Charity is not easily provoked to wit to anger or exasperated though it may be angry yet it is slow thereto It is not easily or readily provoked either upon a small or frivolous account or to exceed the bounds of sobriety Jam. 1. 18 20. he that is soon angry dealeth foolishly Prov. 14. 17. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable gentle and easy to be intreated Jam. 3. 17. Thinketh no evil surmizeth no evil when it is provoked Isay 42. 17 20. Rejoyceth not in iniquity not in speaking or doing any Prov. 8. 7 8 or not in the iniquity of others But it leadeth Men to be grieved for the evils of others because they keep not the word of God Ps 119. 136 158. Jer. 9. 2. and ch 4. 18 19. But rejoyceth in or with the truth It leadeth Men to rejoyce in Christ Jesus who is the truth Phil. 3. 1 3. with Joh. 14. 6. and in the word of truth the Gospel of our Salvation Eph. 1. 13. and that others walk therein As the Apostle John saith I rejoyced greatly when the Brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee even as thou walkest in the truth I have no greater joy than to hear that my Children walk in truth 2 Joh. 3. 4. Charity beareth all things all burdens put upon it in seeking anothers good beareth the burdens of others and therein fulfill's the law of Christ Gal. 6. 2. It leads the strong to bear the infirmities of the weak and not to please themselves Rom. 15. 1 3. and it leads to cover all the sins of Men so as may tend to the seeking their good Charity will cover the multitude of sins Prov. 10. 12. with 1 Pet. 4. 8. It bears all things so as it still rejoyceth not in iniquity but rejoyceth in or with the truth Rev. 2. 2. Believeth all things which God hath spoken or testified Acts 24. 14. and all things concerning the good of another so as not rejoycing in iniquity It leads Men to take all in the best sence they can and to put the best construction on every thing Hopeth all things And so in meekness instructing them that oppose themselves if God at any â—iâ—e will give them repentance unto the acknowledging of the truth 2 Tim. 2. 25 26. Heb. 6. 4 9. Indureth all things all afflictions and sufferings it meets with in seeking the good of others many waters cannot quench love neither can the flouds drown it Cant. 8. 6 7 8. Charity never faâ—leth Towards the proper objects thereof so doth not God's charity when he cannot delight in us or be wel-pleased with us yet he is very pittiful and of tender mercies towards us And it is of the Lords mercy that we are not consumed even because his compassions fail not when his delight in us doth For the Lord will not cast off for ever while Men are joyned to all the living But though he cause grief he will have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies Lam. 3. 22 31 32 33 39. And it leads us also when Brotherly-kindness fails to put on and have in usefulness charity which is the bond of perfectness Col. 3. 10 12 13. and by what hath been said of charity we may be led to see our great shortness in it and and want of it and to take shame unto our selves and be provoked to follow after charity 1 Cor. 14. 1. And to that end consider we the charity of God and that he is charity and hath manifested himself so to be in sending his Son the Saviour of the World every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God for God is charity 1 Joh. 4. 7 8 10 14 16 17. And walking in charity is the most excellent way whereby we may be instruments of profit and good to others for though we speak with the tongues of Men and Angels and have not charity we are sounding brass and a tinkling cymball and though we bestow all our goods to feed the poor and though we give our Bodys to be burned both which we may do and have no charity it profiteth us nothing 1 Cor. 12. 31 with ch 13. 1 2 3. And service or administration which is the fruit and effect of charity and the labour of love 1 Cor. 13. 4. Luke 6. 35 36. and this may betaken more largely for any service of love expressed or exercised towards others Joh. 13. 1 3. c. Mat. 20. 26 28. Gal. 5. 13. or more strictly for administring to the necessities of others Rom. 15. 31. In which sense it is to be taken in those words of the Apostle For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the Saints but is abundant also by many thankes-givings unto God 2 Cor. 9. 1 12. This service contains in it any service of love or charity towards men or Brethren for unto all men we should do good as we have opportunity but especially unto them that are of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6. 10. 1 Thes 3. 12 13. 1 Cor. 9. 23 24. And faith either the word of Faith which they had received and did hold fast though there were corrupt teachers amongst them as it is said by way of commendation concerning Pergamos v. 13. of which faith Christ is the Lord the author and finisher Jam. 2. 1. Heb. 12. 2. yet it is their Faith also not in the former considerations but as they have embraced and owned it and did still retain it 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. their most holy Faith which they received in believing and did hold fast and hold forth before others also Hab. 2. 4. Jude 20. 21. what the faith in this consideration is may be seen before in the notes on v. 13. of this chapter Or Thy Faith even their hearty closing with and believing the word of Faith the Gospel and so believing on Christ who is therein preached and evidently set forth before our eyes Their believing with the heart the things reported therein and walking thereby Rom. 1. 16 17. 2 Cor. 5. 7. Heb. 10. 38. Or Thy Faith thy fidelity and faithfulness their being and continuing constant to Christ notwithstanding the many trials and temptations they met withal to turn them aside therefrom 2 Thes 3. 3 4. Rom. 3. 3. And thy patience see notes on ch 1. v. 9. and ch 2. v. 2 3. And thy works and or even the last more then the first or And thy last works more then the first even their works of Faith and labour of love these works of theirs did not decrease or decay but there was an increase in their works They did still abound in the work of the Lord and in those good works to which they were created in Christ Jesus which God had ordained that they should walk in them 1 Cor. 15. 58. Eph. 2. 10. 1 Tim. 5. 10. They did grow and become fruitful in good works so as their last were more then the first
turn the great things of God's law into allegories 2 Pet. 1. 16. 2 Tim. 2. 16 18. and ch 4. 4. The Gospel of Christ they might call Letter as many Antichristian Spirits now do that was but the shell but their Spiritual meanings and corrupt glosses were the kernel that the History but their fables were the mystery they had such depths as lay not in the Letter as they call it They boasted they were wise and the law of the Lord was with them They knew they conceited the spiritual meaning of the sayings of God and that was such as did not plainly appear in nor agree with the import of the expressions of the Holy Ghost Jer. 8. 8 9. and ch 18. 18. as there are the depths of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. so they had their depths also their mystery of iniquity 2 Thess 2. 7. Eph. 5. 11 12. 2. Those depths they know not who have not their doctrine nor doth our Lord put it upon them to search or enquire into them Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life her ways are movable thou canst not know them hear me now therefore O ye Children and depart not from the words of my mouth remove thy way far from her and come not nigh the door of her house saith the holy Spirit Prov. 5. 6 9. Their depths they do conceal and hide from such as reject their doctrine as much as they can till Men listen to them they will not acquaint them with their secrets nor at first unto them until they be snared with the words of their lips but pretend one thing while they intend and mean another They privily bring in damnable heresies and not openly 2 Pet. 2. 1. they only consult to cast down Christ from his excellency they delight in â—ies they bless with their mouth but they curse in their inward parts Ps 62. 4. Though they serve not our Lord Jesus but their own belly their own spirit and wisdom yet they use good words and fair speeches where with they deceive the hearts of the simple pretending to guide them to safety and satisfaction while indeed their end and design is nothing else but destruction Rom. 16. 17 18. Phil. 3. 17 18 19. 3. But the depths they boast of are depths of Satan not of God such as are hatch't in hell and such as tend to exalt Satan's design and Kingdome Their doctrines are doctrines oâ— Devils such as tend to exalt him in the world and such as will lead Men unto everlasting destruction if they be continued in and not turned from And yet they may say as they did we have made a covenant with death and with hell are we at agreement when the overflowing scourge shall pass thorow it shall not come unto us for we have made lies our refuge and under falshood have we hid our selves Isay 28. 14 15 18 20. 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2. What he saith and speaketh unto these persons and that followeth viz. I will put upon you none other burden But that which ye have already hold fast till I come where we may inquire and consider 1. What was that which they had already 2. How was that to be held fast by them 3. How long was it to be retained or held fast by them 1. What was that which they â—ad already and which they should hold fast And that is somewhat answering unto and yet opposed unto their doctrine that is to say the doctrine of Christ or Faith of the Gospel which the Angel and Church in Pergamos are commended for holding fast notwithstanding there were false and corrupt teachers amongst them as v. 13 15. and Philadelphia is commended also for having kept Christ's word the word of his patience and not denying his name notwithstanding the Synagogue of Satan amongst them ch 3. 8 10. and is still exhorted to hold fast that which they had as here this Church also is ch 3. 11. and on like occasion as here namely because of seducers such instruction and exhortation is given unto other Churches and believers by this â—aith the Apostle Paul ye are saved if ye keep in memory or or hold fast that which I have preached unto you c. 1 Cor. 15. 1 2 3. Let that therefore abide in you which you have heard from the beginning 1 Joh. 2. 22 24 26. Therefore Brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word or by our Epistle 2 Thes 2. 8 15. 2 Joh. 7. 9 11. This is that which they had already and which they were to hold fast even the Doctrine of Christ with the Instructions and Commandments thereof Heb. 13. 7 8 9. See the notes before on Verse 13. of this Chapter 2. How was this Doctrine to be held fast by them And that is 1. In the midst of their Hearts in an hearty belief of it and yielding up to it and obeying it from the heart Rom. 6. 17. Let the word of Christ dwell richly in you saith the Apostle Col. 3. 16. Eph. 3. 17. and so rejoyce in Christ works and suffer this faith of the Gospel to purifie your hearts Acts 15. 9. To purifie your souls 1 Pet. 1. 22. Prov. 2. 10 11 16. and ch 3. 1. and ch 4. 4 13. and ch 7. 1 26. 2. They were also to hold it fast in word and conversation Phil. 2. 13 16. To hold fast the Profession of the Faith without wavering Heb. 4. 13. and ch 10. 23. and this is a consequent of the former namely as to word as it is said If thou keep them within thee they shall withall be fitted in thy lips Prov. 22. 18. And this confession with the mouth proceeding from belief with the heart will tend to the further saving our selves and others also Rom. 10. 8 10. 1 Tim. 4. 16. And this holding fast the Doctrine of Christ in our word and confession should be without mixture of our wisdom or of our corrupt glosses additions or takings away therefrom Though we understand it not or though it stand cross to our thoughts and apprehensions yet we should acknowledge and confess the goodness and truth thereof 2 Cor. 2. 17. Prov. 30. 6. Ps 119. 113. Jer. 23. 28. And also in conversation we should hold fast this Doctrine of Christ having our conversation becoming it that we may in all things adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour Phil. 1. 27. with Tit. 2. 10 11 13. Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. and in holding fast the Gospel of Christ in our hearts and from the heart obeying it we shall be made free from Sin and become Servants unto Righteousness Rom. 6. 16 18. And indeed we should so hold fast the word of Christ as to oppose and convince gain sayers and should contend earnestly for it and this we should do together and joyntly Phil. 1. 27. Jude 3. Tit. 1. 9. Gal. 2. 3. 1 Tim. 6. 12. 3. We have in the next place to enquire and consider how long
Churches Heb. 4. 12 13. Ps 33. 15. All the Churches shall know saith Christ that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give to every one of you according to your works see notes on ch 2. v. 23. hence he saith to every one of the Churches I know thy works that is he takes notice of them and considers of what nature or kind soever they be see notes on ch 2. 1. and the consideration hereof may be useful to us 1. To preserve us from or purge out of us those foolish blasphemous and Athestical thoughts whereby Men think to hide their doin the dark from his all-seeing eye Thus some wickedly reasoned thorow their ignorance and blindness as it seems in that the Lord saith can any hide themselves in secret places that I shall not see them Do not I fill Heaven and Earth saith the Lord Jer. 23. 24. Isay 29. 15. Thus again it is said Is not God in the height of Heaven and behold the height of the stars how high are they and thou sayest how doth God know can he Judge thorow the dark cloud Thick clouds are a covering to him that he seeth not c. Job 22. 12 14. and ch 24. 15 17. and ch 34. 22. 2 It might also and would be powerful to preserve us from putting forth our hand to iniquity were it considered by us that he searcheth into and knoweth all our works and why wilt thou my Son saith the holy Spirit be ravisht with a strange Woman For the ways of a Man are before the eyes of the Lord and he pondereth all his goings Prov. 5. 20 21. Ps 44. 20 21. Job 31. 1 4. O then walk we before him and be we perfect see notes on ch 2. v. 23. 2. Herein is affirmed that Christ did not upon search find their works perfect before God they might be and it appears they were perfect before Men before the Angel or Angels and Churches Because they had a name amongst them that they lived as before v. 1. others thought and spake highly honourably of them to their hurt and prejudice it seems But here our Lord Jesus he who is holy he who is true deals faithfully with them and undeceives them and others concerning them and saith Thy works have not been found by me perfect before God and his open rebuke and conviction was better than secret love or their Brethren's high commendations of them Faithful were the wounds of this Friend Prov. 27. 5 6. Ps 141. 5. But may not the same be said of all believers works Are any of their works perfect before God Is there not imperfection in them all To that we may say they are not compleatly perfect not so according to the strictness of the law or letter for there is not a just Man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccl. 7. 20. there are iniquities cleaving to their holy things and so to their best works doings and performances So as if God should strictly observe the failings and imperfections cleaving to them he might wipe them our and reject them Exod. 28. 38. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. Neh. 13. 14 22 31. But yet Blessed is the Man to whom the Lord will not impute sin Rom. 4. 5 8. and Ps 32. 1 2. Blessed are the perfect or undefiled in the way who walk in the law of the Lord Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and that seek him with the whole heart They also do no iniquity they walk in his ways Ps 119. 1 2 6. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit such God justifies not as to their persons only but also as to their works and who then shall condemn them Rom. 8. 1 33 34. A Man's works may be said according to the rule of the Gospel to be perfect when they are done in union with Jesus Eph. 2. 10. and so are produced by the Faith of the Gospel which faith worketh by love and these two are the new creature Gal. 5. 6. with ch 6. 15. when they proceed from the grace of God which brings salvation to all Men known and heartily believed whereby the heart is purified and body washt with that pure water so as according to the teachings thereof denying ungodliness and worldly lusts they walk soberly righteously and godly in this present World Looking for that blessed hope c. Tit. 2. 11 14. and the end of this conversation is that God in all things may be glorified thorow Jesus Christ and therein the good of Men and Brethren is endeavoured and pursued 1 Pet. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 32 33. see the notes on ch 2. v. 5. and thus the works of the weakest as well as of the strongest may be perfect before God for whosoever abideth in Christ sinneth not 1 Joh. 3. 6. Verse 3. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard and hold fast and repent If therefore thou shalt not watch I will come on thee as as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee The former part of this verse contains in it a gracious direction which our Lord gives to this Angel and Church and it refers to what goes before as is evident In v. 1. he had said thou art dead and here Remember therefore to the end thou mayest be revived quickned enlivened and comforted and it 's like to that Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen see notes on ch 2. v. 5 and so that here directed to is like to what the Psalmist provokes his Soul unto when the sorrows of death compassed him Return saith he unto thy rest O my Soul for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee to wit in that thy rest Ps 116. 3 7. or like to what Jonah relaâ—es when my Soul fainted within me I remembred the Lord and my prayer came in unto thee into thine holy Temple Jonah 2. 4 7. that which did enliven them at the first when they were dead in sins and trespasses was also powerful to revive them again even Christ as declared in the Gospel and so the Gospel of Christ which is the word of life Phil. 2. 16. Or this may have reference unto the former part of v. 2. Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain which are ready to dy But how should they do that thus Remember therefore â—ow thou hast received and heard c. the weakness of God even the foolish preaching of Christ crucified is stronger than Men It is the power of God whereby thou mayest be enabled to strengthen those dying things Rom. 1. 16 17. 1 Cor. 1. 17 22 25. Or this direction instruction may have reference to the latter clause of v. 2. or to Christ himself as convincing them of and reproving them for what was amiss in them I have not found thy works perfect before God Remember therefore c. like that ch 2.
