the law and obtained eternal redemption for us when we were in our filth and blood said unto us live when we were in woful misery when the Sorrows of death compassed us and the pains of Hell gat hold on us and we found woe and trouble yet then caused his goodness to pass before us and commended and discovered his love to us and overcame us as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke and spake peace to us and quieted our fears removed our sorrows comforted our hearts delivered our souls from death our eyes from tears and our feet from falling that we might walk before him in the land of the living in whom still dwelleth and abideth all the fulness even all the fulness of the God-head bodily and in whom is all compleatness prepared for us Do we thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is he not our Father that hath bought us hath he not made and established us ask thy Father and he will shew thee thine elders the prophets and Apostles and they will tell thee do ye thus render to the Lord for all his benefits love and kindness as to forsake him and lightly or more lightly than formerly esteem the rock of your Salvation of the rock that begat you are ye so unmindful and have you forgotten God that formed you Deut. 32. 5 7 15 18. Is this your kindness to your friend that hath so loved you and made it known to you and still continues his goodness to you and waits upon you that he may be gracious unto you O remember the former days remember your affliction and misery the distress that sometimes you were in and what a joyful sound the Gospel was then unto you and how your hearts did burn within you in love to Christ his cross and sufferings and consider what a loss you are now come to and for this weep let your eye your eye run down with water weep and howl for such an unkind and unworthy return to him and give no rest to your eyes nor slumber to your eye-lids until you return to the days of your youth the love of your espousals surely the oneness of the Lord being seriously minded and considered by us would engage us to return to him from whom we have departed and to be â—ervent in unâ—eigned love to him Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and Soul and mind and strength and thy neighbour as thy self Deut. 6. 4 6. with Mark 12. 29 30. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of light with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth wherefore my Brethren let every Man be swift to hear c. Jam. 1. 17 18 19. 2. This is a great evil an evil that provoketh to leave the first love because in our abating in our love to Christ and leaving our first â—ervency of affection to him and his Gospel and people and the societies thereof we shall be very injurious and harmful to others and even by such remission of love secretly signify unto them that the longer we know Christ and the more acquainted we are with him the less amiable and desirable he is to us and the less delightful to us and therefore is he no more delighted in by us and so we lay a stumbling block in the way of the blind and give offence to the World and hinder others from seeking after and following the Lord when persons are zealous and â—ervent in their affection unto and pursuit after the Lord their zeal provokes very many 2 Cor. 9. 2. Thus it appeared in the spouses earnestness in seeking for and inquiring after and highly and delightfully valuing and setting forth the excellency comliness of her beloved while she was thus exercised this heat of love in her to Christ and following hard after him causeth the daughters of Jerusalem to enquire after him and to say whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among Women whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seek him with thee Can. 5. 8 16. and ch 6. 1. love even hot and fiery love to Christ and the fruits thereof are strong as death as death is strong and overcomes the mightiest and stoutest so ardent love is proper to overcome others also even our enemies and to bring them in to Christ Cant. 8. 6 7. with Rom. 12. 19 21. when the believers did cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart and continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and were together continuing daily with one accord c. The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 2. 42 47. Joh. 13. 34 35. But now when the first love waxes cold and believers have little or less heart to Christ and his Gospel than formerly this puts a discouragement upon others and hinders them from seeking after him and strengthens them in their evil ways so much the Lord signifies in saying to his people in former times My people have forgotten me days without number why trimest thou thy way to seek love Therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways Jer. 2. 31 33. And indeed this decay of mens first love to Christ will be visible and evident to others it cannot be kept so secret but it will be seen and come abroad for such as leave their first love will leave their first works also as v. 5. 3. Abatement in the first love is a great evil a provoking evil in believers because those in Christ's Church have great advantage to grow and increase in love to him and to his Gospel and it is expected from them that they go on from strength to strength Ps 84. 4 7. and in beholding him with open face in the glass of the Gospel they are changed and metamorphosed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. In giving diligence to the exceeding great and precious promises ministred in and with the Gospel they shall be made partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the World thorow lust and not only so but they may add to their faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness and to godliness Brotherly-kindness and to Brotherly-Kindness Charity 2 Pet. 1. 4 7. these things may be in them and abound v. 8 Choice giâ—ts are now given to men to this purpose that they might not be as children tossed to and fro but truthing it in love might grow up into Christ in all things who is the head from whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the
inhabits Eternity As if he should say The consideration of this one thing doth hugely conduce to the Believers being preserved from the errour of these Scoffers For say they where is the promise of his coming He hath promised to dissolve all these things and to make all things new new Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness And this he hath promised long since to do in a little time Compare Hagg. 2. 6. with Hebr. 12. 26 28. But notwithstanding his promise all things continue as they were and therefore it is ridiculous to expect the accomplishment and performance of his promise But now the knowing and considering what a little time is with him that promised viz. that a thousand Years with him are as one Day with us and two thousand as two will greatly conduce to the preserving us from their mistakes and help us to know that though he be long-suffering yet the Day of the Lord will come and according to his promise he will make new Heavens and a new Earth 2 Pet. â— 8 10 13. So again the Prophet David some thousands of Years since thus prophesieth For yet a little while and the Wicked shall not be Yea thou shalt diligently consider his place and it shall not be But the meek shall inherit the Earth c. This promise of yet a little while is not yet fully performed though made so long time since as to us But alas it is but as three or four Days with the Lord Psal 37. 10 11. with Mat. 5. 5. See also Heb. 10. 37. How greatly have some learned Men lately mistaken about this Word shortly And how dangerous have been their mistake for from hence have proceeded such absurd mistakes as these That the Devil 's being bound that he should deceive the Nations no more spoken of in Revel 20. began in Constantine's time and then also was the first Resurrection And the thousand Years Reign of Christ and his Saints then also began which is nothing else as they dream but a time of Tranquillity and Halcyonian Days for serving God in this World which now is Whereas had they considered what shortly is with the Lord they would not hâ—ve begun so early with these things but have waited with Patience till the time come for the performance of these Prophecies See also Isay 54. 7. 8. 17. 2. Shortly as to the first of the things prophesied of and so of the following things successively like to that Gen. 41. 32. See further the Note on Verse 3. And he sent 1. This Revelation was given to Christ to shew unto his Servants but not immediately to be shewed by him to them but he doth it by his Angel So God in these last Days hath spoken to us by his Son but not all immediately by him but by the Holy Apostles also whom Christ sent into the World as the Father sent him into the World Joh. 17. 18 19. And yet by whomsoever he sends and speaks we do in receiving them receive him as he saith Verily Verily I say unto you He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me And he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Joh. 13. 20. 2 Cor. 5. 20. 1 Thes 4. 8. He sent His faithfulness is herein assured to us he did not hide God's Righteousness within his Heart but declared God's Faithfulness and his Salvation c. Psal 40. 9 10. He was faithful in that hard and difficult work to him that appointed him He was not rebellious neither turned away back Isay 50. 5. 9. And he is so and remains so for ever Heb. 3. 1 2 6. He is the faithful and true Witness Rev. 1. 5. and Chap. 3. 14. A merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God Heb. 2. 17 18. And signified it Viz. 1. Declared it and made it known as Agabus signified by the Spirit that there should be great Dearth c. Acts 11. 28. And as Christ signified what manner of Death he should dye Joh. 10. 33. He made this known which was formerly hid 2. Notified it and set a Mark or Sign upon it as it were to denote the great weightiness of the things herein contained that we might seriously consider and give more earnest heed unto them By his Angel Which doth not mean the Holy Ghost For 1. He is never so called elsewhere and why should any conceive he is here so called unless some evident reason could be given for it 2. Because this Angel of Christ would not be worshipped by the Apostle John Rev. 19. 10. with Chap. 22. 8 9. Whereas the Holy Spirit is one God with the Father and Son and so to be worshipped by us For there are three that bear Record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Spirit and these three are one 1 Joh. 5. 7. And we are baptized in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost whose name is but one Mat. 28. 19. compare Isay 6. 1 3. 10. with Acts 28. 25. But this Angel here spoken of was one of those glorious invisible Spirits who are usually called by this name either Gabriel who was sent to Zacharia to tell him that his Wife should bear a Son even the Baptist who was Christ's Messenger to prepare his way Luk. 1. 11. 19. And who also was sent from God to the Virgin Mary to acquaint her that she should conceive in her Womb and bring forth a Son even Jesus ver 26 29 36. And who was also sent to Daniel a Man greatly beloved of the Lord as also was John to whom this Book was sent and signified that Disciple whom Jesus loved Dan. 8. 16 17. and Chap. 9. 21. or some other or more of those Holy and Elect Angels for sometimes the Word is used collectively to wit Angel signifieth Angels Compare Psal 34. 7. with Heb. 1. 14 As Servant and Servants are used indifferently Compare Mat. 22. 3 8 9. with Luk. 14. 17 21 23. and Mat. 21. 34 36. with Mark 12. 2. 5. and so we may learn that Christ hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent name than the Angels Heb. 1. 4 14. they are the Angels and Messengers of the Son of Man whom he hath power to send and employ as he pleases Mat. 24. 30 31. 2 Thes 1. 7. All the Angels of God are commanded to worship him as their Lord who is Lord of all Heb. 1. 6. And that may comfort his Servants and encourage them to follow him and not fear Psal 34. 7 8 10. with 1 Pet. 2 3 4. Vnto his Servant John Not unto all his Servants but unto his Servant that by him it might be made known to the residue and particularly unto his Servant John that beloved Disciple here called his Servant A Title that hath been given unto and taken and gloried in by Holy-men formerly 2 Sam. 7. 19 20 27. 2 Chron. 6. 19 21. Psal 116. 16. Mal. 4. 4. Phil. 1. 1. Tit. 1. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 1. Jam. 1. 1. Jude
Clouds Where let us mind and consider these things 1. The person here spoken of and that cometh He 2. Of what coming is here spoken and intended 3. How or in what manner he shall come 4. From whence or from what place he cometh 5. To what end or ends he cometh 1. The person that cometh He of whom we have a description before in v. 5 6. as we have seen even he that loved us and died for our Sins and who is raised from the dead to wit the Son of Man Dan. 7. 13. The Son of Man shall come in the Clouds of Heaven with Power and great Glory Mat. 24. 27 30. and ch 25 13. and ch 26. 64. with Mark 13. 26. and ch 14. 62. Luk. 21. 27. It is the Man Christ Jesus who hath made Peace for us and is our Peace that shall come and whom we are called upon to behold He doth not cease to be a man though he be not a mere man but this Man continueth for ever and very frequently when he speaks of his coming he calls himself the Son of Man Mat. 16. 27. Luk. 17. 24 26 30. 2. Of what coming doth he here speak We have intimated before that though he may and doth include his coming providentially and in his Judgments yet hereby is ultimately meant his glorious coming to take to him his great Power and reign and to judge the World in Righteousness as appears by what follows in that it is said Every Eye shall see him c. and by the Apostles vote in the latter end of the Verse like that He which testifieth these things saith Surely I come quickly Amen Even so come Lord Jesus ch 22. 17 20. But here we may consider there are two personal comings of our Lord Jesus Christ's 1. To take our nature and be abased that he might redeem us from the Curse of the Law and obtain Eternal Redemption in the nature of Man for us Of this he here speaks not for so he was come and gone before this as he saith I come forth from the Father and am come into the World Again I leave the World and go to the Father Joh. 16. 28. And before the time that this Book was sent and signified unto John he had come and finished the work which the Father gave him to do on Earth in the body of his Flesh and was gone up into Heaven and sate on the right hand of God Acts 1. 11. Joh. 17. 4 5. Act. 3. 20 21. 1 Pet. 3. 21 22. 2. He shall appear and come the second time Heb. 9. 28. He shall come again in his personal body Joh. 14. 3. God shall send us Jesus who hath been preached to us Acts 3. 20. and of this he here speaketh as hath been said See more concerning his coming on ch 2. v. 5. and ch 3. 20. 3. How or in what manner shall he come Answer 1. He shall come without Sin Heb. 9. 28. when he was here before though he knew no Sin yet God made him to be Sin for us 2 Cor. 5. 21. He himself in his own body bare our Sins to the Tree and suffered for them 1 Pet. 2. 24. and ch 3. 18. But when he shall appear the second time no Sin shall be imputed to him nor suffered for by him Nor shall there be any mortality or weakness upon him God hath raised him again from the Dead now no more to return to corruption Heb. 1. 3. Acts 13. 33 34. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Joh. 3. 5. Phil. 3. 21. 2. He shall then come in Glory as appears in the Doxology v. 6. To him be Glory Behold he cometh with Clouds he shall come in his glorious body Phil. 3. 21. This second appearing is called his glorious appearing Tit. 2. 13. He shall come in his own Glory and in his Fathers Mat. 24. 30. and ch 25. 31. Mark 8. 38. and ch 13. 26. Luke 9. 26. and in the Glory of his Angels all the Holy Angels shall come with him Mat. 16. 27. and ch 25. 31. Mark 8. 38. and he shall come with all his Saints The Lord cometh with ten thousands of his Saints The Lord shall come and all the Saints with him Jude 14 15. Zech. 14. 5. 1 Thes 3. 13. and with the Trump of God 1 Thes 4. 16 17. 1 Cor. 15. 52. 3. And he shall come visibly as afterwards followeth in this Verse 4. He shall come suddainly and unexpectedly The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night 2 Pet. 3. 10. 1 Thes 5. 2 4. Mat. 24. 43. Be ye therefore ready also for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not Luke 12. 39 40. Mark 13. 35 37. 4. From whence shall he come And that will be from Heaven from that glorious place where the Throne of God is 1 Thes 1. 10. and ch 4. 16. We look for the Saviour from Heaven Phil. 3. 20. 1 Cor. 15. 47. He shall not come from his glorious state but shall fit on the right hand of Power till all Enemies be destroyed Mat. 2â— 64. Ps 110. 1 2. Heb. 10. 12 13. But the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout c. 1 Thes 4. 16. 5. To what end cometh he And that is 1. To raise the dead that sleep in Jesus and change the surviving believers and they shall be all gathered together and caught up to meet the Lord in the Air and so shall be ever with him And they shall then bear the Image of the Heavenly 1 Thes 4. 16 17. 1 Cor. 15. 21 23 49. Phil. 3. 21. Mat. 24. 30 31. Mark 13. 25 27. Then shall the righteous be gathered together unto him and one unto another 2 Thes 2. 1. Ps 1. 5 6. 2. He shall come with them to destroy all the Horns of the Wicked and all them that oppose him Ps 75. 10. and 149. Dan. 7. 11 12. 2 Thes 1. 5 8. Rev. 11. 18. and ch 19. That will be the day of Perdition of Ungodly Ones 2 Pet. 3. 7. And all these things shall be dissolved 2 Pet. 3. 10 14. And the Devil bound up in the Bottomless-pit Rev. 20. 1 3. with Luke 8. 31. 3. He shall make all things new New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness Isay 65. 17 19. and ch 66. 22. 2 Pet. 3. 13. Rev. 21. 5. Then shall be the restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets since the World began Acts 3. 20 21. Rom. 8. 21 22. Then the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun and the light of the Sun shall be seven-fold as the light of seven days Isay 30. 26. Then the face of the Earth shall be renewed Ps 104 30 31. and Ps 8. 3 4. 4. He will then inherit all Nations and give to his people to reign with him they shall reign on the Earth Rev. 5. 10. they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand
all the honourable of the Earth Isay 2. 10. c. and ch 23. 8 9. and ch 13. 10 12. and ch 24. yet some of these may and will submit themselves to and worship Christ truly and so escape the Wrath to come Psal 22. 27. but such as abide in their opposition to him and minding earthly things shall wail for ever Isay 60. 12. Luke 21. 34 36. Isay 24. 17 18. 4. We have the breathing vote and desire of the Apostle and of all that are taught and led of God even so amen Rev. 22. 20. So the Holy Men of God formerly have desired O that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Zion Psal 14. 7. and 53. 6. Make haste my beloved c. Cant. 8. 14. Oh that thou wouldest rent the Heavens that thou wouldst come down c. Isay 64. 1. And in latter times they who had received the first-fruits of the Spirit did groan within themselves waiting for the adoption the redemption of their bodies and to that end they did look for the Saviour from Heaven the Lord Jesus Rom. 8. 23. with Phil. 3. 20 21. The Spirit and the Bride say come And let him that heareth say come even so come Lord Jesus Rev. 22. 17 20. The Gospel of Christ doth teach them who believe it to wait for God's Son from Heaven whom he raised from the dead 1 Thes 1. 10. to look for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2. 11 13. To be looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God 2 Pet. 3. 11 14. and for this the Apostle here longs and breaths even so Amen These Words are true and faithful Rev. 21. 1 5. and ch 22. 6 7. Verse 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending saith the Lord which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty Here we have an account given us of the infinite excellency of the person speaking and his ability for accomplishing what is spoken of him v. 7. Why should it be thought a thing incredible that he should effect it We may first here enquire and consider who the person here speaking is Some understand it of the Father because this person is so described as he is v. 4. where doubtless he is intended because he is distinguished from the Spirit and from Jesus Christ as before is said But I conceive and judge that the person here speaking in this 8 th Verse is Jesus Christ 1. Because he is the person generally speaking in this Book by his Angel or Angels to whom it was given to that end to shew c. v. 1. Rev. 22. 16. 2. Because the first part of the description here to wit that he is Alpha and Omega is elsewhere given of him without Controversie in this Book So expressly v. 11 13. and ch 22. 12 13. Nor doth that hinder us to understand it of Christ because he is described as the Father is for he and the Father are one Joh. 10. 13. 1 Joh. 5. 7. 3. It appears also that this is spoken of and by Christ because it seems these 8 and 9 Verses refer to Verse 1. The eighth Verse declares to us to whom this Revelation was given to shew to his Servants to wit to Jesus Christ who here saith of himself I am Alpha and Omega c. And v. 9. shews unto us to whom he sent and signified it to wit unto his Servant John And so we shall look upon this Verse as containing the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in which he gives a description of himself unto us I am Alpha and Omega These two are the first and last Letters of the Greek Alphabet and signifie as here it followeth the beginning and the ending Or as in v. 11. the first and the last and both are used in ch 22. 13. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end the first and the last Now from hence we may note in general 1. That God hath sanctified all Tongues for declaring to us the things of Christ and of God in him to the end that all Nations and Tongues might come unto the knowledge of the truth So after the Lord had given Authority and Commission to his Apostles to go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature of all the Nations he did fit them thereto by pouring forth his Spirit upon them and thereby enabling them to speak with other Tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Mark 16. 15 17. Acts 1. 8. and ch 2. 1 8 12. And the Angel had the everlasting Gospel to preach unto every Nation and Kindred and Tongue c. Rev. 14. 6. 2. In that he doth explicate and interpret these words saying I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end the first and the last So he shews that it is good for the Preachers of the Gospel to use great plainness of Speech that they may be understood 2 Cor. 3. 12. 1 Cor. 14. 1 13. so often-times Hebrew Words c. are interpreted So Emmanuel God with us Mat. 1. 23. Eli Eli Lamasabacthani that is to say My God My God why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27. 46. Jesus for he shall save c. Mat. 1. 23. Messias which being interpreted is the Christ Joh. 1. 41. c. It is good to speak plainly to edification and exhortation and comfort and not to affect hard words or sayings or when there is need for the use of them to interpret them 1 Cor. 14. 27 28. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending End sometimes signifies dissolution or ceasing to be Luke 22. 37. and sometimes perfection or fulfilling 1 Tim. 1. 5. and in both senses it may be in various respects as to divers things applied unto our Lord Jesus He is the beginning and end of the first Creation He is the beginning of it He was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Joh. 1. 1 3. By him God made the Worlds Heb 1. 2. and ch 11. 3. By this Word of the LORD were the Heavens made yea God created all things by Jesus Christ Ps 33. 6. Eph. 3. 11. and by him all these things shall be dissolved 2 Pet. 3. 4 5 10 13. We have both put together as his work in Heb. 1. 10 12. And thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the Foundation of the Earth and the Heavens are the works of thine Hands They shall perish but thou remainest and they all shall wax old as doth a Garment and as a Vesture shalt thou fold them up and they shall be changed c. He is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending or perfecter of the New Creation He is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the Preeminency for in him it hath pleased all the fulness of
the God-head to dwell Col. 1. 18 19. and ch 2. 9. He is that new thing God hath created in the Earth Jer. 31. 22. and the beginning of the Creation of God Rev. 3. 14. who hath paid our first debt abolished the first death and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Heb. 2. 14. and who restored that which he took not away who is the second Man and last Adam in whom God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly things in whom there is blessing for all the Nations and Families of the Earth Ps 69. 4. Eph. 1. 3. Gen. 22. 18. and ch 26. 4. and who will in due time give us the adoption the redemption of the body and make all things new Rom. 8. 23. Rev. 21. 5. He will bring up the top stone with shoutings and crying Grace Grace unto it Zech. 4. 7 9. He is the Author and finisher of the Faith of the Testimony to be believed and of our believing also he who hath begun the good work will also finish it and fulfil in them that obey all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of Faith with Power Heb. 12. 2. Phil. 1. 6. 1 Cor. 1. 7 8. The beginning of the Kingdom of God's ruling over us poor Sinners graciously and who brings it nigh to us in his Gospel Mat. 12. 28 29. Luke 10. 9 11. and who gives it to them that believe Rom. 5. 21. Luke 12. 31 32. And the ending who shall destroy all other Kingdoms and his shall remain for ever Dan. 2. 35 44 45. Ps 145. 10 13. 2 Pet. 1. 11. who shall destroy all his and his Peoples Enemies and save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting Salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded World without end Isay 45. 16 25. See the notes also on v. 11. Saith the Lord. This is a Title very frequently and familiarly given to Christ and most usually so since he took our nature upon him died and rose again and he is Lord by right of redemption and so he is Lord of Mankind He is the Lord of all Men their Kinsman who hath redeemed them he hath redeemed them from the curse of the Law being made a curse for them Gal. 3. 13. and ch 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 19. He hath bought such as deny him and bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2. 1. In his love and in his pity he redeemed them Isay 63. 9. He gave himself a ransom for all to ransom them from that slavery and bondage they brought themselves into by their Sinning against and departure from God in the first publick man 1 Tim. 2. 6. Rom. 14. 9. And after a peculiar Consideration he is Lord of them that believe he who is the LORD is their Lord in an especial manner Isay 49. 14. and ch 51. 22. he hath not only redeemed and bought them of God in common with all men But also he hath redeemed them unto God by his Blood Rev. 5. 9. Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. he is their head and Husband and so their Lord Col. 1. 18. Eph. 5. 29. Ps 45. 11. And he is so the Lord of all that he will judge them and give rewards unto his Servants and destroy those that would not have this man to reign over them Rom. 14. 9 13. Phil. 2. 8 10. Joh. 5. 22 27 29. Luk. 19. 14 27. And he is the Lord of all persons and things he only excepted who did put all things under him Act. 10. 36. he is the Head of all Principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. he is gone up into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels authorities and powers being made Subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 22. Eph. 1. 20 21. The Angels are commanded to Worship him Heb. 1. 6. he is Lord of all good and bad Angels The good ones are his Angels Mat. 24. 31. And he hath conquered the evil ones Luk. 10. 17 20. Mat. 12. 28 30. And he is LORD of Lords and King of Kings Rev. 17. 14. who now sets up and puts down at his pleasure and will destroy them that oppose him Rev. 19. 16. Ps 2. 6 10. And so he is one that is every way fit to accomplish that spoken of vers 7. And now to save and protect his Servants and punish their enemies And thus may He now describe himself to encourage his Servant John that he might go in in the strength of the Lord God and not fear what men or Devils could doe to him Ps 71. 15 16. Exod. 4. 10 12. Jer. 1. 6 8. Which is and which was and which is to come Here we have a further description of this Lord He is Jesus Christ the same Yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13. 8. See the notes before on vers 4. And by saying which is and which was and which is to come He signifies to us that Jesus Christ is Jehovah Jehovah our Righteousness Jer. 25. 6. Isa 8. 13 14. with Rom. 9. 33. So whereas it is said that the Seraphims cried one to another Holy Holy Holy is Jehovah of hostes the whole earth is full of his glory The Evangelist Saith these things said Esaias when He saw Christs glory and spake of Him Isa 6. with Joh. 12. 39 41. And in many other places this Incomunicable title of Jehovah is given unto our Lord Jesus Christ as Psal 34. 8. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. Psal 102. with Heb. 1. 10 11. c. To shew unto us that He is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. See the note on ch 4. ver 8. and on chap. 5. 8. The Almighty This word is most frequently joyned in this Book with the former description when it is used as here and chap. 4. 8. and chap. 11. 17. And may others shew unto us what He means by which is and which was and which is to come viz. that He is the Almighty Or it may shew unto us that He is alwayes so from everlasting to everlasting which is the Almighty which was the Almighty and which is to come the Almighty And this is true of Christ who is the mighty God the everlasting father the Prince of Peace Isa 9. 6. Over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9. 5. And the same power and glory is ascribed to the lamb as to the father Rev. 5. 13 14. Oh then Blessed are all they that trust in Him Psal 2. 12. See the note on chap. 4. ver 8. and on chap. 5. ver 8. Verse 9. I John who also am your Brother and Companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ was in the Isle that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ As we have before in ver 8. an Account given us of Christ's Ability to
7. and when he exhorts the believers to love one another he saith to them If there come any unto you and bring not this Doctrine to wit the Doctrine of Christ receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed for he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds 2 Joh. 5. 6 7 9 12. 3. We have an account of some Particulars in which he was their Brother and Companion not in any evils found amongst them as we have said but in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ 1. In tribulation or rather in the tribulation to wit of Jesus Christ as followeth for that refers to all the three And so it shews unto us In what tribulation he was their Brother and Companion to wit in that of Jesus Christ and not in any wherein they might suffer as fools or evil-doers justly from the hands of those amongst whom they lived And so we may learn 1. That the Apostle John and all the Churches were in tribulation for he was their Brother and Companion therein and also sympathized with them in theirs They were all in tribulation though not all alike in it And this is the outward Portion of them in this World as our Saviour said Prophetically In the World ye shall have tribulation Joh. 16. 33. And the Apostle told the Disciples they must thorow much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God Act. 14. 22. and Rom. 8. 35 36. manifold afflictions and Persecutions did attend the Apostles yea as the Apostle saith All that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution Mat. 10. 23 25. 2 Tim. 3. 11 13. Ps 34. 19. 1 Pet. 5. 9. Though Christ loveth his disciples yet he doth not now this way testify love to them in preserving them from tribulation Joh. 14. 27. But in love to them he now tries them 1 Pet. 4. 13. Heb. 12. 3 7. this is not to be looked for in this World by them that follow Christ Luke 12. 49 51. rest is not assured to them till the Lord Jesus be revealed from Heaven 2 Thes 1. 5 7. when there are new Heavens and a new Earth then God will wipe away all tears from their eyes and not before compleatly Rev. 21. 1 4. how are they mistaken who talk of Halcionian dayes here and reigning now on earth 1 Cor. 4. 8 12. And consider we this before that being fore-warned we may be forearmed Thus God dealt with all and with the Prophet also Jam. 5. 10 1 Pet. 4. 12 13. and he was their Companion namely in bearing and sympathizing with them As the expression is used Heb. 10. 33 34. He had Compassion on them weeping with them c. Rom. 12. 15 16. 2 Cor. 11. 28 29. he had member-like love to and feeling with them in their tribulation Learn we of him 1 Cor. 12. 12 26. Heb. 13. 1 3 4. 2. The tribulation in which he was their Brother and Companion was the tribulation of Jesus Christ To wit 1. Such affliction and tribulation as he endured from the hands of men the afflictions of Christ Col. 1. 24. for while Christ was here he was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief And no marvel then thaâ— his followers be partakers of tribulation also Mat. 10. 24 25. Joh. 15. 20. he suffered for the Gospel's sake and as a Peace-preacher And they are made partakers of such tribulation even for Christ and and the Gospel's sake Joh. 15. 21. and ch 16. 1 4. 2 Tim. 1. 7 8. and ch 2. 3 8. Rom. 8. 28 29. Mat. 16. 24. Luk. 14. 26 27. This is the Believers proper tribulation the bonds of the Gospel Isay 66. 5. Mat. 5. 10 12. 2. The tribulation of Christ to wit that which Jesus Christ owned as his and therefore sympathized with them therein and took notice of their afflictions In all their afflictions he was afflicted Isay 63. 9. hence he saith Saul Saul why persecutest thou me Act. 9. 5. Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 4. 15 16. he reckoneth that which was done unto his Brethren as done unto him Mat. 25. 45. Now here we may observe by way of Inference from what hath been said 1. In that he was their Companion in the tribulation of Jesus Christ and that they did indure tribulation for Christ's sake amongst many of whom were many miscarriages and faults for which afterward they are reproved So we may see that such believers as have faults may yet suffer for Christ and the Gospels sake so here see ch 2. 13 15 19 20 he may count such worthy of this grace and favour Phil. 1. 29. 30. 2. In that the Apostle was their Companion in tribulation and in compassion and fellow-feeling so it signifieth that the grace of God moves us to pity others of our Brethren when they are in affliction though we may be our selves in tribulation also and not so to pore and look upon our own things as to be forgetful of them Thus the Apostle when he tells the Philippians 't is given to you in the behalf of Christ not onely to believe but also to suffer for his sake yet he presently exhorts them look not every man on his own things but every one also on the things of others Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus c. Phil. 1. 29 30. with ch 2. 1 4 5. Heb. 13. 2 3. 1 Cor. 12. 25 26. nay many times God is ordering affliction to us that we might learn thereby and be fitted to pity others Jona 4. 7 11. It was a great commendation of the Churches of Macedonia and the efficâ—cy of the grace of God upon them that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the Riches of their liberality 2 Cor. 8. 1 2. And thus it would also be with us were the Grace of God yielded up to by us we should not only mind our own troubles but consider the trials and afflictions of others also Thus it was with this Apostle 3. When he was their Companion in the tribulation of Jesus Christ then this Book was sent and signified to him so else-where many times when his people have been in affliction God hath wonderfully appeared to them Act. 5. 19 20. At such a time he is nigh to them and graciously manifesting himself to them And this â—s for Comfort to all when they are in such a condition Isay 43. 1 2. 2 Cor. 1. 3 5. But to this we may speak further in due time 2. And in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ to wit he was their Brother and Companion therein and so they and he were in it 1 Thes 2. 12. Mat. 13. 38 43. Now here we may enquire and consider 1. What is this Kingdom of Jesus Christ And why so called 2. How are all hearty and unfeigned believers in this Kingdom 1. What is this Kingdom It is said to be that of Jesus Christ
