A09432:1157
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.
The consideration hereof serves for special use: I. To discover unto1 us the preposterous course that men take in seeking for temporal blessings; for most men generally neglect the main good, which is Gods kingdom, & wholly addict themselves to seek the things of this life: they take little or no thought for the eternal state of their souls, but spend their wit and strength in providing for their bodies; which is nothing else, but to gripe at the shadow, and to let the substance go. Wherein we show our selves foolish and simple, like to little children, who are better pleased with the gift of a nut or an apple, then with the promise of rich revenues, or great inheritance. II. This teacheth us with what mind we must seek the temporal blessings of this life; namely, with the same honest mind, wherewith we seek the kingdom of God, for they are appurtenances thereunto, and depend upon it: and therefore with an upright heart, we must only use lawful means moderately for the getting of them. And when we have them, this may direct us in the right end whereto we must use our temporal blessings; namely, to the furtherance of our selves and others towards the kingdom of God; so we honour God with our riches, as Solomon bids us, Prou. 3. 9. III. This teacheth us, that they which have2 no right to Gods kingdom, nor part in Christs righteousness, have no good interest into any temporal blessings; as food, raiment, and such like, for they are dependants upon Gods kingdom and righteousness. As for the heathen before Christs coming, & Turks, and Pagans, and all profane persons that live in the Church at this day, who both heretofore, & now also, do enjoy temporal blessings in great abundance: this we must know, that they have thereto a civil right by Gods permission, so as it is sin, without good cause to deprive them thereof; but yet of themselves they are but usurpers, in regard of true title & sanctified use before God: for by Adans fall we lost our right & sovereignty in the creatures, & it is only restored & renewed i• Christ, so as they which have not part in Christ, cannot have this true title. This we must observe, first,3 to instruct our selves the better in the knowledge of our own miserable state by nature;