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.
James Durham 1622–1658Edinburgh: printed by Christopher Higgins, 1658
[8], 787, [17] p. · 683k words · Wing D2805 · ESTC R216058
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.
Thirdly, It can no more warrant the application of the fruits of Christs purchase to any, so as to comfort them in this conditional Redemption, more than if there were no such thing at all: for, if the sinner believe, the Doctrine of particular Redemption doth warrant any to make application of Christs purchase: if they believe not, this Doctrine of ⟨p. 324⟩conditional Redemption giveth no more warrant to make application for the comfort of any than if it were not at all.
Thirdly, It can no more warrand the application of the fruits of Christs purchase to any, so as to comfort them in this conditionall Redemption, more than if there were no such thing at all: for, if the sinner believe, the Doctrine of particular Redemption doth warrand any to make application of Christs purchase: if they believe not, this Doctrine of ⟨p. 324⟩conditionall Redemption giveth no more warrand to make application for the comfort of any than if it were not at all.
Fourthly, Neither doth it warrant a person with any greater boldness to take hold of Christ, or to close with the offer of the Gospel made unto him: because that person, who is jealous to close with Christ, upon this ground, because he knoweth not whether he be redeemed by Him or not, seeing all are not redeeme•, may be no less jealous upon this account, because he knoweth not if by His death he hath procured Faith to him, or not, and so if he be absolutely redeemed; for, this is no less necessary for his peace and confidence than the former, and yet will be as difficult to be known to any that will needs search into what is secret, and not rest upon the revealed offer of God as the sufficient ground and object of their Faith. And if only by actual believing, and no otherwise, they may be assured that Faith is purchased unto them; by the same ground also, may they be cleared, that they are redeemed by Christ; yea, and Elected also: because there is an equal peremptory connection betwixt Faith and all these.
Fourthly, Neither doth it warrand a person with any greater boldnesse to take hold of Christ, or to close with the offer of the Gospel made unto him: because that person, who is jealouse to close with Christ, upon this ground, because he knoweth not whether he be redeemed by Him or not, seing all are not redeeme•, may be no lesse jealous upon this account, because he knoweth not if by His death he hath procured Faith to him, or not, and so if he be absolutely redeemed; for, this is no lesse necessary for his peace and confidence than the former, and yet will be as difficult to be known to any that will needs search into what is secret, and not rest upon the revealed offer of God as the sufficient ground and object of their Faith. And if only by actuall believing, and no otherwise, they may be assured that Faith is purchased unto them; by the same ground also, may they be cleared, that they are redeemed by Christ; yea, and Elected also: because there is an equal peremptory connexion betwixt Faith and all these.
Fifthly, Neither doth this way and the grounds thereof give Ministers any more solid ground to make the offer of the Gospel indefinitely in their public Preaching: for, by the truth formerly laid down, we can assure Hearers that whosoever believeth shall partake of life and of the benefits of Christs Redemption; and by virtue of the general Call and Warrant which we have in the Gospel, we may invite them to believe in Christ, require Faith of them; and, upon condition thereof, assure them of pardon, &c. because the nature of the administration of the Covenant of Redemption is such in plain terms; to wit, that whosoever believeth shall be saved. Also, the nature of our Commission to preach this Gospel, doth fully import the same, as it is summed, Mark 16.15, 16. for▪ Ministers warrant to Preach and offer Salvation, is not to Preach and offer the same to the Elect only, whom the Lord hath kept secret from them; but it is to Preach and make offer of this Gospel, to these unto whom the Lord shall send them, and whom He shall gather into a visible Church-state, Yet, this is done for the Elects sake among such, whom God hath thought fit to gather out among others by this Preaching of the Gospel, without signifying to the Minister who is Elect, and whom He hath designed to believe: therefore it is suitable to this manner of administration, that the Gospel be preached indefinitely in respect of its call, and that indifferently, as to these who Preach; that so while the call doth reach all particularly, the