his church for the service thereof God first fills them with his Spirit When John was but upon entring upon his prophetical office God ravishes him with his Spirit and fills him therewith to fit him for this office When men in the Apostles days were to be chosen but for the lowest services in the Church as for the over-sight of the poor and the like yet they must be men full of the holy Ghost and wisdom Acts 6.3 Much more then for the highest places as Prophets Pastors Teachers and Elders c. It is said Paul and Barnabas were filled with the holy Ghost and therefore to be separated unto the work Acts 11.24 and 13.2 The Offices of the churches of Christ are for those that have the Spirit of Christ in them in some fulness of it those places are not for such as are filled with the spirit of envie covetousness pride the world contention ignorance and antichristian lording such have not the spirit of Christ in them it may be well said of such that they run for profit here and the like but the Lord sent them not Jer. 14.14 and 23.21 They flatter themselves and think they are called and sent of God because God hath given them some common acquired gifts and parts yet want all the especial graces of the Spirit as meekness self-denial contempt of this world humility bowels of compassion ready to forgive sound knowledge in the truth and holiness and righteousness in their lives and conversations they that want those graces in the truth of them are neither fit for those high functions in the church nor can satisfyingly perswade themselves or others that they are called unto it Let this be as a memento to all such that climbe over the walls into those holy Functions and are well satisfied with a call from men when they were never called of God I say let all such fear and tremble lest God spew them all our together with their flocks that would have it so in his wrath for ever John was rapt in Spirit on the Lord's day 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek Whether this day be here called the Lord's day for the great discoveries of those visions made unto John upon this day or because it was the Lord's day for the assembling of the Saints to perform their services unto God it being the same day with that which the Apostles call the first day of the week and our christian Sabbath I shall not much contend but rather am enclined unto the latter for these two reasons First Because the great work of Christ's resurrection on that day wherein he was manifested Lord and Conquerour over hell and Satan purchased it that Title of the Lords day Secondly Because the observation of the Sabbath with all christian publique services were transferred to that day and so is called the Lord's day 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or according to the Scottish dialect the Kirks day the Churches day because they held their assemblies and performed their publique services upon that day Hence note Observ That the Lord's day or the day of the great and publique assemblings of the Saints is the fittest time for God's highest discoveries of Grace and Truth John received here on this day his high irradiations of spirit and Prophesies This is God's great Market day wherein there is a constant and mutual Exchange or Bartering of heavenly and divine commodities the Saints come with the returns of their improvements of mercies in praises prayers and thanksgivings God gives out in return farther supplies of grace and greater measure of knowledge in his ways and truths Therefore sure most happy most knowing and most gracious are those Saints that are most found in this way O! this should make all of us that are not in this way to wail for it as David in his absence and exile from the church of God that being the special habitation of God's glory Psal 96.6 and to breath after it even as the Hart brayeth after the fountain streams for this is the day of the Saints assemblings wherein the Angel comes down the Angel of the New Covenant Christ in spirit to stir upon the waters of Bethesda upon the hearts and affections of all his people When John was in this rapture of spirit on the Lord's day then he heard behind him a mighty voice as it were of a Trumpet loud and terrible The Trumpet being a warlike Instrument whose sound is to prepare unto Battel and to the terror of the adversary God's publique admonitions are so unto his church it not only prepares his own unto repentance but is also of terrible signification unto all his impenitent enemies But here comes in a question fit to be discussed John had here his raptures of spirit extasies and heard a great voice as of a Trumpet The Quere will be How shall we know Divine raptures extasies or visions from diabolical For Satan is God's Ape and hath his raptures possessions strange apparitions sounds and voices also For answer first know that God's visions are given either in the sleep as unto Jacob when he saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven and Angels ascending and descending in Gen. 28. but such are more properly called Divine Dreams Or secondly When the person is awake as here when Iohn was at Patmos on the Lord's day doubtless either in God's services or holy contemplations he received those visions and raptures of spirit and those extasies or raptures of spirit do cause a great alteration upon the person that receives them he is as it were taken out of himself that is in this posture and frame and therefore it is called a rapture or extasie quasi extra se raptus being in that posture not master of the faculties of his own soul which are wholly in the power and motions of the Spirit that acts them and this is common to both sorts of raptures whether from the good or evil spirit Now to discern what spirit moves in such raptures or visions observe first Whether the person passive or that is under such raptures of spirit were always or for the most part of their lives faithful witnesses unto the word of God and of Jesus Christ such have not only the promise of the holy Spirit to teach them all things 1 Iohn 2.27 but to be preserved against the evil one in their bodies souls and spirits Secondly Observe the matter of their visions in such raptures whether it be to denounce God's judgments against sinful practises or not for surely Satan will never be divided against himself if we will believe our Saviour for so his kingdom could not stand though I have read a story in some old Popish Mass-monger that the divel once in the shape of a Priest preached a very catholique sermon but being discovered by some Saint in presence it seems one of an excellent endowment in discerning spirits asked him how durst Satan to appear in that presence with so sound holy
speak very favourably of it and very ingeniously call it a harmless opinion not directly or indirectly striking or undermining any the fundamentals of the Faith But to proceed In this last Scripture take notice 1. What therein is promised as a peculiar reward to them that abide temptations with or for Christ and it is a Kingdom Christ's Kingdom my Kingdom vers 30. compare this with Rev. 11.18 and Rev. 20.4 2. Christ appoints unto them a Kingdom as his Father had appointed to him a kingdom but the Father as is on all sides agreed appointed not a particular kingdom for Christ after the ultimate judgement in the supernal heavens for it is affirmed on all hands that Christ then and there shall deliver up the Kingdom the power and ruling into the hands of the Father that God may be all in all according to that of 1 Cor. 15.24 28. Now in a Kingdom there are relations persons to rule and persons ruled to wit Christ and his Saints to rule and unbelievers to be ruled but in the highest heavens there is nothing to be made subject to Christ and his Saints no unbeliever or unclean thing must enter thereinto the blessed Angels the ministring Spirits being only subject to Christ Heb. 1.13 14. Neither can this be meant of Christ's spiritual Kingdom wherein Believers then were and in all ages formerly and therefore cannot be meant of this Kingdom promised and prophesied of in this Scripture Besides the spiritual Kingdom of Christ is called often by John the Kingdom oâ— patience wherein the Saints endure temptations afflictions and tryals which Christ here mentions and so cannot with the least reason signifie the Kingdom of Reward which Christ promiseth as the effects crown result and reward of that enduring and patience 3. Eating drinking and such actions are unsutable actions and expressions to signifie the glory of the highest heavens but very sutable to express Christ's glorious Kingdom here on earth for it is promised as a Paradice and a Tree of life therein Rev. 2.7 22.2 And it is such a high spiritual eating and drinking it being as yet a hidden Manna unto us that we cannot possibly comprehend the excellency thereof but under Types and Figures meet for our capacities 4. The conquering Saints are to sit on Thrones to judge the twelve Tribes of Israel In Christ's spiritual Kingdom this was never yet done but such were rather judged and trampled under foot by the powers of the world and Antichrist and in the supremest ultimate glory there is nothing to be judged neither persons nor things for that is the Father's Throne wherein Christ shall lay down all Authority and himself be also subject unto the Father as that 1 Cor. 15.24 25 28. Therefore this Kingdom here meant which Christ calls My Kingdom and My Throne is yet to come here on earth before the ultimate day of judgement and the Saints highest state of glory in the supreamest heavens which is the Father's Throne Object But some will object That this which is called Christ's Kingdom is also the same with the Father's Kingdom and not distinct from it but one and the same and to this purpose urge that Scripture Matth. 