A09432:1150
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, when we have found this kingdom, we must seek to enter 1into it; for it is not enough to be where it is, or to have it among us, for so the Pharisees had in the time of Christ, Luk. 11. 20. Now we cannot enter in of our selves, without the special work of Gods holy spirit; so saith our Saviour Christ, Matth. 18. 3. Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of God: where two things are required in him that would enter into this kingdom: To become as little children; and to be converted. We become as little children in humility, meekness, and freedom from pride & disdain; for we know the child of a Prince will without disdain associate himself in play with a poor mans child: and so we in conscience of our own sins, must be humbled in our selves, and made base in our own eyes, laying aside our natural pride and self-love, and disdain of others; for a heart swelling with pride and self-love, cannot enter into the strait gate of this kingdom. Again, we must be converted and regenerate by the spirit of God: for fexcept a man be borne again of water, and of the spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God. This conversion is not a change of the substance of the soul, or of the body, or of the faculties or parts thereof, but only of their evil qualities and actions; whereby the Image of Satan in sin and corruption is abolished, & the image of God renewed, for knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness both in heart and life. When this work of regeneration is truly begun in us, then do we enter into Gods kingdom, even in this life; for herein the ignorant deceive themselves, that think we enter not before the time of death.
Secondly, when we haue found this kingdome, we must seeke to enter 1into it; for it is not enough to be where it is, or to haue it among vs, for so the Pharisies had in the time of Christ, Luk. 11. 20. Now we cannot enter in of our selues, without the speciall worke of Gods holy spirit; so saith our Sauiour Christ,