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.
â—â—is Book As seven Seals See Notes on ver 1 Sevâ—n Spirits See Nâ—tes on Chapter 1. verse 4. Seven eyes c. So herâ— this Lâ—mb â—s it had been slâ—in had seven Horns to wit the comâ—leat nuâ—ber of them or Horn in perfection Now by Horns may be meant and signified to us these thiâ—gs 1. Power and strength The Horn being the Beasts Instrument of strength and for offence and defence of saving themselves and harming others that would harm them or theirs So Horn and Arm are put together as words of a like signification and both signifying Power the former that of a Beast the latter that of a man Jer. 48. 25 So we are to understand the word where it is said Lift not up the Horn lâ—ft not up your Horn on high that is exalt not your power unduly and unsoberly Psal 75. 4 5-10 So he hath cut off the Horn of Israel he hath â—et up the Horn of their Adversary to wit their power and strength Lam. 2. 3 17. Habak 3. 4. So we are to understand the word in this place and that most directly that Christ hath Horns to wit Power and he is worthy to receive it as is truly acknowledged and confessed ver 12 13. Yea he hath seven Horns to wit he hath perfect power thorow his Sufferings The Captain of our Salvation was made perfect therein â—hrow sufferings Heb. 2. 10. and Chap 5. 9. All power is given unto him Mat 28. 18. Power in Heaven â—ea all power with the Father as a â—râ—nce to prevail with him as Hos 13. 3 4. For he is indeed the true Israel a Prince with God his Father as it doth here plainly appear by his taking the Book out of the right hand of him that sate on he Throne and opening it when none else whatever could do it Hence that worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power ver 12. John 11. 41 42. Power over the Angels he is the Head of all Prince pâ—lity and Power Col. 2. 9 10. And all the Angels of God â—re commanded to worship him Heb. 1. 6. 1 Pet. 3. 22. And all power on earth is also given unto him Power to open the eâ—es of the blind Souls of men Isai 42. 1-7 Luke 4. 18. To turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Act 26. 18. and Chap. 3. 26 to work and operate faith in men Luke 4. 32. To make thâ—m Sons of Gâ—d that receive him even as many as believe in his Name John 1. 12. To forgive them their sins Mark 2. 10. Act 10. 43. Bâ— him all that belâ—eve are justified from all thâ—â—â—s frâ—m which they could nâ—t bâ— justified by the Law of Moses Act. 13. 38 39. To heal Dâ—seasâ—s Matt. 9. 4-6 And gave Power also to â—â—s Apoâ—tles and the seventy c. so to â—o also Mark 3. 15. Act. 3. 12-16 To cast out Devils Luke 4. 36. And gave power to hiâ— Disciples so to do also even over all the power of the enemy Matth. 10. 1. Luke 10. 17-19 To deliver up such in his Church unto Satan who are guilty of great and scandalous iniquities 1 Cor. 5. And to release them upon their Godly sorrow working repentance unto salvation not to be repented of 2 Cor. 2. and Chap. 7. To save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him He is a Horn of Salvation a mighty powerful â—aviour neither is there Salvation in any other for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men whereby we may be saved Luke 1. 69. Act. 4. 12. Heb. 7. 25. To strengthen them in and under all the temptations which do beâ—all them and are ordered to them 2 Cor. 12. 9 10. To enable them to do all things thorow his strengthening them Phâ—l 4. 13. To dethrone Satan Rev. 12. 10. And punish all his instruments and the enemies and adversaries of his people Rev. 6. 15-17 To push them to the ends of the earth as Deut. 33. 17. and thorow him also those that believe on his Name shall â—ush down their enemies through his Name they shall tread them down that rise up against hâ—m Psal 44. 4. 5. Through his Name heartily believed in and confessed or sounded forth by them they shall be more than Conquerors as in former times the walls of Jerico fell down when the Priests blew with their seven Trumpets of Rams-horns which 7 Horns might be a Type of the seven Horns of this Lamb of which we are now speaking Josh 6. 6 8-16-20 Gen. 22. 8-10 2. Horns may alâ—o signifie Glory and Honour The Horn being the Ornament and Glory of the Beast So defiling the Horn in the dust and laying ones Honour in the dust may intend and mean the same thing Compare Job 16. 15. with Psal 7. 5. So also we may understand the expression where it is said Mine horn to wit my Glory wilt thou exalt like that of an Vnicorn Psal 92. 10. and 148. 14. So also this Laâ—b hath Glory given unto him As the Psalmist speaking of him saith His glory is great in thy Salvatâ—on Honour and Majesty hast thou laid upon him Psal 2â— 2-5 6. And in this Rev. 5. 12 13. The innumerable Company of Angels say Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receâ—ve â—lory And every Creature also said Honour and Glory be uâ—to the Lâ—mb fâ—r ever c. And he hath glory in its perfection or â—ost â—erfect glory given unto him He is â—lorified with the Father 's own self with the glory which he had wâ—th him before the world was John 17. 5. The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob the Gâ—d of our Fathers hath â—lorified his Sâ—n Jesus glorified him in himself Act. 3. 13. with John 13. 31 32. â—he hath great glory Mat. 24. 30. He is Lord of glory 1 Cor. 2. 8 Joh. 2. 1. the King of Glory â—sal 24. 7-10 The same Honour and Glory is ascribed to him as is also to the Father and that for ever and ever Rev. 5. 12 13. He hath a glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. He is gone up into a glorious place even into Heaven it self where is and which is the Throne of God See Notes on Chap. 4. Ver 2. And he is there received â—ill the times of the restitution of all things 1 Tim. 3. 16. with Mark 16. 19. and Act. 3. 21. 2 Pet. 1. 17. with Ver. 18. He is glorious in his apparel Isa 63. 1. he hath a glorious fulness of all Grace Truth and spiritual Blessings John 1. 14-16 Col. 1. 18 19. He is glorious and beautiful in holiness Exod. 5. 11. Isai 6. 1-3 with John 12. 40 41. He hath a glorious Name Power Authority and Strength Exod. 15. 6. 2 Thes 2 1. 9. He hath by inheriâ—ance obtained a more excellent Name than the Angels Heb. 1. 4-6 God hath highly exalted him and given him a Name above every Name Phil. 2. 7-9 10. Eph. 1. 20-23 He hath a glorious Lordship for he
same promise And these all died in faith not receiving the promises but having seen them afar of they were perswaded of them c. Heb. 11. 8 9-13 14. 39 40. By which it doth plainly appear that that promise is not yet compleatly fulfilled 2. We have again apt occasion to use those words of the Apostle here which were lately referred to If Jesus to wit Joshua had given them rest namely in a full and compleat consideration he would not have spoken of another day There remaineth therefore even when the Apostle thus wrote a rest to the people of God Heb. 4. 7-9 with Josh 21 44. and 22. 4. And this Rest will not be compleatly and gloriously enjoyed by them until the Lord Jesus be revealed not in but from Heaven with his mighty Angels 2 Thes 1. 6 7 9. with Rev. 21. 5. the times of compleat rest and refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord when God shall send us Jesus and when the times of restitution of all things shall come to wit when God shall make new and renew all things Act. 3. 19 20. with Rom. 8. 17-23 3. The land of Canaan was by an everlasting Covenant assured to Abraham and his seed for an everlasting possession so God saith to Abraham I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee the land wherein thou art a stranger all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession c. Gen. 17. 7 8. To the same purpose also Jacob said unto Joseph God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me and said unto me I will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession Gen. 48. 3 4. Now surely we may say this promise is not yet fulfilled compleatly to the seed of Abraham Isaac and Jacob for Israel after the flesh enjoyed it but a little time the Ten Tribes were carried captive about seven hundred years after they were setled in Canaan by Joshua and are not returned from that Captivity unto this day and they were the greatest part of that Nation And the Prophet saith The people of thine holiness have possessed it but a little while Isa 63. 18. And Judah hath been ejected out of it about sixteen hundred years so that as yet neither Abraham Isaac and Jacob nor their seed have had it for an everlasting possession as was promised 2 Sam. 7. 10 11. 4. Yes it doth appear that that Covenant respected not their seed after the flesh only or fully but the spiritual seed of Abraham even all that are Christs who shall in due time have that Covenant fulfilled and performed to them and shall possess the land of Canaan when it is an heavenly Country Gen. 17. 7 8. with Rom. 4. 13 14 16. Gal. 3. 7-16 17-29 And in this heavenly Country they shall reign at Jerusalem the City of the great King even in the new Jerusalem which God will create So the Lord when he promiseth he will make new Heavens and a new Earth immediately saith But be you glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create for behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing c. Isa 65. 17 18. And the Lords remembrancers are called upon and provoked not to keep silence and to give him no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth Isa 62. 1 6 7. I mean the new Jerusalem the holy and heavenly City which God himself will create Indeed it doth appear that the old Jerusalem the former City that was so called will be built again by the natural Israel Jer. 30. 4-18 and Chap. 31. 38-40 but of this new Jerusalem of which we are speaking God himself will be the builder and maker Heb. 11. 9 10. for which Abraham Isaac and Jacob looked but never yet enjoyed it Heb. 11. 15 16. see the notes before on Chap. 3. vers 12. The Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before his Ancients gloriously Isa 24. 23. At that time namely when the Ten Tribes are returned they shall call Jerusalem the Throne of the Lord for he shall be there and there reign Jer. 3. 12-17 with Ezek. 48. 35. And to him that overcometh he will then grant to sit with him in his Throne Rev. 3. 21. Object If any should say The new and holy Jerusalem cannot mean a glorious place but a glorious people because it is called the Bride the Lambs wife Revel 21. 2 10 11. To that I say Answ 1. It doth indeed appear that thereby we are to understand a glorious and heavenly people to wit the children of the first Resurrection in that it is called the Bride c. Rev. 19. 7 8 9. But yet 2. It may signifie a glorious place also as in former times the old Jerusalem signified frequently both the City and Citizens thereof and sometimes the one and sometimes the other and not only it may so signifie but it doth appear to mean a glorious place also Because 1. It is distinguished from persons even from those that enter thereinto as it is said There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth but they which are written in the Lambs book of life Rev. 21. 27. Even as in the Prophet the inhabitants of that Jerusalem the Lord God will make are distinguished from that glorious place where it is said But be you glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create For behold I create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in my people c. Isa 65. 18 19. with Rev. 21. 2-4 2. Nor doth Jerusalem's the new Jerusalem's being called the Bride the Lambs wife hinder but that it may also signifie a glorious place for a place may be said to be married to the Lord as it is said Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken neither shall thy land any more be termed desolate but thou shalt be called Hephzibah 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 to wit unto the Lord also compare Isa 62. 4 5. with Chap. 65. 18 19. So that in short the place where the Saints and holy ones shall reign will be on the earth the new earth in the land of Canaan that Heavenly Country at the new and holy Jerusalem Psal 48. and 87. 2 3. Object But some will be ready to object and say what must the Saints come out of Heaven and reign on the earth surely that will tend much to the abatement and lessening of their glory and happiness Answ To this objection we have spoken somewhat formerly see the notes on Chap. 3. vers 12. and therefore shall say the less to it here But it doth plainly appear that they shall come out of Heaven who shall reign on the earth so it is oft said of the new Jerusalem which signifies as we
