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

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 Luke 14.24. For I say unto, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper; and yet these men had stirrings and motions in them. Oh! the consideration of this should make sinners to tremble, that it is possible for men, yea for men professing godliness to be cut down by the Word of wrath, and that while they are living and well;¹ now God way be said to cut a man down for vengeance when he in judgment determines and secretly resolves against him, that no means nor mercies shall do him good, now woe to that man against whom God is thus resolved and determined. But that none may be discouraged and disheartened by this, but awakened, know, that so long as God still strives with thee, and is yet working upon thee by his Word, and by his Spirit, he hath not yet determined against thee,² thou art not past hope of cure, therefore improve the seasons, and do not abuse this that hath been said, let it support you from despair, but not encourage you to presume.