in pity and compassion to it and to preserve it from falls and dangers whereto it is more liable than the rest of its brethren so it is here so Christ as a gracious and careful shepherd takes those of his flock which are weakest neerest to him not to signifie that they are more excellent than the more strong but to shew his abundant care towards and tendring of them according to their greater infirmity Thus it is said of him He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young Isa 40. 11. And in this order he gives instruction unto the Apostle Peter as with respect to his flock first to feed his lambs and afterwards saith he feed my sheep feed my sheep John 21. 15 17. And this order the Apostle John observed when he writes to the believers that were of several degrees he first writes to the weakest the little children to comfort encourage and strengthen them 1 John 2. 12 13 14. Rom. 14. and chap. 15. 1-3 Christ gathers his young and tender chickens under his wings like an Hen to secure and defend them from ravenous â—owls and birds of prey Matth. 23. 37. with Psal 91. 1 3 4. and Psal 36. 7 8. And thus the living creatures are disposed in this vision they are in the midst of the throne and round about the throne which might therefore engage them to worship him in his glorious sanctuary who sits thereon as it is said Vow and pay unto the Lord your God let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared he is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him Psal 76. 11. and 89. 6 7. and it might encourage them to lift up the hands which hang down and confirm the feeble knees considering the eye of the Lord is upon them and his tender care and compassion towards them while they are infirm and weak and meet with much tribulation and manifold occasions of trembling while they are in this world Hâ—bak 3. 16 18 19. and it might strengthen them also to let their moderation be known unto all men because the Lord is nigh at hand unto them and to be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let their requests be made known to God Phil. 4. 4 5 6 7. Psal 33. 18 19. 4. What is imported and signified to us in this that these living creatures are said to be full of eyes before and behind Answ 1. By eyes here some understand quick-sighted men such persons as were of a great and quick understanding who were in and amongst the four living creatures even in the Church of God on earth and so sometimes in the Scripture such persons may be called eyes so Moses said unto Hobab his Father-in-law Leave us not I pray thee for as much as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness and thou mayest be to us instead of or for eyes Numb 10. 29 31. and Job saith of himself I was eyes to the blind Job 29. 15. and so indeed in the mystical or congregational body of Christ there are some persons compared to the eye as others also are to the ear hand and foot Hence the Apostle saith The eye cannot say unto the hand I have no need of thee c. 1 Cor. 12. 13-21 and the work of such as are compared to the eyes is to guide and direct the residue of the body instrumentally and ministerially Heb. 13. 7 17. and the Church hath many such amongst them many that are rich in knowledg and indued with great understanding that are as eyes to the residâ—e of the body and may be called Seers as in former times the Prophets and leaders of the people were called for he that was afterwards called a Prophet was before-time called a seer 1 Sam. 9. 9 11. so the people said to the Seers See not and to the prophets Prophesie not unto us right things c. Isa 30. 8 10. and the Prophet speaking of the Judgment of God in blinding their teachers thus expresseth it The Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep and hath closed your eyes But what doth he there mean by eyes He shews what he intends thereby in what follows immediately saying the prophets and your rulers the Seers hath he covered Isa 29. 10. But though this be a good and useful sense and understanding of the word eyes and is and may be well included yet it may not be restrained hereto to lift up some above measure and cast down others nor that the whole body besides should only see by these eyes for so it may come to pass That the blind may lead the blind and both fall into the ditch for these eyes may be covered as we have seen Isa 29. 10 13. and the Apostle would have all the believers to make use of their own judgment even when he spake unto them 1 Cor. 10. 15. and no otherwise to be followers of him than as he was an imitater of Jesus Christ and thereto they ought to make use of their own proper eyes 1 Cor. 11. 1. And therefore 2. By the living creatures being full of eyes may be also and most fully meant they were filled with knowledg and understanding in some degree as is also signified in ver 8. though yet they may still be fuller as the Apostle saith to the Church of the Romans in general I my self also am perswaded of you my brethren that ye also are filled with all knowledg c. Rom. 15. 14. and to the same purpose he speaks unto the Church of God at Corinth saying In every thing ye are enriched by Christ in all utterance and in all knowledg 1 Cor. 1. 5. and the Apostle John writing to the believers in general saith unto them Ye have received an unction from the holy One and ye know all things 1 John 2. 20. so eyes signifie knowledg Numb 5. 13. and Chap. 16. 14. Job 28. 21. or understanding Hence they are called the eyes of the understanding Eph. 1. 18. And thus it is with the Church of the living God eâ—pecially in these last ages they are full of knowledg and understanding as compared with Gods professed people in former times the true light now shineth and the darkness is past 1 John 2. 7 8. and as our Saviour saith to his disciples Blessed are their eyes for they see to wit the things which many righteous ones desired to see and did not see them Matth. 13. 16 17. Christ hath come into the world and finished the work in his own personal body which the Fâ—ther gave him to do upon the earth he hath been delivered for our offences and is raised again for our justification and hath in our nature
Father and unto him he doth un-bosome all his Mind and Counsels Joh. 1. 18. and shews him all things that himself doth Joh. 5. 20. So here in this place This Revelation was first given to him Rev. 1. 1. And he only prevailed to take the Book sealed with seven Seals and to open it He only was worthy and able so to do Rev. 5. 1 5 6 8 9. He only fully and perfectly knows God and he hath declared and revealed him Joh. 1. 18. and ch 6. 46. And he hath given a gracious revelation of him to us in his VVord and VVorks 1 Joh. 1. 5. and ch 4. 8 9. And the consideration hereof might engage us to come unto him that we may know the Father to come to his Cross and Testimony for no Man knows the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Mat. 11. 25 27 28. Luke 10. 21 22. Joh. 12. 44 46. No Man cometh to the Father to the knowledge of the Father but by him Joh. 14. 6 7. God shineth forth the light of the knowledge of his glory in the Face of Jesus Christ who is the Image of the invisible God 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. Col. 1. 15. And he knows Men the thoughts and hearts of them He needs not that any should testifie of Man for he knows what is in Man Joh. 2. 24 25. See Notes before on ch 2. v. 23. Heb. 4. 12. He is perfect in wisdom and knowledge Mat. 9. 4. and ch 12. 25. yea indeed he knows all things Joh. 21. 15 17. There is no Creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 13. And the consideration thereof might strengthen us to hold fast the Profession Heb. 4. 13 14. and also to come unto him who is perfect in wisdom and knowledge to reveal unto us the deep and secret things of his Law and Doctrine which though revealed in the Scriptures of Truth may still be secret to us Dan. 2. 