A09443:1076
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.
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.
The second part of their misery is blindnesse. Quest. How can they be sayd to be blinde; 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 beleeued the Gospell? Answ. They had knowledge indeed, but yet they were blinde: first, because they knew not their owne estate. If a man had all skill in all Arts and sciences, & great knowledge in the word: yet if he know not himselfe in some measure, he is but a blinde man. Secondly, because they did not knowe God in Christ: They knewe no doubt, that there was a God, and that Christ was a Sauiour, but they could not apply it to themselues, to be able to say, God is my God, Christ my Redeemer, and the holy Ghost my Sanctifier. Thirdly, because they could not discerne of things that did differ; as between good and euill, between euill and euill, and between temporall things, and eternall blessings: This spirituall discerning, is a gift of Gods grace.
1In that Christ saith, They were blind, though they had knowledge; we may learn, that all knowledge is but mere ignorance before God, to those persons that know not themselves, and God to be their God in Christ For want hereof Christ calleth the angel of this church blind though otherwise he were a very learned man. Which must teach us, not to rest content with any humane learning, no not with the literal knowledge of the Gospel, but we must labour further to know our selves, and to know God in Christ, & Christ our redeemer: and be able in some good sort to discern between things that differ. David a most worthy Prophet intituleth the 32. Psalm, his Learning. What learning showeth he there? Answ. Surely nothing but the knowledge of the pardon of his sins. And indeed that is it, which seasoneth all our learning: and therefore above all things we must labour for it.