The flesh is like Birdlime, which when the spirit would at any time mount up to Heaven with the wings of Faith and Meditation, hampers and hinders it; it is the holy souls prison, wherein it is fettered and fastened that it cannot as it would walk at liberty, and seek Gods precepts. The Devil, both a Serpent for craft, and a Lion for cruelty, doth out of his hatred to God make it his constant business by his power and policy to hinder Godliness. As the Panther, because he cannot come at the person, he tears the picture wherever he finds it; We wrestle not with flesh and blood but with Principalities and Powers, Ephes. 6.12. While Satan reigneth in a creature all may be quiet and calm, but if he be once cast out he will rage and roar to purpose. While Israel serveth the Egyptians, carrying their crosses, bearing their burdens, doing their drudgery all is well; but when once they shake off Pharaohs yoke, turn their backs upon Egypt, and set out for Canaan, with what force and fury are they pursued to be brought back to their former bondage? Christ was no sooner baptized then buffeted; he went as it were out of the water of baptism into the fire of temptation: and if the Prince were all his time persecuted, his Subjects must not expect to be wholly privileged. The cross is tied as a tag to the profession of Christianity, Matth. 10.30. One Article ⟨p. 67⟩in the Indenture which all Apprentices must seal to, that will call Christ Master, is to bear the cross daily, Matth. 16. The Saints are as vessels floating on the waters of Meribah, where (Omne quod flat Aquilo est, as Tertullian saith of Pontus) no wind blows but what is sharp and keen. The Hebrews were no sooner enlightened to their conversion, but they endured a sharp fight of affliction; their lightning was accompanied with a grievous storm, Heb. 10.32. Holiness is usually followed with much hatred and hardship. The enemies of mans salvation are impudent and unceasing, ever raging never resting. 1What the Carthaginian Commander said of Marcellus, may be truly spoken by us in regard of them; 2That we have to do with those who will never be quiet, either Conquerors or conquered; but Conquerors, they will pursue their victory to the utmost; and conquered, labour to recover their loss. Satan especially is both wrathful and watchful to undermine souls.
The flesh is like Birdlime, which when the spirit would at any time mount up to Heaven with the wings of Faith and Meditation, hampers and hinders it; it is the holy souls prison, wherein it is fettered and fastned that it cannot as it would walk at liberty, and seek Gods precepts. The Devil, both a Serpent for craft, and a Lion for cruelty, doth out of his hatred to God make it his constant business by his power and policy to hinder Godliness. As the Panther, because he cannot come at the person, he tears the picture whereever he finds it; We wrestle not with flesh and blood but with Principalities and Powers, Ephes. 6.12. While Satan reigneth in a creature all may be quiet and calm, but if he be once cast out he will rage and roar to purpose. While Israel serveth the Egyptians, carrying their crosses, bearing their burdens, doing their drudgery all is well; but when once they shake off Pharoahs yoke, turn their backs upon Egypt, and set out for Canaan, with what force and fury are they pursued to be brought back to their former bondage? Christ was no sooner baptized then buffetted; he went as it were out of the water of baptism into the fire of temptation: and if the Prince were all his time persecuted, his Subjects must not expect to be wholly priviledged. The cross is tied as a tag to the profession of Christianity, Matth. 10.30. One Article ⟨p. 67⟩in the Indenture which all Apprentices must seal to, that will call Christ Master, is to bear the cross daily, Matth. 16. The Saints are as vessels floating on the waters of Meribah, where (Omne quod flat Aquilo est, as Tertullian saith of Pontus) no wind blows but what is sharp and keen. The Hebrews were no sooner enlightned to their conversion, but they indured a sharp fight of affliction; their lightning was accompanied with a grievous storm, Heb. 10.32. Holiness is usually followed with much hatred and hardship. The enemies of mans salvation are impudent and uncessant, ever raging never resting. 1What the Carthaginian Commander said of Marcellus, may be truly spoken by us in regard of them; 2That we have to do with those who will never be quiet, either Conquerors or conquered; but Conquerors, they will pursue their victory to the utmost; and conquered, labour to recover their loss. Satan especially is both wrathful and watchful to undermine souls.
- 1Plut. in vit. Marcel.
- 2Per varios casus per tot discrimina rerum. Tendimus ad coelum
