A09443:141
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 particular certificate of Christ belongeth also to his prophetical office: and that is, to assure men in their consciences, that the promises of the Gospel, with all the benefits therein contained, as Justification, Sanctification, and life eternal, which in the word be generally expounded, do belong unto them particularly; as to Peter, to John, &c. And this assurance (as the former) is principally wrought by the word, not barely read, but preached: for therein by the inward work of the spirit, the general promises be particularly applied. This Paul imports, saying, Ye have the spirit of adoption, which testifies with our spirit, we be the sons of God, Rom. 8.15, 16.
The particular certificate of Christ belongeth also to his propheticall office: and that is, to assure men in their consciences, that the promises of the Gospell, with all the benefits therein contained, as Iustification, Sanctification, and life eternall, which in the word be generally expounded, doe belong vnto them particularly; as to Peter, to Iohn, &c. And this assurance (as the former) is principally wrought by the word, not barely read, but preached: for therein by the inward worke of the spirit, the generall promises be particularly applied. This Paule imports, saying, Yee haue the spirit of adoption, which testifies with our spirit, we be the sonnes of God, Rom. 8.15, 16.
Hence we learn, that the doctrine of the Church of Rome,1 and of all others which hold, That men cannot be assured of their salvation by faith, is wicked and damnable: for hereby they cut off a part of Christs prophetical office, wherein the dignity thereof doth consist, that is, to assure a man particularly of the truth of Gods promises unto himself. And in this he differs from all other Prophets and Apostles, which be witnesses: for they can witness only outwardly to the ear; but he can speak and testify to the conscience: Neither can any of them certify any man particularly, though their ministry tend to that end.