A09434:486
A godly and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Jude, containing threescore and…A godlie and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Iude, containing threescore and…
A godly and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Jude, containing threescore and six sermons preached in Cambridge by that reverend and faithful man of God, Master William Perkins, and now at the request of his executors, published by Thomas Taylor, preacher of Gods word ; whereunto is prefixed a large analysis, containing the sum and order of the whole book, according to the authors own method, to which are further added, four brief tables to direct the reader ...A godlie and learned exposition upon the whole epistle of Iude, containing threescore and sixe sermons preached in Cambridge by that reverend and faithfull man of God, Master William Perkins, and now at the request of his executors, published by Thomas Taylor, preacher of Gods word ; whereunto is prefixed a large analysis, containing the summe and order of the whole booke, according to the authors owne method, to which are further added, foure briefe tables to direct the reader ...
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Thomas Man, 1606
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.
2. Doctr. Secondly, hence we are taught to beware of ambition, and study to be contented with that condition of life wherein God hath placed us, not seeking things beyond our estate. David would not meddle with things beyond his reach, Psal. 131.1. Paul had learned in every estate to be contented,1 to be abased as well as to be exalted. Our first parents in the ambitious conceit of further highness, fell from a most happy condition, and brought ruin upon themselves, and us their posterity. The virtue of contentation is indeed necessary for all men, but especially let students seek it at the hands of God; and the rather, because that within these few years divers of them (not possessing the benefit of this virtue) being frustrated here of their expected preferments, which they thought were due to their gifts, have departed away discontented, and have grown to resolution in heresy, Papistry, treason, and most desperate attempts. Now that every man may learn to be contented with his condition, be it better or worse, let him think well upon these two considerations: first, that the present estate and condition of life, wherein every man is set by God, is the best estate for him: health is best in time of health, and sickness in time of sickness: riches when they are enjoyed, poverty and want when the Lord changeth his hand: life whilst he liveth, yea and death it self is the best when as that change befalleth: and all this is because the Lord so ordereth and disposeth unto every man out of his wise providence, which we for our parts must in all our thoughts be submitted unto. Secondly, that in regard of our sins we are less than the least of Gods mercies; unworthy to draw breath in the common air or to tread upon the earth: and therefore (being so unworthy) if we have but small & few blessings, we may well content our selves: for by our deserts we cannot challenge so much as we have. Jacob herein stayed himself in his want that he was unworthy of the least mercy of God: the basest calling is too good for the best man, if he look at his desert. Ob. But every man is preferred before me, and yet I deserve as well as they, or some of them. Ans. Herein content thy self, God hath called them to such condition; stay till he call thee: distract not thy thoughts herewith, but rest in his revealed will.
2. Doctr. Secondly, hence wee are taught to beware of ambition, and studie to bee contented with that condition of life wherein God hath placed vs, not seeking things beyond our estate. Dauid would not meddle with things beyond his reach,