unto the lamb for ever and ever by every creature c. whereto the living creatures say Amen chap. 5. 12 13 14. and by all the Angels chap. 7. 11 12. He hath power to do what he pleaseth as it is said Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in Heaven and in the Earth in the Seas and in all deep places Psal 115. 3 4. and 135. 6. Matth. 6. 13. 1 Chron. 29. 11 12. He hath power to help and to cast down power to save and to destroy to give or to withhold 2 Chron. 25. 8. Jam. 4. 12. To do every thing that consists with his infinite holiness see notes before on ver 8. and no thought can be withholden from him Job 42. 2. and he can and doth uphold all things by the word of his power Hebr. 1. 3. Psal 75. 3. and 55. 22. But here especially as it may seem and as is before said Power answers to thanks in ver 9. and so power belongs to him also with him is mercy Psal 62. 11. He hath power to extend mercy to unworthy undeserving and ill-deserving ones as hâ— hath manifested in raising up such an Horn of salvation in the house of his servant David in preparing a body for Christ in the womb of the Virgin Luk. 1. 35. In being with him in trouble with him his hand hath been established his arm also hath strengthened him so as the enemy hath not exacted upon him nor the son of wickedness afflicted him Psal 89. 21-23 though Satan and his instruments thrust sore at him yet the Lord helped him the right hand of the Lord did valiantly the right hand of the Lord was exalted c. Psal 118. 10-13-16 and the working of the might of his power wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality c. Eph. 1. 19 20 21. Psal 118. 16-18 Thorow whom his power is great for saying redeeming and forgiving any sinners though never so great that turn at his reproofs come at his calls and obey his counsels Numb 14. 17. Isa 50. 1 2 3. And on such-like accounts we have cause to give thanks unto him and sing of and praise his power Isa 45. 8-10 Psal 59. 16. and 150 1 2 3. 2. We have also to consider the Reason or Reasons of the Elders rendring praise glory and honour unto him For thou hast created all things c. This hath respect either unto the first and old Creation or also unto the new unto both which we may speak a little 1. As with respect to the first in which act of his Creation he gave a being to all creatures by his word which before had none Gen. 1. 1-21-27 He said Let there be light c. and it was so And in this work of Creation the three persons who are but one God 1 John 5. 7-9 did concur and co-operate To us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him 1 Cor. 8. 6. By Christ were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made John 1. 1 2 3. Ephes 3. 9. Heb. 1. 1 2 3. and ver 8 10. And all the Host of the Heavens to wit rhe Angels Sun Moon and Stars c. were made by the spirit of the mouth of the Lord Psal 33. 6. And Elihu saith The Spirit of God hath made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life Job 33. 4. and chap. 26. 13. Psal 104. 30. Isa 40. 13-18-26 And in this work of Creation appears his glory and honour his work herein is honourable and glorious Psal 111. 3. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handy-work Psal 19. 1-6 Isa 40. 26. Herein appears and is manifested 1. His infinite power and that he can do all things Ab 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. 17-27 The Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King he hath made the earth by his power Jer. 10. 10-12 and chap. 51. 15. And therefore he can extend help to us in every case and condition Lift up your eyes on high and behold who hath created these things that bringeth out their host by number he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might for that he is strong in power not one faileth Why sayest thou O Jacob and speakest O Israel my way is hid from the Lord and my judgment is passed over from my God Isa 40. 26 27 28. Job 38. and chap. 39. and chap. 40. and chap. 41. and chap. 42. 2-5 Psal 89. 8 9-11-13 2. And herein also appears his infinite wisdom and unsearchable understanding that he is mighty in wisdom Job 36. 5. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all Psal 104. 24. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth by understanding hath he establish'd the Heavens by his knowledg the depths are broken up c. Prov. 3. 19 20. He hath established the world by his wisdom and stretched out the Heavens by his discretion Jer. 10. 12. and chap. 51. 15. Psal 136. 5. And therefore also glory and honour appertain to him as the Apostle saith Now unto the King eternal or of ages or worlds the only wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen 1 Tim. 1. 17. And thus we should also glorify him in trusting in him at all times and pouring out our hearts unto him as knowing and believing The creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not nor is weary there is no searching of his understanding Isa 40. 26 27 28-31 Jude 25. 3. And herein is also manifested his goodness and mercy that he is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal 145. 8 9. He by wisdom made the Heavens for his mercy endureth for ever and stretched out the earth above the waters for his mercy endureth for ever who made great lights for his mercy endureth for ever The Sun to rule by day for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136. 1-4-9 The earth is full of his mercy and riches Psal 104. 24. and 119. 64 and 8. 1 2 4 5. and 89. 1-12 13. and 33. 5. yea indeed his Being and Godhead and all his glorious Attributes are manifested by the works of his Creation that all might glorify him The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse because
was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone and there was a Rain-bow round about the Throne in sight like unto an Emerald In this Verse the Apostle John gives unto us a further account of what was represented to him and he saw in spirit And that 1. Of the vision sight or appearance of him that sate on the Throne And he that sate was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone 2. Of what he saw about the Throne And there was a Rain bow round about the Throne in sight like unto an Emerald 1. Of the vision sight or appearance of him that sate on the Throne And he that sate was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone He that sate namely in his Royal Majesty and glory upon the supreme Throne of rule dominion and government in Heaven the Lord God Almighty before whom all Creatures Saints and Angels prostrate themselves and unto whom they give honour as we have said and shewn on vers 2. this infinitely and inconceivably glorious One was to look upon or in sight or appearance like to a Jasper-stone and a Sardine From whence we may note in general the appearance of the most high God the Lord and possessor of Heaven and Earth is thus represented to men to signifie and give us some small intimation of his in finite and transcendent excellency and glorious majesty and splendor though indeed he is infinitely more glorious than all precious stones whatever as it is said of Wisdom Job 28. 12 20. Yea He hath set his glory above the Heavens Psal 8. 1. though they in some little degree declare his glory Psal 19. 1. Particularly He was in appearance like a Jasperâ—stone which hath its name from firmness and hardness as some say and so signifies his Omnipotency and Almightiness as ver 8. it is said of him instead of this precious stone a Saphire is spoken of and mentioned in that Vision vouchsafed to Ezekiel Chap. 1. 26. and Chap. 10. 1. which herein agrees with the Jasper that it is very hard and not to be broken so certainly it may be said of him that sits on the Throne that power belongs to him Psal 62. 11. And whoever hardens himself against him shall not prosper but be broken in pieces Job 9. 4. Mat. 21. 44. This stone shall break in pieces the iron the brass the clay the silver and the gold to wit all other Kingdoms and it shall stand for ever as it is said Prophetically of our Lord Jesus Christ Dan. 2. 34 43 45. But the Jasper is in Scripture taken notice of for its transparent light as it is said â—er light was like unto a stone most precious even like a Jasper-stone clear as crystal Rev. 21. 11. So it is most fully true of this most glorious one He is light and in him is no darkness at all 1 Joh. 1. 5. He dwelleth in that light that no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see and the light dwelleth with him 1 Tim. 6. 16. Dan. 2. 22. And in his light we may see light Psal 36 9. And so we may say 1. He hath light and understanding and wisdom excellent wisdom as these words are put together and the latter shew unto us what is meant by light Dan. 5. 11 14. There is no searching of his understanding Isa 40. 28. His understanding is infinite Psal 147. 5. He hath the light of knowledg and is perfect therein 2 Cor. 4. 6. Job 36. 4. so as he discerns and knows all things The darkness hideth not from him but the night shineth as the day the darkness and the light are both alike to him Psal 139. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord Do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Jer. 23. 23 24. With this Ancient of days is wisdom and in his length of days understanding with him is wisdom and strength he hath counsel and understanding and therefore also it is most right and meet he should govern and that all should submit unto him Job 12. 12 13. And the consideration hereof may admonish us to walk in the light as he is in the light to walk before him and to be perfect if we do not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it and he that keepeth thy soul doth he not know it and shall not he render to every man according to his works Gen. 17. 1. Prov. 24. 12. and Chap. 15. 3. And he now gives light to us and is light to us in his Gospel therein he sends forth his light and his truth to lead and guide us Psal 43. 3. Yea as the Psalmist saith The Lord is my light as a precious stone a Jasper will give light and be a light to us in our darkness Psal 27. 1. Micah 7. 8. and Christ is the light of the world Joh. 8. 12. and hereafter gloriously the Lord will be the light of the new Jerusalem and then having the glory of God to lighten her her light shall be like unto a stone most precious even like a Jasper-stone clear as Crystal Compare Rev. 21. 11. with vers 23. 2. And by his glorious light may also be meant his infinite purity and holiness so God is light and in him is no darkness at all no manner of impurity or unholiness 1 Joh. 1. 5 6 7. As darkness frequently signifies in Scripture impurity and uncleanness and all manner of iniquity so contrarily light signifies purity and holiness Prov. 2. 13. Isa 5. 20. Rom. 13. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 14. Ephes 5. 8 11. And he that sits upon the Throne is Holiness it self a God of purer eyes than to behold iniquity and one that cannot look on evil one that cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Hab. 1. 13. Psal 5. 4. Jam. 1. 13 14. But we shall not here further enlarge on this because we shall have opportunity to speak to it again on vers 8. of this Chapter And a Sardine-stone viz. a Ruby Exod. 28. 17. Ezek. 28. 13. Rev. 21. 20. This precious stone is called a Sardine from the place or Countrey a Ruby from the colour which is ruddy like a young fresh-coloured man As it is said in former times concerning the Nazarites They were more ruddy in body than Rubies Lam. 4. 7. Instead of the Ruby or Sardine it is said in Ezek. 1. 26. Vpon the likeness of the Throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it And of Christ it is said by the Spouse He is ruddy even like a Ruby Cant. 5. 10. with Lam. 4. 7. And Christ the Wisdom of God is compared unto Rubies though yet he infinitely exceeds them and all precious stones whatever Job 28. 12 20. Prov. 3. 15. and Chap. 8. 11. with 1 Cor. 1. 24. And so it is said He that sate was to look upon like a Sardine-stone to signifie to us that
