A plain and familiar exposition of the ninth and tenth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the ninth and tenth chapters of the Prouerbs…

The exhortation which wisdom uttered by her maids is again repeated, to express the serious desire and true meaning of the messengers and masters in calling of the guests, and to let them know also, that as they are bidden by way of invitation, so they are commanded by way of summons, and therefore to address themselves thereunto with all expedition. And because it is not their presence only that is required, but a profitable use-making of the undeserved favour that is showed unto them, therefore they are before hand informed to what end they are sent for, to eat and drink of the delicates prepared, which is to receive the merits and graces of Christ, with the promises of God, and to make them their own by faith, and particular application.

The exhortation which wisedome vttered by her maides is againe repeated, to expresse the serious desire and true meaning of the messengers and masters in calling of the guests, and to let them know also, that as they are bidden by way of inuitation, so they are commanded by way of summons, and therefore to addresse themselues thereunto with all expedition. And because it is not their presence onely that is required, but a profitable vse-making of the vndeserued fauour that is shewed vnto them, therefore they are beefore hand informed to what end they are sent for, to eate and drinke of the delicates prepared, which is to receiue the merits and graces of Christ, with the promises of God, and to make them their owne by faith, and particular application.

It concerneth us duly to embrace the mercies of God when Doct. he doth offer them unto us. It is his good pleasure that we ¹should enjoy them: otherwise they should never have been provided. So by the Prophet he proclaimeth Isa. 55. 1. Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and ye that have no silver, come, buy, and eat: &c. There is no victualler so desirous of guests for his own gain, as Christ is of our company for our salvation, he would have utterance of his heavenly food that it stand not upon his hand, and therefore calleth upon all that feel themselves in want, to come take their part with him. And because they be needy and unable to discharge the reckoning, he is content to be paid with a good stomach to fall to, he would have them work it out at eating and drinking, that is, he doth bestow it upon them of his own free favour without all desert of their part.