taken in this Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to signify such as seek after the things here below first of all and set their affections on things upon the earth of which the believers are admonished Col. 3. 1 2. and so they are distinguished from and opposed to them that dwell in Heaven by Faith and have their conversation in Heaven Phil. 3. 20. Rev. 13. 6 8. and ch 12. 12. And in a most full sense they are dwellers on the earth who savour the things that are here below however they may pretend to believe the Gospel such as riotous persons drunkards such as abuse the good creatures of God here below and abuse themselves with them As our Saviour signifies saying Take â—eed to your selves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfetting and drunkenness and the cares of this life and so that day come upon you unawares for as a snare it will come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth Luke 21. 34 35. and in this sense such live on the earth who walk in uncleanness or covetousness and such as are alive to the riches Honour Glory praise and friendship of this World and who demean themsâ—lves as if they should live here for ever and such as are enemies of and injurious unto them which have the word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ and whose fear toward God is taught by the precepts and doctrines of Men see Rev. 6 10. and 11. 10. and ch 13. 12 14. and 17. 8. upon which dwellers of the earth so abiding all the woes denounced and threatned shall be executed Isay 26. 18 21. Rev. 8. 13. and ch 12. 12. Because they are worshippers of the beast c. Rev. 17. 2. And 2. By them that dwell upon the earth may also be signified more generally such as are in this World living Men as to us such as in their Mortal bodies are upon the earth and so the righteous are as well as the unrighteous for God hath made of one blood all nations of Men for to dwell on all the face of the earth To all whom the Lord speaks to when he saith all ye inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth see ye when he lifts up an ensign c. Isay 18. 3. with Rev. 14. 6. Dan. 4. 1. and ch 6. 25. Joh. 17. 15. and these may all be called dwellers on the earth both to distinguish them that dwell in the dust Isay 26. 19. and from the Spirits of just men made perfect who may be said in a more full sense to dwell in Heaven than any that are still in mortal bodies on earth though they may by faith dwell in Heaven also Rev. 13. 6. and ch 18. 20. Now upon both these in both considerations this hour of temptations here spoken of shall come 2. The end why it should come upon them and that is To try them namely 1. To prove them and to discover what manner of persons they are and whether they will at such a time be friends of or enemies to his Gospel and people thus he comes to try and prove men by persecutions and by false teachers and such as encline to and follow them all are in such a day proved such as are instruments of evil and affliction and such as suffer from them or are inticed by them Deut. 8. 2 14 16. 2. And he doth it while it 's called to day to purify them or give them occasion to purify themselves by those probations and discoveries he makes of them to themselves and others see the notes before on Rev. 2. v. 10 4. We have lastly to consider the promise it self viz I will keep thee I that am holy I that am true I will keep thee namely such as keep his Gospel and hold that â—ast So here Because thou hast kept the word of my patience I also will keep thee c. such as have and keep his word in the midst of their hearts and mouths like that Prov. 3. 21 26. and ch 4. 4 6. Isay 26. 2 3. such as let the things they have heard from the beginning abide in them they shall continue in the Son and in the Father 1 Joh. 2. 24. they shall abide in and under the gracious protection and defence of the Almighty 1 Joâ— 3. 24. his truth shall be their shield and buckler Ps 91. 4. Prov. 4. 13. and this might therefore engage us to keep his word and preserve us from listening unto and entertaining any strange voice what-soever Joh. 14. 21 23. 1 Pet. He will keep such from the hour of temptation or out of it while and as it may be for their good this he can do at his pleasure Acts 18. 10 11. Ps 105. 14 16. or however he will keep them from the evil of all no evil shall befal them Ps 91. 10 12. As the Lord saith when thou passest thorow the waters I will be with thee and thorow the rivers they shall not overflow thee when thou walkest thorow the fire thou shalt not be burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee Isay 43. 1 3. The gates of Hell shall not prevail against them that keep his word Mat. 16. 18. Ps 12. 6 7. Oh then be we incouraged and provoked to wait upon him and keep his word and way and then we need fear none evil whatever Ps 121. and 125. Rom. 8. 28 â—9 he hath the ordering of all temptations and times or hours of temptation and he is â—aithful who will not suffer them to be tempted above what they are able but will with the temptation make a way to escape and so keep them out of the hour of temptation 1 Cor. 10. 13. he knows how to deliver the Godly out of temptation as he did Lot though he met with much exercise and grief 2 Pet. 2. 6 9. he can hide us Ps 27. 4. 5. and 31. 20. Jer. 36. 26. yea though we are never so weak and have never so little strength as v. 8. yet he will be a strength to the poor a strength to the needy in his distress a refuge from the storm c. Isay 25. 4. and blessed is the Man whose strength is in him Ps 84. 4 5. Oh then hide we his word in the midst of our hearts and follow him in the regeneration so shall we never fall nor will he suffer our feet to be moved Ps 119. 165. and 66. 8 12. As our Saviour saith to his disciples and the Jews My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me and I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any Man pluck them out of my hand my Father which gave them me is greater than all and no Man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand c. Joh. 10. 27 30. 2 Joh. 9. 10. In this promise this also may be contained that he would so keep them from the hour of
Church of his a Golden Candlestick that did in some measure receive and bear forth the light yea there might appear with them a great deal of fervency in their outward professions and behaviours of themselves They were not cold Nor hot Not zealous verse 19. not fervent in Spirit serving the Lord Rom. 12. 11. their hearts did not burn within them Luke 24. 32. they were not enflamed with love to him and the things of his Kingdom Or as considering the scope of the place they were not hot that is they did not so value Christ and the things above where Christ sits at the right hand of God that durable riches and Righteousness in Christ as to buy them with a relinquishing and selling all that they had They did not so highly value Jesus Christ that pearl of great price as to part with their Sins and Idols and to go on to count all but loss and dung that they might be made partakers of him to hate Father and Mother Wife and Children yea and their own lives also for Christ's sake and to take up their Cross and follow him That this is here meant by hot appears by the counsel he gives them I counsel thee to buy of me Gold c. v. 18. And by the reason and end of his rebuking and chastening them that they might be zealous and exercise their zeal in buying v. 19. And by his knocking v. 20. he was not readily received but the door was shut against him and other persons or things were preferred to him and he was fain to stand and knock for admission till his head was filled with dew and his locks with the drops of the night as Cant. 5. 2. This was the heat they were destitute of they did not forsake all for Christ Jesus they were as silly doves without heart professedly waiting upon God but still retaining sin in their hands or double-mindedness in their hearts Hos 7. 11. or they were seeking their own things their own praise honour glory name or to establish a righteousness to themselves and though they might appear to be and might be zealous yet not in a good matter Gal. 4. 18. They were like to a Man that hearing of an excellent commodity at such a mart or market goes thereto he is not so cold as to stay at home But takes so much pains as to go to the place where it may be had and looks upon and likes it and hears delightfully what is spoken in commendation of it But yet he is not so hot as to come up to the price of it though he be willing to part with something he hath not such an high estimate of and affection to it as to prefer it before all other things and to purchase it how dear soever it be Truly such an one though he be not cold yet he is not hot such a Man is hot that is resolved to have such a commodity whatever it cost him in such a sense they were hot They were not so cold as wholly to desist from a professed waiting at wisdom's posts but they sate before God as his people and heard his words and it might be as a lovely and pleasant song to hear what was spoken in the praise and commendation of that gold tried in the fire c. v. 18. But still their hearts went after their covetousness or pride and high thoughts of themselves they conceited themselves to be rich and increased with goods and therefore did not forsake all they had for Christ Ezek. 33. 31 32. Oh let us search and try our hearts in the light of God's testimony and see if we also be not such manner of persons as these were the Testimony of Christ is a faithful glass that gives a true and impartial discovery of all things and persons It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Heb. 4. 12. therein let us examine our selves and not trust to our own hearts or lean to our own understandings for the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked and he that trusteth therein is a fool our wisdom and understanding will pervert us and make us believe we are hot when indeed we are but Lukewarm Oh let us then come to the light of the Lord and therein view our selves our hearts and ways and as therein our Lukewarmness is discovered let us cleanse our selves therefrom in the light and strength of the grace of God which bringeth Salvation to all Men 2. Cor. 7. 1. This is the iniquity the provoking iniquity of those in God's Church that they are not hot for though they cannot heat themselves but must be heated with a coal from his altar yet unto and in their turning at his reproofs and letting go the things faulted and discovered to be â—vil and unprofitable he would pour out his Spirit unto them and make known his words which are as fire and would even make their hearts burn within them Prov. 1. 23. with Jer. 23. 29. Luke 24 32. the light of Israel would be as a fire unto them And this is that he expects from those in his Church not only that they be not cold but that they be hot not only that they hear pray assemble confer approach to him and have a name among the Churches that they live which they may have while yet they are dead Rev. 3. 1. But that they have such an estimate of Christ and his things as to count all other things but vile and unprofitable in comparison of him that they be so hot as to buy the truth with selling all that they have and when notwithstanding all his excellency and graciousness they are still destitute of this heat and ardency of affection to him Oh this incenseth him against them and so much is signified to us in that which followeth viz. I would thou wert cold or hot as if he should say I cannot away with this temper or distemper of thine as v. 16. it is very offensive and provoking to me and therefore I wish thou wert rid of thy loathsome temper and wert either cold or hot It is somewhat like to what Elijah saith to the Israelites Why halt ye between two opinions If God be God follow him but if Baal then follow him 1 King 18. 21. or like to the saying of Joshua If it seem evil to you to serve the Lord in sincerity and truth with a putting away the Gods which your Fathers served câ—use you this day whom ye will serve whether the Gods which your Fathers served or the Gods of the Amorites c. Josh 24. 14 15. as if he should say do not make a shew of serving the Lord while together therewith you do indeed serve your idols But either be hot in serving him only and sincerely and put away and renounce your Idols or else be cold and leave off all your professed waiting on him and follow such other Gods as you shall chusâ— This neutrality and indifferency is
comes to pass that the Saints sacrifices of prayers and praises are so acceptable and sweet in the nostrils of God not because of the absolute perfection of them but because they are sanctified by the Spirit and full of and perfumed with the incense of the Intercession of Jesus Christ Isa 56. 7. Heb. 4. 14-16 Vers 9. And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation In this Verse we have to consider and speak unto 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones And they sung a new song 2. The subject-matter of this new song Wherein we have to considâ—r 1. Their Doxology or ascribing praise and glory to the Lamb saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof 2. The Reason or Reasons of his worthiness to do these things and to have this glory ascribed and rendred to him by-them For thou wast â—lain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones with their Harps c. And they sung a new song Where let us a little consider 1. The persons that sung 2. Their act or exercise it self 1. The persons that sung they the four living creatures and four and twenty Elders ver 8. or the Saints ver 8. These were the Harpers these the Singers here spoken of even the holy and righteous Ones and they are oft called on to sing unto the Lord and give thanks unto him Psal 30. 4. and 32. 11. and 33. 1 2 3. and 149. 1 2 3. Indeed men generally are called upon to sing unto the Lord as it is said Sing unto the Lord all the earth 1 Câ—ron 16. 23. Make a joyful noise unto God all ye Lands sing forth the honour of his name make his praise glorious Psal 66. 1 2. and 68. 32. and 96. 1 2. and 98. 1-4 5. and Psal 100. 1 2. But how can all men be called upon to sing or how can they meetly do it who believe not the Argument of the Song To which I say 1. There is good reason and cause for all so to do because Christ hath died for all yea rather is risen again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son c. for God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved John 3. 16 17. and chap. 4. 42. And Christ hath given his flesh for the life of the world and given himself a ransom for all John 6. 51. 1 Tim. 2. 4-6 In which the goodness of the Lord is manifested the love pity and kindness of him that â—its upon the throne and of the Lamb that he is good unto all and loving unto every man and hence all are called upon to come before his presence with singing Tit. 3. 4. Heb. 2. 9. Psal 100. 1 2 3 5. and 145. 8 9 1 Chron. 16. 23 24. Psal 113. 1 2 3. 2. In due time this is made known to all as they come to years of discretion in some measure I mean that the Lord is good to all Psal 50. 1. Prov. 8. 1-4-6 Rom. 1. 19 21. Christ is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into â—he world John 1. 9. and 8. 12. And especially he is discovering his grace and love to all that have the Scriptures amongst them and the Gospel preached to them that all might hear so as it may be said Have they not heard yes verily Rom. 10. 18 19. John 5. 25. Jam. 1. 19. And usually when they are called upon to sing praise unto the Lord the reason and reasons why they should so do are propounded therewith as Psal 47. 1-5 6. and 68. 4. 10 11 18-20-32 and 96. 1-10 and 98. 1-4 5. 3. Herewith God is giving his saving-grace that all might hear believe and sing praise and it is wholly their own fault if they do not these things The grace of God saving or that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared Tit. 2. 11. The â—our now is when the dead in sins and trespasses â—ear the voice of the Son of God that they might hear in hearing and live John 5. 25. and 1. 6 7. and chap. 6. 27 29 32 33 49 50. Rom. 8. 6 8-13-17 and therefore all may be called upon to praise the Lord for his goodness c. Psal 107. 8-15-21-31 But yet especially and most frequently the Saints and righteous ones are called upon excited and exhorted so to do because 1. They not only may but do know the joyful â—ound and so the good cause and reason why they should sing forth the honour of his name 1 John 5. 20. that the soul be without knowledg it is not good Prov. 19. 2. and God hath no pleasure in fools in such as so remain though he hath pity towards them Eccles 5. 1-4 and 7 5. But the Saints have an understanding they know and believe the love wherewith God hath loved them and all men in sending his Son the Saviour of the world 1 John 4. 14 -16 And therefore they especially are called upon to sing praises as it is said Sing ye praises with understanding or every one that hath understanding Psal 47. 5 6. 7. and 89. 15 16. 1 Cor. 14. 15. 2. And thorow the knowledg and belief of God's Testimony they are made in Christ and he is theirs 1 Cor. 1. 30 31. and 3. 23. they have tasted that the Lord is gracious 1 Pet. 2. 3. and are filled with joy and peace in believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory c. 1 Pet. 1. 8 9 10. though all the days of their afflictions are evil yet they have a merry heart and so a continual feast Prov. 15. 13 15. and is any man merry let him sing Psalms Jam. 5. 13. Blessed are the people that know the joyful â—ound they shall walk O Lord in the light of thy countenancâ— in thy name they shall rejoyce all the day c. Psal 89. 15 17. and 132. 9 16. and 30. 4 5. Hab. 3. 16-19 3. It is a becoming decent thing for them to sing praise as it is said Rejoyce in the Lord O ye righteous for praise is comely for the upright Prâ—ise the Lord with the Harp sing unto him a new song play skilfully with a loud noise Psal 33. 1 3. It 's not comely for â—thers so to do who wilfully abide in their ignorance and disobedience unto the wicked God â—aith What hast thou to do to declare my statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth seeing thou hatest instruction c. But whâ—so offereth praise saith the Lord glorifieth me and to him that disposeth his way will I shew the salvation
Ascension c. And he bare witness Of all things which he saw Not only with Bodily Eyes though of that also he bare witness as of the things that were done to Christ by the Souldiers Joh. 19. 22 25. and of his being raised of which he was an Eye-witness also 1 Joh. 1. 1. and of divers of his Miracles Joh. 20. 30 31. But which he saw likewise with the Eyes of his Understanding Eph. 1. 18. and indeed summarily this expression All things which he saw contains all he bare witness of Ps 131. 1 2. He did not intrude into things he had not seen as those do who are vainly puft up with their fleshly mind and who hold not the Head Col. 2. 18 19. He did not boast of things without his measure of other mens labours or sight 2 Cor. 10. 13 15. But saith he That which we have heard which we have seen with our Eyes which we have looked upon and our hands have handled of the Word of Life That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you 1 Joh. 1. 1 3. And we have seen and do testifie that the Father sent the Son the Saviour of the World Of the World the whole World distinct from Believers Of the World that lieth in Wickedness 1 Joh. 4. 13 14. with Ch. 2. 2. and Ch. 5. 19. So Ananias saith to Saul Thou shalt be Christ's Witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard Acts 22. 14 15. Yea to the same purpose Christ speaketh to him and saith I have appeared to thee to make thee a Minister and a Witness both of these things which thou hast seen and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee Act. 26. 16. Oh thaâ— we may be imitaters of the Apostle John herein and think and act soberly according to the measure of the knowledge and proportion of Faith given to us Now this account may be given to us of what he bare witness before this Book was shewed to him to wit Of the Word of God c. Not only to shew the excellency of his exercise and service and wherein he was Christ's Servant v. 1. and to declare unto us his faithfulness but also to direct us that before we may have the usefulness of and acquaintance with the things contained in this Revelation of Jesus Christ we should first always give diligent heed unto and heartily believe and keep in believing remembrance those things he bare witness unto before these Visions and Revelations of the Lord were vouchsafed to him Namely the first great and fundamental things of Gods Law and Doctrine the word of the beginning of Christ which is the Foundation of all gracious and Spiritual Operations and of all Doctrines Heb. 6. 1 2. they who are unacquainted with or let slip those first things cannot understand these things which are mysterious deep and hard to be understood Heb. 5. 11 14. Luk. 8. 1. 10. Joh. 3. 12. 2. How did he bear witness of the Word of God and Testimony of Jesus Christ and of all things which he saw He did bear witness thereof 1. By his verbal preaching of these great things of God's Law he did believe them with his Heart and so set to his Seal that God is true in his Testimony of his Son Joh. 3. 33. and did make Confession of them with his mouth to the Salvation of himself and others that heard him Rom. 10. 8 10. with 1 Tim. 4. 16. He that saw these things bare record and his record is true and he knoweth that he saith true that we might believe Joh. 19. 35. Thus our Saviour when raised from the Dead after he had opened the Scriptures to his Disciples and opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures he then informes them that they must be his witnesses to bear witness of the great Contents of the Gospel to wit of Christ's Death and Resurrection c. And how they must bear witness and record of these things namely by going into all the World and preaching the Gospel to every Creature of all the Nations He said unto them Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the Dead the third day and that Repentance and Remission of Sins should be preached in his name unto all Nations beginning at Jerusalem And ye are witnesses of these things Luk. 24. 32 44 47 48. with Mark 16. 15. And this preaching of the Cross though it be to them that perish foolishness yet it is an excellent way of witnessing unto Christ when it is without excellency of Speech or of Wisdom It is the Power of God 1 Cor. 1. 17 18 23 24. Rom. 1. 15 16. And by using and delivering the Ordinances of Christ 2. And he bare witness of the Word of God c. by writing also after the Holy Ghost was poured down from on high upon the Apostles which is a blessed and sanctified means for dispersing the knowledge of these excellent things to such as he was not personally withall and for perpetuating them and conveying them to such as were then unborn or uncapable of knowing them as we may further see on Verse 11. This way also even by writing He bare record These are written saith he that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his name Joh. 19. 35. with Chap. 20 30 31. This is the Disciple which testifieth of these things and wrote these things and we know that his Testimony both ways is true Joh. 21. 24. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full 1 Joh. 1. 1 3 4. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life c. 1 Joh. 5. 13. with Chap. 4. 13. 14. 3. And he bare witness of them by a patient enduring Afflictions and Persecutions for the Word of Christ as he saith in Verse 9. I John who am your Companion in Tribulation was in the Isle which is called Patmos for the word of God and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ He was a faithful Martyr or witness by partaking of and taking patiently the Afflictions of the Gospel So Paul also bare witness of Christ and his Testimony by a patient enduring the Persecutions and Tribulations he met withal both from the people and Gentiles as is signified to us by what Christ said to him The Lord stood by him and said Be of good chear Paul for as thou hast testified of me at Jerusalem so must thou bear witness also at Rome Acts 13. 11. And herein John was an imitater of our Lord Jesus who witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate and therein hath he left us an Example that we should follow his steps 1 Tim. 6. 16. with 1 Pet. 2. 20 21 23.
notes on Ch. 2. Ver. 7. and Ch. 13. 9. and Ch. 22. 16 18. And they that hear Namely with Understanding as is said He read before those that could hear with understanding Or that understood in hearing and their Ears were attentive Neh. 8. 2. 3 8. So many times in Scripture hearing doth signifie understanding as is said of the builders of Babel that they may not hear to wit understand one anothers speech Gen. 11. 7. So A Nation whose tongue thou shalt not hear that is understand Deut. 18. 49. Isay 36. 11. So the Apostle saith no man heareth namely understandeth him 1 Cor. 14. 2. Mat. 13. 18. This is also included and contained in this Exercise of hearing And they that hear to wit receive and entertain This also appears to be included in hearing in this place because he presently adds and keep implying that they have received which act must be contained in hearing And so in other places hearing doth take in and signifie receiving or believing as where it is said Hear and your Souls shall live Isay 55. 3. And they that hear shall live Joh. 5. 25. which is the same with what Christ saith He that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live Joh. 11. 25. And keep those things which are written therein Namely Lay them up as a choice and excellent thing as the Holy Ghost saith My Son keep my Words and lay up my Commandments with thee keep my Commandments and live c. Prov. 7. 1 2. Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart Deut. 11. 18. And keep namely keep them safely and hide them in the midst of their hearts that none may take them away from them As the Holy Ghost saith take fast hold of Instruction let her not go keep her for she is thy life Prov. 4. 13. It is the work of Satan and his Instruments to steal away Gods Words from us if possibly they can It greatly behoves and concerns us then to keep them in our hearts as Luk. 2. 51. And so to keep those things written in this Book as not to add to or take from them our selves nor suffer any others so to do as is said Ch. 22. 7. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the Prophesie of this Book For as is also in the close of that Chapter I testifie unto every man that heareth the words of the Prophesie of this Book If any man shall add unto these things God shall add unto him the Plagues that are written in this Book And if any man shall take away God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City c. Ver. 18 19. And keep c. Namely observe them and keep them to do them so whereas in one place it is said by Christ My Mother and my Brethren are these that hear the word of God and do it In another he saith Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it Compare Luk. 8. 21 with Ch. 11. 28. So Moses in one place saith keep therefore and do for this is your wisdom c. In another keep to do c. Deut. 4. 6. and ch 5. 1. So keep often signifies observe and do see Deut. 6. 17 18. and ch 7. 9 11. they are not blessed that hear understand and believe simply but also together therewith that keep lay up hold fast observe and do those things written in this Book so as to abstain from and deny the evils reproved perform the things required wait for the things promised and dread the evils threatned so as daily and continually to depart from iniquity c. These are the Subjects of the Blessedness here pronounced and assured who are found in this exercise or in these acts about this Object Only mind that he that readeth must also hear and keep or else he is not blessed Otherwise it would be said to him thou that teachest another teachest thou not thy self c. And what hast thou to do to declare my statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth Seeing thou hatest Instruction and castest my words behind thee Rom. 2. 17 26. Mat. 7. 22 23. And in thus doing if he that readeth be of them also that hear and keep as such an one is first named here so he shall be preferred in the blessing They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever Dan. 12. 3. 2. We have nextly to consider the blessedness of such person and persons so exercised Blessed is he and they c. Blessed They shall increase in knowledge and have their understandings still and further opened To him that hath shall be given and he shall have more abundantly For Blessed are their Eyes which see and their Ears which hear Mat. 13. 11 16 18. and ch 25. 28 29. The Eyes of them that see shall not be dim and the Ears of them that hear shall hearken Isa 32. 3. Then shall we know if we follow on to know the LORD Hos 6. 3 Blessed He will keep them who keep his Word from the evil of all Temptations and Tryals that shall come upon the World Rev. 3. 8 10. and from the evil of all Judgments that shall be in the Earth and which shall be executed upon the Inhabiters of the Earth Rev. 7. 2 3. and ch 22. 18. For Blessed are such He will keep them from every path of the destroyer Ps 17. 4. Blessed are the undefiled in the way who walk in the Law of the LORD Blessed are they that keep his Testimonies they also do no iniquity they walk in his ways Ps 119. 1 3. They shall not partake with others in their sins and so shall not partake with them in their Plagues Rev. 18. 4 5. Blessed They shall have their part in and continued in the Book of life and in the Holy City and in all the good and desirable things written in this Book Rev. 22. 7. with ver 19. And so when they dye in the Lord they shall be blessed from thenceforth For they shall rest from their Labours and their works shall follow them Rev. 14. 13. And in the first Resurrection they shall be Blessed and Holy They shall be raised out of the first death and on them the second shall have no power Rev. 20. 4 6. They shall be blessed for they shall be called to the Marriage-supper of the Lamb Rev. 19. 7 9. And shall be Priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with him a thousand years yea they shall reign for ever and ever Hence when the Holy Ghost had been describing the Glory of the New Jerusalem and shewing the pure River of the Water of Life and Tree of Life and assuring there should be no more Curse there but the Throne of God and of the Lamb and his Servants shall serve him And they shall see
