a book called the Divine appointment of the Lords Day And it needs no confutation to those that are acquainted with Church History who know that this day hath been kept holy as of Apostolical ordination and practice by the universal Church ever since the Apostles daies the hereticks themselves consenting 2. Christ owned his own day and the suffering of his banished Solitary Servant by the Communication of these extraordinary Revelations and by the extasie of Spiritual influence 11. Saying I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last and what thou seest write in a book and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia unto Ephesus and unto Smyrna and unto Pergamos and unto Thyatira and unto Sardis and Philadelphia and unto Laodicea 11. N. 1. The first sentence is out of divers Greek Copies but is before spoken is the description of Christs Eternity 2. This was written by Christs Command 12. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me And being turned I saw seven golden Candlesticks 12. To see who that voice came from which I heard 13. And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the paps with a golden girdle 13. One in the shape of a man who was a representation of Christ in splendid clothing like Aarons Note Whether it was the Angel that thus represented Christ or Christ himself who assumed this appearing shape immediately is uncertain 14. His head and his hairs were white like wool as white as snow and his eyes were as a flame of fire 15. And his feet like unto fine brass as if they burned in a furnace and his voice as the sound of many waters 14 15 Christs apparition signifieth his Innocency Glory by whiteness his terrible majesty by his fiery eyes and feet and his dreadful voice to affect all with Reverence and his foes with terror 16. And he had in his right hand seven stars and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength 16. And in his right hand were held seven Stars which signifie the Pastors of the seven Churches commissioned and upheld by him And a two-edged Sword from his mouth signified his Word sent forth with power to convert and save the Elect and to convince and condemn the obstinate rejecters And his countenance was glorious as the Sun in its clearest appearance 17. And when I saw him I fell at his feet as dead and he laid his right hand upon me saying unto me Fear not I am the first and the last 17. He laid on me his supporting hand of Love when his terrible Glory had cast me at his feet and bid me Not fear for his Glory is joyful to his Servants though terrible to his Enemies He is my Almighty Eternal God and my Hope 18. I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen and have the keys of hell and of death 18. I am Christ who was lately Incarnate on Earth and crucified for your sins and now live your King and Intercessor in glory and shall die no more And death and all separated Souls are in my power to be taken into Happiness or cast out 19. Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter 19. Write these Revelations for posterity which contain what thou seest and the Exposition of some things that already exist and the Prophecy of many things to come 20. The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden candlesticks The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches 20. Note It is a great Controversie what is meant by Angels here 1. Some say that the Prophetical phrase being primarily of proper Angels as the Guardians of the Churches yet as in their names intending the message to the Churches themselves so it is here spoken of and to the Churches but as denominated from their several Angels And this seemeth to me the most likely sense viz. To the whole Churches Pastors and People under the name of their Guardian Angels though blaming the Churches and not the Angels which should not seem strange to them who feign such good men as Timothy to be the Angels who were not guilty of the crimes here reproved Thus Augustine dâ— Doctr. Christ lib. 3. c. 30. citeth and seemeth to like Tyconius's Exposition who supposeth the whole Church meant under the Angels name 2 Others suppose the Presbytery of each Church collectively governing them are called the Angels 3. Others think that only the Metropolitans are meant as Heads of Presbyters and other Bishops 4. Dr. Hammond thinks there were Sub-Presbyters in Scripture times and so that it is Metropolitans that are here meant but such as were but single Pastors of Congregations like a Parish-Pastor now that hath not so much as a Curate unâ—er him save Deacons but was Metropolitan over many Diocesses of such single Bishops I am far from believing 1. That any such Metropolitans were then settled 2. Or that such Churches had but one Pastor 3. Or that the single Bishop of a Metropolis was blamed for the faults of many Diocesses of Churches 4. Or that the Bishops of the excellent Primitive Churches were so quickly degenerate and guilty of the crimes here mentioned specially if Timothy was one And this Exposition too grosly slurs Episcopacy But if they were but single Pastors of single Churches the difference is no great moment What he speaketh of the Apostles intending so great a change afterward as Diocesans have made requireth proof CHAP. II. 1. UNto the angel of the church of Ephesus write These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks 1. To the Pastors and Flock of the Church of Ephesus meant by the name of their Angels These things saith Christ before described and commandeth me to write them Note 1. I believe not that Timothy was their Bishop in the ordinary sense as a fixed Pastor of that Church alone but that he in his Itinerant course described in Scripture doing the work of an Evangelist was there sometime and is therefore by the Ancients called their Bishop as Apostles were called Bishops for planting and taking care for many Churches when as there is not the least proof that they appropriated any Diocesses or Churches to each as their proper charge which other Apostles might not use the same Authority with or were fixed to any 2. I believe it yet less probable that Timothy was the Angel here accused of leaving and falling from his first Love 2. I know thy works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and thou hast tried them
Educate your Children and to keep them from tempting Company and snares To cry out of dumb or unfaithful Ministers while you are worse at home your selves is but self-condemnation Are Mâ—nâ—stâ—rs more obliged to care for your Childrens Souls by Nature or by Vow and Covenant than you are Can they do that for whole Parishes which you will not do for for one Houshold or your own Children The first Charge and part is yours If Families treacherously neglect their part and then look that all should be done at the Church you may as wisely send Boys to the Universities before they are taught to Read or Write in lower Schools If there be any hope of the amendment of a Wicked Miserable distracted World it must be mostly done by Family-Religion and the Christian Education of youth Godliness is profitable to all things but the Curse of God is in the house of the wicked And the ungodly betrayers of Souls of themselves Children and Servants will very quickly be Summoned to a terrible account Especially those that should as Rulers be Exemplary to the vulgar and are ashamed to own serious Family-Religion as if all beyond some formal Hypocrisie and lip labour were a dishonour to their houses or a needless thing These helps which I offer them that need it is that when they Read the New Testament daily in their Houses they may not read all the Paraphrase to their Families but such particulars of Exposition and Doctrinal Notes as they find most suitable to their case And I think it will not be unuseful to the Younger and Weaker sort of Ministers and the Poor ones that cannot buy larger Commentaries And if Rich Men will give their Tenants and Neighbours such Books as are suitable to the instruction of Families and the People will diligently use them it may do much to keep up saving Knowledge and Practice where the publick Ministry faileth most The God of Mercy Teach Foolish Men to have Mercy on their Families and themselves The Farewel Ne vacua sit pagina TIme and Work end Blest Souls are gone before Consumed Lights may serve to kindle more The dead can speak God can his Lamps restore The Winds that blow them out will quickly cease Hâ—gh Pride rough Passion God can soon appease TRUTH LOVE and CONCORD raise with great increase The WISE PURE PEACEABLE for this hee 'l chuse PROUD-WOLDLINGS RAGING-FOOLS he will refuse And Snuffers not Extinguishers will use Yet Satan will not cease Tares will be sown RULERS and GUIDES hee 'l strive to make his own By STORMS and SCANDALS some will be o'rethrown Diotrephes must Rule Judas be Rich The Ignorant will err young Ears will itch The blind will lead the blind into the Ditch Lord convert Saul Check Jewish rage And Sects which sad Church-Wars do wage Let LIGHT and LOVE PROUD WRATH asswage But those blest Souls who dwell with thee Better things see And better be Than Adam or the Golden Age. ERRATA Reader I cannot gather all the Errata These few I note for thy correction INtrod p. 1. l. 23. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. c. 19. v. 19. Par. for ninth r. tenth and for If r. self Luk. for c. 7. r. 4. Joh. c. 5. v. 5. Par. foâ—â—8 r. 50. c. 6. v. 38. Par. l. 11. r. that the l. 12. for or r. of v. 40. Par. l. 1. r. one wâ—â—â— by c. 17. v. 5. Par. l. 12. add The Divine nature uniting c. v. 9. Par. l. 12. put out of c. 18. v. 1. r. the bâ—ook c. 1â— v. 34. Par. put out since Act. 8. v. 22. Par. r. Prayer of a c. 17. contents r. contemn Rom. 13. Annot. l. 3â— for â—haâ— shall r. 10 c. 47. r. noâ—isie 1. Tim. c. 6. Annot. l. 5. r. bad bin better l. 7. for answering r. 〈◊〉 Rev. c. 19. v. 10. Par. l. 6. put out we v. 17. Par. l. 6. r. is the ib. for fable is r. fables l. 10. for â—r of Advertisem p. 1. l. 27. r. purposed p. 3. l. ult for in r. is p. 5. l. 35. for her's r. her p. 6. l. 24. r. say p. 9. l. 41. r. Terret l. 42. â— let him p. 13. l. 35. r. Infelicity The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ THO it be not known when or by whom all the Books of the New Testament were gathered and made up into one nor when or by whom this Title was set before them and tho for a time some Churches received not the Epistle to the Hebrews nor that of James the 2 of Peter the 2. and 3. of John that of Jude or the Revelation Yet it hath never the less satisfactory evidence of its Truth for this uncertainty and delay I. For As long as we know it is all the word of the Spirit of God it satisfieth our Faith whether all be bound up in one Book or in many And John