A09443:479
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.
Seeing the maintenance of true religion is so excellent a work:1 we must be admonished every one in our place, to take pains in all the duties that belong unto us: that by us Christ• religion may be furthered. For Gods church is not called the pillar of truth, only because the minister thereof maintaineth Gods truth: but also because every member of the church is as a pillar in his place to maintain and profess the true doctrine of Christ for his glory. Besides, this is a duty of the first table, and therefore we must have more special care for the performance thereof. And thus we see the two means whereby the church of Ephesus opposed her self against false teachers.
Seeing the maintenance of true religion is so excellent a worke:1 wee must be admonished euery one in our place, to take paines in all the duties that belong vnto vs: that by vs Christ• religion may be furthered. For Gods church is not called the piller of truth, onely because the minister thereof maintaineth Gods truth: but also because euery member of the church is as a piller in his place to maintaine and professe the true doctrine of Christ for his glory. Besides, this is a duty of the first table, and therefore we must haue more speciall care for the performance thereof. And thus wee see the two meanes whereby the church of Ephesus opposed her selfe against false teachers.
- 1The Use.The Vse.
And hast not fainted. Here Christ setteth down in what manner this church laboured to maintain his true religion, and thereby his honour and glory: namely, by constancy and perseverance in labour. This is an excellent virtue, and a notable example for us to follow: for we through Gods goodness have the true religion of Christ among us, and for many years sundry among us have maintained the same against all enemies, though not without some trouble and danger. Now this which hath been done is nothing, unless we hold on our good course constantly, and labour unto death in the maintenance thereof. This exhortation is the more necessary, because we know not how long we shall enjoy the gospel with peace; for usually after long peace God trieth his by persecution: neither know we by what means of trial God will exercise us. Therefore as we now profess the Gospel, so let us continue constant therein, and not turn with time or state: for then we loose our commendation at Christs hands. And thus much of the commendation of this church for her virtues.