Gods children may possibly be unkind and cruel each to other.
Object. But did not holy David (who was a man strong in grace) did not he lay plots for the life of an holy man, noble and faithfull Uriah? Did not Asah that holy King of Judah, practice false Imprisoning, in committing the man of God to prison, and that onely for his faithfulnesse in reproving him from God?
I answer, This shews that both David and Asah at this time were very sick, and David upon his recovery laments his weaknesse and wickednesse and Blood-guiltinesse, Psal. 51,
Gods people in case may be sharp each to other, so was David sharply reprov'd by Nathan.
Quest. But may not Gods children have just cause of exercising sharpnesse each to others?
Yea doubtlesse, for Paul withstood even Peter himselfe to his face, and the Church of Corinth must put away and deliver the incestuous person to the Devill; though probably yet deare, and a brother, according to that of Paul to the Thessalonians, yet count him not as an Enemie, but admonish him as a Brother.
In a way of Justice, in a way of Physick, the dearest friend or Brother may exercise much bitternesse, though with much sweetnesse of temper, and with much tender melting and bemoaning of affection.
One of the blackest transgressions in the world for
Thus in cases have we seen mounfull violence used, to a wife or brother in some kind of distempers and distractions.
But when Gods children shall so far degenerate, as to pursue the life of each other, though it be with desire to cover a sin, and to keep Gods name from being dishonored (as in Davids case) it is a weaknesse, it is a sicknesse, which although it be not unto death, yet bringeth it neer unto Deaths door,and made David cry out with bitternesse of his soul, Deliver me from blood-guiltinesse O my God, and my tongue shall sing loud of thy righteousnesse.