A09443:544
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.
By this distinction of hearers which Christ maketh,1 we may learn, that Gods grace unto salvation is not universal, that is, God giveth not unto all men such measure of grace whereby (if they will themselves) they may believe, repent, and be saved; For in Christs time, and ever since there have been in the church these two kind of hearers; whereof the deaf hearer, doth not receive nor believe the gospel unto salvation. Neither is it true, that God giveth grace sufficient unto all, whereby they might be saved, if they by their malice and sin did not abolish the same. For though he admit all sorts into his church, yet not all, but some only have ears pierced by the spirit of grace that they can hear. And therefore when the Disciples asked Christ, (d)Why he spake in parables? he answered thus, To you it is given to know the will of God, 3and the secrets of his kingdom: but to others it is not given. Showing plainly that the gift of hearing to salvation is not given to all, and in some made void by their own wilfulness: but to some it is given, and they have hearing ears: and to some it is not given and their ears are deaf.
By this distinction of hearers which Christ maketh,1 we may learne, that Gods grace vnto saluation is not vniuersal, that is, God giueth not vnto al men such measure of grace whereby (if they will themselues) they may beleeue, repent, and be saued; For in Christs time, and euer since there haue bene in the church these two kind of hearers; whereof the deafe hearer, doth not receiue nor beleeue the gospell vnto saluation. Neither is it true, that God giueth grace sufficient vnto all, whereby they might be saued, if they by their malice and sinne did not abolish the same. For though he admit all sorts into his church, yet not all, but some onely haue eares pierced by the spirit of grace that they can heare. And therefore when the Disciples asked Christ, (d)Why hee spake in parables? he answered thus, To you it is giuen to know the will of God, 3