Verse 12. Whose fanne is in his hand]
Though the devil and wicked men mightily strive to wring it out of his hand; for what, say they, need this shedding and this 〈◊〉〈◊〉? This di∣stinguishing and differencing of men into Saints and sinners? Are not all the Lords people holy? Is there any man lives and sin∣neth* 1.1 not? but yet there is as wide a difference between sinner and sinner, as is betwixt the bosome of Abraham, and, and the belly* 1.2 of hell. 1. The godly man projects not sin as the wicked doth; but is preoccupated by it, against his generall purpose. 2. He* 1.3 * 1.4 arts not the sin that he acts: he sins not sinningly; he is not trans∣formed* 1.5 into sinnes image, as the wicked are, Mica. 1. 5. His* 1.6 scum rests not in him, he works that out by repentance, that he* 1.7 committed with reluctance. 3. He is the better for it after∣wards. His very sin (when be wailed and disclaimed) maketh him more heedfull of his waies, more thankfull for a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, more mercifull to others, more desirefull after the state of perfe∣ction,* 1.8 &c. Whence grew that paradox of M. Iohn Fox, That his graces did him most hurt, and his sinnes most good. Whereas wic∣ked* 1.9 men grow worse and worse, Deceiving and being 〈◊〉〈◊〉,* 1.10 till at length by long trading in sin, being hardened by the deceit∣fulnesse* 1.11 thereof, they are utterly deprived of all (even passive)