Part 5

5. Now followeth the last point: the reason of all. Why ⟨p. 113⟩should we search our selves? The reason is included in the fourth point: For there is a decree come forth against thee. And although the execution be defeated, and though God be unwilling to take it out, yet without repentance, it is most certain, it shall come forth, and be executed at the last. In one word, this is the reason. Repent, or else certainly God will take vengeance: But (will mans heart say) is this true? Or rather these be but words to fear men, and to keep them in awe. I answer, for proof and experience hereof, never go further […] this place, and present example we have in hand, the Prophet bids them Search, Search, and Repent, ⟨p. 114⟩else, as certainly as there was a judgement conceived, so certainly it should be executed upon them: they would not hear, nor Search, nor repent: but what followed; let all men judge, whether God is not true of his word to them or no: yea alas, who seeth not that God hath travelled indeed, and hath brought forth a fearful judgement on them, and hath made them for these thousand years, and a half, the gazing-stock, the byword, and the amazement of all the world.

5. Now followeth the last point: the reason of all. Why ⟨p. 113⟩should wee searche our selues? The reason is included in the fourth point: For there is a decree come forth against thee. And although the execution be defeated, and though God bee vnwilling to take it out, yet without repentance, it is most certaine, it shall come forth, and be executed at the last. In one word, this is the reason. Repent, or else certainely God will take vengeance: But (will mans heart say) is this true? Or rather these bee but wordes to feare men, and to keepe them in awe. I answere, for proofe and experience hereof, neuer goe further 〈…〉 this place, and present example wee haue in hand, the Prophet bids them Search, Search, and Repent, ⟨p. 114⟩else, as certainely as there was a iudgement conceiued, so certainely it should be executed vpon them: they would not heare, nor Search, nor repent: but what followed; let all men iudge, whether God is not true of his worde to them or no: yea alas, who seeth not that God hath trauelled indeede, and hath brought foorth a fearefull iudgement on them, and hath made them for these thousand yeares, and a halfe, the gazing-stocke, the byword, and the amazement of all the world.