A37035:1179
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.
These Verses hold forth the second thing in the Chapter, to wit, the glorious attendants of this great God, who sitteth upon His Throne as great Sovereign of heaven and earth. Great Kings have their thrones, and their clothes of State, the Lord is beyond them in both these: they have also their inferior Judges, Nobles, and Counsellors waiting on them, as also, others to execute their orders and decrees; the Lord is brought in here as more eminently furnished with glorious attendants and instruments to execute His pleasure, than any that ever was heard of.
THese Verses hold forth the second thing in the Chapter, to wit, the glorious attendants of this great God, who sitteth upon His Throne as great Soveraign of heaven and earth. Great Kings have their thrones, and their cloaths of State, the Lord is beyond them in both these: they have also their inferiour Judges, Nobles, and Counsellers waiting on them, as also, others to execute their orders and decrees; the Lord is brought in here as more eminently furnished with glorious attendants and instruments to execute His pleasure, than any that ever was heard of.
Before we proceed, one thing is needful to be cleared, to wit, whether the scope of this vision be to represent the Glory of God, as it is manifested to the Church Triumphant in Heaven, and the Spirits of just men made perfect? or, whether it be intended to express the Glory of God, as shining in His Ordinances, in the Church Militant? Answ. We conceive neither of these is to be secluded, but both may be well included: for, to consider God, as manifested in His Glory in heaven, agreeth well with the scope; as aiming thereby to impress the reverence and awe of the Majesty of God upon hearts: yet we say, that this is not only intended; nor is the other to be excluded: because, 1. it also agreeth well with the scope, which is to set forth events concerning the Militant Church, and for that end to represent (as it were) a Theatre and actors for bringing about these events, whereof the Majesty of God is Supreme Governor, &c. Now, it conduceth more to the scope, and cometh nearer what is intended, to conceive this representation as holding forth Gods Glory and Way in His Militant Church. 2. It is also usual in this Book to express the Visible Church under the Title of Heaven, and things done in it, by similitudes of things, set forth as acted in heaven, as in the progress we will see. 3. This preparation being consolatory against the coming trials of the Church, (for which cause the Lord appeareth with His bow about His Throne,) it will agree best to that part of the scope, to apply it to the Militant Church, by which His glorious presence therein, His nearness thereto, His care and protection thereof, &c. will most manifestly and comfortably be set forth. 4. There is a resemblance between the Lords glorious presence in His Church and that which is in heaven: for, He hath a glorious Throne of Grace in His Church as He hath one of Glory in heaven; and what is more immediately manifested in Heaven, doth someway shine by His Ordinances amongst His people. 5. If we consider all the attendants mentioned in this, and in the following Chapter, particularly, vers. 10. we will find it necessary to understand this, as respecting the Church Militant; because some are spoken of, who are redeemed, and are to reign upon the earth. Whence, we conceive, it is not unsuitable to look upon this representation as expressing Gods glory in His Militant Church: