A09443:1075
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.
1As it was with this Church, so it is with all other. Every person and all people are but poor, and beggarly, if they want Christ: and therefore if God have given any man riches and wealth, he must lay this good foundation; use them as helps to further his salvation: For by them he may attain to the means of salvation, and also show forth the fruits of faith. But they that have wealth and use it otherwise shall find it turn to their deeper condemnation.
1As it was with this Church, so it is with all other. Euerie person and all people are but poore, and beggarly, if they want Christ: and therefore if God haue giuen any man riches and wealth, hee must lay this good foundation; vse them as helps to further his saluation: For by them hee may attaine to the meanes of saluation, and also shew forth the fruits of faith. But they that haue wealth and vse it otherwise shall finde it turne to their deeper condemnation.
- 1The use.The vse.
The second part of their misery is blindness. Quest. How can they be said to be blind; for they had a learned teacher no doubt, that both was able, and did teach the will of God; and the people likewise knew the points of Religion, and believed the Gospel? Answ. They had knowledge indeed, but yet they were blind: first, because they knew not their own estate. If a man had all skill in all Arts and sciences, & great knowledge in the word: yet if he know not himself in some measure, he is but a blind man. Secondly, because they did not know God in Christ: They knew no doubt, that there was a God, and that Christ was a Saviour, but they could not apply it to themselves, to be able to say, God is my God, Christ my Redeemer, and the holy Ghost my Sanctifier. Thirdly, because they could not discern of things that did differ; as between good and evil, between evil and evil, and between temporal things, and eternal blessings: This spiritual discerning, is a gift of Gods grace.