A09443:113
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.
1Whereas S. John wisheth grace unto the churches in the first place▪ he would teach us, That the favour of God is to be sought for above all things; for the Apostles practise must be our precept. So did David: Many say, who will show us any good: But Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me, Psal. 4.6. As if he should say, Let the most of the world seek what they will, as riches, pleasure, &c. yet my desire is of thy love and favour above all. And oftentimes he calleth God his portion, his rock, and castle of defence, the thing that be longeth for; to show, that all his joy was in Gods favour. And so it should be with us: but we little practise this, because we bring from our cradles natural presumption, which persuades us, that we be in the favour and love of God. But we must cast off this false persuasion, and take a new course; and labour first to see, that we be out of Gods favour, lost sheep, prodigal children in our selves, yea, the very firebrands of hell: and this, to see our own want of grace, is the first step to grace. Secondly, feeling this want and misery in our selves, we must earnestly desire, and in our souls hunger and thirst after the love and favour of God in Christ above all earthly things. Thirdly, we must by the hand of true faith lay hold upon the grace and mercy of God in Christ, propounded in the promises of the Gospel, and apply them to our selves particularly.
1Whereas S. Iohn wisheth grace vnto the churches in the first place▪ he would teach vs, That the fauour of God is to be sought for aboue all things; for the Apostles practise must be our precept. So did Dauid: Many say, who will shewe vs any good: But Lord lift thou vp the light of thy countenance vpon me, Psal. 4.6. As if hee should say, Let the most of the world seeke what they will, as riches, pleasure, &c. yet my desire is of thy loue and fauour aboue all. And oftentimes hee calleth God his portion, his rocke, and castle of defence, the thing that be longeth for; to shewe, that all his ioy was in Gods fauour. And so it should bee with vs: but wee little practise this, because we bring from our cradles natural presumption, which persuades vs, that we bee in the fauour and loue of God. But wee must cast off this false persuasion, and take a new course; and labour first to see, that we be out of Gods fauour, lost sheepe, prodigall childrē in our selues, yea, the very firebrands of hell: and this, to see our owne want of grace, is the first step to grace. Secondly, feeling this want and miserie in our selues, we must earnestly desire, and in our soules hunger and thirst after the loue and fauour of God in Christ aboue all earthly things. Thirdly, we must by the hand of true faith lay hold vpon the grace and mercie of God in Christ, propounded in the promises of the Gospell, and apply them to our selues particularly.