Elect may withal be gripped with the same. And, upon the grounds of this conditional Redemption, others can do no more, but publish the offer of the Gospel indefinitely, and assure any who shall believe in Christ, that they shall thereby obtain life and pardon. It is true•, we cannot say that Christ hath died and satisfied for them all to whom we Preach; yet that doth not lessen our warrant to call Hearers indifferently on the terms of believing; because, though Christs Redemption be the ground which hath procured this Gospel to be Preached even in these terms, as from that forecited place, Joh. 3.16. may be gathered: and though it be that which boundeth the Lords making of Preaching effectual; yet our Commission is bounded according to the express terms in which it hath pleased the Lord to draw up the same unto us:
Fifthly, Neither doth this way and the grounds thereof give Ministers any more solid ground to make the offer of the Gospel indefinitely in their publick Preaching: for, by the truth formerly laid down, we can assure Hearers that whosoever believeth shall partake of life and of the benefits of Christs Redemption; and by vertue of the generall Call and Warrand which we have in the Gospel, we may invite them to believe in Christ, require Faith of them; and, upon condition thereof, assure them of pardon, &c. because the nature of the administration of the Covenant of Redemption is such in plain terms; to wit, that whosoever believeth shall be saved. Also, the nature of our Commission to preach this Gospel, doth fully import the same, as it is summed,
because the transaction of Redemption, as it relateth to the names of the redeemed, is a secret betwixt God and the Mediator, Therefore the Book of Life is never opened until the day of Judgement, Rev. 20. But a Ministers Commission in his Treating with sinners in the visible Church, is a thing which He hath thought good to reveal: and therefore hath done it so, as the former secret may not be revealed, and yet the end be made effectual, to wit, the effectual calling, and in-gathering of so many Elect. And upon the other side, these who may require Faith of all, and plead it of them, upon this ground, that they are conditionally redeemed; yet they cannot say to their Hearers, that Christ hath by His death procured Faith to them all, and so they leave them still at a loss, except they betake them to the external indefinite call, which doth warrant Ministers to require Faith of all Hearers indifferently, and that without disputing whether Christ hath redeemed all or not; or whether by His Redemption He hath procured Faith to them all or not: because, Faith is a duty, and is called-for warrantably by virtue of that call, as is said; and this we do in so far acknowledge. And so in sum, their warrant to Preach the Gospel in definitely, and ours, is found to be of the same extent, and to be founded upon the same general call; Therefore there needeth not be much contending for a different Doctrine, or (as some call it) a different method to derive this ⟨p. 325⟩warrant from, which doth so natively flow from the received truth. And though the Scripture doth sometimes use this motive indifferently to the members of the visible Church, to stir them up to glorify God, to wit, that they are bought with a price, as 1 Cor. 6.20. Yet will not that infer an universal or conditional Redemption of them all, more than these places immediately going before, (vers. 15 and 19 where it is said, that they are members of Christ, and temples of the holy Ghost,) will infer an universal or conditional regeneration of them all: the first whereof, is false; the second, is absurd: for so it would be upon the matter, that they were renewed, sanctified, and had the Spirit dwelling in them, upon condition that it were so; seeing, Regeneration, the Spirit, and Faith (which is a fruit of the Spirit) cannot be separated. The like phrases also are, Chap. 3. of the same Epistle, vers. 16.17, &c.
Beside, will any think that when the Apostle saith, ye are bought with a price, &c. that he doth only intend that conditional Redemption which can never be effectual, but he must be understood as having respect to that great mercy in its most peculiar respect; because he doth speak of it to the Elect as well as others, and that as having with it the greatest obligation that can be?
Beside, will any think that when the Apostle saith, ye are bought with a price, &c. that he doth only intend that conditionall Redemption which can never be effectuall, but he must be unde•stood as having respect to that great mercy in its most peculiar respect; because he doth speak of it to the Elect as well as others, and that as having with it the greatest obligation that can be?