26.29 I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the Vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom Now that which you interpret to be the Son's Kingdom is here called the Father's Kingdom and therefore one and the same Answ I answer 'T is true The Son's Kingdom is called in Scripture the Father's Kingdom for divers reasons 1. Because the Father gives it to Christ and therefore he is called Psal 2.8 His King 2. Because the Father and the Son are one by an unspeakable Union and so the Kingdom of the Son may be called the Kingdom of the Father that is the Kingdom of God for Father is often ascribed in Scripture to the Godhead as that of John 17.3 This is life eternal that they know thee to wit the Father to be the only true God c. And by reason of the union of both natures in one person Christ it is called Eph. 5.5 The Kingdom of Christ and of God and The Throne of God and the Lamb Rev. 22.3 in the holy City the New Jerusalem So that Christ as man as one with the Father or God reigns in this happy millenary Kingdom and so may be also called the Father's Kingdom wherein he will drink his new wine with his faithful ones before the ultimate day of judgement so this makes not at all against the distinct Kingdoms of the Father and Christ which is before asserted and plainly evidenced from divers Scriptures Let the industrious enquiring Reader read more at large in D. Homes M. Maton and M. Mede hereon and vers 12. of this chapter But for a more full explicating and opening the Truth of this point understand That Christ's Kingdom in Scripture hath a diverse acceptation First Christ is King by right of creation Heb. 1.2 and this is his natural Kingdom which he hath as one God with the Father from everlasting Secondly Christ is King by right of Purchase as the first he rules and governs all the Kings and Nations of the world and so is King of Kings But by the second he governs more especially his church and people and this he does as God-man and is properly called Christ's Mediatory Kingdom And this his Mediatory Kingdom hath in it divers periods some more lowly some more exaltant and triumphant Christ was a born King witness the Magi's enquiry after him that was born King of the Jews and their majestique presents of Gold Myrrh and Frankincense but his power was then but obscure and low which appeared afterwards somwhat more radiant in imposing his commands doctrines and ordinances upon his followers and disciples but this was but dark and somwhat lowly also as an Heir in his minority After his Resurrection and Ascension he commands his Agents and Ambassadors to negotiate the great affairs of his Kingdom in his absence by the help and concomitancy of his Spirit with them and this is therefore called Christ's Spiritual or Ministerial Kingdom which is to continue unto his second coming the great work wherein is to preach the Messias and his Doctrine of Faith and his second coming but this is mixed too with a great deal of affliction trouble and obscurity But there is another period of this Mediatory Kingdom of Christ which is most glorious and triumphant and that is at his last appearance when all these low dispensations shall be done away when he shall reigne and none shall let All other periods were mixed with much tears and sorrow but in this they shall be quite wiped off In this last period there is given him not only as God but as man or rather as God-man Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom that all people Nations and Languages should serve him Dan. 7.14 and Psal 2.8 Ask â—f me and I
another two horned Beast joyntly raging and reigning with the former at one and the same time which doth as much mischief to her as that secular Beast it self doth being the Ecclesiastique and Pseudo-prophetical Beast or Antichrist it self who is the former Beasts great chaplain Prophet and Vicar general who under pretence of Christ and Christian Religion having two horns like a Lamb yet exercises the cruelty of the Dragon and sets up again other under specious titles the late abolished heathenish Idolatry and tyrannous persecuting Government like that of the Dragons and so healeth the wound given to the first Beast This Beast's tokens qualities and characters are herein described that they that have wisdom may know and shun them 7. In the fourteenth chapter is observable how during the reigne of this antichristian beast the faithful followers of the Lamb by their continual publishing of the sincere Gospel of Christ they bring ruine and desolation upon spiritual or mystical Babylon the antichristian state and seat set forth under the cry of the three Angels but more particularly in the 15 and 16 chapters in the visions of the Vials and the effusions thereof are the particular gradual and final ruines of the anti-christian Beast with all the churches enemies more fully set forth and manifested at the pouring out whereof the church of Christ being freed and delivered from all anti-christs oppressions and idolatrous pollutions she sings her tryumphant song the song of Moses 8. In the seventeenth chapter that those precedent prophetical Visions and Discoveries may not seem improbable the Spirit it self gives the interpretation of the mystery of the great whore of Babylon sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast of seven heads and ten horns The Beast is the Roman Empire divided under ten Kings or Kingdoms The woman harlot is the great City to wit Rome it self which the Jesuites themselves cannot deny as in the preface hereof is more fully manifested which reigneth over the Kings of the earth the mother City of all spiritual fornications By this taste of the Spirit 's interpretation it plainly appears that the whole Book of Visions are to be applyed and explained historically and that every mysterie opens others to the discovery even of the whole 9. In the 18 and 19 chapters is but a more solemn reiterating of the execution of Gods wrath against the antichristian state with the horror anguish and utter desolations that should befal it and all the Churches combined enemies whereupon the Church being now freed from all dangers gives praise power and glory unto God And in chap. 20. enjoys that happy sabbath of rest that glorious reigne on earth for a thousand years that great day of judgement beginning with the first resurrection and determined with the last and universal resurrection of all the dead when all Christs enemies shall be taken and cast into hell to be tormented for evermore and the Saints translated into the glorified estate that heavenly City the new Jerusalem the spouse of Christ which came down from heaven to reigne with him for ever and ever 10. In 21 and 22 chapters you may observe the glorious description of this new glorified Church-state which came down from heaven set forth by most excellent metaphors and figures wherein all spiritual delicacies in a far higher pitch then the church ever yet enjoyed on earth set forth unto us by such resemblances figures as is now most glorious to our capacities and fittest to express such heavenly and spiritual matters whereupon follows a conclusion of the properties of that glory but never of the glory it self and so of the whole prophesie with a confirmation of the verity and truth thereof until the accomplishment of all These things being cleared and premised and having laid down a brief view of the scope and designe of the whole I come by Gods assistance and with a spirit of sobriety and with awe and reverence to open in the next place the mysteries of the book it self Remove not the stone well laid THE REVELATION Revealed Chap. I. Verse 1 2 3. Ver. 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 Ver. 2. Who bare Record of the word of God and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ and of all things that he saw Ver. 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand HAving formerly by way of Introduction premised some things and amongst the rest who is the Author of this Revelation and that is Jesus Christ and therefore here it is called The Revelation of Iesus Christ because he as the Mediator of his Church received it from the bosome of the Father in an unspeakable manner and made it known by his servant Iohn for the good and comfort of his servants the Church and Saints of God from this word or Title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Revelation you may observe Observ 1. That this is a book of Truths and Prophesies not hidden and sealed but made known and revealed for the comfort and edification of the church of Christ It is a Revelation of things and passages which must shortly come to pass verse 3. And how with reason could a blessing be promised to the keeping of the words of this Prophesie if it were not known what was to be read heard and kept We have further the testimony of the Spirit for it cap. 10. v 8. That the little book was an open book wherein is contained the great revolutions of the Church until the end of all and in chap. 22. v. 10. there is a positive command not to seal the prophesies of this book for the time is at hand Observ 2. From the Author of the Revelation Jesus Christ observe That all good things that God hath in his counsel determined to bestow and give unto his Church he doth give and bestow them in by and thorow Jesus Christ He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world the same yesterday to day and for ever He was the Angel of the Covenant and the keeper of Israel of old and is the same to us for ever It was he that bruised the Serpents head in the beginning upon our parents first transgression and it is he that is more then conqueror over all the powers of darkness now and for ever He was the same spiritual rock and way of salvation to the Patriarchs of old as he is now unto us and none ever did or shall come to the father or receive good from him but in by and thorow the Son who is the true light that lightneth every one that cometh into the world so that if Christ be yours then all is yours whether things present or things to come for Christ is God's 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Lastly