Nature Children of Wrath even as others as the rest of Mankind Eph. 2. 2 5. We our selves were sometimes foolish disobedient deceived serving divers Lusts and Pleasures living in Malice and Envy hateful and hating one another Col. 2. 12 13. 1 Pet. 4. 3. Tit. 3. 3 4 5. Oh let us shew all meekness to all men and pity and pray for them considering our selves Tit. 3. 2 3. Mat 18. 23 35. Are there not Sins with us even with us also against the LORD our God 2 Chron. 28. 10. and such we have been guilty of as others have been even such as are properly called our Sins our own Personal Sins against Light and Grace vouchsafed 3. Needful it is that we be washed from our Sins otherways we cannot be accepted of him who is of purer eyes then to behold Iniquity nor have admission into his presence here or Kingdom hereafter Unless we be washed we can have no part with Christ Joh. 13. 8. Without Holiness no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14. The Unrighteous cannot inherit the Kingdom of God unless they be washed sanctified and justified in the name of the LORD JESVS CHRIST and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6. 9 11 Eph. 5. 3 7. Col. 3. 5 8. 4. He washed us from our Sins We could not wash our selves in any wisdom or strength of our own if we had washed our selves with Snow-water and made our Hands never so clean yet he would have plunged us into the Ditch our own Cloths would make us to be abhorred Job 9. 30 31. Though we had taken to us Nitre and much Soap yet our Iniquities would still have been marked before the LORD Jer. 2. 22. Isay 66. 17. Indeed he calls upon us to wash us and make us clean c. Isay 1. 16. But not in any Fountain or with any Water of our own but in the light and strength of his Grace But still he is the first and principal doer hereof and worker herein and unless he wash us we can have no part with him Joh. 13. 8. Hence the Psalmist begs of the Lord that according to the multitude of his mercies he would wash him thorowly from all his Iniquities and cleanse him from all his Sins That he would purge him with Hysop and he should be clean that he would wash him and he should be whiter then Snow Ps 51. 2 7. Oh the wonderful humility of Jesus Christ It was great condescension in him to wash his Disciples Feet Joh. 13. But how greatly doth his Humility appear that he would wash us from our Sins which are more filthy then the filthiest thing in this World ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins and in him is no Sin 1 Joh. 3. 5 6. 5. He washed us from our Sins in his own Blood He is the Author of our washing and this is the way and means That he might do it it was needful he should partake of the Flesh and Blood and that he should dye for our Sins Gal. 1. 4. And rise again without which we should have been still in our Sins 1 Cor. 15. 16 17. No washing away of our Sins without Blood Without Blood-shedding there is no remission nor purgation of Sins Heb. 9. 22 23. Nor could there be any washing without his own Blood It was not possible that the Blood of Bulls and Goats could take away Sin Wherefore he came into the World in a Body prepared for him and laid down his Life and took it up again that he might become a Fountain in and thorow his own Blood for the washing us from our filth and uncleanness Heb. 10. 1 4. c. He hath made Peace for us by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. And obtained forgiveness of our following Sins Eph. 1. 7. And is become a Fountain for Sin and for Vncleanness Zech. 13. 1. He discovered the preciousness thereof to us in his Gospel 1 Joh. 5. 6. And washt us from the Dominion of Sin in our minds from our Ignorance and enmity Tit. 3. 3 5. Acts 26. 18. Joh. 9. 7 11 15. from the guilt of Sin in our Consciences Ps 51. 1 7. Acts 10. 43. and ch 13. 39. and from the service of our divers Lusts and Vanities Heb. 10. 22. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. 6. This was the fruit of his love He loved us and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood Oh infinite love it was in him that he should partake with us of the Flesh and Blood and shed his precious Blood and pour out his Soul to death for us that he might redeem us from our Iniquities and make known and evidence his Blood to us with the ends and vertues thereof and apply it to and sprinkle it upon us that our hearts thereby might be sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our Bodies washed with pure Water Heb. 10. 22. and ch 9. 14. This was the fruit of his love of his first-love fundamentally and of his following also Ezek. 16. 8 9. He gave himself for his Church that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of Water in the word And to this his love led him Eph. 5. 25 27. Oh! learn we of him thus to testifie love one to another If he our Lord and Master have washed us because he loved us we ought also to wash one anothers Feet for he hath given us an example that we should do as he hath done to us Joh. 13. 1 4 13 15. Oh let us not then hate one another in our hearts but let us rebuke one another in Love and not suffer Sin one upon another Lev. 19. 17. To this end consider him He hath loved us and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Bless the LORD O our Souls who forgiveth all your Iniquities who healeth all the Diseases of your Soul who redeemeth the life of your Soul from Destruction c. Ps 103. 1 3 4. Verse 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father to him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Amen In this Verse is laid down and declared to us what further Cause and Reason there is for such as are redeemed unto God to ascribe Glory and Honour unto the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ with the Doxology or giving praise it self unto him upon all these accounts mentioned v. 5 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests This is the consequent of his loving and washing us from our Sins c. v. 5. Vnto him who loved us and washed us and hath made us Kings c. Ezek 16. 9 12. 1 Cor. 6. 9 11. And herein it appears that he is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth as it shall be when he makes all things New For he hath made us Kings c. And is and shall be the Lord of Kings Dan. 2. 47. Some understand by this Phrase he hath
is God Ps 90. 1 2. His counsels are of old Isay 25. 1. so such a like description is given of the Father as the Ancient of days The Ancient of days did sit whose garment was white as snow and the hair of his head like the pure Wooll Dan. 7. 9. he is the everlasting Father Isay 9. 6. he is not like us who are of yesterday and know nothing Job 8. 9. but the Lord possessed him in the beginning of his way before his works of old he this Wisdom of God was set up from everlasting from the beginning or ever the the earth was c. Prov. 8. 23. 31. He was glorious with the Father before the World was and is now glorified in our nature with the same glory Joh. 17. 4 5. his Kingdom Rule and Government is everlasting Ps 145. 13. his goings forth have been from of old from the days of eternity Mich. 5. 2. 1 Tim. 1. 17. he is the Ancient of days and with him is Wisdom and strength Job 12. 12 13. Heb. 1. 10 11. Ps 93. 1 2. And this is for usefulness to us 1. To engage us to listen unto him and submit to his government seeing he is the Ancient of days Thus himself instructs us from this reason and upon this account I was saith he set up from everlasting when there were no depths I was brought forth when there were no fountains abounding with water before the mountains were settled c. now therefore hearken unto me O ye children for blessed are they that keep my ways Prov 8. 22 30 32. Isay 48. 12. 2. Seeing he is in the midst of the churches who is the everlasting Father and whose Wisdom and government is everlasting It may encourage them to trust in him at all times and not fear as Rev. 1. 17. To trust in him for ever for in the LORD Jehovah is everlasting strength Isay 26. 3 4. His throne is established of old he is from everlasting And though the flouds lift up their voice and Waves yet he is high and mightier than they He sits and rules upon the flouds he sits King for ever Ps 93. 2. 4 with Ps 29. 10. and 147. 5 6. 3. It shews unto us the Blessedness of tohse that have the LORD for their God there is none like unto their God and therefore none like to them Deut. 33. 26 29. Ps 33. 6 12. 4. It may preserve us from worshipping any other than this most excellent one and God in him who is the first and the last who is the eternal Wisdom and whose counsels of old are faithfulness and truth Isay 25. 1. and ch 43. 9 13. and ch 46. 1 10. 2. His head and his hairs were white like Wool as white as Snow namely purely white holy without mixture of pollution or defilement so white oft signifieth in Scripture Dan. 11. 35. and ch 12. 10. so white garments are said to be holy garments Lev. 16. 4. and particularly upon the Mitre which was upon the head of the High-priest there was a plate on which was engraven Holiness to the LORD or of the LORD called the holy Crown Exod. 28. 36 39. and ch 39. 28 31. Zech. 3. 3 5 8. so our Lord Jesus who is without beginning of days he is holiness in all Though he be the Ancient of dayes yet he is without sin or mixture of pollution he is the holy one in all his Wisdom and government and his counsels of old are faithfulness and truth Isay 25. 1. Heb. 1. 8 9. he is anointed with holy Oyl Ps 89. 19 20. with the holy Spirit Acts 2. 33. and ch 10. 38. and crowned with the holy pure crown Lev. 8. 9. with Ps 21. 3. and the Seraphims sing unto him Holy Holy Holy is the LORD of hosts Isay 6. 1 3 10. with Joh 12. 40 41. and in his Churches in the midst of his Candlesticks he is holy as in himself 1 Joh. 2. 20. so also in his work to sanctify them preserve them and perfect whatsoever doth concern them Rev. 3. 7. Heb. 7. 24 26. Joh. 17. 18 19. As he then who hath called you and who is in the midst of you is holy so be ye holy in all manner of conversation Lev. 19. 2. and ch 21. 8. 1 Pet. 1. 14 16. and ch 2. 4 5. 3. White like wooll or like a fleece To give us to understand that he is in all his Wisdom government thoughts and counsels and in all one 2 Cor. 5. 14. he is one Lord Ps 89. 19. with Deut. 6. 4. he is not divided but in all like a fleece bushy Cant. 5. 11. there is a perfect accord in all his government thoughts and purposes and in all he is the saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. he hath not a will and a will a secret will contrary to his revealed there is no clashing or separation in him but in all his Wisdom thoughts law and Doctrine c. he is like a fleece and so like Snow for he giveth snow like Wooll Ps 147. 16. and the hearing and heartily receiving this Doctrine that he is one LORD would move and prevail with us to love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength and our neighbour as our selves Mark 12. 29 30. 1 Tim. 2. 1 5. 2. And his eyes were as a flame of fire The eyes we know are the Organs or Instruments of seeing wherewith we may behold any visible thing as the scripture doth abundantly testify and as our experience confirms his eyes were as a flame of fire or as lamps of fire Dan. 10. 6. And hereby these things are signified to us 1. That all things are manifest before him and seen by him as a flame of fire discovereth and manifesteth all things even such things as are in the dark also Isay 4. 5. Thus also he describeth himself in ch 2. 18. These things saith the Son of God who hath his Eyes like unto a Flame of Fire and to shew â—hat he means thereby he saith v. 23. All the Churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the Reins and Hearts He is of a most piercing sight and inspection all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 13. Jer. 17. 9 10. Rom. 8. 27. He hath the Spirit immeasurably upon him and the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God 1 Cor. 2. 10. And hereby he knoweth what is in Man Joh. 2. 24 25. He knoweth the thoughts of Men they are manifest unto him Mat. 9. 4. and ch 12. 25. Luke 5. 22. and ch 6. 8. and ch 9. 47. and ch 11. 17. He knoweth the hearts of all Men Acts 1. 24. Yea he knoweth all things Joh. 21. 17. And this may be of usefulness being duly considered 1. To admonish the rebellious that they should not exalt themselves Ps 66. 7. Let them not say no eye seeth
us as many secretly are saying in their hearts who walk in crooked paths and such particularly also who deal proudly and contemptuously against the righteous Job 34. 21 28. Ps 11. 1 4. and 10. 8. 12 14. and Ps 94. 1 9. Ezek. 9. 9. for there is nothing hidden from him 2. To exhort his Churches and every one of us to walk before him and to be perfect Gen. 17. 1. For the Eyes of the LORD are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15. 3. 1 Chron. 28. 8 9. He seeth not as Man seeth but he looketh upon the Heart 1 Sam. 16. 7. Oh therefore let us so receive his Grace to purpose that we may in Sincerity say as he did Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee Joh. 21. 17. Hell and Destruction are open before him how much more then the hearts of the Children of Men Prov. 15. 11. and ch 17. 3. Be ye then clean ye that bear the Vessels of the Lord 2 Cor. 6. 16 18. for he is amongst you who hath such Eyes he knoweth your hearts and works Prov. 5. 21. 3. To encourage them to hold fast the profession of their Faith without wavering This is the use the Apostle makes of this consideration there is no Creature saith he that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do seeing then that we have a great High-priest that is passed into the Heavens let us hold fast our profession Heb. 4. 13 14. The Eyes of the LORD run to and fro thorowout the whole Earth strongly to hold with them whose hearts are perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. Ps 34. 9 15. And therefore the consideration hereof is proper and powerful to strengthen them to hold forth the word of life in word and Conversation and not to fear them that are their Adversaries nor their fear Prov. 22. 11 12. For though they know not what devices they are devising against them yet their High-priest doth Jer. 11. 18 20. Ps 33. 18. And he is watching for their good and espying and beholding what is acted secretly against them to disappoint the devices of the crafty and to cover his Servants and Followers Isay 4. 5. 2. His Eyes are as a Flame of Fire which noteth also the terribleness of him against such as are and persist Enemies and in Enmity unto him and that so remaining he will destroy them and render to every one according to their works So when he cometh to make War and to smite the Nations and destroy the Beast and false Prophet he is thus described In Righteousness he doth judge and make War his Eyes were like a Flame of Fire Rev. 19. 11 13. c. And thus also he describes himself to the Angel of the Church in Thyatira when he threatneth Destruction to the false Prophetess and her Children yea and to any of his Churches in case they turn aside to crooked paths and afterward signifieth what Power is given to him to break the Nations in pieces as ch 19. These things saith the Son of God who hath his Eyes like unto a Flame of Fire ch 2. 18 23 27. And indeed this is the effect of the former as to such as reject abuse or turn from his Grace he makes a diligent search into the hearts and reins that he may punish such according to their works and set his Eyes upon them for evil if they so persist till the decree bring forth and the Day pass as the Chaff Amos 9. 1 4. As they cannot escape his all-searching Eye so neither can they escape Destruction who will not have this Man to reign over them and he is no respecter of persons but so also he will deal with his Churches or any in them in case they sin against him and all the Churches shall know that he searcheth the Reins and Hearts and will give to every one of them according to their workâ— Rev. 2. 18 23 29. Behold Isâ—ael after the Flesh Deut. 4. 23 26. And as the Apostle saith if God spared not the natural Branches take heed lest he spare not thee Rom. 11. 21 22. 1 Cor. 10. 9 11. So he who hath his Eyes like unto a Flame oâ— Fire threatneth that he will remove the Candlestick from Ephesus come unto Pergamos with his sharp Sword come as a Thief on Sardis and spue Laodicea out of his mouth except they did repent ch 2. 5 12 16. anâ— ch 3. 3 16 19. Ps 99. 3 8. Isay 33. 14 15. And the consideration hereof may be of usefulness to us to admonish us to take heed that we sin not against him lest he be angry with us and sharpen his Eyes upon us as the Lord saith Beware of â—im and obey his Voice provoke him not for he will not pardon your Transgressions for my name is in him Exod. 23. 20 21. but to demean our selves â—s those in his House and Holiness becomes his house for ever Heb. 3. 6. Ps 93. 5. And it may encourage us in exercising our selves unto Godliness to expect his protection over us and destruction of our Enemies For if we do indeed obey his Voice and do all that he speaks then the Lord will be an Enemy to our Enemies and an Adveriary unto our Adversaries and he will go before us and in due time bring us into and give us possession of the Heavenly Canaan Exod. 23. 22 23. Deut. 9. 3. Verse 15. And his Feet like unto fine Brass as if they burned in a Furnace and his Voice as the sound of many Waters Here we have still and further an account given us of what the Apostle saw in this Vision and which he was commanded to write 1. His Feet like unto fine Brass as if they burned in a Furnace Somewhat like unto what is said of the living Creatures their Feet sparkled like the colour of burnished Brass Ezek 1. 7. Daniel saith his Hands and his Feet were like to polished Brass Dan. 10. 6. And this first Branch of the Description of him in this Verse is also conjoyned unto His Eyes being like unto a Flame of Fire in Rev. 2. 18. And much what the same instructions signified by this as by that And surely by his Feet as here or Hands and Feet as in Daniel are meant his works ways and goings the Feet being the Instruments of going or walking in any way whatsoever and these are said to be 1. Like unto fine Brass or polished Brass that is clear purely bright free from all pollution or defilement as Brass or some other mettal purified in the fire His ways of mercy are clean from all unrighteousness and impurity whatsoever He is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger of great Mercy he is good unto all his tender Mercies are over all his works And yet still The Lord is righteous in all his ways Ps 145. 8 9 17 18. His ways
with-hold his blessed Spirit from them as hath been said 2. He hath them in his right hand To signify to us that he hath preferred these for choice work as vessels of Honour and imployes them in the most excellent service even to serve him with their spirit in his Gospel Rom. 1. 9. They are vessels of Honour sanctified and made meet for their Masters use 2 Tim. 2. 21. Thus having in the right hand doth signify in scripture the giving preeminence unto such above others Gen. 48. 13 20. and the being placed at the right hand doth denote that such are exalted to honour 1 King 2. 19. and so it is in this business He hath or holds as ch 2. 1. with Heb. 12. 28. them in his right hand To give us to understand that his power is engaged for them in their holding forth the word of life to save them from all evil and enemies whatsoever he hath them in that hand wherewith he hath destroyed the Devil as to his first work for his own right hand hath gotten him the victory Ps 98. 1. Exod. 15. 6 12. and with which hand he saveth them that put their trust in him Ps 17. 7. and will destroy all his and their enemies in due season his hand shall find out all his enemies his right hand shall find out those that hate him Ps 21. 8 9. herewith he will save them that are faithful with him Ps 108. 6. and hold them up and uphold them even with the right hand of his righteousness Ps 139. 10. Isay 41. 10. Joh. 10. 27 28. and indeed those that go before others in the word of the Lord need the exercise of his glorious power for them and on their side for holding them up in their goings and strengthening them to their services and saving them from their enemies for they are Men wondred at and especially hated and Satan and his instruments seek by all means to discourage and destroy them Mat. 10. 22. 1 Cor. 4. 9 13. See notes on v. 9. 4 They are in his right hand in which is eternal life length of days is in his right hand even life for evermore Prov. 3. 16. with Ps 21. 4. and this he will give unto them who by a patient continuance in well-doing seek for Glory Honour and Immortality Rom. 2. 7. and this may incourage and strengthen them now to hold on their way and shew forth the praises of him who hath committed to them the Word of Reconciliation for in due time they shall reap this life everlasting if they saint not Gal. 6. 6 8. see notes on ch 5. v. 1. 2. We have next to consider what proceeded out of his mouth and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged Sword namely His Word or the words of his mouth very sharp like a Sword with two mouths or edges as is said The word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword Heb. 4. 12. and Christ saith concerning his Father he hath made my mouth like a sharp Sword c. Isay 49. 1 2. Now his word is As a sharp two-edged Sword to searching all the thoughts and intents of the heart and to discern what all are whether they are for him or against him Yea to search as the High-priests under the law did in the sacrifices which were brought them whether those that pretend to be for him be so or no Rev. 2. 23. To this purpose the Apostle speaks saying The word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of of Soul and spirit and of the joynts and marrow and is a diâ—cerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Heb. 4. 12 13. This word makes manifest the secrets of the heart of Men in their attending to it as the Apostle signifieth If all prophecy and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest c. 1 Cor. 14. 24 25. This word is even like him whose word it is and who is also called the word of God seeing and searching into the inward parts of the belly discerning those things most hidden and which are furthest off from our sight and inspection Act. 2. 23 37. This word of our great High-Priest will cut us down the Back-bone as it were and lay us open and find us out if we appear to be his disciples and are not so indeed but only cleave to him and his people with flatteries yea it doth discover and make manifest all and that to a gracious end while it is called to day that Men might awake and stand up from the dead and so consider themselves and their ways as to turn their feet unto his Testimonies Jam. 1. 22 23 24. 2. As a sharp two-edged Sword To fight with against his enemies or pretended friends that grieve his good spirit and rebel against him so as even to slay them therewith as I have hewed them by my prophets I have slain them by the Words of my mouth Hos 6. 5. herewith he will fight against his Angels and Churches if they sin against him and entertain such teachers and doctrines amongst them as tend to the turning them away from the faith and especially he will fight against evil teachers therewith Thus he describes himself to the Angel of the Church in Pergamus These things saith he who hath the sharp Sword with two edges I know thy works c. But I have a few things against thee because thou hast here them that hold the Doctrine of Balaam So hast thou also them that hold the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which thing I hate repent or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the Sword of my Mouth Rev. 2. 12 13 14 16. Or more generally when his people are guilty of great abominations and persist therein and repent not thereof he will use this sharp Sword against them with this Word which is as a Sword the prophet Ezekiel came to destroy the City Ezek. 43. 3 and the Lord saith to Jeremy Behold I have put my words in thy mouth See I have this day set thee over the nations and over the Kingdoms to root out and to pull down and to destroy and to throw down c. Jer. 1. 8 10. and in due season he will slay all the wicked whether in or out of the Church As it is said He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked Isay 11. 4. Rev. 19. 15 21. And herewith also he will defend from danger build and plant all those that follow him and cleave unto him with full purpose Jer. 1. 10. and seeing his word is as a sharp two-edged Sword it may instruct us to take it and make use of it that we may overcome all our enemies As it is