Lastly, It cannot be thought that this mould of a conditional Redemption so qualified, can be more acceptable to these who plead for an indifferent or equal universal Redemption: because this doth not any whit remove their objections, whereby they plead for nature against the sovereignty of God; nor answer their cavils, whereby they reflect upon the Justice of God, for condemning men who cannot possibly (according to the case they are in) be saved. Therefore there is still ground for them to plead mans excusableness, seeing his salvation, even according to these grounds▪ is still impossible, as hath been formerly cleared. Neither, I suppose, will it be instanced, that any holding the Socinian, Arminian, or Lutheran principles in these things, have been brought to judge more favourably of that way, than of the other: But on the contrary, may be strengthened, or rather stumbled by this, to continue in their former errors, as finding many orthodox Divines in part to yield, because of the supposed strength of their Arguments; and from such concessions they have some ground given to make their conclusions the more strong: for, this conditional Redemption doth allege, that there is need to vindicate Gods Justice, and to declare mans inexcusableness, and to have clearer grounds of dealing with men for bringing them to Faith, &c. than can be consistent with the principles that are ordinarily maintained by the Orthodox in that point; and seeing by the length which this conditional Redemption doth go, such ends are not attained, (as hath been formerly hinted) Therefore it will follow that even more than that is necessary, and so that there can be no halting till it be their length. Also it must stumble and strengthen them not a little, to find orthodox Divines taking up and managing their Arguments, and by their weapons, beating down the Answers which hitherto have been made thereto, and to see them also enervating the Arguments which have been brought against them by homologating of their Answers. Sure Cameron (the Author of this method) went as far in several points to alley the heat of Arminians and others against this Doctrine, as any; yet, Episcopius in his dealing with him, doth load his way with no less absurdities, nor doth any whit inveigh less bitterly against him than against others whom he dealt with;
Lastly, It cannot be thought that this mould of a conditionall Redemption so qualified, can be more acceptable to these who plead for an indifferent or equal universall Redemption: because this doth not any whit remove their objections, whereby they plead for nature against the soveraignity of God; nor answer their cavills, whereby they reflect upon the Justice of God, for condemning men who cannot possibly (according to the case they are in) be saved. Therefore there is still ground for them to plead mans excusablenesse, seing his salvation, even according to these grounds is still impossible, as hath been formerly cleared. Neither, I suppose, will it be instanced, that any holding the Socinian, Arminian, or Lutheran principles in these things, have been brought to judge more favourably of that way, than of the other: But on the contrary, may be strengthned, or rather stumbled by this, to continue in their former errours, as finding many orthodox Divines in part to yeeld, because of the supposed strength of their Arguments; and from such concessions they have some ground given to make their conclusions the more strong: for, this conditionall Redemption doth alleage, that there is need to vindicate Gods Justice, and to declare mans inexcusablenesse, and to have clearer grounds of dealing with men for bringing them to Faith, &c. than can be consistent with the principles that are ordinarily maintained by the Orthodox in that point; and seing by the length which this conditionall Redemption doth go, such ends are not attained, (as hath been formerly hinted) Therefore it will follow that even more than that is necessary, and so that there can be no halting till it be their length. Also it must stumble and strengthen them not a little, to find orthodox Divines taking up and mannageing their Arguments, and by their weapons, beating down the Answers which hitherto have been made thereto, and to see them also enervating the Arguments which have been brought against them by homologating of their Answers. Sure Cameron (the Author of this method) went as far in severall points to alley the heat of Arminians and others against this Doctrine, as any; yet, Episcopius in his dealing with him, doth load his way with no lesse absurdities, nor doth any whit inveigh lesse bitterly against him than against others whom he dealt with;
yea, in some respect he doth insist more, as alleging his way to be more inconsistent with reason and with it self, than the way of others; because still, Cameron did assert the absoluteness of Election, the efficacy of Grace in Conversion, and the impossibility of frustrating the same (when God doth apply it to effectuate Conversion,) or to convert themselves without it, though he endeavoured to maintain these things upon grounds different from what are commonly made use of. We conclude then, That these who are redeemed, are peculiarly obliged to Christ more than any other; and yet that no other hath any just ground to quarrel with Him; this being certain, that though the reasons of His proceeding may sometimes be unknown to us, yet can they never be unjust. And there is no question, but these who dispute most against His way, now, shall in the day of Judgement have their mouths stopped, when their Consciences shall convincingly bear witness of the justice of all the Lords proceeding in this work of Redemption, and even in their own condemnation. But, who can search in these depths? O, the depths of the riches both of the Knowledge and Wisdom of God! O, how unsearchable are His ways, and His judgements past finding out! To Him be praise for ever. Amen.
