Boniface the third but Satan being let loose Ann. 1073. Gregory 7. raged with both swords spiritual and civil deposing the Emperour Henry forbidding marriage of Priests advancing Idolatry Now comes in the grand Idol of Transubstantiation and Purgatory called by Pareus the god of forces out of Dan. 11.38 because by the meanes of it and Purgatory the Popes became rich and all their forces were employed to confirme this Idol it being also the strength and nerve of Popery In the first Millenary the flourishing Churches of the East indeed became adulterate but Mahometisme though it also began in the thousand yeers hath infinitely more spread after Satans loosing by which meanes the Nations have been much deceived Now the judgment upon Satan Gog and Antichrist follow in the last act And fire came down from heaven and devoured them The first Gog and his Army fell partly upon the mountains of Israel by the Macchabes here followes the last destruction of Gog and Magog some notable judgments shall overtake them before or to be sure however at the day of judgment these judgments are set out by fire a mercilesse Element so Psal 11.6 God shal rain upon his enemies fire brimstone alluding to Ezek. 38.22 where Gog's destruction is set forth perchance as relating to the last day of vengeance and that by fire Thus the old Goggish war and the new somwhat agree This fire from heaven is the sharp sword which proceeded out of Christs mouth Chap. 19.21 to devour or slay the Adversary Vers 10. And the divel that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire c Master and servants are tormented for ever but doubtlesse Satans punishment shall be greatest as the seducer of them to wit of the nations upon whom the whore sitteth chap. 17 15. who through Satan deceives them and Gog and Magog with all their forces Princes and retinue under the Turk and Kings of the earth which I the rather mention because here is mention made not only of Satan and them as of Gog and Magog whom he deceived but of the Beast and false Prophet suffering in the lake whom he also deceived the Nations then or inhabitants of the earth are deceived chiefly by Antichrist and Satan after the thousand yeers and Gog and Magog with their adherents distinctly from them thus we have an Eastern and Western Antichrist Vers 11. And I saw a white throne Here is the description of the day of judgment which I observed in this Congregation was after every Vision after some sort expressed except in the first which being a peculiar Vision omits it and after follows the joyful marriage of Christ and the Church with the description of the heavenly Palace or new Jerusalem which Master Brightman mistaking applys it to this life A great white throne and one that sate on it Great because set up for the general judgment of all white because of its celestial splendor and majesty it is the white cloud mentioned chap. 14.14 he that sate on it was Christ to whom God hath committed all judgment John 5.22 From whose face the earth and heaven fled away c. Being not able to endure his Majesty yet they shall not depart as a scrowle till the judgment be past And there place was found nowhere Most say the renovation of all things shall be and that only the fashion of the world that is the outward forme and corruptible qualities shall be destroyed and so the earth shall be found no more as it was but shall be made most beautifull and glorious being to be delivered into the glorious Liberty as far as 't is capable of the sons of God Rom 8. being to be freed from corruption and bondage But few shew good reasons for this renovation except that the Saints might contemplate on the creation renewed which they in heaven shall know to perfection though this be altogether consumed now since all the sons of men shall be in heaven or hell to what purpose shall the renovation be It is some may say for the Saints somtimes to visite delight in and live but their mansions are prepared in heaven These shall be changed if Philosophy could bear that interpretation into nothing having served the creatures for the creators pleasure as they were created out of nothing or shall be exchanged for the heaven of heavens Now perchance to be delivered out of corruption is liberty enough for this whole creature Man excepted But we expect new Heavens and new Earth that is the glorious heavenly condition of the Church above in perfect glory and the bodies of the Saints which are earth consummated Sea shall be no more c. 21.1 We scarce hear of ' its renovation or use why then should Heaven and Earth be renewed without their fellow Element But I referre the reader till anon to the most learned discourse of Dr. Hackwill upon this subject towards the end of his most delightsome book of Gods preserving the world and governing of it Vers 12. And I saw the dead small and great Meaning those who had died from Adam to the last day but now raised up by the power of Christ but those who are found alive at the last day shall be judged also being lesse in number then the said dead who now are quickened through Christ Small and great Great men and beggars men and children It seems John saw children in the stature of children though then made capable of understanding their sentence but most beleeve we shall be of a full stature to which the Apostle alludes till we come to a full man the stature and fulnesse of Christ Ephes 4.13 For as in Paradise the type of heaven Adam was created perfect in stature and of a ripe choyce age So 't is thought it shall be in heaven Such was Christ so the young man appeared in Christs grave as typing out the resurrection Mar. 16.5 but enough And I saw the dead Yea and living to be judged who shall be changed in a moment and I beleeve the false Prophet or Beast shall be so found and after changing be cast alive into the pit as chap. 19.20 Standing before That is brought to judgment The guilty standing ready to be condemned who are already condemned and the Saints standing in Christs presence to be absolved who were formerly in soul in blisse and absolved but here perfect misery and joy is expected And the Books were opened alluding to humane courts not as if God wanted books The Reprobates own conscience will be an open book against them God forgets not their impieties Perchance the Scripture may be produced against those who knew them and disobeyed them according to that saying The words which I spake shall judge at the last day John 12.48 then Hereticks will answer for abusing the book of God And another Book was opened The book of all those that were elected and redeemed to life through Christ Jesus And the dead were judged Sentence was pronounced According
is cloathed with mercy let him look which way he will there is the Rainbow like the delightsome Emrauld to shew how he delights in Covenant-keeping in Promise-keeping and in mercy You see then here was God the Father represented sitting and reigning in the person of his Son so he that formerly appeared to John walking among the seven golden Candlesticks now appeares sitting on a throne sometimes under one figure Christ is represented sometimes under another Vers 4. And round about the throne 24. Seats and upon the Seats foure and twenty Elders sitting An honourable Session of Elders hereby are represented the company of Patriarks Prophets godly Kings and Judges nay all the Saints under the Law who now triumph with Christ in heaven but certain here is a finite number put for an indefinite by the number is noted a perfect Senate They sit on thrones because with Christ they shall judge the world They be said to be Elders because of their wisdome Cloathed in white raiments Here is the Priestly dignity of Saints shadowed out as by crownes on their heads the Kingly is white undefiled robes become Priests also the purity of Saints in heaven is hereby signified their Garments being washed in the blood of the Lamb. Crownes note their reigning with Christ this is the crown of life and glory Vers 5. Out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thundrings and voices By Lightnings and thundrings and voices to wit of thunder and lightning for thunder is the voice of the Lord by it is noted the Majesty and power of him that sits upon the Throne who sends forth judgements against the wicked And seven Lamps of fire burning before the Throne To wit chiefe Angels who are his eyes and feet c. by which he executes his pleasure Vers 6. Also before the throne The Sea of glasse like Chrystal is the world very fraile a sea because instable and tumultuous as Chrystal cleare because all the counsels and actions of men are before God and the Throne he clearly discerning every thing Bulling And in the midst of the Throne and round about the Throne were foure beasts Neare the Throne and close by it as I send ye as Lambs in the midst of Wolves So here these foure beasts were neare the Throne though some think the foure Evangelists are here meant as Matthew in likenesse of a man because he begins with the generation of Christ as man Mark of a Lyon because he begins as roaring the Law The voice of one crying in the wildernesse Luke of an Oxe because of the sacrificing of the Priest which he begins with John of an Eagle because soaring aloft In the beginning was the word and the word was God such high divinity Iohn begins with that one of the Ancients said had he flown a little higher he had flew quite out of sight we being not able to comprehend him But how can this be well understood of the foure Evangelists since Iohn was yet alive I understand the State of the Christian Church triumphant who are of divers forms because divers Nations and peoples are now under the Gospel received but the 24. Elders or Jewish Church was more uniforme in the Law Foure perchance alluding to the foure Evangelists or a finite number put for an indefinite Beasts because of their great paines and difficulty to enter into the kingdome of heaven Full of eyes As the former notes the paines and labour of Teachers to gaine soules to Christ So this latter notes the watchfulnesse and singular wisdom and insight of Teachers we should all be thus quick-sighted to understand Scripture Vers 7. The first was like a Lyon c. The Church is described from her gifts a Lyon notes fortitude a Man wisdom an Oxe labour and industry an Eagle sharp sight as in knowledge Vers 8. And the foure beasts had each of them six wings about him Alluding to Esay 6. with two they flie noting their quicknesse and readinesse to serve God with two they cover their face not being able to behold the Majesty of God with two they cover their feet not knowing when Christ shall come to judgement or that nothing unbeseeming the Divine Majesty might appeare about them Thus the Seraphims In that their wings are full of eyes it denotes that full and perfect light or knowledge which the Church enjoyeth with God in heaven And they rest not day and night saying Holy Holy Holy c But incessantly praise God for they are never weary Now note both Beasts and Elders praise God here is the excellent consent and harmony of Prophets in the Law and Apostles in the Gospel acknowledging Christs holinesse power and Godhead Vers 10. The 24. Elders fell down before him that sate on the throne c. Rose from their seat and fell down before the throne giving due worship and reverence to him that sate thereon And cast their crowns before the Throne Attributing their victory and reward to God the Author Greg. The rest is easie CHAP. V. Being a continuation of the second Vision Vers 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne a Book DOubtlesse this Book is the Revelation it self which was not a materiall but a Visionall Book Now as Christ is said to receive the Revelation from God of which before and to deliver it to John by an angel So here this Book was in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne and taken out of his hand by the Lamb vers 7. Opened and delivered unto the Angel who gave it to John commanding him to eate it chap 10. Forasmuch as all things thus agree no question this Book was the Revelation In his right hand c Because God is the Author of the Revelation also because he held it forth to Christ to open and unfold Written within and without This signifies the multitude of matters which were exhibited to John in the Revelation no place in the Book was empty Sealed with seven seales Because the Book was shut up and kept secret and kept close from the understanding of men this is one use of seales it notes the obscurity and secresie of the Revelation till by Christ opened Vers 2. And I saw a strong Angel proclaiming with a loud voice Or one of the seven Spirits excelling in strength See my Glimpse of Christs love pag. 43 44. who cried with a loud voice because with a mighty courage he proclaimed before the whole Company of heaven the question about opening the Book Who is Worthy to open the Book c Not who can for not only skill and strength but worthinesse is also required in the opener of the secret counsell of God about things to come Note this Vers 3. And no man in heaven c. Silence in heaven all creatures dumb as unable and unworthy to open the Book in earth men and beasts under the earth fishes and sea monsters being under the earth according to the sense of the
