with ch 13. 1. And such as denied the holy one and the just and desired a murderer to be granted to them and killed the Prince of life yet having repented their sins shall be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3. 14 15 19. 2. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of life This is also assured to him that overcometh whoever he be or whatever he hath been whether to him that is turned aside and is recovered and healed or unto him that hath abidden faithful and hath not wickedly departed from the Lord. Now in this branch of blessedness is signified to us 1. There is a Book of life in which Men's names are written 2. That it is possible some mens names may be blotted out of this Book 3. His name that overcometh shall not be blotted out of this Book of life 1. That there is a book of life in which the names of Men are writen and so we say and shew that there is a book of life 1. More general which is called the book of the living Ps 69. 28. and in this book all Mens names are written while they are joyned to all the living as ungodly ones sinners and enemies even in the testimony of God concerning Christ as the subjects of the kindness and pity of God and of Christ's redemption For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son for God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World thorow him might be saved Joâ— 3. 16 17. while we were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly God commâ—ndeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us he died for all even for all of mankind that were dead and gave his flesh for the life of the world and hath obtained for all Men a justification of life from the first condemnation So as all Men in their several ages have a comfortable injoyment of their lives and of Gods mercies vouchsafed to them and that to a gracious end that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but to him that died for them and rose again Rom. 5. 6 8 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Rom. 5 18. and while they are joyned to all the living there is hope Eccles 9. 4. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. he once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. and in him God hath given to us Mankind eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. But this book is not here directly spoken of for here such a Book of life is spoken of in which the names of overcomers and after they have overcome are written 2. There is also a special Book of life spoken of and mentioned in the Scripture And this I conceive is twofold That is to say 1. One in which some Mens names are written who shall not be raised in the first resurrection nor reign with Christ on earth and yet shall have eternal life when they are raised in the general and second resurrection Of this Book of life mention is made in Rev. 20. In which chapter is first declared to us that those that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipt the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand yeers But the rest of the dead lived not again untill the thousand yeers were finished This is the first resurrection v. 4 5 6. and then after the thousand yeers were expired he saw the dead small and great stand before God and the Books were opened c. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire v. 11. 15. In which Scripture it plainly appears that there is a Book of life in which the names of some are written who are not raised in the first resurrection nor shall reingn with Christ and the Children of the first resurrection nor yet be cast into the lake of fire but shall at the last day have eternal life And in this book may be written the names of such little ones as died in their incapacity and before they came to the use of understanding and who were not circumcised or baptized when time was afforded and liberty given but their parents or those under whose care or charge they were neglected or stubbornly refused And so speaking of this general resurrection and after mentioning the book of life he saith I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the small are first spoken of And the Lord said to Abraham in former times the uncircumcised manchild whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised that Soul shall be cut off from his people Gen. 17. 12 14. and so shall not partake of that inheritance of the land of Canaan promised to Abraham and his seed but not yet performed Because he is cut off from that people For the neglect hereof the Lord met and sought to kill Moses Exod. 4. 24 26. howbeit the eternal judgment and last resurrection they shall not miss of eternal life Ezek. 18. 2 3. Jer. 31. 29 30. And in this Book of life may be written the names of such fearers of God amongst the gentiles as have not been brought into the family of Abraham or Church of Christ and who have not had while in mortal bodies any distinct knowledge of the mediatour Act. 10. 34. Ps 115. 9 11. who though they are not the subjects of that covenant made with Abraham for himself and his seed which covenant was confirmed of God in Christ Gen. 17. 7 8 with Rom. 4. 9 13. yet are accepted of God and shall partake of eternal life Acts 10. 34. Rom. 2. 26 27. and all their names also may be written herein who are converted to Christ after his descension from Heaven during his reign with the Children of the first resurrection upon the earth Isay 65. 20. 22. But we shall adde no more to this particular in this place 2. There is another Book a more special book called the book of life and the Lamb's book of life Rev. 13. 8. and ch 21. 27. In which are written the names of such as believed in Christ as witnessed by the Prophets in former times and of such as believe in him as he is now revealed to us by the Apostles of the lamb which is called the book of the righteous Ps 69. 28. and the writing of the house of Israel Ezek. 13. 9. whose names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 20. Heb. 12. 23. and all such Children as have been brought into the congregation of the Lord and died before they came to yeers of discretion
A Commentary OR AN EXPOSITION WITH NOTES On the Five First CHAPTERS OF THE REVELATION OF JESVS CHRIST By CHARLES PHELPES Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the Words of this Prophecy and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand Rev. 1. 3. LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercers Chappel 1678. Academiae Cantabrigiensis Liber To them that have heard Jesus in his Gospel and know and believe that he is indeed the Christ the Saviour of the World Christian Reader and beloved Friend HAving in my Family according to my weak ability read over the Scriptures of the Apostles which precede this Book of the Revelation and coming at last unto this Book of prophecy I had many thoughts arising in mine heart whether I should adventure to meddle with it or undertake to read it as I had done the former Scriptures written since the manifestation of Christ or not Manifold discouragements were ready at hand and presented themselves to hinder me therefrom As to say 1. The appearing difficulty of the things therein contained 2. Mine own childishness not in age so much as in understanding the first and more fundamental things of the testimony of Jesus which is the Spirit of prophecy Rev. 19. 10. and too too great carnality and fleshly-mindedness of both which I was a little made sensible though too much defective therein 3. The strange and contrary apprehensions of those very few learned Men whose Writings I have each to other concerning the meaning of the Holy Ghost in this Book 4. My great aloneness and want of such helps and helpers in the Lord as with whom I might with profit comfort and confidence have conferred and by whom I might have been assisted These and such like considerations were before me and had much impression upon me so as while I mused on and consulted them simply I was almost determined to make no entrance into the reading of this Book But again on the other hand many arguments also contained even in the beginning of the Book it self did some of them encourage me to make some entrance into it and however to consider and read the three first Chapters which appear more easy to be understood and others in reading them emboldened me to make further progress thereinto as to instance some of them a little 1. The Title of the Book It is called The Revelation c. to import and signify that it is not a sealed Book now but an opened and revealed Book Indeed had it been like the words spoken unto Daniel Dan. 12. 4 9. Or like to that Book before it was opened spoken of Rev. 5. 1 2 3 4. Or like to what the seven Thunders uttered Rev. 10. 4. It had been great sawciness and high presumption in me to have intruded or curiously pryed into it But it 's Title is The Revelation c. Rev. 1. v. 1. and ch 22. 10. 2. The consideration whose this Book is carries motive in it to move us to look into it viz. It is Jesus Christ's ch 1. 1. one 's who is an admirable lover of us And it is his 1. Given to him who is the Saviour and upon whom the Spirit is put immeasurably for the good of all Men and especially of them that believe Given to him by God the Father when he was exalted in our nature to the right hand of God who then gloriously received gifts in the Man and for Men c. Ps 68. 18. Acts 2. 33. 2. And it was given unto him to shew viz. to bring forth into light that it might be understood Now this encouraged me to pray unto the Lord And to call in some of my friends to joyn with me in praying unto him and in his name to reveal mine eyes to behold these wondrous things of his Law Remembring what gracious promises he had confirmed by his precious blood and propounded in his Gospel to that end Joh. 14. 13 14. and ch 16. 23 24. 3. The minding to whom he was to shew it viz. unto his Servants even to the Churches with some of which there were faults and great ones also found ch 1. 1 4 ii and ch 22. 6 16. and the persons called upon to hear and understand it to wit he that hath an ear as at the close of every of the seven Epistles to the seven Churches in ch 2. and ch 3. c. contributed something towards mine undertaking to look into and consider this Book 4. The person unto whom he sent and signified it by his Angel viz. to his Servant John who bare witness c. Rev. 1. 