denied the instrumentality of his Spirit be sure that in stead of a Zion such will erect a Babel and being ignorant where the green pastures of the Gospel lies they will like idle Shepherds either starve the sheep of their flocks or at least poyson them with unwholsome herbage And these I account as sufficient rules to try and examine false Apostles and Teachers by and to find them liars Object But an Objection may here arise from him that hath the first call of abilities from God That if I count it so necessary for him to denominate him Orthodox in his call to have the additional call of the church also But then saith he to what church shall I repair to receive this call seeing there are so many that are pretenders to be the true and right churches of Christ and that the alone ordaining authority is in them and not in others This is indeed locus lubricus a slippery question and I should be loth to deal with it lest I should offend the contrary minded by ventilating my judgement herein but I profess ingeniously it was neither men nor parties self interests nor by-affections that did lead me first to this undertaking but only the general good of christians unto which the Lord moved my heart with much singleness of Spirit being clearly unbyassed and not so over-much engaged to any of the new parties of these times but that I can reserve my judgement free to close with truth wheresoever I can find it And therefore I think it not amiss but to prosecute my first intendment in the singleness of heart to endeavour to clear up truth according to the scantle of my judgement not as walking in the clouds but in plainness and perspicuity though for my reward I may have his hire that traced truth so near at the heels that had his teeth dashed out for his pains but if I be a fool herein yet being reputed a fool for the promotion of truth it will be some comfort and if I suffer loss herein yet this consideration will consolate Magnis tamen excidit Ausis First then to the business Understand that the word Church in Scripture is ordinarily taken to avoid all criticizing upon the word to be the company of the faithful gathered out of all Nations by the ministry of the Word and Spirit and this I conceive to be the genuine definition of the church which may abundantly be made good both by good authority and Scripture Now this church is either more improperly first called the invisible church or secondly more properly the visible church The invisible church comprehends only the elect and seeing their number to us are unknown therefore they are denominated invisible But secondly The visible church is either to be taken for the visible universal catholique church or secondly for a visible particular political church Now the question is concerning the church in this last notion for 't is apparent the invisible church as invisible hath not to do in visible and outward ordinances Neither secondly the visible universal church can by themselves or others their representatives convene for the institution of Officers for how can it stand with conveniency or with the least shew of reasonableness that all the churches of Christ dispersed and planted in the various and far distant corners and Ilands of the world should either by themselves or their representing Officers meet together in one catholique assembly for the disposing and conferring of all mediate calls and Offices And therefore Christ hath ordained that All wise order and gubernation in and over his mystical body the church that every part of this universal body I mean every particular christian assembly of the church catholique for every particular is part of the whole should have within their own limits and jurisdiction a full power to exercise all the offices and ordinances which Christ hath given and instituted for the good and edification of his church unto the end of the world Neither is the church to be called catholique in respect of any her Officers for we know no such office since the first Apostles that were so extraordinary gifted as to have the denomination of Catholique authority over the universal church though they may be accounted to have Jus ad rem fit to be officers of any parts of the catholique church and so to have a potential right thereunto yet actual they have not before their particular calls does invest them into Jus in re as well as their gifts and abilities does to Jus ad rem But the profession of that catholique universal faith which is one and the same in all churches over the whole world that gives denomination to the universal or catholique church therefore the results and conclusions of combined Churches Provincial or National may be only admitted as prudentially binding and obliging as Ecclesiastical Laws and Canons but not as having a divine authority stamped upon them though agreeable to the divine truth it self so that such constitutions are to be received and embraced not solely virtute authoritatis convocation is sed virtute veritatis propositae which if the same conclusions were enjoyned by a particular christian political church were to be received by all of that church not only for the truths sake therein but in submission to the divine authority of the church that commands and institutes them Such is the difference between prudential Ecclesiastique Edicts and Ecclesiastique divine Institutions the one is humane and binding only prudentially the other is divine and obligeth conscienciously These considerations being cleared I come to answer the question to what particular visible church must a candidate apply himself for a mediate authoritative call and mission to receive it rightly and according to the mind of God and satisfaction of a good Conscience I answer and take leave here first to distinguish and take notice between the bene esse and the esse of a call There may be particular churches which I cannot deny but to be truly churches of Christ but not true ones that is they may have being in Christ by faith as branches in the Vine yet mixed with much rottenness and unsoundness and as a leprous person is a man yet a sorry one so a church holding the faith which is as the soul and life thereof yet entertaining much corruption and errour may be truly called a christian church but a sad one So the Ministerial call does answer the constitution of the churches from whence they proceed It s observable that the off-springs constitution do follow the parents temperature strong issues are not to be expected of sickly parents Fortes creantur fortibus as Seneca so in politique bodies of particular churches if they are found and healthy in the faith their off springs are strong and healthy also then their officers and ordinances will be lively efficacious and virtual If ootherwise be with them they will lose much of their vigour life and vertue and
GULLELMUS HICKS GEN. ATATâ—S 〈◊〉 1658. Though Thou no Prophet art nor Prophets Son Without their Spirit this could ne're be done Though Brightman Napeir Mede are gone to rest Their Sp'rite yet liues redoubled in thy Breast Yee that have cast th' Apocalyps to ground Because so dark mysterious and profound Why take it up againe and use this Glasse T will then no longer for a Mystriè passe D Loggan del et sculp ἈΠΟΚΆΛΥΨΙΣ ἈΠΟΚΆΛΥΨΕΩΣ OR The Revelation Revealed Being a Practical EXPOSITION On the Revelation of St JOHN Whereunto is annexed a small Essay Entituled Quinto-Monarchiae Cum QUARTO ὉΜΟΛΟΓΊΑ OR A Friendly Complyance BETWEEN Christ's Monarchy AND THE MAGISTRATES By William Hicks Gent. Somtime of Wadham Colledge in Oxon Now living near the Mount in Cornwal Dan. 2.28 There is a God in heaven that revealeth Secrets and maketh known uâ—… the King what shall be in the latter days Rev. 1.3 Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Propheâ—… and keep those things which are written herein for the time is at hand A Deo principium Dabit Deus his quoque finem LONDON Printed by J. Macock for Daniel White and sold at his Shop at the Seven Stars in St Pauls Churchyard 1659. To the Right Worshipful Sr Richard Chyverton Late Lord Mayor of the Honourable City of LONDON SIR I Take the boldness to present unto You this Essay on the Revelation of S. John and I hope for this my Address and for prefixing your most worthy Name to this Discourse I shall not be judged either unseasonable or presumptuous Considering not only the great Honour and Devotion I bear to your most Worthy Name and Person but being also bound in Gratitude to Revive the Memory of that most Generous and Noble Family of the Chyvertons of Kerris your Worthy Kinsmen To whom I being obliged by so many real Benefits and neer Relations that I knew not how to manifest a better Retaliation then by a Revival of their most Worthy Memories in the Dedication of this Discourse to your Worships Protection who is the only Surviving Branch of that Ancient and Truly Generous Family of the Chyvertons of our County of Cornwal But by the way I shall take leave to assure you being not altogether ignorant of the ends and ayms that most men lay before themselves in such Dedications that it was least in my intention to affix hereunto your Honourable Name thereby to add a countenance to any private opinions of mine much less was it in my eye to raise an esteem upon my weak endeavours by insinuating the least complyance in your Worships judgement in many things I have written herein let them stand or fall according to the Truth and Reason therein manifested I quite disclaim any such pretences in having any Interest in my Plea for this my Application unto your Worthy Self But if the least measure of the Truth of God be herein found I trust it will be no dishonour to your Self nor to the greatest amongst men that such walk under the countenance of your Authority and great Names But what herein shall justly appear heterodox and dissentaneons from the Word of God let it not have the least approbation or countenance from man but let it rather be as an abortive birth and dye for ever never to have a resurrection more Thus having wiped off the sinister Interpretations for this Application In the next place be pleased to take a view of what is here tendered when the urgency of your great and important affairs will permit it being an Interpretation on part of the Book of John's Divine Prophesies wherein God's various dealings with his Church and people as also with the Empires of the world under whose power they come under are under most lively Prophetical Representations and Hyerogliphique Figures discovered and made known even from the time of the giving of that Prophesie unto the end of the world And you know 't is a common Custome amongst most men to get a Prognostication in the ending of the old year to inform themselves of the Accidents and Events that are likely to be in the ensuing year Lo now about the end of this year I present You with this first part of this Divine Ephemerides composed by the skilfullest Astronomer that ever was There is now no need of upholding that wretched practice of running to the Wizards or Star-gazers to know the Events and Successes of Churches States and Kingdoms We have here a full Discovery from himself who created the Stars and knows their course and calls them all by their Names who looseth the bands of Orion and binds up the influence of the Pleiades Men may conjecture and their conjecture fail they talk of the heavens but never were there for a full discovery but here then the Lord of Heaven and Earth and he that created the Seas telling and foretelling Signs and Wonders not for a day or a moneth or a year but for many years even until the end of the World not only the events of our present old year but the accidents also of the New year that is of the other life The Mathematicians of this world never dream'd of that great day wherein a thousand years should make up but one great and glorious day Only this Book the Saints great Almanack reports this and therefore I believe it Aristotle could not conceive that the World should end because he never understood how it did begin but behold a greater then Aristotle is here Christ hath taught of the end and given Notes and Signs to discern this end I doubt not but you will perceive and finde how singular useful the knowledge of these Prophesies will be to all persons but especially to such as have their hands much employed in the great Affairs of the World so that when their Lord and Master cometh with ten thousands of his Angels to call them to an account of their Stewardship how comfortable then will the contemplation be that they in their several Generations have employed their Interests Power and Authority in the World for Christ and his people against Antichrisâ— and its Adherents Those Christian Worâ—thies that have already long since fallen asleep with those that are alive at Christs second coming that have engaged on this account wiâ— be sure then to have an Euge bone Serve to be their portion and they that have ruled here for Christ shall then rule and reigne with him for ever But I desire not to be mistaken in this that I judge all is Antichrist that many in these days call Antichrist I know there is a true real Antichrist an opposite state to Christ and Truth under the Visor of Christ and Truth It is not every difference in Judgement or Religion that makes up Antichrist indeed oâ— late I finde it a State-knack of several parties and factions to brand their adversaries with those odious stiles of Antichrist Heretiques c. that they may
another two horned Beast joyntly raging and reigning with the former at one and the same time which doth as much mischief to her as that secular Beast it self doth being the Ecclesiastique and Pseudo-prophetical Beast or Antichrist it self who is the former Beasts great chaplain Prophet and Vicar general who under pretence of Christ and Christian Religion having two horns like a Lamb yet exercises the cruelty of the Dragon and sets up again other under specious titles the late abolished heathenish Idolatry and tyrannous persecuting Government like that of the Dragons and so healeth the wound given to the first Beast This Beast's tokens qualities and characters are herein described that they that have wisdom may know and shun them 7. In the fourteenth chapter is observable how during the reigne of this antichristian beast the faithful followers of the Lamb by their continual publishing of the sincere Gospel of Christ they bring ruine and desolation upon spiritual or mystical Babylon the antichristian state and seat set forth under the cry of the three Angels but more particularly in the 15 and 16 chapters in the visions of the Vials and the effusions thereof are the particular gradual and final ruines of the anti-christian Beast with all the churches enemies more fully set forth and manifested at the pouring out whereof the church of Christ being freed and delivered from all anti-christs oppressions and idolatrous pollutions she sings her tryumphant song the song of Moses 8. In the seventeenth chapter that those precedent prophetical Visions and Discoveries may not seem improbable the Spirit it self gives the interpretation of the mystery of the great whore of Babylon sitting upon a scarlet coloured beast of seven heads and ten horns The Beast is the Roman Empire divided under ten Kings or Kingdoms The woman harlot is the great City to wit Rome it self which the Jesuites themselves cannot deny as in the preface hereof is more fully manifested which reigneth over the Kings of the earth the mother City of all spiritual fornications By this taste of the Spirit 's interpretation it plainly appears that the whole Book of Visions are to be applyed and explained historically and that every mysterie opens others to the discovery even of the whole 9. In the 18 and 19 chapters is but a more solemn reiterating of the execution of Gods wrath against the antichristian state with the horror anguish and utter desolations that should befal it and all the Churches combined enemies whereupon the Church being now freed from all dangers gives praise power and glory unto God And in chap. 20. enjoys that happy sabbath of rest that glorious reigne on earth for a thousand years that great day of judgement beginning with the first resurrection and determined with the last and universal resurrection of all the dead when all Christs enemies shall be taken and cast into hell to be tormented for evermore and the Saints translated into the glorified estate that heavenly City the new Jerusalem the spouse of Christ which came down from heaven to reigne with him for ever and ever 10. In 21 and 22 chapters you may observe the glorious description of this new glorified Church-state which came down from heaven set forth by most excellent metaphors and figures wherein all spiritual delicacies in a far higher pitch then the church ever yet enjoyed on earth set forth unto us by such resemblances figures as is now most glorious to our capacities and fittest to express such heavenly and spiritual matters whereupon follows a conclusion of the properties of that glory but never of the glory it self and so of the whole prophesie with a confirmation of the verity and truth thereof until the accomplishment of all These things being cleared and premised and having laid down a brief view of the scope and designe of the whole I come by Gods assistance and with a spirit of sobriety and with awe and reverence to open in the next place the mysteries of the book it self Remove not the stone well laid THE REVELATION Revealed Chap. I. Verse 1 2 3. Ver. 1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass and he sent and signified it by his Angel unto his servant John Ver. 2. Who bare Record of the word of God and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ and of all things that he saw Ver. 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand HAving formerly by way of Introduction premised some things and amongst the rest who is the Author of this Revelation and that is Jesus Christ and therefore here it is called The Revelation of Iesus Christ because he as the Mediator of his Church received it from the bosome of the Father in an unspeakable manner and made it known by his servant Iohn for the good and comfort of his servants the Church and Saints of God from this word or Title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Revelation you may observe Observ 1. That this is a book of Truths and Prophesies not hidden and sealed but made known and revealed for the comfort and edification of the church of Christ It is a Revelation of things and passages which must shortly come to pass verse 3. And how with reason could a blessing be promised to the keeping of the words of this Prophesie if it were not known what was to be read heard and kept We have further the testimony of the Spirit for it cap. 10. v 8. That the little book was an open book wherein is contained the great revolutions of the Church until the end of all and in chap. 22. v. 10. there is a positive command not to seal the prophesies of this book for the time is at hand Observ 2. From the Author of the Revelation Jesus Christ observe That all good things that God hath in his counsel determined to bestow and give unto his Church he doth give and bestow them in by and thorow Jesus Christ He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world the same yesterday to day and for ever He was the Angel of the Covenant and the keeper of Israel of old and is the same to us for ever It was he that bruised the Serpents head in the beginning upon our parents first transgression and it is he that is more then conqueror over all the powers of darkness now and for ever He was the same spiritual rock and way of salvation to the Patriarchs of old as he is now unto us and none ever did or shall come to the father or receive good from him but in by and thorow the Son who is the true light that lightneth every one that cometh into the world so that if Christ be yours then all is yours whether things present or things to come for Christ is God's 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Lastly
