Now followeth the second circumstance, which is the time when John received this Prophecy, which is noted to be upon the Lords day. It is the day which S. Paul to the Corinthians calleth the first day of the week: in which the Churches did meet for the holy exercises in Religion: which is also evident, because he saith they came together to break bread. Now the observation of a seventh day is of divine institution,1 even from the beginning. It is natural, moral, and perpetual: for God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it. We are therefore to think, that although John now in his exile was absent in body from the Church assemblies, yet he was present with them in spirit, commending them most earnestly unto God in his holy prayers, and meditations: and therefore it is said, that he ⟨p. 6⟩was ravished in the Spirit upon the Lords day. So we read, that the like befell unto Daniel, when he was prisoner in Babylon: the like befell unto Ezekiel, who was taken by the Spirit in the visions of God,2 and carried to Jerusalem: the like to Peter, the like to Paul. But the special reason of Johns ravishment in the spirit at this time was, that thereby he might be made more fit and capable to receive and understand all those great mysteries and heavenly visions, which now should be showed unto him. And withal let us observe, that all men are always most capable of heavenly things, when they are most in the Spirit: For God doth evermore most reveal himself to such as are most in prayer, reading and meditation: and to such as make greatest conscience to spend his Sabbaths Christianly, and religiously, according to his great commandment. And let us always be sure of this, that the more fervent and zealous we are in religious duties, the more familiar acquaintance we shall find with God, and he will at all times be the more open-hearted unto us, and will hide nothing from us that may be for his glory, and our good. For such as are much in heavenly contemplation, he doth reckon not ⟨p. 7⟩amongst his servants,3 but amongst his dearest friends, to whom he will make known all things that he hath heard of his Father.
Now followeth the second circumstance, which is the time when Iohn received this Prophesie, which is noted to bee upon the Lords day. It is the day which S. Paul to the Corinthians calleth the first day of the weeke: in which the Churches did meete for the holy exercises in Religion: which is also evident, because he sayth they came together to breake bread. Now the observation of a seventh day is of divine institution,1 even from the beginning. It is naturall, morall, and perpetuall: for God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it. We are therefore to thinke, that although Iohn now in his exile was absent in body from the Church assemblies, yet he was present with them in spirit, commending them most earnestly unto God in his holy prayers, and meditations: and therefore it is sayd, that he ⟨p. 6⟩was ravished in the Spirit upon the Lords day. So we read, that the like befell unto Daniel, when he was prisoner in Babylon: the like befell unto Ezechiel, who was taken by the Spirit in the visions of God,2 and carried to Ierusalem: the like to Peter, the like to Paul. But the speciall reason of Iohns ravishment in the spirit at this time was, that thereby he might be made more fit and capable to receive and understand all those great mysteries and heavenly visions, which now should be shewed unto him. And withall let us observe, that all men are alwaies most capable of heavenly things, when they are most in the Spirit: For God doth evermore most reveale himselfe to such as are most in prayer, reading and meditation: and to such as make greatest conscience to spend his Sabaoths Christianly, and religiously, according to his great commandement. And let us alwayes be sure of this, that the more fervent and zealous we are in religious duties, the more familier acquaintaince wee shall find with God, and he will at all times be the more open-harted unto us, and will hide nothing from us that may be for his glory, and our good. For such as are much in heavenly contemplation, he doth reckon not ⟨p. 7⟩amongst his servants,3 but amongst his dearest friends, to whom he will make known all things that he hath heard of his Father.
- 1Acts 20.7.
- 2Act. 10.10
- 3Joh. 15.15Ioh. 15.15
