A37035:1191
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.
They are said to be beasts, or living creatures, to show a special activity and fitness that is communicated to them even beyond others. 2. Their number is four; which is less than the number of the Elders or Professors was, yet sufficient to carry the Lords message to all the four corners of the earth: and, as it were, to be upon all sides of the Lords Throne for the edification and oversight of His People, as the Tribes of Israel marched with four standards on all the quarters of the Ark. 3. They are said to be full of eyes before and behind: they have not one eye, but many eyes, because they have many to watch over, and many snares to give them warning of. They have eyes before, that is, to show their dependence on God, who being the great Leader and Captain that goeth before His People, these that are under-guides have their eye on Him for direction in the way that they ought to lead their people in: and thus their eyes before, are mentioned before their eyes behind, to show, that ere they give any direction to the Flock that follow them, they will look to the Master for His orders; and so have their eye upon ⟨p. 276⟩Him, as the eyes of Servants look unto the hands of their Masters, for observing of their directions, Psal. 123. 2. They are also full of eyes behind, to show, that they are watchful over these committed to them, by pointing out that way to them which they had discovered from God, and by watchful observing how they follow the same, as the word, is, Psal. 32. vers. 8. I will instruct thee; and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go, I will guide thee with mine eye: which is to express the most tender way of direction and instruction. Also these expressions serve well to show their particular watchfulness over themselves, who have eyes before them, that importeth tenderness in the undertaking of any thing; and eyes behind, which respecteth their tender observation of their by-past failings. 4. These beasts are placed in the midst of the throne, and round about the same: it may seem strange-like to say they are both in the midst of the Throne and about the same; yet, in the Scripture-language, to be in the midst of a thing, is to be near it, or to be fully upon it; and this part of the description showeth their nearness to God, and their dignity beyond others: for, the Elders had Thrones, and Crowns;