20 23. And this shews to us that he is most meet and fit to govern Wisdom is very requisite to him that sits in the Seat of Government Hence it was the great and one thing desired by Solomon Give me saith he to the Lord Wisdom and Knowledge that I may go out and come in before this People for who can judge this thy People that is so great 1 King 3. 5 12. 2 Chron. 1. 7 12. But behold a greater than Solomon is here Mat. 12. 42. One on whose shoulders the whole Government is laid and who is the wonderful Counsellor Isay 9. 6. The Father hath committed all Judgment all the Government unto the Son And hath given him Authority to execute Judgment also because he is the Son of Man Joh. 5. 22 27. And if all Israel saw that the Wisdom of God was in Solomon to do judgment we may be well assured that our Lord Jesus Christ knows to do Judgment and will do it in whom not only the Wisdom of God is but who is the Wisdom of God 1 King 3. 28. with 1 Cor. 1. 24. The Queen of Sheba came from the uttermost part of the Earth to hear the Wisdom of Solomon but the Lamb infinitely excels him therein Mat. 12. 42. with 1 King 10. 1 8. And therefore he is worthy to be heard and feared by us 1 King 3. 8. This is the true Joshua even Jesus of whom the Son of Nun was a Type Deut. 34. 9. with Isay 42. 1 4. Mark 6. 2. And he hath power to give wisdom unto us also Prov. 8. 10 12 14. 4. And strength He is wise in heart and mighty in strength Joâ— 9. 4. with this ancient one is wisdom and strength with him is strength and wisdom Job 12. 12 13 16. with Rev. 1. 14. God hath laid help upon one that is mighty mighty in strength and wisdom Psal 89. 19. with Job 36. 5. And mighty indeed he is in strength 1. To bear the greatest Burdens Nehem. 4. 10. for he himself bare our sins in his own Body on the Tree 1 Pet. 2. 24. This Lamb of God bare the sin of the World Joh. 1. 29. Sin is an insupportable Burden for any mere Creature it sunk down the Devils from Heaven to Hell 2 Pet. 2. 4. with Jude 6. And brought death on Adam and all his Posterity from which no Man could redeem himself or his Brother Rom. 5. 12. with Ps 49. 6 8. The Psalmist cries out mine iniquities are gone over mine head as an heavy Burden they are too heavy for me Ps 38. 4. But now this Lamb was strong as that he could and did bear and stand under all our sins All we like Sheep have gone astray we have turned every Man to his own way and the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all Isay 53. 6. And he also laid and executed on him the judgment of the World Joh. 12. 27 31. Surely he hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows He was wounded for our transgressions bruised for our iniquities c. Isay 53. 4 5. and ch 63. 1 5. Mat. 26. 38 39. with Heb. 5. 7. He was made a Curse for us Gal. 3. 13. And endured the Cross all the curse and malediction due to us as the wages of our sinning against God Heb. 12. 2. And herein he grapled with all our Enemies that he might overcome them And hereby it appears that he was a strong one in that God laid such burdens upon him If we speak of strength loe he was strong Job 9. 19. for he is the mighty God Isay 9. 6. And he is the Man of God's right hand and the Son of Man whom he made strong for himself Ps 80. 17. And the love of our blessed Redeemer appeared to be exceeding strong in bearing and enduring these heavy burdens his love was strong as death many waters could not quench it neither could the floods drown it Cant. 8. 6 7. 2. And his strength wonderfully appeared in raising himself from the dead Joh. 2. 19 21. He laid down his life that he might take it again no Man took his life from him but he laid it down of himself he had power to lay it down and he had power to take it again Joh. 10. 17 18. He was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resorrection from the dead Rom. 1. 4. As also herein his wonderful strength appeared in vanquishing and overcoming all our Enemies he is the Lord strong and mighty the Lord mighty in battel Ps 24. 8. He bare even bare away the sins of many or of the multitude Isay 53. 12. He made purgation of our sins Heb. 1. 3. It was not possible that the blood of Goats and Calves could take away sin Heb. 10. 1 4 5. 8. and ch 7. 18. But what the Law could not do in that it was weak
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
Essence with the Father or else that is not truly affirmed by Solomon which were high Blasphemy to conceive and utter and lying against God for he spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 20. with 1 Kings 9. 3. And so much also may be imported in this saying of the Son of God I am he which searcheth the Reins and Hearts As if he should say I am he that Jehovah spoken of of whom it is said I Jehovah search the Heart and try the Reins even to give unto every Man according to his ways c. For all the Prophets gave witness to me Jer. 17. 9 10. with Acts 10. 43. A convincing and concluding argument that Christ is the true GOD GOD by Nature yea by reason of the Personal and Hypostatical Union between the two natures in that one person He who is our mediator the Man Christ Jesus knoweth all things God hath given the Spirit unto him without measure and the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God Joh. 3. 34. and Rev. 5. 6. with 1 Cor. 2. 10. 2. The consideration hereof may instruct and provoke us to wash our Hearts from wickedness and not to suffer vain thoughts to lodge within us Jer. 4. 14. Not only to cleanse our Hands from Sin but our Hearts also from double-mindedness Jam. 4. 8. and not to content our selves with making a fair face in the flesh or with a blameless conversation before men though it is good to have an honest conversation amongst all Men according to the Instructions and Operations of the grace of God Tit. 2. 10 11 13. The Hypocrites in Heart may appear specious among Men while yet their Reins and Hearts may be very wicked as our Saviour saith to the Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites Ye appear righteous unto Men but within ye are full of Hypocrisie and iniquity Mat. 23. 25 28. And ye are they which justifie your selves before Men but God knoweth your hearts for that which is highly esteemed amongst Men is abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 14 15. We may sit before him as his people and hear his words and delight therein and yet our hearts may go after our uncleanness or covetousness or idolatry Ezek. 33. 30 33. Jer. 22. 17. Men may speak fair and yet there may be seven abominations in their hearts Prov. 26. 24 25. But if it be so with us he perfectly knoweth it He seeth not as man seeth for Man looketh upon the outward appearance but the Lord looketh â—n the Heart 1 Sam. 16. 7. Oh then let the word of Christ dwell richly in us hide we that in our hearts that we sin not against him Encline we our hearts to do his Statutes always that his Testimonies may be the rejoycing of our hearts Col. 3. 16. Ps 119. 11 80 111 112. Jer. 16. 15. Remember and consider he searcheth the Reins and Hearts If you have therefore any inward and secret lustings after divers and strange Doctrines doth not he know it If you are kept from outwardly hearing them and yet your Hearts itch after other Teachers or you inwardly turn aside to other Doctrines besides the Doctrine of Christ If you lust and covet after such Teachers and Instructions which cause to err though upon some by-respects you go not to their Assemblies nor hear them yet his Eyes are in every place and he is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Heb. 4. 12. Prov. 15. 3. and ch 6. 21 25. and ch 7. 3 25. If we forget the Name the Doctrine and Gospel of our God or stretch out our hands to another God shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the hearts Ps 44. 20 21. with Acts 9. 15 16. Oh so demean we our selves and keep we our hearts with all diligence as those that wisely consider he trieth our hearts and none can hide himself in secret places that he should not see him 1 Thes 2. 3 4. Job 31. 1 9. Jer. 23. 24. walk we before him and be we perfect Gen. 17. 1. 