§. 54. Of mans doing good but a few dayes.
For they verily for a few dayes chastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holinesse.
THis verse is added as a reason further to enforce subjection to Gods chastise∣ment. The causal particle, a 1.1 for, intends as much. The reason is taken from other differences betwixt earthly Fathers, and our heavenly Father.
To make it the more heeded, he inserteth this note of observation, b 1.2 veril•…•…, whereof see chap. v. §.
The first difference here set down, is in reference to the time thus expressed, b 1.3 for a few dayes.
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1. This circumstance of time may be referred to the minority of Children, or* 1.4 the time of their Child-hood; or at the uttermost, to the time of their mortal life on earth. Of expressing that time under the title of dayes, see chap. v. §.
In the former respect it compriseth but the fourth part of an old mans life, twen∣ty years at the most; and in that respect but a few dayes. Very few Children are kept in awe by their Parents correction so long. Well therefore doth he insert this clause, for a few dayes.
- 2. The time here may have reference to the Parents life, or abode with his Chil∣dren, which oft falleth out to be but a short time. For many Parents are taken away in their Childrens minority; and among these, some sooner, some later. Thus they can keep them in awe but a few dayes.
- 3. It may also be referred to the whole life of a Child. For the life of a man is usually set out by dayes, by reason of the short continuance of life, Psal. 90. 9. Yea, it is set out by few dayes, Gen. 47. 9. Thus taken, it may have respect to the end, which most Parents aim at in correcting their Children, which is, that in this life, they may carry themselves civilly and honestly; and that they may restrain them from riot and excesse in this world. But Gods end is to keep his from everlasting destruction, 1 Cor. 11. 32. and to bring them to eternal glory, 2 Cor. 7. 14.
This in general sheweth, that the good which man doth to man, is but for a while. Thus much is implied of an Heire, that is under Tutors and Governour•…•…, until the time appointed of the Father, Gal. 4. 2. Manasseh had his Father to tutor him, but till he was twelve year old: he might have done better, if he had enjoyed him longer, 2 King. 21. 1. The good which Kings do for people, is but for a few dayes; for they may of good prove naught, or else they may in their prime be ta∣ken away. The like may be said of good Ministers, Husbands, Masters and others.
Men in this world are subject to many changes.
- 1. Their minde may soon alter, Ier. 34. 10, 11.
- 2. They may lose their ability to do good, Ezek. 3. 26.
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