1 2. one who was a Man subject to like passions with others and an unlearned and ignorant Man c. see the notes on Rev. 1. v. 9. This also was not unuseful to me 5. The blessedness pronounced indefinitely on him that readeth and on them that hear c. ch 1. 3. without the exclusion of any who desire to fear his name put strength and resolution into me to make some entrance into and progress in reading this Book And indeed the whole Preface contains forcible and plentiful encouragements to search diligently into this Book of prophecy and such as are not ordinarily if ever found in any other Book or Epistle in the Bible in the beginning thereof These and such-like considerations moved me to wave my discouraging thoughts and not to be impeded thereby But to put my foot into those waters and wade therein as God gave me opportunity and ability This I desire of thee that thou take no one thing I have said on trust from me because I have said it I have been harmed my self by so doing from others and oft seen cause to let go what I so received and may still further see cause so to do Be warned by my harme and read over and over again and weigh diligently with the Text and Testimony of Christ what thou readest And what consents to wholesome words therein embrace and hold fast and what dissents therefrom reject And what is doubtful let alone till further light or help be afforded And the Lord give his blessing to what is consonant to his word therein and discover to me and deliver me from all my mistakes and evils in heart and way And make these Notes as profitable to thee as they have been painful to me I mean to my flesh Eccles 12. 12. I desire to be Thy Servant in and for Christ Charles Phelpes AN EXPOSITION On the first CHAPTER OF THE REVELATION Chap. 1. Verse 1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his Servants things which must shortly come to pass And he sent and signified it by his Angel unto his Servant John THE Revelation of Jesus Christ This is the Title of this Book which is called by us The Revelation of St. John the Divine But not so well and properly or fully The Title
prefixed to it by the Holy Ghost is the best Now a Revelation is either an opening and making of that known which was hid absolutely Dan. 2. 19. 22. or of that which was hid comparatively In this latter sence especially it may be here taken it is such a Revelation as had not been vouchsafed in former times to the Sons of Men as Ephes 3. 3 5. Of Jesus Christ This Phrase may either mean and signify to us 1. Of him as the subject Matter but this is not here so fully meant and intended Though indeed in many passages of this Book he is so revealed as in former Ages he had not been as Chap. 1. 5 7 17 18. and Chap. 5. and Chap. 22. c. But 2. Of Jesus Christ namely which God gave unto him as presently followeth to wit which God gave unto him to reveal So he received it of the Father and it was his by the Gift and Donation of the Father for as Man he knew not but as it was made known so he increased in Wisdom Luke 2. 25. And of the Day and Hour of his coming again he knew not However he so knew not as to reveal it before he had finisht the work in his own Personal Body which the Father gave him to do Mark 13. 32. The Father loveth the Son and sheweth him all things Joh. 5. 19 20. and Chap. 15. 15. 3. Of Jesus Christ namely shewed and revealed by him to his Servants so also was the Mystery of the Gospel The Apostle saith he received it by the Revelation of Jesus Christ Gal. 1. 12. Matth. 11. 25 27. So that spoken and revealed to all the Churches was by him as may be seen in the beginning of every of the message to each particular Church Ch. 2. and Ch. 3. And he was the opener of the Seals c. Ch. 5. and Ch. 6. c. Which God gave to him To wit the Father who is the Author of this Book and so to be accounted by us And he gave this Revelation to Jesus Christ most fully and compleatly in our nature when he ascended up on high and led Captivity Captive then he received Gifts in the Man and for Men c. Psal 68. 18. Being by the right Hand of God exalted after he was raised up from the Dead he received the Promise of the Holy Spirit Act. 2. 32 33 36. with Rev. 5. 6. To shew unto his Servants Here we have the end of God's giving this Revelation to his Son namely not to hide or conceal or keep to himself but to shew and make known And to whom he should shew it is also declared to us viz. Vnto his Servants more generally to all that obey him for to whom Men yield themselves Servants to obey his Servants they are to whom they obey Rom. 6. 16. And by these Servants are meant not the Angels only but the Churches also generally Compare Rev. 22. 6. with Verse 16. And as it appears by the Apostle's Inscription and Direction of this Book in Ch. 1. 4. And so God gave this Book to his Son to shew to all hearty and unfeigned believers and obeyers of him According to these and such-like Scriptures the secret of the LORD is with them that fear him and he will shew them his Covenant Psal 25. 14. His secret is with the righteous Prov. 3. 31. He giveth Wisdom to the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding He revealeth the deep and secret things Dan. 2. 21 22. And this may therefore encourage his Servants to look into this Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ and to expect his faithfulness in revealing their Eyes to behold the wondrous things therein contained as may be good for them Things that must shortly come to pass So Verse 3. Ch. 22. 6. 7. This is the subject-matter of this Book generally That is to say 1. Future things things not then come to pass This Book is not given to acquaint Christs Servants with what was done in and by Christ though these things may be occasionally mentioned as Ch. 1. 18. and Ch. 2. 8. c. But to shew things to be done in his Providence in the World and Providential Government in and about his Churches and of their sufferings and the Judgments to be executed upon their Enemies and Christs coming again and making all things new c. This is the subject-matter of this Book in general It is a Revelation of future events and actions especially from Ch. 4. 1. where we have this Phrase again used 2. Things that must come to pass not may come to pass only So our Saviour when he is foretelling the Destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the World and shewing the signs of both He saith All these things must come to pass c. Mat. 24. 3 6. So the things here revealed must be done and fulfilled those Judgments must be executed the Man of Sin revealed come to his height consume and be destroyed His people must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God c. 1. Be not troubled then for so it must be as is here revealed as our Saviour saith Be not troubled for such things must needs be Mark 13. 7. Be not terrified for these things must come to pass Luk. 21. 9. Act. 14. 22. 2. Yea when those things that more immediately precede the coming of Christ begin to come to pass then look up O ye Servants of Christ and lift up your Heads for your Redemption draweth nigh Luk. 21. 25. 28. Considering that in these things that must come to pass there is that which administers wonderful comfort and rejoycing to you for all Enemies must be destroyed Christ must reign his Saints be raised in the first Resurrection new Heavens and new Earth made and his Servants that here have followed him must reign with him on the Earth and sit on his Throne Rev 11. 5. and Ch. 21. 1. 5 7. and Ch. 22. 3 6. 2 Pet. 3. 11. 13. 3. Things that must shortly come to pass That is to say 1. Shortly As with respect to God and to Eternity so these things must be done shortly and quickly Thus when the Apostle Peter acquaints the Believers with and exhorts them to know and take notice of this That there shall come in the last days Scoffers walking after their own lusts and saying where is the Promise of his coming 2 Pet. 3. 1 3 4. After the Apostle had declared their willing ignorance about God's Destruction of the Old World c. ver 5. 7. He then gives this caution and warning to the Believers to the end they might not be led away with the errour of the Wicked ver 8. But Beloved be not ignorant of this one thing that one Day with the Lord is as a thousand Years and a thousand Year as one Day One Day with him is as long as a thousand Years with us and a thousand Years as short as one Day for he
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
his face and his name shall be in their fore-heads c. He subjoyns thereto Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the Prophecy of this Book Rev. 21. and ch 22. 1 6 7 14. To signify to us that such an one shall be compleatly delivered hereafter from all evil and made a partaker of all blessedness and happiness 2. We have nextly propounded to us the reason of their blessedness especially For the time is at hand Now especially they are blessed because of the nigh approaching of the things contained in this Book to wit comparatively to former times because the time is at hand Rev. 22. 7 10. That they may keep themselves pure and not be spotted with the spots that are not of his people as he saith Behold I come as a Thief to wit suddenly and unexpectedly Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his Garments lest he walk naked and they see his shame Rev. 16. 15. And because there shall be a speedy performance of the happiness therein promised that they might be engaged not to cast away but hold fast their confidence and in patience possess their souls For yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 35 37. And now especially blessed Because it is the time of the end and that which was formerly sealed up is not so now but opened Therefore encouragement is now given to us to look into this Book and in so doing we may expect his presence with us and blessing upon us compare Dan. 12. 8 9. with Rev. 22. 7 10. For the time is at hand Namely It is so in God's account See notes on v. 1. That time in which Christ came into the world and finished the work the Father gave him to do in his own personal body is called The end of the world or worlds Heb. 9. 26. And those days the last days Heb. 1. 1 2. And the pouring forth of his spirit which was said to be fulfilled in the day of Pentecost was said to be in the last days Act. 2. 17. and that time was the last time or hour 1 Joh. 2. 