crooked pathes Ps 56. 1. and 57. 1 4. They have a fight of afflictions to undergo from the World from them who are set on fire even the sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongue a sharp sword Heb. 10. 32 34. with Ps 57. 4. If their fair means and flatteries will not prevail with Christs disciples to leave his way and have fellowship with them in their unfruitful works of darkness they will then bend their bow and make ready their arrow upon the string that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart Ps 11. 1 2 4. Indeed the men of the World are to be loved and pittyed and the good of their souls to be sought and endeavoured But in their evil ways and designs they are to be opposed hated and resisted by us and that is the way to be instruments of good to their souls whereas should they comply with them and consent to them they would more strengthen them in their evil wayes that none would return there from 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and ch 3. 1. Jer. 2. 33. and ch 23. 13 14. They that forsake the law praise the wicked but such as keep the law contend with them and so dispraise discommend and shew their dislike of them Prov. 28. 4. And they have also in contending for the faith of the Gospel to contend with such as have a form of Godlinâ— upon them but deny the power thereof 2 Tim. 3. 5. Even false prophets and deceitful workers such as say they are Apostles and are not but do lye and those that are deceived and beguiled by them for such consent not to wholesome words but make it their work to oppose them and to cause others to turn away their ears from the truth and to turn them to their fables so the Apostle John speaking of false prophets and acquainting the believers that many such were gone forth into the World he signifieth that the believers did and did do well to oppose and fight against them and that they had overcome them also ye are of God little Children saith he and have overcome the false prophets They are of the World therefore speak they of the World c. 1 Joh. 4. 4 5. Jude 3. 4. 3. They have Satan also the God of this World to contend with and fight against and therefore they need to watch to stand fast in the faith to quit themselves like Men and be strong 1 Cor. 16. 13. Be sober be vigilant saith the Apostle Peter Because your adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour whom resist stedfast in faith 1 Pet. 5. 8 9 Jam. 4. 7. we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers against the rulers of the Darkness of this World against spiritual wickedness or wicked spirits in high places Eph. 6. 12. The work of Satan and his Angels is to tempt and turn aside from the right ways of the Lord those that are walking therein or to stir up his instruments to raise persecution against the Disciples of Christ and by all means this tempter is tempting the believers that he might move them from the faith of Christ 1 Thes 3. 1 5 6. and whether he speaks fair or foul whether he be transformed into an Angel of light or appear like himself yet still he is a murderer Joh. 8. 44. his end in all is destruction and his name signifies what he is and what he aims at and intends For his name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon but in the greek tongue he hath his name Apollyon that is to say A destroyer Rev. 9. 11. he cometh not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy Joh. 10. 10. To pervert the right ways of the Lord and to turn men from the Faith Acts 13. 8 10. and especially he is filled with rage against and seeks the ruine and destruction of such as are delivered out of his Kingdom of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of God's dear Son 1 Pet. 5. 8. this is a powerful and politick enemy they have therefore to resist sted fastly in the faith lest they be circumvented and destroyed by him 5. They have weapons to fight withal for the Faith against their spiritual enemies both defensive and offensive armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left is prepared for them and to be put on by them that being therewith armed they might not turn back in the day of battle Ps 78. 9. and the weapons of their warfare are not carnal not material and outward swords and bows or such-like weapons for alas these are weak and their enemies will deride at them but their weapons are spiritual and so mighty thorow God 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. not by might nor by power but by the spirit of the Lord of hostes they may do valiantly thorow him they may push down their enemies thorow his name they may tread them under that rise up against them Zech. 4. 6 7. the good fight is the fight of faith that is that which is to be fought for as is before said and that is that which is to be fought with whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the World even our faith 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. 6. They have a crown proposed to and set before them to engage and encourage them to play the men to oppose and fight against their enemies even unto blood Men that here fight they do it for a fading reward they do it to obtain a corruptible crown but we an incorruptible I therefore so run not as uncertainly so fight I not as one that beats the ayre But I have fought the good fight saith the Apostle Paul I have kept the Faith But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection c. 1 Cor. 9. 26 27. henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the Righteous judge will give me at that day And not to me only but to all them also that love his appearing 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. In being faithful to the death he will give us a crown of life Rev. 2. 10. and this leads us to the next thing viz. 2. The subject of the Blessedness hereafter spoken of is He that overcometh he saith not To the Angels or Churches will I give to eat of the tree of life and yet it is before said what the spirit saith unto the Churches But when he comes to describe the subject of the blessedness he saith not to them or to the Churches but changeth the Phrase and saith To him that overcometh and so he saith unto all the seven Churches Rev. 2. v. 11 17 26 29. and ch 3. 5 6 12. and v. 21 22. Men may be members of any of the Churches and yet
32 33. Heb. 11. 17 19. The Apostle Paul to recover the Galatians from their wandrings sets before them that Christ is the Amen to him the promises are made and in him confirmed and with him assured to those that receive him So as in being Christ's they are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 16 17 29. and 4. 28. and 5. 1. And so here Christ declareth himself to be the Amen to cure these of that Lukewarmness they were polluted with and assures them that in opening and giving entertainment to him he would come in to them and sup with them and they with him and that he that overcometh should sit with him on his throne Rev. 3. 14 20 21. Oh were this considered by us that God hath not spared his own Son but delivered him up for us all how would this make us confident that with him he will freely give us all things also how would this cause us to mount up with wings as Eagles to run and not to be a weary to walk and not saint and to encourage and engage us to listen to his counsel whom God hath given for a covenant to the people For the Lord God is a sun and shield he will give grace and glory no good thing will â—e with-hold from them that walk uprightly Rom. 8. 32. Ps 84. 10 12. The faithful and true witness This may be an explication of the Amen and shew us what is further meant by and contained in that expression These two words faithful and true may mean one and the same thing or we may say he is the faithful witness in that work whereto the Father appointed him hence the Apostle instructs the holy Brethren to consider the Apostle and High-priest of their profession who was faithful to him that appointed him namely in that hard and difficult work of humbling himself and becoming obedient to death the death of the cross Heb. 2. 9 18 and 3. 1 2. he is in his cross a faithful witness of the greatness and sincerity of the Fathers affection to us Isay 55. 3 4. who is meant by the faithful witness here spoken of may be plainly seen and wherein he is so firstly and fundamentally Rev. 1. 5. Jesus Christ the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead And so 1. As he died for our sins by way of propitiation and as the peace-maker So he is a faithful witness of the Fathers love and that he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance he is the great sign and undoubted evidence of the heat and ardency of God's love towards us poor sinners even toward every poor sinful creature of Mankind in that by the grace of God he tasted death for every Man In this was manifested the love of God towards us because God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him The Father sent the Son the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4. 8 10 14. God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son c. Joh. 3. 16. This is the great sign of God's love to us and it is an evil and adulterous thing to seek after any other Mat. 12. 39. 1. Cor. 1. 22 24. and he is the faithful witness therein of the truth and faithfulness of the Father in performing his promises according to the tenour of them for he that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him freely give us all things also Isay 55. 3 4. Rom. 8. 32. Yea in what he hath sufâ—ered he is the faithful witness also of the freeness and ardency of his own love towards us his love was so fervent as that many waters could not quench it nor could the Floods drown it such was his grace that he laid down his life for us he died for all 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. and such the preciousness of his blood that in the vertue thereof he is raised again hath purged away our sins made peace slain the enmity broken down the middle-wall of partition between God and mankind taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us abolished death and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil and obtained into himself all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly things and confirmed a new Testament and Everlasting Covenant Oh what a faithful witness is he of the greatness and fervency of his own and his Fathers love And how powerful therefore is the view of him in his Cross to cure us of our Lukewarmness Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is he not thy Father that hath bought thee Oh how doth this love constrain us to love him and to cleave to him with full purpose Yea and to return to him when we have fallen by our iniquities for therein he shews us that he hath no pleasure in the death of him that dieth and so not in the death and destruction of poor wretched miserable blind naked lukewarm ones Oh! fear not to come unto and walk before him and be perfect Let not your hands be slack By this ye are saved if ye keep in memory what was at first declared to you unless ye believe in vain viz. that Christ died for our Sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. O foolish Galatians saith the Apostle who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth that ye should not continue in running well but grow remiâ—s before whose Eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified c. Gal. 3. 1. with ch 5. 7. 2. The faithful Witness and Martyr as a Peace-preacher who laid down his Life in testimony to the truth of that Gospel which he received from his Father and declared to us for to this end was he born and for this cause came he into the World that he should bear Witness to the truth Joh. 18. 37. And to this he did bear witness unto the death and sealed to the truth of that Gospel with his Blood This the Apostle Paul sets before Timothy to encourage him to fight the good fight of Faith that Jesus Christ witnessed a good Confession before Pontius Pilate when he knew what things he should suffer on that account 1 Tim. 6. 12 14. Away with this lukewarmness then and let us come unto and follow him whithersoever he goeth enduring bardness as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 2. 1 3 8. See Heb. 12. 1 3. 1 Pet. 2. 20 24. and ch 3. 17 18. And the true Witness In his Testimony in which he hath declared what he hath done and the Fathers love in him and that he is the Amen He is the truth it self and his word is the word of truth Prov. 8. 6 8. Ps 119. 160. 1 Joh. 5. 20. The true light now shineth 1
1. Verse 2. Who bare Witness of the Word of God and of the Testimony of Jesus Christ and of all things that he saw Herein the Apostle declares unto us how he was the Servant of Jesus Christ and wherein he serv'd him before this Book was sent and signified to him to wit that he served him with his Spirit in his Gospel as Rom. 1. 9. an excellent service This was his Exercise before this Revelation was made known to him To him that hath the first and fundamental things of God's Law that hath them by way of usefulness and improvement shall be given the knowledge of the Mystery of the Kingdom and he shall have more abundantly Mat. 13. 11. 13. 16. and Ch. 25. 28. The liberal Soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be watered also himself Prov. 11. 25. Here consider we 1. What was the sum of his Testimony 2. How did he bear witness thereof 1. What was the sum of his Testimony Or what was that of which he bare Witness And that is here said to be of the Word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ c. not of light circumstantial indifferent things But Of the Word of God whereby may be meant either 1. Jesus Christ himself who in the Writings of this Apostle is called the Word Joh. 1. 1 2 14. and 1 Joh. 5. 7. And his name is called the word of God Rev. 19. 13. And so as John the Baptist was a Man sent from God to bear witness of Jesus Christ Joh. 1. 6. 8. and Chap. 3. 26. 28. and 5. 32. 33. So also the Apostles in general and this in particular were Christs witnesses and did more fully and plainly bear witness of him than any of the Prophets in former times or than the Baptist Joh. 15. 26 27. Act. 5. 30 32. Or else also 2. By the Word of God is meant the same thing with the Testimony of Jesus Christ So Ver. 9. Ch. 9. and Ch. 20. 4. even the Gospel of Christ as it is which is now preached to us according to the Revelation of the Mystery Act. 8. 12. 14. So that which Peter preached to Cornelius and his Friends concerning the Death and Resurrection of Christ c. is called the Word of God Compare Act. 10. 38 43. with Chap. 11. 1. and 15. 7. and Chap. 13. 29 44 46. Rom. 10. 15. 17. And the same thing is also meant by the Testimony of Jesus Christ as the Apostle Paul signifieth when he saith to Timothy Be not thou ashamed of the Testimony of our Lord But be thou a partaker of the Afflictions of the Gospel c. 2 Tim. 1. 8. where he gives us to understand that the Testimony of Jesus and the Gospel as now preached are one and the same thing compare also 1 Cor. 1. 6. with Ver. 17 18 23. Now the Gospel of Christ is called the Word of God 1. Because Christ received it immediately from his Father and so it was not Christ's Word or Doctrine simply but his firstly and originally who sent him Joh. 7. 16 17. and Chap. 3. 34. As our Saviour saith I have not spoken of my self but the Father which sent me he gave me a Commandment what I should say and what I should speak And I know that his Commandment is Life everlasting Whatsoever I speak therefore even as the Father said unto me so I speak Joh. 12. 49 50. And the Apostles received immediately from Jesus Christ the great God and our Saviour 1 Thes 2. 13. with Gal. 1. 12. 2. And the Gospel is called the Word of God because the contents of it are as it were the sum of all he hath spoken to us in the Scriptures of truth All the Scriptures even those also which were written aforetime doe testify of Christ the Word of God Luk. 1. 70. Ioh. 5. 39. To him all the Prophets gave witness The Spirit of Christ which was in them did testifie before-hand of the sufferings of Christ and glory that should follow Act. 10. 43. 1 Pet. 1. 10 11. The Gospel of God was promised afore by his Prophets in the Holy Scriptures Rom. 1. 1 2. And Christ expounded to his Disciples in all the Scripture the things concerning himself Luk. 24. 25 27 44 46. And in these last Days the things of Christ which are the contents of the Gospel have been more plainly and revealedly spoken to us by God in the administration of his Son and Servants the Holy Apostles of the Lamb 1 Cor. 1. 17 18 23. and 2. 2. and 2 Cor. 4. 5. 3. And the Gospel may be called the Word of God because in it in testifying of his Son he hath spoken of all things This is that unction from the Holy One whereby we may know all things and we need not that any Man teach us but as this anoynting teacheth of all things and is truth and is no lye 1 Ioh. 2. 20 21 24 27. And the Apostle did determine to know nothing else among the Corinthians in and unto all things save Jesus Christ and him crucified which is the Gospel or the sum of it 1 Cor. 2. 2. with Chap. 1. 17. with Verse 18 23 24. And in this Gospel God speaketh of all things needful to be known by us As Christ is the light so is the Gospel especially as now preached 2 Cor. 4. 3 4 6. whereby God doth manifest all things It is the wisdom of God and the power of God 1 Cor. 1. 18 23 24. And this Gospel is also called The Testimony of Jesus Christ Revel 19. 10. 1. Because he is testified of therein Act. 23. 11. This is the Witness of God which he hath testified of his Son and this is the Record that God hath given to us Eternal Life and this Life is in his Son 1 Joh. 5. 7 9 12. The Gospel of God is concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord who was made of the Seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with Power according to the spirit of Holiness by the Resurrection from the Dead Rom. 1. 1 3 4. 1 Cor. 15. 1 3 4. Of him God testified by his Prophets in former times more darkly and now he hath born witness of him more clearly by the first trusters in Christ 1 Pet. 1. 10 11. Act. 2. 22. 24. 2 Cor 3. 12. 18. And the Gospel is now especially called The Testimony of Jesus Christ 2. Because it hath been testified and preached by Jesus Christ in his Personal and Spiritual Ministration It began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed by them that heard him Heb. 1. 1 2. and Ch. 2. 1 4. and 12. 1 2. Luk. 4. 18. Joh. 5. 24 25. Now of this John to whom this Revelation was sent and signified by Christ's Angel bare witness before this Book was shewed to him to wit of the Gospel of Christ of his Abasement and Sufferings and of his Resurrection from the Dead and of his
especially of them that believe and whose Grace brings Salvation to all men 1 Tim. 4. 10. Tit. 2. 11. Act. 26. 18. And the faithful Martyr who laid down his life in defence and confirmation of the truth to this end was he born and for this cause he came into the World that he should bear witness to the truth and he witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate Joh. 18. 37. 1 Tim. 6. 12 13. And the first begotten of the dead or first-born from the dead as Col. 1. 18. One who died and was in the heart or belly of the earth and was born from the dead this is a birth Act. 13. 32 33. yea the first-born from the dead in his Resurrection that in all things he might have the pre-eminence Herein he was mightily declared and determined the Son of God Col. 1. 18. Rom. 1. 3 4. and ch 8. 29. He was raised before any others Mat. 27. 53. He is the first-fruits of them that sleep 1 Cor. 15. 20 23. who left the rest of the dead behind him and in due time they shall be born and raised also as is implied in that he is said to be the first-born Isay 26. 19. and he is the first fruits of them that sleep in him whose Image they shall bear as they have born the Image of the earthly 1 Cor. 15. 45 48. Whose vile bodies shall be changed and fashioned into the likeness of his glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. and who shall be raised before the rest of the dead Therefore also are they called the first-born Heb. 12. 23. and as the first-fruit is holy so also shall the lump be A glorious Church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing but holy and without blemish Rom. 11. 16. Eph. 5. 25 27. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection Rev. 20. 4 5 6. And the Prince of the Kings of the Earth His name is King of Kings Rev. 17. 14. and ch 19. 16. And he is the Ordainer Ruler and Disposer of them as the Earth now stands By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth Prov. 8. 15 16. He is gone up into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels Authorities and Powers being made subject to him God hath exalted him and given him a name above every name 1 Pet. 3. 22. Phil. 2. 6 9 10. And this shews unto us the preciousness of his Blood for it is upon the account thereof he is so highly exalted in our nature Phil. 2. 6 9. and it may instruct the great-ones of the Earth to worship him as the Psalmist saith Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye Judges of the Earth kiss the Son c. Ps 2. 6 7. 10 12. Col. 4. 1. Yea therefore God hath committed all Judgment to him that all men should honour him as they honour the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. and this consideration may instruct us whom we should obey first of all even him who is higher than the highest of all Creatures Act. 4. 17 20. and ch 5. 28 29. And it may strengthen us to wait upon him and keep his way for he can and will preserve us in so doing and punish our Enemies whoever they are Mat. 28. 18 20. Col. 2. 6 10. Ps 105. 14 15. and it may preserve us from judging one another Jam. 4. 12. And he is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth hereafter God hath made him his first-born higher then the Kings of the Earth Ps 89. 27. Isay 41. 1 2. Unto the Angels God hath not put into subjection the World to come but he hath done so unto Jesus who by the Grace of God tasted death for every one him he hath raised from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the Heavenly Places far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this World but also in that which is to come Heb. 2. 5 9. with Eph. 1. 18 22. He is the Maker of those Holy Kings who shall reign on the Earth Rev. 1. 6. and ch 5. 10. From him they shall receive Laws and rule under him Isay 33. 17 22. and ch 32. 1. And all Kings shall serve and obey him Ps 22. 27 28. and 67. 4. and 47. 6 7. and 72. 8 12. and 82. 8. and 86. 9. and 138. 4. Rev. 17. 14. and ch 21. 24. From this excellent one also he desires Grace and Peace unto the Churches even from him who died yea rather is risen again unto whom all Power is given not only in this World but also in that to come And thus far is the Salutation Now followeth the Doxology or rendring of Praise and Glory to him Vnto him that loved us when we were in our Sins and before he washed us Ezek. 16. 4 5. He had great love to us when we were dead in Sins Eph. 2. 4 5. He then loved us and gave himself for us Gal. 2. 20. Gave himself for our Sins Gal. 1. 3 4. He loved us and gave himself for us an offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour 1 Joh. 3. 16. Eph. 5. 2. And made known this love to us and caused his goodness to pass before us when we were Ungodly-ones and Enemies in our minds by wicked works Eph. 2. 4 5. Col. 1. 21 22. And by these Bands of a Man and Cords of Love over-came us and prevailed with us to love him because he first loved us Hos 11. 4. 1 Joh. 4. 16 17 19. and in the knowledge and belief of his first-love being prevailed withal to love him he loved us with peculiar manner of love Behold what manner of love hath he bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God! As the Father hath loved him so hath he loved us 1 Joh. 3 1. Joh. 14. 21 23. and ch 15. 9. 10. To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever even to all Eternity Amen Rev 5 8 10. and for and thorow his love to us unworthy undeserving and ill deserving-ones He washed us from our Sins in his own Blood Oh wonderful love 1. Sin is a filthy thing a nasty noisome loathsome thing in it self and in the account of them who judge righteous Judgment This is signified in such sayings as these Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7. 1. When the LORD shall have washed away the filth of the Daughter of Zion c. Isay 4. 4. Ezek. 36. 25. They are therefore rightly called Fools who make a mock at Sin Prov. 10. 23. and ch 14. 9. 2. When he loved us and before he washed us we were in our Sins and Filth we had our Conversation amongst the Children of Disobedience in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by
made us a Kingdom of Priests to wit A Kingdom or Holy Nation now to offer up spiritual Sacrifices And that no more is meant here and in ch 5. 8 10. To which I say 1. It is true he hath so made them that come unto him in the drawings of the Father He hath washed them and made them a Kingdom of Priests as Exod. 19. 4 5. A Royal or Kingly Priesthood 1 Pet. 2. 4 5 7 9. But 2. Sure this is not all that is meant by this expression It is very dangerous to add to or take away from the words of the Book of this Prophesie ch 22. 18 19. And therefore we shall look upon the words as they are exprest To wit He hath made us Kings not now to reign as we shall doe hereafter for now they are sufferers with Christ To them that may now be applied I have seen Servants upon Horses and Princes walking as Servants upon the Earth Eccl. 10. 7. Indeed some there are who conceit and dream that now they are full now they are rich they have reigned as Kings without the residue of their Brethren but this is but in their own Imagination Unto some such it may be said I would to God ye did reign that we also might reign with you for herein one shall not prevent another but they shall be glorified together This Honour all his Saints and Holy Ones shall have together 1 Cor. 4. 8. Rom. 8. 16 18. Ps 149. 9. they may be Kings who yet have actually received no Kingdom Rev. 17. 12. So it is with these they are Kings though they now reign not as they shall do For these he hath prepared a Kingdom Mat. 25. 34. In my Fathers House saith Christ are many Mansions I go to prepare a place for you Joh. 14. 2 3. Mat. 20. 23. Mark 10. 40. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Heb. 11. 16. 2. He is preparing and working them for this self-same thing they are the Vessels of Mercy whom he hath before prepared unto Glory Rom. 9. 23. And so he hath made us Kings that is to say 1. He hath begotten us of Royal Seed in a Spiritual Consideration of the Seed of the Kingdom as 2 Kings 11. 1. and ch 25. 25. He hath begotten us with the Word of truth the Word of the Kingdom as the Gospel is called because hereby the Kingdom is discovered and brought nigh to us Luk. 10. 9 11. And they are begotten to the Kingdom that heartily receive it and are the Children of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 19 38. and so heirs of it Rom. 8. 17. Jam. 2. 5. They are â—â—rn of Water and of the Spirit of the free and immense love of God to the World of Mankind as manifested by the Spirit in lifting up the Son of Man in the Gospel and so are delivered from the Power of Darkness and translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God's Love Joh. 3. 3 5 7. Col. 1. 13. They are born of the kindness and love of God to Man-ward which is manifested in Christ's tasting Death for every Man and being raised again for their justification And so are begotten to a lively hope by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead to an Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled c. Tit. 3. 4 5. 1 Pet. 1. 3 5. 2. He hath washed us from our Sins in his own Blood as before Gal. 5. 19 20. He gave himself for his Church that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word that he might present it to himself a glorious Church c. Eph. 5. 5 25 27. and so he is making them partakers of his Holiness without which no Man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14. Rev. 21. 27. he is baptizing them still and further with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Tit. 3. 4 7. Mat. 19. 29. Rev. 5. 9 10. 3. He is anointing them with Holy Oyl even with his Spirit with the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation with the Spirit of Grace and Supplication and by this Spirit he is sealing them to the Day of Redemption and giving this to them as an earnest of the Inheritance 2 Cor. 1. 21 22. Eph. 1. 13 14. and ch 4. 30. as David was anointed King before he reigned so they have an unction from the Holy one 1 Joh. 2. 20 21 27. 4. He is clothing them with the Robe of Righteousness Isay 61. 10. and with the fruits of Righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the Praise and Glory of God Phil. 1. 11. with the fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5. 22 23. Eph. 5. 9. that so an entrance may be ministred to them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Mat. 5. 5 9. 2 Pet. 1. 5 11. 4. He hath appointed to them a Kingdom Luk. 22. 29. and is giving it to them in the gracious and spiritual administration of it and by Faith possessing them of the Riches and Priviledges thereof which are not Meat and Drink but Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14. 17. they have received the first-fruits of the Spirit Rom. 8. 23. they are receiving the Kingdom that cannot be shaken Heb. 12. 28. though they are as having nothing yet by faith they are as possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 10. and they shall reign on the Earth Rev. 5. 8 10. And Priests He hath also made them Spiritual Priests 1. By a birth from himself they are the Children whom God hath given to him who is the everlasting Father Heb. 2. 13. Isay 9. 6. And as in former times those who were born of Aaron were Priests Exod. 28. 1 40 41. so now those and those only who are born of Jesus Christ the only High-priest are made a Spiritual House an Holy Priest-hood 1 Pet. 2. 4 5 9. And that they may minister unto the Lord 2. He washeth them cloathes them anoints them as answering unto our Types Exod. 29. 4 5. and ch 28. 40 41. and ch 40. 12. 16. 3. And thus fitted and prepared they are Priests to minister unto God and to offer Sacrifices not bodily Sacrifices as formerly but Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. To offer unto him broken and contrite hearts Ps 51. 17. Isay 66. 1 3. To present their bodies unto him a living Sacrifice holy acceptable a reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. To pray unto him and pour out their hearts before him Ps 62. 8. and 141. 2. Rev. 5. 8. To offer up the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving unto God continually the Calves or Fruit of their Lips Ps 50. 14. and 107. 22. Heb. 13. 15. To shew forth his praises who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2. 5 9. and not forget to do good and to communicate for with such Sacrifices being offered by Christ God is well-pleased Hos 6. 6. Heb. 13. 16. Phil. 4. 18. To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Vnto
all the honourable of the Earth Isay 2. 10. c. and ch 23. 8 9. and ch 13. 10 12. and ch 24. yet some of these may and will submit themselves to and worship Christ truly and so escape the Wrath to come Psal 22. 27. but such as abide in their opposition to him and minding earthly things shall wail for ever Isay 60. 12. Luke 21. 34 36. Isay 24. 17 18. 4. We have the breathing vote and desire of the Apostle and of all that are taught and led of God even so amen Rev. 22. 20. So the Holy Men of God formerly have desired O that the Salvation of Israel were come out of Zion Psal 14. 7. and 53. 6. Make haste my beloved c. Cant. 8. 14. Oh that thou wouldest rent the Heavens that thou wouldst come down c. Isay 64. 1. And in latter times they who had received the first-fruits of the Spirit did groan within themselves waiting for the adoption the redemption of their bodies and to that end they did look for the Saviour from Heaven the Lord Jesus Rom. 8. 23. with Phil. 3. 20 21. The Spirit and the Bride say come And let him that heareth say come even so come Lord Jesus Rev. 22. 17 20. The Gospel of Christ doth teach them who believe it to wait for God's Son from Heaven whom he raised from the dead 1 Thes 1. 10. to look for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2. 11 13. To be looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God 2 Pet. 3. 11 14. and for this the Apostle here longs and breaths even so Amen These Words are true and faithful Rev. 21. 1 5. and ch 22. 6 7. Verse 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending saith the Lord which is and which was and which is to come the Almighty Here we have an account given us of the infinite excellency of the person speaking and his ability for accomplishing what is spoken of him v. 7. Why should it be thought a thing incredible that he should effect it We may first here enquire and consider who the person here speaking is Some understand it of the Father because this person is so described as he is v. 4. where doubtless he is intended because he is distinguished from the Spirit and from Jesus Christ as before is said But I conceive and judge that the person here speaking in this 8 th Verse is Jesus Christ 1. Because he is the person generally speaking in this Book by his Angel or Angels to whom it was given to that end to shew c. v. 1. Rev. 22. 16. 2. Because the first part of the description here to wit that he is Alpha and Omega is elsewhere given of him without Controversie in this Book So expressly v. 11 13. and ch 22. 12 13. Nor doth that hinder us to understand it of Christ because he is described as the Father is for he and the Father are one Joh. 10. 13. 1 Joh. 5. 7. 3. It appears also that this is spoken of and by Christ because it seems these 8 and 9 Verses refer to Verse 1. The eighth Verse declares to us to whom this Revelation was given to shew to his Servants to wit to Jesus Christ who here saith of himself I am Alpha and Omega c. And v. 9. shews unto us to whom he sent and signified it to wit unto his Servant John And so we shall look upon this Verse as containing the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in which he gives a description of himself unto us I am Alpha and Omega These two are the first and last Letters of the Greek Alphabet and signifie as here it followeth the beginning and the ending Or as in v. 11. the first and the last and both are used in ch 22. 13. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end the first and the last Now from hence we may note in general 1. That God hath sanctified all Tongues for declaring to us the things of Christ and of God in him to the end that all Nations and Tongues might come unto the knowledge of the truth So after the Lord had given Authority and Commission to his Apostles to go into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature of all the Nations he did fit them thereto by pouring forth his Spirit upon them and thereby enabling them to speak with other Tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance Mark 16. 15 17. Acts 1. 8. and ch 2. 1 8 12. And the Angel had the everlasting Gospel to preach unto every Nation and Kindred and Tongue c. Rev. 14. 6. 2. In that he doth explicate and interpret these words saying I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end the first and the last So he shews that it is good for the Preachers of the Gospel to use great plainness of Speech that they may be understood 2 Cor. 3. 12. 1 Cor. 14. 1 13. so often-times Hebrew Words c. are interpreted So Emmanuel God with us Mat. 1. 23. Eli Eli Lamasabacthani that is to say My God My God why hast thou forsaken me Mat. 27. 46. Jesus for he shall save c. Mat. 1. 23. Messias which being interpreted is the Christ Joh. 1. 41. c. It is good to speak plainly to edification and exhortation and comfort and not to affect hard words or sayings or when there is need for the use of them to interpret them 1 Cor. 14. 27 28. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending End sometimes signifies dissolution or ceasing to be Luke 22. 37. and sometimes perfection or fulfilling 1 Tim. 1. 5. and in both senses it may be in various respects as to divers things applied unto our Lord Jesus He is the beginning and end of the first Creation He is the beginning of it He was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Joh. 1. 1 3. By him God made the Worlds Heb 1. 2. and ch 11. 3. By this Word of the LORD were the Heavens made yea God created all things by Jesus Christ Ps 33. 6. Eph. 3. 11. and by him all these things shall be dissolved 2 Pet. 3. 4 5 10 13. We have both put together as his work in Heb. 1. 10 12. And thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the Foundation of the Earth and the Heavens are the works of thine Hands They shall perish but thou remainest and they all shall wax old as doth a Garment and as a Vesture shalt thou fold them up and they shall be changed c. He is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending or perfecter of the New Creation He is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the Preeminency for in him it hath pleased all the fulness of
