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
of but his coming to assist by his spiritual presence nor his coming in clouds at the last day is not to be here conceived but chap. 19. vers 11. And the Rainbow on his head The Rainbow signifies mercy because God set it in the cloud as a signe he would not destroy the world by water any more notwithstanding the sin of man Christ comes to his poor afflicted Church as a Messenger of peace and mercy who is our peace and procured us mercy a comfortable signe for an afflicted people promising one day to his true servants eternal rest and peace His face was as the Sun Noting two things Christs glorified condition and his being the Sun of righteousnesse illuminating his Church dissipating the tempests of calamities promising as it were by the clear beams of his countenance to dispel adversity from his people His feet as pillars of fire Pillars note strength to uphold fire notes Christ refining his Church for fire consumes chaffe also hereby is noted Christs consuming his adversaries and enemies so Christ appears as upholder of his people refiner of his Church devourer of his adversaries Thus Christ the strong Angel is above the Locusts and like the Sun looks upon the rage of the four Angels loosed and the rest of the adversaries ready to support refine consume Vers 2 And he had in his hand a little book open This is the same book which was formerly sealed with seven seales which Christ opened and holds it so in his hand 't was lesse now then when the seven seales were one for now many events were revealed to John out of it and the seales taken off Quest Why doth Christ open the book and now keep it so Answ Because Christ is the revealer of secrets and of the will of his Father and he keeps the holy Scripture open so that the Locusts nor their King notwithstanding the smoak of the bottomlesse pit can darken the truth of Jesus totally nor the armies of thè Barbarians could root up the faith of Christ Mark then notwithstanding all opposers of the truth the book is kept open for Christ raised some alwayes to defend his truth furthermore he keeps it open for his two Witnesses in chap. 11. to purge by it the dregs of the Locusts and their King And he set his right foot upon the sea c. Some by Christs right foot understand powerful ministers and by the left foot more weak ones however Christ sets his feet on sea and land that is takes possession of the world as preserving in all places some remnants of a Church to himselfe notwithstanding the many persecutions of tyrants who endeavoured to root out the very name of Christ mangre also the cunning endeavouring of that old serpent by many hereticks and by the Bishop of Rome's falling from heaven to earth turning the doctrine of Christ into wormwood and opening the bottomlesse pit this is a great consolation to the Saints that none can put Christ out of possession Vers 3. And he cryed with aloud voice as when a Lyon roareth This lyon-like voice shews the efficacious spreading of the Gospel which should and doth frighten the opposers who the more they rage the louder the voice is the more earnestly the name of Christ was professed and this Christs loud voice did foretel so that the enemies and opposers though they did rage yet they had a kind of secret feare in them Seven thunders uttered their voices These represent seven that is a perfect company of thundering ministers or Boanergeses of the truth who should upon the books being open and the voice of Christ as the Lyons roaring to wit in the publishing the Gospel notwithstanding all opposers undauntedly preach Christ against tyrants hereticks and Antichrist to make them unexcusable Vers 4. I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me c. This voice did not absolutely forbid the writing of what the seven thunders uttered but in respect of the event God foreseeing that the opposers would not hear but despise their voice causing the same to be sealed secret and hid to them through their own default Note that some Copies read After these things write what the seven thunders uttered However here you see how true that of Paul is the Gospel is hid to them that are lost Vers 5. And the Angel which I saw stand lift up his right hand to heaven So they did in old time that did sweare God once swore by himselfe Christ here sweares by God Christ forbade not swearing upon a just occasion an oath so is the end of strife idle oaths Christ forbade as by ones hair head Ierusalem by which none ever swore before a Magistrate rash oathes then are forbid not other Observe Christs sword as Mediatour and God-man by his father who in that respect is greater then he Now in Vers 6 7. And sweareth by him that liveth for ever and ever c. follows what was sworn to wit that time should be no longer but the accomplishment of the mystery of God under the seventh Trumpet at the day of judgement was at hand but Christ is not to be understood as if he had swore time should be no more after that day but should be swallowed up in eternity for what needed an oath to confirme so apparent a truth Christs swearing was to comfort the godly under tyrants and especially Antichrist who had established his kingdome as it made the Saints feare much more misery for it seemed so firme that it should not be demolished now Christ promises a time of Reformation tacitly of which in chap. 11. also the ruine of Antichrists Kingdome and that no more time of such misery and sadnesse should happen to the Church So the oath here is for the confirmation of the