18. and so the time was at hand as compared with former times And this Phrase At hand doth not necessarily denote such a speedy accomplishment of the things spoken of as some would perswade us as may be seen in some instances as when the Lord commands Moses to write a Song for the Children of Israel and therein to declare the Evils and Miseries that would come upon them in the latter days for their iniquity Certainly he hath therein ultimately respect to the Kingdom of God's being taken from them and their being desolated by the Romans in these last days for their rejection of Christ Though evils in the beginnings and so successively came upon them all along when they forsook God and under these sad evils they still remain in these latter of the last times in which we live which are about three thousand years since that Song yet thus it is said in that Song To me belongeth Vengeance and to recompence their Foot shall slide in due time for the Day of their Calamity is at hand and the things that shall come upon them make hast Deut. 31. 19 29. and ch 32. 21 35 43. Thus again when the Lord by the Prophet Isay declares the Destruction that should come upon Babilon It is said Howle ye for the day of the Lord is at hand It shall come as Destruction from the Almighty And yet though that day or time was then said to be at hand it was near about two hundred years before the Kingdom was translated to the Medes and Persians which is the first thing here prophesied of as is said Behold I will stir up the Medes against them and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the Womb c. Isay â—3 1 6 17 18. And ultimately that Chapter may be a Prophesie of the Destruction of Mystery Babylon which is not yet fulfilled as appears by what is said in v. 19 20. compared with Jer. 50. and ch 51. 1 26 64. and Rev. 18. 1 21. for many Prophesies have divers fulfillings at divers times And that which is said in this Verse is a great encouragement to look into read hear and keep the things written in this Book to which we may speak further afterwards Thus far is the Preface Verse 4. John to the seven Churches in Asia Grace be unto you and Peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven Spirits which are before his Throne Here followeth the Inscription and Salutation of them to whom this Book was to be sent This Revelation was to shew unto Christ's Servants things that must shortly come to pass but it was not given immediately to them as to John It was sent and signified to him v. 1. in trust 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. And here begins his faithfulness according to the trust reposed in him In Verse 1. It is said To shew unto his Servants and here is shewn unto us who are meant thereby to wit the Churches And therefore John directs it to them even to the seven Churches and not only to the Angels though including them also So whereas in ch 22. 6. it is said The Lord God of the Holy Prophets sent his Angel to shew unto his Servants the things that must shortly be done In v. 16. it is thus I Jesus have sent mine Angel to testifie unto you these thing in the Churches To signifie to us that they are they whom he means and intends by his Servants And yet also every one that hath an Ear is called upon to hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches as may be seen in Rev. 2. 7 11 17 29. and ch 3. 6 13 22. In Asia to wit the less which Churches are particularly and by name mentioned to us in verse 11. Now in this Verse we have 1. The Apostle's Vote and Desire for the Churches 2. From whom he desires such Blessings to be vouchsafed to them The Apostles Vote and Desire for the Churches whom he salutes Grace unto you and Peace like to that voted by the Apostles in their Epistles generally for the Churches unto whom they write Grace unto you To wit the free Love and Charity of God towards us in abasing and exalting his Son in our nature for us In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him 1 Joh. 4. 9 10 14. And Christ by the grace of God tasted Death for every man Heb. 2. 9. And by the Grace of God we are justified freely thorow that Redemption in Christ Jesus even all that have sinned and are come short of the Glory of God Rom. 3. 23 24. And his Grace in preparing forgiveness of Mens Personal Sins the gift of Righteousness and Eternal Life in Christ for them Rom.
Israel I AM hath sent me to you Exod. 3. 13 14. It denotes to us his Almightiness and All-sufficiency that he is God All-sufficient that we might walk before him and be perfect Gen. 17. 1. He is Almighty Rev. 4. 8. Infinite in Goodness Power Wisdom Faithfulness Holiness c. And also it signifies his unchangeableness with the Father of Lights there is no variableness nor shadow of turning Jam. 1. 17. He is Jehovah he changeth not therefore the Sons of Jacob are not consumed Mat. 3. 6. He is the same so it cannot be said of any thing here below they are not Prov. 23. 4 5. the fashion of this world passeth away 1 Cor. 7. 29 31. 1 Joh. 2. 15 17. Of old he hath laid the Foundation of the Earth and the Heavens are the works of his Hands they shall perish but he shall endure yea all of them shall wax old like a Garment As a Vesture he will change them and they shall be changed But he is the same Psal 102. 25 27. Men are not unchangeable he changeth their countenance and sendeth them away Job 14. 19 20. of evil men it may be said they are not Isay 17. 12 14. Jer. 49. 10. Neh. 3. 17. Of good men where are they Isay 63. 15 16. Zech. 1. 5. But he is the same always and this is needful to be believed by us For he that cometh to God acceptably must believe that he is c. Heb. 11. 5 6. And which was He doth not now begin to be or exist but he inhabits Eternity Isay 57. 15. Before him was no God formed Isay 43. 10 12. from Everlasting to Everlasting he is God and our Redeemer from everlasting is his name Psal 90. 1 2. and 93. 2. Isay 63. 16. Deut. 33. 27. Other Gods are Gods newly come up Deut. 32. 17 18. all Creatures have a beginning In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth Gen. 1. 1. Joh. 1. 1 3. The Angels had a beginning Col. 1. 16. Joh. 48. 7. Man had a beginning and time was when he was not Of him it may be said as Jehovah doth to Job Where wast thou when I laid the Foundations of the Earth Job 38. 1 4. 1 Cor. 8. 4 6. But he was without beginning of Days the King Eternal 1 Tim. 1. 17. And is to come That is he remains for ever he is the same and his years fail not Ps 102. 27. The Lord God of Israel is and is to be blessed from everlasting to everlasting Ps 41. 13. and 106. 48. And he is to come to destroy them which destroy the Earth Rev. 11. 17. 18. Our God shall come and shall not keep silence A Fire shall devour before him and it shall be very tempestuous round about him Psal 50. 1 3. That is to come to dissolve all these things and according to his promise to make New Heavens and a New Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness and to fulfill all his good Word Isay 51. 6 10. 2 Pet. 3. 10 15. With this the afflicted Believer comforts himself when he is overwhelmed My days saith he are like a shadow that declineth and I am withered like Grass But thou O LORD shalt endure for ever and thy Remembrance unto all Generations Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Zion When the Lord shall build up Zion he shall appear in his Glory The Heavens and the Earth shall perish but thou shalt endure thou art the same and thy years fail not The Children of thy Servants shall continue c. Ps 102. From this eternally and infinitely glorious person the Apostle votes Grace and Peace to the Churches For he is the God of Grace the God of all Grace 1 Pet. 5. 10. The God of Peace the very God of Peace Heb. 13. 20. 1 Thes 5. 23. He is and was and is to come the God of Grace and Peace Again the Apostle votes Grace and Peace to be to them from another person viz. And from the seven Spirits which are before his Throne To wit before the Throne of him which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty who sits upon the Throne and whose Kingdom ruleth overall This Grace and Peace is also desired from these seven Spirits ch 4. 5. and ch 5. 6. There are different Opinions about these seven Spirits what they are they are by some supposed to be seven Glorious Angels because called seven and because of that said in ch 8. 2. I saw the seven Angels which stood before God But others judge that hereby is meant the Holy and Eternal Spirit with whom I herein agree and believe that to be the meaning of the Phrase 1. Because Grace and Peace is voted from the seven Spirits as from the Father and Jesus Christ but this is never voted from the Angels in any of the Epistles of the residue of the Apostles but either from the Father and the Son Rom. 1. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 3. c. Or also from the Holy Ghost 2 Cor. 13. 14. Nor in any other place of the Scripture that I have ever seen produced Object Some do conceive that Jacob votes Grace and Blessing from a created Angel in saying The Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless c. Gen. 48. 16. Answ 1. More generally Christ is so called in many places as Behold I send an Angel before thee beware of him for my name is in him Ex. 23. 20 23. so also he is called the Angel of his presence Isay 63. 9. and the Angel of the Covenant as is evident Mal. 3. 1. And so certainly that speaks of him in Gen. 48. 16. For 2. That Angel there spoken of is said to have redeemed Jacob c. Now that act and work is never in Scripture applied to any meerly created Angels but he that redeemed Jacob whether personally or nationally considered was and is Jehovah Isay 44. 6 21 24. and ch 48. 20. 3. That Angel is said to have redeemed him from all evil but it is evident that Angel which redeemed him from the Hand of his Brother Esau and from that evil of fear concerning him was Jehovah even the Messias For he wept and made Supplication even prayed to that Angel and who was that Angel even Jehovah the God of Hosts Jehovah is his name his Memorial and therefore this was the Angel which redeemed him from all Evil. Compare Gen. 32. 24 30. with Hos 12. 3. 5. 4. Yea it doth also appear that Jacob worshipped this Angel which was Christ and worshipped him by Faith for so it is said By Faith Jacob when he was a dying blessed both the Sons of Joseph and worshipped upon the top of his Staff Compare Gen. 48. 16. with Heb. 11. 21. By all which it appears that was no meerly created Angel 2. It further appears that the seven Spirits do mean the Holy and Eternal Spirit because they are signified to be upon Christ that elect precious Stone Compare Rev. 5. 6. with Zech.
