now ascended up on high and hath led Captivity captive Psal 68. 18. with Eph. 4. 8-10 His right hand and his holy Arm hath gotten him the victory Psal 98. 1. He hath spoiled Prineipalities and Powers and made a shew of them openly triumphing over them in himself Col. 2. 15. He hath overcome and prevailed mightily against his Enemies Rev. 3. 21. And he hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. He hath given a resolution to that Question and done that which was impossible for all Creatures Shall the Prey be taken from the Mighty But thus saith the LORD even the Captivity of the Mighty shall be and now as to the Ground-work of it hath been taken away and the prey of the terrible delivered Isa 49. 24 25. He hath cast out the Prince of this world out of his Principality that he had gotten over mankind and drawn all men unto himself to be under his gracious Government that through him the world might be saved Joh. 12. 31 32. with Chap. 3. 16 17. and Chapt. 5. 22 23. Psal 118. 6-20-24 And from the Prey he is gone up into Heaven into Heaven it self having finisht the work in his own body which the Father gave him to do and is glorified with the Father 's own Self with the Glory which he had with him before the world was 1 Pet. 3. 22. Hebr. 9. 24. John 17. 4 5. And he is gone up to Ariel the Lion of God as the Altar in former times was called Isai 29. 1-6 Ezek. 43. 15. A Type of Christ who is the true Altar and Sacrifice Heb. 9. 14 And unto him who hath appeared to be the LORD strong and mighty the LORD mighty in battle the everlasting doors of Heaven are set open and the King of Glory in our nature is entred in and hath taken possession thereof Psal 24. 7 8 9 10. and Psal 118. 19-21 And he hath obtained eternal redemption forgiveness of sins for ever Heb. 9. 12. with Eph. 1. 7. and Heb. 10. 12. And all Grace and Truth all Power and Spirit John 1. 14-16 as is declared in the following Verse to this we are speaking to And now we have an Altar this Ariel this Lion of God that by him we might offer up the Sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks unto his Name Hebr. 13. 10-15 16. He stooped down he couched as a Lion and as an old Lion This is still to be understood as it is applied to a Lion and to a Lion and as it follows his going up from his Prey And so it signifies That after our Lord Jesus had taken the Prey he lay down as it were After he had purged our sins abolisht our death and overcome all our Enemies in and by himself redeemed us from the curse of the Law and obtained eternal redemption for us by his Blood he sate down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Heb. 1. 3. Rev. â— 2â— Heb 9. 12. This Man after he had offered one Sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God Heb. 10. 11 12. He entred into rest and ceased from these his works as God did from his Heb. 4. 10. And as it is said of the Lions when they have roared after their Prey and sought their meat of God they then lay them down in their dens Psal 104. 21 22. So it is said of Israel which was a Type of Christ Hos 11. 1. with Matth. 2. 15. Behold the people shall rise up as a great Lion and lift up himself as a young Lion he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey and drink of the blood of the slain But then it is implied he should lie down and take his rest Numb 23. 24. And again He couched he lay down as a Lion and as a great Lion Numb 24. 8 9. So our powerful and victorious Lion having vanquisht his Enemies is entred into rest He for the joy set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is now set down on the right hand of the Throne of God Heb. 12. 2. 1 Pet. 3. 22. having all power given to him both in Heaven and on Earth and is God's King whom he hath set down upon his holy hill of Zion Matth. 28. 11. Psal 2. 6. Zech. 6. 12 13. Who shall rouze him up that is to say none shall to do it And as it is said of Israel when mention is made of his King to wit That he shall be higher than Agag â—ho shall stir him up viz. none shall be able to do it Num. 24. 7-9 None to be sure shall divest or dispossess our Mighty One of his Rest Rule Glory and Power and whosoever provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own Soul for his wrath and terrour is as the roaring of a Lion Prov. 19. 12. and Chap. 20. 2. Gen. 49. 9 10. Of the increase of his Kingdom and peace there shall be no end Isaâ— 9. 6 7. Luke 1. 33-38 His Kingdom is an evealasting Kingdom and his Dominion endureth for ever Psal 145. 10-13 Oh! this is that Lion that is infinitely better than Sampson's for he is raised again from the dead and is gone up into Heaven and is on the right hand of God and out of him comes sweetness indeed that which is better than honey and the Honey-comb wherewith our Souls may be delighted Judg. 14. 14-18 Isa 55. 1-3 Prov. 24. 13 14. And like as a Lion and as a young Lion roaring on the prey when a multitude of shepheards is called forth against him he will not be afraid of their voice nor abase himself so will he fight for Mount Zion c. Isa 31. 4 5. His face is continually towards the righteous Ezek. 41. 19. with Psal 92. 12 13. And like a Lion he will both tread down and tear in pieces his enemies if they go on still in their trespasses and none can deliver Mica 5. 8 9. Hos 5. 14. and Chap. 13. 7 8. And yet in seasonably submitting to him they shall find mercy for the Lion is a noble generous Creature Amos 5. 19. And this Lion of the Tribe of Juda is very merciful Hebr. 2. 17. and Chap. 5. 1-2 The Root of David This is a further description of our Lord Jesus Christ In which the Elder hath respect unto that Prophesie In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse Isa 11. 10. who was the immediate father of David Matth. 1. 6. And our Lord himself thus also describeth himself saying I Jesus am the Root of David Revel 22. 16. He is the Root 1. One that hath been planted oâ— put as it were into the earth As we know a Root is placed in the earth Job 1. 4 8. Isa 37. 31. So our Lord Jesus who was in the beginning with God yea who was God the Lord from Heaven was made flesh John 1. 1-3 14. He
the God-head to dwell Col. 1. 18 19. and ch 2. 9. He is that new thing God hath created in the Earth Jer. 31. 22. and the beginning of the Creation of God Rev. 3. 14. who hath paid our first debt abolished the first death and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Heb. 2. 14. and who restored that which he took not away who is the second Man and last Adam in whom God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly things in whom there is blessing for all the Nations and Families of the Earth Ps 69. 4. Eph. 1. 3. Gen. 22. 18. and ch 26. 4. and who will in due time give us the adoption the redemption of the body and make all things new Rom. 8. 23. Rev. 21. 5. He will bring up the top stone with shoutings and crying Grace Grace unto it Zech. 4. 7 9. He is the Author and finisher of the Faith of the Testimony to be believed and of our believing also he who hath begun the good work will also finish it and fulfil in them that obey all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of Faith with Power Heb. 12. 2. Phil. 1. 6. 1 Cor. 1. 7 8. The beginning of the Kingdom of God's ruling over us poor Sinners graciously and who brings it nigh to us in his Gospel Mat. 12. 28 29. Luke 10. 9 11. and who gives it to them that believe Rom. 5. 21. Luke 12. 31 32. And the ending who shall destroy all other Kingdoms and his shall remain for ever Dan. 2. 35 44 45. Ps 145. 10 13. 2 Pet. 1. 11. who shall destroy all his and his Peoples Enemies and save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting Salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded World without end Isay 45. 16 25. See the notes also on v. 11. Saith the Lord. This is a Title very frequently and familiarly given to Christ and most usually so since he took our nature upon him died and rose again and he is Lord by right of redemption and so he is Lord of Mankind He is the Lord of all Men their Kinsman who hath redeemed them he hath redeemed them from the curse of the Law being made a curse for them Gal. 3. 13. and ch 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 19. He hath bought such as deny him and bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2. 1. In his love and in his pity he redeemed them Isay 63. 9. He gave himself a ransom for all to ransom them from that slavery and bondage they brought themselves into by their Sinning against and departure from God in the first publick man 1 Tim. 2. 6. Rom. 14. 