2 Thessalonians

The body may grow too great, as in the dropsy, but faith cannot grow too great. (2 Thessalonians 1:3) Your faith grows exceedingly; here was exceeding, yet no excess. As a man cannot have too much health, so not too much grace; grace is the beauty of holiness (Psalm 110:3).

First, temporal judgments (Leviticus 26:15-16). Second, eternal: Christ comes in flames of fire to take vengeance on them that obey not (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Such as break the golden chains of God's commands, God has iron chains to hold them, chains of darkness, in which the de…

(3.) Not to do God's will is dangerous; it brings a spiritual praemunire. If God's will be not done by us, he will have his will upon us; if we obey not God's will in commanding, we shall obey his will in punishing, (2 Thessalonians 1:7) The Lord Jesus shall be revealed with his…

I speak as a man, God forbid! for then how shall God judge the world? (2 Thessalonians 1:6) It is a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you. (Hebrews 12:29) For our God is a consuming fire, from (Deuteronomy 4:24).

So that God judges the world by Jesus Christ; and although it be a great comfort to Believers, that they shall be judged by Christ, because he who is their Judge, is also their Savior, and they could not be made partakers in the imputation of his righteousness without his knowle…

And this worship is called natural, upon a double account. First, because it depends on the nature of God, a due perception and understanding whereof, makes all this worship indispensibly necessary: for none can know God, but it is his duty to glorify him as God, that is, to bel…

And the Lord Christ has not left that as a matter of liberty, choice or conveniency, which he has made the foundation of the due manner of the performance of all those duties whereby his disciples yield obedience to his commands, to his glory in the world. Sixthly, the principal…

Q. What is the eternal misery? A. Damnation and destruction in another world (2 Thessalonians 1:9; John 5:29). Q. Wherein does that consist?

Q. What shall be the last act of this glorious power and authority of Christ, and so the last degree of his exaltation? A. His return to judgment at the last day, when he shall come a second time into this world with unspeakable majesty and glory, to judge the quick and dead (2…

For 3. As to the outward manner of this judgement it shall be with solemnity and great glory (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8, 9, 10, Jude 14, 15, Daniel 7:9, Revelation 20:4, 5). And this shall be partly for the demonstration of the glory and honor of Jesus Christ, who has been so despi…

He that believes not shall be damned. And although they shall also perish to whom the Gospel is not preached (Romans 2:12), yet the Gospel though it speaks not exclusively to others, yet principally it declares the inevitable destruction, the everlasting damnation of them who be…

But that is not the fire that is here intended. It is devouring, consuming, destroying, such as answers the severity of God's justice to the utmost, as Isaiah 9:5; chapter 30:33; chapter 66:15; Amos 7:4; Matthew 18:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Psalm 11:7; Deuteronomy 32:22. Therefore…

That the Lord Christ shall assuredly come to that judgment, is that which they principally resolve their satisfaction into. See (2 Thessalonians 1:6, 7, 8, 9, 10). 1. It is essential to faith to be acted on the promised coming of Christ to all that look for his appearance.

They are able to do more than all men can. Therefore Paul calls them mighty angels (2 Thessalonians 1:7). Indeed their power is far superior to the power of the wicked angels, who since the fall are under them and can not prevail against them.

6. In Heaven there is a perfect peace; In the new Jerusalem all is quiet. 'Tis just with God to give you that are troubled [illegible], rest (2 Thessalonians 1:7). And there is a rest that remaineth for the children of God (Hebrews 4:9), there we rest both from our sorrows and o…

Accordingly we find it termed the work of faith (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Which when God has fully wrought, and brought to that degree he aimed at in this life; (or to use the Apostle's own expression of it, 2 Thessalonians 1:11, when God has fulfilled the work of faith with power)…

The second, which requires concerning ourselves. This teaches, that first and chiefly, we must desire all things to God's glory, above our own salvation, and that the other must be asked to that end, as depending on it, and no further, than as it may serve to his glory, which is…

When He shall be seen coming to judge slighters of Him, what horror will then rise in consciences when He shall appear and be avenged on them that were not obedient to this Gospel? As is most clear, (2 Thessalonians 1) when our Lord Jesus shall be revealed in flaming fire, with…

Look but to two or three words, that hold out the dreadful danger, and hazard of your condition, who are ignorant. The first is (2 Thessalonians 1): Christ will come in flaming fire, to render vengeance to all them that know not God, and obey not the Gospel. The second is (Hosea…

Say but with yourself, Oh! shall I weep, and gnaw my tongue for pain, in a sea of fire and brimstone? Do but fore-fancy, I pray you, how you shall look on it, what thoughts you will have, what you shall do, when you shall (2 Thessalonians 1:9) be punished with everlasting destru…

Answ. 1. We are to make believers know if they believe not, and walk not worthy of Christ, in all holy duties; their faith is a fancy, and a dead faith, and the wrath of God abides on them, and they are not believers. 2. Though they be believers, wrath must be preached to them,…

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us." Not love only, but the manner and the kind of the Father's love in Christ, is a world's wonder, and (2 Thessalonians 1:10) Christ when he comes shall be wondered at in them that believe. 2. Then again when we see, and e…

God in justification accounts us righteous in Christ, and positively guiltless, as freed from obligation to eternal wrath, and clothed with Christ's righteousness; but he accounts us not non-sinners and free from indwelling sin, that should be an unjust account, for we are not s…

When he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (2 Thessalonians 1:10) Christ shall be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe, all these places show we shall be partakers of this glory. 3. The manner; glorification takes not away…

To us Christians. Our religion is true — oh let us be true in the profession of it; otherwise it will little help us in the day of our accounts (2 Thessalonians 1:8), 'Taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.' You stand u…

1. Against all the miseries and afflictions of this present life, these are necessary, we would sleep too quietly in the world, if we did not sometimes meet with thorns in our beds, we should be so pleased with our entertainment in the way, as we should forget home; but God awak…

And every defect of the image of God, is a branch of original sin. And vengeance is the punishment of this sin (2 Thessalonians 1:8). It may be objected, that Paul here excuses the Galatians by their ignorance.

A time will come, wherein God will speedily turn our captivity, and our enemies in their turn shall be plagued to the utmost. For it is just with God (as Paul says) to render affliction to those which trouble you and to you that are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus sh…

It is needful therefore that in the deliverance thereof they should be chastised. According to which Paul says (2 Thessalonians 1:6) that it is a righteous thing with God to render vengeance to the enemies who unjustly afflict the faithful, and to give rest to the afflicted. Nei…

Afterward, when the time of their deliverance was accomplished, then he encountered with an outstretched arm, with the profane nations, and never ceased to give them diverse signs of his coming; by which he showed himself present to his people, and came in fire to judge his enem…

Therefore he will next consume and destroy it with fire: so that there shall then nothing appear but fire, as before there was nothing seen but water. Of this also Saint Paul says (2 Thessalonians 1): When the Lord Jesus shall show himself from heaven with his mighty angels, in…

So he speaks of the Triumphs of his Soul, 2 Corinthians 2:14. And of his glorying in [tribulations], 2 Thessalonians 1:4 and Romans 5:3. He also expresses the affection of Hope; in Philippians 1:20 he speaks of his [earnest expectation], and his Hope.

Though this Sylvanus appears to have been a very eminent Minister of Christ, and an Evangelist, and a famous Light in God's Church at that Day, and an intimate Companion of the Apostles. See 2 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, and 2 Thessalonians 1:1. PART 2.

Ephes. 6. 10. Phil. 3. 10. 2 Thess. 1. 9. and might do it from other places innumerable, although the first of these will not confirm what it is produced to give countenance to; Schlicting. de Trinitat. ad. Meisner. p. 605.