5. an elder informed John who the palm-bearing Saints which were in heaven were chap. 7. 13 17. and when there were great voices in heaven then of the twenty-four elders only it is said they fell on their faces c. chap. 11. 15 16. which also may evince that by the elders we are to understand the spirits of just men made perfect who are present with the Lord and so in Heaven 3. And this will further appear by their sitting on their thrones by their raiment and crowns on their heads to which we shall speak particularly as we come at these things in order 3. And they appear by the title given to them to mean some that have rule over us though they are not alive in the body to wit the prophets in former times and the apostles of the lamb answerable whereto it is said At the gates of the holy Jerusalem were twelve Angels and names written thereon which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel And the wall of the city had twelve foundations and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb Rev. 21. 12 14. and so by these twenty-four elders we may â—nderstand the Patriarchs including the holy prophets and the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ of whose words we should be always mindful as the Apostle Peter signifies saying I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and of the commandment of us the Apostle of the Lord and Saviour 2 Pet. 3. 1 2. and so the fathers of the Church in former times are called elders after they were dead in these words By faith the elders obtained a good report Heb. 11. 2 c. and the apostles of Christ are called elders 1 Pet. 5. 1. 2 Joh. 1. 3 Joh. 1. and they are signified to be bishops Acts 1. 20. and both denote their ruling-power in the Church and so it may be said of both the prophets and apostles that they are under Christ the Masters of the congregations of the worshippers of the true God as the Preacher saith The words of the wise are as goads and as nails fastened by the masters of the assemblies which are given from one shepherd Eccles 12. 11. 1 Tim. 5. 17. they are instrumental fathers and so to be obeyed in the Lord so the Apostle Peter saith to the Jews Ye are the children of the prophets Acts 3. 25. Luke 16. 29 31. and the apostle Paul saith of himself and the same may be said of the residue of the Apostles in the like case Though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ yet not many fathers for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel 1 Cor. 4. 15. and the patriarchs prophets and apostles are after their departure out of this world our Guides and Rulers by their good words and examples as the Apostle in imateth when he saith Remember them who have the rule over you or who are the guides of you but who are they it follows who have spoken to you the word of God whose faith follow and these whom he calls our Guides Rulers or Elders as the word also signifies are such of the Holy Prophets and Apostles principally as had died in the â—aith and being absent from the body were present with the Lord as appears also by what follows in our translations viz. considering the end out-going conclusion or consummation of their conversation c. Heb. 13. 7. which place being diligently minded gives great light to this and hugely helps us to understand who these elders are as we have said before to wiâ— the Prophets and Apostles who had lived and died in the faith so in this book the twelve Apostles who were all dead as is very probable John excepted before he received this Revelation are called stars Rev. 12. 1. and as the stars of heaven do rule on earth Gen. 1. 16 18. Psal 136. 9. so also the Prophets and Apostles as stars now they are in their spirits in heaven do by their light in their word and good conversation still guide rule over and govern us instrumentally and so much also we may understand by their seats or thrones Mat. 19. 28. and yet also these twenty-four elders may be as it were the Representative of all the saints and holy ones who had finished their course and kept and died in the faith and whose spirits were in Heaven as the Angel of every of the seven Churches in Asia is spoken to as representing the whole Church of which he was the Angel or Messenger Now these â—our and twenty elders are further described to us 1. By their posture sitting That is to say 1. As kings and as persons of rule and government as these are as before we have seen and as appears in that they in the new song do to the praise of the Lamb with thankfulness acknowledg Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests chap. 5. 10. they are sitting on the four and twenty thrones spoken of in the beginning of the verse which are called their thrones chap. 11. 16. like to those spoken of in chap. 20. 4. where it is said I saw thrones and they sâ—te upon them and judgment was given unto them though not fully the same for that speaks of the thrones the children of the first resurrection shall sit upon when they shall be raised which yet none are And the glory of these elders here spoken of is in some part a fulfilling of that promised by our Lord Jesus unto his Apostles when he saith unto them â— appoint unto you a kingdom that ye may eat and drink at my table and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel Luke 22. 28 30. and that they sit as those that have some ruling-power and kingly government appears also by their habit and crowns to which after and so these are more excellent than the sain's that are in the earth Psal 16. 2 3. they are Jerusalem above which is free and is the mother of us all Above the holy ones here below Gal. 4. 29. they are in a better state and condition as the Apostle signifies when he saith I have a desire to depaâ—t and to be with Christ which is far better Phil. 1. 23. Now they are absenâ— from the body they are present with the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. Indeed by faith the holy ones on earth are kings also as is said He hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his father see notes before on chap. 1. ver 6. and chap. 5. 10 But faith is the evidence of things not seen Heb. 11. 1. they now walk by faith not by sight 2 Cor. 5. 6. but these elders have attained and are already perfect in their spirits and therein are actually and gloriously kings which the most
thunderings may be meant tokens and testimonies of Gods wrath and displeasure against men who have not received his Truth and Gospel witnessed and preached by his servants the elders spoken of in ver 4. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against such as reject their word and against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness 2 Chron. 36. 15 16. Jer. 7. 25 29. Mat. 10. 14 15. Râ—m 1. 16 18. To them who are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish c. Rom. 2. 8 9. And so these lightnings and thunderings may be the issue and accomplishment of the prayers and imprecations of the elders against such as are enemies to Christ and his Gospel as Psâ—l 83. so it is said The smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of the angels hand and the angel took the censor and filled it with fire of the altar and cast it into the â—arth and there were voices and thundrings and lightnings c. Rev. 8. 4 5. So when Mâ—ses streâ—ched forth his hand toward heaven the Lord sent thunder c. Exod. 9. 22 23. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us O God of our salvation saith the Prophet Psal 65. 4 5. and 3. 3 7 8. And by lightnings and thunderings may also be meant preparations to and fore-runners of greater wrath if men will not turn nor consider his work and the operation of his hands Psal 7. 12 13 14. and praemonitions and forewarnings which God gives unto the Inhabitants of the world that they might repent and fear before him So when it is said There were voices and thunderings c. then immediately after is declared Gods execution of judgments The seven Angels which had the seven Trumpets prepared themselves to sound The first angel sounded and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood c. Rev. 8. 5 7 8 c. see also Rev. 16. 18 19 21. And indeed usually God doth give warning before he executes severe judgments and thunders before he sends hail or orders a storm and lifteth up his hand in the view of men that they might see it before he strikes Isa 26. 10. Psal 7. 6. He puts men in fear that they might know themselves to be but men He persecutes them with his tempest and makes them afraid with his storm that they might seek his name and know that he whose name alone is Jeâ—ovah is the most High over all the earth Psal 83. 15 18. in this order the Psalmist thus imprecates Arise O Lord O God lift up thine hand to wit to give them warning And then after Break thou the arm of the evil and wicked man Psal 10. 12 15. Lightnings to give light to the world and to let them know and give them to understand that there is one that sits upon the supreme throne of government and rules in the army of heaven and amongst the inhabitants of the earth and that though his throne be in heaven yet verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth that they might fear and tremble before him and depart from iniquity Dan. 6. 26. with Prov. 16. 6. so it is said The lightnings lightned the world the earth trembled and shook Psal 77. 18. and again his lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled Psal 97. 4. and by his lightnings he is discomfiting and scattering his and his peoples enemies and testifying displeasure against such as will not kiss believe in and submit to his Son as witnessed and revealed by his servants the Prophets and Apostles So it is said He shot out lightnings and discomfited them Psal 18. 14 15. His judgments and the preparations thereto and forewarnings of greater are as the light that goeth forth to shew that God is angry and to discover mens sins that they might repent of them and turn from them Hos 6. 4 5 7. The just Lord will do no iniquity every morning doth he bring his judgment to light Zeph. 3. 5. And these lightnings are lightnings of the thunder as here thunderings are joined with them and as they are called Job 28. 26. and lightning of thunder to cause it to rain on the earth Job 38. 25 26. and lightnings â—or the rain Psal 135. 7. to signifie that there is a stoâ—m approaching And thundrings of his power Job 26. 14. in which his wonderful power is sounded forth and discovered Hence that challenge or demand Hast thou an arm like God or canst thou thunder with a voice like him Job 40. 9. By his thunderings he makes such stout-hearted ones as was Pharoah to be afraid and tremble and to humble themselves before him Exod. 9. 23 33. Job 40. 9 12. and by both expressions to wit lightnings and thunderings there is signified to us that it was a black day a gloomy day portending and preceding a storm that men might prepare to meet him Amos 4. 12. so when the Prophet saith A day of darkness and of gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness it is afterwards added Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even unto me with all your heart c. Joel 2. 2 12 13. and to the same purpose it is also said by another Prophet That day is a day of wrath a day of trouble and distress a day of wastness and desolation a day of darkness and gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness and then he exhorts Gather your selves together yea gather together O nation not desired Before the decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaff seek the Lord c. Zeph. 1. 14 15 18. and chap. 2. 1 2 3. And voices to wit loud and awakening calls in and with his judgments to the nations to awaken them and excite them to â—epentance Bâ—â—ause he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come tâ— repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. Rev. 9. 20 21. Isa 26. 10. The Lords voice cryeth unto men in and with his judgments that they should do justly c. Miâ— 6. 8 10. Isa 33. 10 11. Hence when it is said His lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled the hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth then this voice presently follows and this monitory imprecation and good counsel is given Confounded be all they that serve grâ—ven images that boast themselves of idols worship him to wit the Lord Christ all ye gods Psal 97. 4 5 7. with Heb. 1. 4 6. And these lightnings and thunderings and voices proceeded out of the throne To instruct and teach us 1. That all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgments are ordered to us by him whole throne is established in the heavens and whose kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19. He forms the light and
inhabits Eternity As if he should say The consideration of this one thing doth hugely conduce to the Believers being preserved from the errour of these Scoffers For say they where is the promise of his coming He hath promised to dissolve all these things and to make all things new new Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness And this he hath promised long since to do in a little time Compare Hagg. 2. 6. with Hebr. 12. 26 28. But notwithstanding his promise all things continue as they were and therefore it is ridiculous to expect the accomplishment and performance of his promise But now the knowing and considering what a little time is with him that promised viz. that a thousand Years with him are as one Day with us and two thousand as two will greatly conduce to the preserving us from their mistakes and help us to know that though he be long-suffering yet the Day of the Lord will come and according to his promise he will make new Heavens and a new Earth 2 Pet. â— 8 10 13. So again the Prophet David some thousands of Years since thus prophesieth For yet a little while and the Wicked shall not be Yea thou shalt diligently consider his place and it shall not be But the meek shall inherit the Earth c. This promise of yet a little while is not yet fully performed though made so long time since as to us But alas it is but as three or four Days with the Lord Psal 37. 10 11. with Mat. 5. 5. See also Heb. 10. 37. How greatly have some learned Men lately mistaken about this Word shortly And how dangerous have been their mistake for from hence have proceeded such absurd mistakes as these That the Devil 's being bound that he should deceive the Nations no more spoken of in Revel 20. began in Constantine's time and then also was the first Resurrection And the thousand Years Reign of Christ and his Saints then also began which is nothing else as they dream but a time of Tranquillity and Halcyonian Days for serving God in this World which now is Whereas had they considered what shortly is with the Lord they would not hâ—ve begun so early with these things but have waited with Patience till the time come for the performance of these Prophecies See also Isay 54. 7. 8. 17. 2. Shortly as to the first of the things prophesied of and so of the following things successively like to that Gen. 41. 32. See further the Note on Verse 3. And he sent 1. This Revelation was given to Christ to shew unto his Servants but not immediately to be shewed by him to them but he doth it by his Angel So God in these last Days hath spoken to us by his Son but not all immediately by him but by the Holy Apostles also whom Christ sent into the World as the Father sent him into the World Joh. 17. 18 19. And yet by whomsoever he sends and speaks we do in receiving them receive him as he saith Verily Verily I say unto you He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me And he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Joh. 13. 20. 2 Cor. 5. 20. 1 Thes 4. 8. He sent His faithfulness is herein assured to us he did not hide God's Righteousness within his Heart but declared God's Faithfulness and his Salvation c. Psal 40. 9 10. He was faithful in that hard and difficult work to him that appointed him He was not rebellious neither turned away back Isay 50. 5. 9. And he is so and remains so for ever Heb. 3. 1 2 6. He is the faithful and true Witness Rev. 1. 5. and Chap. 3. 14. A merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God Heb. 2. 