9. And after a peculiar Consideration he is Lord of them that believe he who is the LORD is their Lord in an especial manner Isay 49. 14. and ch 51. 22. he hath not only redeemed and bought them of God in common with all men But also he hath redeemed them unto God by his Blood Rev. 5. 9. Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. he is their head and Husband and so their Lord Col. 1. 18. Eph. 5. 29. Ps 45. 11. And he is so the Lord of all that he will judge them and give rewards unto his Servants and destroy those that would not have this man to reign over them Rom. 14. 9 13. Phil. 2. 8 10. Joh. 5. 22 27 29. Luk. 19. 14 27. And he is the Lord of all persons and things he only excepted who did put all things under him Act. 10. 36. he is the Head of all Principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. he is gone up into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels authorities and powers being made Subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 22. Eph. 1. 20 21. The Angels are commanded to Worship him Heb. 1. 6. he is Lord of all good and bad Angels The good ones are his Angels Mat. 24. 31. And he hath conquered the evil ones Luk. 10. 17 20. Mat. 12. 28 30. And he is LORD of Lords and King of Kings Rev. 17. 14. who now sets up and puts down at his pleasure and will destroy them that oppose him Rev. 19. 16. Ps 2. 6 10. And so he is one that is every way fit to accomplish that spoken of vers 7. And now to save and protect his Servants and punish their enemies And thus may He now describe himself to encourage his Servant John that he might go in in the strength of the Lord God and not fear what men or Devils could doe to him Ps 71. 15 16. Exod. 4. 10 12. Jer. 1. 6 8. Which is and which was and which is to come Here we have a further description of this Lord He is Jesus Christ the same Yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13. 8. See the notes before on vers 4. And by saying which is and which was and which is to come He signifies to us that Jesus Christ is Jehovah Jehovah our Righteousness Jer. 25. 6. Isa 8. 13 14. with Rom. 9. 33. So whereas it is said that the Seraphims cried one to another Holy Holy Holy is Jehovah of hostes the whole earth is full of his glory The Evangelist Saith these things said Esaias when He saw Christs glory and spake of Him Isa 6. with Joh. 12. 39 41. And in many other places this Incomunicable title of Jehovah is given unto our Lord Jesus Christ as Psal 34. 8. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. Psal 102. with Heb. 1. 10 11. c. To shew unto us that He is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. See the note on ch 4. ver 8. and on chap. 5. 8. The Almighty This word is most frequently joyned in this Book with the former description when it is used as here and chap. 4. 8. and chap. 11. 17. And may others shew unto us what He means by which is and which was and which is to come viz. that He is the Almighty Or it may shew unto us that He is alwayes so from everlasting to everlasting which is the Almighty which was the Almighty and which is to come the Almighty And this is true of Christ who is the mighty God the everlasting father the Prince of Peace Isa 9. 6. Over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9. 5. And the same power and glory is ascribed to the lamb as to the father Rev. 5. 13 14. Oh then Blessed are all they that trust in Him Psal 2. 12. See the note on chap. 4. ver 8. and on chap. 5. ver 8. Verse 9. I John who also am your Brother and Companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ was in the Isle that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ As we have before in ver 8. an Account given us of Christ's Ability to
is God Ps 90. 1 2. His counsels are of old Isay 25. 1. so such a like description is given of the Father as the Ancient of days The Ancient of days did sit whose garment was white as snow and the hair of his head like the pure Wooll Dan. 7. 9. he is the everlasting Father Isay 9. 6. he is not like us who are of yesterday and know nothing Job 8. 9. but the Lord possessed him in the beginning of his way before his works of old he this Wisdom of God was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the the earth was c. Prov. 8. 23. 31. He was glorious with the Father before the World was and is now glorified in our nature with the same glory Joh. 17. 4 5. his Kingdom Rule and Government is everlasting Ps 145. 13. his goings forth have been from of old from the days of eternity Mich. 5. 2. 1 Tim. 1. 17. he is the Ancient of days and with him is Wisdom and strength Job 12. 12 13. Heb. 1. 10 11. Ps 93. 1 2. And this is for usefulness to us 1. To engage us to listen unto him and submit to his government seeing he is the Ancient of days Thus himself instructs us from this reason and upon this account I was saith he set up from everlasting when there were no depths I was brought forth when there were no fountains abounding with water before the mountains were settled c. now therefore hearken unto me O ye children for blessed are they that keep my ways Prov 8. 22 30 32. Isay 48. 12. 2. Seeing he is in the midst of the churches who is the everlasting Father and whose Wisdom and government is everlasting It may encourage them to trust in him at all times and not fear as Rev. 1. 17. To trust in him for ever for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength Isay 26. 3 4. His throne is established of old he is from everlasting And though the flouds lift up their voice and Waves yet he is high and mightier than they He sits and rules upon the flouds he sits King for ever Ps 93. 2. 4 with Ps 29. 10. and 147. 5 6. 3. It shews unto us the Blessedness of tohse that have the LORD for their God there is none like unto their God and therefore none like to them Deut. 33. 26 29. Ps 33. 6 12. 4. It may preserve us from worshipping any other than this most excellent one and God in him who is the first and the last who is the eternal Wisdom and whose counsels of old are faithfulness and truth Isay 25. 1. and ch 43. 9 13. and ch 46. 1 10. 2. His head and his hairs were white like Wool as white as Snow namely purely white holy without mixture of pollution or defilement so white oft signifieth in Scripture Dan. 11. 35. and ch 12. 10. so white garments are said to be holy garments Lev. 16. 4. and particularly upon the Mitre which was upon the head of the High-priest there was a plate on which was engraven Holiness to the LORD or of the LORD called the holy Crown Exod. 28. 36 39. and ch 39. 28 31. Zech. 3. 3 5 8. so our Lord Jesus who is without beginning of days he is holiness in all Though he be the Ancient of dayes yet he is without sin or mixture of pollution he is the holy one in all his Wisdom and government and his counsels of old are faithfulness and truth Isay 25. 1. Heb. 1. 8 9. he is anointed with holy Oyl Ps 89. 19 20. with the holy Spirit Acts 2. 33. and ch 10. 38. and crowned with the holy pure crown Lev. 8. 9. with Ps 21. 3. and the Seraphims sing unto him Holy Holy Holy is the LORD of hosts Isay 6. 1 3 10. with Joh 12. 40 41. and in his Churches in the midst of his Candlesticks he is holy as in himself 1 Joh. 2. 20. so also in his work to sanctify them preserve them and perfect whatsoever doth concern them Rev. 3. 7. Heb. 7. 24 26. Joh. 17. 18 19. As he then who hath called you and who is in the midst of you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Lev. 19. 2. and ch 21. 8. 1 Pet. 1. 14 16. and ch 2. 4 5. 3. White like wooll or like a fleece To give us to understand that he is in all his Wisdom government thoughts and counsels and in all one 2 Cor. 5. 14. he is one Lord Ps 89. 19. with Deut. 6. 4. he is not divided but in all like a fleece bushy Cant. 5. 11. there is a perfect accord in all his government thoughts and purposes and in all he is the saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. he hath not a will and a will a secret will contrary to his revealed there is no clashing or separation in him but in all his Wisdom thoughts law and Doctrine c. he is like a fleece and so like Snow for he giveth snow like Wooll Ps 147. 16. and the hearing and heartily receiving this Doctrine that he is one LORD would move and prevail with us to love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength and our neighbour as our selves Mark 12. 29 30. 1 Tim. 2. 1 5. 2. And his eyes were as a flame of fire The eyes we know are the Organs or Instruments of seeing wherewith we may behold any visible thing as the scripture doth abundantly testify and as our experience confirms his eyes were as a flame of fire or as lamps of fire Dan. 10. 6. And hereby these things are signified to us 1. That all things are manifest before him and seen by him as a flame of fire discovereth and manifesteth all things even such things as are in the dark also Isay 4. 5. Thus also he describeth himself in ch 2. 18. These things saith the Son of God who hath his Eyes like unto a Flame of Fire and to shew â—hat he means thereby he saith v. 23. All the Churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the Reins and Hearts He is of a most piercing sight and inspection all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 13. Jer. 17. 9 10. Rom. 8. 27. He hath the Spirit immeasurably upon him and the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. And hereby he knoweth what is in Man Joh. 2. 24 25. He knoweth the thoughts of Men they are manifest unto him Mat. 9. 4. and ch 12. 25. Luke 5. 22. and ch 6. 8. and ch 9. 47. and ch 11. 17. He knoweth the hearts of all Men Acts 1. 24. Yea he knoweth all things Joh. 21. 17. And this may be of usefulness being duly considered 1. To admonish the rebellious that they should not exalt themselves Ps 66. 7. Let them not say no eye seeth
