the pale-horse He that sate opon his back was death c. Though Christ doubtlesse was carried up and down as rider in the Church for all profest him yet since in works they denied him death the effect of sin is said to sit upon his back drawing hell for that waits on death without Christ after him Now though by beasts beastly lusts raigning in the souls of the people through the negligence slothfulnesse and security of Bishops wounding and killing many may be understood And by famine that of the word Amos 8.11 By the sword the wounding tongue which cuts like a sharp rasor Psal 52.2 or false wounding doctrines of Hereticks suffered in the Church by death the spiritual death for want of Christ the life and the Gospel the food of the soule for I heare not of a persecuting sword in this age yet certainly there is a plain allusion to Ezech. 14.21 where the Lord threatens Jerusalem for her Apostacy with his foure sore that is some cruel punishments to which Christ likens here the cursed effects of security in teachers and hereticks wounding doctrines destroying a fourth part that is a great part of the earth under the Romane Empire Now follow Act. 2. Vision second Vers 9. And when he had opened the first Seal In this second Act are three things contained 1. What he saw and the place where 2. What they said 3. The answer they receceived The summe of all is to comfort the godly against the scandall of the crosse shadowed out especially under the red horse particularly least John should be daunted much at the effusion of so much blood of the Martyrs he sees their souls safe under the protection of Christ Observe then the soul is separable eternall I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slaine for the word of God and for the testimony which they held To wit of all the Martyrs slain from Nero to Boniface the third the first Antichrist Vnder the Altar To wit Christ Heb. 13.10 We have an Altar not then in purgatory but in heaven Thou shalt be with me this day in Paradise Not under the robbes of Mary but under the safety of Christ the Altar not lost for they enjoy the presence of Christ and of God as far as created natures are able Vers 10. And they cryed with a loud voyce saying how long c. By this is shewed their earnest desire of the hastning Gods judgments 't was no vocall but visionall crying which imports no impatiency for the glorified Saints are free from such corruption their desire is just that Gods glory may be vindicated the Church finally delivered They do not prescribe God a time but closely submit to the same as unknown to them only they intimate that to them it seems just and equall that he should deliver his Church and no longer suffer the blasphemies of cruall Tyrants Vers 11. And white Robes were given unto every on of them They are answered in words and deeds for white robes were given them this notes the beginning of glory Moses and Elias talking with Jesus had such shining garments the perfect robe though this former be without spot is referred till the day of judgment Now for the word And it was said unto them that they should rest yet for a little season To wit by him that sate upon the Throne or the Altar under whose protection they are Now Christ is called an Altar because he was sacrificed as a Lamb upon the Altar of the Crosse or his divine nature which sanctified and made the sacrifice worthy and able to pacify divine Justice In the answer note many things 1. Antichrists time is short 2. God heares alwayes the prayers of his Saints 3. The cruelties of the wicked are not forgotten but shall be revenged 4. The cause of the forbearance is first to lead men to repentance that the full number of the Martyres may be accomplished 5. A communion between the Saints above and these below We ought not therefore to pray to them being our fellow servants Neither though they love us do they pray for us because it would derogate from Christ in whose presence they are as if his intercession were not satisfactory or he were asleep however we ought not to pray to them since they know not our particular wants though they be in the presence of GOD For Abraham knowes us not Esay 93. Act 3. Vision second Vers 12. I beheld when he had opened the sixth Seal and loe there was a great earthquake c. This Act consisteth of two parts 1. Treats of the greater and more horrible confusion of the Christian world under Antichrist vers 2.15 then and in the 7. Chap. is treated comfortable things as the sealing of the Elect to vers 8. I referre these Earthquakes to the last persecutions under Antichrist upon Phocas the Emperours proclaiming Boniface the 3d. universall Bishop and Prince of Priests or indeed Antichrist then the Christian world began to be horribly shaken for now Christ the Son of righteousnesse began to be obscured that is the doctrine concerning his offices and benefits darkened the Moon or Church turned into blood the Starres or Pastors fall from heavenly offices the opened Book of Scripture or the Heaven rolled up and forbidden to be read the mountains Kings and Princes for they are higher then the other people in Jeopardy The Ilands brought under Antichrists yoak and tyranny First of the earth-quake sometimes t is taken in a good sence as Heb. 12. I will shake heaven and earth meaning in reforming the world by Christ Note also that the signes foretold to be at the last day Math. 24. in the Sun and Moon shall litterally come to passe when the Isles shall fly away and mountains were not found to wit at the day of judgement But here the Earthquake signifies the shaking and oppressing the Church by Antichrist who darkened the Sun to wit Christ and the true light of the Gospel and the Hypocriticall Monkes who wore garments of sackcloth glorying of perfection do as by a true badge testifie that they live under this darknesse spoken of But say they the Pope professeth Christ against all Hereticks Answ Should he openly cast off the name of Christ then he could not have brought under his bondage the Christian world But his coming as the Apostle writeth is withall deceiveablenesse in them that perish Christ is darkned and Mary adored free-grace rejected for polluted works the Sacraments changed into Idols the Gospel into Traditions scarce any thing but the name of Christ remaining The Moon became as blood The Moon is the Church Now as the Moon borrowes light of the Sun so the Church all of Christ Into blood The cruell tyranny of Antichrist makes the Church red with the blood of the Saints the oft Massacres prove this in part Vers 13. The Starres of Heaven fell into the earth Starres do not really fall but false ones do so false teachers like
he that endures to the end the same shall be saved I will give thee a crowne of life 'T is a Simile taken from runners in a race where there is a crown proposed as a reward to the conquerours and it signifies eternall life So Jam. 1 v. 12. This proves Christs divine nature since he can give eternall life Vers 11. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death A good reward out of mercy not merit to be partakers of eternall life Note the first death is a separation of the soul through sin from God and was the cause of corporall death The second is a casting soul and body into the everlasting lake of fire He that is faithfull to the dissolution of the body sayes one on this verse need not fear this second death Vers 12. To the Angel of the Church of Pergamus Who he was is unknown only t is probable he was the successor of Antipas who was put to death by those of Pergamus Some say he was put into a brazen Bull and by fire tortured to death Now Christ sends this Epistle to his successour to exhort him to constancy who it seems was now in bonds least he should be drawn aside for fear of the same punishment Which hath a sharp two edged sword To wit his divine word Vers 13. I know thy works To teach they had to do with him who searcheth and tryeth the heart and reins Where Satans seat is Pergamus was the abode of King Attalus and the devill reigned in City Palace Court and Temples yet Christ had a Church there as he had in Israel 7000 that bowed not the knee to Baal though not known to Elijah So in the Papacy a Church preserved My faithfull Martyr Christ commends and honours him with this tittle to encourage his successour to constancy who in the dayes of Antipas and yet was faithful though Pergamus was the most Idolatrous city of Asia and most persecuting the Saints Vers 14. But I have a few things against thee c. Few in respect of the evils of ungodly men Here we see there is no Church without failings The Doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicholaitans they held whether 't was the same or not few know but perchance as the doctrine of Balaam was fornication to be allowed so that of the Nicholaitans was neer it as the community of wives or polygamy however it was a spreading heresie Here learn 't is lawfull to call Hereticks and Sectaries after the name of their Author as Christ doth these Nicholaitans from Nicholas Vers 16. Repent or else I will come unto thee quickly It seems the Doctrine was countenanced by the Pastor and openly practised to the scandal of the godly the danger of the Church and the reproach of the name of Christ by the Heathens note that repentance is the best means to divert a judgement And will fight against them with the sword of my mouth Christs word is to convince wound condemne and cast off the irrecoverable Them To wit Pastor and Church as vers 5. Christ will not countenance a generall scandalous errour in his Church Vers 17. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden Manna He alludeth to the Omer of Manna layed up in a pot in the Ark. Christ is meant by this Manna who is hid from the wicked and reserved for the Saints And I will give him a white stone To wit absolution or remission of sins for the ancients used in judgment to cast white and black stones into a baâ—on he that had the white was innocent and absolved he that had the black was guilty and condemned And in the stone a new name written T is an allusion to the foresaid custom for on the stones were written the names of the innocent and guilty which being given them the innocent were freed the guilty condemned A new name To wit an excellent name meaning of adoption of sons because in the world to come the adopted have their full inheritance Which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it Because the happinesse of Gods sons here but especally hereafter cannot be expressed Only they which are so know what t is to be so Here is an argument of Christs divinity since he gives the hidden Manna the white stone the new name to them that overcome Vers 18. And unto the Angel of the Church of Thyatira Christ Gods Son by nature said these things Of other things in this verse See chap. 1. vers 14.15 Vers 19. I know thy works Good and bad the good are four Love to God charity to the poor faith which was shewed by the sincere preaching of the Word lastly patience in suffering for Christ And the last to be more then the first It seems this Pastour had lately with much courage undergone some great tryall for which Christ commends him It should teach us to encrease in the works of faith love and the like Vers 20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee Not simply few but in respect of the sinnes of the ungodly Christ also like a good Physician lessens the disease that the Patient may the sooner admit the cure and not despaire of amendment Because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel c. Called so because equall in craft power and happily malice to Jezebel Ahabs wife It seems she was some famous strumpet then in the Church which held the doctrine of the Nicholaitans for under the pretence of liberty and Christian charity they taught 't was lawful to communicate with heathens both at bed and board Now here was a great neglect of zeal and courage in the Pastour Where note that censures as they must be used so but upon urgent occasions as in vers 2. against Ebion and Cerinthus against the Nicholaitans and Balaamites ver 14.15 and now against Jezebel Vers 21. I gave her time it notes Christs patience Vers 22. I will cast her here note a threefold judgement on her selfe the bed on which she was wanton shall be a bed of sicknesse for by a bed sicknesse is understood where observe God punisheth the sin by an answerable punishment a bed of sicknesse for a bed of lasciviousnesse 2. Them that commit adultery with her meaning her lovers and that either outwardly by the Magistrate for 't was a breach of the Commandement or inwardly in conscience However see God hates the defilement of body as well as soule and that the courrupters of the truth shall be punished 3. In ver 23. her children meaning those born in fornication Here see Christs long-suffering for she had long lived in this sinne yet upon repentance may be forgiven See Gods mercy And all the Churches shall know Here is the end and use of Gods judgements to declare his omniscience that he knows all sinne and his power to punish sinners and wicked men This should teach us seeing other mens judgements to beware and look upon Gods hand upon others Vers 24. But unto you
will be bitter in the working it brings sorrow not to be repented of to the Saints though it torment the consciences of wicked men accidentally the Physick works most upon the fowlest stomach where the fault is not in the Physick but in the body so the word will have its proper effect The locusts are the wicked tormentors ch 9. ver 5. Vers 1. But after three days and an half c. That is after a litlle while the spirit entred into them to wit in the Vision to Iohn The truth is the same spirit being immortal shall enter one day into the bodies again when to be glorified but here 't is meant that God would raise up such men with the like spirit as the spirit of Elias is said to be in the Baptist to witnesse his truth against Antichrist Thus God raised up Luther and Melancthon to succeed the former witnesses in whom they are said to live c. But litterally Antichrist never got the bodies to burn yet the locusts have exposed them to what shame they can in writing this may comfort the godly and encourage them not to fear them that can kill the body hence 't is plain God is not left without a witnesse so that the terme of the witnesses prophecying is not come to an end Lastly you see the Locusts and Abaddon their King can kill the witnesses yet not hurt them nor their testimony God will raise them up in their successors here and glorifie them hereafter Vers 12. And they heard a great voice from heaven c. The witnesses did not the enemies Great Because of the power thereof for it shall bring the witnesses to glory Saying unto them come up hither To wit to Christ who is not bodily everywhere but in glory Now Iohn saw the witnesses ascend perchance bodily in the Vision teaching how after the death of the Saints their souls immediatly are in glory This confirms the doctrine of the witnesses though by the enemy condemned as heresie And their enemies beheld them So in the Vision Truly thus have the enemies beheld the witnesses whom they slew raised up to life in Luther Calvin and standing upon their feet as it were and consequently beleeve they ascended into glory after death though they rage against their successours Thus at this restauration of the witnesses to life in their successours the Antichristian adversaries are amazed seeing their doctrine so glorious And fear fell upon the beholders They beheld them dead with delight but at their ascending to honour they are amazed and afraid These as the enemies in the Gospel raged at Christ to wit and the disciples yet feared them against whom they raged they fear because they feel though perhaps too late that they warred against Christ and Truth Therefore also they shall fear their kingdom riches and they shall dread the judgment of GOD but not escape it Vers 13. And there was a great earthquake the same houre Antichrist raised an earthquake against Christ Chap. 6. Now Christ against Antichrist By this earthquake I understand not only the great stir among themselves about Religion which much shakes great Britaine at this houre but Luthers preaching and before that the Bohemians war but to say no more experience shews how both multitudes of witnesses the revolt by the witnesses means of many Kingdomes from papacy the many wars made aganst Spaine Romes most beloved son have made a most terrible earthquake in that great city I mean the Church of Rome The same houre That is presently after the killing of the witnesses I know not one whole Kingdom God be praised for it except Spaine and Italy and herein the Venetian begins to hare the Locusts that totally adheres to his unholinesse the Pope Thus the tenth part of the city fell In the Vision Nay by Luthers Ministery great part of the Romish Religion and tyranny or jurisdiction fell in Germany which was a great part of the Romish city and in England and other places upon it Seven thousand names were slaine c. By the fall of the city names are put for men Now as Brightman has it the revenues and profits of many parish Churches as I may adde Monasteries and Colledges being lost by the rising of the Gospel impoverished and as it were shew many Priests also by the preaching of the Gospel many Papists being more hardened perished And the remnant were affrighted c. The falling of the great city builds Christs little one this proved a good fear many seeing the works of God turned to the Gospel of which experience and histories speak Vers 14. The second Woe is past and behold c. To Iohn in the Vision The first woe t was under Antichrist from his rising to the councell of Constance when the city began to fall The second is yet under both Antichrist Pope and Turke The third lasts to the seveth trumpet to the end for the wicked Vers 15. And the seventh Angel sounded This is the Archangell mentioned 1 Thes 4.16 so the seventh trumpet is that which shall sound when the dead shall rise And their were voyces in heaven saying To wit of the 24. elders or heavenly inhabitants rejoycing