set themselves against Christ’s eminent ministers, and fight against God; and by endeavouring to render them despicable, study to prejudice hearers against them! Yet his counsel and work shall stand, to the defiance and confusion of every opposer. At his pleasure prisons become paradises, or open their doors; —marvellous miracles are wrought for the attestation of truth; the fury of the haughtiest rulers is restrained; the multitude is awed, and the church increased amidst attempts to destroy her. Yea learned, potent, and even inveterate, enemies are made advocates for his cause. If then we endure terrors and reproaches for his sake, we may despise them, or even glory in them. And let us always publish the praises of our once crucified, but now risen, Redeemer, who is exalted as a Prince and a Saviour, freely to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to the most heinous transgressors. 126 141*