yea, in some respect he doth insist more, as alleaging his way to be more inconsistent with reason and with it self, than the way of others; because still, Cameron did assert the absolutenesse of Election, the efficacy of Grace in Conversion, and the impossibility of frustrating the same (when God doth apply it to effectuate Conversion,) or to convert themselves without it, though he endeavoured to maintain these things upon grounds different from what are commonly made use of. We conclude then, That these who are redeemed, are peculiarly oblieged to Christ more than any other; and yet that no other hath any just ground to quarrel with Him; this being certain, that though the reasons of His proceeding may sometimes be unknown to us, yet can they never be unjust. And there is no question, but these who dispute most against His way, now, shall in the day of Judgement have their mouths stopped, when their Consciences shall convincingly bear witnesse of the justice of all the Lords proceeding in this work of Redemption, and even in their own condemnation. But, who can search in these depths? O, the depths of the riches both of the Knowledge and Wisdom of God! O, how unsearchable are His wayes, and His judgements past finding out! To Him be praise for ever. Amen.
This Chapter beginneth that part of this Book which is properly and mainly prophetical. We heard of the preparation to it in the former two Chapters; serving not only to stir up John, but all that should hear or read, to observe the things that should be revealed. Followeth now the first prophecy to be spoken of, which is manifested to the Church by our Lords opening the seals of the Book: But it will be needful to premit some generals, before we enter on particulars. 1. Touching our way of proceeding. 2. Concerning the object, and scope of the prophesies. 3. Concerning the series and order of them. 4. Some generals observable about them, for the better understanding of them.
THis Chapter beginneth that part of this Book which is properly and mainly prophetical. We heard of the preparation to it in the former two Chapters; serving not only to stir up Iohn, but all that should hear or read, to observe the things that should be revealed. Followeth now the first prophesie to be spoken of, which is manifested to the Church by our Lords opening the seals of the Book: But it will be needfull to premit some generals, before we enter on particulars. 1. Touching our way of proceeding. 2. Concerning the object, and scope of the prophesies. 3. Concerning the series and order of them. 4. Some generals observable about them, for the better understanding of them.
1. For our way of proceeding, we say, 1. That this being an obscure place, and interpretations being many and different, we must have liberty sometimes to propone these that be most probable; that out of them we may take what is safest, seeing among three expositions (when a fourth cannot be given) the overthrowing of two, is an establishing of the third. 2. There must be more use made of humane History, and citing of mens names than ordinary, seeing the resolving of a prophecy is in an History: and there is no Scripture-story posterior to this. Use then must be made of others, as in the expounding of Daniel is needful. 3. We intend not to be particular, or peremptory in astricting or limiting applications to times, cases, or persons; seeing the same expression may be more comprehensive than only to take in one event, or look to one party or person, it may take in others also; it may therefore suit as well with the scope to comprehend both, when the things included do not overturn one another. 4. Neither will it be meet, where consistent and subordinate senses offer, to adhere to one of them, when it may be as safe to take-in both.
