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.
the gift of God is eternal life thorow Jesus Christ our Lord Rom. 6. 23. All the blessedness promised is freely promised and will be dispensed and rendred of grace and if of grace then it is no more of works otherwise grace is no more grace Rom. 11. 6. It is indeed assured to him that overcometh and every such an one shall certainly have this promise performed but not as if there were any such worth or merit in his Act of overcoming as to deserve what is here promised for alas there is so much pollution and unworthiness cleaving to the believers best deeds that God may justly wipe them out and punish them who do them Neh. 13. 14 22. nor are they nor can they otherwise be acceptable unto God but by Jesus Christ who takes away the iniquity of their holy things and perfumes them with the incense of his sacrifice and so renders them acceptable to God Exod. 28. 38. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. Rev. 5. 8. and ch 8. 3 5. yea if they had done all the things which are commanded them yet our Saviour instructs them to say we are unprofitable Servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17. 10. And besides there is no proportion between their overcoming and the reward For I reckon saith the Apostle that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. 8. 17 18. and therefore it is well said I will give 3. Yea and the certainty of his performance hereof may be imported and signified for he is faithful that promised as is evident in that he was faithful unto him that appointed him and the holy brethren are called upon to consider him in that respect Heb. 10. 23. with ch 3. 1 2. It is the Lord the righteous Judge will make good his word and promise in due time 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. We come nextly to consider the thing promised To eat of the tree of life Truly this he now gives by faith but hereafter he will do it more fully and gloriously Cant. 2. 3 4. Now by the tree of life is meant Jesus Christ himself of whom it is said he is a tree of life to them that lay hold on him and happy is every one that retaineth him Prov. 3. 18. he is the green tree Luke 23. 31. the green fir-tree from whom all our fruit is found Hos 14. 8. of whom the tree of life in the earthly paradise was a type Gen. 2. 9. and ch 3. 22. he hath obtained life into himself for us Heb. 9. 12. And as the Father hath life in himself so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself Joh. 5. 26. This is the record that God hath given of his Son that he hath given to us Mankind eternal life and this life is in his Son yea he is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 10 11 20. And in due time he cometh down spiritually from Heaven and giveth life unto the dead World Joh. 6. 33. And eternal life now by faith to him that seeth him and believeth on him Joh. 6. 40. and ch 17. 2. Now this is that which he here promiseth to give unto him that overcometh To eat of this tree of life which is a great blessing Blessed saith he are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in thorow the gates into the city Rev. 22. 2. 14. Such an one as overcometh shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of God's house and he will make him drink of the river of his pleasures for with him is the fountain of life Ps 36. 7 9. and 16. 11. of this tree of life they shall eat and be satisfied Ps 22. 26. they shall then have compleat satisfaction delight and complacency in Jesus Christ In him shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory Isay 45. 23 25. with Phil. 2. 8 10. And they shall then for ever praise him their heart shall live for ever yea their whole Man for this was the property of the typical tree of life that if they had eaten thereof they should have lived for ever Gen. 3. 22. and they shall then eat him and live and never dye Joh. 6. 57 58. not only now do they feed on him but shall do so for ever hereafter his sufferings with the ends and vertues thereof shall be remembred fed upon praised and delighted in for ever This is the Song not only of that part of the family of God which is upon the earth but of that part also which is in Heaven Thou art worthy c. for thou wast slain c. Rev. 5. 8 9. 10 11 12 13 14. How doth this set forth the excellency of him unto us and how might it engage us to come continually unto and follow him 4. We have an account given us of the place where this tree of life is In the midst of the paradise of God or as some read it of my God What is meant by the paradise here spoken of we may be helped to understand by the scripture The word Paradise in general doth signify a pleasant orchard or place of trees and so it is rendred orchard in Eccles 2. 5. Cant. 4. 13. And particularly hereby is meant in the writings of the Evangelists and Apostles Heaven it self or that glorious place into which Christ is entred so it appears by what our Saviour said to the penitent thief This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Luke 23. 43. and this further appears in the use of it by the Apostle Paul who in one verse saith Such an one was caught up to the third Heaven In another it is thus exprest he was caught up into paradise 2 Cor. 12. 2 4. he that descended into the lower parts of the earth is now ascended far above all Heavens all Heavens visible to us into Heaven it self Eph. 4. 8 10. with Heb. 9. 26. which must needs be a place of infinite joy pleasure and delight and of this Eden which signifieth a place of pleasure or delight was a figure Isay 51. 3. Now here we may note for our instruction 1. That Jesus Christ is gone up into and is in Heaven in that most glorious place And there he shall remain until the times of the restitution of all things Acts 3. 20 21. he was carried up into and received in Heaven Luke 24. 51. Mark 16. 19. Act. 1. 11. 1 Pet. 3. 22. There he is and there he shall remain as the tree of life until the new Jerusalem shall come down from God out of Heaven And then he as the tree of life shall come down and yeild his fruit every moneth And the leaves of this tree shall be for the healing of the nations Rev. 21. 2 3. with ch 22. 2 14 16. God shall then send us Jesus who now is preached unto us Acts 3.
saved 1 Thess 4. 2 3. with Acts 26. 18. His will is evidenced in Christ to be good-will towards men Luke 2 10-14 Isa 49. 6. Luke 2. 30-32 Acts 13. 47. And that such as repent and believe the Gospel should have everlasting life This is the will of him that sent Christ that every one that seeth the son and believeth in him should have eternal life and he will raise him up at the last day to the glorious enjoyment thereof John 3. 15 16. and chap. 5. 24. and chap. 6. 40. And the good Lord whose will is good Rom. 12. 2. fill us with the knowledg of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing being fruitful in every good work and encreasing in the knowledg of God strengthened with all might according to his glorious power unto all patience and long-suffering c. Col. 1. 9 10 11. Ephes 5. 14-17 Rom. 12. 1 2. Matth. 12. 50. The End of the Fourth Chapter REVEL Chap. V. verse 1. Vers 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne a Book written within and on the back-side sealed with seven Seals WE have in the former Chapter seen and according to my great weakness considered the Account which the Apostle John gives of the Heavenly Theatre in which is described to us the Imperial Session of him that sate and sits for ever upon the Throne or supream Seat of Government whose Kingdom Ruleth over all Persons and Things in Heaven and in Earth and under the Earth and whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion and the Four and twenty Elders and the Four Living Creatures as the Representatives of the Church of the Living God in Heaven and in Earth in a general Consideration the whole Family of Christ Now in this Chapter the Apostle gives us an account of what he farther saw in Vision concerning a Sealed Book with the Opener and opening thereof in general with what followeth thereupon and which Book is particularly opened afterwards as is declared to us in Chap. 6 c. Now in this First Verse we have to consider 1. What the Apostle John farther saw A Book 2. Where he saw this Book In the right hand of him that sate upon the Throne 3. What he saw of or concerning this Book and that is 1. Somewhat of the Writing of it it was Written within and on the back-side 2. Somewhat of the Sealing of it Sealed with Seven Seals 1. What the Apostle farther saw And I saw a Book There is mention made of several Books in this Revelation of Jesus Christ All the things which Jesus Christ by his Angels sent and signified unto the Apostle John he was commanded to Write in a Book and send it unto the Seven Churches in Asia Chap. 1. 2. and Chap. 22. 7 9 10 18 19. So also herein there is mention made of the Book of Life Chap. 3. 5. and 20. 12 15. And of the Lambs Book of Life Chap. 13. 8. and 17. 8. and Chap. 21. 27. And of other Books distinct from the Books of Life Chap. 20. 12. But there are two Books spoken of and mentioned in this Revelation which may most fully and properly be called Books of Prophecy the one whereof is that here mentioned and the other is spoken of in Chap. 10. 2 8 9 10. And the Sum or Contents of these two Books is declared to us in this Book of the Revelation from this place to the end of it Now then it doth evidently appear that this Book spoken of in this place is not the Word of the beginning of Christ for that was not then Sealed but it had been before that time opened by the Holy Apostles they had Preached the Gospel according to the Revelation of the Mystery before this time Rom. 16. 25 26. Eph. 3. 3 4 9. Col. 1. 25 26. And the Apostle John particularly had born record of the Word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ before the things contained in this Book of the Revelation were sent and signified to him See the notes before on Chap. 1. v. 1. and v. 2. But this Book here mentioned doth in general contain in it the Mind Counsels and Purposes of God concerning future Things Actions and Events which should come to pass from and after that time unto the end of this World with the order of their fulfilling and accomplishment and something of the World to come What the Contents of this Book are is I conceive in general declared to us by the Holy Ghost viz. Chap. 4. 1. Things which must be hereafter as also plainly appears in the opening of the Seven Seals under the Seventh whereof the Seven Trumpets sound and when the last of the Seven sounded then great voices in Heaven say The Kingdoms of this World are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall Reign for ever and ever chap. 6. and chap. 8. 1 2 7 8 10 12 and chap. 9. 1 13. and chap. 11. 15 18. This Book then is a Book of his Mind Counsels and Purposes who sits upon the Supream Throne of Judgment concerning the things that must come to pass or be hereafter from that time with the order of them And this Book here spoken of is called 1. A Book simply whereas that which is mentioned in Chap. 10. 2 8 9 10. is called A little Book and thereby it appears that this Book is more large and comprehensive than that 2. This is said to be A Book sealed with seven Seals whereas that which is spoken of chap. 10. 2. Is An open Book To which afterwards Now some as Dr. H. Dr. L. look upon this Book as containing Gods Secret Counsels Purposes and Decrees concerning Jerusalem and the Jewish Nation directly â—and upon the matter wholly with the Judgments to be executed thereupon and the Destruction thereof Their great mistake wherein appears 1. By what We have formerly said and shewn viz. That Jerusalem was destroyed before the Apostle John had these Visions or the Contents of this Book in general sent and signified to him for the Martyr Antipas was slain as is acknowledged generally after the Destruction of Jerusalem and yet before John received these Visions and Revelations from the Lord. See the Notes before on chap. 2. verse 13. 2. And besides that our Lord Jesus had formerly plainly foretold his Disciples of and acquainted them with the Destruction of Jerusalem of the Temple City c. And declared to them very clearly and openly the Signs and Fore-runners thereof while he was with them upon the Earth He then told them there should not be left one Stone upon another which should not be thrown down And had fore-told them as the Forerunners thereof that his Disciples should hear of Wars and rumours of Wars but the end was not yet And that there should be Famines and Pestilence and Earth-quakes And â—oreshewed unto them one
2. 1. 1 Cor. 2. 8. He is the King and Fountain of it yâ—a he is the glory of the Israel of God Ps 24. 7 9. Luke 2. 32 And they are callled to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ and shall appear in it Ps 84. 11 12. 2 Thes 2. 14. When Christ who is their Life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in glory Col. 3. 4. 2 Tim. 2. 10. They shall then have a glorious Body also their vile Body shall be changed and fashioned into the likeness of his glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. As they have born the Image of the earthy they shall also bear the Image of the heavenly 1 Cor. 15. 49. And they shall then have the glorious fulness of the Spirit of which now they have but a first-fruits Rom. 8. 23. And shall reign in glory he will then compass them with a Crown of glory Prov. 4. 7 9. 7. And Blessing This also the innumerable company of Angels acknowledges the Lamb to be worthy to receive And this we may look upon 1. More generally As blessing signifies all that is truly good and desirable as many times in Scripture it doth as Deut. 33. So good and blessing are used the one for the other Compare Deut. 30. 15. with v. 19. And so God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Eph. 1. 3. with all the blessings of goodness As it is said Thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness Ps 21. 3. He is full of grace and truth Joh. 1. 14 16. In him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head bodily And in him we are compleat Col. 1. 19. and 2. 9 10. In him there is the blessing of forgiveness Rom. 4. 6 7. with Eph. 1. 7. Col. 1. 14. In him is the blessing of righteousness Dan. 9. 24. Isay 45. 24. And he that hath clean hands and a pure heart c. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation Ps 24. 1 5. On him is the Spirit that great blessing Isay 44. 3. with ch 11. 2. and 42. 1. Joh. 3. 34. In him is the blessing of Life of eternal Life Deut. 30. 19. Here indeed God hath prepared for us and given to us the blessing even life for evermore Ps 133. 3. with 1 Joh. 5. 11 Joh. 1. 4. And in due season he shall gloriously receive the blessing of Abraham even the heavenly Country and Inheritance for himself and his Seed Gen. 28. 4. with Gal. 3. 16 29. And in him there is blessing for all the Nations and Families of the Earth Gen. 22. 18. and 26. 4. and ch 28. 14. Act. 3. 25. with Gal 3. 13 14. Psal 72 17. Isay 25. 6. Luke 2. 31 32. Mat. 22. 4 8. Luke 14. 16 17 21. 2. Or as blessing is taken more paticulary and strictly for praise or being well and honourably spoken of and for thanks So he is to be praised thanked and so blessed by us and by all especially by his Saints and holy ones 1 Tim. 1. 13. So blessing and giving thanks are used indifferently and put one for the other Compare Mat. 26. 26 27. and Mark 14. 22 23. with Luke 22. 19. and 1 Cor. 11. 24. Mark 8. 6 7 As also are to bless and praise As I will bless the Lord at all times his praise shall be continually in my Mouth Ps 34. 1. So usually to bless signifies to praise or speak well of as Ps 100. 4. and 103. 1 2 21 22. and 115. 17 18 c. Thus indeed we have cause abundantly and everlastingly to bless him even to give thanks unto him and to speak well of him and praise him with our whole hearts and souls he ought to be daily praised by us Ps 72. 15. for his wonderful pity and kindness towards us that love of his that passeth knowledge in dying for all rising and ascending c. As it is said God is gone up with a shout even he that first descended into the lower-parts of the Earth the Lord with the sound of a Trumpet Sing praises unto our God sing praises sing praises unto our King sing praises Sing ye praises with understanding or every one that hath understanding Psal 47. 6 7. and 68. 18 20. And for his amiableness in every respect He is altogether lovely no spot or blemish in him Cant. 5. 10 16. He is fairer than the Children of Men grace is poured into his lips therefore God hath blessed him for ever And therefore also saith the Psalmist I will make thy Name to be remembred in all Generations therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever Psal 45. 1 2 10. with v. 17. He is beautiful and glorious excellent and comly and there is none deserves on these accounts so much to be praised as he Isay 4. 2. with 2 Sam. 14. 25. And he hath power to bless us also and God having raised him sends him 1. Preventingly to bless all in their proper seasons and ages in turning every one of them from their iniquities Act. 3. 25 26. for him hath God exalted with his right hand a Prince and Saviour to give repentance to sinful and rebellious ones Act. 5. 31. And he comes by his Servants in his Gospel to open the Eyes of Jews and Gentiles and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God that they may receive forgiveness of their sins c. Act. 26. 17 18. 2. And especially and with peculiar and following blessings he comes to bless them that believe as he blessed Abraham the Father of the faithful Heb. 7. 6. He forgives them their sins even as David describeth the blessedness of the Man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works saying Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered c. Rom. 4. 5 7. Act. 10. 43. and 13. 39. He makes them accepted in himself who is Jehovah our righteousness Eph. 1. 3 6. They shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of their salvation Ps 24. 5. with v. 1. He pours out his Spirit unto them and makes known his words unto them Prov. 1. 23. Isay 44. 3. Joh. 7. 37 38. And gives unto them eternal life and will in due season raise them up to the glorious enjoyment thereof for this is the will of him that sent him that every one that seeth the Son and believeth on him should have everlasting life and he will raise them up at the last day Joh. 6. 40 44. and 10 27 28. and 17. 2 3. 2. Of whom is the Lamb that was slain worthy to receive those excellent things before mentioned and in some little measure spoken to And to that we may say 1. He is worthy to receive them of God his Father and hath from him received all power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing
2 3 4. 2. We have nextly to consider the promise it self and blessedness therein contained which is propounded unto the Churches and to be heard by every one that hath an ear assured and ascertained to him that overcometh as his undoubted portion I will give to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God Where we have to consider and speak unto 1. The person promising I 2. The promise will give 3. The thing promised to eat of the tree of life 4. The place where this tree is and where he shall eat it which is in the midst of the Paradise of God 1. The Person promising I to wit Jesus Christ he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand and walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks v. 1. hence we may note The promises are Christ's to give and he hath power to bless us and make us partakers of all the blessings promised To Christ are the promises made and in him confirmed Gal. 3. 16 17. In him all the promises of God are yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. he hath by his blood confirmed them and hath power to perform and fulfil them hence also he speaks in such-like language to others of the Churches as I will give to eat of the hidden Manna and I will give him a white-stone and in the stone a new-name written Rev. 2. 17. To him will I give power over the nations c. v. 26. 28. see also ch 3. 5 12 21. The Father so loveth the Son because he laid down his life for us that he might take it up again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. All things are delivered unto him of the Father Mat. 11. 27. And all power and Authority is given unto him to give what is good to give to Men repentance both grace space of repentance Acts 5. 31. Rev. 2. 21. To give forgiveness of sins to them that believe Acts 5. 31. and ch 10. 43. and ch 13. 39. To give unto them the power to become the Sons of God Joh. 1. 12. To pour forth his spirit unto them and make known his words Prov. 1. 23. To give them peace Joh. 14. 27. To pour forth unto them the spirit of grace and supplication Zech. 12. 10. To give unto them eternal life Joh. 10. 27 28. and ch 17. 2. and they that are Christ's are Abraham's seed and heires according to promise Gal. 3. 29. he hath now all to give who loved us and gave himself for us this is matter of great instruction and consolation to us and might move and prevail with us to come unto him continually and in so doing he will give us rest Mat. 11. 27 28 29. 2. The promise will give in which is signified unto us 1. The time when he will give this that is here promised and that follows mens overcoming and is consequential thereto he will give as is here promised after men have totally and finally overcome hence when he describes the subject of the blessedness here promised he doth it in the present time To him that overcometh But when he propounds the blessedness it self he doth it in time to come I will give and in such-like language he speaks to all these Churches as Rev. 2. 7 17 26 29. and ch 3. 5 6 12. and v. 21 22 and so it is like that of the Apostle ye have need of patience that after ye have done the will of God ye might receive the promise Heb. 10. 36. To them who are faithful unto the death he will give a crown of life Rev. 2. 10. Indeed now in this day and before they have overcome he doth give unto the believer all things that pertain to life and Godliness thorow the knowledge of himself that they may overcome he sends them not to warfare at their own charges and in their overcoming he is filling them with joy and peace in believing Rom. 15. 13. Though now they see him not yet believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory receiving the end of their faith even the salvation of their Souls 1 Pet. 1. 8 9. now their spirit is life for righteousness sake and in coming unto him the living-stone they are made lively stones their souls do live Joh. 6. 35 40 51 55 57. Rom. 8. 10. Gal. 2. 20. 1 Pet. 2. 3 5 But that which here and elsewhere he promises to these Churches is future and which follows their having overcome Then these promises shall be fulfilled to them in spirit when their spirits are made perfect when they will be in a far better condition then now they are Isay 57. 2. 2 Cor. 5. 6 8. Phil. 2. 21 22. Rev. 14. 13. and the most full and glorious performance hereof will be when the body is raised and the soul and body reunited even in the first resurrection the resurrection of the just and from thence for ever Rom. 8. 23 25. Jam. 5. 7 8. And so our Lord Jesus doth signify that there is after we have overcome after this earthly house of our Tabernacle is dissolved a future and more glorious state to be entred into and enjoyed immediately after we dye in spirit and in the first resurrection and thence to all eternity in soul and body and otherwise why should we fight or go to or undertake this warfare If in this life only we have hope in Christ we are of all men most miserable 1 Cor. 15. 19. but there is a World to come Luke 20. 35 36. Eph. 1. 21. Heb. 2. 5. a life to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. and he that overcometh shall inherit in the World to come the life to come even everlasting life Mark 10. 29 30. and he shall not be hurt of the second death the wrath to come Rev. 2. 11. with 1 Thes 1. 10. And this our Lord would now have us to mind and consider even what is to come after we have finished our course to mind this especially that we may not faint but continue to the end looking not at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen for the things which are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 13 14. and ch 5. 1 8. Heb. 11. 13 16 24 26. 2. We may nextly consider in the promise the freeness of it I will give what is freer then a gift It is a reward indeed but it is not of debt or from any desert of the overcomer but of grace All is of grace from first to last from the foundation to the top-stone Zech. 4 7. to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace but of debt But to him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousness Rom. 4. 4 5. wages and gift are opposed the one to the other The wages of sin is death but
which he hath promised to them that love him compare Jam. 1. 12. with ch 2. 5. that is to say hereby is meant eternal life in the Glorious enjoyment thereof they shall reign in life to all eternity Prov. 4. 7. 8 9. 2. Christ can and will give this Crown of life to him that is faithful unto death he can do it for God hath given us eternal life and this life is in his Son 1 Joh. 5. 11. The Father hath given all things into his hand into his possession and dispose Joh. 3. 35. He asked life of him and he gave it him even length of days for ever and ever Ps 21. 3 4. And he will assuredly do it for he delights to do the will of God And this is the will of him that sent him that every one that seeth the Son and believeth in him should have everlasting life and he will raise him up at the last day Ps 40. 8 with Joh. 6. 40. How might this engage us to faithfulness Rom. 2. 6 7. Jam. 1. 12. 2 Tim. 3. 3 4 5. Verse 11. He that hath an ear let him hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches see the notes before on v. 7. he that overcometh see notes on v. 7. shall not be hurt of the second death We have spoken to all the former part of this v. in v. 7. foredirected to and shall only speak somewhat to this last clause which is affirmed of every one that overcometh low and high rich and poor wise and unwise together he shall not be hurt of the second death In which is intimated and signified to us 1. That he may be hurt or injured of the first death I mean he may have his life taken away injuriously from him And so before that he may have his goods taken away and be spoiled of them and he may be persecuted both by reproachful words and also actually so and be chased from friends and habitations and be deprived of his liberty and cast into and kept in prison and be severely handled and cruelly and despitefully used as we have seen before on v. 9 10. which persecutions the Apostle calls killing and deaths Rom. 8. 35 36. 1 Cor. 15. 30 31. 2 Cor. 4. 10 12. and ch 11. 23. In such respects they may be hurt as it is said Rev. 11. 5. If any Man will hurt or injure them fire proceedeth out of their mouth And if any Man will hurt or injure them he must in this manner be killed Acts 27. 10. Ps 35. 4 26. So the Prophet saith they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things and imagine deceits all the day long Ps 38. 12. Tribulation and affliction are hurtful to the outward Man and very grievous even reproach is so Ps 69. 20. And much rather to be imprisoned and spoiled of the things appertaining to the natural life or to be tortured or injuriously condemned and put to death Thus they may be hurt of the first death while they are in their warfare and even to the consummation or conclusion thereof Obj. 1. If any one should say It appears none can or will hurt them from that question of the Apostle Peter's who is he that will harm you if ye be followers of that which is good 1 Pet. 3. 13. Ans I answer That doth not suppose that none will harm them or vex them or evilly entreat them But either 1. Who is he that will do it namely what or who is he as compared to the Lord whose eyes are over them who is he that will imploy himself in such a work v. 12. like that which the Prophet speaks in the person of Christ he is neer that Justifieth me who will contend with me who is mine adversary Behold the Lord God will help me who is he that shall condemn me Isay 50. 7 9. which words imply not that Christ had no adversary or none to contend with or condemn him But that they were inconsiderable and not worthy to be taken notice of in comparison of the Lord GOD who justified and helpt him In such a like sense we may also understand that If God be for us Who can be against us Rom. 8. 31 39. Or 2. Who is he that will harm you What manner of persons are they none but vile persons and such as have cause to be ashamed of their deeds such as are unaccountable or can give no good account for what they do absurd unreasonable Men 1 Pet. 3. 13 16. 2 Thess 3. 3. In both these senses we may take it But not as if they might not harm them in the sense we are speaking of they may evilly entreat and injure them and so much is implied in the next verse But and if ye do suffer for righteousness sake happy are ye And be not afraid of their terrour c. 1 Pet. 3. 13 14. And though God will bring good out of evil and cause all to work together for good to them that love God c. Rom. 8. 28. yet still wickedness proceedeth from the wicked and that is no thank to their enemies that he causeth the wrath of man to praise him nor do they mean so Isay 10. 5 7. nor is this the way to effect it Jam. 1. 19 20 21. So that still it appears that now of the first death they may be injured or hurt in the sence that is before declared and as is intimated in these words 2. But that which is here affirmed is he shall not be hurt of the second death Where let us inquire and consider for our usefulness What is this second death To which we may say more Generally 1. It is called the second death with respect to Men not to the Devil and his Angels for it is that which was at first prepared for them who kept not their first estate but left their own habitation and unto which they are reserved in everlasting chains of darkness to the Judgment of the great day Mat 25. 41. 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. Rev. 20. 10 14. 2. And therefore it appears The second death is not that which was threatned against man in case he eat of the forbidden fruit Indeed God said In the day thou eatest thereof in dying thou shalt dye Gen. 2. 17. But this death Christ hath tasted for every Man Heb. 2. 9. And abolished it 2 Tim. 1. 10. Otherwise we must have perished in it for ever our spirits should have been banished from the favour and presence of God and our bodies turned to and remained in corruption there had been no resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15. 20 22. But this death as is said Christ hath overcome and abolished And thus it is appointed to Men once to dye namely this first death as Christ hath taken the sting out of it Heb. 9. 27. and in due time all shall be raised out of it and no man shall perish in it for ever and in due time also he will destroy it Hos 13.
