Seven sermons on several select subjects preached

Secondly, Gods Afflicting Rod hath comfort in it, as it is a token of special favour he bears towards us, Rev. 13.19. We think God cannot favour us, unless he hath us in his Lap; yet he doth love and favour us, when he gives us the bitter Diet-drink of Affliction. Gods Rod, and Gods Love, they both stand together: Thus the Rod comforts, it brings us a token of Gods Love: It is no love in God to let men go on in sin, and never smite; this was no love. Is it any love to your Child, to let him take his course, and to let him run into the water and drown if he will? To be without the Rod of Gods Discipline, it is a sign of a Bastard Child, and a brandmark of Reprobation, Heb. 12.8. If God will let any fall upon the Rock ⟨p. 34⟩of Ruin, then he will suffer them to go on in sin, and not correct them, Hos. 4.14. I will not punish your Daughters when they commit Whoredom. Take notice; God spares the Rod in anger. Gods hand is heaviest when it is lightest. God punisheth most when he doth not punish; but now God smites, that he may save his People; and is not that love? And the Love of God doth allay and take off the smarting power of the Rod, and gives the Soul comfort. Let me feel Gods hand, so I may have his heart.

Secondly, Gods Afflicting Rod hath comfort in it, as it is a token of special favour he bears towards us, Rev. 13.19. We think God cannot favour us, unless he hath us in his Lap; yet he doth love and favour us, when he gives us the bitter Diet-drink of Affliction. Gods Rod, and Gods Love, they both stand together: Thus the Rod comforts, it brings us a token of Gods Love: It is no love in God to let men go on in sin, and never smite; this was no love. Is it any love to your Child, to let him take his course, and to let him run into the water and drown if he will? To be without the Rod of Gods Discipline, it is a sign of a Bastard Child, and a brandmark of Reprobation, Heb. 12.8. If God will let any fall upon the Rock ⟨p. 34⟩of Ruine, then he will suffer them to go on in sin, and not correct them,