A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

3. This Rain is said to be drunk in; the Earth drinketh in the Rain. There is no more intended in this expression, but the outward hearing of the Word, a naked assent unto it. For it is ascribed unto them who continue utterly barren and unhealed, who are therefore left unto Fire and Destruction. But as it is the natural property of the Earth to receive in the Water that is poured on it; so men do in some sense drink in the Doctrine of the Gospel, when the natural faculties of their Souls do apprehend it and assent unto it, though it works not upon them, though it produce no effects in them. There are indeed in the Earth Rocks and Stones on which the Rain makes no impression, but they are considered in common with the rest of the Earth, and there needs no particular exception on their account. Some there are who when the Word is preached unto them, do obstinately refuse and reject it; but the Hearers in common are said to drink it in; and the other sort shall not escape the judgement which is appointed for them. And thus far things are spoken in general, what is common unto both those sorts of Hearers which he afterwards distinctly insists upon.

The Word of the Gospel in the preaching of it being compared unto Rain we may observe that,

The Dispensation of it unto men is an effect of the Sovereign Power and Pleasure of God, as is the giving of Rain unto the Earth. There is nothing in Nature that God assumeth more into his Prerogative than this of giving Rain. The first mention of it in the World, is in these words, The Lord God had not caused it to Rain upon the Earth, Gen. 2. 8. All Rain is from the Lord God, who causeth it to Rain or not to Rain at his pleasure. And the giving of it he pleads as a great pledge of his Providence and Goodness. He left not himself of old without witness, in that he did good and gave Rain from Heaven,