A09432:629
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.
Thus much for the words: now followeth the commandment it self. Take heed that you give not your Alms before men to be seen of them. This commandment tendeth to this end, to teach men how to1 avoid the unlawful manner of giving Alms: for a good thing may be done in an ill manner, and usually men offend this way in their good deeds. Now this commandment prescribes a double circumspection in giving Alms: first, touching the ground: secondly, touching the end of alms giving. The ground of our Alms must not be the pride2 of our hearts: this Christ forewarns us of, if we look it should be good and acceptable in the sight of God. This is a point of great importance, and therefore for the better observing of it, I will here show two points: I. what this pride is: II. why it must be so carefully avoided in our alms deeds. By pride, I mean not outward pride in3 apparel, but that which is inward in the soul, consisting partly in the mind, and partly in the will and affections, Pride of mind, is a corrupt4 disposition thereof, whereby a man thinks himself to be better, & ⟨p. 219⟩more excellent then indeed he is: this was the sin of the Pharisee, who boasted unto God of his own goodness, Luk. 18. 11, 12. And hence it came that the Church of Laodicea agloried in her self, saying, I am rich, and increased in wealth, and lack nothing; when as indeed she was poor, and blind, and miserable, and naked. This conceit is most dangerous, especially in the point of grace, causing many to deceive their own souls, by thinking they have grace when they have none,6 and overweening that which they have. Pride in will, is an inward affection, whereby a man is not contented with that estate wherein God hath placed him, but desires a better. This befell