promise and for the Saints consolation The mystery of God shall be finished c. either of the Jews calling a little before the seventh Trumpet of whose calling the Prophets speak and Paul Rom. 11. or rather the mystery of the resurrection as Paul cals it 1 Cor. 15. behold I shew you a mystery and destruction of the adversaries of which see Zach. 14 Mal. 3. penult and Mal. 4. thus the sixt trumpet shall continue fulfilling till the last day then the seventh by the Arch-angel shall sound 1. Thessal 4.16 Vers 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven c. to wit that bade not to write the things uttered by the thunders ver 4 commands him 1. To take the book out of the hand of Christ 2. To eat it True seven thundring ministers in the time of Antichrist and opposers preached undauntedly the truth of Christ but without fruit but now John must eat the book by which is signified that the Gospel is to be preached anew though not by John himselfe in the time of Antichrist with successe this book then written within and without chap 5.1 is the Gospel as well as the Revelation that without is the known word of God
be there and consequently blisse There shall be no curse because his servants there obey and serve him deserving no curse but obtaining honour unutterable such are Angels and Saints Since the Queen of the South wondred to see Solomons attendants sure in heaven is matter of admiration Vers 4. And they shall see his face That is shall be in the presence of God and shall see Christs humane nature gloryfied and comprehend God to content and satisfaction as far as created natures are capable See my Glimps of Christs love And his name shall be in their fore-heads Either alluding to the Beasts marked ones chap. 13. by which is noted his property of them and so Gods owning the Saints may be here meant or his name is his nature which they shall pertake of in heaven See chap. 3.12 expounded to this purpose I will write upon him my Name The Beast marked his that they might only serve and worship him Gods then are also marked that is consecrated to openly praise him and serve him for ever Vers 5. And there shall be no night c. Darknesse is but sad therefore no night of darknesse or sorrow shall be there The glory of God there hinders all night or darknesse so there needs no Sun being there is no night see chap. 21.23 where this verse is fuller explained And they shall raigne for ever and ever As Kings and Priests as chap. 20. v. 5 6. expounded the thousand years of Satans binding the primitive Saints lived with Christ in heaven after the expiration of them all others that were regenerated or partakers of the first resurrection after death reigned with Christ forever Vers 6. And he said to me these sayings are faithfull and true c. Hitherto the Prophecy which one of the seven Angels who poured out the Vials and talked with Iohn ch 17. commends to Iohn to recommend to us So not only the two last Chapters concerning the glorious Bride or City wherein by most choyce things as gold pearle the glory of the Saints above is as it were shadowed out but all the book is commended And indeed it is the true summe of all things to happen to the last day nay for ever What ever may be said of any book of holy writ may be said of this being an Epitome of holy Scripture in some sence so that herein is enough for salvation if well understood and practised Faithfull To which we may give credit True Which shall in time and order be accomplished And the Lord God of the holy Prophets sent his Angel Christ the revealer of the Prophesie is the Lord God of the Prophets who sent his Angel vers 16. I Jesus sent my Angel which proves two things 1. That the Angel was not Christ but his messenger though in the Old-Testament Christ appeared oft as an Angel to wit of the Covenant 2. That Christ is God being Lord of the Angels see chap. 1. v. 1. expounded His Angel Meaning himself who spake to John See ch 1. v. 1. about the rest of this vers Vers 7. Behold I come quickly The voice is Christs perchance represented by the Angel Christ is the Lord of the Prophets who confirmes the words of the Angel saying the things must shortly be done for he comes quickly Time runs away apace and deceives men who live in security and carelsenesse Christ will come before such are aware to judgment Blessed is he that keepeth these sayings c. See chap. 1. v. 3. expounded Vers 8. And I John saw these things c. Visionally and heard them therefore a good witnesse This is the very stile of John in his Gospel he that saw it bears record and his record is true chap. 19.35 And when I had heard and seen I fell down to worship before the Angel He ingeniously confesseth his errour again Perchance he committed his errour twise If so as it is probable for 't was upon the joyfull news of the Bride and her marriage that John was formerly taken in the errour about worshipping the Angel chap. 19.10 See the exposition which now in the Vision was past it shews the pronenes of the best men to sin more then once after reproof as John had chap. 19.10 without Gods speciall assisting hand also it notes our natures being prone to Idolatry no wonder the world ever has been so prone to that sin in all ages Vers 9. See thou do it not worship God As chap. 19.10 The words here differ from them in chap. 19. which proves 't was not the former errour but a second upon Johns taking leave of the Angel Now Iohn worshipped not but composed himself to worship by falling down So the very gestures of Papists before Idols is sinfull and forbidden let