A09443:146
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.
When the word is otherwise delivered, as in the enticing words of mans wisdom, or for ostentation of wit, or much reading, though nothing be said but the truth, yet he that so dispenseth it, is an unfaithful witness, because he corrupteth the word by his vain delivery. And this is the sin of this age in many ministers, who teach the truth indeed, but yet in such sort, as it may appear, they seek themselves, and not Gods glory, respecting little the edification of the simple, so themselves may be famous for wit, eloquence, and learning. But these men make merchandise of the word, like to huxters, that by starching, blowing and spicing, set a gloss upon their ware, to make it seem that which it is not: which is a grievous sin, and such as will banish the Gospel out of our land, unless it be reformed.
When the word is otherwise deliuered, as in the entising words of mans wisdom, or for ostētation of wit, or much reading, though nothing be said but the truth, yet he that so dispenseth it, is an vnfaithfull witnesse, because he corrupteth the word by his vaine deliuerie. And this is the sinne of this age in many ministers, who teach the truth indeed, but yet in such sort, as it may appeare, they seeke thēselues, and not Gods glory, respecting little the edification of the simple, so themselues may bee famous for wit, eloquence, and learning. But these men make marchandise of the word, like to huxters, that by starching, blowing and spicing, set a glosse vpon their ware, to make it seeme that which it is not: which is a greeuous sinne, and such as will banish the Gospell out of our land, vnlesse it be reformed.
Secondly, this title of Christ, That faithful witness, doth discover unto us the damnable practise of men in the sin of unbelief: for Christ this faithful witness hath given testimony to his word which is preached, that the same is true. And therefore (a)they that believe it not, do make Christ a false witness, and a liar, than which, what can be more horrible? & yet this is the common sin of this age. For when the law is applied, who is afraid? and when the gospel is preached, yet who believeth our report? Gods ministers may