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
the Soul cannot be good Prov. 19. 2. Hence he instructs us to cry after knowledge and to lift up our voice for understanding Prov. 2. 1 2 3 6. and calls upon all the ends of the earth to look unto him and be saved Isay 45. 22. and ch 65. 1 2. Thus I have briefly put down somewhat of that which is more fully largely and distinctly spoken unto on this v. 18. in the Treatise caled Needful counsel and desire that may be more minded and diligently considered by them that have it in their hands Verse 19. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten Be zealous therefore and repent This is that which the Amen the faithful and true witness adds after he had faulted threatned and given wholesome and Needful counsel to this Angel and Church The Lord will not cast off for ever but though he cause grief yet he will have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies For he doth not afflict willingly or from his heart nor grieve the Children of Men Lam. 3. 31 33. though for their iniquity he was wroth and smote them he hid himself and was wroth and they went on frowardly in the way of their heart yet though he saw their ways he healed and restored comforts unto them Isay 57. 16 18. he thus speaks to these that they might not faint in their sighing and say there is no hope he hath forgotten to be gracious Therefore to preserve or deliver them from such-like thoughts or conclusions he acquaints them with the graciousness of his heart toward them and shews his loathness with their destruction and that it was in love to their Souls he had been so chiding and chastening them even as he said to his people in former times In one place I will cast them out of mine house I will love no more In another and afterwards he thus speaks to them How shall I give thee up Ephraim how shall I deliver thee Israel how shall I make thee as Admah my heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together c. Hos 9. 15. and ch 11. 4 8 9. see also Jer. 31. 18 19 20. So he now acquaints this Angel and Church that it was his love to them that led him to be reproving them for their evils and threatning to cast them out of his mouth and that he had a gracious end towards them herein And that we might know and consider that in love and faithfulness he convinces us of and rebukes us for our follies and wandrings Now in this verse we have to consider 1. An assertion or affirmation of the faithful and true witness As many as I love I rebuke and chasten 2. Good and wholsome counsel and exhortation given unto them from the former Be zealous therefore and repent 1. An assertion or affirmation of the faithful and true witness wherein consider we 1. The subjects concerning whom he speaks As many as I love who are they 1. Generally all Mankind with a love of pity and compassion while it is called to day and this he hath undeniably-manifested in his great abasement and sufferings for them herein perceive we the love of God because he laid down his life for us 1 Joh. 3. 16. The love of Christ was and is for ever herein commended and demonstrated and herein to be discerned because this one this single and singular person died for all even for all of Mankind who were dead condemned to dye and dead in sins and trespasses 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Tit. 3. 3 4. and therefore and therethorow all nations and peoples are called upon to praise him Because his merciful kindness is great toward them Ps 117. 1 2. and he that seeth the Son seeth the Father also Joh. 12. 45. he so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son Joh. 3. 16. he gave him by his grace to taste death for every Man Heb. 2. 9. and thorow Christ he is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger and great in mercy The Lord is good and loving to all and his tender mercies are over all his works he is kind to the unthank-ful and evil Psal 145. 8 9. Matth. 5. 44 46. But 2. He loves them that love him with peculiar manner of love Prov. 8. 17. Joh. 14. 21. with a love of wellpleasedness The Lord takes pleasure in them that fear him in them that hope in his mercy he is nigh to all them that call upon him to all that call upon him in truth Ps 147. 16 11. and 145. 18 19. and he is rich in the streams of his pity and compassion toward them The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him Rom. 10. 12. As a Father pitieth his Children the Lord pitieth them that fear him Ps 103. 11 13. Jam. 5. 10 11. And of both these we may understand it though especially of the latter 2. That which is here affirmed concerning as many as he loves viz. I rebuke and chasten I rebuke namely convince them of their evils and reprove them for them as the Lord saith I have been a rebuker of them all Hos 5. 2. and chasten viz. Inflict judgments and punishments upon them Ps 6. 1. and 38. 1. and usually in this order he proceeds he first â—hews them with his prophets and slays them with the words of his mouth and then his judgments are as the light that goeth forth Hos 6. 3 5. Micah 6. 8 10 11. Job 33. 13 18. and so indeed he doth rebuke and chasten when need is as many as he loves he rebukes the simple who love their simplicity and scorners who delight in scorning and fools that hate knowledge Prov. 1. 20 23. his Spirit is convincing and reproving the World of sin of righteousness and of judgment Joh. 16. 8 11. and he doth also chasten visit and and try them Job 7. 17 18. 1 Cor. 10. 13. and especially and more frequently he doth rebuke and chasten his own people Ps 73. 13 15. he that chastiseth the heathen shall not â—e correct to wit his own people Ps 94. 8 10. every branch in Christ that beareth fruit he purgeth that it might bring forth more fruit Joh. 15. 2. Ps 94. 12 13. and 11. 5. Prov. 3. 11 13. And this may be useful to us to inform us 1. That seeing as many as he love she rebukes and chastens all such may and do need to be rebuked and chastened even such also as he loves with peculiar manner of love for in many things they offend all Jam. 3. 2. There is not a just Man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccl. 7. 20. 2 Chron. 6. 36. It is only when need is that they are in heaviness thorow many temptations and trials either to correct and punish them for some evils committed by them or some good omitted or to purge out of them some polluting thing that sticks close to them or preserve them from some
chap. 47. 4. and chap. 54. 5. which redemption of his was an act of his love and merciful kindness to them as it is said In his love and in his pity he redeemed them Isa 63. 9. yea and the Holy One of Israel was their Redeemer who hearkned not unto him but rebelled and vexed his holy spirit Isa 48. 17 19. with chap. 63. 9 10. And so in this notion and consideration the Covenant made with Abraham which is evident to be a Covenant of mercy and grace in which is included That Christ should redeem mankind from the curse of the Law and that in him who is the seed of Abraham there should be blessing for all the Nations and Families of the earth and the making of which Covenant was an act and high expression of love and mercy is called His holy covenant as it is said To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers and to remember his holy Covenant Gen. 22. 12 18. with Luke 1. 72. See Isa 49. 7. And here in this place it appears that in this word Holy is included merciful and gracious in that it is said ver 9. the living creatures in saying Holy give thanks to him that sits on the throne to signifie to us that in this acknowledgment they celebrate some grace and kindness of Gods towards them some goodness and mercy for we are very frequently exhorted to give thanks unto the Lord because he is good because his mercy endureth for ever as Psal 106. 1. and 107. 1. and 118. 1 29. and Psal 136. 1 3 26. so also we are called upon to give thanks to his holy name when â—avours and merciful loving kindnesses are mentioned and recounted 1 Chr. 16. 10 35. Psal 105. 3 10. and 145. 8 9 21. and David provokes and incites all that is within him to bless the Lords holy name who conferred benefits upon him forgave all his iniquities healed all his diseases redeemed his life from destruction and crowned him with loving-kindness and tender mercies c. Psal 103. 1 2 3 5. and the elect of God are instructed as â—oly ones to put on bowels of mercies kindness c. Col. 3. 1â— and so indeed he that sits upon the throne is holy in this sense that is he is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger and of great mercy The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal 145. 8 17 21. Now this word is trebled or thrice the living creatures say Holy â—oly holy and that either 1. To signifie to us the three persons subsisting in the Godhead or in the Divine Essence to wit the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost which three have but one name into which we are baptized Mat. 28. 19. and they are one as the Apostle saith There are three which â—ear record in heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one one God 1 Joh. 5. 7. with ver 9. And from these three this Apostle John had been voting desiring and praying for grace and peace for the seven Churches see notes on chap. 1. ver 4 5 6. as Paul also had done 2 Cor. 13. 14. and these three persons which are one God are the only object of religious and divine worship and each of these three Persons is God the Father is God and he is oft called God the Father Gal. 1. 1 3. Eph. 6. 23. Phil. 2. 11. 1 Cor. 8 6 c. The Son or Word is God over all God blessed for ever Amen Joh. 1. 1 2 3. Rom. 9. 5. the true God and eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 20 the great God and our Saviour Tit. 2. 14. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 1 Joh. 3. 16. see notes on chap. 5. ver 8. The Holy Ghost is also God so Anâ—nias in lying to the Holy Ghost lyed unto God Acts 5. 3. with ver 4. and whereas in one place it is said The Lord God of Israel spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets c. in another it is said Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost compare Luke 1. 68 70. with 2 Pet. 1. 21. see 2 Sam. 23. 1 2 3. And the Prophet Ezekiel saith The Spirit entred into me and said When I speak with thee I will open thy mouth and thou shalt say unto them Thus saith the Lord God c. consider Ezâ—k 3. 24 27. and each of these persons is holy perfectly so The Father is Holy hence our Saviour calls him Holy Father Joh. 17. 11. The Son is holy the holy one 1 Joh. 2. 20. Gods Holy Child Acts 3. 14. and chap. 4. 27 30. and frequently the eternal Spirit is called the Holy Ghost or Spirit And that this word is trebled or here thrice used to signifie to us the three persons in the Godhead who are one and but one God appears by the like use of the word by the Seraphims in Isa 6. 2 3. they cryed one to another and said Holy holy holy is the Lord of hosts c. Now that hereby the infinitely glorious persons in the Godhead are meant appears by vers 8. also saith the Prophet I heard the voice of the Lord saying Whom shall I send And who will go for us to denote the plurality of persons and yet this further appears to intend the three persons in the Divine Essence by comparing this place with other Scriptures that it is spoken of the Father is generally granted that it is also spoken of the son is affirmed by the Evangelist John saying These things spake Esaias when â—e saw his glory and spake of him Joh. 12. 39 40 41. with Isa 6. 3 12. That it is also spoken of the Holy Ghost is signified to us by the Apostle Paul who saith Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet c. Acts 28. 25 27. with Isa 6. 3 12. The knowledg of the Holies even of the Father Word and holy Spirit called before Wisdoms is understanding Prov. 9. 10. with ver 1. 2. And this expression may be thus trebled or thrice used to signifie to us that he that sits upon the throne is eternally and immutably Holy with reference to the last clause of this verse which was and is and is to come and in all Holy which was so in all time past one that was infinite in purity and a perfect and eternal hater of sin one that could never endure iniquity in any though never so excellent and glorious creatures or in never so good and happy a condition He spared not the Angels that sinned but cast them down to hell delivering them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment 2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. And spared not the old world but brought in the flâ—ud upon the world of the ungodly and turning the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemâ—ed them with an overthrow c. 2 Pet. 2. 5 6. And afterward destroyed them that believed not whom formerly he
hath gotten him the Victory he who descended is ascended up on high and hath led Captivity Captive and received Gifts in the Man and for Men c. that the LORD God might dwell among them Ps 98. 1. and 68. 18. with Rev. 5. 9. Ps 40. 1 4. Thus the Prophet speaking in the person of Christ and concerning him signifieth this to be his work amongst his People I will declare thy name unto my Brethren in the midst of the Congregation will I sing praise unto thee Namely I will praise thee because thou hast heard me and art become my Salvation and though I was the Stone which the Builders refused yet I am become the Head of the Corner Ps 22. 1 22. and Heb. 2. 12. with Ps 118. 17 21 22. Oh this is his work in the midst of his Churches to mind them by his Spirit of the greatness and preciousness of his Sufferings and his and his Fathers love therein everlastingly commended and the Glory which there-thorow he hath received that they might always remember with thankfulness that Jesus Christ of the Seed of David who by the Grace of God tasted death for every Man is raised again according to the Gospel Rev. 1. 18. and ch 2. 8. Joh. 15. 15 26. and ch 16. 7 14 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. 2 Tim. 2. 8. Joh. 17. 26. And so he is and appeareth as a Lamb that hath been slain in the midst of the four living Creatures and in the midst of the Elders that they being thereby minded of and continually beholding his Sufferings in the vertue whereof he is raised exalted and extolled and made very high might always sing that new Song saying thou art worthy for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God c. Rev. 5. 6 8 9. with Ps 22. 1. 22 23 24. 3. He is in the midst of them to observe and take notice of his Churches and see and behold their order and demeanour and whether they hold forth the light of the glorious Gospel in Word and have such a Conversation also as becometh it and so to see whether they shine brightly and clearly or whether darkly and dimly whether they adorn in all things the Doctrine of God their Saviour or whether they give occasion unto the Adversary to blaspheme So he is amongst them and in the midst of them with Eyes as of a Flame of Fire v. 14. Thus in writing to the Angel of the Church in Thyatira he thus describeth himself These things saith the Son of God who hath his Eyes like a Flame of Fire c. And after addeth All the Churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the Reins and the Hearts and I will give to every one of you according to your works Rev. 2. 18 23. He is in the midst of them to take notice whether they hold fast his works in his word and whether the Gospel worketh effectually in them or no that he may be with the good and encourage them and that he may reprove the evil and evils found with them And hence to all the Churches he saith I know I take notice of thy works and particularly to the first Church he thus describeth himself These things saith he that walketh in the midst of the Seven Golden Candlesticks and then he addeth I know thy works Rev. 2. 1 2. And therefore it might engage all the Churches to walk before him and to be perfect to hold fast the form of sound words they have received and to let it dwell richly in them that he espy no unclean thing amongst them according to that Deut. 23. 12 4. The LORD thy God walketh in the midst of thy Camp to deliver thee Therefore shall thy Camp be holy that he see no unclean thing in thee and turn away from thee They are the Temple of the living God as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them wherefore come out from amongst Men and be ye separate and touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you c. 2 Cor. 6. 16 18. Numb 5. 3. Ezek. 43. 7 9. 4. He is in the midst of them to order them and to pour out the Oyl of his Spirit in his Testimony unto them and to make known his words and so he is in the midst of them as the High-priest and Minister of the Sanctuary and true Tabernacle which the Lord hath pitched and not Man that they receiving the unction from the Holy One and the pure Oyl they may shine as lights or bear forth the light continually Lev. 24. 2 4. with Heb. 8. 2. And to give them the Spirit of Grace and Supplication and by that Spirit of his help their Infirmities for they know not what to pray for as they ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for them with groanings which cannot be uttered Rom. 8. 15 26 27. And he presenteth their Spiritual Sacrifices to God and maketh them acceptable and procureth gracious returns and ever liveth to make intercession for them that come unto God by him and is therefore able to save them to the uttermost 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ps 20. 3 5. Heb. 7. 24 25. and ch 10. 19 22. and ch 13. 15. And so according to his promise he is amongst them in their assemblings of themselves together in his name as he saith where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18. 19 20. He is in the midst of them as the High-priest of their Profession And this leads us unto the next thing to be considered by us viz. 3. The clothing and habit in which he saw him in this Vision clothed with a Garment down to the Foot and girded about the Paps with a Golden Girdle In this Vision Christ appeareth in Priestly Raiment to give us to understand that he is the High-priest of the Believers Profession A merciful and faithful High-priest the Son of Man who also is Alpha and Omega the first and the last the Almighty is in the midst of them mighty to save He is their High-priest God hath exalted this one chosen out from among the People for every High-priest is taken from among Men and is ordained for Men for the good of Men Ps 89. 19. with Heb. 5. 1. And such an one he is who was in all points tempted like unto us yet without Sin He hath himself suffered being tempted and therefore he is able to succour them that are tempted Let us then consider him and come with boldness to the Throne of Grace that we may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 3. 1. and ch 4. 14 16. In that Vision vouchsafed to Daniel he then appeared in Linnen Behold saith he one Man clothed in Linne Dan. 10. 5. and ch 12. 6. But here it is only said with a Garment down to the Foot There were it may seem two sorts of Garments used by the
us as many secretly are saying in their hearts who walk in crooked paths and such particularly also who deal proudly and contemptuously against the righteous Job 34. 21 28. Ps 11. 1 4. and 10. 8. 12 14. and Ps 94. 1 9. Ezek. 9. 9. for there is nothing hidden from him 2. To exhort his Churches and every one of us to walk before him and to be perfect Gen. 17. 1. For the Eyes of the LORD are in every place beholding the evil and the good Prov. 15. 3. 1 Chron. 28. 8 9. He seeth not as Man seeth but he looketh upon the Heart 1 Sam. 16. 7. Oh therefore let us so receive his Grace to purpose that we may in Sincerity say as he did Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee Joh. 21. 17. Hell and Destruction are open before him how much more then the hearts of the Children of Men Prov. 15. 11. and ch 17. 3. Be ye then clean ye that bear the Vessels of the Lord 2 Cor. 6. 16 18. for he is amongst you who hath such Eyes he knoweth your hearts and works Prov. 5. 21. 3. To encourage them to hold fast the profession of their Faith without wavering This is the use the Apostle makes of this consideration there is no Creature saith he that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the Eyes of him with whom we have to do seeing then that we have a great High-priest that is passed into the Heavens let us hold fast our profession Heb. 4. 13 14. The Eyes of the LORD run to and fro thorowout the whole Earth strongly to hold with them whose hearts are perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. Ps 34. 9 15. And therefore the consideration hereof is proper and powerful to strengthen them to hold forth the word of life in word and Conversation and not to fear them that are their Adversaries nor their fear Prov. 22. 11 12. For though they know not what devices they are devising against them yet their High-priest doth Jer. 11. 18 20. Ps 33. 18. And he is watching for their good and espying and beholding what is acted secretly against them to disappoint the devices of the crafty and to cover his Servants and Followers Isay 4. 5. 2. His Eyes are as a Flame of Fire which noteth also the terribleness of him against such as are and persist Enemies and in Enmity unto him and that so remaining he will destroy them and render to every one according to their works So when he cometh to make War and to smite the Nations and destroy the Beast and false Prophet he is thus described In Righteousness he doth judge and make War his Eyes were like a Flame of Fire Rev. 19. 11 13. c. And thus also he describes himself to the Angel of the Church in Thyatira when he threatneth Destruction to the false Prophetess and her Children yea and to any of his Churches in case they turn aside to crooked paths and afterward signifieth what Power is given to him to break the Nations in pieces as ch 19. These things saith the Son of God who hath his Eyes like unto a Flame of Fire ch 2. 18 23 27. And indeed this is the effect of the former as to such as reject abuse or turn from his Grace he makes a diligent search into the hearts and reins that he may punish such according to their works and set his Eyes upon them for evil if they so persist till the decree bring forth and the Day pass as the Chaff Amos 9. 1 4. As they cannot escape his all-searching Eye so neither can they escape Destruction who will not have this Man to reign over them and he is no respecter of persons but so also he will deal with his Churches or any in them in case they sin against him and all the Churches shall know that he searcheth the Reins and Hearts and will give to every one of them according to their workâ— Rev. 2. 18 23 29. Behold Isâ—ael after the Flesh Deut. 4. 23 26. And as the Apostle saith if God spared not the natural Branches take heed lest he spare not thee Rom. 11. 21 22. 1 Cor. 10. 9 11. So he who hath his Eyes like unto a Flame oâ— Fire threatneth that he will remove the Candlestick from Ephesus come unto Pergamos with his sharp Sword come as a Thief on Sardis and spue Laodicea out of his mouth except they did repent ch 2. 5 12 16. anâ— ch 3. 3 16 19. Ps 99. 3 8. Isay 33. 14 15. And the consideration hereof may be of usefulness to us to admonish us to take heed that we sin not against him lest he be angry with us and sharpen his Eyes upon us as the Lord saith Beware of â—im and obey his Voice provoke him not for he will not pardon your Transgressions for my name is in him Exod. 23. 20 21. but to demean our selves â—s those in his House and Holiness becomes his house for ever Heb. 3. 6. Ps 93. 5. And it may encourage us in exercising our selves unto Godliness to expect his protection over us and destruction of our Enemies For if we do indeed obey his Voice and do all that he speaks then the Lord will be an Enemy to our Enemies and an Adveriary unto our Adversaries and he will go before us and in due time bring us into and give us possession of the Heavenly Canaan Exod. 23. 22 23. Deut. 9. 3. Verse 15. And his Feet like unto fine Brass as if they burned in a Furnace and his Voice as the sound of many Waters Here we have still and further an account given us of what the Apostle saw in this Vision and which he was commanded to write 1. His Feet like unto fine Brass as if they burned in a Furnace Somewhat like unto what is said of the living Creatures their Feet sparkled like the colour of burnished Brass Ezek 1. 7. Daniel saith his Hands and his Feet were like to polished Brass Dan. 10. 6. And this first Branch of the Description of him in this Verse is also conjoyned unto His Eyes being like unto a Flame of Fire in Rev. 2. 18. And much what the same instructions signified by this as by that And surely by his Feet as here or Hands and Feet as in Daniel are meant his works ways and goings the Feet being the Instruments of going or walking in any way whatsoever and these are said to be 1. Like unto fine Brass or polished Brass that is clear purely bright free from all pollution or defilement as Brass or some other mettal purified in the fire His ways of mercy are clean from all unrighteousness and impurity whatsoever He is gracious and full of compassion slow to anger of great Mercy he is good unto all his tender Mercies are over all his works And yet still The Lord is righteous in all his ways Ps 145. 8 9 17 18. His ways
a moment but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy upon thee For this is as the waters of Noah unto me for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go ever the earth so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee for the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed but my kindness shall not depart from thee neither shall my Covenant be removed saith the Lord. O thou afflicted tossed with tempest and not comforted behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours c. Isa 54. 6 10 17. 2. Consider we in the next place the sight likeness or similitude of this Bow In sight like unto an Emerald See Exod. 28. 18. Ezek. 27. 16. Rev. 21. 19. Which is a stone of an amiable goodly and gloriâ—ious green colour and such an one as the eye of man is delighted with and pleased to look on and yet never satisfied with looking as some say it being so wonderfully delightful As indeed all green things are grateful to the eye but this excelleth all other And so surely this betokeneth and signifieth to us the nature of this Covenant of which the Bow is the token That it is a Covenant of Peace as it is said Neither shall the Covenant of my Peace be removed saith the Lord Isa 54. 10. Ezek. 32. 25. and Chap. 37. 26. Grounded on the peace atonement and reconciliation which Christ the Saviour of the World hath made by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. And in which is contained all peace good blessing and prosperity and assured unto them whose feet are guided into and walking in the way of peace Psal 29. 11. A Covenant of Grace Rom. 4. 16. A Covenant of Mercy as it is said To perform the mercy promised and to remember his holy Covenant the Oath which he sware to our father Abraham c. Luk. 1. 72 74. Mercy is joined with it and annexed to iâ— Deut. 7. 9. Neâ— 9. 32. and Chap. 1. 5. Dan. 9. 4 c. It s original and the first motive for making it was Mercy that was the Alpha the Author of it Mercy is the sum and subject-matter of it and Mercy the Omega and end of it Neh. 9. 31 32. Isa 54. 8 10. It is a most gracious and pleasant Covenant of free forgiveness righteousness grace and blessing to every one that with the heart believeth that God hath raised Christ from the dead To him that worketh not but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted to him for righteousness Even as David describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord imputeth righteousness without works Rom. 4. 4 5 6. This Covenant is propounded to men generally in the Gospel Hence when the Lord had been largely speaking of his Covenant in a cloudy day and concluding thus This is the beritage of the servants of the Lord and their rigâ—teousness is of me saith the Lord. He then makes this Proclamation Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters and he that hath no money come ye buy without money and without price why do ye spend money for that which is not bread Hearken diligently unto me Encline your ear and come unto me hear and your soul shall live And I will make an everlasting Covenant with you the sure mercies of David Behold I have given him for a witness c. Isa 54. 6 17. and Chap. 55. 1 3 4 7 8. And this Covenant is made with and sure to all them that believe To Christ give all the Prophets witness that thorough his Name whosoever believeth in him shall receive the forgiveness of their sins and all things that pertain to life and godliness Act. 10. 43. and Chap. 13. 38 39. and Chap. 20. 32. 2 Pet. 1. 2 4. This is not such a Covenant as the old one was that said The man that doth these things shall live by them Rom. 10. 5. That was a fiery Law a dâ—eadful one to look on And so terrible was the sight that Moses said I exceedingly fear and quâ—ke As we know the sight of fire is very terrible formidable and hurtful to the eyes Deut. 33. 2. with Heb. 12. 18 21. But this is wonderfully delectable and amiable to the eye of the enlightened understanding Rom. 10. 6 9 10. It is like an Emerald in sight of a lovely glorious goodly green colour pleasant to behold and contemplate taking attracting and enamouring the eye of the soul of the diligent beholder of it Let this be considered by us 3. Mind we also where he saw this Rain-bow in sight like unto an Emerald and that is round about the Throne There it is and there it shall abide and the Covenant of which it is a token as it is said The Covenant of my peace shall not be removed saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee Isa 54. 10. Hence the Psalmist saith I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations For I have said Mercy shall be built up for ever thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very Heavens Psal 89. 1 2. and 100. 5. and 117. 1 2. His faithfulness is unto all generations Psal 119. 89 90. 89. 28. But what may we learn from the Bow 's being thus placed 1. It is round about the Throne to signifie that the token and memorial of his Covenant is so round about his Throne his Covenant of Mercy his gracious Covenant made with his Son for the good of men and in and thorough him with those who thorough grace believe That in all the administration of his government and execution of judgment he will be righteous and faithful in keeping and performing it It shall come to pass saith God when I make cloudy the cloud over the earth that the Bow shall be seen in the cloud and I will remember my Covenant And the Bow shall be in the cloud and I will look upon it that I may remember the everlasting Covenant c. Gen. 9. 14 16. And this is acknowledged to his praise He â—â—th remembred his Covenant for ever which he commanded to a thousand generations Psal 105. 8. 106. 44 45. He hath given meat to them that fear him He will ever be mindful of his Covenant He hath sent redemption to his people He hath commanded his Covenant for ever Psal 111. 5 9. This Covenant or the memorial of it is round about the Throne as it is said O Lord God of Hosts who is a strong Lord like unto thee or to thy faithfulness round about thee Psal 89. 8. So that whenever he opens his eyes to see or which way soever he looks he still beholds this Bow this is always before his eyes which run to and fro throughout the whole earth so as he will strongly hold with them whose heart is perfect towards him 2 Chron. 16. 9. And so he
