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Resolution to reform should be upon the heart of all them that smart under the rod of the Lord.

I. WHAT KIND OF REFORMATION IT IS THAT WE SHOULD RESOLVE UPON UNDER THE ROD OF THE LORD.

1. In the work of reformation under the rod, we must have reference to Him that useth the rod, go to God, and set ourselves to amend what is amiss, as under the eye of God.

2. You must be sure to have your work guided by God Himself.

3. You must be careful to reform in one particular, as well as another; you must go through-stitch with this business. He hath not reformed in anything aright that doth not reform in everything blameworthy.

4. You must not only reform in what you yourselves do, or may understand to be amiss, but you must take direction to know what is blameworthy; be eager and earnest to understand wherein you do amiss.

5. A Christian under the rod should be so wrought upon with a resolution to reform, that he should, by solemn covenant, bind himself to God for the future.

6. Christians under the rod must severally and personally, and not only jointly and in company and assemblies, reform what is amiss, according to the afore-mentioned rules. Christians should not look on this reforming as a task necessary, and a duty commanded; they should regard it as an employment comely and lovely.

II. WHAT ARGUMENTS MAY PREVAIL WITH CHRISTIANS THUS TO REFORM UNDER THE ROD?

1. Some in relation to God.

(1) Because God that calleth for reformation under correction is the author of every blow, of every scourge.

(2) God afflicts us because we are blameworthy, because we have sinned.

(3) God is exceeding just and gracious in every rod He useth, in every stroke that He giveth, in every affliction that He sendeth. God will not make the staff too heavy nor the rod too big.

(4) The Lord considers the frame of every man's spirit, the carriage of every soul under His correcting hand.

(5) The Lord is no respecter of persons.

(6) This is the very end God aims at, that by His rod people might be reformed.

(7) His Majesty will account Himself honoured, in sort we may make God amends, not by way of requital, but by way of manifestation.

2. In relation to ourselves.

(1) For driving arguments. Not to reform under the rod, it fastens a black mark of shameful ignominy and reproach upon the heart of a sinner. It is a sign of unspeakable foolishness and extraordinary brutishness.

(2) Drawing arguments. This is the way to gain the comfort of the Lord, the tender bowels of His compassion. The worst things you can suffer, shall turn to your joy and everlasting comfort.

III. WHAT COURSE WE SHOULD TAKE TO BE WROUGHT UPON TO ATTAIN UNTO THIS FRAME OF SPIRIT.

1. Thoroughly, from Scripture light, inform ourselves concerning the sinfulness and the ugliness of the course whereof you. must reform.

2. You must be deeply humbled for whatever it is that under the rod you do discover to be out of order, both in your heart, mind, and actions. Thus go to God, pray unto God, wait upon God, and expect deliverances from Him.

(William Fenner.)

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KJV: Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:

WEB: "For has any said to God, 'I am guilty, but I will not offend any more.