as appears in some good measure in what hath been said of them already and as will further appear if we consider what followeth That is to say 1. They have very great wisdom knowledge and understanding and have a very piercing inspection So much that wise Woman of Tekoah signifieth saying As an Angel of God so is my Lord the King to discern good and bad And again My Lord is wise according to the wisdom of an Angel of God to know all things that are in the Earth 2 Sam. 14. 17 20. and ch 19. 27. and that they are of a piercing inspection and insight into secret things is signified in that they are said to be Aâ—lame of Fire as the Eyes of the Son of God the Angel of the Covenant are said to be though yet they know not the hearts of men as he doth nor are perfect in knowledge as he is compare Ps 104. 4. and Heb. 1. 7. with Rev. 2. 18. See notes on Rev. 1. v. 14. yet they have much more knowledge than men have as our Saviour gives us to understand when he saith Of that Day and Hour knoweth no Man no not the Angels of the Heavens Implying they know more than any meer man Mat. 24. 36. Mark 13. 22. 2. They are also very strong and powerful as it is said Bless the Lord ye his Angels that excel in strength or are mighty Ps 103. 20. they are greater in power than men are or any other Creature 2 Pet. 2. 14. Hence they are called powers Col. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 22. Indeed it doth appear that some of these Glorious Creatures excel others of them in strength See notes before on v. 2. but yet they are all of them very strong and powerful And hence also whereas it is said in one place The Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels It is thus exprest to us in another The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels signifying to us that all the Angels of God are mighty in strength Compare Mat. 16. 27. with 2 Thes 1. 7. and Mat. 25. 31. And to this we may have further occasion to speak afterwards 3. They are very swift and speedy in their motion from one place to another with two Wings they do fly And saith the Prophet One of the Seraphims flew unto me Isay 6. 2 6. They can come from Heaven to Earth instantly as it is said Suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host Luke 2. 13. To the same purpose also is that of the Prophet whilst I was speaking in Prayer saith he Even the Man Gabriel whom I had seen in the Vision at the beginning being caused to fly swiftly touched me c. Dan. 9. 21. they have not such gross earthly Bodies as we have nor are hindred or retarded by such letts and obstacles as we are 4. They are very watchful Creatures and need not sleep to refresh them as we do while we are here in mortal corruptible bodies Hence they are called watchers Dan. 4. 13 17 23. 5. They are very glorious Creatures full of splendor lustre brightness and Majesty Hence we hear of the Cherubims of Glory Heb. 9. 5. and the Glory of the Angels Luke 9. 26. So also it is said All that sate in the Council saw Stephens Face as it had been the Face of an Angel Acts 6. 15. So Manoahs Wife said to her Husband that he that appeared to her was a man of God and his countenance was like the countenance of an Angel of God very terrible Judges 13. 6 15 16 21. And so much also is signified in that they are called Angels of light as is before said 6. They are Immortal Creatures such as shall not cannot dye as our Saviour signifies when he saith neither can they dye any more for they are equal with the Angels Luke 20. 36. And so they shall for ever enjoy that honour and happiness and holiness of which they are possessed 7. They have an excellent Voice or Language as the Apostle intimates when he saith Though I speak with the Tongue of Angels c. 1 Cor. 13. 1. Gal. 1. 8 9. Vse 1. The consideration of what we have said already concerning these Glorious Creatures is useful to deliver and preserve us from the errour of the Sadducees new and old who say there is neither Angel nor Spirit Acts 23. 8. they are herein more bruitish than the Pharisees were for they confessed there were such Creatures Acts 23. 8 9. yea that there are such Spiritual Beings was also acknowledged by an unproselyted Gentile Acts 10. 22. and by an Heathen to wit Achish King of Gath 1 Sam. 29. 9. 2. VVe may be led by occasion of the excellency of the Angels in some little measure to consider and conceive of his infinite glory and majesty who is the Creatour and former of all things So the Lord from the strength and excellency of some of his Creatures gives us to understand that he who is the Creatour of them must needs be infinitely more glorious and powerful So he saith of Leviathan none is so fierce that dare stir him up who then is able to stand before me Job 41. 10 11. Isay 40. 26 28. 3. We may in some small measure conceive from hence what glory and excellency they shall arrive at and partake of who are called to the fellowship of God's Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 9. Man was made in the first Adam and Creation a little lower than the Angels Ps 8. 4 5. And so indeed for a little while our Lord Jesus the second Adam was also inferiour to them Heb. 2. 6 7 9. But for the sufferings of death he was crowned with Glory Heb. 2. 9. and hath by Inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they Heb. 1. Eph. 1. 18 22. 1 Pet. 3. 22. He hath advanced our nature in his person far above all those glorious Spirits and they that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that World and the Resurrection from the Dead shall be equal to the Angels and be the Children of God being the Children of the Resurrection Mat. 22. 30. Mark 12. 25. Luke 20. 35 36. they are called to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus 2 Thes 2. 14. 1 Job 3. 2. 2. We have the number of these holy happy and glorious Creatures indefinitely intimated to us Many Angels and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands so many as no man can number They are frequently signified to be a very great number or an innumerable company of them as will somewhat appear to us if we consider 1. The plain affirmations and intimations given to us thereof in the Scriptures So when Jacob went on his way the Angels of God met him and when Jacob saw them he said This is Gods Host and he called the name of that place Mahanaim that
there we have only three places mentioned for it is said None in Heaven nor in Earth nor under the Earth In which last expression the Sea is also included All which do encline so to understand it which I have therefore mentioned But yet because as here rendred they are distinctly mentioned here and there may be a distinct consideration of these two and else where also though very rarely we have such a distribution-made As it seems there is in Psal 135. 6. Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in Heaven and in the Earth in the Seas and in all deep places Therefore I shall briefly speak to them distinctly And so And under the Earth to wit under the face or superficies of it and so distinguished from every Creature on the Earth And under the Earth there are Deeps or deep places Psal 95. 4. and 148. 8. Gold Silver Brass and all Metals and Minerals Job 28. 1 3 5. Stones and precious Stones Job 28. the pretious things and hidden treasures Deut. 33. 16. Job 3. 21. Prov. 2. 4. Roots of Trees Grass c. Job 14. 8. Dan. 4. 15 23. VVorms Mica 7. 17. Vapours Psal 148. 8. and 135. 6 7. Jer. 10. 13 and 51. 16. And those that are buried there-under c. 4. And such as are in the Sea That is also full of Gods riches as the Psalmist saith O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the Earth is full of thy riches so is this great and wide Sea wherein are things creeping innumerable both small and great Beasts Psal 104. 24 25. therein are Fishes in abundance Gen. 1. 26 28. Psal 8. 8. Job 12. 8. And of these some have Scales and Fins and they were legally clean and some had none and they were legally unclean Lev. 11. 9 12. Deut. 4. 19 10. and creeping things as before which sometimes enclude Fishes sometimes are distinct there-from Gen. 1. 20 21. with 1 King 4. 33. So we read of the Sea-Monsters Lam. 4. 3. and the Dragons in the Sea as Isay 27. 1. there go the Ships and there is that Leviathan whom God hath formed to play therein Psal 104. 26. Job 41. therein also are Fowls which with us are called Sea-birds and Sea-fowls and are mentioned with the Fishes Gen. 1. 20 21. So the waves of the Sea Exod. 15. 19. Job 9. 8. the â—and of the Sea Job 6. 3. and treasures hid therein And in the Sea are Pearls c. Deut. 33. 19. and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the Sea Psal â— 8. 3. The Apostle makes a general Repetition of what he had foresaid saying And all that are in them not some of the Creatures in Heaven on the Earth under the Earth and in the Sea or some of all sorts but all that are in them in which he speaks somewhat like to that Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet for in that he put all in subjection under him be left nothing that is not put under him Heb. 2. 6 8. And this gives us occasion to propound and give Answer to a Question or two that might arise from that which is here said Namely Quest But are wicked Men and wicked Spirits included in the every Creature and all that are in them and do or shall they also say Blessing and Honour and Glory and Power unto him that sits on the Throne and to the Lamb c Answ 1. To the first part of this question we say surely they are encluded also in the every Creature here spoken of for the Apostle here speaks as generally and universally as may be in so few words And every Creature which is in Heaven and on the Earth and under the Earth and such as are in the Sea and all that are in them heard I saying c. And therefore as I judge wicked Spirits and wicked Men cannot reasonably be excluded 2. To the second question or second part of the question we may say certainly wicked Men and Spirits do not chearfully and heartily and so not acceptably say Blessing c. unto him that sits upon the Throne c. But yet the Devils though against their wills do obey and make some right acknowledgments of God and Christ The Devils believe there is one God and tremble Jam. 2. 