And (2.) it is called the New Man, because it is the Effect and Product of God's Creating Power, and that in a way of a New Creation; see Ephes. 1. 18. Col. 2. 12, 13. 2 Thess. 1. 11. and it is here said to be Created after God, v. 24. Now the Object of a Creating Act is an inst…

Know you not, that you are men and women condemned to wrath by the plain sentence of the Law? Mark 16:16 John 3:36 2 Thess. 1. 6, 7. And if so, ure there are other matters to exercise your thoughts, desires, fears and cares about than these. Alas! if you cannot bear a frown of P…

If you say, you have fellowship with Christ, you ought also to walk as he walked (1 John 1:6). 3. Do nothing that may any way blemish this holy calling of yours; this the Apostle presses (2 Thessalonians 1:11): We pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this…

8. Lastly, the ministry of Angels respects the general resurrection and day of judgment. The Lord Christ is every where described coming to judgment at the last day, attended with all his holy and glorious Angels (Matthew 24:31; Chapter 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8; Jude 14:15)…

That he attain an Ascription, an Attribution of praise, and glory to himself upon their account. His design is to be admired in all them that believe, 2 Thessalonians 1:10. That is, that upon an apprehension of his Excellencies, which he has revealed, and as he has revealed them…

God spoke terribly by fire when London was in flames, of which in the application; but he will speak far more terribly when Babylon shall be in flames; and not only in part, but wholly, and utterly, and irreparably burnt and turned into ashes: when not only the city shall be con…

That Christ may dwell in your Hearts by Faith, that you being rooted and grounded in Love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the Breadth etc. 2 Thessalonians 1:10. When he shall come to be glorified in his Saints, and admired in all them that believe.

So does grace thrive better, and grow faster in some persons than in others. Your faith grows exceedingly (2 Thessalonians 1:3). While the things that are in others are ready to die (Revelation 3:2).

2. In the eternal kingdom; into which the righteous shall be received, and partake in the everlasting vision of God, these shall then be excluded (Matthew 8:12): The children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness. We observed that the word signifies, a settled con…

2. Few know the sorrow and sadness of an absent husband: every wind is blessed in the wife's thought that blows where he is; every ship that is thought to carry him home is a ship of desire; the earth is loved that he walks on; the house blessed that he lodges in; and when the h…

5. His actings are in matter of lots that seem to be ruled by fortune and chance (Proverbs 16:33; Genesis 49; Deuteronomy 33, compared with Joshua 14:1, 2, 3). 6. Especially in bowing the free will, and determining all the actions of evil angels (1 Kings 22:21, 22, 23; Job 1:6,…

And also verse 20. They are then rightly called the Angels of the Lord Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:7), for they cover their faces (it is no blushing for sin) and their feet with wings (Isaiah 6) while they stand before and see the face of their sovereign and high Master; and so it…

Many of you put off all with this: God forgive us, we know no better. I renew my old answer: (2 Thessalonians 1) — the judge is coming in flaming fire with all his mighty angels, to render vengeance to all these that know not God and believe not. I have often told you security s…

For to them we are enabled by grace. One end of his illustrious coming to the judgment of the last day is, that he may be admired in all them that believe (2 Thessalonians 1:11). Even believers themselves shall be filled with an overwhelming admiration upon his glorious appearan…

Secondly, this reward, certainly it is that which is beyond all the expression that we have in Scripture of it: Great things are spoken in the word, but there is more to be revealed and to be enjoyed, then is yet revealed in all the Book of God, Isa. 64:4 For since the beginning…

God made rich promises to Moses, yet he could not be satisfied without the presence of God: If your presence be not with us, bring us not hence. And the Apostle, when he would set out the misery of those that are damned, in 2 Thess. 1:9 says the Text, They shall be punished with…

Their faith is a fable. God has given them up to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may be damned (2 Thessalonians 2:11). 2. If there be but one God, then there can be but one true religion in the World (Ephesians 4:5).

Election is the first link of the golden chain of salvation, vocation is the second; he who has the second link of the chain, is sure of the first link. As by the stream we are led to the fountain, so by vocation we ascend to election; calling is an earnest and pledge of glory (…

That you may fear Hashem, Hanicbad Jehovah, this glorious and fearful name Jehovah. Use 2. If God be Jehovah, the supreme Lord, then it condemns the blasphemous Papists who speak after this manner, Our Lord God the Pope: Is it a wonder the Pope lifts his triple crown above the h…

God's Spirit is a Spirit of consecration; though it sanctifies us but in part, yet in every part (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This is such a mercy that God cannot give in anger; if we are sanctified, then we are elected (2 Thessalonians 2:13): God has chosen you to salvation through…

