Nor is it the cutting off of many that will make her cease to
flourish. Alas, were she not sometimes pruned and trimmed, her
boughs would stand too thick. Those therefore that are taken away
with God's pruning-hooks, are removed that the under branches may
grow the better.
No man needs be afraid to let Jesus Christ be chief in the world: he
envies nobody; he designs the hurt of none: his kingdom is not of
this world, nor doth he covet temporal matters: let but his wife,
his church, alone, to enjoy her purchased privileges, and all shall
be well; which privileges of hers, since they are soul-concerns,
make no infringement upon any man's liberties. Let but faith and
holiness walk the streets without control, and you may be as happy
as the world can make you. I speak now to them that contend with
him.
But if seasonable counsel will not go down, if hardness of heart and
blindness of mind and so perishing from the way shall overtake you,
it is but what you of old have been cautioned of: "Be wise now,
therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve
the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest
he be angry, and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled
but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
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