especially of them that believe and whose Grace brings Salvation to all men 1 Tim. 4. 10. Tit. 2. 11. Act. 26. 18. And the faithful Martyr who laid down his life in defence and confirmation of the truth to this end was he born and for this cause he came into the World that he should bear witness to the truth and he witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate Joh. 18. 37. 1 Tim. 6. 12 13. And the first begotten of the dead or first-born from the dead as Col. 1. 18. One who died and was in the heart or belly of the earth and was born from the dead this is a birth Act. 13. 32 33. yea the first-born from the dead in his Resurrection that in all things he might have the pre-eminence Herein he was mightily declared and determined the Son of God Col. 1. 18. Rom. 1. 3 4. and ch 8. 29. He was raised before any others Mat. 27. 53. He is the first-fruits of them that sleep 1 Cor. 15. 20 23. who left the rest of the dead behind him and in due time they shall be born and raised also as is implied in that he is said to be the first-born Isay 26. 19. and he is the first fruits of them that sleep in him whose Image they shall bear as they have born the Image of the earthly 1 Cor. 15. 45 48. Whose vile bodies shall be changed and fashioned into the likeness of his glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. and who shall be raised before the rest of the dead Therefore also are they called the first-born Heb. 12. 23. and as the first-fruit is holy so also shall the lump be A glorious Church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing but holy and without blemish Rom. 11. 16. Eph. 5. 25 27. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection Rev. 20. 4 5 6. And the Prince of the Kings of the Earth His name is King of Kings Rev. 17. 14. and ch 19. 16. And he is the Ordainer Ruler and Disposer of them as the Earth now stands By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth Prov. 8. 15 16. He is gone up into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels Authorities and Powers being made subject to him God hath exalted him and given him a name above every name 1 Pet. 3. 22. Phil. 2. 6 9 10. And this shews unto us the preciousness of his Blood for it is upon the account thereof he is so highly exalted in our nature Phil. 2. 6 9. and it may instruct the great-ones of the Earth to worship him as the Psalmist saith Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye Judges of the Earth kiss the Son c. Ps 2. 6 7. 10 12. Col. 4. 1. Yea therefore God hath committed all Judgment to him that all men should honour him as they honour the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. and this consideration may instruct us whom we should obey first of all even him who is higher than the highest of all Creatures Act. 4. 17 20. and ch 5. 28 29. And it may strengthen us to wait upon him and keep his way for he can and will preserve us in so doing and punish our Enemies whoever they are Mat. 28. 18 20. Col. 2. 6 10. Ps 105. 14 15. and it may preserve us from judging one another Jam. 4. 12. And he is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth hereafter God hath made him his first-born higher then the Kings of the Earth Ps 89. 27. Isay 41. 1 2. Unto the Angels God hath not put into subjection the World to come but he hath done so unto Jesus who by the Grace of God tasted death for every one him he hath raised from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the Heavenly Places far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this World but also in that which is to come Heb. 2. 5 9. with Eph. 1. 18 22. He is the Maker of those Holy Kings who shall reign on the Earth Rev. 1. 6. and ch 5. 10. From him they shall receive Laws and rule under him Isay 33. 17 22. and ch 32. 1. And all Kings shall serve and obey him Ps 22. 27 28. and 67. 4. and 47. 6 7. and 72. 8 12. and 82. 8. and 86. 9. and 138. 4. Rev. 17. 14. and ch 21. 24. From this excellent one also he desires Grace and Peace unto the Churches even from him who died yea rather is risen again unto whom all Power is given not only in this World but also in that to come And thus far is the Salutation Now followeth the Doxology or rendring of Praise and Glory to him Vnto him that loved us when we were in our Sins and before he washed us Ezek. 16. 4 5. He had great love to us when we were dead in Sins Eph. 2. 4 5. He then loved us and gave himself for us Gal. 2. 20. Gave himself for our Sins Gal. 1. 3 4. He loved us and gave himself for us an offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour 1 Joh. 3. 16. Eph. 5. 2. And made known this love to us and caused his goodness to pass before us when we were Ungodly-ones and Enemies in our minds by wicked works Eph. 2. 4 5. Col. 1. 21 22. And by these Bands of a Man and Cords of Love over-came us and prevailed with us to love him because he first loved us Hos 11. 4. 1 Joh. 4. 16 17 19. and in the knowledge and belief of his first-love being prevailed withal to love him he loved us with peculiar manner of love Behold what manner of love hath he bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God! As the Father hath loved him so hath he loved us 1 Joh. 3 1. Joh. 14. 21 23. and ch 15. 9. 10. To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever even to all Eternity Amen Rev 5 8 10. and for and thorow his love to us unworthy undeserving and ill deserving-ones He washed us from our Sins in his own Blood Oh wonderful love 1. Sin is a filthy thing a nasty noisome loathsome thing in it self and in the account of them who judge righteous Judgment This is signified in such sayings as these Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7. 1. When the LORD shall have washed away the filth of the Daughter of Zion c. Isay 4. 4. Ezek. 36. 25. They are therefore rightly called Fools who make a mock at Sin Prov. 10. 23. and ch 14. 9. 2. When he loved us and before he washed us we were in our Sins and Filth we had our Conversation amongst the Children of Disobedience in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by
fathers Mat. 1. 1. Luke 1. 72 74. Acts 2. 30. But he was also the Son of Adam Luke 3. 24 38. and he is the first-born of every creature Col. 1. 15. the second Man who came into the room of the first Man and undertook for him when all Mand-kind was in his loins and so became the last Adam of whom the first was the figure 1 Pet. 1. 20. 1 Cor. 15. 45 47. Rom. 5. 14. and hence many times this title of the son of Man is given to him when the scripture speaketh of God's love to Man-kind As the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost Mat. 18. 11. To seek and to save that which was lost Indefinitely Luke 19. 10. The Son of Man came not to destroy Mens Souls but to save them Luke 9. 56. and ch 2. 10 11. as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so must the Son of Man be lifted up For God so loved the World c. Joh. 3. 14 16. 17. The Son of Man was made lower than the Angels for a little while that he by the grace of God should taste death for every Man Heb. 2. 6 9. 3. This title is given unto him to instruct us that he was the heir of all that misery that appertained to Man-kind for and because of their first sin and sinfulness the inheritour of all that sad heritage of affliction Man brought upon himself and hence oftentimes he is called the Son of Man when his abasement and sufferings are spoken of The Son of Man was made a little while lower then the Angels Heb. 2. 6 9. The Son of Man had not whereon to lay his head Luke 9. 58. the Son of Man shall be betrayed unto the chief Priests and Scribes and they shall condemn him to death c. Mat. 20. 18 19. see also Mat 26. 2 24 45. Mark 8. 31. Joh. 8. 28. and ch 12. 23 27 31. 34. Isay 53. 1 10. Rom. 4. 25. 1 Peter 3. 18. 4. And he is called the Son of Man because he is the Heir and inheritour of all the glory that was given unto us and conferred upon us in the first Publick man and which by our Sinning we came short of he hath restored that which he took not away Rom. 3. 23. Psal 69. 4. he restored our nature in his person into the Image of God Jam. 3. 9. into perfect Innocency Integrity Immortality and eternal life 1 Joh. 3. 5. 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. 1 Cor. 1. 30. And he hath obtained eternal redemption the inheritance of new Heavens and a new earth Heb. 9. 12. He in our nature and for us is Crowned with that Glory and Honour where-with the first Man Adam was and God hath set this Son of Man over the works of his hands and hath put all things under his feet though yet we see not all things put under But this shall be gloriously manifested in due time Compare Ps 8. 4 8. with Heb. 2. 5 6. Hence also when our Saviour saith The Sabbath was made for Man and not Man for the Sabbath he presently addeth and inferreth Therefore the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath As intimating he is Lord of all that was made for Man Mark 2. 27 28. This is the person whom he in vision saw 2. We have next to enquire and consider The place where he saw him or one like to him and that is In the midst of the seven Candlesticks Rev. 2. 1. that is to say there he saw him as the Son of Man as one who hath died and is risen again and who is a merciful and faithful High-priest as afterwards Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 4. 14. 16. Rev. 1. 18. What these candlestikcs are and why they are called and compared unto candlesticks we have considered before See the notes on v. 12. But here we have to enquire and consider How the son of Man is said to be in the midst of the seven candlesticks 1. He is in the midst of his Churches as a King and governour he is Gods King whom he hath set upon his Holy Hill of Zion And so he is the King of Saints Ps 149. 2. â— Rev. 15. 3. Thus this phrase in the midst is applied to Kings as with respect to their subjects so Solomon the figure of Christ saith in his prayer to God O LORD my God thou hast made thy Servant King And thy Servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen 1 King 3. 6 8. so let us set a King in the midst of it Isay 7. 6. and The Prince in the midst of them Ezek. 46. 10. so is Christ in the midst of his Churches as a King To give laws unto them and rule and order them his gracious Kingdom ruleth over them and amongst them The LORD is their law-giver statute-maker and King Isay 33. 22. he is their only Rabbi Mat. 23. 8 10. the father of their spirits Heb. 12. 9. The Lord of their faith and consciences 1 Cor. 8. 6. Eph. 4. 4 5. The chief Shepherd and Bishop of their Souls 1 Pet. 2. 25. and ch 5. 5. Heb. 13. 20. He is the only Head of his Body the Church by whose Scepter the Word of his Kingdom they are to be ruled and governed and this Honour they are not to give unto any Man on Earth Col. 1. 18. and ch 2. 19. Mat. 23. 8 10. And they are his Kingdom and voluntary Subjects that have received and are to receive the Law from his mouth and to lay up his words in the midst of their hearts Job 22. 21 22. Eph. 3. 17. Deut. 33. 3. Psal 110. 1 4. And as a King he is in the midst of them to save and defend them from the evil of all he is ordering they demeaning themselves as his Candlesticks in bearing forth the light he is their King and he will save them Isay 33. 22. he is their refuge and strength a very present help in trouble and as such an one he is in the midst of them they shall not be moved Ps 46. 1 5. Hence that Sing O Daughter of Zion shout O Israel the King of Israel the LORD is in the midst of thee thou shalt not see evil any more The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty he will save thee he will rejoyce â—ver thee with Joy c. Eph. 3. 14 17. Cry out and shout thou Inhabitant of Zion trust in the Lord and be not afraid for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee Isay 12. 2 6. So Joel 2. 21 27. 2 Chron. 16. 9. 2. He is and his work in the midst of them is to sing the new Song the Song of Victory even praise unto our God to wit that he hath been slain and sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5. 7. and that he is raised again and hath triumphed gloriously over all our Enemies His own right Hand and his Holy Arm
High-priests in former times to wit the Cloths of Service to do service in the Holy place and the Holy Garments for Aaron to minister in the Priests Office Exod. 39. 41. When the High-priest went into the Holy Place to make atonement by Blood-shedding he put on the Linnen-Garments and afterward he put them off and put on his Garments in which continually he ministred in the Priests Office Garments for beauty and glory Lev. 16. 4 23 24. Exod. 28. 1 3. Now to answer hereto In former times our High-priest might appear in Linnen because he had not actually made Peace and Atonement by his Blood but now he hath done it and is become glorious in his Apparel he hath now Garments for beauty and glory If it be said the Girdle in Daniel's Vision and this in John's is the same he was then girded with fine Gold of Vphaz Dan. 10. 5. And here he is girt with a golden Girdle and therefore also the Raiment is the same To this I only say here the Girdle doth signifie his Righteousness and Faithfulness and so it might denote to us that though he had not yet made the Atonement by his Blood yet he was righteous and faithful God's righteous Servant who would do it in due time But though he had the Girdle yet he might not be or appear glorious in his Apparel because the work was not finished though he was always faithful But now he hath finished the work the Father gave him to do in his own Personal Body he is glorified Joh. 17. 4 5. Isay 11. 5. 1 Pet. 1. 21. And so Aaron and his Sons had Garments holy Garments to Minister in for beauty and Glory that were beautiful fair and pleasant and glorious splendid rich and full of lustre Exod. 28. 1 3. So our high priest Jesus the Son of Man he is clothed with the Garments of beauty the beauty of holiness Ps 110. 3. Heb. 7. 26. and Glory the God of our fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus Acts 3. 13. I will saith he greatly rejoyce in the LORD my soul shall be joyful in my God for he hath clothed me with the Garments of Salvation he hath covered me with the Robe of righteousness as a Bridegroom decketh himself as a priest with ornaments And as a Bride adorneth her self with her Jewells Isay 61. 1 2 10 11. he is now become beautiful and glorious in his apparel as the Prophet signifieth when he Prophetically saith In that day seven Women shall take hold of one Man even of this one Man saying we will wear our own apparel only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach We would be called Christians notwithstanding and not Heathens Pagans Infidels In that day shall the Branch of the Lord be beauty and Glory Compare Isay 4. 1 2. with Exod. 28. 2. Now then as the High-priest in former times did bear the names of the Children of Israel in two stones upon the shouldiers of his Ephod which Ephod was a part of his Raiment for a Memorial to or as some translations read it for a remembrance of the Children of Israel Exod. 28. 6 12. and ch 39. 6 7. so our High-priest who hath born our sins on his body on the tree now bears the names of them that so hear and learn of the Father as to come unto him upon his shouldiers before the Lord that they might always be had in remembrance before him he presents them in his raiment and Righteousness and so the memory and name of the just is Blessed but the name of the wicked shall Rot Prov. 10. 