England's preservation or, a sermon discovering the only way to prevent destroying judgementsEngland's preservation or, a sermon discovering the onely way to prevent destroying judgements

Interpreters abound in their opinions concerning ¹these thorns: By them Chrysostom understands Idols (as entangling and piercing as the sharpest of Briars and thorns) Origen and Hierom, by the thorns understand covetousness and the cares of the world (which likewise are scratching and wounding) others understand all our sinful corruptions', there are spinae in cord, saith Bernard, thorns in our hearts, as well as in our Fields: and some understand by the thorns, mixtures of worship crept into the worship of God amongst the Jews (as Sanctius and others.) But with the favour of all these (and yet with submission) ⟨p. 33⟩I conjecture that these words (Sow not among Thorns) are a proverbial speech, and suggest only this unto us, That as the Jews were to break down what was evil in themselves and the Church and State, so they were to set upon the doing of all good in private and public, In such a manner and order, as that their pains and endeavours might not come to nothing, but might prove effectual and successful, be to some good purpose indeed, &c. As an Husbandman who sows, will so sow that he may reap, and not loose his seed and labour, and therefore will not sow among Thorns; For this were an improper work, and would prove (in the event) utterly unprofitable: It is a thousand to one if ever his seed comes up (for Thorns have a stealing, withdrawing, and frustrating quality) or if it doth come up, yet it will be lost, it cannot be gathered, there is no coming at it with sith or sickle; Thorns have an hindering malignity, as well as a stifling power: From this exposition, I observe only this proposition, Namely.

Interpreters abound in their opinions concerning ¹these thorns: By them Chrysostome understands Idols (as entangling and piercing as the sharpest of Briars and thornes) Origen and Hierom, by the thornes understand covetousnesse and the cares of the world (which likewise are scratching and wounding) others understand all our sinfull corruptions', there are spinae in corde, saith Bernard, thornes in our hearts, as well as in our Fields: and some understand by the thorns, mixtures of worship crept into the worship of God amongst the Iewes (as Sanctius and others.) But with the favour of all these (and yet with submission) ⟨p. 33⟩