turn the great things of God's law into allegories 2 Pet. 1. 16. 2 Tim. 2. 16 18. and ch 4. 4. The Gospel of Christ they might call Letter as many Antichristian Spirits now do that was but the shell but their Spiritual meanings and corrupt glosses were the kernel that the History but their fables were the mystery they had such depths as lay not in the Letter as they call it They boasted they were wise and the law of the Lord was with them They knew they conceited the spiritual meaning of the sayings of God and that was such as did not plainly appear in nor agree with the import of the expressions of the Holy Ghost Jer. 8. 8 9. and ch 18. 18. as there are the depths of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. so they had their depths also their mystery of iniquity 2 Thess 2. 7. Eph. 5. 11 12. 2. Those depths they know not who have not their doctrine nor doth our Lord put it upon them to search or enquire into them Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life her ways are movable thou canst not know them hear me now therefore O ye Children and depart not from the words of my mouth remove thy way far from her and come not nigh the door of her house saith the holy Spirit Prov. 5. 6 9. Their depths they do conceal and hide from such as reject their doctrine as much as they can till Men listen to them they will not acquaint them with their secrets nor at first unto them until they be snared with the words of their lips but pretend one thing while they intend and mean another They privily bring in damnable heresies and not openly 2 Pet. 2. 1. they only consult to cast down Christ from his excellency they delight in â—ies they bless with their mouth but they curse in their inward parts Ps 62. 4. Though they serve not our Lord Jesus but their own belly their own spirit and wisdom yet they use good words and fair speeches where with they deceive the hearts of the simple pretending to guide them to safety and satisfaction while indeed their end and design is nothing else but destruction Rom. 16. 17 18. Phil. 3. 17 18 19. 3. But the depths they boast of are depths of Satan not of God such as are hatch't in hell and such as tend to exalt Satan's design and Kingdome Their doctrines are doctrines oâ— Devils such as tend to exalt him in the world and such as will lead Men unto everlasting destruction if they be continued in and not turned from And yet they may say as they did we have made a covenant with death and with hell are we at agreement when the overflowing scourge shall pass thorow it shall not come unto us for we have made lies our refuge and under falshood have we hid our selves Isay 28. 14 15 18 20. 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2. What he saith and speaketh unto these persons and that followeth viz. I will put upon you none other burden But that which ye have already hold fast till I come where we may inquire and consider 1. What was that which they had already 2. How was that to be held fast by them 3. How long was it to be retained or held fast by them 1. What was that which they â—ad already and which they should hold fast And that is somewhat answering unto and yet opposed unto their doctrine that is to say the doctrine of Christ or Faith of the Gospel which the Angel and Church in Pergamos are commended for holding fast notwithstanding there were false and corrupt teachers amongst them as v. 13 15. and Philadelphia is commended also for having kept Christ's word the word of his patience and not denying his name notwithstanding the Synagogue of Satan amongst them ch 3. 8 10. and is still exhorted to hold fast that which they had as here this Church also is ch 3. 11. and on like occasion as here namely because of seducers such instruction and exhortation is given unto other Churches and believers by this â—aith the Apostle Paul ye are saved if ye keep in memory or or hold fast that which I have preached unto you c. 1 Cor. 15. 1 2 3. Let that therefore abide in you which you have heard from the beginning 1 Joh. 2. 22 24 26. Therefore Brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word or by our Epistle 2 Thes 2. 8 15. 2 Joh. 7. 9 11. This is that which they had already and which they were to hold fast even the Doctrine of Christ with the Instructions and Commandments thereof Heb. 13. 7 8 9. See the notes before on Verse 13. of this Chapter 2. How was this Doctrine to be held fast by them And that is 1. In the midst of their Hearts in an hearty belief of it and yielding up to it and obeying it from the heart Rom. 6. 17. Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you saith the Apostle Col. 3. 16. Eph. 3. 17. and so rejoyce in Christ works and suffer this faith of the Gospel to purifie your hearts Acts 15. 9. To purifie your souls 1 Pet. 1. 22. Prov. 2. 10 11 16. and ch 3. 1. and ch 4. 4 13. and ch 7. 1 26. 2. They were also to hold it fast in word and conversation Phil. 2. 13 16. To hold fast the Profession of the Faith without wavering Heb. 4. 13. and ch 10. 23. and this is a consequent of the former namely as to word as it is said If thou keep them within thee they shall withall be fitted in thy lips Prov. 22. 18. And this confession with the mouth proceeding from belief with the heart will tend to the further saving our selves and others also Rom. 10. 8 10. 1 Tim. 4. 16. And this holding fast the Doctrine of Christ in our word and confession should be without mixture of our wisdom or of our corrupt glosses additions or takings away therefrom Though we understand it not or though it stand cross to our thoughts and apprehensions yet we should acknowledge and confess the goodness and truth thereof 2 Cor. 2. 17. Prov. 30. 6. Ps 119. 113. Jer. 23. 28. And also in conversation we should hold fast this Doctrine of Christ having our conversation becoming it that we may in all things adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour Phil. 1. 27. with Tit. 2. 10 11 13. Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and in holding fast the Gospel of Christ in our hearts and from the heart obeying it we shall be made free from Sin and become Servants unto Righteousness Rom. 6. 16 18. And indeed we should so hold fast the word of Christ as to oppose and convince gain sayers and should contend earnestly for it and this we should do together and joyntly Phil. 1. 27. Jude 3. Tit. 1. 9. Gal. 2. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 12. 3. We have in the next place to enquire and consider how long
High-priests in former times to wit the Cloths of Service to do service in the Holy place and the Holy Garments for Aaron to minister in the Priests Office Exod. 39. 41. When the High-priest went into the Holy Place to make atonement by Blood-shedding he put on the Linnen-Garments and afterward he put them off and put on his Garments in which continually he ministred in the Priests Office Garments for beauty and glory Lev. 16. 4 23 24. Exod. 28. 1 3. Now to answer hereto In former times our High-priest might appear in Linnen because he had not actually made Peace and Atonement by his Blood but now he hath done it and is become glorious in his Apparel he hath now Garments for beauty and glory If it be said the Girdle in Daniel's Vision and this in John's is the same he was then girded with fine Gold of Vphaz Dan. 10. 5. And here he is girt with a golden Girdle and therefore also the Raiment is the same To this I only say here the Girdle doth signifie his Righteousness and Faithfulness and so it might denote to us that though he had not yet made the Atonement by his Blood yet he was righteous and faithful God's righteous Servant who would do it in due time But though he had the Girdle yet he might not be or appear glorious in his Apparel because the work was not finished though he was always faithful But now he hath finished the work the Father gave him to do in his own Personal Body he is glorified Joh. 17. 4 5. Isay 11. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 21. And so Aaron and his Sons had Garments holy Garments to Minister in for beauty and Glory that were beautiful fair and pleasant and glorious splendid rich and full of lustre Exod. 28. 1 3. So our high priest Jesus the Son of Man he is clothed with the Garments of beauty the beauty of holiness Ps 110. 3. Heb. 7. 26. and Glory the God of our fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus Acts 3. 13. I will saith he greatly rejoyce in the LORD my soul shall be joyful in my God for he hath clothed me with the Garments of Salvation he hath covered me with the Robe of righteousness as a Bridegroom decketh himself as a priest with ornaments And as a Bride adorneth her self with her Jewells Isay 61. 1 2 10 11. he is now become beautiful and glorious in his apparel as the Prophet signifieth when he Prophetically saith In that day seven Women shall take hold of one Man even of this one Man saying we will wear our own apparel only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach We would be called Christians notwithstanding and not Heathens Pagans Infidels In that day shall the Branch of the Lord be beauty and Glory Compare Isay 4. 1 2. with Exod. 28. 2. Now then as the High-priest in former times did bear the names of the Children of Israel in two stones upon the shouldiers of his Ephod which Ephod was a part of his Raiment for a Memorial to or as some translations read it for a remembrance of the Children of Israel Exod. 28. 6 12. and ch 39. 