Luke 11

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI.—There is great need that Jesus Christ should teach us to pray to God, as our gracious and heavenly Father, for all temporal, and especially spiritual blessings, with holy reverence and adoration; with firm faith, strong fervour, and persevering importunity; and with a charitable and forgiving temper of spirit; that God in all things may be glorified. If we thus pour out our requests in the name of our Redeemer, it is impossible they should fail of a gracious answer. But, while some learn to pray, how many, contrary to all means used with them, reject, and learn to blaspheme, the glorious Deliverer from sin and Satan. None are held neuter in religion, but are either Jesus’ friends or enemies. They, therefore, who seemed to be once reformed, often become the vilest apostates, and distinguished slaves of Satan. How ready are others to imagine real happiness to consist in outward connexions with Christ. But it is only they who believe and obey the gospel that are happy indeed. How dark is the gospel to persons destitute of faith and depraved in judgment! But aggravated is their guilt, and inexpressible their misery, who remain wilfully blinded by pitiful prejudices amidst the clearest gospel light; and who are influenced by a superstitious, hypocritical, and persecuting temper. Fearful vengeance awaits them who prefer external ceremonies to the substantial duties of love and obedience; or who are zealous of fair shews of religion while they secretly indulge themselves in the vilest abominations; or, who, condemning ancient persecutors, do themselves rage against and persecute Christ, his gospel, and followers. Perseverance in national sins certainly issues in national ruin. And it is highly criminal and dangerous to hate, conceal, or misinterpret, the scriptures, or to hate reproof, and rage against Jesus Christ and his word for condemning our faults. 2