for the just judgment to come so the Woe threatned belongs to Antichrist and the damned which Woe Christ uttered in those words Go you cursed and is now to be fulfilled The former woes did belong to the godly and wicked alike under both Antichrists Turk and Pope this only to the wicked Now the cause of the heavenly rejoycing was in part because the kingdomes of the world which the adversaries had violently taken into their possession and as much as in them lay thrust out Christ now returne to Christ who having destroyed his enemies shall raigne alone after which time Christ shall deliver up his Kingdom for now he rules by his word Spirit Sacraments Ministery as Mediatour but then as God and one with the Father for ever of which see 1 Cor. 15. hereafter Antichrist and the wicked shall not rivall with him but our Lord and Christ that is our Lord Christ Jesus alone with the Father and Spirit Vers 16. Then those foure and twenty Elders which sate before God c. Of which before largly chap. 4.4 Here all the heavenly host shut up the third Vision with a song of triumph humbly falling down on their faces in the Vision otherwise they are not bodily in heaven giving thanks to him that is and was and is to come the Almighty of which before chap. 1.8 the cause is Vers 17. Because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast raigned Taken that is doest exercise thy great power destroying all thine enemies and delivering thy afflicted Spouse blessing her with thy selfe eternally in heaven Vers 18. And the nations were angry c. The heavenly host give this a reason why they rejoyce in the great judgment because the Nations have sufficiently been angry and raged against thy Church and to
new song then being the serving and celebrating the name of God is to be learned by Gods children imperfectly here perfectly hereafter Note the harpers beasts and 24 Elders are all before the throne therefore partakers of the same glory and all follow the Lamb because redeemed from the earth to wit by the efficacious blood of the Lamb. Vers 4. These are they who are not defiled with women for they are Virgins c Marriage does not defile though Jerome was against it extolling Virginity being the means to keep men undefiled and Gods own ordinance these harpers were a very great multitude who are called waters therefore now 't is improbable they should be all reall Virgins but Virgins are those not polluted whether in wedlock or single life who especially have not been defiled with spiritual fornication with the whorish woman chap. 17.2 These are opposed to the inhabitants of the earth who are defiled but the harpers are holy and follow the Lamb Christ Whether so ever he goes c The servants of Antichrist wondred and followed the beast chap. 13. these the Lamb and serve him night and day Hence observe after the resurrection there will be motion in heaven and now is in its kinde Secondly all the Saints are to be where Christ is according to his prayer therefore all the Saints follow the Lamb a like and pertake of equall glory of which largly already These be the first fruits to God that is holy for so were the first fruits in the Law and bought and redeemed from among men so are all the Saints as well as these therefore this is but a priviledge common to all the Saints of heaven Vers 5. And in their mouth was found no guile for they are without spot before the throne of God To wit now in heaven for now they are without fault having washed their robes by faith in the blood of the Lamb before the throne to wit Gods Majesty in heaven the being before the throne is the cause of their blisse Vers 6. And I saw another Angel flee in the midst of heaven An Angel for many Angels who represent Preachers of the Gospel And now another state of the Church is to be looked for This Angel is conceived to be Wickliffe Professour at Oxford who Anno 1371. preached the everlasting Gospel against Antichrist He writ many volums which came to other nations and people to read to him many witnesses were raised suddainly Midst of heaven shews the imperfection of the doctrine at first not quite heavenly nor quite earthly men see not so clearly at first when Reformation begins Having an everlasting Gospel Because it cannot perish but in Wickliffes successours continued So the word sowed cannot returne in vaine in a state it continues here and in heaven for ever 'T is a folly for Antichrist to strive to suppresse it To preach to the inhabitants of the earth c. Sworne vassals to Antichrist Therefore at first the successe could not be imagined to be great for the task was very hard The substance of his preaching was that God might have the glory not the beast nor his image Because the houre of his judgement is come to wit of his giving understanding grace and judgment of the truth or rather because the day of the great judgment is at hand of which anon Vers 8. And another Angel followed saying with a loud voice c. The rest of Vers 7. being plain I omit This is conceived to be Luther to whom many witnesses were joyned Babylon the great City is fallen it is fallen c. That is shall suddenly fall and assuredly fall Now the Caldean Babylon is not here meant but that which then ruled over nations 2. That which was to be the seat of Antichrist 3. That defiled all nations with fornications but this was Rome plainly Neither did heathenish Rome ever make merchandise of souls but Popish Rome chap. 18.13 A most plain argument that not heathenish but Popish Rome is here meant also this Rome I mean the whole Antichristian Church has more kept the people of God in bondage then heathenish Rome But I speak to Beleevers therefore will use no more arguments here is fallen twice said to note the certainty of it That great City To wit Rome or the Church of Rome which in this Angels time began to fall in many places as Germany Saxony Because she made all nations drink You see Rome is the mother of spiritual whoredomes Of the wine of her fornication So called first because Idolatry is more pleasing to mans corrupt nature then the true worship of God 2 Because one may soon be drunken and overcome by it 't is a bewitching sin Of the wrath of her fornication So called because it brings Gods judgments and wrath Vers 9. And the third Angel followed them saying with a loud voyce c. To wit the successours of Luther as Bullinger Calvin Zanchius who with a loud voyce that is couragiously forbad the worshipping of the beast upon pain of Gods wrath As Vers 10. The same shall drink also They that love the wine of Idolatry must pledge in the wine of Gods wrath without mixture without allaying with water that is without mercy Of his indignation and anger To wit in the seven Vials of which in order And hee shall bee tormented This should dehort from Idolatry The Verse being plain for brevity-sake I passe Vers 11. And the smoake of their torment To wit the smoak of the fire of their torment ascended it seemes hell is below For ever and ever See Drexelius of eternity Concerning the beast Image mark and name is already spoken Now to vers 13. is easy and comfortable Vers 13. Blessed from henceforth are the dead which dye in the Lord. Not only from the houre of death but from the preaching of the three Angels for now Reformation teaches purgatory is a lye Now men beleeve the truth henceforth men die in the truth in the Lord for the Lord That is for his cause there is no salvation then to them that are not in Christ Hence learn is there such torments for Antichrist Here then is good ground for the Saints patience a while under tryal Are they blessed that depart in Christ then death 's not the end of all The death of the body under tyrants hurts not the soul of the Saints Lastly it is infinitely more comfortable dying since the Reformation by the three Angels then in the days and Church of Popery blessed be God but enough till vers 14. Vers 14. And I looked and behold a white cloud Behold the great day and Christ on the cloud Now the Saints shall henceforth be perfectly happie and the good works of all their former life which are said to follow them not goe before them as the cause of glory shall through mercy and grace crown them for ever Yet perchance that verse may be taken thus write to wit for the Saints comfort and as a