AN EXPOSITION OR A short but full plaine and perfect EPITOME of the most choice Commentaries Upon the REVELATION Of Saint JOHN Especially of the most learned and judicious Authors as Bullinger of Helvetia Francis Iunius Thomas Brightman Aug. Marlorate Aug. de Civitate dei but especially among many the excellent and learned David Pareus With severall remarkable Notes Observations and Doctrines very profitable As it was for the most part delivered by way of Commentary in the Parish-Church of Sutton-Valence Kanc. By Hezekiah Holland Anglo-hibernus Minister of the Gospell at Sutton Valence If our Gospel be hid it is hid 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to them that be lost 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Cor. 4.3 Blessed is he that readeth and they that heare the words of this Prophecy Rev. 1.3 London Printed by T. R. and E. M. for George Calvert and are to be sold at the Sign of the Half-Moon in Watling-street neare Pauls stump 1650. The true effigies of Hezekiah Holland Minister of the Gospell at Sutton Valence in Kent To my Noble and unparalleld friend the truly Worshipfull Edward Futz Of Hill in Glocester-shire Esq Much honoured Sir IT is recorded of Marcus Antonius the Philosopher and Emperour of Rome that he chose rather such Senatours as were most apparreld with vertue to be husbands for his Daughters then who could produce a large scrowle of their Pedigree or could boast of being rich Tenants to fortune esteeming vertue the best inheritance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Herodian lib. 1. cap. 1. Though providence hath given you a large portion though your name pleads antiquity they who seek the original of Printing are acquainted with it yet I rather make choice of you for Marke's reasons especially considering how your hands have been alwaies open to me a Pilgrim in England and indeed I even blush to think how long I have continued in your debt like an ungratefull And now have nothing with which to repay your noble courtesies but some fewpoor sheets of Paper I know your gallant mind can as well forgive as give but what acquittance is that to my conscience I was by you used more like a brother then a stranger more like a Son than a banished man for such almost I was when I happily arrived at yours as another Calanders house I was told before I had need to see England That this was a Kingdom of Curtesies for strangers And truly Mr Futz I feare God and flotter you not had all English harts been lost but your own I might have found England epitomised in your most incomparable self Pray Sir take this mite in part of payment as a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 testimony of my thankfulnesse and the use of what is behind It is a leane Commentary upon that excellent Book which is the contents of all that was to happen from our Lords ascension till and after the dissolution of all things And therefore most worthy reading by the most curious eye herein I hope I have not raised the sense of Scripture one note higher then the Spirit first tun'd it to doubtlesse I come short of many things bonus Bernardus non vidit omnia yet I hope many an honest Christian shall by the means of my poore Torch receive some glimpse of light to walk better and surer in the dark paths of these mysteries wherein I have strove more to speak to capacity and to edifie by much plainnesse then by either affected expressions much quotation of Authors or many Languages to shew my self to have been bred as a Son of the Muses Sir I doubt not but these times have given you occasion to examine like the wise Bereans many things which all of us formerly took upon trust Among the rest I recommend to your serious consideration to weigh 1. Whether the seven Angels of the seven Churches treated on in the three first chapters of this book were not ordinary Ministers ordained by the Apostles to succeed them as Ministers not Apostles or comites Apostolorum 2. Whether these were not seven particular private Congregations for so the Ancients seemed to esteeme of them 3. Whether they were to give any account to any but Christ remember however John was then alive 4. Whether every true Church and Minister without looking further then the word have not a power to cast out as well as they and will not be as liable to Christs censure in case of neglect as well as they Thou sufferest that woman Jezabel Rev. 2.20 though these were distinct Cities of distinct Customes Manners and Laws yet the Churches acknowledged but one head Christ and each respective Church and Minister had a peculiar power under him without dependency to give account to no other person or Church no though Romes Church had then a being but I le not make too great a doore to my little house I leave you to read your Book wherein if as a dwarfe on a giants shoulder I have seen more then some giants pardon the expression let Christ Iesus my Saviour have the glory and his holy ones the comfort The Lord encrease your spiritual and temporall blessings June 20. 1650. From my Vicaridge house in Sutton-Valence Sir I am your most humble and most obliged Servant HEZEKIAH HOLLAND Prolegomena OR Certaine advertisements to the READER WHen I considered how searching after secrets the nature of man is and how in this our Age every one is prying into the secrets of the Revelation some of very ordinary Capacities having no easie guide in briefe such as they will read and buy and in English for that many of these pryers can only or best understand except the godly and learned Mr Dent who also hath not methinks hit the marke every where nor satisfied me and others I thought fit having many extraordinary helps that way and having an infinite desire to satisfie my self and others if possible in the mysteries of the Revelation after the perusall of the most choice Commentaries as Bullinger of Helvetia Francis Junius Thomas Brightman Augustine Marlorate also Augustine de Civitate dei but especially among many the excellent and learned David Pareus to gather a small yet full and perfect Epitome of Expositors on the Revelation or the marrow of the choicest of them to comfort and instruct the meaner sort of godly people for they will I nill I will be walking in this dark path with and in the most heavenly and high mysteries of this Book I hope so plainely that one may runne and read The learned sort of people may use larger and far better Commentaries then this the common and ignorant people can neither attaine to buy or read them considering their language and largenesse who may easily understand and purchase this Why Calvin Luther and others abstained from the Interpretation hereof I discusse not perchance their other weighty occasions gave them not leave they no way question the Authority of the Book and many excellent Teachers in all ages have laboured to
the gathering together the Kings of the earth into Armageddon the burning of the whorish woman the desolation of Babylon the event of the Goggish war More then the beginning we have seen and further shall see E. H. The Errata of moment are these CHap. 1. page 2. line 10. Alcasar should be set in the margin against that line l. 13. read changeable causes for unchangeable cause ch 3. p. 30. l. 6. after doth r. not l. 26. for spiritual r. spirit ch 8. p. 54. l. 31. r. Bishops successors ch 9. p. 66. l. 30. for eye r. use ch 9. l. last for withdraw r. wrath ch 10. p. 72. l last after locusts r. doctrine ch 11. p. 83. l. 37. for shew r. flew ch 12. p. 88. l. 11. for of Christs birth r. at Christs birth AN EXPOSITION OR A short but full plaine and perfect Epitome of the most choice Commentaries upon the REVELATION Of Saint JOHN Especially of the most learnedly judicious DAV PAREVS CHAP. 1. Vision 1. Vers 1. The Revelation of Iesus Christ .. THE Word Revelation or Apocalypse signifies the unfolding of a secret T is called a Revelation for two reasons First because we need the knowledge of it Secondly it shews the divine authority of it for the title answereth the title of the ancient Prophets as the vision of Isaiah so the Revelation of John Of Jesus Christ which God gave him God may be said to give it to Christ as he was man nay as God for the father is the fountaine of the Godhead So Christs wisedome is from the father by an eternal generation it shews Christ to be God because it belongs to God only to reveal secrets Isa 41.23 now t is Christ office to reveal to his People the Will of his father His servants To wit Christ This proves Christs divine nature because all the faithfull are his servants Which must shortly come to passe therefore this book doth not treat of things then past as some would perswade but things to come Must come shews the unchangeable decree of God Also secondary causes as the malice and rage of Satan and his instruments against the Church though unchangeable causes if not hindred by the over-ruling Power of God bring forth necessarily an effect Shortly That is shall begin suddainly to take effect though the things herein mentioned were not in a very short time to be all performed for many hundred years are past already and yet many things are not come to passe yet the time is short in respect of the age of the world already past or in respect of eternity Alcazar or God with whom a thousand years are but as one day And signified it by his Angel God gave him the Revelation not to keep for himself but to shew it to his servants now is expressed the faithfulnesse of Christ in executing his charge committed to him of God And he sent This proves Christs Divinity in that he commands the Angels and they obey him This is Pauls argument of the Deity of the Son Heb. 1.6 His servant John Christ takes notice of nay doth register the names of his servants Poor Lazarus is mentioned when the rich mans name is buried in Oblivion only there was a certain rich man Happy are his servants whom he hath graven unto their comfort be it spoken on the palmes of his hands not on iron but flesh not on his back parts but his hands not the back of them but the palmes of his hands Vers 2. Who bare record of the Word of God That is of Christ the Word note three things 1. That the Penman was one that writ of Christ 2. That 't was Iohn who in the entrance of his Gospel says In the beginning was the Word to wit Christ 3. That Iohn wrote his Gospel before he wrote the Revelation who bare Record of the Word And of the Testimony of Iesus Christ the doctrine of Christ the death and martyrdome of Christ for Iohn stood by and saw him crucified And of all things that he saw to wit now in visions also he alludeth to a place in his Gospel where he says he that saw it bare record and his record is true Vers 3. Blessed is he that readeth because by reading comes faith and observance also he commendeth the reading of this book to all men And which heare those then that cannot read may be blessed let them procure others to read to them this and other books of the Scripture especially explained And keep the things reading and hearing without observance will availe little yet it may be both a means to remove what may hinder our happinesse and to direct us in the right way of attaining the same Of this Prophecie This shews it is from God for all Prophecie is of him 2 Pet. 1.20 it may also the sooner stirre up our hearts to feek the knowledge of this book for men do covet to know the things to come See my little book called A glimpse of Christs love p. 14. concerning a Prophet and Prophecie in part For the time is at hand The time of the beginning of the performance The time both of the fury of the adversary and the deliverance of the Church this should stirre up in us a diligent care to read this Prophecie for the knowledge of good and evill at the doore ought not to be neglected Vers 4. Iohn to the seven Churches gathered in Asia the lesse by the preaching of the Word chiefly by Paul to whom Iohn dedicates and sends his book because the first Vision directly concerns them Grace he to you and Peace by grace understand the free love of God in pardoning sin by peace chiefly that of conscience but also all temporal blessings included in that word peace he is to reprove these to whom he wisheth thus well it teacheth that reproofe should be the effect of love not of malice From him which is which was and which is to come that is from the father alluding to that name in Exod. 3. I am which is because the father is from none which was because he was before all time in eternity which is to come because he shall come to judge the world by the Sonne the Sonne also is one with his father was for in the beginning was the Word is to come to judge immediately the quick and the dead yet I rather understand this of the father because by the seven spirits before the throne is meant the holy Spirit as Christ is expressed in the next verse From the seven Spirits before the throne the holy Spirit is called seven because he is perfect in working for seven is used for a perfect number in this book In my quoted book pag. 43. I proved that by Angels excelling in strength arch-angels are meant Psal 103.20 the rather because the ordinary Angels are meant in ver 21. yee his host Also I affirmed that by seven spirits ch 3. v. 5. happily these angels may be meant but in
