A09432:141
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, Christ calling his Disciples salt, teacheth them and all ministers, that they themselves ought first to be seasoned by the word: for how can they fitly season others by applying this salt unto their consciences, who never felt the biting of it upon their own? He that is unseasoned himself may speak Gods word, which God may bless to the good of others: but yet in respect of himself, it is a riddle which can not be understood.
Secondly, Christ calling his Disciples salt, teacheth them and all ministers, that they themselues ought first to be seasoned by the word: for how can they fitly season others by applying this salt vnto their consciences, who neuer felt the biting of it vpon their owne? He that is vnseasoned himselfe may speake Gods word, which God may blesse to the good of others: but yet in respect of himselfe, it is a riddle which can not be vnderstood.
Thirdly, this Title giveth good direction to every Minister for his manner of preaching: for if the word of God alone be that savoury salt, wherewith mans heart is seasoned for the Lord, then it ought to be dispensed purely and sincerely, without the mixture of humane inventions. This was Pauls care, mmy word & my preaching (saith he) stood not in the enticing speech of mans wisdom, but in plain evidence of the spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Experience teacheth us that salt by mixture with other things looseth of his savour: and so is it with the word: In deed there is a place for Arts and tongues, and humane learning with every dispenser of the word, wherein he may use them with great commendation, to wit, in his private preparation: but not in the public dispensation whereby he seasoneth mens hearts unto God; that the word of God alone must do, for to it alone belongs the promise of the spirit. Isay. 59. 21. And therefore he must use great discretion in this ministry, and labour so to speak that the spirit may take delight to accompany the same.