Obj. But David himself was conquer'd by uncleannes, and Asa wreaks his wrath, upon the very servant, and Prophet of the most High, and yet both David, and Asa were thought to be strong in grace, and power of Godlines?
The fals of Gods children and to what end.
I answer, Gods champions are sometimes strong, and sometimes weak, strong in some things, weak in others, and (as the strongest bodies) subject to spirituall colds and falls, and hurts, which are most graciously recorded for our comfort in our falls, as well as the holy victories of the Saints, to make us watchfull, and couragious.
A Christian bearing of reproof a good argument of much of Christ Jesus.
Sixtly, in matters concerning others, it is a good argument of strength, of grace, when we can patiently, and thankfully bear a Reproof, and Admonition, when we can esteem a Reproof for our evill words, or ways, not as a blow or stroak on the Head, but as a sweet, and precious Ointment powred on us.
Hence the admirable patience, and meeknes of Hanna, when Eli zealously, but uncharitably reproved her for Drunkennes. Hence when Christ Jesus most sharply reproved Peter, and afterward Paul dealt severely with him about dissembling in the matter of Communion; We hear not of the least impatient, or bitter word to either, yea when he was unjustly charg'd, and that by Saints (Act. 11) he patiently bears it, and returns a soft, and gentle answer, which turned their murmuring accusations into joyfull satisfaction, and thanksgiving.
Gods people may possibly be angry at reproofs.
But now the scorner, yea the godly being (weak) reproved burst out in wrath. Thus not only Ahab imprisons Micaiah, and Herod, John the Baptist, but Asa also claps up fast the reproving Prophet, and the best of Gods children are subject to such sad distempers, when either a mistake of judgment, or a pang of passion sinfully hinders the receit and working of the Reproofs of the Almighty, which are wholsome heavenly potions intended by him the Father of mercies, for our good, who ever be the cup, the vial, or instrument.
Naturall wisdome goes far, but not so far as spirituall.
Obj. Many Philosophers by naturall wisdome, and many civill and morall men, out of the principles of civillity and morality, and sometimes for some private ends, will bear a Reproof with patience: And hence that of Solomon, rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee: whence it may seem that men by strength of wisdome may receive in love, and profit by a Reprehension.