7. The righteous shall be in everlasting Remembrance Ps 112. 6. and he beareth their names upon his shoulders for a memorial to his Israel that they may Remember and rejoyce in this that their High-priest carrieth their names upon his shoulders and presents them in the body of his flesh thorow death holy unreprovable and unrebukeable in his sight they continuing in the Faith grounded and settled c. Col. 1. 22 23 he presents their names and persons for so names doe signifie even Persons Acts 1. 15. Rev. 3. 4. and renders them accepted in himself who is the beloved one Eph. 1. 6. Jude 24. that they may rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of Glory in this that they who cannot present themselves in themselves nor appear immediately before God are presented notwithstanding by their great High-priest and upon his shoulders they are made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5. 21. they are in Christ Jesus and he of God is made unto them Righteousness 1 Cor. 1. 30. and he is entred not into the holy place made with hands which are the figures of the true but into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for them for them especially who come unto God by him on their behalf and in their stead and representing their persons Heb 9. 24. and ch 8. 1 2. he is one who is Beautiful and glorious in his apparel in the eyes of the Lord And his Garments are of his own making as Mediatour as the Garments of Aaron were made by Moses the Mediatour of that Testament Exod 28. 1 2 3 39 40. and on the shoulders thereof he beareth them up and carrieth them and presents them before the Lord Deut. 32. 11 12. Isay 46 3 4. yea their names are graven in stones in precious stones Exod. 28. 9 11. to signify they shall be had in remembrance for ever before the Lord for so much the graving or engraving of them may signifie A perpetual presentation and memorial of them as when Job is declaring the root of the matter he not only desireth that what he spake were written nor onely that they were printed in a book but also that they were graven with an iron-Pen and laid in the rock forever Job 19. 23 24. So much is also intimated in what the Lord speakes to Zion when she said My LORD hath forgotten me Can saith he a Woman forget her sucking child that she should not have compassion on the son of her Womb yea they may forget yet will I not forget thee But what assurance doth he give her of this It followeth Behold I have graven thee upon the palmes of my hands thy walls are continually before me Isay 49. 14 16. To this it may seem the spouse referreth when she prayeth of and to her beloved Set me as a seal upon thine arme Cant. 8. 6. Engrave me upon thy shoulders Again in former times the typical High-priest did in the breast-plate of judgment bear the names of the Children of Israel upon his heart for a memorial before the Lord continually whose names were engraven in twelve stones and all upon his heart Exod. 28. 13. 29. and ch 39. 8. 14. To signifie his tender and cordial love and compassion to them So our merciful and gracious High-priest beareth the names of his Israel on his heart not upon some
evermore Amen 2. The note of attention to mind this Behold 1. He is alive for evermore Amen even that person that died for us and was buried he is alive for evermore in that his personal body in which he bare our sins on the tree he is raised again now no more to return to corruption Act. 13. 24. He asked life of his father and he gave it him even length of days for ever and ever Ps 21. 3. and so he is become the sure mercies of David Isay 55. 3. with Act. 13. 34. he is the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. He who died for us and now liveth is alive for evermore 1. As the last Adam in whom dwelleth all the fulness of grace and truth and he is and abides the fountain of forgiveness Righteousness wisdom spirit eternal life he is a quickening spirit Col. 1. 18 19 and ch 2. 9 10. Joh. 1. 14. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 45. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. 2. He is the Bread of life who prevents the dead World with life in due season and ever lives as the receiver and maker free of all that as thus prevented come unto and follow him The Servant namely of sin abideth not in the house for ever But the Son abideth ever Joh. 8. 35 36. And him that cometh he will in no-wise cast out Joh. 6. 33 35 37. Rom. 15. 7. 3. He is alive for evermore as the High-priest This man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood a Priest hood that passeth not from him unto any other Heb. 7. 24. and as the High-priest he maketh intercession for Men he being the one and only mediatour between God and Men Isay 53. 12. 1 Tim. 2. 5. For every High-priest is taken from among Men and is ordained for Men for the good of them Heb. 5. 1. And ever liveth to make Intercession for them that come unto God by him and so is able to the uttermost Heb 7. 8 16 24 25. and ch 6. 20. and ch 7. 28. and ch 10. 12. And so he is the Saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. 4. He ever liveth as the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5. 9 who is now saving them especially 1 Tim. 4. 10. Eph. 5. 23. and will save them hereafter gloriously and eternally Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting Salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Isay 45. 17. he is Jesus Christ the anointed Saviour the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13. 7 8. 2 Tim. 2. 10. Joh. 3. 15 16. 5. He ever liveth as the Resurrection and the life Joh. 11. 25. whose voice all that are in the graves shall hear and shall come forth they that have done good to the resurrection of life and they that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation Joh. 5. 28 29. For as by Man came death by Man also came the Resurrection from the dead For as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. He shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thes 4. 16. and all shall appear before his judgment-Seat for he is the Lord and Judg of all and to this end he both died rose and revived that he might lord it over quick and dead Rom. 14. 9 12. 2 Cor. 5. 8 10. Act 10. 42. 6. He is alive for evermore as the King who is now set upon God's holy hill of Zion Ps 2. 6. who now exercises his government graciouâ—ly and spiritually and shall hereafter rule and raign gloriously Ps 145. 11 13. and 9. 7 8. and 47. 6 8 Heb. 1. 8 11. The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his Father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdom there shall be no end Luk. 1. 32 33. and the Kingdom and dominion and greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given the Prophet of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and all nations shall serve and obey him Isay 9. 6 7. Dan. 7. 27. Amen So be it this is a faithful saying and therefore fear not 2. We have the note of attention to stir us up to mind this Behold This is of great concernment to us to take notice of attend unto and diligently to mind and consider that he who was dead is alive for evermore 1. To admonish and warn us not to reject him or slight his blood once shed and sacrifice once offered For he being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him and therefore if we sin willingly persist so doing there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery Indignation c. Rom. 6. 9 10. Act. 13. 34. Heb. 10. 26 29. Rev. 15. 7. 2. To comfort and encourage us against our discouragements and dyings which is the end why it is spoken at this time as to say a little particularly 1. To encourage any poor sinner or any that after they have tasted the graciousness of the Lord have brought deadness upon themselves whose spirits are dead and their moisture dried up yet to come unto or return to him for he liveth and that for evermore as the fountain of life of forgiveness grace and spirit Ps 36. 6 9. hence the Prophet exhorts O Israel return unto the Lord thy God for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity and propounds this motive from the Lord to encourage and engage them so to do I am the green fir-tree from me is thy â—ruit found Though thou hast brought deadness and witheredness upon thy self yet in returning to him he will take away all thy iniquities revive and quicken thee for he still abides a quickening spirit Hos 14. 1 9. 1 Cor. 15. 45. Yea our Saviour calls upon and invites every thirster to come unto him and drink and saith He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Joh. 7. 37 39. and 11. 25 26. Rev. 3. 1. and 21. 6. and ch 22. 17. 2. To encourage his disciples unto all Services though they are as dead ones and have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves yet he who liveth for ever hath promised to be with them Mat. 28. 18 20. and against all sufferings for his name sake in which the believer is as dying and appointed as a sheep to the slaughter yet he liveth and abideth for ever and is able to save them from their Sins and enemies Heb. 7. 24 26. and to raise them up again and make them partakers of a more excellent life in which the Apostles did comfort and encourage themselves 2 Cor. 4.
1 Pet. 1. 17. And therefore 2. Flatter we not our selves as if because we are made so nigh unto him and so favoured and priviledged by him he would not thus come unto us but let us wisely consider his dealings with his people in former times for they are written for our admonition And every one that hath an ear is called upon to hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches See v. 7. 17 29. and ch 3. v. 6. 22. 3. Make we haste and delay not to turn unto him when we we have backslidden from him Ps 119. 59 66. Mat. 5. 25. and ch 24. â—â— 2. We have the end of his coming declared to us and therâ—â—n the Judgment directly threatned And will remove thy candlestick out of his place That is to say 1. He would take away their fellowship in the Gospel and break their Church in pieces so as there should be no longer a Church in Ephesus A candlestick is a Church as is before declared to us like that complained of bewailed in former times He hath violently taken away his Tabernacle as it were of a garden he hath destroyed his places of the assembly The Lord hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion Lam. 2. 6. he would so break them in pieces that there should not be a cluster left Mica 7. 1. either by taking away those that were more upright among them and so or otherwise scattering them one from another and causing them that were left to sit alone because of his hand as Jer. 15. 17. like that the anger or the face of the Lord hath divided them Lam. 4. 16. and thus he would deal with them in Testimony of displeasure to the Angel also as well as to the Church more generally and to others among whom they were set Eccles 4. 10 12. he would even take away the hedge thereof and it should be eaten up and break down the wall thereof and it should be trodden down and so make way for the wild beasts to come in amongst them Isay 5. 1 4. with Ps 80. 12 13. 2. He would take away the light of the Gospel from them so as they should not have it amongst them as hitherto they had had he would take away the Kingdom of God from them and his word and ordinances as he threatned to do and did at last with the Church of Israel because they rejected Christ and put away the word of God from them Mat. 21. 41 43. Acts 13. 46. The candlestick is the place in which the light is set and by removing the former he would deprive them also of the latter and take away from them those gifts and that knowledge that had been vouchsafed to them and not improved by them as our saviour saith From him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath Mat. 13. 12. The talent or talents might be taken away from the Angel and that in testimony of displeasure not to himself only but unto them also Mat. 25. 29. and so he would deprive them of those helps that formerly they had had And even send a famine amongst them of hearing the words of the Lord and command the clouds that they rain no rain upon them even shut the mouths of his ministers so as they should no longer prophesy unto them Amos 8. 11 12. Isay 5. 6. Ezek. 3. 25 26. Micah 2. 6. 3. And as the consequent and concomitant of both the former he also himself would depart from them and not dwell and walk in and amongst them For he is and walketh in the midst of the Golden candlesticks v. 1. Exod. 20. 24. Mat. 18. 20. But when the candlestick is removed and taken away then he would be gone and leave them also according to that Be thou instructed O Jerusalem lest my soul depart from thee c. Jer. 6. 8. And then nothing but cause of lamenâ—ation mourning and woe will follow as he saith to his people in former times Woe also unto them when I depart from them and for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of my house I will love them no more Hos 9. 12 15. He will go far off from them Ezek. 8. 6. Jâ—r 23. 33 39. he will forsake his house and leave his heritage and give the dearly beloved of his soul into the hands of her enemies Jer 12. 7 8 9. Now in that he so severely threatneth this Angel and Church and that on the account before spoken to so he signifieth unto us 1. That it is a very great and provoking iniquity to leave our first love to Jesus Christ and to withdraw or abate in our affection to him and so in some measure to forsake him Thus when the Lord is declaring to Jerusalem that he remembers the kindness of their youth the love of their espousals and signifying that now they had left that he thus expresseth the heynousness of that Iniquity which was the root of their other evils Be astonished O ye heavens at this and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate saith the Lord c. Jer. 2. 2 3 12 13. Mat. 10. 37 38. So again he saith Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful and hast forgotten God that formed thee and when the Lord saw it he abhorred them because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters Deut. 32. 15. 18 19. So here he gives us to understand how provoking an evil it is to him to leave the first love and let slip the principle thereof by the judgments he threateneth to execute upon them so persisting and how many good things soever otherwise there were with them 2. In that he saith I will remove thy candlestick So he intimates to us that he can righteously unchurch his churches and cast them out of his house for their evils and love them no more Hos 9. 15. he can abhor his sons and daughters and cast them off because of their provokings Deut. 32. 19 23. he is not tied to their persous but if they forsake him he will also forsake them 2 Chron. 15. 2. It is a faithful saying if we deny him he also will deny us 2 Tim. 2. 11 13. see how he dealt with his people in former times Behold Israel after the flesh because of unbelief they are broken off and thou standest by faith be not high minded but fear behold therefore the goodness and severity of God on them which fell severity but towards thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou also shall be cut off saith the Apostle to the Church at Rome Jer. 7. 3 12. Ps 78. 57 61. 1 Sam. 4. 7 11. Rom. 11. 20 21. Mat. 21. 41 4. 3. In that he threatneth this as a judgment and severe testimony of his displeasure so it may instruct us That it is a great mercy blessing and advantage to have his Church and candlestick continued in a place and to have his
