A09443:597
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. Argument. The parties that must be afflicted, were some of the church of Smyrna, not all.
III. Argument. The kind of their affliction was imprisonment.
IV. Argument. The end of their affliction, was the trial of their faith, hope, love, and patience, with other graces of God, and the manifestation of the same, first to their own conscience, and then unto the world. In these three arguments note, first a special point touching Gods providence, to wit, that it is the first cause of all, above all causes, ruling and disposing them all. God in governing the world by his providence useth instruments of two sorts: good, or evil. The good instruments are good Angels and regenerate men; by whom cometh no disorder, for God worketh both in them and by them. Wicked instruments, are the devil and wicked men, and though God use them well, yet from them is much disorder and sin: for he worketh not in them, but only by them, permitting their sins and disorders, that thereby he may show forth his justice, mercy, and power: which herein do notably appear in using these instruments, which be evil in themselves, that notwithstanding their malice he causeth wonderful order: for first by his providence he restraineth their fury and rage, so as they cannot show it to the full as they desire. See this in the devils persecution against this church: he cannot kill the members hereof, but only cast them into prison: he cannot imprison them all, but some only: neither can he keep them in prison always, but for a short time. Secondly, by his providence he turneth all that they do, to the good of the church: the devil afflicteth the church for the destruction and damnation of their souls; but God turneth it to their good, to make their faith manifest, and to prevent many sins in them. These things we should often think of, and bless Gods name for ever, that by his providence he doth master Satan's power & malice: and so dispose of all actions of the wicked, that they tend to the good of his church. This must also teach us to renounce our selves, and to put all our trust and confidence in Christ his providence, making that our comfort, our stay and protection in all distress.