4. Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations. Where thy people sang like angels, these barbarians roar like beasts.
When thy saints come together for worship, these cruel men attack them with all
the fury of lions. They have no respect for the most solemn gatherings, but
intrude themselves and their blasphemies into our most hallowed meetings. How
often in times of persecution or prevalent heresy has the church learned the
meaning of such language. May the Lord spare us such misery. When hypocrites
abound in the church, and pollute her worship, the case is parallel to that before
us; Lord, save us from so severe a trial. They set up their ensigns for signs. Idolatrous emblems used in war were set up over God’s altar, as an
insulting token of victory, and of contempt for the vanquished and their God.
Superstition, unbelief, and carnal wisdom have endeavored to usurp the place of
Christ crucified, to the grief of the church of God. The enemies without do us
small damage, but those within the church cause her serious harm; by
supplanting the truth and placing error in its stead, they deceive the people,
and lead multitudes to destruction.
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