but especially for the houshold of faith Quest What is meant here by wishing Grace and Peace Answ Not only the gifts and graces of the Spirit but Grace it self the fountain and original of all good even the good will and free favour of God which he bears to his Elect even whilst sinners in and through Jesus Christ and Peace which is not only happy success from God in all things which concerns the felicity of our souls and bodies but more especially reconciliation unto and with God from whence floweth all true peace and tranquility unto the mind and conscience Quest How comes Iohn to wish Grace and Peace to the seven Churches whilst being churches of Christ they had this Grace and Peace aforehand Answ He wisheth unto them a fuller sense and more plenteous fruits of this Grace and Peace and perseverance in it it seems by their backslidings they had lost some of the comforts and fruits of their grace and therefore need a supply from God Secondly I answer All Grace is not given at once to God's best children but by degrees and as they are capable of and therefore rightly might Iohn wish these Churches an encrease and so may all Christ's Ministers unto all that will ever want encrease of grace whiles here beneath for none here in this world will ever see perfection in an absolute and abstract sense and therefore will still have need of an additament of grace and peace You have here the Author or Fountain to wit the Trinity from which all happiness all true grace and peace do proceed even from him which is and which was and which is to come that is from that almighty glorious God who only hath an absolute and infinite Being in and of himself who was from all eternity and is the same for ever And from the seven Spirits which are before his Throne Here is some difficulty in Interpretation What is meant by the seven Spirits Some interpret that here is meant seven principal ministring Spirits or Angels that always stand before the Throne of God to receive his commands But this I cannot approve of First because grace and peace is here desired from them joyntly as from God and Jesus Christ to be bestowed upon the Churches and this is not the Angels or creatures work but only the Creator's Secondly For that in all the Epistles where there is mention made of this or the like salutation you shall never find it in any created Spirits or Angels name but only in this sort The love of the Father the grace of Jesus Christ the consolation or peace of the Spirit be with you Thirdly for that in chap. 5. v. 6. these seven Spirits are there called the seven eyes of the Lamb that was slain which the Spirit sent forth into the whole earth Which reasons do clearly convince me that we must here in this place and there also understand this spoken of the Spirit of God which here goes under the denomination of seven Spirits to signifie its seven-fold power vertue efficacy and gifts Rom. 12. For this mystical number of seven do always in this book and all other prophesies signifie compleatness and perfection seven Churches seven Candlesticks seven Seals seven Trumpets seven Vials seven Angels all signifying a perfection in their kinds Hence take this Note Observ That the Father Son and Spirit the whole Trinity are engaged for the support and encrease of our grace and peace and of all our joy comfort and happiness here hereafter and for ever From the Father more peculiarly flows the grace of Election from the Son the grace of Redemption and Satisfaction from the Spirit the grace of Sanctification Peace and Consolation And from the Three in one our God blessed for ever Salvation and Eternal Glory Vers 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful Witness and the first-begotten of the dead and the Prince of the Kings of the earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood Vers 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father to him be glory c. Christ here is said to be the faithful Witness in sundry respects First In that he hath faithfully declared the Will of the Father Secondly In that he hath been faithful in all his works about our Redemption committed to him by the Father Thirdly In that he hath here faithfully declared the mind of God towards his church in these prophesies From whence observe as before on vers 1. Observ That this Prophesie having so faithful an Author and Relater as Christ it must surely be true and come to pass If the word spoken by Angels was stedfast much more what was spoken by the Son Heb. 2.1 2. see more hereon cap. 3. 14. Christ is here called the first-gotten of the dead first because he was the first that rose by his own proper power from the dead Secondly because all that have risen or shall so rise does it by a derivative vertue and power from him Thirdly he may be called the first-born or first fruits of the dead because he is the true and substantial first-fruits that was offered up unto God for the living and the dead which was typified in the Levitical primicies or first fruits or first-born that was offered unto God 1 Cor. 15.20 Observ This proves the Resurrection If Christ be the first-born of the dead then others of his members must necessarily be partakers of the resurrection also 2 Cor. 4.14 Christ is here called the Prince of the Kings of the earth first as Head of his Church or of Saints who are called Kings of the Earth Rev. 5.10 Secondly as King of Kings so by him kings reigne This manifests his power and ability to bless us here with his grace and at last to raise us and to save us and unto this mighty and powerful Saviour who loved us and washed us from our sins in his blood and made us Kings and Priests unto God that is Kings and Conquerors not only over our own lusts but over the world and over the powers of darkness and Priests to offer up spiritual sacrifices unto the Father To this gracious Saviour who hath done all these great things for us be given all glory and dominion for evermore Amen Hence Note Observ That the whole work of our salvation is ascribed unto Jesus Christ under these particulars First He loves us that is accepts our persons in himself from all eternity and in time justifies us from our sins in his blood Secondly He sanctifies us by making us conquerors over our lusts and to become actively zealous towards God in spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise And lastly he makes us Kings and Priests after the Resurrection Rulers with Christ and sharers with him in his Kingdom of glory See more cap. 5. 1. Vers 7. Behold he cometh with clouds and every eye shall see him and they also which pierced him and all kindreds of the
them to their Master who after he hath proceeded on his white horse with offers of peace and reconciliation and they continue obstinate and not turn by repentance he can go forth on his red Horse of wrath and fury and remove his candlestick his church and the glory thereof from amongst them and leave them desolate The first that I read of that extended the wings of his authority beyond his own just limits and boundaries was Victor Bishop of Rome about the end of the second century who hotly contended with Ireneus and others of the Affrican churches to have a Supremacy over them and to impose his Dictates on them and that very pertinaciously about a frivolous controversie the observation of Easter Herein that mysterie of Iniquity did begin to work which in few after succeeding ages came to its full stature To this I shall only add that all ancient and modern history both civil and ecclesiastique do testifie that this Prelacy and affecting of Supremacy over other churches whether it be in one single church person or many combined ones hath not only been very dangerous and prejudicial to the faithful churches of Christ but is and hath been always the very first born of pride and luxury Thirdly Another reason is that Christ writes particularly to each of the seven churches is to shew That Christ hath an equal care and respect to all his churches whiles they continue his though under foul prevarications and backslidings Christ hath bowels of compassion towards them as long as they keep faithful to his name though otherwise in themselves very faulty and he is found to be walking in the midst of them providentially caring for them holding the seven Stars in his right hand and teaching them by his Word if so be he may bring them to repentance Lastly These messages are directed to each particular church out of Christs especial tenderness towards them that they might endeavour to reform their enormities within and amongst themselves That the churches errours and infirmities may not be told in Gath nor published abroad to their reproach amongst their enemies whilst there is any hope of the recovery of backsliders Christ comes with a rod and strokes of a loving and tender hearted father to cure them not to shame and reproach them and therefore Christ directs John to write his messages to the Angels of each particular church To the Angel of the Church of Ephesus Write What is meant by Angel I refer to the sixteenth and last verses of the first chapter But the question is Whether by Angel of the church of Ephesus be intended the chief Pastor or Bishop being as Superintendent or Archbishop over the rest of the Bishops and Pastors of the church of Ephesus Or Whether the Angel of Ephesus were the Metropolitan over the other six Sister churches I answer first to the latter There is no colour at all for that opinion for the reasons but in the former page specified and to add a word Because Christ commands each Angel to reform their abuses within themselves He sends not the Angel of one church to reform another that has no authority over it the Angel of the church of Ephesus is not sent to Smyrna nor Smyrna unto Ephesus nor unto the rest but an extraordinary Officer a Prophet John a man of God is sent unto