A09443:364
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.
II. Hereby we are let to see and know the lamentable state of the greatest number in those congregations where the word hath long been preached; for we shall find by lamentable experience, that in those place• few come to true knowledge, repentance, and obedience; but most remain ignorant and impenitent: now this their condition is most fearful. A terrible judgement of God is upon them: for when men have long heard Gods word and are not thereby bettered, for knowledge in mind, and obedience of life; they are thereby wounded unto death.
II. Hereby wee are let to see and know the lamentable state of the greatest number in those congregations where the word hath long bene preached; for we shall find by lamentable experience, that in those place• few come to true knowledge, repentance, and obedience; but most remaine ignorant and impenitent: now this their condition is most fearefull. A terrible iudgement of God is vpon them: for when men haue long heard Gods word and are not thereby bettered, for knowledge in mind, and obedience of life; they are thereby wounded vnto death.
This two edged sword hath always his work: it either cureth unto life by working repentance and other graces of salvation; or woundeth unto death them that receive it not. We must therefore lament the case of such persons as remain• ignorant and impenitent under the ministry of the word, for they are as yet dead men for ought we know, how soever they may make a fair show by their ••ill honesty: If any man should come into a field, and there behold many thousands slaughtered, and […] ou• blo•d, some in the •ead, some in the side▪ &c. this sight would make his heart to bleed. Well this […] Gods church, though it be not seen with bodily eyes: the most men are wounded with this sword of Gods word and lye […] wallowing in the blod of their souls, […] they continue in ignorance, in security and want of repentance.