Edwin Sandys on cleansing the church from idolatry

[Reformed Covenanter]

This skilful manurer of the vineyard must first rid the ground, purge the Church. The barnfloor must be cleansed, before the harvest be brought in. Jeremie commandeth the thorns first to be rooted out, and then the seed to be cast into the ground. Moses gave charge to cast out all leaven, before the people might celebrate the passover. Joshua willed the Canaanites to be expelled, ere he would establish his common wealth of Israel. Jacob would not sacrifice unto God, till he had purged his house of Idols. The like might be shewed in David, Ezechias, Nehemias, Mattathias. But one example may serve for all, being of our Saviour, who is above all, and Lord of all. Christ at his first entry into the temple, purged it by casting out buyers and sellers. ...

For more, see Edwin Sandys on cleansing the church from idolatry.

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

This skilful manurer

This comment reminds me of something that I once heard attributed to John Adams. He was teaching his son, John Quincy Adams, how to do some farm work, and apparently said, "Manure is an art, Jonny! And I consider myself an accomplished artist."