gracious regard to them and will favour them with the favour of his people and visit them with his Salvation and discriminate them from such as wander out of the way of understanding though they be but one of a city and two of a family yet he will take notice of and take them c. Jer. 3. 14. so when he purposed the destruction of Jerusalem yet he commands a mark to be set on the foreheads of them that did sigh cry for all the abominations that were done in the midst thereof Ezek. 9. 2 5. Rev. 7. 1 3. Though he sift his profest people among all nations like as corn is sifted in a sieve yet shall not the least grain not the weakest upright one fall on the earth when all the sinners of his people shall dye by the Sword Amos. 9. 9 10. he will not cast away or correct in hot displeasure any that are upright when he comes to plead with the same Church or people Though he will not exempt them from suffering persecution for the Gospel's sake yet he will take special notice of them Deut. 4. 4. yea though they are never so few of one Noah and Lot Gen. 7. 1. 2 Pet. 2. 5 8. of a Caleb and Joshua when he is provoked to anger by all the residue of his people Numb 14. 24 30 38. and ch 32. 11 12. Though there be but a few gleaning grapes left as the shaking of an olive tree two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough four or five in the outmost fruitful branches therereof yet he will not destroy or lose them but have a gracious respect to them Isay 17. 6. and ch 24. 7 14. 1. This may therefore provoke us to give diligent heed to keep our garments unspotted and to be stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the works of the Lord as knowing our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. to seek the Lord to seek righteousness and â—eekness that we may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger Zeph. 2. 3. To watch and pray always that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man Luke 21. 36. 2. It may preserve such from and strengthen them against their fears As the Lord saith Fear not thou worm Jacob and ye few Men of Israel I will help thee c. Isay 41. 14. Jer. 39. 19 18. they might think being so few that they should not be respected or taken notice of by Jesus Christ but that he would deal with them as with the rest But as Abraham saith That be far from thee to do after this manner to slay the righteous with the wicked and that the righteous should be as the wicked that be far from thee shall not the Judge of all the earth do â—ight Gen. 18. 32 25 32 when he is wroth with and threatens destruction upon the sinners of his people yet then he takes care of those that are upright-hearted amongst them and gives this charge say ye to the righteous it shall be well with him though he be but one Isay 3. 10. when sudden destruction comes upon others then that day shall not overtake them as a thief 1 Theâ— 5. 3 5. as here If thou shalt not watch I will come on theâ— as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee But thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments and with them I will deal otherwise 3. We may here see that the seven spirits of God are upon Jesus Christ and that thereby he is full of knowledge and quick of understanding The others had a name that they lived and might so think of themselves But he saith of the generality thou arâ— dead and here thou hast a few names c. Heb. 4. 11 13. Rev. 2. 23 24. The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15. 3. he perfectly knows both the one and the other and looks not on the outward appearance as Men do But he seeth the heart 1 Sam. 16. 7. Prov. 17. 3. and ch 21. 2. 2. We have next to consider the assurance of the happiness of these â—ew persons or a gracious promise concerning them They shall walk with me in white and so should not the rest in case they continued and persisted in that evil condition they were in This here assured and promised includes and contains the blessedness of the life to come especially though it may take in also that enjoyable in this life in some measure Now herein is intimated to us 1. That these few persons were at one with Christ there was an agreement between Christ and them and they were such as were well-pleasing in his sight this is signified to us in that it is here said they shall walk with me for how can two walk together except they be agreed Amos 3. 4. So in one place it is twice said Enoch walked with God Gen. 22. 24. In another he pleased God Heb. 11. 5. 2. In that it is here said and assured they shall walk with me in white even with Christ so we may learn that Christ is in white garments To which after 3. Expresly herein Christ promiseth they shall walk with me in white that may mean they shall abide with Christ in white as what is read in one place He that followeth Christ shall not walk in darkness is in another whosoever believes on him should not abide in darkness Compare Joh. 8. 12. with ch 12. 46. 1 Joh. 2. 10 11. And so the blessedness assured to these few upright ones is suitable to their vertuous demeanour they had walked in the light which is said to be white as opposed unto black ways or ways of darkness Mat. 17. 2. with Prov. 2. 13. and they shall walk in white saith Christ that shall be their reward See Ps 11. 1 2 3. And particularly we may say in that he saith they shall walk with me in white 1. They shall be and be arrayed as Priests 2 Chron. 5. 13. they being clothed upon with the righteousness of Christ and the fruits thereof shall now be Priests unto God and Christ 1 Pet. 2. 4 9. Yea though they are of the Gentiles yet he will also take of them for Priests and for Levites who have come unto and walked in Christ and have not gone astray when their Brethren went astray Isay 66. 10 20 21. Ezek. 44. 15 19. And hereafter they shall be so when they are removed out of the land of the living in Spirit Rev. 5. 9 10. and ch 6. 11. and gloriously in Soul and Body in the first Resurrection Rev. 20. 4 6. 2. In white that is in Holy Garments Rev. 19. 11. Lev. 16. 4. He will â—anctifie them thorowout in their whole Spirit Soul and Body 1 Thes 5. 23. Joh. 17. 19. and hereafter compleatly and gloriously they shall be holy Blessed
of the commendable things in this Angel and Church In which we may note 1. That those who are not Apostles may yet say they are so though in so saying they are liers they may take to themselves such names as appertain not to them and give forth themselves to be what they are not so it was here Now according to the use of this word Apostles in scripture so we may take it in this place also to wit in a double sense 1. And most frequently by Apostles are meant the Apostles of Christ namely such as had seen the Lord Jesus in his personal body and received the Gospel immediately from him and were also immediately commissioned and Authorised by him after he was raised to go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every creature of all the nations for which they received power by the holy spirit 's being given unto them Act. 1. 2 8. The number of whom was twelve unto whom Paul was added afterward being the great Apostle of the Gentiles Gal. 2. 7. and he also saw the Lord and hereby proves he was an Apostle of Christ 1 Cor. 9. 1. as he oft calls himself in his Epistles and he only Peter excepted 1 Cor. 15. 7 9. Acts 9. 4 7 27. and ch 22. 6 14. Gal. 1. 1. c. so these might give forth themselves to be Apostles of Christ to wit of the number of his extraordinary Ambassadours like that said of them by the Apostle Paul such are false Apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ 2 Cor. 11. 13. and they might pretend that what they declared they had immediately from Christ and therefore they would not be determined by the Apostles Doctrine They were neither of Paul nor of Apollo nor of Cephas but they were of Christ as some said among the Corinthians 1 Cor. 1. 12 13. 2. And the secondary Ministers are sometimes called Apostles so Barnabas was Act. 14. 14. And we read of the Apostles of the Churches not only such as might be sent by them but also such as were sent to them by the extraordinary ambassadors of Christ possibly 2 Cor. 8. 23. so Epaphroditus is called the Philippians Apostle or messenger Phil. 2. 25. and such also they or some of them might give forth themselves to be to wit to be owned and approved by the Churches in other parts and by the Apostles also And indeed we may take the word as it is sometimes used generally for Ministers of Christ and such as received and held forth the Gospel as where our Saviour saith The servant is not greater then his Lord nor the Apostle greater then â—e that sent him Joh. 13. 16. and so he signifieth that such as are not the Ministers of Christ and who come not with his word and Gospel may yet say they are the Apostles of Christ or of his or some of his Churches that so they may deceive others and herein they are like to the false Prophets in former times who gave forth themselves to be sent of God Jer. 14. 14 15. and ch 23. 22. and ch 27. 15. and ch 29. 9 21 23. and as there were false prophets among the people so there shall be false teachers among you saith the Apostle Peter 2 Pet. 2. 1. many false teachers there were amongst the Christians in the Apostles days some telling them except they were circumcised and kept the law of Moses they could not be saved Act. 15. 1. Gal. 3. 1 3. some saying there was no Resurrection of the dead or that the Resurrection was made or past already 1 Cor. 15. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 17 19. some teaching men to deny the Lord that bought them and so walking in and leading others into pernicious and lascivious ways and practises 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. Jude 3. 4 c. 1. Herein then we may see that evil teachers and false prophets are deceitful workers 2 Cor. 11. 13 15. and use a great deal of cunning craftiness Eph. 4. 14. and will pretend to speak what they believe not and be what they are not Mat. 24. 24. 2 Thes 2. 10. even such as preach another Jesus Spirit or Gospel may yet transform themselves into and call themselves the Apostles of Christ 2 Cor. 11. 1 4. with v. 13 15. therefore they are for their subtilty compared and likened to foxes Cant. 2. 15. Ezek. 13. 4 4. and to serpents 2 Cor. 11. 3. with Gen. 3. 1. Act. 13. 10. they will pretend and give out themselves to be the Apostles of Christ when they are not so but enemies to him and liers like unto Satan Joh. 8. 44. 1 Joh. 2. 22. and like him they may make some right acknowledgment to deceive Mark 1. 24. and ch 3. 11. Luke 4. 34. Act. 16. 16. and though the enemies of Christ and of his Cross and Gospel yet they may speak sometimes honourably thereof for their own ends as they did Act. 19. 13 15. 2. Seeing they may say they are Apostles and messengers of Christ who are not let us take heed to our selves lest such deceive and beguile us as our Saviour saith to his disciples take heed lest any Man deceive you for many shall come in my name saying I am and shall deceive many and again false Christs and false prophets shall rise and shall shew Signs and wonders to seduce if possible even the elect but take ye heed behold I have foretold you all things Mark 13. 5 6. 22 23. Luke 21. 8. 2 Thes 2. 2. Believe we not every spirit let us not be so foolish and simple as to be beguiled by mens good words or high boasts of themselves Rom. 16. 16 17. Indeed we are apt to receive such as come in their own name Joh. 5. 44 and to suffer them gladly and follow them who exalt themselves 2 Cor. 11. 13 15 20. But manifold admonitions are given to us to arme us against them and to engage us to look to our selves that no Man deceive us 1 Joh. 3. 7. 2 Joh. 7. 9. think not you cannot be deceived for it is possibe you may and many will be so Mat. 24. 4 5. nor conceit there is no danger in these deceivers for their heresies are dâ—mnable and destructive as is before said 3. Then also it is good and needful for us not to receive any strangers or such as are unknown to us as bringers or declarers of a doctrine without letters of commendation from such as we doe know and may confide in which was it seemes used and usual in former times So much may be signified in what Paul saith of Timothy in one of his epistles to the Corinthians Now if Timotheus come see that he may be with you without fear for he worketh the work of Christ as I also doe 1 Cor. 16. 10 12. so again need we as some others Epistles of commendation to you or of commendation from you thereby giving us to understand that though he needed none nor
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
Ps 60. 4. and by which they have been prevailed with to give their names unto him and this banner is his love manifested in his precious sufferings and cross which he hath endured and overcome So the spouse saith His banner over me was love Cant. 2. 5. This covers their heads in the day of battle and this being known and believed by them makes them perfect in love to him to cleave unto him with full purpose and follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth Cant. 1. 2 4. and gives them boldness in every day of judgment and casteth out continually all fear out of them all fear that hath torment 1 Joh. 4. 16 19. and makes them valiant and victorious so as they are more then conquerours thorow him that loved them and gave himself for them Cant. 1. 2. and ch 8. 6 7 8. Rom. 8. 32 37 39. 3. They have somewhat to fight for not the World and the things thereof my Kingdom saith our Saviour is not of this World If my Kingdome were of this World then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered unto the Jews Joh. 18. 36. nor for indifferent things or lighter and circumstantial matters about the worship of God If any Man seem to be contentious about these things we have no such custom saith the apostle neither the Churches of God 1 Cor. 11. 2 16. and much less have they to fight and contend for mens traditions and ceremonies But that they have to contend earnestly for is the works of Christ as declared in his word and so his Gospel He that overcometh saith Christ and keepeth my works unto the end c. see Rev. 2. 26. The works he hath wrought and accomplished in his own personal body for us and the works which he is now doing from Heaven in the name of the Father and in the name of the fulness of the anointing of the holy spirit to us and in Heaven with the Father for us and the works hereafter as these are made known to us in the word of which he will work Faith These are to be kept and contended for by us and so the word of God and testimony of Jesus They are to contend earnestly for the faith of the common salvation which was once delivered to the saints Jude 3. And they should not give place by subjection no not for an hour that the truth of the Gospel may continue with them Gal. 2. 5. This is contained in that conversation which becometh the faith of the Gospel of Christ to stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the Gospel and in nothing terrified by their adversaries Phil. 1. 27 28. To this the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy saying fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life c. 1 Tim. 6. 12 13 14. 2 Tim. 2. 2 3. and to encourage him thereto he propounds to and sets before him his own example that he might imitate him I have saith he fought the good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith c. 2 Tim. 4. 5 6 7. 4. They have many enemies and adversaries to war with and fight against powerful enemies And they are 1. Sin in them with the affections and lusts thereof which do war against them and this enemy is next unto them as neer to them as their flesh and therefore it is called the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof which are said to be their members that are upon the earth Gal. 5. 24 26. Col. 3. 5. and this sin and these members of theirs these lusts are both hindering and letting them continually from what is good and prompting enticing and leading them to what is evil whenever they would do good evil is present with them and they find a law in their members warring against the law of their mind and bringing them into captivity to the law of sin which is in their members Rom. 7. 21 23. And the fleshly lusts thereof do war against the soul the good peace and prosperity thereof 1 Pet. 2. 11. these lusts war in their members and lead them to the acting and perpetrating that which is evil and provoking to God and hurtful unto others Jam. 4. 1. the Flesh lusteth continually against the spirit and these are contrary one to the other Gal. 5. 17. This sin and its deceitful lusts are striving against them to cause them to let go Christ's works and his first love and so to leave their first love to him and leading them to rejoyce in their own works or it is moving them to turn from the Gospel and not to abide in the belief thereof or in the confession of it and contending for it or not to have their conversation as becometh it but to do and fulfil the lusts of the Flesh Gal. 5. 16 17. And this sin hath so overspread and defiled the whole man that it is become filthy stinking and abominable Out of the heart of Men proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries blasphemies an evil eye covetousness pride foolishness c. Mark 7. 21 23. Gen. 6. 5. Jer. 17. 9. This is a most dangerous enemy and this Christs Churches and servants have to resist and strive against even unto blood Heb. 12. 4. To deny Tit. 2. 12. abstain from 1 Pet. 2. 11. to crucify Gal. 5. 24 26. To mortify and put to death continually Rom. 8. 13. Col. 3. 5 8. and because they are so polluted themselves herewith naturally therefore that they may come after Christ they must deny and wholly renounce themselves Mat. 16. 23. not lean to their own understanding Prov. 3. 5. but cease from their own wisdom Prov. 23. 4 5. not trust to their own hearts Prov. 28. 26. nor follow their own spirit for the spirit that dwelleth in them naturally lusteth to envy and unto all that is evil Ezek. 13. 3. with Jam. 4. 1 2 4 5. 2. They have the World also to war with and fight against even the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life which are not of the Father but are of the World 1 Joh. 2. 15 17. and so the men of the World Both as they are enticing them by their flatteries and perswasions and by promising to them or propounding before them the riches honour glory pomps and pleasures of this World to cause them to walk in the way with them and to run with them to the same excess of Riot whereto they run Prov. 1. 10 15. Ps 1. 1. 1 Pet. 4. 3 4. They have ungodliness and Worldly lusts to deny in others aswell as in themselves while they are in this present World Tit. 2. 11 12. and they have also the World to resist as they are endeavouring by their threats persecutions and cruelties to move them from the Faith and hope of the Gospel or from the confession thereof in word and conversation that they may not thereby be corrupted from the Gospel or turned aside to
â—luggishness and that is the way whereby we may be recovered out of the snare of Satan and may again be enlivened and quickned and stand before him and live in his sight 2 Tim. 2. 26. Eph. 5. 13 14. Prov. 20. 13. and ch 6. 9. 2. Be watchful namely keep waking when thou hast once awaked give no longer nor again sleep to thine eyes nor slumber to thine eyelids But watch and pray always Luke 21. 36. So the office of a watchman or his exercise is or should be to be always and continually waking and watchful Ps 127. 1. Isay 21. 6 8. and the watching here intimately counselled unto is especially and principally the exercise of the mind or Spirit though yet it is good and profitable to shake off drowsiness from the body when opportunities are afforded and may be enjoyed for having fellowship in the Gospel of Christ yet I say it is especially an earnestness and intention of Spirit in which a Man doth with diligence and circumspection set himself to observe any matter or bufiness or wait upon his imployment or for any Man or matter as it is said of the watchman he hearkned diligently with much heed Isay 21. 6 7. And as the Prophet saith of himself I will stand â—pon my watch and set me upon the tower and will watch to see what he will saâ— unto me c. Habak 2. 1. Luke 21. 34 37. And so Be watchful To remember and mind what thou didst at first receive and entertain as he saith presently remember how thou hast received and heard see the notes on v. 3. hearken what God the Lord is therein speaking to thee What love he is therein discovering to thee what instructions or reproofs of instruction he is sealing home upon thee Ps 85. 8. Habak 2. 1 4. watch daily at wisdom's gates and wait at the posts of her doors that you may find wisdom even Jesus Christ who is the wisdom of God and so find life to revive and quicken you and may obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8. 34. 35. with Ps 103. 6. and watch unto prayer 1 Pet. 4. 7. continue in prayer and watch thereunto with all perseverance Col. 4. 2 3. Luke 21. 36. Eph. 6. 18. and watch against evil and enemies Be sober be vigilant because the Devil your adversary as a roaring lyon goeth about seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5. 8. Mat 26. 41. Neh. 4. 7 9. and especially watch against that evil which hath brought you into this sad and miserable condition and watch we over our selves and Brethren Heb. 12. 15 and ch 13. 17. yea and for the good of all and that whereunto we should watch is the vision of all Hab. 2. 1 4. with Isay 29. 11. the testimony of Jesus thereto watch for instruction and reproof for wisdom strength c. And this leads us to the next thing counselled unto viz. And strengthen the things that remain which are ready to dye Some thus read the words strengthen the rest which remain that are ready to dye as applying it to persons but if they intend by the rest those spoken of in v. 4. they greatly mistake and of a third company we read not in this Church But we shall speak to the words as we read them strengthen or stablish the things which remain that are ready to dye there may be some good things remaining in them that are even dead v. 1. The persons may be dead as to their usefulness of them and fruitfulness in them and yet still in some sort the root of the matter may be in them as Job 19. 28. Men may still retain some right and true notions and have the truth in a notional understanding though they imprison it in unrighteousness and suffer it not to work effectually in them Rom. 1. 18. they may believe the first and great things of God's law and yet believe in vain and not to the saving of the Soul 1 Cor. 15. 2. with Heb. 10. 39. the love of God may be in them in some sense and yet it may be so weakned and unfruitful as that may be said how dwelleth the love of God in them 1 Joh. 3. 17. It may be in word and in tongue not in deed and in truth 1 Joh. 3. 18. and Christ that will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoaking flax or dimly-burning week acknowledgeth that there were some good things remaining still in these though they were so weak they were even ready to dye and extinguish Isay 42. 3. And these Christ doth here counsel them strengthen or establish even their weak Faith love hope c. though even dead Jam. 2. 17 26. and so the gifts and operations of the Spirit which they had received and were wrought in them to cherish and nourish these things that had been wrought in them by the holy Ghost and so stir up and kindle again the gifts of God which were in them and so revive them as 2 Tim. 1. 6. as a Man by stirring the fire or blowing it when it 's almost out doth thereby kindle it anew quicken and strengthen it But doth not the Psalmist thus cry to God strengthen O God that which thou hast wrought for us or in us when it was weak or weakned Ps 68. 28. And doth not the Apostle pray that God would strengthen them with might by his Spirit in the inward Man Eph. 3. 16 17. how then doth he here say to these strengthen the things that remain To this we may say yes verily all things appertaining to the saving of the Soul are of God But yet still somewhat is required of us as he is preventing and enabling us with his grace It is God saith the Apostle that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure But was there nothing therefore required of them yes verily for so it follows Do all things without mâ—rmuring and disputing Phil. 2. 12 15. It is the work of God to stablish the believers and yet also they are exhorted in the strength of God's gâ—ace which brings salvation to stablish their hearts 2 Thes 2. 17. with Jam. 5. 8. And this is required of us in general here that we may strengthen the things that remain to be watchful and wait upon him For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles Isay 40. 31. In waiting upon him he will strengthen their hearts that they may strengthen the dying things Ps 27. 14. and particularly he directs them how to strengthen them in v. 3. 2. We have in the next place to speak unto the reason laid down by our Saviour to engage this Angel and Church to receive the Counsel in the former part of this verse For I have not found thy works perfect before God In which we may note for our usefulness 1. That Christ doth take notice of and search into all Mens works and especially into the works of his
