A65313:94
Seven sermons on several select subjects preached
Seven sermons on several select subjects preached by Mr. Tho. Watson ...
London : s.n., 1689
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, As there is Gods destroying Rod which comforts the godly; so there is Gods Pastoral Rod; or his Shepherds Rod, which he uses towards his Sheep, conducting them to green Pastures, and still Waters: There is Gods Shepherds Rod, by which he leads his Elect Sheep to the green Pastures and still Waters. These green Pastures and still Waters, may be meant of the Ordinances: And that sweet comfort the People of God find in the use of Ordinances; why, this Rod of God, this Shepherds Rod, this Pastoral Rod, this Rod doth comfort the godly.
Thirdly and lastly, There is Gods disabling Rod, or his Rod of Affliction; this also is comfort to the People of God, 2 Sam. 7.14. I will chasten him with a Rod of mine. And in Micah 6.9. Hear ye the Rod, and who hath appointed it; and in this sense I understand this Text of Scripture, Thy Rod doth comfort me: So then the Observation is this,
Doct. That Gods Rod, his Afflicting Rod upon his People yields matter of comfort to us.
Thy Rod doth comfort me. This I confess to flesh and blood it seems a Paradox; it seems strange: What, that the Rod of Correction should give comfort! If David had said, Thy Promises, Lord, they comfort me; or thy good Spirit, that doth comfort me, it had been no wonder; but that he should say, Thy Rod doth comfort me, how can this be? Is it usual for the Church to call pain comfort? how then doth David say, Thy Rod doth comfort me? Who can of such Thistles gather Figs? or of such Thorns gather Grapes? How can there be comfort from the Rod?