laid home close on the whole church of Thyatira for suffering the woman Jezabel and her prophetique delusions Now if it were alone in the Angels power of Thyatira to deal with these Balaamitish prophets the Spirit of Christ would especially lay the burden and reproof upon them to wit the Superintendents of the church but it is clearly notified unto us that the charge is wholly laid home upon the churches v. 17. Let him that hath an ear hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches Though I grant the Eldership or Officers may be the mouth of Christ unto the churches and again the churches mouth unto Christ and so they are his Ambassadors agitating in his name and are to precede in many duties in relation to the church yet the charge for admission and entertainment of heterodoxies and corruptions in the churches is not solely laid upon them but upon the whole churches so hence this is clearly evinced that those that are justly charged for the admission and permission of evil had an indubitable power and authority in themselves either not to admit it or being admitted to try it and cut it off by such means as are appointed for such ends but the whole church of Thyatira is justly charged for the admission and permission of corruptions among them therefore the conclusion is evident But this shall suffice herein See more hereon v. 20. following Object But is not this with the Papists to raise the jurisdiction of the church so high as to set it above the soveraignty of the Word I answer negatively for a Soveraign Prince receives no diminution of honour for his subordinate Ministers of State to receive that honour due unto their place neither so doth the Word lose at all of its glory for that the church hath its due honour put upon it also indeed the Word is suprema Lex the Standard the Rule and light by which all doctrines are tryed and discerned and being of Divine Revelation and in its self infallible must needs be above the authority and of a surer testimony then that which is mixed with much fallibility and imperfection as the choicest and purest churches ever were as those of Corinth Ephesus Galatia c. And as a Law of meer humane institution is reputed of so high authority that it binds the Legislators themselves and in that respect is above those that made it but much more the Word of God which is his Law and his revealed mind coming from so infinite and unerrable a Legislator as God is so far transcends the authority of any Judicature on earth as the wisdom of an infinite does a finite creature therefore must needs be binding to all to whom it is made known having such a perfection in it that whosoever is conversant therein it is able by the blessing of the Spirit to make him wise unto salvation and perfect in every good thing and work The Word unto the Church is as the Sun unto the Dial if the Dial be set right to the Sun it will give a right judgment of the time of the day so if the church gives a judgement according to the square and scantling of the Word it will be a righteous judgement but otherwise to make the Word subservient and to conclude unto the churches dictates is an undertaking to rectifie the course of the Sun unto the obliquity of the Dial which will prove Aethiopiam lvvare and most irrational So that church that keeps her self within her own sphere and tries and examines spirits and doctrines that are heterodox and unsound by the sound of the Word which is a most sure light and infallible cynosure doubtless that church will be led and preserved in all truth But if any one so far exalts its self as to conclude for truth its own dictates dissentaneous unto the Word but suiting with self-interest and designe the first may be a golden candlestick both precious and famous for its faith integrity and justice towards God and man but the latter will soon degenerate into an harlot-harlot-church if not soon become apostate to the faith The first is Christ's highest Judicature on earth wherein he takes delight to walk in as his Garden enclosed to view their pleasant fruits but the other Christ will look upon as a rotten Tree that cumbers the ground and serves only to be hewen down and cast into the fire Observ 4. Another Observation is That in the purest times and churches there are found great corruptions both in manners and doctrines In this famous church of Ephesus Corinth c. in the Apostles days were found both 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 evil ones and false ones such as pretended they were Apostles but were found liars and deceivers Amongst the twelve there was a Judas In that church in the Ark when the world and church had one and the same extent and boundaries in eight persons only yet one was a Cham and there was also a Cain when it was of a lesser number and but four in the world But here obiter and by the way we must be careful to distinguish between God's Decretive will and his Preceptive Will His Voluntas bene placiti and Voluntas signi as the Schools call it or his will of purpose and his will of good pleasure Not that there are two Wills in God but several and divers acts of one and the same Will as by the same will we love by the same will we hate by the same will we purpose one thing by the same will we command another thing yet they are not two contradictory wills but divers acts of one and the same will Diversa non sunt contraria Now though God may in his providential wisdom ordain false teachers and wicked persons to be found in his church for divers ends known unto God and more especially for the tryal of the faithful and the exaltation of his grace yet they are much mistaken that hence argue either for admission of wicked persons or unsound in the faith into the fellowship of the church or for their toleration therein after a discovery for it is the command of God to the contrary That we admit not such being known into the consortship of the church or being admitted upon discovery we tolerate them not for if they were to be admitted and tolerated quietly within the church then doubtless the church of Ephesus had not received that encomium and well done for their zeal against them nor the church of Thyatira that worthy reproof for the suffering that woman Jezabel amongst them therefore the one church did her duty and obeyed Christ's preceptive will and had the praise and glory for it the other neglected it and therefore had a just check laid upon her So that this question is to be stated de Jure non de Facto I confess de facto there may be evil persons false teachers in the best churches and purest times but de
wheresoever Idolatry is admitted into a church looseness and lasciviousness presently follows Errour is fruitful and one brings forth another Assoon as the church of Pergamus maintained the eating of things offered unto idols which is the service of divels presently they joyn hands with the obscene sect of the Nicolaitans when the Israelites joyned to the sacrifices of Baal Peor Numb 25. they became shameless and presently fell on the Midianitish women in Ezek. 8.14 we shall read that there were Jewish women weeping for Tammuz that is as some read it Adonis or an idol or image of Adonis who was a great lover of Venus and slain by a Boar in whose memory there were celebrated yearly solemnities in which were the weepings of women or as Junius has it it was Osyris an Idol of the Egyptians and Phoenicians in whose rites they forgot all bounds of modesty and discovered their nakedness to the Idol So corrupt is false worship and idolatry that it and filthiness do usually walk hand in hand together in most part◠〈◊〉 â—he jurisdiction of Rome but especially Italy and Spain â—ein the greatest and most notorious idolatries are committed and countenanced there are the greatest obscenities both in words and actions yea and that commonly practised among them which is unnatural and Sodomitish and not so much as to be named among christians so it was so here once within our memories with us as soon as we had tasted the same grapes of Rome lust was soon promoted both in Court and Country Quest But if you here demand wherein lies the mischievousness and grievousness of this sin of Idolatry I answer 1. All Idolaters they forsake the true God 2. They change the glory of the incorruptible God into the form of creeping things 3. They thrust out the Ordinances of God from their holy places and at last God himself 4. They slight God and his help in extremities and call to their idols that see not hear not nor understand as the Papists do to S. Anthony S. Francis c. 5. They become prodigal towards their idols as the Adulterer thinks nothing too much for his harlot so they nothing too much for their idolatrizing worship witness the church of Rome 6. They become unclean and Nicolaitans which thing God hates 7. They become fools infatuated and delivered over to a reprobate sense whilst they disclaim the great infinite glorious holy and all-wise God and in the room thereof adore Batts Oxen Moles Owls c. and that which is worse little pieces of dead wood mettal and the like carved and framed by the hand of the workman and this is the just hand of God upon all Idolaters who receive not the truth in the love of it and therefore God gives them over to strange delusions and believe a lye Observ 7. The last Note from these words shall be That it is one of the difficultest undertakings of the Ministry of Christ to take off or wean either new planted Churches or newly reformed ones from their old false worships and practises Some of the new planted churches as of Pergamus Corinth and other of the Gentiles thought that they might still participate of their former sacrifices of divels and their idolathites and of Christ's Table also but the Apostle Paul was very bitter against such in 1 Cor. 10.20 21. and the Spirit here also falls foul upon them and sets a check upon the Pergamitish church for entertainment of such doctrines What ado had Paul also to take off the believing Jews from their circumcision and Mosaical rites they would needs have the observation of all the ceremonial Law and paedagogy of Moses joyned to Christ for justification and so make Christ of none effect no less then a full council of Apostles and Elders were sufficient to remove this stumbling block out of the way Acts 15. and what a difficult business it was in the first Reformation to reform up fully all the world knows what uproars commotions and civil wars there were in K. Edward the sixth's days when the Mass-book was but turned into English as some of K. Edward's counsellors advised our Cornish Rebels who were then in Arms for their old Mumpsimus and Popish worship And surely Luther nor Zuinglius nor Calvin could go on with a thorow Reformation in Germany France or other places in respect of the unpreparedness and unsutable state and condition of the Nations among whom they begun the Reformation being so long time setled and fixed upon their old lees it was a very difficult work for them to go farther thorow with it then was fit and competent for that generation who always reserved some reliques remains and smacks of Popery though the main works were beaten down and therefore some heady people of those times that would not condescend in any thing or have providential carriage towards the weaker and darker sort of people would reform things even to the height and full pitch of Reformation according to the primitive pattern but the people of them ages being not able to bear it it caused much trouble to the church and through intemperate zeal much hinderance and obstruction to the begun reformation and advantage to the enemy But since in many places and Nations of the reformed this reformation hath made a further progress by some steps yet still amongst most of the reformed not only in this Nation but elsewhere there are some remains of the old false worship and practises and a lusting after them so strong a desire we have to the imitation of our predecessors practises be they never so corrupt yet blessed be God for that reformation we enjoy and liberty to profess and practise the ordinances of God according to the most undefiled and purest pattern that we judg agreeable to the Gospel of Christ What shall us desire more on our own parts Or what greater blessing can we expect from God by the sword of the Magistrate then to be protected secured and countenanced in the ways and worship of God according to a good conscience If the Ministers and Churches will not reform in such a day when publique Edicts are gone forth from Cyrus to set Israel free I wonder when they will fall upon it Do they expect the Magistrate to command and compel all unto the work Alas this is not the generation that all will be fit for such a work in a whole Nation or Kingdom no never will there be such a golden age until Christ himself shall come with the fan in his hand to purge his garner and take the Kingdom unto himself Is not the church a Lilly among thorns If the whole Nation be the church where are the thorns Are they the other neighbour Nations about Alas they are Lillies too churches on that account as well as you Are they the gentle Nations as Turks Persians Antichristians and Popish Nations As Italians Spanish French c Alas they are no Thorns to you the reformed Nations are in equal ballance
them for his names sake â—o all generations for ever But if it be asked How we shall honour God faithfully this way It is answered we must as those few undefiled names or Saints of Sardis overcome the corruptions and pollutions of the times by witnessing against them and openly stand for and profess the contrary truths and ways of God and follow the advice of Paul to Timothy 2 Tim. 2.21 If a man purge himself from these he shall be a vessel unto honour sanctified and meet for the Masters use And therefore let the understanding christian mark and consider this as it is in the advice of the Spirit in the immediate subsequent verse Verse 6. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches This verse formerly opened therefore needs no farther explanation Verse 7. And to the Angel of the church of Philadelphia write These things saith he that is holy he that is true he that hath the key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth This Epistle inscribed to the Angel of the church of Philadelphia is directed also from Christ under various remarkable descriptions for holiness truth and soveraignty having the key of David which he beareth not idly for with it he openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth This church of Philadelphia was one of those seven famous churches scituate in the lesser Asia now called Natolia whose Angel or Pastor was Demas or Damias as Ignatius Epistles testifie And indeed it was a church by the Spirit 's description which was the fairest among the Sisters the most comly orthodox and sound among all the seven whose very name doth set forth her gracious nature and qualities Philadelphia signifying Brotherly love or love of the Brethren which doth notably agree to the excellency of grace that was found in this church being not openly convinced of any crime but altogether extolled for her gracious deportment M. Brightman makes this his darling and beloved Philadelphia to typifie and represent his reformed Geneva French or Scottish church model but upon further enquiry I doubt his counterpane will fall short of their first pattern in purity and soundness and he makes the church of England as then governed by Bishops for their luke-warmness and remisness in matters of Religion to be the counterpane of Laodicea his blear-eyed Leah but Philadelphia the Geneva Helvetian and French Reformed church begun by Zuinglius and Calvin to be his much adored darling and Rachel and so he makes Sardis to represent the German Reformed church under Luther and his associates Pergamus to represent the degenerate church of Rome as then in being about the time of Luther and so upward he makes the several states and ages of the church the counterpanes of Thyatira Smyrna and Ephesus unto the Apostles times But by what warrant M. Brightman does this or why he is so luxuriant in his applications I know not and I conceive under due respect to so learned an Author as M. Brightman that it is beside the intention of the Spirit that ever those seven Asian churches should typifie or represent any other churches or state of churches that should rise in futurity only they are left unto us and to all ages to come as examples and patterns to understand and know the dealings of God with them that if we be partakers in the same graces with them we shall have the same encouragements approbation and reward as they had but if we be found guilty of the same transgressions as they were we shall fall under the same judgements as they did and that that made M. Brightman thus over-free in his applications in his counterpanes I verily believe to be the variety of conditions both good and had found in those seven churches which by a good wit may be stretch'd out to represent the condition and state of any church whatsoever which is not altogether beside the scope or intention of the Spirit in them for it is often inculcated in this and the former chapter He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches What was written unto them was not only for themselves but for the cognizance of all others in the future also coming under the same conditions and qualifications with themselves But to proceed These things saith he that is holy he that is true c. These words contain a description of Christ who sends this Epistle to the Angel of Philadelphia whose two first properties are taken out of the nature of the Son of God to wit Holiness and truth Christ makes this discovery of himself sutable to the condition of the church of Philadelphia which was an eminent shining star both for the profession of the truth and for holiness to the other the more delinquent churches he discovers himself in another posture with eyes and feet like burning brass and with a two edged sword proceeding out of his mouth but with the gracious he appears more gracious and to the truly godly he appears in his own proper nature in Truth and Holiness Hence Note Observ Christ discovers himself unto his people not only as the holy One but as the God of Truth also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 These things saith he that is holy he that is true They are much deceived that aim at holiness without the truth They that own not Christ according to the truth can never be truly holy ones or sanctified persons for truth sanctifies John 17.17 Let their actions be never so highly estimated in the eye of the world as proceeding from holy self-denying persons yet if they be not done in the truth that is from a true fountain and to right ends they will lose their reward and be at best but as tinkling Cymbals What profit doth it yeild the monastical Votaries of Rome when they devote themselves to so rigid austerities and pretend so high to holiness whiles they have banished truth from their borders when neither their ends nor their aims are right according to the truth of God's word To what end is the Quakers austere carriage and outward holiness whilest they deny Redemption or Satisfaction by the blood of Christ Will their inherent holiness or their austere upright carriage serve instead of Christ's imputed righteousness Holiness and truth must go together to denominate a true Saint Heathen Philosophers will quite out-strip the best of christians in divers acts of vertue but when proceeding from a christian according unto truth they are to be called by another name holy or godly actions If you try the doctrines of men only by the holiness of the persons that brings them you may entertain errors instead of truth for truth is not always with the most seeming holiest men But if doctrines come from persons holding the truth in sincerity and professing the same truth in purity and integrity of their souls doubtless such doctrines in their first origen
