Ralph Erskine (The World's Verdict of Christ and His Followers), Sermons 1:221:
Hence see what a wonder of divine power it is, that true Christianity and its followers have been kept up, and maintained, and preserved in the world, notwithstanding of the universal contradiction and opposition it hath met with. The plantation of the gospel-church at first was opposed by all the powers of darkness; and in all ages it hath met with such opposition, that if it had not been of God, it had come to nought. “This is the doing of the Lord; and it is marvellous in our eyes.” That a profession, so opposite to the carnal thoughts and sensual delights of men, should be yet preserved in the world, is a wonder, seeing it is everywhere spoken against, reproached, and reviled, and yet strangely victorious, not only without, but against secular power and force, for some ages. Here is the bush burning, and yet not consumed.
Hence see what a wonder of divine power it is, that true Christianity and its followers have been kept up, and maintained, and preserved in the world, notwithstanding of the universal contradiction and opposition it hath met with. The plantation of the gospel-church at first was opposed by all the powers of darkness; and in all ages it hath met with such opposition, that if it had not been of God, it had come to nought. “This is the doing of the Lord; and it is marvellous in our eyes.” That a profession, so opposite to the carnal thoughts and sensual delights of men, should be yet preserved in the world, is a wonder, seeing it is everywhere spoken against, reproached, and reviled, and yet strangely victorious, not only without, but against secular power and force, for some ages. Here is the bush burning, and yet not consumed.