them all to tell them of their faults and to exercise that authority which Christ hath given and deposited in all his Gospel churches and to each of them in particular for their dealings and recoveries out of their backslidings Indeed any one that hath an extraordinary Spirit and call as John had may exercise that unlimited authority over the churches of Christ but I know not any in these days or since the Apostles times that do pretend unto it but that great and rampant Roman man of sin who is the great and only pretender to that Spirit of Infallibility and yet who more fallible then himself in his judicial sentences doctrines and ways of worship Indeed if he had what he pretends that Spirit of infallibility justly might he assume authority in censuring directing and governing all other churches but before that does appear let himself and others that assumes the like authority with himself hide their faces in shame and confusion for ever Secondly To the first question I answer That those I confess of the Episcopal Interests do hold that the Superscription of the particular church directed to the Angel of the churches of Ephesus Smyrna c. do intend and signifie that they are directed to the chief Pastor or Bishop that is supream Overseer Director and Mediator over all the rest of the Bishops and Pastors of the particular churches within Ephesus Smyrna c. As if this had been written to the Angel of the church of England that is saith the Episcopals to the Archbishop who is the chief Prelate and Bishop over all other the Prelates and Bishops in England Or if it had been directed to the Angel of the church of London Salisbury Exeter c. that is say they to the Bishop of London Salisbury or Exeter c. who is the chief Bishop Pastor and Overseer over all the rest of the Bishops and Pastors within his own Jurisdiction and Diocess I answer first that the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we translate according to the Latine Dialect Bishops and Pastors or according to our own proper Idiome Overseers and Feeders of the Flock are Synonimas and are but as several denominations of one and the same Office which do arise from divers acts therein For the faculty of over-seeing guidance and direction he is called a Bishop for that of teaching instructing and spiritually feeding his flock in all kinds he is called a Pastor and very often too in Scripture for his rootedness and soundness in faith life and doctrine he is called an Elder so that these are but several names of one and the same office and often applyed in Scripture reciprocally to one and the same person somtimes he is called the Elder of the church somtimes the Bishop somtimes the Pastor to denote unto us that such as guide well their flocks and feed them with the green pastures of wholsome doctrines are most worthy of double honour amongst the Saints but lest herewith they should be elevated above their proper station they ought to eye another Title too which is given them in Scripture they are Ministers that is Servants that attend on Christ and his churches they receive Christ's messages and commend them unto his churches and come again with returns of the churches improvements in obedience and thankfulness unto Christ and for this reason they are here entitled by the name of Angels Messengers Ambassadors or Ministers of Christ and how these humble Titles of Servitors and Messengers will suit and agree to the Lording stomacks of Metropolitans and Lord Bishops or chief Pastors over many
by interposing an intervening necessity and clear obstacle thereunto and therein God loves obedience better then sacrifice Secondly I answer That the first Ministerial Reformers never maintained a personal succession of Ministery and Officers from the Apostles lineally through the loyns of Antichrist but only a succession of doctrine which in all ages was by the invisible church maintained and asserted somtimes with more perspicuity and visibility then other for if we should grant a personal succession of officers and Ministery from the Apostles days we must needs also grant a perpetual and necessary visibility of a church and consequentially a truth of Ministery and Ordinances of Christ in the Antichristian state and how a true christian Ministery and Ordinances can be found in that Antichristian state in that man of sin that mistery of iniquity that whore of Babylon as I formerly said I know not or how the same state can be both meerly antichristian and christian a Whore of Babylon and a Spouse of Jesus Christ a Ministery of God and a mysterie of iniquity a Temple of God and oâ— Idols I leave it to the Judicious to consider In the next place in the affirmative I hold That a true and Justifiable call respecting the essence thereof may be received in any the churches of Christ holding the foundation aright of godliness towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ though otherwise differing among themselves in many circumstantial points yet de bene esse it may more comfortably be received from one church then another as formerly was evinced the more pure spiritual and sound the churches are the more sound spiritual and edifying their Ministerial functions are the more loose unsound and corrupted the churches are the more corrupt and loose their Ministerial call will be Therefore the godliest churches and soundest in the faith are in the first place for missions Ministerial calls and offices to be sought and repaired unto But if any one should ask me what I thought then of the present Ministery of England as now constituted who as Presbyters ordain one another to their Ministerial offices who were first ordained themselves by the late Bishops and so holding their ordination from them as from true Presbyters I answer and I think it not meet but contrary to the simplicity of the Gospel to cloud my judgement in any thing If the English Presbyterie as the Helvetian and Genevan hath done to their perpetual glory had declared to the world that the Romish church was the antichristian whore and so publiquely renounced all ministerial calls as derived from her then I grant such ministery and Presbyters to be true Ministers and Presbyters as unto the essence and being thereof though collating of offices meerly as officers or Presbyters without the just assent and assistance of their churches is not so justifiable as hereafter I may have occasion to evince but if they maintained their calls from the Bishops to be good as by succession of Presbyters they have utterly nullified and undone their case and their call too in my judgment and my reason is for what was not good and justifiable in the fountain and first origen cannot be made justifiable by succession in the streams and branches a polluted fountain cannot send forth sweet wholsome streams causa causae causa causati If that Episcopacy was antichristian as most of them grant though both name and office are warrantable in a Gospel regulated sense from whom they had their first mission and calls how then comes their calls more warrantable then that of their first Authors and Founders If Bishops in their ministery were orthodox and sound how came they to supplant them and pull them down Christ's ministery is not for the work of desolating and dethroning Brethren in the same holy function but rather for consolidating and confirming therefore surely there was somwhat amiss all was not right or else they might have stood to this day Witness the National Covenant against Antichristian Prelacy c. But the truth is Episcopacy as it was then constituted in England was of the off spring and brood of Babylon they always held their call good as ministerial Bishops having their personal calls from such successively as first received it from the church of Rome and so could never be made good or justifiable in the succession neither will it suffice as some say to salve it that Christ had always a church of invisible Saints under antichrist because they must prove themselves then to succeed that very church or those very invisible Saints and not only that but that those very Saints were ministerial officers or Presbyters or else all will be in vain according to their own concessions for men may be Saints but not ministerially Saints sent or Presbyters who according to them hath the alone power of ordination and therefore in want of such true ministerial Presbyters in the succession of the Ministery must either unavoidably acknowledge according to their own principles their ministerial offices void and null or otherwise plainly concede that they have it derivatively from the church of Rome and what a sorry call that is if at least so to be called I have formerly evinced And it is a maxime in Law that quod initio vitiosum est non porest tractu temporis convalescere See more hereon Du Plessis Treat Of the Church p. 3624. and Bishop Jewel Defen Apolog. part 2. page 131. who are witnesses without exception manifesting the vanity of such a claim But I proceed to the next verse Verse 3. And hast born and hast patience and for my names sake hast laboured and hast not fainted Observe from this Observ That false Teachers and false Apostles are great persecuters of the faithful ones of Christ The church of Ephesus had suffered much from such false Teachers for Christ's sake and his truth The false Prophets of old were alwaies against the true ones and caused them often to be smitten and afflicted as Micaiah was jeared by Zedekiah Which way went the Spirit from me to thee 1 Kings 22. 2 4. and that not all but was smitten disgracefully on the check also Shemaiah stirred up the authority against Jeremiah the Lord's Prophet and would have cast him in the prison Ier. 29.24 Yea saith Ezekiel 22.25 There is a conspiracy of her Prophets in the midst thereof not only like Foxes but even like Lions ravening the prey These false Teachers have been always very pernicious to Gods true church What great persecuters Arrius and his followers were to Athanasius and the Orthodox They were the Priests and false Prophets of old that shed the blood of Christ and his Apostles though not by their own hands yet by incensing the authority to do it How willingly would Pilate release Christ if it were not for the out-cry of the Priests and their followers false prophets still exclaim and fastigate the Magistrate and tells them that they shall do God good service in
