Thunder Rare
J. Barlow, D. D. 2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; But you may reply that ministers must be Boanerges, Sons of Thunder, rattle in a congregation. True; notwithstanding, meekness is to be retained, practised. But to return an answer suitable to the objection. 1. Every thin vapour, light exhalation, will not afford matter to cause a thunder-crack; so each text, subject, doth not give warrant to denounce terrors. 2. Before it thunder we apprehend a light, and then the voice striketh the organ of hearing, and the eye of the mind is to be enlightened in order ere that judgment be threatened. 3. Thunder is rare, not at every season; should the minister continually shoot the shafts of God's indignation, would not the vulgar begin to smile, laugh him to scorn? 4. After a great crack of thunder the heavens grow black and refresh the earth with sweet showers of water, and when the bolts of justice are cast among the people a preacher is to assume a doleful look, a sad countenance. These rules observed, cry aloud, Thunder and spare not l What shall I more say? In the cause of thy Master be bold, resolute; in thine own, let meekness have her perfect work. (J. Barlow, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; WEB: in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,