A09417:95
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 now these three rules, I commend to the careful and Christian consideration of you all: certifying you from God, that as you can never be saved, unless you repent: nor repent, unless ⟨p. 62⟩you search your selves, (as here the Prophet biddeth.) So, that you can never search your selves aright, till you be persuaded, and resolved of these three rules, & of the truth of them all, even in your hearts and consciences: Namely; First, that thou art guilty of Adams sin. Secondly, that thou art prone by nature to all evil in the world. Thirdly, that for these thou art subject to the wrath of God, and to all the curses of his wrath: but when thou art in heart & conscience resolved, that these are true; then thou art a fit scholar, for this Lesson of the Prophet, Search thy self. For when thou goest, thus prepared unto this Search, and esteemest ⟨p. 63⟩of thy self, as the three Rules have described thee: then if thou Search into thy self, thou wilt find thy self, and thy estate to be such, as will cause thee to repent, return and take a new course: therefore what the Prophet said to those Jews, I say unto you also, My brethren of this Realm of England, who are now here gathered together, out of so many countries, and quarters of this Realm: yea, in the name of the same God, I cry unto you; Search. O Search your selves: and think it not a matter indifferent to do, or not to do it? but know it, that God commands you, as ever you will come to salvation: Search your selves. And the rather, ⟨p. 64⟩because by these three Rules you see how much chaff of corruption is in your nature, and what need therefore it hath to be searched into, and fanned by Repentance. Be well assured thou man, whatsoever thou art: there is so much chaff in thee, that if thou search not, and fan it not out, thou wilt prove nothing but Chaff at the last day, and so be blown away with the wind of Gods justice into Hell. Take hold therefore of this exhortation, and defer it not.
And nowe these three rules, I commend to the carefull and Christian consideration of you all: certifying you from God, that as you can neuer bee saued, vnlesse you repent: nor repent, vnlesse ⟨p. 62⟩