perform that spoken of ver 7 And of Him who sent and signified this Book by his Angels ver 1. So here we have an Account of the Person unto whom it was sent 1. By his name I John 2. By his Relation to the Churches who also am your Brother and companion 3. By some particular Account of the things wherein He was related to them In the tribulation and in the kingdome and Patience of Jesus Christ 4. By the Place where He was when this was sent and signified unto Him I was in the Isle that is called Patmos 5. By the cause or Reason of his Being there for the word of God and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ 1. He is described to us by his name I John so chap. 21. 2 and chap. 22. 8. thus He nameth Himself like Paul Gal. 5. 2. 1 Thes 2. 18. nay like to our Lord in this Book I Jesus ch 22. 16. He doth not add great and Honourable titles to himself and much less names of blasphemy such as the Man of sin takes to himself As Christ's Vicar and the High Priest and Head of the Church on earth c. But without any Honourable and much less Blasphemous Title doth He describe Himself As also do Paul Peter James Jude He was not desirous of Vain glory nor sought after praise of men Learn we of Him yea of Jesus whom He imitated who is meek and lowly in heart Mat. 11. 29. Oh what Humility was in Him Humble we our selves also and in due time He will exalt us 1 Pet. 5. 5 6. 1. He to whom this Revelation was sent and signified was John a mean man in this world and a tradesman none of the rich and Honourable of the world but a poor Fisher-man Mat. 4. 21. And one that went a-fishing after Christ was risen from the dead And so some Considerable time after he was an Apostle Joh. 21. 2. In the last times especially God and Christ have been staining the Pride of man's glory and will do it fully and compleatly at the last that no flesh may glory in his presence Christ did chuse the poor of this world to reveal his Mysteries to many or most of his disciples were fishers who were chosen by Him in his personal ministration to be Apostles Joh. 21. 2 3. And the Apostle of the Gentiles to whom this Grace was given to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ was as men speak by way of Reproach a Mechanick a Tent-maker And did work in his trade after he was an Apostle Act. 18. 2 3. and ch 20. 35. 1 Thes 2. 9. 2 Thes 3. 7 8. And yet what Visions and Revelations of the Lord were vouchsased to him 2 Cor. 12. 1 7. yea how greatly did our Lord himself humble himself He to whom this Revelation was imediately given was not only the Son of one espoused to a carpenter and the Reputed son of a carpenter Mat. 13. 55. But they said of him also is not this the Carpenter Mark 6. 3. The poor and mean ones of this world have the Gospel preached to them Luke 4. 18. and ch 7. 22. And they being faithful have the mysteries of the Kingdom opened to them Mat. 13. 11 16. Of a truth God is no respecter of persons Oh let us not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory with respect of persons Hearken my beloved Brethren hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and Heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised c. Jam. 2. 1 2 5. 2. I John none of the wise-men of this world not instructed into or acquainted with Philosophy or with the Heathens art science of this world which the Apostle calls vain deceit Col. 2. 8. And Science falsly so called 1 Tim. 6. 20. But he was a poor ignorant man As it is said The High Priest and wise ones of this world perceived that he was an unlearned and ignorant man an idiot Act. 4. 14. And so was Peter also the first-named Apostle usually and the Apostles generally to whom the Gospel was committed and the mysteries of the Kingdom made known I thank thee O Father saith Jesus Christ Lord of Heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to Babes Even so father for so it seemed good in thy sight Mat. 11. 25 26. Luke 10. 21. with Mat. 13. 11 16. Though he be Lord of Heaven and Earth and therefore might reveal his secret to whom he pleases and imploy whom he pleaseth for bearing his name yet it hath pleased him to prefer Babes in this matter before the wife and learned ones You see your calling Brethren How that not many wise men after the flesh are chosen But God hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise c. That no Flesh might glory in his presence 1 Cor. 1. 20 26 29 30. And though some Wise-men after the Flesh may be chosen yet they must become Fools that they may be wise 1 Cor. 3. 18 20. Yea this they said of our Lord to whom this Revelation was given How knoweth this Man Letters having never learned Joh. 7. 15 16. Alas the Wisdom of this World is Foolishness with God and he that seemeth to be wise herewith must cease from his own Wisdom that he may be wise 1 Cor. 3. 18 20. Therefore let us not lean to our own Understanding nor glory in Wise-men Prov. 3. 5. and ch 23. 4. 1 Cor. 3. 21. and ch 1. 18 23 Col. 2. 8 9. c. 3. I John one that was subject to and polluted with like Infirmities and Evils as others one that had Sin in him and had sinned 1 Joh. 18. 10. that had in many things offended One that forbad such an one as cast out Devils in Christ's Name when he should not have so done Mark 9. 38 40. One that sought pre-eminence to the offence of many of the residue of the Disciples Mark 10. 35 41. One that would have called for Fire from Heaven to consume them that received not Christ for which Christ rebuked and sharply reproved him Luke 9. 51 56. One that with the rest had Indignation against that good Work of that good Woman who testified Love to our Lord Jesus Mat. 26. 7 8. One of them that watched not with Christ one Hour and thereby lost such an opportunity as he never had again Mat. 26. 40. One that with the rest was offended and left and forsook Christ in his great Afflictions and Sufferings Mat. 26. 31. 56. Joh. 16. 32. One with the rest whom our Saviour upbraided for his Unbelief and hardness of Heart after Christ's Resurrection Mark 16. 14. yet to this John who was formerly guilty of many Evils was this Book sent and signified So great is the Love of our Lord Jesus that it covers all their Sins who confess and forsake them so it did John's Evils And not
outward Garment only which might be put off and then the names are laid aside also which are only so engraven but even upon his heart As the Apostle saith I have you in my heart for God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ In and with such bowels as were begot by and like unto Christs bowels towards them Phil. 1. 7 8. as if he would thereby signifie to us that Christ's bowels and bowelly affection was so towards them that he indeed had them in his heart he carries them in his bosom Isay 30. 11. he loveth them with peculiar manner of love who from his first love known and believed do love him Indeed he loveth all Men while it is called to day and is not willing that any Man should perish but that all should come to repentance as he hath brightly manifested in tasting Death for every Man and as may be seen in his being a light to them in due time that he might be for Salvation to them that thorow him they might be saved and in being the mediatour between God and them making intercession for them and procuring long suffering which is and is to be accounted Salvation 1 Joh. 3. 16. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. 2 Pet. 3. 9. 15. But he loveth them that love him because he first loved them with another manner of love with a delightful well-pleased love all his delight is in the Saints that are in the earth and in the excellent ones Prov. 8. 17 Ps 16. 2 3. as the Father hath loved him so he loveth them Joh. 15. 9 13. and ch 14. 21 23. he loveth them and beareth them on his heart and breast when and that is always he appeareth before God and on his breast-plate which is righteousness Isay 59. 17. Eph. 6. 14 he forgiveth them and clotheth and adorneth them and hath bowelly affection and hearty love to them They are engraven upon his heart which is the seat of love as is also intimated in that earnest desire of the spouse Set me as a seal upon thine heart engrave me thereon for love is strong as death Cant. 8. 6. 7. and all these who are loved with this distinguishing and delightful love of Christ are also accepted unto the father in him and the Father loveth and will love them Eph. 1. 6. Joh. 16. 27. And they being thus in and on the heart of Christ they are and shall be in his mouth also for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh Mat. 12. 34. they are in his mouth Rev. 3. 16. their sorrows indeed shall be multiplied that hasten after another or give gifts unto another High-priest and mediatour Their drink-offerings of blood will he not offer nor take up their names into his lips but because his delight is in the saints that are in the earth he will offer and render acceptable their sacrifices and take up their names into his lips Ps 16. 2 4. 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Heb. 7. 25. and ch 9. 15. Joh. 17. 9 20. c. And because they are in his heart he will impart his mind to them 1 Cor. 2. 16. Judg. 16. 15. The secret of the Lord is with them and he will shew them his covenant Ps 25. 10 14. he will manifest himself and the mysteries of his Kingdom to them which he will not do unto the World Joh. 41. 21 22. Rev. 1. 11. and ch 2. 7 11 17 29 c. and ch 22. 16. And they being engraven on his heart his arme is engaged for them to bear them and to deliver them from evil and from the fear of evil in their hearkening unto him and they are in and engraven in his hand so as he will not forget them but whatever he openeth his hand to do so he will behold them and have such respect to them that shall work together for good to them that love him and none shall pluck them out of his hand Cant. 8. 6. Isay 49. 15 16. John 10. 27 28. Rom 8. 28 39. Yea he is a son and shield and will give grace and glory and no good thing will he with hold from them that walk uprightly Ps 84. 10 12. Joh. 14. 12 14. And in the brest-plate of judgment and on the heart of the High-priest in our types of old he did bear the judgment of the Children of Israel before the Lord continually either to figure out that our Jesus our great High-priest doth sympathize with his people in all their judgments and occasions of sorrow and sadness In all their afflictions he was afflâ—cted he knoweth how to have compassion on them and to pity and succour them in all their temptations and trials Isay 63. 9. Heb. 2. 17 18. Or rather as Moses the Mediatour of the first Testament was by the appointment of God to put in the Brest-plate of judgment which was upon Aaron's heart the Vrim and the Thummim which signify lights and perfections And therein he was to bear the judgment of the Children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually which Vrim and Thummim gave a most perfect light in any difficult matter to him that enquired thereat and without which they would not determine in those things which were doubtful and difficult Ezra 2. 63. Neh. 7. 65. Hereby it seems God revealed his mind and counsel in former times and when they enquired thereat the Person enquiring was to stand before the High-priest with his face towards the Brest-plate of judgment and as is observed by some a most perfect light shone upon the letters that were all upon the Breast-plate in order one after another whereby the mind of God was made known and revealed and the enquirer had thereby judgment and discerning given to him Numb 27. 21. Exod. 28. 30. Levit. 8. 8. 1 Sam. 28. 6. and hereby in general was signified that the High priest then by the Vrim and Thummim was to teach Jacob God's Laws and Israel his judgments Deut. 33. 8 9 10. So now our High-priest is he that hath the Vrim and the Thummim upon his Breast plate of Righteousness that in looking thereupon on the Righteousness he hath brought in and compleated and the means whereby he hath so done to wit his abasement sufferings and death and his resurrection from the dead as these things are declared to us in the Gospel or word of the Beginning of Christ we might be guided into all truth and have an understanding in all things and so be fitted to go on to perfection They who are dull of hearing and unacquainted with these first things and unskilful in the word of his righteousness are babes and cannot discern both good and evil but they who are skilful herein are fitted for the receiving the knowledge of all things needful to be now known by them 1 Cor. 1. 18 23. 2 Tim. 2. 7 8. Heb. 5. 11 14. and ch 6. 1. He is the light of the World a most
evermore Amen 2. The note of attention to mind this Behold 1. He is alive for evermore Amen even that person that died for us and was buried he is alive for evermore in that his personal body in which he bare our sins on the tree he is raised again now no more to return to corruption Act. 13. 24. He asked life of his father and he gave it him even length of days for ever and ever Ps 21. 3. and so he is become the sure mercies of David Isay 55. 3. with Act. 13. 34. he is the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. He who died for us and now liveth is alive for evermore 1. As the last Adam in whom dwelleth all the fulness of grace and truth and he is and abides the fountain of forgiveness Righteousness wisdom spirit eternal life he is a quickening spirit Col. 1. 18 19 and ch 2. 9 10. Joh. 1. 14. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 45. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. 2. He is the Bread of life who prevents the dead World with life in due season and ever lives as the receiver and maker free of all that as thus prevented come unto and follow him The Servant namely of sin abideth not in the house for ever But the Son abideth ever Joh. 8. 35 36. And him that cometh he will in no-wise cast out Joh. 6. 33 35 37. Rom. 15. 7. 3. He is alive for evermore as the High-priest This man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood a Priest hood that passeth not from him unto any other Heb. 7. 24. and as the High-priest he maketh intercession for Men he being the one and only mediatour between God and Men Isay 53. 12. 1 Tim. 2. 5. For every High-priest is taken from among Men and is ordained for Men for the good of them Heb. 5. 1. And ever liveth to make Intercession for them that come unto God by him and so is able to the uttermost Heb 7. 8 16 24 25. and ch 6. 20. and ch 7. 28. and ch 10. 12. And so he is the Saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. 4. He ever liveth as the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5. 9 who is now saving them especially 1 Tim. 4. 10. Eph. 5. 23. and will save them hereafter gloriously and eternally Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting Salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Isay 45. 17. he is Jesus Christ the anointed Saviour the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13. 7 8. 2 Tim. 2. 10. Joh. 3. 15 16. 5. He ever liveth as the Resurrection and the life Joh. 11. 25. whose voice all that are in the graves shall hear and shall come forth they that have done good to the resurrection of life and they that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation Joh. 5. 28 29. For as by Man came death by Man also came the Resurrection from the dead For as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. He shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thes 4. 16. and all shall appear before his judgment-Seat for he is the Lord and Judg of all and to this end he both died rose and revived that he might lord it over quick and dead Rom. 14. 9 12. 2 Cor. 5. 8 10. Act 10. 42. 6. He is alive for evermore as the King who is now set upon God's holy hill of Zion Ps 2. 6. who now exercises his government graciouâ—ly and spiritually and shall hereafter rule and raign gloriously Ps 145. 11 13. and 9. 7 8. and 47. 6 8 Heb. 1. 8 11. The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his Father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdom there shall be no end Luk. 1. 32 33. and the Kingdom and dominion and greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given the Prophet of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and all nations shall serve and obey him Isay 9. 6 7. Dan. 7. 27. Amen So be it this is a faithful saying and therefore fear not 2. We have the note of attention to stir us up to mind this Behold This is of great concernment to us to take notice of attend unto and diligently to mind and consider that he who was dead is alive for evermore 1. To admonish and warn us not to reject him or slight his blood once shed and sacrifice once offered For he being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him and therefore if we sin willingly persist so doing there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery Indignation c. Rom. 6. 9 10. Act. 13. 34. Heb. 10. 26 29. Rev. 15. 7. 2. To comfort and encourage us against our discouragements and dyings which is the end why it is spoken at this time as to say a little particularly 1. To encourage any poor sinner or any that after they have tasted the graciousness of the Lord have brought deadness upon themselves whose spirits are dead and their moisture dried up yet to come unto or return to him for he liveth and that for evermore as the fountain of life of forgiveness grace and spirit Ps 36. 6 9. hence the Prophet exhorts O Israel return unto the Lord thy God for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity and propounds this motive from the Lord to encourage and engage them so to do I am the green fir-tree from me is thy â—ruit found Though thou hast brought deadness and witheredness upon thy self yet in returning to him he will take away all thy iniquities revive and quicken thee for he still abides a quickening spirit Hos 14. 1 9. 1 Cor. 15. 45. Yea our Saviour calls upon and invites every thirster to come unto him and drink and saith He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Joh. 7. 37 39. and 11. 25 26. Rev. 3. 1. and 21. 6. and ch 22. 17. 2. To encourage his disciples unto all Services though they are as dead ones and have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves yet he who liveth for ever hath promised to be with them Mat. 28. 18 20. and against all sufferings for his name sake in which the believer is as dying and appointed as a sheep to the slaughter yet he liveth and abideth for ever and is able to save them from their Sins and enemies Heb. 7. 24 26. and to raise them up again and make them partakers of a more excellent life in which the Apostles did comfort and encourage themselves 2 Cor. 4.
familiar in Scripture so of the Paschal Lamb it is said It is the Lord 's passeover that is a Sign or commemoration thereof Exod. 12. 11 12. so when the Lord saith this is Jerusalem it is easy to understand this to be the meaning of that expression This is a sign or figure representing Jerusalem Ezek. 5. 1 6. with ch 4. 1 4. so again that Rock was Christ to wit Christ was the mystery or secret signified thereby 1 Cor. 10. 4. see also the notes on ch 5. v. 8. and is it not as easy to understand that saying in like manner This is my Body to wit the sign and commemoration thereof as the Apostle saith Do this in remembrance of me relating therein Christs words and as oft as ye eat this bread and drink this cup it is bread still after consecration ye shew forth the Lords death till he come 1 Cor. 11. 23 26 28. surely were these persons who otherwise construe it as desirous to seek after the truth as they are thirsty of innocent blood they would not be so ignorant as they are of the meaning of this and such-like symbolical sayings 2. He saith not The seven stars are the seven Angels though he calls them in the symbol seven starrs yet he names them not in opening the mystery seven Angels but the Angels and yet when he opens the mystery of the seven candlesticks he still calls them seven Churches surely to intimate that the Angels were not seven individual persons but indefinitely those that were Guides unto the seven Churches and went before them in the Word of the Lord. If any say it may be enough to conclude them to be but seven Individual Persons because they are called the seven Stars Rev. 1. 16 20. and ch 2. 1. and ch 3. v. 1. I answer 1. That might rather have sufficed as with respect to the seven Candlesticks to call them Churches because he had called them seven Churches before verse 4. and named them particularly verse 11. and yet here again he calls them seven Churches whereas he never calls the seven Stars seven Angels And besides 2. Though the several Epistles be directed to the several Angels and every particular Epistle to the Angel yet it appears there was more than one individual person intended thereby as to instance though that Epistle to the Church in Smyrna be directed to the Angel yet he saith to him Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into Prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation Rev. 2. 10. So to the the Angel of the Church in Thyatira he saith Vnto you I say and unto the rest c. And I will give to every one of you c. v 23 25. In both which it appears that more than one person is meant by the Angel But we may now enquire and consider for our further usefulness 1. What are these Angels here spoken of 2. Why are they called and compared unto Angels 1. What are these Angels here spoken And to that we say They are not those Glorious Spirits most frequently so called the Word Angel denotes not the nature but office of persons and it appears that by Angels here are not meant those glorious Spirits ministring Spirits because he fortifies some of these against and signifies they should suffer tribulation and be cast into Prison by the Devil c. And commends some for their patience in tribulation and râ—proves some of these for evils sound with them ch 2. 1 5. and v. 8 10. Nor are they the Churches but distinguished from them nor are they false Teachers but they are the Messengers of the Churches sent for the good of them and such as went before them in the Word of the Lord their Bishops or Overseers So the Baptist is called a Messenger or Angel Mat. 11. 10. and the Priests in former times Mal. 2. 7. That which some say that by Angels cannot be meant Overseers because they are said to be the Angels of the Churches whereas they are not sent by them is of no great weight for of the Churches may mean not sent from them but for the good of them as the Angels of the little ones are not sent by them but imployed for the good of them Mat. 18. 10. 2. Why are they called and compared unto Angels In general as hath been said they are so called because they are sent for the benefit of them for the Word Angel is used generally for any Messenger Jam. 2. 25. and particularly to denote that these Bishops or Overseers are or should be as to their Office and fitness for it like in some respect to those invisible and Holy Spirits 1. Like them they are or should be furnished with Wisdom from above for the good of others 2 Sam. 14. 20. for he that sends a message by the hand of a Fool cutteth off the Feet and drinketh dammage Prov. 26. 6. 2. Because it is their Office to ascend upon the Son of Man to Heaven in their Prayers and in prayers to God for those over whom they are set yea and for the good of all Men 1 Tim. 2. 1 8. Gen. 28. 12. with Joh. 1. 51. And to descend upon him and bring down Messages from Heaven that they may be apt to teach others 3. Like the glorious Spirits they should have their conversation in Heaven be more abundantly sequestred from the things here below in their hearts and it behoves them especially not to intangle themselves with the affairs of this life Phil. 3. 17 20. 2 Tim. 2. 3 4. that they may mind things above and be like the Angels beholding the glory of the Lord and doing his Commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word Mat. 18. 10. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Ps 103. 20. AN EXPOSITION On the second CHAPTER OF THE REVELATION Chap. 2. Verse 1. Vnto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write these things saith he that holdeth the seven Stars in his right hand who walks in the midst of the seven Golden Candlesticks HERE begins the account of the several Epistles or Messages which John is commanded to write and send to the several Churches before-named and though every particular Message directly and especially concerns that Angel and Church whereto it is expresly directed yet they are of usefulness and for instruction to all the Churches and to every one that hath an Ear and needful to be considered by them as afterwards will appear to which in due place In this first Verse we have to mind and consider 1. The Person or Persons for whom this Message or Epistle is to be written and to whom to be sent Vnto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write 2. The person from whom it comes described to us These things saith he that holdeth the seven Stars in his right hand c. 1. The person or persons for whom this Message or Epistle is to be written and unto whom it is commanded to be sent Vnto the
I have bestowed upon you labour in vain Gal. 1. 2 6. and ch 3. 1. and ch 4. 11. yea that is called the temple of God in which the man of sin sits as God shewing himself that he is God 2 Thes 2. 4. see the notes before on ch 1. 12. Let this be considered and minded by us 2. We have the person described from whom this Epistle comes and who giveth charge These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven Golden Candlesticks Here he to wit Christ describes himself as he had done before with a little change See the notes before on ch 1. v. 13. and v. 16. and that for the encouragement and consolation of them in coming unto and walking before him and for admonition and warning unto them that they might not so evilly behave themselves as to grieve and offend him In general we may note thus he was to write These things saith he not say I â—ven Jesus Christ the Lord. Though John was the Instrument who first received and was to write and send this Epistle yet the message comes from Christ and as the holy Prophets did in former times usually thus speak unto the people Thus saith the Lord as Ezek. 33. 1 11 25 27. with many other places so here To every one of the Churches John was commanded thus to write these things saith Christ in those manifold Descriptions he gives of himself and so the residue of the Apostles of the lamb spake unto the Churches by the word and in the name of the Lord This we say unto you by the Word of the Lord 1 Thes 4. 15. If any man think himself to be a Prophet or spiritual let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord 1 Cor. 14. 37. And I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you 1 Cor. 11. 23. and ch 7. 10 12 25. and it is good for his servants to go with his words and in his name and authority Ezek. 3. 10 11 12. 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. and not in their own name or name of the Church or Man of sin and with his words as the Lord saith he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully what is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord Jer. 37. 27 29. 1 Cor. 2. 12 13. and seeing what the holy Prophets and Apostles wrote were the commandments of the Lord it might engage us to be mindful thereof and to give â—arnest heed thereto and to receive their word not as the word of Men but as it is in truth the word of God that it may work effectually in us 2 Pet. 3. 1 2. and ch 1. 19 21. 1 Thes 2. 13. with v. 2. and 9. He who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand see notes on ch 1. v. 16. he holdeth them fast so this same word is translated in v. 13. and v. 25. and ch 3. 11. he holdeth them fast in his right hand which is powerful as is said Thy right hand O LORD is become glorious in power thy right hand O LORD hath dashed in pieces the enemy Exod. 15. 6. his right hand and his holy arme hath gotten the victory Ps 98. 1. and with his right hand which is full of righteousness yea which is called the right hand of his righteousness Ps 48. 10. Isay 41. 10. with which right hand he saveth them which put their trust in him from those that rise up against them Ps 17. 7. with Ps 31. 19 his power and faithfulness is engaged for them and for the Preservation of them from evil and enemies in their walking before him and holding forth the light of the glorious Gospel in word and conversation yea he upholds them with the right hand of his power and Righteousness when he is reproing and faulting them Now in that it is said He holdeth them in his right hand we may learn 1. That they especially have many enemies who thrust sore at them that they might fall As our Saviour saith to his disciples when he sent them forth to preach the Gospel ye shall be â—ated of all Men for my names sake Mat. 10. 7 22. see the notes before on ch 1. v. 9. They have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves to defend or secure themselves from their many and powerful enemies on the side of their oppressours there is power but they have no comforter nor any power against their enemies who are stronger then they Eccles 4. 1. Ps 142. 4 6. They are as lambs in the midst of wolves poor helpless shiâ—tless creatures Mat. 10. 16 17. Their defence is of him unto whom all power is given both in Heaven and on Earth Ps 7. 10. Mat. 28. 18 20. he will give unto them and preserve them with the â—â—ield of his Salvation in their shining as lights and his right hand will hold them up as Ps 18. 35 Though their own Arme cannot save them yet his right hand and his Arme is imployed and exercised for their safety and security Ps 44. 3 4. And the consideration of this that he holdeth them in his right hand may be of great consolation to them to comfort and strengthen their hearts against the discouragement of their own weakness and many and manifold potent and politick enemies Isay 41. 10. and help them to say as he did The Lord GOD will help us therefore shall we not be confounded Isay 50. 7 10. and to walk in the strength of the LORD God and make mention of his Righteousness of his only Ps 71. 16. And for caution to them to admonish and warn them not to provoke him to angerâ— for he who holds them in his right hand can also throw them out if they rebel against him yea though they were as the signet upon his right hand yet he will pluck them thence as Jer. 22. 24. he can with-draw his right hand and not exert it for their help and Salvation as they complain Ps 74. 11. and as the profit also signifieth in saying not only He hath drawn back his right hand But also he stood with his right hand as an Adversary and slew all that were pleasant to the eye Lam. 2. 3 4. Oh sin not then against him by whom only you are held and held fast Who walketh in the midst of Seven golden Candlesticks not only is in the midst of them see notes on ch 1. v. 13. But he also walketh converseth hath his way and path there As God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them 2 Cor 6. 16. Lev. 26. 12. and here he walketh with delight while they are upright before him Thus when the Daughters of Jerusalem enquire of the spouse whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among women she answers My beloved is gone down into his Garden to the Beds of Spices to feed in the Garden c.
