Luke 18

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVIII.—The fervent and importunate prayer of faith is always effectual at last. A gracious answer cannot be delayed beyond the best time. And all the injuries done to the saints shall be fearfully resented, though God often patiently delays his vengeance till religion be almost utterly extirpated. What a mixture is in our worshipping assemblies on earth! Different tempers, manners, and ends, have different effects on the very same duty. Pride, formality, and hypocrisy, indulged, render men’s persons and worship detestable to God. But not the greatest sinner, who humbly asks mercy through Jesus’ righteousness, shall be denied a full justification unto eternal life. It is criminal for professors to withhold children from Christ, who delights to bless them. And very honourable to be like them in teachableness and humility. No external privileges or duties are in the least to be rested in. Men may go inconceivable lengths in apparent holiness, and yet their heart remain unrenewed, and attached to the world. Awful is the state when God’s law does not convince men that they need a better righteousness than their own to justify them; and when love to Christ cannot wean their hearts from the world. Earthly enjoyments indeed often entangle and ensnare men, to their everlasting ruin. And there is need of almighty power to deliver us from a carnal mind, and to make us content to forego all for Christ. But every thing suffered for his sake, from principles of faith and love, will be gain at last. And nothing is too much to suffer for him, who suffered so much for us. Yet, alas, how slow of heart are men to conceive aright of his sufferings and glory! It is a great mercy to be awakened to prayer by curiosity or any means. Jesus is ready to take notice of and grant relief under all our troubles. And a deep sense of sin, and earnest desires of mercy, will quickly issue in grateful praise and holy obedience