Schaff - History of the Christian Church Vol. 8 - Media Sabda Org

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well knowing that His wrath was otherwise impending on my head,
as I am certain that my labors in teaching were not displeasing to
Him. And this I testify the more willingly before God, and before
you all, because I have no doubt whatever that Satan, according to
his wont, will stir up wicked, fickle, and giddy men, to corrupt the
pure doctrine which you have heard of me!
“Then referring to the great blessings with which the Lord had
favored them, ‘I,’ says he, I am the best witness from how many
and how great dangers the hand of Almighty God hath delivered
you. You see, moreover, what your present situation is. Therefore,
whether in prosperity or adversity, have this, I pray you, always
present before your eyes, that it is He alone who establishes kings
and states, and on that account wishes men to worship Him.
Remember how David declared that he had fallen when he was in
the enjoyment of profound peace, and assuredly would never have
risen again, had not God, in His singular goodness, stretched out
His hand to help him. What, then, will be the case with such
diminutive mortals as we are, if it was so with him who was so
strong and powerful? You have need of great humbleness of mind,
that you may walk carefully, setting God always before you, and
leaning only on His protection; assured, as you have often already
experienced, that, by His assistance, you will stand strong, although
your safety and security hang, as it were, by a slender thread.
Therefore, if prosperity is given you, beware, I pray you, of being
puffed up as the wicked are, and rather humbly give thanks to God.
But if adversity befalls you, and death surrounds you on every side,
still hope in Him who even raises the dead. Nay, consider that you
are then especially tried by God, that you may learn more and more
to have respect to Him only. But if you are desirous that this
republic may be preserved in its strength, be particularly on your
guard against allowing the sacred throne on which He hath placed
you to be polluted. For He alone is the supreme God, the King of
kings, and Lord of lords, who will give honor to those by whom He
is honored, but will cast down the despisers. Worship Him,
therefore, according to His precepts; and study this more and more,
for we are always very far from doing what it is our duty to do. I
know the disposition and character of each of you, and I know that
you need exhortation. Even among those who excel, there is not