A09443:144
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.
Thirdly, Christ is called that faithful witness, to distinguish him from all other witnesses. The Lord hath sundry faithful witnesses; as the Prophets, Apostles, the Church, nay the Sun and Moon, Psalm. 89.37. but Christ alone is that ⟨p. 19⟩faithful witness; First, because his witness is (a)authentical, sufficient of it self, and needs no other confirmation. The testimony of the Apostles and Prophets is not of it self authentical and certain, but as it consents with Christs witness, and proceedeth from his spirit. Secondly, he is that witness, because he is the Lord of that house, whereto he gives witness, namely, the Church; but the Apostles and Prophets are but servants there, Hebr. 5.5, 6. Thirdly, Christ his witness is inward: it speaks directly to the conscience, and there gives undoubted assurance: but the witness of men, as of the Prophets and Apostles, is outward only; it comes to the ears, it never binds and assures the conscience of it self. And thus we see why he is called here that faithful witness.
Thirdly, Christ is called that faithfull witnesse, to distinguish him from all other witnesses. The Lord hath sundry faithfull witnesses; as the Prophets, Apostles, the Church, nay the Sun and Moone, Psalm. 89.37. but Christ alone is that ⟨p. 19⟩faithfull witnesse; First, because his witnesse is (a)authenticall, sufficient of it selfe, and needs no other confirmation. The testimonie of the Apostles and Prophets is not of it selfe authenticall and certaine, but as it consents with Christs witnesse, and proceedeth from his spirit. Secondly, hee is that witnesse, because hee is the Lord of that house, whereto he giues witnesse, namely, the Church; but the Apostles and Prophets are but seruants there,