The belief of the Scripture is of high importance: it is the belief of Scripture that will enable us to resist temptation (1 John 2:14): "The Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." It is the belief of Scripture that conduces much to our sanctification;…

Sanctification makes our holy things accepted; a holy heart is the altar which sanctifies the offering; his duties, though they are not to satisfaction, yet to acceptation. 6. Without sanctification we can show no sign of our election (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Election is the caus…

Satan is tempting persons to atheism, to cast off all religion. 13. The subtlety of Satan in tempting is to draw men off from the love of the truth to embrace error (2 Thessalonians 2:11), that they should believe a lie. Satan is called in Scripture not only an unclean spirit, b…

Q. What else may be said for the clearing of God's justice herein? A. God being the Judge of the world may punish sin with what punishment he sees meet, and so by giving sinners up to further sin (Psalm 81:11, 12; Romans 1:24, 25, 26, &c.; 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12). Q. What may…

There falls out often in opinions a preconditioned inclination — a giving of the mind that such a thing is so or so — and in such a case Satan can strike in exceedingly to strengthen such a conceit. I take this to be implied in that phrase in 2 Thessalonians 2:1, where the apost…

Thus in the church of Thyatira, those cursed heretics who applauded themselves and were admired by their followers for the depths and profoundness of the learning shown in those heresies they broached — 'depths as they speak' (Revelation 2:24) — but if they call them depths, say…

So it is said, that the man of sin, even Antichrist must be abolished: not by the power of princes. Yea, let all the princes and potentates in the world do their best for him, yet his kingdom must down in God's good time; for God will consume him with the breath of his mouth, an…

Fifthly, there is no promise to any people that deny the faith and baptism of Jesus the Christ, that they waiting shall receive the gifts of the Spirit. But rather that they shall be given up of God to strong delusions, to believe a lie (2 Thessalonians 2:10), because they recei…

And he that has much knowledge but little love, will find that he labours in the fire, for the increase of the one or other. When in the diligent use of means, our wills and affections do adhere and cleave with delight to the things wherein we are instructed, then are we in our…

Third, oftentimes God signifies this curse in the world, by wholly casting out such persons from any interest in the dispensation of the Word. He does either utterly take away the preaching of the Gospel from them, or give them up to the conduct of those who under a pretence the…

And if you ask, what the believer's hope is built on? Answer: Christ, and free grace is the foundation of it (Colossians 1:27), Christ in you the hope of glory; (2 Thessalonians 2, second to last verse) good hope through grace; (1 Timothy 1:1) Jesus Christ which is our hope. Not…

Why are men given up to strong Delusions, but because they received not the Truth in love? 2 Thessalonians 2.10, 11. The more we love God, the more we hate those Heterodox Opinions that would draw us off from God into Libertinism: The more a man loves health, the more he hates M…

(2 Samuel 24:1) The Lord moved David to number the people. (2 Thessalonians 2:11) God sent strong delusions that men might believe lies. These and such like places have a special meaning, thus to be gathered.

And again, We are created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). And, God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the spirit and faith of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13). The elect are vessels of honor:…

Again, it presseth us to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10), that is, to evidence our election by our calling; for calling it is but election put in act: election is nothing but God's love and intention to bestow saving grace upon such and such persons; and callin…

The Pope's supremacy was judged by sentences of Scripture and condemned long before it was manifest in the world, the spirit of prophecy foreseeing and foretelling the state of things to come. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: The man of sin (which is that Antichrist) shall exalt himself a…

Indeed a known harlot may afterward remain a wife and be so termed — yet after the bill of divorcement is given she ceases to be a wife, though she can show her marriage ring. Now the Church has received the bill of her divorcement in the written word, namely 2 Thessalonians 2 a…

Objection 1. 2 Thessalonians 2:15: The Apostle bids that Church keep the ordinances which he taught them either by word or by letter. Hence they gather that beside the written word, there are unwritten traditions that are indeed necessary to be kept and obeyed.

