A09443:685
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.
These words are the conclusion of this Epistle, which containeth two parts, a commandment, and a promise. The commandment in these words, Let him that hath an ear hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches. The promise in the words following, To him that overcometh, &c. The commandment serveth to stir up Gods church to attention, in marking that which Christ delivereth unto them, as hath been showed before verse 7.
These words are the conclusion of this Epistle, which containeth two parts, a commaundement, and a promise. The commaundement in these words, Let him that hath an eare heare what the spirit saith vnto the Churches. The promise in the words following, To him that ouercommeth, &c. The commandement serueth to stir vp Gods church to attention, in marking that which Christ deliuereth vnto them, as hath bene shewed before verse 7.
In this commandment of Christ note two things: First, that all men in Gods church are bound in conscience to frequent Sermons, whereby they may come to the knowledge of those things that God prescribeth unto them. At the nativity, Easter, and such good times as they are called, ignorant people will come to the church: but it may be not once more of a month after, or a quarter of a year. But Christ saith, (a)My sheep hear my voice. So that he that will not come to hear the voice of Christ, is none of his sheep. Math. 16.19, Christ saith to Peter, I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. There the preaching of the gospel, is the key of the kingdom of heaven: So that look how necessary it is for a man to have his soul saved and to enter into heaven, so behoovefull is it for him to hear Sermons: for that is the turning of the key whereby we enter into this kingdom, 2. Cor. 5.18. the preaching of the gospel is the doctrine of reconciliation: and therefore look how necessary it is for a man to be reconciled to God; so needful is it for him to hear the word preached. He that is of God beareth Gods word: and he that beareth it not is not of God,