A09443:696
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, is Christs hidden bread not revealed to all? Then calling effectual to salvation (so as if he will, every man may be saved) is not universal: for then should Christ not be hidden, but revealed to all: which is not so. Election therefore and effectual vocation is definite & particular. And thus much of the first branch of this gift.
Secondly, is Christs hidden bread not reuealed to all? Then calling effectuall to saluation (so as if hee will, euery man may be saued) is not vniuersall: for then should Christ not be hidden, but reuealed to all: which is not so. Election therefore and effectuall vocation is definite & particular. And thus much of the first branch of this gift.
The second gift, is a white stone. Here Christ borroweth a comparison from the custom and manner of the gentiles, to whom these Epistles are directed. A white stone was of great use among them: For first, the judge in giving sentence, used white stones, and black stones: the giving of a white stone was a token of absolution; the giving of a black stone, a sign of condemnation. Here then the giving of a white stone, may signify Absolution from Christ, of all a mans sins and trespasses. Again, when the gentiles would know, which were lucky days (as they spake) and which were unlucky; they used to cast lots with white and black stones, and that day which light on a white stone was judged to be a lucky day, that which light on a black stone was judged to be unlucky. This practise they used as might be showed by sufficient records. And though this practise have no warrant, yet may Christ allude unto it, to signify unto them that he will give them good success in all their actions; yea happy days, and a blessed life full of all joys and pleasures. Others do expound it of giving victory, whereof the giving of a white stone was a sign: but this is not so fit, neither can it be showed by true record that they had such a practise. I rather take it Christ alludeth to the first, and here promiseth to him that overcometh, the true remission of all his sins, and full absolution; not in regard of civill punishment, but in respect of guilt and punishment before God, which is eternal damnation.