The ruin of Rome, or, An exposition upon the whole Revelation wherein is plainly…The ruine of Rome, or, An exposition upon the whole Revelation wherein is plainly…

Now then, we do plainly see how gloriously Jesus Christ is described of his several properties in every one of these Epistles, and what honourable and magnificent titles are given unto him; and to all this end, to move attention, and to work in us a reverence of so great a Personage, that we might more seriously regard, and deeply ponder the things which proceed from so great a Majesty: For we see and know by common experience that almost every mans words are heeded and regarded according to the opinion and reverence which is had of his Person. Sith then that every one of these Epistles, fronted with this great authority: Thus saith the Son of God: Thus saith Christ: Thus saith Alpha and Omega; therefore we ought to give diligent heed to the things herein contained. So like wise we read in the Hebrews, ⟨p. 40⟩that after the Holy Ghost had very notably described the Person of Christ, and extolled him far above the Angels and all other creatures, he giveth the use of it in the beginning of the second Chapter, saying, Therefore we ought to give more diligent heed to his doctrine. And thus much concerning the Exordium or entrance of these seven Epistles, touching the person to whom, and the Person from whom these Epistles are sent. Now it followeth to speak a word or two of the general proposition contained in these words: I know thy works. We read in all these Epistles, how the Son of God praises some of the Churches, and dispraises others; commends some Pastors, and discommends others. Now he that will praise or dispraise, must especially look to this, that he be upon a good ground; and therefore Jesus Christ before he enters into any praising or dispraising, commending or reproving, doth first protest that he knoweth their works, and is privy to all their particular actions, yea, their very thoughts, and therefore cannot err or be deceived in his censures. True it is indeed, that men may err in their opinions and censures of others, because they know not mens hearts, and with ⟨p. 41⟩what affections things are carried. Men, I say, may praise or dispraise too much or too little.

Now then, we doe plainly see how gloriously Jesus Christ is described of his severall properties in every one of these Epistles, and what honourable and magnificent titles are given unto him; and to all this end, to move attention, and to worke in us a reverence of so great a Personage, that wee might more seriously regard, and deepely ponder the things which proceed from so great a Majesty: For we see and know by common experience that almost every mans words are heeded and regarded according to the opinion and reverence which is had of his Person. Sith then that every one of these Epistles, fronted with this great authority: Thus saith the Sonne of God: Thus saith Christ: Thus saith Alpha and Omega; therefore we ought to give diligent heed to the things herein contained. So like wise we read in the Hebrewes,