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§. 59. Of threats and hope standing together.
THis conjunction, a 1.1 though, in this clause, though we thus speak, is the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such disagreeing matters, as may agree together: but in some particular respec•…•… are diverse: as 2 Cor. 4. 16. and 11. 6. Of this kinde of argument, see Chap. •…•…. v. 8. §. 46.
To denounce judgements, and to suppose them, against whom they are denounced, to be lyable to those judgements, may stand together: but in this Apostle they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diverse: for he denounced a terrible judgement: yet did not think these Heb•…•… to be guilty thereof.
This clause b 1.2 though we thus speak, is therefore a kinde of correction; and th•…•…∣by we may see that denunciation of judgement, doth not necessarily imply a g•…•…∣tiness in those to whom the denunciation is manifested: much less an utter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of them.
The Apostle doth much aggravate Gods severity about rejecting the Jew•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 writing to the Romans, and withall bids them take heed lest God spare not 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Yet thus he manifesteth his hope of them, I am perswaded of you, that you are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of goodness, Rom. 11. 20. &c. and 15. 14.
Denunciations of judgement have especiall respect to the future time, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.3 their use: namely, to prevent such things, as cause such and such judgements. F•…•… dangers before hand declared, make men circumspect and watchfull. If one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 traveller, that theeves in such and such places have robbed and killed other •…•…∣lers: or tell Marriners, that Pirats have in such places surprized other ships, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make them the more wary in avoiding the like dangers.
People have on this ground just cause to bear with their Ministers in like 〈◊〉〈◊〉:* 1.4 and not to think that they account them as reprobates, and past all hope, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they take occasion to lay forth the severity of God before them. They may be •…•…∣ter perswaded of them, though they speak such and such things. As Mini•…•… therefore are perswaded better things of their people, so must people be persw•…•… better things of their Minister. Denunciations may be used with as tender 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hearty affection, and true love as the sweetest perswasions. But as Physick is •…•…∣times, as needfull for the body as food; so this kind of teaching, is as needfull and usefull as that which is more milde and pleasing.
This minde of a Minister, is to be noted by two sorts of people.
- 1. By such as are of tender consciences: it cannot but much support them, to be∣leeve that Ministers in their threatning Doctrines, are perswaded better things 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them.
- 2. By men of hard hearts. For such to believe, that the desire and endeavo•…•… their Minister, is to pull them out of the fire, cannot but somewhat work upon th•…•…▪
Happy are they, who rightly and wisely apply all to themselves.