Rev. 11. 3. and ch 20. 4. Oh that if we suffer it may be upon such an account also Mat. 5. 11 12. and ch 16. 25. Joh. 12. 25 26. 1 Pet. 4. 12 16. 2. In that Christ saith of Antipas my faithful martyr we have here an account given us of them whom Christ judges and reputes faithful namely 1. Such as are his witnesses as before is said and proclaim his goodness most Men will proclaim every one his own goodness but a faithful Man who can find Prov. 20. 6. and 25. 13. Acts 16. 15. he accounts them faithful who preach not themselves but Jesus Christ the Lord and that faithful saying which is worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1. 12 15. with ch 2. 4 7. 2. And such as abide constant in this witness-bearing even unto death as Christ saith Be thou faithful unto death c. see notes on Rev. 2. v. 10. Rev. 17. 14. 3. In that Christ mentions Antipas as his faithful witness after he was dead so we may learn That though the faithful fail from among the Children of Men and are forgotten of them yet still they are remembred with him for whose cause and sake they have suffered the memory of the just is blessed but the name of the wicked shall rot Prov. 10. 7. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance Ps 112. 6. Though their memory here be forgotten Eccles 9. 5. yet they are remembred before the Lord and live unto him Mat. 22. 32. and ch 23. 34 35. Heb. 11. 4. c. 4. We may here learn who is the principal enemy and hâ—ter of Christs winesses it is Satan as is here intimated in that it is said Antipas was slain where Satan dwelleth 1 Pet. 5. 8. he stirreth up his Instruments against Christ's disciples especially Joh. 8. 37 40 44. and. ch 6. 70 71. 1 Joh. 3. 13. see the notes before on Rev. 2. v. 10 5. We may here take notice That where Satan's throne is and where he dwells yet he is bounded and limited Ps 76. 10. here was but one slain at this time even Antipas though there were many others that did not deny but held the faith in that place and time Christ is the head of all principality and power Col. 2. 10. see the notes before on Rev. 2. v 10 Now from this whole verse we may briefly take notice of these Instructions 1. As before is intmated that Christ may have and preserve his Church and doth so in dangerous places and times Thus here he did where Satan's throne and habitation was So in mystery Babilon his people will be when her destruction comes Rev. 18. 4. So when Elias saith Lord they have killed thy Prophets and digged down thine altars and I am left alone and they seek my life what saith the Answer of God unto him I have reserved unto my self seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal Rom. 11. 3 4. with 1 King 19. 10 14 18. Isay 1. 10 14. And this shews the care and faithfulness of Christ to them Ps 22. 30 31. And it may comfort us also in the worst and most perilous times that may come 2. That Christ takes notice of the dangers his people are in the dangerous places and times they live in his eye is upon them for good therein I know saith he thy tribulation c. see the notes on v. 9. I have seen I have seen saith the Lord the affliction of my people which is in Aegypt Acts 7. 34. with Exod. 3. 7 9. he takes notice of all the circumstances and aggravations of their affliction and tribulations so as to preserve them in the most perilous days and places and in due season to requite the injuries done unto them as here he describes himself with a sharp sword And though their enemies say God hath forgotten he hides his face he will never see yet as the Psalmist saith thou hast seen for thou beholdest mischief and spite to requite it with thine hand Ps 10. 11 15. Zech. 9. 8. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ears are open to their cry c. Ps 34. 15 19. Let not Zion then say the Lord hath forsaken me and my Lord hath forgotten me for though a Woman may forget the Son of her womb yet he will not forget his Zion he hath graven her on the palmes of his hands her walls are continually before him Isay 49. 14 16. 3. That it is a very great trial to his people when they live and dwell in such places and times they have then many temptations on the right hand and on the left to let go their faith or the profession thereof and they are in heaviness thorow manifold temptations 1 Pet. 1. 6. Especially when some amongst them suffer or any one of them is slain for the testimony of Jesus Christ Heb. 10. 32 33. many now are ready to stumble yea too many oft-times do fall off There is no such great trial when God gives rest to his Churches Acts 9. 31. But rather then many will cleave to them with flatteries Dan. 11. 34. But when their adversaries amongst whom they live are permitted to persecute and vex them and kill some of them here is the patience and faith of the Saints Rev. 13. 7 8 10. and ch 14. 12. 4. It is highly approveable unto Christ and commendable with him that his Servants hold fast his name and do not deny his faith in such trying times and places Oh it is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour that when thus tried we hold fast the profession of our faith and hope without wavering whatever loss or sufferings we may expose our selves unto thereby Heb. 10. 23 26. and ch 4. 13 14. Rev. 3. 8 9. 1 Pet. 3. 12 13 14 16. Luke 12. 3 9. And then to let go the faith or profession thereof is very provoking unto him and dangerous to our selves whosoever is ashamed of him and of his words in an adulterous and sinful generation of him also will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy Angels Mark 8. 38. 2 Tim. 2. 12 13. 5. That his people may then hold fast God is their refuge and strength a very present help in trouble Ps 46. 1. And hath not given to them the Spirit of fear but of power of love and of a sound mind that they might not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord but be partakers of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God 2 Tim. 1. 7 8 9. Be we then strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Eph. 6. 10 18 And consider them who thorow faith and patience inherit the Promises Looking especially unto Jesus the author and finisher of the faith c. Heb. 6. 10 12. and ch 12. 1 2 3. 6. The consideration of Christ's
And thy last works more than the first Here as before we have noted he first of all takes notice of the things that were commendable in his sight and before him See notes on ver 2. And in that this is added after that terrible description he had given of himself so he gives us to understand That though his Eyes are like a flame of fire and his feet like fine brass yet he approves and encourages whatsoever is good and approvable in his Churches they might say Alas if he thus appear who can stand Or what can be approved before him who can stand before this holy Lord God that is of such a piercing inspection and so terrible in his Eyes and Feet Truly the Sinners in Zion may be afraid and the Hypocrites surprized with fear But such as receive his Grace or wherein soever they receive it to purpose need not be afraid his appearing so dreadful is not to discourage or hinder them from doing good but to deter them from what is evil Isay 33. 14 16. Yea therefore we should hold fast Grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear because our God is a consuming Fire Heb. 12. 28 29. So when he appears terrible unto Pergamos yet he would not have them think that he will be unrighteous to forget any good thing in them He appears not thus to be a terrour to good works but to evil Rev. 2. 12 13. with Rom. 13. 1 3 4. Nay though he sees all things yet who is so blind as this Servant of the Lord or deaf as this his Messenger whom he hath sent Who is blind as he that is perfect and blind as the Lords servant seeing many things but he observes them not c. Isay 42. 19 21. He is not severe to mark his Churches Infirmities and weaknesses but he appears dreadful with his Eyes and Feet towards such as sin willingly and particularly towards such as suffer false Teachers among them I know thy works See the Notes before on Verse 2. and Verse 9. And Charity This is indeed the work of Faith Faith worketh by Love Charity Gal. 5. 6. Charity it is distinguished from Brotherly kindness 2 Pet. 1. 7. And is a free manner of love flowing forth towards and fastening upon persons not because of any thing lovely in them but from an higher Reason and Motive though it may be and is to be exercised towards Brethren also in a peculiar consideration yet it springs from some higher Reason than any thing found in and with them We may say originally and most fully and perfectly God is Charity and the cause of it in us he loved us even the World of Mankind when there was nothing lovely or amiable in us even when we were dead in Sins and Trespasses and manifested his love and himself to be Charity in sending his only begotten Son into the World to be the propitiation for our Sins that we might live thorow him Joh. 3. 16. 1 Joh. 4. 8 9 10 14. And love or Charity in us is from or of him namely from the knowledge and belief of his Charity to manward and that he is Charity 1 Joh. 4. 7 8. And it is to be exercised towards men in loving our Enemies blessing them that curse us c. Mat. 5. 44. In loving all Men and abounding and increasing in love towards them 1 Thes 3. 12. Gal. 6. 10. And towards Brethren Col. 3. 13 14. 2 Thes 1. 3. above all things saith the Apostle Peter have â—ervent Charity among your selves 1 Pet. 4. 8. and all our things are to be done with it 1 Cor. 16. 14. the fruits of it are declared to us in 1 Cor. 13. 4 5 8. Charity suffereth long so doth God in Christ who is Charity He is long-suffering towards unworthy sinful ones Exod. 34. 6. Ps 86. 15. 1 Tim. 1. 16. and Charity is effecting long-suffering in us also 2 Cor. 6. 6. and that with long suffering we should forbear one another in love Eph. 4. 2 3. Col. 3. 12. And is kind all the time of its long-suffering so of God it is said He is slow to anger and of great kindness Neh. 9. 17. Joel 2. 13. Jona 4. 2. He is long-suffering and abundant in goodness Exod. 34. 6. So this Charity leads us to be like our heavenly Father in some measure even to be kind unto the evil and unthankful Mat. 5. 44. 45. and if our enemy hunger to feed him if he thirst to give him drink Rom. 12. 9 10. and to be kind one towards another tender-hearted Eph. 4. 32. Charity envieth not it doth not grudg at the good or prosperity of another whether inward or outward it hath not an evil ey thereat indeed the spirit which dwelleth in us lusteth to envy and leads us to repine and be troubled at the good and flourishing estate of others of which evil we are oftentimes warned Jam. 4. 4 6. Ps 37. 1. and 72. 3. 1 Cor. 3. 3 this envying proceeds from our wisdom Jam. 3. 14 16. and from desires of vain glory Gal. 5. 26. But charity envieth not but leadeth us to rejoyce in the good and prosperity of others Ps 4. 6 7. Charity vaunts not it self or boasts not it self it proclaims not its own goodness as the most of Men do Prov. 20. 6. It knows we have nothing but what we have received and preserves us from boasting of our givings or doings and to do what we do in secret that our left hand may not know what our right hand doth Judg. 7. 2. 1 Cor. 4. 7. Luke 18. 11. Mat. 6. 1 2 3 4. Charity is not puffed up not blown up like a bladder by any thing it hath received or doth knowledge even the knowing our knowledge puffeth up but charity doth not so but edifieth 1 Cor. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 12. 6 9. Luke 18. 11. Doth not behave it self unseemly uncomely shamefully which is the effect and consequent of the former when men are puft up it leadeth them to a shameful behaviour of themselves to be many masters Jam. 3. 1. to render evil for evil c. But charity doth not so Charity seeketh not her own profit case praise advantage So Christ did not who is the Son of the Father in charity but though he was rich for our sakes and not for his own he became poor that we thorow his poverty might be inriched 2 Cor. 8. 9. and the Apostle exhorts the believers that they look not every one on his own things but every one also on the things of others and that the same mind that was in Christ might be also in them Phil. 2. 2 3 5 6. And the Apostle Paul saith I please all Men in all things not seeking mine own profit but the profit of many that they may be saved And then exhorts the believers Be ye followers or imitaters of me even as I also am of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 23 24 33. and ch 11. 1.
