A09443:867
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.
I have not found thy works perfect. Works are perfect two ways; by the law, or by the Gospel. By the law, when in our works we do all that the law requireth: and thus are no mans works perfect in this life. By the Gospel, our works are perfect when they proceed from a believing hart, that hath a care to please God in all things: & these works are perfect not in themselves, but in the acceptation of Christ. Here by perfect works Christ meaneth not the perfection of the law, but of the Gospel, as if he had said, I have searched into your ways; you do many works in show, but they proceed not from sincere faith, nor from a heart that hath care to please God in all his commandments, and a full purpose not to sin against him: you have a show of godliness, but you want the power thereof.
I haue not found thy works perfect. Works are perfect two waies; by the law, or by the Gospell. By the law, whē in our works wee doe all that the law requireth: and thus are no mans workes perfect in this life. By the Gospel, our works are perfect when they proceed from a belieuing hart, that hath a care to please God in all things: & these works are perfect not in thēselus, but in the acceptation of Christ. Here by perfect works Christ meaneth not the perfection of the law, but of the Gospell, as if he had sayd, I haue searched into your waies; you doe many workes in shew, but they proceed not from sincere faith, nor from a heart that hath care to please God in all his commandements, and a full purpose not to sinne against him: you haue a shew of godlynesse, but you want the power thereof.
Here observe that Christ condemneth this church, not because their works were not outwardly conformable to the will of God; but because they proceeded not from a believing hart, that had a full purpose to forsake all sin, and to please God in all things.
Here obserue that Christ condemneth this church, not because their works were not outwardlye conformable to the will of God; but because they proceeded not from a beleeuing hart, that had a full purpose to forsake all sinne, and to please God in all things.