A20547:47
A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes…
A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs of SolomonA plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes of Salomon
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Henry Sharpe, 1607London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Henrie Sharpe, 1607
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.
Doct. 1 The uprightness] Every one that is truly godly hath a faithful guide and counsellor in his own breast. A sound heart is the stern of the soul, and a good conscience is the pilot to govern it, which will lead him through the whole course of his life, till he come to the haven of safety and blessedness. So is the uprightness of Job commended, that it directed him to the fear of God, and caused him to eschew evil. So is the soundness of Zechariah and Elizabeth notified, that by virtue thereof they walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord without reproof. And so is the sincerity of all blessed persons extolled and praised by the same effects in the hundred and nineteenth Psalm, that they keep the commandments of God, and work no iniquity.1
Doct. 1 The vprightnesse] Euery one that is truely godlie hath a faithfull guide and counsellour in his owne breast. A sound heart is the sterne of the soule, and a good conscience is the pilot to gouerne it, which will leade him thorow the whole course of his life, till hee come to the hauen of safetie and blessednes. So is the vprightnesse of Iob commended, that it directed him to the feare of God, and caused him to eschew euill. So is the foundnes of Zacharie and Elizabeth notified, that by vertue thereof they walked in all the commandements and ordinances of the Lord without reproofe. And so is the sinceritie of all blessed persons extolled and praised by the same effects in the hundred and ninteenth Psalme, that they keepe the commandements of God, and worke no iniquitie.1
Reasons. 1 First, it will stir up men diligently to seek for knowledge and understanding, attending daily as suitors at wisdoms gate in all the ordinances of God. When he speaketh, they will bring an ear to hearken: When he teacheth, they will bring an heart to learn. When need requireth, they will use their lips to ask counsel: in the word they will dig for wisdom: by prayer they will call for assistance: by meditation they will apply all good instructions. And so seeking of God with an whole heart is set in the scriptures, as an effect of uprightness, and a cause of walking in the law of the Lord.