3. This might also instruct us to pray unto him that knoweth the hearts of all Men Acts 1. 24. to search us and know our hearts to try us and know our thoughts and to see if there be any wicked way in us and to lead us out of it into the way everlasting Ps 139. 1 23 24. And let us not be discouraged from thus doing because of his Omniscience and All-seeing eye But so let us call to mind and consider his wonderful and unspeakable loving-kindness manifested unto us in his abasement and sufferings that that may encourage us at all times and in all cases and conditions to commit our selves to him as it did the Prophet David Examine me O Lord saith he and prove me try my reins and mine heart but what emboldned him thus to pray unto God It followeth presently for thy loving kindness is before mine eyeâ— Ps 26. 2 3. He knows us better than we know our selves and hath more love for us than we have for our selves fear we not therefore to be searched into by him for he doth it for our good and profit that we might be made partakers of his holiness 1 Joh. 3. 20. 21. Ps 17. 1 2 3. Deut. 8. 2 16. 4. It may encourage the Believers if their heart condemn them not to appeal unto him who searcheth the hearts when they are â—landered and falâ—ly accused by Men as the holy Men of God have done in formâ—r times upon this account So David O Lord my God if I have done this thing if there be Iniquity in mine Hands If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me Let the Enemy persecute my Soul Judge me O Lord according to my Righteousness for the righteous God trieth the Hearts and Reins Ps 7. 1 11. and 17. 1 3. So Jeremiah but thou O Lord knowest me thou hast seen me and tried mine heart pull them out like Sheep for the slaughter Jer. 12. 1 3. and ch 15. 15 17. and ch 18. 20. Though yet it is not good for any to be hasty in desiring the woful day upon any Jer. 17. 16. and Ch. 18. 20. 5. The consideration of this that he searcheth the Reins and Hearts may encourage us also to hold fast the Faith and the Profession thereof without wavering as the Apostle saith All things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do seeing then that we have a great High-prist who is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our Profession Heb. 4. 13 14 16. In this we may be comforted and quieted that though we know not what the Devil and his Instruments are intending or devising yet the Son of God is perfect in knowledge Jer. 11. 18 20. In this the righteous comfort themselves when their Enemies did bend their Bows and make ready their Arrows upon the
more their light neither for brightness shall the Moon give light unto them but the Lord shall be unto them an everlasting light and their God their Glory Isay 60. 19 20. The light of the new Jerusalem shall be like unto a stone most precious like a Jasper-stone clear as Crystal and the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the Glory of God did enlighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof Rev. 21. 10 11 23 25. This going forth of his is indeed prepared as the morning Hos 6. 3. then fully and gloriously they shall see light in his light Ps 36. 9. they shall see as they are seen and know as they are known 1. Cor. 13. 8 11. all ignorance and darkness shall be expelled from them for ever and they shall see the face of God and the Lamb and his name shall be in their Fore-heads and there shall be no night there and they need no Candle nor light of the Sun for the Lord God giveth them light Rev. 22. 4 6. and then the days of their mourning shall be ended and they shall have fulness of joy and coelestial pleasure Isay 60. 20. Eccles 11. 7 8. 4. And now in this morning when he gives them the morning-Star they shall have the Dominion Psal 49. 14. 2 Sam. 23. 3 4. Namb. 24. 17. Verse 29. He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches See the notes before on Verse 7. of this Chapter AN EXPOSITION On the Third CHAPTER OF THE REVELATION Chap. 3. Verse 1. And unto the Angel of the Church in Sardis write These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven Stars I know thy Works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead THIS Epistle we see is directed unto the Angel of the Church in Sardis See Notes on Ch. 2. Ver. 1. In which we have to consider in this first Verse 1. The Description our Lord Jesus gives of himself to them 2. The Account of his knowledge of them 1. The Description he gives of himself to them in two particulars These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God even that one Holy and Eternal Spirit See notes before on Ch. 1. Ver. 4. Now our Lord hath these seven Spirits of God 1. By his Merit he hath obtained them by his Blood into the Nature of Man in his person Rev. 5. 6 9 12. The Father so loveth the Son because he laid down his life for us that he might take it again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh. 3. 34 35. with ch 10. 17. Because he was his Servant he hath put his Spirit upon him Isay 42. 1. and ch 11. 1 2 3. And so 2. Upon the account aforesaid he hath the Spirit by the gift and donation of the Father he hath given the Spirit without measure to him Joh. 3. 34. With this Ohl of gladness he is anâ—inted above his Fellows Heb. 1. 9. Acts 10. 38. and ch 4. 27. And this promise of the Holy Spirit he received of the Father being by the right hand of God exalted Acts 2. 33. whereby he knows all things Rev. 5. 6 12. and hath given forth the full of the Testimony Isay 61. 1 2 3. Luke 4. 18. Joh. 3. 34. 3. He hath the seven Spirits of God to-dispense to others or to withhold or withdraw from others as he pleaseth If Men provoke him and vex his holy Spirit he can take it away from them or not give it to them though he be â—low to anger Ps 51. 11. Gen. 6. 3. with 1 Pet. 3. 18 20. And he can and doth dispence of this blessed Spirit to Men in the means he vouchsaâ—es to glorifie himself to them and therein and therewith to convince the World of Sin of Righteousness and of Judgment and to open their blind Eyes and bring forth Judgment to them Isay 42. 1 7. and ch 45. 22. Joh. 16. 7 14. He is become a quickening Spirit to quicken dead souls even such also as are become so after they have been enlivened by him Joh. 6. 33. 1 Cor. 15. 45. Hos 14. 1 5. And will pour ouâ— his Spirit abundantly and make known his words unto them whoever they are or whatever they have been who turn at the reproofs of his Instruction Joh. 15. 26. Prov. 1. 22 23. And the seven Stars he hath them also See the notes on Chap. 1. 16. and 20. and Chap. 2. Verse 1. These he hath in his right hand and holdeth them â—e hath them in his hand as the Clay is in the hand of the Potter Jer. 18. 2 6. to fill them if he sees good and their works be perfect before God with his blessed Spirit Acts 2. 32 33. yea though they have a name that they live and are dead yet he hath the immeasurable fulness of the Spirit to reprove them for and convince them of their wandrings and back-slidings from him and to strengthen them to turn at his reproofes Prov. 1. 21 23. though they have deserved to be cast out and utterly forsaken yet if in the light and strength of God's grace they purge themselves from their pollutions he can pardon their sins and dispense his Spirit to them and they shall be Vessels unto Honour sanctified and made meet for their Masters use and prepared to every good work 2 Tim. 2. 20 21. In their returning again they shall yet stand before him Jer. 15. 19. And though they are dead yet he is the life hath life in himself to quicken whom he will Joh. 14. 6. and ch 5. 21 26. He abides and remains the Fountain of living waters Jer. 2. 12 13. and ch 13. 17. Or if they provoke him he can withdraw his Spirit from them Isay 63. 9 10. And though at present they are vessels of Honour he can make them vessels of Dishonour Jer. 22. 24. Rom. 9. 21. 1 Tim. 3. 6. He hath the seven Stars and he hath the seven Spirits of God and if by Mens continued-in rebellions they provoke him to take away his Holy Spirit from them Ps 51. 11. there is no man hath power over the Spirit to retain the Spirit Eccles 8. 11. And this may be of usefulness unto his Angels and Messengers 1. To preserve them from being lifted up with Pride if they be preferred before others in their Gifts Knowledge Utterance Service c. for not they but Christ hath the Spirit resting upon him and of him and of his fulness they receive he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4. 7 11. Joh. 1. 16. Who made thee to differ saith the Apostle and what hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received 1 Cor. 4. 7. And let such take heed that they provoke him not to anger Exod. 23. 21.
