Doctrine 8. Judgement doth often begin at the house of God, that is, at the Church.
This is gathered from the same place.
Reason 1. Because the sinnes of those, which professe Gods name, do in a speciall manner wrong Gods name and his honour, and therefore the more they offend God, the more ought they to be punished.
2. Because Gods chiefe care is, to purifie his Church by such chastisements.
3. Because God oftentimes useth the unbelievers as his instruments to correct his Church; they must therefore be first tolerated, that they may accomplish Gods counsell, and afterwards punished, because they have done so wickedly.
Vse. This may serve to direct us, not to be troubled in minde, when we see the Church afflicted before and above other people, but to acknowledge Gods divine ordering of it.
Doctrine 9. The judgement which God exerciseth upon his Church, is a most certaine argument of the most severe and heavie judgement that shall in its due time come upon wicked men and unbeleevers.
This is gathered from verse 17,18. So Ieremiah 25.29.
Reason 1. Because God deales with his Church as a Father, but he will deale with others as a Judge.
2. Towards the Church in the midst of judgement he remembers mercy, but towards the wicked and unbeleevers he exerciseth revenge.