the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemy Jer. â— 12. 7 8. Amos. 3. 2. If God spared not the natural branches take heed also lest he spare not thee Rom. 11. 20 21. Rev. 3. 2 3. and v. 16. but to this we may further speak afterwards 2. We have the matter or reason of the charge or quarrel particularly declared and laid down Because or that thou hast left thy first love This was that he had against them and therefore he was angry with them though good and commendable things were found with them 1. He had not against them here that they walked in rioting and drunkenness and run with others to the same excess of riot they were not clothed with this undecent and dishonest cloathing with these works of darkness Rom. 13. 11 12. It is most abominable for his Churches or any in them to abuse themselves herewith or to abuse the good creatures of God and admonition had been formerly given to this Church not to be drunk with wine wherein is excess which it seems had had good effect on them Eph. 5. 17 18. and Judgment is threatned to such by our Saviour who overcharge their hearts with surfetting and drunkenness Luke 21. 34 36. But for these evils he threatens them not nor had he a quarrel against them for walking in uncleanness nay they hated such deeds v. 6. so well had they minded and observed those cautions and Instructions given them by the Apostle Paul Eph. 5. 3 6. Col. 3. 5 6. 1 Cor. 3. 16 17. and ch 6. 9 11. Gal. 5. 19 21. 2. Nor hath he against them that they were walking in covetousness which is Idolatry Col. 3. 5. Eph. 5. 5. and the root of all evil 1 Tim. 6. 9 10. and for which he reproves and threatens destruction to his people in former times Jer. 6. 10 13. and ch 8. 7 10. Ezek. 33. 31 32. nor for fashioning themselves to the fashions of this evil World in the Pride of apparel for which they are threatned Isay 3. 15 26. And which becomes not persons prosessing godliness 1 Tim. 2. 9 10. nay they are not charged with committing or acting any evil but they are reproved for omitting or abating in that which was good This was also the great and provoking evil of Laodicea that she was become luke-warm and her love to Christ was greatly decreased and lessened This one evil was charged upon the first the last of the seven Churches Though the last it seems was most deeply guilty hereof ch 3. 15 17. Consider this If thou knowest no evil by thy self that thou hast acted or committed yet art thou not hereby justified but mayest be that notwithstanding justly reproved and punished 3. Nor doth he say thou hast no love nor any works or labour thereof But he had before acknowedged to their praise that they had works and labour c. v. 2 but their evil was they were without and destitute of their first love though they had some still without all perad venture 2. And so that which he hath against them is Because they had left their first love where let us enquire and consider for our usefulness 1. What was their first love which they had left 2. How had they left their first love 3. Shew that this is such an iniquity as provoketh the Lord to anger 1. What was their first love which they had left To this we may say their first love here meant was not their first love as Children of Adam or as walking in their natural estate for then they walked according to the course of this World according to the prince of the power of the air the spirit that worketh rulingly prevailingly in the Children of disobedience Eph. 2. 1 2. then they loved and and adored Diana Act. 19. 27 28. but the love here spoken of was their love in the spirit Col. 1. 8. even that love which was effected and produced in them by the holy spirit in the Testimony of Jesus in his glorifying Christ and taking of his things and shewing unto them whereby their hearts were reconciled unto him and enflamed with love to him And so we may say 1. This first love here spoken of hath for its principle seed Gods first love commended to us in the cross of Christ as declared in the Gospel for the cross of Christ his abasement and sufferings in the vertue whereof he is raised again is the first great fundamental universal commendation of the love of God and Christ to us poor sinners and ungodly ones of mankind And that which is first to be declared to men when they are in trespasses and sins dead to reconcile their hearts this is the ministery of reconciliation to wit that God was in Christ reconciling the World unto himself not imputing their trespasses to them but making him to be sin for them who knew no sin 2 Cor. 5. 19 21. This is the water or that in which is the water to regenerate men even to beget them to the faith love of God That God so loved the World as to give his onely begetten Son and that which our Saviour preached first of all in order to the regeneration of Nicodemus Joh. 3. 3 5 9 16 and to the Samaritans Joh. 4. 42. this Paul first of all preached unto the Corinthians when they were gentiles carried away unto dumb Idols even as they were led and while they were walking in the Service of the vile affections and lusts of the flesh To the begetting them to faith and love 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. with ch 12. 2. and ch 6. 9 11. and ch 4. 15. and to the Galatians he did evidently set forth Jesus Christ and him crucified before them in the gospel and therein the grace of God to sinners unjust ones and enemies that their hearts might thereby be turned to the Lord Gal. 4. 13. with ch 3. 1. and ch 1. 6. and indeed this is the incorruptible seed of which a Man may be born again even the word of God which hath been made flesh and which liveth and abideth for ever 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. hereby men are begotten to the love of God in Christ even from the knowledg and belâ—ef of his first love to us as the Apostle John saith love is of God and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God for God is love But how and wherein doth his love appear and that he is love In this was manifested the love of God towards us because God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him Herein is love not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins And â—e have known and believed the love that God hath to us in sending his Son the Saviour of the World God is love c. Hereby is our love made perfect we love him because he first loved us
only did he in Love cover them but also he revealed the deep and mysterious things to him What an encouragement is this for us poor sinful ones to turn to him from whom we have revolted and to take with us words and say take away all iniquity and receive us graciously or give good Hos 14. 1 4. So presently after Christ had upbraided all his Apostles for their Unbelief and hardness of heart because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen he immediately adds Go ye into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature c. Mark 16. 14 15 20. So he was pleased to honour Peter greatly and make him an eminent Instrument for preaching the Gospel and converting many thousand Jews after he had called him Satan Mat. 16. 22. And after Peter had so often and foully denied his Master even with cursing and swearing c. Mat. 26. 69 74. Gal. 2. And this Consideration 1. may teach us not to be many Masters for in many things we offend all Jam. 3. 1 2. 2. It may also instruct us not to glory in Men nor idolize them for the most eminent Men of them are of like passions with others Jam. 5. 17 Acts 14. 13 15. 3. It shews unto us that they also needed Mercy as well as we Ps 5. 5 7. 4. It may incourage us to confess our Sins and hope in his Mercy 1 Joh. 1. 8 10. and not be discouraged because of our great unworthiness and many evils but to pray unto him and to expect his Mercy and Grace in waiting upon him and keeping his way Elias was a Man subject to like passions as we are and be prayed earnestly and God heard him Jam. 5. 17 18. and he was an eminent Man and one highly favoured of the Lord and who had many Visions vouchsafed unto him of the Lord Compare also Acts 14. 15. with 2 Cor. 12. 1 7. 4. I John not the first named Apostle but Peter was the first in order nay John was the last of the three named with Peter and James so Mark 5. 37. and ch 9. 2. and 14. 33. Gal. 2. 9. Nor one of the first called to follow Christ Peter and Andrew were before him Joh. 1. 40 43. Mat. 4. 18 21. nor the forwardest speaker but Peter was more forward and frequent in speaking when they were together it seems than he Acts 3. and ch 4. 8. c. And yet herein he was preferred before them all in having this Book or the Contents of it sent and signified to him And we may from hence learn that there are first that shall be last and last first as our Saviour said to Peter when he so forwardly told his Master they had forsaken all and followed him and demanded what shall we have therefore Mat. 19. 27 30. and ch 20. 16. So it was also true of Paul in some respects who was called after others yea last of all as one born out of due time He was in nothing behind or inferior to the very chiefest Apostles 2 Cor. 12 1 7 11 12. yea he laboured more abundantly than they all yet not he but the Grace of God which was with him 1 Cor. 15. 8 10. Let no Man boast that he was in the ministry before others for God may as much or more favour such as were later therein than those before them Mat. 20. 14 16. Nor lift up himself because he is more forward to speak but let every one be clothed with humility and as our Saviour saith to his Disciples he that is greatest among you shall be your Servant Mat. 23. 10 11. 5. I John That Disciple whom Jesus loved as he is often described to us Joh. 13. 23 25. and ch 19. 26. and ch 21. 7 20 24. It is not said that Disciple that loved Jesus though doubtless he loved him very much but whom Jesus loved with an high degree of Love and with a greater degree it seems than therewith he loved the residue of his Disciples though he loved them all with the same manner of Love to him are these Visions and this Revelation given He now testifies Love to those whom he peculiarly loves not as the World doth unto its Favourites Joh. 14. 27. Not in preserving them from afflictions and troubles Joh. 11. 3. but in manifesting himself and his secret to them Ps 25. 14. Joh. 14. 21 23. And many times the more any are beloved of him above others the more he prefers them before others in acquainting them with those things which are more hidden and mysterious So he appeared twice to Solomon who was beloved of his God 2 Sam. 12. 25. 1 Kings 11. 9. with Neh. 13. 26. So he vouchsafed many Visions unto Daniel who was a Man greatly beloved Dan. 9. 23. and ch 10. 11. And such a Vision of the Son of Man was shewed to him as was to his Apostle John In the close of which he is called O Man greatly beloved Dan. 10. 5 11. with Rev. 1. 12 17. Oh that we may so have and keep his Commandments that his Father may love us and he may love us and manifest himself to us and teach us all things Joh. 15. 9. and ch 14. 15 21 23. And unto John that Disciple whom Jesus loved is this Revelation sent even to him unto whom our Saviour committed his Mother and he took her unto his own home Joh. 19. 26 27. He in love laid that Burden upon him before and now reveals these Secrets to him And if thou draw out thy Soul to the hungry and satisfie the afflicted Soul especially such as hear and do the Word of God who are Christ's Mother and Brethren Luke 8. 20 21. Then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness shall be as the Noon-day Then shall thy light break forth as the Morning and the LORD shall guide thee continually c. Isay 58. 7 8 10 11. We have an account of his Relation to the seven Churches and so to all believers Who also am your Brother and Companion Not so to the Angels only but also unto all the Believers He is not ashamed to own them as Brethren and to call himself their Brother and Companion no nor Christ himself and therefore much less should John Heb. 2. 12 13. This was also the practice of the rest of the Apostles generally in their writings to the Churches all except the Apostle Jude But here we may take notice 1. When he thus calls himself even now when he is giving us an account of the Visions he received of the Lord in which he was preferred before them yet now he saith your Brother and Companion one that had the same Father and Mother the same Foundation of Faith matter of feeding hope of the Inheritance Eph. 4. 3 7 11. There is an aptness in such as are so favoured to be lifted up thorow the abundance of Revelations 2 Cor. 12 1 7. but it was not so with
outward Garment only which might be put off and then the names are laid aside also which are only so engraven but even upon his heart As the Apostle saith I have you in my heart for God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ In and with such bowels as were begot by and like unto Christs bowels towards them Phil. 1. 7 8. as if he would thereby signifie to us that Christ's bowels and bowelly affection was so towards them that he indeed had them in his heart he carries them in his bosom Isay 30. 11. he loveth them with peculiar manner of love who from his first love known and believed do love him Indeed he loveth all Men while it is called to day and is not willing that any Man should perish but that all should come to repentance as he hath brightly manifested in tasting Death for every Man and as may be seen in his being a light to them in due time that he might be for Salvation to them that thorow him they might be saved and in being the mediatour between God and them making intercession for them and procuring long suffering which is and is to be accounted Salvation 1 Joh. 3. 16. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. 2 Pet. 3. 9. 15. But he loveth them that love him because he first loved them with another manner of love with a delightful well-pleased love all his delight is in the Saints that are in the earth and in the excellent ones Prov. 8. 17 Ps 16. 2 3. as the Father hath loved him so he loveth them Joh. 15. 9 13. and ch 14. 21 23. he loveth them and beareth them on his heart and breast when and that is always he appeareth before God and on his breast-plate which is righteousness Isay 59. 17. Eph. 6. 14 he forgiveth them and clotheth and adorneth them and hath bowelly affection and hearty love to them They are engraven upon his heart which is the seat of love as is also intimated in that earnest desire of the spouse Set me as a seal upon thine heart engrave me thereon for love is strong as death Cant. 8. 6. 7. and all these who are loved with this distinguishing and delightful love of Christ are also accepted unto the father in him and the Father loveth and will love them Eph. 1. 6. Joh. 16. 27. And they being thus in and on the heart of Christ they are and shall be in his mouth also for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh Mat. 12. 34. they are in his mouth Rev. 3. 16. their sorrows indeed shall be multiplied that hasten after another or give gifts unto another High-priest and mediatour Their drink-offerings of blood will he not offer nor take up their names into his lips but because his delight is in the saints that are in the earth he will offer and render acceptable their sacrifices and take up their names into his lips Ps 16. 2 4. 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Heb. 7. 25. and ch 9. 15. Joh. 17. 9 20. c. And because they are in his heart he will impart his mind to them 1 Cor. 2. 16. Judg. 16. 15. The secret of the Lord is with them and he will shew them his covenant Ps 25. 10 14. he will manifest himself and the mysteries of his Kingdom to them which he will not do unto the World Joh. 41. 21 22. Rev. 1. 11. and ch 2. 7 11 17 29 c. and ch 22. 16. And they being engraven on his heart his arme is engaged for them to bear them and to deliver them from evil and from the fear of evil in their hearkening unto him and they are in and engraven in his hand so as he will not forget them but whatever he openeth his hand to do so he will behold them and have such respect to them that shall work together for good to them that love him and none shall pluck them out of his hand Cant. 8. 6. Isay 49. 15 16. John 10. 27 28. Rom 8. 28 39. Yea he is a son and shield and will give grace and glory and no good thing will he with hold from them that walk uprightly Ps 84. 10 12. Joh. 14. 12 14. And in the brest-plate of judgment and on the heart of the High-priest in our types of old he did bear the judgment of the Children of Israel before the Lord continually either to figure out that our Jesus our great High-priest doth sympathize with his people in all their judgments and occasions of sorrow and sadness In all their afflictions he was afflâ—cted he knoweth how to have compassion on them and to pity and succour them in all their temptations and trials Isay 63. 9. Heb. 2. 17 18. Or rather as Moses the Mediatour of the first Testament was by the appointment of God to put in the Brest-plate of judgment which was upon Aaron's heart the Vrim and the Thummim which signify lights and perfections And therein he was to bear the judgment of the Children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually which Vrim and Thummim gave a most perfect light in any difficult matter to him that enquired thereat and without which they would not determine in those things which were doubtful and difficult Ezra 2. 63. Neh. 7. 65. Hereby it seems God revealed his mind and counsel in former times and when they enquired thereat the Person enquiring was to stand before the High-priest with his face towards the Brest-plate of judgment and as is observed by some a most perfect light shone upon the letters that were all upon the Breast-plate in order one after another whereby the mind of God was made known and revealed and the enquirer had thereby judgment and discerning given to him Numb 27. 21. Exod. 28. 30. Levit. 8. 8. 1 Sam. 28. 6. and hereby in general was signified that the High priest then by the Vrim and Thummim was to teach Jacob God's Laws and Israel his judgments Deut. 33. 8 9 10. So now our High-priest is he that hath the Vrim and the Thummim upon his Breast plate of Righteousness that in looking thereupon on the Righteousness he hath brought in and compleated and the means whereby he hath so done to wit his abasement sufferings and death and his resurrection from the dead as these things are declared to us in the Gospel or word of the Beginning of Christ we might be guided into all truth and have an understanding in all things and so be fitted to go on to perfection They who are dull of hearing and unacquainted with these first things and unskilful in the word of his righteousness are babes and cannot discern both good and evil but they who are skilful herein are fitted for the receiving the knowledge of all things needful to be now known by them 1 Cor. 1. 18 23. 2 Tim. 2. 7 8. Heb. 5. 11 14. and ch 6. 1. He is the light of the World a most
1 Joh. 4. 7 10 14 16 17 19. and ch 5. 1. And here-thorow were these Ephesians quickened to the love of God in Christ at first as it is said But God who is â—ich in mercy for or thorow his great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us c. Eph. 2. 4 5. This is the original and principle of the first love here spoken of 2. This love thus begotten is first placed on him that begat even on the Lord Jesus Christ and God in him because of his first love to us 1 Joh. 4. 19. and ch 5. 1. yea because of his love and loveliness his love is better then winâ— and because of the Savour of his good Oyntments his name is as Oyntment poured forth therefore do the virgins such as are not defiled with Women with whorish societieâ— anâ— congregâ—â—ions love him the upright love him from the Remembrance of his love Cant. 1. 2 3 4. with Rev. 14. 3 4. And because of his beauty and glory his excellency and comeliness for their escape Isay 4. 2. he is firstly the object of their love though now they see him not with their bodily eyes as the Apostles did yet thâ—y love him 1 Pet. 1. 8. Eph. 6. 24. To this the saints are exhâ—â—ted O Love the Lord ye his saints Ps 31. 23. Oh worthy for ever is hâ— to be beloved who so loved uâ— when we wâ—re such filthy polluted ones as to give himself for us Rev. 1. 5 6. Gal. 2. 20. Hence the Apostle when he is triumphing in God's love in not sparing his own Son but delivering him up for us all and in Christs love to us in dying yea rather in rising again c. he addes I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 32 34 39. Thereby it was begotten and thereby maintained and there-thorow fixed on that most excellent Object even Jesus Christ and God in him and such as love him are the called according to purpose Rom. 8. 28. His love and loveliness causeth them that know and believe it to cleave to him with full purpose to pant after him that they may more know him win him and be found in him It causes them to run unto him and follow him hard and to long and wait for his appearing and coming again Ps 42. 1 2. and 63. 1 4 8. Isay 55. 5. 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. This love thus begotten and fixed upon this most excellent object is inward intense and fervent It is not in word and tongue only but indeed and in truth 1 Joh. 3. 18. Too too many there are who draw nigh to him with their mouth and honour him with their lips while yet their hearts are far removed from him but all such worship is in vain Isay 29. 13. with Mat. 15. 8 9. But this first love here intimately commended to us by Christ is such as is with all the heart like that our saviour saith in answer to the scribe Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength Mark 12. 28 30. Deut. 6. 4 5. Hence Christ is oft thus called by the spouse He whom my soul loveth Cant. 1. 7. and ch 3. 1 2 3 4. This love is with the heart as distinguished from and opposed to that pretence of love or that feigned love found with too many this is love without dissimulation Rom. 12. 9. love in sincerity or with incorruption Eph. 6. 24. and this love is also with the whole heart as distinguished from and opposed to dividedness of heart towards him and also towards other persons or things which is found with many as it is said their heart is divided now shall they be found faulty Hos 10. 2. too many there are who are double-minded who have a soul and a soul whose hearts are full of doublemindedness who in some measure love Christ and together also love somewhat else before or equal to him and so love him not with such a love as is well pleasing to him for no man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other Mat. 6. 24. Luk. 16. 13. and he that loveth Father or Mother more than Christ is not worthy of him he that loveth Son or Daughter more than he is not worthy of him Mat. 10. 37. Luke 14. 24 26. but the first love here spoken of is such as leads one to be and abide for Christ and not to be for another man or object Hos 3. 3. and so inward intense and ardent is this love as that it leads to hate what is reproved our sins and vanities or otherwise it is but love with dissimulation when love is without dissimulation it leads to abhor that which is evil Rom. 12. 9. This is the nature of this love that it causeth a Man to abstain from deny and mortify all that which is displeasing to the beloved And hence whereas in giving the law the right worshipping of God is expressed in four commandments by God to wit Thou shalt have no other Gods but me Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image c. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain c. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy c. Exod. 20. 3 11 Deut. 5. 7 15. they are all summed up in this afterwards Deut. 6. 4 5. and by our saviour Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind c. Mat. 22. 36 38. Luke 10. 26 27. to signify to us that the hearty love of him includes and leads to an abstaining from and fleeing from whatsoever is forbidden by him and indeed he that doth evil hateth Christ who is the light of the World and if any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him Joh. 3. 20. 1 Joh. 2. 15. yea so intense this love is as that it moves and prevails with him in whom it is to prefer Christ before all and forsake all for his sake the riches honour glory name and praise of this World and those things most gainful and dear unto them even their former good things confidences Wisdom Righteousness relations c. Luke 14. 16 26 33. and ch 9. 59 62. Mat. 13. 44 46. as the Apostle saith of himself But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all
