( 14 )
ches 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 an other But when the noontide of glory comes, they will better a(illegible text). Then harmony and peace shall succeed all their hot disputes and fiery contentions and an undisturbed calm possess their mind 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 b(illegible text)f walk, there’s in her but half grace half sin Further, she is compared to a worm; Hence our Lord says Fear not (illegible text) Jacob Who is more mean and despicable like than a worm, (illegible text) 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 no worm Jacob You know every fool is ready to trample upon a worm; and the Potentates and Monarchs of the world and such as strut up pride and magnificence, think their feet good enough ⟨for trampling and treading⟩ upon the Lambs of Christ; and when they don't resent it they call them creatures of a silly wh(illegible text) spirit. Thus the world would devour the poor Lambs of Christ, and trample upon them as so many many worms under their feet But they have a promise to buoy up their hearts amidst all the hardships they are exposed to; Fear not worm Jacob saith the Lord. Why, says the believer, have I no reason to fear? is not every fool of cruel pride against me? Am I not treated as mire (illegible text) out in the streets?" Fear