them worship whomsoever under the Idol or Image The Papists say the Angel out of modesty commanded Iohn to forbear because also in Christs sight but the Angels reproving Iohn proves the contrary Of them who keep the sayings of this book The Angel confirmes that it was not lawfull for Iohn to worship his fellow-servant for such are the Angels to Saints but God only Now the Angels fellow-servants are those who hate the Whore and Beast and flye out of Babylon keeping the sayings of the Book worshipping neither the Beast nor his Images of which his Kingdom is full so the Angels reasons against Iohns worshipping are seasonable All worship is due to Iehovah alone Vers 10. And hee said to me seal not the sayings of the Prophecy c. This the Angel saith but chap. 10.4 God commanded the things uttered by the seven thunders to be sealed which seemes to be taken out of Dan. 8.26 where the Prophet is commanded to shut up the Vision or seal it because it was not to be accomplished for many dayes The Angel commands this not to be kept secret or sealed because all might read it and beware of the Beast also because the time was at hand when Iohn writ and Antichrist has been now long revealed God commanded the things uttered by the seven thunders to be concealed not absolutely but in respect of the event because Antichrist would not take notice of them and therefore they were as good be kept secret see chap. 10.4 expounded And indeed it is worth noting Christs Angel sayes seal not but let Scripture be read but Christs pretended Vicar sayes seal all Scripture let none be read but by the Clergy opposing Christ Vers 11 He that is unjust let him be unjust still c. Here is a kind of tacit Objection answered for some may say the Prophecy being open and to be read Tyrants and Antichrists will through Satans instigation rage the more knowing their time is short or knowing the short time comprehends hundreds of years they may say as the wicked servant our master deferres his coming and will rage the more in the mean time Therefore 't were better the Prophecy were concealed To which is answered he that is filthy let him
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
resurrection For they are worthy Not in respect of merits and works but of free grace for they are worthy whom Christ esteems his Sons and hath made worthy So Christ calls them Heb. 2.13 Behold me and the children God hath given me Vers 5. I will not blot out his name out of the book of life Since the names of the Elect are said to be written in heaven that is they are sure and certain of eternal life observe two things 1. Believers obtain not salvation by chance but were elected of God through Christ from eternity and known from them that perish 2. That the Elect are certain of life none can pluck them on t of Gods hand God is said to have books metaphorically for he needs none but doth all things by his foreknowledge counsell and judgement he is said to have three books in Scripture one of Providence wherein he hath set down how every thing shall come to passe when the wicked are destroyed who are equally written here with the righteous they may be said to be blotted out of his book Gods second book is of Predestination and eternal life out of which none can be blotted His third is of the general judgment of which t is said the books were opened ch 20. I will confesse his name an honour beyond thought to be called by name as it were before the Throne and Angels and to be acknowledged publickly This might stirre up in us a care to get the first white garments of grace that we may enjoy these of glory and this glorious acknowledgement I omit ver 6. being easie Vers 7. Vnto the Angel of the Church in Philadelphia write Some conceive this to be Quadratus a disciple of the Apostles whom Eusebius mentioneth Ignatius wrote to these Philadelphians That is holy because he is in himself holy and made to us of God sanctification And true constant in keeping promise and loving truth hating falsehood and hypocrisie As this is an argument of Christs being God out of Isa 6. so t is an Argument that the Pope is Antichrist calling himself not only holy but holinesse and whereas Christ cals himselfe but a great high Priest in Hebr. 4. the Pope cals himself the greatest high-Priest shewing himself not to be Christs vicar but the successor of the Pagans Arch-flamens or Priests Who hath the Key of David or of the house of David to wit the Church by Key power is noted for Christ hath an absolute power over the Church as Lord and head of it and hath committed the ministerial power and keyes to the Apostles and their Successours He openeth and no man shutteth to wit the doore of grace and heaven and Scripture men are already blind in the things of God yet he may for further punishment darken them more and more No man shutteth because none can hinder his from entring in at his opened doore or can pluck them out of his hand He shutteth and no man openeth because whosoever is not elected and drawn by Christ can never enter this proves Christs deity for the Apostles ministerially doe it Matth. 