about the womans travelling for when Satan was bound this was done and as some in this fourth verse appear beheaded being part of Act. 1. so ch 6. there was a red horse of which see the Commentary this also belongs to the three former trumpets chap. 8 7. about fire and blood mingled viz. persecution and death the burning mountain and the starre falling as in this verse some worshipped not the Beast so it belongs to chap. 13 about the Beasts raging The second act is comfort about the safety of the souls chap 6. under the altar of Christs Protection here upon thrones By which the cohaerence and parallel of this Church with the preceding may be understood I saw Souls are not to be seen but Iohn saw them visionally perchance after the forme of a body for they were sitting upon thrones Thrones note judiciary and royal dignity Sitting notes the souls resting from their labours for ever And Iudgement was given To the souls Noting not the day of Judgement of which after The Royal dignity given them fitting for the Kingdome of which anon So the Psalm Give thy judgements to the King Psal 72. The souls of them that were beheaded Not them that were beheaded as if in bodies as the Millenaries foolishly dream but their souls as Augustine observs For the witnesse of Iesus Meaning the Gospel for the Romane tyrants for three hundred years cruelly killed those that were servants to Christ Chiefly meaning those under the Altar chap. 6. And for the Word of God c. Meaning Christ who is the essential word Iohn 1. And them that worshipped not the Beast The former were Martyrs these are Professours who in all the time of Popery adhered to Christ being the sealed ones now in heaven and the 144000. chap. 14. glorified of which some perchance might escape without beheading See chap. 13 of the Beasts slaying those that worshipped not his image after 606 years of the thousand the Beast arose trampling underfoot the Saints whom Iohn also saw happy reigning with Christ from the very time of Satans binding for his binding and the Saints reigning with Christ began together being the same thousand years from what time however many Saints bodily perished by Romane tyrants That worshipped not the beast This shews they were such as were slain partly under Antichrist who raigned in part of the thousand years Also this proves the Papists fiction of Antichrist raigning four years towards the very end of the world to be a lye since he killed some of these now on thrones in the thousand years mentioned and it proves his raigne to be longer for the thousand years are past and yet Antichrist raignes And they lived and raigned with Christ a thousand years I see no difficulty in this place if well perpended which the Millenaries wrested to prove the Saints bodily raigning with Christ a thousand years before the generall resurrection The souls never die the souls of Saints whether Professours or Martyrs from Christs binding Satan and perchance here Stephen and John the Baptist with those primitive Professours as Symeon Anna Zachariah Magdalen may be thought on live gloriously and raigne with Christ in heaven So all that either were slain for the Word or however were not vassals or marked ones of Antichrist of which chap. 13. lived and as they dyed by degrees raigned with Christ a thousand years or some part of the thousand for there is no necessity to beleeve that they raigned at once But as 't is said of the ten Kings they received power with the Beast one houre chap. 17.12 That is by degrees as they were converted to the faith so these raigned with Christ according as in the thousand years they were gathered to Christ as if many travellers come to their Inne some at one houre some at another he that comes a five a clock comes but that day and so doth he that comes at twelve at noone he that was received into glory some few years before Antichrists raigning was but there in the thousand years so was he that was received into glory some few years before Satans loosing These then raigned in the Kingdom of grace first with Chrst and now in glory to wit in soul not in body of which in order Vers 5. But the rest of the dead lived not again till the thousand years were past All naturally who even were borne in the thousand years of Satans binding are dead in sin but Christ quickened those who belonged to him in the thousand years and after death received them to raigne with him But Satan was not so absolutely bound but that he hindred many from beleeving or living the spirituall life of grace and after of glory in the thousand years The rest of the sons of men dead in sin were not quickened when these mentioned before were who did raigne with Christ and shall for ever when the thousand years are past Quest Why was the thousand years mentioned Answ To shew what great events should happen in so short a time Paganisme and Iudaisme being much destroyed that the name of Christ should be spread over great part of the world Till the thousand years Not as if any of these dead should live a spirituall life afterward but to note 1. How in such a beleeving age many should not beleeve or be quickened 2. That after the thousand years many should live again we God be thanked are quickened though the thousand years be past and shall raigne with Christ a thousand years even to all eternity after death 3. That the common resurrection belongs to them and all at the last day but not the first to wit this of regeneration and grace which belongs to the Elect only This is the first resurrection To grace sayes Aug. not to glory Which against the Millenaries may be many wayes proved 1. Because were this a corporall resurrection 't were not the first for many in Old and New-Testament were risen before 2. At the last day some shall rise to glory some to shame but all together almost the Saints somewhat first the dead in Christ shall rise first not one a thousand years before the other but one for glory presently the other for shame 1 Cor. 15. but that is to be common to all not to the Saints only therefor this must be some other resurrection 3. The first death was to the soul a separation by sin from God and eternall life therefore the first resurrection must be to grace Ver. 6. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection on him the second death hath no power c. Here is perseverance to eternall life proved They have part of the first resurrection who by faith and repentance turne to Christ from the death of sin to the life of grace and are holy in part having by faith purified themselves and layd hold on Christ Now their blessednesse who have part in the first resurrection is set forth in three wayes 1. The
expound it though some have anciently supposed this Book to be forged by the Heretick Cerinthus because seemingly favouring the errour of the Millenaries though it be indeed full of divine testimonies of Christs divine nature and no way favours that Millenary errour as will appear in the progresse if the objections of Hereticks and others had presently been beleeved we should long since have had little or nothing entire in the whole Scripture Among all Commentators Pareus who borrowed much of Brightman and Bullinger by his own Confession but especially of Anonymus upon whom he seemes sometimes to be but a large Commentary most affects me yet sometimes I borrow light of a seemingly lesse glorious torch then his This book is a Prophesie as Mr Goodwin observes it out of Mr Mede of the destruction of the Romane Empire either as heathenish in the whole or else Christian yet persecuting in both the parts of it East and West The Book is tragi-comedy which begins with a kingdom given to be won by conquest Rev. 6. and ends with the Coronation of a King and the Marriage of his Bride and all between is but the removing of all such lets and impediments namely of the Roman Monarchy and all other kingdomes which that was broken into so far as they stand in the way and possesse the roome of that kingdome which is to beset up When Christ first began the whole world then worshipping Idols he sets upon conquering the whole Romane Empire as it was heathenish and the worship of Satan and Idols in it and in three hundred yeares he dispatcheth that and throws down all both Idoll worship and Princes that did uphold it And then when the whole Empire was turned Christian yet the devill as one ewll said did not turne Christian but under the name and profession of Christ he stirreth up the Arrian Christian world to prosecute the Orthodox Christians as much as heathenish Rome had done but Christ takes further vengeance for this persecution under both these Heathenish and Arrian Rome it was the cry of the bloud of the Saints slaine under both that brought on them the vengeance that followed see Chap. 6. vers 10.11 The Empire having been afore divided into two parts the Easterne all which now the Turk possesseth and the Westerne this in Europe he fals first on the Westerne Europian part breaking that by the incursion of those barbarous nations * Which the foure first Trumpets did sound forth as M. Goodwyn affirms Rev. 8. the Goths and Vandals then for the Easterne part of the Empire although his revenge was slower yet he reserved them for the forest vengeance that could befall the Christian world the Conquest and Tyranny of the * The 6. Trumpet sounded forth this ch 9.13 Saracens first afterwards the Turks Thus here is an end of the Romane Monarchy under the Emperours in the whole and in the parts of it The Westerne part in Europe was by occasion of the Goths invasion broken into seven Kingdoms which though helping the Woman against the floud of Arrian persecution yet through Satans seducing of them they set up the Beast or Antichristian Rome And these altogether did joine to make us as great a war against the Saints in Ch. 13. as the Heathens and Arrians had done and so Christ in a manner was as far