A09442:446
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.
Now after this he addeth reasons to confirm his own words to John, when his word might have served alone. The first reason is in the end of the 17. verse: I am the first and the last. He is the first, because nothing was or can be before him; and the last, because nothing is or can be after Christ. And he addeth these two phrases, to show his Godhead and eternity, and that Christ alone hath in his hands the beginning and end ⟨p. 112⟩of all things: all things have their beginnings of him, he of nothing: but he giveth the beginning to all things, and he alone putteth the end to all things. Now seeing he hath power to give beginning and end, therefore he can preserve his servants from death, he can keep them from condemnation. And he having power to begin and end all things, can give and begin his promises, can end and accomplish the same at his pleasure.
Now after this he addeth reasons to confirme his owne words to Iohn, when his word might haue serued alone. The first reason is in the end of the 17. verse: I am the first and the last. He is the first, because nothing was or can be before him; and the last, because nothing is or can be after Christ. And he addeth these two phrases, to shew his Godhead and eternitie, and that Christ alone hath in his hands the beginning and end ⟨p. 112⟩of all things: all things haue their beginnings of him, he of nothing: but he giueth the beginning to all things, and he alone putteth the end to all things. Now seeing he hath power to giue beginning and end, therefore he can preserue his seruants from death, he can keepe them from condemnation. And he hauing power to begin and end all things, can giue and begin his promises, can end and accomplish the same at his pleasure.
And am alive (or he that liveth) but was dead. 1In these words is the second reason, which Christ allegeth, to prove his former words, and to make John not to fear death too much. The reason consisteth in a distinction, thus: Although I was dead yet now I am he which liveth, I have power of death, of hell, &c. This distinction hath three parts: first, though I was dead, yet now I live: secondly, I live for ever: thirdly, I have power of death, and the keys of hell, &c.