If these premises (I say) remain in thy heart, then art thou not altogether destitute of faith, neither shalt thou descend to perdition for ever; but mercifully shall the Lord stretch forth his mighty hand, and shall deliver thee from the very throat and bottom of hell:1 But by what means that he shall perform that his merciful work, it neither appertaineth to thee to demand, nor to me to define: But this is requisite, and is our bounden duty, that such means as the hand of our God shall offer (to avoid Idolatry) we refuse not, but that willingly we embrace the same, albeit it partly disagree to our affections.2 Neither yet think I that suddenly, and by one means,3 shall all the faithful in England be delivered from Idolatry: No, it may be that God so strengthen the hearts of some of those that have fainted before, that they will resist Idolatry to the death, and that were a glorious and triumphant deliverance. Of others God may so touch the hearts, that they will rather choose to walk and go as Pilgrims, from Realm to Realm, suffering hunger, cold, heat, thirst, weariness, and poverty, then that they will abide (having all abundance) in subjection of Idolatry.4 To some may God offer such occasion, that in despite of Idolaters (be they Princes or Prelates) they may remain within their own Dominions, and yet neither bow their knees to Baal, neither yet lack the lively Food of Gods most holy Word. If God offer unto us any such means,5 let us assuredly know, That Christ Jesus stretched forth his hand unto us, willing to deliver us from that danger wherein many are like to perish; and therefore let us not refuse it, but with gladness let us take hold of it, knowing that God hath a thousand means (very unappearing to mans judgement) whereby he will deliver,6 support and comfort his afflicted Church. And therefore, most dearly beloved in our Saviour Jesus Christ, considering that the remembrance of Christs Banquet (whereof, I doubt not, some of you have tasted with comfort and joy) is not yet utterly taken from your mind; And that we have entered in this journey at Christs Commandments; considering that we find the Sea winds blow contrary and against us, as before was prophesied unto us; and that we see the same tempest rage against us, that ever hath raged against Christs elect Church;
If these premises (I say) remain in thy heart, then art thou not altogether destitute of faith, neither shalt thou descend to perdition for ever; but mercifully shall the Lord stretch forth his mighty hand, and shall deliver thee from the very throat and bottom of hell:1 But by what means that he shall perform that his mercifull work, it neither appertaineth to thee to demand, nor to me to define: But this is requisite, and is our bounden duty, that such means as the hand of our God shall offer (to avoid Idolatry) we refuse not, but that willingly we embrace the same, albeit it partly disagree to our affections.2 Neither yet think I that suddenly, and by one means,3 shall all the faithfull in England be delivered from Idolatry: No, it may be that God so strengthen the hearts of some of those that have fainted before, that they will resist Idolatry to the death, and that were a glorious and triumphant deliverance. Of others God may so touch the hearts, that they will rather chuse to walk and go as Pilgrims, from Realm to Realme, suffering hunger, cold, heat, thirst, wearinesse, and poverty, then that they will abide (having all aboundance) in subjection of Idolatry.4 To some may God offer such occasion, that in despight of Idolaters (be they Princes or Prelats) they may remain within their own Dominions, and yet neither bow their knees to Baal, neither yet lack the lively Food of Gods most holy Word. If God offer unto us any such means,5 let us assuredly know, That Christ Jesus stretched forth his hand unto us, willing to deliver us from that danger wherein many are like to perish; and therefore let us not refuse it, but with gladnesse let us take hold of it, knowing that God hath a thousand means (very unappearing to mans judgement) whereby he will deliver,6 support and comfort his afflicted Church. And therefore, most dearly beloved in our Saviour Jesus Christ, considering that the remembrance of Christs Banquet (whereof, I doubt not, some of you have tasted with comfort and joy) is not yet utterly taken from your minde; And that we have entred in this journey at Christs Commandments; considering that we finde the Sea windes blow contrary and against us, as before was prophesied unto us; and that we see the same tempest rage against us, that ever hath raged against Christs elect Church;
- 1It appertaineth not to man to know not to enquire how God will deliver.
- 2Note.
- 3Divers ways of deliverance.Divers wayes of deliverance.
- 4Note.
- 5The means offered by God to avoid Idolatry are not to be refused,
- 6Repetition.