I please and so can destroy you if you rebel against me I have against thee call to mind therefore from whence thou art fallen so ch 3. 2 3. I have not found thy works perfect before God Remember therefore c. It is high time for us to remember and consider and to reflect and look back when such an one hath a quarrel with us and draws up a charge against us If it were an ering sinful Man that had against us we might suppose or suspect that he hath a quarrel against us out of hatred prejudice or mistake or we might think we need not fear or matter what he saith It might be a small thing with us to be judged of Men or of man's judgment 1 Cor. 4. 3. But he is a most excellent one in every consideration And therefore he may say as the Lord speaks to Job wilt thou also disanul my judgment wilt thou condemn me that thou mayest be Righteous Job 40. 18. Remember therefore 2. Or therefore may refer to the latter part of v. 4. To which after Remember from whence thou art fallen This expression from whence may signify unto us 1. From what degreee of love thou art fallen and so it answers to that v. 4. thou hast left thy first-love Remember this and so it may be needful and good to remember what efficacy the grace of God had upon us at first and how precious and pleasant then it was to us To Remember what was the blessedness that we then spake of Gal. 4. 17. Heb. 10. 32 34. How our hearts were reconciled to God enflamed with love to Christ how our hearts did even burn within us as Luke 24. 32. God remembers and makes known his remembrance of the first-love that it might be remembred by us Jer. 2. 1 3. But though this be a truth and needful it is for us to remember this yet also there may be somewhat else intended hereby which will also include this and which leads to the leaving the first love to wit 2. Remember from whence thou art fallen namely from the root principle and seed of thy first love that is to say from his first love and the manifestation thereof to wit the Abasement and sufferings of Christ declared in the Gospel in which is evidenced to us the love of God and that he is love 1 Joh. 4. 8 10. and whereby they were begotten to the love of him for every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God for God is love 1 Joh. 4. 7 9 14 16 19. Eph. 2. 2 4 5. This kindness and love of God to manward is the washing of regeneration or laver of the new-birth Tit. 3. 4 5. this love of God caused them to run well at first even to run unto Christ Gal. 3. 1. with ch 1. 6. and ch 5. 7. In the sufferings and cross of Christ God hath commended and doth wonderfully and unspeakably commend his love his first love to the World of Mankind God so loved the Word that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3. 16. Rom. 8. 32. God commendeth his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Rom. 5. 5 8. And herein the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ was admirably demonstrated in that he being rich for our sakes he became poor and he humbled himself and became obedient unto Death the Death of the Cross 2 Cor. 8. 9. Phil. 2. 6 8. And how joyful news was this when declared at first It is well called Gospel glad-tidings good-tidings of great joy to all people the glad-tidings of the Kingdom Luke 2. 10 11. and ch 8. 1. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. and that he was raised again for our Justification We declare unto you glad-tidings saith the Apostle How that the Promise which was made unto the Fathers God hath fulfilled the same in that he hath raised up Jesus again Acts 13. 32 33. And Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law being made a curse for us and obtained into himself Eternal Redemption and all Spiritual Blessings Gal. 3. 13 14. Heb. 9. 12. Mat. 22. 3 4. and came and preached Peace to us who were afar off Eph. 2. 13 17. This believed turned their hearts to the Lord delivered them from their fears and aâ—frightening despairing thoughts and begat in them â—ervent love to him and then they said they would no more transgress but would walk before the Lord in the Land of the living and bethought themselves what they should render to him for all his benefits Ps 116. 8. c. Jer. 2. 20. But from hence they were fallen even from the mindfulness and believing consideration of his first love manifested in laying down his life and tasting Death by the Grace of God for every man Heb. 2. 9. And that this is the fundamental meaning of this from whence appears if we consider 1. That upon somewhat a like occasion and account a like Counsel is given to the Church of Sardis for the recovery thereof Our Lord exhorts and instructs that Angel and Church to remember how they had received and heard Rev. 3. 2 3. How not only the manner but matter also compare Luke 8. 18. with Mark 4. 24. Luke 10. 26. to signifie unto us that That Angel and Church had let slip and forgotten what was first delivered to them and received by them and that their forgetfulness thereof was the fundamental cause of their deadness and evil as here also it was And thereto Christ recalls them that they might strengthen the things that remain and were ready to dye See notes on Rev. 3. v. 3. 2. It so appears also if it be duly considered by us what this Counsel here given refers to namely the latter part of verse 4. as hath been said thou hast left thy first love remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen which hath occasioned and caused this abatement and lessening thereof there is some root-iniquity that hath caused this remission and decay of thy first love to him and that is thy forgetting his first love and the manifestation thereof So Rev. 3. 2 3. 3. It so appeareth also by this because he that loveth not in whole or in part knoweth not considereth not God for God is Love He minds not or le ts slip the consideration hereof that God is Charity and that herein is manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him 1 Joh. 4. 8 10. And on the other hand he that abideth in Christ in the believing mindfulness of his being manifested and the end thereof and his faithfulness to him that appointed him sinneth not misseth not his Mark erres not from his way 1 Joh. 3. 5 6 9. 3 Joh. 11. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty and continueth therein
made sad Ezek. 13. 22. nay surely the more perfect and upright the works of any are and the more they are conformed to the Image of Christ the more the World hates them Rom. 8. 28 30 35. The more like the World they are the more they will love them with their corrupt love and the more unlike the World Christ's disciples are and the more they come out from amongst Men and be separate the more they will be Instruments of persecution and tribulation to them If ye were of the World saith our Saviour The World would love his own But because ye are not of the World but I have chosen the out of the World therefore the World â—ates you John 15. 19. Heb. 13. 13. 1 Pet. 4. 3 4. 1 John 3. 1 2. and ch 4. 17. 2 Cor. 6. 17 18. And poverty Either hereby we may understand that they were poor in spirit such as had suffered the loss of all things even of those things that were formerly gain to them and counted them but dung that they might win Christ and be found in him such as had nothing of their own to glory in or make their boast of as others have But had sold that they had that they might buy that field in which is that most excellent treasure Mat. 5. 3 with Isay 66. 1 2. Phil. 3. 7 9. Mat. 13. 44 46. Or also by their poverty we may understand their poverty as with respect to the things of this life and World and so in this consideration they might either be poor when they were first called and prevailed withal by the Gospel as the Apostle James saith hath not God chosen the poor of this World c. Jam. 2. 5. 1 Cor. 1. 26. Or also and rather their poverty appears to be occasioned to them by and to be the consequent of their tribulation as in this order it is here expressed they might suffer the spoiling of their goods Heb. 10. 32 34. and as the fruit of the afflictions and persecutions they endured they might be poor and stript of the things of this World 1 Cor. 4. 10 15. 2 Cor. 6. 9 10. they might be impoverished by their enemies spoiling and plundring of them or by the restraints and imprisonments they might endure for Christ and his Gospel's sake Now here as taking poverty in this last sense for being poor in this World we may note 1. In that he saith I know thy works and tribulation and Povertâ— that such as are in tribulation and Poverty may yet have works and labour of love so it is said of the Church in Thyatira I know thy works and thy Charity and thy service and thy patience v. 19. Though they were in tribulation and had need of and had patience yet also they had charity and works and the last more than the first And this is the commendable account the Apostle gives of the Churches of Macedonia how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality For to their power I bear record saith the Apostle yea and beyond their power they were willing of themselves c. 2 Cor. 8. 1 3 6. this is many times the complaint of persons when an opportunity is put into their hands for doing good alas we are poor we have it not when as it may be rather for want of an heart than any thing else they thus plead Indeed Christ is no hard Master he requires us but to do good as we have opportunity and ability Gal. 6. 10. Luke 11. 41. And if there 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. But too frequently for want of faith in God when persons are poor they withhold more then is meet and it tendeth to poverty Wee may see what notice our Saviour takes of the poor Widow that cast in two mites into the treasury He said of a truth I say unto you that this poor widow hath cast in more then they all For these all have of their abundance cast into the offerings of God but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had Luke 21. 1 4. Our Saviour though he was ministred unto by others yet also he did give to the poor Luke 8. 2 3. with Joh. 13. 29. and the Apostle saith These hands have ministred unto my necessities and not only so but also to them that were with me and saith to the Bishops I have shewed you all things how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak c. Acts 20. 33 34 35. 2. In that he saith I know thy poverty the poverty of this Angel and Church with whom he finds no fault so we may note That those that Christ hath nothing against and whom he loves with peculiar manner and degree of love may be poor and mean in this World and so they are generally who are sincere fearers of him hence they are called the congregation of thy poor Ps 74. 19. and 73. 1 15. they are generally a poor and afflicted people who trust in the name of the Lord Zeph. 3. 12. They drink of this cup and are baptized with his baptism Mat. 20. 22 28. he doth not testify love to his favourites as the World doth unto hers Joh. 14. 27. His Kingdom is not of this World nor doth he ordinarily give much of the things appertaining to the Kingdoms of this World into their possession as he might easily do if he pleased Though he wrought many Articles when he was upon the Earth yet not one to enrich himself his Mother or his Apostles withall his Mother was poor when he was born and poor it may seem when he died which was about three and thirty yeers after And though he had some rich disciples yet he commited not his Mother to them but to the disciple whom he loved who was a poor Man a fisher-Man Joh. 19. 25 27 38 39. And his disciples fall to their old trade of fishing when he was raised again Joh. 21. 2 3. yea how poor and despised they remained afterward when Christ was received up into glory the Apostle Paul acquaints us saying I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last as it were men appointed to death For we are made a spectacle unto the World and unto Angels and to Men. We are fools for Christs sake weak despised even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst and are naked and are buffetted and have no certain dwelling-place And labour working with our own hands being reviled we bless being persecuted we suffer it being defamed we entreat we are made as the filth of the World and are the off-scouring of all things unto this day 1 Cor. 4. 9 13. The consideration whereof might wean us from the love of the World and the things that are in the World And help us
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
thy demeanour Joh. 3. 36. and ch 5. 24. Rom. 8. 1. That his eye is delightfully upon thee and his Soul takes pleasure in thee that thou dwellest and remainest in the peculiar love and special favour of God whose favour is towards a wise Servant but his wrath is against him that causeth shame Prov. 14. 35. Joh. 14. 21 24. That thou livest that thou hast a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead as declared to thee in the Testimony of God concerning Christ 1 Pet. 1. 3. that thou livest by faith even by the Faith of the Son of God who loved thee and gave himself for thee Gal. 2. 20. Hab. 2. 4. that thou livest by Christ as he is revealed in the Gospel that thou eatest that living bread and feedest thereon even on the flesh of Christ that was given for the life of the World whose flesh is meat indeed and whose blood is drink indeed Joh. 7. 51. 53 57 58. and that thereby thou art filled with joy and peace in believing and aboundest in hope thorow the power of the Holy Spirit Rom. 15. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 3 4 8. that in eating of the flesh of the hind of the morning thy heart liveth Christ dwelling therein by Faith Ps 22. 26. with the title Eph. 3. 17. that Christ liveth in thee Gal. 2. 20. and in thy spirit are living waters out of which flow rivers of living water and from whence are issues of life Issuing forth praises of him longing desires after and prayers for more knowledge of him acquaintance with him Faith in him more high prizings of him more servent affection to and welpleased delight in him Joh. 7. 37 38. Prov. 4. 21. Cant. 2. 3 5. That Christ is thy life that living stone the foundation of thy Faith confidence hope and expectation that he is thy consolation and not any works of thine own or any thing effected in thee or done by thee Col. 3. 4. Rom. 1. 16 17. 1 Pet. 2. 3 4 5. Luke 2. 25. and that thou hast thy Glorying in his cross and thy rejoycing always in him who died yea rather is risen again c. And hast no confidence in the flesh Gal. 6. 14. Phil. 3. 1 3. 10. and ch 4. 4. That thou livest art quickened to new and living affections unto Jesus Christ and God in him and lovest him because he loved thee first that he is the He whom thy Soul loveth 1 Joh. 4. 14 16 17 19. and to new and living affections to Brethren so as thou lovest them with a pure heart â—ervently 1 Pet. 1. 22. yea that thou lovest desirest and endeavourest the good of all Men and that from the constrainâ— of the love of Christ because thou judgest that this One died for all and rose again and that God would have all Men to be saved 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. 20. 1 Tim. 2. 1 8. Luke 6. 27 35. And that thou art led by and walkest in the Spirit and so art preserved from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh not only the more gross ones but also the desires of the mind such as the wisdom righteousness goodness of the flesh praise of Men desires of vain-glory c. Gal. 5. 16 22 26. that thou art spiritually minded and led by the spirit who always leads in the path of life and that to thee to live is Christ and the end of thy conversation is that God in all things may be glorified thorow Jesus Christ that his Gospel may have free course and be received and heartily believed by others Phil. 1. 21. 1 Pet. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 9. 23. and ch 10. 33. This is somewhat of the name that this Angel and Church now had of their renown that was gone forth among the other Churches they were highly esteemed and well reported of by others Thou hast a name that thou livest But what was Christ's knowledge concerning them and what account doth he give of this Angel and Church generally It follows I know thy works that thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead and this he knew also by their works Dead not so as to their bodies as we have said for they still lived in that sense and conversed among Men where-as those that are naturally dead know not any thing Eccles 9. 5. nor is the truth sent or preached to them Isay 38. 18. But they were dead while they lived 1 Tim. 5. 6. Dead not with Christ not crucified with him as Gal. 2. 20. not dead to the rudiments and elements of this present world Col. 2. 12 20. or to the law by the body of Christ Rom. 7. 4. or to sin Rom. 6. 7 or conformed to the death of Christ in suffering shame reproach and persecution for his sake Phil. 3. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 11. we are not to understand the word dead in any of these senses for this death is an efficacy of the grace of God known and believed and so not reprovable but commendable But this Angel and Church is reproved and blame-worthy for being dead as plainly appears in this Epistle which is sent unto them in what follows Nor yet dead in an outward open and visible consideration spiritually that is they were not walking in the gross lusts and requirings of the flesh or not openly walking in them they were not like the Prodigal who wasted his substance with riotous living of whom his Father saith this my Son was dead Luke 15. 13 24 32. nor like the Ephesians of whom the Apostle saith And you who were dead in trespasses and sins wherein also ye walked according to the course of this world according to the Prince of the power of the air c. Eph. 2. 1 2. that is I mean they did not openly work the will of the Gentiles walking in lasciviousness lusts excess of wine revellings banquettings c. 1 Pet. 4. 3. for such an openly vile conversation would have been altogether inconsistent with and have taken away their name among the Churches But they were more inwardly dead And yet they were dead not totally and absolutely but comparatively and in a great measure so as to the living and lively usefulness of what they had known and believed and the power and preciousness whereof they had discerned proved tasted and experimented therefore in v. 2. it is thus exprest the things which remain and are ready to dye And so Thou art dead to wit in general Thou art in a piteous condition in a miserable way at present so we have shewn before that death includes and contains in it many times when it is mentioned alone all misery and unhappiness and so certainly this Angel and Church were in the high-way to destruction and would bring that on themselves if Christ's counsel were not seasonably received and obeyed by them v. 2 3. And so he as it were saith to this Angel and Church as he doth to that of Laodicea Thou art wretched and miserable v. 17. More particularly
32 33. Heb. 11. 17 19. The Apostle Paul to recover the Galatians from their wandrings sets before them that Christ is the Amen to him the promises are made and in him confirmed and with him assured to those that receive him So as in being Christ's they are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3. 16 17 29. and 4. 28. and 5. 1. And so here Christ declareth himself to be the Amen to cure these of that Lukewarmness they were polluted with and assures them that in opening and giving entertainment to him he would come in to them and sup with them and they with him and that he that overcometh should sit with him on his throne Rev. 3. 14 20 21. Oh were this considered by us that God hath not spared his own Son but delivered him up for us all how would this make us confident that with him he will freely give us all things also how would this cause us to mount up with wings as Eagles to run and not to be a weary to walk and not saint and to encourage and engage us to listen to his counsel whom God hath given for a covenant to the people For the Lord God is a sun and shield he will give grace and glory no good thing will â—e with-hold from them that walk uprightly Rom. 8. 32. Ps 84. 10 12. The faithful and true witness This may be an explication of the Amen and shew us what is further meant by and contained in that expression These two words faithful and true may mean one and the same thing or we may say he is the faithful witness in that work whereto the Father appointed him hence the Apostle instructs the holy Brethren to consider the Apostle and High-priest of their profession who was faithful to him that appointed him namely in that hard and difficult work of humbling himself and becoming obedient to death the death of the cross Heb. 2. 9 18 and 3. 1 2. he is in his cross a faithful witness of the greatness and sincerity of the Fathers affection to us Isay 55. 3 4. who is meant by the faithful witness here spoken of may be plainly seen and wherein he is so firstly and fundamentally Rev. 1. 5. Jesus Christ the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead And so 1. As he died for our sins by way of propitiation and as the peace-maker So he is a faithful witness of the Fathers love and that he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance he is the great sign and undoubted evidence of the heat and ardency of God's love towards us poor sinners even toward every poor sinful creature of Mankind in that by the grace of God he tasted death for every Man In this was manifested the love of God towards us because God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live thorow him The Father sent the Son the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4. 8 10 14. God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son c. Joh. 3. 16. This is the great sign of God's love to us and it is an evil and adulterous thing to seek after any other Mat. 12. 39. 1. Cor. 1. 22 24. and he is the faithful witness therein of the truth and faithfulness of the Father in performing his promises according to the tenour of them for he that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall he not with him freely give us all things also Isay 55. 3 4. Rom. 8. 32. Yea in what he hath sufâ—ered he is the faithful witness also of the freeness and ardency of his own love towards us his love was so fervent as that many waters could not quench it nor could the Floods drown it such was his grace that he laid down his life for us he died for all 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. and such the preciousness of his blood that in the vertue thereof he is raised again hath purged away our sins made peace slain the enmity broken down the middle-wall of partition between God and mankind taken out of the way all that was in it contrary to us abolished death and destroyed him that had the power of death that is the Devil and obtained into himself all Spiritual blessings in Heavenly things and confirmed a new Testament and Everlasting Covenant Oh what a faithful witness is he of the greatness and fervency of his own and his Fathers love And how powerful therefore is the view of him in his Cross to cure us of our Lukewarmness Do ye thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is he not thy Father that hath bought thee Oh how doth this love constrain us to love him and to cleave to him with full purpose Yea and to return to him when we have fallen by our iniquities for therein he shews us that he hath no pleasure in the death of him that dieth and so not in the death and destruction of poor wretched miserable blind naked lukewarm ones Oh! fear not to come unto and walk before him and be perfect Let not your hands be slack By this ye are saved if ye keep in memory what was at first declared to you unless ye believe in vain viz. that Christ died for our Sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. O foolish Galatians saith the Apostle who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth that ye should not continue in running well but grow remiâ—s before whose Eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucified c. Gal. 3. 1. with ch 5. 7. 2. The faithful Witness and Martyr as a Peace-preacher who laid down his Life in testimony to the truth of that Gospel which he received from his Father and declared to us for to this end was he born and for this cause came he into the World that he should bear Witness to the truth Joh. 18. 37. And to this he did bear witness unto the death and sealed to the truth of that Gospel with his Blood This the Apostle Paul sets before Timothy to encourage him to fight the good fight of Faith that Jesus Christ witnessed a good Confession before Pontius Pilate when he knew what things he should suffer on that account 1 Tim. 6. 12 14. Away with this lukewarmness then and let us come unto and follow him whithersoever he goeth enduring bardness as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 2. 1 3 8. See Heb. 12. 1 3. 1 Pet. 2. 20 24. and ch 3. 17 18. And the true Witness In his Testimony in which he hath declared what he hath done and the Fathers love in him and that he is the Amen He is the truth it self and his word is the word of truth Prov. 8. 6 8. Ps 119. 160. 1 Joh. 5. 20. The true light now shineth 1
