Luke 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—The most fearful temptations and troubles may quickly succeed to the most distinguished testimonies of God’s love. And it is highly improper for the best of saints to hope to escape even the most horrible seducements, when Jesus was called to suffer them. How shocking is the impudence of Satan, how fixed his perseverance in harassing the saints, and how implacable his malice in tempting where he is certain not to succeed. He is very subtle in contriving the form and choosing the seasons of his temptation. And it is necessary to resist him always with the sword of the Spirit. Thus only can we prove conquerors through him that loved us, and is able and ready to succour us. But what fearful work hath sin made in the world!—It hath transformed angels into unclean spirits, perverted human nature, and subjected it to the tyranny of the devil and to diseases unnumbered.—Alas, into what debasement and suffering it plunged our divine Saviour! But infinite is his grace; and, as appointed of God to save us, in him all fulness dwells answerable to all our need. And often, by his word, he exerts his power on the most unworthy. With great toil and danger he went about to heal human maladies, spiritual and temporal. But, alas, where he should be most readily received he is often most obstinately rejected; and almost every where few are turned to him! Many never believe more than devils, who never had his blessings offered to them; and, though they hear his words with attention and wonder, they quickly envy, and seek to destroy, him or his interests; but terrible is their situation when he abandons them to their own hearts’ lusts.—It is a great mercy that he can restrain furious persecutors, and casts out malicious and subtle devils, even when they almost transform themselves into angels of light. And it is delightful when they, who have much public work in hand, prepare for it by much fervent prayer; and when they, who have enjoyed Christ’s presence and ordinances, earnestly desire the continuance of them!