The church in the
wilderness also is so builded, that men may see that it is ordained
for defence. Men also, at their first offer to step over the
threshold there, with mouth profess that they will dwell as soldiers
there. But words are but wind: when they see the storm coming, they
will take care to shift for themselves. This house or church in the
wilderness must see to itself for all them.
The church also in the wilderness, even in her porch or first
entrance into it, is full of pillars--apostles, prophets, and
martyrs of Jesus. There also hang up the shields that the old
warriors have used, and there are plastered upon the walls the brave
achievements which they have done. There also are such
encouragements there for those that stand, that one would think none
that came thither with pretence to serve there, would for very shame
attempt to go back again; and yet not to their credit be it spoken,
they will forsake the place without blushing, yea, and plead for
this their so doing.
There is the wilfully ignorant professor, or he that is afraid to
know more for fear of the cross. He is for picking and choosing of
truth, and loveth not to hazard his all for that worthy name by
which he would be called. When he is at any time overset by
arguments or awakenings of conscience, he uses to heal all by, "I
was not brought up in this faith;" as if it were unlawful for
Christians to know more than hath been taught them at first
conversion.
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