A09432:1179
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.
Rash censure of mens speeches and actions is given many ways: I. When things are well done, to carp and cavil at them without any1 just cause. Thus the profession of Religion at this day, is accounted of many to be but counterfeit holiness, and the due obedience to the moral Law is nicknamed and termed preciseness, and the professors thereof called Puritans and Precisians, for this cause only, that they make conscience of walking in obedience to Gods law. II. When actions or speeches indifferent, are taken in the worser part. Thus was Davids kindness ill accepted of Hanun king of Ammon, when David2 sent his servants to comfort him after the death of his father: for his Nobles told him and persuaded him, that David sent not unto him, because he honoured his father (though David undoubtedly sent with an honest and upright heart) but as it were craftily to search out the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it. Now hereupon Davids servants were badly entreated, and shamefully sent away; whence grew the war that ensued between them. III. When upon light occasion and uncertain reports, we suspect and surmise evil of our neighbour: suspicions indeed are sometime good, being conceived on a good ground, and retained for a good end; as to beware of the party and of his evil: but when they are conceived upon light causes, and for some sinister respect (as the common practise is, upon no good ground to conceive most badly) this is rash judgement. IV. When we see any want in our neighbours speech or behaviour, to make it worse then it was meant, or then indeed it is. V. When we spread abroad and publish the wants of men, to defame them, which might better be concealed, and in conscience and charity ought so to be. VI. When we speak nothing but the truth of another, but yet withal do insinuate thereby some evil of the party into the hearts of the hearers. This practise is as pestilent and dangerous, as any of the former. Thus Doeg told Saul of the fact of Ahimelec unto David, how he gave him victuals, and the sword of Goliath, which was true: but withal he did therein insinuate, that David and Ahimelec intended conspiracy against Saul. And this telling of the truth in that sort, cost the lives of fourscore and five persons, that were the liven Ephod, as we may read, 1. Sam. 21. 7. compared with the 22. chap. v. 9. and 18. VII.