A09432:1001
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his executors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one, of special points here handled; the other, of choice places of Scripture here quotedA godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and iudicious diuine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his exequutors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one, of speciall points here handled; the other, of choise places of Scripture here quoted
Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the University of Cambridge, 1608Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge, 1608
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
This text the Papists do notably abuse, to prove 2. heretical conclusions1 touching fasting: First, that fasting in it self for any good end, is a 2part of Gods worship, because it hath a promise of open reward, even life3 everlasting, made unto it, as before was made to prayer & alms-deeds; and therefore must needs be of the same nature with them: for things indifferent▪ & bodily exercises, profit little, that which hath the promise is a part of godliness, 1. Tim. 4. 8. Answ. This promise is made to him that fasteth, not to the work; and that not simply for his exercise of fasting, but for his repentance, conversion, and invocation, which go with fasting, and are furthered thereby. But they allege, that 4Annath served God with fastings and with prayer. Answ. In the old testament, fasting was a part of Gods worship; for it was commanded to be performed the tenth day of the seventh month: and then also was the making and performing of vows, a part of religious worship, commanded of God. Now in all likelihood Annah had bound her self by vow to God, to that course of prayer and fasting, and therefore was approved of God therein. But now in the new testament we have no commandment for set fasts or vows, & therefore the case is not the same, and so her example cannot prove the thing for which they allege it: indeed we have the vow of moral obedience made in baptism, but that ⟨p. 341⟩every one is bound to perform that takes God for his God, though he should not vow it. Again, a man may be said to serve God in prayer and fasting as Annah did, because prayer is a true part of Gods worship, and though fasting in it self be not the worship of God, yet being joined with prayer, it is a notable furtherance thereunto: and being so performed upon just occasion, it is a part of his worship, because he requires it.
This text the Papists doe notably abuse, to prooue 2. heretical conclusions