A09376:85
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, by this doctrine the Popish doctrine is justly condemned, which teacheth that a man is justified by his works, and that faith is not the most excellent of Gods graces. Here we are taught other divinity: for, that for which a man is accepted, by that he is justified. But for their faith only were they accepted: therefore justification is only by faith. Again, that which makes a man accepted of God, that must needs be the most excellent thing of all. For God which is goodness it self, regardeth that that is the best: but God esteemed them only for their faith: therefore it is the chief of all graces of God, in regard of making a man accepted of God.
Thirdly, by this doctrine the Popish doctrine is iustly condemned, which teacheth that a man is iustified by his works, and that faith is not the most excellent of Gods graces. Here we are taught other diuinitie: for, that for which a man is accepted, by that he is iustified. But for their faith onely were they accepted: therfore iustification is only by faith. Againe, that which makes a man accepted of God, that must needs be the most excellent thing of all. For God which is goodnesse it selfe, regardeth that that is the best: but God esteemed thē only for their faith: therfore it is the chief of all graces of God, in regard of making a man accepted of God.
Fourthly, here is a pattern and president for Gods children, how to bestow & measure out their love & estimation in the world. God loved Solomon more for his faith, then for all his glory and wisdom; and esteemed more of Moses for his faith, than for all his learning. So deal thou with thy wife, thy child, thy servant, thy friend, & with all men. Hast thou a wife never so beautiful, loving, honest, & thrifty; never so toward and obedient a child; a most wise & trusty servant; a friend for faithfulness like thine own soul? These are indeed much to be esteemed; yet think not thy self in a paradise, when thou hast such: for there is a greater matter behind, then all these. Look therefore further: Is thy wife, thy child, thy servant, thy friend endued with saving faith? that is worth more then all the rest: that is it which makes them beloved of God. Let that therefore make them best beloved of thee: and that which makes them so honourable before God, let that make them most honourable, and most esteemed of thee: So in all men, love that in a man best which God loveth; and so thou shalt be sure not to lose thy love. Esteem of a man, not as the world esteemeth, not according to his strength, beauty, high place, or outward gifts: but as God esteemeth him, namely, according to the measure of saving faith, which thou seest in him: for is not that worthy of thy love, which hath purchased the love of the Lord God himself?