A09432:1009
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.
What is it then which Christ here forbids? Ans. Sundry practises of1 covetousness, whereof the first is, Excessive seeking of worldly wealth, when men keep no measure nor moderation therein; although God give sufficient, yet they are not content, their desire is so unsatiable. And that we2 may see the danger of this practise, I will here show how far forth a man may seek for, and lay up worldly wealth: for the better understanding whereof, this distinction of worldly goods must be laid down for a ground; They are either necessary, abundant, or superfluous▪ Necessary goods are3 of two sorts; either necessary to mans nature, without which no man can live, nor family stand; as meat, drink, apparel, lodging, &c. or necessary to a mans state and condition of life, without which he cannot exercise the duties of his calling wherein God hath placed him; as books to a student, tools to a trades-men, &c. Now here ariseth the question:4 How much of these things are to be counted necessary, & so may be provided for, & laid up? Ans. The opinion and judgement of the covetous man must be no rule in this case; for his corrupt heart is unsatiable, like the sea which cannot be filled, and like dthe fire, that never saith, it is enough, Now because of the diversity of mens estates, by reason of their difference in properties & conditions, there can be no certain rule set down; for that which is enough for one, will not suffice another: & therefore the judgement & practise of the godly wise, who know how to use the creatures as blessings of Gods providence, must be our rule ⟨p. 344⟩to judge what is necessary: other rules we have not in the word, but what they judge needful, according to the word, that must be esteemed necessary, and accordingly provided. Yet further this may here be added, that things must not be deemed necessary, only in regard of the present use, but also with respect to the time to come, wherein they may be needful. Example. A trades-man having nothing besides his trade to live upon, may provide for things necessary while his strength continueth, to maintain himself in old age, when through decay of strength or ight he is not able to work. And so a man having many children, may in the use of lawful means, provide for their portions before hand, that when their age requireth, he may therewith dispose of them in some good state of life.