A09443:1113
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.
In the words of this verse, there be two signs of his love set down. First, a hearty desire of their conversion, which he earnestly seeketh: Secondly, a promise of mutual fellowship after their conversion. The first, in these words; Behold, I stand at the door and knock: In this desire, Christ expresseth two things; First, that this Church (if we regard the greatest part thereof) had no true fellowship with Christ, nor Christ with them; for he stands at the door of their hearts, which were closed up against him. This may seem strange, but the case is evident: for though they had in them many good things; as knowledge of Gods will, and did profess the Gospel, and were partakers of the signs and seals of the Covenant of grace; yet they were tainted with this notorious sin of Luke-warmness, which closed up the door of their heart against Christ and barred him out.
In the words of this verse, there bee two signes of his loue set downe. First, a heartie desire of their conuersion, which hee earnestly seeketh: Secondly, a promise of mutuall fellowship after their conuersion. The first, in these wordes; Behold, I stand at the doore and knock: In this desire, Christ expresseth two things; First, that this Church (if wee regard the greatest part thereof) had no true fellowship with Christ, nor Christ with them; for hee stands at the doore of their hearts, which were closed vp against him. This may seeme strange, but the case is euident: for though they had in them many good things; as knowledge of Gods will, and did professe the Gospel, and were partakers of the signes and seales of the Couenant of grace; yet they were tainted with this notorious sinne of Luke-warmnesse, which closed vp the doore of their heart against Christ and barred him out.
Here then we are carefully to observe, that a man may have in him many good things; and yet by living in one sin, we be quite cut off from all true fellowship with Christ. Judas had many excellent gifts: he forsook all and followed Christ, he preached the Gospel, and administered the Sacraments; and yet by covetousness the door of his heart was quite barred against Christ. So Herod reverenced John, and heard him gladly, and did many things at his instruction;