conversation in heaven Phil. 3. 17-20 And this sea here spoken of is said to be of glass clear as crystal 1. To denote unto us that in and through the precious blood of Christ as opened in the preaching of the cross to us we may see all things aright as in a glass clear as crystal And so the knowledg of the Lord is compared to the sea covered with waters Isa 11. 9. and this sea may be said to be like glass with allusion to the Laver or Sea in the tabernacle in former times as it is said Moses made the Laver of brass and the foot of it of brass of the looking-glasses of the women assembling which assembled at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation Exod. 38. 8. only that sea was of brazen glasses this of glass clear as crystal more clear than our types Rev. 21. 11. For the Apostles now in preaching Christ crucified have used great plainness of speech and not as Moses who put a vail over his face c. to signifie the darkness and obscurity of his Ministration and now we all with open face as in a glass may behold the glory of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 12 13-18 In this red-sea of Christs blood we may perceive and behold the kindness and pity of God to manward which love of his is also compared to a Laver and called the Laver of regeneration Tit. 3. 4 5. God is love In this was manifested the love of God because that God sent his only begotten son into the world that we might live through him Herein is love to be always seen and perceived not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his son the propitiation for our sins 1 Joh. 4. 8 9 10. In this glass we may also see the vileness and odiousness of our sins unto God in that he hath so severely condemned them in the flesh of his own Son Rom. 8. 3. and there taken such vengeance on our inventions Isa 61. 2. and here we may see our selves as in a glass and what manner of persons we are Jam. 1. 23 24. and see what miserable ones we are by nature as the Apostle saith If one died for all we judg then were all dead dead at Law condemned to dye 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. yea and herein we may see the world the weakness and unprofitableness thereof by the cross of Christ the world is crucified unto him that glories in it and he unto the world Gal. 6. 14. Hereby the Holy Spirit doth convince the world of sin of righteousness and of judgment and doth teach the believer all things and guide them into all truth John 16. 8 11 14. Hence the Apostle determined to know nothing else among the believing-Corinthians in and unto all things save Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Cor. 2 2. and chap. 1. 18 23 24. And this Sea is before the throne and so in the view of the four living creatures that they may therein behold God John 12. 45. and his and his Sons wonderful loving-kindness to the children of men and that they may see themselves in it And it is in the view of the Elders also that his personal abasement and sufferings may also be remembred and he admired praised and blessed by them Rev. 5. 8 9. And in the view of the Angels also into which blood and excellent sufferings they desire to look and pry as in a crystal glass Compare 1 Pet. 1. 11 12. with Jam. 1. 23 25. Rev. 5. 11 12. 2. This sea is of glass like unto crystal to denote its clearness and purity so it is said He shewed me a pure river clear as crystal c. Rev. 22. 1. and so the blood of Christ is said to be precious and incorruptible it being the blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. and so as referring to the sea or laver in former times this sea like unto crystal is the fountain opened to wash in to wash away our filth and uncleanness Zech. 13. 1. So the typical Laver or Sea was for the Priests to wash in as it is said by God to Moses Thou shalt make a laver of brass and thou shalt put water therein for Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet therein when they go into the tabernacle of the congregation they shall wash with water that they dye not Exod. 30. 18 21. and chap. 40. 30 32. 2 Chron. 4. 6. whereâ—o it seems David alludes when he saith I will wash mine hands in innocency so will I compass thine altar O Lord Psal 26. 8. So this sea John saw in vision is for the four living creatures who are priests unto God to wash in Rev. 5. 8 10. And thus always they should enter into the holiest and draw nigh unto the altar with a true heart having their hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and their bodies washed with pure water Heb. 10. 19 22. Jam. 4. 8. Heb. 9. 13 15. with chap. 12. 24. and unless we be washed herein we can have no part with Christ John 13. 8. 1 John 1. 7. In this blessed sea those that had palms in their hands washed they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb Rev. 7. 9 14 15. and in this sea we may be baptized and washed as our fathers were baptized in the sea c. 1 Cor. 10. 4. And being washed herein all our sins shall be cast into the depths of the sea Mic. 7. 19 20. 2. The Apostle John gives us an account of what there was in the midst of and round about the throne And in the midst of the throne and round about the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind Where we may enquire and consider for our usefulness 1. What are these four living creatures here spoken of 2. Why they are said to be four 3. What is meant by in the midst of the throne and round about the throne 4. What is imported to us in this that they are said to be full of eyes before and behind 1. What are these four living creatures or living wights We read them indeed in our Translation Beasts but the word is not well translated so nor is it very proper to say one beast had the face of a man and another like an Eagle which is a fowl But we shall here and afterwards read the word living creatures with allusion to the four living creatures spoken of in Ezekiels visions chap. 1. and chap. 10 c. which in former Translations were rendered also beasts but in our last living creatures 1. Now by these living creatures are meant in general 1. Men and not spirits by nature some of Mankind of that kind of species of creatures as doth evidently appear in chap. 5. 8 9 10 c. 1. In that they with praise and thankfulness confess and acknowledg unto the Lamb that he had
and severe judgment and as a Testimony of high displeasure unto men when they will not listen unto or be ruled by him but rebel against the light vex his holy Spirit hold the Truth in unrighteousness will not hearken unto him will none of him receive not the love of the truth to be saved thereby and persist in such-like stubborn iniquity he at last gives them up to their own hearts lusts Psal 81. 8-12 13 14. gives them up to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient Rom. 1. 18-28 sends them strong delusion to believe a lye c. 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. takes away his grace from them and his spirit shall not always strive with them Matth. 13. 11 12-15 Gen. 6. 3. But it was not his end in creating them that they should sin against him nor did he punish sin with sin in mans first disobedience in eating of the forbidden fruit for he had not fore-sinned or offended And that he thus at any time punisheth sin it evidently shews unto us that it was not his will or pleasure they should so sin because he is so angry with and so punisheth men for their sin and wickedness as Elihu saith Far be it from God that he should do wickedness and from the Almighty that he should commit iniquity for the work of a man shall be render unto him and cause every man to find according to his ways yea surely God will not do wickedly neither will the Almighty pervert judgment Job 34. 10-12 Shall not the judg of all the earth do right Gen. 18. 25. And when he thus gives up men he doth not tempt them to evil but withdraws or withholds his grace and spirit which they have abused and offered despite unto Matth. 13. 12 Psal 51. 11. Hos 2. 5-9 Nor doth he thus deal with any until they have provoked him with an high hand and he is as it were non-plust and knows not what other course to take with them and is even put upon it thus to say What could have been done more what shall I do unto thee Isa 5. 1-4-7 Hos 4. 13-17 with chap. 6. 4 5 6-11 Jer. 9. 7. Let no man then say when he is tempted I am tempted of God for God cannot be tempted with evil neither tempteth he any man but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed Then when lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death Do not err every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Jam. 1. 13-17 He that sits upon the throne is holy glorious in holiness his glory and beauty is holiness he is one of purer eyes than to be hold iniquity as he hath most clearly and comfortably manifested in the Cross of Christ see the notes before on ver 8. and that it was not his will that men should sin or continue to sin is also evidenced to us in that when they had sought out many inventions and were deceived by the Devil he sent his Son to save men from their sins and so to destroy not his own works but the works of the Devil even sin and its fruits 1 John 3. 8. And Christ gave himself for our sins that he might deliver us from this present evil world and this was according to the will of God and our Father Galit 1. 4. Oh that then we may abominate and abhor such horrid and blasphemous sayings as these are viz. That God is the Author of sin and that men do sin by his impulse c. knowing that he is a most perfect hater of sin and never created men to sin nor doth he preserve them here to this end This was not nor is his will and pleasure for which they are and were created Christ came into the world to do the will of him that sent him and it was his meat and drink to do it John 4. 34. and chap. 5. 30. and chap. 6. 38. And he always did those things that pleased him John 8. 28 29. But he never did sin neither was guile found in his mouth be loved righteousness and hated iniquity 1 Pet. 2. 22 23. Heb. 1. 9. Therefore to do or commit sin is none of his Fathers will or pleasure but that which is contrary thereto Jer. 7. 31. and chap. 32. 32-35 But contrariwise Christ came to destroy sin as hath been said and to deliver men therefrom that they should not serve it but that being dead to sin they might live to righteousness 1 John 3. 8. 1 Pet. 2. 24. and chap. 3. 18. and chap. 4. 1 23. 2 Cor. 5. 15. And this was and is Gods will and pleasure Rom. 5. and chap. 6. 1 2 3-6 2. Nor was it his will and pleasure in creating men nor is it his will in preserving them while it is the day of his grace and patience towards them that any of them should be eternally miserable and therefore he reprobated none before they were created nor before they had sinned against him fury is not in him naturally towards his creatures Isa 27. 4. but he hath a desire to the work of his hands Job 14. 15. Psal 138. 8. Job 10. 3. Though he may be angry and wrathfully displeased with men yet he is never so until men kindle his anger against them or provoke him thereunto as Moses saith The Lords anger was kindled the same time c. Numb 32. 9 10-12 And again Tâ—ey will turn away thy sâ—ns from following me that they may serve other Gods so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you and destroy thee suddenly Deut. 7. 4 And the Lord saith Ye have kindled a fire in mine anger which shall burn for ever Jer. 17. 4. and many other places of Scripture speak the same language or to the same purpose God is a righteous judg and God is angry every day Psal 7 11. but he is moved and provoked thereto from some outward cause He is indeed the Father of mercies he delighteth therein 2 Cor. 1. 3. Mica 7. 18. He is rich in grace and the fountain of mercy that proceeds and comes forth out of his bowels yea his mercies are his bowels Luke 1. 78. Jam. 5. 11. He is the God of love yea love it self to manward as he hath manifested himself to be in sending his Son the Saviour of the world 2 Cor. 13. 11. 1 John 4. 8-10-14 He is the God of grace the God of all grace 1 Pet. 5. 10. but he is never called the God of wrath or hatred his wrath or positive hatred proceeds from some external cause or reason And therefore he never willed any of his creatures to eternal destruction but for sin which was not his pleasure or will they should commit as we have before shewed Everlasting fire was no otherwise prepared for any
comes to pass that the Saints sacrifices of prayers and praises are so acceptable and sweet in the nostrils of God not because of the absolute perfection of them but because they are sanctified by the Spirit and full of and perfumed with the incense of the Intercession of Jesus Christ Isa 56. 7. Heb. 4. 14-16 Vers 9. And they sung a new song saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation In this Verse we have to consider and speak unto 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones And they sung a new song 2. The subject-matter of this new song Wherein we have to considâ—r 1. Their Doxology or ascribing praise and glory to the Lamb saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the seals thereof 2. The Reason or Reasons of his worthiness to do these things and to have this glory ascribed and rendred to him by-them For thou wast â—lain and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation 1. The act or exercise of these Holy Ones with their Harps c. And they sung a new song Where let us a little consider 1. The persons that sung 2. Their act or exercise it self 1. The persons that sung they the four living creatures and four and twenty Elders ver 8. or the Saints ver 8. These were the Harpers these the Singers here spoken of even the holy and righteous Ones and they are oft called on to sing unto the Lord and give thanks unto him Psal 30. 4. and 32. 11. and 33. 1 2 3. and 149. 1 2 3. Indeed men generally are called upon to sing unto the Lord as it is said Sing unto the Lord all the earth 1 Câ—ron 16. 23. Make a joyful noise unto God all ye Lands sing forth the honour of his name make his praise glorious Psal 66. 1 2. and 68. 32. and 96. 1 2. and 98. 1-4 5. and Psal 100. 1 2. But how can all men be called upon to sing or how can they meetly do it who believe not the Argument of the Song To which I say 1. There is good reason and cause for all so to do because Christ hath died for all yea rather is risen again 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son c. for God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved John 3. 16 17. and chap. 4. 42. And Christ hath given his flesh for the life of the world and given himself a ransom for all John 6. 51. 1 Tim. 2. 4-6 In which the goodness of the Lord is manifested the love pity and kindness of him that â—its upon the throne and of the Lamb that he is good unto all and loving unto every man and hence all are called upon to come before his presence with singing Tit. 3. 4. Heb. 2. 9. Psal 100. 1 2 3 5. and 145. 8 9 1 Chron. 16. 23 24. Psal 113. 1 2 3. 2. In due time this is made known to all as they come to years of discretion in some measure I mean that the Lord is good to all Psal 50. 1. Prov. 8. 1-4-6 Rom. 1. 19 21. Christ is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into â—he world John 1. 9. and 8. 12. And especially he is discovering his grace and love to all that have the Scriptures amongst them and the Gospel preached to them that all might hear so as it may be said Have they not heard yes verily Rom. 10. 18 19. John 5. 25. Jam. 1. 19. And usually when they are called upon to sing praise unto the Lord the reason and reasons why they should so do are propounded therewith as Psal 47. 1-5 6. and 68. 4. 10 11 18-20-32 and 96. 1-10 and 98. 1-4 5. 3. Herewith God is giving his saving-grace that all might hear believe and sing praise and it is wholly their own fault if they do not these things The grace of God saving or that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared Tit. 2. 11. The â—our now is when the dead in sins and trespasses â—ear the voice of the Son of God that they might hear in hearing and live John 5. 25. and 1. 6 7. and chap. 6. 27 29 32 33 49 50. Rom. 8. 6 8-13-17 and therefore all may be called upon to praise the Lord for his goodness c. Psal 107. 8-15-21-31 But yet especially and most frequently the Saints and righteous ones are called upon excited and exhorted so to do because 1. They not only may but do know the joyful â—ound and so the good cause and reason why they should sing forth the honour of his name 1 John 5. 20. that the soul be without knowledg it is not good Prov. 19. 2. and God hath no pleasure in fools in such as so remain though he hath pity towards them Eccles 5. 1-4 and 7 5. But the Saints have an understanding they know and believe the love wherewith God hath loved them and all men in sending his Son the Saviour of the world 1 John 4. 14 -16 And therefore they especially are called upon to sing praises as it is said Sing ye praises with understanding or every one that hath understanding Psal 47. 5 6. 7. and 89. 15 16. 1 Cor. 14. 15. 2. And thorow the knowledg and belief of God's Testimony they are made in Christ and he is theirs 1 Cor. 1. 30 31. and 3. 23. they have tasted that the Lord is gracious 1 Pet. 2. 3. and are filled with joy and peace in believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory c. 1 Pet. 1. 8 9 10. though all the days of their afflictions are evil yet they have a merry heart and so a continual feast Prov. 15. 13 15. and is any man merry let him sing Psalms Jam. 5. 13. Blessed are the people that know the joyful â—ound they shall walk O Lord in the light of thy countenancâ— in thy name they shall rejoyce all the day c. Psal 89. 15 17. and 132. 9 16. and 30. 4 5. Hab. 3. 16-19 3. It is a becoming decent thing for them to sing praise as it is said Rejoyce in the Lord O ye righteous for praise is comely for the upright Prâ—ise the Lord with the Harp sing unto him a new song play skilfully with a loud noise Psal 33. 1 3. It 's not comely for â—thers so to do who wilfully abide in their ignorance and disobedience unto the wicked God â—aith What hast thou to do to declare my statutes or that thou shouldst take my Covenant in thy mouth seeing thou hatest instruction c. But whâ—so offereth praise saith the Lord glorifieth me and to him that disposeth his way will I shew the salvation
his face and his name shall be in their fore-heads c. He subjoyns thereto Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the Prophecy of this Book Rev. 21. and ch 22. 1 6 7 14. To signify to us that such an one shall be compleatly delivered hereafter from all evil and made a partaker of all blessedness and happiness 2. We have nextly propounded to us the reason of their blessedness especially For the time is at hand Now especially they are blessed because of the nigh approaching of the things contained in this Book to wit comparatively to former times because the time is at hand Rev. 22. 7 10. That they may keep themselves pure and not be spotted with the spots that are not of his people as he saith Behold I come as a Thief to wit suddenly and unexpectedly Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his Garments lest he walk naked and they see his shame Rev. 16. 15. And because there shall be a speedy performance of the happiness therein promised that they might be engaged not to cast away but hold fast their confidence and in patience possess their souls For yet a little while and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 35 37. And now especially blessed Because it is the time of the end and that which was formerly sealed up is not so now but opened Therefore encouragement is now given to us to look into this Book and in so doing we may expect his presence with us and blessing upon us compare Dan. 12. 8 9. with Rev. 22. 7 10. For the time is at hand Namely It is so in God's account See notes on v. 1. That time in which Christ came into the world and finished the work the Father gave him to do in his own personal body is called The end of the world or worlds Heb. 9. 26. And those days the last days Heb. 1. 1 2. And the pouring forth of his spirit which was said to be fulfilled in the day of Pentecost was said to be in the last days Act. 2. 17. and that time was the last time or hour 1 Joh. 2. 18. and so the time was at hand as compared with former times And this Phrase At hand doth not necessarily denote such a speedy accomplishment of the things spoken of as some would perswade us as may be seen in some instances as when the Lord commands Moses to write a Song for the Children of Israel and therein to declare the Evils and Miseries that would come upon them in the latter days for their iniquity Certainly he hath therein ultimately respect to the Kingdom of God's being taken from them and their being desolated by the Romans in these last days for their rejection of Christ Though evils in the beginnings and so successively came upon them all along when they forsook God and under these sad evils they still remain in these latter of the last times in which we live which are about three thousand years since that Song yet thus it is said in that Song To me belongeth Vengeance and to recompence their Foot shall slide in due time for the Day of their Calamity is at hand and the things that shall come upon them make hast Deut. 31. 19 29. and ch 32. 21 35 43. Thus again when the Lord by the Prophet Isay declares the Destruction that should come upon Babilon It is said Howle ye for the day of the Lord is at hand It shall come as Destruction from the Almighty And yet though that day or time was then said to be at hand it was near about two hundred years before the Kingdom was translated to the Medes and Persians which is the first thing here prophesied of as is said Behold I will stir up the Medes against them and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the Womb c. Isay â—3 1 6 17 18. And ultimately that Chapter may be a Prophesie of the Destruction of Mystery Babylon which is not yet fulfilled as appears by what is said in v. 19 20. compared with Jer. 50. and ch 51. 1 26 64. and Rev. 18. 1 21. for many Prophesies have divers fulfillings at divers times And that which is said in this Verse is a great encouragement to look into read hear and keep the things written in this Book to which we may speak further afterwards Thus far is the Preface Verse 4. John to the seven Churches in Asia Grace be unto you and Peace from him which is and which was and which is to come and from the seven Spirits which are before his Throne Here followeth the Inscription and Salutation of them to whom this Book was to be sent This Revelation was to shew unto Christ's Servants things that must shortly come to pass but it was not given immediately to them as to John It was sent and signified to him v. 1. in trust 1 Cor. 4. 1 2. And here begins his faithfulness according to the trust reposed in him In Verse 1. It is said To shew unto his Servants and here is shewn unto us who are meant thereby to wit the Churches And therefore John directs it to them even to the seven Churches and not only to the Angels though including them also So whereas in ch 22. 6. it is said The Lord God of the Holy Prophets sent his Angel to shew unto his Servants the things that must shortly be done In v. 16. it is thus I Jesus have sent mine Angel to testifie unto you these thing in the Churches To signifie to us that they are they whom he means and intends by his Servants And yet also every one that hath an Ear is called upon to hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches as may be seen in Rev. 2. 7 11 17 29. and ch 3. 6 13 22. In Asia to wit the less which Churches are particularly and by name mentioned to us in verse 11. Now in this Verse we have 1. The Apostle's Vote and Desire for the Churches 2. From whom he desires such Blessings to be vouchsafed to them The Apostles Vote and Desire for the Churches whom he salutes Grace unto you and Peace like to that voted by the Apostles in their Epistles generally for the Churches unto whom they write Grace unto you To wit the free Love and Charity of God towards us in abasing and exalting his Son in our nature for us 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 1 Joh. 4. 9 10 14. And Christ by the grace of God tasted Death for every man Heb. 2. 9. And by the Grace of God we are justified freely thorow that Redemption in Christ Jesus even all that have sinned and are come short of the Glory of God Rom. 3. 23 24. And his Grace in preparing forgiveness of Mens Personal Sins the gift of Righteousness and Eternal Life in Christ for them Rom.
