Acts 13:52

REFLECTIONS

Almighty God the Spirit, blessed be thy holy name, for the open and signal display which thou wert pleased to make of thyself, and thy sovereignty, in the ordination of Barnabas and Saul to the ministry of thy word. Do thou, gracious God, in mercy preside over all the assemblies of thy people, and especially in the setting apart to the sacred office the ministers of thy Church and people. Hast thou not said, with an eye to this unspeakable mercy, I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. In mercy, Lord, be it according to thy word, in an eminent manner, in the present day and generation!

Lord, grant that the fearful judgment of Elymas, may deter the sworn foes of our God, and of his Christ, from daring to oppose thy faithful sent servants. And for the word of salvation which our God hath sent, very sure we are that it will never return unto thee void; but as thou hast promised, give thy people grace to wait the accomplishment of it, for it must fulfill thy pleasure, and prosper in the thing whereunto the Lord shall send it!

Oh! precious Lord Jesus! cause thy people to rejoice in thy full and finished salvation. By thee, all that believe, are justified from all things. Here then, Lord, give thy people grace to rest. Let there be nothing wavering, nothing unsettled, in our faith; while everything in the covenant of grace is ordered, and sure in all things. Oh! for faith, in lively exercise, to believe the record God hath given of his dear Son. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Let all thy faithful therefore of the present hour, as were the disciples of old, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, and, like them, be filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.