the Apostle living long after all the rest it is more than probable that none were received in his time but by his approbation and consent and even in the daies of the Apostles they gave Testimony to the Writings of one another so Peter doth of Pauls and Jude transcribeth much of 2 Peter 2. telling us that even inspired Apostles disdained not to use and repeat each others Writings without any guilt of vain repetition or being plagiaries II. And that the few books doubted of by some were commonly afterwards received tends more to the confirming than the shaking of our belief of their Authority certainty after doubt is the most confirmed certainty It must needs be some time before all the Churches to whom the several Epistles were written could produce and Communicate them by convincing proof to all the rest And yet we must know that the Epistles to particular Churches were sent to them as to members of the Church Universal and they were obliged to communicate them to others so that we must not take them as private Letters III. Whoever first gave this title to the whole Book The New Testament or Covenant c. it 's of no great moment to know It was The New Testament before it was so entitled as one Volume But the Church hath by continual owning this Title shewed that they have received all these Books as Gods word and the whole New Testament and that no more are to be received as such The Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of which Grotius in his preface hath spoken at large signifieth indeed Gods statute Law concerning Mans Duty and Salvation or Gods constituted and proposed terms of Life And tho 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more strictly signifie usually a Mutual Covenant this doth but imply the consent of Man to the Law or terms of God It is the same thing that is called a Law and a Covenant in several respects As God enacts it and promulgated it before mans Consent it is a Law and a conditional deed of Gift and Testament and an offered Covenant in several respects
more clearly and the wonders of Divine Love are more abundantly manifested and far greater power of the Spirit is given to make all effectual in faith hope and Patience humility obedience and love which now are become the very nature of a true believer The Gospel according to St. MATTHEW That is The History of Christs Birth Life Death Resurrection Ascention Doctrine Covenant Example and Mission of his Apostles to Preach Salvation through him to the World Written by St. Matthew a Converted Publican one of the Twelve Apostles as Tradition saith eight years after Christs Ascention whether in Greek or in Hebrew after translated into Greek is uncertain CHAP. I. 1. THE Book of the generation of Jesus Christ the Son of David the Son of Abraham 1. I begin this History of Christ with the Genealogy or Catalogue of his Ancestors according to the line of Joseph his reputed Legal Father after the flesh so far as to evince that he was the Son of David and Abraham the rightful King of the Jews and the promised seed by their own supputation 2. Abraham begat Isaac and Isaac begat Jacob and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren 2. And Judas begat Pharez and Zara of Thamar and Pharez begat Ezrom and Ezrom begat Aram 4. and Aram begat Aminadab and Aminadab begat Naason and Naason begat Salmon 5. and Salmon begat Booz of Rachab and Booz begat Obed of Ruth and Obed begat Jesse 6. and Jesse begat David the King and David the King begat Solomon of her that had been the Wiâ—e of Urias 7. and Solomon begat Roboam and Roboam begat Abia and Abia begat Asa 8. and Asa begat Josaphat and Josaphat begat Joram and Joram begat Ozias 8. Ahaziah Joash and Amaziah are here passed by perhaps as being by the Mother of Ahaziah of Omâ—i's cursed Line or for other unknown cause Note that the Lawful Succession much more the Grandchild or distant issue it with the Hebrews called the Son or Begotten though not immediately 9. And Ozias begat Joatham and Joatham begat Achas and Achas begat Ezekias 10. and Ezekias begat Manasses and Manasses begat Amon and Amon begat Josias 11. and Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren about the time they were carried away to Babylon 9. They were oft carried away But this was a little before the most notable Captivity 12. And after they were brought to Babylon Jechonias begat Salathiel and Salathiel begat Zorobabel 13. and Zorobabel begat Abiud and Abiud begat Eliakim and Eliakim begat Azor. 12. One old Copy hath before Josias begat Jechim and Jechim begat Jechoniah Dr. H. saith in a very ancient Hebrew Copy of this Gospel this verse goeth and Eliakim begat Abner and Abner begat Azor By either of which the number of fourteen Generations is kept entire 14. And Azor begat Sadoc and Sadoc begat Achim and Achim begat Eliud 15. and Eliud begat Eleazar and Eleazar begat Matthan and Matthan begat Jacob 16. and Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ 17. So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations and from David till the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations and from the carrying away into Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations 14. I reduce them to fourteen in the recitation for memory sake and other reasons This sufficeth to my intended end 18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise when as his Mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost 18. Note the Holy Ghost did miraculously cause Her Conception without a humane Father 19. Then her husband Joâ—eph being a just man and not willing to make her a publick example was minded to put her away privily 19. Joseph being a good man averse to hurtfulness thought rather to hide all by putting her privily away than to expose her to the shame and punishment due by the Law to such as he thought her to be 20. But while he thought on these things behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying Joseph thou son of David fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost 21. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins 20 21. Note It was a dream that had its convincing evidence for ordinary dreams give no such certainty 2. The name Jesus a Saviour signified his office which is to save his people from their sins and deserved punishment 22 23. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet saying Behold a virgin shal be with child and shall bring forth a â—on and they shall call his name Emanuel which being interpreted is God with us 22 23. In all this the Prophecy of Isa 7.14 to Ahaz in how short time God would then deliver them was fulfilled in a farther sense intended by the Holy Ghost than that nearest foretold event Note God with us is God taking our Nature appearing to us and reconciling and bringing us to himself 24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the Angel of the Lord had bidden him and took unto him his wife 25. And knew her not till she had brought forth her first born son and he called his name Jesus 24 25. Note Tho these words are no full proof that Mary had any other Children after yet at least they make it utterly uncertain and as it is no Article of faith as to the moment of it so neither as to the certainty Yet the Papal Sect have pretended Tradition for it that Mary lived and died a virgin as of so much weight as to hereticate the deniers of it And so they make all the Scripture insufficient not only as to matters of orders discipline and worship but to articles of Faith that they may on pretence of Faith and Orthodoxness destroy Christian unity and Love and exercise domination by excommunicating and damning men on pretended tradition or authority at their pleasure CHAP. II. 1. NOw when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem 2. saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews for we have seen his Star in the East and are come to worship him 1 2. Some time after Christ's birth Astronomers of great note came from the East-country Chaldea or Arabia saying We have seen an extraordinary Star which signifieth the birth of the King of the Jews the Messiah whom they expected and are come to do our homage and honour to him 3 4. When Herod the King had heard these things he was troubled and all Jeruâ—alem with him And when he had gathered all the chief Priests and Scribes of the people together he demanded of them where Christ should be born
and reign in visible Glory over them as the Messiah 7. And he said unto them it is not for you to know the-times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own Power 8. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth 7. Presume not to enquire into Gods secrets of which this is one at what time God will advance you and his Israel to visible Reign and Glory But such Power as is fittest for you at present ye shall receive by the coming of the Holy Ghost upon you by which you shall be enabled to declare your Testimony of what you have seen and heard of me throughout the Earth Note It may seem strange that Christ confuteth not their conceit of an Israelitish Kingdom restored but only their demands about the season But they were so far in the Right as that Christ would advance believing Israelites with the rest of the Catholick Church though not restore the Mosaick Policy nor set the Israelites over others in a local Monarchy at Jerusalem Therefore Christ intimateth that they shall have better than they expected which the Spirit should teach them better to understand 9. And when he had spoken these things while they beheld he was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight 9. Note No doubt but Christs body at its enterance in the Glorious Region of Spirits became glorious and spiritual eminently such as Paul saith ours shall be 1 Cor. 15. 2. The sight of Christs Ascention must needs be as full an ascertaining of the Apostles Faith as his Resurrection And it must be no wonder that four Evangelists mention it not it being enough that any mention it Gods Spirit making their several Histories indited by him to be as one Book 10. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up behold two men stood by them in white apparel 11. Which also said Ye men of Galilee why stand ye gazing up into heaven this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven 10 11. While they looked up after him two Angels in the likeness of Men in white stood by them saying ye Men of Galilee gaze no more after the body of Jesus ascended into heaven Know ye not that he must there Reign in Glory and thence send you down the Grace and Blessings purchased by his life on Earth and yet he shall come again at the day of Judgment attended with his glorious Angels and does not forsake you by his remove 12. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet which is from Jerusalem a sabbath-days journey 12. Note Mount Olivet at the neerest part is but five Furlongs from Jerusalem a Furlong is six hundred feet and five Furlongs a thousand Yards And Christ is said Luke 24. to lead them out as far as Bethany which is said to be fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem John 11.18 To understand thus some say 1. That Bethany was the name of a large space of Ground as Hackney where some houses are far neerer London than other 2. And that Christ ascended not from the neerest part of Mount Olivet but from the top And it is possible that Christ might lead them as far as Bethany and in the house of Lazarus instruct them and go forth again with them to the top of the Mount and thence ascend 13. And when they were come in they went up into an upper Room where abode both Peter and James and John and Andrew Philip and Thomas Bartholomew and Matthew James the son of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes and Judas the brother of James 14. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus and with his brethren 14. Note The sight of Christ Ascending confirmed their Faith 2. And that Faith presently caused constant Prayer in Concord and Communion 15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the Disciples and said the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty 15 An hundred and twenty being assembled for Prayer and mutual encouragement in Faith 16. Men and brethren This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled which the holy Ghost by the Mouth of David spake before concerning Judas which was guide to them that took Jesus 17. For he was numbred with us and had obtained part of this ministery 16. Note This must needs signifie no necessity or constraint put on Judas but a necessity Hypothetical and of consequence that is iâ— cannot but be true which God foretelleth or foreseeth 2. Judus though a Thief and a Devil had by Christs own choice a part or office in the Apostolick Order But not after Christs breathing on them and giving them the Holy Ghost for the proper work of his universal Kingdom as it began after his Resurrection but only as one sent to offer Grace to the twelve Tribes of Israel that mostly refused it such may be Ministers to condemnation of them selves and others and God may bless their doctrine to his Elect. 18. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity and falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst and all his bowels gushed out 18 N. Mat. 27. Saith he strangled himself Some Expositers suppose stangling was not by hanging himself but the rage of his Conscience and Passion did suffocate or strangle him and that he fell down and burst or rather that he cast himself headlong from some high place and burst Others think that the Rope or Bough break where he was hanged And its possible without hanging he might at once strangle himself with a Cord on the brow of some Precipice or fall or cast himself down it 19. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue Aceldama that is to say The field of bloud 19. This is commonly known and the name of the field to this day is as a Record of it 20. For it is written in the book of psalms Let his habitation be desolate and let no man dwell therein and His bishoprick let another take 20. What is said in Psal 69.25 and 109.8 is ultimately to be verified of him his Office another must take 21. Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us 22. Beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that he was taken up from us must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection 21 22. Note Many besides the twelve did constantly accompany Christ 2. Quest Why must the number of twelve Apostles be yet kept up were not others good witnesses without being chosen Apostles Answ The Israelitish
take on them to know more 21. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls every several gate was of one pearl and the street of the city was pure gold as it were transparent glass 21. If there shall be any state on this side eternity which answereth this glorious representation how much more will the perfected glorious triumphant Church answer it 22. And I saw no temple therein for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it 22. Some expound this of liberty to serve to God in every place as well as in Temples who yet would destroy them as conventiclers that do so But the Text seemeth to mean that this new Jerusalem is the perfect state which is above our instituted lower means God will be our All. 23. And the city had no need of the sun neither of the moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof 23. Prophetical Hyperbolies and Allegories may put as high terms as these for a state of meer reformation and Church prosperity But seeing that it must be a force and not an exposition which so restraineth it without proof we must believe that it hath a higher accomplishment 24. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it 24. And those that shall be converted out of all nations of the Gentiles shall as well as Abraham and the Christian Jews lay up and find a treasure with Christ in the new Jerusalem Note They that expound this of the Thousand years Reign of raised Martyrs at Jerusalem and they that expound it of a peculiar Jewish Church there after the Jews Conversion say that the Nations round about shall not have the same Confirmation and Glory as the New Jerusalem but be liable to Tryals still Dr. Ham. who expounds it of the Churches prosperity after Constantine's Success giveth these Reasons 1. Because the New Jerusalem descendeth from Heaven Ans 1. So it may to Judgment and yet return to Heaven 2. Or rather the New Heaven and Earth shall be open as one An immortal Glory in the New Earth after the Resurrection may be the New Jerusalem 2 He argueth from Gal. 4.26 as if the Jerusalem above were only the Church Militant But that we deny 25. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day for there shall be no night there 26. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it 25 26. There shall be no danger of the entrance of Enemies or Traytors But all worldly glory and blessings by Saints referred to this end shall there be found in the transcendent perfect state 27. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie but they which are written in the Lambs book of life 27. Sure this proveth that it is somewhat better than the thousand years after Constantine that is here meant For alas how much abomination and deceit entred in that time what hatred false accusations worldliness pride cruelty and contention 2. Note None but Saints cleansed from gross sin will be found written in the Lambs Book of Life It is a vile slander on the Orthodox Doctrine of Election that we say the Elect may be saved how wickedly soever they live when we say that it is one Decree of God that electeth men to be holy obedient persevere and be saved CHAP. XXII 1. ANd he shewed me a pure river of water of life clear as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 1. By this some understand Baptism that bindeth all to Purity Some the Gospel not muddied by Usurpers corrupt Canons And some the Spirit in greater measure And some the heavenly influence for illumination and life for ever All these in their seasons may be expected 2. In the midst of the street of it and of either side of the river was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations 2. As in the prosperous Church militant everlasting life is open and given to all accepters by the Doctrine of the Apostles and continually represented and conferred in the Sacraments and by the Word the Spirit of Christ accompanying his Ordinances the Preaching of the Word is for the healing of the unbelievers and unconverted So in the New Jerusalem where the end of all his is attained the Glory is represented by the means that are past that brought them thither by which men were sanctified and the Nations healed the means being eminently though not formally in the attained end But the better the Church is on Earth the more it thus resembleth the New Jerusalem 3. And there shall be no more curse but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it and his servants shall serve him 4. And they shall see his face and his name shall be in their foreheads 3 4. Thus it appeareth that the New Jerusalem is a state of Immortality by the Tree of Life and freedom from the Curse or all punishment for sin and the very Throne of God and Christ shall be visibly in it and they see God's face And though somewhat tending to all this be in the Church militant this seemeth a description of the Church triumphant 5. And there shall be no night there and they need no candle neither light of the sun for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reign for ever and ever 5. There shall be no want of knowledge nor need of Ministers Teaching Scripture or such means For God will be to them above and instead of these and they shall reign for ever And what more can be hoped for by man Why should forced Expositions darken this 6. And he said unto me These sayings are faithful and true And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done 6. As Christ Matth. 24. told them of such devastations as that generation should see and yet adjoyneth the signs of the end of the World just so doth he by this Revelation shew John the Fall of Pagan Babylon and the Churches deliverance and yet shortly annex a thousand years after and then the end of the World All was to be shortly but not shortly equally with the first parts But it is not to be said that he almost past by the things that were shortly to be done and said almost all of the Papal Rome The certainty of the Revelation is the hope and joy of firm Believers 7. Behold I come quickly blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book 7. Think not that I delay my coming as slack of performing my Promise Some of this will be quickly done
