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
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
Nature Children of Wrath even as others as the rest of Mankind Eph. 2. 2 5. We our selves were sometimes foolish disobedient deceived serving divers Lusts and Pleasures living in Malice and Envy hateful and hating one another Col. 2. 12 13. 1 Pet. 4. 3. Tit. 3. 3 4 5. Oh let us shew all meekness to all men and pity and pray for them considering our selves Tit. 3. 2 3. Mat 18. 23 35. Are there not Sins with us even with us also against the LORD our God 2 Chron. 28. 10. and such we have been guilty of as others have been even such as are properly called our Sins our own Personal Sins against Light and Grace vouchsafed 3. Needful it is that we be washed from our Sins otherways we cannot be accepted of him who is of purer eyes then to behold Iniquity nor have admission into his presence here or Kingdom hereafter Unless we be washed we can have no part with Christ Joh. 13. 8. Without Holiness no man shall see the Lord Heb. 12. 14. The Unrighteous cannot inherit the Kingdom of God unless they be washed sanctified and justified in the name of the LORD JESVS CHRIST and by the Spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6. 9 11 Eph. 5. 3 7. Col. 3. 5 8. 4. He washed us from our Sins We could not wash our selves in any wisdom or strength of our own if we had washed our selves with Snow-water and made our Hands never so clean yet he would have plunged us into the Ditch our own Cloths would make us to be abhorred Job 9. 30 31. Though we had taken to us Nitre and much Soap yet our Iniquities would still have been marked before the LORD Jer. 2. 22. Isay 66. 17. Indeed he calls upon us to wash us and make us clean c. Isay 1. 16. But not in any Fountain or with any Water of our own but in the light and strength of his Grace But still he is the first and principal doer hereof and worker herein and unless he wash us we can have no part with him Joh. 13. 8. Hence the Psalmist begs of the Lord that according to the multitude of his mercies he would wash him thorowly from all his Iniquities and cleanse him from all his Sins That he would purge him with Hysop and he should be clean that he would wash him and he should be whiter then Snow Ps 51. 2 7. Oh the wonderful humility of Jesus Christ It was great condescension in him to wash his Disciples Feet Joh. 13. But how greatly doth his Humility appear that he would wash us from our Sins which are more filthy then the filthiest thing in this World ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins and in him is no Sin 1 Joh. 3. 5 6. 5. He washed us from our Sins in his own Blood He is the Author of our washing and this is the way and means That he might do it it was needful he should partake of the Flesh and Blood and that he should dye for our Sins Gal. 1. 4. And rise again without which we should have been still in our Sins 1 Cor. 15. 16 17. No washing away of our Sins without Blood Without Blood-shedding there is no remission nor purgation of Sins Heb. 9. 22 23. Nor could there be any washing without his own Blood It was not possible that the Blood of Bulls and Goats could take away Sin Wherefore he came into the World in a Body prepared for him and laid down his Life and took it up again that he might become a Fountain in and thorow his own Blood for the washing us from our filth and uncleanness Heb. 10. 1 4. c. He hath made Peace for us by the Blood of his Cross Col. 1. 20. And obtained forgiveness of our following Sins Eph. 1. 7. And is become a Fountain for Sin and for Vncleanness Zech. 13. 1. He discovered the preciousness thereof to us in his Gospel 1 Joh. 5. 6. And washt us from the Dominion of Sin in our minds from our Ignorance and enmity Tit. 3. 3 5. Acts 26. 18. Joh. 9. 7 11 15. from the guilt of Sin in our Consciences Ps 51. 1 7. Acts 10. 43. and ch 13. 39. and from the service of our divers Lusts and Vanities Heb. 10. 22. 1 Pet. 1. 18 19. 6. This was the fruit of his love He loved us and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood Oh infinite love it was in him that he should partake with us of the Flesh and Blood and shed his precious Blood and pour out his Soul to death for us that he might redeem us from our Iniquities and make known and evidence his Blood to us with the ends and vertues thereof and apply it to and sprinkle it upon us that our hearts thereby might be sprinkled from an evil Conscience and our Bodies washed with pure Water Heb. 10. 22. and ch 9. 14. This was the fruit of his love of his first-love fundamentally and of his following also Ezek. 16. 8 9. He gave himself for his Church that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of Water in the word And to this his love led him Eph. 5. 