And (above all) who can but tremble at the impartiall flames of Gods justice on that green and innocent tree, his owne, and only begotten son Christ Jesus, when he stood surety in the room of sinners to make satisfaction for their transgressions?
Object. Grant Gods justice and fierce wrath to be so hot, so fiery and fearfull towards his enemies, yet, what need his children fear his justice, since that it is satisfied and his wrath appeased towards his people, by the sufferings and blood-shed of Christ Jesus.
The heavy & dolefull stroaks of Gods righteous hand upon his own people in this world.
I answer, It is so evident, that although Christ Jesus his blood, hath quenched the fire of Gods eternal wrath toward his people, and sweetened the bitter Cup of all present Judgements and afflictions: yet for his Name and Justice sake in this world, Gods children have temporally felt the fearfull stroks of his displeasure, and judgment must begin at the house of God.
Hence that dreadfull blow of Gods righteous hand upon our first Parents Adam and Eve, cast out of Paradice with their posterity (even the whole race of mankind) notwithstanding their belief in the promised seed of Christ Jesus.
Hence the heavy stroakes upon Lot, upon Lots wife, upon Moses, upon Aaron, upon Sampson, upon Eli, upon David, upon Hezekiah, upon Josiah, &c.
Object. But some may say, God sees no sin in Jacob, &c.
Gods holy end in his sore afflictions upon his people.
I answer, Their calamities are Judgements, that is righteous sentences of the most high, Judgements, though not eternall Judgements: these vindicate Gods name and Justice before an unrighteous world, and beare him witnesse of his impartiality, even towards his owne children; these humble and bring his people to repentance and confession, and quicken their pace, and their hearts, to watch against future sins and provocations.
Hence saith the Spirit of God expresly, 1. Cor. 11. For this cause (that is for his childrens abuse of the Lords Supper) many are weak and sick, and some are falne asleep; God chastiseth his own people, true christian Churches, for the abuse of his holy Ordinances and appointments.