and takes notice of such Mens works who have a name amongst the Churches that they live while yet they may be dead ch 3. 1 2. In that he saith I know thy works their workes who have had means so he may signify to us that in this sense he doth not as it were know Mens works until he hath prevented them with his grace bringing Salvation to them which he doth all Men in due time and season as they come to years of discretion Tit. 2. 11. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. he is no hard or austere Master to reap where he hath not sown or gather where he hath not strawn however wicked ones think and speak concerning him Mat. 25. 26. he first fashioneth Mens hearts alike and then he considereth all their works Ps 14. 2. and 33. 15. But especially he knows and takes notice of his Churches and of their workes As is signified in that Parable where it is said Behold these three yeers I come seeking fruit Luke 13. 7. To them much is given and therefore of them much is and will be required Luke 12. 48. Isay 5. 2 4. Mat. 21. 33 37. 4. He here signifieth what he knows or takes notice of thy works not their words or profession simply not their faith or opinions only but of their works what doth it profit my brethren though a Man to say he â—ath faith and have not works can faith save him faith if it hath not works its proper works is dead being alone c. Jam. 2. 14 17 26. Men may profess they Know God and yet in works deny him being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate Tit. 1. 16. or they may have works and they not perfect before God and so unacceptable to him Rev. 3. 2. or works and not the first works as it was with this Angel and Church v. 5. But of these to wit of his Churches works he takes notice and according thereto either approveth or condemneth The father on whom we call is one who without respect of persons judgeth according to every Man's work and not according to his person 1 Pet. 1. 17. and so he will do hereafter also shall not he render to every Man according to his works Prov. 24. 13. To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Honour and Immortality he will render eternal life But unto them whoever they are that are contentious and doe not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish upon every soul of Man that doth evil For there is no respect of persons with God Rom. 2. 6 11. And saith he who â—ath his eyes like unto a flame of fire All the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reines and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works Rev. 2. 23. and ch 22. 12. Men may talk much and have a great deal of notional knowledg in those things thaâ— are most excellent and yet not have a good understanding for A good understanding have all they that do Ps 111. 10. Men may believe the Gospel of Christ and yet believe in vain 1 Cor. 15. 2. Men may have the truth and yet hold and detain it in unrighteousness Rom. 1. 18. Oh therefore let every one of us be swift to hear the word of truth And be we doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving our own selves so look we into the perfect law of liberty and continue therein that we be not forgetful hearers but doers of the work that we may be blessed in our deed Jam. 1. 19 25. Phil. 2. 12 16. And thy labour like that Remembring your labour of love or Charity 1 Thes 1. 2 3. Produced by the charity of God in Christ and exercised in works of love and charity both to the saints and men of the World also Eph. 1. 15. according to that Instruction As ye have therefore opportunity do good to all Men especially to them that are of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6. 10. and that prayer The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another and towards all men 1 Thes 3. 12. Eph. 4. 31 32. and ch 5. 1 2. and this labour of love is to be exercised in holding forth the light of the glorious Gospel in word and confession 1 Cor. 3. 8. 1 Tim. 4. 10. and ch 5. 17. and in works of mercy love and charity in giving forgiving lending c. and in prayer Col. 4. 12. This is a labour and travel it causeth pain and weariness to the flesh to be exercised in speaking praying visiting administrating to the necessities c. Here note 1. With this Angel and Church there was labour yea they had laboured and not fainted v. 3. Gal. 6. 9. they did continue in the work and labour of love love was with them in some measure still so as to cause them to labour in the Lord. Men may labour and yet be reproved as here nay as the Apostle saith though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and have not Charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13. 3. Men may give all and yet it will not avail if Charity be wanting or if it be abated and their love waxt cold they may be reproved or punished though they labour Mat. 24. 12 13. 2. In that Christ saith I know thy labour so we may see Christ taketh notice of the labour of love found in his Angels and Churches or any of them he is not unrighteous to forget their work and labour of love which they shew towards his name c. Heb. 6. 10. Mat. 25. 34 40. Mal. 3. 16. he takes notice of whatever labour or service of love his grace is producing though they that labour should forget he is not unmindful And being stedfast in the faith unmoveable from the hope of the Gospel always abounding in the work of the Lord their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. Mat. 10. 41. no not towards enemies Therefore the holy Ghost saith if thine enemy hunger give him bread to eat And if he be thirsty give him water to drink for thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head and the Lord shall reward thee Prov. 25. 21 22. Luke 6. 35. yea how secretly soever we exercise charity he sees and takes notice of it And this may deliver or take us of from desires of vain-glory Mat. 6. 1 3. Act. 10. 31. this might satisfy and quiet us that he takes notice of and remembreth any labour of love that is done to his name see the notes after on v. 9. And thy patience even thy patient enduring the tribulations and afflictions thou meetest withal for the Gospels sake This is that they must expect who will follow after Christ they shall suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3. 12. and therefore they have need of patience that they may endure and not resist the evil nor
freâ— against the instruments of affliction to them Rom. 12. 12. Heb. 12. 1. 1 Pet. 2. 20. Ps 37. 1 7. Rev. 13. 10. Patience also is to be exercised in hearing the word of truth and continuing in the workes and labour fore-spoken of Act. 26. 3. Rom. 2. 7. and in waiting for the Lord Ps 37. 7 and enduring what God lays upon them for their follies Heb. 12. 1 8 16. 1 Pet. 2. 20. This he takes notice of and approves amongst those whom afterwards he faults for their follies and these three first things mentioned to wit their workes labour and patience are the same with those commmended in the Church of the Thessalonians of which Paul saith Remembring without ceasing your work of faith and labour of love and patience of hope c. 1 Thes 1. 3. see more of patience in notes on ch 1. v. 9. and ch 3. v. 10. And how thou canst not bear them that are evil 1. By them that are evil we may understand either those who were evil teachers who brought divers and strange Doctrines amongst them Heb. 13. 9. such as did not consent to wholsom words the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Doctrine according to godliness 1 Tim. 6. 3 5. and such are called evil workers Phil. 3. 1 3. And evil Men and seducers are joyned together 2 Tim. 3. 13. and indeed such as these who deny the truth of the Gospel as preached by Christ and his Apostles and bring another Doctrine they are evil and their deeds are evil and hence Timothy is instructed to withdraw himself from such 1 Tim. 6. 3 5. and the believers are warned not to receive such into their house nor bid them God-speed for he that biddeth them God-speed is partaker of their evil deeds 2 Joh. 8. 11. Heb. 13. 7 9. false teachers bring in damnable heresies 2 Pet. 2. 1. their word doth eat as doth a canker or Gangrene 2 Tim. 2. 17 19. and the sheep will not hear them Joh. 10. 8 10. they come to kill steal and to destroy evil doctrines are as dangerous and hurtful as evil practices yea indeed they lead them that receive them into crooked paths and pernicious ways 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. and such evil ones these could not endure As it is said of Christs sheep the sheep follow him for they know his voice And a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him Joh. 10. 4 5. see Rev. 2. v. 13 15. and v. 19 20. And we are instructed to go from the presence of a foolish man when we perceive not in him the lips of knowledg and to cease to hear the Instructions which cause to erre from the words of knowledg Prov. 14. 7. and ch 19. 27. 2 Or by them that are evil may also be meant such as were sinful and vitious in their lives and conversations and such evil ones also they could not bear They did observe that counsel given unto this Church by the Apostle Paul Be ye not partakers with them and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them Eph. 5. 3 7 11. they did not sit and keep company with drunkards and profane ones they could not bear them like that Ps 26. 3 5. and 119. 115. and 139. 19 22. and indeed it is unbecoming the Churches to have fellowship with such evil ones also for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness and what communion hath light with darkness and what concord hath Christ with belial wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you c. 2 Cor. 6. 14 16 18. now from hence we may note for our Instruction 1. That though they had works of faith and labour of love yet they could not bear them that were evil Men may have love and the labour thereof and love and be kind to enemies and evil-doers namely they may love them with a love of pity and compassion and yet not bear or be able to endure them so as to have fellowship with them or to accompany or countenance them in evil Men may have charity and yet not endure evil-workers evil and corrupt teachers or such as are seduced and corrupted by them for charity rejoyceth not in iniquity but rejoyceth in the truth 1 Cor. 13. 6. so Thyatira is commended for charity and yet reproved for suffering false teachers see the notes on v. 19. and 20. and they may pity and do good to such as are vitious polluted persons in their ways and practises and yet hate their ways and not endure intimate fellowship with them hence the Apostle exhorts If thine enemy hunger feed him If he thirst give him drink but then Dehorts Be not overcome of evil Be as kind to them otherwise as you will or can but still touch no unclean thing Rom. 12. 20 21. Indeed true love and charity worketh no evil to ones neighbour It leads not to commit Adultery or to keep company with others in any unfruitful work of darkness It is hatred to our neighbours not to rebuke them if there be opportunity for it and they will hear Prov. 9. 7 8. but to suffer sin upon them And much more still it is so when we strengthen or countenance them in their evil ways Rom. 13. 8 10. Lev. 19. 17. Jer. 23. 14. Ps 139. 19 22 2. Though they had patience and could patiently endure affliction yet they could not bear them that were evil Tribulations and persecutions were an easier burden to them then evil persons or their evils their evils were more irksom to them then affliction or they were the greatest affliction they would chuse affliction rather then sin contrary to that Job 36. 21. so the Ps cries out woe is me that I sojourn in Mesech that I dwell in the tents of Cedar Ps 120. 5. so unto these it was even an unbearable weight an unsupportable burden to bear them that were evil It was very grievous and hateful to them as is said of them particularly in v. 6. thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans even as an abominable thing 1 Jer. 44. 4. They could not bear nor endure false teachers false Doctrines very zealous against such also the Apostle was as it appears by the titles he gives them and what he saith concerning them Beware saith he of Dogs beware of evil-workers beware of the concision Phil. 3. 1 3. I would they were even cut off which trouble you Gal. 5. 10 12. Oh that such a temper were more found with us also as was with these for which they are approved and commended Though we should pity pray for and do good and be kind to all as we have opportunity and capacity yet we should not endure their evils much less encourage or strengthen them therein And hast tried them which say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars Herein still we have a continuance
1 Joh. 4. 7 10 14 16 17 19. and ch 5. 1. And here-thorow were these Ephesians quickened to the love of God in Christ at first as it is said But God who is â—ich in mercy for or thorow his great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us c. Eph. 2. 4 5. This is the original and principle of the first love here spoken of 2. This love thus begotten is first placed on him that begat even on the Lord Jesus Christ and God in him because of his first love to us 1 Joh. 4. 19. and ch 5. 1. yea because of his love and loveliness his love is better then winâ— and because of the Savour of his good Oyntments his name is as Oyntment poured forth therefore do the virgins such as are not defiled with Women with whorish societieâ— anâ— congregâ—â—ions love him the upright love him from the Remembrance of his love Cant. 1. 2 3 4. with Rev. 14. 3 4. And because of his beauty and glory his excellency and comeliness for their escape Isay 4. 2. he is firstly the object of their love though now they see him not with their bodily eyes as the Apostles did yet thâ—y love him 1 Pet. 1. 8. Eph. 6. 24. To this the saints are exhâ—â—ted O Love the Lord ye his saints Ps 31. 23. Oh worthy for ever is hâ— to be beloved who so loved uâ— when we wâ—re such filthy polluted ones as to give himself for us Rev. 1. 5 6. Gal. 2. 20. Hence the Apostle when he is triumphing in God's love in not sparing his own Son but delivering him up for us all and in Christs love to us in dying yea rather in rising again c. he addes I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 32 34 39. Thereby it was begotten and thereby maintained and there-thorow fixed on that most excellent Object even Jesus Christ and God in him and such as love him are the called according to purpose Rom. 8. 28. His love and loveliness causeth them that know and believe it to cleave to him with full purpose to pant after him that they may more know him win him and be found in him It causes them to run unto him and follow him hard and to long and wait for his appearing and coming again Ps 42. 1 2. and 63. 1 4 8. Isay 55. 5. 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. This love thus begotten and fixed upon this most excellent object is inward intense and fervent It is not in word and tongue only but indeed and in truth 1 Joh. 3. 18. Too too many there are who draw nigh to him with their mouth and honour him with their lips while yet their hearts are far removed from him but all such worship is in vain Isay 29. 13. with Mat. 15. 8 9. But this first love here intimately commended to us by Christ is such as is with all the heart like that our saviour saith in answer to the scribe Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength Mark 12. 28 30. Deut. 6. 4 5. Hence Christ is oft thus called by the spouse He whom my soul loveth Cant. 1. 7. and ch 3. 1 2 3 4. This love is with the heart as distinguished from and opposed to that pretence of love or that feigned love found with too many this is love without dissimulation Rom. 12. 9. love in sincerity or with incorruption Eph. 6. 24. and this love is also with the whole heart as distinguished from and opposed to dividedness of heart towards him and also towards other persons or things which is found with many as it is said their heart is divided now shall they be found faulty Hos 10. 2. too many there are who are double-minded who have a soul and a soul whose hearts are full of doublemindedness who in some measure love Christ and together also love somewhat else before or equal to him and so love him not with such a love as is well pleasing to him for no man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other Mat. 6. 24. Luk. 16. 13. and he that loveth Father or Mother more than Christ is not worthy of him he that loveth Son or Daughter more than he is not worthy of him Mat. 10. 37. Luke 14. 24 26. but the first love here spoken of is such as leads one to be and abide for Christ and not to be for another man or object Hos 3. 3. and so inward intense and ardent is this love as that it leads to hate what is reproved our sins and vanities or otherwise it is but love with dissimulation when love is without dissimulation it leads to abhor that which is evil Rom. 12. 9. This is the nature of this love that it causeth a Man to abstain from deny and mortify all that which is displeasing to the beloved And hence whereas in giving the law the right worshipping of God is expressed in four commandments by God to wit Thou shalt have no other Gods but me Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image c. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain c. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy c. Exod. 20. 3 11 Deut. 5. 7 15. they are all summed up in this afterwards Deut. 6. 4 5. and by our saviour Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind c. Mat. 22. 36 38. Luke 10. 26 27. to signify to us that the hearty love of him includes and leads to an abstaining from and fleeing from whatsoever is forbidden by him and indeed he that doth evil hateth Christ who is the light of the World and if any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him Joh. 3. 20. 1 Joh. 2. 15. yea so intense this love is as that it moves and prevails with him in whom it is to prefer Christ before all and forsake all for his sake the riches honour glory name and praise of this World and those things most gainful and dear unto them even their former good things confidences Wisdom Righteousness relations c. Luke 14. 16 26 33. and ch 9. 59 62. Mat. 13. 44 46. as the Apostle saith of himself But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in him Phil. 3. 4 9. and as is said of Ruth she loved her Mother-in-law and thus exprest it when she said to her Thy sister is gone back Return thou after her And Ruth said Intreat me not to leave thee for whither thou goest I will go and where thou lodgest I will lodg thy people shall be my people and thy God my God c. Ruth 1. 15 18. with ch 4. 15. and it also leads to follow Christ thorow afflictions trials reproaches persecutions c. and to endure any thing for the beloved Love is strong as death the coals thereof are coals of fire which hath a most vehement flame many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods drown it Cant. 8. 6 7. By the first love of Christ our love is made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment there is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment he that feareth is not made perfect in love 1 Joh. 4. 16 17 19. the spirit of love is love is opposed unto the spirit of fear and cowardice 2 Tim. 1. 7 8. This is the first love which is usually very intense and hot in the days of mens first knowing believing in and being espoused unto Jesus Christ and God in him As the Lord saith I Remember thee the kindness of thy youth the love of thine espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness in a land that was not sown Israel was holiness unto the Lord c. Jer. 2. 1 5. and the Apostle declares how highly Christ was prized by the Galatians and how welcomely the Gospel and its declarers were received at the first when Christ crucified was evidently set forth before their eyes and the grace of God in him Ye received me saith the Apostle as an Angel of God even as Christ Jesus for I bear you record that if it had been possible you would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them to me Gal. 4. 13 15. with ch 3. 1 5. 57. so the Apostle speaking unto the Thessalonians sheweth what entrance the Gospel had among them how effectually it wrought producing the work of faith and labour of love and patience of hope and they became followers of the Lord having received the word in much affliction and yet with joy of the Holy Ghost and they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his son from Heaven c. 1 Thes 1. and ch 2. 13. Thus also he saith to the Hebrews call to Remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated ye endured a great fight of afflictions partly whilest ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions and partly whilest ye became companions of them that were so used For ye had compassion on me in my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods knowing of your selves that ye have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance Heb. 10. 32 34. such-like â—fficacy the Gospel also had upon these Ephesians at the first and such ardent love they had to Christ therein preached among them so as they turned from Diana the former object of their love and worship unto Christ The name of the Lord Jesus was so magnified among them that many that beleeved came confessed shewed their deeds many also of them which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of â—ilver which are about six thousand two hundred and fifty pounds in our account as some judge so mightily grew the word of God and increased Acts 19. 17 20. Eph. 2. 2 7 11. This was their first love 4. Yea this love is also exercised and shewed forth in loving his Word and Gospel as is before intimated in which he and his love are set forth and discovered to us Ps 119. 47 48 97 98 113 127 128 140 163 167. as our Saviour saith He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me And again If any Man love me he will keep my word Joh. 14. 21 24. And hereby we do know we know love approve delight in him if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him but whoso keepeth his Word in him verily is the love of God perfected Hereby know we that we are in him 1 Joh. 2. 3 5 8. and ch 5. 2 3. And this love is also exercised and evidenced towards the Brother-hood so as to love them with a pure heart â—ervently 1 Pet. 1. 21 22. To delight in and have them as our Companions and to delight in the Fellowship and Societies of them as our Brethren Thus it is said of the Believers in former times They connued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship and all that believed were together c. Acts 2. 41 47. and ch 4. 23 24 32. Thus when the Apostle exhorts the Hebrews Let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works not forsaking the assembling of our selves together To move them also hereto he saith Call to remembrance the former days in which ye were illuminated as signifying their first love was exercised in loving one another and in assembling themselves together And the Remembrance and Consideration thereof was proper and powerful to cause them to return thereto again Heb. 10. 23 25. with v. 32. Thus when the Gospel was first received by these Ephesians it produced in them love to all the Brethren See Eph. 1. 13 15. Col. 1 4. 1 Thes 2. 13. and ch 4. 9. And every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him If a man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a liar for he that loveth not his Brother whom he hath seen how can he love God whom he hath not seen 1 Joh. 4. 19 21. and ch 5. 1. Yea this love is also exercised in loving and pittying all men in loving our Enemies blessing them that curse us doing good to them that hate us and praying for them that despitefully use us and therefore our Saviour exhorts and instructs them that hear unto these things Luke 6. 27 36. His love known and believed moves to seek the good of the Souls of all and to sound forth the word before them to hold forth the word of life in word and conversation Joh. 4. 28 29. Rom. 1. 8. Tit. 3. 3 5. with Acts 9. 20 22. and ch 2. 46 47. 1 Thes 1. 7 8. and ch 3. 12. Prov. 29. 10. Phil. 2. 12 16. Now this was the first love they had left that â—ervency and intensiveness of love to Christ and God in him his Cross Person Gospel and one to another and to
all men which was at first begotten and produced in them by his first love manifested unto and known and believed by them 2. How had they left thiâ— their first love Or in what sense or after what consideration had they left it To which we say They had not so left it as if they had none to Christ and one another for such a thing would be wholly and altogether inconsistent with those many good and commendable things before taken notice of by our Saviour in them v. 2 3 6. But in some measure their love was waxt colder than it was at first Mat. 24. 12. And they were not so â—ervent and ardent therein as sometimes and at first they had been somewhat of the same evil was found with these as was with the Church of Laodicea of which it is said thou art neither hot nor cold though not in so great a degree Rev. 3. 15 16. There was a decay and abatement of their love some remission and lessening of the inflamedness thereof as the word left here properly signifies to wit a remission of their love like that also complained of in others though it seems not in so great a measure or degree Thus saith the LORD I remember the kindness of thy youth thy first love but afterwards it was otherwise with them Hence it is said hear the word of the Lord what iniquity have your Fathers found in me that they are gone far from me c. Neither said they where is the Lord that brought us up out of the Land of Aegypt Jer. 2. 1 5 6 12. And it might in some measure be said to these as the Apostle doth to the Galatians where is now the blessedness you spake of Gal. 4. 13 15. They had in some sort departed from their rest as the Pâ—almist intimates he had done Ps 116. 1 7. and gadded about to change their ways too much wandring from Mountain to Hill and forgetting their resting-place their place to lye down in Jer. 2. 33 36. and ch 50. 6. they were not now so valiant for the truth as formerly they had been Jer. 9. 3. not so inflamed with love to Jesus Christ and one another the sufferings of Christ and what he hath thereby effected and obtained into himself were not so highly prized by them and therefore not so operative and effectual in them as at first but they were come to some loss and had suffered a decay of those things formerly wrought in them by the Glorious Gospel 2 Joh. 8. Oh how precious was this Manna to them at the first they then cried out by way of Admiration What is this they then with earnestness prayed Lord evermore give us this Bread Christ was then wonderfully precious to them and highly valued by them they did then so cleave to him in love as that they preferred him before all other things though never so gainful and amiable And the Word of God mightily grew among them Acts 19. 17 20. they then desired no other Foundation of their Faith and Hope no other Witness of God's Love no other Bread of Life or Door of Approach to God but Jesus Christ and him crucified and so the Flesh of Christ which was given for the life of the World But alas now their Hearts were in some measure removed from him and they did not so closely cleave unto him as formerly nor were so forward to undergo Afflictions for him and his Gospels sake not to endure hardness as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 2. 1 3. They had left their first-love and though they had works yet not the first v. 5. 3. We come in the next place to shew and demonstrate that this is such an iniquity as provoketh the Lord to anger to leave the first-love This is a great evil and so it will appear to be if we consider 1. Because the Principles or Seed of which this first-love was begotten and Object on which it was placed abide the same the Seed thereof is not like the Seed of this World which is perishing and corruptible and therefore all begotten of it is like unto it for all Flesh is as Grass and all the Glory of Man as the Flower of Grass the Grass withereth and the Flower thereof falleth away But this Seed is incorruptible the Word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto us 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. the Blood of Christ is precious and incorruptible blood and therefore it is opposed to corruptible things 1 Pet. 1. 19. And it is an Everlasting Commendation of the love of God to us Rom. 5. 8. and the Gospel of Christ is an Everlasting Gospel therein are contained the Words of Eternal Life Rev. 14. 6. Joh. 6. 68. And so Jesus Christ is the same and his years fail not He is Jesus Christ the anointed Saviour the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 1. 12. and ch 13. 8. There is no Iniquity in him and therefore he remaineth for ever The Servant to wit of Sin abideth not in the house for ever but the Son abideth ever Joh. 8. 34 35. Oh what an Iniquity is it then to lessen our love to and esteem of him Or to let slip the Remembrance of his Love in redeeming us What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me saith the LORD that they are gone far from me and have walked after vanity and are become vain neither said they where is the LORD that brought us up out of the Land of Egypt That led us thorow the Wilderness thorow a Land of Deserts and Pits c. Hath a Nation changed their Gods which yet are no Gods But my People have changed their Glory for that which doth not profit Be astonished O ye Heavens at this and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate saith the Lord for my People have committed two evils they have forsaken me the Fountain of living Waters and hewed them out Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water O Generation see ye the Word of the Lord. Have I been a Wilderness unto Israel a land of Darkness wherefore say my people we are Lords we will come no more â—nto thee Jer. 2. 1 5 6 10 13 31. and ch 17. 13. and ch 18. 13 15. what an evil is this to depart in any measure from him Lord saith Peter to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life and we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ the Son of the living God Joh. 6. 66 68 69. Oh foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth c. where is the blessedness the excellency the love and loveliness of Christ you formerly spake of Is not he as worthy still as ever to be fervently loved and heartily delighted in by us who humbled himself for us and became obedient to death the death of the cross and who thereby hath redeemed us from the curse of
the law and obtained eternal redemption for us when we were in our filth and blood said unto us live when we were in woful misery when the Sorrows of death compassed us and the pains of Hell gat hold on us and we found woe and trouble yet then caused his goodness to pass before us and commended and discovered his love to us and overcame us as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke and spake peace to us and quieted our fears removed our sorrows comforted our hearts delivered our souls from death our eyes from tears and our feet from falling that we might walk before him in the land of the living in whom still dwelleth and abideth all the fulness even all the fulness of the God-head bodily and in whom is all compleatness prepared for us Do we thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is he not our Father that hath bought us hath he not made and established us ask thy Father and he will shew thee thine elders the prophets and Apostles and they will tell thee do ye thus render to the Lord for all his benefits love and kindness as to forsake him and lightly or more lightly than formerly esteem the rock of your Salvation of the rock that begat you are ye so unmindful and have you forgotten God that formed you Deut. 32. 5 7 15 18. Is this your kindness to your friend that hath so loved you and made it known to you and still continues his goodness to you and waits upon you that he may be gracious unto you O remember the former days remember your affliction and misery the distress that sometimes you were in and what a joyful sound the Gospel was then unto you and how your hearts did burn within you in love to Christ his cross and sufferings and consider what a loss you are now come to and for this weep let your eye your eye run down with water weep and howl for such an unkind and unworthy return to him and give no rest to your eyes nor slumber to your eye-lids until you return to the days of your youth the love of your espousals surely the oneness of the Lord being seriously minded and considered by us would engage us to return to him from whom we have departed and to be â—ervent in unâ—eigned love to him Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and Soul and mind and strength and thy neighbour as thy self Deut. 6. 4 6. with Mark 12. 29 30. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of light with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth wherefore my Brethren let every Man be swift to hear c. Jam. 1. 17 18 19. 2. This is a great evil an evil that provoketh to leave the first love because in our abating in our love to Christ and leaving our first â—ervency of affection to him and his Gospel and people and the societies thereof we shall be very injurious and harmful to others and even by such remission of love secretly signify unto them that the longer we know Christ and the more acquainted we are with him the less amiable and desirable he is to us and the less delightful to us and therefore is he no more delighted in by us and so we lay a stumbling block in the way of the blind and give offence to the World and hinder others from seeking after and following the Lord when persons are zealous and â—ervent in their affection unto and pursuit after the Lord their zeal provokes very many 2 Cor. 9. 2. Thus it appeared in the spouses earnestness in seeking for and inquiring after and highly and delightfully valuing and setting forth the excellency comliness of her beloved while she was thus exercised this heat of love in her to Christ and following hard after him causeth the daughters of Jerusalem to enquire after him and to say whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among Women whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seek him with thee Can. 5. 8 16. and ch 6. 1. love even hot and fiery love to Christ and the fruits thereof are strong as death as death is strong and overcomes the mightiest and stoutest so ardent love is proper to overcome others also even our enemies and to bring them in to Christ Cant. 8. 6 7. with Rom. 12. 19 21. when the believers did cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart and continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and were together continuing daily with one accord c. The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 2. 42 47. Joh. 13. 34 35. But now when the first love waxes cold and believers have little or less heart to Christ and his Gospel than formerly this puts a discouragement upon others and hinders them from seeking after him and strengthens them in their evil ways so much the Lord signifies in saying to his people in former times My people have forgotten me days without number why trimest thou thy way to seek love Therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways Jer. 2. 31 33. And indeed this decay of mens first love to Christ will be visible and evident to others it cannot be kept so secret but it will be seen and come abroad for such as leave their first love will leave their first works also as v. 5. 3. Abatement in the first love is a great evil a provoking evil in believers because those in Christ's Church have great advantage to grow and increase in love to him and to his Gospel and it is expected from them that they go on from strength to strength Ps 84. 4 7. and in beholding him with open face in the glass of the Gospel they are changed and metamorphosed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. In giving diligence to the exceeding great and precious promises ministred in and with the Gospel they shall be made partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the World thorow lust and not only so but they may add to their faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness and to godliness Brotherly-kindness and to Brotherly-Kindness Charity 2 Pet. 1. 4 7. these things may be in them and abound v. 8 Choice giâ—ts are now given to men to this purpose that they might not be as children tossed to and fro but truthing it in love might grow up into Christ in all things who is the head from whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the