6 7. so our High-priest who hath born our sins on his body on the tree now bears the names of them that so hear and learn of the Father as to come unto him upon his shouldiers before the Lord that they might always be had in remembrance before him he presents them in his raiment and Righteousness and so the memory and name of the just is Blessed but the name of the wicked shall Rot Prov. 10. 7. The righteous shall be in everlasting Remembrance Ps 112. 6. and he beareth their names upon his shoulders for a memorial to his Israel that they may Remember and rejoyce in this that their High-priest carrieth their names upon his shoulders and presents them in the body of his flesh thorow death holy unreprovable and unrebukeable in his sight they continuing in the Faith grounded and settled c. Col. 1. 22 23 he presents their names and persons for so names doe signifie even Persons Acts 1. 15. Rev. 3. 4. and renders them accepted in himself who is the beloved one Eph. 1. 6. Jude 24. that they may rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of Glory in this that they who cannot present themselves in themselves nor appear immediately before God are presented notwithstanding by their great High-priest and upon his shoulders they are made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5. 21. they are in Christ Jesus and he of God is made unto them Righteousness 1 Cor. 1. 30. and he is entred not into the holy place made with hands which are the figures of the true but into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for them for them especially who come unto God by him on their behalf and in their stead and representing their persons Heb 9. 24. and ch 8. 1 2. he is one who is Beautiful and glorious in his apparel in the eyes of the Lord And his Garments are of his own making as Mediatour as the Garments of Aaron were made by Moses the Mediatour of that Testament Exod 28. 1 2 3 39 40. and on the shoulders thereof he beareth them up and carrieth them and presents them before the Lord Deut. 32. 11 12. Isay 46 3 4. yea their names are graven in stones in precious stones Exod. 28. 9 11. to signify they shall be had in remembrance for ever before the Lord for so much the graving or engraving of them may signifie A perpetual presentation and memorial of them as when Job is declaring the root of the matter he not only desireth that what he spake were written nor onely that they were printed in a book but also that they were graven with an iron-Pen and laid in the rock forever Job 19. 23 24. So much is also intimated in what the Lord speakes to Zion when she said My LORD hath forgotten me Can saith he a Woman forget her sucking child that she should not have compassion on the son of her Womb yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee But what assurance doth he give her of this It followeth Behold I have graven thee upon the palmes of my hands thy walls are continually before me Isay 49. 14 16. To this it may seem the spouse referreth when she prayeth of and to her beloved Set me as a seal upon thine arme Cant. 8. 6. Engrave me upon thy shoulders Again in former times the typical High-priest did in the breast-plate of judgment bear the names of the Children of Israel upon his heart for a memorial before the Lord continually whose names were engraven in twelve stones and all upon his heart Exod. 28. 13. 29. and ch 39. 8. 14. To signifie his tender and cordial love and compassion to them So our merciful and gracious High-priest beareth the names of his Israel on his heart not upon some
hast thou reproached and blasphemed And against whom hast thou exalted thy voice I know thy rage against me Isay 37. 23 28. 5. And he sees and takes notice of their blasphemy and persecution of his people Ps 10. 14. Jer. 18. 23. Ps 94. 1 8. And this may comfort his people and help them to commit their cause to him to whom vengeance doth belong c. Verse 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life In this verse after he had given this Angel and Church some account of his knowledge as we have seen before in v. 9. our Lord doth here 1. Give a caution and warning unto them Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer 2. He gives some intimation and account of the things they should suffer with the time and end thereof Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days 3. He gives to them needful counsel Be thou faithful unto death 4. And propounds to and sets before them blessed encouragement that they might receive his counsel And I will give thee a crown of life 1. The warning and caution which he gives unto this Angel and Church Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer here we may note some things signified to us 1. In that he signifieth that they were in tribulation v. 9. and here and after gives us to understand that they were still to suffer and be in tribulation so we may receive this Instruction That while they are in this World tribulation is to be expected by the believers one affliction succeeding and following upon the neck of another Many are the afflictions of the righteous Ps 34. 19. In the World ye shall have tribulation saith our Saviour Joh. 16. 33. 2 Tim. 3. 12. As it was with Israel of old so it is true of the Israel of God Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth may Israel now say many a time have they afflicted me from my youth The plowers plowed upon my back they made long their furrows Ps 129. 1 3. The believers are now hated of all men for Christ's name-sake And when permissive commission is given to their enemies they will be instruments of affliction and grievance to them Acts 14. 22. now they sow in tears Ps 126. 5 6. yea many afflictions they meet withal from such as pretend themselves to be and would be accounted the most sincere Christians as we have seen in v. 9. and this shews that here is not their rest they are not yet perfect as to attainment Isay 14. 3. 2 Thes 1. 5 6. Rev. 21. 3 4 5. and also we may learn from hence that we cannot know love or hatred by any thing here they may be loved peculiarly that are in troubles frequently and they may be hated comparatively and woes denounced against them that are at ease in Zion Amos. 6. 1. Ps 73. 2 12. and 11. 5 6. Heb. 12. 5 7. 2. In that he saith to these Fear none of those things c. so he signifieth to us That even the believers themselves are liable to fear timerousness and cowardice aswell as others and need to be admonished thereof and strengthened there-against yea and the best and most upright of them also such were this Angel and Church for our Saviour faults them for nothing and yet gives this caution to them such a like caution our Saviour gives unto his disciples generally Fear not little flock Luke 12. 32. And the Apostle Paul was not ashamed to remember and acknowledge to the Corinthians that he was with them in weakness and in fear and in much trembling 1 Cor. 2. 3. Gal. 4. 13 14. see the notes on Rev. 1. v. 17. We have fear in us as a natural infirmity of the flesh and are subject and ready to pollute our selves therewith and to be under the power thereof and therefore we need to be warned there-against and to receive admonition And in general we may note that seeing this admonition is given to such as were blameless and unreprovable in his sight That such persons as do not sin at present but have kept themselves pure yet they may be warned of what is evil and should not take it ill so to be And particularly this conâ—ideration that believers are now liable to fear might be useful to us That we should not be discouraged or despond because we are sometimes fearful but to remember that holy ones were subject thereto formerly and we might therefore learn to pity one another and not to trust or glory in our selves or in other 3. We may further note from hence that such as have been in tribulation and affliction formerly and have behaved themselves unreproveably therein may yet fear when a new trouble and trial comes upon them see v. 9. so much also the Apostle intimates when he writes to the Hebrews and saith call to remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated ye endured a great fight of affliction partly whilest ye were made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and afflictions and partly whilest ye became companions of them that were so used for ye had compassion of me in my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods But notwithstanding all this it appears that though they had so well behaved themselves formerly in afflictions they were afterwards ready to fear and needed to be warned thereof hence to the former he adds Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward for ye have need of patience Heb. 10. 32 36. such as have in former times patiently endured and not feared need to be again encouraged and strengthened and stirred up to courage when a new trial is ordered to them Hence the Apostle saith to Timothy Fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life whereunto thou art called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses 1 Tim. 6. 12 14. Acts 18. 9 10. with ch 13. 51 52. and 14. 1 21. and ch 23. 11. They have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves to any thing that is good 2 Cor. 3. 5. but need continually to be strong in and strengthened by the Lord Eph. 6. 10 12. or they may fear some things they may suffer though they might endure many things yet there may be some affliction some particular trial that may be dreadful and terrible to them hence he here saith Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer or fear nothing Heb. 13. 5 6. Rom. 8. 35 39. Fear not want nor enemies Some may think they could endure reproach or evil words but not bodily persecution some may endure imprisonment but not spoiling of their goods some may chearfully undergo
