A09443:987
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.
Again, in that this promise is not made simply and absolutely, but with restraint; hereby we are taught, that the petitions of those persons which pray simply and absolutely to be freed from all temptations and adversities, are not according to Gods will and word: For every petition must depend upon some promise of God; but we have no absolute promise of freedom from all trials and temptations; but only so far forth as they be evil. And therefore in praying against temptations, we must qualify our petitions for temporal deliverance, according to the tenor of the promises of Christ: that is, so far forth as may most advance Gods glory, and best further our salvation.
Againe, in that this promise is not made simply and absolutely, but with restraint; hereby we are taught, that the petitions of those persons which pray simply and absolutely to be freed from all temptations and aduersities, are not according to Gods will and word: For euery petition must depend vpon some promise of God; but wee haue no absolute promise of freedome from all tryals and temptations; but onely so farre foorth as they be euill. And therefore in praying against temptations, we must qualifie our petitions for temporall deliuerance, according to the tenour of the promises of Christ: that is, so farre forth as may most aduance Gods glorie, and best further our saluation.
Quest. How can this great persecution be called but an hour of temptation, seeing it lasted 14. years? Answ. In divers respects it may be so called: First, in regard of God gwith whom a thousand years are but as one day: and therefore 14. years with God are but as one hour. Secondly, in regard of that punishment which every man by his sins deserveth in hell eternally. Thirdly, in the affection of Gods people which were tried: When Jacob served Laban seven years for Rachel, his affection made him think hit was but a short time: So when Gods children suffer for the name and Gospel of Christ, the consideration thereof will make them think long afflictions to be but short. This affection caused Paul to wish to himself eternal perdition for the glory of God, in the salvation of the Jews.