unto the lamb for ever and ever by every creature c. whereto the living creatures say Amen chap. 5. 12 13 14. and by all the Angels chap. 7. 11 12. He hath power to do what he pleaseth as it is said Whatsoever the Lord pleased that did he in Heaven and in the Earth in the Seas and in all deep places Psal 115. 3 4. and 135. 6. Matth. 6. 13. 1 Chron. 29. 11 12. He hath power to help and to cast down power to save and to destroy to give or to withhold 2 Chron. 25. 8. Jam. 4. 12. To do every thing that consists with his infinite holiness see notes before on ver 8. and no thought can be withholden from him Job 42. 2. and he can and doth uphold all things by the word of his power Hebr. 1. 3. Psal 75. 3. and 55. 22. But here especially as it may seem and as is before said Power answers to thanks in ver 9. and so power belongs to him also with him is mercy Psal 62. 11. He hath power to extend mercy to unworthy undeserving and ill-deserving ones as hâ— hath manifested in raising up such an Horn of salvation in the house of his servant David in preparing a body for Christ in the womb of the Virgin Luk. 1. 35. In being with him in trouble with him his hand hath been established his arm also hath strengthened him so as the enemy hath not exacted upon him nor the son of wickedness afflicted him Psal 89. 21-23 though Satan and his instruments thrust sore at him yet the Lord helped him the right hand of the Lord did valiantly the right hand of the Lord was exalted c. Psal 118. 10-13-16 and the working of the might of his power wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality c. Eph. 1. 19 20 21. Psal 118. 16-18 Thorow whom his power is great for saying redeeming and forgiving any sinners though never so great that turn at his reproofs come at his calls and obey his counsels Numb 14. 17. Isa 50. 1 2 3. And on such-like accounts we have cause to give thanks unto him and sing of and praise his power Isa 45. 8-10 Psal 59. 16. and 150 1 2 3. 2. We have also to consider the Reason or Reasons of the Elders rendring praise glory and honour unto him For thou hast created all things c. This hath respect either unto the first and old Creation or also unto the new unto both which we may speak a little 1. As with respect to the first in which act of his Creation he gave a being to all creatures by his word which before had none Gen. 1. 1-21-27 He said Let there be light c. and it was so And in this work of Creation the three persons who are but one God 1 John 5. 7-9 did concur and co-operate To us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him 1 Cor. 8. 6. By Christ were all things created that are in Heaven and that are in Earth visible and invisible whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made John 1. 1 2 3. Ephes 3. 9. Heb. 1. 1 2 3. and ver 8 10. And all the Host of the Heavens to wit rhe Angels Sun Moon and Stars c. were made by the spirit of the mouth of the Lord Psal 33. 6. And Elihu saith The Spirit of God hath made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life Job 33. 4. and chap. 26. 13. Psal 104. 30. Isa 40. 13-18-26 And in this work of Creation appears his glory and honour his work herein is honourable and glorious Psal 111. 3. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handy-work Psal 19. 1-6 Isa 40. 26. Herein appears and is manifested 1. His infinite power and that he can do all things Ab Lord God saith the Prophet Behold thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by thy great power and stretched-out arm and there is nothing too hard for thee Jer. 32. 17-27 The Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King he hath made the earth by his power Jer. 10. 10-12 and chap. 51. 15. And therefore he can extend help to us in every case and condition Lift up your eyes on high and behold who hath created these things that bringeth out their host by number he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might for that he is strong in power not one faileth Why sayest thou O Jacob and speakest O Israel my way is hid from the Lord and my judgment is passed over from my God Isa 40. 26 27 28. Job 38. and chap. 39. and chap. 40. and chap. 41. and chap. 42. 2-5 Psal 89. 8 9-11-13 2. And herein also appears his infinite wisdom and unsearchable understanding that he is mighty in wisdom Job 36. 5. O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all Psal 104. 24. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth by understanding hath he establish'd the Heavens by his knowledg the depths are broken up c. Prov. 3. 19 20. He hath established the world by his wisdom and stretched out the Heavens by his discretion Jer. 10. 12. and chap. 51. 15. Psal 136. 5. And therefore also glory and honour appertain to him as the Apostle saith Now unto the King eternal or of ages or worlds the only wise God be honour and glory for ever and ever Amen 1 Tim. 1. 17. And thus we should also glorify him in trusting in him at all times and pouring out our hearts unto him as knowing and believing The creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not nor is weary there is no searching of his understanding Isa 40. 26 27 28-31 Jude 25. 3. And herein is also manifested his goodness and mercy that he is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works Psal 145. 8 9. He by wisdom made the Heavens for his mercy endureth for ever and stretched out the earth above the waters for his mercy endureth for ever who made great lights for his mercy endureth for ever The Sun to rule by day for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136. 1-4-9 The earth is full of his mercy and riches Psal 104. 24. and 119. 64 and 8. 1 2 4 5. and 89. 1-12 13. and 33. 5. yea indeed his Being and Godhead and all his glorious Attributes are manifested by the works of his Creation that all might glorify him The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal power and Godhead so that they are without excuse because
people righteously and govern the nations upon earth Selah Psal 67. 3 4 7. and 82. 5 8. And all the earth is called upon to make a joyful noise before the Lord for he not goeth or sitteth in Heaven but cometh to wit down from Heaven for he cometh to judg the earth he shall judg the world with righteousness and the people with his truth Psal 96. 11 13. and 98. 4 9. and 47. Behold the days come saith the Lord that I will raise up unto David a righteous branch and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth In his days Judah the two Tribes shall be saved and Israel the ten Tribes who were then captives and so remain unto this day shall dwell safely And this is his name whereby he shall be called THE LORD OVR RIGHTEOVSNESS Jer. 23. 5 6. and Chap. 33. 14 15-17 The Lord my God shall come and all the Saints with thee And the Lord shall be King over all the earth In that day there shall be one Lord and his name one Zech. 14. 5-9 And therefore because he shall reign on the earth and they with him they also shall reign on the earth as is here with joy and rejoicing affirmed by these redeemed ones 2. And they shall reign one with another who are children of God If children then heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be they suffer that they may also be glorified together Rom. 8. 16 17. As they shall be gathered together unto him to Christ I mean so also one to another in a personal consideration and shall not be separated one from another any more 2 Thes 2. 1. now they are scattered one from another upon several accounts The wise and gracious sowâ—r soweth the good seed the children of the Kingdom over all his field of the world for the good of the world that by them Gods way might be known upon the earth and his saving health among all Nations Mat. 13. 24-38 with Psal 67. 1-3 And by their being thus disposed many of them never see the faces of one another in the flesh Col. 2. 1. sometimes they are scattered one from another by persecution so it is said There was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea c. Act. 8. 1 3 4. Many times the wolf cometh and scattereth the sheep one from another Joh. 10. 12. Sometimes and too often they are sundred one from another by contentions strifes and animosities It is the work of sin and satan to sow discord between brethren and to separate chief friends one from another Jam. 4. 1-5 Rev. 12. 10. so it is said of these two eminently holy ones Paul and Barnabas the contention was so sharp between them that they departed asunder one from the other Act. 15. 39. And so also they are removed one from another by death Isa 38. 11. but then compleatly and gloriously there will be the congregation of the righteous when they are raised and reign with Christ Psal 1. 5. The son of man shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds from one end of Heaven to the other Mat. 24. 31. And them that sleep in Jesus God will bring with him 1 Thes 4. 13 14. The dead shall not reign on earth before the living All these holy ones saith the Apostle having obtained a good report thorow faith received not the promise God having provided some better things for us that they without us should not be made perfect Heb. 11. 39 40. And they of Christs which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep for the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Arch-angel and with the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air And so shall we ever be with the Lord 1 Thes 4. 15-17 And that in this glorious reign one shall not be before or after another the Apostle signifieth when he saith I would to God ye did reign that we also might reign with you thereby giving us to understand that as they shall reign with Christ as is before said so also one with another 1 Cor. 4. 8. this honour shall all Christs Saints have together Psal 149. 4 5-9 2 Tim. 2. 11 12. Vse 1. Now from what is here said in vers 9 10. we may see what is the new song so oft spoken of in Scripture as Psal 33. 1-3 and 40. 1-3 and 96. 1. and 98. 1-4 9. and 149. Isa 42. 1-10 to wit it is that which contains the contents of the Testimony of Jesus as we have said to wit what he hath done for us sinful creatures of mankind what he is now doing and what he will do 2. Here we may also see who are the true singers of the new song such as lift up the Horâ— that Horn of Salvation which God hath raised up in the house of his servant David this Horn is the praise of all these Saints 1 Chron. 25. 3-5 with Psal 148. 14. and Luk. 1. 69. And they first render glorious the sufferings of Christ and merrily and skilfully sing of and sound forth the preciousness of his blood saying Thou wast slain c. These are they who rightly sing and make melody with grace in their hearts unto the Lord even these redeemed ones Ephes 5. 18 19. Col. 3. 16. and these are called upon to give thanks unto and praise the Lord as it is said O give thanks unto the Lord for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever let the redeemed of the Lord say so whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered them out of the lands from the East and from the West and from the North and from the South even out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation Psal 107. 1-3 with Rev. 5. 9. and Chap. 14. 2 3. 4 5. 3. From this particular branch of the new song to wit We shall reign on the earth we may see That these redeemed ones having access into the grace of God rejoice in hope of the glory to be revealed Rom. 5. 2. and Chap. 12. 11. holding fast the beginning of the confidence they also hold fast the rejoicing of the hope and have that as an anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast c. Heb. 3. 6. with vers 14. and Chap. 6. 18-20 Psal 89. 15 16. 4. The consideration of the assurance of the faith and hope of these holy ones that they shall reign on the earth may preserve us from those scoffers who say where is the promise of his comeing and strengthen us notwithstanding their scoffs to
6. of this Chapter 2. What they say of him by way of praise and exaltation to wit VVorthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength c. Wherein let us consider for our instruction and usefulness 1. What the Lamb is worthy to receive 2. Of whom he is worthy to receive these things 3. VVherefore is he worthy to receive them 1. VVhat is the Lamb that was slain worthy to receive And that is 1. Power namely to do what all Creatures could not do to wit to open the Book of God's Counsels and Purposes See the Notes before on v. 5. And so power with God as a Prince to prevail with him he being indeed the true Israel Hos 12. 3 4. Power to open the Eyes of the blind and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God Isay 42. 1 6 7. He is a Prince and Saviour to give repentance to sinful and rebellious ones Luke 24. 47. Act. 5. 31. Power to pardon and forgive sins to give forgiveness unto such as turn at his reproofs Herein the Power of God is exercised Numb 14. 17 20. And the Son of Man hath power to forgive sins on Earth Mat. 9. 6. Mark 2. 10. to forgive many and great sins Luke 7. 47 48. Thorow this Man is preached to us the forgiveness of sins and by him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses Act. 10. 43. with ch 13. 38 39. Power to heal diseases those of the Soul Ps 103. 1 3. Mat. 13. 15. and of the outward Man also Mat. 10. 1. Luke 4. 36. and ch 5. 17. Power to make them Sons that come unto him To as many as received him to them he gave power to become the Sons of God even to them that believe on his Name Joh. 1. 12. And to give eternal life to them that hear his voice and follow him God hath given him power over all flesh that he should give eternal life to as many as God hath given him Joh. 10. 27 28. and ch 17. 2 3. and to save to the utmost all that come unto God by him Heb. 7. 24 25. Power over all the power of all Creatures He is the Head of all Principality and Power Col. 2. 10. God hath raised him from the dead and set him on his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion c. Eph. 1. 20 21. He hath power over the good Angels 1 Pet. 3. 22. And over the evil ones also And he gave power to his seventy Disciples over all the power of the Enemy Luke 10. 17 19. And he hath power over all the power here below He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 1. 5 6. and ch 17. 14. And this might engage us therefore to believe and trust in him Joh. 14. 1. Psal 2. 6 7 12. Power all power to save them that hear his voice and follow him Joh. 10. 27 29. He is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him Heb. 7. 25. to help and deliver them from their Enemies and Adversaries Act. 18. 9. and ch 26. 17. And to dispense all things to them that pertain to life and godliness Joh. 17. 2 3. 2 Pet. 1 3. And in the glorious exercise of his power he shall appear when he shall take to him his great power and reign Mat. 24. 30. and ch 26. 64. Rev. 11 16 18. 2. And Riches That is to say 1. The Riches which are here below for these are his also the Gold and the Silver are his Hag. 2. 8. The Earth is the Lords even the Lord Christs and the fulness thereof Ps 24. 1. with 1 Cor. 10. 26 28. with v. 21. God hath Crowned him with glory and honour and made him to have dominion over the works of his hands and hath put all things under his feet all Sheep and Oxen yea and the Beasts of the Field the Fowl of the Air and the Fish of the Sea and whatsoever passeth thorow the Pathes of the Sea Psal 8. 5 6 8. with Heb. 2. 6 9. Ps 50. 11 12. And the consideration hereof might engage us to come unto and follow him in the regeneration for there shall be no want to them that fear him The young Lions do lack and suffer hunger but they that seek the Lord Christ shall not want any good thing Ps 34. 8 10. with 1 Pet. 2. 3 4. This is one great thing that Men are afraid of that if they cleave to the Lord with full purpose and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth they shall not be provided for of the things here below but shall be reduced unto necessity and poverty But this is a mistake and groundless fear for all things are delivered to him of the Father Mat. 11. 27 28. And in exercising our selves to godliness we exercise our selves to that which is profitable to all things having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come 1 Tim. 4. 8. with ch 3. 16. 1 King 3. 10 13. with ch 10. 23. Hence the wisdom of God to wit Jesus Christ invites Men to receive her instruction and not Silver and Knowledge rather than choice Gold And to engage them so to do she propounds this as a powerful Motive and Argument Riches are with me Prov. 8. 10 18. In her left hand are Riches Prov. 3. 12 16. He is a Sun and Shield he will give grace and glory no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Ps 84. 11 12. 2. Riches such as are more excellent than all that are here below such as are spiritual and eternal namely Riches of Goodness Rom. 2. 4. He hath indeed been rich in good works 1 Tim. 6. 18. his goodness was so great towards us that he died for us and rose again his kindness was infinitely great in becoming our Saviour Tit. 3. 4. And he is good to all such was his grace and goodness towards us that though he was rich for our sakes he became poor that thorow his poverty we might be enriched 2 Cor. 8 9. He hath Riches of Mercy and being rich therein he hath Riches of Patience and long-suffering towards impenitent ones while it is called to day Rom. 2. 4. because he is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9 15. And according to the riches of his mercy quickens them who are dead in sins and trespasses Eph. 2. 4 5. and remits and pardons their sins who thorow his Name believe in him Eph. 1. 7. with Act. 10. 43. and his mercy endures unto eternal life Jude 21. Rom. 9. 23. Riches of Righteousness Prov. 11. 4. He hath by his blood brought in everlasting righteousness Dan. 9. 24 26. And his Name is Jehovah our righteousness Jer. 23.