of their evils though none be so blind as this Servant of the Lord or deaf as this messenger whom he hath sent Isay 42. 19 21. yet he is one who will by no means clear the guilty Exod. 34. 6 7. If I sin against thee then thou markest me and will not accquit me from mine Iniquity Job 10. 14. though he had largely declared those praise-worthy things found with them yet also he mentions and minds them of that for which he could not praise them but reprove and fault them and imitater of whom herein was the the Apostle Paul I am saith he A follower of Christ now I praise you Brethren that ye remember me in all things and keep the oâ—dinances as I delivered them to you but in the same ch he again saith unto them now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not shall I praise you in this I praise you not 1 Cor. 11. 1 2 17 22. Thus our Saviour demeaned himself towards Peter when he had made a good confession and right acknowledgment concerning him our Saviour said unto him Blessed art thou Simon Son of Jona c. But presently after when he was to be faulted he turned and said unto Peter Get thee behind me Satan thou art an offence unto me Mat. 16. 15 18. with v. 22 23. see also Rev. 2. 13 14 and v. 19 20. so here I have against thee as if he should say Though I am in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks clothed with a garment down to the foot and girt about the Paps with a Golden girdle as Rev. 1. 13. and am the Apostle and High-priest of your profession ever living to intercede for you Though I love you and am the propitiation for your sins yet I who am the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe I who am the Son of the Father in truth and love I who am alive and was dead in which I testified my love And I who am Almighty the first and the last and can do whatsoever I please yea and though there are so many commendable things in thee I have somewhat against thee Now here learn we 1. In that he saith I have against thee he who is love and Charity it self so he signifieth to us that his Charity doth not lead him to take no notice of our evils but rather to reprove and fault us when need is as he saith As many as I love I rebuke and chasten c. Prov. 3. 11 12. Heb. 12. 5 7. see the notes on Rev. 3. 19. and therefore let us not abuse his love and goodness or turn his grace into Lasciviousness nor say we shall have peace though we walk after the Imagination of our hearts c. Rom. 6. 1 2. Jude 4. Deut. 29. 19 20 21. 2. Nor let us think and conclude in our hearts that because we have done and suffered many things for his name sake that therefore this will plead our excuse though we sin against him or depart from him But know we he will have a quarrel against us and controversy with us notwithstanding the good things done by us or found with us if we do what is displeasing â—â—to him Gal. 3. 1 5. Luke 9. 62. Ezek. 33. 18. and ch 18. 28. Heb. 10. 38. 3. In that he saith I have against thee namely such an one as he is one who is so infinite in wisdom and so almighty and omnipotent it may engage us â—â— fear before him and to depart from iniquity Do we provoke the Loâ—d to anger Are we stronger then he 1 Cor. 10. 22. He is wise in heart and mighty in strength who hath hardened his heart against him and prospered Job 9. 4. If a poor Instrument only had against us he might mistake or not be able to harm us and therefore we should have no such cause to consider it But he is quick of sight and cannot be mistaken and strong to execute his word Joel 2. 11. Oh therefore be we not High-minded but fear 3. In that he saith I have against thee to wit against this Angel and Church so he gives us to understand That no â—ighness unto Christ whatever no priviledge he conferrs upon us will exempt us from his rebukes threatnings or judgments if we sin against him This is that the LORD spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me and before all the people I will be glorified Lev. 10. 1 3. though they be his Sons and his Daughters he will abhor them because of their provokings of him Deut. 32. 19 22 27. he will visit their iniquity with the rod and their transgressions with stripes Ps 89. 30 31 32. he hath a quarrel against these though they were his Church and people We may speak hereto a little particularly 1. I have against thee thee O Angel and so against any Bishops overseers or guides if their love to him be waxen cold or revoved from him If they sin against him he will not spare them though he holds the Angels in his right hand and doth therein prefer them before their Brethren and takes especial care of them to defend and protect them and none shall pluck them out of his hand yet he will have against them if they sin and wander from him A Moses Aaron Samuel so doing shall not escape But he will take vengeance of their Inventions Though the first was the mediatour of the first Testament A Prophet yea preferred before other ordinary prophets a king also The second an High-prist The third a Prophet and Judg Ps 99. 6 8. a David shall not go unpunished though an eminent Prophet and King a man after God's own heart 2 Sam. 12. Ps 51. yea though they were as the signet upon his right hand if they provoke him he will pluck them thence Jer. 22. 24. Let such then as are Angels of his Churches learn that though they are and seem to others to be somewhat even to be eminent ones in the Church yet God accepteth no Man's Person Gal. 2. 6 9. Let them therefore take heed of being puffed up lest being lifted up with Pride they fall into the condemnation of the Devil 1 Tim. 3. 6 7. let them even imitate him who kept under his body and brought it into subjection leâ—t when he had preached to others he himself should become a Reprobate 1 Cor. 9. 27. 2 Cor. 5. 8 11. Mat. 24. 48 51. 2. I have against thee O Church though thou hast been espoused to me and art one of the golden Candlesticks amongst whom I walk and in whom hath been my delight Ps 16. 2 3. my house my dearly beloved though after thou didst believe thou was Sealed with the holy spirit of Promise which is the earnest of the Inheritance Eph. 1. 13 14. and ch 4. 30. yet I have a quarrel against thee so the Lord saith in former times I have for saken mine house I have left mine heritage I have given
the law and obtained eternal redemption for us when we were in our filth and blood said unto us live when we were in woful misery when the Sorrows of death compassed us and the pains of Hell gat hold on us and we found woe and trouble yet then caused his goodness to pass before us and commended and discovered his love to us and overcame us as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke and spake peace to us and quieted our fears removed our sorrows comforted our hearts delivered our souls from death our eyes from tears and our feet from falling that we might walk before him in the land of the living in whom still dwelleth and abideth all the fulness even all the fulness of the God-head bodily and in whom is all compleatness prepared for us Do we thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is he not our Father that hath bought us hath he not made and established us ask thy Father and he will shew thee thine elders the prophets and Apostles and they will tell thee do ye thus render to the Lord for all his benefits love and kindness as to forsake him and lightly or more lightly than formerly esteem the rock of your Salvation of the rock that begat you are ye so unmindful and have you forgotten God that formed you Deut. 32. 5 7 15 18. Is this your kindness to your friend that hath so loved you and made it known to you and still continues his goodness to you and waits upon you that he may be gracious unto you O remember the former days remember your affliction and misery the distress that sometimes you were in and what a joyful sound the Gospel was then unto you and how your hearts did burn within you in love to Christ his cross and sufferings and consider what a loss you are now come to and for this weep let your eye your eye run down with water weep and howl for such an unkind and unworthy return to him and give no rest to your eyes nor slumber to your eye-lids until you return to the days of your youth the love of your espousals surely the oneness of the Lord being seriously minded and considered by us would engage us to return to him from whom we have departed and to be â—ervent in unâ—eigned love to him Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and Soul and mind and strength and thy neighbour as thy self Deut. 6. 4 6. with Mark 12. 29 30. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of light with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth wherefore my Brethren let every Man be swift to hear c. Jam. 1. 17 18 19. 2. This is a great evil an evil that provoketh to leave the first love because in our abating in our love to Christ and leaving our first â—ervency of affection to him and his Gospel and people and the societies thereof we shall be very injurious and harmful to others and even by such remission of love secretly signify unto them that the longer we know Christ and the more acquainted we are with him the less amiable and desirable he is to us and the less delightful to us and therefore is he no more delighted in by us and so we lay a stumbling block in the way of the blind and give offence to the World and hinder others from seeking after and following the Lord when persons are zealous and â—ervent in their affection unto and pursuit after the Lord their zeal provokes very many 2 Cor. 9. 2. Thus it appeared in the spouses earnestness in seeking for and inquiring after and highly and delightfully valuing and setting forth the excellency comliness of her beloved while she was thus exercised this heat of love in her to Christ and following hard after him causeth the daughters of Jerusalem to enquire after him and to say whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among Women whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seek him with thee Can. 5. 8 16. and ch 6. 1. love even hot and fiery love to Christ and the fruits thereof are strong as death as death is strong and overcomes the mightiest and stoutest so ardent love is proper to overcome others also even our enemies and to bring them in to Christ Cant. 8. 6 7. with Rom. 12. 19 21. when the believers did cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart and continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and were together continuing daily with one accord c. The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 2. 42 47. Joh. 13. 34 35. But now when the first love waxes cold and believers have little or less heart to Christ and his Gospel than formerly this puts a discouragement upon others and hinders them from seeking after him and strengthens them in their evil ways so much the Lord signifies in saying to his people in former times My people have forgotten me days without number why trimest thou thy way to seek love Therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways Jer. 2. 31 33. And indeed this decay of mens first love to Christ will be visible and evident to others it cannot be kept so secret but it will be seen and come abroad for such as leave their first love will leave their first works also as v. 5. 3. Abatement in the first love is a great evil a provoking evil in believers because those in Christ's Church have great advantage to grow and increase in love to him and to his Gospel and it is expected from them that they go on from strength to strength Ps 84. 4 7. and in beholding him with open face in the glass of the Gospel they are changed and metamorphosed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. In giving diligence to the exceeding great and precious promises ministred in and with the Gospel they shall be made partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the World thorow lust and not only so but they may add to their faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness and to godliness Brotherly-kindness and to Brotherly-Kindness Charity 2 Pet. 1. 4 7. these things may be in them and abound v. 8 Choice giâ—ts are now given to men to this purpose that they might not be as children tossed to and fro but truthing it in love might grow up into Christ in all things who is the head from whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the
I please and so can destroy you if you rebel against me I have against thee call to mind therefore from whence thou art fallen so ch 3. 2 3. I have not found thy works perfect before God Remember therefore c. It is high time for us to remember and consider and to reflect and look back when such an one hath a quarrel with us and draws up a charge against us If it were an ering sinful Man that had against us we might suppose or suspect that he hath a quarrel against us out of hatred prejudice or mistake or we might think we need not fear or matter what he saith It might be a small thing with us to be judged of Men or of man's judgment 1 Cor. 4. 3. But he is a most excellent one in every consideration And therefore he may say as the Lord speaks to Job wilt thou also disanul my judgment wilt thou condemn me that thou mayest be Righteous Job 40. 18. Remember therefore 2. Or therefore may refer to the latter part of v. 4. To which after Remember from whence thou art fallen This expression from whence may signify unto us 1. From what degreee of love thou art fallen and so it answers to that v. 4. thou hast left thy first-love Remember this and so it may be needful and good to remember what efficacy the grace of God had upon us at first and how precious and pleasant then it was to us To Remember what was the blessedness that we then spake of Gal. 4. 17. Heb. 10. 32 34. How our hearts were reconciled to God enflamed with love to Christ how our hearts did even burn within us as Luke 24. 32. God remembers and makes known his remembrance of the first-love that it might be remembred by us Jer. 2. 1 3. But though this be a truth and needful it is for us to remember this yet also there may be somewhat else intended hereby which will also include this and which leads to the leaving the first love to wit 2. Remember from whence thou art fallen namely from the root principle and seed of thy first love that is to say from his first love and the manifestation thereof to wit the Abasement and sufferings of Christ declared in the Gospel in which is evidenced to us the love of God and that he is love 1 Joh. 4. 8 10. and whereby they were begotten to the love of him for every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God for God is love 1 Joh. 4. 7 9 14 16 19. Eph. 2. 2 4 5. This kindness and love of God to manward is the washing of regeneration or laver of the new-birth Tit. 3. 4 5. this love of God caused them to run well at first even to run unto Christ Gal. 3. 1. with ch 1. 6. and ch 5. 7. In the sufferings and cross of Christ God hath commended and doth wonderfully and unspeakably commend his love his first love to the World of Mankind God so loved the Word that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3. 16. Rom. 8. 32. God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5. 5 8. And herein the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was admirably demonstrated in that he being rich for our sakes he became poor and he humbled himself and became obedient unto Death the Death of the Cross 2 Cor. 8. 9. Phil. 2. 6 8. And how joyful news was this when declared at first It is well called Gospel glad-tidings good-tidings of great joy to all people the glad-tidings of the Kingdom Luke 2. 10 11. and ch 8. 1. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. and that he was raised again for our Justification We declare unto you glad-tidings saith the Apostle How that the Promise which was made unto the Fathers God hath fulfilled the same in that he hath raised up Jesus again Acts 13. 32 33. And Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us and obtained into himself Eternal Redemption and all Spiritual Blessings Gal. 3. 13 14. Heb. 9. 12. Mat. 22. 3 4. and came and preached Peace to us who were afar off Eph. 2. 13 17. This believed turned their hearts to the Lord delivered them from their fears and aâ—frightening despairing thoughts and begat in them â—ervent love to him and then they said they would no more transgress but would walk before the Lord in the Land of the living and bethought themselves what they should render to him for all his benefits Ps 116. 8. c. Jer. 2. 20. But from hence they were fallen even from the mindfulness and believing consideration of his first love manifested in laying down his life and tasting Death by the Grace of God for every man Heb. 2. 9. And that this is the fundamental meaning of this from whence appears if we consider 1. That upon somewhat a like occasion and account a like Counsel is given to the Church of Sardis for the recovery thereof Our Lord exhorts and instructs that Angel and Church to remember how they had received and heard Rev. 3. 2 3. How not only the manner but matter also compare Luke 8. 18. with Mark 4. 24. Luke 10. 26. to signifie unto us that That Angel and Church had let slip and forgotten what was first delivered to them and received by them and that their forgetfulness thereof was the fundamental cause of their deadness and evil as here also it was And thereto Christ recalls them that they might strengthen the things that remain and were ready to dye See notes on Rev. 3. v. 3. 2. It so appears also if it be duly considered by us what this Counsel here given refers to namely the latter part of verse 4. as hath been said thou hast left thy first love remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen which hath occasioned and caused this abatement and lessening thereof there is some root-iniquity that hath caused this remission and decay of thy first love to him and that is thy forgetting his first love and the manifestation thereof So Rev. 3. 2 3. 3. It so appeareth also by this because he that loveth not in whole or in part knoweth not considereth not God for God is Love He minds not or le ts slip the consideration hereof that God is Charity and that herein is manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him 1 Joh. 4. 8 10. And on the other hand he that abideth in Christ in the believing mindfulness of his being manifested and the end thereof and his faithfulness to him that appointed him sinneth not misseth not his Mark erres not from his way 1 Joh. 3. 5 6 9. 3 Joh. 11. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty and continueth therein
he is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work and shall be blessed in his Deed Jam. 1. 22 25. By this ye are saved to wit from Sins and Errours if ye hold fast what was preached unto you unless ye have believed in vain to wit how that Christ died for our Sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and rose again c. 1 Cor 15. 2 4. If that ye have heard from the beginning remain in you ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father 1 Joh. 2. 24. By all which it appears that that from whence they were fallen was from the believing view and mindfulness of the Cross of Christ and his first love therein commended For as a Man cannot heartily love Christ till his love be known and believed so neither will there be a decay or abatement of the first love until there be some departure by an evil heart of unbelief from the Grace of Christ 2. We come to note some Instructions from this Branch of the Counsel As 1. In general we may note that when Christ's Churches or any particular Members thereof have left their first-love and fallen from and forgotten his Sufferings and his love therein commended yet he doth not presently forget them or their first-love to him or his first love to them but remembers that and them still and gives good Counsel to them while it is called to day Jer. 2. 1 3 31 32. and ch 3. 1. He calls upon them to return to him from whom they have fallen by their iniquities Hos 14. 1 4. Rev. 3. 1 3 15 19. He still waits upon such that he may be gracious unto them Isay 30. 8 18. Hos 11. 4 8. though his well-pleased delightful love towards them should cease or fail yet while it is the day of his Grace and Patience while they are joyned to all the living his compassions fail not Lam. 3. 22 23. His Charity never faileth 1 Cor. 13. 8. He is good for his Mercy endureth for ever Ps 106. 1 3. Hence it is that he giveth good and needful Counsel to such as these 2. More particularly from hence we may note and observe 1. That those that have been begotten thorow Christ's Cross and his love therein commended as declared in the Gospel unto the unfeigned and fervent love of him may fall from their first and former high esteeming and prizing of that precious Blood and first love they may forget it and forget how precious it was to them when it was at first proclaimed unto them and seen and believed by them Thus we may see in our Types of old how much and how oft did the Church of God in former times forget their deliverance out of Egypt which was a Type of Christ's redeeming us by his Blood in which God's love was commended to them They soon forgat his works and his wonders that he had shewed them Ps 78. 7 11. They remembred not the multitude of his Mercies they soon forgat his works they waited not for his Counsel They soon forgat God their Saviour which had done great things in Egypt wondrous things in the Land of Ham Ps 106. 7 13 21 22. Of the Rock that begat them they were unmindful and forgat God that formed them Deut. 32. 18. Hos 13. 4 6. and ch 14. 1. And this is written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the World are come Heb. 3. 7 14. And how guilty of forgetting the preciousness of the Blood of Christ and Grace therein commended were the Churches of Galatia Gal. 3. 1. with ch 1. 6. and ch 4. 15 17. with v. 11 and ch 5. 2 4. Heb. 2. 1 3. 2 Pet. 1. 9. And indeed the Churches and particular believers thorow their listening to and siding with that Sin that dwelleth in them are apt so to do and too oft do so when they are come to some rest peace and excellent ornaments hence such admonitions and intimations are given in such a consideration Deut. 6. 10 12. Beware lest when thou hast eaten and art full that then thine heart be lifted up and thou forget the Lord thy God which brought thee forth out of the Land of Egypt Deut. 8. 11 14. Jesurun waxed fat and kicked thou art waxed fat thou art grown thick thou art covered then â—e forsook God which made him and lightly esteemed the Rock of his Salvation Deut. 32. 13 15. After they had rest they did evil before thee c. Neh. 9 28. They were filled and their heart was exalted therefore have they forgotten me Hos 13. 4 6. Rev. 3. 17 20. Judg. 3. 11 12. and 5. 31. and ch 6. 1. Ezek. 16. 4 7 10 14 15 16. Vse 1. Examine we our selves whether we be not also guilty of this great and root-iniquity are we not saying when we hear the first things of the Gospel and God's love therein declared as they did Behold what a weariness is it And ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of Hosts Mal. 1. 13. Do we not say in our hearts The Table of the LORD is polluted and the fruit thereof even his meat is contemptible Mal. 1. 12. or like them Numb 11. 5 6. 2. Seeing we may and are too apt to forget the precious Blood of Christ and preciousness thereof and his first love therein commended it shews unto us that we need to be oft put in remembrance thereof by the Ministers of Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 2. 4 7. But to this after 2. We may further note that the forgetting the preciousness of Christ's Cross and the love therein demonstrated as declared in the Gospel is the cause of our departure from Christ and leaving of our first-love to him This appears by the reference this hath to the former verse thou hast left thy first-love remember therefore c. Thus in former times this is rendred as the cause of Israel's many evils their forgetfulness of God's wondrous works as it is said How oft did they provoke him in the Wilderness and grieve him in the desart yea they turned back and tempted God and limited the Holy one of Israel They remembred not his hand nor the day when he delivered them from the Enemy Ps 78. 40 42. c. and 81. 6 8 10. Jer. 2. 31 33. His first love was that as we have seen which did beget love in them unto him it is the â—corruptible seed And therefore the forgetting and falling from this in any measure is the cause and reason of our want or decay of love to him Were this kept in hearty mindfulness we should be preserved from such decrease or abatement of love 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. Christ is the living Bread that came down from Heaven If any Man eat of this Bread he shall live for ever and the Bread which he will give is his Flesh which now he hath given for the Life of the World Joh. 6. 51 56 58. 3. The way and means to recover such as
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
who ever he be that overcometh shall not be hurt whatever he may suffer in this World whatever shame mockings derisions spoiling of goods loss of liberty impriâ—onments hatred from neerest relations persecutions torments tortures racks gibbets fire and faggots he may here be afflicted withall and have injuriously inflicted on him yet his sins shall be compleatly and everlastingly blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come Acts 3. 19 20. and ch 10. 42 43. And he shall be delivered from the wrath to come They shall be ashamed and also confounded all of them they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded World without end Isay 45. 16 17 25. And this renders them truly blessed persons Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power Rev. 20. 6. he that overcometh shall inherit all things and God will be his God and he shall be his Son And he shall not have his part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstâ—ne which is the second death Rev. 21. 7. with v. 8. they only will be cast into this lake of fire which are not found written in the Book of life Rev. 20. 14 15. how might the consideration hereof engage us to endure hardness as good souldiers of Jesus Christ that we may not be hurt of this second Death And there is no third death that the Scriptures speaketh of Verse 12. And unto the Angel of the Church in Pergamos write see the noâ—â—â— before on v. 1. these things saith he who hath the sharp sword with two edges See the notes before on ch 1. v. 16. We have spoken to all before that is contained in this verse as may be seen in the places referred to And shall speak very little further hereto Here begins the third message unto the third named Church And her Christ describes himself with the sharp sword with two edges with this sword he will fight against those that are enemies to his Israel be an adversary to their adversaries who obey his voice Exod. 23. 22. Ps 35. 1 4. And with this also he will fight against his Churches or amongst them if they provoke him Exod. 23. 20 21. As it is said they rebeled and vexed his holy spirit therefore he was turned to be their enemy and he fought against them Isay 63. 10. So it is a sharp sword with two edges to fight both ways And as the Lord propounds that saying The Lord thy God is a consuming fire Both to warn his people that they might not sin against him lest he destroyed them Deut. 4. 23 24 26. and to encourage them to keep his way and not to fear their enemies for in so doing he would destroy them Deut. 9. 3. So here he may appear with this two-edged sword And indeed he gives no terrible description of himself to any of the seven Churches but to this and Thyatira both which were polluted with false teachers To shew how abominable and provoking unto him it is to suffer such see the notes after on v. 18. Verse 13. I know thy works and where thou dwellest where Satan's seat or throne is and thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain amongst you where Satan dwelleth Here we have an account given us of those things that were commendable in this Angel and Church In which 1. Christ takes notice of their works I know thy works see the notes before on v. 1. and v. 9. of this chapter 2. The place where they dwelt And where thou dwellest even where Satans seat or throne is here they were placed here they did inhabit and so where Satan dwelleth as in the last clause of this verse But where is Satan's seat or Throne to that we may briefly say 1. More generally he worketh and ruleth in the hearts of all that are in darkness and disobedience to the glorious Gospel The prince of the air is the spirit that worketh ruleingly or effectually in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2. 2 3. he is the ruler of the darkness of this World Eph. 6. 12. And blindeth the minds of them that believe not 2 Cor. 4. 4. the World the whole World lieth in wickedness and under the power of Satan the wicked one 1 Joh. 5. 19. Col. 1. 13. And as Christ by his spirit dwells in the hearts of believers Rom. 8. 9 11. Eph. 3. 16 18. So Satan dwells in the hearts of the Children of unbelief Mat. 12. 43 44. But this is not the meaning of Satan's throne here for this Angel Church did not dwell in the hearts of unbelievers nor were loved and delighted in by them no more than any other Church but hated and persecuted by such as these 2. But there are some places especially some outward places where he may be said to dwell and where his throne is That is to say 1. Amongst open and professed heathen who worship idols and sacrifice to them and so to the Devil as the Apostle saith ye were Gentiles carried away unto these dumb idolls even as ye were led 1 Cor. 12. 2. And the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to Devils and not unto God 1 Cor. 10. 20. So it is said of Israel in former times they were mingled among the heathen and learned their works And they served their Idols which were a snare unto them yea they sacrificed unto Devils Ps 106. 35 37. And so here at Pergamos they were such heathen idolaters and Devil-worshippers And as some say a Temple of Diana was here at this time for so it is said That all Asia of which Pergamos was a part worshipped Diana as the great goddess Acts 19. 27. And it appears also that the governour and those here in power under the Emperour were such Idolaters even such as worshipped the Devil in that Antipas was here slain And amongst these Satan hath his throne here he acted as King and kept his Court as it were here he dwelt and had his habitation and was outwardly obeyed and submitted unnto See Rev. 12. 3 4. and here amongst these openly professed heathen idolaters this Angel and Church did dwell 2. As also here might be a synagogue of Satan which said they were Jews the most sincere and orthodox Christians and were not but did ly see the notes on v. 9. such as gave heed to his doctrines and were antichristian worshippers while yet they professed to believe in Christ and Worship him yet they worshipped Saints departed and angels Col. 2. 18. and idols and images Though they might profess to worship Christ and God in him as the ultimate object of their worship and these but as mediums and inferiour mediators and so they were congregated into a synagogue but not in and by
