A10324:117
The discovery of the man of sin wherein is set forth the changes of…The discovery of the man of sinne wherein is set forth the changes of…
The discovery of the man of sin wherein is set forth the changes of Gods church, in her afflictions by his reign. Consolations by his ruin. First preached in divers sermons to the University and city of Oxon, by a reverend & judicious divine IR. D. of Divinity and sometimes of Queens College. And now published for the farther use of both, and comfort of all that hate Antichrist and love the Lord Jesus Christ wheresoever: By W.H.The discovery of the man of sinne wherein is set forth the changes of Gods church, in her afflictions by his raigne. Consolations by his ruine. First preached in divers sermons to the Vniversitie and cittie of Oxon, by a reverend & iudicious divine IR. D. of Divinity and sometimes of Queenes College. And now published for the farther vse of both, and comfort of all that hate Antichrist and loue the Lord Iesus Christ wheresoever: By W.H.
Oxford: printed by Joseph Barnes, 1614Oxford: printed by Ioseph Barnes, 1614
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.
The Rhemists in their marginal note on this place, send us to a place in Augustine, out of which to learn how to expound this and other like places. But Augustine showeth that in these things God is more then a bare sufferer.1 When he calleth it a righteous judgement, which judgment must needs be his work; but to know S. Aug. meaning read the 5. lib. contra Pelag. c. 3. where he showeth that herein is not only his sufferance but his power. So that God marvellously worketh not only in the bodies, but also in the hearts of men. And for all wo•ks we are to hold this: that if we say that God suffereth any thing which he careth not how or in what fort it falleth out, we deny his Providence, if he suffer any thing against his will, we deny his omnipotent power. But we may herein note the exceeding power of God, which of the sins of the godly can make comfort to the godly & raise glory to his name;2 yea the sins of the faithful to turn to their good, as he made the buffetings of Satan means to keep Paul from being proud through the multitude of revelations. If any man be curious in this,3 & will not be satisfied but bring Gods wo•ks to mans tribunal, let him look to be consumed of his glory, & he that cannot hereof speak with reverence, let him hold his tongue altogether.4 O that you would hold your tongue that it might be imputed unto you for wisdom. After then that men refuse the love of the truth, God in wrath leaveth them to the rage of Satan,5 who finding the house swept returneth with 7. other worse▪ then himself, and there taketh up possession, leading them on from one sin to another,6 and at last to perpetual destruction. When that choice was offered David of the three punishments to take one, he said,7