when they call themselves so and that they are not of the true christian church but of the Synagogue of Satan See more hereon cap. 2. vers 9. Behold I will make them that they shall come and worship before thy feet and they shall know that I have loved thee These words contain a promise to the church of Philadelphia that Christ would make those enemies of hers the blaspheming Iews to come and worship before her feet that is would make them to submit to the Scepter of Iesus Christ and to worship him in the presence of Philadelphia which for her purity and soundness may pass for a type and figure of the true church of Christ before whom these carnal formal Iews shall fall low and worship Object But if it be demanded Whom shall they be made to worship I answer First God in Christ whom they have blasphemed and dishonoured the sole object of Divine worship which Philadelphia and the true church do honour and obey Secondly They shall civilly worship and reverence Philadelphia and the true church for the honour that Christ hath put upon her and so will think it an honour indeed to come under the same profession worship and discipline with the christian church And when I have done this saith Christ they shall know that I always loved thee and that thou wert most dear unto me Now this Prophesy and promise was never fulfilled unto Philadelphia in the full extent thereof only we read of some few of the malignant Iews given by Christ to the church of Philadelphia and others of that age but how this promise was fulfilled in the Latitude thereof it cannot enter into my understanding to comprehend For when ever did those perverse Iews that for their notorious malignity against Christ and the truth were justly called the Synagogue of Satan come and worship or bow down before the feet of Philadelphia Or when did they submit to the worship of the the churches of Christ only but in some first fruits and that before this was written to Philadelphia And when did the Iewish Sinagogue of Satan even to this day ever since become the true church of Christ more then some few scattering persons that were converted to the faith inconsiderable to the fulfilling of this promise Or when did ever God make it it eminently appear to them that the christian churches were the only beloved people and societys in the eye of God above all others in the world Seeing those things were never yet acomplished according to the fulness of this promise surely there is yet a time to come when there shall be a more universal call of the Iewish Synagogue into holy Philadelphia or the christian church then ever yet have been to this present day A Note hence will rise Observ That God will not only make the natural obstinate Iews but also their true counterpanes the nominal seeming Christians to come and bow before the true Spouse of Christ before the latter day This is confirmed from this verse wherein it is promised by Christ that the obstinate Iews should come in and worship before the feet of the church of Philadelphia but towards Philadelphia in the latter this was never as yet performed in the extensiveness of this Scripture as is above manifested therefore as yet to come to pass before the feet of the true Philadelphia the holy church of Christ And not only the natural Iews shal come in submit and joyn to the holy church of Christ but al formal birth christians shall also either come in and worship before this true church or else shall at least wise reverence this true holy church as the only beloved of Christ for the glory of the Lamb will be upon her and the Nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it and for her greater honour the Kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it Rev 21.23 And it is but just that God's true church and people should have a day too as well as their adversaries had theirs We know how that the great and lofty ones of the world have put all possible reproaches and afflictions on the Saints of God and churches of the purest judgment but yet the time is at hand that they shall be convinced and shall know the Saints to be the only beloved of God and the great interest and stay of Kingdomes and then the greatest Monarch will be glad to take hold on the skirt of a Jew to come under the protection of this holy church for their God is the Lord of Hosts Quest. And if any one ask when this shall be Answ When the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in and all Israel shall be saved Rom. 11. When Christ shall appear again for the restoring of his Kingdome then the Kingdome and Dominion and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given unto the people of the Saints of the Most High Dan. 7.27 then shall all come and worship before Philadelphia the glorious new united christian church of Jews and Gentiles And this shall be the true Sion the dwelling place of God's glory whereunto all Nations shall flock and worship before it and become one with it or otherwise shall be made bow unto the Iron Scepter of Christ whereby he will make all the Nations of the earth to submit to his Soveraigne Authority and fall and worship before his feet Rev. 19.15 Vers 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee from the houre of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth That for which Philadelphia is commended for by Christ is for keeping the word of his patience This hath either respect to Christ or unto the church as if Christ had said because thou hast kept the word of my patience that is the word and doctrine which with a great deal of patience I have taught the world and with a like patience Preached it from time to time or else the effect being put for the cause Because thou hast kept the word of my patience that is the word of my Gospel which enjoineth and worketh patience Either or both of these senses may aptly be raised and entertained from these words without any prejudice unto the truth and intention of the Spirit in these words or 2. as respecting the Church of Philadelphia This word as it was the word of Christ's patience which he taught patiently the word is for many generations so it was received and kept by her with patience and constancy for which she had the reward of being kept from the hour of temptation Quest But whither was Philadelphia so saved and kept from the hour of temptation that fell upon all other her Sister churches that she was so freed that she was not touched by it Answ It is not probable that Philadelphia went free when the ten days of persecution under the Emperours
remisness and inconstancy in the truth to wit the honour and reverence which their sincere profession acquired from the churches and all persons round about them Hence Note Observ That those churches that hold fast the truths of christ with most constancy and courage in the times of tryal become the most honourable and worthy of a crown of any people in the world Who but Philadelphia was worthy that the obstinate Jews enemies unto the truth should come and bow and worship before her She kept close to the word of Christ's patience therefore none shall take away her crown her honour shall still remain among the churches as long as any churches shall endure If we tread in the steps of faithful Philadelphia and hold fast and go on manfully in the profession of the faith God will make the formal Jews of our times the high pretending catholique churchmen to bow and worship before our feet Is not our name I mean the name of England grown honourable among the Nations their friends abroad and terrible unto their enemies And how comes this to pass but by means of the faithful in the land that held fast and maintained with courage and constancy the word of Christ's patience among us in an hour of temptation and tryal when the Prelatical fire of persecutions were on foot If we hold fast to Christ and persist in his truth and doctrine none shall be able to take away our crown but if we flag in our duties to him our crown will be the less and our honour will soon flag also When Israel kept close to God and reformed up unto his holy pattern in the Mount God made them famous among the Nations and a burdensome stone to all that medled with them but when they departed from God by their evil and abominable courses God gave them up into the hands of their enemies and led them into the Land of captivity and since for their obstinacy in iniquity they have quite lost their crown and become a dispersed people and a reproach among all Nations where they live And this is according to that good advice given by godly David as his last Legacy to his wise son Solomon in 1 Chron. 28.9 which is applicable to every faithful soul And thou Solomon my son Know thou the God of thy Father and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the Imaginations of the thoughts If thou seek him he will be found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever Verse 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out And I will write upon him the Name of my God and the name of the City of my God which is new Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God And I will write upon him my new Name In the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He that overcometh The Nominative case is put absolutely by a defect of a Preposition to of or for which is an Hebraisme the words are thus to be read As for him that overcometh I will make a pillar c. Agreeable to this are those places Rom. 8.3 For what was impossible to the Law by an Hebraism ought to be read as for or touching the impossibility of the Law and Psalm 18.30 Jehovah his way is perfect which we read The way of God or As for God his way is perfect The same reading is in Rev. cap. 2. 26. The reward of him that overcometh is double 1. I will make him a Pillar in the Temple of my God and he shall go no more out 2. Christ sets upon him a threefold Name The Name of his God The Name of New Jerusalem and His own new Name This allusion of a Pillar is taken up by the Spirit from those two Brazen Pillars in Solomon's Temple which was a Type of the true Temple and church of Christ and so nothing was made or placed therein in vain though they seemed small but did typifie and signifie somwhat to us Solomon called his two pillars which he erected by two remarkable Names 1 Kings 7.21 The right Pillar by the name of Jâ—hin and the left by the name of Boaz The one signifying He will stablish and the other In it there is strength So in the Antitype those overcoming Saints that Christ makes Pillars in the Temple of his God have these two qualities or properties put upon them establishment and perpetuity both in their spiritual strength and graces and also in their new church state which cometh down from heaven and lest any should think that those new Pillars of the Temple of God might fail as those of Solomon's did when they were broken and the brass thereof carried away by Nebuchadnezzar into Babel Jer. 52.17 there is another additional property put upon them then that of perpetuity and strength even of eternity in those words And he shall go no more out After the conquering Saints are taken into this holy Temple there is no fear of being turned out of possession of it no Nebuchadnezzar shall ever come and break them in pieces or carry them by force into captivity The Nebuchadnezzars of the world have always hitherto under several forms of Beasts and Governments carryed away and broken to pieces the weak and infirm pillars of the visible church fot indeed they were given into their hands by God to be overcomed and trodden under foot by them Rev. 11. but having at last overcommed by suffering and patience Christ will raise them up again to become Pillars in his New Temple that shall never go out any more and will make them other gates persons then ever formerly they were for he will write upon them the name of his God and what is that Jehovah Shaddai The Lord the mighty God and the name of the new Jerusalem which cometh down from heaven and his own new Name Phil. 2.9 All intimating their glorious state and dignity that Christ will put them in possession of in that new church-state which is promised them before the ultimate day of judgement which shall never perish nor any more be taken from them But on this more hereafter From the words I will make him a pillar in the Temple of my God Note Observ The over-coming Saints of Christ shall be made most honourable in the New Jerusalem the new Temple of God the new Church state that Christ will restore on earth before the end of all prophesied of Rev. 21.1 c. They are made pillars and pillars in the church are honourable James and John are called pillars great eminent Apostles and those were placed in the porch of Solomon's Temple for the great ornament and glory thereof They sit on Thrones judging the Nations round about They are made Kings and Priests unto their God And what more honourable then those high callings to the eye of men of
2.28 There is a God in Heaven which revealeth Mysteries to him be all the Glory But to You worthy Sir I have nothing more to add nor for you a greater good to pray then that God who having exalted you in Authority and Power into that likeness of himself so he would Engrave upon you another image or likeness of his own true wisdom and give you an enlightned wise Solomon-like discerning heart whereby you may dayly see more and more into the great and glorious discoveries of the Truths of God in this Book of Prophesies and else-where in the holy Word of God that you may have your ayms right and your heart fixed to prosecute those ends and that in integrity which God in your present Employments hath called you unto The work of this present generation for all Christian Worthies to set their hands and hearts to being as I conceive if not to the downfal of the Throne of the Beast yet at least to the Eclipsing of the Austrian Sun the great Pillar of the Antichristian State And that your heart and hand may not be wanting amongst the chiefest of the Christian Worthies in those great transactions is the great desire of him that is Your Worships Most Humble and Faithful Servant William Hicks To the Judicious Christian READER READER IT is very well known that amongst most that are conversant in the profoundest Speculations and in searching out hidden Verities they are various in their Projects and their Cogitations are usually fixed upon divers ends Some know that they may be known and this is vanity Some know that they may know and this is curiosity Others know that they may edifie and this is charity How distasteful the two former are to all judicious persons and how desirable the latter is to all knowing Christians I need not inculcate The latter being my choice I hope thy candour and the uprightness of my ends will Apologize for me in that I appear in Publique now among the croud in Print and at such a time wherein as one wittily observed viz. Heylins Geogr. in folio 865. The Treasury of Learning was never so full and yet never more empty by reason of the many vain frothy and unnecessary discourses it abounds with from the Scriblers and idle Paper-blurrers of these days and if I have gone beside my self to become one of that number by playing the fool in Print I must say as Paul did to his Corinthians 2 Cor. 5.13 Sive insanimus Deo insanimus sive sâ—na mente sumus vobis sana mente sumus So if I have played the fool herein it is unto God and for your sakes Christians that I have done it But if thou askest me to what end I fall upon this task of interpreting this Book of Prophesies seeing many have already attempted it whereof some are come off with loss yet others with more credit and proficiency I answer Indeed in all our actions and undertakings of this kinde we are to enquire in the first place Cui bono To what good for what end we do effect them For the end crowns all our actions and adds perfection to them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Exitus actu probat The excellency of our works appears and are distinguished by their ends Therefore though my labour herein may by some be accounted superfluous and my self to be justly numbred among the former sort that have Oleum Operam perdiderunt that is come off with loss in their undertakings yet I believe the indifferent and ingenious Reader will be of another minde concerning it when God hath given him and my self opportunity to go thorow with it though I must confess it will partake of much weakness and imperfections from the Instrument yet I trust the Reader will find my ends high and honourable enough and of sufficient excellency to bear up my Spirits in the undertaking and his in perusing and considering And although to some I may seem herein Actum agere to fall upon a Theme fully already discussed by others yet I am of opinion with that saying of Augustines Utile est plures Libros a pluribus fieri diverso stilo etiam de Questionibus iisdem ut ad plurimos res perveniat ad alios sic ad alios autem sic That it is profitable to have Books composed of the same Works or Questions in a various and divers stile that knowledge may be conveyed to very many to some in one manner to others after another Though I shall not much boast of my impartiality in Interpreting and Applying those Prophetical Visions yet I assure the Reader as far as I know mine own heart it was single and unbyassed in this undertaking having first desired God to guide my Vnderstanding and Pen aright to write no more then what did genuinely rise from the substance and coherence of the Text or what might be extracted therefrom by good consequence or what did naturally flow from the proper tendency of the Figures and Hierogliphique characters of each Vision in this Book interpreted not according to private Judgement nor unto the Interest of any Party or Faction being free from any such pre-engagements all which are to be laid aside in all such undertakings as Abraham did his followers as great incumbrances when he went into the Mount to confer with the Lord in Prayer I trust the candid Reader shall finde the Divine Mysteries of this Book of Revelations Opened and Applyed according to the minde of the Spirit therein for the main made evident by the proper characters of each Vision and according to that full compleat Spirit of Harmony that runs through this whole Book of Divine Prophesies I confess I may come short of some Learned Men who have gone herein before me to whose Labours I must justly acknowledge a due Tribute being assisted thereby unto this Work And though I cannot justly apply that saying of Cicero's to my cause for it would savour of too much vanity and self-exalting Recentissima quaeque sunt emandata magis yet this I may boldly adventure to say That thou shalt find such variety of Collections Observations Questions and Truths herein Discussed not ordinary in any former Writers hereupon that will yeild thee if an ingenious person no small delight and profit in Reading Pondering and Treasuring up the same The variety of Flowers makes the sweetest Posie and various Discording yet harmonizing Sounds makes the sweetest Musick So variety of Truths and Questions Discussed will yeild the greater pleasure and profit to the Reader And though I must needs say that many that went before me on this Theme did excel in true Piety Learning and Parts yet saving due respects both to the Persons and their Parts it is not at all strange if that we in this Age being advanced by their help upon their own shoulders and coming nearer unto the accomplishment of the events and the end of all should see a little further in the Truth of these mysterious