of all your adversaries yea it is the way and method that Christ builds his Church by by the way of the cross and sufferings Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae The Martyrs blood was God's seed-plot of his Church and Truth There is no promise that God's Saints shall be freed from Tryals but there is a faithful promise that they shall not sink under it for he will lay no more on them then they are able to bear If God calls any to witness his truth by tribulation and persecution he gives them hearts of courage and constancy to bear it he administers sutable strength unto the temptations the strong in faith have stronger tryals then the weak yet both are preserved by a divine supply and influence that neither perish under them Peter is desired by Satan to be winnowed as wheat yet Peter shall be still Peter a Rock for Christ hath prayed for him Job is given into the hand of Satan to be touched in al that he has and is dear unto him yet Job by this means is preserved and made an everlasting example of faith and patience to all generations to come The divel receives loss by afflicting Christ's churches for they grow the better for it as Gold by the Refiners fire loses its dross so the Saints are more resplendent in their graces in the times of sufferings and less corrupt and earthy then in prosperity as these and former days witness The worst that the divel can cast on them is death and that is gain unto them and an entrance unto a crown of life Observ 2. Another Note is That wicked tyrannical men in the imprisonments and persecutions of the Saints of Christ are said to do the work of the divel We well know that the divel himself did not cast those poor persecuted Saints of Smyrna into prison but they were divellish and wicked men who were as the Instruments of Satan to do his work and set his designs in execution O sad to consider When men open their mouths against the Saints in blasphemies and reproaches their mouths are only Satans Organs that he belches out his malice by when they lift up their hands against them in loading them with persecutions and tribulations they are but Satans wheels whereby he moves and acts all his vilanies yea and are called Satan himself Consider seriously this all ye that lift up your tongues and hands against the Saints of God and tremble Observ 3. Another Note is God's ends and the divel 's are far different in laying afflictions and tribulations on the Saints God's end is That they may be tryed not destroyed as gold is cast into the Refiners fire that it may come forth more purified so God's Saints are cast into the fire of tribulations that they may be purged from their dross kept closer and more undefiled unto him then before The divel 's end is that they may not only be broken under affliction and tribulation and therefore he is termed Apollyon a Destroyer because he delights in the destruction and ruine of the godly but also he aims and intends thereby to vilifie the truth of God and if possibly he can to bring the Professors of the truth by heaping afflictions on them to impatience and become wayward towards God and his truth and as Job's wifes advice was unto her husband to bring him unto a desperate condition to curse God and die This is Satans designe in afflicting the godly either that they thereby may become Dastards and Apostates unto the Truth that both the truth and godly may be vilified and scandalized or else that they may provoke God by their foolish wayward and impatient carriage under it and so provoke God to become their adversary and to chastise them for it Satan doth indeed desire to winnow us as wheat but sure not for our good not to cleanse away our Tares and â—arnel from us but to destroy us and undo us if he may but our comfort is Christ hath prayed for us that we shall not fail but hath given us also spiritual weapons to oppose his fiery darts and to silence the Tempter in all his soul destroying temptations for ever Gon desires by afflicting us to try our faith and keep us closer to him that so we may become his approved children as it is in Heb. 12. Deut. 8.16 Satan is on another pin he desires thereby to draw us further from God and God also from us if he may by provoking him against us by our untoward carriages under the rod. O Lord lay no more on us nor give power to Satan to touch us farther then thou hast given us strength and ability from thy self to resist or bear with patience and so we pray Lead us not into temptatation Object But some may say God tempteth no man according to Isa 1.13 How then say you that God tempts and the divel tempts I answer First Indeed God that is the Author of all good cannot be the Author of evil as evil is a sin and an obliquity to his holy and righteous Laws for he is God and unchangeable holiness it self and therefore he never presents seducements or motions to sin This is the proper work of Satan and their own lusts and far from the nature of the unchangeable holiness of God But secondly God tempts as temptation is taken for tryal and so tries the obedience and faith of his children by divers temptations and afflictions as he did Abraham Moses c. Object 2. But again you will say Does not God in his inevitable Decrees and Providences cast us necessarily upon the objects and temptations unto sin therefore may be said to be author of them and to tempt thereunto I answer It was God's providence that the wedge of gold lay in Achans way and it was the purpose and decree of God from everlasting that Judas should betray his innocent master and it was by God's providence that Bathsheba was presented naked to David's eye yet this doth not at all make God the author of sin nor render Achan Judas or David the less culpable for their sins for God's secret Decrees and providential dealings with and towards his creatures are no rules of duty unto us nor render us more excusable for our failings for God does neither enforce our wills either physically or morally by urging or enclining them to act in sinful ways or by counselling or perswading thereunto for that as I said before is against his holy Nature and so tempteth no man but when we are drawn aside it is by our own lusts and concupiscences God is free from the charge thereof otherwise then as the Sun that casts his efficacious beams on a stinking dunghil makes it send forth unsavoury vapours the nearest cause is the intrinsique corruption of the dunghil the Sun is only a more remote cause he only sends forth as it were its providential heat whereby the dunghil is enflamâ—d and so sends forth from its corrupted wombe most
way is never like to win the prize Heaven is set forth as a crown and reward of our faithfulness though not for the merit of the work but according to the work it is freely given as wicked works shall not pass unpunished neither shall good works or our faithfulness towards Christ pass unrewarded Every one shall receive according as he hath done in the flesh whether good or evil And he that hath fought the good fight of faith and perseveres therein under all afflictions and that even to death he is the true christian conquerour and for him is laid up the crown of eternal life The true militant christian must not look for the crown if he turn's back to the enemy and that which is most admirable herein is that the method of obtaining this crown is far different from that of obtaining worldly crowns they are got by over-mastering and surviving the enemy but the christians crown is gotten by suffering and dying the christians cross and the crown kiss each other And to set you right that seek after and contend for this crown First Understand what this crown of life is It is not only the translation of the soul after death into the supernal heavens that is not so properly called life but that blessed state which soul and body shall enjoy after the resurrection of the just and therefore it is called a crown of life that is life given most eminently which is the most desirable blessing of all things as being one of the chiefest gifts of the blessed Saints in the resurrection and so part is put for the whole and therefore it is here called a Crown of life To denote unto us first That that blessed state of life which the Saints shall then enjoy will be a most honourable state and so it is often set forth by a kingdom in Scriptures Luk. 22.29.12.32 Rev. 3.21 Secondly That it is an endless estate Thirdly That it is a state gotten by conquest and as a prize set unto a race 1 Cor. 9.24 Fourthly That it is a most glorious estate and a living crown and that that will continue to all eternity Secondly In the next place understand how this crown of eternal life is rightly to be obtained every suffering will not do it The cause must be good that makes a Martyr it must be for Christ and that in faithfulness Secondly The heart must be upright for Christ therein It is not vain-glory or worldly applause or obstinacy in private opinions that will weigh the least to make a Martyr it must be in the uprightness of your hearts and that you can appeal unto God with the Psalmist Psal 44.21 and say The Lord knoweth the secrets of the heart Yea for thy sake are we slain all the day long Lastly This suffering must be out of love unto God and his glory or else all in vain as Paul said 1 Cor. 13.3 If I give my body to be burned and have not love it profiteth me nothing There may many die for Christ and yet not out of love to Christ obstinacy of mind and formal profession may do much in that particular