for the glory of his name he would come quickly and fight against these evil ones if this Angel and Church repented not otherwise in their repenting this occasion would be removed Yea and if they repented not he would fight against these Balaamites and Nicolaitans and so vindicate the honour of his name for the good and conviction of the professed heathen amongst whom they were that they might know he is one that loveth righteousness and hateth iniquity that so they might seek and worship him with his people whereas if his people did reject and cast off these evil workers and so had their conversation honest amongst the Gentiles this would cause them to glorify God in the day of their visitation 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. And Christ would not upon that account quickly fight against these false teachers with the Sword of his mouth 4. If this Angel and Church did not as here they are counselled unto repent his fighting against those false teachers would be a powerful means to awaken them to repent and to occasion and provoke them to wash their feet in the blood of the wicked Ps 58. 9 10. so when he was punishing the enemies of his people he said surely thou wilt fear me thou wilt receive instruction c. Zeph. 3. 5 7. or if they did not repent they should hereby know he would punish them also As he saith in his Epistle to Thyatira I will cast her Jezabel the false Prophetess into a bed and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of their deeds and I will kill her Children with death and all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works Rev. 2. 22 23. Ps 94. 10. By all which we may in some Measure see that they are most uncharitable to evil and corrupt teachers as well as to their own Souls who have and countenance them For by so doing they provoke Christ more immediately to fight against them Quest 2. It might be further queried whether Christ's fighting against these false teachers would be also a testimony of displeasure unto this Angel and Church for so it appears to be in that he saith and threatneth I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them c. Ans To this we may say yes certainly it would be so however in the sight of the heathen that could not distinguish between persons and things that differ Ezek. 5. 8. 14. with ch 9. 4 5. Verse 17. He that hath an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches see the notes before on v. 7. To him that overcometh see the notes before on v. 7. and on ch 3. v. 5. will I give to eat of the hidden Manna and I will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no Man knoweth saving he that receeiveth it In the latter part of this verse we have a gracious promise and encouragement propounded to us I will give to eat of the hidden manna c. wherein consider we for our usefulness 1. What is this hidden Manna here spoken of 2. In what respect or consideration it is said to be hidden 3. How will he give to him that overcometh to eat thereof 1. What is this hidden Manna here spoken of And to that we may say our Lord Jesus Christ sheweth unto us what is meant thereby to wit himself In that when the Capernaites say unto him Our Fathers did eat manna in the desert as it is written He gave them bread from heaven to eat Then Jesus saith unto them verily verily I say unto you Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven For the bread of God is he that cometh down from Heaven and giveth life unto the World And again Jesus saith unto them I am the bread of life c. Joh. 6. 30 35. the Lord himself is the true bread Isay 55. 2 3 6. And himself as he hath partaken of our nature and been delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification the bread that he will give the true manna is his flesh which he hath given for the life of the World his flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed Joh. 6. 48. 51 58 63. he is indeed the meat which God hath prepared for us to â—eed upon Ps 22. title and v. 26. Joh. 6. 27 35. and he may be called and compared to Manna 1. Because as Manna was provided for and promised to them when they were very evil and behaved themselves unworthy Exod. 16 2 4. So Jesus Christ was fore-ordained and given when we were sinful and pollutted ones and had by our sin deserved to have perished for ever Gen. 3. 15. while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5 6 8. Christ once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the spirit 1 Pet. 3. 18. 2. Manna was given without any labour or work of theirs without any plowing or sowing of theirs as is signified to us in what the Lord said unto Moses Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you It came down as the rain or showers upon the grass that tarrieth not for Man nor waiteth for the Sons of Men Exod. 16. 4. with Mica 5. 7. So also it is true of this heavenly and spiritual bread even Jesus Christ It was not of mens providing or preparing but God prepared himself this lamb for a burnt-offering Gen. 22. 8 14. he found out this ransom Job 33. 24. while we were yet without strength and ungodly ones Christ died for us Rom. 5. 6. my Father saith our Saviour giveth you the true bread from Heaven All things are of God Joh. 6. 32. and ch 3. 14 16. 2 Cor. 5. 18. with Joh. 1. 13. Job 28. 12 20 27. 3. Manna was ground in a mill or beaten in a morter and baked Numb 11. 18. so Jesus Christ was broken for us that he might become good food for us to feed on that he might be bread of life for us 1 Cor. 11. 24. he was tormented for our transgressions bruised like bread-corn Isay 28. 28 for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him It pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief Isay 53. 4 6 10. This corn of wheat fell into the ground and died God brought him into the dust of death and he gave his flesh for the life of the world and so is become living quickning bread for us to feed on Joh. 6. 51. with ch 12. 23. he was made the curse of God for us that he might redeem us from the
11 14. Rom. 8. 34 39. Joh. 11. 25. 2. Tim. 1. 8 10. 3. To encourage them against the fear of the first death the death of the Body So doth Job For saith he I know my redeemer liveth and he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth and though after my skin worms destroy this Body yet in my flesh shall I see God Job 19. 25 27. Because he liveth they that come unto and follow him shall live also For this is the will of him that sent him that every one that seeth the Son and believeth in him should have everlasting life and he will raise him up at the last day Ps 23. 4. 1 Cor 15. 21 23. 1 Thes 4. 14 16. Joh. 14. 19. and ch 6. 40. 4. And have the Keys of Hell and Death This he still speaks to the same end as formerly to strengthen him against the fear of evil Here consider we 1. What is this Hell and Death of which he hath the Keys 2. What is meant by having the Keys thereof 3. How hath he obtained the Keys of Hell and Death 1. What is this Hell and Death of which he hath the Keys Surely though sometimes by Hell is meant that place of torment into which the wicked shall be cast as Ps 9. 17. Luke 16. 23. Yet here and most frequently by this Word Hell is meant that disappearing state they are in who are taken away by death and the word here translated Hell is elsewhere frequently rendred the Grave as 1 Cor. 15. 55. Rev. 20. 13. c. Death signifies the dissolution of the Soul from the Body and Hell that unseen dark or disappearing State they are in when dead I mean as to us therefore it is called the Land of Darkness as Darkness it self and where the light is as Darkness Job 10. 21 22. In which the Eye of him that hath seen them shall see them no more Job 7. 8. Into this Hell or disappearing State all go good and bad Into this Hell Jacob said he would go I will go down saith he not into the Grave for he thought some evil Beast had devoured his Son but into Hell unto my Son mourning Gen. 37. 35. And again Ye shall bring down my gray-Hairs with Sorrow to Hell Gen. 42. 38. So ch 44. 29 31. So Job desired Oh that thou wouldest hide me in Hell Job 14. 13. And when David prays God to spare him he uses this Argument In death there is no remembrance of thee in Hell who shall give thee thanks Ps 6. 5. And Hezekiah speaks to the same purpose as here using the same order of words as is here for Hell cannot praise thee death cannot celebrate thee Isay 38. 18. In which sayings both the good and holy Men conclude that if they were taken out of the Land of the living they should go into this Hell so the Preacher propounds this unto all to provoke them to present diligence whatsoever thine hand finds to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave or in Hell whither thou goest Eccles 9. 10. Out of this Hell the righteous and holy-ones also shall be brought and then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written Death is swallowed up in Victory O Death where is thy Sting O Hell where is thy Victory 1 Cor. 15. 54 55. And so it is said Death and Hell delivered up the dead that were in them and Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire this is the second death And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life c. Implying that some such also were in this Hell formerly which indeed doth signifie the State of deadly-hood Rev. 20. 12 15. and ch 6. 8. 2. What is meant by having the Keys of this Hell and Death Hereby is signified that he hath the power thereof and so as there are these two uses of Keys namely to open and shut so it is here also in this business See Isay 22. 23. Rev. 3. 7. and ch 9. 1. and ch 20. 1 3. And so 1. He hath the Keys to open Hell and Death to open the Gates and Doors thereof Job 30. 17. Isay 38. 10. that is to say he hath power to take away any Man's Life when he pleaseth and send them into this Hell for the Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son and hath given him Authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of Man Joh. 5. 22 27. And so he hath power to order and send any affliction to us When we are judged with any Judgments we are chastened of this Lord 1 Cor. 11. 30 32. Our times are in his hand and when he pleaseth he can remove us hence for he hath the Keys of Hell and Death The Son of Man who hath a Golden Crown on his Head hath in his hand a sharp Sickle the Sickle of death to cut Men down therewith at his pleasure Rev. 14. 13 14 16. And so now he did permit or order this deadness unto the Apostle He can when he pleases open the Door of Death and let Men yea put Men in thereat and none can stay his hand No man hath power over the Spirit to retain the Spirit neither hath he power in the Day of death and there is no discharge in that War Eccles 8. 8. And he hath power also and will in due season with his Keys open the Graves of all and cause them to come out of them and will open theirs who sleep in him and bring them forth unto the Resurrection of Life and so to their endless and eternal Joy and comfort Ezek. 37. 12 13. Joh. 5. 28 29. 2. And he hath the Keys of Hell and Death to keep Men out thereof during his good pleasure our times are in his hand who hath redeemed us in this respect also Ps 31. 5 10 15. Or to keep off any affliction from us as he said unto Paul in a Vision be not afraid but speak and hold not thy peace for I am with thee and no Man shall set on thee to hurt thee Acts 18. 9 10. And he hath power to shut upon a Man when he takes away his life and there can be no opening He can with his Keys lock them up in the House of Death and detain them as Prisoners and then there is no coming out until he open the Door If he cut off and shut up or gather together then who can hinder him Job 11. 10. Behold he breaketh down and it cannot be built again he shuts upon a Man and there can be no opening Job 12. 10. 3. How hath he obtained the Keys of Hell and Death And that is by dying and overcoming our death the first death and the Devil He hath by the Grace of God tasted death for every Man and thorow this destroyed him that had the power of it that is the Devil Heb. 2. 9 14 15. By
bearing the Judgment of the World he hath cast Satan the Prince of the World out of his principality Joh. 12. 31. and all power is given unto him both in Heaven and on Earth Mat. 28. 18 20. 2 Cor. 1. 9 10. Joh. 5. 27. and ch 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. Because he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross therefore also hath God highly exalted him and given him a name above every name c. Phil. 2. 6 7 8 9 10. And seeing he hath and hath thus obtained the Keys of Hell and Death it may be of much usefulness unto us as to say a little 1. Herein we may see the preciousuess of the sufferings and blood of Christ 1 Pet. 1. 19. 2. It may admonish us not to have idolatrous esteems of Men make not great Men your arme for Men of low degree are Vanity and Men of high degree are a Lye to be laid in the Ballance they are alike lighter than Vanity Ps 62. 9. How high or great soever they are they are Men and not God Isay 31. 3. therefore trust not in them nor in the most learned skilful and mâ—st experienced Physicians for they have not the Keys of Hell and Death if he will not with-draw his anger the proud helpers do stoop under him Job 9. 13. What Man whether wisest or greatest or strongest or richest or healthithiest is he that liveth and shall not see death shall he deliver his Soul from the Hand of Hell Ps 89. 48. and 146. 3 4. 3. This consideration may encourage his Servants not to be afraid of their Enemies for not they but he hath the Keys Acts 26. 17. All power is given unto me both in Heaven and on Earth Go ye therefore Disciple all the Nations c. saith our Saviour unto his Apostles Mat. 28. 18 20. Heb. 2. 14 15. 1 Cor. 15. 58. 4. Fear him so as not to provoke him Luke 12. 4 5. Exod. 23. 21. for our breath is in his hand and the Keys of Hell and Death are in his hand Ps 107. 10 12. 5. Pray unto and seek help of him and in his name and come unto God by him to whom should a people seek but to their God When we fall down and there is none to help us yet in crying to him he can save us out of our Distresses and bring us out of Darkness and the shadow of Death and break our bands asunder For he hath broken the Gates of Brass and cut the Bars of Iron in sunder Isay 8. 19. Psal 68. 18 20. and 107. 13 16. Jer. 30. 12 18. 6. It may comfort them that wait upon him and keep his way that though they must dye yet he liveth and hath the Keys of Hell and Death and will in due season open their Graves and bring them forth and make them partakers of everlasting Life Joh. 6. 40. and ch 11. 25 26. 1 Thes 4. 15 18. 2 Cor. 4. â—2 14 17. These things our Lord sets before his Servant John when he was as dead and greatly afraid to revive him and to strengthen him and encourage him against his fearâ— And let us learn from hence 1. When we are â—ainting and fearful to look unto Jesus and consider his Blood and the Glory he hath received therethorow as these things are discovered to us in the Gospel as the Apostle exhorts saying laying aside every weight and the Sin which doth so easily beset us let us run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of the Faith who for the Joy set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God For consider him lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds Heb. 12. 1 3 4. and ch 3. 1 2. The Gospel is the word of life the spirit of life is in it Phil. 2. 16. that will quicken us again Ps 119. 50 93. That is proper to bind up the broken-hearted who are broken and shattered with sorrow or fear Isay 61. 1 2. Luke 4. 18. Oh consider we not our selves or any goodness or worthiness of ours but consider his first love manifested in his laying down his life for us and the glory he hath received and shall appear in give more earnest heed to the things we have heard that we may encourage our selves in the Lord 1 Sam. 30. 6. Joh. 6. 63. 1 Joh. 4. 14 18 19. Christ comforts not John immediately though he was as dead but declares the word of life to him 2. Or when we see others surprized with fear or overwhelmed with grief with this Gospel lift up the hands that hang down Rom. 1. 16. Isay 40. 1 2 9. Verse 19. Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter This charge and commandment he giveth to him again he had given John such a like command before v. 11. and now reneweth it to signify to us the weightiness of the things to be written and that they might be conveyed to the Churches and for us and for our use and benefit in these latter days For whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning Rom. 15. 4. and who shall hinder us from looking hereinto That charge in v. 11. and this here are given in general some other are more particular as ch 14. 1â— and ch 19. 9. c. This charge and commandement he gives to him after he had strengthened him Dan. 10. 17 19. his yoke is easie and his burthen is light Mat. 11. 30. 1 Joh. 5. 3. and indeed he had given such a discovery of himself before that there was no cause for John to fear for he who thus enjoyned him was able to stand by him and save him It was the LORD that spake who could but prophesy and write Amos. 3. 8. It was the first and the last that gave this charge to him Josh 1. 7 9. Jer. 1. 8 19. Write saith Christ to him but what should he write some thus read it the things which thou hast seen both the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter summing them up in two Branches or particulars and hereby signifying as if John had seen all he was to write before his charge was given to him which doubtless he had not and therefore we shall look upon the word 's as we have them rendred to us and as a commandment to write three things viz. 1. The things which thou hast seen namely in vision as v. 11. and so what he had seen from v. 12. to this verse not all he had foreseen but what he had now seen in which our Lord doth give a brief discovery of himself of his death resurrection everliving and his Glory Power and Majesty Christ first shews him this that it might be instructive to him to look unto Jesus that he might be enlightened Ps 34. 5 8.
1 Joh. 4. 7 10 14 16 17 19. and ch 5. 1. And here-thorow were these Ephesians quickened to the love of God in Christ at first as it is said But God who is â—ich in mercy for or thorow his great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us c. Eph. 2. 4 5. This is the original and principle of the first love here spoken of 2. This love thus begotten is first placed on him that begat even on the Lord Jesus Christ and God in him because of his first love to us 1 Joh. 4. 19. and ch 5. 1. yea because of his love and loveliness his love is better then winâ— and because of the Savour of his good Oyntments his name is as Oyntment poured forth therefore do the virgins such as are not defiled with Women with whorish societieâ— anâ— congregâ—â—ions love him the upright love him from the Remembrance of his love Cant. 1. 2 3 4. with Rev. 14. 3 4. And because of his beauty and glory his excellency and comeliness for their escape Isay 4. 2. he is firstly the object of their love though now they see him not with their bodily eyes as the Apostles did yet thâ—y love him 1 Pet. 1. 8. Eph. 6. 24. To this the saints are exhâ—â—ted O Love the Lord ye his saints Ps 31. 23. Oh worthy for ever is hâ— to be beloved who so loved uâ— when we wâ—re such filthy polluted ones as to give himself for us Rev. 1. 5 6. Gal. 2. 20. Hence the Apostle when he is triumphing in God's love in not sparing his own Son but delivering him up for us all and in Christs love to us in dying yea rather in rising again c. he addes I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 32 34 39. Thereby it was begotten and thereby maintained and there-thorow fixed on that most excellent Object even Jesus Christ and God in him and such as love him are the called according to purpose Rom. 8. 28. His love and loveliness causeth them that know and believe it to cleave to him with full purpose to pant after him that they may more know him win him and be found in him It causes them to run unto him and follow him hard and to long and wait for his appearing and coming again Ps 42. 1 2. and 63. 1 4 8. Isay 55. 5. 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. This love thus begotten and fixed upon this most excellent object is inward intense and fervent It is not in word and tongue only but indeed and in truth 1 Joh. 3. 18. Too too many there are who draw nigh to him with their mouth and honour him with their lips while yet their hearts are far removed from him but all such worship is in vain Isay 29. 13. with Mat. 15. 8 9. But this first love here intimately commended to us by Christ is such as is with all the heart like that our saviour saith in answer to the scribe Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength Mark 12. 28 30. Deut. 6. 4 5. Hence Christ is oft thus called by the spouse He whom my soul loveth Cant. 1. 7. and ch 3. 1 2 3 4. This love is with the heart as distinguished from and opposed to that pretence of love or that feigned love found with too many this is love without dissimulation Rom. 12. 9. love in sincerity or with incorruption Eph. 6. 24. and this love is also with the whole heart as distinguished from and opposed to dividedness of heart towards him and also towards other persons or things which is found with many as it is said their heart is divided now shall they be found faulty Hos 10. 2. too many there are who are double-minded who have a soul and a soul whose hearts are full of doublemindedness who in some measure love Christ and together also love somewhat else before or equal to him and so love him not with such a love as is well pleasing to him for no man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other Mat. 6. 24. Luk. 16. 13. and he that loveth Father or Mother more than Christ is not worthy of him he that loveth Son or Daughter more than he is not worthy of him Mat. 10. 37. Luke 14. 24 26. but the first love here spoken of is such as leads one to be and abide for Christ and not to be for another man or object Hos 3. 3. and so inward intense and ardent is this love as that it leads to hate what is reproved our sins and vanities or otherwise it is but love with dissimulation when love is without dissimulation it leads to abhor that which is evil Rom. 12. 9. This is the nature of this love that it causeth a Man to abstain from deny and mortify all that which is displeasing to the beloved And hence whereas in giving the law the right worshipping of God is expressed in four commandments by God to wit Thou shalt have no other Gods but me Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image c. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain c. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy c. Exod. 20. 3 11 Deut. 5. 7 15. they are all summed up in this afterwards Deut. 6. 4 5. and by our saviour Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind c. Mat. 22. 36 38. Luke 10. 26 27. to signify to us that the hearty love of him includes and leads to an abstaining from and fleeing from whatsoever is forbidden by him and indeed he that doth evil hateth Christ who is the light of the World and if any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him Joh. 3. 20. 1 Joh. 2. 15. yea so intense this love is as that it moves and prevails with him in whom it is to prefer Christ before all and forsake all for his sake the riches honour glory name and praise of this World and those things most gainful and dear unto them even their former good things confidences Wisdom Righteousness relations c. Luke 14. 16 26 33. and ch 9. 59 62. Mat. 13. 44 46. as the Apostle saith of himself But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all
all but death Some such a kind of death but not another which may be more painful or shameful but nothing we may suffer should be feared as he saith I will fear none evil Ps 23. 4. And as the Apostle Paul saith none of the things I suffer move me nor do I count my life deer unto my self that I may finish my course with joy Acts 20. 24. 4 In that Christ saith fear none of those things c. And cautions against fear so he signifieth that sinful slavish fear is very hurtful and to be avoided and taken heed of by us It will hinder Men from being faithful to the death whereto this Angel and Church are counseled in the latter end of this verse It brings men into bondage to sin and Satan Heb. 2. 15. The fear of Man brings a snare Prov. 29. 25. It makes men ashamed of Christ and his words in an evil and adulterous generation and puts Men upon seeking to save their lives when they are called to lay them down 2 Tim. 1. 7 8. Mat. â—6 24 26. It weakens Men and makes them faint-hearted to good Jer. 51. 46. Zech. 8. 13. And will lay them open to temptations and snares Gen. 20. 2 11. and ch 26. 11. and even apt Men to deny Christ Mat. 26. 69 74. and will if feared and yielded up to expose Men to the wrath to come the fearful and unbelieving c. shall have their part in the lake of fire burning with brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. 8. Great need we have therefore to receive this admonition and to seek help in the name of the Lord against this fear and this leads us to another Instruction namely 5. There is that contained in the Testimony of our Lord that may strengthen us against this fear of evil and they that hearken to Christ therein and heartily embrace his Gospel shall be strengthened as wisdom saith whoso hearkeneth to me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the fear of evil Prov. 1. 33. such an one shall not be afraid of evil-tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord His heart is established he shall not be afraid c. Ps 112. 6 8. Prov. 3. 21 27. Ps 27. 1 3. and 46. 1 5 6. And here particularly to encourage and strengthen their hearts against the fear of evil he thus describes himself to them in v. 8. These things saith the first and the last the omnipotent he that was and is and is to come that hath all power to help and will help and strengthen those that come unto and follow him he will be their shield and their exceeding great reward as he saith to Abram Gen. 15. 1. and ch 17. 1. Isay 41. 4 10. see notes on ch 1. v. 8. and v. 11. Which was dead he hath died for us he was delivered for our offences as if he should say what-ever you meet with I have endured the same I was dead for you In and by which death he hath satisfied for your sins and in which his love was brightly manifested look unto him Heb. 12. 1 2 3. Rom. 5. 2 3 5 6 10. Gal. 2. 20. And is alive he hath received justification for us Rom. 4. 25. overcome Death and Devil Ps 98. 1. Acts 2. 25. Isay 43. 1. with Gal. 3. 13. and hath all power to forgive sins and to comfort in all tribulations and trials and to cause all to work together for good and to deliver out of trouble fear not see notes on ch 1. v. 18. and ch 2. v. 8. 2. We have nextly to consider and speak unto the account which the first and the last gives of the things they should suffer with the end and time thereof Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days 1. Their sufferings are thus exprest The Devil shall cast some of you into prison Where again let us consider 1. The Person that should afflâ—ct them the principal agent The Devil 2. The affliction it self he should inflict on them shall cast into prison 3. The Persons whom he should cast into prison some of you 1. The Person or principal agent herein The Devil not immediately but in and by his instruments and agents and what they do in fulfilling his lusts he may be said to do and it may bear his name as it is said upon another account concerning Joseph and the Prisoners whatsoever they did there he was the doer Gen. 30. 22. so it is here whatsoever the Devils Servants do by his impulse and insâ—â—gation and in obedience to him he is the principal doer thereof whosoever committeth sin is of the Devil for the Devil sinneth from the beginning when others sin by his temptation and instigation he sinneth therein principally 1 Joh. 3. 8 12. and ch 5. 19. Job was in Satan's hand and he it was that afflicted him and impoverisht him but he did not inflict all upon him immediately but stirred up his instruments to serve his design The Sabeans fell upon the oxen and asses and took them away and slew his Servants c. And the Caldeans made out three bands and fell upon the camels and carried them away and slew his Servants with the edge of the sword c. Joh. 1. 12 15. 19. so Judas is called a Devil because he was led and acted by him Joh. 6. 70. and Christ saith to Peter Get thee behind me Satan c. he gives his name to him because he did his evil work Mat. 16. 20 23. with 1 Joh. 3. 10. and he that hateth his Brother is of the wicked one as Cain was 1 Joh. 3. 12 13. the Devil is he that is said to deceive the whole World though it is their iniquity to be deceived by him and their unbelief is that which lays them open to and fits them for being deceived by him The God of this World blinds the minds of them that believe not Rev. 12 9. and ch 20. 2 3 10. with 2 Cor. 4. 4. and Acts 13. 10. and ch 5. 3. so here The Devil shall cast some of you into prison that is he shall stir up some that are in power under the heathen Roman Emperors to imprison you and what they do as acted by him he is the doer of it and indeed those heathen powers were so ruled by Satan or the Devil that he was said to be in the throne as it were Rev. 12. 3 10. and here this evil one is called the Devil because he prevailed by his false accusations to cause the Heathen powers to persecute and imprison Christ's Servants for â—e is the accuser of the Brethren Rev. 12. 20. and so the word Devil signifies a slanderer or false accuser and so the Word in the plural number is translated slanderers 1 Tim. 3. 11 and false accusers 2 Tim. 3. 3. Tit. 2. 3. 2. The affliction it self he the devil should inflict upon them shall cast
which he hath promised to them that love him compare Jam. 1. 12. with ch 2. 5. that is to say hereby is meant eternal life in the Glorious enjoyment thereof they shall reign in life to all eternity Prov. 4. 7. 8 9. 2. Christ can and will give this Crown of life to him that is faithful unto death he can do it for God hath given us eternal life and this life is in his Son 1 Joh. 5. 11. The Father hath given all things into his hand into his possession and dispose Joh. 3. 35. He asked life of him and he gave it him even length of days for ever and ever Ps 21. 3 4. And he will assuredly do it for he delights to do the will of God And this is the will of him that sent him that every one that seeth the Son and believeth in him should have everlasting life and he will raise him up at the last day Ps 40. 8 with Joh. 6. 40. How might this engage us to faithfulness Rom. 2. 6 7. Jam. 1. 12. 2 Tim. 3. 3 4 5. Verse 11. He that hath an ear let him hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches see the notes before on v. 7. he that overcometh see notes on v. 7. shall not be hurt of the second death We have spoken to all the former part of this v. in v. 7. foredirected to and shall only speak somewhat to this last clause which is affirmed of every one that overcometh low and high rich and poor wise and unwise together he shall not be hurt of the second death In which is intimated and signified to us 1. That he may be hurt or injured of the first death I mean he may have his life taken away injuriously from him And so before that he may have his goods taken away and be spoiled of them and he may be persecuted both by reproachful words and also actually so and be chased from friends and habitations and be deprived of his liberty and cast into and kept in prison and be severely handled and cruelly and despitefully used as we have seen before on v. 9 10. which persecutions the Apostle calls killing and deaths Rom. 8. 35 36. 1 Cor. 15. 30 31. 2 Cor. 4. 10 12. and ch 11. 23. In such respects they may be hurt as it is said Rev. 11. 5. If any Man will hurt or injure them fire proceedeth out of their mouth And if any Man will hurt or injure them he must in this manner be killed Acts 27. 10. Ps 35. 4 26. So the Prophet saith they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things and imagine deceits all the day long Ps 38. 12. Tribulation and affliction are hurtful to the outward Man and very grievous even reproach is so Ps 69. 20. And much rather to be imprisoned and spoiled of the things appertaining to the natural life or to be tortured or injuriously condemned and put to death Thus they may be hurt of the first death while they are in their warfare and even to the consummation or conclusion thereof Obj. 1. If any one should say It appears none can or will hurt them from that question of the Apostle Peter's who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good 1 Pet. 3. 13. Ans I answer That doth not suppose that none will harm them or vex them or evilly entreat them But either 1. Who is he that will do it namely what or who is he as compared to the Lord whose eyes are over them who is he that will imploy himself in such a work v. 12. like that which the Prophet speaks in the person of Christ he is neer that Justifieth me who will contend with me who is mine adversary Behold the Lord God will help me who is he that shall condemn me Isay 50. 7 9. which words imply not that Christ had no adversary or none to contend with or condemn him But that they were inconsiderable and not worthy to be taken notice of in comparison of the Lord GOD who justified and helpt him In such a like sense we may also understand that If God be for us Who can be against us Rom. 8. 31 39. Or 2. Who is he that will harm you What manner of persons are they none but vile persons and such as have cause to be ashamed of their deeds such as are unaccountable or can give no good account for what they do absurd unreasonable Men 1 Pet. 3. 13 16. 2 Thess 3. 3. In both these senses we may take it But not as if they might not harm them in the sense we are speaking of they may evilly entreat and injure them and so much is implied in the next verse But and if ye do suffer for righteousness sake happy are ye And be not afraid of their terrour c. 1 Pet. 3. 13 14. And though God will bring good out of evil and cause all to work together for good to them that love God c. Rom. 8. 28. yet still wickedness proceedeth from the wicked and that is no thank to their enemies that he causeth the wrath of man to praise him nor do they mean so Isay 10. 5 7. nor is this the way to effect it Jam. 1. 19 20 21. So that still it appears that now of the first death they may be injured or hurt in the sence that is before declared and as is intimated in these words 2. But that which is here affirmed is he shall not be hurt of the second death Where let us inquire and consider for our usefulness What is this second death To which we may say more Generally 1. It is called the second death with respect to Men not to the Devil and his Angels for it is that which was at first prepared for them who kept not their first estate but left their own habitation and unto which they are reserved in everlasting chains of darkness to the Judgment of the great day Mat 25. 41. 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. Rev. 20. 10 14. 2. And therefore it appears The second death is not that which was threatned against man in case he eat of the forbidden fruit Indeed God said In the day thou eatest thereof in dying thou shalt dye Gen. 2. 17. But this death Christ hath tasted for every Man Heb. 2. 9. And abolished it 2 Tim. 1. 10. Otherwise we must have perished in it for ever our spirits should have been banished from the favour and presence of God and our bodies turned to and remained in corruption there had been no resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15. 20 22. But this death as is said Christ hath overcome and abolished And thus it is appointed to Men once to dye namely this first death as Christ hath taken the sting out of it Heb. 9. 27. and in due time all shall be raised out of it and no man shall perish in it for ever and in due time also he will destroy it Hos 13.
