A09432:361
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.
Having thus showed, what be the occasions given whereby men are1 drawn to sin, I come to occasions taken. An occasion of sin, or, an offence taken is, when a man of a good thing frames that unto himself which causeth him to sin against God; and so as much as in him lieth, to cast away his own soul. These occasions taken, arise especially from2 four heads. First, from the Scripture: secondly, from the doctrine of the Church drawn out of Scripture: thirdly, from the state of the Church: and fourthly, from the state of the wicked. For the first: though the word of God be most perfect every way, both for matter and style, yet hence do many take offence, and that two ways principally; partly from the plainness and simplicity of the Scripture, and3 partly from the contents thereof. For the first, it is most true, that the Scripture style and phrase in many things, is plain and familiar even to the capacity of the simple; yet this is no disgrace to Scripture, but rather an honour, which more setteth out the Majesty of Gods word. And yet hereby many take occasion to contemn it, esteeming the study of Scripture too base and shallow, and the knowledge thereof, too plain and familiar for their fine wits; whereupon some give themselves to other studies and courses, which might glorify God in this calling. Others also, though they addict themselves unto Divinity, yet they more employ themselves in the writings of men, for their private studies, then in the word of God; and in their public Ministry, they more affect the ostentation of humane wit, eloquence, and learning, in multiplicity of reading, and set words and phrases, in divers languages, then that plain evidence of the spirit, which the Apostle aPaul so much commends. This also is a great fault in many hearers, that they are more delighted with the vain conceits of men in preaching, then with the pure and plain word of God, counting basely of that Sermon, wherein the Prophets and the Apostles are only quoted, but highly advancing that Sermon for deep learning which is stuffed out with Fathers, Schoolmen, Poets, and such like.
Hauing thus shewed, what be the occasions giuen whereby men are