A09443:627
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.
Fifthly, hence we gather that God will have his people to dwell with wicked and ungodly men: for the church of ⟨p. 113⟩Pergamus dwelleth where Satan's throne is. This he doth with wicked and ungodly men for good causes: I. That their faith, obedience, and repentance might be exercised, and they preserved from many sins which otherwayes they should fall into. Moses telleth the Israelites that the Canaanites must not be all cast out at their first entrance, but dwell among them, lest wild beasts did grow up which would devour them: & so the wicked must dwell among the godly to exercise Gods graces in them, lest they fall into sin and security. II. That they might shine forth as lights unto the wicked by their godly conversation, Phil. 2.15. That ye may be blameless and pure, the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a naughty and crooked nation, and among whom ye shine as lights in the world: holding forth word of life. And thus the godly must do, that by their unblameable life others might be won to the faith; for godly example is a notable means to draw men to love and embrace faith and true religion, 1. Pet. 3.1. III. That God may show on the godly tokens of his special love and favour: which he doth when he sendeth judgements upon the wicked, and spareth his children. Hence it was, that when the Lord would bring a common judgement upon the Jews, he causeth those that mourned for their own sins, and for the abominations of the people, (a)To be marked in the forehead, that they might be spared. So that if any godly person dwell among such as hate religion, and be profane, he must content himself, knowing it is Gods will his church should be vexed and troubled by the societies of the wicked and ungodly. Sixthly, hence it appeareth that Gods people may lawfully dwell among wicked and ungodly men, always remembering that they communicate not with them in their sins and rebellions against God: For so L•t dwelt in Sodom, and this church of Pergamus, where the devil had his throne. 1. Cor. 7.2▪ This question is answered: a master is a heathen man, and his servant is converted to the faith; whereupon he thinketh that he is free from serving his master: but Paul telleth him he must do external service still, so far forth as he keep good conscience, and be not constrained to renounce true religion.