the wilderness The voice of the LORD maketh the Hindes to calve and discovereth the forrests c. Ps 29. 3 9. his voice is powerful for he is strong that executeth his word Joel 2. 11. and therewith he doth cause the earth to melt Ps 46. 6. makes desolations v. 8. makes warrs to cease v. 9. quiets troubles Ps 93. 3 4. heals diseases Ps 107. 20 Mat. 8. 8. Punishes and breaks in pieces enemies Isay 30. 31. and ch 66. 6. and will in due time destroy mystery Babilon and hereafter it shall appear gloriously to be a mighty powerful and almighty voice for therewith he shall raise the dead and move and remove all these seen things his voice formerly shook the earth but he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the Earth onely but also Heaven Hagg. 2. 6. Heb. 12. 20. Joh. 5. 28 29. This might admonish us therefore to hear it as the Holy Ghost saith To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts Heb. 3. 7 8. 3. His voice is as the sound of many waters To wit dreadful and terrible in his Judgments Joel 2. 11. It is a voice of trembling of fear and not of peace Jer. 30. 5. Isay 17. 12 13. That which causeth fear in his people also as the prophet saith O LORD I have heard thy speech and was afraid and when I heard my belly trembled my lips quivered at the voice rottenness entered into my bones and I trembled in my self that I might rest in the day of trouble Habb 3. 2 16. and with his voice he shall roar and put his enemies in fear whether such as are open ones or such as are secret also whether within or without the Church Joel 3. 16. So as the Sinners in Zion shall be afraid and fearfulness shall surprize the Hypocrites Isay 33. 10 14. Yea his Voice in and with his Gospel is very terrible also to all who remain in their Impenitence and Unbelief or depart from the living God by an evil heart of Unbelief Mark 16. 15 16. 2 Cor 5 8 11. It proclaimes to us that the Lord Jesus Christ shall in dâ—â— time be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming Fire taking Vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus who shall be punished with everlasting Destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. Verse 16. And he had in his right hand seven Stars and out of his Mouth went a sharp two-edged Sword and his Countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength The Apostle still continues to give us an account of what he saw in this visional discovery of the Son of Man That is to say 1. Of what he had in his right hand And he had in his right hand seven Stars 2. Of what proceeded out of his mouth And out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged Sword 3. Of the appearance of his countenance And his countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength 1. Of what he had in his right hand And he had in his right hand seven Stars Where let us enquire and consider for our usefulness 1. What these Stars are and why they are called and compared to Stars 2. What is imported to us in this that he hath them in his right hand 1. What are these Stars and why are they called and compared to Stars What they are is explicated to us in v. 20. To which we shall speak â—urther God willing when we come there But they are called and compared to Stars 1. To teach us that they are Creatures of God Gen. 1. 16. created in Christ Jesus Eph 2. 10. and therefore not to be worshipped by us with religious worship no mere Creature is to be worshipped by us with divine worship and adoration and so not the Stars in any consideration Deut. 4. 16. but he is to be sought unto and worshipped by us that made the seven Stars Amos 5. 8. No Saints or Angels are to be worshipped by us with Religious or Divine Adoration though they are excellent Creatures of God The Apostle Peter rejected this Honour as not belonging unto him because he was a Man See Acts 10. 25 26. and ch 14. 11 15. Rev. 19. 16. and ch 22. 8 9. nor are they to be owned by us as our Rabbi or as having Dominion over our Faith which Honour the Apostles disclaimed as that which was too high for them and only appertaining unto our Lord Jesus and God in him Mat. 23. 8 10. 2 Cor. 1. 24. We should not have our fear towards God taught by their Precepts or Traditions Isay 29. 13. with Mat. 15. 7. 9. This Command goes along with the Everlasting Gospel as faithfully preached Fear God and give Glory unto him and worship him that made the Heaven and so the Stars c. but the Stars are not to be worshipped by us Rev. 14. 7 8 9. 2. Stars they are called to signifie unto us that their Work and Office is ministerially and instrumentally to give light to others Gen. 1. 16 17. So the Stars are called Stars of light Ps 148. 3. their work is to shine Joel 2. 10. So the Angels and Messengers are also set as the light of the World to shine forth the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God Mat. 5. 14 16. 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. To preach and declare the Gospel in and amongst the Churches and unto the world also and that both in word and conversation Tit. 1. 7 9. and ch 2. 7. 1 Tim. 3. 1 7. 3. They are named Stars to inform us that they receive their light from the Sun the Fountain of Light the Sun of Righteousness they are light in the Lord Eph. 5. 8. they have no sufficiency of themselves to think any thing as of themselves 2 Cor. 2. 5. what have they that they have not received 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. The LORD who is a Sun is their light to enlighten them Ps 27. 1. with Ps 84. 11. Mat. 10. 8. Rom. 1. 5. 1 Pet. 4. 10. Eph. 4. 7 11. and why then should any of them lift up themselves or be lifted up by others as if they had not received what they have 1 Cor. 4. 1 7. 4. Stars they are compared to to denote unto us that their work of bearing forth the light is in this dark world the Lord hath given the Stars for a light by night Jer. 31. 35. so they are called The Stars of the twilight Job 3. 9. So now this is the work of the Angels of those that oversee and go before others in the word of the LORD hereafter all these weak and imperfect lights shall cease Whether there be Prophecies they shall fail whether there be Tongues they shall cease whether there be knowledge it shall vanish away for we know in part and we Prophecy in part but when