the Apostles of the lamb have written by the commandment of of the Lord was spoken by the Holy Ghost and as he gave them utterance not only received they the substance of what they wrote from the spirit but the words also in which it is declared as the Apostle Paul saith We have received not the spirit of the World but the spirit which is of God that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God which things also we speak not in the Words which mans Wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth comparing spiritual things with spiritual Acts. 2. 4. 1 Cor. 2. 12 13. Hence the Apostle Peter also saith The spirit of Christ which was in the holy prophets did testify before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven c. 1 Pet. 1. 11 12. 1 Thes 4. 7 8. So unto all the Churches what John was commanded to write the holy spirit saith Rev. 2. 8 11. and v. 12 17. and v. 18 29 c. And when John saith I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord from henceforth It is then added yea saith the spirit Rev. 14. 13. 1 Cor. 14. 37. Therefore what the Apostles have written unto us is to be received by us as the word of God and scriptures of truth 1 Thes 2. 13. 3. In that it is thus expressed to us what the spirit saith not said simply so we learn from hence That what things soever were written aforetime in the holy scriptures they were written for our learning Rom. 15. 4. And in those scriptures the holy spirit still speaketh unto us and God by his spirit as it said he found him in Bethel and there he spake with us Hos 12. 4. so our Saviour saith to the Sadducees as touching the resurrection of the dead have ye not read that which was spoken to you by God Mat. 22. 31. These words were firstly and immediately spoken to Moses many hundred of years before and yet also as our Saviour saith spoken to them in his days and to us now so the Apostle citing a portion of scripture recorded by David thus speaketh wherefore as the holy ghost saith c. Heb. 3. 7 8. with Ps 95. 7 8. and speaking of God's having spoken to us in these last days by his son he expresseth it in one place in the present time and as his continued speaking to us by him See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we refuse him that speaketh from Heaven Heb. 12. 25. with ch 1. 1 2. This might therefore engage us to glorify the word of the Lord which was written long since as much as if it were now and not before spoken to us from God Thus to all the Churches it is thus expressed what the spirit saith to wit continually 1 Tim. 4. 1. Luke 16. 29 31. 4. What the spirit saith unto the Churches And so 1. Not to the Angels of the Churches only Though the Epistles are first sent and expressly directed to them yet they are also written for and spoken unto the Churches and by the Angels to be communicated to them as we have said before and indeed all these Angels all gifts ministers c. are the Churches as the Apostle saith All things are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. Eph. 4. 8 12. Acts 20. 28. 1 Cor. 14. 12. 2. To the Churches Not to this only though sent expressly unto this and in this the temper of this Church is particularly declared yet also the spirit saith this to the Churches in general He saith not to the seven Churches as before but indefinitely to the Churches To signify that where any one is commended every Church should hear this that they might follow their steps Heb. 6. 10 12. And where any thing is reproved in any one it is for Instruction and admonition to others Heb. 3. and ch 4. 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 12. The same evils here reproved may be with any others also and where counsel is given unto any or encouragement set before any it should be minded and considered by the residue also Therefore what the spirit saith unto one he saith unto all the Churches 3. To the Churches all that is written in this Book is to the Churches to his servants compare ch 22. 6. with v. 16. Therefore they should not be afraid to read it see notes before on ch 1. v. 1. and 3. and 4. 2. We have a gracious promise and powerful encouragement proposed to and set before us in which let us consider 1. The subject of the blessedness therein assured 2. The promise it self and blessedness therein assured 1. The subject of the blessedness promised To him that overcometh Thus it is said to all the Churches and every such an one as overcometh is the subject of the blessedness and happiness assured and promised Now herein is signified to us 1. That Christs Churches are souldiers and have a warfare a good warfare to war 1 Tim. 1. 18. not only are the Angels amongst them so though they are to go before others but also the Churches and every particular hearty believer therein They are all souldiers of Jesus Christ And so 1. They have a captain over them a captain of this host of the Lord and that is Jesus Christ as when Joshua was by Jericho He beheld and there stood a Man over against him and Joshua said unto him art thou for us or for our adversaries and he said nay But as captain of the Lords host am I now come c. Josh 5. 13 15. God himself even the great God and our saviour Jesus Christ and the Father in him is their captain 2 Chron. 13. 12. he is the captain of their salvation who was made perfect thorow sufferings Heb. 2. 10. one who hath himself suffered one who bare our sins in his own body on the tree and was delivered to death for our offences and is raised again for our justification and hath overcome all our enemies Rev. 3. 21. and hath all power given unto him both in heaven and on earth Mat. 28. 18. Eph. 1 20 21 22 and is their head as he hath thus vanquished all our enemies and as he is thus impowered their captain Col. 1. 18. with Judg. 11. 6 11. and in his book are they inrolled Luke 10. 20. and by him are they led and preserved for he favours their righteous cause yet it is his Ps 74. 19 22. and 140. 12. and 23. 1 4. 2. They have a Banner displayed because of the truth to which the have run
affliction Isay 48. 10. every branch in him that beareth fruit he purgeth even by afflictions also that it it may bring forth more fruit Joh. 15. 2. with Isay 27. 8 9. Thus he taketh away their dross and tynne Prov. 25. 4. The fining pot is for silver and the fornace for Gold But the Lord trieth the heart and to that end hath placed his fire in Zâ—on and his fornace in Jerusalem Prov. 18. 3. with Isay 31. 9. Deut. 4. 34. And though as he had said before he shall cast some of you into prison yet here he saith not that some of you but ye indefinitely may be tried To which we shall speak afterwards Only here we may mind for ouâ— usefulness considering what is the gracious work of Christ in trying and his end in tempting to wit to prove and purify that we have good reason to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations knowing that the trial of the faith worketh patience and if we lack wisdom so to count let us ask of God who giveth liberally unto all Men Rom. 5. 2 5. Jam. 1. 1 5 6. 1 Pet. 1. 6 7 8. 3. The extent of their sufferings â—s to the time is also to be considered by us And ye shall have tribulation ten days And ye shall have tribulation He had said before The Devil shall cast some of you into prison But here it is not said And some of you but ye indefinitely shall have tribulation as also before we noted briefly that ye may be tried And thus it is here expressed either to signify to us 1. That though all should not be cast into prison yet all should be tried and should have tribulation and trouble some in one kind and some in another some might have it in reproachful words and language in cruel mockings as Heb. 11. 36. In being laught at and derided in the evil words or gestures of ohters and the being mockt and derided is a persecution Gen. 21. 9 10. with Gal 4. 29. 1 Pet. 4. 13 14. or in being threatned Acts 4. 29. or in being persecuted actually and expelled and chased from their habitations Mat. 25. 35. or in being spoiled of their goods Heb. 10. 34. many other ways they might be in tribulation some in one trouble and some in another though all of them were not cast into prison in the same time 2. Or though not all cast into Prison yet ye shall all be tried namely when some of you are shut up in prison this is a trial to the rest as when the Apostles and their fellow-labourers were in Affliction then Satan was endeavouring to move the residue of the believers from the â—aith so much the Apostle signifies when he saith I desire ye faint not at my tribulatioon for you which is your glory Eph. 3. 13. so he sent Timotheus to the Church of the Thessalonians to establish and comfort them concerning their â—aith that no Man saith he should be moved by these afflictions to wit which he and his fellow-labourers endured as appears by what follows for your selves know that we are appointed thereunto for this cause I sent to know your faith lest by some means the temper have tempted you c. 1 Thess 3. 1 3 4 5. And at such a time God is trying and proving them that are not in such adversity as their Brethren are whether they be stedâ—ast and unmovable or whether they will own and be kind to their suffering Brethren 3. Or ye shall have tribulation though not all at prison at once by sympathzing with your Brethren in their Imprisonment and affliction as the Apostle saith to the Hebrews ye endured a great fight of affliction how so partly whilest ye became companions of them that were reproached and afflicted Heb. 10. 32 33 34. Thus the Apostle saith if one member suffer all the members suffer with it 1 Cor. 12. 25 26. and exhorts another Church to weep with them that weep and to be of the same mind one towards another Rom. 12. 15 16. Heb. 13. 1 3. 2 Cor. 11. 29. Isay 63. 9 And this was a great evil in some they were at ease in Zion and were not grieved for the affliction of Joseph Amos 6. 1 3 5 6 7. Ten days that is as it seems ten yeers for so many times in Prophetical speaking a day signifies a yeer Numb 14. 