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

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

this verse the Holy Ghost is meant by seven spirits because grace is prayed for from them Also Pareus agrees with me that in chap. 4. ver 5. created angels may be understood but not here Vers 5. And from Iesus Christ Peace cometh by Christ Eph. 2.15 Christ here is treated of as the Mediatour and therefore is put last the order is sometimes in the Scripture omitted as 2 Cor. 13. ult Who is the faithfull witnesse Faithful because he confirmed the truth not only by preaching and miracles but by suffering Witnesse because by way of Prerogative he is so though there be three that bare record in heaven 1 Iohn chap. 5. because he first also and only shed his blood for his own testimony therefore on earth he is the witnesse The first begotten of the dead because Christ first and only raised up himself by his own power to immortal life others were raised by his power and became subject to death again And the Prince of the Kings of the earth that is as chapter 19. verse 16. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Who loved us and washed us from our sins by his own blood Vers 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his father He concludeth his dedication with a Thanksgiving First because Christ loved his People and became man for * See my Glimps of Christs love p. 36 37. them Secondly because he died for them justifying them by his blood nay sanctifying them Thirdly making us Priests and Kings Priests to consecrate our selves as a living sacrifice to God through him Kings not only in a dopting us to be heyrs of his Kingdome above but through his power making us Conquerours of Sinne and Satan To him be glory either understand the glory of his Godhead or that glorious exaltation of his manhood at the right hand of his father For ever and ever shews Christs Eternity Amen That is be it so Vers 7. Behold he cometh with clouds This may comfort the Saints though the wicked tyrannize a while he cometh to judgement This also proves against the Papist that the humanity of Christ is not everywhere because he cometh with clouds and they are not every where Every eye shall see him that is every man his Crucifiers Scoffers also the righteous the former to their confusion the larter to their comfort And they that pierced him as in Zach. 12.10 to wit the Souldiers Iohn here and in his Gospel applies that of Zechary to Christ and teaches us two things 1. That Christ is God 2. That Iohn writ this Revelation Even so Amen it shews that there is no doubt but Christ will come to end the afflictions of the Church and to punish the wicked with whose coming the Saints are well pleased Vers 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end Alpha is the first letter of the Greek tongue Omega the last it shews Christ is first and chief the verse proves Christs deity See Isa 41.4 Vers 9. I John who am your brother t is no vain-glory to name himself here otherwise we might have thought 't was Christ spoke also Paul repeats his name twice in one Epistle I Paul with my own hands his name being prefixt before Brother there is a spiritual brotherhood among the members of Christ Iohn is their brother in three things named in the text 1. In tribution 2. In the spiritual Kingdome of Christ which we being Kings and Priests ought to maintain 3. In sufference Was in the Isle that is called Patmos Domitian the Emperour first cast him into a Caldron of boyling oyle but receiving no hurt banished him into this Isle where he received this Vision The Emperour being slain he returned to Ephesus and ministred to the seven Churches For the Word of God Iohn sheweth the true cause of his banishment and 't is worth observation that the Romanes as they conquered worshipped the gods of every nation Jesus only excepted it seems the devil was content that they should worship any god but the true For the Word of God to wit Christ For the Testimony To wit the doctrine of Jesus Christ Vers 10. Was in the spirit Iohn was in spiritual meditations when he saw the Revelation which he saw not with mortal eyes but being ravished in spirit his mind was carried beyond it self On the Lords day the first day of the week on which Christ arose from the dead which by the example and command of the Apostles 1 Cor. 16.1 Christians keep and observe as holy T is not probable Christ would burden the mind of Iohn with all the Vision or Revelation at once especially considering ch 4. ver 1 2. and ch 17.3 Iohn confesseth he was in the spirit at other time but doubtles John as all true Prophets understood every particular of the Revelation I heard a great voice behind me great either in regard of the great mystery of the vision or in regard 't was the voice of the great God Behind me Shews the freenesse of Gods love to Iohn in the voice he not expecting any such voice or Vision As of a Trumpet in respect of its shrilnesse and being heard afarre off it notes the terrour and power of his Word Ver. 11. Saying I am Alpha and Omega in the voice three things are contained 1. The Eternity of Christ 2. Johns commission to write warranted by divine Authority 3. To send the Vision wtitten to the seven Churches What Christ carefully commands John to write it becomes us carefully to read for though particularly this Vision concerne the seven Churches yet all Scripture is written for our instruction Ephesus Where Paul constituted a Church to whom he after writ an Epistle 't was in Asia the lesser Smyrna a sea-coast-towne now called Smeer where Iohn or some other Apostle constituted a Church And to Pergamus Here Paul Acts 20. raised up Entychus dead and happily planted a Church Thyatira of this city was Lydia a seller of purple who was converted to the faith by Pauls preaching at Philippi Act. 16.12 14. To those of Sardis the once famous city of Craesus Philadelphia a city of Mysia of the lesser Asia And unto Laodicea a city near Ephesus Paul preached here and commanded his Epistle written to the Colossians to be read here Col. 4. ver 16. The Pastor hereof was an hypocrite neither hot nor cold with whom Christ was much displeased Note though Paul had preached the Gospel at Rome long before this yet that Church not remembred perchance because Christ foresaw her usurping authority The Apostles are ever very silent of the Virgin Mary the spirit foreseeing the Church of Romes idolizing her But what say I Christ sends not to the Church of Rome truly with some difference of time considered great part of this book concerns the whorish or Antichristian Church of Rome who boasts her self to be Christs Vers 12. I turned to see the voyce That is him that spake Seven golden Candlesticks

the gathering together the Kings of the earth into Armageddon the burning of the whorish woman the desolation of Babylon the event of the Goggish war More then the beginning we have seen and further shall see E. H. The Errata of moment are these CHap. 1. page 2. line 10. Alcasar should be set in the margin against that line l. 13. read changeable causes for unchangeable cause ch 3. p. 30. l. 6. after doth r. not l. 26. for spiritual r. spirit ch 8. p. 54. l. 31. r. Bishops successors ch 9. p. 66. l. 30. for eye r. use ch 9. l. last for withdraw r. wrath ch 10. p. 72. l last after locusts r. doctrine ch 11. p. 83. l. 37. for shew r. flew ch 12. p. 88. l. 11. for of Christs birth r. at Christs birth AN EXPOSITION OR A short but full plaine and perfect Epitome of the most choice Commentaries upon the REVELATION Of Saint JOHN Especially of the most learnedly judicious DAV PAREVS CHAP. 1. Vision 1. Vers 1. The Revelation of Iesus Christ .. THE Word Revelation or Apocalypse signifies the unfolding of a secret T is called a Revelation for two reasons First because we need the knowledge of it Secondly it shews the divine authority of it for the title answereth the title of the ancient Prophets as the vision of Isaiah so the Revelation of John Of Jesus Christ which God gave him God may be said to give it to Christ as he was man nay as God for the father is the fountaine of the Godhead So Christs wisedome is from the father by an eternal generation it shews Christ to be God because it belongs to God only to reveal secrets Isa 41.23 now t is Christ office to reveal to his People the Will of his father His servants To wit Christ This proves Christs divine nature because all the faithfull are his servants Which must shortly come to passe therefore this book doth not treat of things then past as some would perswade but things to come Must come shews the unchangeable decree of God Also secondary causes as the malice and rage of Satan and his instruments against the Church though unchangeable causes if not hindred by the over-ruling Power of God bring forth necessarily an effect Shortly That is shall begin suddainly to take effect though the things herein mentioned were not in a very short time to be all performed for many hundred years are past already and yet many things are not come to passe yet the time is short in respect of the age of the world already past or in respect of eternity Alcazar or God with whom a thousand years are but as one day And signified it by his Angel God gave him the Revelation not to keep for himself but to shew it to his servants now is expressed the faithfulnesse of Christ in executing his charge committed to him of God And he sent This proves Christs Divinity in that he commands the Angels and they obey him This is Pauls argument of the Deity of the Son Heb. 1.6 His servant John Christ takes notice of nay doth register the names of his servants Poor Lazarus is mentioned when the rich mans name is buried in Oblivion only there was a certain rich man Happy are his servants whom he hath graven unto their comfort be it spoken on the palmes of his hands not on iron but flesh not on his back parts but his hands not the back of them but the palmes of his hands Vers 2. Who bare record of the Word of God That is of Christ the Word note three things 1. That the Penman was one that writ of Christ 2. That 't was Iohn who in the entrance of his Gospel says In the beginning was the Word to wit Christ 3. That Iohn wrote his Gospel before he wrote the Revelation who bare Record of the Word And of the Testimony of Iesus Christ the doctrine of Christ the death and martyrdome of Christ for Iohn stood by and saw him crucified And of all things that he saw to wit now in visions also he alludeth to a place in his Gospel where he says he that saw it bare record and his record is true Vers 3. Blessed is he that readeth because by reading comes faith and observance also he commendeth the reading of this book to all men And which heare those then that cannot read may be blessed let them procure others to read to them this and other books of the Scripture especially explained And keep the things reading and hearing without observance will availe little yet it may be both a means to remove what may hinder our happinesse and to direct us in the right way of attaining the same Of this Prophecie This shews it is from God for all Prophecie is of him 2 Pet. 1.20 it may also the sooner stirre up our hearts to feek the knowledge of this book for men do covet to know the things to come See my little book called A glimpse of Christs love p. 14. concerning a Prophet and Prophecie in part For the time is at hand The time of the beginning of the performance The time both of the fury of the adversary and the deliverance of the Church this should stirre up in us a diligent care to read this Prophecie for the knowledge of good and evill at the doore ought not to be neglected Vers 4. Iohn to the seven Churches gathered in Asia the lesse by the preaching of the Word chiefly by Paul to whom Iohn dedicates and sends his book because the first Vision directly concerns them Grace he to you and Peace by grace understand the free love of God in pardoning sin by peace chiefly that of conscience but also all temporal blessings included in that word peace he is to reprove these to whom he wisheth thus well it teacheth that reproofe should be the effect of love not of malice From him which is which was and which is to come that is from the father alluding to that name in Exod. 3. I am which is because the father is from none which was because he was before all time in eternity which is to come because he shall come to judge the world by the Sonne the Sonne also is one with his father was for in the beginning was the Word is to come to judge immediately the quick and the dead yet I rather understand this of the father because by the seven spirits before the throne is meant the holy Spirit as Christ is expressed in the next verse From the seven Spirits before the throne the holy Spirit is called seven because he is perfect in working for seven is used for a perfect number in this book In my quoted book pag. 43. I proved that by Angels excelling in strength arch-angels are meant Psal 103.20 the rather because the ordinary Angels are meant in ver 21. yee his host Also I affirmed that by seven spirits ch 3. v. 5. happily these angels may be meant but in

the wicked and deliver the righteous Hold that fast which thou hast to wit faith and a good conscience By faith they had righteousnesse sanctification and adoption and a good conscience helped them forward in sincerity and patience under the Crosle which were therefore to be kept That no man take away thy Crown this notes the dangerous effect of slothfulnesse such lose their Crown Observe three things 1. The promises of God ought not to make us secure Christ promises to deliver them in the houre of temptation yet they must hold fast what they had See my book already quoted p. 79. 2. They only who hold fast what they received shall be crowned 3. Each shall have his own Crown so there are differences of reward in heaven as well as of punishments in hell See the same book pag. 122.123 all have the like glory not for the degrees but quality they shall shine as the Sunne there 's the quality some degrees yet are no doubt allowable to be affirmed for as one starre differs from another in glory so also is the resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15.41 Vers 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the house of my God This verse hath a promise of a threefold reward to the overcomers 1. That they shall be glorious members of the Church triumphant understood by Pillars in the Temple 2. Their glory shall be unchangable perpetual eternal understood of the perseverance of the Saints in those words He shall go no more out alluding to the brazen pillars thrown out and destroyed with the Temple by the Babylonians 3. The promise of the inscription of a threefold name 1. I will write upon him the name of my God either alluding to Salomons pillars which had names or to the Romanes who usually write upon their statues of triumph the actions of the Conquerours and the names of the conquered nations These names are perished but those Christ writes are indelible 2. The name of the City of God as the first name signifies their being sons of God glorified so the second their being members of the Church triumphant 3. His new name since his exaltation Christ will make his partakers of perfect happinesse being members of his body To the godly in Pergamus he promised a new name but to these his new name which he received of his Father which is above every name now as it signifies Christs glorious exaltation at his right hand so he promises to make them glorious according to measure being members of such a head Concerning the Churches or Cities coming down from heaven who sees not that her Original is from heaven grounded on Gods Election also it receives its birth here from heaven But lastly John saw the Vision in heaven ver 13. hath been mentioned elsewhere vers 7. chap. 2. Vers 14. Vnto the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write Whoever this Pastor was he was a carnal crafty man and though he bore the name of a Minister he was void of God linesse Our Apostle twice mentioneth these Laodiceans in his Epistle to the Colossians as chap. 2.2.4.16 though in Johns time 't was very corrupt Yet upon Christs sending this sharp Epistle doubtlesse it repented of its evils for Eusebius commendeth this Church as flourishing in his time These things saith the Amen Aman in Hebr. signifies verity now Christ cals himselfe so because he is true both in promises and threatnings that by promise-keeping he might win this hypocrite from sinne or by threatning and assuredly without repentance