string that they might privily shoot at the upright in Heart and were saying unto them If the Foundations be destroyed what can the righteous do The Lord say the upright is in his Holy Temple the Lords Throne is in Heaven his Eyes behold his Eye lids try the Children of Men Ps 11. 1 3 4. Jer. 18. 22 23. See the notes before on ch 1. v. 14. 2. All the Churches shall know that he searcheth the Reins and Hearts by the Judgments which he will execute on Seducers and Idolatrous-ones Now they shall know it in some measure The Lord is known by the Judgments he executeth the Wicked is insuared in the work of his own hands Ps 9. 6. His Judgments are as the light that goeth forth Hos 6. 5. And by his present Judgments he doth many times make himself known to be one that searcheth the Hearts and trieth the Reins in that he severely punisheth and testifies displeasure against such as appear outwardly to be right worshippers as Jezebel and her Paramours might do as it appeareth by this description he gives of himself and yet inwardly consult to cast him down from his excellency reject his sayings and worship some other God besides God in Christ or set up some stumbling-block of Iniquity before their Eyes or in their Hearts See Ezek. 13. 9 10. c. and ch 14. 3 8. to the end his people may not secretly pollute his name or confederate with such evil teachers or doers Ezek. 39. 6 7. nor listen to such false teachers Ezek. 14. 8 11. But wash their feet in the blood of the wicked Ps 58. 9 10. Acts 5. 1 14. and hereafter they shall fully know that he is he which searcheth the reins and hearts when the wicked shall be turned into Hell and all the nations that forget God Ps 9. 16 17. Then there will be the revelation of the righteous judgment of God he will then bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the heart Rom. 2. 5 6. 1 Cor. 4. 5. We have nextly to consider the impartiality of Christ in his retributions and rewards and I will give to every one of you according to his works Not only will I thus deal with Jezabel her companions and Children But I will give to every one of you according to your works as if Christ should say he will thus render unto every Man even according to his works The work of a Man will he render unto him and cause every Man to find according to his ways Job 34. 11. shall not he render to every Man according to his works Prov. 24. 12. Ezek. 7. 27. Ps 62. 12. Rom. 2. 6. But not only will he thus deal with every Man but also he will give to every one of and in his Churches according to their works 1. He will give to every one of the Angels of the Churches according to their works for all that is sent to the Churches is expressly directed to every Angel to be by him communicated to the Church Now he exactly takes notice of the works of those messengers of their doings who labour amongst and are over their Brethren in the Lord and he will render unto every one of them according thereto As the Apostle Paul saith of himself and his fellow-labourers We must all appear before the judgement-seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his Body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5. 10. 2. And he will give to every one of them according to their deeds for he is one who without respect of persons judgeth according to every Man's work 1 Pet. 1. 17. he will impartially render to every one of these also for he is no respecter of persons nor taker of rewards to blind his eyes withal And he will give to every one of both the Angels and Churches according to their works be they good or evil and not according to their Persons or professions he will bring every work into judgment with every secret thing whether it be good or bad Eccles 12. 14. and according thereto he will reward them in the day of judgment That is unto those who have received and held fast Christ's works which he wrought for them and in them and in a patient continuance in well-doing have been seeking Glory and Honour and immortality he will render eternal life But unto them who have been contentious and have not obeyed the truth but obeyed unrighteousness he will render in dignation and wrath Tribulation and anguish upon every Soul of Man that doeth evil for there is no respect of Persons with him Rom. 2. 6 7 8 11. But thus he will render to every Man according as their works shall be Rev. 22. 12. and not according to what they now are unless he continue the same When a righteous Man turneth away from his righteousness and commits iniquity shall he live all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned in his trespass that he hath trespassed and in his sin that he hath â—inned in them shall he dye And if the wicked will turn away from all his sins and do that which is lawful and right he shall surely live he shâ—ll not dye All his transgressions that he hath committed they shall not be montioned unto him In his righteousness that he hath done he shall live Ezek. 18. 21 28. and ch 33. 12 19. Now from hence we may note for our instruction 1. That there shall be a resurrection of the dead both of the just and unjust for this necessarily precedes the eternal judgment in which he will reward all men according to their deeds so we have an account given first of the resurrection and then it is said they were judged every Man according to their works Rev. 20. 11 13. Heb. 6. 2. All that are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of Man and shall come forth they that have done good to the resurrection of life and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation Joh. 5. 27. 28 29 Acts 24. 15 16. 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. 2. That Then Christ will be the Judge he is ordâ—ined to be the judg of quick and dead Acts 10. 42. Every knee shall bow to him and every tongue shall confess to God So that every one shall give an account of himself to God Rom. 14. 9 10 12. Mat 25. 30 31. and then he will bring every work into judgmeâ—t Eccâ—s 12. 14. 3. He even Christ will then render to every one according to his works as our Saviour saith The Son of Man shall come in theâ— Glory of his Father with his Angels And then he will reward every Man according to his works Mat. 16. 27. And he will judge them according to the ruâ—e of the glorious Gospel Rom. 2. 16. Mark 16. 16. 4. Then it shall most â—â—â—arly appâ—ar thâ—â— he 〈◊〉 the
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
