[1] The world "together" does not mean that the transgressor
shall be destroyed _together with_ the sinner; but that the
destruction of this one class, called both transgressors
and sinners, shall come in close connection, "together
with," the salvation of the penitent who are brought back
to God by correction, as is said in the previous verses.
The same sort of infliction that reclaimed the "converts"
(ver. 27), hardened and sealed over to ruin those who would
still "forsake the Lord."--_Cowles._
[2] How often does worldly prosperity tend to this lapsing of
the soul from God! How often do our very outward mercies
and blessings superinduce this spiritual languor and decay!
It is with believers individually as with the Church
collectively--they are never in a condition less favourable
to spiritual health and advancement than when they have no
trial or cross to brace their energies and invigorate their
graces. The soldier gets supine after battle. History tells
us how the bravest veterans of the great Carthaginian
general got demoralized and degenerate when, victory over,
they sat down to rejoicing and revelry, before the gates of
Capus; they never were the same heroes again.--_Macduff._
[3] As it is easy to know a piece of gold from a piece of brass
when they come both to the anvil and be stricken with the
hammer, for brass will not be handled, but when it cometh
to the beating breaketh and maketh a sharp din and irksome,
but gold soundeth sweetly, and is pliable; so when the
hypocrite cometh between the anvil and the hammer of
affliction, he breaketh with impatience, and lamenteth in
blasphemies against God; whereas a faithful Christian
praiseth God, and layeth out his heart, submitting himself
willingly under the Lord's hand that striketh
him.--_Cowdray,_ 1598-1684.