who ever he be that overcometh shall not be hurt whatever he may suffer in this World whatever shame mockings derisions spoiling of goods loss of liberty impriâ—onments hatred from neerest relations persecutions torments tortures racks gibbets fire and faggots he may here be afflicted withall and have injuriously inflicted on him yet his sins shall be compleatly and everlastingly blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come Acts 3. 19 20. and ch 10. 42 43. And he shall be delivered from the wrath to come They shall be ashamed and also confounded all of them they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded World without end Isay 45. 16 17 25. And this renders them truly blessed persons Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20. 6. he that overcometh shall inherit all things and God will be his God and he shall be his Son And he shall not have his part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstâ—ne which is the second death Rev. 21. 7. with v. 8. they only will be cast into this lake of fire which are not found written in the Book of life Rev. 20. 14 15. how might the consideration hereof engage us to endure hardness as good souldiers of Jesus Christ that we may not be hurt of this second Death And there is no third death that the Scriptures speaketh of Verse 12. And unto the Angel of the Church in Pergamos write see the noâ—â—â— before on v. 1. these things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges See the notes before on ch 1. v. 16. We have spoken to all before that is contained in this verse as may be seen in the places referred to And shall speak very little further hereto Here begins the third message unto the third named Church And her Christ describes himself with the sharp sword with two edges with this sword he will fight against those that are enemies to his Israel be an adversary to their adversaries who obey his voice Exod. 23. 22. Ps 35. 1 4. And with this also he will fight against his Churches or amongst them if they provoke him Exod. 23. 20 21. As it is said they rebeled and vexed his holy spirit therefore he was turned to be their enemy and he fought against them Isay 63. 10. So it is a sharp sword with two edges to fight both ways And as the Lord propounds that saying The Lord thy God is a consuming fire Both to warn his people that they might not sin against him lest he destroyed them Deut. 4. 23 24 26. and to encourage them to keep his way and not to fear their enemies for in so doing he would destroy them Deut. 9. 3. So here he may appear with this two-edged sword And indeed he gives no terrible description of himself to any of the seven Churches but to this and Thyatira both which were polluted with false teachers To shew how abominable and provoking unto him it is to suffer such see the notes after on v. 18. Verse 13. I know thy works and where thou dwellest where Satan's seat or throne is and thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain amongst you where Satan dwelleth Here we have an account given us of those things that were commendable in this Angel and Church In which 1. Christ takes notice of their works I know thy works see the notes before on v. 1. and v. 9. of this chapter 2. The place where they dwelt And where thou dwellest even where Satans seat or throne is here they were placed here they did inhabit and so where Satan dwelleth as in the last clause of this verse But where is Satan's seat or Throne to that we may briefly say 1. More generally he worketh and ruleth in the hearts of all that are in darkness and disobedience to the glorious Gospel The prince of the air is the spirit that worketh ruleingly or effectually in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2. 2 3. he is the ruler of the darkness of this World Eph. 6. 12. And blindeth the minds of them that believe not 2 Cor. 4. 4. the World the whole World lieth in wickedness and under the power of Satan the wicked one 1 Joh. 5. 19. Col. 1. 13. And as Christ by his spirit dwells in the hearts of believers Rom. 8. 9 11. Eph. 3. 16 18. So Satan dwells in the hearts of the Children of unbelief Mat. 12. 43 44. But this is not the meaning of Satan's throne here for this Angel Church did not dwell in the hearts of unbelievers nor were loved and delighted in by them no more than any other Church but hated and persecuted by such as these 2. But there are some places especially some outward places where he may be said to dwell and where his throne is That is to say 1. Amongst open and professed heathen who worship idols and sacrifice to them and so to the Devil as the Apostle saith ye were Gentiles carried away unto these dumb idolls even as ye were led 1 Cor. 12. 2. And the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to Devils and not unto God 1 Cor. 10. 20. So it is said of Israel in former times they were mingled among the heathen and learned their works And they served their Idols which were a snare unto them yea they sacrificed unto Devils Ps 106. 35 37. And so here at Pergamos they were such heathen idolaters and Devil-worshippers And as some say a Temple of Diana was here at this time for so it is said That all Asia of which Pergamos was a part worshipped Diana as the great goddess Acts 19. 27. And it appears also that the governour and those here in power under the Emperour were such Idolaters even such as worshipped the Devil in that Antipas was here slain And amongst these Satan hath his throne here he acted as King and kept his Court as it were here he dwelt and had his habitation and was outwardly obeyed and submitted unnto See Rev. 12. 3 4. and here amongst these openly professed heathen idolaters this Angel and Church did dwell 2. As also here might be a synagogue of Satan which said they were Jews the most sincere and orthodox Christians and were not but did ly see the notes on v. 9. such as gave heed to his doctrines and were antichristian worshippers while yet they professed to believe in Christ and Worship him yet they worshipped Saints departed and angels Col. 2. 18. and idols and images Though they might profess to worship Christ and God in him as the ultimate object of their worship and these but as mediums and inferiour mediators and so they were congregated into a synagogue but not in and by
Christ's name but were indeed the Synagogue of Satan and enemies to Christ and adversaries unto his people Rev. 3. 9. This mystery of iniquity did begin to work in the apostles days as we have before said and as appeareth 2 Thess 2. 7. and this Synagogue might also help forward the affliction of this angel and Church as Zech. 1. 15. and amongst these this Angel and Church might also dwell v. 14 15. Vse 1. Here we may take notice of the wonderful power of Christ and care over his Church and people in preserving them in such places as in which they dwell where the Devil dwells and where his throne is But as he haith said the gates of hell and death shall not prevail against his Church which is built and abides upon the rock Jesus Christ neither the power nor policy thereof Mat. 6. 18. nor angels nor principalities nor powers shall be able to separate them that love God and keep his commandments from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 39. For he is the head of all principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. Eph. 1. 17 22. The bush of his Church though in the midst of the fire is not consumed a wonderful sight Exod. 3. 2 3. Rev. 18. 4. Ps 74. 19. 2 Nay we may also take notice that this Angel and Church had works such as were approved of Christ in this place where Satan had his throne and habitation see the notes on v. 9. a great commendation of them as also afterwards followeth 3 Here we may see how needful it was Christ should thus describe himself to this Angel and Church as he did v. â—2 he that hath the sharp sword with two edges both to warn these to take heed they did not comply with open or covert idolaters and to encourage them to take to them the sword of the spirit which is the word of God for that abiding in them they should be strong and strengthened to overcome the wicked one and his instruments Eph. 6. 10 16. 1 Joh. 2. 13 14. Rev. 12. 11. with this sword they might cause the Devil to flee from them 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. with Jam. 4. 6 7. And to let them know that in their following him he would be an enemy to their enemies and an adversary to their adversaries Josh 5. 13 14. Deut. 1. 30. and ch 3. 22. 2 Chron. 13. 12. 3. We have an account of their upright demeanour in this place And thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith Thou holdest fast my name What is meant by his name 1. By name in Scripture is sometimes meant Person As an hundred and twenty names are so many persons Acts 1. 15. thou hast a few names see notes on Rev. 3. 4 there were â—lâ—in of the names of Men that is of Men Rev. 11. 13. And so understanding it here it is as if he should say thou holdest me fast and wilt not let me go as Cant. 3. 4. 2. By name is some times meant â—ame or report so name and â—ame are used indifferently so Josh 9. 9. Because of the name of the Lord for we have heard the â—ame of him compare Mat. 14. 1. with Mark 6. 14. Ezek. 23. 10. So it is said A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches Prov. 22. 1. Eccles 7. 1. And so amongst us a good or bad name is a good or bad report And so his name is Jesus Mat. 1. 21. the Saviour of the World Joh. 4. 42. and ch 12. 47. 1 Joh. 4. 14. One who by the grace of God tasted death for every Man and is raised again and become a good foundation of faith and hope for sinners Acts 4. 11 12. 1 Cor. 3. 11. the fountain of grace and truth Joh. 1. 14 16. the only bread of life Joh. 6. 35 58. the way the truth and the life Joh. 14. 6. the only mediatour and High-priest 1 Tim. 2. 5. Heb. 7. 24 25. The true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. 3. By name is meant his Gospel and so here we are to understand it most fully properly and directly In which he hath made known himself to us and in and with which he is spiritually present even unto the end of the World So as he that receiveth holdeth fast and abideth therein receiveth holdeth fast and abideth in him 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 9. And in his Gospel is given to us the â—ame and good report of him That he came into the World not to destroy Mens souls or condemn the World but that the World thorow him might be saved Luke 9. 56. Joh. 3. 16 17 18. This Gospel is called his name compare Mat. 19. 29. with Mark 10. 29. So it is said of Paul he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before the Gentiles and Kings and the Children of Israel for I will shew unto him how great things he must suffer for my namesake that is for his Gospel Acts 9. 15 16. with 2 Tim. 1. 10 12. 1 Peter 4. 14. Now this was that which they still held fast thou holdest fast my name though they were in such a bad place and so greatly tried by Satan Joâ— 2. 9. they held it fast 1. In a believing mindfulness of it 1 Cor. 15. 2. And so in the midst of their hearts in faith and love 2 Tim. 1. 13 14 to which we are exhorted Prov. 3. 1. and ch 7. 1 3. 2. And in confession they were not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ but did with their mouths make confession of it like that exhorted to Let us hold fast the profession of the faith without wavering Heb. 10. 23. and ch 4. 14. And hold forth the word of life Phil. 2. 14 16. So here Holding fast is opposed to denying see the notes on v. 25. And hast not denied my faith namely they had not done it in times of Temptation And when one amongst them was slain for it That which they had not denied was My faith Christs faith The faith here doth signify the word oâ— faith and not the act of believing It is not proper to say they had not denied Christ's believing but his word of â—aith as Rom. 10. 8. the words of faith 1 Tim. 4. 6. the faith or Doctrine of the Gospel Phil. 1. 27. that which Paul preached Gal. 1. 23. And a great company of the priests were obedient to Acts 6. 7. and which the Sorcerers sought to turn away the deputy from Acts 13. 7 8 12. that which was once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. And that by Faith here is meant the word of Christ or his Gospel doth appear by comparing this place with ch 3. v. 8. Now the Gospel of Christ is called â—aith especially as it is now revealed 1. To distinguish it from and oppose it to the law as a law of works so oft-times it is Rom. 3. 22 25 27. and 4. 11. and 9. 30. Gal. 3.
necessary conâ—equence deny that Christ is raised again or that say the resurrection is made or past already 1 Cor. 15. 12 34. 2 Tim. 2. 17 19. with 1 Tim. 1. 19. 20. Now these Children are such whom the Son of God threatens and of whom he saith I will kill them with death he here by death he means not nor intends the first death only or directly for it is appointed unto Men unto all both good and bad once to dye to dye that death Heb. 9. 27. what man is he that liveth and shall not see death shall he deliver his Soul from the grave Ps 89. 47 48. But he will kill them with the second death destroy them with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power he will not only kill them with grief here Jam. 2. 6 9. and ch 4. 2. But he will cut them off and destroy them for ever if they continued such manner of persons and did not repent them of and turn from such evil doctrines and deeds Now here we may note in that our Lord Jesus thus threatneth and I will kill her Children with death 1. That Christ hath power to cast both Body and Soul into and destroy them in hell Mat. 10. 28. Luke 12. 5. he will in the last day say to them on his left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels and these shall go away into everlasting punishment Mat. 25. 41 46. and this might therefore ingage us to fear before him Luke 12. 4 5. and to hold fast grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and Godly fear for our God is a consuming fire Heb. 12. 28 29. Exod. 23. 21. 2. In that he saith I will kill her Children so we may note that false and Idolatrous teachers and seducers are not barren But too oft they bring forth and have many too many Children many follow the pernicious ways of these false teachers who privily bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them whereby the way of truth is evil spoken of 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. many saith Christ shall come in my name and shall or will deceive many and many false Prophets shall rise and will deceive many Mat. 24. 4 5 11. 24 25. many by means of false Prophets go in at the wide gate and walk in the broad way that leadeth to destruction Mat. 7. 13 15. and especially in these last times many are corrupted by seducers and deceivers as it is said now the Spirit speaketh expresly that in the latter days some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing Spirits and doctrines of Devils 1 Tim. 4. 1. and by mystery Babilon particularly many are deceived for all nations have drunk of the wiâ—e of her fornication and the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her Rev. 17. 2 5. and ch 18. 3 23. 3. The Children false teachers and seducers bring forth and which continue such shall be destroyed by Christ as it is said They have dealt trecherously against the Lord for they have begotten strange Children now shall a month devour them with their portions Hos 5. 7. with Zech. 11. 8. these Children they bring forth to the murderer Hos 9. 13 16. The Lord will not have mercy upon them for they be the Children of whoredoms Hos 2. 2 5. The heresies of false teachers are Heresies of destruction damnable Heresies and they who receive and follow them bring upon themselves also destruction in conclusion 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. 2. We have declared to us the effect of his threats against and judgments executed upon that Woman Jezabel her Paramours and Children And all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and heart In which we may note for our instruction and usefulness 1. That the Son of God searcheth the reins and hearts 2. That all the Churches shall know he doth so by the judgments which he will execute upon seducers and idolatrous ones so persisting 1. That Christ who is the Son of God searcheth the reins and hearts The reins to wit the affections lusts and desires and hearts that is to say the cogitations understandings judgments c. These two words the reins and hearts comprehend the whole inward Man the whole Soul or Spirit He searcheth the reins and hearts namely he diligently enquireth thereinto he makes a diligent search or secret search Jer. 2. 34. he searcheth them as with candles Zeph. 1. 12. and by searching he seeth the inward thoughts wills and affections so whereas it is â—aid in one place thou seest the reins and the hearts in another it is said thou seest the reins and the heart compare Jer. 11. 20. with 20. 12. or he knoweth the heart and reins Jer. 17. 9. with v. 10. The Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts 1 Chron. 29. 9. he knoweth the secrets of the heart all the secret thoughts lusts turnings and windings thereof all things are naked to him as is imported to us in that description he gives of himself v. 18. who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire see the notes before on ch 1. 14. there is not a thought in our heart not a lust itching desire in our reins but he perfectly searcheth it out and knoweth it altogether Ps 139. 1 4 13. so it is said of Jesus that he perceived the thoughts of Men Luke 5. 22. that he knew their thoughts Luke 6. 8. that he perceived the thoughts of their hearts Luke 9. 47. and ch 11. 17. Mat. 9. 4. he knew all Men and needed not that any should testify of man for he knew what was in man Joh. 2. 24 25. he knoweth the hearts of all men Acts 1. 24. with v. 6. yea also the thoughts of the wise 1 Cor. 3. 19. yea he knoweth all things There is no creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Joh. 21. 17. with Heb. 4. 11 13. Yea Hell and destruction are before the Lord how much more then the hearts of the Children of men Prov. 15. 11. with Job 26. 6. And this may be useful to us 1. To shew unto us that Christ is Jehovah see the notes on ch 1. v. 8. he is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20. see the notes on ch 5. v. 8. For this is Gods peculiar to know and declare unto Man what is his thought Amos 4. 13. with Mat. 9. 4 5. This is peculiar to the most high God to know the hearts of Men as Solâ—mon saith Thou thou only knowest the Hearts of all the Children of Men which Christ the Son of God also doth as is said Compare 1 Kings 8 39. and 2 Chron. 6. 30 with Joh 21. 17. and Acts 1. 24. Now either Christ is Jehovah one in
for he can take away their Talents from them Luke 19. 24 26. It 's his Spirit and he can recall it and then they will become Vessels in whom is no pleasure 2. The consideration of what hath been said may admonish their Brethren who are not in such office not to think too highly of the Angels of the Churches nor to glory in men for all things are theirs whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas c. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. not to think of them above what is written that none of them be puffed up for one against another 1 Cor. 4. 1 2 6. For what have they but what is given to them And who then is Paul and who is Apollo but ministers c. 1 Cor. 3. 4 7. They have not the Spirit upon them but may so provoke Christ as that he may take it away from them 3. It may instruct them and us all whom to look to and unto whom we should lift up our Eyes and Souls when we have brought deadness and witheredness upon our selves even unto him who hath the seven Spirits of God still remaining and resting upon him and who is ready to give it to them that ask yea so to give or dispence it preventingly that we may ask Luke 11. 13. and if he will give none can hinder its being poured forth the Spirit like the wind breatheth where it listeth Joh. 3. 8. and though we are like unto dead bones yet he can put his spirit in us that we may live Ezek. 37. 11 14. 2. We have the account of his knowledge of them I know thy works see notes on ch 2. ver 2. That thou hast a name that thou livest and arâ— dead This was that which he did discern and take notice of in and by their works that they appeared to be something when they were nothing and so deceived themselves and others Gal. 6. 3. Jam. 1. 22. Thou hast a name a fame or good report amongst others So name often signifies in Scripture fame or report as we are come because of the name of the Lord for we have heard the fame of him Josh 9. 9. So An evil name is a bad report Deut. 22 14 19. and a good name is a good report Eccles 7. 1. and thus the word name is frequently used and accepted amongst us Or thou hast A name to wit renown so Men of name are called Men of renown Gen. 6. 4. and base Men are Men of no name or no renown Job 30. 8. 2 Sam. 7. 9 23. and ch 8. 13. So then when he saith thou hast a name it means thou art well reported of by others or thy renown is gone forth for thy beauty and worth as Ezek. 16. 1â— and in this sense thou art taken up into the lips of talkers they noâ— only think well of thee but they praise thee and speak highly and honourably of thee and thou hast got a good report and great renown not only among them that are without but especially amongst Christ's Churches and not only thou hadst but thou hast a name thou still hast it thou hast in former times so behaved thy self that thereby thou gat'st thee renown which is not usually soon gotten and thou still keepest it also Thou hast a name that thou livest not livedst but livest that thou still dost so even at this present when this Epistle is directed to thee he speaks not here of the life of their bodies for without doubt as to them they lived and were not dead for there is no work nor device nor knowledgâ— nor wisdom in the grave Eccles 9. 5 6. 10. Ps 6. 5. and 30. 9. and 88. 5 11. Isay 38. 18 19. But here he speaks concerning the life of their Spirits or Souls in a spiritual consideration Isay 38. 16. and ch 55. 3. of the life of their hearts Ps 22. 26. and so it is as if he should say thou hast gotten and retainest a renown by thy works and arâ— reported of by them that thou livest that thy Soul liveth That is to say Thou hast a name that thou livest In a more general consideration life in Scripture as opposed to death doth summarily comprehend all happiness and blessedness Rom. 6. 23. Joh. 10. 10. life signifies blessing as death doth cursing as it is said I have set before thee life and good and death and evil And again I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore chuse life Life here comprehends good and blessing and so all happiness compare Deut. 30. 15. with v. 19. so here Thou hast a name that thou livest that is to say that thou art an happy and blessed people The Churches look upon thee O Angel to be in a very good condition that thou believest with the heart the word of Faith and makest confession with the mouth unto salvation that thou walkest with a right foot in the Gospel and art an useful and profitable instrument of good to others In short thou hast the report that thy state is very happy blessed and desireable thou hast-renown amongst others And they look on thee O Church as and report thee to bee a very flourishing society and happy thriving Church and congregation and what Church is so much spoken of so oft named and so greatly renowned as this Church of Sardis Oh! this is mentioned and reported to be an excellenâ— Congregation and preferred before many others More particularly Thou hast a name that thou livest that thou abidest in the lively knowledge of the only true God and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent the Saviour of the World For this is life eternal saith our Saviour Joh. 17. 3. with 1 Joh. 4. 14. In this stands and consists the life of the Spirit hence that cry of the Psalmist give me understanding and I shall live Ps 119. 144. And on the other hand they who remain in ignorance of God are said to be alienated from the life of God Eph. 4. 18. And the man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead Prov. 21. 16. But thou hast a name that thou walkest and abidest in the way of understanding and that thou art filled with all knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified and of God in him And so that thou understandest all things Prov. 28. 5. that thou art filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding That thou livest That thou art and abidest in the â—avour of God in whose â—avour is life Ps 30. 5 yea whose loving-kindness is better then life Ps 63. 5. Prov. 8. 34 35. in the light of whose countenance is life and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain Prov. 16. 14 16. thou hast a name that thou art in Christ and not only so but that thou walkest in him as thou hast received him and so art justified owned and approved not as to thy state only but as to
10. In receiving Christ though the body was still dead because of sin yet the Spirit was life for righteousness sake And out of the belly of him that believeth in Christ do flow rivers of living water Rom. 8. 10. Joh. 4. 13 14. and ch 6. 50 51 57. and ch 7. 37 39. 2. How thou hast received and heard that is to say by what means so the word How doth oft signifie as How shall this be seeing I know not a Man Luke 1. 34. So when the Pharisees ask the Parents of the blind Man How doth your Son now see they answer By what means he now seeth we know not Joh. 9. 19 21. So here also it may be taken Remember how or by what means thou hast received and heard and that was by the Gospel of Christ thereby you received Christ Spirit Forgiveness Righteousness Life c. He that receiveth you saith our Saviour to his Disciples when he sent them forth to preach the Gospel receiveth me and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Mat. 10. 40. Luke 10. 16. Joh. 13. 20. I declare unto you the Gospel saith the Apostle which I preached unto you which also you have received and wherein ye stand c. 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. And thorow this Knowledge and Doctrine of Christ God gives and the Believer receives all that pertain to Life and Godliness 2 Pet. 1. 3. Rom. 1. 16 17. Hence the Apostle thus demands of the Galatians received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Having begun in the Spirit are ye now made perfect by the Flesh It was not by the Doctrine or Works of the Law but by the report of Faith by the Faith of the Gospel that they received the Spirit and thereby Christ and all good things by Faith Gal. 3. 1 4 5. Luke 11 13. with Mat. 7. 11. 1 Cor. 1. 18 23 24. 3. How thou hast received and heard Namely in or after what manner so the word How doth also signify As let every Man take heed How he builds thereon namely after what manner 1 Cor. 3. 10. and the seed springs and grows up he knows not how Mark 4. 27. Thou knowest not How the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child namely in what way or after what manner as in the former part of that verse Eccles 11. 5. so here in this place we may also understand it Remember â—ow thou hast received and heard That is to say With what joy and rejoycing how gladding it was to thee at first when thou heardest those glad tidings of great joy to all people reported in the Gospel what great joy it caused to thee as Acts 8. 5 8. how thou receivedst it with joy in the Holy Ghost 1 Thes 1. 6. Oh! it was a joyful sound then to receive with the ear and hear in hearing that Christ took thy nature upon him Luke 2. 10 11. that he had thy sins and the trespasses of the World imputed to him and that by the grace of God he tasted death for every Man and was raised again for their justification how gladsom were these tidings to thee when they were reported to and received by thee Acts 13. 32 33. Rom. 10. 14 15. And that he had broken the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron in sunder Ps 107. 15 17. that he had purged away the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God and so made peace by the blood of his cross overcome and abolished the first death and destroyed him that had the power of it and so delivered us from that so great a death as in which otherwise we must have perished for ever and obtained power to give repentance from and the forgiveness of our own personal sins received Spirit wrought and brought in everlasting righteousness obtained eternal life and is in all the Saviour of the World of Man-kind And herein and herewith to hear and understand what a lover of the World of Man-kind God is what kindness and love he hath thereto and that he is not willing that any Man should perish Joh. 3. 16 17. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. Oh! was not this goodnews from a far countrey like cold waters to thy thirsty Soul Prov. 25. 25. Did not this received fill thee with joy and peace in believing Rom. 15. 13. yea in believing didst thou not rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of Glory 1 Pet. 1. 3 8. did he not make thee glad thorow the work of his hand and help thee to triumph in the works of his hands Ps 92. 1 4. was not this good news to thee as life from the dead when thou wast in woful misery when the sorrows of death compassed thee and the pains of Hell gat hold on thee and thou found'st trouble sorrow when thy Soul â—ainted within thee and horrour and trembling came on thee did not this revive thy Spirit to hear that our Jesus liveth who was dead who died for all that were dead and that he is alive for evermore and hath the keys of hell and death Gen. 27. 28. Rev. 1. 17 18. Remember these days of old call to remembrance these former days and how after what a joyful manner thou hast received and heard Again Remember How in or after what manner thou hast received â—nd heard with what high esteem and prizings these things were received by thee in the days of thine illumination Christ was then precious to thee in believing that testified of him 1 Pet. 2. 7. more glorious and excellent then the mountains of prey Ps 76. 4. the chiefest of ten thousands Cant. 5. 10. he was more to thee then all other beloveds altogether lovely more precious than fine gold more dear than nearest and dearest relations riches righteousness of thine own or any other thing accounted gainful and valuable Then what things were formerly gain to thee those thou countedst loss for Christ yea thou countedst all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus thy Lord that thou mightest win him and be found in him Phil. 3. 4 9 10. then thou couldest take joyfully the spoiling of thy goods for his sake Heb. 10. 32 34. yea if possibly thou couldest have pluckt out thine own eyes and have given them to them who have brought these glad tidings to thee such blessedness thou didst meet with and speak of Gal. 4. 13 15. when thou didst first find this treasure hid in a field thou didst hide it and for joy thereof thou wentest and soldst all that thou hadst and bought'st that field like the wise Merchant Man when thou hadst found this pearl of great price thou wentest and soldest all that thou hadst and boughtest it Mat. 13. 44 46. then thou didst prefer Christ before thy chiefest joy who then but Christ with thee he was all thy wisdome righteousness sanctification redemption foundation glory goodness whom hast
of the Angels but as they were sinning Angels as they kept not their first estate but left their own their proper habitation or house They had an house prepared for them in Heaven at first and given to them and that was their proper house as they were created of God at fiâ—st in the truth but because they kept not their principality nor abode in the truth in which they were created but left their proper house and sinned against God they were cast down to Hell Everlasting fire was prepared for the Devil as a Devil as one that abode not in the truth and his Angels and not for Gods Angels 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. 1 Tim. 3. 6. Matth. 25. 41. with John 8. 44. And that mankind fell under his wrath and the sentence of death it was because of sin By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 5. 12. and chap. 6. 23. And when they had thus sinned and God might righteously have cast them off and destroyed them for ever yet then God manifested he had no pleasure in the everlasting destruction of any of mankind in that he devised such a blessed device that his banished should not be expelled from him He so loved the world of mankind that he gave his Son by his grace to taste death for every man John 3. 16 17. Hebr. 2. 9. and raised him from the dead for their justification Rom. 4. 25. with chap. 3. 23 24. And Christ hath purged away the guilt of that first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God 2. Cor. 5. 19 21. with Hebr. 1. 3. abolished that first death which otherwise would have been everlasting 2 Tim. 1. 10. with Rom. 6. 23. and will in due season destroy it 1 Cor. 15. 26. and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil Hebr. 2. 9-14 So as no man shall perish for ever in that first death but all shall be raised out of it by the man Jesus Christ who is become the resurrection and the life 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. And when raised no man shall be cast into the second death for that first sin and sinfulness simply but for loving darkness rather than light after light was vouchsafed to them The soul that sinneth it shall dye Jer. 31. 29 30. Ezek. 18. 1 2 4. And now he hath declared that he doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men no not with such afflictions as are but for a moment Lament 3. 32 33. It is his work his strange work his act his strange act Isa 28. 21. Hebr. 12. 10. Much less doth he delight in the eternal ruine and misery of any of them no not of the vilest of them while it is called to day This was not his will or pleasure concerning them or any of them in creating them nor is it in preserving them while they are joyned to all the living Eccles 9. 4. So much himself plainly intimates to us in his own word saying Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should dye saith the Lord God And not that he should return from his ways and live Whereto himself gives answer saying I have no pleasure none at all in the death of him that dyeth saith the Lord God Ezek. 18. 23. with vers 31 32. And lest we should thorow unbelief question the truth of his word to put an end to all strife and gainsaying he hath confirmed the same with his Oath charging his Prophet thus to speak say unto them As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wiâ—ked turn from his way and live Ezek. 33. 11. with Hebr. 6. 16 17 18. He is not willing that any should perish 2 Pet. 3. 9. Ezek. 18. 30 31 32. But 2. His will and pleasure in creating them was 1. That they might know and have fellowship with and serve him who is their Creator and therefore he made them in a good and honourable condition God said Let us make man in our Image after our likeness and let them have dominion c. So God created man in his own Image in the Image of God created he him c. to wit in knowledg righteousness and true holiness Col. 3. 10. Ephes 4. 24. Gen. 1. 26 27. Psal 49. 12-20 God made man upright Eccles 7. 29. And as he made them in that good upright and holy condition so it was his pleasure they should have continued therein For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness his countenance doth behold the upright Psal 11. 7. I know O my God saith the Prophet that thou hast pleasure in uprightness 1 Chron. 29. 17. with Psal 5. 4. and Eccles 5. 4. And of such Angels as abode in that holy and honourable state he made them in it is said They do his pleasure Psal 103. 20 21. And it also appears that it was his will and pleasure that mankind should have continued in that good and upright condition he made them in In that he gave them such an easie and gracious law to testifie their love obedience and subjection to their Creator in only forbidding them to eat of one tree whereas many were allowed them And in that he so threatned them that in the day they eat thereof in dying they should dye Gen. 2. 16 17. In which he plainly signified that it was his pleasure that they should not eat thereof and he was greatly displeased with them when they had transgressed his Commandment And therefore it was not his will they should have eaten thereof Psal 101. 3. 2. And for his pleasure they are and are preserved and continued and that to a gracious end while they are joyned to all the living when mankind had sinned he â—ound out a ransom and provided a remedy for them He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son John 3. 16 17. And Christ came from Heaven to do the will of him that sent him the pleasure of his Father John 6. 38. Hebr. 10. 5 8 9. Isa 53. 10. And his will was that Christ should dye for all men and rise again and deliver them from perishing for ever in that first death 2 Cor. 1. 10. And that he should obtain eternal life into himself for them 1 John 5. 10 11. and be a Testimony to them in due time that thorow him they might be saved John 3. 17. and chap. 12. 47. In all which we may see that his will concerning mankind is that they should be saved and come to the knowledg of the truth 1 Timothy 2. 4 5 6 7. that he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance to which end his grace bringeth salvation to all men 2 Pet. 3. 9. Tit. 2. 11. Ezek. 18. 23 30 32. and chap. 33. 11. This is his will that they should be sanctified and
this high honour at the hands of God thy Father as is intimated ver 12. It is the reward of his sufferings as the Prophet prophetically â—aith His reward is with him and recompence for his work before him Isa 40. 10. And as himself saith My judgment is with the Lord and my reward with my God Isa 49. 4 5. see the notes before on ver 2. He hath prevailed with God his Father to undertake and accomplish this great work here spoken of see the notes before on ver 5. He was faithful to him that appointed him in that hard and difficult work and therefore he was worthy as he saith to his Father I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do and now O Father glorifie me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee c. John 17. 4 5. And thou art worthy And dost infinitely deserve it at our hands that we should thus have thy â—igh praises in our hearts and mouths that we should sing unto thee a new Song and thy praise in the congregation of Saints for thy wonderful love to us thou hast laid infinite engagements and obligations upon us so to do for we are not our own but thou hast bought us with a precious Christ and and redeemed us unto God by thy blood therefore we ought to glorifie thee both in our body and spirit which are thine 1 Cor. 6. 19 20. And in so doing we give thee but according to the deserving of thine hands as Judg. 9. 16. according to thine excellent work yea Who can shew forth all his praises Psal 106. 1-3 And thou art worthy to wit able for this great work and business and none but thou Thou hast wisdom and skill to do it Col. 2. 3. thou hast seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God and thou hast all power and authority for thou hast seven Horns ver 6. Matth. 28. 18. Phil. 2. 6-9 see notes before on ver 3. of this Chapter But what is he worthy to do To take the Book to receive authority and power to take the Book into thine hand in order to the opening it and making known Gods mind and will therein see the notes before on ver 7. And to open the seals thereof to unfold its mysteries and reveal its depths and to read it to John or any others of his Saints and cause them to understand the reading Nehem. 8. 7 8. Dan. 2. 18 23. see notes before on chap. 1. ver 3. which no creature in Heaven or Earth c. was able or worthy to do see notes on ver 3. and ver 4. We have nextly to consider the Reason or Reasons of his worthiness to do these things and to have this glory and honour ascribed and rendred to him by these Saints and holy Ones which follow in order to be considered and spoken unto by us 1. For thou wast slain â—hou even he before whom they prostrate themselves and who is the object of their divine and religious worship and adoration he was slain he who was and is the true God over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9. 5. Phil. 2. 6 8. Act. 20. 28. 1 John 3. 16. as we have ofâ— said in these notes He was put to death in the flesh and crucified thorow weakness 1 Pet. 3. 18. 2 Cor. 13. 4. He is Emmanuel God with us God-man and he that person who is the true God and eternal life 1 John 5. 20. was manifest in the flesh 1 John 1. 2. with with 1 Tim. 3. 16. and laid down his life for us according to the flesh or humane nature Wast slâ—in not only did he endure and suffer great things here before his hour came and was greatly abased though indeed all his life-time here he was poor and mean He was despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and in all points tempted like unto us yet without sin Luke 9. 58. Isa 53. 3 4 5. Heb. 2 17 18. and chap 4 14. But he was also put to death he was slain and slaughtered for us Matth. 21. 38 39. Luke 9. 22. Act. 2. 23. and 7. 52. and chap. 10. 39. and 13. 28. and he was slain both as a sacrifice for our sins Acts 7. 42. Rom. 4. 25. and as a Martyr for the Gospel preached by him see the notes before on chap. 1. ver 18. One drop of Christs Blood was not sufficient to purge away our sins and make peace for then the greatest part of what he endured was in vain and he suffered and under went needless pain and torments but Christ must needs have suffered and been put to death for us Act. 17. 2 3. And thou wast slain not only in the purpose and fore-ordainment of God as 1 Pet. 1. 20. Rev. 13. 8. but actually so Christ suffered for sinâ— the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh 1 Pet. 1. 19 20. and chap. 3. 18. Heb. 9. 26. though he was a Lamb a Lamb without blemish and without spot a meek innocent harmless one one that knew no sin nor ever did any yet he was brought as a Lamb to the slaughter and actually slain and killed for us 1 Pet. 1. 19. and chap. 2. 20 23. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Isa 53. 5 7. Acts 8. 32. Thou wa st slain not art slain no he liveth who was dead and behold â—e is alive for evermore he was dead and is alive Rev. 1. 18. and chap. 2. 8. He is raised from the dead and shall dye no more death hath no more dominion over him for in that he died he died unto sin once but in that he liveth he liveth unto God Rom. 6. 9 10. Act. 13. 32 34. see notes before on ver 6. of this Chapter Now for this Reason and upon this account Thou art worthy to take the Book c. because thou wast slain Worthy to receive all power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing from God the Father Rev. 5. 12. therefore doth his Father love him and hath so loved him as to give all things into his hand because he laid down his life that he might take it again Joh. 10. 17. with Chap. 3. 35. and 13. 3. Because he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross therefore also God hath highly exalted him and given him a name above every name c. Phil. 2. 8-10 Joh. 17. 4 5. Luk. 24. 25 26 27. Isa 53. 11 12. Heb. 2. 9 10. And on this account also he is worthy to be praised and glorified by all the Saints and holy ones and that at all times they should render praise honour and glory unto him because he was slain Rev. 5. 13 14. and Chap. 7. 10. He gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world To him be glory for ever and ever Amen Gaâ— 1. 4 5. He