17 18. And signified it Viz. 1. Declared it and made it known as Agabus signified by the Spirit that there should be great Dearth c. Acts 11. 28. And as Christ signified what manner of Death he should dye Joh. 10. 33. He made this known which was formerly hid 2. Notified it and set a Mark or Sign upon it as it were to denote the great weightiness of the things herein contained that we might seriously consider and give more earnest heed unto them By his Angel Which doth not mean the Holy Ghost For 1. He is never so called elsewhere and why should any conceive he is here so called unless some evident reason could be given for it 2. Because this Angel of Christ would not be worshipped by the Apostle John Rev. 19. 10. with Chap. 22. 8 9. Whereas the Holy Spirit is one God with the Father and Son and so to be worshipped by us For there are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Spirit and these three are one 1 Joh. 5. 7. And we are baptized in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost whose name is but one Mat. 28. 19. compare Isay 6. 1 3. 10. with Acts 28. 25. But this Angel here spoken of was one of those glorious invisible Spirits who are usually called by this name either Gabriel who was sent to Zacharia to tell him that his Wife should bear a Son even the Baptist who was Christ's Messenger to prepare his way Luk. 1. 11. 19. And who also was sent from God to the Virgin Mary to acquaint her that she should conceive in her Womb and bring forth a Son even Jesus ver 26 29 36. And who was also sent to Daniel a Man greatly beloved of the Lord as also was John to whom this Book was sent and signified that Disciple whom Jesus loved Dan. 8. 16 17. and Chap. 9. 21. or some other or more of those Holy and Elect Angels for sometimes the Word is used collectively to wit Angel signifieth Angels Compare Psal 34. 7. with Heb. 1. 14 As Servant and Servants are used indifferently Compare Mat. 22. 3 8 9. with Luk. 14. 17 21 23. and Mat. 21. 34 36. with Mark 12. 2. 5. and so we may learn that Christ hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent name than the Angels Heb. 1. 4 14. they are the Angels and Messengers of the Son of Man whom he hath power to send and employ as he pleases Mat. 24. 30 31. 2 Thes 1. 7. All the Angels of God are commanded to worship him as their Lord who is Lord of all Heb. 1. 6. And that may comfort his Servants and encourage them to follow him and not fear Psal 34. 7 8 10. with 1 Pet. 2 3 4. Vnto his Servant John Not unto all his Servants but unto his Servant that by him it might be made known to the residue and particularly unto his Servant John that beloved Disciple here called his Servant A Title that hath been given unto and taken and gloried in by Holy-men formerly 2 Sam. 7. 19 20 27. 2 Chron. 6. 19 21. Psal 116. 16. Mal. 4. 4. Phil. 1. 1. Tit. 1. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 1. Jam. 1. 1. Jude
Israel I AM hath sent me to you Exod. 3. 13 14. It denotes to us his Almightiness and All-sufficiency that he is God All-sufficient that we might walk before him and be perfect Gen. 17. 1. He is Almighty Rev. 4. 8. Infinite in Goodness Power Wisdom Faithfulness Holiness c. And also it signifies his unchangeableness with the Father of Lights there is no variableness nor shadow of turning Jam. 1. 17. He is Jehovah he changeth not therefore the Sons of Jacob are not consumed Mat. 3. 6. He is the same so it cannot be said of any thing here below they are not Prov. 23. 4 5. the fashion of this world passeth away 1 Cor. 7. 29 31. 1 Joh. 2. 15 17. Of old he hath laid the Foundation of the Earth and the Heavens are the works of his Hands they shall perish but he shall endure yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment As a Vesture he will change them and they shall be changed But he is the same Psal 102. 25 27. Men are not unchangeable he changeth their countenance and sendeth them away Job 14. 19 20. of evil men it may be said they are not Isay 17. 12 14. Jer. 49. 10. Neh. 3. 17. Of good men where are they Isay 63. 15 16. Zech. 1. 5. But he is the same always and this is needful to be believed by us For he that cometh to God acceptably must believe that he is c. Heb. 11. 5 6. And which was He doth not now begin to be or exist but he inhabits Eternity Isay 57. 15. Before him was no God formed Isay 43. 10 12. from Everlasting to Everlasting he is God and our Redeemer from everlasting is his name Psal 90. 1 2. and 93. 2. Isay 63. 16. Deut. 33. 27. Other Gods are Gods newly come up Deut. 32. 17 18. all Creatures have a beginning In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth Gen. 1. 1. Joh. 1. 1 3. The Angels had a beginning Col. 1. 16. Joh. 48. 7. Man had a beginning and time was when he was not Of him it may be said as Jehovah doth to Job Where wast thou when I laid the Foundations of the Earth Job 38. 1 4. 1 Cor. 8. 4 6. But he was without beginning of Days the King Eternal 1 Tim. 1. 17. And is to come That is he remains for ever he is the same and his years fail not Ps 102. 27. The Lord God of Israel is and is to be blessed from everlasting to everlasting Ps 41. 13. and 106. 48. And he is to come to destroy them which destroy the Earth Rev. 11. 17. 18. Our God shall come and shall not keep silence A Fire shall devour before him and it shall be very tempestuous round about him Psal 50. 1 3. That is to come to dissolve all these things and according to his promise to make New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness and to fulfill all his good Word Isay 51. 6 10. 2 Pet. 3. 10 15. With this the afflicted Believer comforts himself when he is overwhelmed My days saith he are like a shadow that declineth and I am withered like Grass But thou O LORD shalt endure for ever and thy Remembrance unto all Generations Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion When the Lord shall build up Zion he shall appear in his Glory The Heavens and the Earth shall perish but thou shalt endure thou art the same and thy years fail not The Children of thy Servants shall continue c. Ps 102. From this eternally and infinitely glorious person the Apostle votes Grace and Peace to the Churches For he is the God of Grace the God of all Grace 1 Pet. 5. 10. The God of Peace the very God of Peace Heb. 13. 20. 1 Thes 5. 23. He is and was and is to come the God of Grace and Peace Again the Apostle votes Grace and Peace to be to them from another person viz. And from the seven Spirits which are before his Throne To wit before the Throne of him which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty who sits upon the Throne and whose Kingdom ruleth overall This Grace and Peace is also desired from these seven Spirits ch 4. 5. and ch 5. 6. There are different Opinions about these seven Spirits what they are they are by some supposed to be seven Glorious Angels because called seven and because of that said in ch 8. 2. I saw the seven Angels which stood before God But others judge that hereby is meant the Holy and Eternal Spirit with whom I herein agree and believe that to be the meaning of the Phrase 1. Because Grace and Peace is voted from the seven Spirits as from the Father and Jesus Christ but this is never voted from the Angels in any of the Epistles of the residue of the Apostles but either from the Father and the Son Rom. 1. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 3. c. Or also from the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13. 14. Nor in any other place of the Scripture that I have ever seen produced Object Some do conceive that Jacob votes Grace and Blessing from a created Angel in saying The Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless c. Gen. 48. 16. Answ 1. More generally Christ is so called in many places as Behold I send an Angel before thee beware of him for my name is in him Ex. 23. 20 23. so also he is called the Angel of his presence Isay 63. 9. and the Angel of the Covenant as is evident Mal. 3. 1. And so certainly that speaks of him in Gen. 48. 16. For 2. That Angel there spoken of is said to have redeemed Jacob c. Now that act and work is never in Scripture applied to any meerly created Angels but he that redeemed Jacob whether personally or nationally considered was and is Jehovah Isay 44. 6 21 24. and ch 48. 20. 3. That Angel is said to have redeemed him from all evil but it is evident that Angel which redeemed him from the Hand of his Brother Esau and from that evil of fear concerning him was Jehovah even the Messias For he wept and made Supplication even prayed to that Angel and who was that Angel even Jehovah the God of Hosts Jehovah is his name his Memorial and therefore this was the Angel which redeemed him from all Evil. Compare Gen. 32. 24 30. with Hos 12. 3. 5. 4. Yea it doth also appear that Jacob worshipped this Angel which was Christ and worshipped him by Faith for so it is said By Faith Jacob when he was a dying blessed both the Sons of Joseph and worshipped upon the top of his Staff Compare Gen. 48. 16. with Heb. 11. 21. By all which it appears that was no meerly created Angel 2. It further appears that the seven Spirits do mean the Holy and Eternal Spirit because they are signified to be upon Christ that elect precious Stone Compare Rev. 5. 6. with Zech.
Jesus 2 Pet. 1. 10 11. Now here we may observe for our Instruction 1. That Believers may be in tribulation and in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ together their being now in his Kingdom doth not exempt them from tribulation though such shall be kept from evil nor doth their suffering Tribulation the Tribulation of Christ exclude them his Kingdom But of such Sufferers we may say Behold we count them happy that endure Jam. 5. 11. when our Saviour saith Blessed are ye Poor for your's is the Kingdom of God he presently adds Blessed are ye when men shall hate you and when they shall separate you and shall reproach you and cast out your names as evil for the Son of man's sake Rejoyce ye in that day and leap for Joy for behold your reward is great in Heaven Luke 6. 20 23. Men may receive the Word in much Affliction and yet with Joy of the Holy Ghost which is one of those things in which the Kingdom consists 1 Thes 1. 6. with Rom. 14. 17. Ps 91. 1 4. 2. Those that believe are Brethren in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and here they may rejoyce together they are called in one hope of their calling and Heirs of the Kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him though they are the Poor of this World Eph. 4. 4. Jam. 2. 1 5. Though they are poor here and destitute of the things appertaining to the Kingdom of this World yea and in Tribulation also yet they are Joynt-heirs with Christ Here the Rich and the Poor meet together 3. Those that are within this Kingdom may have and are in a capacity to have Mysteries opened to them to some more to some less according to his good pleasure but to them that are without without the Kingdom these things are in Parables Mark 4. 11. 4. The Kingdom they are Brethren and Companions in is the Kingdom of Jesus Christ that which Christ hath obtained for them and is the King of They are beholden to Christ for it that no Flesh might glory in his presence or be puffed up one above another 2 Pet. 1. 11. 3. And patience of Jesus Christ This is the third particular in which he was their Brother and Companion Where consider we also 1. What is this patience of Jesus Christ here spoken of 2. Why is it called the patience of Jesus Christ 1. What is this patience of Jesus Christ here spoken of 1. It is a patient continuance in well doing enduring therein even to the end and not being weary or fainting in our minds Rom. 2. 7. Gal. 6. 9. receiving the Word of the Kingdom and bringing forth fruits with Patience with Perseverance Luke 8. 15. Those that are thus patient are distinguished from and preferred before such as begin well but are afterwards weary letted or driven back by any means Gal. 3. 3. and ch 5. 7. Luke 8. 13 14. with v. 15. And so also it is a patient continuance in holding forth the profession of the Faith without wavering Heb. 10. 23 25. Holding forth the Word of life and therein seeking the good of and being patient towards all Men in so doing Phil. 2. 16. Rev. 2. 3. 2 Tim. 2. 23 24. The Servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle unto all men apt to teach patient in meekness instructing them that oppose themselves 1 Thes 5. 14. And especially seeking the good of them that are of the Houshold of Faith Rom. 15. 1 5. Gal. 6. 9 10. And continuing in prayer watching thereunto and therein with all perseverance praying always and not fainting or being out-evill'd Luk 18. 1. Eph. 6. 18. Col. 4. 2. And in opposing such as are gain-sayers to the truth striving for the saith of the Gospel and in nothing terrified by its Adversaries Phil. 1. 27 28. Rev. 2. 2. 2. This patience is also to be exercised in a meek and quiet induring tribulations and afflictions thus when our Saviour acquaints his disciples what hard usage they shoud meet with in the World he thus exhorts them In your patience possess ye your souls Luke 21. 16. 18. and the Apostle Paul exhorts Be patient in tribulation Rom. 12. 12. and gloried in the Thessalonians in the Churches of God for their patience in all their persecutions and tribulations which they endured 2 Thes 1. 4. Jam. 5. 10. which patience is not an insensibleness of the affliction or being like a stock or a stone for this is blockishness or stupidity rather then patience and no vertue but a vice like that reproved they cry out when he bindeth them Joh. 36. 13. thou hast stricken them but they have not grieved Jer. 5. 3. who was so patient as our Lord Jesus Ps 40. 1. and yet he was sensible of his afflictions Ps 22. 1 2. he offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears Heb. 5. 7. but this patience is opposed to pride Eccl. 7. 8. and to fretting and striving Ps 27. 7 8. 2 Tim. 2. 23 24 and so it is to be exercised towards God in an humble and meek bearing his Hand and not hastening deliverance from under it out of his way 1 Pet. 5. 5 6. and towards men in not fretting against them in our hearts Ps 37. 1 7. nor reviling them or rendring railing for railing 1 Pet. 2. 20 22. and much less resisting their evil with force and violence for all that thus take the Sword shall perish by the sword Rev. 13. 9 10. and ch 14. 12. thus Patience is to be exercised in induring tribulation Jam. 1. 2 3 4. Heb. 10. 36. 3. And this patience of Jesus doth also consist in a waiting for the Lord for his teaching direction consolation and salvation as the Psalmist instructs rest in the LORD and wait patiently for him Ps 37. 7. and which the Prophet commends to us in saying It is good that a Man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the LORD Lam. 3. 26. and so to wait for the Lord from Heaven 1 Thes 1. 10. Even as the Husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth and hath long patience for it Jam. 5. 7 8. Rom. 8. 25. not taking up short in any thing here but expecting and looking for him till he cometh that when he appeareth we may say Loe this is our God we have waited for him and he will save us This is the LORD we have waited for him we will be glad and rejoyce in his Salvation Isay 25. 9. Phil. 3. 20 21. and Blessed are all they that wait for him Isay 30. 18. 2. Why is this called the patience of Jesus Christ 1. Because it is such-like patience as he exercised while he was here he continued in well-doing he went up and down doing good Acts 10. 38. It was his meat and drink to do the will of him that sent him and to finish his work John 4. 34. I must work the works of him that sent me while it is