people to be forewarned of this time fore see it though long before it come to bear up their Spirits in there greatest afflictions and distresses Abraham saw Christs day and blessed God though seeing it afar of by faith This God hath more especially done in this Book of the Revelation it being a discovery unto the Apostle John in Prophetical representations and Hierogliphique figures of all the Empires States and Kingdoms both Ethnick and Antichristian with their severall usurpations and oppressions over the Church of God which should happen from Iohn's time unto the end of the World together with the issue thereof the finall destruction of the one and the exaltation of the other before the ultimate end of all But here by the way it will be objected and said that this Book is full of hidden mysteries and sealed and very difficult to be understood and therefore most of those that have espoused their studies to the opening of this Book have come of with losse in their over bold undertaking 1. I Answer this Book of the Revelation of S. Iohn is indeed full of mysteries which will so remain untill the accomplishment thereof do discover them unto us and make them manifest But when we by the observation of the events do see before our eyes the effect of each Prophesie and what by this and that thing hath been meant it is now no longer a mystery unto us It is now obvious to every eye what is meant by mystery Babylon the great the Mother of Harlots Rev. 17.6 This the Spirit of God doth clear up in the same Chapter to be the City with seven heads raigning over the Kings of the earth And few or none do hesitate but do acknowledge yea even the learnest of the Jesuites themselves as Bellar. Lib. 2. de Pontif. Rom. Chap. 2. Blasius Viegas in Chap. 17.18 Apoc. 5. Sect. 3. Ribera in Apoc. Châ—p 14. Page 144. c. That by this great City here is meant Rome likewise all interpreters of the Reformation do harmoniously accord that by the Beast of seven heads and ten horns Rev. 13 1. must be meant the Romish Empire divided into ten Kingdoms And the Beast with two horns like a Lamb Rev. 13.11 yet speaking like a Dragon to be the Popish Antichristian Hierarchy and if events hath plainly evidenced these without contradiction so to be understood and interpreted as in the progresse of this discourse will more fully appear why then should if seem strange that the residue of the mysteries of this Book should be unlocked and made obvious as well as the former Since the Spirit of God it self in the 17. Chapter hath laid the first ground work from whence as from a sure foundation we may have a view of the whole Revelation by collating Hystories times and passages one with another and lay them to their several characters and periods which the Spirit hath affixed to every remarkable revolution passage and Prophesie in this Book as a sure token and touch-stone to finde them out and make them manifest So that now the Revelation is no longer a mystery but a Book of History of memorable Acts and passages Wherein is fore told the several changes that shall befall to the secular State or Roman Empire and to the Church of Christ under the Dominion of that Empire untill it shall as that stone prophesied of in Dan. 2. Smite the Image on his feet and become it self a great Mountaine and set up upon the top of all Mountains And if we compare the Historyes and changes that hath hapned in the Romane Empire with the Revelation we shall discover clearly how far the accomplishments reacheth and what we may expect ere long So that the things represented in this Book are no more mysteries and hidden things but as clear and accomplished Acts unto us 2. The very Title and first entrance into the first Chapter first verse of this Book denies it to be a hidden mistery no farther then before the events do discover themselves for it is called the Apocalypse or the Revelation of Jesus Christ which God gave unto him to shew unto his Servants which shortly must be done which hee sent and shewed by his Angel unto his Servant Iohn Besides it is contrary to the clear letter of the Text that it should be a Book shut and sealed for in the 6. Chapter vers 8. The Lambs is found worthy to open the sealed Book and so discoveries are made unto Iohn and by him to all the Church of God 3. That little Book mentioned in Chap. 10. which more especially containes the fate or destiny of the Church to the end of the World was an open book and the Son of God in the end of the Revelation Chap. 22.10 plainly prohibiteth to seale the sayings of the Prophesie of this book for the time is at hand Therefore this hence clearly follows to set a check upon our supine and overly looking on this book We would rather have it sealed and hidden though the Son of God testifies the contrary then to bestow our industry with the help of the Spirit of God to seeks out the minde of the Spirit in it Truths are like treasures got by the forest labours are most sweet and precious but with all such slowbellies that think there is a Lyon in the way I leave with them these considerations Is it the Book or Word of God or not If it is as I hereafter shall clearly evince then study it Some good will come to the soule by it No Word of God is of private interpretation or written in vain it will stand in great stead Yea in the Alpha of this book and the Omega thereof in the first and last Chapters there is a blessing stored up for them that read and they that learn the words of this Prophesie and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand Chap. 1. ver 3. and Chap. 22. ver 7. And shall there a blessing be promised to all these that read hear and keep the words of this Prophesie and he that hath promised being most faithful to perform Yea these things saith the Son of God who hath his eyes like unto a flaming fire Revel 2.18 These things saith hee that is holy and true Chap 3.7 These things saith the Amen the faithfull and true wittnesse Chap. 3.14 And so closes in the last Chapter ver 6. that these sayings are faithfull and true Heaven and earth shall first pass away before one jota or tittle of the Word of God shall fall to the ground unaccomplished I say shall there a blessing be promised upon so faithful grounds and wilt thou not look after it I should judge blessedness worth the looking after seeing that hee that hath promised is most ready willing and able to perform But if it demanded what is the advantage what is this blessing that may accrue in reading hearing and keeping the words of this Prophesy I answer
though he were the great Apostle of the Gentiles and so calls himself and glories in the priviledge and that he was an Hebrew of the Hebrews Phil. 3.5 that is born of the ancient Hebrew race and linage and one mighty in the Law brought up at the feet of Gamaliel yet how often doth Paul inculcate in his Epistles Paul the servant of Iesus Christ Rom. 1.1 Phil. 1.1 c. Tit. 1.1 c. David a King should rather glory to be a servant unto God and a door-keeper in his house then to live in the courts of Princes Observ 3. If the highest in repute and office in Christ's church be but servants then not lords the grave Apostles Paul James John are but servants and would be accounted but as the Ministers of Christ 1 Cor. 4.1 and not as lords and masters over the churches faith 2 Cor. 1.24 1 Pet. 5.3 Christ alone is the great Dictator and Imposer of Tyes and Rules upon the conscience of his people Matth. 23.13 The greatest Apostle Bishop Pastor or Elder deserves but the honour of a Servant Minister or Steward in the church not of a Lord and Master their work is a work of service to perswade entreat convince by reasons not to impose dictate and compel In short they can impose nothing as necessary to be believed done and practised which is not according to the mind of God and that neither in their own name or for their own ends for they are servants not at their own dispose but at the call beck and direction of another even of their Lord and Master Christ There is also somwhat to be considered in that when Christ precisely sets down and takes notice by name to whom he gives this Prophesie His servant John Whence note 1. That the truth of a Prophesie depends much for credit on the credit and reputation of the Relator John was Christ's beloved Disciple most highly illuminated in the mysteries of the Eternal Word of God John was a Prophet and the last that had prophetical Visions to a full discovery of the state of things to the end of the world and therefore there is an Anathema gone forth against all persons that shall add or diminish from the words of this prophesie in the 18 and 19 verses of chap. 22. for there is no other discovery of the state of affairs then what is in this present book to be expected until the end of all and therefore the Spirit of God in the second verse the better to gain belief and credit unto the Truth of this prophesie and unto the subordinate Instrument and Author thereof describes his Excellencies Offices Gifts and Qualities in these words Verse 2. Who bare Record of the Word of God and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ and of all things that he saw You have in the words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Who witnessed a Record or bare a sure Testimony and that of three things First Of the Word of God Secondly Of Jesus Christ Thirdly Of All things that he saw Wherein two senses or Interpretations offer themselves to the view Whether this Record be to be taken singly as Iohn was an Evangelist and bare testimony of the Divinity of the Word as one with God and that Word was God Iohn 1.1 and this Word was made flesh in the person of Jesus Christ and so bare record of all the acts and miracles which he saw this divine person do and perform through the whole course of his life here beneath Or secondly Whether this Record of the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ and of the things which he saw be to be understood of the Truth of the Word of God in this book of Prophesies which Jesus Christ did testifie unto and was made apparent by Visions unto John Indeed I shall willingly admit of both senses and I am of opinion the Spirit of God in this verse aims at both for adding the better authority and credit to the truth of this book of Prophesies and though the Gospel of Iohn was not written when this Revelation was given yet by his constant preaching he might well be seen to bear Record of the Word of God and of Jesus Christ and of all things that he saw 1. From the first sense Note That they that are the faithful Publishers or Preachers of the Word of God and of Jesus Christ gets best credit and reputation to all other their relations 2. Another Note is That they are fittest to receive Visions or Prophesies from God that bears the faithfullest Record of the Word of God and of Jesus Christ Iohn was now a prisoner and under banishment for the Testimony of Jesus when he received those Revelations Paul as a reward of his faithfulness in his Ministery and Apostleship had even here an irradiation and taste of the heavenly glory when he was wrapt up in the third heavens The Prophets of old Ezekiel Daniel Ieremiah c. received those visions of God high and excellent ones because they were faithful witnesses of the Word of God and publishers of it unto others and the reason hereof is because they whose minds are most conversant with God and exercised in his Word are fittest Instruments to receive and know the mind of God for omne simile gaudet simili Every like desires communication with its like Verse 3. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand You have again the promise of blessedness made to those that keep the sayings of this Prophesie in the last chapter verse 7◠From which promise here in the entrance of the Book and in the end thereof reiterated and made good to such as keep the sayings of this Prophesie you may observe Observ 1. That this prophesie is not altogether inaccessible but to be understood of such as diligently enquire thereinto by the help of God's Spirit If the discovery of this Prophesie were not feasible how vain would it be to promise blessedness to the diligent observers thereof I conceive it would be very derogatory to the Divine Truth of God to make such a supposition Besides the sayings of this Prophesie are to be read heard and kept and therefore most absurd to conclude that it is so hidden as not to be understood in the scope and substantial part thereof From the promise of blessedness Note Observ 2. That this book of Prophesies contains most excellent and useful things to be understood kept and observed How singular useful it is to foresee the coming either of the day of joy and tryumph or the day of evil and affliction That our Spirits may be born up and our hearts comforted under all conditions in the certain hopes and expectancy of the one and that we may not murmure in the other but acquiesce under the hand of God in patience until the day of the wrath of the Lord be past and
over This book of Prophesies is full of such discoveries to wit The afflicted state of the Church its security in that condition together with the rise of Antichrist its reigne pollutions and a discovery thereof and at last its utter ruine and abolition and the consequent thereof the Restauration of the Church to glory Judicious christians should account this knowledge excellent it will much help to keep their spirits in a frame and temper sutable to their conditions This will teach them to know that this is a time of patience and tribulation not of tryumphing and reigning While the Bridegroom is absent the Spouse is under sorrow and mourning not of mirth and rejoycing The Scarlet Whore or harlot church sits yet as a queen and therefore the true Spouse sits mourning yet still expecting the day-star to arise for her comfort and consolation See more concerning the usefulness of this Prophesie in the Preface to this work Observ 3. The contents and intendment of this Prophesie is not obvious to every eye Reading and hearing will not serve turn there must be a keeping that is he that will read to advantage the things in this Prophesie must read observantly hear attentively and at last treasure up in his heart what he hath read and heard and so having carefully observed the contents of each Prophesie with a right application thereof he becomes most blessed and happy From the difficulty of the understanding of this Prophesie observe 4. That the profoundest speculations and the choicest truths are hardest come by It is a true saying Quod difficilimum pulcherrimum Truths as Treasures that lye deepest are sweetest It is not unknown what knots there are in the choice doctrines of the Trinity the Divinity of Christ Justification c. and yet most necessary to be known This informeth us several lessons 1. To set a reverence upon the truths of God for they are choice ones not easily come by 2. It sets a check upon our swelling conceits as if we knew all mysteries and the deep things of God but we are creatures not omniscient and it teacheth us that many difficulties in the word of God are the truths of God though we know them not 3. It quickens us to duty and whets our endeavours to the attainment thereof Strive to enter into the strait gate Choice Truths as heaven must be taken by violence and the violent takes them by force 4. God hath hid some excellent Truths under the rocks and laid them deep that the greatest abilities and graces he gives may be exercised therein in the Word there is meat for babes and also meat for strong men both have enough that neither may complain for want 5. Lastly It drives us to God and to pray with David Open thou our eyes that we may see the wonders of thy Law For the time is at hand The same expression is in the last chapter v. 10. which intimateth that all ought to take heed to the contents of this Prophesie because the time was then at hand and drawing nigh wherein all the predictions thereof must be accomplished and wherein an entrance should be made forthwith unto the accomplishment of some and so unto all the rest in their order until all should be fulfilled And in the first verse it is said The things revealed in these Prophesies by Christ unto his servant John must shortly come to pass Hence observe That those prophesies began to be in force and run out presently upon John's time and so continues in all the ages since until the consummation of all This will be made good in the ensuing discourse treating on the particulars 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 Verse 5. And from Jesus Christ c. John having discovered the Author of this Revelation in the first two verses by whom it was given and the Instruments by whom it was sent and received and having confirmed it by a sure testimony that it was he himself that did receive it he goes on with a saluting preface to the seven famous Churches which were then in the lesser Asia by way of an admonitory Epistle wherein partly he commends and encourages them partly he checks them which will be manifested in the progress of the discourse before he enters upon the relation of the Prophetical visions themselves From whence observe That Christ's Ministers or Prophets though they have a Burden or Doctrine of Judgements and Wrath to denounce against a people or church yet they are in the first place to come with the doctrines of Grace and Peace in their mouths with bowels of pity and compassion towards them The work of judgements is as it were a work of abhorrency unto God Why will ye die O house of Israel How often would I have gathered and healed you but ye would not It is God's method a long time to exercise his patience and forbearance before his wrath be executed he will try all means in the first place by mercies by providences by deliverances to win a people to himself he will as a good husbandman many years enclose dig dress and prune his Vineyard in expectancy of fruitfulness before he will hew them down and cast them in the fire He will abide long with his backsliding children forty years long was he grieved by his gainsaying people Israel yea he will come down and see as if formerly he did not take notice of their sins hoping of their amendment by such forbearance whether their transgressions be so or not Ezek. 33.11 God takes a solemn Oath As I live saith the Lord I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked Turn turn c. When God is as it were by unrepentant sinners enforced to withdraw his presence and execute his judgements O! how troubled is he at it He doth it as it were step by step Ezek 10.4 When God withdrew his glory from the Temple first it moved to the threshold then towards heaven v. 19. then to the midst of the city and from thence to the mountain on the East side of the city cap. 11. 23. and so at last went wholly from them This sets a reproof upon such that come like Boanarges sons of thunder with doctrines of judgments and wrath before they have made experiment of the doctrines of peace and grace That of our Saviour may be well applyed unto them They know not of what Spirit they are of Observ 2. That all Christ's faithful Ministers that desire the good of souls by their doctrines are to pray for the encrease of grace and peace in God and in our Lord Jesus Christ and upon all their hearers It is John's wish here to the seven Churches Paul always in every Epistle to those to whom he directs them Rom. 1.7 it manifests our charity and our duty in praying for all
Disciples should be offended because of him and that they should be cast out imprisoned reviled and suffer many persecutions for his names sake And the ground or reason of all this is from that promise in Gen. 3. That God would set enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent and this enmity hath abided ever since and will ever abide between those two mystical seeds until the seed of the woman Christ and his members shall become absolute conquerors in the binding up the old serpent who is the father of all enmities and mischiefs This informeth God's people that it should not seem strange unto them when the world and their enemies do rage against them Here a question may come in Whether christians when they are called unto it are bound in duty to suffer for the profession of all the Truths of God To clear this question I shall premise briefly That Truths are either about fundamentals or circumstantials Fundamentals are such as without the knowledge thereof we cannot ordinarily be saved and they are conversant either about the very being of a Saint and Christian or secondly about the well-being in preserving and building up this Christian in his holy faith and these are called principles or rudiments of Religion Heb. 6.1 You know no one can proceed to be an Artist in any Art or Science or come to any perfection therein without some certain rules and principles to proceed by so none can become a true Christian or Artist in that heavenly Science of Christianity without some first laid principles And amongst those Fundamentalls which are necessary to the Being of a christian I believe as some have been too large in the description of their Fundamentals so some have been too narrow and therefore seeing they are not precisely determined by any universal assembly of christians but are left to be gathered up here and there in the Word of God by parcels I shall not be so presumptuous to define their certain number only I say thus much That that Creed which is called the Apostolical setting a qualified sense on that article of Christ's descent into hell to be the exactest square and rule of principles that relates unto the very Being of a Christian that is this day extant and he that is not ready to suffer for the profession thereof is not worthy the name of a Christian Now secondly other Fundamentals are about the well-being of a christian and such are all the Ordinances of the Gospel As Baptism Lord's Supper Prayer Thanks-givings all Church Orders and Fellowships Preaching Exhorting Reproving Overseeing and the like And if it be in our power we are rather to forbear the use of one of them then to defile our souls or consciences under corrupt administrations of them but if at any time we were called to suffer for the essential truth of them we are bound to suffer and to bear them a testimony as a part of the Truth and Word of God But for every opinion that arises about the right administrations of the latter or manner of understanding of the former principles which are but the circumstantials of Religion to set bonds upon the conscience therein it savours rather of a spirit of contention heat and passion then of found judgement and christian wisdom This is to make hard knots where there is none and Christ calls his yoke easie this were to make it burdensom and intollerable The substantial part of Christian Religion is plain and easie and the blinde may walk therein and a lamb may wade thorow This is life eternal that they may know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent John 17.3 It is true there are mysteries high questions and deep things of God in the word these are for the exercise of our spirits and gifts not of our faith no further then as part of the revealed mind of God and therefore we believe them to be truth though we understand them not which are reserved until the day of the revelation of all things when we shall know as we are known and when all our ignorances and imperfections shall be done away This sets a check upon some hot spirits of these times that rather then lose or part with their wilde opinions or let them lie unvented would break all the bonds of peace charity and communion amongst Christians and so utterly deprive the churches of Christ of all the benefit which otherwise their gifts and parts might stand in stead for I doubt all sorts of christians of our times are too far baptized into this errour and Satan hath too great a stroke in it to divide the hearts of Christians about circumstantials when as they hold one and the same fundamentals joyntly together The Lord in mercy to his churches remedy this great evil and sin of our times Vers 10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day and heard behind me a great voice as of a Trumpet In the Greek copie it is no more but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I was in the Spirit which in Beza's translation is rendred correptus in Spiritu I was rapt in Spirit It was indeed a rapture of spirit an extasie wherein John received this Vision and so it hath been with all the Prophets of old they were acted by the Spirit in all their visions and prophesies they were lift up above themselves and out of themselves when they were to have cognizance of Divine things and this was by the Eternal Spirit of God working mightily in their spirits Observ That the Spirit of God does as it were set a violence on those persons he employs about the high mysteries and discoveries of his choicest Truths Paul that great light of the Gentiles he had his raptures into the third heaven whether in the body or out of the body he could not tell Exekiel when he was to receive those high Visions he oft reports of the Spirit entring into him and taking him up cap. 3.12 and 2.2 John for his better accomplishment to receive those divine Visions he is here said to be rapt in Spirit And the reasons of this is First That he might be the better enabled to take a clear and full view of those divine discoveries which were about to be shown unto him When we would show one things distinctly we use to place him up on high for the better sight Secondly That he might have satisfaction in his own spirit that those his visions were from God seeing he had so extraordinary taste of the Spirit in the first place he might well conclude he was now as it were to become the mouth of the Spirit unto the churches Lastly That his thoughts and heart might have been sequestred from things below and his contemplation raised higher on things divine as a true Prophet of God ought to have Another Note from hence is as a corrollary to the former That when Christ sets up any eminent Officer or Light in