flow from unfeigned faith in him even from the hearty mindfulness and high-prizing of the precious Blood of Christ and the love therein commended to Sinners It is Faith even the Word of Faith believed that worketh by Love Gal. 5. 6. and so also produceth as the consequent thereof good works Heb. 10. 24. 1 Thes 1. 3 5. and ch 2. 13. The principle of those works which are acceptable to God is not our own wisdom or any thing in our selves or because it is our duty simply but the Grace of God his free-love manifested in the gift of his Son to be the Saviour of the World 2 Cor. 1. 12. The Grace of God that 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 World Tit. 2. 11 12. This Gospel and good news being heartily embraced doth powerfully operate to the denying and abhorring what is evil and to the doing what is well-pleasing in his sight Joh. 15. 2 6. 1 Joh. 3. 6. Now their works could not be the first because they were as we have before seen fallen in some measure from Christ and from the high prizing of his Cross and his love and kindness therein manifested and commended 2. The first works also appear to be such as are done in â—ervent and inflamed love to Jesus Christ and in love and charity to Men hence called the work and labour of love begotten by and exercised in the love of and unto Christ and also exercised towards Men and Brethren Heb. 6. 9. 1 Thes 1. 3. And this love is the fulfilling of the Law Rom. 13. 10. and all without it is nothing as the Apostle saith though I have the gift of Prophesie and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge and though I have all Faith so that I could remove Mountains and have not Love or Charity I am nothing And though I bestow all my Goods to feed the Poor and though I give my Body to be burned and have not Love or Charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13. 1 3. Gal. 5. 13 14. And this exhortation is given Let all your things be done with Love or Charity 1 Cor. 16. 13. Now their works could not be the first works because they had left their first-love 3. The first works are such as of which Christ is the Omega and end also and God in him A Man may do many things good in themselves and yet to a wrong end it may be to establish a Righteousness to himself Rom. 10. 2 3. and all such works will not profit or avail to the rendring us acceptable in the sight of God Isay 57. 12. Thus the Jews sought after Righteousness as it were by the works of the Law in which they sinned against the end of the Law Jesus Christ and stumbled and took offence at that stumbling-Stone and Rock of Offence not submitting themselves to the Righteousness of God Rom. 9. 30 31 33. and ch 10. 1 4. After such a manner also the Galatians were snared by those Evil-workers that came amongst them after they had begun to run well and were called into the Grace of Christ by listening to those Spiritual Witches that came amongst them they sought to perfect by the Flesh what was begun by the Spirit Gal. 1. 6. and ch 3. 1. and ch 5. 1 4. Or the end of what a Man doth may be that he may have praise of Men as it is with the Hyppocrites when they give alms it is that they may have Glory of Men when they pray that they may be seen of Men when they fast they so do it that they may appear unto Men to fast Mat. 6. 2 6 16. And thus our Saviour saith of the Scribes and Pharisees All their works they do for to be seen of Men Mat. 23. 2 5. And of this evil end the Apostle warns in saying Be not desirous of Vain-glory Gal. 5. 26. But now the first or best Luke 15. 22. works are such as in which a Man knowing that Christ hath brought in Everlasting Righteousness and that all is prepared in him he doth therefore in all aim at his Glory and therein at the good of Men and especial good of Believers as the Apostle exhorts Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the Glory of God Give none Offence neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles nor to the Church of God Even as I please all Men in all things not seeking mine own profit but the profit of many that they may be saved 1 Cor. 10. 31 33. and ch 11. 1. Phil. 1. 20 21. 1 Cor. 9. 22. Now from this Branch of the Counsel we may also briefly note some Instructions As 1. In that he had before intimated that they had at first when the Gospel was preached to and received by them a first and servent love and now also intimates that they had first works so he gives us to understand that when God's love in Christ to Sinners is so known and believed that it turns the Heart to him and begets love unto him it will also produce works good and acceptable works such as are well-pleasing in his sight So much the Apostle signifies as with respect to the Thessalonians when he saith Ye received the word of God which ye heard of us not as the word of Men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe It wrought so effectually in them that it wrought Love in them and the work of Faith and Labour of Love c. 1 Thes 2. 13. with ch 1. 3 10. 1 Joh. 3. 16 18. Gal. 5. 6. 2. In that he saith And do the first works so he signifieth to us that though there may be works with us yet not such as are approved of him nay though they may be right and good in themselves yet they may not proceed from the Faith nor be done in Fervent Love and Charity nor may we aim at Christ at his Glory and the promoting the things of his Kingdom as the end and to be sure if we have leâ—t our first-love and that be waxed cold and if we have abated in our former high prizings of the precious sufferings and Blood of our Gracious Redeemer and the love therein discovered our works will also be defective as it was with these Come we to the light Joh. 3. 21. 3. In that he saith Remember and repent c. so he signifieth to us that the way to do the first works is to remember Christ's works and to repent and turn to him again from whom we have revolted and back-sliden for as he hath wrought all our works for us so it is he also that must work them in us Isay 26. 12. Phil. 2. 12 15. They must needs be dead works imperfect unacceptable works unless such as have left their first love remember how they have received and heard
14. Joh. 5. 28 29. Actâ— 24. 14. 1 Cor. 15. 26. But now the second death here spoken of more particularly is that 1. Which shall be executed on Men not for their sinning in Adam nor for their partaking necessarily of filth and pollution but for their own personal Sinnings against light and grace vouchsafed and extended to them thorow the one and onâ—ly mediatour Jesus Christ who gave himself a ransom for all And so for their willing ignorance of God unbelief and disobedience to his Gospel and goodness by all means witnessed to them Then there shall be no occasion for the use of that Proverb the fathers have eaten Sowr grapes and the Childrens teeth are set on edge But the Soul that sinneth personally and impenitently it shall dye Jer. 31. 29 30. Ezek. 18. 1 4 23. Rom. 2. 4 6. and ch 1 18 21 28. Joh. 3. 16 18 19 36. he that believeth not shall be damned Mark 16. 15 16. he will in flaming fire take vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Thess 1. 8 9. he will then execute Judgment upon and convince all that are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds and hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him Jude 14. 15. the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and sorcerers and Idolaters and all liers shall have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. 8. Eph. 5. 3 6. 2. Their Judge and he that shall condemn them and adjudge them to the second death will be the Lord Jesus who died and rose for them God hath ordained him the Judge of quick and dead Acts 10. 42. and ch 17. 30 31. We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10 11. Mat. 25. 30 41. Joh. 5. 22 27. Rom. 14. 9 10 11. Isay 45. 22 23 24. 3. The rule according to which he will judge them will be not the law as they fell under it in Adam but the Gospel So the Apostle saith both as with respect to them that have sinned without the law or Doctrine of the Lord and as with respect to them that have sinned in the law That God shall judg the secrets of them by Jesus Christ according to the Gospel Rom. 2. 11 12 16 Joh. 12. 47 50. Isay 30. 33. 4. The time when they shall be adjudged to this second death will be after they are raised out of the first after that the Judgment Heb. 6. 2 3. and ch 6. 27. All that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of Man and shall come forth they that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation Joh. 5. 28 29. Rev. 20. 14 16. It is therefore called the wrath to come 1 Thess 1. 8 10. 5. It will be so dreadful and terrible both on Soul and Body Mat. 10. 28. that there will be no mixture of mercy in it now in the hand of the Lord there is a cup and the wine is red It is full of mixture and he poureth out of the same but the dreggs thereof all the wicked of the earth shall wring out and drink Ps 75. 8. they shall not then have so much as a drop of water to cool their tongues when they are tormented in that flame Luke 16. 24 25 26. Rev. 14. 10. yea then the Lord will laugh at their calamity and mock when their fear cometh When their fear cometh as desolation and their destruction as a whirlewind when distress and anguish cometh upon them then they shall call upon him but he will not answer they shall seek him early but they shall not find him for that they hated knowledge and did not chuse the fear of the Lord Prov. 1. 24 26 32. 6. As to the duration of it it will be to all eternity both on Soul and Body Mat. 10. 28. there shall never be a dissolution of Soul and Body any more for the first death and Hell shall be destroyed 1 Cor. 15. 26. being cast into the lake of fire which is the second death Rev. 20. 