The Biter Bitten

“PerseaiHon ajtd oppression are like an iron in the fire, which, heated too hot, burneth their fingers that hold itP The nations on the continent which drove out the Huguenots were ruined in their trade by the loss of their most intelhgent and industrious artisans. The Romish church itself became the object of popular hatred by its burnings of godly men and women. As Pharaoh was glad at last to be rid of the Israelites whom he had oppressed, so are persecutors frequently pleased if they can sneak out of their persecutions, and wash their hands of the business. Playing with edged tools is dangerous work, and so is slandering the saints of God. Hammers have smitten the patient anvil until they have been worn out, and have become more weary of the anvil’s endurance than it was of their blows.

If any reader is opposing the church of God, let him consider what he is doing. He will find it hard to kick against the pricks. It will end as did the famous battle of the tow with the fire, and the stubble with the flame. No honour is to be gained by the conflict, but a blot will fall on the persecutor’s escutcheon, and his portion shall be everlasting contempt.