A37035:1127
A commentary upon the book of the Revelation Wherein the text is explained, the…A commentarie upon the book of the Revelation Wherein the text is explained, the…
A commentary upon the book of the Revelation Wherein the text is explained, the series of the several prophecies contained in that book, deduced according to their order and dependence on each other; the periods and succession of times, at, or about which, these prophecies, that are already fulfilled, began to be, and were more fully accomplished, fixed and applied according to history; and those that are yet to be fulfilled, modestly, and so far as is warrantable, enquired into. Together with some practical observations, and several digressions, necessary for vindicating, clearing, and confirming many weighty and important truths. Delivered in several lectures, by that learned, laborious, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, James Durham, late Minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. To which is affixed a brief summary of the whole book, with a twofold index, one of the several digressions, another of the chief and principal purposes and words contained in this treatise.A commentarie upon the book of the Revelation Wherein the text is explained, the series of the several prophecies contained in that book, deduced according to their order and dependance on each other; the periods and succession of times, at, or about which, these prophecies, that are already fulfilled, began to be, and were more fully accomplished, fixed and applied according to history; and those that are yet to be fulfilled, modestly, and so far as is warrantable, enquired into. Together with some practical observations, and several digressions, necessary for vindicating, clearing, and confirming many weighty and important truths. Delivered in several lectures, by that learned, laborious, and faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, James Durham, late Minister of the Gospel in Glasgow. To which is affixed a brief summary of the whole book, with a twofold index, one of the several digressions, another of the chief and principall purposes and words contained in this treatise.
Edinburgh: printed by Christopher Higgins, 1658
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. This universal application to all sorts, would yet notwithstanding be managed with spiritual wisdom and prudence, so that every one may get their own allowance. Hence the Lord doth so threaten the secure and stubborn, that yet he excepteth these who were not defiled; and so comforteth the faithful, as the profane may not have a ground to take the same consolation with them. This is a main qualification of a Minister of the Gospel, rightly to divide the word of Truth, and not to follow all applications promiscuously and in heap together in any Auditory, without such discriminating expressions as may guard against confusion therein: especially as to these four, 1. That a tender soul may be so strengthened and confirmed, as a secure person be not more hardened; and that a presumptuous hypocrite, be so stricken at, as an exercised soul be not wounded. 2. When both the good and profane are in one fault, the one is otherwise to be reproved and restored than the other; and we see Ephesus is more tenderly dealt with, than Laodicea, according to the rule, Gal. 6.1. 3. The faults of Believers would be so reproved, as with these their state, and what is commendable in their practice, be not condemned and rejected also: but that there be intermixed commendations, or approbations of what is approvable, least Godliness suffer, when the fault of a Godly person is reproved; and least the sentence go beyond the Masters intent, which is not to condemn the person, but to reprove the fault, as the Lord doth tenderly distinguish these in the case of Ephesus and Pergamos. 4. Times and cases would be distinguished also: and where outward affliction, or inward exercise have seized on a person or people, reproofs would be more sparing and gentle, than when there is outward prosperity and a ⟨p. 261⟩readiness to settle in a formal discharge of duties, as by comparing the Lords dealing with the Churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, and Philadelphia, and His dealing with Sardis and Laodicea, is clear.
3. This universall application to all sorts, would yet notwithstanding be mannaged with spiritual wisdom and prudence, so that every one may get their own allowance. Hence the Lord doth so threaten the secure and stubborn, that yet he excepteth these who were not defiled; and so comforteth the faithful, as the profane may not have a ground to take the same consolation with them. This is a main qualification of a Minister of the Gospel, rightly to divide the word of Truth, and not to follow all applications promiscuously and in heap together in any Auditory, without such discriminating expressions as may guard against confusion therein: especially as to these four, 1. That a tender soul may be so strengthned and confirmed, as a secure person be not more hardned; and that a presumptuous hypocrite, be so stricken at, as an exercised soul be not wounded. 2. When both the good and profane are in one fault, the one is otherwise to be reproved and restored than the other; and we see Ephesus is more tenderly dealt with, than Laodicia, according to the rule,