Seven godly and fruitful sermons. The six first preached by Master John DodSeuen godlie and fruitfull sermons. The six first preached by Master Iohn Dod

The last rule is in considering the effect of Gods mercies received. §3For herein do the wicked show their wickedness two ways.

The last rule is in considering the effect of Gods mercies receiued. §3For herein do the wicked shew their wickednesse two waies.

First on the right hand, the mercies of God do work in them a wonderful contentation, but ⟨p. 201⟩not such as causeth them to return the glory unto God, but rather to ascribe it unto themselves: for the graces of God do puff them up, & make them conceited in themselves. Hereof there ariseth a great security, which bringeth first neglect, and after contempt of all good means. On the left hand others offend, being never pleased nor contented with that they have: nay indeed forgetting, or lightly esteeming that they have, and still desiring new. These men besides that they are unthankful, they do also murmur and grudge against God, and are never pleased with him. Between these two do the children of God hold a middle and even course, and therefore we shall see these things in them. First a sight and acknowledgement of their wants, which cause them to long for the sincere milk of the word, that thereby their wants may be supplied, and their graces increased: and so far are they from being lifted up with pride, that they rejoice when their pride may be pulled down, whether by rebukes, or threatenings, or corrections from the Lord. For they know that if Paul needed means of humbling, (2. Cor. 12.) much more do they.

First on the right hand, the mercies of God do worke in them a wonderfull contentation, but ⟨p. 201⟩