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

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.

Fifthly, Adam in his pure estate was moved to obedience from a threat; of which more by and by.

Secondly, It is Scriptural: and if it agrees with Scripture, we little weigh what men, yea what Christians, say to the contrary.