25 27. Oh! learn we of him thus to testifie love one to another If he our Lord and Master have washed us because he loved us we ought also to wash one anothers Feet for he hath given us an example that we should do as he hath done to us Joh. 13. 1 4 13 15. Oh let us not then hate one another in our hearts but let us rebuke one another in Love and not suffer Sin one upon another Lev. 19. 17. To this end consider him He hath loved us and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood To him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Bless the LORD O our Souls who forgiveth all your Iniquities who healeth all the Diseases of your Soul who redeemeth the life of your Soul from Destruction c. Ps 103. 1 3 4. Verse 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father to him be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Amen In this Verse is laid down and declared to us what further Cause and Reason there is for such as are redeemed unto God to ascribe Glory and Honour unto the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ with the Doxology or giving praise it self unto him upon all these accounts mentioned v. 5 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests This is the consequent of his loving and washing us from our Sins c. v. 5. Vnto him who loved us and washed us and hath made us Kings c. Ezek 16. 9 12. 1 Cor. 6. 9 11. And herein it appears that he is the Prince of the Kings of the Earth as it shall be when he makes all things New For he hath made us Kings c. And is and shall be the Lord of Kings Dan. 2. 47. Some understand by this Phrase he hath
only did he in Love cover them but also he revealed the deep and mysterious things to him What an encouragement is this for us poor sinful ones to turn to him from whom we have revolted and to take with us words and say take away all iniquity and receive us graciously or give good Hos 14. 1 4. So presently after Christ had upbraided all his Apostles for their Unbelief and hardness of heart because they believed not them that had seen him after he was risen he immediately adds Go ye into all the World and preach the Gospel to every Creature c. Mark 16. 14 15 20. So he was pleased to honour Peter greatly and make him an eminent Instrument for preaching the Gospel and converting many thousand Jews after he had called him Satan Mat. 16. 22. And after Peter had so often and foully denied his Master even with cursing and swearing c. Mat. 26. 69 74. Gal. 2. And this Consideration 1. may teach us not to be many Masters for in many things we offend all Jam. 3. 1 2. 2. It may also instruct us not to glory in Men nor idolize them for the most eminent Men of them are of like passions with others Jam. 5. 17 Acts 14. 13 15. 3. It shews unto us that they also needed Mercy as well as we Ps 5. 5 7. 4. It may incourage us to confess our Sins and hope in his Mercy 1 Joh. 1. 8 10. and not be discouraged because of our great unworthiness and many evils but to pray unto him and to expect his Mercy and Grace in waiting upon him and keeping his way Elias was a Man subject to like passions as we are and be prayed earnestly and God heard him Jam. 5. 17 18. and he was an eminent Man and one highly favoured of the Lord and who had many Visions vouchsafed unto him of the Lord Compare also Acts 14. 15. with 2 Cor. 12. 1 7. 4. I John not the first named Apostle but Peter was the first in order nay John was the last of the three named with Peter and James so Mark 5. 37. and ch 9. 2. and 14. 33. Gal. 2. 9. Nor one of the first called to follow Christ Peter and Andrew were before him Joh. 1. 40 43. Mat. 4. 18 21. nor the forwardest speaker but Peter was more forward and frequent in speaking when they were together it seems than he Acts 3. and ch 4. 8. c. And yet herein he was preferred before them all in having this Book or the Contents of it sent and signified to him And we may from hence learn that there are first that shall be last and last first as our Saviour said to Peter when he so forwardly told his Master they had forsaken all and followed him and demanded what shall we have therefore Mat. 19. 27 30. and ch 20. 16. So it was also true of Paul in some respects who was called after others yea last of all as one born out of due time He was in nothing behind or inferior to the very chiefest Apostles 2 Cor. 12 1 7 11 12. yea he laboured more abundantly than they all yet not he but the Grace of God which was with him 1 Cor. 15. 8 10. Let no Man boast that he was in the ministry before others for God may as much or more favour such as were later therein than those before them Mat. 20. 