A09443:308
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, that the reading of Gods word either publicly or privately, is an ordinance of God: for the Lord commanding John to write this book, and send it to the churches, hereby implieth, that they must read the same as they did other books of Scripture. The preaching of the word is indeed the most worthy instrument for the founding and confirming of Gods Church, whereby ordinarily justifying faith is wrought in the heart: and yet reading must have his due reverence, as a means to confirm, and increase true knowledge, faith, and repentance, where it is begun.
Secondly, that the reading of Gods word either publickly or priuately, is an ordinance of God: for the Lord commaunding Iohn to write this booke, and send it to the churches, hereby implieth, that they must reade the same as they did other bookes of Scripture. The preaching of the word is indeede the most worthy instrument for the founding and confirming of Gods Church, whereby ordinarily iustifying faith is wrought in the heart: and yet reading must haue his due reuerence, as a meanes to confirme, and encrease true knowledge, faith, and repentance, where it is begun.
Thirdly, here note, that a man may be under the cross, and in persecution, and yet remain in the special favour of God: for this banishment into such a desert place, was unto John a grievous cross: and yet the Lord vouchsafed there to reveal himself unto him, and to make him the penman of this book. Which honour he vouchsafeth not to all, but to them that are most dear unto him. Which thing each one should carefully observe: for our nature is so corrupt, that when we are under the cross, it would persuade us, we are cast out of the love and favour of God.
Thirdly, here note, that a man may be vnder the crosse, and in persecution, and yet remaine in the speciall fauor of God: for this banishment into such a desart place, was vnto Iohn a grieuous crosse: and yet the Lord vouchsafed there to reueale himselfe vnto him, and to make him the penman of this booke. Which honour hee vouchsafeth not to all, but to them that are most dear vnto him. Which thing each one should carefully obserue: for our nature is so corrupt, that when wee are vnder the crosse, it would persuade vs, we are cast out of the loue and fauour of God.