A plain and familiar exposition of the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters of the Prouerbs…

First, they are wholly destitute of the sap and root of true Reasons. 1 ¹comfort and gladness, because they are not partakers of the spirit of God; for the Apostle testifieth that joy and peace are the fruit of the spirit. It is as possible for thorns to bear grapes, and figs to grow on thistles, as for graceless flesh, being altogether corrupt, to bring forth sincere joy and comfort.

First, they are wholie destitute of the sappe and roote of true Reasons. 1 ¹comfort and gladnes, because they are not partakers of the spirit of God; for the Apostle testifieth that ioie and peace are the fruit of the spirite. Jt is as possible for thornes to beare grapes, and figs to growe on thistles, as for graceles flesh, beeing altogether corrupt, to bring forth sincere ioy and comfort.

1. 1Gal, 5, 22.

Secondly, no pastime & pleasures, no sports and merriment, §2jesting or laughter can cure the guiltiness of an evil conscience. And a guilty conscience is like an ulcer, or festered wound, which will put the party to pain in the middest of a feast, and not cease to ache, though it were wrapped up with greatest bravery. And in regard thereof all the ungodly are compared by the prophet to the raging sea that cannot rest. It is as easy for the Ocean to be without waves and surges when a tempest lieth up on it, as for a sinful mans heart to be without all trouble and gripings, when guiltiness worketh in him.

Secondly, no pastime & pleasures, no sports and merriment, §2