what have I to do with thee mine hour is not yet come Job 2. 4. And to his Brethren My time is not yet come but your time is alway ready Joh. 7. 6. He knowes the fittest day for every purpose and thing but this is a great part of Man's misery he knows not the opportune season Eccl. 9. 12. Or 2. On the Lords Day The Sabbath-day or day of rest that seventh part of time set apart and sanctified for more solemnly waiting upon him and thereto ceasing from our own works And this may be called the Lord's Day 1. Because at first God took up his rest in Jesus Christ our Lord and was refreshed and therefore set apart the seventh day as a token thereof had he not found out this ransome and had not Christ interposed himself and undertook to work redemption for us there had been no Sabbath for us to have observed his undertaking to do what the Father appointed to him at first and actually performing and accomplishing it in due time is the ground and reason of this days being set apart and sanctified Gen. 2. 2 3. with Heb. 4. 3 4. Exod. 31. 16 17. with Joh. 5. 19 22. Hence the Preface to all the Commandments and particularly to their remembring to keep holy the Sabbath-day was that he brought them out of the Land of Egypt which was a Type of the redemption wrought in and by Jesus Christ Exod. 20. 2 8. 2. It is the Lord's Day also that of which Jesus Christ the Son of Man is the Lord and actually so become as he hath died for us and is risen again and hath restored our loss whereby he is become the rightful Lord of all that was made for Man even for the good of Man Ps 8. 4 9. with Heb. 2. 6 9. and particularly of this Day as our Saviour saith The Sabbath was made for Man and not Man for the Sabbath therefore the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath Mat. 12. 8. Mark 2. 27 28. 3. It is the Lords Day because we should herein be exercised to the Consideration and Remembrance of what Christ hath suffered and done for us and is become that he by the Grace of God tasted Death for every Man and is risen from the Dead for their justification and is become the one and only Foundation of Faith and Hope for us poor Sinners The Stone which the Builders refused is become the head of the Corner This is the LORDS doing it is marvellous in our Eyes This is the day which the LORD hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it To such an end should this Day be set apart that we may be glad in his work in redeeming us from the curse of the Law and triumph in the works of his hands Ps 118. 2 4. Ps 92. Title and Verse 1 4. Isay 28. 12. And it is a Sign that he doth sanctifie us and shews how we may be sanctified and now be entring into rest not by works of righteousness that we have done or can do but by believing in and coming unto Jesus Christ Exod. 31. 13 14. Rom. 4. 5. Tit. 3. 4. Mat. 11. 27 28. Heb. 4. 3. Isay 58. 13. And on this Day we should be exercised unto the consideration of that rest which remaineth for the people of God which in due season Christ will give unto them Acts 3. 19 20. Heb. 4. 3 8. 2 Thes 1. 5 6. And indeed to such an end should this day be set apart and that we should do no servile work thereon for works of Piety Mercy and Necessity they are Sabbath-day works but it should not be prophaned with common and ordinary words or works Isay 58. 13. Neh. 10. 31. and ch 13. 15 22. Jer. 17. 21 27. Men may pretend to a great deal of zeal and strictness in observing it and yet not be exercised to the consideration of Christ as the ground and end of it yea they may be so far from that that they may be Enemies to him and his Gospel Joh. 5. 16 18. and ch 7. 22 23. and ch 9. 14 16. On this Day he heard this Voice which might be an encouragement and provocation to us to keep it holy and therein to remember the Lord's Death and what he hath thereby done for us and obtained and is become and the love of both Father and Son therein commended to us 3. We have an account in general given to us of what he heard on that day And heard behind me a great Voice as of a Trumpet And heard behind me like what Ezekiel saith I heard behind me a Voice of a great rushing Ezek. 3. 12. like that saying also Isay 30. 21. At such a time and in such a manner as he least expected not before him but behind him or ever he was aware he was thus unexpectedly favoured Gen. 28. 10. A great Voice as of a Trumpet So he heard also ch 4. 1 2. And before the little Book was given unto him ch 10. 3 4. Doubtless this loud Voice was to awaken him and prepare him to give earnest heed to what was spoken and to signifie the weightiness of what he was about to speak that it was no vain thing but somewhat of great importance and concernment and that which was worthy to be heard minded and considered by him and us To such end and purpose he sent out his Voice and that a mighty Voice And it behoves us all seeing the matter of what was then spoken is recorded and preserved on record that we should diligently bow down our Ears hereto and hear these words of the wise and not lightly or heedlesly pass it over as if it were not worthy our most serious meditation and consideration Verse 11. Saying I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last And what thou seest write in a Book and send it to the Seven Churches which are in Asia unto Ephesus and unto Smyrna and unto Pergamos and unto Thyatira and unto Sardis and Philadelphia and unto Laodicea In this Verse the Apostle gives unto us a more particular account of what he heard In which we have to consider 1. A description of him that speaketh I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last 2. A charge and commandment given to the Apostle In which also we have 1. The Subject matter of what he should write and send what thou seest 2. What he commands him to do with this write in a Book and send it 3. To whom unto the seven Churches which are in Asia c. 1. A Description of him that speaketh I am Alpha and Omega the first and the last The latter opens the Former as we have seen See the notes on v. 8. I am the first and the last so v. 17. ch 2. 8. and ch 22. 13. The King of Israel as is said Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel and his Redeemer the LORD of Hostes I am the first and I am the last c. Isay
13. 26. The heart of Asa was perfect all his days notwithstanding he was guilty of several evils Chron. 15. 7. with ch 16. 8 9. c. There were good things found in Jehoshaphat and yet for some evils of his wrath was upon him from before the LORD 2 Chron. 19. 2. 3. Hezekiah was a good Man yet after he was recovered of his Sickness he rendred not again according to the benefit done unto him for his heart was lifted up therefore there was wrath upon him c. 2 Chron. 29. 2. c. and ch 30. and ch 31. with ch 32. 24 26. and we might shew the truth of this in manifold other particular Instances And the same we may also say of Churches Judah ruled with God and was faithful with the most holy and yet The LORD hath also a Controversy with Judah Hos 11. 12. with ch 12. 2. In the Church of Corinth were many commendable things 1 Cor. 1. 2 9. and ch 11. 2. and yet there were many evils found therein 1 Cor. 1. 10 15. and ch 3. 3 5. and ch 6 c. see also Heb. 6. 2 10. with ch 3. 12 13. and ch 5. 11 14 and ch 10. 25 27. Rev. 2. 13 14. and v. 19 20. so here I know thy works and labour and patience and how thou canst not bâ—ar them that are evil c. nevertheless he had a controversy with them and such an one as if they did not repent he threatens he will take away their candlestick from them Vse 1. This may then give us occasion to suspect our selves and to search and try our hearts and ways continually especially when his Judgments are amongst us Though the grace of God hath much efficacy upon us or any of us yet he may have a controversy with us that notwithstanding Lam. 3. 13 40. 42. we may not be polluted with gross evils and yet we may be so with those which are more commendable among Men and nothing less offensive and provoking to God as Jehu destroyed Baal and yet served the golden calves 2 King 10. 15 16 25 29. we may hate rioting and drunkenness chambring and wantoness swearing cursing Pastime c. and it is well if we do so and yet be guilty of Pride Wrath Covetousness c. Luke 18. 11 12. with ch 16. 14 15. we may speak against Prodigality and make a boast of improving our talents and yet hoard up for our selves and be unfaithful with the unrighteous mammon Luke 16. 8 12. nay we may have works labour patience c. and yet have left our first love as it was with this Angel and Church and so expose our selves to the displeasure of Christ Oh be we not high-minded but fear pass we the time of our sojourning in fear looking diligently that we fail not of the grace of God 2. This consideration may keep them who have good things in them from being many masters for in many things they offend all Jam. 3. 1 2. Oh be not censorious or forward to Judg others though there be many commendable and praise-worthy things in you and more then in others and such as are approved by him who holdeth the starrs the seven starrs in his right hand and walketh in the midst of the seven Golden Candlesticks v. 1. for notwithstanding all this he may have a quarrel against us There may be with us even with us also sins against the LORD our God 2 Chron. 28. 9 10. and as dead flies cause the Oyntment of the Apothecary to send forth a stinking Saviour so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour Eccles 10. 1. 2 Chro. 19. 2 3. 3. Seeing such may be faulty that have so many commendable things in them take heed of relying too much upon Signs markes and qualifications Oh had our sign-mongers so many good Marks of their sincerity and such good evidences and Assurances for Heaven as these had and they so approved and commended not by some Godly Minister or ministers as they speak nor by the Apostle John or an Angel but by Christ himself who is the true and faithful witness yea the truth it self how confident would they be of their good and happy condition yea how would their Ministers and leaders confirm and strengthen them in the assured perswasion of the blessedness of themselvs and of their spiritual estate and even say we will pawn our souls for yours that your condition is very safe and good and that you are accepted of God had they such works labour patience such zeal as that they could bear them that are evil such wisdom and circumspection as to try them who say they are Apostles and are not and to find them liers Oh how over-confident would they be that all is and will be well with them and yet there may be something sound amiss with them for all this which if not repented of and removed may provoke Christ to cast them out of his house and love them no more see also what is said of and to the Angel and Church in Pergamos in this Rev. 2. 13 14. I know thy works and where thou dwellest even where Satans Seat or throne is and thou holdest fastâ— my name and hast not denyed my faith even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you where Satan dwelleth A very high commendation of them considering in what times and places they lived But saith he notwithstanding all this I have a few things against thee c. see the notes no v. 13 14. and v. 19 20. of this chapter 4. If he hath an exception against these what may he have against many of us that want these things how greatly come many short of those that are here reproved Luke 10. 39 40. And of those Rev. 2. 13 14. and v. 19 20. may it not be said we are without works and labour even barren and unfruitful in the knowledg of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ It cannot be said of many amongst us that they cannot bear them that are evil but rather they cannot bear them that are good especially if they be such as are faithful reprovers of them Prov. 15. 10 12. are not too many amongst us companions of fools and riotous persons Prov. 13. 20. and ch 28. 7. And not like him who though he was a great Person in this world saith thus of himself I am a companion of all them that fear thee and that keep thy precepts Ps 1â—9 63. 2. We may further note in that he saith Nevertheless I have against thee That though Christ takes notice of whatsoever is good and commendable in his Churches yet also he minds and takes notice of the evils they are guilty of and polluted with Indeed he is slow to anger and backward to deal with Men according to their ways and exercises charity and mercy to all especially towards those that are in his Church But yet notwithstanding he takes notice
Or Men may be said in a more plausible and spiritual way to defile their garments as when they are wise in Christ and leaning to their own wisdom and understanding of which we are admonished Prov. 24. 3. and ch 3. 5. and in following which and leaning whereto Men defile the Temple of God and set up an idol therein as it were to the provoking the eyes of the Lord's glory and making the cross of Christ of none effect as before is said 1 Cor. 1. 17. and ch 2. 1 5. and 3. 16 19. or when Men do what they do and shew forth love and exercise mercy out of covetousness or that they may in rich themselves in so doing Eph. 5. 1 3 5. or to establish a righteousness to themselves thereby and think to cover themselves with their works Rom. 9. 30 33. Isay 57. 12. and 59. 6. or when they are seeking after the praise of Men and do their works to be seen of Men or are pursuing their desires of vain-glory or the friendship of this world which is enmity with God Mat. 6. 1 18. and ch 23. 5. Gal. 5. 26. Jam. 4 4. or walking in anger wrath pretending in so doing they are zealous for Christ and his Gospel whereas the wrath of Man works not the righteousness of God Jam. 1. 20 26. and ch 3. 13 16 17. Now of these few names in Sardis it is here said by way of commendation of them they had not defiled their garments in either consideration unto them Christ did not herein impute iniquity Ps 33. 1 2. Now then from this commendable account our Saviour giveth of these few Persons in Sardis we may observe for our instruction 1. That in times of defection when many or most in the Church of Christ become degenerate as Jer. 2. 21. it is oft-times found that all are not polluted but some keep themselves pure and continue unspotted so it was here in this fair-fac't Church So when all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth and the earth was corrupt before God and the Sons of God too generally transgrest yet Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord him God saw righteous before him in that generation Gen. 6 and ch 7. 1. so when the Men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly there was a just Lot among them Gen. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 5 8. and in Ahab's days when the Prophet thought he was left alone yet the Lord saith I have left me seven thousand in Israel all the knees which have not bowed to Baal and every moâ—th which had not kissed him 1 King 19. 14 18. So when the Lord greatly complains of his people and saith I have nourished and brought up Children and they have rebelled against me yet then the Prophet saith Except the Lord of hosts had left unto â—s a very small remnant we should have been as Sodom and we should have been like to Gomorrah Isay 1. 2 9. And when the natural branches were generally cut off yet there was a remnant of upright ones a Remnant according to the election or out-chusing of grace Rom. 11. 1 4 6. Rev. 2. 24. and ch 18. 4. Vse 1. This shews one reason why the rest who have polluted themselves and defiled their garments are not presently consumed Rom. 9. 29. Thus saith the Lord As the new wine is found in the cluster and one saith Destroy it not for a blessing is in it So will I do for my Servants sake that I may not destroy them all Isay 65. 7 8. had there â—een but ten righteous Men in Sodom he would not have destroyed it for the tens sake And though there were not yet upon Lot's making intercession for Zoar it was not overthrown with the other cities Gen. 18. 32. and 19. 19 20. so here I will come on thee as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee But as some read thou hast a few names even in Sardis c. and therefore he would not so suddenly hasten the destruction thereof 2. These few may judge the rest as it is said The Righteous Men they shall judge them after the manner of adulteresses Ezek. 23. 