Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 18:23

23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his wayes, and live?

Now, O ye perverse Iews! If by these truths you will judge of me, could it enter the thoughts of any one of you, that I should as delighting in the Death of sinners, impute other mens sins to you, that you might die for them, when I could not slay you for your own? Think not thus of the God of mercy, who pities, forbears, and though at last hath punisht obstinate sinners, yet never delighted in their death.

Is it not my command that you and other sinners repent? Have not you, and others found mercy upon seeming Repentance? And as for that Repentance which is sound, it ever had a full pardon: And the promise of Life and Pardon hath been repeated and confirmed to you again and again; so that 'tis the most unjust, unreasonable, and impious quarrel, you, oh Iews, have taken up against your God, who would have you repent of your own sins, and you should live, but if you repent not, you shall die, but for your own sins, not your Fathers. Since therefore I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God, Turn your selves, and live ye, as 'tis ver. 32. for this 23 verse equally declares God's Mercy, and our Duty; the one in his pleasure at our return, the other in our pleasing him herein.

Marginal references: chap. 33.[illegible: 1 letter]