Acts 5:42

REFLECTIONS

What an awful delusion, must that delusion of the mind be, which like Annias and Sapphira, is trifling with God? What an horrible state to be feeding on ashes, when a deceived heart hath turned the sinner aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, is there not a lie in my right hand?

Blessed Lord! let my soul be relieve, and comforted, when turning from the view of the Ananias's and Sapphira's of the present generation, I behold the zeal and honesty, the faithfulness and diligence of thy servants the Apostles in their day, holding forth the word of this life. Endued with the Spirit from on high, let me admire the burning fervor of Peter's mind, in punishing by divine authority, the daring lie of such awful characters, committed against God the Holy Ghost. And cause me, thou dear Lord, to see how the Lord honors them, whose delight it is to honor the Lord. Oh! for such a portion of the same spirit, as actuated the mind of Peter, to be poured out on all the faithful ministers of the sanctuary, that they may teach and preach Jesus Christ, and be instant in season, and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine.

And Lord, to all the persecutions and malice of their enemies, may an holy indifferency manifest, that they are borne up and supported by thee; that though troubled on every side, yet not distressed; or if perplexed, yet never in despair; that they may always bear about the dying of the Lord Jesus; that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in their body. And do thou Lord to all the prison frames, and bondage exercises of thy Church and people, give them to see the Angel of the Covenant always at hand to bring them out. Yea, let every eye of thy redeemed family be directed by God the Spirit, to be looking to Him, who is exalted as a Prince and Savior, to give repentance to his Israel, and remission of sins. Precious Jesus! send down all thine ascension-gifts, and bless thine whole Church with the manifestation of thyself, until Christ be formed in every heart the hope of glory.