countenance to such as bring them they are hateful to Christ and infectious and hurtful to us their word will eat as doth a gangrene 2 Tim 16. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. Let us then discountenance them and with-draw our selves from all erroneous teachers Eph. 4. 8 16. Heb. 13. 9. The Colossians were as sweetly ordered people And the Apostle was joying in their order and the stedfastness of their faith in Christ and yet there were a few things amiss with them and the Apostle thus reproves them Why as though living in the World are ye subject to ordinances after the commandments and Doctrines of Men Col. 2. 5 6. with v. 20 23. 2. Balaam spoke highly of Christ in his prophecy concerning him both true and excellent things also in that time and which he spake by the knowledg of the most high vouchsafed to him As that he as a star should come out of Jacob a title given unto him in this book Numb 24. 15 17. with Rev. 2. 28. and ch 22. 16. And that a scepter should rise out of Israel that out of Jacob he should come that should have dominion and should destroy his enemies Numb 24. 16 19. with Heb. 1. 8 9. And he did also bless and speak well of the people of God of Israel and of their happiness and good estate Numb 23. 7 10 19 24. and ch 24. 2 9. c. And yet he taught false doctrine in other things and was in a great errour and so were these also certainly of whom our Saviour here speaks and it seems in both respects they were like unto and likened unto him and said to hold his doctrine and this Angel and Church is reproved for having or suffering such amongst them It appears on this account their doctrine was called Balaam's Because as he so they also in some things spake highly of Christ and his people though in other things they erred otherwise it might have been simply said evil doctrine or the doctrine of Jezabell c. and so we may learn That it is a reproveable thing in Christ's Angels and Churches to suffer or have such false teachers amongst them who yet at some times speak highly and honourably of Jesus Christ and such as heartily believe in and cleave to him with purpose of heart surely such in some respects were those that came amongst the Galatians and other Churches formerly they were not open rejecters of Christ but they were such as did believe and yet also they taught the Brethren that except they were circumcised after the manner of Moses and kept the law they could not be saved Acts 15. 1 5. with Gal. 1. 6 9. and ch 4. 9 11. and ch 5. 1 4 12. Col. 2. 9 22. 1 Tim. 6. 3 5. The Apostle saith to the elders of your own selves shall men Men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them Acts 20 28 30. Take we heed of the errors of such as these say not they speak highly and honourably of Christ and of the priviledges of Saints and therefore we may safely have them amongst us and did not Balaam do thus and yet he also erred greatly and so did these that held his doctrine and yet this Angel and Church are reproved for having such evil and erronious teachers amongst them 3. Yea this was one thing that Christ had against this Angel and Church that they had there in that place where Satan's throne was such evil teachers as if he should say though thou in that dangerous place holdest fast my name yet thou hast there such as hold the doctrine of Balaam thou sufferest or too much approvest or countenancest such as are evil and hold errours and so we may learn that if we should be amongst open and professed Idolaters and live in the worst of times yet it will be an evil in us if we should have and suffer seducing spirits amongst us They might think and say we live amongst gross Idolaters and though these who hold the doctrine of Balaam be erronious yet they speak many things well of Christ and his people and therefore we may shew them some respects and give them some countenance we should be uncharitable else and what will those heathenish idolaters say if we wholly reject them will they not say we cannot agree amongst our selves But Christ's thoughts and ours are not the same be times places persons wherein and amongst whom we live never so bad perillous and idolatrous yet he will be angry with us if we countenance or strengthen any in their evils of practice or principle he would have his people zealous and fervent for him and his Gospel and valiant for his truth Jer. 9. 3. when God's people were in captivity amongst heathen and open idolaters yet then he chargeth his Prophet to prophecy against the Prophets of Israel that prophesyed out of their own hearts and to say unto them wo unto the foolish Prophet that follow their own spirit and have seen nothing O Israel thy Prophets are like the foxes in the deserts c. see Ezek. 13. tot with ch 1. 1 2. and in the same captivity also when certain came unto Zerubbabel and Joshua and the chief of the Fathers of Israel and said unto them Let us build with you for we seek your God as ye do and we do sacrifice unto him c. Then Zerubbabel and Joshua and the rest of the chief of the Fathers of Israel said unto them ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God but we our selves together or alone will build unto the Lord God of Israel c. Ezra 4. 1 2 3. Oh! let us then turn away from and reject erronious teachers whatever their professions or pretences otherwise may be for else they may do much hurt to us Rev. 2. 20. cause us to comply a little with them at the first and afterwards more and more and we shall by such compliance do hurt unto them even harden and strengthen them in their evil ways that none of them will return there from Jer. 23. 15. 2. We have the doctrine of Balaam explicated and opened to us who taught Balac to cast a stumbling-block before the Children of Israel to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication Where before we come to take notice particularly of the doctrine he taught and evil and wicked counsel he gave we may consider 1. That which was the root of his errour and evil counsel and that was an evil covetousness his heart went after it's covetousness and that was that which did mis-lead him his love of glory honour riches and promotion led him out of the right way in which it seems sometimes he was as the Apostle Peter may signify when he saith of some they have forsaken the right way and are gone astray following the way of Balaam of Boser who loved the wages of unrighteousness 2 Pet. 2. 15 16. Jude 11. So also these evil
Essence with the Father or else that is not truly affirmed by Solomon which were high Blasphemy to conceive and utter and lying against God for he spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 20. with 1 Kings 9. 3. And so much also may be imported in this saying of the Son of God I am he which searcheth the Reins and Hearts As if he should say I am he that Jehovah spoken of of whom it is said I Jehovah search the Heart and try the Reins even to give unto every Man according to his ways c. For all the Prophets gave witness to me Jer. 17. 9 10. with Acts 10. 43. A convincing and concluding argument that Christ is the true GOD GOD by Nature yea by reason of the Personal and Hypostatical Union between the two natures in that one person He who is our mediator the Man Christ Jesus knoweth all things God hath given the Spirit unto him without measure and the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God Joh. 3. 34. and Rev. 5. 6. with 1 Cor. 2. 10. 2. The consideration hereof may instruct and provoke us to wash our Hearts from wickedness and not to suffer vain thoughts to lodge within us Jer. 4. 14. Not only to cleanse our Hands from Sin but our Hearts also from double-mindedness Jam. 4. 8. and not to content our selves with making a fair face in the flesh or with a blameless conversation before men though it is good to have an honest conversation amongst all Men according to the Instructions and Operations of the grace of God Tit. 2. 10 11 13. The Hypocrites in Heart may appear specious among Men while yet their Reins and Hearts may be very wicked as our Saviour saith to the Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites Ye appear righteous unto Men but within ye are full of Hypocrisie and iniquity Mat. 23. 25 28. And ye are they which justifie your selves before Men but God knoweth your hearts for that which is highly esteemed amongst Men is abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 14 15. We may sit before him as his people and hear his words and delight therein and yet our hearts may go after our uncleanness or covetousness or idolatry Ezek. 33. 30 33. Jer. 22. 17. Men may speak fair and yet there may be seven abominations in their hearts Prov. 26. 24 25. But if it be so with us he perfectly knoweth it He seeth not as man seeth for Man looketh upon the outward appearance but the Lord looketh â—n the Heart 1 Sam. 16. 7. Oh then let the word of Christ dwell richly in us hide we that in our hearts that we sin not against him Encline we our hearts to do his Statutes always that his Testimonies may be the rejoycing of our hearts Col. 3. 16. Ps 119. 11 80 111 112. Jer. 16. 15. Remember and consider he searcheth the Reins and Hearts If you have therefore any inward and secret lustings after divers and strange Doctrines doth not he know it If you are kept from outwardly hearing them and yet your Hearts itch after other Teachers or you inwardly turn aside to other Doctrines besides the Doctrine of Christ If you lust and covet after such Teachers and Instructions which cause to err though upon some by-respects you go not to their Assemblies nor hear them yet his Eyes are in every place and he is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart Heb. 4. 12. Prov. 15. 3. and ch 6. 21 25. and ch 7. 3 25. If we forget the Name the Doctrine and Gospel of our God or stretch out our hands to another God shall not God search this out for he knoweth the secrets of the hearts Ps 44. 20 21. with Acts 9. 15 16. Oh so demean we our selves and keep we our hearts with all diligence as those that wisely consider he trieth our hearts and none can hide himself in secret places that he should not see him 1 Thes 2. 3 4. Job 31. 1 9. Jer. 23. 24. walk we before him and be we perfect Gen. 17. 1. 3. This might also instruct us to pray unto him that knoweth the hearts of all Men Acts 1. 24. to search us and know our hearts to try us and know our thoughts and to see if there be any wicked way in us and to lead us out of it into the way everlasting Ps 139. 1 23 24. And let us not be discouraged from thus doing because of his Omniscience and All-seeing eye But so let us call to mind and consider his wonderful and unspeakable loving-kindness manifested unto us in his abasement and sufferings that that may encourage us at all times and in all cases and conditions to commit our selves to him as it did the Prophet David Examine me O Lord saith he and prove me try my reins and mine heart but what emboldned him thus to pray unto God It followeth presently for thy loving kindness is before mine eyeâ— Ps 26. 2 3. He knows us better than we know our selves and hath more love for us than we have for our selves fear we not therefore to be searched into by him for he doth it for our good and profit that we might be made partakers of his holiness 1 Joh. 3. 20. 21. Ps 17. 1 2 3. Deut. 8. 2 16. 4. It may encourage the Believers if their heart condemn them not to appeal unto him who searcheth the hearts when they are â—landered and falâ—ly accused by Men as the holy Men of God have done in formâ—r times upon this account So David O Lord my God if I have done this thing if there be Iniquity in mine Hands If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me Let the Enemy persecute my Soul Judge me O Lord according to my Righteousness for the righteous God trieth the Hearts and Reins Ps 7. 1 11. and 17. 1 3. So Jeremiah but thou O Lord knowest me thou hast seen me and tried mine heart pull them out like Sheep for the slaughter Jer. 12. 1 3. and ch 15. 15 17. and ch 18. 20. Though yet it is not good for any to be hasty in desiring the woful day upon any Jer. 17. 16. and Ch. 18. 20. 5. The consideration of this that he searcheth the Reins and Hearts may encourage us also to hold fast the Faith and the Profession thereof without wavering as the Apostle saith All things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do seeing then that we have a great High-prist who is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our Profession Heb. 4. 13 14 16. In this we may be comforted and quieted that though we know not what the Devil and his Instruments are intending or devising yet the Son of God is perfect in knowledge Jer. 11. 18 20. In this the righteous comfort themselves when their Enemies did bend their Bows and make ready their Arrows upon the
for he can take away their Talents from them Luke 19. 24 26. It 's his Spirit and he can recall it and then they will become Vessels in whom is no pleasure 2. The consideration of what hath been said may admonish their Brethren who are not in such office not to think too highly of the Angels of the Churches nor to glory in men for all things are theirs whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas c. 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. not to think of them above what is written that none of them be puffed up for one against another 1 Cor. 4. 1 2 6. For what have they but what is given to them And who then is Paul and who is Apollo but ministers c. 1 Cor. 3. 4 7. They have not the Spirit upon them but may so provoke Christ as that he may take it away from them 3. It may instruct them and us all whom to look to and unto whom we should lift up our Eyes and Souls when we have brought deadness and witheredness upon our selves even unto him who hath the seven Spirits of God still remaining and resting upon him and who is ready to give it to them that ask yea so to give or dispence it preventingly that we may ask Luke 11. 13. and if he will give none can hinder its being poured forth the Spirit like the wind breatheth where it listeth Joh. 3. 8. and though we are like unto dead bones yet he can put his spirit in us that we may live Ezek. 37. 11 14. 2. We have the account of his knowledge of them I know thy works see notes on ch 2. ver 2. That thou hast a name that thou livest and arâ— dead This was that which he did discern and take notice of in and by their works that they appeared to be something when they were nothing and so deceived themselves and others Gal. 6. 3. Jam. 1. 22. Thou hast a name a fame or good report amongst others So name often signifies in Scripture fame or report as we are come because of the name of the Lord for we have heard the fame of him Josh 9. 9. So An evil name is a bad report Deut. 22 14 19. and a good name is a good report Eccles 7. 1. and thus the word name is frequently used and accepted amongst us Or thou hast A name to wit renown so Men of name are called Men of renown Gen. 6. 4. and base Men are Men of no name or no renown Job 30. 8. 2 Sam. 7. 9 23. and ch 8. 13. So then when he saith thou hast a name it means thou art well reported of by others or thy renown is gone forth for thy beauty and worth as Ezek. 16. 1â— and in this sense thou art taken up into the lips of talkers they noâ— only think well of thee but they praise thee and speak highly and honourably of thee and thou hast got a good report and great renown not only among them that are without but especially amongst Christ's Churches and not only thou hadst but thou hast a name thou still hast it thou hast in former times so behaved thy self that thereby thou gat'st thee renown which is not usually soon gotten and thou still keepest it also Thou hast a name that thou livest not livedst but livest that thou still dost so even at this present when this Epistle is directed to thee he speaks not here of the life of their bodies for without doubt as to them they lived and were not dead for there is no work nor device nor knowledgâ— nor wisdom in the grave Eccles 9. 5 6. 10. Ps 6. 5. and 30. 9. and 88. 5 11. Isay 38. 18 19. But here he speaks concerning the life of their Spirits or Souls in a spiritual consideration Isay 38. 16. and ch 55. 3. of the life of their hearts Ps 22. 26. and so it is as if he should say thou hast gotten and retainest a renown by thy works and arâ— reported of by them that thou livest that thy Soul liveth That is to say Thou hast a name that thou livest In a more general consideration life in Scripture as opposed to death doth summarily comprehend all happiness and blessedness Rom. 6. 23. Joh. 10. 10. life signifies blessing as death doth cursing as it is said I have set before thee life and good and death and evil And again I have set before you life and death blessing and cursing therefore chuse life Life here comprehends good and blessing and so all happiness compare Deut. 30. 15. with v. 19. so here Thou hast a name that thou livest that is to say that thou art an happy and blessed people The Churches look upon thee O Angel to be in a very good condition that thou believest with the heart the word of Faith and makest confession with the mouth unto salvation that thou walkest with a right foot in the Gospel and art an useful and profitable instrument of good to others In short thou hast the report that thy state is very happy blessed and desireable thou hast-renown amongst others And they look on thee O Church as and report thee to bee a very flourishing society and happy thriving Church and congregation and what Church is so much spoken of so oft named and so greatly renowned as this Church of Sardis Oh! this is mentioned and reported to be an excellenâ— Congregation and preferred before many others More particularly Thou hast a name that thou livest that thou abidest in the lively knowledge of the only true God and of Jesus Christ whom he hath sent the Saviour of the World For this is life eternal saith our Saviour Joh. 17. 3. with 1 Joh. 4. 14. In this stands and consists the life of the Spirit hence that cry of the Psalmist give me understanding and I shall live Ps 119. 144. And on the other hand they who remain in ignorance of God are said to be alienated from the life of God Eph. 4. 18. And the man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead Prov. 21. 16. But thou hast a name that thou walkest and abidest in the way of understanding and that thou art filled with all knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified and of God in him And so that thou understandest all things Prov. 28. 5. that thou art filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding That thou livest That thou art and abidest in the â—avour of God in whose â—avour is life Ps 30. 5 yea whose loving-kindness is better then life Ps 63. 5. Prov. 8. 34 35. in the light of whose countenance is life and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain Prov. 16. 14 16. thou hast a name that thou art in Christ and not only so but that thou walkest in him as thou hast received him and so art justified owned and approved not as to thy state only but as to
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
his Prophets or Angels may chuse and highly esteem of 1 Sam. 16. 6 7. his eyes are as a flame of fire and he searcheth the reins and hearts see the notes on ch 1. v. 14. and on ch 2. v. 23. one would have thought that such a Church had been approved of him and might well have been commended of others of whom he saith I know thâ— works and thy labour and thy patience and how thou canst not bear them which are evil and hast tried them which say they are Apostles and are not and hast found them liars and hast born and hast patience and for my names sake hast laboured and hast not fainted and yet notwithstanding all this I have against thee c. See notes on Chap. 2. Verse 1 5. 2 Cor. 10. 18. Verse 2. Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to dye for I have not found thy works perfect before God In this Verse Christ gives gracious and useful counsel to this Angel and Church and lays down a Reason or Argument to ingage them to receive it We may from the former part of the Verse note in general 1. In that our Lord Jesus gives such good and useful Counsel and Instruction unto dead ones and such dead ones also that Christ is not willing that such as these who after they have been enlivened and quickened in their Spirits have again brought themselves into a miserable condition so as they are even become dead should perish and be lost for ever while it is called to day though their iniquity be very great and highly provoking to him yet he hath no pleasure none at all in the death of him that dieth he hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked of such wicked ones also as have left off to be wise and to do good but that such turn and live as he hath both said and sworn Ezek. 18. 23 31 32. and ch 33. 11. with Ps 36. 1 3 4 7. Luke 15. 24. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. 1 Tim. 2. 4. He would have all men to be saved while the day of his grace and patience lasteth And hence when by his Apostle Jude he warns of some such ungodly ones as turned the grace of our God into lasciviousness and is saying of them they were trees without fruit whose fruit withereth twice dead plucked up by the roots yet he gives this instruction to the believers And of some have compassion making a difference and others save with fear pulling them out of the Fire c. Jude 4. 12 22 23. 2. In that he gives this good and profitable counsel to those who were dead in a Spiritual Consideration as we have seen so he signifies to us that his words are Spirit and Life unto such as these Joh. 6. 63. His Gospel with the Counsels Commandments and Instructions thereof is the word of life Phil. 2. 16. In and with this word he gives life preventingly to dead Souls Joh. 5. 21 25. 1 Cor. 15. 47. and is quickening them also who thorow their carnal mindedness have again brought death upon themselves and lost those things which have been wrought in them by the Gospel Eph. 5. 14. His word is with power Luke 4. 32. and while he calls he stretches forth his hand to enable men to turn at his reproofs and to receive and obey his Counsel Prov. 1. 24. He doth lighten their Eyes that they may not sleâ—â— the sleep of death Ps 13. 3. with Prov. 29. 13. He works powerfully in and with his word to the recalling converting and turning such to himself as have sold themselves for their iniquities and for their transgressions are put away and hence he thus speaketh to and expostulateth with such wherefore when I came was there no Man when I called was there none to answer Is mine hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem or have I no power to deliver Isay 50. 1 2 3 4. 1. From hence then we may note that when we say dead Men may receive God's Word Instruction and Counsel while it is to day we suppose not nor believe that Men have naturally free-will or power to turn or quicken themselves for to be sure dead Men have neither will nor power to any thing that is spiritually good but in such like sayings we conclude as we have good ground to do that God exerts and puts forth his power in and with his word to enable them to what he requires of them where the word of this great King is without doubt there is power Eccles 8. 4. hence he saith to his people in former times O thou that art named the house of Jacob is the Spirit of the Lord shortened though thou hast neither will nor power to turn thy self Jer. 31. 18 19. yet is not his Spirit the Spirit of power and might 2 Tim. 1. 7. Isay 11. 2. and is this spirit of his straitned towards thee to enable and strengthen thee Surely no Mica 2. 1. 7. 2. It may lead us highly to esteem the word of Christ to glorify the word of the Lord and not listen to or be deceived by them who call it the letter and a dead letter but to know it is the ministration of the Spirit and the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 6 8. Eph. 6. 17. The word of God is living and powerful or in-working Heb. 4. 12. It is able to quicken dead souls as the Prophet David confesses saying thy word hath quickened me And again with thy precepts thou hast quickned me Ps 119. 50 93. Eph. 2. 1 4. 5. 3. It may instruct them that have this word of the Lord and have it fitted in their lips to speak it Faithfully and not to make use of excellency of speech or of wisdom But to know the word of God is powerful and needs not the additions or mixtures of Man's eloquence or wisdom or the strength of their arguments or most powerful and perswasive demonstrations and reasons the plain preaching of the cross without wisdom of words is the power of God 1 Cor. 1. 17 25. and ch 2. 1 5. Col. 2. 3 8. If they had stood in my counsel saith the Lord and had caused my people to hear my words then they should have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings he that hath my word let him speak my word faithfully what is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord. Is not my word like as a fire saith the Lord and like an hammer that breaks the rock in pieces Jer. 23. 22 30. 2 Cor. 2. 17. 4. It may provoke them that have it in their hearts to take fast hold of it and not let it go to keep it for it is their life life to their Soul Prov. 4. 13. with ch 3. 21 22. If it will quicken dead Souls without peradventure it will keep and preserve living ones in life
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
