A09432:1152
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.
Thus we see the way to get this kingdom for our selves: now the necessity of our endeavour in these duties with all care and diligence appears by this, that out of this estate, for true interest to this kingdom, is nothing indeed but woeful misery, under the curse of God, and the power of Satan in the kingdom of darkness: but in the fruition of this kingdom is true happiness: here is grighteousness, peace, and joy in the •oly Ghost; yea, hjoy unspeakable and glorious: for: the things that eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither ever entered into the 3heart of man to think, hath God prepared for them that love him: and they are all to be had in this his kingdom. Wherefore as we desire to escape the woe and misery of the devils kingdom, and to be partakers of the joys of heaven, so let us look unto the performance of the former duties, showing herein the resolution of the wise merchant; that parted with all he had, to get that pearl of price, Matth. 13. 46. This4 kingdom of God, is here set out unto us, like a city with suburbs, and two gates; the suburbs of this city, are those assemblies where the word of God is truly preached and dispensed; and hereinto come not only the elect and godly, but hypocrites and reprobates. The first gate, is the5 true state of grace, whereinto the elect of God alone do enter by regeneration; in which estate they continue in this life, going on from one degree of grace unto a greater, with endeavour in all things to keep faith and good conscience both towards God and men, and so wait to enter the gate of glory, which is set open unto them, and they enter in6 at the hour of death. And therefore let us not deceive our own souls, as the foolish virgins did with their burning lamps, and content our selves, that we come to Church, and live civilly; though these be good things, yet an hypocrite may go thus far, all this while we are but in the suburbs of this kingdom: but if ever we look for the glory of heaven, we must in this life enter the gate of grace by regeneration, and become new creatures.