Page:Bush burning, yet not consumed, or, The church in the furnace, yet still preserved (2).pdf/19

 body of believers that are under the influence and government of the glorious head, Immanuel himſelf: They that meddle with this Church, will find her to be like Jeruſalem, a burdenſome ſtone, that will cruſh them to pieces, and grind them to powder. Paul in the days of his ignorance and infatuation, tried his ade of cruſhing and hurting the Buſh. He like a poor fool, raiſed a bloody club to level the Church; he inſtigated the civil and eccleſiaſtical rulers to be a ſtorm or perſecution againſt the Buſh, thinking not to leave a living twig in it all. But, while he is in the heat of his bloody rage and fury againſt the Church, and going with a furious force to warn and deſtroy all the Chriſtians at Damaſcus, the owner of the Buſh ſurpriſes him with an alarming voice. 'Saul, Saul, why perſecute thou me? It is hard for thee to kick againſt the pricks!' that is to ſay, thou acteſt as unwiſe and fooliſh a part, as it is for a beaſt to kick with its heels against ſharp ſtakes, and pointed irons. There's prickly vengence ſurrounds the Buſh of Christ :No man will meddle with but ſhall come off with wounded and bloody fingers. Ye that attempt to cruſh and oppreſs the church of Chriſt, what will you get but confuſion, deſtruction and ruin to yourſelves and offspring?

What got Pharoah for meddling with this Buſh, when in his dominions did he not meet with multiple plagues; one plague upon the back of another? And at laſt he and his mighty hoſt, were overwhelmed at the red ſea, and ſank like lead in the mighty waters. You think perhaps you are doing God good ſervice, when you are vexing and harraſſing the church of Chriſt, and ſetting all enemies about her. But be not decieved. Zion will prove a burdenſome one to all that burden themſelves with her. The one that was hewn out of the mountain without hands will fall on you all.. and cruſh you with redoubled ſtrokes of fiery fury, in the cxxlx pſalm we read of a ſet of men, that like plowers plowed upon