Luke 21

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXI.—Christ takes exact notice of all our works, particularly those of piety and charity. But who can think of his awful predictions, and their exact accomplishment, without beholding him at once the Saviour and the God, without considering that the Jewish constitution is now totally destroyed, and a gospel dispensation, extending to all the world, established on its ruins. God permits men to go on to the most fearful lengths in sin before he utterly destroys them. But terrible are the judgments on earth, and torments in hell, which obstinate despisers of the gospel shall meet with at last.—Christ’s faithful ministers and people generally share deep in tribulation. But faith and patience will infallibly carry them through all their difficulties, to his and their honour, and to the confutation of their adversaries. His gracious direction and support attend, and his everlasting free rewards await, them. Happy are they who in evil days discern the signs of the times, and with fervent prayer and persevering watchfulness avoid the dangerous snare of earthly cares and pleasures, and so attend on gospel ministrations as to be ever ready for the judgment-seat! We have here no continuing city, but are in jeopardy every hour. Let us therefore watch and be sober, that we may be prepared for every dispensation of providence, and be ready when our Lord shall come. 3