A09443:619
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.
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 th•se days when Antipas my faithful Martyr was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Verse 13. I know thy workes, and where thou dwellest, euen where Sathans throne is: and thou keepest my name, and hast not denied my faith, euen in th•se dayes when Antipas my faithfull Martyr was slaine among you, where Sathan dwelleth.
Here beginneth the second part of this Epistle; to wit, the Proposition: which containeth two parts: A commendation of this Church, in this verse: and a Reproof, vers. 14, 15. The commendation is twofold: First, general, in these words: I know thy works; then special, in the words following, I know where thou dwellest, &c. Of the general commendation we have spoken in the former Epistles, verse 2. and 9. ⟨p. 111⟩This yet must be observed, that Christ herewith beginneth the matter of all his Epistles: intending no doubt, hereby to settle the persuasion of his presence deeply in every one of our hearts: for it is indeed the ground of the holy fear of God, which is the beginning of all true religion and godliness. And here Christ giveth a president for his ministers: namely, that the first thing they must teach their people is, to be persuaded of this presence of Christ; wheresoever they are Christ is with them, and whatsoever they do he seeth them. This will cause them make conscience of all their ways, and it is impossible that any should ever have sound knowledge or good conscience, till he be persuaded hereof. Abraham knew well that in Abimelekes court they would make no conscience of murder, because they (a)wanted this fear of God: to fear God and keep his commandments is the whole man: and therefore we should give all diligence hereunto. It is indeed a hard lesson for us to learn, and of our selves we cannot learn it: but if we use the means, Gods blessing will be upon our endeavour, and then shall we have knowledge upon knowledge, and grace upon grace, with the comfort of a good conscience.