day saith Christ John 9. 4. he continually sought the good of Men and especial good of believers he did not fail noâ— was discouraged Joh. 8. 12. and ch 9. 5. Isay 42. 1 3 4. and he was patient under affliction and persecution when they condemned and killed him he did not resist Jam. 5. 6. Though he knew no sin yet when he was reviled he reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not 1 Pet. 2. 21 23. Though he could have destroyed them all yet he indured the contradiction of sinners against himself Heb. 12. 3. and he waited patiently for the Lord till he inclined his ear and heard him and brought him out of the horrible pit and out of the miry clay c. Ps 4. 1 2 3. 2. It is that patience which he is effecting in us by his Gospel which is called the Word of his patience See the notes on Rev. 3. v. 10. 2 Pet. 1. 4 6. In which he is discovering to us what Christ hath done and is become And this is called in this respect the patience of Christ 2 Thes 3. 5 and there are many Arguments contained in the Gospel which are proper and powerful to effect and maintain this patience in us thorow the Influence of the holy Spirit which doth accompany it as to say Herein is declared to us that Christ hath indured the Cross and overcome it and is now on the right Hand of the Throne of God and so hath abolished Death and all afflictions Heb. 12. 1 2 3. 2 Tim. 1. 8 10. and that he is become our rightful Lord and the author and orderer of all Afflictions to us Ps 39. 9. 1 Sam. 3. 18 and also herein is discovered to us his gracious end in all the tribulations he is permitting and ordering to us that all is for our good and profit that we might be partakers of his holiness here and of his glory hereafter Heb. 12. 1 10. 2 Cor. 4. 16 18 Isay 27. 8 9. Mark 10. 38. and herein also is set before us a Blessed hope to effect this patience hence it is called The patience of hope 1 Thes 1. 3. Rom. 2. 7. and the Apostle instricts the believers to rejoyce in hope and be patient in tribulation Rom. 12. 12. and ch 8. 24 25. Heb. 10. 34 36. Col. 1. 11. Now here noâ—e 1. He was in tribulation and patience Men may be so he was so and they were so and having access by faith into the grace of God in Christ tribulation worketh patience Rom. 5. 2 3 5. Jam. 1. 2 4 5. 2. He was in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ this is the way for us to possess our souls in patience by being in the believing mindfulness and consideration of his Kingdom and having a lively hope to be made partakers of it in due season If we hope for that we see not then do we with patience wait for it Rom. 8. 24 25. 2 Cor. 4. 16. 17 18. 4. We have the place where John was when this Revelation was sent and signified to him In the Isle that is called Patmos It may seem he was banished thither as appears by the next words for the word of God c. this he speaks of himself and so he signifies to us 1. That those that are dearly beloved of the Lord may be persecuted and expelled out of their own Countries for the Gospel's sake and driven from the places of their abode Act. 13. 50 51. so was David 1 Sam. 26. 19. Ezekiel ch 1. 1 Daniel ch 1. 1 6. so it is is said of those worthies They wandred about in Sheep skins and goat-skins being destitute afflicted tormented of whom the World was not worthy they wandred in deserts and in Mountains and in dens and caves of the earth Heb. 11. 37 38. so our Lord Jesus was driven from one place to another Joh. 10. 39 40. and ch 11. 53 55. and he doth signifie that his Brethren may be strangers and expelled out of their native Countrey or from their own habitations Mat. 25. 35 38 43 44. 1 Thes 2. 16 17. Heb. 13. 2 1 Pet. 1. 1. Nay that which added to John's affliction was that he was alone in a great Measure and separated from his Brethren and herein worse then Ezekiel or Daniel and like that Ps 102. 5 6. 1. Beloved think it not strange concerning such a fiery trial as this is for the name of afflictions have been accomplished in eminently holy ones in former times 1 Pet. 4. 12. and ch 5. 10. 2. Judge not according to outward appearance they may be most beloved that meet with sharpest afflictions in this World for Christ's sake and many times God singles out the strongst and most beloved for the greatest sufferings 1 Cor. 4. 11 13. It was a great infirmity found with the Prophet to conclude that he had washt his hands in vain Because all the day long he had been plagued and chasten'd every morning Ps 73. 1 3 13 14 22. 3. Set not your affections on your Countries or habitations nor seek for a continuing city here Col. 3. 2. Heb. 13. 13. In a moment you may be driven from your homes and places of abode Oh suffer the grace of God to crucify you to the World that you may hate and forsake all in comparison and for the sake of Jesus Christ Luk. 84. 26 27 33. 2. That often times those who are adversaries to the Gospel have the greatest spight at such as are teachers of others and go before them in the Word of the Lord and especially at the most eminent of them so it seems the Apostles generally were in affliction and under persecution when other believers endured no such thing yea when some of them talked of reigning the Apostle Paul saith I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last as it were Men appointed to Death for we are made a spectacte to the World and to Angels and Men see 1 Cor. 4. 8 9 13. Acts 14. 5 7 19. and ch 17. 5. Eph. 3. 13. 3. When the Apostle John was in this Isle and thus banished he had these visions and Revelations of the Lord vouchsafed to him so it was with Ezekiel when he was in Captivity Ezek. 1. 1 3. and ch 40. 1. c. and with Daniel ch 1. 3 6. and ch 2. 14 25. and ch 4. 8. c. and ch 5. 10 13. and ch 7. and ch 8. c. where-ever we are he can reveal to us secret and hidden things none no person or place can shut out his Light and instruction from us or hinder us from his gracious presence and many times when his people are under eminent sufferings for his names sake he then draws neer unto them and manifesteth himself and his things to them his Blessings are on the heads of them that separate and separated from their Brethren Gen. 49. 26. and though their enemies think evil against them in persecuting and banishing them yet God
is called upon to hear c. See the Notes before on v. 3. and on ch 2. v. 7. And it was to be sent directly and expresly to the seven Churches in Asia the less many of whom it may seem were turned from Paul 2 Tim. 1. 15. yet Christ leaves them not but seeks their good Mat. 21. 35 36. Now he orders another to them Paul was an Instrument of preaching the Gospel to them at the first Acts 19. 10. And now he sends another to instruct admonish reprove comfort recover them He who is not willing that any should perish is more unwilling that any of those little ones that believe in him should perish Mat. 18. 14. One may plant and another water 1 Cor. 3. 5 8. One begin and another finish and all to help forward the Church Gal. 2. 9. To Ephesus which might be the chief City of Asia the less Smyrna not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture but in this Book nor Pergamus nor Thyatira but Acts 16. 14. nor Philadelphia Laodicea Col. 2. 1. and ch 4. 13 16. all of them chief Cities as some say Verse 12. And I turned to see the Voice that spake with me and being turned I saw seven Golden Candlesticks 1. In this Verse we have an account given unto us of the carriage and demeanour of the Apostle referring unto v. 10. and 11. He turned to see the Voice that spake with him He turned He was not regardless and careless thereof Zech. 5. 1. and ch 6. 1. And it is good for us to mind and set our hearts unto his words and sayings And though it were a mighty Voice as of a Trumpet and such an one as might have terrified and affrighted him and caused him to have run away and to have hid himself as they did Dan. 10. 6 7. yet he turned the Lord strengthened and emboldened him 2. We have here some beginning of what he in Vision saw which he was commanded to write in a Book v. 11. And being turned I saw seven Golden Candlesticks Where we may enquire and consider 1. What are the seven Candlesticks here spoken of 2. Why are they called and compared to Candlesticks 3. In what respects are they said to be Golden Candlesticks 1. What are the seven Golden Candlesticks here spoken of To this we need not nor shall enlarge our Lord doth plainly open to us what is signified to us thereby when he openeth this mystery and saith The seven Candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven Churches Rev. 1. 20. To wit the seven Churches in Asia whom the Apostle doth salute v. 4. and which are particularly named v. 11. 2. Why are these Churches called and compared to Candlesticks 1. Because they are to bear forth the light unto and before others to wit the word of life or Christ in the Gospel the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ and thus they were to shine forth and to be as lights in the World Phil. 2. 13 16. Luke 12. 35. 2 Cor. 4. 4. as in our Types the Candlestick was for the light Exod. 35. 14. Numb 4. 9. So Christ's Churches are Candlesticks to bear the light Prov. 6. 23. And this they are to do In Word and Confession Phil. 2. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 9. and ch 4. 10. Rom. 10. 9 10. This liberty Christ hath given them to be teachers of others and one of another according to their measure of knowledge and proportion of Faith to edifie one another on their most Holy Faith 1 Thes 5. 11. Heb. 3. 13. and ch 10. 23 25. and ch 4. 14. nay not only they may but they ought to hold forth the truth and be teachers 1 Tim. 3. 15. Heb. 3. 1. and ch 5. 12. And they are also to bear and shine forth this excellent light In Conversation to have their Conversation as becometh the Gospel of Christ Phil. 1. 27. to let their light so shine before men that they seeing their good works may glorifie their Father which is in Heaven And indeed in walking uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel they shall also shine as lights Phil. 2. 14 15. walk as Children of light Eph. 5. 8. The way of the just is as the shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day Prov. 4. 18. 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and ch 3. 1. 16. This is the proper use of Candlesticks 2. They are called Candlesticks to denote that they are not light in themselves nor can enlighten others or be instruments of good one to another unless the Word of Christ be received and entertained by them they must continually hold forth that or else they can be of no usefulness as Candlesticks what use is the Candlestick of unless a light be in it A Candlestick without that cannot light others Truly they can do nothing without Christ though they are light yet it is not in themselves but in the Lord Joh. 15. 4 5. Eph. 5. 1. Col. 3. 16. If any say but the Angels are called and compared to Stars and they are light bodies and have the light abiding in them and so the Angels are always herein useful to give light but not the Churches which are Candlesticks To that I say These Metaphorical Expressions are not to be extended too far The most eminent Instruments and Ministers of Christ have nothing but what they have received and do receive from Christ the Sun of Righteousness The most eminent Instruments may say and confess as that famous Apostle of the Gentiles doth that they are not sufficient of themselves to think any thing as of themselves but their sufficiency is of God 1 Cor. 4. 2 7. 2 Cor. 3. 3 5. And though the Ministers are here called Stars yet the Prophets are called elsewhere Candlesticks Rev. 11. 4. And though here the Churches are called Candlesticks yet elsewhere the Saints in general are said to be the Light of the World Mat. 5. 14. and to be light in the Lord Eph. 5. 8. and are exhorted to shine as lights in the World Phil. 2. 15. but neither the one nor the other have light in themselves as of themselves but of the fulness of Christ they all receive and Grace for Grace Joh. 1. 14 16. 3. Candlesticks they are compared to to instruct us that their usefulness as such and as distinct Bodies and Societies one from another is but in this dark World as it were and while themselves also see but thorow a Glass darkly as in our Types of old 2 Chron. 13. 11. When the new Jerusalem shall come down from God out of Heaven the Glory of God shall lighten it and the Lamb shall be the light thereof Rev. 21. 23. and they shall not need such Mediums as now they do There shall be no night there and they shall need no Candle nor light of the Sun nor Moon Rev. 21. 24. and ch 22. 5 6. Isay 60. 1 3 19 20. The Sun of Righteousness shall then arise gloriously Mal. 4. 2. and
the wilderness The voice of the LORD maketh the Hindes to calve and discovereth the forrests c. Ps 29. 3 9. his voice is powerful for he is strong that executeth his word Joel 2. 11. and therewith he doth cause the earth to melt Ps 46. 6. makes desolations v. 8. makes warrs to cease v. 9. quiets troubles Ps 93. 3 4. heals diseases Ps 107. 20 Mat. 8. 8. Punishes and breaks in pieces enemies Isay 30. 31. and ch 66. 6. and will in due time destroy mystery Babilon and hereafter it shall appear gloriously to be a mighty powerful and almighty voice for therewith he shall raise the dead and move and remove all these seen things his voice formerly shook the earth but he hath promised saying Yet once more I shake not the Earth onely but also Heaven Hagg. 2. 6. Heb. 12. 20. Joh. 5. 28 29. This might admonish us therefore to hear it as the Holy Ghost saith To day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts Heb. 3. 7 8. 3. His voice is as the sound of many waters To wit dreadful and terrible in his Judgments Joel 2. 11. It is a voice of trembling of fear and not of peace Jer. 30. 5. Isay 17. 12 13. That which causeth fear in his people also as the prophet saith O LORD I have heard thy speech and was afraid and when I heard my belly trembled my lips quivered at the voice rottenness entered into my bones and I trembled in my self that I might rest in the day of trouble Habb 3. 2 16. and with his voice he shall roar and put his enemies in fear whether such as are open ones or such as are secret also whether within or without the Church Joel 3. 16. So as the Sinners in Zion shall be afraid and fearfulness shall surprize the Hypocrites Isay 33. 10 14. Yea his Voice in and with his Gospel is very terrible also to all who remain in their Impenitence and Unbelief or depart from the living God by an evil heart of Unbelief Mark 16. 15 16. 2 Cor 5 8 11. It proclaimes to us that the Lord Jesus Christ shall in dâ—â— time be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming Fire taking Vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus who shall be punished with everlasting Destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power 2 Thes 1. 7 8 9. Verse 16. And he had in his right hand seven Stars and out of his Mouth went a sharp two-edged Sword and his Countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength The Apostle still continues to give us an account of what he saw in this visional discovery of the Son of Man That is to say 1. Of what he had in his right hand And he had in his right hand seven Stars 2. Of what proceeded out of his mouth And out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged Sword 3. Of the appearance of his countenance And his countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength 1. Of what he had in his right hand And he had in his right hand seven Stars Where let us enquire and consider for our usefulness 1. What these Stars are and why they are called and compared to Stars 2. What is imported to us in this that he hath them in his right hand 1. What are these Stars and why are they called and compared to Stars What they are is explicated to us in v. 20. To which we shall speak â—urther God willing when we come there But they are called and compared to Stars 1. To teach us that they are Creatures of God Gen. 1. 16. created in Christ Jesus Eph 2. 10. and therefore not to be worshipped by us with religious worship no mere Creature is to be worshipped by us with divine worship and adoration and so not the Stars in any consideration Deut. 4. 16. but he is to be sought unto and worshipped by us that made the seven Stars Amos 5. 8. No Saints or Angels are to be worshipped by us with Religious or Divine Adoration though they are excellent Creatures of God The Apostle Peter rejected this Honour as not belonging unto him because he was a Man See Acts 10. 25 26. and ch 14. 11 15. Rev. 19. 16. and ch 22. 8 9. nor are they to be owned by us as our Rabbi or as having Dominion over our Faith which Honour the Apostles disclaimed as that which was too high for them and only appertaining unto our Lord Jesus and God in him Mat. 23. 8 10. 2 Cor. 1. 24. We should not have our fear towards God taught by their Precepts or Traditions Isay 29. 13. with Mat. 15. 7. 9. This Command goes along with the Everlasting Gospel as faithfully preached Fear God and give Glory unto him and worship him that made the Heaven and so the Stars c. but the Stars are not to be worshipped by us Rev. 14. 7 8 9. 2. Stars they are called to signifie unto us that their Work and Office is ministerially and instrumentally to give light to others Gen. 1. 16 17. So the Stars are called Stars of light Ps 148. 3. their work is to shine Joel 2. 10. So the Angels and Messengers are also set as the light of the World to shine forth the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God Mat. 5. 14 16. 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. To preach and declare the Gospel in and amongst the Churches and unto the world also and that both in word and conversation Tit. 1. 7 9. and ch 2. 7. 1 Tim. 3. 1 7. 3. They are named Stars to inform us that they receive their light from the Sun the Fountain of Light the Sun of Righteousness they are light in the Lord Eph. 5. 8. they have no sufficiency of themselves to think any thing as of themselves 2 Cor. 2. 5. what have they that they have not received 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. The LORD who is a Sun is their light to enlighten them Ps 27. 1. with Ps 84. 11. Mat. 10. 8. Rom. 1. 5. 1 Pet. 4. 10. Eph. 4. 7 11. and why then should any of them lift up themselves or be lifted up by others as if they had not received what they have 1 Cor. 4. 1 7. 4. Stars they are compared to to denote unto us that their work of bearing forth the light is in this dark world the Lord hath given the Stars for a light by night Jer. 31. 35. so they are called The Stars of the twilight Job 3. 9. So now this is the work of the Angels of those that oversee and go before others in the word of the LORD hereafter all these weak and imperfect lights shall cease Whether there be Prophecies they shall fail whether there be Tongues they shall cease whether there be knowledge it shall vanish away for we know in part and we Prophecy in part but when
and takes notice of such Mens works who have a name amongst the Churches that they live while yet they may be dead ch 3. 1 2. In that he saith I know thy works their workes who have had means so he may signify to us that in this sense he doth not as it were know Mens works until he hath prevented them with his grace bringing Salvation to them which he doth all Men in due time and season as they come to years of discretion Tit. 2. 11. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. he is no hard or austere Master to reap where he hath not sown or gather where he hath not strawn however wicked ones think and speak concerning him Mat. 25. 26. he first fashioneth Mens hearts alike and then he considereth all their works Ps 14. 2. and 33. 15. But especially he knows and takes notice of his Churches and of their workes As is signified in that Parable where it is said Behold these three yeers I come seeking fruit Luke 13. 7. To them much is given and therefore of them much is and will be required Luke 12. 48. Isay 5. 2 4. Mat. 21. 33 37. 4. He here signifieth what he knows or takes notice of thy works not their words or profession simply not their faith or opinions only but of their works what doth it profit my brethren though a Man to say he â—ath faith and have not works can faith save him faith if it hath not works its proper works is dead being alone c. Jam. 2. 14 17 26. Men may profess they Know God and yet in works deny him being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate Tit. 1. 16. or they may have works and they not perfect before God and so unacceptable to him Rev. 3. 2. or works and not the first works as it was with this Angel and Church v. 5. But of these to wit of his Churches works he takes notice and according thereto either approveth or condemneth The father on whom we call is one who without respect of persons judgeth according to every Man's work and not according to his person 1 Pet. 1. 17. and so he will do hereafter also shall not he render to every Man according to his works Prov. 24. 13. To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Honour and Immortality he will render eternal life But unto them whoever they are that are contentious and doe not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish upon every soul of Man that doth evil For there is no respect of persons with God Rom. 2. 6 11. And saith he who â—ath his eyes like unto a flame of fire All the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reines and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works Rev. 2. 23. and ch 22. 12. Men may talk much and have a great deal of notional knowledg in those things thaâ— are most excellent and yet not have a good understanding for A good understanding have all they that do Ps 111. 10. Men may believe the Gospel of Christ and yet believe in vain 1 Cor. 15. 2. Men may have the truth and yet hold and detain it in unrighteousness Rom. 1. 18. Oh therefore let every one of us be swift to hear the word of truth And be we doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving our own selves so look we into the perfect law of liberty and continue therein that we be not forgetful hearers but doers of the work that we may be blessed in our deed Jam. 1. 19 25. Phil. 2. 12 16. And thy labour like that Remembring your labour of love or Charity 1 Thes 1. 2 3. Produced by the charity of God in Christ and exercised in works of love and charity both to the saints and men of the World also Eph. 1. 15. according to that Instruction As ye have therefore opportunity do good to all Men especially to them that are of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6. 10. and that prayer The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another and towards all men 1 Thes 3. 12. Eph. 4. 31 32. and ch 5. 1 2. and this labour of love is to be exercised in holding forth the light of the glorious Gospel in word and confession 1 Cor. 3. 8. 1 Tim. 4. 10. and ch 5. 17. and in works of mercy love and charity in giving forgiving lending c. and in prayer Col. 4. 12. This is a labour and travel it causeth pain and weariness to the flesh to be exercised in speaking praying visiting administrating to the necessities c. Here note 1. With this Angel and Church there was labour yea they had laboured and not fainted v. 3. Gal. 6. 9. they did continue in the work and labour of love love was with them in some measure still so as to cause them to labour in the Lord. Men may labour and yet be reproved as here nay as the Apostle saith though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and have not Charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13. 3. Men may give all and yet it will not avail if Charity be wanting or if it be abated and their love waxt cold they may be reproved or punished though they labour Mat. 24. 12 13. 2. In that Christ saith I know thy labour so we may see Christ taketh notice of the labour of love found in his Angels and Churches or any of them he is not unrighteous to forget their work and labour of love which they shew towards his name c. Heb. 6. 10. Mat. 25. 34 40. Mal. 3. 16. he takes notice of whatever labour or service of love his grace is producing though they that labour should forget he is not unmindful And being stedfast in the faith unmoveable from the hope of the Gospel always abounding in the work of the Lord their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. Mat. 10. 41. no not towards enemies Therefore the holy Ghost saith if thine enemy hunger give him bread to eat And if he be thirsty give him water to drink for thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head and the Lord shall reward thee Prov. 25. 21 22. Luke 6. 35. yea how secretly soever we exercise charity he sees and takes notice of it And this may deliver or take us of from desires of vain-glory Mat. 6. 1 3. Act. 10. 31. this might satisfy and quiet us that he takes notice of and remembreth any labour of love that is done to his name see the notes after on v. 9. And thy patience even thy patient enduring the tribulations and afflictions thou meetest withal for the Gospels sake This is that they must expect who will follow after Christ they shall suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3. 12. and therefore they have need of patience that they may endure and not resist the evil nor
all men which was at first begotten and produced in them by his first love manifested unto and known and believed by them 2. How had they left thiâ— their first love Or in what sense or after what consideration had they left it To which we say They had not so left it as if they had none to Christ and one another for such a thing would be wholly and altogether inconsistent with those many good and commendable things before taken notice of by our Saviour in them v. 2 3 6. But in some measure their love was waxt colder than it was at first Mat. 24. 12. And they were not so â—ervent and ardent therein as sometimes and at first they had been somewhat of the same evil was found with these as was with the Church of Laodicea of which it is said thou art neither hot nor cold though not in so great a degree Rev. 3. 15 16. There was a decay and abatement of their love some remission and lessening of the inflamedness thereof as the word left here properly signifies to wit a remission of their love like that also complained of in others though it seems not in so great a measure or degree Thus saith the LORD I remember the kindness of thy youth thy first love but afterwards it was otherwise with them Hence it is said hear the word of the Lord what iniquity have your Fathers found in me that they are gone far from me c. Neither said they where is the Lord that brought us up out of the Land of Aegypt Jer. 2. 1 5 6 12. And it might in some measure be said to these as the Apostle doth to the Galatians where is now the blessedness you spake of Gal. 4. 13 15. They had in some sort departed from their rest as the Pâ—almist intimates he had done Ps 116. 1 7. and gadded about to change their ways too much wandring from Mountain to Hill and forgetting their resting-place their place to lye down in Jer. 2. 33 36. and ch 50. 6. they were not now so valiant for the truth as formerly they had been Jer. 9. 3. not so inflamed with love to Jesus Christ and one another the sufferings of Christ and what he hath thereby effected and obtained into himself were not so highly prized by them and therefore not so operative and effectual in them as at first but they were come to some loss and had suffered a decay of those things formerly wrought in them by the Glorious Gospel 2 Joh. 8. Oh how precious was this Manna to them at the first they then cried out by way of Admiration What is this they then with earnestness prayed Lord evermore give us this Bread Christ was then wonderfully precious to them and highly valued by them they did then so cleave to him in love as that they preferred him before all other things though never so gainful and amiable And the Word of God mightily grew among them Acts 19. 17 20. they then desired no other Foundation of their Faith and Hope no other Witness of God's Love no other Bread of Life or Door of Approach to God but Jesus Christ and him crucified and so the Flesh of Christ which was given for the life of the World But alas now their Hearts were in some measure removed from him and they did not so closely cleave unto him as formerly nor were so forward to undergo Afflictions for him and his Gospels sake not to endure hardness as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 2. 1 3. They had left their first-love and though they had works yet not the first v. 5. 3. We come in the next place to shew and demonstrate that this is such an iniquity as provoketh the Lord to anger to leave the first-love This is a great evil and so it will appear to be if we consider 1. Because the Principles or Seed of which this first-love was begotten and Object on which it was placed abide the same the Seed thereof is not like the Seed of this World which is perishing and corruptible and therefore all begotten of it is like unto it for all Flesh is as Grass and all the Glory of Man as the Flower of Grass the Grass withereth and the Flower thereof falleth away But this Seed is incorruptible the Word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto us 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. the Blood of Christ is precious and incorruptible blood and therefore it is opposed to corruptible things 1 Pet. 1. 19. And it is an Everlasting Commendation of the love of God to us Rom. 5. 8. and the Gospel of Christ is an Everlasting Gospel therein are contained the Words of Eternal Life Rev. 14. 6. Joh. 6. 68. And so Jesus Christ is the same and his years fail not He is Jesus Christ the anointed Saviour the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 1. 12. and ch 13. 8. There is no Iniquity in him and therefore he remaineth for ever The Servant to wit of Sin abideth not in the house for ever but the Son abideth ever Joh. 8. 34 35. Oh what an Iniquity is it then to lessen our love to and esteem of him Or to let slip the Remembrance of his Love in redeeming us What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me saith the LORD that they are gone far from me and have walked after vanity and are become vain neither said they where is the LORD that brought us up out of the Land of Egypt That led us thorow the Wilderness thorow a Land of Deserts and Pits c. Hath a Nation changed their Gods which yet are no Gods But my People have changed their Glory for that which doth not profit Be astonished O ye Heavens at this and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate saith the Lord for my People have committed two evils they have forsaken me the Fountain of living Waters and hewed them out Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water O Generation see ye the Word of the Lord. Have I been a Wilderness unto Israel a land of Darkness wherefore say my people we are Lords we will come no more â—nto thee Jer. 2. 1 5 6 10 13 31. and ch 17. 13. and ch 18. 13 15. what an evil is this to depart in any measure from him Lord saith Peter to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life and we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ the Son of the living God Joh. 6. 66 68 69. Oh foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth c. where is the blessedness the excellency the love and loveliness of Christ you formerly spake of Is not he as worthy still as ever to be fervently loved and heartily delighted in by us who humbled himself for us and became obedient to death the death of the cross and who thereby hath redeemed us from the curse of
crooked pathes Ps 56. 1. and 57. 1 4. They have a fight of afflictions to undergo from the World from them who are set on fire even the sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongue a sharp sword Heb. 10. 32 34. with Ps 57. 4. If their fair means and flatteries will not prevail with Christs disciples to leave his way and have fellowship with them in their unfruitful works of darkness they will then bend their bow and make ready their arrow upon the string that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart Ps 11. 1 2 4. Indeed the men of the World are to be loved and pittyed and the good of their souls to be sought and endeavoured But in their evil ways and designs they are to be opposed hated and resisted by us and that is the way to be instruments of good to their souls whereas should they comply with them and consent to them they would more strengthen them in their evil wayes that none would return there from 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and ch 3. 1. Jer. 2. 33. and ch 23. 13 14. They that forsake the law praise the wicked but such as keep the law contend with them and so dispraise discommend and shew their dislike of them Prov. 28. 4. And they have also in contending for the faith of the Gospel to contend with such as have a form of Godlinâ— upon them but deny the power thereof 2 Tim. 3. 5. Even false prophets and deceitful workers such as say they are Apostles and are not but do lye and those that are deceived and beguiled by them for such consent not to wholesome words but make it their work to oppose them and to cause others to turn away their ears from the truth and to turn them to their fables so the Apostle John speaking of false prophets and acquainting the believers that many such were gone forth into the World he signifieth that the believers did and did do well to oppose and fight against them and that they had overcome them also ye are of God little Children saith he and have overcome the false prophets They are of the World therefore speak they of the World c. 1 Joh. 4. 4 5. Jude 3. 4. 3. They have Satan also the God of this World to contend with and fight against and therefore they need to watch to stand fast in the faith to quit themselves like Men and be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Be sober be vigilant saith the Apostle Peter Because your adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in faith 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 Jam. 4. 7. we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers against the rulers of the Darkness of this World against spiritual wickedness or wicked spirits in high places Eph. 6. 12. The work of Satan and his Angels is to tempt and turn aside from the right ways of the Lord those that are walking therein or to stir up his instruments to raise persecution against the Disciples of Christ and by all means this tempter is tempting the believers that he might move them from the faith of Christ 1 Thes 3. 1 5 6. and whether he speaks fair or foul whether he be transformed into an Angel of light or appear like himself yet still he is a murderer Joh. 8. 44. his end in all is destruction and his name signifies what he is and what he aims at and intends For his name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon but in the greek tongue he hath his name Apollyon that is to say A destroyer Rev. 9. 11. he cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy Joh. 10. 10. To pervert the right ways of the Lord and to turn men from the Faith Acts 13. 8 10. and especially he is filled with rage against and seeks the ruine and destruction of such as are delivered out of his Kingdom of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of God's dear Son 1 Pet. 5. 8. this is a powerful and politick enemy they have therefore to resist sted fastly in the faith lest they be circumvented and destroyed by him 5. They have weapons to fight withal for the Faith against their spiritual enemies both defensive and offensive armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left is prepared for them and to be put on by them that being therewith armed they might not turn back in the day of battle Ps 78. 9. and the weapons of their warfare are not carnal not material and outward swords and bows or such-like weapons for alas these are weak and their enemies will deride at them but their weapons are spiritual and so mighty thorow God 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. not by might nor by power but by the spirit of the Lord of hostes they may do valiantly thorow him they may push down their enemies thorow his name they may tread them under that rise up against them Zech. 4. 6 7. the good fight is the fight of faith that is that which is to be fought for as is before said and that is that which is to be fought with whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the World even our faith 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. 6. They have a crown proposed to and set before them to engage and encourage them to play the men to oppose and fight against their enemies even unto blood Men that here fight they do it for a fading reward they do it to obtain a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible I therefore so run not as uncertainly so fight I not as one that beats the ayre But I have fought the good fight saith the Apostle Paul I have kept the Faith But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection c. 1 Cor. 9. 26 27. henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the Righteous judge will give me at that day And not to me only but to all them also that love his appearing 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. In being faithful to the death he will give us a crown of life Rev. 2. 10. and this leads us to the next thing viz. 2. The subject of the Blessedness hereafter spoken of is He that overcometh he saith not To the Angels or Churches will I give to eat of the tree of life and yet it is before said what the spirit saith unto the Churches But when he comes to describe the subject of the blessedness he saith not to them or to the Churches but changeth the Phrase and saith To him that overcometh and so he saith unto all the seven Churches Rev. 2. v. 11 17 26 29. and ch 3. 5 6 12. and v. 21 22. Men may be members of any of the Churches and yet
miss of the Blessedness here spoken of see the notes on ch 3. v. 5. The Children of the Kingdom may and many of them will be cast out into utter-darkness where shall be weeping and gâ—ashing of teeth Mat. 8. 12. Many will say at the last day unto Christ Lord Lord we have Prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out Devils and in thy name done many wonderfulthings and then he will profess unto them he never knew them Mat. 7. 22 23. And others then shall stand without and knock saying Lord Lord open unto us And Christ will answer and say unto them I know you not whence you are Then shall they begin to say we have eaten and drunk in thy presence and thou hast taught in our streets But he shall say I tell you I know you not whence you are c. Luke 13. 25 28. Let none therefore lift up himself by this that he is an Angel or member of such or such a Church for so he may be and yet in conclusion have no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Nor is the Blessedness here spoken of assured to him that hath overcome but to him that overcometh that continues so doing for otherwise if a Man puts his hand to the plow and looks backs he is unfit for the Kingdome of God Luke 9. 62. Men may have run well and suffered many things and endured a great fight of affliction and yet all may be in vain to them in conclusion Gal. 3. 1 5. and ch 5. 7 11. Heb. 10. 32 35. As for such as turn aside to their crooked paths however they might begin well The Lord will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity Ps 125. 5. Ezek. 33. 13 18. But to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and immortality he will render eternal life Rom. 2. 7. they are the blessed persons who take to them the whole armour of God that they may be able to withstand in the evil day and having overcome all yet stand and keep their ground Eph. 6. 10 13 18. He saith the Lord that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my Son but the fearful and unbelieving c. shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. 7 8. He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved Mat. 10. 22. he will present them holy unblameable unrebukable in his sight who continue in the faith grounded and â—etled and are not moved away from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 22 23. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Rev. 14. 13. Prov. 4. 13. And together with the former To him that overcometh Though he hath been formerly foiled and prevailed against by sin Satan or the World Though he hath left his first love and treacherously departed from Christ yet if again he bethink himself consider his ways and turn his feet to the Lord's Testimonies and yet takes unto him the whole armour of God and fights against his enemies to the death all his former evils and out-turnings shall not be remembred against him nor mentioned unto him Ezek. 18. 21 23 27 28. and ch 33. 14 16 19 20. 1 King 8. 47 49. see the notes on Rev. 3. v. 5. Yea with the two former senses we may also say To him that overcometh may denote unto us the time after when he shall be made a partaker of the blessedness here assured to wit when once he hath done fighting and is become a compleat conquerour having no more enemies to grapple with or contend against But unto this we may speak more in what followeth afterwards Vse Seeing then this is in all the Epistles to these seven Churches the undoubted subject of the blessedness promised and all is assured To him that overcometh it may be of this usefulness to us To engage and prevail with us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might To put on the whole armour of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil that we may be able to stand in the evil day and having overcome all to stand Eph. 6. 10 13 18. To be valiant for the truth Jer. 9. 3. and to resist our enemies our spiritual enemies unto blood even while we are in this world for so long we have ungodliness and Worldly lusts in our selves and others to deny Tit. 2. 11 12. think we not our selves secure but let us abide under the banner of Christ endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace that we may be terrible as an army with banners Cant. 2. 5. and ch 6. 4. hold we fast the faith the word of faith so may we overcome the wicked one 1 Joh. 2. 14 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. with Jam. 4. 7. and the World 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. And be preserved from and obtain the victory over that Sin that dwelleth in us and those fleshly lusts that war against the soul 1 Joh. 3. 6 9. Joh. 8. 31 36. Gal. 5. 16 17. and if we have been overtaken or worsted by our enemies yet remember how we have received and heard and hold fast and repent Rev. 3. 1 3. remember from whence we are fallen and repent and do our first works Rev. 2. 5. that we may not fail of his grace and to that end consider Christ hath overcome Rev. 3. 21. his right hand and his holy arm hath gotten him the victory Ps 98. 1. and thorow him we may do valiantly our help stands in his name Ps 20. 5. and 60. 12. Prov. 18. 10. and thorow him God giveth us the victory 1 Cor. 15. 1 3 55 57 58. and we read of many that by him have overcome the wicked one and his instruments 1 Joh. 2. 14. and ch 4. 4 5. and ch 5. 18. who overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Rev. 12. 11. and in token of victory have now palmes in their hands Rov 7. 9 17. of many that had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name Rev. 15. 2. of such as were more then conquerours thorow him that loved them Rom. 8. 31 32 37. Oh then seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses laying aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us let us run with patience the race that is set before us Looking unto Jesus the author and â—inisher of the faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest we be wearied and faint in our minds we have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin Heb. 12. 1
2 3 4. 2. We have nextly to consider the promise it self and blessedness therein contained which is propounded unto the Churches and to be heard by every one that hath an ear assured and ascertained to him that overcometh as his undoubted portion I will give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God Where we have to consider and speak unto 1. The person promising I 2. The promise will give 3. The thing promised to eat of the tree of life 4. The place where this tree is and where he shall eat it which is in the midst of the Paradise of God 1. The Person promising I to wit Jesus Christ he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks v. 1. hence we may note The promises are Christ's to give and he hath power to bless us and make us partakers of all the blessings promised To Christ are the promises made and in him confirmed Gal. 3. 16 17. In him all the promises of God are yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. he hath by his blood confirmed them and hath power to perform and fulfil them hence also he speaks in such-like language to others of the Churches as I will give to eat of the hidden Manna and I will give him a white-stone and in the stone a new-name written Rev. 2. 17. To him will I give power over the nations c. v. 26. 28. see also ch 3. 5 12 21. The Father so loveth the Son because he laid down his life for us that he might take it up again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. All things are delivered unto him of the Father Mat. 11. 27. And all power and Authority is given unto him to give what is good to give to Men repentance both grace space of repentance Acts 5. 31. Rev. 2. 21. To give forgiveness of sins to them that believe Acts 5. 31. and ch 10. 43. and ch 13. 39. To give unto them the power to become the Sons of God Joh. 1. 12. To pour forth his spirit unto them and make known his words Prov. 1. 23. To give them peace Joh. 14. 27. To pour forth unto them the spirit of grace and supplication Zech. 12. 10. To give unto them eternal life Joh. 10. 27 28. and ch 17. 2. and they that are Christ's are Abraham's seed and heires according to promise Gal. 3. 29. he hath now all to give who loved us and gave himself for us this is matter of great instruction and consolation to us and might move and prevail with us to come unto him continually and in so doing he will give us rest Mat. 11. 27 28 29. 2. The promise will give in which is signified unto us 1. The time when he will give this that is here promised and that follows mens overcoming and is consequential thereto he will give as is here promised after men have totally and finally overcome hence when he describes the subject of the blessedness here promised he doth it in the present time To him that overcometh But when he propounds the blessedness it self he doth it in time to come I will give and in such-like language he speaks to all these Churches as Rev. 2. 7 17 26 29. and ch 3. 5 6 12. and v. 21 22 and so it is like that of the Apostle ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise Heb. 10. 36. To them who are faithful unto the death he will give a crown of life Rev. 2. 10. Indeed now in this day and before they have overcome he doth give unto the believer all things that pertain to life and Godliness thorow the knowledge of himself that they may overcome he sends them not to warfare at their own charges and in their overcoming he is filling them with joy and peace in believing Rom. 15. 13. Though now they see him not yet believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of their faith even the salvation of their Souls 1 Pet. 1. 8 9. now their spirit is life for righteousness sake and in coming unto him the living-stone they are made lively stones their souls do live Joh. 6. 35 40 51 55 57. Rom. 8. 10. Gal. 2. 20. 1 Pet. 2. 3 5 But that which here and elsewhere he promises to these Churches is future and which follows their having overcome Then these promises shall be fulfilled to them in spirit when their spirits are made perfect when they will be in a far better condition then now they are Isay 57. 2. 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. Phil. 2. 21 22. Rev. 14. 13. and the most full and glorious performance hereof will be when the body is raised and the soul and body reunited even in the first resurrection the resurrection of the just and from thence for ever Rom. 8. 23 25. Jam. 5. 7 8. And so our Lord Jesus doth signify that there is after we have overcome after this earthly house of our Tabernacle is dissolved a future and more glorious state to be entred into and enjoyed immediately after we dye in spirit and in the first resurrection and thence to all eternity in soul and body and otherwise why should we fight or go to or undertake this warfare If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable 1 Cor. 15. 19. but there is a World to come Luke 20. 35 36. Eph. 1. 21. Heb. 2. 5. a life to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. and he that overcometh shall inherit in the World to come the life to come even everlasting life Mark 10. 29 30. and he shall not be hurt of the second death the wrath to come Rev. 2. 11. with 1 Thes 1. 10. And this our Lord would now have us to mind and consider even what is to come after we have finished our course to mind this especially that we may not faint but continue to the end looking not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 13 14. and ch 5. 1 8. Heb. 11. 13 16 24 26. 2. We may nextly consider in the promise the freeness of it I will give what is freer then a gift It is a reward indeed but it is not of debt or from any desert of the overcomer but of grace All is of grace from first to last from the foundation to the top-stone Zech. 4 7. to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Rom. 4. 4 5. wages and gift are opposed the one to the other The wages of sin is death but
made sad Ezek. 13. 22. nay surely the more perfect and upright the works of any are and the more they are conformed to the Image of Christ the more the World hates them Rom. 8. 28 30 35. The more like the World they are the more they will love them with their corrupt love and the more unlike the World Christ's disciples are and the more they come out from amongst Men and be separate the more they will be Instruments of persecution and tribulation to them If ye were of the World saith our Saviour The World would love his own But because ye are not of the World but I have chosen the out of the World therefore the World â—ates you John 15. 19. Heb. 13. 13. 1 Pet. 4. 3 4. 1 John 3. 1 2. and ch 4. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 17 18. And poverty Either hereby we may understand that they were poor in spirit such as had suffered the loss of all things even of those things that were formerly gain to them and counted them but dung that they might win Christ and be found in him such as had nothing of their own to glory in or make their boast of as others have But had sold that they had that they might buy that field in which is that most excellent treasure Mat. 5. 3 with Isay 66. 1 2. Phil. 3. 7 9. Mat. 13. 44 46. Or also by their poverty we may understand their poverty as with respect to the things of this life and World and so in this consideration they might either be poor when they were first called and prevailed withal by the Gospel as the Apostle James saith hath not God chosen the poor of this World c. Jam. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 1. 26. Or also and rather their poverty appears to be occasioned to them by and to be the consequent of their tribulation as in this order it is here expressed they might suffer the spoiling of their goods Heb. 10. 32 34. and as the fruit of the afflictions and persecutions they endured they might be poor and stript of the things of this World 1 Cor. 4. 10 15. 2 Cor. 6. 9 10. they might be impoverished by their enemies spoiling and plundring of them or by the restraints and imprisonments they might endure for Christ and his Gospel's sake Now here as taking poverty in this last sense for being poor in this World we may note 1. In that he saith I know thy works and tribulation and Povertâ— that such as are in tribulation and Poverty may yet have works and labour of love so it is said of the Church in Thyatira I know thy works and thy Charity and thy service and thy patience v. 19. Though they were in tribulation and had need of and had patience yet also they had charity and works and the last more than the first And this is the commendable account the Apostle gives of the Churches of Macedonia how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality For to their power I bear record saith the Apostle yea and beyond their power they were willing of themselves c. 2 Cor. 8. 1 3 6. this is many times the complaint of persons when an opportunity is put into their hands for doing good alas we are poor we have it not when as it may be rather for want of an heart than any thing else they thus plead Indeed Christ is no hard Master he requires us but to do good as we have opportunity and ability Gal. 6. 10. Luke 11. 41. And if there be first a willing mind it is accepted according to that a Man hath and not according to that he hath not 2 Cor. 8. 12. But too frequently for want of faith in God when persons are poor they withhold more then is meet and it tendeth to poverty Wee may see what notice our Saviour takes of the poor Widow that cast in two mites into the treasury He said of a truth I say unto you that this poor widow hath cast in more then they all For these all have of their abundance cast into the offerings of God but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had Luke 21. 1 4. Our Saviour though he was ministred unto by others yet also he did give to the poor Luke 8. 2 3. with Joh. 13. 29. and the Apostle saith These hands have ministred unto my necessities and not only so but also to them that were with me and saith to the Bishops I have shewed you all things how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak c. Acts 20. 33 34 35. 2. In that he saith I know thy poverty the poverty of this Angel and Church with whom he finds no fault so we may note That those that Christ hath nothing against and whom he loves with peculiar manner and degree of love may be poor and mean in this World and so they are generally who are sincere fearers of him hence they are called the congregation of thy poor Ps 74. 19. and 73. 1 15. they are generally a poor and afflicted people who trust in the name of the Lord Zeph. 3. 12. They drink of this cup and are baptized with his baptism Mat. 20. 22 28. he doth not testify love to his favourites as the World doth unto hers Joh. 14. 27. His Kingdom is not of this World nor doth he ordinarily give much of the things appertaining to the Kingdoms of this World into their possession as he might easily do if he pleased Though he wrought many Articles when he was upon the Earth yet not one to enrich himself his Mother or his Apostles withall his Mother was poor when he was born and poor it may seem when he died which was about three and thirty yeers after And though he had some rich disciples yet he commited not his Mother to them but to the disciple whom he loved who was a poor Man a fisher-Man Joh. 19. 25 27 38 39. And his disciples fall to their old trade of fishing when he was raised again Joh. 21. 2 3. yea how poor and despised they remained afterward when Christ was received up into glory the Apostle Paul acquaints us saying I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last as it were men appointed to death For we are made a spectacle unto the World and unto Angels and to Men. We are fools for Christs sake weak despised even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffetted and have no certain dwelling-place And labour working with our own hands being reviled we bless being persecuted we suffer it being defamed we entreat we are made as the filth of the World and are the off-scouring of all things unto this day 1 Cor. 4. 9 13. The consideration whereof might wean us from the love of the World and the things that are in the World And help us
to cause them to fall doth without doubt proceed from hatred and evil-will towards them 1 Joh. 2. 10. and this evil should be avoided by us as the Apostle exhorts Let us not judge one another any more but judge this rather that no Man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his Brothers way Rom. 14. 13 21. and these teachers it seems like Balaam taught the rulers to lay by their practises commands or edicts such stumbling-blocks to cause others to fall as too too many now also do in our days Ps 12. 1 3. great need we have therefore to love the law of Jehovah that we may have great peace and nothing may offend us Ps 119. 165. 3. We have an account given to us before whom Balaam taught Balac to cast a stumbling-block and that was before the Children of Israel the people of God Though he was convinced that they were God's people an happy people and had spoken highly and honourably of them as is before said yet he counsels Balac to lay a snare for them false Prophets have the greatest spite at the Israel of God Mat. 7. 15. 2 Cor. 11. 2 3. and herein they are led by Satan 1 Pet 5. 8 9. Balaam would have prevailed with God to have cursed Israel Deut. 22. 3 5. and therefore went from mountain to hill but when he could not he gave bad counsel to Balac to tempt and allure them to sin for for while God beholds no iniquity in Jacob nor perverseness in Israel there is no enchantment against Jacob neither was there any divination against Israel Numb 23. 21 23. but by drawing them to sin this way he prevailed against them for God is not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness neither shall evil dwell with him the foolish shall not stand in his sight he hateth all the works of iniquity Ps 5. 4 5 6. so these evil teachers here spoken of gave evil counsel to the heathenish powers to turn aside the way of the upright ones the Disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord. 4. The stumbling-block Balaam counselled Balac to cast before the Children of Israel to cause them to fall and provoke God was 1. To eat things sacrificed to Idols 2. To commit fornication 1. To eat things sacrificed to idols to images which thing is not absolutely sinful or sinful in it self for an idol is nothing in the World and those things that are eaten are the good creatures of God and therefore whatsoever is sold in the shambles that eat saith the Apostle asking no question for conscience sake For the earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof But if any Man say unto you this is offered in sacrifice to idoâ—s eat not c. 1 Cor. 10. 19 25 28. for if you then eat it is offensive to others and may entice others to or strengthen them in evil and may be ensnaring to ones self for the Heathen idols were their Gods which were nothing indeed 1 Cor. 8. 4. and such things as were insensible Ps 115. 4. and 135. 15. 1 Cor. 12. 2. But ultimately the Devil was sacrificed to as the Apostle saith the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to Devils and not unto God And I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils 1 Cor. 10. 20. Deut. 32. 16 17. Rev. 9. 20. and in such sacrificing the idol and Devil were blessed as it were Isay 66. 3. and therefore as is said though the eating things sacrificed to idols was not sinful in it self absolutely yet if they said it was offered to idols then we are commanded not to eat or forbidden to eat lest we offend and scandalize others in so doing 1 Cor. 8. tot and ch 10. 28 32. yea and lest we our selves be harmed polluted and ensnared thereby This was the first branch of Balaam's evil counsel to Balac he taught him to cast a snare before the Children of Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols and so these teachers amongst the believers in the Church of Pergamos did teach the Roman powers to lay such a stumbling-block before this Angel and Church that thereby they might draw them in to joyn with them in their idolatry And so now in our days too many there are who entice and urge others to comply with them in those things which are not absolutely unlawful or forbidden that they may still and further encroach upon and corrupt them Good therefore it is for us to abstain from all intimate fellowship or familiarity with such evil ones and false worshippers lest we harme our selves or others thereby as the Lord warned his people in former times saying take heed to thy self that thou be not snared by following them and that thou enquire not after their Gods saying how did these nations serve their Gods even so will I do likewise Deut. 12. 30 32. 1 Thes 5. 22. 2 Cor. 6. 14 17. and ch 7. 1. and because Israel observed not this good counsel given them they fell into much evil and greatly provoked the Lord as it is said they were mingled among the beathen and learned their ways and they served their idols which were a snare unto them yea they sacrificed their Sons and Daughters unto Devils c. Ps 106. 35 40. yea it is good for us to avoid intimate familiarity with all evil workers and not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers not to follow vain persons Prov. 12. 11. To make no friendship with an angry Man and with a furious Man not to go lest we learn his ways and get a snare to our Soul Prov. 22. 24 25. not to be amongst wine-bibbers amongst riotous eaters of flesh Prov. 23. 20 35. and ch 28. 29. 2. And to commit fornication hereby may either be meant 1. Spiritual fornication to wit Idolatry and that is called adultery and fornication in God's professed people It is called adultery so of Judah it is said It came to pass thorow the lightness of her whoredome that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and with â—â—ocks Jer. 3. 8 9. so again it is said they have committed adultery and blood is in their hands and with their idols have they committed adultery Ezek. 23. 37. And frequently idolatry is called fornication Thus it is said Jehoram made high places in the mountains of Judah and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication and compelled Judah 2 Chron. 21. 11. so Ezek. 16. 15 34. Rev. 9. 20. and ch 17. 2 4. and ch 18. 3 9. and so we may in this place well take fornication to mean idolatry for so it is said They called the people of Israel to the sacrifice of their Gods and the people did eat and bowed down to their Gods and Israel joyned himself to Baal Peor Numb 25. 2 3. And thus it shews unto us as was before noted That it is a dangerous hurtful and ensnaring thing to comply a little with idolaters for that will be a snare to
for the glory of his name he would come quickly and fight against these evil ones if this Angel and Church repented not otherwise in their repenting this occasion would be removed Yea and if they repented not he would fight against these Balaamites and Nicolaitans and so vindicate the honour of his name for the good and conviction of the professed heathen amongst whom they were that they might know he is one that loveth righteousness and hateth iniquity that so they might seek and worship him with his people whereas if his people did reject and cast off these evil workers and so had their conversation honest amongst the Gentiles this would cause them to glorify God in the day of their visitation 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. And Christ would not upon that account quickly fight against these false teachers with the Sword of his mouth 4. If this Angel and Church did not as here they are counselled unto repent his fighting against those false teachers would be a powerful means to awaken them to repent and to occasion and provoke them to wash their feet in the blood of the wicked Ps 58. 9 10. so when he was punishing the enemies of his people he said surely thou wilt fear me thou wilt receive instruction c. Zeph. 3. 5 7. or if they did not repent they should hereby know he would punish them also As he saith in his Epistle to Thyatira I will cast her Jezabel the false Prophetess into a bed and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation except they repent of their deeds and I will kill her Children with death and all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works Rev. 2. 22 23. Ps 94. 10. By all which we may in some Measure see that they are most uncharitable to evil and corrupt teachers as well as to their own Souls who have and countenance them For by so doing they provoke Christ more immediately to fight against them Quest 2. It might be further queried whether Christ's fighting against these false teachers would be also a testimony of displeasure unto this Angel and Church for so it appears to be in that he saith and threatneth I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them c. Ans To this we may say yes certainly it would be so however in the sight of the heathen that could not distinguish between persons and things that differ Ezek. 5. 8. 14. with ch 9. 4 5. Verse 17. He that hath an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches see the notes before on v. 7. To him that overcometh see the notes before on v. 7. and on ch 3. v. 5. will I give to eat of the hidden Manna and I will give him a white stone and in the stone a new name written which no Man knoweth saving he that receeiveth it In the latter part of this verse we have a gracious promise and encouragement propounded to us I will give to eat of the hidden manna c. wherein consider we for our usefulness 1. What is this hidden Manna here spoken of 2. In what respect or consideration it is said to be hidden 3. How will he give to him that overcometh to eat thereof 1. What is this hidden Manna here spoken of And to that we may say our Lord Jesus Christ sheweth unto us what is meant thereby to wit himself In that when the Capernaites say unto him Our Fathers did eat manna in the desert as it is written He gave them bread from heaven to eat Then Jesus saith unto them verily verily I say unto you Moses gave you not that bread from Heaven but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven For the bread of God is he that cometh down from Heaven and giveth life unto the World And again Jesus saith unto them I am the bread of life c. Joh. 6. 30 35. the Lord himself is the true bread Isay 55. 2 3 6. And himself as he hath partaken of our nature and been delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification the bread that he will give the true manna is his flesh which he hath given for the life of the World his flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed Joh. 6. 48. 51 58 63. he is indeed the meat which God hath prepared for us to â—eed upon Ps 22. title and v. 26. Joh. 6. 27 35. and he may be called and compared to Manna 1. Because as Manna was provided for and promised to them when they were very evil and behaved themselves unworthy Exod. 16 2 4. So Jesus Christ was fore-ordained and given when we were sinful and pollutted ones and had by our sin deserved to have perished for ever Gen. 3. 15. while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5 6 8. Christ once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the spirit 1 Pet. 3. 18. 2. Manna was given without any labour or work of theirs without any plowing or sowing of theirs as is signified to us in what the Lord said unto Moses Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you It came down as the rain or showers upon the grass that tarrieth not for Man nor waiteth for the Sons of Men Exod. 16. 4. with Mica 5. 7. So also it is true of this heavenly and spiritual bread even Jesus Christ It was not of mens providing or preparing but God prepared himself this lamb for a burnt-offering Gen. 22. 8 14. he found out this ransom Job 33. 24. while we were yet without strength and ungodly ones Christ died for us Rom. 5. 6. my Father saith our Saviour giveth you the true bread from Heaven All things are of God Joh. 6. 32. and ch 3. 14 16. 2 Cor. 5. 18. with Joh. 1. 13. Job 28. 12 20 27. 3. Manna was ground in a mill or beaten in a morter and baked Numb 11. 18. so Jesus Christ was broken for us that he might become good food for us to feed on that he might be bread of life for us 1 Cor. 11. 24. he was tormented for our transgressions bruised like bread-corn Isay 28. 28 for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him It pleased the Lord to bruise him he hath put him to grief Isay 53. 4 6 10. This corn of wheat fell into the ground and died God brought him into the dust of death and he gave his flesh for the life of the world and so is become living quickning bread for us to feed on Joh. 6. 51. with ch 12. 23. he was made the curse of God for us that he might redeem us from the
already so he intimates to us that Satan and his Instruments more generally and more particularly false teachers would pluck away Christ's Gospel from us if possibly they could Mat. 13. 19. Luke 8. 12. Acts 13. 8 10. â—need therefore we have to take fast hold of Instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is our life and to hold it fast till he come that being faithful unto death we may in due season receive the Crown of Life Prov. 4. 13. and ch 7. 1 5. See the notes on Chap. 3. Verse 3. and Verse 11. Verse 26. And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end to him will I give power over the Nations In this Verse and the two following we have great and gracious promises propounded to and set before this and the rest of the Churches and which every one that hath an Ear is called upon to hear Wherein consider we 1. The subject of that which is here and afterwards promised 2. That which is promised and assured unto every such an one 1. The subject of that which is here and afterwards promised And he that overcometh See the notes before on Verse 7. and on Chap. 3. Verse 5. And keepeth my words unto the end His Work is honourable and glorious and his Righteousness endureth for ever He hath made his wonderful works to be remembred Psal 111. 2 3 4. The works of Christ which are to be kept by us unto the end are 1. The works which he hath wrought and accomplished for us in his own personal body which the Father prepared for him his personal abasement and sufferings wherein he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the cross Phil. 2. 6 8. of which he saith as to his suffering work on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 17. 4. and whereby he hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. purged away the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God Heb. 1. 3. 1 Joh. 3. 5. Abolished and overcome that first death which was the wages of that first sin and sinfulness and delivered us in himself from it 1 Cor. 15. 57. 2 Tim. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 1. 10. and hath destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil For this purpose was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil and he hath done the work which the Father sent him to do he hath bound the strong Man cast out the prince of this world Heb. 2. 14. 1 Joh. 3. 8. Joh. 12. 31. he hath taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us Oh that Men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the Children of Men For he hath broken the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron in sunder Ps 107. 15 16. and he hath by his blood in the vertue whereof he is raised again obtained eternal redemption Heb. 9. 12. a restoration of our nature in his person into the image of God and so into perfect innocency integrity and immortality and into dominion over the works of God's hands and recovered our loss into himself having obtained for us the forgiveness of our personal sins Acts 13. 38 39. brought in everlasting righteousness Dan. 9. 24. Ps 98. 1 3 4. received the immeasurable fulness of the Spirit that he might bring forth judgment to us Gentiles Joh. 3. 24. Isay 42. 1. and ch 11. 1 3. and is possessed of eternal life in our nature for Man-kind 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. In him God hath blessed us with all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly things In whom it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Eph. 1. 3. Col. 1. 19. and ch 2. 6 10. These works which he hath wrought accomplished for us should always be kept in memory by us that we might be glad thorow his work and triumph in the works of his hands in which his loving-kindness is wonderfully manifested to us Ps 92. 1 4 5. and 40. 5 8. and 118. 22 25. 2. And the works which he is now doing both in Heaven with the Father for us in which he is the one and only mediatour between God and Men making intercession for transgressors 1 Tim. 2. 5. Isay 53. 12. and ever liveth to make intercession for them that come to God by him as their advocate Heb. 7. 24 25. and ch 9. 14 15. 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. And what he is doing from Heaven in the name of the Father and fulness of the anointing of the holy Spirit to us as a Testimony of God's goodness to all Men in their proper seasons and ages And as the Apostle of the Believers profession 1 Tim. 2. 6. Heb. 3. 1. 3. And what he will do hereafter viz. give rewards to his Servants the Prophets and to his Saints and them that fear his name small and great and destroy them that destroy and corrupt the earth Rev. 11. 17 18. Isay 45. 16 17. 23 25. These are to be held fast and kept in faith and hope and to be rejoyced in at all times by us And he that doth truth cometh to the light that his works may be made manifest that they are wrought in God Joh. 3. 21. Isay 26. 12. and these works of his are to be kept in our mouths and to be declared to others also that they knowing them may come unto him and put their trust under the shadow of his wings accoring to that Give thanks unto the Lord call upon his name make known his deeds among the people sing unto him sing Psalms unto him talk of all his wondrous works 1 Chron. 16. 8 9. Ps 105. 1 5. declare among the people his doings Ps 9. 11. and 77. 12. Isay 12. 14. And also by Christ's works are meant what he worketh and effecteth in us by his Gospel the work of Faith and labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ c. 1 Thes 1. 3 5 6. for the Gospel being heartily received worketh effectually in them that believe 1 Thes 2. 13. he it is that worketh all our works in us and perfects what concerns us even by his Gospel which is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Isay 26. 12. Ps 138. 8. with Rom. 1. 16. his works even these works of his also are to be held fast by us to the end until we come to lay down our lives Mat. 10. 22. that we may dye in the Faith Heb. 11. 13. Rev. 14. 13. Now herein is intimated and signified to us 1. That the works of Christ as declared in and effected by his Gospel may be kept by us unto the end notwithstanding all opposition whatsoever for he is faithful by whom we have been called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 1
thou in Heaven but he and there was none on earth that thou didst desire besides him Ps 73. 25. this gift was then a precious stone a stone of grace in thine eyes Prov. 17. 8. all other things were undervalued and lightly esteemed by thee in comparison hereof Oh Remember this Yea and Remember how in or after what manner thou hast received and heard how efficacious then this joyful sound was upon thee and how it turned thee to God from idols to serve the living and true God 1 Thes 1. 6 9. and how when he had broken thy yoke and burst thy bands thou saidst I will not transgress Jer. 2. 19 20. by this precious blood displayed before thee in the Gospel thou wast redeemed from thy vain conversation thereby thon wast redeemed from the earth and from among men 1 Pet. 1. 17 19. Rev. 5. 9. and 14. 4 5. thou didst escape the pollution of the World thorow the knowâ—edge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 2. 2â— and then resolvedst that seeing he had delivered thy Soul from death thine eyes from tears and thy feet from falling thou wouldst walk before the Lord in the land of the living Ps 116. 7 9 16 17. when his loving-kindness was first before thine eyes this prevailed with thee to walk in his truth and to come out from amongst Men and be separate Ps 26. 3 8. sin was rendred so exceeding sinful to thee in the cross of Christ as that thou saidst how shall I live any longer therein Rom. 6. 1 4 and all idols so unsatisfying and unprofitable that thou criedst out what have I any more to do with idols Hos 14. 1 8. then the Gospel wrought effectually in thee 1 Thes 2. 13. then thou hadst the work of Faith and labour of love for the Gospel came not to thee in word only but in power c. 1 Thes 1. 3 5. then it begat in thee love enflamed love to him delight in him contentment with him desires after him high praises and commendations of him readiness and cheerfulness in suffering for him confident dependance on him and expectation of all things pertaining to the life that now is and that to come from him such was the kindness of thy youth and love of thy espousals that thou wast then holiness to him given up and dedicated to him and couldest follow him thorow the wilderness thorow a land of deserts and of pits c. Jer. 2. 1 2 5. with Heb. 10. 32 34. 1 Thes 1. 5 6. Deut. 32. 10 12. This he directs and calls upon them now to Remember even how they had received and heard 2. We come now to speak unto the Act or exercise whereto he directs and exhorts this Angel and Church Remember now this doth signify either 1. Remember that is keep and retain in memory as 1 Cor. 15. 2. that these things may not run away from you as water out of a leaking vessel Heb. 2. 1. So the Lord commanded his People Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy that is keep this always in your minds Exod. 20. 8. with Deut. 5. 12. Or 2. Remember that is recall or bring it back to your minds And so here we are to understand it for they had forgot how they had received and heard as it plainly appears by what is said in General and particularly by what follows viz And hold fast so remembring signifies a considering of the former things as Isay 43. 16 18. Or bringing again to mind as remember this bring it again to mind Isay 46. 8 9. Or a recalling or making a thing to return to our hearts as Lam. 3. 20 21. or a setting it before ones face or a setting it before ones face or in ones view for as forgetting is a casting behind ones back so opposite thereto Remembring is a setting a person or thing before ones face and so in ones sight that it may be always lookt upon and viewed Ezek 23. 25. and thus here we are to understand the expression thou hast forgotten how thou hast received and heard O call to remembrance these first and former things We â—ome now briefly to note some instructions from this branch of the direction because we have spoken to the same before see the notes on ch 2. v. 5 1. Herein is signified to us in that he saith Remember c. that they had forgot and we are too apt to forget how we have received and heard to suffer a forgetfulness of the precious blood of Christ and love therein commended and what Blessedness we did at first partake and speak of Gal. 4. 13 15. with ch 3. 1. hence that admonition we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard lest at any time we should let them slip for how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation Heb. 2. 1 3. and ch 10. 32 34. 2. The forgetting and letting these things slip out of our minds is a great and provoking iniquity and that which leads into all other evils and brings into a dying and dead condition This iniquity was that which brought deadness on this Angel and Church and was the reason of the imperfection of their works before God as is here intimated to us As the Apostle saith By this ye are saved if ye keep in memory c. So we may say on the contrary this is the high way to bring destruction upon our selves if we forget the sufferings of Christ and the love of both Father and Son therein manifested and everlastingly demonstrated to us and to expose our selves to the displeasure of God 1 Cor. 15. 9 4. Heb. 2. 1 2 4. 3. The calling to remembrance how we have received and heard is the way to be recovered out of our sad condition and evils when we are dead and our works imperfect before God Gal. 1. 6. and ch 3. 1 5. and ch 4. 12 16. Thus the Apostle when he admonishes the Hebrews not to cast away their confidence and is setting before them the great danger of drawing back and departing from the living God by an evil heart of unbelief he then exhorts them to call to remembrance the former days in which they were illuminated as that which was proper to recover and preserve them from such transgressions as they were polluted with or inclined unto in any measure Heb. 10. 38. Ps 77. 10 11. and 42. 6 7. Such is the graciousness faithfulness of Christ to such forgetful hearers as that when they have forgotten how they have received and heard and forgotten him days without number yet while it is called to day he is their remembrancer by his Spirit who hath the seven Spirits of God Joh. 14. 26. So the Lord in former times was to his people when they forsook him and lightly esteemed the rock of their salvation when of the Rock that begat them they were unmindful and had forgotten God that formed them Then he saith to them Remember
to chuse the good and refuse the evil for of such is the Kingdome of Heaven as our Saviour saith Mat. 19. 13 14. Mark 10. 13 14. Luke 18. 15 16. Mat. 2. 16 18. with Jer. 31. 15 16 17. Gen. 17. 7 8 12 14. 2. We come next to consider and shew that it is possible that some Mens names may be blotted out of the Book of life And so indeed 1. Men's names may be blotted out of the general Book of life and are so if they continue in their ignorance of God or disobedience to his Gospel till the day of God's patience beat an end towards them So the Lord saith Whosoever hath sinned against me him will I blot out of my book Exod. 32. 33. And the Psalmist imprecates thus Let them be blotted out of the Book of the living and not be written with the righteous Ps 69. 28. For though he who descended into the lower parts of the earth who by the grace of God tasted death for every man be now ascended up on high and hath led captivity captive and received gifts for Men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them yet he will wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalp of such an one as goes on still in his trespasses Ps 68. 18 21. his Spirit will not always strive with Men nor will he still hold open the door but will rise up and shut it and then there will be no more opening Gen. 6. 3. Luke 13. 25 26. This may therefore admonish us all to strive to enter in at the strait gate to seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon him while he is â—igh Luke 13. 24. Isay 55. 6 7. 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Heb. 3. 7 8. 2 Pet. 3. 15. Eccles 9. 10. 2. Yea mens names may be blotted out of the special Book of life and out of the Holy City and our Saviour saith If any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophesie God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City and from the things which are written in this Book Rev. 22. 19. If a Man abide not in Christ he is cast forth as a Branch and is withered and Men gather them and cast them into the Fire and they are burned Joh. 15. 6. And it 's in this place supposed that if those who had defiled their Garments or if those who had not defiled them did not overcome to the end their names should be blotted out for this is the peculiar blessedness of him that overcometh that his name shall not be blotted out to which after O let none of us then speak peace to our selves in any evil way though our names are written in the Book of life for they that forsake the Fountain of living waters shall be written in the Earth though formerly they were written in Heaven Jer. 17. 13. Deut. 29. 18 20 Ezek. 13. 9 10. 3. But this is the blessedness of him that overcometh whether of him that hath not let slip how he received and heard and so hath not defiled his Garments And of him that hath done so and yet is seasonably recovered their names shall never be blotted out of the Book of life but all happiness is assured to them as may be seen in ch 2. 7 11 17 26. and ch 3. 12 2â— and ch 21. 7. So far will he be from blotting out their names out of the Book of Life that he will hereafter gloriously write upon them the name of his God and the name of the City of his God new Jerusalem which cometh down out of Heaven from his God and his new name See notes after on Verse 12. How might the consideration hereof cause them to rejoyce because their names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 21. And still provoke them to fight the good fight of Faith to resist unto blood striving against sin Satan and the World and to that end to have and hold fast the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ for whatsoever is born of God overcometh the World and this is the victory that overcometh the World even our Faith who is he that overcometh the World but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God 1 Tim. 6. 12. Heb. 12. 4. 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. Eph. 6. 10 12 18. considering also what follows viz. 3. But I will confess his name before my Father and before his Angels Now herein is signified to us 1. That he that doth not overcome to the end Christ will not confess his name but he will deny him hereafter that in this day either thorow fear or flattery turned aside from the Faith or profession thereof As our Saviour saith whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father with his holy Angels Mark 8. 38. Luke 9. 22 26. whosoever shall deny him before Men him also will Christ deny before his Father which is in Heaven Mat. 10. 33. And before the Angels of God Luke 12. 9. he will deny them saying I know you not or I know not this or these Men or Man As Peter was said to deny his Master in saying I know him not compare Luke 22. 57. with ch 13. 24 28. this is a Faithful saying for if we be dead with him we shall also live with him But if we deny him he also will deny us 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. And Oh how sâ—d a thing will that be to be denied and disowned of the Lord of Glory in that day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God! Oh that it may be seriously and seasonably considered by us 2. But he will confess his name that overcometh whoever he be or whatever he hath been before his Father and before his Angels that is he will own them for his then manifestly he will publickly own them in that day Indeed now all his delight is in the Saints that are in the earth c. And he doth take up their names into his lips Ps 16. 3 4 he bears their names upon his heart and upon his arme and theâ—ein answers unto the highpriest's bearing the names of the Children of Israel in former times Exod. 28. But this is matter of faith to us But hereafter he will publickly and visibly own them and say they are mine and thus he will do before his Father and before his Angels Whosoever saith our Saviour shall confess me before Men him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 10. 32. And before the Angels of God Luke 12. 8. Hâ— will then say to every such an one Well done good and Faithful servant c. Mat. 25. 21. c. He will set them on his right hand Matth. 25. 31 33 34. And therefore how might the consideration hereof
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
taken in this Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to signify such as seek after the things here below first of all and set their affections on things upon the earth of which the believers are admonished Col. 3. 1 2. and so they are distinguished from and opposed to them that dwell in Heaven by Faith and have their conversation in Heaven Phil. 3. 20. Rev. 13. 6 8. and ch 12. 12. And in a most full sense they are dwellers on the earth who savour the things that are here below however they may pretend to believe the Gospel such as riotous persons drunkards such as abuse the good creatures of God here below and abuse themselves with them As our Saviour signifies saying Take â—eed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting and drunkenness and the cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares for as a snare it will come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth Luke 21. 34 35. and in this sense such live on the earth who walk in uncleanness or covetousness and such as are alive to the riches Honour Glory praise and friendship of this World and who demean themsâ—lves as if they should live here for ever and such as are enemies of and injurious unto them which have the word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ and whose fear toward God is taught by the precepts and doctrines of Men see Rev. 6 10. and 11. 10. and ch 13. 12 14. and 17. 8. upon which dwellers of the earth so abiding all the woes denounced and threatned shall be executed Isay 26. 18 21. Rev. 8. 13. and ch 12. 12. Because they are worshippers of the beast c. Rev. 17. 2. And 2. By them that dwell upon the earth may also be signified more generally such as are in this World living Men as to us such as in their Mortal bodies are upon the earth and so the righteous are as well as the unrighteous for God hath made of one blood all nations of Men for to dwell on all the face of the earth To all whom the Lord speaks to when he saith all ye inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth see ye when he lifts up an ensign c. Isay 18. 3. with Rev. 14. 6. Dan. 4. 1. and ch 6. 25. Joh. 17. 15. and these may all be called dwellers on the earth both to distinguish them that dwell in the dust Isay 26. 19. and from the Spirits of just men made perfect who may be said in a more full sense to dwell in Heaven than any that are still in mortal bodies on earth though they may by faith dwell in Heaven also Rev. 13. 6. and ch 18. 20. Now upon both these in both considerations this hour of temptations here spoken of shall come 2. The end why it should come upon them and that is To try them namely 1. To prove them and to discover what manner of persons they are and whether they will at such a time be friends of or enemies to his Gospel and people thus he comes to try and prove men by persecutions and by false teachers and such as encline to and follow them all are in such a day proved such as are instruments of evil and affliction and such as suffer from them or are inticed by them Deut. 8. 2 14 16. 2. And he doth it while it 's called to day to purify them or give them occasion to purify themselves by those probations and discoveries he makes of them to themselves and others see the notes before on Rev. 2. v. 10 4. We have lastly to consider the promise it self viz I will keep thee I that am holy I that am true I will keep thee namely such as keep his Gospel and hold that â—ast So here Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee c. such as have and keep his word in the midst of their hearts and mouths like that Prov. 3. 21 26. and ch 4. 4 6. Isay 26. 2 3. such as let the things they have heard from the beginning abide in them they shall continue in the Son and in the Father 1 Joh. 2. 24. they shall abide in and under the gracious protection and defence of the Almighty 1 Joâ— 3. 24. his truth shall be their shield and buckler Ps 91. 4. Prov. 4. 13. and this might therefore engage us to keep his word and preserve us from listening unto and entertaining any strange voice what-soever Joh. 14. 21 23. 1 Pet. He will keep such from the hour of temptation or out of it while and as it may be for their good this he can do at his pleasure Acts 18. 10 11. Ps 105. 14 16. or however he will keep them from the evil of all no evil shall befal them Ps 91. 10 12. As the Lord saith when thou passest thorow the waters I will be with thee and thorow the rivers they shall not overflow thee when thou walkest thorow the fire thou shalt not be burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee Isay 43. 1 3. The gates of Hell shall not prevail against them that keep his word Mat. 16. 18. Ps 12. 6 7. Oh then be we incouraged and provoked to wait upon him and keep his word and way and then we need fear none evil whatever Ps 121. and 125. Rom. 8. 28 â—9 he hath the ordering of all temptations and times or hours of temptation and he is â—aithful who will not suffer them to be tempted above what they are able but will with the temptation make a way to escape and so keep them out of the hour of temptation 1 Cor. 10. 13. he knows how to deliver the Godly out of temptation as he did Lot though he met with much exercise and grief 2 Pet. 2. 6 9. he can hide us Ps 27. 4. 5. and 31. 20. Jer. 36. 26. yea though we are never so weak and have never so little strength as v. 8. yet he will be a strength to the poor a strength to the needy in his distress a refuge from the storm c. Isay 25. 4. and blessed is the Man whose strength is in him Ps 84. 4 5. Oh then hide we his word in the midst of our hearts and follow him in the regeneration so shall we never fall nor will he suffer our feet to be moved Ps 119. 165. and 66. 8 12. As our Saviour saith to his disciples and the Jews My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any Man pluck them out of my hand my Father which gave them me is greater than all and no Man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand c. Joh. 10. 27 30. 2 Joh. 9. 10. In this promise this also may be contained that he would so keep them from the hour of
shall be preferred before and be more eminent than others even in that Temple also for as one star differs from another in Glory so also will it be in the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15. 41 42. He shall be preferred before little ones of whom yet is the Kingdom of Heaven and before such as have not had any considerable trials or opposition and so no such occasion to fight for our light affliction which is but for a moment works for us a farmore exceeding and eternal weight of Glory while we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen c. 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. he that overcometh shall be exalted above others as the pillar is above the earth generally and as now their sufferings for Christ do abound so then also their consolations by Christ shall answerably abound 2 Cor. 1. 4 5 7. Rev. 22. 12. 2. A pillar By which the King will stand and with whom he will be present for ever as it is said in our types Behold the King stood by the the pillar in the Temple as the manner was 2 King 11. 4 14. 2 Chron. 23. 13. and Josiah stood by a pillar in the house of the Lord 2 King 23. 2 3. So the Tabernacle of God shall be with them that overcome and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them their God Rev. 21. 2 3 7. Joh. 17. 24. 3. More directly a pillar is a strong one though now he be never so weak and have never so little strength v. 8. he shall be a pillar a stable one established so as nothing shall prevail against him As the Lord saith to Jeremy Behold I have made thee this day a defenced city and an iron pillar c. and they shall not prevail against thee for I am with thee Jer. 1. 18 19. indeed now in this day he that abides in Christ sins not he keeps himself and the wicked one touches him not 1 Joh. 3. 6. with ch 5. 18. The gates of hell neither the power nor policy thereof shall not prevail against such an one Mat. 16. 18. Joh. 10. 27 29. But it is possible Men may not abide in Christ and then Satan and his instruments may get their advantage against them as hath been shewn before But hereafter they that overcome shall be like pillars gloriously they shall be so established that they shall not possibly depart or be removed from Christ or his Temple they shall be like the pillars in our types which were set in the porch of the Temple whereof the name of the one was called Jachin that is he shall establish and the name of the other Boaz that is in it is strength 1 King 7. 21. Then they that overcome and keep Christ's works to the end shall be stable for ever God will establish and in them shall be his strength Ps 87. 5. So as they shall go no more out no not for ever as here it presently followeth 4. A pillar on which Christ will write as also followeth presently after so in former times they did write some choice and excellent things of God's law upon their postes or pillars as it is said Thou shalt write these words upon the Posts of thine house and on thy gates Deut. 6. 4 9. and the Church is now called the Pillar of truth upon which the truth is so written that it may be seen and read of all Men they being manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by the Apostles written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God not in Tables of stone but in the fleshly Tables of the heart 1 Tim. 3. 15. with 2 Cor. 3. 2 3. so they shall be pillars hereafter gloriously as it is promised and covenanted by the Lord saying I will put my laws into their minds and write them in or upon their hearts Heb. 8. 10 11. with Jer. 31. 33 34. And saith Christ I will make him a pillar in the Temple of my God my God he calls him by way of Eminency and Excellency to distinguish him from and infinitely prefer him before all others who are called Gods The God of our Lord Jesus Christ is the Father of Glory 1 Cor. 8. 5 6. Eph. 1. 17. And his God because he is immediately originally and eternally and most compleatly and gloriously his and ours thorow and upon the account of him as Christ saith I ascend to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God Joh. 20. 17. Now Christ will make such an one as overcomes A Pillar in the Teâ—ple of his God even in the Church of Christ in its glorious estate The Church is now called the Temple being built upon and abiding in Christ as it is said ye are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-Stone In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an Holy Temple in the Lord Eph. 2. 20 21. 1 Cor. 3. 16. for ye are the Temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them c. 2 Cor. 6. 16 17. And this Church will be the Temple of Christs God hereafter when he shall present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Eph. 5. 25 27. Which glorious Church or Temple is called by the Prophet Gods Holy Hill or The Hill of the Lord Ps 15. 1. and 24. 1 3. with Allusion to the Temple of God which was built on Mount Moriah 2 Chron. 3. 1. In this glorious Temple he shall hereafter be a Pillar not of or in this World for Christs Kingdom is not of this World Joh. 18. 36. But when the Mountain of the Lords House shall be established or prepared in the top of the Mountains and shall be exalted above the Hills and all Nations shall flow to it Isay 3. 2 3. Mica 4. 1 3. This is therefore a powerful motive and argument to engage us to fight the good fight of Faith and to resist unto Blood striving against Sin for in so doing we shall hereafter inherit Glory when shame shall be the promotion of Fools and Cowards Prov. 3. 35. with Rev. 21. 7 8. 2. And he shall go no more out namely out of this glorious Temple before spoken of no not for ever upon any Account whatever And so 1. They now go forth into the field of the World to call and bring Men into wisdoms house out of it as it is said she hath sent forth her maidens Prov. 9. 1 5. and the Master of the house said to his Servant go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and again he said Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in that my house may be filled Luke 14. 21 23. Joh.
up our contenâ—ment in our own aâ—â—â—ainments and receits which are indeed broken cisterns and so provoke him to anger his name is jealous and he cannot he will not endure it that we should give our loves to and take up our rest in any thing besides himself his jealousy when his love is abused or sleighted is cruel as the grave the coals thereof are coals of fire which hath a most vehement flame Cant. 8. 6. he cannot bear it that those that are espoused to him should cast their eyes upon and give the heart to other lovers and therefore when any do so the fire of his jealousy is kindled against them and he as here threatneth to cast them off Wo saith our Saviour to you that are rich for ye have received your consolation Luke 6. 24 25. he that fills the hungry with good things doth send the rich empty away Luke 1. 53. such he will abhor and vomit them out of his mouth as most loathsome persons to him Oh! how sad and calamitous is their condition who boast and witness of themselves that they are pure sinless perfect as to attainment There is a generation who are pure in their own eyes though yet they are not washed from their filthiness and Oh how lofty are their eyes and their eye-lids are lifted up wo unto them they have their happiness now their portion in this life and those that are in any measure like them are loathsome to Christ and the more loathsome the more they are like to them It was displeasing to the Lord that Job had such an overweening conceit of himself of his knowledge purity innocency though he was destitute of such light and advantages as are afforded to us and it brought forth evil fruit in him and that good Man when he was convinced of his evil was ashamed of himself and confesseth that he was vile and professeth he would lay his hand upon his mouth once saith he have I spoken but I will not answer yea twice but I will proceed no further And when his eye saw God he abhorred himself and repented in dust and ashes Job 40. 3 5. and 42. 4 6. This is a becoming thing for us to be low in our own eyes and to be sensible of our vileness brutishness and shortness in every matter and to acknowledge that when we have done all that is commanded us yet we are unprofitable Servants To confess with him that we are more bruitish than Man and have not the understanding of a Man that we have neither learned wisdome nor have the knowledge of the holy Prov. 30. 2 3. To this Man will he look that instead of boasting what he is and hath done and proclaiming his own goodness is poor and of a contrite Spirit and trembleth at his word that hath nothing to glory in but the Lord who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Isay 66. 1 2. 1 Cor. 1. 29 31. But the proud the rich the full he knows afar off The foolish such as are vain-glorious boasters who commend themselves such shall not stand in his â—ight Ps 5. 5. with Ps 75. 4 5. His Eyes are upon the haughty that he may bring them down 2. Sam. 22. 18. Oh consider we this that Pride may be hidden from us and that we may not be wise in our own Eyes but viewing our selves in the Glass of the Lord's Body may take shame to our selves for Pride goeth before Destruction and an haughty Spirit before a fall Prov. 16. 18. and 8. 12. and 29. 23. were we but comparing our selves with that Object that is proposed to and set before us in the Gospel and viewing what is the breadâ—h and length and depth and height thereof and considering that love of Christ which passeth knowledge that peace of God which passeth all understanding and seeing what treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ Oh what cause should we see to be abased and to bewail our dimsightedness and shortness of understanding and see cause to complain of our great incompleatness in our selves and inconformity unto him yea to cry out of our uncleanness unlovingness barrenness leanness and witheredness 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. Indeed the Spirit that dwelleth in us as of us lusteth to envy and leads us to lift up our selves But he giveth more grace grace abounding and exceeding the corruption of our natural Spirit that our lofty looks may be humbled and our haughty hearts bowed down wherefore he saith God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the humble Jam. 4. 5 6. Humble we our selves therefore under the mighty hand of God or otherwise we shall never be fervent in Spirit in seeking the Lord and yielding up our selves unto him The Apostle saw it needful and profitable to give this admonition to every one of the Believers that they should not think more highly of themselves or of their parts gifts and attainments than they ought to think but to think soberly And this he gives unto them through the grace given to him and to that end he gives it that they might present their bodies as moved and strengthened by the mercies of God a living Sacrifice to him c. and not be conformed to this World but transformed according to the renewing of their mind c. Rom. 12. 1 3. Implying that if they had unâ—ober thoughts of themselves and did think of themselves above what is meet this would hinder them from an hearty yielding up themselves to the Lord as those alive from the dead and their Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto Holiness They would otherwise be apt to think and say as these did they had need of nothing and so expose themselves to wrath as here Because thou sayest I am rich rich in knowledge and utterance the unâ—ober taking notice hereof is very hurtful and pernicious and puffs Men up as is said 1 Cor. 8. 1. and makes them grow careless and negligent when opportunities are afforded to them for buying that Gold tried in the Fire and to despise and set light by those helps vouchsafed unto them of God And increased with Goods They intimate that time was when they were poor and had nothing but now they are enlarged and grown rich and their Substance is increased Time was when they were in Bondage to the Law or Rudiments of this World and were without Christ and God in the World but now they are the Temple of the Lord the Church of Christ they are not like others or like to what themselves sometimes were They have now excellent Ornaments they have a great gift of Prayer and can enlarge themselves therein they can speak freely and fluently for the truth so as to silence opposers and stop their mouths that they have nothing material to say They have much mortified their corruptions subdued their lusts cleansed their ways escaped the pollutions of the World and have put on bowels of Mercies Kindness
the Soul cannot be good Prov. 19. 2. Hence he instructs us to cry after knowledge and to lift up our voice for understanding Prov. 2. 1 2 3 6. and calls upon all the ends of the earth to look unto him and be saved Isay 45. 22. and ch 65. 1 2. Thus I have briefly put down somewhat of that which is more fully largely and distinctly spoken unto on this v. 18. in the Treatise caled Needful counsel and desire that may be more minded and diligently considered by them that have it in their hands Verse 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten Be zealous therefore and repent This is that which the Amen the faithful and true witness adds after he had faulted threatned and given wholesome and Needful counsel to this Angel and Church The Lord will not cast off for ever but though he cause grief yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies For he doth not afflict willingly or from his heart nor grieve the Children of Men Lam. 3. 31 33. though for their iniquity he was wroth and smote them he hid himself and was wroth and they went on frowardly in the way of their heart yet though he saw their ways he healed and restored comforts unto them Isay 57. 16 18. he thus speaks to these that they might not faint in their sighing and say there is no hope he hath forgotten to be gracious Therefore to preserve or deliver them from such-like thoughts or conclusions he acquaints them with the graciousness of his heart toward them and shews his loathness with their destruction and that it was in love to their Souls he had been so chiding and chastening them even as he said to his people in former times In one place I will cast them out of mine house I will love no more In another and afterwards he thus speaks to them How shall I give thee up Ephraim how shall I deliver thee Israel how shall I make thee as Admah my heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together c. Hos 9. 15. and ch 11. 4 8 9. see also Jer. 31. 18 19 20. So he now acquaints this Angel and Church that it was his love to them that led him to be reproving them for their evils and threatning to cast them out of his mouth and that he had a gracious end towards them herein And that we might know and consider that in love and faithfulness he convinces us of and rebukes us for our follies and wandrings Now in this verse we have to consider 1. An assertion or affirmation of the faithful and true witness As many as I love I rebuke and chasten 2. Good and wholsome counsel and exhortation given unto them from the former Be zealous therefore and repent 1. An assertion or affirmation of the faithful and true witness wherein consider we 1. The subjects concerning whom he speaks As many as I love who are they 1. Generally all Mankind with a love of pity and compassion while it is called to day and this he hath undeniably-manifested in his great abasement and sufferings for them herein perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us 1 Joh. 3. 16. The love of Christ was and is for ever herein commended and demonstrated and herein to be discerned because this one this single and singular person died for all even for all of Mankind who were dead condemned to dye and dead in sins and trespasses 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Tit. 3. 3 4. and therefore and therethorow all nations and peoples are called upon to praise him Because his merciful kindness is great toward them Ps 117. 1 2. and he that seeth the Son seeth the Father also Joh. 12. 45. he so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3. 16. he gave him by his grace to taste death for every Man Heb. 2. 9. and thorow Christ he is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger and great in mercy The Lord is good and loving to all and his tender mercies are over all his works he is kind to the unthank-ful and evil Psal 145. 8 9. Matth. 5. 44 46. But 2. He loves them that love him with peculiar manner of love Prov. 8. 17. Joh. 14. 21. with a love of wellpleasedness The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear him in them that hope in his mercy he is nigh to all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Ps 147. 16 11. and 145. 18 19. and he is rich in the streams of his pity and compassion toward them The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him Rom. 10. 12. As a Father pitieth his Children the Lord pitieth them that fear him Ps 103. 11 13. Jam. 5. 10 11. And of both these we may understand it though especially of the latter 2. That which is here affirmed concerning as many as he loves viz. I rebuke and chasten I rebuke namely convince them of their evils and reprove them for them as the Lord saith I have been a rebuker of them all Hos 5. 2. and chasten viz. Inflict judgments and punishments upon them Ps 6. 1. and 38. 1. and usually in this order he proceeds he first â—hews them with his prophets and slays them with the words of his mouth and then his judgments are as the light that goeth forth Hos 6. 3 5. Micah 6. 8 10 11. Job 33. 13 18. and so indeed he doth rebuke and chasten when need is as many as he loves he rebukes the simple who love their simplicity and scorners who delight in scorning and fools that hate knowledge Prov. 1. 20 23. his Spirit is convincing and reproving the World of sin of righteousness and of judgment Joh. 16. 8 11. and he doth also chasten visit and and try them Job 7. 17 18. 1 Cor. 10. 13. and especially and more frequently he doth rebuke and chasten his own people Ps 73. 13 15. he that chastiseth the heathen shall not â—e correct to wit his own people Ps 94. 8 10. every branch in Christ that beareth fruit he purgeth that it might bring forth more fruit Joh. 15. 2. Ps 94. 12 13. and 11. 5. Prov. 3. 11 13. And this may be useful to us to inform us 1. That seeing as many as he love she rebukes and chastens all such may and do need to be rebuked and chastened even such also as he loves with peculiar manner of love for in many things they offend all Jam. 3. 2. There is not a just Man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccl. 7. 20. 2 Chron. 6. 36. It is only when need is that they are in heaviness thorow many temptations and trials either to correct and punish them for some evils committed by them or some good omitted or to purge out of them some polluting thing that sticks close to them or preserve them from some
was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone and there was a Rain-bow round about the Throne in sight like unto an Emerald In this Verse the Apostle John gives unto us a further account of what was represented to him and he saw in spirit And that 1. Of the vision sight or appearance of him that sate on the Throne And he that sate was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone 2. Of what he saw about the Throne And there was a Rain bow round about the Throne in sight like unto an Emerald 1. Of the vision sight or appearance of him that sate on the Throne And he that sate was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone He that sate namely in his Royal Majesty and glory upon the supreme Throne of rule dominion and government in Heaven the Lord God Almighty before whom all Creatures Saints and Angels prostrate themselves and unto whom they give honour as we have said and shewn on vers 2. this infinitely and inconceivably glorious One was to look upon or in sight or appearance like to a Jasper-stone and a Sardine From whence we may note in general the appearance of the most high God the Lord and possessor of Heaven and Earth is thus represented to men to signifie and give us some small intimation of his in finite and transcendent excellency and glorious majesty and splendor though indeed he is infinitely more glorious than all precious stones whatever as it is said of Wisdom Job 28. 12 20. Yea He hath set his glory above the Heavens Psal 8. 1. though they in some little degree declare his glory Psal 19. 1. Particularly He was in appearance like a Jasperâ—stone which hath its name from firmness and hardness as some say and so signifies his Omnipotency and Almightiness as ver 8. it is said of him instead of this precious stone a Saphire is spoken of and mentioned in that Vision vouchsafed to Ezekiel Chap. 1. 26. and Chap. 10. 1. which herein agrees with the Jasper that it is very hard and not to be broken so certainly it may be said of him that sits on the Throne that power belongs to him Psal 62. 11. And whoever hardens himself against him shall not prosper but be broken in pieces Job 9. 4. Mat. 21. 44. This stone shall break in pieces the iron the brass the clay the silver and the gold to wit all other Kingdoms and it shall stand for ever as it is said Prophetically of our Lord Jesus Christ Dan. 2. 34 43 45. But the Jasper is in Scripture taken notice of for its transparent light as it is said â—er light was like unto a stone most precious even like a Jasper-stone clear as crystal Rev. 21. 11. So it is most fully true of this most glorious one He is light and in him is no darkness at all 1 Joh. 1. 5. He dwelleth in that light that no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see and the light dwelleth with him 1 Tim. 6. 16. Dan. 2. 22. And in his light we may see light Psal 36 9. And so we may say 1. He hath light and understanding and wisdom excellent wisdom as these words are put together and the latter shew unto us what is meant by light Dan. 5. 11 14. There is no searching of his understanding Isa 40. 28. His understanding is infinite Psal 147. 5. He hath the light of knowledg and is perfect therein 2 Cor. 4. 6. Job 36. 4. so as he discerns and knows all things The darkness hideth not from him but the night shineth as the day the darkness and the light are both alike to him Psal 139. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord Do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Jer. 23. 23 24. With this Ancient of days is wisdom and in his length of days understanding with him is wisdom and strength he hath counsel and understanding and therefore also it is most right and meet he should govern and that all should submit unto him Job 12. 12 13. And the consideration hereof may admonish us to walk in the light as he is in the light to walk before him and to be perfect if we do not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it and he that keepeth thy soul doth he not know it and shall not he render to every man according to his works Gen. 17. 1. Prov. 24. 12. and Chap. 15. 3. And he now gives light to us and is light to us in his Gospel therein he sends forth his light and his truth to lead and guide us Psal 43. 3. Yea as the Psalmist saith The Lord is my light as a precious stone a Jasper will give light and be a light to us in our darkness Psal 27. 1. Micah 7. 8. and Christ is the light of the world Joh. 8. 12. and hereafter gloriously the Lord will be the light of the new Jerusalem and then having the glory of God to lighten her her light shall be like unto a stone most precious even like a Jasper-stone clear as Crystal Compare Rev. 21. 11. with vers 23. 2. And by his glorious light may also be meant his infinite purity and holiness so God is light and in him is no darkness at all no manner of impurity or unholiness 1 Joh. 1. 5 6 7. As darkness frequently signifies in Scripture impurity and uncleanness and all manner of iniquity so contrarily light signifies purity and holiness Prov. 2. 13. Isa 5. 20. Rom. 13. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 14. Ephes 5. 8 11. And he that sits upon the Throne is Holiness it self a God of purer eyes than to behold iniquity and one that cannot look on evil one that cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Hab. 1. 13. Psal 5. 4. Jam. 1. 13 14. But we shall not here further enlarge on this because we shall have opportunity to speak to it again on vers 8. of this Chapter And a Sardine-stone viz. a Ruby Exod. 28. 17. Ezek. 28. 13. Rev. 21. 20. This precious stone is called a Sardine from the place or Countrey a Ruby from the colour which is ruddy like a young fresh-coloured man As it is said in former times concerning the Nazarites They were more ruddy in body than Rubies Lam. 4. 7. Instead of the Ruby or Sardine it is said in Ezek. 1. 26. Vpon the likeness of the Throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it And of Christ it is said by the Spouse He is ruddy even like a Ruby Cant. 5. 10. with Lam. 4. 7. And Christ the Wisdom of God is compared unto Rubies though yet he infinitely exceeds them and all precious stones whatever Job 28. 12 20. Prov. 3. 15. and Chap. 8. 11. with 1 Cor. 1. 24. And so it is said He that sate was to look upon like a Sardine-stone to signifie to us that
thunderings may be meant tokens and testimonies of Gods wrath and displeasure against men who have not received his Truth and Gospel witnessed and preached by his servants the elders spoken of in ver 4. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against such as reject their word and against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness 2 Chron. 36. 15 16. Jer. 7. 25 29. Mat. 10. 14 15. Râ—m 1. 16 18. To them who are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish c. Rom. 2. 8 9. And so these lightnings and thunderings may be the issue and accomplishment of the prayers and imprecations of the elders against such as are enemies to Christ and his Gospel as Psâ—l 83. so it is said The smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of the angels hand and the angel took the censor and filled it with fire of the altar and cast it into the â—arth and there were voices and thundrings and lightnings c. Rev. 8. 4 5. So when Mâ—ses streâ—ched forth his hand toward heaven the Lord sent thunder c. Exod. 9. 22 23. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us O God of our salvation saith the Prophet Psal 65. 4 5. and 3. 3 7 8. And by lightnings and thunderings may also be meant preparations to and fore-runners of greater wrath if men will not turn nor consider his work and the operation of his hands Psal 7. 12 13 14. and praemonitions and forewarnings which God gives unto the Inhabitants of the world that they might repent and fear before him So when it is said There were voices and thunderings c. then immediately after is declared Gods execution of judgments The seven Angels which had the seven Trumpets prepared themselves to sound The first angel sounded and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood c. Rev. 8. 5 7 8 c. see also Rev. 16. 18 19 21. And indeed usually God doth give warning before he executes severe judgments and thunders before he sends hail or orders a storm and lifteth up his hand in the view of men that they might see it before he strikes Isa 26. 10. Psal 7. 6. He puts men in fear that they might know themselves to be but men He persecutes them with his tempest and makes them afraid with his storm that they might seek his name and know that he whose name alone is Jeâ—ovah is the most High over all the earth Psal 83. 15 18. in this order the Psalmist thus imprecates Arise O Lord O God lift up thine hand to wit to give them warning And then after Break thou the arm of the evil and wicked man Psal 10. 12 15. Lightnings to give light to the world and to let them know and give them to understand that there is one that sits upon the supreme throne of government and rules in the army of heaven and amongst the inhabitants of the earth and that though his throne be in heaven yet verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth that they might fear and tremble before him and depart from iniquity Dan. 6. 26. with Prov. 16. 6. so it is said The lightnings lightned the world the earth trembled and shook Psal 77. 18. and again his lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled Psal 97. 4. and by his lightnings he is discomfiting and scattering his and his peoples enemies and testifying displeasure against such as will not kiss believe in and submit to his Son as witnessed and revealed by his servants the Prophets and Apostles So it is said He shot out lightnings and discomfited them Psal 18. 14 15. His judgments and the preparations thereto and forewarnings of greater are as the light that goeth forth to shew that God is angry and to discover mens sins that they might repent of them and turn from them Hos 6. 4 5 7. The just Lord will do no iniquity every morning doth he bring his judgment to light Zeph. 3. 5. And these lightnings are lightnings of the thunder as here thunderings are joined with them and as they are called Job 28. 26. and lightning of thunder to cause it to rain on the earth Job 38. 25 26. and lightnings â—or the rain Psal 135. 7. to signifie that there is a stoâ—m approaching And thundrings of his power Job 26. 14. in which his wonderful power is sounded forth and discovered Hence that challenge or demand Hast thou an arm like God or canst thou thunder with a voice like him Job 40. 9. By his thunderings he makes such stout-hearted ones as was Pharoah to be afraid and tremble and to humble themselves before him Exod. 9. 23 33. Job 40. 9 12. and by both expressions to wit lightnings and thunderings there is signified to us that it was a black day a gloomy day portending and preceding a storm that men might prepare to meet him Amos 4. 12. so when the Prophet saith A day of darkness and of gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness it is afterwards added Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even unto me with all your heart c. Joel 2. 2 12 13. and to the same purpose it is also said by another Prophet That day is a day of wrath a day of trouble and distress a day of wastness and desolation a day of darkness and gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness and then he exhorts Gather your selves together yea gather together O nation not desired Before the decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaff seek the Lord c. Zeph. 1. 14 15 18. and chap. 2. 1 2 3. And voices to wit loud and awakening calls in and with his judgments to the nations to awaken them and excite them to â—epentance Bâ—â—ause he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come tâ— repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. Rev. 9. 20 21. Isa 26. 10. The Lords voice cryeth unto men in and with his judgments that they should do justly c. Miâ— 6. 8 10. Isa 33. 10 11. Hence when it is said His lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled the hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth then this voice presently follows and this monitory imprecation and good counsel is given Confounded be all they that serve grâ—ven images that boast themselves of idols worship him to wit the Lord Christ all ye gods Psal 97. 4 5 7. with Heb. 1. 4 6. And these lightnings and thunderings and voices proceeded out of the throne To instruct and teach us 1. That all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgments are ordered to us by him whole throne is established in the heavens and whose kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19. He forms the light and
in pity and compassion to it and to preserve it from falls and dangers whereto it is more liable than the rest of its brethren so it is here so Christ as a gracious and careful shepherd takes those of his flock which are weakest neerest to him not to signifie that they are more excellent than the more strong but to shew his abundant care towards and tendring of them according to their greater infirmity Thus it is said of him He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young Isa 40. 11. And in this order he gives instruction unto the Apostle Peter as with respect to his flock first to feed his lambs and afterwards saith he feed my sheep feed my sheep John 21. 15 17. And this order the Apostle John observed when he writes to the believers that were of several degrees he first writes to the weakest the little children to comfort encourage and strengthen them 1 John 2. 12 13 14. Rom. 14. and chap. 15. 1-3 Christ gathers his young and tender chickens under his wings like an Hen to secure and defend them from ravenous â—owls and birds of prey Matth. 23. 37. with Psal 91. 1 3 4. and Psal 36. 7 8. And thus the living creatures are disposed in this vision they are in the midst of the throne and round about the throne which might therefore engage them to worship him in his glorious sanctuary who sits thereon as it is said Vow and pay unto the Lord your God let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared he is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him Psal 76. 11. and 89. 6 7. and it might encourage them to lift up the hands which hang down and confirm the feeble knees considering the eye of the Lord is upon them and his tender care and compassion towards them while they are infirm and weak and meet with much tribulation and manifold occasions of trembling while they are in this world Hâ—bak 3. 16 18 19. and it might strengthen them also to let their moderation be known unto all men because the Lord is nigh at hand unto them and to be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let their requests be made known to God Phil. 4. 4 5 6 7. Psal 33. 18 19. 4. What is imported and signified to us in this that these living creatures are said to be full of eyes before and behind Answ 1. By eyes here some understand quick-sighted men such persons as were of a great and quick understanding who were in and amongst the four living creatures even in the Church of God on earth and so sometimes in the Scripture such persons may be called eyes so Moses said unto Hobab his Father-in-law Leave us not I pray thee for as much as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness and thou mayest be to us instead of or for eyes Numb 10. 29 31. and Job saith of himself I was eyes to the blind Job 29. 15. and so indeed in the mystical or congregational body of Christ there are some persons compared to the eye as others also are to the ear hand and foot Hence the Apostle saith The eye cannot say unto the hand I have no need of thee c. 1 Cor. 12. 13-21 and the work of such as are compared to the eyes is to guide and direct the residue of the body instrumentally and ministerially Heb. 13. 7 17. and the Church hath many such amongst them many that are rich in knowledg and indued with great understanding that are as eyes to the residâ—e of the body and may be called Seers as in former times the Prophets and leaders of the people were called for he that was afterwards called a Prophet was before-time called a seer 1 Sam. 9. 9 11. so the people said to the Seers See not and to the prophets Prophesie not unto us right things c. Isa 30. 8 10. and the Prophet speaking of the Judgment of God in blinding their teachers thus expresseth it The Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep and hath closed your eyes But what doth he there mean by eyes He shews what he intends thereby in what follows immediately saying the prophets and your rulers the Seers hath he covered Isa 29. 10. But though this be a good and useful sense and understanding of the word eyes and is and may be well included yet it may not be restrained hereto to lift up some above measure and cast down others nor that the whole body besides should only see by these eyes for so it may come to pass That the blind may lead the blind and both fall into the ditch for these eyes may be covered as we have seen Isa 29. 10 13. and the Apostle would have all the believers to make use of their own judgment even when he spake unto them 1 Cor. 10. 15. and no otherwise to be followers of him than as he was an imitater of Jesus Christ and thereto they ought to make use of their own proper eyes 1 Cor. 11. 1. And therefore 2. By the living creatures being full of eyes may be also and most fully meant they were filled with knowledg and understanding in some degree as is also signified in ver 8. though yet they may still be fuller as the Apostle saith to the Church of the Romans in general I my self also am perswaded of you my brethren that ye also are filled with all knowledg c. Rom. 15. 14. and to the same purpose he speaks unto the Church of God at Corinth saying In every thing ye are enriched by Christ in all utterance and in all knowledg 1 Cor. 1. 5. and the Apostle John writing to the believers in general saith unto them Ye have received an unction from the holy One and ye know all things 1 John 2. 20. so eyes signifie knowledg Numb 5. 13. and Chap. 16. 14. Job 28. 21. or understanding Hence they are called the eyes of the understanding Eph. 1. 18. And thus it is with the Church of the living God eâ—pecially in these last ages they are full of knowledg and understanding as compared with Gods professed people in former times the true light now shineth and the darkness is past 1 John 2. 7 8. and as our Saviour saith to his disciples Blessed are their eyes for they see to wit the things which many righteous ones desired to see and did not see them Matth. 13. 16 17. Christ hath come into the world and finished the work in his own personal body which the Fâ—ther gave him to do upon the earth he hath been delivered for our offences and is raised again for our justification and hath in our nature
saith of his sheep A stranger will they not follow but will flee from him Joh. 10. 4 5. and these wings are given them that they may escape and flee from the pollutions of the world through the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 2. 20. that they might flee from fornication 1 Cor. 6. 18. Idolatry 1 Cor. 10. 14. the love of money 1 Tim. 6. 11. and all youthful and fleshly lusts that war against the soul 2 Tim. 2. 22. and so that they might flee from the wrath to come Matth. 3. 7. Luk. 3. 7. 4. And with these two things they flee for glorifying and magnifying Christ and God in him doing it with all diligence and celerity whatever their hand finds to do they do it with their might Eccles 9. 10. Matth. 10. 23. Rev 14. 6. to which the Apostle exhorts and excites Timothy saying Preach the word be instant in season out of season c. 2 Tim. 4. 1 2. and in all they are with these wings hasting unto the coming of the Lord 2 Pet. 3. 12. 2. We have in the next place to consider and speak unto the inward furniture of these living creatures And they to wit the living creature not the wings were full of eyes within see notes before on vers 6. As they were full of eyes before and behind so also they were full of eyes within they were filled with the spirit and so with wisdom and understanding in the inward parts Eph. 5. 18. with Col. 3. 16. Wisdom had entred into their hearts and knowledg was pleasant to their souls Prov. 2. 10 12. they were filled with the knowledg of Gods will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding whereby they were fitted to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfâ—l in every good work c. like what is prayed for the Colossians Chap. 1. 9 11. and that affirmed of the believing Romans Chap. 15. 13. Prov. 24. 4. And hereby is intimated to us 1. That they had received and did retain the word of God and testimony of Jesus in their hearts for thereby the eyes of their souls were opened at first and continually The Commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes Psal 19. 7 8. the entrance of Gods word giveth light it giveth understanding unto the simple Psal 119. 97-100 104 105 129 130. they did anoint their eyes with eye-slave the anointing they had received from the holy one the testimony of Jesus whereby they knew all things Rev. 3. 18. with 1 Joh. 2. 20 24 27. and Rev. 19. 10. Deut. 4. 6. 2. In that this is added unto that which goeth before so we may see how they are fitted for glorifying God they have wings with which they flee which denotes to us their zeal and swistness in the service of him that sits upon the throne but that they may rightly use their wings of zeal and â—ervency they are full of eyes within like that exhorted to Add to your vertue zeal courage knowledg 2 Pet. 1. 6. men may have a zeal of God but not according to knowledg Rom. 10. 2. Phil. 3. 6. with 1 Tim. 1. 13. but that they might not have a misguided zeal in the service of God therefore they are also full of eyes within It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing but that the soul be without knowledg it is not good Galat. 4. 17 18. with Prov. 19. 2. and chap. 2. 10 11. Eccles 5. 1 2. 3. In that it is here said they are full of eyes within and immediately after they have no rest day and night saying Holy c. so we may see that to the end we may worship God aright knowledg and understanding is requisite otherwise we shall but offer the sacrifice of fools and he hath no pleasure in fools Eccles 5. 1 2 4. Ignorance is not the mother of true devotion but of all Superstition and Idolatry Isa 44. 19 29. My people saith the Lord are destroyed for lack of knowledg Hos 4. 6. Col. 1. 9 10. How should they worship him aright that sits on the throne unless they know him The knowledg of the holy is understanding Prov. 9. 11. And this might therefore engage us to â—ry after knowledg and to lift up our voice for understanding Prov. 2. 1 3 6. and chap. 4. 4 6. 3. These living creatures are described to us by their incessant and continued exercise and labour for praising and glorifying him that sits on the throne And they rest not or they have no rest day and night saying Holy holy holy c. Where consider we for our usefulness 1. The unweariedness and incessantness of their exercise it self 2. The subject matter of their incessant service or that about which they are unweariedly exercised even day and night 1. The unweariedness and incessantness of their exercise it self And they rest not or have no rest day and night That is to say they are continually exercised in this labour and service afterward spoken of This is not like that spoken of the Beast-worshippers in chap. 14. 11. though of them it is also said they rest not day nor night for that is part of the description of their torment but this here of the delightful service of the living creatures and the object of the worship of those and these are opposite and contrary they worship the beast these him that sits upon the throne nor are these living creatures in this their exercise like the wicked who are like the troubled sea that cannot rest for they foam out their own shame and cast up mire and dirt Isa 57. 20. but these set forth the high praises of God Psal 149. 6. nor is that affirmed here of the incessantness of the exercise of the living creatures contrary to what our Lord assures to them that come unto him viz. that he will give them rest for he there promises he will give and they shall find rest to their souls as distinguished from the heavy loads and burdens which lay thereupon which rest these living creatures had also But here they have no rest he saith not in their souls but saying c. they rest not saying Holy c. and so it is like that of our Saviour Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart follow me who went about doing good and seeking the glory of my father And this unwearied exercise is consistent with and the way to find rest unto our souls at all times Matth. 11. 28 29. like that Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls Jer. 6. 16. the rest they meet with to their souls in Christ is not a cessation from every thing but that whereby they are fitted for incessant service of him The sabbath the day of rest was not given to them that they should
for in him we live and move and have our beings Act. 17. 24 25-28 and which is also greatly for our encouragement and consolation He who is the living God is the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. one who is very pitiful and of tender mercies to mankind while it is called to day not willing that any of them should perish no not the worst and greatest sinners as himself swears to us by his life As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked indefinitely considered but that the wicked turn from his way and live Ezek. 33. 11. Yea and he is one who liveth for ever and ever who is from everlasting to everlasting God Psal 90. 1 2. He that sits upon the throne upon the supreme Throne of Government is the everlasting one and therefore his dominion is an everlasting dominion and his kingdom from generation to generation Dan. 4. 34. The Lord is King for ever and ever Psal 10. 16. He is the living God and stedfast for ever and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed and his dominion shall be even unto the end Dan. 6. 26. Rev. 4. 10. and chap. 5. 14. and chap. 10. 6. with Dan. 12. 6. He lifts up his hand to Heaven and saith I live for ever Deut. 32. 40. This is the object of their Adoration to wit the Lord who is the true God the living God and the everlasting King Jer. 10. 10. who sits upon the floods who sits king for ever Psal 29. 10. not the Virgin Mary or any Saint for of them it may be said Where are they and do they live for ever Zech. 1. 5. The object of their religious worship is the Father who hath life in himself and of whom are all things John 5. 25. 1 Cor. 8. 6. the Son who is the true God and eternal life without beginning of days or end of life 1 John 5. 20. Col. 1. 16 17. Heb. 7. 3. John 17. 5. the eternal spirit Heb. 9. 14. by whom all things were created and who hath garnish'd the Heavens Psal 33. 6. Job 26. 13. and chap. 33. 4. Isa 40. 13 14 17. with Rom. 11. 35 36. 1 Tim. 6. 16. Rom. 1. 23. and that he sits upon the throne who liveth for ever and ever and whose throne is from the beginning from everlasting and endureth from generation to generation Psal 932. Jer. 17. 12. Lam. 5. 19. Heb. 1. 8 9. Isa 6. 1-10 with Act. 28. 25 27. How might the consideration hereof encourage us to come with boldness to the throne of his Holiness Almightiness and Graâ—e at all times and rejoyce that he reigneth according to that The Lord reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the multitude of the isles be glad thereof Psal 96. 1-10 and 97. 1. and it might engage us to rejoyce and bless him who liveth for ever and ever as the Psalmist saith The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock c. 2 Sam. 22. 47. Job 19. 25. Psal 72. 15. and 102. 27 28. And because he lives they shall live also who come unto believe on and serve him with reverence and godly fear Deut. 33. 26 27 29. John 14. 19. and in that he liveth for ever and ever We may herein see the endless and everlasting misery and unhappiness of them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus they shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord they shall drink of the wrath of him who liveth for ever and ever 2 Thes 1. 8 9 10. Rev. 14. 10 11. and chap. 15. 7. 2. We have nextly to consider and speak unto the act or exercise of the living creatures about or towards this blessed object supposed and explicatively declared and repeated when they give or shall give glory and honour and thanks But how do they give these things unto him that sits upon the throne who liveth for ever and ever Answ Not by conferring upon or really adding any thing unto him which he had not before or as if he needed or wanted any thing from his creatures Who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced for of him and thorow him and to him are all things Rom. 11. 35 36. If thou sinnest saith Elâ—hu What doest thou against him or if thy transgressions be multiplied What doest thou unto him if thou be righteâ—us What givest thou him or what receiveth he of thine hand Job 35. 6 7 8. God that made the world and all things therein seeing he is Lord of Heaven and Earth is not worshipped with mens hands or tongues as though he needed any thing Act. 17. 24 25. Indeed thus he gives to us who need all things but we cannot so give unto him because he is infinite in all glory and glorious perfection and cannot be added unto Christs goodness as he was our Mediator did not extend or add any thing to the Lord Psal 16. 2 3. much less can ours which is as a morning-cloud and as the early dew that goeth away Can a man be profitable unto God as be that is wise may be prefitable unto himself Is it any pleasure to wit gainful pleasure as presently is intimated to the Almighty that thou art righteous or is it gain to him that thâ—u makest thy ways perfect Job 22. 2 3. This then is not the meaning of the expression we cannot advantage or add any thing to him But the giving to him here spoken of is a rendring to him what was and is his whether we give it to him or no and all his worshippers may say as King David doth All things come of him and of his own they give unto him and all is his own before 1 Chron. 29. 11 14 16. Hence we have such exhortations in Scripture Give unto the Lord glory end strength give unto the Lord the glory of or due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Psal 29. 1 2. and 96. 7 8. And yet in thus giving glory unto him we must needs fall short of doing it according to his infinite praise-worthiness for his glorious name is exalted above all blessing and praise Neh. 9. 5. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord who can shew forth all his praise Psal 106. 1 2. and 40. 5. But in some little measure they may thus give or ascribe unto the Lord what is his Deut. 32. 3. And this appears to be the meaning of the expression as it refers to vers 8. there it is thus expresâ— They say or they have no rest saying Holy Holy Holy Lord God Alâ—ighty c. And here when they give glory c. here is no act of Collatioâ— or conferring any thing upon him that sits on the Throne but they give in words acknowledging him to be what he is When they give glory to wit praise for so this word here rendred glory is oft translated
