Matthew 13

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII.—Astonishing was the care, the condescension, the labours, of our Redeemer to instruct men in the important truths of the gospel. And inestimably valuable and useful is his gospel, especially in its New Testament dispensation. As seed, it produces saints and good works; as leacen, it happily impregnates and captivates our hearts; as a treasure and a pearl, its blessings enrich and deck us for time and eternity; and as a net, it draws us to him, his church, and his throne. It is openly preached to all sorts of sinful men. But, through the want of inward principles of grace, the temptations of Satan and influence of the world, how diversified is its success! While God, in high sovereignty, withholds or exerts his almighty power, it is to some, through their obstinacy and perverseness, the occasion of blindness and the savour of death, and to others the mean of light and the savour of life. Nor can man expect true blessedness unless they really understand it. But, alas, many by their careless hearing, tempt Satan to carry away gospel truths from their memories, understandings, or consciences. And many, though better than others, rest short of the one thing needful. Never in this world will Satan and indwelling lusts suffer either scarts or churches to be perfectly pure. And never are either more ready to be fearfully infected than in a time of sloth, unwatchfulness, and outward prosperity. But dreadful is their destruction who, after a profession and some experience of gospel truth, die in their sins. Let me therefore take heed how I have received and heard; and think, as a member of the church, what I am. If grace be really planted in my heart, it will continue and grow notwithstanding all opposition. And, if Jesus Christ be my root, my righteousness, my riches, my ornament, great, inexpressibly great, shall be my everlasting happiness and honour! While millions are connected together for their additional misery, and are tormented in hell, I, with the ransomed of the Lord, shall triumph in the praises of his sovereign grace!—But, alas, how many, by their unbelieving prejudices against the Redeemer, obstruct their own salvation! And none are more ready to do so than they who have long, without effect, enjoyed distinguished means of grace. 10 R