Moreover, The Dogs came and licked his Sores.] Here again you may see, not only the afflicted state of the Saints of God in this World, but also, that even Dogs themselves, according to their kind, are more favourable to the Saints, than the sinful World; though the ungodly will have no mercy on the Saints, yet it is ordered so that these Creatures, Dogs, Lions, &c. will. Though the rich man would not entertain him into his house, yet his Dogs will come, and do him the best good they can, even to lick his running Sores. It was thus with Daniel, when the World was mad against him, and would have him thrown to the Lions to be devoured, the Lions shut their mouths at him, (or rather the Lord did shut them up) so that there was not that hurt befell to him, as was desired by the Adversaries, Dan. 6. And this I am persuaded of, that would the Creatures do as some men would have them, the Saints of God should not walk so quietly up and down the streets, and other places, as they do. And as I said before, so I say again, I am persuaded, that at the Day of Judgment many mens Conditions and Carriages will be so laid open, that it will evidently appear, they have been very merciless, and mad against the Children of God; insomuch, that when the Providence of God did fall out so, •s to cross their expectations, they have been very much offended thereat, as is very evidently seen in them ⟨p. 16⟩who set themselves to study, Psal. 31, 13. how to bring the Saints into bondage, and to thrust them into Corners, as in these late Years. And because God hath in his goodness ordered Things otherwise, they have gnashed their Teeth thereat. Hence then let the Saints learn, not to commit themselves to their Enemies, beware of men, Matth. 10. 17. They are very merciless men, and will not so much favour you, (if they can help it) as you may suppose they may. Nay, unless the over-ruling Hand of God, in goodness, do order Things contrary to their natural inclination, they will not favour you so much as a Dog.
Moreover, The Dogs came and licked his Sores.] Here again you may see, not onely the afflicted state of the Saints of God in this World, but also, that even Dogs themselves, according to their kind, are more favourable to the Saints, than the sinful World; though the ungodly will have no mercy on the Saints, yet it is ordered so that these Creatures, Dogs, Lions, &c. will. Though the rich man would not entertain him into his house, yet his Dogs will come, and do him the best good they can, even to lick his running Sores. It was thus with Daniel, when the World was mad against him, and would have him thrown to the Lions to be devoured, the Lions shut their mouths at him, (or rather the Lord did shut them up) so that there was not that hurt befel to him, as was desired by the Adversaries, Dan. 6. And this I am persuaded of, that would the Creatures do as some men would have them, the Saints of God should not walk so quietly up and down the streets, and other places, as they do. And as I said before, so I say again, I am persuaded, that at the Day of Judgment many mens Conditions and Carriages will be so laid open, that it will evidently appear, they have been very merciless, and mad against the Children of God; insomuch, that when the Providence of God did fall out so, •s to cross their expectations, they have been very much offended thereat, as is very evidently seen in them ⟨p. 16⟩who set themselves to study, Psal. 31, 13. how to bring the Saints into bondage, and to thrust them into Corners, as in these late Years. And because God hath in his goodness ordered Things otherwise, they have gnashed their Teeth thereat. Hence then let the Saints learn, not to commit themselves to their Enemies, beware of men, Matth. 10. 17. They are very merciless men, and will not so much favour you, (if they can help it) as you may suppose they may. Nay, unless the over-ruling Hand of God, in goodness, do order Things contrary to their natural inclination, they will not favour you so much as a Dog.
