A09443:384
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.
Thirdly, hereby we are taught to acknowledge Gods great goodness towards us in the ministry of the word: wherein he vouchsafeth to speak unto us, not in his own person, as he did in mount Serra, which would be so terrible, […] none could abide it▪ but favourably & ⟨p. 63⟩familiarly by the ministry of men that are like unto our selves. Many abuse this mercy of God, and despise the word because of the messenger: but we must learn by this bounty of God, to receive the word with all reverence as from the Lord.
Thirdly, hereby wee are taught to acknowledge Gods great goodnesse towards vs in the ministerie of the word: wherein hee vouchsafeth to speake vnto vs, not in his owne person, as hee did in mount S•rra, which would bee so terrible, 〈…〉 none could abide it▪ but fauorably & ⟨p. 63⟩familiarly by the ministerie of men that are like vnto our selues. Many abuse this mercy of God, and despise the word because of the messenger: but wee must learne by this bountie of God, to receiue the word with all reuerence as from the Lord.
Lastly, in this exceeding fear of John, who was an Apostle and a very godly and righteous man; we learn that the most holy man that is will be astonied even to death with the presence of Gods glorious majesty. And if no man, be he never so holy, can stand before Gods presence, much less can the most righteous works of any man endure the trial of his judgement: if his person cannot abide his presence; his works will never bear his judgement. For the person must first be approved before the works be accepted. Therefore damnable is the doctrine of the church of Rome, which teach that such as in themselves are sinful men must stand before Gods judgement seat bringing with them works of grace, as means of their justification, and part of satisfaction to Gods justice. It is a doctrine of desperation: for how can our works be perfectly holy, seeing our persons are but sanctified here in part? And who can think that the infinite justice of God can be satisfied by the imperfect righteousness of man?