3. 8 9. and ch 4. 10. Now the Angels are never said so to be upon Christ but the Holy Spirit is often said to be The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him Isay 11. 1 2. I have put my trust upon him Isay 42. 1. And Christ saith The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me Isay 61. 1. Luke 4. 18. 3. Because they are named with the Father and the Son as also Mat. 28. 19. 1 Joh. 5. 7. And here named before Jesus Christ 4. It also appears that hereby the Holy Spirit is intended because of that Description Christ gives of himself in ch 3. 1. when he sends a message to the Angel of the Church in Sardis of whom he saith Thou hast a name that thou livest and art dead These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God Surely the understanding the seven Spirits to mean that one Spirit best suited their condition For hereby he was fitted to see and know what they were to wit dead whatever name they had And hereby â—e is become a quickening Spirit to quicken such dead Souls Luke 4. 18. See Notes on ch 4. v. 5. Nor is that said of the seven Angels the same with this said of the seven Spirits for they are said to stand before God as ministring serving Spirits Rev. 8. 2. with Dan. 7. 10. But these seven Spirits are only said to be before the Throne where Christ also is and they are upon him ch 4. 5. and ch 5. 6. Hereby then the Holy Spirit the Spirit of the Father and Son is meant and intended And he may be called The seven Spirits not with respect to his Essence But 1. In some such sense as Christ's Sacrifice is called Sacrifices as where it is said The Heavenly things must be purified with better Sacrifices than these Heb. 9. 23. Whereas indeed that which Christ offered for Purgation was but one Oblation once offered as is said After he had offered one Sacrifice for Sins for ever sate down c. Heb. 10. 10. 12. for by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified v. 14. 18. and ch 7. 27. and ch 9. 25 26. Now that one Sacrifice might be called Sacrifices to signifie that it is the truth and hath the worth of all other Sacrifices which are many yea it is infinitely more acceptable and valuable So this one Spirit may be called seven to signifie it is the most perfect Spirit seven being a number of perfection and infinitely more excellent and glorious than all other which are ministring Spirits Heb. 1. 14. 2. Seven Spirits With respect to his manifold Gifts Graces Operations Influences c. 1 Cor. 12. 4 11. and so possibly with allusion to Isay 11. 2 3. where he is seven times named The Spirit of the LORD the Spirit of wisdom and understanding the Spirit of Counsel and might the Spirit of Knowledge and of the fear of the LORD 3. Called seven because of the seven Churches here saluted and seven Stars v. 16. ch 3. 1. To signifie this Spirit was able to supply all their wants and to furnish them with all Gifts and Graces and perfect whatever did concern them yea and he is sent forth into all the Earth for the good of men more generally Rev. 5. 6. Zech. 4. 10. Isay 42. 1 5. And these are said to be before his Throne to be sent forth by him and to be sent forth in Righteousness for he sits in the Throne judging right Ps 9. 4. Now from this Spirit also Grace and Peace is voted and desired for he is the Spirit of Grace Zech. 12. 10. Heb. 10. 29. the good Spirit Ps 143. 10. The Spirit of Love 2 Tim. 1. 7. And it is his work and office to bear witness of the Blood of Christ and Grace therein commended and Peace thereby made And to preach Peace to us and fill us with it and effect it as a vertue in us Eph. 2. 13 17. with 1 Pet. 3. 18 19. Rom. 14. 17. Gal. 5. 22. Verse 5. And from Jesus Christ who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the Dead and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth unto him that loved us and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood In the former part of this Verse we have a further account given to us from whom the Apostle votes Grace and Peace to be unto the Churches and he is mentioned after the Spirit which is not usual because he is largely described and spoken of in what followeth as may be seen by any And from Jesus Christ the faithful witness Of the love and faithfulness of the Father to us as the Lord saith Behold I have given him for a witness to the People Isay 55. 1 4. 1 Joh. 4. 8 10 14. 1 Joh. 3. 16. He is the faithful witness as a Peace-maker having made Peace by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. So he is the great and undoubted evidence and manifestation of God's Grace to us poor sinful creatures of Mankind The gift of his grace Rom. 5. 15 18. He by the Grace of God tasted death for every man and gave himself a ransome for all Heb. 2. 9. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. and also in his abasement and sufferings he is the faithful witness and evidence of the faithfulness of God in keeping Covenant and Mercy God raised him up that Horn of Salvation in the House of his Servant David as he spake by the Mouth of his Holy Prophets To perform the Mercy promised to our Fore-fathers and to remember his Holy Covenant The Oath which he sware c. Luk. 1. 54 55 68 73. Act. 13. 23 32 33. Psal 89. 1 19 20. And in his Cross he is the faithful witness of his own pity and compassion to us and that he is the Son of the Father in love 2 Joh. 3 Such was the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though he was rich yet for our sakes he became poor 2 Cor. 8. 9. 1 Joh. 3. 16. And as Job's wrinckles were a witness Job 16. 8. so his great condescension and death were a witness of his wonderful love to the World which appeared herein to be such as passeth knowledge Eph. 3. 16. 19. from him is Grace and Peacestill voted who gave himself for our Sins that he might deliver us from this present evil World Gal. 1. 3 4. And who hath made Peace for us by his Blood and is our Peace the Prince of Peace Eph. 2. 13 15. Col. 1. 20. Isay 9. 6. Hebr. 7. 1 2. And the faithful witness As a Peace-preacher and that both 1. In his Word and Testimony 1 Tim. 2. 6. Rev. 20. 4. In which he gives a true witness of all things of God Man Sin Righteousness Life Death c. 1 Joh. 2. 20 27. Joh. 16. 7 14. A faithful witness who doth not lye Prov. 14. 5. A true witness that delivereth Souls v. 25. who is the saviour of all men
made us a Kingdom of Priests to wit A Kingdom or Holy Nation now to offer up spiritual Sacrifices And that no more is meant here and in ch 5. 8 10. To which I say 1. It is true he hath so made them that come unto him in the drawings of the Father He hath washed them and made them a Kingdom of Priests as Exod. 19. 4 5. A Royal or Kingly Priesthood 1 Pet. 2. 4 5 7 9. But 2. Sure this is not all that is meant by this expression It is very dangerous to add to or take away from the words of the Book of this Prophesie ch 22. 18 19. And therefore we shall look upon the words as they are exprest To wit He hath made us Kings not now to reign as we shall doe hereafter for now they are sufferers with Christ To them that may now be applied I have seen Servants upon Horses and Princes walking as Servants upon the Earth Eccl. 10. 7. Indeed some there are who conceit and dream that now they are full now they are rich they have reigned as Kings without the residue of their Brethren but this is but in their own Imagination Unto some such it may be said I would to God ye did reign that we also might reign with you for herein one shall not prevent another but they shall be glorified together This Honour all his Saints and Holy Ones shall have together 1 Cor. 4. 8. Rom. 8. 16 18. Ps 149. 9. they may be Kings who yet have actually received no Kingdom Rev. 17. 12. So it is with these they are Kings though they now reign not as they shall do For these he hath prepared a Kingdom Mat. 25. 34. In my Fathers House saith Christ are many Mansions I go to prepare a place for you Joh. 14. 2 3. Mat. 20. 23. Mark 10. 40. 1 Cor. 2. 9. Heb. 11. 16. 2. He is preparing and working them for this self-same thing they are the Vessels of Mercy whom he hath before prepared unto Glory Rom. 9. 23. And so he hath made us Kings that is to say 1. He hath begotten us of Royal Seed in a Spiritual Consideration of the Seed of the Kingdom as 2 Kings 11. 1. and ch 25. 25. He hath begotten us with the Word of truth the Word of the Kingdom as the Gospel is called because hereby the Kingdom is discovered and brought nigh to us Luk. 10. 9 11. And they are begotten to the Kingdom that heartily receive it and are the Children of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 19 38. and so heirs of it Rom. 8. 17. Jam. 2. 5. They are â—â—rn of Water and of the Spirit of the free and immense love of God to the World of Mankind as manifested by the Spirit in lifting up the Son of Man in the Gospel and so are delivered from the Power of Darkness and translated into the Kingdom of the Son of God's Love Joh. 3. 3 5 7. Col. 1. 13. They are born of the kindness and love of God to Man-ward which is manifested in Christ's tasting Death for every Man and being raised again for their justification And so are begotten to a lively hope by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead to an Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled c. Tit. 3. 4 5. 1 Pet. 1. 3 5. 2. He hath washed us from our Sins in his own Blood as before Gal. 5. 19 20. He gave himself for his Church that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word that he might present it to himself a glorious Church c. Eph. 5. 5 25 27. and so he is making them partakers of his Holiness without which no Man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14. Rev. 21. 27. he is baptizing them still and further with the Holy Ghost and with Fire Tit. 3. 4 7. Mat. 19. 29. Rev. 5. 9 10. 3. He is anointing them with Holy Oyl even with his Spirit with the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation with the Spirit of Grace and Supplication and by this Spirit he is sealing them to the Day of Redemption and giving this to them as an earnest of the Inheritance 2 Cor. 1. 21 22. Eph. 1. 13 14. and ch 4. 30. as David was anointed King before he reigned so they have an unction from the Holy one 1 Joh. 2. 20 21 27. 4. He is clothing them with the Robe of Righteousness Isay 61. 10. and with the fruits of Righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the Praise and Glory of God Phil. 1. 11. with the fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5. 22 23. Eph. 5. 9. that so an entrance may be ministred to them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Mat. 5. 5 9. 2 Pet. 1. 5 11. 4. He hath appointed to them a Kingdom Luk. 22. 29. and is giving it to them in the gracious and spiritual administration of it and by Faith possessing them of the Riches and Priviledges thereof which are not Meat and Drink but Righteousness and Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Rom. 14. 17. they have received the first-fruits of the Spirit Rom. 8. 23. they are receiving the Kingdom that cannot be shaken Heb. 12. 28. though they are as having nothing yet by faith they are as possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 10. and they shall reign on the Earth Rev. 5. 8 10. And Priests He hath also made them Spiritual Priests 1. By a birth from himself they are the Children whom God hath given to him who is the everlasting Father Heb. 2. 13. Isay 9. 6. And as in former times those who were born of Aaron were Priests Exod. 28. 1 40 41. so now those and those only who are born of Jesus Christ the only High-priest are made a Spiritual House an Holy Priest-hood 1 Pet. 2. 4 5 9. And that they may minister unto the Lord 2. He washeth them cloathes them anoints them as answering unto our Types Exod. 29. 4 5. and ch 28. 40 41. and ch 40. 12. 16. 3. And thus fitted and prepared they are Priests to minister unto God and to offer Sacrifices not bodily Sacrifices as formerly but Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. To offer unto him broken and contrite hearts Ps 51. 17. Isay 66. 1 3. To present their bodies unto him a living Sacrifice holy acceptable a reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. To pray unto him and pour out their hearts before him Ps 62. 8. and 141. 2. Rev. 5. 8. To offer up the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving unto God continually the Calves or Fruit of their Lips Ps 50. 14. and 107. 22. Heb. 13. 15. To shew forth his praises who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2. 5 9. and not forget to do good and to communicate for with such Sacrifices being offered by Christ God is well-pleased Hos 6. 6. Heb. 13. 16. Phil. 4. 18. To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Vnto
7. and when he exhorts the believers to love one another he saith to them If there come any unto you and bring not this Doctrine to wit the Doctrine of Christ receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed for he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds 2 Joh. 5. 6 7 9 12. 3. We have an account of some Particulars in which he was their Brother and Companion not in any evils found amongst them as we have said but in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ 1. In tribulation or rather in the tribulation to wit of Jesus Christ as followeth for that refers to all the three And so it shews unto us In what tribulation he was their Brother and Companion to wit in that of Jesus Christ and not in any wherein they might suffer as fools or evil-doers justly from the hands of those amongst whom they lived And so we may learn 1. That the Apostle John and all the Churches were in tribulation for he was their Brother and Companion therein and also sympathized with them in theirs They were all in tribulation though not all alike in it And this is the outward Portion of them in this World as our Saviour said Prophetically In the World ye shall have tribulation Joh. 16. 33. And the Apostle told the Disciples they must thorow much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God Act. 14. 22. and Rom. 8. 35 36. manifold afflictions and Persecutions did attend the Apostles yea as the Apostle saith All that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution Mat. 10. 23 25. 2 Tim. 3. 11 13. Ps 34. 19. 1 Pet. 5. 9. Though Christ loveth his disciples yet he doth not now this way testify love to them in preserving them from tribulation Joh. 14. 27. But in love to them he now tries them 1 Pet. 4. 13. Heb. 12. 3 7. this is not to be looked for in this World by them that follow Christ Luke 12. 49 51. rest is not assured to them till the Lord Jesus be revealed from Heaven 2 Thes 1. 5 7. when there are new Heavens and a new Earth then God will wipe away all tears from their eyes and not before compleatly Rev. 21. 1 4. how are they mistaken who talk of Halcionian dayes here and reigning now on earth 1 Cor. 4. 8 12. And consider we this before that being fore-warned we may be forearmed Thus God dealt with all and with the Prophet also Jam. 5. 10 1 Pet. 4. 12 13. and he was their Companion namely in bearing and sympathizing with them As the expression is used Heb. 10. 33 34. He had Compassion on them weeping with them c. Rom. 12. 15 16. 2 Cor. 11. 28 29. he had member-like love to and feeling with them in their tribulation Learn we of him 1 Cor. 12. 12 26. Heb. 13. 1 3 4. 2. The tribulation in which he was their Brother and Companion was the tribulation of Jesus Christ To wit 1. Such affliction and tribulation as he endured from the hands of men the afflictions of Christ Col. 1. 24. for while Christ was here he was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief And no marvel then thaâ— his followers be partakers of tribulation also Mat. 10. 24 25. Joh. 15. 20. he suffered for the Gospel's sake and as a Peace-preacher And they are made partakers of such tribulation even for Christ and and the Gospel's sake Joh. 15. 21. and ch 16. 1 4. 2 Tim. 1. 7 8. and ch 2. 3 8. Rom. 8. 28 29. Mat. 16. 24. Luk. 14. 26 27. This is the Believers proper tribulation the bonds of the Gospel Isay 66. 5. Mat. 5. 10 12. 2. The tribulation of Christ to wit that which Jesus Christ owned as his and therefore sympathized with them therein and took notice of their afflictions In all their afflictions he was afflicted Isay 63. 9. hence he saith Saul Saul why persecutest thou me Act. 9. 5. Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 4. 15 16. he reckoneth that which was done unto his Brethren as done unto him Mat. 25. 45. Now here we may observe by way of Inference from what hath been said 1. In that he was their Companion in the tribulation of Jesus Christ and that they did indure tribulation for Christ's sake amongst many of whom were many miscarriages and faults for which afterward they are reproved So we may see that such believers as have faults may yet suffer for Christ and the Gospels sake so here see ch 2. 13 15 19 20 he may count such worthy of this grace and favour Phil. 1. 29. 30. 2. In that the Apostle was their Companion in tribulation and in compassion and fellow-feeling so it signifieth that the grace of God moves us to pity others of our Brethren when they are in affliction though we may be our selves in tribulation also and not so to pore and look upon our own things as to be forgetful of them Thus the Apostle when he tells the Philippians 't is given to you in the behalf of Christ not onely to believe but also to suffer for his sake yet he presently exhorts them look not every man on his own things but every one also on the things of others Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus c. Phil. 1. 29 30. with ch 2. 1 4 5. Heb. 13. 2 3. 1 Cor. 12. 25 26. nay many times God is ordering affliction to us that we might learn thereby and be fitted to pity others Jona 4. 7 11. It was a great commendation of the Churches of Macedonia and the efficâ—cy of the grace of God upon them that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the Riches of their liberality 2 Cor. 8. 1 2. And thus it would also be with us were the Grace of God yielded up to by us we should not only mind our own troubles but consider the trials and afflictions of others also Thus it was with this Apostle 3. When he was their Companion in the tribulation of Jesus Christ then this Book was sent and signified to him so else-where many times when his people have been in affliction God hath wonderfully appeared to them Act. 5. 19 20. At such a time he is nigh to them and graciously manifesting himself to them And this â—s for Comfort to all when they are in such a condition Isay 43. 1 2. 2 Cor. 1. 3 5. But to this we may speak further in due time 2. And in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ to wit he was their Brother and Companion therein and so they and he were in it 1 Thes 2. 12. Mat. 13. 38 43. Now here we may enquire and consider 1. What is this Kingdom of Jesus Christ And why so called 2. How are all hearty and unfeigned believers in this Kingdom 1. What is this Kingdom It is said to be that of Jesus Christ
and takes notice of such Mens works who have a name amongst the Churches that they live while yet they may be dead ch 3. 1 2. In that he saith I know thy works their workes who have had means so he may signify to us that in this sense he doth not as it were know Mens works until he hath prevented them with his grace bringing Salvation to them which he doth all Men in due time and season as they come to years of discretion Tit. 2. 11. 1 Tim. 2. 4 6. he is no hard or austere Master to reap where he hath not sown or gather where he hath not strawn however wicked ones think and speak concerning him Mat. 25. 26. he first fashioneth Mens hearts alike and then he considereth all their works Ps 14. 2. and 33. 15. But especially he knows and takes notice of his Churches and of their workes As is signified in that Parable where it is said Behold these three yeers I come seeking fruit Luke 13. 7. To them much is given and therefore of them much is and will be required Luke 12. 48. Isay 5. 2 4. Mat. 21. 33 37. 4. He here signifieth what he knows or takes notice of thy works not their words or profession simply not their faith or opinions only but of their works what doth it profit my brethren though a Man to say he â—ath faith and have not works can faith save him faith if it hath not works its proper works is dead being alone c. Jam. 2. 14 17 26. Men may profess they Know God and yet in works deny him being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate Tit. 1. 16. or they may have works and they not perfect before God and so unacceptable to him Rev. 3. 2. or works and not the first works as it was with this Angel and Church v. 5. But of these to wit of his Churches works he takes notice and according thereto either approveth or condemneth The father on whom we call is one who without respect of persons judgeth according to every Man's work and not according to his person 1 Pet. 1. 17. and so he will do hereafter also shall not he render to every Man according to his works Prov. 24. 13. To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for Honour and Immortality he will render eternal life But unto them whoever they are that are contentious and doe not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath tribulation and anguish upon every soul of Man that doth evil For there is no respect of persons with God Rom. 2. 6 11. And saith he who â—ath his eyes like unto a flame of fire All the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reines and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works Rev. 2. 23. and ch 22. 12. Men may talk much and have a great deal of notional knowledg in those things thaâ— are most excellent and yet not have a good understanding for A good understanding have all they that do Ps 111. 10. Men may believe the Gospel of Christ and yet believe in vain 1 Cor. 15. 2. Men may have the truth and yet hold and detain it in unrighteousness Rom. 1. 18. Oh therefore let every one of us be swift to hear the word of truth And be we doers of the word and not hearers only deceiving our own selves so look we into the perfect law of liberty and continue therein that we be not forgetful hearers but doers of the work that we may be blessed in our deed Jam. 1. 19 25. Phil. 2. 12 16. And thy labour like that Remembring your labour of love or Charity 1 Thes 1. 2 3. Produced by the charity of God in Christ and exercised in works of love and charity both to the saints and men of the World also Eph. 1. 15. according to that Instruction As ye have therefore opportunity do good to all Men especially to them that are of the houshold of Faith Gal. 6. 10. and that prayer The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another and towards all men 1 Thes 3. 12. Eph. 4. 31 32. and ch 5. 1 2. and this labour of love is to be exercised in holding forth the light of the glorious Gospel in word and confession 1 Cor. 3. 8. 1 Tim. 4. 10. and ch 5. 17. and in works of mercy love and charity in giving forgiving lending c. and in prayer Col. 4. 12. This is a labour and travel it causeth pain and weariness to the flesh to be exercised in speaking praying visiting administrating to the necessities c. Here note 1. With this Angel and Church there was labour yea they had laboured and not fainted v. 3. Gal. 6. 9. they did continue in the work and labour of love love was with them in some measure still so as to cause them to labour in the Lord. Men may labour and yet be reproved as here nay as the Apostle saith though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and have not Charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13. 3. Men may give all and yet it will not avail if Charity be wanting or if it be abated and their love waxt cold they may be reproved or punished though they labour Mat. 24. 12 13. 2. In that Christ saith I know thy labour so we may see Christ taketh notice of the labour of love found in his Angels and Churches or any of them he is not unrighteous to forget their work and labour of love which they shew towards his name c. Heb. 6. 10. Mat. 25. 34 40. Mal. 3. 16. he takes notice of whatever labour or service of love his grace is producing though they that labour should forget he is not unmindful And being stedfast in the faith unmoveable from the hope of the Gospel always abounding in the work of the Lord their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord 1 Cor. 15. 58. Mat. 10. 41. no not towards enemies Therefore the holy Ghost saith if thine enemy hunger give him bread to eat And if he be thirsty give him water to drink for thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head and the Lord shall reward thee Prov. 25. 21 22. Luke 6. 35. yea how secretly soever we exercise charity he sees and takes notice of it And this may deliver or take us of from desires of vain-glory Mat. 6. 1 3. Act. 10. 31. this might satisfy and quiet us that he takes notice of and remembreth any labour of love that is done to his name see the notes after on v. 9. And thy patience even thy patient enduring the tribulations and afflictions thou meetest withal for the Gospels sake This is that they must expect who will follow after Christ they shall suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3. 12. and therefore they have need of patience that they may endure and not resist the evil nor