for he can take away their Talents from them Luke 19. 24 26. It 's his Spirit and he can recall it and then they will become Vessels in whom is no pleasure 2. The consideration of what hath been said may admonish their Brethren who are not in such office not to think too highly of the Angels of the Churches nor to glory in men for all things are theirs whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas c. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. not to think of them above what is written that none of them be puffed up for one against another 1 Cor. 4. 1 2 6. For what have they but what is given to them And who then is Paul and who is Apollo but ministers c. 1 Cor. 3. 4 7. They have not the Spirit upon them but may so provoke Christ as that he may take it away from them 3. It may instruct them and us all whom to look to and unto whom we should lift up our Eyes and Souls when we have brought deadness and witheredness upon our selves even unto him who hath the seven Spirits of God still remaining and resting upon him and who is ready to give it to them that ask yea so to give or dispence it preventingly that we may ask Luke 11. 13. and if he will give none can hinder its being poured forth the Spirit like the wind breatheth where it listeth Joh. 3. 8. and though we are like unto dead bones yet he can put his spirit in us that we may live Ezek. 37. 11 14. 2. We have the account of his knowledge of them I know thy works see notes on ch 2. ver 2. That thou hast a name that thou livest and arâ— dead This was that which he did discern and take notice of in and by their works that they appeared to be something when they were nothing and so deceived themselves and others Gal. 6. 3. Jam. 1. 22. Thou hast a name a fame or good report amongst others So name often signifies in Scripture fame or report as we are come because of the name of the Lord for we have heard the fame of him Josh 9. 9. So An evil name is a bad report Deut. 22 14 19. and a good name is a good report Eccles 7. 1. and thus the word name is frequently used and accepted amongst us Or thou hast A name to wit renown so Men of name are called Men of renown Gen. 6. 4. and base Men are Men of no name or no renown Job 30. 8. 2 Sam. 7. 9 23. and ch 8. 13. So then when he saith thou hast a name it means thou art well reported of by others or thy renown is gone forth for thy beauty and worth as Ezek. 16. 1â— and in this sense thou art taken up into the lips of talkers they noâ— only think well of thee but they praise thee and speak highly and honourably of thee and thou hast got a good report and great renown not only among them that are without but especially amongst Christ's Churches and not only thou hadst but thou hast a name thou still hast it thou hast in former times so behaved thy self that thereby thou gat'st thee renown which is not usually soon gotten and thou still keepest it also Thou hast a name that thou livest not livedst but livest that thou still dost so even at this present when this Epistle is directed to thee he speaks not here of the life of their bodies for without doubt as to them they lived and were not dead for there is no work nor device nor knowledgâ— nor wisdom in the grave Eccles 9. 5 6. 10. Ps 6. 5. and 30. 9. and 88. 5 11. Isay 38. 18 19. But here he speaks concerning the life of their Spirits or Souls in a spiritual consideration Isay 38. 16. and ch 55. 3. of the life of their hearts Ps 22. 26. and so it is as if he should say thou hast gotten and retainest a renown by thy works and arâ— reported of by them that thou livest that thy Soul liveth That is to say Thou hast a name that thou livest In a more general consideration life in Scripture as opposed to death doth summarily comprehend all happiness and blessedness Rom. 6. 23. Joh. 10. 10. life signifies blessing as death doth cursing as it is said I have set before thee life and good and death and evil And again I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore chuse life Life here comprehends good and blessing and so all happiness compare Deut. 30. 15. with v. 19. so here Thou hast a name that thou livest that is to say that thou art an happy and blessed people The Churches look upon thee O Angel to be in a very good condition that thou believest with the heart the word of Faith and makest confession with the mouth unto salvation that thou walkest with a right foot in the Gospel and art an useful and profitable instrument of good to others In short thou hast the report that thy state is very happy blessed and desireable thou hast-renown amongst others And they look on thee O Church as and report thee to bee a very flourishing society and happy thriving Church and congregation and what Church is so much spoken of so oft named and so greatly renowned as this Church of Sardis Oh! this is mentioned and reported to be an excellenâ— Congregation and preferred before many others More particularly Thou hast a name that thou livest that thou abidest in the lively knowledge of the only true God and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent the Saviour of the World For this is life eternal saith our Saviour Joh. 17. 3. with 1 Joh. 4. 14. In this stands and consists the life of the Spirit hence that cry of the Psalmist give me understanding and I shall live Ps 119. 144. And on the other hand they who remain in ignorance of God are said to be alienated from the life of God Eph. 4. 18. And the man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead Prov. 21. 16. But thou hast a name that thou walkest and abidest in the way of understanding and that thou art filled with all knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified and of God in him And so that thou understandest all things Prov. 28. 5. that thou art filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding That thou livest That thou art and abidest in the â—avour of God in whose â—avour is life Ps 30. 5 yea whose loving-kindness is better then life Ps 63. 5. Prov. 8. 34 35. in the light of whose countenance is life and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain Prov. 16. 14 16. thou hast a name that thou art in Christ and not only so but that thou walkest in him as thou hast received him and so art justified owned and approved not as to thy state only but as to