but a true zeal to God and his glory makes the Holocost a sweet smelling Sacrifice and the crown of life its reward Observ The last Observation from these words is Sufferings and afflictions are but the opening the door to a Christians happiness The most happy estate of the worldling is but vanity and the most suffering state of a christian is a crowning when the christian suffereth the loss of all things for righteousness sake he aboundeth then in greater measure of graces yea when he suffereth death it self it is gain unto him for he hath only left thereby a world of troubles sin and vanities for a crown or life and glory For if our hopes were only in this life we were of all men most miserable Therefore be thou faithful unto the death and thou shalt have a crown of life Vers 11. Let him that hath an ear hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death The Spirit doth often inculcate in this and the next chapter this charge and duty on the judicious and enlightened christian to take notice what the Spirit of Christ in this spiritual appearance saith unto the churches To avoid repetition see more on this on verse 7. of this chapter But he that overcometh that is that abideth constant and faithful unto Christ and his truths under all temptations and tribulations and so a faithful christian overcometh it is he that shall not be hurt of the second death that is the second death mentioned in 21 chap. Rev. ver 8. and 20.14 In that Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone for evermore shall not touch him Negatives in Scripture strongly evince the enjoyment of the contrary as Thou shalt not be hurt of the second death that is thou shalt surely live thou shalt taste of the Tree of life in the midst of the Paradise of God and a crown of life shall be thy portion It is here called the second death in respect the first death is but a partial punishment of the wicked but the second death is that when the first death and hell shall deliver up the dead were in them and they shall be cast into the Lake of fire cap. 20. 13 14. there is a first life and a second life that we shall enjoy the first life is that that we now at present enjoy the life of grace the second life we shall be made partakers of at the resurrection of the just The life that the soul in heaven enjoys is but a partial life and incompleat in respect of that at the resurrection as the punishment of the wicked under the first death either spiritual or corporal is but partial so the glory of the elect is but partial and incompleat now in heaven in respect of that that will be revealed at the resurrection Abraham now doth not know us and Jacob is ignorant of us neither do the faints departed know our wants nor are touched with our infirmities Their condition is happy but what it is we know not but this we are sure of at the resurrection we shall know as we are known and see as we are seen and this is eternal life and the crown of life that is so often promised to the Saints in Scripture So then there is a first death and a second death the first death is but a partial punishment for the wicked but the second death is the compleat execution of divine wrath upon them in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone for evermore Observ The Observation from the words are That the constant faithful and persevering Christian is secured from all dangers of death whatsoever Tribulations in this life and death it self does him no hurt that tries him refines him and renders him glorious into the hands of his Creator Hell
remisness and inconstancy in the truth to wit the honour and reverence which their sincere profession acquired from the churches and all persons round about them Hence Note Observ That those churches that hold fast the truths of christ with most constancy and courage in the times of tryal become the most honourable and worthy of a crown of any people in the world Who but Philadelphia was worthy that the obstinate Jews enemies unto the truth should come and bow and worship before her She kept close to the word of Christ's patience therefore none shall take away her crown her honour shall still remain among the churches as long as any churches shall endure If we tread in the steps of faithful Philadelphia and hold fast and go on manfully in the profession of the faith God will make the formal Jews of our times the high pretending catholique churchmen to bow and worship before our feet Is not our name I mean the name of England grown honourable among the Nations their friends abroad and terrible unto their enemies And how comes this to pass but by means of the faithful in the land that held fast and maintained with courage and constancy the word of Christ's patience among us in an hour of temptation and tryal when the Prelatical fire of persecutions were on foot If we hold fast to Christ and persist in his truth and doctrine none shall be able to take away our crown but if we flag in our duties to him our crown will be the less and our honour will soon flag also When Israel kept close to God and reformed up unto his holy pattern in the Mount God made them famous among the Nations and a burdensome stone to all that medled with them but when they departed from God by their evil and abominable courses God gave them up into the hands of their enemies and led them into the Land of captivity and since for their obstinacy in iniquity they have quite lost their crown and become a dispersed people and a reproach among all Nations where they live And this is according to that good advice given by godly David as his last Legacy to his wise son Solomon in 1 Chron. 28.9 which is applicable to every faithful soul And thou Solomon my son Know thou the God of thy Father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the Imaginations of the thoughts If thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Verse 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out And I will write upon him the Name of my God and the name of the City of my God which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God And I will write upon him my new Name In the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He that overcometh The Nominative case is put absolutely by a defect of a Preposition to of or for which is an Hebraisme the words are thus to be read As for him that overcometh I will make a pillar c. Agreeable to this are those places Rom. 8.3 For what was impossible to the Law by an Hebraism ought to be read as for or touching the impossibility of the Law and Psalm 18.30 Jehovah his way is perfect which we read The way of God or As for God his way is perfect The same reading is in Rev. cap. 2. 26. The reward of him that overcometh is double 1. I will make him a Pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out 2. Christ sets upon him a threefold Name The Name of his God The Name of New Jerusalem and His own new Name This allusion of a Pillar is taken up by the Spirit from those two Brazen Pillars in Solomon's Temple which was a Type of the true Temple and church of Christ and so nothing was made or placed therein in vain though they seemed small but did typifie and signifie somwhat to us Solomon called his two pillars which he erected by two remarkable Names 1 Kings 7.21 The right Pillar by the name of Jâ—hin and the left by the name of Boaz The one signifying He will stablish and the other In it there is strength So in the Antitype those overcoming Saints that Christ makes Pillars in the Temple of his God have these two qualities or properties put upon them establishment and perpetuity both in their spiritual strength and graces and also in their new church state which cometh down from heaven and lest any should think that those new Pillars of the Temple of God might fail as those of Solomon's did when they were broken and the brass thereof carried away by Nebuchadnezzar into Babel Jer. 52.17 there is another additional property put upon them then that of perpetuity and strength even of eternity in those words And he shall go no more out After the conquering Saints are taken into this holy Temple there is no fear of being turned out of possession of it no Nebuchadnezzar shall ever come and break them in pieces or carry them by force into captivity The Nebuchadnezzars of the world have always hitherto under several forms of Beasts and Governments carryed away and broken to pieces the weak and infirm pillars of the visible church fot indeed they were given into their hands by God to be overcomed and trodden under foot by them Rev. 11. but having at last overcommed by suffering and patience Christ will raise them up again to become Pillars in his New Temple that shall never go out any more and will make them other gates persons then ever formerly they were for he will write upon them the name of his God and what is that Jehovah Shaddai The Lord the mighty God and the name of the new Jerusalem which cometh down from heaven and his own new Name Phil. 2.9 All intimating their glorious state and dignity that Christ will put them in possession of in that new church-state which is promised them before the ultimate day of judgement which shall never perish nor any more be taken from them But on this more hereafter From the words I will make him a pillar in the Temple of my God Note Observ The over-coming Saints of Christ shall be made most honourable in the New Jerusalem the new Temple of God the new Church state that Christ will restore on earth before the end of all prophesied of Rev. 21.1 c. They are made pillars and pillars in the church are honourable James and John are called pillars great eminent Apostles and those were placed in the porch of Solomon's Temple for the great ornament and glory thereof They sit on Thrones judging the Nations round about They are made Kings and Priests unto their God And what more honourable then those high callings to the eye of men of
