A09442:488
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 thou canst not bear, &c. Now followeth the third particular work or virtue, for which Christ commends the church of Ephesus. And how thou canst not bear them which be wicked. Here he commends her severity against wicked men, that is, such as lived offensively in life or doctrine, maintained any manifest heresy or error. The church of Ephesus could not bear such, but esteemed of them as a burden which she could not bear, but sought to be disburdened of.
And thou canst not beare, &c. Now followeth the third particular worke or vertue, for which Christ commends the church of Ephesus. And how thou canst not beare them which be wicked. Here he commends her seueritie against wicked men, that is, such as liued offensiuely in life or doctrine, maintained any manifest heresie or errour. The church of Ephesus could not beare such, but esteemed of them as a burthen which she could not beare, but sought to be disburthened of.
Hence we see,1 that it is necessary for wicked men to be severed from the church, and she must be purged of them. So in all ages it was practised, the Church sought to be disburdened of wicked men, as when Cain had slain his brother, Genes. 4. the Lord cast him out from his face, that is, that place where Adam & his family assembled to worship God. So saith Jeremiah, the wicked must be taken away. Jer. 15. If thou wilt turn and separate the wicked, & the vile, then thou shalt be as the Lords mouth. 1. Cor. 5. where the incestuous person must be given unto Satan. All these places prove, that wicked men which be offensive in life or doctrine, must be separate from the church, she must be purged of them. It is necessary the church should be purged of these wicked men: first, because they defile the worship of God, and infect it by their wickedness, whereas they which worship him must be holy as he is holy. Secondly, least the church be defiled & infected by their wicked doctrine and life, for they be as sour leaven which will soon infect the whole mass of dough.