redeemed them unto God by his blood In which is implied that he had dyed or as is there exprest was slain and was risen for them and gave himself a ransom to God for them as he hath done for all men 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. 2 Pet. 2. 1. Gal. 3. 13. and ch 4. 4 5. but not so for the Angels for he took not on him the nature of angels or laid not hold on Angels Heb. 2. 16. Luke 2. 10 11. and in that place also it is said by the living creatures Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood that is he had redeemed or bought them through the discovery of his precious blood in the Gospel from their vanities and vain conversation as Acts. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. like that which is said of the hundred forty and four thousand they were redeemed from the earth they were redeemed from among men Rev. 14. 3 4. 2. They were also redeemed out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation chap. 5. 9. which cannot be affirmed of the Angels those ministring spirits 3. They also acknowledg to the praise of the Lamb Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests and we shall reign on the earth chap. 5. 10. like that said chap. 1. 5 6. and chap 20. 6. which shews them to be men and not Angels by nature for these kings priests and reigners are such as shall be raised from the dead before they so reign or are gloriously kings and priests as doth evidently appear in Rev. 20. 4 5 6. 4. These living creatures are distinguished from the Angels Rev. 5. 10 11. yea from all the angels and the angels are said to be about them chap. 7. 11. and chap. 5. 11. and they are distinguished from all ther creatures from every creature which is in heaven and in the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea and all that are in them Rev. 5. 13 14. therefore it most evidently appears that these living creatures are some of mankind 2. And they are also signified to be not the spirits of just men made perfect which are dead to us but to be such as are alive in mortal bodies as hath been said before See the Notes on vers 4. of this Chapter And this appears by the name given to them in that they are always called living ones or living creatures when they are named with the Elders and so generally in Scripture the living are such as live to and with us Hence the Earth of this world is oft-times called the land of the living Job 28. 13. Psal 27. 13. and 52. 5. and 56. 13. and 116. 9. and 142. 5. Isa 53. 8. Jer. 11. 19 c. And many times the living are distinguished from and opposed to thsoe that are dead to us Numb 16. 48. Ruth 2. 20. Eccles 4. 2. Luk. 24. 5. Rom. 14. 9 c. And these living creatures also appear to be such as have not yet finished their course nor rested from their labours because it is said of them vers 8. They have wings and they have no rest day and night whereas of the Elders it is said They are sitting upon their seats or thrones as those that have entred into rest Vers 4. 3. And as distinguished from the Elders as these living creatures are in many places so they appear to be such as are younger than the Elders and younger ones as compared to them unto whom they should submit in the Lord and for his sake 1 Pet. 5. 5. Heb. 13. 7. even the spiritual children of the Prophets Acts 3. 25. and Apostles as many times the Apostles call the Believers to whom they write their children and little children as 1 Cor. 4. 15 16. Gal. 4. 19. 1 Joh. 2. 1. 18. 28. and 3. 17 18 c. As having believed on Christ and God by him thorow their word John 17. 20 and so they are those which are called the seeds seed as Isa 59. 21. And so by these living creatures here spoken of And particularly I conceive are meant the Church of the living God that part of it I mean which is on earth for both the Saints which are in Heaven and those that are on earth are but one family Eph. 3. 15. which is by faith come unto mount Zion and unto the city of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem c. Heb. 12. 22 23. The Church of Christ on Earth in general as a body the mystical body of Christ united by a spiritual and unseen bond even by the spirit of faith unto Christ as their only head and husband Eph. 5. 25 32. Col. 1. 18. and by the spirit of love one to another as members of the same spiritual body Eph. 4. 25. And in this Church there may be had in this place principal but not only respect to the faithful upright painful and laborious teachers angels or overseers amongst them who watch for the souls of others vers 8. And these all hearty and unfeigned believers in the Church on earth and as the Church are the living the living that shall praise him and make known his truth to them that are on the earth Isa 38. 18 19. the seed that shall serve him and whom he will preserve which shall be counted to the Lord for a generation Psal 22. 30 31. And this may also appear to be meant by the four living creatures by that in Psal 68. 10. which we read Thy congregation hath dwelt therein The seventy two Interpreters usually called the seventy and whose translation our Saviour and his Apostles very frequently make use of thus render it Thy living creatures have dwelt therein using the same word which the Apostle doth here and elsewhere frequently in this book which also shews that by these four living creatures are meant Gods congregation on earth his Church the body of Christ or that part of it which is on earth in a general and conjunct consideration And this understanding of the four living creatures to signifie the Saints on earth as a body and in a general consideration affords Answer to the Objections of some against the sense given and may deliver and preserve us from the mistakes of others concerning these living creatures For say some Object 1. That the hundred forty and four thousand sealed Saints in Chap. 7. 4 8. And the great multitude of the Gentile believers mentioned also in Chap. 7 9 10. are distinguished from the living creatures in that same Chapter Vers 11. And that the hundred forty and four thousand in Chap. 14. 1 3. sing a new song before the four living creatures therefore surely they are distinct from them and the four living creatures mean not the whole Church of Christ upon earth Answ What hath been already said gives Answer unto this Objection however in some good measure For 1. We look upon the four living creatures to signifie as is said the Church here in general and as a woman and
Tribe of Levi nor of every house or family of Levi but only of the house of Aaron But now the Priesthood and the Law of the Priesthood is changed and according to Gods promise he hath taken of the Gentiles for Priests and for Levites Isa 66. 19-21 The Gentiles believing with the heart on him whom God hath sent are fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of faith and are an â—oly Priesthood whether they be male or female bond or free Barbarian Sâ—ythian or Edomite c. Ephes 2. 17-19 20. 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Gal. 3. 26-28 Col. 3. 10 11. Rev. 1. 4 6. And whatever tongue they are of and though they cannot speak Latine Greek or Hebrew yet in being redeemed from their vain conversation by the precious blood of Christ this dignity is also vouchsafed unto and graciously conferred upon them He hath made them Priests And this he hath done 1. By a birâ—h from himself they are the children whom God hath given to him who is the everlasting Father and only High-Priest and begetter of spiritual Priests Heb. 2. 13. Isa 9. 6. And as in former times those only that were born of and descended from Aaron the Typical High-Priests were Priests unto God Exod. 28. 1. 40. 41. Lev. 1. 5. 8. 11. Numb 16. 1-40 And it is said of some These sought their register among thâ—se that were reckoned by Genealogy but it was not found therefore were they as polluted put from the Priesthood Neh. 7. 63 64 65. So now those and those only who come unto and are born of Jesus Christ who is the only High-Priest and who hath an unchangeable Priesthood which passeth not from himself unto any other are made a spiritual house and an holy Priesthood They are a chosen generation a royal Priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people c. Heb. 7. 21-24 25. with 1 Pet. â— 4 5-9 And that they may stand before and minister unto the Lord therefore 2. He washes them from their sins in his own blood and redeems them out of every kindred c. Rev. 1. 5 6. and 5. 9 10. Cloathes them and anoints them as answering to our types in former times Exod. 28. 40 41. and 29. 4 5. and 40. 12-16 Rev. 7. 14 15. and 11. 4. 3. And thus fiâ—ted and prepared continually they are Priests to minister unto God and to offer sacrifice not any propitiatory sacrifice for purging away their sinâ— or make satisfaction to Gods justice for them this they neither can do nor need to do This was the only work of our High-Priest who gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice unto God for a sweet smelling savour Ephes 5. 2. He himself bare our sins in his own body on the tree And by one offering even that of his own body offered once for all hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified and obtained eternal redemption even the forgiveness of sins Now whâ—re remissioâ— of these is there is no more offering for sin 1 Pet. 2. 24. Heb. 10. 5-10-14 18. and 9. 12 14. with Col. 1. 14. Nor are they to offer bodily sacrifices such as the Priests in former times did not the blood of bulls calves and goats c. but they are to offer the sacrifices of righteousness Psal 4. 5. spiritual sacrifices 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. that is to say they are to offer unto him broken and contrite hearts The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit A broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise Psal 51. 17. An heart broken for its sins and Idols and broken off from them and from all confidence in the flesh and rejoicings and gloryings in its own doings and works of righteousness and given up unto and devoted to God to love fear worship trust in and expect all from him and to rejoice and glory in the Cross of Christ Mat. 5. 3. this is that he calls for Prov. 23. 26. And thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57. 15 16. and Chap. 66. 1 2 3. Phil. 3. 1-3-9 Gal. 6. 14. They are also to offer and present their bodies unto him a living sacrifice holy and acceptable which is their reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. and so both spirit and body are to be offered unto him Some there are indeed who draw nigh to God with their moâ—ths and honour him with their lips but their hearts mean time are far removed from him and therefore their worship is vain Mat. 15. 7-9 others pretend to worship God with their spirits and to give him their hearts while they offer their bodies to sin and satan and are servants of unrighteousness there with But surely the whole man is to be given unto him and we are to glorifie him both in our body and spirit which are his 1 Câ—r 6. 19 20. We are to yield up and offer our selves our whole selves unto God as those alive from the dead and our members as instruments of righteousness unto God Rom. 6. 13-16 with Rom. 12. 1-3 They are also to pâ—ay unto him even for all men and to pour out their hearts as a drink-offering before him as here vers 8. Psal 62. 8. and 141. 2. with 1 Tim. 2. 1-8 Rev. 8. 3-5 And to offer up the sacrifices of thanks-giving unto God continually which are the calves or fruits of their lips and thus they are to do always when they pray unto him as it is said Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Psal 50. 14. and 107. 22. Heb. 13. 15. Phil. 4. 6. This sacrifice also shall please the Lord better than a Bullock that hath borns and â—â—ofs Psal 69. 30 31. Ephes 5. 18-20 As also they are to render his praise glorious unto others They are a royal Priesthood that they should shew forth the praises and vertues of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2. 9-12 Heb. 13. 15. Psal â—05 1-3 And whoso offereth praise glorifieth him and to him that disposeth his way he will shew the salvation of God Psal 50. 23. And they are not to forget to do good and to communicate for with such sacrifices being offered by Christ God is well pleased Heb. 13. 15 16. He will have mercy and not sacrifice Hos 6. 6. And hath instructed and exhorted us to honour the Lord with our substance and with the first fruits of our increase Prov. 3. 9. with Isa 43. 23. And it is an odour of a sweet smell a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing unto God when we communicate unto others more especially to them that are of the houshold of faith and most especially unto them who serve him
his face and his name shall be in their fore-heads c. He subjoyns thereto Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the Prophecy of this Book Rev. 21. and ch 22. 1 6 7 14. To signify to us that such an one shall be compleatly delivered hereafter from all evil and made a partaker of all blessedness and happiness 2. We have nextly propounded to us the reason of their blessedness especially For the time is at hand Now especially they are blessed because of the nigh approaching of the things contained in this Book to wit comparatively to former times because the time is at hand Rev. 22. 7 10. That they may keep themselves pure and not be spotted with the spots that are not of his people as he saith Behold I come as a Thief to wit suddenly and unexpectedly Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his Garments lest he walk naked and they see his shame Rev. 16. 15. And because there shall be a speedy performance of the happiness therein promised that they might be engaged not to cast away but hold fast their confidence and in patience possess their souls For yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 35 37. And now especially blessed Because it is the time of the end and that which was formerly sealed up is not so now but opened Therefore encouragement is now given to us to look into this Book and in so doing we may expect his presence with us and blessing upon us compare Dan. 12. 8 9. with Rev. 22. 7 10. For the time is at hand Namely It is so in God's account See notes on v. 1. That time in which Christ came into the world and finished the work the Father gave him to do in his own personal body is called The end of the world or worlds Heb. 9. 26. And those days the last days Heb. 1. 1 2. And the pouring forth of his spirit which was said to be fulfilled in the day of Pentecost was said to be in the last days Act. 2. 17. and that time was the last time or hour 1 Joh. 2. 18. and so the time was at hand as compared with former times And this Phrase At hand doth not necessarily denote such a speedy accomplishment of the things spoken of as some would perswade us as may be seen in some instances as when the Lord commands Moses to write a Song for the Children of Israel and therein to declare the Evils and Miseries that would come upon them in the latter days for their iniquity Certainly he hath therein ultimately respect to the Kingdom of God's being taken from them and their being desolated by the Romans in these last days for their rejection of Christ Though evils in the beginnings and so successively came upon them all along when they forsook God and under these sad evils they still remain in these latter of the last times in which we live which are about three thousand years since that Song yet thus it is said in that Song To me belongeth Vengeance and to recompence their Foot shall slide in due time for the Day of their Calamity is at hand and the things that shall come upon them make hast Deut. 31. 19 29. and ch 32. 21 35 43. Thus again when the Lord by the Prophet Isay declares the Destruction that should come upon Babilon It is said Howle ye for the day of the Lord is at hand It shall come as Destruction from the Almighty And yet though that day or time was then said to be at hand it was near about two hundred years before the Kingdom was translated to the Medes and Persians which is the first thing here prophesied of as is said Behold I will stir up the Medes against them and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the Womb c. Isay â—3 1 6 17 18. And ultimately that Chapter may be a Prophesie of the Destruction of Mystery Babylon which is not yet fulfilled as appears by what is said in v. 19 20. compared with Jer. 50. and ch 51. 1 26 64. and Rev. 18. 1 21. for many Prophesies have divers fulfillings at divers times And that which is said in this Verse is a great encouragement to look into read hear and keep the things written in this Book to which we may speak further afterwards Thus far is the Preface Verse 4. John to the seven Churches in Asia Grace be unto you and Peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven Spirits which are before his Throne Here followeth the Inscription and Salutation of them to whom this Book was to be sent This Revelation was to shew unto Christ's Servants things that must shortly come to pass but it was not given immediately to them as to John It was sent and signified to him v. 1. in trust 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. And here begins his faithfulness according to the trust reposed in him In Verse 1. It is said To shew unto his Servants and here is shewn unto us who are meant thereby to wit the Churches And therefore John directs it to them even to the seven Churches and not only to the Angels though including them also So whereas in ch 22. 6. it is said The Lord God of the Holy Prophets sent his Angel to shew unto his Servants the things that must shortly be done In v. 16. it is thus I Jesus have sent mine Angel to testifie unto you these thing in the Churches To signifie to us that they are they whom he means and intends by his Servants And yet also every one that hath an Ear is called upon to hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches as may be seen in Rev. 2. 7 11 17 29. and ch 3. 6 13 22. In Asia to wit the less which Churches are particularly and by name mentioned to us in verse 11. Now in this Verse we have 1. The Apostle's Vote and Desire for the Churches 2. From whom he desires such Blessings to be vouchsafed to them The Apostles Vote and Desire for the Churches whom he salutes Grace unto you and Peace like to that voted by the Apostles in their Epistles generally for the Churches unto whom they write Grace unto you To wit the free Love and Charity of God towards us in abasing and exalting his Son in our nature for us In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him 1 Joh. 4. 9 10 14. And Christ by the grace of God tasted Death for every man Heb. 2. 9. And by the Grace of God we are justified freely thorow that Redemption in Christ Jesus even all that have sinned and are come short of the Glory of God Rom. 3. 23 24. And his Grace in preparing forgiveness of Mens Personal Sins the gift of Righteousness and Eternal Life in Christ for them Rom.
3. 8 9. and ch 4. 10. Now the Angels are never said so to be upon Christ but the Holy Spirit is often said to be The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him Isay 11. 1 2. I have put my trust upon him Isay 42. 1. And Christ saith The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me Isay 61. 1. Luke 4. 18. 3. Because they are named with the Father and the Son as also Mat. 28. 19. 1 Joh. 5. 7. And here named before Jesus Christ 4. It also appears that hereby the Holy Spirit is intended because of that Description Christ gives of himself in ch 3. 1. when he sends a message to the Angel of the Church in Sardis of whom he saith Thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God Surely the understanding the seven Spirits to mean that one Spirit best suited their condition For hereby he was fitted to see and know what they were to wit dead whatever name they had And hereby â—e is become a quickening Spirit to quicken such dead Souls Luke 4. 18. See Notes on ch 4. v. 5. Nor is that said of the seven Angels the same with this said of the seven Spirits for they are said to stand before God as ministring serving Spirits Rev. 8. 2. with Dan. 7. 10. But these seven Spirits are only said to be before the Throne where Christ also is and they are upon him ch 4. 5. and ch 5. 6. Hereby then the Holy Spirit the Spirit of the Father and Son is meant and intended And he may be called The seven Spirits not with respect to his Essence But 1. In some such sense as Christ's Sacrifice is called Sacrifices as where it is said The Heavenly things must be purified with better Sacrifices than these Heb. 9. 23. Whereas indeed that which Christ offered for Purgation was but one Oblation once offered as is said After he had offered one Sacrifice for Sins for ever sate down c. Heb. 10. 10. 12. for by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified v. 14. 18. and ch 7. 27. and ch 9. 25 26. Now that one Sacrifice might be called Sacrifices to signifie that it is the truth and hath the worth of all other Sacrifices which are many yea it is infinitely more acceptable and valuable So this one Spirit may be called seven to signifie it is the most perfect Spirit seven being a number of perfection and infinitely more excellent and glorious than all other which are ministring Spirits Heb. 1. 14. 2. Seven Spirits With respect to his manifold Gifts Graces Operations Influences c. 1 Cor. 12. 4 11. and so possibly with allusion to Isay 11. 2 3. where he is seven times named 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 3. Called seven because of the seven Churches here saluted and seven Stars v. 16. ch 3. 1. To signifie this Spirit was able to supply all their wants and to furnish them with all Gifts and Graces and perfect whatever did concern them yea and he is sent forth into all the Earth for the good of men more generally Rev. 5. 6. Zech. 4. 10. Isay 42. 1 5. And these are said to be before his Throne to be sent forth by him and to be sent forth in Righteousness for he sits in the Throne judging right Ps 9. 4. Now from this Spirit also Grace and Peace is voted and desired for he is the Spirit of Grace Zech. 12. 10. Heb. 10. 29. the good Spirit Ps 143. 10. The Spirit of Love 2 Tim. 1. 7. And it is his work and office to bear witness of the Blood of Christ and Grace therein commended and Peace thereby made And to preach Peace to us and fill us with it and effect it as a vertue in us Eph. 2. 13 17. with 1 Pet. 3. 18 19. Rom. 14. 17. Gal. 5. 22. Verse 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the Dead and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood In the former part of this Verse we have a further account given to us from whom the Apostle votes Grace and Peace to be unto the Churches and he is mentioned after the Spirit which is not usual because he is largely described and spoken of in what followeth as may be seen by any And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness Of the love and faithfulness of the Father to us as the Lord saith Behold I have given him for a witness to the People Isay 55. 1 4. 1 Joh. 4. 8 10 14. 1 Joh. 3. 16. He is the faithful witness as a Peace-maker having made Peace by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. So he is the great and undoubted evidence and manifestation of God's Grace to us poor sinful creatures of Mankind The gift of his grace Rom. 5. 15 18. He by the Grace of God tasted death for every man and gave himself a ransome for all Heb. 2. 9. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. and also in his abasement and sufferings he is the faithful witness and evidence of the faithfulness of God in keeping Covenant and Mercy God raised him up that Horn of Salvation in the House of his Servant David as he spake by the Mouth of his Holy Prophets To perform the Mercy promised to our Fore-fathers and to remember his Holy Covenant The Oath which he sware c. Luk. 1. 54 55 68 73. Act. 13. 23 32 33. Psal 89. 1 19 20. And in his Cross he is the faithful witness of his own pity and compassion to us and that he is the Son of the Father in love 2 Joh. 3 Such was the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for our sakes he became poor 2 Cor. 8. 9. 1 Joh. 3. 16. And as Job's wrinckles were a witness Job 16. 8. so his great condescension and death were a witness of his wonderful love to the World which appeared herein to be such as passeth knowledge Eph. 3. 16. 19. from him is Grace and Peacestill voted who gave himself for our Sins that he might deliver us from this present evil World Gal. 1. 3 4. And who hath made Peace for us by his Blood and is our Peace the Prince of Peace Eph. 2. 13 15. Col. 1. 20. Isay 9. 6. Hebr. 7. 1 2. And the faithful witness As a Peace-preacher and that both 1. In his Word and Testimony 1 Tim. 2. 6. Rev. 20. 4. In which he gives a true witness of all things of God Man Sin Righteousness Life Death c. 1 Joh. 2. 20 27. Joh. 16. 7 14. A faithful witness who doth not lye Prov. 14. 5. A true witness that delivereth Souls v. 25. who is the saviour of all men
all the honourable of the Earth Isay 2. 10. c. and ch 23. 8 9. and ch 13. 10 12. and ch 24. yet some of these may and will submit themselves to and worship Christ truly and so escape the Wrath to come Psal 22. 27. but such as abide in their opposition to him and minding earthly things shall wail for ever Isay 60. 12. Luke 21. 34 36. Isay 24. 17 18. 4. We have the breathing vote and desire of the Apostle and of all that are taught and led of God even so amen Rev. 22. 20. So the Holy Men of God formerly have desired O that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Zion Psal 14. 7. and 53. 6. Make haste my beloved c. Cant. 8. 14. Oh that thou wouldest rent the Heavens that thou wouldst come down c. Isay 64. 1. And in latter times they who had received the first-fruits of the Spirit did groan within themselves waiting for the adoption the redemption of their bodies and to that end they did look for the Saviour from Heaven the Lord Jesus Rom. 8. 23. with Phil. 3. 20 21. The Spirit and the Bride say come And let him that heareth say come even so come Lord Jesus Rev. 22. 17 20. The Gospel of Christ doth teach them who believe it to wait for God's Son from Heaven whom he raised from the dead 1 Thes 1. 10. to look for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2. 11 13. To be looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God 2 Pet. 3. 11 14. and for this the Apostle here longs and breaths even so Amen These Words are true and faithful Rev. 21. 1 5. and ch 22. 6 7. Verse 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending saith the Lord which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty Here we have an account given us of the infinite excellency of the person speaking and his ability for accomplishing what is spoken of him v. 7. Why should it be thought a thing incredible that he should effect it We may first here enquire and consider who the person here speaking is Some understand it of the Father because this person is so described as he is v. 4. where doubtless he is intended because he is distinguished from the Spirit and from Jesus Christ as before is said But I conceive and judge that the person here speaking in this 8 th Verse is Jesus Christ 1. Because he is the person generally speaking in this Book by his Angel or Angels to whom it was given to that end to shew c. v. 1. Rev. 22. 16. 2. Because the first part of the description here to wit that he is Alpha and Omega is elsewhere given of him without Controversie in this Book So expressly v. 11 13. and ch 22. 12 13. Nor doth that hinder us to understand it of Christ because he is described as the Father is for he and the Father are one Joh. 10. 13. 1 Joh. 5. 7. 3. It appears also that this is spoken of and by Christ because it seems these 8 and 9 Verses refer to Verse 1. The eighth Verse declares to us to whom this Revelation was given to shew to his Servants to wit to Jesus Christ who here saith of himself I am Alpha and Omega c. And v. 9. shews unto us to whom he sent and signified it to wit unto his Servant John And so we shall look upon this Verse as containing the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in which he gives a description of himself unto us I am Alpha and Omega These two are the first and last Letters of the Greek Alphabet and signifie as here it followeth the beginning and the ending Or as in v. 11. the first and the last and both are used in ch 22. 13. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end the first and the last Now from hence we may note in general 1. That God hath sanctified all Tongues for declaring to us the things of Christ and of God in him to the end that all Nations and Tongues might come unto the knowledge of the truth So after the Lord had given Authority and Commission to his Apostles to go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature of all the Nations he did fit them thereto by pouring forth his Spirit upon them and thereby enabling them to speak with other Tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Mark 16. 15 17. Acts 1. 8. and ch 2. 1 8 12. And the Angel had the everlasting Gospel to preach unto every Nation and Kindred and Tongue c. Rev. 14. 6. 2. In that he doth explicate and interpret these words saying I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end the first and the last So he shews that it is good for the Preachers of the Gospel to use great plainness of Speech that they may be understood 2 Cor. 3. 12. 1 Cor. 14. 1 13. so often-times Hebrew Words c. are interpreted So Emmanuel God with us Mat. 1. 23. Eli Eli Lamasabacthani that is to say My God My God why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27. 46. Jesus for he shall save c. Mat. 1. 23. Messias which being interpreted is the Christ Joh. 1. 41. c. It is good to speak plainly to edification and exhortation and comfort and not to affect hard words or sayings or when there is need for the use of them to interpret them 1 Cor. 14. 27 28. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending End sometimes signifies dissolution or ceasing to be Luke 22. 37. and sometimes perfection or fulfilling 1 Tim. 1. 5. and in both senses it may be in various respects as to divers things applied unto our Lord Jesus He is the beginning and end of the first Creation He is the beginning of it He was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Joh. 1. 1 3. By him God made the Worlds Heb 1. 2. and ch 11. 3. By this Word of the LORD were the Heavens made yea God created all things by Jesus Christ Ps 33. 6. Eph. 3. 11. and by him all these things shall be dissolved 2 Pet. 3. 4 5 10 13. We have both put together as his work in Heb. 1. 10 12. And thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the Foundation of the Earth and the Heavens are the works of thine Hands They shall perish but thou remainest and they all shall wax old as doth a Garment and as a Vesture shalt thou fold them up and they shall be changed c. He is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending or perfecter of the New Creation He is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the Preeminency for in him it hath pleased all the fulness of
