The church, one would think, was but in a homely dress when she was
coming out of captivity; and yet then the people of the countries
desired to be one with her: "Let us," said they to Zerubbabel and to
the fathers of the church, "build with you, for we seek your God as
you do."
The very name of the church is striven for of the world; but that is
the church which Christ has made so; her features also remain with
herself. Hear the relation that the Holy Ghost gives of the
intrinsic beauty of the church when she was to go to be in a
persecuted state: "She was clothed with the sun, had the moon under
her feet, and had upon her head a crown of twelve stars." And yet
now the dragon stood by. But I say, here is a woman! Let any one who
will attempt it show such another in the world if he can.
They therefore that have any regard to morality, civility, or to
ceremonial comeliness, covet to be of the church of God, or to
appropriate that glorious title to themselves.
And here indeed antichrist came in. She took this name to herself;
and though she could not come at the sun, nor moon, nor stars, to
adorn herself with them, yet she has found something that makes her
comely in her followers' eyes. See how the Holy Ghost sets her
forth: she was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with
gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her
hand.
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