off his Kingdome as at first The next counterplot of Jesus Christ is to overcome these Kingdomes so you find Rev. 17.14 They shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them for he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings and they that are with him are called chosen and faithful Thus far he Which generall methodicall division I in the general like and allow of though in particular I have shewed upon Chapter eight that the first foure Trumpets did not signifie the incursion of those Nations Goths and Vandals neither indeed came they to help the Woman but to destroy her though they embraced her faith when most corrupted of which more in order and place See Chap. 12. I desire the Reader to remember that though the Revelation may seeme to be one continued Vision yet indeed it is not one nor revealed at one time but seven as so many sights exhibited to John in the Spirit John was not once only but oft times ravished in the Spirit neither saw he all in one place but some things in Patmos some things in heaven some things at the seashore some things in the Wildernesse Note the Revelation sayes Pareus out of Augustine speakes the same things after a diverse manner the former Visions are for the most part more obscure the latter bring clearer light to the darknesse of the former if one rightly observe them sayes Pareus for example in the second Vision the black horse denotes the Church made black with heresies after Constantines time the pale horse having death sitting on and drawing hell after him the Church sick even unto death towards Antichrists rising In the third Vision by the sounding of the third fourth and fifth Trumpets the same state of the Church is indeed represented yet more especially the declining corruption and lastly the Apostacy of the Sea of Rome plainer Some Visions represent the foure conditions or the foure acts of the Church to wit of its flourishing and groaning under Roman Tyrants till peace brought in by Constantine 2. Of the Church raigning and rioting under Christian Emperours till the rising of the Westerne Antichrist Boniface third Pope of Rome and of the Easterne in Mahomet six yeares after 3. Of the Church trodden upon and oppressed by Antichrist especially the Westerne till the measuring of the Temple which began to be effected by the Two witnesses John Husse and Ierome of Prague who were slain by the Beast in the Councel of Constance Anno 1414. and thence untill Luther by whose Ministry the measuring of the Temple hindered through the tyranny of Popes began to be continued Anno 1517. The fourth of the Church reformed from Popery and of the declining of Papacy to endure till the end Some Visions represent not the entire but only the two * The 2 3 4 and 7. Visions containe the 4. Acts or estates of the Church the 5. and 6. Visions are more particular containing the 7. last plagues and the judgment of the Whore latter conditions of the Church Thus the most excellent Pareus It is safest expounding the Revelation by the Revelation one thing explaining another yet much of this Book the Lord hath yet reserved in his own power yet this latter age hath had better help of experience then that of the Fathers many things being fulfilled which they dived not into The fourth Actor condition of the Church with its accomplishment is secret Because the seventh Trumpet hath not yet sounded Neither is the seventh Viall yet poured out into the aire a great part also of the third Act is reserved unto posterity which in time shall see
second Commandement that is in the water under the earth By heaven earth seas unablenesse to open the Book is understood but thus much no creature could Vers 4. And I wept much because no man was found worthy to open c He concluded sure some worthy matter is in the Book therefore wept because it could not be opened and known this weeping was not in vaine for by prayers and teares he hath his desire granted him Let this instruct us how to attaine to the knowledge of the mysteries of God Vers 5. Then one of the Elders said unto me weep not c. Who is unknown the Papists would needs perswade it was Peter but it was one the Jewish Church not Christian as is observed perchance he that was next to Iohn Behold the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah Alluding to Iacobs blessing where Iudah is called a Lyons Whelp it notes Christs dignity strength and Kingly power Christs mother was of this Tribe The root of David Mary came of David Hath prevailed Being found worthy observe here Christs manhood of the root of David Christ Godhead since he was worthy and overcame admitting no creature with him into the Society of his function Vers 6. A Lamb Before a Lyon conquering sin hell death now a Lamb noting Christs innocency In the midst To wit between the Throne and the Elders as Mediator betwixt God and the Church also it notes Christs exaltation at the right hand of God Stood as it had been slaine His standing notes his Resurrection being staine his death a Lamb slaine noting his manhood a Lion and a Lamb standing noting his Godhead victory Resurrection Having seven hornes Seven is taken indefinitely for many or answering the seaven seales hornes note power eyes Divine insight so that Christ wants neither skill nor power to open the seven seales of the Book His eyes are said to be the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth meaning seven choice created Angels which proves Christs divine nature since the Angels are his servants who give him account of the sons of men whose hearts however he knows without them and which they know not whom he uses not for need but majesty and comfort to the godly Ver. 7. And he came took the book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne to wit out of the midst and went to the throne and took the book to open it Thus that is fulfilled chap. 1. ver 1. God gave the Revelation to Christ and he to Iohn Christ gives it to John as God receivs it of his father as God-man Sits on the throne as God goes to the throne for the book as God-man Vers 8. When he had taken the book which was not yet opened though the Latine version read it so which Alcusar would faine excuse Here is noted the cause of the heavenly inhabitants joy because Christ had received the book wherein the whole counsell of God touching the good of the Church and the destruction of the adversaries to the end of the world is contained And fell down before the Lambe giving him divine worship which proves his deity Having every one of them harps not as if God were pleased with musick but because it stirred up the affections of Saints to God-ward with such instruments the holy Prophets and Kings were wont to praise God and to delight themselves and others for the same instrument might praise God and please others And golden vials full of odours which are the Prayers of the Saints as perfumes ascend upward and give forth a sweet smell so Saints in Prayer seek for heavenly things and are pleasing to God through Christ Now as gold excels so Prayers from a pure heart Let the viol of our hearts be pure and the Prayers of thy People be as sweet odours in thy sight O Lord. Vers 9. And they sung a new Song A most excellent Song containing the new benefits of Christ They both Churches see the consent of both Covenants Know by the way the Prayers carried by the Elders in vials were their own Prayers only Saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the Seals thereof excluding worth from any other the worth is the preciousnesse of his blood which we should well consider For thou wert slaine Christ by his death hath merited for others and he only can give salvation Vers 10. Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood c. Here the Church applies the price of our redemption to her self with the effects For he hath made them Kings and Priests of which already And we shall reign on earth not only mortifying our earthly desires and trampling them under feet but also as Christ our head doth raigne here not by a secular power for his Kingdome is not of this world and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal for the head reigning the members reign but this we understand not of an earthly but spiritual dominion Vers 11. And round about the throne The Angels whose number is even infinite only known to God joyne with the Church triumphant of which they are members in the praising Christ who though they had not a redeemer as man yet had benefit by Christs death See Col. 1.20 compared with 16. praise him for mans redemption and perchance their own gathering together Eph. 1.10 is thought on Vers 12. Saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb. c. These Angels with Songs set forth seven divine Titles of the Lamb yet his ubiquity as Pareus notes is not mentioned To receive power because he is omnipotent And riches because in him are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge And wisedome being the eternal wisedome of the father And strength because he hath overcome the world and Satan And glory because he raigneth gloriously And blessing he is worthy of blessing in whom we are all blest Vers 13. And every creature which is in heaven all the creatures nay divel and all do in some sort set forth the praises of God Now here is another argument of Christs deity since all the creatures worship him with religious worship Vers 14. And the foure beasts said Amen here the Beasts and Elders manifest their joy and consent to the praises of Christ sung by the Angels to speak to capacity by saying Amen that is so be it and the Elders by worshipping Christ who liveth for ever and ever What joy and companions in praise what holy members hath the Church triumphant in heaven that t is even heaven to us below to think of it CHAP. VI. J. Act of the second Vision Vers 1. And I saw when the Lambe opened one of the Seals c. NOw the book begins to be opened for Christ now reveals unto John the Councels of God which were yet hidden and shut he shewed to John in types which he made him understand but he shews us the types only concealing the mysteries that we might exercise
the Saints would blush did they know the several honours and adorations offered to their pictures and idols For the Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy The Angel confirms that he was fellow-servant with them that had the spirit of Prophesie or the Testimony of Jesus because he also had that Testimony revealing to John by the spirit these future events in this book Act. 4. of this Vision Vers 11. And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse c. Behold the Judge and last day Now the reason why this is here inserted is because the destruction of the city of Rome had been spoken of but not of the whole Churches ruine and Antichrists utter desolation who yet might lurke at some other place with some of the Kings of the earth his Confederates therefore here the final destruction and Armageddon of all is brought in Thus ended ch 11. and vision 3. from vers 15. where the seventh Angel sounded Thus ended chap. 14. vision 4. touching the harvest and vintage Thus ended ch 16. from ver 16 17. of vision 5. where the Angel said it is done Thus the Prediction of Christ is come to passe in the Vision to John Matth. 25.31 Christ and his Angels coming to judge the world hence the heaven was opened and Christ in likenesse of a Captain and troop of Horse coming thence to judge the world Christ hath a white horse noting his excellent pure divine nature not as if horses or men or swords were really here used but under the Allegory of a General and an Army the brightnesse of Christs coming to judgement is signified which some Expositors on this book not well noting have erred Behold a white horse and he that sate on him was Came out of heaven opened One day doubtlesse we shall see the heavens opened and Christs coming Now Christ in the primitive times came riding upon a white horse chap. 6. meaning the pure Apostolique Church conquering Heathenisme but here it notes his divine majesty and glory to be avenged on all his adversaries Called faithful and true warring and judging in righteousnesse This is for the comfort of all Gods People since the Judge cannot will not do wrong nay the adversaties shall confesse the justnesse of the sentence pronounced against them and the Saints shall be sure of pay and reward who have fought against sin for him for the General is faithful and true and therefore his officers calling to offices is most right and true Vers 12. His eyes a flame of fire As chap. 1.14 Fire gives light and consumes and it noted the vigilancy of Christ for his Church there so Christ sees into all secrets and will burn up the ungodly as stubble being fervent and victorious as fire usually is And on his head many Crowns Noting his royal Majesty Dignity and Power above Antichrist who had ten Crowns ch 13.1 and two horns ver 11. but the Lamb more even seven chap. 5.6 and here many Crowns And he had a name written that no man knew but himself This name is after expressed the Word of God now as ch 2.17 the new name given to the overcommers is known to none but them that have it because none know the happinesse of adoption but the truly adopted so none know Christs name but he to whom the father sanctifiedly shall reveal it even to salvation Vers 13. He was clothed in a vesture dipt in blood Thus he came in the Prophet from the spiritual Bozra or Edom to wit hell conquering by death all his enemies Esay 63.3 whose blood as it were seemed to be upon his garments but more on vers 15. of this And his name called THE WORD OF GOD We know his name and they to whom it is revealed Now this Iohn in his Gospel cals him the Word chap. 1. A word best expresses a man so Christ is the image of the father and his spokesman to the Church or his Word Vers 14. And the armes c. To wit which came for honour sake out of heaven to attend him Clothed in white linnen c. Not armed for Christ was strong enough Here is noted the Purity and Splendor of the Army attired as if they were indeed going to a marriage in the same livery as Christ having white horses being innocent pure glorious Of this army see Mat. 24.30.25 31. concerning the holy Angels Vers 15. Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword As chap. 1.16 where it noted the power of his word as a two edged sword Heb. 4.12 wounding sin in his people and wounding the enemies of his people but here it notes how by the word of his mouth and divine power he will at last destroy his enemies saying Go ye cursed That with it he should smite the Nations He comes meanly armed for his power is inward needing no outward defence Now Christ formerly as Psal 2. ruled the Nations with an Iron rod of judgment pushing them as he thought good but now will confound Antichrist and his Gentiles or Nations for he imitates them in Idolatry as by a rod of Iron For he treadeth the witnesses of Gods wrath See the Exposition chap. 14. ver 20. No wonder that his garments seeme bloody See also Esay 63.5 for here Christ conquering his enemies as some General dipt in his blood is presented in a Simile here then is not intended Christs passion as in Esay 63. but concerning Antichrist and all his enemies at the last day Vers 16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written c. In the Vision John so saw Chrst noting Christs being Monarch of heaven and earth in that he is King of Kings this proves Christs Divine nature and encourageth his people to trust in him and not feare the adversaries since he is above all and will suddenly manifest his power in their destruction This name was written on his vesture because all one day shall openly acknowledge it and on his thigh because he was eternally begot by the Father for the thigh in Scripture notes generation Gen. 46.26 Vers 17. I saw an Angel standing in the Sun who cried with a loud voyce saying c. That is in some clear high place to be seen and heard of all who as an Herauld or Trumpeter went before the Army calling to the fowles to devoure the slaine as it were after a battel yet I take this to be the Archangel sounding at the last day 2 Thes 4.16 Come and gather your selves together to the Supper alluding to Ezek 39.17 where the fowles are invited to devoure conquered God and Magog perchance Turk and Pope but literally this shall not come to passe at the last day for fowles and elements wherein they are shall then be consumed but under this similitude the horror of the last day is set forth for Raven Vultures usually devoure corpses after a battel The Supper of the great God because provided by him who is King of Kings and Lord of
Lords Vers 18. That yee may eate the flesh of Kings c. Who by the unclean spirits chap. 16.14 were to be gathered to Armageddon Both the Kings of the earth suppose Persians Tartarians Indians and those of the ten Kings who forsooke not the Whore who shall be a feast for birds indeed for hell for the Lord shall overtake these his enemies combining against him and utterly destroy them for ever I meane the judgment day shall overtake them for they shall warre against him and last in some sort till then And the flesh of horses and of them that sit on them c. So it is after a battel but here at the last day though all shall be destroyed yet only the Beast and the Kings shall be cast into hell not the horses together with their Armies which being plain in vers 19. I passe Vers 20. And the Beast was taken alive c. The Beast and false Prophet here are one as the Beasts chap. 13. v. 1. 