A09443:929
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.
Next I add, that this power is given to the Church: that is, to the company of of true Believers called to salvation by Christ, and to none other: and therefore it is said of them; lWhatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, &c.
Next I adde, that this power is giuen to the Church: that is, to the companie of of true Beleeuers called to saluation by Christ, and to none other: and therefore it is sayd of them; lWhatsoeuer you bind on earth shall be bound in heauen, &c.
- lMat. 18.1•.
Thirdly, I add the end of this power of the keys: To open and to shut heaven. How the Church doth this, Christ that gave this power knoweth best, and he hath set it down, John. 20.23. Whosoevers sins ye remit, they are remitted: and whosoevers sins ye retain, they are retained. The Church therefore opens heaven, when it pardons mens sins: and it shuts the same, when it lawfully retains their sins, and holdeth them unpardoned: besides this, there is no opening and shutting of heaven committed to the Church. Quest. Can the Church pardon sin, or retain the same? Answ. Yes, for these are the words of Christ: but let us see how. It is one thing to give sentence of the pardon of sin, and another to pronounce the same sentence given. To give the sentence of the pardon of sin, is only proper to Christ, the head of the Church; no Saint, nor Angel hath that privilege: but yet the Church pronounceth the sentence of pardon given by Christ. If we should say, the the Church should pardon sin; we should rob Christ of his honour, for that is a privilege of his Godhead. Thus we se• what the power of the keys is.