We look also for a more glorious coming of Jesus Christ, before the end be; for the Redeemer shall come to Sion, and turn away ungodliness from Jacob. And he shall destroy Antichrist with the brightness of his coming (2 Thessalonians 2:8), in which place the Apostle has respect…

And to send strong delusions that they may believe a lie. And the reason is rendered (2 Thessalonians 2:12) that they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. What more righteous than to make those vile affections, and that unrighteou…

So he dealt with many of the idolatrous Gentiles of old (Romans 1:24, 26, 28), and so continues to deal with the like profligate sinners. So he acts towards the generality of the Anti-christian world (2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12), and with many despisers of the Gospel (Isaiah 6:9,…

Let men know and not practice, then (Romans 1:21): because when they knew God, they glorify him not as God, neither are thankful, therefore God gives them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves, and to worship id…

(2 Samuel 24:1) The Lord moved David to number the people. (2 Thessalonians 2:11) God sent strong delusions, that men might believe lies. These and such like places have a worthy meaning, thus to be gathered.

The same Spirit also foretold that a certain general defection of those professing the name of Christ from His yoke and from the rule of evangelical theology — a defection which, while some of the apostles were still living, had already put down certain roots — was yet to come;…

4. Others will say, that they would gladly know, but they are very dull and incapable; and it's often true, that they are so; but are such in earnest, out of love to knowledge, studying to come by it? It's said of some (2 Thessalonians 2): because they received not the truth in…

3. Verse 8: all prayers in general must be without wrath, and with pure hands, and not prayers only for persecutors. Objection 12: The thing prayed for, is that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, that so the Gospel might run and be glorified (2 Thessalonians 2:1; John 17:22…

And those benefits are many and diverse. As first, Teaching, that is one benefit the Churches receive by these Epistles (2 Thessalonians 2:15). brethren stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or by our Epistle. This was one end of the Ap…

We must obey it, and in obedience we shall learn it (John 7:17). We must as heartily love the word of God, as in mind we conceive it; lest by not loving of it we be given up to strong illusions to believe lies (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Lastly, we must pray to God to be taught and…

Answer: It draws them indeed, because it is a natural religion: but it does not turn them from darkness to light, from death to life. Secondly, I answer, that Antichrist in his coming shall draw the multitude (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The fifth motive.

Now that Paul subscribed every Epistle with his own hand, he himself witnesses 2 Thessalonians 3:17: The salutation of me Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every Epistle (that it is mine, and not forged in my name by another) so I write; the grace of our Lord Jesus Chris…

But however they feel not his power immediately, yet can they not escape it, but at the last they shall be struck to death with it. And yet it seems the Prophet's meaning should not be sufficiently explained, because he not only speaks here of the inward feeling with which the w…

But Saint Jerome, however he be credulous enough in other things, yet holds this as a fable. He speaks not then of one man particularly, but of the whole kingdom: even as when the Scripture speaks of Antichrist, it comprehends the estate of all the Popes (2 Thessalonians 2). And…

Thus Satan at that time vexed the minds of men by these entangled ambiguities, that he might always leave them hanging in suspense, that gave themselves to be directed by such impostures. But besides this, that is to be noted which Paul says (2 Thessalonians 2:9), That the effic…

I answer, God never afterward so afflicted his Church, that the whole face thereof was abolished, as it fell out when the people were carried away captive into Babylon. For albeit Antiochus and others made terrible wastes, after which followed those revolts which Saint Paul fore…

But the Prophet uses a phrase of speech very ordinary. For the Holy Spirit is wont to say, that God causes men to err, hardens, and gives men up into a reprobate mind (2 Thessalonians 2:11; Romans 9:18 and 1:28). Now when the faithful speak thus, they mean nothing less than to m…

And certainly it was proper that men of eager curiosity, who, not satisfied with lawful proof, were every day asking new miracles, should be carried away by such impostures. This is the reason why Christ, in another passage, foretold that the reign of Antichrist would be full of…

For if their vowed profession were of such worthiness, that it excelled faith, it must also excel the word of God: and if it excels the word of God, it must needs follow, that it excels and surpasses God himself. And here we see, that Saint Paul wrote very truly in saying (2 The…

These things therefore are most earnestly, and diligently to be both spoken and heard: and God is most humbly to be desired and prayed to, to turn his heavy wrath and plague from us. For this calamity and wretchedness comes not upon us by chance or blind fortune, but it is sent…