is called upon to hear c. See the Notes before on v. 3. and on ch 2. v. 7. And it was to be sent directly and expresly to the seven Churches in Asia the less many of whom it may seem were turned from Paul 2 Tim. 1. 15. yet Christ leaves them not but seeks their good Mat. 21. 35 36. Now he orders another to them Paul was an Instrument of preaching the Gospel to them at the first Acts 19. 10. And now he sends another to instruct admonish reprove comfort recover them He who is not willing that any should perish is more unwilling that any of those little ones that believe in him should perish Mat. 18. 14. One may plant and another water 1 Cor. 3. 5 8. One begin and another finish and all to help forward the Church Gal. 2. 9. To Ephesus which might be the chief City of Asia the less Smyrna not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture but in this Book nor Pergamus nor Thyatira but Acts 16. 14. nor Philadelphia Laodicea Col. 2. 1. and ch 4. 13 16. all of them chief Cities as some say Verse 12. And I turned to see the Voice that spake with me and being turned I saw seven Golden Candlesticks 1. In this Verse we have an account given unto us of the carriage and demeanour of the Apostle referring unto v. 10. and 11. He turned to see the Voice that spake with him He turned He was not regardless and careless thereof Zech. 5. 1. and ch 6. 1. And it is good for us to mind and set our hearts unto his words and sayings And though it were a mighty Voice as of a Trumpet and such an one as might have terrified and affrighted him and caused him to have run away and to have hid himself as they did Dan. 10. 6 7. yet he turned the Lord strengthened and emboldened him 2. We have here some beginning of what he in Vision saw which he was commanded to write in a Book v. 11. And being turned I saw seven Golden Candlesticks Where we may enquire and consider 1. What are the seven Candlesticks here spoken of 2. Why are they called and compared to Candlesticks 3. In what respects are they said to be Golden Candlesticks 1. What are the seven Golden Candlesticks here spoken of To this we need not nor shall enlarge our Lord doth plainly open to us what is signified to us thereby when he openeth this mystery and saith The seven Candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven Churches Rev. 1. 20. To wit the seven Churches in Asia whom the Apostle doth salute v. 4. and which are particularly named v. 11. 2. Why are these Churches called and compared to Candlesticks 1. Because they are to bear forth the light unto and before others to wit the word of life or Christ in the Gospel the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ and thus they were to shine forth and to be as lights in the World Phil. 2. 13 16. Luke 12. 35. 2 Cor. 4. 4. as in our Types the Candlestick was for the light Exod. 35. 14. Numb 4. 9. So Christ's Churches are Candlesticks to bear the light Prov. 6. 23. And this they are to do In Word and Confession Phil. 2. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 9. and ch 4. 10. Rom. 10. 9 10. This liberty Christ hath given them to be teachers of others and one of another according to their measure of knowledge and proportion of Faith to edifie one another on their most Holy Faith 1 Thes 5. 11. Heb. 3. 13. and ch 10. 23 25. and ch 4. 14. nay not only they may but they ought to hold forth the truth and be teachers 1 Tim. 3. 15. Heb. 3. 1. and ch 5. 12. And they are also to bear and shine forth this excellent light In Conversation to have their Conversation as becometh the Gospel of Christ Phil. 1. 27. to let their light so shine before men that they seeing their good works may glorifie their Father which is in Heaven And indeed in walking uprightly according to the truth of the Gospel they shall also shine as lights Phil. 2. 14 15. walk as Children of light Eph. 5. 8. The way of the just is as the shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day Prov. 4. 18. 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and ch 3. 1. 16. This is the proper use of Candlesticks 2. They are called Candlesticks to denote that they are not light in themselves nor can enlighten others or be instruments of good one to another unless the Word of Christ be received and entertained by them they must continually hold forth that or else they can be of no usefulness as Candlesticks what use is the Candlestick of unless a light be in it A Candlestick without that cannot light others Truly they can do nothing without Christ though they are light yet it is not in themselves but in the Lord Joh. 15. 4 5. Eph. 5. 1. Col. 3. 16. If any say but the Angels are called and compared to Stars and they are light bodies and have the light abiding in them and so the Angels are always herein useful to give light but not the Churches which are Candlesticks To that I say These Metaphorical Expressions are not to be extended too far The most eminent Instruments and Ministers of Christ have nothing but what they have received and do receive from Christ the Sun of Righteousness The most eminent Instruments may say and confess as that famous Apostle of the Gentiles doth that they are not sufficient of themselves to think any thing as of themselves but their sufficiency is of God 1 Cor. 4. 2 7. 2 Cor. 3. 3 5. And though the Ministers are here called Stars yet the Prophets are called elsewhere Candlesticks Rev. 11. 4. And though here the Churches are called Candlesticks yet elsewhere the Saints in general are said to be the Light of the World Mat. 5. 14. and to be light in the Lord Eph. 5. 8. and are exhorted to shine as lights in the World Phil. 2. 15. but neither the one nor the other have light in themselves as of themselves but of the fulness of Christ they all receive and Grace for Grace Joh. 1. 14 16. 3. Candlesticks they are compared to to instruct us that their usefulness as such and as distinct Bodies and Societies one from another is but in this dark World as it were and while themselves also see but thorow a Glass darkly as in our Types of old 2 Chron. 13. 11. When the new Jerusalem shall come down from God out of Heaven the Glory of God shall lighten it and the Lamb shall be the light thereof Rev. 21. 23. and they shall not need such Mediums as now they do There shall be no night there and they shall need no Candle nor light of the Sun nor Moon Rev. 21. 24. and ch 22. 5 6. Isay 60. 1 3 19 20. The Sun of Righteousness shall then arise gloriously Mal. 4. 2. and
are right upright ways Acts 13. 10. and so are all his walkings in his Churches and as the King of Saints as they confess just and true are thy ways thou King of Saints Rev. 15. 3 He is just and faithful in forgiving them their Sins who confess them 1 Joh. 1. 9. In justifying them and dispensing good things to them Rom. 3. 25 26. gracious is the LORD and righteous Ps 116. 5. and in all his protectings of them as for God his way is perfect He is a Buckler to all those that trust in him Ps 18. 30. Deut. 32. 4. and so the ways of his judgments are clear and free from all pollution and unrighteousness as the Psalmist acknowledged when he was judged Against thee thee only have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest and be clear when thou judgest Ps 51. 4. All his works are truth and his ways judgment Dan. 4. 37. and so in all the administration of his Government in being merciful with the merciful shewing himself upright with the upright man and froward with the froward he is clear and without iniquity in all Ps 18. 25 30. his ways are equal and equitable in all his judgment both present and eternal as he saith Is not my way equal Ezek. 18. 24 25. and ch 33. 12 20. Hos 14. 8. and without respect of persons he judgeth according to every Man's work 1 Pet. 1. 17. 2. Like unto fine Brass or polished Brass So clear as that a Man may see himself and his ways and goings therein as a man may see his Face in fine or polished Brass and so in former times they made Looking-glasses of Brass Exod. 38. 