edifying of it self in love Eph. 4. 11 15. 16. Col. 2. 19. for the increase of love in the Philippians the Apostle prayes saying This I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment Phil. 1. 9 10. Col. 1. 8 10. and this is taken notice of by way of commendation in the Thessalonians that their love did abound 2 Thes 1. 3. And indeed his Churches have great Advantage to grow in the love of him because they have frequent opportunities to hear of him of his sufferings of his love and loveliness of his Infinite perfection and everliving in the presence of God that their evil is the greater if they increase not therein Now then for such to go backward and not forward to decrease when they should increase this must needs be a provoking evil This was the evil reproved and complained of by the Lord in his Church in former times They have provoked the holy one of Israel to anger they are gone backward Isay 1. 4. and again Thus saith the Lord this thing commanded I them saying Obey my voice But they hearkened not nor enclined their ear they went backward and not forward Jer. 7. 21 24. and again thou hast forsaken me saith the Lord thou art gone backward therefore I will stretch out my hand against thee I am weary with repenting Jer. 15. 6. Josh 23. 8 12. By all which it doth in some measure appear that their leaving their first love was a great and provoking evil Vse 1. Seeing this was the charge he draws up against this Angel and Church let us examine our selves whether we be not guilty of this evil also whether there be not a decay and abatement of that heat of love and affection to Jesus Christ his sufferings and the glory which therethorow he is entered into and possessed of and his Gospel and people Say not we are not guilty hereof for we have works and labour and patience c. and therefore we are free from this provoking evil for thus Christ and not themselves saith of these Say not we are rich and increased with goods and therefore Christ hath not such a quarrel against us as he had against these for though you thus speak of your selves you may nevertheless be lukewarm Rev. 3. 16 17. But come to the light and remember the former days Oh is it not too much and a wearisome thing to us to hear the cross of Christ Gods love therein commended so much insisted on are we not ready to say there is nothing before our eyes save this Manna Numb 11. 5 6. Is this Manna so delightful to us as at first come we unto the light and see what manner of persons we are Eph. 5. 12 13. 2. Seeing this is the quarrel he hath against these that they had left their first love so he shews unto us That he desires and delights in this that his Churches should love him â—ervently It is pleasant unto him highly prized by him when they are hot zealous â—ervent in spirit love him with the whole heart This is that he calls for My son give me thy heart Prov. 23. 26. This is that which ravishes and unhearts him as it were and yet revives and chears him Cant. 4. 9 10. This love of theirs when it is hot and ardent doth even overcome and puffe him up as he saith turn away thine eyes from me for they have â—vercome me or puffed me up Cant. 6. 5. and to this love of the Lord doth he exhort as O love the Lord ye his saints Ps 31. 23. take heed unto your Souls that ye love the Lord your God Josh 23. 11. and they that do so shall prosper their soul shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not Ps 122. 6. And great peace have they that love his law and nothing shall offend them Ps 119. 165. and if any man love him the same is known owned and approved of him 1 Cor. 8. 3. he that loveth Christ shall be loved of his father and he will love him and will manifest himself unto him Joh. 14. 21 22 23. 3. And here we may see and take notice that how many good things soever his Churches or any in them have yet if their love to him his cross Gospel and people c. grows cold or decays and abates it will greatly provoke him to anger Though they have all knowledge faith gifts utterance c. and have not love they are displeasing to him and therefore keep thine heart with all keeping Prov. 4. 23. how displeasing was it to the Lord that Solomon who once loved the Lord 1 King 3. 3. did afterwards leave his first love and his heart was turned away from him The Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel who had appeared unto him twice 1 King 11. 1 3 6 9 1â— And this was a blot upon Amaziah he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord but not with a perfect heart 2 Chron. 25. 2. and though there be many infirmities found with a Man yet if his heart be perfect and he cleave in love unto the Lord they are graciously overlooked and covered by him 1 Kings 15. 17. and ch 16. 10 11 12. Verse 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and Repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou Repent In this verse we have to mind and consider 1. The good gracious and needful counsel given to this Angel and Church 2 A conditional threat denounced against them 1. The good gracious and needful counsel given unto this Angel and Church and this is expressed to us in three Branches 1. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen 2. And Repent 3. And do the first works 1. Branch Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen 1. We shall speak to this Branch of the counsel by way of explication 2. Note some Instructions that are contained and signified therein 1. We shall speak to this Branch of the Counsel by way of explication This Counsel hath reference to what goeth before as it appeareth by the word therefore And it seemeth to refer either 1. Unto what is said in the beginning of v. 4. I have against thee Remember therefore I who am the Son of the Father in truth and love and have manifested so much in laying down my life 1 Joh. 3. 16. and therefore speak out of love Rev. 3. 19. I that hold the seven stars and walk in the midst of the seven Golden candlesticks there is my constant path and walk and so see and observe how it is with you for mine eyes are as a flame of fire and all things are naked and manifest unto me Rev. 2. 1. Heb. 4. 12 13. and I that am Almighty and can do whatsoever
flow from unfeigned faith in him even from the hearty mindfulness and high-prizing of the precious Blood of Christ and the love therein commended to Sinners It is Faith even the Word of Faith believed that worketh by Love Gal. 5. 6. and so also produceth as the consequent thereof good works Heb. 10. 24. 1 Thes 1. 3 5. and ch 2. 13. The principle of those works which are acceptable to God is not our own wisdom or any thing in our selves or because it is our duty simply but the Grace of God his free-love manifested in the gift of his Son to be the Saviour of the World 2 Cor. 1. 12. The Grace of God that bringeth Salvation to all Men hath appeared teaching us that denying Vngodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tit. 2. 11 12. This Gospel and good news being heartily embraced doth powerfully operate to the denying and abhorring what is evil and to the doing what is well-pleasing in his sight Joh. 15. 2 6. 1 Joh. 3. 6. Now their works could not be the first because they were as we have before seen fallen in some measure from Christ and from the high prizing of his Cross and his love and kindness therein manifested and commended 2. The first works also appear to be such as are done in â—ervent and inflamed love to Jesus Christ and in love and charity to Men hence called the work and labour of love begotten by and exercised in the love of and unto Christ and also exercised towards Men and Brethren Heb. 6. 9. 1 Thes 1. 3. And this love is the fulfilling of the Law Rom. 13. 10. and all without it is nothing as the Apostle saith though I have the gift of Prophesie and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge and though I have all Faith so that I could remove Mountains and have not Love or Charity I am nothing And though I bestow all my Goods to feed the Poor and though I give my Body to be burned and have not Love or Charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13. 1 3. Gal. 5. 13 14. And this exhortation is given Let all your things be done with Love or Charity 1 Cor. 16. 13. Now their works could not be the first works because they had left their first-love 3. The first works are such as of which Christ is the Omega and end also and God in him A Man may do many things good in themselves and yet to a wrong end it may be to establish a Righteousness to himself Rom. 10. 2 3. and all such works will not profit or avail to the rendring us acceptable in the sight of God Isay 57. 12. Thus the Jews sought after Righteousness as it were by the works of the Law in which they sinned against the end of the Law Jesus Christ and stumbled and took offence at that stumbling-Stone and Rock of Offence not submitting themselves to the Righteousness of God Rom. 9. 30 31 33. and ch 10. 1 4. After such a manner also the Galatians were snared by those Evil-workers that came amongst them after they had begun to run well and were called into the Grace of Christ by listening to those Spiritual Witches that came amongst them they sought to perfect by the Flesh what was begun by the Spirit Gal. 1. 6. and ch 3. 1. and ch 5. 1 4. Or the end of what a Man doth may be that he may have praise of Men as it is with the Hyppocrites when they give alms it is that they may have Glory of Men when they pray that they may be seen of Men when they fast they so do it that they may appear unto Men to fast Mat. 6. 2 6 16. And thus our Saviour saith of the Scribes and Pharisees All their works they do for to be seen of Men Mat. 23. 2 5. And of this evil end the Apostle warns in saying Be not desirous of Vain-glory Gal. 5. 26. But now the first or best Luke 15. 22. works are such as in which a Man knowing that Christ hath brought in Everlasting Righteousness and that all is prepared in him he doth therefore in all aim at his Glory and therein at the good of Men and especial good of Believers as the Apostle exhorts Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the Glory of God Give none Offence neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles nor to the Church of God Even as I please all Men in all things not seeking mine own profit but the profit of many that they may be saved 1 Cor. 10. 31 33. and ch 11. 1. Phil. 1. 20 21. 1 Cor. 9. 22. Now from this Branch of the Counsel we may also briefly note some Instructions As 1. In that he had before intimated that they had at first when the Gospel was preached to and received by them a first and servent love and now also intimates that they had first works so he gives us to understand that when God's love in Christ to Sinners is so known and believed that it turns the Heart to him and begets love unto him it will also produce works good and acceptable works such as are well-pleasing in his sight So much the Apostle signifies as with respect to the Thessalonians when he saith Ye received the word of God which ye heard of us not as the word of Men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe It wrought so effectually in them that it wrought Love in them and the work of Faith and Labour of Love c. 1 Thes 2. 13. with ch 1. 3 10. 1 Joh. 3. 16 18. Gal. 5. 6. 2. In that he saith And do the first works so he signifieth to us that though there may be works with us yet not such as are approved of him nay though they may be right and good in themselves yet they may not proceed from the Faith nor be done in Fervent Love and Charity nor may we aim at Christ at his Glory and the promoting the things of his Kingdom as the end and to be sure if we have leâ—t our first-love and that be waxed cold and if we have abated in our former high prizings of the precious sufferings and Blood of our Gracious Redeemer and the love therein discovered our works will also be defective as it was with these Come we to the light Joh. 3. 21. 3. In that he saith Remember and repent c. so he signifieth to us that the way to do the first works is to remember Christ's works and to repent and turn to him again from whom we have revolted and back-sliden for as he hath wrought all our works for us so it is he also that must work them in us Isay 26. 12. Phil. 2. 12 15. They must needs be dead works imperfect unacceptable works unless such as have left their first love remember how they have received and heard
the Apostles of the lamb have written by the commandment of of the Lord was spoken by the Holy Ghost and as he gave them utterance not only received they the substance of what they wrote from the spirit but the words also in which it is declared as the Apostle Paul saith We have received not the spirit of the World but the spirit which is of God that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God which things also we speak not in the Words which mans Wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth comparing spiritual things with spiritual Acts. 2. 4. 1 Cor. 2. 12 13. Hence the Apostle Peter also saith The spirit of Christ which was in the holy prophets did testify before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow unto whom it was revealed that not unto themselves but unto us they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven c. 1 Pet. 1. 11 12. 1 Thes 4. 7 8. So unto all the Churches what John was commanded to write the holy spirit saith Rev. 2. 8 11. and v. 12 17. and v. 18 29 c. And when John saith I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord from henceforth It is then added yea saith the spirit Rev. 14. 13. 1 Cor. 14. 37. Therefore what the Apostles have written unto us is to be received by us as the word of God and scriptures of truth 1 Thes 2. 13. 3. In that it is thus expressed to us what the spirit saith not said simply so we learn from hence That what things soever were written aforetime in the holy scriptures they were written for our learning Rom. 15. 4. And in those scriptures the holy spirit still speaketh unto us and God by his spirit as it said he found him in Bethel and there he spake with us Hos 12. 4. so our Saviour saith to the Sadducees as touching the resurrection of the dead have ye not read that which was spoken to you by God Mat. 22. 31. These words were firstly and immediately spoken to Moses many hundred of years before and yet also as our Saviour saith spoken to them in his days and to us now so the Apostle citing a portion of scripture recorded by David thus speaketh wherefore as the holy ghost saith c. Heb. 3. 7 8. with Ps 95. 7 8. and speaking of God's having spoken to us in these last days by his son he expresseth it in one place in the present time and as his continued speaking to us by him See that ye refuse not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth much more shall not we escape if we refuse him that speaketh from Heaven Heb. 12. 25. with ch 1. 1 2. This might therefore engage us to glorify the word of the Lord which was written long since as much as if it were now and not before spoken to us from God Thus to all the Churches it is thus expressed what the spirit saith to wit continually 1 Tim. 4. 1. Luke 16. 29 31. 4. What the spirit saith unto the Churches And so 1. Not to the Angels of the Churches only Though the Epistles are first sent and expressly directed to them yet they are also written for and spoken unto the Churches and by the Angels to be communicated to them as we have said before and indeed all these Angels all gifts ministers c. are the Churches as the Apostle saith All things are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. Eph. 4. 8 12. Acts 20. 28. 1 Cor. 14. 12. 2. To the Churches Not to this only though sent expressly unto this and in this the temper of this Church is particularly declared yet also the spirit saith this to the Churches in general He saith not to the seven Churches as before but indefinitely to the Churches To signify that where any one is commended every Church should hear this that they might follow their steps Heb. 6. 10 12. And where any thing is reproved in any one it is for Instruction and admonition to others Heb. 3. and ch 4. 1 Cor. 10. 1 2 12. The same evils here reproved may be with any others also and where counsel is given unto any or encouragement set before any it should be minded and considered by the residue also Therefore what the spirit saith unto one he saith unto all the Churches 3. To the Churches all that is written in this Book is to the Churches to his servants compare ch 22. 6. with v. 16. Therefore they should not be afraid to read it see notes before on ch 1. v. 1. and 3. and 4. 2. We have a gracious promise and powerful encouragement proposed to and set before us in which let us consider 1. The subject of the blessedness therein assured 2. The promise it self and blessedness therein assured 1. The subject of the blessedness promised To him that overcometh Thus it is said to all the Churches and every such an one as overcometh is the subject of the blessedness and happiness assured and promised Now herein is signified to us 1. That Christs Churches are souldiers and have a warfare a good warfare to war 1 Tim. 1. 18. not only are the Angels amongst them so though they are to go before others but also the Churches and every particular hearty believer therein They are all souldiers of Jesus Christ And so 1. They have a captain over them a captain of this host of the Lord and that is Jesus Christ as when Joshua was by Jericho He beheld and there stood a Man over against him and Joshua said unto him art thou for us or for our adversaries and he said nay But as captain of the Lords host am I now come c. Josh 5. 13 15. God himself even the great God and our saviour Jesus Christ and the Father in him is their captain 2 Chron. 13. 12. he is the captain of their salvation who was made perfect thorow sufferings Heb. 2. 10. one who hath himself suffered one who bare our sins in his own body on the tree and was delivered to death for our offences and is raised again for our justification and hath overcome all our enemies Rev. 3. 21. and hath all power given unto him both in heaven and on earth Mat. 28. 18. Eph. 1 20 21 22 and is their head as he hath thus vanquished all our enemies and as he is thus impowered their captain Col. 1. 18. with Judg. 11. 6 11. and in his book are they inrolled Luke 10. 20. and by him are they led and preserved for he favours their righteous cause yet it is his Ps 74. 19 22. and 140. 12. and 23. 1 4. 2. They have a Banner displayed because of the truth to which the have run
Ps 60. 4. and by which they have been prevailed with to give their names unto him and this banner is his love manifested in his precious sufferings and cross which he hath endured and overcome So the spouse saith His banner over me was love Cant. 2. 5. This covers their heads in the day of battle and this being known and believed by them makes them perfect in love to him to cleave unto him with full purpose and follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth Cant. 1. 2 4. and gives them boldness in every day of judgment and casteth out continually all fear out of them all fear that hath torment 1 Joh. 4. 16 19. and makes them valiant and victorious so as they are more then conquerours thorow him that loved them and gave himself for them Cant. 1. 2. and ch 8. 6 7 8. Rom. 8. 32 37 39. 3. They have somewhat to fight for not the World and the things thereof my Kingdom saith our Saviour is not of this World If my Kingdome were of this World then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered unto the Jews Joh. 18. 36. nor for indifferent things or lighter and circumstantial matters about the worship of God If any Man seem to be contentious about these things we have no such custom saith the apostle neither the Churches of God 1 Cor. 11. 2 16. and much less have they to fight and contend for mens traditions and ceremonies But that they have to contend earnestly for is the works of Christ as declared in his word and so his Gospel He that overcometh saith Christ and keepeth my works unto the end c. see Rev. 2. 26. The works he hath wrought and accomplished in his own personal body for us and the works which he is now doing from Heaven in the name of the Father and in the name of the fulness of the anointing of the holy spirit to us and in Heaven with the Father for us and the works hereafter as these are made known to us in the word of which he will work Faith These are to be kept and contended for by us and so the word of God and testimony of Jesus They are to contend earnestly for the faith of the common salvation which was once delivered to the saints Jude 3. And they should not give place by subjection no not for an hour that the truth of the Gospel may continue with them Gal. 2. 5. This is contained in that conversation which becometh the faith of the Gospel of Christ to stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the Gospel and in nothing terrified by their adversaries Phil. 1. 27 28. To this the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy saying fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life c. 1 Tim. 6. 12 13 14. 2 Tim. 2. 2 3. and to encourage him thereto he propounds to and sets before him his own example that he might imitate him I have saith he fought the good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith c. 2 Tim. 4. 5 6 7. 4. They have many enemies and adversaries to war with and fight against powerful enemies And they are 1. Sin in them with the affections and lusts thereof which do war against them and this enemy is next unto them as neer to them as their flesh and therefore it is called the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof which are said to be their members that are upon the earth Gal. 5. 24 26. Col. 3. 5. and this sin and these members of theirs these lusts are both hindering and letting them continually from what is good and prompting enticing and leading them to what is evil whenever they would do good evil is present with them and they find a law in their members warring against the law of their mind and bringing them into captivity to the law of sin which is in their members Rom. 7. 21 23. And the fleshly lusts thereof do war against the soul the good peace and prosperity thereof 1 Pet. 2. 11. these lusts war in their members and lead them to the acting and perpetrating that which is evil and provoking to God and hurtful unto others Jam. 4. 1. the Flesh lusteth continually against the spirit and these are contrary one to the other Gal. 5. 17. This sin and its deceitful lusts are striving against them to cause them to let go Christ's works and his first love and so to leave their first love to him and leading them to rejoyce in their own works or it is moving them to turn from the Gospel and not to abide in the belief thereof or in the confession of it and contending for it or not to have their conversation as becometh it but to do and fulfil the lusts of the Flesh Gal. 5. 16 17. And this sin hath so overspread and defiled the whole man that it is become filthy stinking and abominable Out of the heart of Men proceed evil thoughts murders adulteries blasphemies an evil eye covetousness pride foolishness c. Mark 7. 21 23. Gen. 6. 5. Jer. 17. 9. This is a most dangerous enemy and this Christs Churches and servants have to resist and strive against even unto blood Heb. 12. 4. To deny Tit. 2. 12. abstain from 1 Pet. 2. 11. to crucify Gal. 5. 24 26. To mortify and put to death continually Rom. 8. 13. Col. 3. 5 8. and because they are so polluted themselves herewith naturally therefore that they may come after Christ they must deny and wholly renounce themselves Mat. 16. 23. not lean to their own understanding Prov. 3. 5. but cease from their own wisdom Prov. 23. 4 5. not trust to their own hearts Prov. 28. 26. nor follow their own spirit for the spirit that dwelleth in them naturally lusteth to envy and unto all that is evil Ezek. 13. 3. with Jam. 4. 1 2 4 5. 2. They have the World also to war with and fight against even the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life which are not of the Father but are of the World 1 Joh. 2. 15 17. and so the men of the World Both as they are enticing them by their flatteries and perswasions and by promising to them or propounding before them the riches honour glory pomps and pleasures of this World to cause them to walk in the way with them and to run with them to the same excess of Riot whereto they run Prov. 1. 10 15. Ps 1. 1. 1 Pet. 4. 3 4. They have ungodliness and Worldly lusts to deny in others aswell as in themselves while they are in this present World Tit. 2. 11 12. and they have also the World to resist as they are endeavouring by their threats persecutions and cruelties to move them from the Faith and hope of the Gospel or from the confession thereof in word and conversation that they may not thereby be corrupted from the Gospel or turned aside to
miss of the Blessedness here spoken of see the notes on ch 3. v. 5. The Children of the Kingdom may and many of them will be cast out into utter-darkness where shall be weeping and gâ—ashing of teeth Mat. 8. 12. Many will say at the last day unto Christ Lord Lord we have Prophesied in thy name and in thy name cast out Devils and in thy name done many wonderfulthings and then he will profess unto them he never knew them Mat. 7. 22 23. And others then shall stand without and knock saying Lord Lord open unto us And Christ will answer and say unto them I know you not whence you are Then shall they begin to say we have eaten and drunk in thy presence and thou hast taught in our streets But he shall say I tell you I know you not whence you are c. Luke 13. 25 28. Let none therefore lift up himself by this that he is an Angel or member of such or such a Church for so he may be and yet in conclusion have no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Nor is the Blessedness here spoken of assured to him that hath overcome but to him that overcometh that continues so doing for otherwise if a Man puts his hand to the plow and looks backs he is unfit for the Kingdome of God Luke 9. 62. Men may have run well and suffered many things and endured a great fight of affliction and yet all may be in vain to them in conclusion Gal. 3. 1 5. and ch 5. 7 11. Heb. 10. 32 35. As for such as turn aside to their crooked paths however they might begin well The Lord will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity Ps 125. 5. Ezek. 33. 13 18. But to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and immortality he will render eternal life Rom. 2. 7. they are the blessed persons who take to them the whole armour of God that they may be able to withstand in the evil day and having overcome all yet stand and keep their ground Eph. 6. 10 13 18. He saith the Lord that overcometh shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be my Son but the fearful and unbelieving c. shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. 7 8. He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved Mat. 10. 22. he will present them holy unblameable unrebukable in his sight who continue in the faith grounded and â—etled and are not moved away from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 22 23. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Rev. 14. 13. Prov. 4. 13. And together with the former To him that overcometh Though he hath been formerly foiled and prevailed against by sin Satan or the World Though he hath left his first love and treacherously departed from Christ yet if again he bethink himself consider his ways and turn his feet to the Lord's Testimonies and yet takes unto him the whole armour of God and fights against his enemies to the death all his former evils and out-turnings shall not be remembred against him nor mentioned unto him Ezek. 18. 21 23 27 28. and ch 33. 14 16 19 20. 1 King 8. 47 49. see the notes on Rev. 3. v. 5. Yea with the two former senses we may also say To him that overcometh may denote unto us the time after when he shall be made a partaker of the blessedness here assured to wit when once he hath done fighting and is become a compleat conquerour having no more enemies to grapple with or contend against But unto this we may speak more in what followeth afterwards Vse Seeing then this is in all the Epistles to these seven Churches the undoubted subject of the blessedness promised and all is assured To him that overcometh it may be of this usefulness to us To engage and prevail with us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might To put on the whole armour of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil that we may be able to stand in the evil day and having overcome all to stand Eph. 6. 10 13 18. To be valiant for the truth Jer. 9. 3. and to resist our enemies our spiritual enemies unto blood even while we are in this world for so long we have ungodliness and Worldly lusts in our selves and others to deny Tit. 2. 11 12. think we not our selves secure but let us abide under the banner of Christ endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace that we may be terrible as an army with banners Cant. 2. 5. and ch 6. 4. hold we fast the faith the word of faith so may we overcome the wicked one 1 Joh. 2. 14 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. with Jam. 4. 7. and the World 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. And be preserved from and obtain the victory over that Sin that dwelleth in us and those fleshly lusts that war against the soul 1 Joh. 3. 6 9. Joh. 8. 31 36. Gal. 5. 16 17. and if we have been overtaken or worsted by our enemies yet remember how we have received and heard and hold fast and repent Rev. 3. 1 3. remember from whence we are fallen and repent and do our first works Rev. 2. 5. that we may not fail of his grace and to that end consider Christ hath overcome Rev. 3. 21. his right hand and his holy arm hath gotten him the victory Ps 98. 1. and thorow him we may do valiantly our help stands in his name Ps 20. 5. and 60. 12. Prov. 18. 10. and thorow him God giveth us the victory 1 Cor. 15. 1 3 55 57 58. and we read of many that by him have overcome the wicked one and his instruments 1 Joh. 2. 14. and ch 4. 4 5. and ch 5. 18. who overcame by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and they loved not their lives unto the death Rev. 12. 11. and in token of victory have now palmes in their hands Rov 7. 9 17. of many that had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name Rev. 15. 2. of such as were more then conquerours thorow him that loved them Rom. 8. 31 32 37. Oh then seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses laying aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us let us run with patience the race that is set before us Looking unto Jesus the author and â—inisher of the faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest we be wearied and faint in our minds we have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin Heb. 12. 1