slack to him that hates him whoever he be he will repay him to his face Thou shalt therefore keep the commandements of the Lord and if thou do the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware to thy Fathers Deut. 7. 9 10 12. Josh 1. 5 7. Numb 14. 8 9. Like whereto is that which Samuel said unto Israel The Lord will not forsake his people for his great names sake because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people then might some say our condition is so safe and sure that however we demean our selves we can never be cast off and though we may fall foully cannot fall finally Naâ— but notwithstanding all this saith he If ye still do wickedly ye shall be consumed c. 1 Sam. 12. 22 25. To the same purpose our Lord speaks here unto these Though as if he should say I have made such a promise to you yet hold fast what you have or else you will lose your crown notwithstanding that promise Like that also Let that therefore abide in you which ye have heard from the beginning if that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father and this is the promise that he hath promised us even Eternal Life 1 Joh. 2. 24 25. He is indeed and abides faithful who hath promised but if we sin willingly after the Knowledge of the truth received there remains no more Sacrifice for sin but a certain fearful looking for of Judgment and Fiery Indignation which shall devour the Adversaries Heb. 10. 23 26 29 36 38. See the notes before on verse 4. and verse 5. of this Chapter Now in that our Lord Jesus addeth this Counsel and Exhortation after that promise in verse 10. so it may be useful to us 1. To admonish us all to take heed and beware of high-mindedness Oh let us not be high-minded but fear for if God spared not the Natural Branches to whom pertained the Adoption and the Covenants and the Promises we have cause abundant to fear he will not spare us if we rebel against him notwithstanding any promises made to us Rom. 11. 20 22. with ch 9. 3 4. and Acts 3. 25. Let us not then say Thou Lord of thy goodness and by thy favour hast made our Mountain to stand so strong that we shall never be moved however we demean our selves but let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall Ps 30. 6 7. with 1 Cor. 10. 10 12. Happy is the Man that feareth always but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief Prov. 28. 14. 2. Having such promises let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 6. 14 17. and ch 7. 1. and not presume of Gods protection or preservation of us out of his way a wise man fears and departs from evil but the fool rages and is confident Prov. 14. 26. Deut. 29. 12 18 20 c. 3. Let us abide in Christ and in his Doctrine so will he keep us from the evil of all temptations whatsoever He that abides in him sins not he doth not commit sin nor miss his mark 1 Joh. 3. 6. And whosoever abides in the Doctrine of Christ he hath both the Father and Son 2 Joh. 9. Col. 2. 6 8. To which end also let us mind and consider the next thing viz. 3. The reason why they should hold that fast which they had That no Man take thy Crown In which words he gives us to understand That there is a Crown which is called their Crown who have kept the word of Christ verse 10. Wherein also we may enquire and consider 1. What is this Crown here spoken of 2. How it is called theirs 1. What is this Crown here spoken of And to that we may say As it hath respect to the Angel directly so hereby is meant the glory of their service in the Gospel even such hearty Believers as were begotten unto and preserved in Christ by their diligent and faithful labouring in the Word and Doctrine with which they that are faithful teachers shall as it were cloth themselves as with an Ornament and bind them on them as a Bride doth Isay 49. 18. Those that are brought in by them instrumentally and preserved in the Faith will be their glory As with respect to such they will rejoyce in the Day of Christ that they have not run in vain nor laboured in vain Phil. 2. 16. and 4. 1. Hence the Apostle Paul saith for what is our Hope or Joy or Crown of rejoycing are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming For ye are our Glory and joy 1 Thes 2. 19 20. and the Apostle John thus speaks Now little Children abide in him that when he shall appear we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming 1 Joh. 2. 28. 2 Joh. 8. Heb. 13. 17. And thus understanding their Crown here so it shews to us that the proper and effectual way for Christ's Angels to keep their Crown and preserve them that hear them is by holding fast themselves the word of Christs patience Hence the Apostle saith to Timothy take heed to thy self and to the Doctrine continue in them for in so doing thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee 1 Tim. 4. 9 11 16. and exhorts him to hold fast the form of sound words which he had heard in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 1. 13 14. and ch 2. 2. and ch 4. 2 5. and warns him to beware of and to turn away from false Teachers and beseeches him to charge some that they taught no other doctrine beside that of Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 1. 3 15. and ch 2. 4 7. and 6. 3 5. Tit. 1. 9. and ch 2. 11 15. Acts 20. 28 32. and in these Epistles to the Seven Churches in Asia such Angels are commended and encouraged by Christ as did hold fast the faithful word and they are blamed who suffer'd evil teachers among them as Pergamos and Thyatira ch 2. Or as it may have respect to all believers to which we shall especially speak so there is a crown prepared for them A Kingdom prepared for them Compare Jam. 1. 12. with ch 2. 5. And this is sometimes called A Crown of Life Rev. 2. 10. they shall enter into Life eternal and so into the Kingdom Mark 9. 43 47. they shall reign in Life by one Man Jesus Christ Rom. 5. 17. Sometimes it is called a Crown of Glory Prov. 4. 9. Isay 28. 5. They are called to the obtaining the Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ 2 Thes 2. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 9. sometimes a crown of righteousness 2 Tim. 4. 8. with Jam. 1. 12. and Jam. 2. 5. sometimes an incorruptible crown which fadeth not away 1 Cor. 9. 25. with 1
lukewarm ones are ready to fill their mouths with Arguments and to plead their own Innocency and to stop their Ears from hearing Faithful Reproofs they can presently say Why find ye fault with us What would you have us to do we are not cold we read hear pray in our families frequent assâ—mblies use the ordinances of Christ they are ready to thank God they are not like other Men or like to what they themselves sometimes were and not only justify themselves herewith before Men but endeavour so to do before God also they not only weary Men but God also with clearing themselves and are even angry that he doth not approve them and hear their prayers So when the Lord sent the Prophet to reprove his people he tells him they were not cold and that they had this to plead for themselves that they might still hold fast deceit and refuse to return And because hereby they were blunt and unapt to receive correction and to turn at reproof therefore the Prophet is charged to put to the more strength Cry aloud saith the Lord for they are very dull of hearing spare not lift up thy voice like a trumpet that they may be afraid and run together Amos 3. 6. and shew my people their transgression and the house of Jacob their sins yet though they are so greatly polluted they are not quite cold but Lukewarme for they seek me dayly and delight to know my ways as a nation that did righteousness and forsook not the ordinance of their God they ask of me the ordinances of justice they take delight in approaching to God Wherefore have we fasted say they and thou seest not wherefore have we afflicted our Souls and thou takest no knowledge when-as notwithstanding all this professed waiting upâ—n God and frequent approaching to him they were not hot they did not part with the things reproved but their hands were defiled with bloud and their fingers with iniquity their iniquities separated between God and them and yet they thought they were warm enough and looked that God should accept and approve them But saith the Lord their webs shall not become garments neither shall they cover themselves with their works Isay 58. 1 3. and 59. 1 6. and ch 66. 1 2. but when they are quite cold they have not such things to say for themselves but sooner fall under reproof as the Ninevites that had not God's name called upon them nor his word and ordinances among them sooner humbled themselves before God than the Jews who had the scriptures read among them every Sabbath-day and fasted and prayed c. because they thought eternal life belonged to them and that they were already in a good and happy condition Mat. 12. 41. and ch 21. 32 33. Joh. 5. 39 40. Now then By how much the more they are the more hardly admonished and more difficultly recovered than those that are cold by so much the more is their temper more sad for they sport themselves with their own deceivings 3. The Lukewarm ones are worse than those that are cold because by their seeming to be religious and to do their former works they cause the name of God and his doctrine to be evil spoken of and so do more injury to others sutable to what the Apostle saith Behold thou art called a Jew and so we may say a Christian and restest in the law and makest thy boast of God and knowest his will and approvest the things that are most excellent and art confident that thou thy self art a guide of the blind a light of them which sit in darkness an instructer of the foolish a teacher of babes which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law Thou therefore which teachest another teachest thou not thy self thou that makest thy boast of the law thorow breaking of the law dishonourest thou God for the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles thorow you thorow such Lukewarme ones who seem to be religious and yet hold fast a lye in their right hand and so their Religion is vain Rom. 2. 17 24. when persons are grown quite cold and come not into the assemblies of God's peculiar people there is not then such occasion given to the adversary to speak reproachfully of the worthy name of Christ and his doctrine as when Men frequent those assemblies and frequently tread his courts appear to do their former works when those that profess to believe the Gospel of Christ and are frequently among them that make profession of it and hold it forth to others when such I say hold fast deceit and refuse to return when such walk on in darkness fulfilling the desires of the flesh or of the mind the mouths of others by occasion of them is opened against Christ and his Gospel as if he were a Minister of sin and it a doctrine of Licentiousness Others among whom they live will be ready to say These are the Men that pretend to have learned the truth as it is in Jesus and to have embraced the Doctrine of Christ more sincerely than others they say they believe Christ died for all and gave himself a ransom for all and they hear and read and pray and usually go amongst such as assemble themselves often and professedly to wait upon God and to edifie themselves But yet you may see they are as much polluted as others their hearts goes as much after it's covetousness as the hearts of any other and they are as proud and censorious and highly conceited of themselves and as uncharitable and unmerciful as others Surely this Doctrine teacheth them to live as they list and assures them they shall have peace though they walk after the Imagination of their own hearts This is a Doctrine of looseness and licentiousness It is certainly an Heresie or otherwise it would have some other manner of efficacy on these men that make a trade of hearing it and being amongst those that profess it Oh how by occasion of such is the Doctrine according to Godliness evil spoken of and reproached as if it were a Doctrine of Profaneness How is God's Name hereby polluted Hence the Lord as one displeased and provoked thus speaks to his people in former times who did not â—ervently and sincerely seek and serve him As for you O House of Israel thus saith the Lord God go ye serve ye every one his own Idols and hereafter also if ye will not hearken unto me to obey my voice and give glory to my name but pollute ye mine holy name no more with your Gifts and with your Sacrifices Ezek. 20. 39. As if he should say You had better be quite cold than thus lukewarm Did you wholly follow after your Idols and make no profession of serving me my name would not be so greatly polluted as now it is while you call upon me and yet serve your own Idols Oh this tends very much to the blemishing Gods worthy name called upon us and to
is such raiment as is only to be had and bought of Christ and which the people may buy and wear as well as the Angel and hereby is signified to us righteousness as Rev. 19. 8. so Job saith I put on righteousness and it cloathed me Job 29. 14. And let thy Priests be cloathed with righteousness Ps 132. 9. Isay 61. 10. But now this righteousness which is the White Raiment is not our own righteousness according to the law Rom. 3. 19 20. But the white raiment here spoken of is 1. The righteousness of God without the law which Christ hath wrought and compleated in himself and is become who is Jehovah our righteousness Jer. 23. 6. and so he is compared to a garment and believers are instructed to put him on Rom. 13. 14. and as many as are baptized into Christ are said to have put on Christ Gal. 3. 27. Col. 3. 10. Eph. 4. 23 24. And Christ is and in him appears the righteousness of God and so he is become righteousness for us in taking our nature upon him and therein being made sin and a curse and so tasting death by the grace of God for every Man whereby righteousness is come God made him to be sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5. 21. If righteousness come by the law then Christ hath died in vain Gal. 2. 21. In which is implied that to the end he might bring in everlasting righteousness he must dye Dan. 9. 24 26. and he is raised again as the publick Man And so he is raised for our justification Rom. 4. 25. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 30. 2. By this White Raiment or those White garments are meant the fruits of this righteousness believed Jam. 3. 18. For this the Apostle prays for the Phillippians that they might be sincere and without offence being filled with the fruits of righteousness which fruits are by Jesus Christ received and believed in unto the Glory and praise of God Phil. 1. 9 10 11. and of these fruits there are some more inward and some more outward Those more inward and wrought in the Spirit of the mind by the Spirit in the Testimony in glorifying Christ and taking of his things and shewing unto us are Humility This is compared to a garment Be ye all cloathed with humility 1 Pet. 5. 4. Col. 3. 12. and this garment these needed to buy of Christ for they were lifted up with high thoughts and conceits of themselves we have seen v. 17. Zeal for God to be clad herewith as with a cloak Isay 59. 17. this was that also which this Angel and Church were destitute of they were Lukewarme and neither cold nor hot as we have seen before This was therefore needful to be bought by them in and with humility and unless that be put on this cannot be had by us for while Men have high thoughts of themselves and their attainments this disposes them to Lukewarmness and hinders them from being zealous Bowels of mercy kindness c. are also to be put on by his Angels and Churches not only outward acts of mercy but bowels of mercy Col. 3. 12. and these garments aptly follow and are joyned with zeal for when the love and loveliness of Christ is so known and believed and considered by us as to enflame our hearts with love to him together herewith also we are led and prevailed with to put on Bowels of mercies and to be tender-hearted unto all Meekness also is to be put on by them as a garment Col. 3. 12. The ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit which is in the sight of God of great price 1 Pet. 3. 1 5. and this is joyned with and put as the consequent of lowliness Eph. 4. 2. and of humbleness of mind Col. 3. 12. and meekness and lowliness of heart were conjoyned in our Saviour Mat. 11. 29. Prov. 13. 10. Jam. 3. 13 17. Charity also is to be put on by us above all things have â—ervent charity among your selves 1 Pet. 4. 8. above all these things put on charity which is the bond of perfectness Col. 3. 14. Let all your things be done with charity 1 Cor 16. 14. and indeed in putting on charity we put on all the other garments before spoken of In putting on this we shall put on humility for charity vaunts not it self is not puffed up 1 Cor. 13. 4. in putting on this we put on zeal and fervency hence it is called fervent charity 1 Pet. 4. 8. Cant. 8. 6 7. In putting on this we put on bowels of mercies kindness Charity suffers long and is kind 1 Cor. 13. 4. Luke 6. 27 38. see notes before on ch 2. v. 19. about charity And by the fruits of righteousness and so by those White garments are meant those more outward even the holding forth the word of life in word and conversation so as the grace of God in its efficacies and outward works may be seen and beheld of all Men Acts 11. 22. Phil. 2. 13 16. Mat. 5. 16. Col. 3. 5 9 15. 2. Why is this raiment said to be white and what is imported therein 1. In general we may say in this expression there is allusion and reference to the garments that the Priests and Levites did wear and in which they did minister Euod 28. 39 43. Lev. 16. 4 23. 2 Chron. 5. 12. and â—ow the Priest-hood being changed there is made of necessity a change also of the law Heb. 7. 12. we have an High-priest after the order of Melchisedeck and he is King of righteousness who hath brought in an everlasting righteousness and is cloathed therewith Isay 61. 10. and hath it to confer upon and cloath with all that are born of him Heb. 7. 1 2. 1 Joâ— 3. 6. and all that are born of and come to him are made Priests be they Jew or Gentile male or female 1 Pet. 2. 4 9. Rev. 1. 5 6. 2. More particularly this raiment is said to be White to note the purity thereof So those garments those white garments of the Priests in former times are said to be holy Lev. 16. 4 32. Ezek. 44. 16. 19. So clean and white and pure and white are put together To signify That whiteness and cleanness or purity do meet together here Rev. 19. 8. and 15. 6. and so this white raiment is holy 3. This raiment is white as the light Mat. 17. 2. shining and glistering Mark 9. 3. Luke 9. 29. such as being bought by his Angels and Churches and put on and found in is powerful to give light to such as have their understandings darkned and to discover and cure their errours and mistakes 1 Pet. 2. 11 12. 4. This Raiment is said to be white to signify to us that it is raiment of praise and beauty of rejoycing and gladness It betokens and occasions joy and rejoycing as black is a token of sadness or mourning Mal. 3. 14. So white of
2. 5. By this voice he first knocks at their hearts and puts to their remembrance what they have heard and let slip who have wandred out of the way of understanding 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. Gal. 4. 13 17. and at the doors of the hearts of men generally as they come to the use of understanding Prov. 8. 1 4 6. 2. And the voice of his Rod and Judgements either threatned or in some measure executed also the voice of trembling of fear and not of peace Jer. 30. 5. Mica 6. 9. Of which the Prophet speaks saying When I heard my Belly trembled my Lips quivered at the voice rottenness entred into my bones c. Hab. 3. 2 16. And again The great day of the Lord is near it is near and hasteth greatly the voice of the day of the Lord the mighty Man shall cry there bitterly Zeph. 1. 14 18. Jer. 4. 15. with which voice he was speaking to this and other faulty Churches Rev. 2. 5. and ch 3. 3 15 16 19. And both the voice of his word and rod is as the sound of many waters See notes on Rev. 1. v. 15. The Act requisite about this object is to hear this his voice as it 's here said If any Man hear my voice To wit that which is here called for is attentively to hear and to hear with understanding his voice See notes on ch 1. v. 3. Now herein is signified to us 1. In that he saith If any Man â—ear that he in due time sends forth his voice to men as before is said and to them also that forsake him that they might hear even to such as have sold themselves for their iniquities and who are put away for their transgressions he calleth and proclaims his goodness and graciousness to them and so knocks at their hearts that they might give entertainment to him Jer. 3. 1 5 8 12. Isay 50. 1 2. And this shews his great lothness and unwillingness with the destruction of them 2. When he sends forth his voice to them he expects from them that they incline their Ear thereto and hear what he is speaking to them Hence he saith Hear for I will speak of excellent things and the opening of my lips shall be right things Prov. 8. 4 6. Hearken diligently unto me Encline your Ear and come unto me hear and your Souls shall live Isay 55. 1 3. Mat. 12. 50. All ye Inhabitants of the World and dwellers upon the Earth when he blows a Trumpet hear ye Isay 18. 3. Wherefore my beloved Brethren saith the Apostle let every man be swift to hear Jam. 1. 18. Luke 8. 21. 3. It is here supposed and signified to us that it is possible men may not hear when his voice is to them in that it is said if any man hear Yea it is too too frequently found that they to whom he speaks â—o turn a deaf Ear unto him as is signified to us in what he speaks of his people in former times This thing commanded I them saying obey my voice c. But they hearkened not nor enclined their Ear. I sent unto you all my Servants the Prophets daily rising up early and sending them yet they hearkened not unto me nor enclined their Ear but hardened their Neck Jer. 7. 23 16. He may cry and call even lift up his voice unto them and yet they may and too many do stop their Ears and refuse to hearken to him Ps 81. 8 11. Zech. 7. 11 13. Heb. 3. 7 15. Ps 58. 5. And in their thus stopping their Ear they add Rebellion to their Sin Jer. 5. 21 23. Ezek. 12. 2 3. and greatly provoke him to anger and to testifie his dislike of and displeasure with them Mat. 13. 12 13 14 15. 4. It is also supposed that any man may hear his voice in due time for he both speaks unto them and his word is with power Luke 4. 32. Mica 2. 7. His voice is a mighty voice as the sound of many waters Rev. 1. 15. The voice of the Lord is powerful The voice of the Lord is full of Majesty Ps 29. And herewith he opens Mens Ears to hear before he expects from them or requires of them that they hear As our Saviour saith The hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live Joh. 5. 25. Isay 42. 18 20. He prevents all as they come to years of capacity so as every man might hear his voice Jam. 1. 18 19. Job 33. 16. Though no man is necessitated thereto yet all are in due season capacitated thereto by Jesus Christ And therefore he thus here speaks and saith if any man hear my voice c. 2. The second thing requisite is and open the Door Namely of the heart as we have seen This is further required of and needful for any man that he may be made a partaker of the blessedness here propounded and spoken of Obj. But is it not Christs work to open this Door Is it not said of Lydia whose heart the Lord opened that she attended unto the things spoken Acts 16. 14. Answ Yes certainly it is his work firstly and preventingly his grace doth bring Salvation to all in due time Tit. 2. 11. But then he requires of us that we open unto him Phil. 2. 13 15. So it is his work to open the eyes Isay 42. 1 5. But then he saith to us Look unto me and be ye saved Isay 45. 22. The Lord hathmade the seeing Eye but yet he calls upon us Open thine Eyes and thou shalt be satisfied with Bread Prov. 20. 12 13. It is his work to unstop the Ear Isay 35. 5. The Lord hath made the hearing Ear Prov. 20. 12. But then it 's required of us that we encline our Ear and come unto him Isay 55. 1 3. And indeed so much is signified in the Scripture objected that though he prevents with power yet somewhat is then required of and expected from us for thus it should be read whose heart the Lord opened to attend c. Acts 16. 14. Now here we may note comparing these words with the former 1. That before he expects we should open the door he first signifies we should hear Hearing is the one thing and first thing needful to all that is required of us Luke 10. 39 42. To our believing How shall men believe in him of whom they have not heard Rom. 10. 14. Acts 15. 7. Joh. 5. 24. To our coming to Christ encline your Ear saith he and come unto me Isay 55. 1 3. Joh. 6. 45. To our receiving instruction hence he first saith hear and after receive my Instruction and not Silver Prov. 8. 6 8 10. Joh. 6. 45. To our loving the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength and our neighbour as our selves Deut. 6. 4 5. 2. In that he adds this after the former so he instructs us that though hearing
be needful and the first thing requisite yet not the only thing required if Men be hearers only they will deceive their own selves Ezek. 33. 30 32. hence the Holy Ghost commands Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only Jam. 1. 19 22 26. this is the description given of him that received seed into the good ground he is such an one as heareth the word and understands it which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth c. Mat. 13. 18 23. hearing is first required of us in order unto some other thing as is here signified to us 3. In that he saith If any Man hear my voice and open the door So he gives us to understand That we should then only open the door when we hear his voice To him the porter openeth and the sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out and the sheep follow him for they know his voice and a stranger will they not follow but will flee from him for they know not the voice of a stranger Joh. 10. 3 5. The beloved saith Open to me my sister my love my dove my undefiled And saith the spouse I rose to open to my beloved and my hands dropped with myrrh Cant. 5. 2 5. I opened to my beloved v. 6. My Son saith the wisdom of God give me thine heart Prov. 23. 26. Though others call never so loudly and alluringly yet shut them out cease to hear the instructions that cause to erre from the words of knowledge Prov. 19. 27. we should be so far from opening our hearts to such voices as that we should stop and shut our ears against them leâ—t they deceive our hearts with their good words and fair speeches Rom. 16. 17 18. 4. In saying if any Man hear my voice and open c. So he signifies that though the generality who are called and spoken to do refuse so to do yet he will take it kindly if any Man if but one particular person obey his voice and be not rebellious like the rest Ezek 2. 8. he will come in to him he will take them one of a City and two of a family and will bring them to Zion Jer. 3. 14. Oh then think not Christ will reject because of the paucity or fewness say not I will do as others do But know if thou art alone in this exercise thou shalt be blessed in thy deed Joh. 6. 51. and 7. 17. and ch 10. 9. and ch 12. 26. see the notes before on v. 4. of this chapter 5. Yea if any Man how vile sinful ungrateful soever he hath been him that overcometh he will in no wise cast out Joh. 6. 37. So our Saviour saith If any Man thirst any of you officers that are sent to apprehend me let him come unto me Joh. 7. 32 37. Isay 55. 1 7. If any Man hear my voice and open the door â—ow lukewarme soever he hath been how much or how long soever he hath barred the door against me and taken others into the chamber of his heart though he hath been guilty of the greatest evils and have been like Sodom and Gomorrah yet in hearkening unto him he will pardon and take away all his iniquity and receive him graciously Isay 1. 10 14. Hos 14. 1 4. Oh then let no former unworthiness of thine hinder or discourage thee But while he calls and knocks open the door unto him and no longer stand out or harden thine heart against him but awake and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light Heb. 4. 7. Eph. 5. 13 14. and and to engage move and prevail with us so to do let us consider that which here followeth which is propounded as a motive and argument to perswade and prevail with us to suffer the word of exhortation and to hear his voice and open the door namely 2. The Blessedness assured to every such an one as doth hear his voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me Now here note in general 1. As this Blessedness contained in those gracious promises is propounded to them by Christ before they return so it shews unto us That in preaching the Gospel to any it should be so declared as therewith the exceeding great and precious promises should be ministred and propounded to Men while they shut out Christ Thus doth our Lord to them who were ignorant of him and enemies to him Verily Verily I say unto you he that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation Joh. 5. 24 25. and ch 6. 27 35 51 58. Prov. 1. 20 23. and ch 8. 32 35. 2 Pet. 1. 4. So in former times when the Lord had been largly declaring the blessedness of the Servants of the Lord and promising great things to them he then saith Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters hearken diligently unto me c. Isay 54. 13 17. and ch 55. 1 3 6 8. Mat. 5. 2. As this blessedness is assured to him that hears and opens so we may learn That if we be Christ's then are we Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 16 29. though the promises are propounded to all in the Gospel yet all are not of them Heb. 6. 16 19. Rom. 4. 12 16. But such as exercise themselves to godliness for that is profitable to all things having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. 7 8. It is a very evil and provoking thing to assure the promises are theirs and they the heirs of them who shut out Christ and walk in evil and crooked paths for whosoever walks thererein shall not know peace see what the Lord threatneth â—nto those false prophetesses that cried peace peace and promised happiness to the wicked Ezek. 13. 18 22. But we shall speak particularly to that here assured to them that hear Christs voice c. I will come in to him The coming he here speaks of is not personal for so he was never in any but in the womb of the virgin indeed so he came into that womb and into the world and here went up and down in a mortal body doing good preaching the Gospel c. And when he had finisht the work the Father gave him to do on the earth and had died for our sins and was buried and rose again he after some few days left the World and ascended up into heaven Joh. 16. 28. and ch 17. 11. and 20. 17. Acts 1. 9 11. and he is in heaven 1 Pet. 3. 22. Heb. 9. 24. and ch 4. 14. and no Man ever saw him with bodily eyes since Paul 1 Cor. 15. 1 8. Joh. 16. 10. 1 Pet. 1. 8. and the heavens must receive him until the times of restitution of all things Acts 3. 21. and then he shall come again which yet he is not 1 Thes 4.
