Lectures upon the three first chapters of the RevelationLectures vpon the three first chapters of the Reuelation

MY purpose in choosing this text, is to speak of the three first Chapters of this book: namely, the seven several Epistles written to the Churches in Asia, which contain sundry uses & instructions fit for our time and age.

MY purpose in choosing this text, is to speake of the three first Chapters of this booke: namely, the seuen seuerall Epistles written to the Churches in Asia, which containe sundrie vses & instructions fit for our time and age.

Before we come to the matter,¹ we must consider of one question, which is, whether this present book of the Revelation be canonical or not: for some have heretofore, & some now do call the authority of it in question.² But we hold, that it is canonical, of equal authority with other canonical Scriptures. Our arguments and reasons be these. The first is, because the doctrine contained in this book is Apostolical, as any which diligently reads the book may perceive. Secondly, because the style and manner of opening and expounding the prophecy contained in it, is Apostolical, that is, plain, simple and easy, if we consider that it is a prophecy. Thirdly, because this book hath been approved generally of all Churches, refused of no one Church in any age since John wrote it: & it was never called into question but of some particular man, never of any whole Church. Fourthly, the things foretold in this book, came to pass as they were foretold. As among the rest (in one for all) may appear, by that sign John saw in the thirteenth Chapter: two beasts came, one out of the sea, the second out of the earth; the ⟨p. 2⟩first signifying the Romaine Empire: the second the Romaine apostatical Church: which both are come to pass in this last age.

Before we come to the matter,¹