A09432:1049
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.
Fourthly, seeing spiritual providence in forecasting how to compass1 true happiness, is a special part of true heavenly wisdom; we must become careful practitioners hereof in our lives, that so we may attain to true happiness. When the rich imans ground brought forth much fruit, how provident was he to lay up store for the time to come: yet God calls him but a fool, because he had no regard or forecast to the state of his soul. And the fi•e virgins are therefore called kfoolish, because they contented themselves with blazing lamps, and had no forecast for •yle in their vessels: and so many at this day content themselves ⟨p. 360⟩with an outward profession, and do not provide for the graces of salvation. But though a man had all the wisdom of the world, and by his wit could compass upon earth what his heart could wish, yet if he fail in providing for true happiness, all his wisdom is but madness • see this in lAhithophel, whose counsel for worldly things was like the oracle of God, yet wanting this spiritual wisdom to forecast for true happiness to his soul, his end was both shameful and fearful: for in a discontent, mhe went and hanged himself. Let us therefore practise this wise forecast for true happiness, and never be well till we get assurance hereof; then do we show our selves truly wise. If we fail in this we fail in all; and therefore like the wise Virgins, let us get oil in our vessels, the saving graces of Gods spirit into our hearts, that when our bridegroom Jesus Christ shall come, we may enter with him into glory. And thus much of the single eye, with the fruits thereof.
Fourthly, seeing spirituall prouidence in forecasting how to compasse