this word of Christ was and is to be held fast And that is here expressed to us till I come to wit until Christ comes either till he comes to them particularly to remove them out of the Land of the living Luke 12. 40. And so they should be faithful herein unto death as was the Apostle Paul 2 Tim. 4. 6 7 8. Heb. 11. 13. Rev. 3. 11. See the notes before on Verse 10. of this Chapter Or Vntil he come to wit to take to him his great power and reign according to that I give thee charge that thou keep the Commandment without spot unrebukeable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 6. 13 15. But how should they do so By constantly keeping it themselves until death and committing the same to others also that it may be preserved amongst them Ps 78. 3 4 6 7. 2 Tim. 2. 2 3. 2 Pet. 1. 12 15. Now in that he thus speaketh and saith unto them I will put upon you none other burden but that which ye have already hold fast till I come We may learn from hence 1. That in saying I will put none other burden upon you so he signifieth to us That he doth put a burden upon them that are his Faithful Disciples and Followers he doth put some weight or burden upon them that is to be born by them that which is grievous to the flesh and in and by which that is kept down that it cannot run whither it would or do what it pleaseth and best likes Mat. 11. 28 29. 2. In that he saith none other burden so he gives us to understand that he did not put that as a burden upon them that they should enquire into the seducers depths of Satan as they speak for that might be hurtful to them In former times God charged his people to take heed unto themselves that they were not snared by following after Idolaters And that they should not enquire after their Gods saying How did these Nations serve their God c. Deut. 12. 30 32. And we are commanded to go from the presence of a foolish man when once we perceive not in him the lip of knowledge Prov. 14. 7. and ch 19. 27 Many do much mistake and abuse that saying of the Apostle Try all things as if hereby liberty were given to them to hear all false teachers whatever whereby many become a prey unto Foxes and embrace and follow pernicious ways whereas the Apostle gives that exhortation not unto all but only to such as had received the Apostles word not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which also wrought effectually in them 1 Thes 1. 3 6. and ch 2. 13. And again that exhortation of the Apostles gives none such undue liberty as too many take but it is to be considered by us as relating unto what goes before viz. despise not prophesying to wit such speakings of the word of Christ as are to edification and exhortation and comfort 1 Corinth 14. 1 3. And then adds try or prove all things c. Namely in those prophesyings we should not despise we are not to take all on trust which they say but to search the Scriptures whether the things delivered therein be so or no and hold fast what is good 1 Thes 5. 19 21. with Acts 17. 11 12. But this gives us no liberty to search into the depths of Satan or to be heaping to our selves teachers after our own lusts 2 Tim. 4. 3 4. It is a commendation of those upright ones in Thyatira both Teachers and those that were taught in this Verse 24. They have not known the depths of Satan as they speak And our Lord lays no such burden upon them as to seek after the knowledge thereof this is the Character Christ gives of his Sheep A Stranger will they not follow but will flee from him for they know not the Voice of Strangers all that ever came before me are Thieves and Robbers but the Sheep did not hear them Joh. 10. 4 5 8 27. Christ lays upon his sincere followers no other burden but to hold fast what they have He would not have them receive or listen unto any new Doctrine for the word of his grace is able to build them up and to give them an Inheritance among them that are sanctified Acts 20. 32. And the Apostle saith the anointing you have received of him to wit the things they had heard from the beginning abideth in you and ye need not that any Man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things c. 1 Joh. 2. 20 24 27. And the Apostle Paul saith though we or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed As we said before so say I now again If any Man preach any other Gospel to you then that ye have received let him be accursed Gal. 1. 6 8 9 10. 3. In that he saith I will put upon you none other burden but that which ye have already hold fast c. to wit the word and doctrine of Christ as hath been said So he gives us to understand that his Yoke is easie and his Burden is light Mat. 11. 29 30. It is not like that of which the Apostle saith neither we nor our Fathers were able to bear Acts 15. 10. Nor like to the Lawyers burdens or the Scribes and Pharisees who loaded men with burdens grievous to be born and themselves did not touch the burdens with one of their fingers Luke 11. 46. with Mat. 23. 4. Nor like the burden of Sin and Satan which however they seem sweet and easie to the Flesh yet they wound and break the heart and Spirit and expose men to the wrath of God both present and eternal Rom. 6. 21 23. and ch 5. 21. 2 Tim. 2. 26. Heb. 2. 15. But his burden is a sweet and easie one indeed to the heart and soul Mat. 11. 29. His Commandments are not grievous 1 Joh. 5. 3. His ways are ways of pleasantness and all his paths are peace Prov. 3. 16 17. his doctrine is a good doctrine his words are gratious Prov. 4. 2. Luke 4. 18 22. with Psal 45. 2. And his mouth hath spoken truth and wickedness is an abomination to his lips Prov. 8. 6 8. And his word is a powerful word Psal 29. 4. Luke 4. 32. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1. 16. Thereby God is working in them both to will and to do of his good pleasure what he requires of them that they may do all things without murmurings and disputings Phil. 2. 12 15. And his words are the words of eternal life he that keepeth them shall never taste death but have eternal life Joh. 5. 24 25. and ch 6. 68. and ch 8. 51. 4. In that he saith hold that fast which ye have
already so he intimates to us that Satan and his Instruments more generally and more particularly false teachers would pluck away Christ's Gospel from us if possibly they could Mat. 13. 19. Luke 8. 12. Acts 13. 8 10. â—need therefore we have to take fast hold of Instruction and not let it go to keep it for it is our life and to hold it fast till he come that being faithful unto death we may in due season receive the Crown of Life Prov. 4. 13. and ch 7. 1 5. See the notes on Chap. 3. Verse 3. and Verse 11. Verse 26. And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end to him will I give power over the Nations In this Verse and the two following we have great and gracious promises propounded to and set before this and the rest of the Churches and which every one that hath an Ear is called upon to hear Wherein consider we 1. The subject of that which is here and afterwards promised 2. That which is promised and assured unto every such an one 1. The subject of that which is here and afterwards promised And he that overcometh See the notes before on Verse 7. and on Chap. 3. Verse 5. And keepeth my words unto the end His Work is honourable and glorious and his Righteousness endureth for ever He hath made his wonderful works to be remembred Psal 111. 2 3 4. The works of Christ which are to be kept by us unto the end are 1. The works which he hath wrought and accomplished for us in his own personal body which the Father prepared for him his personal abasement and sufferings wherein he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the cross Phil. 2. 6 8. of which he saith as to his suffering work on earth I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do Joh. 17. 4. and whereby he hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. purged away the guilt of our first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God Heb. 1. 3. 1 Joh. 3. 5. Abolished and overcome that first death which was the wages of that first sin and sinfulness and delivered us in himself from it 1 Cor. 15. 57. 2 Tim. 1. 10. 2 Cor. 1. 10. and hath destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil For this purpose was the Son of God manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil and he hath done the work which the Father sent him to do he hath bound the strong Man cast out the prince of this world Heb. 2. 14. 1 Joh. 3. 8. Joh. 12. 31. he hath taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us Oh that Men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the Children of Men For he hath broken the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron in sunder Ps 107. 15 16. and he hath by his blood in the vertue whereof he is raised again obtained eternal redemption Heb. 9. 12. a restoration of our nature in his person into the image of God and so into perfect innocency integrity and immortality and into dominion over the works of God's hands and recovered our loss into himself having obtained for us the forgiveness of our personal sins Acts 13. 38 39. brought in everlasting righteousness Dan. 9. 24. Ps 98. 1 3 4. received the immeasurable fulness of the Spirit that he might bring forth judgment to us Gentiles Joh. 3. 24. Isay 42. 1. and ch 11. 1 3. and is possessed of eternal life in our nature for Man-kind 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. In him God hath blessed us with all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly things In whom it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Eph. 1. 3. Col. 1. 19. and ch 2. 6 10. These works which he hath wrought accomplished for us should always be kept in memory by us that we might be glad thorow his work and triumph in the works of his hands in which his loving-kindness is wonderfully manifested to us Ps 92. 1 4 5. and 40. 5 8. and 118. 22 25. 2. And the works which he is now doing both in Heaven with the Father for us in which he is the one and only mediatour between God and Men making intercession for transgressors 1 Tim. 2. 5. Isay 53. 12. and ever liveth to make intercession for them that come to God by him as their advocate Heb. 7. 24 25. and ch 9. 14 15. 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. And what he is doing from Heaven in the name of the Father and fulness of the anointing of the holy Spirit to us as a Testimony of God's goodness to all Men in their proper seasons and ages And as the Apostle of the Believers profession 1 Tim. 2. 6. Heb. 3. 1. 3. And what he will do hereafter viz. give rewards to his Servants the Prophets and to his Saints and them that fear his name small and great and destroy them that destroy and corrupt the earth Rev. 11. 17 18. Isay 45. 16 17. 23 25. These are to be held fast and kept in faith and hope and to be rejoyced in at all times by us And he that doth truth cometh to the light that his works may be made manifest that they are wrought in God Joh. 3. 21. Isay 26. 12. and these works of his are to be kept in our mouths and to be declared to others also that they knowing them may come unto him and put their trust under the shadow of his wings accoring to that Give thanks unto the Lord call upon his name make known his deeds among the people sing unto him sing Psalms unto him talk of all his wondrous works 1 Chron. 16. 8 9. Ps 105. 1 5. declare among the people his doings Ps 9. 11. and 77. 12. Isay 12. 14. And also by Christ's works are meant what he worketh and effecteth in us by his Gospel the work of Faith and labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ c. 1 Thes 1. 3 5 6. for the Gospel being heartily received worketh effectually in them that believe 1 Thes 2. 13. he it is that worketh all our works in us and perfects what concerns us even by his Gospel which is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth Isay 26. 12. Ps 138. 8. with Rom. 1. 16. his works even these works of his also are to be held fast by us to the end until we come to lay down our lives Mat. 10. 22. that we may dye in the Faith Heb. 11. 13. Rev. 14. 13. Now herein is intimated and signified to us 1. That the works of Christ as declared in and effected by his Gospel may be kept by us unto the end notwithstanding all opposition whatsoever for he is faithful by whom we have been called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 1
6. of this Chapter 2. What they say of him by way of praise and exaltation to wit VVorthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength c. Wherein let us consider for our instruction and usefulness 1. What the Lamb is worthy to receive 2. Of whom he is worthy to receive these things 3. VVherefore is he worthy to receive them 1. VVhat is the Lamb that was slain worthy to receive And that is 1. Power namely to do what all Creatures could not do to wit to open the Book of God's Counsels and Purposes See the Notes before on v. 5. And so power with God as a Prince to prevail with him he being indeed the true Israel Hos 12. 3 4. Power to open the Eyes of the blind and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Isay 42. 1 6 7. He is a Prince and Saviour to give repentance to sinful and rebellious ones Luke 24. 47. Act. 5. 31. Power to pardon and forgive sins to give forgiveness unto such as turn at his reproofs Herein the Power of God is exercised Numb 14. 17 20. And the Son of Man hath power to forgive sins on Earth Mat. 9. 6. Mark 2. 10. to forgive many and great sins Luke 7. 47 48. Thorow this Man is preached to us the forgiveness of sins and by him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses Act. 10. 43. with ch 13. 38 39. Power to heal diseases those of the Soul Ps 103. 1 3. Mat. 13. 15. and of the outward Man also Mat. 10. 1. Luke 4. 36. and ch 5. 17. Power to make them Sons that come unto him To as many as received him to them he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name Joh. 1. 12. And to give eternal life to them that hear his voice and follow him God hath given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as God hath given him Joh. 10. 27 28. and ch 17. 2 3. and to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him Heb. 7. 24 25. Power over all the power of all Creatures He is the Head of all Principality and Power Col. 2. 10. God hath raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion c. Eph. 1. 20 21. He hath power over the good Angels 1 Pet. 3. 22. And over the evil ones also And he gave power to his seventy Disciples over all the power of the Enemy Luke 10. 17 19. And he hath power over all the power here below He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 1. 5 6. and ch 17. 14. And this might engage us therefore to believe and trust in him Joh. 14. 1. Psal 2. 6 7 12. Power all power to save them that hear his voice and follow him Joh. 10. 27 29. He is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him Heb. 7. 25. to help and deliver them from their Enemies and Adversaries Act. 18. 9. and ch 26. 17. And to dispense all things to them that pertain to life and godliness Joh. 17. 2 3. 2 Pet. 1 3. And in the glorious exercise of his power he shall appear when he shall take to him his great power and reign Mat. 24. 30. and ch 26. 64. Rev. 11 16 18. 2. And Riches That is to say 1. The Riches which are here below for these are his also the Gold and the Silver are his Hag. 2. 8. The Earth is the Lords even the Lord Christs and the fulness thereof Ps 24. 1. with 1 Cor. 10. 26 28. with v. 21. God hath Crowned him with glory and honour and made him to have dominion over the works of his hands and hath put all things under his feet all Sheep and Oxen yea and the Beasts of the Field the Fowl of the Air and the Fish of the Sea and whatsoever passeth thorow the Pathes of the Sea Psal 8. 5 6 8. with Heb. 2. 6 9. Ps 50. 11 12. And the consideration hereof might engage us to come unto and follow him in the regeneration for there shall be no want to them that fear him The young Lions do lack and suffer hunger but they that seek the Lord Christ shall not want any good thing Ps 34. 8 10. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. This is one great thing that Men are afraid of that if they cleave to the Lord with full purpose and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth they shall not be provided for of the things here below but shall be reduced unto necessity and poverty But this is a mistake and groundless fear for all things are delivered to him of the Father Mat. 11. 27 28. And in exercising our selves to godliness we exercise our selves to that which is profitable to all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. with ch 3. 16. 1 King 3. 10 13. with ch 10. 23. Hence the wisdom of God to wit Jesus Christ invites Men to receive her instruction and not Silver and Knowledge rather than choice Gold And to engage them so to do she propounds this as a powerful Motive and Argument Riches are with me Prov. 8. 10 18. In her left hand are Riches Prov. 3. 12 16. He is a Sun and Shield he will give grace and glory no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Ps 84. 11 12. 2. Riches such as are more excellent than all that are here below such as are spiritual and eternal namely Riches of Goodness Rom. 2. 4. He hath indeed been rich in good works 1 Tim. 6. 18. his goodness was so great towards us that he died for us and rose again his kindness was infinitely great in becoming our Saviour Tit. 3. 4. And he is good to all such was his grace and goodness towards us that though he was rich for our sakes he became poor that thorow his poverty we might be enriched 2 Cor. 8 9. He hath Riches of Mercy and being rich therein he hath Riches of Patience and long-suffering towards impenitent ones while it is called to day Rom. 2. 4. because he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. And according to the riches of his mercy quickens them who are dead in sins and trespasses Eph. 2. 4 5. and remits and pardons their sins who thorow his Name believe in him Eph. 1. 7. with Act. 10. 43. and his mercy endures unto eternal life Jude 21. Rom. 9. 23. Riches of Righteousness Prov. 11. 4. He hath by his blood brought in everlasting righteousness Dan. 9. 24 26. And his Name is Jehovah our righteousness Jer. 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
especially of them that believe and whose Grace brings Salvation to all men 1 Tim. 4. 10. Tit. 2. 11. Act. 26. 18. And the faithful Martyr who laid down his life in defence and confirmation of the truth to this end was he born and for this cause he came into the World that he should bear witness to the truth and he witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate Joh. 18. 37. 1 Tim. 6. 12 13. And the first begotten of the dead or first-born from the dead as Col. 1. 18. One who died and was in the heart or belly of the earth and was born from the dead this is a birth Act. 13. 32 33. yea the first-born from the dead in his Resurrection that in all things he might have the pre-eminence Herein he was mightily declared and determined the Son of God Col. 1. 18. Rom. 1. 3 4. and ch 8. 29. He was raised before any others Mat. 27. 53. He is the first-fruits of them that sleep 1 Cor. 15. 20 23. who left the rest of the dead behind him and in due time they shall be born and raised also as is implied in that he is said to be the first-born Isay 26. 19. and he is the first fruits of them that sleep in him whose Image they shall bear as they have born the Image of the earthly 1 Cor. 15. 45 48. Whose vile bodies shall be changed and fashioned into the likeness of his glorious Body Phil. 3. 21. and who shall be raised before the rest of the dead Therefore also are they called the first-born Heb. 12. 23. and as the first-fruit is holy so also shall the lump be A glorious Church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing but holy and without blemish Rom. 11. 16. Eph. 5. 25 27. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection Rev. 20. 4 5 6. And the Prince of the Kings of the Earth His name is King of Kings Rev. 17. 14. and ch 19. 16. And he is the Ordainer Ruler and Disposer of them as the Earth now stands By him Kings reign and Princes decree Justice By him Princes rule and Nobles even all the Judges of the Earth Prov. 8. 15 16. He is gone up into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels Authorities and Powers being made subject to him God hath exalted him and given him a name above every name 1 Pet. 3. 22. Phil. 2. 6 9 10. And this shews unto us the preciousness of his Blood for it is upon the account thereof he is so highly exalted in our nature Phil. 2. 6 9. and it may instruct the great-ones of the Earth to worship him as the Psalmist saith Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye Judges of the Earth kiss the Son c. Ps 2. 6 7. 10 12. Col. 4. 1. Yea therefore God hath committed all Judgment to him that all men should honour him as they honour the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. and this consideration may instruct us whom we should obey first of all even him who is higher than the highest of all Creatures Act. 4. 17 20. and ch 5. 28 29. And it may strengthen us to wait upon him and keep his way for he can and will preserve us in so doing and punish our Enemies whoever they are Mat. 28. 18 20. Col. 2. 6 10. Ps 105. 14 15. and it may preserve us from judging one another Jam. 4. 12. And he is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth hereafter God hath made him his first-born higher then the Kings of the Earth Ps 89. 27. Isay 41. 1 2. Unto the Angels God hath not put into subjection the World to come but he hath done so unto Jesus who by the Grace of God tasted death for every one him he hath raised from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the Heavenly Places far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not only in this World but also in that which is to come Heb. 2. 5 9. with Eph. 1. 18 22. He is the Maker of those Holy Kings who shall reign on the Earth Rev. 1. 6. and ch 5. 10. From him they shall receive Laws and rule under him Isay 33. 17 22. and ch 32. 1. And all Kings shall serve and obey him Ps 22. 27 28. and 67. 4. and 47. 6 7. and 72. 8 12. and 82. 8. and 86. 9. and 138. 4. Rev. 17. 14. and ch 21. 24. From this excellent one also he desires Grace and Peace unto the Churches even from him who died yea rather is risen again unto whom all Power is given not only in this World but also in that to come And thus far is the Salutation Now followeth the Doxology or rendring of Praise and Glory to him Vnto him that loved us when we were in our Sins and before he washed us Ezek. 16. 4 5. He had great love to us when we were dead in Sins Eph. 2. 4 5. He then loved us and gave himself for us Gal. 2. 20. Gave himself for our Sins Gal. 1. 3 4. He loved us and gave himself for us an offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour 1 Joh. 3. 16. Eph. 5. 2. And made known this love to us and caused his goodness to pass before us when we were Ungodly-ones and Enemies in our minds by wicked works Eph. 2. 4 5. Col. 1. 21 22. And by these Bands of a Man and Cords of Love over-came us and prevailed with us to love him because he first loved us Hos 11. 4. 1 Joh. 4. 16 17 19. and in the knowledge and belief of his first-love being prevailed withal to love him he loved us with peculiar manner of love Behold what manner of love hath he bestowed upon us that we should be called the Sons of God! As the Father hath loved him so hath he loved us 1 Joh. 3 1. Joh. 14. 21 23. and ch 15. 9. 10. To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever even to all Eternity Amen Rev 5 8 10. and for and thorow his love to us unworthy undeserving and ill deserving-ones He washed us from our Sins in his own Blood Oh wonderful love 1. Sin is a filthy thing a nasty noisome loathsome thing in it self and in the account of them who judge righteous Judgment This is signified in such sayings as these Let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the Flesh and Spirit 2 Cor. 7. 1. When the LORD shall have washed away the filth of the Daughter of Zion c. Isay 4. 4. Ezek. 36. 25. They are therefore rightly called Fools who make a mock at Sin Prov. 10. 23. and ch 14. 9. 2. When he loved us and before he washed us we were in our Sins and Filth we had our Conversation amongst the Children of Disobedience in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by
the God-head to dwell Col. 1. 18 19. and ch 2. 9. He is that new thing God hath created in the Earth Jer. 31. 22. and the beginning of the Creation of God Rev. 3. 14. who hath paid our first debt abolished the first death and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Heb. 2. 14. and who restored that which he took not away who is the second Man and last Adam in whom God hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Heavenly things in whom there is blessing for all the Nations and Families of the Earth Ps 69. 4. Eph. 1. 3. Gen. 22. 18. and ch 26. 4. and who will in due time give us the adoption the redemption of the body and make all things new Rom. 8. 23. Rev. 21. 5. He will bring up the top stone with shoutings and crying Grace Grace unto it Zech. 4. 7 9. He is the Author and finisher of the Faith of the Testimony to be believed and of our believing also he who hath begun the good work will also finish it and fulfil in them that obey all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of Faith with Power Heb. 12. 2. Phil. 1. 6. 1 Cor. 1. 7 8. The beginning of the Kingdom of God's ruling over us poor Sinners graciously and who brings it nigh to us in his Gospel Mat. 12. 28 29. Luke 10. 9 11. and who gives it to them that believe Rom. 5. 21. Luke 12. 31 32. And the ending who shall destroy all other Kingdoms and his shall remain for ever Dan. 2. 35 44 45. Ps 145. 10 13. 2 Pet. 1. 11. who shall destroy all his and his Peoples Enemies and save them to the uttermost who come unto God by him Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting Salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded World without end Isay 45. 16 25. See the notes also on v. 11. Saith the Lord. This is a Title very frequently and familiarly given to Christ and most usually so since he took our nature upon him died and rose again and he is Lord by right of redemption and so he is Lord of Mankind He is the Lord of all Men their Kinsman who hath redeemed them he hath redeemed them from the curse of the Law being made a curse for them Gal. 3. 13. and ch 4. 4 5. with Rom. 3. 19. He hath bought such as deny him and bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2. 1. In his love and in his pity he redeemed them Isay 63. 9. He gave himself a ransom for all to ransom them from that slavery and bondage they brought themselves into by their Sinning against and departure from God in the first publick man 1 Tim. 2. 6. Rom. 14. 9. And after a peculiar Consideration he is Lord of them that believe he who is the LORD is their Lord in an especial manner Isay 49. 14. and ch 51. 22. he hath not only redeemed and bought them of God in common with all men But also he hath redeemed them unto God by his Blood Rev. 5. 9. Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. he is their head and Husband and so their Lord Col. 1. 18. Eph. 5. 29. Ps 45. 11. And he is so the Lord of all that he will judge them and give rewards unto his Servants and destroy those that would not have this man to reign over them Rom. 14. 9 13. Phil. 2. 8 10. Joh. 5. 22 27 29. Luk. 19. 14 27. And he is the Lord of all persons and things he only excepted who did put all things under him Act. 10. 36. he is the Head of all Principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. he is gone up into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels authorities and powers being made Subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 22. Eph. 1. 20 21. The Angels are commanded to Worship him Heb. 1. 6. he is Lord of all good and bad Angels The good ones are his Angels Mat. 24. 31. And he hath conquered the evil ones Luk. 10. 17 20. Mat. 12. 28 30. And he is LORD of Lords and King of Kings Rev. 17. 14. who now sets up and puts down at his pleasure and will destroy them that oppose him Rev. 19. 16. Ps 2. 6 10. And so he is one that is every way fit to accomplish that spoken of vers 7. And now to save and protect his Servants and punish their enemies And thus may He now describe himself to encourage his Servant John that he might go in in the strength of the Lord God and not fear what men or Devils could doe to him Ps 71. 15 16. Exod. 4. 10 12. Jer. 1. 6 8. Which is and which was and which is to come Here we have a further description of this Lord He is Jesus Christ the same Yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13. 8. See the notes before on vers 4. And by saying which is and which was and which is to come He signifies to us that Jesus Christ is Jehovah Jehovah our Righteousness Jer. 25. 6. Isa 8. 13 14. with Rom. 9. 33. So whereas it is said that the Seraphims cried one to another Holy Holy Holy is Jehovah of hostes the whole earth is full of his glory The Evangelist Saith these things said Esaias when He saw Christs glory and spake of Him Isa 6. with Joh. 12. 39 41. And in many other places this Incomunicable title of Jehovah is given unto our Lord Jesus Christ as Psal 34. 8. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. Psal 102. with Heb. 1. 10 11. c. To shew unto us that He is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. See the note on ch 4. ver 8. and on chap. 5. 8. The Almighty This word is most frequently joyned in this Book with the former description when it is used as here and chap. 4. 8. and chap. 11. 17. And may others shew unto us what He means by which is and which was and which is to come viz. that He is the Almighty Or it may shew unto us that He is alwayes so from everlasting to everlasting which is the Almighty which was the Almighty and which is to come the Almighty And this is true of Christ who is the mighty God the everlasting father the Prince of Peace Isa 9. 6. Over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9. 5. And the same power and glory is ascribed to the lamb as to the father Rev. 5. 13 14. Oh then Blessed are all they that trust in Him Psal 2. 12. See the note on chap. 4. ver 8. and on chap. 5. ver 8. Verse 9. I John who also am your Brother and Companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ was in the Isle that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the Testimony of Jesus Christ As we have before in ver 8. an Account given us of Christ's Ability to