Christ Jesus was a faithful and true Martyr in suffering for the Gospel even unto Death And this way also should his Servants after his Example bear witness of the Word of God in not loving their lives unto the Death as our Saviour saith to his Disciples He that hateth his life in this World shall keep it unto life eternal If any man serve me let him follow me let him deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow me Or else he cannot be his Disciple nor faithfully and fully bear witness of his Testimony Joh. 12. 24 26. with Luk. 9. 23 24. and Ch. 14. 26 27 33. Verse 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand In this Verse we have to consider and mind 1. A Blessedness pronounced upon and assured unto some persons 2. The Reason of their blessedness especially 1. A blessedness pronounced upon and assured unto some persons Where consider 1. The Subjects of this blessedness 2. The blessedness of such person and persons 1. The Subjects of this blessedness He that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie c. Where again let us mind 1. The Object here intimately commended to us 2. The act or acts about this Object which render the persons so exercised blessed 1. The Object here intimately commended to us the words of this Prophesie Where we may note that this Book in general is a Book of Prophesie So oft-times it is signified to be as Ch. 22. 7. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the Prophesie of this Book and seal not the sayings of the Prophesie of this Book v. 10. And again I testifie unto every man that heareth the words of the Prophesie of this Book if any man shall add c. And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophesie God shall take away c. Ver. 18. 19. And the Angel saith to John Thou must prophesie again To signifie he had done so before Ch. 10. 11. And though Prophesie doth sometimes in Scripture signifie in general a preaching the Gospel and interpreting the word of God plainly and so speaking to men to edification and exhortation and comfort and so is distinguished from speaking with Tongues as 1 Cor. 14. 1 3. c. and so doth mean in some other places yet here it is to be taken in a more strict and proper acceptation to wit for prediction or fore-telling as plainly appears in that this is signified to be a Book which doth fore-declare things which are future and to come to pass See Ver. 1. To shew things which must come to pass So Ch. 4. 1. I will shew thee things which must be hereafter See also Ch. 1. 19. and Ch. 22. 6. And therefore it is a great and hurtful mistake to apply a great part of the Prophesie of this Book to that which was over and past before this Revelation was sent and signified to John to wit the Destruction of Jerusalem See the notes after on Ch. 2. Ver. 13. By which mistake all the Prophesies contained herein are misplaced and disordered And it is somewhat strange that he that could so much insist upon and lay such stress on the Word Shortly because it seemed to serve his design should take so little notice of this that this Book is a Book of Prophesie or Labour to invalidate and render forceless this so weighty and material a consideration And seeing it is a Book of Prophesie it appears to be the more hard to be understood And therefore as we should pray to God open our understandings to behold these mysterious things of his Law so should we also apply our hearts to the Testimony of Jesus namely to the Testimony of Jesus of which John bare witness before he received this Book For the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie Rev. 19. 10. with Ch. 1. 2. this is the Object here intimately commended to us The words of this Prophesie 2. We have next to consider the act or acts about this Object which render the Person and Persons so exercised Blessed viz. He that readeth and they that hear and keep those things which are written therein He that readeth may be either taken in a more general acceptation so as to be extended to any man that knows letters and can read it So the Scriptures might be read by any such in former times Mat. 12. 3 5. and Ch. 21. 16 42. and 22. 31. Act. 8. 28. So Reading is distinguished from Exhortation and Doctrine And this is a good and profitable exercise to be found and continued in and the way in which blessedness is to be met with in giving attendance thereto and therefore the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy though a Bishop hereto that his profiting might appear to all 1 Tim. 4. 13 14 15. Or by He that readeth He may mean and intend such an one as readeth to others and opens the sense thereof to others and so as the Ministers did read the Law and Prophets in former times to the people Act. 13. 15 27. And as is said of their reading Moses Moses of old time hath in every City them that preach him being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath-day Act. 15. 21. Thus also it is said of Ezra the Priest and the Levites with him they caused the People to understand the Law so they read in the Book in the law of God distinctly and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading Neh. 8. Ver. 2. 3. with Ver. 7 8. So King Belshazzar cried Whosoever shall read this writing and shew me the Interpretation thereof And when his wise-men could not thus read the writing Daniel was called for and the King said unto him I have even heard of thee that Light and Vnderstanding and Excellent Wisdom is found in thee And that thou canst interpret and dissolve doubts c. Then Daniel answered I will read the writing unto the King and make known to him the Interpretation Dan. 5. 7 8 11 14 16 17. See also Isay 29. 11. Luk. 4. 16 21. In this sense especially we are to understand this Phrase here He that readeth to wit with Understanding so as to open the sense make Interpretation and dissolve doubts as will appear if we diligently consider both that it goeth before hearing in this place and as the Apostle saith How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard And how shall they hear without a Preacher And how shall they preach except they be sent Rom. 10. 14 15 17. As also he here speaketh of the Reader as of one but of the hearers as of more He that readeth and they that hear And they that hear Namely hear attentively or hear in hearing with that Ear that is given to them preventingly by God as is said to every one of the Churches see
notes on Ch. 2. Ver. 7. and Ch. 13. 9. and Ch. 22. 16 18. And they that hear Namely with Understanding as is said He read before those that could hear with understanding Or that understood in hearing and their Ears were attentive Neh. 8. 2. 3 8. So many times in Scripture hearing doth signifie understanding as is said of the builders of Babel that they may not hear to wit understand one anothers speech Gen. 11. 7. So A Nation whose tongue thou shalt not hear that is understand Deut. 18. 49. Isay 36. 11. So the Apostle saith no man heareth namely understandeth him 1 Cor. 14. 2. Mat. 13. 18. This is also included and contained in this Exercise of hearing And they that hear to wit receive and entertain This also appears to be included in hearing in this place because he presently adds and keep implying that they have received which act must be contained in hearing And so in other places hearing doth take in and signifie receiving or believing as where it is said Hear and your Souls shall live Isay 55. 3. And they that hear shall live Joh. 5. 25. which is the same with what Christ saith He that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Joh. 11. 25. And keep those things which are written therein Namely Lay them up as a choice and excellent thing as the Holy Ghost saith My Son keep my Words and lay up my Commandments with thee keep my Commandments and live c. Prov. 7. 1 2. Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart Deut. 11. 18. And keep namely keep them safely and hide them in the midst of their hearts that none may take them away from them As the Holy Ghost saith take fast hold of Instruction let her not go keep her for she is thy life Prov. 4. 13. It is the work of Satan and his Instruments to steal away Gods Words from us if possibly they can It greatly behoves and concerns us then to keep them in our hearts as Luk. 2. 51. And so to keep those things written in this Book as not to add to or take from them our selves nor suffer any others so to do as is said Ch. 22. 7. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the Prophesie of this Book For as is also in the close of that Chapter I testifie unto every man that heareth the words of the Prophesie of this Book If any man shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written in this Book And if any man shall take away God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City c. Ver. 18 19. And keep c. Namely observe them and keep them to do them so whereas in one place it is said by Christ My Mother and my Brethren are these that hear the word of God and do it In another he saith Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it Compare Luk. 8. 21 with Ch. 11. 28. So Moses in one place saith keep therefore and do for this is your wisdom c. In another keep to do c. Deut. 4. 6. and ch 5. 1. So keep often signifies observe and do see Deut. 6. 17 18. and ch 7. 9 11. they are not blessed that hear understand and believe simply but also together therewith that keep lay up hold fast observe and do those things written in this Book so as to abstain from and deny the evils reproved perform the things required wait for the things promised and dread the evils threatned so as daily and continually to depart from iniquity c. These are the Subjects of the Blessedness here pronounced and assured who are found in this exercise or in these acts about this Object Only mind that he that readeth must also hear and keep or else he is not blessed Otherwise it would be said to him thou that teachest another teachest thou not thy self c. And what hast thou to do to declare my statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth Seeing thou hatest Instruction and castest my words behind thee Rom. 2. 17 26. Mat. 7. 22 23. And in thus doing if he that readeth be of them also that hear and keep as such an one is first named here so he shall be preferred in the blessing They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever Dan. 12. 3. 2. We have nextly to consider the blessedness of such person and persons so exercised Blessed is he and they c. Blessed They shall increase in knowledge and have their understandings still and further opened To him that hath shall be given and he shall have more abundantly For Blessed are their Eyes which see and their Ears which hear Mat. 13. 11 16 18. and ch 25. 28 29. The Eyes of them that see shall not be dim and the Ears of them that hear shall hearken Isa 32. 3. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the LORD Hos 6. 3 Blessed He will keep them who keep his Word from the evil of all Temptations and Tryals that shall come upon the World Rev. 3. 8 10. and from the evil of all Judgments that shall be in the Earth and which shall be executed upon the Inhabiters of the Earth Rev. 7. 2 3. and ch 22. 18. For Blessed are such He will keep them from every path of the destroyer Ps 17. 4. Blessed are the undefiled in the way who walk in the Law of the LORD Blessed are they that keep his Testimonies they also do no iniquity they walk in his ways Ps 119. 1 3. They shall not partake with others in their sins and so shall not partake with them in their Plagues Rev. 18. 4 5. Blessed They shall have their part in and continued in the Book of life and in the Holy City and in all the good and desirable things written in this Book Rev. 22. 7. with ver 19. And so when they dye in the Lord they shall be blessed from thenceforth For they shall rest from their Labours and their works shall follow them Rev. 14. 13. And in the first Resurrection they shall be Blessed and Holy They shall be raised out of the first death and on them the second shall have no power Rev. 20. 4 6. They shall be blessed for they shall be called to the Marriage-supper of the Lamb Rev. 19. 7 9. And shall be Priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years yea they shall reign for ever and ever Hence when the Holy Ghost had been describing the Glory of the New Jerusalem and shewing the pure River of the Water of Life and Tree of Life and assuring there should be no more Curse there but the Throne of God and of the Lamb and his Servants shall serve him And they shall see
5. 14 16. 1 Joh. 5. 11. And the Grace of God to all men especially to them that believe In giving Christ to be a Testimony to men in their proper seasons the light of the World and the Mediator between God and Men and the Apostle and High-priest of the Believers Profession 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Eph. 3. 4 5. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. Heb. 3. 1. and ch 4. 14 16. And his Grace to be brought at the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1 Per. 1. 13. and ch 3. 7. And the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who being rich for our sakes became poor that we thorow his poverty might be enriched 2 Cor. 8. 9. who in his grace gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil World Gal. 3. 4. Whose hands have laid the Foundation and whose hands shall finish And he shall bring forth the Head-stone with shoutings grace grace to it Zech. 4 7 9. Act. 15. 11. And Peace Even The Peace of God which passeth all Vnderstanding Phil. 4. 7. which Christ hath made for us by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. And which he is become who is our Peace Eph. 2. 13 14 15. and which is in him Joh. 16. 33. and he hath to proclaim and preach to men even to such also as are far off and to make them partakers of by Faith who believe He being the Prince of Peace the King of Salem that is King of Peace And that everlasting Peace he will extend like a River Eph. 2. 13 17. Mica 4. 5. Heb. 7. 1 2. Isay 9. 6 7. and ch 54. 10. and ch 66. 12. Psal 37. 11. This Grace and Peace he votes for and desires to be unto them In the further knowledge and firmer and stronger belief of it that they might grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. 2 Thess 3. 10. In the further participation hereof and in further tastes of the sweetness Satisfaction and delightfulness thereof having access thereinto Rom. 5. 2. and being filled therewith Rom. 15. 13. tasting the graciousness of the Lord that as new born Babes they might more desire the sincere milk of the Word Ps 34. 8. Prov. 24. 13 14. 1 Pet. 2. 2 4. Phil. 4. 4 7. In the further efficacy thereof so as to receive this grace to purpose so as to be made partakers thereby of the end of the Faith even the Salvation of the Soul 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. For the grace of God which bringeth Salvation to all Men hath appeared Teaching us that denying Vngodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present evil World c. Tit. 2. 11 14. And that the Peace of God may rule in our hearts and we may follow Peace with all Men and Holiness And especially that his Churches might be at Peace among themselves Act. 11. 23. Rom. 12. 18. Heb. 12. 14. 1 Thess 5. 13. Now in that he votes and-desires this for all the Churches so he signifies to us 1. That this Grace and Peace was sufficient for them all for them that were taught in the Word and for them that did teach them for the Angels of the Churches and for the Churches and for them in their various States and Conditions 2 Cor. 12. 9. To recover Ephesus which had left and abated in its first love Gal. 1. 3 4. To enable Smyrna to be faithful unto the Death that they might receive the Crown of Life 2 Tim. 2. 1. Phil. 4. 7. To help Pergamus and Thyatira against those evil and corrupt teachers that were amongst them that they might not be carried about with divers and strange teachers but might turn away from them and reject them Gal. 1. 3. 6 9. Heb. 13. 9. To revive the work in Sardis who had a name that they lived and were dead Rev. 3. 1 3. 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. To incourage and strengthen Philadelphia to hold that fast which they had that none might take their Crown 2 Tim. 2. 1 8. To make fervent and zealous Laodicea who were become luke-warm 1 Pet. 1. 22 23. 1 Joh. 3. 16 18. and ch 4. 14 17 19. And it is good for every one that hath an Ear to hear what is voted and desired for all the Churches 2. He votes one thing for them all that they might rejoyce and have fellowship together and none have some secret thing with themselves to rejoyce in or be comforted withal Job 15. 11. But that the joy of one might be the joy of them all 2 Cor. 2 3. In this Grace and Peace the Brother of low degree might rejoyce in that he is exalted and the rich that he is made low Jam. 1. 9 10. Phil. 3. 1 2. and ch 4. 4. 3. He desires the same thing for them all though some of them were greatly faulty reproved and threatned yet while Christ hath not cast them off but owns them as his Churches good is to be desired for them and love testified unto them and their good is to be endeavoured and pursued Gal. 1. 3 4. See the notes on v. 9. and on v. 12. So for the Churches generally this is voted and desired by the residue of the Apostles for such also as were much faulty 4. This Grace and Peace might be to them whose favour soever they wanted or what troubles trials tribulations or restraints soever they met withal or in what condition or place soever they were in None could let or hinder them of the knowledge and enjoyment hereof unless they themselves provoked God to with hold these good things from them by their iniquities no Banishments Imprisonments thick-walls or strong-barres could shut this out Consider this 2 Cor. 12. 9 11. Joh. 14. 27. and ch 16. 33. 5. This Grace and Peace is the principal and most excellent thing and therefore worthy to be desired sought after embraced and entertained by us He prayeth not for mens favour or peace in this World for them or for Riches Honours Pleasures here but for Grace and Peace to be to them all This is his vote and desire for the Churches and it is instructive and imitableforus 2. From whom doth he desire these things for them It followeth From him which is and which was and which is to come which is the Interpretation of Jehovah And hereby is signified to us the Father as it there appeareth in that this person is distinguished from the Holy Spirit and from the Word see also ch 4. 8 and ch 16. 5. From him which is Namely hath his being of himself and gives a being to all other things Act. 17. 25 28. 1 Cor. 8. 6. His Name is I AM As he saith unto Moses when he said unto God when the Children of Israel shall say to me what is his name what shall I say unto them And God said unto Moses I AM that I AM And he said Thus shalt thou say unto the Children of
9 12. 2. We have next to consider what the Son of Man did and said to John to strengthen him And he laid his right hand upon me saying unto me fear not I am the first and the last He laid his right hand upon me And strong is his hand and high is his right hand Ps 89. 13. This he laid upon him to recover him Mark 16. 18. Luke 13. 13. Acts 28. 8. or to strengthen him and raise him up as Daniel saith when he was in such a like condition Behold an hand touched me which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of mine hands And then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a Man and he strengthened me Dan. 10. 7 10 18. And so the hand of the Lord was strong upon him as Ezek. 3. 14. Saying unto me fear not as also was said to Daniel He said unto me fear not Daniel and again it was said unto him O Man greatly beloved fear not Peace be unto thee be strong yea be strong Dan. 10. 7 11 19. Now here we may note for our usefulness 1. As compared with the former part of the Verse I fell down as dead and here He said unto me fear not That fear was the cause of his fainting and falling down and so fear however occasioned will when it is great cause Men to faint and become like dead men and cause their hearts to fail within them Mat. 14. 26. and â—h 28. 4. Luke 21. 26. Ps 119. 120. Heb. 2. 15. 1 Joh. 4. 18. 2. The most eminent Believers while here are subject to infirmities and passions and particularly to fear Elias was a Man subject to like passions as we are Jam. 5. 17. Paul and Barnaâ—as were Men of like passions with others and were not ashamed to confess so much Acts 14. 14 15. as here John was not to declare what effect the Vision had upon him Then it appears they are not while in mortal bodies perfect as to attainment for then they shall have rest from their fear and shall fear no more Isay 14. 1 3. Jer. 23. 4 6. And it might engage the Believers to pity one another and be meek and gentle one to another considering themselves that they also are subject to like infirmities and passions as their Brethren Gal. 6. 1 2. And it shews the â—olly and the vain-gloryings of many as if they were above the reach of fear when as the holiest of Men have been liable thereto as David confesseth of himself saying My Flesh trembleth for fear of thee and I am afraid of thy Judgments Ps 110. 120. See notes on Rev. 2. v. 10. 3. Our Lord here strengtheneth him saying fear not as signifying he intended no hurt to him at all as an Angel said to Paul fear not Paul Acts 27. 24. And as the Angel said to the Women Fear not ye Mat. 28. 4 5. So he said unto John and as before he said to Daniel fear not peace be unto thee Dan. 10. 12 19. So he spake unto him as one that could and did strengthen him with his word Dan. 10. 19. And indeed this was the fear he dehorted him from and admonished him of namely such a fear as is opposite to inconsistent with or a lett and hindrance unto faith in him Luke 8. 50. Isay 12. 2. Mat. 8. 26. It is good to fear the Lord and to serve him with fear Ps 2. 11. The Grace of God doth teach and strengthen us to serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear Heb. 12. 28 29. Jer. 5. 22. To stand in awe of him and not sin against him Ps 4. 4. And happy is the Man that thus feareth always but he that hardeneth his heart from this fear shall fall into mischief Prov. 14. 16. and ch 28. 14. yea there may be an useful and profitable fear of God's Judgments so as to turn from our iniquities and to turn unto and seek the Lord Ps 119. 120. and 76. 7. So Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord 2 Cor. 20. 3. And it is good for us to be fearful concerning our selves and to be jealous of and watchful over our selves as the Apostle saith be not high-minded but fear Rom. 11. 20. 1 Pet. 1. 17. But that he here admonisheth of is a distrustful fear or of such a fear as might lead him to be afraid that Christ in this glorious and dreadful appearance threatned hurt or harm unto him And to such a fear his faithful Servants are liable thorow their Infirmity especially in such-like cases as in which they behold the Holiness and Majesty of the Lord and therewith consider their own wretchedness vileness and sinfulness and in how many things they have offended Isay 6. 5. and ch 24. 16. Yea they may be at some times annoyed with such fear when the fool rageth and is confident But our Lord who takes pleasure in the prosperity of his Servants saith unto him fear not Dan. 10. 19. Isay 44. 2 6. Zech. 8. 13 15. and to strengthen him there-against he saith I am the first and the last The consideration whereof is proper and powerful to deliver his Servants from this fear here admonished of Isay 41. 4. and ch 44. 6 8. and ch 48. 12. see for the explication hereof the notes before on v. 8. and on v. 11. Verse 18. I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen and have the Keys of Hell and death Here he continues to shew unto John who was that glorious one which he saw in this vision and further opens and makes known that unto him before he opens the mystery of the seven stars and candlesticks and discovers himself to be the samestill as when he laid down his life the same in gracious affection and remaines the same Heb. 13. 8. Jam. 1. 17. and this he also declareth unto John to encourage and strengthen him against his great fear occasioned by the glory and majesty of Christ and â—he terribleness of his appearance To this end he not only saith I am the first and the last but also I am he that liveth and was dead c. he is not simply the great God but together herewith also our Saviour Tit. 2. 13. Now from hence we may note in general for our instruction and usefulness 1. That when Christ appeareth glorious and terrible and fear is thereby occasioned to us the things reported to us in the Gospel to wit his sufferings and the Glory which there-thorow he hath received are powerful to strengthen us to lift up the hands that Hang down and confirm the â—eeble knees and comfort the fearful hearts Heb. 12. 1 2 12. Isay 35. 4. Thus the Lord to strengthen Jacob against his fears in former times saith Fear not for I have redeemed thee Isay 43. 1. thus the Angel of the Lord the messenger from Heaven who received his message from the Lord saith to the sheepherds Fear not
and that he should redeem the souls of the poor even of his poor from deceit and violence and that their blood should be precious in his sight he adds And he shall live c. Ps 72. 8. 15 and this proper to comfort to look unto Jesus and not so to pore upon our deadness as to be discouraged but to consider he liveth there is life in him however it be with us he is the living-stone 1 Pet. 2. 3 5. the living quickening bread Joh. 6. 35 51. the water of life and fountain of living waters Jer. 2. 13. and ch 17. 13. Rev. 21. 6. and ch 22. 17. with Joh. 7. 37. the tree of life Prov. 3. 18. the light of life Joh. 8. 12. Oh! how may we rejoyce in him always and be encouraged when we are dead to come unto him for he is the Life Joh. 14. 6. the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20. He is the Resurrection and the life He that believeth in him though he were dead yet shall he live And whosoever liveth and believeth in him shall not dye for ever Joh. 11. 25 26. 2. And was dead This he also sets before him to revive and quickâ—n him 1. He was dead he was put to death and died for us according to the Scriptures and herein is included and contained the whole of his personal abasement and sufferings and so it is usual with the Holy Ghost in one Act or Branch of his sufferings to include and contain the whole so his whole abasement sufferings and death are supposed and contained in this that he was made Flesh as Rom. 1. 1 3. The Gospel of God is concerning his Son Jesus Christ who was made of the Seed of David according to the Flesh for the next thing mentioned is his resurrection from the dead v. 4. So also 1 Tim. 3. 16. And his being made Sin doth suppose his being made of a Woman and so made under the Law and also contains his dying for our Sins 2 Cor. 5. 21. with Gal. 4. 4. and his dying doth evidently presuppose his partaking with us of Flesh and Blood without which he could not have died for he was put to death in the flesh Heb. 2. 14. 2 Cor. 13. 4. 1 Pet. 3. 18. and his having our Sins imputed to him for he died and was delivered for our offences Rom. 4. 25. 1 Cor. 15. 3. 1 Pet. 3. 18. And so 1. He was made flesh This is supposed and included in his saying I was dead for how could the Almighty the Alpha â—nd the Omega the first and the last dye had he not taken upon him the nature of Man But therefore that he might dye the word that was in the beginning with God yea that was God by whom all things were made and without whom was not any thing made that was made was made flesh Joh. 1. 1 3 14. That Eternal Life that was with the Father was manifested God was manifest in the flesh 1 Joh. 1. 1 2. with 1 Tim. 3. 16. It behoved him in all things to be made like unto his Brethren Sin only excepted and so he partook with us of Flesh and Blood and was subject to all our Infirmities and in all points â—empted like unto us yet without Sin Heb. 2. 14 16 17 18. and ch 4. 15. Otherwise he could not have died for us as was needful 2. God made him to be Sin for us who knew no Sin and did impute the Trespasses of the World unto him even all those Trespasses which made the first breach between God and Mankind to wit the guilâ— of that disobedience of our first parent Male and Female in which we all sinned and from whence we are naturally and necessarily polluted and defiled and of all the necessary Branches thereof 2 Cor. 5. 19 21. all we like Sheep have gone astray we have turned every one to his own way and the LORD laid upon him the Iniquities of us all Ps 40. 6 12. Isay 53. 6. Otherwise the Law had had nothing to have said unto him or he could not have been legally put to death for us Gal. 3. 13. and ch 4. 4 5. 3. He bare all the Wrath due unto us from God for those ouâ— Sins which were charged and caused to meet together upon him He was wounded or tormented for our Transgressions bruised for our Iniquities the chastisement of our Peace was upon him Isay 53. 4 5. It pleased the LORD to bruise him he put him to grief he spared him not who was his own his proper Son but delivered him up for us all Isay 53. 10. Rom. 8. 32. He executed upon him the Judgment of this World Joh. 12. 27 31. and brought him into the dust of death Ps 22. 14 15. And he caused his Sword even Satan and his Instruments to awake against his Shepherd and against the Man his Fellow Zech. 13. 7. with Mat. 26. 31. so as that was their hour and the power of darkness Luke 22. 53. God did according to his determinate councel and fore-knowledge deliver him and then Men with wicked hands did crucifie slay and murder him Acts 2. 23. and ch 17. 52. And so he was put to death and died for us He was dead not only did he shed one drop or many drops of Blood but as was needful he poured out his Soul unto death Isay 53. 12. One drop or two or twenty were not sufficient but Christ must needs have suffered even unto death as he also did Such was his Grace towards us Acts 17. 2 3. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. But wherefore or to what end or ends did he dye for us 1. The great first and fundamental end of his sufferings and death was to put away our Sins by the Sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. 26. and so to make peace Col. 1. 20. and be the propitiation for our Sins 1 Joh. 4. 10. and abolish our death even the first death 2 Tim. 1. 10. and destroy him that had the power of Death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 14 15. He was manifested in the Flesh to take away our Sins and in him is no Sin for he hath done that work which the Father gave him to do in his own personal body and for this purpose was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil 1 Joh. 3. 5 8. And he hath purged away the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God before he sate down on his right hand Heb. 1. 3. delivered us in himself from that so great a death as we were fallen under the Sentence of 2 Cor. 1. 10. cast Satan out of his Principality Joh. 12. 31. redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us Col. 2. 14 15. and obtained for us repentance and forgiveness of our following Sins and eternal redemption in the nature of
Man Rom. 5. 15 16. Acts 13. 37 38. Heb. 2. 17. and ch 7. 27. and ch 9. 12. and so he gave his Flesh for the Life of the World Joh. 6. 51. died for all even for all of Mankind that were dead 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. died for the Ungodly Sinners Unjust Ones indefinitely Rom. 5. 6 8. 1 Tim. 1. 15. 1 Pet. 3. 18. tasted death by the Grace of God for every Man and gave himself a ransome for all Men and is the propitiation for the Sins of the whole World 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Heb. 2. 9. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. 1 Joh. 2. 2. Is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the World the Son of God the Saviour of the World In whom God hath prepared Salvation before the Face of all people Luke 2. 10 11 30 31. Joh. 3. 16 17. and ch 4. 42 and ch 12. 47. 1 Joh. 4. 14. And as with respect to this end of his death the Scribes and Pharisees or Jews and Gentiles did not put him to death but God delivered him up to death for our Offences Rom. 4. 25. and ch 8. 32. And in these his sufferings and death he was alone of the People there was none with him Isay 63. 3. 1 Pet. 2. 24. And this end of his death is not imitable nor hath he herein set any one an example to follow his steps Joh. 17. 4. Heb. 10. 11 18 26. And these sufferings and this death on this account he once and but once actually endured and died in the end of the World no more to be iterated or repeated Heb. 9. 25 26. and ch 10. 10. And hereby he is become a good Foundation for every poor sinful Soul of Mankind Isay 28. 16. Joh. 1. 7. Acts 4. 11 12. 1 Pet. 2. 6 7. 2. He also in obedience to his Father died as a Peace-preacher and Martyr Rev. 1. 5. and ch 3. 14. To confirm and seal with his Blood the Gospel which he received from his Father and which he began to preach during his personal ministration as he saith To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the World that I should bear witness unto or be a Martyr for the truth Joh. 18. 37. And he witnessed this good Confession before Pontius Pilate 1 Tim. 6. 13. On this account his Enemies did persecute and seek to slay him before his hour was come Joh. 8. 37 40. In this respect God did not put him to death but was well-pleased with him Luke 4. 18. Joh. 8. 29. But the Jews with wicked hands did crucifie and slay him Acts 10. 38 39. As with respect to this end he died not for our Sins but for the truth and died directly for his Sheep for his Friends Joh. 10. 11 15 18. and ch 15. 13 14. And herein he hath left us an example that we should follow his steps and lay down our lives for the Gospel and so for the Brethren 1 Pet. 2. 20 23. 1 Tim. 6. 12 14. 1 Joh. 3. 16. His sufferings upon this account are not yet finished but they are still to be filled up till he comes again Col. 1. 20 24. 2 Tim. 2. 10. Heb. 11. 26. Acts 9. 4. 1 Pet. 4. 12 15. See more in Object of Love Pag. 22 23 24. 3. He died also as a Testator to ratifie and seal the New Testament and Everlasting Covenant of exceeding great and precious promises Hence his Blood is called The Blood of the New Testament Mat. 26. 28. Mark 14. 24. and the Blood of the Covenant Heb. 10. 29. And the New Testament is said to be The New Testament in his Blood Luke 22. 20. 1 Cor. 11. 25. And his Blood is called the Blood â—â— the Everlasting Covenant Heb. 13. 20. By his precious Death and Blood he hath sealed and ascertained the precious Legacies contained in his Will and Testament so as they shall be surely performed and accomplished according to the tenour of them If it may be a Man's Testament yet if it be confirmed no Man disanulleth or addeth thereto Gal. 3. 15. Now Christs Testament is confirmed by Blood for where a Testament is there must also of necessity be the death of the Testator For a Testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all whilest the Testator liveth Heb. 9. 16 17. Now thus Christ hath confirmed his Testament which is propounded in the Gospel for the encouragement of all to encline their ear and come unto him and he promises he will forgive their Sins and pour out his Spirit upon them Isay 54. and ch 55. 1 3 6 7. Prov. 1. 22 23. And these promises are theirs and they are Heirs according to promise who exercise themselves unto Godliness which is profitable to all things having promise of the Life which now is and of that which is to come Gal. 3. 16 29. 1 Tim. 4. 8 9. These are the ends of that one death which Christ died and this death of his he now propounds unto and minds his Servant John of to strengthen and comfort him See also the notes on ch 2. v. 8. 2. And was dead not is dead but he is raised again and now liveth and Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more Dominion over him c. Rom. 6. 9 10. 1 Pet. 3. 18. 1 Cor. 15. 1 4 20. yea he was raised in that body of his flesh in which he died and was buried he was raised again the third day so as his Soul was not left in Hell neither did his flesh see Corruption Acts 2. 23 24 27 31 36 and ch 3. 14 15 and ch 4 10 12 32. and ch 5. 30 31. and ch 10. 39 40. and ch 13. 28 37. and ch 17. 3. And therefore when he was raised again to undeceive his Disciples who supposed that they had seen a Spirit he said unto them Behold my hands and my Feet that it is I my self it had not been he himself if he had not had his own Hands and Feet Handle me and see for a Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones as ye see me have And when he had thus spoken â—e shewed them his Hands and his Feet Luke 24. 34 37 40. Joh. 20. 20 28. And so he hath overcome and abolished death and him that had the power of it 2 Tim. 1. 8 10. Fear not he hath obtained the Victory and is giving it to us in and by the Gospel Ps 98. 1. Acts 2. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 55 57. There is now no hurt in death and therefore no reason for them that hear his voice and follow him to fear it for it shall 〈◊〉 separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 38 39. And he hath the Keys of it as afterwards followeth yea Death is theirs their gain and advantage 1 Cor. 3. 22. Eccles 7. 1. Phil. 1. 21. 3. And Behold I am alive for evermore Amen where consider we 1. He is alive for
evermore Amen 2. The note of attention to mind this Behold 1. He is alive for evermore Amen even that person that died for us and was buried he is alive for evermore in that his personal body in which he bare our sins on the tree he is raised again now no more to return to corruption Act. 13. 24. He asked life of his father and he gave it him even length of days for ever and ever Ps 21. 3. and so he is become the sure mercies of David Isay 55. 3. with Act. 13. 34. he is the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. He who died for us and now liveth is alive for evermore 1. As the last Adam in whom dwelleth all the fulness of grace and truth and he is and abides the fountain of forgiveness Righteousness wisdom spirit eternal life he is a quickening spirit Col. 1. 18 19 and ch 2. 9 10. Joh. 1. 14. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 45. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. 2. He is the Bread of life who prevents the dead World with life in due season and ever lives as the receiver and maker free of all that as thus prevented come unto and follow him The Servant namely of sin abideth not in the house for ever But the Son abideth ever Joh. 8. 35 36. And him that cometh he will in no-wise cast out Joh. 6. 33 35 37. Rom. 15. 7. 3. He is alive for evermore as the High-priest This man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood a Priest hood that passeth not from him unto any other Heb. 7. 24. and as the High-priest he maketh intercession for Men he being the one and only mediatour between God and Men Isay 53. 12. 1 Tim. 2. 5. For every High-priest is taken from among Men and is ordained for Men for the good of them Heb. 5. 1. And ever liveth to make Intercession for them that come unto God by him and so is able to the uttermost Heb 7. 8 16 24 25. and ch 6. 20. and ch 7. 28. and ch 10. 12. And so he is the Saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. 4. He ever liveth as the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5. 9 who is now saving them especially 1 Tim. 4. 10. Eph. 5. 23. and will save them hereafter gloriously and eternally Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting Salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Isay 45. 17. he is Jesus Christ the anointed Saviour the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13. 7 8. 2 Tim. 2. 10. Joh. 3. 15 16. 5. He ever liveth as the Resurrection and the life Joh. 11. 25. whose voice all that are in the graves shall hear and shall come forth they that have done good to the resurrection of life and they that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation Joh. 5. 28 29. For as by Man came death by Man also came the Resurrection from the dead For as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. He shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thes 4. 16. and all shall appear before his judgment-Seat for he is the Lord and Judg of all and to this end he both died rose and revived that he might lord it over quick and dead Rom. 14. 9 12. 2 Cor. 5. 8 10. Act 10. 42. 6. He is alive for evermore as the King who is now set upon God's holy hill of Zion Ps 2. 6. who now exercises his government graciouâ—ly and spiritually and shall hereafter rule and raign gloriously Ps 145. 11 13. and 9. 7 8. and 47. 6 8 Heb. 1. 8 11. The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his Father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdom there shall be no end Luk. 1. 32 33. and the Kingdom and dominion and greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given the Prophet of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and all nations shall serve and obey him Isay 9. 6 7. Dan. 7. 27. Amen So be it this is a faithful saying and therefore fear not 2. We have the note of attention to stir us up to mind this Behold This is of great concernment to us to take notice of attend unto and diligently to mind and consider that he who was dead is alive for evermore 1. To admonish and warn us not to reject him or slight his blood once shed and sacrifice once offered For he being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him and therefore if we sin willingly persist so doing there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery Indignation c. Rom. 6. 9 10. Act. 13. 34. Heb. 10. 26 29. Rev. 15. 7. 2. To comfort and encourage us against our discouragements and dyings which is the end why it is spoken at this time as to say a little particularly 1. To encourage any poor sinner or any that after they have tasted the graciousness of the Lord have brought deadness upon themselves whose spirits are dead and their moisture dried up yet to come unto or return to him for he liveth and that for evermore as the fountain of life of forgiveness grace and spirit Ps 36. 6 9. hence the Prophet exhorts O Israel return unto the Lord thy God for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity and propounds this motive from the Lord to encourage and engage them so to do I am the green fir-tree from me is thy â—ruit found Though thou hast brought deadness and witheredness upon thy self yet in returning to him he will take away all thy iniquities revive and quicken thee for he still abides a quickening spirit Hos 14. 1 9. 1 Cor. 15. 45. Yea our Saviour calls upon and invites every thirster to come unto him and drink and saith He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Joh. 7. 37 39. and 11. 25 26. Rev. 3. 1. and 21. 6. and ch 22. 17. 2. To encourage his disciples unto all Services though they are as dead ones and have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves yet he who liveth for ever hath promised to be with them Mat. 28. 18 20. and against all sufferings for his name sake in which the believer is as dying and appointed as a sheep to the slaughter yet he liveth and abideth for ever and is able to save them from their Sins and enemies Heb. 7. 24 26. and to raise them up again and make them partakers of a more excellent life in which the Apostles did comfort and encourage themselves 2 Cor. 4.
I please and so can destroy you if you rebel against me I have against thee call to mind therefore from whence thou art fallen so ch 3. 2 3. I have not found thy works perfect before God Remember therefore c. It is high time for us to remember and consider and to reflect and look back when such an one hath a quarrel with us and draws up a charge against us If it were an ering sinful Man that had against us we might suppose or suspect that he hath a quarrel against us out of hatred prejudice or mistake or we might think we need not fear or matter what he saith It might be a small thing with us to be judged of Men or of man's judgment 1 Cor. 4. 3. But he is a most excellent one in every consideration And therefore he may say as the Lord speaks to Job wilt thou also disanul my judgment wilt thou condemn me that thou mayest be Righteous Job 40. 18. Remember therefore 2. Or therefore may refer to the latter part of v. 4. To which after Remember from whence thou art fallen This expression from whence may signify unto us 1. From what degreee of love thou art fallen and so it answers to that v. 4. thou hast left thy first-love Remember this and so it may be needful and good to remember what efficacy the grace of God had upon us at first and how precious and pleasant then it was to us To Remember what was the blessedness that we then spake of Gal. 4. 17. Heb. 10. 32 34. How our hearts were reconciled to God enflamed with love to Christ how our hearts did even burn within us as Luke 24. 32. God remembers and makes known his remembrance of the first-love that it might be remembred by us Jer. 2. 1 3. But though this be a truth and needful it is for us to remember this yet also there may be somewhat else intended hereby which will also include this and which leads to the leaving the first love to wit 2. Remember from whence thou art fallen namely from the root principle and seed of thy first love that is to say from his first love and the manifestation thereof to wit the Abasement and sufferings of Christ declared in the Gospel in which is evidenced to us the love of God and that he is love 1 Joh. 4. 8 10. and whereby they were begotten to the love of him for every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God for God is love 1 Joh. 4. 7 9 14 16 19. Eph. 2. 2 4 5. This kindness and love of God to manward is the washing of regeneration or laver of the new-birth Tit. 3. 4 5. this love of God caused them to run well at first even to run unto Christ Gal. 3. 1. with ch 1. 6. and ch 5. 7. In the sufferings and cross of Christ God hath commended and doth wonderfully and unspeakably commend his love his first love to the World of Mankind God so loved the Word that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3. 16. Rom. 8. 32. God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5. 5 8. And herein the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was admirably demonstrated in that he being rich for our sakes he became poor and he humbled himself and became obedient unto Death the Death of the Cross 2 Cor. 8. 9. Phil. 2. 6 8. And how joyful news was this when declared at first It is well called Gospel glad-tidings good-tidings of great joy to all people the glad-tidings of the Kingdom Luke 2. 10 11. and ch 8. 1. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. and that he was raised again for our Justification We declare unto you glad-tidings saith the Apostle How that the Promise which was made unto the Fathers God hath fulfilled the same in that he hath raised up Jesus again Acts 13. 32 33. And Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us and obtained into himself Eternal Redemption and all Spiritual Blessings Gal. 3. 13 14. Heb. 9. 12. Mat. 22. 3 4. and came and preached Peace to us who were afar off Eph. 2. 13 17. This believed turned their hearts to the Lord delivered them from their fears and aâ—frightening despairing thoughts and begat in them â—ervent love to him and then they said they would no more transgress but would walk before the Lord in the Land of the living and bethought themselves what they should render to him for all his benefits Ps 116. 8. c. Jer. 2. 20. But from hence they were fallen even from the mindfulness and believing consideration of his first love manifested in laying down his life and tasting Death by the Grace of God for every man Heb. 2. 9. And that this is the fundamental meaning of this from whence appears if we consider 1. That upon somewhat a like occasion and account a like Counsel is given to the Church of Sardis for the recovery thereof Our Lord exhorts and instructs that Angel and Church to remember how they had received and heard Rev. 3. 2 3. How not only the manner but matter also compare Luke 8. 18. with Mark 4. 24. Luke 10. 26. to signifie unto us that That Angel and Church had let slip and forgotten what was first delivered to them and received by them and that their forgetfulness thereof was the fundamental cause of their deadness and evil as here also it was And thereto Christ recalls them that they might strengthen the things that remain and were ready to dye See notes on Rev. 3. v. 3. 2. It so appears also if it be duly considered by us what this Counsel here given refers to namely the latter part of verse 4. as hath been said thou hast left thy first love remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen which hath occasioned and caused this abatement and lessening thereof there is some root-iniquity that hath caused this remission and decay of thy first love to him and that is thy forgetting his first love and the manifestation thereof So Rev. 3. 2 3. 3. It so appeareth also by this because he that loveth not in whole or in part knoweth not considereth not God for God is Love He minds not or le ts slip the consideration hereof that God is Charity and that herein is manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him 1 Joh. 4. 8 10. And on the other hand he that abideth in Christ in the believing mindfulness of his being manifested and the end thereof and his faithfulness to him that appointed him sinneth not misseth not his Mark erres not from his way 1 Joh. 3. 5 6 9. 3 Joh. 11. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty and continueth therein
and turn from all their wandrings and departures unto Christ again who is the Green Fir-tree from whom all good fruit is found and without whom we can do nothing Hos 14. 8. Joh. 15. 1 6. Rev. 3. 3. The word of the beginning of Christ is the Foundation of Repentance from dead works and of Faith and of all gracious and spiritual Works and Operations Heb. 6. 1 2. and ch 9. 14. 4. In that he adds And do the first works after the two former Branches of the Counsel so we may learn that we should not simply remember and repent but also bring forth Fruits meet for and answerable to such remembrance and repentance as the Baptist saith to the Pharisees and Sadducees Mat. 3. 7 8. So the Apostle shewed first to them of Damascus c. that they should repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance Acts 26. 19 20. God is indeed first working in us both to will and to do of good pleasure But still somewhat is required of us as he is thus preventing us namely to do all things without murmurings and disputings Phil. 2. 13 15. Heb. 13. 20 22. Be we then doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving our own selves Jam. 1. 22 25. 2. We have next to speak unto a conditional threat denounced against them Wherein we have to consider 1. The Threat or Commination it self I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy Candlestick out of his place 2. The condition Or else except thou repent 1. We have to take notice of and to consider the threat or commination it self In which also there is 1. That which preceeds and yet is in order to their Punishment I will come unto thee quickly 2. The Judgment it self directly threatned unto them And will remove thy Candlestick out of his place 1. That which precedes and yet is in order to their punishment I will come unto thee quickly I will come How so Is he not gone up into Heaven And must not the Heavens receive and contain him until the time of the Restitution of all things Acts 3. 21. yes surely But we may say 1. There are personal comings of his and they are two 1. His coming down from Heaven to be made and manifested in the Flesh and to be further abased for us that he might deliver us from that so great a Death as in which otherwise we must have perished for ever And that he might obtain for us Life and immortality so when the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a Woman made under the Law that he might redeem them that were under the Law And he came down from Heaven not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him Gal. 4 4 5. Joh. 6. 40. So according to the end of his Father 's Mission he came into the World to be made Man wherefore when he cometh into the World he saith A Body hast thou prepared me Heb. 10. 5. And once in the end of the World he appeared to put away Sin by the Sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. 26. He was manifested to take away our Sins and make peace for us 1 Joh. 3. 5. Col. 1. 20. 1 Joh. 4. 9 10. And to that end he humbled himself and became obedient unto Death even the Death of the Cross Phil. 2. 6 8. aswell as also He came to preach peace in a frail and mortal body Luke 4. 18 43. And to seal to the truth of the Gospel by his Blood Joh. 18. 37. And as with respect to both ends he came to be a Saviour to save that which was lost Mat. 18. 11. Luke 18. 10. Joh. 12. 47. Luke 9. 54 56. 1 Tim. 1. 15. So and in this consideration he hath come once and shall come no more Joh. 16. 10 28. Rev. 1. 18. Rom. 6. 9 10. 1 Joh. 5. 20. and ch 4. 2 3. 2. And he shall come again and appear the second time in his own personal body not in abasement and weakness as formerly but in Glory in his own Glory and in the Glory of his Father with all his Holy Angels Mat. 16. 27. Joh. 14. 3. Heb. 9. 28. Luke 9. 26. He shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the Voice of the Arch-Angel and with the Trump of God 1 Thes 4. 16. But of neither of these two personal comings doth this place speak See the Notes before on Rev. 1. v. 7. 2. There are other comings of Christ spoken of in scripture which are not personal but invisible spiritual and providential comings of his that is to say 1. His comings in his mercies word and ordinances in his gracious visitations of mens hearts and spirits so before he took our nature upon him he was in the World and came unto his own in the ministery of of his Prophets Joh. 1. 10 11. Thus it is said Wherefore when I came was there no man when I called was there none to answer c. that is he came in his word and called and knocked that they might have opened and given entertainment to him Isay 50. 2. Rev. 3. 20. And the Lord saith In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee c. Exod. 20. 24. with Mat. 18. 20. And If any man love me he will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him Joh. 14. 21 23. But of his thus coming he here speaks not neither see notes on Rev. 3. v. 20. 2. He is also said to come judicially to execute judgments now in this day either to take men away out of this World by death as our Saviour saith Be ye ready for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not Luke 12. 40. Mark 13. 35. or to execute and inflict some judgment here as Rev. 2. 16. and ch 3. 3. and ch 16. 15. or to take away and remove some mercies he hath been vouch-safing to any thus we are here to understand it So it is said The Lord cometh out of his place to punish Isay 26. 21. Mica 1. 3. So he that is in the Heavens in his personal body can come unto us in his providences and judgments when he pleaseth Quickly that is 1. Easily lightly without difficulty if men repent not Mark 9. 39. Jer. 31. 28. Prov. 1. 24 29. 2. Quickly without delay speedily so v. 16. he would hasten his word to perform it as Jer. 1. 12. 3. Quickly unexpectedly and unthought of and so he would come as a thief when they were not aware and take away his mercy from them Rev. 3. 3. and ch 16. 15. Now in that he thus threatens to come to this Angel and Church we may learn 1. That he on whom we call is one that is without partiality in his judgments he is such an one as without respect of persons judgeth according unto every man's work Jam. 3. 17.
crooked pathes Ps 56. 1. and 57. 1 4. They have a fight of afflictions to undergo from the World from them who are set on fire even the sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongue a sharp sword Heb. 10. 32 34. with Ps 57. 4. If their fair means and flatteries will not prevail with Christs disciples to leave his way and have fellowship with them in their unfruitful works of darkness they will then bend their bow and make ready their arrow upon the string that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart Ps 11. 1 2 4. Indeed the men of the World are to be loved and pittyed and the good of their souls to be sought and endeavoured But in their evil ways and designs they are to be opposed hated and resisted by us and that is the way to be instruments of good to their souls whereas should they comply with them and consent to them they would more strengthen them in their evil wayes that none would return there from 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and ch 3. 1. Jer. 2. 33. and ch 23. 13 14. They that forsake the law praise the wicked but such as keep the law contend with them and so dispraise discommend and shew their dislike of them Prov. 28. 4. And they have also in contending for the faith of the Gospel to contend with such as have a form of Godlinâ— upon them but deny the power thereof 2 Tim. 3. 5. Even false prophets and deceitful workers such as say they are Apostles and are not but do lye and those that are deceived and beguiled by them for such consent not to wholesome words but make it their work to oppose them and to cause others to turn away their ears from the truth and to turn them to their fables so the Apostle John speaking of false prophets and acquainting the believers that many such were gone forth into the World he signifieth that the believers did and did do well to oppose and fight against them and that they had overcome them also ye are of God little Children saith he and have overcome the false prophets They are of the World therefore speak they of the World c. 1 Joh. 4. 4 5. Jude 3. 4. 3. They have Satan also the God of this World to contend with and fight against and therefore they need to watch to stand fast in the faith to quit themselves like Men and be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Be sober be vigilant saith the Apostle Peter Because your adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in faith 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 Jam. 4. 7. we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers against the rulers of the Darkness of this World against spiritual wickedness or wicked spirits in high places Eph. 6. 12. The work of Satan and his Angels is to tempt and turn aside from the right ways of the Lord those that are walking therein or to stir up his instruments to raise persecution against the Disciples of Christ and by all means this tempter is tempting the believers that he might move them from the faith of Christ 1 Thes 3. 1 5 6. and whether he speaks fair or foul whether he be transformed into an Angel of light or appear like himself yet still he is a murderer Joh. 8. 44. his end in all is destruction and his name signifies what he is and what he aims at and intends For his name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon but in the greek tongue he hath his name Apollyon that is to say A destroyer Rev. 9. 11. he cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy Joh. 10. 10. To pervert the right ways of the Lord and to turn men from the Faith Acts 13. 8 10. and especially he is filled with rage against and seeks the ruine and destruction of such as are delivered out of his Kingdom of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of God's dear Son 1 Pet. 5. 8. this is a powerful and politick enemy they have therefore to resist sted fastly in the faith lest they be circumvented and destroyed by him 5. They have weapons to fight withal for the Faith against their spiritual enemies both defensive and offensive armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left is prepared for them and to be put on by them that being therewith armed they might not turn back in the day of battle Ps 78. 9. and the weapons of their warfare are not carnal not material and outward swords and bows or such-like weapons for alas these are weak and their enemies will deride at them but their weapons are spiritual and so mighty thorow God 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. not by might nor by power but by the spirit of the Lord of hostes they may do valiantly thorow him they may push down their enemies thorow his name they may tread them under that rise up against them Zech. 4. 6 7. the good fight is the fight of faith that is that which is to be fought for as is before said and that is that which is to be fought with whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the World even our faith 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. 6. They have a crown proposed to and set before them to engage and encourage them to play the men to oppose and fight against their enemies even unto blood Men that here fight they do it for a fading reward they do it to obtain a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible I therefore so run not as uncertainly so fight I not as one that beats the ayre But I have fought the good fight saith the Apostle Paul I have kept the Faith But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection c. 1 Cor. 9. 26 27. henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the Righteous judge will give me at that day And not to me only but to all them also that love his appearing 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. In being faithful to the death he will give us a crown of life Rev. 2. 10. and this leads us to the next thing viz. 2. The subject of the Blessedness hereafter spoken of is He that overcometh he saith not To the Angels or Churches will I give to eat of the tree of life and yet it is before said what the spirit saith unto the Churches But when he comes to describe the subject of the blessedness he saith not to them or to the Churches but changeth the Phrase and saith To him that overcometh and so he saith unto all the seven Churches Rev. 2. v. 11 17 26 29. and ch 3. 5 6 12. and v. 21 22. Men may be members of any of the Churches and yet
2 3 4. 2. We have nextly to consider the promise it self and blessedness therein contained which is propounded unto the Churches and to be heard by every one that hath an ear assured and ascertained to him that overcometh as his undoubted portion I will give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God Where we have to consider and speak unto 1. The person promising I 2. The promise will give 3. The thing promised to eat of the tree of life 4. The place where this tree is and where he shall eat it which is in the midst of the Paradise of God 1. The Person promising I to wit Jesus Christ he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks v. 1. hence we may note The promises are Christ's to give and he hath power to bless us and make us partakers of all the blessings promised To Christ are the promises made and in him confirmed Gal. 3. 16 17. In him all the promises of God are yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. he hath by his blood confirmed them and hath power to perform and fulfil them hence also he speaks in such-like language to others of the Churches as I will give to eat of the hidden Manna and I will give him a white-stone and in the stone a new-name written Rev. 2. 17. To him will I give power over the nations c. v. 26. 28. see also ch 3. 5 12 21. The Father so loveth the Son because he laid down his life for us that he might take it up again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. All things are delivered unto him of the Father Mat. 11. 27. And all power and Authority is given unto him to give what is good to give to Men repentance both grace space of repentance Acts 5. 31. Rev. 2. 21. To give forgiveness of sins to them that believe Acts 5. 31. and ch 10. 43. and ch 13. 39. To give unto them the power to become the Sons of God Joh. 1. 12. To pour forth his spirit unto them and make known his words Prov. 1. 23. To give them peace Joh. 14. 27. To pour forth unto them the spirit of grace and supplication Zech. 12. 10. To give unto them eternal life Joh. 10. 27 28. and ch 17. 2. and they that are Christ's are Abraham's seed and heires according to promise Gal. 3. 29. he hath now all to give who loved us and gave himself for us this is matter of great instruction and consolation to us and might move and prevail with us to come unto him continually and in so doing he will give us rest Mat. 11. 27 28 29. 2. The promise will give in which is signified unto us 1. The time when he will give this that is here promised and that follows mens overcoming and is consequential thereto he will give as is here promised after men have totally and finally overcome hence when he describes the subject of the blessedness here promised he doth it in the present time To him that overcometh But when he propounds the blessedness it self he doth it in time to come I will give and in such-like language he speaks to all these Churches as Rev. 2. 7 17 26 29. and ch 3. 5 6 12. and v. 21 22 and so it is like that of the Apostle ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise Heb. 10. 36. To them who are faithful unto the death he will give a crown of life Rev. 2. 10. Indeed now in this day and before they have overcome he doth give unto the believer all things that pertain to life and Godliness thorow the knowledge of himself that they may overcome he sends them not to warfare at their own charges and in their overcoming he is filling them with joy and peace in believing Rom. 15. 13. Though now they see him not yet believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of their faith even the salvation of their Souls 1 Pet. 1. 8 9. now their spirit is life for righteousness sake and in coming unto him the living-stone they are made lively stones their souls do live Joh. 6. 35 40 51 55 57. Rom. 8. 10. Gal. 2. 20. 1 Pet. 2. 3 5 But that which here and elsewhere he promises to these Churches is future and which follows their having overcome Then these promises shall be fulfilled to them in spirit when their spirits are made perfect when they will be in a far better condition then now they are Isay 57. 2. 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. Phil. 2. 21 22. Rev. 14. 13. and the most full and glorious performance hereof will be when the body is raised and the soul and body reunited even in the first resurrection the resurrection of the just and from thence for ever Rom. 8. 23 25. Jam. 5. 7 8. And so our Lord Jesus doth signify that there is after we have overcome after this earthly house of our Tabernacle is dissolved a future and more glorious state to be entred into and enjoyed immediately after we dye in spirit and in the first resurrection and thence to all eternity in soul and body and otherwise why should we fight or go to or undertake this warfare If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable 1 Cor. 15. 19. but there is a World to come Luke 20. 35 36. Eph. 1. 21. Heb. 2. 5. a life to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. and he that overcometh shall inherit in the World to come the life to come even everlasting life Mark 10. 29 30. and he shall not be hurt of the second death the wrath to come Rev. 2. 11. with 1 Thes 1. 10. And this our Lord would now have us to mind and consider even what is to come after we have finished our course to mind this especially that we may not faint but continue to the end looking not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 13 14. and ch 5. 1 8. Heb. 11. 13 16 24 26. 2. We may nextly consider in the promise the freeness of it I will give what is freer then a gift It is a reward indeed but it is not of debt or from any desert of the overcomer but of grace All is of grace from first to last from the foundation to the top-stone Zech. 4 7. to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Rom. 4. 4 5. wages and gift are opposed the one to the other The wages of sin is death but
20. 1 Thes 4. 16. and in him in our nature dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead and in him we are compleat Col. 2. 9 10. And herein we may see the preciousness of his bloâ—d and the compleat satisfaction he hath given to the Justice of God Phil. 2. 8 9 10. 2. In that Heaven is called Paradise a place of delight and pleasure of joy and gladness so we may learn That Christ is entred into the fulness of joy in our nature and it was the view and consideration hereof that strengthned him to suffer He for the joy set before him indured the cross despising the shame Heb. 12. 2. he that once met with much sorrow and sadness he that was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief whose heart was broken with reproach and who was full of heaviness Isay 53. 3 5. Ps 69. 20. is now entred into and filled with joy unspeakable joy inconceivable and full of glory Mat. 25. 21 23. He is entred into not into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into Heaven it self and is in the presence of God In whose presence is fulness of Joy and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore Heb. 9. 24. with Ps 16. 11. and Acts 2. 28. 3. In that Heaven is called paradise as referring to and as the truth of Eden at first and he is called the tree of life of whom the first tree of life was a figure so we may take notice that there is a new creation of which Christ is the beginning Rev. 3. 14. and a more excellent one then that was at first Christ is that new thing which the Lord hath created in the earth Jer. 31. 22. the second Man and the last Adam And he is an infinitely more excellent one then the first which was the figure of him Rom. 5. 14. The first Man was of the earth earthy The second the Lord from heaven 1 Cor. 15. 47. The first natural the second spiritual The first was made a living soul the last is a quickening spirit to quicken dead souls and beget new creatures 2 Cor. 5. 17. 1 Cor. 15. 45 46. The first tree of life was earthy But now the Son of God is become the tree of life in the nature of Man in whom God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly things or places Eph. 1. 3. And instead of an earthly paradise there is now an Heavenly one which Christ hath prepared for us and into the enjoyment and possession whereof he as our fore-runner and in our nature is entred Joh. 14. 1 3 4. Heb. 6. 20. How excellent is thy loving-kindness O God! Ps 36. 7 9. 4. He that overcometh shall eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God and thereto enter into this Paradise assoon as ever he hath overcome Luke 23. 43. now they who with the heart believe are rejoycing with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. But then not onely joy shall be in them but they shall enter into joy the joy of their Lord Mat. 25. 21 23. In spirit assoon as dissolved when they are absent from the body they shall be present with the Lord And in due season in Soul and body re-united Ps 36. 7 9. when they have overcome they shall go into paradise a more excellent one then the first into the Heavenly oâ—chard where there are many trees of the Lord trees of righteousness But Christ is the only tree of life and of this tree only they shall eat In the first Paradise there was no tree forbidden to be eaten of but one but in the second there is none allowed but one not the virgin Mary nor any Saint or Angel But Jesus Christ one who is the only true vine and tree of life And because he lives therefore they that eat of him shall live also Verse 8. And unto the Angel of the Church in Smyrna write These things saith the first and the last which was dead and is alive Here begins a second message sent to the second named Church ch 1. 12. and as in the first message or Epistle so in this also we have in this verse to consider 1. The person or persons for whom this message or Epistle is to be written and to whom to be sent unto the Angel of the Church in Smyrna write To which we shall speak nothing but desire the notes on v. 1. may be considered 2. The Person from whom it comes thus described to us These things saith the first and the last see notes on ch 1. v. 8. and v. 11. Which was dead and is alive To which we have spoken somewhat be fore see the notes on ch 1. v. 18. Onely here we may a little further note 1. He that was dead is a most excellent person the first and the laâ—t was dead so in ch 1. 11. he said I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last c. And saith John I turned to see the voice that spake with me and being turned I saw one like to the Son of Man v. 12 13. the first and the last became the son of Man and so humbled himself therein and further for us So again in ch 1. 17 18. it is said He said unto me I am the first and the last I am he that was dead God was made manifest in the Flesh 1 Tim. 3. 16. unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given And his name shall be called Wonderfull Counsellour the mighty God c. Isay 9. 6. The word that was in the beginning with God and that was God By whom all things were made and without him was nothing made that was made this word was made flesh Joh. 1. 1 3 14. And this most glorious one died for us he was put to death in the flesh 1 Pet. 3. 18. He being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God yet he emptied himself and took on him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of Men And being found in fashion as a Man He humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross Phil. 2. 6 7 8. And this shews the admirably excellent loving-kindness of the Father to the World of Man-kind and his lothness with the destruction thereof In that he sent forth and so greatly abased such an infinitely glorioâ—s one that thorow him the World might be saved God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3. 16. And the like love of Jesus Christ is herein evidenced herein perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us 1 Joh. 3. 16. And herein his blood appears to be precious blood for it is the blood of God of Christ who is over all God blessed for ever Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 19. with Rom. 9. 5. And herein we may see our redeemer
is strong he is the first and the last a mighty Saviour he is who is the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him and therefore fear we not to come unto and follow after and abide in him Isay 41. 4. and ch 44. 6. with this place 2. He is the first and the last which was dead and he only died for our sins by way of propitiation and as the publick man he himself and and he only bare our sins in his own body on the tree 1 Pet. 2. 24. 1 Joh. 4. 10 14. Isay 63. 3. one died for all even for all that were dead and but one 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. nor shall ever any other dye on this account as never any before or besides him hath done nor shall he be abased any more He being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him for in that he died he died unto Sin once Rom. 6. 9 10. And therefore if his sacrifice be rejected there remains no more sacrifice for sins But a certain fearful looking for of Judgment and â—iery Indignation which shall consume the Adversaries Heb. 10. 26 29. he is the last Adam none other as the publick man is to follow him to dye suffer and satisfie for our sins and therefore take we heed of provoking him to leave mediating â—or us for how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation 1 Cor. 15 45. Exod. 23. 21. Ps 2. 12. Heb. 2. 1 3. And is alive He liveth and was dead and â—e is alive for evermore and of the truth hereof he gave many infallible evidences he shewed himselâ— alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of his disciples forty days speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God Act. 1. 3. This is witnessed of him that he liveth Heb. 7. 8. even by the holy Apostles as the Apostle Peter signifieth and by the holy spirit The God of our Fathers saith he raised up Jesus him hath God exalted with his right hand a Prince and Saviour and we are his witnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost c. Acts 5. 30 32. and 25. 19. see notes on ch 1. v. 18. Verse 9. I know thy works and Tribulation and Poverty but thou arâ— rich And I know the blasphemy of them who say they are Jews and are not but are the Synagogue of Satan In this verse we have an account given us of what our Lord knew or took notice of and that both 1. With respect to this Angel and Church 2. With respect to others 1. As with respect to this Angel and Church c. wherein consider in general He that was dead and is alive he knows c. As he knows God and the things of God Joh. 10. 15. Rev. 5. 1 12. So he knows and takes notice of what is commendable or reprovable amongst his Churches â—say 11. 1 3. Joh. 2. 24 25. and ch 21. 17. Acts 1. 24. Heb. 4. 13. see the notes on v. 23. of this chapter I know thy works I take notice of them see the notes before on v. 2. and the works of this Angel and Church were such as were perfect before God hence we may again note as we have done before on v. 2. That though we take no notice of or know not of any good work any work of faith or labour of love yet Christ observes and will not be unmindful 1 Cor. 15. 58. Heb. 6. 9 10. So he saith to the Angel of the Church in Thyatira I know thy works and Charity and Service and thy works v. 19. yea though those works be done in the greatest secrecy and kept from the eyes of others and though our own left-hand doth not know what our right-hand doth yet still they are manifest to him and minded by him even any work of piety or charity that is done by us he seeth in secret and himself will reward openly so his eye was upon Nathanael when he thought none had taken notice thereof Nathanael saith unto him whence knowest thou me Jesus said unto him-when thou wast under the figtree I saw thee Joh. 1. 47 51. he observes his people exercising themselves to godliness when the generality of the professed Church is so profane as to say It is vain to serve God and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances Then they that â—eared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkned and heard and a Book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought on his name and they shall be mine saith the Lord c. Maâ— 3. 14 18. And when he shall sit on the throne of his glory he shall say to them on his right I was hungry and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in Then shall the righteous answer him saying Lord when saw we thee an hungred and fed thee or thirsty and gave thee drink c. They speak as if they knew not or took no notice of any such thing But yet he knew it as appears by what follows The King shall answer and say unto them Verily I say unto you Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my Brethren ye have done it unto me Mat. 25. 31 34 40. and ch 10. 41 42. The consideration whereof might both preserve us from charging our memories with what we do knowing it is had in remembrance in the sight of the Lord Acts 10. 31. and also preserve us from desires of vain-glory or doing what we do to be seen of men in doing which we shall have no reward of our Father which is in Heaven And it might engage us to do what we do in the greatest secrecy we may knowing he knows and will see in secret and reward and recompence whatsoever work or labour of love is so shewed to his name in the resurrection of the just Mat. 6. 1 5 8. 2 Cor. 5. 10. Luke 14. 14. And when they dye their works shall not dye or be forgotten but they shall rest from their labours and their works shall follow with them Rev. 14. 13. Heb. 11. 4. And Tribulation This is that also which our Lord knew and took notice of as with respect to this Angel and Church and that which his disciples shall meet with and have in this world Joh. 16. 33. all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution Acts 14. 22. 2 Thes 1. 4. 2 Tim. 3. 11 12. see the notes before on ch 1. v. 9 Yea though Christ reproves not this Angel and Church for any thing nor finds any fault with them yet there were some who did though unjustly find fault with them and were Instruments of affliction to them and made them sad whom Christ had not
joying in the God of their salvation Hab. 3. 16 18. now greatly rejoycing and yet at the same time in heaviness thorow manifold temptations and trials 1 Pet. 1. 6 8. Now in poverty and straits and yet in the same instant they have the Lord to be their Gold yea their losses are gainful and their poverty riches But here is no compleat comfort or delight But hereafter as all the beast-worshippers shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God without mixture Rev. 14. 9 10. So then those that worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus shall drink of the river of his pleasures without mixture The days of their mourning shall be ended Isay â—0 18 20. Rev. 21. 3 7. But that season is to be waited for I know thou art rich This is not like that Thou sayest I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor c. Rev. 3. 17. It is not that thou sayest but I know thou art rich their praise was not of Men themselves or others but of the great God and our Saviour 2. We have an account given us of his knowledg as to others and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not but the Synagogue of Satan This is that which he knew also for so I know though it be not here expressed particularly yet hath reference to this clause also Where let us enquire 1. What or whom may we understand by Jews in this place 2. What is meant by their blasphemy and then note some Instructions 1. Whom may we understand by Jews in this place which these pretended themselves to be and were not but were the Synagogue of Satan Now to that we may say 1. Hereby some understand are meant such as are commonly known by that name in Scripture Jews by nature or Proselitisme Gal. 2. 15. Esth 8. 17. even such as did belong to one of the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin which are frequently so called Or more generally they that were of the circumcision in the Flesh But I rather apprehend that by Jews in this place 2. Are meant Christians they did pâ—etend themselves to be Christians indeed and might and surely did give forth themselves to be the most pure and Orthodox Christians and such as so are which these falsely pretended themselves to be are Jews indeed whether circumcised or baptized according to that He is not a Jew which is one outwardly neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh But he is a jew which is one inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart in the spirit and not in the letter whose praise is not of Men but of God Rom. 2. 26 29. Thus again the Apostle signifies such to be Jews indeed or of the circumcision who are sincere Christians and circumcised in heart when he saith Finally Brethren rejoyce in the Lord Beware of the concision For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh They are the circumcision and so Jews indeed who count all things loss for Christ Phil. 3. 1 3 7 9. So again the Apostle saith In Christ ye are compleat no say the natural Jews and Judaizers ye are not compleat in Christ for ye are not circumcised yes saith the Apostle ye have circumcision in Christ also in whom ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ Col. 2. 9 10 11 12. Rom. 4. 8 13. and ch 11. 17 18. Even as they are Isralites indeed and were so in former times who are of a clean heart Ps 73. 1. Joh. 1. 47. In this respect they are not all Israel which are of Israel neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children But in Isaac shall thy seed be called that is they which are the children of the flesh these are not the children of God But the children of the promise are counted for the seed Rom. 9. 6 8 If ye be Christs then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 16. 29. and ch 6. 16. And that which induces me to believe that by Jews here are meant sincere Christians is 1. Because in this Book great and frequent respect is had to our types of old and to their places and persons and those names which were usual amongst them are frequently made use of in this Book of the Revelation So our Jesus our great High-priest appears in vision in the habit of the High-priest under the law ch 1. 13. and those that serve God in his Temple day and night are clothed like the Priests in former times ch 7. 13 15. with 2 Chron. 5. 12 13. Thus we read of the temple often Rev. 11. 1. c. with allusion to the typical one and the Ark of the testimony Rev. 11. 19. with Exod. 26. 33 34. The tabernacle of testimony Rev. 15. 5. with Exod. 38. 21. The altar Rev. 6. 9. and many other Instances might be given which may be taken notice of as we come at them God willing and assisting and therefore such respect being had so frequently to the Jewish persons places names in this Book as also when the Apostle writes to the Hebrews Jews may here signify the sincere or pure Christians as also in ch 3. 9. 2. Because also this Book appears to be received after the destruction of Jerusalem and then it would be no wisdom at all but an Highpoint of folly and impudence to say they were Jews in the common acceptation and were not so for by so doing they did expose themselves to drink of the same cup with those who were Jews by nature It would be more prudence in such a time for those who were Jews to say they were none and to call themselves by another name to take away their reproach Isay 4. 1. then for such as were no Jews to call themselves by that name unless they desired death rather then life which cannot reasonably be supposed see the notes on v. 13. of this chapter 3. Because Jews are in this place and also in ch 3. 9. opposed to the Synagogue of Satan now they might be Jews in the common notion and yet also be the Synagogue of Satan or of the Synagogue of Satan as our Saviour saith to some Jews ye are of your Father the Devil and the lusts of your Father ye will do Joh. 8. 44. but now unâ—eigned and sincere Christians cannot be of the Synagogue of Satan and so they pretended and gave forth themselves to be Christians indeed worshippers of God in the spirit and rejoycers in Christ Jesus and were not such but the contrary to what they pretended And this makes it evident to me that by Jews here are meant heatry disciples of Christ 4. It appears