1. For our way of proceeding, we say, 1. That this being an obscure place, and interpretations being many and different, we must have liberty sometimes to propone these that be most probable; that out of them we may take what is safest, seing among three expositions (when a fourth cannot be given) the overthrowing of two, is an establishing of the third. 2. There must be more use made of humane History, and citing of mens names than ordinary, seing the resolving of a prophesie is in an History: and there is no Scripture-story posterior to this. Use then must be made of others, as in the expounding of Daniel is needfull. 3. We intend not to be particular, or peremptory in astricting or limiting applications to times, cases, or persons; seing the same expression may be more comprehensive than only to take in one event, or look to one party or person, it may take in others also; it may therefore sute as well with the scope to comprehend both, when the things included do not overturn one another. 4. Neither will it be meet, where consistent and subordinate senses offer, to adhere to one of them, when it may be as safe to take-in both.
2. For the object and scope of this prophecy, we conceive it to be mainly to set out what concerneth the Church; and occasionally to touch any other thing as may serve to that end; for, it is sent for the behove of our Lord Jesus His Servants, to arm them against trials, to keep them from being offended with them, and to comfort them under them; beside, that God is not in this whole Book (as in the former vision) looked on as in His Government simply, but in reference to His Church chiefly: so it is His Churches sufferings, battles, victories, and others as they are enemies to her, or fighting with her, that are spoken to. 2. Because the Church was especially within the bounds of the Roman Empire, that then did almost command the world, and because they were most manifestly friends or enemies to her; and the affairs of that Empire being of most concernment to the Church, there is mention made sometimes more especially of it. 3. Antichrist being the great, and lasting enemy, and most dangerous to Gods People, and yet pretending to be no enemy; the holy Ghost therefore insisteth most in that particular, (describing, discovering, and pointing him out in his rise, his followers or Church, his reign and ruin) that Believers may be especially guarded against him, and that Christs Church and People may be discerned from Antichrist's Church, people, or followers. 4. It is not purposed particularly to hold forth every dispensation in the Church, or all changes befalling it, or happening to it, but the special and main ones, most needful and useful to be known, and understood by the Church; therefore whileas other prophesies are more general, this concerning Antichrist, is specially, particularly and at length insisted on, as if the Lord intended especially by this prophecy to meet with him.
2. For the object and scope of this prophesie, we conceive it to be mainly to set out what concerneth the Church; and occasionally to touch any other thing as may serve to that end; for, it is sent for the behove of our Lord Jesus His Servants, to arm them against trials, to keep them from being offended with them, and to comfort them under them; beside, that God is not in this whole Book (as in the former vision) looked on as in His Government simply, but in reference to His Church chiefly: so it is His Churches sufferings, battels, victories, and others as they are enemies to her, or fighting with her, that are spoken to. 2. Because the Church was especially within the bounds of the Romane Empire, that then did almost command the world, and because they were most manifestly friends or enemies to her; and the effairs of that Empire being of most concernment to the Church, there is mention made sometimes more especially of it. 3. Antichrist being the great, and lasting enemie, and most dangerous to Gods People, and yet pretending to be no enemie; the holy Ghost therefore insisteth most in that particular, (describing, discovering, and pointing him out in his rise, his followers or Church, his raign and ruine) that Believers may be especially guarded against him, and that Christs Church and People may be discerned from Antichrist's Church, people, or followers. 4. It is not purposed particularly to hold forth every dispensation in the Church, or all changes befalling it, or happening to it, but the special and main ones, most needfull and usefull to be known, and understood by the Church; therefore whileas other prophesies are more generall, this concerning Antichrist, is specially, particularly and at length insisted on, as if the Lord intended especially by this prophesie to meet with him.
