Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

1. In case of Scattering. 2. In case of Dividing.

1. In case of Scattering. Gods people are scattered up and down in the World: and, which is worst, these Jewels lye among rubbish, they dwell among the Wicked, Psalm 120.5. Woe is me that I dwell in the Tents of Kedar. Kedar was Ishmaels Son. Woe is me (saith David) that I live with an Ishmael-brood. The Wicked are still ⟨p. 188⟩molesting the Righteous: Gods Jewels lye scattered among the unclean; but here is the Comfort, that shortly God will gather his People from among the Wicked, he will make up his Jewels, and all the Pearls and precious stones shall be by themselves in Bliss.

1. In case of Scattering. Gods people are scattered up and down in the World: and, which is worst, these Jewels lye among rubbish, they dwell among the Wicked, Psalm 120.5. Wo is me that I dwell in the Tents of Kedar. Kedar was Ishmaels Son. Woe is me (saith David) that I live with an Ishmael-brood. The Wicked are still ⟨p. 188⟩molesting the Righteous: Gods Jewels lye scattered among the unclean; but here is the Comfort, that shortly God will gather his People from among the Wicked, he will make up his Jewels, and all the Pearls and precious stones shall be by themselves in Bliss.

2. It is Comfort in case of Dividing. Gods People here are divided; their love is so little it may almost lye upon a knives point: they oft look strange one upon another: these divisions are unseemly, and are flaws in Gods Diamonds. Discords among Christians, brings a reproach upon Religion, advanceth Satan's Kingdom, hinders the growth of Grace. Divisions are fatal, and do presage Gods Judgments coming upon us. Impius haec tam cult a novalia miles habebit Barbarus, has segetes? Enquò discordiacives Perduxit miseros.—