11. are one for the false Prophet is but Antichrist as a Deceiver together with the Cardinals and Clergy of Rome as chap. 13. v. 11. who hath two hornes as a Lamb and doth wonders in the sight of the Beast as this doth here and the Beast is Antichrist as a secular Prince as I have noted chap. 13. and are but one Beast called by John chap. 13. vers last They shall be cast alive into hell either because being taken alive at the last day they shall only be made incorruptible changed and cast into hell-fire and never dye a temporal death or because they shall alwayes live in hell in torment and never die a living death or dying life however by a double punishment he shall be plagued as a secular wicked Prince and as a false deceiving Prophet the Lord having long since begun to destroy Antichrist by the preaching of the word as by the spirit of his mouth 2 Thes 2.8 now finally casts him into the lake of fire and his friends thus the brightnesse of Christs coming shall destroy Antichrist 1. By preaching 2. By this spiritual not proper slaughter or destruction in hell Vers 21. And the remnant were slaine with the sword of him that sitteth upon the horse c. Alluding to Ezek. 39.15 Go ye cursed Now as literally Gog and Magog were slaine and birds eat their flesh so shall allegorically this be fulfilled in the destruction of Antichrist after such a manner as the last judgment requires for the Devil shall have enough and hell shall be even filled with reprobates by reason of this Armageddon CHAP. XX. Preface to Vision 7. or last Act. 1. Vers 1. And I saw an Angel come down from heaven having the Key of the bottomlesse pit and a great chaine in his hand THis Vision is in some sense the recapitulation of all the former and concludes the marriage of the Lamb and history of the Church from Christs incarnation to the last day or the consummation of all things the Angel is Christ who came down from heaven being incarnate for us being the womans seed and to bruise the Serpents head having the Key that is power of hell and death chap. 1.18 or the bottomlesse bit and that by right not as Antichrist who usurps it And I saw Noting the order of the Vision not the order of the events for after the day of judgment now mentioned chap 19. there shall follow no binding and loosing Satan so that here is not a continuation of history and times observed A great chaine in his hand Noting Christs omnipotency and power above and over Satan a chaine of providence shewing how Christ by his Birth Passion Burial Resurrection Ascention sending the spirit cheifly preaching by the Disciples bound up and hindred Satans tempting the world to Idolatry of which see my Glimps of Christs love page 48. and margin Vers 2. And he laid hold on the Dragon c. In the Vision this is the battle betwixt Michael and the Dragon chap. 12. v. 9. there he is bound from accusing the brethren and cast out of heaven and Church and packt into the earth wildernesse heathens and dry places here lest he seduce the Nations keeping them from beleeving being but almost the same with the former So Satan was not so bound the thousand yeers absolutely for he tyrannized by the Romane Emperours over the Saints in the red horse chap. 6. and overspread the face of the Church with Heresie in the black horse chap. same v. 5. but in respect of seducing the Nations Now since the thousand yeers began many Nations have beleeved which Satan could not hinder Thus Christ beheld Satan fall like lightning Luke 10.18 thus the Prince of this world was judged John 16.11 when Christ in earth And he bound him a thousand yeers Though from Christs Nativity Satans Kingdome began to be ruined yet his death and resurrection did him most hurt but the Jewes much hindred the calling of the Gentiles with any great efficacy till the ruine of the Temple from which time chiefly the thousand yeers of Satans binding are reckoned being Anno 73 according to my Pareus who conceives them to be ended anno 1073. when Gregory the seventh a Monke and a Magician poysoning Alexander the second invaded his chaire at Rome and so the divel began to be let loose by him who gave himselfe to all manner of loosenesse yet from the Angels descent or Christs incarnation Satan began to be bound for then temples idols oracles were forsaken fell down and were silent as histories testifie See Master Smiths arrow against Atheists Thus however Satans loosing hath been 577 years or thereabout Vers 3. And cast him into the bottomlesse pit and set a sea upon him that he should deceive the People no more Into hell and confirmed him there as with his seal now though truly Satan had been cast into hell from his fall according to Peter and Jude yet he had more liberty to range abroad then after Christs incarnation for a thousand years after which he was To be let loose a little season No doubt from the expiration of a thousand years after the Angels descent to the end of the world Satan shall be loosed called A little season either in respect of God with whom a thousand years are but as one day or in respect of years past since the Creation or of eternity or in respect of the Scripture wont who cals the Generation since Christ the last houre Now Satan is to be let loose to manifest his rage against the Church to increase his future torment 2. For the triall of the Saints 3. Justly I mean in respect of Gods punishment upon the nations to seduce them that will not beleeve the truth unto salvation Act. 2. Vers 4. And I saw thrones and they that sate upon them and judgement was given unto them c. The former act answered to ch 6. about Christs riding on the white horse and to ch 12.
to the things that were written Gods Word as it is the rule of our life so it shall bee of our judgement According to their works Good or bad but the just are not judged or saved because of their works Good or bad works are known to all and by them as open testimonies shall all be judged The good works of Saints Christ wrought in them yet hee 'l reward them for what he has wrought O blessed Jesus work thy work in us Vers 13. And the sea gave up her dead which were in her c. Sentence being pronounced all the Elements give up their dead the Water those that were drowned the Earth those that were buried whether Saints bodyes or Reprobates but the Saints so long before the rest that they might meet Christ and the rest of their brethren in the Aire and come to see and approve Christs judgment of the wicked by Hell I understand how the damned shal appear to receive their final sentence who are called dead because they were dead in sin and once bodily dead By death I understand the grave or the earth as before the effect of death All that were burnt eaten by birds of the Aire or fishes of the Sea shall appear the Angels shall gather the ashes of the Elect from the four corners of the earth Vers 14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire That is the devil who brought death and caused destruction or enticeth to hell Thus death shall be swallowed up in victory 1 Cor. 15.54 in vers 10. by an anticipation of time the devil was said to be cast into the lake of hell which indeed was but now fulfilled This is the second death Or eternall death The first was a temporall death if it may be called one or rather a separating man by sin from God Vers 15. Is easie All but the elect are damned being not written in the book of life If any man demand why so oft this book speaks of the last judgment 'T is answered because the Saints my be comforted and patiently endure persecution for a while This Act answers the harvest and vintage chap. 14. latter end And to the seventh Viall of the haile chap. 16.21 and to chap. 19.20 concerning the armyes of the Kings of the earth together with the Beast and the Kings casting into the lake of Hell CHAP. XXI Being the seventh Vision continued AFter the Renovation if not destruction of the world the heavenly glory is shewed to John under a twofold simile First As a glorious bride adorned Secondly As a most excellent choyce City which is set forth by things which are most rare and precious to man to give a glimps of the Saints glory in the glorious heaven Vers 1. And I saw a new Heaven The devils and the reprobates being cast into hell being mentioned Now follows the description of the Saints glory And I saw Iohn as Moses saw the promised land sees heaven before death into which Paul was wrap'd and heard unspeakable things A new heaven Esay foretold of a new heaven and earth chap. 65.17 which began to be accomplished after the shaking heaven and earth Heb. 12.26 by a Reformation by Christ and the Apostles when all things became new men became new creatures here the new heaven may signifie the Churches glory in heaven with Christ and the earth the bodies of the Saints most glorious Master Brightman applies the latter to the glorious condition of the Church after the Jews Conversion which cannot hold though we expect their Conversion but do not beleeve it to be tyed to Judaea as he supposes who in some measure are daily gained to the faith The Millenaries apply this to their golden age of whose opinion in part Augustine confesseth he once was but our Saviour tels us of no such brave time in earth towards the end but says when the Sonne of man comes shall he find faith in earth and though Rome shall be burnt yet both Antichrist and Gog shall rage to the end Concerning the new heaven and earth though I almost stagger in the point I will follow the most common opinion notwithstanding what elsewhere I have said in this book concerning the dissolution of all things and by a new heaven and new earth prophesied by Esay and in some sense fulfilled by the renewing of the