The second chapter is against those who extoll works only, and throw down Faith. And therefore he warns us beforehand of false teachers and seducers, who by new doctrines of their own device should darken and abolish this assurance, which each one ought firmly to have of Faith:…

That is Holiness, which God works in men by his Spirit, because he has chosen them, and nothing else is so. For he chooses us to salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit, 2 Thess. 2. 13. Salvation is the End that God aimes at in his choosing of us, in subordination to…

But is this that which firstly and principally we are ordained to, and that for its own sake, namely, Holiness, and Unblameableness in the Obedience of Love? No; we are firstly Ordained to eternal life, Acts 13. 48. we are chosen from the Beginning to Salvation, 2 Thess. 2. 13.…

(3.) Or if neither of these had been your Lot, but you had been emptied by the womb of nature into this little spot of the Earth which is Christianized by profession, but nevertheless for the most part over-run by Popish Idolatry, and Antichristian delusions; what unhappy men an…

Now, when God elects a man, he does not only begin the work of grace, but he carries it on in a course of sanctification. And of this you read (2 Thessalonians 2:12-13): We are bold to give thanks to God always for you, beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning cho…

Again further they object: 2 Thessalonians 2:13: God from the beginning has chosen us to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. Now say they, sanctification, and faith is made as the channel, through which election must run, and therefore that…

So Ephesians 2:10: God has created us in Christ Jesus to good works, which he has before ordained, that we should walk in them. 2 Thessalonians 2:13: God, before the world was, at that very instant wherein he ordained, and chose men to life, did also ordain, that men should live…

6. It is God's method after all this, to make them find abundance of contentment, and acquiescence in Jesus Christ; that they may have occasion to say, I see I have laid my help upon one that is mighty; I see I have pitched upon him that is both able and willing to do me good. (…

When Paul preached against Diana, all the city was in an uproar (Acts 19). This may stir up prayer for Christ's ministers, that they may be able to withstand the assaults of the enemy (2 Thessalonians 3:2). 3. Christ gives the Apostles their instructions; of which this was one i…

'Tis as well a duty to labor six days, as to keep holy rest on the seventh day; six days shall you labor. (2 Thessalonians 3:11) We hear there are some among you walking disorderly, [illegible], working not at all. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus,…

Instead of living by faith, they live by their shifts. The Apostle exhorts, that every man eat of his own bread (2 Thessalonians 3:12). The thief does not eat of his own bread, but of another's.

(1.) They do not God's will entirely; all God's will; they will obey God in some things, but not in others; as if a servant should do some of your work you set him about, but not the rest: Jehu destroyed the idolatry of Baal, but let the golden calves of Jeroboam stand (2 Kings…

(2) Hebrews 13:17; 1 Corinthians 16:16. (3) Ephesians 6:18, 19; Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Colossians 4:17. (4) Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:14.

(4) In exhorting, comforting, and restoring to the enjoyment and exercise of Church privileges such as are recovered from the error of their ways; all according to the laws, rules, and directions of the Gospel. (1) (Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Titus…

Rex pacificus and Rex pacis do both denote him that is the maker and author of peace. So God on that account is called the God of Peace (Romans 15:13; Chapter 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 13:20). Therefore as we ought to acquiesce in the authority o…

Here also is condemned all oppression, stealing, lying, cogging, and other such deceitful means which men use to get wealth and goods. Many think it no sin to provide for their families in such order, but in saying this petition they pray against themselves (2 Thessalonians 3:10…

Therefore, also we are to pray for them, that the Lord would keep them, and furnish them with gifts, and withal make them faithful. For where vision fails the people are left naked, says Solomon (2 Thessalonians 3:1): Brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have a fr…

But such are all habitual sinners; those who having prevalent habits and inclinations to sins of any kind unmortified, do walk according to them. Such are profane swearers, drunkards, fornicators, covetous, oppressors, and the like, who shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Co…

3. The next Objection is, How can God call upon them to beleeve; whom he has passed by in the Counsels of his Will, and intendeth never to give them grace, without which they cannot beleeve? I Answer, God may require men to beleeve, though he never intended to give them faith; f…

