A09417:159
A faithful and plain exposition upon the 2. chapter of Zephaniah by that reverend…A faithfull and plaine exposition vpon the 2. chapter of Zephaniah by that reuerend…
A faithful and plain exposition upon the 2. chapter of Zephaniah by that reverend and judicious divine, M.W. Perkins. Containing a powerful exhortation to repentance: as also the manner how men in repentance are to search themselves. Published by a preacher of the word. With a preface prefixed, touching the publishing of M. Perkins his works. And a catalogue of all such particulars thereof, as are to be expected.A faithfull and plaine exposition vpon the 2. chapter of Zephaniah by that reuerend and iudicious diuine, M.W. Perkins. Containing a powerful exhortation to repentance: as also the manner hovve men in repentance are to search themselues. Published by a preacher of the vvord. With a preface prefixed, touching the publishing of M. Perkins his vvorks. And a catalogue of all such particulars thereof, as are to be expected.
London: printed by T. Creed for William Welby, 1609
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
whereas alas, if we continue and go forward in our sins, and impenitency, ⟨p. 148⟩it is greatly to be feared, that neither the Gospel, nor this peace, will reach to our posterity. Therefore now to make an end; I once again, and lastly, commend this doctrine to you all, and every one of you (for this merchandise that I bring, is of that nature, that though some take it, yet there is also enough for every one) and I commend it unto you, even from the very mouth of God himself: think of it I charge thee, as ever thou lookest to appear before the face of Christ Jesus the great Judge, at the last day; and if thou wouldest escape the rigour of that judgement, enter now into judgement with thy self, & search thy self: if thou now wilt ⟨p. 149⟩not receive this doctrine, then shall it at the last day be a bill of Indictment against thee, for if it save thee not, it shall condemn thee: think of it therefore seriously, as a matter that concerns thy soul & body: yea, and thy posterity, and this whole Realm, all which shall smart for it, if we repent not. And if the body of our people, and those, whose hearts are wedded to this world, will not entertain this doctrine; then I turn unto you that fear the Lord, and to you I direct my last warning; Search, O search, and try your hearts & lives, renew & revive your faith & repentance, that if judgements do come and blow upon this Nation, and drive the Gospel from it, and ⟨p. 150⟩it to hell: that yet you may have a testimony to your consciences, that you did not pull down this general calamity, but for your parts laboured to have prevented it, by your earnest prayers and hearty repentance: that so, the posterity ensuing, may not curse you, but speak reverently of you, and praise God for you, and wish that all had done as you did; for then had they enjoyed this goodly land, and all Gods blessings with it, as we their forefathers did before them: and so shall our names not rot, but flourish amongst the posterities to come, which shall be partakers of the desolation: And when we have renewed our ⟨p. 151⟩repentance, let us then every one of us, deal with the Lord by earnest prayer for this Church and Nation, that the Lord would show his mercy upon it, and continue unto it, this peace and the Gospel: it is nothing with the Lord to do it, his powerful hand is not shortened, he can continue our peace: