A09432:195
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.
Thirdly, the end of good works, in regard of our brethren, is principally this; that by our example in well doing, we may win some unto God, and keep others in the obedience of the truth, and prevent offences, whereby many are drawn back. The contagion of a bad example, especially in men of superior place, is such, that it will not only cast their own souls to hell, but also draw many with them. When Jeroboam the King sinned, he caused Israel to sin: 1. Kings 15. 34. And therefore we must carefully look to all our ways, in regard of others, and so live according to Christs commandment in this place, that others seeing our good works, may be won to the truth, and so glorify God which is in heaven. And thus we see the ends of good works.
Thirdly, the ende of good workes, in regard of our brethren, is principally this; that by our example in well doing, wee may winne some vnto God, and keepe others in the obedience of the truth, and preuent offences, whereby many are drawne backe. The contagion of a badde example, especially in men of superiour place, is such, that it wil not only cast their owne soules to hell, but also draw many with them. When Ieroboam the King sinned, hee caused Israel to sinne: 1. Kings 15. 34. And therefore wee must carefully looke to all our waies, in regard of others, and so liue according to Christs commandement in this place, that others seeing our good workes, may bee wonne to the truth, and so glorifie God which is in heauen. And thus wee see the endes of good workes.
Now considering good works be of such excellent use, we are hereby admonished to exercise our selves therein, with all diligence; for hereby we benefit our brethren, we help our selves, and we glorify God: neither must any mans poverty hinder him from this duty, for not only alms deeds, and large gifts to Churches, and high ways, are good works; but also the special duties of every mans lawful calling, done in faith, to the glory of God, and the good of men, be the calling never so base: by the doing whereof, in faith and obedience, he may get sure testimony of his election. This exhortation is most needful, for so soon as men have occasion to commit any sin, then they shake off the yoke of all obedience, as there were no way of good works to be walked in. The Papists indeed make the merit of justification, and life everlasting, the end of good works; but that hath bin sufficiently confuted heretofore.