said of some They overcame Satan with the blood of the Lamb and with the word of their Testimony c. Rev. 12. 11. So the Apostle when he tells the believers that they wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities against powers c. he then exhorts them to take unto themselves the whole armour of God and particularly The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Eph. 6. 10 12 17. This word of God abiding in us we shall overcome the wicked one and the World 1 Joh. 2. 14. and ch 5. 4 5. 2 Cor. 10. 4 5 6. Jer. 23. 29. Tit. 1. 9 13. And that it is as a sharp two-edged Sword might be also of admonition to us to fear the word of the LORD Exod. 9. 20. and to tremble at it Isay 66. 5. for it is very sharp and if we provoke him to anger he will fight against us herewith For he is strong that executeth his word Joel 2. 11. and especially take we heed of entertaining ungodly and Antichristian teachers whose work it is to corrupt us from the Simplicity that is in Christ Jesus Ps 119. 161. see the notes on ch 2. v. 12. We have to consider the appearance of his face or countenance And his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength That is to say 1 His face as Dan. 10. 6 or his countenance was as the Sun wonderfully clear and full of Light it did inlighten the earth as it were It was clear as the Sun Cant. 6. 10. 2 Sam. 23. 4. as the Sun without clouds and in its greatest height and so indeed he is in the Gospel the light of the World Joh. 8. 12. and ch 12. 46. in comparison of whom all Instruments are but stars as in the beginning of this verse even the most eminent ones of them also Rev. 12. 1. In his face God hath shined forth the light of the knowledge of his Glory 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. and all things are discovered by his appearance in the glorious Gospel Eph. 5. 13 14. Joh. 3. 19. and together herewith he is very chearing and delectable to them that behold him and put their trust in him Truly the light is Sweet and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the Sun especially this Sun of righteousness For the LORD is a Sun c. Eccl. 11. 7. Ps 84. 10 11. and 67. 1. and Ps 4. 6. and hereafter he shall appear gloriously as such an one in the new Jerusalem That City shall have no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God shall lighten it and the Lamb shall be the light thereof Rev. 21. 22. and ch 22. 3 5. Isay 60. 19. yea and his face is as the Sun very â—ructifying to the beholding and believing Soul it fills it with the fruits of righteousness Deut. 33. 14. 2 Cor. 3. 18. 2. His face was as the Sun shineth to wit wonderfully glorious and full of lustre and splendour above the brightness of the Sun at Mid day Act. 26. 12. he is that Angel that came down from Heaven whose face was as it were the Sun Rev. 10. 1. So when he was transfigured his face did shine as the Sun and there he received Honour and Glory from the excellent Glory Mat. 17. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 16 17. and indeed God hath wonderfully glorified his Son Jesus in our nature even with the same Glory which he had with him before the World was Act. 3. 13. with Joh. 17. 5. he hath raised him from the dead and given him Glory that our Faith and hope might be in God 1 Pet. 1. 20 21. God hath given him Glory above all others with respect to him the most eminent Angels of the Churches are but stars There is one glory of the Sun another of the Moon and another of the stars but he as much yea far more excels them in Glory than the natural Sun doth the stars 1 Cor. 15. 41. and he hath worthily received this Glory as the four living creatures four and twenty elders and innumerable company of Angels doâ— acknowledge saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb that was sâ—ain to receive power and riches and Honour and Glory c. Rev. 5. 8 9 14 and this Glory he hath obtained in the Man and is entred into it thorow sufferings Luke 24. 25 27. That face of his that was spit upon and beaten is now as the Sun in his strength and in due season he shall appear in his Glory In his own glory and in the Glory of his Father and in the Glory of his holy angels Ps 102. 16. Mal. 4. 2. Mat. 16. 26. Luke 9. 26. and those also that come unto him his Church who are now clothed with him Rev. 12. 1. shall shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Mat. 13. 43. They that love him shall be as the Sun when he goeth forth in his might Judg. 5. 31. 3. His countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength very dreadful terrible and formidable unto his enemies so in Dan. 10. 6. it is thus read His face was as the appearance of lightening and so we read of the Suns smiting and beating Ps 121. 6. Jona 4. 8. and the Sun signifiâ—th tribulation and temptation as the Sun shall not light on them nor any heat Isay 49. 10. Rev. 7. 16. and the Sun hath looked upon me Cant. 1. 6. and whereas our Saviour saith in his parable when the Sun was up they were scorched he thus explicates it afterwards when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word c. compare Mat. 13. 6. with v. 21. and this understanding of the expression may also be taken in as appeareth by what followeth Vers 17. And when I saw him I fell at his feet as dead and he laid his right hand upon me saying unto me fear not I am the first and the last Here he beginneth to acquaint the Apostle John who the glorious person was which he saw in vision And in this verse the Apostle doth declare unto us 1. What effect that had upon him which he visionally saw 2. What the Son of Man did and said unto him to strengthen him 1. What effect that had upon him which he visionally saw and when I saw him I fell at his Feet as dead When I saw him namely in Vision see notes on v. 12. in Spirit see notes on v. 10. he saw not his personal body only this extraordinary Revelation was given unto him Now 1. Here we may observe that he saw before he fell Christ Jesus did strengthen him to see and behold in Vision that which he commanded him to write and who goeth to a Waâ—fare at any time at his own charges â— he will enable and strengthen us to what he calls us and in waiting upon him and keeping his way he will not leave us nor forsake us Acts 26. 16 17. 2. We
the gift of God is eternal life thorow Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6. 23. All the blessedness promised is freely promised and will be dispensed and rendred of grace and if of grace then it is no more of works otherwise grace is no more grace Rom. 11. 6. It is indeed assured to him that overcometh and every such an one shall certainly have this promise performed but not as if there were any such worth or merit in his Act of overcoming as to deserve what is here promised for alas there is so much pollution and unworthiness cleaving to the believers best deeds that God may justly wipe them out and punish them who do them Neh. 13. 14 22. nor are they nor can they otherwise be acceptable unto God but by Jesus Christ who takes away the iniquity of their holy things and perfumes them with the incense of his sacrifice and so renders them acceptable to God Exod. 28. 38. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. Rev. 5. 8. and ch 8. 3 5. yea if they had done all the things which are commanded them yet our Saviour instructs them to say we are unprofitable Servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17. 10. And besides there is no proportion between their overcoming and the reward For I reckon saith the Apostle that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. 8. 17 18. and therefore it is well said I will give 3. Yea and the certainty of his performance hereof may be imported and signified for he is faithful that promised as is evident in that he was faithful unto him that appointed him and the holy brethren are called upon to consider him in that respect Heb. 10. 23. with ch 3. 1 2. It is the Lord the righteous Judge will make good his word and promise in due time 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. We come nextly to consider the thing promised To eat of the tree of life Truly this he now gives by faith but hereafter he will do it more fully and gloriously Cant. 2. 3 4. Now by the tree of life is meant Jesus Christ himself of whom it is said he is a tree of life to them that lay hold on him and happy is every one that retaineth him Prov. 3. 18. he is the green tree Luke 23. 31. the green fir-tree from whom all our fruit is found Hos 14. 8. of whom the tree of life in the earthly paradise was a type Gen. 2. 9. and ch 3. 22. he hath obtained life into himself for us Heb. 9. 12. And as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself Joh. 5. 26. This is the record that God hath given of his Son that he hath given to us Mankind eternal life and this life is in his Son yea he is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 10 11 20. And in due time he cometh down spiritually from Heaven and giveth life unto the dead World Joh. 6. 33. And eternal life now by faith to him that seeth him and believeth on him Joh. 6. 40. and ch 17. 2. Now this is that which he here promiseth to give unto him that overcometh To eat of this tree of life which is a great blessing Blessed saith he are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in thorow the gates into the city Rev. 22. 2. 14. Such an one as overcometh shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of God's house and he will make him drink of the river of his pleasures for with him is the fountain of life Ps 36. 7 9. and 16. 11. of this tree of life they shall eat and be satisfied Ps 22. 26. they shall then have compleat satisfaction delight and complacency in Jesus Christ In him shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory Isay 45. 23 25. with Phil. 2. 8 10. And they shall then for ever praise him their heart shall live for ever yea their whole Man for this was the property of the typical tree of life that if they had eaten thereof they should have lived for ever Gen. 3. 22. and they shall then eat him and live and never dye Joh. 6. 57 58. not only now do they feed on him but shall do so for ever hereafter his sufferings with the ends and vertues thereof shall be remembred fed upon praised and delighted in for ever This is the Song not only of that part of the family of God which is upon the earth but of that part also which is in Heaven Thou art worthy c. for thou wast slain c. Rev. 5. 8 9. 10 11 12 13 14. How doth this set forth the excellency of him unto us and how might it engage us to come continually unto and follow him 4. We have an account given us of the place where this tree of life is In the midst of the paradise of God or as some read it of my God What is meant by the paradise here spoken of we may be helped to understand by the scripture The word Paradise in general doth signify a pleasant orchard or place of trees and so it is rendred orchard in Eccles 2. 5. Cant. 4. 13. And particularly hereby is meant in the writings of the Evangelists and Apostles Heaven it self or that glorious place into which Christ is entred so it appears by what our Saviour said to the penitent thief This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Luke 23. 43. and this further appears in the use of it by the Apostle Paul who in one verse saith Such an one was caught up to the third Heaven In another it is thus exprest he was caught up into paradise 2 Cor. 12. 2 4. he that descended into the lower parts of the earth is now ascended far above all Heavens all Heavens visible to us into Heaven it self Eph. 4. 8 10. with Heb. 9. 26. which must needs be a place of infinite joy pleasure and delight and of this Eden which signifieth a place of pleasure or delight was a figure Isay 51. 3. Now here we may note for our instruction 1. That Jesus Christ is gone up into and is in Heaven in that most glorious place And there he shall remain until the times of the restitution of all things Acts 3. 20 21. he was carried up into and received in Heaven Luke 24. 51. Mark 16. 19. Act. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 3. 22. There he is and there he shall remain as the tree of life until the new Jerusalem shall come down from God out of Heaven And then he as the tree of life shall come down and yeild his fruit every moneth And the leaves of this tree shall be for the healing of the nations Rev. 21. 2 3. with ch 22. 2 14 16. God shall then send us Jesus who now is preached unto us Acts 3.