hast thou reproached and blasphemed And against whom hast thou exalted thy voice I know thy rage against me Isay 37. 23 28. 5. And he sees and takes notice of their blasphemy and persecution of his people Ps 10. 14. Jer. 18. 23. Ps 94. 1 8. And this may comfort his people and help them to commit their cause to him to whom vengeance doth belong c. Verse 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life In this verse after he had given this Angel and Church some account of his knowledge as we have seen before in v. 9. our Lord doth here 1. Give a caution and warning unto them Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer 2. He gives some intimation and account of the things they should suffer with the time and end thereof Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days 3. He gives to them needful counsel Be thou faithful unto death 4. And propounds to and sets before them blessed encouragement that they might receive his counsel And I will give thee a crown of life 1. The warning and caution which he gives unto this Angel and Church Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer here we may note some things signified to us 1. In that he signifieth that they were in tribulation v. 9. and here and after gives us to understand that they were still to suffer and be in tribulation so we may receive this Instruction That while they are in this World tribulation is to be expected by the believers one affliction succeeding and following upon the neck of another Many are the afflictions of the righteous Ps 34. 19. In the World ye shall have tribulation saith our Saviour Joh. 16. 33. 2 Tim. 3. 12. As it was with Israel of old so it is true of the Israel of God Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth may Israel now say many a time have they afflicted me from my youth The plowers plowed upon my back they made long their furrows Ps 129. 1 3. The believers are now hated of all men for Christ's name-sake And when permissive commission is given to their enemies they will be instruments of affliction and grievance to them Acts 14. 22. now they sow in tears Ps 126. 5 6. yea many afflictions they meet withal from such as pretend themselves to be and would be accounted the most sincere Christians as we have seen in v. 9. and this shews that here is not their rest they are not yet perfect as to attainment Isay 14. 3. 2 Thes 1. 5 6. Rev. 21. 3 4 5. and also we may learn from hence that we cannot know love or hatred by any thing here they may be loved peculiarly that are in troubles frequently and they may be hated comparatively and woes denounced against them that are at ease in Zion Amos. 6. 1. Ps 73. 2 12. and 11. 5 6. Heb. 12. 5 7. 2. In that he saith to these Fear none of those things c. so he signifieth to us That even the believers themselves are liable to fear timerousness and cowardice aswell as others and need to be admonished thereof and strengthened there-against yea and the best and most upright of them also such were this Angel and Church for our Saviour faults them for nothing and yet gives this caution to them such a like caution our Saviour gives unto his disciples generally Fear not little flock Luke 12. 32. And the Apostle Paul was not ashamed to remember and acknowledge to the Corinthians that he was with them in weakness and in fear and in much trembling 1 Cor. 2. 3. Gal. 4. 13 14. see the notes on Rev. 1. v. 17. We have fear in us as a natural infirmity of the flesh and are subject and ready to pollute our selves therewith and to be under the power thereof and therefore we need to be warned there-against and to receive admonition And in general we may note that seeing this admonition is given to such as were blameless and unreprovable in his sight That such persons as do not sin at present but have kept themselves pure yet they may be warned of what is evil and should not take it ill so to be And particularly this conâ—ideration that believers are now liable to fear might be useful to us That we should not be discouraged or despond because we are sometimes fearful but to remember that holy ones were subject thereto formerly and we might therefore learn to pity one another and not to trust or glory in our selves or in other 3. We may further note from hence that such as have been in tribulation and affliction formerly and have behaved themselves unreproveably therein may yet fear when a new trouble and trial comes upon them see v. 9. so much also the Apostle intimates when he writes to the Hebrews and saith call to remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated ye endured a great fight of affliction partly whilest ye were made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and afflictions and partly whilest ye became companions of them that were so used for ye had compassion of me in my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods But notwithstanding all this it appears that though they had so well behaved themselves formerly in afflictions they were afterwards ready to fear and needed to be warned thereof hence to the former he adds Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward for ye have need of patience Heb. 10. 32 36. such as have in former times patiently endured and not feared need to be again encouraged and strengthened and stirred up to courage when a new trial is ordered to them Hence the Apostle saith to Timothy Fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life whereunto thou art called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses 1 Tim. 6. 12 14. Acts 18. 9 10. with ch 13. 51 52. and 14. 1 21. and ch 23. 11. They have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves to any thing that is good 2 Cor. 3. 5. but need continually to be strong in and strengthened by the Lord Eph. 6. 10 12. or they may fear some things they may suffer though they might endure many things yet there may be some affliction some particular trial that may be dreadful and terrible to them hence he here saith Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer or fear nothing Heb. 13. 5 6. Rom. 8. 35 39. Fear not want nor enemies Some may think they could endure reproach or evil words but not bodily persecution some may endure imprisonment but not spoiling of their goods some may chearfully undergo
but indefinitely that ye may be tried both that Satan might try them yea and that the Lord Jesus Christ might try them also though upon a different account and to a different end and so we may say a little particularly 1. The Devil shall cast some of you into prison when he is permitted that he may tempt and try you and indeed his work and end in and by himself and instruments is to use all means if possible to remove them from the way of the Lord he doth tempt them to evil and thrusts sore at them that they might fall Thus he did to the captain of our Salvation he tempted him to the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life Mat. 4. Luke 4. Ps 118. 13. Heb. 2. 18. and ch 3. 1. The prince of this World came but had nothing in him Joh. 14. 30. Christ was in all points tempted like unto us yet without sin Heb. 4. 14. and thus will he do to his followers as he did to their captain even tempt them to all that is evil and to turn them away from the truth hence the Apostle was so careful of and watchful over the Thessalonians and sent to know their faith lest by some means the tempter had tempted them and their labour were in vain 1 Thess 3. 1 5. Especially in times of tribulation and affliction he is tempting he knows how irksome persecution is to us Heb. 12. 11. and he is therefore trying whether he can turn them aside who are going right on their way telling them that in letting go their faith or the profession thereof and having fellowship with others in their unfruitful works of darkness they shall have their lives continued to them and live happily and merrily and have all that heart can wish Ps 11. 1. Heb. 11. 35. Luke 4. 6 or on the other hand threatning further troubles and loss of liberty c. Heb. 11. 36. or else tempting them to impatience and fretfulness both against the Lord and those that are instruments of affliction to them or to envy their fulness prosperity ease c. Isay 8. 19 21. Ps 37. 1 8. Prov. 23. 17 18. And we are to apt to listen to him to save our lives hence our Saviour saith unto his disciples whosoever will save his life shall lose it But whosoever will lose his life for my name sake shall find it Mat 16. 23 25. Joh. 12. 25 26. 1. Seeing then he will try and tempt let the word of Christ dwell richly in us for by the Word of his lips we may keep us from every path of the destroyer Ps 17. 4. 1 Joh. 2. 13 14. and 4. 4. and 5. 4 5. Rom. 1. 16. Eph. 6. 10 12. 2. Let us not love the World nor the things thereof but in coming unto Christ let us forsake all that we may be his disciples indeed yea let us hate our own lives also and not count them deer to our selves Luke 14. 26 27. Acts 20. 24. they that overcame Satan loved not their lives to the death Rev. 12. 10. I four hearts be set upon the things here below or for saving our lives he will be too hard for us 1 Tim. 6. 9 10. Mat. 10. 25 26. 2. That ye may be tried namely of the Lord he is also trying you yea he is so doing when Satan is afflicting you As Job acknowledged and said when he was in Satan's hand and he sorely vexed him yet saith he when God hath tried me I shall come forth as Gold Job 1. and ch 2. with ch 23. 10. Indeed he tempts no Man to evil Jam. 1. 13 17. But out of love he doth try Job 7. 17 18. Ps 11. 5. 1. He doth try namely prove you and search you Jer. 11. 20. and ch 17. 10. and this he doth not that he may know us but discover us to our selves as it is said This he said to prove or try Philip for he himself knew what he would do Joh. 6. 6. He needeth not that any should testify of Man for he knows what is in Man Joh. 2. 24 25. But he doth try us that we may know what we are he doth try as the Goldsmith tries mettalls to prove and discover whether they be right or counterfeit As the Psalmist saith Thou O God hast proved us thou hast tried us as Silver is tried thou layedst affliction upon our loyns thou hast caused Men to ride over our heads Ps 66. 10 12. So it is said he tryes by false Prophets If there shall arise among you a Prophet or dreamer of dreams and giveth thee a Sign or wonder and the sign or the wonder come to pass whereof he spake unto thee saying let us go after other Gods thou shalt not hearken to the word of that Prophet or dreamer for the Lord your God proveth you to know whether ye love the Lord your God c. Deut. 13. 1 4. 1 Cor. 11. 19. Deut. 8. 2. So God lest some of the nations that thorow them he might prove Israel Judg. 2. 21 22. and ch 3. 1 4. In times of peace and prosperity and when we meet with no exercises we are ready to say We shall never be moved as Ps 30. 6 7. or as Peter did I will lay down my life for thy sake Joh. 13. 37 38. or as the disciples generally now we believe that thou camest forth from God Joh. 16. 30 32. But when he orders trials unto us and comes to prove us we appear then to be other manner of persons than we formerly thought our selves to be As it is said of Hezekiah God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his heart then he appeared to be another Man than he thought himself to have been 2 Chron. 32. 25 31. with Isay 38. 3. And so did David Peter and the residue of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus and thus he doth try and prove us that he may do us good at the latter end Deut. 8. 14 16. 2. And he doth try also even purify and purge them from their mixtures and pollutions that cleave to them Dan. 11. 35. and thus also he tries them as the Goldsmith doth his mettall when he throws it into the fire namely refines it as it is said I will bring the third part thorow the fire and will refine them as silver is refined and will try them as gold is tried Zech. 13. 9. So purified made white and tried are put together as Words of a like signification and opposed to doing wickedly Dan. 12. 10. And thus Christ doth try to wit purify his people according to that He is like a refiners fire and like fullers sope and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and he shall purify the Sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silvor Mal. 3. 2 4. yea and thus he is trying them when they are in tribulation he is chusing them in the fornace of
and the extent thereof both as to the Persons and as to the time of your tribulation 3. We have now in order to speak unto The good and needful counsel which he gives unto these Be thou faithful unto death That is to say Be thou faithful in the Lord as to the faithful in Christ Jesus Eph. 1. 1. To the Saints and faithful Brethren in Christ Col. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 6. 2. continue in the faith grounded and setled and be not moved a-away from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 23. stand fast in the faith 1 Cor. 16 13. as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and established in the faith Col. 2. 6 7. And Be thou faithful unto the Lord Acts 16. 15. In holding fast and holding forth the glorious Gospel unto death Tit. 1. 9. In rendring Christ's praise glorious and proclaiming the Lord's goodness and not thine own Prov. 20. 6. In resisting and striving against sin even unto blood Heb. 12. 4. In a patient continuance in well-doing Rom. 2. 7. Heb. 10. 36. In all be thou stedfast and unmoveable 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be thou constant and turn not aside from following him but cleave unto him with full purpose whatever afflictions or tribulations ye meet withal be faithful confessors and martyrs Rev. 1. 5. and ch 3. 14. continue unto the end in induring afflictions fight the good fight of faith till death Faithful is more then elected or chosen simply as that is more then called as is signified to us in that it is said they that are with the lamb are called and chosen faithful Rev. 17. 14. and ch 12. 11. Now in that he gives such counsel to these he signifieth unto us 1. That constancy in the faith and profession of it and in enduring the afflictions of the Gospel is needful and requisite for those that shall hereafter inherit eternal life It is not enough that men run well at the first but also that they hold on unto the end of the race Because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold But he that shall endure unto the end thy same shall be saved Mat. 24. 11 12. and ch 10. 22. So the Lord saith concerning Solomon I will establish his Kingdom for ever if he be constant to do my commandments But otherwise â—aith David to him If thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. The just shall live by faith but if he draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 38. Though our Saviour finds no â—ault with this Church for any evil yet he signifies by this Counsel that it was needful for them to abide constant unto the end And so he doth when he sends a message to the Church in Philadelphia which was also unreprovable at that time and the only one of the seven that was so besides this yet to that Church also he saith hold that fast which thou hast that no Man take thy Crown See the notes on ch 3. v. 11. 2. In this counsel is also signified to us That those that are at present in Christ and whom he blames not for any thing but greatly commends may that notwithstanding possibly not abide faithful unto the conclusion of their lives But either because of the love of the World or for fear of somewhat to be parted with or endured may depart or stand off from Christ by an evil heart of unbelief Heb. 3. 1. with v. 12 13. This admonition is given to all believers not only to little Children and young Men but unto Fathers also Love not the World neither the things that are in the World If any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him The love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith c. 1 Joh. 2 15 16. with 1 Tim. 6. 9 10. 2 Tim. 4. 10. such as go right on their way may possibly be hindred or turned aside therefrom and such as were once faithful may be corrupted 1 Tim. 1. 20. 2 Tim. 2. 18. 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. Mat. 24. 45. c. Heb. 10. 23 26. see the notes on v 5 of this chapter 3. They may be faithful unto the end for he is faithful to confirm them unto the end that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom they were called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 1 Thess 5. 22 24. There is no Iniquity with the Lord our God Jer. 2. 1 5 12. 4. Faithfulness is required but unto death they that are constant thereto shall from thenceforth be so established for ever that they cannot possibly be unfaithful they shall then be pillars in the house of God and shall go no more out see the notes on Rev. 3. v. 12. They shall then be delivered compleatly and everlastingly from sin Heb. 12. 4. and from enemies after they are once dead their enemies have no more that they can do Luke 12. 4. henceforth there is certainly laid up for them a crown of Righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give them at that day 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. Then they are blessed indeed and more blessed than they were in former times Rev. 14. 13. from thenceforth there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass from one place or state to another cannot Luke 16. 26. constancy is no longer required of them but until their earthly house of this Tabernacle be dissolved Then they shall enter into peace and rest in their beds each one walking before him and in his uprightness And they shall not be hurt of the Second Death v. 11. 4. We have a gracious promise and powerful encouragement propounded to and set before them to engage them to receive and obey the Counsel fore-spoken to And I will give thee a Crown of Life Which is not absolutely assured unto them but respectively to wit in their being faithful unto the Death To the former Words of this sentence we have spoken before see the notes on v. 7. Onely here we may briefly speak to these two things 1. Enquire what is this Crown of life 2. Shew he can and will give it to these and such-like 1. The Crown of life doth signify to us their reigning in life by and with Jesus Christ when they have finished their course here in spirit And in the resurrection of the just in Soul and body reunited Rom. 5. 17. and so life in scripture when taken as here is the same with the Kingdom of God compare Mat. 18. 9. with Mark 9. 47 48. and Mark 9. 43 45 47. And that which in one place the Apostle James thus expresseth the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him in another it is thus the Kingdom
cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the World Joh. 6. 33. he hath by the grace of God tasted death for every Man and is raised again for their justification And God hath given us mankind eternal life and this life is in his Son Heb. 2. 9. Rom. 3. 23 24. 1 Joâ— 5. 10 11. and in due season he lighteth every Man that cometh into the World Joh. 1. 4 9. and ch 8. 12. 7. That manna ceased to be their food when they were come into the land of Canaan they had then new and other meat to eat as it is said The manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land neither had the Children of Israel manna any more but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan c. Josh 5. 11 12. But Christ abideth the bread of life for ever as here he saith To him that over-cometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna c. namely after he hath overcome to which afterwards 3. Hidden manna Christ may be called Because he is not now fully known by any nor his preciousness and excellency and this is true most fully with respect to those who are and remain in darkness and ignorance The natural Man cannot know him nor those spiritual things in him because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 14. no Man knoweth the Son but the Father Mat. 11. 27. Prov. 30. 4. And what our Saviour said to the Jews may be extended more generally to all while they are of the World they neither know him nor his Father Joh. 8. 19. they know not the excellency of his sufferings nor how good and excellent food he is become for the Soul to seed on The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness 1 Cor. 1. 18. 22 24. The God of this world blinds the minds of them that believe not c. 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. And therefore they are spending their money for that which is not bread Isay 55. 1 2. yea the wisest Men of the world are naturally ignorant of him Mat. 11. 25 27. Christ â—rueified is to the greeks who seek after wisdome foolishness 1 Cor. 1. 22 23. yea and the manna is in a great measure hidden from and unknown to the believers though they know so much of him as to come to him as the bread of life yet the full excellency of him is not revealed in any Revelation vouchsafed The Aposiles knew him in part and prophesied in part 1 Cor 13. 9 12. And if he and his beauty and glory be not fully revealed much less is he fully discerned and known for many things contained in the Revelation of him are not fully understood The love of Christ passeth knowledge Eph. 3. 19. the peace of God which Christ hath made by the blood of his cross and is become and which is in him passeth all understanding Phil. 4. 7. The Apostle did still seek to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings Pâ—il 3. 10 11. 1 Joh. 3. 2. and much less is he fully known by any of us 4. He is hidden manna kept safe and secure laid up in Heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt nor can theeves break thorow and steal Col. 1. 5 6. with 1 Tim. 1. 1. and Luke 12. 33. he is hid in God and our life is hid with Christ in God so as the gates of hell shall not prevail against him neither the power nor policy thereof Col. 3. 3. Joh. 14. 10. with Mat. 16. 18. And in him who is in the Father are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Col. 2. 3 9 10. 5. Hidden manna he is not seen otherwise than by faith which is the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11. 1. and therefore also he is eternal for the things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 18. all other meat is perishing meat But his flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed even such as endureth unto everlasting life Joh. 6. 27 55. But unto this we have spoken somewhat before 3. We come now to consider how Christ will give this hidden Manna to eat to him that overcometh To which we may say That without all peradventure he will give it continually to them now by faith that they may overcome and in their overcoming to strengthen their hearts as bread is said to strengthen the heart of Man Ps 104. 15 and to comfort them in all their trials and conflicts Gen. 18. 5. this enduring bread the Son of Man will continually give unto them Joh. 6. 27 51. But here in this promise he most fully if not only intends he will give to them this hidden manna hereafter to eat after they have over-come in spirit and in the first resurrection most gloriously compleatly and eternally so as then they shall be abundantly satisfied with this fatness of his house and he will make them drink of the river of pleasures for with him is the fountain of life Ps 36. 8 9. he will then give himself unto them and those everlasting consolations in himself so as they shall be compleatly and eternally satisfied therewith Indeed now they are so satisfied as not to hunger after any other bread or thirst after any other drink Joh. 6. 35. and ch 4. 13 14. But yet still the more they tast his graciousness the more they hunger and thirst after him Mat. 5. 6. Cant. 2. 3 5. their souls follow hard after him Ps 63. 1 8. they follow on to know that they may more know him Phil. 3. 7 10. Hos 6. 3. they are breathing for him looking for and hasting unto the coming of his day and longing for his appearing Ps 14. 7. Tit. 2. 14. 2 Pet. 3. 12 14. Rev. 22. 16 17 20. But then their desire shall come and be accomplished Phil. 1. 23. Prov. 10. 24. and ch 13. 12 19. when they awake in the morning of the resurrection they shall be satisfied with God's image even with Jesus Christ Ps 17. 15. with Heb. 1. 3. They shall then hunger no more neither thirst any more for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them even with himself and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters even unto himself also for he is meat and drink and herein also preferred before the typical manna Rev 7. 16 17 with Joh. 6. 51. Jer. 2. 13. hope and desire shall then cease in their compleat and glorious enjoyment of him in whose presence is fulness of joy and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore Psal 16. 11. And seeing he will give to them who have overcome this hidden manna it sheweth unto us that this is most excellent and precious and worthy to be remembred by us at all times and it may instruct us now to feed on it It is that which
and for ever if they continue therein namely such as trecherously depart from the Lord as a wife from her husband after they have been espoused to him yea in some respect their evil may be greater then Jezabel's and thus will he deal with all who continue guilty of this evil he will render indignation and wrath tribulation anguish unto every Soul of Man that doeth evil whatever he hath done formerly unto the Jew first and also to the Gentile for there is no respect of persons with God Rom 2. 8 11. Oh then Let us have no fellowship with such unfruitful works or workers of darkness for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness And what communion hath light with darkness and what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols Eph. 5. 11. 2 Cor. 6. 14 16. Prov. 13. 20. If any Man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. 3. But we may also take notice of this that Christ threatneth them not absolutely but conditionally except they repent of their deeds where also 1. He signifieth to us that while it is called to day the greatest and most notorious sinners may repent and turn to the Lord and find mercy with him There is forgiveness with him that he may be feared plenteousness of redemption that he may be hoped in by such Ps 130. he gives space and grace of repentance unto rebellious ones such was Jezabel and her companions see the notes on v. 20. and v. 21. 2 Pet. 3. 9 25. Ezek. 14. 6. This may therefore preserve us from concluding what will be the future state of such as are at present guilty of and polluted with spiritual fornication or adultery Mat. 21. 29. 2. The end of Christ and God in him in threatning judgments is that such polluted ones might repent and turn unto him from all their fins and abominations Jer. 18. 8 11. Rev. 9. 20 21. and ch 16. 9 10 11. 3. If such will not repent and turn iniquity will at last be their ruine Luke 13. 3 5. see the notes before on the word Repent on v. 5. and v. 16. of this chapter Verse 23. And I will kill her Children with death and all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto every one of you accoring to your works In this verse we have to consider and take notice of these things 1. A further threat expressed and I will kill her Children with death 2. The effect hereof even of his threats and judgments on that woman Jezabel her Paramours and Children And all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts 3. A signification and declaration of Christ's impartiality in his retributions and rewards and I will give unto every one of you according to your works 1. We have a further threat expressed and therein still a further intimation of Christ's displeasure against Jezabel And I will kill her Children with death The Subjects of our Lord's threat are Her Children Not the Children brought forth by natural generation or not them in that consideration or on that account for though they are not therefore the Children of God in a peculiar consideration they which are the Children of the flesh these are not the Children of God Joh. 1. 13. Rom. 9. 8. yet Children are the beritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward the reward of his abasement and sufferings Ps 127. 3. they are graciously given by him Gen. 33. 5. and they are born unto him Ezek. 16. 20. with v. 36. and being baptized into the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost and so brought into the congregation of Christ of such little ones is the Kingdom of God Mat. 19. 13 14. Mark 10. 13 14. and unto the Children in this sence he is vouchsafing means and discovering his goodness when they come to the use of understanding Ps 14. 2. and 36 7. and 107. 8 15 21 31. and he doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the Children of Men Lam. 3. 32 33. Nor are the Children here spoken of the Children of the Church namely such as they have been instruments of begetting thorow the word of truth the Gospel of our salvation for the seed of his Church is blessed he will pour his spirit upon her seed and his blessing upon her off-spring Isay 45. 3. for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord and their off-spring with them Isay 65. 23. and in due season all that see them shall acknowledge them that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed Isay 61. 9. and ch 54. 13. Prov. 11. 21. But here by Children we are to understand the Children of whoredomes of their spiritual whoredoms and fornications such as are begotten by evil doctrines see v. 23. worshippers and practises Children that are corrupters who have forsaken the Lord and provoked the holy one of Israel to anger who are gone away backwards a Isay 1. 1 4. the seed of evil doers the Children of the sorceress the seed of the adulterer and the whore the Children of transgression and seed of falshood Isay 14. 20. and ch 57. 3 5. with 2 Joh. 9. such Children whose Mothers have played the harlots and they that conceived them have done shamefully strange Children such as are begotten of divers and strange doctrines Hos 2. 2 5. with ch 5. 7. with Heb. 13. 7 9. such as are either born of the doctrines of Devils in a more gross consideration of most hellish doctrines and so are Children of the Devil Children of hell 1 Tim. 4. 1. with Acts 13. 10. Mâ—t. 23. 15. or of the doctrines of Men Col. 1. 11. which in some sort may also be said to be the doctrines of Satan and they who are born of them to be of the evil one as our Saviour said unto Peter get thee behind me Satan for thou savourest the things that be of men implying that the savouring Men's things in opposition to the doctrine of Christ about his sufferings and resurrection makes Men to be of Satan Mat. 16. 21 23. and in such a sense they who are born of Men's doctrines in which they oppose the weighty matters of God's law they are of Satan and are originally of their Father the Devil Joh. 8. 41 44. so those who are born of the doctrine of the Pharisees in and by which they shut up the kingdom of Heaven against Men are the Children of the devil as they also are who are born of this doctrine that Christ died not for all nor tasted death by the grace of God for every Man but only for the elect c. such are therein of Satan these new Pharisees are like to the old ones Mat. 23. 13 15. and they are the Children of the evil one who are born of the doctrine of the Saducees who say there is no resurrection of the dead and so by
this word of Christ was and is to be held fast And that is here expressed to us till I come to wit until Christ comes either till he comes to them particularly to remove them out of the Land of the living Luke 12. 40. And so they should be faithful herein unto death as was the Apostle Paul 2 Tim. 4. 6 7 8. Heb. 11. 13. Rev. 3. 11. See the notes before on Verse 10. of this Chapter Or Vntil he come to wit to take to him his great power and reign according to that I give thee charge that thou keep the Commandment without spot unrebukeable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 6. 13 15. But how should they do so By constantly keeping it themselves until death and committing the same to others also that it may be preserved amongst them Ps 78. 3 4 6 7. 2 Tim. 2. 2 3. 2 Pet. 1. 12 15. Now in that he thus speaketh and saith unto them I will put upon you none other burden but that which ye have already hold fast till I come We may learn from hence 1. That in saying I will put none other burden upon you so he signifieth to us That he doth put a burden upon them that are his Faithful Disciples and Followers he doth put some weight or burden upon them that is to be born by them that which is grievous to the flesh and in and by which that is kept down that it cannot run whither it would or do what it pleaseth and best likes Mat. 11. 28 29. 2. In that he saith none other burden so he gives us to understand that he did not put that as a burden upon them that they should enquire into the seducers depths of Satan as they speak for that might be hurtful to them In former times God charged his people to take heed unto themselves that they were not snared by following after Idolaters And that they should not enquire after their Gods saying How did these Nations serve their God c. Deut. 12. 30 32. And we are commanded to go from the presence of a foolish man when once we perceive not in him the lip of knowledge Prov. 14. 7. and ch 19. 27 Many do much mistake and abuse that saying of the Apostle Try all things as if hereby liberty were given to them to hear all false teachers whatever whereby many become a prey unto Foxes and embrace and follow pernicious ways whereas the Apostle gives that exhortation not unto all but only to such as had received the Apostles word not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which also wrought effectually in them 1 Thes 1. 3 6. and ch 2. 13. And again that exhortation of the Apostles gives none such undue liberty as too many take but it is to be considered by us as relating unto what goes before viz. despise not prophesying to wit such speakings of the word of Christ as are to edification and exhortation and comfort 1 Corinth 14. 1 3. And then adds try or prove all things c. Namely in those prophesyings we should not despise we are not to take all on trust which they say but to search the Scriptures whether the things delivered therein be so or no and hold fast what is good 1 Thes 5. 19 21. with Acts 17. 11 12. But this gives us no liberty to search into the depths of Satan or to be heaping to our selves teachers after our own lusts 2 Tim. 4. 3 4. It is a commendation of those upright ones in Thyatira both Teachers and those that were taught in this Verse 24. They have not known the depths of Satan as they speak And our Lord lays no such burden upon them as to seek after the knowledge thereof this is the Character Christ gives of his Sheep A Stranger will they not follow but will flee from him for they know not the Voice of Strangers all that ever came before me are Thieves and Robbers but the Sheep did not hear them Joh. 10. 4 5 8 27. Christ lays upon his sincere followers no other burden but to hold fast what they have He would not have them receive or listen unto any new Doctrine for the word of his grace is able to build them up and to give them an Inheritance among them that are sanctified Acts 20. 32. And the Apostle saith the anointing you have received of him to wit the things they had heard from the beginning abideth in you and ye need not that any Man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things c. 1 Joh. 2. 20 24 27. And the Apostle Paul saith though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed As we said before so say I now again If any Man preach any other Gospel to you then that ye have received let him be accursed Gal. 1. 6 8 9 10. 3. In that he saith I will put upon you none other burden but that which ye have already hold fast c. to wit the word and doctrine of Christ as hath been said So he gives us to understand that his Yoke is easie and his Burden is light Mat. 11. 29 30. It is not like that of which the Apostle saith neither we nor our Fathers were able to bear Acts 15. 10. Nor like to the Lawyers burdens or the Scribes and Pharisees who loaded men with burdens grievous to be born and themselves did not touch the burdens with one of their fingers Luke 11. 46. with Mat. 23. 4. Nor like the burden of Sin and Satan which however they seem sweet and easie to the Flesh yet they wound and break the heart and Spirit and expose men to the wrath of God both present and eternal Rom. 6. 21 23. and ch 5. 21. 2 Tim. 2. 26. Heb. 2. 15. But his burden is a sweet and easie one indeed to the heart and soul Mat. 11. 29. His Commandments are not grievous 1 Joh. 5. 3. His ways are ways of pleasantness and all his paths are peace Prov. 3. 16 17. his doctrine is a good doctrine his words are gratious Prov. 4. 2. Luke 4. 18 22. with Psal 45. 2. And his mouth hath spoken truth and wickedness is an abomination to his lips Prov. 8. 6 8. And his word is a powerful word Psal 29. 4. Luke 4. 32. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. Thereby God is working in them both to will and to do of his good pleasure what he requires of them that they may do all things without murmurings and disputings Phil. 2. 12 15. And his words are the words of eternal life he that keepeth them shall never taste death but have eternal life Joh. 5. 24 25. and ch 6. 68. and ch 8. 51. 4. In that he saith hold that fast which ye have
already so he intimates to us that Satan and his Instruments more generally and more particularly false teachers would pluck away Christ's Gospel from us if possibly they could Mat. 13. 19. Luke 8. 12. Acts 13. 8 10. â—need therefore we have to take fast hold of Instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is our life and to hold it fast till he come that being faithful unto death we may in due season receive the Crown of Life Prov. 4. 13. and ch 7. 1 5. See the notes on Chap. 3. Verse 3. and Verse 11. Verse 26. And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end to him will I give power over the Nations In this Verse and the two following we have great and gracious promises propounded to and set before this and the rest of the Churches and which every one that hath an Ear is called upon to hear Wherein consider we 1. The subject of that which is here and afterwards promised 2. That which is promised and assured unto every such an one 1. The subject of that which is here and afterwards promised And he that overcometh See the notes before on Verse 7. and on Chap. 3. Verse 5. And keepeth my words unto the end His Work is honourable and glorious and his Righteousness endureth for ever He hath made his wonderful works to be remembred Psal 111. 2 3 4. The works of Christ which are to be kept by us unto the end are 1. The works which he hath wrought and accomplished for us in his own personal body which the Father prepared for him his personal abasement and sufferings wherein he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the cross Phil. 2. 6 8. of which he saith as to his suffering work on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 17. 4. and whereby he hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. purged away the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God Heb. 1. 3. 1 Joh. 3. 5. Abolished and overcome that first death which was the wages of that first sin and sinfulness and delivered us in himself from it 1 Cor. 15. 57. 2 Tim. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 1. 10. and hath destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil For this purpose was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil and he hath done the work which the Father sent him to do he hath bound the strong Man cast out the prince of this world Heb. 2. 14. 1 Joh. 3. 8. Joh. 12. 31. he hath taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us Oh that Men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the Children of Men For he hath broken the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron in sunder Ps 107. 15 16. and he hath by his blood in the vertue whereof he is raised again obtained eternal redemption Heb. 9. 12. a restoration of our nature in his person into the image of God and so into perfect innocency integrity and immortality and into dominion over the works of God's hands and recovered our loss into himself having obtained for us the forgiveness of our personal sins Acts 13. 38 39. brought in everlasting righteousness Dan. 9. 24. Ps 98. 1 3 4. received the immeasurable fulness of the Spirit that he might bring forth judgment to us Gentiles Joh. 3. 24. Isay 42. 1. and ch 11. 1 3. and is possessed of eternal life in our nature for Man-kind 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. In him God hath blessed us with all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly things In whom it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Eph. 1. 3. Col. 1. 19. and ch 2. 6 10. These works which he hath wrought accomplished for us should always be kept in memory by us that we might be glad thorow his work and triumph in the works of his hands in which his loving-kindness is wonderfully manifested to us Ps 92. 1 4 5. and 40. 5 8. and 118. 22 25. 2. And the works which he is now doing both in Heaven with the Father for us in which he is the one and only mediatour between God and Men making intercession for transgressors 1 Tim. 2. 5. Isay 53. 12. and ever liveth to make intercession for them that come to God by him as their advocate Heb. 7. 24 25. and ch 9. 14 15. 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. And what he is doing from Heaven in the name of the Father and fulness of the anointing of the holy Spirit to us as a Testimony of God's goodness to all Men in their proper seasons and ages And as the Apostle of the Believers profession 1 Tim. 2. 6. Heb. 3. 1. 3. And what he will do hereafter viz. give rewards to his Servants the Prophets and to his Saints and them that fear his name small and great and destroy them that destroy and corrupt the earth Rev. 11. 17 18. Isay 45. 16 17. 23 25. These are to be held fast and kept in faith and hope and to be rejoyced in at all times by us And he that doth truth cometh to the light that his works may be made manifest that they are wrought in God Joh. 3. 21. Isay 26. 12. and these works of his are to be kept in our mouths and to be declared to others also that they knowing them may come unto him and put their trust under the shadow of his wings accoring to that Give thanks unto the Lord call upon his name make known his deeds among the people sing unto him sing Psalms unto him talk of all his wondrous works 1 Chron. 16. 8 9. Ps 105. 1 5. declare among the people his doings Ps 9. 11. and 77. 12. Isay 12. 14. And also by Christ's works are meant what he worketh and effecteth in us by his Gospel the work of Faith and labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ c. 1 Thes 1. 3 5 6. for the Gospel being heartily received worketh effectually in them that believe 1 Thes 2. 13. he it is that worketh all our works in us and perfects what concerns us even by his Gospel which is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Isay 26. 12. Ps 138. 8. with Rom. 1. 16. his works even these works of his also are to be held fast by us to the end until we come to lay down our lives Mat. 10. 22. that we may dye in the Faith Heb. 11. 13. Rev. 14. 13. Now herein is intimated and signified to us 1. That the works of Christ as declared in and effected by his Gospel may be kept by us unto the end notwithstanding all opposition whatsoever for he is faithful by whom we have been called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 1
