B11837:574
A hundred sermons upo[n] the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ revealed in deed by the angel…A hundred sermons vpo[n] the Apocalips of Iesu Christe reueiled in dede by thangell…
A hundred sermons upo[n] the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ revealed in deed by the angel of the Lord: but seen or received and written by the apostle and Eva[n]gelist. S. John: compiled by the famous and godly learned man, Henry Bullinger, chief pastor of the congregation of Zuryk. Newly set forth and allowed, according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties, iniuntions. The argument, worthiness, commodity, and use of this work, thou shalt find in the preface: after which thou hast a most exact table to lead thee into all the principal matters contained therein.A hundred sermons vpo[n] the Apocalips of Iesu Christe reueiled in dede by thangell of the Lorde: but seen or receyued and written by thapostle and Eua[n]gelist. S. Iohn: compiled by the famous and godly learned man, Henry Bullinger, chief pastor of the congregation of Zuryk. Newly set forth and allowed, according to the order appoynted in the Quenes maiesties, iniuntions. Thargument, wurthines, commoditie, and vse of this worke, thou shalt fynd in the preface: after which thou hast a most exact table to leade thee into all the princypall matters conteyned therin.
printed by John Day, 1561printed by Iohn Day, 1561
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
But that same excellent thing is chiefly to be observed,1 that although they were but few good, yet nevertheless the Lord commendeth and extolleth those few, doubtless for the example and imitation of all other churches. The words in deed are short, but the praise most ample and large. That they had not defiled their garments: which is as much as if he had said, you have not polluted your souls with strange opinions or spots of heresy. For you have remained sincere in the true faith: your bodies also, and the whole conversation of your life, you have not defiled with filthy lusts, with fleshly pleasures and voluptuousness. Doubtless this is the greatest praise and most certain sign of perfect godliness: wherewith I would wish that more of us were marked. But the manner of speech here requireth also an exposition.2 The allegory of garments is often and much used in holy scripture. The use of apparel invented of God him self, and showed to our forefathers, hath this chief property, to hide the privy parts of our body, to beautify and set forth the body, and keep of heat and cold. And therefore Christ him self is called the garment of Christians, and in the gospel in deed the wedding garment. Whereupon the Apostle adviseth us to put on the new man, which is made after God even Christ him self. Roman. 13. Ephes. 4. Coloss. 3. For Christ covereth not only our privy parts, but all the filthiness also of the soul, he adorneth and beautifieth us, and driveth from us all injury, and all evil. And we defile this garment, ⟨p. 108⟩when neither in faith nor in holiness of life we do answer to our profession. For Christ is our garment, and Christianity, sincere faith, and holiness of life are our apparel: And even faith and our conversation is our garment. Forasmuch therefore as the Sardensians were of a sincere faith, and uncorrupt manners, they are said to have kept their garments clean and undefiled. The lord also giveth now a reward unto virtue.3 And they shall walk with me, sayeth he, in white array. These excellent things verily doeth he rehearse to retain the Sardensians in their duty, to nourish them to greater things and to move other also to sincerity and integrity. Saints walk with Christ in white array, that is to say, have fruition of the same glory, wherein we believe Christ to shine.