and the extent thereof both as to the Persons and as to the time of your tribulation 3. We have now in order to speak unto The good and needful counsel which he gives unto these Be thou faithful unto death That is to say Be thou faithful in the Lord as to the faithful in Christ Jesus Eph. 1. 1. To the Saints and faithful Brethren in Christ Col. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 6. 2. continue in the faith grounded and setled and be not moved a-away from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 23. stand fast in the faith 1 Cor. 16 13. as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and established in the faith Col. 2. 6 7. And Be thou faithful unto the Lord Acts 16. 15. In holding fast and holding forth the glorious Gospel unto death Tit. 1. 9. In rendring Christ's praise glorious and proclaiming the Lord's goodness and not thine own Prov. 20. 6. In resisting and striving against sin even unto blood Heb. 12. 4. In a patient continuance in well-doing Rom. 2. 7. Heb. 10. 36. In all be thou stedfast and unmoveable 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be thou constant and turn not aside from following him but cleave unto him with full purpose whatever afflictions or tribulations ye meet withal be faithful confessors and martyrs Rev. 1. 5. and ch 3. 14. continue unto the end in induring afflictions fight the good fight of faith till death Faithful is more then elected or chosen simply as that is more then called as is signified to us in that it is said they that are with the lamb are called and chosen faithful Rev. 17. 14. and ch 12. 11. Now in that he gives such counsel to these he signifieth unto us 1. That constancy in the faith and profession of it and in enduring the afflictions of the Gospel is needful and requisite for those that shall hereafter inherit eternal life It is not enough that men run well at the first but also that they hold on unto the end of the race Because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold But he that shall endure unto the end thy same shall be saved Mat. 24. 11 12. and ch 10. 22. So the Lord saith concerning Solomon I will establish his Kingdom for ever if he be constant to do my commandments But otherwise â—aith David to him If thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. The just shall live by faith but if he draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 38. Though our Saviour finds no â—ault with this Church for any evil yet he signifies by this Counsel that it was needful for them to abide constant unto the end And so he doth when he sends a message to the Church in Philadelphia which was also unreprovable at that time and the only one of the seven that was so besides this yet to that Church also he saith hold that fast which thou hast that no Man take thy Crown See the notes on ch 3. v. 11. 2. In this counsel is also signified to us That those that are at present in Christ and whom he blames not for any thing but greatly commends may that notwithstanding possibly not abide faithful unto the conclusion of their lives But either because of the love of the World or for fear of somewhat to be parted with or endured may depart or stand off from Christ by an evil heart of unbelief Heb. 3. 1. with v. 12 13. This admonition is given to all believers not only to little Children and young Men but unto Fathers also Love not the World neither the things that are in the World If any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him The love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith c. 1 Joh. 2 15 16. with 1 Tim. 6. 9 10. 2 Tim. 4. 10. such as go right on their way may possibly be hindred or turned aside therefrom and such as were once faithful may be corrupted 1 Tim. 1. 20. 2 Tim. 2. 18. 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. Mat. 24. 45. c. Heb. 10. 23 26. see the notes on v 5 of this chapter 3. They may be faithful unto the end for he is faithful to confirm them unto the end that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom they were called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 1 Thess 5. 22 24. There is no Iniquity with the Lord our God Jer. 2. 1 5 12. 4. Faithfulness is required but unto death they that are constant thereto shall from thenceforth be so established for ever that they cannot possibly be unfaithful they shall then be pillars in the house of God and shall go no more out see the notes on Rev. 3. v. 12. They shall then be delivered compleatly and everlastingly from sin Heb. 12. 4. and from enemies after they are once dead their enemies have no more that they can do Luke 12. 4. henceforth there is certainly laid up for them a crown of Righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give them at that day 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. Then they are blessed indeed and more blessed than they were in former times Rev. 14. 13. from thenceforth there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass from one place or state to another cannot Luke 16. 26. constancy is no longer required of them but until their earthly house of this Tabernacle be dissolved Then they shall enter into peace and rest in their beds each one walking before him and in his uprightness And they shall not be hurt of the Second Death v. 11. 4. We have a gracious promise and powerful encouragement propounded to and set before them to engage them to receive and obey the Counsel fore-spoken to And I will give thee a Crown of Life Which is not absolutely assured unto them but respectively to wit in their being faithful unto the Death To the former Words of this sentence we have spoken before see the notes on v. 7. Onely here we may briefly speak to these two things 1. Enquire what is this Crown of life 2. Shew he can and will give it to these and such-like 1. The Crown of life doth signify to us their reigning in life by and with Jesus Christ when they have finished their course here in spirit And in the resurrection of the just in Soul and body reunited Rom. 5. 17. and so life in scripture when taken as here is the same with the Kingdom of God compare Mat. 18. 9. with Mark 9. 47 48. and Mark 9. 43 45 47. And that which in one place the Apostle James thus expresseth the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him in another it is thus the Kingdom
Christ's name but were indeed the Synagogue of Satan and enemies to Christ and adversaries unto his people Rev. 3. 9. This mystery of iniquity did begin to work in the apostles days as we have before said and as appeareth 2 Thess 2. 7. and this Synagogue might also help forward the affliction of this angel and Church as Zech. 1. 15. and amongst these this Angel and Church might also dwell v. 14 15. Vse 1. Here we may take notice of the wonderful power of Christ and care over his Church and people in preserving them in such places as in which they dwell where the Devil dwells and where his throne is But as he haith said the gates of hell and death shall not prevail against his Church which is built and abides upon the rock Jesus Christ neither the power nor policy thereof Mat. 6. 18. nor angels nor principalities nor powers shall be able to separate them that love God and keep his commandments from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 39. For he is the head of all principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. Eph. 1. 17 22. The bush of his Church though in the midst of the fire is not consumed a wonderful sight Exod. 3. 2 3. Rev. 18. 4. Ps 74. 19. 2 Nay we may also take notice that this Angel and Church had works such as were approved of Christ in this place where Satan had his throne and habitation see the notes on v. 9. a great commendation of them as also afterwards followeth 3 Here we may see how needful it was Christ should thus describe himself to this Angel and Church as he did v. â—2 he that hath the sharp sword with two edges both to warn these to take heed they did not comply with open or covert idolaters and to encourage them to take to them the sword of the spirit which is the word of God for that abiding in them they should be strong and strengthened to overcome the wicked one and his instruments Eph. 6. 10 16. 1 Joh. 2. 13 14. Rev. 12. 11. with this sword they might cause the Devil to flee from them 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. with Jam. 4. 6 7. And to let them know that in their following him he would be an enemy to their enemies and an adversary to their adversaries Josh 5. 13 14. Deut. 1. 30. and ch 3. 22. 2 Chron. 13. 12. 3. We have an account of their upright demeanour in this place And thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith Thou holdest fast my name What is meant by his name 1. By name in Scripture is sometimes meant Person As an hundred and twenty names are so many persons Acts 1. 15. thou hast a few names see notes on Rev. 3. 4 there were â—lâ—in of the names of Men that is of Men Rev. 11. 13. And so understanding it here it is as if he should say thou holdest me fast and wilt not let me go as Cant. 3. 4. 2. By name is some times meant â—ame or report so name and â—ame are used indifferently so Josh 9. 9. Because of the name of the Lord for we have heard the â—ame of him compare Mat. 14. 