14 16. Nor lift up himself because he is more forward to speak but let every one be clothed with humility and as our Saviour saith to his Disciples he that is greatest among you shall be your Servant Mat. 23. 10 11. 5. I John That Disciple whom Jesus loved as he is often described to us Joh. 13. 23 25. and ch 19. 26. and ch 21. 7 20 24. It is not said that Disciple that loved Jesus though doubtless he loved him very much but whom Jesus loved with an high degree of Love and with a greater degree it seems than therewith he loved the residue of his Disciples though he loved them all with the same manner of Love to him are these Visions and this Revelation given He now testifies Love to those whom he peculiarly loves not as the World doth unto its Favourites Joh. 14. 27. Not in preserving them from afflictions and troubles Joh. 11. 3. but in manifesting himself and his secret to them Ps 25. 14. Joh. 14. 21 23. And many times the more any are beloved of him above others the more he prefers them before others in acquainting them with those things which are more hidden and mysterious So he appeared twice to Solomon who was beloved of his God 2 Sam. 12. 25. 1 Kings 11. 9. with Neh. 13. 26. So he vouchsafed many Visions unto Daniel who was a Man greatly beloved Dan. 9. 23. and ch 10. 11. And such a Vision of the Son of Man was shewed to him as was to his Apostle John In the close of which he is called O Man greatly beloved Dan. 10. 5 11. with Rev. 1. 12 17. Oh that we may so have and keep his Commandments that his Father may love us and he may love us and manifest himself to us and teach us all things Joh. 15. 9. and ch 14. 15 21 23. And unto John that Disciple whom Jesus loved is this Revelation sent even to him unto whom our Saviour committed his Mother and he took her unto his own home Joh. 19. 26 27. He in love laid that Burden upon him before and now reveals these Secrets to him And if thou draw out thy Soul to the hungry and satisfie the afflicted Soul especially such as hear and do the Word of God who are Christ's Mother and Brethren Luke 8. 20 21. Then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness shall be as the Noon-day Then shall thy light break forth as the Morning and the LORD shall guide thee continually c. Isay 58. 7 8 10 11. We have an account of his Relation to the seven Churches and so to all believers Who also am your Brother and Companion Not so to the Angels only but also unto all the Believers He is not ashamed to own them as Brethren and to call himself their Brother and Companion no nor Christ himself and therefore much less should John Heb. 2. 12 13. This was also the practice of the rest of the Apostles generally in their writings to the Churches all except the Apostle Jude But here we may take notice 1. When he thus calls himself even now when he is giving us an account of the Visions he received of the Lord in which he was preferred before them yet now he saith your Brother and Companion one that had the same Father and Mother the same Foundation of Faith matter of feeding hope of the Inheritance Eph. 4. 3 7 11. There is an aptness in such as are so favoured to be lifted up thorow the abundance of Revelations 2 Cor. 12 1 7. but it was not so with
evermore Amen 2. The note of attention to mind this Behold 1. He is alive for evermore Amen even that person that died for us and was buried he is alive for evermore in that his personal body in which he bare our sins on the tree he is raised again now no more to return to corruption Act. 13. 24. He asked life of his father and he gave it him even length of days for ever and ever Ps 21. 3. and so he is become the sure mercies of David Isay 55. 3. with Act. 13. 34. he is the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever 1 Pet. 1. 23 25. He who died for us and now liveth is alive for evermore 1. As the last Adam in whom dwelleth all the fulness of grace and truth and he is and abides the fountain of forgiveness Righteousness wisdom spirit eternal life he is a quickening spirit Col. 1. 18 19 and ch 2. 9 10. Joh. 1. 14. 16. 1 Cor. 15. 45. 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. 2. He is the Bread of life who prevents the dead World with life in due season and ever lives as the receiver and maker free of all that as thus prevented come unto and follow him The Servant namely of sin abideth not in the house for ever But the Son abideth ever Joh. 8. 35 36. And him that cometh he will in no-wise cast out Joh. 6. 33 35 37. Rom. 15. 7. 3. He is alive for evermore as the High-priest This man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priesthood a Priest hood that passeth not from him unto any other Heb. 7. 24. and as the High-priest he maketh intercession for Men he being the one and only mediatour between God and Men Isay 53. 