A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

Our Saviour Christ the faithful physician of our souls, having sharply rebuked this church, doth here prescribe unto them a sovereign remedy against their sin of decay in love. From whence we may learn, that the law whereby sin is reproved is to be taught, but yet with this qualification, that withal the doctrine of the Gospel be joined thereunto, that the sins which are ripped up by the law, may be cured by the Gospel. This is Christs manner of preaching in this place, whose practise is a most worthy platform for all his ministers: for we have no warrant at this day to preach the law barely, which only maketh the wound, without the Gospel which alone showeth the remedy.

Our Sauiour Christ the faithfull physition of our soules, hauing sharpely rebuked this church, doth here prescribe vnto them a soueraigne remedie against their sinne of decay in loue. Frō whence we may learne, that the law whereby sin is reproued is to be taught, but yet with this qualification, that withall the doctrine of the Gospell be ioyned thereunto, that the sinnes which are ripped vp by the law, may be cured by the Gospel. This is Christs manner of preaching in this place, whose practise is a most worthie platforme for all his ministers: for we haue no warrant at this day to preach the law barely, which onely maketh the wound, without the Gospell which alone sheweth the remedie.

This remedy here prescribed is of special use, and worthy our consideration: generally, by it we have direction to answer to two necessary questions of practise, which often fall out in the life of man. First, a man is effectually called to profess the gospel, and yet after his conversion, either through the corruption of his nature, or by the temptation of the devil and the world, falleth into sin again: what must this man do for his recovery? Ans. He must remember whence he is fallen, and repent of those his sins, and do his first works. The second question is this: A man that hath all his life long lived in ignorance and sin, is now touched in conscience for his loose life; how shall this man escape the wrath of God, & become reconciled unto him? Ans. He must first remember whence he is fallen by Adams sin, and by his own transgressions: Secondly, he must repent of his sins: Thirdly, endeavour to do the first works, whereto he is bound by the law of creation, & so shall he escape the wrath of God, and be received into his love and favour.