perfect and clear light he that believeth on and followeth him shall not abide in darkness but shall have the light of life Joh. 8. 12. and ch 12. 46. God hath put his Spirit upon him that he might bring forth Judgment to the Gentiles Isay 1. 4. A Law hath now proceeded from him and he maketh his Judgment to rest for a light to the people Isay 51. 4. And they that look unto him and upon him as he is in the Gospel evidently set before our Eyes as one who hath been crucified for us and who is raised again and hath brought in Everlasting Righteousness shall be enlightened and their Faces shall not be ashamed Ps 34. 5 8. with 1 Pet. 2 3 4. They that seek him as the Wisdom of God and as the light the Fountain of it understand all things Prov. 28. 5. Ps 27. 1 4. Joh. 16. 13 14. He leadeth in the way of Righteousness in the midst of the paths of Judgment those that look unto and love him Prov. 8. 20. This is indeed the Teacher come from God to teach us God's Law and Judgments he hath the Vrim and Thummim and sendeth forth his light and truth in the Gospel to lead us and guide us Ps 43. 3. Joh. 3. 2. He giveth an unction from himself whereby we may know all things and we need not that any Man teach us save as that anointing teacheth us of all things and is truth and is no lye 1 Joh. 2. 20 24 27. Oh House of Jacob come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord Isay 2. 5. Eph. 5. 8. We shall only add one thing more as to this matter the High-priest in former times had a Plate of pure Gold or an Holy Crown on which was engraven Holiness to the LORD or of the LORD and a blue Lace to be put upon the Mitre And it should be on his Fore-head that he might bear the Iniquity of the holy things which the Children of Israel should hallow in all their Holy Gifts that they might be accepted before the LORD Exod. 28. 36 38. and ch 39. 30. Lev. 8. 9. and ch 10. 17. Numb 18. 1 22 23. To figure out that Jesus Christ is made of God to the Believers as Wisdom and Righteousness so also Holiness c. 1 Cor. 1. 30. And he not only beareth and taketh away the Sin of the World in his daily mediation Joh. 1. 29. Heb. 9. 28. But he also taketh away the iniquity of their holy things that come unto God by him of their Prayers Praises Confessions works of Love and Mercy c. And he perfumeth them with the Incense and Odours of his Sacrifice once offeâ—ed that their Spiritual Sacrifices may be acceptable to God by him 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 7. 24 25. Rev. 8. 3 4. there is not a just Man upon the Earth that doth good and sinneth not even while he is doing good Eccle. 7. 20. even when and while they would be and are doing good evil is present with them Rom. 7. 18 21. What unbelief distractions wandrings of the thoughts and desires Pride desires of Vain-glory c. are found with them in their spiritual Exercises they may in some measure know and be sensible of and groan under the burden of that examine themselves and search and try their hearts and ways in the light of the Lord. So that if their holy things were not cleansed by him and he did not continually take away the iniquities of their Spiritual Sacrifices and good deeds God might justly blot them out and throw the dung of them into their Faces Neh. 13. 14 22. Mal. 2. 3. All their Righteousnesses as they come from them are as filthy rags Isay 64. 4 6. When they are walking in the light as he is in the light and so have fellowship with him and one with another yet then they need cleansing and the Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord cleanseth them from all Sin 1 Joh. 1. 6. When they are going unto and making use of their Advocate for any Man that sinneth yet unless Jesus Christ the righteous were also the propitiation for their Sins even in their thus approaching to him their Prayers and Requests would not be heard and granted but turned away and rejected 1 Joh. 2. 1 2. Ps 66. 20 and 5. 7. But now Jesus Christ is a merciful and faithful High-priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the Sins of the People even for the Sins of his People also who have him as their Advocate He is their Peace who hath made peace for them ever living to make intercession for them and they are instructed in that respect to consider him as the High-priest of their Profession Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 3. 1. And therefore do they triumph and this is that which lifteth up their Heads and Hearts that he who died yea rather is risen again is now on the right hand of God making intercession for them Hence that challenge Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's Elect It is God that justifieth who shall condemn c. Rom. 8. 33 34. Otherwise Satan would condemn them and his Condemnation would be of force against them Zech. 3. 1 5. And indeed the Sense and Conscience of their manifold Mixtures Defilements and Pollutions in all their holy things would even discourage them and hinder them from approaching into the presence of him who is an Holy Lord God and make them afraid of him had they not one one to appear as their Holiness who covereth and taketh away all their Iniquities and rendreth them and their holy things acceptable Hence saith the Apostle Seeing we have a great High-priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast our profession otherwise we might even let it go Let us therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace for seasonable help Heb. 4. 14 16. and ch 10. 19 22 23. Rom. 5. 8 19. Thus he is in the midst of his Candlesticks and Churches bearing and taking away the Pollutions and Iniquities found with them in all their Holy and Spiritual Sacrifices and Services that they may come with acceptance on God's Altar Ps 16. 4. Isay 56. 6 7. By him therefore as the High-priest of our Profession and as our Altar let us offer the Sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our Lips confessing to his name and to do good and to communicate let us not forget for with such Sacrifices being offered by him God is well-pleased Heb. 13. 15 16. Hos 14. 1 2. And all this tendeth powerfully to abase us and humble us and hide Pride from us and is instructive to us and also is very comfortable to consider and proper to help us to lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees for though no Flesh should glory in his presence yet being of God in Christ and
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
11 14. Rom. 8. 34 39. Joh. 11. 25. 2. Tim. 1. 8 10. 3. To encourage them against the fear of the first death the death of the Body So doth Job For saith he I know my redeemer liveth and he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth and though after my skin worms destroy this Body yet in my flesh shall I see God Job 19. 25 27. Because he liveth they that come unto and follow him shall live also For this is the will of him that sent him that every one that seeth the Son and believeth in him should have everlasting life and he will raise him up at the last day Ps 23. 4. 1 Cor 15. 21 23. 1 Thes 4. 14 16. Joh. 14. 19. and ch 6. 40. 4. And have the Keys of Hell and Death This he still speaks to the same end as formerly to strengthen him against the fear of evil Here consider we 1. What is this Hell and Death of which he hath the Keys 2. What is meant by having the Keys thereof 3. How hath he obtained the Keys of Hell and Death 1. What is this Hell and Death of which he hath the Keys Surely though sometimes by Hell is meant that place of torment into which the wicked shall be cast as Ps 9. 17. Luke 16. 23. Yet here and most frequently by this Word Hell is meant that disappearing state they are in who are taken away by death and the word here translated Hell is elsewhere frequently rendred the Grave as 1 Cor. 15. 55. Rev. 20. 13. c. Death signifies the dissolution of the Soul from the Body and Hell that unseen dark or disappearing State they are in when dead I mean as to us therefore it is called the Land of Darkness as Darkness it self and where the light is as Darkness Job 10. 21 22. In which the Eye of him that hath seen them shall see them no more Job 7. 8. Into this Hell or disappearing State all go good and bad Into this Hell Jacob said he would go I will go down saith he not into the Grave for he thought some evil Beast had devoured his Son but into Hell unto my Son mourning Gen. 37. 35. And again Ye shall bring down my gray-Hairs with Sorrow to Hell Gen. 42. 38. So ch 44. 29 31. So Job desired Oh that thou wouldest hide me in Hell Job 14. 13. And when David prays God to spare him he uses this Argument In death there is no remembrance of thee in Hell who shall give thee thanks Ps 6. 5. And Hezekiah speaks to the same purpose as here using the same order of words as is here for Hell cannot praise thee death cannot celebrate thee Isay 38. 18. In which sayings both the good and holy Men conclude that if they were taken out of the Land of the living they should go into this Hell so the Preacher propounds this unto all to provoke them to present diligence whatsoever thine hand finds to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the Grave or in Hell whither thou goest Eccles 9. 10. Out of this Hell the righteous and holy-ones also shall be brought and then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written Death is swallowed up in Victory O Death where is thy Sting O Hell where is thy Victory 1 Cor. 15. 54 55. And so it is said Death and Hell delivered up the dead that were in them and Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire this is the second death And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life c. Implying that some such also were in this Hell formerly which indeed doth signifie the State of deadly-hood Rev. 20. 12 15. and ch 6. 8. 2. What is meant by having the Keys of this Hell and Death Hereby is signified that he hath the power thereof and so as there are these two uses of Keys namely to open and shut so it is here also in this business See Isay 22. 23. Rev. 3. 7. and ch 9. 1. and ch 20. 1 3. And so 1. He hath the Keys to open Hell and Death to open the Gates and Doors thereof Job 30. 17. Isay 38. 10. that is to say he hath power to take away any Man's Life when he pleaseth and send them into this Hell for the Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son and hath given him Authority to execute judgment also because he is the Son of Man Joh. 5. 22 27. And so he hath power to order and send any affliction to us When we are judged with any Judgments we are chastened of this Lord 1 Cor. 11. 30 32. Our times are in his hand and when he pleaseth he can remove us hence for he hath the Keys of Hell and Death The Son of Man who hath a Golden Crown on his Head hath in his hand a sharp Sickle the Sickle of death to cut Men down therewith at his pleasure Rev. 14. 13 14 16. And so now he did permit or order this deadness unto the Apostle He can when he pleases open the Door of Death and let Men yea put Men in thereat and none can stay his hand No man hath power over the Spirit to retain the Spirit neither hath he power in the Day of death and there is no discharge in that War Eccles 8. 8. And he hath power also and will in due season with his Keys open the Graves of all and cause them to come out of them and will open theirs who sleep in him and bring them forth unto the Resurrection of Life and so to their endless and eternal Joy and comfort Ezek. 37. 12 13. Joh. 5. 28 29. 2. And he hath the Keys of Hell and Death to keep Men out thereof during his good pleasure our times are in his hand who hath redeemed us in this respect also Ps 31. 5 10 15. Or to keep off any affliction from us as he said unto Paul in a Vision be not afraid but speak and hold not thy peace for I am with thee and no Man shall set on thee to hurt thee Acts 18. 9 10. And he hath power to shut upon a Man when he takes away his life and there can be no opening He can with his Keys lock them up in the House of Death and detain them as Prisoners and then there is no coming out until he open the Door If he cut off and shut up or gather together then who can hinder him Job 11. 10. Behold he breaketh down and it cannot be built again he shuts upon a Man and there can be no opening Job 12. 10. 3. How hath he obtained the Keys of Hell and Death And that is by dying and overcoming our death the first death and the Devil He hath by the Grace of God tasted death for every Man and thorow this destroyed him that had the power of it that is the Devil Heb. 2. 9 14 15. By
bearing the Judgment of the World he hath cast Satan the Prince of the World out of his principality Joh. 12. 31. and all power is given unto him both in Heaven and on Earth Mat. 28. 18 20. 2 Cor. 1. 9 10. Joh. 5. 27. and ch 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. Because he humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross therefore also hath God highly exalted him and given him a name above every name c. Phil. 2. 6 7 8 9 10. And seeing he hath and hath thus obtained the Keys of Hell and Death it may be of much usefulness unto us as to say a little 1. Herein we may see the preciousuess of the sufferings and blood of Christ 1 Pet. 1. 19. 2. It may admonish us not to have idolatrous esteems of Men make not great Men your arme for Men of low degree are Vanity and Men of high degree are a Lye to be laid in the Ballance they are alike lighter than Vanity Ps 62. 9. How high or great soever they are they are Men and not God Isay 31. 3. therefore trust not in them nor in the most learned skilful and mâ—st experienced Physicians for they have not the Keys of Hell and Death if he will not with-draw his anger the proud helpers do stoop under him Job 9. 13. What Man whether wisest or greatest or strongest or richest or healthithiest is he that liveth and shall not see death shall he deliver his Soul from the Hand of Hell Ps 89. 48. and 146. 3 4. 3. This consideration may encourage his Servants not to be afraid of their Enemies for not they but he hath the Keys Acts 26. 17. All power is given unto me both in Heaven and on Earth Go ye therefore Disciple all the Nations c. saith our Saviour unto his Apostles Mat. 28. 18 20. Heb. 2. 14 15. 1 Cor. 15. 58. 4. Fear him so as not to provoke him Luke 12. 4 5. Exod. 23. 21. for our breath is in his hand and the Keys of Hell and Death are in his hand Ps 107. 10 12. 5. Pray unto and seek help of him and in his name and come unto God by him to whom should a people seek but to their God When we fall down and there is none to help us yet in crying to him he can save us out of our Distresses and bring us out of Darkness and the shadow of Death and break our bands asunder For he hath broken the Gates of Brass and cut the Bars of Iron in sunder Isay 8. 19. Psal 68. 18 20. and 107. 13 16. Jer. 30. 12 18. 6. It may comfort them that wait upon him and keep his way that though they must dye yet he liveth and hath the Keys of Hell and Death and will in due season open their Graves and bring them forth and make them partakers of everlasting Life Joh. 6. 40. and ch 11. 25 26. 1 Thes 4. 15 18. 2 Cor. 4. â—2 14 17. These things our Lord sets before his Servant John when he was as dead and greatly afraid to revive him and to strengthen him and encourage him against his fearâ— And let us learn from hence 1. When we are â—ainting and fearful to look unto Jesus and consider his Blood and the Glory he hath received therethorow as these things are discovered to us in the Gospel as the Apostle exhorts saying laying aside every weight and the Sin which doth so easily beset us let us run with patience the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of the Faith who for the Joy set before him endured the Cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God For consider him lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds Heb. 12. 1 3 4. and ch 3. 1 2. The Gospel is the word of life the spirit of life is in it Phil. 2. 16. that will quicken us again Ps 119. 50 93. That is proper to bind up the broken-hearted who are broken and shattered with sorrow or fear Isay 61. 1 2. Luke 4. 18. Oh consider we not our selves or any goodness or worthiness of ours but consider his first love manifested in his laying down his life for us and the glory he hath received and shall appear in give more earnest heed to the things we have heard that we may encourage our selves in the Lord 1 Sam. 30. 6. Joh. 6. 63. 1 Joh. 4. 14 18 19. Christ comforts not John immediately though he was as dead but declares the word of life to him 2. Or when we see others surprized with fear or overwhelmed with grief with this Gospel lift up the hands that hang down Rom. 1. 16. Isay 40. 1 2 9. Verse 19. Write the things which thou hast seen and the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter This charge and commandment he giveth to him again he had given John such a like command before v. 11. and now reneweth it to signify to us the weightiness of the things to be written and that they might be conveyed to the Churches and for us and for our use and benefit in these latter days For whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning Rom. 15. 4. and who shall hinder us from looking hereinto That charge in v. 11. and this here are given in general some other are more particular as ch 14. 1â— and ch 19. 9. c. This charge and commandement he gives to him after he had strengthened him Dan. 10. 17 19. his yoke is easie and his burthen is light Mat. 11. 30. 1 Joh. 5. 3. and indeed he had given such a discovery of himself before that there was no cause for John to fear for he who thus enjoyned him was able to stand by him and save him It was the LORD that spake who could but prophesy and write Amos. 3. 8. It was the first and the last that gave this charge to him Josh 1. 7 9. Jer. 1. 8 19. Write saith Christ to him but what should he write some thus read it the things which thou hast seen both the things which are and the things which shall be hereafter summing them up in two Branches or particulars and hereby signifying as if John had seen all he was to write before his charge was given to him which doubtless he had not and therefore we shall look upon the word 's as we have them rendred to us and as a commandment to write three things viz. 1. The things which thou hast seen namely in vision as v. 11. and so what he had seen from v. 12. to this verse not all he had foreseen but what he had now seen in which our Lord doth give a brief discovery of himself of his death resurrection everliving and his Glory Power and Majesty Christ first shews him this that it might be instructive to him to look unto Jesus that he might be enlightened Ps 34. 5 8.
things and do count them but dung that I may win Christ and be found in him Phil. 3. 4 9. and as is said of Ruth she loved her Mother-in-law and thus exprest it when she said to her Thy sister is gone back Return thou after her And Ruth said Intreat me not to leave thee for whither thou goest I will go and where thou lodgest I will lodg thy people shall be my people and thy God my God c. Ruth 1. 15 18. with ch 4. 15. and it also leads to follow Christ thorow afflictions trials reproaches persecutions c. and to endure any thing for the beloved Love is strong as death the coals thereof are coals of fire which hath a most vehement flame many waters cannot quench love neither can the floods drown it Cant. 8. 6 7. By the first love of Christ our love is made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment there is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment he that feareth is not made perfect in love 1 Joh. 4. 16 17 19. the spirit of love is love is opposed unto the spirit of fear and cowardice 2 Tim. 1. 7 8. This is the first love which is usually very intense and hot in the days of mens first knowing believing in and being espoused unto Jesus Christ and God in him As the Lord saith I Remember thee the kindness of thy youth the love of thine espousals when thou wentest after me in the wilderness in a land that was not sown Israel was holiness unto the Lord c. Jer. 2. 1 5. and the Apostle declares how highly Christ was prized by the Galatians and how welcomely the Gospel and its declarers were received at the first when Christ crucified was evidently set forth before their eyes and the grace of God in him Ye received me saith the Apostle as an Angel of God even as Christ Jesus for I bear you record that if it had been possible you would have plucked out your own eyes and have given them to me Gal. 4. 13 15. with ch 3. 1 5. 57. so the Apostle speaking unto the Thessalonians sheweth what entrance the Gospel had among them how effectually it wrought producing the work of faith and labour of love and patience of hope and they became followers of the Lord having received the word in much affliction and yet with joy of the Holy Ghost and they turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his son from Heaven c. 1 Thes 1. and ch 2. 13. Thus also he saith to the Hebrews call to Remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated ye endured a great fight of afflictions partly whilest ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions and partly whilest ye became companions of them that were so used For ye had compassion on me in my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods knowing of your selves that ye have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance Heb. 10. 32 34. such-like â—fficacy the Gospel also had upon these Ephesians at the first and such ardent love they had to Christ therein preached among them so as they turned from Diana the former object of their love and worship unto Christ The name of the Lord Jesus was so magnified among them that many that beleeved came confessed shewed their deeds many also of them which used curious arts brought their books together and burned them before all men and they counted the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of â—ilver which are about six thousand two hundred and fifty pounds in our account as some judge so mightily grew the word of God and increased Acts 19. 17 20. Eph. 2. 2 7 11. This was their first love 4. Yea this love is also exercised and shewed forth in loving his Word and Gospel as is before intimated in which he and his love are set forth and discovered to us Ps 119. 47 48 97 98 113 127 128 140 163 167. as our Saviour saith He that hath my Commandments and keepeth them he it is that loveth me And again If any Man love me he will keep my word Joh. 14. 21 24. And hereby we do know we know love approve delight in him if we keep his Commandments He that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him but whoso keepeth his Word in him verily is the love of God perfected Hereby know we that we are in him 1 Joh. 2. 3 5 8. and ch 5. 2 3. And this love is also exercised and evidenced towards the Brother-hood so as to love them with a pure heart â—ervently 1 Pet. 1. 21 22. To delight in and have them as our Companions and to delight in the Fellowship and Societies of them as our Brethren Thus it is said of the Believers in former times They connued stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and Fellowship and all that believed were together c. Acts 2. 41 47. and ch 4. 23 24 32. Thus when the Apostle exhorts the Hebrews Let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works not forsaking the assembling of our selves together To move them also hereto he saith Call to remembrance the former days in which ye were illuminated as signifying their first love was exercised in loving one another and in assembling themselves together And the Remembrance and Consideration thereof was proper and powerful to cause them to return thereto again Heb. 10. 23 25. with v. 32. Thus when the Gospel was first received by these Ephesians it produced in them love to all the Brethren See Eph. 1. 13 15. Col. 1 4. 1 Thes 2. 13. and ch 4. 9. And every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him If a man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a liar for he that loveth not his Brother whom he hath seen how can he love God whom he hath not seen 1 Joh. 4. 19 21. and ch 5. 1. Yea this love is also exercised in loving and pittying all men in loving our Enemies blessing them that curse us doing good to them that hate us and praying for them that despitefully use us and therefore our Saviour exhorts and instructs them that hear unto these things Luke 6. 27 36. His love known and believed moves to seek the good of the Souls of all and to sound forth the word before them to hold forth the word of life in word and conversation Joh. 4. 28 29. Rom. 1. 8. Tit. 3. 3 5. with Acts 9. 20 22. and ch 2. 46 47. 1 Thes 1. 7 8. and ch 3. 12. Prov. 29. 10. Phil. 2. 12 16. Now this was the first love they had left that â—ervency and intensiveness of love to Christ and God in him his Cross Person Gospel and one to another and to
edifying of it self in love Eph. 4. 11 15. 16. Col. 2. 19. for the increase of love in the Philippians the Apostle prayes saying This I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment Phil. 1. 9 10. Col. 1. 8 10. and this is taken notice of by way of commendation in the Thessalonians that their love did abound 2 Thes 1. 3. And indeed his Churches have great Advantage to grow in the love of him because they have frequent opportunities to hear of him of his sufferings of his love and loveliness of his Infinite perfection and everliving in the presence of God that their evil is the greater if they increase not therein Now then for such to go backward and not forward to decrease when they should increase this must needs be a provoking evil This was the evil reproved and complained of by the Lord in his Church in former times They have provoked the holy one of Israel to anger they are gone backward Isay 1. 4. and again Thus saith the Lord this thing commanded I them saying Obey my voice But they hearkened not nor enclined their ear they went backward and not forward Jer. 7. 21 24. and again thou hast forsaken me saith the Lord thou art gone backward therefore I will stretch out my hand against thee I am weary with repenting Jer. 15. 6. Josh 23. 8 12. By all which it doth in some measure appear that their leaving their first love was a great and provoking evil Vse 1. Seeing this was the charge he draws up against this Angel and Church let us examine our selves whether we be not guilty of this evil also whether there be not a decay and abatement of that heat of love and affection to Jesus Christ his sufferings and the glory which therethorow he is entered into and possessed of and his Gospel and people Say not we are not guilty hereof for we have works and labour and patience c. and therefore we are free from this provoking evil for thus Christ and not themselves saith of these Say not we are rich and increased with goods and therefore Christ hath not such a quarrel against us as he had against these for though you thus speak of your selves you may nevertheless be lukewarm Rev. 3. 16 17. But come to the light and remember the former days Oh is it not too much and a wearisome thing to us to hear the cross of Christ Gods love therein commended so much insisted on are we not ready to say there is nothing before our eyes save this Manna Numb 11. 5 6. Is this Manna so delightful to us as at first come we unto the light and see what manner of persons we are Eph. 5. 12 13. 2. Seeing this is the quarrel he hath against these that they had left their first love so he shews unto us That he desires and delights in this that his Churches should love him â—ervently It is pleasant unto him highly prized by him when they are hot zealous â—ervent in spirit love him with the whole heart This is that he calls for My son give me thy heart Prov. 23. 26. This is that which ravishes and unhearts him as it were and yet revives and chears him Cant. 4. 9 10. This love of theirs when it is hot and ardent doth even overcome and puffe him up as he saith turn away thine eyes from me for they have â—vercome me or puffed me up Cant. 6. 5. and to this love of the Lord doth he exhort as O love the Lord ye his saints Ps 31. 23. take heed unto your Souls that ye love the Lord your God Josh 23. 11. and they that do so shall prosper their soul shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not Ps 122. 6. And great peace have they that love his law and nothing shall offend them Ps 119. 165. and if any man love him the same is known owned and approved of him 1 Cor. 8. 3. he that loveth Christ shall be loved of his father and he will love him and will manifest himself unto him Joh. 14. 21 22 23. 3. And here we may see and take notice that how many good things soever his Churches or any in them have yet if their love to him his cross Gospel and people c. grows cold or decays and abates it will greatly provoke him to anger Though they have all knowledge faith gifts utterance c. and have not love they are displeasing to him and therefore keep thine heart with all keeping Prov. 4. 23. how displeasing was it to the Lord that Solomon who once loved the Lord 1 King 3. 3. did afterwards leave his first love and his heart was turned away from him The Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel who had appeared unto him twice 1 King 11. 1 3 6 9 1â— And this was a blot upon Amaziah he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord but not with a perfect heart 2 Chron. 25. 2. and though there be many infirmities found with a Man yet if his heart be perfect and he cleave in love unto the Lord they are graciously overlooked and covered by him 1 Kings 15. 17. and ch 16. 10 11 12. Verse 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and Repent and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou Repent In this verse we have to mind and consider 1. The good gracious and needful counsel given to this Angel and Church 2 A conditional threat denounced against them 1. The good gracious and needful counsel given unto this Angel and Church and this is expressed to us in three Branches 1. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen 2. And Repent 3. And do the first works 1. Branch Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen 1. We shall speak to this Branch of the counsel by way of explication 2. Note some Instructions that are contained and signified therein 1. We shall speak to this Branch of the Counsel by way of explication This Counsel hath reference to what goeth before as it appeareth by the word therefore And it seemeth to refer either 1. Unto what is said in the beginning of v. 4. I have against thee Remember therefore I who am the Son of the Father in truth and love and have manifested so much in laying down my life 1 Joh. 3. 16. and therefore speak out of love Rev. 3. 19. I that hold the seven stars and walk in the midst of the seven Golden candlesticks there is my constant path and walk and so see and observe how it is with you for mine eyes are as a flame of fire and all things are naked and manifest unto me Rev. 2. 1. Heb. 4. 12 13. and I that am Almighty and can do whatsoever
