A09443:310
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.
In the end of the verse, the seven Churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, and the rest are named. Which seven places, were seven famous cities in Asia, wherein were planted the most famous churches that were in those parts, and for their excellency are they named. And thus much for the means of Johns preparation: Now follow the parts thereof, which are two: first is hearing, folded up with the former means: And I heard a voice. Second is Turning of himself, to see ⟨p. 49⟩the party that spake unto him in these words.
In the end of the verse, the seauen Churches, Ephesus, Smyrna, and the rest are named. Which seuen places, were seuen famous cities in Asia, wherein were planted the most famous churches that were in those parts, and for their excellencie are they named. And thus much for the meanes of Iohns preparation: Now follow the parts thereof, which are two: first is hearing, folded vp with the former meanes: And I heard a voyce. Second is Turning of himselfe, to see ⟨p. 49⟩the partie that spake vnto him in these words.
Verse. 12. Then I turned back to see the voice which spake with me: and when I was turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks.
Verse. 12. Then I turned backe to see the voice which spake with me: and when I was turned, I saw seuen golden candlestickes.
That is, so soon as I heard this sudden and mighty voice, I turned my self to see who it was that uttered the same. In this behaviour of John we are to learn our duty: so to dispose our hearts towards God in the receiving of his word, as John disposeth himself towards Christ in the receiving of this vision. So soon as the voice spake, John hearkened, and because the sound thereof came behind him, he turned himself to look on him that uttered it. Even so must we do, we are by nature strangers with God, slow to hear when he speaketh, and ready to turn our hearts from God, when we hear. Therefore when God speaketh unto us in the ministry of his word, we must hearken: And though we be going another way, yet we must turn our selves from our evil ways, and incline our hearts to his voice, that we may have fellowship with him. Saint John had not seen this marvellous vision, unless he had turned himself to behold him that spoke. No more shall we at any time feel true fellowship with the Lord, unless we turn our hearts unto his word, and that betimes, while he speaketh unto us in the ministry thereof.