A09432:383
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, all the reformed Churches in Europe do with one con•ent, honour our Church as a true Church of Christ; now their judgement1 is not slightly to be regarded, but to be preferred far before the rash opinions of private men: for the Church hath a gift of discerning in weighty ma•ters; she can judge of books of Scripture, which be authentical, which not; she can judge of spirits, and of doctrines; and therefore also can judge what company of men is a true Church, and what is not: and this their judgement also must confirm us in this truth, that this our Church is a true member of Gods Catholic church. Now whereas some allege the wants of our Church, to make it no Church: I answer, though I will not excuse any default in it, wherein i• is wanting, to that which Gods word requireth, but rather desire, that the righteousness thereof may break forth as the light, and salvation 2thereof as a burning lamp; yet this may be said in behalf of our Church, that the wants thereof are not such as do anyway raze the foundation of religion, or of Gods holy worship, and so can not make it to cease to be a true Church, and therefore none ought to separate from it for such wants: and yet this hindereth not, but that Gods servants may in a godly manner desire the Reformation of things that be amiss: for a good Church may be bettered; and we ought to strive after perfection.
Thirdly, all the reformed Churches in Europe doe with one con•ent, honour our Church as a true Church of Christ; now their iudgement1 is not slightly to be regarded, but to be preferred farre before the rash opinions of priuate men: for the Church hath a gift of discerning in waightie ma•ters; shee can iudge of bookes of Scripture, which be authenticall, which not; shee can iudge of spirits, and of doctrines; and therefore also can iudge what companie of men is a true Church, and what is not: and this their iudgement also must confirme vs in this truth, that this our Church is a true member of Gods Catholik church. Now whereas some alleadge the wants of our Church, to make it no Church: I answer, though I will not excuse any default in it, wherein i is wanting, to that which Gods word requireth, but rather desire, that the righteousnes thereof may breake forth as the light, and saluation