14. And so their torment will be eternal and without any intermission The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever And they have no rest day nor night who worship the beast c. Rev. 14. 11. the breath or spirit of thâ— Lord like a stream of brimstone shall kindle that fire that is unquenchable Isay 30. 33. with Mat. 3. 11 12. Luke 3. 17. they shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power 2 Thess 1. 8 9. Then shall the King say to them on his left hand Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels Mat. 25. 41. and ch 18. 8. 7. Herein they shall have this as a worm gnawing upon them to all eternity The remembrance of what Christ suffered for them and how he redeemed them from the curse of the Law and obtained eternal life into the nature of Man for them and his grace brought salvation to them whereby they might have been saved from their sins and been delivered from this wrath to come And that they slighted and rejected this Saviour and his salvation hated instruction and their heart despised reproof they hated knowledge and did not chuse the fear of the Lord But by observing lying vanities they forsook their own mercy Prov. 1. 24 31 32. and ch 5. 12 13 Jona 2. 8. that they fled from him transgressed and spoke lies against him who redeemed them Hos 7. 13. denied the Lord that bought them and so brought upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. that they lost their own Souls Mat. 16. 26. and put away from them and judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life Acts 13. 46. The remembrance hereof will be terrible and inconceivably tormenting to them which it would not be if Christ had not given himself a ransome for them or if there had been no eternal life prepared for them or it might not have been had by them But this will be the worm that never will dye That when God had no pleasure in their destruction none at all and Christ was gathering them as an hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and the holy Spirit was opening their eyes and turning them from darkness to light yet notwithstanding all they would not come to Christ but loved darkness rather then light they would not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved but loved their sins and vanities more then Christ Therefore they shall go into everlasting punishment 2 Thes 2. 10 12. Joh. 3. 19. see Mr. Tho. More senior his discourse of the Precious blood of Christ ch 11. Now of this Second death he
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
more their light neither for brightness shall the Moon give light unto them but the Lord shall be unto them an everlasting light and their God their Glory Isay 60. 19 20. The light of the new Jerusalem shall be like unto a stone most precious like a Jasper-stone clear as Crystal and the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the Glory of God did enlighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof Rev. 21. 10 11 23 25. This going forth of his is indeed prepared as the morning Hos 6. 3. then fully and gloriously they shall see light in his light Ps 36. 9. they shall see as they are seen and know as they are known 1. Cor. 13. 8 11. all ignorance and darkness shall be expelled from them for ever and they shall see the face of God and the Lamb and his name shall be in their Fore-heads and there shall be no night there and they need no Candle nor light of the Sun for the Lord God giveth them light Rev. 22. 4 6. and then the days of their mourning shall be ended and they shall have fulness of joy and coelestial pleasure Isay 60. 20. Eccles 11. 7 8. 4. And now in this morning when he gives them the morning-Star they shall have the Dominion Psal 49. 14. 2 Sam. 23. 3 4. Namb. 24. 17. Verse 29. He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches See the notes before on Verse 7. of this Chapter AN EXPOSITION On the Third CHAPTER OF THE REVELATION Chap. 3. Verse 1. And unto the Angel of the Church in Sardis write These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven Stars I know thy Works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead THIS Epistle we see is directed unto the Angel of the Church in Sardis See Notes on Ch. 2. Ver. 1. In which we have to consider in this first Verse 1. The Description our Lord Jesus gives of himself to them 2. The Account of his knowledge of them 1. The Description he gives of himself to them in two particulars These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God even that one Holy and Eternal Spirit See notes before on Ch. 1. Ver. 4. Now our Lord hath these seven Spirits of God 1. By his Merit he hath obtained them by his Blood into the Nature of Man in his person Rev. 5. 6 9 12. The Father so loveth the Son because he laid down his life for us that he might take it again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh. 3. 34 35. with ch 10. 17. Because he was his Servant he hath put his Spirit upon him Isay 42. 1. and ch 11. 1 2 3. And so 2. Upon the account aforesaid he hath the Spirit by the gift and donation of the Father he hath given the Spirit without measure to him Joh. 3. 34. With this Ohl of gladness he is anâ—inted above his Fellows Heb. 1. 9. Acts 10. 38. and ch 4. 27. And this promise of the Holy Spirit he received of the Father being by the right hand of God exalted Acts 2. 33. whereby he knows all things Rev. 5. 6 12. and hath given forth the full of the Testimony Isay 61. 1 2 3. Luke 4. 18. Joh. 3. 34. 3. He hath the seven Spirits of God to-dispense to others or to withhold or withdraw from others as he pleaseth If Men provoke him and vex his holy Spirit he can take it away from them or not give it to them though he be â—low to anger Ps 51. 11. Gen. 6. 3. with 1 Pet. 3. 18 20. And he can and doth dispence of this blessed Spirit to Men in the means he vouchsaâ—es to glorifie himself to them and therein and therewith to convince the World of Sin of Righteousness and of Judgment and to open their blind Eyes and bring forth Judgment to them Isay 42. 1 7. and ch 45. 22. Joh. 16. 7 14. He is become a quickening Spirit to quicken dead souls even such also as are become so after they have been enlivened by him Joh. 6. 33. 1 Cor. 15. 45. Hos 14. 1 5. And will pour ouâ— his Spirit abundantly and make known his words unto them whoever they are or whatever they have been who turn at the reproofs of his Instruction Joh. 15. 26. Prov. 1. 22 23. And the seven Stars he hath them also See the notes on Chap. 1. 16. and 20. and Chap. 2. Verse 1. These he hath in his right hand and holdeth them â—e hath them in his hand as the Clay is in the hand of the Potter Jer. 18. 2 6. to fill them if he sees good and their works be perfect before God with his blessed Spirit Acts 2. 32 33. yea though they have a name that they live and are dead yet he hath the immeasurable fulness of the Spirit to reprove them for and convince them of their wandrings and back-slidings from him and to strengthen them to turn at his reproofes Prov. 1. 21 23. though they have deserved to be cast out and utterly forsaken yet if in the light and strength of God's grace they purge themselves from their pollutions he can pardon their sins and dispense his Spirit to them and they shall be Vessels unto Honour sanctified and made meet for their Masters use and prepared to every good work 2 Tim. 2. 20 21. In their returning again they shall yet stand before him Jer. 15. 19. And though they are dead yet he is the life hath life in himself to quicken whom he will Joh. 14. 6. and ch 5. 21 26. He abides and remains the Fountain of living waters Jer. 2. 12 13. and ch 13. 17. Or if they provoke him he can withdraw his Spirit from them Isay 63. 9 10. And though at present they are vessels of Honour he can make them vessels of Dishonour Jer. 22. 24. Rom. 9. 21. 1 Tim. 3. 6. He hath the seven Stars and he hath the seven Spirits of God and if by Mens continued-in rebellions they provoke him to take away his Holy Spirit from them Ps 51. 11. there is no man hath power over the Spirit to retain the Spirit Eccles 8. 11. And this may be of usefulness unto his Angels and Messengers 1. To preserve them from being lifted up with Pride if they be preferred before others in their Gifts Knowledge Utterance Service c. for not they but Christ hath the Spirit resting upon him and of him and of his fulness they receive he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4. 7 11. Joh. 1. 16. Who made thee to differ saith the Apostle and what hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received 1 Cor. 4. 7. And let such take heed that they provoke him not to anger Exod. 23. 21.
