2. The second thing we may observe here, is this, That it is incident and caseable to the church and people of God, not only to be a prey, but to be a prey unto the hands of these that are very mighty, strong and terrible like, for so the words will bear; we may say our persecutors are stronger than we; if we were as strong as they, we would laugh at them, and would but play with them; but the truth is, they have forces and armies at their command, both within and without the land. But,
3. The word imports this likewise, that not only is the church sometimes a prey to the mighty, but also that the people of God will be just despairing that ever they can be delivered again: shall the prey be taken from the mighty, shall the prey be taken from the king, from the council, from the forces and soldiers, how can it be? it cannot be; for when we look to our right-hand there is none to care for us, all refuge hath left us.—There is a question here, which I desire all the ministers in Scotland to answer, Will yonder prey be taken from the mighty? nay, nay, say they, they need not attempt it; and we ourselves who know it, are at despairing; we think it needless to pray or fast, preach or fight; for when we mint to rise, then the Lord comes and gives us such a blow, that we are made to sit down again, and stick faster to the ground than ever before.—Nay, if you could get all the angels in heaven this day this question would puzzle them.—It is true indeed, believers that win to an intimacy with God, may get a sight of this, God will deliver, but here comes the matter, by whom shall Jacob arise, for he is very small?—Here is one to answer positively and affirmatively, and tells how it shall be accomplished; who answers it?—the Lord, he even says, I see well enough, though I would make ministers and other believers, yea, angels tell, that the prey shall be taken from the mighty, it will not do it; I will take this question on myself: for immediately before, you see he promiseth to make kingstheir
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