A09443:157
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.
Fourthly, if Christ be sovereign king, then all earthly princes are bound to plant, and establish in their kingdoms the religion of Christ, else how can they show themselves his loyal subjects? Many imagine, That earthly princes may admit unto their subjects any religion for the peace of the civil state: but this is against the equity of Gods word in this place, for wherein can earthly princes do homage unto Christ, if they maintain not his religion? And their duty in this behalf is signified plainly in the parable of the marriage. For when they that were bidden, did not come, the king sent forth his (b)servants (which may be understood of Christian magistrates) to compel men to come to the marriage: for that is the magistrates duty, in respect of the outward profession of true religion.
Fourthly, if Christ bee soueraigne king, then all earthly princes are bound to plant, and establish in their kingdomes the religion of Christ, else how can they shew themselues his loyall subiects? Many imagine, That earthly princes may admit vnto their subiects any religion for the peace of the ciuile state: but this is against the equitie of Gods word in this place, for wherein can earthly princes doe homage vnto Christ, if they maintaine not his religion? And their dutie in this behalfe is signified plainely in the parable of the mariage. For when they that were bidden, did not come, the king sent forth his (b)seruants (which may be vnderstood of Christian magistrats) to compell men to come to the mariage: for that is the magistrates dutie, in respect of the outward profession of true religion.
- (b)Luk 14.2• ▪
Fifthly, seeing Christ alone is prince of the kings of the earth: hence we learn, that kings on earth in their dominions are sovereign governors over all persons, and in all causes next under Christ, he is king of kings absolutely, and they are under him alone, and have no other head but him. Whereby we see the presumption and arrogance of the Pope, and Sea of Rome, in claiming supremacy above all kings and princes in the whole church upon earth. This is a device of the devil, and high treason against Christ: for hereby he is robbed of this royal prerogative, to be the only prince of the kings of the earth.