12. 1 Tim. 2. 5. For every High-priest is taken from among Men and is ordained for Men for the good of them Heb. 5. 1. And ever liveth to make Intercession for them that come unto God by him and so is able to the uttermost Heb 7. 8 16 24 25. and ch 6. 20. and ch 7. 28. and ch 10. 12. And so he is the Saviour of all Men especially of them that believe 1 Tim. 4. 10. 4. He ever liveth as the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5. 9 who is now saving them especially 1 Tim. 4. 10. Eph. 5. 23. and will save them hereafter gloriously and eternally Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting Salvation they shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end Isay 45. 17. he is Jesus Christ the anointed Saviour the same yesterday and to day and for ever Heb. 13. 7 8. 2 Tim. 2. 10. Joh. 3. 15 16. 5. He ever liveth as the Resurrection and the life Joh. 11. 25. whose voice all that are in the graves shall hear and shall come forth they that have done good to the resurrection of life and they that have done evil to the resurrection of damnation Joh. 5. 28 29. For as by Man came death by Man also came the Resurrection from the dead For as in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15. 21 22. He shall descend from Heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel with the Trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first 1 Thes 4. 16. and all shall appear before his judgment-Seat for he is the Lord and Judg of all and to this end he both died rose and revived that he might lord it over quick and dead Rom. 14. 9 12. 2 Cor. 5. 8 10. Act 10. 42. 6. He is alive for evermore as the King who is now set upon God's holy hill of Zion Ps 2. 6. who now exercises his government graciouâ—ly and spiritually and shall hereafter rule and raign gloriously Ps 145. 11 13. and 9. 7 8. and 47. 6 8 Heb. 1. 8 11. The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his Father David and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever and of his Kingdom there shall be no end Luk. 1. 32 33. and the Kingdom and dominion and greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given the Prophet of the Saints of the most high whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and all nations shall serve and obey him Isay 9. 6 7. Dan. 7. 27. Amen So be it this is a faithful saying and therefore fear not 2. We have the note of attention to stir us up to mind this Behold This is of great concernment to us to take notice of attend unto and diligently to mind and consider that he who was dead is alive for evermore 1. To admonish and warn us not to reject him or slight his blood once shed and sacrifice once offered For he being raised from the dead dieth no more death hath no more dominion over him and therefore if we sin willingly persist so doing there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery Indignation c. Rom. 6. 9 10. Act. 13. 34. Heb. 10. 26 29. Rev. 15. 7. 2. To comfort and encourage us against our discouragements and dyings which is the end why it is spoken at this time as to say a little particularly 1. To encourage any poor sinner or any that after they have tasted the graciousness of the Lord have brought deadness upon themselves whose spirits are dead and their moisture dried up yet to come unto or return to him for he liveth and that for evermore as the fountain of life of forgiveness grace and spirit Ps 36. 6 9. hence the Prophet exhorts O Israel return unto the Lord thy God for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity and propounds this motive from the Lord to encourage and engage them so to do I am the green fir-tree from me is thy â—ruit found Though thou hast brought deadness and witheredness upon thy self yet in returning to him he will take away all thy iniquities revive and quicken thee for he still abides a quickening spirit Hos 14. 1 9. 1 Cor. 15. 45. Yea our Saviour calls upon and invites every thirster to come unto him and drink and saith He that believeth on me as the scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water Joh. 7. 37 39. and 11. 25 26. Rev. 3. 1. and 21. 6. and ch 22. 17. 2. To encourage his disciples unto all Services though they are as dead ones and have no sufficiency of themselves as of themselves yet he who liveth for ever hath promised to be with them Mat. 28. 18 20. and against all sufferings for his name sake in which the believer is as dying and appointed as a sheep to the slaughter yet he liveth and abideth for ever and is able to save them from their Sins and enemies Heb. 7. 24 26. and to raise them up again and make them partakers of a more excellent life in which the Apostles did comfort and encourage themselves 2 Cor. 4.
