A09376:1392
A cloud of faithful witnesses, leading to the heavenly Canaan, or, A commentary upon…A cloud of faithfull witnesses, leading to the heauenly Canaan, or, A commentarie vpon…
A cloud of faithful witnesses, leading to the heavenly Canaan, or, A commentary upon the 11 chapter to the Hebrews preached in Cambridge by that godly, and judicious divine, M. William Perkins ; long expected and desired, and therefore published at the request of his executors, by Will. Crashawe and Tho. Pierson, preachers of Gods Word, who heard him preach it, and wrote it from his mouth.A cloud of faithfull witnesses, leading to the heauenly Canaan, or, A commentarie vpon the 11 chapter to the Hebrewes preached in Cambridge by that godly, and iudicious divine, M. William Perkins ; long expected and desired, and therefore published at the request of his executours, by Will. Crashawe and Tho. Pierson, preachers of Gods Word, who heard him preach it, and wrote it from his mouth.
London: printed by Humphrey Lownes for Leo. Greene, 1607London: printed by Humfrey Lownes for Leo. Greene, 1607
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, are riches and honour, being severed from true religion, but the pleasures of sin? then undoubtedly all recreations, all sports, and pastimes, severed from religion & a good conscience, are much more the pleasures of sin. This Solomon knew well: for, speaking of such mirth, he calls laughter madness; and to joy (he saith▪) What is it that thou doest? Eccles. chapter 2. verse 2. Oh then how manifold be the sins of all sorts of men? for, who almost doth not neglect religious duties for matters of sport and pleasure? Wherefore, if we desire joy indeed in any worldly things, let us first lay the foundation in our own hearts, by getting and keeping true faith and a good conscience.
Thirdly, are riches and honour, being seuered from true religion, but the pleasures of sinne? then vndoubtedly all recreations, all sports, and pastimes, seuered from religion & a good conscience, are much more the pleasures of sin. This Salomon knew wel: for, speaking of such mirth, hee calls laughter madnesse; and to ioy (hee saith▪) What is it that thou doest? Eccles. chapter 2. verse 2. Oh then how manifolde be the sinnes of all sorts of men? for, who almost doth not neglect religious duties for matters of sport and pleasure? Wherefore, if wee desire ioy indeede in any worldly things, let vs first lay the foundation in our owne hearts, by getting and keeping true faith and a good conscience.
Secondly, whereas Moses refuseth dignity and honour only for this, Because they would be unto him the pleasures of sin; here we are taught in what manner and order we ought to enjoy worldly riches and honour. Moses practice here, must be our direction▪ we must enjoy them, and use them with thankfulness to GOD, so far forth as they will further us in the course of religion and true godliness. But if the case stand thus, That we cannot enjoy them both together, then we must follow Moses example; choose religion and a good conscience, and let honour and preferment ⟨p. 409⟩