for in him we live and move and have our beings Act. 17. 24 25-28 and which is also greatly for our encouragement and consolation He who is the living God is the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. one who is very pitiful and of tender mercies to mankind while it is called to day not willing that any of them should perish no not the worst and greatest sinners as himself swears to us by his life As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked indefinitely considered but that the wicked turn from his way and live Ezek. 33. 11. Yea and he is one who liveth for ever and ever who is from everlasting to everlasting God Psal 90. 1 2. He that sits upon the throne upon the supreme Throne of Government is the everlasting one and therefore his dominion is an everlasting dominion and his kingdom from generation to generation Dan. 4. 34. The Lord is King for ever and ever Psal 10. 16. He is the living God and stedfast for ever and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed and his dominion shall be even unto the end Dan. 6. 26. Rev. 4. 10. and chap. 5. 14. and chap. 10. 6. with Dan. 12. 6. He lifts up his hand to Heaven and saith I live for ever Deut. 32. 40. This is the object of their Adoration to wit the Lord who is the true God the living God and the everlasting King Jer. 10. 10. who sits upon the floods who sits king for ever Psal 29. 10. not the Virgin Mary or any Saint for of them it may be said Where are they and do they live for ever Zech. 1. 5. The object of their religious worship is the Father who hath life in himself and of whom are all things John 5. 25. 1 Cor. 8. 6. the Son who is the true God and eternal life without beginning of days or end of life 1 John 5. 20. Col. 1. 16 17. Heb. 7. 3. John 17. 5. the eternal spirit Heb. 9. 14. by whom all things were created and who hath garnish'd the Heavens Psal 33. 6. Job 26. 13. and chap. 33. 4. Isa 40. 13 14 17. with Rom. 11. 35 36. 1 Tim. 6. 16. Rom. 1. 23. and that he sits upon the throne who liveth for ever and ever and whose throne is from the beginning from everlasting and endureth from generation to generation Psal 932. Jer. 17. 12. Lam. 5. 19. Heb. 1. 8 9. Isa 6. 1-10 with Act. 28. 25 27. How might the consideration hereof encourage us to come with boldness to the throne of his Holiness Almightiness and Graâ—e at all times and rejoyce that he reigneth according to that The Lord reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the multitude of the isles be glad thereof Psal 96. 1-10 and 97. 1. and it might engage us to rejoyce and bless him who liveth for ever and ever as the Psalmist saith The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock c. 2 Sam. 22. 47. Job 19. 25. Psal 72. 15. and 102. 27 28. And because he lives they shall live also who come unto believe on and serve him with reverence and godly fear Deut. 33. 26 27 29. John 14. 19. and in that he liveth for ever and ever We may herein see the endless and everlasting misery and unhappiness of them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus they shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord they shall drink of the wrath of him who liveth for ever and ever 2 Thes 1. 8 9 10. Rev. 14. 10 11. and chap. 15. 7. 2. We have nextly to consider and speak unto the act or exercise of the living creatures about or towards this blessed object supposed and explicatively declared and repeated when they give or shall give glory and honour and thanks But how do they give these things unto him that sits upon the throne who liveth for ever and ever Answ Not by conferring upon or really adding any thing unto him which he had not before or as if he needed or wanted any thing from his creatures Who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced for of him and thorow him and to him are all things Rom. 11. 35 36. If thou sinnest saith Elâ—hu What doest thou against him or if thy transgressions be multiplied What doest thou unto him if thou be righteâ—us What givest thou him or what receiveth he of thine hand Job 35. 6 7 8. God that made the world and all things therein seeing he is Lord of Heaven and Earth is not worshipped with mens hands or tongues as though he needed any thing Act. 17. 24 25. Indeed thus he gives to us who need all things but we cannot so give unto him because he is infinite in all glory and glorious perfection and cannot be added unto Christs goodness as he was our Mediator did not extend or add any thing to the Lord Psal 16. 2 3. much less can ours which is as a morning-cloud and as the early dew that goeth away Can a man be profitable unto God as be that is wise may be prefitable unto himself Is it any pleasure to wit gainful pleasure as presently is intimated to the Almighty that thou art righteous or is it gain to him that thâ—u makest thy ways perfect Job 22. 2 3. This then is not the meaning of the expression we cannot advantage or add any thing to him But the giving to him here spoken of is a rendring to him what was and is his whether we give it to him or no and all his worshippers may say as King David doth All things come of him and of his own they give unto him and all is his own before 1 Chron. 29. 11 14 16. Hence we have such exhortations in Scripture Give unto the Lord glory end strength give unto the Lord the glory of or due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Psal 29. 1 2. and 96. 7 8. And yet in thus giving glory unto him we must needs fall short of doing it according to his infinite praise-worthiness for his glorious name is exalted above all blessing and praise Neh. 9. 5. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord who can shew forth all his praise Psal 106. 1 2. and 40. 5. But in some little measure they may thus give or ascribe unto the Lord what is his Deut. 32. 3. And this appears to be the meaning of the expression as it refers to vers 8. there it is thus expresâ— They say or they have no rest saying Holy Holy Holy Lord God Alâ—ighty c. And here when they give glory c. here is no act of Collatioâ— or conferring any thing upon him that sits on the Throne but they give in words acknowledging him to be what he is When they give glory to wit praise for so this word here rendred glory is oft translated
of God Psal 50. 16-23 and 147. 1 2-12 And these are the Singers in this place even the Saints and holy Onâ—â— Rev. 5. 8 9. 2. We have next to speak unto their act or exercise or what they did they sung a new song John wept by himself but here they all sing and that a new song What this new Song is is afterward declared to us 't is that in which they celebrate the praises of the Lamb acknowledging his praise-worthiness because he was slain c. The Lord was their song as Exod. 15. 2. Psal 118. 14. not in an evil sense as sometimes Christ and his servants were the song of evil men by way of derision and reproach Psal 69. 12. Job 30. 9. Lam. 3. 14. but in a good sense such as in which they praise him with their song Psal 28. 7. The Lamb is the subject of their commendation and exaâ—tation and the object of their praise as afterwards we may further shew It 's of him they sing as 2 Chron. 29. 25 27. and unto him they sing Psal 144. 9. And this is here and elsewhere called a new song 1. With respect to what went before and was more ancient as to say 1. It 's a new song as with respect to the first Creation In Rev. 4. 10 11. The twenty-four Elders fall down before him that sate on the throne saying Thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created they there celebrate the praises of God for creating all things But this is a new song that which was natural was first and afterwards that which was spiritual 1 Cor. 15. 45 47. God hath created a new thing in the earth a woman hath compassed a man Jer. 31. 22. Christ is the new man the second man and last Adam Ephes 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. 1 Cor. 15. 45 47. and in him there is a new Creation Isa 42. 1-6-10 11. see notes on chap. 3. ver 14. 2. A new song as with respect to God's fore-ordaining and promising this Lamb. This Lamb was verily fore-ordained before the foundation or dejection of the world but was manifest in these last times 1 Pet. 1. 19 20. 