The branch of the Lord, the beauty of ZionThe branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion

1. Whence it is that this House which seems so often to be nigh to destruction, is yet preserved from ruin. Ofttimes it is brought into a condition, that all that look on say, Now it is gone for ever: but still it recovers and gets up again. The Lord Christ he looks on all the while: He knows how far things may proceed for trial. When it comes to that pass, that if pressures and troubles should continue, the House would be over born indeed, then he puts in, rebukes the winds and waves, and makes all things still again. ⟨p. 32⟩Like a Father who looks upon his Child in a difficult and dangerous business, knows that he can relieve him when he pleases, but would willingly see him try his strength and cunning, lets him alone, until perhaps the Child thinks himself quite lost, and wonders his Father doth not help him: but when the Condition comes to be such, that without help he will be lost indeed, instantly the Father puts in his hand and saves him. So deals the Lord Jesus with his House, lets it oftentimes strive and wrestle with great Oppositions, to draw out and exercise all the Graces thereof: but yet all this while He looketh on, and when danger is nigh indeed, He is not far off.

1. Whence it is that this House which seems so often to be nigh to destruction, is yet preserved from ruine. Ofttimes it is brought into a condition, that all that look on say, Now it is gone for ever: but still it recovers and gets up again. The Lord Christ he looks on all the while: He knowes how far things may proceed for tryall. When it comes to that passe, that if pressures and troubles should continue, the House would be over born indeed, then he puts in, rebukes the windes and waves, and makes all things still again. ⟨p. 32⟩Like a Father who looks upon his Childe in a difficult and dangerous businesse, knowes that he can relieve him when he pleases, but would willingly see him try his strength and cunning, lets him alone, untill perhaps the Childe thinks himself quite lost, and wonders his Father doth not help him: but when the Condition comes to be such, that without help he will be lost indeed, instantly the Father puts in his hand and saves him. So deales the Lord Iesus with his House, lets it oftentimes strive and wrestle with great Oppositions, to draw out and exercise all the Graces thereof: but yet all this while He looketh on, and when danger is nigh indeed, He is not far off.