A09417:70
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.
The want of this, is that which the Prophet complains of in that place: not as though it was sufficient thus to do, in a mans own conscience: but because it is a good beginning, and a step to further grace. For if a man did seriously thus deal with his conscience after his sin, his conscience would shape him such an answer, and would tell him so roundly, what he had done, that he would take heed, how he did the same again, and look more narrowly, and warily to ⟨p. 32⟩himself all the days of his life. Seeing therefore it is so necessary a duty, let every one of us endeavour the practise of it, namely, to rip and ransack our hearts, and to search our ways unto the bottom.
The want of this, is that which the Prophete complaines of in that place: not as though it was sufficient thus to doe, in a mans owne conscience: but because it is a good beginning, and a step to further grace. For if a man did seriously thus deale with his conscience after his sinne, his conscience woulde shape him such an aunswere, and woulde tell him so roundlie, what hee had done, that hee woulde take heede, howe he did the same againe, and looke more narrowely, and warilie to ⟨p. 32⟩himselfe all the dayes of his life. Seeing therefore it is so necessarie a dutie, let euery one of vs enduour the practise of it, namely, to rippe and ransacke our heartes, and to searche our wayes vnto the bottome.
Now for our better instruction, and furtherance in the performance hereof: you must know that this Search is to be made by the Law of God, for nothing else but Gods law can help us, and let us see that which we must search for: for if we search by any means, we may seek and search long enough, ere we find any thing that will be matter of Repentance. Ask the Devil, he will tell thee all is well, and that thou ⟨p. 33⟩art in an excellent estate: and God loves thee, and thou art sure of heaven: this song the devil always singes for the most part, till a man comes to die, for then he appears in his colours, but till then, he labours to sing, and lull all men a sleep in the cradle of security. Ask your own flesh, and your own hearts and natures, and they will answer and say, that all is well and safe, and that we have believed, and loved, and feared GOD all our days. Ask the world, and men in the world: and they will answer, all is well; and they will say further, that thou art a right good-fellow, and art worth twenty of these curious fools that stick upon