punishing he might deterre him Again Christ is not yea and nay that is variable and inconstant but in Christ all the promises are Yea and Amon 2 Cor. 1.19 20. Therefore he takes upon him this name here because the hypocrites he was to deal with being grown secure it should seem begun to esteem of the faith of Christ as a thing indifferent and that for the cause thereof they needed not suffer affliction or contend with the Opposers thus then the more plainly to taxe their luke-warmnesse he declares his truth and faithfulnesse concerning his being a faithful witnesse See ch 1. ver 5. The beginning of the Creation of God this proves Christs deity for the Sonne with the father and the spirit gave unto all creatures the beginning of their being Touching the Son all things were made by him Now Christ calleth himself the beginning that these poor Laodiceans might return to him the fountain of all good Vers 15. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot Neither were these Laodiceans enemies to Christ nor true friends but served Christ and the world alike as occasion served They were neutrals that is fained hypocrites worse in Christs esteem then his professed enemies I would thou wert either hot or cold He first wisheth they were hot that is truly zealous in faith and godlinesse or cold that is altogether without faith and godlinesse he wisheth not this absolutely but comparatively insomuch as they that seem to be cold seem to be more excusable then those that be luke-warm and more easily to be reformed and better avoided Certainly t is a worse thing not to follow the truth we know in sincerity then to be ignorant altogether thereof Hypocrites and those that have faith only in shew and think that they see but are blind are greater enemies yet with pretence of Religion to Christians then those who are quite cold One may be sooner hurt and deceived under the name of a friend then of a foe A Pagan also were sooner gained to Christ then a Jew or Hypocrite Here you may see what to think of the members of Antichrist who joyne Christ and Belial Images and Scripture God and gaine together Vers 16. I will spue thee out of my mouth the metaphor is taken from warme water which is loathsome to the stomack it notes the hypocrites creeping into and being in the Church with a forme of Godlinesse but to be cast out because wanting the power thereof Vers 17. For thou sayst I am rich either because many rich Merchants were in this Church and therefore they boasted as having all wordly comforts though they be weak arguments to prove our being in Christ to reason from outward blessings or rather because hypocrites do imagine they are rich in spiritual things wanting nothing here is their Pride also reproved Because thou sayst thou art rich and knowst not ignorance was the cause of their pride they knew not themselves nor their own wants The best way to beat down pride is to examine and know our selves Thou art wretched Christ sheweth in five things what naturally we are all and what hypocrites are Wretched is one oppressed with calamity and sicknesse which must here be understood of the soul Miserable deprived of mercy Poore destitute of true righteousnesse and holinesse Blind ignorant of his miserable state which is a very great misery Naked wanting Christ the wedding garment Vers 18. I counsel

is cloathed with mercy let him look which way he will there is the Rainbow like the delightsome Emrauld to shew how he delights in Covenant-keeping in Promise-keeping and in mercy You see then here was God the Father represented sitting and reigning in the person of his Son so he that formerly appeared to John walking among the seven golden Candlesticks now appeares sitting on a throne sometimes under one figure Christ is represented sometimes under another Vers 4. And round about the throne 24. Seats and upon the Seats foure and twenty Elders sitting An honourable Session of Elders hereby are represented the company of Patriarks Prophets godly Kings and Judges nay all the Saints under the Law who now triumph with Christ in heaven but certain here is a finite number put for an indefinite by the number is noted a perfect Senate They sit on thrones because with Christ they shall judge the world They be said to be Elders because of their wisdome Cloathed in white raiments Here is the Priestly dignity of Saints shadowed out as by crownes on their heads the Kingly is white undefiled robes become Priests also the purity of Saints in heaven is hereby signified their Garments being washed in the blood of the Lamb. Crownes note their reigning with Christ this is the crown of life and glory Vers 5. Out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thundrings and voices By Lightnings and thundrings and voices to wit of thunder and lightning for thunder is the voice of the Lord by it is noted the Majesty and power of him that sits upon the Throne who sends forth judgements against the wicked And seven Lamps of fire burning before the Throne To wit chiefe Angels who are his eyes and feet c. by which he executes his pleasure Vers 6. Also before the throne The Sea of glasse like Chrystal is the world very fraile a sea because instable and tumultuous as Chrystal cleare because all the counsels and actions of men are before God and the Throne he clearly discerning every thing Bulling And in the midst of the Throne and round about the Throne were foure beasts Neare the Throne and close by it as I send ye as Lambs in the midst of Wolves So here these foure beasts were neare the