this purpose was that chap. 6. vers 10. how long of which see the exposition 'T is time therefore that thou raigne and be angry with them for ever By Nations here I understand all enemies what ever with whom the 24 Elders desire Christ to be angry in those words thy wrath is come or let thy wrath come And the time of the dead c. Or the resurrection to wit is come But surely Christ revealed this to them in heaven otherwise 't is very secret That they should be judged There the righteous must be acquitted however must appear before the tribunal and the wicked be condemned That thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the Prophets c. To wit of eternall life a reward out of free gift not debt so the Apostle the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life Rom. 6. vers last And though God has promised life eternall is not a debt neither is God a debter but to himself but enough The 24 Elders seem to make two sorts of people of them that were to be judged some who were to be destroyed others to be rewarded these three sorts 1 The Prophets comprehending Patriarches Apostles Evangelists 2. The Saints to wit Confessours Martyrs who opposed Antichrist 3. The fearers of Gods name comprehending all other servants of God Great and small c. All have the reward alike and perchance a like reward So St. Paul seems to say a crown of righteousnesse sayes he is laid up for me and not only for me but for all those that love his appearance Because in another book I have touched this point and in this page I le name the choise proofes of each side and shew the more probable opinion 'T is said one is the glory of the Sun another of the moon 1 Cor. 15.41 and so shall be the resurrection therefore one Saint in heaven is to outshine another Answ As Peter Martyr fol. 579. there is nothing said of the glory of heaven only as one star outshines another so the bodies in the resurrection shall much differ in glory from them as they are now sowen in corruption as vers 42. speaks note 't is not said so shall it be after the resurrection to wit in heaven but so is the resurrection therefore that place proves nothing Now to this place I annex that of Math. 22.30 on the other part We our Saviour sayes wee shall be like the Angels of God in heaven now the Angels have but one and the same glory But secondly 't is said every one must receive according as he has done in the body 2 Cor. 5.10 and it shall be more tolerable for Sodom in the day of judgment then now if there be differences in punishments why not in rewards of glory Answ Because punishments are for desert rewards out of mercy who has promised to give the last as to the first even every one a penny Matth. 20.13.13 Thirdly but the Angels differ in dignity there be thrones principalities therefore we shall perchance in glory for we shall be like them Answ At the day of the resurrection when we shall be like them all those offices which were for the use and service of the Saints and Church shall be done away as well as tongues which were for the building the Church according to 1 Cor. 13.10 so then all shall be alike Answ 2. Archangel and perchance these forequoted are different kindes to which Christ doth not say we shall be like now the Angels differ not But I rather retain the first answer Fourthly in my fathers house Christ sayes are many mansions Ioh. 14.2 Answ Many not divers for all shall shine as the Sun Mat. 13.43 Now nothing shines more therefore all shal be very glorious yet alike glorious Thus that in Dan. 12.3 doubtlesse is meant for they that be wise are teachers in that place who instruct as the Hebrew has it and they that turne many to glory are Teachers too now the same labourers are to have the same not a differing reward every one his penny therefore Daniel says they shall shine as the firmament or heaven of stars which is all one not as the stars among themselves but gloriously as the stars Fifthly there is a greater and a lesse in the kingdome of heaven Matth. 5.19 A ruler over ten cities and a ruler over five Luke 19.19 and t is said he that sows bountifully shall reap bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 therefore there be differences of reward Answ all these quoted places are to be applyed to the Kingdome of grace not of glory and therefore prove nothing The more carefully the Saints imploy their talent here below the sooner they are preferred in the Church and the greater the preferment And the more one sows or gives to the Saints the more temporal blessings God gives him or the more grace but enough The more probable opinion is easily discovered Christ promises that all his shall be with him and consequently partake of the same glory and if the twelve Apostles shall sit upon thrones so the twenty foure Elders do nay all the Saints shall judge the world 1 Cor. 6.2 and be glorified together Rom 8.17 But enough for a digression I hope no transgression Ver. 19. And the Temple of God was opened in heaven c. There is no Temple in heaven but the Church triumphant is here meant the opening it is the manifestation of its perfect glory which shall be after the day of judgement of which Iohn was even now speaking which is now hid and kept secret And the Ark of the Testament was seen Meaning Christ for the Ark in the Temple typified him who was formerly seen in earth in forme of a servant but now after the great day in perfect glory And there were lightnings thundrings voyces c. Here is a Preparation to the fourth vision and the lightnings are the punishments to befal the wicked at the last day God shall raine upon the wicked fire and brimstone storme and tempest Psal 11.6 these things signifie the conspiracy of the elements to take vengeance on the wicked and may come litterally to passe at the last day CHAP. XII Vision 4. Act. 1. Vers 1. And there was seen a great signe in heaven TO John in a vision great in regard of the events A signe to wit a woman clothed with the Sunne Some read it a wonder because the woman was wonderfully clothed and delivered To omit the story of Eve and the serpent and Mary with Christ persecuted by Herod which are here as it were represented doubtlesse this woman is the Church for women as the Church are weak depending on their husbands fruitful she is in heaven partly because she appeared so to John also the Church hath both her original and conversation in heaven This vision begins as it were of Christs birth Clothed with the Sunne Because the Church is clothed with Christ who is the Sunne of righteousnesse the Church
he that endures to the end the same shall be saved I will give thee a crowne of life 'T is a Simile taken from runners in a race where there is a crown proposed as a reward to the conquerours and it signifies eternall life So Jam. 1 v. 12. This proves Christs divine nature since he can give eternall life Vers 11. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death A good reward out of mercy not merit to be partakers of eternall life Note the first death is a separation of the soul through sin from God and was the cause of corporall death The second is a casting soul and body into the everlasting lake of fire He that is faithfull to the dissolution of the body sayes one on this verse need not fear this second death Vers 12. To the Angel of the Church of Pergamus Who he was is unknown only t is probable he was the successor of Antipas who was put to death by those of Pergamus Some say he was put into a brazen Bull and by fire tortured to death Now Christ sends this Epistle to his successour to exhort him to constancy who it seems was now in bonds least he should be drawn aside for fear of the same punishment Which hath a sharp two edged sword To wit his divine word Vers 13. I know thy works To teach they had to do with him who searcheth and tryeth the heart and reins Where Satans seat is Pergamus was the abode of King Attalus and the devill reigned in City Palace Court and Temples yet Christ had a Church there as he had in Israel 7000 that bowed not the knee to Baal though not known to Elijah So in the Papacy a Church preserved My faithfull Martyr Christ commends and honours him with this tittle to encourage his successour to constancy who in the dayes of Antipas and yet was faithful though Pergamus was the most Idolatrous city of Asia and most persecuting the Saints Vers 14. But I have a few things against thee c. Few in respect of the evils of ungodly men Here we see there is no Church without failings The Doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicholaitans they held whether 't was the same or not few know but perchance as the doctrine of Balaam was fornication to be allowed so that of the Nicholaitans was neer it as the community of wives or polygamy however it was a spreading heresie Here learn 't is lawfull to call Hereticks and Sectaries after the name of their Author as Christ doth these Nicholaitans from Nicholas Vers 16. Repent or else I will come unto thee quickly It seems the Doctrine was countenanced by the Pastor and openly practised to the scandal of the godly the danger of the Church and the reproach of the name of Christ by the Heathens note that repentance is the best means to divert a judgement And will fight against them with the sword of my mouth Christs word is to convince wound condemne and cast off the irrecoverable Them To wit Pastor and Church as vers 5. Christ will not countenance a generall scandalous errour in his Church Vers 17. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna He alludeth to the Omer of Manna layed up in a pot in the Ark. Christ is meant by this Manna who is hid from the wicked and reserved for the Saints And I will give him a white stone To wit absolution or remission of sins for the ancients used in judgment to cast white and black stones into a baâ—on he that had the white was innocent and absolved he that had the black was guilty and condemned And in the stone a new name written T is an allusion to the foresaid custom for on the stones were written the names of the innocent and guilty which being given them the innocent were freed the guilty condemned A new name To wit an excellent name meaning of adoption of sons because in the world to come the adopted have their full inheritance Which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it Because the happinesse of Gods sons here but especally hereafter cannot be expressed Only they which are so know what t is to be so Here is an argument of Christs divinity since he gives the hidden Manna the white stone the new name to them that overcome Vers 18. And unto the Angel of the Church of Thyatira Christ Gods Son by nature said these things Of other things in this verse See chap. 1. vers 14.15 Vers 19. I know thy works Good and bad the good are four Love to God charity to the poor faith which was shewed by the sincere preaching of the Word lastly patience in suffering for Christ And the last to be more then the first It seems this Pastour had lately with much courage undergone some great tryall for which Christ commends him It should teach us to encrease in the works of faith love and the like Vers 20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee Not simply few but in respect of the sinnes of the ungodly Christ also like a good Physician lessens the disease that the Patient may the sooner admit the cure and not despaire of amendment Because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel c. Called so because equall in craft power and happily malice to Jezebel Ahabs wife It seems she was some famous strumpet then in the Church which held the doctrine of the Nicholaitans for under the pretence of liberty and Christian charity they taught 't was lawful to communicate with heathens both at bed and board Now here was a great neglect of zeal and courage in the Pastour Where note that censures as they must be used so but upon urgent occasions as in vers 2. against Ebion and Cerinthus against the Nicholaitans and Balaamites ver 14.15 and now against Jezebel Vers 21. I gave her time it notes Christs patience Vers 22. I will cast her here note a threefold judgement on her selfe the bed on which she was wanton shall be a bed of sicknesse for by a bed sicknesse is understood where observe God punisheth the sin by an answerable punishment a bed of sicknesse for a bed of lasciviousnesse 2. Them that commit adultery with her meaning her lovers and that either outwardly by the Magistrate for 't was a breach of the Commandement or inwardly in conscience However see God hates the defilement of body as well as soule and that the courrupters of the truth shall be punished 3. In ver 23. her children meaning those born in fornication Here see Christs long-suffering for she had long lived in this sinne yet upon repentance may be forgiven See Gods mercy And all the Churches shall know Here is the end and use of Gods judgements to declare his omniscience that he knows all sinne and his power to punish sinners and wicked men This should teach us seeing other mens judgements to beware and look upon Gods hand upon others Vers 24. But unto you
expressed in that he offered up the Incense with or to the prayers of the Saints Thus by prayer Christ offering up the Incense of the application of his passion unto it the Saints may get the assurance of Christs death and consequently of eternall life Now upon Christs offering himself up for us and upon the preaching of the Gospel comprehended under the word voyces there followed the thundering of Tyrants the lightnings of Heresies you see they be dangerous and the great earthquake of Antichrist spoken of chap. 6.12 where observe that this part of the Vision agrees with that in chap. 6. Christ at the Altar giving seven Trumpets to seven Angels here resembles Christ on the white horse there The thundering here after the voyces or preaching of the Word and the fire of the Altar sent or Spirit given to the Church resembles Christ on the Red horse The lightning which burnes destroyes and makes look pale as experience testifyes resembles CHRIST on the pale and black horse of sicknesse and heresie Vers 6. The Angels prepared themselves to sound To wit now after that Christ had sent his spirit till then the Apostles were not to departed from Jerusalem nor these Angels to sound Thus then the seven Seals and Trumpets agree and perhaps the voyals for Christ signifyed the same thing to John under severall formes Vers 7. The first Angelsounded and there followed haile By this expression the contradictions and persecutions of the enemies of the Gospel are set forth for as haile is hurtfull to green Corne so is opposition and gainsaying unto young beleevers fire and blood resemble persecution and banishments which happened to the Disciples when the Gospel began to be preached from Penticost and forward as the Acts of the Apostles witnesse it has allusion to the seventh plague of Egypt and agrees with the first Seal by this means most of the Apostles and cheif Teachers in the Primitive time meant by trees were burnt up or destroyed And divers even very many Saints as green grasse being weaker then the trees were consumed at least bodily This may teach all sincere Teachers to expect at least haile that is contradiction it s well if not fire and blood let us be however like the trees planted by the water side Psal 1. Vers 8. And the second Angel sounded and as it were a great mountaine burning with fire c. This Mountain I beleeve not to be immediatly the devil as some think but the Roman Empire for he began not to burne with envy against the Church now but was a murderer from the beginning perchance stirred up to do this mischeif by the devil Now the Kings and Emperours or Empires are mountaines is said chap. 6.14 being higher then ordinary but what high mountaine was in the world now in this sense but the Roman Empire The Sea is the gathering together of waters and by it either the world or Church is understood Now the Roman Empire violently rushed in upon both and in the Church with fiery rage oppressed many thousand Saints witnesse the many persecutions Thus the Church was the red horse red with the blood of Martyrs Many in the Church bodily were destroyed understood by creatures dying in the sea And the third part of the ships were destroyed That is many Teachers who under Christ were able to manage the Sea or Church see the skill that ought to be in the Ministers of the Gospel but their souls were not lost though they were bodily destroyed since Christ was aboard but here is comfort not all but the third part of the sea was blood also the Sea quencheth fire so the Church through Christ shall have the victory at last And perchance it might be spoken because the Roman Empire should embrace the faith of Christ as Constantine did Thus the mountains was swallowed up with the sea but by this means Antichrist was neerer home Vers 10. And the third Angel sounded and there fell a great star from heaven Here as Chap. 6. are denoted all Arch-hereticks who for many years after the Apostles deformed the Church but especially here is signifyed the Apostacy of the Bishops of Rome as it were falling by degrees For indeed above thirty Bishops before Sylvester for the most part shined as starres in heaven and suffered martyrdom for Christ But after peace brought in by Constantine t is pitty such fair weather should do hurt the Roman star like the Babylonian Lucifer or the devil himself began to lift up himself above his fellow Ministers Sylvester is said to be the first that much degenerated burdening the Church with Heathenish rites and ordinances On the third part of the Rivers By Rivers I understand the Bishop successor of Sylvester and other Teachers from whom divine doctrine ought to flow to others By fountains I understand the Scriptures by waters the comforts and doctrines of Scripture infected The starre was called Warmewood From the effects of it because it did imbitter Thus also did Arrius that Heretick imbitter the Rivers partly by force partly by cunning that who drank did indanger their salvation here is an allusion to the waters of Marah this bitternesse continued untill Gregory Too too long had it pleased God otherwise yet here is comfort since but the third part of either was infected Vers 12. And the fourth Angel sounded and the third part of the Sunne Was smitten In the sixth Seal there is a totall Ecclips threatned the Sun should be as dark as sack-cloth of haire that is very dark but here only the third part of the Sun is smitten yet the apparitions much agree or as the pale horse noted the sickly estate of the Church of which see the exposition so somewhat of the same thing is here foretold the Sun shadows out the cheif Prelates as Pope Cardinal who ought to shine forth in life and doctrine the Moon which receives her light from the Sun signifies other inferiour depending orders as Priests and Curates The stars being lesse in light signifie the layity thus Annonimus upon the place all which grew sickly pale and dime in the matters of Christ yet here is comfort only the third part for Antichrist was not yet lifted up into his seat Vers 13. And I beheld and heard an Angel flying thorough the midst of heaven John saw this Angel fly in the midst of heaven which noted some notable Minister living in the Church or Kingdome of grace who spoke of the miseries of the Church ensuing 't is conceived Gregory Bishop of the Church of Rome was meant by this Angel who as a heavenly Herauld foretold of the grievous calamities to befall the Church by Antichrist witnesse his Epistles to the Emperour Mauritius Woe Woe Woe noting the three following Trumpets or many great miseries ensuing To the inhabitants of the earth Noting earthly-minded-men and hypocrites contradistinct to Saints whose names being written in heaven were more happy Note how Muck-wormes and Hypocrites are called