thy demeanour Joh. 3. 36. and ch 5. 24. Rom. 8. 1. That his eye is delightfully upon thee and his Soul takes pleasure in thee that thou dwellest and remainest in the peculiar love and special favour of God whose favour is towards a wise Servant but his wrath is against him that causeth shame Prov. 14. 35. Joh. 14. 21 24. That thou livest that thou hast a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead as declared to thee in the Testimony of God concerning Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. that thou livest by faith even by the Faith of the Son of God who loved thee and gave himself for thee Gal. 2. 20. Hab. 2. 4. that thou livest by Christ as he is revealed in the Gospel that thou eatest that living bread and feedest thereon even on the flesh of Christ that was given for the life of the World whose flesh is meat indeed and whose blood is drink indeed Joh. 7. 51. 53 57 58. and that thereby thou art filled with joy and peace in believing and aboundest in hope thorow the power of the Holy Spirit Rom. 15. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 3 4 8. that in eating of the flesh of the hind of the morning thy heart liveth Christ dwelling therein by Faith Ps 22. 26. with the title Eph. 3. 17. that Christ liveth in thee Gal. 2. 20. and in thy spirit are living waters out of which flow rivers of living water and from whence are issues of life Issuing forth praises of him longing desires after and prayers for more knowledge of him acquaintance with him Faith in him more high prizings of him more servent affection to and welpleased delight in him Joh. 7. 37 38. Prov. 4. 21. Cant. 2. 3 5. That Christ is thy life that living stone the foundation of thy Faith confidence hope and expectation that he is thy consolation and not any works of thine own or any thing effected in thee or done by thee Col. 3. 4. Rom. 1. 16 17. 1 Pet. 2. 3 4 5. Luke 2. 25. and that thou hast thy Glorying in his cross and thy rejoycing always in him who died yea rather is risen again c. And hast no confidence in the flesh Gal. 6. 14. Phil. 3. 1 3. 10. and ch 4. 4. That thou livest art quickened to new and living affections unto Jesus Christ and God in him and lovest him because he loved thee first that he is the He whom thy Soul loveth 1 Joh. 4. 14 16 17 19. and to new and living affections to Brethren so as thou lovest them with a pure heart â—ervently 1 Pet. 1. 22. yea that thou lovest desirest and endeavourest the good of all Men and that from the constrainâ— of the love of Christ because thou judgest that this One died for all and rose again and that God would have all Men to be saved 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. 20. 1 Tim. 2. 1 8. Luke 6. 27 35. And that thou art led by and walkest in the Spirit and so art preserved from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh not only the more gross ones but also the desires of the mind such as the wisdom righteousness goodness of the flesh praise of Men desires of vain-glory c. Gal. 5. 16 22 26. that thou art spiritually minded and led by the spirit who always leads in the path of life and that to thee to live is Christ and the end of thy conversation is that God in all things may be glorified thorow Jesus Christ that his Gospel may have free course and be received and heartily believed by others Phil. 1. 21. 1 Pet. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 9. 23. and ch 10. 33. This is somewhat of the name that this Angel and Church now had of their renown that was gone forth among the other Churches they were highly esteemed and well reported of by others Thou hast a name that thou livest But what was Christ's knowledge concerning them and what account doth he give of this Angel and Church generally It follows I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead and this he knew also by their works Dead not so as to their bodies as we have said for they still lived in that sense and conversed among Men where-as those that are naturally dead know not any thing Eccles 9. 5. nor is the truth sent or preached to them Isay 38. 18. But they were dead while they lived 1 Tim. 5. 6. Dead not with Christ not crucified with him as Gal. 2. 20. not dead to the rudiments and elements of this present world Col. 2. 12 20. or to the law by the body of Christ Rom. 7. 4. or to sin Rom. 6. 7 or conformed to the death of Christ in suffering shame reproach and persecution for his sake Phil. 3. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 11. we are not to understand the word dead in any of these senses for this death is an efficacy of the grace of God known and believed and so not reprovable but commendable But this Angel and Church is reproved and blame-worthy for being dead as plainly appears in this Epistle which is sent unto them in what follows Nor yet dead in an outward open and visible consideration spiritually that is they were not walking in the gross lusts and requirings of the flesh or not openly walking in them they were not like the Prodigal who wasted his substance with riotous living of whom his Father saith this my Son was dead Luke 15. 13 24 32. nor like the Ephesians of whom the Apostle saith And you who were dead in trespasses and sins wherein also ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the air c. Eph. 2. 1 2. that is I mean they did not openly work the will of the Gentiles walking in lasciviousness lusts excess of wine revellings banquettings c. 1 Pet. 4. 3. for such an openly vile conversation would have been altogether inconsistent with and have taken away their name among the Churches But they were more inwardly dead And yet they were dead not totally and absolutely but comparatively and in a great measure so as to the living and lively usefulness of what they had known and believed and the power and preciousness whereof they had discerned proved tasted and experimented therefore in v. 2. it is thus exprest the things which remain and are ready to dye And so Thou art dead to wit in general Thou art in a piteous condition in a miserable way at present so we have shewn before that death includes and contains in it many times when it is mentioned alone all misery and unhappiness and so certainly this Angel and Church were in the high-way to destruction and would bring that on themselves if Christ's counsel were not seasonably received and obeyed by them v. 2 3. And so he as it were saith to this Angel and Church as he doth to that of Laodicea Thou art wretched and miserable v. 17. More particularly
his Prophets or Angels may chuse and highly esteem of 1 Sam. 16. 6 7. his eyes are as a flame of fire and he searcheth the reins and hearts see the notes on ch 1. v. 14. and on ch 2. v. 23. one would have thought that such a Church had been approved of him and might well have been commended of others of whom he saith I know thâ— works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and hast tried them which say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars and hast born and hast patience and for my names sake hast laboured and hast not fainted and yet notwithstanding all this I have against thee c. See notes on Chap. 2. Verse 1 5. 2 Cor. 10. 18. Verse 2. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to dye for I have not found thy works perfect before God In this Verse Christ gives gracious and useful counsel to this Angel and Church and lays down a Reason or Argument to ingage them to receive it We may from the former part of the Verse note in general 1. In that our Lord Jesus gives such good and useful Counsel and Instruction unto dead ones and such dead ones also that Christ is not willing that such as these who after they have been enlivened and quickened in their Spirits have again brought themselves into a miserable condition so as they are even become dead should perish and be lost for ever while it is called to day though their iniquity be very great and highly provoking to him yet he hath no pleasure none at all in the death of him that dieth he hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked of such wicked ones also as have left off to be wise and to do good but that such turn and live as he hath both said and sworn Ezek. 18. 23 31 32. and ch 33. 11. with Ps 36. 1 3 4 7. Luke 15. 24. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. 1 Tim. 2. 4. He would have all men to be saved while the day of his grace and patience lasteth And hence when by his Apostle Jude he warns of some such ungodly ones as turned the grace of our God into lasciviousness and is saying of them they were trees without fruit whose fruit withereth twice dead plucked up by the roots yet he gives this instruction to the believers And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with fear pulling them out of the Fire c. Jude 4. 12 22 23. 2. In that he gives this good and profitable counsel to those who were dead in a Spiritual Consideration as we have seen so he signifies to us that his words are Spirit and Life unto such as these Joh. 6. 63. His Gospel with the Counsels Commandments and Instructions thereof is the word of life Phil. 2. 16. In and with this word he gives life preventingly to dead Souls Joh. 5. 21 25. 1 Cor. 15. 47. and is quickening them also who thorow their carnal mindedness have again brought death upon themselves and lost those things which have been wrought in them by the Gospel Eph. 5. 14. His word is with power Luke 4. 32. and while he calls he stretches forth his hand to enable men to turn at his reproofs and to receive and obey his Counsel Prov. 1. 24. He doth lighten their Eyes that they may not sleâ—â— the sleep of death Ps 13. 3. with Prov. 29. 13. He works powerfully in and with his word to the recalling converting and turning such to himself as have sold themselves for their iniquities and for their transgressions are put away and hence he thus speaketh to and expostulateth with such wherefore when I came was there no Man when I called was there none to answer Is mine hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem or have I no power to deliver Isay 50. 1 2 3 4. 1. From hence then we may note that when we say dead Men may receive God's Word Instruction and Counsel while it is to day we suppose not nor believe that Men have naturally free-will or power to turn or quicken themselves for to be sure dead Men have neither will nor power to any thing that is spiritually good but in such like sayings we conclude as we have good ground to do that God exerts and puts forth his power in and with his word to enable them to what he requires of them where the word of this great King is without doubt there is power Eccles 8. 4. hence he saith to his people in former times O thou that art named the house of Jacob is the Spirit of the Lord shortened though thou hast neither will nor power to turn thy self Jer. 31. 18 19. yet is not his Spirit the Spirit of power and might 2 Tim. 1. 7. Isay 11. 2. and is this spirit of his straitned towards thee to enable and strengthen thee Surely no Mica 2. 1. 7. 2. It may lead us highly to esteem the word of Christ to glorify the word of the Lord and not listen to or be deceived by them who call it the letter and a dead letter but to know it is the ministration of the Spirit and the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 6 8. Eph. 6. 17. The word of God is living and powerful or in-working Heb. 4. 12. It is able to quicken dead souls as the Prophet David confesses saying thy word hath quickened me And again with thy precepts thou hast quickned me Ps 119. 50 93. Eph. 2. 1 4. 5. 3. It may instruct them that have this word of the Lord and have it fitted in their lips to speak it Faithfully and not to make use of excellency of speech or of wisdom But to know the word of God is powerful and needs not the additions or mixtures of Man's eloquence or wisdom or the strength of their arguments or most powerful and perswasive demonstrations and reasons the plain preaching of the cross without wisdom of words is the power of God 1 Cor. 1. 17 25. and ch 2. 1 5. Col. 2. 3 8. If they had stood in my counsel saith the Lord and had caused my people to hear my words then they should have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully what is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord. Is not my word like as a fire saith the Lord and like an hammer that breaks the rock in pieces Jer. 23. 22 30. 2 Cor. 2. 17. 4. It may provoke them that have it in their hearts to take fast hold of it and not let it go to keep it for it is their life life to their Soul Prov. 4. 13. with ch 3. 21 22. If it will quicken dead Souls without peradventure it will keep and preserve living ones in life
still to abide in him or else they are not the subjects nor will be made partakers of the blessedness here spoken of unless they be faithful to death they will not have the crown of life ch 2. 10. hence this saying is not only added in the close of those Epistles written to the Churches that were faulty and faulted but to such also as were not so and against whom our Lord had no exception As to the Church in Smyrna to those upright ones in the Church in Thyatira to the Church of Philadelphia To these all who are not reproved or however not the first and the last but greatly commended he still saith To him that overcometh c. ch 2. 8. 11. v. 24. 26. and ch 3. 7 12. Though Christ had said to these few names in Sardis they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy v. 4. yet it 's only assured to them as abiding faithful and enduring to the end Mat. 10. 22. and ch 24. 13. As the Lord saith when I shall say to the righteous that he shall surely live If he trust to his own righteousness and commâ—â—iniquity all his righteousness shall not be remembred but for his iniquity that he hath committed he shall dye for it Ezek 33. 13 18. and ch 18. 24 26. and 3. 20. see notes on ch 2. 10. and ch 3. 11. and as what we have said as with respect to them who had forgotten and let slip how they had received and heard and had defiled their garments may encourage and provoke them to turn to him from whom they had revolted So this also as it is spoken to them who had let the word of Christ dwell richly in them and had not defiled their garments it may encourage them to continue in their good way and admonish them not to depart from him unto the fellowship of whom they are called not to be highminded but fear for the goodness of God his peculiar goodness is to them that continue in his goodness otherwise they also should be cut off Rom. 11. 20 22. they are all the Children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus and now the just shall live by Faith but if he draw back if he by an evil heart of unbelief depart from the living God his Soul shall have no pleasure in him Gal. 3. 26 29. with Heb. 3. 12. and ch 10. 38. 1 Cor. 10. 12. 2. We have also to consider The blessedness it self promised and assured to him that overcometh and propounded both to such as had and to such as had not defiled their garments that they might overcome to the end And this in three Branches that is to say 1. The same shall be clothed in white raiment to wit in the righteousness of Christ Isay 61. 10. In the Lord they shall be justified and in him they shall glory Isay 45. 25. And they shall be perfectly conformed to the image of Christ In Spirit when they are absent from the body and in due season in Soul and body re-united even in the resurrection from the dead the first resurrection Rev. 6. 9 11. and ch 19. 8 9. see notes before on v. 4. Now here he signifies to us In that this Branch of blessedness and what follows is thus propounded and assured to him that overcometh indefinitely and indifferently even to such as had and to such as had not polluted their garments That in the eternal judgment such as have sometimes demeaned themselves unworthily and yet afterwards have considered their ways and turned their feet to God's testimonies shall even be dealt with and honoured as the rest that have abidden faithful and have not so turned out from Christ Jesus Thus he speaks to the Church in Laodicea which was become luke-warme and he threatens to spew her out of his mouth and she was generally polluted and none but polluted ones in her yet to that Angel and Church he saith To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne Rev. 3. 15 16 21. So 〈◊〉 speaks to them in the Church of Thyatira in which Church it â—â—â—ms some had not the Doctrine of Jezabel but held fast Christ's Doctrine and some were polluted with the doctrine of that evil and false prophetess yet to all he saith to all the Churches and all in them He that overcometh shall be thus and thus blessed and alike blessed see ch 2. 23 29. there is not here or any-where to any of these Churches one reward propounded to some in one Church and another to others in the same Church or one thing promised to one overcomer and another thing to others but the same to all he that overcometh shall inherit all things Rev. 21. 7. And let not them who have continued faithful and who have not defiled their garments murmur or be discontented or troubled hereat because he will give to those who have been foiled and yet have overcome at last even as he will unto them Is it not lawful for him to do what he will with his own why should their eye be evil because his is good Mat. 20. 11 16. Luke 15. 25 32. Nor let any of us say let us turn aside and return to evil ways and because where sin abounded grace abounded much more let us then continue in sin that grace may abound Rom. 5. 20 21. and ch 6. 1 2. for in so doing we may provoke him to cut us off in such our departure from him our times are in his hand and he may and there is abundant cause to fear he will take away our breath and cut us off in such wickedness Ps 94. 23. Deâ—t 29. 18 20. And then we are gone for ever and shall be punisht with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord 2 Thes 1. 8 10. or if he so deal not with us but spare our lives and thorow his grace that brings salvation to him that is joyned to all the living we be recovered yet he may break our bones and cause the terrour of him who is the almighty to fall upon us Ps 51. 8. he may permit and order the sorrows of death to compass us and the pains of Hell to get hold of us Ps 116. 37. and may remember such iniquity against us till we dy and his judgments may never depart from us as long as we remain in this World 1 Sam. 3. 14. 2 Sam. 12. 10 14. Isay 22. 14. but let the consideration of what hath been said provoke and encourage wanderers and backsliders to return to him from whom they have fallen by their iniquities and cause us all to admire at the riches of the Lords goodness towards vâ—le sinful and polluted ones David who sinned so greatly in the matter of Vriah shall be a Prince hereafter And the house of David as God as the Angel of the Lord being while the day of grace lasted washt in that fountain which is opened for the house of David c. Zech. 12. 8.
have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith as ye have been taught c. Col. 2. 6 7 8 and how Jealous was he lest the Corinthians should listen unto or entertain any other Gospel besides that they had preached and the believers had received see 2 Cor. 11. 1 2 3 4. Then from hence we may conclude that when any would perswade us to listen unto and embrace some other doctrines they are not therein led of God such a perswasion comes not of him that calleth the believers Gal. 4. 7 8. with ch 1. 6 7. But it comes from Satan whose work it is to turn them from the Faith if he can possibly do it Acts 13. 7 12. The Holy Ghost instructs his Children not to meddle with them that are given to change Prov. 24. 21. Christ calls upon his to hold fast what they have and not to be turned therefrom by any specious pretences or pretenders whatsoever The Apostles have written no new commandment unto us but an old commandment which is also new as to the declaration of the actual accomplishment of that in the personal body of Christ which was prophesyed of from the beginning and as to the revelation of those things which were formerly more hidden and mysterious 1 Joh. 2. 7 8. 2. We may also note again if we consider the persons to whom this counsel and exhortation is given That those who have kept the word of Christ need to be counselled and exhorted still to hold it fast so it was here our Lord who is holy and true faith v. 8. thou hast kept my word and hast not denied my name and v. 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience c. and now he still exhorts them hold that fast which thou hast so oft-times commandments of like nature are given to them who have kept the word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 6. 9 yea this is the burden as we have said that he layeth upon such and no other burden will he lay upon them but that which they have already they hold fast untill he comes see the notes on ch 2. v. 24. and v. 25. and the hearty believers need still to be thus exhorted and to suffer the word of exhortation And that 1. Because all the time they are in this present evil World they have ungodliness to deny and enemies always to fight against whose work it is if possible to turn them away from the truth and to turn them to fables 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Heb. 12. 4. Tit. 2. 11 12. they need to be provoked to keep with all diligence and to hold fast with all their might given them even with both hands as they speak the word of Christ because they have so many subtil watchful potent enemies both without them and within them who are continually endeavouring with all their might and main and assaying all means to remove them from the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and to steal away the word of God from them 1 Cor. 16. 13. 2 Tim. 1. 12 14. 2. Because the word of Christ is the word of life the word of salvation his words are Spirit and life Joh. 6. 63. in them is the life of the Soul and Spirit Oh then they need to be daily stirred up and exhorted to take fast hold of instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is their life Prov. 4. 13. Sardis by letting slip and forgetting how she had received and heard became dead though she had a name that she lived Rev. 3. 1 3. and the Gospel of Christ is the power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth they are kept thereby thorow faith unto the Salvation ready to be revealed in these last days unto that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in the Heavens c. Rom. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 4 5 6. 3. Because though we have formerly received and kept his word yet unless we hold it fast to the end all will be in vain and unprofitable to us we shall not be presented holy unblamable unrebukable in his sight unless we continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 22 23. unless we be herein faithful to the death we shall not at last receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved But he that puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdome of God Luke 9. 62. Mat. 10. 22. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Gal. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 3. Oh then that we may continue holding fast his word and in a patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality that he may in conclusion render to us eternal life Rom. 2. 7. and to move and provoke us so to do let us diligently consider also that which next followeth namely 3. In that our Lord Jesus gives this useful and needful counsel after that promise he makes to them in v. 10. I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world c. So we may learn to know the nature of those exceeding great and precious promises Ministred to us in the Gospel that they are not made to any person or persons in a personal consideration but they are made to such manner of persons they are originally immediately and everlastingly made to and confirmed in Christ Jesus Gal. 3. 16 17. and secondarily unto them that come unto and abide in Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 16 29. but if a Man abide not in him he is cast forth as a branch Joh. 15. 6. If the righteous Man draw back God's Soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 37 38. Ezek. 3. 20. and 18. 24. and ch 33. 13. God not only promised but sware also that he would bring the Israelites whom he redeemed out of Egypt into the land of Canaan But because of their unbelief and disobedience they entred not that notwithstanding As it is said by himself Doubtless ye shall not come into the Land concerning which I swarâ— to make you dwell therein c. Numb 14. 30 32. So God covenanted unto David concerning Solomon that he would establish the throne of his Kingdome over Israel for ever And this was done by a covenant of Salt an incorruptible perpetual covenant and yet because of his and Rehoboam's evil ten tribes were broken off 1 Chron. 22. 9 10. with 2 Chron. 13. 5. and 1 Kings 11. 11. see also 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. Ps 125. Isay 26. 2 4. he is the faithful God which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments and repays them that hate him to their face to destroy them notwithstanding any promise or covenant he hath made to or with them he will not be
32 33. Heb. 11. 17 19. The Apostle Paul to recover the Galatians from their wandrings sets before them that Christ is the Amen to him the promises are made and in him confirmed and with him assured to those that receive him So as in being Christ's they are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 16 17 29. and 4. 28. and 5. 1. And so here Christ declareth himself to be the Amen to cure these of that Lukewarmness they were polluted with and assures them that in opening and giving entertainment to him he would come in to them and sup with them and they with him and that he that overcometh should sit with him on his throne Rev. 3. 14 20 21. Oh were this considered by us that God hath not spared his own Son but delivered him up for us all how would this make us confident that with him he will freely give us all things also how would this cause us to mount up with wings as Eagles to run and not to be a weary to walk and not saint and to encourage and engage us to listen to his counsel whom God hath given for a covenant to the people For the Lord God is a sun and shield he will give grace and glory no good thing will â—e with-hold from them that walk uprightly Rom. 8. 32. Ps 84. 10 12. The faithful and true witness This may be an explication of the Amen and shew us what is further meant by and contained in that expression These two words faithful and true may mean one and the same thing or we may say he is the faithful witness in that work whereto the Father appointed him hence the Apostle instructs the holy Brethren to consider the Apostle and High-priest of their profession who was faithful to him that appointed him namely in that hard and difficult work of humbling himself and becoming obedient to death the death of the cross Heb. 2. 9 18 and 3. 1 2. he is in his cross a faithful witness of the greatness and sincerity of the Fathers affection to us Isay 55. 3 4. who is meant by the faithful witness here spoken of may be plainly seen and wherein he is so firstly and fundamentally Rev. 1. 5. Jesus Christ the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead And so 1. As he died for our sins by way of propitiation and as the peace-maker So he is a faithful witness of the Fathers love and that he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance he is the great sign and undoubted evidence of the heat and ardency of God's love towards us poor sinners even toward every poor sinful creature of Mankind in that by the grace of God he tasted death for every Man In this was manifested the love of God towards us because God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him The Father sent the Son the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4. 8 10 14. God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son c. Joh. 3. 16. This is the great sign of God's love to us and it is an evil and adulterous thing to seek after any other Mat. 12. 39. 1. Cor. 1. 22 24. and he is the faithful witness therein of the truth and faithfulness of the Father in performing his promises according to the tenour of them for he that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him freely give us all things also Isay 55. 3 4. Rom. 8. 32. Yea in what he hath sufâ—ered he is the faithful witness also of the freeness and ardency of his own love towards us his love was so fervent as that many waters could not quench it nor could the Floods drown it such was his grace that he laid down his life for us he died for all 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. and such the preciousness of his blood that in the vertue thereof he is raised again hath purged away our sins made peace slain the enmity broken down the middle-wall of partition between God and mankind taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us abolished death and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil and obtained into himself all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly things and confirmed a new Testament and Everlasting Covenant Oh what a faithful witness is he of the greatness and fervency of his own and his Fathers love And how powerful therefore is the view of him in his Cross to cure us of our Lukewarmness Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is he not thy Father that hath bought thee Oh how doth this love constrain us to love him and to cleave to him with full purpose Yea and to return to him when we have fallen by our iniquities for therein he shews us that he hath no pleasure in the death of him that dieth and so not in the death and destruction of poor wretched miserable blind naked lukewarm ones Oh! fear not to come unto and walk before him and be perfect Let not your hands be slack By this ye are saved if ye keep in memory what was at first declared to you unless ye believe in vain viz. that Christ died for our Sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. O foolish Galatians saith the Apostle who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth that ye should not continue in running well but grow remiâ—s before whose Eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified c. Gal. 3. 1. with ch 5. 7. 2. The faithful Witness and Martyr as a Peace-preacher who laid down his Life in testimony to the truth of that Gospel which he received from his Father and declared to us for to this end was he born and for this cause came he into the World that he should bear Witness to the truth Joh. 18. 37. And to this he did bear witness unto the death and sealed to the truth of that Gospel with his Blood This the Apostle Paul sets before Timothy to encourage him to fight the good fight of Faith that Jesus Christ witnessed a good Confession before Pontius Pilate when he knew what things he should suffer on that account 1 Tim. 6. 12 14. Away with this lukewarmness then and let us come unto and follow him whithersoever he goeth enduring bardness as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 2. 1 3 8. See Heb. 12. 1 3. 1 Pet. 2. 20 24. and ch 3. 17 18. And the true Witness In his Testimony in which he hath declared what he hath done and the Fathers love in him and that he is the Amen He is the truth it self and his word is the word of truth Prov. 8. 6 8. Ps 119. 160. 1 Joh. 5. 20. The true light now shineth 1
Meekness c. They were become like those that trusted in and whose heart was lifted up because of their beauty and who made to themselves Images of God's fair Jewels c. Ezek. 16. 4 19. and ch 28. 17. And have need of nothing or of no Man need of no Instruments though they did not leave off the assembling of themselves together but seemed to take delight in approaching to God yet they knew all already that could be said to them they needed no teaching they were such knowing persons and had such great understanding They had need of no Edification they had attained already They needed no Reproof they were clean in their own Eyes and free from those Evils that others might charge them with and fault them for They were even saying Blessed be the Lord for we are rich God we thank thee we are not like other Men we have all we desire to have we have need of nothing This was not only their thought but their language they so said concerning themselves But what account did the faithful and true witness who will not lye give of them For it is not he that commendeth himself is approved but whom the Lord commendeth 2 Cor. 10. 18. did they confirm their saying and witness the same of them which they said of themselves No they were their own Witnesses he gives them to understand that they were greatly mistaken and deceived in that he saith And knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable or pitteous and poor and blind and naked What a great mistake was here Do those that are so highly conceited of themselves think their case is so sad No these knew not their high and unsober thoughts of themselves blinded them and made them worse than Fools Prov. 16. 12. and their blindeness and ignorance was apparent and their shame and nakedness visible to such as had their Eyes open They were blind and yet they thought and said they saw And truly ignorant persons usually are most highly conceited of themselves as the Apostle signifieth when he saith I would not have you ignorant lest ye be wise in your own conceits Rom. 11. 25. They thought themselves to be rich and full and see how empty and poor they were while they thought themselves to be something when they were nothing they deceived themselves Gal. 6. 3. 1 Cor. 8. 3. Prov. 14. 6. with Rom. 11. 20. See also what a mistake was in the Corinthians who were high-minded and highly conceited of themselves Now ye are full saith the Apostle now ye are rich increased with goods ye have reigned as Kings without us c. We are Fools for Christs sake ye are wise in Christ We are weak but ye are strong ye are honourable but We are despised But what manner of persons were these that had such high thoughts of themselves See what the Apostle saith of them I could not speak unto you as unto spiritual but as unto carnal as unto Babes in Christ I have fed you with milk and not with meat for hitherto ye were not able to bear neither yet now are ye able for ye are yet carnal c. 1 Cor. 4. 8 10. with ch 3. 1 4. As there is that maketh himself poor and hath great riches So there is that maketh himself rich yet hath nothing Prov. 13. 7. Such a mistake there was with this Church and is with many that have high thoughts and conceits of themselves Herein they are like a Dream of a Night-Vision as when an hungry man dreameth and behold â—e cateth but he awaketh and his Soul is hungry Or as when a thirsty man dreameth and behold he drinketh but he awaketh and behold he is faint and his Soul hath appetite Isay 29. 7 8. To such a sad and loathsome condition may such bring themselves who have believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God by turning their Eye from Christ and doting upon and admiring themselves their knowledge parts gifts receits attainments Oh that we may look into the perfect law of liberty and continue therein that we may so behold our own vileness sinfulness shortness and incompleatness in our selves that we may be low in our own Eyes and so be preserved from this lukewarmness and quickened and enflamed with love to Christ to seek after the knowledge and enjoyment of him and for that cause to part with and forsake all things yea and with â—ervency to hold forth the profession of our Faith without wavering that we may overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and word of our Testimony not loving our lives to the death that none of the things we may suffer may move us nor may we count our lives dear to our selves that we may finish our course with joy Verse 18. I counsel thee to buy of me Gold tried in the Fire that thou mayest be rich and white raiment that thou mayest be cloathed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear and anoint thine Eyes with Eye-salve that thou mayest see This Verse contains in it needful and gracious counsel which the Amen the faithful and true witness gives to these luke warm ones whom he had threatned to spue out of his mouth Wherein consider in general 1. That when men have fitted themselves for being spued out of his mouth and brought themselves into such a condition that they deserve to be no longer pleaded for by him as his Church but to be vomited forth as loathsome and he threatneth so to deal with them yet while it is called to day such is the graciousness and mercifulness of this faithful and true witness such is the loathness and unwillingness of Christ and God in him to execute what he threatneth that he is long-suffering to such unworthy and ill-deserving ones and gives good counsel to such that they might hear and receive it that so the Judgment threâ—tned may not be executed upon them he had said I will spue thee out of my mouth But before he doth so he here saith I do counsel thee in the present time to buy c. See Isay 30. 8 18. Jer. 7. 16. and 11. 14. and 14. 11. with ch 18. 7 11. Zeph. 1. 4 18. and ch 2. 1 3. Hos 9. 14 17. with ch 11. 7 8. and 14. 1 4. Joel 2. 1 13. Rev. 2. 5 16. 2. In that he saith Thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked verse 17. I counsel thee to buy c. He gives us to understand that those persons are truly and verily poor that are without this Gold that is to be bought of Christ they are naked indeed that have not this white Rayment and blind indeed that are without the knowledge of Jesus Christ and God in him Proâ— 23. 4 5. and ch 8. 20 22. 1 Cor. 1. 29 30 31. 3. In that he counsels these miserable ones to buy he intimates to us that not only such as are sensible of their condition are counselled to
2. and 116. 3. and 18. 4 5. 2. Tried in the Fire signifieth that this Heavenly Gold was proved herein and appeared to be so right and excellent as that he could and did endure and abide the Fire and therefore also he is called and compared to Gold because it was one of these things and the first-named that would abide the Fire Numb 31. 22 23. He was proved to purpose herein the word of the Lord was tried Ps 18. 30. He is a tried Stone Isay 28. 16. He did not shrink from or perish in this Fire but endured to the end His love and graciousness was tried and evidenced to be strong as yea stronger than the Fire it self which had a most vehement flame Cant. 8. 6 7. 3. His beâ—ng tried in the Fire doth signifie that he was herein and here thorow purifâ—ed and refined and came forth as Gold out of the Fire Job 23. 10. Indeed he had never any pollution of his own or any mixture of Sin cleaving to him He knew no Sin he did no Sin there was guile found in his mouth 2 Cor. 5. 21. 1 Pet. 22. 2. But yet he had our sins laid upon him God made him to be sin for us The Lord laid on him the iniquities of us all 2 Cor. 5. 21. Isay 53. 6. and so he was by imputation spotted as it were with our spots and deformed with our afflictions and wrinckles but he was tried in the Fire therein and thereby was he purified from our Sins from the guilt of them and so he is pure He was manifested to take away our Sins and in him is no Sin 1 Joh. 3. 3 4 5. and he hath put off all mortality and weakness in his Resurrection 2 Tim. 1. 10. and hath a glorious body now in the Heavens Phil. 3. 20 21. He now liveth who was dead and he is alive for evermore Rom. 6. 9 10. See the notes before on ch 1. v. 18. and on ch 2. v. 8. 4. This Gold is said to be tried to denote that this trying work is over and past though the vertue and glorious fruit of it remains and abides for ever It is not said Gold trying but tried in or out of the Fire for as before is said he is acquitted of all our Sins imputed to him and hath overcome abolished and got rid of all our weakness and mortality and all occasions of grief and trouble and is not as some ungodly and antichristian Spirits blasphemously affirm dying in some or in any in every age of the World Once and but once in the end of the World he appeared to put away Sin by the Sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. 25 26. Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him for in that he died he died unto Sin once but in that he liveth he liveth to God Rom. 6. 9 10. Heb. 7. 8 16 25. Rev. 1. 18. 3. In the next place consider we what is imported to us in the end why he counsels this Angel to buy which is also a powerful motive and argument used to move us to have such an high estimate of this Gold as to buy it at any rate that thou mayest be rich In this end is signified to us 1. That those that have not this Gold tried in the Fire cannot be rich nor enriched with true riches but are poor miserable creatures in the Eyes of him that judgeth righteously though they have large possessions much Gold and a multitude of Rubies These riches here below will not profit in a day of Wrath or death Will he esteem thy Riches No not Gold c. Job 36. 18 19. Zeph. 1. 18. Prov. 11. 4. nor make us partakers of the favour of God Cant. 8. 7. Though we had never such an abundance of the Gold and Riches of this World yet we should not upon that account be rich toward or with God Luke 12. 16 21. 2. In this end and motive is also signified to us that be we never so poor and miserable as with respect to the Riches Wisdom Righteousness c. of this world and though these Riches here below of what nature or kind soever they be will not truly enrich us yet in buying and being made partakers of this Gold tried in the Fire we may be rich rruly rich Eph. 3. 8. Riches and Honour are with him yea durable riches his fruit is better than Gold yea than fine Gold And therefore those that love him shall inherit substance and he will fill all their Treasures Prov. 8. 4 18 21. Rom. 8. 32. Jam. 2. 5. 3. In that he saith that thou mayest be rich it declares and shews unto us the great grace of our Lord Jesus Christ such was his grace to us that to this end he became poor that thorow his poverty we might be made rich 2 Cor. 8. 9. It was not nor is his own good and profit this faithful and true witness aims at but the profit and benefit of others that they may be saved 1 Cor. 10. 33. and ch 11. 1. Christ once suffered for Sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the Spirit 1 Pet. 3. 18. 4. In that he here commends himself to us under the name of Gold and proposeth such an end to us to move and perswade us to buy it that we may be rich herein is intimated and signified to us his willingness and cordial desire that we should receive his counsel and part with and suffer the loss of all things for the excellency of him that we might win him Therefore he doth so aptly and enamouringly present himself to us and make use of such engaging and alluring arguments and motives he knows we all naturally love Riches our Hearts are taken with Gold and our Eyes set upon that as a most desirable and delightful thing Now then he thus in the first place describes himself and calleth and commends himself to us under the name of Gold tried in the fire and counsels us to buy that we may be truly and indeed enriched But no more to this Branch of the counsel In the next place we come to the second Branch Viz. And white Raiment that thou mayest be cloathed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear This is a further Branch of the good and wholesome counsel given us by the Amen who is the counsellor of peace In which let us consider 1. The thing further counselled to by this excellent one and that is white Raiment 2. The end why this Angel and Church is counselled to buy this White Raiment That thou mayest be cloathed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear 1. The things which this Counsellor further counsels this Angel and Church to buy and that is White Raiment or White Garments Here consider we 1. What is this White Raiment here counselled unto In general we may say It