this verse the Holy Ghost is meant by seven spirits because grace is prayed for from them Also Pareus agrees with me that in chap. 4. ver 5. created angels may be understood but not here Vers 5. And from Iesus Christ Peace cometh by Christ Eph. 2.15 Christ here is treated of as the Mediatour and therefore is put last the order is sometimes in the Scripture omitted as 2 Cor. 13. ult Who is the faithfull witnesse Faithful because he confirmed the truth not only by preaching and miracles but by suffering Witnesse because by way of Prerogative he is so though there be three that bare record in heaven 1 Iohn chap. 5. because he first also and only shed his blood for his own testimony therefore on earth he is the witnesse The first begotten of the dead because Christ first and only raised up himself by his own power to immortal life others were raised by his power and became subject to death again And the Prince of the Kings of the earth that is as chapter 19. verse 16. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Who loved us and washed us from our sins by his own blood Vers 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his father He concludeth his dedication with a Thanksgiving First because Christ loved his People and became man for * See my Glimps of Christs love p. 36 37. them Secondly because he died for them justifying them by his blood nay sanctifying them Thirdly making us Priests and Kings Priests to consecrate our selves as a living sacrifice to God through him Kings not only in a dopting us to be heyrs of his Kingdome above but through his power making us Conquerours of Sinne and Satan To him be glory either understand the glory of his Godhead or that glorious exaltation of his manhood at the right hand of his father For ever and ever shews Christs Eternity Amen That is be it so Vers 7. Behold he cometh with clouds This may comfort the Saints though the wicked tyrannize a while he cometh to judgement This also proves against the Papist that the humanity of Christ is not everywhere because he cometh with clouds and they are not every where Every eye shall see him that is every man his Crucifiers Scoffers also the righteous the former to their confusion the larter to their comfort And they that pierced him as in Zach. 12.10 to wit the Souldiers Iohn here and in his Gospel applies that of Zechary to Christ and teaches us two things 1. That Christ is God 2. That Iohn writ this Revelation Even so Amen it shews that there is no doubt but Christ will come to end the afflictions of the Church and to punish the wicked with whose coming the Saints are well pleased Vers 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end Alpha is the first letter of the Greek tongue Omega the last it shews Christ is first and chief the verse proves Christs deity See Isa 41.4 Vers 9. I John who am your brother t is no vain-glory to name himself here otherwise we might have thought 't was Christ spoke also Paul repeats his name twice in one Epistle I Paul with my own hands his name being prefixt before Brother there is a spiritual brotherhood among the members of Christ Iohn is their brother in three things named in the text 1. In tribution 2. In the spiritual Kingdome of Christ which we being Kings and Priests ought to maintain 3. In sufference Was in the Isle that is called Patmos Domitian the Emperour first cast him into a Caldron of boyling oyle but receiving no hurt banished him into this Isle where he received this Vision The Emperour being slain he returned to Ephesus and ministred to the seven Churches For the Word of God Iohn sheweth the true cause of his banishment and 't is worth observation that the Romanes as they conquered worshipped the gods of every nation Jesus only excepted it seems the devil was content that they should worship any god but the true For the Word of God to wit Christ For the Testimony To wit the doctrine of Jesus Christ Vers 10. Was in the spirit Iohn was in spiritual meditations when he saw the Revelation which he saw not with mortal eyes but being ravished in spirit his mind was carried beyond it self On the Lords day the first day of the week on which Christ arose from the dead which by the example and command of the Apostles 1 Cor. 16.1 Christians keep and observe as holy T is not probable Christ would burden the mind of Iohn with all the Vision or Revelation at once especially considering ch 4. ver 1 2. and ch 17.3 Iohn confesseth he was in the spirit at other time but doubtles John as all true Prophets understood every particular of the Revelation I heard a great voice behind me great either in regard of the great mystery of the vision or in regard 't was the voice of the great God Behind me Shews the freenesse of Gods love to Iohn in the voice he not expecting any such voice or Vision As of a Trumpet in respect of its shrilnesse and being heard afarre off it notes the terrour and power of his Word Ver. 11. Saying I am Alpha and Omega in the voice three things are contained 1. The Eternity of Christ 2. Johns commission to write warranted by divine Authority 3. To send the Vision wtitten to the seven Churches What Christ carefully commands John to write it becomes us carefully to read for though particularly this Vision concerne the seven Churches yet all Scripture is written for our instruction Ephesus Where Paul constituted a Church to whom he after writ an Epistle 't was in Asia the lesser Smyrna a sea-coast-towne now called Smeer where Iohn or some other Apostle constituted a Church And to Pergamus Here Paul Acts 20. raised up Entychus dead and happily planted a Church Thyatira of this city was Lydia a seller of purple who was converted to the faith by Pauls preaching at Philippi Act. 16.12 14. To those of Sardis the once famous city of Craesus Philadelphia a city of Mysia of the lesser Asia And unto Laodicea a city near Ephesus Paul preached here and commanded his Epistle written to the Colossians to be read here Col. 4. ver 16. The Pastor hereof was an hypocrite neither hot nor cold with whom Christ was much displeased Note though Paul had preached the Gospel at Rome long before this yet that Church not remembred perchance because Christ foresaw her usurping authority The Apostles are ever very silent of the Virgin Mary the spirit foreseeing the Church of Romes idolizing her But what say I Christ sends not to the Church of Rome truly with some difference of time considered great part of this book concerns the whorish or Antichristian Church of Rome who boasts her self to be Christs Vers 12. I turned to see the voyce That is him that spake Seven golden Candlesticks
who have not the doctrine of Balaam and Nicholas There was some wheat among the chaffe Depths These hereticks it seems called their doctrines deep mysteries Christ confessed they were depths but of Satan As they call them the hereticks called them depths and more excellent doctrines then the Apostles knew but Christ says their Original was from hell and Satan No other burthen the deceivers imposed on them the burden of the Ceremonial law which Christ had took off For by burden is not understood punishment for Christ doth comfort not threaten them Vntil I come to wit in the clouds at the last day So that Christ is yet bodily absent and not in the Sacraments Vers 26. Overcometh to wit by faith through Christ not by his own power My works To wit of faith commanded in the Gospel So on the contrary works of infidelity are called works of the devil There only remains two promises to the overcommers 1. Power of nations that is at the last day to judge with Christ the world and Satan t is taken from Psal 2. 2. The morning starre that is himselfe called so because of its heavenly brightnesse and glory Rev. 22.16 Christ will communicate himself both in power and glory to his members CHAP. III. Vers 1. Vnto the Angel of the Church in Sardis write NOt of Sardica where a Synod was held in the eleventh yeare of Constantine But of Sardis the royal City of Craesus the Angel or Pastor was not Melito for he was not Bishop of Sardis till sixty yeares after in the reign of Antoninus Pius also he was a good Bishop but this is reproved for negligence and hypocrisie These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God Though Christ may be said to have procured and sent the holy Ghost called the seven spirits Chap. 1.4 from the Father to his Church yet since these seven spirits are joyned with the seven stars or Ministers I rather understand created Angels now they are called the seven spirits not in relation to those in Chap. 1.4 but because seven choice or principal Angels by way of preheminence Now in the Preface of this Epistle Christ is described holding the seven spirits and the seven stars to note that as he upholds the Ministry if sincere so he has Angels to defend the righteous and oppose and punish the wicked I know thy Works Observe three things First Christs Divinity seeing the Pastor and Churches hypocrisie Secondly That all that make shew of holinesse are not so thou hast a name that thou livest but art dead some members of the Church are good some bad Thirdly The efficacy of the Ministry doth not depend upon the goodnesse of the Minister Christ doth oft quicken and governe his Church by dead Officers Thus it might be in the Papacy where Christ had a Church before Luther See ver 4. Vers 2. Be watchfull Shake off the hypocritical drowsinesse into which thou art fallen and strive to live the life of faith again Strengthen the things which remaine Meaning those dying members in the Church by holy life and doctrine That are ready to dye Therefore the Pastor is exhorted to take speedy care of their recovery being not quite dead where observe how mindful and careful Christ is of his poore people I have not found thy works perfect Christ here reproves not the common frailties of the Saints but some notable hypocrisie and defect Before God God looks narrower after truth then men do though this Pastor might passe for currant among men yet Christ sees a defect Here note Christ as man hath a god but as a Son is God and life This I observe because some read before my God As Montanus Vers 3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard Because this Bishop or Pastor was unmindful of the faith committed to him by the Apostles Christ bids him remember what he had heard of them where observe the only way to redresse corruptions of life or doctrine is to have recourse to the rule of the word Also here observe against the Bishops of Rome that though Christ made that Promise to his Church the Spirit shall lead you into all truth yet not only this Bishop of Sardis but all of the seven Churches but two were hereticks or hypocrites and much defective and how comes it to passe that they are so infallible And repent Forsake thine hypocrisie and carefully performe the duty of thy place which though we cannot do of our selves yet they are unexcusable who willingly disobey the commandement Of this see my quoted book page 46. lines 18 19 20. If therefore thou shalt not watch Christ adds this commination to his exhortation and that righteously for if he repented not upon so mature gentle praemonition he deserved a sudden judgement to come upon him As a thiefe in the night Unawares this doth not countenance or uphold a thiefe because Christ attributes the title to himselfe no more then when Christ bids his servants put their talent to usury he perhaps countenanceth that yet when Christ speaks of musick in the receiving the Prodigal home in the Gospel intimating joy and the peace of conscience following his reconciliation with God through Christ which was allowed in the Law it proves the lawfulnesse of it if lawfully used since the joyes of a man in Christ are expressed by it as I have noted in my little fore-quoted book pag. 84 85. Vers 4. Thou hast a few names in Sardis Meaning a few true beleevers though some were dead or ready to dye rather yet Christ reserved a few to himself notwithstanding the negligence of the Pastour See vers 1. Christ had seven thousand that never bowed the knee to Baal though the ten Tribes of Israel were fallen away in the Papacy some who resisted the abuses of the times unto bloud A few Gods flock is a little flock for though many are called few are chosen It is not the best to follow the multitude Who have not defiled their garments Their constant sincerity is set forth by this metaphor By garments is meant that as their bodies were not polluted by the filthy lusts of the Nicholaitans so their soules were not not stained with that impious doctrine The body is our garment with which we are cloathed righteousnesse and faith in Christ is the soules garment which they had kept somewhat undefiled They shall walk with me in white Alluding to the Garments of Kings and Conquerours which was white thus in scorne Christ was cloathed in earth now as he is glorious so his Saints shall partake of his glory note the Saints righteousnesse in earth though white in some degrees is defiled in respect of this in heaven therefore they groan till cloathed with this And they shall walk It notes the Majesty of the Sons of glory and perchance the curious question of some Philosophers and Divines may hence receive light that the Saints move and walk from place to place in heaven after the
the wicked and deliver the righteous Hold that fast which thou hast to wit faith and a good conscience By faith they had righteousnesse sanctification and adoption and a good conscience helped them forward in sincerity and patience under the Crosle which were therefore to be kept That no man take away thy Crown this notes the dangerous effect of slothfulnesse such lose their Crown Observe three things 1. The promises of God ought not to make us secure Christ promises to deliver them in the houre of temptation yet they must hold fast what they had See my book already quoted p. 79. 2. They only who hold fast what they received shall be crowned 3. Each shall have his own Crown so there are differences of reward in heaven as well as of punishments in hell See the same book pag. 122.123 all have the like glory not for the degrees but quality they shall shine as the Sunne there 's the quality some degrees yet are no doubt allowable to be affirmed for as one starre differs from another in glory so also is the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.41 Vers 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the house of my God This verse hath a promise of a threefold reward to the overcomers 1. That they shall be glorious members of the Church triumphant understood by Pillars in the Temple 2. Their glory shall be unchangable perpetual eternal understood of the perseverance of the Saints in those words He shall go no more out alluding to the brazen pillars thrown out and destroyed with the Temple by the Babylonians 3. The promise of the inscription of a threefold name 1. I will write upon him the name of my God either alluding to Salomons pillars which had names or to the Romanes who usually write upon their statues of triumph the actions of the Conquerours and the names of the conquered nations These names are perished but those Christ writes are indelible 2. The name of the City of God as the first name signifies their being sons of God glorified so the second their being members of the Church triumphant 3. His new name since his exaltation Christ will make his partakers of perfect happinesse being members of his body To the godly in Pergamus he promised a new name but to these his new name which he received of his Father which is above every name now as it signifies Christs glorious exaltation at his right hand so he promises to make them glorious according to measure being members of such a head Concerning the Churches or Cities coming down from heaven who sees not that her Original is from heaven grounded on Gods Election also it receives its birth here from heaven But lastly John saw the Vision in heaven ver 13. hath been mentioned elsewhere vers 7. chap. 2. Vers 14. Vnto the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write Whoever this Pastor was he was a carnal crafty man and though he bore the name of a Minister he was void of God linesse Our Apostle twice mentioneth these Laodiceans in his Epistle to the Colossians as chap. 2.2.4.16 though in Johns time 't was very corrupt Yet upon Christs sending this sharp Epistle doubtlesse it repented of its evils for Eusebius commendeth this Church as flourishing in his time These things saith the Amen Aman in Hebr. signifies verity now Christ cals himselfe so because he is true both in promises and threatnings that by promise-keeping he might win this hypocrite from sinne or by threatning and assuredly without repentance punishing he might deterre him Again Christ is not yea and nay that is variable and inconstant but in Christ all the promises are Yea and Amon 2 Cor. 1.19 20. Therefore he takes upon him this name here because the hypocrites he was to deal with being grown secure it should seem begun to esteem of the faith of Christ as a thing indifferent and that for the cause thereof they needed not suffer affliction or contend with the Opposers thus then the more plainly to taxe their luke-warmnesse he declares his truth and faithfulnesse concerning his being a faithful witnesse See ch 1. ver 5. The beginning of the Creation of God this proves Christs deity for the Sonne with the father and the spirit gave unto all creatures the beginning of their being Touching the Son all things were made by him Now Christ calleth himself the beginning that these poor Laodiceans might return to him the fountain of all good Vers 15. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot Neither were these Laodiceans enemies to Christ nor true friends but served Christ and the world alike as occasion served They were neutrals that is fained hypocrites worse in Christs esteem then his professed enemies I would thou wert either hot or cold He first wisheth they were hot that is truly zealous in faith and godlinesse or cold that is altogether without faith and godlinesse he wisheth not this absolutely but comparatively insomuch as they that seem to be cold seem to be more excusable then those that be luke-warm and more easily to be reformed and better avoided Certainly t is a worse thing not to follow the truth we know in sincerity then to be ignorant altogether thereof Hypocrites and those that have faith only in shew and think that they see but are blind are greater enemies yet with pretence of Religion to Christians then those who are quite cold One may be sooner hurt and deceived under the name of a friend then of a foe A Pagan also were sooner gained to Christ then a Jew or Hypocrite Here you may see what to think of the members of Antichrist who joyne Christ and Belial Images and Scripture God and gaine together Vers 16. I will spue thee out of my mouth the metaphor is taken from warme water which is loathsome to the stomack it notes the hypocrites creeping into and being in the Church with a forme of Godlinesse but to be cast out because wanting the power thereof Vers 17. For thou sayst I am rich either because many rich Merchants were in this Church and therefore they boasted as having all wordly comforts though they be weak arguments to prove our being in Christ to reason from outward blessings or rather because hypocrites do imagine they are rich in spiritual things wanting nothing here is their Pride also reproved Because thou sayst thou art rich and knowst not ignorance was the cause of their pride they knew not themselves nor their own wants The best way to beat down pride is to examine and know our selves Thou art wretched Christ sheweth in five things what naturally we are all and what hypocrites are Wretched is one oppressed with calamity and sicknesse which must here be understood of the soul Miserable deprived of mercy Poore destitute of true righteousnesse and holinesse Blind ignorant of his miserable state which is a very great misery Naked wanting Christ the wedding garment Vers 18. I counsel
our selves in the diligent observation of things both from histories and events One of the foure beasts saying come and see the beasts it seems performed the office of publike Cryers whose work it is to call Persons neerer the Throne of Judgement-seat they in order call Iohn who stood afarre off either for reverence or that he might more certainly write down what he saw As the voice of thunder The first beast was like a Lyon who now called to Iohn to come and see requiring hereby great Attention and hence this Lyon-like voice as of thunder Vers 2. And I saw and behold a white horse to wit went out of the book or seale for indeed as all the mysteries were in the book so upon opening it they came out that is were expounded to Iohn now if the book were so great to contain a horse and man how great was he that held the book how great he that opened it how great were the mysteries and events The white horse denotes the Purity of the Primitive Church compared to that warlike creature an horse because the Church militant should fight against the world flesh and divel The rider is Christ who was swiftly carried on in the Ministry of the Apostles and other faithful Teachers in the first times Thus Paul bare his name before the Gentiles the Bowe is the Word by which he wounds the hearts of the Elect that he may heale and restore them to life the Crown notes his Regal Crown of triumph because he goes forth conquering by his death he conquered sinne by his resurrection death hell Satan and the world and tyrants Iulian the Apostate confessed so much in his blasphemous speech thou hast overcome O Galilaean he conquers hereticks he conquers converting sinners many ways he conquers which for brevity sake I omit Christ in one respect opens the book in another comes forth conquering the first as the chief Prophet God-man the last as God and King Vers 3. And when he had opened the second Seale behold a red horse John is called to see the future condition of the Church under persecution behold t is blood-red under many tyrants t is the same Church though called another because of its differing colour the rider I take to be Christ not Satan who is with his People in all misery He came not to send peace on the earth but a sword and fire yet by accident not in himself because of the malice of Tyrants and Hereticks opposing truth Vers 4. And that they should kill one another Hereticks under a colour and pretence of Christ persecute and kill the servants of Christ learn hence the divel can do no more then Christ will suffer for our good to wit the exercise of faith Christ suffers tyrants to afflict his Saints Vers 5. Loe a black horse and he that sate on him had a paire of ballances in his hand To wit the Church in her afflicted condition by wicked hereticks who cloud the light of the truth with their black heresies and bring in a deformity upon the Church who was formerly white I omit the names of the Hereticks who in the age following the Apostles till the time of Greg. the first though they professed themselves Christians overthrew Christianity after also the faith of Christ was oppressed and way made for Antichrist who shortly after came into the Temple of God when Boniface the third obtained the primacy over all Churches from Phocas the usurper Thus the white horse became black yet Christ rides on it with the ballance of holy Scripture in his hands Rides For the worst and grossest Heretick professeth Christ 2. By his providence rules them for in greatest confusion of heresies he is not wanting to his Church as they came not unawares but for the tryall of his Church so they are continually examined and confuted by the ballance of his word he so ordering it for a ballance is the tryall of just or unjust weights so Scripture is a true touchstone to try gold and brasse Vers 6. And I heard a voyce in the midst of the 4. beasts c 'T was the Lambs voyce in the midst of the Throne and foure beasts Chap. 5.6 proclaiming a famine of the Gospel for through the ambition Luxury covetousnesse and negligence of Bishops the Gospel should be so corrupted and by Here ticks so adulterated that nothing should be pure and sound by wheat in this place sincere teachers are meant who should be rare by barley the comforts of the Gospel which should be scarce though some understand a plenty hereby since a measure of wheat and three measures of barley should be sold for a penny a measure containted a quart being a mans allowance for a day a penny was neer 7 pence with us if so then Christ in the midst of all heresies had truth * The penny was wages for the day as Mat 20.13 now a measure being as much as a man could cat in a day was to be had for the penny or dayes labour enough for his people See thou hurt not the Oyle and the Wine By Wine and Olye some understand the Orthodox faith which should not be totally obscured by heretical blacknesse Now as Wine Cherishes and Oyle clenses so sound doctrine doth glad and cleanse the conscience Alcasar applies Oyle to the light and true knowledge of happinesse and wine to spirituall joy which the Lambs voice promiseth the Elect shall not be deprived of notwithstanding the dearth of truth by the darknesse of heresie Which happened partly when the whole world groaned under Arrianisme Vers 7 8. And I looked and behold a pale horse c. This fourth beast having the for me of a flying Eagle with quick fighted eyes having spied something as it were on high cals to John for I beleeve hereby may be signifyed these plagues coming from above to revenge the injuries done to the Saints and to punish the impenitent This pale horse is the same Church of Christ in the succeeding age though of another colour Pale because it is infirme weak sickly neer unto death and hell it by accident was occasioned by Constantines excessive bounty to the Church for then Pastors began to be proud luxurious idle and fertile in vices Jerome complained in his time that after Princes became Christians the Church indeed was greater in power and riches but lesse in vertue the remote cause was the guile and malice of that old serpent the devil Also now Bishops by infinite ceremonies and human traditions increased the pale disease Nay Monks whose at first solitary hard life wrought much upon the people increased this palenesse for people that desired pardon for sin were sent to the Monks dennes not to Christ whereby this mortall wound came upon the Church drawing more to hell then either the blacknes of heresies or sword of tyrants though this might seeme rather to be expressed under the notion of the darkning the Sun and rolling up the heaven then by
