A09443:435
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. In this preface also note: that the persuasion of Christs presence and special providence in his church, is a notable means to draw us on to all good duties; for thereby Christ would persuade both the ministers and people of Ephesus, to receive and embrace this his Epistle. And no doubt he that is indeed persuaded hereof, cannot but be moved to walk before God in all holiness and obedience: as did Enoch, Abraham, and all the godly patriarchs. Thus much for the preface.
II. point. In this preface also note: that the persuasion of Christs presence and speciall prouidence in his church, is a notable meanes to draw vs on to all good duties; for thereby Christ would persuade both the ministers and people of Ephesus, to receiue and embrace this his Epistle. And no doubt he that is indeed persuaded hereof, cannot but bee moued to walke before God in all holinesse and obedience: as did Enoch, Abraham, and all the godly patriarkes. Thus much for the preface.
Verse. 2. I know thy works and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbear them which are evil, and hast examined them which say they are Apostles and are not, and hast found them liars.
Verse. 2. I know thy workes and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not forbeare them which are euill, and hast examined them which say they are Apostles and are not, and hast found them liers.
Here beginneth the second part of this Epistle, to wit, the proposition; containing the substance and matter of the whole Epistle. This proposition hath two points. First, a commendation of this church, in the second and third verses. Secondly, a rebuke and reprehension, in the fourth verse. The commendation is first general in these words: I know thy works. Then more particular, for special duties & actions in the words following, and thy labour and patience, &c. For the first, I know thy works: many do expound this of works of mercy and liberality: but that will not so well stand; for he saith to every church, I know thy works; and yet some of them are blamed for want of these good works. By works then is meant, the ways, that is, the practises and dealings of the whole church: as well of ministers as people, in all their affairs. Also by knowledge here we must understand a knowledge that goeth with application, as may appear by comparing this with the fourth verse, whither it hath relation: for thus they must go, I know thy works, and approve of them: and yet I have something against thee. So that his meaning is, I know thy works, that is, all thy ways and dealings in thy life and conversation are manifest unto me, and I do generally approve of them.