1 Joh. 4. 7 10 14 16 17 19. and ch 5. 1. And here-thorow were these Ephesians quickened to the love of God in Christ at first as it is said But God who is â—ich in mercy for or thorow his great love wherewith he loved us even when we were dead in sins hath quickened us c. Eph. 2. 4 5. This is the original and principle of the first love here spoken of 2. This love thus begotten is first placed on him that begat even on the Lord Jesus Christ and God in him because of his first love to us 1 Joh. 4. 19. and ch 5. 1. yea because of his love and loveliness his love is better then winâ— and because of the Savour of his good Oyntments his name is as Oyntment poured forth therefore do the virgins such as are not defiled with Women with whorish societieâ— anâ— congregâ—â—ions love him the upright love him from the Remembrance of his love Cant. 1. 2 3 4. with Rev. 14. 3 4. And because of his beauty and glory his excellency and comeliness for their escape Isay 4. 2. he is firstly the object of their love though now they see him not with their bodily eyes as the Apostles did yet thâ—y love him 1 Pet. 1. 8. Eph. 6. 24. To this the saints are exhâ—â—ted O Love the Lord ye his saints Ps 31. 23. Oh worthy for ever is hâ— to be beloved who so loved uâ— when we wâ—re such filthy polluted ones as to give himself for us Rev. 1. 5 6. Gal. 2. 20. Hence the Apostle when he is triumphing in God's love in not sparing his own Son but delivering him up for us all and in Christs love to us in dying yea rather in rising again c. he addes I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 32 34 39. Thereby it was begotten and thereby maintained and there-thorow fixed on that most excellent Object even Jesus Christ and God in him and such as love him are the called according to purpose Rom. 8. 28. His love and loveliness causeth them that know and believe it to cleave to him with full purpose to pant after him that they may more know him win him and be found in him It causes them to run unto him and follow him hard and to long and wait for his appearing and coming again Ps 42. 1 2. and 63. 1 4 8. Isay 55. 5. 2 Tim. 4. 8. 3. This love thus begotten and fixed upon this most excellent object is inward intense and fervent It is not in word and tongue only but indeed and in truth 1 Joh. 3. 18. Too too many there are who draw nigh to him with their mouth and honour him with their lips while yet their hearts are far removed from him but all such worship is in vain Isay 29. 13. with Mat. 15. 8 9. But this first love here intimately commended to us by Christ is such as is with all the heart like that our saviour saith in answer to the scribe Hear O Israel the Lord our God is one Lord and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength Mark 12. 28 30. Deut. 6. 4 5. Hence Christ is oft thus called by the spouse He whom my soul loveth Cant. 1. 7. and ch 3. 1 2 3 4. This love is with the heart as distinguished from and opposed to that pretence of love or that feigned love found with too many this is love without dissimulation Rom. 12. 9. love in sincerity or with incorruption Eph. 6. 24. and this love is also with the whole heart as distinguished from and opposed to dividedness of heart towards him and also towards other persons or things which is found with many as it is said their heart is divided now shall they be found faulty Hos 10. 2. too many there are who are double-minded who have a soul and a soul whose hearts are full of doublemindedness who in some measure love Christ and together also love somewhat else before or equal to him and so love him not with such a love as is well pleasing to him for no man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other Mat. 6. 24. Luk. 16. 13. and he that loveth Father or Mother more than Christ is not worthy of him he that loveth Son or Daughter more than he is not worthy of him Mat. 10. 37. Luke 14. 24 26. but the first love here spoken of is such as leads one to be and abide for Christ and not to be for another man or object Hos 3. 3. and so inward intense and ardent is this love as that it leads to hate what is reproved our sins and vanities or otherwise it is but love with dissimulation when love is without dissimulation it leads to abhor that which is evil Rom. 12. 9. This is the nature of this love that it causeth a Man to abstain from deny and mortify all that which is displeasing to the beloved And hence whereas in giving the law the right worshipping of God is expressed in four commandments by God to wit Thou shalt have no other Gods but me Thou shalt not make to thy self any graven Image c. