Luke 19

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIX.—In religion it is necessary for men to hear and see for themselves. And even curiosity may issue in saving faith and repentance. Christ spies out his chosen sheep wherever they are: and in rich mercy he seeks them out, and touches their hearts however hard: and his Spirit and grace, implanted therein, quickly makes great reformation. The covetous, cruel, and haughty, oppressor is rendered humble, honest, and merciful: and the power of grace is clearly discovered by deadness to the world—and by the affections being weaned from its pursuits. But pardon ought never to be expected without restitution of our ill-gotten goods. Yea, every thing we have ought to be at Jesus’ call: and it is better to give to pious uses while we live, than defer it to be given after our death.—His free grace is sufficient, both to seek and save us, be our guilt or malady what it will. And abundant are the gifts and privileges which Jesus hath given to the ministers and members of his gospel church. His exaltation to glory issues in blessings to men. But all that is received must be improved and accounted for. Happy are they who, with deep humility and dependance on Christ, improve it well; and infinitely glorious, as well as free, their eternal reward. But fearful is their punishment, who, through hard thoughts of God, abandon themselves to sinful inactivity. No where is sloth more criminal and ruinous than in the church of God. If men will not improve God’s gifts, they must be deprived of them. And, if Jews and others dare to reject an ascended Redeemer, they must be destroyed in the most public and fearful manner. Dreadful indeed is their condition whom even his compassion cannot deliver. It is strange that any should envy him a lowly triumph; that professors should hate him for purifying his temple, instructing the ignorant, and healing the diseased; and that nought but the fear of inferiors should hinder some from murdering the divine Saviour, or persecuting his people!