Luke 10

Luke 10:30-37

In allusion, this wounded man may be viewed as an emblem of a lost sinner, to whom neither moral nor ceremonial laws can afford relief, and whom Jesus alone can tenderly pity and save by means of his gospel. But the real scope of the parable is to shew that, whatever provocations we have met with, we ought cordially to love, and kindly to help and relieve, our very enemies, even when their own professed friends overlook them

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. X.—Great are the difficulties of faithful gospel ministers, and proportionate their assistance. Alas, that so few should be laborious, skilful, and faithful, or successful! If their authority, qualifications, help, and success, depend wholly on Christ, with what earnestness should their ministrations be attended to and improved! and cheerfully ought their hearers to provide them a subsistence. Ministers ought to appear altogether disentangled from carnal cares and pursuits. And dreadful is their case who reject a purely-preached gospel and the faithful preachers of it.—Happy is it to be instrumental in advancing the kingdom of Christ and depressing that of Satan. But more so to be enrolled in heaven as the special favourites of God and heirs of his glory. How exhilarating are the views of that sovereign grace which, by the almighty influence of the Holy Ghost, God bestows on whom he will;—the saving blessings and distinguished honours of the new covenant! But it Isaiah 119 133* absurd for men to seek righteousness and life by a law which they can never fulfil; or to attempt reducing the broad law of God to the standard of their own heart and life. Never ought any to inquire concerning eternal salvation from a captious or even curious intention, but with the most serious concern. And it is comely when love to God and to men streams powerfully through every action of life, and the miseries of strangers and enemies awaken our tender compassion. Never should ministers or others make visits, without leaving a savour of Christ behind them. Every where they should labour to render men wise unto salvation. And no secular cares should ever hinder spiritual concern. Thrice happy are they who have the saving knowledge of, and an interest in, Christ! If once we have this, neither hell nor earth can deprive us of it: and Jesus will encourage our solicitous care about it, and secure our eternal possession of it. 11 H