A09432:1061
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.
Secondly, hereby we are admonished to have special care to mortify1 our corrupt desires, and our unruly affections, that else will extinguish in us the light of nature. Before the fall, the mind ruled and directed the will and affections; but now these inferior powers rule, or rather over-rule the mind, and utterly pervert the regiment thereof▪ they cast a mist, and a veil over the eye of the mind, that it can see nothing in the ways of righteousness: and therefore as we tender the salvation of our souls, we must renounce our own natural wills and corrupt desires, and strive to bring them into subjection unto the word of God. Many men think much to be crossed of their natural desires and delights, but it is happy for the soul, when God in his providence doth break men of their wills; for the will unsubdued carries the whole man headlong into all disorder. This must be considered of them which have knowledge and learning, for unless the will and affections be ruled by the word, all knowledge is made fruitless: out of the heart (saith aSolomon) come the issues of life, if it be kept with watch and ⟨p. 365⟩ward, and ordered by Gods word; otherwise hence come the issues of death, when the reins of the affections are let loose after the corrupt desires of nature: and therefore as we respect woe or joy, so must we have regard to our will and desires.
Secondly, hereby we are admonished to haue speciall care to mortifie1 our corrupt desires, and our vnruly affections, that else wil exstinguish in vs the light of nature. Before the fall, the minde ruled and directed the will and affections; but now these inferiour powers rule, or rather ouer-rule the minde, and vtterly peruert the regiment thereof▪ they cast a mist, and a vaile ouer the eie of the minde, that it can see nothing in the waies of righteousnesse: and therefore as wee tender the saluation of our soules, wee must renounce our owne naturall wils and corrupt desires, and striue to bring them into subiection vnto the word of God. Many men thinke much to be crossed of their naturall desires and delights, but it is happie for the soule, when God in his prouidence doth breake men of their wills; for the will vnsubdued carries the whole man headlong into all disorder. This must be considered of them which haue knowledge and learning, for vnlesse the will and affections be ruled by the word, all knowledge is made fruitlesse: out of the heart (saith