Luke 17

Ver. 20, 21. The kingdom of the Messiah will not be erected by temporal authority or force, nor make any pompous appearance in temporal riches or grandeur. Nor will he confine his throne and court to any particular place or nation; but his kingdom, being spiritual in its nature, power, and tendency, suited to the benefit of the soul, and for another world, works inwardly in men’s hearts and consciences; and is already begun in the preaching of the gospel, and conversion of some among you

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVII.—Alas, that so many offences and injuries should be found among professed Christians! Many are grieved, stumbled, and eternally ruined, by means of them. And tremendous woes must fall on their heads whose corrupt principles or practices occasion such things. How prone are most to offend God and cause their neighbour to stumble out of his way! Yet most offenders are very averse to repent, and, if offended, to forgive injuries. Yea, it is impossible to perform self-denying duties without strong faith: and great is the need that Jesus should be daily increasing it. With great humility ought we to perform every commanded duty, and with great gratitude to receive distinguished mercies. And yet often both are wanting where they might have been most, and found where they could have been least, expected. How many amuse themselves about the circumstances of Jesus’ kingdom, instead of earnestly receiving him into their heart, that he may subdue their lusts and govern their spirits! But the erection of his spiritual kingdom in the world is generally attended with some fearful judgments on its opposers. Self indulgence in sensual gratifications is a common forerunner of fearful and sudden destruction. And none are more certainly exposed than hardened apostates, who refuse to take warning from the calamities of others before them. But, if men will not heartily part with the world as their portion, they must perish with it.—In great wisdom and mercy the spread of God’s vengeance among the obstinate Jews was made a mean of spreading the gospel among, and of saving, the Gentiles. Fearfully he resents the injuries done to his faithful servants, and pities and rewards them that suffer for his sake. Yea, marvellously he distinguishes them in his protections here and his eternal glories hereafter. 2