Luke 5

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—The most diligent and laborious have often little success. And all that comes is vanity and vexation of spirit. How base and polluted men appear to themselves when viewed in the light of Christ’s glory! But nothing is more absurd or wicked than to make our sinfulness a reason against fellowship with him who is the Saviour from sin. Great is his power who can command multitudes of fishes into a net, and multitudes of souls into a reception of the gospel. None who taste his goodness can forbear following him. The firm faith of his ability betokens our deliverance at hand, and 118 132* promotes a regard to his ordinances. Great is the mercy that his prayers are effectual, and his power present to save men; and that he readily grants remission and healing to such as believe. If he forgive us, neither envious men nor malicious devils, can reverse his sentence. And every mercy to ourselves and others should fill our hearts with wonder and praise. If he call and save the chief of sinners, none can keep or shut them out from his favour. But unbounded is his condescension to become their Husband, upon whose presence all their joys depend and to proportion their duties to their strength and circumstances. 11 F