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
fathers Mat. 1. 1. Luke 1. 72 74. Acts 2. 30. But he was also the Son of Adam Luke 3. 24 38. and he is the first-born of every creature Col. 1. 15. the second Man who came into the room of the first Man and undertook for him when all Mand-kind was in his loins and so became the last Adam of whom the first was the figure 1 Pet. 1. 20. 1 Cor. 15. 45 47. Rom. 5. 14. and hence many times this title of the son of Man is given to him when the scripture speaketh of God's love to Man-kind As the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost Mat. 18. 11. To seek and to save that which was lost Indefinitely Luke 19. 10. The Son of Man came not to destroy Mens Souls but to save them Luke 9. 56. and ch 2. 10 11. as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so must the Son of Man be lifted up For God so loved the World c. Joh. 3. 14 16. 17. The Son of Man was made lower than the Angels for a little while that he by the grace of God should taste death for every Man Heb. 2. 6 9. 3. This title is given unto him to instruct us that he was the heir of all that misery that appertained to Man-kind for and because of their first sin and sinfulness the inheritour of all that sad heritage of affliction Man brought upon himself and hence oftentimes he is called the Son of Man when his abasement and sufferings are spoken of The Son of Man was made a little while lower then the Angels Heb. 2. 6 9. The Son of Man had not whereon to lay his head Luke 9. 58. the Son of Man shall be betrayed unto the chief Priests and Scribes and they shall condemn him to death c. Mat. 20. 18 19. see also Mat 26. 2 24 45. Mark 8. 31. Joh. 8. 28. and ch 12. 23 27 31. 34. Isay 53. 1 10. Rom. 4. 25. 1 Peter 3. 18. 4. And he is called the Son of Man because he is the Heir and inheritour of all the glory that was given unto us and conferred upon us in the first Publick man and which by our Sinning we came short of he hath restored that which he took not away Rom. 3. 23. Psal 69. 4. he restored our nature in his person into the Image of God Jam. 3. 9. into perfect Innocency Integrity Immortality and eternal life 1 Joh. 3. 5. 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. 1 Cor. 1. 30. And he hath obtained eternal redemption the inheritance of new Heavens and a new earth Heb. 9. 12. He in our nature and for us is Crowned with that Glory and Honour where-with the first Man Adam was and God hath set this Son of Man over the works of his hands and hath put all things under his feet though yet we see not all things put under But this shall be gloriously manifested in due time Compare Ps 8. 4 8. with Heb. 2. 5 6. Hence also when our Saviour saith The Sabbath was made for Man and not Man for the Sabbath he presently addeth and inferreth Therefore the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath As intimating he is Lord of all that was made for Man Mark 2. 27 28. This is the person whom he in vision saw 2. We have next to enquire and consider The place where he saw him or one like to him and that is In the midst of the seven Candlesticks Rev. 2. 1. that is to say there he saw him as the Son of Man as one who hath died and is risen again and who is a merciful and faithful High-priest as afterwards Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 4. 14. 16. Rev. 1. 18. What these candlestikcs are and why they are called and compared unto candlesticks we have considered before See the notes on v. 12. But here we have to enquire and consider How the son of Man is said to be in the midst of the seven candlesticks 1. He is in the midst of his Churches as a King and governour he is Gods King whom he hath set upon his Holy Hill of Zion And so he is the King of Saints Ps 149. 2. â— Rev. 15. 3. Thus this phrase in the midst is applied to Kings as with respect to their subjects so Solomon the figure of Christ saith in his prayer to God O LORD my God thou hast made thy Servant King And thy Servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen 1 King 3. 6 8. so let us set a King in the midst of it Isay 7. 6. and The Prince in the midst of them Ezek. 46. 10. so is Christ in the midst of his Churches as a King To give laws unto them and rule and order them his gracious Kingdom ruleth over them and amongst them The LORD is their law-giver statute-maker and King Isay 33. 22. he is their only Rabbi Mat. 23. 8 10. the father of their spirits Heb. 12. 9. The Lord of their faith and consciences 1 Cor. 8. 6. Eph. 4. 4 5. The chief Shepherd and Bishop of their Souls 1 Pet. 2. 25. and ch 5. 5. Heb. 13. 20. He is the only Head of his Body the Church by whose Scepter the Word of his Kingdom they are to be ruled and governed and this Honour they are not to give unto any Man on Earth Col. 1. 18. and ch 2. 19. Mat. 23. 8 10. And they are his Kingdom and voluntary Subjects that have received and are to receive the Law from his mouth and to lay up his words in the midst of their hearts Job 22. 21 22. Eph. 3. 17. Deut. 33. 3. Psal 110. 1 4. And as a King he is in the midst of them to save and defend them from the evil of all he is ordering they demeaning themselves as his Candlesticks in bearing forth the light he is their King and he will save them Isay 33. 22. he is their refuge and strength a very present help in trouble and as such an one he is in the midst of them they shall not be moved Ps 46. 1 5. Hence that Sing O Daughter of Zion shout O Israel the King of Israel the LORD is in the midst of thee thou shalt not see evil any more The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty he will save thee he will rejoyce â—ver thee with Joy c. Eph. 3. 14 17. Cry out and shout thou Inhabitant of Zion trust in the Lord and be not afraid for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee Isay 12. 2 6. So Joel 2. 21 27. 2 Chron. 16. 9. 2. He is and his work in the midst of them is to sing the new Song the Song of Victory even praise unto our God to wit that he hath been slain and sacrificed for us 1 Cor. 5. 7. and that he is raised again and hath triumphed gloriously over all our Enemies His own right Hand and his Holy Arm
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
2 3 4. 2. We have nextly to consider the promise it self and blessedness therein contained which is propounded unto the Churches and to be heard by every one that hath an ear assured and ascertained to him that overcometh as his undoubted portion I will give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God Where we have to consider and speak unto 1. The person promising I 2. The promise will give 3. The thing promised to eat of the tree of life 4. The place where this tree is and where he shall eat it which is in the midst of the Paradise of God 1. The Person promising I to wit Jesus Christ he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks v. 1. hence we may note The promises are Christ's to give and he hath power to bless us and make us partakers of all the blessings promised To Christ are the promises made and in him confirmed Gal. 3. 16 17. In him all the promises of God are yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. he hath by his blood confirmed them and hath power to perform and fulfil them hence also he speaks in such-like language to others of the Churches as I will give to eat of the hidden Manna and I will give him a white-stone and in the stone a new-name written Rev. 2. 17. To him will I give power over the nations c. v. 26. 28. see also ch 3. 5 12 21. The Father so loveth the Son because he laid down his life for us that he might take it up again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. All things are delivered unto him of the Father Mat. 11. 27. And all power and Authority is given unto him to give what is good to give to Men repentance both grace space of repentance Acts 5. 31. Rev. 2. 21. To give forgiveness of sins to them that believe Acts 5. 31. and ch 10. 43. and ch 13. 39. To give unto them the power to become the Sons of God Joh. 1. 12. To pour forth his spirit unto them and make known his words Prov. 1. 23. To give them peace Joh. 14. 27. To pour forth unto them the spirit of grace and supplication Zech. 12. 10. To give unto them eternal life Joh. 10. 27 28. and ch 17. 2. and they that are Christ's are Abraham's seed and heires according to promise Gal. 3. 29. he hath now all to give who loved us and gave himself for us this is matter of great instruction and consolation to us and might move and prevail with us to come unto him continually and in so doing he will give us rest Mat. 11. 27 28 29. 2. The promise will give in which is signified unto us 1. The time when he will give this that is here promised and that follows mens overcoming and is consequential thereto he will give as is here promised after men have totally and finally overcome hence when he describes the subject of the blessedness here promised he doth it in the present time To him that overcometh But when he propounds the blessedness it self he doth it in time to come I will give and in such-like language he speaks to all these Churches as Rev. 2. 7 17 26 29. and ch 3. 5 6 12. and v. 21 22 and so it is like that of the Apostle ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise Heb. 10. 36. To them who are faithful unto the death he will give a crown of life Rev. 2. 10. Indeed now in this day and before they have overcome he doth give unto the believer all things that pertain to life and Godliness thorow the knowledge of himself that they may overcome he sends them not to warfare at their own charges and in their overcoming he is filling them with joy and peace in believing Rom. 15. 13. Though now they see him not yet believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of their faith even the salvation of their Souls 1 Pet. 1. 8 9. now their spirit is life for righteousness sake and in coming unto him the living-stone they are made lively stones their souls do live Joh. 6. 35 40 51 55 57. Rom. 8. 10. Gal. 2. 20. 1 Pet. 2. 3 5 But that which here and elsewhere he promises to these Churches is future and which follows their having overcome Then these promises shall be fulfilled to them in spirit when their spirits are made perfect when they will be in a far better condition then now they are Isay 57. 2. 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. Phil. 2. 21 22. Rev. 14. 13. and the most full and glorious performance hereof will be when the body is raised and the soul and body reunited even in the first resurrection the resurrection of the just and from thence for ever Rom. 8. 23 25. Jam. 5. 7 8. And so our Lord Jesus doth signify that there is after we have overcome after this earthly house of our Tabernacle is dissolved a future and more glorious state to be entred into and enjoyed immediately after we dye in spirit and in the first resurrection and thence to all eternity in soul and body and otherwise why should we fight or go to or undertake this warfare If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable 1 Cor. 15. 19. but there is a World to come Luke 20. 35 36. Eph. 1. 21. Heb. 2. 5. a life to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. and he that overcometh shall inherit in the World to come the life to come even everlasting life Mark 10. 29 30. and he shall not be hurt of the second death the wrath to come Rev. 2. 11. with 1 Thes 1. 10. And this our Lord would now have us to mind and consider even what is to come after we have finished our course to mind this especially that we may not faint but continue to the end looking not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 13 14. and ch 5. 1 8. Heb. 11. 13 16 24 26. 2. We may nextly consider in the promise the freeness of it I will give what is freer then a gift It is a reward indeed but it is not of debt or from any desert of the overcomer but of grace All is of grace from first to last from the foundation to the top-stone Zech. 4 7. to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Rom. 4. 4 5. wages and gift are opposed the one to the other The wages of sin is death but
20. 1 Thes 4. 16. and in him in our nature dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead and in him we are compleat Col. 2. 9 10. And herein we may see the preciousness of his bloâ—d and the compleat satisfaction he hath given to the Justice of God Phil. 2. 8 9 10. 2. In that Heaven is called Paradise a place of delight and pleasure of joy and gladness so we may learn That Christ is entred into the fulness of joy in our nature and it was the view and consideration hereof that strengthned him to suffer He for the joy set before him indured the cross despising the shame Heb. 12. 2. he that once met with much sorrow and sadness he that was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief whose heart was broken with reproach and who was full of heaviness Isay 53. 3 5. Ps 69. 20. is now entred into and filled with joy unspeakable joy inconceivable and full of glory Mat. 25. 21 23. He is entred into not into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true but into Heaven it self and is in the presence of God In whose presence is fulness of Joy and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore Heb. 9. 24. with Ps 16. 11. and Acts 2. 28. 3. In that Heaven is called paradise as referring to and as the truth of Eden at first and he is called the tree of life of whom the first tree of life was a figure so we may take notice that there is a new creation of which Christ is the beginning Rev. 3. 14. and a more excellent one then that was at first Christ is that new thing which the Lord hath created in the earth Jer. 31. 22. the second Man and the last Adam And he is an infinitely more excellent one then the first which was the figure of him Rom. 5. 14. The first Man was of the earth earthy The second the Lord from heaven 1 Cor. 15. 47. The first natural the second spiritual The first was made a living soul the last is a quickening spirit to quicken dead souls and beget new creatures 2 Cor. 5. 17. 1 Cor. 15. 45 46. The first tree of life was earthy But now the Son of God is become the tree of life in the nature of Man in whom God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly things or places Eph. 1. 3. And instead of an earthly paradise there is now an Heavenly one which Christ hath prepared for us and into the enjoyment and possession whereof he as our fore-runner and in our nature is entred Joh. 14. 1 3 4. Heb. 6. 20. How excellent is thy loving-kindness O God! Ps 36. 7 9. 4. He that overcometh shall eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God and thereto enter into this Paradise assoon as ever he hath overcome Luke 23. 43. now they who with the heart believe are rejoycing with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. But then not onely joy shall be in them but they shall enter into joy the joy of their Lord Mat. 25. 21 23. In spirit assoon as dissolved when they are absent from the body they shall be present with the Lord And in due season in Soul and body re-united Ps 36. 7 9. when they have overcome they shall go into paradise a more excellent one then the first into the Heavenly oâ—chard where there are many trees of the Lord trees of righteousness But Christ is the only tree of life and of this tree only they shall eat In the first Paradise there was no tree forbidden to be eaten of but one but in the second there is none allowed but one not the virgin Mary nor any Saint or Angel But Jesus Christ one who is the only true vine and tree of life And because he lives therefore they that eat of him shall live also Verse 8. And unto the Angel of the Church in Smyrna write These things saith the first and the last which was dead and is alive Here begins a second message sent to the second named Church ch 1. 12. and as in the first message or Epistle so in this also we have in this verse to consider 1. The person or persons for whom this message or Epistle is to be written and to whom to be sent unto the Angel of the Church in Smyrna write To which we shall speak nothing but desire the notes on v. 1. may be considered 2. The Person from whom it comes thus described to us These things saith the first and the last see notes on ch 1. v. 8. and v. 11. Which was dead and is alive To which we have spoken somewhat be fore see the notes on ch 1. v. 18. Onely here we may a little further note 1. He that was dead is a most excellent person the first and the laâ—t was dead so in ch 1. 11. he said I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last c. And saith John I turned to see the voice that spake with me and being turned I saw one like to the Son of Man v. 12 13. the first and the last became the son of Man and so humbled himself therein and further for us So again in ch 1. 17 18. it is said He said unto me I am the first and the last I am he that was dead God was made manifest in the Flesh 1 Tim. 3. 16. unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given And his name shall be called Wonderfull Counsellour the mighty God c. Isay 9. 6. The word that was in the beginning with God and that was God By whom all things were made and without him was nothing made that was made this word was made flesh Joh. 1. 1 3 14. And this most glorious one died for us he was put to death in the flesh 1 Pet. 3. 18. He being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God yet he emptied himself and took on him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of Men And being found in fashion as a Man He humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross Phil. 2. 6 7 8. And this shews the admirably excellent loving-kindness of the Father to the World of Man-kind and his lothness with the destruction thereof In that he sent forth and so greatly abased such an infinitely glorioâ—s one that thorow him the World might be saved God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3. 16. And the like love of Jesus Christ is herein evidenced herein perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us 1 Joh. 3. 16. And herein his blood appears to be precious blood for it is the blood of God of Christ who is over all God blessed for ever Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 19. with Rom. 9. 5. And herein we may see our redeemer
and the extent thereof both as to the Persons and as to the time of your tribulation 3. We have now in order to speak unto The good and needful counsel which he gives unto these Be thou faithful unto death That is to say Be thou faithful in the Lord as to the faithful in Christ Jesus Eph. 1. 1. To the Saints and faithful Brethren in Christ Col. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 6. 2. continue in the faith grounded and setled and be not moved a-away from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 23. stand fast in the faith 1 Cor. 16 13. as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and established in the faith Col. 2. 6 7. And Be thou faithful unto the Lord Acts 16. 15. In holding fast and holding forth the glorious Gospel unto death Tit. 1. 9. In rendring Christ's praise glorious and proclaiming the Lord's goodness and not thine own Prov. 20. 6. In resisting and striving against sin even unto blood Heb. 12. 4. In a patient continuance in well-doing Rom. 2. 7. Heb. 10. 36. In all be thou stedfast and unmoveable 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be thou constant and turn not aside from following him but cleave unto him with full purpose whatever afflictions or tribulations ye meet withal be faithful confessors and martyrs Rev. 1. 5. and ch 3. 14. continue unto the end in induring afflictions fight the good fight of faith till death Faithful is more then elected or chosen simply as that is more then called as is signified to us in that it is said they that are with the lamb are called and chosen faithful Rev. 17. 14. and ch 12. 11. Now in that he gives such counsel to these he signifieth unto us 1. That constancy in the faith and profession of it and in enduring the afflictions of the Gospel is needful and requisite for those that shall hereafter inherit eternal life It is not enough that men run well at the first but also that they hold on unto the end of the race Because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold But he that shall endure unto the end thy same shall be saved Mat. 24. 11 12. and ch 10. 22. So the Lord saith concerning Solomon I will establish his Kingdom for ever if he be constant to do my commandments But otherwise â—aith David to him If thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. The just shall live by faith but if he draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 38. Though our Saviour finds no â—ault with this Church for any evil yet he signifies by this Counsel that it was needful for them to abide constant unto the end And so he doth when he sends a message to the Church in Philadelphia which was also unreprovable at that time and the only one of the seven that was so besides this yet to that Church also he saith hold that fast which thou hast that no Man take thy Crown See the notes on ch 3. v. 11. 2. In this counsel is also signified to us That those that are at present in Christ and whom he blames not for any thing but greatly commends may that notwithstanding possibly not abide faithful unto the conclusion of their lives But either because of the love of the World or for fear of somewhat to be parted with or endured may depart or stand off from Christ by an evil heart of unbelief Heb. 3. 1. with v. 12 13. This admonition is given to all believers not only to little Children and young Men but unto Fathers also Love not the World neither the things that are in the World If any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him The love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith c. 1 Joh. 2 15 16. with 1 Tim. 6. 9 10. 2 Tim. 4. 10. such as go right on their way may possibly be hindred or turned aside therefrom and such as were once faithful may be corrupted 1 Tim. 1. 20. 2 Tim. 2. 18. 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. Mat. 24. 45. c. Heb. 10. 23 26. see the notes on v 5 of this chapter 3. They may be faithful unto the end for he is faithful to confirm them unto the end that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom they were called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 1 Thess 5. 22 24. There is no Iniquity with the Lord our God Jer. 2. 1 5 12. 4. Faithfulness is required but unto death they that are constant thereto shall from thenceforth be so established for ever that they cannot possibly be unfaithful they shall then be pillars in the house of God and shall go no more out see the notes on Rev. 3. v. 12. They shall then be delivered compleatly and everlastingly from sin Heb. 12. 4. and from enemies after they are once dead their enemies have no more that they can do Luke 12. 4. henceforth there is certainly laid up for them a crown of Righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give them at that day 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. Then they are blessed indeed and more blessed than they were in former times Rev. 14. 13. from thenceforth there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass from one place or state to another cannot Luke 16. 26. constancy is no longer required of them but until their earthly house of this Tabernacle be dissolved Then they shall enter into peace and rest in their beds each one walking before him and in his uprightness And they shall not be hurt of the Second Death v. 11. 4. We have a gracious promise and powerful encouragement propounded to and set before them to engage them to receive and obey the Counsel fore-spoken to And I will give thee a Crown of Life Which is not absolutely assured unto them but respectively to wit in their being faithful unto the Death To the former Words of this sentence we have spoken before see the notes on v. 7. Onely here we may briefly speak to these two things 1. Enquire what is this Crown of life 2. Shew he can and will give it to these and such-like 1. The Crown of life doth signify to us their reigning in life by and with Jesus Christ when they have finished their course here in spirit And in the resurrection of the just in Soul and body reunited Rom. 5. 17. and so life in scripture when taken as here is the same with the Kingdom of God compare Mat. 18. 9. with Mark 9. 47 48. and Mark 9. 43 45 47. And that which in one place the Apostle James thus expresseth the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him in another it is thus the Kingdom
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.