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain c. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy c. Exod. 20. 3 11 Deut. 5. 7 15. they are all summed up in this afterwards Deut. 6. 4 5. and by our saviour Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart and with all thy Soul and with all thy mind c. Mat. 22. 36 38. Luke 10. 26 27. to signify to us that the hearty love of him includes and leads to an abstaining from and fleeing from whatsoever is forbidden by him and indeed he that doth evil hateth Christ who is the light of the World and if any Man love the World the love of the Father is not in him Joh. 3. 20. 1 Joh. 2. 15. yea so intense this love is as that it moves and prevails with him in whom it is to prefer Christ before all and forsake all for his sake the riches honour glory name and praise of this World and those things most gainful and dear unto them even their former good things confidences Wisdom Righteousness relations c. Luke 14. 16 26 33. and ch 9. 59 62. Mat. 13. 44 46. as the Apostle saith of himself But what things were gain to me those I counted loss for Christ yea doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all
to judge righteous Judgment and not to think they are most or best beloved of the Lord to whom he gives most of the good things of this World 3. To comfort them in this their tribulation and Poverty he saith I know thy tribulation and Poverty even I who was dead In which expression is included and contained his whole abasement humiliation and sufferings as hath been said on ch 1. 18. As if he should say I have my self been a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief Isay 53. 1 5. I my self have suffered being tempted and have been in all points tempted like unto you yet without sin and therefore I can be touched with the feeling of your Infirmities and am able to succour such as are temped And am a merciful and faithful High-priest Heb. 2. 17 18. and ch 3. 1 2. and 4 15 16. And I have been poor also Foxes have holes and the Birds of the ayre nests but the Son of Man had not whereon to lay his head Mat. 8. 20. so poor that he was ministred unto by others Mark 15. 41. I who was rich for your sakes became poor 2 Cor. 8. 9. I know your sorrows and know the heart of those that are in tribulation and Poverty for I also have been compassed about with such afflictions and exercises Exod. 3. 7. and ch 23. 9. In all your afflictions I have been afflicted and therefore I know how to pity you and to sympathize with you Isay 63. 9. Ps 103. 13 15. he knows troubles and trials by experience as Gen. 30. 27. he is no stranger to these things and can therefore be compassionate unto those who are in such a condition To the end then you may run with patience the race seâ— before you look unto Jesus who for the joy set before him endured the cross despising the shame c. Heb. 12. 1 2 3. And I am alive And so have overcome and abolished death so as there is no hurt therein nor in any tribulations or Poverties which are ordered to you nothing now in them to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Rom. 8. 34 39. And I have all power given unto me both in Heaven aâ—d in earth Mat. 28. 18. I am alive to comfort you in all your tribulations and poverties which ye endure 2 Cor. 1. 3 5. to comfort all that mourn to appoint to them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes the oyl of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness Isay 61. 1 3. I am alive to protect you and preserve you in all your afflictions tribulations and to provide for you and dispense to you in all your Poverties and necessities for the earth is mine and the fullness thereof Gen. 15. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 26 28. And to deliver you out of all your griefs and sorrows in due time I know how to deliver the godly out of temptation for I have the keys of Hell and Death 2 Pet. 2. 9. Rev. 1. 18. And to cause all to work together for good to them that love God and keep his commandments Rom. 8. 28. These things he now propounds to sets before them thus he describes himself that they might consider him see the notes before on ch 1. v 17. and 18. But thou art rich Those that are in tribulation and poverty may be rich now rich even when they are in poverty and tribulation not only they shall be so hereafter but thou art rich Rich in faith the poor of this World may be and heirs of the Kingdom which God hath promised to them that love him Jam. 2. 