Deuteronomy 28:22: Poverty is numbered among the curses of the law, none of which are to be vowed. And it is the rule of the Holy Spirit in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: He that will not labor in some special and warrantable calling must not eat. And verse 12: I exhort that they work wi…

Religion disowns and disclaims those pretenders that act contrary to these rules, yes and has commanded us to disown them too. Now we command you brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly (2 Thessalonian…

Many think it no sin to provide for their family in such order, but in saying this petition they pray against themselves. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) He which labors not, let him not eat. (Ephesians 4:28) He which stole let him steal no more, but rather labor with his hands the thing…

Therefore, also we are to pray for them, that the Lord would keep them, and furnish them with gifts, and withal, make them faithful, for, where vision fails, the people are left naked, says Solomon. 2 Thessalonians 3:1: "Brethren pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have a…

The first sort also is double: first, for the right use of God's name. The second, for Christ's kingdom, and the fruit of it, as the Apostle wills to pray, that the word have passage, and be glorified (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The first is set down in a simple axiom of the adjoint…

Error 2. We tacitly condemn the wisdom of God in our murmuring under the cross; cannot Christ lead his people to heaven a better way, than through the swords, spears and teeth of malignants, and must new armies of Irish murderers land on us again? These would be considered: 1. P…

In spiritual things this is very usual; men hope to have the end without the means. In temporal things we will soon confess there must be means used, for if any would not work, neither should he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). In warfare no victory is to be hoped for without fightin…

And without this Cooperation man's will brings forth no good action: no more than the tree which is apt to bring forth fruit, yields fruit indeed, till it have the presence and cooperation of the Sun, and that in the season of the year. The third, is direction, whereby the spiri…

But the reason being taken from spiritual brethren, such as are not only brethren in the flesh, but also in the Lord, having the same God for their father, the same Church for their mother, Christ for their elder brother, being begotten by the same immortal seed, washed by the l…

But we must observe the source of this evil, which Christ points out, namely, that many lose courage, because through their weakness they are unable to stem the flood of iniquity which flows on every hand. Christ requires from his followers, on the other hand, such courage as to…

And those to whom it is not so given, have not the Power intended. Besides, Faith is not of all, have not Faith, 2 Thess. 3. 2. But it is peculiar to the Elect of God, Tit. 1. 1.

Now the Providence of God with respect to our civil Callings, may be displayed very takingly in the following particulars. In directing you to a Calling in your Youth, and not suffering you to live an idle, useless and sinful life, as many do, who are but burthens to the Earth,…

(Galatians 4:14) You received me as an angel of God, even as Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:14) And if any man obey not our words, note that man, and have no company with him. (Hebrews 13:7) Remember them that have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God. V.…

Secondly, others' abilities. To these two must assistance be proportioned; provided, that those which are poor walk suitably to their condition (2 Thessalonians 3:10, 11). And as we ought to relieve men in their poverty, so we ought, by all lawful means, to prevent their being p…

And surely, it is altogether incredible that this Timothy, the son of Paul, as to his begetting of him in the faith, and continued paternal affection, his known constant associate in doing and suffering for the Gospel, his minister in attending of him, and constantly employed by…

(1) In miry places the water has not free passage, but stands and settles there. So it is with these barren souls; therefore the Apostle prays, that the Gospel may run and be glorified (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The word is said to run, when it meets with no stop, Cum libere propaga…

When Luther thought to redress the evil of his times, one told him abi in cellam et dic miserere nostri, go and cry Lord have mercy upon us, truly things seem past help and cure, I but go and urge the matter to God, that which is marvelous in our eyes, is not so in his; a man go…

Mr. Dod used to say, Love is better than law, for love is cheap, but law is chargeable. Those tradesmen are commonly observed to thrive most, that make the least noise, that with quietness work, and mind their own business (2 Thessalonians 3:12). 3. It has a good influence upon…

All those bold and daring things which are spoken against religion, are either groundless and unproved calumnies, or very unjust and unfair representations. Hence the enemies of religion are said to be absurd and unreasonable men (2 Thessalonians 3:2). Men that while they cry up…

After John Huss was burnt, his adversaries got his heart, which was left untouched by the fire, and beat it with their staves. St. Paul in 2 Thess. 3:2 desires the brethren to pray, That they might be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; the word is, absurdmen. The malice…

2 Corinthians 13:14. 2 Thessalonians 3:17, 18. Grace, of various acceptations.

It is contrary to this to harbor idle-packs in a man's house: to give meat, and drink, and lodging to such as do no work at all. The Apostle expressly commanded, That if any man would not work, neither should he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). These are not only a prey to the devil,…

Of some, who withdraw themselves from Church communion, at least for a season, by their disorderly and irregular walking we have also mention. The Apostle calls them [in non-Latin alphabet] (1 Thessalonians 5:14) unruly, or disorderly persons, not abiding in obedience to the ord…

Habitual grace needs actual influence; partly, that these graces may be applied, and excited to work. He gives, to will and to do (Philippians 2:13): God gives to do; that is, excites that strength you have, and carries it out to work; and then that it may be directed in work (2…

Sin let alone will do us further mischief. Secondly, as we have reason to pray to God with earnestness, because of our danger; so with confidence, because of God's undertaking (2 Thessalonians 3:3). The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.

1. We need direction. The habits of grace are God's gifts, and the exercise of grace is another thing; to actuate, quicken, guide, and direct it (2 Thessalonians 3:5): The Lord direct your hearts to the love of God. And so in prayer, and in honoring of God.

First, That all that live under the Gospel have if not, though it be called the word of Faith, and be the very meanes to beget Faith. For this, look 2 Thessalonians 3:2. where it is given as a reason why those that truly receive the Gospel, are so reproached and hardly dealt wit…

The like may be said of a Jew's crucifying a dog. There are a sort of persons termed in Scripture, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (1 Thessalonians 5:14), [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (Acts 17:5), [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (2 Thessalonians 3:2), [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] (1 Timot…

Grace in habit is not enough, but it must be actuated and directed. About the act there are two things: the Holy Spirit actuates the grace that is implanted, draws it forth into exercise; so it is said (Philippians 2:13), "It is God that works in you both to will and to do," tha…

Doct. 3. At such a time God must be dealt with about it, upon two grounds. 1. Because God has a great hand in the judgment, in the outward case, want of liberty, nothing falls out without his providence, he sees fit sometimes to exercise his people with unreasonable men, for all…

It is the work of God only to teach us how to apply the rule so as to choose him for our portion. Or secondly, as to acts and orderly exercise of any particular grace, so (2 Thessalonians 3:5): The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Ch…

2. As to guiding the affliction both to measure and continuance, that it may do us good and not harm; (1 Corinthians 10:13) God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you ma…

2. For the preservation of our bodies to the heavenly kingdom; we have many discouragements within and without, but while we persevere in our duty, God will not fail us; his word is as sure as the earth. (2 Thessalonians 3:3) The Lord is faithful, who shall establish and keep yo…

Secondly, if they be our equals, over whom we have no jurisdiction, nor coercive power, we are then to rebuke them, if they continue obstinate after Christian admonition, by withdrawing ourselves from all necessary converse with them; not so as to deny them the offices of civili…

Though therefore any should think it strange, that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, and speak evil of you (1 Peter 4:4), answer them as Joseph did his mistress, how shall I do this wickedness and sin against God (Genesis 39:9), and tell them as the apostle does…

Secondly, let us misspend no time in idleness. It was an ill world where the Apostle could say, as in (2 Thessalonians 3:11), There are some that walk disorderly, working not at all. Every man should be able to make a good answer to the question which Pharaoh put to Joseph's bre…

Most deal with their ministers, as Israel did with Moses; he prayed for them, and worked miracles for them, yet they were still quarreling with him, and sometimes ready to take away his life. Use 3. If the fury of the world be against the ministers, then you that fear God had be…

The frame could not hold it else, it must dissolve. The Apostle therefore praying for the Thessalonians, that God would direct their hearts into the love of himself (which could not but enflame their souls with a desire of a perfect vision, and enjoyment) presently adds, and int…

Because the Holy Ghost commands the Church to judge them that are within (1 Corinthians 5:12), "Do you not judge them that are within?" All that are within, are subject to ecclesiastical judicature, and therefore cannot by Scripture-warrant be felones de se. Because this notion…