34. as the Lord saith to Ezekiel lye upon thy right side and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah fourty days I have appointed thee each day for a yeer Ezek. 4. 5 6. and so a day is many times used in this Book for a yeer or days for yeers as ch 11. 2 3 9 11. and ch 12. 6. And he that too rashly could say the fourty and two months and a thousand two hundred and threescore days signify three yeers and a half Rev. 11. 2 3. yet durst not take these ten days strictly nor in Rev. 11. 9 11. But here we may learn 1. That our times are in Gods hand even the times of tribulation and affliction also Ps 31. 13 15. he hath determined the times before-appointed Acts 17. 26. and the Adversaries of his people cannot prolong their affliction beyond his pleasure he saith to his peoples enemies hitherto ye shall go and no further he puts bounds to the sufferings of those that wait upon him and keep his way Dan. 12. 11 12. Rev. 11. 2 3. So the Lord said unto Abraham thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them and they shall afflict them four hundred years Gen. 15. 13. Acts 7. 6. and so he told the Prophet That the two Tribes should serve the King of Babilon seventy yeers and after seventy yeers he would visit them and perform his good word towards them in causing them to return into their own land Jer. 25. 8 12. and ch 29. 10. there is a determined time beyond which the enemy shall not afflict his people 2. Ten days Though prophetically taken for yeers as before yet it is but a little time And so many times after they have suffered a while a little time here he gives them some rest and peace Acts 9. 31. And how long soever his peoples sufferings are they are but a little time as compared with eternity and with the duration of their misery who are and abide enemies unto Christ his Gospel and sincere disciples or in comparison of the everlastingness of their Joy and blessedness that abide faithful to the death Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory saith the Apostle Paul 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. Ps 37. 10. yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 37. Isay 54. 7 8. Behold mind and consider all this who is your adversary and false accuser the Devil The end of your sufferings that ye may be tried
when the High-priest asked him whether he were the Christ the Son of God he readily answered I am and then spake more than he was asked Mat. 26. 55 62. see also Mat. 27. 13 14. with Joh. 18. 36 37. and encouraged his disciples to confess him before men and warned them of the contrary Luke 12. 9 10 11 12. 2. A Man may also actually and interpretatively deny Christ and his faith they may in words profess to know and own him and yet in works deny him being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate Tit. 1. 20. so they who have a form of Godliness may deny the power of it either the Gospel as it is leâ—t on record in the Apostle's words deny the truth of it and pervert it by their glosses and evil interpretations or the powerful efficacy of it upon them 2 Tim. 3. 5. so a Man doth actually deny Christ and God in him when he hath some other object of worship or some other Lord or some other faith besides the faith of Christ or some other foundation of faith and hope or bread of life besides Christ as declared in the Gospel so Joshua signifies that Israel in serving strange Gods would deny their God Josh 24. 19 20 27. and Job saith If I have made gold my hope or have said to the fine gold my confidence If I rejoyâ—ed because my wealth was great and because mine hand had gotten much If I beheld the sun when it shined or the moon walking in brightness and mine heart hath been secretly enticed or my hand hath kissed my mouth I should have denied the God that is above Job 31. 24 28. or a man may be said to deny Christ and his faith when though he denies not that there is a Christ yet he denieth that Jesus is the Christ as those that say the light in every Man is Christ such an one denieth both the Father and the Son 1 Joh. 2. 22. or when Men adore the consecrated bread and wine as the very body and blood of Christ and so men have not Christ who abide not in his Doctrine 2 Joh. 9. such as bring in heresies of destruction do deny the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2. 1. yea and he that provideth not for his own and especially for those of his own household â—ath in that particular denied the faith and is worse then an infidel 1 Tim. 5. 8. But of this Angel and Church it is said thou hast not denied my faith though they dwelt in such a place 4. We have an account given us of the evil times they held fast Christ's name in and did not deny his faith In those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth that is they held fast Christ's name and the acknowledgment of him when one amongst them was slain for so doing This was a time of trial to them because they might expect also to be so dealt withal and yet in such a time they did confess publickly and did not deny the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory When Antipas was slain though not set down in scripture yet it 's generally conceived concluded to be after the destruction of Jerusalem and it is of great consequence concernment to consider the time of his being slain which was as is reported by some authors in the reign of the Emperour Domitian who was created Emperour in the year of our Lord 83. whereas Jerusalem was destroyed in the second year of the reign of Vespasian in the year of our Lord 73. about fourty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ so that he was slain at least ten years after the destruction of Jerusalem and so it is concluded generally that in the time of the reign of Domitian he was slain and after he was slain These visions were given unto and received by the Apostle John as here it is said Antipas was slain c. But against this a learned Man objects and saith That though it be true that Antipas was slain in the reign of Domitian and so after the destruction of Jerusalem yet these visions were received before and that though Antipas is said to have been killed yet it is but a prophecy of his death before hand as it is usual to speak of things to come in the time past in prophecies as of Cyrus c. To which I say 1. By way of grant That it is indeed an usual thing in Scripture to speak prophetically of things to come as if they were already past But yet 2. By way of exception I shall say these things which I desire may be minded and considered 1. More generally Though in prophecies many times future things are spoken of as past yet also usually at the same instant they are signified in other expressions to be future and not actually accomplished So whereas of Christ it is said in one part of verse To us a Son is born to us a Son is given to signify God's fore-ordination of him yet to shew this was not then actually accomplished it is added The government shall be upon his shoulders Isay 9. 6. with ch 7. 14. So the Lord hath created a new thing in the earth a Woman shall compass a Man Jer. 31. 22. see also Isay 53. 2 10. so particularly of Cyrus though it be said in one place whose right hand I have holden c. yet to signiâ—y this was a prophecy and not actually done It is added I will loose the loins of Kings to open before him the two-leaved gates c. I will go before thee c. see Isay 45. 1 2 3 5. But now in this place we are speaking of all is spoken of as present or past and not one word as future thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you c. In which our Lord commends this Angel and Church both for their present constancy thou holdest fast and for their past faithfulness and hast not denied c. 2. In all the other Epistles generally the same author understands what is spoken of in the time past to be not prophetical of future things but a signification that they were truly and actually accomplished and why unless upon design must this one text only be purely prophetical seeing also it is no unusual thing to speak in the future time in these Epistles of things to come as ch 2. 10. and ch 3. 10. 3. The contents of these seven Epistles are called things that are as distinguished from the things which shall be hereafter which begin ch 4. 1. see the notes on ch 1. v. 19. and so these Epistles are not in such a Prophettick style as the following part of this Book is 4. Nay Eusebius froâ— Irenaeus saith that the Apostle John was banished into the Isle of Patmos in the reign of
to him Ask of me and I will give thee the Heathen for thinâ— Inheritance and the utmost parts of the Earth for thy Possession To wit all power over the Nations Then it is added Thou shalt break them with a Rod of Iron with an irresistible power thou shalt dash them in pieces like a Potters Vessel Psal 2. 7 8 9. with Acts 13. 32 33. As it is here also assured by Christ to him that overcometh c. Christ hath received all power over the Nations and shall inherit all Nations Ps 82. 8. He shall govern the Nations upon Earth Psal 67. 4. He shall judge the World in righteousness and minister judgment to the people in uprightness Psal 9. 6 8. and 96. 13. and 98. 9. and 22. 27 29. He shall have dominion from Sea to Sea and from the River unto the ends of the Earth They that dwell in the Wilderness shall bow before him and his Enemies shall lick the dust The Kings of Tarshish and of the Isles shall bring presents The Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer Gifts yea all Kings shall fall down before him all Nations shall serve him Psal 72. 8 11. and 66. 1 4. The Lord shall be King over all the Earth Zech. 14. 9. He and not the Church of Rome as a learned man â—ondly conceits is the Man-child who shall rule all Nations with a rod of Iron Rev. 12. 5. Isay 2. 4. He shall rule them with a Rod of Iron with an irresistible power as before is said and break in peices the Oppressor and all that rebel against him and will not fall down and submit to him Psal 72. 