8. Job 37. 18. So by the light of his Testimony we may see our selves and behold other things in his feet ways and walkings So we may see when a Man's ways please the LORD he maketh his Enemies to be at Peace with him Prov. 16. 7. When that good Man was ready to be offended at God's ways and doings and thought to know them it was too painful until he went into the Sanctuary and then he did see the goings of the Lord and his end therein c. Ps 73. 1 17. and 77. 6 13. His judgments and his way therein are as the light that we may search and try our ways and judge our selves that we be not further or more severely judged Lam. 3. 39 42. Hos 6. 5. 1 Cor. 11. 28 31. When Men are bound in Fetters and holden in Cords of affliction then he sheweth them their Work and their Transgressions that they have exceeded He openeth also their Ear to Discipline and commandeth that they return from iniquity Job 33. 18 28. and ch 36. 8 10. He is writing Mens Sins on his Judgments and their Punishments that they might say we have sinned and have perverted that which is right and it hath not profited us Jud. 1. 7. 1 Sam. 2. 29. 34. Job 33. 28. Hos 2. 8 9. Mica 6. 9 10. 3. Like unto Brass burning So most directly it signifieth the terribleness of his goings and doings as Ezek. 1. 7. and so in Rev. 10. 1. His Feet are said to be as Pillaâ—s of Fire he is terrible in his doings to the Children of Men Ps 66. 5. In that his Feet are said to be as if they burned in a Furnace so it denoteth the dreadfulness of his goings and so burning Coals or Diseases are said to go forth at his Feet and his ways wherein his feet walk are everlasting Habb 3. 5 6. and hereby is signified to us his terribleness in his goings in the way of his Judgments in the midst of his Churches If they Sin against him and receive his grace in vain he will visit their transgressions with a rod and their Iniquity with stripes Ps 89. 30 32. So when Christ is described Ezek. 1. 26 28. he represents himself all over like to fire and so his feet also and then the Prophet is sent to prophecy and commanded to eat a roll in which was written Lamentations and Mourning and Woe Ezek. 2. signifying the Judgments he would execute upon his Church and people Ezek. 4. 5. c. and so again in ch 9. 2. we have mention made of a Man clothed in Linnen as Christ is in Daniel ch 10. 5. marking them that did Sigh and Cry for all the abominations committed and then there was a charge given unto the executioners of his wrath to slay all that were not marked and ch 10. this Man is spoken to to fill his hand which is joyned with feet in Dan. 10. 6. and said to be as Polished brass as before is said with coals of fire Ezek. 10. 2 7. and then Judgments are threatned ch 11. 12. he is clean and pure in his goings as hath been before said and cannot endure that they amongst whom he walketh should be unclean 2 Cor. 6. 13 18. if they be he will punish them how neer soever they be unto him Amos. 3. 2 4. Ps 99. 3 8. and particularly he is angry with and will be terrible in the way of his Judgments unto those of his Churches that suffer false Prophets to come amongst them and to seduce them he will punish such false teachers and kill their Children with death and testify displeasure against those that suffer them The work of which seducers being to draw away from the Doctrine of Christ and from his works Rev. 2. 18 26. And in that his feet are such in the midst of his Churches as hath been said so it shews unto us that he is no respecter of Persons Rom. 2. 7 11. And all the Churches shall know that he will give unto every one of them according to their works Rev. 2. 23. he will not spare them that come nigh unto him if they sin against him Deut. 4. 23 27. Rem 11. 20. And it may cause us to be afraid of his judgments Ps 119. 120. Habak 3. 2 15 16. Oh that we may stand in awe and not sin against him for if we sin he will mark us and will not acquit us from our Iniquity Job 10. 14 15. and it may instruct us to hold fast what we have heard from the beginning to abide in Christs Doctrine and to keep his works and to rejoyce and walk therein Rev. 2. 18 2â— 26. and to rejoyce in him and in his salvation Habak 3. 16 18. To have and hold fast grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and Godly fear For our God is a Consuming Fire Heb. 12. 28 29. And if judgment begin at and in his house what will the end of them be that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ they shall not escape unpunished Ps 68. 20. Jer. 25. 15 29. 2 Thes 1. 5 9. 1 Pet. 4. 17 18. And his voice as the sound or voice of many waters Thus it is read in Daniel The voice
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
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
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
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
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
in heart Mat. 11. 28 29. Oh how many evils of theirs doth he thorow his love overlook and pass by Who is so blind as this Servant of God's or deaf as the Messinger whom â—e â—ath sent Isay 42. 2 3 19 20. Prov. 10. 12. with 1 Cor. 13. 4. And they are instructed and exhorted to account that the long-suffering of our Lord exercised towards them also is Salvation to wit that theyâ— may so receive and retain the love of the truth that they may be saved thereby from their sins and vanities and so be saved from Wrath the Wrath to come thorow him 2 Pet. 3. 15. with 2 Thes 2. 10. and 1 Thes 1. 10. And with what patience is he instructing them though they are dull of hearing and unteachable untractable ones and doth not presently leave them nor is weary of well-doing towards them and thorow him God his Father is a God of patience towards unworthy ones Rom. 3. 25. and ch 15. 5. 3. It is called the word of his patience because it effect such-like patience in them in that receive it to purpose as is found in him even the patience of Jesus Christ See notes on ch 1. v. 9. It effects in them a patient continuance in well doing Rom. 2. 7. Luke 8. 15. Continuing in the Faith grounded and setled and not being moved from the hope of the Gospel 1 Cor. 15. 58. Col. 1. 22 23. and in bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit Gal. 6. 9. and seeking the good of others 2 Tim. 2. 23 25. And to that end being patient towards all Men 1 Thes 5. 14 15. and also it effects in them patience in enduring afflictions even laying aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset them to run with patience the race set before them Heb. 12. 1. In patience possessing their Souls whatever trials or afflictions they meet withal not being moved thereby to take offence at Christ or at his Gospel not fretting against them who are Instruments of evil to them Luke 21. 19. Ps 37. 1 7 8. and patience in waiting for his Salvation Jam. 5. 7. and this Gospel is effecting this patience in the hearty believer thereof 1. By setting before them the great endurings and sufferings of Jesus Christ and his patience therein hence it is called the patience of Jesus as is before said Rev. 1. 