all men which was at first begotten and produced in them by his first love manifested unto and known and believed by them 2. How had they left thiâ— their first love Or in what sense or after what consideration had they left it To which we say They had not so left it as if they had none to Christ and one another for such a thing would be wholly and altogether inconsistent with those many good and commendable things before taken notice of by our Saviour in them v. 2 3 6. But in some measure their love was waxt colder than it was at first Mat. 24. 12. And they were not so â—ervent and ardent therein as sometimes and at first they had been somewhat of the same evil was found with these as was with the Church of Laodicea of which it is said thou art neither hot nor cold though not in so great a degree Rev. 3. 15 16. There was a decay and abatement of their love some remission and lessening of the inflamedness thereof as the word left here properly signifies to wit a remission of their love like that also complained of in others though it seems not in so great a measure or degree Thus saith the LORD I remember the kindness of thy youth thy first love but afterwards it was otherwise with them Hence it is said hear the word of the Lord what iniquity have your Fathers found in me that they are gone far from me c. Neither said they where is the Lord that brought us up out of the Land of Aegypt Jer. 2. 1 5 6 12. And it might in some measure be said to these as the Apostle doth to the Galatians where is now the blessedness you spake of Gal. 4. 13 15. They had in some sort departed from their rest as the Pâ—almist intimates he had done Ps 116. 1 7. and gadded about to change their ways too much wandring from Mountain to Hill and forgetting their resting-place their place to lye down in Jer. 2. 33 36. and ch 50. 6. they were not now so valiant for the truth as formerly they had been Jer. 9. 3. not so inflamed with love to Jesus Christ and one another the sufferings of Christ and what he hath thereby effected and obtained into himself were not so highly prized by them and therefore not so operative and effectual in them as at first but they were come to some loss and had suffered a decay of those things formerly wrought in them by the Glorious Gospel 2 Joh. 8. Oh how precious was this Manna to them at the first they then cried out by way of Admiration What is this they then with earnestness prayed Lord evermore give us this Bread Christ was then wonderfully precious to them and highly valued by them they did then so cleave to him in love as that they preferred him before all other things though never so gainful and amiable And the Word of God mightily grew among them Acts 19. 17 20. they then desired no other Foundation of their Faith and Hope no other Witness of God's Love no other Bread of Life or Door of Approach to God but Jesus Christ and him crucified and so the Flesh of Christ which was given for the life of the World But alas now their Hearts were in some measure removed from him and they did not so closely cleave unto him as formerly nor were so forward to undergo Afflictions for him and his Gospels sake not to endure hardness as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ 2 Tim. 2. 1 3. They had left their first-love and though they had works yet not the first v. 5. 3. We come in the next place to shew and demonstrate that this is such an iniquity as provoketh the Lord to anger to leave the first-first-love This is a great evil and so it will appear to be if we consider 1. Because the Principles or Seed of which this first-first-love was begotten and Object on which it was placed abide the same the Seed thereof is not like the Seed of this World which is perishing and corruptible and therefore all begotten of it is like unto it for all Flesh is as Grass and all the Glory of Man as the Flower of Grass the Grass withereth and the Flower thereof falleth away But this Seed is incorruptible the Word of the Lord endureth for ever and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto us 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. the Blood of Christ is precious and incorruptible blood and therefore it is opposed to corruptible things 1 Pet. 1. 19. And it is an Everlasting Commendation of the love of God to us Rom. 5. 8. and the Gospel of Christ is an Everlasting Gospel therein are contained the Words of Eternal Life Rev. 14. 6. Joh. 6. 68. And so Jesus Christ is the same and his years fail not He is Jesus Christ the anointed Saviour the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 1. 12. and ch 13. 8. There is no Iniquity in him and therefore he remaineth for ever The Servant to wit of Sin abideth not in the house for ever but the Son abideth ever Joh. 8. 34 35. Oh what an Iniquity is it then to lessen our love to and esteem of him Or to let slip the Remembrance of his Love in redeeming us What Iniquity have your Fathers found in me saith the LORD that they are gone far from me and have walked after vanity and are become vain neither said they where is the LORD that brought us up out of the Land of Egypt That led us thorow the Wilderness thorow a Land of Deserts and Pits c. Hath a Nation changed their Gods which yet are no Gods But my People have changed their Glory for that which doth not profit Be astonished O ye Heavens at this and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate saith the Lord for my People have committed two evils they have forsaken me the Fountain of living Waters and hewed them out Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no Water O Generation see ye the Word of the Lord. Have I been a Wilderness unto Israel a land of Darkness wherefore say my people we are Lords we will come no more â—nto thee Jer. 2. 1 5 6 10 13 31. and ch 17. 13. and ch 18. 13 15. what an evil is this to depart in any measure from him Lord saith Peter to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life and we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ the Son of the living God Joh. 6. 66 68 69. Oh foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth c. where is the blessedness the excellency the love and loveliness of Christ you formerly spake of Is not he as worthy still as ever to be fervently loved and heartily delighted in by us who humbled himself for us and became obedient to death the death of the cross and who thereby hath redeemed us from the curse of
the law and obtained eternal redemption for us when we were in our filth and blood said unto us live when we were in woful misery when the Sorrows of death compassed us and the pains of Hell gat hold on us and we found woe and trouble yet then caused his goodness to pass before us and commended and discovered his love to us and overcame us as bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke and spake peace to us and quieted our fears removed our sorrows comforted our hearts delivered our souls from death our eyes from tears and our feet from falling that we might walk before him in the land of the living in whom still dwelleth and abideth all the fulness even all the fulness of the God-head bodily and in whom is all compleatness prepared for us Do we thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is he not our Father that hath bought us hath he not made and established us ask thy Father and he will shew thee thine elders the prophets and Apostles and they will tell thee do ye thus render to the Lord for all his benefits love and kindness as to forsake him and lightly or more lightly than formerly esteem the rock of your Salvation of the rock that begat you are ye so unmindful and have you forgotten God that formed you Deut. 32. 5 7 15 18. Is this your kindness to your friend that hath so loved you and made it known to you and still continues his goodness to you and waits upon you that he may be gracious unto you O remember the former days remember your affliction and misery the distress that sometimes you were in and what a joyful sound the Gospel was then unto you and how your hearts did burn within you in love to Christ his cross and sufferings and consider what a loss you are now come to and for this weep let your eye your eye run down with water weep and howl for such an unkind and unworthy return to him and give no rest to your eyes nor slumber to your eye-lids until you return to the days of your youth the love of your espousals surely the oneness of the Lord being seriously minded and considered by us would engage us to return to him from whom we have departed and to be â—ervent in unâ—eigned love to him Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and Soul and mind and strength and thy neighbour as thy self Deut. 6. 4 6. with Mark 12. 29 30. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of light with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth wherefore my Brethren let every Man be swift to hear c. Jam. 1. 17 18 19. 2. This is a great evil an evil that provoketh to leave the first love because in our abating in our love to Christ and leaving our first â—ervency of affection to him and his Gospel and people and the societies thereof we shall be very injurious and harmful to others and even by such remission of love secretly signify unto them that the longer we know Christ and the more acquainted we are with him the less amiable and desirable he is to us and the less delightful to us and therefore is he no more delighted in by us and so we lay a stumbling block in the way of the blind and give offence to the World and hinder others from seeking after and following the Lord when persons are zealous and â—ervent in their affection unto and pursuit after the Lord their zeal provokes very many 2 Cor. 9. 2. Thus it appeared in the spouses earnestness in seeking for and inquiring after and highly and delightfully valuing and setting forth the excellency comliness of her beloved while she was thus exercised this heat of love in her to Christ and following hard after him causeth the daughters of Jerusalem to enquire after him and to say whither is thy beloved gone O thou fairest among Women whither is thy beloved turned aside that we may seek him with thee Can. 5. 8 16. and ch 6. 1. love even hot and fiery love to Christ and the fruits thereof are strong as death as death is strong and overcomes the mightiest and stoutest so ardent love is proper to overcome others also even our enemies and to bring them in to Christ Cant. 8. 6 7. with Rom. 12. 19 21. when the believers did cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart and continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and were together continuing daily with one accord c. The Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved Acts 2. 42 47. Joh. 13. 34 35. But now when the first love waxes cold and believers have little or less heart to Christ and his Gospel than formerly this puts a discouragement upon others and hinders them from seeking after him and strengthens them in their evil ways so much the Lord signifies in saying to his people in former times My people have forgotten me days without number why trimest thou thy way to seek love Therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways Jer. 2. 31 33. And indeed this decay of mens first love to Christ will be visible and evident to others it cannot be kept so secret but it will be seen and come abroad for such as leave their first love will leave their first works also as v. 5. 3. Abatement in the first love is a great evil a provoking evil in believers because those in Christ's Church have great advantage to grow and increase in love to him and to his Gospel and it is expected from them that they go on from strength to strength Ps 84. 4 7. and in beholding him with open face in the glass of the Gospel they are changed and metamorphosed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3. 18. In giving diligence to the exceeding great and precious promises ministred in and with the Gospel they shall be made partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in the World thorow lust and not only so but they may add to their faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness and to godliness Brotherly-kindness and to Brotherly-Kindness Charity 2 Pet. 1. 4 7. these things may be in them and abound v. 8 Choice giâ—ts are now given to men to this purpose that they might not be as children tossed to and fro but truthing it in love might grow up into Christ in all things who is the head from whom the whole body fitly joyned together and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the body unto the
he is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work and shall be blessed in his Deed Jam. 1. 22 25. By this ye are saved to wit from Sins and Errours if ye hold fast what was preached unto you unless ye have believed in vain to wit how that Christ died for our Sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and rose again c. 1 Cor 15. 2 4. If that ye have heard from the beginning remain in you ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father 1 Joh. 2. 24. By all which it appears that that from whence they were fallen was from the believing view and mindfulness of the Cross of Christ and his first love therein commended For as a Man cannot heartily love Christ till his love be known and believed so neither will there be a decay or abatement of the first love until there be some departure by an evil heart of unbelief from the Grace of Christ 2. We come to note some Instructions from this Branch of the Counsel As 1. In general we may note that when Christ's Churches or any particular Members thereof have left their first-love and fallen from and forgotten his Sufferings and his love therein commended yet he doth not presently forget them or their first-love to him or his first love to them but remembers that and them still and gives good Counsel to them while it is called to day Jer. 2. 1 3 31 32. and ch 3. 1. He calls upon them to return to him from whom they have fallen by their iniquities Hos 14. 1 4. Rev. 3. 1 3 15 19. He still waits upon such that he may be gracious unto them Isay 30. 8 18. Hos 11. 4 8. though his well-pleased delightful love towards them should cease or fail yet while it is the day of his Grace and Patience while they are joyned to all the living his compassions fail not Lam. 3. 22 23. His Charity never faileth 1 Cor. 13. 8. He is good for his Mercy endureth for ever Ps 106. 1 3. Hence it is that he giveth good and needful Counsel to such as these 2. More particularly from hence we may note and observe 1. That those that have been begotten thorow Christ's Cross and his love therein commended as declared in the Gospel unto the unfeigned and fervent love of him may fall from their first and former high esteeming and prizing of that precious Blood and first love they may forget it and forget how precious it was to them when it was at first proclaimed unto them and seen and believed by them Thus we may see in our Types of old how much and how oft did the Church of God in former times forget their deliverance out of Egypt which was a Type of Christ's redeeming us by his Blood in which God's love was commended to them They soon forgat his works and his wonders that he had shewed them Ps 78. 7 11. They remembred not the multitude of his Mercies they soon forgat his works they waited not for his Counsel They soon forgat God their Saviour which had done great things in Egypt wondrous things in the Land of Ham Ps 106. 7 13 21 22. Of the Rock that begat them they were unmindful and forgat God that formed them Deut. 32. 18. Hos 13. 4 6. and ch 14. 1. And this is written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the World are come Heb. 3. 7 14. And how guilty of forgetting the preciousness of the Blood of Christ and Grace therein commended were the Churches of Galatia Gal. 3. 1. with ch 1. 6. and ch 4. 15 17. with v. 11 and ch 5. 2 4. Heb. 2. 1 3. 2 Pet. 1. 9. And indeed the Churches and particular believers thorow their listening to and siding with that Sin that dwelleth in them are apt so to do and too oft do so when they are come to some rest peace and excellent ornaments hence such admonitions and intimations are given in such a consideration Deut. 6. 10 12. Beware lest when thou hast eaten and art full that then thine heart be lifted up and thou forget the Lord thy God which brought thee forth out of the Land of Egypt Deut. 8. 11 14. Jesurun waxed fat and kicked thou art waxed fat thou art grown thick thou art covered then â—e forsook God which made him and lightly esteemed the Rock of his Salvation Deut. 32. 13 15. After they had rest they did evil before thee c. Neh. 9 28. They were filled and their heart was exalted therefore have they forgotten me Hos 13. 4 6. Rev. 3. 17 20. Judg. 3. 11 12. and 5. 31. and ch 6. 1. Ezek. 16. 4 7 10 14 15 16. Vse 1. Examine we our selves whether we be not also guilty of this great and root-iniquity are we not saying when we hear the first things of the Gospel and God's love therein declared as they did Behold what a weariness is it And ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of Hosts Mal. 1. 13. Do we not say in our hearts The Table of the LORD is polluted and the fruit thereof even his meat is contemptible Mal. 1. 12. or like them Numb 11. 5 6. 2. Seeing we may and are too apt to forget the precious Blood of Christ and preciousness thereof and his first love therein commended it shews unto us that we need to be oft put in remembrance thereof by the Ministers of Jesus Christ 1 Tim. 2. 4 7. But to this after 2. We may further note that the forgetting the preciousness of Christ's Cross and the love therein demonstrated as declared in the Gospel is the cause of our departure from Christ and leaving of our first-love to him This appears by the reference this hath to the former verse thou hast left thy first-love remember therefore c. Thus in former times this is rendred as the cause of Israel's many evils their forgetfulness of God's wondrous works as it is said How oft did they provoke him in the Wilderness and grieve him in the desart yea they turned back and tempted God and limited the Holy one of Israel They remembred not his hand nor the day when he delivered them from the Enemy Ps 78. 40 42. c. and 81. 6 8 10. Jer. 2. 31 33. His first love was that as we have seen which did beget love in them unto him it is the â—corruptible seed And therefore the forgetting and falling from this in any measure is the cause and reason of our want or decay of love to him Were this kept in hearty mindfulness we should be preserved from such decrease or abatement of love 1 Cor. 15. 1 3. Christ is the living Bread that came down from Heaven If any Man eat of this Bread he shall live for ever and the Bread which he will give is his Flesh which now he hath given for the Life of the World Joh. 6. 51 56 58. 3. The way and means to recover such as
flow from unfeigned faith in him even from the hearty mindfulness and high-prizing of the precious Blood of Christ and the love therein commended to Sinners It is Faith even the Word of Faith believed that worketh by Love Gal. 5. 6. and so also produceth as the consequent thereof good works Heb. 10. 24. 1 Thes 1. 3 5. and ch 2. 13. The principle of those works which are acceptable to God is not our own wisdom or any thing in our selves or because it is our duty simply but the Grace of God his free-free-love manifested in the gift of his Son to be the Saviour of the World 2 Cor. 1. 12. The Grace of God that bringeth Salvation to all Men hath appeared teaching us that denying Vngodliness and Worldly Lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tit. 2. 11 12. This Gospel and good news being heartily embraced doth powerfully operate to the denying and abhorring what is evil and to the doing what is well-pleasing in his sight Joh. 15. 2 6. 1 Joh. 3. 6. Now their works could not be the first because they were as we have before seen fallen in some measure from Christ and from the high prizing of his Cross and his love and kindness therein manifested and commended 2. The first works also appear to be such as are done in â—ervent and inflamed love to Jesus Christ and in love and charity to Men hence called the work and labour of love begotten by and exercised in the love of and unto Christ and also exercised towards Men and Brethren Heb. 6. 9. 1 Thes 1. 3. And this love is the fulfilling of the Law Rom. 13. 10. and all without it is nothing as the Apostle saith though I have the gift of Prophesie and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge and though I have all Faith so that I could remove Mountains and have not Love or Charity I am nothing And though I bestow all my Goods to feed the Poor and though I give my Body to be burned and have not Love or Charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13. 1 3. Gal. 5. 13 14. And this exhortation is given Let all your things be done with Love or Charity 1 Cor. 16. 13. Now their works could not be the first works because they had left their first-love 3. The first works are such as of which Christ is the Omega and end also and God in him A Man may do many things good in themselves and yet to a wrong end it may be to establish a Righteousness to himself Rom. 10. 2 3. and all such works will not profit or avail to the rendring us acceptable in the sight of God Isay 57. 12. Thus the Jews sought after Righteousness as it were by the works of the Law in which they sinned against the end of the Law Jesus Christ and stumbled and took offence at that stumbling-Stone and Rock of Offence not submitting themselves to the Righteousness of God Rom. 9. 30 31 33. and ch 10. 1 4. After such a manner also the Galatians were snared by those Evil-workers that came amongst them after they had begun to run well and were called into the Grace of Christ by listening to those Spiritual Witches that came amongst them they sought to perfect by the Flesh what was begun by the Spirit Gal. 1. 6. and ch 3. 1. and ch 5. 1 4. Or the end of what a Man doth may be that he may have praise of Men as it is with the Hyppocrites when they give alms it is that they may have Glory of Men when they pray that they may be seen of Men when they fast they so do it that they may appear unto Men to fast Mat. 6. 2 6 16. And thus our Saviour saith of the Scribes and Pharisees All their works they do for to be seen of Men Mat. 23. 2 5. And of this evil end the Apostle warns in saying Be not desirous of Vain-glory Gal. 5. 26. But now the first or best Luke 15. 22. works are such as in which a Man knowing that Christ hath brought in Everlasting Righteousness and that all is prepared in him he doth therefore in all aim at his Glory and therein at the good of Men and especial good of Believers as the Apostle exhorts Whether ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do do all to the Glory of God Give none Offence neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles nor to the Church of God Even as I please all Men in all things not seeking mine own profit but the profit of many that they may be saved 1 Cor. 10. 31 33. and ch 11. 1. Phil. 1. 20 21. 1 Cor. 9. 22. Now from this Branch of the Counsel we may also briefly note some Instructions As 1. In that he had before intimated that they had at first when the Gospel was preached to and received by them a first and servent love and now also intimates that they had first works so he gives us to understand that when God's love in Christ to Sinners is so known and believed that it turns the Heart to him and begets love unto him it will also produce works good and acceptable works such as are well-pleasing in his sight So much the Apostle signifies as with respect to the Thessalonians when he saith Ye received the word of God which ye heard of us not as the word of Men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe It wrought so effectually in them that it wrought Love in them and the work of Faith and Labour of Love c. 1 Thes 2. 13. with ch 1. 3 10. 1 Joh. 3. 16 18. Gal. 5. 6. 2. In that he saith And do the first works so he signifieth to us that though there may be works with us yet not such as are approved of him nay though they may be right and good in themselves yet they may not proceed from the Faith nor be done in Fervent Love and Charity nor may we aim at Christ at his Glory and the promoting the things of his Kingdom as the end and to be sure if we have leâ—t our first-love and that be waxed cold and if we have abated in our former high prizings of the precious sufferings and Blood of our Gracious Redeemer and the love therein discovered our works will also be defective as it was with these Come we to the light Joh. 3. 21. 3. In that he saith Remember and repent c. so he signifieth to us that the way to do the first works is to remember Christ's works and to repent and turn to him again from whom we have revolted and back-sliden for as he hath wrought all our works for us so it is he also that must work them in us Isay 26. 12. Phil. 2. 12 15. They must needs be dead works imperfect unacceptable works unless such as have left their first love remember how they have received and heard