Church I understand the renewed condition of heaven and earth literally to be fulfilled according to Esay and Peter 2.3 13. The substance whereof shall not be utterly abolished but the corruptible qualities and it shall be pure bright glorious Thus the first heaven and earth were passed away being not vanished quite for substance but quality being to be renewed and purified by fire A new heaven and a new earth c. John saw not the very glory of heaven which eye hath not seen but types and similies of it And the sea was no more According ro corrupt qualities and rolling with waves as now but made solid and in a globe though I know no use of these things unlesse to remaine as monuments of the great works of God and of his Power and to be renewed as having in their nature and course faithfully served their Creator as a reward for their service being delivered from bondage into the liberty of the sonnes of God according to their capacity And perchance the heavens may not as now compasse the earth or move there being no use of it But the brightnesse and lustre thereof shall be much augmented as of the Sun and Moon Vers 2. And I saw the holy City Here is the glory of the renewed Church shewed to Iohn after he had seen the renewed world and indeed this renovation of the Church seems distinct from that of heaven and earth renewed therefore one cannot be well the other or the new heaven and new earth the glorified condition of the Church for t is said And I saw as distinct from the former Let the Reader perpend this also Iohn seems to insert his name to confirm it saying I Iohn saw the Holy City Ierusalem Meaning the Church which the Scripture cals Ierusalem A City Because of its choyce and rare building such was Ierusalem built by Salomon more rare is this which is not built of common stones but as Esay 54.13 which I may apply in some sense here the Citizens are Saints who know one another as Citizens do She is called holy Because glorious in heaven and perfectly holy so appearing to Iohn in the Vision she in some sort is holy here below for Christ sanctifies her washing her by water regenerates her by faith and the spirit The old Ierusalem was polluted this is new newly glorified in heaven in the Vision perfect holy Coming down from heaven So chap. 3.12 noting her original to be from God this must not be understood of local motion her abode is heaven as chap. 12. vers 1. a woman in heaven but here is noted her heavenly grace and
our selves in the diligent observation of things both from histories and events One of the foure beasts saying come and see the beasts it seems performed the office of publike Cryers whose work it is to call Persons neerer the Throne of Judgement-seat they in order call Iohn who stood afarre off either for reverence or that he might more certainly write down what he saw As the voice of thunder The first beast was like a Lyon who now called to Iohn to come and see requiring hereby great Attention and hence this Lyon-like voice as of thunder Vers 2. And I saw and behold a white horse to wit went out of the book or seale for indeed as all the mysteries were in the book so upon opening it they came out that is were expounded to Iohn now if the book were so great to contain a horse and man how great was he that held the book how great he that opened it how great were the mysteries and events The white horse denotes the Purity of the Primitive Church compared to that warlike creature an horse because the Church militant should fight against the world flesh and divel The rider is Christ who was swiftly carried on in the Ministry of the Apostles and other faithful Teachers in the first times Thus Paul bare his name before the Gentiles the Bowe is the Word by which he wounds the hearts of the Elect that he may heale and restore them to life the Crown notes his Regal Crown of triumph because he goes forth conquering by his death he conquered sinne by his resurrection death hell Satan and the world and tyrants Iulian the Apostate confessed so much in his blasphemous speech thou hast overcome O Galilaean he conquers hereticks he conquers converting sinners many ways he conquers which for brevity sake I omit Christ in one respect opens the book in another comes forth conquering the first as the chief Prophet God-man the last as God and King Vers 3. And when he had opened the second Seale behold a red horse John is called to see the future condition of the Church under persecution behold t is blood-red under many tyrants t is the same Church though called another because of its differing colour the rider I take to be Christ not Satan who is with his People in all misery He came not to send peace on the earth but a sword and fire yet by accident not in himself because of the malice of Tyrants and Hereticks opposing truth Vers 4. And that they should kill one another Hereticks under a colour and pretence of Christ persecute and kill the servants of Christ learn hence the divel can do no more then Christ will suffer for our good to wit the exercise of faith Christ suffers tyrants to afflict his Saints Vers 5. Loe a black horse and he that sate on him had a paire of ballances in his hand To wit the Church in her afflicted condition by wicked hereticks who cloud the light of the truth with their black heresies and bring in a deformity upon the Church who was formerly white I omit the names of the Hereticks who in the age following the Apostles till the time of Greg. the first though they professed themselves Christians overthrew Christianity after also the faith of Christ was oppressed and way made for Antichrist who shortly after came into the Temple of God when Boniface the third obtained the primacy over all Churches from Phocas the usurper Thus the white horse became black yet Christ rides on it with the ballance of holy Scripture in his hands Rides For the worst and grossest Heretick professeth Christ 2. By his providence rules them for in greatest confusion of heresies he is not wanting to his Church as they came not unawares but for the tryall of his Church so they are continually examined and confuted by the ballance of his word he so ordering it for a ballance is the tryall of just or unjust weights so Scripture is a true touchstone to try gold and brasse Vers 6. And I heard a voyce in the midst of the 4. beasts c 'T was the Lambs voyce in the midst of the Throne and foure beasts Chap. 5.6 proclaiming a famine of the Gospel for through the ambition Luxury covetousnesse and negligence of Bishops the Gospel should be so corrupted and by Here ticks so adulterated that nothing should be pure and sound by wheat in this place sincere teachers are meant who should be rare by barley the comforts of the Gospel which should be scarce though some understand a plenty hereby since a measure of wheat and three measures of barley should be sold for a penny a measure containted a quart being a mans allowance for a day a penny was neer 7 pence with us if so then Christ in the midst of all heresies had truth * The penny was wages for the day as Mat 20.13 now a measure being as much as a man could cat in a day was to be had for the penny or dayes labour enough for his people See thou hurt not the Oyle and the Wine By Wine and Olye some understand the Orthodox faith which should not be totally obscured by heretical blacknesse Now as Wine Cherishes and Oyle clenses so sound doctrine doth glad and cleanse the conscience Alcasar applies Oyle to the light and true knowledge of happinesse and wine to spirituall joy which the Lambs voice promiseth the Elect shall not be deprived of notwithstanding the dearth of truth by the darknesse of heresie Which happened partly when the whole world groaned under Arrianisme Vers 7 8. And I looked and behold a pale horse c. This fourth beast having the for me of a flying Eagle with quick fighted eyes having spied something as it were on high cals to John for I beleeve hereby may be signifyed these plagues coming from above to revenge the injuries done to the Saints and to punish the impenitent This pale horse is the same Church of Christ in the succeeding age though of another colour Pale because it is infirme weak sickly neer unto death and hell it by accident was occasioned by Constantines excessive bounty to the Church for then Pastors began to be proud luxurious idle and fertile in vices Jerome complained in his time that after Princes became Christians the Church indeed was greater in power and riches but lesse in vertue the remote cause was the guile and malice of that old serpent the devil Also now Bishops by infinite ceremonies and human traditions increased the pale disease Nay Monks whose at first solitary hard life wrought much upon the people increased this palenesse for people that desired pardon for sin were sent to the Monks dennes not to Christ whereby this mortall wound came upon the Church drawing more to hell then either the blacknes of heresies or sword of tyrants though this might seeme rather to be expressed under the notion of the darkning the Sun and rolling up the heaven then by