and invisibility in respect of her former lustre for the first three hundred yeares which was by degrees as the Eagle flyes not at once for the woman was a great while flying into the Wildernesse even from a little after Constantine to Phocas the usurper who set up Antichrist None whether Church Kingdome or person is corrupted at once but by little and little Vers 15. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a floud c This floud I understand not to be those Nations Goths Vandals Almans who as a deluge came about this time to destroy the very name and faith of Christ and to carry away the woman nor by earth do I understand them though their earthly religion swallowed up persecution by embracing Christianity for this helped not the woman but drove her farther into the Wildernesse for the faith was most corrupted by Arrius and other damnable hereticks when they embraced it so they were for the most part Arrians or Nestorians because John had treated of the Dragons persecuting the woman before therefore here by the floud I understand the most wretched heresies now reigning vomiting out of the Dragons mouth for the Doctrine of the Gospel coming out of Gods mouth is compared to streames of water Joh. 7.38 and so heresies may be well said to be a floud considering their violence and impurity for a floud washes the banks and draws all corruption into it Now in this Age was Arrius against the Son Macedonius against the Holy Ghost Nestorius against the truth of Christs Person Vers 16. Yet the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the floud c Alluding to the old history of the earths swallowing up Corah and his Company Num. 16. or to the earth swallowing up the floud which destroyed the World In sum God used some extraordinary meanes to destroy this floud by which the Dragon thought to destroy the rest of the womans seed that is those retired righteous of which I spake but now who withdrew themselves from the Idolatry of Rome These are described to be such as have the testimony or Gospel of Jesus whereby and the bloud of the Lamb they are said to overcome vers 11. for the Gospel brings faith that laies hold on Christ by which all the Saints overcome Thus we have seen what a furious Creature the devill is against us and how he makes use of his short time which he knows is so seeing the signes of the last times are fulfilled and fulfilling this should teach us to make good use of out short time which hastens as the weavers shuttle Vers 18. And I stood upon the sand of the sea To wit ready to behold the Beast arising out of the sea as Chap. 13. or to denote the dangerous and sandy condition of the Age of Antichrists arising able to destroy if it were possible the very elect Mat. 24.24 CHAP. XIII Act. 3. Vision 4. Vers 1. And I saw a beast rise up out of the sea c THis Vision depends on vers 17. of Chap. 12. as one with it the act describes the Dragons war there mentioned and Antichrists arising mentioned Chap. 11.7 by the beasts ascending out of the bottomlesse pit and agreeing with Dan. 7.8 11. of the little horne speaking blasphemies meaning Antiochus or Antichrist himself of whom Antiochus was a Type Now it is usual in Scripture to set forth Empires by beasts as Dan. 7. where the Assyrian Persian Grecian Roman Empires are so described rising out of the sea vers 3. that is out of Nations Tongues People over whom they reigne and from whence they arise answerable to Rev. 17.15 This beast arises out of the sea here and out of the land ver 11. yet the same one according to the last verse here is wisdome to count the number of the beast in the singular number and that because of Antichrists double forme as King and Priest having the sword of Paul and key of Peter as the whorish Church or queen Chap. 18.7 17.3 and false Prophet Chap. 16.13 clothed with the spoiles of the Roman Empire and pretended Vicarship of Christ or as a Tyrant and seducer Let then the Papists feigne an Antichrist to themselves to be begotten of a Jewish woman of the Tribe of Dan by some evill spirit to reigne three yeares and an halfe and to fulfill literally all things spoken Antichrist in this Book we have found the man sitting in the Temple of God even for God Out of the sea To wit the bottomlesse pit out of which the Locusts came chap 9 3. and chap. 11.7 out of which the beast ascended yet John saw the beast arising out of the sea in the Vision noting the Popes arising out of the sink of hell by the meanes of Phocas the intruder thus the Sea of Rome is the sea of the beast or perchance that floud of the Dragon is the sea out of which Antichrist arose Now though Councils and Bishops of Rome condemned Arrius yet through the Devils enticements they set up Antichrist as chiefe Priest and King of Bishops though for a long while the Bishops of Constantinople and Alexandria were his Corrivals Nay to that height by degrees he arose that he would not be present at any Easterne Council but by his Legates or Embassadours lest the Emperour being present he should be forced to give him place Having seven heads and ten hornes c This Beast is very like the Dragon but that the Dragon wore his Crowns on his heads this on his hornes by hornes strength is noted who these horne be Rev. 17.9 12. makes known to wit ten Kings and the seven heads are seven Mountaines of Rome for she was built upon so many to which chapter I defer the interpretation of this place Blasphemy The Beast will not weare his hornes himself but his ten hornes or Vassal-Kings shall on his own head is blasphemy not openly written yet plaine enough for all his Religion and Doctrines are such against God and Christ Vers 2. And the beast which I saw was like unto a Leopard c. The word in Greek signifies a she-Leopard which hath a speckled skin and very odoriferous swift and subtile Thus the Beast is something like a monster compounded of a Leopard a Beare and Lyon The Church of Antichrist is spotted as the Leopard being a mingle-mangle of diverse Heresies Superstitions Idols Traditions consisting of several Orders Sects Clergy men it is very odoriferous full of the sweet smels of honour riches it is very swift for after the world was perswaded that Rome was the seat of Peter that sea of Rome quickly swallowed up all it is crafty so Antichrist is a false Prophet full of cunning deceits gaining home much riches by this meanes Now hee is like a Beare in the feet her feet are flat large by which the stability and firmenesse of Antichrists Kingdom is noted this Creature hath sharpe nailes which it fastens into the ground and so goes more firmly Now
perswade the wonderers so in some sense you see the Images have life as Bell and the Dragon had they applying that to the Image which is in the party represented in some sense And cause that as many as will not worship the Image be slaine This the Pope or Antichrist causeth Babylons Law is universally to be observed by all Romanists Whosoever will not fall down and worship the Image let him Dan 3.5 6. Constantine the Pope caused John the Emperour of the Easts Generall to be slaine and his Master the Emperour to be deposed because of this viz. refusing and prohibiting the Image of the Beast to be worshipped Vers 16. And he causeth all to receive a marke in their right hand or in their fore-heads Christ sealed his as is said ch 7. now Antichrist imitates the marke is nothing but the confession and acknowledgment of the beast In the right hand Meaning by oath for lifting up the hand is meant or swearing to obey the Pope and openly professe his worship meant by having the mark or character in their fore-head as chap. 7. I have noted The laity adore the beast and worship the image but there is a most strict tye of oathes and vowes laid upon the Clergy Vers 17. And that none might buy and sell but he that has the character of the beast c. This is to be understood of a spirituall traffique Now the Priests Jesuits and Bishops sworne vassals of Antichrist are the only merchants to trade in the sea of Rome None else may preach sell the wares of Masses absolutions for it is a mony matter Yet literally Martin the fifth in a Bull commanded not so much as any commerce to be had with any that professed not themselves servants to the Romish Church that is that had not the badge or mark of the beast Vers 18. Here is wisedome let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast for 't is the number of a man The character differs from the number of the beast the former cheifly belongs to the Clergy by Oathes and speciall Vowes the latter is more generall to all the laity to acknowledge the Kingdom and Religion of Antichrist for the character seems to look at the spirituall merchants specially the holy Ghost propounds it as easie to find out this name being but the number of a man or for a man to reckon then the finding it out is commended for wisedom to stirre up people to reckon and search to find it Now if John received the Revelation in Hebrew then the number must be in Hebrew and this fits in  ש ו × ×– × ×¨ Romanus a Romane 666. 300. 6. 50. 70. 40. 200.  For the beasts seate is Rome of which more in its place Put Iohn writ in Greek See then the word λ α Ï„ ε ι ν ο Ï‚  30. 1. 300. 5. 10. 50. 70. 200. 666. The former our Iohn Fox found out Ireneus 1400 years ago the latter But since the Latine tongue was known much in Iohns time perchance the Spirit might shew it to Iohn in that tongue of which they so boast and have their prayers mâ—sses in it Now the Pope commonly ascribes this name to himselfe v i c a r i u s  g e n e r a l i s  D e i  i n  t e r r i s. 5. 1. 100.   1. 5.         50. 1.   600.  1.  1.       1.  Christs Vicar generall in earth 666. The numerall letters of these names make up 666. I have examined the Papists objections against Luthers name out of Pareus but find their objections nothing to the purpose This name and the Popes practice according to every passage in this book concerning him shew him to be Antichrist that sits pretended head of the Church CHAP. XIV Act 3. continued Vers 1. And I looked and loe a Lamb stood on Mount Sion .. CHIRST is the Lamb who stands as a watchman looking to the Churches safety Mount Sion is the Church which cannot be quite removed but stands fast for ever for the gates of hell shall not prevaile against it the Mount is high so the Church is advanced many ways The 144000. are the sealed ones chap. 7. Now Christ appears after the cruell beast to shew he had not nor should devour all Christ had a Church of sealed ones though the woman were as it were quite fled Thus Christ as in the time of Elias has his people before Luther on mount Sion 144000. This standing on mount Sion belongs to all the time from Antichrist or the beasts rising Thus the latter part of the Act is comfort against the womans flight and the beasts arising Having his Fathers name written in their fore heads His to wit the Lambs Now as the beasts followers had their character so Christ's have theirs openly professing true Religion and separating from Idolatry Vers 2. And I heard a voice from heaven As chap. 7. v. 9. where a multitude clothed in white robs sing praises to God so now the harpers some of the same company As the voice of many waters That is of many Nations Ch. 17.15 the waters are Nations Tongues People who being redeemed by Christ sing praises to him not as if these were the very Nations or waters over whom the whore sitteth of whose salvation I doubt As it were the voice of thunder Denoting the vehemency of the joy and praises of the blessed compared to thunder And harpers c. Where note here is mention made of two companies these are a company of martyrs and professours who dyed before Antichrists arising and sing before the other company Vers 3. Singing as it were a new song To praise God I perceive is great part of the joy of the heavenly inhabitants a new song is an excellent song See chap. 5.9 expounded Note that the 144000. are the remnant of the womans seed mentioned Chap. 12. who were to make war with the beast Chap. 13. who were not as yet received into glory for here some things are spoken of them as if they were yet on earth to wit their docibility Before the throne and before the four beasts and the Elders Then observe this voyce was in heaven the voyce of the Church triumphant though distinct from the Elders and beasts they being the faithfull of the Jewish Church and of the Primitive Beleevers as is observed already these sing before the beasts and Elders who were in blisse before them Note the hundred forty thousand are said to stand upon mount Sion but when Antichrist arose or thereabout And no man could learn that song but the one hundred forty and four thousand which were brought from the earth Learning belongs to this life not to heaven Note the sealed ones are docible the adopted are taught of God they know only the mysteries of God or the harpers song The