joying in the God of their salvation Hab. 3. 16 18. now greatly rejoycing and yet at the same time in heaviness thorow manifold temptations and trials 1 Pet. 1. 6 8. Now in poverty and straits and yet in the same instant they have the Lord to be their Gold yea their losses are gainful and their poverty riches But here is no compleat comfort or delight But hereafter as all the beast-worshippers shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God without mixture Rev. 14. 9 10. So then those that worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus shall drink of the river of his pleasures without mixture The days of their mourning shall be ended Isay â—0 18 20. Rev. 21. 3 7. But that season is to be waited for I know thou art rich This is not like that Thou sayest I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor c. Rev. 3. 17. It is not that thou sayest but I know thou art rich their praise was not of Men themselves or others but of the great God and our Saviour 2. We have an account given us of his knowledg as to others and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not but the Synagogue of Satan This is that which he knew also for so I know though it be not here expressed particularly yet hath reference to this clause also Where let us enquire 1. What or whom may we understand by Jews in this place 2. What is meant by their blasphemy and then note some Instructions 1. Whom may we understand by Jews in this place which these pretended themselves to be and were not but were the Synagogue of Satan Now to that we may say 1. Hereby some understand are meant such as are commonly known by that name in Scripture Jews by nature or Proselitisme Gal. 2. 15. Esth 8. 17. even such as did belong to one of the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin which are frequently so called Or more generally they that were of the circumcision in the Flesh But I rather apprehend that by Jews in this place 2. Are meant Christians they did pâ—etend themselves to be Christians indeed and might and surely did give forth themselves to be the most pure and Orthodox Christians and such as so are which these falsely pretended themselves to be are Jews indeed whether circumcised or baptized according to that He is not a Jew which is one outwardly neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh But he is a jew which is one inwardly and circumcision is that of the heart in the spirit and not in the letter whose praise is not of Men but of God Rom. 2. 26 29. Thus again the Apostle signifies such to be Jews indeed or of the circumcision who are sincere Christians and circumcised in heart when he saith Finally Brethren rejoyce in the Lord Beware of the concision For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh They are the circumcision and so Jews indeed who count all things loss for Christ Phil. 3. 1 3 7 9. So again the Apostle saith In Christ ye are compleat no say the natural Jews and Judaizers ye are not compleat in Christ for ye are not circumcised yes saith the Apostle ye have circumcision in Christ also in whom ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ Col. 2. 9 10 11 12. Rom. 4. 8 13. and ch 11. 17 18. Even as they are Isralites indeed and were so in former times who are of a clean heart Ps 73. 1. Joh. 1. 47. In this respect they are not all Israel which are of Israel neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children But in Isaac shall thy seed be called that is they which are the children of the flesh these are not the children of God But the children of the promise are counted for the seed Rom. 9. 6 8 If ye be Christs then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 16. 29. and ch 6. 16. And that which induces me to believe that by Jews here are meant sincere Christians is 1. Because in this Book great and frequent respect is had to our types of old and to their places and persons and those names which were usual amongst them are frequently made use of in this Book of the Revelation So our Jesus our great High-priest appears in vision in the habit of the High-priest under the law ch 1. 13. and those that serve God in his Temple day and night are clothed like the Priests in former times ch 7. 13 15. with 2 Chron. 5. 12 13. Thus we read of the temple often Rev. 11. 1. c. with allusion to the typical one and the Ark of the testimony Rev. 11. 19. with Exod. 26. 33 34. The tabernacle of testimony Rev. 15. 5. with Exod. 38. 21. The altar Rev. 6. 9. and many other Instances might be given which may be taken notice of as we come at them God willing and assisting and therefore such respect being had so frequently to the Jewish persons places names in this Book as also when the Apostle writes to the Hebrews Jews may here signify the sincere or pure Christians as also in ch 3. 9. 2. Because also this Book appears to be received after the destruction of Jerusalem and then it would be no wisdom at all but an Highpoint of folly and impudence to say they were Jews in the common acceptation and were not so for by so doing they did expose themselves to drink of the same cup with those who were Jews by nature It would be more prudence in such a time for those who were Jews to say they were none and to call themselves by another name to take away their reproach Isay 4. 1. then for such as were no Jews to call themselves by that name unless they desired death rather then life which cannot reasonably be supposed see the notes on v. 13. of this chapter 3. Because Jews are in this place and also in ch 3. 9. opposed to the Synagogue of Satan now they might be Jews in the common notion and yet also be the Synagogue of Satan or of the Synagogue of Satan as our Saviour saith to some Jews ye are of your Father the Devil and the lusts of your Father ye will do Joh. 8. 44. but now unâ—eigned and sincere Christians cannot be of the Synagogue of Satan and so they pretended and gave forth themselves to be Christians indeed worshippers of God in the spirit and rejoycers in Christ Jesus and were not such but the contrary to what they pretended And this makes it evident to me that by Jews here are meant heatry disciples of Christ 4. It appears
hast thou reproached and blasphemed And against whom hast thou exalted thy voice I know thy rage against me Isay 37. 23 28. 5. And he sees and takes notice of their blasphemy and persecution of his people Ps 10. 14. Jer. 18. 23. Ps 94. 1 8. And this may comfort his people and help them to commit their cause to him to whom vengeance doth belong c. Verse 10. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life In this verse after he had given this Angel and Church some account of his knowledge as we have seen before in v. 9. our Lord doth here 1. Give a caution and warning unto them Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer 2. He gives some intimation and account of the things they should suffer with the time and end thereof Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison that ye may be tried and ye shall have tribulation ten days 3. He gives to them needful counsel Be thou faithful unto death 4. And propounds to and sets before them blessed encouragement that they might receive his counsel And I will give thee a crown of life 1. The warning and caution which he gives unto this Angel and Church Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer here we may note some things signified to us 1. In that he signifieth that they were in tribulation v. 9. and here and after gives us to understand that they were still to suffer and be in tribulation so we may receive this Instruction That while they are in this World tribulation is to be expected by the believers one affliction succeeding and following upon the neck of another Many are the afflictions of the righteous Ps 34. 19. In the World ye shall have tribulation saith our Saviour Joh. 16. 33. 2 Tim. 3. 12. As it was with Israel of old so it is true of the Israel of God Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth may Israel now say many a time have they afflicted me from my youth The plowers plowed upon my back they made long their furrows Ps 129. 1 3. The believers are now hated of all men for Christ's name-sake And when permissive commission is given to their enemies they will be instruments of affliction and grievance to them Acts 14. 22. now they sow in tears Ps 126. 5 6. yea many afflictions they meet withal from such as pretend themselves to be and would be accounted the most sincere Christians as we have seen in v. 9. and this shews that here is not their rest they are not yet perfect as to attainment Isay 14. 3. 2 Thes 1. 5 6. Rev. 21. 3 4 5. and also we may learn from hence that we cannot know love or hatred by any thing here they may be loved peculiarly that are in troubles frequently and they may be hated comparatively and woes denounced against them that are at ease in Zion Amos. 6. 1. Ps 73. 2 12. and 11. 5 6. Heb. 12. 5 7. 2. In that he saith to these Fear none of those things c. so he signifieth to us That even the believers themselves are liable to fear timerousness and cowardice aswell as others and need to be admonished thereof and strengthened there-against yea and the best and most upright of them also such were this Angel and Church for our Saviour faults them for nothing and yet gives this caution to them such a like caution our Saviour gives unto his disciples generally Fear not little flock Luke 12. 32. And the Apostle Paul was not ashamed to remember and acknowledge to the Corinthians that he was with them in weakness and in fear and in much trembling 1 Cor. 2. 3. Gal. 4. 13 14. see the notes on Rev. 1. v. 17. We have fear in us as a natural infirmity of the flesh and are subject and ready to pollute our selves therewith and to be under the power thereof and therefore we need to be warned there-against and to receive admonition And in general we may note that seeing this admonition is given to such as were blameless and unreprovable in his sight That such persons as do not sin at present but have kept themselves pure yet they may be warned of what is evil and should not take it ill so to be And particularly this conâ—ideration that believers are now liable to fear might be useful to us That we should not be discouraged or despond because we are sometimes fearful but to remember that holy ones were subject thereto formerly and we might therefore learn to pity one another and not to trust or glory in our selves or in other 3. We may further note from hence that such as have been in tribulation and affliction formerly and have behaved themselves unreproveably therein may yet fear when a new trouble and trial comes upon them see v. 9. so much also the Apostle intimates when he writes to the Hebrews and saith call to remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated ye endured a great fight of affliction partly whilest ye were made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and afflictions and partly whilest ye became companions of them that were so used for ye had compassion of me in my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods But notwithstanding all this it appears that though they had so well behaved themselves formerly in afflictions they were afterwards ready to fear and needed to be warned thereof hence to the former he adds Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompence of reward for ye have need of patience Heb. 10. 32 36. such as have in former times patiently endured and not feared need to be again encouraged and strengthened and stirred up to courage when a new trial is ordered to them Hence the Apostle saith to Timothy Fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life whereunto thou art called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses 1 Tim. 6. 12 14. Acts 18. 9 10. with ch 13. 51 52. and 14. 1 21. and ch 23. 11. They have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves to any thing that is good 2 Cor. 3. 5. but need continually to be strong in and strengthened by the Lord Eph. 6. 10 12. or they may fear some things they may suffer though they might endure many things yet there may be some affliction some particular trial that may be dreadful and terrible to them hence he here saith Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer or fear nothing Heb. 13. 5 6. Rom. 8. 35 39. Fear not want nor enemies Some may think they could endure reproach or evil words but not bodily persecution some may endure imprisonment but not spoiling of their goods some may chearfully undergo
but indefinitely that ye may be tried both that Satan might try them yea and that the Lord Jesus Christ might try them also though upon a different account and to a different end and so we may say a little particularly 1. The Devil shall cast some of you into prison when he is permitted that he may tempt and try you and indeed his work and end in and by himself and instruments is to use all means if possible to remove them from the way of the Lord he doth tempt them to evil and thrusts sore at them that they might fall Thus he did to the captain of our Salvation he tempted him to the lust of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life Mat. 4. Luke 4. Ps 118. 13. Heb. 2. 18. and ch 3. 1. The prince of this World came but had nothing in him Joh. 14. 30. Christ was in all points tempted like unto us yet without sin Heb. 4. 14. and thus will he do to his followers as he did to their captain even tempt them to all that is evil and to turn them away from the truth hence the Apostle was so careful of and watchful over the Thessalonians and sent to know their faith lest by some means the tempter had tempted them and their labour were in vain 1 Thess 3. 1 5. Especially in times of tribulation and affliction he is tempting he knows how irksome persecution is to us Heb. 12. 11. and he is therefore trying whether he can turn them aside who are going right on their way telling them that in letting go their faith or the profession thereof and having fellowship with others in their unfruitful works of darkness they shall have their lives continued to them and live happily and merrily and have all that heart can wish Ps 11. 1. Heb. 11. 35. Luke 4. 6 or on the other hand threatning further troubles and loss of liberty c. Heb. 11. 36. or else tempting them to impatience and fretfulness both against the Lord and those that are instruments of affliction to them or to envy their fulness prosperity ease c. Isay 8. 19 21. Ps 37. 1 8. Prov. 23. 17 18. And we are to apt to listen to him to save our lives hence our Saviour saith unto his disciples whosoever will save his life shall lose it But whosoever will lose his life for my name sake shall find it Mat 16. 23 25. Joh. 12. 25 26. 1. Seeing then he will try and tempt let the word of Christ dwell richly in us for by the Word of his lips we may keep us from every path of the destroyer Ps 17. 4. 1 Joh. 2. 13 14. and 4. 4. and 5. 4 5. Rom. 1. 16. Eph. 6. 10 12. 2. Let us not love the World nor the things thereof but in coming unto Christ let us forsake all that we may be his disciples indeed yea let us hate our own lives also and not count them deer to our selves Luke 14. 26 27. Acts 20. 24. they that overcame Satan loved not their lives to the death Rev. 12. 10. I four hearts be set upon the things here below or for saving our lives he will be too hard for us 1 Tim. 6. 9 10. Mat. 10. 25 26. 2. That ye may be tried namely of the Lord he is also trying you yea he is so doing when Satan is afflicting you As Job acknowledged and said when he was in Satan's hand and he sorely vexed him yet saith he when God hath tried me I shall come forth as Gold Job 1. and ch 2. with ch 23. 10. Indeed he tempts no Man to evil Jam. 1. 13 17. But out of love he doth try Job 7. 17 18. Ps 11. 5. 1. He doth try namely prove you and search you Jer. 11. 20. and ch 17. 10. and this he doth not that he may know us but discover us to our selves as it is said This he said to prove or try Philip for he himself knew what he would do Joh. 6. 6. He needeth not that any should testify of Man for he knows what is in Man Joh. 2. 24 25. But he doth try us that we may know what we are he doth try as the Goldsmith tries mettalls to prove and discover whether they be right or counterfeit As the Psalmist saith Thou O God hast proved us thou hast tried us as Silver is tried thou layedst affliction upon our loyns thou hast caused Men to ride over our heads Ps 66. 10 12. So it is said he tryes by false Prophets If there shall arise among you a Prophet or dreamer of dreams and giveth thee a Sign or wonder and the sign or the wonder come to pass whereof he spake unto thee saying let us go after other Gods thou shalt not hearken to the word of that Prophet or dreamer for the Lord your God proveth you to know whether ye love the Lord your God c. Deut. 13. 1 4. 1 Cor. 11. 19. Deut. 8. 2. So God lest some of the nations that thorow them he might prove Israel Judg. 2. 21 22. and ch 3. 1 4. In times of peace and prosperity and when we meet with no exercises we are ready to say We shall never be moved as Ps 30. 6 7. or as Peter did I will lay down my life for thy sake Joh. 13. 37 38. or as the disciples generally now we believe that thou camest forth from God Joh. 16. 30 32. But when he orders trials unto us and comes to prove us we appear then to be other manner of persons than we formerly thought our selves to be As it is said of Hezekiah God left him to try him that he might know all that was in his heart then he appeared to be another Man than he thought himself to have been 2 Chron. 32. 25 31. with Isay 38. 3. And so did David Peter and the residue of the Apostles of our Lord Jesus and thus he doth try and prove us that he may do us good at the latter end Deut. 8. 14 16. 2. And he doth try also even purify and purge them from their mixtures and pollutions that cleave to them Dan. 11. 35. and thus also he tries them as the Goldsmith doth his mettall when he throws it into the fire namely refines it as it is said I will bring the third part thorow the fire and will refine them as silver is refined and will try them as gold is tried Zech. 13. 9. So purified made white and tried are put together as Words of a like signification and opposed to doing wickedly Dan. 12. 10. And thus Christ doth try to wit purify his people according to that He is like a refiners fire and like fullers sope and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and he shall purify the Sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silvor Mal. 3. 2 4. yea and thus he is trying them when they are in tribulation he is chusing them in the fornace of
and the extent thereof both as to the Persons and as to the time of your tribulation 3. We have now in order to speak unto The good and needful counsel which he gives unto these Be thou faithful unto death That is to say Be thou faithful in the Lord as to the faithful in Christ Jesus Eph. 1. 1. To the Saints and faithful Brethren in Christ Col. 1. 2. 1 Tim. 6. 2. continue in the faith grounded and setled and be not moved a-away from the hope of the Gospel Col. 1. 23. stand fast in the faith 1 Cor. 16 13. as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk in him rooted and built up in him and established in the faith Col. 2. 6 7. And Be thou faithful unto the Lord Acts 16. 15. In holding fast and holding forth the glorious Gospel unto death Tit. 1. 9. In rendring Christ's praise glorious and proclaiming the Lord's goodness and not thine own Prov. 20. 6. In resisting and striving against sin even unto blood Heb. 12. 4. In a patient continuance in well-doing Rom. 2. 7. Heb. 10. 36. In all be thou stedfast and unmoveable 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be thou constant and turn not aside from following him but cleave unto him with full purpose whatever afflictions or tribulations ye meet withal be faithful confessors and martyrs Rev. 1. 5. and ch 3. 14. continue unto the end in induring afflictions fight the good fight of faith till death Faithful is more then elected or chosen simply as that is more then called as is signified to us in that it is said they that are with the lamb are called and chosen faithful Rev. 17. 14. and ch 12. 11. Now in that he gives such counsel to these he signifieth unto us 1. That constancy in the faith and profession of it and in enduring the afflictions of the Gospel is needful and requisite for those that shall hereafter inherit eternal life It is not enough that men run well at the first but also that they hold on unto the end of the race Because iniquity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold But he that shall endure unto the end thy same shall be saved Mat. 24. 11 12. and ch 10. 22. So the Lord saith concerning Solomon I will establish his Kingdom for ever if he be constant to do my commandments But otherwise â—aith David to him If thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. The just shall live by faith but if he draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him Heb. 10. 38. Though our Saviour finds no â—ault with this Church for any evil yet he signifies by this Counsel that it was needful for them to abide constant unto the end And so he doth when he sends a message to the Church in Philadelphia which was also unreprovable at that time and the only one of the seven that was so besides this yet to that Church also he saith hold that fast which thou hast that no Man take thy Crown See the notes on ch 3. v. 11. 2. In this counsel is also signified to us That those that are at present in Christ and whom he blames not for any thing but greatly commends may that notwithstanding possibly not abide faithful unto the conclusion of their lives But either because of the love of the World or for fear of somewhat to be parted with or endured may depart or stand off from Christ by an evil heart of unbelief Heb. 3. 1. with v. 12 13. This admonition is given to all believers not only to little Children and young Men but unto Fathers also Love not the World neither the things that are in the World If any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him The love of money is the root of all evil which while some have coveted after they have erred from the faith c. 1 Joh. 2 15 16. with 1 Tim. 6. 9 10. 2 Tim. 4. 10. such as go right on their way may possibly be hindred or turned aside therefrom and such as were once faithful may be corrupted 1 Tim. 1. 20. 2 Tim. 2. 18. 1 Chron. 28. 7 8 9. Mat. 24. 45. c. Heb. 10. 23 26. see the notes on v 5 of this chapter 3. They may be faithful unto the end for he is faithful to confirm them unto the end that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ God is faithful by whom they were called to the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. 1 Thess 5. 22 24. There is no Iniquity with the Lord our God Jer. 2. 1 5 12. 4. Faithfulness is required but unto death they that are constant thereto shall from thenceforth be so established for ever that they cannot possibly be unfaithful they shall then be pillars in the house of God and shall go no more out see the notes on Rev. 3. v. 12. They shall then be delivered compleatly and everlastingly from sin Heb. 12. 4. and from enemies after they are once dead their enemies have no more that they can do Luke 12. 4. henceforth there is certainly laid up for them a crown of Righteousness which the Lord the righteous judge shall give them at that day 2 Tim. 4. 7 8. Then they are blessed indeed and more blessed than they were in former times Rev. 14. 13. from thenceforth there is a great gulf fixed so that they which would pass from one place or state to another cannot Luke 16. 26. constancy is no longer required of them but until their earthly house of this Tabernacle be dissolved Then they shall enter into peace and rest in their beds each one walking before him and in his uprightness And they shall not be hurt of the Second Death v. 11. 4. We have a gracious promise and powerful encouragement propounded to and set before them to engage them to receive and obey the Counsel fore-spoken to And I will give thee a Crown of Life Which is not absolutely assured unto them but respectively to wit in their being faithful unto the Death To the former Words of this sentence we have spoken before see the notes on v. 7. Onely here we may briefly speak to these two things 1. Enquire what is this Crown of life 2. Shew he can and will give it to these and such-like 1. The Crown of life doth signify to us their reigning in life by and with Jesus Christ when they have finished their course here in spirit And in the resurrection of the just in Soul and body reunited Rom. 5. 17. and so life in scripture when taken as here is the same with the Kingdom of God compare Mat. 18. 9. with Mark 9. 47 48. and Mark 9. 43 45 47. And that which in one place the Apostle James thus expresseth the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him in another it is thus the Kingdom
Christ's name but were indeed the Synagogue of Satan and enemies to Christ and adversaries unto his people Rev. 3. 9. This mystery of iniquity did begin to work in the apostles days as we have before said and as appeareth 2 Thess 2. 7. and this Synagogue might also help forward the affliction of this angel and Church as Zech. 1. 15. and amongst these this Angel and Church might also dwell v. 14 15. Vse 1. Here we may take notice of the wonderful power of Christ and care over his Church and people in preserving them in such places as in which they dwell where the Devil dwells and where his throne is But as he haith said the gates of hell and death shall not prevail against his Church which is built and abides upon the rock Jesus Christ neither the power nor policy thereof Mat. 6. 18. nor angels nor principalities nor powers shall be able to separate them that love God and keep his commandments from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 39. For he is the head of all principality and power Col. 2. 9 10. Eph. 1. 17 22. The bush of his Church though in the midst of the fire is not consumed a wonderful sight Exod. 3. 2 3. Rev. 18. 4. Ps 74. 19. 2 Nay we may also take notice that this Angel and Church had works such as were approved of Christ in this place where Satan had his throne and habitation see the notes on v. 9. a great commendation of them as also afterwards followeth 3 Here we may see how needful it was Christ should thus describe himself to this Angel and Church as he did v. â—2 he that hath the sharp sword with two edges both to warn these to take heed they did not comply with open or covert idolaters and to encourage them to take to them the sword of the spirit which is the word of God for that abiding in them they should be strong and strengthened to overcome the wicked one and his instruments Eph. 6. 10 16. 1 Joh. 2. 13 14. Rev. 12. 11. with this sword they might cause the Devil to flee from them 1 Pet. 5. 8 9. with Jam. 4. 6 7. And to let them know that in their following him he would be an enemy to their enemies and an adversary to their adversaries Josh 5. 13 14. Deut. 1. 30. and ch 3. 22. 2 Chron. 13. 12. 3. We have an account of their upright demeanour in this place And thou holdest fast my name and hast not denied my faith Thou holdest fast my name What is meant by his name 1. By name in Scripture is sometimes meant Person As an hundred and twenty names are so many persons Acts 1. 15. thou hast a few names see notes on Rev. 3. 4 there were â—lâ—in of the names of Men that is of Men Rev. 11. 13. And so understanding it here it is as if he should say thou holdest me fast and wilt not let me go as Cant. 3. 4. 2. By name is some times meant â—ame or report so name and â—ame are used indifferently so Josh 9. 9. Because of the name of the Lord for we have heard the â—ame of him compare Mat. 14. 1. with Mark 6. 14. Ezek. 23. 10. So it is said A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches Prov. 22. 1. Eccles 7. 1. And so amongst us a good or bad name is a good or bad report And so his name is Jesus Mat. 1. 21. the Saviour of the World Joh. 4. 42. and ch 12. 47. 1 Joh. 4. 14. One who by the grace of God tasted death for every Man and is raised again and become a good foundation of faith and hope for sinners Acts 4. 11 12. 1 Cor. 3. 11. the fountain of grace and truth Joh. 1. 14 16. the only bread of life Joh. 6. 35 58. the way the truth and the life Joh. 14. 6. the only mediatour and High-priest 1 Tim. 2. 5. Heb. 7. 24 25. The true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. 3. By name is meant his Gospel and so here we are to understand it most fully properly and directly In which he hath made known himself to us and in and with which he is spiritually present even unto the end of the World So as he that receiveth holdeth fast and abideth therein receiveth holdeth fast and abideth in him 1 Joh. 2. 24. 2 Joh. 9. And in his Gospel is given to us the â—ame and good report of him That he came into the World not to destroy Mens souls or condemn the World but that the World thorow him might be saved Luke 9. 56. Joh. 3. 16 17 18. This Gospel is called his name compare Mat. 19. 29. with Mark 10. 29. So it is said of Paul he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before the Gentiles and Kings and the Children of Israel for I will shew unto him how great things he must suffer for my namesake that is for his Gospel Acts 9. 15 16. with 2 Tim. 1. 10 12. 1 Peter 4. 14. Now this was that which they still held fast thou holdest fast my name though they were in such a bad place and so greatly tried by Satan Joâ— 2. 9. they held it fast 1. In a believing mindfulness of it 1 Cor. 15. 2. And so in the midst of their hearts in faith and love 2 Tim. 1. 13 14 to which we are exhorted Prov. 3. 1. and ch 7. 1 3. 2. And in confession they were not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ but did with their mouths make confession of it like that exhorted to Let us hold fast the profession of the faith without wavering Heb. 10. 23. and ch 4. 14. And hold forth the word of life Phil. 2. 14 16. So here Holding fast is opposed to denying see the notes on v. 25. And hast not denied my faith namely they had not done it in times of Temptation And when one amongst them was slain for it That which they had not denied was My faith Christs faith The faith here doth signify the word oâ— faith and not the act of believing It is not proper to say they had not denied Christ's believing but his word of â—aith as Rom. 10. 8. the words of faith 1 Tim. 4. 6. the faith or Doctrine of the Gospel Phil. 1. 27. that which Paul preached Gal. 1. 23. And a great company of the priests were obedient to Acts 6. 7. and which the Sorcerers sought to turn away the deputy from Acts 13. 7 8 12. that which was once delivered to the Saints Jude 3. And that by Faith here is meant the word of Christ or his Gospel doth appear by comparing this place with ch 3. v. 8. Now the Gospel of Christ is called â—aith especially as it is now revealed 1. To distinguish it from and oppose it to the law as a law of works so oft-times it is Rom. 3. 22 25 27. and 4. 11. and 9. 30. Gal. 3.
