5. 14 16. 1 Joh. 5. 11. And the Grace of God to all men especially to them that believe In giving Christ to be a Testimony to men in their proper seasons the light of the World and the Mediator between God and Men and the Apostle and High-priest of the Believers Profession 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Eph. 3. 4 5. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. Heb. 3. 1. and ch 4. 14 16. And his Grace to be brought at the Revelation of Jesus Christ 1 Per. 1. 13. and ch 3. 7. And the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who being rich for our sakes became poor that we thorow his poverty might be enriched 2 Cor. 8. 9. who in his grace gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil World Gal. 3. 4. Whose hands have laid the Foundation and whose hands shall finish And he shall bring forth the Head-stone with shoutings grace grace to it Zech. 4 7 9. Act. 15. 11. And Peace Even The Peace of God which passeth all Vnderstanding Phil. 4. 7. which Christ hath made for us by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. And which he is become who is our Peace Eph. 2. 13 14 15. and which is in him Joh. 16. 33. and he hath to proclaim and preach to men even to such also as are far off and to make them partakers of by Faith who believe He being the Prince of Peace the King of Salem that is King of Peace And that everlasting Peace he will extend like a River Eph. 2. 13 17. Mica 4. 5. Heb. 7. 1 2. Isay 9. 6 7. and ch 54. 10. and ch 66. 12. Psal 37. 11. This Grace and Peace he votes for and desires to be unto them In the further knowledge and firmer and stronger belief of it that they might grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 3. 18. 2 Thess 3. 10. In the further participation hereof and in further tastes of the sweetness Satisfaction and delightfulness thereof having access thereinto Rom. 5. 2. and being filled therewith Rom. 15. 13. tasting the graciousness of the Lord that as new born Babes they might more desire the sincere milk of the Word Ps 34. 8. Prov. 24. 13 14. 1 Pet. 2. 2 4. Phil. 4. 4 7. In the further efficacy thereof so as to receive this grace to purpose so as to be made partakers thereby of the end of the Faith even the Salvation of the Soul 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. For the grace of God which bringeth Salvation to all Men hath appeared Teaching us that denying Vngodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present evil World c. Tit. 2. 11 14. And that the Peace of God may rule in our hearts and we may follow Peace with all Men and Holiness And especially that his Churches might be at Peace among themselves Act. 11. 23. Rom. 12. 18. Heb. 12. 14. 1 Thess 5. 13. Now in that he votes and-desires this for all the Churches so he signifies to us 1. That this Grace and Peace was sufficient for them all for them that were taught in the Word and for them that did teach them for the Angels of the Churches and for the Churches and for them in their various States and Conditions 2 Cor. 12. 9. To recover Ephesus which had left and abated in its first love Gal. 1. 3 4. To enable Smyrna to be faithful unto the Death that they might receive the Crown of Life 2 Tim. 2. 1. Phil. 4. 7. To help Pergamus and Thyatira against those evil and corrupt teachers that were amongst them that they might not be carried about with divers and strange teachers but might turn away from them and reject them Gal. 1. 3. 6 9. Heb. 13. 9. To revive the work in Sardis who had a name that they lived and were dead Rev. 3. 1 3. 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. To incourage and strengthen Philadelphia to hold that fast which they had that none might take their Crown 2 Tim. 2. 1 8. To make fervent and zealous Laodicea who were become luke-warm 1 Pet. 1. 22 23. 1 Joh. 3. 16 18. and ch 4. 14 17 19. And it is good for every one that hath an Ear to hear what is voted and desired for all the Churches 2. He votes one thing for them all that they might rejoyce and have fellowship together and none have some secret thing with themselves to rejoyce in or be comforted withal Job 15. 11. But that the joy of one might be the joy of them all 2 Cor. 2 3. In this Grace and Peace the Brother of low degree might rejoyce in that he is exalted and the rich that he is made low Jam. 1. 9 10. Phil. 3. 1 2. and ch 4. 4. 3. He desires the same thing for them all though some of them were greatly faulty reproved and threatned yet while Christ hath not cast them off but owns them as his Churches good is to be desired for them and love testified unto them and their good is to be endeavoured and pursued Gal. 1. 3 4. See the notes on v. 9. and on v. 12. So for the Churches generally this is voted and desired by the residue of the Apostles for such also as were much faulty 4. This Grace and Peace might be to them whose favour soever they wanted or what troubles trials tribulations or restraints soever they met withal or in what condition or place soever they were in None could let or hinder them of the knowledge and enjoyment hereof unless they themselves provoked God to with hold these good things from them by their iniquities no Banishments Imprisonments thick-walls or strong-barres could shut this out Consider this 2 Cor. 12. 9 11. Joh. 14. 27. and ch 16. 33. 