A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse…

for under the Type of red Horses, speckled and white behind him, is represented his having Angels for Ministers, and all Creatures ready for every dispensation; whether sad, represented by red; or comfortable, represented by white; or mixed of mercy and judgment, represented by speckled Horses. Christ is here represented as a Man on horseback, ready to make out, or sally forth for the good of his People, when they are at the lowest: The low, afflicted, and suffering state of the Church, is fitly compared to Myrtle-trees, that grow in a shady grove, in valleys, and bottoms, and by waters sides: now when his People are in a very low condition, then Christ appears on horse-back, for his Peoples protection, and their Enemies confusion. Christ will be sure to lodge with his People when they are at lowest; when the Church is in danger Christ is not asleep, he is always ready upon his red Horse, watching all opportunities and advantages, to show his zeal and courage for his People, and his severity and fury against their Enemies. The Man that stood amongst the Myrtle-trees, Verse 10. is that Man Christ Jesus, whose special residence is with his People when they are in the most low, dangerous, and forlorn condition; no troubles, no distresses, no dangers can banish Christ from his People, or make him seek another lodging, Isa. 43. 2. When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. The Israelites went through the red Sea and were not drowned; and the three Children walked up and ¹down in the fiery Furnace, and were not so much as ⟨p. 13⟩singed: By fire and water we may well understand the various troubles, distresses, and angers that may attend the People of God; now in all these various troubles, &c. the Lord will be signally present with them, to protect and defend• to secure and deliver them out of all their various troubles, their deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers, 2 Cor. 4. 9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed: Persecuted by Men, but not forsaken by God; the Saints may be shaken not shivered; persecuted, not conquered; cast down, but not cast off. Luther speaking of his enemies, saith, They may thrust me, but not throw me; show their teeth, but not devour me;