when the High-priest asked him whether he were the Christ the Son of God he readily answered I am and then spake more than he was asked Mat. 26. 55 62. see also Mat. 27. 13 14. with Joh. 18. 36 37. and encouraged his disciples to confess him before men and warned them of the contrary Luke 12. 9 10 11 12. 2. A Man may also actually and interpretatively deny Christ and his faith they may in words profess to know and own him and yet in works deny him being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate Tit. 1. 20. so they who have a form of Godliness may deny the power of it either the Gospel as it is leâ—t on record in the Apostle's words deny the truth of it and pervert it by their glosses and evil interpretations or the powerful efficacy of it upon them 2 Tim. 3. 5. so a Man doth actually deny Christ and God in him when he hath some other object of worship or some other Lord or some other faith besides the faith of Christ or some other foundation of faith and hope or bread of life besides Christ as declared in the Gospel so Joshua signifies that Israel in serving strange Gods would deny their God Josh 24. 19 20 27. and Job saith If I have made gold my hope or have said to the fine gold my confidence If I rejoyâ—ed because my wealth was great and because mine hand had gotten much If I beheld the sun when it shined or the moon walking in brightness and mine heart hath been secretly enticed or my hand hath kissed my mouth I should have denied the God that is above Job 31. 24 28. or a man may be said to deny Christ and his faith when though he denies not that there is a Christ yet he denieth that Jesus is the Christ as those that say the light in every Man is Christ such an one denieth both the Father and the Son 1 Joh. 2. 22. or when Men adore the consecrated bread and wine as the very body and blood of Christ and so men have not Christ who abide not in his Doctrine 2 Joh. 9. such as bring in heresies of destruction do deny the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2. 1. yea and he that provideth not for his own and especially for those of his own household â—ath in that particular denied the faith and is worse then an infidel 1 Tim. 5. 8. But of this Angel and Church it is said thou hast not denied my faith though they dwelt in such a place 4. We have an account given us of the evil times they held fast Christ's name in and did not deny his faith In those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth that is they held fast Christ's name and the acknowledgment of him when one amongst them was slain for so doing This was a time of trial to them because they might expect also to be so dealt withal and yet in such a time they did confess publickly and did not deny the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory When Antipas was slain though not set down in scripture yet it 's generally conceived concluded to be after the destruction of Jerusalem and it is of great consequence concernment to consider the time of his being slain which was as is reported by some authors in the reign of the Emperour Domitian who was created Emperour in the year of our Lord 83. whereas Jerusalem was destroyed in the second year of the reign of Vespasian in the year of our Lord 73. about fourty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ so that he was slain at least ten years after the destruction of Jerusalem and so it is concluded generally that in the time of the reign of Domitian he was slain and after he was slain These visions were given unto and received by the Apostle John as here it is said Antipas was slain c. But against this a learned Man objects and saith That though it be true that Antipas was slain in the reign of Domitian and so after the destruction of Jerusalem yet these visions were received before and that though Antipas is said to have been killed yet it is but a prophecy of his death before hand as it is usual to speak of things to come in the time past in prophecies as of Cyrus c. To which I say 1. By way of grant That it is indeed an usual thing in Scripture to speak prophetically of things to come as if they were already past But yet 2. By way of exception I shall say these things which I desire may be minded and considered 1. More generally Though in prophecies many times future things are spoken of as past yet also usually at the same instant they are signified in other expressions to be future and not actually accomplished So whereas of Christ it is said in one part of verse To us a Son is born to us a Son is given to signify God's fore-ordination of him yet to shew this was not then actually accomplished it is added The government shall be upon his shoulders Isay 9. 6. with ch 7. 14. So the Lord hath created a new thing in the earth a Woman shall compass a Man Jer. 31. 22. see also Isay 53. 2 10. so particularly of Cyrus though it be said in one place whose right hand I have holden c. yet to signiâ—y this was a prophecy and not actually done It is added I will loose the loins of Kings to open before him the two-leaved gates c. I will go before thee c. see Isay 45. 1 2 3 5. But now in this place we are speaking of all is spoken of as present or past and not one word as future thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you c. In which our Lord commends this Angel and Church both for their present constancy thou holdest fast and for their past faithfulness and hast not denied c. 2. In all the other Epistles generally the same author understands what is spoken of in the time past to be not prophetical of future things but a signification that they were truly and actually accomplished and why unless upon design must this one text only be purely prophetical seeing also it is no unusual thing to speak in the future time in these Epistles of things to come as ch 2. 10. and ch 3. 10. 3. The contents of these seven Epistles are called things that are as distinguished from the things which shall be hereafter which begin ch 4. 1. see the notes on ch 1. v. 19. and so these Epistles are not in such a Prophettick style as the following part of this Book is 4. Nay Eusebius froâ— Irenaeus saith that the Apostle John was banished into the Isle of Patmos in the reign of
Charity is not easily provoked to wit to anger or exasperated though it may be angry yet it is slow thereto It is not easily or readily provoked either upon a small or frivolous account or to exceed the bounds of sobriety Jam. 1. 18 20. he that is soon angry dealeth foolishly Prov. 14. 17. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable gentle and easy to be intreated Jam. 3. 17. Thinketh no evil surmizeth no evil when it is provoked Isay 42. 17 20. Rejoyceth not in iniquity not in speaking or doing any Prov. 8. 7 8 or not in the iniquity of others But it leadeth Men to be grieved for the evils of others because they keep not the word of God Ps 119. 136 158. Jer. 9. 2. and ch 4. 18 19. But rejoyceth in or with the truth It leadeth Men to rejoyce in Christ Jesus who is the truth Phil. 3. 1 3. with Joh. 14. 6. and in the word of truth the Gospel of our Salvation Eph. 1. 13. and that others walk therein As the Apostle John saith I rejoyced greatly when the Brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee even as thou walkest in the truth I have no greater joy than to hear that my Children walk in truth 2 Joh. 3. 4. Charity beareth all things all burdens put upon it in seeking anothers good beareth the burdens of others and therein fulfill's the law of Christ Gal. 6. 2. It leads the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please themselves Rom. 15. 1 3. and it leads to cover all the sins of Men so as may tend to the seeking their good Charity will cover the multitude of sins Prov. 10. 12. with 1 Pet. 4. 8. It bears all things so as it still rejoyceth not in iniquity but rejoyceth in or with the truth Rev. 2. 2. Believeth all things which God hath spoken or testified Acts 24. 14. and all things concerning the good of another so as not rejoycing in iniquity It leads Men to take all in the best sence they can and to put the best construction on every thing Hopeth all things And so in meekness instructing them that oppose themselves if God at any â—iâ—e will give them repentance unto the acknowledging of the truth 2 Tim. 2. 25 26. Heb. 6. 4 9. Indureth all things all afflictions and sufferings it meets with in seeking the good of others many waters cannot quench love neither can the flouds drown it Cant. 8. 6 7 8. Charity never faâ—leth Towards the proper objects thereof so doth not God's charity when he cannot delight in us or be wel-pleased with us yet he is very pittiful and of tender mercies towards us And it is of the Lords mercy that we are not consumed even because his compassions fail not when his delight in us doth For the Lord will not cast off for ever while Men are joyned to all the living But though he cause grief he will have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies Lam. 3. 22 31 32 33 39. And it leads us also when Brotherly-kindness fails to put on and have in usefulness charity which is the bond of perfectness Col. 3. 10 12 13. and by what hath been said of charity we may be led to see our great shortness in it and and want of it and to take shame unto our selves and be provoked to follow after charity 1 Cor. 14. 1. And to that end consider we the charity of God and that he is charity and hath manifested himself so to be in sending his Son the Saviour of the World every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God for God is charity 1 Joh. 4. 7 8 10 14 16 17. And walking in charity is the most excellent way whereby we may be instruments of profit and good to others for though we speak with the tongues of Men and Angels and have not charity we are sounding brass and a tinkling cymball and though we bestow all our goods to feed the poor and though we give our Bodys to be burned both which we may do and have no charity it profiteth us nothing 1 Cor. 12. 31 with ch 13. 1 2 3. And service or administration which is the fruit and effect of charity and the labour of love 1 Cor. 13. 4. Luke 6. 35 36. and this may betaken more largely for any service of love expressed or exercised towards others Joh. 13. 1 3. c. Mat. 20. 26 28. Gal. 5. 13. or more strictly for administring to the necessities of others Rom. 15. 31. In which sense it is to be taken in those words of the Apostle For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the Saints but is abundant also by many thankes-givings unto God 2 Cor. 9. 1 12. This service contains in it any service of love or charity towards men or Brethren for unto all men we should do good as we have opportunity but especially unto them that are of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6. 10. 1 Thes 3. 12 13. 1 Cor. 9. 23 24. And faith either the word of Faith which they had received and did hold fast though there were corrupt teachers amongst them as it is said by way of commendation concerning Pergamos v. 13. of which faith Christ is the Lord the author and finisher Jam. 2. 1. Heb. 12. 2. yet it is their Faith also not in the former considerations but as they have embraced and owned it and did still retain it 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. their most holy Faith which they received in believing and did hold fast and hold forth before others also Hab. 2. 4. Jude 20. 21. what the faith in this consideration is may be seen before in the notes on v. 13. of this chapter Or Thy Faith even their hearty closing with and believing the word of Faith the Gospel and so believing on Christ who is therein preached and evidently set forth before our eyes Their believing with the heart the things reported therein and walking thereby Rom. 1. 16 17. 2 Cor. 5. 7. Heb. 10. 38. Or Thy Faith thy fidelity and faithfulness their being and continuing constant to Christ notwithstanding the many trials and temptations they met withal to turn them aside therefrom 2 Thes 3. 3 4. Rom. 3. 3. And thy patience see notes on ch 1. v. 9. and ch 2. v. 2 3. And thy works and or even the last more then the first or And thy last works more then the first even their works of Faith and labour of love these works of theirs did not decrease or decay but there was an increase in their works They did still abound in the work of the Lord and in those good works to which they were created in Christ Jesus which God had ordained that they should walk in them 1 Cor. 15. 58. Eph. 2. 10. 1 Tim. 5. 10. They did grow and become fruitful in good works so as their last were more then the first
of this World and how doth she cry up her self to be the only true catholick Church and how boasts she of her unity succession number antiquity infallibility c. Rev. 17. 3 5. and ch 18. 7 16. 6. And lastly This whorish Church is here compared to Jezabel of old and called Jezabel to signify the miserable end and conclusion thereof so abiding and continuing as afterwards followeth 2 King 9. 32. 35. Rev. 2. 21 23. and sad and miserable will be the conclusion of mystery Babilon her plagues shall come in one hour death and mourâ—ing and famine and she shall be utterly burnt with fire for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her Rev. 18. 5 8 10 16. 21. and ch 19. 1 2 3. Now in that this is the Charge he draws up against this Angel Because thou sufferedst that Woman Jezabel So we may note from hence 1. That it is an evil thing in Christ's Angels and Churches to suffer false teachers to teach amongst them and their doing so is very displeasing to him and dangerous to themselves 2 Joh. 9. 11. 2 Cor. 15. 12. 2 Cor. 11. 1 3 19 20. See the notes on ver 14. Yea though his Angels and Churches have not been corrupted or polluted by their Instructions which cause to err from the words of knowledge yet he is angry with his people for suffering such amongst them as we have seen before in ver 13 14. Nay though this is the last Branch of the commendation of this Angel and Church that their last works were more than their first Yet he immediately subjoyns thereto notwithstanding I have a few things against thee because thou sufferest that Woman Jezabel to teach c. Some may say though we do give entertainment unto and suffer false teachers amongst us yet we still hold fast the forme of sound words and abound in good works Well though all this be true yet the same Christ saith of this Angel and Church he saith it who perfectly knows all things Nevertheless all this he was angry with them and draws up this charge against them 2. In that Christ had before commended this Angel and Church for their Charity and Service or Administration and now blames and reproves them for suffering this false Prophetess among them so he plainly signifies to us and gives us to understand that it is no Charity nor service of love to suffer false Teachers Nay it is opposite to love and the service thereof so to do It is hatred to them to suffer Sin upon them and to strengthen them in their lies and errors Lev. 19. 17. And it 's hatred to our selves though we be not ensnared by them for thereby we are partakers of their evil deeds 2 Joh. 10. 11. And it 's hatred unto others because by occasion of our suffering them they may entertain their evil Doctrines and either be hindred from receiving the Gospel or be removed therefrom after they have given entertainment to it It is a fruit of Charity to forbid and hinder false teachers what we can lawfully so much the Apostle signifieth to us when he saith to Timothy I besought thee to abide still in Ephesus that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other Doctrine to wit beside the Doctrine of Christ To which he adds by and by Now the â—â—d of the charge is Charity c. even Charity towards them and others also 1 Tim. 1. 3 5. Oh! say some and too many I cannot but be charitable towards them and think well of them though in some things they dissâ—nt from the Doctrine of Christ Alas thou mistakest who so speakest It is not Charity however thou callest it but hatred to them Jer. 23. 15. But it is an old trick of the Devil 's to call evil good and good evil that the evil may be embraced and the good rejected and abhorred by us 2. Christ gives a more particular account of Jezabel's Evil and therein intimately of his Angels and Churches evil in permitting and suffering her And this is propounded to us 1. By what she said of her self which calleth her self a Prophetess This was the evil of Jezabel and is so of other false Teachers to profess themselves to be what they are not even true Teachers or Ministers of Christ If she were a Prophetess she was a bad one and somewhat like the Prophetess Noadiâ—h that did what she could to hinder the building of Jerusalem Nehem. 6. 9 14. She calleth her self a Prophetess either so in an extraordinary sense and so prophesying signifieth predicting or fore-telling future things Thus in former times many false Prophets pretended to Prophecy 1 Kings 22. 10 12. Jer. 5. 31. and ch 14. 13 14. and ch 27. 9. And thus our Saviour tells his Disciples that there would arise false Prophets and they would shew great signs and wonders c. Mat 24. 11 24. Or rather more ordinarily she called her self a Prophetess that is a Teacher of others and such an one as pretended to speak unto Edification and Exhortation and Comfort See 1 Cor. 14. 1 3. In this sense Teachers answer to Prophets 2 Pet. 2. 1. and this it seems the Word Prophetess doth here signify because of what follows viz. to teach c. and how many false teachers both of the Male and of the Female Sex are there in our days that call themselves Christ's Ministers who yet are led by the Spirit of errour and delusion Jer. 23. 21. Ezek. 13. 2 4. See the Notes on Verse 2. need we have therefore to look to our selves that we be not corrupted by them from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus they come in their own name and exalt themselves and men are more ready to give entertainment to them than unto those sent by Christ Mat. 7. 15. 1 Joh. 4. 1 6. with 2 Joh. 7. 8. Joh. 5. 44. 2 Cor. 11. 1 3 13 20 21. 2. We have an account given us of the evil work of this Woman Jezabel which is to teach and seduce my Servants c. Where consider we 1. What her act her evil act was To teach and seduce to teach things which she ought not to teach and which Christ's Servants ought not to receive Tit. 1. 11. Christ doth not teach his Servants to commit Fornication nor would he have them to learn this Lesson but this is the work of Evil Teachers of such as consent not to wholesome words the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Doctrine which is according to Godliness 1 Tim. 6. 3 5. He gives them good Counsel and wholesom Instructions even to worship God in Spirit and in Truth Joh. 4. 22 24. as he â—aith Hear the Instruction of a Father for I give you good Doctrine for sake you not my Law Prov. 4. 1 2. He neither teacheth his Servants any such evil Lesson nor would have them receive it from any other but cautions them there-against and saith Learn not the way of the Heathen for the
and for ever if they continue therein namely such as trecherously depart from the Lord as a wife from her husband after they have been espoused to him yea in some respect their evil may be greater then Jezabel's and thus will he deal with all who continue guilty of this evil he will render indignation and wrath tribulation anguish unto every Soul of Man that doeth evil whatever he hath done formerly unto the Jew first and also to the Gentile for there is no respect of persons with God Rom 2. 8 11. Oh then Let us have no fellowship with such unfruitful works or workers of darkness for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness And what communion hath light with darkness and what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols Eph. 5. 11. 2 Cor. 6. 14 16. Prov. 13. 20. If any Man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. 3. But we may also take notice of this that Christ threatneth them not absolutely but conditionally except they repent of their deeds where also 1. He signifieth to us that while it is called to day the greatest and most notorious sinners may repent and turn to the Lord and find mercy with him There is forgiveness with him that he may be feared plenteousness of redemption that he may be hoped in by such Ps 130. he gives space and grace of repentance unto rebellious ones such was Jezabel and her companions see the notes on v. 20. and v. 21. 2 Pet. 3. 9 25. Ezek. 14. 6. This may therefore preserve us from concluding what will be the future state of such as are at present guilty of and polluted with spiritual fornication or adultery Mat. 21. 29. 2. The end of Christ and God in him in threatning judgments is that such polluted ones might repent and turn unto him from all their fins and abominations Jer. 18. 8 11. Rev. 9. 20 21. and ch 16. 9 10 11. 3. If such will not repent and turn iniquity will at last be their ruine Luke 13. 3 5. see the notes before on the word Repent on v. 5. and v. 16. of this chapter Verse 23. And I will kill her Children with death and all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto every one of you accoring to your works In this verse we have to consider and take notice of these things 1. A further threat expressed and I will kill her Children with death 2. The effect hereof even of his threats and judgments on that woman Jezabel her Paramours and Children And all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts 3. A signification and declaration of Christ's impartiality in his retributions and rewards and I will give unto every one of you according to your works 1. We have a further threat expressed and therein still a further intimation of Christ's displeasure against Jezabel And I will kill her Children with death The Subjects of our Lord's threat are Her Children Not the Children brought forth by natural generation or not them in that consideration or on that account for though they are not therefore the Children of God in a peculiar consideration they which are the Children of the flesh these are not the Children of God Joh. 1. 13. Rom. 9. 8. yet Children are the beritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward the reward of his abasement and sufferings Ps 127. 3. they are graciously given by him Gen. 33. 5. and they are born unto him Ezek. 16. 20. with v. 36. and being baptized into the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost and so brought into the congregation of Christ of such little ones is the Kingdom of God Mat. 19. 13 14. Mark 10. 13 14. and unto the Children in this sence he is vouchsafing means and discovering his goodness when they come to the use of understanding Ps 14. 2. and 36 7. and 107. 8 15 21 31. and he doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the Children of Men Lam. 3. 32 33. Nor are the Children here spoken of the Children of the Church namely such as they have been instruments of begetting thorow the word of truth the Gospel of our salvation for the seed of his Church is blessed he will pour his spirit upon her seed and his blessing upon her off-spring Isay 45. 3. for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord and their off-spring with them Isay 65. 23. and in due season all that see them shall acknowledge them that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed Isay 61. 9. and ch 54. 13. Prov. 11. 21. But here by Children we are to understand the Children of whoredomes of their spiritual whoredoms and fornications such as are begotten by evil doctrines see v. 23. worshippers and practises Children that are corrupters who have forsaken the Lord and provoked the holy one of Israel to anger who are gone away backwards a Isay 1. 1 4. the seed of evil doers the Children of the sorceress the seed of the adulterer and the whore the Children of transgression and seed of falshood Isay 14. 20. and ch 57. 3 5. with 2 Joh. 9. such Children whose Mothers have played the harlots and they that conceived them have done shamefully strange Children such as are begotten of divers and strange doctrines Hos 2. 2 5. with ch 5. 7. with Heb. 13. 7 9. such as are either born of the doctrines of Devils in a more gross consideration of most hellish doctrines and so are Children of the Devil Children of hell 1 Tim. 4. 1. with Acts 13. 10. Mâ—t. 23. 15. or of the doctrines of Men Col. 1. 11. which in some sort may also be said to be the doctrines of Satan and they who are born of them to be of the evil one as our Saviour said unto Peter get thee behind me Satan for thou savourest the things that be of men implying that the savouring Men's things in opposition to the doctrine of Christ about his sufferings and resurrection makes Men to be of Satan Mat. 16. 21 23. and in such a sense they who are born of Men's doctrines in which they oppose the weighty matters of God's law they are of Satan and are originally of their Father the Devil Joh. 8. 41 44. so those who are born of the doctrine of the Pharisees in and by which they shut up the kingdom of Heaven against Men are the Children of the devil as they also are who are born of this doctrine that Christ died not for all nor tasted death by the grace of God for every Man but only for the elect c. such are therein of Satan these new Pharisees are like to the old ones Mat. 23. 13 15. and they are the Children of the evil one who are born of the doctrine of the Saducees who say there is no resurrection of the dead and so by
turn the great things of God's law into allegories 2 Pet. 1. 16. 2 Tim. 2. 16 18. and ch 4. 4. The Gospel of Christ they might call Letter as many Antichristian Spirits now do that was but the shell but their Spiritual meanings and corrupt glosses were the kernel that the History but their fables were the mystery they had such depths as lay not in the Letter as they call it They boasted they were wise and the law of the Lord was with them They knew they conceited the spiritual meaning of the sayings of God and that was such as did not plainly appear in nor agree with the import of the expressions of the Holy Ghost Jer. 8. 8 9. and ch 18. 18. as there are the depths of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. so they had their depths also their mystery of iniquity 2 Thess 2. 7. Eph. 5. 11 12. 2. Those depths they know not who have not their doctrine nor doth our Lord put it upon them to search or enquire into them Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life her ways are movable thou canst not know them hear me now therefore O ye Children and depart not from the words of my mouth remove thy way far from her and come not nigh the door of her house saith the holy Spirit Prov. 5. 6 9. Their depths they do conceal and hide from such as reject their doctrine as much as they can till Men listen to them they will not acquaint them with their secrets nor at first unto them until they be snared with the words of their lips but pretend one thing while they intend and mean another They privily bring in damnable heresies and not openly 2 Pet. 2. 1. they only consult to cast down Christ from his excellency they delight in â—ies they bless with their mouth but they curse in their inward parts Ps 62. 4. Though they serve not our Lord Jesus but their own belly their own spirit and wisdom yet they use good words and fair speeches where with they deceive the hearts of the simple pretending to guide them to safety and satisfaction while indeed their end and design is nothing else but destruction Rom. 16. 17 18. Phil. 3. 17 18 19. 3. But the depths they boast of are depths of Satan not of God such as are hatch't in hell and such as tend to exalt Satan's design and Kingdome Their doctrines are doctrines oâ— Devils such as tend to exalt him in the world and such as will lead Men unto everlasting destruction if they be continued in and not turned from And yet they may say as they did we have made a covenant with death and with hell are we at agreement when the overflowing scourge shall pass thorow it shall not come unto us for we have made lies our refuge and under falshood have we hid our selves Isay 28. 14 15 18 20. 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2. What he saith and speaketh unto these persons and that followeth viz. I will put upon you none other burden But that which ye have already hold fast till I come where we may inquire and consider 1. What was that which they had already 2. How was that to be held fast by them 3. How long was it to be retained or held fast by them 1. What was that which they â—ad already and which they should hold fast And that is somewhat answering unto and yet opposed unto their doctrine that is to say the doctrine of Christ or Faith of the Gospel which the Angel and Church in Pergamos are commended for holding fast notwithstanding there were false and corrupt teachers amongst them as v. 13 15. and Philadelphia is commended also for having kept Christ's word the word of his patience and not denying his name notwithstanding the Synagogue of Satan amongst them ch 3. 8 10. and is still exhorted to hold fast that which they had as here this Church also is ch 3. 11. and on like occasion as here namely because of seducers such instruction and exhortation is given unto other Churches and believers by this â—aith the Apostle Paul ye are saved if ye keep in memory or or hold fast that which I have preached unto you c. 1 Cor. 15. 1 2 3. Let that therefore abide in you which you have heard from the beginning 1 Joh. 2. 22 24 26. Therefore Brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word or by our Epistle 2 Thes 2. 8 15. 2 Joh. 7. 9 11. This is that which they had already and which they were to hold fast even the Doctrine of Christ with the Instructions and Commandments thereof Heb. 13. 7 8 9. See the notes before on Verse 13. of this Chapter 2. How was this Doctrine to be held fast by them And that is 1. In the midst of their Hearts in an hearty belief of it and yielding up to it and obeying it from the heart Rom. 6. 17. Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you saith the Apostle Col. 3. 16. Eph. 3. 17. and so rejoyce in Christ works and suffer this faith of the Gospel to purifie your hearts Acts 15. 9. To purifie your souls 1 Pet. 1. 22. Prov. 2. 10 11 16. and ch 3. 1. and ch 4. 4 13. and ch 7. 1 26. 2. They were also to hold it fast in word and conversation Phil. 2. 13 16. To hold fast the Profession of the Faith without wavering Heb. 4. 13. and ch 10. 23. and this is a consequent of the former namely as to word as it is said If thou keep them within thee they shall withall be fitted in thy lips Prov. 22. 18. And this confession with the mouth proceeding from belief with the heart will tend to the further saving our selves and others also Rom. 10. 8 10. 1 Tim. 4. 16. And this holding fast the Doctrine of Christ in our word and confession should be without mixture of our wisdom or of our corrupt glosses additions or takings away therefrom Though we understand it not or though it stand cross to our thoughts and apprehensions yet we should acknowledge and confess the goodness and truth thereof 2 Cor. 2. 17. Prov. 30. 6. Ps 119. 113. Jer. 23. 28. And also in conversation we should hold fast this Doctrine of Christ having our conversation becoming it that we may in all things adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour Phil. 1. 27. with Tit. 2. 10 11 13. Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and in holding fast the Gospel of Christ in our hearts and from the heart obeying it we shall be made free from Sin and become Servants unto Righteousness Rom. 6. 16 18. And indeed we should so hold fast the word of Christ as to oppose and convince gain sayers and should contend earnestly for it and this we should do together and joyntly Phil. 1. 27. Jude 3. Tit. 1. 9. Gal. 2. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 12. 3. We have in the next place to enquire and consider how long
this word of Christ was and is to be held fast And that is here expressed to us till I come to wit until Christ comes either till he comes to them particularly to remove them out of the Land of the living Luke 12. 40. And so they should be faithful herein unto death as was the Apostle Paul 2 Tim. 4. 6 7 8. Heb. 11. 13. Rev. 3. 11. See the notes before on Verse 10. of this Chapter Or Vntil he come to wit to take to him his great power and reign according to that I give thee charge that thou keep the Commandment without spot unrebukeable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 6. 13 15. But how should they do so By constantly keeping it themselves until death and committing the same to others also that it may be preserved amongst them Ps 78. 3 4 6 7. 2 Tim. 2. 2 3. 2 Pet. 1. 12 15. Now in that he thus speaketh and saith unto them I will put upon you none other burden but that which ye have already hold fast till I come We may learn from hence 1. That in saying I will put none other burden upon you so he signifieth to us That he doth put a burden upon them that are his Faithful Disciples and Followers he doth put some weight or burden upon them that is to be born by them that which is grievous to the flesh and in and by which that is kept down that it cannot run whither it would or do what it pleaseth and best likes Mat. 11. 28 29. 2. In that he saith none other burden so he gives us to understand that he did not put that as a burden upon them that they should enquire into the seducers depths of Satan as they speak for that might be hurtful to them In former times God charged his people to take heed unto themselves that they were not snared by following after Idolaters And that they should not enquire after their Gods saying How did these Nations serve their God c. Deut. 12. 30 32. And we are commanded to go from the presence of a foolish man when once we perceive not in him the lip of knowledge Prov. 14. 7. and ch 19. 27 Many do much mistake and abuse that saying of the Apostle Try all things as if hereby liberty were given to them to hear all false teachers whatever whereby many become a prey unto Foxes and embrace and follow pernicious ways whereas the Apostle gives that exhortation not unto all but only to such as had received the Apostles word not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which also wrought effectually in them 1 Thes 1. 3 6. and ch 2. 13. And again that exhortation of the Apostles gives none such undue liberty as too many take but it is to be considered by us as relating unto what goes before viz. despise not prophesying to wit such speakings of the word of Christ as are to edification and exhortation and comfort 1 Corinth 14. 1 3. And then adds try or prove all things c. Namely in those prophesyings we should not despise we are not to take all on trust which they say but to search the Scriptures whether the things delivered therein be so or no and hold fast what is good 1 Thes 5. 19 21. with Acts 17. 11 12. But this gives us no liberty to search into the depths of Satan or to be heaping to our selves teachers after our own lusts 2 Tim. 4. 3 4. It is a commendation of those upright ones in Thyatira both Teachers and those that were taught in this Verse 24. They have not known the depths of Satan as they speak And our Lord lays no such burden upon them as to seek after the knowledge thereof this is the Character Christ gives of his Sheep A Stranger will they not follow but will flee from him for they know not the Voice of Strangers all that ever came before me are Thieves and Robbers but the Sheep did not hear them Joh. 10. 4 5 8 27. Christ lays upon his sincere followers no other burden but to hold fast what they have He would not have them receive or listen unto any new Doctrine for the word of his grace is able to build them up and to give them an Inheritance among them that are sanctified Acts 20. 32. And the Apostle saith the anointing you have received of him to wit the things they had heard from the beginning abideth in you and ye need not that any Man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things c. 1 Joh. 2. 20 24 27. And the Apostle Paul saith though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed As we said before so say I now again If any Man preach any other Gospel to you then that ye have received let him be accursed Gal. 1. 6 8 9 10. 3. In that he saith I will put upon you none other burden but that which ye have already hold fast c. to wit the word and doctrine of Christ as hath been said So he gives us to understand that his Yoke is easie and his Burden is light Mat. 11. 29 30. It is not like that of which the Apostle saith neither we nor our Fathers were able to bear Acts 15. 10. Nor like to the Lawyers burdens or the Scribes and Pharisees who loaded men with burdens grievous to be born and themselves did not touch the burdens with one of their fingers Luke 11. 46. with Mat. 23. 4. Nor like the burden of Sin and Satan which however they seem sweet and easie to the Flesh yet they wound and break the heart and Spirit and expose men to the wrath of God both present and eternal Rom. 6. 21 23. and ch 5. 21. 2 Tim. 2. 26. Heb. 2. 15. But his burden is a sweet and easie one indeed to the heart and soul Mat. 11. 29. His Commandments are not grievous 1 Joh. 5. 3. His ways are ways of pleasantness and all his paths are peace Prov. 3. 16 17. his doctrine is a good doctrine his words are gratious Prov. 4. 2. Luke 4. 18 22. with Psal 45. 2. And his mouth hath spoken truth and wickedness is an abomination to his lips Prov. 8. 6 8. And his word is a powerful word Psal 29. 4. Luke 4. 32. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. Thereby God is working in them both to will and to do of his good pleasure what he requires of them that they may do all things without murmurings and disputings Phil. 2. 12 15. And his words are the words of eternal life he that keepeth them shall never taste death but have eternal life Joh. 5. 24 25. and ch 6. 68. and ch 8. 51. 4. In that he saith hold that fast which ye have
