A09443:720
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.
1It were to be wished that our church and people might have the like praise for this virtue. But the richer sort spend their substance and wealth upon hawks and hounds, bulls, and bears, upon costly attire, and banqueting: so as when the poor that are in need come for relief, they have nothing to spare; and if any thing be given, it is drawn as hardly from them as a rib out of their side: Men will give frankly to delight themselves with plays and pastimes, and such like vanities; but the poor that be their own flesh, may die in the streets for want of that which men give to their dogs. But if we respect the commendation of Christ Jesus, let us abandon these vanities which hinder us in the practise of this virtue of service for the good of our brethren. And to induce all men hereto, let them consider I. how the church of the Old testament was charged with giving the first fruits of their wine, corn, and oil: and likewise with many sacrifices and ceremonies which belonged to the temple: these things indeed be ceased, and yet we may not misspend these good which hereby are spared; for in the New testament the poor are in steed of the altar, and they must have that which the altar had among the Jews. Again, Isay. 58.18, He that poureth forth his soul to the hungry, that is, he that seeing the poor in misery, hath the bowels of compassion moved towards them, and from his pitiful hart relieveth their wants, according to his ability; his light shall never be put out, but shall spring out of the darkness, and his darkness shall be as the noon day. This is pure religion,2 and undefiled before God, to visit the fatherless, and the widow in their adversity. Remember this, He that hath mercy upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord, Prou. 19.17. So that when the poor come for relief, God cometh to borrow of us some of that which he hath given us. The poor are the Lords collectors, now when the Lord would borrow of us, shall we make denial, & send him empty away? Thirdly, consider that Christ himself comes in the person of the poor that is hungry, sick, naked, or in any want; and therefore if we would escape the fearful sentence of condemnation at the last day, Away from me ye cursed into everlasting fire, for I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat, &c.