A09442:480
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.
I know thy works. Some expound it of works of mercy, and ⟨p. 124⟩liberality, but that cannot stand. But when he saith, I know thy works, that is, the dealings and practises of the people and Ministers in their callings and affairs, I know them, they are open and not hid from me: and not only know them, but with approbation allow them: as in comparing this with the fourth verse, where there is an opposition: Though I know thy works, that is, allow them, yet I find fault in some things with thee.
I know thy workes. Some expound it of workes of mercie, and ⟨p. 124⟩liberalitie, but that cannot stand. But when he saith, I know thy workes, that is, the dealings and practises of the people and Ministers in their callings and affaires, I know them, they are open and not hid from me: and not onely know them, but with approbation allow them: as in cōparing this with the fourth verse, where there is an opposition: Though I know thy workes, that is, allow them, yet I find fault in some things with thee.
Whereas Christ he knoweth,1 that is, approveth their works, ways, dealing, conversation and living, this may be a remedy against all secret and hidden sins. The adulterer, thief, and murderer wait for the night, when they think none see them, then they may as they think practise any sin: so the tradesman he thinking no man seeth him, changeth and counterfeiteth his wares, and blearing mans eye, thinketh all is well. And the cause why there is such fraud, deceit, guile, and injustice among men is, because men think they can do it so, as none shall see them: they say, God regardeth and seeth not our dealing. Psal. 94. 7. But if men would consider, that though they can blear the eye of man, yet they cannot hide it from God, seeing they be always in his sight, this would make men make conscience of many secret corruptions and sins in their hearts. Whereas this knowledge is joined with approbation,