A09443:67
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, this action of Christ is noted to get more reverent acceptance, and greater authority to this book: for which cause also it was sent by an holy Angel. If an earthly prince should write his letter to his subject, and withal send it by one of his guard, we doubt the subject would receive it most reverently. Behold this book is the Epistle and letter of Jesus Christ, sent by his Angel for the benefit of his Church. What reverence therefore, and acceptation ought this to find? surely a thousand fold more with every one, then the writing of any earthly prince whatsoever.
Secondly, this action of Christ is noted to get more reuerent acceptance, and greater authoritie to this booke: for which cause also it was sent by an holy Angell. If an earthly prince should write his letter to his subiect, and withall send it by one of his guard, we doubt the subiect would receiue it most reuerently. Behold this booke is the Epistle and letter of Iesus Christ, sent by his Angell for the benefit of his Church. What reuerence therefore, and acceptation ought this to find? surely a thousand fold more with euery one, then the writing of any earthly prince whatsoeuer.
The second point to be observed, is the persons whom Christ employeth about this Revelation, and they be two. An holy Angel, and Saint John. For the first▪ It hath pleased God in all ages to use the ministry of Angels, as a means whereby he would convey the knowledge of his will unto his Church. The law in mount Sinai was given to Moses by the ministry of an Angel, Act. 7.38. Gal. 3.19. and Daniel received the exposition of sundry dreams and visions by an Angel, Dan. 8.19, and 9.21. and 10.14. And the seven visions which contain the substance of this book were showed to John by an holy Angel. But here we must take heed that we do not like the papists ground hereupon the invocation of Angels, because they be about us, and bring unto us particular messages from the Lord: for before we may pray unto them, we must have from God a particular commandment so to do, and also a promise to be heard in that we ask, or else our prayer is not of faith: but the whole Scripture affords no word of command, or promise for any such action, and therefore we cannot do it without sin.