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. This Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world in the purpose and fore-ordainment of God Rev. 13. 8. But now once in the end of the world he appeared to put a way sin by the sacrifice of himself Christ our Passeover and Paschal lamb hath actually been slain and sacrificed for us therefore let us keep the feast Heb. 9. 26. 1 Cor. 5. 7 8. The promise which God made to the Fathers he hath fulfilled in that he hath raised up Jesus who by the grace of God tasted death for every man Act. 13. 32 34-with Heb. 2. 9. Tit. 1. 1 2 3. 1 John 1. 1 2 3. Psal 40. 1 2 3. and 96. 1-10 and 98. 1-5 3. A new Song as to the cleerness of the Revelation of Christ and the things of Christ unto us that we should serve and glorifie Christ not according to the oldness of the letter but according to the newness of the spirit Rom. 7. 4-6 Thus the Apostle John â—aith A new Commandment I write unto you which thing is true in him and in you because the darkness is past and the true light now shinetâ— 1 Joh. 2. 7 8. The Spirit of Christ in the Prophets did testifie before-hand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow but this he did more dark mysteriously But now there is given forth a Revelation of the mystery which in other Ages was not made known unto the Sons of men as it is now revealed unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit which they have also with great plainness preached to make all men see c. Ephes 3. 3-5-9 Col. 1. 23-25 2 Cor. 3. 6 7. And every scribe which is instructed into the kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is an house-holder which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old Matth. 13. 52. 2. This is a new Song in it self that is to say a fresh abiding lasting everlasting Song it is always new as the word is used by Job when he â—aith My glory was new or fresh in me and my â—ow was renewed in mine hand Job 29. 20. so it may be said of this Song as to the matter of it it is always new fresh and green And hereto we may apply that of the Apostle In that it is said to be new he hath made the first old nâ—w that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away Heb. 8. 13. But this which is new shall never decay or vanish away the blood of Christ is incorruptible 1 Pet. 1. 19. and the Gospel everlasting Rev. 14. 6. And this Song shall be always sung as here it is by the Elders in Heaven as well as by the living creatures on Earth Isa 25. and 26. 1 c. This is a new and living Song as it were Heb. 10. 20. new every morning Lam. 3. 22 23. it 's always fresh beautiful and abiding and not like the things appertaining to the first Creation Lift up your eyes to the Heavens and look upon the Earth beneath for the Heavens shall vanish away like smoak and the Earth shall wax old like a garment and they that dwell therein shall dye in like manner but Christ's righteousness is new and shall not wax old it shall not be abolished it shall be for ever and his salvation from generation to generation Isa 51. 6 7 8. and 50. 9. Heb. 1. 10 11. And therefore also 3. It is the most excellent Song the Song of Songs it being always new as Christ the new man hath the first-ship in all things Col. 1. 18. so new signifies principal Ezek. 37. 12. 2. The subject-maâ—ter of their Song or the Argument thereof Wherein we have to mind and consider 1. Their Doxology or rendring praise to the Lamb. saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof Herein is declared to us of whom and unto whom they sing and whose praises they celebrate they glorifie not themselves as Mystery Babylon doth Rev. 18. 7. for for men to search or proclaim their own glory is not glory Prov. 25. 27. and 20. 6. they commend not themselves 2 Cor. 5. 12. nor draw the eyes and hearts of others or one of another unto themselves but as it were say Look not unto us Cant. 1. 6. Act. 3. 12 nor do they herein glorifie any mere creature but they ascribe honour and praise to him unto whom of right it doth appertain and render his praise glorious who is in the midst of the throne Saying Thou art worthy c. Thou A person one person one individual person and a most excellent one the chiefest of ten thousands Art worthy hast merited and deserved
as appears in some good measure in what hath been said of them already and as will further appear if we consider what followeth That is to say 1. They have very great wisdom knowledge and understanding and have a very piercing inspection So much that wise Woman of Tekoah signifieth saying As an Angel of God so is my Lord the King to discern good and bad And again My Lord is wise according to the wisdom of an Angel of God to know all things that are in the Earth 2 Sam. 14. 17 20. and ch 19. 27. and that they are of a piercing inspection and insight into secret things is signified in that they are said to be Aâ—lame of Fire as the Eyes of the Son of God the Angel of the Covenant are said to be though yet they know not the hearts of men as he doth nor are perfect in knowledge as he is compare Ps 104. 4. and Heb. 1. 7. with Rev. 2. 18. See notes on Rev. 1. v. 14. yet they have much more knowledge than men have as our Saviour gives us to understand when he saith Of that Day and Hour knoweth no Man no not the Angels of the Heavens Implying they know more than any meer man Mat. 24. 36. Mark 13. 22. 2. They are also very strong and powerful as it is said Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength or are mighty Ps 103. 20. they are greater in power than men are or any other Creature 2 Pet. 2. 14. Hence they are called powers Col. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 22. Indeed it doth appear that some of these Glorious Creatures excel others of them in strength See notes before on v. 2. but yet they are all of them very strong and powerful And hence also whereas it is said in one place The Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels It is thus exprest to us in another The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels signifying to us that all the Angels of God are mighty in strength Compare Mat. 16. 27. with 2 Thes 1. 7. and Mat. 25. 31. And to this we may have further occasion to speak afterwards 3. They are very swift and speedy in their motion from one place to another with two Wings they do fly And saith the Prophet One of the Seraphims flew unto me Isay 6. 2 6. They can come from Heaven to Earth instantly as it is said Suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host Luke 2. 13. To the same purpose also is that of the Prophet whilst I was speaking in Prayer saith he Even the Man Gabriel whom I had seen in the Vision at the beginning being caused to fly swiftly touched me c. Dan. 9. 21. they have not such gross earthly Bodies as we have nor are hindred or retarded by such letts and obstacles as we are 4. They are very watchful Creatures and need not sleep to refresh them as we do while we are here in mortal corruptible bodies Hence they are called watchers Dan. 4. 13 17 23. 5. They are very glorious Creatures full of splendor lustre brightness and Majesty Hence we hear of the Cherubims of Glory Heb. 9. 5. and the Glory of the Angels Luke 9. 26. So also it is said All that sate in the Council saw Stephens Face as it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6. 15. So Manoahs Wife said to her Husband that he that appeared to her was a man of God and his countenance was like the countenance of an Angel of God very terrible Judges 13. 6 15 16 21. And so much also is signified in that they are called Angels of light as is before said 6. They are Immortal Creatures such as shall not cannot dye as our Saviour signifies when he saith neither can they dye any more for they are equal with the Angels Luke 20. 36. And so they shall for ever enjoy that honour and happiness and holiness of which they are possessed 7. They have an excellent Voice or Language as the Apostle intimates when he saith Though I speak with the Tongue of Angels c. 1 Cor. 13. 1. Gal. 1. 8 9. Vse 1. The consideration of what we have said already concerning these Glorious Creatures is useful to deliver and preserve us from the errour of the Sadducees new and old who say there is neither Angel nor Spirit Acts 23. 8. they are herein more bruitish than the Pharisees were for they confessed there were such Creatures Acts 23. 