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…

Verse 14. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that maintain the doctrine of Balaam, which taught Balac to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, that they should eat of things sacrificed unto Idols, and commit fornication.

Verse 14. But I haue a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that maintaine the doctrine of Balaam, which taught Balac to put a stumbling blocke before the children of Israell, that they should eat of things sacrificed vnto Idols, and commit fornication.

Here followeth the reproof of this Church of Pergamus, which is first generally propounded in these words, I have a few things against thee: Secondly, in particular, for want of zeal, in suffering among them such as maintained the doctrine of Balaam. Thirdly, he setteth down a reason or confirmation thereof in the end of the 14 verse, and in the 15.

Here followeth the reproofe of this Church of Pergamus, which is first generally propounded in these words, I haue a few things against thee: Secondly, in particular, for want of zeale, in suffering among them such as maintained the doctrine of Balam. Thirdly, hee setteth downe a reason or confirmation thereof in the end of the 14 verse, and in the 15.

The general reproof is the same which was given out against the Church of Ephesus, vers. 4. Whereby he would teach us a special duty: namely, that every man must seriously consider with himself what sins he hath in him, which Christ may have to lay unto his charge. For this very cause doth Christ rehearse it unto this Church. And therefore we must call our selves to reckoning, and examine our selves not by our own wits, but by the rule of Gods word, and search out all our thoughts, words, and actions; and see how many things Christ may have against us, that so making a forehand reckoning, and seeking to be cleared by true repentance we may not be condemned for them at the last day: for if we would judge our selves, we should not be judged. This is a necessary duty, and the practise of it is the ground of all grace, and conscionable obedience: as on the other side, the want hereof is the cause why many that live in the Church do perish eternally. For a day of accounts will come, wherein we shall never escape, unless by a forehand reckoning in the practise of true repentance from dead works, and by faith in Christ Jesus we prevent the same. Lamentable and fearful is the state of all those, that never call themselves to this account: it causeth them to go on in sin without remorse, Hos 7.2. Hereof Jeremiah complained,