1. with Mark 6. 14. Ezek. 23. 10. So it is said A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches Prov. 22. 1. Eccles 7. 1. And so amongst us a good or bad name is a good or bad report And so his name is Jesus Mat. 1. 21. the Saviour of the World Joh. 4. 42. and ch 12. 47. 1 Joh. 4. 14. One who by the grace of God tasted death for every Man and is raised again and become a good foundation of faith and hope for sinners Acts 4. 11 12. 1 Cor. 3. 11. the fountain of grace and truth Joh. 1. 14 16. the only bread of life Joh. 6. 35 58. the way the truth and the life Joh. 14. 6. the only mediatour and High-priest 1 Tim. 2. 5. Heb. 7. 24 25. The true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. 3. By name is meant his Gospel and so here we are to understand it most fully properly and directly In which he hath made known himself to us and in and with which he is spiritually present even unto the end of the World So as he that receiveth holdeth fast and abideth therein receiveth holdeth fast and abideth in him 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 9. And in his Gospel is given to us the â—ame and good report of him That he came into the World not to destroy Mens souls or condemn the World but that the World thorow him might be saved Luke 9. 56. Joh. 3. 16 17 18. This Gospel is called his name compare Mat. 19. 29. with Mark 10. 29. So it is said of Paul he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before the Gentiles and Kings and the Children of Israel for I will shew unto him how great things he must suffer for my namesake that is for his Gospel Acts 9. 15 16. with 2 Tim. 1. 10 12. 1 Peter 4. 14. Now this was that which they still held fast thou holdest fast my name though they were in such a bad place and so greatly tried by Satan Joâ— 2. 9. they held it fast 1. In a believing mindfulness of it 1 Cor. 15. 2. And so in the midst of their hearts in faith and love 2 Tim. 1. 13 14 to which we are exhorted Prov. 3. 1. and ch 7. 1 3. 2. And in confession they were not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ but did with their mouths make confession of it like that exhorted to Let us hold fast the profession of the faith without wavering Heb. 10. 23. and ch 4. 14. And hold forth the word of life Phil. 2. 14 16. So here Holding fast is opposed to denying see the notes on v. 25. And hast not denied my faith namely they had not done it in times of Temptation And when one amongst them was slain for it That which they had not denied was My faith Christs faith The faith here doth signify the word oâ— faith and not the act of believing It is not proper to say they had not denied Christ's believing but his word of â—aith as Rom. 10. 8. the words of faith 1 Tim. 4. 6. the faith or Doctrine of the Gospel Phil. 1. 27. that which Paul preached Gal. 1. 23. And a great company of the priests were obedient to Acts 6. 7. and which the Sorcerers sought to turn away the deputy from Acts 13. 7 8 12. that which was once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. And that by Faith here is meant the word of Christ or his Gospel doth appear by comparing this place with ch 3. v. 8. Now the Gospel of Christ is called â—aith especially as it is now revealed 1. To distinguish it from and oppose it to the law as a law of works so oft-times it is Rom. 3. 22 25 27. and 4. 11. and 9. 30. Gal. 3.
thou art dead thou art wandred out of the way of understanding and so thou art and remainest among the congregation of the dead Prov. 21. 16. thou hast in a great measure lost that living and useful knowledge that good understanding of Jesus Christ and the excellency of his cross and the love of God therein commended which sometimes thou hadst and blindness is happened to thee in part and in a great measure also they were become blind 2 Pet 1. 9. and had not such knowledge of God as formerly they had had which was a shame for them 1 Cor. 15. 34. Thou art dead under condemnation by walking after the flesh â—hâ— wisdome and ducture thereof thou art carnally-minded savouring thine own things thine own name praise esteem works of righteousness and to be carnally-minded is death Rom. 8. 1 6. Thou hast been living after the flesh however after the refined and more goodly and beautiful part thereof the desires of the mind after thine own wisdom good-doings reputation vain-glory and so art become dead Rom. 8. 13. Gal. 5. 24 26. and so thou art fallen under the wrath and displeasure of God Jam. 4. 4 6. whose wrath is as messengers of death to thee Prov. 16. 14. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. 1. But thou art not walking in and after the Spirit but after the flesh and so art under reproof and condemnation Gal. 5. 24 25. Rev. 3. 2 3. Thou art dead though thou appearest to live by Faith yet indeed thou art fallen under the law under the power and dominion thereof and so thy conscience is defiled and pollutted with dead and unprofitable works Heb. 6. 1. and ch 9. 14. thou hast forgotten and let slip what thou didst receive and hear at first and which was so precious pleasant and satisfying to thee how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures v 3. with 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. and how hereby he hath finished the transgression and made an end of sins and is making reconciliation for iniquity and hath brought in everlasting righteousness Dan 9. 24. yea that in him all things are actually prepared and made ready before thou wast invited to come to him Luke 14. 17. and all things pertaining to life and godliness to be received thorow the knowledge and Faith of him 2 Pet. 1. 3. and therefore instead of believing that thou mayst be justified sanctified conformed to him and so made meet for the inheritance Gal. 1. 15 16. Acts 26. 18. thou art seeking to attain righteousness by thy wisdom or as it were by the works of the law Rom. 9. 31 32 and 10. 1 4. and art under the law in thy mind and conscience which is the ministration of death 2 Cor. 3. 7. Gal. 5. 18. And canst no otherwise look up to God joy in him or approach with boldness to him but according to thine own law-services thy works and righteousness though thou didst receive the Spirit by the hearing of â—aith and not by the works of the law yet now thou art become so foolish having begun in the spirit thou wouldest be made perfect by the flesh Gal. 3. 1 5 12. thou art seeking the life and living of thine own hands Isay 57. 10 12. and having forgotten the precious blood of Christ or the preciousness thereof and love therein commended v. 3. thou art intangled with the yoke of bondage and art seeking to be justified by the law and Christ is in too great a measure become of none effect to thee Gal. 5. 1 4. thou dost not now wait thorow the Spirit for the hope of righteousness by Faith thou hast not now such rejoycing in Christ such tastes of his graciousness such confidence in him and confident dependance upon him and God in and thorow him as when thou dist keep in memory the word of the beginning of Christ 1 Cor. 15. 1 2. Gal 4. 15. Thou art dead hast no living affection to him as formerly nor zeal for him and for glorifying him unto others nor readiness and resolution to suffer shame and persecution for his sake and for the Gospel nor such love unto Men and Brethren And though thou hast works yet they are not perfect before God not the works of Faith but rather the works of the Law Jam. 2. 14 26. 1 Cor. 13. 3. Now here we may note 1. That they that have a name that they live they that have a same and report amongst others and whose renown is gone forth for their beauty knowledge Faith zeal vertue c. may yet be dead and withered and be far off from being such manner of persons as others report them to be not only may they be greatly mistaken who commend themselves and think themselves to be something when they are nothing Gal. 6. 3. as was Laodicea which said I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing And mean time was wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked and knew it not v. 17. 2 Cor. 10. 18. But they may be dead and withered and their moisture â—urned into the draught of summer of whom others speak highly and honourably Luke 6. 26. and ch 16. 15. Matt. 23. and ch 6. 2. Yea they that have a name amongst the Churches that they live such as are very renowned amongst them and â—amous in the Congregation of the Lord as Numb 16. 2. may yet be dead They the Churches and Angels thereof may be mistaken and deceived in those they think and speak so highly and honourably of and therefore as it may be a small thing with us to be judged of Men or of Man's day in General So it should be in particular a small thing with us to be justified praised and commended of others of our Brethren of our Teachers for the seven Spirits of God are not on them and they may be mistaken But let every one of us prove our own works and then shall we have our rejoycing in our selves alone and not in another or in others not in their good thoughts esteems or commendations of us 1 Cor. 4. 4. Gal. 6. 3 4. And let us not content our selves though we have a good report of all Men unless we have it of the truth also of Christ in his Gospel 3 Joh. 12. For 3. Such as these who are highly approved and commended by others and by the Angels and Churches also may yet be disapproved of and reproved and threatned by Christ that which is highly esteemed amongst Men may be an abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 15. Christ hath the seven spirits of God and he is thereby quick of understanding Isay 11. 1 3. he seeth not as a Man seeth for Man looketh on the outward appearance but he looks on the heart â—nd so may refuse whom
