An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

I have hewed them by my Prophets, my Prophets have done their work upon them, God seems to speak to the Prophets to bid them sharpen their tools, make their instruments keen, preach suitably unto them, saving some with fear, as the Apostle Jude speaks, verse 23. I wonder what people can say to this Scripture, who cry out against Ministers for preaching the Law, when the text says plainly, and save some with fear: therefore let those that are the Ministers of the Word have a care that they sharpen their tools by the Word, putting an edge upon them that so they may encounter with the greatest oppositions.

I have hewed them by my Prophets, my Prophets have done their work upon them, God seems to speak to the Prophets to bid them sharpen their tools, make their instruments keen, preach sutably unto them, saving some with fear, as the Apostle Jude speaks, verse 23. I wonder what people can say to this Scripture, who cry out against Ministers for preaching the Law, when the text saies plainly, and save some with fear: therefore let those that are the Ministers of the Word have a care that they sharpen their tools by the Word, putting an edge upon them that so they may encounter with the greatest oppositions.

When the Ministers hew, God hews. I have hewn them saith Obs. 6 God, when as it was the Prophets that did it. Is the Word sharp, and doth it come close at any time? then look to God which makes it so. Is the tool sharp, and doth it smart? then look to the hand that directed the stroke, and know that if God hew thee, he will have his will upon thee, he will accomplish the end he aims at; when God hews thee, if thou dost not work under his hand to make something of for use, he will throw thee into the fire, as a work man in an angry fit of passion throws away the piece he is at work upon into the ⟨p. 595⟩fire; so saith God, this man or this woman they are good for nothing, I'll throw them into the fire: take heed, you who have stirrings and motions unto good, and yet have your secret lusts, beloved bosom-corruptions, know that God may cut you down for the fire, and thou mayest be already cut down for the fire, though thou livest in the bosom of the Church under the Ordinances; before thou art cut down by death, as we may see, the figtree was cut down, yet had leaves for a while, green and flourishing; know, 'tis possible that a man which makes a glorious profession and performs many duties, yet may be but a vessel of wrath, one cut down by the stroke of the Word by wrath, this cutting down, is like unto that which we find in