A09376:1554
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.
But some will further say, that this concealing of the Spies, and lying to the Kings messengers, was a work of Treachery against her own country; and therefore was a notorious fault, and so no work of faith? Answ. Treachery indeed, is as great villainy, as one man can practice against another; and therefore ought to be abhorred and detested of all men: but yet we must know, that Rahab in this place is no Traitor. For, she had a plain Certificate in her conscience, that the Land of Canaan, and the city Jericho, were given by the Lord to the people of Israel, and that they were the right Lords thereof, and should enjoy them: so that she hid the Spies, not in treachery, but in faith.
But some will further say, that this concealing of the Spies, and lying to the Kings messengers, was a worke of Treachery against her owne country; and therefore was a notorious fault, and so no worke of faith? Answ. Treachery indeed, is as great villany, as one man can practice against another; and therefore ought to bee abhorred and detested of all men: but yet wee must knowe, that Rahab in this place is no Traytor. For, she had a plaine Certificat in her conscience, that the Land of Canaan, and the citie Iericho, were giuen by the Lord to the people of Israel, and that they were the right Lords thereof, and should enioy them: so that she hid the Spies, not in treachery, but in faith.
Thus we see her fact. The duties which we learn hence, are these: First, it is said that this harlot Rahab, being ⟨p. 489⟩by calling an Hostess and a Victualler, received the spies peaceably. Hence, Inn-keepers are taught their duty. First, if they will show themselves faithful, they must have special regard and respect unto such guests of theirs, as be the servants of GOD, and fear him. This was the work of Rahabs faith towards the spies of Gods people. David makes this the property of every godly man, That in his eyes a vile person is contemned, but he honoureth them that fear the Lord, Psalm 15. verse 4: And therefore if Inn-keepers will show themselves godly, they must so do. And to encourage each one hereto, our Saviour Christ makes this notable promise (Matthew chapter 10. verse 41) He that receiveth a Prophet, in the name of a Prophet, shall receive a Prophets reward: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive a just mans reward. And, if any shall give, to one of these little ones to drink, a cup of cold water only, in the name of a Disciple; Verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.