A09443:177
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.
Thus much for the meaning of the words: Now follow sundry uses, from the consideration of these two dignities of believers. And first their kingly dignity affordeth matter both of instruction and consolation.
Thus much for the meaning of the words: Now follow sundry vses, from the consideration of these two dignities of beleeuers. And first their kingly dignitie affoordeth matter both of instruction and consolation.
Instruct. I. Whereas all true believers are made true kings in this life; hereby every one that professeth Christian religion is taught, to carry himself as an enemy to all those that are of the kingdom of darkness: as namely to sin, and Satan, to the flesh, and the world, even through the whole course of his life: for by calling, every Christian hath title to the kingdom of heaven. What affinity then can we have with those that be both enemies of this kingdom, and of Christ himself, that made us kings. Now, that we may so carry our selves, as enemies, we must do these three things: First, have care to keep, guard; and defend our selves, as kings against all our enemies, sin, Satan, our own flesh, and the enticements of the world. As king• protect their kingdoms, ⟨p. 27⟩so must we labour to keep our souls and bodies, and every faculty and part of them, our wills, affections, thoughts, and inclinations, from the power of sin. He which is borne of God, keepeth himself (as with watch and ward) that the evil one, that i•, Satan, touch him not by the assaults of sin. 1. John. 5.18. Secondly, we must make war continually against Satan, sin, our own flesh, against all our spiritual enemies, and all the enticements of the world: we must make no truce with them, because they will never be reconciled to us, so long as we have interest unto the kingdom of heaven: and if we yield to them, we loose our kingly dignity, and become their vassals, and bondslaves. Thirdly, we must labour to kill and destroy these our enemies as much as possibly we can, by that power we have from Christ our head, and like valiant kings seek to have the blood of these enemies, and from day to day strive to vanquish Satan, his power & might, to overcome the world, and to weaken our own corruption.