4. Isay 1â— 4 5. Yea this Kingdom of Christ's which the God of Heaven shall set up shall never be destroyed nor be left to other people but it shall break in pieces and consume all other Kingdoms and it shall stand for ever Dan. 2. 34 35 44. And so in the beginning of his Reign he shall smite the Nations and he shall rule them with a rod of Iron and he treadeth the Wine-press and Wrath of Almighty God Rev. 19. 15 21. And he shall fight against and destroy those Nations that come against Jerusalem Zech. 14. 3 4 12. And in the time of his reign he will plague those Families that come not up to worship the King the Lord of Hosts and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles Zech. 14. 16 19. And in the end of the thousand years reign Fire shall come down from God out of Heaven and devour the Nations which are in the four quarters of the Earth who will then being deceived by the Devil go up and compass the Camp of the Saints about and the beloved City Rev. 20. 7 8 9. And in that Christ hath received and will in due season exercise such power over the Nations the consideration of it may be useful to us 1. To shew unto us the preciousness of his blood for upon the account thereof the Father hath highly exalted him and given him a name above every name Joâ— 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. Phil. 2. 6 9 11. Rev. 5. 12. 2. It may engage and provoke us all now to submit to him this is the use the Holy Ghost makes of the power given to Christ and that he shall rule the Nations with a Rod of Iron c. Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye Judges of the Earth Kiss the Son lâ—st he be angry and ye perish c. Psal 2. 8 10 12. Acts 3. 19 20. and ch 17. 30 31. 3. In that he will give such power to him that oveâ—cometh it shews that such are called to the fellowship of Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 9. 2 Thes 2. 13 14. To him are they beholden for all Rom. 8. 17. Luke 22. 29 30. And it might engage us therefore to hold fast his works and to fight the good fight of Faith 1 Tim. 6. 12. Then their Horn shall be exalted with Honour Psal 75 10. Verse 28. And I will give him the Morning Star This is a farther Branch of the Blessedness assured unto him that overcometh and keepeth Christ's works unto the end By the Morning Star is here meant Jesus Christ himself as he gives us to understand saying I Jesus have sent mine Angel to testifie to you these things in the Churches I am the bright and morning Star Rev. 22. 16. And he is the morning Star so called by way of excellency and eminency and so he is preferred before the Angels or Messengers of the Churches who are called Stars chap. 1. 17 20. For he is the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant Mal. 3. 1. And before the Apostles who are compared to and called Stars Rev. 12. 1. For he is the Apostle of the Believers Profession Heb. 3. 1. And before the Angels who are by nature Spirits and who are called the morning Stars Joâ— 38. 7. For he is Gods Angel emphatically so called in whom his name is Exod. 23. 20 21. He is made so much better then the Angels as he hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they Heb. 1. 3 4 13. This is that Star of which Balaam prophesied when he said There shall come a Star out of Jacob Numb 24. 17. and he is here called the morning Star and the bright and morning Star ch 22. 16. to signifie to us that when God shall send him again then immediately will follow the day of God 2. Pet. 3. 12. or the day of Christ Phil. 1. 6. and ch 2. 16. that notable day of the Lord Acts 2. 20. And so he is called the Day-Star 2 Pet. 1. 19. and Day-Spring East or Sun-rising Luke 1. 78. This Morning-Star he will give to him that overcometh then not as now by Faith but gloriously And so 1. He will give himself then gloriously who is the Resurrection and the Life and so give them a part in and raise them up in the first Resurrection so the different glory in the Resurrection is compared to the diversity of the glory among the Stars 1 Cor. 15. 41. with Verse 33. Rev. 20. 4 6. He will raise them up in the Resurrection of the just Luke 14. 14. and ch 20. 35 36. 2. He as the Son of Righteousness will appear and immediately arise to them with healing under his wings Mal. 4. 2. and wipe away all Tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying nor shall there be any more pain for the former things shall pass away Rev. 21. 1 4 5. He will then perfectly and eternally forgive their Sins and heal their Diseases and deliver them from all the Fruits of Sin Ps 130. 8. Isay 33. 24. 3. He will immediately be a perpetual light to them he will give himself as the morning-Star unto them and that day shall then come in which there will be no darkness to those that have their part in the first Resurrection The Sun shall be no
the defiling his Sanctuary when persons are serving their Idols and sowing to the Flesh and yet come the same day into his Sanctuary and appear to take delight in approaching to him as if they were delivered to do those abominations Or as if the Grace of God heard and in some measure received by them gave them encouragement to serve Sin or follow their vanities from which indeed it comes to redeem them and to that purpose brings Salvation to all men Ezek. 23. 38 39. Jer. 7. 9 11. Tit. 2. 11 12. Oh how lothsome displeasing and provoking is this to him who hath deserved so well at our hands that we should be for him only and give him and none other our loves and who loves truth in the inward parts he well knows not how to bear with or endure such evil and unkind requitals or to away with such a lothsome temper as is that of lukewarmness to him And so much he gives us to understand in what follows Verse 16. So then because thou art Lukewarm and neither cold nor hot I will spue thee out of my mouth In this sharp rebuke and threatning the faithful and true witness signifieth to us the loathsomeness and unbearableness of this temper or distemper of theirs unto himself It was such and so grievous to him that he could not away with it though they were not cold but there was still some form of Godliness and Profession of Religion upon them they seemed to be religious and made mention of the God of Israel and called themselves of the Holy City and stayed themselves upon the God of Israel yet this was not in truth nor in Righteousness as Isay 48. 1 2. Their Religion was vain and they more odious in this condition to him than if they had been quite cold like that Isay 1. 11 16. To what purpose is the multitude of your Sacrifices to me saith the Lord I am full of the Burnt-offerings of Rams When you come to appear before me who hath required this at your hands to tread mâ— Courts Bring no more Vain Oblations Incense is an abomination to me The new Moons and Sabbaths the calling of Assemblies I cannot away with it is Iniquity or grief even the solemn meeting Your new Moons and your appointed Feasts my Soul hateth they are a burden to me I am weary to bear them And when you spread forth your hands I will hide mine Eyes from you yea when you make many prayers I will not hear you your hands are full of Blood Like whereto also is that Amos 5. 12 21 27. This was greatly provoking to him that they were so lukewarm and did not buy the truth with a parting with their Abominations and Idols So here he threatneth he will spue them out of his Mouth because they were lukewarm A Metaphor taken from lukewarm meat that is displeasing and burthensome to the Stomach or rather from lukewarm water which is loathsome and offensive and causeth vomiting And it is as if he should say I will abhor you and cast you out and you shall be cut off from my Congregation I will not keep you in my mouth to plead for you or to speak a good word for you but you shall be cut off from among my people and Churches Your temper is so loathsome and grievous to me that it were more bearable to me you did not tread my courts at all You had better never profess to wait upon me than under that profession to hide and keep close and make provision for your sins and Idols he that killeth an ox is as he slew a Man he that sacrificeth a Lamb as if he cut off a dogs neck he that offereth an oblation as if he offered swines blood he that burneth incense as if he blessed an Idol while Men chuse their own ways and their Soul delighteth in their abominations Isay 66. 3. Ezek. 14. 3 11. and therefore he threatneth to abhor them and vomit them out of his mouth unless they did receive timely admonition and repent v. 19. Lev. 18. 25 28. In which he signifieth to us 1. That his Churches and People are especially in his Mouth as they are in his heart to love them and to delight in them and in his hand to hide protect and defend them from their Enemies and from all evil so also in his mouth he takes up their names into his Lips and makes intercession for them especially Ps 16. 3 4. Heb. 7. 25. yea though they are lukewarm and are thereby become offensive and loathsome in their temper yet he doth not presently reject them but pleads for them as his Church and that they may be so continued he hates putting away from this nighness Mal. 2. 16. he is slow to anger and it is his work his strange work his act his strange act to cast such forth out of his house and vomit them up and therefore he saith not I have spued thee out of my mouth but I will do it namely if they did still so abide and persist He remembers for such the kindness of their youth the love of their espousals when they have forsaken him the Fountain of living Waters and hewed to themselves Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no water and when they have forgotten him days without number Jer. 3. 2 13 32. This Church of Laodicea was not always in this sad and abominable condition but it was sometimes hot and â—ervent and was so taken with Christ and his love and loveliness that the Apostle Paul did joyfully behold their order in first seeking the Kingdom of God and its Righteousness and the stedfastness of their Faith and therefore this exhorts them as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in him rooted and built up in him and stablished in the Faith as ye have been taught c. Col. 2. 6 7. Christ was so precious to them that thorow their beholding belief of and delight in his preciousness they were made a Church of his and called out of the state condition and good fellowship of the World into him and unto fellowship with him and were bottomed and built upon him and begotten by him to a lively hope of his mercy and this still Christ remembreth and for such he maketh Intercession though they are become unlovely and unpleasant till they are put out of his house yea when they have fitted themselves for being cast out such is the graciousness of this faithful and true witness that he interposed himself for them whiâ—e and as it may be for their good that further patience and forbearance may be exercised towards them and further means used that they may in the light and strength of his grace recover themselves and turn unto him from whom they have revolted and backsliden So when the Lord of the vineyard came three yeers seeking fruit on the figtree that was planted in his vineyard and found none and was so greatly incensed that he gave order