19. The Damâ—sel possessed with the Spirit of Divination said concerning Paul and his Companions These Men are the Servants of the most high God c. whereby it appears the Evil Spirit did know and intimately acknowledge that he was not but there was one that was the most high God above all evil Sprits whatever Acts 16. 16. though yet the Devil desires and seeks to be worshipped as God So the Devils cried out saying What have we to do with thee Jesus thou son of God Mat. 8. 29. And unclean Spirits when they saw Christ fell down before him and cried saying Thou art the Son of God Mark 3. 11 12. And the Legion of Devils or the Man possessed therewith fell down before Jesus and with a loud voice said What have I to do with thee Jesus thou Son of God most high I beseech thee torment me not Luke 8. 27 32. And the People were all amazed insomuch that they questioned among themselves saying what thing is this what new Doctrine is this for with authority commandeth he even the unclean Spirits and they obey him Mark 1. 24 27. And so we may say of wicked Men also for all are his Servants Ps 119. 91. They though not willingly and chearfully yet against their wills do after a sort not acceptably Heb. 12. 28. worship him Acts 17. 25. They profess to know God who in works deny him being abominable and disobedient and to every good work reprobate Tit. 1. 16. And in due season all shall render and ascribe Blessing and Honour c. unto him that sits upon the Throne and unto the Lamb So the Lord saith I have sworn by my self the word is gone out of my Mouth in Righteousness and shall not return that unto me every Knee shall bow every Tongue shall swear Isay 45. 23. with Rom. 14. 11 12. And because Christ Jesus humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross therefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name above every name That in the name of Jesus every Knee should bow of things in Heaven and things on Earth and things under the Earthâ— and that every Tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father Phil. 28 11. All they that go down to the Dust shall bow before him Ps 22. 27 29. Prov. 16. 4. And indeed Wicked Spirits and Men may well be included and reckoned amongst such Creatures as are brute and have no understanding because they so degenerate from their Primitive Glory and Excellency and the latter will not be made clean and renewed So the Devil is called and compared
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
orders it for great good to them and others as Gen. 50. 20. 4 We may also see that all power is Christs both in Heaven and on earth so as none can go any further than he permits in afflicting his people Doubtless they that Banished John had malice enough to have killed him but he to whom all judgment and government is committed hindred them and as it were said Hitherto shall thou go and no further surely the wrath of man shall praise him and the remainder he will restrain Ps 76. 10. 5. We have to consider the cause and reason of his being in the Isle of Patmos and that was For the Word of God and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ for the explication whereof see notes on v. 2. But here note 1. He was not banished thither for being a Jew simply or such an account as those spoken of Act. 18. 2 3. Christians may be banished and yet not as Christians but suffer in a common calamity but it was not so here 2. Nor was he banished for evil doing for resisting or rebelling against the Authorities that were over him There is no cause to rejoyce in such sufferings but to be ashamed of them nor for evil-doing in a more general acceptation Let noneof you suffer as a Murtherer or as a Thief or as an Evil doer or as a Busy-body in other Mens matters saith the Apostle Peter Rom. 13. 1 3. Tit. 3. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 16 17. and ch 4. 15 16. Rev. 13. 10. 3. But his sufferings were for the Word of God and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ to wit for the Gospel because he had faithfully preached and declared that That which rendred him a meet Subject in Christ's Account to have this Revelation sent and signified to him v. 1 2. rendred him an Object of the Anger and Displeasure of the Emperor and was the cause of his banishment The LORD seeth not as Man seeth and herein his Sufferings and Tribulations were upon the same account as his Brethrens were not for trivial things and much less for doing evil or not doing what was good and he might lawfully do but for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake and so for the Gospel's sake like herein to Paul he endured bonds for Christ Phil. 1. 12 13. 2 Tim. 1. 11 12. He was in bonds for the Gospel Phil. 13. 2 Thes 1. 5. And so his sufferings were upon such account as in enduring which Men are pronounced Blessed and great encouragement is set before them to rejoyce herein Mat. 5. 11 12. Mark 8. 35. and ch 10. 29. Rejoyce saith Peter inasmuch as ye are made partakers of Christ's Sufferings that when his Glory shall be revealed ye also may be glad with exceeding Joy 1 Pet. 4. 13. And Instruction is given not to be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord But to partake of the Afflictions of the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 7 8 and ch 2. 1 3 8. And it is a gracious gift when Men are counted worthy to suffer for the Gospel and therefore it is matter of rejoycing Phil. 1. 27 29. Acts 5. 41. The sufferings false teachers avoided though they might suffer upon other accounts Gal. 6. 12 13 14. Verse 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day and heard behind me a great Voice as of a Trumpet In this Verse we have 1. The Condition or Posture he was in I was in the Spirit 2. The time when he was so On the Lord's Day 3. An account in general of what he heard And heard behind me a great Voice as of a Trumpet 1. The Condition or Posture he was in I was in the Spirit So ch 4. 2. and ch 17. 3. and ch 21. 10. Not only the Spirit was in him for so he is in all unfeigned believers And yet the Spirits being in a Man is diversly accepted in Scripture Sometimes and ordinarily as a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge and for the acknowledgment of Christ and as a Spirit of Grace Supplication Adoption and Child-like boldness And so he is in them as a Ruler in an House to direct teach comfort admonish them c. Rom. 8. 11. 1 Cor. 3. 16. and ch 6. 19. Otherwise extraordinarily to fit them for Prophecy Government c. 1 Pet. 1. 11. Numb 27. 18. But that which he here saith is I was in the Spirit And there may be and is ordinarily as much difference between these two to wit the Spirits being in a Man and his being in the Spirit as between a Mans having Wine in him and being in Wine Though yet at some times also this Phrase of being in the Spirit is so taken as may be affirmed of all unfeigned Believers and little differing from the Spirits being in a Man Rom. 8. 9. And indeed Believers are in the Spirit both as to the life of their Spirits they live therein to wit the Spirit is the Spring Principle Quickener Maintainer and Presever of their Spiritual Life as in the Testimony He glorifieth Christ c. Joh. 6. 63. begetting them to a lively hope Rom. 15. 13. and comforting them and filling them with Joy Rom. 14. 17. with Joh. 16. 14 15. and ch 15. 26. and they in whom he dwelleth richly are in the Spirit as the way walking in him Gal. 5. 16 25. Rom. 8. 13 14. But here the Phrase signifieth some further thing to wit a being in the Spirit after an extraordinary manner so as that a Man is carried out of and above himself divinely transported and carried up of and filled with the Spirit so the voice said Come up hither ascend up thither and immediately I was in the Spirit See Notes on ch 4. v. 1 2. It is the same thing as is spoken by Paul of a Man in Christ whether in the Body or no he could not tell caught up in the Spirit into the sight of and fitted for the understanding high and mysterious things as the Spirits being in a Man and Christs being in him are used indifferently Rom. 8. 9 10 2 Cor. 12. 1 5 7. It is a being as it were out of the Body or out of a Mans self in the Spirit of the Lord and in his Spirit in the Spirit of his mind Acts 12. 9. and ch 10. 10. Hence oftentimes this being in the Spirit is expressed by lifting up or carrying as out of and above themselves as Ezek. 12. 14. and ch 2. 1 3. and ch 11. 1 24. and ch 37. 1. Persons are not meet for such Visions till they are out of and above themselves as it were 2. The time when he was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day that is so say 1. Either on such a Day as the Lord pleased thus to visit him in his day and time which he who is a God of Judgment was pleased to choose out and pitch upon to reveal these things to him in So his time and day may not be ours As Christ saith to his Mother Woman
