Mark 14

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIV –Redeeming love applied to the heart inflames it with the strongest gratitude. Nothing is thought too costly to manifest regard to the Redeemer. And they that honour him shall be sufficiently vindicated and honoured: wherever the fame of Jesus goes, thither shall theirs go at last. And in whatever point we have his orders, we may go forth, depending on his providence for success.—Never is the church on earth altogether free from treacherous hypocrites! and they who are most so are the most backward to suspect themselves. But O how astonishing is the love of Jesus, who put an end to the passover by being sacrificed himself; and instituted his supper, in which we might remember and feast on his expiatory and heaven-purchasing death! Great was his love in warning his disciples of their danger, in reproving and pitying their weakness, and in submitting to such sufferings in soul, in body, and in reputation, for the sake of his enemies; and good the confession which he boldly witnessed before many witnesses!—But how amazing is the wickedness of men! Jewish rulers plot to murder the Messiah, on whom hangs the life, the eternal salvation, of millions unnumbered—For a paltry bribe, Judas deliberately betrays him—Upon a small temptation, Peter repeatedly and most awfully denies him—and through an ill-grounded fear of man, the other disciples shamefully desert him in his suffering condition! What then must sin be, that can make men such monsters, and the divine Saviour so miserable!—There is great need of fervent and frequent prayer in a time of trouble. Nothing is worse than slothfulness therein. And none are more active instruments of hell than apostates from Christ. No fall of eminent professors ought to make us stumble at the ways of Christ. Nor need we think it strange, though, notwithstanding our innocence, we should be treated as the vilest miscreants, or though our nearest relations and most intimate friends should desert us, or turn our inveterate opposers. Let us in silent patience possess our souls. If God be glorified, if the scripture be fulfilled, if the church be edified, and if God at last rise up to vindicate us, it is enough: and if, through self-confidence, we have denied our Redeemer, let us without delay think thereon, and weep. 3