thy demeanour Joh. 3. 36. and ch 5. 24. Rom. 8. 1. That his eye is delightfully upon thee and his Soul takes pleasure in thee that thou dwellest and remainest in the peculiar love and special favour of God whose favour is towards a wise Servant but his wrath is against him that causeth shame Prov. 14. 35. Joh. 14. 21 24. That thou livest that thou hast a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead as declared to thee in the Testimony of God concerning Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. that thou livest by faith even by the Faith of the Son of God who loved thee and gave himself for thee Gal. 2. 20. Hab. 2. 4. that thou livest by Christ as he is revealed in the Gospel that thou eatest that living bread and feedest thereon even on the flesh of Christ that was given for the life of the World whose flesh is meat indeed and whose blood is drink indeed Joh. 7. 51. 53 57 58. and that thereby thou art filled with joy and peace in believing and aboundest in hope thorow the power of the Holy Spirit Rom. 15. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 3 4 8. that in eating of the flesh of the hind of the morning thy heart liveth Christ dwelling therein by Faith Ps 22. 26. with the title Eph. 3. 17. that Christ liveth in thee Gal. 2. 20. and in thy spirit are living waters out of which flow rivers of living water and from whence are issues of life Issuing forth praises of him longing desires after and prayers for more knowledge of him acquaintance with him Faith in him more high prizings of him more servent affection to and welpleased delight in him Joh. 7. 37 38. Prov. 4. 21. Cant. 2. 3 5. That Christ is thy life that living stone the foundation of thy Faith confidence hope and expectation that he is thy consolation and not any works of thine own or any thing effected in thee or done by thee Col. 3. 4. Rom. 1. 16 17. 1 Pet. 2. 3 4 5. Luke 2. 25. and that thou hast thy Glorying in his cross and thy rejoycing always in him who died yea rather is risen again c. And hast no confidence in the flesh Gal. 6. 14. Phil. 3. 1 3. 10. and ch 4. 4. That thou livest art quickened to new and living affections unto Jesus Christ and God in him and lovest him because he loved thee first that he is the He whom thy Soul loveth 1 Joh. 4. 14 16 17 19. and to new and living affections to Brethren so as thou lovest them with a pure heart â—ervently 1 Pet. 1. 22. yea that thou lovest desirest and endeavourest the good of all Men and that from the constrainâ— of the love of Christ because thou judgest that this One died for all and rose again and that God would have all Men to be saved 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. 20. 1 Tim. 2. 1 8. Luke 6. 27 35. And that thou art led by and walkest in the Spirit and so art preserved from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh not only the more gross ones but also the desires of the mind such as the wisdom righteousness goodness of the flesh praise of Men desires of vain-glory c. Gal. 5. 16 22 26. that thou art spiritually minded and led by the spirit who always leads in the path of life and that to thee to live is Christ and the end of thy conversation is that God in all things may be glorified thorow Jesus Christ that his Gospel may have free course and be received and heartily believed by others Phil. 1. 21. 1 Pet. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 9. 23. and ch 10. 33. This is somewhat of the name that this Angel and Church now had of their renown that was gone forth among the other Churches they were highly esteemed and well reported of by others Thou hast a name that thou livest But what was Christ's knowledge concerning them and what account doth he give of this Angel and Church generally It follows I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead and this he knew also by their works Dead not so as to their bodies as we have said for they still lived in that sense and conversed among Men where-as those that are naturally dead know not any thing Eccles 9. 5. nor is the truth sent or preached to them Isay 38. 18. But they were dead while they lived 1 Tim. 5. 6. Dead not with Christ not crucified with him as Gal. 2. 20. not dead to the rudiments and elements of this present world Col. 2. 12 20. or to the law by the body of Christ Rom. 7. 4. or to sin Rom. 6. 7 or conformed to the death of Christ in suffering shame reproach and persecution for his sake Phil. 3. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 11. we are not to understand the word dead in any of these senses for this death is an efficacy of the grace of God known and believed and so not reprovable but commendable But this Angel and Church is reproved and blame-worthy for being dead as plainly appears in this Epistle which is sent unto them in what follows Nor yet dead in an outward open and visible consideration spiritually that is they were not walking in the gross lusts and requirings of the flesh or not openly walking in them they were not like the Prodigal who wasted his substance with riotous living of whom his Father saith this my Son was dead Luke 15. 13 24 32. nor like the Ephesians of whom the Apostle saith And you who were dead in trespasses and sins wherein also ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the air c. Eph. 2. 1 2. that is I mean they did not openly work the will of the Gentiles walking in lasciviousness lusts excess of wine revellings banquettings c. 1 Pet. 4. 3. for such an openly vile conversation would have been altogether inconsistent with and have taken away their name among the Churches But they were more inwardly dead And yet they were dead not totally and absolutely but comparatively and in a great measure so as to the living and lively usefulness of what they had known and believed and the power and preciousness whereof they had discerned proved tasted and experimented therefore in v. 2. it is thus exprest the things which remain and are ready to dye And so Thou art dead to wit in general Thou art in a piteous condition in a miserable way at present so we have shewn before that death includes and contains in it many times when it is mentioned alone all misery and unhappiness and so certainly this Angel and Church were in the high-way to destruction and would bring that on themselves if Christ's counsel were not seasonably received and obeyed by them v. 2 3. And so he as it were saith to this Angel and Church as he doth to that of Laodicea Thou art wretched and miserable v. 17. More particularly
â—luggishness and that is the way whereby we may be recovered out of the snare of Satan and may again be enlivened and quickned and stand before him and live in his sight 2 Tim. 2. 26. Eph. 5. 13 14. Prov. 20. 13. and ch 6. 9. 2. Be watchful namely keep waking when thou hast once awaked give no longer nor again sleep to thine eyes nor slumber to thine eyelids But watch and pray always Luke 21. 36. So the office of a watchman or his exercise is or should be to be always and continually waking and watchful Ps 127. 1. Isay 21. 6 8. and the watching here intimately counselled unto is especially and principally the exercise of the mind or Spirit though yet it is good and profitable to shake off drowsiness from the body when opportunities are afforded and may be enjoyed for having fellowship in the Gospel of Christ yet I say it is especially an earnestness and intention of Spirit in which a Man doth with diligence and circumspection set himself to observe any matter or bufiness or wait upon his imployment or for any Man or matter as it is said of the watchman he hearkned diligently with much heed Isay 21. 6 7. And as the Prophet saith of himself I will stand â—pon my watch and set me upon the tower and will watch to see what he will saâ— unto me c. Habak 2. 1. Luke 21. 34 37. And so Be watchful To remember and mind what thou didst at first receive and entertain as he saith presently remember how thou hast received and heard see the notes on v. 3. hearken what God the Lord is therein speaking to thee What love he is therein discovering to thee what instructions or reproofs of instruction he is sealing home upon thee Ps 85. 8. Habak 2. 1 4. watch daily at wisdom's gates and wait at the posts of her doors that you may find wisdom even Jesus Christ who is the wisdom of God and so find life to revive and quicken you and may obtain favour of the Lord Prov. 8. 34. 35. with Ps 103. 6. and watch unto prayer 1 Pet. 4. 7. continue in prayer and watch thereunto with all perseverance Col. 4. 2 3. Luke 21. 36. Eph. 6. 18. and watch against evil and enemies Be sober be vigilant because the Devil your adversary as a roaring lyon goeth about seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet. 5. 8. Mat 26. 41. Neh. 4. 7 9. and especially watch against that evil which hath brought you into this sad and miserable condition and watch we over our selves and Brethren Heb. 12. 15 and ch 13. 17. yea and for the good of all and that whereunto we should watch is the vision of all Hab. 2. 1 4. with Isay 29. 11. the testimony of Jesus thereto watch for instruction and reproof for wisdom strength c. And this leads us to the next thing counselled unto viz. And strengthen the things that remain which are ready to dye Some thus read the words strengthen the rest which remain that are ready to dye as applying it to persons but if they intend by the rest those spoken of in v. 4. they greatly mistake and of a third company we read not in this Church But we shall speak to the words as we read them strengthen or stablish the things which remain that are ready to dye there may be some good things remaining in them that are even dead v. 1. The persons may be dead as to their usefulness of them and fruitfulness in them and yet still in some sort the root of the matter may be in them as Job 19. 28. Men may still retain some right and true notions and have the truth in a notional understanding though they imprison it in unrighteousness and suffer it not to work effectually in them Rom. 1. 18. they may believe the first and great things of God's law and yet believe in vain and not to the saving of the Soul 1 Cor. 15. 2. with Heb. 10. 39. the love of God may be in them in some sense and yet it may be so weakned and unfruitful as that may be said how dwelleth the love of God in them 1 Joh. 3. 17. It may be in word and in tongue not in deed and in truth 1 Joh. 3. 18. and Christ that will not break the bruised reed nor quench the smoaking flax or dimly-burning week acknowledgeth that there were some good things remaining still in these though they were so weak they were even ready to dye and extinguish Isay 42. 3. And these Christ doth here counsel them strengthen or establish even their weak Faith love hope c. though even dead Jam. 2. 17 26. and so the gifts and operations of the Spirit which they had received and were wrought in them to cherish and nourish these things that had been wrought in them by the holy Ghost and so stir up and kindle again the gifts of God which were in them and so revive them as 2 Tim. 1. 6. as a Man by stirring the fire or blowing it when it 's almost out doth thereby kindle it anew quicken and strengthen it But doth not the Psalmist thus cry to God strengthen O God that which thou hast wrought for us or in us when it was weak or weakned Ps 68. 28. And doth not the Apostle pray that God would strengthen them with might by his Spirit in the inward Man Eph. 3. 16 17. how then doth he here say to these strengthen the things that remain To this we may say yes verily all things appertaining to the saving of the Soul are of God But yet still somewhat is required of us as he is preventing and enabling us with his grace It is God saith the Apostle that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure But was there nothing therefore required of them yes verily for so it follows Do all things without mâ—rmuring and disputing Phil. 2. 12 15. It is the work of God to stablish the believers and yet also they are exhorted in the strength of God's gâ—ace which brings salvation to stablish their hearts 2 Thes 2. 17. with Jam. 5. 8. And this is required of us in general here that we may strengthen the things that remain to be watchful and wait upon him For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles Isay 40. 31. In waiting upon him he will strengthen their hearts that they may strengthen the dying things Ps 27. 14. and particularly he directs them how to strengthen them in v. 3. 2. We have in the next place to speak unto the reason laid down by our Saviour to engage this Angel and Church to receive the Counsel in the former part of this verse For I have not found thy works perfect before God In which we may note for our usefulness 1. That Christ doth take notice of and search into all Mens works and especially into the works of his
15. 4. and he that is true and faithful in all he hath spoken and promised Rev. 21. 26 27. and ch 22. 1. 6. And thus the Souls under the altar that were slain for the word of God and for the Testimony which they held address themselves unto him with a loud voice saying How long O Lord holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth Rev. 6. 9 10 11. 2. And I will make them I will make them know that I have loved thee And this he assures his people also with a double affirmation In which is intimated to us 1. That now in this day they will not know or they know not neither will they understand it Ps 82. 5. Or they will not acknowledge so much but give them out to be such as Christ hates Your Brethren that hated you that cast you out for my names sake said Let the Lord be glorified But he shall appear to your joy and they shall be ashamed as Isay 66. 5. Joh. 16. 1 2. they now call Christ's Disciples Hereticks Schismaticks c. and look upon them as the vilest of Men as the fiâ—th and off scouring of all things as persons not fit to live and therefore cry away with such fellows from the earth 1 Cor. 4. 9. 13. Acts 22. 22. and ch 24. 14. and ch 28. 22. they cry out God hath forsaken them persecure and take them for there is none to deliver Ps 22. 7 8. and 42. 9 10. and 71. 10 11. and 115. 1 2. they give their mouth to evil and their tongue frameth deceit they fit and speak against their better Brethren and because Christ keeps silence they think he is altogether such an one as themselves and approves them in their evil thoughts words and ways Ps 50. 19 21. Mal. 2. 17. that they are none of his disciples indeed But they say they themselves are Jews the most pure and Orthodox Christians But 2. However thou hast been hated of them and they would not know or acknowledge that I loved thee but thought and gave forth that I hated thee and therefore they were enemies to thee as if Christ should say yet I will make them to know that I have loved thee which is one thing contained in Christs prayer that the World may know that God hath loved unfeigned believers as he hath loved Christ Joh. 17. 23. And this shall certainly be fulfilled sutable to these Prophecies They shall call thee the city of the Lord the Zion of the holy one of Israel whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated I will make thee an eternal excellency a joy of many generations Isay 61. 14 15. Ye shall be named Priests of the Lord Men shall call you the ministers of our God All that see them shall acknowledge them that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed Isay 61. 6 9. They shall call them the holy people the redeemed of the Lord and thou shalt be called sought out a city not forsaken Isay 62. 4 12. he saith not I will now make them know viz. not now will they nill they Though indeed he is now so manifesting them that others may know he loves them As our Saviour saith By this shall all Men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one unto another Joh. 13. 35. And the Apostle Paul saâ—th Ye are our Epistle written in our hearts known and read of all Men being manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ 2 Cor. 3. 2. 3. But now they will not see or acknowledge them to be beloved of Jesus Christ but this he will make them do in due season when the Lord cometh For then shall the righteous shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Mat. 13. 43. Mal. 3. 16 18. and ch 4. 1 2 3. 3. We have next to speak briefly unto the note of attention Behold Behold 1. Mind and consider this thing and set your hearts unto it Look â—ot upon the things that are seen but on the things that are not seen for the things that are seen both good and evil are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal That for these things sake you may not â—aint 2 Cor. 4. 16 17 18. 1 Chron. 17. 1. with 2 Sam. 7. 2. and that you may not entertain desires of present manifestation but may wait for the manifestation of the Sons of God 1 Joh. 3. 3. with Rom. 8. 19 23. and may mean time rejoyce in hope of the Glory to be revealed Rom. 5. 2. 1 Pet. 1. 6 8 9. 2. Behold admire at it for it is a marvellous thing that these high boasters and specious pretenders should be thus brought down and made to know Christ hath loved them whom they hated yet thus it shall most certainly be he will accomplish and perform it see Micah 7. 15 17 18 20. Verse 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the World to try them that dwell upon the earth In this verse our Lord Jesus makes a gracious promise to this Angel and Church in the latter part of it And layeth down the reason thereof in the former unto which we shall speak first of all 1. The reason of this gracious assurance and promise Because thou hast kept the word of my patience This he takes notice of again as he had done before v. 8. and as that which was very acceptable and well-pleasing to him and to his Father also hence the first thing he saith to his Father of his deâ—â—â—ples in his prayer was they have kept thy word Joh. 17. 6 8. and this is the description of them that love Christ and who are therefore beloved of Christ and his Father that they keep his word Joh. 14. 21 23. and ch 15. 9 10. 1 Joh. 2. 3 6. and that whereto all blessedness is assured As our Saviour saith Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it Luke 11. 28. and therefore the contrary hereto is very displeasing unto him which was surely the evil sound with the Synagogue of Satan who said they were Jews and were not but did lye That which this Angel and Church kept is said to be the word of his patience Where let us enquire and consider for our instruction and usefullness 1. What is the word of Christ's patience here spoken of 2. Why is it called the word of his patience 1. What is this word of Christ's patience And to that we may say It is certainly the same with his word v. 8. even his Gospel with the instructions counsels commandments exhortations reproofs c. thereof and so some read this my word of patience This word of his patience is the Gospel of Christ which is called the word of life the word of reconciliation faith truth righteousness peace wisdome the word of the Kingdom of
troubles and afflictions he met with for the Gospels sake saying ye are they which have continued were with me in my temptation Luke 22. 28. See also 1 Cor. 10. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 6. Rev. 2. 10. And indeed persecution is a great trial and temptation to them that endure it especially when it is sharp because of the Flesh in us no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous Heb. 12. 11. And it is that we would avoid if we could we would not suffer for Christs sake Joh. 21. 18. We naturally love ease and freedom from affliction and therefore to the taking up our Cross we must first deny our selves and hate our lives Mat. 16. 24. Mark 8. 34. Luke 9. 23. and ch 14. 26 27. And in such a time Satan and his Instruments are endeavouring to move us from the faith by temptations and inticements 1 Thes 3. 5. Heb. 2. 8. as it is said of those worthies in former times they were stoned they were sawn asunder they were tempted c. when they dealt cruelly with them and threatened more grievous things to them they proferred deliverance to them if they would forsake their way and God Heb. 11. 35 37. Jam. 1. 12 13. When our Lord Jesus was in great affliction then the Prince of this World set upon and thrust sore at him that he might fall though he had nothing in him Joh. 14. 30. Ps 118. 10 13. And this is a time of temptation to others also Satan then endeavours to move the Believers who are not under persecution because their Brethren are so hardly dealt with 1 Thes 3. 1 3 5. And to hinder others and put them further off from the Gospel Persecution is called the offence of the Cross Gal. 5. 11. And wo to the World because of such offences Mat. 18. 6. When the Beast opened his mouth in Blasphemies against God to blaspheme his Name and his Tabernacle and them that dwell in Heaven and it was given to him to make War with the Saints and to overcome them then all that dwell upon the Earth shall worship him Rev. 13. 6 8. Then men generally that they may avoid persecution and enjoy their liberties and the things here below take offence at the Gospel and separate from if not turn adverse to such as are Christs Disciples Mat. 24. 9 10. 1 Cor. 4. 9 13. Ps 102. 6 8. 2. Or by this hour of temptation may also be meant a time of falling away from the Faith whether by occasion of persecution as on that account many fall away as our Saviour saith to his Disciples Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake and then many shall be offended and shall betray one another c. Mat. 24. 9 10. Or also in and by false Teachers many of whom went out from the true Believers and were themselves corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus Acts 20. 30. 1 Joâ— 2. 19. and did also deceâ—ve and corrupt others and endeavour to remove them from the Grace of Christ unto another Gospel or Doctrine and too many are deceived by them and follow their pernicious ways by reason of whom the way of truth is evil spoken of Gal. 1. 6 8. 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. Thus it was said in former times when false Prophets did arise c. The Lord their God did try them c. Deut. 13. 1 3 4. And the Prophet Daniel saith Some of them of understanding will fall to try by them Dan. 11. 35. Mat. 24. 5 11. And in the Apostles days the mystery of iniquity did begin to work 2 Thes 2. 3 7. 1 Tim. 4. 1 2. 2 Tim. 3. 12. And this is also a time of temptation And both these may be called An hour of temptation 1. Not as Hour is taken strictly for the twelth part of a day so it is sometimes taken as Christ saith Are there not twelve hours in the day Joh. 11. 9. so we read of the third hour of the day to wit nine in the morning Acts 2 15. and the nineth hour of the day viz. three in the afternoon c. Acts 3. 1. But 2. By the Hour here spoken of may be meant some indefinite time of a long continuance as to us so the word hour doth signify and comprehend the whole time from Christ's ministration to the end of the World Joh. 4. 21 23. and ch 5. 25. and the time of the resurrection of the dead and judgment is called an hour though it doth contain above a thousand yeers Joh. 5. 28 29. with Rev. 20. 4 11. and so the hour here spoken of though it be determined by God and will have an end yet might be of long duration in our account and may continue or however such an one may so do more or less till the end of this World 1 Joh. 2. 18. 2. The extent of this hour is also signified to us by our Saviour viz. which shall come upon all the World the habitable part of it which was then under the Roman heathen Emperours Luke 2. 1. and in which generally there were some in all parts that had received the Faith of the Gospel of Christ In this World here spoken of the Gospel was preached before the destruction of Jerusalem according to our Saviours prediction Mat. 24. 14. And consequential hereto this hour of temptation is permitted and ordered to try Men as here follows And so indeed it is the usual way or order of God in permitting and ordering trials namely so to do after means of grace have been vouchsafed and the Gospel preached unto them 1 Thes 3. 3 5. And as he Prophesies that this hour of temptation should come upon all the World so therein he gives us to understand That he is the orderer of the hour of temptation and of all instrumental thereto And whether it shall come to one place or another or whether generally As the Assyrian was the rod of his anger and the staff in their hand his indignation whom he sent against an Hypocritical nation and against the people of his wrath c. Isay 10. 5 6. so all are his Servants Ps 119. 91. The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Prov. 16. 4. And when Men receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved for this cause he sends them strong delusion that they should believe a lye 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. 3. The end why this hour of temptation should come upon all the World and that is To try them that dwell upon the earth where let us consider 1. The Persons to be tried 2. The end it self 1. The Persons whom this hour should come to try Them that dwell upon the earth Whereby may be signified to us either 1. Such as in their hearts dwell upon the earth for so the Phrase is generally
have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and stablished in the faith as ye have been taught c. Col. 2. 6 7 8 and how Jealous was he lest the Corinthians should listen unto or entertain any other Gospel besides that they had preached and the believers had received see 2 Cor. 11. 1 2 3 4. Then from hence we may conclude that when any would perswade us to listen unto and embrace some other doctrines they are not therein led of God such a perswasion comes not of him that calleth the believers Gal. 4. 7 8. with ch 1. 6 7. But it comes from Satan whose work it is to turn them from the Faith if he can possibly do it Acts 13. 7 12. The Holy Ghost instructs his Children not to meddle with them that are given to change Prov. 24. 21. Christ calls upon his to hold fast what they have and not to be turned therefrom by any specious pretences or pretenders whatsoever The Apostles have written no new commandment unto us but an old commandment which is also new as to the declaration of the actual accomplishment of that in the personal body of Christ which was prophesyed of from the beginning and as to the revelation of those things which were formerly more hidden and mysterious 1 Joh. 2. 7 8. 2. We may also note again if we consider the persons to whom this counsel and exhortation is given That those who have kept the word of Christ need to be counselled and exhorted still to hold it fast so it was here our Lord who is holy and true faith v. 8. thou hast kept my word and hast not denied my name and v. 10. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience c. and now he still exhorts them hold that fast which thou hast so oft-times commandments of like nature are given to them who have kept the word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 6. 9 yea this is the burden as we have said that he layeth upon such and no other burden will he lay upon them but that which they have already they hold fast untill he comes see the notes on ch 2. v. 24. and v. 25. and the hearty believers need still to be thus exhorted and to suffer the word of exhortation And that 1. Because all the time they are in this present evil World they have ungodliness to deny and enemies always to fight against whose work it is if possible to turn them away from the truth and to turn them to fables 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. Heb. 12. 4. Tit. 2. 11 12. they need to be provoked to keep with all diligence and to hold fast with all their might given them even with both hands as they speak the word of Christ because they have so many subtil watchful potent enemies both without them and within them who are continually endeavouring with all their might and main and assaying all means to remove them from the grace of Christ unto another Gospel and to steal away the word of God from them 1 Cor. 16. 13. 2 Tim. 1. 12 14. 2. Because the word of Christ is the word of life the word of salvation his words are Spirit and life Joh. 6. 63. in them is the life of the Soul and Spirit Oh then they need to be daily stirred up and exhorted to take fast hold of instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is their life Prov. 4. 13. Sardis by letting slip and forgetting how she had received and heard became dead though she had a name that she lived Rev. 3. 1 3. and the Gospel of Christ is the power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth they are kept thereby thorow faith unto the Salvation ready to be revealed in these last days unto that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in the Heavens c. Rom. 1. 16. 1 Pet. 1. 4 5 6. 3. Because though we have formerly received and kept his word yet unless we hold it fast to the end all will be in vain and unprofitable to us we shall not be presented holy unblamable unrebukable in his sight unless we continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 22 23. unless we be herein faithful to the death we shall not at last receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. He that endureth to the end the same shall be saved But he that puts his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the Kingdome of God Luke 9. 62. Mat. 10. 22. 1 Cor. 15. 58. Gal. 6. 9. Heb. 12. 3. Oh then that we may continue holding fast his word and in a patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality that he may in conclusion render to us eternal life Rom. 2. 7. and to move and provoke us so to do let us diligently consider also that which next followeth namely 3. In that our Lord Jesus gives this useful and needful counsel after that promise he makes to them in v. 10. I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world c. So we may learn to know the nature of those exceeding great and precious promises Ministred to us in the Gospel that they are not made to any person or persons in a personal consideration but they are made to such manner of persons they are originally immediately and everlastingly made to and confirmed in Christ Jesus Gal. 3. 16 17. and secondarily unto them that come unto and abide in Jesus Christ Gal. 3. 16 29. but if a Man abide not in him he is cast forth as a branch Joh. 15. 6. If the righteous Man draw back God's Soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 37 38. Ezek. 3. 20. and 18. 24. and ch 33. 13. God not only promised but sware also that he would bring the Israelites whom he redeemed out of Egypt into the land of Canaan But because of their unbelief and disobedience they entred not that notwithstanding As it is said by himself Doubtless ye shall not come into the Land concerning which I swarâ— to make you dwell therein c. Numb 14. 30 32. So God covenanted unto David concerning Solomon that he would establish the throne of his Kingdome over Israel for ever And this was done by a covenant of Salt an incorruptible perpetual covenant and yet because of his and Rehoboam's evil ten tribes were broken off 1 Chron. 22. 9 10. with 2 Chron. 13. 5. and 1 Kings 11. 11. see also 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. Ps 125. Isay 26. 2 4. he is the faithful God which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments and repays them that hate him to their face to destroy them notwithstanding any promise or covenant he hath made to or with them he will not be