5. they that are as having nothing may yet by faith be possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 10. They who with the heart believe in Jesus Christ are rich and inriched with that gold which is tried in the fire Rev. 3. 18. they have received Christ and he is theirs and with him God gives all things also freely Rom. 8. 32. Thus these Smyrnians were rich in faith they had in and with Christ riches of mercy they were vessels of mercy who had received the forgiveness of their sins thorow his name Rom. 9. 23. Eph. 1. 7. they had riches of righteousness Prov. 11. 4. Riches of wisdom and understanding Prov. 3. 12 18. and ch 8. 9 10 17 20. Col. 2. 2 3. the unsearchable riches of Christ Eph. 3. 8 9. yea all things were theirs 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. what an encouragment is this to endure whatever is ordered to us we are apt to be thinking that if we should heartily â—leave to and follow after Christ we should certainly be undone and brought to sufferings and poverty here and therefore we are ready to be discouraged from coming after him Well though it be so yet thou mayest and shall be rich with true riches now and for ever in following him in the regeneration thou shalt have him who hath all and he will enrich thee with better riches then any of these uncertain ones with a bettter and enduring substance and the knowledg and belief hereof or this known and believed would cause thee to take joyfully the spoiling of thy goods Heb. 10. 32 34. nay indeed afflictions and Poverty are theirs also Rom. 8. 28. tribulations and necessities for Christ's sake are and are to be esteemed great riches By faith Moses esteemed the reproach of or for Christ greater riches then all the treasures of Aegypt Heb. 11. 24 26. Our light afflictions saith the Apostle which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory 2 Cor. 4. 16 18. Hence our Saviour said to his disciples Blessed be ye poor for yours is the Kingdom of God Blessed are ye that weep now for ye shall laugh Blessed are ye when Men shall hate you and when they shall separate you and reproach you and cast out your names as evil for the Son of Mans sake rejoyce ye in that day and leap for joy for behold your reward is great in Heaven Luke 6. 20 23. Mark 10. 28 29. 1 Pet. 4. 12 15. Ps 56. 8 9. Not only life is their's but death and all afflictions also 1 Cor. 3. 21 23. And he will never leave them nor forsake them Heb. 13. 5 6. Ps 84. 10 12. And hereafter they shall inherit all things Oh how may this strengthen us to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness I know thy tribulation and poverty but thou art rich now in this day the cup the portion he gives to his people is full of mixture they are now as it were in a compound condition As deceivers and yet true As unknown and yet known as dying and behold they live as sorrowful yet always rejoycing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing and yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6. 8 10. now quivering and trembling as with respect to the outward man and yet
with ch 13. 1. And such as denied the holy one and the just and desired a murderer to be granted to them and killed the Prince of life yet having repented their sins shall be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3. 14 15 19. 2. And I will not blot out his name out of the Book of life This is also assured to him that overcometh whoever he be or whatever he hath been whether to him that is turned aside and is recovered and healed or unto him that hath abidden faithful and hath not wickedly departed from the Lord. Now in this branch of blessedness is signified to us 1. There is a Book of life in which Men's names are written 2. That it is possible some mens names may be blotted out of this Book 3. His name that overcometh shall not be blotted out of this Book of life 1. That there is a book of life in which the names of Men are writen and so we say and shew that there is a book of life 1. More general which is called the book of the living Ps 69. 28. and in this book all Mens names are written while they are joyned to all the living as ungodly ones sinners and enemies even in the testimony of God concerning Christ as the subjects of the kindness and pity of God and of Christ's redemption For God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son for God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the World thorow him might be saved Joâ— 3. 