to judge righteous Judgment and not to think they are most or best beloved of the Lord to whom he gives most of the good things of this World 3. To comfort them in this their tribulation and Poverty he saith I know thy tribulation and Poverty even I who was dead In which expression is included and contained his whole abasement humiliation and sufferings as hath been said on ch 1. 18. As if he should say I have my self been a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief Isay 53. 1 5. I my self have suffered being tempted and have been in all points tempted like unto you yet without sin and therefore I can be touched with the feeling of your Infirmities and am able to succour such as are temped And am a merciful and faithful High-priest Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 3. 1 2. and 4 15 16. And I have been poor also Foxes have holes and the Birds of the ayre nests but the Son of Man had not whereon to lay his head Mat. 8. 20. so poor that he was ministred unto by others Mark 15. 41. I who was rich for your sakes became poor 2 Cor. 8. 9. I know your sorrows and know the heart of those that are in tribulation and Poverty for I also have been compassed about with such afflictions and exercises Exod. 3. 7. and ch 23. 9. In all your afflictions I have been afflicted and therefore I know how to pity you and to sympathize with you Isay 63. 9. Ps 103. 13 15. he knows troubles and trials by experience as Gen. 30. 27. he is no stranger to these things and can therefore be compassionate unto those who are in such a condition To the end then you may run with patience the race seâ— before you look unto Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the cross despising the shame c. Heb. 12. 1 2 3. And I am alive And so have overcome and abolished death so as there is no hurt therein nor in any tribulations or Poverties which are ordered to you nothing now in them to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Rom. 8. 34 39. And I have all power given unto me both in Heaven aâ—d in earth Mat. 28. 18. I am alive to comfort you in all your tribulations and poverties which ye endure 2 Cor. 1. 3 5. to comfort all that mourn to appoint to them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes the oyl of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness Isay 61. 1 3. I am alive to protect you and preserve you in all your afflictions tribulations and to provide for you and dispense to you in all your Poverties and necessities for the earth is mine and the fullness thereof Gen. 15. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 26 28. And to deliver you out of all your griefs and sorrows in due time I know how to deliver the godly out of temptation for I have the keys of Hell and Death 2 Pet. 2. 9. Rev. 1. 18. And to cause all to work together for good to them that love God and keep his commandments Rom. 8. 28. These things he now propounds to sets before them thus he describes himself that they might consider him see the notes before on ch 1. v 17. and 18. But thou art rich Those that are in tribulation and poverty may be rich now rich even when they are in poverty and tribulation not only they shall be so hereafter but thou art rich Rich in faith the poor of this World may be and heirs of the Kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. they that are as having nothing may yet by faith be possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 10. They who with the heart believe in Jesus Christ are rich and inriched with that gold which is tried in the fire Rev. 3. 18. they have received Christ and he is theirs and with him God gives all things also freely Rom. 8. 32. Thus these Smyrnians were rich in faith they had in and with Christ riches of mercy they were vessels of mercy who had received the forgiveness of their sins thorow his name Rom. 9. 23. Eph. 1. 7. they had riches of righteousness Prov. 11. 4. Riches of wisdom and understanding Prov. 3. 12 18. and ch 8. 9 10 17 20. Col. 2. 2 3. the unsearchable riches of Christ Eph. 3. 8 9. yea all things were theirs 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. what an encouragment is this to endure whatever is ordered to us we are apt to be thinking that if we should heartily â—leave to and follow after Christ we should certainly be undone and brought to sufferings and poverty here and therefore we are ready to be discouraged from coming after him Well though it be so yet thou mayest and shall be rich with true riches now and for ever in following him in the regeneration thou shalt have him who hath all and he will enrich thee with better riches then any of these uncertain ones with a bettter and enduring substance and the knowledg and belief hereof or this known and believed would cause thee to take joyfully the spoiling of thy goods Heb. 10. 32 34. nay indeed afflictions and Poverty are theirs also Rom. 8. 28. tribulations and necessities for Christ's sake are and are to be esteemed great riches By faith Moses esteemed the reproach of or for Christ greater riches then all the treasures of Aegypt Heb. 11. 24 26. Our light afflictions saith the Apostle which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Cor. 4. 16 18. Hence our Saviour said to his disciples Blessed be ye poor for yours is the Kingdom of God Blessed are ye that weep now for ye shall laugh Blessed are ye when Men shall hate you and when they shall separate you and reproach you and cast out your names as evil for the Son of Mans sake rejoyce ye in that day and leap for joy for behold your reward is great in Heaven Luke 6. 20 23. Mark 10. 28 29. 1 Pet. 4. 12 15. Ps 56. 8 9. Not only life is their's but death and all afflictions also 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. And he will never leave them nor forsake them Heb. 13. 5 6. Ps 84. 10 12. And hereafter they shall inherit all things Oh how may this strengthen us to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness I know thy tribulation and poverty but thou art rich now in this day the cup the portion he gives to his people is full of mixture they are now as it were in a compound condition As deceivers and yet true As unknown and yet known as dying and behold they live as sorrowful yet always rejoycing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 8 10. now quivering and trembling as with respect to the outward man and yet
Thes 5. 21 24. and that is greatly for our encouragement and consolation 2. That false teachers and seducers endeavour to cause us to let go Christ's works that we may rejoyce in the works of our own hands or in something done by us in our own wiâ—dom and strength or to rejoyce originally in that effected in us by his Gospel or they would lead us to seâ—k and endeavour to perfect by the flesh or works of the law what was begun in us by the Spirit Gal. 3. 1 4 10 13. Rom. 4. 1 4 5. Eph. 2. 7. 8. 9 10. 3. In and unto our keeping Christ's works we must fight against all â—vil workers with the weapons of God's warfare and overcome as here he saith He that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end we must fight the good fight of Faith and so lay hold on eternal life 1 Tim. 6. 12. that we may keep the works of Christ unto the end as declared in his word and keep the commandment the Gospel we must endure hardness as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 2. 3 4. 2. We have in the next place to consider and speak unto the blessedness which is here assured to every such an one as overcometh and keepeth Christ's works to the end that is to say To him will I give power over the nations The blessedness here assured and promised by our Saviour is that which follows after and is consequential to overcoming and keeping Christ's works to the end to wit of their lives as v. 10. and it is not that they shall be ruling Bishops in and among the Gentiles while they are in mortal bodies as a learned Man would make us believe Though it is somewhat strange also that he should make such an interpretation of the words when-as the Blessedness here assured is not only to the Angels or clergy-Men as they speak but to the whole Church And spoken to the Churches indefinitely But it is that which they shall be made partakers of hereafter when they have finished their course and when they are raised again in the resurrection of the just and then shall all the promises be fulfilled to him that overcometh which are promised and mentioned in the close of every Epistle to each of these seven Churches as we have seen and may further see The Persons or those over whom he will give him power that overcometh c. are the nations or heathens Ps 2. 8. such as are distinguisht from Christ's redeemed ones out of which they are chosen Rev. 5. 9. and ch 7. 9. and so hereby may be meant all uncircumcised ones in heart even the whole world as distinguished from the Children of the first resurrection and Israel after the flesh with those joyned to them Rev. 20. 8 10. and ch 21. 23. 24. The Power he will give them over the nations is as followeth such power as Christ hath received to wit perfect conquest and victory power and authority over them they shall take them captives and rule over their oppressours Isay 14. 2. A glorious outward power over all nations shall be given to them so as the nations shall be subdued under their feet Ps 47. 3. The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning Ps 49. 14. then every one that now overcometh and keepeth Christ's works unto the end shall reign on earth they shall reign with Christ a thousand years Rev. 5. 8 10. and ch 20. 4 6. they shall judge the world 1 Cor. 6. 1 2. Then the Kingdom and dominion and greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given to the people of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdome Dan. 7. 18 27. the Saints as Princes shall rule in judgment Isay 32. 1. To him that overcometh Christ will grant to â—it with him on his throne Rev. 3. 21 22. Then indeed gloriously shall that be verified in the Israel of God which was spoken to Israel after tâ— flesh and in some first-fruits performed to them they shall reign over many nations but they shall not reign over them Deut. 15. 6. It is a faithful saying If we suffer with him we shall reign with him 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Now the consideration of this may be of usefulness to us 1. To provoke us that seeing those that overcome and keep Christs works unto the end shall have power over the nations and Judge the World we should hold fast and keep his works and doctrine and not do the works of the flesh for he that doth them shall not inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God 1 Cor. 6. 9 11. Eph. 5. 3 6. Gal. â— 19 21. This might therefore prevail with us to fight the good fight and to resist unto blood striving against sin against Satan and the World and against all false and corrupt teachers who are of the World therefore speak theâ— of the World and the World hears them And who would beguile us of our reward Heb. 12. 4. 1 Joh. 4. 1 5. Col. 2. 3 9 18 22. 2. Seeing Christ will give him that overcometh such power it shews unto us that Christ hath not only received such power for himself â—o ruâ—e over the nations but also authority to give that power to others also As he saith unto his discipleâ— I appoint unto you a Kingdom as my Father hath appointed to me Luke 22. 29 30. Mat. 20. 22. Rev. 3. 21 22. and ch 5. 9 10. 3. It may take us off from placing our affections on things here below and engage us that seeing when Christ shall appear we shall appear with him in glory we should seek after and set our affections on things above Cal. 3. 2 4. every one that hâ—â—h thiâ— hope in Christ purifieth himself even aâ— he is pure 1 Joh. 3. 2 3. 1 Pet. 1. 13. Heb. 11. 14 16. 4. It is proper and powerful to preserve the believers from fulling out amongst themselves or quaâ—â—â—lling one with another about the things here below so it is propounded to such an â—nd by the Apostle 〈◊〉 any of you having a matter against another go â—o law before the â—â—just 〈…〉 befoâ—â— the Saints 〈◊〉 do ye not know that the Saints shall judg 〈◊〉 World 1 Cor. 6. 1 2. So the Apostle Peter saith Love as brethren be pittiful be courteous not rendring evil for evil nor railing for railing but contrariwise blessing knowing that ye are thereunto called that ye should inherit a blessing 1 Pet. 3. 8 9 10. Luke 22. 24 29. 5. It may admonish and strengthen the believers to be without carefulness and solicitousness about the things appeartaining to the natural life and not first to seek after what they shall eat or what they shall drink but rather to seek after the Kingdome of God As our Saviour saith to his disciples Fear not little â—â—ock it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom and therefore be confident of it he will in and
have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith as ye have been taught c. Col. 2. 6 7 8 and how Jealous was he lest the Corinthians should listen unto or entertain any other Gospel besides that they had preached and the believers had received see 2 Cor. 11. 1 2 3 4. Then from hence we may conclude that when any would perswade us to listen unto and embrace some other doctrines they are not therein led of God such a perswasion comes not of him that calleth the believers Gal. 4. 7 8. with ch 1. 6 7. But it comes from Satan whose work it is to turn them from the Faith if he can possibly do it Acts 13. 7 12. The Holy Ghost instructs his Children not to meddle with them that are given to change Prov. 24. 21. Christ calls upon his to hold fast what they have and not to be turned therefrom by any specious pretences or pretenders whatsoever The Apostles have written no new commandment unto us but an old commandment which is also new as to the declaration of the actual accomplishment of that in the personal body of Christ which was prophesyed of from the beginning and as to the revelation of those things which were formerly more hidden and mysterious 1 Joh. 2. 7 8. 2. We may also note again if we consider the persons to whom this counsel and exhortation is given That those who have kept the word of Christ need to be counselled and exhorted still to hold it fast so it was here our Lord who is holy and true faith v. 8. thou hast kept my word and hast not denied my name and v. 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience c. and now he still exhorts them hold that fast which thou hast so oft-times commandments of like nature are given to them who have kept the word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 6. 9 yea this is the burden as we have said that he layeth upon such and no other burden will he lay upon them but that which they have already they hold fast untill he comes see the notes on ch 2. v. 24. and v. 25. and the hearty believers need still to be thus exhorted and to suffer the word of exhortation And that 1. Because all the time they are in this present evil World they have ungodliness to deny and enemies always to fight against whose work it is if possible to turn them away from the truth and to turn them to fables 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Heb. 12. 4. Tit. 2. 11 12. they need to be provoked to keep with all diligence and to hold fast with all their might given them even with both hands as they speak the word of Christ because they have so many subtil watchful potent enemies both without them and within them who are continually endeavouring with all their might and main and assaying all means to remove them from the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and to steal away the word of God from them 1 Cor. 16. 