A divine herbal together with a forrest of thorns In five sermons. ... By…A divine herball together with a forrest of thornes In five sermons. ... By…

5 The main resemblance between an evil ground and worse man, consists in the ill fruits, that they both produce: briers and thorns; and such (not only unhelpful, but) hurtful vices. This is the principal analogy, which our Apostle intends; the pith and marrow of this reference. But before we come to a particular anatomizing of this Subject, some observable doctrines fall profitably to our instruction. Observe therefore.

5 The maine resemblance betweene an euill ground and worse man, consists in the ill fruites, that they both produce: bryers and thornes; and such (not onely vnhelpefull, but) hurtfull vices. This is the principal analogie, which our Apostle intends; the pith and marow of this reference. But before we come to a particular anatomizing of this Subiect, some obseruable doctrines fall profitably to our instruction. Obserue therfore.

1 The word of God will work some way. It falls not upon any ground in vain; but will produce ⟨p. 110⟩herbs or weeds. It is such Physic, as will either cure or kill. It mollifies one, makes another more hard.¹ Some hearts it pricks, others it terrifies, though converts not, as it made Felix tremble. None ever heard it, but they are either better or worse by it.² We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, unto the Gentiles foolishness. But unto them which are called, both of Jews and Greeks, the power of GOD, ³and the wisdom of God. In this Epistle it is called a double-edged sword, &c. It is either a converting or convincing power; sealing receivers to redemption, contemners to rejection. The word which I have preached, shall judge you in the latter day.

1 The word of God will worke some way. It fals not vpon any ground in vaine; but will produce