praise or signifies praise as give God the praise or glory John 9. 24. and they loved the praise or glory of men more than the praise or glory of God Joâ— 12. 43. Mat. 6. 2. according to that Whoso offereth praise glorisieth me Psal 50. 23. and these two words praised and glorified are used as words of a like signification As thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold and the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Dan. 5. 13. Now thus understanding the expression so it informs us That he that sits upon the throne is supremely the subject or object of the praise of the living creatures and only so in a religious sense as Moses saith to Israel He is thy praise and he is thy God c. Deut. 10. 21. And as Jeremy saith Thou art my praise chap. 17. 12 14. Psal 109. 1. And they give him praise when they say Holy c. ver 8. They then make his praise glorious Psal 66. 1 2. Or by glory we may understand an inwardly excellent esteem and high account which they have of this most excellent one they have an excellent opinion of him in their hearts and souls and from thence they render his praise glorious the high praises of God are in their mouth 1 Pet. 3. 15. Psal 34. 1 2. and Psal 106. 1 2 3. Heb. 11. 11. Rom. 4. 20 21. Or they give glory that is they ascribe unto him most excellent Majesty luster splendor brightness as he appears in this vision like a Jasper-stone ver 2. whereto the glory of God is compared Rev. 21. 11. See Luke 9. 31. Acts 22. 11. 2 Cor. 3. 7. with Exod. 34. 29 30. so whereas in Luke 9. 32. it is said Peter James and John saw Christs glory it is elsewhere thus expressed We were eye-witnesses of his Majesty 2 Pet. 1. 16 18. And men are exhorted to enter into the roâ—k and hide themselves for the glory of his Majesty Isa 2. 10 19 21. And of the Saints it is said They shall make known to the sons of men the glorious majesty of his kingdom Psal 145. 10 12. And Honour this they also give unto him as the four and twenty Elders likewise do ver 11. and all the Angels chap. 7. 11 12. and chap. 5. 11 12. and every creature which is in heaven and on the earth c. chap. 5. 13 14. And this Honour is much-what in signification like unto the former word glory and indeed by them both in general yea by all three is signified they give him worship or they herein oâ— hereby worship him as it is said They worshipped God saying Blessing and glory and honour be unto our God chap. 7. 11 12. and chap. 4. 10 11. and so here by honour particularly may be meant an ascribing divine worship and adoration unto him in their sacrifices of prayers praises and thanksgivings in and through Jesus Christ Isa 43. 23. For he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that hath sent him Joh. 5. 23. So the drawing nigh unto and honouring God both which are contained in one word to wit honouring him Compare Isa 29. 13. and Matth. 15. 7 8. with Mark 7. 6. is explicated presently to be a worshipping him Matth. 15. 8 9. Mark 7. 6 7. And indeed he only is the object of all religious honour and worship as our Saviour saith Thou shalt wâ—rship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Matth. 4. 10. and we are to honour him not doing our own ways nor finding our own pleasure nor speaking our own words Isa 58. 13. 14. and this honouring him contains in it an high esteem and acknowledgment of his infinite superiority above all creatures and created Beings whatever and also a sense of our inconceivable inferiority unto him and that we have nothing are nothing can do nothing but that he is the possessor of Heaven and Earth and all comes from him and therefore all glorious honour in our hearts and with our mouths is to be ascribed unto him 1 Chron. 29. 11-16 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. And thanks This also they render unto him for his goodness mercy and kindness towards them Hence we are oft called upon and provoked to give thanks unto the Lord because he is good for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 105. 1. and 106. 1. and 107. 1. and 118. 1. 29. and 136. 1 2 3-26 see Luk. 17. 16. and especially and principally thanks is to be given to him because he hath so loved the world as to give his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3. 16. As it is said of Annah the Prophetess when she came into the Temple when Jesus was there she gave thanks likewise unto the Lord to wit fâ—r this wonderful love and mercy manifested in Christ Luke 1. 78 79. she not only gave thanks to the Lord but she did likewise as others also had done and spake of Jesus to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem Luke 2. 28-38 and so the Apostle doth saying Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift 2 Cor. 9. 15. yea and thanks were given by them unto God for that he had delivered them out of the power of darkness and translated them into the kingdom of his dear son Col. 1. 12 13. Rev. 5. 8 9. Psal 116. 3 8 9 c. yea thanks are to be given to him for all his mercies favours and blessings as the Psalmist saith Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not any of his benefits who forgiveth all thine iniquities and healeth all thy diseases who redeemeth thy life from destruction who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies c. Psal 103. 1 2 3 5. And the Apostle exhorteth us to give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Eph. 5. 18 20. And thus the living creatures come and thus should we come always into Gods Presence according to that Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise be thankful unto him and bless his name for the Lord is good his mercy is everlasting c. Psal 100. 4 5. and 95. 1 2. To which purpose also the Apostle exhorts saying Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Phil. 4. 6. Col. 4. 2. 1 Chron. 23. 30. And this sacrifice of thanksgiving we should always offer in all our addresses to God by Christ as our Altar and High-priest as the Apostle saith By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name Heb. 13. 10-15 Thus Daniel three times a-day kneeled upon his knees and prayed and gave thanks before his God Dan. 6. 10. And thus the Apostle exhorts
saved 1 Thess 4. 2 3. with Acts 26. 18. His will is evidenced in Christ to be good-will towards men Luke 2 10-14 Isa 49. 6. Luke 2. 30-32 Acts 13. 47. And that such as repent and believe the Gospel should have everlasting life This is the will of him that sent Christ that every one that seeth the son and believeth in him should have eternal life and he will raise him up at the last day to the glorious enjoyment thereof John 3. 15 16. and chap. 5. 24. and chap. 6. 40. And the good Lord whose will is good Rom. 12. 2. fill us with the knowledg of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitful in every good work and encreasing in the knowledg of God strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering c. Col. 1. 9 10 11. Ephes 5. 14-17 Rom. 12. 1 2. Matth. 12. 50. The End of the Fourth Chapter REVEL Chap. V. verse 1. Vers 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne a Book written within and on the back-side sealed with seven Seals WE have in the former Chapter seen and according to my great weakness considered the Account which the Apostle John gives of the Heavenly Theatre in which is described to us the Imperial Session of him that sate and sits for ever upon the Throne or supream Seat of Government whose Kingdom Ruleth over all Persons and Things in Heaven and in Earth and under the Earth and whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion and the Four and twenty Elders and the Four Living Creatures as the Representatives of the Church of the Living God in Heaven and in Earth in a general Consideration the whole Family of Christ Now in this Chapter the Apostle gives us an account of what he farther saw in Vision concerning a Sealed Book with the Opener and opening thereof in general with what followeth thereupon and which Book is particularly opened afterwards as is declared to us in Chap. 6 c. Now in this First Verse we have to consider 1. What the Apostle John farther saw A Book 2. Where he saw this Book In the right hand of him that sate upon the Throne 3. What he saw of or concerning this Book and that is 1. Somewhat of the Writing of it it was Written within and on the back-side 2. Somewhat of the Sealing of it Sealed with Seven Seals 1. What the Apostle farther saw And I saw a Book There is mention made of several Books in this Revelation of Jesus Christ All the things which Jesus Christ by his Angels sent and signified unto the Apostle John he was commanded to Write in a Book and send it unto the Seven Churches in Asia Chap. 1. 2. and Chap. 22. 7 9 10 18 19. So also herein there is mention made of the Book of Life Chap. 3. 5. and 20. 12 15. And of the Lambs Book of Life Chap. 13. 8. and 17. 8. and Chap. 21. 27. And of other Books distinct from the Books of Life Chap. 20. 12. But there are two Books spoken of and mentioned in this Revelation which may most fully and properly be called Books of Prophecy the one whereof is that here mentioned and the other is spoken of in Chap. 10. 2 8 9 10. And the Sum or Contents of these two Books is declared to us in this Book of the Revelation from this place to the end of it Now then it doth evidently appear that this Book spoken of in this place is not the Word of the beginning of Christ for that was not then Sealed but it had been before that time opened by the Holy Apostles they had Preached the Gospel according to the Revelation of the Mystery before this time Rom. 16. 25 26. Eph. 3. 3 4 9. Col. 1. 25 26. And the Apostle John particularly had born record of the Word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ before the things contained in this Book of the Revelation were sent and signified to him See the notes before on Chap. 1. v. 1. and v. 2. But this Book here mentioned doth in general contain in it the Mind Counsels and Purposes of God concerning future Things Actions and Events which should come to pass from and after that time unto the end of this World with the order of their fulfilling and accomplishment and something of the World to come What the Contents of this Book are is I conceive in general declared to us by the Holy Ghost viz. Chap. 4. 1. Things which must be hereafter as also plainly appears in the opening of the Seven Seals under the Seventh whereof the Seven Trumpets sound and when the last of the Seven sounded then great voices in Heaven say The Kingdoms of this World are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall Reign for ever and ever chap. 6. and chap. 8. 1 2 7 8 10 12 and chap. 9. 1 13. and chap. 11. 15 18. This Book then is a Book of his Mind Counsels and Purposes who sits upon the Supream Throne of Judgment concerning the things that must come to pass or be hereafter from that time with the order of them And this Book here spoken of is called 1. A Book simply whereas that which is mentioned in Chap. 10. 2 8 9 10. is called A little Book and thereby it appears that this Book is more large and comprehensive than that 2. This is said to be A Book sealed with seven Seals whereas that which is spoken of chap. 10. 2. Is An open Book To which afterwards Now some as Dr. H. Dr. L. look upon this Book as containing Gods Secret Counsels Purposes and Decrees concerning Jerusalem and the Jewish Nation directly â—and upon the matter wholly with the Judgments to be executed thereupon and the Destruction thereof Their great mistake wherein appears 1. By what We have formerly said and shewn viz. That Jerusalem was destroyed before the Apostle John had these Visions or the Contents of this Book in general sent and signified to him for the Martyr Antipas was slain as is acknowledged generally after the Destruction of Jerusalem and yet before John received these Visions and Revelations from the Lord. See the Notes before on chap. 2. verse 13. 2. And besides that our Lord Jesus had formerly plainly foretold his Disciples of and acquainted them with the Destruction of Jerusalem of the Temple City c. And declared to them very clearly and openly the Signs and Fore-runners thereof while he was with them upon the Earth He then told them there should not be left one Stone upon another which should not be thrown down And had fore-told them as the Forerunners thereof that his Disciples should hear of Wars and rumours of Wars but the end was not yet And that there should be Famines and Pestilence and Earth-quakes And â—oreshewed unto them one
evident Sign that should immediately come to pass and whereby they might know the Desolation thereof was nigh viz. When saith he ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with Armies then know that the Desolation thereof is nigh Then let them which are in Judea flee to the Mountains c. Matth. 24. 1 29. Mark 13. 1 26. Luke 21. 5 21 c. And now if this Book we are now speaking of did contain the same business it could not properly be called A sealed Book because in a great measure it was opened before by our Lord Jesus to the Apostles in general and also to the Apostle John particularly Mark 13. 3. Seeing also our Lord as I conceive had spoken more plainly there of the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Signs thereof than can be supposed he doth here as may appear by considering and comparing the three Evangelists fore-referred to But now this Book is still a sealed Book after the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and after his pouring forth the Holy Spirit upon his Apostles Therefore this Book refers principally unto some other Matter and Place 3. And it still and farther appears that this Book doth not directly much less onely contain the Mind and Purposes of God concerning the Destruction of Jerusalem c. because of that said to the Apostle John when he had taken and eaten up the little Book viz. Thou must Prophecy again before or against as the Word is translated Rom. 2. 2. many Peoples and Nations and Tongues and Kings chap. 10. 10 11. Implying that his former Prophecy was not against or concerning Jerusalem and the Jewish Nation onely nor directly but against many Peoples and Nations and Tongues and Kings the word many though in the last place may indifferently agree to all there being not so much as a Comma between the several words Now that former Prophecy of his there intimately pointed to is contained in this Book under present consideration Indeed the judgments contained in this sealed Book might fall heavy upon some and many particular Jews but not upon Jerusalem it self or that Nation for that and it were judged before as hath been often said and in a good measure as I conceive proved 4. The Prophet Daniel as directed by the Holy Ghost had fore-written fully of Jerusalem and the Jewish Nation in his Prophecy whereto our Saviour refers in speaking of the Signs that preceded the Destruction of that City c. Matth. 24. 15 21. And this especially respects the Gentiles and not at all the Destruction of Jerusalem as is before said And so we may say This Book contains in it as I conceive the Mind of God and his Counsels and Purposes concerning this World in general or the Roman Empire which was then over the whole Worldâ— or the known and habitable part of it see Mr. Mede as appears Luke 2. 1. As the little Book chap. 10. respects the Church especially And therefore this former is called A Book the latter A little Book as being less than this and not so comprehensive and large as is before noted And so we shall look upon and speak unto this former Book in this chap. 5. in what follows as containing Gods Mind Counsels and Purposes concerning the Roman Empire which was then greatly stretched forth and very vast large and comprehensive But now in that in this Book is fore-written things which must be hereafter so we may learn from hence That all things are naked and opened to the All-seeing Eyes of him with whom we have to do In his Book All things are written which in continuance are fashioned and fulfilled Psal 139. 16. The things which must come to pass are laid up in store with him and sealed up among his treasures Deut. 32. 34. Behold it is written before me saith the Lord Isa 65. 6. See the Notes before on chap. 4. verse 1. 2. We have next to enquire and consider Where did the Apostle see this Book And that is In the right hand of him that sate on the Throne It was in his hand that sate upon the Throne All is written before him before it be opened or made known to us or the contents thereof executed And we may hereby see and understand his infinite fitness and meetness to govern in that all things are written before him that sits on the seat the supream seat of judgement Psal 9. 4. The Lords Throne is in Heaven his Eyes behold c. Psal 11. 4 5. Men that are upon the throne here below cannot fore-see future things and therefore cannot so govern but that in some cases they may see good reason to wish they had done otherwise Because of their nescience of things which after come to pass they may sometimes erre and mistake or not do so well as otherwise they might have done But he seeth and knoweth all things Job 36. 4 5. And this Book was in the hand of him that sate and sits for ever upon the Throne And so it may give us to understand That this Book is such an one as in which is contained his Government of and over the world as hath been formerly said It is in his hand as the supreme Governour The little Book is in the hand of a mighty Angel whereby may be meant our Lord Jesus Christ who in this Chapter is said to be in the midst of the Throne And yet his right foot is upon the Sea and his left foot upon the Earth for God hath crowned him as the Son of Man and Head of the Church with glory and honour and set him over the works of his hands and put all things in subjection under his feet though yet we see not all things put under him Rev. 10. 2 3. with chap. 5. 6. Hebr. 2. 7 8 9. Eph. 1. 21 22. But this Book is in the hand of him that sits on the Throne yea this Book is said to be in the right hand of Him to signifie 1. His Almighty power who sits upon the Throne to perform all that is written therein in his right hand of power Mark 14. 62. Luke 22. 69. In his right hand whereby he hath spanned the Heavens Isa 48. 12 13. and nothing is too hard for him Jer. 32. 17. 27. In his right hand whereby he hath formerly conquered enemies as it is said Thy right hand O Lord is become glorious in power thy right hand O Lord hath dashed in pieces the enemy Thou stretchedst out thy right hand the earth swallowed them Exod. 15. 6. 12. Psal 98. 1. which hand is called his mighty hand Deut. 5. 15. and chap. 7. 8 19 c. with which he strengthened the Captain of our salvation so as the enemy did not exact upon him But though the Devil and his Instruments thrust sore at him that he might fall yet the Lord helped him The right hand of the Lord did valiantly the right hand of the Lord was exalted Psal 118. 11-13-16 with Psal 89. 19-22 And
in this place and those that follow And no man or none or not one for the word man is not in the Text here nor in verse 4. and the same word here translated no man is elsewhere translated none as Matth. 19. 17. Luke 18. 19. And in many other places And so we shall look upon it and speak to it here still understanding the word none as referring to meer Creatures and not to him that sits upon the Throne nor unto the Lamb verse 5 7 8 9 12. And so we may say None in Heaven not one there not the elders nor any of them though one of them did acquaint the Apostle John with one that had prevailed to do it to wit the Lion of the tribe of Judah the Lamb verse 5. 6. Yet he himself could not do it nor any of the Spirits of just Men made perfect though they are perfect in Spirit and present with the Lord and in a far better condition than those Saints which are at home in the Body and absent from Christ 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. Phil. 1. 22 23. Yet they were not able nor any of them to open this Book c. Indeed they have greater knowledge and understanding than any of the Saints which are here below and the Elders knew more than the Apostle John as appers in v. 5 And again When one of the Elders answered saying unto John What are these which are arrayed in white Robes and whence came they And I said unto him Sir thou knowest And he said unto me These are they which came out of great Tribulation and have washed their Robes and made them White in the Blood of the Lamb c. chap. 7. 13. 17. But yet they know not the Mind and Counsels of the Lord originally or perfectly or until or farther than they are revealed to them None knows the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Matth. 11. 27. Luke 10 22. 1 Cor. 2. 11. Nor any of the glorious and holy Angels though they are excellent Creatures and such as have great knowledge and understanding Hence it is said As an Angel of God so is my Lord the King to discern good and bad and my Lord is Wise according to the Wisdom of an Angel of God to know all things that are in the Earth 2 Sam. 14. 17. and verse 27. See also chap. 19. 27. Yet though they excel other Creatures in Wisdom and Knowledge they could not loose the Seals of this Book nor look therein they know indeed many things which the Saints in the Earth are unacquainted with and such things as the Apostle John marvelled at When I saw the Woman saith he I wondred with great admiration And the Angel said unto me Wherefore didst thou marvel I will tell thee the mystery of the Woman c. Rev. 17. 1 6 7-8 And one of the Angels said to him Come hither I will shew thee the Bride the Lambs Wife And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high Mountain and shewed me that great City the Holy Jerusalem c. chap. 21. 9 10. But though they know much more than Men yet we may say of this Roll as our Saviour sometimes doth in another case Of this Book knows no man or none no not the Angels of Heaven Matth. 24. 36. In which saying also our Saviour implies the Angels to be the most knowing Creatures yea though there are degrees amongst the Holy Angels and some more strong and excellent than other some as we have said on verse 2. Yet none of them presumed to undertake this great work none pretended to open this Book That strong Angelâ— spoken of verse 2. who made this Proclamation durst not adventure to unfold this perfectly sealed Book But this is the return made and account given after the Proclamation was sounded forth with a loud voice in which also inclusively his own unworthiness and inability is shewn None in Heaven not one of the Holy Angels was able to open this Book no not this Proclaimer not this strong Herald He propounds a question he could make no return unto nor any Archangel nor Creature whatever And in this respect also it may be said His Angels he charged with folly Job 4. 18. Nor in or on earth none there neither could open this Book no Creatures inferior to men they are brute unreasonable Creatures 2 Pet. 2. 2. 12. Jude 10. with Acts 25. 27. Such as have no understanding Psal 32-9 Dan. 4. 32 34. nor any Man whatsoever though God teacheth them more than the Beasts of the Earth and maketh them Wiser than the Fowls of Heaven Job 35. 10 11. Yet none of them could unfold this Roll not the learned they could not read it because they were unlearned nor the most learned because it was sealed as Isa 29. 11 12. The wisest and deepest Philosophers could not look into this Book nor the learnedest among men the thoughts of the wise were vain as to this matter and their wisdom foolishness with God 1 Cor. 3. 18 20. Where is the Wise where is the Scribe where is the Disputer of this World Hath not God made foolish the Wisdom of this World 1 Cor. 1. 19 20. â— They know not the thoughts of the Lord neither understand they his counsel Micah 4. 12. Nor the Wise Men or Wizards nor the Astrologers Star-gazers or monthly Prognosticators their Wisdom and Knowledge may pervert them but not enlighten them into the Knowledge of the Contents of this Book Isa 47. 10-13-15 No nor the living Creatures nor any Saints on Earth were worthy or able to open this Book nor is it good for them to be curiously intrudeing into things that are not revealed or which they have not seen Psal 131. 1. Sam. 6. 19. Col. 2. 18 19. As our Saviour â—aith to his Apostles It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power Acts 1. 6 7. Secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed unto us c. Deut. 29. 29 Indeed at the opening of every of the four first Seals one of the four living Creatures in order say Come and see but it is the Lamb that opens them all and not the living Creatures nor any of them chap. 6. 1 3 5 7. This Wisdom was not found in the Land of the Living as Job 28. 13. Nor amongst the Holiest Saints nor amongst the most excellently gifted guides on earth none of the best skilled or profoundest Interpreters could open this Book under consideration nor could the most Eagled-eyed or quick-sighted seers see or look into or read this Book Neither under the Earth No Creature or Creatures there neither could open this Book or look therein under which expression the Sea and Creatures therein may be included and comprehended Indeed in ver 13. the Creatures under the Earth and such as are in the Sea are distinguished
from one another but not so here And therefore they may be intended in this Phrase And however they were unable to open this Book as also were all Infernal Spirits to wit the Devil and his Angels Though they are very subtle and wise yet this wisdom was not found with them nor any of them In short this is the Account given of all Creatures beginning from the highest and most excellent unto the lowest and most miserable None in heaven nor in earth nor under the earth was able to open the Book c. 2. What is the account that is given of all Creatures whatsoever And that is None was able to open the Book neither to look thereon That is none could loose the Seals of this Book and so open it And so could not look thereon or therein to read it that he might know and understand the things therein contained for himself or for his own good and profit And so could not reveal it to others or so read it as that others might hear and understand it ver 2. and ver 4. None was able 1. There is an Ability of Wisdom Knowledge Skill c. So whereas it is said in one place Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men c. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel it is said in another speaking of the same business Take ye wise men and understanding compare Exod. 18. 21 25. with Deut. 1. 12 13. So Solomon prays Give thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and bad for who is able to judge this thy so great people To wit without wisdom and understanding 1 Kings 3. 9-12 In this sense Nebuchadnezzar demands of Daniel Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen and the interpreâ—ation thereof That is Hast thou wisdom and knowledge to do it Dan. 2. 20-22 with ver 26. See also Dan. 4. 18. Rom. 15. 14. Now in this consideration none was able none had wisdom or skill enough for this work as hath been said before None could find out this work yea though a wise man should think to know it yet he should not be able to find it Eccl. 8. 17. Job 4. 18. Dan. 4. 18. 2. There is an Ability of Strength and Power As it is said of the sons of Obed-Edom and their Brethren they were able men for strength c. 1 Chron. 26. 8. They had power or might to do great things But in this sense also there was no creature was able to loose the seals of this Book c. as Rev. 15. 8. Indeed our Saviour saith to his Disciples Ye be not able to do that thing which is least and therefore not so great a thing as this here spoken of Luk. 12. 26. 2 Cor. 3. 4 5. nor had this strong Angel who made the Proclamation nor any of the mighty Angels power and strength to undertake and accomplish this very hard and difficult work 3. There is an ability of Authority a lawful power or right to do such or such a thing or not to do So it may be said of Men or Angels they cannot do that they cannot righteously do or which they may not lawfully do So Joseph saith How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God Gen. 39. 9. In this sense it is said of God he cannot lie he cannot be tempted with evil because he can do no iniquity or unrighteousness Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. James 1. 13. with Gen. 18. 25. He is indeed Almighty but he is indeed also Holy Almighty Holy See the Notes before on chap. 4. ver 8. Now in this respect also none was able to open this Book none had Authority given unto them from Him that sate on the Throne to do it and they could have no power or authority thereto except it were given them from above We read of an Angel chap. 18. 1. that had great power or authority given unto him but not of any created being that had this authority given him to open this Book or to look thereon nor did any so much as pretend thereto as appears by this Account here 4. As is here signified to us there is also an ability of merit or worthiness but thus also no creature was able to wit worthy no one of them had merited such an high favour at the hands of God See ver 2. and ver 4. Indeed the Lamb was able in this sense to wit worthy to take the Book and to open the Seals thereof because he was slain c. ver 5 9 12. but this was only peculiar to him Luk. 3. 16. See Notes on ver 2. Ver. 4. And I wept much because none was found worthy to open and to read the Book neither to look thereon In this Verse is declared to us what effect the inability of all creatures or the account given thereof had upon the Apostle John with the reason thereof and renewing and repeating their unworthiness or inability And I wept much or lamented greatly c. Wherein we may for our usefulness note in general 1. That even the most eminent of Gods servants may and at sometimes do weep here While they are in this world they may sometimes weep sore and tears may be on their cheeks as Lam. 1. 2. This is the day of Jacobs trouble Jer. 30. 5-7 Thus our Saviour speaking to his Disciples saith â—lessed are ye that weep nâ—w Luk. 6. 21. and In the world ye shall have tribulation and again Verily verily I say unto you that ye shall weep and lament but the world shall rejoyce and ye shall be sorrowful c. John 16. 20. 33. Indeed they are exhorted instructed and strengthened to rejoyce in the Lord Phil. 3. 1-3 to rejoyce evermore 1 Thes 5. 16. to rejoyce in the Lord alwayes Phil. 4. 4. And this they may do also when they have or judge they have occasions of sadness administred to them they may be as sorrowful and yet alwayes rejoycing 2 Cor. 6. 10. they may greatly rejoyce even then when they are in heaviness thorow divers temptations yet then believing they may rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 6 7 8. 2 Cor. 4. 16 17 18. as on the one hand even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful Prov. 14. 13 14. so on the other though all the days of Gods afflicted ones be evil yet they may have a merry heart mean time and so a continual feast Prov. 15. 15. when their belly trembles and their lips quiver and rottenness enters into their bones c. And although the Figtree doth not blossom neither is there any fruit in the Vines c. yet they may rejoyce in the Lord and joy in the God of their salvation Habak 3. 16-18 These two may well consist together But though they do alwayes rejoyce in Christ Jesus and in those things which are not seen which are eternal 2 Cor.
Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me In burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure Then said I loe I come In the Volume of thy Book it is written of me to do thy will O God c. Hebr. 10. 1-4-7-9 John 1. 17. Col. 2. 16 17. Hebr. 9. 9-11 Or also with reference to the Lamb of the Passover the Paschal Lamb he may be here called A Lamb They were at that Feast to take a Lamb for an House or for 2 or three Houses and to kill it in the evening And this they were to keep as a feast by an Ordinance for ever or by a Statute of Eternity And the blood of that Lamb was to be to them for a token upon the Houses and when the Lord saw the blood he would pass over them and the plague should not be upon them Exod. 12. 3-14 Now the truth of this Type was Jesus Christ the Lamb here spoken of Christ our Pass-over hath been slain or sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5. 7. He gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour Eph. 5. 2. And he hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law Gal. 3. 13. This is that Lamb of God who bare the sin of the World and still taketh away their sins in his daily mediation during the day of God's Grace by means whereof God passes over us and is propitious to us John 1. 29. with Exod. 12. 8 9-14 Heb. 1. 3. Psal 75. 2 3. 1 John 2. 2. 2. He is a Lamb to be fed upon by us as the Pashcal Lamb was in former times Exod. 12. 8 9-14 Christ our Passeover is sacrificed for us therefore let us keep the Feast hereby he is become and in him is a Feast for all people 1 Cor. 5. 7 8. Isa 25. 6. Mat. 22. 4. The Bread that he will give continually is his flesh which he hath given for the life of the world His flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed whoso eateth his flesh and drinketh his blood hath eternal life John 6. 50 51-56 57. And to signifie to us that he is the truth of the Passeover and Paschal Lamb Hence our Lord Jesus when he was eating the Passeover instituted his Supper at the same time which is the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Matth. 26. 26-28 1 Cor. 11. 23-26 And indeed his flesh and blood are always to be fed upon by us in a believing mindfulness and remembrance and serious meditation on the greatness necessity and excellencie of his Sufferings and what he hath thereby done and obtained into himself and is become his and his Father's love in all commended Rev. 7. 16 17. And whoso eateth him even he shall live by him Joh. 6. 57. and shall be strengthned laying aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset him to run with patience the race that is set before him Hebr. 12. 1 2 3. with Exod. 12. 11. And as in former times the Paschal Lamb and the Sacrifices generally were to be without blemish otherwise they would not be accepted Exod. 12. 5. Lev. 1. 3. 10. and Chap. 3. 1 c. So Jesus Christ is a Lamb without blemish and without spot 1 Pet. 1. 19. one that knew no sin that did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth 2 Cor. 5. 19-21 1 Pet. 2. 20-22 he was holy harmless undefiled c. Heb. 7. 26. 3. He is a Lamb and so called to denote his great meekness in all his endurings and sufferings even in what he suffered from the hands of men also in which he was most unjustly proceeded against and with wicked hands crucified and slain when he was reviled he reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judged righteously 1 Pet. 2. 20-23 He was oppressed and he was afflicted yet he opened not his mouth he was brought as a Lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth Isai 53. 7 8. with Act. 8. 32-35 Luke 10. 3. He did not cry nor lift up nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets but was gentle in all he endured and patient towards all Isai 42. 1 2. 2 Cor. 10. 1. And he is gracious and gentle in all the Administrations of his Government And he calls upon us to take his yoâ—e upon us and lâ—arn of him who is meek and lowly in heart so shall we find rest to our Souls Isai 42. 18-21 Matth. 11. 29. Rom. 15. 1-3 2. We have an Account how he saw him As it had been slain In which saying is signified to us 1. That this Lamb was slain he was so once and but once 1 Cor. 5. 7. Heb. 9. 25 26-28 In which expression is included and supposed the whole of his abasement and sufferings in that body which the Father had prepared for him In that he died he died unto sin once Rom. 6. 9 10. Christ once suffered for sins the just for the unjust 1 Pet. 3. 18. Heb. 7. 27. and Chap. 9. 12-27 28. and Chap. 10. 10. Of this our Lord spake prophetically before his hour was come saying The Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected of the Elders and chief Priests and Scribes and be slain c. Luke 9. 22. And though they found no cause of death in him yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain Act. 13. 28. Though he was a Lamb a spotless Lamb one that continually went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him yet he was reviled he suffered and the Jews with wicked hands slew him and hanged him on a tree 1 Pet. 2. 20-23 Act. 2. 23. and Ch. 10. 38-40 And God brought him into the dust of death for our sins for God made him to be sin for us Psal 22. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Isai 53. 5-10 He spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all Rom. 8. 32. Zech. 13. 7. Rom. 4. 25. Gen. 22. 8 9. The Cup he drank of was that which the Father gave him to drink John 18. 11. Oh wonderful Grace Oh unparallel'd love both in Father and Son John 3. 16. and Chapt. 4. 8-10 and Chap. 4. 8-10-12-14 2. As it had been slain Not now so Rev. 5. 9 12. He now liveth who was dead and he is alive for evermore Rev. 1. 18. and Chap. 2. 8 God brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus the great Shepheard of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant Heb. 13. 20. God raised him again having loosed the pains of death because it was not pâ—ssible he should be holden of it Act. 2. 24-36 Luke 9. 22. And he is raised again in that body of his flesh in which he he bare our sins to the tree and was crucified dead and buried his flesh did
is Lord of all Psal 8. 5-7 with Heb. 2. 7-9 Act. 10. 36. He hath wonderful lustre and splendor far above the brightness of the Sun at Mid-day Act. 22. 11. with Chap. 26. 13 14. Luke 9. 30 32. with Mark 9. 5 6. Rev. 1. 16. The Spirit of Glory rests upon him as here also followeth 1 Pet. 4 14. with Isai 11. 1-3 and 42. 1. 7-8 His rest is Glory Isai 11. 10. And to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ we are called by the Gospel 2 Thes 2. 14 And all this glory and infinitely more than we can conceive much more express hath he received and obtained by his precious blood as may be seen in this Verse He hath suffered and is perfectly glorious through his Sufferings John 13. 31 32. Luke 24. 26 Phil. 2. 8 9. Heb. 2. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 11. And in his Glory he shall appear and be manifested in due time Luke 9. 26. Tâ—t 2. 13. And then they that look for him and in a patient continuance of well-doing having been seeking it shall behold his Glory and partake of it and appear with him in it John 17. 24. Rom 2. 7. Col. 3. 3 4. 1 John 3. 2 3. 3. Horns also signifie Government and Kingdoms as he shall give strength unto his King and exalt the Horn to wit the Kingdom of his Anointed 1 Sâ—m 2. 10. And the ten Horns out of this Kingdom are ten Kings or Kingdoms that shall arise Dan. 7. 24. sealed also Rev. 17. 3 7 12 So Christ is the Kingdom and his Kingdom is exalted and shall so appear gloriously in due season On his head are many Crowns Rev. 19 12. He hath most perfect rule and government given unto him his Kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19 The Father hath committed all judgment rule and government unto him John 5. 22 13. A King he is indeed higher than Agag and his Kingdom is exalted Num. 24. 7. He is King of Nations a great King over all the Earth Psal 47. 1 2-67 The LORD reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the mult tude of the Isles be glad thereof Psal 96. 1-10 and 97. 1. And he is King of Sainâ—s Rev. 15. 3. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 17. 14. and chap. 19. 16. By him Kings reign and Princes dâ—cree justice By him Princes rule and Nâ—blâ—s even all the Judges of the earth Prov. 8. 15 16. This is Gods King whom he hath set upon his holy Hill of Zion Psal 2. 6. And to a gracious end hath he committed all government to hâ—m that all men should honâ—ur him John 5. 22 23. And in due sâ—ason the â—ord God shall give unto him gloriously the throne of hâ—s Fathâ—r David and he sâ—all reign over the House of Jacob for ever aâ—d of his Kingdom there shall be no end Isa 9. 6 7. Luke 1. 32-34 Jer. 33. 15-17 21. And he may be said to have seven Horns with respect to the seven Churches to wit all power or power in its perfect on to deliver and defend them from and to dispense to them and satisfie them with good all glory to conâ—er upon them and Kingdom to possess them of if they hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm to the end Heb. 3. 6. And seven Horns as they signifie all power which is in this place the direct meaning of them as it is said before with respect unto the seven Seals to wit to open them when none else could do it verse 2. 4. 2. And seven eyes which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth These also the Lamb which hath been slain hath namely Seven eyes to wit infinite Knowledge and Understanding Or he is perfect in Knowledge Jon 36-3 4. with Isa 42. 19. For eyes signifie understanding Eph. 1. 18. And great is our LORD who was crucified for us and of great power he hath seven Horns as we have seen also of his understanding there is no number or it is infinite Psal 147. 5. with Rev. 11. 8. Or Eyes signifie Knowledge Num. 5. 13. and chap. 16. 14. See the the notes before on chap. 4. ver 6. and ver 8. These seven eyes are upon this elect precious stone Zeoh 3. 8 9. and chap. 4. 10. with Isa 28. 16. and 1 Pet 2. 4. 6. So as he perfectly knows all things John 21. 15. All things above in Heaven he knows his Father perfectly As the Father knoweth me saith he even so know I the Father yea none else knows him originally fully and perfectly John 10. 15. Matth. 11. 27. Luke 10. 22. No man hath seen God at any time the onely begotten Son is in the bosom of the Father and he hath seen and knows him I know him saith Jesus and if I should say I know him not I shall be a liar c. John 1. 18. and chap. 8. 55. For he hath the seven Spirits of God as presently follows and the spirit searcheth all things even the depths of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. And as he hath all power to open the Seals so also he hath all knowledge and understanding to look into and read the Book of Gods Mind and Counsels which no Creature in Heaven or Earth or under the earth could do verse 2-4 5. And so he knows all the dwellers in and inhabiters of Heaven the holy and glorious Angels and he knows how to imploy them for they are all of them ministring spirits unto him Heb. 1. 6-14 And the Saints and holy ones of mankind and upon them his eyes are for good Job 36. 7. But what are these eyes of his here spoken of Unto him it may be said as Job sometimes doth Hast thou eyes of flesh or seest thou as man seeth Job 10. 4. No surely But we have here an explication given to us of these eyes viz. That they are the seven spirits of God See the notes before on chap. 1. verse 4. even that one eternal spirit that proceedeth from the Father John 15. 26. And hereby he knoweth all things 1 Cor. 2. 10. For God hath not given the spirit by measure unto him John 3. 34. He being by the right hand of God exalted hath received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit Acts 2. 33. And on him resteth the Spirit of the LORD the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD and he is quick of understanding Isa 11. 1-3 And of these seven Spirits it is said in this place They are sent forth into all the earth So as hereby he not onely knows all things that are above but all things below also They are sent forth by Christ as he saith I will send the Holy Spirit John 15. 26. and chap. 16. 1. And they are sent into all the Earth or World like that They are the eyes of the LORD which run to and froâ— throw
the whole earth Zach 4 10. And these seven Eyes which are the seven Spirits of God are sent forth 1. In general to discern all things and discover them unto him what is done here below Though he dwelleth on high yet he humbleth himself to behold not only the things that are in Heaven but the things that are in the Earth also Psal 113. 4 6. His Eyes behold his Eye-lids try the Children of Men Psal 11. 4. The Eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15. 3. And these Eyes of his even the seven Spirits of God do as it were return an account to him of what is done here below like that Zach. 1. 9-11 that he may order the Government of God over the World graciously and righteously Psal 139. 7 8-12 He is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened to the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12. 14. Job 34. 21. Jer. 32. 19. 2. To enlighten the eyes of them that dwell therein To this end God hath put his Spirit upon Christ and he that giveth breath unto the people that are upon the earth giveth spirit also to them that walk therein Isa 42. 1-5-7 He is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1. 9. And especially he doth open their eyes who have the Gospel plainly and faithfully preached to them The Spirit of the Lord is upon Christ because he hath anointed him to preach the Gospel to the poor to preach recovering of sight to the blind Luke 4. 18. To open their eyes even the eyes of Jews and Gentiles and to turn them from darkness to light c. Acts 26. 18-23 The poor and deceitful man meet both together herein the LORD lighteneth both their eyes Prov. 29. 13. Psal 146. 8. And to them that turn at his whol some reproofs he will pour out his spirit unto them and make known his words unto them Prov. 1. 23. And they shall know more and more abundantly who thus follow on to know the LORD to wit â—n returning unto him continually from all their iniquities and vanities Hosea 5. 15. and chap. 6. 1-3 Dan. 9. 13. Matth. 13. 11 12. Dan. 2. 2 22. 3. To be with assist and bless them that heartily believe in and follow him The Eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth strongly to hold with them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. Job 36. 7. And as it is said concerning the Land of Canaan the same may be applied to the people whom the LORD hath chosen for his own inheritance They are a people for whom the LORD their GOD careth the Eyes of the LORD their GOD are alwayes upon them from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year Deut. 11. 12. To Watch for their good Psal 34. 12-15 To behold their troubles afflictions and exercises and to keep them from evil and seasonably to deliver them Psal 102. title and ver 18 19. Exod. 3. 7. And however he permits or orders it to the outward man yet behold the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him upon them that hope in his mercy to deliver their soul from death Psal 33. 18 19. Zach. 12. 4. Such shall certainly find Grace in his eyes at all times and in every condition Gen. 6. 8. 4. And these seven eyes of his to wiâ— the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth do behold the evil also and what their evil projects designs and actions are how deeply soever they dig to hide their counsels and actions from him Though they say God hath forgotten he hideth his Face he will never see yet herein they speak falsly for he doth see he beholdeth mischief and spite to require it with his hand Psal 10. 11-14 15. and 94. 5-8 Though they endeavour to hide themselves never so closely yet he will set his Eyes upon them that rebell against him for evil and not for good Amos 9. 1-4 8. He rules by his power for ever his eyes behold the nations let not the rebels exalt themselves Psal 66. 7. and Psal 139. Verse 7. And he came and took the Book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne We have seen before that when Proclamation was made by that strong Angel ver 2. None in Heaven nor in Earth neither under the Earth no meer Creature was able or worthy to open the Book neither to look thereon ver 3. which occasâ—oned the Apostle John to weep or lament much ver 4. whereupon an elder was sent to speak good and comfortable words to him telling him The Lion of the tribe of Judah c. had obtained power to open it and to loose the Seal thereof ver 5. And he beheld this most excellent and glorious one ver 6. And now the Apostle acquaints us with what he farther saw and that as the elder had foretold and according to that visional appearance ver 6. so here was some performance c. And he came to wit unto him that sate upon the throne somewhat like unto that spoken by the Prophet Daniel concerning him I saw in the night Visions and behold one like the Son of man came to the ancient of days Dan. 7. 13. He who had formerly come down from Heaven not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him even to lay down his life and give himself for our sins John 3. 13. and chap. 6. 38 41. with Gal. 1. 4. When he had finished that work which the Father gave him to do on earth he then left the world and went unto his Father again John 13. 3. and chap. 16. 28. and 17. 11 13. To receive all power from him and with him And took the Book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne Took it not to eat it as Rev. 10. 8-18 I mean not to prophesie as formerly in his personal ministration but he took it to open it to John that by him it might be shewed to Christs Servants more generally as afterwards also he did open it as chap. 6 c. He received power to reveal and make known the things contained in this Book and this upon the account of his having humbled himself to death the death of the Cross and to execute the things in this Book which was sealed with seven Seals Now in this seventh verse we may note for our usefulness 1. As this verse may refer to ver 5. where the Elder saith The Lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the Book c. and accordingly he now came That he doth and will confirm the word of his Servants and perform the counsel of his messengers as Isa 44. 26. Though his messengers cannot perform his
comes to pass that the Saints sacrifices of prayers and praises are so acceptable and sweet in the nostrils of God not because of the absolute perfection of them but because they are sanctified by the Spirit and full of and perfumed with the incense of the Intercession of Jesus Christ Isa 56. 7. Heb. 4. 14-16 Vers 9. And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation In this Verse we have to consider and speak unto 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones And they sung a new song 2. The subject-matter of this new song Wherein we have to considâ—r 1. Their Doxology or ascribing praise and glory to the Lamb saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof 2. The Reason or Reasons of his worthiness to do these things and to have this glory ascribed and rendred to him by-them For thou wast â—lain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones with their Harps c. And they sung a new song Where let us a little consider 1. The persons that sung 2. Their act or exercise it self 1. The persons that sung they the four living creatures and four and twenty Elders ver 8. or the Saints ver 8. These were the Harpers these the Singers here spoken of even the holy and righteous Ones and they are oft called on to sing unto the Lord and give thanks unto him Psal 30. 4. and 32. 11. and 33. 1 2 3. and 149. 1 2 3. Indeed men generally are called upon to sing unto the Lord as it is said Sing unto the Lord all the earth 1 Câ—ron 16. 23. Make a joyful noise unto God all ye Lands sing forth the honour of his name make his praise glorious Psal 66. 1 2. and 68. 32. and 96. 1 2. and 98. 1-4 5. and Psal 100. 1 2. But how can all men be called upon to sing or how can they meetly do it who believe not the Argument of the Song To which I say 1. There is good reason and cause for all so to do because Christ hath died for all yea rather is risen again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son c. for God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved John 3. 16 17. and chap. 4. 42. And Christ hath given his flesh for the life of the world and given himself a ransom for all John 6. 51. 1 Tim. 2. 4-6 In which the goodness of the Lord is manifested the love pity and kindness of him that â—its upon the throne and of the Lamb that he is good unto all and loving unto every man and hence all are called upon to come before his presence with singing Tit. 3. 4. Heb. 2. 9. Psal 100. 1 2 3 5. and 145. 8 9 1 Chron. 16. 23 24. Psal 113. 1 2 3. 2. In due time this is made known to all as they come to years of discretion in some measure I mean that the Lord is good to all Psal 50. 1. Prov. 8. 1-4-6 Rom. 1. 19 21. Christ is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into â—he world John 1. 9. and 8. 12. And especially he is discovering his grace and love to all that have the Scriptures amongst them and the Gospel preached to them that all might hear so as it may be said Have they not heard yes verily Rom. 10. 18 19. John 5. 25. Jam. 1. 19. And usually when they are called upon to sing praise unto the Lord the reason and reasons why they should so do are propounded therewith as Psal 47. 1-5 6. and 68. 4. 10 11 18-20-32 and 96. 1-10 and 98. 1-4 5. 3. Herewith God is giving his saving-grace that all might hear believe and sing praise and it is wholly their own fault if they do not these things The grace of God saving or that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared Tit. 2. 11. The â—our now is when the dead in sins and trespasses â—ear the voice of the Son of God that they might hear in hearing and live John 5. 25. and 1. 6 7. and chap. 6. 27 29 32 33 49 50. Rom. 8. 6 8-13-17 and therefore all may be called upon to praise the Lord for his goodness c. Psal 107. 8-15-21-31 But yet especially and most frequently the Saints and righteous ones are called upon excited and exhorted so to do because 1. They not only may but do know the joyful â—ound and so the good cause and reason why they should sing forth the honour of his name 1 John 5. 20. that the soul be without knowledg it is not good Prov. 19. 2. and God hath no pleasure in fools in such as so remain though he hath pity towards them Eccles 5. 1-4 and 7 5. But the Saints have an understanding they know and believe the love wherewith God hath loved them and all men in sending his Son the Saviour of the world 1 John 4. 14 -16 And therefore they especially are called upon to sing praises as it is said Sing ye praises with understanding or every one that hath understanding Psal 47. 5 6. 7. and 89. 15 16. 1 Cor. 14. 15. 2. And thorow the knowledg and belief of God's Testimony they are made in Christ and he is theirs 1 Cor. 1. 30 31. and 3. 23. they have tasted that the Lord is gracious 1 Pet. 2. 3. and are filled with joy and peace in believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory c. 1 Pet. 1. 8 9 10. though all the days of their afflictions are evil yet they have a merry heart and so a continual feast Prov. 15. 13 15. and is any man merry let him sing Psalms Jam. 5. 13. Blessed are the people that know the joyful â—ound they shall walk O Lord in the light of thy countenancâ— in thy name they shall rejoyce all the day c. Psal 89. 15 17. and 132. 9 16. and 30. 4 5. Hab. 3. 16-19 3. It is a becoming decent thing for them to sing praise as it is said Rejoyce in the Lord O ye righteous for praise is comely for the upright Prâ—ise the Lord with the Harp sing unto him a new song play skilfully with a loud noise Psal 33. 1 3. It 's not comely for â—thers so to do who wilfully abide in their ignorance and disobedience unto the wicked God â—aith What hast thou to do to declare my statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth seeing thou hatest instruction c. But whâ—so offereth praise saith the Lord glorifieth me and to him that disposeth his way will I shew the salvation
is the first begotten of the dead who loved us and gave himself for us c. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen Rev. 1. 5 6 2. And hast redeemed us to God by thy blood ouâ— of every kindred and tongue and people and nation Where consider we 1. What Christ further did for and to them upon the account whereof he is to be glorified by them And â—ast redeemed us unto God 2. By what means he did this By thy Blood 3. Out of or from amongst whom he so redeemed them Out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation 1. What Christ further did for and to them upon the account whereof he is to be glorified and for which all these holy ones here spoken of do praise and laud him And hast redeemed us unto God We may here for our usefulness enquire and consider Of what redeeming or buying do the Saints here speak and mean To which we may give answer and say 1. There is a Redemption wrought for men without them in and by Jesus Christ our Lord whereby he hath redeemed them unto himself from under the first judgment and condemnation Rom. 5. 18. and from perishing for ever in that first death which was the wages of that disobedience of the first publick man in whom all sinned and from whom they come forth into the world naturally and necessarily polluted and defiled Rom. 5. 12 15 19. When the fulness of the time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law even all mankind for they were all fallen under it both Jews and Gentiles and become subject and obnoxious to the judgment of God Gal. 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 9-19 And he hath redeemed them from the câ—rse of the Law being made a curse for them Gal. 3. 13. He gave himself a ransome and price of redemption for all men 1 Tim. 2. 6. And he hath redeemed them in and by himself for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ Rom. 3. 22-24 He hath bought them who by denying him bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2. 1. Redeemed them who transgress and speak lies against him Hos 7. 14. Deut. 32. 6. He hath bought all men with a precious price and his they are Psal 100. 1-3 He hath died for all and is raised again and hath purged away the guilt of their first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God Abolished their first death and will in due time dâ—stroy it and hath destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 9-14 and Chap. 1. 3. He hath born the judgment of the world and cast out the Prince of this world out of his Principality which he had gotten over mankind and hath drawn all men unto himself to be under his authority and Lordship Joh. 12. 31 32. To this end he both died and rose and revived that he might be the Lord c. Rom. 14. 9. And to a gracious end hath he died for all and thus redeemed them that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but unto him that died for them and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Henceforth the Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the Son that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. In this sense he is the Redeemer and Saviour of all men and he hath also obtained eternal redemption for them Heb. 9. 12. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. Luk. 24. 46 47. But this Redemption is not here directly spoken of and though it be fundamentally supposed and included yet it is so rather in the former expression viz. Thou wast slain 2. There is a Redemption also which he is now working during the day of his grace and patience wherein he is buying men in their own persons of both these the Apostle in other expressions speaks saying God was in Christ to wit when one died for all and rose again reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses to them This was that which he was working and wrought for men without them in the person of Christ and before it be preached to them and is the same with that first Redemption we have been speaking of and then it presently follows in the next verse We pray in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God this is a following work which in the preaching and by the discovery of the former he is working in men and is the same with that redeeming we are now speaking of 2 Cor. 5. 19 20. and so he who is the redeemer of men in the former sensâ— is teaching them to profit and leading them by the way they should go and so redeeming them in their own persons who yet hearken not to hâ—s Commandments but deprive their souls of good Isa 48. 17 18. And he doth redeem them who yield up themselves to him and are not disobedient to the heavenly call he doth buy them off themselves he gives himself to them for them as a man gives himself to a maid for her that they might be his and be married to him who is raised from the dead and he might be theirs their head and husband Ephes 5. 25 26. And so he râ—deems them from all their iniquities and delivers them from or chuses them out of this present evil world and purifies them unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2. 14 Gal. 1. 4. and of this redeeming he here directly speaks as plainly appears by all the context to which we shall not here speak further because we shall have apt occasion to mention it again and speak further to it in what follows There is also a Redemption which he will glâ—riously effâ—ct and accomplish hereafter but of that we shall not speak here any thing further Now between Christs redeeming men in the two former considerations there are several differences and dissimilitudes some of which we may briefly mention and which have been intimated in what we have spoken As to say 1. As to the effecting the former there was nothing required of men but it was done for them without them in and by Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 13. 2 Cor. 5. 14 15 19. But as to the latter there is something required of them as God is working in them both to will and to do of good pleasure viz. to look unto Christ and be saved to be reconciled unto God Phil. 2. 12-16 Isa 45. 21 22. 2 Cor. 5. 19 20. 2. The first is for all men 1 Tim. 2. 6. for the world of mankâ—nd 2 Cor. 5. 19. and so all are bought with a price 2 Pet 2. 1. Gal. 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 19. In the second sense all are not redeemed though in due time Christ be redeeming them
yet too many close their eyes lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and should be converted and Christ should heal them Mâ—t. 13. 15. By observing â—â—ing vanities they forsake their own mercies Jon. 2. 8. Prov. 17. 16. 2 Thes 2. 10. 3. The fiâ—st was that which was effected at once when Christ died for all and rose again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15 19. 1 Tim. 2. 6. Gal. 3. 13. The second not so but at several times in several ages such as were afterwards redeemed from their vain conversation were not so in former time time was when they who are now or were formerly a redeemed people in time past were not so and they that now are not redeemed unto God may thorough the grace of God â—e so hereafter while it is called to day 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. with Chap. 2. 9 10. and 4. 3. But to this we may speak more in the latter end of this verse 4. The first was effected by a price given to God 1 Tim. 2. 6. He gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice unto God for a sweet-swelling savour Ephes 5. 2. Tit. 2. 14. Heb. 9. 12 14. But the second is by a price tendered unto us and put into the hands of men in due season in which the grace of God brings salvation to all men Phil. 3. 4-7-9 Tit. 2. 11. Prov. 17. 16. But to this also we may speak further 5. Those who are only redeemed or bought in the first sense are and remain but the subjects of the love of pity and compassionate kindness and benevolence Isa 63. 9. Tit. 3. 4. But they that are redeemed in the second are also the subjects and objects of delightful and well-pleased love of love of complacency they are Saints and holy ones as here vers 8. And all his delight is in the Saints that are in the earth and in the excellent ones Psal 16. 3. And the not distinguishing between these two that effected in Christ and that which he is effecting in men and doth effect in them that believe is the reason and cause of so great mistake and confusion in mens understandings about and expressings of these things 2. By what means did he redeem them By thy blood And so 1. Not by keeping the Law or by his doing what is contained therein and commanded thereby though yet he always did those things which pleased his Father Joh. 8. 28 29. and 4. 34. But if righteousness could have come by the law even by his keeping of it then Christ died in vain Gal. 2. 21. He had without doubt fully and perfectly kept the Law when he cried out thrice O my Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me c. Mat. 26. 39 42 44. And thus he cried out not because he was unwilling to drink it for he did delight to do the will of his God yea his Law was in the midst of his heart Psal 40. 6 8. Heb. 10. 5 8. with Joh. 18. 11. But for instruction to us even to shew unto us that though he loved righteousness and never transgressed at any time his Fathers commandment yet that notwithstanding or any thing else the cup could not possibly pass from Christ but he must drink it or we must have drank it and perished by it Without shedding of blood there was no remission Heb. 9. 22. and therefore Christ must needs have suffered that he might redeem and buy us of God and that he might redeem us unto God Act. 17. 2 3. What the law could not do in that it was weak thorow the flesh God sent his own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin the flesh Rom. 8. 2 3 32. Luk. 24. 25-27 And if we were not redeemed by Christs keeping the Law much less were we so by our own keeping it or by any works of righteousness that we could do Tit. 3. 3 4. Rom. 3. 19 20-22 As many as are of the works of the law are under the curse c. Gal. 3. 10 11-13 14. and Chap. 2. 16-19-21 2. By blood they were redeemed not by might or strength simply though yet it is also true his right hand and his holy arm got him the victory Psal 98. 1. God lâ—id help upon one that was mighty Psal 89. 19. But the ground-work of our redemption was in abasement and sufferings to wit of the Son of God in the nature of man and therein fiâ—stly and fundamentally his strength and power was exercised and evidenced even in his weakness and humiliation 1 Cor. 1. 23-25 In redeeming his people out of Egypt his glorious power and mighty arm wrought wonderfully and brightly appeared He redeemed them thereout by his greatness and mighty hand simply Deut. 9. 26. 1 Chron. 17. 21. Psal 136. 11 12. But he hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us for it is written cursed is every one that is hanged on a tree This work was effected thorow his being crucified and so not by strength simply but rather through weakness For he was crucified thorow weakness Gal. 3. 13. with 2 Cor. 13. 4. And thorow death he hath destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 14 15. And the preaching of the Cross of the weakness of Christ and God is the power of God for redeeming us unto himself 1 Cor. 1. 17 18-23-25 If power simply and strength of arms would have redeemed us Christ needed not to have been abased for us as he hath been 3. He hath redeemed us unto God by blood not by money not by gold or silver Though in this world and amongst men ordinarily the ransom of a mans life are his riches Prov. 13. 8. And though under the Law the Children of Israel were to give every man a ransome for his Soul unto the Lord to wit half a shekel after the shekel of the Sanctuary to make an atonement for their souls Exod. 30. 12-15 16. and Chap. 21. 30. yet we were redeemed of God without money Isa 52. 3. with Chap. 53. Will he esteem thy riches no not gold nor all the forces of strength A great ransome of this nature could not deliver us Job 36. 18 19. They that trust in their wealth and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches none of them can by any means redeem his brother nor give to God a ransome for him for the redemption of their soul is precious c. Psal 49. 6 7 8. And we were redeemed unto God from our vain conversation not with corruptible things as silver and gold with respect whereto our Redeemer was poor Mat. 17. 27. Luk. 8. 3. and Chap. 9. 58. Joh. 6. 15. but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot 1 Pet. 1. 18 19 20. Pâ—il 3. 4-7-9 4. He hath redeemed us to God by blood but not by any
the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name that the residue of men might seek after the Lord and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called saith the Lord c. Act. 15. 14 17. Mat. 5. 14 16. Phil. 2. 12 16. Joâ—n 15. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 9 12. 5. In that these holy Ones acknowledg with thankfulness to the Lamb not only that he was slain but also say they and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred c. as also considering what follows in ver 10. so we may learn that it was not only needful that Christ should give himself a ransom for all and work redemption in himself for them but also it is needful that those that come to years of capacity should be redeemed that they may not perish but have everlasting life Joâ—n 3. 14 16. Mark 16. 15 16. so our Saviour saith to Nicodemus Verily verily I say unto thee except a man be born of water and the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God and the being born again of water and the spirit and being redeemed unto God are the same in substance Joh. 3. 3 5 7. compare Jam. 1. 18. with Rev. 14. 4. yea as it is needful to be redeemed by the precious blood of Christ from our iniquities and vain conversation Tit. 2. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. so also to be redeemed thereby from evil and polluting persons and men in their evil thoughts principles ways and manners out of the kindreds and tongues c. from all inordinate affection to our kindred and nâ—erest relations after the flesh and to prefer Christ and his Gospel and people before all Matth. 10. 37 39. Luke 14. 26-33 Gen. 12. 1. As the holy Spirit when he had been declaring the love and loveliness of Christ saith Hearken O daughter and consider and encline thine ear forget also thine own peoplâ— and thy fathers house so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty c. Psal 45. 1-10 11. yea it seems the being redeemed from all iniquity and out of every kindred c. are the same and we cannot be delivered from the former unless we be redeemed out of the latter Hence in that parallel place to this it is said Vnto him who loved us here was slâ—in and wash't us from our sins in his own blood here redeemed us unto God by his blood out of every kindred c. compare Rev. 1. 5 6. with this place and Rev. 14. 3. with ver 4. And as in former times it was needful that Israel should be brought and come out of Egypt that they might go unto and inherit the promised land as it is said I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large a land flowing with milk and honey c. Exod. 3. 8 1â— 12. And he brought them out from thence that â—e might bring them in to give them the land which he sware to their fathers Deut. 6. 22 23. Ezek. 20. 5 6. so it is needful to our inheriting that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeâ—h not away reserved in the Heavens to escape the pollutions of the world thorow the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to be redeemed out of and delivered from this present evil world John 13. 8. 1 Cor. 6. 9. 11. Gal. 1. 4. with 1 Cor. 11. 32. Vnless we forsake the foolish we cannot live nor go in the way of understanding Prov. 9. 5 6. O then let us come out from among vain sinful ones how neerly related soever they are to us and be separate and toâ—ch no unclean thing and he will receive us and will be a father â—nto us and we shall be his sons and daughters who is the Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6. 16-18 with Exod. 8. 23. â— In that this is part of their new Song that he had redeemed them unto God by his blood out of every kindred and tongue c. and that both by the Saints in Heaven as well as by those on Earth so it shews unto us that this ought to be and shall be remembred with singing and rejoycing for ever what the Lord hath done for their souls Psal 66. 16. and 103. 1-6 and 116. Eph. 3. 21. Rev. 1. 5 6. Indeed firstly and fundamentally they praise him with their Song because he was slain in which his love was manifested and is everlastingly commended to mankind but not for that only but with their Harps they also merrily sing forth his mercy and grace to them in redeeming them out of their pollutions and polluting relations and companions Vers 10. And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth This is also a part of their new Song which they sing merrily and skilfully upon their Harps unto the Lamb and in this verse also there are Reasons laid down why they render honour and glory unto him which is indeed but meet and their reasonable service Now in this Verse the four living creatures and twenty-four Elders do with thankfulness and rejoycing further acknowledg to the praise of the Lamb 1. The great honour and dignity he had conferred upon them 2. The assured hope of that honour glory and dignity they shall partake of and inherit hereafter in due season 1. The great honour and dignity he had further confeâ—red upon them And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priâ—sts We have spoken already to these words see notes before on chap. 1. ver 6. but because we have the same again recorded in the Scripture we may speak something again to them though we speak over again the same words we have spoken as these holy Ones here also do the same used before Thou hast made us kings c. say they they did not make themselves so or exalt themselves they were not like him of whom it is said he exalted himself saying I will be king or reign 1 King 1. 5. For whosoever exalâ—â— himself shall be â—based and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Matth. 23. 12. They did not take Hornâ— to themselves by their own strength for such as so do or would do rejoyce in a thing of nought Amos 6. 13. they were not like them of whom it is said The Robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision as some in our days have done climbing up to their conceited honour some other way and not thorow the door and so were Theeves and Robbers John 10. 1. but they shall fall Dan. 11. 14. As these self-exalters have done also in our time as one and none of the meanest of them neither confessed saying It was the most glorious cause and the most irrecoverably lost that ever was any from the foundation of the world And so certainly himself being judg it was not of God Act. 5.