shall their consolations abound by Christ Jesus Joh. 14. 18. 2 Cor. 1. 5 6 7. And as a girdle was used and is still for strength to strengthen one for any work or business Hence these and such-like sayings she girdeth her loins with strength Prov. 31. 17. they that stumble are girt with strength 1 Sam. 2. 4. the mountains are girded with power Ps 65. 5 So our Jesus our High-priest is girded with strength and power As the Father and figure of Christ saith It is God that girdeth me with strength and Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle Ps 18. 32 39. He hath destroyed our enemies in their first worke his own right Hand and his holy arme hath gotten him the victory Ps 98. 1. and he is impowered to do it in the second God hath clothed him with his Robe and strengthened him with his girdle and committed the Government into his Hand Isay 22. 21 22. all power is given unto him both in Heaven and on Earth he is mighty to save his Israel to the uttermost and to destroy his and their enemies Ps 93. 1 4. Mat. 28. 18 20 and this also appeareth to be meant by his being girt about with a Golden girdle that he is strengthened to destroy all his and his Churches implacable enemies Therefore it is said the seven Angels which came out of the Temple having the last plagues were thus girt as our High-priest was in this vision They had their Brests girded with Golden girdles Rev. 15. 1 6. Oh how might this strengthen and help us to rejoyce in our High-priest who as thus clothed and girt is the Minister of the Sanctuary and true Tabernacle which the Lord hath pitched and not Man Heb. 8. 1 2. who will be faithful unto them in edifying them in faith and love in leading them into all truth In ordering them and taking away their iniquities In fitting them for holding forth the light that they may be Instruments of his praise In rendring acceptable their spiritual Sacrifices In saving and defending them from evil and enemies and destroying them that incensed against him and them in due time Consider him Verse 14. His Head and his Hair were white like Wooll as white as Snow and his eyes were as a flame of fire Here the Apostle gives us a further account of the visional appearrance of the Son of Man which he saw and which he was commandded to write 1. As to his Head and Hairs They were white as Wooll or like a sleece as white as Snow 2 As to his eyes which were as a flame of fire And both Instructive to us 1. As to his Head and Hairs they were white as Wool or like a white sleece as white as snow where let us enquire and consider 1. What may we understand by his Head and his Hairs 2. How are they said to be white as Wooll as white as Snow 1. What may we understand by his head and his hairs Surely hereby is not meant that Head c. of his personal body for this was a visional discovery and sometimes his Head is said to be as the most fine Gold which is not white yellow to signify the preciousness and Rich and enrishing excellency of it And his locks black as a Raven to signify the comliness and strength thereof or his strength c. Cant. 5. 10 11. But here 1. By his Head may be signified his infinite Wisdom and Understanding whereby he knows all things and how to order the Government of the World and how to order and rule his Churches as the Head and governour thereof Gen. 3. 15. As the Head is the seat of Wisdom of the eyes Metaphorically as well as of the eyes of the Body even of the eyes of the understanding The eyes of a wise Man are in his head and receive information direction and guidance from that part where the understanding is seated Eccles 2. 14. The head was that part on which the Oyl was poured in former times on the High-priest Exod. 29. 7. Ps 133. 2. And God hath anointed his head with Oyl Ps 23. 5. with the holy Spirit Acts 10. 38. On him doth rest the Spirit of the LORD the Spirit of Wisdom and Vnderstanding c. Isay 11. 1 3. and ch 42. 1. and ch 61. 1. yea he is anointed therewith above all his fellows Heb. 1. 9. God hath not given him the Spirit by measure Joh. 3. 34. so as he is perfect in Wisdom and knowledge Isay 42. 1 19. with Job 36. 4. Col. 2. 3 9 10. 2. And then by his Hairs may be meant that which proceeds out of his head to wit his thoughts and purposes concerning all things which are the result and issue of his Infinite and unsearchable Wisdom and Understanding as hairs proceed out of the natural head and are maintained and increased therefrom so his thoughts proceed from his head his perfect Wisdom and Knowledge so visions of the head and thoughts are put together and as signifying the same thing Dan. 4. 5. and ch 2. 28 29. Or by Hairs may be meant his law and Doctrine as Moses saith my Doctrine to wit that which he received from the Lord shall drop as the rain As the small rain or hair as the Word signifieth upon the tender herb Deut. 32. 2. so thoughts and law are opposed and yet answer the one to the other where the Psalmist saith I hate thoughts but thy law do I love Ps 119. 113. 2. Or by Head may be signified to us his rule and government as the head was that part on which the Crown was set 2 Sam. 12. 30. Ezek. 16. 12. So God hath set a Crown of pure Gold on his head Ps 21. 3. for the sufferings of Death he is Crowned with glory and honour Heb. 2. 9. The High-priest was Crowned in former times Exod. 29. 6. Lev. 8. 9. so also is our High-priest who is King of righteousness and King of peace Heb. 7. 1. God's King whom he hath set upon his holy hill of Zion Ps 2. 6. who is King of nations And therefore he hath on his Head many Crowns Rev. 19. 12. And King of Saints Rev. 15. 3 4 yea he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings Lords are his Servants and Kings his Subjects Rev. 17. 14. and ch 19. 16. All power is given unto him both in Heaven and in Earâ—h And all judgment and government is committed to him of the Father over all things and over his Church Isay 9. 6. and ch 22. 21 22. Joh. 5. 22. And then by his hairs may be meant his counsells and purposes thereabout 2. How are his head and his hairs said to be white as wooll or like a white fleece as white as Snow They are said to be 1. To signify his Antiquity or Ancientness and that his Wisdom and government is of old and all his thoughts and purposes and counsels c. He is Alpha the first from everlasting to everlasting he
is God Ps 90. 1 2. His counsels are of old Isay 25. 1. so such a like description is given of the Father as the Ancient of days The Ancient of days did sit whose garment was white as snow and the hair of his head like the pure Wooll Dan. 7. 9. he is the everlasting Father Isay 9. 6. he is not like us who are of yesterday and know nothing Job 8. 9. but the Lord possessed him in the beginning of his way before his works of old he this Wisdom of God was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the the earth was c. Prov. 8. 23. 31. He was glorious with the Father before the World was and is now glorified in our nature with the same glory Joh. 17. 4 5. his Kingdom Rule and Government is everlasting Ps 145. 13. his goings forth have been from of old from the days of eternity Mich. 5. 2. 1 Tim. 1. 17. he is the Ancient of days and with him is Wisdom and strength Job 12. 12 13. Heb. 1. 10 11. Ps 93. 1 2. And this is for usefulness to us 1. To engage us to listen unto him and submit to his government seeing he is the Ancient of days Thus himself instructs us from this reason and upon this account I was saith he set up from everlasting when there were no depths I was brought forth when there were no fountains abounding with water before the mountains were settled c. now therefore hearken unto me O ye children for blessed are they that keep my ways Prov 8. 22 30 32. Isay 48. 12. 2. Seeing he is in the midst of the churches who is the everlasting Father and whose Wisdom and government is everlasting It may encourage them to trust in him at all times and not fear as Rev. 1. 17. To trust in him for ever for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength Isay 26. 3 4. His throne is established of old he is from everlasting And though the flouds lift up their voice and Waves yet he is high and mightier than they He sits and rules upon the flouds he sits King for ever Ps 93. 2. 4 with Ps 29. 10. and 147. 5 6. 3. It shews unto us the Blessedness of tohse that have the LORD for their God there is none like unto their God and therefore none like to them Deut. 33. 26 29. Ps 33. 6 12. 4. It may preserve us from worshipping any other than this most excellent one and God in him who is the first and the last who is the eternal Wisdom and whose counsels of old are faithfulness and truth Isay 25. 1. and ch 43. 9 13. and ch 46. 1 10. 2. His head and his hairs were white like Wool as white as Snow namely purely white holy without mixture of pollution or defilement so white oft signifieth in Scripture Dan. 11. 35. and ch 12. 10. so white garments are said to be holy garments Lev. 16. 4. and particularly upon the Mitre which was upon the head of the High-priest there was a plate on which was engraven Holiness to the LORD or of the LORD called the holy Crown Exod. 28. 36 39. and ch 39. 28 31. Zech. 3. 3 5 8. so our Lord Jesus who is without beginning of days he is holiness in all Though he be the Ancient of dayes yet he is without sin or mixture of pollution he is the holy one in all his Wisdom and government and his counsels of old are faithfulness and truth Isay 25. 1. Heb. 1. 8 9. he is anointed with holy Oyl Ps 89. 19 20. with the holy Spirit Acts 2. 33. and ch 10. 38. and crowned with the holy pure crown Lev. 8. 9. with Ps 21. 3. and the Seraphims sing unto him Holy Holy Holy is the LORD of hosts Isay 6. 1 3 10. with Joh 12. 40 41. and in his Churches in the midst of his Candlesticks he is holy as in himself 1 Joh. 2. 20. so also in his work to sanctify them preserve them and perfect whatsoever doth concern them Rev. 3. 7. Heb. 7. 24 26. Joh. 17. 18 19. As he then who hath called you and who is in the midst of you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Lev. 19. 2. and ch 21. 8. 1 Pet. 1. 14 16. and ch 2. 4 5. 3. White like wooll or like a fleece To give us to understand that he is in all his Wisdom government thoughts and counsels and in all one 2 Cor. 5. 14. he is one Lord Ps 89. 19. with Deut. 6. 4. he is not divided but in all like a fleece bushy Cant. 5. 11. there is a perfect accord in all his government thoughts and purposes and in all he is the saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. he hath not a will and a will a secret will contrary to his revealed there is no clashing or separation in him but in all his Wisdom thoughts law and Doctrine c. he is like a fleece and so like Snow for he giveth snow like Wooll Ps 147. 