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 united to one and the ſame root, may claſh with, and daſh one againſt another. So when the winds of temptations, afflictions, perſecutions, and diviſions blow upon this ſpiritual Buſh, the branches will daſh against one another. But when the Noontide of glory comes, they will better agree. Then harmony and peace ſhall ſucceed all their hot diſputes and fiery contentions, and an undiſturbed calm poſſeſs their minds for ever.

4. The Church of Chriſt is called, or compared to a Buſh. Why? Becauſe a Buſh is a mean and low thing, and makes but a ſilly and inſignificant appearance in the world. And what is more deſpicable, in the eyes of the world, than Chriſt's Church? Oh! She appears as a very poor ſociety on earth; hence ſhe is called and compared to a lame woman leaning on her beloved. She can but half walk, there's in her half grace, half ſin. Further, ſhe is compared to a worm: Hence our Lord ſays, Fear not worm Jacob. What is more mean and deſpicable-like than a worm: Nobody notices the ſilly worm that crawls among their feet. 'Tis juſt ſo with believers, the Church of Chriſt; the carnal man does not think them worthy a night's lodging in the wilderneſs. But fear not, worm Jacob. You know every foot is ready to trample upon a worm; and the Potentates and Monarch of the world, and ſuch as ſtrut up pride and magnificence, think their feet good enough for treading and trampling upon the Lambs of Chriſt; and when they don't reſent it they call them creatures of a ſilly whinning ſpirit. Thus the world would devour the poor Lambs of Chriſt, and trample upon them as ſo many naſty worms under theyr feet. But they have a promiſe to buoy up their hearts amid all the hardſhips they are expoſed to; Fear not worm Jacob, ſaith the Lord. Why, ſays the beliver, have I no reaſon to fear? Is not every foot of cruel pride againit me? Am I not treated as mire and dirt in the ſtreets ? "Fear