3. For the series of the Story, this is certain, the state of the Militant Church is holden forth from that time to the end of the World, but how it is, there is difference. There are three opinions specially in this, 1. Some would carry on the Story in an even line by an ⟨p. 327⟩uninterrupted series, knitting every Chapter at the back of another; as if the Chapters kept the order of time, till it come to the end: But this will no ways consist with the matter contained in these Chapters, especially Chap. 12.13, 14. which certainly is contemporary with and expl•catory of the former visions, and so are Chap. 17.18. 2. Some make all these visions to begin and end together, as if in each of them were a fu•l prophecy, extending from the beginning of this Revelation to the end of the World. But this will not hold in the principal prophesies, as will appear. 3. Some divide it in two Books; the first, closed, Chap. 5. The second, opened, Chap. 10. and that these two have two prophesies beginning alike, and ending at the end of the World. But it is certain that that Book, (Chap. 5.) containeth all; for, it containeth the seven seals; they contain the seven trumpets; the seventh trumpet is not blown till Chap. 11. and certainly it containeth the vials, which are the last woes and plagues. 4. We may add a fourth opinion as a kind of midst, that is, that neither is there a continued series amongst all the prophesies, nor yet are all the visions, or the three principal prophesies contemporary; but that the three principal prophesies, to wit, of the Jeals, trumpets and vials, continue the series from the beginning to the end, and are not contemporary, properly; but that the explicatory visions, though they be not contemporary one with another, yet are they contemporary with these, or some part of these principal prophesies, That is, 1. The seals proceed. 2. The trumpets succeed. 3. After follow the vials, and that immediately, and these carry it on till the end.
3. For the series of the Story, this is certain, the state of the Militant Church is holden forth from that time to the end of the World, but how it is, there is difference. There are three opinions specially in this, 1. Some would carry on the Story in an even line by an ⟨p. 327⟩
If we consider the matter contained in this Revelation, it may not unfitly be divided in two parts, each of them giving a view of the whole from the beginning to the end; with this difference, that what is more shortly and obscurely pointed at in the one, is more largely and plainly insisted on in the other: for, (from Chap. 6. to the end of the 11. inclusively) there is a view given of affairs concerning the Gospel-church unto the end. And such-like, (from Chap. 12. initio, to the end of this Book,) a review is given of the same extent, to wit, from the first spreading and rise of the Gospel, unto the end of the World: wherein what was more shortly hinted at concerning Antichrist, his rise, and ruin, by the fifth and seventh trumpets, Chap. 9. and 11. is more largely and fully insisted on, from Chap. 13. and forward: So that, upon the matter, this division seemeth not impertinent. Yet, considering the native form in which these prophesies and visions are delivered, and the special periods of the Militant Church, which are by special events remarkable, and of which the holy Ghost taketh particular notice by beginning, and breaking off purposes at them, by continuing one form of expression (to wit, by the same types of seals, trumpets, or vials) until such a period run out, and then altering, and proposing the succeeding matter in a different form, and under different types, as altering from seals to trumpets; and then again, when a new period cometh, altering to vials. Considering these things, we conceive, that the dividing of this Book in principal and expository prophecies, and subdividing each of these again in three, will conduce most for a distinct and clear uptaking of the matters revealed, and suit best with the form wherein it is delivered; and by which also of it self it is divided, as will more fully appear in our proceeding. And so the order and series of the prophesies of this Book, are thus to be conceived,