8 9. yea that there are such Spiritual Beings was also acknowledged by an unproselyted Gentile Acts 10. 22. and by an Heathen to wit Achish King of Gath 1 Sam. 29. 9. 2. VVe may be led by occasion of the excellency of the Angels in some little measure to consider and conceive of his infinite glory and majesty who is the Creatour and former of all things So the Lord from the strength and excellency of some of his Creatures gives us to understand that he who is the Creatour of them must needs be infinitely more glorious and powerful So he saith of Leviathan none is so fierce that dare stir him up who then is able to stand before me Job 41. 10 11. Isay 40. 26 28. 3. We may in some small measure conceive from hence what glory and excellency they shall arrive at and partake of who are called to the fellowship of God's Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 9. Man was made in the first Adam and Creation a little lower than the Angels Ps 8. 4 5. And so indeed for a little while our Lord Jesus the second Adam was also inferiour to them Heb. 2. 6 7 9. But for the sufferings of death he was crowned with Glory Heb. 2. 9. and hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they Heb. 1. Eph. 1. 18 22. 1 Pet. 3. 22. He hath advanced our nature in his person far above all those glorious Spirits and they that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that World and the Resurrection from the Dead shall be equal to the Angels and be the Children of God being the Children of the Resurrection Mat. 22. 30. Mark 12. 25. Luke 20. 35 36. they are called to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus 2 Thes 2. 14. 1 Job 3. 2. 2. We have the number of these holy happy and glorious Creatures indefinitely intimated to us Many Angels and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands so many as no man can number They are frequently signified to be a very great number or an innumerable company of them as will somewhat appear to us if we consider 1. The plain affirmations and intimations given to us thereof in the Scriptures So when Jacob went on his way the Angels of God met him and when Jacob saw them he said This is Gods Host and he called the name of that place Mahanaim that
Judg. 13. 16. And so have good Men also Act. 10. 25 26. and ch 14. 15. Indeed the Devil would have been worshipped even by the Son of God Mat. 4. 9. And of his Vicar the Man of Sin it is said He opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God 2 Thes 2. 4. But good Men and Angels have disclaimed and denyed this honour He only is worthy of divine honour and worship who created all Angels and Creatures and for whose pleasure they are and were created Rev. 4. 10 11. And this glory he will not give to another Isay 42. 8. for before him there was no God formed neither shall there be after him there is no God besides him he knows not any Isay 43. 10 12. and ch 44. 8. and 45. 5. 6. 18. 21. 22. and 46. 9. Jâ—el 2. 17. Hence the Angel that had the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the Earth and to every Nation and Kindred and Tongue and People said with a loud voice Fear God and give glory to him And worship him that made Heaven and Earth and the Sea c. Rev. 14. 6 7. 2. Round about the Throne not in the midst of it there only the Lamb that hath been slain is as the perpetual Sacrifice and alone Mediator Rev. 5. 6. and ch 7. 17. And as there is one God and there is none other but he Mark 12. 32 34. So there is one and but one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all 1 Tim. 2. 5 6. He is the only Mediator and not any Angel or Angels who are not in the midst of but round about the Throne We are not to come to God by them nor by any but one even by him who dyed for us yea rather is risen again c. No Man cometh to the Father but by him Joh. 14. 6. Heb. 7. 24 25. and ch 13. 15. And they who in a voluntary humility worship Angels hold not the Head Col. 2. 18 19. And much less should Men fall down before or come to God in their worshippings by their Images or supposed Images Likenesses or Pictures Isay 42. 8. A Formed God or Graven Image is profitable for nothing Isay 44. 10. And they even un-man and much more un-christian themselves who fall down before or worship Graven Images or the likeness of any thing in Heaven above c. Isay 44. 17 19. ch 46. 9. This is forbidden by and highly displeasing to God to make to our selves any Graven Image or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath c. or to bow down to them or serve them Exod. 20. 4 5. Deut. 4. 15 19. and ch 5. 8 9. There is one Image which is the Image of the invisible God that ought to be worshipped even Jesus Christ who is the true God and eternal Life 2 Cor. 4. 4. Col. 1. 15. Heb. 1. 3. But all of Man's making are abominable to him Confounded be all they that serve Graven Images that boast themselves of Idols worship him all ye Gods or Angels Ps 97. 7. with Heb. 1. 6. Hos 14. 3. Rev. 21. 8. and 22. 15. and ch 14. 9 11. 3. Round about the Throne to denote they are to be and are worshippers themselves and therefore not the objects of religious worship as we have said Worship is an homage and service due to him on the Throne from all about him So it is said Let all that be round about him bring Presents unto him that ought to be feared Ps 76. 11. God is to be had in reverence of all them about him Ps 89. 7. And so of the Angels also and they do worship God Job 1. 6. And they are called upon so to do Ps 103. 20. and 148. 2 5. Rev. 7. 11. Nehem. 9. 6. with Luke 2. 13. And they are commanded to worship the first begotten the Son of God by Nature Heb. 1. 6. with Ps 97. 7. for by him and for him they were created also as hath been said before and as appears Col. 1. 15 16. Eph. 3. 9. 4. Round about the Throne denotes their happiness and honour If the Queen of Sheba said and said truly concerning Solomon's Servants and Ministers Happy are thy Men happy are these thy Servants which stand continually before thee and that hear thy wisdom 1 King 10. 5 8. How much rather may we conclude that these Servants of the God of Heaven are herein happy and honourable in that they stand round about his Throne and see him and are in his presence in whose presence is fulness of joy Rev. 7. 11. Luke 1. 19. with Mat. 5. 8. Luke 12. 8 9. Rev. 3. 5. and ch 14. 10. 5. Round about the Throne to look and pry into the Mercy-seat even Christ who is called the Propitiatory or Mercy-seat Rom. 3. 25. and who is the Propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole World 1 Joh. 2. 2. and ch 4. 10. Even as in our Types the Lord commanded Moses saying Thou shalt make one Cherub on the one end and the other Cherub on the other end Even of the Mercy-seat shall ye make the Cherubims on the two ends thereof And the Cherubims shall stretch forth their Wings on high covering the Mercy-seat with their Wings and their Faces shall look one towards another towards the Mercy-seat shall the Faces of the Cherubims be Exod. 25. 19 20. and 37. 7 9. So these Angels are round about the Throne and desire to look into the things of Christ which are now reported to us by them that have preached the Gospel to us with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven 1 Pet. 1. 11 12. 6. Round about the Throne possibly to signifie to us that thorow Christ they behold the Father Mat. 18. 10. He dwells in light inaccessible whom no Man hath seen nor can see 1 Tim. 6. 16. And so we may conceive of the Angels that they behold not the Divine Majesty immediately but thorow the Lamb who is between God and them they are about but the Lamb stands in the midst of the Throne this is the disposition And when they look towards him that sits upon the Throne they behold him thorow this most excellent One thorow this most glorious Image or express Character of God's Person as the Apostle calls him when he demonstrates his excellency above the Angels Heb. 1. 3 5 c. And indeed in many general expressions of our Saviour's it is signified to us that none hath known or seen God at any time to wit immediately but the only begotten who is in the Bosome of the Father In which sayings angels may be included also see Mat. 11. 27. Luke 10. 22. Joh. 1. 18. and ch 6. 46. and ch 14. 6 7. as