A81239:169
Deliverance-obstruction
Deliverance-obstruction: or, The set-backs of reformation. Discovered in a sermon before the Right Honourable the House of Peers, in Parliament now assembled. Upon the monthly fast, March 25. 1646. / By Tho. Case, preacher in Milkstreet London, and one of the Assembly of Divines.
London: printed by Ruth Raworth for Luke Fawne, 1646
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Object. You will surely say, What cause? the War goes on prosperously; never had Joshua better, swifter success in the conquering of Canaan, then our Armies in all places of the Kingdom almost, have had in reducing this almost-lost nation; Eighty admirable successes in eight months. We have had as much success as we could desire, more by odds then we could expect: The War is as good as finished.
Object. You will surely say, What cause? the War goes on prosperously; never had Joshua better, swifter successe in the conquering of Canaan, then our Armies in all places of the Kingdom almost, have had in reducing this almost-lost nation; Eighty admirable successes in eight months. We have had as much successe as we could desire, more by oddes then we could expect: The War is as good as finisht.
Answ. It is true, Brethren; if you will look upon these progresses as Mercies, we have great cause to be thankful: but if we would look upon them as evidences, I see not any strong argument of rejoicing in them. I see not any bottom in them upon which a man, if he will look with both his eyes, can build any clear conjecture what God will yet do with us: My Reason is this:
Answ. It is true, Brethren; if you will look upon these progresses as Mercies, we have great cause to be thankful: but if we would look upon them as evidences, I see not any strong argument of rejoycing in them. I see not any bottom in them upon which a man, if he will look with both his eyes, can build any clear conjecture what God will yet do with us: My Reason is this:
The War goes on; I, but does the Work go on? Oh there is as sad a face of things in the Kingdom, as ever was either since the War or since the Parliament began; and sadder, in as much as now the obstructions do arise from our selves, whereas formerly they have risen from our enemies. And O happy Israel it was, when the obstruction of their deliverance lay on Pharaoh's hand only; it stuck but a few days there; God quickly conquered those briars and thorns; he went through them, and burnt them together. But when the obstruction lay upon Israel's part. in those days God began to cut Israel short; the Deliverance stuck there many years.