16. and the hearing and heartily receiving this Doctrine that he is one LORD would move and prevail with us to love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength and our neighbour as our selves Mark 12. 29 30. 1 Tim. 2. 1 5. 2. And his eyes were as a flame of fire The eyes we know are the Organs or Instruments of seeing wherewith we may behold any visible thing as the scripture doth abundantly testify and as our experience confirms his eyes were as a flame of fire or as lamps of fire Dan. 10. 6. And hereby these things are signified to us 1. That all things are manifest before him and seen by him as a flame of fire discovereth and manifesteth all things even such things as are in the dark also Isay 4. 5. Thus also he describeth himself in ch 2. 18. These things saith the Son of God who hath his Eyes like unto a Flame of Fire and to shew â—hat he means thereby he saith v. 23. All the Churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the Reins and Hearts He is of a most piercing sight and inspection all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 13. Jer. 17. 9 10. Rom. 8. 27. He hath the Spirit immeasurably upon him and the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. And hereby he knoweth what is in Man Joh. 2. 24 25. He knoweth the thoughts of Men they are manifest unto him Mat. 9. 4. and ch 12. 25. Luke 5. 22. and ch 6. 8. and ch 9. 47. and ch 11. 17. He knoweth the hearts of all Men Acts 1. 24. Yea he knoweth all things Joh. 21. 17. And this may be of usefulness being duly considered 1. To admonish the rebellious that they should not exalt themselves Ps 66. 7. Let them not say no eye seeth
of his words like the voice of a multitude ch 10. 6. As waters do sometimes signify peoples and multitudes c. Rev. 17. 15. so his voice is said to be like unto the voice of a multitude To signify to us 1. The Loudness of his words so as they may be heard at a great distance and by which he doth awaken and stir us up to mind what he saith to us in and by his voice The noise of many waters may be heard afar off and so may the voice of his words even when Men are asleep As Daniel saith my comeliness was turned into corruption and I retained no strength yet heard I the voice of his words and when I heard the voice of his words then was I in a deep sleep on my face and my face toward the ground Dan. 10. 6 9. Isay 17. 12 13. and sometimes a great Thunder is joyned with the voice of many waters Rev. 14. 2. and ch 19. 6. So his voice in his Gospel is very loud in which he is declaring to us himself and what an one he is and his sufferings and the Glory which there-thorow he hath received so that which Christ first of all speaketh with his voice to the Apostle John is I am the first and the last I am he that liveth and was dead and Behold I am alive for evermore c. Rev. 1. 17 18. And this he speaks with a loud voice to awaken us to hear mind and consider it and not lightly pass it over for this is of wonderful concernment always to hear in hearing how shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord c. Heb. 2. 1 4. so we have elsewhere an account given us of a voice from Heaven as the voice of many waters as here and as the voice of a great Thunder c. and they sung a new song to wit of the sufferings of Christ and his glory Rev. 14. 2 3. with ch 5. 9. and Ps 40. 1 3. and 98. 1. c. of these things he speaketh aloud in his Gospel that all may hear Hence the Apostle propounds this question and gives answer to it But I say have they not heard yes verily their sound went out into all the earth and their words unto the ends of the World Rom. 10. 14 18 And his servants are commanded to sound this good news forth O Zion that bringest good tidings get thee up into the high mountains O Jerusalem that bringest good tidings lift up thy voice with strength lift it up be not afraid c. Isay 40. 5 9. with this voice in his Gospel he cries and calls unto all in due season that are come to years of understanding Doth not Wisdom cry and understanding put forth her voice she standeth in the top of high places c. unto you O Men I call and my voice is to the Sons of Men. Hear for I will speak of excellent things c. Prov. 8. 1 4 6. and ch 1. 20 21. And together in and with this loud sound in the Gospel in which he is making known and declaring glad Tidings of great Joy to all people there is Instruction and Admonition given to all and especially to his Churches To hear and worship him and not to worship the Beast nor his Image noâ— to set up their postes by hâ—s Rev. 14. 6 9. Ezek. 43. 2 8 9. And also his voice in his Judgments is like the noâ—se of many waters very loud that it might be heard by us In them the Lords voice crieth unto Men Micha 6. 9 10. Jer. 6. 23. so the Angels said with a loud voice woe woe woe to the Inhabiters of earth Rev. 8. 13. And hereafter when he comes to raise the dead it shall be with a loud voice so as that all that are in their graves shall hear it and shall come forth c. 1 Thes 4. 16. Joh. 5. 28 29. Ps 50. 1 3. and when he comes to take to him his great power and to reign his voice shall be wonderfully loud as it is said A voice came out of the Throne saying praise our God and I heard as it were the voice of a great Multitude and as the voice of many Waters and as the voice of mighty Thundrings saying Allelujah for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth Rev. 19. 5 6. 2. His voice was as the sound or voice of many waters Namely it was a Mighty an Almighty voice and indeed he whose voice it is is the Almighty v. 8. So the noise of great or many waters are said to be as the voice of the Almighty Ezek. 1. 24. and ch 10. 5. so his voice in his Gospel is a mighty and powerful voice Loe therein he sendeth forth his voice and that a mighty voice Ps 68. 33. so as he enableth the dead Souls to hear it as our Saviour saith Verily Verily I say unto you The hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God c. Joh. 5. 25. and in and by his Gospel all things that are reproved are made manifest wherefore he saith with a powerful and impowering voice Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light Eph. 5. 13 14 15. his word is powerful and with power Luk. 4. 32. Ps 29. 4. otherwise his Servants might even be ashamed of it which now they have no reason to be Rom. 1. 16. he doth not in his Gospel speak to the outward ears of Men only But also the Spirit of the Lord is present therein and therewith to open the blind eyes of the Souls of Men and to unstop their deaf ears and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26. 18 23. he not onely calleth upon men but also he stretcheth forth his hand power and Spirit unto them Prov. 1. 24. Isay 65. 2. and they do know and prove the exceeding greatness of his power therein who rebel not against it it worketh effectually in them who are not disobedient and gainsaying to it but who do with the heart believe it so as it is the power of God to the utmost salvation of them Rom. 1. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 18 23 24. Eph. 1. 19 20. 1 Thes 1. 4 5. and ch 2. 13. And so his voice is a mighty voice in all his providential government as it gave a being to all things at the first so he rules and orders all things thereby at his pleasure he at the beginning spake and it was done and so it is still Ps 33. 6 9. The voice of the LORD is upon the Waters The God of glory thundreth The LORD is upon many Waters The voice of the LORD is powerful The voice of the Lord is full of Majesty The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire The voice of the Lord shaketh
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
is strong he is the first and the last a mighty Saviour he is who is the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe he is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by him and therefore fear we not to come unto and follow after and abide in him Isay 41. 4. and ch 44. 6. with this place 2. He is the first and the last which was dead and he only died for our sins by way of propitiation and as the publick man he himself and and he only bare our sins in his own body on the tree 1 Pet. 2. 24. 1 Joh. 4. 10 14. Isay 63. 3. one died for all even for all that were dead and but one 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. nor shall ever any other dye on this account as never any before or besides him hath done nor shall he be abased any more He being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him for in that he died he died unto Sin once Rom. 6. 9 10. And therefore if his sacrifice be rejected there remains no more sacrifice for sins But a certain fearful looking for of Judgment and â—iery Indignation which shall consume the Adversaries Heb. 10. 26 29. he is the last Adam none other as the publick man is to follow him to dye suffer and satisfie for our sins and therefore take we heed of provoking him to leave mediating â—or us for how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation 1 Cor. 15 45. Exod. 23. 21. Ps 2. 12. Heb. 2. 1 3. And is alive He liveth and was dead and â—e is alive for evermore and of the truth hereof he gave many infallible evidences he shewed himselâ— alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of his disciples forty days speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God Act. 1. 3. This is witnessed of him that he liveth Heb. 7. 8. even by the holy Apostles as the Apostle Peter signifieth and by the holy spirit The God of our Fathers saith he raised up Jesus him hath God exalted with his right hand a Prince and Saviour and we are his witnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost c. Acts 5. 30 32. and 25. 19. see notes on ch 1. v. 18. Verse 9. I know thy works and Tribulation and Poverty but thou arâ— rich And I know the blasphemy of them who say they are Jews and are not but are the Synagogue of Satan In this verse we have an account given us of what our Lord knew or took notice of and that both 1. With respect to this Angel and Church 2. With respect to others 1. As with respect to this Angel and Church c. wherein consider in general He that was dead and is alive he knows c. As he knows God and the things of God Joh. 10. 