A09442:211
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.
Lastly, he addeth God and his Father, which expounds the former word God, for it is not taken for his nature absolutely, but for the first Person, God even his Father. Which showeth, that they must not live as they list: for they be made kings to the honour and service of God the Father, who is here named alone, not because he is above the Son and holy Ghost, for they be equal; but because he is the first person in order, and the fountain of the Deity: from it, it is derived to the Son and holy Ghost.
Lastly, he addeth God and his Father, which expounds the former word God, for it is not taken for his nature absolutely, but for the first Person, God euen his Father. Which sheweth, that they must not liue as they list: for they be made kings to the honour and seruice of God the Father, who is here named alone, not because he is aboue the Sonne and holy Ghost, for they be equall; but because he is the first person in order, and the fountaine of the Deitie: from it, it is deriued to the Son and holy Ghost.
Now after the meaning of the words, follow the uses. First, whereas all the true members of Christ be kings and priests in this life, we are taught how we must carry our selves: namely, as enemies to them which be of the kingdom of Satan, sin, the world and the flesh: we must be deadly and sworn enemies to them, we must have no concord nor amity with them. For if we be kings of the kingdom of grace, then we must be enemies to them which belong to the kingdom of darkness:1 there must be no fellowship between light and darkness. Now that we may so carry our selves as enemies, we must first have care to keep guard to defend our selves as kings against all our enemies, sin, Satan, our own flesh, and the enticements of the world. As Kings protect their kingdoms, so must we stand on our guard, defend our souls and bodies, and every faculty and part of them, our wills, affections, thoughts and inclinations, 1. Joh. 5. 18. He which is borne of God keepeth himself, (as with watch and ward) that sin or Satan touch him not.