39. No the promotion of these holy Ones was not of themselves or of man but he who is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Rev. 1. 5 6. whose name is King of kings Rev. 17. 14. and 19. 12 16. thus advanced them It was he whom they religiously worship that raised up these poor ones out of the dust and lifted up these needy ones out of the dunghil that he might set them with Princes with the Princes of his people Psal 113. 7 8. 1 Sam. 2. 8. and therefore he is higher than they and hath in all things the pre-eminence Col. 1. 18. Psal 89. 26 27. for without all contradiction the less is blessed and exalted of the better Heb. 7. 7. and none need to be offended at their dignity for their honour and kingdom is not from hence John 18. 36. no say they but thou the great God and our Saviour hast made us unto our God Kings c. Now he conferred this honour upon them and made them Kings 1. By a birth from himself who is the everlasting Father and begetter of Kings Isa 9. 6 7. These are the children whom God hath given him Heb. 2. 13. And if children then Heirs Heirs of God and joynt-heirs with Christ Rom. 8. 17. they are born of the right seed of the seed of the kingdom in a spiritual consideration 2 King 11. 1. and 25. 25. even of the Gospel the Word and Gospel of the Kingdom Luk. 10. 9 11. Matth. 4. 23. and 13. 19-38 and chap. 24. 24. and so are Heirs of the Kingdom Jam. 2. 5. they are born of water and the spirit of the free and immense love of God to the world of mankind as it is manifested by the spirit in lifting up the Son of man in the Gospel in which birth they are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of Gods deer Son John 3. 3 5 7-16 with Col. 1. 13. they are born of incorruptible seed to an incorruptible inheritance 1 Pet. 1. 3 5. with ver 23. This is the fundamental and first thing requisite to their being made and in which they are made Kings namely being born of seed-royal As in this world none are Heirs to an Hereditary Kingdom but such as are so by birth whatever excellent endowments and accomplishments soever they have and how beautiful amiable or well-deserving soever they are or appear to be yet if they be not of the seed-royal they must not inherit but it would be an heinous iniquity in them to aspire to the Kingdom and though persons be or appear to be never so mean crooked deformed c. yet if they be born of the right seed they are Kings by Inheritance so it is here those who are Kings in a spiritual and heavenly consideration are such as are born not of bloods not of the law of works not of mens doctrins or traditions but of the love of God manifested in Christ and made known in the Gospel as preached by Christ and his holy Apostles 1 Pet. 1. 23-25 with 1 Joh. 4. 7 8-10 14. Joh. 1. 12 13. For what saith the Scripture Cast out the bond woman and her son for the son of the bond-woman shall not be heir with the son of the free-woman So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free Gal. 4. 30. 31. 2. He hath washt them from their sins in his own blood without which they can have no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Rev. 1. 5 6. Gal. 5. 19-21 Eph. 5. 5 6. 1 Cor. 6. 9-11 Or as here they say Thou 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 c. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Therefore he is redeeming them and hath redeemed from the Earth and from among men and from all iniquity and purisying them unto himself peculiar ones zealous of good works Rev. 14. 3 4. and 21. 27. He is saving them with the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he sheds on them abundantly thorow Jesus Christ That being justified by his grace they might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life Tit. 3. 5-7 Heb. 12. 14. Mat. 19. 29 3. He is anointing them with holy oyl even with his holy Spirit with the spirit of wisdom and revelation with the spirit of grace and supplication with the spirit of adoption and child-like boldness and is sealing them herewith and giving his spirit to them as an earnest of the inheritance Ephes 1. 13 14. and 4. 30. As David was anointed King some considerable time before he reigned so now these have received an unction from the holy one while they are under sufferings and persecution and before the time of their reigning comes 1 Sam. 16. 12 13. with 2 Sam. 2. 4. and 3. 1. and Chap. 5. 1 5. 2 Cor. 1. 21 22. He is anointing them with the same oyl of gladness wherewith God hath anointed him whose throne is for ever and ever though as to the degree he is anointed therewith above his fellows as he hath highly deserved to be Heb. 1. 8 9. 1 Joh. 2. 20-27 Psal 105. 15. Act. 11. 26. 4. He is clothing them by faith with the garments of salvation and covering them with the robe of righteousness Isa 61. 10. and with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God Phil. 1. 11. with the fruit of the spirit to wit love joy peace long-suffering gentleness goodness faith meekness temperance that they may inherit the Kingdom of God Gal. 5. 22 23. with ver 19-21 Eph. 5. 9. And if these things be in them and abound they make them that they shall neither be idle nor unfruitful in the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ But so an entrance shall be ministred unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1. 4-8-11 Mat. 5 5-9 5. And thus prepared and fitted he appoints unto them a Kingdom as his Father hath appointed unto him That they may eat and drink at his table in his Kingdom and sit on Thrones judging the twelve Tribes of Israel Luk. 22. 28-30 Mat. 25. 34-40 and Chap. 19. 28 29. and they are by faith and in hope receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved Heb. 12. 26-28 And though they are as sorrowful yet always rejoicing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 10. Jam. 2. 5. And Priests He hath also made them spiritual Priests even such as are redeemed unto God by the blood of the Lamb out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation In former times the typical Priests were not of every people and nation but only of the people of Israel nor of every kindred or tribe of that Nation but only of the
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
in the second and general resurrection Rev. 20. 12 c. 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. John 5. 21. 3. And the seed of the righteous before spoken of even all their children that were according to the Lords Ordinance and Institution brought into the family of Abraham or Church of Christ whether by circumcision as formerly or by baptism as since the resurrection and ascension of Christ and who dyed in infancy or before they came to the use of understanding shall reign on the Earth Indeed for such as whose circumcision or baptism was carelesly or willingly neglected when there was an opportunity they are cut off from the congregation of the Lord as it is said The uncircumcised man-child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised that soul shall be cut off from his people he hath broken my covenant Gen. 17. 14. Josh 5. 5 6. But as for the rest that have been brought into the congregation of the Lord according to his order they shall inherit this honour and blessing Gen. 17. 7. 9. The soul of the fearer of the Lord shall dwell at ease and his seed shall inherit the earth Psal 25. 12 13. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly in his commandments His seed shall be mighty upon earth the generation of the upright shall be blessed Psal 112. 1 2. To this purpose are the words spoken by the Lord to comfort Rachel When she was weeping for her children because they were not Thus saith the Lord refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears for thy work shall be rewarded saith the Lord and they shall come again from the land of the enemy to wit death 1 Cor. 15. 26. and there is hope in thine end saith the Lord that thy children shall come again to their own border to wit into the land of Canaan when it is made new Jer. 31. 15 17. with Matth. 2. 16 18. of such is the Kingdom of Heaven Matth. 19. 14. Mark 10. 14. Lukâ— 18. 16. But we shall here add no more to that first particular 2. How shall the persons before spoken of reign or of what reigning is here and elsewhere spoken meant and intended and what is contained therein To this we shall give answer and say 1. It is a reigning as kings as is here plainly signified thou hast made us unto our God kings and we shall reign c. they shall have great authority judgment and government committed to them when Christ as King shall reign in righteousness they as Princes shall rule in judgment Isa 32. 1. Indeed it is still Christs Throne his Kingdom and Dominion Rev. 3. 21. Dan. 7. 27. He shall have the pre-eminence as he hath highly deserved and merited Col. 1. 18. He will then gloriously appear to be Gods first-born higher than these kings also Rev. 1. 5 6. Psal 89. 26 27. But they are by God called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. And hereafter unto these Saints of the most high shall be given the Kingdom and Dominion c. Dan. 7. 27. they shall sit as kings on the throne of Jesus Christ Rev. 3. 21. they shall judg to wit govern the world namely in such a sense as is answerable unto though far more excellent and glorious than the judgment and government of Judges Princes and Potentates now see 1 Cor. 6. 1 2 4. they shall reign every one of them authoritatively as our Lord Jesus signifies in the Parables he speaks to this business wherein he saith to his faithful servants I will make thee ruler over many things or persons as things many times includes persons Matth. 25. 21 23. with 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. so it is said It came to pass that when he to wit Christ was returned having received the kingdom then he commanded his servants to be called to him c. Then came the first saying Lord thy pound hath gained ten pounds and he said unto him Well thou good servant have thou authority over ten cities and unto another he said Be thou also over five cities Luke 19. 15 17 19 27. To this purpose also the Apostle John speaks saying And I saw to wit in vision thrones for these kings to sit upon and they sate upon them and judgment to wit rule and government as the word frequently signifies was given unto them and they lived and reigned c. to wit as kings upon thrones Rev. 20. 4. with Psal 122. 4. And thus here Every one of the Saints having Harps and golden Phials c. melodiously sing saying Thou hast made us unto our God kings and we namely every one of us shall reign c. Revel 5. 8 10. And this will further appear also in what follows to be spoken unto by us 2. It is such a reigning also as will be free from persecution and trouble from all molestation and disquietment from enemies they shall then delight themselves in the abundance of peace Psal 37. 7 11. In the days of Christ the true Solomon the righteous shall flourish and abundance of peace till there be no moon Psal 72. 7. For Satan shall then be bound during the thousand years of this glorious and peaceable reign whose work it hath been and will be until that time to accuse the brethren and deceive the world to disquiet and persecute the accused Saints I say with the Scripture He shall be bound and cast into the bottomless pit and shut up and a seal set upon him that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years should be fulfilled c. Rev. 20. 1 3. with chap. 12. 9 10. And then the oppressor shall be broken in pieces indefinitely considered Psal 72. 3 4. The extortioner shall be at an end the spoiler cease and the oppressors shall be consumed out of the land or earth Isa 16. 4 5. Psal 37. 10 11. Then indeed compleatly God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying c. Rev. 21. 1 2 4 The Sun shall no more light on them nor any heat and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Rev. 7. 16 17. And this consideration detects and refutes that fond mistake of a learned man Dr. H. on chap. 1. 6. as if this reign began in Vespasian's days c. in which there was not such hot persecution as before and as in Domitian's but some comparative tranquillity yet with persecution whereas the reign which is the hope of the Saints is such an one as is without persecution and not to be enjoyed till the suffering-time be over and past and is therefore spoken of as consequential thereto as the Apostle saith If so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified together for I reckâ—n that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us Where the
people righteously and govern the nations upon earth Selah Psal 67. 3 4 7. and 82. 5 8. And all the earth is called upon to make a joyful noise before the Lord for he not goeth or sitteth in Heaven but cometh to wit down from Heaven for he cometh to judg the earth he shall judg the world with righteousness and the people with his truth Psal 96. 11 13. and 98. 4 9. and 47. Behold the days come saith the Lord that I will raise up unto David a righteous branch and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth In his days Judah the two Tribes shall be saved and Israel the ten Tribes who were then captives and so remain unto this day shall dwell safely And this is his name whereby he shall be called THE LORD OVR RIGHTEOVSNESS Jer. 23. 5 6. and Chap. 33. 14 15-17 The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee And the Lord shall be King over all the earth In that day there shall be one Lord and his name one Zech. 14. 5-9 And therefore because he shall reign on the earth and they with him they also shall reign on the earth as is here with joy and rejoicing affirmed by these redeemed ones 2. And they shall reign one with another who are children of God If children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be they suffer that they may also be glorified together Rom. 8. 16 17. As they shall be gathered together unto him to Christ I mean so also one to another in a personal consideration and shall not be separated one from another any more 2 Thes 2. 1. now they are scattered one from another upon several accounts The wise and gracious sowâ—r soweth the good seed the children of the Kingdom over all his field of the world for the good of the world that by them Gods way might be known upon the earth and his saving health among all Nations Mat. 13. 24-38 with Psal 67. 1-3 And by their being thus disposed many of them never see the faces of one another in the flesh Col. 2. 1. sometimes they are scattered one from another by persecution so it is said There was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea c. Act. 8. 1 3 4. Many times the wolf cometh and scattereth the sheep one from another Joh. 10. 12. Sometimes and too often they are sundred one from another by contentions strifes and animosities It is the work of sin and satan to sow discord between brethren and to separate chief friends one from another Jam. 4. 1-5 Rev. 12. 10. so it is said of these two eminently holy ones Paul and Barnabas the contention was so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the other Act. 15. 39. And so also they are removed one from another by death Isa 38. 11. but then compleatly and gloriously there will be the congregation of the righteous when they are raised and reign with Christ Psal 1. 5. The son of man 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. And them that sleep in Jesus God will bring with him 1 Thes 4. 13 14. The dead shall not reign on earth before the living All these holy ones saith the Apostle having obtained a good report thorow faith received not the promise God having provided some better things for us that they without us should not be made perfect Heb. 11. 39 40. And they of Christs which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep for the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-angel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air And so shall we ever be with the Lord 1 Thes 4. 15-17 And that in this glorious reign one shall not be before or after another the Apostle signifieth when he saith I would to God ye did reign that we also might reign with you thereby giving us to understand that as they shall reign with Christ as is before said so also one with another 1 Cor. 4. 8. this honour shall all Christs Saints have together Psal 149. 4 5-9 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Vse 1. Now from what is here said in vers 9 10. we may see what is the new song so oft spoken of in Scripture as Psal 33. 1-3 and 40. 1-3 and 96. 1. and 98. 1-4 9. and 149. Isa 42. 1-10 to wit it is that which contains the contents of the Testimony of Jesus as we have said to wit what he hath done for us sinful creatures of mankind what he is now doing and what he will do 2. Here we may also see who are the true singers of the new song such as lift up the Horâ— that Horn of Salvation which God hath raised up in the house of his servant David this Horn is the praise of all these Saints 1 Chron. 25. 3-5 with Psal 148. 14. and Luk. 1. 69. And they first render glorious the sufferings of Christ and merrily and skilfully sing of and sound forth the preciousness of his blood saying Thou wast slain c. These are they who rightly sing and make melody with grace in their hearts unto the Lord even these redeemed ones Ephes 5. 18 19. Col. 3. 16. and these are called upon to give thanks unto and praise the Lord as it is said O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever let the redeemed of the Lord say so whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered them out of the lands from the East and from the West and from the North and from the South even out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation Psal 107. 1-3 with Rev. 5. 9. and Chap. 14. 2 3. 4 5. 3. From this particular branch of the new song to wit We shall reign on the earth we may see That these redeemed ones having access into the grace of God rejoice in hope of the glory to be revealed Rom. 5. 2. and Chap. 12. 11. holding fast the beginning of the confidence they also hold fast the rejoicing of the hope and have that as an anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast c. Heb. 3. 6. with vers 14. and Chap. 6. 18-20 Psal 89. 15 16. 4. The consideration of the assurance of the faith and hope of these holy ones that they shall reign on the earth may preserve us from those scoffers who say where is the promise of his comeing and strengthen us notwithstanding their scoffs to
Judg. 13. 16. And so have good Men also Act. 10. 25 26. and ch 14. 15. Indeed the Devil would have been worshipped even by the Son of God Mat. 4. 9. And of his Vicar the Man of Sin it is said He opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God 2 Thes 2. 4. But good Men and Angels have disclaimed and denyed this honour He only is worthy of divine honour and worship who created all Angels and Creatures and for whose pleasure they are and were created Rev. 4. 10 11. And this glory he will not give to another Isay 42. 8. for before him there was no God formed neither shall there be after him there is no God besides him he knows not any Isay 43. 10 12. and ch 44. 8. and 45. 5. 6. 18. 21. 22. and 46. 9. Jâ—el 2. 17. Hence the Angel that had the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the Earth and to every Nation and Kindred and Tongue and People said with a loud voice Fear God and give glory to him And worship him that made Heaven and Earth and the Sea c. Rev. 14. 6 7. 2. Round about the Throne not in the midst of it there only the Lamb that hath been slain is as the perpetual Sacrifice and alone Mediator Rev. 5. 6. and ch 7. 17. And as there is one God and there is none other but he Mark 12. 32 34. So there is one and but one Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all 1 Tim. 2. 5 6. He is the only Mediator and not any Angel or Angels who are not in the midst of but round about the Throne We are not to come to God by them nor by any but one even by him who dyed for us yea rather is risen again c. No Man cometh to the Father but by him Joh. 14. 6. Heb. 7. 24 25. and ch 13. 15. And they who in a voluntary humility worship Angels hold not the Head Col. 2. 18 19. And much less should Men fall down before or come to God in their worshippings by their Images or supposed Images Likenesses or Pictures Isay 42. 8. A Formed God or Graven Image is profitable for nothing Isay 44. 10. And they even un-man and much more un-christian themselves who fall down before or worship Graven Images or the likeness of any thing in Heaven above c. Isay 44. 17 19. ch 46. 9. This is forbidden by and highly displeasing to God to make to our selves any Graven Image or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or in the Earth beneath c. or to bow down to them or serve them Exod. 20. 4 5. Deut. 4. 15 19. and ch 5. 8 9. There is one Image which is the Image of the invisible God that ought to be worshipped even Jesus Christ who is the true God and eternal Life 2 Cor. 4. 4. Col. 1. 15. Heb. 1. 3. But all of Man's making are abominable to him Confounded be all they that serve Graven Images that boast themselves of Idols worship him all ye Gods or Angels Ps 97. 7. with Heb. 1. 6. Hos 14. 3. Rev. 21. 8. and 22. 15. and ch 14. 9 11. 3. Round about the Throne to denote they are to be and are worshippers themselves and therefore not the objects of religious worship as we have said Worship is an homage and service due to him on the Throne from all about him So it is said Let all that be round about him bring Presents unto him that ought to be feared Ps 76. 11. God is to be had in reverence of all them about him Ps 89. 7. And so of the Angels also and they do worship God Job 1. 6. And they are called upon so to do Ps 103. 20. and 148. 2 5. Rev. 7. 11. Nehem. 9. 6. with Luke 2. 13. And they are commanded to worship the first begotten the Son of God by Nature Heb. 1. 6. with Ps 97. 7. for by him and for him they were created also as hath been said before and as appears Col. 1. 15 16. Eph. 3. 9. 4. Round about the Throne denotes their happiness and honour If the Queen of Sheba said and said truly concerning Solomon's Servants and Ministers Happy are thy Men happy are these thy Servants which stand continually before thee and that hear thy wisdom 1 King 10. 5 8. How much rather may we conclude that these Servants of the God of Heaven are herein happy and honourable in that they stand round about his Throne and see him and are in his presence in whose presence is fulness of joy Rev. 7. 11. Luke 1. 19. with Mat. 5. 8. Luke 12. 8 9. Rev. 3. 5. and ch 14. 10. 5. Round about the Throne to look and pry into the Mercy-seat even Christ who is called the Propitiatory or Mercy-seat Rom. 3. 25. and who is the Propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole World 1 Joh. 2. 2. and ch 4. 10. Even as in our Types the Lord commanded Moses saying Thou shalt make one Cherub on the one end and the other Cherub on the other end Even of the Mercy-seat shall ye make the Cherubims on the two ends thereof And the Cherubims shall stretch forth their Wings on high covering the Mercy-seat with their Wings and their Faces shall look one towards another towards the Mercy-seat shall the Faces of the Cherubims be Exod. 25. 19 20. and 37. 7 9. So these Angels are round about the Throne and desire to look into the things of Christ which are now reported to us by them that have preached the Gospel to us with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven 1 Pet. 1. 11 12. 6. Round about the Throne possibly to signifie to us that thorow Christ they behold the Father Mat. 18. 10. He dwells in light inaccessible whom no Man hath seen nor can see 1 Tim. 6. 16. And so we may conceive of the Angels that they behold not the Divine Majesty immediately but thorow the Lamb who is between God and them they are about but the Lamb stands in the midst of the Throne this is the disposition And when they look towards him that sits upon the Throne they behold him thorow this most excellent One thorow this most glorious Image or express Character of God's Person as the Apostle calls him when he demonstrates his excellency above the Angels Heb. 1. 3 5 c. And indeed in many general expressions of our Saviour's it is signified to us that none hath known or seen God at any time to wit immediately but the only begotten who is in the Bosome of the Father In which sayings angels may be included also see Mat. 11. 27. Luke 10. 22. Joh. 1. 18. and ch 6. 46. and ch 14. 6 7. as
also Ps 33. 1 2 3. and 98. 1 2 3 4 5. and 149. 1 6. 3. With a loud or great voice denotes their instantness and earnestness as those that would hear nothing that might hinder or wave them from praising and extolling the Lamb. Thus we have this Phrase used concerning the Jews who were so earnest to have Christ crucified that they would hear nothing to the contrary They were instant with loud voices requiring that he might be crucified and the voices of them and of the Chief Priests prevailed Luke 23. 23. So these Angels were so instant with their loud voices as if they resolved herewith to excell and out-voice them who consult to cast down Christ from his excellency Ps 62. 2 4. And that all might give unto him the glory due unto his Name and worship him and none but Christ and God in him and no false object of worship Rev. 14 6 7 8 9 10. But What do they say with their loud voice and where do they say it 1. What do they say with their loud or great voice Answ To that we may here in general say 1. They say or speak right and true things that which came out of their Lips was right before God as Jer. 17. 16. They might say as the Angel doth Rev. 22. 6. These sayings are faithful and true And therefore they might liâ—t up their voice like a Trumpet So the Lord himself saith I have not spoken in secret in a dark place of the Earth I the Lord speak righteousness I declare things that are right Isay 45. 19. They might be Heralds and Proclaimers of the truth with the loudest voice that could be 2. And it was good news they proclaimed glad tidings of great joy to all People of Mankind as Luke 2. 10 14. Even the Contents of the Gospel And so they might well and rejoiâ—ingly lift up their voice According to that O Zion that bringest good tidings get thee up into the high Mountain O Jerusalem that bringest good tidings lift up thy voice with strength lift it up be not afraid c. Isay 40. 9. So our Lord Jesus when he declared the glad tidings of the Kingdom made Proclamation thâ—reof with a loud voice He stood and cryed saying If any Man thirst let him come unto me and drink Joh. 7. 37 38. and ch 12. 44 47. Sad news may be whispered out as 2 Sam. 12. 19. And they that bring in damnable heresies denying the Lord that bought them do it many times privily and in secret 2 Pet. 2. 1. But the Gospel ought to be proclaimed on the House-tops Luke 12. 3. on the high Mountains Isay 52. 7 8. Nahum 1. 15. And so that which this innumerable company of Angels said with a loud voice was both true and good A faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation 1 Tim. 1. 15. So it is said of Wisdom Doth not Wisdom cry and Vnderstanding put forth her voice She standeth in the top of high places by the Way in the places of the Pathes she cryeth at the Gates c. But what doth she so loudly and openly cry and proclaim She tells us to wit good and right things Hear saith she for I will speak of excellent things and the opening of my Lips shall be right things Prov. 8. 1 2 6 c. and ch 9. 2. Where do they say this or speak with their loud voice And that is About the Throne So here it is said I heard the voice of many Angels round about the Throne c. and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice they knew it would be no offence or grief of heart to him that â—ate thereon to hear the high praises of the Lamb in their mouths VVhen the whole multitude of the Disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen saying Blessed be the King that cometh in the Name of the Lord c. It seems some of the Pharisees were offended thereat and displeased therewith for they said unto Jesus Master rebuke thy Disciples c. Luke 19. 37 38 39. But though this innumerable multitude of Angels say with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb c. And joyfully harmoniously and with a loud noise round about the Throne on every side of it as it were cause their voice to enter into the Ears of him that sate upon the Throne it was not displeasing or dishonouring to him but that which tended to the honouring and glorifying him God hath committed all judgment to the Son that all should honour the Son as they honour the Father He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that hath sent him Joh. 5. 22 23. When the Son of God is exalted and extolled the Father is also glorified for he devised this blessed means and found out this ransome 2 Sam. 14. 14. Job 33. 24. He prepared himself this Lamb for a Burnt-offering Gen. 22. 8 14. He sent him into the World to be the propitiation for our sins He delivered him up for us all and raised him again for our justification and made him the Head of the Corner This was the Lords doing He gave him glory c. All things are of God 2 Cor. 5. 18. All that then is for the glory of God wherein the Son of God is glorified Joh. 11. 4. He is glorified in the Son Joh. 14. 13. He is served when the Son is kissed Ps 2. 11 12. So when Christ was born and one Angel celebrates his praises and declares his praise-worthiness suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly Host praising God and saying Glory be to God in the highest c. Luke 2. 10 14. and ch 19. 37 38. 2. We have an account of what they said more particularly with their loud or great voice to wit VVorthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing Whence we may note in general that when the Angels praise the Lamb they mention not any favour done for them by him as the living Creatures and Elders do as with respect to themselves v. 8 9 10. Luke 2. 10 11. Heb. 2. 16. More particularly consider we 1. The Person of whom they speak and whom they praise 2. What they say of him by way of praise and exaltation 1. The Person of whom and not to whom as the Saints v. 7 10. they speak and whom they praise the Lamb that was slain not themselves but one who hath by in heritance obtained a more excellent Name than they for this Lamb is the Son of God Heb. 1. 4 7. Joh. 1. 29 34 36. these Sons of the Mighty give unto him glory and strength they give unto him the honour of his Name Psal 29. 1 2. And herein in substance they join with the Saints See the Notes before on v.
thorow the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Rom. 8. 3. And he hath overcome and abolished Death taken the sting out of it 2 Tim. 1. 10. Rev. 3. 21. He hath as to himself been Death's Death swallowed it up into victory Hos 13. 14. Isay 25. 7. And hath destroyed him that had the power of Death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 9 14 15. Mat. 12. 29. Mark 3. 27. Luke 11. 22. With his strong Arm he hath scattered his Enemies Ps 89. And he hath gone up with a shout in token of victory and conquest the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet Sing praises unto God sing praises sing praises unto our King sing praises Psal 47. 5 7. 68. 18. and 98. 1. Col. 2. 15. 3. Strength to bear and uphold all things The Earth and all the Inhabitants thereof were dissolved He bears up the Pillars thereof Ps 75. 3. He upholdeth all things by the word of his power when he had by himself purged our sins It is by him that all things consist and stand together in that good order in which they are Col. 1. 17 20. He is the very Basis and Foundation on which all things stand And on the shoulders of this strong one is the government of the whole World laid for the Father judgeth no Man but hath committed all judgment to the Son Isay 9. 6. Joh. 5. 22. And he doth stand and rule in the strength of the Lord Mica 5. 2 5. And by his strength he had power with God Hos 12. 3. He gave himself a Ransome for all and hath redeemed them from the Curse of the Law 1 Tim. 2. 6. with Gal. 3. 13. and ch 4. 4 5. He hath drawn all Men unto himself from under the first Judgment and Principality of Satan Joh. 12. 32. And hath obtained eternal redemption Heb. 9. 12. Forgiveness of our personal sins Eph. 1. 7. Act. 13. 38. And all gifts for Men yea for the rebellious also Ps 68. 18. A recovery of our loss Ps 69. 4. And an Inheritance of new Heavens and a new Earth Eph. 1. 14. And is a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and the forgiveness of sins Act. 5. 31. And bears away the iniquities of those that come to God by him Isay 53. 11. And hath by his strength such power with God that he denies him nothing Joh. 11. 22 41 42. So here when none was able to open the Book then appeared this Lion and he came and took it out of his hand He is the strongest among Beasts as here the living Creatures are translated Prov. 30. 30. 5. And he sends the Rod of his strength his Gospel out of Zion Ps 110. 2. And goeth forth herewith conquering and to conquer Rev. 6. 1 2. 2 Cor. 10 4 5. And this Gospel of his is the power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth though it be to them that perish foolishness yet to them that are saved it is the power of God Rom. 1. 16. with 1 Cor. 1. 18 23 24. And is able to save them to the utmost that come unto God by him for the salvation and preservation of whom his strength and ability is engaged and exercised Heb. 7. 25. with Joh. 10. 27 28 30. 6. And in due season he will by his great strength be the Death of the first Death and destruction of the Grave as with respect to all And is able to subdue and will subdue all things to himself Hos 13. 14. Phil. 3. 21. Isay 63. 1 3. He will raise all out of their Graves by his mighty strength and cause them to appear before his Judgment-seaâ— Joâ— 5. 28 29. and 12. 32. 2 Cor. 5. 10. And in short execute his Word in whatever he hath spoken promised or threatned Joel 2. 12. Mat. 28. 18. And the consideration of his great strength may 1. Admonish us to take heed and beware we provoke him not to anger He is mighty in strength who ever hardned his heart against him and prospered Job 9. 4. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousiâ— are we stronger than he 1 Cor. 10. 22. 2. Instruct and engage us to betake our selves to him as our strength and have him for it To defend us from evil he is a refuge and strength A very present help in trouble Ps 46. 1. So the Psalmist saith In God is my salvation and my glory the Rock of my strength and my refuge is in God Ps 62. 7. He is a strength to the poor a strength to the needy in his distress a refuge from the storm a shadow from the heat c. Isay 25. 4. and 12. 3. O then trust we in the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Isay 26. 3 4. Ps 9. 9 10. Nahum 1. 7. As also to betake our selves to him as our strength to enable and strengthen us to all our services Therefore the Aposte and his Fellow-labourers did both labour and suffer reproach because they trusted in the living God the Saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. And the Prophet saith I will walk in the strength of the Lord God and will make mention of thy righteousness even of thine only Ps 71. 16. And saith the Apostle Paul I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me though he was not sufficient of himself to think any thing as of himself Phil. 4. 11 13. with 2 Cor. 3. 5 6. Blessed is the Man whose strength is in him Ps 84. 5. And that we may have our strength in him needful it is for us to know the Gospel of peace and glad tidings of good things Blessed are the people that know the joyful sound they shall walk O Lord in the light of thy countenance For thou art the glory of their strength Ps 89. 15 17. 1 Chron. 29. 12. Isay 40. 29 30 31. Ps 68. 35. 5. And Honour from God his Father it was and is his Father first that honoureth him Joh. 8. 54. that had and hath a most high and honourable esteem and account of him though he be indeed disallowed of Men yet is he chosen of God and precious 1 Pet. 2. 4. He hath conferred great honour upon him and given an honourable Testimony of him Honour and Majesty hath he laid upon him Psal 21. 5. with Joh. 8. 54. Our Nature in his Person and so the Man Christ Jesus was infinitely honoured in being Personally united to the Divine Nature in the Person of the VVord the Son of God Mat. 22. 2. So that he is Emanuel Isay 7. 14. Mat. 1. 23. And God gave him honour in begetting him after a wonderful and inconceivable way and manner Luke 1. 35. And in bearing witness of him He received from God the Father honour when there came a voice to him from the excellent glory This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased 2 Pet. 1.
to judge righteous Judgment and not to think they are most or best beloved of the Lord to whom he gives most of the good things of this World 3. To comfort them in this their tribulation and Poverty he saith I know thy tribulation and Poverty even I who was dead In which expression is included and contained his whole abasement humiliation and sufferings as hath been said on ch 1. 18. As if he should say I have my self been a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief Isay 53. 1 5. I my self have suffered being tempted and have been in all points tempted like unto you yet without sin and therefore I can be touched with the feeling of your Infirmities and am able to succour such as are temped And am a merciful and faithful High-priest Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 3. 1 2. and 4 15 16. And I have been poor also Foxes have holes and the Birds of the ayre nests but the Son of Man had not whereon to lay his head Mat. 8. 20. so poor that he was ministred unto by others Mark 15. 41. I who was rich for your sakes became poor 2 Cor. 8. 9. I know your sorrows and know the heart of those that are in tribulation and Poverty for I also have been compassed about with such afflictions and exercises Exod. 3. 7. and ch 23. 9. In all your afflictions I have been afflicted and therefore I know how to pity you and to sympathize with you Isay 63. 9. Ps 103. 13 15. he knows troubles and trials by experience as Gen. 30. 27. he is no stranger to these things and can therefore be compassionate unto those who are in such a condition To the end then you may run with patience the race seâ— before you look unto Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the cross despising the shame c. Heb. 12. 1 2 3. And I am alive And so have overcome and abolished death so as there is no hurt therein nor in any tribulations or Poverties which are ordered to you nothing now in them to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Rom. 8. 34 39. And I have all power given unto me both in Heaven aâ—d in earth Mat. 28. 18. I am alive to comfort you in all your tribulations and poverties which ye endure 2 Cor. 1. 3 5. to comfort all that mourn to appoint to them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes the oyl of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness Isay 61. 1 3. I am alive to protect you and preserve you in all your afflictions tribulations and to provide for you and dispense to you in all your Poverties and necessities for the earth is mine and the fullness thereof Gen. 15. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 26 28. And to deliver you out of all your griefs and sorrows in due time I know how to deliver the godly out of temptation for I have the keys of Hell and Death 2 Pet. 2. 9. Rev. 1. 18. And to cause all to work together for good to them that love God and keep his commandments Rom. 8. 28. These things he now propounds to sets before them thus he describes himself that they might consider him see the notes before on ch 1. v 17. and 18. But thou art rich Those that are in tribulation and poverty may be rich now rich even when they are in poverty and tribulation not only they shall be so hereafter but thou art rich Rich in faith the poor of this World may be and heirs of the Kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. they that are as having nothing may yet by faith be possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 10. They who with the heart believe in Jesus Christ are rich and inriched with that gold which is tried in the fire Rev. 3. 18. they have received Christ and he is theirs and with him God gives all things also freely Rom. 8. 32. Thus these Smyrnians were rich in faith they had in and with Christ riches of mercy they were vessels of mercy who had received the forgiveness of their sins thorow his name Rom. 9. 23. Eph. 1. 7. they had riches of righteousness Prov. 11. 4. Riches of wisdom and understanding Prov. 3. 12 18. and ch 8. 9 10 17 20. Col. 2. 2 3. the unsearchable riches of Christ Eph. 3. 8 9. yea all things were theirs 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. what an encouragment is this to endure whatever is ordered to us we are apt to be thinking that if we should heartily â—leave to and follow after Christ we should certainly be undone and brought to sufferings and poverty here and therefore we are ready to be discouraged from coming after him Well though it be so yet thou mayest and shall be rich with true riches now and for ever in following him in the regeneration thou shalt have him who hath all and he will enrich thee with better riches then any of these uncertain ones with a bettter and enduring substance and the knowledg and belief hereof or this known and believed would cause thee to take joyfully the spoiling of thy goods Heb. 10. 32 34. nay indeed afflictions and Poverty are theirs also Rom. 8. 28. tribulations and necessities for Christ's sake are and are to be esteemed great riches By faith Moses esteemed the reproach of or for Christ greater riches then all the treasures of Aegypt Heb. 11. 24 26. Our light afflictions saith the Apostle which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Cor. 4. 16 18. Hence our Saviour said to his disciples Blessed be ye poor for yours is the Kingdom of God Blessed are ye that weep now for ye shall laugh Blessed are ye when Men shall hate you and when they shall separate you and reproach you and cast out your names as evil for the Son of Mans sake rejoyce ye in that day and leap for joy for behold your reward is great in Heaven Luke 6. 20 23. Mark 10. 28 29. 1 Pet. 4. 12 15. Ps 56. 8 9. Not only life is their's but death and all afflictions also 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. And he will never leave them nor forsake them Heb. 13. 5 6. Ps 84. 10 12. And hereafter they shall inherit all things Oh how may this strengthen us to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness I know thy tribulation and poverty but thou art rich now in this day the cup the portion he gives to his people is full of mixture they are now as it were in a compound condition As deceivers and yet true As unknown and yet known as dying and behold they live as sorrowful yet always rejoycing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 8 10. now quivering and trembling as with respect to the outward man and yet