The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Thirdly, Though this Argument from Hell be servile, looks something like a slavish temper, yet the principle which makes a Christian to use it may be, and most what is, Love: Thus the love I owe to God, to Christ, and to an obedient conversation before him, that I may not displease him, makes me improve all Arguments, whereby I may keep my heart in the ways of God, and keep out all sin, that it may not come in to displease him: As then I use other Arguments, so I use this also, any rational Argument, that may have a prevalency upon my heart, that I may walk in those ways, and please that God whom I love.

Thirdly, Though this Argument from Hell be servile, looks something like a slavish temper, yet the principle which makes a Christian to use it may be, and most what is, Love: Thus the love I owe to God, to Christ, and to an obedient conversation before him, that I may not displease him, makes me improve all Arguments, whertby I may keep my heart in the wayes of God, and keep out all sin, that it may not come in to displease him: As then I use other Arguments, so I use this also, any rational Argument, that may have a prevalency upon my heart, that I may walk in those wayes, and please that God whom I love.

Fourthly, It is consistent with a child-like temper, to fear his Fathers rod, and tremble at his Fathers wrath, yea, and to take heed of doing that which may displease his Father, and provoke his anger so as to use the rod; he may be a loving Child to his Father notwithstanding this; and doubtless it may as well stand with a Christian spirit and temper, thus to be afraid of the wrath of God, and by it to be deterred from sin: that base nature that as yet is not sanctified (as we are but in part here (whatever Castellio saith) had need have this dreadful rod held over it, to keep it under. If then it be rational, then it may well consist with Christianity, for all Gods ways are rational; what is irrational, or contrary to sound reason, cannot be imputed to his ways, which we are called to walk in.

Fourthly, It is consistent with a child-like temper, to fear his Fathers rod, and tremble at his Fathers wrath, yea, and to take heed of doing that which may displease his Father, and provoke his anger so as to use the rod; he may be a loving Child to his Father notwithstanding this; and doubtless it may as well stand with a Christian spirit and temper, thus to be afraid of the wrath of God, and by it to be deterred from sin: that base nature that as yet is not sanctified (as we are but in part here (whatever Castellio saith) had need have this dreadful rod held over it, to keep it under. If then it be rational, then it may well consist with Christianity, for all Gods wayes are rational; what is irrational, or contrary to sound reason, cannot be imputed to his wayes, which we are called to walk in.