A09442:97
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.
For the time is at hand. Here is a reason of the former words, Blessed is he which readeth, &c. Seeing the time of the accomplishing of this Prophecy is at hand, and must shortly be fulfilled, therefore those be blessed which read and keep this prophecy; and it is an answer to a secret objection. For they might have said, We need not read this Prophecy, seeing it shall not be fulfilled in our days; but he addeth, The time is at hand, and so taketh that objection away.
For the time is at hand. Here is a reason of the former words, Blessed is he which readeth, &c. Seeing the time of the accomplishing of this Prophesie is at hand, and must shortly be fulfilled, therefore those be blessed which reade and keepe this prophesie; and it is an answer to a secret obiection. For they might haue said, We need not reade this Prophesie, seeing it shal not be fulfilled in our dayes; but he addeth, The time is at hand, and so taketh that obiection away.
Now seeing these words were in the first verse, and here repeated again, he would teach us that they contain some weighty matter for us to be considered, and to be earnestly thought of. Now S. John adds these words for two causes: first, because the Church, though it cannot be overtaken with deadly sleep, yet it may slumber, and be cast into some beginnings of sleep: as the five wise virgins, though they slept not so carelessly ⟨p. 20⟩as the other, yet they all slept, not a deadly sleep, but a slumber: for in the Church there may be some remnants of security. Cant. 5. 2. The Church sleeps, but so as she always listens as awaken, being in a light slumber. Now least the Church should be careless, sleeping and drowsy, the holy Ghost adds these words, The time of the last judgement is at hand.
Now seeing these words were in the first verse, and here repeated againe, he would teach vs that they containe some waighty matter for vs to be considered, and to be earnestly thought of. Now S. Iohn addes these words for two causes: first, because the Church, though it cannot be ouertaken with deadly sleepe, yet it may slumber, and be cast into some beginnings of sleepe: as the fiue wise virgins, though they slept not so carelesly