and catholique instructions in his mouth The divel or the divelish preacher answered him that whilst he preached good and sound doctrine unto his auditors and they were not followers of it he had his end even the aggravation of their condemnation for their neglect inproficiency and contempt of such good doctrine surely how this odd designe should come into the divel 's head I know not being a liar from the beginning and the truth abideth not in him nor will confess it no further then he is compelled to do it by an over-mastering divine power this were indeed to destroy his own Kingdom and God never sends the evil spirits to be the messengers to provoke to break off from sins to live to God holiness and works of reformation his very nature is contrary to such works and therefore is the great hinderer not the promoter of them This is another mark to discern of what spirits visions are of Thirdly Another distinguishing mark is That in respect those visions and raptures of spirit carries with them a terribleness in the strange apparitions therein they leave a high and strange impression of spirit upon the parties under them and those that are from God leaves always behind them when they are passed away a holy awe and reverence of the divine Majesty and glory and a contempt of themselves and their own worthlesness Isaiah the Prophet when he saw the Lord and had discoveries of his glory he could call out Wo is me for I am undone I am a man of unclean lips for my eyes have seen the King the Lord of Hosts Isa 6.5 Iob also confesseth cap. 42. 5 6. Now mine eyes seeth thee I abhor my self and repent in dust and ashes The sight of divine glory and majesty doth always humble in that it brings to sight our own worthlesness even in our best attainments in respect of it which causeth a godly sorrow Now the contrary spirit brings contrary fruits and effects as pride vain-glory c. and therefore not difficult to be differenced in their operations Fourthly Visions extasies or raptures of the Divine Spirit though often they may much grieve and trouble their spirits that are under them as in Dan. 7.15 and 8.27 and take away their senses for the present and their strength and comliness and make them as it were faint dead dumb and breathless as in Daniel cap. 10. 8. 15. 17. verses and as Iohn in verse 17. at the vision of Christ he fell at his feet as dead and in the examples of Zachariah Paul c. yet after they are passed they have no impairing in the parts either of their bodies or souls but rather a greater glory put upon them as Moses whose face did shine coming from the presence and visions of God Paul grew a most eminent light and the highest of all the Apostles after he was strucken as dead with his converting vision Acts 9. Iohn here receives great and high revelations from Christ after he was stricken as dead at his feet by the glory of the vision God is no hard master none were ever losers to be his instruments in this sort for unto such he commonly adds greater additions of parts grace and glory But on the other side by the evil spirit's raptures or possessions many have not only lost the due temperature of their reason and understanding and so become altogether besotted and wittols but have also their bodies impaired by the hard service of their master Hence it is that as it is reported and commonly by experience seen of witches and such wretched creatures that are truly bewitched by the spirit of delusion and have given up themselves as servants to his will have the faculties of their souls so impaired and hurt by his possessions and daylie disturbing of them he being an Apollyon or destroyer from the beginning that being broken in their reasons they conceive in their raptures that they are transformed into strange shapes of cats dogs hares c. and in an instant to be transported and carried into far places distant and in and out to houses though the doors were shut things in themselves above the efficiency of any creature and contradictory to nature and all its works and unless persons of such belief makes two Omnipotents it can never stand Indeed the true ground hereof and of all their confessions in this kind proceeds from hence that the divel from whom they have their frequent extasies and raptures hath so befooled them in their understandings that they do verily believe those things to be really done and acted which the divel does represent unto them in their extasies and trances and so when they are out of them having lost their reasons believes and often confesses them to be of truth though many of them be impossibilities in nature without a miracle and had never a being further then in the fancies of their confused and disturbed brains This is the reward of the divel 's instruments in this kind Fifthly and lastly If all these former distinguishing marks fail for a hypocrite may go very far in complying with the signs of God's word yet herein he cannot deceive to wit in the truth of his vision or revelation in the event thereof this will be sure to try him whether his vision be from God or not Events discovers visions and distinguishes prophets Jer. 28.9 The prophet which prophesieth of peace when the word of the prophet shall come to pass then shall the prophet be known that the Lord hath truly sent him and this is according to that of Deut. 18.21 22. The question is How we shall know whether a vision be from God or not Look to the event if it comes to pass it is of God if not it is a lie Jeremiah prophesied against Jerusalem Hananiah and other false prophets the contrary Jer. 28.2 3 4. Ahab feared not to go against Ramoth Gilead whiles Zedekiah the false prophet told him Go and prosper 1 Kings 22. but when the words of Micaiah proved true to Ahab in his destruction then the false prophets were confounded and Zedekiah ran into an inner chamber to hide himself 2 Kings 22.25 Object But hath not the divel often foretold the truth of events Yes but not with that clearness as the divine Spirit does he leaves no hesitation or doubting on which side the overthrow will be The Beast together with the false Prophet and their adherents must be taken and destroyed the Saints must remain the conquerors Satan in his predictions is but as a good guesser or conjecturer at best to keep his credit good with his complices he gives out his predictions in riddles or aenigma's as of old in the Oracles at Delphos Aio te Aeacides Romanos vincere posse Or that of Croesus Croesus Halyn penetrans magnam pervertet opum vim Both which may be taken in a diverse sense which the constructors took in advantage as to themselves and so proved to both fatal in not
applying them the right way Again if Satan foretells any thing it is only gathered from the observation of the affairs of the world and his long experienced conversing in them and this at best can be but conjectural and therefore keeps himself to those dark ways of delivery Lastly To ascribe to Satan truth in foretelling of events it would rob God of his glory and one of his great prerogatives which he alone by his Spirit hath often manifested to his servants the Prophets for the good and comfort of his church and people Object But did not Satan tell Saul in that apparition of Samuel in 1 Sam. 28.19 That he should be delivered with all his host into the hands of the Philistines and that he and his sons on the morrow should be all with Samuel that is dead And was not that prediction truly fulfilled I answer first Amongst Expositors there is a great difference of opinions about the meaning of this place They that hold it was Samuel himself who was at rest have but small store of reason for it for these reasons First Because God will not send one from the dead to exhort the living They have Moses and the Prophets Secondly It is improbable that God would send Samuel who would not let him to answer Saul in his life time because God had forsaken him would now send him from the dead to advise him and then too when he was advising with Wizards and Witches which was utterly forbidden by God in his Law But the current of most Expositors hold That it was the divel in the appearance or likeness of Samuel But herein submitting to the judicious and more discerning judgements I here lay down some considerations to the contrary If this were Satan in the shape of Samuel it is strange he would leave such an excellent lesson to all posterity to the destruction and prejudice of his own kingdom as this is Saul had departed from God and disobeyed his voice therefore God was departed from him and given his kingdom unto another even unto David ver 16 17 18 19. and at last for this his disobedience would destroy him and his family by the hands of their enemies Now this is against that former saying of our Saviour's A Kingdom divided cannot stand is Satan divided against himself Collate unto this the reasons a little before mentioned and judge whether ever that spirit of lies and enmity to mankind would leave such a good and fruitful lesson for the children of men upon record to his prejudice for ever For this reason I am hardly induced to believe that this was Satan in Samuel's apparition but rather a cozening confederate of the Pythonist of Endor set up by her in a secret corner described by her or set up in the shape and garments of the old and famous Prophet Samuel who was but lately dead and therefore his postures garments and also his prophesies of rending the Kingdom from Saul and giving it unto David was very well known unto all Israel and therefore this witch of Endor could not be ignorant of it being but a little way distant from the Court of Saul where Samuel was often conversant in his life time as appears from vers 7 and 8. campared with 25 And also it appears unto me that Saul here in the whole transaction did not see the counterfeit Samuel by that his question in vers 14. What form is he of And she said an old man cometh up and he is covered with a mantle And Saul perceiving by this description of hers that it was Samuel he bows himself and so proceeds to his business with this Samuel or counterfeit which might lie hid behind some shrine hanging or grate where the whole cozenage is transacted and how easily Saul was to be caught and deceived in this kind appears from his distraction consternation and fear he was in being serrounded of his enemies forsaken of God and seeking unto witches in this time of trouble This wise woman or witch of Endor with her confederate knew well enough that this was Saul being higher by the head then all Israel though disguised and by his attendants and servants with him from the beginning of this whole art of cozenage though she counterfeited the contrary verse 12. This appears from her neighbourhood with the Court he coming to her and after all these cozening transactions returning the same night again verse 25. whereas this counterfeit is here often called Samuel and Saul took him indeed to be Samuel yet this makes it no more to be true and real Samuel then if it had been granted that it was the divel in Samuel's shape so that under correction of better judgements I am of opinion this was not Satan in Samuel's likeness that left this useful lesson and prediction for the reasons abovesaid but rather proceeded from the cozening Pythonist of Endor and her well-informed confederate who well knew of the prediction of the Prophet Samuel that God would take off the kingdom from Saul and give it unto his servant David because Saul had disobeyed God's voice in the business of Agag and this she could foresee was the time in that the Philistines the enemies of Israel were come up against him and he knew not which way to turn for God had forsaken him and had denied to answer him either by Prophet Urim or Thummim I have been somwhat the longer herein to stave the divel off that he may not have any hand in God's prerogative in foretelling the truth of events If it were granted that this were the Divel in Samuel's likeness yet I answer the Divel might well gather the truth of this prediction concerning the destruction of Saul and his sons from that of Samuel's prophesie against him when in his life time at Gilgal he came and told him that God would rend his kingdom from him for not obeying his word and give it unto his servant David 1 Sam. 13.14 And therefore the Divel here might well predict the same unto Saul coming to him to know the event and success of his undertaking against the Philistines But in the time and some other circumstances of this prediction whether it proceeded from Satan or the cozening Pythonist yet there is a palpable failure therein to show that God's Spirit alone is the spirit of prophesie and the sure foretelling of all events in the full truths thereof for this pretended Samuel tells Saul that to morrow he and his sons should be with him that is in the state of death But observe if this were the Divel how this father of lies keeps on his old trade of lying for indeed Saul and his sons were not overthrown nor slain by the Philistines on the morrow but some days after as appeareth by considering the several transactions done by David in the 29 and 30 chapters against the Amalekites after he was dismissed from the Army of the Philistines before they fell upon Saul and his Army to their
some of the mistakes of our Translators Consult to this purpose Luke 7.24 Mal. 3.1 and therefore it should be better rendered here Messengers write unto the Messengers of the seven churches And the Ministers of the Gospel are so termed because they are persons sent and commissionated by Christ to preach and teach his Gospel amongst his churches Matth. 28.18 Having cleared what is meant by the Angels or seven Stars of the Asian churches I shall draw these notes Observ 1. Christ hath an especial eye of providence and hand of protection over all his faithful Ministers of his Word in the most terrible times of wrath and judgement He takes them in his right hand claps them under his wings for safety Noah who was a preacher of righteousness was preserved in the Ark when all the world was drowned Righteous Lot was preserved when Sodom flamed in fire Ezekiel Daniel Mordecai c. were preserved in Babylon when the Inhabitants of Judah suffered all the miseries that an insolent Conquerour could lay upon them How Luther was preserved when all the antichristian world sought his ruine is most admirable to consider I have heard it related that that most famous Minister of Christ Peter du Molyne was preserved in Paris being a sucking childe by his Nurse under a tub when the bloody massacers did not spare man woman or childe of the Reformed Faith that he might afterward become a star in the firmament of Christ's church And the reason of all this is they that are most engaged for Christ in his work and ministery he does most engage for their safety and protection Satan is their greatest enemy therefore Christ is their greatest friend and bulwark Oh that all the Ministers of our churches were shining stars faithful Angels or rather faithful Messengers of God's word and truth Then Christ would carry them in his right hand of protection and they should be as the apple of his eye unto him The Angels Messengers or chief Ministers of these seven Asian churches are here represented by stars Stars always in prophetical Scriptures signifie eminency splendour light and excellency How art thou fallen from heaven O Lucifer thou son of the morning meaning Nebuchadnezzar Isa 14.12 and Rev. 18.10 I saw a star fall from heaven which connotes the fall of a most eminent high and excellent person From hence note 2. Those that are the dispensers of Christs mysteries ought to be more eminent and excellent in knowledge and holiness then other inferiour christians They are figured by stars by the shining heavenly lamps they are the salt of the earth their lips should especially preserve wisdom they should be as stars of the greater magnitude shining in the firmament of their churches they are the Overseers of the flock to go in and out before them in soundness of life and doctrine yet too though their light be great shining and eminent yet let them consider they are but stars their light is borrowed from the Sun they should not advance it to that pitch as to make it an infallible light but they should eye the Son as the fountain of all true light to keep them in their proper Sphere and not to lord it over the Lord's inheritage Let them remember too that they are stars whereof some may be erratique as well as fixed ones Christ alone is the true light the true morning star that whosoever shall receive light from this true Son of righteousness he cannot be deceived but at last shall be brought to the Father of all lights 3. Another Note is That the Ministers of Christ are in an high and honourable calling They are figured under the types of stars celestial lights they have the same Titles of God's ministring spirits The Angels they are his Messengers that goes on his errants his Ambassadours to treat with man about the great mysteries of heaven Hence ariseth another corrolary That all Christ's ministers as they are stars though differing from one another in glory in parts gifts and graces yet not differing in power nor Lords over one another They are Angels that is Messengers Ambassadours not Prince Cardinals not Lord Bishops Every church here had its Angel its Bishop its Pastor its Elder not many Bishops not many Elders in a classical form over divers churches but every church had its Angel its Ministers or Officers Ephesus had its Anâ—gel Smyrna its Angel c. not that Ephesus Angel either singly o. joynt with two three or more were superintendent over all the rest Here is a farther description of the terribleness of the appearance of Christ in this vision when he cometh in power and judgement Out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword and his face shone as the Sun in his strength The sword of the mouth is taken in Scripture for the words or doctrine proceeding from the mouth Psalm 56.5 Prov. 5.4 Job 5.15 The word of Christ is here called a sharp two-edged sword it cuts both sides but in a diverse mode it wounds the penitent but for their recovery and to bring them unto Christ and so it is mighty in operation Heb. 4.12 And secondly It is a destroying sword to his adversaries Rev. 19.15 Out of his mouth went a sharp sword that with it he should smite the heathen Hence observe Christ's word is very powerful and piercing it divides between the bone and the marrow between the soul and the spirit it is Telum Achilleum Achilles Spear that can both hurt and cure kill and make alive But it may be here questioned whether this figure of a two edged sword that went out of the mouth of Christ may not signifie and represent a material sword also I answer affirmatively That Christ also is to use that sword which is to smite the heathen with and that is a material one for he is to rule them with a rod of iron Rev. 19.15 Now how it can be understood that Christ is to smite the heathen with the sword of his mouth that is his word or rule them with his word and doctrine I see but small reason for such an interpretation and seeing too when he does this it is in fierceness treading the wine-press of the wrath of almighty God But then some may say Does Christ judge and smite his enemies only by the material sword I answer No first he goes out with the sword or spirit of his mouth to wit his divine truth and word to make manifest destroy and overthrow all antichristian Idolatry and Worship 2 Thes 2. Then secondly he goes out on the red Horse of war with a material sword to destroy the Beast and the false Prophet and their adherents and they are so smitten and destroyed that the Fowls of the Ayr are called to the prey to eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of captains and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of them that sit upon them and the flesh of all men both free and bond