Pet. 5. 10. 2 Pet. 1. 10 11. they are now Kings and Priests and shall reign with Christ on the earth Rev. 5. 9 10. ch 20. 4. An huge encouragement and motive to engage us to hold fast the word of Christ as afterwards we may see 1 Cor. 9. 26 27. Phil. 3. 7 11 c. 2. How is this Crown called theirs To which we may answer and say It is not called theirs because it is merited by them for so it is not they are not worthy of the least of all Gods Mercies and Favours and therefore not of this which is the greatest In this respect it is Christs reward Rev. 22. 12. Christs Kingdom 2 Pes. 1. 11. Christs Glory c. 2 Thes 2. 14. But it is called theirs 1. Because it is prepared for them who come unto and abide in Jesus Christ Mat. 20. 23. and ch 25. 34. 1 Cor. 2. 9. 2. Because it is promised by him that cannot lye to be given to them that are and abide faithful unto the Death Rev. 2. 10. To such as love him and keep his Commandments Tit. 1. 1 2. with Jam. 1. 12. Gal. 3. 29. Jam. 2. 5. 3. Because they are the Heirs of it To as many as received Christ to them he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his name and if Sons then Heirs Heirs of God and Joynt heirs with Christ Joh. 1. 12. with Rom. 8. 17. and they are now by Faith and Hope receiving it Heb. 12. 28 29. Now then when he saith that no Man take thy Crown We may learn from hence 1. That the work of those that endeavour to draw us from Christ is to deprive and bereave us of our Glory and Crown The Thief comes not but to kill and to steal and to destroy Joh. 10. 10. Prov. 7. 24 27. and ch 9. 13 18. their end is destruction Phil. 3. 19. And so the end of them particularly who would take away the Gospel from us is to subvert our Souls and beguile us of our Reward Col. 2. 18 22. 2 Joh. 9. as it 's said of the wicked one he comes and takes away the word out of their hearts lest they should believe and be saved Luke 8. 12. 2. That it is possible the Believers may lose and have their Crown taken from them and even be excluded and shut out of the Kingdom of Christ and of God Hence we have such admonitions and cautions given to such as have received Christ and been made the Sons of God by Faith in Jesus Christ to take heed that none did deceive them and to abstain from such iniquities as provoke God to wrath and deprive them from having any Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Eph. 1. 14. and 4. 30. with ch 5. 3 7. Col. 2. 6. with ch 3. 5 6 Gal. 5. 21. 1 Cor. 6. 9 10. Even the Children of the Kingdom in this peculiar consideration may be cast out Mat. 8. 11 12. The Apostle Paul writing to the believing Thessalonians saith to them God hath called you unto or into his Kingdom and Glory and thanks God without ceasing that when they received the word of God which they heard of them they received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which did effectually work also in them who did believe and yet presently after he saith to them When I could no longer forbear I sent to know your Faith lest by some means the tempter have tempted you and our labour be in vain 1 Thes 1. 3 6 8. and ch 2. 12 14. with ch 3. 1 5. Our Saviour saith to his Apostles Verily I say unto you that ye which have followed me in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the Throne of his glory ye also shall sit upon twelve Thrones judging the twelve Tribes of Israel And yet Judas who had obtained part of this Ministry by transgression fell away Mat. 19. 28. with Acts 1. 17 25. and this may preserve us from high-mindedness and engage us to fear Rom. 11. 20 22. and to look diligently that none of us fail of or fall from the grace of God that no root of bitterness springing up trouble us and thereby many be defiled Heb. 12. 15 28 29. and this leads us to another Instruction viz. 3. The way for us to be assured of our Crown is to hold fast what we have even the word of Christs patience the Gospel of Christ so will he give unto us Eternal Life and we shall never perish neither shall any pluck us out of his hand Joh. 10. 27 30. The word of his Grace is able to build us up and to give us an Inheritance among all them that are sanctified Rom. 1. 16. Acts 20. 32. this is the word of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 19. the Gospâ—l of the Kingdom Mat. 4. 23. and 9. 35. and ch 24. 14. The Kingdom of Heaven is entailed upon it as it were so as they that put it away reject the Kingdom of God Luke 10. 9 11. and judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life Acts 13. 46. and they that heartily receive it are Children of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 19 38. and shall in holding it fast enter into this Kingdom gloriously hereafter Prov. 4. 4 9. The words therein contained are the words of Eternal Life Joh 6. 68. in holding this fast we shall never taste death Joh. 8. 51. neither the Devil nor his Instruments shall prevail against us 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. Eph. 6. 10 17. Rev. 12. 10. Oh then Hold that fast which thouâ— hast that none take thy Crown 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 new Jerusalem which cometh down out of Heaven from my God and I will write upon him my new name In this verse are contained many promises and encouragements to encourage us to hold fast the Gospel of Christ and to take to us the whole armour of God that we may be able to withstand in the evil day and having overcome all to stand In which we have to mind and consider 1. The subject of these promises or every one that shall certainly be made a partaker of that which is here propounded and promised and that is him that overcometh see the notes before on ch 2. v. 7. and ch 3. v. 5. 2. The promises themselves whereto we shall speak in order that is to say 1. I will make him a Pillar in the Temple of my God A Pillar namely 1. An eminent one so the word signifies where it is said when James Cephas and John who seemed to be or were counted Pillars Gal. 2. 9. even such as were of reputation amongst the Churches and teachers v. 2. so here him that overcometh will I make a Pillar he
shall be preferred before and be more eminent than others even in that Temple also for as one star differs from another in Glory so also will it be in the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15. 41 42. He shall be preferred before little ones of whom yet is the Kingdom of Heaven and before such as have not had any considerable trials or opposition and so no such occasion to fight for our light affliction which is but for a moment works for us a farmore exceeding and eternal weight of Glory while we look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen c. 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. he that overcometh shall be exalted above others as the pillar is above the earth generally and as now their sufferings for Christ do abound so then also their consolations by Christ shall answerably abound 2 Cor. 1. 4 5 7. Rev. 22. 12. 2. A pillar By which the King will stand and with whom he will be present for ever as it is said in our types Behold the King stood by the the pillar in the Temple as the manner was 2 King 11. 4 14. 2 Chron. 23. 13. and Josiah stood by a pillar in the house of the Lord 2 King 23. 2 3. So the Tabernacle of God shall be with them that overcome and he will dwell with them and they shall be his people and God himself shall be with them their God Rev. 21. 2 3 7. Joh. 17. 24. 3. More directly a pillar is a strong one though now he be never so weak and have never so little strength v. 8. he shall be a pillar a stable one established so as nothing shall prevail against him As the Lord saith to Jeremy Behold I have made thee this day a defenced city and an iron pillar c. and they shall not prevail against thee for I am with thee Jer. 1. 18 19. indeed now in this day he that abides in Christ sins not he keeps himself and the wicked one touches him not 1 Joh. 3. 6. with ch 5. 18. The gates of hell neither the power nor policy thereof shall not prevail against such an one Mat. 16. 18. Joh. 10. 27 29. But it is possible Men may not abide in Christ and then Satan and his instruments may get their advantage against them as hath been shewn before But hereafter they that overcome shall be like pillars gloriously they shall be so established that they shall not possibly depart or be removed from Christ or his Temple they shall be like the pillars in our types which were set in the porch of the Temple whereof the name of the one was called Jachin that is he shall establish and the name of the other Boaz that is in it is strength 1 King 7. 21. Then they that overcome and keep Christ's works to the end shall be stable for ever God will establish and in them shall be his strength Ps 87. 5. So as they shall go no more out no not for ever as here it presently followeth 4. A pillar on which Christ will write as also followeth presently after so in former times they did write some choice and excellent things of God's law upon their postes or pillars as it is said Thou shalt write these words upon the Posts of thine house and on thy gates Deut. 6. 4 9. and the Church is now called the Pillar of truth upon which the truth is so written that it may be seen and read of all Men they being manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by the Apostles written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God not in Tables of stone but in the fleshly Tables of the heart 1 Tim. 3. 15. with 2 Cor. 3. 2 3. so they shall be pillars hereafter gloriously as it is promised and covenanted by the Lord saying I will put my laws into their minds and write them in or upon their hearts Heb. 8. 10 11. with Jer. 31. 33 34. And saith Christ I will make him a pillar in the Temple of my God my God he calls him by way of Eminency and Excellency to distinguish him from and infinitely prefer him before all others who are called Gods The God of our Lord Jesus Christ is the Father of Glory 1 Cor. 8. 5 6. Eph. 1. 17. And his God because he is immediately originally and eternally and most compleatly and gloriously his and ours thorow and upon the account of him as Christ saith I ascend to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God Joh. 20. 17. Now Christ will make such an one as overcomes A Pillar in the Teâ—ple of his God even in the Church of Christ in its glorious estate The Church is now called the Temple being built upon and abiding in Christ as it is said ye are built upon the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-Stone In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an Holy Temple in the Lord Eph. 2. 20 21. 1 Cor. 3. 16. for ye are the Temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them c. 2 Cor. 6. 16 17. And this Church will be the Temple of Christs God hereafter when he shall present it to himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinckle or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish Eph. 5. 25 27. Which glorious Church or Temple is called by the Prophet Gods Holy Hill or The Hill of the Lord Ps 15. 1. and 24. 1 3. with Allusion to the Temple of God which was built on Mount Moriah 2 Chron. 3. 1. In this glorious Temple he shall hereafter be a Pillar not of or in this World for Christs Kingdom is not of this World Joh. 18. 36. But when the Mountain of the Lords House shall be established or prepared in the top of the Mountains and shall be exalted above the Hills and all Nations shall flow to it Isay 3. 2 3. Mica 4. 1 3. This is therefore a powerful motive and argument to engage us to fight the good fight of Faith and to resist unto Blood striving against Sin for in so doing we shall hereafter inherit Glory when shame shall be the promotion of Fools and Cowards Prov. 3. 35. with Rev. 21. 7 8. 2. And he shall go no more out namely out of this glorious Temple before spoken of no not for ever upon any Account whatever And so 1. They now go forth into the field of the World to call and bring Men into wisdoms house out of it as it is said she hath sent forth her maidens Prov. 9. 1 5. and the Master of the house said to his Servant go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and again he said Go out into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in that my house may be filled Luke 14. 21 23. Joh.
Joh. 2. 8. His word was always true but the truth of it is now made more apparent in the preaching of the Gospel according to the Revelation of the Mystery His Record is true concerning all things there is no lye of it but he is a true witness in what he speaketh of God the Father himself the work of the Spirit Mankind Sin Righteousness Judgment Life Death and of what he is become and hath for us Gold tried in the Fire White Rayment and of the loathsomness of this Lukewarmness to him These things saith he who is holy he who is true Rev. 3. 7. He is true and worthy to be listened unto and believed by us in all his declarations promises discoveries requirings instructions reproofs threats c. a faithful and true witness who will not lye one who is faithful to the interest of our Souls Prov. 14. 5. A true witness who delivers Souls from their Transgressions wandrings lukewarmnesses who hath power to deliver from Sin Satan Fears Evils Dangers yea from the Wrath to come and is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him Prov. 14. 25. 1 Thes 1. 10. Heb. 7. 24 25. The beginning of the creation of God He is before all things and by him all things consist Col. 1. 17 18. The beginning both of the first and old Creation And that both 1. In giving a being to it when before it had none It was God's creation but made by him God created all things by Jesus Christ Eph. 3. 9. He is the Creator of the ends of the Earth that faints not neither is weary there is no searching of his understanding By him were all things created visible and invisible All things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. He knows how and hath understanding to help us when we are faint dead dry decaying He gives power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength Isay 40. 27 29. Ah Lord God saith the Prophet behold thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great power and stretched out arm and there is nothing too hard for thee Jer. 32. 17. What cannot he do that created all things And all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Joh. 1. 1 3. He can restore heat and health and heal us of our wounds and cure our loathsome distempers when our bruise is incurable and wound grievous and we have no healing Medicines nor is there any to plead our cause that we may be bound up Jer. 30. 12 17. 2. And he is the maker of the creation of God when it was marred by Mans seeking out â—oolish inventiâ—ns The Earth and all the Inhabitants thereof were dissolved He beareth up the pillars thereof Ps 75. 3. He upholds all things by the word of his power Heb. 1. 3. The World was made by him preserved from perishing and upheld when it was marred spoiled and dissolved by the iniquity of Mankind Joh. 1. 10. And therefore though you have destroyed your selves and deserve to be rejected and cast off and out from his presence and favour for ever yet in him is your help neither is there Salvation in any other Acts 4. 12. Oh turn again to him from whom you have revolted he hath made peace by the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things to himself Col. 1. 20. And he is the beginning of the new Creation thorow and by means of his personal abasement and sufferings the Captain of our Salvation was made perfect thorow sufferings Heb. 2. 10. In him there is a compleat Creation He is the beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the pre-eminence for it pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell Col. 1. 18 19. In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily and in â—im we are compleat compleatly prepared for and furnished with all furniture who is the Head of all principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. In him our nature is restored again into the Image of God after a more glorious manner than ever it was made in the first publick man And so there is in him a compleat and perfect provision of all things that may tend to our being brought back to God in our own person so made new Creatures as every one is that is in him because he died for all and rose again Jam. 3. 9. Eph. 2. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 14 17. There is in him a justification from the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness so as that all that have sinned and are come short of the glory of God are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus Rom. 4. 25. and 3. 23 24. and he hath obtained forgiveness of our personal sins gifts for Men yea for the rebellious also healing of our diseases decays deadnesses Gold to enrich poor wretched miserable ones White Rayment to cover our shameful nakedness Eye-salve to cure our blindness Spirit to quicken and enliven us and to put heat into and recover lukewarm-ones The last Adam was made a quickning Spirit to quicken those that were dead in trespasses 1 Cor. 15. 45. He hath by his Blood obtained eternal Redemption forgiveness of our Sins for ever and the recovery of our loss even of all the glory of God of which we came short by our sinning He hath restored that which he took not away Heb. 9 12. So as that in him there is help and salvation for us when we have rendred our selves vile and brought our selves into a loathsome condition He is the Fountain of Life of living waters of grace and truth the Treasury and Store-house of all Gods fulness for us that he may dispence to us thereof according to our various wants and capacities and that of his fulness we may receive and Grace for Grace Indeed he is the beginning and end of this new Creation the author and finisher of the Faith whose hands have laid the foundation and whose hands shall finish the building Rev. 1. 8 11. Zech. 4. 7 9. Heb. 12. 2. Verse 15. I know thy works see notes on chap. 2. verse 1. that thou art neither cold nor hot I would thou wert cold or hot He saw that their works were not perfect before him and thence saith and observeth That thou art neither cold nor hot not cold there was still some profession of the faith with them some seeking God waiting upon him and approaching to him they had not wholly left off all professed worshipping of him and calling upon his name they might still read and hear and pray and have some use of Christs ordinances among them and a form of Godliness upon them They had not professedly cast off the thing that was good but there was some warmth with them still And surely they did assemble themselves together for they were yet reckoned by Christ a
up our contenâ—ment in our own aâ—â—â—ainments and receits which are indeed broken cisterns and so provoke him to anger his name is jealous and he cannot he will not endure it that we should give our loves to and take up our rest in any thing besides himself his jealousy when his love is abused or sleighted is cruel as the grave the coals thereof are coals of fire which hath a most vehement flame Cant. 8. 6. he cannot bear it that those that are espoused to him should cast their eyes upon and give the heart to other lovers and therefore when any do so the fire of his jealousy is kindled against them and he as here threatneth to cast them off Wo saith our Saviour to you that are rich for ye have received your consolation Luke 6. 24 25. he that fills the hungry with good things doth send the rich empty away Luke 1. 53. such he will abhor and vomit them out of his mouth as most loathsome persons to him Oh! how sad and calamitous is their condition who boast and witness of themselves that they are pure sinless perfect as to attainment There is a generation who are pure in their own eyes though yet they are not washed from their filthiness and Oh how lofty are their eyes and their eye-lids are lifted up wo unto them they have their happiness now their portion in this life and those that are in any measure like them are loathsome to Christ and the more loathsome the more they are like to them It was displeasing to the Lord that Job had such an overweening conceit of himself of his knowledge purity innocency though he was destitute of such light and advantages as are afforded to us and it brought forth evil fruit in him and that good Man when he was convinced of his evil was ashamed of himself and confesseth that he was vile and professeth he would lay his hand upon his mouth once saith he have I spoken but I will not answer yea twice but I will proceed no further And when his eye saw God he abhorred himself and repented in dust and ashes Job 40. 3 5. and 42. 4 6. This is a becoming thing for us to be low in our own eyes and to be sensible of our vileness brutishness and shortness in every matter and to acknowledge that when we have done all that is commanded us yet we are unprofitable Servants To confess with him that we are more bruitish than Man and have not the understanding of a Man that we have neither learned wisdome nor have the knowledge of the holy Prov. 30. 2 3. To this Man will he look that instead of boasting what he is and hath done and proclaiming his own goodness is poor and of a contrite Spirit and trembleth at his word that hath nothing to glory in but the Lord who of God is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption Isay 66. 1 2. 1 Cor. 1. 29 31. But the proud the rich the full he knows afar off The foolish such as are vain-glorious boasters who commend themselves such shall not stand in his â—ight Ps 5. 5. with Ps 75. 4 5. His Eyes are upon the haughty that he may bring them down 2. Sam. 22. 18. Oh consider we this that Pride may be hidden from us and that we may not be wise in our own Eyes but viewing our selves in the Glass of the Lord's Body may take shame to our selves for Pride goeth before Destruction and an haughty Spirit before a fall Prov. 16. 18. and 8. 12. and 29. 23. were we but comparing our selves with that Object that is proposed to and set before us in the Gospel and viewing what is the breadâ—h and length and depth and height thereof and considering that love of Christ which passeth knowledge that peace of God which passeth all understanding and seeing what treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ Oh what cause should we see to be abased and to bewail our dimsightedness and shortness of understanding and see cause to complain of our great incompleatness in our selves and inconformity unto him yea to cry out of our uncleanness unlovingness barrenness leanness and witheredness 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. Indeed the Spirit that dwelleth in us as of us lusteth to envy and leads us to lift up our selves But he giveth more grace grace abounding and exceeding the corruption of our natural Spirit that our lofty looks may be humbled and our haughty hearts bowed down wherefore he saith God resisteth the proud but gives grace to the humble Jam. 4. 5 6. Humble we our selves therefore under the mighty hand of God or otherwise we shall never be fervent in Spirit in seeking the Lord and yielding up our selves unto him The Apostle saw it needful and profitable to give this admonition to every one of the Believers that they should not think more highly of themselves or of their parts gifts and attainments than they ought to think but to think soberly And this he gives unto them through the grace given to him and to that end he gives it that they might present their bodies as moved and strengthened by the mercies of God a living Sacrifice to him c. and not be conformed to this World but transformed according to the renewing of their mind c. Rom. 12. 1 3. Implying that if they had unâ—ober thoughts of themselves and did think of themselves above what is meet this would hinder them from an hearty yielding up themselves to the Lord as those alive from the dead and their Members as Instruments of Righteousness unto Holiness They would otherwise be apt to think and say as these did they had need of nothing and so expose themselves to wrath as here Because thou sayest I am rich rich in knowledge and utterance the unâ—ober taking notice hereof is very hurtful and pernicious and puffs Men up as is said 1 Cor. 8. 1. and makes them grow careless and negligent when opportunities are afforded to them for buying that Gold tried in the Fire and to despise and set light by those helps vouchsafed unto them of God And increased with Goods They intimate that time was when they were poor and had nothing but now they are enlarged and grown rich and their Substance is increased Time was when they were in Bondage to the Law or Rudiments of this World and were without Christ and God in the World but now they are the Temple of the Lord the Church of Christ they are not like others or like to what themselves sometimes were They have now excellent Ornaments they have a great gift of Prayer and can enlarge themselves therein they can speak freely and fluently for the truth so as to silence opposers and stop their mouths that they have nothing material to say They have much mortified their corruptions subdued their lusts cleansed their ways escaped the pollutions of the World and have put on bowels of Mercies Kindness
thunderings may be meant tokens and testimonies of Gods wrath and displeasure against men who have not received his Truth and Gospel witnessed and preached by his servants the elders spoken of in ver 4. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against such as reject their word and against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness 2 Chron. 36. 15 16. Jer. 7. 25 29. Mat. 10. 14 15. Râ—m 1. 16 18. To them who are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish c. Rom. 2. 8 9. And so these lightnings and thunderings may be the issue and accomplishment of the prayers and imprecations of the elders against such as are enemies to Christ and his Gospel as Psâ—l 83. so it is said The smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints ascended up before God out of the angels hand and the angel took the censor and filled it with fire of the altar and cast it into the â—arth and there were voices and thundrings and lightnings c. Rev. 8. 4 5. So when Mâ—ses streâ—ched forth his hand toward heaven the Lord sent thunder c. Exod. 9. 22 23. By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us O God of our salvation saith the Prophet Psal 65. 4 5. and 3. 3 7 8. And by lightnings and thunderings may also be meant preparations to and fore-runners of greater wrath if men will not turn nor consider his work and the operation of his hands Psal 7. 12 13 14. and praemonitions and forewarnings which God gives unto the Inhabitants of the world that they might repent and fear before him So when it is said There were voices and thunderings c. then immediately after is declared Gods execution of judgments The seven Angels which had the seven Trumpets prepared themselves to sound The first angel sounded and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood c. Rev. 8. 5 7 8 c. see also Rev. 16. 18 19 21. And indeed usually God doth give warning before he executes severe judgments and thunders before he sends hail or orders a storm and lifteth up his hand in the view of men that they might see it before he strikes Isa 26. 10. Psal 7. 6. He puts men in fear that they might know themselves to be but men He persecutes them with his tempest and makes them afraid with his storm that they might seek his name and know that he whose name alone is Jeâ—ovah is the most High over all the earth Psal 83. 15 18. in this order the Psalmist thus imprecates Arise O Lord O God lift up thine hand to wit to give them warning And then after Break thou the arm of the evil and wicked man Psal 10. 12 15. Lightnings to give light to the world and to let them know and give them to understand that there is one that sits upon the supreme throne of government and rules in the army of heaven and amongst the inhabitants of the earth and that though his throne be in heaven yet verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth that they might fear and tremble before him and depart from iniquity Dan. 6. 26. with Prov. 16. 6. so it is said The lightnings lightned the world the earth trembled and shook Psal 77. 18. and again his lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled Psal 97. 4. and by his lightnings he is discomfiting and scattering his and his peoples enemies and testifying displeasure against such as will not kiss believe in and submit to his Son as witnessed and revealed by his servants the Prophets and Apostles So it is said He shot out lightnings and discomfited them Psal 18. 14 15. His judgments and the preparations thereto and forewarnings of greater are as the light that goeth forth to shew that God is angry and to discover mens sins that they might repent of them and turn from them Hos 6. 4 5 7. The just Lord will do no iniquity every morning doth he bring his judgment to light Zeph. 3. 5. And these lightnings are lightnings of the thunder as here thunderings are joined with them and as they are called Job 28. 26. and lightning of thunder to cause it to rain on the earth Job 38. 25 26. and lightnings â—or the rain Psal 135. 7. to signifie that there is a stoâ—m approaching And thundrings of his power Job 26. 14. in which his wonderful power is sounded forth and discovered Hence that challenge or demand Hast thou an arm like God or canst thou thunder with a voice like him Job 40. 9. By his thunderings he makes such stout-hearted ones as was Pharoah to be afraid and tremble and to humble themselves before him Exod. 9. 23 33. Job 40. 9 12. and by both expressions to wit lightnings and thunderings there is signified to us that it was a black day a gloomy day portending and preceding a storm that men might prepare to meet him Amos 4. 12. so when the Prophet saith A day of darkness and of gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness it is afterwards added Therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even unto me with all your heart c. Joel 2. 2 12 13. and to the same purpose it is also said by another Prophet That day is a day of wrath a day of trouble and distress a day of wastness and desolation a day of darkness and gloominess a day of clouds and thick darkness and then he exhorts Gather your selves together yea gather together O nation not desired Before the decree bring forth before the day pass as the chaff seek the Lord c. Zeph. 1. 14 15 18. and chap. 2. 1 2 3. And voices to wit loud and awakening calls in and with his judgments to the nations to awaken them and excite them to â—epentance Bâ—â—ause he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come tâ— repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9. Rev. 9. 20 21. Isa 26. 10. The Lords voice cryeth unto men in and with his judgments that they should do justly c. Miâ— 6. 8 10. Isa 33. 10 11. Hence when it is said His lightnings enlightned the world the earth saw and trembled the hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth then this voice presently follows and this monitory imprecation and good counsel is given Confounded be all they that serve grâ—ven images that boast themselves of idols worship him to wit the Lord Christ all ye gods Psal 97. 4 5 7. with Heb. 1. 4 6. And these lightnings and thunderings and voices proceeded out of the throne To instruct and teach us 1. That all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgments are ordered to us by him whole throne is established in the heavens and whose kingdom ruleth over all Psal 103. 19. He forms the light and
ascended up unto the right hand of God and received of the father the promise of the holy Spirit which also he hath shed forth and poured out upon his holy Apostles that by them the preaching might be fully known and they have used great plainness of speech and not as Moses who put a veiâ— over his face c. so as his Churches may all with open face behold the glory of the Lord c. 2 Cor. 3. 12 13 18. Act. 2. 17. and now they may arise and shine for their light is come Isa 59. 20 21. and chap. 60. 1 2. with Eph. 5. 14. and though among them that were born of women there had not risen a greater Prophet than John the Baptist Yet as our Saviour saith he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he Matth. 11. 11. the anointing which they have received abideth in them and they neâ—d not that any man teach them but as the same anointing teacheth them of all things and is truth and is no lye 1 John 2. 27. and thus we here understand this saying The living creatures the Church in the four quarters of the world were full of eyes full of quick-sighted men and full of understanding as hath been said and they are said to be full of eyes before and behind That is to say 1. Before To see and behold things before and so to behold Jesus Christ and him crucified who is before them and neerer to the throne than they Chap. 5. 6. They by faith see Jesus who by the grace of God tasted death for every man Heb. 2. 9. and herein perceive his love because he laid down his life for them 1 Joh. 3. 16. He is in the Gospel evidently set forth before their eyes as one who hath been crucified for them Gal. 3. 1. that they might rejoyce in him with joy unspeakable and â—ull of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. and always sing that new song of praise and thanksgiving Worthy is the lamb that was slain c. Rev. 5. 8 9 10. and to see and behold the glory which he hath received and is possessed of in our nature 2 Cor. 3. 18. and that now he appears in the presence of God for them they are come to Jesus the Media tour of the new Testament and to the blood of sprinkling which speaketh better things than the blood of Abel Hebr. 12. 24. Rev. 5. 6. 2. And in Jesus Christ to behold him that sits on the throne For he that seeth him seeth the father also he that knoweth him knoweth him that sent him John 12. 4â— 45. and chap 14. 6 7. 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. to behold in and through him his wisdom power holiness and justice and his great and wonderful love to manwaâ—d which he hath manifested in sending his only begotten son into the world to be the propitiation for our sins that we might live through him 1 John 4. 8 10 14. and his peculiar love to them that believe in Christ John 14 21 23. and how he sits upon the throne ruling over all and ordering all things for their good especially who love God Psal 103. 19. and 29. 10 11. Rom. 8. 28 32. Now they do â—â—â—h these eyes by faith see the King in his glory as Moses also dâ—â—â— Isa 33 16 17. with Hebr. 11. 27. 3. To behold the thundrings and lightnings and voices all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgment they see when a storm is coming that they may enter into the rock and hide themselves in the dust for fear of the Lord and for the glory of his majesty Isa 2. 10. for all storms and tempests all judgments and testimonies of displeasure proceed out of the throne which is before them See the Notes before on ver 5. and they who have their conversation by faith in Heaven may behold Gods hand when it is lifted up and meditate terrour Isa 33. 17 18. The prudent foresee the evil and hide themselves but the simple pass on and are punished Prov. 22. 3. and chap. 27. 12. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him c. Psal 25. 13 14. 4. To behold future things which shall be hereafter so our Saviour promised his disciples That the holy Spirit should guide them into all truth and shew them things to come John 16. 13. and thus haâ—h he done in this book of the Revelation which God gave unto Jesus Christ to shew unto his servants things which must come to pass Rev. 1. 1. and chap. 22. 6 16. and so with their eyes which are before they may behold the destruction of Mystery Babylon and of all that are enemies to and persist in rebellion against Jesus Christ and his Gospel and People Rev. 11. 18. and chap. 14. 8 11. and chaâ— 18. 19. and the coming of Christ with Clouds Rev. 1. 7. his coming again to raise them that sleep in him in the first resurrection and delivering them from all evil and enemies compleatly and gloriously and granting them to sit with him in his throne and to reign with him on earth Rev. 5. 9 10. and chap. 20. 21 22. they may now by faith look upon these things that are not seen and which are now revealed as in former times they were not 2 Cor. 4. 18. Hence whereas the Prophet speaking of the glory to be revealed saith Since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear neither hath the eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waits for him The Apostle citeth that Scripture saying Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But then he addeth hereto further and above what the Prophet had said But God hath revealed them to us by his spirit c. Compare Isa 64. 4. with 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11. to signifie to us thâ—â— these things are now manifested to us as they were not in foregoiâ—â—imes though yet as with respect to these things it must still be remembred that their sight and knowledg hereof is by faith and but in part 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. and they are instructed that when these things begin to come to pass they should look up and lift up their heads for their redemption draws nigh Luk 21. 28. 2. And these four living creatures are also full of eyes behind to know see and discern things which are over and past As to say a a little 1. To see into the types and shadows of the Law which are accomplished and opened to us in and by Jesus Christ they were a shadow of things to come but the body is of Christ Col. 2. 17. and which things are now revealed to us by Christ and his Apostles in the Gospel which hath by them been preached according to the revelation of the mystery The Law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jesus Christ