15. Rev. 5. 1 12. So he knows and takes notice of what is commendable or reprovable amongst his Churches â—say 11. 1 3. Joh. 2. 24 25. and ch 21. 17. Acts 1. 24. Heb. 4. 13. see the notes on v. 23. of this chapter I know thy works I take notice of them see the notes before on v. 2. and the works of this Angel and Church were such as were perfect before God hence we may again note as we have done before on v. 2. That though we take no notice of or know not of any good work any work of faith or labour of love yet Christ observes and will not be unmindful 1 Cor. 15. 58. Heb. 6. 9 10. So he saith to the Angel of the Church in Thyatira I know thy works and Charity and Service and thy works v. 19. yea though those works be done in the greatest secrecy and kept from the eyes of others and though our own left-hand doth not know what our right-hand doth yet still they are manifest to him and minded by him even any work of piety or charity that is done by us he seeth in secret and himself will reward openly so his eye was upon Nathanael when he thought none had taken notice thereof Nathanael saith unto him whence knowest thou me Jesus said unto him-when thou wast under the figtree I saw thee Joh. 1. 47 51. he observes his people exercising themselves to godliness when the generality of the professed Church is so profane as to say It is vain to serve God and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances Then they that â—eared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkned and heard and a Book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought on his name and they shall be mine saith the Lord c. Maâ— 3. 14 18. And when he shall sit on the throne of his glory he shall say to them on his right I was hungry and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in Then shall the righteous answer him saying Lord when saw we thee an hungred and fed thee or thirsty and gave thee drink c. They speak as if they knew not or took no notice of any such thing But yet he knew it as appears by what follows The King shall answer and say unto them Verily I say unto you Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my Brethren ye have done it unto me Mat. 25. 31 34 40. and ch 10. 41 42. The consideration whereof might both preserve us from charging our memories with what we do knowing it is had in remembrance in the sight of the Lord Acts 10. 31. and also preserve us from desires of vain-glory or doing what we do to be seen of men in doing which we shall have no reward of our Father which is in Heaven And it might engage us to do what we do in the greatest secrecy we may knowing he knows and will see in secret and reward and recompence whatsoever work or labour of love is so shewed to his name in the resurrection of the just Mat. 6. 1 5 8. 2 Cor. 5. 10. Luke 14. 14. And when they dye their works shall not dye or be forgotten but they shall rest from their labours and their works shall follow with them Rev. 14. 13. Heb. 11. 4. And Tribulation This is that also which our Lord knew and took notice of as with respect to this Angel and Church and that which his disciples shall meet with and have in this world Joh. 16. 33. all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution Acts 14. 22. 2 Thes 1. 4. 2 Tim. 3. 11 12. see the notes before on ch 1. v. 9 Yea though Christ reproves not this Angel and Church for any thing nor finds any fault with them yet there were some who did though unjustly find fault with them and were Instruments of affliction to them and made them sad whom Christ had not
more their light neither for brightness shall the Moon give light unto them but the Lord shall be unto them an everlasting light and their God their Glory Isay 60. 19 20. The light of the new Jerusalem shall be like unto a stone most precious like a Jasper-stone clear as Crystal and the City had no need of the Sun neither of the Moon to shine in it for the Glory of God did enlighten it and the Lamb is the light thereof Rev. 21. 10 11 23 25. This going forth of his is indeed prepared as the morning Hos 6. 3. then fully and gloriously they shall see light in his light Ps 36. 9. they shall see as they are seen and know as they are known 1. Cor. 13. 8 11. all ignorance and darkness shall be expelled from them for ever and they shall see the face of God and the Lamb and his name shall be in their Fore-heads and there shall be no night there and they need no Candle nor light of the Sun for the Lord God giveth them light Rev. 22. 4 6. and then the days of their mourning shall be ended and they shall have fulness of joy and coelestial pleasure Isay 60. 20. Eccles 11. 7 8. 4. And now in this morning when he gives them the morning-Star they shall have the Dominion Psal 49. 14. 2 Sam. 23. 3 4. Namb. 24. 17. Verse 29. He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches See the notes before on Verse 7. of this Chapter AN EXPOSITION On the Third CHAPTER OF THE REVELATION Chap. 3. Verse 1. And unto the Angel of the Church in Sardis write These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven Stars I know thy Works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead THIS Epistle we see is directed unto the Angel of the Church in Sardis See Notes on Ch. 2. Ver. 1. In which we have to consider in this first Verse 1. The Description our Lord Jesus gives of himself to them 2. The Account of his knowledge of them 1. The Description he gives of himself to them in two particulars These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God even that one Holy and Eternal Spirit See notes before on Ch. 1. Ver. 4. Now our Lord hath these seven Spirits of God 1. By his Merit he hath obtained them by his Blood into the Nature of Man in his person Rev. 5. 6 9 12. The Father so loveth the Son because he laid down his life for us that he might take it again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh. 3. 34 35. with ch 10. 17. Because he was his Servant he hath put his Spirit upon him Isay 42. 1. and ch 11. 1 2 3. And so 2. Upon the account aforesaid he hath the Spirit by the gift and donation of the Father he hath given the Spirit without measure to him Joh. 3. 34. With this Ohl of gladness he is anâ—inted above his Fellows Heb. 1. 9. Acts 10. 38. and ch 4. 27. And this promise of the Holy Spirit he received of the Father being by the right hand of God exalted Acts 2. 33. whereby he knows all things Rev. 5. 6 12. and hath given forth the full of the Testimony Isay 61. 1 2 3. Luke 4. 18. Joh. 3. 34. 3. He hath the seven Spirits of God to-dispense to others or to withhold or withdraw from others as he pleaseth If Men provoke him and vex his holy Spirit he can take it away from them or not give it to them though he be â—low to anger Ps 51. 11. Gen. 6. 3. with 1 Pet. 3. 18 20. And he can and doth dispence of this blessed Spirit to Men in the means he vouchsaâ—es to glorifie himself to them and therein and therewith to convince the World of Sin of Righteousness and of Judgment and to open their blind Eyes and bring forth Judgment to them Isay 42. 1 7. and ch 45. 22. Joh. 16. 7 14. He is become a quickening Spirit to quicken dead souls even such also as are become so after they have been enlivened by him Joh. 6. 33. 1 Cor. 15. 45. Hos 14. 1 5. And will pour ouâ— his Spirit abundantly and make known his words unto them whoever they are or whatever they have been who turn at the reproofs of his Instruction Joh. 15. 26. Prov. 1. 22 23. And the seven Stars he hath them also See the notes on Chap. 1. 16. and 20. and Chap. 2. Verse 1. These he hath in his right hand and holdeth them â—e hath them in his hand as the Clay is in the hand of the Potter Jer. 18. 2 6. to fill them if he sees good and their works be perfect before God with his blessed Spirit Acts 2. 32 33. yea though they have a name that they live and are dead yet he hath the immeasurable fulness of the Spirit to reprove them for and convince them of their wandrings and back-slidings from him and to strengthen them to turn at his reproofes Prov. 1. 21 23. though they have deserved to be cast out and utterly forsaken yet if in the light and strength of God's grace they purge themselves from their pollutions he can pardon their sins and dispense his Spirit to them and they shall be Vessels unto Honour sanctified and made meet for their Masters use and prepared to every good work 2 Tim. 2. 20 21. In their returning again they shall yet stand before him Jer. 15. 19. And though they are dead yet he is the life hath life in himself to quicken whom he will Joh. 14. 6. and ch 5. 21 26. He abides and remains the Fountain of living waters Jer. 2. 12 13. and ch 13. 17. Or if they provoke him he can withdraw his Spirit from them Isay 63. 9 10. And though at present they are vessels of Honour he can make them vessels of Dishonour Jer. 22. 24. Rom. 9. 21. 1 Tim. 3. 6. He hath the seven Stars and he hath the seven Spirits of God and if by Mens continued-in rebellions they provoke him to take away his Holy Spirit from them Ps 51. 11. there is no man hath power over the Spirit to retain the Spirit Eccles 8. 11. And this may be of usefulness unto his Angels and Messengers 1. To preserve them from being lifted up with Pride if they be preferred before others in their Gifts Knowledge Utterance Service c. for not they but Christ hath the Spirit resting upon him and of him and of his fulness they receive he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4. 7 11. Joh. 1. 16. Who made thee to differ saith the Apostle and what hast thou that thou didst not receive Now if thou didst receive why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received 1 Cor. 4. 7. And let such take heed that they provoke him not to anger Exod. 23. 21.
