Besides, do but consider the estate of the Church 1here in this world: even at the best, while we are present 2in the body, we are absent from the Lord. But for the ⟨p. 64⟩most part, the Church is in this world, as Daniel in the Lions den, as sheep in the midst of ravening wolves, as a Ship in the midst of the waves, and as a Lily among thorns. All the birds of prey do seize on the poor Turtle-Dove of Christ, and they bear a special and implacable malice against Gods Church and Children. Yea oftentimes, those that profess religion in the form of it, do let out the h•art blood of it in deed, and deny the power thereof. We see it hath bin for ever since Christs coming, and it will be so to the end of the World. Satan abuseth ⟨p. 65⟩the great Ordinances of God, and makes them serviceable to his own ends, so that there is nothing free from Satan's defilement, no, not the best Ordinances of God. We see how boisterously and roughly the poor church of God is handled. Are there not oftentimes in the Church within it self, prejudices, surmises, jealousies, one against another, that the company of one another is not so sweet, and delightful? And Woe to the world because of offences. Are there not 3scandals and offences in the Church, that hinders the comfort of it, and many times do cause the falling ⟨p. 66⟩out of those, that are otherwise truly good? So that in regard of Christians themselves, there is not such a sweet complacency and delight one in another, as there should be; and as there shall be then. Where there is a different sight, and a different light, there will be different judgements, and affections. Now all Christians in this life, have both a different light and sight; one sees things clearer than another, and so their judgements differ a little, and therefore their affections too: those promises of the Lion and 4the Lamb, dwelling together, shall not exactly ⟨p. 67⟩be performed until this his second coming; but there shall be something of the Lion, and of the Wolfe, in the best Christians: but then it shall be fully satisfied, then all Wolvish and Lionish dispositions shall be subdued, then there shall be no infirmity in others to displease us, nor any in us, to give distaste to them; but then we shall have an eternal communion together. Therefore is there not in regard of our selves, good reason for Christians to say, Amen, even so come Lord Jesus?
Besides, do but consider the estate of the Church 1here in this world: even at the best, while wee are present 2in the body, we are absent from the Lord. But for the ⟨p. 64⟩most part, the Church is in this world, as Daniel in the Lions den, as sheepe in the midst of ravening wolves, as a Ship in the midst of the waves, and as a Lily among thornes. All the birds of prey doe seize on the poore Turtle-Dove of Chrict, and they beare a speciall and implacable malice against Gods Church and Children. Yea oftentimes, those that professe religion in the forme of it, doe let out the h•art blood of it in deed, and deny the power thereof. Wee see it hath bin for ever since Christs comming, and it will bee so to the end of the World. Satan abuseth ⟨p. 65⟩the great Ordinances of God, and makes them serviceable to his owne ends, so that there is nothing free from Sathans defilement, no, not the best Ordinances of God. We see how boisterously and roughly the poore church of God is handled. Are there not oftentimes in the Church within it selfe, prejudices, surmises, jealousies, one against another, that the company of one another is not so sweet, and delightfull? And Woe to the world because of offences. Are there not 3scandals and offences in the Church, that hinders the comfort of it, and many times do cause the falling ⟨p. 66⟩out of those, that are otherwise truly good? So that in regard of Christians themselves, there is not such a sweet complacency and delight one in another, as there should be; and as there shall bee then. Where there is a different sight, and a different light, there will be different judgements, and affections. Now al Christians in this life, have both a different light and sight; one sees things cleerer than another, and so their judgements differ a little, and therefore their affections too: those promises of the Lion and 4the Lambe, dwelling together, shall not exactly ⟨p. 67⟩bee performed untill this his second comming; but there shall be something of the Lion, and of the Wolfe, in the best Christians: but then it shall be fully satisfied, then all Woolvish and Lionish dispositions shall be subdued, then there shall bee no infirmity in others to displease us, nor any in us, to give distaste to them; but then we shall have an eternall communion together. Therfore is there not in regard of our selves, good reason for Christians to say, Amen, even so come Lord Iesus?
- 1Reas. 7.
- 22 Cor. 5. 6
- 3Mat. 18. 7.
- 4Isai. 11. 6.