Joh. 1. 17. Col. 1. 26 27. Eph. 3. 3 10. and to behold all things in the Prophets which are now more openly made known in Gods speaking to us in these last days by his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things Heb. 1. 1 2 3. Acts 3. 22 23. Luk. 24. 25 27 44 45 46. 2. To behold the truth and fidelity of God in keeping and performing his Covenant and promise which he made to the Fathers in raising up an born of salvation in the house of his servant David as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets which have been since the world began Luk. 1. 54 55 69 73 74. God hath according to his promise raised up a Saviour Jesus and that promise which he made unto the fathers he hath fulfilled in that he hath raised up Jesus again Acts 13. 23 32 33. that they may trust safely in him for the future considering and beholding his faithfulness in what he hath accomplish'd Isa 55. 4. and with these eyes they may behold the personal abasement and sufferings of Christ and therein their wretched and miserable condition by nature and what dead sinful polluted ones they were when his kindness and love to manward appeared to them and how they were redeemed unto God from their vain conversation not by corruptible things as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ Eph. 2. 1 3 4 5 11 16. Tit. 3. 3 5. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. with Rev. 5. 9 10. and ch 1. 5 6. that they may admire the greatness of the love of Christ which passeth knowledg Eph. 3. 19. and glory in and of nothing but the cross of Christ Gal. 6. 14. and be cloathed with humility and even cover their faces with their wings reflecting upon and remembring their own vileness and great filthiness until washed ver 8. and might learn to pity and shew meekness unto all men Tit. 3. 2 3 4 5. 2. To behold how they are surrounded and encompassed about with the Bow with Gods truth and faithfulness in keeping the Covenant and mercy Deut. 7. 9 12. For all the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies Psal 25. 10. see the notes before on ver 3. and to see and behold an innumerable company of Angels to pitch their camps about them and to keep them in all their ways and to bear them up in their hands lest at any time they dash their feet against a stone Rev. 5. 11. and chap. 7. 11. with Psal 34. 7. and 91. 11. Heb. 1. 14. They may with these eyes behold these charets of fire round about them as Elishahs servant sometimes did 2 King 6. 15 17. or as Jacob when he was to pass through his brother Esau's land and to meet with him he saw the angels of God and said This is Gods host which was to encamp about and secure him Gen. 32. 1 2 3. which is greatly for their consolation and encouragement to wait on the Lord and keep his way Psal 91. 1 3 11. And to behold the sea of glaâ—s see the notes before on the former part of this verse yea indeed with these eyes they may behold all things for their good and which are needful to be known by them a little whereof we have been speaking of In this House of the Lord they may behold his beauty and enquire into his holy temple and in the time of trouble he will hide them as in a pavilion Upon such account the Pâ—almist prefers a day in Gods Courts before a thousand and did chuse rather to â—it upon the threshold in the house of his God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness for saith he the Lord God is a sun to enlighten and comfort him and a shield to defend and protect him he will give grace and glory no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Psal 27. 4 5. and 84. 10 12. and 91. 1 4. Ver. 7. And the first living creature was like a lyon and the second living creature like a calf and the third living creature had a face as a man and the fourth living creature was like a flying Eagle In this Verse are described unto us the likenesses of these four living creatures before spoken of or their appearances in this vision they had these four likenesses or appearances either 1. With respect unto the four ensigns or standards of the four camps of that one Israel of old in which as is frequently said there were these four likenesses the likeness of a Lyon in Judah's Ensign Hence it is said The Lyon of the Tribe of Judah Numb 2. 2 3. with Gen. 49. 9. and Rev. 5. 5. The likeness of a Calf or Ox Psal 106. 19 20. or Bullock in Ephraims Ensign as it is said His glory is like the firstling of his bullock c. Numb 2. 18. with Deut. 33. 17. The likeness of a man in Reubens Ensign Numb 2. 10. The likeness of an Eagle in Dan's Ensign Numb 2. 25. And though a learned man Dr. H. saith on ver 6. these four living creatures refer not to the Camps or encamping of Israel yet here he approves of these four likenesses to have respect to the four likenesses in Israels Ensigns or Standards And surely great respect is had in this Book to Israel after the flesh who were our types as we have occasionally often noted And indeed these four living creatures are the Israel of God as also we have said Gal. 6. 15 16. And we may also say The four living creatures ver 6. being so called with allusion to the four Camps of Israel and here their four appearances having respect unto the likenesses of their four Standards Ensigns or Flags so we may learn from hence that Christs Church on earth is his Army his Saints are his Warriers Hence it is said unto every one of the seven Churches in chap. 2. and chap. 3. To him that overcometh c. Psal 20. 5. Christs Spouse is beautiful as â—irzah which was the City of the Kings of Israel in which they kept their Courts 1 King 14. 17. and chap. 15. 33. and chap. 16. 8 9 15 23. As she is the City of the great King of Israel comely as Jerusalem which is builded as a City that is compact together Psal 122. 3. and terrible as an army with banners Cant. 6. â—4 10. His Church is his Host which is set for the defence and confirmation of his Gospel to be valiant for the truth upon the earth Jer. 9. 3. To stand fast in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel and in nothing terrified by her adversaries Phil. 1. 27 28. To contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints against the flesh the world and the devil Jude 3. see the notes before on chap. 2. ver 7. 2. Or they have these four likenesses with allusion to those
Matth. 28. 18. John 3. 35. with Chap. 10. 17 18. and Chap. 5. 20-22-27 Because he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the Cross therefore also hath God exalted him Phil. 2. 6-8 9. Rev. 3. 21. Herein Judah prevailed above his Brethren 1 Chron. 5. 2. And by his Sacrifice and Mediation he thus prevailed with him that sate on the Throne he gave himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice unto God for a sweet-smelling savour Eph. 5. 2. And in the virtue thereof now mediates And whatever he doth ask of God he will give it him he hears him always John 11. 22-41 42. having accepted his burnt-sacrifice he grants him according to his own heart fulfils all his Counsel and all his Petitions gives him his hearts desire and with-holds not the request of his lips Psal 21. 3-5 and 20. 1-3 And all the Keys are given to him the Keys of Hell and Death See notes on Chap. 1. ver 18. The Keys of the House of David so as he openeth and none shutteth and shutteth and none openeth See the notes before on Chap. 3. ver 7 and 8. And here the Keys to open this Book and loose the seven Seals thereof Verse 6. And I beheld and lo in the midst of the Throne and of the four living Creatures and in the midst of the Elders stood a Lamb as if it had been slaâ—n having seven horns and seven eyes which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth In this Verse we have to consider for our usefulness 1. The Apostle's ready compliance with and obedience unto the Counsel of the Elder before given him And I beheld 2. The Person or Object which he saw And loe a Lamb stood as it had been slain 3. Where he saw this Lamb In the midst of the Throne and of the four living Creatures and in the midst of the Elders 4. What this Lamb had Having seven Horns and seven Eyes which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the Earth 1. The Apostles ready compliance with and chearful obedience unto the Counsel of the Elder before given to him And I beheld In ver 5. The Elder said unto him Behold that is See Compare 1 Chron. 7. 1. with 2 Sam. 7 2. And here saith he I beheld or looked Indeed he sometimes did so before he was called upon or commanded as Chap. 4. 1. and Chap. 14. 1-14 and 15. 5 c. But now especially it did behove him when he was so counselled and provoked and it was expected from him that he should look and accordingly it was readily found with him also that he looked And in the opening of the Seals particularly when he was called upon to see he then saw beheld or looked as Chap. 6. 1. 2-5-7 So did Ezekiel also and other Prophets Ezek. 1. 3 4. and Chap. 2. 8 9 c. And thongh this Elder was but a Fellow-Servant yet John did not therefore despise him knowing that he that receives whomsoever he sends receiveth Christ and he that receiveth him receiveth him that sent him John 13. 20. So it is also good and needful for us when we are called upon to behold God's Servant whom he hath upheld his Elect One in whom his Soul delighteth Esa 42. 1. and Chap. 45. 22. and 18. 3. that as we are prevented with power and capacity we obey the Call and Counsel and open our Eyes so shall we be satisfied with bread Prov. 20. 12 13. and if we do not we are guilty of Rebellion for it is a rebellious iniquity to have Eyes to see and yet not to see with them Jer. 5. 18-23 Ezek. 12. 2 3. and greatly provokes Christ to anger Hence he saith to his Disciples Perceive ye not yet neither understand have ye your hearts yet hardned having eyes see ye not Mark 8. 17 18. Matth. 13. 11-13 And if we make use of our eyes and look when we are called upon so to do we shall have more and more revealed to us Matth. 13. 11 12-16-18 Isa 32. 3. Dan. 2. 21 22. Yea though but a Messenger of Christ's call upon us so to do in his Name yet let us receive and obey his good counsel Matth. 10. 40. Luke 10. 16. And let us not say they are men also and subject to Infirmities and Passions but consider in whose Name and on whose Errand they come And believe we and obey his Prophets and Messengers so shall we prosper 2 Chro. 20. 20. Exod. 16. 2-7 8. 2. The Person or Object which he saw And loe a Lamb stood as it had been slain In ver 5. He is thus described The Lion of the Tribe of Judah c. But here he beheld a Lamb. The Lion is also a Lamb. But now here we may consider for our Instruction 1. The Object that he saw A Lamb. 2. We have an account how he saw him As it had been slain 3. The Posture in which he saw him stood 1. The Object it self which the Apostle John saw A Lamb. Now by this Lamb without controversie is meant and intended Jesus Christ the Son of God the Saviour of the world And this Title the Baptist had given unto him and made him known by to the Jews saying Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world This is he of whom I said After me cometh a man which is preferred before me Again looking upon Jesus as he walked he saith Behold the Lamb of God Joh. 1. 28 29 30 35 36. And this we shall have further occasion to shew 1. Now he hath this Title of A Lamb given unto him 1. To denote and signifie to us that he is that Lamb for a Burnt-offering that hath been slain for us as it doth after follow here in this place and Verse 9. He is the truth of our Types in former times Under the Law this was one thing which God gâ—ve in charge to his people Thou shalt offer upon the Altar two Lambs of the first year day by day continually the one Lamb thou shalt offer in the morning and the other Lamb thou shalt offer in the evening c. Exod. 29. 38 42. Numb 38. 3 4. Now of that typical Burnt-offering this Lamb to wit Jesus Christ is the truth who was slain in the morning virtually even from the foundation of the World Rev. 13. 8. He is that Lamb who verily was â—ore-ordained before the foundation of the world 1 Pet. 1. 20. the Hind of the morning Psal 22. Title and verse 1-16 That Lamb which God prepared himself for a Burnt-offering Gen. 22. 8 9-18 And he was manifested and actually slain in the evening of the world even in these last times 1 Pet. 1. 19 20. Once in the end of the world he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Hebr. 9. 26. The Law had but a shadow of good things to come wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith
but with singing and rejoicing glorifie the Lord and render his praise glorious And this certainly is the proper and direct meaning of the expression here And if we take in both we may truly say the prayers and praises of Saints are Harps such as â—â—e delightful to the Lord and make sweet melody in his ears sweet is their voice therein Cant. 2. 14. Eph. 5. 18 19 20. And they are also likened and compared to Phials golden Phials because Phials are proper to contain some liquid thing and of these it is said golden Phials full of odours oâ— incense Now here we may enquire and consider what are these odours here spoken of To which we may say they are not properly the prayers of Saints for the word which is of the feminine gender and cannot agree with odours which word is of the neâ—ter but agrees with Harps and immediately and most properly with Phials the Harps and Phials are the prayers the odours something wherewith the prayers are filled or whereof they are full and distinct from the prayers Hence it is said there was given unto the Angel much incense or many odours that he should offer with or add to the prayers of all Saints Rev. 8. 3 4. But we may say there was under the Law direction given by the Lord â—o Moses the Mediator of that first Testament 1. To make an ointment an holy ointment of sweet fragrant odoriferous spices as it is said The Lord spake unto Moses saying take thou unto thee principal or head-spices of pure myrrâ— or myrrâ— of liberty sweet cinamon sweet calamus cassia c. And thou shalt make an oyl of holy ointment And with this the Priests were to be anointed and the Altar Vessels Candlestick c. Exod. 30. 22-23 and indeed this ointment was very sweet and full of odours and would send â—orth a sweet perfume Prov. 7. 17. and is signified in the type and Truth sometimes to be in a box or Phial as here 1 Sam. 10. 1. Cant. 1. 3. And hereby was typed forth the holy Spirit in the gifts and graces thereof wherewith Christ was immeasurably anointed Joh. 3. 34. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me saith he because â—e hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor c. Luk. 4. 18. Act. 10. 38. God his God anointed him with the oyl of gladness above his fellows Heb. 1. 8 9. And herewith also his Saints and holy ones are anointed Psal 133. 1-3 They have an unction from the holy oâ—e and they know all things 1 Joh. 2. 20 27. 2 Cor. 1. 2 1. And it is needful that all their prayers and praises should be anointed herewith with these odours of his Spirit Likewise also the spirit helpeth our infiâ—mities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for the Saints according to God Rom. 8. 26 27. Hence the believers are exhorted to pray in the holy Spirit Ephes 6. 18. Jude v. 20 21. and the sacrifices acceptable to God are such as are sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15. 16 17. with Exod. 30. 23-26-33 and the Apostle thus exhoâ—ts the believers Be ye filled with the spirit speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord c. to signifie that in being filled with this heavenly oyl or ointment their praises would be full of odours Eph. 5. 18-20 Col. 3. 16. And the sacrifices which are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ are such as are directed unto filled and sanctified by the holy Spirit and so made and called spiritual sacrifices 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Psal 16. 3 4. 2. More directly by these odours may be meant incense as also it is exprest in the Margent and in Rev. 8. 3 4. and herein relation is also had to that incense under the Law that immediately mentioned and directed unto after the holy ointment fore-spoken of as it is said The Lord said unto Moses take unto thee sweet spices Stacte a Gum as is said droping from the Myrrh-tree and Onicha and Galbanum these sweet spices with pure frankincense And thou shalt make a perfume and confection after the art of the Apothecary tempered together pure and holy Exod. 30. 34 35 36 37 38. Which incense or sweet perfume was daily to be burnt as it is said Aaron shall burn upon the altar of Incense sweet incense or incense of spices every morning when he dresseth the lamps he shall burn incense upon it and when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even he shall burn incense upon it a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations Exod. 30. 7 8. And herewith Aaron made atonement and intercessions Numb 16. 46-48 and this incense as it seems was burnt with or when their daily offerings were offered Jer. 17. 26. and 41. 5. 2 Chron. 13. 5. to make them acceptable And suâ—ely this incense was a type of the Intercession of Christ who makes Intercession for transgressors Isa 53. 12. And ever lives to make intercession for them that come to God by him and is therefâ—re able to save them to the uttermost Heb. 7. 25. And as in former times at the hour of prayer to wit as it seems at the time of the Evening oblaâ—ion when the people were praying without the Priest was burning incense within that their prayers might ascend with the smoke of the incense or sweet perfume and so come up with acceptance before God Dan. 9. 21. with Luk. 1. 9-11 and Act. 3. 1. So now Jesus Christ by the sweet odours and incense of his sacrifice and intercession doth perâ—ume the prayers and praises of the Saints and so makes them acceptable to God Rev. 8. 3 4. 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 13. 15 16. Whereto the Prophet David as it seems refers when he saith Let my prayer be set forth before thee we read as incense but as is put in by the Translators and so we may first thus read it with incense and the lifting up of mine hands with the evening-sacrifice Their incense and evening-sacrifice being as offered together as we have said so a type of the oblation and intercession of Christ who in the evening of the world died yea rather is risen again who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Rom. 8. 34 and so by means of his oblation and interceâ—sion we may secondarily read those words of the Psalmist as they are ordinarily read Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense c. Psal 141. 2. Maâ— 1. 11. 1. Now we may here see how we have in truth and by way of excellency and eminency what they had in the type and figure in former times they had holy ointment incense odours and so have we but ours are more excellent and wonderfully preferred before what they had under the Law 2. We may hence also understand and discern whence it
all most â—avourably concerning his poor Creatures for he is Charity 1 Cor. 13. 4 8. So with respect to the Heathen that have not heard distinctly of Christ if they according to the means vouchsafed do believe that God is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him diligently they shall be accepted of him Act. 10. 34. Rom. 2. 26 29. Heb. 11. 6. Luke 12. 47 48. Jer. 49. 11. At the time of Mens ignorance God winketh at them â—ees and observes not Act. 17. 30. with Isay 42. 19 21. So he graciously excuses the evils of his Creatures in their infirmities so far is he from aggravating them as we are too apt to be thus when his People hearkened not the reason is given it was because of their anguish of Spirit and cruel Bondage Exod. 6. 9. So when Peter James and John slept and lost such an opportunity as they never had again our Saviour after he had meekly propounded a Question to them in which intimately he shews their evil and reproves them for it yet preâ—ently thus excuseth or extenâ—ateth it saying The Spirit indeed is willing but the Flesh is weak Mat. 26. 40 41. So with respect to Creatures that have no understanding It is said of the Ostrich She is hardned against her young ones as though they were not hers But then presently the Holy Ghost acquaints us with the reason thereof to wit because God hath deprived her of wisdom neither hath he imparted to her understanding Job â—9 13 16. And if God be so gracious in his interpretations of the doing of his poor Creatures here in general yea and puts the most savourable construction upon what the mute and brute Creatures do how much rather will he do so towards them that come unto him by Christ He will not break the bruised Reed Isay 40. 10 11. and 42. 1 4. not condemn them for what they do thorow weakness or violence of temptation Deut. 22. 23 27. Isay 35. 3 5. Rom. 7. 17 20. And if â—here be first a willing mind it is accepted according to that a Man hath and not according to that he hath not 2 Cor. 8. 12. He that reputes the mute and brute Creatures instâ—â—ct a calling to and waiting upon him and preserves them and provides for them and cloaâ—â—s the Grass of the Field will he not much rather hear them and fulfil their desires who call upon him who call upon him in truth preserve them and provide for and cloath them for they are much better and highlier valued by him than these mute and brute Creatures and will most graciously and charitably interpret all their sayings and doings Ps 145. 15 18 19. Mat. 6. 26 30. Luke 12. 5 6 7 24 28. 4. Yea we may take notice also that they render the same blessing honour glory and power unto the Lamb as unto him that sitteth upon the Throne Him God hath set over the works of his hands who by his grace tasted death for every Man and put all things under his feet All Sheep and Oxen yea and the Beasts of the Field the Fowls of the Air and Fishes of the Sea and whatsoever passeth thorow the Paths of the Sea Psal 8. 5 8. with Heb. 2. 7 9. And they vote and render the same excellencies to him as to him on the Throne whereto the four living Creatures say Amen v. 14. for he is one with the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. So the Palm-bearing Saints cryed with a loud voice saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb whereto all the Angels said Amen Rev. 7. 9 10. For indeed though as with respect to his human nature and as our Mediator the Father is greater than he Joh. 14. 28. yet according to his divine consideration he is equal with the Father Phil. 2. 6. And when he saith the Father is greater than all even than himself as the Son of Man yet then he presently adds I and the Father are one to wit according to his divine nature Joh. 10. 29 30. for he is indeed the true God and eternal Life He who gave himself for us is the great God and our Saviour Tit. 2. 15 14. See Notes before on v. 8. And therefore he is to be adored praised trusted in called upon lived unto c. by us And well might the inferiour Creatures vote and ascribe Blessing honour c. to him for so all the Saints and Angels also do as we have seen before v. 8 12. 4. How long do they vote and ascribe these things to him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb And that is for ever and ever even to all eternity so they do to him that sits upon the Throne for he shall sit upon it for ever and ever The Lord shall râ—ign for ever and ever Exod. 15. 18. Ps 10. 16. See 1 Chron. 16. 36. and 29. 10. Nehem. 9. 5. Ps 145. 1 2 21. Phil. 4. 20. 1 Tim. 1. 17. And unto the Lamb who is alive for evermore Rev. 1. 18. Ps 21. 4. and whose Throne is for ever and ever therefore shall he be praised for ever and ever Ps 45. 6. with v. 17. Gal. 1. 5. 2 Tim. 4. 18. 2 Pet. 3. 18. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Rev. 1. 5 6. Verse 14. And the four living Creatures said Amen And the twenty four Elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever In this Verse we have declared to us what was said and done by the four living Creatures and twenty four Elders as consequential to and following after that spoken in v. 13. 1. As with respect to the four living Creatures And the four living Creatures said Amen to wit unto that which was voted and ascribed unto him who sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever Now their saying Amen may inform and assure us 1. That the four living Creatures confirm the truth of that Doxology made by every Creature to wit that the Blessing and the Honour and the Glory and the Power ought of right to be given by all Creatures according to their nature and kind to him that sits upon the Throne and unto the Lamb and the same to him as to the Father and that for ever and ever So the word Amen is frequently a word of confirmation or setting the Seal as it were to the truth or rightness of that which is asserted pronounced or said as when our Lord saith I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen this is a true and faithful saying Rev. 1. 18. Thus under the Law persons who were guilty said Amen to the curse confessing they were accursed ones by Nature and notwithstanding their own works of Righteousness for as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse Deut. 27. 15 26. with Gal. 3. 10. Numb 5. 22. Christ calls himself The Amen to wit the faithful and true witness and
this is a title given to God the God Amen or the God of truth Isay 65. 16. for the word Amen signifies truth or faithfulness And so the four living Creatures do by their saying Amen as it were say this is a right and faithful saying and acknowledgment they signifie that that was true which was spoken by all Creatures in Heaven and Earth c. though they were mute and brute Creatures 2. Together with the former Amen signifies not only or simply a confirmation of the truth and faithfulness of that spoken but also sometimes an owning liking and approbation thereof as Rev. 7. 10 12. and 19. 4. And so very usually and frequently and so here with readiness and chearfulness the four living Creatures say Amen when the mute and brute Creatures celebrate the praises of God and Christ believing the Blessing and Honour and Glory c. belong to them and shall arrive at them in due season And so should we consent to and own and approve the truth by whomsoever it be spoken or declared Joh. 4. 17. Acts 17. 28. Phil. 1. 15 18. Tit. 1. 12 13. 3. Together with the former Amen at the close and conclusion of Prayers Praises c. is as much as a Prayer Vote or Desire that such or such a thing should be or come to pass so here when the living Creatures say Amen it is as much as to say they approve that which was spoken by every Creature ver 13. and it is their hearty desire and vote it should be accomplished or always done so usually the People answered Amen at the end of Prayers or Praises 1 Chron. 16. 36. Neh. 5. 13. and 8. 6. Psal 106. 48. So the Prophet David when he saith Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting he presently adds Amen and Amen that is so let it be Psal 41. 13. and 72. 19. and 89. 53. so Amen is rendred with us so be it Jer. 11. 2 5. And the Prophet Jeremy saith to that which he desired but believed not Amen the Lord do so the Lord perform the words which thou hast prophesied c. chap. 28. 5 7. so our Saviour instructs his disciples in that Doctrine and Rule of right Prayer to say for thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever Amen Matth. 6. 13. And so Amen is as much as an earnest Prayer Vote or Desire in the Epistles generally Rev. 1. 7. Now here in that the four Creatures say Amen to what every Creature said we may learn from hence 1. That the living Creatures also heard by Faith or by the word of faith what every Creature which is in Heaven c. said and so certainly we may see and hear in and by the Holy Scriptures with the Eyes and Ears of our Soul what we cannot with our bodily ones 2 Cor. 4. 18. and 5. 7. Heb. 2. 9. and 11. 27. So we may now and ought to hear Jesus Christ who is in Heaven and speaketh to us from thence Acts 3. 22 23. Heb. 12. 25. And when the Apostle propounds that question But I say have they not heard yes verily saith he But how proves he that surely by citing a Scripture referring unto the words or sound of the works of Gods Creation and Providence for it follows Their sound went into all the Earth and their words unto the ends of the World Rom. 10. 18. with Psal 19. 1 2 3 4. In that the four living Creatures now say Amen we may learn that they do occupy the place of the unlearned for so did such as said Amen as the Apostle signifieth when he saith How shall he that occupieth the place of the unlearned say Amen c. 1 Cor. 14. 16. this was usually their word the word of the People as distinguished from the Priests Neh. 8. 6. Deut. â—7 14 15 26. Prophet or Speaker Ps 106. 48. Neh. 5. 13. So all the Angels say Amen to the Doxology of the Palm-bearing multitude Rev. 7. 10 11 12. And the four and twenty Elders and four living Creatures unto that of the much People in Heaven which said Alleluja Rev. 19. 1 2 3 4. 1. Herein then we may see the great humility of the four living Creatures they do not disdain to hear joyn with and say Amen unto that which is good though it be uttered and spoken by such as are greatly below and very much inferiour to them It was great Humility in Apollos who was an eloquent Man mighty in the Scriptures to receive instruction and information from Aquila who was a Tent-maker and Priscilla his Wife Acts. 18. 24 25. But it seems to be greater in these four living Creatures to say Amen to what the mute and brute Creatures say however it is so to learn of such And yet we should not disdain to receive instruction from the lowest and meanest Creatures Isay 40. 26 28. Prov. 6. 6 8 11. and ch 30. 24 25 26 27 28. Jer. 8. 7 8 9. Psal 145. 15 16 18 20. Mat. 6. 26 31. 2. In that here every Creature which is in Heaven and in the Earth c. begins in rendring blessing and praise whereto the four living Creatures say Amen we may learn that they are not always the most excellent who begin in rendring his praise glorious who sitteth upon the Throne c. as also was noted before See the Notes on ch 4. ver 10. 2. We have also an account given us what was done by the four and twenty Elders And the four and twenty Elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever We have spoken before to all this latter part of the Verse unto the acts of their own VVorship and their expression of greater humility therein than in the acts of the four living Creatures As also to the description of the Object of their VVorship to wit Him that liveth for ever and ever See the Notes before on chap. 4. ver 9. and ver 10. Only here we may note that whereas by this Phrase Him that liveth for ever and ever he is intended who sitteth upon the throne as distinguished from the Lamb as our Mediator and High-Priest as chap. 4. 9 10. and chap. 10. 6. In this place it appears to be spoken of the Lamb also for in ver 13. every Creature was heard saying Blessing and honour and glory and power unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever whereto the four living Creatures say Amen so be it And the four and twenty Elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever namely Him that sitteth upon the Throne and the Lamb also for surely he is included in this Description and intended hereby And indeed He liveth and was dead and behold he is alive for evermore Rev. 1. 18. Job 19. 25. Heb. 7. 8 16. 1 Pet. 1. 23. And He is therefore able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intecession for them Heb. 7. 24 25 26 28. Joâ— 14. 19. FINIS