1 Timothy 4:16

REFLECTIONS

O Lord the Spirit! let thy Church have grace to praise thee, for the love manifested towards it, and thy watchful care over it, through all generations. Yea, blessed Lord, we have to thank thee for the gracious warnings, which thou hast expressly spoken of concerning the awful heresies which will beset the church from the world. Truly, Lord, there are already many Antichrists, by which we know it is the last time. O do thou help thy truly regenerated ones to resist all and everyone of them, whether seducing spirits, or doctrines of devils, and be stedfast in the faith: and when at any time the Enemy cometh in like a flood, do thou, Almighty Spirit; lift up a standard against him!

Be gracious also to the Ministers, and Stewards, of thy mysteries. Cause them to put the brethren in remembrance of all the great and glorious truths of our most holy faith; that they may prove themselves good ministers of Jesus Christ, nourished up in, the words of faith, and of good doctrine; refusing profane and old wives' fables, and exercising themselves unto godliness.

And, dearest Lord Jesus! we praise thee for thy upholding, and preserving providence, over all men; and specially for thy saving health unto thy people. Here we learn, O Lord, how it is for thy sake the world standeth; and while thou art carrying on thy salvation, the ungodly remain. And until thou hast brought home thy redeemed to glory, the seed time and harvest, the tares and the wheat, shall not cease. Oh! let thy children learn to whom the whole difference is owing. And while they enjoy thy distinguishing race, often may they hear the voice: Destroy it not: for a blessing is in it!