A09432:986
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.
The Uses. 1. Here observe the practise of these Scribes and Pharisees in Christs time: they did not only fast often, aas twice a week, but they were careful in observing all outward rites and signs pertaining to a religious fast: yet as in the two former duties of Alms-deeds, & Prayer, so in this, the principal thing is wanting; that is, truth & sincerity of heart; for their sour looks came not from sorrowful hearts: they were whole and righteous in their own conceit, and so needed not the Physician. ⟨p. 334⟩Christ Jesus, nor amendment of life. Now in them we may see a true pattern of the property of natural men in matters of religion,2 they more busy themselves about the outward work, then inward truth; they content themselves with outward rites and ceremonies, and little regard the true worship of the heart. See this in bAhab, who humbled himself outwardly in great measure, for fear of punishment, but he contented himself therewith, and never came to true humiliation of heart, in sorrow for sin, for he continued still in his old sins: and the Israelites, both in the wilderness, and in the land of Canaan, when God afflicted them, would humble themselves and seek his favour; but yet not in constant sincerity and truth, for as David csaith, They flattered him with their mouth:—for their heart was not upright with him: they performed the outward ceremonies, and dso drew near to God with their lips, but their heart was far from him. And thus it goeth generally with natural men: the whole religion of the Papists stands in outward ceremonial actions, partly Jewish and partly heathenish; and when they have observed them, they look no further. And so it fareth with many among us, that profess true religion; for the6 ignorant sort (which are very many every where) content themselves with the outward actions of religion; as coming to Church, hearing