A09442:393
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.
And his eyes were as a flame of fire. S. John goeth on to describe Christ in vision by the parts of his body: now in handling these parts, though no man can set down certainly what the holy Ghost intendeth in every point, yet we must consider what is most probable in the word of God. And his eyes, &c. He addeth these, to signify two things: first, to show that our Mediator is of a most piercing, sharp, and quick sight, so that ⟨p. 96⟩he beholdeth all things in earth, even the secrets of our hearts, for he hath fiery and piercing eyes: and as fire entereth and pierceth all metals, so Christ by his fiery eye pierceth into the substance and secrets of the hearts. Now it is necessary that the head of the Church should be so sharp of sight, that he might behold the whole Church, see all the enterprises of the devil, and the estate of all his children.
And his eyes were as a flame of fire. S. Iohn goeth on to describe Christ in vision by the parts of his bodie: now in handling these parts, though no man can set downe certainly what the holy Ghost intendeth in euery point, yet we must consider what is most probable in the word of God. And his eyes, &c. He addeth these, to signifie two things: first, to shew that our Mediator is of a most piercing, sharpe, and quicke sight, so that ⟨p. 96⟩he beholdeth all things in earth, euen the secrets of our hearts, for he hath fierie and piercing eyes: and as fire entreth and pierceth all mettals, so Christ by his fierie eye pierceth into the substance and secrets of the hearts. Now it is necessarie that the head of the Church should be so sharpe of sight, that he might behold the whole Church, see all the enterprises of the diuell, and the estate of all his children.
Seeing Christ is of so piercing and fiery a sight,1 that he seeth the very secrets and thoughts of our hearts, we must have care not only of our words and actions, but of ordering our thoughts and affections: for Christ pierceth into our hearts and seeth them: therefore we must look they be in order that he may approve them. It is true, thoughts and inward affections, with men bear no action, because men know not the heart and affections: but it is not so with God, he seeth the least inclination and purpose of our hearts, and he keepeth court of judgement, not only for words and actions, but for thoughts and affections. Therefore men must take heed they be well ordered, and so of Christ approved, that for them they be not condemned.