in captivity according to their law, that is, according to iniquity established by the law. I shall not be long in speaking what I have to say from these words; but as to the question, there are these two or three things in it, and we shall only name them, and not come over them again.
1. There is this holden out by it, that sometimes the people of God are made a prey, I wot well that word is made out in our day, Isaiah xlix. 15. Truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. I'll tell you what many folks say in this land, they forbear practices, that some men at this time are forward in, to evite trouble: nay, but forbearing duty is your sin; and if you sin not with others, you may make yourself a prey: but the providence of this time is a commentary sufficient of these words; they are not worthy of their name now, that is not a prey in Scotland; that man that can keep the crown of the causey is not worthy of a good-day or a good-e'en, were he the best minister in Scotland. I bid not a badder mark of a man or woman than this, that they are not a prey.—God be thanked we are at this day, that any man may shoot us, we think it our glory.—These that are free to buy and sell, and and go to kirk and market at this time have their freedom at a dear rate. We are a prey and captives, they have both men and women in prison, and all according to their law: we must not take ill with this, you see there hath no strange thing happened us but what hath befallen men, such things have happened the church before, and the Lord hath warned us of it; he hath warned us, not only in general, If any man come to me, he must deny himself and take up his cross, &c.; and through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of heaven; but particulars are condescended upon, and cordials suitable to these promises.—There is a cordial in this chapter, beware of grudging; we are a prey, but ere long they that prey upon us will be preyed upon.
2. The
