Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	father_n	spirit_n	worshipper_n	4,419	5	12.5461	5	true

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A86457	An exposition, or, A short, but full, plaine, and perfect epitome of the most choice commentaries upon the Revelation of Saint John. Especially of the most learned and judicious authors, as Bullinger of Helvetia, Francis Iunius, Thomas Brightman, Aug. Marlorate, Aug. de Civitate dei, but especially (among many) the excellent and learned David Pareus. With severall remarkable notes, observations, and doctrines very profitable. / As it was for the most part delivered by way of commentary in the parish-church of Sutton-Valence, Kanc [sic]. By Hezekiah Holland Anglo-hibernus, Minister of the Gospell at Sutton-Valence.	Holland, Hezekiah, fl. 1638-1661.	1650 (1650)	Wing H2426; Thomason E606_1; ESTC R5543	143,079	206

Buls Excommunications and hissing Sermons against the Saints condemning them as Schismaticks and Hereticks Now as here the Beasts rage lasted 42. months so the little horne warred with the Saints till the Ancient of daies came and judgement was given the Saints Dan. 7. Now this is the last judgement Note the Catholick state of the Beasts power it was over all kindreds tongues these are the wonderers already spoken of vers 3. remember Christs flock is a little flock Vers 8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him c. Here is a most comfortable restriction the worshippers of the beast are not all Christ hath his people but Inhabitants of the earth contradistinct to Saints whose conversation is in heaven whose names are there written being elected Now if none of the Beasts worshippers have their names written in heaven there is no salvation for them in the state they are in God be thanked we follow not the Beast this is one signe we are written in the Book of life of the Lamb because we were elected to life through him Slaine from the foundation of the world To wit in the eternal purpose of God and by promise that the seed of the woman should bruise the Serpents head Thus the efficacy of Christs death was to the Fathers by faith before his actuall slaying typified out by the sacrifices Verse 9. hath been oft spoken of Vers 10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity this may comfort the Godly for Antichrist though he lead his own worshippers to destruction and domineer over the bodies of the Saints yet he shall be led into captivity by being cast into the lake of fire chap. 19. in the mean time they need patience to conquer withall Vers 11. And I beheld another beast coming c. Doubtlesse it was the same Beast as is said but called another because of another forme See vers 1. Out of the earth Here the original of the Beast is treated of who came out of the bottomlesse pit before now by his coming out of the earth is meant First That this Beast is not so terrible as the sea monster before spoken of land beasts are more familiar to us Secondly This notes the ignoble and earthly rise of the Beast the Pope was but a poore Frier first the Cardinals once but Deacons imployed about the burial of the dead of the City of Rome though now fellows for Princes but here perchance is noted how that muckle trash money is that about which the Beast and his worshippers are most imployed and which is the usuall cause of their arising and preferment Having two hornes like a Lamb You see the Beast seemes no way terrible looks like a Lamb like Christ as if he were his Vicar and servant of servants yet in speech he is like the Dragon Remember the Lamb had seven hornes chap 5.6 this Beast but two because he hath not the true Lambs strength nor his meeknesse and truth for he speaks as the Dragon by which we are to understand the Beasts false Doctrines as Justification by works Satisfactions also his blasphemies against God the Temple and Saints nay and Scripture saying it is so far true as it is confirmed by him and his Church therefore this Beast is truly called a false Prophet chap. 16.13 teaching doctrines of devils Vers 12. And he exerciseth all the power of the first Beast before him c Doubtlesse here Antichrist as a deceiver is described Now the whole series of Popes is here meant who have usurpedly exercised the power of the Beast already mentioned perchance the Cardinals arising may be here noted who as a second Beast exercise the same mentioned power of the former Beast and that before him and by his authority but these are better comprehended under the notion of Locusts otherwise this Beast might have been called another yet the like for that begot this and yet arose after the other for these Cardinals were once scarce Parish Priests and in time are after the Pope however the series of the Popes have made and so have these Cardinals the earth or the Inhabitants thereof in the forequoted sense to worship the former wounded but healed Beast that is the Pope as a deceiver here causeth himself to be worshipped as a secular Prince Or these Cardinals as a second Beast yet in some sense the same with the former cause the former Beast or Pope to be worshipped of all the admirers and wonderers of which already Vers 13. And doth great things so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth Antichrist shall deceive if it were possible the very Elect. Wonders and miracles have ceased the Church being built and now they belong to Antichrist not to the Church of Christ Now one of his great signs is He maketh fire to come