A09443:848
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.
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.
The end why Christ is said to haue soveraigntie ouer the Ministers, is to strike the heart of the minister of this Church of Sardis with conscience of his former negligence, & to stir him vp to diligence and carefulnes in his place. And indeede, the consideration of Christs soueraigntie ouer them, is an excellent motiue to stir vp all Ministers to bee diligent in their place, and so likewise all Christians. For considering that they are Christs, and the gifts they haue come from him, this must mooue them to make conscience of all good duties, for being Christs they must giue themselues wholy to do the will of Christ, whose they are. If he would haue vs liue, we must be thankefull because he is Lord of life: if our death will glorifie him, we must be content, because wee are his. Thus much of the Preface.
The matter of this Epistle, containeth two parts. A reproof of a vice, with the remedy thereof. Vers. 1.2.3. And a praise or commendation: vers. 4. The reproof in these words, I know thy works, that is, I know all thy works: they are all manifest unto me, and I mislike of them. So must these words be understood in this place, as may appear by the reason of this reproof in the words following, Thou hast a name that thou livest, but thou art dead. Wherein is set down the fault of this Church, namely, Hypocrisy: for that they pretended christian religion in outward profession, but yet wanted the life of christianity, & the power of godliness: for the meaning of the reason is this: Thou hast a name that thou livest: that is, Churches round about thee judge and speak of thee, as of a church that is borne anew in Christ, and is guided by his spirit (for by life we must understand spiritual life not corporal) but yet for all this thou art dead: that is, thou wantest true spiritual life by regeneration, and art indeed dead in thy sins: this is a great and a sharp reproof.