Father and is over all God blessed for ever Rom. 9. 5. The true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. 2. And he is the Son of God as he partook of our nature and is the Man Christ Jesus 1 Joh. 4. 14 15. And he is so called and is 1. As to his incarnation or being made flesh Joh. 1. 14. as the Angel saith to the Virgin The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the Power of the highest shall over shadow thee Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Luke 1. 31 32 33 35. That which was conceived in her was of the Holy Ghost and so of God Mat. 1. 18 20. God prepared him a Body Heb. 10. 5. The Lord herein created a new thing in the Earth a Woman hath compassed a Man Jer. 31. 22. 2. He is the Son of God his obedient Son one that obeyed and so honoured his Father and learned Obedience by the things which he suffered Heb. 5. 9. A Son honoureth his Father Mal. 1. 6. And Christ did always those things which pleased his Father Joh. 8. 28 29. And he became obedient to him unto Death the Death of the Cross Phil. 2. 6 8. Heb. 10. 5 8. 3. The Son of God one in whom he is infinitely delighted He received Honour and Glory when there came such a Voice unto him from the excellent glory both at his Baptism and at his Transfiguration saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased Mark 1. 11. and 9. 7. and ch 12. 6. 2 Pet. 1. 17. The Father loveth the Son and so loveth him that he hath given all things into his Hand Joh. 3. 35. and ch 10. 17. Mat. 11. 27. 4. He is the Son of God his first-born and so his Heir Ps 89. 26 27. He is his Son whom he hath appointed heir of all things the Inheritour of his holy Mountain Heb. 1. 2 3. Isay 65. 9. One who shall inherit all Nations Ps 82. 8. Yea all things that the Father hath are his Joh. 16. 14 15. 5. The Son of God one that is infinitely like unto him and that doth most perfectly resemble him the Son of the Father in truth and love 2 Joh. 3. His holy Child Acts 4. 27. The Image of the Invisible God 2 Cor. 4. 4. Col. 1. 13 14. The brightness of his Glory and the express Character of his person Heb. 1. 2 3. So as he that seeth him seeth the Father also He hath come a light into the World that whosoever believeth in him should not abide in Darkness in Ignorance of God Joh. 8. 12. and ch 12. 45 46. and ch 14. 6 7 9. For God hath shined forth the light of the knowledge of his Glory in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. And he is the Son of God compleatly and gloriously in the Nature of Man in his being raised from the dead He was in the Resurrection from the Dead determined to be the Son of God with Power Rom. 1. 4. The promise which God made unto the Fathers he hath fulfilled in that he hath raised up Jesus again As it is written thou art my Son this Day have I begotten thee Acts 13. 32 33. He is in this sense said to be the first born from the dead that in all things he might have the preeminence Rev. 1. 5. Col. 1. 18. And this consideration that Jesus is the Son of God may be of use to us 1. To shew unto us the great and wonderful love of God to mankind God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son 3. 16. In this was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him the Father sent the Son the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4. 8 10 14. Rom. 8. 32. 2. Seeing Christ is the Son of God it may provoke us to hear him Mat. 17. 15. And to give the more earnest heed unto the things which we have heard because God in these last days hath spoken unto us by his his Son Heb. 1. 1 2. with ch 2. 1 2 3 3. We may see and perceive that this Son of God is more excellent than all others that are so called he is God's first born unto whom God hath given the preeminence in all things for it pleased the Father that in him all fulness should dwell Col. 1. 18 19. God hath anointed him with the Oyl of gladness above his Fellows Psal 89. 20 27. Heb. 1. Col. 2. 9 10. 4. Seeing he is the Son of God and so eminently the root of Sonship it shews unto us how we may become Sons To as many as received him to them he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his name Joh. 1. 12 13. He that believeth on the Son is not condemned but hath everlasting life Joh. 3. 16 18 35 36. and ch 6. 40. 1 Joh. 5. 10 12. 5. The consideration hereof may encourage such as have the saith of our Loâ—d Jesus Christ to hold it fast and to hâ—ld fast the profession thereof Seeing we have a great High priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast the Profession Heb. 4. 13 14. Who is he that overcometh the World but he that believeth that Jesus is the son of God 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. 6. It sheweth unto us the sad and deplorable condition of such as rebel against and persist in their disobedience to him Seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh and put him to an open shame Heb. 6. 6. and chap. 10. 28 29. Oh Be we then wise all of us and kiss the Son lest he be angry and we perish from the way Ps 2. 10 12. Mat. 21. 37 41 43. Who hath his Eyes like unto a flame of Fire and his Feet are like fine Brass See the Notes before on ch 1. v. 14. and 15. Only here we may again note in general from this description of the Son of God in which he appears dreadful as considering the evils found with this Angel and Church namely their suffering Idolatrous and Antichristian Teachers among them That he is greatly displeased with and incensed against such as are false teachers and them who suffer such corrupt teachers amongst them also So also he appears terribly to the Angel and Church in Pergamos who were guilty of the like evil as these were See the Notes before on v. 12 15. And though there were great evils in other of these Churches as in Ephesus Sardis and Laodicea Yet he only appears terrible in the description of himself to these two Churches who had evil and corrupt teachers amongst them 2 Joh. 9. 11. Verse 19. I know thy Works and Charity and Service and Faith and thy Patience and thy Works and the last more than the first Or as some read it
necessary conâ—equence deny that Christ is raised again or that say the resurrection is made or past already 1 Cor. 15. 12 34. 2 Tim. 2. 17 19. with 1 Tim. 1. 19. 20. Now these Children are such whom the Son of God threatens and of whom he saith I will kill them with death he here by death he means not nor intends the first death only or directly for it is appointed unto Men unto all both good and bad once to dye to dye that death Heb. 9. 27. what man is he that liveth and shall not see death shall he deliver his Soul from the grave Ps 89. 47 48. But he will kill them with the second death destroy them with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power he will not only kill them with grief here Jam. 2. 6 9. and ch 4. 2. But he will cut them off and destroy them for ever if they continued such manner of persons and did not repent them of and turn from such evil doctrines and deeds Now here we may note in that our Lord Jesus thus threatneth and I will kill her Children with death 1. That Christ hath power to cast both Body and Soul into and destroy them in hell Mat. 10. 28. Luke 12. 5. he will in the last day say to them on his left hand depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his Angels and these shall go away into everlasting punishment Mat. 25. 41 46. and this might therefore ingage us to fear before him Luke 12. 4 5. and to hold fast grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and Godly fear for our God is a consuming fire Heb. 12. 28 29. Exod. 23. 21. 2. In that he saith I will kill her Children so we may note that false and Idolatrous teachers and seducers are not barren But too oft they bring forth and have many too many Children many follow the pernicious ways of these false teachers who privily bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them whereby the way of truth is evil spoken of 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. many saith Christ shall come in my name and shall or will deceive many and many false Prophets shall rise and will deceive many Mat. 24. 4 5 11. 24 25. many by means of false Prophets go in at the wide gate and walk in the broad way that leadeth to destruction Mat. 7. 13 15. and especially in these last times many are corrupted by seducers and deceivers as it is said now the Spirit speaketh expresly that in the latter days some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing Spirits and doctrines of Devils 1 Tim. 4. 1. and by mystery Babilon particularly many are deceived for all nations have drunk of the wiâ—e of her fornication and the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her Rev. 17. 2 5. and ch 18. 3 23. 3. The Children false teachers and seducers bring forth and which continue such shall be destroyed by Christ as it is said They have dealt trecherously against the Lord for they have begotten strange Children now shall a month devour them with their portions Hos 5. 7. with Zech. 11. 8. these Children they bring forth to the murderer Hos 9. 13 16. The Lord will not have mercy upon them for they be the Children of whoredoms Hos 2. 2 5. The heresies of false teachers are Heresies of destruction damnable Heresies and they who receive and follow them bring upon themselves also destruction in conclusion 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. 2. We have declared to us the effect of his threats against and judgments executed upon that Woman Jezabel her Paramours and Children And all the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and heart In which we may note for our instruction and usefulness 1. That the Son of God searcheth the reins and hearts 2. That all the Churches shall know he doth so by the judgments which he will execute upon seducers and idolatrous ones so persisting 1. That Christ who is the Son of God searcheth the reins and hearts The reins to wit the affections lusts and desires and hearts that is to say the cogitations understandings judgments c. These two words the reins and hearts comprehend the whole inward Man the whole Soul or Spirit He searcheth the reins and hearts namely he diligently enquireth thereinto he makes a diligent search or secret search Jer. 2. 34. he searcheth them as with candles Zeph. 1. 12. and by searching he seeth the inward thoughts wills and affections so whereas it is â—aid in one place thou seest the reins and the hearts in another it is said thou seest the reins and the heart compare Jer. 11. 20. with 20. 12. or he knoweth the heart and reins Jer. 17. 9. with v. 10. The Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts 1 Chron. 29. 9. he knoweth the secrets of the heart all the secret thoughts lusts turnings and windings thereof all things are naked to him as is imported to us in that description he gives of himself v. 18. who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire see the notes before on ch 1. 14. there is not a thought in our heart not a lust itching desire in our reins but he perfectly searcheth it out and knoweth it altogether Ps 139. 1 4 13. so it is said of Jesus that he perceived the thoughts of Men Luke 5. 22. that he knew their thoughts Luke 6. 8. that he perceived the thoughts of their hearts Luke 9. 47. and ch 11. 17. Mat. 9. 4. he knew all Men and needed not that any should testify of man for he knew what was in man Joh. 2. 24 25. he knoweth the hearts of all men Acts 1. 24. with v. 6. yea also the thoughts of the wise 1 Cor. 3. 19. yea he knoweth all things There is no creature 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 Joh. 21. 17. with Heb. 4. 11 13. Yea Hell and destruction are before the Lord how much more then the hearts of the Children of men Prov. 15. 11. with Job 26. 6. And this may be useful to us 1. To shew unto us that Christ is Jehovah see the notes on ch 1. v. 8. he is the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20. see the notes on ch 5. v. 8. For this is Gods peculiar to know and declare unto Man what is his thought Amos 4. 13. with Mat. 9. 4 5. This is peculiar to the most high God to know the hearts of Men as Solâ—mon saith Thou thou only knowest the Hearts of all the Children of Men which Christ the Son of God also doth as is said Compare 1 Kings 8 39. and 2 Chron. 6. 30 with Joh 21. 17. and Acts 1. 24. Now either Christ is Jehovah one in
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 and they that hear it in hearing shall live they shall never see death
4 5. If Men only had blamed thee and Charged thy works with imperfection it had been no great thing and thou needest not much have laid it to thy heart for they are liable to mistake and erre But I who have the seven Spirits of God have searched into thy works and have not found them perfect before God therefore remember c. It is high time for us to remember and consider our ways when he in his word reproves us for we cannot disanull his judgment Job 40. 8. he cannot be deceived Now in this direction and instruction there are three Branches 1. Remember how thou hast received and heard 2. And hold fast 3. And repent 1. Remember therefore how thou hast received and â—eard Quest But why saith he how thou hast received and â—eard and not rather how thou hast heard and received seeing many times hearing is put before receiving in the order of words as Prov. 4. 10. and ch 19. 20. Mark 4. 16 20. Ans 1. This order is not always observed sometimes received is put before heard and that when Back-sliders are not spoken unto As the Apostle saith to the Philippians those things which ye have received and heard do Phil. 4. 9. And the Lord saith to Ezekiel Receive in thine heart and hear with thine ears c. Ezek. 3. 10. And therefore when there is a different order in the expressions frequently the order of words proves nothing though it doth when it 's usually observed Rom. 10. 9 10. Rev. 10. 9 10. Joh. 6. 27. 2. These two expressions may be duly placed in order as we may understand them And so by Received may mean received with thine ears and heard to wit in hearing which includes also believing and receiving in believing so receiving is with the ear As let your â—ar receive the word of his mouth Jer. 9. 20. so Eliphaz saith now a thing was secretly or by stealth brought to me and mine â—ar received a little thereof which is the same with that afterwards I heard a voice Job 4. 12 16. and sometimes as is said hearing includes and contains believing or receiving by faith As hear and your Souls shall live Isay 55. 3. they that hear shall live Joh. 5. 25. and many times when it is mentioned alone or after some other act of ours as here it doth so signify and however we shall so look upon it here Remember how thou hast received to wit with thine ears And heard namely in hearing Now then in this direction and instruction let us consider 1. The matter or thing to be remembred how thou hast received and heard 2. the Act which is required of them Remember 1. The matter or thing to be remembred how thou hast received and heard Now by this word how we may understand 1. What or the thing which they had received and heard so the word how is sometimes to be taken and understood so that which is in one Evangelist take heed how ye hear is thus expressed in an other take heed what ye hear compare Luke 8. 18. with Mark 4. 24. so when our Saviour saith to the Lawyer what is written in the law how readest thou he means how as included therein what readest thou Luke 10. 26. so remember how that is what he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee saying the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful Men c. Luke 24. 6. compare also Mat. 22. 31. with Mark 12. 26. and so it is as if Christ should say remember what thou hast received and heard And that which they had received with the â—ar and heard and so received in believing was Jesus Christ by his Spirit he and the things of him are to be heard by us and the first things also he received honour and Glory from his Father when he said this is my beloved Son hear him Mat. 17. 5. with 2 Pet. 1. 17. and the things to be heard from the beginning are that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried And that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and that he was seen of Cephas c. 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. with 1 Joh. 2. 24. and he and the things of him are to be received by Faith in believing As the Apostle signifies saying As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord walk ye in him Col. 2. 6. And with him God gives all things freely the believer receives them by Faith Rom. 8. 32. Even all things that pertain to life and godliness 2 Pet. 1. 3. Christ himself is that which is received by the faith of the operation of God Joâ— 1. 12. And he that hath received and hath him hath life 1 Joh. 5. 12. hath the forgiveness of his sins 1 Joh. 2. 12. Joh. 5. 24. And so he is delivered in his mind and conscience from under the guilt and accusation of sin by the law and from the â—ears of God's wrath because of his natural and necessary sinfulness and pollution The law of the Spirit of life in Christ makes him free from the law of sin and death By shewing unto him That what the law could not do in that it was weak thorow the flesh God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Rom. 8. 2 3. so as there remains no more conscience of sin to him on that account Heb. 10. 2 5 22. 2 Pet. 1. 9. yea and also he with Christ receives in believing the remission of his own personal sins and is justified from all things from which Men could not be justified by the law of Moses Acts 10. 43. and ch 13. 38 39. And so hath peace with God his Soul is delivered from death and his eyes from tears Rom. 4. 25. and 5. 1. Ps 116. 7 8 16. and with Christ he receives righteousness Prov. 8. 18. yea Christ is made of God to him righteousness Jer. 23. 6. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Rom. 3. 22. and his conscience is by the blood of Christ purged from dead works from the life-less and unprofitable works of his own righteousness Heb. 9 14. with Isay 57. 12. he is dead to the law by the body of Christ crucified with Christ thereto Rom. 7. 3 5. Gal. 2. 19 21. in receiving Christ he partakes of the â—avour of God Prov. 8. 35. and 1â— 14 16. Is a Son of God by Faith in Christ Jesus and what manner of love is this Joh. 1. 12. 1 Joh. 3. 1 2. Is quickneâ— to a liveâ—y hope by the resurection of Christ from the dead an hope that will not make ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost that while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly 1 Pet. 1. 3 5. Rom. 5. 2 5 10. and unto new and living affections and services Rom. 8. 3 4. 1 Joh. 4. 14 19. and v. 7
with ch 13. 1. And such as denied the holy one and the just and desired a murderer to be granted to them and killed the Prince of life yet having repented their sins shall be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3. 14 15 19. 2. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of life This is also assured to him that overcometh whoever he be or whatever he hath been whether to him that is turned aside and is recovered and healed or unto him that hath abidden faithful and hath not wickedly departed from the Lord. Now in this branch of blessedness is signified to us 1. There is a Book of life in which Men's names are written 2. That it is possible some mens names may be blotted out of this Book 3. His name that overcometh shall not be blotted out of this Book of life 1. That there is a book of life in which the names of Men are writen and so we say and shew that there is a book of life 1. More general which is called the book of the living Ps 69. 28. and in this book all Mens names are written while they are joyned to all the living as ungodly ones sinners and enemies even in the testimony of God concerning Christ as the subjects of the kindness and pity of God and of Christ's redemption For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son for God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World thorow him might be saved Joâ— 3. 16 17. while we were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly God commâ—ndeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us he died for all even for all of mankind that were dead and gave his flesh for the life of the world and hath obtained for all Men a justification of life from the first condemnation So as all Men in their several ages have a comfortable injoyment of their lives and of Gods mercies vouchsafed to them and that to a gracious end that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but to him that died for them and rose again Rom. 5. 6 8 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Rom. 5 18. and while they are joyned to all the living there is hope Eccles 9. 4. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. he once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. and in him God hath given to us Mankind eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. But this book is not here directly spoken of for here such a Book of life is spoken of in which the names of overcomers and after they have overcome are written 2. There is also a special Book of life spoken of and mentioned in the Scripture And this I conceive is twofold That is to say 1. One in which some Mens names are written who shall not be raised in the first resurrection nor reign with Christ on earth and yet shall have eternal life when they are raised in the general and second resurrection Of this Book of life mention is made in Rev. 20. In which chapter is first declared to us that those that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipt the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand yeers But the rest of the dead lived not again untill the thousand yeers were finished This is the first resurrection v. 4 5 6. and then after the thousand yeers were expired he saw the dead small and great stand before God and the Books were opened c. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire v. 11. 15. In which Scripture it plainly appears that there is a Book of life in which the names of some are written who are not raised in the first resurrection nor shall reingn with Christ and the Children of the first resurrection nor yet be cast into the lake of fire but shall at the last day have eternal life And in this book may be written the names of such little ones as died in their incapacity and before they came to the use of understanding and who were not circumcised or baptized when time was afforded and liberty given but their parents or those under whose care or charge they were neglected or stubbornly refused And so speaking of this general resurrection and after mentioning the book of life he saith I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the small are first spoken of And the Lord said to Abraham in former times the uncircumcised manchild whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised that Soul shall be cut off from his people Gen. 17. 12 14. and so shall not partake of that inheritance of the land of Canaan promised to Abraham and his seed but not yet performed Because he is cut off from that people For the neglect hereof the Lord met and sought to kill Moses Exod. 4. 24 26. howbeit the eternal judgment and last resurrection they shall not miss of eternal life Ezek. 18. 2 3. Jer. 31. 29 30. And in this Book of life may be written the names of such fearers of God amongst the gentiles as have not been brought into the family of Abraham or Church of Christ and who have not had while in mortal bodies any distinct knowledge of the mediatour Act. 10. 34. Ps 115. 9 11. who though they are not the subjects of that covenant made with Abraham for himself and his seed which covenant was confirmed of God in Christ Gen. 17. 7 8 with Rom. 4. 9 13. yet are accepted of God and shall partake of eternal life Acts 10. 34. Rom. 2. 26 27. and all their names also may be written herein who are converted to Christ after his descension from Heaven during his reign with the Children of the first resurrection upon the earth Isay 65. 20. 22. But we shall adde no more to this particular in this place 2. There is another Book a more special book called the book of life and the Lamb's book of life Rev. 13. 8. and ch 21. 27. In which are written the names of such as believed in Christ as witnessed by the Prophets in former times and of such as believe in him as he is now revealed to us by the Apostles of the lamb which is called the book of the righteous Ps 69. 28. and the writing of the house of Israel Ezek. 13. 9. whose names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 20. Heb. 12. 23. and all such Children as have been brought into the congregation of the Lord and died before they came to yeers of discretion
to chuse the good and refuse the evil for of such is the Kingdome of Heaven as our Saviour saith Mat. 19. 13 14. Mark 10. 13 14. Luke 18. 15 16. Mat. 2. 16 18. with Jer. 31. 15 16 17. Gen. 17. 7 8 12 14. 2. We come next to consider and shew that it is possible that some Mens names may be blotted out of the Book of life And so indeed 1. Men's names may be blotted out of the general Book of life and are so if they continue in their ignorance of God or disobedience to his Gospel till the day of God's patience beat an end towards them So the Lord saith Whosoever hath sinned against me him will I blot out of my book Exod. 32. 33. And the Psalmist imprecates thus Let them be blotted out of the Book of the living and not be written with the righteous Ps 69. 28. For though he who descended into the lower parts of the earth who by the grace of God tasted death for every man be now ascended up on high and hath led captivity captive and received gifts for Men yea for the rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them yet he will wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalp of such an one as goes on still in his trespasses Ps 68. 18 21. his Spirit will not always strive with Men nor will he still hold open the door but will rise up and shut it and then there will be no more opening Gen. 6. 3. Luke 13. 25 26. This may therefore admonish us all to strive to enter in at the strait gate to seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon him while he is â—igh Luke 13. 24. Isay 55. 6 7. 2 Cor. 6. 1 2. Heb. 3. 7 8. 2 Pet. 3. 15. Eccles 9. 10. 2. Yea mens names may be blotted out of the special Book of life and out of the Holy City and our Saviour saith If any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophesie God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life and out of the Holy City and from the things which are written in this Book Rev. 22. 19. If a Man abide not in Christ he is cast forth as a Branch and is withered and Men gather them and cast them into the Fire and they are burned Joh. 15. 6. And it 's in this place supposed that if those who had defiled their Garments or if those who had not defiled them did not overcome to the end their names should be blotted out for this is the peculiar blessedness of him that overcometh that his name shall not be blotted out to which after O let none of us then speak peace to our selves in any evil way though our names are written in the Book of life for they that forsake the Fountain of living waters shall be written in the Earth though formerly they were written in Heaven Jer. 17. 13. Deut. 29. 18 20 Ezek. 13. 9 10. 3. But this is the blessedness of him that overcometh whether of him that hath not let slip how he received and heard and so hath not defiled his Garments And of him that hath done so and yet is seasonably recovered their names shall never be blotted out of the Book of life but all happiness is assured to them as may be seen in ch 2. 7 11 17 26. and ch 3. 12 2â— and ch 21. 7. So far will he be from blotting out their names out of the Book of Life that he will hereafter gloriously write upon them the name of his God and the name of the City of his God new Jerusalem which cometh down out of Heaven from his God and his new name See notes after on Verse 12. How might the consideration hereof cause them to rejoyce because their names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 21. And still provoke them to fight the good fight of Faith to resist unto blood striving against sin Satan and the World and to that end to have and hold fast the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ for whatsoever is born of God overcometh the World and this is the victory that overcometh the World even our Faith who is he that overcometh the World but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God 1 Tim. 6. 12. Heb. 12. 4. 1 Joh. 5. 4 5. Eph. 6. 10 12 18. considering also what follows viz. 3. But I will confess his name before my Father and before his Angels Now herein is signified to us 1. That he that doth not overcome to the end Christ will not confess his name but he will deny him hereafter that in this day either thorow fear or flattery turned aside from the Faith or profession thereof As our Saviour saith whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father with his holy Angels Mark 8. 38. Luke 9. 22 26. whosoever shall deny him before Men him also will Christ deny before his Father which is in Heaven Mat. 10. 33. And before the Angels of God Luke 12. 9. he will deny them saying I know you not or I know not this or these Men or Man As Peter was said to deny his Master in saying I know him not compare Luke 22. 57. with ch 13. 24 28. this is a Faithful saying for if we be dead with him we shall also live with him But if we deny him he also will deny us 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. And Oh how sâ—d a thing will that be to be denied and disowned of the Lord of Glory in that day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God! Oh that it may be seriously and seasonably considered by us 2. But he will confess his name that overcometh whoever he be or whatever he hath been before his Father and before his Angels that is he will own them for his then manifestly he will publickly own them in that day Indeed now all his delight is in the Saints that are in the earth c. And he doth take up their names into his lips Ps 16. 3 4 he bears their names upon his heart and upon his arme and theâ—ein answers unto the highpriest's bearing the names of the Children of Israel in former times Exod. 28. But this is matter of faith to us But hereafter he will publickly and visibly own them and say they are mine and thus he will do before his Father and before his Angels Whosoever saith our Saviour shall confess me before Men him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven Mat. 10. 32. And before the Angels of God Luke 12. 8. Hâ— will then say to every such an one Well done good and Faithful servant c. Mat. 25. 21. c. He will set them on his right hand Matth. 25. 31 33 34. And therefore how might the consideration hereof
