A09432:676
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.
Christ having forbidden hypocrisy in prayer, in the former verse,1 doth here command the contrary virtue; namely, sincerity▪ setting down the right manner of prayer to God in that behalf. Now because the words are not to be taken in that sense, which at the first reading they seem to bear; therefore for the better understanding of them, I will here lay down two grounds: 1. That in this place our Saviour Christ doth not forbid public prayer in the congregation, or in public places; for public prayer is Gods ordinance, where two or three (saith 2Christ) be gathered together in my name, there am I in the middle among them: and whatsoever they shall desire, shall be given them of my father. Again, public prayer serves for most worthy uses, for3 which it must be maintained; as first, to make mens prayers unto God more fervent and effectual; as in the common wealth, a private mans supplication is not so much respected, as when a whole incorporation,4 or a whole shire make petition to the Prince. Secondly, by public5 prayer a man professeth himself to be a member of Gods Church, and one that severeth himself from all profane societies and companies of men in the world. Thirdly, public prayer serves to stir up zeal in6 them that be cold and backward; for herein they are made acquainted with Gods blessings, they are left to see their own wants, & they have the good example of Gods children. 2. Ground. That private prayer (though it be Gods own ordinance) is not here directly commanded: for look what was forbidden in the former verse, the contrary thereto is here commanded; but Christ did not simply there forbid public prayer, he aimed at an higher thing therein; namely, hypocrisy, & therefore here he commandeth not private prayer directly, but intendeth the right manner thereof, for sincerity, whether public or private.
Christ hauing forbidden hypocrisie in praier, in the former verse,