down from heaven Whether alluding to Elias or Satan in Job 1. it matters not 2 King 1. for certainly he would be accounted a man of God though his working be after Satan Now the Pope does not literally do this no more then the Disciples removed mountaines yet they did very great things and were the true Disciples as the Pope is the Beast although he literally bring not fire from heaven since he does other great signs belonging to Antichrist yet the Spirit is likened to fire and so descended and lighted upon the Apostle now the Pope takes upon him to give the Spirit in consecration and forgivenesse of sins and as Satan destroyed Jobs sheep by fire chap. 1. so this Beast destroyes Princes by thundering Excommunications In the sight of men That is openly Vers 14. And deceiveth them that dwell upon the earth by those miracles which he had power to do c Thus Antichrist is a seducer but not of Saints but of the Inhabitants of the earth Thus God punishes them that desire not nor receive the truth to salvation the Saints rely on Scripture and with the Bereans examine all things and so are not deceived miracles must not prove the faith nor truth then in this Age. Now follows the grand Idolatry of Rome his worshippers are commanded to make an Image or Images for that is the meaning of it to the Beast not of the beast but of the Father Son Holy Spirit Mary so that the Beasts kingdom you see is a kingdom of Images or Idols thus the Pope commanded his Worshippers to do Vers 15. And he had power to give life to the Image of the Beast Satan gives the Pope this power thus though the first Bishop of Rome had his power from Christ as also Aaron had from God yet the Pope now a beast hath his usurped power as also Caiphas from Satan by which the one condemned or helped to forward it Christ the other Christians But how can the Images speak Why remember the worshippers pray to them sacrifice to them confide in them beleeve they help them thus the Beast and his Locusts

of but his coming to assist by his spiritual presence nor his coming in clouds at the last day is not to be here conceived but chap. 19. vers 11. And the Rainbow on his head The Rainbow signifies mercy because God set it in the cloud as a signe he would not destroy the world by water any more notwithstanding the sin of man Christ comes to his poor afflicted Church as a Messenger of peace and mercy who is our peace and procured us mercy a comfortable signe for an afflicted people promising one day to his true servants eternal rest and peace His face was as the Sun Noting two things Christs glorified condition and his being the Sun of righteousnesse illuminating his Church dissipating the tempests of calamities promising as it were by the clear beams of his countenance to dispel adversity from his people His feet as pillars of fire Pillars note strength to uphold fire notes Christ refining his Church for fire consumes chaffe also hereby is noted Christs consuming his adversaries and enemies so Christ appears as upholder of his people refiner of his Church devourer of his adversaries Thus Christ the strong Angel is above the Locusts and like the Sun looks upon the rage of the four Angels loosed and the rest of the adversaries ready to support refine consume Vers 2 And he had in his hand a little book open This is the same book which was formerly sealed with seven seales which Christ opened and holds it so in his hand 't was lesse now then when the seven seales were one for now many events were revealed to John out of it and the seales taken off Quest Why doth Christ open the book and now keep it so Answ Because Christ is the revealer of secrets and of the will of his Father and he keeps the holy Scripture open so that the Locusts nor their King notwithstanding the smoak of the bottomlesse pit can darken the truth of Jesus totally nor the armies of thè Barbarians could root up the faith of Christ Mark then notwithstanding all opposers of the truth the book is kept open for Christ raised some alwayes to defend his truth furthermore he keeps it open for his two Witnesses in chap. 11. to purge by it the dregs of the Locusts and their King And he set his right foot upon the sea c. Some by Christs right foot understand powerful ministers and by the left foot more weak ones however Christ sets his feet on sea and land that is takes possession of the world as preserving in all places some remnants of a Church to himselfe notwithstanding the many persecutions of tyrants who endeavoured to root out the very name of Christ mangre also the cunning endeavouring of that old serpent by many hereticks and by the Bishop of Rome's falling from heaven to earth turning the doctrine of Christ into wormwood and opening the bottomlesse pit this is a great consolation to the Saints that none can put Christ out of possession Vers 3. And he cryed with aloud voice as when a Lyon roareth This lyon-like voice shews the efficacious spreading of the Gospel which should and doth frighten the opposers who the more they rage the louder the voice is the more earnestly the name of Christ was professed and this Christs loud voice did foretel so that the enemies and opposers though they did rage yet they had a kind of secret feare in them Seven thunders uttered their voices These represent seven that is a perfect company of thundering ministers or Boanergeses of the truth who should upon the books being open and the voice of Christ as the Lyons roaring to wit in the publishing the Gospel notwithstanding