thou art dead thou art wandred out of the way of understanding and so thou art and remainest among the congregation of the dead Prov. 21. 16. thou hast in a great measure lost that living and useful knowledge that good understanding of Jesus Christ and the excellency of his cross and the love of God therein commended which sometimes thou hadst and blindness is happened to thee in part and in a great measure also they were become blind 2 Pet 1. 9. and had not such knowledge of God as formerly they had had which was a shame for them 1 Cor. 15. 34. Thou art dead under condemnation by walking after the flesh â—hâ— wisdome and ducture thereof thou art carnally-minded savouring thine own things thine own name praise esteem works of righteousness and to be carnally-minded is death Rom. 8. 1 6. Thou hast been living after the flesh however after the refined and more goodly and beautiful part thereof the desires of the mind after thine own wisdom good-doings reputation vain-glory and so art become dead Rom. 8. 13. Gal. 5. 24 26. and so thou art fallen under the wrath and displeasure of God Jam. 4. 4 6. whose wrath is as messengers of death to thee Prov. 16. 14. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. 1. But thou art not walking in and after the Spirit but after the flesh and so art under reproof and condemnation Gal. 5. 24 25. Rev. 3. 2 3. Thou art dead though thou appearest to live by Faith yet indeed thou art fallen under the law under the power and dominion thereof and so thy conscience is defiled and pollutted with dead and unprofitable works Heb. 6. 1. and ch 9. 14. thou hast forgotten and let slip what thou didst receive and hear at first and which was so precious pleasant and satisfying to thee how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures v 3. with 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. and how hereby he hath finished the transgression and made an end of sins and is making reconciliation for iniquity and hath brought in everlasting righteousness Dan 9. 24. yea that in him all things are actually prepared and made ready before thou wast invited to come to him Luke 14. 17. and all things pertaining to life and godliness to be received thorow the knowledge and Faith of him 2 Pet. 1. 3. and therefore instead of believing that thou mayst be justified sanctified conformed to him and so made meet for the inheritance Gal. 1. 15 16. Acts 26. 18. thou art seeking to attain righteousness by thy wisdom or as it were by the works of the law Rom. 9. 31 32 and 10. 1 4. and art under the law in thy mind and conscience which is the ministration of death 2 Cor. 3. 7. Gal. 5. 18. And canst no otherwise look up to God joy in him or approach with boldness to him but according to thine own law-services thy works and righteousness though thou didst receive the Spirit by the hearing of â—aith and not by the works of the law yet now thou art become so foolish having begun in the spirit thou wouldest be made perfect by the flesh Gal. 3. 1 5 12. thou art seeking the life and living of thine own hands Isay 57. 10 12. and having forgotten the precious blood of Christ or the preciousness thereof and love therein commended v. 3. thou art intangled with the yoke of bondage and art seeking to be justified by the law and Christ is in too great a measure become of none effect to thee Gal. 5. 1 4. thou dost not now wait thorow the Spirit for the hope of righteousness by Faith thou hast not now such rejoycing in Christ such tastes of his graciousness such confidence in him and confident dependance upon him and God in and thorow him as when thou dist keep in memory the word of the beginning of Christ 1 Cor. 15. 1 2. Gal 4. 15. Thou art dead hast no living affection to him as formerly nor zeal for him and for glorifying him unto others nor readiness and resolution to suffer shame and persecution for his sake and for the Gospel nor such love unto Men and Brethren And though thou hast works yet they are not perfect before God not the works of Faith but rather the works of the Law Jam. 2. 14 26. 1 Cor. 13. 3. Now here we may note 1. That they that have a name that they live they that have a same and report amongst others and whose renown is gone forth for their beauty knowledge Faith zeal vertue c. may yet be dead and withered and be far off from being such manner of persons as others report them to be not only may they be greatly mistaken who commend themselves and think themselves to be something when they are nothing Gal. 6. 3. as was Laodicea which said I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing And mean time was wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked and knew it not v. 17. 2 Cor. 10. 18. But they may be dead and withered and their moisture â—urned into the draught of summer of whom others speak highly and honourably Luke 6. 26. and ch 16. 15. Matt. 23. and ch 6. 2. Yea they that have a name amongst the Churches that they live such as are very renowned amongst them and â—amous in the Congregation of the Lord as Numb 16. 2. may yet be dead They the Churches and Angels thereof may be mistaken and deceived in those they think and speak so highly and honourably of and therefore as it may be a small thing with us to be judged of Men or of Man's day in General So it should be in particular a small thing with us to be justified praised and commended of others of our Brethren of our Teachers for the seven Spirits of God are not on them and they may be mistaken But let every one of us prove our own works and then shall we have our rejoycing in our selves alone and not in another or in others not in their good thoughts esteems or commendations of us 1 Cor. 4. 4. Gal. 6. 3 4. And let us not content our selves though we have a good report of all Men unless we have it of the truth also of Christ in his Gospel 3 Joh. 12. For 3. Such as these who are highly approved and commended by others and by the Angels and Churches also may yet be disapproved of and reproved and threatned by Christ that which is highly esteemed amongst Men may be an abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 15. Christ hath the seven spirits of God and he is thereby quick of understanding Isay 11. 1 3. he seeth not as a Man seeth for Man looketh on the outward appearance but he looks on the heart â—nd so may refuse whom
gracious regard to them and will favour them with the favour of his people and visit them with his Salvation and discriminate them from such as wander out of the way of understanding though they be but one of a city and two of a family yet he will take notice of and take them c. Jer. 3. 14. so when he purposed the destruction of Jerusalem yet he commands a mark to be set on the foreheads of them that did sigh cry for all the abominations that were done in the midst thereof Ezek. 9. 2 5. Rev. 7. 1 3. Though he sift his profest people among all nations like as corn is sifted in a sieve yet shall not the least grain not the weakest upright one fall on the earth when all the sinners of his people shall dye by the Sword Amos. 9. 9 10. he will not cast away or correct in hot displeasure any that are upright when he comes to plead with the same Church or people Though he will not exempt them from suffering persecution for the Gospel's sake yet he will take special notice of them Deut. 4. 4. yea though they are never so few of one Noah and Lot Gen. 7. 1. 2 Pet. 2. 5 8. of a Caleb and Joshua when he is provoked to anger by all the residue of his people Numb 14. 24 30 38. and ch 32. 11 12. Though there be but a few gleaning grapes left as the shaking of an olive tree two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough four or five in the outmost fruitful branches therereof yet he will not destroy or lose them but have a gracious respect to them Isay 17. 6. and ch 24. 7 14. 1. This may therefore provoke us to give diligent heed to keep our garments unspotted and to be stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the works of the Lord as knowing our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. to seek the Lord to seek righteousness and â—eekness that we may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger Zeph. 2. 3. To watch and pray always that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man Luke 21. 36. 2. It may preserve such from and strengthen them against their fears As the Lord saith Fear not thou worm Jacob and ye few Men of Israel I will help thee c. Isay 41. 14. Jer. 39. 19 18. they might think being so few that they should not be respected or taken notice of by Jesus Christ but that he would deal with them as with the rest But as Abraham saith That be far from thee to do after this manner to slay the righteous with the wicked and that the righteous should be as the wicked that be far from thee shall not the Judge of all the earth do â—ight Gen. 18. 32 25 32 when he is wroth with and threatens destruction upon the sinners of his people yet then he takes care of those that are upright-hearted amongst them and gives this charge say ye to the righteous it shall be well with him though he be but one Isay 3. 