13. 2 Tim. 1. 12 14. 2. Because the word of Christ is the word of life the word of salvation his words are Spirit and life Joh. 6. 63. in them is the life of the Soul and Spirit Oh then they need to be daily stirred up and exhorted to take fast hold of instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is their life Prov. 4. 13. Sardis by letting slip and forgetting how she had received and heard became dead though she had a name that she lived Rev. 3. 1 3. and the Gospel of Christ is the power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth they are kept thereby thorow faith unto the Salvation ready to be revealed in these last days unto that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in the Heavens c. Rom. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 4 5 6. 3. Because though we have formerly received and kept his word yet unless we hold it fast to the end all will be in vain and unprofitable to us we shall not be presented holy unblamable unrebukable in his sight unless we continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 22 23. unless we be herein faithful to the death we shall not at last receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved But he that puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdome of God Luke 9. 62. Mat. 10. 22. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Gal. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 3. Oh then that we may continue holding fast his word and in a patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality that he may in conclusion render to us eternal life Rom. 2. 7. and to move and provoke us so to do let us diligently consider also that which next followeth namely 3. In that our Lord Jesus gives this useful and needful counsel after that promise he makes to them in v. 10. I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world c. So we may learn to know the nature of those exceeding great and precious promises Ministred to us in the Gospel that they are not made to any person or persons in a personal consideration but they are made to such manner of persons they are originally immediately and everlastingly made to and confirmed in Christ Jesus Gal. 3. 16 17. and secondarily unto them that come unto and abide in Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 16 29. but if a Man abide not in him he is cast forth as a branch Joh. 15. 6. If the righteous Man draw back God's Soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 37 38. Ezek. 3. 20. and 18. 24. and ch 33. 13. God not only promised but sware also that he would bring the Israelites whom he redeemed out of Egypt into the land of Canaan But because of their unbelief and disobedience they entred not that notwithstanding As it is said by himself Doubtless ye shall not come into the Land concerning which I swarâ— to make you dwell therein c. Numb 14. 30 32. So God covenanted unto David concerning Solomon that he would establish the throne of his Kingdome over Israel for ever And this was done by a covenant of Salt an incorruptible perpetual covenant and yet because of his and Rehoboam's evil ten tribes were broken off 1 Chron. 22. 9 10. with 2 Chron. 13. 5. and 1 Kings 11. 11. see also 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. Ps 125. Isay 26. 2 4. he is the faithful God which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments and repays them that hate him to their face to destroy them notwithstanding any promise or covenant he hath made to or with them he will not be
be needful and the first thing requisite yet not the only thing required if Men be hearers only they will deceive their own selves Ezek. 33. 30 32. hence the Holy Ghost commands Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only Jam. 1. 19 22 26. this is the description given of him that received seed into the good ground he is such an one as heareth the word and understands it which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth c. Mat. 13. 18 23. hearing is first required of us in order unto some other thing as is here signified to us 3. In that he saith If any Man hear my voice and open the door So he gives us to understand That we should then only open the door when we hear his voice To him the porter openeth and the sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out and the sheep follow him for they know his voice and a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him for they know not the voice of a stranger Joh. 10. 3 5. The beloved saith Open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled And saith the spouse I rose to open to my beloved and my hands dropped with myrrh Cant. 5. 2 5. I opened to my beloved v. 6. My Son saith the wisdom of God give me thine heart Prov. 23. 26. Though others call never so loudly and alluringly yet shut them out cease to hear the instructions that cause to erre from the words of knowledge Prov. 19. 27. we should be so far from opening our hearts to such voices as that we should stop and shut our ears against them leâ—t they deceive our hearts with their good words and fair speeches Rom. 16. 17 18. 4. In saying if any Man hear my voice and open c. So he signifies that though the generality who are called and spoken to do refuse so to do yet he will take it kindly if any Man if but one particular person obey his voice and be not rebellious like the rest Ezek 2. 8. he will come in to him he will take them one of a City and two of a family and will bring them to Zion Jer. 3. 14. Oh then think not Christ will reject because of the paucity or fewness say not I will do as others do But know if thou art alone in this exercise thou shalt be blessed in thy deed Joh. 6. 51. and 7. 17. and ch 10. 9. and ch 12. 26. see the notes before on v. 4. of this chapter 5. Yea if any Man how vile sinful ungrateful soever he hath been him that overcometh he will in no wise cast out Joh. 6. 37. So our Saviour saith If any Man thirst any of you officers that are sent to apprehend me let him come unto me Joh. 7. 32 37. Isay 55. 1 7. If any Man hear my voice and open the door â—ow lukewarme soever he hath been how much or how long soever he hath barred the door against me and taken others into the chamber of his heart though he hath been guilty of the greatest evils and have been like Sodom and Gomorrah yet in hearkening unto him he will pardon and take away all his iniquity and receive him graciously Isay 1. 10 14. Hos 14. 1 4. Oh then let no former unworthiness of thine hinder or discourage thee But while he calls and knocks open the door unto him and no longer stand out or harden thine heart against him but awake and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light Heb. 4. 7. Eph. 5. 13 14. and and to engage move and prevail with us so to do let us consider that which here followeth which is propounded as a motive and argument to perswade and prevail with us to suffer the word of exhortation and to hear his voice and open the door namely 2. The Blessedness assured to every such an one as doth hear his voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me Now here note in general 1. As this Blessedness contained in those gracious promises is propounded to them by Christ before they return so it shews unto us That in preaching the Gospel to any it should be so declared as therewith the exceeding great and precious promises should be ministred and propounded to Men while they shut out Christ Thus doth our Lord to them who were ignorant of him and enemies to him Verily Verily I say unto you he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation Joh. 5. 24 25. and ch 6. 27 35 51 58. Prov. 1. 20 23. and ch 8. 32 35. 2 Pet. 1. 4. So in former times when the Lord had been largly declaring the blessedness of the Servants of the Lord and promising great things to them he then saith Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters hearken diligently unto me c. Isay 54. 13 17. and ch 55. 1 3 6 8. Mat. 5. 2. As this blessedness is assured to him that hears and opens so we may learn That if we be Christ's then are we Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 16 29. though the promises are propounded to all in the Gospel yet all are not of them Heb. 6. 16 19. Rom. 4. 12 16. But such as exercise themselves to godliness for that is profitable to all things having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. 7 8. It is a very evil and provoking thing to assure the promises are theirs and they the heirs of them who shut out Christ and walk in evil and crooked paths for whosoever walks thererein shall not know peace see what the Lord threatneth â—nto those false prophetesses that cried peace peace and promised happiness to the wicked Ezek. 13. 18 22. But we shall speak particularly to that here assured to them that hear Christs voice c. I will come in to him The coming he here speaks of is not personal for so he was never in any but in the womb of the virgin indeed so he came into that womb and into the world and here went up and down in a mortal body doing good preaching the Gospel c. And when he had finisht the work the Father gave him to do on the earth and had died for our sins and was buried and rose again he after some few days left the World and ascended up into heaven Joh. 16. 28. and ch 17. 11. and 20. 17. Acts 1. 9 11. and he is in heaven 1 Pet. 3. 22. Heb. 9. 24. and ch 4. 14. and no Man ever saw him with bodily eyes since Paul 1 Cor. 15. 1 8. Joh. 16. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 8. and the heavens must receive him until the times of restitution of all things Acts 3. 21. and then he shall come again which yet he is not 1 Thes 4.
the chief priests and unto the scribes and they shall condemn him to death And shall deliver him to the Genâ—iles to mock and to scourge and to crucifie him and the third day he shall rise again which accordingly came to pass Matt. 17. 22 23. and chap. 20. 17 19. Joh. 18. 4. And he knew before of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple and of the end of the world and did foretell and shew before-hand the signs that would preceed these things Matt. 24. 3 c. And he knew who it was that would betray him before he did it Joh. 6. 64. And he told his Disciples many things before they came to pass that when they did come to pass they might believe Joh. 14. 20. and chap. 13. 19. So elsewhere in this Book of the Revelation is signified to us that he doth know yea and reveal also things to come before they were fulfilled Chap. 1. 1. and chap. 22. 6 15 16. And though it be said Of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels which are in heaven neither the sâ—n c. Mark 13. 32. Yet we may thus understand that saying either 1. That he did not know that hour before he had finished his suffering work and was risen and ascended into the Heavens At which time he received the promise of the Father even the holy Spirit which searcheth all things gloriously into the nature of man Act. 2. 33. Rev. 5. 6 7 8 9. Or 2. He did not know that day and hour then to â—eveal that was not the due season for making it known Like that saying The father loveth the son and sheweth him all things that himself doth and will shew him greater works namely to perform and accomplish them in their due time and proper season Joh. 5. 20. So this Book of the Revelation was given by God unto him to shew c. Rev. 1. 1. not to know for himself for he knew all things before as Peter confesses and Christ disproves it not nor reproves him for so saying Joh. 21. 17. But to reveal and make known unto his Servants by his Servant John But yet though he foreknows future things this foreknowledg of his necessitates not the coming to pass of what is sinfully evil And as one saith His fore-knowledg doth produce no absolute necessity Things are not therefore because they are foreknown but therefore they are fore-known because they shall come to pass If any thing should come to pass otherwise than it doth yet Gods knowledg could not be irritated thereby for then he did not know that it should come to pass as now it doth Because every knowledg of vision necessarily presupposeth its object God did know that Judas should betray Christ but Judas was not necessitated to be a Traitor by Gods knowledg If Judas had not betrayed Christ then God had not â—ore known that Judas should betray him Dr. Bramhall in his Defence of true liberty pag. 244 245. Though he knows what will come to pass yet somewhat that he so foreknows and foredeclares may not eventually come to pass Yea all so fore-known doth not 1 Sam. 23. 11 13. And though he foresees as to us and knows what will sinfully be acted and committed yet he doth not necessitate the coming to pass of it any way The just Lord will not do iniquity Zeph. 3. 5. He is not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness neither shall evil dwell with him Psal 5. 4. Jam. 1. 13 14 15. Yea our Lord Jesus is so far from necessitating men to what is sinful as that all such actions do grieve him at the heart He did indeed know and foretell that Judas one of the Twelve would betray him Joh. 6. 64 70 71. But he did not necessitate him any way so to do but that horrid fact of his was a great grief to our Lord Jesus Hence the Evangelist saith Jesus was troubled in spirit and not in his face or outward appearance only he did not feign himself to be grieved but was in wardly grieved grieved in soul and testified and said Verily one of you shall betray me Joh. 13. 21. Yea he is so far from necessitating men to evil as that he works powerfully and his grace brings salvation to all men to preserve them therefrom Hence we have such expostulations as these recorded O thou that art named the House of Jacob is the spirit of the Lord straitned Are these his doings Mic. 2. 1-7 O Ephraim what shall I do unto thee O Judah what shall I do unto thee Hos 6. 4. Thus saith the Lord what iniquity have your fathers found in me that they are gone far from me Have I been a wilderness unto Israel A land of darkness Jer. 2. 5 31. Judg I pray you betwixt me and my Vineyard what could have been done more to my Vineyard that I have not done in it Isa 5. 3 4. It is undoubtedly true notwithstanding his foreknowledg or any thoughts or apprehensions we poor shallow creatures have concerning it that the Lord God hath no pleasure none at all neither secret nor revealed in the death of the wicked but that he turn and live As he hath both said and sworn and given his son to be a witness of it Ezek. 18. 23 32. and Chap. 33. 11. God our Saviour would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledg of the truth 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. Tit. 2. 11. 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. 1 Joâ— 4. 14. And the consideration hereof that he knows all things even future things also is proper and powerful to engage and encourage his servants to hold fast profession the profession of their faith and hope without wavering Heb. 4. 13 14. with Chap. 10. 23 25. Jer. 11. 18. He knows what is in the darkness and what will come to pass And he can and will make all work together for good to them that love God who are the called according to purpose Rom. 8. 28 29. See Notes before on Chap. 2. ver 23. And not only he knows things to come as to us future things not only are they written before him but also he further here saith and assureth his servant John 2. I will shew thee things which must be hereafter Here he leaves out the words shortly and at hand which he had used in Chap. 1. vers 1. and vers 3. But that we here further take notice of is that Christ not only knows things which must be hereafter but also made them known as he saw good to his servants and here parâ—icularly the things contained in this Book to his beloved Disciple Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets Amos 3. 7. And he doth fore-tell and fore-declare things to come before they come that men might not sacrifice to their own nets or burn incense to their own drags nor bow unto or worship any false or imaginary God any Image
