A09443:217
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.
Secondly, by these asseverations John would teach us to hold against the practise of Atheists, that the coming of Christ is most certain and undoubted. Which thing we should more seriously observe; because in our corrupt nature there is bred this false persuasion, That either we shall not be summoned to judgement; or else, that Christs coming is far off: like to the evil servant, who saith, My master defers his coming: which evil servant by nature is every one of us.
Secondly, by these asseuerations Iohn would teach vs to hold against the practise of Atheists, that the comming of Christ is most certaine and vndoubted. Which thing we should more seriously obserue; because in our corrupt nature there is bred this false persuasion, That either wee shall not bee summoned to iudgement; or else, that Christs comming is farre off: like to the euill seruant, who saith, My maister deferres his comming: which euill seruant by nature is euerie one of vs.
Thirdly, hereby John gives us to understand one special note and mark of the child of God: namely, to desire and long after unfeignedly the second coming of Christ to judgement: for as these words be an asseveration, so withal they contain a most earnest desire: Even so, Amen, as if he should say by way of answer to the proclaiming of his coming, Lord grant it be so, yea Lord, let it be so. Hence it is that Saint Paul describes all those, who must receive the crown of righteousness, by this property, that they love his appearing, 2. Tim. 4.8. As for the ungodly it is not so with them, they (being not justified nor sanctified, and so not reconciled to God in Christ) cannot love this appearing. Nay they could wish ⟨p. 34⟩with all their heart there were no hell, nor last judgement. And by this one note we may well judge of our estates; for if from our hearts we desire and long for this second coming to judgement, and wish he would come (a)