joy and rejoycing Eccl. 9. 7 9. see the notes on v. 4. 2. We have next to consider the end why this Angel and Church is counselled to buy this White Raiment which is also a motive used to stir up to â—ervency in buying viz. that thou mayest be cloathed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear In which end is signified to us 1. That those that have not this excellent and durable cloathing here counselled to even the righteousness of God by faith and the fruits therefore they have a shameful nakedness upon them Ps 14. 2 3. Rom. 3. 1 2 9 11 19. 2. We cannot cloath our selves nor cover the shame of our nakedness with any garments of our own making and preparing nor can we be cloathed so as the shame of our nakedness appear not with any other raiment than that which is to be bought of the Amen our bodily outward garments will not cover our shame from his eyes with whom we have to do 1 Tim. 2. 9. nor our wisdom or any excuses or coverings thereby made nor any good works or righteousness of our own Isay 57. 12. and chap. 64. 6. Rom. 3. 20 â—7 3. But with this white raiment we may be covered cloathed and adorned so as our shameful nakedness may not appear Isay 61. 1 3 10. This which hath been said shall suffice for the first instruction and now we come to speak unto the second 2. That Christ and that preparation in him may be had by those that are miserable and wretched and poor and blind and naked And this appears if we consider 1. The ground and cause of all this provision was for all Men Joh. 3. 17. and 4. 42. Christ took the nature of all Men upon him and therefore when he was born the Angel saith Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people Luke 2. 10 14. and he had the sins and trespasses of all the World imputed to him 2 Cor. 5. 14 19 21. Joh. 1. 29. And he died for all even for all of Mankind that were dead Heb. 2. 9. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6 8. 3. Thorow and by means of his death in the virtue whereof he is raised again there is in him a perfect and compleat provision for Mankind all things are ready and prepared for Jews and Gentiles and so for all Mankind Maâ— 22. 1 4 9. In him God hath prepared salvation before the face of all people Luke 2. 30 31. Rom. 3. 20 22. Isay 25. 6. 3. This provision may be had by Men because Christ is discovering it unto all in due season And inviting and strengthening them to come and partake of it Christ is a Testimony and doth testify to all in due season what he hath done for them and is become and hath obtained into himself according to the means vouchsafed Isay 55. 1 5 7. Prov. 1. 20 23. and 8. 1 10. he is the light of the World the manifestation of God and all things to the World and the true light which lighteth every Man that cometh into the World Joh. 8. 12. and ch 1. 6 7 9. 4. This provision in Christ may be had and enjoyned by us because we may have it freely without any real worth or worthiness and otherwise we could not have it for we have no good thing whatsoever in us But he that is a-thirst and whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely Rev. 21. 6. and ch 22. 18. we may buy without money and without price Isay 55. 1. 3. That to the end the wretched and miserable c. may have and partake of this preparation and provision needful it is to buy it To buy this Gold and white raiment and that in the present time To buy it namely to get it into our possession hence whereas in one place the Holy Ghost saith Get wisdom and with all thy gettings get understanding In another place he saith Buy wisdom and understanding compare Prov. 4. 5 7. with ch 23. 23. and this is called buying not as if we had any thing of real or equivalent worth or value to part with and give for this most excellent provision here invited to But this is called and compared to buying because we must part with something that we may be made partakers of Christ we must be like the wise merchant who when he had found one pearl of great price he went and sold all that he had and bought it Mat. 13. 44 46. So must we do we must part with and forsake all that we may have this gold and white raiment we must at first and always let go our pride and high thoughts of our selves This was the great and fundamental evil found with these as is said so we must let go and cease from our double-mindedness and halting between two opinions the wisdom of this World our own and others our own righteousness that of our own working in our own wisdom and strength Jam. 1. 6 8. and ch 4. 4 5 8. 1 Cor. 3. 18 20. Prov. 23. 4. Phil. 3. 4 7 9 10. yea we must forsake all that we have our sins and idols that we may win Christ and be found in him Luke 14. 26 33. and thus we must buy with selling and parting with all our own things Because 1. If they be not parted with they will hinder us from fervently and diligently seeking after Christ and that salvation and provision in him for these are contrary the one to the other Gal. 5. 16 17. 2 Cor. 6. 14 15. 1 Cor. 3. 18 20. Prov. 3. 5 7. 2. Not only will our sins and idols indispose and hinder us from receiving Christ and his durable riches and cloathing and fill us with enmity there-against and alienation therefrom But also our affectionate retaining and cleaving with purpose to our sins and idols after the grace of God brings salvation to us will render us unworthy of him Jer. 5. 25. he is not worthy of Christ who prefers any thing to him they that prefer their Farms Merchandise Wives Sons or Daughters yea or their own lives before him are not worthy of him Mat. 22. 1 8. and ch 10. 37 38. 1 Sam. 2. 30. Luke 14. 26 33. Jonah 2. 8. 3. Yea it is needful to buy in the present time because if the present opportunity be neglected and let slip by us we may deprive our selves hereof and be guilty of the greatest folly and madness imaginable behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of Salvation 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Mat. 25. 6 12. 4. That to the end the wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked may buy this Gold tried in the Fire and this White Rayment here commended to us it is good and needful for them that they anoint their Eyes the Eyes of their understanding with Eye-salve with the Testimony of Christ that they may see for without this knowledge
iniquity they might otherwise be guilty of 1 Pet. 1. 6 8. Isay 27. 8 9. 2 Cor. 11. 7 8. 1 Joh. 8. 10. The Psalmist prays God not to rebuke him in his wrath nor chasten him in his hot displeasure therein signifying that if God had been extream to have marked iniquities he might justly have so done For saith he mine iniquities are gone over mine head and I am ready to halt and my sorrow is continually before me For I will declare mine iniquity I will be sorry for my sin Ps 38. 1 4 17 18. 2. We may herein see the impartiality of the Lord in his rebukes and chastisments As many as he loves he doth rebuke and chasten he is one who without respect of persons judgeth according to every Man's work 1 Pet. 1. 17. what Son is he whom the Father chastneth not Heb. 12. 7. he doth not only rebuke and chasten those that are weak and infirme ones and such as he cannot so much delight in as in some others but the most strong and â—minent ones also and such as he hath greatly preferred in some respects before the residue of their Brethren though God gives this account of Job that he was perfect and upright and one that feared God and eschewed evil yea that there was none like him in the earth a perfect and an upright Man Job 1. 1 8. yet saith Job If I sin then thou markest me and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity Job 10. 14. Moses and Aaron among his priests and Samuel among them that call upon his name They called upon the Lord and he answered them thou wast a God that forgavest them though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions Ps 99. 6 7 8. Numb 12. Ezek. 33. 13. 3. Herein we may see the vertuousness of the personal abasement and sufferings of Christ Both in that he is now the chastener he hath thorow death destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil and he hath the keys of hell and death see the notes on ch 2. v. 22. and that now afflictions and chastisments are fruits of his love and ordered by him unto such as he loves yea unto as many as he loves death is now abolished and made the path of life Eph. 4. 8 10. Acts 14. 22. 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Heb. 12. 9 11. 4. Seeing as many as he loves he rebukes and chastens It may teach us neither to despise his chastenings nor faint when we are rebuked of him Behold happy is the Man whom God correcteth therefore dâ—spise not the chastening of the almighty Job 5. 17 19. My Son saith the Holy Gost despise not the chastening of the Lord nor faint when thou art rebuked of him or be not a-weary of his correction For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and sâ—ourgeth every Son whom he receiveth Heb. 12. 5 7. with Prov. 3. 11 12. Thou shalt consider in thine heart saith Moses that as a Man chasteneth his Son the Lord thy God chasteneth thee Therefore thou shalt keep his commandments Deut. 8. 5 6. 2 Sam. 7. 14 15. yea having access by faith into his grace we should be helped to acknowledge his godness and faithfulness Ps 119. 67. 68 75. yea to give thanks unto him because of his righteous judgment Ps 119. 62 and to rejoyce in tribulation Rom. â— 3 4. Jam. 1. 2 5. Prov. 13. 24. with ch 23. 13 14. 5. It may admonish us not to judge one another as if they were hated of God and accursed whom he rebukes and chastens Indeed Men are apt to think so in their vain thoughts But the Lord knoweth the thoughts of Man that they are vanity Blessed is the Man whom thou chasteneth O Lord and teachest him out of thy law Ps 94. 11 12. This was the fault found with Job's friends they judged him to be an hypocrite because the rod of God was upon him Job 8. 6 13. and 11. 14 20. and ch 22. 5 10. Oh let us not judge them to be the greatest sinners who are most frequently or heavily afflicted Luke 13. 1 5. or that there are no evils with us because we are not so corrected or tried as others are for are there not sins with us even with us also against the Lord 2 Chron. 28. 9 10. Oh be we not many masters for in many things we offend all Jam. 3. 1 2. Gal. 6. 1 2. 6. Let us not look upon them that are in a prosperous state here or who are not in trouble as other Men to be never a whit the more loved of God nor desire to be in their condition For the Tabernacles of robbers prosper and they that provoke God are even secure Job 12. 6. and ch 21. 6 9. The Lord trieth the righteous but the wicked and him that loveth violence his Soul hateth And therefore he doth not so try them as he doth the other Ps 11. 5. Indeed it hath been a great trial and temptation to some holy ones in former times that themselves have been oft chastened and plagued while their Enemies the wicked prospered and were secure Their strength was firm they were not in trouble as other men neither were they plagued like other men at this Gods people have been astonished and stounded and the Feet of some of them have been almost gone their steps have well-nigh slipt Ps 73. 2 6 13. Job 21. 5 14. Jer. 12. 1 3. Hab. 1. 13. But alas the consideration of this that as many as he loves he rebukes and chastens would preserve us from envying their prosperity and keep us from desiring to be with them and help us to see their case is very sad and deplorable whom he forbears to chasten Hos 4. 14. It was in severe displeasure God thus speaks to his people Why should ye be smitten any more ye will revolt more and more Isay 1. 5. 2. We have nextly an wholesome exhortation given to them relating to the former Be zealous therefore c. Therefore because as many as he loves he doth rebuke and chasten This he acquaints them with as that which was proper and powerful to provoke them unto what he exhorts them When persons conclude there is no hope and that God hath no love to them nor will be favourable any more this takes them off from exercising themselves to what is good and makes them resolve to follow strangers and to walk after their own devices and do the imagination of their evil heart Jer. 2. 25. and ch 18. 11 12. But therefore he assures them of his love even in his rebukes and chastisements and that he hath no pleasure in their destruction that they might consider their ways and turn their feet unto his Testimonies and then he will take away all iniquity and receive them graciously Ezek. 33. 10 11. Joel 2. 12 13. Heb. 12. 11 14. Hos 4. 1 4. and ch 6. 1 2. Be zealous This is the first Branch of the exhortation which he gives to
and talking with him as Daniel saith Chap. 9. 22. 3. Consider we what the voice said in these following Branches 1. Come up hither not only come hither as Chap. 17. 1. and Chap. 21. 9 but come up hither And yet it seems not to contain so much in it as is contained in the same phrase Chap. 11. 12 for that appears to have respect to the ascending of their bodies to whom it was spoken But come up ascend up namely in Spirit that may be where the body is not 1 Cor. 5. 3. Col. 2. 5. So it is elsewhere said after the voice thus spake to John come hither he carried me in Spirit for it is without an Article Rev. 17. 1 3. and Chap. 21. 9 10. And it is as if he should say not only stand up as being now awakened and excited by this Trumpet from those dead things here on earth and Christ shall give thee light as Eph. 5. 14. But ascend up from all things here below from all these seen things good and evil mount up in spirit like an Eagle to Heaven Isa 40. 31. Come up unto me as if Christ should say unto him and as the LORD spake unto Moses concerning himself and Aâ—ron c. Exod. 24. 1. Mount up to the consideration and contemplation of things above So the believers are exhorted generally to do in an ordinary way Col. 3. 1 2 5. And though this voice spake to him and talked with him in and after an extraordinary way and manner yet there was an act of compliance required from the Apostle see Chap. 1. 12 as also was from Paul in order to his being converted though the Lord appeared to him and was converting him after an extraordinary manner yet not in an irresistible manner Hence he saith I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision Implying he might possibly have so been Act. 26. 19. with Exod. 4. 1 14. and Jona 1. 1 3. So here the Lord did not carry him up without any compliance or obedience on the Apostle's part but he raised his spirit to go up as Ezra 1. 9. and then commanded him Come up hither And this was a great honour done unto and favour conferred upon his Servant John If it be a great favour to a man when an earthly Prince or great man shall say unto him come up hither and such an one shall have honour in the presence of others Prov. 25. 7 with Luk. 14. 10. O how much greater and higher an exaltation is it to a Servant of Christ when the King of Heaven the King of Glory shall single him out from and herein prefer him before the residue of his Brethren in saying unto him come up hither even unto Heaven Oh now such have great need to take heed they be not exalted above measure and to consider by grace they are saved as well as others And to beware they despise not such as are not favoured like them herein 2 Cor. 12. 7 9. It was an excellent thing found with John when he was thus exalted above his brethren yet he then saith I John who also am your brother c. See Notes on Chap. 1. vers 9. But how could the Apostle give obedience to the call and commandment of this voice How could he come up thither or ascend unto Heaven Surely not in any power strength or ability of his own or by any wisdom or skill of his But he that spake to and talked with him strengthned him Dan. 10. 19. See Vers 2. And there is a way by which he extraordinarily and we ordinarily may ascend though we have no power of our selves so to do nor can devise a way how we might come up for no man hath ascended up to Heaven in any wisdom or strength of his own as is implied Prov. 30. 4. Joh. 3. 13. yet we may mount up and ascend by the help of that ladder spoken of Gen. 28. 11 12. the foot whereof is set upon the earth and the top of it reacheth up to Heaven And this ladder in the truth of it is the Son of man who fell into the ground and died for our sins John 12. 24. He descended into the lower parts of the earth into great and wonderful abasement and sufferings He humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross And He who descended is the same also who ascended far above all things that he might fill and fulfill all things Eph. 4. 8 10. Psal 68. 18. This is the ladder we are speaking of as our Saviour also signifies when he saith Hereafter ye shall see heaven opened and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man Joh. 1. 51. with Gen. 28. 11 12. He is the secret of the stairs Cant. 2. 14 upon which we may ascend into Heaven by faith and in spirit but we must always begin at the bottom which is upon the earth that we may so do and so go up gradually from one step to another we must begin at the humiliation sufferings and Cross of our blessed Redeemer we have liberty to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us thorow the veil that is to say his flesh Heb. 10. 19 20. Rom. 8. 34. 2. And I will shew thee things which must be hereafter This is that which the voice further spake unto him In which we may note 1. That our Lord Jesus Christ doth know things that shall come future things And this he must needs do for he knoweth all things John 21. 17. There is no creature that is not manifest in his sigâ—t but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12 13. He is perfect in knowledg Compare Isa 42. 19. with Job 36. 4. Not only doth he know things that are things present as he also doth both the actions and thoughts of men the hearts of men which are deceitful above all things and the most secret thoughts and intents thereof and which is Gods peculiar to know 1 King 8. 39. with Matt. 9. 4. Mark 2. 6 8. Compare Jer. 17. 19. with Rev. 2. 23. For he is one with the Father over all God blessed for ever Joh. 10. 30. Rom. 9. 5. The consideration whereof might admonish us all to take heed and beware that we do not in our hearts hide and hold fast any iniquity or abomination whatsoever but cleanse our hands from sin and our hearts from double-mindedness Jam. 4. 8. If otherwise shall not he search it out For he knows the secrets of the hearts Psal 44. 18 22. But he also knows things which shall and must be hereafter before they come to pass So he knew before his hour came what things he should suffer and how he should be dealt withal and told his Dâ—sciples before hand saying unto them Behold we go up to Jerâ—salem and the son of man shall be betrayed unto
eminently holy ones on earth are not Phil. 3. 12 15. 1 Cor. 4. 8. 2. Sitting is a resting-posture also and denotes their â—essation from their former works services and labours which occasioned weariness pain or grief to them so sitting is opposed to standing to minister c. where the Apostle saith Every priest standeth daily ministring and â—ffering oftentimes the same sacrifices which caâ— never take away sin but this man after â—e had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down c. Heb. 10. 11 12. Thus it is with these they are sitting and hereby it appears he speaks of the spirits of just men made perfect of the four living creatures it is said they rest not or they have no rest day or night and they have wings to flee to and fro for glorifying God which denotes their exercise and diligence see the notes after on ver 8. But these elders are sitting they rest from their labâ—urs and their works follow them as it 's said of the dead that dye in the Lord Rev. 14. 13. they have entred into peace and rest in their beds each one walking before him Isa 57. 2. they have entred into rest in their spirits and cease from their former works Heb. 4. 9. 10. while they were at home in the body they had plowing-work and sowing-work to do they did sow in tears they went forth weeping bearing precious seed Psal 126. 5 6. with 1 Cor. 4. 8 14. but now they are sitting and at rest as Zech. 1. 11. and this is another argument to evince and demonstrate to us that these elders are dead as to us 2. By their apparel clothed in white raiment or white garments What this white raiment is we have given some account before see the notes on chap. 3. ver 4 and 5. and ver 18. to wit the righteousness the everlasting righteousness which Christ hath brought in by his blood and the excellent fruits thereof all heavenly and divine vertues Dan. 9. 24. Phil. 1. 11. Christ is now gloriously become their robe and raiment Jer 23. 6. in the Lord they are justified and in him they glory Isa 45. 23 24. and they are perfectly conformed to Christ in their spirits Heb. 12. 23. there is no sin no spot no blemish in them Isâ— 57. 2. Indeed while they were here there were spots cleaving to them as in themselves considered for there is not a just man on the earth that doth gâ—od and sinneth not Eccles 7. 20. while here they were not perfect nor had attained Phil. 3. 12. 1 John 1. 7 9. and therefore they needed to suffer that word of exhortation To cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit as the Apostle Paul speaks including himself 2 Cor. 7. 1. Heb. 10. 22. Exod. 40. 30. with Psal 26. 8. and though now we are counselled to buy of Christ white raiment that we may have an interest therein Rev. 3. 18. yet here we have it not on in possession otherwise than by faith which is the evidence of things not seen Phil. 3. 8 9. Rom. 3. 22. But these elders are clothed in white raiment and so seen by the Apostle and so they are like the angels Mat. 28. 3. Acts 1. 10. Rev. 15. 6. and this white raiment is royal apparel Esth 8. 15. Isa 61. 10. a robe of judgment and government Dan. 7. 9. which shews to us that these elders have ruling-power And this white raiment is the apparel of those that are dead to us and therefore it is promised by our Lord Jesus to the victor to him that hath fought the good fight and finished his course and kept the faith and so died in the Lord He that overcometh saith Christ the same shall be cloathed in white raiment Rev. 3. 5. and so it is said of the souls of them that wâ—re slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held That white robes were given to every one of them Rev. 6. 9 11. and the like is affirmed of that innumerable multitude of all nations and kindreds c. which stood before the throne and before the Lamb they were clothed with white robes and these appear to be such as had finished their course and died in the â—aith because they have palâ—s in their hands in token of victory And it is further said of them Thâ—y have come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes in the blâ—â—d of the Lamb they shall hungeâ— no more neither thirst any more neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Rev. 7. 9 14 17. And this is another argument to shew that these elders are such as are absent from the body and present with Christ 3. By the Ornament upon their heads And they â—â—d on their heads crowns of gold like Kings and Priests incorruptible crowns 1 Cor. 9. 25. for gold is the most incorruptible mettal and excellent glorious crowns full of lustre and majesty Psal 21. 1 3. And this shews that these Elders are Rulers and have some rule and judgment given to them And these Crowns are on their heads they are crowned with them and possessed of them The holy Ones on the Earth have a crown that is called theirs but not on their heads they may possibly lose it Hence such counsel and exhortation is given to them Hold that fast which thou hast that none takâ— thy crown See the Notes before on Chap. 3. Vers 11. But these Elders have been faithful unto the death and unto them is given the crown of life crowns of gold by him who sometimes wore a crown of thorns on his head Rev. 2. 10. with Joh. 19. 5. they have striven lawfully even unto blood and so are crowned 2 Tim. 2. 5. they have been tried and now in their spirits are possessed of the crown of life which God that cannot lye hath promised to them that love him Jam. 1. 12. They have finished their course and kept the faith and now in their spirits have the crown of righteousness 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. And this is another argument also to shew that these four and twenty elders are the spirits of just men made perfect even of the holy Prophets and Apostles who are our Rulers in and under the great Shepherd of the sheep the Lord Jesus Ver. 5. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices And there was seven lamps of fire burning before the throne which are the seven spirits of God Here the Apostle gives unto us a further account 1. Of what proceeded out of the throne â—â—d out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thundrings and voices 2. Of what there was before the throne And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne which are the seven spirits of God 1. Of what proceeded out of the throne And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices By lightnings and
ascended up unto the right hand of God and received of the father the promise of the holy Spirit which also he hath shed forth and poured out upon his holy Apostles that by them the preaching might be fully known and they have used great plainness of speech and not as Moses who put a veiâ— over his face c. so as his Churches may all with open face behold the glory of the Lord c. 2 Cor. 3. 12 13 18. Act. 2. 17. and now they may arise and shine for their light is come Isa 59. 20 21. and chap. 60. 1 2. with Eph. 5. 14. and though among them that were born of women there had not risen a greater Prophet than John the Baptist Yet as our Saviour saith he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he Matth. 11. 11. the anointing which they have received abideth in them and they neâ—d not that any man teach them but as the same anointing teacheth them of all things and is truth and is no lye 1 John 2. 27. and thus we here understand this saying The living creatures the Church in the four quarters of the world were full of eyes full of quick-sighted men and full of understanding as hath been said and they are said to be full of eyes before and behind That is to say 1. Before To see and behold things before and so to behold Jesus Christ and him crucified who is before them and neerer to the throne than they Chap. 5. 6. They by faith see Jesus who by the grace of God tasted death for every man Heb. 2. 9. and herein perceive his love because he laid down his life for them 1 Joh. 3. 16. He is in the Gospel evidently set forth before their eyes as one who hath been crucified for them Gal. 3. 1. that they might rejoyce in him with joy unspeakable and â—ull of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. and always sing that new song of praise and thanksgiving Worthy is the lamb that was slain c. Rev. 5. 8 9 10. and to see and behold the glory which he hath received and is possessed of in our nature 2 Cor. 3. 18. and that now he appears in the presence of God for them they are come to Jesus the Media tour of the new Testament and to the blood of sprinkling which speaketh better things than the blood of Abel Hebr. 12. 24. Rev. 5. 6. 2. And in Jesus Christ to behold him that sits on the throne For he that seeth him seeth the father also he that knoweth him knoweth him that sent him John 12. 4â— 45. and chap 14. 6 7. 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. to behold in and through him his wisdom power holiness and justice and his great and wonderful love to manwaâ—d which he hath manifested in sending his only begotten son into the world to be the propitiation for our sins that we might live through him 1 John 4. 8 10 14. and his peculiar love to them that believe in Christ John 14 21 23. and how he sits upon the throne ruling over all and ordering all things for their good especially who love God Psal 103. 19. and 29. 10 11. Rom. 8. 28 32. Now they do â—â—â—h these eyes by faith see the King in his glory as Moses also dâ—â—â— Isa 33 16 17. with Hebr. 11. 27. 3. To behold the thundrings and lightnings and voices all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgment they see when a storm is coming that they may enter into the rock and hide themselves in the dust for fear of the Lord and for the glory of his majesty Isa 2. 10. for all storms and tempests all judgments and testimonies of displeasure proceed out of the throne which is before them See the Notes before on ver 5. and they who have their conversation by faith in Heaven may behold Gods hand when it is lifted up and meditate terrour Isa 33. 17 18. The prudent foresee the evil and hide themselves but the simple pass on and are punished Prov. 22. 3. and chap. 27. 12. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him c. Psal 25. 13 14. 4. To behold future things which shall be hereafter so our Saviour promised his disciples That the holy Spirit should guide them into all truth and shew them things to come John 16. 13. and thus haâ—h he done in this book of the Revelation which God gave unto Jesus Christ to shew unto his servants things which must come to pass Rev. 1. 1. and chap. 22. 6 16. and so with their eyes which are before they may behold the destruction of Mystery Babylon and of all that are enemies to and persist in rebellion against Jesus Christ and his Gospel and People Rev. 11. 18. and chap. 14. 8 11. and chaâ— 18. 19. and the coming of Christ with Clouds Rev. 1. 7. his coming again to raise them that sleep in him in the first resurrection and delivering them from all evil and enemies compleatly and gloriously and granting them to sit with him in his throne and to reign with him on earth Rev. 5. 9 10. and chap. 20. 21 22. they may now by faith look upon these things that are not seen and which are now revealed as in former times they were not 2 Cor. 4. 18. Hence whereas the Prophet speaking of the glory to be revealed saith Since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear neither hath the eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waits for him The Apostle citeth that Scripture saying Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But then he addeth hereto further and above what the Prophet had said But God hath revealed them to us by his spirit c. Compare Isa 64. 4. with 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11. to signifie to us thâ—â— these things are now manifested to us as they were not in foregoiâ—â—imes though yet as with respect to these things it must still be remembred that their sight and knowledg hereof is by faith and but in part 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. and they are instructed that when these things begin to come to pass they should look up and lift up their heads for their redemption draws nigh Luk 21. 28. 2. And these four living creatures are also full of eyes behind to know see and discern things which are over and past As to say a a little 1. To see into the types and shadows of the Law which are accomplished and opened to us in and by Jesus Christ they were a shadow of things to come but the body is of Christ Col. 2. 17. and which things are now revealed to us by Christ and his Apostles in the Gospel which hath by them been preached according to the revelation of the mystery The Law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jesus Christ
is the first begotten of the dead who loved us and gave himself for us c. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen Rev. 1. 5 6 2. And hast redeemed us to God by thy blood ouâ— of every kindred and tongue and people and nation Where consider we 1. What Christ further did for and to them upon the account whereof he is to be glorified by them And â—ast redeemed us unto God 2. By what means he did this By thy Blood 3. Out of or from amongst whom he so redeemed them Out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation 1. What Christ further did for and to them upon the account whereof he is to be glorified and for which all these holy ones here spoken of do praise and laud him And hast redeemed us unto God We may here for our usefulness enquire and consider Of what redeeming or buying do the Saints here speak and mean To which we may give answer and say 1. There is a Redemption wrought for men without them in and by Jesus Christ our Lord whereby he hath redeemed them unto himself from under the first judgment and condemnation Rom. 5. 18. and from perishing for ever in that first death which was the wages of that disobedience of the first publick man in whom all sinned and from whom they come forth into the world naturally and necessarily polluted and defiled Rom. 5. 12 15 19. When the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law even all mankind for they were all fallen under it both Jews and Gentiles and become subject and obnoxious to the judgment of God Gal. 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 9-19 And he hath redeemed them from the câ—rse of the Law being made a curse for them Gal. 3. 13. He gave himself a ransome and price of redemption for all men 1 Tim. 2. 6. And he hath redeemed them in and by himself for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Rom. 3. 22-24 He hath bought them who by denying him bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2. 1. Redeemed them who transgress and speak lies against him Hos 7. 14. Deut. 32. 6. He hath bought all men with a precious price and his they are Psal 100. 1-3 He hath died for all and is raised again and hath purged away the guilt of their first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God Abolished their first death and will in due time dâ—stroy it and hath destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 9-14 and Chap. 1. 3. He hath born the judgment of the world and cast out the Prince of this world out of his Principality which he had gotten over mankind and hath drawn all men unto himself to be under his authority and Lordship Joh. 12. 31 32. To this end he both died and rose and revived that he might be the Lord c. Rom. 14. 9. And to a gracious end hath he died for all and thus redeemed them that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but unto him that died for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Henceforth the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. In this sense he is the Redeemer and Saviour of all men and he hath also obtained eternal redemption for them Heb. 9. 12. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. Luk. 24. 46 47. But this Redemption is not here directly spoken of and though it be fundamentally supposed and included yet it is so rather in the former expression viz. Thou wast slain 2. There is a Redemption also which he is now working during the day of his grace and patience wherein he is buying men in their own persons of both these the Apostle in other expressions speaks saying God was in Christ to wit when one died for all and rose again reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses to them This was that which he was working and wrought for men without them in the person of Christ and before it be preached to them and is the same with that first Redemption we have been speaking of and then it presently follows in the next verse We pray in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God this is a following work which in the preaching and by the discovery of the former he is working in men and is the same with that redeeming we are now speaking of 2 Cor. 5. 19 20. and so he who is the redeemer of men in the former sensâ— is teaching them to profit and leading them by the way they should go and so redeeming them in their own persons who yet hearken not to hâ—s Commandments but deprive their souls of good Isa 48. 17 18. And he doth redeem them who yield up themselves to him and are not disobedient to the heavenly call he doth buy them off themselves he gives himself to them for them as a man gives himself to a maid for her that they might be his and be married to him who is raised from the dead and he might be theirs their head and husband Ephes 5. 25 26. And so he râ—deems them from all their iniquities and delivers them from or chuses them out of this present evil world and purifies them unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2. 14 Gal. 1. 4. and of this redeeming he here directly speaks as plainly appears by all the context to which we shall not here speak further because we shall have apt occasion to mention it again and speak further to it in what follows There is also a Redemption which he will glâ—riously effâ—ct and accomplish hereafter but of that we shall not speak here any thing further Now between Christs redeeming men in the two former considerations there are several differences and dissimilitudes some of which we may briefly mention and which have been intimated in what we have spoken As to say 1. As to the effecting the former there was nothing required of men but it was done for them without them in and by Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 13. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15 19. But as to the latter there is something required of them as God is working in them both to will and to do of good pleasure viz. to look unto Christ and be saved to be reconciled unto God Phil. 2. 12-16 Isa 45. 21 22. 2 Cor. 5. 19 20. 2. The first is for all men 1 Tim. 2. 6. for the world of mankâ—nd 2 Cor. 5. 19. and so all are bought with a price 2 Pet 2. 1. Gal. 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 19. In the second sense all are not redeemed though in due time Christ be redeeming them
blood but as is here said By thy blood not by the blood of any of the offerings or sacrifices which were commanded in and offered by the Law It is true indeed under the Law the blood of their Sacrifices did make a typical atonement for them for all their sins Lev. 6. 30. and Chap. 16. 15-34 But truly and really it was not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sin either from before the presence of God or out of their consciences Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me In burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure then said I Lo I come in the volume of thy Book it is written of me to do thy will O God Heb. 10. 1-4-9 and Chap. 9. 9 13. No it 's by the blood of him whom they worship of him who is the true God and eternal life by which peace was made and redemption wrought for them Col. 1. 20. and hereby also they were bought unto God and washed from their sins and pollutions in their minds and consciences For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of en beifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh how much more shall the blood of Christ who thorow the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb. 9. 13 14-22 and Chap. 10. 22. with Chap. 12. 24. Now here for our further usefulness we may enquire and consider 1. What is meant by and contained in this blood of Christ here spoken of by which they were redeemed unto God 2. How were these holy ones redeemed by it 1. To the first we may say that by the Blood of Christ we are to understand 1. The whole of his abasement and sufferings in that Body which the Father prepared for him and most directly his death or pouring out his soul unto death as here it is said Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood He even this glorious one took part with us of flesh and blood that he might die and thorow death destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 14. Blood and death are words of a like signification in Scripture compare Psal 72. 14. with Psal 116. 15. Sometimes indeed his blood is distinguished from his flesh as in Joh. 6. 53-56 and in the Supper 1 Cor. 11. 2â— 25. But here and elsewhere when it is mentioned alone it includes and contains all his Humiliation sufferings and death 1 Joh. 5. 6. and his blood is sometimes called the blood of his Cross because thereon he died and gave up the Ghost Col. 1. 20. and sometimes all his sufferings are supposed and contained in the word Cross because He humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross Ephes 2. 13. with vers 15. Gal. 6. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 23. and Chop 2. 2. Phil. 2. 6 7 8. 2. And by his blood may also be meant the vertue and procurement thereof or what he hath thereby done and obtained into himself for us and is become So many times in Scripture that which is gotten procured or obtained by any thing is called by the name of that thing by which it was so gotten procured or obtained So a mans servant is called his money because he is obtained hired or bought with his money Exod. 21. 21. so that which is earned or gotten by work or labour is called by the name of labour or work Psal 127. 2. Isa 40. 10. and 49. 4. Jer. 4. 18. So the water which Davids three mighty men drew out of the Well of Bethlehem and brought unto David is called Blood because they gat it with blood as it were putting their lives into their hands for it as David saith Is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives 2 Sam. 23. 15-17 1 Chron. 11. 17-19 So that field is called the field of blood which was bought with blood or with the price of blood Mat. 27. 6-8 Act. 1. 19. see the fuller discovery pag. 112-114 And in this sense the Cross of Christ answers to the Gospel 1 Cor. 1. 17. with ver 18. For by the blood of his Cross he hath made peace Col. 1. 20. Obtained the forgiveness of our personal sins Ephes 1. 7. Col. 1. 14. received the spirit and all spiritual blessings Rev. 5. 6 12. Joh. 3. 35. with Chap. 10. 17 18. Confirmed a new Testament and everlasting Covenant of exceeding great and precious promises c. Mâ—t. 26. 28. Heb. 10. 29. and 9. 12. and Chap. 13. 20. Phil. 2. 8 9. Eph. 4. 8-10 with Psal 68. 10 18. 2. How were these holy ones redeemed by his Blood To that we may say 1. As to Christs redeeming men in himself so he carried his blood in the vertue of it into Heaven and presented it unto the Father as a price of redemption Not by the blood of goats and calves but by or with his own blood be entred in 〈◊〉 having obtained eternal redâ—â—ption Heb. 9. 12. with vers 7. And he thorow the eternal spirit offered himself in the vertue of his blood without spot or fault to God Heb. 9. 14. Every High-Priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man our great High-Priest have somewhat to offer And he hath given himself his own body which was delivered for our offenceâ— and raised again for us an offering and a sacrifice to God as we have before said Heb. 8. 1-3 4. with Chap. 10. 10. Eph. 5. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 6. And so acceptable and well-pleasing was his gift and offering unto God that thereby he hath redeemed mankind from the curse of the Law drawn all men unto himself and God hath given him power over all flâ—sh and committed all judgment and government unto him that all men should honour the son c. Gal. 3. 13. Joh. 12 31 32. and Chap. 17. 2. Psal 2. 6-8-9-12 Joh. 5. 22 23. 2. As to the redeeming men in their own persons unto God he is tendring his blood unto them as a price to out-bid all other things and buy them off from their vanities Idols and vain conversation and so his blood answers to money though yet it infinitely exceeds it 1 Pet. 1. 18. 19. He puts his blood in and by his Gospel and himself as a price into the hands of men to redeem them from their evil and sinful thoughts ways and companions that they might count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledg of Jesus and go on to count them but dung that they might win him and be found in him Phil. 3. 7-9 Prov. 17. 16. He by his spirit so glorifies himself and renders his blood so precious in his Gospel that men might look unto him and be
