The Method of Grace

How dangerous a thing is zeal in a wicked man? 'Tis a sharp sword in a blind mans hand, or like high mettle in a blind ¹horse: how much hath the Church of God suffered upon this account, and doth suffer at this day? The world hath ever been full of such blind and blustering zeal, which like a hurry-cane overturns all that stands in its way: yea, (as we noted before) it makes a man a kind of conscientious persecutor. I confess it is better for the persecutor himself to do it ignorantly, because ignorance leaves him in a capacity for mercy, ⟨p. 589⟩and sets him a degree lower than the malicious enlightened persecutor, 1 Tim. 1. 13. Else it were the dreadful case described in Heb. 10. But yet as it is, John 16. 2. these are the fierce▪ and dreadful enemies of the Church of God. Such a man was Paul, a devout persecutor, and such persecution God afterward suffered to befall himself. Acts 13. 50. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the City; and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. An erroneous conscience binds as well as an informed conscience, and where ever God gives such men opportunity to vent the spleen and rage of their hearts upon his people, they will be sure to do it to purpose. With other men Gamaliel's counsel may have some influence, and they may be afraid lest they be found fighters against God; but blind zeal spurs on, and saith as Jehu did, Come, see my zeal for the Lord of hosts. O blind sinners, be sure of your Mark before you discharge your arrows. If you shoot at a wicked man (as you suppose him) and God finds one of his dear children wounded, or destroyed; what account will you give of that fact to God, when you shall come before his Judgement seat?