make us set light by any present confession of the great ones of this World and preserve us from seeking after their approbation Rom. 2. 7. Mal. 3. 16 18. 1 Joh. 3. 1 3. and strengthen us to endure patiently whatever we may suffer for Christs sake and the Gospels To set our faces like a flint as knowing if we partake of the afflictions of the Gospel now and though our names be cast out as evil for the Son of Man's sake and we be made the filth of all things yet if we lose our lives for his sake we shall find them hereafter For the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father with his Angels And then he will reward every Man according to his works Mat. 16. 25 27. and how might it engage us to mortify our members which are upon the earth Col. 3. 4 5. and to resist unto blood striving against sin Heb. 12. 4. 2 Tim. 2. â—1 Verse 6. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches see the notes before on Chap. 2 Verse 7. Verse 7. And unto the Angel of the Church in Philadelphia write These things saith he that is holy he that is true he that hath the keys of David he that openeth and no Man shutteth and shutteth and no Man openeth After the commandment and direction given to John to write and unto whom see the notes before on ch 2. v. 1. Our Lord describes himself 1. By what he is These things saith he that is holy he that is true 2. By what he hath He that hath the key of David 3. By what he doth He that openeth and no Man shutteth and shutteth and no Man openeth 1. By what he is These things saith he that is holy he that is true And so 1. The holy one or He that is holy that is to say 1. He that is pure from all and all manner of uncleanness and pollution so holy is opposed to filthy Rev. 22. 11. and holiness is opposed to all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit to all uncleanness 2 Cor. 7. 1. 1 Thes 4. 7. So he was and is holy he was holy and clean in taking our nature upon him of which he partook by a wonderful work of new creation The Holy Ghost came upon the virgin and the power of the highest did over-shadow her therefore that holy thing that was born of her is called the Son of God Luke 1. 35. he was God's holy Child Acts 4. 27. Though he was born in the likeness of sinful flesh yet he knew no sin Rom. 8. 4. with 2 Cor. 5. 21. and he was holy in all his conversation in the World He did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth when he was reviled he reviled not again c. he loved righteousness and hated iniquity 1 Pet. 2. 19 22. Heb. 1. 9. he always did those things that pleased his Father Joh. 8. 29. 2. The holy one God's holy Child Jesus whom he anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power Acts 4. 27. with ch 10. 38. and who is consecrated unto God from common and profane uses God hath set apart for himself and for peculiar use and service this most excellent one that is holy Ps 4. 3. so holy and profane or common are opposed Ezek. 22. 26. and ch 44. 23. Heb. 10. 29. so he was chosen from among the people and set apart by his Father Ps 89. 19. And that 1. To work redemption for us and that by bearing our sins in his own body on the tree and suffering and dying for them which he hath done and he only none in Heaven or earth was able to do this work for us but himself and there was none else appointed to it but this was God's holy one who died for our sins according to the scriptures and rose again the third day according to the scriptures Ps 16. 10. Acts 4 27. and ch 3. 14. 2. To open our eyes the eyes of our understanding and to turn us from darkness to light c. To which end God hath anointed him with his holy Oyl Ps 89. 20. even with his holy Spirit Acts 10. 38. As he saith Behold my Servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my Soul delighteth I have put my Spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles and again I will give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles to open the blind eyes to bring forth the prisoners c. Isay 42. 1 16 8. Luke 3. 22. Acts 2. 23. The Spirit of the Lord was upon him because the Lord anointed him to preach the Gospel to the poor to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind c. Luke 4. 18. and to be the giveâ— of wisdome to the wise To be the Apostle of the believers profession to declare at first and continually unto them Gods name that the love wherewith he hath loved them may be in them c. Joh. 17. 26. Heb. 3. 1. 3. The holy one the High-priest The word of the oath which was since the law made the Son High-priest who is consecrated for evermore Heb. 7. 28. he hath offered up an acceptable sacrifice for us and now makes intercession for transgressours and everlives to make intercession for them that come to God by him Isay 53. 12. Heb. 7. 25. To take away the iniquities of their holy things and mediate the new Testament for them that the called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance Exod. 28. 38. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 9. 14 15. such an High priest became us who is holy harmeless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the Heavens c. Heb. 7. 25 26 28. 3. He that is Holy to wit in his work to sanctify and holify others As it is said sanctify your selves therefore and be ye holy for I am the Lord your God I am the Lord which sanctify you Lev. 20. 7 8. Indeed he doth Baptize them with the holy Spirit which are not eventually Baptized Mat. 3. 11 13. But especially he sanctifies himself for the sakes of believers that they also may be sanctified thorow the truth Joh. 17. 17 19. he gave himself for his Church that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word That he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Eph. 5. 25 27. see more about the word holy in the notes on ch 4. v. 8. 2. He that is true that is the true and Faithful witness and that 1. In his cross and sufferings by way of propitiation He is the true witness of the love of the Father and of himself Joh. 3. 16 17. Rom. 5. 6 8. 1 Joh. 3. 16. and ch 4. 8 10. Mat. 12. 39. and of God's faithfulness in performing
which he saw the Lord sitting upon a throne and his train filled the temple above it stood the Seraphims each one â—ad six wings and as also appears by the words of those and these both saying Holy holy holy c. see Isa 6. 1 2 3. To that vision therefore we shall here have respect 1. With two they cover their faces and that signifies either 1. Their acknowledgment of Inferiority and subjection to him that sate on the throne Gen. 24. 65. 1 Cor. 11. 5 6 10. they were cloathed and covered with humility as is meet they should in his presence though the man should not be outwardly covered in congregations 1 Cor. 11. 4 5. yet all should acknowledg their infinite inferiority unto the holy God and humble themselves in his sight or before his face or presence as Jam. 4. 7 8 10. they should be in subjection unto him who is the Father of spirits Heb. 12. 10. He is their Lord and therefore he is to be worshipped and adored by them Psal 45. 11. and so in former times we read often of their falling upon their faces and falling to the ground when they worshipped the Lord Lev. 9. 24. Numb 16. 22 45. and chap. 20. 6. Judg. 13. 20. 1 King 18. 39. 2 Chron. 7. 3. Nehem. 8. 6. and so it is said of the twenty-four Elders they fall down before him that sate on the throne and and worship him c. see notes after on vers 10. and it is also said of all the angels that they fell before the throne on their faces and worshipped God c. Rev. 7. 11. and so here the four living creatures cover their faces with two of their wings as a woman covers her self with a veil before her husband for the Church is subordinate or subject unto Christ as the wife ought to be to her own husband in every thing Eph. 5. 24. 2. Or with two they covered their faces as a token of their sorrow and shame for their great vileness and sinfulness so formerly in deep mourning or in token of sâ—ame they covered themselves or their faces so David when he fled from Absolom wept and had his head covered 2 Sam. 15. 30. and when his Son Absolom was slain the King covered his face c. 2 Sam. 19. 2 4. Psal 69. 7. Jer. 51. 51. and so indeed the Church while on earth is a vile body Phil. 3. 21. and hath cause continually to bewail her vileness carnality inconformity to Christ and manifold evils she is guilty of and polluted with and even to be ashamed of her self and to acknowledg her blackness and deformity especially when she draws nigh to this holy one of Israel in whose sight the Heavens are not clean the stars are not pure Ezra 9. 6 7. Cant. 1. 5 6. Job 40. 4. and 42. 5 6. and chap. 15. 15 16. and chap. 25. 5 6. 2. With two they cover their feet or secret parts to denote their chastity and purity as opening the feet was a token of lightness and impurity as it is said of Jerusalem Thou hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by and multiplied thy whoredoms Ezek. 16. 25. And the daughters of Zion who walked with waâ—ton eyes walking and mincing as they go and making a tinkling with their feet they had their tinkling ornaments about their feet which it seems they discovered to entice and allure others withal to the lust of uncleanness Isa 3. 16 18. But these living creatures covered their feet with twain of their wings that their nakedness might not be seen as Exod. 20. 26. and to signifie to us that holiness bâ—comes the house of the Lord for ever Psal 93. 5. they are chast in spirit to Christ not so adorning themselves before others as to gain their love the love of other societies or to draw and receive strangers into the bed of their love but seeking and delighting in Christ and in his love only not trimming their way to seek love or gadding about to change their way Jer. 2. 33 36. Ezek. 16. 31 34. and chap. 23. 40 42. Hâ—s 8. 9. but resting in Christ as the object of their delightful love and well-pleasedness Psal 73. 25. Cant. 1. 7. and espousing others not to themselves but to the one husband who is their head and husband also that they might present them as a chast Virgin unto Christ 2 Cor. 11. 2 3. and so in their assemblings of themselves together to worship the Lord yea and in all their conversation they were holy in spirit and body avoiding all uncleanness or filthiness in look word gesture and action To this the grace of God doth instruct the believers Phil. 4. 8. Eph. 5. 1 3 6. 1 Tim. 4. 12. and chap. 5. 