A09443:729
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.
It were to be wished that our congregations might be commended for their increase in godliness, in faith, obedience,1 and other good works; but that cannot justly be done, for the number of our people is increased, but their growth in grace doth not appear. Many live in ignorance, and though they hear much, yet they profit little, so as it may be said of them, as the Author to the Hebrews saith, (a)Whereas concerning the time ye ought to be teachers, you have need again that we teach you the first principles of the word of God. And as Paul saith of certain women, (b)They are always learning, and never come to the knowledge of the truth. Others also, though they know something, yet they practise less than they which know nothing. And which is worst of all, many that heretofore have •ad good beginning in them, by their bad conversation, and the greedy cares of this world have lost the same again, and go backward in knowledge, in obedience, in faith, and love. Rare it is to find those that are like to this church of Thyatira, whose works are better at the last than at the first. A fearful case it is, to be ignorant of Gods will, and a great judgement of God, to decay in love and other graces: and therefore that we may prevent Gods judgements, we must have care to get knowledge, and to increase therein, and with knowledge to join obedience in all good duties to God and man. Some plead for themselves by reason of age, want of memory, and capacity: but these must learn to show forth better affections, and more sincere obedience.
It were to be wished that our congregations might bee commended for their increase in godlinesse, in faith, obedience,1 and other good workes; but that cannot iustly bee done, for the number of our people is increased, but their growth in grace doth not appeare. Many liue in ignorance, and though they heare much, yet they profit little, so as it may be sayd of them, as the Author to the Hebrews saith, (a)Whereas concerning the time ye ought to be teachers, you haue need againe that we teach you the first principles of the word of God. And as Paul saith of certaine women,