This is to the same purport with what we had ch. xvi. 14, 15, and the
design of it is, 1. To make kings wise and considerate in dispensing
their frowns and smiles. They are not like those of common persons;
their frowns are very terrible and their smiles very comfortable, and
therefore it concerns them to be very careful that they never frighten
a good man from doing well with their frowns, nor ever give countenance
to a wicked man in doing ill with their smiles, for then they abuse
their influence, Rom. xiii. 3. 2. To make subjects faithful and dutiful
to their princes. Let them be restrained from all disloyalty by the
consideration of the dreadful consequence of having the government
against them; and let them be encouraged in all good services to the
public by the hopes of the favour of their prince. Christ is a King
whose wrath against his enemies will be as the roaring of a lion (Rev.
x. 3) and his favour to his own people as the refreshing dew, Ps.
lxxii. 6.