Mark 12

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XII.—Sovereign is the kindness of God in planting a church among men, and astonishing his patience towards obstinate and rebellious sinners. Thousands of the most shocking affronts to himself, his messengers, and messages, he endures before he executes his wrath upon them. Yea, marvellous above all is his grace in sending his Son to seek and save such sinners and call them to repentance! And just and unavoidable their ruin who reject him! But, if some will tread on the Redeemer, God will make others to receive him and bring forth fruits answerable to their privileges. And, in spite of all the rage of his enemies, Jesus shall be honoured, and his kingdom established,—to the astonishment and joy of all those who have experienced his power, and the influence of his grace, in their hearts. But if any remain unconcerned, no wonder that at last they become exasperated against his message and ministers.—They who heartily hate one another, more heartily unite against him and his cause: Nor are their designs ever more malignant than when they profess most kindness. Yet nothing can conceal their wickedness from God. Men often pretend a regard to the scriptures, that they may undermine their credit. And there is no error so extravagant but they, who live ignorant of the scriptures and the power of God, may affirm. The word of revelation sets the just bounds to civil and religious concerns: it gives the clearest certainty of a general resurrection, makes the plainest discoveries of the eternal state, and honourably and delightfully connects our duties to God and to men. They, who improve the light which God gives them, bid fair to be rendered more knowing, or even led into all truth. Yea, babes in Christ understand more of the mystery of godliness than the graceless learned. Alas, that many are never more than almost Christians! An inordinate desire of human respect marks their carnal and unmortified heart. But the greater men’s hypocrisy and wickedness, the more terrible will be their condemnation. 4 **