A09417:71
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.
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 ⟨p. 34⟩points, and stand upon circumstances, as swearing, and drinking, and good fellowship, and gaming, and such other nice and circumstantial points: thus will worldly men answer: for thy profane course is acceptable to them, because thereby thou approvest the same in them.
Now for our better instruction, and furtherance in the performance heereof: you must knowe that this Search is to bee made by the Law of God, for nothing else but Gods lawe can helpe vs, and let vs see that which we must search for: for if we search by anie meanes, wee may seeke and search long enough, ere wee finde anie thing that will bee matter of Repentance. Aske the Diuell, hee will tell thee all is well, and that thou ⟨p. 33⟩art in an excellent estate: and God loues thee, and thou art sure of heauen: this song the diuell alwayes singes for the most part, til a man comes to die, for then hee appeares in his colours, but till then, hee laboures to sing, and lull all men a sleepe in the cradle of securite. Aske your owne flesh, and your owne heartes and natures, and they will aunswere and say, that all is well and safe, and that wee haue beleeued, and loued, and feared GOD all our dayes. Aske the worlde, and men in the world: and they will answere, all is well; and they will say further, that thou art a right good-fellowe, and art worthe twentie of these curious fooles that sticke vpon