45 These shall shew their causeless departure from or forgetfulness of Christ and his things For even at the same time and under the same means some were undefiled in the way when others turned aside out of it 2. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis c. hence we may note that in times of defection and Apostacy usually the greatest part are corrupted and turned aside by Satan A little leaven leavens the whole lump 1 Cor. 5. 8. By the springing up of one root of bitterness oft-times many are defiled Heb. 12. 15 17. Men are too forward and ready to follow the bad examples of others especially when their leaders go astray and wander out of the way of understanding Oh how much hurt do they do to the flock O my people saith the Lord they which lead thee or call thee blessed cause thee to erre and destroy the way of thy paths Isay 3. 12. and ch 9. 16. when they depart out of the way they cause many to stumble at the law Mal. 2. 6 8 9. when Prophet and priest are profane then they cause others to err and from them profaneness goes forth into all the land Jer. 23. 9 10 11 13 14 15. Vse 1. Needful it is therefore for such to be clean who bear the vessels of the Lord Isay 52. 11. and to be examples of the believers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in purity 1 Tim. 4. 12. In all things to shew themselves patterns of good works Tit. 2. 7 8. 1 Pet. 5. 1 3 4. 2. It is good and needful for us therefore to receive that instruction to be followers of our leaders and of one another as they or others are of Christ Jesus 1 Cor. 11. 1. so to imitate others as we may be followers of them and of the Lord also 1 Thes 1. 6 8. and no otherwise And not to hearken to the words or bad examples of any which tend to make us vain and to corrupt us from the simplicity which is in Christ Jesus Jer. 23. 16. Prov. 6. 12 13. nor to follow a multitude to do evil Exod. 23. 2. But be followers of God as dear Children Eph. 5. 1 and if the leaders grow evil or negligent to say to them Take heed to the ministry which ye have received in the Lord that ye fulfil it Col. 4. 17. and by all means have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them Eph. 5. 11. 16. 3. We may further observe from hence in that our Lord takes such notice of these few in Sardis which had not defiled their garments and speaks so graciously concerning them That though the upright ones in his Churches and amongst his people be never so few yet he hath a
and gloriously they shall be holy Blessed and holy shall he be that hath part in the first Resurrection Rev. 20. 4 6. 3. In white in Garments of joy and rejoycing Eccles 9. 8 9. As Sorrow and Sadness is oft represented by Blackness and Blackness of Darkness Jer. 4. 28. and 8. 21. Mal. 3. 14. Jude 13. So opposite thereto White betokeneth Joy and Gladness and Pleasure as truly the light which is white is sweet c. Eccl. 11. 7 8. So now believing they rejoyce with joy unspeakeable and full of glory 1 Pet. 1. 8. they that know the joyful sound shall now and for ever walk in the light of his countenance c. Ps 89. 15 16. 4. â—n white like Kings in Royal Apparel Esth 8. 15. Neh. 7. 5. Jer. 27. 20. They are now Kings by Faith and hereafter they shall reign on the Earth Rev. 5. 9 10. and ch 20. 6. See notes on ch 1. v. 6. and on ch 3. v. 18. This is somewhat of the Blessedness assured to these few clean ones 3. We have nextly to speak unto the Reason For they are worthy Herein is supposed and taken for granted the other were not so but these were worthy these few were not like the former they had forgotten how they had received and heard but these few had not so done but held fast and kept in memory what had at first been delivered to them to wit that Christ died for the Sins of the Jews and Gentiles according to the Scriptures and was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures c. 1 Cor. 15. 2 4. and so they were saved from the errours and pollutions of the residue of their Brethren 1 Cor. 15. 2. that which they heard from the beginning did abide in these few and so they continued in the Son and in the Father and they were worthy they are graciously reputed as worthy persons who keep in a believing mindfulness and high-prizing the precious sufferings of Christ and what he hath thereby done for Mankind and obtained into himself and what an excellent one he is become by means thereof as these things are now reported to us in the glorious Gospel and by keeping these they were preserved from defiling their Garments and had kept them clean and had their conversation as becomes the Gospel of Christ Phil. 1. 27. Such an one as did adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour Tit. 2. 10 11. and so were worthy to walk with him in white or graciously counted worthy 2 Thes 1. 5 11. But how is it here said they are worthy To that we say 1. There is a worthiness by way of merit and desert And so in a good sense God who sits upon the Throne or supream seat of Government who liveth for ever and ever is worthy to be feared worshipped and reverenced as they rightly acknowledge saying Thou art worthy O Lord to receive Glory and Honour and Power c. Rev. 4. 11. 2 Sam. 22. 4. And the four living Creatures and the four and twenty Elders fall down before the Lamb saying Thou art worthy to take the Book and to open the Seals thereof for thou wast slain c. and an innumerable company of Angels say with a loud voice Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches c. Rev. 5. 8 10 12. And the Gospel of Christ is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation It highly deserves to be received embraced and entertained by us because of its truth and goodness 1 Tim. 1. 15. Jam. 2. 7. And in an evil sense impenitent sinners are worthy of punishment by way of merit or demerit they deserve what is inflicted and executed upon them they commit things worthy of stripes Luke 12. 48. Heb. 10. 29. So the Angel of the Waters saith Thou art righteous O Lord Because thou hast judged thus for thou hast given them blood to drink for they are worthy they deserve thus to be judged Rev. 16. 5 6. But now in such a sense these were not worthy not so by way of merit no not of the least of all God's mercies and truth as Jacob acknowledgteh Gen. 32. 10. and much less of the greatest John the Baptist confesseth he was not worthy to unloose Christ's shoes latchet Joh. 1. 27. The good centurion did not think himself worthy to come unto Christ Luke 7. 7. none in Heaven nor in Earth nor under the earth no mere creature was found worthy to open and to read the Book neither to look thereon Rev. 5. 2 4. indeed in this respect when we have done all that is commanded us we have cause to say we are unprofitable Servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17. 9. there is so much of imperfection and pollution cleaving to our best deeds as that they deserve nothing of reward from God but rather to be rejected and forgotten hence Nehemiah prays Remember me O my God concerning this and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God c. As giving us to understand that God might righteouslâ— have wiped them out there was so much grease and filth cleaving to them And again Remember me O my God concerning this also and spare me according to not the goodness of his deeds but the greatness or multitude of thy mercy signifying not onely that God might have wipt out his good deeds but punisht him also for the iniquities of them had he been severe to have markt them Neh. 13. 14 22. 31. for there is not a just Man upon the earth that doth good and sinneth not Eccl. 7. 20. our spiritual Sacrifices are onely acceptable by Jesus Christ who takes away the iniquities of our holy things and perfumes them with the odours of his acceptable sacrifice Exod. 28. 38. with 1 Pet. 2. 5. and Rev. 8. 3 4. and should he give us according to our deserts what could we look for but wrath from him Ezek. 7. 27. And though their good works shall be rewarded yet the reward will be not of debt but of grace Rom. 4. 4 5. 1 Pet. 1. 13. Zech. 4. 7. by way of Merit no holy Man is worthy to walk with Christ in white but they need the mercy of our Lord Jesus unto eternal life Jude 21. Ps 103. 17. Boasting is excluded by the law of faith and all merit and works of supererogation Rom. 3. 27 28. Psal 130. 3. and 143. 2. 2. There is a worthiness of meetness and becomingness So worthy signifies becoming As let your conversation be as becometh or as is worthy of the Gospel Phil. 1. 27. compare Luke 3. 8. with Mat. 3. 8. So worthy frequently signifies meet or becoming as Eph. 4. 1. 4. Col. 1. 10. 1 Thes 2. 12. thus they were said not to be worthy who preferred their farms or merchandise or Fathers or Mothers or Sons or Daughters before Jesus Christ and that feast which is
the defiling his Sanctuary when persons are serving their Idols and sowing to the Flesh and yet come the same day into his Sanctuary and appear to take delight in approaching to him as if they were delivered to do those abominations Or as if the Grace of God heard and in some measure received by them gave them encouragement to serve Sin or follow their vanities from which indeed it comes to redeem them and to that purpose brings Salvation to all men Ezek. 23. 38 39. Jer. 7. 9 11. Tit. 2. 11 12. Oh how lothsome displeasing and provoking is this to him who hath deserved so well at our hands that we should be for him only and give him and none other our loves and who loves truth in the inward parts he well knows not how to bear with or endure such evil and unkind requitals or to away with such a lothsome temper as is that of lukewarmness to him And so much he gives us to understand in what follows Verse 16. So then because thou art Lukewarm and neither cold nor hot I will spue thee out of my mouth In this sharp rebuke and threatning the faithful and true witness signifieth to us the loathsomeness and unbearableness of this temper or distemper of theirs unto himself It was such and so grievous to him that he could not away with it though they were not cold but there was still some form of Godliness and Profession of Religion upon them they seemed to be religious and made mention of the God of Israel and called themselves of the Holy City and stayed themselves upon the God of Israel yet this was not in truth nor in Righteousness as Isay 48. 1 2. Their Religion was vain and they more odious in this condition to him than if they had been quite cold like that Isay 1. 11 16. To what purpose is the multitude of your Sacrifices to me saith the Lord I am full of the Burnt-offerings of Rams When you come to appear before me who hath required this at your hands to tread mâ— Courts Bring no more Vain Oblations Incense is an abomination to me The new Moons and Sabbaths the calling of Assemblies I cannot away with it is Iniquity or grief even the solemn meeting Your new Moons and your appointed Feasts my Soul hateth they are a burden to me I am weary to bear them And when you spread forth your hands I will hide mine Eyes from you yea when you make many prayers I will not hear you your hands are full of Blood Like whereto also is that Amos 5. 12 21 27. This was greatly provoking to him that they were so lukewarm and did not buy the truth with a parting with their Abominations and Idols So here he threatneth he will spue them out of his Mouth because they were lukewarm A Metaphor taken from lukewarm meat that is displeasing and burthensome to the Stomach or rather from lukewarm water which is loathsome and offensive and causeth vomiting And it is as if he should say I will abhor you and cast you out and you shall be cut off from my Congregation I will not keep you in my mouth to plead for you or to speak a good word for you but you shall be cut off from among my people and Churches Your temper is so loathsome and grievous to me that it were more bearable to me you did not tread my courts at all You had better never profess to wait upon me than under that profession to hide and keep close and make provision for your sins and Idols he that killeth an ox is as he slew a Man he that sacrificeth a Lamb as if he cut off a dogs neck he that offereth an oblation as if he offered swines blood he that burneth incense as if he blessed an Idol while Men chuse their own ways and their Soul delighteth in their abominations Isay 66. 3. Ezek. 14. 3 11. and therefore he threatneth to abhor them and vomit them out of his mouth unless they did receive timely admonition and repent v. 19. Lev. 18. 25 28. In which he signifieth to us 1. That his Churches and People are especially in his Mouth as they are in his heart to love them and to delight in them and in his hand to hide protect and defend them from their Enemies and from all evil so also in his mouth he takes up their names into his Lips and makes intercession for them especially Ps 16. 3 4. Heb. 7. 25. yea though they are lukewarm and are thereby become offensive and loathsome in their temper yet he doth not presently reject them but pleads for them as his Church and that they may be so continued he hates putting away from this nighness Mal. 2. 16. he is slow to anger and it is his work his strange work his act his strange act to cast such forth out of his house and vomit them up and therefore he saith not I have spued thee out of my mouth but I will do it namely if they did still so abide and persist He remembers for such the kindness of their youth the love of their espousals when they have forsaken him the Fountain of living Waters and hewed to themselves Cisterns broken Cisterns that can hold no water and when they have forgotten him days without number Jer. 3. 2 13 32. This Church of Laodicea was not always in this sad and abominable condition but it was sometimes hot and â—ervent and was so taken with Christ and his love and loveliness that the Apostle Paul did joyfully behold their order in first seeking the Kingdom of God and its Righteousness and the stedfastness of their Faith and therefore this exhorts them as ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in him rooted and built up in him and stablished in the Faith as ye have been taught c. Col. 2. 6 7. Christ was so precious to them that thorow their beholding belief of and delight in his preciousness they were made a Church of his and called out of the state condition and good fellowship of the World into him and unto fellowship with him and were bottomed and built upon him and begotten by him to a lively hope of his mercy and this still Christ remembreth and for such he maketh Intercession though they are become unlovely and unpleasant till they are put out of his house yea when they have fitted themselves for being cast out such is the graciousness of this faithful and true witness that he interposed himself for them whiâ—e and as it may be for their good that further patience and forbearance may be exercised towards them and further means used that they may in the light and strength of his grace recover themselves and turn unto him from whom they have revolted and backsliden So when the Lord of the vineyard came three yeers seeking fruit on the figtree that was planted in his vineyard and found none and was so greatly incensed that he gave order