for he can take away their Talents from them Luke 19. 24 26. It 's his Spirit and he can recall it and then they will become Vessels in whom is no pleasure 2. The consideration of what hath been said may admonish their Brethren who are not in such office not to think too highly of the Angels of the Churches nor to glory in men for all things are theirs whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas c. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. not to think of them above what is written that none of them be puffed up for one against another 1 Cor. 4. 1 2 6. For what have they but what is given to them And who then is Paul and who is Apollo but ministers c. 1 Cor. 3. 4 7. They have not the Spirit upon them but may so provoke Christ as that he may take it away from them 3. It may instruct them and us all whom to look to and unto whom we should lift up our Eyes and Souls when we have brought deadness and witheredness upon our selves even unto him who hath the seven Spirits of God still remaining and resting upon him and who is ready to give it to them that ask yea so to give or dispence it preventingly that we may ask Luke 11. 13. and if he will give none can hinder its being poured forth the Spirit like the wind breatheth where it listeth Joh. 3. 8. and though we are like unto dead bones yet he can put his spirit in us that we may live Ezek. 37. 11 14. 2. We have the account of his knowledge of them I know thy works see notes on ch 2. ver 2. That thou hast a name that thou livest and arâ— dead This was that which he did discern and take notice of in and by their works that they appeared to be something when they were nothing and so deceived themselves and others Gal. 6. 3. Jam. 1. 22. Thou hast a name a fame or good report amongst others So name often signifies in Scripture fame or report as we are come because of the name of the Lord for we have heard the fame of him Josh 9. 9. So An evil name is a bad report Deut. 22 14 19. and a good name is a good report Eccles 7. 1. and thus the word name is frequently used and accepted amongst us Or thou hast A name to wit renown so Men of name are called Men of renown Gen. 6. 4. and base Men are Men of no name or no renown Job 30. 8. 2 Sam. 7. 9 23. and ch 8. 13. So then when he saith thou hast a name it means thou art well reported of by others or thy renown is gone forth for thy beauty and worth as Ezek. 16. 1â— and in this sense thou art taken up into the lips of talkers they noâ— only think well of thee but they praise thee and speak highly and honourably of thee and thou hast got a good report and great renown not only among them that are without but especially amongst Christ's Churches and not only thou hadst but thou hast a name thou still hast it thou hast in former times so behaved thy self that thereby thou gat'st thee renown which is not usually soon gotten and thou still keepest it also Thou hast a name that thou livest not livedst but livest that thou still dost so even at this present when this Epistle is directed to thee he speaks not here of the life of their bodies for without doubt as to them they lived and were not dead for there is no work nor device nor knowledgâ— nor wisdom in the grave Eccles 9. 5 6. 10. Ps 6. 5. and 30. 9. and 88. 5 11. Isay 38. 18 19. But here he speaks concerning the life of their Spirits or Souls in a spiritual consideration Isay 38. 16. and ch 55. 3. of the life of their hearts Ps 22. 26. and so it is as if he should say thou hast gotten and retainest a renown by thy works and arâ— reported of by them that thou livest that thy Soul liveth That is to say Thou hast a name that thou livest In a more general consideration life in Scripture as opposed to death doth summarily comprehend all happiness and blessedness Rom. 6. 23. Joh. 10. 10. life signifies blessing as death doth cursing as it is said I have set before thee life and good and death and evil And again I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore chuse life Life here comprehends good and blessing and so all happiness compare Deut. 30. 15. with v. 19. so here Thou hast a name that thou livest that is to say that thou art an happy and blessed people The Churches look upon thee O Angel to be in a very good condition that thou believest with the heart the word of Faith and makest confession with the mouth unto salvation that thou walkest with a right foot in the Gospel and art an useful and profitable instrument of good to others In short thou hast the report that thy state is very happy blessed and desireable thou hast-renown amongst others And they look on thee O Church as and report thee to bee a very flourishing society and happy thriving Church and congregation and what Church is so much spoken of so oft named and so greatly renowned as this Church of Sardis Oh! this is mentioned and reported to be an excellenâ— Congregation and preferred before many others More particularly Thou hast a name that thou livest that thou abidest in the lively knowledge of the only true God and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent the Saviour of the World For this is life eternal saith our Saviour Joh. 17. 3. with 1 Joh. 4. 14. In this stands and consists the life of the Spirit hence that cry of the Psalmist give me understanding and I shall live Ps 119. 144. And on the other hand they who remain in ignorance of God are said to be alienated from the life of God Eph. 4. 18. And the man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead Prov. 21. 16. But thou hast a name that thou walkest and abidest in the way of understanding and that thou art filled with all knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified and of God in him And so that thou understandest all things Prov. 28. 5. that thou art filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding That thou livest That thou art and abidest in the â—avour of God in whose â—avour is life Ps 30. 5 yea whose loving-kindness is better then life Ps 63. 5. Prov. 8. 34 35. in the light of whose countenance is life and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain Prov. 16. 14 16. thou hast a name that thou art in Christ and not only so but that thou walkest in him as thou hast received him and so art justified owned and approved not as to thy state only but as to
his Prophets or Angels may chuse and highly esteem of 1 Sam. 16. 6 7. his eyes are as a flame of fire and he searcheth the reins and hearts see the notes on ch 1. v. 14. and on ch 2. v. 23. one would have thought that such a Church had been approved of him and might well have been commended of others of whom he saith I know thâ— works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and hast tried them which say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars and hast born and hast patience and for my names sake hast laboured and hast not fainted and yet notwithstanding all this I have against thee c. See notes on Chap. 2. Verse 1 5. 2 Cor. 10. 18. Verse 2. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to dye for I have not found thy works perfect before God In this Verse Christ gives gracious and useful counsel to this Angel and Church and lays down a Reason or Argument to ingage them to receive it We may from the former part of the Verse note in general 1. In that our Lord Jesus gives such good and useful Counsel and Instruction unto dead ones and such dead ones also that Christ is not willing that such as these who after they have been enlivened and quickened in their Spirits have again brought themselves into a miserable condition so as they are even become dead should perish and be lost for ever while it is called to day though their iniquity be very great and highly provoking to him yet he hath no pleasure none at all in the death of him that dieth he hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked of such wicked ones also as have left off to be wise and to do good but that such turn and live as he hath both said and sworn Ezek. 18. 23 31 32. and ch 33. 11. with Ps 36. 1 3 4 7. Luke 15. 24. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. 1 Tim. 2. 4. He would have all men to be saved while the day of his grace and patience lasteth And hence when by his Apostle Jude he warns of some such ungodly ones as turned the grace of our God into lasciviousness and is saying of them they were trees without fruit whose fruit withereth twice dead plucked up by the roots yet he gives this instruction to the believers And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with fear pulling them out of the Fire c. Jude 4. 12 22 23. 2. In that he gives this good and profitable counsel to those who were dead in a Spiritual Consideration as we have seen so he signifies to us that his words are Spirit and Life unto such as these Joh. 6. 63. His Gospel with the Counsels Commandments and Instructions thereof is the word of life Phil. 2. 16. In and with this word he gives life preventingly to dead Souls Joh. 5. 21 25. 1 Cor. 15. 47. and is quickening them also who thorow their carnal mindedness have again brought death upon themselves and lost those things which have been wrought in them by the Gospel Eph. 5. 14. His word is with power Luke 4. 32. and while he calls he stretches forth his hand to enable men to turn at his reproofs and to receive and obey his Counsel Prov. 1. 24. He doth lighten their Eyes that they may not sleâ—â— the sleep of death Ps 13. 3. with Prov. 29. 13. He works powerfully in and with his word to the recalling converting and turning such to himself as have sold themselves for their iniquities and for their transgressions are put away and hence he thus speaketh to and expostulateth with such wherefore when I came was there no Man when I called was there none to answer Is mine hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem or have I no power to deliver Isay 50. 1 2 3 4. 1. From hence then we may note that when we say dead Men may receive God's Word Instruction and Counsel while it is to day we suppose not nor believe that Men have naturally free-will or power to turn or quicken themselves for to be sure dead Men have neither will nor power to any thing that is spiritually good but in such like sayings we conclude as we have good ground to do that God exerts and puts forth his power in and with his word to enable them to what he requires of them where the word of this great King is without doubt there is power Eccles 8. 4. hence he saith to his people in former times O thou that art named the house of Jacob is the Spirit of the Lord shortened though thou hast neither will nor power to turn thy self Jer. 31. 18 19. yet is not his Spirit the Spirit of power and might 2 Tim. 1. 7. Isay 11. 2. and is this spirit of his straitned towards thee to enable and strengthen thee Surely no Mica 2. 1. 7. 2. It may lead us highly to esteem the word of Christ to glorify the word of the Lord and not listen to or be deceived by them who call it the letter and a dead letter but to know it is the ministration of the Spirit and the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 6 8. Eph. 6. 17. The word of God is living and powerful or in-working Heb. 4. 12. It is able to quicken dead souls as the Prophet David confesses saying thy word hath quickened me And again with thy precepts thou hast quickned me Ps 119. 50 93. Eph. 2. 1 4. 5. 3. It may instruct them that have this word of the Lord and have it fitted in their lips to speak it Faithfully and not to make use of excellency of speech or of wisdom But to know the word of God is powerful and needs not the additions or mixtures of Man's eloquence or wisdom or the strength of their arguments or most powerful and perswasive demonstrations and reasons the plain preaching of the cross without wisdom of words is the power of God 1 Cor. 1. 17 25. and ch 2. 1 5. Col. 2. 3 8. If they had stood in my counsel saith the Lord and had caused my people to hear my words then they should have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully what is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord. Is not my word like as a fire saith the Lord and like an hammer that breaks the rock in pieces Jer. 23. 22 30. 2 Cor. 2. 17. 4. It may provoke them that have it in their hearts to take fast hold of it and not let it go to keep it for it is their life life to their Soul Prov. 4. 13. with ch 3. 21 22. If it will quicken dead Souls without peradventure it will keep and preserve living ones in life
10. In receiving Christ though the body was still dead because of sin yet the Spirit was life for righteousness sake And out of the belly of him that believeth in Christ do flow rivers of living water Rom. 8. 10. Joh. 4. 13 14. and ch 6. 50 51 57. and ch 7. 37 39. 2. How thou hast received and heard that is to say by what means so the word How doth oft signifie as How shall this be seeing I know not a Man Luke 1. 34. So when the Pharisees ask the Parents of the blind Man How doth your Son now see they answer By what means he now seeth we know not Joh. 9. 19 21. So here also it may be taken Remember how or by what means thou hast received and heard and that was by the Gospel of Christ thereby you received Christ Spirit Forgiveness Righteousness Life c. He that receiveth you saith our Saviour to his Disciples when he sent them forth to preach the Gospel receiveth me and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me Mat. 10. 40. Luke 10. 16. Joh. 13. 20. I declare unto you the Gospel saith the Apostle which I preached unto you which also you have received and wherein ye stand c. 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. And thorow this Knowledge and Doctrine of Christ God gives and the Believer receives all that pertain to Life and Godliness 2 Pet. 1. 3. Rom. 1. 16 17. Hence the Apostle thus demands of the Galatians received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law or by the hearing of Faith Having begun in the Spirit are ye now made perfect by the Flesh It was not by the Doctrine or Works of the Law but by the report of Faith by the Faith of the Gospel that they received the Spirit and thereby Christ and all good things by Faith Gal. 3. 1 4 5. Luke 11 13. with Mat. 7. 11. 1 Cor. 1. 18 23 24. 3. How thou hast received and heard Namely in or after what manner so the word How doth also signify As let every Man take heed How he builds thereon namely after what manner 1 Cor. 3. 10. and the seed springs and grows up he knows not how Mark 4. 27. Thou knowest not How the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child namely in what way or after what manner as in the former part of that verse Eccles 11. 5. so here in this place we may also understand it Remember â—ow thou hast received and heard That is to say With what joy and rejoycing how gladding it was to thee at first when thou heardest those glad tidings of great joy to all people reported in the Gospel what great joy it caused to thee as Acts 8. 5 8. how thou receivedst it with joy in the Holy Ghost 1 Thes 1. 6. Oh! it was a joyful sound then to receive with the ear and hear in hearing that Christ took thy nature upon him Luke 2. 10 11. that he had thy sins and the trespasses of the World imputed to him and that by the grace of God he tasted death for every Man and was raised again for their justification how gladsom were these tidings to thee when they were reported to and received by thee Acts 13. 32 33. Rom. 10. 14 15. And that he had broken the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron in sunder Ps 107. 15 17. that he had purged away the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God and so made peace by the blood of his cross overcome and abolished the first death and destroyed him that had the power of it and so delivered us from that so great a death as in which otherwise we must have perished for ever and obtained power to give repentance from and the forgiveness of our own personal sins received Spirit wrought and brought in everlasting righteousness obtained eternal life and is in all the Saviour of the World of Man-kind And herein and herewith to hear and understand what a lover of the World of Man-kind God is what kindness and love he hath thereto and that he is not willing that any Man should perish Joh. 3. 16 17. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. Oh! was not this goodnews from a far countrey like cold waters to thy thirsty Soul Prov. 25. 25. Did not this received fill thee with joy and peace in believing Rom. 15. 13. yea in believing didst thou not rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of Glory 1 Pet. 1. 3 8. did he not make thee glad thorow the work of his hand and help thee to triumph in the works of his hands Ps 92. 1 4. was not this good news to thee as life from the dead when thou wast in woful misery when the sorrows of death compassed thee and the pains of Hell gat hold on thee and thou found'st trouble sorrow when thy Soul â—ainted within thee and horrour and trembling came on thee did not this revive thy Spirit to hear that our Jesus liveth who was dead who died for all that were dead and that he is alive for evermore and hath the keys of hell and death Gen. 27. 28. Rev. 1. 17 18. Remember these days of old call to remembrance these former days and how after what a joyful manner thou hast received and heard Again Remember How in or after what manner thou hast received â—nd heard with what high esteem and prizings these things were received by thee in the days of thine illumination Christ was then precious to thee in believing that testified of him 1 Pet. 2. 7. more glorious and excellent then the mountains of prey Ps 76. 4. the chiefest of ten thousands Cant. 5. 10. he was more to thee then all other beloveds altogether lovely more precious than fine gold more dear than nearest and dearest relations riches righteousness of thine own or any other thing accounted gainful and valuable Then what things were formerly gain to thee those thou countedst loss for Christ yea thou countedst all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus thy Lord that thou mightest win him and be found in him Phil. 3. 4 9 10. then thou couldest take joyfully the spoiling of thy goods for his sake Heb. 10. 32 34. yea if possibly thou couldest have pluckt out thine own eyes and have given them to them who have brought these glad tidings to thee such blessedness thou didst meet with and speak of Gal. 4. 13 15. when thou didst first find this treasure hid in a field thou didst hide it and for joy thereof thou wentest and soldst all that thou hadst and bought'st that field like the wise Merchant Man when thou hadst found this pearl of great price thou wentest and soldest all that thou hadst and boughtest it Mat. 13. 44 46. then thou didst prefer Christ before thy chiefest joy who then but Christ with thee he was all thy wisdome righteousness sanctification redemption foundation glory goodness whom hast
still to abide in him or else they are not the subjects nor will be made partakers of the blessedness here spoken of unless they be faithful to death they will not have the crown of life ch 2. 10. hence this saying is not only added in the close of those Epistles written to the Churches that were faulty and faulted but to such also as were not so and against whom our Lord had no exception As to the Church in Smyrna to those upright ones in the Church in Thyatira to the Church of Philadelphia To these all who are not reproved or however not the first and the last but greatly commended he still saith To him that overcometh c. ch 2. 8. 11. v. 24. 26. and ch 3. 7 12. Though Christ had said to these few names in Sardis they shall walk with me in white for they are worthy v. 4. yet it 's only assured to them as abiding faithful and enduring to the end Mat. 10. 22. and ch 24. 13. As the Lord saith when I shall say to the righteous that he shall surely live If he trust to his own righteousness and commâ—â—iniquity all his righteousness shall not be remembred but for his iniquity that he hath committed he shall dye for it Ezek 33. 13 18. and ch 18. 24 26. and 3. 20. see notes on ch 2. 10. and ch 3. 11. and as what we have said as with respect to them who had forgotten and let slip how they had received and heard and had defiled their garments may encourage and provoke them to turn to him from whom they had revolted So this also as it is spoken to them who had let the word of Christ dwell richly in them and had not defiled their garments it may encourage them to continue in their good way and admonish them not to depart from him unto the fellowship of whom they are called not to be highminded but fear for the goodness of God his peculiar goodness is to them that continue in his goodness otherwise they also should be cut off Rom. 11. 20 22. they are all the Children of God by Faith in Christ Jesus and now the just shall live by Faith but if he draw back if he by an evil heart of unbelief depart from the living God his Soul shall have no pleasure in him Gal. 3. 26 29. with Heb. 3. 12. and ch 10. 38. 1 Cor. 10. 12. 2. We have also to consider The blessedness it self promised and assured to him that overcometh and propounded both to such as had and to such as had not defiled their garments that they might overcome to the end And this in three Branches that is to say 1. The same shall be clothed in white raiment to wit in the righteousness of Christ Isay 61. 10. In the Lord they shall be justified and in him they shall glory Isay 45. 25. And they shall be perfectly conformed to the image of Christ In Spirit when they are absent from the body and in due season in Soul and body re-united even in the resurrection from the dead the first resurrection Rev. 6. 9 11. and ch 19. 8 9. see notes before on v. 4. Now here he signifies to us In that this Branch of blessedness and what follows is thus propounded and assured to him that overcometh indefinitely and indifferently even to such as had and to such as had not polluted their garments That in the eternal judgment such as have sometimes demeaned themselves unworthily and yet afterwards have considered their ways and turned their feet to God's testimonies shall even be dealt with and honoured as the rest that have abidden faithful and have not so turned out from Christ Jesus Thus he speaks to the Church in Laodicea which was become luke-warme and he threatens to spew her out of his mouth and she was generally polluted and none but polluted ones in her yet to that Angel and Church he saith To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne Rev. 3. 15 16 21. So 〈◊〉 speaks to them in the Church of Thyatira in which Church it â—â—â—ms some had not the Doctrine of Jezabel but held fast Christ's Doctrine and some were polluted with the doctrine of that evil and false prophetess yet to all he saith to all the Churches and all in them He that overcometh shall be thus and thus blessed and alike blessed see ch 2. 23 29. there is not here or any-where to any of these Churches one reward propounded to some in one Church and another to others in the same Church or one thing promised to one overcomer and another thing to others but the same to all he that overcometh shall inherit all things Rev. 21. 7. And let not them who have continued faithful and who have not defiled their garments murmur or be discontented or troubled hereat because he will give to those who have been foiled and yet have overcome at last even as he will unto them Is it not lawful for him to do what he will with his own why should their eye be evil because his is good Mat. 20. 11 16. Luke 15. 25 32. Nor let any of us say let us turn aside and return to evil ways and because where sin abounded grace abounded much more let us then continue in sin that grace may abound Rom. 5. 20 21. and ch 6. 1 2. for in so doing we may provoke him to cut us off in such our departure from him our times are in his hand and he may and there is abundant cause to fear he will take away our breath and cut us off in such wickedness Ps 94. 23. Deâ—t 29. 18 20. And then we are gone for ever and shall be punisht with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord 2 Thes 1. 8 10. or if he so deal not with us but spare our lives and thorow his grace that brings salvation to him that is joyned to all the living we be recovered yet he may break our bones and cause the terrour of him who is the almighty to fall upon us Ps 51. 8. he may permit and order the sorrows of death to compass us and the pains of Hell to get hold of us Ps 116. 37. and may remember such iniquity against us till we dy and his judgments may never depart from us as long as we remain in this World 1 Sam. 3. 14. 2 Sam. 12. 10 14. Isay 22. 14. but let the consideration of what hath been said provoke and encourage wanderers and backsliders to return to him from whom they have fallen by their iniquities and cause us all to admire at the riches of the Lords goodness towards vâ—le sinful and polluted ones David who sinned so greatly in the matter of Vriah shall be a Prince hereafter And the house of David as God as the Angel of the Lord being while the day of grace lasted washt in that fountain which is opened for the house of David c. Zech. 12. 8.
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
have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith as ye have been taught c. Col. 2. 6 7 8 and how Jealous was he lest the Corinthians should listen unto or entertain any other Gospel besides that they had preached and the believers had received see 2 Cor. 11. 1 2 3 4. Then from hence we may conclude that when any would perswade us to listen unto and embrace some other doctrines they are not therein led of God such a perswasion comes not of him that calleth the believers Gal. 4. 7 8. with ch 1. 6 7. But it comes from Satan whose work it is to turn them from the Faith if he can possibly do it Acts 13. 7 12. The Holy Ghost instructs his Children not to meddle with them that are given to change Prov. 24. 21. Christ calls upon his to hold fast what they have and not to be turned therefrom by any specious pretences or pretenders whatsoever The Apostles have written no new commandment unto us but an old commandment which is also new as to the declaration of the actual accomplishment of that in the personal body of Christ which was prophesyed of from the beginning and as to the revelation of those things which were formerly more hidden and mysterious 1 Joh. 2. 7 8. 2. We may also note again if we consider the persons to whom this counsel and exhortation is given That those who have kept the word of Christ need to be counselled and exhorted still to hold it fast so it was here our Lord who is holy and true faith v. 8. thou hast kept my word and hast not denied my name and v. 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience c. and now he still exhorts them hold that fast which thou hast so oft-times commandments of like nature are given to them who have kept the word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 6. 9 yea this is the burden as we have said that he layeth upon such and no other burden will he lay upon them but that which they have already they hold fast untill he comes see the notes on ch 2. v. 24. and v. 25. and the hearty believers need still to be thus exhorted and to suffer the word of exhortation And that 1. Because all the time they are in this present evil World they have ungodliness to deny and enemies always to fight against whose work it is if possible to turn them away from the truth and to turn them to fables 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Heb. 12. 4. Tit. 2. 11 12. they need to be provoked to keep with all diligence and to hold fast with all their might given them even with both hands as they speak the word of Christ because they have so many subtil watchful potent enemies both without them and within them who are continually endeavouring with all their might and main and assaying all means to remove them from the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and to steal away the word of God from them 1 Cor. 16. 13. 2 Tim. 1. 12 14. 2. Because the word of Christ is the word of life the word of salvation his words are Spirit and life Joh. 6. 63. in them is the life of the Soul and Spirit Oh then they need to be daily stirred up and exhorted to take fast hold of instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is their life Prov. 4. 13. Sardis by letting slip and forgetting how she had received and heard became dead though she had a name that she lived Rev. 3. 1 3. and the Gospel of Christ is the power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth they are kept thereby thorow faith unto the Salvation ready to be revealed in these last days unto that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in the Heavens c. Rom. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 4 5 6. 3. Because though we have formerly received and kept his word yet unless we hold it fast to the end all will be in vain and unprofitable to us we shall not be presented holy unblamable unrebukable in his sight unless we continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 22 23. unless we be herein faithful to the death we shall not at last receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved But he that puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdome of God Luke 9. 62. Mat. 10. 22. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Gal. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 3. Oh then that we may continue holding fast his word and in a patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality that he may in conclusion render to us eternal life Rom. 2. 7. and to move and provoke us so to do let us diligently consider also that which next followeth namely 3. In that our Lord Jesus gives this useful and needful counsel after that promise he makes to them in v. 10. I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world c. So we may learn to know the nature of those exceeding great and precious promises Ministred to us in the Gospel that they are not made to any person or persons in a personal consideration but they are made to such manner of persons they are originally immediately and everlastingly made to and confirmed in Christ Jesus Gal. 3. 16 17. and secondarily unto them that come unto and abide in Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 16 29. but if a Man abide not in him he is cast forth as a branch Joh. 15. 6. If the righteous Man draw back God's Soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 37 38. Ezek. 3. 20. and 18. 24. and ch 33. 13. God not only promised but sware also that he would bring the Israelites whom he redeemed out of Egypt into the land of Canaan But because of their unbelief and disobedience they entred not that notwithstanding As it is said by himself Doubtless ye shall not come into the Land concerning which I swarâ— to make you dwell therein c. Numb 14. 30 32. So God covenanted unto David concerning Solomon that he would establish the throne of his Kingdome over Israel for ever And this was done by a covenant of Salt an incorruptible perpetual covenant and yet because of his and Rehoboam's evil ten tribes were broken off 1 Chron. 22. 9 10. with 2 Chron. 13. 5. and 1 Kings 11. 11. see also 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. Ps 125. Isay 26. 2 4. he is the faithful God which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments and repays them that hate him to their face to destroy them notwithstanding any promise or covenant he hath made to or with them he will not be
that serves him not Mat. 13. 43. Mal. 3. 17 18. 1 Joh. 3. 2. 4. What will he write the name of my God saith he namely it shall be then put gloriously upon them after some such manner as Jacob's was upon Joseph's Children as his and his Children though unspeakably more glorious see Gen. 48. 16. with v. 5. Mal. 3. 17 18. and so as it shall then plainly appear they are the Sons of God Now they are indeed the Sons of God by Faith in Christ Jesus But faith is the evidence of things not seen and therefore it doth not now appear no not to themselves fully what they shall be Gal. 3. 26. with Heb. 11. 1. 1 Joh. 3. 1 2. But then it shall appear and they shall be his Sons gloriously as it is said by God himself He that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my Son Rev. 21. 7. They that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that World and the Resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in Marriage neither can they dye any more for they are equal to the Angels and are the Sons of God being the Children of the Resurrection Luke 20. 35 36. Rom. 1. 4. Yea he that is now feeble among them at that day shall be as David And the House of David shall be as God as the Angel of the Lord before them Zech. 12. 8. Isay 62. 2 3 4. And the name of the City of my God which is New Jerusalem which cometh down out of Heaven from my God This he will also write upon him that overcometh so as it shall be both perpetual and visible as is before said And the name of the City of my God New Jerusalem which may signifie unto us either a glorious place or a glorious people 1. A Glorious Place of which Jerusalem in former times the Old Jerusalem was the type That was a glorious place in former times the City of the great King the City of our God Ps 48. 1 2 8. Mat. 4. 5. which God did chuse 1 King 8. 16 44 48. and where he dwelt Ps 135. 21. So this saith Christ is the City of my God Heb. 12. 22. of which glorious things are spoken Ps 87. 3. This is that which he hath chosen and in which he will dwell as it is said The Lord hath chosen Zion he hath desired it for his Habitation This is my rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it Ps 132. 13 15. Ezek. 48. 35. Old Jerusalem was and was oâ—t called the Holy City Neh. 11. 1. Mat. 4. 5. with Luke 4. 9. So is this New Jerusalem it is called the Holy Jerusalem Rev. 21. 10. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth neither worketh abomination or a lye Rev. 21. 27. Ps 101. 8. that former was a strong City as appears by its being an year and an half besieged before it was taken Jer. 52. 1 6. But this is much stronger In that day shall this Song be sung in the land of Judah we have a strong City Salvation will appoint Walls and Bulwarks Isay 26. 1. and ch 33. 20. That had a River Ps 46. 3. And so hath this a far more glorious one a pure River of Water of Life clear as Crystal Rev. 22. 1 2. This was a City compact together Ps 122. 2 3. so will this be Ps 1. 5. Yea this new one will be unspeakably inconceivably more excellent and glorious than that old typical one that was an earthly one but this the Heavenly Jerusalem Heb. 12. 22. that was forsaken and destroyed but this will be a continuing City a City which hath Foundations Heb. 11. 10. and ch 13. 14. But we may speak somewhat more to the excellency of this glorious place New Jerusalem afterwards 2. As City may signifie Persons or the Inhabitants of a City as it is said They shall call thee the City of the Lord the Zion of the holy one of Israel Isay 60. 14. And they shall call them the Holy People the redeemed of the Lord and thou shalt be called sought out a City not forsaken Isay 62. 12. And as the Lord saith to Jeremy I have made thee a defenced City Jer. 1. 18. So here especially and most directly and fully we may understand the New Jerusalem to mean And so the name of the New Jerusalem shall be put upon him that overcometh of Jerusalem which is above which is free Gal. 4. 29. Of the Heavenly Jerusalem Heb. 12. 22. And so they shall be of the Beloved City of the Inhabitants thereof a glorious people Isay 52. 1. So the Children of the Resurrection of the first Resurrection are called the Beloved City as distinguished from the Nations in the four quarters of the Earth and from the Camp of the Saints to wit Israel and those of the Nations converted to the Lord who are joyned unto them Rev. 20. 8 9. Then they shall be called and be holy all holy and righteous Isay 4. 3. The Lord reigning gloriously among them Isay 24. 23. and rejoycing in them Isay 65. 19. And then they shall be in a glorious state and condition for the Tabernacle of God will be with them and he will be with them and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them their God and God shall wipe away all tears from their Eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain c. Rev. 21. 1 4 and ch 22. 3 4. See and consider Rev. 21. 10 21 22 26. And of this City of Christ's God New Jerusalem it is farther said which cometh down out of Heaven from my God In which is intimated to us 1. That this New Jerusalem is and shall be in Heaven all of them there is the Mother and there are and shall be the Children yea as New Jerusalem may signifie a glorious place or glorious Mansions so they are in Heaven as our Saviour saith In my Fathers House are many Mansions I go to prepare a place for you Joh. 14. 2 3. 2 Cor. 5. 1 4. And as it hath respect to persons so it is and shall be above as Gal. 4. 29. Above not only born from above as now Joh. 3. 3 7. nor only have they and shall have their conversation in Heaven as Col. 3. 1 2. Phil. 3. 20. but above in Heaven in their Spirits When they are absent from the Body they shall be present with the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. When they are dissolved they shall be with Christ which is far better than to be here Phil. 1. 21 23. The Spirits of just Men made perfect Heb. 12. 23. Isay 57. 1 2. And when the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven the dead shall be raised and the living changed and all made incorruptible and they shall be all caught up together in the