18 and Eliakim as high-Priest Isa 22.22 but Christ absolutely Vers 8. I know thy works I approve thy good works Christ praises his good parts to encrease them particularly because he had kept his word and not denied his name in the former he commends the sincerity of his doctrine in the latter his constant Profession of the same before the adversary But least this holy teacher should be lifted up to think he did ought by his owne strength Christ tels him he set before him an open door that is 't was by Christs power that the Church over which he was Pastor embraced the truth For thou hast a little strength outward help and assistance or any what in thy self without me so that t is Christ that opens Christ had opened a door in Sardis and gathered a Church which though the Pastor had little outward means or help he would so defend that none should shut or overthrow it Sometimes by an open door is meant an occasion or opportunity of doing good Our Apostle said there was a door opened to him in Troas so t is Christ prepares the hearts of the People to receive him t is he that preserves the People that do receive him Christ hath opened a door in many Kingdomes though Antichrist did his devoire to shut it Vers 9. I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan this is a tacit answer to an objection that might be made for since both unbelievers of Jews and Gentiles opposed it might be questioned how this Church could stand and not be shut to which Christ answers I will make them or give them c shewing his power above theirs so comforting the Pastor also it might comfort him thus that if these unbelievers did molest him Christ did but use their innate malice to teach him and the Church patiently to relie on him and that it should prove good to them Synagogue of Satan The Jews called themselves so from Judah which in Hebrew signifies to praise as if they had been the Praisers of God but they lyed being enemies to Christ and of the Synagogue of Satan so then hypocrites vainly brag of their glorious titles I will make c Here is comfort that these opposing Iews should in time be converted and reverence him as their Pastor and worship God both which are noted in these words shall worship before thy feet as a dog fawning on one This notes the insufficiency of man to convert himself t is God makes also t is not the minister I will make says Christ note also the mercy of God those of the Synagogue of Satan shall worship Christ not only comes by persuasive but effectual means of grace to gaine man who is averse to and blind in every thing of God naturally and so gains the will not forcing it which after works freely through the means of grace Vers 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience Christ out of a fatherly love and mercy promises a reward to obedience be cause he had kept his Word the reward was that he would deliver him either in the approaching persecution of the Emperour Trajan See Plin lib. 10. Ep. 97. that he commanded the accused Christians to be put to death or in regard of the persecutions of Antichrist which troubled these and all the world From the houre this comforts the Pastor that it was but a short trial and therefore the more chearfully to be undergone To try them This notes the use and end of affliction that 't was not for destruction but trial and salvation Which dwell upon the earth God tries hypocrites as well as his faithful People the one shew their constancy and faith in trial the other their corruption in Apostacy Thus the chaffe is winnowed from the wheat Vers 11. I come quickly here is another use of comfort since Christ will come quickly to destroy
the pale-horse He that sate opon his back was death c. Though Christ doubtlesse was carried up and down as rider in the Church for all profest him yet since in works they denied him death the effect of sin is said to sit upon his back drawing hell for that waits on death without Christ after him Now though by beasts beastly lusts raigning in the souls of the people through the negligence slothfulnesse and security of Bishops wounding and killing many may be understood And by famine that of the word Amos 8.11 By the sword the wounding tongue which cuts like a sharp rasor Psal 52.2 or false wounding doctrines of Hereticks suffered in the Church by death the spiritual death for want of Christ the life and the Gospel the food of the soule for I heare not of a persecuting sword in this age yet certainly there is a plain allusion to Ezech. 14.21 where the Lord threatens Jerusalem for her Apostacy with his foure sore that is some cruel punishments to which Christ likens here the cursed effects of security in teachers and hereticks wounding doctrines destroying a fourth part that is a great part of the earth under the Romane Empire Now follow Act. 2. Vision second Vers 9. And when he had opened the first Seal In this second Act are three things contained 1. What he saw and the place where 2. What they said 3. The answer they receceived The summe of all is to comfort the godly against the scandall of the crosse shadowed out especially under the red horse particularly least John should be daunted much at the effusion of so much blood of the Martyrs he sees their souls safe under the protection of Christ Observe then the soul is separable eternall I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slaine for the word of God and for the testimony which they held To wit of all the Martyrs slain from Nero to Boniface the third the first Antichrist Vnder the Altar To wit Christ Heb. 13.10 We have an Altar not then in purgatory but in heaven Thou shalt be with me this day in Paradise Not under the robbes of Mary but under the safety of Christ the Altar not lost for they enjoy the presence of Christ and of God as far as created natures are able Vers 10. And they cryed with a loud voyce saying how long c. By this is shewed their earnest desire of the hastning Gods judgments 't was no vocall but visionall crying which imports