right hand on Iohn First upon his consternation he gives him the spirit of Prophesie elevates and excites John's spirit to see Divine mysteries And secondly gives him his Spirit of strength power and consolation which might subdue all his carnal conceits and fears and so remove all impediments whatsoever that hindered him in that work which God would have him to undertake and therefore comes in with consolation and bids John fear not for I am the first and the last From this Note That those that are strucken low and humbled by God are fittest to be risen by God for the reception of his choicest divine truths and mysteries John was strucken as dead with his glory and then heard a voice Fear not but write the things that thou shalt see to the seven Churches When the Prophets Ezekiel and Daniel were fallen down on their faces then they were lifted by the Spirit and received glorious visions We must let all our own go our false confidences and carnal props as of our own parts our graces our eminency in gifts and the like if we will be fit auditors for Christ we must fall down at the feet of his Throne if we expect an answer from his Throne Moses a meek man yea the meekest of all men he received the choicest favours from God's hand for he spake to him mouth to mouth and face to face Deut. 34.10 He laid his right hand upon me saying unto me fear not Hence secondly Note That the hand of Christ or his Spirit is not only a most powerful but also a comforting and consolating Spirit This is the Comforter that takes off all fears from Iohn It is the Spirit of God that does convince it is the Spirit of God that converts it is the Spirit that doth inspire godly men it is the Spirit that sanctifies it is the Spirit that comforts the Spirit is the great Agent and hand of God by which God doth all his works Christ here in the likeness of the Son of man was but as a terrible apparition unto Iohn it served only to strike him dead before he laid his right hand upon him to comfort and support him so the sight or knowledge of Christ in the Gospel without the co-operation of his holy Spirit is but as a terrible sight and knowledge that makes for the greater condemnation Christ unto some may be a rock of offence and a stumbling stone whiles unto others that have his Spirit he is the rock of salvation and the corner stone which is sure and precious O lay thy right hand O Lord upon thy servant give him thy Spirit that he may know thy Will and minde in thy Word and serve thee without fear Observ 3. That Christ is full of bowels of grace and compassion towards all such as he smites and humbles The sight of Divine glory being the most effectual thing unto poor frail worthless creatures God follows it with the greatest comfort and sweetest consolations No sooner does Christ appear unto Iohn in his glory that makes him fall at his feet as dead but presently Christ lays his right hand upon him and he hears his comforting word saying Fear not Christ would not leave Iohn in that spiritless and liveless condition that the glory of the Vision had affected him with but quickly raises him and comforts him again with the most effectual and sweetest consolations Christ is our merciful high Priest and that good compassionate Samaritane who is so affected and touched with our wounds and infirmities Luk. 10.33 Heb 4.15 and that more especially with such hurts and wounds that proceeds from his own hand that he is most ready at hand with the oyl and wine the Grace of his Gospel and Blood of his Covenant to pour into our wounded souls for peace healing and consolation Job after he was stricken and humbled by the hand of God and came to a true sight of the hand that did it His captivity is turned into joy and comforts are multiplyed Job 42.5 6 c. Daniel after he was afflicted and humbled for his own sins and the sins of his forefathers cap. 4. Then the Lord sent Gabriel to comfort him and to tell him that he was a man greatly beloved ver 22. God does not throw down afflict wound or humble any of his servants to leave them so but forthwith or within a short time reaches out his right hand and lays it upon them to raise them up and to comfort them Observ 4. Another Note from this comforting word of Christ saying Fear not is That the Word of Christ being conjunct with the Hand of Christ his Spirit is the most effectual comfort to a wounded spirit The Word without the Spirit is inefficacious in its operations John had lain still as a sensless and dead person notwithstanding the word and voice of Christ if he had not lain his hand upon him also The word is of little power if the efficacy of the Spirit be not in it without this it is but a dead letter That word of Christ which is powerful and efficacious carries the Spirit with it the same word goes forth unto all and works from common gifts in some so many are called But that that makes it a distinguishing powerful word is the concomitancy of the Spirit of grace and so few are chosen When therefore we find in Scriptures such expressions as that the Word is the incorruptible seed the power of God to salvation the word of life sharper then a two-edged sword and the like These and the like phrases we must understand not as if the Word were such in it self without the Spirit but conjunctively when the Word is made the chariot of the Spirit and the Spirit is made the life and power of the Word The Word without the Spirit is only a voice void of vertue and operation and the Spirit without the medium of the Word works not ordinarily but both conjunct together makes up that true dispensation of the Gospel which is called the ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.8 and the Grace of God that brings salvation Tit. 2.11 God is light it self and the Father of lights yet the Sun is not useless but by it he enlightens us so the Spirit of God is the Comforter and the Sanctifier but does both comfort sanctifie and perform all other his offices and works in by and through the Word O Lord sanctifie and comfort us by thy Word and Spirit for thy Word is Truth and the power of our God unto salvation Observ 5. The last Note that I shall raise from these words And he laid his right hand upon me c. shall be That Christ doth fully furnish in some good measure with the gifts and graces of his Spirit all such as he calls and employs in the great offices of his church First he lays his right hand upon John intimating his designation enstalment and confirmation in his Prophetical office for as Imposition of hands was
in the resurrection so hath power to deliver them from the state of death and hell Or secondly Take death and hell for the state of the damned and he hath power over that too he holds the key of the bottomless pit Rev. 20.1 as he hath obtained power since his exaltation to give Crowns and Thrones to all his faithful ones that shall persevere and overcome so also to chastise his impenitent and obstinate adversaries with hell and death The Keys in Scripture do signifie Power Dominion and Rule He that keeps and commands the keys of a City hath the Power and Rule over it The Keys were anciently carried before the chief Magistrate and are in some places at this present time as symbols and badges of authority On Peter's honourable confession in Mat. 16.19 the Keys of the Kingdom of heaven is given unto him by Christ which intimates the power of shutting and loosing which was by Christ deposited in the Church It is said in the third chapter that Christ hath the key of David that shutteth and no man openeth and openeth and no man shutteth and in chap. 20. v. 1. Christ is there represented by an Angel that had the key of the bottomless pit All this connotes Observ That Christ hath the full power over all powers and principalities of darkness over the divel and death and hell it self which before he hath attained and purchased by his death 1 Cor. 15.55 c. they cannot move nor stir to the destruction of souls but as he permits them it is a most vain conceit yea and savours of little faith in those that think that the godly or faithful ones of Christ are in the hands of Divels or Witches to be hurt by them or tormented at their pleasures Christ hath the Keys of hell and death the wicked Angels are so surely locked in their prisons and reserved in chains up by his providence that they cannot possibly touch any one of those that are dear to God no not to hurt a hair of their head or the least lamb in their fold without Christ's special commission for it and then too they are like a dog in a chain under his hand and direction to go thus far and no farther The Divel could not touch Iob who was hedged about by God before he bid him go And therefore O! How reasonless and weak it is to affirm or hold that they are in the Divel's power to touch or hurt at his pleasure for whom Christ hath said down his most precious blood and are as dear unto him as the apple of his eye but if at any time God shall give any of his into the hand of Satan to be touched by him either in person or goods let us consider it is either to withdraw and wean us from sin and to bring us to repentance for it or else to winnow and try us whether we will bless the name of God or not In such cases which seldom God exercises his children under for few are able to bear such temptations and God will lay no more on his then they are able to bear the most high and eminent in grace are only fit to meet with such strong tryals and not sink under them as Iob and Paul whom Satan buffetted but if God shall use the hand of Satan to smite any of his children let them look upon God as the principal Mover and Author of it and though Satan be the Instrument yet to say with wise and godly Iob The Lord hath done it The Lord taketh and the Lord giveth Blessed be the name of the Lord. Observ 2. Another observation hence is That Christ's obstinate enemies according to the Prophesies in this Book may expect and look for a most sure and certain ruine and destruction For here Christ says unto Iohn Fear thou not Iohn that is of the truth and execution of those dreadful predictions and judiciary visions which I shall now make known unto thee concerning those high implacable and obstinate enemies of mine they may think I have not power to execute those judgements upon them but they shall know that I have the keys of hell and death that Satan is at my command and beck to be the executioner of my wrath upon them and that I have power to open the door of hell death and destruction and to shut them up together with Satan in that Lake of fire that burneth with fire and brimstone for evermore Rev. 19.20 and 20.10 Hence two Uses arise very naturally First That the godly need not fear hell nor death either that of the grave or that of the second death for Christ their head is the Key-keeper of both and hath power thereof Next Let the impenitent wicked and such as will not have Christ to reigne over them fear and tremble for he has the keys of hell and death Therefore repent in time and kiss the Son lest he be angry before the day come wherein he shall shut and no man openeth Verse 19. Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are and the things which shall come after Verse 20. The mystery of the seven Stars which thou sawest in my right hand and the seven golden Candlesticks is this The seven Stars are the Angels of the seven Churches and the seven Candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven Churches After Christ had fitted and confirmed John in his Prophetical Office by laying his hand upon him and by giving his Spirit to him and assuring him that it was he that is the first and the last that is alive but was dead and had the power over hell and death most able and mighty therefore to bring to pass and execute all the dreadful predictions and visions which Christ should make known unto him and being thus qualified and confirmed he receives his commission to write the things that he had seen and the things which are that is to Record these things which he had seen and were represented to him by and in the precedent visions which relate unto things that are present and in being to wit God's discovery of his will and judgements towards the famous seven Asian churches some whereof had much back-slidden from their native purity which the first second and third chapters do treat of as things that were then present and in being Next Iohn is commanded to write the things which shall come after that is he is to record visions and things which he shall see which are related unto the future Observ Hence Note That this book of Prophesies is not only a Historical relation and discovery under hyerogliphick figures of things present but also of things to come Iohn is commanded to write to the then seven Asian churches and that as an Introduction to all the future Prophesies and this is that that is intimated in cap. 5. v. 1. where a book is represented written within and without within that is secret sealed under seven Seals and their end yet
so called for on the performance of every condition by vertue of compact it hath a legal influence merit and causality unto the production of its end Neither indeed is there any such compact in the Word since the fall of Adam that on the performance of any conditions be they never so Evangelical as Faith Repentance c. Justification or life was promised thereupon only the condition of the old covenant between God and man was death upon disobedience and life upon obedience Man having forfeited the one by his disobedience Christ steps in as the Mediator of a better and surer covenant and makes his soul an offering unto death which was the full performance of the penal condition due unto the sinner and so absolutely purchased a blessed seed unto himself and on such stable conditions performed altogether by himself that they cannot possibly forfeit their inheritance being in so sure a hand and are still heirs though whiles under years they differ not from servants that is whiles under sin and unregeneracy are still in bondage until faith come to discover their heirship and interest unto the purchased possession and in the mean time by evil works they are as enemies strangers and aliens to God and the commonweal of Israel according to the old Legal distinction they have notwithstanding Jus ad Rem though not Jus in Re. And though I deny faith or repentance to be conditions properly so called in the covenant to life or justification yet I say they are required in the same new Law Covenant or Testament as conditions improperly so called or as conditions in order preceding one the other and as benefits of the same covenant But seeing the word condition is of late glown so rampant and overmuch perfumed with the Spiceries of Rome I shall willingly let it lie as that other term of merit which in their first births were more innocent and inoffensive and shall rather call them as duties and qualities required in the new covenant by Christ as necessary in all his redeemed ones to life and salvation And when I say they are duties necessary I would be understood not absolutely necessary but virtate precepti and virtute medii unto all such as are capable of their duties but not unto Infants or Idiots that want the use of reason for to believe and repent are acts of the will and understanding which Infants or Idiots are not capable of and therefore we exempt them from salvation dying so if the condition of faith was absolute and peremptory as Augustine once dreamed and therefore was called durus pater Infantum and all others must conclude the like harsh judgement on them also that hold actual faith and repentance as absolute necessary conditions unto justification and life But again If it were true what the Arminian says That none are saved but on the condition of the To credere or act of faith and none damned but for unbelief then I re-assume that some persons according to this are neither damned nor saved for Infants dying such as aforesaid cannot have by reason of their incapacity the act of faith nor unbelief which is a privation by refusal or resistance of the truth made manifest Indeed such absurdities do they incur that assert such absolute conditions in the covenant of grace to be done on man's part yet I say they are absolute and peremptory on Christ's part to be performed and he having fully finished all the conditions for his elect ones by his death though some of them dying Infants yet are saved by vertue of that everlasting covenant made with Christ in for and on the behalf of all his chosen ones of whom he will not lose one which the Father hath given him From this precedent discourse you may plainly conclude that though I grant repentance a necessary Gospel duty and for divers good ends it is ordained so yet do not in the least place it in any subordinate causality joyntly with Christ in the work of our salvation but only as our duty thorowfare or way thereunto commanded and instituted by Christ as part of his new Law that he himself might have the pre-eminence in all things and the name and glory alone of our salvation And this hereon shall suffice See more hereon v. 23. Observ 2. Another Note hence is That the doctrine of judgments and threats is a very useful Gospel doctrine When Christ hath passed with his doctrine of grace and offers a reconcilement freely if the sinner will but turn from his iniquities and repent and yet the sinner will refuse his gracious terms he hath another burden to tell him that after he hath refused so great salvation he can cast both soul and body into hell fire the most obdurate and incorrigible child must have the sharpest rod a smile or a love-token will work upon the ingenious but saith Solomon a rod is for the back of a fool Neither is judgement a strange work unto Christ for as he is related unto his church as a Saviour and a Father respecting his grace and loving kindness so he is as well a Judge and a Legislator and so may justly chastise his church as contemners and transgressors of his Royal Law If he calls us to repent which is part of his new covenant Law as he did the church of Ephesus and yet go on obstinately in sin justly may he remove his candlestick from amongst us If his Lamb-like quality of mercy and grace will not invite us to return he can roat as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah which will cause us to call upon the mountains to fall upon us and to hide us from the presence of the Lamb wherefore they are much mistaken that would shut out as useless the doctrine of threats and judgements from the Gospel which are to be preached soberly and conditional not peremptory and absolute for if there were not a curb and fear of loss and punishment the wanton straying soul would hardly be reclaimed though the more tender hearted the apprehension of grace and love might reclaim and mollifie Observ 3. Another Observation is To take off God's candlestick or to unchurch a Nation or people is the most grievous of all God's judgements Christ could not afflict the church of Ephesus with a greater loss then to remove his church from among them for hereby First Privatively His glory and special presence of grace and favour is withdrawn Secondly The guidance light and comfort of his holy Spirit is departed Thirdly His Ordinances are all defiled and vanished Fourthly His special protection is withdrawn also Fifthly and lastly Instead of his gracious presence they have his presence in wrath judgements and fiery indignations Instead of his Spirit of light and comfort they have the dismal spirit of darkness errour and despair instead of Christ's holy Ordinances they have the Divel's sacrifices and instead of God's special protection over them they are carried captives by Satan to all foul and
