3. Learn hence that the only reason of the Churches safety is because their cause is twisted in with Gods; And hence that their only security is in being and standing for God and his interest. Could we look upon the people of God separate and by themselves, it would readily appear what odds the wicked would have of them; there are the politic states men, the ripe wits, and profound heads, men of greatest skill and political observations; theirs are the mighty men, men of renown, skilful in War, and valiant for the battle: Theirs are the walled Towns with ⟨p. 221⟩Gates of Brass, the high Towers, and fortified Castles, and invincible Armadoes; they have the men, and the money, and ammunition: and what can carnal reason Judge from all this, but that theirs must be the day too? And if their wit and power had no other Antagonist to encounter withal, but those of the Saints, it would certainly be so; but here lies their security, whatsoever is undertaken against the Saints of God, is undertaken against God himself: they that strike at the People of God, strike at God in them, and so they that touch them, touch the Apple of his eye, Zech. 2. 8. Christ interprets both kindnesses and injuries done to his, as done to himself, Gods own Name, Honour, and Glory are herein sought to be undermined, and that rouseth him up, kindleth his jealousy; and those who but now were such odds to the People of God, find God to be much more their odds. And are made but as flax and stubble to a devouring fire. It is well for the poor Church that God takes himself to be concerned in their cause; and, for the vindication of his own name, and injuries done to himself, puts in, and takes up the Gauntlet against his proud enemies, and tries for mastreies with them; else had that little Barge, the Church of Christ, long ago sunk and been swallowed up in the billows of the worlds Sea, Psal. 124. begin.
3. Learn hence that the only reason of the Churches safety is because their cause is twisted in with Gods; And hence that their only security is in being and standing for God and his interest. Could we look upon the people of God separate and by themselves, it would readily appear what odds the wicked would have of them; there are the politick states men, the ripe wits, and profound heads, men of greatest skill and political observations; theirs are the mighty men, men of renown, skilful in War, and valiant for the battle: Theirs are the walled Towns with ⟨p. 221⟩Gates of Brass, the high Towers, and fortified Castles, and invincible Armadoes; they have the men, and the mony, and ammunition: and what can carnal reason Judge from all this, but that theirs must be the day too? And if their wit and power had no other Antagonist to encounter withal, but those of the Saints, it would certainly be so; but here lyes their security, whatsoever is undertaken against the Saints of God, is undertaken against God himself: they that strike at the People of God, strike at God in them, and so they that touch them, touch the Apple of his eye, Zech. 2. 8. Christ interprets both kindnesses and injuries done to his, as done to himself, Gods own Name, Honour, and Glory are herein sought to be undermined, and that rouseth him up, kindleth his jealousie; and those who but now were such odds to the People of God, find God to be much more their odds. And are made but as flax and stubble to a devouring fire. It is well for the poor Church that God takes himself to be concerned in their cause; and, for the vindication of his own name, and injuries done to himself, puts in, and takes up the Gantler against his proud enemies, and tryes for mastreies with them; else had that little Barge, the Church of Christ, long ago sunk and been swallowed up in the billows of the worlds Sea, Psal. 124. begin.
