Practical Observations on the New Testament

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844 Excerpt: ... believe in Christ, and to live sober, righteous, and godly lives; they will be accused of teaching customs which are illegal, impracticable, or ruinous to the community! Too often indeed the laws of the state interfere with those of God, and the customs of the world contradict the wisdom and holiness of his service: yet, interested opposers frequently make these things a mere pretence for persecution, while they are actuated by avarice, ambition, or revenge alone. The vilest of malefactors may, therefore, expect more favourable treatment than zealous ministers, who will not let sinners go on unmolested in the ways of destruction.--Pride, cruelty, contempt, and enmity, often concur in uniting the mob and the magistrates against them. And if we, in this happy land, ==r= (34)" TM escape abuse, stripes, dungeons, the stocks, and the stake; we should bless God for our mild government, and that equitable constitution by which he secures us: and show our gratitude, by praying earnestly for our rulers, and by turning away our ears from those innovators, whom nothing but licentiousness can satisfy. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. MAnd suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. "And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm; for we are all here. 2SThen he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas; "and brought them ou...