170 elln Expofition of the C u A p.I I. fuck perfons will Find themfelves tó'have as weak and an enervous Minitiery here, fo alfo that they will have a fadaccount of theirpartiality in the Word togive here- after. Let not men think themfelves moreEvangelical than the Author of the Gofpel, more skilled inthe myftery ofthe Converfion and Edification of the fouls ofmen than the Apatites; in aword,more wìf thanGod himfelf,which they mutt doWilleynegled this part of his Ordinance. 2.Becaufe they become the Gofpel. It is meet theGofpel fhould be armád with Threatnings, as well as attended with Promifer ;. and that, 1. On the part ofChrift himfelf, the Authorofit. However the world pèrfecuted anddefpifed himwhilft hè was on the earth, and he threatned not, 1 Pet. 2. 23. on his own account ; however they continue to contemn and blafpheme his Ways, and Salvation, yet he lets them know that he is armedwith power to revenge their dif- obedience. And it belongsuntohis Honour to have it declared unto them. AScepter in a Kingdom without a Sword, a Crown without a Rod of Iron, will quickly be trampled on. Both are therefore given into the handofChrift, that the Glory and Honourofhis Dominion maybe known, Pfal. z. 9, t o, 11, 12. 2. Theybecome the Gofpel on thepart offinners, yea, ofall to whom the Gofpelis preached. And thofe are oftwo forts. r. Unbelievers, Hypocrites, Apofiates, impenitent Neglecters of the great falvation declared in it. It is meet on this account that the Di+penfationof the Gofpel be attended withThreatnings and comminations ofpunifhments. And that, r. Tokeep them here in aweand fear, that they may not boldly and openly break out in contempt ofChrift. Thefe are -his Arrows that are (harp in the hearts of his adverfaries, whereby he aws them, galls them, and inthe midlt ofall their pridemakes themto tremble fumetifnes at their future condition.. Chriti neverfuffers them to be fofecure, but that his terrors in thefe Threatnings vifit them ever and anon. And hereby alfo doth he keep them within fome bounds, bridles their rage, and overpowers many of them unto fome ufeful- nefs in the world, with many other blelfedends not now tobe infifted On. Z. That they may be left inexcufable, and the Lord Chrift be juftified in his pro- ceedings against them at the lati day. If they fhauld be furprized with fiery indignation and everiatling burnings at the loft day, how might they plead, that if they had been warnedofthefe things, they would have endeavoured to have fled from the wrath to come. Andhow apt might theybe to repineagainti his Juftice in the amazingGreatneff oftheirdeltrudion.. But now by taking order tohave thePenalty of their difobedience in the threatnings of the Gofpel declaredunto them, theyare left withoutexcufe, and himfelf is glorified in taking vengeance. Hehath told them before-hand plainly what they are to look for, Heb. 10. 27. a. They are Co on the part of Believers themfelves. Even they Hand in need to b: minded ofthe torrone ofthe Lord; and what afearful thing it is tofall into the bands ofthe living (god ; and that even our Godis a confirmingfire. And this, 1. To keep up in their hearts a confiant Reverence ofthe Wetlyof Jèfus Chri( with whom they have to do. The threatning fandion ofthe Gofpel befpeaks the Greatnefs, Holinefs and Terrour of its Author, and infinuates into the hearts ofBelievers thoughts becoming of them. It lets themknow that he will befanttified inall that drawnigh unto him, and fo calls upon them for a due reverentialpreparation for the performance ofhis Worfhip, and untoall duties wherein they walk before him, Heb. 12. 28, z9. This influenceth them alfo into a diligent attendance untoevery particular Duty incumbent on them, as the Apofle declares, aCor..5. I t. 2. They tend unto their Confolation and fupportment under all their afllidions and fufferings for the Gofpel., This relieves their hearts in their farrows, when they confider the fore vengeance that the Lord Jefus Chrift will one day take ofall his ftubborn adverfaries, who hyow not God, nor will obey the Gaff+el, a Thefe 1. g, 6, y, 8, 9, to. For the Lord Jefus is no lees faithful in hisTbreatnings than in his Promifer, and no lefs able to inflict the one, than
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