4 5. If Men only had blamed thee and Charged thy works with imperfection it had been no great thing and thou needest not much have laid it to thy heart for they are liable to mistake and erre But I who have the seven Spirits of God have searched into thy works and have not found them perfect before God therefore remember c. It is high time for us to remember and consider our ways when he in his word reproves us for we cannot disanull his judgment Job 40. 8. he cannot be deceived Now in this direction and instruction there are three Branches 1. Remember how thou hast received and heard 2. And hold fast 3. And repent 1. Remember therefore how thou hast received and â—eard Quest But why saith he how thou hast received and â—eard and not rather how thou hast heard and received seeing many times hearing is put before receiving in the order of words as Prov. 4. 10. and ch 19. 20. Mark 4. 16 20. Ans 1. This order is not always observed sometimes received is put before heard and that when Back-sliders are not spoken unto As the Apostle saith to the Philippians those things which ye have received and heard do Phil. 4. 9. And the Lord saith to Ezekiel Receive in thine heart and hear with thine ears c. Ezek. 3. 10. And therefore when there is a different order in the expressions frequently the order of words proves nothing though it doth when it 's usually observed Rom. 10. 9 10. Rev. 10. 9 10. Joh. 6. 27. 2. These two expressions may be duly placed in order as we may understand them And so by Received may mean received with thine ears and heard to wit in hearing which includes also believing and receiving in believing so receiving is with the ear As let your â—ar receive the word of his mouth Jer. 9. 20. so Eliphaz saith now a thing was secretly or by stealth brought to me and mine â—ar received a little thereof which is the same with that afterwards I heard a voice Job 4. 12 16. and sometimes as is said hearing includes and contains believing or receiving by faith As hear and your Souls shall live Isay 55. 3. they that hear shall live Joh. 5. 25. and many times when it is mentioned alone or after some other act of ours as here it doth so signify and however we shall so look upon it here Remember how thou hast received to wit with thine ears And heard namely in hearing Now then in this direction and instruction let us consider 1. The matter or thing to be remembred how thou hast received and heard 2. the Act which is required of them Remember 1. The matter or thing to be remembred how thou hast received and heard Now by this word how we may understand 1. What or the thing which they had received and heard so the word how is sometimes to be taken and understood so that which is in one Evangelist take heed how ye hear is thus expressed in an other take heed what ye hear compare Luke 8. 18. with Mark 4. 24. so when our Saviour saith to the Lawyer what is written in the law how readest thou he means how as included therein what readest thou Luke 10. 26. so remember how that is what he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee saying the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful Men c. Luke 24. 6. compare also Mat. 22. 31. with Mark 12. 26. and so it is as if Christ should say remember what thou hast received and heard And that which they had received with the â—ar and heard and so received in believing was Jesus Christ by his Spirit he and the things of him are to be heard by us and the first things also he received honour and Glory from his Father when he said this is my beloved Son hear him Mat. 17. 5. with 2 Pet. 1. 17. and the things to be heard from the beginning are that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried And that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and that he was seen of Cephas c. 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. with 1 Joh. 2. 24. and he and the things of him are to be received by Faith in believing As the Apostle signifies saying As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk ye in him Col. 2. 6. And with him God gives all things freely the believer receives them by Faith Rom. 8. 32. Even all things that pertain to life and godliness 2 Pet. 1. 3. Christ himself is that which is received by the faith of the operation of God Joâ— 1. 12. And he that hath received and hath him hath life 1 Joh. 5. 12. hath the forgiveness of his sins 1 Joh. 2. 12. Joh. 5. 24. And so he is delivered in his mind and conscience from under the guilt and accusation of sin by the law and from the â—ears of God's wrath because of his natural and necessary sinfulness and pollution The law of the Spirit of life in Christ makes him free from the law of sin and death By shewing unto him That what the law could not do in that it was weak thorow the flesh God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Rom. 8. 2 3. so as there remains no more conscience of sin to him on that account Heb. 10. 2 5 22. 2 Pet. 1. 9. yea and also he with Christ receives in believing the remission of his own personal sins and is justified from all things from which Men could not be justified by the law of Moses Acts 10. 43. and ch 13. 38 39. And so hath peace with God his Soul is delivered from death and his eyes from tears Rom. 4. 25. and 5. 1. Ps 116. 7 8 16. and with Christ he receives righteousness Prov. 8. 18. yea Christ is made of God to him righteousness Jer. 23. 6. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Rom. 3. 22. and his conscience is by the blood of Christ purged from dead works from the life-less and unprofitable works of his own righteousness Heb. 9 14. with Isay 57. 12. he is dead to the law by the body of Christ crucified with Christ thereto Rom. 7. 3 5. Gal. 2. 19 21. in receiving Christ he partakes of the â—avour of God Prov. 8. 35. and 1â— 14 16. Is a Son of God by Faith in Christ Jesus and what manner of love is this Joh. 1. 12. 1 Joh. 3. 1 2. Is quickneâ— to a liveâ—y hope by the resurection of Christ from the dead an hope that will not make ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost that while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly 1 Pet. 1. 3 5. Rom. 5. 2 5 10. and unto new and living affections and services Rom. 8. 3 4. 1 Joh. 4. 14 19. and v. 7
have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith as ye have been taught c. Col. 2. 6 7 8 and how Jealous was he lest the Corinthians should listen unto or entertain any other Gospel besides that they had preached and the believers had received see 2 Cor. 11. 1 2 3 4. Then from hence we may conclude that when any would perswade us to listen unto and embrace some other doctrines they are not therein led of God such a perswasion comes not of him that calleth the believers Gal. 4. 7 8. with ch 1. 6 7. But it comes from Satan whose work it is to turn them from the Faith if he can possibly do it Acts 13. 7 12. The Holy Ghost instructs his Children not to meddle with them that are given to change Prov. 24. 21. Christ calls upon his to hold fast what they have and not to be turned therefrom by any specious pretences or pretenders whatsoever The Apostles have written no new commandment unto us but an old commandment which is also new as to the declaration of the actual accomplishment of that in the personal body of Christ which was prophesyed of from the beginning and as to the revelation of those things which were formerly more hidden and mysterious 1 Joh. 2. 7 8. 2. We may also note again if we consider the persons to whom this counsel and exhortation is given That those who have kept the word of Christ need to be counselled and exhorted still to hold it fast so it was here our Lord who is holy and true faith v. 8. thou hast kept my word and hast not denied my name and v. 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience c. and now he still exhorts them hold that fast which thou hast so oft-times commandments of like nature are given to them who have kept the word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 6. 9 yea this is the burden as we have said that he layeth upon such and no other burden will he lay upon them but that which they have already they hold fast untill he comes see the notes on ch 2. v. 24. and v. 25. and the hearty believers need still to be thus exhorted and to suffer the word of exhortation And that 1. Because all the time they are in this present evil World they have ungodliness to deny and enemies always to fight against whose work it is if possible to turn them away from the truth and to turn them to fables 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Heb. 12. 4. Tit. 2. 11 12. they need to be provoked to keep with all diligence and to hold fast with all their might given them even with both hands as they speak the word of Christ because they have so many subtil watchful potent enemies both without them and within them who are continually endeavouring with all their might and main and assaying all means to remove them from the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and to steal away the word of God from them 1 Cor. 16. 13. 2 Tim. 1. 12 14. 2. Because the word of Christ is the word of life the word of salvation his words are Spirit and life Joh. 6. 63. in them is the life of the Soul and Spirit Oh then they need to be daily stirred up and exhorted to take fast hold of instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is their life Prov. 4. 