5. This Grace and Peace is the principal and most excellent thing and therefore worthy to be desired sought after embraced and entertained by us He prayeth not for mens favour or peace in this World for them or for Riches Honours Pleasures here but for Grace and Peace to be to them all This is his vote and desire for the Churches and it is instructive and imitableforus 2. From whom doth he desire these things for them It followeth From him which is and which was and which is to come which is the Interpretation of Jehovah And hereby is signified to us the Father as it there appeareth in that this person is distinguished from the Holy Spirit and from the Word see also ch 4. 8 and ch 16. 5. From him which is Namely hath his being of himself and gives a being to all other things Act. 17. 25 28. 1 Cor. 8. 6. His Name is I AM As he saith unto Moses when he said unto God when the Children of Israel shall say to me what is his name what shall I say unto them And God said unto Moses I AM that I AM And he said Thus shalt thou say unto the Children of
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
are right upright ways Acts 13. 10. and so are all his walkings in his Churches and as the King of Saints as they confess just and true are thy ways thou King of Saints Rev. 15. 3 He is just and faithful in forgiving them their Sins who confess them 1 Joh. 1. 9. In justifying them and dispensing good things to them Rom. 3. 25 26. gracious is the LORD and righteous Ps 116. 5. and in all his protectings of them as for God his way is perfect He is a Buckler to all those that trust in him Ps 18. 30. Deut. 32. 4. and so the ways of his judgments are clear and free from all pollution and unrighteousness as the Psalmist acknowledged when he was judged Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest and be clear when thou judgest Ps 51. 4. All his works are truth and his ways judgment Dan. 4. 37. and so in all the administration of his Government in being merciful with the merciful shewing himself upright with the upright man and froward with the froward he is clear and without iniquity in all Ps 18. 25 30. his ways are equal and equitable in all his judgment both present and eternal as he saith Is not my way equal Ezek. 18. 24 25. and ch 33. 12 20. Hos 14. 8. and without respect of persons he judgeth according to every Man's work 1 Pet. 1. 17. 2. Like unto fine Brass or polished Brass So clear as that a Man may see himself and his ways and goings therein as a man may see his Face in fine or polished Brass and so in former times they made Looking-glasses of Brass Exod. 38. 8. Job 37. 18. So by the light of his Testimony we may see our selves and behold other things in his feet ways and walkings So we may see when a Man's ways please the LORD he maketh his Enemies to be at Peace with him Prov. 16. 7. When that good Man was ready to be offended at God's ways and doings and thought to know them it was too painful until he went into the Sanctuary and then he did see the goings of the Lord and his end therein c. Ps 73. 1 17. and 77. 6 13. His judgments and his way therein are as the light that we may search and try our ways and judge our selves that we be not further or more severely judged Lam. 3. 39 42. Hos 6. 5. 1 Cor. 11. 28 31. When Men are bound in Fetters and holden in Cords of affliction then he sheweth them their Work and their Transgressions that they have exceeded He openeth also their Ear to Discipline and commandeth that they return from iniquity Job 33. 18 28. and ch 36. 8 10. He is writing Mens Sins on his Judgments and their Punishments that they might say we have sinned and have perverted that which is right and it hath not profited us Jud. 1. 7. 1 Sam. 2. 29. 34. Job 33. 28. Hos 2. 8 9. Mica 6. 9 10. 3. Like unto Brass burning So most directly it signifieth the terribleness of his goings and doings as Ezek. 1. 7. and so in Rev. 10. 1. His Feet are said to be as Pillaâ—s of Fire he is terrible in his doings to the Children of Men Ps 66. 5. In that his Feet are said to be as if they burned in a Furnace so it denoteth the dreadfulness of his goings and so burning Coals or Diseases are said to go forth at his Feet and his ways wherein his feet walk are everlasting Habb 3. 5 6. and hereby is signified to us his terribleness in his goings in the way of his Judgments in the midst of his Churches If they Sin against him and receive his grace in vain he will visit their transgressions with a rod and their Iniquity with stripes Ps 89. 30 32. So when Christ is described Ezek. 1. 26 28. he represents himself all over like to fire and so his feet also and then the Prophet is sent to prophecy and commanded to eat a roll in which was written Lamentations and Mourning and Woe Ezek. 2. signifying the Judgments he would execute upon his Church and people Ezek. 4. 5. c. and so again in ch 9. 2. we have mention made of a Man clothed in Linnen as Christ is in Daniel ch 10. 5. marking them that did Sigh and Cry for all the abominations committed and then there was a charge given unto the executioners of his wrath to slay all that were not marked and ch 10. this Man is spoken to to fill his hand which is joyned with feet in Dan. 10. 6. and said to be as Polished brass as before is said with coals of fire Ezek. 10. 2 7. and then Judgments are threatned ch 11. 12. he is clean and pure in his goings as hath been before said and cannot endure that they amongst whom he walketh should be unclean 2 Cor. 6. 13 18. if they be he will punish them how neer soever they be unto him Amos. 3. 2 4. Ps 99. 