all opposers undauntedly preach Christ against tyrants hereticks and Antichrist to make them unexcusable Vers 4. I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me c. This voice did not absolutely forbid the writing of what the seven thunders uttered but in respect of the event God foreseeing that the opposers would not hear but despise their voice causing the same to be sealed secret and hid to them through their own default Note that some Copies read After these things write what the seven thunders uttered However here you see how true that of Paul is the Gospel is hid to them that are lost Vers 5. And the Angel which I saw stand lift up his right hand to heaven So they did in old time that did sweare God once swore by himselfe Christ here sweares by God Christ forbade not swearing upon a just occasion an oath so is the end of strife idle oaths Christ forbade as by ones hair head Ierusalem by which none ever swore before a Magistrate rash oathes then are forbid not other Observe Christs sword as Mediatour and God-man by his father who in that respect is greater then he Now in Vers 6 7. And sweareth by him that liveth for ever and ever c. follows what was sworn to wit that time should be no longer but the accomplishment of the mystery of God under the seventh Trumpet at the day of judgement was at hand but Christ is not to be understood as if he had swore time should be no more after that day but should be swallowed up in eternity for what needed an oath to confirme so apparent a truth Christs swearing was to comfort the godly under tyrants and especially Antichrist who had established his kingdome as it made the Saints feare much more misery for it seemed so firme that it should not be demolished now Christ promises a time of Reformation tacitly of which in chap. 11. also the ruine of Antichrists Kingdome and that no more time of such misery and sadnesse should happen to the Church So the oath here is for the confirmation of the promise and for the Saints consolation The mystery of God shall be finished c. either of the Jews calling a little before the seventh Trumpet of whose calling the Prophets speak and Paul Rom. 11. or rather the mystery of the resurrection as Paul cals it 1 Cor. 15. behold I shew you a mystery and destruction of the adversaries of which see Zach. 14 Mal. 3. penult and Mal. 4. thus the sixt trumpet shall continue fulfilling till the last day then the seventh by the Arch-angel shall sound 1. Thessal 4.16 Vers 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven c. to wit that bade not to write the things uttered by the thunders ver 4 commands him 1. To take the book out of the hand of Christ 2. To eat it True seven thundring ministers in the time of Antichrist and opposers preached undauntedly the truth of Christ but without fruit but now John must eat the book by which is signified that the Gospel is to be preached anew though not by John himselfe in the time of Antichrist with successe this book then written within and without chap 5.1 is the Gospel as well as the Revelation that without is the known word of God

years more for the City to be trod down and so many years remain for the two witnesses to preach against Antichrist Vers 3. And I will give power to my two Witnesses and they shall prophesie Some have thought Christ and the spirit or annoynting were these witnesses but Christ makes them distinct from himself saying I will give to my two Witnesses Also Christ nor the Spirit can't be killed as these were Christ was to die but once lastly the Revelation is an history though mystical and in this particular almost literally fulfilled as shal appear Here also is a plain allusion to Zerubbabel Zach. 4. ver last who brought literally Israel out of captivity with Ioshua Nehem. 12.1 Zach. 3. and 4. And are called annointed ones Now certainly the first Kings States and chiefly Ministers of the Gospel who endeavoured to bring Gods People out of Antichrists spiritual thraldome are here to be understood being a plain allusion to the history of Zerubbabel and Joshua as will appear John Husse and Hierome of Prague were the first witnesses olive trees and candlesticks of Reformation in Bohemia and thereabout who in their successours prophesied or preached a thousand two hundred and sixty days Of which anon Not indeed as if the witnesses should ever quite give over preaching before the last day in their successors but because chiefly they should manifest their testimony when Antichrist was exalted and trod down the Church in a most violent cruel manner Certainly notice may be taken that since Hierome of Prague John Husse and others began to witnesse the truth of the Gospel against Antichrist the truth hath increased farre and near Thus whiles Antichrist trod down the Church most they witnessed most earnestly and shall do till the burning of Rome as will appear in this chapter to a diligent Reader After which as Antichrist will with weakned strength survive so shall the witnesses powerfully to the end But most notice is to be taken of the first fourty two moneths and the thousand two hundred and sixty days being all one as shall appear Now if any yet object that annointed ones will not agree with Kings or Ministers of the Gospel I answer that neither Ioshua nor Zerubbabel were as we read of annointed yet Conductors of Israel from Babylon Nehem. 