1 13. And this is he who now stands at the everlasting doors of the Soul and knocks even the Lord strong and mighty the Lord mighty in battel compare Ps 24. 7 10. with Rev. 3. 20 21. Oh then be we of good cheer for his right hand and his holy arme hath gotten him the victory Ps 98. 1 4. Joh. 16. 33. and open we to him continually and believe we with the heart the victory and conquest he hath gotten that there-thorow we may do valiantly Rom. 8. 36 39. 1 Joh 5. 4 5. 2. He is set down with his Father in his throne namely on the account of his overcoming as it is said when he had by himself purged our sins he sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high Heb. 1. 3. and ch 10. 10 12 because he humbled himself became obedient to death the death of the cross Therefore also hath God highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name c. Phil. 2. 6 8 10. and herein is imported and signified to us 1. That that Christ is in Heaven in that glorious place so called with his Father for there is God's throne as it is said The Lord's throne is in heaven Ps 11. 4. see notes on ch 4. v. 2. thither is Christ gone he is gone up into and received in Heaven Luke 24. 51. Mark 16. 19. 1 Pet. 3. 22. And it is said of Stephen He looked up stedfastly into Heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God Acts 7. 55 56. and ch 3. 20 21. 2. Herein is directly said he is set down with his Father in his throne viz. 1. He is there an High-priest a Kingly High-priest Zech. 6. 13. King of righteousness and King of peace Heb. 7. 1. him hath God exalted with and to his right hand a prince and Saviour to give repentance and forgiveness of sins Acts 5. 31. he is the High-priest upon the throne who makes intercession for transgressours Isay 53. 12. and the one and only mediatour between God and Men 1 Tim. 2. 5. For every high-priest is taken from among Men and is ordained for Men for the good of Men in things pertaining to God who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way Heb. 5. 1 2. he is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world 1 Joh. 2. 2. with ch 5. 19. he who died for all Men now appears making intercession for them while they are joyned to all the living thorow whom God is long-suffering because he is not willing that any Man should perish but that all should come to repentance and be saved 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. 1 Tim. 2. 4 5. he is the lamb of God who is in the midst of the throne that taketh away the sin of the world compare Joh. 1. 29. with Rev. 5. 6. And he is the High-priest of the believers profession Heb. 3. 1. who ever liveth to make intercession for them that come unto God by him and is therefore able to save them to the uttermost Heb. 7. 24 26. and this may strengthen them to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering and to come with boldness to the throne of grace that they may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need Heb. 4. 14 16. and 8. 1 3. â—nd ch 10. 18 23 25. he is their advocate with the Father with his Father as here our advocate is the Kings Son and with their Father to personate them to plead their cause present their suites manage their matters obtain gracious returns for them and to perfect whatsoever doth concern them 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Ps 138. 8. 2. He is on his Fathers throne he is Lord of all Acts 10. 36. all power given to him both in heaven and in earth Mat. 28. 18. he is set on the throne of Majesty and Sovereignty the throne of the Kingdome Deut. 17. 18. 2 Sam. 7. 13. 1 King 1. 46. To sit on the throne is to reign compare 1 King 3. 6. with 2 Chron. 1. 8. or to be the ruler compare 1 King 9. 5. with 2 Chron. 7. 18. or to be the governour hence the throne is called the throne of the governour Neh. 3. 7. and he is indeed God's King whom he hath set upon his holy hill of Zion Ps 2. 6. one on whose shoulders is the government Isay 9. 6. The Father hath committed all judgment all the government unto him Joh. 5. 22. he is King of nations the King of all the earth Ps 47. and that for the good of Men generally and hence all the earth is called upon to sing a new song â—ecause he reigneth Ps 96. 1 10. and 97. 1. and 98. 1 6. and for the especial good of them that believe for he is the Saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. Isay 52. 7. Zech. 9. 10. he hath a peculiar care of and favour toward them that kiss him and submit unto the scepter of his Kingdom Isay 49. 13 16. and 51. 22. Ps 146. 10. therefore they may rejoyce and run with patience the race set before them because he indured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God Heb. 12. 1 2. and need not be afraid with any fear of amazement Ps 9. 1 7 9. and 46. he is on the throne who hath died yea rather is risen again and all thrones and things are under him Col. 1. 16 17. Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. 1 Pet. 3. 22. 2. We have nextly to consider that which is proposed to and set before the Churches and assured as the portion of the overcomer To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne where we have 1. The subject To him that overcometh Rev. 12. 11. Eph. 6. 10 17. there must be a warfare and a conquest Now here we may note That though Christ hath overcome yet he hath not so destroyed our enemies but that they are in being still and we have them to fight with and overcome indeed as to their first work he hath destroyed them so as none shall perish for ever in that first death and all our enemies are Christs captives But yet they are in being still and he doth permit them to act for our exercise we have sin within us the world death and Satan to be our enemies But thorow him we may be more than conquerours and shall in believing on him who is he that that overcometh the world but he that believeth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. 1 Pet 5. 8 9. This may encourage us to fight because Christ hath overcome he hath led captivity captive The captain of our Salvation is made perfect thorow the sufferings Heb. 2. 10. and now is upon his Father's throne 2. Consider we that which
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
from one another but not so here And therefore they may be intended in this Phrase And however they were unable to open this Book as also were all Infernal Spirits to wit the Devil and his Angels Though they are very subtle and wise yet this wisdom was not found with them nor any of them In short this is the Account given of all Creatures beginning from the highest and most excellent unto the lowest and most miserable None in heaven nor in earth nor under the earth was able to open the Book c. 2. What is the account that is given of all Creatures whatsoever And that is None was able to open the Book neither to look thereon That is none could loose the Seals of this Book and so open it And so could not look thereon or therein to read it that he might know and understand the things therein contained for himself or for his own good and profit And so could not reveal it to others or so read it as that others might hear and understand it ver 2. and ver 4. None was able 1. There is an Ability of Wisdom Knowledge Skill c. So whereas it is said in one place Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men c. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel it is said in another speaking of the same business Take ye wise men and understanding compare Exod. 18. 21 25. with Deut. 1. 12 13. So Solomon prays Give thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and bad for who is able to judge this thy so great people To wit without wisdom and understanding 1 Kings 3. 9-12 In this sense Nebuchadnezzar demands of Daniel Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen and the interpreâ—ation thereof That is Hast thou wisdom and knowledge to do it Dan. 2. 20-22 with ver 26. See also Dan. 4. 18. Rom. 15. 14. Now in this consideration none was able none had wisdom or skill enough for this work as hath been said before None could find out this work yea though a wise man should think to know it yet he should not be able to find it Eccl. 8. 17. Job 4. 18. Dan. 4. 18. 2. There is an Ability of Strength and Power As it is said of the sons of Obed-Edom and their Brethren they were able men for strength c. 1 Chron. 26. 8. They had power or might to do great things But in this sense also there was no creature was able to loose the seals of this Book c. as Rev. 15. 8. Indeed our Saviour saith to his Disciples Ye be not able to do that thing which is least and therefore not so great a thing as this here spoken of Luk. 12. 26. 2 Cor. 3. 4 5. nor had this strong Angel who made the Proclamation nor any of the mighty Angels power and strength to undertake and accomplish this very hard and difficult work 3. There is an ability of Authority a lawful power or right to do such or such a thing or not to do So it may be said of Men or Angels they cannot do that they cannot righteously do or which they may not lawfully do So Joseph saith How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God Gen. 39. 9. In this sense it is said of God he cannot lie he cannot be tempted with evil because he can do no iniquity or unrighteousness Tit. 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. James 1. 13. with Gen. 18. 25. He is indeed Almighty but he is indeed also Holy Almighty Holy See the Notes before on chap. 4. ver 8. Now in this respect also none was able to open this Book none had Authority given unto them from Him that sate on the Throne to do it and they could have no power or authority thereto except it were given them from above We read of an Angel chap. 18. 1. that had great power or authority given unto him but not of any created being that had this authority given him to open this Book or to look thereon nor did any so much as pretend thereto as appears by this Account here 4. As is here signified to us there is also an ability of merit or worthiness but thus also no creature was able to wit worthy no one of them had merited such an high favour at the hands of God See ver 2. and ver 4. Indeed the Lamb was able in this sense to wit worthy to take the Book and to open the Seals thereof because he was slain c. ver 5 9 12. but this was only peculiar to him Luk. 3. 16. See Notes on ver 2. Ver. 4. And I wept much because none was found worthy to open and to read the Book neither to look thereon In this Verse is declared to us what effect the inability of all creatures or the account given thereof had upon the Apostle John with the reason thereof and renewing and repeating their unworthiness or inability And I wept much or lamented greatly c. Wherein we may for our usefulness note in general 1. That even the most eminent of Gods servants may and at sometimes do weep here While they are in this world they may sometimes weep sore and tears may be on their cheeks as Lam. 1. 2. This is the day of Jacobs trouble Jer. 30. 5-7 Thus our Saviour speaking to his Disciples saith â—lessed are ye that weep nâ—w Luk. 6. 21. and In the world ye shall have tribulation and again Verily verily I say unto you that ye shall weep and lament but the world shall rejoyce and ye shall be sorrowful c. John 16. 20. 33. Indeed they are exhorted instructed and strengthened to rejoyce in the Lord Phil. 3. 1-3 to rejoyce evermore 1 Thes 5. 16. to rejoyce in the Lord alwayes Phil. 4. 4. And this they may do also when they have or judge they have occasions of sadness administred to them they may be as sorrowful and yet alwayes rejoycing 2 Cor. 6. 10. they may greatly rejoyce even then when they are in heaviness thorow divers temptations yet then believing they may rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 6 7 8. 2 Cor. 4. 16 17 18. as on the one hand even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful Prov. 14. 13 14. so on the other though all the days of Gods afflicted ones be evil yet they may have a merry heart mean time and so a continual feast Prov. 15. 15. when their belly trembles and their lips quiver and rottenness enters into their bones c. And although the Figtree doth not blossom neither is there any fruit in the Vines c. yet they may rejoyce in the Lord and joy in the God of their salvation Habak 3. 16-18 These two may well consist together But though they do alwayes rejoyce in Christ Jesus and in those things which are not seen which are eternal 2 Cor.
4. 18. yet here many times they meet with occasions of grief and lamentation both as with respect to themselves and others So Job saith My face is foul with weeping c. Job 16. 15 16. and chap. 30. 25-31 And David saith All the night make I my bed to swim I water my couch with my tears Mine eye is consumed because of grief it waxeth old because of all mine enemies Psa 6. 6 7. and Psal 30. 5. And our Saviour signifies to us that all the time of his absence from the children of the Bride chamber they shall have occasions of mourning and fasting Matth. 9. 15. Vse 1. Then it plainly appears and is very evident that they are not yet perfect as to attainment nor come compleatly and gloriously to that rest which remaineth for the people of God for then they shall weep no more but the dayes of their mourning shall be ended Isa 30. 19. and chap. 60. 20. they shall then come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away Isai 35. 10. and 51. 11. God shall then wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain Luke 6. 21. Rev. 7. 17. and chap. 21. 4. and the more that this blessed Hope is now believingly minded the more it now comforts them and helps them not to faint but to rejoyce and glory in hope of the Glory of God and not only so but to rejoyce in tribulations also Rom. 5. 2 3. 2 Cor. 4. 16-18 Joh. 16. 20. But as yet they are not arrived at that glorious state and condition propounded to them and set in hope before them 2. Then when we have occasions of weeping and â—amentation presented to us let us not think it strange or look upon it as a new thing but remember the same afflictions have been accomplisht in Gods beloved Ones that have been in the world 1 Pet. 5. 10. and in the most eminent Ones of them also And are we better than they 1 King 19. 4. Take we the Prophets and Apostles for an Example of suffering affliction and especially look we unto Jesus that we may not be weary nor â—aint in our minds by occasion of any affliction or adversity we may here meet with Jam. 5. 10-11 Hebr. 12. 1-2-3 3. Then judge not according to outward appearance Think not them to be the happiest who now seldom or never weep for they may be wicked ones who spend their days in mirth Job 21. 6-13 Wo unto you that laugh now for ye shall mourn and weep saith our Saviour Luk. 6. 25. Joh. 16. 20. They that dwell upon the earth shall rejoyce over the Witnesses when they are slain and make merry and send gifts one unto another c. Rev. 11. 10. But alas How much soever they rejoyce now and how merry soever they are their hour is coming in which they shall mourn for ever who know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Psal 37. 13 2 Thes 1. 5 6-9 Nor let us think Gods people to be therefore indeed miserable ones or that God loves them not because they now weep for it is good and needful for them to be sometimes in heaviness 1 Pet 1. 6. Sorrow is better than laughter for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth Eccles 7. 3-4 And yet though Christs Disciples have many occasions of weeping yet as it is said Their hearts may rejoyce in him and that joy none shall take away from them Joh. 26. 22. Prov. 15. 15. 2. And more particulaâ—ly let us consider 1. The Time or Season when he wept much or lamented greatly and that was when these Visions or Revelations were vouchsafed to him and he was thereby greatly preferred before his Brethren and lifted up above them yet now he was cast down so as that he wept much at such a time the most eminently holy Ones have had Exercises sorrows and fears administred or ordered to them So when Isaiah had that glorious Vision Isai 6. he cried out Woe is me for I am undone ver 2-5 and Ezekiel went in bitterness in the heat of his spirit and sate and remained astonished seven days Ezek. 3. 14 15. And Daniel was afraid and fell on his face and fainted and was sick certain days and his sorrows turned upon him and he retained no strength Dan. 8. 15-27 and chapt 10. 5-16 Matth. 17. 6. Rev. 1. 17 18. and such-like Exercises might at such a time be ordered to them that they should not be exalted above measure through those Revelations that were vouchsafed to them as 2 Cor. 12. 1-7 8. 2. The Reason of his weeping or lamentation Because none was found worthy to open and to read the Book neither to look thereon He had a great desire to know what was contained therein but there was such a general yea universal inability in all Creatures that that caused him thus to lament greatly Hope deferred makes the heart sick but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life Prov. 13. 12 19. He was desirous to understand the Contents of this Book or to have it opened to him but he could not unfold it himself as Dan. 12. 8. nor could any other Creature satisfie his desire none could open and read it so as to make him understand See the Notes on Chap. 1. ver 3. this wisdom was not found among the Inhabiters of Heaven nor in the land of the living here below The Depth saith it is not in me and the Sea saith it is not with me Job 28. 12-14-22 therefore he fell a weeping and this occasioned sorrow and lamentation to him And if in reading this Book any of â—hrists Servants meet with such knots as they cannot unty or doubts as they cannot dissolve nor any of their Brethren to their satisfaction and hereby they are occasioned to weep much let them then call to remembrance how it faâ—ed with this holy Apostle when he was thus highly favoured The most eminent Creatures are but Creatures still they are finite they are not GOD they know not all things they cannot do all things for us which we may greatly desire or long for they have nothing but what is given to them of him who is worthy to receive glory honour and power for he hath created all things and for his pleasure they are and were created Rev. 4. 11. And our expectations may be too high from them and so high that the disappointment we meet with may occasion sorrow to us We may call to the Creatures and there may be none to answer us yea though we should turn to the Saints or holy Angels we may be frustrated of our expectations And he that increaseth
Who is Apollo but Ministers c. So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase 1 Cor. 3. 5-7 What hast thou that thou didst not receive And if thou didst receive why shouldest thou glory as if thou hadst not received it 1 Cor. 4. 7. 2 Cor. 4 5-7 2. To preserve us from trusting or glorying in them or having Idolatrous esteems of them this was a great evil found with the Corinthians as the Apostle signifies saying While one saith I am of Paul and another I am of Apollo are ye not carnal To cure them whereof he adds Who then is Paul c. 1 Cor. 1. 12 13. â—and Chapt. 3. 1-5 21 23. And these things Brethren I have trâ—nsferred my self and to Apollo in a figure for your sakes that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. Why should we look earnestly on them as if by their own power or holiness they could do any thing Act. 3. 12. when as without Christ they can do nothing Joh. 15. 2-5 3. The consideration of this that they may be Instruments of Instruction and Consolation to us who are not Authors of it may help us not to despise them because they are but Instruments but to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake 1 Thes 5. 12 13. And to count them worthy of double honour especially such as labour in the Word and Doctrine 1 Tim. 5. 17. For he that heareth them that bring Christ's Doctrine heareth him and he that receiveth them receiveth him and he that receiveth him receiveth him that sent him and he that despiseth despiseth not man but God who also hath given to them his Holy Spirit Luk. 10. 16. Math. 10. 39 40. 1 Thes 4. 2-8 It s true they are men and not GOD but it is as true they are labourers together with God and therefore in taking heed to themselves and to the Doctrine and continuing in them they shall both save themselves and them that hear them and may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith they themselves have been comforted of God 1 Tim. 4. 16. 2 Cor. 1. 3 4. Let no man therefore esteem lightly of them Rom. 10. 15. 4. We may further also Note In that the same Mesâ—enger is not now sent as was before ver 2. That one Messenger may occasion grief and another may be employed to comfort such as are in heaviness and sadness All are Gods Servants and one may be employed in one service and another in another Paul plants and Apollo waters 1 Cor. 3-5 6 7. The Apostle Paul first preached the Gospel in Asia Acts 19. 10. And after John had a Command given him that what he saw he should write in a Book and send to the seven Churches in Asia to instruct admonish reprove comfort them See the Notes before on Chap. 1. ver 11. let none of us therefore despise any of God's Messengers yea though they be not so excellent as some others are but wisely consider that they also work the work of the Lord even as the more eminent oneâ— also do 1 Cor. 16. 10 11. 2 Cor. 8. 18-22-24 2. We have next in order to consider what the Elder said unto the Apostle to comfort him and that is propounded to us 1. By what he said unto the Apostle John as with respect unto himself Weep not Wherein we have signified to us 1. That there was somewhat of Infirmity in the Apostles weeping and lamentation as hath been before noted or else the Elder would not thus have forbidden him to weep In some cases and upon some occasions they may weep and mourn As the Apostle James saith Be afflicted and mourn and weep let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy into heaviness Jam. 4. 9. But at sometimes they may causlesly or unseasonably lament So Nehemiah c. said unto all the people This day is holy unto the LORD mourn not nor weep neither be ye sorry for all the people wept Neh. 8. 9 10 11 12. And Mary Magdalene thorow her nescience and slowness of heart to believe stood without at the Sepulchre weeping and the Angels say unto her Woman why weepest thou John 2â— 9-12-16 and Paul saith unto some What mâ—an ye to weep and to break mine heart Act. 21. 13. even the most holiest and most eminent Saints while here are subject to infirmities and weaknesses We are men of like passions with you saith Paul concerning himself and Barnabas Act. 14. 14 15. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are though he was a very eminent Prophet Jam. 5. 17. And here it seems this excellent Apostle did in a great measure weep causlesly or not upon a good ground And many times our weeping may be the fruit of our ignorance or unbelief or forgetfulness and unmindfulness of the excellency of Jesus Christ and those Consolations in and by him 2. But yet we may see the Lord is very pitiful and of very tender mercies and therefore though the Apostle did weep in a great measure causlesly yet he sends a Messenger to speak good words and comfortable words to him to say unto him Weep not and to inform him of or to put to his remembrance what might comfort him and wipe away his tears or deliver him from his sorrow He is not like unto us who are evil if we see another mourn causlesly we are ready to shut up the bowels of oâ—r compassion from him and to say Who would bemoan you or turn a side to comfort you seeing you have no good cause to weep You may even weep on still But who is blind as this most excellent one Seeing many things but he observes them not Isa 42. 19 20. He is not ready to observe Infirmities or quick to anger But he is ready to sympathize with and compassionate his grieved Servants when they wholly or in a great measure mourn causlesly Psal 145. 8. Judg. 10. 16. In all their afflictions and not in some of them only he is afflicted c. Isa 63. 9 He can have compassion on the ignorant in their weepings and them that are out of the way so merciful and comâ—assionate an High Priest is he Heb. 2. 17. and Chap. 5. 2. When Mary Magdalene wept through her infirmity and unbelief our Lord did not say to her Weep on but he then saith to her Woman why weepest thou whom sâ—ekest thou and further saith to her and calls her Mary and so comforts her and turns her sorrow into joy John 20 9-15 16. Animitator of whom in some good measure was the Apostle Paul when some wept causlesly and blame worthily yet he was greatly affected therewith and afflicted therefore What mean you saith he to weep and to break mine heart though he did not