of the Kingdom and therewith to go out thorow this door to others that are without Joh. 10. 9. to go forth into the field of the World Cant. 7. 9. such a door as the Apostle speaks of when he saith A great door and effectual is opened unto me c. 1 Cor. 16. 9. And again when I came to Troas to preach Christ's Gospel and a door was opened to me of the Lord I had no rest in my Spirit c. 2 Cor. 2. 12. And he exhorts the believers to pray for him and his fellow-labourers that God would open to them a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ for which saith he I am in bonds Col. 4. 2 3. Eph. 6 18 20. such an open door he had set before this Angel and Church that the word of the Lord might run and be glorified and he did deliver them from those unreasonable and wicked Men that were amongst them the Synagogue of Satan v. 9. And from all others 2 Thes 3. 1 3. And no Man could shut it while he kept it open As he saith to Paul Be not afraid but speak and hold not thy peace for I am with thee and no Man shall set on thee to hurt thee Acts 18. 9 10. Luke 13. 22. Now here we may learn 1. That Christ sets an open door for declaring the Gospel and winning Souls not only before his Angels but before his Churches also and so before every believer according to his capacity hence the Apostle exhorts the Saints of Christ at Philippâ— with the Bishops and deacons and not the Bishops and deacons only to shine as lights in the World holding forth the word of life That saith he I may rejoyce in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain neither laboured in vain Phil. 1. 1. with ch 2. 13 16. with Luke 14. 7. they are all an holy nation a peculiar people that they should shew forth the praises of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvelous light 1 Pet. 2. 9. and as every Man hâ—th received the gift so he is exhorted to minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. and the believing Thessalonians are commended for this Because from them sounded out the word of the Lord c. 1 Thes 1. 7 8. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one of them to profit withal Mat. 5. 14 16. 1 Cor. 12. 7. 1 Tim. 4. 12. 1 Pet. 2. 5. 2. Behold he sets an open door before his people whoever be instrumental therein The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord as the rivers of water he turneth it whither soever he will Prov. 21. 1. hence Ezra saith Blessed be the Lord God of our Fathers which hath put such a thing as this is into the Kings heart c. Ezra 7. 27. 28. and ch 9. 8 9. the Father hath committed all judgment and government unto him Joh. 5. 22 23. Mat. 28. 18. and he is pleased at some times to set an open door before his people and to give rest to his Churches that they might be edified and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost might be multiplied Acts 9. 31. he is when he seeth it good for them helping them with a little help Dan. 11. 34. Behold he it is that setteth an open door before his Angels and Churches 1. That we may especially and principally give thanks unto him for any liberty of that nature we are made partakers of he causes his people to be pittied and gives them favour in the sight of Men And when their ways please him he makes their enemies to be at peace with them Ps 106. 45 47. Prov. 16. 7. and hath assured us that the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the Lot of the righteous lest the righteous put forth his hand to iniquity Ps 125. 3. 2. Behold it is he that opens and keeps open the door that we may have to do with him and may be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to him Phil. 4. â— To pray for all Men for Kings and all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty 1 Tim. 2. 1 2 3. To cause him to hear our voice and let him see our countenance Cant. 2. 13 14 15. 3. Behold he set before them an open door that we may learn out of whose hands we should take it when doors are shut to wit out of his for he opens and no man can shut while he sits and keeps open the door who is he that saith and it cometh to pass when the Lord commands it not out of the mouth of the most high proceeds not evil and good Lam. 3. 37 39. so much he gives us to understand saying I form the light and create darkness I make peace and create evill I the Lord do all these things Isay 45. 7. It 's he that takes away his peace from his people when it is removed even loving-kindness and mercies Jer. 16. 5. Adivine sentence is in the lips of the King his mouth transgresses not in judgment Prov. 16. 9 10. 4. The consideration hereof may engage us to fear and reverence him and not Man Idolatrously when he pleases he will say and his word shall stand Cast ye up cast ye up prepare the way take up the stumbling-blockout of the way of my people Isay 57. 14. and when he doth so though their enemies associate themselves together though they gird themselves though they take counsel together though they speak the word against them it shall not stand Isay 8. 9 14. when he gives quietness who then can make trouble and when he hideth his face who then can behold him Job 34. 29. Oh then let us beware and not provoke him Exod. 23. 20 21. 3. We have now to consider the reason of the former viz. For thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word and hast not denied my name For thou hast a little strength he saith not their strength was little or he who was their strength for surely the Lord was their strength Ps 46. 1. and 84. 5. Isay 26. 3 4. he is a strength to the poor a strength to the needy in his distress Isay 25. 4. But they had a little strength that is they were not so strong in faith as some others Rom. 4. 20. and 14. 1. and ch 15. 1. of little faith as our Saviour saith to his disciples Mat. 6. 30. weak to do and suffer for Christ's sake ready to faint in a day of adversity Prov. 24. 10. But little Children and babes in Christ in comparison of some other 1 Joh. 2. 13 15. 1 Cor. 3. 1. They had but little knowledge little Faith little confidence little experience and yet
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
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
iniquity they might otherwise be guilty of 1 Pet. 1. 6 8. Isay 27. 8 9. 2 Cor. 11. 7 8. 1 Joh. 8. 10. The Psalmist prays God not to rebuke him in his wrath nor chasten him in his hot displeasure therein signifying that if God had been extream to have marked iniquities he might justly have so done For saith he mine iniquities are gone over mine head and I am ready to halt and my sorrow is continually before me For I will declare mine iniquity I will be sorry for my sin Ps 38. 1 4 17 18. 2. We may herein see the impartiality of the Lord in his rebukes and chastisments As many as he loves he doth rebuke and chasten he is one who without respect of persons judgeth according to every Man's work 1 Pet. 1. 17. what Son is he whom the Father chastneth not Heb. 12. 7. he doth not only rebuke and chasten those that are weak and infirme ones and such as he cannot so much delight in as in some others but the most strong and â—minent ones also and such as he hath greatly preferred in some respects before the residue of their Brethren though God gives this account of Job that he was perfect and upright and one that feared God and eschewed evil yea that there was none like him in the earth a perfect and an upright Man Job 1. 1 8. yet saith Job If I sin then thou markest me and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity Job 10. 14. Moses and Aaron among his priests and Samuel among them that call upon his name They called upon the Lord and he answered them thou wast a God that forgavest them though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions Ps 99. 6 7 8. Numb 12. Ezek. 33. 13. 3. Herein we may see the vertuousness of the personal abasement and sufferings of Christ Both in that he is now the chastener he hath thorow death destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil and he hath the keys of hell and death see the notes on ch 2. v. 22. and that now afflictions and chastisments are fruits of his love and ordered by him unto such as he loves yea unto as many as he loves death is now abolished and made the path of life Eph. 4. 8 10. Acts 14. 22. 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Heb. 12. 9 11. 4. Seeing as many as he loves he rebukes and chastens It may teach us neither to despise his chastenings nor faint when we are rebuked of him Behold happy is the Man whom God correcteth therefore dâ—spise not the chastening of the almighty Job 5. 17 19. My Son saith the Holy Gost despise not the chastening of the Lord nor faint when thou art rebuked of him or be not a-weary of his correction For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and sâ—ourgeth every Son whom he receiveth Heb. 12. 5 7. with Prov. 3. 11 12. Thou shalt consider in thine heart saith Moses that as a Man chasteneth his Son the Lord thy God chasteneth thee Therefore thou shalt keep his commandments Deut. 8. 5 6. 2 Sam. 7. 14 15. yea having access by faith into his grace we should be helped to acknowledge his godness and faithfulness Ps 119. 67. 68 75. yea to give thanks unto him because of his righteous judgment Ps 119. 62 and to rejoyce in tribulation Rom. â— 3 4. Jam. 1. 2 5. Prov. 13. 24. with ch 23. 13 14. 5. It may admonish us not to judge one another as if they were hated of God and accursed whom he rebukes and chastens Indeed Men are apt to think so in their vain thoughts But the Lord knoweth the thoughts of Man that they are vanity Blessed is the Man whom thou chasteneth O Lord and teachest him out of thy law Ps 94. 11 12. This was the fault found with Job's friends they judged him to be an hypocrite because the rod of God was upon him Job 8. 6 13. and 11. 14 20. and ch 22. 5 10. Oh let us not judge them to be the greatest sinners who are most frequently or heavily afflicted Luke 13. 1 5. or that there are no evils with us because we are not so corrected or tried as others are for are there not sins with us even with us also against the Lord 2 Chron. 28. 9 10. Oh be we not many masters for in many things we offend all Jam. 3. 1 2. Gal. 6. 1 2. 6. Let us not look upon them that are in a prosperous state here or who are not in trouble as other Men to be never a whit the more loved of God nor desire to be in their condition For the Tabernacles of robbers prosper and they that provoke God are even secure Job 12. 6. and ch 21. 6 9. The Lord trieth the righteous but the wicked and him that loveth violence his Soul hateth And therefore he doth not so try them as he doth the other Ps 11. 5. Indeed it hath been a great trial and temptation to some holy ones in former times that themselves have been oft chastened and plagued while their Enemies the wicked prospered and were secure Their strength was firm they were not in trouble as other men neither were they plagued like other men at this Gods people have been astonished and stounded and the Feet of some of them have been almost gone their steps have well-nigh slipt Ps 73. 2 6 13. Job 21. 5 14. Jer. 12. 1 3. Hab. 1. 13. But alas the consideration of this that as many as he loves he rebukes and chastens would preserve us from envying their prosperity and keep us from desiring to be with them and help us to see their case is very sad and deplorable whom he forbears to chasten Hos 4. 14. It was in severe displeasure God thus speaks to his people Why should ye be smitten any more ye will revolt more and more Isay 1. 5. 2. We have nextly an wholesome exhortation given to them relating to the former Be zealous therefore c. Therefore because as many as he loves he doth rebuke and chasten This he acquaints them with as that which was proper and powerful to provoke them unto what he exhorts them When persons conclude there is no hope and that God hath no love to them nor will be favourable any more this takes them off from exercising themselves to what is good and makes them resolve to follow strangers and to walk after their own devices and do the imagination of their evil heart Jer. 2. 25. and ch 18. 11 12. But therefore he assures them of his love even in his rebukes and chastisements and that he hath no pleasure in their destruction that they might consider their ways and turn their feet unto his Testimonies and then he will take away all iniquity and receive them graciously Ezek. 33. 10 11. Joel 2. 12 13. Heb. 12. 11 14. Hos 4. 1 4. and ch 6. 1 2. Be zealous This is the first Branch of the exhortation which he gives to
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.
is here assured to every one that overcometh I will grant to sit with me in my throne In which is signified 1. Christ hath a throne distinct from his Father's which he will sit upon and hath prepared Ps 9. 5 7. unto the Son he saith Thy throne O God is for ever and ever Ps 45. 6. with Heb. 1. 8 9. the which he hath obtained by his blood Ps 89. 20 29 36. and this throne is distinct from the Father 's on which he now sits none ever sat on the Father's throne nor shall do but Christ not the Angels Rev. 7. 11. nor any Saint see the notes on ch 4. v. 2. But on Christ's throne every one that overcometh shall sit as is here assured The Fathers throne is in Heaven Ps 11. 4. as before is said But the Son shall be on earth at new Jerusalem which shall come down out of Heaven see the notes on v. 12. So it is said they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord Jer. 3. 17. with Isay 24. 23. The former is the throne of his eternal Father the latter the throne of his Father David according to what God promised and sware to David Ps 132. 11. Isay 9. 7. and ch 16. 5. Luke 1. 32. Acts 2. 30 32. Zech. 14. 9. and when he sits upon it he shall govern the people upon earth Ps 9. 7 8. and 67. and 72. and in the latter end of this Davidical reign all shall be brought before him and judged by him Mat. 25. 31. Rev. 20. 11 14. and he shall deliver up the Kingdom to God even the Father and then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him that God may be all in all 1 Cor. 15. 24 25 26 27. 2. To him that overcometh will he grant to sit with him in his throne they shall sit on the throne of Glory 1 Sam. 2. 8. that is they shall reign with Christ Rev. 20. 4 6. partake of his glory 2 Thes 2. 14. rule Isay 32. 1. reign on the earth Rev. 5. 8. 10. the Kingdome shall be theirs Dan. 7. 18 27. they shall judge the world 1 Cor. 6. 1 2. 2 Tim. 2. 12. Rev. 22. 5 1 Cor. 4. 8. when Christ who is their life shall appear then shall they also appear with him in glory Oh then mortify we our members that are upon the earth Col. 3. 1 4 5. see the notes before on ch 2. v. 26 Verse 22. He that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches see the notes before on ch 2. v. 7. AN EXPOSITION On the Fourth CHAPTER OF THE REVELATION Chap. 4. Verse 1. After this I looked and behold a door was opened in Heaven and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me which said come up hither and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter THis is the beginning of or introduction into another Vision distinct from that chap. 1. 10 11 c. And having respect to things to come See notes on chap. 1. vers 19. as here appears and in what follows In this verse we have to consider 1. When he had this vision vouchsafed to him After this 2. The posture he was in I looked 3. An admirable thing presented to him And behold a door waâ— opened in heaven 4. An account of a voice speaking with and to him And the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me which said come up hither and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter 1. When he had this vision vouchsafed to him after this or these things namely 1. After that visional representation of the Son of man in chap. 1. 10 13 c. Needful it is first to know him that we may thereby know all other things rightly and for our good as Job 5. 27. Then shall we know even all things if we follow on to know the LORD Hos 6. 3. Prov. 28. 5. Joh. 12. 46. Hence when our Saviour foretells his Disciples that when the Spirit of truth came He would guide them into all truth And shew them things to come He then immediately adds He shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew unto you As a direction to the way and means whereby the Holy Spirit should teach them all things and shew to them things to come Joh. 16. 13 14 15. And the Apostle tells the believing Corinâ—hians that he determined to know nothing else among them save Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Cor. 2. 2. with Chap. 1. 22 23. Joh. 14. 6 7. and chap. 8. 12. 2 Tim. 2. 7 8. 2. After he had received from Christ the Epistles or messages to the several Churches with the instructions commendations admonitions reproofs consolations c. therein contained possibly to signifie to us That these things were to be well considered and digested before he was fit to receive the following Revelations and Visions And so to instruct us that the way for us to be acquainted with those things more difficult is by having embracing and yielding up to the more easie quitting our selves from the things reproved Prov. 1. 23. Dan. 9. 13. fighting against and overcoming all our spiritual enemies in the power of his might and so learning his teachings yielding up to his operations obeying his counsels considering his encouraging promises therein propounded to us Mâ—tt 13. 11. 12. Hos 6. 3. 3. After this or these things may signifie to us that he received things gradually and successively He was finite and could not receive all at once but some at one time and some at another Rev. 7. 1 9. The light did shine in unto him more and more Psal 84. 7. Hos 6. 3. Prov. 4. 18. Jer. 33. 3. And after he was faithful in the first charge given unto him Chap. 1. 10 12 c. He that is faithful in that which is committed to him unto such an one more shall be given Dan. 2. 21 22. Mark 4. 24. 2. The posture he was in when this further Vision was vouchsafed to him I looked viz. with the eyes of his understanding or soul Eph. 1. 18. 2 Cor. 4. 4. He looked he was in a waiting watching posture expecting now to receive some further Revelation somewhat like that Habbak 2. 1 2. Act. 3. 4 5 the eyes of his Soul were exercised in looking yet in a visional and extraordinaâ—y manner to see somewhat further than yet he had seen And it seems though this Beholding was in or after an extraordinary manner yet it was here somewhat previous unto and forewent that of his being in the spirit Vers 2. And not altogether the same as some suppose Dr. H. And this word looked or beheld respects both things seen and heard as here appears and chap. 1. 12. and 5. 11. and chap. 8. 13 c. And so he looked for some Revelation either for the eye or ear or
a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee For this is as the waters of Noah unto me for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go ever the earth so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee for the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall my Covenant be removed saith the Lord. O thou afflicted tossed with tempest and not comforted behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours c. Isa 54. 6 10 17. 2. Consider we in the next place the sight likeness or similitude of this Bow In sight like unto an Emerald See Exod. 28. 18. Ezek. 27. 16. Rev. 21. 19. Which is a stone of an amiable goodly and gloriâ—ious green colour and such an one as the eye of man is delighted with and pleased to look on and yet never satisfied with looking as some say it being so wonderfully delightful As indeed all green things are grateful to the eye but this excelleth all other And so surely this betokeneth and signifieth to us the nature of this Covenant of which the Bow is the token That it is a Covenant of Peace as it is said Neither shall the Covenant of my Peace be removed saith the Lord Isa 54. 10. Ezek. 32. 25. and Chap. 37. 26. Grounded on the peace atonement and reconciliation which Christ the Saviour of the World hath made by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. And in which is contained all peace good blessing and prosperity and assured unto them whose feet are guided into and walking in the way of peace Psal 29. 11. A Covenant of Grace Rom. 4. 16. A Covenant of Mercy as it is said To perform the mercy promised and to remember his holy Covenant the Oath which he sware to our father Abraham c. Luk. 1. 72 74. Mercy is joined with it and annexed to iâ— Deut. 7. 9. Neâ— 9. 32. and Chap. 1. 5. Dan. 9. 4 c. It s original and the first motive for making it was Mercy that was the Alpha the Author of it Mercy is the sum and subject-matter of it and Mercy the Omega and end of it Neh. 9. 31 32. Isa 54. 8 10. It is a most gracious and pleasant Covenant of free forgiveness righteousness grace and blessing to every one that with the heart believeth that God hath raised Christ from the dead To him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted to him for righteousness Even as David describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works Rom. 4. 4 5 6. This Covenant is propounded to men generally in the Gospel Hence when the Lord had been largely speaking of his Covenant in a cloudy day and concluding thus This is the beritage of the servants of the Lord and their rigâ—teousness is of me saith the Lord. He then makes this Proclamation Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money come ye buy without money and without price why do ye spend money for that which is not bread Hearken diligently unto me Encline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live And I will make an everlasting Covenant with you the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness c. Isa 54. 6 17. and Chap. 55. 1 3 4 7 8. And this Covenant is made with and sure to all them that believe To Christ give all the Prophets witness that thorough his Name whosoever believeth in him shall receive the forgiveness of their sins and all things that pertain to life and godliness Act. 10. 43. and Chap. 13. 38 39. and Chap. 20. 32. 2 Pet. 1. 2 4. This is not such a Covenant as the old one was that said The man that doth these things shall live by them Rom. 10. 5. That was a fiery Law a dâ—eadful one to look on And so terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quâ—ke As we know the sight of fire is very terrible formidable and hurtful to the eyes Deut. 33. 2. with Heb. 12. 18 21. But this is wonderfully delectable and amiable to the eye of the enlightened understanding Rom. 10. 6 9 10. It is like an Emerald in sight of a lovely glorious goodly green colour pleasant to behold and contemplate taking attracting and enamouring the eye of the soul of the diligent beholder of it Let this be considered by us 3. Mind we also where he saw this Rain-bow in sight like unto an Emerald and that is round about the Throne There it is and there it shall abide and the Covenant of which it is a token as it is said The Covenant of my peace shall not be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Isa 54. 10. Hence the Psalmist saith I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations For I have said Mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very Heavens Psal 89. 1 2. and 100. 5. and 117. 1 2. His faithfulness is unto all generations Psal 119. 89 90. 89. 28. But what may we learn from the Bow 's being thus placed 1. It is round about the Throne to signifie that the token and memorial of his Covenant is so round about his Throne his Covenant of Mercy his gracious Covenant made with his Son for the good of men and in and thorough him with those who thorough grace believe That in all the administration of his government and execution of judgment he will be righteous and faithful in keeping and performing it It shall come to pass saith God when I make cloudy the cloud over the earth that the Bow shall be seen in the cloud and I will remember my Covenant And the Bow shall be in the cloud and I will look upon it that I may remember the everlasting Covenant c. Gen. 9. 14 16. And this is acknowledged to his praise He â—â—th remembred his Covenant for ever which he commanded to a thousand generations Psal 105. 8. 106. 44 45. He hath given meat to them that fear him He will ever be mindful of his Covenant He hath sent redemption to his people He hath commanded his Covenant for ever Psal 111. 5 9. This Covenant or the memorial of it is round about the Throne as it is said O Lord God of Hosts who is a strong Lord like unto thee or to thy faithfulness round about thee Psal 89. 8. So that whenever he opens his eyes to see or which way soever he looks he still beholds this Bow this is always before his eyes which run to and fro throughout the whole earth so as he will strongly hold with them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. And so he
â—4 30 37 43. and at the feast of Pentecost it is said there were at Jerusalem devout men out of every nation under heaven Acts 2. 5. and yet this was before the Partition-wall was broken down and before the Gospel was so plainly preached according to the Revelation of the mystery as it was afterwards before the Apostles put in execution that commission given to them to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature Mark 16. 15. See Psal 67. 1 2 3. and now the Church is enlarged according to that prophecy Enlarge the place of thy tent and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations spare not lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles c. Isa 54. 1-3 And in his thus dispersing his Church in all the world the wonderful love of Christ to the world of mankind doth appear for he hath created them for his glory as it is said I will bring thy seed from the east and gather thee from the west I will say to the north give up and to the south keep not back bring my sons from far and my daughters from the ends of the earth every one that is called by my name for I have created him for my glory c. Isa 43. 5. 7. Thus also God promised to Jacob that his seed should be dispersed into the four quarters of the world for the good of mankind Thy seed saith he shall be as the dust of the earth and thou shalt spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed Gen. 28. 14. and so the living creature in Ezekiel as that word is oft used as hath been said and shewn before may be called four living creatures with respect to their work and business in the four corners of the land of Israel See Ezek. 1. 5 6 c. with chap. 7. 2. in which they were to execute those four great and sore judgments Ezek. 14. 21. Indeed there is much dissimiliâ—ude between that and this vision in many things but in this they may agree that as that living creature is called four as with respect to its being designed to and imployed in the four corners of that land so the Church on earth may be called four living creatures as with respect to their being disposed and placed in the four quarters of the earth for the good of the world that they might shine as lights therein holding forth the word of life that men seeing their good works might glorify their father which is in Heaven Phil. 2. 13 16. Matth. 5. 14 16. or as the one wind is called the four winds because it blows in the four quarters of Heaven in the east west north and â—outh so it is said by the Lord unto the Prophet Prophesie unto the wind in the singular number prophesie son of man and say to the wind Thus saith the Lord God come from the four winds c. Ezek. 37. 9. and the wonderful care of God may be seen in preserving his Church in their dispersion and in the midst of the most eminent dangers and judgments and in a day of darkness and tempests the Apostle John in vision saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth that the wind should not blow on the earth nor on the sea nor on any tree until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads where also the one wind is called four winds Rev. 7. 1 2 3. Zech. 6. 1-5 3. What is meant by this that these four living creatures are said to be in the midst of the throne and round about the throne Answ Hereby is surely meant that they are very neer unto and round about the throne even nearer in this visional representation than the four and twenty Elders ver 4. and chap. 5 6. Indeed some think that two of the living â—reatures were in the midst to wit at the foremost points of the throne and two at the hindmost but the same thing is affirmed of all four that they were not two within or in the midst and two without but all four within or in the midst to wit of the circumference of the throne and round about yet so as all were in the midst and so about the throne within the compass of it and neerer to the throne than any besides the lamb and the seven spirits for the lamb hath them they are upon him See the notes before on chap. 1. ver 4. Object But some may object and say This interpretation is contrary to what you have said on ver 4. of this Chapter viz. that the elders are more excellent than the living creatures and now you seem to oppose that in saying The living creatures are placed neerer the throne than the elders and it is generally supposed and concluded that the most excellent are next the throne Answ 1. Though what is said in the Objection be indeed generally concluded yet it is not universally true therefore it is so indeed as with respect to the lamb who is next the throne and who is the one and only mediatour as we may see Chap. 5. 6. but not so as to others about the throne And these living creatures may not be placed so neer the throne to shew their excellency above the Elders nor are they upon this account so placed for the elders are more excellent than these nor doth their being thus placed or disposed necessarily prove any such thing for it is said The angels are round about the throne and about the elders and the four living creatures and so more remote and further off from the throne in this visional representation Rev. 5. 11. and chap. 7. 11. and yet neither these nor those are simply more excellent than the Angels nor will they be equal to them till the resurrection of the just as it appears by our Saviours saying viz. They that shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world and the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage neither can they dye any more for they are equal unto the angels Luk. 20. 35 36. and chap. 9. 26. Zech. 12. 8. and therefore that Objection is of no force against what we have said 2. But these four living creatures may be so disposed upon another account namely to denote Gods peculiar care of and tendring them in their great infirmity and weakness and amidst the many dangers and enemies they are annoyed and surrounded with from which the Elders and Angels are free and delivered Even as a loving and tender-hearted parent carries his little child in his arms and places it next to himself not to signifie its excellency above its elder brethren but