with their spirit in the Gospel of his Son Phil. 4. 15-17 18. with Gal. 6. 6-8-10 Mat. 25. 34-40 But still let it be remembred these spiritual sacrifices are only made acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 13. 10-15 and Chap. 7. 25. see the notes before on vers 8. And say they He hath made us Kings and Priests unto our God It is thus in Chap. 1. 5 6. unto God and his father to wit Christs But here unto our God for indeed he who is originally and immediately the God and Father of our Lord Jesus is also in and thorow him the God and Father of all that are Christs As Christ saith I ascend unto my Father and your Father to my God and your God Joh. 20. 17. see notes on Rev. 3. ver 12. and how they were Kings and Priests unto their God we have in some little measure shewed before see the notes on Rev. 1. ver 6. This is that also which they with praise and thanksgiving remember and sing of to the honour of the Lamb this they merrily and rejoicingly sound upon their Harps those Musical instruments of of God vers 8. They sing and make melody with grace in their hearts to the Lord for these high favours and priviledges conferred upon them not of debt but wholly of grace 2. These Saints and holy ones do also upon their Harps and with their golden Phials full of odours merrily and melodiously sound forth the praises of the Lamb for their assured hope of that great honour glory and dignity they shall partake of and hereafter inherit gloriously in due season that is to say We shall say they reign on the earth From the whole song we may see they joyfully and skilfully sound forth upon their Harps the sum and contents of the Testimony of Jesus which is the spirit of Prophesie Rev. 19. 10. Thou wast slain that summarily contains the first branch of the Testimony of Jesus And hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation and hast made us unto our God Kings and â—riests that includes and contains the second However as to themselves And we shall reigâ— on the earth there 's the third and last Isa 9. 6 7. 2 Cor. 1. 10. Heb. 13. 7-9 Oh let the whole of the Testimony be thankfully held fast by its receivers And we shall reign not do reign as they shall do or as is here spoken of and intended this is a future business Indeed they are now Kings but they must wait for the glorious enjoyment of their Kingdom they may be Kings who yet have actually received no Kingdom as Rev. 17. 12. and so it is with these as here they give us plainly to understand and with thankfulness singing and rejoicing acknowledg to the praise of the Lamb saying And we shall reign on or over the earth In speaking unto which words we shall for our instruction and usefulness enquire into and consider these following particulars viz. 1. Who are the We or persons here and elsewhere spoken of that must reign 2. How shall they reign or of what reigning is here and elsewhere spoken meant and intended and what is contained therin 3. Where and over whom shall the persons here intended so reign 4. When and with whom shall they so reign 1. Who are the We or persons here and elsewhere spoken of that shall reign And to that we may give answer and say 1. All such as have been are and shall be redeemed unto God by the blood of the Lamb as here it is said Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation And we shall reign c. see also Chap. 1. 5 6. Thus also it is said The seventh Angel sounded and there were great voices in Heaven saying The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall-reign for ever and ever And the four and twenty Elder which sate before God on their seats fell upon their faces and worshipped God saying We give thee thanks O Lord God Almighty which art and wast and art to come because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned And the time of the dead is come that they should be judged and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy servants the Prophets and to the Saints c. Rev. 11. 15-18 All such shall in due season reign as have been are and shall be Abrahams spiritual seed or hearty believers in Christ as he was witnessed of before his Incarnation and hath been since manifested and revealed Rom. 4. 13-16 with Gal. 3. 7-9 16 17 29. The wâ—iters upon the Lord and meek ones of the earth shall have this honour and happiness Psal 37. 9-11 Mat. 5. 5. Whereto we may have further occasion to speak in what follows to be considered from this verse And amongst these reigners are included and contained as principal ones such Saints as unto whom it hath been given of grace not only to believe but also to suffer for Christs names sake Heb. 11. 25 26. as it is said If sons then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified together Rom. 8. 16-18 with Joh. 1. 12 13. It is a faithful saying for if we be dead with him we shall also live with him if we suffer we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Blessed are they saith our Saviour which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5. 10. with 1 Cor. 3. 21 22. 2 Thes 1. 4 5 6-8 1 Pet. 4. 12 13. Yea and amongst these believers in Christ and holy ones the poor and needy ones of this world such as are so here I mean are included and shall enjoy this glory and therefore they should not be despised or undered unduly by us Hearkeâ— my beloved brethren saith the Apostle James hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of that Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 1-5 6. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the beggar from the dungâ—il to set them among Princes and to make them inherit the throne of glory 1 Sam. 2. 8. Psal 113. 7 8. Luk. 6. 20. with Mat. 19. 27-29 And so in short the persons that shall reign are the Saints Rev. 5. 8-10 them that love God and keep his Commandments whether they be high or low rich or poor male or female c. in this world Jam. 1. 12. and 2. 5. All such as are faithful unto the death shall in due season receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. and vers 26-28 2. And as is necessarily implied and supposed in what we have said and as plainly appears from this place we are speaking unto and considering
he that liveth and shall not see death shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave Selah Psal 89. 48. I have said saith God concerning Kings and Potentates of this world ye are Gods and all of you are the children of the most high But ye shall dye like men and fall like oâ—e of the Princes Psal 82. 6 7. Isa 14. 18. And when they dye they shall carry nothing away their glory shall not descend after them Psal 49. 16 17. But these holy reigners we are speaking of shall not reign till after they are raised up from the dead and so out of the first death and on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20. 4 6. And so they can dye no more death hath no more dominion over them Luk. 20. 35 36. and therefore they shall possess the kingdom for ever even for ever and ever Dan. 7. 18. Death shall never put an end to their glory as it doth to the glory and government of the high ones of this world but they shall reign for ever and ever Rev. 22. 4 6. Oh how might the consideration hereof engage us not to be desirous of vain-glory but in a patient continuance in well-doing to seek after glory and honour with immortality Rom. 2. 6 7. and to be looking not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seeâ— for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 18. Oh! seek we after and set we our affection upon the things above and not on things on the earth for we are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God when Christ our life shall appear then shall we also appear with him in glory c. Col. 3. 1-4 1 Cor. 9. 25 27. And this leads us to the next enqâ—iry viz. 2. With whom shall these holy Ones so reign And to that we may say 1. They shall be and reign with Jesus Christ our Lord when sorrow had filled the hearts of his disciples because of his departure from them he then to comfort them said unto them In my fathers house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Joh. 14. 2 3. And thus addresses himself to his Father in their hearing and for their encouragement and consolation Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory John 17. 24. Them that sleep in Jesus God will bring with him and the survivers of that body also for the dead shall be raised and the living changed and all shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall they ever â—e with the Lord 1 Thes 4. 14-17 Then all shall be gathered all that are his I mean together unto him whereever they are they shall be gathered unto him from the four winds from one end of Heaven to the other 2 Thes 2. 1. with Matth. 24 30 31. And when Christ who is their life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in glory Col. 3. 4. The Lord my God saith the Prophet shall come and all the Saints with thee Zech. 14. 4-9 and then gloriously they shall sit with him on his throne Rev. 3. 4 21. so the Apostle Paul saith It is a faithful saying for if we be dead with Christ we shall also live with him if we suffer we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. And the Apostle John saith I saw thrones and â—hey sate upon them and judgment was given unto them c. And they lived and reigned with Christ c. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years Rev. 20. 4 6. They shall not reign before or without Christ as some have fondly and groundlesly imagined but with him as in that vision of Daniel is also signified to us where first of Christ it is said I saw in the night-visions and behold one like the son of mâ—n came with the clouds of Heaven and came to the ancient of days and they brought him near before himâ— and there was given to him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people nations and languages should serve him his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom c. And when Daniel asked one the truth of all this he told him and made him know the interpretation of the things viz. The Saints of the most high shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever c. to wit when Christ doth and with him Dan. 7. 13 14 16 18 27. And that they shall reign with Christ and be ever with him this will render their state most excellent comfortable and desirable 1 Thes 4. 17 18. Now indeed the Bridegroom is absent from them and they have great cause of mourning on that account Mat. 9. 15. Now they groan being burdened for they walk by faith not by sight But then he will see them again and their heart shall rejoice and their joy none shall take from them 2 Cor. 5. 2-9 The name of the holy City shall then be the Lord is there Ezek. 48. 35. Indeed now when they depart out of the body and are present with the Lord it is far better for them than to be at home in the body and absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 5-8 Phil. 1. 23. Rev. 14. 13. But then when they are raised again and have the adoption the redemption of the body and the body and soul reunited and personally present remaining and reigning with the Lord it will be best of all Phil. 1. 20 21. 1 Thes 1. 10. when they awake to wit in the Resurrection of the righteous they shall be satisfied with Gods Image to wit with Christ who is the Image of the Invisible God and with that dominion and rule which with him they shall then receive and partake of Psal 17. 15 with Col. 1. 14 15. and Gen. 1. 26-28 And in that they shall reign with Christ this also confirms the truth of what these holy ones here say namely they shall reign on the earth to which we have spoken somewhat before for Christ shall reign on the earth I know saith Job that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold Job 19. 25 27. with Zech. 14. 4 5 9. He shall sit upon the throne of his Father David which was indeed the throne of the Lord but not in Heaven but on the Earth as before we have said Psal 132. 11. with Act. 2. 30. Isa 9. 7. and 16. 5. Jer. 33. 21. Luke 1. 32. He shall judg the
6. Riches of Wisdom and Understanding In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Col. 2. 3. Yea all the riches and fulness of grace and spiritual blessings are treasured up in him Joh. 1. 14 16. Eph. 1. 3 7. Col. 1. 19. and ch 2. 9 10. 1 Pet. 3. 7. and riches of glory Joh. 17. 5. Eph. 3. 16. Phil. 4. 19. 2 Thes 2. 14. And these are the true Riches Luke 16. 11. As Christ is said to be the true Light the true Bread the true Vine that is they are the most excellent Riches more excellent than these which are here below Heb. 10. 34. As will appear if we consider 1. The excellent nature of them they are spiritual but the other earthly and natural Rom. 15. 27. 1 Cor. 9. 11. and ch 15. 44 46. These true Riches are such as the holy Spirit is directing us to and glorifying before us Joh. 16. 14 15. whereas our own wisdom which is sensual and devilish is leading us to labour to be rich here below and to lay up for our selves treasures on earth Jam. 3. 15. with Prov. 23. 4. And the true Riches are such as are proper to enrich the Souls and Spirits of Men how poor soever they are as to these outward riches Prov. 24. 4. 2 Cor. 6. 10. Jam. 2. 5. Rev. 2. 9. 2. The true Riches are certain and durable Heb. 10. 34. whereas the other are called and are uncertain Riches 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. and such as are but for a moment Wilt thou set thine Eyes on that which is not for Riches certainly make to themselves wings they flee like an Eagle toward Heaven Prov. 23. 4 5. And at furthest they will leave us at death Ps 49. 16 17. Luke 12. 19 20. Riches are not for ever Prov. 28. 24. And on this account the Holy Ghost admonisheth them that be rich in this World not to be high-minded nor trust in these Riches because they are uncertain But contrarywise to do good therewith and to be rich in good works c. 1. Tim. 6. 17 18. But the true Riches which the Lamb hath worthily received are certain and permanent Riches and Honour are with me saith Wisdom yea durable Riches Prov. 8. 10 18 22 The things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. 3. The Riches here below are empty and unsatisfying Vanity of Vanities saith the Preacher Vanity of Vanities all is Vanity Eccles 1. 2. He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver nor he that loveth abundance with increase this is also vanity Eccles 5. 10. These Riches will not satisfie Mens Souls nor fill their Bowels Ezek. 7. 19. Eccles 2. 8 11. Hab. 3. 5. Men in labouring for these things labour for that which will not satisfie Isay 55. 2. But now these excellent Riches of Christ are such as will indeed satisfie and give compleat contentment to the Soul He will cause them that love him to inherit substance and he will fill all their treasures Prov. 8. 19 21. They shall be satisfied with favour Deut. 33. 23. with Prov. 8. 32 35. He that cometh to him shall never hunger and he that believeth on him shall never thirst Joh. 6. 35. Mat. 5. 6. And how can they but be satisfied who have the Lord the possessor of Heaven and Earth for their Shepherd and Portion Ps 23. 1 3. and 73. 25 96. and 119. 57. and 142. 5. with Isay 61. 7. Jer. 10. 16. The Almighty to be their Gold Job 22. 24 26. 4. The Riches which are here below are unprofitable they will not profit us in a day of wrath Prov. 11. 4. they will not deliver Men from the wrath of God Ezek. 7. 19. Zeph. 1. 18. Will he esteem thy Riches no not Gold c. Job 36. 18 19. nor will they obtain his favour though a Man would give all the substance of his House for his love it would utterly be contemned Cant. 8. 7. nor will they purchase or procure his Spirit Act. 8. 18 20. Though a Man could gain the whole VVorld yet he may lose his own Soul and so be miserable forever Mat. 16. 26. But the true Riches which the Lamb hath worthily received and is possessed of will stand us instead and be of advantage to us when we most stand in need of help and comfort Righteousness which answers to Riches will deliver from death and wrath Prov. 11. 4 6. and ch 10. 2. Even that of Christ and God in him And so the knowledge of God in Christ Prov. 11. 9. that is a treasure indeed Col. 2. 3. yea this is life eternal to know him the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Joh. 17. 3. Eccles 7. 12. 1 Tim. 4. 8. with ch 3. 16. 5. Nay the Riches here below are usually hurtful and too often very hurtful to Men thorow their Idolatrous esteem thereof and lust thereto Eccles 5. 13. The cares of this World and the deceitfulness of Riches c. entring in choak the Word and it becometh unfruitful Mark 4. 19. So our Saviour saith How hardly shall they that have Riches enter into the Kingdom of God Mark 10. 23 25. 2 Pet. 1. 5. VVe are very apt to pollute our selves therewith to trust in them covet after them be high-minded in our enjoyment of them or place our hearts and affections upon them and by these things hurt and harm our selves 1 Tim. 6. 17. Ps 62. 10. But there is a Treasure to be desired worthy to be desired and which lawfully and with God's allowance and therefore without prejudice or pollution we may desire Prov. 21. 20. that Treasure in the Heavens that faileth not Luke 12. 33. that Treasure hid in a Field Mat. 13. 44. to wit Jesus Christ and those Riches of Life Grace and Glory which are treasured up in him for Mankind VVe may covet earnestly these best things the Lord himself and his unsearchable Riches which are preached and commended to us in the Gospel Eph. 3. 8 9. Oh then if we would be rich indeed come we unto and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Jam. 2. 1 5. Come we unto him and buy we of him Gold tried in the Fire that we may be made rich Rev. 3. 18. his Disciples and hearty followers are such as are rich indeed how poor soever they are among Men Luke 6. 20. 2 Cor. 8 9. Rev. 2. 9. 3. And Wisdom Counsel is his and sound Wisdom Prov. 8. 12 14. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom Col. 2. 3. Christ crucified is the Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1. 23 24. And he is full of Wisdom on him rests the Spirit of VVisdom and understanding c. Isay 11. 1 3. So as he knows all things 2 Sam. 14. 20. Eccles 7. 12. he knows God the Father and he only originally immediately and perfectly Joh. 8. 55. and ch 10. 15. He is in the Bosome of the
Father and unto him he doth un-bosome all his Mind and Counsels Joh. 1. 18. and shews him all things that himself doth Joh. 5. 20. So here in this place This Revelation was first given to him Rev. 1. 1. And he only prevailed to take the Book sealed with seven Seals and to open it He only was worthy and able so to do Rev. 5. 1 5 6 8 9. He only fully and perfectly knows God and he hath declared and revealed him Joh. 1. 18. and ch 6. 46. And he hath given a gracious revelation of him to us in his VVord and VVorks 1 Joh. 1. 5. and ch 4. 8 9. And the consideration hereof might engage us to come unto him that we may know the Father to come to his Cross and Testimony for no Man knows the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Mat. 11. 25 27 28. Luke 10. 21 22. Joh. 12. 44 46. No Man cometh to the Father to the knowledge of the Father but by him Joh. 14. 6 7. God shineth forth the light of the knowledge of his glory in the Face of Jesus Christ who is the Image of the invisible God 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. Col. 1. 15. And he knows Men the thoughts and hearts of them He needs not that any should testifie of Man for he knows what is in Man Joh. 2. 24 25. See Notes before on ch 2. v. 23. Heb. 4. 12. He is perfect in wisdom and knowledge Mat. 9. 4. and ch 12. 25. yea indeed he knows all things Joh. 21. 15 17. There is no Creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 13. And the consideration thereof might strengthen us to hold fast the Profession Heb. 4. 13 14. and also to come unto him who is perfect in wisdom and knowledge to reveal unto us the deep and secret things of his Law and Doctrine which though revealed in the Scriptures of Truth may still be secret to us Dan. 2. 20 23. And this shews to us that he is most meet and fit to govern Wisdom is very requisite to him that sits in the Seat of Government Hence it was the great and one thing desired by Solomon Give me saith he to the Lord Wisdom and Knowledge that I may go out and come in before this People for who can judge this thy People that is so great 1 King 3. 5 12. 2 Chron. 1. 7 12. But behold a greater than Solomon is here Mat. 12. 42. One on whose shoulders the whole Government is laid and who is the wonderful Counsellor Isay 9. 6. The Father hath committed all Judgment all the Government unto the Son And hath given him Authority to execute Judgment also because he is the Son of Man Joh. 5. 22 27. And if all Israel saw that the Wisdom of God was in Solomon to do judgment we may be well assured that our Lord Jesus Christ knows to do Judgment and will do it in whom not only the Wisdom of God is but who is the Wisdom of God 1 King 3. 28. with 1 Cor. 1. 24. The Queen of Sheba came from the uttermost part of the Earth to hear the Wisdom of Solomon but the Lamb infinitely excels him therein Mat. 12. 42. with 1 King 10. 1 8. And therefore he is worthy to be heard and feared by us 1 King 3. 8. This is the true Joshua even Jesus of whom the Son of Nun was a Type Deut. 34. 9. with Isay 42. 1 4. Mark 6. 2. And he hath power to give wisdom unto us also Prov. 8. 10 12 14. 4. And strength He is wise in heart and mighty in strength Joâ— 9. 4. with this ancient one is wisdom and strength with him is strength and wisdom Job 12. 12 13 16. with Rev. 1. 14. God hath laid help upon one that is mighty mighty in strength and wisdom Psal 89. 19. with Job 36. 5. And mighty indeed he is in strength 1. To bear the greatest Burdens Nehem. 4. 10. for he himself bare our sins in his own Body on the Tree 1 Pet. 2. 24. This Lamb of God bare the sin of the World Joh. 1. 29. Sin is an insupportable Burden for any mere Creature it sunk down the Devils from Heaven to Hell 2 Pet. 2. 4. with Jude 6. And brought death on Adam and all his Posterity from which no Man could redeem himself or his Brother Rom. 5. 12. with Ps 49. 6 8. The Psalmist cries out mine iniquities are gone over mine head as an heavy Burden they are too heavy for me Ps 38. 4. But now this Lamb was strong as that he could and did bear and stand under all our sins All we like Sheep have gone astray we have turned every Man to his own way and the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all Isay 53. 6. And he also laid and executed on him the judgment of the World Joh. 12. 27 31. Surely he hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows He was wounded for our transgressions bruised for our iniquities c. Isay 53. 4 5. and ch 63. 1 5. Mat. 26. 38 39. with Heb. 5. 7. He was made a Curse for us Gal. 3. 13. And endured the Cross all the curse and malediction due to us as the wages of our sinning against God Heb. 12. 2. And herein he grapled with all our Enemies that he might overcome them And hereby it appears that he was a strong one in that God laid such burdens upon him If we speak of strength loe he was strong Job 9. 19. for he is the mighty God Isay 9. 6. And he is the Man of God's right hand and the Son of Man whom he made strong for himself Ps 80. 17. And the love of our blessed Redeemer appeared to be exceeding strong in bearing and enduring these heavy burdens his love was strong as death many waters could not quench it neither could the floods drown it Cant. 8. 6 7. 2. And his strength wonderfully appeared in raising himself from the dead Joh. 2. 19 21. He laid down his life that he might take it again no Man took his life from him but he laid it down of himself he had power to lay it down and he had power to take it again Joh. 10. 17 18. He was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resorrection from the dead Rom. 1. 4. As also herein his wonderful strength appeared in vanquishing and overcoming all our Enemies he is the Lord strong and mighty the Lord mighty in battel Ps 24. 8. He bare even bare away the sins of many or of the multitude Isay 53. 12. He made purgation of our sins Heb. 1. 3. It was not possible that the blood of Goats and Calves could take away sin Heb. 10. 1 4 5. 8. and ch 7. 18. But what the Law could not do in that it was weak
17. God honoured him also in being with him and owning and strengthening him when he was generally despised and rejected of Men Joh. 8. 54. with Isay 53. 3. In laying our sins upon him and delivering him to death for the offences of all He crowned him with honour that he by the grace of God should taste death for every Man Heb. 2. 9. with Isay 49. 6. And hath upon the account of his sufferings honoured him for the sufferings of death he hath crowned him with honour Heb. 2. 9. with Ps 91. 15. He hath raised him again from the dead Rom. 1. 4. And laid him as a good foundation of Faith and Hope for Mankind 1 Pet. 2. 4 6. Isay 28. 16. The Stone which the Builders refused and disallowed is become the Head of the Corner This is the Lord 's doing c. Psal 118. 22 23. And he is the fountain of all grace and spiritual blessings God hath given him the preeminence in all things for in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1. 18 19. And he is the Bread of Life the Door of approach unto God the true Vine c. And he hâ—th preferred him above all above the glorious Angels He hath by Inheritance a more excellent Name than they Heb. 1. 4 14. Above Moses the Mediatour of the Old Testament Heb. 3. 1 6. Above Aaron the typical High Priest Heb. 5. 4. 7. He is the first-born higher than the Kings of the Earth the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Col. 1. 18. with Psal 89. 27. Rev. 1. 5. and 17. 14. Because he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross Therefore also God hath highly exalted him and given him a Name which is above every Name Phil. 2. 8 10. Eph. 1. 20 21. And hath put all things under his feet though yet we see not all things put under them Psal 8. 5 8. with Heb. 2. 6 8 9. Eph. 1. 22. And in due season his Horn shall gloriously and visibly be exalted with honour Psal 112. 9. with Psal 145. 5. 14. And Honour from all Creatures Divine Honour even Religious and Divine VVorship Isay 29. 13. with Mat. 15. 8 9. See notes before on v. 8. And particularly by all Men God hath committed all Judgment to him that all Men should honour the Son as they honour the Father they should honour him in hearing his word and believing on him that sent him Joh. 5. 22 24. with 2 Pet. 1. 17. and Mat. 17. 5. and by all his Saints as here he is v. 8. 10. A Son honoureth his Father Mal. 1. 6. And they that hear his word and believe on him are the Children which God hath given him And it is but meet and reasonable therefore that they should honour him not doing their own wayes nor finding their own pleasure nor speaking their own words Heb. 2. 13. Isay 58. 13. See Notes before on ch 4. v. 9. And he hath gotten him honour upon that crooked Serpent Leviathan the Devil as God did on Pharaoh Exod. 14. 17 18. In that he hath bound that strong one thorow Death destroyed him that had the power of Death and is destroying and will destroy him as to his second in due season Psal 110. 1. Heb. 10. 11 12. Oh then seeing he is worthy to receive honour let us honour him in preferring him before our chiefest joy and loving him more than our nearest Relations in this World Mat. 10. 37 38. with 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. Luke 14. 26 27 33. Let us kiss him come unto and follow him in the regeneration Ps 2. 12. Joh. 12. 26. Let us honour him with our substance and with the first-fruits of our increase Prov. 3. 9. Considering that honour is with him and he hath power to give and dispense it to others and will honour them that honour him Prov. 3. 13 16. and 4. 8. and ch 8. 6 18. 6. And glory This is near in signification to the former expression as is said before see Notes on ch 4. v. 9. And he is indeed worthy to receive glory to be highly and honourably esteâ—med To receive lustre beauty splendoâ— and majesty in the nature of Man The God of our Fathers glorified his Son Jesus Act. 3. 13. He herein glorified him in begetting and making or creating him his Son Jer. 31. 22. In acknowledging him to be his Son 2 Pet. 1. 17. In being with him and strengthening him unto and in all his services and sufferings Joh. 17. 1. In appointing him and giving him by his grace to die for our sins to taste death for every Man Joh. 12. 23 24. and ch 13. 31. Heb. 2. 9. In raising him from the dead for our justification Act. 3. 13 15. And giving all glory to him upon the account of his sufferings Joh. 17. 4 5. 1 Pet. 1. 19 21. He hath a glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. Act. 22. 11. He is a spiritual Man and hath an heavenly Image 1 Cor. 15. 44 48. A glorious Dominion and Lordship over all Creatures God hath Crowned him with glory and put all things under his feet Ps 8. 4 8. with Heb. 2. 6 9. A glorious fulness of all grace and truth Joh. 1. 14 16. with Col. 1. 18 19. and ch 2. 3 9 10. The spirit of glory rests upon him Isay 11. 1. In him is redemption righteousness eternal life yea all things that the Father hath are his Joh. 16. 15. But to this we shall have afterwards further occasion to speak in the last particular here attributed to the Lamb viz. Blessing He is gone and received up into glory 1 Tim. 3. 16. Act. 7. 55. And is set down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Heb. 1. 3. and ch 8. 1. where he is and remains a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech He glorified not himself to be made an High Priest but he that said unto him Thou are my Son this day have I begâ—tten thee Heb. 5. 4 5. And God hath given this glory unto him to be a Covenant of the people a Light of the Gentiles to open the blind Eyes c. And to be the Apostle of the Believers Profession Isay 42. 6 8. Heb. 3. 1 3. And in due season he shall appear in glory Ps 102. 16. In his own glory in his Father's glory and in the glory of the holy Angels Mat. 16. 27. Mark 8. 38. Luke 9. 26. And shall sit upon the Throne of his glory Mat. 25. 31. and 19. 28. And he is worthy to receive glory from all his Angels and Saints 1 Chron. 16. 28 29. Ps 29. 12. and 96. 7 8. with Heb. 1. 6. And he hath power to give glory unto and confer it upon others upon them that come unto and follow him in the regeneration Mat. 19. 28 29. He is the Lord of glory as the owner and professor of it so the giver and dispencer of it both now and hereafter Jam.
the gift of God is eternal life thorow Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6. 23. All the blessedness promised is freely promised and will be dispensed and rendred of grace and if of grace then it is no more of works otherwise grace is no more grace Rom. 11. 6. It is indeed assured to him that overcometh and every such an one shall certainly have this promise performed but not as if there were any such worth or merit in his Act of overcoming as to deserve what is here promised for alas there is so much pollution and unworthiness cleaving to the believers best deeds that God may justly wipe them out and punish them who do them Neh. 13. 14 22. nor are they nor can they otherwise be acceptable unto God but by Jesus Christ who takes away the iniquity of their holy things and perfumes them with the incense of his sacrifice and so renders them acceptable to God Exod. 28. 38. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. Rev. 5. 8. and ch 8. 3 5. yea if they had done all the things which are commanded them yet our Saviour instructs them to say we are unprofitable Servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17. 10. And besides there is no proportion between their overcoming and the reward For I reckon saith the Apostle that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. 8. 17 18. and therefore it is well said I will give 3. Yea and the certainty of his performance hereof may be imported and signified for he is faithful that promised as is evident in that he was faithful unto him that appointed him and the holy brethren are called upon to consider him in that respect Heb. 10. 23. with ch 3. 1 2. It is the Lord the righteous Judge will make good his word and promise in due time 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. We come nextly to consider the thing promised To eat of the tree of life Truly this he now gives by faith but hereafter he will do it more fully and gloriously Cant. 2. 3 4. Now by the tree of life is meant Jesus Christ himself of whom it is said he is a tree of life to them that lay hold on him and happy is every one that retaineth him Prov. 3. 18. he is the green tree Luke 23. 31. the green fir-tree from whom all our fruit is found Hos 14. 8. of whom the tree of life in the earthly paradise was a type Gen. 2. 9. and ch 3. 22. he hath obtained life into himself for us Heb. 9. 12. And as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself Joh. 5. 26. This is the record that God hath given of his Son that he hath given to us Mankind eternal life and this life is in his Son yea he is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 10 11 20. And in due time he cometh down spiritually from Heaven and giveth life unto the dead World Joh. 6. 33. And eternal life now by faith to him that seeth him and believeth on him Joh. 6. 40. and ch 17. 2. Now this is that which he here promiseth to give unto him that overcometh To eat of this tree of life which is a great blessing Blessed saith he are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in thorow the gates into the city Rev. 22. 2. 14. Such an one as overcometh shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of God's house and he will make him drink of the river of his pleasures for with him is the fountain of life Ps 36. 7 9. and 16. 11. of this tree of life they shall eat and be satisfied Ps 22. 26. they shall then have compleat satisfaction delight and complacency in Jesus Christ In him shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory Isay 45. 23 25. with Phil. 2. 8 10. And they shall then for ever praise him their heart shall live for ever yea their whole Man for this was the property of the typical tree of life that if they had eaten thereof they should have lived for ever Gen. 3. 22. and they shall then eat him and live and never dye Joh. 6. 57 58. not only now do they feed on him but shall do so for ever hereafter his sufferings with the ends and vertues thereof shall be remembred fed upon praised and delighted in for ever This is the Song not only of that part of the family of God which is upon the earth but of that part also which is in Heaven Thou art worthy c. for thou wast slain c. Rev. 5. 8 9. 10 11 12 13 14. How doth this set forth the excellency of him unto us and how might it engage us to come continually unto and follow him 4. We have an account given us of the place where this tree of life is In the midst of the paradise of God or as some read it of my God What is meant by the paradise here spoken of we may be helped to understand by the scripture The word Paradise in general doth signify a pleasant orchard or place of trees and so it is rendred orchard in Eccles 2. 5. Cant. 4. 13. And particularly hereby is meant in the writings of the Evangelists and Apostles Heaven it self or that glorious place into which Christ is entred so it appears by what our Saviour said to the penitent thief This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Luke 23. 43. and this further appears in the use of it by the Apostle Paul who in one verse saith Such an one was caught up to the third Heaven In another it is thus exprest he was caught up into paradise 2 Cor. 12. 2 4. he that descended into the lower parts of the earth is now ascended far above all Heavens all Heavens visible to us into Heaven it self Eph. 4. 8 10. with Heb. 9. 26. which must needs be a place of infinite joy pleasure and delight and of this Eden which signifieth a place of pleasure or delight was a figure Isay 51. 3. Now here we may note for our instruction 1. That Jesus Christ is gone up into and is in Heaven in that most glorious place And there he shall remain until the times of the restitution of all things Acts 3. 20 21. he was carried up into and received in Heaven Luke 24. 51. Mark 16. 19. Act. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 3. 22. There he is and there he shall remain as the tree of life until the new Jerusalem shall come down from God out of Heaven And then he as the tree of life shall come down and yeild his fruit every moneth And the leaves of this tree shall be for the healing of the nations Rev. 21. 2 3. with ch 22. 2 14 16. God shall then send us Jesus who now is preached unto us Acts 3.
And they shall reign over all the nations of the saved and such as will not subject themselves unto Christ and his glorified Saints shall be destroyed As it is said The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish yea those nations shall be utterly wasted Isa 60. 12 14. Dan. 7. 14 27. Thus our Lord promiseth and saith He that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end to him will I give power over the nations That is I will give him the heathen for his inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession and he shall rule them with a rod of iron as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers even as I received of my father Rev. 2. 26 27 with Psal 2. 8 10. and Rev. 19. 15. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world 1 Cor. 6. 2. But unto this particular we shall not further inlarge here 4. When and with whom shall these Saints and holy ones so reign To this we shall speak a little distinctly and particularly And so 1. When shall they so reign To this we have often intimately given answer before namely that they shall not so do while they are in mortal bodies nor on the earth in this corruptible state but when God according to his promise shall make all things new And so we say again they shall not reign as is here spoken of till the dead in Christ are raised again to wit in the resurrection of the just when none but the righteous ones shall be raised Luk. 14. 14. There is an order in the resurrection as the Apostle gives us to understand Indeed There will be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust As in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive But every man in his own order Christ the first-fruits he is raised long before the rest of the dead and hath been so above Sixteen hundred years already Afterwards they that are Christs at his coming and they only and so they also will be raised long before the rest of the dead namely a Thousand years whether more strictly or largely taken and more Rev. 20. 4 12. Then or after the end when will be the second and general resurrection 1 Cor. 15. 21 22 23 24. with vers 5. Now then at Christ's coming the dead in Christ shall be raised and the surviving of that body changed As the Apostle saith Them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him for this we say unto you by the word of the Lord that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep for the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-Angel and with the trump of God And the dead in Christ shall rise first to wit before the rest of the dead and before the living Saints are changed and caught up Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up c. In order whereto they shall be changed In a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible and we shall be changed 1 Thes 4. 14 17. with 1 Cor. 15. 51-53 Then shall that which was prophesied of so long since be fulfilled Thy dead men shall live with my dead body shall they arise awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust c. namely They shall then sing gloriously that song there mentioned Isa 26. 19. with Chap. 25. and 26. 1-5 And that they shall then reign when they are raised from the earth and not before is signified to us by the Apostle John in his relation of what he saw in vision I saw saith he the souls of them that were beheaded c And they lived to wit revived as we have said before and reigned a thousand years This is the first resurrection Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection en such the second death hath no power but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign a thousand years Rev. 20. 4. 6. And this surely is the first resurrection not in order of time only but also the best resurrection as the first Robe is the best Luk. 15. 22. or the chief Mark 6. 21. and so it is called a better Resurrection to wit than the second and general because they that have part in it shall reign on the earth whereas the rest of the dead shall not so do Heb. 11. 37. The time then when they that are Christs shall reign on the earth will be after they are raised in the first and better Resurrection according to what our Saviour saith They that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage neither can they dye any more for they are equal unto the angels and are the children of God being the children of the resurrection They that shall be accounted worthy to inherit and judg that world are such only as shall be accounted worthy to obtain the Resurrection from the dead from the rest of the dead which all shall not be nor any but the Children of God Luk. 20. 35 36. with Heb. 2. 5. This honour and happiness the Church of the first-born of the first-born from the dead which are written in Heaven shall arrive at and be made partakers of Heb. 12. 23-28 with Col. 1. 18. and Rev. 1. 5 6. And so much also may well be contained in and collected from that part of the song of Hannah in which she saith He raiseth up the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the beggar from or out of the dunghil to set them among princes and to make them inherit the throne of glory 1 Sam. 2. 8. with Psal 113. 6 8. It is true indeed these words He raiseth up c. do certainly refer to his exalting persons sometimes in this day out of their low abject condition unto glory But it is true also that he most fully raiseth them out of their graves out of the dust of the earth to this glorious dignity we are speaking of and lifteth them up from the gates of death Isa 26. 19. John 3. 14. Jer. 9. 22. Psal 9. 13. Nor doth that hinder the interpretation given that she and the Prophet speak in the present time and say He raiseth up and lefteth for in such like words the Resurrection from the dead is also spoken of and mentioned in Scripture as may be seen John 5. 21. 2 Cor. 1. 9 10. And in that they shall reign after they are raised from the dead This shews unto us the excellency and perpetuity of their Kingdom and Glory Dan. 7. 27. The great ones of this world who are advanced to the highest dignity and Empire are still in mortal bodies and must needs dye What man is