Sixthly, 'Tis observed of these wild Goats, that when they seem to be very near falling from the rock and high places, yet they fall not, and that though they fall they take little or no hurt at all. Some say they have a natural art to save themselves, they know how to fall upon their feet, and so escape without harm. This also is applicable to the case of godly men, they are often near falling, yet they do not fall, and when they fall, they take no hurt; they have a divine art to preserve themselves; and 'tis a truth, that though they do receive hurt in the flesh, yet their spirit or better part takes no hurt. Though a good man fall (into affliction or temptation) he shall not (saith David, Psal. 37.24.) be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Yea, though he falleth (saith Solomon, Prov. 24.16.) seven times (that is, often, into affliction, 'tis true also of his falling into sin) yet he riseth again, out of affliction by deliverance, out of sin by repentance. With respect to the former, the Church warned her insulting enemy (Mich. 7.8.) Rejoice not against me O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise. Babylon shall fall and rise no more; but though Zion may fall, yet she shall assuredly rise again.
Sixthly, 'Tis observed of these wild Goats, that when they seem to be very near falling from the rock and high places, yet they fall not, and that though they fall they take little or no hurt at all. Some say they have a naturall art to save themselves, they know how to fall upon their feet, and so escape without harm. This also is applicable to the case of godly men, they are often near falling, yet they do not fall, and when they fall, they take no hurt; they have a divine art to preserve themselves; and 'tis a truth, that though they do receive hurt in the flesh, yet their spirit or better part takes no hurt. Though a good man fall (into affliction or temptation) he shall not (saith David, Psal. 37.24.) be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Yea, though he falleth (saith Solomon, Prov. 24.16.) seven times (that is, often, into affliction, 'tis true also of his falling into sin) yet he riseth again, out of affliction by deliverance, out of sin by repentance. With respect to the former, the Church warned her insulting enemy (Mich. 7.8.) Rejoyce not against me O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise. Babylon shall fall and rise no more; but though Sion may fall, yet she shall assuredly rise again.
