Luke 3

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—The season of important events ought to be exactly marked. In great wisdom and grace Jesus appears to erect his kingdom when rulers almost every where are monsters of wickedness. And God, by his forerunner, honourably introduces him to his work. Great need have sinners to hasten to him when death and damnation are just at their heels. Dreadful is their case who fall into the hands of the living God. And none bid fairer for hell than they who have the strongest carnal or legal hopes of heaven. No outward privilege can avail those who have unrenewed hearts and unholy lives. And no repentance can be justly reckoned sincere that does not make men cease from, and detest, the sins to which they are most tempted or addicted. God often renders the most unlikely the distinguished monuments of his power and grace. But at best the state of the church is but imperfect and mixed in this world. In the next God will, to the joy of saints and terror of obstinate sinners, make a full separation; and many, who, like Herod, did many good things, and heard God’s ministers gladly, shall be cast into eternal fire. It is a delightful sight when great honours render men humble; and humility is rewarded with more abundant honours. How solemn was our Saviour’s consecration to his work, and his attestation by God! And it is plainly manifest that he is the seed of the woman and of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse, and David, according to the promise