chap. 47. 4. and chap. 54. 5. which redemption of his was an act of his love and merciful kindness to them as it is said In his love and in his pity he redeemed them Isa 63. 9. yea and the Holy One of Israel was their Redeemer who hearkned not unto him but rebelled and vexed his holy spirit Isa 48. 17 19. with chap. 63. 9 10. And so in this notion and consideration the Covenant made with Abraham which is evident to be a Covenant of mercy and grace in which is included That Christ should redeem mankind from the curse of the Law and that in him who is the seed of Abraham there should be blessing for all the Nations and Families of the earth and the making of which Covenant was an act and high expression of love and mercy is called His holy covenant as it is said To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers and to remember his holy Covenant Gen. 22. 12 18. with Luke 1. 72. See Isa 49. 7. And here in this place it appears that in this word Holy is included merciful and gracious in that it is said ver 9. the living creatures in saying Holy give thanks to him that sits on the throne to signifie to us that in this acknowledgment they celebrate some grace and kindness of Gods towards them some goodness and mercy for we are very frequently exhorted to give thanks unto the Lord because he is good because his mercy endureth for ever as Psal 106. 1. and 107. 1. and 118. 1 29. and Psal 136. 1 3 26. so also we are called upon to give thanks to his holy name when â—avours and merciful loving kindnesses are mentioned and recounted 1 Chr. 16. 10 35. Psal 105. 3 10. and 145. 8 9 21. and David provokes and incites all that is within him to bless the Lords holy name who conferred benefits upon him forgave all his iniquities healed all his diseases redeemed his life from destruction and crowned him with loving-kindness and tender mercies c. Psal 103. 1 2 3 5. and the elect of God are instructed as â—oly ones to put on bowels of mercies kindness c. Col. 3. 1â— and so indeed he that sits upon the throne is holy in this sense that is he is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger and of great mercy The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal 145. 8 17 21. Now this word is trebled or thrice the living creatures say Holy â—oly holy and that either 1. To signifie to us the three persons subsisting in the Godhead or in the Divine Essence to wit the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost which three have but one name into which we are baptized Mat. 28. 19. and they are one as the Apostle saith There are three which â—ear record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one one God 1 Joh. 5. 7. with ver 9. And from these three this Apostle John had been voting desiring and praying for grace and peace for the seven Churches see notes on chap. 1. ver 4 5 6. as Paul also had done 2 Cor. 13. 14. and these three persons which are one God are the only object of religious and divine worship and each of these three Persons is God the Father is God and he is oft called God the Father Gal. 1. 1 3. Eph. 6. 23. Phil. 2. 11. 1 Cor. 8 6 c. The Son or Word is God over all God blessed for ever Amen Joh. 1. 1 2 3. Rom. 9. 5. the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 the great God and our Saviour Tit. 2. 14. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 1 Joh. 3. 16. see notes on chap. 5. ver 8. The Holy Ghost is also God so Anâ—nias in lying to the Holy Ghost lyed unto God Acts 5. 3. with ver 4. and whereas in one place it is said The Lord God of Israel spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets c. in another it is said Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost compare Luke 1. 68 70. with 2 Pet. 1. 21. see 2 Sam. 23. 1 2 3. And the Prophet Ezekiel saith The Spirit entred into me and said When I speak with thee I will open thy mouth and thou shalt say unto them Thus saith the Lord God c. consider Ezâ—k 3. 24 27. and each of these persons is holy perfectly so The Father is Holy hence our Saviour calls him Holy Father Joh. 17. 11. The Son is holy the holy one 1 Joh. 2. 20. Gods Holy Child Acts 3. 14. and chap. 4. 27 30. and frequently the eternal Spirit is called the Holy Ghost or Spirit And that this word is trebled or here thrice used to signifie to us the three persons in the Godhead who are one and but one God appears by the like use of the word by the Seraphims in Isa 6. 2 3. they cryed one to another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts c. Now that hereby the infinitely glorious persons in the Godhead are meant appears by vers 8. also saith the Prophet I heard the voice of the Lord saying Whom shall I send And who will go for us to denote the plurality of persons and yet this further appears to intend the three persons in the Divine Essence by comparing this place with other Scriptures that it is spoken of the Father is generally granted that it is also spoken of the son is affirmed by the Evangelist John saying These things spake Esaias when â—e saw his glory and spake of him Joh. 12. 39 40 41. with Isa 6. 3 12. That it is also spoken of the Holy Ghost is signified to us by the Apostle Paul who saith Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet c. Acts 28. 25 27. with Isa 6. 3 12. The knowledg of the Holies even of the Father Word and holy Spirit called before Wisdoms is understanding Prov. 9. 10. with ver 1. 2. And this expression may be thus trebled or thrice used to signifie to us that he that sits upon the throne is eternally and immutably Holy with reference to the last clause of this verse which was and is and is to come and in all Holy which was so in all time past one that was infinite in purity and a perfect and eternal hater of sin one that could never endure iniquity in any though never so excellent and glorious creatures or in never so good and happy a condition He spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell delivering them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. And spared not the old world but brought in the flâ—ud upon the world of the ungodly and turning the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemâ—ed them with an overthrow c. 2 Pet. 2. 5 6. And afterward destroyed them that believed not whom formerly he
for in him we live and move and have our beings Act. 17. 24 25-28 and which is also greatly for our encouragement and consolation He who is the living God is the Saviour of all men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. one who is very pitiful and of tender mercies to mankind while it is called to day not willing that any of them should perish no not the worst and greatest sinners as himself swears to us by his life As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked indefinitely considered but that the wicked turn from his way and live Ezek. 33. 11. Yea and he is one who liveth for ever and ever who is from everlasting to everlasting God Psal 90. 1 2. He that sits upon the throne upon the supreme Throne of Government is the everlasting one and therefore his dominion is an everlasting dominion and his kingdom from generation to generation Dan. 4. 34. The Lord is King for ever and ever Psal 10. 16. He is the living God and stedfast for ever and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed and his dominion shall be even unto the end Dan. 6. 26. Rev. 4. 10. and chap. 5. 14. and chap. 10. 6. with Dan. 12. 6. He lifts up his hand to Heaven and saith I live for ever Deut. 32. 40. This is the object of their Adoration to wit the Lord who is the true God the living God and the everlasting King Jer. 10. 10. who sits upon the floods who sits king for ever Psal 29. 10. not the Virgin Mary or any Saint for of them it may be said Where are they and do they live for ever Zech. 1. 5. The object of their religious worship is the Father who hath life in himself and of whom are all things John 5. 25. 1 Cor. 8. 6. the Son who is the true God and eternal life without beginning of days or end of life 1 John 5. 20. Col. 1. 16 17. Heb. 7. 3. John 17. 5. the eternal spirit Heb. 9. 14. by whom all things were created and who hath garnish'd the Heavens Psal 33. 6. Job 26. 13. and chap. 33. 4. Isa 40. 13 14 17. with Rom. 11. 35 36. 1 Tim. 6. 16. Rom. 1. 23. and that he sits upon the throne who liveth for ever and ever and whose throne is from the beginning from everlasting and endureth from generation to generation Psal 932. Jer. 17. 12. Lam. 5. 19. Heb. 1. 8 9. Isa 6. 1-10 with Act. 28. 25 27. How might the consideration hereof encourage us to come with boldness to the throne of his Holiness Almightiness and Graâ—e at all times and rejoyce that he reigneth according to that The Lord reigneth let the earth rejoyce let the multitude of the isles be glad thereof Psal 96. 1-10 and 97. 1. and it might engage us to rejoyce and bless him who liveth for ever and ever as the Psalmist saith The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock c. 2 Sam. 22. 47. Job 19. 25. Psal 72. 15. and 102. 27 28. And because he lives they shall live also who come unto believe on and serve him with reverence and godly fear Deut. 33. 26 27 29. John 14. 19. and in that he liveth for ever and ever We may herein see the endless and everlasting misery and unhappiness of them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus they shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord they shall drink of the wrath of him who liveth for ever and ever 2 Thes 1. 8 9 10. Rev. 14. 10 11. and chap. 15. 7. 2. We have nextly to consider and speak unto the act or exercise of the living creatures about or towards this blessed object supposed and explicatively declared and repeated when they give or shall give glory and honour and thanks But how do they give these things unto him that sits upon the throne who liveth for ever and ever Answ Not by conferring upon or really adding any thing unto him which he had not before or as if he needed or wanted any thing from his creatures Who hath first given to him and it shall be recompenced for of him and thorow him and to him are all things Rom. 11. 35 36. If thou sinnest saith Elâ—hu What doest thou against him or if thy transgressions be multiplied What doest thou unto him if thou be righteâ—us What givest thou him or what receiveth he of thine hand Job 35. 6 7 8. God that made the world and all things therein seeing he is Lord of Heaven and Earth is not worshipped with mens hands or tongues as though he needed any thing Act. 17. 24 25. Indeed thus he gives to us who need all things but we cannot so give unto him because he is infinite in all glory and glorious perfection and cannot be added unto Christs goodness as he was our Mediator did not extend or add any thing to the Lord Psal 16. 2 3. much less can ours which is as a morning-cloud and as the early dew that goeth away Can a man be profitable unto God as be that is wise may be prefitable unto himself Is it any pleasure to wit gainful pleasure as presently is intimated to the Almighty that thou art righteous or is it gain to him that thâ—u makest thy ways perfect Job 22. 2 3. This then is not the meaning of the expression we cannot advantage or add any thing to him But the giving to him here spoken of is a rendring to him what was and is his whether we give it to him or no and all his worshippers may say as King David doth All things come of him and of his own they give unto him and all is his own before 1 Chron. 29. 11 14 16. Hence we have such exhortations in Scripture Give unto the Lord glory end strength give unto the Lord the glory of or due unto his name worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness Psal 29. 1 2. and 96. 7 8. And yet in thus giving glory unto him we must needs fall short of doing it according to his infinite praise-worthiness for his glorious name is exalted above all blessing and praise Neh. 9. 5. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord who can shew forth all his praise Psal 106. 1 2. and 40. 5. But in some little measure they may thus give or ascribe unto the Lord what is his Deut. 32. 3. And this appears to be the meaning of the expression as it refers to vers 8. there it is thus expresâ— They say or they have no rest saying Holy Holy Holy Lord God Alâ—ighty c. And here when they give glory c. here is no act of Collatioâ— or conferring any thing upon him that sits on the Throne but they give in words acknowledging him to be what he is When they give glory to wit praise for so this word here rendred glory is oft translated
praise or signifies praise as give God the praise or glory John 9. 24. and they loved the praise or glory of men more than the praise or glory of God Joâ— 12. 43. Mat. 6. 2. according to that Whoso offereth praise glorisieth me Psal 50. 23. and these two words praised and glorified are used as words of a like signification As thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold and the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Dan. 5. 13. Now thus understanding the expression so it informs us That he that sits upon the throne is supremely the subject or object of the praise of the living creatures and only so in a religious sense as Moses saith to Israel He is thy praise and he is thy God c. Deut. 10. 21. And as Jeremy saith Thou art my praise chap. 17. 12 14. Psal 109. 1. And they give him praise when they say Holy c. ver 8. They then make his praise glorious Psal 66. 1 2. Or by glory we may understand an inwardly excellent esteem and high account which they have of this most excellent one they have an excellent opinion of him in their hearts and souls and from thence they render his praise glorious the high praises of God are in their mouth 1 Pet. 3. 15. Psal 34. 1 2. and Psal 106. 1 2 3. Heb. 11. 11. Rom. 4. 20 21. Or they give glory that is they ascribe unto him most excellent Majesty luster splendor brightness as he appears in this vision like a Jasper-stone ver 2. whereto the glory of God is compared Rev. 21. 11. See Luke 9. 31. Acts 22. 11. 2 Cor. 3. 7. with Exod. 34. 29 30. so whereas in Luke 9. 32. it is said Peter James and John saw Christs glory it is elsewhere thus expressed We were eye-witnesses of his Majesty 2 Pet. 1. 16 18. And men are exhorted to enter into the roâ—k and hide themselves for the glory of his Majesty Isa 2. 10 19 21. And of the Saints it is said They shall make known to the sons of men the glorious majesty of his kingdom Psal 145. 10 12. And Honour this they also give unto him as the four and twenty Elders likewise do ver 11. and all the Angels chap. 7. 11 12. and chap. 5. 11 12. and every creature which is in heaven and on the earth c. chap. 5. 13 14. And this Honour is much-what in signification like unto the former word glory and indeed by them both in general yea by all three is signified they give him worship or they herein oâ— hereby worship him as it is said They worshipped God saying Blessing and glory and honour be unto our God chap. 7. 11 12. and chap. 4. 10 11. and so here by honour particularly may be meant an ascribing divine worship and adoration unto him in their sacrifices of prayers praises and thanksgivings in and through Jesus Christ Isa 43. 23. For he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that hath sent him Joh. 5. 23. So the drawing nigh unto and honouring God both which are contained in one word to wit honouring him Compare Isa 29. 13. and Matth. 15. 7 8. with Mark 7. 6. is explicated presently to be a worshipping him Matth. 15. 8 9. Mark 7. 6 7. And indeed he only is the object of all religious honour and worship as our Saviour saith Thou shalt wâ—rship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Matth. 4. 10. and we are to honour him not doing our own ways nor finding our own pleasure nor speaking our own words Isa 58. 13. 14. and this honouring him contains in it an high esteem and acknowledgment of his infinite superiority above all creatures and created Beings whatever and also a sense of our inconceivable inferiority unto him and that we have nothing are nothing can do nothing but that he is the possessor of Heaven and Earth and all comes from him and therefore all glorious honour in our hearts and with our mouths is to be ascribed unto him 1 Chron. 29. 11-16 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. And thanks This also they render unto him for his goodness mercy and kindness towards them Hence we are oft called upon and provoked to give thanks unto the Lord because he is good for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 105. 1. and 106. 1. and 107. 1. and 118. 1. 29. and 136. 1 2 3-26 see Luk. 17. 16. and especially and principally thanks is to be given to him because he hath so loved the world as to give his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3. 16. As it is said of Annah the Prophetess when she came into the Temple when Jesus was there she gave thanks likewise unto the Lord to wit fâ—r this wonderful love and mercy manifested in Christ Luke 1. 78 79. she not only gave thanks to the Lord but she did likewise as others also had done and spake of Jesus to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem Luke 2. 28-38 and so the Apostle doth saying Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift 2 Cor. 9. 15. yea and thanks were given by them unto God for that he had delivered them out of the power of darkness and translated them into the kingdom of his dear son Col. 1. 12 13. Rev. 5. 8 9. Psal 116. 3 8 9 c. yea thanks are to be given to him for all his mercies favours and blessings as the Psalmist saith Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not any of his benefits who forgiveth all thine iniquities and healeth all thy diseases who redeemeth thy life from destruction who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies c. Psal 103. 1 2 3 5. And the Apostle exhorteth us to give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Eph. 5. 18 20. And thus the living creatures come and thus should we come always into Gods Presence according to that Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise be thankful unto him and bless his name for the Lord is good his mercy is everlasting c. Psal 100. 4 5. and 95. 1 2. To which purpose also the Apostle exhorts saying Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Phil. 4. 6. Col. 4. 2. 1 Chron. 23. 30. And this sacrifice of thanksgiving we should always offer in all our addresses to God by Christ as our Altar and High-priest as the Apostle saith By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name Heb. 13. 10-15 Thus Daniel three times a-day kneeled upon his knees and prayed and gave thanks before his God Dan. 6. 10. And thus the Apostle exhorts
of the Angels but as they were sinning Angels as they kept not their first estate but left their own their proper habitation or house They had an house prepared for them in Heaven at first and given to them and that was their proper house as they were created of God at fiâ—st in the truth but because they kept not their principality nor abode in the truth in which they were created but left their proper house and sinned against God they were cast down to Hell Everlasting fire was prepared for the Devil as a Devil as one that abode not in the truth and his Angels and not for Gods Angels 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. 1 Tim. 3. 6. Matth. 25. 41. with John 8. 44. And that mankind fell under his wrath and the sentence of death it was because of sin By one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned Rom. 5. 12. and chap. 6. 23. And when they had thus sinned and God might righteously have cast them off and destroyed them for ever yet then God manifested he had no pleasure in the everlasting destruction of any of mankind in that he devised such a blessed device that his banished should not be expelled from him He so loved the world of mankind that he gave his Son by his grace to taste death for every man John 3. 16 17. Hebr. 2. 9. and raised him from the dead for their justification Rom. 4. 25. with chap. 3. 23 24. And Christ hath purged away the guilt of that first sin and sinfulness from before the presence of God 2. Cor. 5. 19 21. with Hebr. 1. 3. abolished that first death which otherwise would have been everlasting 2 Tim. 1. 10. with Rom. 6. 23. and will in due season destroy it 1 Cor. 15. 26. and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil Hebr. 2. 9-14 So as no man shall perish for ever in that first death but all shall be raised out of it by the man Jesus Christ who is become the resurrection and the life 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. And when raised no man shall be cast into the second death for that first sin and sinfulness simply but for loving darkness rather than light after light was vouchsafed to them The soul that sinneth it shall dye Jer. 31. 29 30. Ezek. 18. 1 2 4. And now he hath declared that he doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men no not with such afflictions as are but for a moment Lament 3. 32 33. It is his work his strange work his act his strange act Isa 28. 21. Hebr. 12. 10. Much less doth he delight in the eternal ruine and misery of any of them no not of the vilest of them while it is called to day This was not his will or pleasure concerning them or any of them in creating them nor is it in preserving them while they are joyned to all the living Eccles 9. 4. So much himself plainly intimates to us in his own word saying Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should dye saith the Lord God And not that he should return from his ways and live Whereto himself gives answer saying I have no pleasure none at all in the death of him that dyeth saith the Lord God Ezek. 18. 23. with vers 31 32. And lest we should thorow unbelief question the truth of his word to put an end to all strife and gainsaying he hath confirmed the same with his Oath charging his Prophet thus to speak say unto them As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wiâ—ked turn from his way and live Ezek. 33. 11. with Hebr. 6. 16 17 18. He is not willing that any should perish 2 Pet. 3. 9. Ezek. 18. 30 31 32. But 2. His will and pleasure in creating them was 1. That they might know and have fellowship with and serve him who is their Creator and therefore he made them in a good and honourable condition God said Let us make man in our Image after our likeness and let them have dominion c. So God created man in his own Image in the Image of God created he him c. to wit in knowledg righteousness and true holiness Col. 3. 10. Ephes 4. 24. Gen. 1. 26 27. Psal 49. 12-20 God made man upright Eccles 7. 29. And as he made them in that good upright and holy condition so it was his pleasure they should have continued therein For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness his countenance doth behold the upright Psal 11. 7. I know O my God saith the Prophet that thou hast pleasure in uprightness 1 Chron. 29. 17. with Psal 5. 4. and Eccles 5. 4. And of such Angels as abode in that holy and honourable state he made them in it is said They do his pleasure Psal 103. 20 21. And it also appears that it was his will and pleasure that mankind should have continued in that good and upright condition he made them in In that he gave them such an easie and gracious law to testifie their love obedience and subjection to their Creator in only forbidding them to eat of one tree whereas many were allowed them And in that he so threatned them that in the day they eat thereof in dying they should dye Gen. 2. 16 17. In which he plainly signified that it was his pleasure that they should not eat thereof and he was greatly displeased with them when they had transgressed his Commandment And therefore it was not his will they should have eaten thereof Psal 101. 3. 2. And for his pleasure they are and are preserved and continued and that to a gracious end while they are joyned to all the living when mankind had sinned he â—ound out a ransom and provided a remedy for them He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son John 3. 16 17. And Christ came from Heaven to do the will of him that sent him the pleasure of his Father John 6. 38. Hebr. 10. 5 8 9. Isa 53. 10. And his will was that Christ should dye for all men and rise again and deliver them from perishing for ever in that first death 2 Cor. 1. 10. And that he should obtain eternal life into himself for them 1 John 5. 10 11. and be a Testimony to them in due time that thorow him they might be saved John 3. 17. and chap. 12. 47. In all which we may see that his will concerning mankind is that they should be saved and come to the knowledg of the truth 1 Timothy 2. 4 5 6 7. that he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance to which end his grace bringeth salvation to all men 2 Pet. 3. 9. Tit. 2. 11. Ezek. 18. 23 30 32. and chap. 33. 11. This is his will that they should be sanctified and
shall not see when heat cometh but her leaf shall be green and shall not be careful in the year of drought neither shall cease from yielding fruit Psal 1. 1-3 with Jer. 17. 7 8. And in being and abiding in this Root David was holy being united to and reckoned after him for if the Root be holy so also are the branches Psal 86. 2 with Psal 89. 19. and Rom. 11. 16. 4. The Root of David as to the Kingdom The Bottom-ground Cause and Reason of all the Promises thereto appertaining In him all the Promises of God are Yea and Amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. To Abraham and his Seed were the Promises made He saith not And to Seeds as of many but as of one and to thy Seed which is Christ Gal. 3. 16. with Gen. 17. 6. He is the sure Mercies of David Isa 55. 3. with Act. 13. 34. 2 Sam. 23. 4 5. And when all seemed to fail and God's faithâ—ulness appeared not as Psal 89. 38-46 yet he was a Root in the ground still with whom he would not break his Covenant Psal 89. 28 29 34-37 Job 14. 8 9. As the Root lives when the Tree and Branches may wither and decay or be cut down or lopt off And as it is said of Nebuchadnezzar Hew down the tree and cut off the branches shake off his leaves and scatter his fruit nâ—vertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth which did signifie his Kingdom should be sure to him Dan. 4. 13-15 23-26 So it is here The Scepter did not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet till Shiloh came c. See Gen. 49. 9 10. Here The LORD sware in truth unto David he will not turn away from it of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy Throne Psal 132. 11. with Act. 2. 30. Luke 1. 31-33 And he is oft called David Jer. 23. 5 6. and Chap. 33. 15-17 c. And he was David's Lord as our Saviour saith David himself said by the Holy Gâ—ost The LORD said unto my Lord Mark 12. 35-37 And he was and is God's King whom he hath set upon his holy Hill of Zion Psal 2. 6 7. Rom. 15. 12. 5. The Root of David directed unto by him that we Gentiles also might trust in him and kiss and submit to him Psal 2. 6 7-12 This is that Root of Jesse whom David also lifted up as an Ensign to the people that thereto the Gentiles might seek and his rest is glorious Isa 11. 10. Rom. 15 10-12 It was the great business and design of David to glorifie Christ and lift him up as also to him all the Prophets gave witness Act. 10. 43. as may be seen in many Psalms written by him as Psal 2. and 16. and 20. and 21. and 22 and 34. and 40. and 45. and 47. and 68. and 69. and 110. and 117. and 118. c. to the end we Gentiles also might glorifie God for his mercy As it is written For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles and sing unto thy Name And again he saith Praise the LORD all ye Gentiles and land him all ye people And again Esaias saith There shall be a Root of Jesse and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust Rom. 15-911 12. with Psal 18. 49. and Psal 117. 1 2. Vse 1. That he is the Root the consideration of it may engage us to come unto him in the drawings of the Father to come unto him the living stone that elect precious corner Stone the sure foundation 1 Pet. 2. 4-6 with Isai 28. 16. As Christ saith All things are delivered to me of my Father Come unto me all yet hat labour and are heavy laden I will give you rest and the rest of this Rooâ— is glorious Matth. 11. 27-28 29. with Isai 11. 10. It is the great design of God to glorifie him to this end and purpose that we might run unto him Isa 55. 5. And the Spirit and the Bride say Come And let him that heareth say Come Rev. 22. 16 17. even they say Come to this Root as there appears John 6. 44 45. 2. What hath been said of his being the Root the Root of David shews unto us how we may be enlivened quickned and established to wit by being united unto and firmed in him rooted and built up in him and established in the faith of him Col. 2. 6 7-9 Eph. 3. 16 17-19 Yea when we by being carnally minded and living after the flesh are become dead yet still he is the Root in whom is life for us See Notes on Chap. 3. ver 1. For as the Father hath life in himself so also hath he given to the Son to have life in himself John 5. 25 26. Hos 14. 1-5-8 3. The believing mindfulness hereof also is proper and powerful to preserve them from high-mindedness that are in him Of God ye are in Christ Jesus saith the Apostle who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Satisfaction and Redemption that no flesh might glory in his presence but as it is written He that glorieth may glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1. 29-31 Boast not saith the Apostle Paul but if thou boastest consider this thou bearest not the Root but the Root thee Rom. 11. 18. Thou standest by faith in him be not high-minded but fear ver 10. He bears thee up and makes thee to stand and what hast thou that thou didst not receive from him 1 Cor. 4. 7. Rom. 3. 25. 27 Phil. 3. 1 2 3-9 4. We may hereby see and perceive that God hath given to him the pre-eminence in all things and amongst all persons for in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell Col. 1. 18 19. He is exalted and extolled and made very high who was as a root out of a dry ground Isa 52. 13 14. with Chap. 53. 1 2. God hath highly exalted and glorified him as also appears evidently in that which is affirmed of him in what follows viz. This most excellent and glorious One this Lion of the Tribe of Judah the Root of David hath prevailed to open the Book and to loose the seven Seals thereof He hath prevailed to do it he is the true Israel that had power with God or behaved himself Princely with him yea he had power and prevailed Gen. 32. 25-28 and Hos 12. 4-6 with Isa 49. 3. And he hath prevailed to do this by his Blood his precious Blood whereby he overcame our Enemies and therein evidenced himself to be the Lion of the Tribe of Judah And this is confessed and acknowledged afterwards by the four living Creatures and twenty four Elders c. ver 8 9-12 For by his death he got himself the Victory as is before said Col. 2. 14-15 Heb. 2. 14 15. And on the account thereof and as the consequent thereof all power is given unto him yea all things are given unto him