will be mindful of his Covenant in confirming them that obey him unto the end that they may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 1. 8 9. In so ordering Temptations that he will not suffer them to be tempted above what they are able but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that they may be able to bear 1 Cor. 10. 13. In preserving them from evil 2 Thes 3. 3. In sanctifying them throughout even in their whole spirit soul and body 1 Thes 5. 23 24. In visiting their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes if they forsake his law and walk not in his judgments Psal 89. 28 32. with Psal 119. 75. In forgiving them who acknowledg their iniquities If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness 1 Joh. 1. 9. Hence it is said If they confess their iniquity and that they have walked contrary to me then will I remember my Covenant namely to pardon them and receive them graciously Lev. 26. 40 45. In giving unto them of the things appertaining to this life whatever is good for them such meat drink raiment habitation accommodations c. Psal 111. 5. Heb. 13. 5 6. In subduing their iniquities and casting all their sins into the depths of the Sea And performing the truth to Jacob and the mercy to Abraham which he hath sworn c. Mic. 7. 19 20. He will be faithful in all things he hath promised and always mindful of his Covenant in all he doth upon the Throne His Bow the token of his truth and faithfulness is before him And therefore we may join with the Prophet and say O Lord are not thine eyes upon the truth doubtless they are Jer. 5. 3. 2. Round about the Throne but outermost it may seem for ver 4. there is mention made of the four and twenty Elders round about the Throne also but within this Bow And ver 6. In the midst of the Throne and round about the Throne are four living Creatures within the Elders and so within and nearer to the Throne than the Bow And within the four living Creatures the Lamb next to the Throne Chap. 5. 6. And so it may signifie to us that in this Vision this is the disposition that the Bow encloses and is about all the Saints and holy ones to defend them from all enemies and evil they are environed about with Gods Covenant and mercy And God who is faithful will environ and encompass them with his truth and faithfulness and in his faithfulness with his Angels Chap. 5. 11. and Chap. 7. 11. Psal 34. 7. So as they shall be secure and be kept in perfect peace Isa 26. 1 3. His truth and faithfulness shall be their shield and buckler And no evil shall befall them nor any plague come nigh their dwelling-place for he shall give his Angels a charge over them to keep them in all their ways c. Psal 91. 1 4 9 12. His mercy even his mercy promised and contained in and assured by his holy Covenant shall compass them about Psal 32. 10 11. with Luk. 1. 72. Psal 125. 1 2. The peace of God the Covenant of his peace shall keep their hearts and minds thorough Jesus Christ even keep and secure them as in a garrison Phil. 4. 7. with Isa 54. 10. Oh then walk about Zion and go round about her tell the towers thereof mark ye well her bulwarks consider her palaces that ye may tell it to the generation following For this God is our God for ever God in and with his Covenant and faithfulness doth and will surround his Zion that they shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the fear of evil Psal 48. 12 14. with Prov. 1. 33 Oh how might this engage us to come unto and cleave to the Lord with full purpose and to have our conversation in Heaven 3. It is round about the Throne and so about the Elders and living Creatures that they may see it and remember it and be comforted herewith In Psal 105. 8. there it is He hath remembred his Covenant for ever And in 1 Chron. 16. 15. there it is O ye his chosen ones be ye mindful always of his Covenant Now that they may continually remember it therefore the Bow the memorial of it is round about the Throne and so in the view of them that dwell in Heaven Yea and that they may put him in remembrance of his Covenant when they are in great affliction and when according to appearance he seems to have forgotten it As the Lord saith Put me in remembrance Isa 43. 25 26. So the holy ones of God have done in former times as Psal 74. 18 23. O deliver not the soul of thy Turtle-dove to the multitude forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever Have respect unto the covenant So the Prophet Jeremy saith Do not abhor us for thy names sake do not disgrace the Throne of thy glory Remember break not thy covenant with us Jer. 14. 20 21. Yea to this end the Lord hath set Watchmen upon the walls of his Jerusalem which should never hold their peace day nor night And thus commands them Ye that are the Lâ—â—ds remembrancers keep not silence and give him no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth The Lord hath sworn by his right hand c. Isa 62. 6 8 12. Yea and the spirits of just men made perfect put him as it were in remembrance of his Covenant crying with a loud voice How long Lord holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth c. Rev. 6. 9 10 11. Vers 4. And round about the Throne were four and twenty seats or Thrones and upon the seats I saw four and twenty Elders sitting clothed in white raiment and they had on their heads crowns of gold 1. In this Verse we have a further account given to us of what he saw about the Throne viz. Round about the Throne were four and twenty seats or Thrones 2. Whom he saw upon them And upon the seats or Thrones I saw four and twenty Elders Which are described to us 1. By their Posture sitting 2. By their Raiment clothed in white Raimâ—nt 3. By what they had upon their heads And they â—ad on their heads crowns of gold 1. We have here a further account given us of what he saw about the Throne And round about tho Throne were four and twenty seats or Thrones Even Kingly seats or seats of glory But these are distinct from and infinitely inferior to the Throne upon which that one the Lord God Almighty sits and therefore they on them fall down before him that sate on the Throne and worship him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns before the Throne c. ver 10 11. And these
creâ—â—es darkness he makes peace and creates evil He the Lord doth all these things Isa 45. 7. as he saith Shall there be evil in the city and the Lord hath not done it Amos 3. 6. Verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth Psal 58. 9 11. Amos 4. 6 12. though he tempteth no man to what is sinfully evil nor can he be tempted therewith He is not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness Jam. 1. 13 14. Psal 5. 4 6. yet he is the orderer of all afflictions and judgments not only of those which come more immediately from his own hand 1 Cor. 11. 29 32. but of such also as wherein Satan and evil men may be instruments so when by Gods permission Satan inflicted many evils upon Job and stirred up the Sabeaâ—s and Caldeans to fall upon and take away his substance and slay his servants with the edg of the sword c. yet Job saith The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away blessed be the name of the Lord. And the Holy Ghost addeth In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly Job 1. 12 22. And when again by Gods permission Satan smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown he saith to his wife What shall we receive good at the band of God and shall we not receive evil unto which also is immediately subjoined In all this Job did not sin with his lips Job 2. 7 10. and chap. 10. 2 3. Isa 10. 5 6. 2 Cor. 12. 7. And therefore 2. All lightnings and thunderings all afflictions and evils of judgment and punishment proceeding out of the throne they are ordered to us in righteousness He sitteth in the throne judging in righteousness Psal 9. 4. In righteousness he doth judg and make war Rev. 19. 11. When clouds and darkness are round about him righteousness and judgment are the habitation or establishment of his throne Psal 97. 2. and 89. 14. He is excellent in judgment and in plenty of juâ—tice Job 37. 23. Psal 7. 12. Hence it is said by the Angel of the waters Thou art righteoâ—s O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast judged thus And another Angel out of the altar said Even so Lord God Almighty true and righteous are thy judgments Rev. 16. 5 7. and chap. 19. 2. And this being considered may instruct us always to ascribe righteousness to our Maker Job 36. 3. as the Prophet doth when he had been severely judging his people O Lord righteousness belongeth unto thee but unto us confusion of faces c. Dan. 9. 7 14. and to the same purpose that good man speaketh saying Howbeit thou art just in all thou hast brougâ—t upon us for thou hast done right but we have done wickedly Neh. 9. 32 33. It 's not meet for us to endeavour to disannul his judgment or to condemn him that we may be righteous Job 40. 8. though indeed to the end we may ascribe righteousness to him it is needful we humble our souls and suffer pride to be hidden from us as it is said of the Princes of Israel and the King They â—umbled themselves and said The Lord is righteous 2 Chron. 12. 6 7. and the consideration hereof may also engage us to search and try our ways and turn unto him Lam. 3. 37 40. To judg our selves and take shame to our selves and to acknowledg we have righteously deserved whatsoever is inflicted on us or further threatned to us and if we would judg our selves we should not be further judged 1 Cor. 11. 31. and to turn from our iniquities that we may understand his truth Daâ— 9. 13 14. for that is his end in all the ordering of his judgments and cloudy and dark days unto us and therefore at such a time he exhorts to turn unto him with all the heart which we cannot do unless we turn from the things that are reproved and put away our abominations out of his sight Joel 2. 2 12 13. with Jer. 4. 1. and Acts 26. 18. and this being minded also would take us off from fretting our selves against instruments and help us to cease from anger and forsake wrath and not fret our selves in any wise to do evil Psal 37. 7 8. but in patience to possess our souls Thus it is recorded of David how that when he was in great affliction and Sâ—imei helped forward his affliction greatly whereby some of Davids followers were so provoked to anger that they would have taken off his head this now quieted the heart of that holy man and kept him from fretting himself in any wise to do evil That this affliction was ordered to him by him that sits on the throne So let him curse saith he because the Lord hath said unto him Curse David c. 2 Sam. 16. 7 10 12. He was dumb and opened not his mouth because the Lord did it Psal 39. 9. and the consideration hereof also may provoke us to lift up our hearts with our hands to God in the heavens in a day of darkness and gloominess in a tempestuous day To whom should a people seek but to their God Lam. 3. 37 41. to which purpose is that exhortation Come let us return unto the Lord for he hath torn and â—e will heal he hath smitten and he will bind us up Hos 5. 14 15. and chap. 6. 1 2. Isa 8. 20. Thus it is good to demean our selves in every day of affliction and wrath though here directly he speaks of such judgments and testimonies of displeasure as come more immediately from him that sits on the throne Psal 97. 4 7. 3. They proceed out of the throne about which is the rain-bow Let that be remembred by us so as in all he will ever be mindful of his Covenant his Covenant of Mercy And so we may learn that the Lord is not only righteous in all his ways but also merciful and gracious in all his works Psal 145. 8 9 17. And is and will be nigh unto all them â—hat call upon him to all that call upon him in truth He will fulfil the desâ—re of them that fear him he also will hear their cry and will save them He will answer them in the secret place of thunder Psal 145. 18 19. with Psal 81. 7. He hath given his Son fâ—r a Covenant of the people to establish the earth and through him and for his sakâ— while it is called to day he is good to all loving to every man even in all the storms he is ordering even while they are joyned to all the living for the bow was a token of the Covenant between him and every living creature Gen. 9. 12 16. Joâ— 33. 14. 30. And his mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteoâ—sness upon childrens children to such as keep his Covenant and to those that remember his commandments to do them the Lord hath prepared his thronâ— in the Heavens
had saved out of Egypt Jude 5. And spared not 〈◊〉 natural branches but shewed his severâ—ty against them in breaking them off because of their unbelief Rom. 11. 20 22. Yea such was his Holiness that he would by no means clear the guilty how near soever they were to him as Moses saith This is that the Lord spake saying I will be sanctified in them that come nigh unto me c. Lev. 10. 1 3. Moses and Aâ—â—on among his priests and Samuel among them that call upon his name They called upon the Lord and â—e answered them Thou answeredst them O Lord our God thou wast a God that forgavest them though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his holy hill for the Lord our God is holy Psal 99. 5 6 9. And holy he was in devising a means that his banished should not be expelled from him He was holy in chusing Christ to be our Mediator and Saviour Isa 49. 7. in sending him into the world in remembrance of his holy Covenant Luke 1. 49 72. in condemning our sin in the flesh of his own Son as hath been said before Psal 22. 1 2 3. Rom. 8. 3 32. and he was ever merciful to man ward He remembred us in our low estate for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 136. 23 24. His tender mercies and his loving-kindness have been for ever of old Psal 25. 6 7. And as he was holy so also he is holy in both respects as he saith I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed Mal. 3. 6 7. Hence when the Apostle had been admonishing the believers not to charge God foolishly not to say they were tempted of God or he was the author of their sin he then assures them on the contrary That every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the father of lights with whom saith he is no variableness neither shadow of turning He is the same that ever he was in holiness and graciousness of affection to mankind Jam. 1. 13 16 17. And such an one he is to come and will be for ever He will never be reconciled to impenitent unholy ones Without holiness no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14 16. As Moses saith concerning Analek The Lord hath sworn that he will have wars with Amalek from generation to generation The same also may be said of all that remain unsanctified ones Exod. 17. 16. Though he be a God of salvations though he be gracious and merciful long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth yet he will wound the head of his enemies and the â—airy scalp of such as go on still in their trespasses He will by no means clear the guilty Psal 68. 18. 21. with Exod. 34. 6 7. He is of one mind and who can turn him Job 23. 13. Rev. 21. 27. And therefore let none of us deceive our own selves or be deceived by others as if we should find God hereafter otherwise than he â—â—â—s and hath manifested himself to be for he is to come the same that he was and is Eph. 5. 5 7. Gal. 6. 7 8. and chap. 5. 19 20 21. Amos 8. 7. And he is to come gracious and merciful so that if the wicked forsake his way and the man of iniquity his thoughts and return to the Lord he will have mercy c. Isa 55. 1 4 7. And the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto childrens children to such as keep his Covenant and to those that remember his commandments to do them Psal 103. 17 18. Luke 1. 50. Lord God Almighty Thus the living creatures also say and acknowledg him to be that sits upon the Throne of his holiness even the Father Word and Holy Spirit see the notes before on chap. 1. ver 8. This one God is of all might and power and able to do whatsoever he pleases and not like the gods and idols of the Heathens Psal 115. 3 8. and 135. 5 6 7 c. He is the Lord God Almighty who hath made the heaven and the earth and all things by his great power and stretched-out arm and there is nothing too hard for him Jer. 32. 17 19. and who upholdeth all things by the word of his power He is Almighty he can bless yea in the seed of Abraham Isaac and Jacob hath prepared blessing for all the nations and families of the earth Gen. 28. 3 14. who can give mercy to sinners yea and to such sinners also as by their iniquities have sold themselves Gen. 43. 14. Isa 50. 1 2 3. and he is good to all Job 22. 17 18. Psal 145. 9. and one that will defend protect and enrich such as come unto or return to him as Eliphaz saith If thou return to the Almighty thou shalt be built up yea the Almighty shall be thy defence or gold and thou shalt have plenty of silver Job 22. 23 26. They that dwell in the â—ecret of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty Psal 91. 1 2. 2 Cor. 6. 17 18. and who is able to destroy and will destroy with an everlasting destruction his implacable enemies The Lord God Almighty will destroy them that destroy the earth Rev. 11. 17 18. and chap. 16. 7 14. and chap. 19. 15. And the consideration of his Almightiness might both admonish us not to stretch forth our hand against him or strengthen our selves against the Almighty for who ever hardned himself against him and prospered Job 15. 25. and chap. 40. 2. and engage us to seek unto him betimes and make supplications to the Almighty Job 8. 5. and chap. 22. 23. for he can do every thing for us and no thought can be withholden from him Job 40. 2. with chap. 42. 2. He can pardon our iniquities and give all good to us Isa 50. 1 3. Numb 14. 17 18. Power belongs to him and also with him is mercy Psal 62. 8 11 12. And it might encourage us to walk before him and to be perfect Gen. 17. 1. and shews unto us the brutishness and unreasonableness of the thoughts and reasonings of such wicked ones who while they acknowledg him to be Almighty yet speak of him as if his hand were shortned or he wanted power What is the Almighty say they that we should serve him And what profit should we have if we pray unto him And again they say unto God Depart from us and what can the Almighty do for them or to them Job 21. 14. 16. and chap. 22. 17. whereas they might most reasonably say What cannot the Almighty do for or to them Wo to him that striveth with his Maker Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it What makest thou or thy work He hath no hands Isa 45. 9. and in the living creatures