high and lifted up Isa 6. 1. The Lord hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens and his Kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19. And it is a Throne full of glory luster and majesty A glorious high Throne Jer. 17. 12. Yea and for our comfort and encouragement it is a Throne of mercy and grace this Throne is upholden by mercy Prov. 20. 28. and we may therefore come boldly to this Throne the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace for seasonable help Heb. 4. 14 16. with Chap. 8. 1 2. This Throne was set in heaven for there is Gods Throne The Lords Throne is in Heaven Psal 11. 4. Yea that is his Throne Thus saith the Lord the Heaven is my Throne Isa 66. 1. Hence our Saviour admonishes his Disciples not to swear by Heaven because it is Gods Throne Mat. 5. 34. And saith He that shall swear by Heaven sweareth by the Throne of God and by him that sitteth thereon Mat. 23. 22. And from hence Stephen sheweth That the most High dwelleth not in Temples made with hands because Heaven is his Throne Act. 7. 47 49. with Isa 66. 1 3. And because he hath prepared his Throne in the Heavens his Kingdom ruleth over all He doth according to his will in the Army of Heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth And none can stay his hand or say unto him what dost thou Psal 103. 19. Dan. 4. 17 25 32 35 37. With this the righteous comfort themselves when the wicked did bend their bow and make ready the arrow upon the string that they might privily shoot at the upright in heart and said If the foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do The Lords Throne say the upright is in heaven Psal 11. 1 4. And though the wicked ones say is not God in the height of heaven And â—ow doth God know can he judg thorough the dark cloud Job 22. 12 14. Yet that is no let or hindrance to him Though the Lords Throne be in heaven yet his eyes behold the children of men Psal 11. 4. He hath looked down from the height of his Sanctuary from Heaven did the Lord behold the Earth c. Though therein he humbleth himself Psal 102. 19 21. with Psal 113. 4 5 6. And he that dwelleth and sitteth in the Heavens will laugh at all those who oppose him and his Christ the Lord shall have them in derision c. Psal 2. 1 4 5. with Psal 29. 10. 2. And one sate upon the throne Even the Lord God Almighty vers 8 10 11. He it is that fits upon it that fits King upon it and that for ever Psal 29. 10. For to sit upon the Throne is to reign rule and govern compare 1 King 3. 6. with 2 Chron. 1. 8. As also is shewn before See Notes on Chap. 3. ver 21. but that we here observe it that one to wit the Almighty sits on the Throne the supreme Throne of Government Indeed the word one is not expresly in the Text but necessarily implied the word sate being of the singular number and so we shall look on the words that one or he sitteth on it even he who is called as is before said the Lord God Almighty ver 8. But is it not said by the Amen to wit by Christ I overcame and am set down with my father in his Throne Rev. 3. 21. And is it not frequently affirmed of him that he is on the Throne and on the right hand of the Throne of Majesty Heb. 1. 3. and Chap. 8. 1. and Chap. 12. 2. Yes certainly but He and the Father and the Eternal Spirit are one For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one one God Joh. 10. 30. 1 Joh. 5. 7 9 10. See the Notes after on vers 8. And though Christ is sometimes represented as in the midst of the Throne to signifie this Lamb which hath been slain is the abiding Sacrifice and Mediator between God and men as Chap. 5. 6. and Chap. 7. 17. Yet he is also on the Throne who is the Son of God and it is called the Throne not Thrones of God and of the Lamb Chap. 22. 1. with Zach. 6. 12 13. And so it is this one God Father Word and holy Spirit sate and sits upon this Throne this supreme seat of glorious Majesty and all-ruling Government and none else not the living Creatures they are indeed in the midst of and round about the Throne but not on it ver 6. But they give glory honour and thanks to him that sate on it ver 9. Not the Elders for though they sit upon four and twenty Thrones yet they are round about this Throne and not one of the Elders sits upon this but they also fall down before him that sits on the Throne ver 4. and 10 11. nor the Angels though they are glorious Creatures and are called Thrones Dominions Principalities and Powers yet none of them sit upon this most high Throne but they are round about the Throne Chap. 5. 11. And they fall before the Throne on their faces and worship God Chap. 7. 11. Yea no Creature no meer Creature whatsoever is on this Throne for he only sits upon it who hath created all things and for whose pleasure they are and were created ver 10 11. And saith the Apostle every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them heard I saying Blessing honour glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever Chap. 5. 13. By which it is evidently manifested that no Creature whatever no not the Virgin Mary sits upon this Throne but all Creatures are distinct from and infinitely inferiour unto him that sits upon it this most excellent and glorious one who liveth for ever and ever And to this end the Psalmist imprecates judgments upon such as were confederate against God and his â—idden ones that they might know that he whose name alone is Jehovaâ— is the most High over all the earth Psal 83. 2 16 18. And the consideration hereof might help Zion to rejoice in their King and strengthen them against all occasions of sadness and discouragement because their God reigneth and not Satan nor any of their enemies Isa 40. 9. and Chap. 52. 7. And engage and encourage them to worship him only and to trust in him at all times and pour out their hearts unto him and not to fear what their enemies can do unto them in waiting upon him and keeping his way Psal 62. 8 11. 2 King 19. 15. Isa 37. 16. Yea all people are called upon to sing praises unto God Because he is King of all the earth God reigneth over the heathen God sitteth upon the Throne of his holiness c. Psal 47. 1 6 8. Vers 3. And he that sate
the sea also therefore it is said of and by the Prince thereof Thus saith the Lord God Because thine heart is lifted up and thou hast said I am God I sit in the seat of God in the midst or heart of the sea Ezek. 28. 2. Thus also when the Lord threatens to punish Egypt in order thereto he saith he will take away their rampart and defence The waters shall fail from the sea and the river shall be wasted and dried up and they shall turn the rivers far away and the brooks of defence shall be emptied and dried up Isa 19. 5 6. Thus here before the throne there was a sea of glass a blessed defence and protection a sea of salvation or for safety to his people in all times of trouble As it is said God is a refuge and strength a very present help in trouble therefore will we not fear though the earth be moved c. There is a river the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God the holy place of the tabernacle of the most high God is in the midst of her she shall not be moved c. Psal 46. 1 2 4 7 8. There now in a first fruits and hereafter gloriously the glorious Lord shall be to them that dwell on high who have their converâ—ation in heaven a place of broad rivers and streams where shall go no gally with oars neither shall gallant ship pass thereby and so they shall be out of the reach of danger Isa 33. 14 16 21. with Job 11. 9. and Psal 104. 25. This sea shall be a wall unto them on the right hand and on the left a wall of safety and salvation so as none shall really harm them Exod. 14. 22 29 30. with Isa 26. 1. And this sea is said to be of glass like unto crystal or ice for that word signifies both to signifie that it is a smooth sea not like the troubled sea whose waters cast up mire and dirt Isa 57. 20. but a quiet still sereâ—e sea like ice and to give us to understand that such as attempt to harm them that dwell in heaven their foot shall slide in due time and they shall fall and be destroyed Deut. 32. 35. Psal 73. 18. This sea of glass will prove the terâ—ible crystal unto them Ezek. 1. 22. Or more particularly By this sea of glass like unto crystal there may be respect and reference to the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt and from Pharoah and all his host God then saved them by the sea which was a wall of salvation to them Exod. 14. 29 30. And the waters thereof were then congealed like ice or crystal Exod. 15. 8. And this may further appear to us in what is again spoken of this sea Rev. 15. 2 3 I saw saith the Apostle a sea of glass mingled with fire and them that had gotten the victory over the beast c. stand on the sea of glass having the harps of God and so prepared to sing and then it follows And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God even that song which he and Israel sang when God by means of the sea had saved them and destroyed their enemies Compare and consider Rev. 15. 2 3. with Exod. 14. 29 30. and chap. 15. And indeed by that sea he secured his ancient people from the hurt of their enemies while they pursued them and before they were destroyed Exod. 14. 22-29 This in the truth of it is the sea of which that was a type And Gods Israel may even now sing by faith because of this sea of salvation according to what is said of some They shall lift up their voice they shall sing for the Majesty of the Lord they shall cry aloud from the sea Isa 24. 13 14. with Nah. 3. 8. and of whom he there speaks is very evident not of the Inhabitant of the earth for fear and the pit and the snare shall come upon him and he shall weep and cry bitterly but of the righteous who have their dwelling in heaven even in the secret of the most high who shall lodg under the shadow of the Almighty Isa 24. 10 12 14 16 17. 2. Or also By this sea of glass like unto crystal there is respect had to the sea the molten sea which was made by King Solomon and placed in the temple 1 King 7. 23. which temple was a figure of heaven as the Apostle gives us to understand Heb 9. 24. or to that more ancient one the Laver which Moses made by Gods appointment and placed in the tabernacle before the temple was built Exod. 30. 18. and the Molten sea is called a Laver as may be seen by comparing 1 King 7. 23. with ver 30. And the truth or antitype of this Laver or Sea may be the precious blood of Christ unto which also the hearty believers now come by faith as the Apostle saith Ye are come to Jesus the Mediator of the new testament or covenant and to the blood of sprinkling Heb. 12. 22 24 which blood of his is compared to a Laver as it is said He hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Rev. 1. 5. and his blood is that fountain opened now in these last days in which he actually poured out his soul unto death and in which the Gospel is now preached according to the revelation of the mystery Zech. 13. 1. hereby this sea this red-sea may be meant which our Lord Jesus carried up into heaven as the former high-priests entred the typical holy places which were the figures of the true with the blood of others Lev. 16. 15. Heb. 9. 7 25. so our great High-priest Jesus the Son of God entred within the veil even into the holy heavens not with the blood of others not by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood Heb. 9. 12 25. and this sea of his blood is said to be before the throne as speaking good things for men generally by it he is making intercession for the transgressors Isa 53. 12. and abiding in the virtue of it the one and only Mediator between God and men 1 Tim. 2. 5 6. and ever living to make intercession for them that come to God by him and is therefore able to save them to the uttermost Heb. 7. 25. with chap. 12. 24. and this blood as is said is signified to be in heaven For as in former times the High-priest brought the blood of the goat of the sin-offering within the veil and sprinkled it upon the mercy-seat and before the mercy-seat so our true High-priest is with his own blood entred into that within the veil even into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of Goe for us Compare Lev. 16. 15. with Heb. 6. 19 20. and chap. 9. 24 25. and chap. 12. 24. and hence such as are lovers of his cross and gloriers in it even in the blood of his cross are said to have their
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
with this right hand he will subdue and conquer still all his enemies His right hand shall find out those that hate him Psal 21. 8-11 And yet with this right hand in which this Book is he will save all them from evil who hearken unto and put their trust in him Psal 17. 7. Cant. 2. 6. and chap. 8. 6. Isa 49. 6. Psal 139. 10. This Book is in his right hand of power who hath prepared and established his Throne in the Heavens and whose Kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19. 2. It is in the right hand of his righteousness and faithfulness Isa 41. 10. The just Lord will do no iniquity even in his foreknowledge or judgings Zeph. 3. 5. Deut. 31. 26-29 with chap. 32. 3-5 He is excellent in power and in judgement and in plenty of Justice He will not afflict Job 32. 23. All that is contained in this Book is full of righteousness It is in his right hand which is full of righteousness and in all He will be known in the Palaces of Zion for a Refuge and Sanctuary Psal 48. 3-10 One he is who will righteously and faithfully perform all which is in this Book not one thing of it shall fail as Isa 34. 2-5 16. Jer. 25. 18. He will certainly perform all written therein and he will righteously also do it He is not like unto them whose right hand is a right hand of falshood Psal 144. 8. 11. or in whose right hand is a lie Isa 44. 20. But he is the righteous Lord who loveth righteousness Psal 11. 7. and in righteousness he doth judge and make war Rev. 19. 11. It 's in the right hand of him that sits in the throne judging right Psal 9 4. 3. In his right hand May also possibly denote to us the excellency and preciousness of its contents or how highly it is valued by him that sits upon the throne As those persons or things which are preferred to or more excellent than others are taken into or placed on the right hand Isa 48. 13 14 17 18. 1 Kings 2. 19. And hereby also may be meant and signified the safety and secrecy of the Contents of this Book To which more after 3. What he saw of or concerning this Book And that is 1. Somewhat of the writing of it It was written within and on the back-side that is It was written within and without As Back-side is opposed to within And as it is in a Roll when rolled up The inmost part is that within and the other that on the back-side for so their Books were formerly in Rolls rolled up together whereto respect is had when it is said The Heaven departed as a Book or Scroll when it is rolled together Rev. 6. 14. And many times in Jer. 36. The same thing is sometimes called the Roll of a Book sometimes a Book as may be seen in comparing verse 2 4 6. with verse 8. 10 11 13. and verse 14. with verse 18. and verse 23 27 28 29. with verse 32. See Ezra 6. 