A09443:62
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.
The second thing whereby the matter of this book is set out unto us, is the circumstance of time when these things must be done; Shortly ▪ must be well observed: and howsoever some things foretold were not to be done till many hundred years after, which space of time might seem very long, yet in two respects it is but short. First, in regard of God, to whom a thousand years are but as one day, 2. Pet. 3.8. Secondly, in regard of men, to whom a hundred, or two hundred years seem but a short time when once they be expired, though before they seemed long.
The second thing whereby the matter of this booke is set out vnto vs, is the circumstance of time when these things must be done; Shortly ▪ must be well obserued: and howsoeuer some things foretold were not to be done till many hundred yeares after, which space of time might seeme verie long, yet in two respects it is but short. First, in regard of God, to whom a thousand yeares are but as one day, 2. Pet. 3.8. Secondly, in regard of men, to whome a hundred, or two hundred yeres seeme but a short time when once they bee expired, though before they seemed long.
This circumstance of time is set down for two causes. First, to terrify all carnal and careless men: for this book foretelleth judgements, plagues, and destructions for the enemies of Gods church, which m•st shortly come upon them: which is a thing worthy our careful consideration in this secure age of the world, wherein men bless themselves in their sins, without fear of Gods judgements, and say they shall have peace, though they walk after the stubbornness of their own hearts, putting far from them the evil day; saying, spare thy self, this shall not come unto thee. But shall the lion roar, and the beasts not tremble? Yet the Lord threateneth his judgements, but men will not repent. Well, let us consider this, whether we be young or old, high or low, that Gods judgements are shortly to come: and let this be a motive to raise us out of the sleep of sin, and of security. That which Peter said of false teachers, is also true of all impenitent sinners, unless they prevent the same by speedy and unfeigned repentance, Their judgement long ago is not far off, and their damnation sleepeth not.