13. Sardis by letting slip and forgetting how she had received and heard became dead though she had a name that she lived Rev. 3. 1 3. and the Gospel of Christ is the power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth they are kept thereby thorow faith unto the Salvation ready to be revealed in these last days unto that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in the Heavens c. Rom. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 4 5 6. 3. Because though we have formerly received and kept his word yet unless we hold it fast to the end all will be in vain and unprofitable to us we shall not be presented holy unblamable unrebukable in his sight unless we continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 22 23. unless we be herein faithful to the death we shall not at last receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved But he that puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdome of God Luke 9. 62. Mat. 10. 22. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Gal. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 3. Oh then that we may continue holding fast his word and in a patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality that he may in conclusion render to us eternal life Rom. 2. 7. and to move and provoke us so to do let us diligently consider also that which next followeth namely 3. In that our Lord Jesus gives this useful and needful counsel after that promise he makes to them in v. 10. I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world c. So we may learn to know the nature of those exceeding great and precious promises Ministred to us in the Gospel that they are not made to any person or persons in a personal consideration but they are made to such manner of persons they are originally immediately and everlastingly made to and confirmed in Christ Jesus Gal. 3. 16 17. and secondarily unto them that come unto and abide in Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 16 29. but if a Man abide not in him he is cast forth as a branch Joh. 15. 6. If the righteous Man draw back God's Soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 37 38. Ezek. 3. 20. and 18. 24. and ch 33. 13. God not only promised but sware also that he would bring the Israelites whom he redeemed out of Egypt into the land of Canaan But because of their unbelief and disobedience they entred not that notwithstanding As it is said by himself Doubtless ye shall not come into the Land concerning which I swarâ— to make you dwell therein c. Numb 14. 30 32. So God covenanted unto David concerning Solomon that he would establish the throne of his Kingdome over Israel for ever And this was done by a covenant of Salt an incorruptible perpetual covenant and yet because of his and Rehoboam's evil ten tribes were broken off 1 Chron. 22. 9 10. with 2 Chron. 13. 5. and 1 Kings 11. 11. see also 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. Ps 125. Isay 26. 2 4. he is the faithful God which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments and repays them that hate him to their face to destroy them notwithstanding any promise or covenant he hath made to or with them he will not be
5. an elder informed John who the palm-bearing Saints which were in heaven were chap. 7. 13 17. and when there were great voices in heaven then of the twenty-four elders only it is said they fell on their faces c. chap. 11. 15 16. which also may evince that by the elders we are to understand the spirits of just men made perfect who are present with the Lord and so in Heaven 3. And this will further appear by their sitting on their thrones by their raiment and crowns on their heads to which we shall speak particularly as we come at these things in order 3. And they appear by the title given to them to mean some that have rule over us though they are not alive in the body to wit the prophets in former times and the apostles of the lamb answerable whereto it is said At the gates of the holy Jerusalem were twelve Angels and names written thereon which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel And the wall of the city had twelve foundations and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb Rev. 21. 12 14. and so by these twenty-four elders we may â—nderstand the Patriarchs including the holy prophets and the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ of whose words we should be always mindful as the Apostle Peter signifies saying I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and of the commandment of us the Apostle of the Lord and Saviour 2 Pet. 3. 1 2. and so the fathers of the Church in former times are called elders after they were dead in these words By faith the elders obtained a good report Heb. 11. 2 c. and the apostles of Christ are called elders 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2 Joh. 1. 3 Joh. 1. and they are signified to be bishops Acts 1. 20. and both denote their ruling-power in the Church and so it may be said of both the prophets and apostles that they are under Christ the Masters of the congregations of the worshippers of the true God as the Preacher saith The words of the wise are as goads and as nails fastened by the masters of the assemblies which are given from one shepherd Eccles 12. 11. 1 Tim. 5. 17. they are instrumental fathers and so to be obeyed in the Lord so the Apostle Peter saith to the Jews Ye are the children of the prophets Acts 3. 25. Luke 16. 29 31. and the apostle Paul saith of himself and the same may be said of the residue of the Apostles in the like case Though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ yet not many fathers for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel 1 Cor. 4. 15. and the patriarchs prophets and apostles are after their departure out of this world our Guides and Rulers by their good words and examples as the Apostle in imateth when he saith Remember them who have the rule over you or who are the guides of you but who are they it follows who have spoken to you the word of God whose faith follow and these whom he calls our Guides Rulers or Elders as the word also signifies are such of the Holy Prophets and Apostles principally as had died in the â—aith and being absent from the body were present with the Lord as appears also by what follows in our translations viz. considering the end out-going conclusion or consummation of their conversation c. Heb. 13. 7. which place being diligently minded gives great light to this and hugely helps us to understand who these elders are as we have said before to wiâ— the Prophets and Apostles who had lived and died in the faith so in this book the twelve Apostles who were all dead as is very probable John excepted before he received this Revelation are called stars Rev. 12. 1. and as the stars of heaven do rule on earth Gen. 1. 16 18. Psal 136. 9. so also the Prophets and Apostles as stars now they are in their spirits in heaven do by their light in their word and good conversation still guide rule over and govern us instrumentally and so much also we may understand by their seats or thrones Mat. 19. 28. and yet also these twenty-four elders may be as it were the Representative of all the saints and holy ones who had finished their course and kept and died in the faith and whose spirits were in Heaven as the Angel of every of the seven Churches in Asia is spoken to as representing the whole Church of which he was the Angel or Messenger Now these â—our and twenty elders are further described to us 1. By their posture sitting That is to say 1. As kings and as persons of rule and government as these are as before we have seen and as appears in that they in the new song do to the praise of the Lamb with thankfulness acknowledg Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests chap. 5. 10. they are sitting on the four and twenty thrones spoken of in the beginning of the verse which are called their thrones chap. 11. 16. like to those spoken of in chap. 20. 4. where it is said I saw thrones and they sâ—te upon them and judgment was given unto them though not fully the same for that speaks of the thrones the children of the first resurrection shall sit upon when they shall be raised which yet none are And the glory of these elders here spoken of is in some part a fulfilling of that promised by our Lord Jesus unto his Apostles when he saith unto them â— appoint unto you a kingdom that ye may eat and drink at my table and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel Luke 22. 28 30. and that they sit as those that have some ruling-power and kingly government appears also by their habit and crowns to which after and so these are more excellent than the sain's that are in the earth Psal 16. 2 3. they are Jerusalem above which is free and is the mother of us all Above the holy ones here below Gal. 4. 29. they are in a better state and condition as the Apostle signifies when he saith I have a desire to depaâ—t and to be with Christ which is far better Phil. 1. 23. Now they are absenâ— from the body they are present with the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. Indeed by faith the holy ones on earth are kings also as is said He hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his father see notes before on chap. 1. ver 6. and chap. 5. 10 But faith is the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11. 1. they now walk by faith not by sight 2 Cor. 5. 6. but these elders have attained and are already perfect in their spirits and therein are actually and gloriously kings which the most
