A word in season

This similitude seemeth to be taken out of the Story of Helizeus in the second book of the Kings, where the servant of Helizeus saw the Hills about him full of fiery Chariots, and Horsemen compassing Helizeus round about, and mightily defending him. This succour which the Servant of Helizeus saw, and the Prophet believed, when he saw nothing, is saith the Prophet, round about all them which trust in the Lord: as also the 34. Psalm witnesseth; The Angel of the Lord pitcheth round about them that fear him. But our eyes are shut up and see not these miracles, whereof not with standing we have daily experience.

This promise then will never deceive us; only let us not deceive our selves. If therefore we did believe, no doubt, we should sleep, we should live, we should die, yea (that more is) we should suffer what soever Satan and the world can do against us, without all fear. For thus should we think, if I suffer any thing, it is not without the Will of God, nor without good cause, well known, tho' not unto me, yet unto God. Therefore although Satan break through the wall in one place, yet shall he never be able utterly to overthrow it altogether. Thus should we think in our troubles and afflictions, and comfort our selves with the good Will of God. But we are afraid when any trouble cometh, and never feel that security which Faith bringeth. Thus do we worthily suffer the punishment of our infidelity which we nourish within us, although we be called away from it by so many notable places of Scripture.

Besides all this, it is not enough that we are compassed about with fiery Walls, that is, with the sure Custody, the continual Watch and Ward of the Angels, but the Lord himself is our Wall: so that every way we are defended by the Lord against all Dangers. Above us he is a Heaven, on both sides he is as a ⟨p. 18⟩Wall, under us he is as a strong Rock whereupon we stand: so are we every way sure and safe. Now, if Satan through these munitions cast his darts at us, it must needs be that the Lord himself shall be hurt before we take harm. But great is our incredulity, which hear all these things in vain. Yet must they be taught and learned, least the time come that we be destitute of all Counsel and Comfort in these matters. For certain it is that the hour shall come when we must have experience of these things, or else utterly perish.