A09443:922
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.
Secondly, Christ is described, by his kingly office; Which hath the key of David, which openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth. Where first, let us see the meaning of the words: For which purpose we must have recourse to Isaiah. 22. vers. 22: whence these words are borrowed, being there said of Eliachim. The circumstances of that Text, will easily show the meaning of the words in this place: Shebna, who had been an ancient Steward to many of the Kings of Israel, was Treasurer also unto King Hezekias: And because he was an hinderer of Reformation intended by Hezekias, the Lord threatened to cast him out of his office: and further, the Lord signifieth that Eliachim shall come in his room, and have the same office; now to express this thing, the Lord saith: The Key of the house of David shall be laid upon his shoulders: That is, Eliachim shall be made a Steward of the house of David even of the Kingdom of David, whereof Hezekias was Governor: (for so the House of Judah, and the House of Israel, are often put for the whole Kingdom of Judah and Israel.) And the giving of a Key was an ancient token of placing and investing men in chief rule and authority; so that the meaning of this place, is this: that God hath given unto Christ sovereign power, and authority of governing his Church. Quest. But why is Christ said to have the Key of David, for Davids kingdom was a temporal kingdom, but Christs Kingdom is not of this world, John. 18.36. And yet it is said, The Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob. Luk. 1.32.33. Answ. Christ may be said to have the Keys of David, two ways. First, Properly; for when he was borne of the blessed Virgin Mary, he was borne King of the Jews, by right descent from his father David, as his Genealogy plainly showeth, Luk. 3. And also the question of the wise men at Jerusalem, saying: Where is the king of the Jews that is borne? Mat. 2.2. And therefore when the Publicans asked tribute of him, he pleaded the privilege of a Kings son: albeit, to avoid offence, he was content to yield of his right, & to pay tribute; Thereby showing▪ that he had right to the Kingdom of Israel, though he would not take it upon him & therefore came in such a time when the Kingdom was taken of the Roman Emperor.