3 8. and particularly he is angry with and will be terrible in the way of his Judgments unto those of his Churches that suffer false Prophets to come amongst them and to seduce them he will punish such false teachers and kill their Children with death and testify displeasure against those that suffer them The work of which seducers being to draw away from the Doctrine of Christ and from his works Rev. 2. 18 26. And in that his feet are such in the midst of his Churches as hath been said so it shews unto us that he is no respecter of Persons Rom. 2. 7 11. And all the Churches shall know that he will give unto every one of them according to their works Rev. 2. 23. he will not spare them that come nigh unto him if they sin against him Deut. 4. 23 27. Rem 11. 20. And it may cause us to be afraid of his judgments Ps 119. 120. Habak 3. 2 15 16. Oh that we may stand in awe and not sin against him for if we sin he will mark us and will not acquit us from our Iniquity Job 10. 14 15. and it may instruct us to hold fast what we have heard from the beginning to abide in Christs Doctrine and to keep his works and to rejoyce and walk therein Rev. 2. 18 2â— 26. and to rejoyce in him and in his salvation Habak 3. 16 18. To have and 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. And if judgment begin at and in his house what will the end of them be that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ they shall not escape unpunished Ps 68. 20. Jer. 25. 15 29. 2 Thes 1. 5 9. 1 Pet. 4. 17 18. And his voice as the sound or voice of many waters Thus it is read in Daniel The voice
reins and hearts according to the scope of â—his pâ—ace â—er 32. â—â— Aâ—â— the end of seducers and of those that have been seduced and polluted by them shall be according to their works 2 Cor. 11. 15. and ch 5. 10. Verse 24 and Verse 25. But unto you I say and unto the rest in Thyatira as many as have not this Doctrine and which have not known the depths of Satan as they speak I will put upon you none other burden But that which ye have already hold fast till I come In these two verses our Saviour after he had declared how he would deal with Jezebel and her Paramours and Children and what effect these judgments he would execute upon them should have upon the Churches c. v. 20 23. here addresses himself to them who had kept themselves unspotted from their pollutions Wherein note in Generall That when Christ is angry with and threatens evil Men and seducers and such evil ones in his Churches as are polluted by them or have fellowship in any unfruitful work of darkness yet still he hath love for and speaks friendly and kindly unto those whose hearts are upright before him and â—ound in his testimonies he is not like unto us when some have displeased us we are apt to be angry with all but when he is angry with evil speakers and doers and though he gives a dreadful description of himself v. 18. yet he is still graciously affected towards and speaks gently and loveingly unto those who who keep themselves pure So it appears here in these two verses and in what follows presently so also in ch 3. 2 4. when he saith to the Angel and Church in Sardis generally I have not found thy works perfect before God And threateneth If thou shalt not watch I will come on thee as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee yet then presently he speaks to the hearts of such as were perfect before God Thou hast a few names which have not defiled their garments anâ— they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy so when he had been declaring the great iniquities and transgressions of his people in former times and threatning heavy judgments against them therefore yet then he chargeth his servants say unto the righteous that it shall be well with him for they shall eat the fruit of their doings Isay 2 and ch 3. 1 10. and when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah c. he remembred Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow Gen. 19. 29. 2 Pet. 2. 9. how might this therefore engage us so to receive his grace that bringeth salvation to all men that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we may live soberly righteously and godly in this present World considering in so doing he will receive us and will be a Father to us how angry soever he be with others 2 Cor. 6. 14 18. and how may it comfort those who are upright-hearted and strengthen them not to fear though the earth be moved and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea for God will be their refuge and strength and will never leave them nor forsake them however angry he be with or how much soever he threatneth and punisheth others amongst whom they live see notes on ch 3. v. 4. more particularly in these two verses we have to consider and speak unto these things 1. The persons unto whom he speaketh kindly 2. What he saith and speaketh unto these Persons 1. The Persons unto whom he now speaketh kindly And they are thus described to us by way of distinction from and opposition unto those fore-spoken of But unto you I say and unto the rest in Thyatira as many as have not this Doctrine and which have not known the depths of Satan as they speak Vnto you I say These persons are distinguished from those that follow and it appears that hereby are meant those that went before this Church their Ministers Bishops or overseers for in the beginning of every Epistle Christ directs himself to the Angel as we have said and seen before and though the word Angel be used in the singular number to denote the unity that ought to be in them in the faith of Christ and profession thereof yet there might be and it doth appear plainly by this expression there was more than one Minister over the Churches see notes on ch 1. v. 20. so when the Apostle writes to the Church of the Philippians at Philippi he thus directs it To all the Saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi with the Bishops c. As signifying to us they had more than one Bishop or overâ—eer over that Church Phil. 1. 