with ch 13. 1. And such as denied the holy one and the just and desired a murderer to be granted to them and killed the Prince of life yet having repented their sins shall be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3. 14 15 19. 2. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of life This is also assured to him that overcometh whoever he be or whatever he hath been whether to him that is turned aside and is recovered and healed or unto him that hath abidden faithful and hath not wickedly departed from the Lord. Now in this branch of blessedness is signified to us 1. There is a Book of life in which Men's names are written 2. That it is possible some mens names may be blotted out of this Book 3. His name that overcometh shall not be blotted out of this Book of life 1. That there is a book of life in which the names of Men are writen and so we say and shew that there is a book of life 1. More general which is called the book of the living Ps 69. 28. and in this book all Mens names are written while they are joyned to all the living as ungodly ones sinners and enemies even in the testimony of God concerning Christ as the subjects of the kindness and pity of God and of Christ's redemption For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son for God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World thorow him might be saved Joâ— 3. 16 17. while we were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly God commâ—ndeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us he died for all even for all of mankind that were dead and gave his flesh for the life of the world and hath obtained for all Men a justification of life from the first condemnation So as all Men in their several ages have a comfortable injoyment of their lives and of Gods mercies vouchsafed to them and that to a gracious end that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but to him that died for them and rose again Rom. 5. 6 8 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Rom. 5 18. and while they are joyned to all the living there is hope Eccles 9. 4. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. he once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. and in him God hath given to us Mankind eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. But this book is not here directly spoken of for here such a Book of life is spoken of in which the names of overcomers and after they have overcome are written 2. There is also a special Book of life spoken of and mentioned in the Scripture And this I conceive is twofold That is to say 1. One in which some Mens names are written who shall not be raised in the first resurrection nor reign with Christ on earth and yet shall have eternal life when they are raised in the general and second resurrection Of this Book of life mention is made in Rev. 20. In which chapter is first declared to us that those that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipt the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand yeers But the rest of the dead lived not again untill the thousand yeers were finished This is the first resurrection v. 4 5 6. and then after the thousand yeers were expired he saw the dead small and great stand before God and the Books were opened c. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire v. 11. 15. In which Scripture it plainly appears that there is a Book of life in which the names of some are written who are not raised in the first resurrection nor shall reingn with Christ and the Children of the first resurrection nor yet be cast into the lake of fire but shall at the last day have eternal life And in this book may be written the names of such little ones as died in their incapacity and before they came to the use of understanding and who were not circumcised or baptized when time was afforded and liberty given but their parents or those under whose care or charge they were neglected or stubbornly refused And so speaking of this general resurrection and after mentioning the book of life he saith I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the small are first spoken of And the Lord said to Abraham in former times the uncircumcised manchild whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised that Soul shall be cut off from his people Gen. 17. 12 14. and so shall not partake of that inheritance of the land of Canaan promised to Abraham and his seed but not yet performed Because he is cut off from that people For the neglect hereof the Lord met and sought to kill Moses Exod. 4. 24 26. howbeit the eternal judgment and last resurrection they shall not miss of eternal life Ezek. 18. 2 3. Jer. 31. 29 30. And in this Book of life may be written the names of such fearers of God amongst the gentiles as have not been brought into the family of Abraham or Church of Christ and who have not had while in mortal bodies any distinct knowledge of the mediatour Act. 10. 34. Ps 115. 9 11. who though they are not the subjects of that covenant made with Abraham for himself and his seed which covenant was confirmed of God in Christ Gen. 17. 7 8 with Rom. 4. 9 13. yet are accepted of God and shall partake of eternal life Acts 10. 34. Rom. 2. 26 27. and all their names also may be written herein who are converted to Christ after his descension from Heaven during his reign with the Children of the first resurrection upon the earth Isay 65. 20. 22. But we shall adde no more to this particular in this place 2. There is another Book a more special book called the book of life and the Lamb's book of life Rev. 13. 8. and ch 21. 27. In which are written the names of such as believed in Christ as witnessed by the Prophets in former times and of such as believe in him as he is now revealed to us by the Apostles of the lamb which is called the book of the righteous Ps 69. 28. and the writing of the house of Israel Ezek. 13. 9. whose names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 20. Heb. 12. 23. and all such Children as have been brought into the congregation of the Lord and died before they came to yeers of discretion
the true Believers under pretence of greater piety and holiness and yet were sensual minding carnal seen things not having the Spirit Jude 19. Such they were as whose minds the God of this World hath blinded lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them 2 Cor. 4. 4. And so he had caused them to unite and embody by themselves by way of separation from this Church and though Christ found no fault at all with this Church yet this Synagogue of Satan might and so made themselves more pure than Christ Job 4. 17. See the notes on ch 2. v. 9. 2. Because as they were gathered together by Satan and by the things he commends so they did worship him also though not grosly and professedly had his Doctrines 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Cor. 11. 2 3 13 15. And did his lusts and requirings especially as to the desires of the mind Joâ— 8. 44. And by Satan's Doctrines brought forth Children for Hell Mat. 23. 15. 2 Tim. 4. 3. See notes on ch 2. v. 23. And were one with him in his design in opposing Christ's Doctrine and hindring others from receiving or turning them away from the Faith So Paul said to Elymaâ— who sought to turn away the Deputy from the Faith O full of all subtilty and of all mischief thou Child of the Devil c. And this he said not in a distemper or furious passion But he being filled with the Holy Ghost thus spake Acts 13. 8 10. 3. And they carried it highly towards and were adverse to Christs People reproaching and villifying them for their weakness littleness of strength infirmities hopes c. they scoffed saying where is the promise of his coming As they also did who privily brought in damnable hereâ—iâ—s 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. and ch 3. 3 5. Jude 17. 18. they did blaspheme reproach and speak evil of the true believers as it appears ch 2. v. 9. and therein were of Satan Joh. 13. 27. Rev. 12. 9 10. And continuing in this bad and sad condition they should at last have their part and portion with Satan whose Synagogue they were Jude 13. 2. The Title they took to themselves though falsly which say they are Jews and are not but do lye See the notes before on chap. 2. verse 9. 2. We have in the next place to consider and speak unto what he assureth concerning them and that in two particulars 1. I will make them I will make them come and worship before thy Feet that is either 1. As some understand it he would make them come and worship himself before their Feet and then to confess and acknowledge him their Lord Phil. 2. 8 10. with Isay 45. 22 23. Rom. 14. 9 12. They shall prostrate themselves before his people and worship Christ as their Lord before whom they would not bow down but did deny him privily 2 Pet. 2. 1. And as in former times the people did worship the Lord before the Sanctuary as it is said exalt the Lord our God and worship at his Foot-stool or Holy Hill for the Lord our God is holy Ps 99. 5. with v. 9. So these shall do before the Sanctuary and true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not Man Heb. 8. 1 2. And thus they shall do when Christ shall write gloriously upon his faithful Servants the name of the City of his God New Jerusalem when the name of the City shall be Jehovah Shammah or the Lord is there Rev. 3. 12. with Ezek. 48. 35. And so all Nations shall worship before the Lord All they that be fat upon the Earth shall eat and worship All they that go down to the Dust shall bow before him Ps 22. 27 29. and 86. 8 9. And this they shall do before the Feet of his hearty and unfeigned Disciples in an humble and submissive manner and in the sight and view of them Or 2. Before thy Feet that is to say they shall worship them not with a Religious or Divine Worship but they shall reverence them and bow themselves before them as inferiours before superiours so what is said in Rev. 19. 10. I fell down to worship before the Feet of the Angel is thus exprest in Rev. 22. 8. I fell at his Feet to Worship him Indeed that worship of the Apostles was forbidden because it was done with a divine worship But that informs us that to worship before ones Feet and to worship that person may mean one and the same thing Compare also Mat. 4. 9. with Luke 4. 7. And so as the People worshipt King David 1 Chron. 29. 20. and as it is rendred with us thou shalt have worship Luke 14. 10. So then their Enemies shall bow before them even the Synagogue of Satan according to those Prophesies The Glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee to beautifie the place of my Sanctuary and I will make the place of my Feet glorious The Sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet and they shall call thee the city of the Lord the Zion of the holy one of Israel c. Isay 60. 13 15. they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth and lick up the dust of thy feet Isay 49. 22 23. with Ps 72. 9. for now they shall be Kings gloriously and shall reign with Jesus Christ on the earth when he makes new Heavens and a new earth wherein shall dwell righteousness and all shall then be subject unto him and his People Dan. 7. 18 27. Rev. 5. 10. 1 Cor. 6. 1 2. And of this he gives his people great assurance as is intimated in his doubling the expression I will make them I will make them which signifies to us the establishment hereof Gen. 41. 32. and that it shall certainly be performed in its due time and season compare Exod 3. 7. with Acts 7. 34. and this he now proposes to his people to comfort them and to strengthen them to a patient enduring their troubles afflictions and reproaches that he will assuredly and certainly in due time cut off all the horns of the ungodly Ps 75. 10. and bring them under who are now enemies to his people Ps 37. 1 13. that they might trust in him in whom is everlasting strength For he bringeth down them that dwell on high the lofty city he layeth it low he layeth it low even to the ground he bringeth it even to the dust the foot shall tread it down the feet of the poor the steps of the needy Isay 26. 3 4 5 6. and ch 35. 3 4. And he who giveth this assurance to them is he that is holy pure from all and all manner of iniquity that hates all the works of iniquity Heb. 1. 9. and will therefore gather out of his Kingdome all things that offend and them which do iniquity Mat. 13. 40 42. Rev.
15. 4. and he that is true and faithful in all he hath spoken and promised Rev. 21. 26 27. and ch 22. 1. 6. And thus the Souls under the altar that were slain for the word of God and for the Testimony which they held address themselves unto him with a loud voice saying How long O Lord holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth Rev. 6. 9 10 11. 2. And I will make them I will make them know that I have loved thee And this he assures his people also with a double affirmation In which is intimated to us 1. That now in this day they will not know or they know not neither will they understand it Ps 82. 5. Or they will not acknowledge so much but give them out to be such as Christ hates Your Brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said Let the Lord be glorified But he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed as Isay 66. 5. Joh. 16. 1 2. they now call Christ's Disciples Hereticks Schismaticks c. and look upon them as the vilest of Men as the fiâ—th and off scouring of all things as persons not fit to live and therefore cry away with such fellows from the earth 1 Cor. 4. 9. 13. Acts 22. 22. and ch 24. 14. and ch 28. 22. they cry out God hath forsaken them persecure and take them for there is none to deliver Ps 22. 7 8. and 42. 9 10. and 71. 10 11. and 115. 1 2. they give their mouth to evil and their tongue frameth deceit they fit and speak against their better Brethren and because Christ keeps silence they think he is altogether such an one as themselves and approves them in their evil thoughts words and ways Ps 50. 19 21. Mal. 2. 17. that they are none of his disciples indeed But they say they themselves are Jews the most pure and Orthodox Christians But 2. However thou hast been hated of them and they would not know or acknowledge that I loved thee but thought and gave forth that I hated thee and therefore they were enemies to thee as if Christ should say yet I will make them to know that I have loved thee which is one thing contained in Christs prayer that the World may know that God hath loved unfeigned believers as he hath loved Christ Joh. 17. 23. And this shall certainly be fulfilled sutable to these Prophecies They shall call thee the city of the Lord the Zion of the holy one of Israel whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated I will make thee an eternal excellency a joy of many generations Isay 61. 14 15. Ye shall be named Priests of the Lord Men shall call you the ministers of our God All that see them shall acknowledge them that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed Isay 61. 6 9. They shall call them the holy people the redeemed of the Lord and thou shalt be called sought out a city not forsaken Isay 62. 4 12. he saith not I will now make them know viz. not now will they nill they Though indeed he is now so manifesting them that others may know he loves them As our Saviour saith By this shall all Men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one unto another Joh. 13. 