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Observe, that still our apostle appeals to their own consciences for his good behaviour amongst them: Ye know: Happy minister, that has a throne in the consciences of his people, unto which he can and dare, at all times, appeal, for the clearing of his innocency and integrity, in and before the face of the whole world!
Observe next, that having compared himself to a nurse before, he resembles himself to a father now, we exhorted you as a father doth his children. As it is the office of a father to direct and instruct, to counsel and exhort his children, so the apostle did exhort, comfort, and charge the Thessalonians, that they be strictly conscientious in the faithful discharge of their whole duty, both to God and man, and patient under all, and all manner of trials and afflictions whatsoever, which they did, or might meet with, in the way of well doing.
Where note, that a mixture of meekness and gentleness, accompanied with authority and gravity is an excellent compostion in the ministers of the gospel: St. Paul having shewn, that, for gentleness, he was a nursing mother, declareth here, that for authority and gravity, he was an instructing father.
Observe lastly, the great duty which he did direct them in, and exhort them to, namely, to walk worthy of God, who had called them unto his kingdom and glory.
Note here, 1. The duty exhorted to, namely, to walk worthy of God: How so? Not with a worthiness of merit, but with a worthiness of meekness, to walk as becomes them who profess the name of God, who bear the image of God, answerable to the high and holy privileges received from God.
Note, 2. The reason or argument inforcing the duty, he hath called you to his kingdom and glory that is, to grace; and by grace here, to glory hereafter; such as are called to the one, are called to both; grace is a certain pledge and earnest of glory, a low degree of glory, and glory the highest degree of grace; such as walk worthy of God now, shall live with him, ere long, to eternal ages.