1. and so it appears there were several in the Church of Ephesus Acts 20. 17. with v. 28. see also Tit. 1. 5. and so Servants in one Evangelist is Servant in another Mat. 22. 4. with Luke 14. 17. Ps 34. 7. it appears evidently enough in this place that there was more then on single person in each Church to watch over it as also where it is said when Paul and Barnabas had ordained them not one elder in every Church but elders in every Church c. Acts 14. 23. and so undoubtedly it appears there was more than one Elder in a Church by what the Apostle James saith Is an sick among you let him call for the elders of the Church and let them pray over him And unto the rest in Thyatira namely to the residue of the Believers in that Church who were not in such office as those before spoken of were Which have not this doctrine To wit of Jezabel that evil pernicious doctrine Some were preserved and kept themselves pure from her polluting and pernicious Doctrine while others were defiled therewith see the notes on ch 3. v. 4. so when the Apostle Paul saith The Spirit speaketh expresly that in the last days some will depart from the Faith giving heed to seducing Spirits c. 1 Tim. 4. 1. he signifieth to us that all the believers would not do so Some would not follow those strangers who came to remove them and did remove others from the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and these shall judge those that transgresâ— and abide not in the doctrine of Christ And he directeth Timothy and us all how we may be preserved from erroneous Spirits saying Take heed unto thy self and unto the doctrine continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee 1 Tim. 4. 16. 2 Tim. 3. 13 14 15 16. 1 Joh. 2. 24 25 26. And which have not known the depths of Satan as they speak In this he giveth us to understand 1. That they had depths in their evil and abominable doctrines as they called them so they spake and boasted of mysterious things which they thought were not easily or readily understood by others they had cunningly devised fables and might
Churches Heb. 4. 12 13. Ps 33. 15. All the Churches shall know saith Christ that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give to every one of you according to your works see notes on ch 2. v. 23. hence he saith to every one of the Churches I know thy works that is he takes notice of them and considers of what nature or kind soever they be see notes on ch 2. 1. and the consideration hereof may be useful to us 1. To preserve us from or purge out of us those foolish blasphemous and Athestical thoughts whereby Men think to hide their doin the dark from his all-seeing eye Thus some wickedly reasoned thorow their ignorance and blindness as it seems in that the Lord saith can any hide themselves in secret places that I shall not see them Do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Jer. 23. 24. Isay 29. 15. Thus again it is said Is not God in the height of Heaven and behold the height of the stars how high are they and thou sayest how doth God know can he Judge thorow the dark cloud Thick clouds are a covering to him that he seeth not c. Job 22. 12 14. and ch 24. 15 17. and ch 34. 22. 2 It might also and would be powerful to preserve us from putting forth our hand to iniquity were it considered by us that he searcheth into and knoweth all our works and why wilt thou my Son saith the holy Spirit be ravisht with a strange Woman For the ways of a Man are before the eyes of the Lord and he pondereth all his goings Prov. 5. 20 21. Ps 44. 20 21. Job 31. 1 4. O then walk we before him and be we perfect see notes on ch 2. v. 23. 2. Herein is affirmed that Christ did not upon search find their works perfect before God they might be and it appears they were perfect before Men before the Angel or Angels and Churches Because they had a name amongst them that they lived as before v. 1. others thought and spake highly honourably of them to their hurt and prejudice it seems But here our Lord Jesus he who is holy he who is true deals faithfully with them and undeceives them and others concerning them and saith Thy works have not been found by me perfect before God and his open rebuke and conviction was better than secret love or their Brethren's high commendations of them Faithful were the wounds of this Friend Prov. 27. 5 6. Ps 141. 5. But may not the same be said of all believers works Are any of their works perfect before God Is there not imperfection in them all To that we may say they are not compleatly perfect not so according to the strictness of the law or letter for there is not a just Man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccl. 7. 20. there are iniquities cleaving to their holy things and so to their best works doings and performances So as if God should strictly observe the failings and imperfections cleaving to them he might wipe them our and reject them Exod. 28. 38. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. Neh. 13. 14 22 31. But yet Blessed is the Man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Rom. 4. 5 8. and Ps 32. 