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…

The second royalty of Christ is, that he hath the seven stars: that is, the seven Pastors of the seven Churches of Asia, they are called stars, because in their ministry they enlighten men in the way that leadeth unto life. And Christ is said to have them, because he is a sovereign Lord over them, & they be his servants. For he •ppointeth that person that shall be his minister among men, he giveth him gifts meet for his calling, he prescribeth also unto him his office and duties. But the Pastors of Churches (will some say) are made by the Church? Answ. The right of ordaining Pastors belongs to Christ, as his royalty: the office of the Church is to testify, ratify, & according to the word of God to approve of them whom Christ maketh and endues with gifts: and for that cause is the Church said to call and ordain Ministers.

The second royaltie of Christ is, that he hath the seuen starres: that is, the seuen Pastors of the seuen Churches of Asia, they are called starres, because in their ministerie they inlighten men in the way that leadeth vnto life. And Christ is said to haue them, because hee is a soueraigne Lord ouer them, & they bee his seruants. For he •ppointeth that person that shall be his minister among men, hee giueth him gifts meet for his calling, he prescribeth also vnto him his office and duties. But the Pastors of Churches (will some say) are made by the Church? Answ. The right of ordaining Pastors belongs to Christ, as his royaltie: the office of the Church is to testifie, ratifie, & according to the word of God to approoue of them whom Christ maketh and indueth with gifts: and for that cause is the Church said to call and ordaine Ministers.

The end why Christ is said to have sovereignty over the Ministers, is to strike the heart of the minister of this Church of Sardis with conscience of his former negligence, & to stir him up to diligence and carefulness in his place. And indeed, the consideration of Christs sovereignty over them, is an excellent motive to stir up all Ministers to be diligent in their place, and so likewise all Christians. For considering that they are Christs, and the gifts they have come from him, this must move them to make conscience of all good duties, for being Christs they must give themselves wholly to do the will of Christ, whose they are. If he would have us live, we must be thankful because he is Lord of life: if our death will glorify him, we must be content, because we are his. Thus much of the Preface.