35. And the Apostle Paul saâ—th Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts known and read of all Men being manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ 2 Cor. 3. 2. 3. But now they will not see or acknowledge them to be beloved of Jesus Christ but this he will make them do in due season when the Lord cometh For then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Mat. 13. 43. Mal. 3. 16 18. and ch 4. 1 2 3. 3. We have next to speak briefly unto the note of attention Behold Behold 1. Mind and consider this thing and set your hearts unto it Look â—ot upon the things that are seen but on the things that are not seen for the things that are seen both good and evil are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal That for these things sake you may not â—aint 2 Cor. 4. 16 17 18. 1 Chron. 17. 1. with 2 Sam. 7. 2. and that you may not entertain desires of present manifestation but may wait for the manifestation of the Sons of God 1 Joh. 3. 3. with Rom. 8. 19 23. and may mean time rejoyce in hope of the Glory to be revealed Rom. 5. 2. 1 Pet. 1. 6 8 9. 2. Behold admire at it for it is a marvellous thing that these high boasters and specious pretenders should be thus brought down and made to know Christ hath loved them whom they hated yet thus it shall most certainly be he will accomplish and perform it see Micah 7. 15 17 18 20. Verse 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the World to try them that dwell upon the earth In this verse our Lord Jesus makes a gracious promise to this Angel and Church in the latter part of it And layeth down the reason thereof in the former unto which we shall speak first of all 1. The reason of this gracious assurance and promise Because thou hast kept the word of my patience This he takes notice of again as he had done before v. 8. and as that which was very acceptable and well-pleasing to him and to his Father also hence the first thing he saith to his Father of his deâ—â—â—ples in his prayer was they have kept thy word Joh. 17. 6 8. and this is the description of them that love Christ and who are therefore beloved of Christ and his Father that they keep his word Joh. 14. 21 23. and ch 15. 9 10. 1 Joh. 2. 3 6. and that whereto all blessedness is assured As our Saviour saith Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it Luke 11. 28. and therefore the contrary hereto is very displeasing unto him which was surely the evil sound with the Synagogue of Satan who said they were Jews and were not but did lye That which this Angel and Church kept is said to be the word of his patience Where let us enquire and consider for our instruction and usefullness 1. What is the word of Christ's patience here spoken of 2. Why is it called the word of his patience 1. What is this word of Christ's patience And to that we may say It is certainly the same with his word v. 8. even his Gospel with the instructions counsels commandments exhortations reproofs c. thereof and so some read this my word of patience This word of his patience is the Gospel of Christ which is called the word of life the word of reconciliation faith truth righteousness peace wisdome the word of the Kingdom of
10. 9. and in their going out they meet with much occasion of sorrow and mourning As is signified in saying They that sow in tears shall reap in joy he that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoycing c. Ps 126. 5 6. Cant. 7. 11. when God opens a door of utterance a great and effectual door there are many adversaries 1 Cor. 16. 9. much opposition they meet withall from them whose good they seek and are oft times in great pain therefore their winning Souls and bringing them in to Christ is called travailing Gal. 4. 19. plowing c. Luke 9. 62. But when they have once overcome when that work is over and finished then they enter into peace and rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness and before him then they rest from their labours and their works follow with them Isay 57. 2. Rev. 14. 13. then they enter into rest and cease from their own works as God did from his Heb. 4 10. they shall then gloriously be Priests to God and shall ever dwell in his house Rev. 20. 6. with Ps 84. 4. and shall stand before him continually and minister to him they shall serve him day and night in his Temple And he that sits on the Throne shall dwell among them Rev. 7. 14 15. 2. They shall go no more out namely now they go out to fight with enemies so this phrase of going out is oft used upon that account as Go out and fight with them Judg. 9. 38. They gathered themselves together to go out to battle against the Children of Israel And again shall I yet go out to battell against the Children of Benjamine Judg. 20. 14 28. see also 2 Sam. 5. 24. 1 Chron. 7. 11. and ch 14. 15. But now on this account they shall go no more out For the meek shall then inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace Ps 37. 11. after they are dead their Enemies have no more then that they can do Luke 12. 4. and when they are raised their enemies shall ever have power to harm them they shall be destroyed as to their harming or hurting them any more for ever 1 Cor. 15. 26. In righteousness they shall then be established they shall be far from oppression for they shall not fear and from terrour for it shall not come near them I say 54. 10 14. Violence shall no more be heard in their Land wasting nor destruction within their Borders But they shall call their Walls Salvation and their Gates Praise Isay 60. 18. Now is their time for fighting Heb. 12. 4. Tit. 2. 11 12. But there shall be then no Enemy to tempt or terrifie them to deceive or molest them Isay 16. 5. and 35. 9 10. The Eternal God their present and perpetual refuge shall then compleatly thrust out the enemy and shall say Destroy them Israel shall then dwell in safety alone c. Deut. 3. 3. 26 28 29. 3. They now too oft go out and wander from Christ and his people wander out of the way of understanding Prov. 21. 16. Depart out of Christ or do not abide in him for whosoever abideth in him sinneth not doth not commit sin 1 Joh. 3. 5 6. too too oft they go astray by walking after the carnal-mind in them and wander from Mountain to Hill forgetting their resting place Ps 23. 3. and 119. 176. Jer. 50. 6. Ps 116. 1 7. Ezek 24. 12 13. and too many of the Church of Christ do go out personally from and leave his Fold that were sometimes in it 1 Joh. 2. 19. And as it is said of some of Christ's Disciples yea many of them they went back and walked no more with him Joh. 6. 60 66. But then there shall be no more going out Ps 144. 14. But they shall dwell in the House of the Lord for ever Ps 23. 6. Surely they shall not be moved for ever Ps 112. 3 6. He shall then be a Pillar for ever 3. And I will write upon him the name of my God In this respect he shall be a Pillar also as is before said A Pillar to write upon And so we have to consider 1. The person that will write I to wit Jesus Christ he who is holy he who is true he will do it who is the ready writer Ps 45. 1. This will be the time when he writes up the people Ps 87. 6. where he first saith Of Zion it shall be said this and that Man was born in her and the highest himself shall establish her she shall be a pillar as here the pillar Jachin and shall go no more out and then it follows The Lord shall count when he writes up the people this Man was born there then they shall be a pillar and he will write upon her and every one in Zion compare Ps 87. 5 6. and 1 King 7. 21. with this place he will then write not by instruments as now 2 Cor. 3. 3 4. But with his own finger as Exod. 31. 18. namely with his spirit so that which is in one Evangelist the Spirit of God is in another the finger of God compare Mat. 12. 28. with Luke 11. 20. with this writer and matter and not with our Inke will Christ who is Faithful write 2 Cor. 3. 2 3. 2. The act here spoken of I will write by writing is signified to us the perpetuating the name of God upon them he will not only put it upon them by word as the priests were to do as it is said They shall bless the Children of Israel saying The Lord bless thee and keep thee and they shall put my name upon the Children of Israel as Numb 6. 23 27. But he shall write it that it may abide upon them for ever and ever Isay 30. 8. So Job signifies that writing was for perpetuating a thing when he saith Oh that my words were now written Oh that they were printed in a Book That they were graven with an iron Pen and laid in the rock for ever Job 19. 23 24. see notes on chap. 1. verse 11. 3. The manner how upon him that is to say he will make it very visible and evident he will not only write it in their hearts and minds though that he will also do doubtless as Jer. 31. 33. Heb. 8. 10. But so upon them as that it shall be read plainly and clearly of all Indeed so it is now in some first-fruits and in part But then it shall be done evidently fully and gloriously he will write his Fathers name in their foreheads Rev. 14. 1. and ch 22. 4. Then will be the manifestation of the Sons of God Rom. 8. 19 21. They shall then be like Christ for they shall see him as he is and so shall shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked between him that serves God and him
that serves him not Mat. 13. 43. Mal. 3. 17 18. 1 Joh. 3. 2. 4. What will he write the name of my God saith he namely it shall be then put gloriously upon them after some such manner as Jacob's was upon Joseph's Children as his and his Children though unspeakably more glorious see Gen. 48. 16. with v. 5. Mal. 3. 17 18. and so as it shall then plainly appear they are the Sons of God Now they are indeed the Sons of God by Faith in Christ Jesus But faith is the evidence of things not seen and therefore it doth not now appear no not to themselves fully what they shall be Gal. 3. 26. with Heb. 11. 1. 1 Joh. 3. 1 2. But then it shall appear and they shall be his Sons gloriously as it is said by God himself He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my Son Rev. 21. 7. They that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that World and the Resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in Marriage neither can they dye any more for they are equal to the Angels and are the Sons of God being the Children of the Resurrection Luke 20. 35 36. Rom. 1. 4. Yea he that is now feeble among them at that day shall be as David And the House of David shall be as God as the Angel of the Lord before them Zech. 12. 8. Isay 62. 2 3 4. And the name of the City of my God which is New Jerusalem which cometh down out of Heaven from my God This he will also write upon him that overcometh so as it shall be both perpetual and visible as is before said And the name of the City of my God New Jerusalem which may signifie unto us either a glorious place or a glorious people 1. A Glorious Place of which Jerusalem in former times the Old Jerusalem was the type That was a glorious place in former times the City of the great King the City of our God Ps 48. 1 2 8. Mat. 4. 5. which God did chuse 1 King 8. 16 44 48. and where he dwelt Ps 135. 21. So this saith Christ is the City of my God Heb. 12. 22. of which glorious things are spoken Ps 87. 3. This is that which he hath chosen and in which he will dwell as it is said The Lord hath chosen Zion he hath desired it for his Habitation This is my rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it Ps 132. 13 15. Ezek. 48. 35. Old Jerusalem was and was oâ—t called the Holy City Neh. 11. 1. Mat. 4. 5. with Luke 4. 9. So is this New Jerusalem it is called the Holy Jerusalem Rev. 21. 10. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither worketh abomination or a lye Rev. 21. 27. Ps 101. 8. that former was a strong City as appears by its being an year and an half besieged before it was taken Jer. 52. 1 6. But this is much stronger In that day shall this Song be sung in the land of Judah we have a strong City Salvation will appoint Walls and Bulwarks Isay 26. 1. and ch 33. 20. That had a River Ps 46. 3. And so hath this a far more glorious one a pure River of Water of Life clear as Crystal Rev. 22. 1 2. This was a City compact together Ps 122. 2 3. so will this be Ps 1. 5. Yea this new one will be unspeakably inconceivably more excellent and glorious than that old typical one that was an earthly one but this the Heavenly Jerusalem Heb. 12. 22. that was forsaken and destroyed but this will be a continuing City a City which hath Foundations Heb. 11. 10. and ch 13. 14. But we may speak somewhat more to the excellency of this glorious place New Jerusalem afterwards 2. As City may signifie Persons or the Inhabitants of a City as it is said They shall call thee the City of the Lord the Zion of the holy one of Israel Isay 60. 14. And they shall call them the Holy People the redeemed of the Lord and thou shalt be called sought out a City not forsaken Isay 62. 12. And as the Lord saith to Jeremy I have made thee a defenced City Jer. 1. 18. So here especially and most directly and fully we may understand the New Jerusalem to mean And so the name of the New Jerusalem shall be put upon him that overcometh of Jerusalem which is above which is free Gal. 4. 29. Of the Heavenly Jerusalem Heb. 12. 22. And so they shall be of the Beloved City of the Inhabitants thereof a glorious people Isay 52. 1. So the Children of the Resurrection of the first Resurrection are called the Beloved City as distinguished from the Nations in the four quarters of the Earth and from the Camp of the Saints to wit Israel and those of the Nations converted to the Lord who are joyned unto them Rev. 20. 8 9. Then they shall be called and be holy all holy and righteous Isay 4. 3. The Lord reigning gloriously among them Isay 24. 23. and rejoycing in them Isay 65. 19. And then they shall be in a glorious state and condition for the Tabernacle of God will be with them and he will be with them and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them their God and God shall wipe away all tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain c. Rev. 21. 1 4 and ch 22. 3 4. See and consider Rev. 21. 10 21 22 26. And of this City of Christ's God New Jerusalem it is farther said which cometh down out of Heaven from my God In which is intimated to us 1. That this New Jerusalem is and shall be in Heaven all of them there is the Mother and there are and shall be the Children yea as New Jerusalem may signifie a glorious place or glorious Mansions so they are in Heaven as our Saviour saith In my Fathers House are many Mansions I go to prepare a place for you Joh. 14. 2 3. 2 Cor. 5. 1 4. And as it hath respect to persons so it is and shall be above as Gal. 4. 29. Above not only born from above as now Joh. 3. 3 7. nor only have they and shall have their conversation in Heaven as Col. 3. 1 2. Phil. 3. 20. but above in Heaven in their Spirits When they are absent from the Body they shall be present with the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. When they are dissolved they shall be with Christ which is far better than to be here Phil. 1. 21 23. The Spirits of just Men made perfect Heb. 12. 23. Isay 57. 1 2. And when the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven the dead shall be raised and the living changed and all made incorruptible and they shall be all caught up together in the