up our contenâ—ment in our own aâ—â—â—ainments and receits which are indeed broken cisterns and so provoke him to anger his name is jealous and he cannot he will not endure it that we should give our loves to and take up our rest in any thing besides himself his jealousy when his love is abused or sleighted is cruel as the grave the coals thereof are coals of fire which hath a most vehement flame Cant. 8. 6. he cannot bear it that those that are espoused to him should cast their eyes upon and give the heart to other lovers and therefore when any do so the fire of his jealousy is kindled against them and he as here threatneth to cast them off Wo saith our Saviour to you that are rich for ye have received your consolation Luke 6. 24 25. he that fills the hungry with good things doth send the rich empty away Luke 1. 53. such he will abhor and vomit them out of his mouth as most loathsome persons to him Oh! how sad and calamitous is their condition who boast and witness of themselves that they are pure sinless perfect as to attainment There is a generation who are pure in their own eyes though yet they are not washed from their filthiness and Oh how lofty are their eyes and their eye-lids are lifted up wo unto them they have their happiness now their portion in this life and those that are in any measure like them are loathsome to Christ and the more loathsome the more they are like to them It was displeasing to the Lord that Job had such an overweening conceit of himself of his knowledge purity innocency though he was destitute of such light and advantages as are afforded to us and it brought forth evil fruit in him and that good Man when he was convinced of his evil was ashamed of himself and confesseth that he was vile and professeth he would lay his hand upon his mouth once saith he have I spoken but I will not answer yea twice but I will proceed no further And when his eye saw God he abhorred himself and repented in dust and ashes Job 40. 3 5. and 42. 4 6. This is a becoming thing for us to be low in our own eyes and to be sensible of our vileness brutishness and shortness in every matter and to acknowledge that when we have done all that is commanded us yet we are unprofitable Servants To confess with him that we are more bruitish than Man and have not the understanding of a Man that we have neither learned wisdome nor have the knowledge of the holy Prov. 30. 2 3. To this Man will he look that instead of boasting what he is and hath done and proclaiming his own goodness is poor and of a contrite Spirit and trembleth at his word that hath nothing to glory in but the Lord who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Isay 66. 1 2. 1 Cor. 1. 29 31. But the proud the rich the full he knows afar off The foolish such as are vain-glorious boasters who commend themselves such shall not stand in his â—ight Ps 5. 5. with Ps 75. 4 5. His Eyes are upon the haughty that he may bring them down 2. Sam. 22. 18. Oh consider we this that Pride may be hidden from us and that we may not be wise in our own Eyes but viewing our selves in the Glass of the Lord's Body may take shame to our selves for Pride goeth before Destruction and an haughty Spirit before a fall Prov. 16. 18. and 8. 12. and 29. 23. were we but comparing our selves with that Object that is proposed to and set before us in the Gospel and viewing what is the breadâ—h and length and depth and height thereof and considering that love of Christ which passeth knowledge that peace of God which passeth all understanding and seeing what treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ Oh what cause should we see to be abased and to bewail our dimsightedness and shortness of understanding and see cause to complain of our great incompleatness in our selves and inconformity unto him yea to cry out of our uncleanness unlovingness barrenness leanness and witheredness 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. Indeed the Spirit that dwelleth in us as of us lusteth to envy and leads us to lift up our selves But he giveth more grace grace abounding and exceeding the corruption of our natural Spirit that our lofty looks may be humbled and our haughty hearts bowed down wherefore he saith God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the humble Jam. 4. 5 6. Humble we our selves therefore under the mighty hand of God or otherwise we shall never be fervent in Spirit in seeking the Lord and yielding up our selves unto him The Apostle saw it needful and profitable to give this admonition to every one of the Believers that they should not think more highly of themselves or of their parts gifts and attainments than they ought to think but to think soberly And this he gives unto them through the grace given to him and to that end he gives it that they might present their bodies as moved and strengthened by the mercies of God a living Sacrifice to him c. and not be conformed to this World but transformed according to the renewing of their mind c. Rom. 12. 1 3. Implying that if they had unâ—ober thoughts of themselves and did think of themselves above what is meet this would hinder them from an hearty yielding up themselves to the Lord as those alive from the dead and their Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto Holiness They would otherwise be apt to think and say as these did they had need of nothing and so expose themselves to wrath as here Because thou sayest I am rich rich in knowledge and utterance the unâ—ober taking notice hereof is very hurtful and pernicious and puffs Men up as is said 1 Cor. 8. 1. and makes them grow careless and negligent when opportunities are afforded to them for buying that Gold tried in the Fire and to despise and set light by those helps vouchsafed unto them of God And increased with Goods They intimate that time was when they were poor and had nothing but now they are enlarged and grown rich and their Substance is increased Time was when they were in Bondage to the Law or Rudiments of this World and were without Christ and God in the World but now they are the Temple of the Lord the Church of Christ they are not like others or like to what themselves sometimes were They have now excellent Ornaments they have a great gift of Prayer and can enlarge themselves therein they can speak freely and fluently for the truth so as to silence opposers and stop their mouths that they have nothing material to say They have much mortified their corruptions subdued their lusts cleansed their ways escaped the pollutions of the World and have put on bowels of Mercies Kindness
and talking with him as Daniel saith Chap. 9. 22. 3. Consider we what the voice said in these following Branches 1. Come up hither not only come hither as Chap. 17. 1. and Chap. 21. 9 but come up hither And yet it seems not to contain so much in it as is contained in the same phrase Chap. 11. 12 for that appears to have respect to the ascending of their bodies to whom it was spoken But come up ascend up namely in Spirit that may be where the body is not 1 Cor. 5. 3. Col. 2. 5. So it is elsewhere said after the voice thus spake to John come hither he carried me in Spirit for it is without an Article Rev. 17. 1 3. and Chap. 21. 9 10. And it is as if he should say not only stand up as being now awakened and excited by this Trumpet from those dead things here on earth and Christ shall give thee light as Eph. 5. 14. But ascend up from all things here below from all these seen things good and evil mount up in spirit like an Eagle to Heaven Isa 40. 31. Come up unto me as if Christ should say unto him and as the LORD spake unto Moses concerning himself and Aâ—ron c. Exod. 24. 1. Mount up to the consideration and contemplation of things above So the believers are exhorted generally to do in an ordinary way Col. 3. 1 2 5. And though this voice spake to him and talked with him in and after an extraordinary way and manner yet there was an act of compliance required from the Apostle see Chap. 1. 12 as also was from Paul in order to his being converted though the Lord appeared to him and was converting him after an extraordinary manner yet not in an irresistible manner Hence he saith I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision Implying he might possibly have so been Act. 26. 19. with Exod. 4. 1 14. and Jona 1. 1 3. So here the Lord did not carry him up without any compliance or obedience on the Apostle's part but he raised his spirit to go up as Ezra 1. 9. and then commanded him Come up hither And this was a great honour done unto and favour conferred upon his Servant John If it be a great favour to a man when an earthly Prince or great man shall say unto him come up hither and such an one shall have honour in the presence of others Prov. 25. 7 with Luk. 14. 10. O how much greater and higher an exaltation is it to a Servant of Christ when the King of Heaven the King of Glory shall single him out from and herein prefer him before the residue of his Brethren in saying unto him come up hither even unto Heaven Oh now such have great need to take heed they be not exalted above measure and to consider by grace they are saved as well as others And to beware they despise not such as are not favoured like them herein 2 Cor. 12. 7 9. It was an excellent thing found with John when he was thus exalted above his brethren yet he then saith I John who also am your brother c. See Notes on Chap. 1. vers 9. But how could the Apostle give obedience to the call and commandment of this voice How could he come up thither or ascend unto Heaven Surely not in any power strength or ability of his own or by any wisdom or skill of his But he that spake to and talked with him strengthned him Dan. 10. 19. See Vers 2. And there is a way by which he extraordinarily and we ordinarily may ascend though we have no power of our selves so to do nor can devise a way how we might come up for no man hath ascended up to Heaven in any wisdom or strength of his own as is implied Prov. 30. 4. Joh. 3. 13. yet we may mount up and ascend by the help of that ladder spoken of Gen. 28. 11 12. the foot whereof is set upon the earth and the top of it reacheth up to Heaven And this ladder in the truth of it is the Son of man who fell into the ground and died for our sins John 12. 24. He descended into the lower parts of the earth into great and wonderful abasement and sufferings He humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross And He who descended is the same also who ascended far above all things that he might fill and fulfill all things Eph. 4. 8 10. Psal 68. 18. This is the ladder we are speaking of as our Saviour also signifies when he saith Hereafter ye shall see heaven opened and the Angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man Joh. 1. 51. with Gen. 28. 11 12. He is the secret of the stairs Cant. 2. 14 upon which we may ascend into Heaven by faith and in spirit but we must always begin at the bottom which is upon the earth that we may so do and so go up gradually from one step to another we must begin at the humiliation sufferings and Cross of our blessed Redeemer we have liberty to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us thorow the veil that is to say his flesh Heb. 10. 19 20. Rom. 8. 34. 2. And I will shew thee things which must be hereafter This is that which the voice further spake unto him In which we may note 1. That our Lord Jesus Christ doth know things that shall come future things And this he must needs do for he knoweth all things John 21. 17. There is no creature that is not manifest in his sigâ—t but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12 13. He is perfect in knowledg Compare Isa 42. 19. with Job 36. 4. Not only doth he know things that are things present as he also doth both the actions and thoughts of men the hearts of men which are deceitful above all things and the most secret thoughts and intents thereof and which is Gods peculiar to know 1 King 8. 39. with Matt. 9. 4. Mark 2. 6 8. Compare Jer. 17. 19. with Rev. 2. 23. For he is one with the Father over all God blessed for ever Joh. 10. 30. Rom. 9. 5. The consideration whereof might admonish us all to take heed and beware that we do not in our hearts hide and hold fast any iniquity or abomination whatsoever but cleanse our hands from sin and our hearts from double-mindedness Jam. 4. 8. If otherwise shall not he search it out For he knows the secrets of the hearts Psal 44. 18 22. But he also knows things which shall and must be hereafter before they come to pass So he knew before his hour came what things he should suffer and how he should be dealt withal and told his Dâ—sciples before hand saying unto them Behold we go up to Jerâ—salem and the son of man shall be betrayed unto
the chief priests and unto the scribes and they shall condemn him to death And shall deliver him to the Genâ—iles to mock and to scourge and to crucifie him and the third day he shall rise again which accordingly came to pass Matt. 17. 22 23. and chap. 20. 17 19. Joh. 18. 4. And he knew before of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple and of the end of the world and did foretell and shew before-hand the signs that would preceed these things Matt. 24. 3 c. And he knew who it was that would betray him before he did it Joh. 6. 64. And he told his Disciples many things before they came to pass that when they did come to pass they might believe Joh. 14. 20. and chap. 13. 19. So elsewhere in this Book of the Revelation is signified to us that he doth know yea and reveal also things to come before they were fulfilled Chap. 1. 1. and chap. 22. 6 15 16. And though it be said Of that day and hour knoweth no man no not the Angels which are in heaven neither the sâ—n c. Mark 13. 32. Yet we may thus understand that saying either 1. That he did not know that hour before he had finished his suffering work and was risen and ascended into the Heavens At which time he received the promise of the Father even the holy Spirit which searcheth all things gloriously into the nature of man Act. 2. 33. Rev. 5. 6 7 8 9. Or 2. He did not know that day and hour then to â—eveal that was not the due season for making it known Like that saying The father loveth the son and sheweth him all things that himself doth and will shew him greater works namely to perform and accomplish them in their due time and proper season Joh. 5. 20. So this Book of the Revelation was given by God unto him to shew c. Rev. 1. 1. not to know for himself for he knew all things before as Peter confesses and Christ disproves it not nor reproves him for so saying Joh. 21. 17. But to reveal and make known unto his Servants by his Servant John But yet though he foreknows future things this foreknowledg of his necessitates not the coming to pass of what is sinfully evil And as one saith His fore-knowledg doth produce no absolute necessity Things are not therefore because they are foreknown but therefore they are fore-known because they shall come to pass If any thing should come to pass otherwise than it doth yet Gods knowledg could not be irritated thereby for then he did not know that it should come to pass as now it doth Because every knowledg of vision necessarily presupposeth its object God did know that Judas should betray Christ but Judas was not necessitated to be a Traitor by Gods knowledg If Judas had not betrayed Christ then God had not â—ore known that Judas should betray him Dr. Bramhall in his Defence of true liberty pag. 244 245. Though he knows what will come to pass yet somewhat that he so foreknows and foredeclares may not eventually come to pass Yea all so fore-known doth not 1 Sam. 23. 11 13. And though he foresees as to us and knows what will sinfully be acted and committed yet he doth not necessitate the coming to pass of it any way The just Lord will not do iniquity Zeph. 3. 5. He is not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness neither shall evil dwell with him Psal 5. 4. Jam. 1. 13 14 15. Yea our Lord Jesus is so far from necessitating men to what is sinful as that all such actions do grieve him at the heart He did indeed know and foretell that Judas one of the Twelve would betray him Joh. 6. 64 70 71. But he did not necessitate him any way so to do but that horrid fact of his was a great grief to our Lord Jesus Hence the Evangelist saith Jesus was troubled in spirit and not in his face or outward appearance only he did not feign himself to be grieved but was in wardly grieved grieved in soul and testified and said Verily one of you shall betray me Joh. 13. 21. Yea he is so far from necessitating men to evil as that he works powerfully and his grace brings salvation to all men to preserve them therefrom Hence we have such expostulations as these recorded O thou that art named the House of Jacob is the spirit of the Lord straitned Are these his doings Mic. 2. 1-7 O Ephraim what shall I do unto thee O Judah what shall I do unto thee Hos 6. 4. Thus saith the Lord what iniquity have your fathers found in me that they are gone far from me Have I been a wilderness unto Israel A land of darkness Jer. 2. 5 31. Judg I pray you betwixt me and my Vineyard what could have been done more to my Vineyard that I have not done in it Isa 5. 3 4. It is undoubtedly true notwithstanding his foreknowledg or any thoughts or apprehensions we poor shallow creatures have concerning it that the Lord God hath no pleasure none at all neither secret nor revealed in the death of the wicked but that he turn and live As he hath both said and sworn and given his son to be a witness of it Ezek. 18. 23 32. and Chap. 33. 11. God our Saviour would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledg of the truth 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. Tit. 2. 11. 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. 1 Joâ— 4. 14. And the consideration hereof that he knows all things even future things also is proper and powerful to engage and encourage his servants to hold fast profession the profession of their faith and hope without wavering Heb. 4. 13 14. with Chap. 10. 23 25. Jer. 11. 18. He knows what is in the darkness and what will come to pass And he can and will make all work together for good to them that love God who are the called according to purpose Rom. 8. 28 29. See Notes before on Chap. 2. ver 23. And not only he knows things to come as to us future things not only are they written before him but also he further here saith and assureth his servant John 2. I will shew thee things which must be hereafter Here he leaves out the words shortly and at hand which he had used in Chap. 1. vers 1. and vers 3. But that we here further take notice of is that Christ not only knows things which must be hereafter but also made them known as he saw good to his servants and here parâ—icularly the things contained in this Book to his beloved Disciple Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets Amos 3. 7. And he doth fore-tell and fore-declare things to come before they come that men might not sacrifice to their own nets or burn incense to their own drags nor bow unto or worship any false or imaginary God any Image
will be mindful of his Covenant in confirming them that obey him unto the end that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. In so ordering Temptations that he will not suffer them to be tempted above what they are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that they may be able to bear 1 Cor. 10. 13. In preserving them from evil 2 Thes 3. 3. In sanctifying them throughout even in their whole spirit soul and body 1 Thes 5. 23 24. In visiting their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes if they forsake his law and walk not in his judgments Psal 89. 28 32. with Psal 119. 75. In forgiving them who acknowledg their iniquities If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness 1 Joh. 1. 9. Hence it is said If they confess their iniquity and that they have walked contrary to me then will I remember my Covenant namely to pardon them and receive them graciously Lev. 26. 40 45. In giving unto them of the things appertaining to this life whatever is good for them such meat drink raiment habitation accommodations c. Psal 111. 5. Heb. 13. 5 6. In subduing their iniquities and casting all their sins into the depths of the Sea And performing the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which he hath sworn c. Mic. 7. 19 20. He will be faithful in all things he hath promised and always mindful of his Covenant in all he doth upon the Throne His Bow the token of his truth and faithfulness is before him And therefore we may join with the Prophet and say O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth doubtless they are Jer. 5. 3. 2. Round about the Throne but outermost it may seem for ver 4. there is mention made of the four and twenty Elders round about the Throne also but within this Bow And ver 6. In the midst of the Throne and round about the Throne are four living Creatures within the Elders and so within and nearer to the Throne than the Bow And within the four living Creatures the Lamb next to the Throne Chap. 5. 6. And so it may signifie to us that in this Vision this is the disposition that the Bow encloses and is about all the Saints and holy ones to defend them from all enemies and evil they are environed about with Gods Covenant and mercy And God who is faithful will environ and encompass them with his truth and faithfulness and in his faithfulness with his Angels Chap. 5. 11. and Chap. 7. 11. Psal 34. 7. So as they shall be secure and be kept in perfect peace Isa 26. 1 3. His truth and faithfulness shall be their shield and buckler And no evil shall befall them nor any plague come nigh their dwelling-place for he shall give his Angels a charge over them to keep them in all their ways c. Psal 91. 1 4 9 12. His mercy even his mercy promised and contained in and assured by his holy Covenant shall compass them about Psal 32. 10 11. with Luk. 1. 72. Psal 125. 1 2. The peace of God the Covenant of his peace shall keep their hearts and minds thorough Jesus Christ even keep and secure them as in a garrison Phil. 4. 7. with Isa 54. 10. Oh then walk about Zion and go round about her tell the towers thereof mark ye well her bulwarks consider her palaces that ye may tell it to the generation following For this God is our God for ever God in and with his Covenant and faithfulness doth and will surround his Zion that they shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the fear of evil Psal 48. 12 14. with Prov. 1. 33 Oh how might this engage us to come unto and cleave to the Lord with full purpose and to have our conversation in Heaven 3. It is round about the Throne and so about the Elders and living Creatures that they may see it and remember it and be comforted herewith In Psal 105. 8. there it is He hath remembred his Covenant for ever And in 1 Chron. 16. 15. there it is O ye his chosen ones be ye mindful always of his Covenant Now that they may continually remember it therefore the Bow the memorial of it is round about the Throne and so in the view of them that dwell in Heaven Yea and that they may put him in remembrance of his Covenant when they are in great affliction and when according to appearance he seems to have forgotten it As the Lord saith Put me in remembrance Isa 43. 25 26. So the holy ones of God have done in former times as Psal 74. 18 23. O deliver not the soul of thy Turtle-dove to the multitude forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever Have respect unto the covenant So the Prophet Jeremy saith Do not abhor us for thy names sake do not disgrace the Throne of thy glory Remember break not thy covenant with us Jer. 14. 20 21. Yea to this end the Lord hath set Watchmen upon the walls of his Jerusalem which should never hold their peace day nor night And thus commands them Ye that are the Lâ—â—ds remembrancers keep not silence and give him no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth The Lord hath sworn by his right hand c. Isa 62. 6 8 12. Yea and the spirits of just men made perfect put him as it were in remembrance of his Covenant crying with a loud voice How long Lord holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth c. Rev. 6. 9 10 11. Vers 4. And round about the Throne were four and twenty seats or Thrones and upon the seats I saw four and twenty Elders sitting clothed in white raiment and they had on their heads crowns of gold 1. In this Verse we have a further account given to us of what he saw about the Throne viz. Round about the Throne were four and twenty seats or Thrones 2. Whom he saw upon them And upon the seats or Thrones I saw four and twenty Elders Which are described to us 1. By their Posture sitting 2. By their Raiment clothed in white Raimâ—nt 3. By what they had upon their heads And they â—ad on their heads crowns of gold 1. We have here a further account given us of what he saw about the Throne And round about tho Throne were four and twenty seats or Thrones Even Kingly seats or seats of glory But these are distinct from and infinitely inferior to the Throne upon which that one the Lord God Almighty sits and therefore they on them fall down before him that sate on the Throne and worship him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns before the Throne c. ver 10 11. And these
twenty four Elders fall down before the Lamb Chap. 5. 8. And they fall down and worship him that liveth for ever and ever Chap. 5. 14. and chap. 11. 16 17. and chap. 19. 4. And though they were about the Throne yet all before the face of him that sits upon the Throne as chap. 11. 16. None behind him where Satan's place is Mat. 16. 23. and where all their sins are cast as Hezekiah speaks Isa 38. 17. All these Elders are in the face and presence of him to denote the singular favour he bears to them as Psal 41. 12 13. And though their Thrones are infinitely inferior to his Throne whose Kingdom ruleth over all yet they are Thrones of Judgment Glory and Dominion A wonderful favour and high honour and dignity that there should be Thrones in Heaven for such as have been poor sinful miserable ones But the Lord it is who raiseth the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the begger from the dunghil to set them among Princes and to make them inherit the Throne of Glory 1 Sam. 2. 8. Psal 113. 7 8. How might the consideration hereof engage us in a patient continuance in well-doing to be seeking after glory honour and immortality even such things as are above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God To set our affection on things above and not on things on the earth Yea in the light and strength of Gods grace which bringeth salvation to us to mortifie our members that are on the earth Rom. 2. 7. Col. 3. 1 2 3 5. 2. Whom he saw upon these four and twenty seats or Thrones And upon the seats or Thrones I saw to wit in Vision twenty four Elders Whether in this number here spoken of there may be allusion and respect had to the Heads of the courses of the Priests and Singers mentioned in 1 Chron. 24. and chap. 25. we shall not here enquire into nor spend time to consider Though without peradventure frequent allusion and reference is had to Israel and our types in former times amongst them in this Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ But here the great thing we have to enquire into and consider is who are meant and intended by these Elders here seen in Vision by the Apostle And to that we may say 1. They are men and not angels by nature and this will somewhat help us to understand what they are and shew unto us and preserve us from the mistakes of those men who understand the Elders to be those glorious spirits frequently called Angels in Scripture Now that the Elders are men some of mankind of that species of creatures and not Angels by nature plainly appears in that new song they sing where they acknowledg unto the Lamb and unto his praise Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood Now without peradventure he did not redeem the angels as the Apostle saith Verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham Heb. 2. 16. And therefore when the angel did bring to the shepherds glad tydings of great joy which should be to all people he then saith For unto you men and not unto us angels is born a Saviour Luke 2. 10 11. and Christ was made a little while inferior unto and lower than the angels that he might by the grace of God taste death for every man Heb. 2. 7 9 17. Yea in that song it further appears they are men in that they say Thou â—ast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation Rev. 5. 8 9. which cannot be affirmed of the angels This also doth further demonstrate them to be some of mankind and not angels in that they are distinguished from the angels and the angels are said to be about them as chap. 5. 11 I beheld and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and about the elders yea the Elders are distinguished from all the angels and all the angels said to be about them also as it is said All the angels stood about the throne and about the elders c. chap. 7. 11. therefore without conâ—roversie the elders are not angels but some of mankind 2. And these elders appear to be such men as 1. Were Saints and holy onâ—s in that the Harps and Phials every one of them had are said to be the prayers of Saints and in that they were redeemed not only of God as all men are 1 Tim. 2. 6. but unto God by the blood of the Lamb as well as also because they were redeemed out of every kindred and tongue c. and were kings and priests and shall reign on the earth see the notes after on chap. 5. ver 8. 9 10. 2. They appear to be such men as were dead unto those who then lived in mortal bodies to wit that they were the spirits of some just men made perfect though they live unto God as our Saviour signifies Abraham Isaâ—c and Jacob did long after they had departed this life and world Luke 20. 37 38. so these elders though they live unto him that sits upon the throne yet they are dead unto us as it appeareth 1. By the title given unto the four creatures after-mentioned they are called living creatures ver 6 8 9. and in many other places for though the word be translated Beasts yet it is not well so translated as may be afterwards in some measure shewn God assisting it signifies living creatures and so they are distinguished from these elders who were dead in their bodies and these elders distinguished from them and that may help us to understand that these elders were not living in mortal bodies 2. This also may be further evidenced hereby 1. In that when we have an account given us of things done or executed on the earth or things relating thereto then we have mention made of the living creatures or some one of them and not of the elders so in the opening of the four first seals the four living creatures are spoken of chap. 6. 1 3 5. 7. and when famine is treated of which falls only on those below then it is said I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures c. and the elders are not named there at all chap. 6. 6. so one of the four living creatures not an elder gave unto the seven angels seven golden phials full of the wrath of God which was to be poured forth on the earth chap. 15. 7. and chap. 16. 1. which shew the elders were not on the earth in mortal bodies but taken from thence 2. And when account is given of things in and from heaven then the elders are named or some one of them in more places than one and not the living creatures as it was an elder acquainted John who had prevailed to open the book in the right of him that sate on the throne chap. 5.
