A09443:225
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.
I am the beginning, Christ is said to be the beginning for two causes. First, because he was the very first of all things: there was nothing before him; he had • being when all creatures were not; then was he the same that he is now: and for this saith Saint John Chap. 1. vers. 1. In the beginning was the word, that is, the Son of God, he had his being, and subsisting when all other creatures wanted it, and began to be.
I am the beginning, Christ is sayd to bee the beginning for two causes. First, because he was the verie first of all things: there was nothing before him; he had • being when all creatures were not; then was he the same that he is now: and for this saith Saint Iohn Chap. 1. vers. 1. In the beginning was the word, that is, the sonne of God, he had his beeing, and subsisting when all other creatures wanted it, and began to be.
This proveth the eternity of Christ, because he had his being before any creature; he was a substance and essence begotten of the father before all worlds, not created as other creatures are, or made of any other.
This proueth the eternitie of Christ, because hee had his being before any creature; he was a substance and essence begotten of the father before all worlds, not created as other creatures are, or made of any other.
Secondly, he is called the beginning; because he giveth a beginning to all creatures: For all things which were created and had a being, were created by him, and had their being from him. So saith the Apostle, All things are from him, and for him, Colos. 1.16. And hence we learn, that when we go about any business in word or deed, we must begin it with invocation on the name of Christ: for Christ he gives the beginning, and proceeding to all things. And without his help we cannot have in any thing good success.