thing remarkable from henceforth blessed are the dead to wit since Reformation by the three Angels for now purgatory-lyes are confounded and men are taught to be presently happy after death and are taught justifying faith which brings comfort at death now men are taught works follow the workers to heaven not to justifie or save absolutely yet they follow for Christ out of mercy and promises annext to good works will reward them with glory This white cloud signifies Christs divine Majesty for God because of his heavenly power is often in the Psalmes said to ride on the clouds But here Christ comes according to his promise Math 26.64 upon the clouds to judge the world the clouds being his throne Thus comes in Act fourth containing comforts for the godly shewing the joyfull change of the Churches afflictions at the day of judgment Having a crown of gold upon his head c. This notes Christs Kingly Majesty As the sharp reapers sickle in his hand notes his judging and destroying the ungodly as it were mowing them down at the last day for the sickle is to reap the ungodly Vers 15. And another Angel came out of the temple Noting the desire of Angels and Saints at the last day to see the destruction of the wicked Which Angel John in the Vision saw coming out of the temple viz. heaven Thrust in thy sickle and reap Judging is the office of Christ yet the Saints and Angels shall come with Christ to waite on him and approve his righteous sentence Thrust Desiring Christ not commanding to do his office Because the time is come c. To wit the time prefixed in the counsell of God to judge the world which the Angels and Saints noted by the Angel coming out of heaven knew because they saw Christ on the clouds as on a throne and the signes of the last day fulfilling and fulfilled To reap To gather the good into heaven the barne the tares in bundles for the fire The harvest is ripe The measure of the Churches miseries and the sins of the wicked was full And he that late on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth c Thus Christ fulfills the desire of the Saints and reaps the earth saying come ye blessed go ye cursed thus the harvest is the end of the world Matth. 13. The reapers are the Angels yet Christ is said to do what they do because they act by Christs authority Vers 17. And another Angel came out of the temple which is in heaven c. Heaven Noting how Angels shall be reapers and gatherers of the vintage the wicked Yet perchance Christ is here meant to whom power of the sickle or judging is only committed Note all over this book severall persons come in acting as in some Comedy Vers 18. And another Angel came out from the Altar which had power over fire c. In the Vision that is out of heaven from God Yet Christ is the Altar from whom and by whose power the Angels act at the last day This Angel so all the Saints as is noted Chap. 6.10 cry how long hastens the judge who is not slack to reap the earth and gather the sowre wild grapes thereof meaning the wicked for the good grapes in Scripture and the vine are taken in a good sence but the grapes of the earth as the graps of Gomorrah in a bad sense But why doth the Angel who has power over fire demand this Answ Because God by the Angels will cast the wicked or grapes into hell fire now the Angels have power over fire thus to wit by Christs command to burne the grapes tares wicked Also perchance over particular elements Vers 19. And the Angel thrust in his sickle and cast the Vine of the earth into the great Wine-presse To wit into hell For as clusters are trodden in the wine-presse so the reprobates in the lake of hell Vers 20. And the Wine-presse was broken which was without the City To wit Heaven of which City in ' its place chap. 22.15 And blood came out of the Wine-presse Alluding to the blood of the grape called so in Scripture Noting the bloody that is horrible punishments to befal the wicked in hel that spiritual winepresse Vnto the horses bridles c Innumerable multitudes of clusters are to be pressed of all the wicked from the Creation which however shall be quickly done that in the Vision the blood flowed a thousand six hundred furlongs each furlong being a hundred twenty five paces able to make a sea of blood Now Christ uses no horses but the blood in the Vision so streamed out as it would have run a great many miles for length understood by furlongs and reached the bridles of horses for depth had there been any Perchance alluding to Conquerours who after a battel ride up in the blood of the slain to view the enemy Thus the Antichristian Tyrants rode to see the Martyrs die Thus Christ triumphs over them CHAP. XV Vision 5. being but a Preparation to the Vision Vers 1. I saw another signe JOhn was informed by many signes or visions one expounding another The acts of which bring at last ever either joy to the Saints after sorrow by shewing heaven Angels Martyrs and their blisse and protection or destruction of the adversary To this purpose the Reader may see this book speak In heaven So John saw them in heaven which were to be performed on earth on the Antichristian Church Great shadowing out great things Admirable shadowing forth the admirable judgements of God Seven Angels meaning a perfect company these note ministers in the Church by whom God in some sense poures forth his wrath as in some sense he did by the witnesses chap. 11. Having the seven plagues Of which see ver 7. Last plagues because to be poured out in the last age when Popery declined much Filled up The Plagues are to continue in the several Angels till the judgement day when the Arch-angel shall sound and the wicked have the full wrath of God on them for ever Vers 2. And I saw as it were a sea of glasse mingled with fire c. A sea of glasse as ch 4.6 the word is noted brittle as glasse troublesome as the sea full of fiery persecutions afflictions contentions in which the Saints are involved Of glasse again because all the actions of men there are apparent before God the throne But behold many Harpers praising God for his judgements or seven vials to be poured out justly on the wicked behold a company standing as Conquerors by faith on the sea or world They overcame the Beast his images mark of subjection or obedience and the number of his name of all which already chap. 13. Here note the beast is in the singular number therefore but one though of two formes chap. 13. Observe many Saints had obtained victory over Antichrist already the seven vials not being poured out which would not be suddainly finished when pouring out therefore
out of this cup which John saw in the Vision she makes the Kings of the earth drink Full of abominations c. Gold without but filthinesse and poyson within fair in pretences wicked and adulterous in practice This is not heathenish Rome for she enticed none but served the gods of all nations but Popish Rome with whom even all Kingdomes have once committed fornication Vers 5. And upon her fore-head a name written In the Vision It notes how openly this whorish woman shews her self to be another Babylon but in a mystery A mystery that great Babylon So Rome in a mystery is Egypt Hierusalem Sodom chap. 11. and now Babylon keeping the inhabitants of the earth in spirituall bondage Indeed all Romes religion is mysterious full of mysteries openly the Pope cals himself Christs Vicar and the Church of Rome Christs Spouse mystically hee 's Antichrist and she the whorish woman The mother of fornication Rome brags of her being the mother of Churches but indeed she is the mother of Idolatry or spirituall fornication For all abominations that ever were in the Christian world came from Rome You heard before of a chast Matron the mother of the Martyrs and man-child now of the mother of fornication and whoredoms Thus as openly as if it were written in her forehead yet in a mystery doth Rome shew her self to be the spouse of Antichrist and the mother of fornication another Babylon Vers 6. I saw the woman drunken with the blood of Saints Either full of blood which she had shed as the book of Martyrs can testifie See chap. 11. of the witnesses so that she even raged and was drunken as one with wine or because as one drunk she shall not be sensible of many of her judgments And of the Saints and Martyrs of Jesus Their blood she shed by warring against them chap. 13. for whom Christ out of love shed his no wonder then a judgment follows for this and her fornication chap. 16.6 The blood of the Saints and Prophets is said to be shed also the word Prophet is there to be taken for a teacher as Prophecy is for teaching chap. 11. the Witnesses shall Prophecy else Antichrist came not neer the time of Prophets Severall Massacres prove this point and what is said chap. 11. and 13. of her burning the Witnesses and warring with the Saints Now Iohn in the Vision sees the woman drunken with blood because by her means instigation and doctrine Kings have raged against the people of God Heathenish Rome did thus against the Saints openly but Antichrist in the mystery only whose rage agrees with the time spoken of so doth not heathenish Rome And when I saw her I wondred c. To see a whorish woman upon a beast so strangly attired c. for otherwise he had seen the beast before c. 13. Vers 7. And the Angel said to me wherefore didst thou marvell c. The Angel observing Iohns desire by his countenance to know the meaning of his sight doth of his own accord open to him the mystery saying I will tell thee Vers 8. The beast which thou sawest was and is not To the Beast the Angel ascribes four states according to times Was Or has been viz. formerly in Monarchicall power in Kings Consuls Dictators and the like for thus the Beast had been when Rome was governed by these for the Pope by force took this power to himself by degrees and now reignes as an Emperour or King thus something of the Beast had been to wit the secular power which he made more his own afterwards And is not In the time of the Revelation when the poor Bishops of Rome dream't not of any Monarchicall power but suffered martyrdome under it 300 years And is to ascend out of the bottomlesse pit To wit when Boniface the third invaded the Ecclesiasticall Monarchy Anno 606. See chap. 9. v. 1. of the bottomlesse pit and chap. 11. expounded vers 3. of Antichrists time of arising Stephen the second also laid hold on the secular power 649 years from this Prophecy Thrusting the Greek Emperours out of Italy depriving the French King Helderick of his Kingdom admitting Pipin to whom he gave the Kingdom of France to kisse his feet Thus the Beast arose out of the bottomlesse pit by degrees Out of the bottomlesse pit c. The Beast may be said to come from hell because his working is after the working of Satan Hell is said to have no bottome because none ever returne thence but are as it were continually sinking into misery And shall go into perdition Here the last state of the Beast is treated of The Antichristian Church decreases dayly and suddainly will arrive at the Armegeddon of destruction And they that dwell upon the earth shall wonder As is expounded chap. 13.4 8. none of the Saints who were elected before the foundation of the earth in Christ to glory whom it is impossible to deceive Matth. 24.24 the non-elected are in miserable condition Beholding the Beast which was Before Iohns time in Kings Consuls who are fallen a sleep vers 10 And is not Because Roman Bishops in Iohns time had not usurped not dream't of any great power And yet is In respect of the imperiall power of Caesars then which the Popes should usurpe when Iohn was alive Vers 9. Here is the minde having wisdome In the things that remaine to be expounded touching the heads and hornes greater mysteries lye did then ordinary which are above mans reach or wisdeom Therefore the Angel somewhat explaines it to Iohn stirring up our attention and desire lest we be slothfull in knowing and shunning the Beast The seven heads are seven mountains That is signify seven mountains as the Rock was Christ that is signified Christ On which the woman sitteth To wit the whorish woman or great City vers 18. or Rome seated on seven hils as every man knows one mountain is called Capitolinus 2 Palatinus 3 Caelius 4 Aventinus 5 Aesquilinus 6 Viminalis 7 Quirinalis of which see Mr. Godwin in his Roman Antiquit. Quest Why did not Christ by the Angel plainly name Rome Because men should the more study to find out the mystery also if the Antichristians had been plainly named perchance they would have in rage burnt the Prophecy and many more inconveniences would have followed The Jesuits begin to say this is Rome yet heathenish Rome as under heathenish Kings and Emperours but 't is plain Iohn speaks of things to come of Rome as it was to be Antichrists seat not the Emperours then Vpon which the woman sitteth She sits upon waters vers 1. as commanding people tongues nations called waters ver 15. upon the Beast or Roman Empire as commanding and ruling the Empire for sitting notes Dominion upon the mountains as Antichrists dwelling place and seat now thus the Pope sits even in Antichrists seat therefore hee 's Antichrist Vers 10. And there are seven Kings That is governments at Rome where the seven mountains
