A09432:391
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, many are offended at the lives of Ministers, and from the1 wants that be in them, whether in deed, or in suspicion only, many take occasion to contemn their doctrine; thinking, as the Rulers of the Jews said to the blind man; fThou art altogether borne in sin, and doest thou teach us? Now to cut off this occasion, two things must3 be remembered. First, we must distinguish of every Minister, and consider4 in him a double person; both that he is a sinful man, subject to many infirmities, as we our selves are; and also that he is the Lords ⟨p. 140⟩Ambassador, sent in Gods name to deliver his will unto us. Now look, as we honour the Ambassador of a Prince, though his person be vile and base; so much more ought we to reverence the Ambassador of God himself, and receive his doctrine, as from God, though for his person, he be subject to manifold infirmities. Secondly, we must consider, that it is Gods will and commandment, that though ministers be manifestly faulty and sinful, yet their ministry must be received and obeyed carefully. Math. 23. 2. The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses chair (saith Christ,) all therefore that they bid you observe, that do, but after their works do not. Phil. 1. 15. Some preach Christ of envy (saith Paul) and not in sincerity, but yet the Apostle rejoiced therein, because Christ was preached every manner of way, verse 18. And therefore, as we do not refuse meat for our bodies when we be hungry, though a wicked person have dressed it, so must we not refuse or contemn the word of God, the food of our souls, for the sins of the party that delivereth it.
Secondly, many are offended at the liues of Ministers, and from the1