A09443:417
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.
Vers. 19. Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall come hereafter.
Vers. 19. Write the things which thou hast seene, and the things which are, and the things which shall come hereafter.
Here S. John propoundeth a second action of Christ. For having confirmed John against his great fear, he giveth him a commandment to write the things which he had seen, &c. This commandment was given to John in the eleventh verse, and is here again repeated for these causes: First, that John might see the special care of Christ over his church that he still continueth a provident head thereof for their good estate after his ascension. Secondly, that Gods church in all ages may understand, that it is necessary men should know the estate of the church to be subject unto troubles, that thereby they may better arm themselves against the evils to come. Thirdly, that John might be fully assured of his calling, to write and publish this book. Fourthly, that Gods church in all ages might be out of doubt, that this book is no device of man, but a book of God, and part of holy Scripture revealed from Christ to John for the good of his church. If it be said: though Christ did faithfully reveal his will, yet John might err in publishing it. Answ. As Christ delivered this to John, so he received and published it faithfully, without all fault either in matter or manner: for we must make a difference between the Prophets and Apostles, and all other teachers. As the Prophets in former times, so the Apostles in the New Testament were called immediately by Christ, and had such special assistance of Gods spirit, that they could not err, when they propounded by preaching or writing any doctrine of Christ unto the church of God: this appeareth by the promises of Christ made unto them, Luk. 10.16. He which heareth you, heareth me, and be which refuseth you, refuseth me: and •e which refuseth me, refuseth him that sent me. Again, Matth. 10.20. It is not you which speak, but the spirit of your father speaking in you.