1 Pet. 1. 17. And therefore 2. Flatter we not our selves as if because we are made so nigh unto him and so favoured and priviledged by him he would not thus come unto us but let us wisely consider his dealings with his people in former times for they are written for our admonition And every one that hath an ear is called upon to hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches See v. 7. 17 29. and ch 3. v. 6. 22. 3. Make we haste and delay not to turn unto him when we we have backslidden from him Ps 119. 59 66. Mat. 5. 25. and ch 24. â—â— 2. We have the end of his coming declared to us and therâ—â—n the Judgment directly threatned And will remove thy candlestick out of his place That is to say 1. He would take away their fellowship in the Gospel and break their Church in pieces so as there should be no longer a Church in Ephesus A candlestick is a Church as is before declared to us like that complained of bewailed in former times He hath violently taken away his Tabernacle as it were of a garden he hath destroyed his places of the assembly The Lord hath caused the solemn feasts and sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion Lam. 2. 6. he would so break them in pieces that there should not be a cluster left Mica 7. 1. either by taking away those that were more upright among them and so or otherwise scattering them one from another and causing them that were left to sit alone because of his hand as Jer. 15. 17. like that the anger or the face of the Lord hath divided them Lam. 4. 16. and thus he would deal with them in Testimony of displeasure to the Angel also as well as to the Church more generally and to others among whom they were set Eccles 4. 10 12. he would even take away the hedge thereof and it should be eaten up and break down the wall thereof and it should be trodden down and so make way for the wild beasts to come in amongst them Isay 5. 1 4. with Ps 80. 12 13. 2. He would take away the light of the Gospel from them so as they should not have it amongst them as hitherto they had had he would take away the Kingdom of God from them and his word and ordinances as he threatned to do and did at last with the Church of Israel because they rejected Christ and put away the word of God from them Mat. 21. 41 43. Acts 13. 46. The candlestick is the place in which the light is set and by removing the former he would deprive them also of the latter and take away from them those gifts and that knowledge that had been vouchsafed to them and not improved by them as our saviour saith From him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath Mat. 13. 12. The talent or talents might be taken away from the Angel and that in testimony of displeasure not to himself only but unto them also Mat. 25. 29. and so he would deprive them of those helps that formerly they had had And even send a famine amongst them of hearing the words of the Lord and command the clouds that they rain no rain upon them even shut the mouths of his ministers so as they should no longer prophesy unto them Amos 8. 11 12. Isay 5. 6. Ezek. 3. 25 26. Micah 2. 6. 3. And as the consequent and concomitant of both the former he also himself would depart from them and not dwell and walk in and amongst them For he is and walketh in the midst of the Golden candlesticks v. 1. Exod. 20. 24. Mat. 18. 20. But when the candlestick is removed and taken away then he would be gone and leave them also according to that Be thou instructed O Jerusalem lest my soul depart from thee c. Jer. 6. 8. And then nothing but cause of lamenâ—ation mourning and woe will follow as he saith to his people in former times Woe also unto them when I depart from them and for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of my house I will love them no more Hos 9. 12 15. He will go far off from them Ezek. 8. 6. Jâ—r 23. 33 39. he will forsake his house and leave his heritage and give the dearly beloved of his soul into the hands of her enemies Jer 12. 7 8 9. Now in that he so severely threatneth this Angel and Church and that on the account before spoken to so he signifieth unto us 1. That it is a very great and provoking iniquity to leave our first love to Jesus Christ and to withdraw or abate in our affection to him and so in some measure to forsake him Thus when the Lord is declaring to Jerusalem that he remembers the kindness of their youth the love of their espousals and signifying that now they had left that he thus expresseth the heynousness of that Iniquity which was the root of their other evils Be astonished O ye heavens at this and be horribly afraid be ye very desolate saith the Lord c. Jer. 2. 2 3 12 13. Mat. 10. 37 38. So again he saith Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful and hast forgotten God that formed thee and when the Lord saw it he abhorred them because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters Deut. 32. 15. 18 19. So here he gives us to understand how provoking an evil it is to him to leave the first love and let slip the principle thereof by the judgments he threateneth to execute upon them so persisting and how many good things soever otherwise there were with them 2. In that he saith I will remove thy candlestick So he intimates to us that he can righteously unchurch his churches and cast them out of his house for their evils and love them no more Hos 9. 15. he can abhor his sons and daughters and cast them off because of their provokings Deut. 32. 19 23. he is not tied to their persous but if they forsake him he will also forsake them 2 Chron. 15. 2. It is a faithful saying if we deny him he also will deny us 2 Tim. 2. 11 13. see how he dealt with his people in former times Behold Israel after the flesh because of unbelief they are broken off and thou standest by faith be not high minded but fear behold therefore the goodness and severity of God on them which fell severity but towards thee goodness if thou continue in his goodness otherwise thou also shall be cut off saith the Apostle to the Church at Rome Jer. 7. 3 12. Ps 78. 57 61. 1 Sam. 4. 7 11. Rom. 11. 20 21. Mat. 21. 41 4. 3. In that he threatneth this as a judgment and severe testimony of his displeasure so it may instruct us That it is a great mercy blessing and advantage to have his Church and candlestick continued in a place and to have his
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
And thy last works more than the first Here as before we have noted he first of all takes notice of the things that were commendable in his sight and before him See notes on ver 2. And in that this is added after that terrible description he had given of himself so he gives us to understand That though his Eyes are like a flame of fire and his feet like fine brass yet he approves and encourages whatsoever is good and approvable in his Churches they might say Alas if he thus appear who can stand Or what can be approved before him who can stand before this holy Lord God that is of such a piercing inspection and so terrible in his Eyes and Feet Truly the Sinners in Zion may be afraid and the Hypocrites surprized with fear But such as receive his Grace or wherein soever they receive it to purpose need not be afraid his appearing so dreadful is not to discourage or hinder them from doing good but to deter them from what is evil Isay 33. 14 16. Yea therefore we should hold fast Grace whereby we may serve him acceptably with reverence and godly fear because our God is a consuming Fire Heb. 12. 28 29. So when he appears terrible unto Pergamos yet he would not have them think that he will be unrighteous to forget any good thing in them He appears not thus to be a terrour to good works but to evil Rev. 2. 12 13. with Rom. 13. 1 3 4. Nay though he sees all things yet who is so blind as this Servant of the Lord or deaf as this his Messenger whom he hath sent Who is blind as he that is perfect and blind as the Lords servant seeing many things but he observes them not c. Isay 42. 19 21. He is not severe to mark his Churches Infirmities and weaknesses but he appears dreadful with his Eyes and Feet towards such as sin willingly and particularly towards such as suffer false Teachers among them I know thy works See the Notes before on Verse 2. and Verse 9. And Charity This is indeed the work of Faith Faith worketh by Love Charity Gal. 5. 6. Charity it is distinguished from Brotherly kindness 2 Pet. 1. 7. And is a free manner of love flowing forth towards and fastening upon persons not because of any thing lovely in them but from an higher Reason and Motive though it may be and is to be exercised towards Brethren also in a peculiar consideration yet it springs from some higher Reason than any thing found in and with them We may say originally and most fully and perfectly God is Charity and the cause of it in us he loved us even the World of Mankind when there was nothing lovely or amiable in us even when we were dead in Sins and Trespasses and manifested his love and himself to be Charity in sending his only begotten Son into the World to be the propitiation for our Sins that we might live thorow him Joh. 3. 16. 1 Joh. 4. 8 9 10 14. And love or Charity in us is from or of him namely from the knowledge and belief of his Charity to manward and that he is Charity 1 Joh. 4. 7 8. And it is to be exercised towards men in loving our Enemies blessing them that curse us c. Mat. 5. 44. In loving all Men and abounding and increasing in love towards them 1 Thes 3. 12. Gal. 6. 10. And towards Brethren Col. 3. 13 14. 2 Thes 1. 3. above all things saith the Apostle Peter have â—ervent Charity among your selves 1 Pet. 4. 8. and all our things are to be done with it 1 Cor. 16. 14. the fruits of it are declared to us in 1 Cor. 13. 4 5 8. Charity suffereth long so doth God in Christ who is Charity He is long-suffering towards unworthy sinful ones Exod. 34. 6. Ps 86. 15. 1 Tim. 1. 16. and Charity is effecting long-suffering in us also 2 Cor. 6. 6. and that with long suffering we should forbear one another in love Eph. 4. 2 3. Col. 3. 12. And is kind all the time of its long-suffering so of God it is said He is slow to anger and of great kindness Neh. 9. 17. Joel 2. 13. Jona 4. 2. He is long-suffering and abundant in goodness Exod. 34. 6. So this Charity leads us to be like our heavenly Father in some measure even to be kind unto the evil and unthankful Mat. 5. 44. 45. and if our enemy hunger to feed him if he thirst to give him drink Rom. 12. 9 10. and to be kind one towards another tender-hearted Eph. 4. 32. Charity envieth not it doth not grudg at the good or prosperity of another whether inward or outward it hath not an evil ey thereat indeed the spirit which dwelleth in us lusteth to envy and leads us to repine and be troubled at the good and flourishing estate of others of which evil we are oftentimes warned Jam. 4. 4 6. Ps 37. 1. and 72. 3. 1 Cor. 3. 3 this envying proceeds from our wisdom Jam. 3. 14 16. and from desires of vain glory Gal. 5. 26. But charity envieth not but leadeth us to rejoyce in the good and prosperity of others Ps 4. 6 7. Charity vaunts not it self or boasts not it self it proclaims not its own goodness as the most of Men do Prov. 20. 6. It knows we have nothing but what we have received and preserves us from boasting of our givings or doings and to do what we do in secret that our left hand may not know what our right hand doth Judg. 7. 2. 1 Cor. 4. 7. Luke 18. 11. Mat. 6. 1 2 3 4. Charity is not puffed up not blown up like a bladder by any thing it hath received or doth knowledge even the knowing our knowledge puffeth up but charity doth not so but edifieth 1 Cor. 8. 1. 2 Cor. 12. 6 9. Luke 18. 11. Doth not behave it self unseemly uncomely shamefully which is the effect and consequent of the former when men are puft up it leadeth them to a shameful behaviour of themselves to be many masters Jam. 3. 1. to render evil for evil c. But charity doth not so Charity seeketh not her own profit case praise advantage So Christ did not who is the Son of the Father in charity but though he was rich for our sakes and not for his own he became poor that we thorow his poverty might be inriched 2 Cor. 8. 9. and the Apostle exhorts the believers that they look not every one on his own things but every one also on the things of others and that the same mind that was in Christ might be also in them Phil. 2. 2 3 5 6. And the Apostle Paul saith I please all Men in all things not seeking mine own profit but the profit of many that they may be saved And then exhorts the believers Be ye followers or imitaters of me even as I also am of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 23 24 33. and ch 11. 1.
thou art dead thou art wandred out of the way of understanding and so thou art and remainest among the congregation of the dead Prov. 21. 16. thou hast in a great measure lost that living and useful knowledge that good understanding of Jesus Christ and the excellency of his cross and the love of God therein commended which sometimes thou hadst and blindness is happened to thee in part and in a great measure also they were become blind 2 Pet 1. 9. and had not such knowledge of God as formerly they had had which was a shame for them 1 Cor. 15. 34. Thou art dead under condemnation by walking after the flesh â—hâ— wisdome and ducture thereof thou art carnally-minded savouring thine own things thine own name praise esteem works of righteousness and to be carnally-minded is death Rom. 8. 1 6. Thou hast been living after the flesh however after the refined and more goodly and beautiful part thereof the desires of the mind after thine own wisdom good-doings reputation vain-glory and so art become dead Rom. 8. 13. Gal. 5. 24 26. and so thou art fallen under the wrath and displeasure of God Jam. 4. 4 6. whose wrath is as messengers of death to thee Prov. 16. 14. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. 1. But thou art not walking in and after the Spirit but after the flesh and so art under reproof and condemnation Gal. 5. 24 25. Rev. 3. 2 3. Thou art dead though thou appearest to live by Faith yet indeed thou art fallen under the law under the power and dominion thereof and so thy conscience is defiled and pollutted with dead and unprofitable works Heb. 6. 1. and ch 9. 14. thou hast forgotten and let slip what thou didst receive and hear at first and which was so precious pleasant and satisfying to thee how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures v 3. with 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. and how hereby he hath finished the transgression and made an end of sins and is making reconciliation for iniquity and hath brought in everlasting righteousness Dan 9. 24. yea that in him all things are actually prepared and made ready before thou wast invited to come to him Luke 14. 17. and all things pertaining to life and godliness to be received thorow the knowledge and Faith of him 2 Pet. 1. 3. and therefore instead of believing that thou mayst be justified sanctified conformed to him and so made meet for the inheritance Gal. 1. 15 16. Acts 26. 18. thou art seeking to attain righteousness by thy wisdom or as it were by the works of the law Rom. 9. 31 32 and 10. 1 4. and art under the law in thy mind and conscience which is the ministration of death 2 Cor. 3. 7. Gal. 5. 18. And canst no otherwise look up to God joy in him or approach with boldness to him but according to thine own law-services thy works and righteousness though thou didst receive the Spirit by the hearing of â—aith and not by the works of the law yet now thou art become so foolish having begun in the spirit thou wouldest be made perfect by the flesh Gal. 3. 1 5 12. thou art seeking the life and living of thine own hands Isay 57. 10 12. and having forgotten the precious blood of Christ or the preciousness thereof and love therein commended v. 3. thou art intangled with the yoke of bondage and art seeking to be justified by the law and Christ is in too great a measure become of none effect to thee Gal. 5. 1 4. thou dost not now wait thorow the Spirit for the hope of righteousness by Faith thou hast not now such rejoycing in Christ such tastes of his graciousness such confidence in him and confident dependance upon him and God in and thorow him as when thou dist keep in memory the word of the beginning of Christ 1 Cor. 15. 1 2. Gal 4. 15. Thou art dead hast no living affection to him as formerly nor zeal for him and for glorifying him unto others nor readiness and resolution to suffer shame and persecution for his sake and for the Gospel nor such love unto Men and Brethren And though thou hast works yet they are not perfect before God not the works of Faith but rather the works of the Law Jam. 2. 14 26. 1 Cor. 13. 3. Now here we may note 1. That they that have a name that they live they that have a same and report amongst others and whose renown is gone forth for their beauty knowledge Faith zeal vertue c. may yet be dead and withered and be far off from being such manner of persons as others report them to be not only may they be greatly mistaken who commend themselves and think themselves to be something when they are nothing Gal. 6. 3. as was Laodicea which said I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing And mean time was wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked and knew it not v. 17. 2 Cor. 10. 18. But they may be dead and withered and their moisture â—urned into the draught of summer of whom others speak highly and honourably Luke 6. 26. and ch 16. 15. Matt. 23. and ch 6. 2. Yea they that have a name amongst the Churches that they live such as are very renowned amongst them and â—amous in the Congregation of the Lord as Numb 16. 2. may yet be dead They the Churches and Angels thereof may be mistaken and deceived in those they think and speak so highly and honourably of and therefore as it may be a small thing with us to be judged of Men or of Man's day in General So it should be in particular a small thing with us to be justified praised and commended of others of our Brethren of our Teachers for the seven Spirits of God are not on them and they may be mistaken But let every one of us prove our own works and then shall we have our rejoycing in our selves alone and not in another or in others not in their good thoughts esteems or commendations of us 1 Cor. 4. 4. Gal. 6. 3 4. And let us not content our selves though we have a good report of all Men unless we have it of the truth also of Christ in his Gospel 3 Joh. 12. For 3. Such as these who are highly approved and commended by others and by the Angels and Churches also may yet be disapproved of and reproved and threatned by Christ that which is highly esteemed amongst Men may be an abomination in the sight of God Luke 16. 15. Christ hath the seven spirits of God and he is thereby quick of understanding Isay 11. 1 3. he seeth not as a Man seeth for Man looketh on the outward appearance but he looks on the heart â—nd so may refuse whom
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
in heart Mat. 11. 28 29. Oh how many evils of theirs doth he thorow his love overlook and pass by Who is so blind as this Servant of God's or deaf as the Messinger whom â—e â—ath sent Isay 42. 2 3 19 20. Prov. 10. 12. with 1 Cor. 13. 4. And they are instructed and exhorted to account that the long-suffering of our Lord exercised towards them also is Salvation to wit that theyâ— may so receive and retain the love of the truth that they may be saved thereby from their sins and vanities and so be saved from Wrath the Wrath to come thorow him 2 Pet. 3. 15. with 2 Thes 2. 10. and 1 Thes 1. 10. And with what patience is he instructing them though they are dull of hearing and unteachable untractable ones and doth not presently leave them nor is weary of well-doing towards them and thorow him God his Father is a God of patience towards unworthy ones Rom. 3. 25. and ch 15. 5. 3. It is called the word of his patience because it effect such-like patience in them in that receive it to purpose as is found in him even the patience of Jesus Christ See notes on ch 1. v. 9. It effects in them a patient continuance in well doing Rom. 2. 7. Luke 8. 15. Continuing in the Faith grounded and setled and not being moved from the hope of the Gospel 1 Cor. 15. 58. Col. 1. 22 23. and in bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit Gal. 6. 9. and seeking the good of others 2 Tim. 2. 23 25. And to that end being patient towards all Men 1 Thes 5. 14 15. and also it effects in them patience in enduring afflictions even laying aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset them to run with patience the race set before them Heb. 12. 1. In patience possessing their Souls whatever trials or afflictions they meet withal not being moved thereby to take offence at Christ or at his Gospel not fretting against them who are Instruments of evil to them Luke 21. 19. Ps 37. 1 7 8. and patience in waiting for his Salvation Jam. 5. 7. and this Gospel is effecting this patience in the hearty believer thereof 1. By setting before them the great endurings and sufferings of Jesus Christ and his patience therein hence it is called the patience of Jesus as is before said Rev. 1. 9. So the Apostle when he exhorts the Believers to run with patience the race set before them instructs them to this end to look unto Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the Cross despising the shame c. To consider him who endured such contradiction of Sinners against himself lest they should be wearied and faint in their minds Heb. 12. 1 3. And the Apostle James also directs to his patience in suffering that the Believers might imitate him saying ye have condemned and killed the â—ust and he doth not resist you Be patient therefore Brethren unto the coming of the Lord Jam. 5. 6 7. If we do well and suffer for it and take it patiently this is acceptable with God for even hereunto we were called because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an example that we should follow his steps 1 Pet. 2. 20 21 22. 2. By shewing to us and directing us into the love of God manifested in sending his Son the Saviour of the World This way is the Gospel effecting patience in us having access into the Grace of God we rejoyce in tribulations also Knowing that tribulation worketh patience because the love of God is shed abroad in our â—earts by the holy Spirit for while we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the Vngodly Rom. 5. 2 5 6. Hence the Apostle thus prays The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ 2 Thes 3. 5. And this love this first love of God known and believed frames the heart to the love to the perfect and sincere love of God which casts out of us all fear which hath torment helping us to judge and be perswaded God intends our good in all he is ordering and so frames us to and begets patience in us 1 Joh. 4. 16 19. with 1 Tim. 6. 11. And his love effects charity in us towards Men and Brethren and so leads us to be patient towards all Hence the Apostle saith to Timothy thou hast known my Charity Patience c. 2 Tim. 3. 10. Tit. 2. 2. 3. And this word is effecting patience in us and doth operate and effect it in the hearty believer thereof by propounding and setting before us the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Tit. 2. 10 13. Hence it is called the patience of hope of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Thes 1. 3. And if we hope for that we see not then do we with patience tarry foâ— iâ— Rom. 8. 24 25. To this purpose the Apostle James speaks be patient Brethren unto the coming of the Lord Behold the Husband-man waiteth for the precious fruit of the Earth and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter Rain Be ye also patient for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh Jam. 5. 7 8. Ps 37. 7 11. 2 Pet. 1. 4 â— were we more rejoycing in hope we should be more patient in tribulation Rom. 5. 1 3. and ch 12. 12. 2 Cor. 4. 14 18. This was that word of Christs patience which they had kept and for the keeping whereof Christ commends them and sets such encouragement before them 2. We have a gracious promise and blessed encouragement propounded and made to this Angel and Church I also will keep thee from the houâ— of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the Earth Wherein let us a little enquire and consider 1. From what he promises to keep them from the hour of temptation 2. The extent of this hour Which shall come upon all the World 3. The end of its coming To try them that dwell upon the Earth 1. From what he promises to keep them From the hour of temptation Now this hour of temptation may either signifie 1. A time of great tribulation and persecution for the Gospels sake which was ere long to ensue under the Roman Emperours So whereas in one Evangelist it is said when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word by and by they are offended It is thus rendred by another In time of temptation they fall away signifying to us that a time of persecution for the Gospel is a time of temptation Compare Mat. 13. 21. with Luke 8. 13. So such a time is called A fiery trial 1 Pet. 4. 12. and trial of cruel mockings and scourgings Heb. 11. 36. And the Apostle Paul speaking of the afflictions he endured from the Jews calls them temptations Acts 20. 19. And our Lord makes use of this word when he speaks of all the
