Matthew Poole and continuators on Joel 2:12

12 ¶ Therefore also now saith the LORD, Turn ye even to me with all your heart , and with fasting , and with weeping , and with mourning .

Since so great displeasure is conceived against you for your sins, and so terrible execution is shortly to be made upon you, and there is no way of resistance or escape left.

Repent of your sins whereby you have departed from me, all this preparation made against you is made not to destroy you utterly but to awaken you to Repentance, whilst you may find mercy upon Repentance be advised to it, and prevent your final desolation.

Not hypocritically, with divided heart, but sincerely and with full purpose of amendment, let your heart, your whole heart first be turned to me your God and sovereign.

Publick fasting as well as private, such fasting as chap. 1. ver. 14. is required.

Make it appear that you are sensible of, and deeply affected with your former sins in the jollity of your sensual Life, now weep for it; tears do well become a fast but they must not be tears onely.

But a mournful frame of Heart within, a fountain of these tears is expected and indeed required.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] 4.1.