A09443:328
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.
Again, whereas Christ appeareth in the shape and form of man after his ascension, the Papists gather, that we may make images of Christ, and so answerably of the father, and of the holy ghost, in those forms wherein they appeared: as of the holy Ghost in the form of a (a)dove; and (b)of the father in the likeness of an old man. Ans. It is not unlawful ⟨p. 53⟩to make, or to have an image of Christs manhood, so that it be out of religious use (though it be doubtful whether any now have a true picture thereof:) but if it be to represent whole Christ, God and man, or be used to remember Christ thereby, or to worship Christ therein, it is an idol. As for the forms of an old man, or of a dove, they may be made for the manifestation of the hystori• of the Bible, when it is painted or pictured: but then we must conceive, that these forms are no images of the father, Son, or holy ghost, but only representations of such visible appearances, as sometimes were signs and pledges of the presence of those persons. But now to abstract those forms apart from the history, and to make them images of any person in Trinity, is flat against the second commandment; which doth generally forbid all images of God, not excepting those very shapes in which himself took liberty to testify his presence for some time. And there being no exception against Gods commandment, it is in vain to seek shifts & excuses for a thing forbidden,3 specially considering we may not meddle with God beyond our commission from God.
Againe, whereas Christ appeareth in the shape and forme of man after his ascention, the Papists gather, that wee may make images of Christ, and so answerably of the father, and of the holy ghost, in those formes wherin they appeared: as of the holy Ghost in the forme of a (a)doue; and (b)of the father in the likenesse of an old man. Ans. It is not vnlawfull