about the womans travelling for when Satan was bound this was done and as some in this fourth verse appear beheaded being part of Act. 1. so ch 6. there was a red horse of which see the Commentary this also belongs to the three former trumpets chap. 8 7. about fire and blood mingled viz. persecution and death the burning mountain and the starre falling as in this verse some worshipped not the Beast so it belongs to chap. 13 about the Beasts raging The second act is comfort about the safety of the souls chap 6. under the altar of Christs Protection here upon thrones By which the cohaerence and parallel of this Church with the preceding may be understood I saw Souls are not to be seen but Iohn saw them visionally perchance after the forme of a body for they were sitting upon thrones Thrones note judiciary and royal dignity Sitting notes the souls resting from their labours for ever And Iudgement was given To the souls Noting not the day of Judgement of which after The Royal dignity given them fitting for the Kingdome of which anon So the Psalm Give thy judgements to the King Psal 72. The souls of them that were beheaded Not them that were beheaded as if in bodies as the Millenaries foolishly dream but their souls as Augustine observs For the witnesse of Iesus Meaning the Gospel for the Romane tyrants for three hundred years cruelly killed those that were servants to Christ Chiefly meaning those under the Altar chap. 6. And for the Word of God c. Meaning Christ who is the essential word Iohn 1. And them that worshipped not the Beast The former were Martyrs these are Professours who in all the time of Popery adhered to Christ being the sealed ones now in heaven and the 144000. chap. 14. glorified of which some perchance might escape without beheading See chap. 13 of the Beasts slaying those that worshipped not his image after 606 years of the thousand the Beast arose trampling underfoot the Saints whom Iohn also saw happy reigning with Christ from the very time of Satans binding for his binding and the Saints reigning with Christ began together being the same thousand years from what time however many Saints bodily perished by Romane tyrants That worshipped not the beast This shews they were such as were slain partly under Antichrist who raigned in part of the thousand years Also this proves the Papists fiction of Antichrist raigning four years towards the very end of the world to be a lye since he killed some of these now on thrones in the thousand years mentioned and it proves his raigne to be longer for the thousand years are past and yet Antichrist raignes And they lived and raigned with Christ a thousand years I see no difficulty in this place if well perpended which the Millenaries wrested to prove the Saints bodily raigning with Christ a thousand years before the generall resurrection The souls never die the souls of Saints whether Professours or Martyrs from Christs binding Satan and perchance here Stephen and John the Baptist with those primitive Professours as Symeon Anna Zachariah Magdalen may be thought on live gloriously and raigne with Christ in heaven So all that either were slain for the Word or however were not vassals or marked ones of Antichrist of which chap. 13. lived and as they dyed by degrees raigned with Christ a thousand years or some part of the thousand for there is no necessity to beleeve that they raigned at once But as 't is said of the ten Kings they received power with the Beast one houre chap. 17.12 That is by degrees as they were converted to the faith so these raigned with Christ according as in the thousand years they were gathered to Christ as if many travellers come to their Inne some at one houre some at another he that comes a five a clock comes but that day and so doth he that comes at twelve at noone he that was received into glory some few years before Antichrists raigning was but there in the thousand years so was he that was received into glory some few years before Satans loosing These then raigned in the Kingdom of grace first with Chrst and now in glory to wit in soul not in body of which in order Vers 5. But the rest of the dead lived not again till the thousand years were past All naturally who even were borne in the thousand years of Satans binding are dead in sin but Christ quickened those who belonged to him in the thousand years and after death received them to raigne with him But Satan was not so absolutely bound but that he hindred many from beleeving or living the spirituall life of grace and after of glory in the thousand years The rest of the sons of men dead in sin were not quickened when these mentioned before were who did raigne with Christ and shall for ever when the thousand years are past Quest Why was the thousand years mentioned Answ To shew what great events should happen in so short a time Paganisme and Iudaisme being much destroyed that the name of Christ should be spread over great part of the world Till the thousand years Not as if any of these dead should live a spirituall life afterward but to note 1. How in such a beleeving age many should not beleeve or be quickened 2. That after the thousand years many should live again we God be thanked are quickened though the thousand years be past and shall raigne with Christ a thousand years even to all eternity after death 3. That the common resurrection belongs to them and all at the last day but not the first to wit this of regeneration and grace which belongs to the Elect only This is the first resurrection To grace sayes Aug. not to glory Which against the Millenaries may be many wayes proved 1. Because were this a corporall resurrection 't were not the first for many in Old and New-Testament were risen before 2. At the last day some shall rise to glory some to shame but all together almost the Saints somewhat first the dead in Christ shall rise first not one a thousand years before the other but one for glory presently the other for shame 1 Cor. 15. but that is to be common to all not to the Saints only therefor this must be some other resurrection 3. The first death was to the soul a separation by sin from God and eternall life therefore the first resurrection must be to grace Ver. 6. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection on him the second death hath no power c. Here is perseverance to eternall life proved They have part of the first resurrection who by faith and repentance turne to Christ from the death of sin to the life of grace and are holy in part having by faith purified themselves and layd hold on Christ Now their blessednesse who have part in the first resurrection is set forth in three wayes 1. The
to the things that were written Gods Word as it is the rule of our life so it shall bee of our judgement According to their works Good or bad but the just are not judged or saved because of their works Good or bad works are known to all and by them as open testimonies shall all be judged The good works of Saints Christ wrought in them yet hee 'l reward them for what he has wrought O blessed Jesus work thy work in us Vers 13. And the sea gave up her dead which were in her c. Sentence being pronounced all the Elements give up their dead the Water those that were drowned the Earth those that were buried whether Saints bodyes or Reprobates but the Saints so long before the rest that they might meet Christ and the rest of their brethren in the Aire and come to see and approve Christs judgment of the wicked by Hell I understand how the damned shal appear to receive their final sentence who are called dead because they were dead in sin and once bodily dead By death I understand the grave or the earth as before the effect of death All that were burnt eaten by birds of the Aire or fishes of the Sea shall appear the Angels shall gather the ashes of the Elect from the four corners of the earth Vers 14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire That is the devil who brought death and caused destruction or enticeth to hell Thus death shall be swallowed up in victory 1 Cor. 15.54 in vers 10. by an anticipation of time the devil was said to be cast into the lake of hell which indeed was but now fulfilled This is the second death Or eternall death The first was a temporall death if it may be called one or rather a separating man by sin from God Vers 15. Is easie All but the elect are damned being not written in the book of life If any man demand why so oft this book speaks of the last judgment 'T is answered because the Saints my be comforted and patiently endure persecution for a while This Act answers the harvest and vintage chap. 14. latter end And to the seventh Viall of the haile chap. 16.21 and to chap. 19.20 concerning the armyes of the Kings of the earth together with the Beast and the Kings casting into the lake of Hell CHAP. XXI Being the seventh Vision continued AFter the Renovation if not destruction of the world the heavenly glory is shewed to John under a twofold simile First As a glorious bride adorned Secondly As a most excellent choyce City which is set forth by things which are most rare and precious to man to give a glimps of the Saints glory in the glorious heaven Vers 1. And I saw a new Heaven The devils and the reprobates being cast into hell being mentioned Now follows the description of the Saints glory And I saw Iohn as Moses saw the promised land sees heaven before death into which Paul was wrap'd and heard unspeakable things A new heaven Esay foretold of a new heaven and earth chap. 65.17 which began to be accomplished after the shaking heaven and earth Heb. 12.26 by a Reformation by Christ and the Apostles when all things became new men became new creatures here the new heaven may signifie the Churches glory in heaven with Christ and the earth the bodies of the Saints most glorious Master Brightman applies the latter to the glorious condition of the Church after the Jews Conversion which cannot hold though we expect their Conversion but do not beleeve it to be tyed to Judaea as he supposes who in some measure are daily gained to the faith The Millenaries apply this to their golden age of whose opinion in part Augustine confesseth he once was but our Saviour tels us of no such brave time in earth towards the end but says when the Sonne of man comes shall he find faith in earth and though Rome shall be burnt yet both Antichrist and Gog shall rage to the end Concerning the new heaven and earth though I almost stagger in the point I will follow the most common opinion notwithstanding what elsewhere I have said in this book concerning the dissolution of all things and by a new heaven and new earth prophesied by Esay and in some sense fulfilled by the renewing of the Church I understand the renewed condition of heaven and earth literally to be fulfilled according to Esay and Peter 2.3 13. The substance whereof shall not be utterly abolished but the corruptible qualities and it shall be pure bright glorious Thus the first heaven and earth were passed away being not vanished quite for substance but quality being to be renewed and purified by fire A new heaven and a new earth c. John saw not the very glory of heaven which eye hath not seen but types and similies of it And the sea was no more According ro corrupt qualities and rolling with waves as now but made solid and in a globe though I know no use of these things unlesse to remaine as monuments of the great works of God and of his Power and to be renewed as having in their nature and course faithfully served their Creator as a reward for their service being delivered from bondage into the liberty of the sonnes of God according to their capacity And perchance the heavens may not as now compasse the earth or move there being no use of it But the brightnesse and lustre thereof shall be much augmented as of the Sun and Moon Vers 2. And I saw the holy City Here is the glory of the renewed Church shewed to Iohn after he had seen the renewed world and indeed this renovation of the Church seems distinct from that of heaven and earth renewed therefore one cannot be well the other or the new heaven and new earth the glorified condition of the Church for t is said And I saw as distinct from the former Let the Reader perpend this also Iohn seems to insert his name to confirm it saying I Iohn saw the Holy City Ierusalem Meaning the Church which the Scripture cals Ierusalem A City Because of its choyce and rare building such was Ierusalem built by Salomon more rare is this which is not built of common stones but as Esay 54.13 which I may apply in some sense here the Citizens are Saints who know one another as Citizens do She is called holy Because glorious in heaven and perfectly holy so appearing to Iohn in the Vision she in some sort is holy here below for Christ sanctifies her washing her by water regenerates her by faith and the spirit The old Ierusalem was polluted this is new newly glorified in heaven in the Vision perfect holy Coming down from heaven So chap. 3.12 noting her original to be from God this must not be understood of local motion her abode is heaven as chap. 12. vers 1. a woman in heaven but here is noted her heavenly grace and
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
will be bitter in the working it brings sorrow not to be repented of to the Saints though it torment the consciences of wicked men accidentally the Physick works most upon the fowlest stomach where the fault is not in the Physick but in the body so the word will have its proper effect The locusts are the wicked tormentors ch 9. ver 5. Vers 1. But after three days and an half c. That is after a litlle while the spirit entred into them to wit in the Vision to Iohn The truth is the same spirit being immortal shall enter one day into the bodies again when to be glorified but here 't is meant that God would raise up such men with the like spirit as the spirit of Elias is said to be in the Baptist to witnesse his truth against Antichrist Thus God raised up Luther and Melancthon to succeed the former witnesses in whom they are said to live c. But litterally Antichrist never got the bodies to burn yet the locusts have exposed them to what shame they can in writing this may comfort the godly and encourage them not to fear them that can kill the body hence 't is plain God is not left without a witnesse so that the terme of the witnesses prophecying is not come to an end Lastly you see the Locusts and Abaddon their King can kill the witnesses yet not hurt them nor their testimony God will raise them up in their successors here and glorifie them hereafter Vers 12. And they heard a great voice from heaven c. The witnesses did not the enemies Great Because of the power thereof for it shall bring the witnesses to glory Saying unto them come up hither To wit to Christ who is not bodily everywhere but in glory Now Iohn saw the witnesses ascend perchance bodily in the Vision teaching how after the death of the Saints their souls immediatly are in glory This confirms the doctrine of the witnesses though by the enemy condemned as heresie And their enemies beheld them So in the Vision Truly thus have the enemies beheld the witnesses whom they slew raised up to life in Luther Calvin and standing upon their feet as it were and consequently beleeve they ascended into glory after death though they rage against their successours Thus at this restauration of the witnesses to life in their successours the Antichristian adversaries are amazed seeing their doctrine so glorious And fear fell upon the beholders They beheld them dead with delight but at their ascending to honour they are amazed and afraid These as the enemies in the Gospel raged at Christ to wit and the disciples yet feared them against whom they raged they fear because they feel though perhaps too late that they warred against Christ and Truth Therefore also they shall fear their kingdom riches and they shall dread the judgment of GOD but not escape it Vers 13. And there was a great earthquake the same houre Antichrist raised an earthquake against Christ Chap. 6. Now Christ against Antichrist By this earthquake I understand not only the great stir among themselves about Religion which much shakes great Britaine at this houre but Luthers preaching and before that the Bohemians war but to say no more experience shews how both multitudes of witnesses the revolt by the witnesses means of many Kingdomes from papacy the many wars made aganst Spaine Romes most beloved son have made a most terrible earthquake in that great city I mean the Church of Rome The same houre That is presently after the killing of the witnesses I know not one whole Kingdom God be praised for it except Spaine and Italy and herein the Venetian begins to hare the Locusts that totally adheres to his unholinesse the Pope Thus the tenth part of the city fell In the Vision Nay by Luthers Ministery great part of the Romish Religion and tyranny or jurisdiction fell in Germany which was a great part of the Romish city and in England and other places upon it Seven thousand names were slaine c. By the fall of the city names are put for men Now as Brightman has it the revenues and profits of many parish Churches as I may adde Monasteries and Colledges being lost by the rising of the Gospel impoverished and as it were shew many Priests also by the preaching of the Gospel many Papists being more hardened perished And the remnant were affrighted c. The falling of the great city builds Christs little one this proved a good fear many seeing the works of God turned to the Gospel of which experience and histories speak Vers 14. The second Woe is past and behold c. To Iohn in the Vision The first woe t was under Antichrist from his rising to the councell of Constance when the city began to fall The second is yet under both Antichrist Pope and Turke The third lasts to the seveth trumpet to the end for the wicked Vers 15. And the seventh Angel sounded This is the Archangell mentioned 1 Thes 4.16 so the seventh trumpet is that which shall sound when the dead shall rise And their were voyces in heaven saying To wit of the 24. elders or heavenly inhabitants rejoycing for the just judgment to come so the Woe threatned belongs to Antichrist and the damned which Woe Christ uttered in those words Go you cursed and is now to be fulfilled The former woes did belong to the godly and wicked alike under both Antichrists Turk and Pope this only to the wicked Now the cause of the heavenly rejoycing was in part because the kingdomes of the world which the adversaries had violently taken into their possession and as much as in them lay thrust out Christ now returne to Christ who having destroyed his enemies shall raigne alone after which time Christ shall deliver up his Kingdom for now he rules by his word Spirit Sacraments Ministery as Mediatour but then as God and one with the Father for ever of which see 1 Cor. 15. hereafter Antichrist and the wicked shall not rivall with him but our Lord and Christ that is our Lord Christ Jesus alone with the Father and Spirit Vers 16. Then those foure and twenty Elders which sate before God c. Of which before largly chap. 4.4 Here all the heavenly host shut up the third Vision with a song of triumph humbly falling down on their faces in the Vision otherwise they are not bodily in heaven giving thanks to him that is and was and is to come the Almighty of which before chap. 1.8 the cause is Vers 17. Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast raigned Taken that is doest exercise thy great power destroying all thine enemies and delivering thy afflicted Spouse blessing her with thy selfe eternally in heaven Vers 18. And the nations were angry c. The heavenly host give this a reason why they rejoyce in the great judgment because the Nations have sufficiently been angry and raged against thy Church and to