mother and the sealed Saints and all particular believers as her children and so in a distinct consideration as members thereof in particular while they are here on earth suitable to that distinction made by the Apostle Paul when he speaking of the Church saith Now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular 1 Cor. 12. 27. so the woman and her children or seed are distinctly mentioned in Chap. 12. 17. and so are also Zion and her children in Isa 49. 14 17 21. and chap. 54. 6-13 though in another sense they are of Zion also Psal 87. 5. so here as we have before said we understand by the four living creatures Jehovah's congregation on earth in a general sense and consideration and as a mother and the sealed Saints c. as her seed children and members in particular 2. But it doth appear also that the sealed Saints as mentioned in Chap. 14. 1. and the multitude of believers in chap. 7. 9 10. are such as have dyed in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ since the Apostles time and not of any persons alive in mortal bodies Consider what is said of them in Chap. 7. 9-13-17 and of the hundred forty and four thousand in chap. 14. 1. In that they stand on mount Zion c. Object 2. Others say that by the four living creatures are not meant the Church on earth but that hereby are meant four of the Apostles of the Lord and Saviour though there be a difference amongst them as to these four also who are of this mind some supposing them to be the four Evangelists some conceiving them to be others or some others of the Apostles Answ But these living creatures cannot mean four Apostles or Evangelists nor any four individual persons whatsoever 1. Because these four living creatures as living creatures are in vision signified to continue until Christ come to take to him his great power and to reign see chap. 19. 1-4 which will be after the destruction of mystery Babylon and then after that there is no more mention of four living creatures but no four indivdual persons ever lived or live so long in mortal bodies And to be sure not four Apostles or Evangelists for they were all dead but John before this Revelation was sent and signified unto him See the notes before on chap. 2. vers 13. 2. Because these four living creatures are said to be redeemed unto God by the blood of the Lamb out of every kindred and tongue and nation and people chap. 5. 9. Now of these kindreds and tongues c. there were above four or forty-four therefore they cannot mean four individual persons only but as is said the Church of the living God on earth 2. Why are these living creatures said to be four Answ 1. Surely not to signifie that Christ hath four bodies or four Churches in a general consideration for as the Apostle saith of all unfeigned believers As the body is one and hath many members and all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether Jews or Gentiles whether bond or free and have been all made to drink into one spirit 1 Cor. 12. 12. 13 27. Rom. 12. 4 5. Eph. 4. 4 5. Though there are threescore Qâ—eens and fourscore Concubines and Virgins without number yet Christ's love his undefiled is but one she is the only one of her mother c. Cant. 6. 8 9. but his one congregation his living creature is called living creatures by the septuagint in Psal 68. 10. as we have said before these are but one Church one body one spouse Col. 1. 18. though the several societies in this one Church are called after the name of the whole and so Churches so the four living creatures in Ezâ—kiel are sometimes spoken of in the plural number and called four living creatures and living creatures Ezâ—k 1. 5 13-15 19. and chap. 3. 13. and sometimes in the singular and so called living creature to denote their unity Ezek. 1. 20 22. and chap. 10. 15 17. 20. Indeed those in Ezekiel and these here are not the same for they were the Cherubims Ezek. 10. 18 20. but these men as we have before shewn but however respect is in this place had unto them And this we have noted from the allusion 2. But these living creatures are said to be four 1. As somâ— conceive with reference to the four camps of the one Israel after the flesh to which Israel as our types frequent respect is had in this book of the Revelation as we have oft noted and may again see We have an account given us of their four camps in Numb 2. 2 10 18 25. and indeed now they are all the Israel of God who believe in Christ The children of the promise whether they be Jews or Gentiles are counted for the seed Rom. 9. 7 9. 1 Cor. 12. 13. the believing Gentiles are made fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God Eph. 2. 13-16 Gal. 6. 14-16 they are now fellow-heirs and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel Eph. 3. 6. Rom. 2. 28 29. and into these camps no unclean thing must enter nor shall in Gods esteem so as to be reckoned of them and graciously accepted by him as it is said of our types Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper and every one that hath an issue and whosoever is defiled by the dead both male and female shall ye put out without the camp shall ye put them that they defile not their camps in the midst whereof I dwell Where we may observe that the one congregation of Israel is sometimes called camp and sometimes camps to wit four Compare Numb 5. 2 3. with chap. 2. See the notes after on ver 7. of this Chapter 2. These living creatures may also be said to be four with respect unto the four parts or quarters of the world into which they are scattered so we read of the four corners of the earth Isa 11. 12. of the four quarters of Heaven Jer. 49. 36. of the four quarters of the earth Rev. 20. 8. and so to acquaint us that the Lord hath placed his Church and People in all the world it is dispersed and scattered now over the face of the whole earth It is implied that his people is scattered in Psal 1. 5. 2 Thes 2. 1. and that they are spread abroad as the four winds of the heaven as Zech. 2. 6. in that it is said He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds from one end of heaven to the other Mat. 24. 31. Mark 13. 27. Thus also it doth appear that the Son of man soweth his good seed the children of the Kingdom all over his field of the world Matth. 13.
ascended up unto the right hand of God and received of the father the promise of the holy Spirit which also he hath shed forth and poured out upon his holy Apostles that by them the preaching might be fully known and they have used great plainness of speech and not as Moses who put a veiâ— over his face c. so as his Churches may all with open face behold the glory of the Lord c. 2 Cor. 3. 12 13 18. Act. 2. 17. and now they may arise and shine for their light is come Isa 59. 20 21. and chap. 60. 1 2. with Eph. 5. 14. and though among them that were born of women there had not risen a greater Prophet than John the Baptist Yet as our Saviour saith he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he Matth. 11. 11. the anointing which they have received abideth in them and they neâ—d not that any man teach them but as the same anointing teacheth them of all things and is truth and is no lye 1 John 2. 27. and thus we here understand this saying The living creatures the Church in the four quarters of the world were full of eyes full of quick-sighted men and full of understanding as hath been said and they are said to be full of eyes before and behind That is to say 1. Before To see and behold things before and so to behold Jesus Christ and him crucified who is before them and neerer to the throne than they Chap. 5. 6. They by faith see Jesus who by the grace of God tasted death for every man Heb. 2. 9. and herein perceive his love because he laid down his life for them 1 Joh. 3. 16. He is in the Gospel evidently set forth before their eyes as one who hath been crucified for them Gal. 3. 1. that they might rejoyce in him with joy unspeakable and â—ull of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. and always sing that new song of praise and thanksgiving Worthy is the lamb that was slain c. Rev. 5. 8 9 10. and to see and behold the glory which he hath received and is possessed of in our nature 2 Cor. 3. 18. and that now he appears in the presence of God for them they are come to Jesus the Media tour of the new Testament and to the blood of sprinkling which speaketh better things than the blood of Abel Hebr. 12. 24. Rev. 5. 6. 2. And in Jesus Christ to behold him that sits on the throne For he that seeth him seeth the father also he that knoweth him knoweth him that sent him John 12. 4â— 45. and chap 14. 6 7. 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. to behold in and through him his wisdom power holiness and justice and his great and wonderful love to manwaâ—d which he hath manifested in sending his only begotten son into the world to be the propitiation for our sins that we might live through him 1 John 4. 8 10 14. and his peculiar love to them that believe in Christ John 14 21 23. and how he sits upon the throne ruling over all and ordering all things for their good especially who love God Psal 103. 19. and 29. 10 11. Rom. 8. 28 32. Now they do â—â—â—h these eyes by faith see the King in his glory as Moses also dâ—â—â— Isa 33 16 17. with Hebr. 11. 27. 3. To behold the thundrings and lightnings and voices all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgment they see when a storm is coming that they may enter into the rock and hide themselves in the dust for fear of the Lord and for the glory of his majesty Isa 2. 10. for all storms and tempests all judgments and testimonies of displeasure proceed out of the throne which is before them See the Notes before on ver 5. and they who have their conversation by faith in Heaven may behold Gods hand when it is lifted up and meditate terrour Isa 33. 17 18. The prudent foresee the evil and hide themselves but the simple pass on and are punished Prov. 22. 3. and chap. 27. 12. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him c. Psal 25. 13 14. 4. To behold future things which shall be hereafter so our Saviour promised his disciples That the holy Spirit should guide them into all truth and shew them things to come John 16. 13. and thus haâ—h he done in this book of the Revelation which God gave unto Jesus Christ to shew unto his servants things which must come to pass Rev. 1. 1. and chap. 22. 6 16. and so with their eyes which are before they may behold the destruction of Mystery Babylon and of all that are enemies to and persist in rebellion against Jesus Christ and his Gospel and People Rev. 11. 18. and chap. 14. 8 11. and chaâ— 18. 19. and the coming of Christ with Clouds Rev. 1. 7. his coming again to raise them that sleep in him in the first resurrection and delivering them from all evil and enemies compleatly and gloriously and granting them to sit with him in his throne and to reign with him on earth Rev. 5. 9 10. and chap. 20. 21 22. they may now by faith look upon these things that are not seen and which are now revealed as in former times they were not 2 Cor. 4. 18. Hence whereas the Prophet speaking of the glory to be revealed saith Since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear neither hath the eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waits for him The Apostle citeth that Scripture saying Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But then he addeth hereto further and above what the Prophet had said But God hath revealed them to us by his spirit c. Compare Isa 64. 4. with 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11. to signifie to us thâ—â— these things are now manifested to us as they were not in foregoiâ—â—imes though yet as with respect to these things it must still be remembred that their sight and knowledg hereof is by faith and but in part 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. and they are instructed that when these things begin to come to pass they should look up and lift up their heads for their redemption draws nigh Luk 21. 28. 2. And these four living creatures are also full of eyes behind to know see and discern things which are over and past As to say a a little 1. To see into the types and shadows of the Law which are accomplished and opened to us in and by Jesus Christ they were a shadow of things to come but the body is of Christ Col. 2. 17. and which things are now revealed to us by Christ and his Apostles in the Gospel which hath by them been preached according to the revelation of the mystery The Law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jesus Christ
saith of his sheep A stranger will they not follow but will flee from him Joh. 10. 4 5. and these wings are given them that they may escape and flee from the pollutions of the world through the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 2. 20. that they might flee from fornication 1 Cor. 6. 18. Idolatry 1 Cor. 10. 14. the love of money 1 Tim. 6. 11. and all youthful and fleshly lusts that war against the soul 2 Tim. 2. 22. and so that they might flee from the wrath to come Matth. 3. 7. Luk. 3. 7. 4. And with these two things they flee for glorifying and magnifying Christ and God in him doing it with all diligence and celerity whatever their hand finds to do they do it with their might Eccles 9. 10. Matth. 10. 23. Rev 14. 6. to which the Apostle exhorts and excites Timothy saying Preach the word be instant in season out of season c. 2 Tim. 4. 1 2. and in all they are with these wings hasting unto the coming of the Lord 2 Pet. 3. 12. 2. We have in the next place to consider and speak unto the inward furniture of these living creatures And they to wit the living creature not the wings were full of eyes within see notes before on vers 6. As they were full of eyes before and behind so also they were full of eyes within they were filled with the spirit and so with wisdom and understanding in the inward parts Eph. 5. 18. with Col. 3. 16. Wisdom had entred into their hearts and knowledg was pleasant to their souls Prov. 2. 10 12. they were filled with the knowledg of Gods will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding whereby they were fitted to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitfâ—l in every good work c. like what is prayed for the Colossians Chap. 1. 9 11. and that affirmed of the believing Romans Chap. 15. 13. Prov. 24. 4. And hereby is intimated to us 1. That they had received and did retain the word of God and testimony of Jesus in their hearts for thereby the eyes of their souls were opened at first and continually The Commandment of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes Psal 19. 7 8. the entrance of Gods word giveth light it giveth understanding unto the simple Psal 119. 97-100 104 105 129 130. they did anoint their eyes with eye-slave the anointing they had received from the holy one the testimony of Jesus whereby they knew all things Rev. 3. 18. with 1 Joh. 2. 20 24 27. and Rev. 19. 10. Deut. 4. 6. 2. In that this is added unto that which goeth before so we may see how they are fitted for glorifying God they have wings with which they flee which denotes to us their zeal and swistness in the service of him that sits upon the throne but that they may rightly use their wings of zeal and â—ervency they are full of eyes within like that exhorted to Add to your vertue zeal courage knowledg 2 Pet. 1. 6. men may have a zeal of God but not according to knowledg Rom. 10. 2. Phil. 3. 6. with 1 Tim. 1. 13. but that they might not have a misguided zeal in the service of God therefore they are also full of eyes within It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing but that the soul be without knowledg it is not good Galat. 4. 17 18. with Prov. 19. 2. and chap. 2. 10 11. Eccles 5. 1 2. 3. In that it is here said they are full of eyes within and immediately after they have no rest day and night saying Holy c. so we may see that to the end we may worship God aright knowledg and understanding is requisite otherwise we shall but offer the sacrifice of fools and he hath no pleasure in fools Eccles 5. 1 2 4. Ignorance is not the mother of true devotion but of all Superstition and Idolatry Isa 44. 19 29. My people saith the Lord are destroyed for lack of knowledg Hos 4. 6. Col. 1. 9 10. How should they worship him aright that sits on the throne unless they know him The knowledg of the holy is understanding Prov. 9. 11. And this might therefore engage us to â—ry after knowledg and to lift up our voice for understanding Prov. 2. 1 3 6. and chap. 4. 4 6. 3. These living creatures are described to us by their incessant and continued exercise and labour for praising and glorifying him that sits on the throne And they rest not or they have no rest day and night saying Holy holy holy c. Where consider we for our usefulness 1. The unweariedness and incessantness of their exercise it self 2. The subject matter of their incessant service or that about which they are unweariedly exercised even day and night 1. The unweariedness and incessantness of their exercise it self And they rest not or have no rest day and night That is to say they are continually exercised in this labour and service afterward spoken of This is not like that spoken of the Beast-worshippers in chap. 14. 11. though of them it is also said they rest not day nor night for that is part of the description of their torment but this here of the delightful service of the living creatures and the object of the worship of those and these are opposite and contrary they worship the beast these him that sits upon the throne nor are these living creatures in this their exercise like the wicked who are like the troubled sea that cannot rest for they foam out their own shame and cast up mire and dirt Isa 57. 20. but these set forth the high praises of God Psal 149. 6. nor is that affirmed here of the incessantness of the exercise of the living creatures contrary to what our Lord assures to them that come unto him viz. that he will give them rest for he there promises he will give and they shall find rest to their souls as distinguished from the heavy loads and burdens which lay thereupon which rest these living creatures had also But here they have no rest he saith not in their souls but saying c. they rest not saying Holy c. and so it is like that of our Saviour Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart follow me who went about doing good and seeking the glory of my father And this unwearied exercise is consistent with and the way to find rest unto our souls at all times Matth. 11. 28 29. like that Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls Jer. 6. 16. the rest they meet with to their souls in Christ is not a cessation from every thing but that whereby they are fitted for incessant service of him The sabbath the day of rest was not given to them that they should
holy holy Holy they first of all acknowledg and confess him to be that is to say One that is infinitely pure in himself and of purer eyes than to behold sin with approbation as the Prophet signifies saying Art thou not from everlasting O Lord my God mine holy One Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity Hab. 1. 12 13. there is none holy as the Lord 1 Sam. 2. 2. Joâ— 4. 16 19. 1 Sam. 6. 20. he is holy essentially his essence is holiness Hence whereas it is said in one place The Lord God hath sworn by his holiness It is thus said in another The Lord God hath sworn by himself Compare Amos 4. 2. with chap. 6. 8. He is not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness neither shall evil dwell with him Psal 5. 4 6. Let no man then say when he is tempted I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Jam. 1. 13 17. he loveth righteousness and hateth iniquity sin is most abominable and hateful to his infinitely pure nature Jer. 44. 4. he will do no iniquity himself Zeph. 3. 5. Job 34. 17 19. nor can he like or approve it in others and he hath most clearly and comfortably manifested his infinite purity and holiness and hatred of and severity against sin in the cross of Christ in that he took such vengeance on it in his Son who was such a glorious and excellent one he caused his sword to awake against the man his fellow Zech. 13. 7. and who was so neerly related to him his only begotten Son He spared not his own his proper son but delivered him up for us all Rom. 8. 3 32. and who was also a most innocent one a lamb without blemish and without spot 1 Pet. 1. 19. one that knew no sin that did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth and yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him he put him to grief when but the guilt of our sins was imputed to him and this proceedeth from his holiness as is signâ—fied in Christs expostulation with his father My God my God saith he why hast thou forsaken me why art thou so far from helping me and from the words of my râ—aring O my God I cry in the day-time but thou hearest not and in the night-season and am not silent But thou art holy one of such pure eyes that thou canst not behold iniqâ—ity and such an hater of it that thou must punish it where-ever thou findest it O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel Psal 22. 1 2 3. Rom. 8. â— Isa 61. 1 2. Exod. 34. 7. 1. Then this shews unto us the great and dangerous error and evil of them that say God is the Author of sin and moves and enclines men thereunto when-as indeed sin proceeds not from him mens evils are none of his doings but whosoever committeth sin is of the Devil for the Devil sinneth from the beginning but for this purpose was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil such as do not righteousness nor love their brethren are not therein of God buâ— the children of their father the Devil Mica 2. 7. John 8. 44. 1 John 3. 8 10. little are they acquainted with the cross of Christ who reason with such unprofitable and wicked talk and monstrously are they mistaken of the holy One of Israel who attribute that to God which is the work of the Devil 2. That he is holy and none holy as the Lord this shews to us the reason why the living creatures cover their faces with two of their wings viz. because of his infinite purity and holiness before whom the Heavens are not pure the stars not clean and who chargeth his Angels with folly Job 15. 16. and chap. 25. 4 6. and chap. 4. 17 18. Hence even the Seraphims with two wings cover their face and with two their feet and they cry one unto another Holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts c. Isa 6. 1 2 3. and the living creatures the Cherubims with two of their four wings cover their bodies Ezek. 1. 11 23. and the Prophet when he saw this holy One crys out Wo is me for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips c. Isa 6. 5. and when Job's eye saw him he abhorred himself though there was none like him in the earth a perfect and an upright man c. And he repented in dust and ashes Job 42. 5 6. with chap. 1. 1 8. and chap. 2. 3. The consideration hereof may engage us to be holy in all manner of conversation as he is holy who hath called us 1 Pet. 1. 14 16. to come out from among men and to be separate and touch no unclean thing that he may receive us 2 Cor. 6. 14 17 18. Josh 24. 19 24. so the Lord in former times saith to his people Ye shall be holy for I the Lord your God am holy Lev. 19. 2 4. otherwise we cannot have fellowship with him now Psal 5. 4 5 6. nor see him hereafter with joy and comfort for without holiness no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14. and in our hearts words and actions we should sanctify him Compare Isa 8. 13. with 1 Pet. 3. 15 16. Isa 5. 16. and chap. 29. 23. holiness becomes his house for ever Psal 93. 5. the living creatures then give glory unto him when they acknowledg him to be glorious in holiness Compare Exod. 15. 11. with Rev. 4. 9. 2. Holy He is in his work in sanctifying and holifying those that come unto God by him as he saith I am the Lord which sanctifie you and I the Lord which sanctifie you am holy Lev. 20. 7 8. and chap. 21. 8. Ezek. 37. 28. It is the work of the very God of peace to sanctifie the believers throughout in their whole spirit soul and body 1 Thes 5. 23 24. yea and he doth sanctifie them who rebel against him though they not yeilding up unto him are not eventually sanctified as he purges them that are not purged Ezek. 20. 12 13. with chap. 24. 13. And for the sake of believers Christ doth sanctifie himself that they also may be sanctified through the truth John 17. 19. Jude 1. And this also might engage us to be holy separated from sin and devoted unto God as it is said Sanctifie your selves therefore and be ye holy for I am the Lord your God I am the Lord which sanctifie you Lev. 20. 7 8. and chap. 11. 44 45. 3. Holy He is that is merciful and gracious and so in this respect he only is holy namely originally essentially and most perfectly so Rev. 15. 4. so Holy as it is render'd with us is merciful or bountiful or gracious Psal 145. 17. And thus many times the Holy One of Israel is said to be the Redeemer of Israel Isa 41. 14. and chap. 43. 3 14. and