to cut it down that it might no longer cumber the ground this gracious vine-dresser stepped in and pleaded for it Lord let it alone this yeer also till I shall dig about it and dung it that it may bring forth fruit and so still be continued in that ground Luke 13. 6 8. So when he complains of and to his people Thou hast been weary of me O Israel thou hast not honoured me with thy Sacrifices but thou hast made me to serve with thy Sins thou hast wearied me with thine Iniquities Yet he addeth I even I am he which blotteth out thy Transgressions for mine own names sake and will not remember thy Sins Isay 43. 22 25. Though they were not so fervent as to give him no rest though they did not weary him in crying after wisdom and lifting up their voice for understanding as those that would take no denial but instead thereof were weary of him yea and found him so much unpleasant work as to weary him with their Transgressions in hiding and covering them and washing and cleansing them from them yet he continued to be gracious and merciful to them he knows not how presently to reject them but when he speaks against them he doth earnestly remember them still and his bowels are moved and stirred towards them yea when he threatens to give up to destruction because they are bent to back-slidings from him and though called to the most high do not at all exalt him yet he crieth out as one full of good bowels towards them Jam. 5. 11. How shall I give thee up howshall I deliver thee as one that well knows not how to do it Mine heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger For I am God and not Man the Holy One in the midst of thee c. And thus gracious is he towards such unworthy backsliding ones for his own goodness and because he remembers the kindness of their youth Hos 11. 1 9. Jer. 31. 18 20. Nay when he puts them away from their former â—ighness to him yet he doth not presently give them a Bill of Divorce but is calling unto them to return to him and proclaiming his graciousness and readiness to receive them again and stretching forth his hand toward them though they have treacherously departed from him as a Wife from her Husband and played the Harlot with many Lovers taking in Strangers into the Bed of Love instead of their Husband Isay 50. 1 2. Jer. 3. 1 20 22. he is not quick to vomit them out of his mouth who are so unpleasant and loathsome to him that he well knows not how to keep them in he cannot easily put them from among the Children or cast them out from being of his congregation but is still stretching out his hand to such rebellious ones while it is called to day to draw and strengthen them to come to him and to embrace them in returning Isay 65. 2 4. Oh the infinite graciousness and kindness of this faithful and true witness and of the Father in him Oh that we may never abuse such goodness or turn such grace into wantonness That we may never despise the riches of his patience forbearance and longsuffering towards us but may so know consider and take notice of his goodness and of its tendency and operation that we may be zealous and repent for if still our hearts be set in us to do evil and we continue in our provocations because sentence is not speedily executed this will provoke him at last to execute what he threatneth he will wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalp of such as go on still in their trespasses neglecting and lightly esteeming him who is the God of Salvation who hath prepared for us and is discovering and exercising to us such salvation in and thorow Jesus Christ Ps 68. 18 19 21. and this leadeth us to the next 2. But though he be slow to anger and of great kindness and ready to repent him of the evil threatned yet in their still continuing in this distemper after such a gracious counsel given v. 18. such rebukes and chastisments used v. 19. and such wonderful condesension and patience exercised v. 20. he will at last spue them out and vomit them up as his Church unson them unchurch them cease to plead for them as his Church cast them out of his vineyard into the field of the World So when he looked for grapes and behold wild-grapes he then saith and threatneth that he will take away the hedge of his vineyard and it shall be eaten up and break down the wall thereof and it shall be trodden down and he will lay it wast it shall not be pruned nor digged but there shall come up briars and thornes and he threatens that he will command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it Isay 5. 1 6. So the vine-dresser saith If after his digging about and dunging the fruitless figtree it shall bring forth fruit well but if not after that the Lord should cut it down he would not always intercede for it if it still after further means used remained barren and unfruitful Luke 13. 9. he can take away his Kingdom and remove the candlestick out of its place Mat. 21. 43 44. Rev. 2. 5. Behold Israel after the flesh If God spared not the natural branches take heed lest he also spare not thee Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God on them which fell severity but toward thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou also shalt be cut off Rom. 11. 20 23. he can cast them out of his house that are in it and will do so if they persist in rebelling against him and love them no more but forsake them and cast them off for ever Hose 9. 15. 1 Chron. 28. 9. of a truth God is no respecter of persons he is not tied to any Man's person but Christ is the Amen To him are the promises made and in him they are confirmed sure to all the seed who are born of the Spirit and led by the Spirit for as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God In him all the promises of God are yea and Amen and if we be Christ's then are we Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise But if a Man that hath been ingraffed into him abide not in him he is cast forth as a branch and withereth and Men gather them and they are cast into the fire and burned Joh. 15. 16 6. in abiding in him is safety and security none can pluck them out of his hand or mouth that hear his voice and follow him as he is drawing them and working in them both to will and to do of good pleasure but beware of him saith God and obey his voice provoke him not for he will not pardon your transgressions for my name is in him
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
9 24. Luke 8. 1 8 18. And this I judge to be the meaning of the expression also because this Book is to be shewed unto Christ's Servants they must be such first see the notes on Rev. 1. v. 1. and v. 4 and he is pronounced blessed and is so before also that hears and keeps c. Rev. 1. 3. They are called upon to see and hear these things that have eyes and ears as it is said The eyes of them that see shall not be dim and the ears of them that hear shall hearken Isay 32. 3. Dan. 2. 20 22. Ps 25. 14. their eyes and ears are blessed that do hear see the first things and they are in a capacity to hear the following and more difficult things Mat. 13. 16. Otherwise not as the Apostle saith to the Hebrews speaking of Christ's being an High-priest after the order of Melchisedeck of whom saith he We have many things to say and hard to be uttered seeing ye are dull of hearing to wit the first and more easy things as appears by what follows For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the Oracles of God And are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat Heb. 5. 11 12. and so by him that hath an ear may be meant every one that hath received in believing the first things of the Gospel of Christ and so every particular member of the Churches for what is here spoken of the Churches as bodies or societies is of concernment and for instruction to every particular person that hath an ear to hear So whereas the Church of Ephesus is here charged to have left her first-love and threatned that if she remembers not from whence she is fallen and repents not c. He will remove her candlestick Though this be spoken to the Church directly yet the same charge and commination respects every particular person that is alike guilty and the same judgement or one of a like nature is to be feared if it be not timely prevented 2. We come in the next place to note some instructions briefly As to say 1. That the way for us to hear and understand these things here written to the Churches is to hear continually the word of Jesus even the word of the beginning of Christ which is the foundation of all gracious and spiritual operations and of all doctrines Joh. 5. 25. Heb. 6. 1 2. To him that hath shall be given and he shall have more abundantly Mat. 13. 12. 1 Joh. 2. 20 24 27. 2. Herein is supposed that such as have an ear may not hear attend unto and mind these things spoken to the Churches It is possible that they which have ears to hear may not hear they may not improve what they are furnished with Ezek. 12. 