praise or signifies praise as give God the praise or glory John 9. 24. and they loved the praise or glory of men more than the praise or glory of God Joâ— 12. 43. Mat. 6. 2. according to that Whoso offereth praise glorisieth me Psal 50. 23. and these two words praised and glorified are used as words of a like signification As thou hast praised the gods of silver and gold and the God in whose hand thy breath is and whose are all thy ways hast thou not glorified Dan. 5. 13. Now thus understanding the expression so it informs us That he that sits upon the throne is supremely the subject or object of the praise of the living creatures and only so in a religious sense as Moses saith to Israel He is thy praise and he is thy God c. Deut. 10. 21. And as Jeremy saith Thou art my praise chap. 17. 12 14. Psal 109. 1. And they give him praise when they say Holy c. ver 8. They then make his praise glorious Psal 66. 1 2. Or by glory we may understand an inwardly excellent esteem and high account which they have of this most excellent one they have an excellent opinion of him in their hearts and souls and from thence they render his praise glorious the high praises of God are in their mouth 1 Pet. 3. 15. Psal 34. 1 2. and Psal 106. 1 2 3. Heb. 11. 11. Rom. 4. 20 21. Or they give glory that is they ascribe unto him most excellent Majesty luster splendor brightness as he appears in this vision like a Jasper-stone ver 2. whereto the glory of God is compared Rev. 21. 11. See Luke 9. 31. Acts 22. 11. 2 Cor. 3. 7. with Exod. 34. 29 30. so whereas in Luke 9. 32. it is said Peter James and John saw Christs glory it is elsewhere thus expressed We were eye-witnesses of his Majesty 2 Pet. 1. 16 18. And men are exhorted to enter into the roâ—k and hide themselves for the glory of his Majesty Isa 2. 10 19 21. And of the Saints it is said They shall make known to the sons of men the glorious majesty of his kingdom Psal 145. 10 12. And Honour this they also give unto him as the four and twenty Elders likewise do ver 11. and all the Angels chap. 7. 11 12. and chap. 5. 11 12. and every creature which is in heaven and on the earth c. chap. 5. 13 14. And this Honour is much-what in signification like unto the former word glory and indeed by them both in general yea by all three is signified they give him worship or they herein oâ— hereby worship him as it is said They worshipped God saying Blessing and glory and honour be unto our God chap. 7. 11 12. and chap. 4. 10 11. and so here by honour particularly may be meant an ascribing divine worship and adoration unto him in their sacrifices of prayers praises and thanksgivings in and through Jesus Christ Isa 43. 23. For he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that hath sent him Joh. 5. 23. So the drawing nigh unto and honouring God both which are contained in one word to wit honouring him Compare Isa 29. 13. and Matth. 15. 7 8. with Mark 7. 6. is explicated presently to be a worshipping him Matth. 15. 8 9. Mark 7. 6 7. And indeed he only is the object of all religious honour and worship as our Saviour saith Thou shalt wâ—rship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Matth. 4. 10. and we are to honour him not doing our own ways nor finding our own pleasure nor speaking our own words Isa 58. 13. 14. and this honouring him contains in it an high esteem and acknowledgment of his infinite superiority above all creatures and created Beings whatever and also a sense of our inconceivable inferiority unto him and that we have nothing are nothing can do nothing but that he is the possessor of Heaven and Earth and all comes from him and therefore all glorious honour in our hearts and with our mouths is to be ascribed unto him 1 Chron. 29. 11-16 1 Sam. 2. 29 30. And thanks This also they render unto him for his goodness mercy and kindness towards them Hence we are oft called upon and provoked to give thanks unto the Lord because he is good for his mercy endureth for ever Psal 105. 1. and 106. 1. and 107. 1. and 118. 1. 29. and 136. 1 2 3-26 see Luk. 17. 16. and especially and principally thanks is to be given to him because he hath so loved the world as to give his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3. 16. As it is said of Annah the Prophetess when she came into the Temple when Jesus was there she gave thanks likewise unto the Lord to wit fâ—r this wonderful love and mercy manifested in Christ Luke 1. 78 79. she not only gave thanks to the Lord but she did likewise as others also had done and spake of Jesus to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem Luke 2. 28-38 and so the Apostle doth saying Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift 2 Cor. 9. 15. yea and thanks were given by them unto God for that he had delivered them out of the power of darkness and translated them into the kingdom of his dear son Col. 1. 12 13. Rev. 5. 8 9. Psal 116. 3 8 9 c. yea thanks are to be given to him for all his mercies favours and blessings as the Psalmist saith Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not any of his benefits who forgiveth all thine iniquities and healeth all thy diseases who redeemeth thy life from destruction who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies c. Psal 103. 1 2 3 5. And the Apostle exhorteth us to give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Eph. 5. 18 20. And thus the living creatures come and thus should we come always into Gods Presence according to that Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise be thankful unto him and bless his name for the Lord is good his mercy is everlasting c. Psal 100. 4 5. and 95. 1 2. To which purpose also the Apostle exhorts saying Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Phil. 4. 6. Col. 4. 2. 1 Chron. 23. 30. And this sacrifice of thanksgiving we should always offer in all our addresses to God by Christ as our Altar and High-priest as the Apostle saith By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name Heb. 13. 10-15 Thus Daniel three times a-day kneeled upon his knees and prayed and gave thanks before his God Dan. 6. 10. And thus the Apostle exhorts
when they knew God they glorified him not as God neither were thankful c. Rom. 1. 19 20 21. 2. And as with respect to the new Creation he hath created all things in Jesus Christ The Lord hath created a new thing in the earth a woman hath compassed a man Jer. 31. 22. and Christ is the beginning of the new ' Creation of God also Rev. 3. 14. In whom there is a dinner prepared and all things are now ready Matth. 22. 2-4 Luk. 14. 17. And if any man be in Christ he is a new creature old things are passed away and behold all things are become new and all things are of God 2 Cor. 5. 14-17 18. He prepared a body for Christ laid our sins and trespasses upon him delivered him up for our offences and raised him from the dead for our justification and hath exalted him and set him on his own right hand in the Heavens and blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus He loveth the son and hath given all things into his hand because he laid down his life that he might take it up again and all things that the Father hath are his Ephes 1. 3. John 3. 35. with chap. 10. 17. and chap. 16. 14 15. and in due season he will by Jesus Christ make all things new Rev. 21. 1-5 But to this we shall add no more here because we shall have more apt occasion to speak to it God assisting in chap. 5. 8 9 10. But shall especially take these words and look upon them as referring unto the first Creation and agreeing with chap. 10. 6. and chap. 14. 6-8 2. And for tby pleasure or will they are and were created This is a further reason why the Elders acknowledg he is worthy to receive glory and honour and power or a further branch of the former reason And herein is declared to us the Reason and End why all things are and were created to wit for his will and pleasure For as of him and thorow him so to him are all things To whom therefore be glory for ever Rom. 11. 35 36. For him are all things and by him are all things Heb. 2. 10. And by Christ were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth All things were created by him and for him Col. 1. 16. And for thy pleasure they are namely they subsist or consist in that order in which they are they are upheld by him in Christ and by his Providence even by his divine Power Wisdom and Goodness during his pleasure and for his pleasure he preserves them O Lord thou preservest man and beast how excellent is thy loving-kindness O God! Psal 36. 5 6 7. He disposeth the whole world Job 34. 12-17 and his counsel thereabout shall stand and he will do all his pleasure Isa 46. 10. He doth according to his will in the Army of Heaven and among the Inhabitants of the Earth and none can stay his hand or say unto him What doest thou Dan. 4. 35. Col. 1. 16 17-20 And were created to wit all things were made for his pleasure The Lord hath made all things for himself Prov. 16. 4. Quest But now what is his will and pleasure for which all things are and were created This is needful to be enquired intâ— and considered by us Answ Unto that we may give Answer and say 1. As with respect unto all creatures below and inferiour to man as they were created and are for his praise in their several stations and places and according to their natures and beings Psal 148. 3-10 and 150. 6. so they were made and are for mans use and service so in his first Creation God gave man dominion over the fish of the Sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth Gen. 1. 26 28-30 31. And after man by sin had lost that Dominion and Lordship our Lord who was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world hath restored this dominion again into the nature of man in himself Psal 8. 3-8 9. with Hebr. 2. 6-8 9. And thorow him Gods tender mercies are over all his works for the good of mankind while it is called to day Psal 145. 8 9 and 85. 10-12 and 68. 18 19. And hence after the Lord smelled a savour of rest in the sacrifice offered by Noah a type of the sacrifice of Christ Ephes 5. 2. He said unto Noah and his Sons The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every fowl of the air upon all that moveth on the earth and upon all the fishes of the Sea into your hand are they delivered every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you even as the green herb have I given you all things Gen. 9. 1 2 3. Col. 1. 20. Ephes 5. 20. 1 Tim. 4. 4 5. 2. As with respect to that part of his Creation which is rational even mankind for of intelligent creatures to wit Angels we shall not speak directly so we may say his will or pleasure in creating and preserving them was 1. Not to sin against him or be disobedient unto him who was and is their creator and preserver He is not a God not such a God as hath pleasure in wickedness Psal 5. 4. that is not his will or pleasure The lusts of sinful men and the will of God are opposite and contrary one to another as the Apostle signifieth saying That we no longer should live to the lusts of men but unto the will of God for the time past of our lives may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles where the Apostle gives us to understand That the living to the lusts of evil men is a working the will of the Gentiles who knâ—w not God but serve Devils and not the doing the will of God 1 Pet. 4. 2 3. with 1 Thes 4. 5. and 1 Cor. 10. 20. And so the doing and finding our own pleasure is opposite to the doing his and delâ—ghting our selves in him Isa 58. 13 14. And the doing his will and loving the world the lusts of the flesh the lust of the eyes and the pride of life are set against and the one contrary to the other 1 John 2. 15 16 17. Sâ—n is an abominable thing to him which he hates Jer. 44. 4. And he that doth it is of the Devil and not of God and the lusts of the Devil he doth do and not the will of the most pure God John 8. 44. He that committeth sin is of the Devil for the Devil sinneth from the beginning whosoever doth not righteousness is not of God neither he that loveth not his brother but he is manifest to be herein a child of the Devil 1 John 3. 8-10 If we say we have fellowship with God and walk in darkness we lye and do not the truth 1 Joh. 1. 5 6. Indeed in just
Who is Apollo but Ministers c. So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase 1 Cor. 3. 5-7 What hast thou that thou didst not receive And if thou didst receive why shouldest thou glory as if thou hadst not received it 1 Cor. 4. 7. 2 Cor. 4 5-7 2. To preserve us from trusting or glorying in them or having Idolatrous esteems of them this was a great evil found with the Corinthians as the Apostle signifies saying While one saith I am of Paul and another I am of Apollo are ye not carnal To cure them whereof he adds Who then is Paul c. 1 Cor. 1. 12 13. â—and Chapt. 3. 1-5 21 23. And these things Brethren I have trâ—nsferred my self and to Apollo in a figure for your sakes that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written that no one of you be puffed up for one against another 1 Cor. 4. 6 7. Why should we look earnestly on them as if by their own power or holiness they could do any thing Act. 3. 12. when as without Christ they can do nothing Joh. 15. 2-5 3. The consideration of this that they may be Instruments of Instruction and Consolation to us who are not Authors of it may help us not to despise them because they are but Instruments but to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake 1 Thes 5. 12 13. And to count them worthy of double honour especially such as labour in the Word and Doctrine 1 Tim. 5. 17. For he that heareth them that bring Christ's Doctrine heareth him and he that receiveth them receiveth him and he that receiveth him receiveth him that sent him and he that despiseth despiseth not man but God who also hath given to them his Holy Spirit Luk. 10. 16. Math. 10. 39 40. 1 Thes 4. 2-8 It s true they are men and not GOD but it is as true they are labourers together with God and therefore in taking heed to themselves and to the Doctrine and continuing in them they shall both save themselves and them that hear them and may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith they themselves have been comforted of God 1 Tim. 4. 16. 2 Cor. 1. 3 4. Let no man therefore esteem lightly of them Rom. 10. 15. 4. We may further also Note In that the same Mesâ—enger is not now sent as was before ver 2. That one Messenger may occasion grief and another may be employed to comfort such as are in heaviness and sadness All are Gods Servants and one may be employed in one service and another in another Paul plants and Apollo waters 1 Cor. 3-5 6 7. The Apostle Paul first preached the Gospel in Asia Acts 19. 