troubles and afflictions he met with for the Gospels sake saying ye are they which have continued were with me in my temptation Luke 22. 28. See also 1 Cor. 10. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 6. Rev. 2. 10. And indeed persecution is a great trial and temptation to them that endure it especially when it is sharp because of the Flesh in us no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous Heb. 12. 11. And it is that we would avoid if we could we would not suffer for Christs sake Joh. 21. 18. We naturally love ease and freedom from affliction and therefore to the taking up our Cross we must first deny our selves and hate our lives Mat. 16. 24. Mark 8. 34. Luke 9. 23. and ch 14. 26 27. And in such a time Satan and his Instruments are endeavouring to move us from the faith by temptations and inticements 1 Thes 3. 5. Heb. 2. 8. as it is said of those worthies in former times they were stoned they were sawn asunder they were tempted c. when they dealt cruelly with them and threatened more grievous things to them they proferred deliverance to them if they would forsake their way and God Heb. 11. 35 37. Jam. 1. 12 13. When our Lord Jesus was in great affliction then the Prince of this World set upon and thrust sore at him that he might fall though he had nothing in him Joh. 14. 30. Ps 118. 10 13. And this is a time of temptation to others also Satan then endeavours to move the Believers who are not under persecution because their Brethren are so hardly dealt with 1 Thes 3. 1 3 5. And to hinder others and put them further off from the Gospel Persecution is called the offence of the Cross Gal. 5. 11. And wo to the World because of such offences Mat. 18. 6. When the Beast opened his mouth in Blasphemies against God to blaspheme his Name and his Tabernacle and them that dwell in Heaven and it was given to him to make War with the Saints and to overcome them then all that dwell upon the Earth shall worship him Rev. 13. 6 8. Then men generally that they may avoid persecution and enjoy their liberties and the things here below take offence at the Gospel and separate from if not turn adverse to such as are Christs Disciples Mat. 24. 9 10. 1 Cor. 4. 9 13. Ps 102. 6 8. 2. Or by this hour of temptation may also be meant a time of falling away from the Faith whether by occasion of persecution as on that account many fall away as our Saviour saith to his Disciples Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you and ye shall be hated of all nations for my names sake and then many shall be offended and shall betray one another c. Mat. 24. 9 10. Or also in and by false Teachers many of whom went out from the true Believers and were themselves corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus Acts 20. 30. 1 Joâ— 2. 19. and did also deceâ—ve and corrupt others and endeavour to remove them from the Grace of Christ unto another Gospel or Doctrine and too many are deceived by them and follow their pernicious ways by reason of whom the way of truth is evil spoken of Gal. 1. 6 8. 2 Pet. 2. 1 2. Thus it was said in former times when false Prophets did arise c. The Lord their God did try them c. Deut. 13. 1 3 4. And the Prophet Daniel saith Some of them of understanding will fall to try by them Dan. 11. 35. Mat. 24. 5 11. And in the Apostles days the mystery of iniquity did begin to work 2 Thes 2. 3 7. 1 Tim. 4. 1 2. 2 Tim. 3. 12. And this is also a time of temptation And both these may be called An hour of temptation 1. Not as Hour is taken strictly for the twelth part of a day so it is sometimes taken as Christ saith Are there not twelve hours in the day Joh. 11. 9. so we read of the third hour of the day to wit nine in the morning Acts 2 15. and the nineth hour of the day viz. three in the afternoon c. Acts 3. 1. But 2. By the Hour here spoken of may be meant some indefinite time of a long continuance as to us so the word hour doth signify and comprehend the whole time from Christ's ministration to the end of the World Joh. 4. 21 23. and ch 5. 25. and the time of the resurrection of the dead and judgment is called an hour though it doth contain above a thousand yeers Joh. 5. 28 29. with Rev. 20. 4 11. and so the hour here spoken of though it be determined by God and will have an end yet might be of long duration in our account and may continue or however such an one may so do more or less till the end of this World 1 Joh. 2. 18. 2. The extent of this hour is also signified to us by our Saviour viz. which shall come upon all the World the habitable part of it which was then under the Roman heathen Emperours Luke 2. 1. and in which generally there were some in all parts that had received the Faith of the Gospel of Christ In this World here spoken of the Gospel was preached before the destruction of Jerusalem according to our Saviours prediction Mat. 24. 14. And consequential hereto this hour of temptation is permitted and ordered to try Men as here follows And so indeed it is the usual way or order of God in permitting and ordering trials namely so to do after means of grace have been vouchsafed and the Gospel preached unto them 1 Thes 3. 3 5. And as he Prophesies that this hour of temptation should come upon all the World so therein he gives us to understand That he is the orderer of the hour of temptation and of all instrumental thereto And whether it shall come to one place or another or whether generally As the Assyrian was the rod of his anger and the staff in their hand his indignation whom he sent against an Hypocritical nation and against the people of his wrath c. Isay 10. 5 6. so all are his Servants Ps 119. 91. The Lord hath made all things for himself yea even the wicked for the day of evil Prov. 16. 4. And when Men receive not the love of the truth that they might be saved for this cause he sends them strong delusion that they should believe a lye 2 Thes 2. 10 11 12. 3. The end why this hour of temptation should come upon all the World and that is To try them that dwell upon the earth where let us consider 1. The Persons to be tried 2. The end it self 1. The Persons whom this hour should come to try Them that dwell upon the earth Whereby may be signified to us either 1. Such as in their hearts dwell upon the earth for so the Phrase is generally
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
ascended up unto the right hand of God and received of the father the promise of the holy Spirit which also he hath shed forth and poured out upon his holy Apostles that by them the preaching might be fully known and they have used great plainness of speech and not as Moses who put a veiâ— over his face c. so as his Churches may all with open face behold the glory of the Lord c. 2 Cor. 3. 12 13 18. Act. 2. 17. and now they may arise and shine for their light is come Isa 59. 20 21. and chap. 60. 1 2. with Eph. 5. 14. and though among them that were born of women there had not risen a greater Prophet than John the Baptist Yet as our Saviour saith he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he Matth. 11. 11. the anointing which they have received abideth in them and they neâ—d not that any man teach them but as the same anointing teacheth them of all things and is truth and is no lye 1 John 2. 27. and thus we here understand this saying The living creatures the Church in the four quarters of the world were full of eyes full of quick-sighted men and full of understanding as hath been said and they are said to be full of eyes before and behind That is to say 1. Before To see and behold things before and so to behold Jesus Christ and him crucified who is before them and neerer to the throne than they Chap. 5. 6. They by faith see Jesus who by the grace of God tasted death for every man Heb. 2. 9. and herein perceive his love because he laid down his life for them 1 Joh. 3. 16. He is in the Gospel evidently set forth before their eyes as one who hath been crucified for them Gal. 3. 1. that they might rejoyce in him with joy unspeakable and â—ull of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. and always sing that new song of praise and thanksgiving Worthy is the lamb that was slain c. Rev. 5. 8 9 10. and to see and behold the glory which he hath received and is possessed of in our nature 2 Cor. 3. 18. and that now he appears in the presence of God for them they are come to Jesus the Media tour of the new Testament and to the blood of sprinkling which speaketh better things than the blood of Abel Hebr. 12. 24. Rev. 5. 6. 2. And in Jesus Christ to behold him that sits on the throne For he that seeth him seeth the father also he that knoweth him knoweth him that sent him John 12. 4â— 45. and chap 14. 6 7. 2 Cor. 4. 4 6. to behold in and through him his wisdom power holiness and justice and his great and wonderful love to manwaâ—d which he hath manifested in sending his only begotten son into the world to be the propitiation for our sins that we might live through him 1 John 4. 8 10 14. and his peculiar love to them that believe in Christ John 14 21 23. and how he sits upon the throne ruling over all and ordering all things for their good especially who love God Psal 103. 19. and 29. 10 11. Rom. 8. 28 32. Now they do â—â—â—h these eyes by faith see the King in his glory as Moses also dâ—â—â— Isa 33 16 17. with Hebr. 11. 27. 3. To behold the thundrings and lightnings and voices all preparations to and executions of wrath and judgment they see when a storm is coming that they may enter into the rock and hide themselves in the dust for fear of the Lord and for the glory of his majesty Isa 2. 10. for all storms and tempests all judgments and testimonies of displeasure proceed out of the throne which is before them See the Notes before on ver 5. and they who have their conversation by faith in Heaven may behold Gods hand when it is lifted up and meditate terrour Isa 33. 17 18. The prudent foresee the evil and hide themselves but the simple pass on and are punished Prov. 22. 3. and chap. 27. 12. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him c. Psal 25. 13 14. 4. To behold future things which shall be hereafter so our Saviour promised his disciples That the holy Spirit should guide them into all truth and shew them things to come John 16. 13. and thus haâ—h he done in this book of the Revelation which God gave unto Jesus Christ to shew unto his servants things which must come to pass Rev. 1. 1. and chap. 22. 6 16. and so with their eyes which are before they may behold the destruction of Mystery Babylon and of all that are enemies to and persist in rebellion against Jesus Christ and his Gospel and People Rev. 11. 18. and chap. 14. 8 11. and chaâ— 18. 19. and the coming of Christ with Clouds Rev. 1. 7. his coming again to raise them that sleep in him in the first resurrection and delivering them from all evil and enemies compleatly and gloriously and granting them to sit with him in his throne and to reign with him on earth Rev. 5. 9 10. and chap. 20. 21 22. they may now by faith look upon these things that are not seen and which are now revealed as in former times they were not 2 Cor. 4. 18. Hence whereas the Prophet speaking of the glory to be revealed saith Since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear neither hath the eye seen O God besides thee what he hath prepared for him that waits for him The Apostle citeth that Scripture saying Eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him But then he addeth hereto further and above what the Prophet had said But God hath revealed them to us by his spirit c. Compare Isa 64. 4. with 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11. to signifie to us thâ—â— these things are now manifested to us as they were not in foregoiâ—â—imes though yet as with respect to these things it must still be remembred that their sight and knowledg hereof is by faith and but in part 1 Cor. 13. 9 12. and they are instructed that when these things begin to come to pass they should look up and lift up their heads for their redemption draws nigh Luk 21. 28. 2. And these four living creatures are also full of eyes behind to know see and discern things which are over and past As to say a a little 1. To see into the types and shadows of the Law which are accomplished and opened to us in and by Jesus Christ they were a shadow of things to come but the body is of Christ Col. 2. 17. and which things are now revealed to us by Christ and his Apostles in the Gospel which hath by them been preached according to the revelation of the mystery The Law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jesus Christ
also instructs us whose they are in a peculiar consideration who are so bought and that is not their own nor sins or Satans but the Lords they are his whom he hath purchased with his own blood he hath an only right to them and property and interest in them Doubtless he is their Father that hath bought them Deut. 32. 6. though Abraham be ignorant of them and Israel acknowledg them not â—e is their father their redeemer from everlasting is his name Isa 63. 16. And the consideration hereof is very proper and powerful 1. To engage them to be and abide for him and not play the harlot not to be for another so will he also be for them Hos 3. 1 2 3. Ye are not your own for ye are bought with a price therefore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are his 1 Cor. 6. 19 20. Debters they are not to the flesh to live after the flesh for it did not redeem them therefore they are not to live to or after it or the lusts of men Rom. 8. 12 13. 1 Pet. 4. 1 2. and they are bought with a price therefore they should not be the servants of men 1 Cor. 7. 23. But to them to live should be Christ and God in Christ before and besides whom they should have no other God no fellow-creature as the object of their religious worship Exod. 20. 2 3 c. Psal 100. 1-3 Psal 116. 9-16 17. with Exod. 21. 2-6 This is the Character given of them that were redeemed from the Earth and from amongst men they follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Rev. 14. 3 4. Tit. 2. 14. Deut. 32. 5 6 7. 2. And it may encourage and strengthen them to come with boldness to the Throne of grace that they may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need and to hope and be confident that in following him and cleaving to him with full purpose he will not forsake them but will save sanctifie and satisfie them and perfect whatsoever concerns them because they are his peculiarly redeemed ones Psal 31. 2-5 To this end the Lord thus speaks to his people in former times Fear not for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name thou art mine when thou passest thorow the waters I will be with thee c. Isa 43. 1 2 3 5. This Argument the Prophâ—t David makes use of saying I am thine save me Psal 119. 94. I am thy servant give me understanding Ver. 1â—4 126. O turn unto me and have mercy upon me give thy strength unto thy servants and save the son of thy handmaid c. Psal 86. 16. And the Church of God generally thus addresses it self unto the Lord Remember thy congregation thou hast purchased of old the rod of thine inheritance thou hâ—st redeemed c. Psal 74. â— Isa 63. 15-19 4. In that these holy Ones with thankfulness acknowledg to the Lamb tâ—ou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and peâ—ple and nation So it informs us that the four living creatures and twenty-four Elders were not of the Jews only but also of the Gentiles Rom. 9. 24 26. yea some of them it seems of Esau's posâ—eâ—iâ—y for they were one nation also and by faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esaâ— concerning things to come Heb. 11. 20. Deut. 23. 7 8. some of them were of the less loved or comparatively hated nations and people there may be and surely are in or of every nation such as fear God and work righteousness and so are accepted of him Act. 10. 33 34. so before the partition-wall was wholly broken down and before the Apostles put in execution their large Commission for going into all the world and Preaching the Gospel according to the Revelation of the mystery to every creature of all the Nations there were abiding at Jerusalem Jews devout men out of every nation under heaven Act. 2. 1-5 And why should we not think that there are now hearty believers and such as are redeemed unto God out of every kindred c. seeing now the place of the Tent of the Church is enlarged and the curtains of her habitations stretched forth c. Isa 54. 1-3 and 60. 1-8 surely there is blessing in Christ the seed of Abraham Isaac and Jacob â—or all the nations families and kindreds of the earth Gen. 22. 18. and 26. 4. and chap. 28. 14. Act. 3. 25 26. and the Gospel to be preached to them as it is said I saw another Angel fly in the midst of heaven having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth and or even to every nation and kindred and tongue and people Chap. 14. 6 7. Act. 26. 17 18 Mark 16. 15. with Matth. 28. 19. yea doubtless to that end the Apostles had the gift of Tongues given to them and could speak to every kindred and tongue c. in their language and preached the Gospel plainly to them not to leave them without excuse or render them more miserable than they were before but that they might be turned unto God from all their sins and Idols to serve the living and true God Rom. 16. 25 26. As God sent Christ into the world so he sent his Apostles John 17. 18. and chap. 20 21. and that was not to condemn the world but that the world thorow him might be saved Joh. 3. 17. and chap. 12. 47. with Act. 13. 47. 2 Cor. 5. 20. and that in or of every nation some are and others might be of God's redeemed ones here appears in these living creatures and elders for they were redeemed out of every kindred and tongue c. They are Instances and Examples of the grace of God to every nation and people and of the truth hereof 1 Tim. 1. 13 15 16. and those of the redeemed ones in the choice sense who are still on the earth being of every tongue may declare the Gospel to every tongue and language and being of every kindred people and nation they are akin after the flesh to every one and may say of all nations and kindreds respectively as Paul said of the Jews They are our brethren our kinsmen according to the flesh and therefore having a natural and national affection to them having also known and believed the kindness and love or pity of God to mankind their hearts-desire and prayer to God for them should be that they might be saved Rom. 9. 1-3 and chap. 10. 1. and they ought and surely being led by the spirit do indeavour instrumentally after their ability to redeem their brethren and kinsmen as Nehem. 5. 8. whether in â— more private or publick consideration John 1. 40 41. Act. 10. 24. Mark 5. 18 19. And the end of the Lamb in redeeming these out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation was for the good of the residue of all kindreds and tongues c. As the Apostle saith God at
the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name that the residue of men might seek after the Lord and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called saith the Lord c. Act. 15. 14 17. Mat. 5. 14 16. Phil. 2. 12 16. Joâ—n 15. 16. 1 Pet. 2. 9 12. 5. In that these holy Ones acknowledg with thankfulness to the Lamb not only that he was slain but also say they and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred c. as also considering what follows in ver 10. so we may learn that it was not only needful that Christ should give himself a ransom for all and work redemption in himself for them but also it is needful that those that come to years of capacity should be redeemed that they may not perish but have everlasting life Joâ—n 3. 14 16. Mark 16. 15 16. so our Saviour saith to Nicodemus Verily verily I say unto thee except a man be born of water and the spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God and the being born again of water and the spirit and being redeemed unto God are the same in substance Joh. 3. 3 5 7. compare Jam. 1. 18. with Rev. 14. 4. yea as it is needful to be redeemed by the precious blood of Christ from our iniquities and vain conversation Tit. 2. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. so also to be redeemed thereby from evil and polluting persons and men in their evil thoughts principles ways and manners out of the kindreds and tongues c. from all inordinate affection to our kindred and nâ—erest relations after the flesh and to prefer Christ and his Gospel and people before all Matth. 10. 37 39. Luke 14. 26-33 Gen. 12. 1. As the holy Spirit when he had been declaring the love and loveliness of Christ saith Hearken O daughter and consider and encline thine ear forget also thine own peoplâ— and thy fathers house so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty c. Psal 45. 1-10 11. yea it seems the being redeemed from all iniquity and out of every kindred c. are the same and we cannot be delivered from the former unless we be redeemed out of the latter Hence in that parallel place to this it is said Vnto him who loved us here was slâ—in and wash't us from our sins in his own blood here redeemed us unto God by his blood out of every kindred c. compare Rev. 1. 5 6. with this place and Rev. 14. 3. with ver 4. And as in former times it was needful that Israel should be brought and come out of Egypt that they might go unto and inherit the promised land as it is said I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large a land flowing with milk and honey c. Exod. 3. 8 1â— 12. And he brought them out from thence that â—e might bring them in to give them the land which he sware to their fathers Deut. 6. 22 23. Ezek. 20. 5 6. so it is needful to our inheriting that inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeâ—h not away reserved in the Heavens to escape the pollutions of the world thorow the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to be redeemed out of and delivered from this present evil world John 13. 8. 1 Cor. 6. 9. 11. Gal. 1. 4. with 1 Cor. 11. 32. Vnless we forsake the foolish we cannot live nor go in the way of understanding Prov. 9. 5 6. O then let us come out from among vain sinful ones how neerly related soever they are to us and be separate and toâ—ch no unclean thing and he will receive us and will be a father â—nto us and we shall be his sons and daughters who is the Lord Almighty 2 Cor. 6. 16-18 with Exod. 8. 23. â— In that this is part of their new Song that he had redeemed them unto God by his blood out of every kindred and tongue c. and that both by the Saints in Heaven as well as by those on Earth so it shews unto us that this ought to be and shall be remembred with singing and rejoycing for ever what the Lord hath done for their souls Psal 66. 16. and 103. 1-6 and 116. Eph. 3. 21. Rev. 1. 5 6. Indeed firstly and fundamentally they praise him with their Song because he was slain in which his love was manifested and is everlastingly commended to mankind but not for that only but with their Harps they also merrily sing forth his mercy and grace to them in redeeming them out of their pollutions and polluting relations and companions Vers 10. And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priests and we shall reign on the earth This is also a part of their new Song which they sing merrily and skilfully upon their Harps unto the Lamb and in this verse also there are Reasons laid down why they render honour and glory unto him which is indeed but meet and their reasonable service Now in this Verse the four living creatures and twenty-four Elders do with thankfulness and rejoycing further acknowledg to the praise of the Lamb 1. The great honour and dignity he had conferred upon them 2. The assured hope of that honour glory and dignity they shall partake of and inherit hereafter in due season 1. The great honour and dignity he had further confeâ—red upon them And hast made us unto our God Kings and Priâ—sts We have spoken already to these words see notes before on chap. 1. ver 6. but because we have the same again recorded in the Scripture we may speak something again to them though we speak over again the same words we have spoken as these holy Ones here also do the same used before Thou hast made us kings c. say they they did not make themselves so or exalt themselves they were not like him of whom it is said he exalted himself saying I will be king or reign 1 King 1. 5. For whosoever exalâ—â— himself shall be â—based and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Matth. 23. 12. They did not take Hornâ— to themselves by their own strength for such as so do or would do rejoyce in a thing of nought Amos 6. 13. they were not like them of whom it is said The Robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision as some in our days have done climbing up to their conceited honour some other way and not thorow the door and so were Theeves and Robbers John 10. 1. but they shall fall Dan. 11. 14. As these self-exalters have done also in our time as one and none of the meanest of them neither confessed saying It was the most glorious cause and the most irrecoverably lost that ever was any from the foundation of the world And so certainly himself being judg it was not of God Act. 5.