2 c. And this was the use of two of the living creatures wings who had but four with two they covered their bodies in which also might be included their faces and feet however at some times Ezek. 1. 6 11 23. 3. And with twain they did flee Isa 6. 2. to wit continually as afterwards here followeth they have no rest that is by the wings of faith and love 1. They flee upwards They mount up with wings as Eagles Isa 40. 31. they seek after those things that are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God and set their affections on things above and not on things on the earth Col. 3. 1 2. they soar aloft to the meditation contemplation and delightful affection of those things which are in Heaven for they have liberty to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus and are dwellers by faith in and inhabiters of Heaven Phil. 3. 21. Rev. 13. 6. 2. And these wings they have given them to flee from danger with and as the bird by wandring and the swallow by fleeing avoid evil and danger so these flee from the causeless curse Prov. 26. 2. they have these wings that they might flee away and be at rest that they might wander far off and hasten theirâ— escape from the windy storm spoken of in ver 5. and from all that might be harmful to them Psal 55. 5 6 8. Jer. 48. 9. they flee unto him that sits on the throne to hide them Psal 143. 7 9. they flee for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them on Christ their hope which they have as an Anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast Heb. 6. 18 19. with 1 Tim. 1. 1. and as in former times the Cherubims in the Tabernacle and Temple and the living creatures in Ezekiels visron did stretch their wings on high or upward so these living creatures do stretch out their hands and wings toward the mercy-â—eat and so flee unto him that sits on the throne of grace to hide them Exod. 25. â—0 1 King 6. 27. Ezek. 1. 11. with Psal 88. 3 9. and 143. 3 9. 3. And with these wings they flee from evil teachers and strange voices as our Saviour
had saved out of Egypt Jude 5. And spared not 〈◊〉 natural branches but shewed his severâ—ty against them in breaking them off because of their unbelief Rom. 11. 20 22. Yea such was his Holiness that he would by no means clear the guilty how near soever they were to him as Moses saith This is that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh unto me c. Lev. 10. 1 3. Moses and Aâ—â—on among his priests and Samuel among them that call upon his name They called upon the Lord and â—e answered them Thou answeredst them O Lord our God thou wast a God that forgavest them though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy hill for the Lord our God is holy Psal 99. 5 6 9. And holy he was in devising a means that his banished should not be expelled from him He was holy in chusing Christ to be our Mediator and Saviour Isa 49. 7. in sending him into the world in remembrance of his holy Covenant Luke 1. 49 72. in condemning our sin in the flesh of his own Son as hath been said before Psal 22. 1 2 3. Rom. 8. 3 32. and he was ever merciful to man ward He remembred us in our low estate for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136. 23 24. His tender mercies and his loving-kindness have been for ever of old Psal 25. 6 7. And as he was holy so also he is holy in both respects as he saith I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed Mal. 3. 6 7. Hence when the Apostle had been admonishing the believers not to charge God foolishly not to say they were tempted of God or he was the author of their sin he then assures them on the contrary That every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the father of lights with whom saith he is no variableness neither shadow of turning He is the same that ever he was in holiness and graciousness of affection to mankind Jam. 1. 13 16 17. And such an one he is to come and will be for ever He will never be reconciled to impenitent unholy ones Without holiness no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14 16. As Moses saith concerning Analek The Lord hath sworn that he will have wars with Amalek from generation to generation The same also may be said of all that remain unsanctified ones Exod. 17. 16. Though he be a God of salvations though he be gracious and merciful long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth yet he will wound the head of his enemies and the â—airy scalp of such as go on still in their trespasses He will by no means clear the guilty Psal 68. 18. 21. with Exod. 34. 6 7. He is of one mind and who can turn him Job 23. 13. Rev. 21. 27. And therefore let none of us deceive our own selves or be deceived by others as if we should find God hereafter otherwise than he â—â—â—s and hath manifested himself to be for he is to come the same that he was and is Eph. 5. 5 7. Gal. 6. 7 8. and chap. 5. 19 20 21. Amos 8. 7. And he is to come gracious and merciful so that if the wicked forsake his way and the man of iniquity his thoughts and return to the Lord he will have mercy c. Isa 55. 1 4 7. And the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto childrens children to such as keep his Covenant and to those that remember his commandments to do them Psal 103. 17 18. Luke 1. 50. Lord God Almighty Thus the living creatures also say and acknowledg him to be that sits upon the Throne of his holiness even the Father Word and Holy Spirit see the notes before on chap. 1. ver 8. This one God is of all might and power and able to do whatsoever he pleases and not like the gods and idols of the Heathens Psal 115. 3 8. and 135. 5 6 7 c. He is the Lord God Almighty who hath made the heaven and the earth and all things by his great power and stretched-out arm and there is nothing too hard for him Jer. 32. 17 19. and who upholdeth all things by the word of his power He is Almighty he can bless yea in the seed of Abraham Isaac and Jacob hath prepared blessing for all the nations and families of the earth Gen. 28. 3 14. who can give mercy to sinners yea and to such sinners also as by their iniquities have sold themselves Gen. 43. 14. Isa 50. 1 2 3. and he is good to all Job 22. 17 18. Psal 145. 9. and one that will defend protect and enrich such as come unto or return to him as Eliphaz saith If thou return to the Almighty thou shalt be built up yea the Almighty shall be thy defence or gold and thou shalt have plenty of silver Job 22. 23 26. They that dwell in the â—ecret of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty Psal 91. 1 2. 2 Cor. 6. 17 18. and who is able to destroy and will destroy with an everlasting destruction his implacable enemies The Lord God Almighty will destroy them that destroy the earth Rev. 11. 17 18. and chap. 16. 7 14. and chap. 19. 15. And the consideration of his Almightiness might both admonish us not to stretch forth our hand against him or strengthen our selves against the Almighty for who ever hardned himself against him and prospered Job 15. 25. and chap. 40. 2. and engage us to seek unto him betimes and make supplications to the Almighty Job 8. 5. and chap. 22. 23. for he can do every thing for us and no thought can be withholden from him Job 40. 2. with chap. 42. 2. He can pardon our iniquities and give all good to us Isa 50. 1 3. Numb 14. 17 18. Power belongs to him and also with him is mercy Psal 62. 8 11 12. And it might encourage us to walk before him and to be perfect Gen. 17. 1. and shews unto us the brutishness and unreasonableness of the thoughts and reasonings of such wicked ones who while they acknowledg him to be Almighty yet speak of him as if his hand were shortned or he wanted power What is the Almighty say they that we should serve him And what profit should we have if we pray unto him And again they say unto God Depart from us and what can the Almighty do for them or to them Job 21. 14. 16. and chap. 22. 17. whereas they might most reasonably say What cannot the Almighty do for or to them Wo to him that striveth with his Maker Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it What makest thou or thy work He hath no hands Isa 45. 9. and in the living creatures
of Angels Chap. 5. 8 9 11 12. and all creatures before the living creatures and elders Chap. 5. 13 14. and the innumerable multitude which are clothed with white robes and had palms in their hands before all the Angels Chap. 7. 9 11. 3. Nor doth any such thing here necessarily appear as is supposed and taken for granted in the objection viz. that the living creatures do begin in the adoration of him that sits upon the Throne but when the living creatures give glory honour and thanks The four and twenty Elders fall down c. like that When the living creatures went the wheels went by or with them and when the living creatures were lift up from the earth the wheels were lift up for one spirit acted them both Ezek. 1. 19 20. and chap. 10. 16 17. so it is here They both together at the same instant worship him that liveth for ever and ever And in this Chapter the Elders are first described ver 4. And though in order of words the living creatures are first mentioned in this place though that proves not they are first in work it may be to instruct us that whenever the Church on Earth bows before him that sits on the Throne those that are present with the Lord joyn there with in their adoration also 4. The living creatures may in this place be mentioned in order of words before the Elders because the Apostle had from ver 6. been describing and speaking of them and so he would finish what he had to say of them before he would again speak of the Elders But we shall come to look into this Verse a little particularly in which we shall speak unto the Act or Acts of their worship as they are here declared to us for as to the object of it it is the very same and in the same words described with the object of the worship of the four living creatures To which we have spoken already in the foregoing Verse The four and twenty Elders fall down and worship These two phrases may signifie to us one and the same thing these two expressions here may both signifie the Worship and Reverence they give compare Matth. 15. 8. with Mark 7. 6. and Matth. 4. 9. with Luk. 4. 7. as the object is one and the same object though described to us in two branches Him that sate on the throne who liveth for ever and ever and both of them are joyned together in ver 9. Or we may say They fall down that is they do most submissively prostrate themselves before the great King of Heaven and Earth Mal. 1. 