9. So the Apostle when he exhorts the Believers to run with patience the race set before them instructs them to this end to look unto Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the Cross despising the shame c. To consider him who endured such contradiction of Sinners against himself lest they should be wearied and faint in their minds Heb. 12. 1 3. And the Apostle James also directs to his patience in suffering that the Believers might imitate him saying ye have condemned and killed the â—ust and he doth not resist you Be patient therefore Brethren unto the coming of the Lord Jam. 5. 6 7. If we do well and suffer for it and take it patiently this is acceptable with God for even hereunto we were called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that we should follow his steps 1 Pet. 2. 20 21 22. 2. By shewing to us and directing us into the love of God manifested in sending his Son the Saviour of the World This way is the Gospel effecting patience in us having access into the Grace of God we rejoyce in tribulations also Knowing that tribulation worketh patience because the love of God is shed abroad in our â—earts by the holy Spirit for while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the Vngodly Rom. 5. 2 5 6. Hence the Apostle thus prays The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ 2 Thes 3. 5. And this love this first love of God known and believed frames the heart to the love to the perfect and sincere love of God which casts out of us all fear which hath torment helping us to judge and be perswaded God intends our good in all he is ordering and so frames us to and begets patience in us 1 Joh. 4. 16 19. with 1 Tim. 6. 11. And his love effects charity in us towards Men and Brethren and so leads us to be patient towards all Hence the Apostle saith to Timothy thou hast known my Charity Patience c. 2 Tim. 3. 10. Tit. 2. 2. 3. And this word is effecting patience in us and doth operate and effect it in the hearty believer thereof by propounding and setting before us the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2. 10 13. Hence it is called the patience of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thes 1. 3. And if we hope for that we see not then do we with patience tarry foâ— iâ— Rom. 8. 24 25. To this purpose the Apostle James speaks be patient Brethren unto the coming of the Lord Behold the Husband-man waiteth for the precious fruit of the Earth and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter Rain Be ye also patient for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh Jam. 5. 7 8. Ps 37. 7 11. 2 Pet. 1. 4 â— were we more rejoycing in hope we should be more patient in tribulation Rom. 5. 1 3. and ch 12. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 14 18. This was that word of Christs patience which they had kept and for the keeping whereof Christ commends them and sets such encouragement before them 2. We have a gracious promise and blessed encouragement propounded and made to this Angel and Church I also will keep thee from the houâ— of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the Earth Wherein let us a little enquire and consider 1. From what he promises to keep them from the hour of temptation 2. The extent of this hour Which shall come upon all the World 3. The end of its coming To try them that dwell upon the Earth 1. From what he promises to keep them From the hour of temptation Now this hour of temptation may either signifie 1. A time of great tribulation and persecution for the Gospels sake which was ere long to ensue under the Roman Emperours So whereas in one Evangelist it is said when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by they are offended It is thus rendred by another In time of temptation they fall away signifying to us that a time of persecution for the Gospel is a time of temptation Compare Mat. 13. 21. with Luke 8. 13. So such a time is called A fiery trial 1 Pet. 4. 12. and trial of cruel mockings and scourgings Heb. 11. 36. And the Apostle Paul speaking of the afflictions he endured from the Jews calls them temptations Acts 20. 19. And our Lord makes use of this word when he speaks of all the
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
was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone and there was a Rain-bow round about the Throne in sight like unto an Emerald In this Verse the Apostle John gives unto us a further account of what was represented to him and he saw in spirit And that 1. Of the vision sight or appearance of him that sate on the Throne And he that sate was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone 2. Of what he saw about the Throne And there was a Rain bow round about the Throne in sight like unto an Emerald 1. Of the vision sight or appearance of him that sate on the Throne And he that sate was to look upon like a Jasper and a Sardine stone He that sate namely in his Royal Majesty and glory upon the supreme Throne of rule dominion and government in Heaven the Lord God Almighty before whom all Creatures Saints and Angels prostrate themselves and unto whom they give honour as we have said and shewn on vers 2. this infinitely and inconceivably glorious One was to look upon or in sight or appearance like to a Jasper-stone and a Sardine From whence we may note in general the appearance of the most high God the Lord and possessor of Heaven and Earth is thus represented to men to signifie and give us some small intimation of his in finite and transcendent excellency and glorious majesty and splendor though indeed he is infinitely more glorious than all precious stones whatever as it is said of Wisdom Job 28. 12 20. Yea He hath set his glory above the Heavens Psal 8. 1. though they in some little degree declare his glory Psal 19. 1. Particularly He was in appearance like a Jasperâ—stone which hath its name from firmness and hardness as some say and so signifies his Omnipotency and Almightiness as ver 8. it is said of him instead of this precious stone a Saphire is spoken of and mentioned in that Vision vouchsafed to Ezekiel Chap. 1. 26. and Chap. 10. 1. which herein agrees with the Jasper that it is very hard and not to be broken so certainly it may be said of him that sits on the Throne that power belongs to him Psal 62. 11. And whoever hardens himself against him shall not prosper but be broken in pieces Job 9. 4. Mat. 21. 44. This stone shall break in pieces the iron the brass the clay the silver and the gold to wit all other Kingdoms and it shall stand for ever as it is said Prophetically of our Lord Jesus Christ Dan. 2. 34 43 45. But the Jasper is in Scripture taken notice of for its transparent light as it is said â—er light was like unto a stone most precious even like a Jasper-stone clear as crystal Rev. 21. 11. So it is most fully true of this most glorious one He is light and in him is no darkness at all 1 Joh. 1. 5. He dwelleth in that light that no man can approach unto whom no man hath seen nor can see and the light dwelleth with him 1 Tim. 6. 16. Dan. 2. 