A09443:171
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.
For the first. The dignity of all true believers hath two heads; first, They be kings, secondly, Priests. They are called kings, not in regard of an earthly kingdom, for usually the condition of most believers on earth is base and contemptible: but in regard of a spiritual kingdom, the kingdom of heaven, whereto the Lord gives them right, title, and interest, in, and by Jesus Christ. So our Saviour Christ speaketh to his disciples: (a)Fear not, little flock, it is your fathers will to give you the kingdom. And again, Behold I give unto you a kingdom. Now the faithful are kings in these respects; first, because by Christ they be lords and conquerors of all these enemies, sin, Satan, the world, death, hell, and their own flesh. Secondly, because in, and by Christ, they are partakers of the glory of Christs kingdom and salvation: for they receive of Christ grace for grace, and so answerably, glory for glory, and felicity for felicity. Thirdly, because they be made lords of all things in heaven and earth (except good Angels, and the church) All things are yours, whether it be Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, whether things present, or to come, even all are yours, 2and ye Christs. Quest. But if Christ be king, and all his members kings, how do they differ? Answ. In two points: First, Christ is the Son of God by nature, and so a king by nature, having the right of the kingdom of heaven by inheritance: but the members of Christ are the sons of God by adoption in his Son, so that our right to that kingdom is not by nature, but by grace. Secondly, Christ is an universal king over the Angels in heaven, the church on earth, and all other creatures wheresoever; his regiment is absolute in the hearts and consciences of men, and he can by his word bind all things: but true believers be not universal kings, for they have no superiority above good Angels, and the church. Neither are they absolute kings as he is, nor of themselves; but by Christ Jesus, and as they participate with Christ in his kingdom.
For the first. The dignitie of all true beleeuers hath two heads; first, They bee kings, secondly, Priests. They are called kings, not in regard of an earthly kingdome, for vsually the condition of most beleeuers on earth is base and contemptible: but in regard of a spirituall kingdome, the kingdome of heauen, whereto the Lord giues them right, title, and interest, in, and by Iesus Christ. So our Sauiour Christ speaketh to his disciples: