A09443:593
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.
I. Argument. The cause of their affliction is the devil. Quest. How can that be, for being a spirit he cannot offer violence to mens bodies to cast them into prison? Answ. True, but he is the God of the world that ruleth in the hearts of the wicked: he inclineth their wills to hate Gods children, he stirreth them up to persecute, and maketh them hi• instruments to cast God• servants into prison.
I. Argument. The cause of their affliction is the diuell. Quest. How can that be, for being a spirit he cannot offer violence to mens bodies to cast them into prison? Answ. True, but he is the God of the world that ruleth in the hearts of the wicked: he inclineth their wils to hate Gods children, hee stirreth them vp to persecute, and maketh them hi• instruments to cast God• seruants into prison.
In this that the devil causeth the affliction of Gods church, we learn sundry points. I. What manner of men those be that persecute the church of God? namely, wicked men, such as ar• inspired by Satan, and wholly guided in mind, will, ⟨p. 106⟩and in affection by him: this made Paul say,1 He was the head of all sinners; because in persecuting the church of God he was guided by the devil, and made his minister: which must teach us to take heed how we persecute the church of God, or any member thereof, either in word or deed: for he that doth so is the vassal of Satan in that action, and while he holdeth that course he showeth himself to be no better than one that is wholly guided by the devil: for the devil is the principal agent in persecutions, and wicked men be his instruments.