A09443:1048
A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…
A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the Revelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine, master William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of DivinityA godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation. Preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and judicious diuine, maister William Perkins, Ann. Dom. 1595. First published for the benefit of Gods Church, by Robert Hill, Bachelor of Diuinitie
London: printed by Adam Islip for Cuthbert Burbie, 1606
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.
II. Sign of luke-warmness: The Religion of most men is this; In the general calling of a Christian they show Religion, but in the affairs of their particular callings, where is religion? In the Church they are good Christians, but in practise of the duties of their particular callings, who showeth his religion? for when as men should practise their callings, according to Gods word and true godliness, they follow the desires of their own hearts. Little conscience is made of lying and oppression; that love and plain dealing, which ought to be between man and man is wanting; which proveth them plainly to be luke-warm Gospellers.
II. Signe of luke-warmenesse: The Religion of most men is this; In the generall calling of a Christian they shew Religion, but in the affaires of their particular callings, where is religion? In the Church they are good Christians, but in practise of the duties of their particular callings, who sheweth his religion? for when as men should practise their callings, according to Gods word and true godlynesse, they follow the desires of their owne hearts. Little conscience is made of lying and oppression; that loue and plaine dealing, which ought to be between man and man is wanting; which prooueth them plainely to bee luke-warme Gospellers.
III. Sign. There be many that profess themselves to be luke-warm, neither hot nor cold. For though all generally come to the hearing of the word, and the receiving of the sacraments, yet many when they see some make conscience to become answerable in some measure to the word which they hear, and the Sacraments which they receive, do take up in their mouths this slander of preciseness against them: mocking them for doing that which in the word & sacraments themselves proofs should be don. These men will not be enemies to the Religion of Christ; and they profess themselves not to be zealous, by reproaching zeal in others: Therefore they do more than these Laodiceans did, even profess themselves to be luke-warm. For he that reproacheth another for zeal in Religion, brandeth himself with this sin of Luke-warmness. And who knows not how many of this •ort are every where? I dare with good conscience say, our congregations generally consist of such. Now mark what followeth hereupon.