A word in season

He amplifieth yet further by a third similitude, the great perils and dangers of the faithful, being in the hands of their enemies, as a bird that is taken in the snare is in the hands of the fouler; and yet notwithstanding they escaped by the mighty power of God, no otherwise then the bird that is delivered out of the snare of the fouler. By the snare is here to be understood as well the fraud and subtlety of the enemies, whereby the Israelites were brought into thraldom and captivity, as also the strength and power wherewith they were long oppressed. So that they had not only to do with Bloody and Cruel Enemies, but also ⟨p. 9⟩were entrapped and snared by fraud and subtlety, and with might and power miserably oppressed. Thus being unable both in Strength and Policy to withstand their Enemies, they were every way in danger of Death and Destruction: whereby it appeareth that they were miraculously delivered.

He amplifieth yet further by a third similitude, the great perills and dangers of the faithful, being in the hands of their enemies, as a bird that is taken in the snare is in the hands of the fouler; and yet notwithstanding they escaped by the mighty power of God, no otherwise then the bird that is delivered out of the snare of the fouler. By the snare is here to be understood as well the fraud and subtilty of the enemies, whereby the Israelites were brought into thraldom and captivity, as also the strength and power wherewith they were long oppressed. So that they had not onely to do with Bloody and Cruel Enemies, but also ⟨p. 9⟩were entrapped and snared by fraud and subtilty, and with might and power miserably oppressed. Thus being unable both in Strength and Policy to withstand their Enemies, they were every way in danger of Death and Destruction: whereby it appeareth that they were miraculously delivered.

And here have we an Image of our spiritual Thraldom and Captivity under Satan, in whose snares we were once most miserably wrapped. Now therefore that we are delivered by the inestimable benefit of Christ, let us acknowledge both our former Calamity, and the Liberty of this Grace wherein we stand, and let us beware that we cast not our selves into the snares of servile Bondage any more. For Satan sleepeth not, but lieth continually in wait for us, ready to draw us into those snares again, out of the which by the great mercy of God we were delivered: yea and sometimes is suffered to hurt either our Bodies or Souls, not only to show us that he is able likewise to destroy both Body and Soul, if God did so permit: but also to stir us up to Faith and Prayer, that we should call upon him for Aid and Succour against these perilous Snares, and being delivered, should give him thanks and praise for the same.