A09432:1158
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.
for what wretched creatures are we, that cannot make good claim nor title before God, to the apparel upon our backs, nor to the meat we put into our bellies? nay, of our selves we have not right to the breath we draw in at our nostrils. And out of question this is the state of every natural man, though he be never so great a monarch in the world, while he is out of Gods kingdom, wanting righteousness and regeneration by Jesus Christ. Secondly, this also must persuade ⟨p. 402⟩every one of us, to put in practise the former instruction, endeavouring above all things to get Gods kingdom for our selves; for till we have part herein, we can have no sound comfort in the use of Gods creatures, which necessarily serve to our temporal life. This reason alone, if there were no more, should spur us on to all diligence in this duty: what shame and grief is it to eat our bread in the sight of God, as thieves and usurpers do in the sight of men? and therefore let us give no rest unto our souls till we attain to some good assurance in this blessed estate. The way we must remember, is by true conversion and regeneration; and we shall discern our selves to be regenerate, by these fruits of the spirit in us; to wit, I. A true touch of conscience1 for our sins, both original and actual. II. A godly sorrow and grief of heart for offending and displeasing God by our transgressions. III. An earnest desire, or true spiritual hunger and thirst after Christ and his righteousness, testified by our constant and diligent use of those means, the word, prayer, and sacraments, wherein God gives grace and assurance of mercy. IV. An unfeigned turning unto God from all sin by new obedience, having a constant purpose of heart not to sin, and a godly endeavour in life to please God in all things. These are the marks of the new creature, who hath true title to Gods kingdom; which we must labour to find in our selves, for our comfort in the use of Gods creatures: and if we find them in us, our title is good, not only to his creatures, but to his kingdom, notwithstanding our own unworthiness by our former iniquities.
for what wretched creatures are wee, that cannot make good claime nor title before God, to the apparel vpon our backs, nor to the meate we put into our bellies? nay, of our selues we haue not right to the breath we drawe in at our nosthrils. And out of question this is the state of euery naturall man, though he be neuer so great a monarke in the world, while hee is out of Gods kingdom, wanting righteousnes and regeneration by Iesus Christ. Secondly, this also must perswade