knowledge concerning the Creatures may increase sorrow Job 5. 1. Eccles 1. 18. And herein appeared somewhat of infirmity in the Apostle in lamenting so greatly because no Creature could open this Book had he applied that unto all Creatures which Peter doth to himsâ—lf and this Apostle saying Why loâ—k ye so â—arnestly on us Act. 3. 12 he might have been preserved from weeping or however from weeping much And yet there is somewhat imitable in the Apostles weeping his ardent desire of knowing that which was held forth that it might be made known occasioned him thus to lament He was not like them that said unto God Depart from us for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways Job 21. 14. nor like the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans who said I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing Rev. 3. 14-17 But he wept thorow his desire of knowing more and even actually said what the Apostle Paul did verbally I have not yet attained neither am aâ—ready perfect but I follow after c. Phil. 3. 12 13. and did we more know the sweetness and pleasantness of this excellent knowledge it would cause us to cry after knowledge and lift up our voice for understanding to seek it as silver and to search for it as hidden Treasures and to follow on to know that we might know the LORD Prov. 2. 3-10 and chapt 4. 4-7 and chap. 8. 9 10. Hos 6. 3-6 Verse 5. And one of the Elders saith unto me weep not Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Juda the Root of David hath prevailed to open the Book and to loose the seven Seals thereof In this Verse there is matter of consolation spoken to the Apostle now while weeping In which we have to consider for our usefulness 1. The instrumental Comforter And one of the Elders saith unto me 2. What he said to comfort him and that is propounded to us 1. By what he said to him as with respect to himself Weep not 2. By what he said to him concerning another In which there is contained a good and weighty Reason why he should not weep Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Juda the Root of David hath prevailed to open the Book and to loose the seven Seals thereof 1. The instrumental Comforter And one of the Elders saith unto me That is to say one of the four and twenty spoken of before in Chap. 4. where we have shewn what these Elders are even such of the Patriarchs Prophets and Apostles as had lived and died in the Faith See the Notes before on Chap. 4. ver 4. From hence then we may note 1. That the Soul or Spirit dies not when the Body doth so as too many fondly imagine and conceit but it lives when the body returns to the dust Eccl. 12. 7. And they shall praise the LORD that seek him their heart shall live for ever Psal 22. 26. And when they are absent from the body they are present with the Lord 2 Cor. 5. 6-8 Phil. 1. 22 23. The Spirits of just and righteous ones are perfect when their Bodies sleep in the dust when they are taken away out of this world they shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds each one walking in his uprightness Isa 57. 2. Heb. 12. 23. or else it would be no advantage or gain to them to die as the Apostle signifies it is but rather a loss and disadvantage â—hil 1. 20-23 and they know more and are more excellent in an happier and more blessed state and condition than the Saints that are in the earth Psal 16. 2 3. Rev. 7. 13-17 and Chap. 14. 13. See the Notes on Chapt. 4. ver 4. 2. That in some Visions they have appeared and spoken after their decease unto and in the hearing of some Saints living on the earth as here it doth appear and in Chap. 7. 13-17 one of the Elders informed John what they were which were arrayed in white Robes and whence they came and what their continual exercise and great blessedness and happiness is and shall be And in that Vision when Christ was transfigured it is said there talked with him two men which were Moses whom the LORD buried in a Valley in the Land of Moab Deut. 34. 5. 6 and Elâ—as who appeared in glory and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem Luk. 9. 28 32. with Matth. 17. 4-9 which may confirm the truth of the former and us in the belief of it viz. that their Spirits live when their Bodies are dead In that being dead they yet speak as Heb. 11. 4. And in that such a Messenger was now sent to comfort John so it shews that all are his Servants who sits upon the Throne sometimes in these Visions he spake by Angels as ver 2. and in many other places of this Book may be seen and sometimes by the Spirits of just and holy men made perfect as here and Chap. 7. 13. 3. As considering and comparing this with what follows so we may learn That they may be Instruments of comfort to those who are in affliction which are not nor can be Authors of comfort to them Though this Elder could not open the Book and loose the Seals thereof and so preserve or deliver John from weeping yet he could and did instrumentally direct to one that could and afterwards did do what he could not So it is true more generally the Saints and holy Ones even the most eminent of them also have no sufficiencie of themselves as of themselves to think any thing 2 Cor. 3. 4 5. and yet as the same Apostle saith in that place to the Believers Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts known and read of all men being manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by us And again He hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit c. 2 Cor. 3. 2 3-6 they are nothing in themselves 2 Cor. 12. 11. they cannot give peace quiet fears comfort in trials and heaviness of themselves but yet they can do all things in and through Christ that strengtheneth them Phil. 4. 13. they have excellent treasures in their earthen vessels 2 Cor. 4. 7. And this Commandment is given unto them Comfort ye comfort ye my people saith your God speak ye to the heart of Jerusalem c. Isa 40. 1 2-8 9. Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees say to them that are of a fearful heart Be strong fear not c. Then even then also when Gods Servants comfort them ministerially they being workers together with God the eyes of the blind shall be opened to wit enlightned and their Souls comforted Isa 35. 3 4 5. with Psal 13. 3. And this consideration may be useful to us 1. To the Ministers of Christ To preserve or deliver them from having unsober thoughts of themselves Rom. 12. 3. For Who is Paul or
Chap. 14. 13 14-16 6. Seeing he took the Book in order to the opening it and did afterwards open it Chap. 6 c. So it shews unto us unto whom we should go that we may see and understand the contents of it namely unto this Lamb of God Indeed if the same had been said concerning this Book which the Voice said from Heaven Chap. 19. 4. viz. Seal up those things or as was said to Daniel Shut up the words and seal the Book And again The words are closed up and sealed Dan. 12. 4 9. then it had not been for us to have inquired into it As our Saviour said to his Apostles It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power Act. 1. 6 7. The secret things belong unto the LORD our God Deut. 29. 29. But the whole Book of the Revelation and that contain'd therein generally was given unto Christ to shew unto his Servants Rev. 1. 1. And this Book particularly was opened by Christ as afterwards followeth And those things that are revealed belong unto us and to our Children for ever Deut. 29. 29. Therefore let us come unto Christ the Light of the world that he may open our eyes that we may behold these wondrous things of his Law and not go to the worldly wise and prudent ones nor lean to our own understandings Matth. 11. 25-28 To him are we directed by God for upon him he hath put his Spirit that he may bring forth judgment to us Gentiles Isai 42. 1-6 7. And he calls upon us and invites us to come unto himself and there is that in him which may encourage us so to do for he is meek and lowly in heart and will not reject us or refuse to teach us because of our dulness and untractableness He will not strive nor cry nor cause his voice to be heard in the streets A bruised reed he will not break and smoaking flax he will not quench till he bring forth judgment unto victory Isa 42. 1-3 with Matth. 12. 19 20. and Chap. 11. 28 29. Vnto him the Lord GOD hath given the tongue of the Learned that he should speak a word in season to him that is weary Isa 50. 4 5. and he invites us to let him see our countenance and hear our voice Cant. 2. 14. John 14. 6 7. and Chap. 16. 23. Verse 8. And when he had taken the Book the four living Creatures and four and twenty Elders fell down before the Lamb having every one of them Harps and golden Vials full of Odours or Incense which are the Prayers of Saints In this Verse and the following Verse of this Chapter is declared to us that which ensued and followed upon the Lambs taking the Book among the Saints and Angels c. What Adoration praising and rejoycing there was amongst them And in this Verse particularly is declared to us 1. The humble Prostration and religious Adoration of the four living Creatures and the four and twentâ— Elders 2. What every one of these holy Ones had when they thus with all humility did prostrate themselves and worship 1. The humble Prostration and Religious Adoration of the four living Creatures and twenty four Elders And when he had taken the Book the four living Creatures and four and twenty Elders fell down before the Lamb. Where we have to consider for our usefulness 1. The time when they fell down and the occasion of their so doing When he had taken the Book 2. The Religious Action it self of the four living Creatures and four and twenty Elders They fell down 3. The Object of their Adoration Before the Lamb. 1. The time when they fell down and the occasion of their so doing And when he had taken the Book Wherein is intimated and signified to us 1. That this great Honour was given unto and glorious Action done by the Lamb in the view and sight of these holy Ones who were by faith or in their Spirits Inhabiters of Heaven or they were informed hereof and acquainted herewith in due season by the seven Spirits which the Lamb hath and which are sent forth into all the earth ver 6. And which are before his Throne Chap. 1. 4. and Chap. 4. 5. These holy Ones who are Inhabiters of Heaven are not in darkness but Children of the Light Eph. 5. 8. They are called out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2. 9. with Rev. 5. 8-10 They have an Vnction from the Holy One and they know all things 1 John 2. 20-27 And this Book in general was given to Jesus Christ to shew unto his Servants that are here below in mortal bodies Revel 1. 1. And much more are they acquainted with the Contents of it who are with the Lord and whose spirits are made perfect Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing but he revealeth his Secrets unto his Servants the Prophets and by them unto them that dwell on high Amos 3. 7. The Secret of the LORD is with them that fear him with the righteous and he will shew tâ—em his Covenant Psal 25. 14. Prov. 3. 32. Our Lord Jesus assured his Disciples That the Holy Spirit should teach them all things guide them into all truth and shew them things to coâ—◠〈…〉 6. and Chap. 16. 13-15 to wit in their keeping his commandments Joâ— 14. 15 17 21 23 26. that he should take of his things and shew unto them even of those heavenly things also or things above which he is now doing and will do Joâ— 16. 14 15. with chap. 3. 12. And these promises were not confined to the Apostles as may be seen in many places and passages of that discourse And the you there spoken of are not opposed to other hearty and unfeigned believers but to the world Joh. 14. 22 23. and chap. 16. 7 8 12 13 15. And though the Apostles were preferred herein yet wherein they were so it was for the especial good of the Churches 2 Cor. 4. 5 15. All things saith the Apostle are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cepâ—as c. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. Eph. 4. 8 11 13 14. unto the Believers it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven Mattâ— 13. 11 12. Oh then Blessed are they and blessed are their eyes for they see Matth. 13. 16 18. And how might the consideration hereof provoke us to come unto and follow Christ For he that followeth him shall not abide in darkness but shall have the light of life Joh. 8. 12. and chap. 12. 44 46. And to be led by and filled with the Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God And he that is spiritual judgeth or discerneth all things yet he himself is judged or discerned of no man 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 15 16. In that these holy ones fell down and sang as presently after follows when the Lamb had taken the Book and not when they had taken it
mention made of the Phials of the wrath of God called elsewhere the cup of the Wine of his wrath Rev. 15. 7. with Chap. 14. 10. and Chap. 16. 19. Now of these Holy Ones it is said they had every one of them Phiâ—ls And these are said to be golden Phials namely precious and excellent ones as Gold is the most excellent metal and golder pleasant also to behold c. see the notes on the word Gâ—lâ—en in chap. 1. ver 12. and chap. 3. ver 18. And these Phials are said to be full of Odours To which after 2. We have the explication of these things Which are the prayers of Saints viz. not the odours but these Harps and golden Phials are so to wit they signifiâ— to us or hereby are meant and intended the prayers of Saints as the words is and are frequently mean as much as signifieth or signifie 1 Cor. 10. 4. See the notes on Chap. 1. 20. Now of these Harps and golden Phials it is here said that they are to wit signifie the prayers of Saints In which Expâ—ication 1. There may be signified to us that these four living Creatures and twenty-four Elders are Saints or holy ones for these Harps and Phials they have they are theirs and they are the prayers of Saints These excellent ones are all so even holy to the Lord as ver 9. they are redeemed unto God by the precious blood of Christ And ver 10. they are Priests As they are of mankind as we have seen before See Notes on Chap. 4. ver 4. and ver 6. So they are Saints like that Psal 16. 3. Such as are cloathed with fine liâ—nen clean and white the former by â—aith the latter perfectly in spirit which is the righteousness of Saints Joh. 17. 17. 2 Thes 2. 13. Jude v. 1. Rev. 14. 3-5 And these here called Saints are some of them of the Gentiles also for they are redeemed out of every kindred and tongue c. ver 9. for such of the Gentiles who with the heart believe in Jesus Christ are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of God Eph. 2. 17-19-20-22 1 Cor. 14. 33. 2. The Harps and Vials are Prayers But not any Prayers 1. Not the prayers of the wicked which are an abomination to the Lord Prov. 15. 8. and Chap. 28. 9. Isa 1. 10-14-15 2. Nor of appearingly righteous ones who are hypocrites though some of them for a pretence make long prayers and think to be heard for their much speaking Mat. 23. 14. Mark 12. 14. Mat. 6. 7-8 3. Nor such prayers of good men in the main who pray not as believers or according to his will Mat. 20. 20-22 Who ask and receive not because they ask amiss to consume upon their lusts Jam. 4. 1-3 Or regard iniquity in their hearts when they pray unto God Psal 66. 18 19. 4. Nor only the prayers of the most eminent ones in the Church or such as are presented by the Bishops c. but in general they are the prayers of Saints and of them not as Apostles Bishops c. but as Saints The prayer of the upright though not presented by any Bishop here is his delight And he heareth the prayer of the upright Prov. 15. 8 29. The effectual â—ervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much though he be no Bishop and though he be a man subject to passions Jam. 5. 16-18 But what are we to understand by Prayers in this place Most frequently hereby we are to understand and hereby are meant the pourings out of the heart to God in the name of Jesus Christ according to his will for the desiring and obtaining what is good or deprecating evil and so possibly the expression may be so taken here But then it may be objected and said How can the twenty-four Elders be said to have prayers when as you conclude them to be the spirits of just men made perfect To which I may answer and say 1. By their prayers we may understand such as were made by them while they were in morâ—al bodies and which were not then nor are yet fully answered as Psal 7. 9. and 14. 7. and 53. 6. Isa 64. 1 c. their former prayers shall not all of them be fully answered until God shall send us Jesus again c. When the Lord shall appear in his glory he will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their prayer This is written for the generations to come c. Ps 102. 12-16-17-18 And when they die their works follow them Rev. 14. 13. 2. Or also we may say though their spirits are perfect yet they wait and may in a sort pray for the Adoption to wit the redemption of the body and the compleatment of their happiness in soul and body Rom. 8. 23. And so it is said of the Souls under the Altar that were perfect in spiriâ— They cried with a loud voice saying How long Lord holy and true dâ—st thou not judg and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth Rev. 6. 9-11 Aâ—d the Spirit and the Bride say come to wit come Lord Jesus Rev. 21. 17 20. 2. Or sometimes by Prayers we are to understand praises or soundings forth the praises of the Lord Psal 72. ult with ver 30. So of Hannaâ— it is said She prayed unto the Lord and said My heart rejoiceth in the Lord mine horn is exalted in the Lord c. In all which prayer she asks not one Petition nor desires any thing but lauds and celebrates the praises of the Lord and there prayer doth evidently signifie praise and thanksgiving 1 Sam. 2. 1. 10. See also Neh. 11. 17. 1 Cor. 14. 15-17 And so here by prayers I conceive are directly meant praises and laudings of the Lamb. 1. Because they are in this Vision called compared unto and represented by Harps which were Musical Instruments of praising and blessing the Lord with joy and gladness as we have before said and seen 2. By the account given us of their prayers in vers 9. wherein it is said They sing a new song saying c. and desire nothing or ask no petition but with joy and singing render and ascribe glory honour praise and thanksgiving to the Lamb which was slain c. 3. The same also further appears by that in Chap. 14. 2 3. where it is said I heard the voice of â—arpers harping with their Harps and they sung as it were a new song before the Throne c. And in Chap. 15. â— 3. the Apostle saw some surely the spirits of just men made perfect having the Harps of God And they sing the song of Mâ—ses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy woâ—ks Lord God Almighty just and true are thy ways thou King of Saints Who shall noâ— fear thee and glorifie thy name c In both which places where Harps are mentioned they ask no petition
this high honour at the hands of God thy Father as is intimated ver 12. It is the reward of his sufferings as the Prophet prophetically â—aith His reward is with him and recompence for his work before him Isa 40. 10. And as himself saith My judgment is with the Lord and my reward with my God Isa 49. 4 5. see the notes before on ver 2. He hath prevailed with God his Father to undertake and accomplish this great work here spoken of see the notes before on ver 5. He was faithful to him that appointed him in that hard and difficult work and therefore he was worthy as he saith to his Father I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do and now O Father glorifie me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee c. John 17. 4 5. And thou art worthy And dost infinitely deserve it at our hands that we should thus have thy â—igh praises in our hearts and mouths that we should sing unto thee a new Song and thy praise in the congregation of Saints for thy wonderful love to us thou hast laid infinite engagements and obligations upon us so to do for we are not our own but thou hast bought us with a precious Christ and and redeemed us unto God by thy blood therefore we ought to glorifie thee both in our body and spirit which are thine 1 Cor. 6. 19 20. And in so doing we give thee but according to the deserving of thine hands as Judg. 9. 16. according to thine excellent work yea Who can shew forth all his praises Psal 106. 1-3 And thou art worthy to wit able for this great work and business and none but thou Thou hast wisdom and skill to do it Col. 2. 3. thou hast seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God and thou hast all power and authority for thou hast seven Horns ver 6. Matth. 28. 18. Phil. 2. 6-9 see notes before on ver 3. of this Chapter But what is he worthy to do To take the Book to receive authority and power to take the Book into thine hand in order to the opening it and making known Gods mind and will therein see the notes before on ver 7. And to open the seals thereof to unfold its mysteries and reveal its depths and to read it to John or any others of his Saints and cause them to understand the reading Nehem. 8. 7 8. Dan. 2. 18 23. see notes before on chap. 1. ver 3. which no creature in Heaven or Earth c. was able or worthy to do see notes on ver 3. and ver 4. We have nextly to consider the Reason or Reasons of his worthiness to do these things and to have this glory and honour ascribed and rendred to him by these Saints and holy Ones which follow in order to be considered and spoken unto by us 1. For thou wast slain â—hou even he before whom they prostrate themselves and who is the object of their divine and religious worship and adoration he was slain he who was and is the true God over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9. 5. Phil. 2. 6 8. Act. 20. 28. 1 John 3. 16. as we have ofâ— said in these notes He was put to death in the flesh and crucified thorow weakness 1 Pet. 3. 18. 2 Cor. 13. 4. He is Emmanuel God with us God-man and he that person who is the true God and eternal life 1 John 5. 20. was manifest in the flesh 1 John 1. 2. with with 1 Tim. 3. 16. and laid down his life for us according to the flesh or humane nature Wast slâ—in not only did he endure and suffer great things here before his hour came and was greatly abased though indeed all his life-time here he was poor and mean He was despised and rejected of men a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and in all points tempted like unto us yet without sin Luke 9. 58. Isa 53. 3 4 5. Heb. 2 17 18. and chap 4 14. But he was also put to death he was slain and slaughtered for us Matth. 21. 38 39. Luke 9. 22. Act. 2. 23. and 7. 52. and chap. 10. 39. and 13. 28. and he was slain both as a sacrifice for our sins Acts 7. 42. Rom. 4. 25. and as a Martyr for the Gospel preached by him see the notes before on chap. 1. ver 18. One drop of Christs Blood was not sufficient to purge away our sins and make peace for then the greatest part of what he endured was in vain and he suffered and under went needless pain and torments but Christ must needs have suffered and been put to death for us Act. 17. 2 3. And thou wast slain not only in the purpose and fore-ordainment of God as 1 Pet. 1. 20. Rev. 13. 8. but actually so Christ suffered for sinâ— the just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh 1 Pet. 1. 19 20. and chap. 3. 18. Heb. 9. 26. though he was a Lamb a Lamb without blemish and without spot a meek innocent harmless one one that knew no sin nor ever did any yet he was brought as a Lamb to the slaughter and actually slain and killed for us 1 Pet. 1. 19. and chap. 2. 20 23. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Isa 53. 5 7. Acts 8. 32. Thou wa st slain not art slain no he liveth who was dead and behold â—e is alive for evermore he was dead and is alive Rev. 1. 18. and chap. 2. 8. He is raised from the dead and shall dye no more death hath no more dominion over him for in that he died he died unto sin once but in that he liveth he liveth unto God Rom. 6. 9 10. Act. 13. 32 34. see notes before on ver 6. of this Chapter Now for this Reason and upon this account Thou art worthy to take the Book c. because thou wast slain Worthy to receive all power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing from God the Father Rev. 5. 12. therefore doth his Father love him and hath so loved him as to give all things into his hand because he laid down his life that he might take it again Joh. 10. 17. with Chap. 3. 35. and 13. 3. Because he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross therefore also God hath highly exalted him and given him a name above every name c. Phil. 2. 8-10 Joh. 17. 4 5. Luk. 24. 25 26 27. Isa 53. 11 12. Heb. 2. 9 10. And on this account also he is worthy to be praised and glorified by all the Saints and holy ones and that at all times they should render praise honour and glory unto him because he was slain Rev. 5. 13 14. and Chap. 7. 10. He gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world To him be glory for ever and ever Amen Gaâ— 1. 4 5. He
also instructs us whose they are in a peculiar consideration who are so bought and that is not their own nor sins or Satans but the Lords they are his whom he hath purchased with his own blood he hath an only right to them and property and interest in them Doubtless he is their Father that hath bought them Deut. 32. 6. though Abraham be ignorant of them and Israel acknowledg them not â—e is their father their redeemer from everlasting is his name Isa 63. 16. And the consideration hereof is very proper and powerful 1. To engage them to be and abide for him and not play the harlot not to be for another so will he also be for them Hos 3. 1 2 3. Ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are his 1 Cor. 6. 19 20. Debters they are not to the flesh to live after the flesh for it did not redeem them therefore they are not to live to or after it or the lusts of men Rom. 8. 12 13. 1 Pet. 4. 1 2. and they are bought with a price therefore they should not be the servants of men 1 Cor. 7. 23. But to them to live should be Christ and God in Christ before and besides whom they should have no other God no fellow-creature as the object of their religious worship Exod. 20. 2 3 c. Psal 100. 1-3 Psal 116. 9-16 17. with Exod. 21. 2-6 This is the Character given of them that were redeemed from the Earth and from amongst men they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Rev. 14. 3 4. Tit. 2. 14. Deut. 32. 5 6 7. 2. And it may encourage and strengthen them to come with boldness to the Throne of grace that they may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need and to hope and be confident that in following him and cleaving to him with full purpose he will not forsake them but will save sanctifie and satisfie them and perfect whatsoever concerns them because they are his peculiarly redeemed ones Psal 31. 2-5 To this end the Lord thus speaks to his people in former times Fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine when thou passest thorow the waters I will be with thee c. Isa 43. 1 2 3 5. This Argument the Prophâ—t David makes use of saying I am thine save me Psal 119. 94. I am thy servant give me understanding Ver. 1â—4 126. O turn unto me and have mercy upon me give thy strength unto thy servants and save the son of thy handmaid c. Psal 86. 16. And the Church of God generally thus addresses it self unto the Lord Remember thy congregation thou hast purchased of old the rod of thine inheritance thou hâ—st redeemed c. Psal 74. â— Isa 63. 15-19 4. In that these holy Ones with thankfulness acknowledg to the Lamb tâ—ou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and peâ—ple and nation So it informs us that the four living creatures and twenty-four Elders were not of the Jews only but also of the Gentiles Rom. 9. 24 26. yea some of them it seems of Esau's posâ—eâ—iâ—y for they were one nation also and by faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esaâ— concerning things to come Heb. 11. 20. Deut. 23. 7 8. some of them were of the less loved or comparatively hated nations and people there may be and surely are in or of every nation such as fear God and work righteousness and so are accepted of him Act. 10. 33 34. so before the partition-wall was wholly broken down and before the Apostles put in execution their large Commission for going into all the world and Preaching the Gospel according to the Revelation of the mystery to every creature of all the Nations there were abiding at Jerusalem Jews devout men out of every nation under heaven Act. 2. 1-5 And why should we not think that there are now hearty believers and such as are redeemed unto God out of every kindred c. seeing now the place of the Tent of the Church is enlarged and the curtains of her habitations stretched forth c. Isa 54. 1-3 and 60. 1-8 surely there is blessing in Christ the seed of Abraham Isaac and Jacob â—or all the nations families and kindreds of the earth Gen. 22. 18. and 26. 4. and chap. 28. 14. Act. 3. 25 26. and the Gospel to be preached to them as it is said I saw another Angel fly in the midst of heaven having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and or even to every nation and kindred and tongue and people Chap. 14. 6 7. Act. 26. 17 18 Mark 16. 15. with Matth. 28. 19. yea doubtless to that end the Apostles had the gift of Tongues given to them and could speak to every kindred and tongue c. in their language and preached the Gospel plainly to them not to leave them without excuse or render them more miserable than they were before but that they might be turned unto God from all their sins and Idols to serve the living and true God Rom. 16. 25 26. As God sent Christ into the world so he sent his Apostles John 17. 18. and chap. 20 21. and that was not to condemn the world but that the world thorow him might be saved Joh. 3. 17. and chap. 12. 47. with Act. 13. 47. 2 Cor. 5. 20. and that in or of every nation some are and others might be of God's redeemed ones here appears in these living creatures and elders for they were redeemed out of every kindred and tongue c. They are Instances and Examples of the grace of God to every nation and people and of the truth hereof 1 Tim. 1. 13 15 16. and those of the redeemed ones in the choice sense who are still on the earth being of every tongue may declare the Gospel to every tongue and language and being of every kindred people and nation they are akin after the flesh to every one and may say of all nations and kindreds respectively as Paul said of the Jews They are our brethren our kinsmen according to the flesh and therefore having a natural and national affection to them having also known and believed the kindness and love or pity of God to mankind their hearts-desire and prayer to God for them should be that they might be saved Rom. 9. 1-3 and chap. 10. 1. and they ought and surely being led by the spirit do indeavour instrumentally after their ability to redeem their brethren and kinsmen as Nehem. 5. 8. whether in â— more private or publick consideration John 1. 40 41. Act. 10. 24. Mark 5. 18 19. And the end of the Lamb in redeeming these out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation was for the good of the residue of all kindreds and tongues c. As the Apostle saith God at
