A09443:344
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, this teacheth us in matters of religion to be that indeed which we seem to be in profession. For though we may deceive men, which know not our hearts, yet we cannot deceive Christ: for by his fiery eyes he seeth whatsoever is in us. And yet the common practise of the world is here to be reproved, who termeth them hypocrites that take upon them any profession for the name and religion of Christ. But herein men go beyond their calling: it belongeth only unto the piercing eye of Christ, to judge and look at mens hypocrisy of heart.
Secondly, this teacheth vs in matters of religion to bee that indeed which we seeme to bee in profession. For though wee may deceiue men, which know not our hearts, yet we cannot deceiue Christ: for by his fierie eyes he seeth whatsoeuer is in vs. And yet the common practise of the world is here to be reproued, who tearmeth them hypocrits that take vpon them any profession for the name and religion of Christ. But herein men goe beyond their calling: it belongeth onely vnto the piercing eye of Christ, to iudge and looke at mens hypocrisie of heart.
Secondly, by these fiery eyes is signified, That Christ is full of anger, wrath and judgement against all sinners, ready to take vengeance on all those that will not yield subjection unto him by turning from their sins, and believing in him: for Christ as he is a Saviour, so is he a Judge; and therefore in the parable he saith: Those mine enemies that would not that I should rule over them, 1bring them hither, and stay them before me. The consideration hereof serveth to awake many an one out of the sleep of sin. This age is miserable, if we regard the practise of faith and repentance which God requireth; for men live in ignorance without knowledge, they go on in looseness of life without reformation; which is both scandalous unto men, and odious unto God: not one of an hundred turneth to God at the preaching of his word, renewing his ways by daily repentance. But unto many it is meat and drink to go on in those sins wherein their harts delight. But let these men consider, that Christ is a righteous Judge, beholding his enemies with fierce and fiery eyes, always ready […] take vengeance on them that do no repent: and therefore they must in time consider their estate, for if they persevere in their evil ways as they have begun, the truth is, he still beholdeth them with his fiery eyes, and though in his great patience he spare them for a time, yet at length he will put in practise the execution of his judgement, and slay them for enemies: as it is in the parable,