no impatiency for the glorified Saints are free from such corruption their desire is just that Gods glory may be vindicated the Church finally delivered They do not prescribe God a time but closely submit to the same as unknown to them only they intimate that to them it seems just and equall that he should deliver his Church and no longer suffer the blasphemies of cruall Tyrants Vers 11. And white Robes were given unto every on of them They are answered in words and deeds for white robes were given them this notes the beginning of glory Moses and Elias talking with Jesus had such shining garments the perfect robe though this former be without spot is referred till the day of judgment Now for the word And it was said unto them that they should rest yet for a little season To wit by him that sate upon the Throne or the Altar under whose protection they are Now Christ is called an Altar because he was sacrificed as a Lamb upon the Altar of the Crosse or his divine nature which sanctified and made the sacrifice worthy and able to pacify divine Justice In the answer note many things 1. Antichrists time is short 2. God heares alwayes the prayers of his Saints 3. The cruelties of the wicked are not forgotten but shall be revenged 4. The cause of the forbearance is first to lead men to repentance that the full number of the Martyres may be accomplished 5. A communion between the Saints above and these below We ought not therefore to pray to them being our fellow servants Neither though they love us do they pray for us because it would derogate from Christ in whose presence they are as if his intercession were not satisfactory or he were asleep however we ought not to pray to them since they know not our particular wants though they be in the presence of GOD For Abraham knowes us not Esay 93. Act 3. Vision second Vers 12. I beheld when he had opened the sixth Seal and loe there was a great earthquake c. This Act consisteth of two parts 1. Treats of the greater and more horrible confusion of the Christian world under Antichrist vers 2.15 then and in the 7. Chap. is treated comfortable things as the sealing of the Elect to vers 8. I referre these Earthquakes to the last persecutions under Antichrist upon Phocas the Emperours proclaiming Boniface the 3d. universall Bishop and Prince of Priests or indeed Antichrist then the Christian world began to be horribly shaken for now Christ the Son of righteousnesse began to be obscured that is the doctrine concerning his offices and benefits darkened the Moon or Church turned into blood the Starres or Pastors fall from heavenly offices the opened Book of Scripture or the Heaven rolled up and forbidden to be read the mountains Kings and Princes for they are higher then the other people in Jeopardy The Ilands brought under Antichrists yoak and tyranny First of the earth-quake sometimes t is taken in a good sence as Heb. 12. I will shake heaven and earth meaning in reforming the world by Christ Note also that the signes foretold to be at the last day Math. 24. in the Sun and Moon shall litterally come to passe when the Isles shall fly away and mountains were not found to wit at the day of judgement But here the Earthquake signifies the shaking and oppressing the Church by Antichrist who darkened the Sun to wit Christ and the true light of the Gospel and the Hypocriticall Monkes who wore garments of sackcloth glorying of perfection do as by a true badge testifie that they live under this darknesse spoken of But say they the Pope professeth Christ against all Hereticks Answ Should he openly cast off the name of Christ then he could not have brought under his bondage the Christian world But his coming as the Apostle writeth is withall deceiveablenesse in them that perish Christ is darkned and Mary adored free-grace rejected for polluted works the Sacraments changed into Idols the Gospel into Traditions scarce any thing but the name of Christ remaining The Moon became as blood The Moon is the Church Now as the Moon borrowes light of the Sun so the Church all of Christ Into blood The cruell tyranny of Antichrist makes the Church red with the blood of the Saints the oft Massacres prove this in part Vers 13. The Starres of Heaven fell into the earth Starres do not really fall but false ones do so false teachers like
untimely figs fall to the earth or earthly and worldly affaires by Antichrist or the Popes mighty wind or threatnings as excommunication or the like Vers 14. The heaven departed as a scrowle when it is rolled together The light to wit departed alluding to the old custome of rolling up their books not binding as now so being shut they could not be read but enough to be expound this place either the true Church of Christ shall be hid in the time of Antichrist or the light of the Scripture shall be darkned and it forbidden to be read or in summe shall be shut up And every Mountain and Island were moved out of their places That is Kings for as mountains are higher then the rest of the earth so Kings are above other People Kings are interpreted mountains Rev. 17.9 10. The Empire of Rome is the mountain chap 8. ver 8 the Persian Kingdome is a mountain before Zerubbabel Zach. 4.7 the mountains or Empires were moved by Antichrist Ecclesiastically when Kings and Emperours were made to kisse his feet Civilly when deposed by him and some trampled under foot witnesse Alexander the third trampling on Frederick the first many of the like nature I omit and of his boasting himselfe above Councels Islands were moved As waters note People