12.1 and called annointed Zach. 4. last Now certainly every minister of Christ nay every true Christian is annointed with the spirit 2 Cor. 1.21 but enough Only note that the first witnesses had the spirit and power was given them in a peculiar manner to oppose Antichrist and therefore are called the olive trees By the two witnesses therefore we are not to understand the two testaments who though they do testifie of Christ yet can't be said to be killed properly and restored to life by two therefore a sufficient company of witnesses we are to understand alluding to Moses and Aaron who also by their successors should preach and maintain the truth of Christ after the Court of Priests was departed from the Church to Paganism and idolatry and Antichrist had troden underfoot the holy city They shall prophecy Thus Iohn in the two Witnesses doth prophecy again A thousand two hundred and sixty dayes Here is the same time allowed to the witnesses to Prophesie and to Antichrist and his Gentiles to tread down so that the beginning of the treading down the Church and the Prophecying of the witnesses was at the same time for though Christ raised up two faithfull witnesses that is some more then ordinary towards the time of the Gentiles treading down and taking full possession of the Church yet he never from the first beginning to tread down left himself without some witnesses Berengarius Scotus Wickliffe nay the very Romish Bishops and Emperours have complained of the tyranny of Popes after Boniface the thirds usurping Thus the witnesses time of Prophecying is not yet expired nor shall be till the Gentiles give over treading down Cloathed in sack-cloth Either because they prophecyed to gain men to repentance sackcloth and ashes or because they mourned and were in bitternesse for the miseries of the Church intimated by sack-cloth or because they were poor and contemptible in the worlds eyes not clothed with silk as the Romanists Vers 4. These are those two Olive trees and the two Candlesticks To wit mentioned Zach. 4. meaning Jehoshua and Zerubbabel who brought the people from captivity Where observe these two witnesses have some allusion to these two as to Moses and Aaron sufficient witnesses against Pharaoh and so by two witnesses a sufficient company are meant to whom Christ gave to wit power to prophecy that is courage and ability to teach his truth and oppose Antichrist when the holy city was much trod under by Antichrist and his Gentiles Christ raised up his two witnesses John Husse and Ierom of Prague to prophecy against these Gentiles and after their martyrdom God stirred up Luther Melancthon Zuinglius Calvin and others to witnesse his truth But observe the dignity of these witnesses they are Olive trees and Candlesticks the Candlestick bears up light by which darknesse is expelled so the witnesses bear the true light and bear witnesse of the true light Then an Olive is alwayes green bringing forth wholesome fruit so the Ministry of the witnesses is efficacious and lively and the oyle of the spirit or the holy anointing comes upon Gods people by it perchance hence may be observed that Emperours Kings and Princes called son of oyle out of zeal to God might be witnesses reformers of Religion and nursing fathers to the Church Zerubbabel Zach. 4 a Prince is called an Olive in this sense and an anoynted one then as Zerubbabel a civil Magistrate rebuilded the Temple and city so God raised ud faithful Princes and Magistrates as witnesses of his Truth in every age of late Standing before the god of the earth Here the dignity of the witnesses is set forth who though vile in the worlds eyes yea in sack-cloth that is poor neglected contemned yet are acknowledged by the god of the earth who therefore will regard them prophecying on earth Vers 5. If any man will hurt them fire proceedeth out of their mouth c. This fire is spiritually to be understood the word is a hammer and a fire in Jeremy 23.29 Nay and his Ministry is compared to fire Jer. 5.14 Behold I will make my words in thy mouth as fire and the people as chaffe The fire is light and consumes so the word of the witnesses shall detect the dark abominations of those that hurt them opposing their prophecy they shall confound the Idols and Purgatory of Antichrist and refute his lyes Thus the two witnesses shall spiritually devour the Adversaries though otherwise they shall slay the witnesses Here is an allusion to the fire procured by Moses and Elias Numb 16. 2 Kings chapter 1. thus the Gospel has prevailed over those that laboured to hinder it Thus be killed The witnesses of late

majesty called Galat. 4.26 Ierusalem above God from heaven hath chosen her Prepared as a Bride trimed for her husband Not preparing as in this world in deed ch 12. she was on earth though her original was from heaven but here she is actually prepared chap 19.7 she on earth had through Christ made her selfe ready but now she is actually adorned So her militant condition on earth is not here meant as Brightman thought The most learned Pareus observes she is not prepared for the Bridegroom as before the marriage-feast for that is past but for her husband the feast being ended and she married Vers 3. And I heard a great voice out of heaven c. We have partly heard what Iohn saw now follows what he heard Two voices he heard The first comes from heaven shewing joyful news to the Bride The second is his that sate upon the Throne ver 5. Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men Meaning that the Bridegroom and the Bride shall live in heaven for ever together Gods dwelling is with men since men being glorified live in heaven Now it had been no news to have said Christ lives with men on earth because he lived in the flesh with them and after by his spirit but now having ended the wedding-feast he and his Spouse live gloriously in heaven This the voice notes And he will dwel with them As in one house together This is happinesse indeed to enjoy God the fountain of happinesse His absence must needs be torment chap. 7.15 The Saints did enjoy God but God is said there but to dwel among them because they did not perfectly enjoy him but now he doth dwell with them as a Bridegroome with the Bride after the wedding perfectly by his glorious presence And they shall be his People Here is the Communion of Saints most perfect in earth they were by his inchoated grace Now they are his in part partaking of him in measure but then they shall be as he is perfectly glorious Vers 4. And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes c No tears are in heaven to be wiped away but it notes how free from all sorrow or cause of sorrow heaven is no troublesome thought of kindred doth possesse them there This life is a vale of misery There is no death but life no mourning but mirth joy pleasure No cry but peace and tranquillity No paine or labour but ease rest delight For former things are passed away Meaning the miserable state of this life and a new heaven shall succeed or a state of happinesse read chap. 7.16 to this purpose expounded This proves that this belongs not to this life for here the Church was ever and shall be more or lesse afflicted Vers 5. And he that sate upon the Throne said c Meaning Christ as chap. 4. or God Christ cals himself Alpha and Omega chap. 1.18 as this doth ver 6. whoever it were Christ or God the father he commands Iohn for the consolation of the Saints beforehand to write how he makes all things new because the world to them is troublesome full of causes of tears and sorrow therefore this was to be writ and laid up for the Churches comfort that a most strange should happen a new world they should enjoy Observe Gods love in two things here 1. He makes all new for the Saints sake not his own who from eternity lived with them and could to all eternity 2. He for their sakes commands this to be written being most true that they might not want consolation Vers 6. And he said unto me it is done The thing is as true and certain as if it were done viz. That all things shall be new and all tears wiped away and God would dwell for ever with men in heaven Thus the certainty of our salvation is set forth John 5.24 he that beleeveth is passed from death to life that is shall surely passe to life It is an asseveration full of weight I am Alpha and Omega c As chap. 1. ver 8. I will give unto him that is athirst So John 7.37 and 38. Christ cals which proves this to be Christs voyce who sate upon the Throne I will give of the fountain of life freely The water of life notes joy comfort refreshment Christ gives without our deserving freely eternal life The fountain notes the lastingnesse of their joy and the abundance of it being never to be dryed up the Angel deservingly praised God among other great works for creating the fountaines of waters chap. 14.7 which are strangely conveyed from the sea through the crannyes of the earth for mans use But much more thanks need we rerurn him for giving us himself the fountain of joy Ier. 2.13 but note the qualification 't is given only to them that first thirst after it He that overcometh shall inherit all things This being a Prophecy speaks of things as to come but the Church now in the Vision was in glory inheriting all things as heire of all Now every Saint is an heire of heaven Gal. 4 7. certainly they are rich who are heires of God and the promises and he is very covetous whom God cannot content and suffice But here is a fighting noted against the world Satan and the Beast which the Church by faith overcame And I will be his God and he shall be my Son Now we are adopted but then actually shall enjoy the benefits of Sonnes See 1 Ioh. 3.2 we shall be like him Vers 8. But the fearfull and unbeleeving shall have their part in the lake Being not written in the book of life Ch. 20.15 or as c. 13.8 meaning cheifly the worshippers of the Beast who are afraid to disobey the Beast or oppose his worship as the valiant Champions of Jesus alwayes have done Note a servant of Christ is a man of valour having the Spirit of Christ Fearfull Not having faith in Christ for remission of sins nor assurance of salvation in this life as the worshippers of the Beast teach none have standing ever in fear of hell and purgatory Vnbeleevers Such are all strangers from God and in particular the enemies of true assurance and justifying faith as all popelings Abominable Hating God or hated of God Murderers Here among others comes in the inquisitors of Spaine the burners of Hereticks as they call the Saints Whoremongers All in general who are impenitent and not written in the Book of life Here comes in the Romish Locusts who under pretence of vowed chastity live most dishonestly Sorcerers None greater then the Roman Clergy have been as histories tell Idolaters What thinks Rome of this what think covetous men what Epicures whose belly is their god All lyars Framers of lyes and enemies of the Truth Let Antichrist and his worshippers and all Hereticks think of this and be confounded Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone c. See Psal 11.6 of the wickeds portion They that are cast into