10. when sudden destruction comes upon others then that day shall not overtake them as a thief 1 Theâ— 5. 3 5. as here If thou shalt not watch I will come on theâ— as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee But thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments and with them I will deal otherwise 3. We may here see that the seven spirits of God are upon Jesus Christ and that thereby he is full of knowledge and quick of understanding The others had a name that they lived and might so think of themselves But he saith of the generality thou arâ— dead and here thou hast a few names c. Heb. 4. 11 13. Rev. 2. 23 24. The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15. 3. he perfectly knows both the one and the other and looks not on the outward appearance as Men do But he seeth the heart 1 Sam. 16. 7. Prov. 17. 3. and ch 21. 2. 2. We have next to consider the assurance of the happiness of these â—ew persons or a gracious promise concerning them They shall walk with me in white and so should not the rest in case they continued and persisted in that evil condition they were in This here assured and promised includes and contains the blessedness of the life to come especially though it may take in also that enjoyable in this life in some measure Now herein is intimated to us 1. That these few persons were at one with Christ there was an agreement between Christ and them and they were such as were well-pleasing in his sight this is signified to us in that it is here said they shall walk with me for how can two walk together except they be agreed Amos 3. 4. So in one place it is twice said Enoch walked with God Gen. 22. 24. In another he pleased God Heb. 11. 5. 2. In that it is here said and assured they shall walk with me in white even with Christ so we may learn that Christ is in white garments To which after 3. Expresly herein Christ promiseth they shall walk with me in white that may mean they shall abide with Christ in white as what is read in one place He that followeth Christ shall not walk in darkness is in another whosoever believes on him should not abide in darkness Compare Joh. 8. 12. with ch 12. 46. 1 Joh. 2. 10 11. And so the blessedness assured to these few upright ones is suitable to their vertuous demeanour they had walked in the light which is said to be white as opposed unto black ways or ways of darkness Mat. 17. 2. with Prov. 2. 13. and they shall walk in white saith Christ that shall be their reward See Ps 11. 1 2 3. And particularly we may say in that he saith they shall walk with me in white 1. They shall be and be arrayed as Priests 2 Chron. 5. 13. they being clothed upon with the righteousness of Christ and the fruits thereof shall now be Priests unto God and Christ 1 Pet. 2. 4 9. Yea though they are of the Gentiles yet he will also take of them for Priests and for Levites who have come unto and walked in Christ and have not gone astray when their Brethren went astray Isay 66. 10 20 21. Ezek. 44. 15 19. And hereafter they shall be so when they are removed out of the land of the living in Spirit Rev. 5. 9 10. and ch 6. 11. and gloriously in Soul and Body in the first Resurrection Rev. 20. 4 6. 2. In white that is in Holy Garments Rev. 19. 11. Lev. 16. 4. He will â—anctifie them thorowout in their whole Spirit Soul and Body 1 Thes 5. 23. Joh. 17. 19. and hereafter compleatly
and as also he saith unto all the Apostles to whom he gave the same power as he did unto Peter Verily â— say unto you whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven Mat. 18. 18. with Joh. 20. 21 23. Mat. 28. 18. Eph. 4. 7 8. 3. He here describes himself by what he doth and that in two branches He that openeth and no Man shutteth and shutteth and no Man openeth 1. He that openeth and no Man shutteth He that openeth namely 1. The door into the Tabernacle of David now namely into his own house the Church of the living God as before is said yea as he hath the key to open the door hereinto so he is the door also by whom any man may enter in into the house or fold of Christ Joh. 10. 9. and to that end and purpose that there might be a way thereinto and the door might be opened for every poor sinful one of the Gentiles also as well as of the Jews therefore he hath made peace by the blood of his cross broken down the middle-wall of partition that was between God and us and between Jew and Gentile and took out of the way all that was in it contrary to us nailing it to his cross Eph. 2. 13 16. Col. 1. 20. and ch 2. 13 15. and so hath made a new and living way and opened a door of which he hath the key that Men might there-thorow come unto God Heb. 10. 19 10. And he is himself the way by who many Man may come unto God Joh. 14. 6. and he hath preached peace the Gospel of peace and glad-tidings of good things To make known the door of life and way of peace to them afar off and to them that were nigh even to us Gentiles and to the Jews that they might come in to the house and be made of the houshold of God in a pecâ—liar consideration Eph. 2. 17 20. and mediates in the vertue of his blood and sacrifice that he might still keep open the door for the entrance of poor sinners And to the end Men might see and enter there thorow he unstops the deaf ears of Men and opens the eyes of the blind that they may hear the glad tidings of the Kingdom and see in some measure what he is presenting to them even himself Isa 42 1 6 7. hence he saith Look unto me all the ends of the earth and be ye â—aved Isay 45. 22 And saith Behold me â—ehold me to a nation that was not called by his name Isay 65. 1. And those who turn at his reproofs shall enter into the Church of God thorow this door of which he hath the key thorow the strait gate Luke 13. 24. And he hath the key to loose Mens sins and remit them to them and by him all that believe are justified from all things from which Men could not be justified by the law of Moses Mat. 16. 19. and ch 18. 18. with Joh. 20. 21 23. Acts 13. 38 39. To him give all the Prophets witness that thorow his name whosoever believes in him shall receive the remission of sins Acts 10. 43. And no Man shutteth namely not the door for admission into this house of God while he keeps it open indeed Men in and by their evil glosses interpretations and laws do shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against Men and occasion much hurt to them that listen unto them and are perverted by them against whom our Saviour denounces a wo and first against them on this account Mat. 23. 13. Luke 11. 52. But still while Christ holds it open it is in it self in Heaven and in his Testimony open and in rejecting them and listening to Christ Men may enter in their shâ—tting up notwithstanding they cannot put an end to the day of Gods grace and patience nor to the mediation of Jesus Christ But any Man in forsaking these foolish ones and their pernicious instructions may live and come into the house Prov. 9. 3 6. hence our Saviour presently after he had said Wo to you Lawyers for ye have taken away the key of knowledge ye entred not in your selves and them that were entring in ye hindred or forbad When there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people in so much that they trâ—d one upon another he began to say to his disciples first of all in the hearing of the multitude Beware ye of the leaven or doctrine of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy Luke 11. 52. with ch 12. 1. with Mat. 16. 6 12. they do what they can to hinder Men and do forbid them but yet the door is open until he turn the key and he is saying to Men Hearken not to the words of these Prophets they make you vain they speak a vision of their own heart and not out of the mouth of the Lord Jer. 23. 16. Beware of false Prophets that come unto you in sheeps-clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves Mat. 7. 13 15. and in Christ's Testimony the door is open that doth assure Men that to him that is joyned to all the living there is hope Eccles 9. 