A09443:315
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.
From hence sundry things are to be learned: first observe, that the churches are rather called candlesticks than candles; To give us to understand, that they have no light of themselves, or from themselves, but only are Gods instruments to bear up and hold forth the light in the ministry of the word, and profession of the faith: for Christ Jesus is the only true lamp and candle that giveth light to the heart and conscience by his holy spirit in the word.
From hence sundry things are to bee learned: first obserue, that the churches are rather called candlestickes than candles; To giue vs to vnderstand, that they haue no light of themselues, or from themselues, but onely are Gods instruments to beare vp and hold forth the light in the ministerie of the word, and profession of the faith: for Christ Iesus is the onely true lampe and candle that giueth light to the heart and conscience by his holy spirit in the word.
Secondly, hence every one that professeth himself to be a true member of Gods church, must learn his duty, which is earnestly to labour to become a shining and burning candle. Indeed this principally concerns the ministers of the church: and therefore John Baptist is called a burning and shining light, John 5. vers. 35. but yet it must also be verified of every member thereof, as Saint Paul commandeth: (a)Shine (saith he) as lights in the world, in the middest of a naughty and c••oked nation: holding forth the doctrine of life, that is, the gospel. Quest. How shall every member of the church become a burning light? Answ. First, he must have his mind enlightened in the knowledge of Gods will and word: and then as a candlestick hold out and send forth the bea•es thereof to others; partly by teaching within the compass of his calling, and partly by example of an honest and blameless life and conversation. Thus we should do, if we would be answerable to our profession. And to induce us hereunto, let us observe the reasons following.