A09443:618
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.
Christ is thus described to comfort this Church of Pergamus. For hereby three things are signified: First, his wonderful power in slaying original sin and corruption by his word; in all them that believe in him: so as there is no hope of recovery for sin, after it is once wounded. Secondly, that he will strengthen and preserve his Church, and all the true members thereof, by the same word, against all their enemies. This it doth after this manner: The whole word of God, both law and gospel, must both be known, and believed; then whensoever any temptation cometh, faith maketh the same word powerful in us, to repel the temptation, and to strengthen us in affliction: for it is that sword of the spirit, whereby we wound all our enemies. But if it be not believed, it is but as a sword in a sheath, and will nothing help us. Thirdly, hereby he signifieth, that he destroyeth all their enemies: this is the chief end why he so describeth himself in this place. How Christ woundeth his enemies herewith, we have showed in the former Chapter, and the sixteenth verse, with the uses thereof.
Christ is thus described to comfort this Church of Pergamus. For hereby three things are signified: First, his wonderfull power in slaying originall sinne and corruption by his word; in all them that beleeue in him: so as there is no hope of recouerie for sinne, after it is once wounded. Secondly, that hee will strengthen and preserue his Church, and all the true members thereof, by the same word, against all their enemies. This it doth after this manner: The whole word of God, both law and gospell, must both bee knowne, and beleeued; then whensoeuer any temptation commeth, faith maketh the same word powerfull in vs, to repell the temptation, and to strengthen vs in affliction: for it is that sword of the spirit, whereby wee wound all our enemies. But if it bee not beleeued, it is but as a sword in a sheath, and will nothing helpe vs. Thirdly, hereby he signifieth, that hee destroyeth all their enemies: this is the chiefe end why hee so describeth himselfe in this place. How Christ woundeth his enemies herewith, wee haue shewed in the former Chapter, and the sixteenth verse, with the vses thereof.
Verse 13. I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's throne is: and thou keepest my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in thse days when Antipas my faithful Martyr was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.