Matthew 4

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—Astonishing is the love of our Redeemer, who so wrestled in prayer, so struggled with the temptations of Satan, so laboured in teaching and healing sinners of mankind,—all for the sake of his enemies, and that he might succour them that are tempted! It is necessary that preachers be fitted for their work by remarkable endowments of the Holy Ghost, solemn prayers and fasting, and even by experience of manifold temptations. And never is Satan more ready to harass souls, than immediately after solemn fellowship with God, or while employed in extraordinary devotion. He leaves no circumstance unimproved for his purpose: and nothing is too horrid, atheistical, unbelieving, murderous, or idolatrous, for him to insist on; nor any worldly advantages too great for him to promise. If therefore we hope to defeat him, we must undertake it not by carnal reasoning, but by a believing use of the oracles of God answerable to his temptations. And God and his angels take pleasure to honour those who faithfully resist Satan. In vain do sinners attempt to stop the gospel of Christ. If one preacher be laid aside by death or imprisonment God can raise up another more excellent: and, if some thrust the gospel from them, he will make others gladly to receive it!—Infinite is the excellency and usefulness of our Redeemer in publishing the gospel, in enlightening the world by his truth; in healing diseases unnumbered of soul and body; in dispossessing devils, and raising up ministers to win sinners to himself. No natural unfitness can hinder his qualifications, and no obstinacy can withstand his call. May the grace of his kingdom induce multitudes to repentance, and his instructions make many light in the Lord. May his grace afford us pastors according to his own heart, by whose ministrations many may be converted to himself