Lords Vers 18. That yee may eate the flesh of Kings c. Who by the unclean spirits chap. 16.14 were to be gathered to Armageddon Both the Kings of the earth suppose Persians Tartarians Indians and those of the ten Kings who forsooke not the Whore who shall be a feast for birds indeed for hell for the Lord shall overtake these his enemies combining against him and utterly destroy them for ever I meane the judgment day shall overtake them for they shall warre against him and last in some sort till then And the flesh of horses and of them that sit on them c. So it is after a battel but here at the last day though all shall be destroyed yet only the Beast and the Kings shall be cast into hell not the horses together with their Armies which being plain in vers 19. I passe Vers 20. And the Beast was taken alive c. The Beast and false Prophet here are one as the Beasts chap. 13. v. 1. 11. are one for the false Prophet is but Antichrist as a Deceiver together with the Cardinals and Clergy of Rome as chap. 13. v. 11. who hath two hornes as a Lamb and doth wonders in the sight of the Beast as this doth here and the Beast is Antichrist as a secular Prince as I have noted chap. 13. and are but one Beast called by John chap. 13. vers last They shall be cast alive into hell either because being taken alive at the last day they shall only be made incorruptible changed and cast into hell-fire and never dye a temporal death or because they shall alwayes live in hell in torment and never die a living death or dying life however by a double punishment he shall be plagued as a secular wicked Prince and as a false deceiving Prophet the Lord having long since begun to destroy Antichrist by the preaching of the word as by the spirit of his mouth 2 Thes 2.8 now finally casts him into the lake of fire and his friends thus the brightnesse of Christs coming shall destroy Antichrist 1. By preaching 2. By this spiritual not proper slaughter or destruction in hell Vers 21. And the remnant were slaine with the sword of him that sitteth upon the horse c. Alluding to Ezek. 39.15 Go ye cursed Now as literally Gog and Magog were slaine and birds eat their flesh so shall allegorically this be fulfilled in the destruction of Antichrist after such a manner as the last judgment requires for the Devil shall have enough and hell shall be even filled with reprobates by reason of this Armageddon CHAP. XX. Preface to Vision 7. or last Act. 1. Vers 1. And I saw an Angel come down from heaven having the Key of the bottomlesse pit and a great chaine in his hand THis Vision is in some sense the recapitulation of all the former and concludes the marriage of the Lamb and history of the Church from Christs incarnation to the last day or the consummation of all things the Angel is Christ who came down from heaven being incarnate for us being the womans seed and to bruise the Serpents head having the Key that is power of hell and death chap. 1.18 or the bottomlesse bit and that by right not as Antichrist who usurps it And I saw Noting the order of the Vision not the order of the events for after the day of judgment now mentioned chap 19. there shall follow no binding and loosing Satan so that here is not a continuation of history and times observed A great chaine in his hand Noting Christs omnipotency and power above and over Satan a chaine of providence shewing how Christ by his Birth Passion Burial Resurrection Ascention sending the spirit cheifly preaching by the Disciples bound up and hindred Satans tempting the world to Idolatry of which see my Glimps of Christs love page 48. and margin Vers 2. And he laid hold on the Dragon c. In the Vision this is the battle betwixt Michael and the Dragon chap. 12. v. 9. there he is bound from accusing the brethren and cast out of heaven and Church and packt into the earth wildernesse heathens and dry places here lest he seduce the Nations keeping them from beleeving being but almost the same with the former So Satan was not so bound the thousand yeers absolutely for he tyrannized by the Romane Emperours over the Saints in the red horse chap. 6. and overspread the face of the Church with Heresie in the black horse chap. same v. 5. but in respect of seducing the Nations Now since the thousand yeers began many Nations have beleeved which Satan could not hinder Thus Christ beheld Satan fall like lightning Luke 10.18 thus the Prince of this world was judged John 16.11 when Christ in earth And he bound him a thousand yeers Though from Christs Nativity Satans Kingdome began to be ruined yet his death and resurrection did him most hurt but the Jewes much hindred the calling of the Gentiles with any great efficacy till the ruine of the Temple from which time chiefly the thousand yeers of Satans binding are reckoned being Anno 73 according to my Pareus who conceives them to be ended anno 1073. when Gregory the seventh a Monke and a Magician poysoning Alexander the second invaded his chaire at Rome and so the divel began to be let loose by him who gave himselfe to all manner of loosenesse yet from the Angels descent or Christs incarnation Satan began to be bound for then temples idols oracles were forsaken fell down and were silent as histories testifie See Master Smiths arrow against Atheists Thus however Satans loosing hath been 577 years or thereabout Vers 3. And cast him into the bottomlesse pit and set a sea upon him that he should deceive the People no more Into hell and confirmed him there as with his seal now though truly Satan had been cast into hell from his fall according to Peter and Jude yet he had more liberty to range abroad then after Christs incarnation for a thousand years after which he was To be let loose a little season No doubt from the expiration of a thousand years after the Angels descent to the end of the world Satan shall be loosed called A little season either in respect of God with whom a thousand years are but as one day or in respect of years past since the Creation or of eternity or in respect of the Scripture wont who cals the Generation since Christ the last houre Now Satan is to be let loose to manifest his rage against the Church to increase his future torment 2. For the triall of the Saints 3. Justly I mean in respect of Gods punishment upon the nations to seduce them that will not beleeve the truth unto salvation Act. 2. Vers 4. And I saw thrones and they that sate upon them and judgement was given unto them c. The former act answered to ch 6. about Christs riding on the white horse and to ch 12.
second death shall have no power of them that is eternall death the first is that of the body which passes on all See my Glimps of Christs love concerning temporal death and its benefit now through Christ pag. 61 c and the impossibility of falling pag. 57. to 60. and 75. c. 2. They shall be Priests unto God here chap. 1.6 and for ever hereafter But all the Saints shall be so as well as these Martyrs and confessours having part of the first resurrection and living the life of faith therefore that resurrection is but a spirituall one of which all the elect shall partake 3. Shall raigne a thousand years not the thousand past but another thousand even for ever and ever Thus the Millenarian or Papian errour is confuted which some in the primitive times not being able to answer denyed the authority of the book This Act will be plainer if the reader conferre it with the 144000. chap. 14. standing on Mount Syon and with them in chap. 7. who were sealed and with the harpers chap. 15.2 upon the sea of glasse who were preserved and sealed or as it is here quickened by grace and faith in the midst of Tyrants Hereticks and Antichrist raging against them and the Gospel Act 3. Vers 7. And when the thousand years are expired Satan shall be loosed Here follows the Churches calamities under both Antichrist Turk and Pope to last till the end of 1260 years for so long though with diminished forces and power the holy City may be encamped and trod under by them After those thousand years To wit of the Martyrs and confessours living and raigning with Christ being the same which is past and Satan let loose So Papias his Millenarian dream is ended Out of his prison Either hell or deserts whether he was banished and frightened the nations He has been let loose neer 600 years and was bound about Jerusalems sacking by Titus and the Jews dispersing who formerly hindred the Gentles imbracing the faith of Christ Vers 8.9 And he shall go out to deceive the Nations Formerly Satan was cast out of heaven now though loosed yet in a great measure is restrained from hurting the Church but may deceive the Nations Gog and Magog Now what is this but the loosing the four Angels or Nations bound up by the means of the great River Euphrates from Christendom now or the Roman Empire as formerly See chap. 9.14 and the exposition upon it so that I need seek no other meaning of Gog and Magog for according as this Vision agrees with the former So the four Angels in Euphrates formerly were Arabians Tartarians and here they are understood by Gog and Magog Here is an allusion to Ezek. 38. and 39. about Gog and Magog all the open and secret enemies of Gods people who after the captitive and before the Messias comming were to oppose the Jews to wit in the latter dayes Chap. 38.8 Meaning after the captivity not towards the end of the world as the Papists affirme supposing this to be the army of their Antichrist Now these nations sayes Iunius and Tremelius were those of the lesser Asia and Syria called Gog from Giges King of the Lydians who under the cruell Antiochus Nicanor oppressed Gods people but by the valour of the Macchabees were oft miraculously discomfited of which see the Historie For the things are accomplished partly Yet doubtlesse those chapters of Ezekiel allegorically seem to aime at a slaughter from heaven So then Iohn alluding to that as he oft does to the Prophets foretells of some grievous wasters of the holy land or Church or Christendom by some cruell enemies under the name of Gog Magog who shall have many overthrows as the former had by the Macchabees but shall finally be destroyed by fire from heaven at the last day where observe that Turk and Pope though Rome shall be burnt before shall remain warring against Christ till the last day To deceive the Nations But how by the spirit of Devils or three unclean spirits chap. 16. who came out of the mouth of the Dragon to gather the Kings of the earth to Armageddon ver 13.16 So Satan deceives the Nations making them Heathens again for many had embraced the faith and Gog and Magog in hope of overcoming the holy City Church or Christendome which in relation to Jerusalem a type of the Church is called holy because it ought so to be and in respect of the Nations and their Idolatry is so 't is plain Satan hath been let loose for not only the secret and mysterious enemies Antichrist and his worshippers have wasted the Church but the four Angels or Gog and Magog with their innumerable army as chap. 9.16 have furiously raged and conquered what they listed so that the name of Mahometism is larger then that of Christianity but Satan deceives Gog and Magog and under hope of victory shall lead them to Armageddon Which are in the foure quarters of the earth c. Magog son to Japhet Gen 10. from him came the Scythians now Tartars from them the Turks to whom the Arabians Armenians Saracens are joyned wasting for a long time farre and neer Gog meanes the people of lesser Asia called from Giges to whom the Macedonians and Egyptians of old joyned against Israel these as from the four quarters of the earth now under the name of Turk and Pope Gog and Magog destroy the holy City the one openly thirsting after the Empire of the world the other more cunningly and Ecclesiastically traducing the Church drawing them to Idolatry Now Satan deceives the Nations and Gog and Magog Turke and Pope as Leaders of these seduced Nations And they ascended c. Noting the base original of these Nations and their sudden rising to honour On the breadth of the earth For their conquests are large of which see Knolls Turkish History And they compassed the Camp of the Saints about Christendom And the beloved City The Church alluding to Jerusalem see how Christ loves his Church the word compassing notes the many irruptions into Christendom and cruel attempts against the Churches therein How the Gogish war began I just named chap. 9.3 4. Perchance we encreased their fury when Gregory the seventh alias Hildebrand sollicited Emperours and Kings to regaine the Holy Land by force of armes and after him Vrbanus second Pope of Rome who indeed prevailed so that mighty forces and vast summes of money was sent and great were their conquests for awhile the Christians subduing Saracen and Turk but through discord among Christians they won all and have followed hard upon Christendom by a war which sprung out of this and of which perchance the Christians were partly occasioners see the sweet tongued Master Fuller his Holy Warre on this subject most satisfactorily The summe is those thousand yeers of Satans binding and the Saints reigning being the same is past in which time the Pope as his Vicar took up his power in Anno 606. in
majesty called Galat. 4.26 Ierusalem above God from heaven hath chosen her Prepared as a Bride trimed for her husband Not preparing as in this world in deed ch 12. she was on earth though her original was from heaven but here she is actually prepared chap 19.7 she on earth had through Christ made her selfe ready but now she is actually adorned So her militant condition on earth is not here meant as Brightman thought The most learned Pareus observes she is not prepared for the Bridegroom as before the marriage-feast for that is past but for her husband the feast being ended and she married Vers 3. And I heard a great voice out of heaven c. We have partly heard what Iohn saw now follows what he heard Two voices he heard The first comes from heaven shewing joyful news to the Bride The second is his that sate upon the Throne ver 5. Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men Meaning that the Bridegroom and the Bride shall live in heaven for ever together Gods dwelling is with men since men being glorified live in heaven Now it had been no news to have said Christ lives with men on earth because he lived in the flesh with them and after by his spirit but now having ended the wedding-feast he and his Spouse live gloriously in heaven This the voice notes And he will dwel with them As in one house together This is happinesse indeed to enjoy God the fountain of happinesse His absence must needs be torment chap. 7.15 The Saints did enjoy God but God is said there but to dwel among them because they did not perfectly enjoy him but now he doth dwell with them as a Bridegroome with the Bride after the wedding perfectly by his glorious presence And they shall be his People Here is the Communion of Saints most perfect in earth they were by his inchoated grace Now they are his in part partaking of him in measure but then they shall be as he is perfectly glorious Vers 4. And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes c No tears are in heaven to be wiped away but it notes how free from all sorrow or cause of sorrow heaven is no troublesome thought of kindred doth possesse them there This life is a vale of misery There is no death but life no mourning but mirth joy pleasure No cry but peace and tranquillity No paine or labour but ease rest delight For former things are passed away Meaning the miserable state of this life and a new heaven shall succeed or a state of happinesse read chap. 7.16 to this purpose expounded This proves that this belongs not to this life for here the Church was ever and shall be more or lesse afflicted Vers 5. And he that sate upon the Throne said c Meaning Christ as chap. 4. or God Christ cals himself Alpha and Omega chap. 1.18 as this doth ver 6. whoever it were Christ or God the father he commands Iohn for the consolation of the Saints beforehand to write how he makes all things new because the world to them is troublesome full of causes of tears and sorrow therefore this was to be writ and laid up for the Churches comfort that a most strange should happen a new world they should enjoy Observe Gods love in two things here 1. He makes all new for the Saints sake not his own who from eternity lived with them and could to all eternity 2. He for their sakes commands this to be written being most true that they might not want consolation Vers 6. And he said unto me it is done The thing is as true and certain as if it were done viz. That all things shall be new and all tears wiped away and God would dwell for ever with men in heaven Thus the certainty of our salvation is set forth John 5.24 he that beleeveth is passed from death to life that is shall surely passe to life It is an asseveration full of weight I am Alpha and Omega c As chap. 1. ver 8. I will give unto him that is athirst So John 7.37 and 38. Christ cals which proves this to be Christs voyce who sate upon the Throne I will give of the fountain of life freely The water of life notes joy comfort refreshment Christ gives without our deserving freely eternal life The fountain notes the lastingnesse of their joy and the abundance of it being never to be dryed up the Angel deservingly praised God among other great works for creating the fountaines of waters chap. 14.7 which are strangely conveyed from the sea through the crannyes of the earth for mans use But much more thanks need we rerurn him for giving us himself the fountain of joy Ier. 2.13 but note the qualification 't is given only to them that first thirst after it He that overcometh shall inherit all things This being a Prophecy speaks of things as to come but the Church now in the Vision was in glory inheriting all things as heire of all Now every Saint is an heire of heaven Gal. 4 7. certainly they are rich who are heires of God and the promises and he is very covetous whom God cannot content and suffice But here is a fighting noted against the world Satan and the Beast which the Church by faith overcame And I will be his God and he shall be my Son Now we are adopted but then actually shall enjoy the benefits of Sonnes See 1 Ioh. 3.2 we shall be like him Vers 8. But the fearfull and unbeleeving shall have their part in the lake Being not written in the book of life Ch. 20.15 or as c. 13.8 meaning cheifly the worshippers of the Beast who are afraid to disobey the Beast or oppose his worship as the valiant Champions of Jesus alwayes have done Note a servant of Christ is a man of valour having the Spirit of Christ Fearfull Not having faith in Christ for remission of sins nor assurance of salvation in this life as the worshippers of the Beast teach none have standing ever in fear of hell and purgatory Vnbeleevers Such are all strangers from God and in particular the enemies of true assurance and justifying faith as all popelings Abominable Hating God or hated of God Murderers Here among others comes in the inquisitors of Spaine the burners of Hereticks as they call the Saints Whoremongers All in general who are impenitent and not written in the Book of life Here comes in the Romish Locusts who under pretence of vowed chastity live most dishonestly Sorcerers None greater then the Roman Clergy have been as histories tell Idolaters What thinks Rome of this what think covetous men what Epicures whose belly is their god All lyars Framers of lyes and enemies of the Truth Let Antichrist and his worshippers and all Hereticks think of this and be confounded Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone c. See Psal 11.6 of the wickeds portion They that are cast into