4. and they that hear his word and turn to him in his turning of them shall be made fellow-citizens with the Saints c. And so 2. To them that by him do enter into the house he opens the gates that they may now by Faith enter there thorow into the strong city and meet with salvation and satisfaction As our Lord Jesus saith I am the by me if any Man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture Joh. 10. 9. To them he gives eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any Man pluck them out of his hand Joh. 10. 27 29. and he saith to his servants Open ye the gates that the righteous nation that keepeth the truths may enter in Isay 26. 1 3. he will shew them his marvelous kindness in a strong city Ps 31. 21. and 48. 3 14. and they shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of his house and he will make them drink of the river of his pleasures now by Faith and in a first fruits of the Spirit Ps 36. 7 8. with 1 Pet. 1. 6 8. And no Man shutteth while he openeth no creature shall be able to separate them from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus who love him nor to take away their joy from or bereave or deprive them of their satisfaction in him Rom. 8. 28 39. John 16. 22. 3. He opens and holds open the door for their approach to God so as they have boldness liberty to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus by that new and living way which he hath consecrated thorow the veil that is his flesh And having him an High-priest over the house of God That they may therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that they may
shall be put upon the victors and conquerors as the name of the Husband is upon the wife and so as his name shall be called the Lord our righteousness so this is the name wherewith she the Church shall be called the Lord our righteousness compare Jer. 23. 6. with ch 33. 16. Rev. 19. 7 8. Or as the Lord saith thou shalt be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name thou shalt no more be termed forsaken neither shall thy land any more be termed desolate But thou shalt be called Hepzi-bah that is my delight is in her and thy land Beulah that is married for the Lord delighteth in thee and thy land shall be married Isay 62. 2 4. A name better then of Sons and Daughters Isay 56. 15 16. all this will he write upon them that overcome who hath the writers inkhorn by his side spoken of Ezek. 9. 2 4 11. and this honour shall all his Saints have Hallelujah Ps 149. see the notes before on ch 2. v. 17. Verse 14. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches see the notes before on ch 2. v. 7. Verse 13. And unto the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write see the notes before on ch 2. v. 1. These things saith the Amen the faithful and true witness the begininng of the creation of God We have from the beginning of this verse to the latter end of the eighteenth verse spoken in a Treatise called Needful Counsel and therefore might forbear to speak anything hereto But because these notes may be some-what uniform possibly some may read or hear these that have not that or a time or heart to do it therefore I shall more briefly write over again somewhat of that which is fore-printed in that book These things saith the Amen Thus our Lord begins to describe himself to this Angel and Church he is the Amen to wit he in whom all the promises of God are yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. ratified confirmed and sealed even by his precious blood which is the blood of the new Testament and everlasting covenant Mat. 26. 28. Heb. 10. 29. and ch 13. 20. Those great and precious promises ministred in the Gospel which pertain to life and godliness yea in which are contained and given all things for this life and that to come are not only assured by the word of God and confirmed by his oath which yet are two immutable things in which it is impossible for God to lye and therefore might quicken and encourage lukewarme ones to flee for refuge to lay hold on that hope set before them But also they are actually made firm by the blood of the Testator who is also in the vertue thereof raised and as the fore-runner entred into Heaven and is the mediatour of the new Testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions uâ—deâ— the first Testament they which are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance he mediateth and makes intercession for the taking away the iniquities of those that come unto God by him and that the contents of that â—ovenant may be dispenced to them according to their needs and capacities God hath promised and Christ hath actually said and is the Amen to them Rev. 1. 18. Heb. 8. 6. and 9. 15. It may seem in that Jesus Christ doth first describe himself by this title of the Amen that these lukewarme ones did not keep in believing remembrance the promises and the firmeness and immutability of them and certainty of their performance according to the tenour of them being ratified by such precious blood and ascertained by such a faithful and true witness and therefore they grew sluggish remiss and indifferent and there was great abatement of their former â—ervency either fearing they should be left in sufferings or not provided for or dispenced unto according to their wants and therefore to recover them he telleth them his name is the Amen The consideration hereof is powerful to stir up to diligence and to recover us from our decays to cause us that we shall not be slothful but diligent followers of them who thorow faith and patience inherit the promises Heb. 6. 10 20. To strengthen us to hold fast the profession of our Faith without wavering and â—o consider one another to provoke to love and good works not forsaking the assembling of our selves together Heb. 10. 22 25. To engage us to come out from among Men and to be separate and not to touch the unclean thing But to cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 6. 16 18. and 7. 1. If these exceeding great and precious promises given to the Apostles to minister and ministred by them in and with the glorious Gospel be in us received and entertained by us and abound if they be suffered to dwell richly in us and to have their perfect work so as we limit them not nor hold them in unrighteousness they make us that we shall not be idle or â—nfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ they will provoke us to flee from and escape the corruption that is in the World thorow lust and besides giving all diligence thereto they will enable and stir us up to add to our Faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness and to godliness Brotherly kindness and to brotherly-kindness charity To these things will these precious promises confirmed by such precious blood enliven and quicken us if they be suffered to dwell richly in us For hereby we shall be made partakers of the divine nature 2 Pet. 1. 4 9. Oh exercise we our selves to godliness to Christ who is the root and foundation of godliness for it is profitable to all things having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. with ch 3. 16. How effectual were the promises with the partriaâ—chs in former times when they were not so confirmed as now to make them forsake their country kindred and Fathers house To confess themselves strangers and pilgrims on earth c. These believed caused Abraham the Father of the faithful not to consider his own body now dead neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb But was strong in Faith giving glory to God and being fully perswaded that what God had promised he was able to perform and therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him but for us also to whom it shall be imputed if we believe on him who hath performed the promise made to the Fathers in raising Christ from the dead who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification Gen. 12. 1 3. Heb. 11. 13 16. Rom. 4. 16 25. with Acts 13.