1. And in that this Book or Roll is said to be written within and on the back-side or without So we may thereby understand that it was perfected and filled up It was ordinary to write but on the fore-side or within But this Book was fully written or filled up with Writing on both sides yet so as to to leave room or place for the Seals His work herein and in all things is perfect Deut. 32. 4. And so it was like unto that Roll given to Ezekiel Of which it is said When I looked behold an Hand was sent unto me and lo a Roll of a Book was therein and he spread it before me and it was written within and without and there was written therein lamentations and mourning and wo Ezek. 2. 8 9 10. And in that it is said to be written perfectly while it was in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne and before it was taken out So we may learn that what was written in the Volume or Roll of this Book was not of Mans Writing but the Writing was the Writing of God as Exod. 32. 16. It was Written with the Finger of God as Exod. 31. 18. To wit with the Holy Spirit compare Luke 11. 20. with Matth. 12. 28. And so it was very excellent and all in it true no mistake or error therein for the Spirit is the Spirit of Truth yea the Truth John 15. 26. 1 John 5. 6. 2. He also declares to us somewhat of the Sealing of this Book It was Sealed with seven Seals that is to say it was most perfectly sealed As the word seven is a number of perfection and so oft used in this Book and in many other places See the Notes after on verse 6. of this Chapter And we may not conceive that the Seals were altogether in one place at the opening of this Book or Roll but in seven several places For if all had been together at the top or opening of it all must have been losed or opened at once and before any part of the Roll or Book could be lookt into or read but so it was not sealed but the seven Seals were in seven places and opened one after another as it is said The Lamb opened one or the first of the Seals and he opened afterward the second Seal and after that the third c. chap. 6. 1 3 5 7. 9 12. and chap. 8. 1. So as at the opening of every one of the seven Seals in order the Roll or Book is farther opened and some new matter appears and is discovered as may be seen in chap. 6. 1. 3. 5 c. And this Book or Roll may be said to be sealed 1. As sealing signifies authorizing a thing and making it valid and authentick or giving power or force thereto So the Letters or Decrees of Kings were sealed and so ratified established and authorized So Jezebel wrote Letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his Seal 1 Kings 21. 8. And the Letters which Ahasuerus gave Haman authority to write in his name were sealed with the Kings Ring Esth â— 10 12. And what was so sealed no man might reverse Esth 8. 8 10. Matth. 27. 65 66. So this Book was sealed it â—ad the authority of God upon it and power was with it and it was made sure and confirmed that he will certainly perform and accomplish it Isa 44. 26. The contents thereof are unalterable and unchangeable and it 's hâ—ghly valued by him as before Deut. 32. 34. 2. This Book was sealed with seven Seals that is compleated made an end of and finished so as no more was to be added to it As it is with a Letter when it is sealed up then there is no more to be put into it And as it is said to the same purpose Bind up the Testimony seal the Law among my Disciples Isa 8. 16. And whosoever shall add unto the things therein contained God will add
the whole earth Zach 4 10. And these seven Eyes which are the seven Spirits of God are sent forth 1. In general to discern all things and discover them unto him what is done here below Though he dwelleth on high yet he humbleth himself to behold not only the things that are in Heaven but the things that are in the Earth also Psal 113. 4 6. His Eyes behold his Eye-lids try the Children of Men Psal 11. 4. The Eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15. 3. And these Eyes of his even the seven Spirits of God do as it were return an account to him of what is done here below like that Zach. 1. 9-11 that he may order the Government of God over the World graciously and righteously Psal 139. 7 8-12 He is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened to the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12. 14. Job 34. 21. Jer. 32. 19. 2. To enlighten the eyes of them that dwell therein To this end God hath put his Spirit upon Christ and he that giveth breath unto the people that are upon the earth giveth spirit also to them that walk therein Isa 42. 1-5-7 He is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1. 9. And especially he doth open their eyes who have the Gospel plainly and faithfully preached to them The Spirit of the Lord is upon Christ because he hath anointed him to preach the Gospel to the poor to preach recovering of sight to the blind Luke 4. 18. To open their eyes even the eyes of Jews and Gentiles and to turn them from darkness to light c. Acts 26. 18-23 The poor and deceitful man meet both together herein the LORD lighteneth both their eyes Prov. 29. 13. Psal 146. 8. And to them that turn at his whol some reproofs he will pour out his spirit unto them and make known his words unto them Prov. 1. 23. And they shall know more and more abundantly who thus follow on to know the LORD to wit â—n returning unto him continually from all their iniquities and vanities Hosea 5. 15. and chap. 6. 1-3 Dan. 9. 13. Matth. 13. 11 12. Dan. 2. 2 22. 3. To be with assist and bless them that heartily believe in and follow him The Eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth strongly to hold with them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. Job 36. 7. And as it is said concerning the Land of Canaan the same may be applied to the people whom the LORD hath chosen for his own inheritance They are a people for whom the LORD their GOD careth the Eyes of the LORD their GOD are alwayes upon them from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year Deut. 11. 12. To Watch for their good Psal 34. 12-15 To behold their troubles afflictions and exercises and to keep them from evil and seasonably to deliver them Psal 102. title and ver 18 19. Exod. 3. 7. And however he permits or orders it to the outward man yet behold the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him upon them that hope in his mercy to deliver their soul from death Psal 33. 18 19. Zach. 12. 4. Such shall certainly find Grace in his eyes at all times and in every condition Gen. 6. 8. 4. And these seven eyes of his to wiâ— the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth do behold the evil also and what their evil projects designs and actions are how deeply soever they dig to hide their counsels and actions from him Though they say God hath forgotten he hideth his Face he will never see yet herein they speak falsly for he doth see he beholdeth mischief and spite to require it with his hand Psal 10. 11-14 15. and 94. 5-8 Though they endeavour to hide themselves never so closely yet he will set his Eyes upon them that rebell against him for evil and not for good Amos 9. 1-4 8. He rules by his power for ever his eyes behold the nations let not the rebels exalt themselves Psal 66. 7. and Psal 139. Verse 7. And he came and took the Book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne We have seen before that when Proclamation was made by that strong Angel ver 2. None in Heaven nor in Earth neither under the Earth no meer Creature was able or worthy to open the Book neither to look thereon ver 3. which occasâ—oned the Apostle John to weep or lament much ver 4. whereupon an elder was sent to speak good and comfortable words to him telling him The Lion of the tribe of Judah c. had obtained power to open it and to loose the Seal thereof ver 5. And he beheld this most excellent and glorious one ver 6. And now the Apostle acquaints us with what he farther saw and that as the elder had foretold and according to that visional appearance ver 6. so here was some performance c. And he came to wit unto him that sate upon the throne somewhat like unto that spoken by the Prophet Daniel concerning him I saw in the night Visions and behold one like the Son of man came to the ancient of days Dan. 7. 13. He who had formerly come down from Heaven not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him even to lay down his life and give himself for our sins John 3. 13. and chap. 6. 38 41. with Gal. 1. 4. When he had finished that work which the Father gave him to do on earth he then left the world and went unto his Father again John 13. 3. and chap. 16. 28. and 17. 11 13. To receive all power from him and with him And took the Book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne Took it not to eat it as Rev. 10. 8-18 I mean not to prophesie as formerly in his personal ministration but he took it to open it to John that by him it might be shewed to Christs Servants more generally as afterwards also he did open it as chap. 6 c. He received power to reveal and make known the things contained in this Book and this upon the account of his having humbled himself to death the death of the Cross and to execute the things in this Book which was sealed with seven Seals Now in this seventh verse we may note for our usefulness 1. As this verse may refer to ver 5. where the Elder saith The Lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the Book c. and accordingly he now came That he doth and will confirm the word of his Servants and perform the counsel of his messengers as Isa 44. 26. Though his messengers cannot perform his
he that liveth and shall not see death shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave Selah Psal 89. 48. I have said saith God concerning Kings and Potentates of this world ye are Gods and all of you are the children of the most high But ye shall dye like men and fall like oâ—e of the Princes Psal 82. 6 7. Isa 14. 18. And when they dye they shall carry nothing away their glory shall not descend after them Psal 49. 16 17. But these holy reigners we are speaking of shall not reign till after they are raised up from the dead and so out of the first death and on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20. 4 6. And so they can dye no more death hath no more dominion over them Luk. 20. 35 36. and therefore they shall possess the kingdom for ever even for ever and ever Dan. 7. 18. Death shall never put an end to their glory as it doth to the glory and government of the high ones of this world but they shall reign for ever and ever Rev. 22. 4 6. Oh how might the consideration hereof engage us not to be desirous of vain-glory but in a patient continuance in well-doing to seek after glory and honour with immortality Rom. 2. 6 7. and to be looking not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seeâ— for the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 18. Oh! seek we after and set we our affection upon the things above and not on things on the earth for we are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God when Christ our life shall appear then shall we also appear with him in glory c. Col. 3. 1-4 1 Cor. 9. 25 27. And this leads us to the next enqâ—iry viz. 2. With whom shall these holy Ones so reign And to that we may say 1. They shall be and reign with Jesus Christ our Lord when sorrow had filled the hearts of his disciples because of his departure from them he then to comfort them said unto them In my fathers house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Joh. 14. 2 3. And thus addresses himself to his Father in their hearing and for their encouragement and consolation Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory John 17. 24. Them that sleep in Jesus God will bring with him and the survivers of that body also for the dead shall be raised and the living changed and all shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall they ever â—e with the Lord 1 Thes 4. 14-17 Then all shall be gathered all that are his I mean together unto him whereever they are they shall be gathered unto him from the four winds from one end of Heaven to the other 2 Thes 2. 1. with Matth. 24 30 31. And when Christ who is their life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in glory Col. 3. 4. The Lord my God saith the Prophet shall come and all the Saints with thee Zech. 14. 4-9 and then gloriously they shall sit with him on his throne Rev. 3. 4 21. so the Apostle Paul saith It is a faithful saying for if we be dead with Christ we shall also live with him if we suffer we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. And the Apostle John saith I saw thrones and â—hey sate upon them and judgment was given unto them c. And they lived and reigned with Christ c. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years Rev. 20. 4 6. They shall not reign before or without Christ as some have fondly and groundlesly imagined but with him as in that vision of Daniel is also signified to us where first of Christ it is said I saw in the night-visions and behold one like the son of mâ—n came with the clouds of Heaven and came to the ancient of days and they brought him near before himâ— and there was given to him dominion and glory and a kingdom that all people nations and languages should serve him his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom c. And when Daniel asked one the truth of all this he told him and made him know the interpretation of the things viz. The Saints of the most high shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever c. to wit when Christ doth and with him Dan. 7. 13 14 16 18 27. And that they shall reign with Christ and be ever with him this will render their state most excellent comfortable and desirable 1 Thes 4. 17 18. Now indeed the Bridegroom is absent from them and they have great cause of mourning on that account Mat. 9. 15. Now they groan being burdened for they walk by faith not by sight But then he will see them again and their heart shall rejoice and their joy none shall take from them 2 Cor. 5. 2-9 The name of the holy City shall then be the Lord is there Ezek. 48. 35. Indeed now when they depart out of the body and are present with the Lord it is far better for them than to be at home in the body and absent from the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 5-8 Phil. 1. 23. Rev. 14. 13. But then when they are raised again and have the adoption the redemption of the body and the body and soul reunited and personally present remaining and reigning with the Lord it will be best of all Phil. 1. 20 21. 1 Thes 1. 10. when they awake to wit in the Resurrection of the righteous they shall be satisfied with Gods Image to wit with Christ who is the Image of the Invisible God and with that dominion and rule which with him they shall then receive and partake of Psal 17. 15 with Col. 1. 14 15. and Gen. 1. 26-28 And in that they shall reign with Christ this also confirms the truth of what these holy ones here say namely they shall reign on the earth to which we have spoken somewhat before for Christ shall reign on the earth I know saith Job that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth whom I shall see for my self and mine eyes shall behold Job 19. 25 27. with Zech. 14. 4 5 9. He shall sit upon the throne of his Father David which was indeed the throne of the Lord but not in Heaven but on the Earth as before we have said Psal 132. 11. with Act. 2. 30. Isa 9. 7. and 16. 5. Jer. 33. 21. Luke 1. 32. He shall judg the
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