A09443:432
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. point. Among all the churches of Asia Christ writeth first to the church of Ephesus: not for that this church had authority over the rest (for they were all candlesticks, and all of gold) but because Ephesus was the mother city, far exceeding the rest in riches and estimation. Whereby Christ giveth us to understand, that his will is, that those people, towns and cities which excel others in estimation and wealth, should also go before them in knowledge▪ obedience and other graces of God. And so answerably should it be with particular persons: They which excel others for outward reputation and temporal blessings, ought to go before them in spiritual graces, as godliness and religion. Those which shall fail herein, and suffer others that are far their inferiors for outward things to go before them in spiritual graces, shall find it true to their shame before men, but especially at the tribunal seat of Jesus Christ.
II. point. Among all the churches of Asia Christ writeth first to the church of Ephesus: not for that this church had authoritie ouer the rest (for they were all candlestickes, and all of gold) but because Ephesus was the mother citie, farre exceeding the rest in riches and estimation. Whereby Christ giueth vs to vnderstand, that his will is, that those people, towns and cities which excell others in estimation and wealth, should also go before them in knowledge▪ obedience and other graces of God. And so answerably should it bee with particular persons: They which excell others for outward reputation and temporal blessings, ought to go before them in spiritual graces, as godlinesse and religion. Those which shall faile herein, and suffer others that are far their inferiours for outward things to go before them in spiritual graces, shall find it true to their shame before men, but especially at the tribunall seat of Iesus Christ.
Thus much for the commandment. Now followeth the example it self, which containeth three parts (as all ordinary Epistles do.) A preface▪ A proposition; and the conclusion. The preface is in these words, These things, saith he, that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walketh in the middest of the seven golden candlesticks. The proposition and conclusion, in the verses following. The preface is borrowed from the former chapter, verse. 16. and 13. Where also it was handled. The intent of Christ herein is to draw this church to a reverent adoration of his person; and to cause in them a greater care to embrace and obey his admonition. This appeareth by that twofold action which he avoucheth of himself, to wit, his holding the seven stars in his right hand, and his walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks: by the first whereof is signified his power in protecting and governing his ministers. And by the second is noted his presence in the middest of his church, guiding and blessing his ministers with all the members thereof. As if