If we consider the matter contained in this Revelation, it may not unfitly be divided in two parts, each of them giving a view of the whole from the beginning to the end; with this difference, that what is more shortly and obscurely pointed at in the one, is more largely and plainly insisted on in the other: for, (from Chap. 6. to the end of the 11. inclusively) there is a view given of affairs concerning the Gospel-church unto the end. And such-like, (from Chap. 12. initio, to the end of this Book,) a review is given of the same extent, to wit, from the first spreading and rise of the Gospel, unto the end of the World: wherein what was more shortly hinted at concerning Antichrist, his rise, and ruine, by the fifth and seventh trumpets, Chap. 9. and 11. is more largely and fully insisted on, from Chap. 13. and forward: So that, upon the matter, this division seemeth not impertinent. Yet, considering the native form in which these prophesies and visions are delivered, and the speciall periods of the Militant Church, which are by speciall events remarkable, and of which the holy Ghost taketh particular notice by beginning, and breaking off purposes at them, by continuing one form of expression (to wit, by the same types of seals, trumpets, or vials) untill such a period run out, and then altering, and proposing the succeeding matter in a different form, and under different types, as altering from seals to trumpets; and then again, when a new period cometh, altering to vials. Considering these things, we conceive, that the dividing of this Book in principall and expository prohesies, and subdividing each of these again in three, will conduce most for a distinct and clear uptaking of the matters revealed, and sute best with the form wherein it is delivered; and by which also of it self it is divided, as will more fully appear in our proceeding. And so the order and series of the prophesies of this Book, are thus to be conceived,
The whole Revelation, as prophetical, is contained in that Book sealed with seven seals, Chap. 5. The six first seals, being opened, deduce the story to one period, to wit, to the end of the Heathen persecution, and the quieting of the Church from that. The seventh seal bringeth-in the trumpets, Chap. 8. and 9. which contain the story of the Churches trouble by intestine enemies, until Antichrist be at his height. The seventh Chapter containeth no other matter, but is cast in betwixt the first principal prophecy and the second, to make way for the more clear passing from the one to the other; and especially to prepare for, and help to understand the prophecy of the trumpets. Chap. 10, and 11. contain a consolation for the Church in reference to that sad condition. Then in Chap. 12, 13, and 14. is inserted an explicatory prophecy belonging to that same time, and conducing both for clearing the two prophesies preceding, and also that of the vials following. Then cometh the third principal prophecy of the vials, which hath its preparation, Chap. 15. its execution, Chap. 16. and is enlarged and explained in the two last explicatory prophesies, Chap. 17, 18, &c. unto the end of the Book.
The whole Revelation, as propheticall, is contained in that Book sealed with seven seals, Chap. 5. The six first seals, being opened, deduce the story to one period, to wit, to the end of the Heathen persecution, and the quieting of the Church from that. The seventh seal bringeth-in the trumpets, Chap. 8. and 9. which contain the story of the Churches trouble by intestine enemies, untill Antichrist be at his height. The seventh Chapter containeth no other matter, but is cast in betwixt the first principall prophecy and the second, to make way for the more clear passing from the one to the other; and especially to prepare for, and help to understand the prophesie of the trumpets. Chap. 10, and 11. contain a consolation for the Church in reference to that sad condition. Then in Chap. 12, 13, and 14. is inserted an explicatory prophesie belonging to that same time, and conduceing both for clearing the two prophesies preceding, and also that of the vials following. Then cometh the third principall prophesie of the vials, which hath its preparation, Chap. 15. its execution, Chap. 16. and is enlarged and explained in the two last explicatory prophesies, Chap. 17, 18, &c. unto the end of the Book.