10. And after John had a Command given him that what he saw he should write in a Book and send to the seven Churches in Asia to instruct admonish reprove comfort them See the Notes before on Chap. 1. ver 11. let none of us therefore despise any of God's Messengers yea though they be not so excellent as some others are but wisely consider that they also work the work of the Lord even as the more eminent oneâ— also do 1 Cor. 16. 10 11. 2 Cor. 8. 18-22-24 2. We have next in order to consider what the Elder said unto the Apostle to comfort him and that is propounded to us 1. By what he said unto the Apostle John as with respect unto himself Weep not Wherein we have signified to us 1. That there was somewhat of Infirmity in the Apostles weeping and lamentation as hath been before noted or else the Elder would not thus have forbidden him to weep In some cases and upon some occasions they may weep and mourn As the Apostle James saith Be afflicted and mourn and weep let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy into heaviness Jam. 4. 9. But at sometimes they may causlesly or unseasonably lament So Nehemiah c. said unto all the people This day is holy unto the LORD mourn not nor weep neither be ye sorry for all the people wept Neh. 8. 9 10 11 12. And Mary Magdalene thorow her nescience and slowness of heart to believe stood without at the Sepulchre weeping and the Angels say unto her Woman why weepest thou John 2â— 9-12-16 and Paul saith unto some What mâ—an ye to weep and to break mine heart Act. 21. 13. even the most holiest and most eminent Saints while here are subject to infirmities and weaknesses We are men of like passions with you saith Paul concerning himself and Barnabas Act. 14. 14 15. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are though he was a very eminent Prophet Jam. 5. 17. And here it seems this excellent Apostle did in a great measure weep causlesly or not upon a good ground And many times our weeping may be the fruit of our ignorance or unbelief or forgetfulness and unmindfulness of the excellency of Jesus Christ and those Consolations in and by him 2. But yet we may see the Lord is very pitiful and of very tender mercies and therefore though the Apostle did weep in a great measure causlesly yet he sends a Messenger to speak good words and comfortable words to him to say unto him Weep not and to inform him of or to put to his remembrance what might comfort him and wipe away his tears or deliver him from his sorrow He is not like unto us who are evil if we see another mourn causlesly we are ready to shut up the bowels of oâ—r compassion from him and to say Who would bemoan you or turn a side to comfort you seeing you have no good cause to weep You may even weep on still But who is blind as this most excellent one Seeing many things but he observes them not Isa 42. 19 20. He is not ready to observe Infirmities or quick to anger But he is ready to sympathize with and compassionate his grieved Servants when they wholly or in a great measure mourn causlesly Psal 145. 8. Judg. 10. 16. In all their afflictions and not in some of them only he is afflicted c. Isa 63. 9 He can have compassion on the ignorant in their weepings and them that are out of the way so merciful and comâ—assionate an High Priest is he Heb. 2. 17. and Chap. 5. 2. When Mary Magdalene wept through her infirmity and unbelief our Lord did not say to her Weep on but he then saith to her Woman why weepest thou whom sâ—ekest thou and further saith to her and calls her Mary and so comforts her and turns her sorrow into joy John 20 9-15 16. Animitator of whom in some good measure was the Apostle Paul when some wept causlesly and blame worthily yet he was greatly affected therewith and afflicted therefore What mean you saith he to weep and to break mine heart though he did not
that for ever which are usually given as part of divine worship to the true and eternal God and to him only see Rom. 1. 25. and 11. 36. Gal. 1. 5. Phil. 4. 20. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Jude 25. Rev. 7. 12. And this rendring of praise honour and glory is given unto the true God by Jesus Christ Rom. 16. 27. Ephes 3. 21. And as it appears these ascribings of praise c. are given to Jesus Christ Heb. 13. 21. 1 Pet. 4. 11. and chap. 5. 10. 11. and without controversie they are given to him in several places peculiarly and very fully as Christ who is over all God blessed for ever Amen Rom. 9. 5. To him be glory for ever and ever Amen 2 Tim. 4. 18. with vers 1. 22. To him be glory both now and for ever Amen 2 Pet. 3. 18. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Amen Rev. 1. 6. and Chap. 5. 12-14 and Chap. 7. 10. By all which we may see that the Lamb is also God by nature and therefore to be worshipped with Divine and religious worship and adoration And I have the largelier insisted hereon because there are too many that endeavour to cast him down from his excellency and would perswade that Christ is only an excellent creature 2. We have in the next place to consider what these holy one had when they with all humility prostrated themselves before the Lamb viz. Having every one of them harps and golden Vials full of odours or inceâ—se which are the prayers of Saints Where we have to consider 1. What they had Having every one of them Harps and golden Vials full of odours or incense 2. An Explication given us of these Harps and golden Vials what they are viz. Which are the prayers of Saints 1. What these holy ones had in this Visional representation Having every one of them Harps and golden Vials full of odours or incense Having every one of them Harps Harps were Instruments of Musick invented by Juball who was the father of them Gen. 4. 21. and the Harp was used frequently for mirth joy and gladness Gen. 31. 27. Isa 5. 12. and 23. 16. Joh. 21. 12. Hence it is called the pleasant harp Psal 81. 2. And the joy of the Harp Isa 24. 8. Yea it appears that by Harp is meant joy and gladness in that it is opposed to mourning by Job who saith My Harp also is turned to mourning Job 30 31. And when they had cause and occasion of mourning they laid them by that being an unseasonable time to use them in As it is said By the rivers of Babylon we wept when we remembred Zioâ— we hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof Psal 137. 1 2-4 with Prov. 25. 20. And with Harps when religiously used the people of God did with gladness and rejoicing celebrate the praises of the Lord. So David who was a cunning Player on it 1 Sam. 16. 16 23. resolves he would dâ— Psal 43. 4. and 57. 7 9. and 71. 22. and 108. 1-3 and 81. 2. and commends its use on the Sabbath-day to such an end Psal 92. 1-4 5. and provokes and excites others to praise the Lord with the Harp Psal 33. 2. and 98. 5. and 147. 7. and 150. 3. With these also the singers in former times were to praise the Lord and give thanks unto him 1 Câ—â—on 25. 1-6 and particularly thus with them they praised the Lord For be is good for his mercy endureth for ever 2 Chron. 5. 12. Thus here it is said of these holy ones they bad Harps that is prayers as in the latter end of the verse or praises they did with joy celebrate the praises of the Lamb they did rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of their salvation and sound forth with merry hearts and gladness the praises of the Lamb who was slain as it follows in ver 9. Now here we may learn 1. In that they thus prostrate themselves before the Lamb having Harps that Christ is Jeâ—ovah the true God God by nature as we have seen in the former part of this verse and as appears in that it was Jehovah only whose praises the righteous in former times did celebrate and sound forth with Harps when they used them religiously Indeed the Heathen and false worshippers used them in praising their dead and false Gods Dan. 3. 5 7 10 15. but those that were upright would not join with them therein vers 17 18. 1 Chron. 13. 8. 2. We may here see the union and communion between the Holy ones in Heaven and the Saints on Earth they had every one of them Harps and they were as one in making one sound to be heard in praising and exalting not themselves or one another but in singing praises to their King with their Harps Psal 149. 1-3 2 Chron. 5. 12. Psal 133. these here below did not invocate and extol those above but they had all of them one object of praise to wit the Lamb and the twenty-four Elders had not the Harps and the four living Creatures the golden Vials but they had every one of both the Eâ—ders and living Creatures Harps and golden Vials c. See the Notes before on on Rev 4. 10. 3. In that it is said They had Harps which are Prayers c. so we may understand they were not outward material Harps but such as were more excellent and the truth of those typical ones in former times they had a worldly sanctuary but we a spiritual and heavenly one Heb. 9. 1. with Chap. 8. 1 2. â—hey had an Altar High Priest Sacrifice c. but we have the truth of their types Heb. 13. 10. Jeâ— 1. 17. their Harps indeed in former times were called Musical instruments of God 1 Chron. 16. 42. with ver 4 5. because by his appointment they were to worship him with them But ours are more excellent theirs were made by men of fiâ—r-trees 2 Sam. 6. 5. or Algum-tree 2 Chron. 9. 11. but these are made by the Spirit of God Ephâ—s 5. 18-10 Rom. 8. 26 27. and in a more excellent consideration are called Harps of God Rev. 15. 1 2. 4. We may here see who are the singers now not the Levites as in our types but the Saints as in the latter part of the verse Ephes 5. 18 19. Col. 3. 16. Cant. 2. 14. They that come to Christ whether Jews or Gentiles are a chosen gâ—neration a Royal Priesthood c. they are taken for Priests and Levites And in and with their giving thanks to him there is a voice of melody Isa 66. 20 21. Rev. 1. 5 6. 1 Pet. 2. 4. 9 10. But to this more on ver 9 10. And they had also golden Phials or cups aâ— some read it which are certain Vessels to contain liquor or any liquid thing in them so we read of a Phial or Box of Oyl in former times 1 Sam. 10. 1. with 2 King 9. 3. And in this Book we have
Tribe of Levi nor of every house or family of Levi but only of the house of Aaron But now the Priesthood and the Law of the Priesthood is changed and according to Gods promise he hath taken of the Gentiles for Priests and for Levites Isa 66. 19-21 The Gentiles believing with the heart on him whom God hath sent are fellow-citizens with the Saints and of the houshold of faith and are an â—oly Priesthood whether they be male or female bond or free Barbarian Sâ—ythian or Edomite c. Ephes 2. 17-19 20. 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. Gal. 3. 26-28 Col. 3. 10 11. Rev. 1. 4 6. And whatever tongue they are of and though they cannot speak Latine Greek or Hebrew yet in being redeemed from their vain conversation by the precious blood of Christ this dignity is also vouchsafed unto and graciously conferred upon them He hath made them Priests And this he hath done 1. By a birâ—h from himself they are the children whom God hath given to him who is the everlasting Father and only High-Priest and begetter of spiritual Priests Heb. 2. 13. Isa 9. 6. And as in former times those only that were born of and descended from Aaron the Typical High-Priests were Priests unto God Exod. 28. 1. 40. 41. Lev. 1. 5. 8. 11. Numb 16. 1-40 And it is said of some These sought their register among thâ—se that were reckoned by Genealogy but it was not found therefore were they as polluted put from the Priesthood Neh. 7. 63 64 65. So now those and those only who come unto and are born of Jesus Christ who is the only High-Priest and who hath an unchangeable Priesthood which passeth not from himself unto any other are made a spiritual house and an holy Priesthood They are a chosen generation a royal Priesthood an holy nation a peculiar people c. Heb. 7. 21-24 25. with 1 Pet. â— 4 5-9 And that they may stand before and minister unto the Lord therefore 2. He washes them from their sins in his own blood and redeems them out of every kindred c. Rev. 1. 5 6. and 5. 9 10. Cloathes them and anoints them as answering to our types in former times Exod. 28. 40 41. and 29. 4 5. and 40. 12-16 Rev. 7. 14 15. and 11. 4. 3. And thus fiâ—ted and prepared continually they are Priests to minister unto God and to offer sacrifice not any propitiatory sacrifice for purging away their sinâ— or make satisfaction to Gods justice for them this they neither can do nor need to do This was the only work of our High-Priest who gave himself for us an offering and a sacrifice unto God for a sweet smelling savour Ephes 5. 2. He himself bare our sins in his own body on the tree And by one offering even that of his own body offered once for all hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified and obtained eternal redemption even the forgiveness of sins Now whâ—re remissioâ— of these is there is no more offering for sin 1 Pet. 2. 24. Heb. 10. 5-10-14 18. and 9. 12 14. with Col. 1. 14. Nor are they to offer bodily sacrifices such as the Priests in former times did not the blood of bulls calves and goats c. but they are to offer the sacrifices of righteousness Psal 4. 5. spiritual sacrifices 1 Pet. 2. 4 5. that is to say they are to offer unto him broken and contrite hearts The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit A broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise Psal 51. 17. An heart broken for its sins and Idols and broken off from them and from all confidence in the flesh and rejoicings and gloryings in its own doings and works of righteousness and given up unto and devoted to God to love fear worship trust in and expect all from him and to rejoice and glory in the Cross of Christ Mat. 5. 3. this is that he calls for Prov. 23. 26. And thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity whose name is holy I dwell in the high and holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones Isa 57. 15 16. and Chap. 66. 1 2 3. Phil. 3. 1-3-9 Gal. 6. 14. They are also to offer and present their bodies unto him a living sacrifice holy and acceptable which is their reasonable service Rom. 12. 1. and so both spirit and body are to be offered unto him Some there are indeed who draw nigh to God with their moâ—ths and honour him with their lips but their hearts mean time are far removed from him and therefore their worship is vain Mat. 15. 7-9 others pretend to worship God with their spirits and to give him their hearts while they offer their bodies to sin and satan and are servants of unrighteousness there with But surely the whole man is to be given unto him and we are to glorifie him both in our body and spirit which are his 1 Câ—r 6. 19 20. We are to yield up and offer our selves our whole selves unto God as those alive from the dead and our members as instruments of righteousness unto God Rom. 6. 13-16 with Rom. 12. 1-3 They are also to pâ—ay unto him even for all men and to pour out their hearts as a drink-offering before him as here vers 8. Psal 62. 8. and 141. 2. with 1 Tim. 2. 1-8 Rev. 8. 3-5 And to offer up the sacrifices of thanks-giving unto God continually which are the calves or fruits of their lips and thus they are to do always when they pray unto him as it is said Be careful for nothing but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God Psal 50. 14. and 107. 22. Heb. 13. 15. Phil. 4. 6. This sacrifice also shall please the Lord better than a Bullock that hath borns and â—â—ofs Psal 69. 30 31. Ephes 5. 18-20 As also they are to render his praise glorious unto others They are a royal Priesthood that they should shew forth the praises and vertues of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light 1 Pet. 2. 9-12 Heb. 13. 15. Psal â—05 1-3 And whoso offereth praise glorifieth him and to him that disposeth his way he will shew the salvation of God Psal 50. 23. And they are not to forget to do good and to communicate for with such sacrifices being offered by Christ God is well pleased Heb. 13. 15 16. He will have mercy and not sacrifice Hos 6. 6. And hath instructed and exhorted us to honour the Lord with our substance and with the first fruits of our increase Prov. 3. 9. with Isa 43. 23. And it is an odour of a sweet smell a sacrifice acceptable and well-pleasing unto God when we communicate unto others more especially to them that are of the houshold of faith and most especially unto them who serve him