Mark 9

Mark 9:44-48

The fire denotes the eternal torments of hell; and the never-dying worm denotes conscience, perpetually accusing, upbraiding, and condemning

Mark 9:49

Every one in hell is preserved incorruptible, by the very nature of the torments; even as, in saints the principle of grace, received in regeneration, secures eternal holiness and happiness

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IX.—O the transcendent glories of our Redeemer! How delightful are the manifestations thereof! Happy are they who are much favoured with them: but happier they who in heaven always behold his face! The ravishing displays of God on earth are indeed quickly passed: but it is enough to hear his Son when we see him not. He is risen from the dead, and ascended to glory; and will quickly return, without sin, unto our salvation. Let us then exercise ourselves, not in curious questions, but in humble faith and ardent desires. And let all the opposition we receive from devils and men render his return doubly welcome!—Alas, how early Satan enters into men! But, when once entered, he holds fast his possession, and cruelly and basely abuses his subjects. And yet, in cases the most alarming, multitudes take his part against Christ and his disciples. Invaluable are the mercies that unbelief deters or deprives men of. And near, though sometimes terribly introduced, is our relief, when unbelief is once made our burden. Yea, often the clearest views of the cause of our miseries come after our deliverance. How Jesus delighted in suffering for men, and yet how ill his sufferings are relished by men under the power of carnal ambition! Many proudly conceal their ignorance till it ruins them; and contend in angry debates till they have lost all sight of the truth. And it is a mercy if Jesus rebuke them, and shame them out of their ambition into peace and humility. It is base for Christians to take it ill, that God’s work prospers in any hands but those of their particular party. And it is very dangerous to oppose that which is ratified by the blessing of God. Yea, if nothing appear contrary to the faith of the gospel, charity requires us to hope the best. God resists the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. The favour which we shew to any for Christ’s sake he will take as done to himself, and it shall not lose its reward. Better is it to go to heaven through much self-denial, than to hell in a course of self-indulgence. Let therefore the terrors and eternity of hell torments, heartily believed, be a powerful check to our raging passions. And, unless we wish to be through eternity salted with God’s wrath, as sacrifices to his avenging justice, let us, as acceptable sacrifices to his mercy and kindness, pray to have our hearts salted with grace, and our lives ordered as becometh the gospel. 4