A09442:465
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 Christ expounds not the whole vision, but the two principal parts: what is meant by the seven stars and seven candlesticks: namely, by the seven stars seven Angels of the seven churches▪ by the candlesticks, we showed before.
Now Christ expounds not the whole vision, but the two principall parts: what is meant by the seuen starres and seuen candlestickes: namely, by the seuen starres seuen Angels of the seuen churches▪ by the candlestickes, we shewed before.
In this verse note why Christ expounds the two principal parts, & leaves the rest unexpounded. The reason is, first because Christ hath given his church power to expound visions and scripture. Now if he had expounded every part and circumstance, then there had been no matter left to the church to exercise her power. Secondly, to stir up to diligence & study of the scripture, both Ministers & all members of the church: for if all were plain, then men would be idle, never take pains to interpret the word: therefore Christ expounds the chief, and leaves the circumstances and appurtenances for the church to interpret. Thirdly, that men might daily grow in knowledge of the Scripture: for if all were known at first, they would not study to increase in knowledge: fourthly, to stir up invocation for grace, to understand Scripture. Now these Ministers are called Angels, which be the Pastors and Ministers of the church. Mat. 11. 10. John Baptist is called Christs Angel, or messenger, or Ambassador. By this we have direction to expound another place of Scripture, where it is said, Women must be covered because of the Angels: that is, because ⟨p. 120⟩of the Ministers: for the covering of the head in the church of Corinth was a sign of subjection and inferiority, contrary to our use. Now, the women when they come into the congregation before the Ministers, they must be covered, to show their subjection and submission to the Gospel and doctrine delivered to them.