16 17. while we were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly God commâ—ndeth his love to us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us he died for all even for all of mankind that were dead and gave his flesh for the life of the world and hath obtained for all Men a justification of life from the first condemnation So as all Men in their several ages have a comfortable injoyment of their lives and of Gods mercies vouchsafed to them and that to a gracious end that they which live should not henceforth live to themselves but to him that died for them and rose again Rom. 5. 6 8 2 Cor. 5. 14 15. Rom. 5 18. and while they are joyned to all the living there is hope Eccles 9. 4. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners 1 Tim. 1. 15. he once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3. 18. and in him God hath given to us Mankind eternal life 1 Joh. 5. 10 11. But this book is not here directly spoken of for here such a Book of life is spoken of in which the names of overcomers and after they have overcome are written 2. There is also a special Book of life spoken of and mentioned in the Scripture And this I conceive is twofold That is to say 1. One in which some Mens names are written who shall not be raised in the first resurrection nor reign with Christ on earth and yet shall have eternal life when they are raised in the general and second resurrection Of this Book of life mention is made in Rev. 20. In which chapter is first declared to us that those that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God and which had not worshipt the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand yeers But the rest of the dead lived not again untill the thousand yeers were finished This is the first resurrection v. 4 5 6. and then after the thousand yeers were expired he saw the dead small and great stand before God and the Books were opened c. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire v. 11. 15. In which Scripture it plainly appears that there is a Book of life in which the names of some are written who are not raised in the first resurrection nor shall reingn with Christ and the Children of the first resurrection nor yet be cast into the lake of fire but shall at the last day have eternal life And in this book may be written the names of such little ones as died in their incapacity and before they came to the use of understanding and who were not circumcised or baptized when time was afforded and liberty given but their parents or those under whose care or charge they were neglected or stubbornly refused And so speaking of this general resurrection and after mentioning the book of life he saith I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the small are first spoken of And the Lord said to Abraham in former times the uncircumcised manchild whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised that Soul shall be cut off from his people Gen. 17. 12 14. and so shall not partake of that inheritance of the land of Canaan promised to Abraham and his seed but not yet performed Because he is cut off from that people For the neglect hereof the Lord met and sought to kill Moses Exod. 4. 24 26. howbeit the eternal judgment and last resurrection they shall not miss of eternal life Ezek. 18. 2 3. Jer. 31. 29 30. And in this Book of life may be written the names of such fearers of God amongst the gentiles as have not been brought into the family of Abraham or Church of Christ and who have not had while in mortal bodies any distinct knowledge of the mediatour Act. 10. 34. Ps 115. 9 11. who though they are not the subjects of that covenant made with Abraham for himself and his seed which covenant was confirmed of God in Christ Gen. 17. 7 8 with Rom. 4. 9 13. yet are accepted of God and shall partake of eternal life Acts 10. 34. Rom. 2. 26 27. and all their names also may be written herein who are converted to Christ after his descension from Heaven during his reign with the Children of the first resurrection upon the earth Isay 65. 20. 22. But we shall adde no more to this particular in this place 2. There is another Book a more special book called the book of life and the Lamb's book of life Rev. 13. 8. and ch 21. 27. In which are written the names of such as believed in Christ as witnessed by the Prophets in former times and of such as believe in him as he is now revealed to us by the Apostles of the lamb which is called the book of the righteous Ps 69. 28. and the writing of the house of Israel Ezek. 13. 9. whose names are written in Heaven Luke 10. 20. Heb. 12. 23. and all such Children as have been brought into the congregation of the Lord and died before they came to yeers of discretion
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
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.