his Brother But he hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law Psal 49 6 7. with Gal. 3. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. And he hath redeemed all the saints and holy Ones unto God out of every kindred and tongue c. Rev. 5. 9. And Job signifies his Redeemer was God Job 19. 25 27. 3. By his upholding all things as after the Apostle had been saying By Christ God made the worlds he presently adds He upholdeth all things by the word of his power Heb. 1 2 3. The earth and all the Inhabitants thereof were dissolved he bears up the pillars thereof Psal 75. 2 3. He is before all things and by him all things consist and stand together in that good and comely order in which they are Câ—l 1. 16 17. 4. By his Providence and providential ordering and governing of all things Vnto us a child is born saith the Prophet unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulders and he shall be called Wonderful Counseller the mighty God c. Isa 9. 6 7. The Father henceforth judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment to the son that all men should honour the son c. Joh. 5. 22 23. with ver 19. Matth. 28. 18. 5. By his work of Resurrection that is the work of the Omnipotent God which no mere creature hath power to effect it is God that raiseth the dead 2 Cor. 1. 9. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead It is impossible for any mere creature to do it indeed and it may justly therefore be thought incredible that any of them should do it but nothing is too hard for God Act. 22. 8. Now this work of Omnipotency hath been and shall be wrought and effected by Christ He raised his own body John 2. 19 21. And all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and shall come forth John 5. 28 29. He is the resurrection and the life John 11. 25. 2 Cor. 4. 14. 6. By his eternally judging all which is the work of God as it is said And to God the judg of all Heb. 12. 23. But he shall judg all by Jesus Christ whom he hath ordained the judg of quick and dead Rom. 2. 16. We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ 2 Cor. 5. 10. He shall sit upon the throne of his glory and before him shall be gathered all nations and he will give to every one according as his work shall be to those on his right hand eternal life and salvation of which he is the Author and those on his left hand shall be destroyed with everlasting destruction from his presence Matth. 25. 31-46 Rev. 22. 12. Act. 3. 15. Heb. 5. 9. 2 Thes 1. 6-9 and that he is the true God will also and further appear by the religious worship that is and ought to be given to him to which after Only here we may briefly say In that the lamb is the true God 1. This shews unto us how infinitely precious his personal abasement and sufferings are his blood is the blood of God Act. 20. 28. It is the precious blood of Christ who is over all God blessed for ever 1 Pet. 1. 19. with Rom. 9. 5. and therefore it is infinitely and eternally precious in it self and precious with his Father Prov. 17. 8. 1 Pet. 2. 4. Phil. 2. 6. 9. and unto them that believe 1 Pet. 2. 7. therefore we have good cause to glory only and always in his cross Gal. 6. 14. and to eat his flesh and drink his blood or otherwise we have no life in â—s his flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed being the flesh and blood of him who came down from Heaven and who is the Son of God by divine and eternal generation John 6. 32-35-42-51-53-58 2. It shews unto us his wonderful love in being so greatly abased for sinful fallen mankind Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though â—e was rich yet for our sakes he became poor that we thorow his poverty might be enriched 2 Cor. 8. 9. Herein perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us 1 John 3. 16. He could propose no real advantage or increase of glory or happiness to himself for â—e was in the form of God and thought it no robbery to be equal to God yet made himself of no reputation c. Phil. 2. 5-8 Here was greatness and freeness of love and charity indeed He sought not his own things 1 Cor. 13. 5. John 17. 4 5. 3. It shews unto us what a great High-priest we have even Jesus the Son of God who is mighty to save able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him neither is there salvation in any other He is a just God and a Saviour and there is none beside him Oh let us then look unto him and â—e saved and come with boldness to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need He is the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Isa 45. 21 24. with Phil. 2. 6-10 Isa 63. 1. with Act. 4. 12. Heb. 4. 14. 16. and chap. 7. 25 28. Tit. 2. 13. 4. It may admonish and warn us to take heed we despise not nor reject this mighty one Exod. 23. 21. If they escaped not who refused him that sâ—â—ke on earth much more shall not we escape if we refâ—se him that speaketh from Heaven Heb. 12. 25-29 As he is able to save so also to destroy Jam. 4. 12. Psal 2. 6-8-12 Rev. 6. 16 17. 5. Let it move and prevail with us all to kiss submit unto reverence and love him Psal 2. 12. To â—ow down unto and worship him Matth. 21. 37. Joh. â— 22 2â— And this leads us to the next particular viz. 2. Because he is very God God by nature he is and ought to be religiously worshipped and adored as these holy Ones here do Before we come to speak particularly hereto or demonstrate the truth hereof we may a little speak to this phrase before the Lamb which is in the Scripture-use and acception all one as to say they fell down to the Lamb or they worshipped the Lamb so the phrase is used as with respect to a false object of worship so it is said of Amaziah He set up the Gods of the children of Seir to be his Gods and bowed down himself before them c. 2 Chron. 25. 14. see Ezek. 14. 3 4 7. So the words of Satan to our Saviour are thus exprest by one Evangelist If thou wilt fall down and worship me By another thus If thou wilt fall down before me Compare Matth. 4. 9. with Luk. 4. 7. to signifie the falling down before any object religiously is to worship that object Compare also Rev. 19. 10. with chap. 22. 8. It is indeed Idolaâ—ry to fall down before a false object
of worship religiously and they are Idolaters who fall down before the picture or supposed picture of the Virgin Mary or of the Cross or of any creature whatever yea though it were made for and be looked upon as the picture of Christ or of the Father Ezek. 8. 10 12. or to fall down religiously before any mere creature for it is a worshipping the creature though men pretend to worship the Creator thereby as the Papists do Exod. 32. 4 5. with Deut. 9. 12. and Act. 7. 41. And so this phrase is oft used to denote the true worship to the true object of worship so Moses saith of himself I fell down before the Lord which is all one as to say I prayed to him Deut. 9. 18. with ver 20. so to pray before the Lord and unto him are all one 1 Sam. 1. 10 12 15. with ver 26. Dan. 9. 13. Compare 1 Chron. 17. 25. with 2 Sam. 7. 27. and 2 King 19. 15. with Isa 37. 15. Thus here we are to understand it They fell down to the Lamb and worshipped him with a divine and religious worship as it is said Thy throne O God is for ever and ever c. And then presently after He is thy Lord and worship thou him Psal 45. 8-11 And so having now spoken to that phrase we shall shew That he is and ought to be worshipped with divine Adoration 1. With inward that of the heart and spirit He is to be believed in and on even as the one and only foundation of faith 1 Cor. 3. 11. And whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed he shall not perish but have everlasting life John 3. 14-16 Rom. 9. 33. with Isa 28. 16. and 1 Pet. 2. 4 6. This is the work of God that we believe on him whom he hath sent John 6. 29. and 7. 38 39. And this is one branch of the mystery of godliness or right worshipping viz. believing on God who was manifest in the flesh c. 1 Tim. 3. 16. and the faith is to be received in believing as his Jam. 2. 1. Heb. 12. 1 2. He is the Lord of it Ephes 4. 4 5. the only Rabbi who hath dominion over our faith which no mere man or creature whatsoever hath Matth. 23. 8 10. 2 Cor. 1. 24. with chap. 12. 11. He is to be trusted in as he who is Jehovah Psal 34. 7 8. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. Psal 2. 12. Ephes 1. 12 13. And to be loved with all the heart and mind and soul and strength He is to be loved by us better than our selves in coming unto and following him we are to deny our selves Matth. 16. 23 24. and he is to be loved by us above the nearest and most beloved relations Matth. 10. 37 38. yea so as that for his sake we should comparatively hate father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters yea and our own lives also Luk. 14. 26 27. John 14. 21 23. He is to be look't unto with the eyes of our souls for all wisdom righteousness strength salvation for he is the only Saviour Isa 45. 21 22 25. with Rom. 14. 9-12 Acts 4. 12. yea in short we are to honour him as we honour the Father John 5. 22 23. and to hold fast grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear for our God is a consuming fire Heb. 12. 25 28 29. 2. And he is also more outwardly to be religiously adored and worshipped by us such religious worship is to be given to him and hath been frequently given to and received by him before his death and after So the wise men they came to worship him and accordingly when they saw the young child Jesus with Mary his mother they fell down and worshipped not Mary or them but him and they presented unto him gifts c. Matth. 2. 2-11 so he was worshipped by the Leper who also acknowledged his great power Matth. 8. 2. so Jairus fell down at his feet and worshipped him Compare Luke 8. 41. with Matth. 9. 18. so it is said of the blind man and by him Lord I believe and he worshipped him John 9. 35 38. and the like may be seen in many other places so after his resurrection Thomas believed and said unto him My Lord and my God John 20. 28 29. And of all the Apostles it is said they worshipped him Luk. 24. 51 52. and that he is the object also of that religious worship which is more outward will appear if we consider 1. Into his name we are and are to be baptized as our Saviour faith unto his Apostles All power is given unto me both in Heaven and on Earth Go ye therefore disciple all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son c. Matth. 28. 18 19. Act. 2. 38. with 1 Cor. 1. 13 15. Act. 8. 12 16. 2. We are to hear and receive the Gospel as his word also and therein to honour the Son as we honâ—uâ— the Father Joh 5. 23 24. Heb. 1. 1-3 with chap. 2. 1. and chap. 12. 25. and to observe all his Commandments Ordinances and Appointments Matth. 28. 18 20. Isa 42. 1-4 1 Cor. 11. 23-26 3. To pray unto him as well as by him Acts 1. 24. with ver 6. so of Stephen it is said They stoned him invocating and saying Lord Jesus receive my spirit Act. 7. 59 60. And the true believers are thus described they are such as call upon or invocate his name Act. 9. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 2. with 1 King 18. 24. with ver 36. 37. Psal 116. 4. and Ananias exhorts and excites Paul hereto Act. 22. 16-20 And from him as from the Father grace and peace is voted and desired as in the beginning and end of most of the Epistles written to the Churches may be seen see the notes on Rev. 1. ver 4. and ver 5. 4. And he hath been and is to be Preached as the Lord that men might come unto and believe on him and so is no mere creature to be indeed it is said of Moses he hath them that preach him to wit the law as delivered by him Luke 16. 29 31. or himself as one who received the law from God and gave it to the people Acts 15. 21. but he was not to be preached as the foundation and object of faith and Lord of mens consciences as the Lamb is as they say We preach Jesus Christ the Lord and our selves your servants for Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4. 5. Acts 17. 3. And this is also one branch of the mystery of Godliness or right worship that God who was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit c. was Preached to the Gentiles even thus Preached as God who was manifest c. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 5. It appears also that divine worship hath been and is to be given to him by the many Doxologies or rendâ—ings and ascribings glory honour and dominion to him and
blood but as is here said By thy blood not by the blood of any of the offerings or sacrifices which were commanded in and offered by the Law It is true indeed under the Law the blood of their Sacrifices did make a typical atonement for them for all their sins Lev. 6. 30. and Chap. 16. 15-34 But truly and really it was not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sin either from before the presence of God or out of their consciences Wherefore when he cometh into the world he saith Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not but a body hast thou prepared me In burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure then said I Lo I come in the volume of thy Book it is written of me to do thy will O God Heb. 10. 1-4-9 and Chap. 9. 9 13. No it 's by the blood of him whom they worship of him who is the true God and eternal life by which peace was made and redemption wrought for them Col. 1. 20. and hereby also they were bought unto God and washed from their sins and pollutions in their minds and consciences For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of en beifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh how much more shall the blood of Christ who thorow the eternal spirit offered himself without spot to God purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb. 9. 13 14-22 and Chap. 10. 22. with Chap. 12. 24. Now here for our further usefulness we may enquire and consider 1. What is meant by and contained in this blood of Christ here spoken of by which they were redeemed unto God 2. How were these holy ones redeemed by it 1. To the first we may say that by the Blood of Christ we are to understand 1. The whole of his abasement and sufferings in that Body which the Father prepared for him and most directly his death or pouring out his soul unto death as here it is said Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood He even this glorious one took part with us of flesh and blood that he might die and thorow death destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil Heb. 2. 14. Blood and death are words of a like signification in Scripture compare Psal 72. 14. with Psal 116. 15. Sometimes indeed his blood is distinguished from his flesh as in Joh. 6. 53-56 and in the Supper 1 Cor. 11. 2â— 25. But here and elsewhere when it is mentioned alone it includes and contains all his Humiliation sufferings and death 1 Joh. 5. 6. and his blood is sometimes called the blood of his Cross because thereon he died and gave up the Ghost Col. 1. 20. and sometimes all his sufferings are supposed and contained in the word Cross because He humbled himself and became obedient unto death the death of the Cross Ephes 2. 13. with vers 15. Gal. 6. 14. 1 Cor. 1. 23. and Chop 2. 2. Phil. 2. 6 7 8. 2. And by his blood may also be meant the vertue and procurement thereof or what he hath thereby done and obtained into himself for us and is become So many times in Scripture that which is gotten procured or obtained by any thing is called by the name of that thing by which it was so gotten procured or obtained So a mans servant is called his money because he is obtained hired or bought with his money Exod. 21. 21. so that which is earned or gotten by work or labour is called by the name of labour or work Psal 127. 2. Isa 40. 10. and 49. 4. Jer. 4. 18. So the water which Davids three mighty men drew out of the Well of Bethlehem and brought unto David is called Blood because they gat it with blood as it were putting their lives into their hands for it as David saith Is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives 2 Sam. 23. 15-17 1 Chron. 11. 17-19 So that field is called the field of blood which was bought with blood or with the price of blood Mat. 27. 6-8 Act. 1. 19. see the fuller discovery pag. 112-114 And in this sense the Cross of Christ answers to the Gospel 1 Cor. 1. 17. with ver 18. For by the blood of his Cross he hath made peace Col. 1. 20. Obtained the forgiveness of our personal sins Ephes 1. 7. Col. 1. 14. received the spirit and all spiritual blessings Rev. 5. 6 12. Joh. 3. 35. with Chap. 10. 17 18. Confirmed a new Testament and everlasting Covenant of exceeding great and precious promises c. Mâ—t. 26. 28. Heb. 10. 29. and 9. 12. and Chap. 13. 20. Phil. 2. 8 9. Eph. 4. 8-10 with Psal 68. 10 18. 2. How were these holy ones redeemed by his Blood To that we may say 1. As to Christs redeeming men in himself so he carried his blood in the vertue of it into Heaven and presented it unto the Father as a price of redemption Not by the blood of goats and calves but by or with his own blood be entred in 〈◊〉 having obtained eternal redâ—â—ption Heb. 9. 12. with vers 7. And he thorow the eternal spirit offered himself in the vertue of his blood without spot or fault to God Heb. 9. 14. Every High-Priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices wherefore it is of necessity that this man our great High-Priest have somewhat to offer And he hath given himself his own body which was delivered for our offenceâ— and raised again for us an offering and a sacrifice to God as we have before said Heb. 8. 1-3 4. with Chap. 10. 10. Eph. 5. 2. 1 Tim. 2. 6. And so acceptable and well-pleasing was his gift and offering unto God that thereby he hath redeemed mankind from the curse of the Law drawn all men unto himself and God hath given him power over all flâ—sh and committed all judgment and government unto him that all men should honour the son c. Gal. 3. 13. Joh. 12 31 32. and Chap. 17. 2. Psal 2. 6-8-9-12 Joh. 5. 22 23. 2. As to the redeeming men in their own persons unto God he is tendring his blood unto them as a price to out-bid all other things and buy them off from their vanities Idols and vain conversation and so his blood answers to money though yet it infinitely exceeds it 1 Pet. 1. 18. 19. He puts his blood in and by his Gospel and himself as a price into the hands of men to redeem them from their evil and sinful thoughts ways and companions that they might count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledg of Jesus and go on to count them but dung that they might win him and be found in him Phil. 3. 7-9 Prov. 17. 16. He by his spirit so glorifies himself and renders his blood so precious in his Gospel that men might look unto him and be
as he is the Mediator between God and Men the Man Christ Jesus He hath given all to him and conferred all upon him in the Nature of Man Joh. 3. 35. All things are delivered to me of my Father saith he Mat. 11. 25 27. Mat. 28. 18. Col. 1. 19. And he hath ascended up on high he hath led Captivity Captive he hath received gifts in the Man for Men yea for the rebellious also Psal 68. 18. To this purpose the Psalmist speaks at large saying Thou hast given him his hearts desire and hast not withholden the request of his lips for thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness thou settest a Crown of pure Gold upon his Head He asked life of thee thou gavest it him even length of days for ever and ever His glory is great in thy salvation Honour and Majesty hast thou laid upon him for thou hast made him most blessed for ever thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance Ps 21. 1 2 3 4 5 6. with Joh. 17. 4 5. Obj. But how can it be said he is worthy to receive these things of the Father when he had received all these things of him before this Answ 1. As to his receiving them from his Father it is certaâ—nly true he had received them all before this time But yet he may be acknowledged to be worthy to receive them even to receive what he hath already not so much respecting the time as the thing to wit his merit and worthiness And so they set to their Seal as it were to what God hath done even as before in this Chapter 5. the four living Creatures and twenty-four Elders say thou art worthy to take the Book when he had taken it before v. 7 8 9. And yet it is thus expressed to us 2. But this saying also may have and certainly hath respect to the Doxology of the Saints and Angels or to their ascribing and rendring praise to the Lamb and this leads us to the next thing viz. 2. He that was slain is worthy to receive these excellencies from his Creatures especially from the Saints and Angels not that they can add any thing to him really for in him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell and all things that the Father hath are his Col. 1. 19. Joh. 16. 14 15. But they give these things to him when they ascribe and render to him these things and acknowledge his merit and worthiness and so render his praise glorious as is said before see Notes on ch 4. v. 9. and v. 11. 3. Upon what account do they acknowledge the Lamb worthy to receive these excellencies And that is because he was slain Indeed these words the Lamb that was slain are a description of the Person whom they celebrate and whose praise they render glorious And so they direct us to one Person and to one that was not is slain to distinguish him from and prefer him before all others that may be so called from other Lambs or Persons so called Luke 10. 3. for they that were slain are so still Rev. 6. 9 10. But he this most excellent Lamb is not so He liveth who was dead and is alive for evermore Rev. 1. 18. and 2. 8. See the Notes before on v. 6. But these words also lead us to the Reason wherefore they acknowledge the Lamb to be worthy to receive all these excellent things namely because he was slain And so 1. He is worthy to receive and hath received all from God the Father upon the account of his Personal abasement and sufferings his blood was so precious it being the blood of God 1 Pet. 1. 19. with Act. 20. 28. The Father loveth the Son because he laid down his life that he might take it again that he hath given all things into his hand Joh. 3. 35. with ch 10. 17. Heb. 2. 9. Phil. 2. 7 8 9. And from all the Saints and holy ones of Mankind see the Notes before on v. 9 And from all the Angels as here But why should the Angels thus glorifie him on this account seeing he took not their Nature nor tasted Death for them Answ 1. Because herein God's will was done and that they rejoice in and glorifie him for for Christ came down from Heaven not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him Joh. 6. 38. Psal 103. 20. 2. Because it was for our good that we might be brought to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. They are full of Charity and that leads Persons not to seek or rejoice in their own good only but also in that which tends to the good of others 1 Cor. 13. 5. Phil. 2. 2 4 6. Hence when Christ came and was born into the World the Saviour of Mankind they rejoice herein and glorifie God on the account hereof Luke 2. 10 14. and ch 15. 7 10. Verse 13. And every Creature which is in Heaven and on the Earth and under the Earth and such as are in the Sea and all that are in them heard I saying Blessing and honour and glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever In this Verse the Apostle gives unto us a further account of 1. What he heard And this is declared to us 1. Universally And every Creature heard I. 2. By a particular enumeration thereof which is in Heaven and on the Earth and under the Earth and such as are in the Sea 3. By a general repetition of them And all that are in them 2. He gives us an account what he heard of or from them and that 1. More generally Saying 2. More particularly Blessing and honour and glory and power 3. To whom they ascribe or vote these excellent things and that is unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb. 4. How long they thus ascribe or vote these excellent things to them and that is for ever and ever 1. The Apostle I say gives unto us a further account of what he heard and that is set down and propounded to us 1. Universally And every creature heard I Every creature distinct from those fore-spoken of to wit the holy Angels v. 11. 12. and the four living creatures and twenty four Elders v. 8. 10. As it seems And that the every creature is distinct from the four and twenty four appears also in v. 14. So the Saints are distinguished from every creature by the Apostle Paul when he saith we know that the whole creation or every creature groaneth and travelleth in pain together untill now And not only they but our selves also which have the first-fruits of the Spirit c. Rom. 8. 22 23. And so here by every creature we may understand all God's works in all places of his dominion All his works distinct from the holy Angels and Saints of mankind see Ps 103. 20 22. with Ps 145. 10. Every thing which God made and which he made very good Gen.
all most â—avourably concerning his poor Creatures for he is Charity 1 Cor. 13. 4 8. So with respect to the Heathen that have not heard distinctly of Christ if they according to the means vouchsafed do believe that God is and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him diligently they shall be accepted of him Act. 10. 34. Rom. 2. 26 29. Heb. 11. 6. Luke 12. 47 48. Jer. 49. 11. At the time of Mens ignorance God winketh at them â—ees and observes not Act. 17. 30. with Isay 42. 19 21. So he graciously excuses the evils of his Creatures in their infirmities so far is he from aggravating them as we are too apt to be thus when his People hearkened not the reason is given it was because of their anguish of Spirit and cruel Bondage Exod. 6. 9. So when Peter James and John slept and lost such an opportunity as they never had again our Saviour after he had meekly propounded a Question to them in which intimately he shews their evil and reproves them for it yet preâ—ently thus excuseth or extenâ—ateth it saying The Spirit indeed is willing but the Flesh is weak Mat. 26. 40 41. So with respect to Creatures that have no understanding It is said of the Ostrich She is hardned against her young ones as though they were not hers But then presently the Holy Ghost acquaints us with the reason thereof to wit because God hath deprived her of wisdom neither hath he imparted to her understanding Job â—9 13 16. And if God be so gracious in his interpretations of the doing of his poor Creatures here in general yea and puts the most savourable construction upon what the mute and brute Creatures do how much rather will he do so towards them that come unto him by Christ He will not break the bruised Reed Isay 40. 10 11. and 42. 1 4. not condemn them for what they do thorow weakness or violence of temptation Deut. 22. 23 27. Isay 35. 3 5. Rom. 7. 17 20. And if â—here be first a willing mind it is accepted according to that a Man hath and not according to that he hath not 2 Cor. 8. 12. He that reputes the mute and brute Creatures instâ—â—ct a calling to and waiting upon him and preserves them and provides for them and cloaâ—â—s the Grass of the Field will he not much rather hear them and fulfil their desires who call upon him who call upon him in truth preserve them and provide for and cloath them for they are much better and highlier valued by him than these mute and brute Creatures and will most graciously and charitably interpret all their sayings and doings Ps 145. 15 18 19. Mat. 6. 26 30. Luke 12. 5 6 7 24 28. 4. Yea we may take notice also that they render the same blessing honour glory and power unto the Lamb as unto him that sitteth upon the Throne Him God hath set over the works of his hands who by his grace tasted death for every Man and put all things under his feet All Sheep and Oxen yea and the Beasts of the Field the Fowls of the Air and Fishes of the Sea and whatsoever passeth thorow the Paths of the Sea Psal 8. 5 8. with Heb. 2. 7 9. And they vote and render the same excellencies to him as to him on the Throne whereto the four living Creatures say Amen v. 14. for he is one with the Father Joh. 5. 22 23. So the Palm-bearing Saints cryed with a loud voice saying Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb whereto all the Angels said Amen Rev. 7. 9 10. For indeed though as with respect to his human nature and as our Mediator the Father is greater than he Joh. 14. 28. yet according to his divine consideration he is equal with the Father Phil. 2. 6. And when he saith the Father is greater than all even than himself as the Son of Man yet then he presently adds I and the Father are one to wit according to his divine nature Joh. 10. 29 30. for he is indeed the true God and eternal Life He who gave himself for us is the great God and our Saviour Tit. 2. 15 14. See Notes before on v. 8. And therefore he is to be adored praised trusted in called upon lived unto c. by us And well might the inferiour Creatures vote and ascribe Blessing honour c. to him for so all the Saints and Angels also do as we have seen before v. 8 12. 4. How long do they vote and ascribe these things to him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb And that is for ever and ever even to all eternity so they do to him that sits upon the Throne for he shall sit upon it for ever and ever The Lord shall râ—ign for ever and ever Exod. 15. 18. Ps 10. 16. See 1 Chron. 16. 36. and 29. 10. Nehem. 9. 5. Ps 145. 1 2 21. Phil. 4. 20. 1 Tim. 1. 17. And unto the Lamb who is alive for evermore Rev. 1. 18. Ps 21. 4. and whose Throne is for ever and ever therefore shall he be praised for ever and ever Ps 45. 6. with v. 17. Gal. 1. 5. 2 Tim. 4. 18. 2 Pet. 3. 18. 1 Pet. 4. 11. Rev. 1. 5 6. Verse 14. And the four living Creatures said Amen And the twenty four Elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever In this Verse we have declared to us what was said and done by the four living Creatures and twenty four Elders as consequential to and following after that spoken in v. 13. 1. As with respect to the four living Creatures And the four living Creatures said Amen to wit unto that which was voted and ascribed unto him who sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever Now their saying Amen may inform and assure us 1. That the four living Creatures confirm the truth of that Doxology made by every Creature to wit that the Blessing and the Honour and the Glory and the Power ought of right to be given by all Creatures according to their nature and kind to him that sits upon the Throne and unto the Lamb and the same to him as to the Father and that for ever and ever So the word Amen is frequently a word of confirmation or setting the Seal as it were to the truth or rightness of that which is asserted pronounced or said as when our Lord saith I am he that liveth and was dead and behold I am alive for evermore Amen this is a true and faithful saying Rev. 1. 18. Thus under the Law persons who were guilty said Amen to the curse confessing they were accursed ones by Nature and notwithstanding their own works of Righteousness for as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse Deut. 27. 15 26. with Gal. 3. 10. Numb 5. 22. Christ calls himself The Amen to wit the faithful and true witness and