the Saints would blush did they know the several honours and adorations offered to their pictures and idols For the Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy The Angel confirms that he was fellow-servant with them that had the spirit of Prophesie or the Testimony of Jesus because he also had that Testimony revealing to John by the spirit these future events in this book Act. 4. of this Vision Vers 11. And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse c. Behold the Judge and last day Now the reason why this is here inserted is because the destruction of the city of Rome had been spoken of but not of the whole Churches ruine and Antichrists utter desolation who yet might lurke at some other place with some of the Kings of the earth his Confederates therefore here the final destruction and Armageddon of all is brought in Thus ended ch 11. and vision 3. from vers 15. where the seventh Angel sounded Thus ended chap. 14. vision 4. touching the harvest and vintage Thus ended ch 16. from ver 16 17. of vision 5. where the Angel said it is done Thus the Prediction of Christ is come to passe in the Vision to John Matth. 25.31 Christ and his Angels coming to judge the world hence the heaven was opened and Christ in likenesse of a Captain and troop of Horse coming thence to judge the world Christ hath a white horse noting his excellent pure divine nature not as if horses or men or swords were really here used but under the Allegory of a General and an Army the brightnesse of Christs coming to judgement is signified which some Expositors on this book not well noting have erred Behold a white horse and he that sate on him was Came out of heaven opened One day doubtlesse we shall see the heavens opened and Christs coming Now Christ in the primitive times came riding upon a white horse chap. 6. meaning the pure Apostolique Church conquering Heathenisme but here it notes his divine majesty and glory to be avenged on all his adversaries Called faithful and true warring and judging in righteousnesse This is for the comfort of all Gods People since the Judge cannot will not do wrong nay the adversaties shall confesse the justnesse of the sentence pronounced against them and the Saints shall be sure of pay and reward who have fought against sin for him for the General is faithful and true and therefore his officers calling to offices is most right and true Vers 12. His eyes a flame of fire As chap. 1.14 Fire gives light and consumes and it noted the vigilancy of Christ for his Church there so Christ sees into all secrets and will burn up the ungodly as stubble being fervent and victorious as fire usually is And on his head many Crowns Noting his royal Majesty Dignity and Power above Antichrist who had ten Crowns ch 13.1 and two horns ver 11. but the Lamb more even seven chap. 5.6 and here many Crowns And he had a name written that no man knew but himself This name is after expressed the Word of God now as ch 2.17 the new name given to the overcommers is known to none but them that have it because none know the happinesse of adoption but the truly adopted so none know Christs name but he to whom the father sanctifiedly shall reveal it even to salvation Vers 13. He was clothed in a vesture dipt in blood Thus he came in the Prophet from the spiritual Bozra or Edom to wit hell conquering by death all his enemies Esay 63.3 whose blood as it were seemed to be upon his garments but more on vers 15. of this And his name called THE WORD OF GOD We know his name and they to whom it is revealed Now this Iohn in his Gospel cals him the Word chap. 1. A word best expresses a man so Christ is the image of the father and his spokesman to the Church or his Word Vers 14. And the armes c. To wit which came for honour sake out of heaven to attend him Clothed in white linnen c. Not armed for Christ was strong enough Here is noted the Purity and Splendor of the Army attired as if they were indeed going to a marriage in the same livery as Christ having white horses being innocent pure glorious Of this army see Mat. 24.30.25 31. concerning the holy Angels Vers 15. Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword As chap. 1.16 where it noted the power of his word as a two edged sword Heb. 4.12 wounding sin in his people and wounding the enemies of his people but here it notes how by the word of his mouth and divine power he will at last destroy his enemies saying Go ye cursed That with it he should smite the Nations He comes meanly armed for his power is inward needing no outward defence Now Christ formerly as Psal 2. ruled the Nations with an Iron rod of judgment pushing them as he thought good but now will confound Antichrist and his Gentiles or Nations for he imitates them in Idolatry as by a rod of Iron For he treadeth the witnesses of Gods wrath See the Exposition chap. 14. ver 20. No wonder that his garments seeme bloody See also Esay 63.5 for here Christ conquering his enemies as some General dipt in his blood is presented in a Simile here then is not intended Christs passion as in Esay 63. but concerning Antichrist and all his enemies at the last day Vers 16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written c. In the Vision John so saw Chrst noting Christs being Monarch of heaven and earth in that he is King of Kings this proves Christs Divine nature and encourageth his people to trust in him and not feare the adversaries since he is above all and will suddenly manifest his power in their destruction This name was written on his vesture because all one day shall openly acknowledge it and on his thigh because he was eternally begot by the Father for the thigh in Scripture notes generation Gen. 46.26 Vers 17. I saw an Angel standing in the Sun who cried with a loud voyce saying c. That is in some clear high place to be seen and heard of all who as an Herauld or Trumpeter went before the Army calling to the fowles to devoure the slaine as it were after a battel yet I take this to be the Archangel sounding at the last day 2 Thes 4.16 Come and gather your selves together to the Supper alluding to Ezek 39.17 where the fowles are invited to devoure conquered God and Magog perchance Turk and Pope but literally this shall not come to passe at the last day for fowles and elements wherein they are shall then be consumed but under this similitude the horror of the last day is set forth for Raven Vultures usually devoure corpses after a battel The Supper of the great God because provided by him who is King of Kings and Lord of
be filthy still in hope to scape unpunished which words are not a permission or approving of filthinesse but a threatning a secret judgment for reprobates shall be given up to a reprobate sense if after admonishing such will be filthy let them be filthy still He that is righteous will be righteous still As Dan 12.10 many shall be pure but the wicked shall do wickedly to which our Gospel Daniel here alludes All the righteous will believe and do righteously though the day of judgement be not very near the Word in them is the incorruptible seed now for their sakes the Prophecy is chiefly therefore seale it not Here observe how the same word causes divers effects accidentally t is the savour of life to the Elect to the rest the savour of death as our Apostle 2 Cor. 2.15 16. bravely Righteous still Continuing in righteousnesse and encreasing in righteousnesse Here the Papists say second Justification by works is proved for they who were justified first by Christ may be more justified by works as charity but t is false no works justifie and Scripture which commands charity never speaks of its justifying Christ justifies alone but our good works declare us to be in Christ and justified So James may be understood ch 2. ver 24. Quaest How is a man that is justified justified still or more for the words in Greek bare that interpretation Answ We are justified but once but sanctified oft more and more both which Sanctification and Justification are here expressed but though we are but once justified as was David yet after sinning and falling from God when by repentance we return to the God of our Iustification we have the benefit of Justification renewed as Psal 51.7 David had as that most pathetique Psalme proves every where but enough Vers 12. Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me This is Christs voice perchance represented by the Angel yet it might be Christ distinct from the Angel for t is no unusual thing in this book as in some Comedy or Tragedy to have several Persons brought in speaking of Christs coming quickly See ver 7 and ch 1. ver 1. My reward Because Christ freely gives it Now the reward is eternal life and that is the gift of God Rom. 6. ver last Damnation is properly a reward so is not eternal life but improperly being out of free grace and promise To render to every one according to his works The good mans reward out of mercy and promise shall be good the wicked mans shall be evil to him but just as from God out of desert The wicked man is rewarded for his works being perfectly evil the good man according to his works which are due debts to the Creator but imperfectly good to which God hath annexed a promise out of free love not desert Vers 13. I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last c This proves it to be Christs voice who chap. 1. ver 8. cals himself so Now Alpha is the first letter and Omega the last among the Greeks So Christ is first even eternal with his father and last as God to eternity See chap. 1.8 expounded Christ though the Son is as soon as the Father as light and heat are in the Sunne and fire yet the Sunne and fire are causes of them he that pleases may read the learned refutation of Engedinus the heretick against Christ being Alpha and Omega by my Pareus upon this verse Vers 14. Blessed are they that do his Commandements It seems as if spoken by an Angel of Christ whose commandments are mentioned but it may be referred to the Commandements of the book or sayings of the Prophecy ver 7. and then t is Christs voyce Now the sayings of Christ or Commandements are touching the not worshipping the Beast nor his image as chap. 13. flying out of Babylon chap. 18. and forsaking any thing of Rome if they be blessed that keep them what becomes of them that break them worshipping the Beast The Lord remember all his People and them in Ireland to call them from Popery to salvation through Christ Iesus That they may have right to the tree of life To wit Christ Now that we have in being his spiritual members and spouse who have right to their head and husband The servants of the Beast have no right to Christ being neither elected nor redeemed in general Vers 15. For without are dogs and sorcerers Out of heaven to wit being not written in the Lambs book chap. 21 27. Now though all wicked men and reprobates are here meant yet in a most peculiar manner the servants of the Beast By which you perceive how God hates all Idolaters and Idolatry Dogs Are unclean and tearers or devourers Matth. 7.6 Give not that which is holy unto dogs Julian the Apostate was such a dog who receiving some knowledge of Christ tore the Gospel and rent it with arguments out of its selfe but wrested Now who are greater tearers of the Scripture then Papists wresting it to destruction who greater lyars against Christ and truth who teach more false doctrines then they Vers 16. I Iesus have sent my Angel to testifie unto you these things c He is the Person speaking the Author of the Revelation the Alpha and Omega the Lord of the Prophets the Commander of the Angels the doner of eternal life and therefore God Omnipotent Note Christ gives himself that name which long before was given him by the Angel Matth. 1.20 21. This name we should chiefly acknowledge him by this is the only name of comfort so he says thus muth I Jesus or your Saviour have sent my Angel putting us in mind of his love and mercies towards us To you Of or in the seven Churches chap. 1.11 But these things concern all the People and Churches of Christ though particularly the seven Churches in Asia long since ruined First this is comfort to us that our Jesus is the Angels Commander therefore we shall not want their assistance Secondly that we should carefully read what Christ commanded his Angel to testifie and John to write How ill did they who question the authority of this book I am the root and off-spring of David The root beareth the tree so Christ as God upheld and saved David but according to the flesh he was the off-spring or sonne of David and by consequent the true Messias The bright and morning starre The meaning is that as Venus outshines all the stars so Christs glory excels all the glory of Saints and Angels thus Christ resembles his glory to the heavenly brightnesse and lustre of the morning starre Balaam Numb 24.17 and Peter 2 Pet. 2.1 v. 19. cals Christ a star Christ expels the darknes of sin and ignorance and brings the light of knowledge and grace and at the morning of the resurrection will drive away the darknesse of this life and shew himself most gloriously to all the Saints Thus Christ promised himself to
