Samuel's encounter with Saul. I Sam. chap. 15 from ver. 13 to ver. 30.…Samuels encounter with Saul. I Sam. chap. 15 from ver. 13 to ver. 30.…

This being thus opened, whereby we see what his meaning was; now we may the better see, what is to be learned from the words. For this is clear hereby, that though Saul did not fear God unfeignedly, yet he sought now to have his sins pardoned, and to do other duties to God: which clearly showeth that there is a time when Gods mercy is in price with evil persons, and the favour of God is somewhat with them, though ⟨p. 303⟩for a time they have no savour in them: For what is the delight of the most, but in that which is transitory, as profit and pleasure. But as such regard not goodness, but by fits and in their good mood, so they commonly have never the fruit thereof, but deceive themselves, by means that they have sometimes good motions. For their goodness is like a morning dew, ¹as the Prophet speaketh, whereas it should be constant with them, and one time as another. For that which is good in it own nature, is always, and not in a passion to be esteemed and set by: for it is never in kind, but when it is delighted in. And if that be kind setting by it, then it is the ⟨p. 304⟩due and fit season, to prise & esteem highly of it while we live, even always: as the Prophet speaketh; to day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts.