Trees — Meditation 4

HOw is this Tree batter'd with stones, and loaded with sticks that have been thrown at it? whilest those that grow about it being barren, or bearing harsher fruit, escape untouched! Surely, if its fruit had not been so good, its usage had not been so bad: and yet it is affirmed, that some trees, as the Walnut &c. bear the better, for being thus bruised and battered.

Even thus it fares, in both respects with the best of men; the more holy, the more envied and persecuted; every one that passes by will have a fling at them. Methinks I see, how devils and wicked men walk round about the people of God whom he has enclosed in armes of power, like so many boys about an Orchard, whose lips water to have a fling at them. But God turns all the stones of reproach into precious stones to his people, they bear the better for being thus batter'd.

And in them is that ancient observation verified.

Creseunt virtutem palmae, crescuntque Coronae

Mutantur mundipraelia, pace Dei.

The Palmes and Crowns of virtue thus increase;

Thus persecution's turned into peace.

Let me be but fruitful to God in holiness, and ever abounding in the work of the Lord, and then, while devils and men are flinging at me, either by hand or tongue persecutions, I will sing amidst them all with the divine Poet, What open force, or hidden charm Can blast my fruits, or bring me harm While the inclosure is your arm.