A09443:119
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.
First, touching the nature of God, namely, That God is a most absolute perfect substance, and essence, which hath his being in himself, of himself, and from none other. Paul saith, An idol is nothing. 1. Cor. 8.4. that is, nothing subsisting in nature, but a mere fond device of mans brain: But the true God is an essence subsisting, and that of himself alone perfectly; and herein differeth from all Idols and false Gods.
First, touching the nature of God, namely, That God is a most absolute perfect substance, and essence, which hath his being in himselfe, of himselfe, and from none other. Paule sayth, An idoll is nothing. 1. Cor. 8.4. that is, nothing subsisting in nature, but a meere fond deuice of mans braine: But the true God is an essence subsisting, and that of himselfe alone perfectly; and herein differeth from all Idols and false Gods.
Secondly, hereby we see a difference between God and all his creatures. Every creature is a substance, as Angels and Men: likewise mans body and soul are substances: yet none of these have being of themselves, but from God, and of God. And yet we must not conceive, that the creatures are parts of God, though they have their substances and being of him; for then each creature should be God: for the communication of the divine substance cannot be without the divine nature. But Gods substance is indivisible, and incommunicable to the creature. My meaning then is that God made the creatures out of himself of that matter which he created by his word; and preserveth them being made. Which by the way should teach us to return our bodies and souls by obedience unto God, in lieu of thankfulness, endeavouring his glory all the days of our life.
Secondly, hereby we see a difference betweene God and all his creatures. Euery creature is a substance, as Angels and Men: likewise mans bodie and soule are substances: yet none of these haue being of themselues, but from God, and of God. And yet wee must not conceiue, that the creatures are parts of God, though they haue their substances and being of him; for then each creature should be God: for the communication of the diuine substance cannot be without the diuine nature. But Gods substance is indiuisible, and incommunicable to the creature. My meaning then is that God made the creatures out of himselfe of that matter which he created by his word; and preserueth them beeing made. Which by the way should teach vs to returne our bodies and soules by obedience vnto God, in lieu of thankfulnesse, endeuouring his glory all the daies of our life.