Jasper a precious stone I see no more here but the most happy everlasting life of Saints set forth The City was pure gold This metal we chiefly-esteem therfore the Holy Ghost sets forth the glorious condition of the Church or City by it pure Gold is without drosse if tryed in the fire it comes forth without any such shewing the most pure estate of the Church above Like to Chrystall Or clear Glasse the matter is solid Gold the form bright as Glasse or Chrystal so it is as a golden City shining in glory not really but to stirre us up to seek after this heavenly Ierusalem which farre exceeds all these precicious things to which it is as it were compared Vers 19. And the foundation of the wall The matter of the wall and City is mentioned the foundation is very precious being of precious stones stones are for foundations preous stones for this being Christ laid by the twelve Apostles whose names were upon the foundations the foundations were all of whole Pearles or Gemmes which were Pillars of the wall as it were thus the foundations were garnished with pearles or precious stones The first was a Iasper Clear and green which the Papists say signifies Peter who did shew a lively flourishing love towards Christ indeed Peter being first converted is usually first named but the same order of mentioning the Apostles by the Evangelists is not observed alwayes and 't is conceived all loved him and dyed for him as well as Peter Iohn only excepted perchance who was the beloved Disciple writ most of love therefore this of the Papists proves little neither is it said the Apostles were the foundations but their names were written upon them doubtlesse the preciousnesse of the stones set-forth the preciousnesse of Christ the foundation and the Gospel preached by the the twelve so the stones set forth the choycenesse of him that sate upon the throne ch 4.3 which is a plain sense The second a Saphire being skie-coloured it aswageth lust 't is wonder saies my Pareus that Writers apply not this to Iohn who only lived unmarried the Papists apply it to Andrew but since the order of reckoning the Apostles is not alwayes the same we hence can certainly gather little But this observe if the twelve had their names upon the foundations then had John before his death and why may not the Beast like a flying Eagle resemble John chap. 4.7 who though alive had written his Gospel where he sores aloft like an Eagle about Christs Divinity See the exposition on that chap. 4 7. I see little hindring The third a Chalcedony A kinde of a Carbuncle of a purple colour good against black choler that is sadnesse and fear Now the foundation Christ and the Doctrine of the twelve Apostles both teach love as in the first stone chastity in the second and expel all base fear as in the third stone The fourth an Emerauld A most pleasant green colour refreshing the sight good against poyson and the falling sicknesse Now the foundation Christ is most pleasing and cordial The fifth a Sardonix Resembling in part a mans nayle and the colour 't is good against pride so is the foundation Christ and the twelve Apostles doctrine The sixth a Sardius Of a dark red colour it emboldens sharpens the wit The seventh a Chrysolite c. Being good against shortnesse of breath the Papists apply them to the Apostles but for brevity sake I omit them Christ compleatly comprehends what 's in them to perfection who is the true foundation of the heavenly Ierusalem the Apostles have their names written upon the foundation because they confirmed the foundation Christ with their blood Vers 21. And the twelve Gates were twelve Pearles c. Christ is the only Gate he is the way door and life but because by the ministry of the twelve Apostles we come to Christ hence the City is said to have twelve Gates now the Doctrine of the Apostles leading to Christ is more precious then Gold or Pearles who in heaven shall shine with the brightnesse of Christ like glorious Pearles And the street of the City was pure Gold Now followes the inward beauty of the City there are many streets in a City and a Market-place or place of meeting I see nothing else here but the whole course of the Saints in heaven is most uncorrupt and pure their walking or motion and meetings comprehended by streets are righteous and pure as Gold our meetings below are full of corruption and the purest Church and members sinful therefore the state of this life is not here meant Transparent Glasse Is the Cities unutterable brightnesse Vers 22. And I saw no Temple in the same Solomons glistering Temple was a type of Christs spiritual Church heaven shall need none preaching and all outward exercises of Religion shall cease in this world our weaknesse needs these helps then God will not be served with external worship Christ shall give up his ministerial Kingdom by which he now governs the Church 1 Cor. 15.24 and God according to the Essence in three persons shall be all in all each one then shall be taught of God Ier. 31.34 None need say know the Lord all imperfection shall be laid aside 1 Cor. 13.10 and tongues which were only to build up the Church faith and hope which were to lay hold on Christ which now in the Vision they enjoy only charity remains So when I speak of meetings or motion ver 21. I mean no such as these but conceive they may move and not alwayes in heaven sit stand stil or rest in one place which were improbable For the Lord Almighty is the Temple of it Here the Saints praise him in Temples there they shall immediatly rejoyce in him and keep a perpetual Sabbath to him serving him day and night before the throne so they shall rejoyce in God as in a Temple God in heaven is insteed of a Temple chap. 11.19 the Temple of God was open in heaven meaning the triumphant Church who were Gods Temple in earth now he is the Saints Temple in heaven Vers 23. The City hath no need of Sunne nor Moon to shine in it c. T is not said the Sunne and Moon were not for as Esay hath it The Moon shall shine as the Sunne and the light of the Sunne shall be seven fold for a recompence for their unwearied former pains chap. 30 26. speaking of the renovation of all things But God and the Lamb as equal in light and glory shall be the light of the City and shall obscure the other lights which shall remain glorified as monuments of Gods mercy power and wisedome but the city shall not need them having the father of lights there where also every Saint shall shine as the Sunne for ever O glorious City But observe that Esay is partly to be understood of the great light of knowledge and grace under Christs spiritual Kingdom in respect of the dark clouds of the
Law where the Sun of light is prophecyed never to set fully till the second comming of Christ ch 60.20 but not onely of this spiritual Kingdom nay vers 19. speaks as the place now in hand as if there should be no use of Sun nor Moon hereafter Vers 24. And the nations that were saved shall walk in the light of it Thus much for the building and glory now of the Citizens somewhat They shall enjoy the glorious presence of God who is the light of the city Iohn having spoken of the city could not conveniently but mention citizens who are indeed the very city or part of it the Patriarchs Prophets and Jewish nation or the elect of them are the rest But this must be taken according to the order of the vision and city first and then inhabitants And Kings of the earth do bring their glory thither Not the Kings of the earth who stand for the Beast of which often But Kings converted in the time of the Gospel of which see Esay 60. at large To which passage here is an allusion though it were in the time of the spiritual Kingdome of Christ partly fulfilled now these Kings brought their power and honour to Christs spiritual Kingdome when they were converted and upheld the same and they bring their honour to the city above when their abode is forever above being consummated in glory praising honouring lauding God and Christ for their salvation for ever and ever So these Kings are not such as bring now again their earthly honour to the Church militant for they are saved as well as the nations not to be saved implying their being in joy and safety Kings of the earth Some of the ten converted ones who when in heaven are not Kings but fellow-citizens Ver. 26. is much the same Vers 25. And the gates of it shall not be shut by day c Noting the security and peace and freedome from all dangers for we shut gates day and night in time of Warre or Siege but there shall be no danger now if in the day time the gates shall not be shut then never for there is no night being the glory of God shall expel darknesse by everlasting light This is an allusion to Esay 60. thy gates shall be open continually speaking of the Church militant under the Gospel to admit members to wit into the Church Gentiles and Kings and never shut as excluding none and here t is applyed to signifie the security and happinesse of the Church triumphant Vers 27. There shall in no wise enter in any thing that is defiled See vers 8. Expos on it Paul long since 1 Cor. 6.9 foretold as much Now Christ will judge according to the Gospel These places prove nothing against the Saints who have been overtaken in some sin and have washed themselves by faith in the blood of the Lamb but t is understood of them who make a trade of sinne CHAP. XXII The same Vision partly continued Vers 1. And he shewed me a pure river of water of life clear as Chrystall c. THese two last chapters concerning the Saints felicity answer to chap. 7 15. where the redeemed clothed in white robes praise God before the throne day and night that is for ever The pure river alludes to Ezek 47. or rather to Paradise watered by the river that came out of Eden Gen. 2.10 but that river drew corruption this is pure and water of life having no mixture of filth that came out of Eden