22. And in his light we may see light Psal 36 9. And so we may say 1. He hath light and understanding and wisdom excellent wisdom as these words are put together and the latter shew unto us what is meant by light Dan. 5. 11 14. There is no searching of his understanding Isa 40. 28. His understanding is infinite Psal 147. 5. He hath the light of knowledg and is perfect therein 2 Cor. 4. 6. Job 36. 4. so as he discerns and knows all things The darkness hideth not from him but the night shineth as the day the darkness and the light are both alike to him Psal 139. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him saith the Lord Do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Jer. 23. 23 24. With this Ancient of days is wisdom and in his length of days understanding with him is wisdom and strength he hath counsel and understanding and therefore also it is most right and meet he should govern and that all should submit unto him Job 12. 12 13. And the consideration hereof may admonish us to walk in the light as he is in the light to walk before him and to be perfect if we do not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it and he that keepeth thy soul doth he not know it and shall not he render to every man according to his works Gen. 17. 1. Prov. 24. 12. and Chap. 15. 3. And he now gives light to us and is light to us in his Gospel therein he sends forth his light and his truth to lead and guide us Psal 43. 3. Yea as the Psalmist saith The Lord is my light as a precious stone a Jasper will give light and be a light to us in our darkness Psal 27. 1. Micah 7. 8. and Christ is the light of the world Joh. 8. 12. and hereafter gloriously the Lord will be the light of the new Jerusalem and then having the glory of God to lighten her her light shall be like unto a stone most precious even like a Jasper-stone clear as Crystal Compare Rev. 21. 11. with vers 23. 2. And by his glorious light may also be meant his infinite purity and holiness so God is light and in him is no darkness at all no manner of impurity or unholiness 1 Joh. 1. 5 6 7. As darkness frequently signifies in Scripture impurity and uncleanness and all manner of iniquity so contrarily light signifies purity and holiness Prov. 2. 13. Isa 5. 20. Rom. 13. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 14. Ephes 5. 8 11. And he that sits upon the Throne is Holiness it self a God of purer eyes than to behold iniquity and one that cannot look on evil one that cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Hab. 1. 13. Psal 5. 4. Jam. 1. 13 14. But we shall not here further enlarge on this because we shall have opportunity to speak to it again on vers 8. of this Chapter And a Sardine-stone viz. a Ruby Exod. 28. 17. Ezek. 28. 13. Rev. 21. 20. This precious stone is called a Sardine from the place or Countrey a Ruby from the colour which is ruddy like a young fresh-coloured man As it is said in former times concerning the Nazarites They were more ruddy in body than Rubies Lam. 4. 7. Instead of the Ruby or Sardine it is said in Ezek. 1. 26. Vpon the likeness of the Throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it And of Christ it is said by the Spouse He is ruddy even like a Ruby Cant. 5. 10. with Lam. 4. 7. And Christ the Wisdom of God is compared unto Rubies though yet he infinitely exceeds them and all precious stones whatever Job 28. 12 20. Prov. 3. 15. and Chap. 8. 11. with 1 Cor. 1. 24. And so it is said He that sate was to look upon like a Sardine-stone to signifie to us that
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
creâ—â—es darkness he makes peace and creates evil He the Lord doth all these things Isa 45. 7. as he saith Shall there be evil in the city and the Lord hath not done it Amos 3. 6. Verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth Psal 58. 9 11. Amos 4. 6 12. though he tempteth no man to what is sinfully evil nor can he be tempted therewith He is not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness Jam. 1. 13 14. Psal 5. 4 6. yet he is the orderer of all afflictions and judgments not only of those which come more immediately from his own hand 1 Cor. 11. 29 32. but of such also as wherein Satan and evil men may be instruments so when by Gods permission Satan inflicted many evils upon Job and stirred up the Sabeaâ—s and Caldeans to fall upon and take away his substance and slay his servants with the edg of the sword c. yet Job saith The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. And the Holy Ghost addeth In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly Job 1. 12 22. And when again by Gods permission Satan smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown he saith to his wife What shall we receive good at the band of God and shall we not receive evil unto which also is immediately subjoined In all this Job did not sin with his lips Job 2. 7 10. and chap. 10. 2 3. Isa 10. 5 6. 2 Cor. 12. 7. And therefore 2. All lightnings and thunderings all afflictions and evils of judgment and punishment proceeding out of the throne they are ordered to us in righteousness He sitteth in the throne judging in righteousness Psal 9. 4. In righteousness he doth judg and make war Rev. 19. 11. When clouds and darkness are round about him righteousness and judgment are the habitation or establishment of his throne Psal 97. 2. and 89. 14. He is excellent in judgment and in plenty of juâ—tice Job 37. 23. Psal 7. 12. Hence it is said by the Angel of the waters Thou art righteoâ—s O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast judged thus And another Angel out of the altar said Even so Lord God Almighty true and righteous are thy judgments Rev. 16. 5 7. and chap. 19. 2. And this being considered may instruct us always to ascribe righteousness to our Maker Job 36. 3. as the Prophet doth when he had been severely judging his people O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces c. Dan. 9. 7 14. and to the same purpose that good man speaketh saying Howbeit thou art just in all thou hast brougâ—t upon us for thou hast done right but we have done wickedly Neh. 9. 32 33. It 's not meet for us to endeavour to disannul his judgment or to condemn him that we may be righteous Job 40. 8. though indeed to the end we may ascribe righteousness to him it is needful we humble our souls and suffer pride to be hidden from us as it is said of the Princes of Israel and the King They â—umbled themselves and said The Lord is righteous 2 Chron. 12. 6 7. and the consideration hereof may also engage us to search and try our ways and turn unto him Lam. 3. 37 40. To judg our selves and take shame to our selves and to acknowledg we have righteously deserved whatsoever is inflicted on us or further threatned to us and if we would judg our selves we should not be further judged 1 Cor. 11. 31. and to turn from our iniquities that we may understand his truth Daâ— 9. 13 14. for that is his end in all the ordering of his judgments and cloudy and dark days unto us and therefore at such a time he exhorts to turn unto him with all the heart which we cannot do unless we turn from the things that are reproved and put away our abominations out of his sight Joel 2. 