39. No the promotion of these holy Ones was not of themselves or of man but he who is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Rev. 1. 5 6. whose name is King of kings Rev. 17. 14. and 19. 12 16. thus advanced them It was he whom they religiously worship that raised up these poor ones out of the dust and lifted up these needy ones out of the dunghil that he might set them with Princes with the Princes of his people Psal 113. 7 8. 1 Sam. 2. 8. and therefore he is higher than they and hath in all things the pre-eminence Col. 1. 18. Psal 89. 26 27. for without all contradiction the less is blessed and exalted of the better Heb. 7. 7. and none need to be offended at their dignity for their honour and kingdom is not from hence John 18. 36. no say they but thou the great God and our Saviour hast made us unto our God Kings c. Now he conferred this honour upon them and made them Kings 1. By a birth from himself who is the everlasting Father and begetter of Kings Isa 9. 6 7. These are the children whom God hath given him Heb. 2. 13. And if children then Heirs Heirs of God and joynt-heirs with Christ Rom. 8. 17. they are born of the right seed of the seed of the kingdom in a spiritual consideration 2 King 11. 1. and 25. 25. even of the Gospel the Word and Gospel of the Kingdom Luk. 10. 9 11. Matth. 4. 23. and 13. 19-38 and chap. 24. 24. and so are Heirs of the Kingdom Jam. 2. 5. they are born of water and the spirit of the free and immense love of God to the world of mankind as it is manifested by the spirit in lifting up the Son of man in the Gospel in which birth they are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of Gods deer Son John 3. 3 5 7-16 with Col. 1. 13. they are born of incorruptible seed to an incorruptible inheritance 1 Pet. 1. 3 5. with ver 23. This is the fundamental and first thing requisite to their being made and in which they are made Kings namely being born of seed-royal As in this world none are Heirs to an Hereditary Kingdom but such as are so by birth whatever excellent endowments and accomplishments soever they have and how beautiful amiable or well-deserving soever they are or appear to be yet if they be not of the seed-royal they must not inherit but it would be an heinous iniquity in them to aspire to the Kingdom and though persons be or appear to be never so mean crooked deformed c. yet if they be born of the right seed they are Kings by Inheritance so it is here those who are Kings in a spiritual and heavenly consideration are such as are born not of bloods not of the law of works not of mens doctrins or traditions but of the love of God manifested in Christ and made known in the Gospel as preached by Christ and his holy Apostles 1 Pet. 1. 23-25 with 1 Joh. 4. 7 8-10 14. Joh. 1. 12 13. For what saith the Scripture Cast out the bond woman and her son for the son of the bond-woman shall not be heir with the son of the free-woman So then brethren we are not children of the bond-woman but of the free Gal. 4. 30. 31. 2. He hath washt them from their sins in his own blood without which they can have no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Rev. 1. 5 6. Gal. 5. 19-21 Eph. 5. 5 6. 1 Cor. 6. 9-11 Or as here they say Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation and hast made us unto our God Kings c. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. Therefore he is redeeming them and hath redeemed from the Earth and from among men and from all iniquity and purisying them unto himself peculiar ones zealous of good works Rev. 14. 3 4. and 21. 27. He is saving them with the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he sheds on them abundantly thorow Jesus Christ That being justified by his grace they might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life Tit. 3. 5-7 Heb. 12. 14. Mat. 19. 29 3. He is anointing them with holy oyl even with his holy Spirit with the spirit of wisdom and revelation with the spirit of grace and supplication with the spirit of adoption and child-like boldness and is sealing them herewith and giving his spirit to them as an earnest of the inheritance Ephes 1. 13 14. and 4. 30. As David was anointed King some considerable time before he reigned so now these have received an unction from the holy one while they are under sufferings and persecution and before the time of their reigning comes 1 Sam. 16. 12 13. with 2 Sam. 2. 4. and 3. 1. and Chap. 5. 1 5. 2 Cor. 1. 21 22. He is anointing them with the same oyl of gladness wherewith God hath anointed him whose throne is for ever and ever though as to the degree he is anointed therewith above his fellows as he hath highly deserved to be Heb. 1. 8 9. 1 Joh. 2. 20-27 Psal 105. 15. Act. 11. 26. 4. He is clothing them by faith with the garments of salvation and covering them with the robe of righteousness Isa 61. 10. and with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God Phil. 1. 11. with the fruit of the spirit to wit love joy peace long-suffering gentleness goodness faith meekness temperance that they may inherit the Kingdom of God Gal. 5. 22 23. with ver 19-21 Eph. 5. 9. And if these things be in them and abound they make them that they shall neither be idle nor unfruitful in the knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ But so an entrance shall be ministred unto them abundantly into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ 2 Pet. 1. 4-8-11 Mat. 5 5-9 5. And thus prepared and fitted he appoints unto them a Kingdom as his Father hath appointed unto him That they may eat and drink at his table in his Kingdom and sit on Thrones judging the twelve Tribes of Israel Luk. 22. 28-30 Mat. 25. 34-40 and Chap. 19. 28 29. and they are by faith and in hope receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved Heb. 12. 26-28 And though they are as sorrowful yet always rejoicing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 10. Jam. 2. 5. And Priests He hath also made them spiritual Priests even such as are redeemed unto God by the blood of the Lamb out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation In former times the typical Priests were not of every people and nation but only of the people of Israel nor of every kindred or tribe of that Nation but only of the
with their spirit in the Gospel of his Son Phil. 4. 15-17 18. with Gal. 6. 6-8-10 Mat. 25. 34-40 But still let it be remembred these spiritual sacrifices are only made acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. Heb. 13. 10-15 and Chap. 7. 25. see the notes before on vers 8. And say they He hath made us Kings and Priests unto our God It is thus in Chap. 1. 5 6. unto God and his father to wit Christs But here unto our God for indeed he who is originally and immediately the God and Father of our Lord Jesus is also in and thorow him the God and Father of all that are Christs As Christ saith I ascend unto my Father and your Father to my God and your God Joh. 20. 17. see notes on Rev. 3. ver 12. and how they were Kings and Priests unto their God we have in some little measure shewed before see the notes on Rev. 1. ver 6. This is that also which they with praise and thanksgiving remember and sing of to the honour of the Lamb this they merrily and rejoicingly sound upon their Harps those Musical instruments of of God vers 8. They sing and make melody with grace in their hearts to the Lord for these high favours and priviledges conferred upon them not of debt but wholly of grace 2. These Saints and holy ones do also upon their Harps and with their golden Phials full of odours merrily and melodiously sound forth the praises of the Lamb for their assured hope of that great honour glory and dignity they shall partake of and hereafter inherit gloriously in due season that is to say We shall say they reign on the earth From the whole song we may see they joyfully and skilfully sound forth upon their Harps the sum and contents of the Testimony of Jesus which is the spirit of Prophesie Rev. 19. 10. Thou wast slain that summarily contains the first branch of the Testimony of Jesus And hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation and hast made us unto our God Kings and â—riests that includes and contains the second However as to themselves And we shall reigâ— on the earth there 's the third and last Isa 9. 6 7. 2 Cor. 1. 10. Heb. 13. 7-9 Oh let the whole of the Testimony be thankfully held fast by its receivers And we shall reign not do reign as they shall do or as is here spoken of and intended this is a future business Indeed they are now Kings but they must wait for the glorious enjoyment of their Kingdom they may be Kings who yet have actually received no Kingdom as Rev. 17. 12. and so it is with these as here they give us plainly to understand and with thankfulness singing and rejoicing acknowledg to the praise of the Lamb saying And we shall reign on or over the earth In speaking unto which words we shall for our instruction and usefulness enquire into and consider these following particulars viz. 1. Who are the We or persons here and elsewhere spoken of that must reign 2. How shall they reign or of what reigning is here and elsewhere spoken meant and intended and what is contained therin 3. Where and over whom shall the persons here intended so reign 4. When and with whom shall they so reign 1. Who are the We or persons here and elsewhere spoken of that shall reign And to that we may give answer and say 1. All such as have been are and shall be redeemed unto God by the blood of the Lamb as here it is said Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation And we shall reign c. see also Chap. 1. 5 6. Thus also it is said The seventh Angel sounded and there were great voices in Heaven saying The Kingdoms of this world are become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall-reign for ever and ever And the four and twenty Elder which sate before God on their seats fell upon their faces and worshipped God saying We give thee thanks O Lord God Almighty which art and wast and art to come because thou hast taken to thee thy great power and hast reigned And the time of the dead is come that they should be judged and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy servants the Prophets and to the Saints c. Rev. 11. 15-18 All such shall in due season reign as have been are and shall be Abrahams spiritual seed or hearty believers in Christ as he was witnessed of before his Incarnation and hath been since manifested and revealed Rom. 4. 13-16 with Gal. 3. 7-9 16 17 29. The wâ—iters upon the Lord and meek ones of the earth shall have this honour and happiness Psal 37. 9-11 Mat. 5. 5. Whereto we may have further occasion to speak in what follows to be considered from this verse And amongst these reigners are included and contained as principal ones such Saints as unto whom it hath been given of grace not only to believe but also to suffer for Christs names sake Heb. 11. 25 26. as it is said If sons then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified together Rom. 8. 16-18 with Joh. 1. 12 13. It is a faithful saying for if we be dead with him we shall also live with him if we suffer we shall also reign with him 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Blessed are they saith our Saviour which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 5. 10. with 1 Cor. 3. 21 22. 2 Thes 1. 4 5 6-8 1 Pet. 4. 12 13. Yea and amongst these believers in Christ and holy ones the poor and needy ones of this world such as are so here I mean are included and shall enjoy this glory and therefore they should not be despised or undered unduly by us Hearkeâ— my beloved brethren saith the Apostle James hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of that Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 1-5 6. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the beggar from the dungâ—il to set them among Princes and to make them inherit the throne of glory 1 Sam. 2. 8. Psal 113. 7 8. Luk. 6. 20. with Mat. 19. 27-29 And so in short the persons that shall reign are the Saints Rev. 5. 8-10 them that love God and keep his Commandments whether they be high or low rich or poor male or female c. in this world Jam. 1. 12. and 2. 5. All such as are faithful unto the death shall in due season receive the crown of life Rev. 2. 10. and vers 26-28 2. And as is necessarily implied and supposed in what we have said and as plainly appears from this place we are speaking unto and considering
6. Riches of Wisdom and Understanding In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Col. 2. 3. Yea all the riches and fulness of grace and spiritual blessings are treasured up in him Joh. 1. 14 16. Eph. 1. 3 7. Col. 1. 19. and ch 2. 9 10. 1 Pet. 3. 7. and riches of glory Joh. 17. 5. Eph. 3. 16. Phil. 4. 19. 2 Thes 2. 14. And these are the true Riches Luke 16. 11. As Christ is said to be the true Light the true Bread the true Vine that is they are the most excellent Riches more excellent than these which are here below Heb. 10. 34. As will appear if we consider 1. The excellent nature of them they are spiritual but the other earthly and natural Rom. 15. 27. 1 Cor. 9. 11. and ch 15. 44 46. These true Riches are such as the holy Spirit is directing us to and glorifying before us Joh. 16. 14 15. whereas our own wisdom which is sensual and devilish is leading us to labour to be rich here below and to lay up for our selves treasures on earth Jam. 3. 15. with Prov. 23. 4. And the true Riches are such as are proper to enrich the Souls and Spirits of Men how poor soever they are as to these outward riches Prov. 24. 4. 2 Cor. 6. 10. Jam. 2. 5. Rev. 2. 9. 2. The true Riches are certain and durable Heb. 10. 34. whereas the other are called and are uncertain Riches 1 Tim. 6. 17 18. and such as are but for a moment Wilt thou set thine Eyes on that which is not for Riches certainly make to themselves wings they flee like an Eagle toward Heaven Prov. 23. 4 5. And at furthest they will leave us at death Ps 49. 16 17. Luke 12. 19 20. Riches are not for ever Prov. 28. 24. And on this account the Holy Ghost admonisheth them that be rich in this World not to be high-minded nor trust in these Riches because they are uncertain But contrarywise to do good therewith and to be rich in good works c. 1. Tim. 6. 17 18. But the true Riches which the Lamb hath worthily received are certain and permanent Riches and Honour are with me saith Wisdom yea durable Riches Prov. 8. 10 18 22 The things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4. 17 18. 3. The Riches here below are empty and unsatisfying Vanity of Vanities saith the Preacher Vanity of Vanities all is Vanity Eccles 1. 2. He that loveth Silver shall not be satisfied with Silver nor he that loveth abundance with increase this is also vanity Eccles 5. 10. These Riches will not satisfie Mens Souls nor fill their Bowels Ezek. 7. 19. Eccles 2. 8 11. Hab. 3. 5. Men in labouring for these things labour for that which will not satisfie Isay 55. 2. But now these excellent Riches of Christ are such as will indeed satisfie and give compleat contentment to the Soul He will cause them that love him to inherit substance and he will fill all their treasures Prov. 8. 19 21. They shall be satisfied with favour Deut. 33. 23. with Prov. 8. 32 35. He that cometh to him shall never hunger and he that believeth on him shall never thirst Joh. 6. 35. Mat. 5. 6. And how can they but be satisfied who have the Lord the possessor of Heaven and Earth for their Shepherd and Portion Ps 23. 1 3. and 73. 25 96. and 119. 57. and 142. 5. with Isay 61. 7. Jer. 10. 16. The Almighty to be their Gold Job 22. 24 26. 4. The Riches which are here below are unprofitable they will not profit us in a day of wrath Prov. 11. 4. they will not deliver Men from the wrath of God Ezek. 7. 19. Zeph. 1. 18. Will he esteem thy Riches no not Gold c. Job 36. 18 19. nor will they obtain his favour though a Man would give all the substance of his House for his love it would utterly be contemned Cant. 8. 7. nor will they purchase or procure his Spirit Act. 8. 18 20. Though a Man could gain the whole VVorld yet he may lose his own Soul and so be miserable forever Mat. 16. 26. But the true Riches which the Lamb hath worthily received and is possessed of will stand us instead and be of advantage to us when we most stand in need of help and comfort Righteousness which answers to Riches will deliver from death and wrath Prov. 11. 4 6. and ch 10. 2. Even that of Christ and God in him And so the knowledge of God in Christ Prov. 11. 9. that is a treasure indeed Col. 2. 3. yea this is life eternal to know him the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent Joh. 17. 3. Eccles 7. 12. 1 Tim. 4. 8. with ch 3. 16. 5. Nay the Riches here below are usually hurtful and too often very hurtful to Men thorow their Idolatrous esteem thereof and lust thereto Eccles 5. 13. The cares of this World and the deceitfulness of Riches c. entring in choak the Word and it becometh unfruitful Mark 4. 19. So our Saviour saith How hardly shall they that have Riches enter into the Kingdom of God Mark 10. 23 25. 2 Pet. 1. 5. VVe are very apt to pollute our selves therewith to trust in them covet after them be high-minded in our enjoyment of them or place our hearts and affections upon them and by these things hurt and harm our selves 1 Tim. 6. 17. Ps 62. 10. But there is a Treasure to be desired worthy to be desired and which lawfully and with God's allowance and therefore without prejudice or pollution we may desire Prov. 21. 20. that Treasure in the Heavens that faileth not Luke 12. 33. that Treasure hid in a Field Mat. 13. 44. to wit Jesus Christ and those Riches of Life Grace and Glory which are treasured up in him for Mankind VVe may covet earnestly these best things the Lord himself and his unsearchable Riches which are preached and commended to us in the Gospel Eph. 3. 8 9. Oh then if we would be rich indeed come we unto and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Jam. 2. 1 5. Come we unto him and buy we of him Gold tried in the Fire that we may be made rich Rev. 3. 18. his Disciples and hearty followers are such as are rich indeed how poor soever they are among Men Luke 6. 20. 2 Cor. 8 9. Rev. 2. 9. 3. And Wisdom Counsel is his and sound Wisdom Prov. 8. 12 14. In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom Col. 2. 3. Christ crucified is the Wisdom of God 1 Cor. 1. 23 24. And he is full of Wisdom on him rests the Spirit of VVisdom and understanding c. Isay 11. 1 3. So as he knows all things 2 Sam. 14. 20. Eccles 7. 12. he knows God the Father and he only originally immediately and perfectly Joh. 8. 55. and ch 10. 15. He is in the Bosome of the