this out of the Throne What more pleasant then a water behold not a fountain but a great river not rounding the wals of the city but running through the streets Let us entertain no earthly thought for God by this shews us glorious things in Ezek. 47. waters issuing out of the house of God or Temple is the doctrine of the Gospel flowing from Christ But in this place as also chap. 7. last the living fountains of water are to note the fulnesse of knowledge of God which the faithful shall have by the immediate Vision of God and the Lamb as also unspeakable purity and joy Now the comforts of the Gospel in this life and its doctrine is compared to water Iohn 7.37 Others say the river is the Holy Ghost proceeding from the Throne or God constantly refreshing the city of God Vers 2. And in the midst of the street of it and of either side Here follow the abundance of all things necessary for the Citizens Was there a tree of life Conferring and preserving life alluding to the tree in Paradise but that was not to be touched and this is common for all the Citizens There was but one the which that in Paradise typed See Rev. 2.7 where I expounded it to be Christ who is the bread of life Now the tree though but one with its boughs and roots reached both sides the river though the river was very broad noting how sufficient Christ is for all the Citizens Ezek. 47.7 to which here as an allusion speaks of many trees yet 't was but the same Christ conveyed many ways to the Saints therefore called many trees as the foundations were said to be twelve but here is but one Christ whom all enjoy alike Of the river c. The tree is in the midst of the street because barred from none by the River because always fruitful never decaying Bearing twelve manner of fruits I dare not say here is meant the Apostles doctrine who though they preached one Christ yet drew comforts from him several ways Nor will I mention the twelve articles of the faith all comforting But the tree notes Christ who monthly that is continually is bringing forth the fruits of joy and comfort to refresh the city of God the earnest whereof the Saints have in this world several ways So Christ in heaven alluding to the twelve moneths of an year brings forth twelve nay thousands of fruits of joy and comfort The leaves were for the healing the Nations Alluding to Ezek. 47. So that nothing of Christ but is most sweet and good not as if there were need of any Physick in heaven but to keep the Allegory of the tree ordinary trees loose their leaves Nothing of CHRIST but is profitable The Nations Chap. 21.26 who brought their glory to Christ as the Kings did by being converted and upholding his Kingdom and by being at last glorified by Christ and perfectly cured Vers 3. And there shall be no more curse c. What ever might hinder happinesse shall be removed as chap. 7.15 all tears shall be wiped away By curse we may understand not only that of the law which is nulled but the Anathema's of Antichrist also sin sorrow torment death which are destroyed Here may be intimated the curse of delivering over to Satan in this life because of sin in the Church but there above is purity and therefore no curse as Beza has it There shall be no curse because the throne of God shall
His unwearied paines is again mentioned that all might imitate his diligence who is a patterne of a faithfull Pastour Vers 4. But neverthelesse I have somewhat against thee The Judge of all hearts sees not perfection in any Saint Because thou hast left thy first love To wit in not being liberall to poor and hospiâ—able which is a choyce duty in a Pastour or Bishop Note Christ commends many excellent vertues in this Angel yet is so far from taking notice of his merits that he reproves him This verse also teacheth that perseverance is required in a good Pastour and how one vice doth spot the other vertues Vers 5. Remember from whence thou art fallen Here is briefly the nature of repentance 1. To take notice of sin committed 2. To eschew the evil and do the good 3. To manifest repentance by works of piety and love to the poor From whence thou art fallen c. Shewes his going back from his former zeal in godlinesse and love to the poor perchance his ambition may be thought on for covetousnesse and ambition are usuall companions of Church-men here is however no finall falling from grace See my book called A Glimps of Christs love pag. 28.72 Or else I will come quickly To punish thee before thou art aware Here note two things 1. T is equity with God to punish more for the sin of one especially considering this particular Church might be fallen from her first love to the poor 1 Cor. 5.6 as well as Pastour 2. That a particular Church as this may fall to peices and be destroyed but not the Church in the generall Out of his place except thou repent Notes the manner of this Churches destruction not but that each member upon repentance might be saved for 't was destroyed and visibly removed by a barbarous nation afterward upon her impenitency and security This teaches that the abode of the Church in this world is uncertaine we nor the Church have in this world any continuing place Vers 6. But this thou hast that thou hatest c. This shewes he was not in a desperate condition you see the Angel had vertues which the Lord takes notice of and commends The deeds of the Nicholaitans Thier heresie was that fornication and eating things offered to Idols was no sin which also was that cursed doctrine of Balaam See Numb 25. compared with chap. 31. vers 8.16 This heresie was not as as some suppose taught by Nicholas one of the 7. Deacons for he is commended both for piety and continency as also his son and daughters by Clem. Alexandrinus but by some other Nicholas or fathered upon him by the upholders of this heresie as a cloak for their wickednesse We all hold the doctrine of Christ and are called by his name and not after the name of any other teacher Vers 7. He that hath an ear to hear let him hear This is to stir up attention to observe the things formerly written to the teacher of the Church of Ephesus What the Spirit saith to the Churches Because Christ speaks by the spirit as proceeding from him which proves Christs deity to the Churches The things you see concerne the Churches and not the Pastour alone and indeed t is usually like Priest like people To him that overcometh will I give c. He is said to overcome who manfully to the end fights against the world flesh and devil Here is nothing promised to fallers away Christ promises a reward to those that overcome though with his own power To eat of the tree of life c. Alluding to the tree which stood in the midst of Paradise so called afterward because had our first Parents eaten of it once they had lived or because it signified Christ who is the truth and the life So 't is but thus much he that overcomes shall be restored to life by Christ to whom he will communicate himself 'T is an argument of Christs deity Vers 8. Vnto the Angel of the Church in Smyrna It was writ to this next because next to Ephesus to the Angel to to-wit Polycarpus Johns disciple who was by him ordained Pastor of this Church whom Christ reproves not but encourages to be constant foretelling the persecution of the Jewes raised against him for they were the cheise agents preparing the fire wherein he was afterward burned These things saith the first and last c. Christ is first and last according to his divinity but dyed according to his humanity Vers 9. I know thy workes That is I approve thy works Christ sees and takes notice with delight of whatsoever is good Thy tribulation Which thou hast sustained both of Jewes and Gentiles for my name sake And poverty Being spoyled of thy earthly estate by the adversaries of the truth for publike sale was usually made of the goods of Christians But thou art rich The faithfull are possessors of heavenly riches for by faith they inherit Christ who is to them all things and heir of all things And the blasphemy of them who say they are Jewes The Jews who persecuted the Christians blasphemed Christ counting him a deceiver a magician and justly crucifyed saying the Christians were foolish men and worthy of nothing but stripes But Christ affirmes them to be a blasphemous congregation led by Satan to their destruction And are not He is not a Jew who is only outwardly one We see titles availe nothing when men are degenerated from the truth Vers 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer This is a forewarning and a forearming against troubles at hand None of those things Shewing that they must not expect one but many sorts of tryals Satan shall cast Christ shewes that Satan is the author of these miseries as torments banishments martyrdoms which the word prison notes Some of you Not all for Christ bridles him and restraines him Hence learn three things 1. The godly in this world must suffer affliction 2. The deity of Christ in foretelling afflictions 3. The devill the cheif author of all persecution who hates Christ and envyes mans salvation Tyrants are but Satans instruments That ye may be tryed Here is the end of afflictions that your faith and constancy may be more approved and more apparent for though Christ know the hearts of his Saints yet he will have their faith more apparent that those without and those within the Church may take notice of it this should teach the Saints to approve themselves to God when tryed by patient suffering Satan then though he intend hurt in casting some of them into prison yet God whose serjeant Satan is intends good And ye shall have tribulation ten dayes Some comfort Christ gives them in this expression shewing the shortnesse of the continuance of their tribulation By ten dayes I understand a short time and not the ten years persecutions of the Emperours which might rather terrify then comfort them Be thou faithfull unto death Christ exhorts him to constancy for