2. Jer. 5. 21. so much our Saviour signifies when he saith to his disciples Perceive ye not neither understand have ye your hearts yet hardned having eyes see ye not and having ears hear ye not And do ye not yet Remember Mark 8. 17 18. Where he both gives us to understand who they are that have ears to wit his disciples and also signifies that such may not hear they may pretend or suppose so much difficulty in the Book of this prophecy as not to mind or set their hearts to what is contained therein or upon other accounts may not make use of or improve that ear which they have received 1 Pet. 1. 22 23. 3. That it is the gracious mind of our Lord Jesus that every one that hath an ear should hear the things here written to the Churches that they should attentively hear and understand them as the Word hear when it 's mentioned alone doth frequently signify understand Mat. 13. 18. see notes on Rev. 1. v. 3. The things herein written are therefore sent and written not for the sakes of the Angels and Churches as congregated together only But it is the good will of Christ that every particular Man that hath an ear should hear them also and therefore any such may with encouragement hear that he may understand 4. It is of concernment and great usefulness to such an one to hear and consider what is here spoken Rev. 1. 3. 2. Consider we next the thing that every such an one is called upon to hear And that is what the spirit saith unto the Churches not to the World only All may hear that as before is said but unto the Churches What is that Surely we may say all spoken to them and so as with respect to what is said directly to this Church he is to hear all before spoken to wit the description Christ gives of himself v. 1. the commendable things found with this Angel and Church to receive the grace of God to imitate what is good v. 2 3 6. The evil found to avoid it or if polluted therewith to escape such pollution v. 4. the good counsel given to receive so far as appertains to us And the commination to stand in awe and not sin v. 5. and also the promise and encouragement annexed to these words in this verse and therefore though to the three former Churches he puts down the call or acclamation before the promises and encouragements as here and v. 11. and v. 17. yet to the four latter he places it last of all To shew all is to be heard by every one that hath an ear that is spoken to the Churches â—ee v. 29. and ch 3. 6 12 22 yea all is to be heard that is contained in this Book For the whole therein the spirit speaketh to the Churches as hath been before said And as may be seen Rev. 22. 6 16. Now here we may note for our instruction and usefulness 1. In that it is said before These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars to wit Christ v. 1 and here What the spirit saith so he signifieth to us that Christ who is in his personal body in heaven now speaks to us by the spirit according to his promise he hath sent him forth Joh. 15. 26 and 16. 7. and speaks to us by him as God spake by the holy spirit in former times so now Christ having received the immeasurable fulness thereof in the nature of Man hath shed him forth and speaks by him Acts 2. 33. This holy and eternal spirit rests on him and thereby he knoweth all things yeâ— the depths of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. and speaks to us the words of God Joh. 3. 34 35. Isay 11. 1 3. so also he speaks to all the seven Churches 2. In that Christ had said to John v. 1 write and here what the spirit saith so he gives us to understand That as in former times holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy spirit Zech. 7. 12. Mark 12. 38. Acts 28. 25. 1 Pet. 1. 11. 2 Pet. 1. 20 21. so now what
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
the days of old consider years of many generations c. Deut. 32. 4 7 12 15. 18. And so by another Prophet he saith to them O my people what have I done unto thee and wherein have I wearied thee testify against me For I brought thee up out of the land of Aegypt and redeemed thee out of the house of Servants and I sent before thee Moses Aaron and Miriam O my people remember c. Mica 6. 2 5. So doth our Lord to this Angel and Church he puts them in or stirrs them up to the remembrance of those things that were and might again be pleasant and profitable to them that so they might cause them to return to their hearts again Jer. 2. 4 6. 32. and this shews he hath no pleasure in the death and everlasting destruction of such dying ones as these were see notes on Chapt. 2. Verse 5. 2. And hold fast This is a further Branch of the Direction and instruction which he gives to this Angel and Church and hereby is intimated to us what is meant by Remember before namely bring back into your minds what you have received and heard and then hold fast not only by remembrance recall them but retain and keep them fast to the end To this phrase we have spoken before and shall therefore say the less here see notes before on ch 2. v. 13 25. only here we may note 1. In that this charge is given to these who had forgotten that they especially and all like them need to be provoked not only to remember how they received and heard but also to hold fast who have formerly had a miscarrying womb of such it may be said more then of others that have not so let slip how weak is your heart Ezek. 16. 30. and they have given great advantage to Satan thereby to use all all means and endeavour if he can possibly to prevail against them again 2. Such as these may do what they are here exhorted to they may hold fast these things when they are brought back to their hearts on other things they cannot lay fast hold they are not Prov. 23. 4 5. they endure not Job 8. 15. they are a very ly Isay 44. 20. But these are substantial and power accompanies them to enable us to hold them fast 1 Tim. 6. 12 12. Heb. 6. 18. 1 Joâ— 4. 4 5 and indeed our holding fast is in letting them abide and dwell in us richly 1 Joâ— 2. 24 26. Col. 3. 16. 3. It 's needful and profitable for us all and for such forgetful ones to hold them fast for hereby we may and shall be quickned and revived wisdom is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her and happy is every one that retains her Prov. 3. 18. hence that instruction and exhortation take fast hold of instruction let her not go keep her fast for she is thy life Prov. 4. 13. In holding fast we are made partakers of Christ and are his house and he will dwell in us and walk in us Heb. 3. 6 14. and if we so do not we shall lose all Whosoever transgresses and abides not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God 2 Joâ— 9. Heb. 10. 38. Rev. 3. 11. 3. And Repent namely in and this with remembrance and holding fast repent repent in dust and ashes Joâ— 42. 6. Be ashamed and confounded even loath thy self that thou shouldst thus forget forsake Christ his Gospel and thereby bring thy self into such a miserable condition Jer. 31. 19. Ezek. 20. 43. and turn from this iniquity unto him from whom thou hast revolted Ezek. 14. 6. and ch 18. 30. see the notes on ch 2. v. 5. We have next to speak unto Christ's conditional threat in case they followed not his direction nor received his instruction If therefore thou shalt not watch see notes on v. 2. I will come see notes on ch 2. v. 5. on thee as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee That is that which he threatneth that he might provoke them to obey his counsel and to remember how they had received and heard and hold fast and repent I will come on thee as a thief c. that is to say 1. As a thief that is secretly and suddenly and so the last words open the former thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee thou art asleep and if thou dost not awake and watch I will come by stealth upon thee Joâ— 4. 12. even unexpectedly when thou thinkest not of it the day of the Lord should come upon them as a thief in the night 1 Thes 5. 1 4. and take them napping he would come in a day when they looked not for him and in an hour that they were not aware of Mat. 24. 43 50. and such a coming will be very terrible and affrighting 2. Pet. 3. 10. this circumstance renders a judgment very terrible that when Men are saying peace and safety then sudden destruction comes upon them as travail on a Woman with child 1 Thes 5. 3. Prov. 6. 15. Isay 29. 15. and ch 30. 13. Oh then let our loins be always girt about and our lights burning and we our selves like Men that wait for their Lord when he will return from wedding Blessed aâ—â— those Servantâ— whom the Lord when he câ—meth shall find watching Luke 12. 34 37 40. Behold saith Christ I come as a thief Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments Rev. 16. 15. Mark 13. 34 36. 2. As a thief To steal or take away Joh. 10. 10. so he would come as a thief though not a thief to take away not that which was none of his own for all is his Joâ— 16. 15. But that which he had been giving to them to take away his peace from them even loving-kindness and mercies Jer. 16. 5. 1 Chron. 17. 13. to take away his spirit from them against which David prays Ps 51. 11. to take away their gifts from them for from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath Mat. 13. 12. and ch 25. 24 29. to take away their garments and ornaments from them that their shameful nakedness might appear and they might no longer have a name that they lived while yet they were dead but might become the reproach of the foolish and all might see their shame Ps 39. 8. Ezek. 16. 36 37. Rev. 16. 15. To take away their candlesticks as he saith unto Ephesus see the notes on ch 2. v. 5. 3. As a thief To kill and destroy them except they would receive timely admonition and repent Joh. 10. 10. and take their names out of the book of life Rev. 22. 19. Deut. 7. 4 9 and ch 8. 19 20. To cut them off in their sins by his judgments Joh. 15. 2. Ezek. 33. 6. Thus he can deal with his Angel and Churches and thus he will deal with them that trecherously depart from him and