Kings Priests and Judges Yea the name of God of Christ and the new Jerusalem is written upon them and therefore sure most honourable Little do the high ones of this present generation with their counterfeit and mock-honour think that the now poor despicable Saints of Christ whom they so much scorn and trample under-foot are those for whose sakes the world is preserved from flaming fires and that one day shall become the only Kings Rulers and Princes thereof maugre all the malice of Satan and all their antichristian enemies in the world to the contrary If the great and honourable persons of the world did but verily believe that the Saints of Christ should one day become so honourable in the presence of the whole world they would more esteem them then they do as Heirs born unto so great a Kingdom It is the common and not unwise practise of politique courtiers when their old Soveraign or Prince is upon declining they adore and worship the next Heir or reputed Successor as the rising Sun as the nearest step to their preferments And will ye not be so wise ye sons of men to make good your interest with the rising Heirs and children of this great ensuing Monarch Three of the great Monarchs of the world are dead and we have seen their graves the fourth is sick with age if not even at deaths door having one foot in his grave already for his weakness and infirmity being but as an Image of the first Beast or of himself when he was in his youth under his Caesarian Heads and Empire And the fifth is drawing nigh having already poured out many Vials of ruine upon the fourth to make way for the appearance of himself this heavenly one And think ye is it not good and honest policy to come under the skirts of the câ—â—rtiers of this great and heavenly Prince to become one in faith manners discipline and interest with them that when he appeareth ye may joyntly reigne with him and them in his new and heavenly Kingdom It will be the first step unto honour and your rising to become one in interest with the now despicable and vilified Saints of Christ for though at present they differ nothing from servants yet know they will be one day heirs of all Observ 2. That Christ's new restored Church-state new Temple new Ierusalem that comes down from heaven shall never perish but be established for ever Though some would have these words to be made pillars in the Temple of God and to go out no more to signifie the stability of the faith of the elect whereunto I cannot wholly assent for though I grant that the faithful as Philadelphia are made pillars for their stability in the faith and strength of grace in the Temple of God and their faith is so confirmed to them that they never need to fear of utter failing or perishing yet there is more promised in this verse then a meer confirmation of the elect from non-falling away for the next coherent words do connote so much when Christ promises to write the name of the new Jerusalem and the new name of Christ upon them to be made pillars in the faith and to be established therein was always a continued promise and always performed to the church in all ages but the name of the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven and the new name of Christ which are annexed hereunto were never yet made good unto the church but hath reference unto a more glorious future church-state on earth spoken of Rev. 21 1. I saw a new heaven and a new earth which in vers 10. is called the great City the holy Ierusalem descending out of heaven from God which on the subsequent words of this verse shall more evidently be explained But to return This new church-state new Temple is to continue to perpetuity yea for everlasting they that enter thereinto are made firm as pillars not to be removed they that enter into the gates of the present visible Temple may again be removed ejected and lose their station for being not rooted in the faith yea and the Temple it self as those seven Asian Temples removed overthrown and extirpated for their iniquities But they that enter into this holy new Temple that comes down from heaven they are made pillars therein and shall never go forth more until Christ lays down his Kingdom unto the Father and God shall be all in all Not as some vainly object against the expectant tryumphing Saints That they shall reign for the term of a thousand years and then their kingdom shall cease But the truth is that when Gog and Magog shall be destroyed and all Christ's open enemies cast into the bottomless Lake of fire about the end of the Saints tryumphant thousand years Rev. 20.10 then that Kingdom which Christ during all that former happy millenary ruled and reigned in as Mediator and God-man which properly is called his Throne and his Kingdom shall be devolved and swallowed up by a more glorious Kingdom and the Saints translated in the highest heavenly glory which for the most excellent and God-like properties thereof is called in 1 Cor. 15.24 The Kingdom of God even the Father and wherein all Ordinances shall cease for Iohn in Rev. 21.22 saith And I saw no Temple therein for the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it and in chap. 22. v. 5. describing further this glorious state he saith And there shall be no night there and they need no candle neither light of the Sun that is those ordinances or the like thereunto we now enjoy for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reigne forâ—ver and ever They do therefore vainly cavil that say That Christ shall utterly and altogether cease to reigne in his Headship over his church tryumphant from that of 1 Cor. 15.24 where it is said When he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God even the Father when he shall have put down all Rule and all Authority and power And in v. 28. And when all things shall be subdued unto him then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all Now the Apostles meaning was not that Christ should cease to be Head of his church and so ever or at any time to cease to rule over them as the members of his body mystical whereof he himself is Head but when all his enemies are put under his feet and all Rules Powers and Authorities in the world are by him utterly vanquished and put down and when the last enemy death shall be destroyed and death and hell cast into the Lake of fire Rev. 20.14 after the general and last judgment of the dead then I say Christ shall deliver up to God even the Father his former Mediatory and Judiciary Kingdom whereby he ruled and reigned not only over his holy faithful ones by his Laws and ordinances but also
over all the Nations and Kingdoms of the earth by his rod of Iron during the thousand years and this is that which is called Christ's own special Throne Rev. 3.21 and Christ's own Kingdom which he hath purchased and merited by his death which Kingdom after the destruction of the new raised enemies of the church miraculously by fire from heaven in the Gogigan war at that time when they encompassed the Saints of the most High and the beloved City about the finishing of their millenary Imperial reigne on earth I say that that Kingdom shall then expire and be delivered up by Christ unto God even the Father But in the Fathers kingdom both Christ and them shall reigne for ever and ever Rev. 22.5 And observe that Christ's kingdom and the Father's are diversa but not contraria or rather that Christ's kingdom is but the morning prelude prodromus or first part of that everlasting one of God even the Father Christ's millenary kingdom was for Ruling Judging and Reigning over the obstinate enemies of his until all by his rod of Iron are brought subject to him and destroyed that opposed him and so shall have an end when that work is done and delivered up unto God even the Father whereupon begins that heavenly one of the Father's wherein the Son himself shall be also subject unto him that put all things under him 1 Cor. 15.28 so that thereby there will be no loss to the Saints in the expiration of this of Christ's Mediatory and Judicial kingdom when they are translated into a more glorious and heavenly Kingdom and City whose Builder is God and wherein there shall be no more curse but the Throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it and his servants shall serve him Rev. 22.3 The great work in this New Jerusalem is praise and Hallelujahs to the most high and beatifical Vision as it is in the fourth verse and they shall see his face and his Name shall be in their foreheads all tears sorrow and the curse shall be quite wiped off in this new heaven-like state of the Father's Kingdom which were not from all persons in the former of the Son 's happy millenary Kingdom for though Satan was bound therein that none was found to hurt in all that holy mountain or that happy Kingdom yet still subject under it there remains the Nations of the four quarters of the world during the whole term of that holy Imperial reigne or else whom had the Saints to reigne over and govern during that time And otherwise How possibly could they convene as the sands of the Sea-shore to make war against the holy city under Gog and Magog cap. 20. 