the whole earth Zach 4 10. And these seven Eyes which are the seven Spirits of God are sent forth 1. In general to discern all things and discover them unto him what is done here below Though he dwelleth on high yet he humbleth himself to behold not only the things that are in Heaven but the things that are in the Earth also Psal 113. 4 6. His Eyes behold his Eye-lids try the Children of Men Psal 11. 4. The Eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15. 3. And these Eyes of his even the seven Spirits of God do as it were return an account to him of what is done here below like that Zach. 1. 9-11 that he may order the Government of God over the World graciously and righteously Psal 139. 7 8-12 He is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened to the Eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12. 14. Job 34. 21. Jer. 32. 19. 2. To enlighten the eyes of them that dwell therein To this end God hath put his Spirit upon Christ and he that giveth breath unto the people that are upon the earth giveth spirit also to them that walk therein Isa 42. 1-5-7 He is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1. 9. And especially he doth open their eyes who have the Gospel plainly and faithfully preached to them The Spirit of the Lord is upon Christ because he hath anointed him to preach the Gospel to the poor to preach recovering of sight to the blind Luke 4. 18. To open their eyes even the eyes of Jews and Gentiles and to turn them from darkness to light c. Acts 26. 18-23 The poor and deceitful man meet both together herein the LORD lighteneth both their eyes Prov. 29. 13. Psal 146. 8. And to them that turn at his whol some reproofs he will pour out his spirit unto them and make known his words unto them Prov. 1. 23. And they shall know more and more abundantly who thus follow on to know the LORD to wit â—n returning unto him continually from all their iniquities and vanities Hosea 5. 15. and chap. 6. 1-3 Dan. 9. 13. Matth. 13. 11 12. Dan. 2. 2 22. 3. To be with assist and bless them that heartily believe in and follow him The Eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth strongly to hold with them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. Job 36. 7. And as it is said concerning the Land of Canaan the same may be applied to the people whom the LORD hath chosen for his own inheritance They are a people for whom the LORD their GOD careth the Eyes of the LORD their GOD are alwayes upon them from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year Deut. 11. 12. To Watch for their good Psal 34. 12-15 To behold their troubles afflictions and exercises and to keep them from evil and seasonably to deliver them Psal 102. title and ver 18 19. Exod. 3. 7. And however he permits or orders it to the outward man yet behold the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him upon them that hope in his mercy to deliver their soul from death Psal 33. 18 19. Zach. 12. 4. Such shall certainly find Grace in his eyes at all times and in every condition Gen. 6. 8. 4. And these seven eyes of his to wiâ— the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth do behold the evil also and what their evil projects designs and actions are how deeply soever they dig to hide their counsels and actions from him Though they say God hath forgotten he hideth his Face he will never see yet herein they speak falsly for he doth see he beholdeth mischief and spite to require it with his hand Psal 10. 11-14 15. and 94. 5-8 Though they endeavour to hide themselves never so closely yet he will set his Eyes upon them that rebell against him for evil and not for good Amos 9. 1-4 8. He rules by his power for ever his eyes behold the nations let not the rebels exalt themselves Psal 66. 7. and Psal 139. Verse 7. And he came and took the Book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne We have seen before that when Proclamation was made by that strong Angel ver 2. None in Heaven nor in Earth neither under the Earth no meer Creature was able or worthy to open the Book neither to look thereon ver 3. which occasâ—oned the Apostle John to weep or lament much ver 4. whereupon an elder was sent to speak good and comfortable words to him telling him The Lion of the tribe of Judah c. had obtained power to open it and to loose the Seal thereof ver 5. And he beheld this most excellent and glorious one ver 6. And now the Apostle acquaints us with what he farther saw and that as the elder had foretold and according to that visional appearance ver 6. so here was some performance c. And he came to wit unto him that sate upon the throne somewhat like unto that spoken by the Prophet Daniel concerning him I saw in the night Visions and behold one like the Son of man came to the ancient of days Dan. 7. 13. He who had formerly come down from Heaven not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him even to lay down his life and give himself for our sins John 3. 13. and chap. 6. 38 41. with Gal. 1. 4. When he had finished that work which the Father gave him to do on earth he then left the world and went unto his Father again John 13. 3. and chap. 16. 28. and 17. 11 13. To receive all power from him and with him And took the Book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne Took it not to eat it as Rev. 10. 8-18 I mean not to prophesie as formerly in his personal ministration but he took it to open it to John that by him it might be shewed to Christs Servants more generally as afterwards also he did open it as chap. 6 c. He received power to reveal and make known the things contained in this Book and this upon the account of his having humbled himself to death the death of the Cross and to execute the things in this Book which was sealed with seven Seals Now in this seventh verse we may note for our usefulness 1. As this verse may refer to ver 5. where the Elder saith The Lion of the tribe of Judah hath prevailed to open the Book c. and accordingly he now came That he doth and will confirm the word of his Servants and perform the counsel of his messengers as Isa 44. 26. Though his messengers cannot perform his
Tribe of Levi nor of every house or family of Levi but only of the house of Aaron But now the Priesthood and the Law of the Priesthood is changed and according to Gods promise he hath taken of the Gentiles for Priests and for Levites Isa 66. 19-21 The Gentiles believing with the heart on him whom God hath sent are fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of faith and are an â—oly Priesthood whether they be male or female bond or free Barbarian Sâ—ythian or Edomite c. Ephes 2. 17-19 20. 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Gal. 3. 26-28 Col. 3. 10 11. Rev. 1. 4 6. And whatever tongue they are of and though they cannot speak Latine Greek or Hebrew yet in being redeemed from their vain conversation by the precious blood of Christ this dignity is also vouchsafed unto and graciously conferred upon them He hath made them Priests And this he hath done 1. By a birâ—h from himself they are the children whom God hath given to him who is the everlasting Father and only High-Priest and begetter of spiritual Priests Heb. 2. 13. Isa 9. 6. And as in former times those only that were born of and descended from Aaron the Typical High-Priests were Priests unto God Exod. 28. 1. 40. 41. Lev. 1. 5. 8. 11. Numb 16. 1-40 And it is said of some These sought their register among thâ—se that were reckoned by Genealogy but it was not found therefore were they as polluted put from the Priesthood Neh. 7. 63 64 65. So now those and those only who come unto and are born of Jesus Christ who is the only High-Priest and who hath an unchangeable Priesthood which passeth not from himself unto any other are made a spiritual house and an holy Priesthood They are a chosen generation a royal Priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people c. Heb. 7. 21-24 25. with 1 Pet. â— 4 5-9 And that they may stand before and minister unto the Lord therefore 2. He washes them from their sins in his own blood and redeems them out of every kindred c. Rev. 1. 5 6. and 5. 9 10. Cloathes them and anoints them as answering to our types in former times Exod. 28. 40 41. and 29. 4 5. and 40. 12-16 Rev. 7. 14 15. and 11. 4. 3. And thus fiâ—ted and prepared continually they are Priests to minister unto God and to offer sacrifice not any propitiatory sacrifice for purging away their sinâ— or make satisfaction to Gods justice for them this they neither can do nor need to do This was the only work of our High-Priest who gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice unto God for a sweet smelling savour Ephes 5. 2. He himself bare our sins in his own body on the tree And by one offering even that of his own body offered once for all hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified and obtained eternal redemption even the forgiveness of sins Now whâ—re remissioâ— of these is there is no more offering for sin 1 Pet. 2. 24. Heb. 10. 5-10-14 18. and 9. 12 14. with Col. 1. 14. Nor are they to offer bodily sacrifices such as the Priests in former times did not the blood of bulls calves and goats c. but they are to offer the sacrifices of righteousness Psal 4. 5. spiritual sacrifices 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. that is to say they are to offer unto him broken and contrite hearts The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit A broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise Psal 51. 17. An heart broken for its sins and Idols and broken off from them and from all confidence in the flesh and rejoicings and gloryings in its own doings and works of righteousness and given up unto and devoted to God to love fear worship trust in and expect all from him and to rejoice and glory in the Cross of Christ Mat. 5. 3. this is that he calls for Prov. 23. 26. And thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57. 15 16. and Chap. 66. 1 2 3. Phil. 3. 1-3-9 Gal. 6. 14. They are also to offer and present their bodies unto him a living sacrifice holy and acceptable which is their reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. and so both spirit and body are to be offered unto him Some there are indeed who draw nigh to God with their moâ—ths and honour him with their lips but their hearts mean time are far removed from him and therefore their worship is vain Mat. 15. 7-9 others pretend to worship God with their spirits and to give him their hearts while they offer their bodies to sin and satan and are servants of unrighteousness there with But surely the whole man is to be given unto him and we are to glorifie him both in our body and spirit which are his 1 Câ—r 6. 19 20. We are to yield up and offer our selves our whole selves unto God as those alive from the dead and our members as instruments of righteousness unto God Rom. 6. 13-16 with Rom. 12. 1-3 They are also to pâ—ay unto him even for all men and to pour out their hearts as a drink-offering before him as here vers 8. Psal 62. 8. and 141. 2. with 1 Tim. 2. 1-8 Rev. 8. 3-5 And to offer up the sacrifices of thanks-giving unto God continually which are the calves or fruits of their lips and thus they are to do always when they pray unto him as it is said Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Psal 50. 14. and 107. 22. Heb. 13. 15. Phil. 4. 6. This sacrifice also shall please the Lord better than a Bullock that hath borns and â—â—ofs Psal 69. 30 31. Ephes 5. 18-20 As also they are to render his praise glorious unto others They are a royal Priesthood that they should shew forth the praises and vertues of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2. 9-12 Heb. 13. 15. Psal â—05 1-3 And whoso offereth praise glorifieth him and to him that disposeth his way he will shew the salvation of God Psal 50. 23. And they are not to forget to do good and to communicate for with such sacrifices being offered by Christ God is well pleased Heb. 13. 15 16. He will have mercy and not sacrifice Hos 6. 6. And hath instructed and exhorted us to honour the Lord with our substance and with the first fruits of our increase Prov. 3. 9. with Isa 43. 23. And it is an odour of a sweet smell a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing unto God when we communicate unto others more especially to them that are of the houshold of faith and most especially unto them who serve him
people righteously and govern the nations upon earth Selah Psal 67. 3 4 7. and 82. 5 8. And all the earth is called upon to make a joyful noise before the Lord for he not goeth or sitteth in Heaven but cometh to wit down from Heaven for he cometh to judg the earth he shall judg the world with righteousness and the people with his truth Psal 96. 11 13. and 98. 4 9. and 47. Behold the days come saith the Lord that I will raise up unto David a righteous branch and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth In his days Judah the two Tribes shall be saved and Israel the ten Tribes who were then captives and so remain unto this day shall dwell safely And this is his name whereby he shall be called THE LORD OVR RIGHTEOVSNESS Jer. 23. 5 6. and Chap. 33. 14 15-17 The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee And the Lord shall be King over all the earth In that day there shall be one Lord and his name one Zech. 14. 5-9 And therefore because he shall reign on the earth and they with him they also shall reign on the earth as is here with joy and rejoicing affirmed by these redeemed ones 2. And they shall reign one with another who are children of God If children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be they suffer that they may also be glorified together Rom. 8. 16 17. As they shall be gathered together unto him to Christ I mean so also one to another in a personal consideration and shall not be separated one from another any more 2 Thes 2. 1. now they are scattered one from another upon several accounts The wise and gracious sowâ—r soweth the good seed the children of the Kingdom over all his field of the world for the good of the world that by them Gods way might be known upon the earth and his saving health among all Nations Mat. 13. 24-38 with Psal 67. 1-3 And by their being thus disposed many of them never see the faces of one another in the flesh Col. 2. 1. sometimes they are scattered one from another by persecution so it is said There was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea c. Act. 8. 1 3 4. Many times the wolf cometh and scattereth the sheep one from another Joh. 10. 12. Sometimes and too often they are sundred one from another by contentions strifes and animosities It is the work of sin and satan to sow discord between brethren and to separate chief friends one from another Jam. 4. 1-5 Rev. 12. 10. so it is said of these two eminently holy ones Paul and Barnabas the contention was so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the other Act. 15. 39. And so also they are removed one from another by death Isa 38. 11. but then compleatly and gloriously there will be the congregation of the righteous when they are raised and reign with Christ Psal 1. 5. The son of man shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds from one end of Heaven to the other Mat. 24. 31. And them that sleep in Jesus God will bring with him 1 Thes 4. 13 14. The dead shall not reign on earth before the living All these holy ones saith the Apostle having obtained a good report thorow faith received not the promise God having provided some better things for us that they without us should not be made perfect Heb. 11. 39 40. And they of Christs which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep for the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-angel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air And so shall we ever be with the Lord 1 Thes 4. 15-17 And that in this glorious reign one shall not be before or after another the Apostle signifieth when he saith I would to God ye did reign that we also might reign with you thereby giving us to understand that as they shall reign with Christ as is before said so also one with another 1 Cor. 4. 8. this honour shall all Christs Saints have together Psal 149. 4 5-9 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Vse 1. Now from what is here said in vers 9 10. we may see what is the new song so oft spoken of in Scripture as Psal 33. 1-3 and 40. 1-3 and 96. 1. and 98. 1-4 9. and 149. Isa 42. 1-10 to wit it is that which contains the contents of the Testimony of Jesus as we have said to wit what he hath done for us sinful creatures of mankind what he is now doing and what he will do 2. Here we may also see who are the true singers of the new song such as lift up the Horâ— that Horn of Salvation which God hath raised up in the house of his servant David this Horn is the praise of all these Saints 1 Chron. 25. 3-5 with Psal 148. 14. and Luk. 1. 69. And they first render glorious the sufferings of Christ and merrily and skilfully sing of and sound forth the preciousness of his blood saying Thou wast slain c. These are they who rightly sing and make melody with grace in their hearts unto the Lord even these redeemed ones Ephes 5. 18 19. Col. 3. 16. and these are called upon to give thanks unto and praise the Lord as it is said O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever let the redeemed of the Lord say so whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered them out of the lands from the East and from the West and from the North and from the South even out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation Psal 107. 1-3 with Rev. 5. 9. and Chap. 14. 2 3. 4 5. 3. From this particular branch of the new song to wit We shall reign on the earth we may see That these redeemed ones having access into the grace of God rejoice in hope of the glory to be revealed Rom. 5. 2. and Chap. 12. 11. holding fast the beginning of the confidence they also hold fast the rejoicing of the hope and have that as an anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast c. Heb. 3. 6. with vers 14. and Chap. 6. 18-20 Psal 89. 15 16. 4. The consideration of the assurance of the faith and hope of these holy ones that they shall reign on the earth may preserve us from those scoffers who say where is the promise of his comeing and strengthen us notwithstanding their scoffs to
sends forth his voice and that a mighty voice Ps 68. 33. 3. Yea herein also we may see and behold the admirable humility and condescension of Jesus Christ that he should so importunately seek the good of such unworthy ones as these were and we are that we might open unto him As the Apostle Paul saith Now then we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ as though God did beseech by us we pray in Christs stead Be ye reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5. 20. well may it be said of him that he is meek and lowly in heart Mat. 11. 29. 2 Cor. 10. 1. he hath given a wonderful proof of his admirable humility in coming down from Heaven and being so greatly abased for us Though he was in the form of God and thought it no robbery to be equal with God yet he made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant yea he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross Phil. 2. 6 8. and still he who is such an excellent one and cannot be added unto advantaged or advanced by us is seeking us up and knocking at the doors of mens hearts that he might be received and entertained by them into the bed of love 4. Yea here we may also behold and view his great patience to such as these because he loves them hence he saith I stand and knock even continue knocking till his head was filled with dew and his locks with the drops of the night as Cant. 5. 2. or I have stood and do still knock herein his patience doth wonderfully appear Rev. 1. 9. 2 Thes 3 5. he who came into the world to save sinners doth shew forth all long-suffering 1 Tim. 1. 15 16. and this proceeds from his love and charity Charity suffers long and is kind 1 Cor. 13. 4. and he is therefore long-suffering because he is not willing that any should perish The longsuffering of our Lord is salvation Oh that it may be so accounted by us that we may not despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering But to day while it is called to day may hear his voice and not harden our hearts against him 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. 5. We have here a discovery and intimation given to us of the nature of his gracious and spiritual operations though he doth prevent with power and capacity yet he forceth not men against their wills nor makes them open will they nill they He draws with mighty and powerful Cords but still men may possibly not come who are thus drawn As he saith I drew them with Cords of a Man with Bands of Love and I was to them as he that taketh off the Yoke on their Jaws and I laid meat before them and yet they refused to return Hos 11. 4 5. He calleth and stretcheth forth his hand yet Men may not regard but may set at nought all his counsel and not will any of his reproofs Prov. 1. 23 25. He worketh in Men both to will and to do of good pleasure But still it is required of Men as their work in the light and strength of his grace that brings Salvation to them to do all things without murmuring and disputing or otherwise they will not not be blameless Phil. 2. 13 15. Indeed as with respect to his providential workings and operations in the World he will work and none shall let him or turn it back Isay 43. 13. with ch 14. 27. But as with respect to his gracious and spiritual operations for the saving of the Soul he doth not work irresistibly He draws indeed but Men may break his Bands and cast away his Cords from them Ps 2. 1 3. Jer. 5. 5. He may purge and Men not be purged Ezek. 24. 13. He may lead and yet Men may not be led but may forsake him when he leads them by the way Rom. 2. 4. with Jer. 2. 17. He may be gathering them as an Hen gathers her Chickens under her Wings and yet they may not be gathered Mat. 23. 37. He may teach them to profit and lead them by the way they should go and yet they may not be taught or hearken to his Commandments Isay 48. 17 18. So here he stands at the door and knocks but he doth not break open the door by his invincible or irresistible power but saith Open to me my Sister my Love c. As Cant. 5. 2 3. 2. VVe have a gracious and blessed motive and encouragement propounded and set before them to engage them or any Man to listen to his call and obey it If any man hear my voice and open to me I will come in to him and will sup with him c. Where we have to take notice of and consider 1. That which is requisite to render a man the subject of this blessedness 2. The blessedness it self assured and promised unto such an one 1. That which is requisite to render a Man the subject of this blessedness and this is here set down in two particulars That is to say 1. If any Man hear my Voice That which is to be heard is Christs Voice as distinguished from and preferred before all other Voices and as opposed to all evil ones there are many voices in the World 1 Cor. 14. 10. there is the voice of Fools Eccles 5. 3. And the voice of Strangers speaking in their divers and strange Doctrines Joh. 10. 5. with Heb. 13. 9. but their voice is not to be heard But we are exhorted to go from the presence of a Foolish Man when we perceive not in him the Lip of knowledge Prov. 14. 7. and ch 19. 27. But the voice which is to be heard by us is my Voice saith Christ the Voice of the Beloved Cant. 5. 2. and ch 2. 8. Even 1. And principally the Voice of his word Ps 103. 20. that joyful voice Job 3. 7. even the voice of the Son of Man Joh. 5. 25. The voice of the true Shepherd Joh 10. 3 4 16 27. for in his word his voice comes to us in which excellent things are declared to us and true things concerning his abasement and sufferings and how he hath been tried and what he hath thereby done for us and obtained into himself and is become and what he is now doing and will hereafter do And in which Testimony of Jesus he is giving good counsel and wholesome commands to us Prov. 20. 23. and ch 8. 1 4 6 10 23. and ch 9. 1 6. Rev. 3. 18. In these words of his he sends forth his voice and that a mighty voice Ps 68. 33. And this he doth even to such also as after tastes of his graciousness depart from him and shut the Door against him And by his voice in his Gospel he knocks at the hearts of Men yea and at the hearts of such as these and saith Remember how ye have received and heard Rev. 3. 3. Remember from whence ye are fallen Rev.