1 2. Blessed are the perfect or undefiled in the way who walk in the law of the Lord Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and that seek him with the whole heart They also do no iniquity they walk in his ways Ps 119. 1 2 6. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit such God justifies not as to their persons only but also as to their works and who then shall condemn them Rom. 8. 1 33 34. A Man's works may be said according to the rule of the Gospel to be perfect when they are done in union with Jesus Eph. 2. 10. and so are produced by the Faith of the Gospel which faith worketh by love and these two are the new creature Gal. 5. 6. with ch 6. 15. when they proceed from the grace of God which brings salvation to all Men known and heartily believed whereby the heart is purified and body washt with that pure water so as according to the teachings thereof denying ungodliness and worldly lusts they walk soberly righteously and godly in this present World Looking for that blessed hope c. Tit. 2. 11 14. and the end of this conversation is that God in all things may be glorified thorow Jesus Christ and therein the good of Men and Brethren is endeavoured and pursued 1 Pet. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 32 33. see the notes on ch 2. v. 5. and thus the works of the weakest as well as of the strongest may be perfect before God for whosoever abideth in Christ sinneth not 1 Joh. 3. 6. Verse 3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard and hold fast and repent If therefore thou shalt not watch I will come on thee as as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee The former part of this verse contains in it a gracious direction which our Lord gives to this Angel and Church and it refers to what goes before as is evident In v. 1. he had said thou art dead and here Remember therefore to the end thou mayest be revived quickned enlivened and comforted and it 's like to that Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen see notes on ch 2. v. 5 and so that here directed to is like to what the Psalmist provokes his Soul unto when the sorrows of death compassed him Return saith he unto thy rest O my Soul for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee to wit in that thy rest Ps 116. 3 7. or like to what Jonah relaâ—es when my Soul fainted within me I remembred the Lord and my prayer came in unto thee into thine holy Temple Jonah 2. 4 7. that which did enliven them at the first when they were dead in sins and trespasses was also powerful to revive them again even Christ as declared in the Gospel and so the Gospel of Christ which is the word of life Phil. 2. 16. Or this may have reference unto the former part of v. 2. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain which are ready to dy But how should they do that thus Remember therefore â—ow thou hast received and heard c. the weakness of God even the foolish preaching of Christ crucified is stronger than Men It is the power of God whereby thou mayest be enabled to strengthen those dying things Rom. 1. 16 17. 1 Cor. 1. 17 22 25. Or this direction instruction may have reference to the latter clause of v. 2. or to Christ himself as convincing them of and reproving them for what was amiss in them I have not found thy works perfect before God Remember therefore c. like that ch 2.
Joh. 2. 8. His word was always true but the truth of it is now made more apparent in the preaching of the Gospel according to the Revelation of the Mystery His Record is true concerning all things there is no lye of it but he is a true witness in what he speaketh of God the Father himself the work of the Spirit Mankind Sin Righteousness Judgment Life Death and of what he is become and hath for us Gold tried in the Fire White Rayment and of the loathsomness of this Lukewarmness to him These things saith he who is holy he who is true Rev. 3. 7. He is true and worthy to be listened unto and believed by us in all his declarations promises discoveries requirings instructions reproofs threats c. a faithful and true witness who will not lye one who is faithful to the interest of our Souls Prov. 14. 5. A true witness who delivers Souls from their Transgressions wandrings lukewarmnesses who hath power to deliver from Sin Satan Fears Evils Dangers yea from the Wrath to come and is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him Prov. 14. 25. 1 Thes 1. 10. Heb. 7. 24 25. The beginning of the creation of God He is before all things and by him all things consist Col. 1. 17 18. The beginning both of the first and old Creation And that both 1. In giving a being to it when before it had none It was God's creation but made by him God created all things by Jesus Christ Eph. 3. 9. He is the Creator of the ends of the Earth that faints not neither is weary there is no searching of his understanding By him were all things created visible and invisible All things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. He knows how and hath understanding to help us when we are faint dead dry decaying He gives power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength Isay 40. 27 29. Ah Lord God saith the Prophet behold thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great power and stretched out arm and there is nothing too hard for thee Jer. 32. 17. What cannot he do that created all things And all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Joh. 1. 1 3. He can restore heat and health and heal us of our wounds and cure our loathsome distempers when our bruise is incurable and wound grievous and we have no healing Medicines nor is there any to plead our cause that we may be bound up Jer. 30. 