2 12 13. with Jer. 4. 1. and Acts 26. 18. and this being minded also would take us off from fretting our selves against instruments and help us to cease from anger and forsake wrath and not fret our selves in any wise to do evil Psal 37. 7 8. but in patience to possess our souls Thus it is recorded of David how that when he was in great affliction and Sâ—imei helped forward his affliction greatly whereby some of Davids followers were so provoked to anger that they would have taken off his head this now quieted the heart of that holy man and kept him from fretting himself in any wise to do evil That this affliction was ordered to him by him that sits on the throne So let him curse saith he because the Lord hath said unto him Curse David c. 2 Sam. 16. 7 10 12. He was dumb and opened not his mouth because the Lord did it Psal 39. 9. and the consideration hereof also may provoke us to lift up our hearts with our hands to God in the heavens in a day of darkness and gloominess in a tempestuous day To whom should a people seek but to their God Lam. 3. 37 41. to which purpose is that exhortation Come let us return unto the Lord for he hath torn and â—e will heal he hath smitten and he will bind us up Hos 5. 14 15. and chap. 6. 1 2. Isa 8. 20. Thus it is good to demean our selves in every day of affliction and wrath though here directly he speaks of such judgments and testimonies of displeasure as come more immediately from him that sits on the throne Psal 97. 4 7. 3. They proceed out of the throne about which is the rain-bow Let that be remembred by us so as in all he will ever be mindful of his Covenant his Covenant of Mercy And so we may learn that the Lord is not only righteous in all his ways but also merciful and gracious in all his works Psal 145. 8 9 17. And is and will be nigh unto all them â—hat call upon him to all that call upon him in truth He will fulfil the desâ—re of them that fear him he also will hear their cry and will save them He will answer them in the secret place of thunder Psal 145. 18 19. with Psal 81. 7. He hath given his Son fâ—r a Covenant of the people to establish the earth and through him and for his sakâ— while it is called to day he is good to all loving to every man even in all the storms he is ordering even while they are joyned to all the living for the bow was a token of the Covenant between him and every living creature Gen. 9. 12 16. Joâ— 33. 14. 30. And his mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteoâ—sness upon childrens children to such as keep his Covenant and to those that remember his commandments to do them the Lord hath prepared his thronâ— in the Heavens
also saying Lord God Almighty they also give thanks to him that sits on the throne and whereas they give thanks to him the Elders say Thou art worthy to receive power Compare ver 9. with ver 11. He who is Holy is also the Lord God Almighty and can do all things which are acts of power and might he is holy and therefore he cannot sin for that is an act of moral weakness and impotency he cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man Jam. 1. 13. he cannot lye Tit. 1. 2. Hebr. 6 18. Hearken unto me saith Elihu ye men of understanding far be it from God that he should do wickedness and from the Almighty that he should commit iniquity for the work of a man shall he render unto him and cause every man to find according to his ways yea surely God will not do wickedly neither will the Almighty pervert judgment Job 34 10 12. with Gâ—n 18. 25. Doth God pervert judgment or doth the Almighty pervert justice Job 8. 3. and chap. 35. 13. He is Holily Almighty and Almightily Holy When once he hath resolvedly cast off or reprobated any with a fixt purpose to be no more gracious to such an one he cannot then shew mercy to that person for that would be a contradiction to his unchangeable justice and truth and he cannot deny himself 2 Tim. 2. 13. but such an one shall feel the wrath of the Almighty Job 21. 20. And just and true are his ways who is the Lord God Almighty Rev. 15. 3. and chap. 16. 7. but while men are joyned to all the living there is hope and he can have mercy upon them Eccles 9. 4. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. 2 Pet. 3. 9. And indeed he is Almightily merciful to mankind while it is called to day Jer. 3. 15. Job 22. 17 18. Psal 78. 19 21. and he who is Almighty will not so pervert justice as to cast away a perfect man such an one as he so graciously reputes and accepts in the beloved Job 8. 3-20 for that also would be a contradiction to his immutable justice and truth and the Lord God Almighty is the King of Saints and as his works are great and marvellous so his ways are just and true Rev. 15. 3. Gen 18. 23 25. Which was and is and is to come This is the interpretation of the word Jehovah as we have said before Chap. 1. 4. which word comprehends all time the time to come the time present and the time past and so this shews unto us That he that sits upon the throne is from everlasting to everlasting God and of each of the three persons in the divine Essence we may say He is Jehovah was Jehovah and is to come Jehovah and that each and every of them was Almighty is Almighty and is to come Almighty and yet these three are one God as hath been said To this we shall speak no further because we have spoken thereto already see the notes before on chap. 1. ver 4. and ver 8. Verse 9. And when those living creatures give or shall give glory and honour and thâ—nks to him that sate on the throne who liveth for ever and ever In this Verse there is respect had to that going before ver 8. and unto that following in ver 10. which as we see depends on this in construction as it refers to that going before in ver 8. so it explicates and shews unto us what the living creatures do in their former acknowledgments and confessions namely when they say Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come then they give glory honour and thanks c. as it relates unto that in ver 10. so God willing we shall speak to it after Now in this Verse we have to consider and speak unto 1. The Object of their Adoration and Religioâ—s Worship Him that sate on the throne who liveth for ever and ever 2. Their act or exercise about or towards this Object supposed they give glory and honour and thanks 1. The Object of their Adoration and this is expressed in two Branches 1. Him that sate on the throne Him but one ver 2. one God though there are three persons in the Divine essence as we have said yet these three are one 1 John 5. 7 9. Matth 28. 19. and this one sate and sits upon the throne he is a great King one that is Lord of Heaven and Earth Mal. 1. 14. Acts 17. 24. Whose kingdom rulâ—th over all Psal 103. 19. and who is alone upon the supreme seat of Government Psal 9. 4. unto whom the highest and most glorious creatures in Heaven are infinitely inferior for he is the King of Heaven Dan. 4. 37. as also are the highest Gods on Earth amongst them he judgeth and governeth Psal 82. 1-6 He is the most high for evermore and doth according to his will in the Army of Heaven and amongst the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him What doest thou Dan. 4. 