A09443:686
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.
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, 1. John. 4.6. But men have many excuses to exempt themselves from hearing Sermons: Some say if God himself would preach, or Christ, or an Angel from heaven, then they would hear; but so long as sinful man preacheth it is no great matter though they absent them selves. Answ. This is a presumptuous reason: for the preaching of the gospel by man, is Gods own ordinance; and that for these causes: First, since Adams fall man cannot abide the voice of God: so as if man should hear God speak, he would cry out with the Jews, Exod, 20.19, Let not God talk with us lest we die. And with Peter, (b)Depart from me I am a miserable sinner: Secondly, God speaketh by man to try the obedience and humility of men; to see whether they would be content to receive and believe his word, being propounded by sinful man that is like unto themselves: And thirdly, to maintain love between man and man, by mutual conversing in this holy ordinance. Others do say, they may well enough keep themselves in their families, for there they have their Bible wherein be the Sermons of Christ, and of his Prophets and Apostles than which no minister can preach better. Ans.