12 17. 2. And he is the maker of the creation of God when it was marred by Mans seeking out â—oolish inventiâ—ns The Earth and all the Inhabitants thereof were dissolved He beareth up the pillars thereof Ps 75. 3. He upholds all things by the word of his power Heb. 1. 3. The World was made by him preserved from perishing and upheld when it was marred spoiled and dissolved by the iniquity of Mankind Joh. 1. 10. And therefore though you have destroyed your selves and deserve to be rejected and cast off and out from his presence and favour for ever yet in him is your help neither is there Salvation in any other Acts 4. 12. Oh turn again to him from whom you have revolted he hath made peace by the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things to himself Col. 1. 20. And he is the beginning of the new Creation thorow and by means of his personal abasement and sufferings the Captain of our Salvation was made perfect thorow sufferings Heb. 2. 10. In him there is a compleat Creation He is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the pre-eminence for it pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell Col. 1. 18 19. In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily and in â—im we are compleat compleatly prepared for and furnished with all furniture who is the Head of all principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. In him our nature is restored again into the Image of God after a more glorious manner than ever it was made in the first publick man And so there is in him a compleat and perfect provision of all things that may tend to our being brought back to God in our own person so made new Creatures as every one is that is in him because he died for all and rose again Jam. 3. 9. Eph. 2. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 14 17. There is in him a justification from the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness so as that all that have sinned and are come short of the glory of God are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus Rom. 4. 25. and 3. 23 24. and he hath obtained forgiveness of our personal sins gifts for Men yea for the rebellious also healing of our diseases decays deadnesses Gold to enrich poor wretched miserable ones White Rayment to cover our shameful nakedness Eye-salve to cure our blindness Spirit to quicken and enliven us and to put heat into and recover lukewarm-ones The last Adam was made a quickning Spirit to quicken those that were dead in trespasses 1 Cor. 15. 45. He hath by his Blood obtained eternal Redemption forgiveness of our Sins for ever and the recovery of our loss even of all the glory of God of which we came short by our sinning He hath restored that which he took not away Heb. 9 12. So as that in him there is help and salvation for us when we have rendred our selves vile and brought our selves into a loathsome condition He is the Fountain of Life of living waters of grace and truth the Treasury and Store-house of all Gods fulness for us that he may dispence to us thereof according to our various wants and capacities and that of his fulness we may receive and Grace for Grace Indeed he is the beginning and end of this new Creation the author and finisher of the Faith whose hands have laid the foundation and whose hands shall finish the building Rev. 1. 8 11. Zech. 4. 7 9. Heb. 12. 2. Verse 15. I know thy works see notes on chap. 2. verse 1. that thou art neither cold nor hot I would thou wert cold or hot He saw that their works were not perfect before him and thence saith and observeth That thou art neither cold nor hot not cold there was still some profession of the faith with them some seeking God waiting upon him and approaching to him they had not wholly left off all professed worshipping of him and calling upon his name they might still read and hear and pray and have some use of Christs ordinances among them and a form of Godliness upon them They had not professedly cast off the thing that was good but there was some warmth with them still And surely they did assemble themselves together for they were yet reckoned by Christ a
his Brother But he hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law Psal 49 6 7. with Gal. 3. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. And he hath redeemed all the saints and holy Ones unto God out of every kindred and tongue c. Rev. 5. 9. And Job signifies his Redeemer was God Job 19. 25 27. 3. By his upholding all things as after the Apostle had been saying By Christ God made the worlds he presently adds He upholdeth all things by the word of his power Heb. 1 2 3. The earth and all the Inhabitants thereof were dissolved he bears up the pillars thereof Psal 75. 2 3. He is before all things and by him all things consist and stand together in that good and comely order in which they are Câ—l 1. 16 17. 4. By his Providence and providential ordering and governing of all things Vnto us a child is born saith the Prophet unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and he shall be called Wonderful Counseller the mighty God c. Isa 9. 6 7. The Father henceforth judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the son that all men should honour the son c. Joh. 5. 22 23. with ver 19. Matth. 28. 18. 5. By his work of Resurrection that is the work of the Omnipotent God which no mere creature hath power to effect it is God that raiseth the dead 2 Cor. 1. 9. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead It is impossible for any mere creature to do it indeed and it may justly therefore be thought incredible that any of them should do it but nothing is too hard for God Act. 22. 8. Now this work of Omnipotency hath been and shall be wrought and effected by Christ He raised his own body John 2. 19 21. And all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth John 5. 28 29. He is the resurrection and the life John 11. 25. 2 Cor. 4. 14. 6. By his eternally judging all which is the work of God as it is said And to God the judg of all Heb. 12. 23. But he shall judg all by Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained the judg of quick and dead Rom. 2. 16. We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ 2 Cor. 5. 10. He shall sit upon the throne of his glory and before him shall be gathered all nations and he will give to every one according as his work shall be to those on his right hand eternal life and salvation of which he is the Author and those on his left hand shall be destroyed with everlasting destruction from his presence Matth. 25. 31-46 Rev. 22. 12. Act. 3. 15. Heb. 5. 9. 2 Thes 1. 6-9 and that he is the true God will also and further appear by the religious worship that is and ought to be given to him to which after Only here we may briefly say In that the lamb is the true God 1. This shews unto us how infinitely precious his personal abasement and sufferings are his blood is the blood of God Act. 20. 28. It is the precious blood of Christ who is over all God blessed for ever 1 Pet. 1. 19. with Rom. 9. 5. and therefore it is infinitely and eternally precious in it self and precious with his Father Prov. 17. 8. 1 Pet. 2. 4. Phil. 2. 6. 9. and unto them that believe 1 Pet. 2. 7. therefore we have good cause to glory only and always in his cross Gal. 6. 14. and to eat his flesh and drink his blood or otherwise we have no life in â—s his flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed being the flesh and blood of him who came down from Heaven and who is the Son of God by divine and eternal generation John 6. 32-35-42-51-53-58 2. It shews unto us his wonderful love in being so greatly abased for sinful fallen mankind Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though â—e was rich yet for our sakes he became poor that we thorow his poverty might be enriched 2 Cor. 8. 9. Herein perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us 1 John 3. 16. He could propose no real advantage or increase of glory or happiness to himself for â—e was in the form of God and thought it no robbery to be equal to God yet made himself of no reputation c. Phil. 2. 5-8 Here was greatness and freeness of love and charity indeed He sought not his own things 1 Cor. 13. 5. John 17. 4 5. 3. It shews unto us what a great High-priest we have even Jesus the Son of God who is mighty to save able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him neither is there salvation in any other He is a just God and a Saviour and there is none beside him Oh let us then look unto him and â—e saved and come with boldness to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need He is the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Isa 45. 21 24. with Phil. 2. 6-10 Isa 63. 1. with Act. 4. 12. Heb. 4. 14. 16. and chap. 7. 25 28. Tit. 2. 13. 4. It may admonish and warn us to take heed we despise not nor reject this mighty one Exod. 23. 21. If they escaped not who refused him that sâ—â—ke on earth much more shall not we escape if we refâ—se him that speaketh from Heaven Heb. 12. 25-29 As he is able to save so also to destroy Jam. 4. 12. Psal 2. 6-8-12 Rev. 6. 16 17. 5. Let it move and prevail with us all to kiss submit unto reverence and love him Psal 2. 12. To â—ow down unto and worship him Matth. 21. 37. Joh. â— 22 2â— And this leads us to the next particular viz. 2. Because he is very God God by nature he is and ought to be religiously worshipped and adored as these holy Ones here do Before we come to speak particularly hereto or demonstrate the truth hereof we may a little speak to this phrase before the Lamb which is in the Scripture-use and acception all one as to say they fell down to the Lamb or they worshipped the Lamb so the phrase is used as with respect to a false object of worship so it is said of Amaziah He set up the Gods of the children of Seir to be his Gods and bowed down himself before them c. 2 Chron. 25. 14. see Ezek. 14. 3 4 7. So the words of Satan to our Saviour are thus exprest by one Evangelist If thou wilt fall down and worship me By another thus If thou wilt fall down before me Compare Matth. 4. 9. with Luk. 4. 7. to signifie the falling down before any object religiously is to worship that object Compare also Rev. 19. 10. with chap. 22. 8. It is indeed Idolaâ—ry to fall down before a false object