eminently holy ones on earth are not Phil. 3. 12 15. 1 Cor. 4. 8. 2. Sitting is a resting-posture also and denotes their â—essation from their former works services and labours which occasioned weariness pain or grief to them so sitting is opposed to standing to minister c. where the Apostle saith Every priest standeth daily ministring and â—ffering oftentimes the same sacrifices which caâ— never take away sin but this man after â—e had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down c. Heb. 10. 11 12. Thus it is with these they are sitting and hereby it appears he speaks of the spirits of just men made perfect of the four living creatures it is said they rest not or they have no rest day or night and they have wings to flee to and fro for glorifying God which denotes their exercise and diligence see the notes after on ver 8. But these elders are sitting they rest from their labâ—urs and their works follow them as it 's said of the dead that dye in the Lord Rev. 14. 13. they have entred into peace and rest in their beds each one walking before him Isa 57. 2. they have entred into rest in their spirits and cease from their former works Heb. 4. 9. 10. while they were at home in the body they had plowing-work and sowing-work to do they did sow in tears they went forth weeping bearing precious seed Psal 126. 5 6. with 1 Cor. 4. 8 14. but now they are sitting and at rest as Zech. 1. 11. and this is another argument to evince and demonstrate to us that these elders are dead as to us 2. By their apparel clothed in white raiment or white garments What this white raiment is we have given some account before see the notes on chap. 3. ver 4 and 5. and ver 18. to wit the righteousness the everlasting righteousness which Christ hath brought in by his blood and the excellent fruits thereof all heavenly and divine vertues Dan. 9. 24. Phil. 1. 11. Christ is now gloriously become their robe and raiment Jer 23. 6. in the Lord they are justified and in him they glory Isa 45. 23 24. and they are perfectly conformed to Christ in their spirits Heb. 12. 23. there is no sin no spot no blemish in them Isâ— 57. 2. Indeed while they were here there were spots cleaving to them as in themselves considered for there is not a just man on the earth that doth gâ—od and sinneth not Eccles 7. 20. while here they were not perfect nor had attained Phil. 3. 12. 1 John 1. 7 9. and therefore they needed to suffer that word of exhortation To cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit as the Apostle Paul speaks including himself 2 Cor. 7. 1. Heb. 10. 22. Exod. 40. 30. with Psal 26. 8. and though now we are counselled to buy of Christ white raiment that we may have an interest therein Rev. 3. 18. yet here we have it not on in possession otherwise than by faith which is the evidence of things not seen Phil. 3. 8 9. Rom. 3. 22. But these elders are clothed in white raiment and so seen by the Apostle and so they are like the angels Mat. 28. 3. Acts 1. 10. Rev. 15. 6. and this white raiment is royal apparel Esth 8. 15. Isa 61. 10. a robe of judgment and government Dan. 7. 9. which shews to us that these elders have ruling-power And this white raiment is the apparel of those that are dead to us and therefore it is promised by our Lord Jesus to the victor to him that hath fought the good fight and finished his course and kept the faith and so died in the Lord He that overcometh saith Christ the same shall be cloathed in white raiment Rev. 3. 5. and so it is said of the souls of them that wâ—re slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held That white robes were given to every one of them Rev. 6. 9 11. and the like is affirmed of that innumerable multitude of all nations and kindreds c. which stood before the throne and before the Lamb they were clothed with white robes and these appear to be such as had finished their course and died in the â—aith because they have palâ—s in their hands in token of victory And it is further said of them Thâ—y have come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blâ—â—d of the Lamb they shall hungeâ— no more neither thirst any more neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Rev. 7. 9 14 17. And this is another argument to shew that these elders are such as are absent from the body and present with Christ 3. By the Ornament upon their heads And they â—â—d on their heads crowns of gold like Kings and Priests incorruptible crowns 1 Cor. 9. 25. for gold is the most incorruptible mettal and excellent glorious crowns full of lustre and majesty Psal 21. 1 3. And this shews that these Elders are Rulers and have some rule and judgment given to them And these Crowns are on their heads they are crowned with them and possessed of them The holy Ones on the Earth have a crown that is called theirs but not on their heads they may possibly lose it Hence such counsel and exhortation is given to them Hold that fast which thou hast that none takâ— thy crown See the Notes before on Chap. 3. Vers 11. But these Elders have been faithful unto the death and unto them is given the crown of life crowns of gold by him who sometimes wore a crown of thorns on his head Rev. 2. 10. with Joh. 19. 5. they have striven lawfully even unto blood and so are crowned 2 Tim. 2. 5. they have been tried and now in their spirits are possessed of the crown of life which God that cannot lye hath promised to them that love him Jam. 1. 12. They have finished their course and kept the faith and now in their spirits have the crown of righteousness 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. And this is another argument also to shew that these four and twenty elders are the spirits of just men made perfect even of the holy Prophets and Apostles who are our Rulers in and under the great Shepherd of the sheep the Lord Jesus Ver. 5. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices And there was seven lamps of fire burning before the throne which are the seven spirits of God Here the Apostle gives unto us a further account 1. Of what proceeded out of the throne â—â—d out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thundrings and voices 2. Of what there was before the throne And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne which are the seven spirits of God 1. Of what proceeded out of the throne And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices By lightnings and
â—â—is Book As seven Seals See Notes on ver 1 Sevâ—n Spirits See Nâ—tes on Chapter 1. verse 4. Seven eyes c. So herâ— this Lâ—mb â—s it had been slâ—in had seven Horns to wit the comâ—leat nuâ—ber of them or Horn in perfection Now by Horns may be meant and signified to us these thiâ—gs 1. Power and strength The Horn being the Beasts Instrument of strength and for offence and defence of saving themselves and harming others that would harm them or theirs So Horn and Arm are put together as words of a like signification and both signifying Power the former that of a Beast the latter that of a man Jer. 48. 25 So we are to understand the word where it is said Lift not up the Horn lâ—ft not up your Horn on high that is exalt not your power unduly and unsoberly Psal 75. 4 5-10 So he hath cut off the Horn of Israel he hath â—et up the Horn of their Adversary to wit their power and strength Lam. 2. 3 17. Habak 3. 4. So we are to understand the word in this place and that most directly that Christ hath Horns to wit Power and he is worthy to receive it as is truly acknowledged and confessed ver 12 13. Yea he hath seven Horns to wit he hath perfect power thorow his Sufferings The Captain of our Salvation was made perfect therein â—hrow sufferings Heb. 2. 10. and Chap 5. 9. All power is given unto him Mat 28. 18. Power in Heaven â—ea all power with the Father as a â—râ—nce to prevail with him as Hos 13. 3 4. For he is indeed the true Israel a Prince with God his Father as it doth here plainly appear by his taking the Book out of the right hand of him that sate on he Throne and opening it when none else whatever could do it Hence that worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power ver 12. John 11. 41 42. Power over the Angels he is the Head of all Prince pâ—lity and Power Col. 2. 9 10. And all the Angels of God â—re commanded to worship him Heb. 1. 6. 1 Pet. 3. 22. And all power on earth is also given unto him Power to open the eâ—es of the blind Souls of men Isai 42. 1-7 Luke 4. 18. To turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Act 26. 18. and Chap. 3. 26 to work and operate faith in men Luke 4. 32. To make thâ—m Sons of Gâ—d that receive him even as many as believe in his Name John 1. 12. To forgive them their sins Mark 2. 10. Act 10. 43. Bâ— him all that belâ—eve are justified from all thâ—â—â—s frâ—m which they could nâ—t bâ— justified by the Law of Moses Act. 13. 38 39. To heal Dâ—seasâ—s Matt. 9. 4-6 And gave Power also to â—â—s Apoâ—tles and the seventy c. so to â—o also Mark 3. 15. Act. 3. 12-16 To cast out Devils Luke 4. 36. And gave power to hiâ— Disciples so to do also even over all the power of the enemy Matth. 10. 1. Luke 10. 17-19 To deliver up such in his Church unto Satan who are guilty of great and scandalous iniquities 1 Cor. 5. And to release them upon their Godly sorrow working repentance unto salvation not to be repented of 2 Cor. 2. and Chap. 7. To save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him He is a Horn of Salvation a mighty powerful â—aviour neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men whereby we may be saved Luke 1. 