17-24 25 32 34. Psal 92. 8. And he that sits on this throne is holy and the Lord God Almighty vers 8. This is the object the only object of their Worship and Adoration see the notes before on vers 2. and vers 8. of this Chapter 2. We have the object of their Worship further described to us viz. Who liveth for ever and ever He liveth hath life in himself John 5. 26. and of himself Who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced for of him are all things Rom. 11. 35 36. who is life essentially his life is himself Hence whereas Jehovah even the Lord Christ saith in one place I have sworn by my self In another place it is thus rendred As I live saith the Lord. Compare Isa 45. 23. with Rom. 14. 11. and many times he is called the living God Psal 42. 2. and 84. 2. to distinguish him from and infinitely prefer him before and oppose him to all other persons and things and so he is called by way of distinction from and opposition unto all false gods or other objects of some mens worship to all Idols Psal 106. 28. Jer. 10. 4-10 to all false and dead gods He is the living and true God 1 Thes 1. 9 10. to all men yea to the most excellent Saints Acts 14. 14 15. to all uncertain riches 1 Tim. 6. 17. to all dead works or works of righteousness of our own Heb. 9. 14. This is oft the form of his Oath As I live c. Numb 14. 21-28 c. and others also have and ought thus to swear as it is said Thou shalt swear the Lord liveth in truth c. Jer. 4. 2. and chap. 12. 16. and chap. 16. 14 15. and in many other places and with him is the fountain of life Psal 36. 9. He who is the Lord of Heaven and Earth who sits upon the throne giveth unto all life and breath and all things
of the Angels but as they were sinning Angels as they kept not their first estate but left their own their proper habitation or house They had an house prepared for them in Heaven at first and given to them and that was their proper house as they were created of God at fiâ—st in the truth but because they kept not their principality nor abode in the truth in which they were created but left their proper house and sinned against God they were cast down to Hell Everlasting fire was prepared for the Devil as a Devil as one that abode not in the truth and his Angels and not for Gods Angels 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. 1 Tim. 3. 6. Matth. 25. 41. with John 8. 44. And that mankind fell under his wrath and the sentence of death it was because of sin By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 5. 12. and chap. 6. 23. And when they had thus sinned and God might righteously have cast them off and destroyed them for ever yet then God manifested he had no pleasure in the everlasting destruction of any of mankind in that he devised such a blessed device that his banished should not be expelled from him He so loved the world of mankind that he gave his Son by his grace to taste death for every man John 3. 16 17. Hebr. 2. 9. and raised him from the dead for their justification Rom. 4. 25. with chap. 3. 23 24. And Christ hath purged away the guilt of that first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God 2. Cor. 5. 19 21. with Hebr. 1. 3. abolished that first death which otherwise would have been everlasting 2 Tim. 1. 10. with Rom. 6. 23. and will in due season destroy it 1 Cor. 15. 26. and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil Hebr. 2. 9-14 So as no man shall perish for ever in that first death but all shall be raised out of it by the man Jesus Christ who is become the resurrection and the life 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. And when raised no man shall be cast into the second death for that first sin and sinfulness simply but for loving darkness rather than light after light was vouchsafed to them The soul that sinneth it shall dye Jer. 31. 29 30. Ezek. 18. 1 2 4. And now he hath declared that he doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men no not with such afflictions as are but for a moment Lament 3. 32 33. It is his work his strange work his act his strange act Isa 28. 21. Hebr. 12. 10. Much less doth he delight in the eternal ruine and misery of any of them no not of the vilest of them while it is called to day This was not his will or pleasure concerning them or any of them in creating them nor is it in preserving them while they are joyned to all the living Eccles 9. 4. So much himself plainly intimates to us in his own word saying Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should dye saith the Lord God And not that he should return from his ways and live Whereto himself gives answer saying I have no pleasure none at all in the death of him that dyeth saith the Lord God Ezek. 18. 23. with vers 31 32. And lest we should thorow unbelief question the truth of his word to put an end to all strife and gainsaying he hath confirmed the same with his Oath charging his Prophet thus to speak say unto them As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wiâ—ked turn from his way and live Ezek. 33. 11. with Hebr. 6. 16 17 18. He is not willing that any should perish 2 Pet. 3. 9. Ezek. 18. 30 31 32. But 2. His will and pleasure in creating them was 1. That they might know and have fellowship with and serve him who is their Creator and therefore he made them in a good and honourable condition God said Let us make man in our Image after our likeness and let them have dominion c. So God created man in his own Image in the Image of God created he him c. to wit in knowledg righteousness and true holiness Col. 3. 10. Ephes 4. 24. Gen. 1. 26 27. Psal 49. 12-20 God made man upright Eccles 7. 29. And as he made them in that good upright and holy condition so it was his pleasure they should have continued therein For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness his countenance doth behold the upright Psal 11. 7. I know O my God saith the Prophet that thou hast pleasure in uprightness 1 Chron. 29. 17. with Psal 5. 4. and Eccles 5. 4. And of such Angels as abode in that holy and honourable state he made them in it is said They do his pleasure Psal 103. 20 21. And it also appears that it was his will and pleasure that mankind should have continued in that good and upright condition he made them in In that he gave them such an easie and gracious law to testifie their love obedience and subjection to their Creator in only forbidding them to eat of one tree whereas many were allowed them And in that he so threatned them that in the day they eat thereof in dying they should dye Gen. 2. 16 17. In which he plainly signified that it was his pleasure that they should not eat thereof and he was greatly displeased with them when they had transgressed his Commandment And therefore it was not his will they should have eaten thereof Psal 101. 3. 2. And for his pleasure they are and are preserved and continued and that to a gracious end while they are joyned to all the living when mankind had sinned he â—ound out a ransom and provided a remedy for them He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son John 3. 16 17. And Christ came from Heaven to do the will of him that sent him the pleasure of his Father John 6. 38. Hebr. 10. 5 8 9. Isa 53. 10. And his will was that Christ should dye for all men and rise again and deliver them from perishing for ever in that first death 2 Cor. 1. 10. And that he should obtain eternal life into himself for them 1 John 5. 10 11. and be a Testimony to them in due time that thorow him they might be saved John 3. 17. and chap. 12. 47. In all which we may see that his will concerning mankind is that they should be saved and come to the knowledg of the truth 1 Timothy 2. 4 5 6 7. that he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance to which end his grace bringeth salvation to all men 2 Pet. 3. 9. Tit. 2. 11. Ezek. 18. 23 30 32. and chap. 33. 11. This is his will that they should be sanctified and
