A09443:996
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.
This daily persuasion of the speedy coming of Christ, is of notable use. For first, it will daunt the most desperate wretch that is, and make him to tremble in himself, and restrain him from many sins. And if a man belong to God, and be yet a loose liver, this persuasion will rouse him out of his sins, and make him turn unto God, by using the means of repentance: for who would not seek to save his soul, if he were persuaded that Christ were now coming to give him his final reward? Secondly if a man have grace and have repented, and do believe; this persuasion is a notable means to make him constant in every good duty, both of piety to God, and of charity towards his brethren. Thirdly, this serveth to comfort any person that is in affliction: for when he shall believe this which Christ hath said, I come shortly: he cannot but think but his deliverance is at hand; for at his coming, he bringeth perfect redemption to all his Elect.
This dayly perswasion of the speedy comming of Christ, is of notable vse. For first, it will daunt the most desperate wretch that is, and make him to tremble in himselfe, and restraine him from many sinnes. And if a man belong to God, and be yet a loose liuer, this perswasion will rowze him out of his sins, and make him turne vnto God, by vsing the meanes of repentance: for who would not seeke to saue his soule, if he were perswaded that Christ were now comming to giue him his finall reward? Secondly if a man haue grace and haue repented, and do beleeue; this perswasiō is a notable means to make him constant in euery good dutie, both of pietie to God, and of charitie towards his brethren. Thirdly, this serueth to comfort any person that is in affliction: for when hee shall beleeue this which Christ hath said, I come shortly: he cannot but thinke but his deliuerance is at hand; for at his comming, hee bringeth perfect redemption to all his Elect.
The second reason is set after the commandment; that no man take thy crown: that is, the crown of thy glory, even everlasting life. This must not be restrained to the minister of this Church, taking it only for the crown of his ministry, though it be also understood of him; but the same must be referred to the whole Church: as if our Saviour Christ should say; If thou hold not fast thy faith and other graces, thou wilt loose the crown of glory that is ordained for thee.