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

(2) That others should not think themselves severely dealt with, when they are pressed on and urged with the severest Threatenings of the Gospel. Let them not say or think in their Hearts, this Preacher looks upon us as persons Unregenerate, or Hypocrites, perhaps out of ill-will unto us. It is certain that on such occasions, men are apt to give place to such surmises. For an Apprehension thereof, is the reason why the Apostle maketh as it were this Apology for the use of the severe foregoing Commination. As if he had said, Do not you entertain any hard thoughts or evil surmises concerning me or my dealing with you in this matter. There are other reasons of my thus dealing with you; for as unto your personal interest in the Grace of Christ, I have as yet a good persuasion, although I thus speak. And let others take heed lest they fall into any such apprehension, which will certainly defeat them of the wholesome Fruit of the Word. Sharp Frosts are needful to make the Ground fruitful, as well as the clearest Sun-shine. And if a Tree be not sometimes pressed on by the Wind, it will never well firm its Roots in the Ground. Sharp Reproofs, and earnestness in pressing Gospel Comminations are sometimes as needful for the ⟨p. 92⟩best of us, as the Administration of the richest and most precious Promises, Hos. 10. 11.

(2) That others should not think themselves severely dealt with, when they are pressed on and urged with the severest Threatenings of the Gospel. Let them not say or think in their Hearts, this Preacher looks upon us as persons Unregenerate, or Hypocrites, perhaps out of ill-will unto us. It is certain that on such occasions, men are apt to give place to such surmises. For an Apprehension thereof, is the reason why the Apostle maketh as it were this Apology for the use of the severe foregoing Commination. As if he had said, Do not you entertain any hard thoughts or evil surmises concerning me or my dealing with you in this matter. There are other reasons of my thus dealing with you; for as unto your personal interest in the Grace of Christ, I have as yet a good perswasion, although I thus speak. And let others take heed lest they fall into any such apprehension, which will certainly defeat them of the wholsome Fruit of the Word. Sharp Frosts are needful to make the Ground fruitful, as well as the clearest Sun-shine. And if a Tree be not sometimes pressed on by the Wind, it will never well firm its Roots in the Ground. Sharp Reproofs, and earnestness in pressing Gospel Comminations are sometimes as needful for the