of worship religiously and they are Idolaters who fall down before the picture or supposed picture of the Virgin Mary or of the Cross or of any creature whatever yea though it were made for and be looked upon as the picture of Christ or of the Father Ezek. 8. 10 12. or to fall down religiously before any mere creature for it is a worshipping the creature though men pretend to worship the Creator thereby as the Papists do Exod. 32. 4 5. with Deut. 9. 12. and Act. 7. 41. And so this phrase is oft used to denote the true worship to the true object of worship so Moses saith of himself I fell down before the Lord which is all one as to say I prayed to him Deut. 9. 18. with ver 20. so to pray before the Lord and unto him are all one 1 Sam. 1. 10 12 15. with ver 26. Dan. 9. 13. Compare 1 Chron. 17. 25. with 2 Sam. 7. 27. and 2 King 19. 15. with Isa 37. 15. Thus here we are to understand it They fell down to the Lamb and worshipped him with a divine and religious worship as it is said Thy throne O God is for ever and ever c. And then presently after He is thy Lord and worship thou him Psal 45. 8-11 And so having now spoken to that phrase we shall shew That he is and ought to be worshipped with divine Adoration 1. With inward that of the heart and spirit He is to be believed in and on even as the one and only foundation of faith 1 Cor. 3. 11. And whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed he shall not perish but have everlasting life John 3. 14-16 Rom. 9. 33. with Isa 28. 16. and 1 Pet. 2. 4 6. This is the work of God that we believe on him whom he hath sent John 6. 29. and 7. 38 39. And this is one branch of the mystery of godliness or right worshipping viz. believing on God who was manifest in the flesh c. 1 Tim. 3. 16. and the faith is to be received in believing as his Jam. 2. 1. Heb. 12. 1 2. He is the Lord of it Ephes 4. 4 5. the only Rabbi who hath dominion over our faith which no mere man or creature whatsoever hath Matth. 23. 8 10. 2 Cor. 1. 24. with chap. 12. 11. He is to be trusted in as he who is Jehovah Psal 34. 7 8. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. Psal 2. 12. Ephes 1. 12 13. And to be loved with all the heart and mind and soul and strength He is to be loved by us better than our selves in coming unto and following him we are to deny our selves Matth. 16. 23 24. and he is to be loved by us above the nearest and most beloved relations Matth. 10. 37 38. yea so as that for his sake we should comparatively hate father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and our own lives also Luk. 14. 26 27. John 14. 21 23. He is to be look't unto with the eyes of our souls for all wisdom righteousness strength salvation for he is the only Saviour Isa 45. 21 22 25. with Rom. 14. 9-12 Acts 4. 12. yea in short we are to honour him as we honour the Father John 5. 22 23. 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. 25 28 29. 2. And he is also more outwardly to be religiously adored and worshipped by us such religious worship is to be given to him and hath been frequently given to and received by him before his death and after So the wise men they came to worship him and accordingly when they saw the young child Jesus with Mary his mother they fell down and worshipped not Mary or them but him and they presented unto him gifts c. Matth. 2. 2-11 so he was worshipped by the Leper who also acknowledged his great power Matth. 8. 2. so Jairus fell down at his feet and worshipped him Compare Luke 8. 41. with Matth. 9. 18. so it is said of the blind man and by him Lord I believe and he worshipped him John 9. 35 38. and the like may be seen in many other places so after his resurrection Thomas believed and said unto him My Lord and my God John 20. 28 29. And of all the Apostles it is said they worshipped him Luk. 24. 51 52. and that he is the object also of that religious worship which is more outward will appear if we consider 1. Into his name we are and are to be baptized as our Saviour faith unto his Apostles All power is given unto me both in Heaven and on Earth Go ye therefore disciple all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son c. Matth. 28. 18 19. Act. 2. 38. with 1 Cor. 1. 13 15. Act. 8. 12 16. 2. We are to hear and receive the Gospel as his word also and therein to honour the Son as we honâ—uâ— the Father Joh 5. 23 24. Heb. 1. 1-3 with chap. 2. 1. and chap. 12. 25. and to observe all his Commandments Ordinances and Appointments Matth. 28. 18 20. Isa 42. 1-4 1 Cor. 11. 23-26 3. To pray unto him as well as by him Acts 1. 24. with ver 6. so of Stephen it is said They stoned him invocating and saying Lord Jesus receive my spirit Act. 7. 59 60. And the true believers are thus described they are such as call upon or invocate his name Act. 9. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 2. with 1 King 18. 24. with ver 36. 37. Psal 116. 4. and Ananias exhorts and excites Paul hereto Act. 22. 16-20 And from him as from the Father grace and peace is voted and desired as in the beginning and end of most of the Epistles written to the Churches may be seen see the notes on Rev. 1. ver 4. and ver 5. 4. And he hath been and is to be Preached as the Lord that men might come unto and believe on him and so is no mere creature to be indeed it is said of Moses he hath them that preach him to wit the law as delivered by him Luke 16. 29 31. or himself as one who received the law from God and gave it to the people Acts 15. 21. but he was not to be preached as the foundation and object of faith and Lord of mens consciences as the Lamb is as they say We preach Jesus Christ the Lord and our selves your servants for Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4. 5. Acts 17. 3. And this is also one branch of the mystery of Godliness or right worship that God who was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit c. was Preached to the Gentiles even thus Preached as God who was manifest c. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 5. It appears also that divine worship hath been and is to be given to him by the many Doxologies or rendâ—ings and ascribings glory honour and dominion to him and