14. they fall down from their seats or thrones ver 4. and chap. 11. 16. and chap. 19. 4. signifying he is infinitely above them and his throne above theirs And worship to wit adore or religiously reverence him Isa 46. 6. and cast their crowns before the throne that is when they worship they lay a side their ornaments of glory and make themselves like ordinary persons as it were like their brethren that are on earth they make themselves as common persons as it were as their crowns may be said to be profaned and themselves consequently when they are cast to the ground Psal 89. 39. They sit down from their head-tires and crowns of glory in token of humility as they are instructed to do Jer. 13. 18. And thus they prostrate themselves not before an Image Idol or fellow-creature as Idolaters in former times both amongst his professed people and amongst the Heathen also did Isa 44. 15-20 and chap. 46. 10. Dan. 3. 5 7 10 15. and as too many in our days do but before him that liveth for ever and ever And their humble prostration of themselves before him that sits on the throne may thus be declared to us that are here below 1. To preserve us from making any Saints departed though never so excellent and glorious the objects of our religious adoration or from invocating or praying to them Rev. 19. 10. and chap. 22. 8 9. they do as it were by their acts of deep humility in falling down worshipping and casting their crowns before the throne actually say We are not worthy to receive religious worship but thou art worthy O Lord to receive glory and honour c. Vers 11. They by removing their Diadems and taking off and casting down their crowns do as it were say We are not the He whose right it is to be worshipped as Ezek. 21. 26 27. but that appertains only to him that sits on the Throne and indeed He and He only is to be religiously worshipped and served by us Matth. 4. 10. 2. From the very humble adoration and prostration of those that dwell in Heaven which is more fully and significantly expressed and plainly declared to us here than that of the four living creatures we may learn That the neerer we are to and the more clearly we behold him that sits on the throne his glorious Holiness Almightiness and Majesty the more it will fill us with low thoughts of our selves and cause us to defile our Horn in the dust This here appears by the account given us of the exercise of the living creatures and of that of the Elders Of the former indeed it may be intimated to us that they do humble themselves in the presence of the Lord and in token thereof with two of their wings may cover their faces as we have said before in the notes on ver 8. but of the latter it is said They fall down before him that sate on the throne and worship him and cast their crowns before the throne so also in chap. 5. 14. of the living creatures it is only said they said Amen To which is presently added And the twenty four elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever And in chap. 11. 16. where the Elders are only mentioned it is said of them They fell on their faces and worshipped God Indeed where the Elders and living creatures are joyntly spoken of in their worship the same acts or exercises are affirmed of both as chap. 5. 8. and chap. 19. 4. but not so when they and the acts of their worship are distinctly mentioned The truth hereof we might also see in the holy and glorious Angels it is said of them Yea of all of them they fell before the throne on their faces and worshipped God Chap. 7. 11. see also Isa 6. 1 2 3. Ezek. 1. 11-23 see the notes before on ver 8. As also this may be seen in those holy Ones who are on earth in mortal bodies that the clearer sight and vision they have of him that sits on the throne and the neerer as it were they are to him the more their own imperfection shortness and wretchedness in themselves appears so as pride is hidden from them and they even loath themselves Thus it was with the holy man Job when he only heard of God by the hearing of the ear he carried
is Lord of all Psal 8. 5-7 with Heb. 2. 7-9 Act. 10. 36. He hath wonderful lustre and splendor far above the brightness of the Sun at Mid-day Act. 22. 11. with Chap. 26. 13 14. Luke 9. 30 32. with Mark 9. 5 6. Rev. 1. 16. The Spirit of Glory rests upon him as here also followeth 1 Pet. 4 14. with Isai 11. 1-3 and 42. 1. 7-8 His rest is Glory Isai 11. 10. And to the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ we are called by the Gospel 2 Thes 2. 14 And all this glory and infinitely more than we can conceive much more express hath he received and obtained by his precious blood as may be seen in this Verse He hath suffered and is perfectly glorious through his Sufferings John 13. 31 32. Luke 24. 26 Phil. 2. 8 9. Heb. 2. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 11. And in his Glory he shall appear and be manifested in due time Luke 9. 26. Tâ—t 2. 13. And then they that look for him and in a patient continuance of well-doing having been seeking it shall behold his Glory and partake of it and appear with him in it John 17. 24. Rom 2. 7. Col. 3. 3 4. 1 John 3. 2 3. 3. Horns also signifie Government and Kingdoms as he shall give strength unto his King and exalt the Horn to wit the Kingdom of his Anointed 1 Sâ—m 2. 10. And the ten Horns out of this Kingdom are ten Kings or Kingdoms that shall arise Dan. 7. 24. sealed also Rev. 17. 3 7 12 So Christ is the Kingdom and his Kingdom is exalted and shall so appear gloriously in due season On his head are many Crowns Rev. 19 12. He hath most perfect rule and government given unto him his Kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19 The Father hath committed all judgment rule and government unto him John 5. 22 13. A King he is indeed higher than Agag and his Kingdom is exalted Num. 24. 7. He is King of Nations a great King over all the Earth Psal 47. 1 2-67 The LORD reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the mult tude of the Isles be glad thereof Psal 96. 1-10 and 97. 1. And he is King of Sainâ—s Rev. 15. 3. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 17. 14. and chap. 19. 16. By him Kings reign and Princes dâ—cree justice By him Princes rule and Nâ—blâ—s even all the Judges of the earth Prov. 8. 15 16. This is Gods King whom he hath set upon his holy Hill of Zion Psal 2. 6. And to a gracious end hath he committed all government to hâ—m that all men should honâ—ur him John 5. 22 23. And in due sâ—ason the â—ord God shall give unto him gloriously the throne of hâ—s Fathâ—r David and he sâ—all reign over the House of Jacob for ever aâ—d of his Kingdom there shall be no end Isa 9. 6 7. Luke 1. 32-34 Jer. 33. 15-17 21. And he may be said to have seven Horns with respect to the seven Churches to wit all power or power in its perfect on to deliver and defend them from and to dispense to them and satisfie them with good all glory to conâ—er upon them and Kingdom to possess them of if they hold fast the confidence and the rejoycing of the hope firm to the end Heb. 3. 6. And seven Horns as they signifie all power which is in this place the direct meaning of them as it is said before with respect unto the seven Seals to wit to open them when none else could do it verse 2. 4. 2. And seven eyes which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth These also the Lamb which hath been slain hath namely Seven eyes to wit infinite Knowledge and Understanding Or he is perfect in Knowledge Jon 36-3 4. with Isa 42. 19. For eyes signifie understanding Eph. 1. 18. And great is our LORD who was crucified for us and of great power he hath seven Horns as we have seen also of his understanding there is no number or it is infinite Psal 147. 5. with Rev. 11. 8. Or Eyes signifie Knowledge Num. 5. 13. and chap. 16. 14. See the the notes before on chap. 4. ver 6. and ver 8. These seven eyes are upon this elect precious stone Zeoh 3. 8 9. and chap. 4. 10. with Isa 28. 16. and 1 Pet 2. 4. 6. So as he perfectly knows all things John 21. 15. All things above in Heaven he knows his Father perfectly As the Father knoweth me saith he even so know I the Father yea none else knows him originally fully and perfectly John 10. 15. Matth. 11. 27. Luke 10. 22. No man hath seen God at any time the onely begotten Son is in the bosom of the Father and he hath seen and knows him I know him saith Jesus and if I should say I know him not I shall be a liar c. John 1. 18. and chap. 8. 55. For he hath the seven Spirits of God as presently follows and the spirit searcheth all things even the depths of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. And as he hath all power to open the Seals so also he hath all knowledge and understanding to look into and read the Book of Gods Mind and Counsels which no Creature in Heaven or Earth or under the earth could do verse 2-4 5. And so he knows all the dwellers in and inhabiters of Heaven the holy and glorious Angels and he knows how to imploy them for they are all of them ministring spirits unto him Heb. 1. 6-14 And the Saints and holy ones of mankind and upon them his eyes are for good Job 36. 7. But what are these eyes of his here spoken of Unto him it may be said as Job sometimes doth Hast thou eyes of flesh or seest thou as man seeth Job 10. 4. No surely But we have here an explication given to us of these eyes viz. That they are the seven spirits of God See the notes before on chap. 1. verse 4. even that one eternal spirit that proceedeth from the Father John 15. 26. And hereby he knoweth all things 1 Cor. 2. 10. For God hath not given the spirit by measure unto him John 3. 34. He being by the right hand of God exalted hath received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit Acts 2. 33. And on him resteth the Spirit of the LORD the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding the Spirit of Counsel and Might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD and he is quick of understanding Isa 11. 1-3 And of these seven Spirits it is said in this place They are sent forth into all the earth So as hereby he not onely knows all things that are above but all things below also They are sent forth by Christ as he saith I will send the Holy Spirit John 15. 26. and chap. 16. 1. And they are sent into all the Earth or World like that They are the eyes of the LORD which run to and froâ— throw