A09443:669
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.
Secondly, he prescribes this duty to the Nicolaitans, that held two damnable errors, and no doubt lived accordingly in those sins: and yet Christ bars them not from his kingdom, but bids them repent. Where note, that great and grievous sinners are not barred from Gods mercy, if they will repent. Excellent is that saying of Isay, God i• much in sparing: and that of David also, With God is plentiful redemption. 1This point is seriously to be considered: for we have in our congregations many that are well spoken of in the world: and yet for knowledge of God and practise of life, are flat Atheists. We have also among us epicures, blasphemers, murderers, and fornicators with these Nicolaitans. Now to all these and such like this doctrine appertains▪ not to embolden them in sin, but to assure them there is mercy in store for them with God, if they will truly repent. They must not turn the grace of God •o wantonness, and make his mercy a bolster to their iniquity; for this is despising of Gods bounty, whereby they help up unto themselves wrath against the day of wrath: but if with Job they humble themselves in dust and ashes, and cry to heaven for mercy from a broken heart that carrieth a resolute purpose to leave all sin; then, though their sins were never so many, they shall all be drowned in the bottomless sea of Gods mercy: though they were as crimson and scarlet, which will take no other dye, yet in Christs blood they shall be made as white as wool & snow: yea, though they have fallen often into the same sins which is most fearful and dangerous, yet upon this unfeigned repentance they shall be restored to mercy: for the fountain thereof cannot be dried up: but see they do repent, for whosoever looketh for Christs merits, must know that he looketh for true repentance. Thus much for the remedy.
Secondly, he prescribes this dutie to the Nicolaitans, that held two damnable errours, and no doubt liued accordingly in those sinnes: and yet Christ barres them not from his kingdome, but bids them repent. Where note, that great and grieuous sinners are not barred frō Gods mercie, if they will repent. Excellent is that saying of Isay, God i• much in sparing: and that of Dauid also, With God is plentifull redemption. 1