And from thence
sprang, in the night of darkness and apostacy, which hath been over
people through their degeneration from the light and Spirit of God, these
and many other vain customs, which are seen, by the heavenly day of
Christ that dawns in the soul, to be either wrong in their original, or,
by time and abuse, hurtful in their practice. And though these things
seemed trivial to some, and rendered these people stingy and conceited in
such persons' opinion; there was and is more in them, than they were, or
are, aware of.
It was not very easy to our primitive friends to make themselves sights
and spectacles, and the scorn and derision of the world; which they
easily foresaw must be the consequence of so unfashionable a conversation
in it: but here was the wisdom of God seen in the foolishness of these
things; first, that they discovered the satisfaction and concern that
people had in and for the fashions of this world, notwithstanding their
high pretences to another: in that any disappointment about them came so
very near them, as that the greatest honesty, virtue, wisdom, and
ability, were unwelcome without them. Secondly, it seasonably and
profitably divided conversation; for this making their society uneasy to
their relations and acquaintance, it gave them the opportunity of more
retirement and solitude; wherein they met with better company, even the
Lord God their Redeemer; and grew strong in his love, power, and wisdom;
and were thereby better qualified for his service.
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