Christ hates it and his church hates it and therefore surely it hath some poysonous and pestilential quality in it somtimes it amounts so far as to defile both judgement and practise joyntly as it did in the Sect of the Nicholaitans And this it most frequently does unless in such a time when the appearance of an Angel of light will seem better with Satans designs for if the Theoretique part of the understanding be not sound the practique can hardly be streight where the light of the eye is darkned our feet will soon stumble and the will and judgement are so linked together that some make the will to be the last act of the understanding or the practique part of the judgement so nearly they are related into oneness that the contagion of the one will be the defilement of the other Yet secondly Satan is so serpentine and crafty that often he can restrain the will and put on the forms of an Angel of light and set on a stricter garb of holiness and mortification then ordinary even unto an Erenetique monastical conversation denying the lawful comforts of humane life and society that he may make the greater impression to deceive thereby as he does in some of the crafty deceiving heretiques of these days Therefore it is not only the duty of all Christ's faithful ones but their honour and glory and their crown to abominate and hate all such deeds and mysteries of Satan even as they are abominated and hated by Christ himself Verse 7. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches To him that overcometh will I give to taste of the Tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradice of God The ear is the chief instrument or organ by which we hear and the Spirit sets it here metonimically for hearing it self such a hearing or right understanding as is mentioned in Rom. 10.17 as comes by the Word of God by a sagacious and diligent prepending of the mind of God in the word stirred up and warmed by the influence of the same Spirit and such a hearing or such an ear is here called as competently fit for the comprehension of the mind of the Spirit in these prophesies Hence Note Observ That there is chiefly required a spiritualized and enlightned reason and a well ordered judgement for the discovery of the mysteries of this book of Prophesies Holy and good affections without sound knowledge will not reach it It is for him that hath understanding that must count the number of the Beast Rev. 13.18 God hath given diversity of gifts to his Church for the profit of the whole some one is excellent for an interpretation of Tongues another for Prophesie another for exhortation another for a Psalm another for gubernation and discipline another is excellent about justification another about the doctrines of holiness and sanctification others again are for unlocking prophetical deeps and mysteries c. So every one hath their variety of gifts and excellencies that the body may be compleated and made perfect by the co-assistance and harmony of the whole Let it not seem strange that this book is dark and difficult to the supine and lazie christian it is only for him that hath an ear to hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches What is meant by the Spirit that speaks unto the churches is to be enquired into It cannot be understood neither Angel nor the holy Spirit personally considered for in the next immediate verse the same Spirit is called the first and the last which was dead and is alive Now this must be Christ who appeared unto John not in his humanity but spiritually in his Deity under the figure and likeness of the Son of man Review v. 13. of the first chapter more fully to this purpose And here he is called the Spirit to denote Observ That Christ is one and the same not only in properties and qualities with the holy Spirit but in essence also He hath the incommunicable properties of the Father in the words in the next verse and precedent chapter v. 4 8 17. who is the first and the last In vers 18. of this chapter he is called The Son of God and in this verse he is called The Spirit all making up this harmonious conclusion and truth that Christ is one and the same everlasting Father Son and Spirit our God blessed for ever Observ Another Note from these words are That every wise and judicious christian ought to be very intent and enquiring into the mind of God in and about all his providential dealings and discoveries towards his churches abroad in the world What God speaks unto his churches is not of a private interpretation but of a publique concernment unto all others If God have dealt in judgement and righteousness with those Asiatique churches and for their abounding iniquities unrepented of hath anathematized and utterly unchurched them all think not that we shall go free if we be found in the same transgressions with them There were other churches too as well as these once famous for their faith and piety now become the Dens of Dragons and habitation of all unclean spirits Therefore to avoid the stroke of divine judgement by a timely repentance how behoveful and necessary it is for him that hath an ear to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches For be sure if we run the same course of sin with them we shall drink the same cup of indignation with them also if we continue obstinate and repent not for God is the same immutable Being just and righteous and a hater of all iniquity today and for ever But to him that overcometh that is holds out against the spiritual assaults of Satan and so overcome his temptations will I give saith Christ to eat of the Tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradice of God Here we have the tryumphant Christian Conqueror described together with his Crown and Reward To him that overcometh that is the Conqueror The reward is To eat of the Tree of life in the Paradice of God But if it should be asked wherein should a christian combatant overcome to denominate him a true conqueror and to overcome indeed I answer As God hath furnished us with variety of spiritual weapons and armory from himself which are mighty through God to pull down the strong Holds of Satan so we have divers and various stratagems and wyles of his to meet with in our christian warfare here beneath we have not only to fight with our corruptions within but we must meet with divers assaults of Satan also from without enticements and allurements to false Doctrines and Worships and if we comply not we may be sure to meet his buffettings from without in revilings reproaches afflictions c. and often as Paul did fight with unreasonable and bestial men as he did after the manner of Beasts at Ephesus So that he that overcometh to
or habitation is his Throne or his castle as the Law term has it therein he exercises his commands freely either by his Paternal or Magisterial authority and he hath better title to this Soveraignty it being natural moral then any Soveraign hath to theirs in the world 2. There are therein its subjects who obey more freely in respect of their more divine Oeconomy then any Prince's Subjects whatsoever Thirdly A man's most private designes and transactions are agitated therein Fourthly A man therein lives goes in and out and no place be it ever so pleasant is so complacent to a man as the place of his own habitation be it never so homely and therefore a man will not spare to spend all his strength wit or wealth to defend his house place of habitation against all pretenders of right thereunto Therefore these metaphors of a Throne Seat House or Habitation are fitly taken up by the Spirit of God to signifie unto us the power of Satan in the wicked and ungodly which in Scriptures are called his strong holds and habitations for in them he commands and acts freely being as a Father Lord and Master to us the children of disobedience for his servants and children ye are to whom ye obey and they obey freely and without any regret as dutiful children and servants to such a Father and Master even the Prince that ruleth in the Ayre even the Spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience Ephes 2.2 there he makes his habitation there he lives and transacts the highest designes of his Kingdom of darkness there he takes his delight to dwell and takes that pleasure in this place of his habitation that before he will forego it or lose an inch of his possession the stronger man in the Gospel must first come even Christ in his Spirit of Grace and that after much strugling contending between flesh and spirit and that Christ shall be sure to make his Title clear and evident by Faith and the great charter of the Gospel before he will be dispossessed of his ancient free-hold Tenures yea his love or rather pernitious desire to his old habitation is such that after he is dispossessed thereof by Christ that if he can get or make a re-entry into his lost possession by his diabolical Stratagems and Temptations he comes in with seven fold worser spirits then the first to make good his right and re-entry if he may and the condition of that house is far more miserable then at the first O therefore watch and be prepared with the armory of Christ to oppose the assaults of Satan ye believing and enlightened souls and though he sometimes may foyl you yet let him not overturn you though he may endeavour to come into your soul yet let him not have quiet possession for greater is he that is with us then he that is against us Resist the Divel and he will flee from you and through Christ we shall have Victory Note hence Observe That Satan rules as absolute Lord and Soveraign over the unbelieving and disobedient They are his house the place of his dwelling his Throne his Kingdom his Seat and if that were not enough to describe their malignity and Satan's Soveraignty over them they are called Satan himself v. 10. The better to manifest Satan's Seat Throne and Habitation in and over the ungodly consider the contrary The Seat Throne and Habitation of God Though God in his infinite nature is illocal infinite and incomprehensible as unto any place or form yet metaphorically is said to be in a place that is from whence he in any special manner doth manifest his glory power grace and goodness So God is said to come depart and return in Scriptures when he specially manifests himself in grace mercy and answers to his people or unto any particular believing Soul and when God withdraws that appearance of mercy grace and glory nor hears the Prayers of his people but goes out in Judgments against them then he is said to depart to be gone and return into his place Hos 5.15 I will go and return to my place till they acknowledg their Offence God is said to have three special places of habitation Seats or Thrones in Scriptures 1. Heaven is his Throne and his dwelling place Isa 66.1 1 Kings 8.30 2. The hearts of the Saints is his Throne and dwelling place Isa 57.15 1 Jo. 3.24 3. The Church or Christ Zion is the habitation and Tabernacle of his glory Psal 132.13 The Church is the place where God communicates himself and gives his answers unto his people And therefore in 1 Tim. 3.15 it is called the House of God and often in Scriptures the Kingdom of God These are the special habitations of God Satan hath also three special places of habitation and dominion in Scriptures 1. In Hell over the damned spirits And therefore he is called the Prince of darkness and the Angel of the bottomless Pit 2. The hearts of the wicked and unbelievers is the Seat and habitation of Satan Ephes 2.2 3. His Throne is amongst the societies of the wicked they are his Synagogue v. 9. where his Doctrines are transacted and maintained and they are his Seat and Throne from whence all his wicked and pernitious Edicts do proceed against God and Godliness Psal 2.2 3. Therefore in this verse the Spirit sayes to the Church of Pergamus I know that thou dwellest in a place where Satan bears rule in all Idolatries wickednesses and hatred to God and his truths without controulment and yet to thy praise and comfort be it that thou holdest fast my Name and hast not denied my Faith that is that thou dost constantly profess my Truth and hast not been drawn to deny my Gospel or Doctrine of Faith not in those very hot and persecuting days wherein Antipas my faithful Martyr was slain in that City of yours by those Tyranical persons there in whom Satan dwelleth and prevaileth There is no farther difficulty in those words only understand that Antipas as Aretus testifies and some others of Antiquitie was the Pastor or Bishop to this Church of Ephesus yet others say he was only an Assistant to the Church However this blessed St. Antipas Policarpus and some others were the first Martyrs to the Gospel of Christ after the Apostles in the raign of Trajan From the words thus explained Note Obs 2. That the godly by the providence of God are disposed and mingled amongst the most vilest and wicked in the World The Church of Christ is likened to a Lilly amongst Thorns by the Wise-man in the Canticles Where the Synagogue and Throne of Satan was God had planted those Asiatick Churches Righteous Job saith of himself that he was a brother to Dragons and a companion to Owles Chap. 30.29 And holy David's soul was vexed by sojourning in Mesech and dwelling in the Tents of Kedar Psal 120.5 Honest hearted Joseph had his habitation amongst the Idolatrous Egyptians and there
the more glory it will be capable of and filled with hereafter Every Vessel shall have his fulness in glory but every one acording to its capacity as there is a glory in the Stars Moon and Sun and one differing from another in glory yet every one hath their fulness So in the Kingdom o◠glory when God giveth to every one according to his works every one shall have the reward of their works eternal happiness but some shall sit upon twelve Thrones judging the twelve Tribes of Israel all shall be shining Stars but some of a greater Magnitude then others But to proceed For I have not found thy works perfect before God It was not a legal perfection that Christ could not find in Sardis he did never seek for that absolute perfection in them that would be in vain seeing they were so full of Imperfections But yet this intimates that the faithful christians and their works may be perfect before God although they are not found perfect in Sardis yet may be found perfect in others that are more sound and godly For the clearing of which understand that sometimes in Scripture perfection is taken for sincerity and uprightness as Gen. 17.1 Walk before me be thou perfect that is upright sincere as Iob 1.1 he was a man that was perfect and upright one that feared God and eschewed evil he was a plain simple man honest at the heart in this sense the works of Sardis were not perfect before God they were not honest sincere and upright according to his will they were Hypocritical in name shew and appearance only not in truth and sincerity Secondly Perfection may be taken 1. As respecting our justification Or 2. Our sanctification The first of these in a strict sense is a compleat perfection for the Saints are compleat in Christ their head as unto justification and from all sin and the guilt thereof there is not one sin left which is not washed away by his blood in this respect they are perfect By one offering Christ hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10.14 Then Secondly There is a perfection of sanctification and holiness And that is 1. In the respect of the beginnings and parts thereof 2. In respect of the prevailing degree thereof 3. In respect of the aimes thereof 4. In respect of the duration and perseverance of it 5. In respect of others First the Saints in this life have a perfect beginning of holiness as to its parts because it begins in every part they are sanctified throughout in soul body and spirit 1 Thes 5.23 though every part be not throughout sanctified by reason of the imperfection of mediums by which they are sanctified yet they are sanctified in every part throughout in understandings wills affections desires memories thoughts and hearts Secondly They have every grace in their souls not only in the truth thereof but in the prevailing degree thereof as when faith love patience humility c. overcome infidelity hatred impatience pride and other their opposite vices and evils So when this work of sanctification is begun in all parts thereof it may be said a perfect work in beginning and when it comes to the prevailing degree thereof it may be called a perfect work having prevailed against its contrary Thirdly They are likewise perfect in respect of their aims and desires God accepts the will for the deed and he that aims and strives for perfection God accepts as perfect though mixed with much imperfections Christ could not find the works of Sardis perfect in this sense neither Fourthly They are likewise perfect in respect of their duration Apostacy from the faith and truth will loose the honor of perfection and makes their crown to wither when a righteous or perfect man turneth to iniquity all the righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned Ezek. 18.24 Fifthly In respect of others the Saints are perfect souls compare them unto the guilded out side formal christians and they are gold and perfect in respect of them and so Christ could not find the works of Sardis perfect before him as those of Ephesus Smyrna c. Hence Note first Observ 1. The great cause that our works are not perfect but defective before God is for want of honest sincerity in them Sardis was blamed for this very thing and for want of this grace she carried a fair name that she lived in her pretended graces but she was dead there was no sincerity and truth in them If we suppose a man to worship God in all his Ordinances and avoid all outward evil yet if there be double-heartedness in his spirit all is cast off by God as abominable Sincerity is that that gives perfection to every grace it is the very truth and spirit of every grace as when we believe we must believe sincerely when we love we must love sincerely and cordially when we sorrow or repent it must be done sincerely that is truly fully without any mixture or hypocrisie for a double minded man God doth hate Sincere quasi sine cera without wax without composition and as the word here beares it in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I have not found thy works full there was somwhat wanting within to make them compleat and perfect without this ingredient grace of sincerity all our duties are but as sounding Brass and a tinckling Cimbal But add sincerity unto the least and most imperfect of our duties and they will become in the esteem of God most perfect God accepts a Lamb from Abel offered in sincerity rather then clouds of Incense and thousands of Sacrifices from a wicked and profain Cain Yea if it be but a widdows mite or some Goats hair coming from one that is sincere God looks upon it as a rich present and calls the presenter thereof perfect Truth of grace and sincerity is our perfection here but in the world to come we shall have perfection in the highest degree as well as the perfection of sincerity and truth of grace in this life therefore let us so walk before God as becometh perfect ones Observ 2. It is the Saints duty that they aim and press after perfection in all their graces works and duties The church of Sardis was worthily blamed for want of this perfection her works were not full and entire there was somwhat wanting and therefore blame-worthy and imperfect First They are to press after the perfection of justification by faith and evidenced by love and works and so make their election and justification sure unto their own souls and manifest it unto others also Secondly To seek after perfection in all graces and parts of christianity in souls bodies and spirits to be perfect intire wanting nothing Ja. 1.4 as ye abound in every thing in faith and utterance and knowledg and all diligence see that ye abound in this grace also to wit charity 2 Cor. 8.7 There must not one necessary grace be wanting in true Saints though