chap. 17 15. so Islands are nations and subjects of Princes now necessitated upon pain of salvation to be subject to the Romish Bishop Act. 4. Vision second Vers 15. And the Kings of the earth and the great men and the rirh men and the mighty men c. This Act consists of joy here being treated of the final punishment of the wicked in the general at the last day here the servants of Antichrist of all sorts who have been instruments of his advancement and tyranny over the Saints or who have drawn their swords for him against them by reason of Antichrist are brought to miserable destruction and desire to hide at the last day from the sight of the Lamb who formerly made the poore servants of God thus hide in dens and caves Now what shall become of the series of Antichrists if their instruments be thus punished if the serpent be cursed woe to the divel himself The wrath of the Lambe Christ is never said to have wrath until now Here is the judgement of the last day treated of when Christ the Lamb shall poure forth his wrath upon the wicked Go yee cursed Now this proves Christs divine nature for Antichrist sure and his adherents shall be afraid of none else but God Vers 17. For the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand To wit the day of judgement here is the reason of the wickeds horrour because of the day of judgement because of their evil conscience against God Christ and the spouse of the Lamb to wit the Church Thus the wicked shall not stand in judgement CHAP. VII Act. 4. Vision second Vers 1. I saw foure Angels standing on the foure corners of the earth holding c. THese Angels were the wicked instruments of Satan and Antichrist who by fire and sword did endeavour to hinder the preaching of the Gospel whether Kings Emperours Cardinals Bishops Jesuites Fryars or the like Now as good teachers are the Angels as ch 1.20 so bad instruments as those Ministers of Antichrist are understood by those Angels here Foure Alluding to the foure corners of the earth Now by foure corners of the earth all the earth is understood so by foure Angels many instruments of Antichrist are to be understood in many parts of the earth by wind the Gospel is understood by which the spirit is conveyed to the hearts of men the wind bloweth whether it listeth to blow the wind is to sound forth the Gospel to hinder the blowing of the wind is to hinder the preaching of the Gospel the wind cherishes keeps the aire from corrupting by its means the trees bud together with the Sunne t is piercing and vehement the Gospel comforts sanctifies by conveying the spirit is the incorruptible seed by which we are regenerated Now certainly those Angels were wicked ones for Christ in the following words says to them Hurt not those that blowed were such teachers as preached Christ sincerely even for many hundred years ago as John Scotus my * In my native Countrey Ireland there is a noted place called Down where Scotus taught School called from thence Scotus dunensis or Duns by Contraction yet other places challeng right to Scotus his birth Country-man as is beleeved Bereagarius Bernard Hierome of Prague who strongly have blown by their Sermons and Writings against the idol of the Masse and transubstantiation and here I might bring in Luther and Melancthon with others who began to blow the Gospel of Christ By Earth Sea Trees I understand particular Churches either in midland wooddy hilly countreys or near sea-coasts as Islands not the faithful particularly because Christ forbids these Churches to be hurt till the faithful in them were sealed Now the Bishops Cardinals and the like who have their Colledges and Fraternities fixed or standings upon the earth forbid these teachers by their edicts excommunications persecutions forbidding the reading of Scripture here note two things 1. Christ hath Preachers of truth in the midst of Antichrists Kingdome 2. The way Antichrist had to set up his kingdome was by hindring the preaching of the Gospel Vers 2. And I saw another Angel ascending from the East This is Christ who came from the East from an high from heaven though born at Hierusalem He hath the broad seale of heaven with him by seale I understand that of Election as 2 Tim. 2.19 The foundation of God stands sure having this Seale he knows who are his Now in Christ we are all sealed or chosen before the foundation of the world allusion is had to Ezech. 9. Christ sealing here is justifying regenerating giving his the Seale that is the assurance of Election Now though all the members of these Churches were not Elected yet were they seperated from the hurt of Antichrist Aloud voice This notes the power of Christ above Anti-christ Till This notes Christs care of his people forbidding the hurting of the Churches till his Saints were called home lest they might be promiscuously wrapt in the danger of seducement but afterwards they might hurt them Vers 3. Till we have sealed the servants of God c. Meaning his Ministers with him not the Angels before mentioned which hinder the blowing of the wind In their foreheads alluding unto Ezech. 9.4 but the Seale here is internal imprinted in the elect by Gods eternal purpose together by sealing them in vocation justification sanctification invocation on the name of God hating Antichrist and Idolatry so that one may run and read whose servants they are as plaine as if it were written in their foreheads hence observe twelve things flowing from these three verses 1. Antichrist hates the truth of the Gospel for
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