and the last e're long To understand and believe this Prophecy will be comfortable But to keep the Precepts of it avoid the Sins threatned believe the Promise of my Victories and Coming and wait in Patience is needful to all 8. And I John saw these things and heard them And when I had heard and seen I fell down to worshp before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things 8. Note All faulty Worship of Angels is not Idolatry nor maketh a Church Idolatrous It was not Divine Worship which John gave the Angel If really he wrote most of this Book against Popish Idolatry as many think he would never be twice guilty of worse than their praying to Angels and Saints themselves whom he condemned For they worship them noâ— as Gods though amiss John thought Venerâ—tion was the Angels due 9. Then saith he unto me See thou do it not for I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren the prophets and of them which keep the sayings of this book worship God 9. See before cap. 19.10 God is jealous of any thing too like Idolatry Note Are Angels our fellow-servants love them then and be thankful to God for their Love and Help and rejoyce in this privileage and think it not unlikely that you should live with them for ever O what a people should we be then in holiness 10. And he saith unto me Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book for the time is at hand 10. The most of it is to be performed ere long in the ruine of the Pagan persecuting Empire 11. He that is unjust let him be unjust still and he which is filthy let him be filthy still and he that is righteous let him be righteous still and he that is holy let him be holy still 12. And behold I come quickly and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be 11 12. I come quickly to fulfil and execute this Prophecy and then I will take and judge men as I find them there shall be no more place for preparation as it was with the wise and foolish Virgins Matth. 25. when the midnight cry was The Bridegroom cometh as I find you I will use you 13. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending the first and the last 13. I am God eâ—â—rnal the first cause and ultimate end of all things able to fulfil my Will and Word 14. Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city 14. Blessed are they that do what Christ requireth to Salvation in his Law of Grace or purifie their heart and life that they may by his free gift have right to enter into the New Jerusalem and live with Christ for ever 15. For without are dogs and sorcerers and whoremongers and murderers and idolaters and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie 15. For all filthy cruel persecuting Idolatrous persons and Lyars and deceitful Teâ—chers and Hypocrites though called Christians are shut out of the holy City as Dogs are turned out of the house 16. I Jesus have sent mine angel to testifie unto you these things in the churches I am the root and the off-spring of David and the bright and morning Star 16. I Jesus have sent my Angel to tell these things to John that he may tell them to the Churches of Asia and by them to others the matter much concerning those Churches then alive Take these as my own Words who am the Messiah prophesied of as the Root and Son of David and am the Light of the World sent to teach men the way of life 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say come And let him that is athirst come And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely 17. And seeing Church-deliverance now and the Glory of the New Jerusalem at last are the effects of my coming as my Spirit teacheth men to desire my coming and my Church and Chosen do desire it so let all desire it that wouâ—d partake of that felicity For all shall have it by my free gift who do but bâ—lievingly desire it For I will shut out none but final obstinate refusers 18. For I testifie unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book If any man shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this book 18 19. If any wilfully corrupt this Prophecy in words or sense to draw men from believing it to the belief of their own corrupt Additions God will add to them his Plagues and deprive them of any part of the blessings here foretold and shut them out of this holy City of God Note It 's dangerous then to make bold Cabalistical Fanatick Expositions of this Book and to call our own conceits the sense of the Revelation And it 's dangerous groundlesly to expect more Prophecies of God's usage of his Church or to add to any of his Word or dimâ—nish from it and father any of our Errours on Christ and on his Spirit which hath here finished that Book which must be the universal Churches Rule of Life 20. He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so Come Lord Jesus 20. Jesus who is the Author of this Revelation surely promiseth that he will come quickly by degrees to perform all his word and chargeth you not to question it through unbelief or to saiâ—t by doubting as if he did fall by his delay And let us all with Faith hope and desire prepare and earnestly pray for his coming Even so come Lord Jesus 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen 21. I conclude all with this best Request to God for you and Benediction to you that the Grace of our Lord Jesus which is our preparation for Glory and our earnest pledge and foretast of it may be with you to prepare you and Seal you up as the certain Heirs of that Blessed Sâ—ate and save you from all sin and Temptation and Enemies that would deprive you of it Amen An Advertisement READERS I Here give you notice which I desire you not to forget in the reading of this Paraphrase that it is but some General Notes and not a proper Exposition of the Revelations which I offer you And that I here confess to you that very much of it I understand not And if this offend any that say I should have better studied it I only say 1. That you suffer fools gladly seeing your selves are wise 2. That I am far below Dionysius Alexandrinus and most of the Ancient Fathers even Augustine himself who professed that they