to the Serpent a subtle and vile Creature 2 Cor. 11. 3. Rev. 12. 9 14 15. and 20. 2. and Dragon c. Ps 91. 13. Rev. 12. 3 4 7 9 c. And wicked Men are like to Creatures that have no understanding Ps 32. 9. Man not abiding in Honour is like the Beasts that perish Ps 49. 12 20. Wicked Men are as natural brute Beasts made to be taken and destroyed 2 Pet. 2. 12. So they are called Serpents Vipers deaf Adders Dogs Foxes c. But having spoken so much to this Question we shall in the following part of the Verse speak nothing further concerning wicked Spirits and Men persisting wicked who are in some sort the most miserable of Creatures and it were better for them they had no being but shall confine our discourse unto every Creature that was made subject to Vanity not willingly 8. Rom. 20. 22. I mean the mute and brute Creatures 2. He gives unto us an account what he heard of or from them and that is declared 1. More generally saying of the four living Creatures and twenty four Elders it is said They had every one of them Harpes c. and they sung a new Song c. But it is not here said I heard them singing but saying and it is said of the Angels the Apostle heard them saying with a loud voice v. 11 12. but not so here We have no mention at all of their Voice but it is only said I heard them saying which might be and was without an Articulate Voice as to these Creatures generally we may say of them generally as the Psalmist doth of the Heavens and Firmament There is no Speech nor Language their Voice is not heard to wit in a full and proper sence though yet we read of the Voice of these mute and brute Creatures in another sence many times 2. More particularly they said Blessing and Honour and Glory and Power Blessing is well-speaking of or speaking good of or praising another And so usually when God is the object to bless signifies to praise or to speak well highly and honourably of him as Ps 34. 1 2. and 103. 1 2. and 115. 17 18. And indeed his name is to be praised blessed and spoken well of from the rising of the Sun to the going down of the same Ps 113. 2 3. and 18. 3. See Notes before on Verse 12. of this Chapter And Honour Worship and adoration Mat. 15. 8 9. Rev. 7. 11 12. See the notes before on ch 4. v. 9. And Glory Brightness Excellency Majesty Luke 9. 32. with 2 Pet. 1. 16. Isay 2. 10 19 21. See the Notes before on chap. 4. vers 9. And Power This belongs to him Psal 62. 10. and is to be voted ascribed and rendred to him See the Notes before on chap. 4. vers 11. 3. To whom doth every Creature which is in Heaven c. vote and ascribe Blessing and Honour and Glory and Power and that is here declared to us All these Creatures in these four parts or places of God's Dominion and Creation vote and ascribe these four Excellencies unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb even unto God and Christ See the Notes before on ch 4. v. 2. and on ch 5. v. 6. Now here note 1. None of these Creatures of these mute and brute Creatures take worship and adoration unto themselves or invite or call upon us to fall down and prostrate our selves before them They do not say Blessing and Honour and Glory and Power unto us or any of us but as it is said The depth saith it is not in me and the Sea saith it is not with me Job 28. 14. So these as it were say Divine Praise appertains not to us they say as it were why look ye so earnestly on us or any of us as Acts 3. 111 12. They are none of them upon the Throne and they after their kind direct us not to themselves but from themselves unto another the works of whose hands they are The Horses are Flesh and not Spirit not God Isay 31. 3. Ps 33. 17. and all these are Creatures and not the Creator who is only to be divinely worshipped ch 4. 11. The Title given to them to wit every Creature and the object of their Honour and Adoration namely not themselves but God and Christ shew us the desperate madness of them that adore religiously these Creatures or any of them and as the dumb Ass speaking with Mans Voice forbad the madness of the Prophet 2 Pet. 2. 16. So do these after their nature and kind the greater madness of them who worship them or any of them as many have done yea and things beneath these the works of their own Hands as Pictures Images and Vanities of their own inventions yet such-like abominable Idolatry hath been committed by Men Of the Gentiles it is said They changed the Truth of God into a Lye and worshipped and served the Creature more than or besides the Creator who is blessed for ever And they changed the Glory of the Incorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible Man and to Birds and fourf-ooted Beasts and creeping things Rom. 1. 23 25. yea and such-like Iniquity was found with Gods professed people and with some of the chief ones amongst them there were some of them burnt Incense to Baal to the Sun and to the Moon and to the Planets and to all the Host of Heaven 2 Kings 23. 4 5. Yea the Prophet Ezekiel in Vision saw and behold every form of creeping things and abominable Beasts and all the Idols of the House of Israel pourtrayed upon the Wall round about And there stood before them seventy Men of the Ancients of the House of Israel with every Man a Censer in his Hand and a thick Cloud of Incense went up Ezek. 8. 9 12. And how many are there in our Days who are called Christians that fall down before the works of their own Hands Pictures and Images of Mens devising and making yea how apt are we all inordinately to love and idolatrously to esteem and secretly to confide in and expect help from these Creatures or some of them as Horses Money Herbs and Medicaments c. Isay 31. 1 3. Ps 147. 10. Eph. 5. 5. Col. 3. 5. Phil. 3. 19. But Ask now the Beasts and they shall teach thee and the Fowls of the Air and they shall tell thee Or speak to the earth and it shall teach thee and the Fishes of the Sea shall declare unto thee that they are not to be religiously worshipped Job 12. 7 8 9. They as it were say not unto us not unto us is religious worship due Yea the most noble and excellent Creatures to wit Saints and Angels disclaim it and signifie it appertains not to them as we have frequently said and seen before 2. None of the mute or brute Creatures worship one another no nor those Creatures which are much more excellent than themselves and