6. Riches of Wisdom and Understanding In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Col. 2. 3. Yea all the riches and fulness of grace and spiritual blessings are treasured up in him Joh. 1. 14 16. Eph. 1. 3 7. Col. 1. 19. and ch 2. 9 10. 1 Pet. 3. 7. and riches of glory Joh. 17. 5. Eph. 3. 16. Phil. 4. 19. 2 Thes 2. 14. And these are the true Riches Luke 16. 11. As Christ is said to be the true Light the true Bread the true Vine that is they are the most excellent Riches more excellent than these which are here below Heb. 10. 34. As will appear if we consider 1. The excellent nature of them they are spiritual but the other earthly and natural Rom. 15. 27. 1 Cor. 9. 11. and ch 15. 44 46. These true Riches are such as the holy Spirit is directing us to and glorifying before us Joh. 16. 14 15. whereas our own wisdom which is sensual and devilish is leading us to labour to be rich here below and to lay up for our selves treasures on earth Jam. 3. 15. with Prov. 23. 4. And the true Riches are such as are proper to enrich the Souls and Spirits of Men how poor soever they are as to these outward riches Prov. 24. 4. 2 Cor. 6. 10. Jam. 2. 5. Rev. 2. 9. 2. The true Riches are certain and durable Heb. 10. 34. whereas the other are called and are uncertain Riches 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. and such as are but for a moment Wilt thou set thine Eyes on that which is not for Riches certainly make to themselves wings they flee like an Eagle toward Heaven Prov. 23. 4 5. And at furthest they will leave us at death Ps 49. 16 17. Luke 12. 19 20. Riches are not for ever Prov. 28. 24. And on this account the Holy Ghost admonisheth them that be rich in this World not to be high-minded nor trust in these Riches because they are uncertain But contrarywise to do good therewith and to be rich in good works c. 1. Tim. 6. 17 18. But the true Riches which the Lamb hath worthily received are certain and permanent Riches and Honour are with me saith Wisdom yea durable Riches Prov. 8. 10 18 22 The things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. 3. The Riches here below are empty and unsatisfying Vanity of Vanities saith the Preacher Vanity of Vanities all is Vanity Eccles 1. 2. He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver nor he that loveth abundance with increase this is also vanity Eccles 5. 10. These Riches will not satisfie Mens Souls nor fill their Bowels Ezek. 7. 19. Eccles 2. 8 11. Hab. 3. 5. Men in labouring for these things labour for that which will not satisfie Isay 55. 2. But now these excellent Riches of Christ are such as will indeed satisfie and give compleat contentment to the Soul He will cause them that love him to inherit substance and he will fill all their treasures Prov. 8. 19 21. They shall be satisfied with favour Deut. 33. 23. with Prov. 8. 32 35. He that cometh to him shall never hunger and he that believeth on him shall never thirst Joh. 6. 35. Mat. 5. 6. And how can they but be satisfied who have the Lord the possessor of Heaven and Earth for their Shepherd and Portion Ps 23. 1 3. and 73. 25 96. and 119. 57. and 142. 5. with Isay 61. 7. Jer. 10. 16. The Almighty to be their Gold Job 22. 24 26. 4. The Riches which are here below are unprofitable they will not profit us in a day of wrath Prov. 11. 4. they will not deliver Men from the wrath of God Ezek. 7. 19. Zeph. 1. 18. Will he esteem thy Riches no not Gold c. Job 36. 18 19. nor will they obtain his favour though a Man would give all the substance of his House for his love it would utterly be contemned Cant. 8. 7. nor will they purchase or procure his Spirit Act. 8. 18 20. Though a Man could gain the whole VVorld yet he may lose his own Soul and so be miserable forever Mat. 16. 26. But the true Riches which the Lamb hath worthily received and is possessed of will stand us instead and be of advantage to us when we most stand in need of help and comfort Righteousness which answers to Riches will deliver from death and wrath Prov. 11. 4 6. and ch 10. 2. Even that of Christ and God in him And so the knowledge of God in Christ Prov. 11. 9. that is a treasure indeed Col. 2. 3. yea this is life eternal to know him the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Joh. 17. 3. Eccles 7. 12. 1 Tim. 4. 8. with ch 3. 16. 5. Nay the Riches here below are usually hurtful and too often very hurtful to Men thorow their Idolatrous esteem thereof and lust thereto Eccles 5. 13. The cares of this World and the deceitfulness of Riches c. entring in choak the Word and it becometh unfruitful Mark 4. 19. So our Saviour saith How hardly shall they that have Riches enter into the Kingdom of God Mark 10. 23 25. 2 Pet. 1. 5. VVe are very apt to pollute our selves therewith to trust in them covet after them be high-minded in our enjoyment of them or place our hearts and affections upon them and by these things hurt and harm our selves 1 Tim. 6. 17. Ps 62. 10. But there is a Treasure to be desired worthy to be desired and which lawfully and with God's allowance and therefore without prejudice or pollution we may desire Prov. 21. 20. that Treasure in the Heavens that faileth not Luke 12. 33. that Treasure hid in a Field Mat. 13. 44. to wit Jesus Christ and those Riches of Life Grace and Glory which are treasured up in him for Mankind VVe may covet earnestly these best things the Lord himself and his unsearchable Riches which are preached and commended to us in the Gospel Eph. 3. 8 9. Oh then if we would be rich indeed come we unto and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Jam. 2. 1 5. Come we unto him and buy we of him Gold tried in the Fire that we may be made rich Rev. 3. 18. his Disciples and hearty followers are such as are rich indeed how poor soever they are among Men Luke 6. 20. 2 Cor. 8 9. Rev. 2. 9. 3. And Wisdom Counsel is his and sound Wisdom Prov. 8. 12 14. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom Col. 2. 3. Christ crucified is the Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1. 23 24. And he is full of Wisdom on him rests the Spirit of VVisdom and understanding c. Isay 11. 1 3. So as he knows all things 2 Sam. 14. 20. Eccles 7. 12. he knows God the Father and he only originally immediately and perfectly Joh. 8. 55. and ch 10. 15. He is in the Bosome of the
2. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 8. He is the King and Fountain of it yâ—a he is the glory of the Israel of God Ps 24. 7 9. Luke 2. 32 And they are callled to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ and shall appear in it Ps 84. 11 12. 2 Thes 2. 14. When Christ who is their Life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in glory Col. 3. 4. 2 Tim. 2. 10. They shall then have a glorious Body also their vile Body shall be changed and fashioned into the likeness of his glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. As they have born the Image of the earthy they shall also bear the Image of the heavenly 1 Cor. 15. 49. And they shall then have the glorious fulness of the Spirit of which now they have but a first-fruits Rom. 8. 23. And shall reign in glory he will then compass them with a Crown of glory Prov. 4. 7 9. 7. And Blessing This also the innumerable company of Angels acknowledges the Lamb to be worthy to receive And this we may look upon 1. More generally As blessing signifies all that is truly good and desirable as many times in Scripture it doth as Deut. 33. So good and blessing are used the one for the other Compare Deut. 30. 15. with v. 19. And so God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Eph. 1. 3. with all the blessings of goodness As it is said Thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness Ps 21. 3. He is full of grace and truth Joh. 1. 14 16. In him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily And in him we are compleat Col. 1. 19. and 2. 9 10. In him there is the blessing of forgiveness Rom. 4. 6 7. with Eph. 1. 7. Col. 1. 14. In him is the blessing of righteousness Dan. 9. 24. Isay 45. 24. And he that hath clean hands and a pure heart c. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation Ps 24. 1 5. On him is the Spirit that great blessing Isay 44. 3. with ch 11. 2. and 42. 1. Joh. 3. 34. In him is the blessing of Life of eternal Life Deut. 30. 19. Here indeed God hath prepared for us and given to us the blessing even life for evermore Ps 133. 3. with 1 Joh. 5. 11 Joh. 1. 4. And in due season he shall gloriously receive the blessing of Abraham even the heavenly Country and Inheritance for himself and his Seed Gen. 28. 4. with Gal. 3. 16 29. And in him there is blessing for all the Nations and Families of the Earth Gen. 22. 18. and 26. 4. and ch 28. 14. Act. 3. 25. with Gal 3. 13 14. Psal 72 17. Isay 25. 6. Luke 2. 31 32. Mat. 22. 4 8. Luke 14. 16 17 21. 2. Or as blessing is taken more paticulary and strictly for praise or being well and honourably spoken of and for thanks So he is to be praised thanked and so blessed by us and by all especially by his Saints and holy ones 1 Tim. 1. 13. So blessing and giving thanks are used indifferently and put one for the other Compare Mat. 26. 26 27. and Mark 14. 22 23. with Luke 22. 19. and 1 Cor. 11. 24. Mark 8. 6 7 As also are to bless and praise As I will bless the Lord at all times his praise shall be continually in my Mouth Ps 34. 1. So usually to bless signifies to praise or speak well of as Ps 100. 4. and 103. 1 2 21 22. and 115. 17 18 c. Thus indeed we have cause abundantly and everlastingly to bless him even to give thanks unto him and to speak well of him and praise him with our whole hearts and souls he ought to be daily praised by us Ps 72. 15. for his wonderful pity and kindness towards us that love of his that passeth knowledge in dying for all rising and ascending c. As it is said God is gone up with a shout even he that first descended into the lower-parts of the Earth the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet Sing praises unto our God sing praises sing praises unto our King sing praises Sing ye praises with understanding or every one that hath understanding Psal 47. 6 7. and 68. 18 20. And for his amiableness in every respect He is altogether lovely no spot or blemish in him Cant. 5. 10 16. He is fairer than the Children of Men grace is poured into his lips therefore God hath blessed him for ever And therefore also saith the Psalmist I will make thy Name to be remembred in all Generations therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever Psal 45. 1 2 10. with v. 17. He is beautiful and glorious excellent and comly and there is none deserves on these accounts so much to be praised as he Isay 4. 2. with 2 Sam. 14. 25. And he hath power to bless us also and God having raised him sends him 1. Preventingly to bless all in their proper seasons and ages in turning every one of them from their iniquities Act. 3. 25 26. for him hath God exalted with his right hand a Prince and Saviour to give repentance to sinful and rebellious ones Act. 5. 31. And he comes by his Servants in his Gospel to open the Eyes of Jews and Gentiles and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of their sins c. Act. 26. 17 18. 2. And especially and with peculiar and following blessings he comes to bless them that believe as he blessed Abraham the Father of the faithful Heb. 7. 6. He forgives them their sins even as David describeth the blessedness of the Man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered c. Rom. 4. 5 7. Act. 10. 43. and 13. 39. He makes them accepted in himself who is Jehovah our righteousness Eph. 1. 3 6. They shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of their salvation Ps 24. 5. with v. 1. He pours out his Spirit unto them and makes known his words unto them Prov. 1. 23. Isay 44. 3. Joh. 7. 37 38. And gives unto them eternal life and will in due season raise them up to the glorious enjoyment thereof for this is the will of him that sent him that every one that seeth the Son and believeth on him should have everlasting life and he will raise them up at the last day Joh. 6. 40 44. and 10 27 28. and 17. 2 3. 2. Of whom is the Lamb that was slain worthy to receive those excellent things before mentioned and in some little measure spoken to And to that we may say 1. He is worthy to receive them of God his Father and hath from him received all power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing
1 31. for he made all things for himself Prov. 16. 4. He heard in vision every creature so extraordinarily was he strengthned thereto But some may say how could this possibly be how could the Apostle John possibly hear every creature which is in Heaven c. Ans 1. That he did so it behoves us to believe because the truth thereof is assured to us by the Apostle yea by the holy spirit who is truth it self for he speaks and saith this also to the Churches 2. And why should it be thought a thing incredible that God should enable him in Spirit in Heaven ch 4. 1 2. 2 Cor. 12. 1 4. to hear every creature when the Devil a creature a fallen creature in a moment of time shewed unto our Lord Jesus all the Kingdoms of the World and all the glory thereof Mat. 4. 8. Luke 4. 5. or why more incredible or impossible then to hear that innumerable company of Angels or many other things which he heard not with his bodily ears but in Spirit in or after a visional manner Rev. 5. 11 12. and 7. 4 9 10 c. And herein we may have some glimpse of the excellent state and condition the Saints are now in who are absent from the body and present with the Lord even the Spirits of just men made perfect Heb. 12. 23. and what glory and excellency they shall arrive at when their bodies shall be raised and they shall compleatly and gloriously be Spiritual men then they shall be perfect as to attainment which none are while in mortal bodies Phil. 3. 11 12. Now the best see in part and know in part but when that which is perfect is come then that which is in part shall be done away 1 Cor. 13. 8 9 12. they shall then be equal to the Angels Luke 20 35 36. yea they shall be like to Christ so far as meer creatures are capable Now are we the Sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is 1 Joh. 3. 1 2 3. 1 Cor. 15. 48 49. 2. We have a more particular account by way of enumeration what he means by or what is contained in and under every creature And that is 1. Which is in Heaven Here he begins first in this more particular account because it is the most excellent place and part of Gods Creation Heaven is Gods Throne and the Earth his Footstool Isay 66. 1. Acts 7. 48 49. And in Heaven are the glorious Spirits and Angels c. Now by every Creature which is in Heaven we may understand the Sun Moon Planets twelve Signs or Constellations and Stars 2 King 23. 5. these are often called the Host of Heaven Deut. 4. 19. and 17. 3. and here God placed them Gen. 1. 8. 14 15. 17. and herewith he hath garnished the Heavens Job 26. 13. and hereby he gives light to us that are upon the Earth Psal 19. 1 5 6. and the clouds of Heaven Matth. 24. 30. and 26. 64. in which the waters above the Heavens these inferiour ones are inclosed and contained Psal 148. 4. as it is said He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds and the cloud is not rent under them Job 26. 8. from whence comes the rain when God commandeth which is frequently said to be rain from Heaven Job 36. 27 29. Judg. 5. 4. Psal 77. 17. Eccles 11. 3. Acts 14. 17. and from whence also descendeth the dew as Solomon saith The clouds drop down the dew Prov. 3. 20. which dew comes from Heaven hence 't is oft-times called the dew of Heaven Gen. 27. 28 39. Deut. 33. 28. Dan. 4. 15 23 25 33. Zech. 8. 12. the winds of Heaven Dan. 7. 2. and 8. 8. and 11. 4. Zech. 2. 6. Frost also comes from Heaven as the Lord saith Out of whose womb came the Ice and the hoary Frost of Heaven who hath gendred it Job 38. 29. as also Hail Rev. 16. 21. Snow Job 37. 6. Isay 55. 10. Thunder and Lightning 1 Sam. 2. 10. and ch 7. 10. out of the Throne which is in Heaven proceeded thundrings and lightnings Rev. 4. 5. And so we read often of the Fowls of Heaven as He maketh us wiser than the Fowls of Heaven Job 35. 11. and the Fowls of Heaven hath he given into thine hand Dan. 2. 38. and 4. 12 21. Rev. 19 17. Gen. 1. 20. so of some of them particularly it is said as the Stork in the Heaven Jer. 8. 7. and the Eagles of Heaven Lam. 4. 19. Fire also is oftentimes said to coâ—e down from Heaven 2 Kings 1. 10 12 14. with Luk. 9. 54. Job 1. 6. though yet it is also on the earth as also are many other things we have mentioned which are said to be of and from Heaven As he saith to the Snow Be thou on the Earth likewise to the small rain and to the great rain of his strength Job 37. 6. And the like we might say of other things fore-named 2. And on the Earth which is full of the goodness mercy and riches of the Lord Psal 33. 5. and 104. 24. and 119. 64. In which are Kings of the Earth and all people Princes and all Judges of the Earth both young Men and Maidens old Men and Children Psal 148. 11 12. and other Creatures as trees fruitful or fruit-bearing trees and others for mans use and service Gen. 1. 11 12. Deut. 20. 19 20. Psal 148. 7 9. grass herbs Gen. 1. 11 12 29. Psal 104. 14. Cattel and Beasts of the Earth and four footed Creatures Gen. 1. 24 25. Psal 148. 7 10. Job 35. 11. Isay 18. 6. Act. 10. 12. Rom. 1. 23. creeping things and flying fowls which have wings and yet remain tame on the Earth Psal 148. 7 10. Gen. 1. 24 25. Lev. 11. 21 29 41 42 44 46. Mountains and all Hills Psal 148. 7 9. Corn and Wine and Oyl Gen. 27. 28. Deut. 7. 13. Job 28. 5. Psal 104. 15. Pretious things of the Earth Deut. 33. 14 16. Dragons and all deeps c. Psal 148. 7 8. Gen. 3. 1. 3. And under the Earth We may read these two sentences to wit this and the following thus And under the Earth even such as are in the Sea As And is often explicative and many times rendred even in Scripture And so indeed the Sea is under or beneath the Earth and so by consequence the things that are therein as it is said In the Earth beneath or in the waters under the Earth Exod. 20. 4. Deut. 4. 18. and 5. 8. Hence also men are said to go down to the Sea because it is beneath or under the Earth Psal 107. 23. Isay 42. 10. Joh. 6. 16. and God hath stretched out the Earth above the Waters for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136. 6. And what is also said before in verse 3. of this Chapter might confirm this sense for
in pity and compassion to it and to preserve it from falls and dangers whereto it is more liable than the rest of its brethren so it is here so Christ as a gracious and careful shepherd takes those of his flock which are weakest neerest to him not to signifie that they are more excellent than the more strong but to shew his abundant care towards and tendring of them according to their greater infirmity Thus it is said of him He shall feed his flock like a shepherd he shall gather the lambs with his arm and carry them in his bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young Isa 40. 11. And in this order he gives instruction unto the Apostle Peter as with respect to his flock first to feed his lambs and afterwards saith he feed my sheep feed my sheep John 21. 15 17. And this order the Apostle John observed when he writes to the believers that were of several degrees he first writes to the weakest the little children to comfort encourage and strengthen them 1 John 2. 12 13 14. Rom. 14. and chap. 15. 1-3 Christ gathers his young and tender chickens under his wings like an Hen to secure and defend them from ravenous â—owls and birds of prey Matth. 23. 37. with Psal 91. 1 3 4. and Psal 36. 7 8. And thus the living creatures are disposed in this vision they are in the midst of the throne and round about the throne which might therefore engage them to worship him in his glorious sanctuary who sits thereon as it is said Vow and pay unto the Lord your God let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared he is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him Psal 76. 11. and 89. 6 7. and it might encourage them to lift up the hands which hang down and confirm the feeble knees considering the eye of the Lord is upon them and his tender care and compassion towards them while they are infirm and weak and meet with much tribulation and manifold occasions of trembling while they are in this world Hâ—bak 3. 16 18 19. and it might strengthen them also to let their moderation be known unto all men because the Lord is nigh at hand unto them and to be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to let their requests be made known to God Phil. 4. 4 5 6 7. Psal 33. 18 19. 4. What is imported and signified to us in this that these living creatures are said to be full of eyes before and behind Answ 1. By eyes here some understand quick-sighted men such persons as were of a great and quick understanding who were in and amongst the four living creatures even in the Church of God on earth and so sometimes in the Scripture such persons may be called eyes so Moses said unto Hobab his Father-in-law Leave us not I pray thee for as much as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness and thou mayest be to us instead of or for eyes Numb 10. 29 31. and Job saith of himself I was eyes to the blind Job 29. 15. and so indeed in the mystical or congregational body of Christ there are some persons compared to the eye as others also are to the ear hand and foot Hence the Apostle saith The eye cannot say unto the hand I have no need of thee c. 1 Cor. 12. 13-21 and the work of such as are compared to the eyes is to guide and direct the residue of the body instrumentally and ministerially Heb. 13. 7 17. and the Church hath many such amongst them many that are rich in knowledg and indued with great understanding that are as eyes to the residâ—e of the body and may be called Seers as in former times the Prophets and leaders of the people were called for he that was afterwards called a Prophet was before-time called a seer 1 Sam. 9. 9 11. so the people said to the Seers See not and to the prophets Prophesie not unto us right things c. Isa 30. 8 10. and the Prophet speaking of the Judgment of God in blinding their teachers thus expresseth it The Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep and hath closed your eyes But what doth he there mean by eyes He shews what he intends thereby in what follows immediately saying the prophets and your rulers the Seers hath he covered Isa 29. 10. But though this be a good and useful sense and understanding of the word eyes and is and may be well included yet it may not be restrained hereto to lift up some above measure and cast down others nor that the whole body besides should only see by these eyes for so it may come to pass That the blind may lead the blind and both fall into the ditch for these eyes may be covered as we have seen Isa 29. 10 13. and the Apostle would have all the believers to make use of their own judgment even when he spake unto them 1 Cor. 10. 15. and no otherwise to be followers of him than as he was an imitater of Jesus Christ and thereto they ought to make use of their own proper eyes 1 Cor. 11. 1. And therefore 2. By the living creatures being full of eyes may be also and most fully meant they were filled with knowledg and understanding in some degree as is also signified in ver 8. though yet they may still be fuller as the Apostle saith to the Church of the Romans in general I my self also am perswaded of you my brethren that ye also are filled with all knowledg c. Rom. 15. 14. and to the same purpose he speaks unto the Church of God at Corinth saying In every thing ye are enriched by Christ in all utterance and in all knowledg 1 Cor. 1. 5. and the Apostle John writing to the believers in general saith unto them Ye have received an unction from the holy One and ye know all things 1 John 2. 20. so eyes signifie knowledg Numb 5. 13. and Chap. 16. 14. Job 28. 21. or understanding Hence they are called the eyes of the understanding Eph. 1. 18. And thus it is with the Church of the living God eâ—pecially in these last ages they are full of knowledg and understanding as compared with Gods professed people in former times the true light now shineth and the darkness is past 1 John 2. 7 8. and as our Saviour saith to his disciples Blessed are their eyes for they see to wit the things which many righteous ones desired to see and did not see them Matth. 13. 16 17. Christ hath come into the world and finished the work in his own personal body which the Fâ—ther gave him to do upon the earth he hath been delivered for our offences and is raised again for our justification and hath in our nature