6. of this Chapter 2. What they say of him by way of praise and exaltation to wit VVorthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength c. Wherein let us consider for our instruction and usefulness 1. What the Lamb is worthy to receive 2. Of whom he is worthy to receive these things 3. VVherefore is he worthy to receive them 1. VVhat is the Lamb that was slain worthy to receive And that is 1. Power namely to do what all Creatures could not do to wit to open the Book of God's Counsels and Purposes See the Notes before on v. 5. And so power with God as a Prince to prevail with him he being indeed the true Israel Hos 12. 3 4. Power to open the Eyes of the blind and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Isay 42. 1 6 7. He is a Prince and Saviour to give repentance to sinful and rebellious ones Luke 24. 47. Act. 5. 31. Power to pardon and forgive sins to give forgiveness unto such as turn at his reproofs Herein the Power of God is exercised Numb 14. 17 20. And the Son of Man hath power to forgive sins on Earth Mat. 9. 6. Mark 2. 10. to forgive many and great sins Luke 7. 47 48. Thorow this Man is preached to us the forgiveness of sins and by him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses Act. 10. 43. with ch 13. 38 39. Power to heal diseases those of the Soul Ps 103. 1 3. Mat. 13. 15. and of the outward Man also Mat. 10. 1. Luke 4. 36. and ch 5. 17. Power to make them Sons that come unto him To as many as received him to them he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name Joh. 1. 12. And to give eternal life to them that hear his voice and follow him God hath given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as God hath given him Joh. 10. 27 28. and ch 17. 2 3. and to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him Heb. 7. 24 25. Power over all the power of all Creatures He is the Head of all Principality and Power Col. 2. 10. God hath raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion c. Eph. 1. 20 21. He hath power over the good Angels 1 Pet. 3. 22. And over the evil ones also And he gave power to his seventy Disciples over all the power of the Enemy Luke 10. 17 19. And he hath power over all the power here below He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 1. 5 6. and ch 17. 14. And this might engage us therefore to believe and trust in him Joh. 14. 1. Psal 2. 6 7 12. Power all power to save them that hear his voice and follow him Joh. 10. 27 29. He is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him Heb. 7. 25. to help and deliver them from their Enemies and Adversaries Act. 18. 9. and ch 26. 17. And to dispense all things to them that pertain to life and godliness Joh. 17. 2 3. 2 Pet. 1 3. And in the glorious exercise of his power he shall appear when he shall take to him his great power and reign Mat. 24. 30. and ch 26. 64. Rev. 11 16 18. 2. And Riches That is to say 1. The Riches which are here below for these are his also the Gold and the Silver are his Hag. 2. 8. The Earth is the Lords even the Lord Christs and the fulness thereof Ps 24. 1. with 1 Cor. 10. 26 28. with v. 21. God hath Crowned him with glory and honour and made him to have dominion over the works of his hands and hath put all things under his feet all Sheep and Oxen yea and the Beasts of the Field the Fowl of the Air and the Fish of the Sea and whatsoever passeth thorow the Pathes of the Sea Psal 8. 5 6 8. with Heb. 2. 6 9. Ps 50. 11 12. And the consideration hereof might engage us to come unto and follow him in the regeneration for there shall be no want to them that fear him The young Lions do lack and suffer hunger but they that seek the Lord Christ shall not want any good thing Ps 34. 8 10. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. This is one great thing that Men are afraid of that if they cleave to the Lord with full purpose and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth they shall not be provided for of the things here below but shall be reduced unto necessity and poverty But this is a mistake and groundless fear for all things are delivered to him of the Father Mat. 11. 27 28. And in exercising our selves to godliness we exercise our selves to that which is profitable to all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. with ch 3. 16. 1 King 3. 10 13. with ch 10. 23. Hence the wisdom of God to wit Jesus Christ invites Men to receive her instruction and not Silver and Knowledge rather than choice Gold And to engage them so to do she propounds this as a powerful Motive and Argument Riches are with me Prov. 8. 10 18. In her left hand are Riches Prov. 3. 12 16. He is a Sun and Shield he will give grace and glory no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Ps 84. 11 12. 2. Riches such as are more excellent than all that are here below such as are spiritual and eternal namely Riches of Goodness Rom. 2. 4. He hath indeed been rich in good works 1 Tim. 6. 18. his goodness was so great towards us that he died for us and rose again his kindness was infinitely great in becoming our Saviour Tit. 3. 4. And he is good to all such was his grace and goodness towards us that though he was rich for our sakes he became poor that thorow his poverty we might be enriched 2 Cor. 8 9. He hath Riches of Mercy and being rich therein he hath Riches of Patience and long-suffering towards impenitent ones while it is called to day Rom. 2. 4. because he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. And according to the riches of his mercy quickens them who are dead in sins and trespasses Eph. 2. 4 5. and remits and pardons their sins who thorow his Name believe in him Eph. 1. 7. with Act. 10. 43. and his mercy endures unto eternal life Jude 21. Rom. 9. 23. Riches of Righteousness Prov. 11. 4. He hath by his blood brought in everlasting righteousness Dan. 9. 24 26. And his Name is Jehovah our righteousness Jer. 23.