were from heaven and not from men Hence it is that the Spirit of God is not only called the holy Spirit but also the Spirit of Truth John 14.17 because it leadeth and guideth into all truth and wheresoever the Spirit cometh as a holy Spirit to sanctifie it cometh in the first place as a Spirit of Truth to lead the soul into the ways of truth If Christ makes any discoveries unto thy soul it will be as unto Philadelphia as the holy One and as the true One As he is the way unto holiness so he is the way the truth and the life and no man cometh unto the Father but in by and thorow him John 14.6 Which hath the Key of David that openeth and no man shuteth and shutteth and no man openeth These words have relation to that prophesie of Isaiah cap. 22. 20. 22. about the calling of Eliakim the son of Hilkiah who should be a Father unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah into whose hands the Government should be committed and in vers 22. The Key of the House of David will I lay upon his shoulder saith the Lord so he shall open and no man shall shut and he shall shut and none shall open This Eliakim in the days of Hezekiah was his chief Steward or master of his houshold as appears by 2 Kings 18.18 26. and it seems by the transactions between him and Senacharib none were suffered to go in or out to treat with Senacharib but Eliakim and whom he did approve of he was a man in great authority with the King and carried the Key and Soveraignty ever his whole houshold and therefore he is prophesied of by Isaiah to come or to be called again of God not in person but in his antitype and true counterpane Jesus Christ the true Eliakim who beareth the Keys of David c. Christ may well be typified by Eliakim and to be called the spiritual Eliakim promised in Isa 22. both for his name and nature Eliakim signifying as Hierom de interpretatione nominum the God of the Resurrection or God that rose again and who was this true Eliakim but Christ In the next place Christ was descended from this Eliakim Luke 3.30 therefore rightly brought by the Spirit in Isaiah to typifie him forth But lastly and chiefly Christ is the true spiritual Eliakim in respect of his Kingly office and Soveraignty which he beareth over his spiritual house his church as Eliakim bore it over the house of David The Key is put metonymice the ensign of Authority for Authority it self But why the Key of David and not the Key of the House of David Isa 2◠22 I answer Either it is to be taken metonimically the Master being put for the House or else for the more excellency of this Key that Christ bears before that of Eliakim's the truth it self exceeding the Type Eliakim was but an inferior Minister as the Steward and that in the family of David but Christ he bore the Key of David that is that was born before or by David himself due unto the highest Governour and extending to the whole Kingdom And therefore excels that of Eliakim's being limitted only to the houshold of David But why is the Key of David brought by the Spirit to represent Christ's Soveraignty and Kingdom over his church I answer for divers reasons First God promised an everlasting Kingdom to David and therefore a fit Type of the church of Christ who are loved with the everlasting and sure mercies of David Secondly David's Kingdom was over the Israel of God so Christ over the true Israel of God according to the Spirit Thirdly David was an absolute Lord over his Kingdom he suffered no Jebusites nor Canaanites to domineer within his Realm and Jurisdiction so Christ within the verge of his Government and Sovereignty he suffers no unclean Canaanite to rule and reigne nor any unclean thing to enter therein but he will be sole Lord and Soveraign within his House as was David and therefore in the next words it is said That openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth The same Key that openeth the same Key shutteth Christ's Key Power or Authority doth open and shut in a threefold respect First It opens the true Doctrine of Salvation and Redemption by Christ that none ever hereafter shall shut it up or obscure it and again he shuts it up to many unworthy and impenitent people which none but by him shall be able again to open and discover Secondly It opens and shuts in respect of the Government and Soveraignty that Christ bears over his Kingdom his holy Temple and Church either in admission or exclusion of members Isa 9.6 Zeah. 6.12 and herein no man can open or shut admit or exclude but as Christ hath laid down the rules and directions thereunto in his word Thirdly It opens and shuts into Christ's hidden mystical and everlasting Kingdom the church of the Elect and invisible Saints and to whom Christ doth open to enter herein no man can shut and to whom Christ shutteth no man can ever open so absolute a Lord is Christ in the whole work and administration of his Kingdom that what he does no man can undo or hinder and what he will not have done none can bring to pass He openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth From the words thus explicated Observ That Christ is the sole absolute Lord soveraign Giver and Disposer of all the blessings relating unto his Kingdom Christ is a Lord by power Mat. 28.18 2. He is a Lord by purchase Rom. 7.20 3. He is a Lord by conquest John 16.30 4. He is a Lord by donation Ps 2.8 5. He is a Lord by election as from God Mat. 12.18 Isa 22.20 c. And doubtless such a Lord hath an absolute power over all the Ministrations of his Kingdom to promote execute or hinder as he pleaseth The magistrate walks not in this sphere he hath another Kingdom to deal with the Magistrate cannot here shut nor open though Erastus vainly dreamt the contrary Christ's Key or the Key of David only fits this lock As the spiritual Key of David cannot open or shut in the civil kingdoms of the world neither can their civil keys open or shut in the spiritual house of David being fitted for another lock and who proves the contrary disorders the whole lock and brings always ruine instead of blessing upon the experiencers thereof Christ fits not upon Caesar's Throne nor Caesar upon his Each must remember and keep their place and station If Christ open with his Key and receive into his visible Kingdom Caesar hath no key to shut out If Christ shut against any Caesar hath no key to open 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Caesar may shut the door to true Saints and open it to the debauched world and so make an Image like to that of Nebuchadnezzar's whose feet were partly iron partly clay But when Christ in his Ministery
become their enemy and deliver them up either to Balack's or the Moabites hands or smite them himself in wrath and judgment And indeed Balaam's desire and doctrine took effect and was right unto its end and accordingly they sinned and accordingly God was angry with them and smote of them with a Plague twenty four thousand Num 25.9 compare Numb 31.16 to cap. 25.1 2 c. Now it seems the church at Pergamus had such that held such doctrines of Balaam such as pretended fair as Balaam and carried it may be a high profession to Christianity yet laid such a scandal or stumbling block before the church as Balaam did to the children of Israel that is they held that it was lawful to eat of things sacrificed to Idols to participate of the Idolatrizing Sacrifices and heathenish Festivals of the Panim Pergamites as there was of the same consort in the church of Corinth 1 Cor. 10. who would needs participate in the Lord's Supper and in the Idols sacrifices which was the service of devils v. 20 so pleasant and sweet was the old heathenish Idolatries to the new converted Christians that they would needs keep their old jovial Feasts and Sacrifices to Jupiter Bacchus Venus Adonis Priapus c. together with the Eucharistical Feast of the Supper of our Lord. And not only thus turn spiritual fornicators and adulterers but also commit corporal whoredoms and fornications for it was impossible that those loose Idol Feasts could be celebrated without it for the Feasts and Sacrifices of Priapus Venus Bacchus Adonis c. the more shame and bestiality and lasciviousness was discovered therein the more they thought they pleased their God in their Sacrifices And therefore doubtless it was in the excess as all Historians that treat thereof do witness And this is clear from the next verse for it comes in with a conjunction copulative Even so hast thou them that maintain the Doctrine of the Nicholaitans a loose lascivious and idolizing doctrine agreeing with that of Balaams only differing in some mysterious notions being a branch of the high flown Gnosticks who had peculiar expressions and un-intelligible notions proper to their sect I refer you to the precedent v. 6. concerning the Nicolaitans more at large This was the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the stumbling block the scandal and offence which some corrupt and unsound Christians laid in the way of others in the church of Pergamus This word stumbling block is here taken up for the manner of men in laying stones blocks or snares in the way that make persons fall or stumble thereat and this word is used in Scriptures sometimes actively sometimes passively The Pharises and Scribes were offended and scandalized at the Doctrine and Miracles of Christ Mat. 15.12 here was an offence taken but none given But an active scandal is when a real offence is given and a manifest stumbling-block is laid in the way as Balack did to Israel and when any open evil is committed either contrary to Gods Law or when our liberty is used in things indifferent in an unseasonable time to the offence of the weaker whereby they are made the worse less godly and honest this also is an active scandal and a stumbling-block Rom. 14. and to be avoyded of all knowing Christians The Notes that arise from this verse thus explained are Obser 1 That God hath a controversie with all such Churches as hold and maintain pernitious unsound doctrines and wicked practises This is that God hates in the Churches and are so abominable to him that God hath a charge against those back-slidden churches for their erroneous doctrines and practises and threatens them that he will come with the sword of his mouth against them and will remove their Candlestick from among them if they do not repent which in few-ages after he exempted against them to the utmost It is not church priviledges will exempt a people sinning against God from his desolating judgments The people of Israel was God's peculiar own people chosen out amongst all the Nations of the world to know his Name the holy people Isa 62.12 Dan. 8.24 a people near unto God and blessed above all Deut. 7.6 14. They were the people that had the holy Land Temple Ordinances Divine worship Oracles of God the Prophets his Tabernacle and the most special presence of God These were the glory of God and as dear unto him as the apple of his eye Zach. 2.8 Yet when this people fell to wicked practises and rebelled against God and cast off his yoke his wholesome Laws and Doctrines none of their church-priviledges could secure or protect them from the desolation and judgments which came upon them It is to small purpose to say when we sin against God we have Abraham to our Father or cry the Temple of the Lord the Temple of the Lord it is neither birth priviledge nor church will secure us from the judgments of God For the Ax is laid unto the root and the people that bringeth not forth fruit worthy of repentance shall beâ—â—â— down and cast into the fire O then seeing God will not spare his own children if they sin and rebel against him and seeing that Judgment must begin at the house of God and if it begin first at us what shall be the end of them that obey not the Gospel of God And if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly and sinner appear 1 Pet. 4.17 18. Observ 2. That erroneous and corrupt Churches and Persons are very obstinate and tenacious of their corrupt principles and practises The church of Pergamus had those that held and maintained the Doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans they did it not underhand in secret but openly and professedly as the Israelites did in the business of Baal Peor at the advice of Balaam when they committed Idolatry and whoredom with the daughters of Moab they did it not in a corner but avowedly professedly and shamelesly as it is evident in Num. 25. from v. 1. to 6. And beholdone of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses in the sight of all the Congregation of the children of Israel who were weeping before the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation When Moses and the faithful amongst the Israelites were mourning and weeping for the abominations of their brethren then some of them were so bold and impudent as to come before them even in their faces with their sins in their hands not ashamed of them Sober Christians will think it strange that any professed churches of Christ or Christians should openly and professedly hold and maintain Doctrines practises as bad as Balaam's and the Nicholaitans and if not far worse And yet this carries as much truth with it as any Historical relation in the World and that too maintained with as much pertinaciousness impudency strength of wit and policy as if it were the most virtuous or
gracious principle in the whole word of God What a doing tugging and patching of counsels there was for the upholding of Idolatry and Image worship in the church of Rome for many ages All were Anathematiz'd by her that would not joyn in that false worship and it is to this day maintained by them in the face of the Sun which is the great scandal and stumbling block to the Jews and Turks to keep them off from the faith unto this day O most sad that professed christians should be the greatest and most obstinate Idolaters amongst the Nations round about them And this is not all they have their adulteries too and fornications professedly owned avowed and allowed else what meaneth the publique Revenues that cometh into the Pope's Coffers from the Stews at Rome and elsewhere under his Jurisdiction which were authorized and erected by Sixtus the fourth at Rome And Pope Nicholas the first that prohibited the Clergy Marriage deprived a Priest of his benefice at Placentia for having a wife and children but the said Priest afterward proving the said woman to be the wife of another man and only his concubine he was again restored O abominable and doctrine of devils honorable Marriage forbidden and Adultery and Fornication allowed and countenanced And this is not a private opinion or of some persons in that harlot church but it exceeds that of Pergamus for they had but some amongst them that held the doctrine of Balaam but it is here more general as catholick as their church is so catholick are those their errors wicked practises for as far as the church of Rome's Jurisdiction reach esso far the worship of Images her Idolatries adulteries reach also But let us turn our eye from this great Scarlet Whore and look a little and reflect upon our own reformed churches at home and see whether there is any thing there maintained and upheld as the Doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans amongst us It is no evil to enquire an enemy discovered is half vanquished I hope we have but few of the late generation of Baal's Priests left among us of that prelatical party that endeavour'd with might and main to bring in the doctrines of Balaam and of their abovesaid mother Jezabel amongst us 'T is true they endeavour'd to lay a stumbling block before the true Israelites of God in their travelling towards their celestial Canaan they enticed and invited the faithful ones of this Nation to the Sacrifices of Baal Peor and to commit Fornication with the Midianitish women and many precious ones did stumble and fall thereby but God gave them a day of sorrow and repentance for it Now their Idolatries and Adulteries consisted in their Altar worships pompous gorgious Services cringes and congies at the cross Musical church-services c. all which are but part of the garment of the Scarlet whore but also they commited Fornication with the daughters of Moab that is they mixed Interest and relation with Antichristians and joyned counsels with Jesuites c. and took up professedly Romish principles and practises As the doctrine of free-will liberty of plays on the Lord's day and conformity to all outward ceremonial rites and services on purpose to ensnare the conscientious and godly and to make them fall And yet this was not all but like true Balaamites they taught Balack to lay a stumbling block before the children of Israel that is they incited and stirred up their Prince and Soveraign to do the very same and to enact heavy and penal Laws against all Non-conformists to their forms and false worships and received from Balack their foe the wages or hyre of unrighteousness It is not he that preaches the Gospel and lives by the Gospel that receives the wages of Balaam as some Fanatiques of these days would have it but very sutably it maybe applied to such Prophets that will teach their Prince and Soveraign to set up and command a worship which hath none of Christ's stamp upon it and to enforce it on the consciences of the truly godly on great penalties thereby to insnare them and make them stumble if they may These are true Balaamites indeed and for this their Antichristian service they expect great revenues encouragements and honors as wages due unto them and this is the wages of unrighteousness 2 Pet 2.15 which Balaam loved There is another sort amongst us that hold professedly the doctrine of the Nicholaitans and Balaam that hold no difference betwoeen good and evil and that good and evil consists only in opinion not in reality and these are high flown Anti-Scripturists and Antinomestical Atheists and are not so much as to be conversed with as christians but to be looked on as aliens and strangers to God his Laws and the Commonweale of Israel The Lord open their eyes to see their madness and folly if it be his blessed will Observ 2. The true worship of God and false can never stand together Dagon and the Ark cannot be competitors under one Roof Christ will not endure the doctrines of Balaam Idolatries and Adulteries to be practised in his churches if his church will entertain such doctrines and teachers he will hate them for it and he will no longer be their teacher but will become their enemy and come against them with the sword of his mouth We cannot serve two Masters Christ and Mammon at once either we must love the one and hate the other For there is no fellowship between light and darkness the one alwaies expels the other Observ 3. That false Teachers as Balaam may carry a high and fair hand of profession and yet still Balaamites in their hearts Balaam was a Prophet and prophesied very clearly of Christ Numb 24. and carried a very fair hand in profession as to desire the death of the righteous and yet still loved the wages of unrighteousness So many false Prophets of our days may profess fairly and Prophesie many excellent things of Christ and his truth and yet still Balaamites in their hearts loving the wages of unrighteousness willingly they would curse the godly blast them it they could but God providentially by his wisdom hath overpowred them yet though they know that there is no enchantment against Jacob nor divination against Israel they will teach Balack as sly Machiavilians to lay snares to entrap the true Israelites of God and make them fall advising as cunning Politicians their Soveraign Authority to enact strict Laws for conformity unto their false and wil-worships on purpose to make the conscientious godly to stumble against the just authority of the Magistrate and so to sin and perish And hereby that honorable and just maintainance which Gospel Ministers may rightly receive and demand of their flocks is become unto such the wages of unrighteousness The Papists at this day carry a high hand of profession and who higher then they Who more costly in their services and worships Who more desiring the death of the righteous as