A09417:22
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.
And if I knew you not, to be such as take more delight in doing well, then in hearing of it, I would prove at large, what I have spoken of you: yet give me leave to say that, which without open ⟨image 13⟩wrong, I may not conceal, that beside your care, knowledge, and godly zeal to religion, and other duties of the first table to God himself, your charity and piety to the needy distressed Christians, at home and abroad: your merciful dealing with them, who are in your power; your benevolence to learning, and namely to some in the University, do all proclaim to the world those your due praises: which I (well knowing your modesties) do spare once to name: neither would I have said ⟨image 13⟩thus much, were it not for this cold and barren age, wherein we live, that so, when our preaching cannot move, yet your godly examples might stir up. Pardon me therefore I pray you, & think it no wrong to you,1 which is a benefit to Gods Church:2 But go forward in the strength of the Lord your God,3 & hold on in that happy course you have begun, be faithful unto the end, the Lord will give you the Crown of life: faithful is he, which hath promised, who will also do it: proceed ⟨image 14⟩(good Sir) to honour learning in your self and others, and religion especially, which is the principal learning, and proceed both of you, to practise religion in your own persons; and in your family, hold on to shine before your family, and amongst the people, where you dwell, in zeal and holiness: hold on hereby, still to shame popery, to stop your enemies mouths, and to honour that holy religion, which you profess, to gain comfort of good conscience to your selves, & assurance of eternal ⟨image 14⟩reward: and lastly, to encourage me in those painful duties which lye upon me: for I openly profess that your religious zeal and love of the truth, with many other good helps, are principal encouragements in my ministry, and especial motives unto me, to undertake the charge of publication, of so many of the works of this holy man deceased, as may not in better manner be done by others. But I keep you too long from this holy exhortation following; I therefore send you it, and