A09432:374
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.
As from the doctrine of the Church in general, so from the parts1 thereof, do many both learned and ignorant take occasion of offence; as first, from the doctrine of Gods predestination, whereby we teach that God hath decreed the condemnation of some. This doctrine ⟨p. 133⟩many do renounce, as a doctrine of cruelty, and thereupon frame unto themselves private opinions, which will not stand with the word of God.
As from the doctrine of the Church in generall, so from the parts1 thereof, doe many both learned and ignorant take occasion of offence; as first, from the doctrine of Gods predestination, whereby we teach that God hath decreed the condemnation of some. This doctrine ⟨p. 133⟩many doe renounce, as a doctrine of crueltie, and thereupon frame vnto themselues priuate opinions, which will not stand with the word of God.
- 1Offences taken from particular doctrines. • Of Predestination.
The way to avoid this occasion of offence, is this; First, to grant1 unto God himself so much in this case, as we will yield to mortal man in the like. Among our selves we allow of this liberty one to another, that a man may kill a fly, or a worm; and for his lawful use and pleasure, kill sheep, oxen, and other creatures, and yet be a merciful man: shall we not then allow unto God, that he may glorify his name, in the just and deserved condemnation and destruction of his creature? This is less then we grant to men, for a worm is something unto man; but a man is nothing in respect of God. Again, among our selves, in some things we give liberty one to another to do as we will, and yet think the action just and lawful; much more then ought we to give freedom of will unto God in all his actions, without conceit of cruelty in any one of his works; for all his works are done in equity. Secondly, it must