The prophecy of Haggai, interpreted and applied in sundry sermonsThe prophesie of Haggai, interpreted and applyed in sundry sermons

wherefore although we be shot through with speeches as sharp as arrows, yet let us show ourselves no less valiant than did the Citizens of Avaricum, chiefly seeing they fought but for a corruptible City for the safeguard of the body, and that with uncertain hope: but we fight for an incorruptible crown of glory, for the eternal salvation of the soul, and that under undoubted hope. But we persuade our selves better things of you brethren, whom we desire to remember that the wounds of a friend is better than the kisses of an enemy. Of my self I know, and I conceive the the like of others, that I only reprove this sin for the salvation of your souls, and of them that are committed to your charge: and why the same is done so often we have example and warrant of the Prophet using so many iterations of the same thing, and of the good Chirurgeons, who cease not to apply their medicines till such time as they have cured the wound.

wherefore although we be shot through with speeches as sharpe as arrowes, yet let us shew ourselves no lesse valiant than did the Citizens of Avaricum, chiefly seing they fought but for a corruptible City for the safguard of the body, and that with uncertaine hope: but we fight for an incorruptible crowne of glory, for the eternall salvation of the soule, and that under undoubted hope. But we perswade our selves better things of you brethren, whom we desire to remember that the wounds of a freind is better than the kisses of an enemy. Of my selfe I know, and I conceive the the like of others, that I onely reprove this sinne for the salvation of your soules, and of them that are committed to your charge: and why the same is done so often we have example and warrant of the Prophet using so many iterations of the same thing, and of the good Chyrurgeons, who cease not to apply their medicines till such time as they have cured the wound.

Now to proceed, the exhortation is laid down in the 8 verse Go up to the mountain and bring wood and build this house, the reasons hereof are because the Lord had already corrected them, ver. 6, 9. 10, 11, Where, as he threateneth them punishment if they do it not, so on the other side he promiseth that he will take pleasure in them, &c. vers. 8 and bestow his blessing on them if they do his commandment: but for that you have heard sufficiently already in the exhortation I will come to the reasons. It is first set down for them to consider, that because of the neglect of Gods commandment he had chastised them with dearth, famine, scarcity: wherein, the first point to be observed, is, that the