[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. FORSAKING THE LORD. i. 28. _They that forsake the Lord shall be consumed._