. for▪ Ministers warrand to Preach and offer Salvation, is not to Preach and offer the same to the Elect only, whom the Lord hath kept secret from them; but it is to Preach and make offer of this Gospel, to these unto whom the Lord shall send them, and whom He shall gather into a visible Church-state, Yet, this is done for the Elects sake among such, whom God hath thought fit to gather out among others by this Preaching of the Gospel, without signifiing to the Minister who is Elect, and whom He hath designed to believe: therefore it is suitable to this manner of administration, that the Gospel be preached indefinitly in respect of its call, and that indifferently, as to these who Preach; that so while the call doth reach all particularly, the Elect may withall be gripped with the same. And, upon the grounds of this conditionall Redemption, others can do no more, but publish the offer of the Gospel indefinitly, and assure any who shall believe in Christ, that they shall thereby obtain life and pardon. It is true•, we cannot say that Christ hath died and satisfied for them all to whom we Preach; yet that doth not lessen our warrand to call Hearers indifferently on the terms of believing; because, though Christs Redemption be the ground which hath procured this Gospel to be Preached even in these terms, as from that forecited place,
. may be gathered: and though it be that which boundeth the Lords making of Preaching effectual; yet our Commission is bounded according to the express terms in which it hath pleased the Lord to draw up the same unto us:
because the transaction of Redemption, as it relateth to the names of the redeemed, is a secret betwixt God and the Mediator, Therefore the Book of Life is never opened untill the day of Judgement, Rev. 20. But a Ministers Commission in his Treating with sinners in the visible Church, is a thing which He hath thought good to reveal: and therefore hath done it so, as the former secret may not be revealed, and yet the end be made effectuall, to wit, the effectuall calling, and in-gathering of so many Elect. And upon the other side, these who may require Faith of all, and plead it of them, upon this ground, that they are conditionally redeemed; yet they cannot say to their Hearers, that Christ hath by His death procured Faith to them all, and so they leave them still at a losse, except they betake them to the externall indefinit call, which doth warrand Ministers to require Faith of all Hearers indifferently, and that without disputing whether Christ hath redeemed all or not; or whether by His Redemption He hath procured Faith to them all or not: because, Faith is a duty, and is called-for warrantably by vertue of that call, as is said; and this we do in so far acknowledge. And so in sum, their warrand to Preach the Gospel in definitely, and ours, is found to be of the same extent, and to be founded upon the same general call; Therefore there needeth not be much contending for a different Doctrine, or (as some call it) a different method to derive this ⟨p. 325⟩warrand from, which doth so natively flow from the received truth. And though the Scripture doth sometimes use this motive indifferently to the members of the visible Church, to stir them up to glorifie God, to wit, that they are bought with a price, as 1 Cor. 6.20. Yet will not that infer an universall or conditionall Redemption of them all, more than these places immediately going before, (vers. 15 and 19 where it is said, that they are members of Christ, and temples of the holy Ghost,) will infer an universall or conditionall regeneration of them all: the first whereof, is false; the second, is absurd: for so it would be upon the matter, that they were renewed, sanctified, and had the Spirit dwelling in them, upon condition that it were so; seing, Regeneration, the Spirit, and Faith (which is a fruit of the Spirit) cannot be separated. The like phrases also are, Chap. 3. of the same Epistle, vers. 16.17, &c.
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uninterrupted series, knitting every Chapter at the back of another; as if the Chapters keeped the order of time, till it come to the end: But this will no wayes consist with the matter contained in these Chapters, especially Chap. 12.13, 14. which certainly is contemporary with and expl•catory of the former visions, and so are Chap. 17.18. 2. Some make all these visions to begin and end together, as if in each of them were a fu•l prophesie, extending from the beginning of this Revelation to the end of the World. But this will not hold in the principall prophesies, as will appear. 3. Some divide it in two Books; the first, closed, Chap. 5. The second, opened, Chap. 10. and that these two have two prophesies beginning alike, and ending at the end of the World. But it is certain that that Book, (Chap. 5.) containeth all; for, it containeth the seven seals; they contain the seven trumpets; the seventh trumpet is not blown till Chap. 11. and certainly it containeth the vials, which are the last woes and plagues. 4. We may adde a fourth opinion as a kind of midst, that is, that neither is there a continued series amongst all the prophesies, nor yet are all the visions, or the three principall prophesies contemporary; but that the three principall prophesies, to wit, of the Ieals, trumpets and vials, continue the series from the beginning to the end, and are not contemporary, properly; but that the explicatory visions, though they be not contemporary one with another, yet are they contemporary with these, or some part of these pri•cipall prophesies, That is, 1. The seals preceed. 2. The trumpets succeed. 3. After follow the vials, and that immediatly, and these carry it on till the end.