69. Act. 4. 12. Heb. 7. 25. To strengthen them in and under all the temptations which do beâ—all them and are ordered to them 2 Cor. 12. 9 10. To enable them to do all things thorow his strengthening them Phâ—l 4. 13. To dethrone Satan Rev. 12. 10. And punish all his instruments and the enemies and adversaries of his people Rev. 6. 15-17 To push them to the ends of the earth as Deut. 33. 17. and thorow him also those that believe on his Name shall â—ush down their enemies through his Name they shall tread them down that rise up against hâ—m Psal 44. 4. 5. Through his Name heartily believed in and confessed or sounded forth by them they shall be more than Conquerors as in former times the walls of Jerico fell down when the Priests blew with their seven Trumpets of Rams-horns which 7 Horns might be a Type of the seven Horns of this Lamb of which we are now speaking Josh 6. 6 8-16-20 Gen. 22. 8-10 2. Horns may alâ—o signifie Glory and Honour The Horn being the Ornament and Glory of the Beast So defiling the Horn in the dust and laying ones Honour in the dust may intend and mean the same thing Compare Job 16. 15. with Psal 7. 5. So also we may understand the expression where it is said Mine horn to wit my Glory wilt thou exalt like that of an Vnicorn Psal 92. 10. and 148. 14. So also this Laâ—b hath Glory given unto him As the Psalmist speaking of him saith His glory is great in thy Salvatâ—on Honour and Majesty hast thou laid upon him Psal 2â— 2-5 6. And in this Rev. 5. 12 13. The innumerable Company of Angels say Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receâ—ve â—lory And every Creature also said Honour and Glory be uâ—to the Lâ—mb fâ—r ever c. And he hath glory in its perfection or â—ost â—erfect glory given unto him He is â—lorified with the Father 's own self with the glory which he had wâ—th him before the world was John 17. 5. The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob the Gâ—d of our Fathers hath â—lorified his Sâ—n Jesus glorified him in himself Act. 3. 13. with John 13. 31 32. â—he hath great glory Mat. 24. 30. He is Lord of glory 1 Cor. 2. 8 Joh. 2. 1. the King of Glory â—sal 24. 7-10 The same Honour and Glory is ascribed to him as is also to the Father and that for ever and ever Rev. 5. 12 13. He hath a glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. He is gone up into a glorious place even into Heaven it self where is and which is the Throne of God See Notes on Chap. 4. Ver 2. And he is there received â—ill the times of the restitution of all things 1 Tim. 3. 16. with Mark 16. 19. and Act. 3. 21. 2 Pet. 1. 17. with Ver. 18. He is glorious in his apparel Isa 63. 1. he hath a glorious fulness of all Grace Truth and spiritual Blessings John 1. 14-16 Col. 1. 18 19. He is glorious and beautiful in holiness Exod. 5. 11. Isai 6. 1-3 with John 12. 40 41. He hath a glorious Name Power Authority and Strength Exod. 15. 6. 2 Thes 2 1. 9. He hath by inheriâ—ance obtained a more excellent Name than the Angels Heb. 1. 4-6 God hath highly exalted him and given him a Name above every Name Phil. 2. 7-9 10. Eph. 1. 20-23 He hath a glorious Lordship for he
of worship religiously and they are Idolaters who fall down before the picture or supposed picture of the Virgin Mary or of the Cross or of any creature whatever yea though it were made for and be looked upon as the picture of Christ or of the Father Ezek. 8. 10 12. or to fall down religiously before any mere creature for it is a worshipping the creature though men pretend to worship the Creator thereby as the Papists do Exod. 32. 4 5. with Deut. 9. 12. and Act. 7. 41. And so this phrase is oft used to denote the true worship to the true object of worship so Moses saith of himself I fell down before the Lord which is all one as to say I prayed to him Deut. 9. 18. with ver 20. so to pray before the Lord and unto him are all one 1 Sam. 1. 10 12 15. with ver 26. Dan. 9. 13. Compare 1 Chron. 17. 25. with 2 Sam. 7. 27. and 2 King 19. 15. with Isa 37. 15. Thus here we are to understand it They fell down to the Lamb and worshipped him with a divine and religious worship as it is said Thy throne O God is for ever and ever c. And then presently after He is thy Lord and worship thou him Psal 45. 8-11 And so having now spoken to that phrase we shall shew That he is and ought to be worshipped with divine Adoration 1. With inward that of the heart and spirit He is to be believed in and on even as the one and only foundation of faith 1 Cor. 3. 11. And whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed he shall not perish but have everlasting life John 3. 14-16 Rom. 9. 33. with Isa 28. 16. and 1 Pet. 2. 4 6. This is the work of God that we believe on him whom he hath sent John 6. 29. and 7. 38 39. And this is one branch of the mystery of godliness or right worshipping viz. believing on God who was manifest in the flesh c. 1 Tim. 3. 16. and the faith is to be received in believing as his Jam. 2. 1. Heb. 12. 1 2. He is the Lord of it Ephes 4. 4 5. the only Rabbi who hath dominion over our faith which no mere man or creature whatsoever hath Matth. 23. 8 10. 2 Cor. 1. 24. with chap. 12. 11. He is to be trusted in as he who is Jehovah Psal 34. 7 8. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. Psal 2. 12. Ephes 1. 12 13. And to be loved with all the heart and mind and soul and strength He is to be loved by us better than our selves in coming unto and following him we are to deny our selves Matth. 16. 23 24. and he is to be loved by us above the nearest and most beloved relations Matth. 10. 37 38. yea so as that for his sake we should comparatively hate father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and our own lives also Luk. 14. 26 27. John 14. 21 23. He is to be look't unto with the eyes of our souls for all wisdom righteousness strength salvation for he is the only Saviour Isa 45. 21 22 25. with Rom. 14. 9-12 Acts 4. 12. yea in short we are to honour him as we honour the Father John 5. 22 23. and to hold fast grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear for our God is a consuming fire Heb. 12. 25 28 29. 2. And he is also more outwardly to be religiously adored and worshipped by us such religious worship is to be given to him and hath been frequently given to and received by him before his death and after So the wise men they came to worship him and accordingly when they saw the young child Jesus with Mary his mother they fell down and worshipped not Mary or them but him and they presented unto him gifts c. Matth. 2. 2-11 so he was worshipped by the Leper who also acknowledged his great power Matth. 8. 2. so Jairus fell down at his feet and worshipped him Compare Luke 8. 41. with Matth. 9. 18. so it is said of the blind man and by him Lord I believe and he worshipped him John 9. 35 38. and the like may be seen in many other places so after his resurrection Thomas believed and said unto him My Lord and my God John 20. 28 29. And of all the Apostles it is said they worshipped him Luk. 24. 51 52. and that he is the object also of that religious worship which is more outward will appear if we consider 1. Into his name we are and are to be baptized as our Saviour faith unto his Apostles All power is given unto me both in Heaven and on Earth Go ye therefore disciple all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son c. Matth. 28. 18 19. Act. 2. 38. with 1 Cor. 1. 13 15. Act. 8. 12 16. 2. We are to hear and receive the Gospel as his word also and therein to honour the Son as we honâ—uâ— the Father Joh 5. 23 24. Heb. 1. 1-3 with chap. 2. 1. and chap. 12. 25. and to observe all his Commandments Ordinances and Appointments Matth. 28. 18 20. Isa 42. 1-4 1 Cor. 11. 23-26 3. To pray unto him as well as by him Acts 1. 24. with ver 6. so of Stephen it is said They stoned him invocating and saying Lord Jesus receive my spirit Act. 7. 59 60. And the true believers are thus described they are such as call upon or invocate his name Act. 9. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 2. with 1 King 18. 24. with ver 36. 37. Psal 116. 4. and Ananias exhorts and excites Paul hereto Act. 22. 16-20 And from him as from the Father grace and peace is voted and desired as in the beginning and end of most of the Epistles written to the Churches may be seen see the notes on Rev. 1. ver 4. and ver 5. 4. And he hath been and is to be Preached as the Lord that men might come unto and believe on him and so is no mere creature to be indeed it is said of Moses he hath them that preach him to wit the law as delivered by him Luke 16. 29 31. or himself as one who received the law from God and gave it to the people Acts 15. 21. but he was not to be preached as the foundation and object of faith and Lord of mens consciences as the Lamb is as they say We preach Jesus Christ the Lord and our selves your servants for Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4. 5. Acts 17. 3. And this is also one branch of the mystery of Godliness or right worship that God who was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit c. was Preached to the Gentiles even thus Preached as God who was manifest c. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 5. It appears also that divine worship hath been and is to be given to him by the many Doxologies or rendâ—ings and ascribings glory honour and dominion to him and