Throne though some think the foure Evangelists are here meant as Matthew in likenesse of a man because he begins with the generation of Christ as man Mark of a Lyon because he begins as roaring the Law The voice of one crying in the wildernesse Luke of an Oxe because of the sacrificing of the Priest which he begins with John of an Eagle because soaring aloft In the beginning was the word and the word was God such high divinity Iohn begins with that one of the Ancients said had he flown a little higher he had flew quite out of sight we being not able to comprehend him But how can this be well understood of the foure Evangelists since Iohn was yet alive I understand the State of the Christian Church triumphant who are of divers forms because divers Nations and peoples are now under the Gospel received but the 24. Elders or Jewish Church was more uniforme in the Law Foure perchance alluding to the foure Evangelists or a finite number put for an indefinite Beasts because of their great paines and difficulty to enter into the kingdome of heaven Full of eyes As the former notes the paines and labour of Teachers to gaine soules to Christ So this latter notes the watchfulnesse and singular wisdom and insight of Teachers we should all be thus quick-sighted to understand Scripture Vers 7. The first was like a Lyon c. The Church is described from her gifts a Lyon notes fortitude a Man wisdom an Oxe labour and industry an Eagle sharp sight as in knowledge Vers 8. And the foure beasts had each of them six wings about him Alluding to Esay 6. with two they flie noting their quicknesse and readinesse to serve God with two they cover their face not being able to behold the Majesty of God with two they cover their feet not knowing when Christ shall come to judgement or that nothing unbeseeming the Divine Majesty might appeare about them Thus the Seraphims In that their wings are full of eyes it denotes that full and perfect light or knowledge which the Church enjoyeth with God in heaven And they rest not day and night saying Holy Holy Holy c But incessantly praise God for they are never weary Now note both Beasts and Elders praise God here is the excellent consent and harmony of Prophets in the Law and Apostles in the Gospel acknowledging Christs holinesse power and Godhead Vers 10. The 24. Elders fell down before him that sate on the throne c. Rose from their seat and fell down before the throne giving due worship and reverence to him that sate thereon And cast their crowns before the Throne Attributing their victory and reward to God the Author Greg. The rest is easie CHAP. V. Being a continuation of the second Vision Vers 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne a Book DOubtlesse this Book is the Revelation it self which was not a materiall but a Visionall Book Now as Christ is said to receive the Revelation from God of which before and to deliver it to John by an angel So here this Book was in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne and taken out of his hand by the Lamb vers 7. Opened and delivered unto the Angel who gave it to John commanding him to eate it chap 10. Forasmuch as all things thus agree no question this Book was the Revelation In his right hand c Because God is the Author of the Revelation also because he held it forth to Christ to open and unfold Written within and without This signifies the multitude of matters which were exhibited to John in the Revelation no place in the Book was empty Sealed with seven seales Because the Book was shut up and kept secret and kept close from the understanding of men this is one use of seales it notes the obscurity and secresie of the Revelation till by Christ opened Vers 2. And I saw a strong Angel proclaiming with a loud voice Or one of the seven Spirits excelling in strength See my Glimpse of Christs love pag. 43 44. who cried with a loud voice because with a mighty courage he proclaimed before the whole Company of heaven the question about opening the Book Who is Worthy to open the Book c Not who can for not only skill and strength but worthinesse is also required in the opener of the secret counsell of God about things to come Note this Vers 3. And no man in heaven c. Silence in heaven all creatures dumb as unable and unworthy to open the Book in earth men and beasts under the earth fishes and sea monsters being under the earth according to the sense of the

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

be filthy still in hope to scape unpunished which words are not a permission or approving of filthinesse but a threatning a secret judgment for reprobates shall be given up to a reprobate sense if after admonishing such will be filthy let them be filthy still He that is righteous will be righteous still As Dan 12.10 many shall be pure but the wicked shall do wickedly to which our Gospel Daniel here alludes All the righteous will believe and do righteously though the day of judgement be not very near the Word in them is the incorruptible seed now for their sakes the Prophecy is chiefly therefore seale it not Here observe how the same word causes divers effects accidentally t is the savour of life to the Elect to the rest the savour of death as our Apostle 2 Cor. 2.15 16. bravely Righteous still Continuing in righteousnesse and encreasing in righteousnesse Here the Papists say second Justification by works is proved for they who were justified first by Christ may be more justified by works as charity but t is false no works justifie and Scripture which commands charity never speaks of its justifying Christ justifies alone but our good works declare us to be in Christ and justified So James may be understood ch 2. ver 24. Quaest How is a man that is justified justified still or more for the words in Greek bare that interpretation Answ We are justified but once but sanctified oft more and more both which Sanctification and Justification are here expressed but though we are but once justified as was David yet after sinning and falling from God when by repentance we return to the God of our Iustification we have the benefit of Justification renewed as Psal 51.7 David had as that most pathetique Psalme proves every where but enough Vers 12. Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me This is Christs voice perchance represented by the Angel yet it might be Christ distinct from the Angel for t is no unusual thing in this book as in some Comedy or Tragedy to have several Persons brought in speaking of Christs coming quickly See ver 7 and ch 1. ver 1. My reward Because Christ freely gives it Now the reward is eternal life and that is the gift of God Rom. 6. ver last Damnation is properly a reward so is not eternal life but improperly being out of free grace and promise To render to every one according to his works The good mans reward out of mercy and promise shall be good the wicked mans shall be evil to him but just as from God out of desert The wicked man is rewarded for his works being perfectly evil the good man according to his works which are due debts to the Creator but imperfectly good to which God hath annexed a promise out of free love not desert Vers 13. I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last c This proves it to be Christs voice who chap. 1. ver 8. cals himself so Now Alpha is the first letter and Omega the last among the Greeks So Christ is first even eternal with his father and last as God to eternity See chap. 1.8 expounded Christ though the Son is as soon as the Father as light and heat are in the Sunne and fire yet the Sunne and fire are causes of them he that pleases may read the learned refutation of Engedinus the heretick against Christ being Alpha and Omega by my Pareus upon this verse Vers 14. Blessed are they that do his Commandements It seems as if spoken by an Angel of Christ whose commandments are mentioned but it may be referred to the Commandements of the book or sayings of the Prophecy ver 7. and then t is Christs voyce Now the sayings of Christ or Commandements are touching the not worshipping the Beast nor his image as chap. 13. flying out of Babylon chap. 18. and forsaking any thing of Rome if they be blessed that keep them what becomes of them that break them worshipping the Beast The Lord remember all his People and them in Ireland to call them from Popery to salvation through Christ Iesus That they may have right to the tree of life To wit Christ Now that we have in being his spiritual members and spouse who have right to their head and husband The servants of the Beast have no right to Christ being neither elected nor redeemed in general Vers 15. For without are dogs and sorcerers Out of heaven to wit being not written in the Lambs book chap. 21 27. Now though all wicked men and reprobates are here meant yet in a most peculiar manner the servants of the Beast By which you perceive how God hates all Idolaters and Idolatry Dogs Are unclean and tearers or devourers Matth. 7.6 Give not that which is holy unto dogs Julian the Apostate was such a dog who receiving some knowledge of Christ tore the Gospel and rent it with arguments out of its selfe but wrested Now who are greater tearers of the Scripture then Papists wresting it to destruction who greater lyars against Christ and truth who teach more false doctrines then they Vers 16. I Iesus have sent my Angel to testifie unto you these things c He is the Person speaking the Author of the Revelation the Alpha and Omega the Lord of the Prophets the Commander of the Angels the doner of eternal life and therefore God Omnipotent Note Christ gives himself that name which long before was given him by the Angel Matth. 1.20 21. This name we should chiefly acknowledge him by this is the only name of comfort so he says thus muth I Jesus or your Saviour have sent my Angel putting us in mind of his love and mercies towards us To you Of or in the seven Churches chap. 1.11 But these things concern all the People and Churches of Christ though particularly the seven Churches in Asia long since ruined First this is comfort to us that our Jesus is the Angels Commander therefore we shall not want their assistance Secondly that we should carefully read what Christ commanded his Angel to testifie and John to write How ill did they who question the authority of this book I am the root and off-spring of David The root beareth the tree so Christ as God upheld and saved David but according to the flesh he was the off-spring or sonne of David and by consequent the true Messias The bright and morning starre The meaning is that as Venus outshines all the stars so Christs glory excels all the glory of Saints and Angels thus Christ resembles his glory to the heavenly brightnesse and lustre of the morning starre Balaam Numb 24.17 and Peter 2 Pet. 2.1 v. 19. cals Christ a star Christ expels the darknes of sin and ignorance and brings the light of knowledge and grace and at the morning of the resurrection will drive away the darknesse of this life and shew himself most gloriously to all the Saints Thus Christ promised himself to