8. by the instigation of Satan let loose among them And if those Nations shall still remain as evident they shall during the Saints dominion and Empire doubtless though Satan and they shall be restrained from opposing the peace and quiet of the Saints in their Reign and Kingdom yet they shall not be so restrained as to be void of corruptions sins and impieties among themselves which therefore are not void of the curse as respecting themselves nor consequently of tears and sorrow and death the most due wages of sin Neither shall I ever think it reasonable to conceive that Gog and Magog and their numberless followers in that war against the camp of the Saints and the beloved City were all innocent sinless creatures all the time of the Saints Imperial reign over them for doubtless they had sins enough and wicked dispositions sufficient within or else they would not be so ready unto the entertainment of Satan's delusions and promoting his designs against their Lords and Rulers the holy Saints of Christ towards the latter end of their Reigne and in casting off their bonds if possibly they could In short I conceive Satan and they during the Saints Imperial Reigne to be bound up from open opposing hurting or violating the peace comfort or interest of the Saints but not so as Satan should not tempt the Nations subject unto the Saints that they thereby should be free from sin which will be alone the priviledge and prerogative only of the reigning Saints and therefore I am of opinion that the Saints thousand years Empire is but the beginning and first fruits of their happy new church-state and heavenly city that comes down from God and is transitory and shall pass away after all things are made subject unto Christ But another more glorious shall immediately succeed in the room thereof which is from God even the Father and is everlasting and this city had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the glory of God did lighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof Rev. 21.23 and to conclude this I am of the minde notwithstanding That Christ's Kingdom and the Father's do only differ in the administration and in the equality of glory but not in glory it self both are sinless both sorrowless both deathless both glorious but herein they differ That that of the Sons is a Kingdom of Justice and judgement which shall have an end and therefore less glorious then that of the Father's though in it self most glorious but that of God the Father's is a Kingdom of praises and Hallelujahs to the most High endless and everlasting Grant O God that thy poor servant may be kept faithful unto thee and become a true Philadelphian overcoming his temptations in this life that he may be made at last a pillar in thy New Temple a partaker in the great hopes of the Saints in the Kingdom of the Son and of God even the Father Amen And I will write upon him the name of my God and the name of the City of my God which is new Ierusalem which cometh down from heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new Name There is a threefold name to be written on the conquering Saints of Philadelphia of God of the new Jerusalem and the new Name of the Son This name shall be set upon the overcoming Saints to denote whose they are as the followers of the Beast and Antichrist have the mark of Antichrist and the Beast upon them Rev. 13. that they may be known and manifest so God's peculiar chosen ones have also his mark upon them to declare forth unto others whose they are And this name herein promised is not the ordinary name of God that the Saints bear this present time of holy godly or the like for this is to be written on in the future that all may see it without hesitating or doubting that they are God's in that time when that new Jerusalem comes down from heaven The Saints had always and at all times the name of God and Christ upon them being called godly christians c. But here is a new name of Christ and God to be written on them which formerly they were unacquainted with and what is that name of God but El-Shaddai
needs be sure and firm for In him according to that of the Apostle 2 Cor. 1.20 are all the promises of God yea and Amen and that he may get the better faith and credence thereunto he adds another title The faithful and true witness Paul could publiquely profess That he was a faithful witness of the mind and counsel of God to his discsples and that he had hid nothing back that did necessarily conduce to their salvation and think ye that Christ in these Revelations hath not dealt as the faithful and true witness who is the God of all truth himself O ye of little faith that will not believe the truth of those Prophesies the downfal of the Beast Babylon and the whore together with the resurrection of the witnesses and the churches glorious restored state on earth before the end of the world which are clearly and fully asserted and evidenced from this book of Prophesies Hath not Christ promised it that is the Amen in whom all the promises are yea and Amen and coming from him that is the true and faithful witness that can never fail And to take off all suspition of failure of the truth of those prophesies there is a third property here added The beginning of the Creation of God This hath relation to that description of Christ in chap. 1. v. 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It may be rendred either The beginning of the Creation of God or The principality of the Creation of God For Christ is both the beginning of all creatures for by him all things were made and without him nothing were made and he is also the supreme Prince and Governour of all the works of the creation for so it necessarily follows That all things should be subject to his principality and government who did at first create them and give a Being to them Therefore to shut up this The sayings of these Prophesies in this book must needs be sure and come to pass in their appointed seasons seeing the Amen the faithful and true witness and the Creator Preserver and Governour of all the works of the Creation hath said and spoken them who will not then believe them coming first from so faithful and true a witness and from one who is the beginning and Prince of the whole creation and therefore most able to perform them Verse 15. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot I would thou wert cold or hot This church of Laodicea as she comes last in place so she comes last in spiritual graces of all her sister churches Christ findes nothing in her that is truly commendable Even in the churches of Sardis and Pergamus though as good as dead and mixed with much corruptions yet there was found in them somwhat praise-worthy some undefiled Names that were not carried aside by the false Doctrines of Jezebel but in Laodicea nothing is found commendable and therefore she hears of nothing from Christ but matter of reproof and of the desperateness of her spiritual state and condition Doubtless there were some sincere faithful Witnesses in this church of Laodicea notwithstanding the Spirit 's silence in it or else she could not be properly numbred as one of the golden candlesticks or as a church of Christ their number being but small they were not sufficient to give a denomination unto the whole for indeed a body politique whither civil or spiritual is to be denominated sound or unsound from the major part as in the case of particular souls or persons if grace be more prevalent in degree in the soul then sin and corruption it is to be tearmed a sincere gracious soul but if sin be most prevalent it may be justly tearmed a sinful and unregenerate soul So is the case of political churches if their frame constitution and matter be most unsound and corrupt such churches are not to be denominated sound healthful bodies We are not to call darkness light or light darkness Though for their profession of their faith they be called churches of Christ yet for the deadness thereof they may with Sardis be rightly tearmed dead ones yea twice dead and to be plucked up by the roots Doubtless under Prelacy both English and Romish there were and are diverse pretious christians and Saints of Christ as in the days of Elijah when the Idol of Baal and his worship and the Priests thereof were exalted yet then in that corrupt state of Israel there were seven thousand that bowâ—d not the knee to Baal yet them few faithful ones in the days of Elijah or those in the days of Prelacy c. Popery came far short to denominate Israel at that time or our English or Forraign Nations under that corrupt frame or temper of antichristian Prelacy to be praise-worthy churches or sound sincere and healthful in their general matter frame or constitution But to return to the charge against Laodicea I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot Laodicea was of a strange mongrel composure and temper neither cold nor hot moulded and compacted as a certain odd extraction of two contraries cold and heat I thought before this that that maxime was in all things unquestionable In medio consistit virtus It seems true Religion will not admit of that Principle for Laodicea is here blamed to be in the mean that is in a frame or temper which is neither hot nor cold By hot is here understood one that is zealous fervent in spirit for the truth and worship of God that cannot endure any corruptions will-worships or superstitions shall be admitted in the true christian Worship and Religion and such a one is called a hot fervent or zealous christian and this can never be too intense as unto the degrees thereof if it be considerate and according to sound knowledg The ignorant inconsiderate zeal is reproued and condemned as dangerous and pernitious not the sound and orthodox It is not with God's graces as with moral habits of vertues wherein both the extreams straying from mediocrity either in the excess or in the defect are faults and vices as the excess of liberality may run into prodigality and the defect into covetous parsimony or the excess in fortitude may be called temerity and fool-hardiness and the defect cowardise and pusilanimity and so in the rest but in gracious habits the case is different Souls cannot exceed therein Be ye holy as your heavenly Father is holy no less then an aim unto perfection will serve turn be zealous fervent boyling hot for God and his truth it being sound and considerate it will admit of no mediocrity Lukewarmness or half friend to God and his ways is equally an abomination in God's sight for he requires the whole heart as is coldness or deadness it self and therefore this strange commixture of tempers in Laodicea is exploded by Christ as most dangerous and pernitious and therefore adds I would thou wert cold or hot Hence Note Observ A lukewarm temper among