A09443:640
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.
1Here first Christ teacheth this church to show forth zeal in excommunicating and casting out such heretics as by damnable doctrine did trouble them. This place is a sufficient ground for the practise of that Ecclesiastical censure. When men hold heretical opinions, the Church after two or three admonitions is to excommunicate them and cast them out. So did Paul to Hymaeneus and Alexander, 1. Tim. 1.20▪ Secondly, Christ reproving this Church for entertaining such heretics and wicked men, doth give us to understand, that every member of Gods church should have a great dislike of all persons, that hold not the doctrine of Christ in truth, but maintain errors against the tenor of Scripture, and the profession of the Church. For this cause Paul chargeth Timothy to (a)separate himself from such a• teach otherwise than he had given direct on, and consent not unto the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness: being puffed up and knowing nothing. This then must be our careful practise: we have by Gods mercy true religion among us, which we must maintain with zeal: and if any bring in other doctrine, we must reject it, and show forth detestation to him that bringeth it, not bidding him God speed. 2. John. 10. We must rather loose our lives, than suffer the truth of God to be defaced. Thirdly, that which Christ layeth to the charge of this church may in sundry respects be charged upon our churches and congregations at this day; namely, want of zeal against sin, and severity against sinners: for though the governors of our Church repel the heresies of Popery, Anabaptists, and family of Love, and suppress all doctrines that race the foundation, which are commendable things: yet in the middest of our congregations be abundance of Atheists, who by deed and conversation deny Christ Jesus▪ for many know nothing in the matters of religion, and moe be profane, who both think and speak most basely of religion, and of the teachers and professors thereof. Yea, we have flat epicures permitted to live in our church, such as make their belly their God: who give themselves wholly unto eating, drinking sports, and delights, without all regard either of the general duties of Christianity, or of the particular duties of their calling.