A09442:116
Lectures upon the three first chapters of the RevelationLectures vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation
Lectures upon the three first chapters of the Revelation: preached in Cambridge anno Dom. 1595. by Master William Perkins, and now published for the benefit of this Church, by Robert Hill Bachelor in Divinity. To which is added an excellent sermon, penned at the request of that noble and wise councillor, Ambrose, Earle of Warwick: in which is proved that Rome is Babylon, and that Babylon is fallenLectures vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation: preached in Cambridge anno Dom. 1595. by Master William Perkins, and now published for the benefite of this Church, by Robert Hill Bachelor in Diuinitie. To which is added an excellent sermon, penned at the request of that noble and wise councellor, Ambrose, Earle of Warwicke: in which is proued that Rome is Babylon, and that Babylon is fallen
London: printed by Richard Field for Cuthbert Burbie, 1604
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.
Whereas the Apostle wishes them grace in the first place,1 he would teach us that this Gods favour is to be sought for above all things, yea in the first place. Psal. 4. 6. Many say, Who will show us any good? But David he seeks this grace and favour of God, Lord lift up the light of thy countenance upon me: let me be in thy favour.2 And often he says, the Lord he is his portion, inheritance, and his lot: showing, to be in the love and favour of God, is to be preferred before all things in the world. So must we ⟨p. 25⟩seek first to be in Gods favour, make that our chiefest care, seek it above all things: but we little practise this, because we bring from our cradles natural presumption, which persuades us that we be in the favour of God, that we have his love to us. But we must cast off this natural presumption, and take a new course; and the first step to come to grace, is to see that we want grace: we must see that we be lost sheep: prodigal children in our selves, the very fire-brands of hell: and this, to see our own want of grace, is the first step to grace. The second step, is to desire it when we see that we want it, to hunger and long for it. Thirdly, to lay hold on it, to apprehend this favour and grace by true and lively faith, to apply the promises of salvation by faith in Christ Jesus: and this is the last steppe to get this grace.
Whereas the Apostle wishes them grace in the first place,1 he would teach vs that this Gods fauour is to be sought for aboue all things, yea in the first place. Psal. 4. 6. Many say, Who will shew vs any good? But Dauid he seekes this grace and fauour of God, Lord lift vp the light of thy countenance vpon me: let me be in thy fauour.2 And often he sayes, the Lord he is his portion, inheritance, and his lot: shewing, to be in the loue and fauor of God, is to be preferred before all things in the world. So must we