the overcommers chap. 2.28 as is expounded he being the morning starre Vers 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say come That is the Spirit in every Saint sayes come Every Saint having the Spirit longs after Christ so David Psal 42.2 As the heart pants after the water brookes that hot and therefore dry or thirsty creature so doth my soule after thee O God And the Bride or Church longs after Christ to be fully gloryfied by him and to live ever with her husband the Church Militant Cant. 8. vers last cals for Christ saying be like the Roe that nimble creature and come in haste The coming of Christ is fearfull to the wicked but the regenerate long for him Let him that heareth say come As the Bride doth Truly the reading and hearing this book will make every spiritual man say come Lord Jesus such sweetnesse is here Let him that is a thirst come That is the qualification required in the commers come to me for redemption salvation glory if athirst for a thirsty man is fit to drink of the fountain of water of life Now he that is athirst is he that has the Spirit crying to Christ to come to perfect him and the Church in glory And whosoever will Being qualified and a thirst none else can come these the father draweth Let him take the water of life freely Being a thirst and drawen by the Father The invitation is generall Isa 55.1 Hoe all but note the qualification that thirst come ye to the waters but note God worketh in us to will and do Phil. 2.13 whosoever commeth then God draweth Vers 18. For I testifie This depends upon vers 7. blessed are they that keep the words of this Prophecy now he threatens those who any way corrupt or abuse it Sure Antichristian falsifyers of the truth are here meant For I also testify or testifie together sayes the Greek Because the Angel had spoken now Christ confirmes the Angels testimony witnessing also with the Angel Vnto every man that heareth Not the Pope excepted If any man shall adde By false interpretations as 2 Peter 3.16 adulterating the Text. Let the Papists take heed how they mingle traditions and lyes with the Text. Vnto him God shall adde the plagues To wit not only the seven last plagues but to be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone for ever with the dragon and false Prophet chap. 19 20. O Arrius and Engedinus where are ye O Popelings and Hereticks take heed Vers 19 If any man shall take away from the words of this Prophecy God shall take away his part out of the Book of life c. To the adders he will adde plagues to the takers away he sayes hee 'll take away his part out of the book of life That is what part he seemes to have or will utterly condemne him one day Indeed they may be said to take away from the Book that deprave it allow not of it sleight it or the like The overcommers were promised choyce rewards in the seven Churches these deprayers shall have no share with them nor with the glorious Bride in heaven Some have denyed Saint James his Epistle some this book through mistake not malice being otherwise true Christians and are not to be comprehended here Luther doubted of James many ancient Christians through weaknesse of the authority of this most Divine book on whom I dare not doubt but God had mercy But note not only the integrity but perfection of Scripture is hence proved since nothing is to be added away then with traditions the written word is perfect and only to be followed to salvation Deut. 4.2 Moses gives the same command let no man adde by which it is plain the holy Scriptures of the Old-Testament were full enough and perfect to salvation Now our Saviour not John takes this passage from Moses and other things in this book are taken from the Prophets everywhere To note the perfect agreement of the New-Testament and Old and also to shew how this Book sayes my Pareus is a summe of holy Scripture Well we must not depend upon Revelations but the written Word By this Christ proved himself and his death to his disciples Luke 24.27 see my Glimps of Christs Love pag. 57. Vers 20. He that testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly c. They be the words of Christ not of Iohn who testified and revealed this Prophecy to Iohn being the true and faithfull Witnesse chap. 3.14 who promises to come quickly to confute those who make a mock of his coming to judgment 2 Pet 3.2 3 4. and to stirre us to patience and watchfulnesse And truly if when Iohn writ this book Christ promised to haste then now he is even at the door many Jews are daily converted the Gospel much spread Antichrist manifested and spiritually killed by the Witnesses forsaken by the Kings of the earth or many of them nay and Christ has powerfully reigned by the Reformation of many Kingdomes in matters of Religion We expect to hear of Romes literall desolation but the utter ruine of Turke and Pope we expect not till the seventh Viall be poured out into the aire or the seventh Angel sound at the last day other things are most fulfilled and we hope God for the Elect sake will hasten his coming Surely I come 'T is an asseveration confirming his promised coming to comfort the godly and to stir them up to watchfulnesse and patience in well doing and ill suffering Vers 21. Even so come Lord Jesus Sayes Iohn after all the most joyfull glorious things in the Prophecy the Beast and Dragon in the Vision cast into the lake of hell longing for the consummation of glory Indeed Christ is the good Ahimaaz 2 Sam. 18.27 that brings true and good tydings here in this life but cheifly hereafter of perfect redemption which all the creation groanes for and perfect glory for the Elect. Or Iohn may be understood to desire Christ to hasten Antichrists destruction to hasten comforts to Syon and lastly to come to judgment to condemne the Dragon and Beast and deliver the Saints redeeming their bodies out of their graves consummating them in glory Thus the Spirit in all the Saints teaches to long after Christ and say come Lord Jesus come quickly even so Amen Hanc epitomen praecipuorum Commentariorum supra Revelationem JOHANNIS unà cum annotatiunculis quibusdam feliciter peregi 30 Martii 1650. Ann aetat meae 31. Trinitati gloria sempiterna Amen FINIS
second Commandement that is in the water under the earth By heaven earth seas unablenesse to open the Book is understood but thus much no creature could Vers 4. And I wept much because no man was found worthy to open c He concluded sure some worthy matter is in the Book therefore wept because it could not be opened and known this weeping was not in vaine for by prayers and teares he hath his desire granted him Let this instruct us how to attaine to the knowledge of the mysteries of God Vers 5. Then one of the Elders said unto me weep not c. Who is unknown the Papists would needs perswade it was Peter but it was one the Jewish Church not Christian as is observed perchance he that was next to Iohn Behold the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah Alluding to Iacobs blessing where Iudah is called a Lyons Whelp it notes Christs dignity strength and Kingly power Christs mother was of this Tribe The root of David Mary came of David Hath prevailed Being found worthy observe here Christs manhood of the root of David Christ Godhead since he was worthy and overcame admitting no creature with him into the Society of his function Vers 6. A Lamb Before a Lyon conquering sin hell death now a Lamb noting Christs innocency In the midst To wit between the Throne and the Elders as Mediator betwixt God and the Church also it notes Christs exaltation at the right hand of God Stood as it had been slaine His standing notes his Resurrection being staine his death a Lamb slaine noting his manhood a Lion and a Lamb standing noting his Godhead victory Resurrection Having seven hornes Seven is taken indefinitely for many or answering the seaven seales hornes note power eyes Divine insight so that Christ wants neither skill nor power to open the seven seales of the Book His eyes are said to be the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth meaning seven choice created Angels which proves Christs divine nature since the Angels are his servants who give him account of the sons of men whose hearts however he knows without them and which they know not whom he uses not for need but majesty and comfort to the godly Ver. 7. And he came took the book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne to wit out of the midst and went to the throne and took the book to open it Thus that is fulfilled chap. 1. ver 1. God gave the Revelation to Christ and he to Iohn Christ gives it to John as God receivs it of his father as God-man Sits on the throne as God goes to the throne for the book as God-man Vers 8. When he had taken the book which was not yet opened though the Latine version read it so which Alcusar would faine excuse Here is noted the cause of the heavenly inhabitants joy because Christ had received the book wherein the whole counsell of God touching the good of the Church and the destruction of the adversaries to the end of the world is contained And fell down before the Lambe giving him divine worship which proves his deity Having every one of them harps not as if God were pleased with musick but because it stirred up the affections of Saints to God-ward with such instruments the holy Prophets and Kings were wont to praise God and to delight themselves and others for the same instrument might praise God and please others And golden vials full of odours which are the Prayers of the Saints as perfumes ascend upward and give forth a sweet smell so Saints in Prayer seek for heavenly things and are pleasing to God through Christ Now as gold excels so Prayers from a pure heart Let the viol of our hearts be pure and the Prayers of thy People be as sweet odours in thy sight O Lord. Vers 9. And they sung a new Song A most excellent Song containing the new benefits of Christ They both Churches see the consent of both Covenants Know by the way the Prayers carried by the Elders in vials were their own Prayers only Saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the Seals thereof excluding worth from any other the worth is the preciousnesse of his blood which we should well consider For thou wert slaine Christ by his death hath merited for others and he only can give salvation Vers 10. Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood c. Here the Church applies the price of our redemption to her self with the effects For he hath made them Kings and Priests of which already And we shall reign on earth not only mortifying our earthly desires and trampling them under feet but also as Christ our head doth raigne here not by a secular power for his Kingdome is not of this world and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal for the head reigning the members reign but this we understand not of an earthly but spiritual dominion Vers 11. And round about the throne The Angels whose number is even infinite only known to God joyne with the Church triumphant of which they are members in the praising Christ who though they had not a redeemer as man yet had benefit by Christs death See Col. 1.20 compared with 16. praise him for mans redemption and perchance their own gathering together Eph. 1.10 is thought on Vers 12. Saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb. c. These Angels with Songs set forth seven divine Titles of the Lamb yet his ubiquity as Pareus notes is not mentioned To receive power because he is omnipotent And riches because in him are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge And wisedome being the eternal wisedome of the father And strength because he hath overcome the world and Satan And glory because he raigneth gloriously And blessing he is worthy of blessing in whom we are all blest Vers 13. And every creature which is in heaven all the creatures nay divel and all do in some sort set forth the praises of God Now here is another argument of Christs deity since all the creatures worship him with religious worship Vers 14. And the foure beasts said Amen here the Beasts and Elders manifest their joy and consent to the praises of Christ sung by the Angels to speak to capacity by saying Amen that is so be it and the Elders by worshipping Christ who liveth for ever and ever What joy and companions in praise what holy members hath the Church triumphant in heaven that t is even heaven to us below to think of it CHAP. VI. J. Act of the second Vision Vers 1. And I saw when the Lambe opened one of the Seals c. NOw the book begins to be opened for Christ now reveals unto John the Councels of God which were yet hidden and shut he shewed to John in types which he made him understand but he shews us the types only concealing the mysteries that we might exercise