A09443:396
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.
The Lord having used these two means to confirm John, both a sign & his word: doth yet further condescend unto Johns weakness, and establisheth his own word by two reasons. The first in these words, I am the first and the last. Christ is the first; Because nothing was or could be before him: The last, because nothing is or can be after him. These two titles are given unto Christ to express his Godhead and eternity, as before we have heard, verse. 8. Now here they are again set down, to give us to understand that he hath in his own power the beginning and end of all things: and therefore is able to protect his servants from all dangers, and from death: and will make good unto them all his promises unto eternal life.
The Lord hauing vsed these two meanes to confirme Iohn, both a signe & his word: doth yet further condescend vnto Iohns weaknesse, and establisheth his owne word by two reasons. The first in these words, I am the first and the last. Christ is the first; Because nothing was or could bee before him: The last, because nothing is or can bee after him. These two titles are giuen vnto Christ to expresse his Godhead and eternitie, as before wee haue heard, verse. 8. Now here they are againe set downe, to giue vs to vnderstand that hee hath in his owne power the beginning and end of all things: and therefore is able to protect his seruants from all dangers, and from death: and will make good vnto them all his promises vnto eternall life.
Verse. 18. And Am he that liveth; but I was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen: And I have the keys of hell and of death.
Verse. 18. And Am he that liueth; but I was dead, and behold I am aliue for euermore, Amen: And I haue the keyes of hell and of death.
These words contain the second reason to confirm John. And it may thus be framed by way of a distinction, Although I was dead, yet I am he that liveth (for so the words are) and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen: Yea I have power over death and hell. This distinction containeth three parts. First, Though I was once dead, yet I am he that liveth. Secondly, Though I was once dead, yet I live for evermore. Thirdly, Though I was once dead, yet I have the keys of death and of hell. Of these in order.