A09443:572
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.
In the next words Christ setteth down two kinds of tribulations in this church, Poverty▪ and Reproach: By Poverty he meaneth want of temporal things, to maintain this natural life. Where observe sundry things, I. That true religion and piety will not free any from outward poverty. The religion of this church was excellent, and yet they were in want: and therefore let no man think, because he is godly, he shall be rich, or not fall into poverty. If it be said:1 Godliness hath the promise not only of the life to come, but also of this life, that is, of earthly blessings and riches: I answer, it is true; but yet with difference: Eternal blessings only are promised absolutely; and temporal blessings with restraint, namely, if they serve for Gods glory and the good of his children: otherwise they must want as this Church did. II. The Lord would comfort this Church in her poverty, by saying that he knew it and regarded it. Where we see a means to comfort all those that be in want of outward blessings: They must consider, that Christ seeth & observeth their want whatsoever; and if they be his servants, he will free them from it, so it be for his glory and the good of their souls; or else arm them with patience to bear it, if they pray unto him. III. Christ here approveth of works, where he acknowledgeth poverty: so that good works and poverty may stand together. And therefore good works do not consist only in large a•mes, as the Church of Rome would have it; though these have due reward and praise in their place. But every work of a mans lawful calling, done in obedience to God, with an honest heart, from a good conscience, and for Gods glory, is a good work, be the calling never so base. Thus may the shepherd please God in his calling as well as the magistrate or minister. For it is not the matter of the work that commends it unto God; but the manner of doing.
In the next words Christ setteth downe two kinds of tribulations in this church, Pouertie▪ and Repro•h: By Pouertie he meaneth want of temporall things, to maintaine this naturall life. Where obserue sundry things, I. That true religion and pietie will not free any from outward pouertie. The religion of this church was excellent, and yet they were in want: and therefore let no man think, because he is godly, he shall bee rich, or not fall into pouertie. If it be sayd: