A09442:474
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 in that he directeth his Epistle to the Angel and Minister, he intimateth to him his duty: first, that he must especially labour to teach the particular contents of this Epistle to the Church of Ephesus: secondly, that he should not only teach, but be a pattern and example to them of the things contained in this Epistle. Secondly, he writeth to the Angel of the church himself, because he especially doth great good or harm to the Church. If the minister be good, there cometh much good, if he be evil there cometh much evil, as all examples show. Now Christ writeth for this cause to him, that he might be diligent, and so the cause of good, not of evil.
Now in that he directeth his Epistle to the Angell and Minister, he intimateth to him his dutie: first, that he must especially labour to teach the particular contents of this Epistle to the Church of Ephesus: secondly, that he should not onely teach, but be a patterne and example to them of the things contained in this Epistle. Secondly, he writeth to the Angell of the church himselfe, because he especially doth great good or harme to the Church. If the minister be good, there cometh much good, if he be euill there cometh much euill, as all examples shew. Now Christ writeth for this cause to him, that he might be diligent, and so the cause of good, not of euill.
The second point is, that Christ among all the seven Churches writeth to the Church of Ephesus: first, which is not, because it had authority above the rest, but because it was in riches and estimation above the rest, and was the mother city: for they were all candlesticks, and all golden candlesticks: but because it excelled, all other cities in riches and estimation; for that he directeth his Epistle first to this Church. By which he showeth, that those Churches, towns, and people which excel either in riches and estimation, and other temporal gifts, they must also excel in the graces of God. And so all men in particular, as they excel in riches and estimation, they must excel others in godliness and religion. So then, each town must (as it excelleth other, in that it hath a greater name, greater riches, or other temporal blessings) go before other which want them. If they excel other in these, and be inferior in godliness and religion, it is a shame for them before God and man too.