mother and the sealed Saints and all particular believers as her children and so in a distinct consideration as members thereof in particular while they are here on earth suitable to that distinction made by the Apostle Paul when he speaking of the Church saith Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular 1 Cor. 12. 27. so the woman and her children or seed are distinctly mentioned in Chap. 12. 17. and so are also Zion and her children in Isa 49. 14 17 21. and chap. 54. 6-13 though in another sense they are of Zion also Psal 87. 5. so here as we have before said we understand by the four living creatures Jehovah's congregation on earth in a general sense and consideration and as a mother and the sealed Saints c. as her seed children and members in particular 2. But it doth appear also that the sealed Saints as mentioned in Chap. 14. 1. and the multitude of believers in chap. 7. 9 10. are such as have dyed in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ since the Apostles time and not of any persons alive in mortal bodies Consider what is said of them in Chap. 7. 9-13-17 and of the hundred forty and four thousand in chap. 14. 1. In that they stand on mount Zion c. Object 2. Others say that by the four living creatures are not meant the Church on earth but that hereby are meant four of the Apostles of the Lord and Saviour though there be a difference amongst them as to these four also who are of this mind some supposing them to be the four Evangelists some conceiving them to be others or some others of the Apostles Answ But these living creatures cannot mean four Apostles or Evangelists nor any four individual persons whatsoever 1. Because these four living creatures as living creatures are in vision signified to continue until Christ come to take to him his great power and to reign see chap. 19. 1-4 which will be after the destruction of mystery Babylon and then after that there is no more mention of four living creatures but no four indivdual persons ever lived or live so long in mortal bodies And to be sure not four Apostles or Evangelists for they were all dead but John before this Revelation was sent and signified unto him See the notes before on chap. 2. vers 13. 2. Because these four living creatures are said to be redeemed unto God by the blood of the Lamb out of every kindred and tongue and nation and people chap. 5. 9. Now of these kindreds and tongues c. there were above four or forty-four therefore they cannot mean four individual persons only but as is said the Church of the living God on earth 2. Why are these living creatures said to be four Answ 1. Surely not to signifie that Christ hath four bodies or four Churches in a general consideration for as the Apostle saith of all unfeigned believers As the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether Jews or Gentiles whether bond or free and have been all made to drink into one spirit 1 Cor. 12. 12. 13 27. Rom. 12. 4 5. Eph. 4. 4 5. Though there are threescore Qâ—eens and fourscore Concubines and Virgins without number yet Christ's love his undefiled is but one she is the only one of her mother c. Cant. 6. 8 9. but his one congregation his living creature is called living creatures by the septuagint in Psal 68. 10. as we have said before these are but one Church one body one spouse Col. 1. 18. though the several societies in this one Church are called after the name of the whole and so Churches so the four living creatures in Ezâ—kiel are sometimes spoken of in the plural number and called four living creatures and living creatures Ezâ—k 1. 5 13-15 19. and chap. 3. 13. and sometimes in the singular and so called living creature to denote their unity Ezek. 1. 20 22. and chap. 10. 15 17. 20. Indeed those in Ezekiel and these here are not the same for they were the Cherubims Ezek. 10. 18 20. but these men as we have before shewn but however respect is in this place had unto them And this we have noted from the allusion 2. But these living creatures are said to be four 1. As somâ— conceive with reference to the four camps of the one Israel after the flesh to which Israel as our types frequent respect is had in this book of the Revelation as we have oft noted and may again see We have an account given us of their four camps in Numb 2. 2 10 18 25. and indeed now they are all the Israel of God who believe in Christ The children of the promise whether they be Jews or Gentiles are counted for the seed Rom. 9. 7 9. 1 Cor. 12. 13. the believing Gentiles are made fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God Eph. 2. 13-16 Gal. 6. 14-16 they are now fellow-heirs and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel Eph. 3. 6. Rom. 2. 28 29. and into these camps no unclean thing must enter nor shall in Gods esteem so as to be reckoned of them and graciously accepted by him as it is said of our types Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper and every one that hath an issue and whosoever is defiled by the dead both male and female shall ye put out without the camp shall ye put them that they defile not their camps in the midst whereof I dwell Where we may observe that the one congregation of Israel is sometimes called camp and sometimes camps to wit four Compare Numb 5. 2 3. with chap. 2. See the notes after on ver 7. of this Chapter 2. These living creatures may also be said to be four with respect unto the four parts or quarters of the world into which they are scattered so we read of the four corners of the earth Isa 11. 12. of the four quarters of Heaven Jer. 49. 36. of the four quarters of the earth Rev. 20. 8. and so to acquaint us that the Lord hath placed his Church and People in all the world it is dispersed and scattered now over the face of the whole earth It is implied that his people is scattered in Psal 1. 5. 2 Thes 2. 1. and that they are spread abroad as the four winds of the heaven as Zech. 2. 6. in that it is said He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other Mat. 24. 31. Mark 13. 27. Thus also it doth appear that the Son of man soweth his good seed the children of the Kingdom all over his field of the world Matth. 13.
shall not see when heat cometh but her leaf shall be green and shall not be careful in the year of drought neither shall cease from yielding fruit Psal 1. 1-3 with Jer. 17. 7 8. And in being and abiding in this Root David was holy being united to and reckoned after him for if the Root be holy so also are the branches Psal 86. 2 with Psal 89. 19. and Rom. 11. 16. 4. The Root of David as to the Kingdom The Bottom-ground Cause and Reason of all the Promises thereto appertaining In him all the Promises of God are Yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. To Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made He saith not And to Seeds as of many but as of one and to thy Seed which is Christ Gal. 3. 16. with Gen. 17. 6. He is the sure Mercies of David Isa 55. 3. with Act. 13. 34. 2 Sam. 23. 4 5. And when all seemed to fail and God's faithâ—ulness appeared not as Psal 89. 38-46 yet he was a Root in the ground still with whom he would not break his Covenant Psal 89. 28 29 34-37 Job 14. 8 9. As the Root lives when the Tree and Branches may wither and decay or be cut down or lopt off And as it is said of Nebuchadnezzar Hew down the tree and cut off the branches shake off his leaves and scatter his fruit nâ—vertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth which did signifie his Kingdom should be sure to him Dan. 4. 13-15 23-26 So it is here The Scepter did not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet till Shiloh came c. See Gen. 49. 9 10. Here The LORD sware in truth unto David he will not turn away from it of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy Throne Psal 132. 11. with Act. 2. 30. Luke 1. 31-33 And he is oft called David Jer. 23. 5 6. and Chap. 33. 15-17 c. And he was David's Lord as our Saviour saith David himself said by the Holy Gâ—ost The LORD said unto my Lord Mark 12. 35-37 And he was and is God's King whom he hath set upon his holy Hill of Zion Psal 2. 6 7. Rom. 15. 12. 5. The Root of David directed unto by him that we Gentiles also might trust in him and kiss and submit to him Psal 2. 6 7-12 This is that Root of Jesse whom David also lifted up as an Ensign to the people that thereto the Gentiles might seek and his rest is glorious Isa 11. 10. Rom. 15 10-12 It was the great business and design of David to glorifie Christ and lift him up as also to him all the Prophets gave witness Act. 10. 43. as may be seen in many Psalms written by him as Psal 2. and 16. and 20. and 21. and 22 and 34. and 40. and 45. and 47. and 68. and 69. and 110. and 117. and 118. c. to the end we Gentiles also might glorifie God for his mercy As it is written For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles and sing unto thy Name And again he saith Praise the LORD all ye Gentiles and land him all ye people And again Esaias saith There shall be a Root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust Rom. 15-911 12. with Psal 18. 49. and Psal 117. 1 2. Vse 1. That he is the Root the consideration of it may engage us to come unto him in the drawings of the Father to come unto him the living stone that elect precious corner Stone the sure foundation 1 Pet. 2. 4-6 with Isai 28. 16. As Christ saith All things are delivered to me of my Father Come unto me all yet hat labour and are heavy laden I will give you rest and the rest of this Rooâ— is glorious Matth. 11. 27-28 29. with Isai 11. 10. It is the great design of God to glorifie him to this end and purpose that we might run unto him Isa 55. 5. And the Spirit and the Bride say Come And let him that heareth say Come Rev. 22. 16 17. even they say Come to this Root as there appears John 6. 44 45. 2. What hath been said of his being the Root the Root of David shews unto us how we may be enlivened quickned and established to wit by being united unto and firmed in him rooted and built up in him and established in the faith of him Col. 2. 6 7-9 Eph. 3. 16 17-19 Yea when we by being carnally minded and living after the flesh are become dead yet still he is the Root in whom is life for us See Notes on Chap. 3. ver 1. For as the Father hath life in himself so also hath he given to the Son to have life in himself John 5. 25 26. Hos 14. 1-5-8 3. The believing mindfulness hereof also is proper and powerful to preserve them from high-mindedness that are in him Of God ye are in Christ Jesus saith the Apostle who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Satisfaction and Redemption that no flesh might glory in his presence but as it is written He that glorieth may glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1. 29-31 Boast not saith the Apostle Paul but if thou boastest consider this thou bearest not the Root but the Root thee Rom. 11. 18. Thou standest by faith in him be not high-minded but fear ver 10. He bears thee up and makes thee to stand and what hast thou that thou didst not receive from him 1 Cor. 4. 7. Rom. 3. 25. 27 Phil. 3. 1 2 3-9 4. We may hereby see and perceive that God hath given to him the pre-eminence in all things and amongst all persons for in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1. 18 19. He is exalted and extolled and made very high who was as a root out of a dry ground Isa 52. 13 14. with Chap. 53. 1 2. God hath highly exalted and glorified him as also appears evidently in that which is affirmed of him in what follows viz. This most excellent and glorious One this Lion of the Tribe of Judah the Root of David hath prevailed to open the Book and to loose the seven Seals thereof He hath prevailed to do it he is the true Israel that had power with God or behaved himself Princely with him yea he had power and prevailed Gen. 32. 25-28 and Hos 12. 4-6 with Isa 49. 3. And he hath prevailed to do this by his Blood his precious Blood whereby he overcame our Enemies and therein evidenced himself to be the Lion of the Tribe of Judah And this is confessed and acknowledged afterwards by the four living Creatures and twenty four Elders c. ver 8 9-12 For by his death he got himself the Victory as is before said Col. 2. 14-15 Heb. 2. 14 15. And on the account thereof and as the consequent thereof all power is given unto him yea all things are given unto him
with their spirit in the Gospel of his Son Phil. 4. 15-17 18. with Gal. 6. 6-8-10 Mat. 25. 34-40 But still let it be remembred these spiritual sacrifices are only made acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 13. 10-15 and Chap. 7. 25. see the notes before on vers 8. And say they He hath made us Kings and Priests unto our God It is thus in Chap. 1. 5 6. unto God and his father to wit Christs But here unto our God for indeed he who is originally and immediately the God and Father of our Lord Jesus is also in and thorow him the God and Father of all that are Christs As Christ saith I ascend unto my Father and your Father to my God and your God Joh. 20. 17. see notes on Rev. 3. ver 12. and how they were Kings and Priests unto their God we have in some little measure shewed before see the notes on Rev. 1. ver 6. This is that also which they with praise and thanksgiving remember and sing of to the honour of the Lamb this they merrily and rejoicingly sound upon their Harps those Musical instruments of of God vers 8. They sing and make melody with grace in their hearts to the Lord for these high favours and priviledges conferred upon them not of debt but wholly of grace 2. These Saints and holy ones do also upon their Harps and with their golden Phials full of odours merrily and melodiously sound forth the praises of the Lamb for their assured hope of that great honour glory and dignity they shall partake of and hereafter inherit gloriously in due season that is to say We shall say they reign on the earth From the whole song we may see they joyfully and skilfully sound forth upon their Harps the sum and contents of the Testimony of Jesus which is the spirit of Prophesie Rev. 19. 10. Thou wast slain that summarily contains the first branch of the Testimony of Jesus And hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation and hast made us unto our God Kings and â—riests that includes and contains the second However as to themselves And we shall reigâ— on the earth there 's the third and last Isa 9. 6 7. 2 Cor. 1. 10. Heb. 13. 7-9 Oh let the whole of the Testimony be thankfully held fast by its receivers And we shall reign not do reign as they shall do or as is here spoken of and intended this is a future business Indeed they are now Kings but they must wait for the glorious enjoyment of their Kingdom they may be Kings who yet have actually received no Kingdom as Rev. 17. 12. and so it is with these as here they give us plainly to understand and with thankfulness singing and rejoicing acknowledg to the praise of the Lamb saying And we shall reign on or over the earth In speaking unto which words we shall for our instruction and usefulness enquire into and consider these following particulars viz. 1. Who are the We or persons here and elsewhere spoken of that must reign 2. How shall they reign or of what reigning is here and elsewhere spoken meant and intended and what is contained therin 3. Where and over whom shall the persons here intended so reign 4. When and with whom shall they so reign 1. Who are the We or persons here and elsewhere spoken of that shall reign And to that we may give answer and say 1. All such as have been are and shall be redeemed unto God by the blood of the Lamb as here it is said Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation And we shall reign c. see also Chap. 1. 