A09443:89
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.
First, a man must learn the grounds or elements of religion, commonly called the Catechism, for they are the foundation of all knowledge: without which a man shall never understand the Scripture to his comfort, nor keep the same in memory. The Apostle saith the Hebrews were dull of hearing (the deep things of God in Christ) because they had not well learned the first principles of the word, Hebr. 5.11.12. This all ignorant persons should well observe, specially the aged, that they may find in themselves the cause of their ignorance and dullness, even want of knowledge in the Catechism. They think it a disgrace to be brought unto it now they are old: but if they would not be ever learning, and never come to the knowledge of the truth, they must lay in themselves this good beginning, and learn the principles of religion.
First, a man must learne the grounds or elements of religion, commonly called the Catechisme, for they are the foū dation of all knowledge: without which a man shall neuer vnderstand the Scripture to his comfort, nor keepe the same in memorie. The Apostle sayth the Hebrewes were dull of hearing (the deepe things of God in Christ) because they had not well learned the first principles of the word, Hebr. 5.11.12. This all ignorant persons should well obserue, specially the aged, that they may find in themselues the cause of their ignorance and dulnesse, euen want of knowledge in the Catechisme. They thinke it a disgrace to bee brought vnto it now they are old: but if they would not be euer learning, and neuer come to the knowledge of the truth, they must lay in themselues this good beginning, and learne the principles of religion.
Secondly, we must not rush upon Gods holy ordinance, but before we either come to hear, or read, with reverence prepare our selves thereto. Most men at this day use to prepare themselves before they come to the Lords table; and so they ought to do before they come to hear the word: for God ordained both for this end, to be means to bring men to true happiness: they differ only in this, that the Sacraments are the visible, and the Scriptures the audible word of God. At the giving of the law, The people that must eare it, were sanctified three days before.