5 6. Thus also it is said The seventh Angel sounded and there were great voices in Heaven saying The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall-reign for ever and ever And the four and twenty Elder which sate before God on their seats fell upon their faces and worshipped God saying We give thee thanks O Lord God Almighty which art and wast and art to come because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned And the time of the dead is come that they should be judged and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy servants the Prophets and to the Saints c. Rev. 11. 15-18 All such shall in due season reign as have been are and shall be Abrahams spiritual seed or hearty believers in Christ as he was witnessed of before his Incarnation and hath been since manifested and revealed Rom. 4. 13-16 with Gal. 3. 7-9 16 17 29. The wâ—iters upon the Lord and meek ones of the earth shall have this honour and happiness Psal 37. 9-11 Mat. 5. 5. Whereto we may have further occasion to speak in what follows to be considered from this verse And amongst these reigners are included and contained as principal ones such Saints as unto whom it hath been given of grace not only to believe but also to suffer for Christs names sake Heb. 11. 25 26. as it is said If sons then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified together Rom. 8. 16-18 with Joh. 1. 12 13. It is a faithful saying for if we be dead with him we shall also live with him if we suffer we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Blessed are they saith our Saviour which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5. 10. with 1 Cor. 3. 21 22. 2 Thes 1. 4 5 6-8 1 Pet. 4. 12 13. Yea and amongst these believers in Christ and holy ones the poor and needy ones of this world such as are so here I mean are included and shall enjoy this glory and therefore they should not be despised or undered unduly by us Hearkeâ— my beloved brethren saith the Apostle James hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of that Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 1-5 6. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the beggar from the dungâ—il to set them among Princes and to make them inherit the throne of glory 1 Sam. 2. 8. Psal 113. 7 8. Luk. 6. 20. with Mat. 19. 27-29 And so in short the persons that shall reign are the Saints Rev. 5. 8-10 them that love God and keep his Commandments whether they be high or low rich or poor male or female c. in this world Jam. 1. 12. and 2. 5. All such as are faithful unto the death shall in due season receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. and vers 26-28 2. And as is necessarily implied and supposed in what we have said and as plainly appears from this place we are speaking unto and considering
earth and as is promised in Psal 37. the wicked shall be destroyed out of it which without doubt they have not been nor are to this day see to this purpose what is said in that Psalm we are still referring to Evil doers shall be cut off but those that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth for yet a little while and the wicked shall not be yea thou shalt diligently câ—nsider his place and it shall not be But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace Such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off The seed of the wicked shall be cut off The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein for ever Wait upon the Lord and keep his way and he shall exa't thee to inherit the land or earth When the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it Psal 37. 9. 11-13 22 28 29 34. And as it hath been observed so it is observable the first time Hallelujah is mentioned in the Scriptures of the Prophets is when the Psalmist thus imprecates Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth and let the wicked be no more Hallelujah or praise ye the Lord Psal 104. 30-35 And this word is only used in this Book when the destruction of Mystery Babylon is spoken of and the Holy Ghost is speaking of the destruction of all the wicked and of the reign of Christ and glorious state of the Saints After these things saith the Apostle I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven saying Alâ—elujah salvation and glory and honour and power unto the Lord our God for true and righteous are his judgments for he hath judged the great Whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornication and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand And again they said Allelujah and her smoke rose up for ever and ever And the four and twenty Elders and the four living Creatures fell down and worshipped God that sate on the Throne saying Allelujah And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude and as the voice of many waters and as the voice of mighty thundrings saying Allelujah for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth c. Rev. 18. and Chap. 19. 1 2 3-6 8. 9 c. And to let us know that this abundance of peace and destruction of the wicked prophesied of by David in Psal 37 c. was not accomplished in his son Solomons days therefore also he speaks of it as future as his father David had done before him saying The upright shall dwell in the land or earth and the perfect shall remain in it but the wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the transgressors shall be pluckt up or rooted out of it And again The righteous shall never be removed But the wicked shall not inhabit the earth Prov. 2. 21 22. and Chap. 10. 30. see also Isa 65. 12-15 16 17. By all which it evidently appears that the meek and righteous ones have never yet inherited the earth as it 's prophesied they shall do nor shall they so do till this world be dissolved when will be the perdition of ungodly men 2 Pet. 3. 6 7. nor until God shall make new Heavens and a new Earth as we have many times before said And then indeed they shall be blessed and reign on the earth and inherit the earth and all things Psal 41. 1 2. see Rev. 21. 1-5-7 But this will also further appear in and be confirmed by what followeth to be yet considered by us But though these Saints and all that are Christs at his coming shall reign on and inherit the earth as we have said yet it appears they shall have the land of Canaan as their inheritance in some peculiar consideration Indeed God promised unto Abraham that he should be the heir of the world and this promise was made unto or respected not Abraham only but him and his seed and that not thorow the Law but through the righteousness of faith and it is of faith that it might be by grace to the end the promise might be sure to the whole seed not to that only which is of the Law but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham who is the father of us all Rom. 4. 9-13-16 But yet the land of Canaan was by promise and Covenant assured to him for a possession in some peculiar sense even to him and his seed I mean the land of Canaan when it is made new Rev. 21. 1 5. and when it shall be as in due season it shall be an Heavenly Country Heb. 11. 13-16 see Gen. 13. 14-17 and Chap. 17. 7 8. and Chap. 26. 3 4. and Chap. 28. 13 14. 1 Chron. 16. 15-19 Object If it be said This Covenant and Promise made to Abraham concerning the land of Canaan was fulfilled when God brought his seed by Joshua into it and then and afterwards setled them in it and therefore the accomplishment thereof is not still to be expected and waited for Answ To this Objection I shall say these things 1. No doubt in some first-fruits and in part that Covenant and promise was fulfilled and accomplished then as is signified to us in what is said to wit The Lord gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers and they possessed it and dwelt therein and the Lord gave them rest round about according to all that be sware unto our fathers There failed not ought of any good thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel all came to pass Josh 21. 43 45. and Chap. 22. 4. 2. But yet iâ— doth appear that that Covenant is not compleatly fulfilled and accomplished if we consider these following particulars 1. The land of Canaan was not only promised to be given to the seed of Abraham but to himself also as the Lord said unto him I will establish my Covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee And I will give unto thee and to thy seed after thee the land wherein thou art a stranger all the land of Canaan Gen. 17. 7 8. and Chap. 13. 14-17 And the like also he promised unto Isaac and Jacob the heirs with him of the same promise to wit that he would give the land of Canaan unto them and to their seed Gen. 26. 3 4. and Chap. 28. 13 14. Heb. 11. 8 9. Psal 105. 8-12 But now none of these Patriarchs ever enjoyed this land which was so promised to them as Stephen saith concerning Abraham God gave him none inâ—eritance in it no not to set his foot on yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession c. Act. 7. 5. yea concerning them all it is said By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise as in a strange country dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob the heirs with him of the
2. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 8. He is the King and Fountain of it yâ—a he is the glory of the Israel of God Ps 24. 7 9. Luke 2. 32 And they are callled to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ and shall appear in it Ps 84. 11 12. 2 Thes 2. 14. When Christ who is their Life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in glory Col. 3. 4. 2 Tim. 2. 10. They shall then have a glorious Body also their vile Body shall be changed and fashioned into the likeness of his glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. As they have born the Image of the earthy they shall also bear the Image of the heavenly 1 Cor. 15. 49. And they shall then have the glorious fulness of the Spirit of which now they have but a first-fruits Rom. 8. 23. And shall reign in glory he will then compass them with a Crown of glory Prov. 4. 7 9. 7. And Blessing This also the innumerable company of Angels acknowledges the Lamb to be worthy to receive And this we may look upon 1. More generally As blessing signifies all that is truly good and desirable as many times in Scripture it doth as Deut. 33. So good and blessing are used the one for the other Compare Deut. 30. 15. with v. 19. And so God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Eph. 1. 3. with all the blessings of goodness As it is said Thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness Ps 21. 3. He is full of grace and truth Joh. 1. 14 16. In him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily And in him we are compleat Col. 1. 19. and 2. 9 10. In him there is the blessing of forgiveness Rom. 4. 6 7. with Eph. 1. 7. Col. 1. 14. In him is the blessing of righteousness Dan. 9. 24. Isay 45. 24. And he that hath clean hands and a pure heart c. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation Ps 24. 1 5. On him is the Spirit that great blessing Isay 44. 3. with ch 11. 2. and 42. 1. Joh. 3. 34. In him is the blessing of Life of eternal Life Deut. 30. 19. Here indeed God hath prepared for us and given to us the blessing even life for evermore Ps 133. 3. with 1 Joh. 5. 11 Joh. 1. 4. And in due season he shall gloriously receive the blessing of Abraham even the heavenly Country and Inheritance for himself and his Seed Gen. 28. 4. with Gal. 3. 16 29. And in him there is blessing for all the Nations and Families of the Earth Gen. 22. 18. and 26. 4. and ch 28. 14. Act. 3. 25. with Gal 3. 13 14. Psal 72 17. Isay 25. 6. Luke 2. 31 32. Mat. 22. 4 8. Luke 14. 16 17 21. 2. Or as blessing is taken more paticulary and strictly for praise or being well and honourably spoken of and for thanks So he is to be praised thanked and so blessed by us and by all especially by his Saints and holy ones 1 Tim. 1. 13. So blessing and giving thanks are used indifferently and put one for the other Compare Mat. 26. 26 27. and Mark 14. 22 23. with Luke 22. 19. and 1 Cor. 11. 24. Mark 8. 6 7 As also are to bless and praise As I will bless the Lord at all times his praise shall be continually in my Mouth Ps 34. 1. So usually to bless signifies to praise or speak well of as Ps 100. 4. and 103. 1 2 21 22. and 115. 17 18 c. Thus indeed we have cause abundantly and everlastingly to bless him even to give thanks unto him and to speak well of him and praise him with our whole hearts and souls he ought to be daily praised by us Ps 72. 15. for his wonderful pity and kindness towards us that love of his that passeth knowledge in dying for all rising and ascending c. As it is said God is gone up with a shout even he that first descended into the lower-parts of the Earth the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet Sing praises unto our God sing praises sing praises unto our King sing praises Sing ye praises with understanding or every one that hath understanding Psal 47. 6 7. and 68. 18 20. And for his amiableness in every respect He is altogether lovely no spot or blemish in him Cant. 5. 10 16. He is fairer than the Children of Men grace is poured into his lips therefore God hath blessed him for ever And therefore also saith the Psalmist I will make thy Name to be remembred in all Generations therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever Psal 45. 1 2 10. with v. 17. He is beautiful and glorious excellent and comly and there is none deserves on these accounts so much to be praised as he Isay 4. 2. with 2 Sam. 14. 25. And he hath power to bless us also and God having raised him sends him 1. Preventingly to bless all in their proper seasons and ages in turning every one of them from their iniquities Act. 3. 25 26. for him hath God exalted with his right hand a Prince and Saviour to give repentance to sinful and rebellious ones Act. 5. 31. And he comes by his Servants in his Gospel to open the Eyes of Jews and Gentiles and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of their sins c. Act. 26. 17 18. 2. And especially and with peculiar and following blessings he comes to bless them that believe as he blessed Abraham the Father of the faithful Heb. 7. 6. He forgives them their sins even as David describeth the blessedness of the Man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered c. Rom. 4. 5 7. Act. 10. 43. and 13. 39. He makes them accepted in himself who is Jehovah our righteousness Eph. 1. 3 6. They shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of their salvation Ps 24. 5. with v. 1. He pours out his Spirit unto them and makes known his words unto them Prov. 1. 23. Isay 44. 3. Joh. 7. 37 38. And gives unto them eternal life and will in due season raise them up to the glorious enjoyment thereof for this is the will of him that sent him that every one that seeth the Son and believeth on him should have everlasting life and he will raise them up at the last day Joh. 6. 40 44. and 10 27 28. and 17. 2 3. 2. Of whom is the Lamb that was slain worthy to receive those excellent things before mentioned and in some little measure spoken to And to that we may say 1. He is worthy to receive them of God his Father and hath from him received all power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing