A37035:1440
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.
For general Doctrines ye may Observe these, 1. That the preaching of the Gospel (more than any other dispensation) cometh not by guess amongst a people, but is sent, and ordered as other dispensations are, and hath a particular Commission. It is one of the horses He sendeth here: and hence it is that it is sent to, and preached in one place, and not in another. So, Acts 16. the Spirit putteth them to one place, and suffereth them not to go to another place. There is not a Sermon cometh without a Commission. Obs. 2. That the thriving and success of the Gospel (more than the coming of the Gospel among a people) goeth not by guess. The Gospel hath its end as well as its Commission, a particular Commission for such an effect, Isa. 55.10. as the rain cometh down. 2. Corinth. 2.14. Thanks be to God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ. 3. The Gospel is most mighty to conquer and subdue when Christ armeth it with a Commission and doth concur therewith, 2 Corinth. 10.4. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations and •very ⟨p. 342⟩high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of Christ, and bringing into captivity every thought, &c. 4. From this description of the horse and his rider and his employment, Obs. That the great and main end of the Gospel, where it cometh, is to conquer and subdue souls. That is the end of a Ministry, to bring souls in subjection to Christ, 2 Cor. 10.5. To pull down strong holds, to cast down imaginations, and every high thing, to lead every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. And it hath its end, when Christs arrows are made powerful to pierce hearts. Compare, Eph. 4.8. with Psal. 68.18. He ascended on high, and led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; even for the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them. This is the main thing the Gospel aimeth at: and as many of you as render to Jesus Christ, the Gospel hath had its force and effect in you. But where folks stand out in their rebellion, it hath not its proper fruit: And O, how few are wrought upon kindly! How few are made subject! How many are yet serving their lusts and pleasures, and yielding themselves to sin which they were born slaves to, sin and Satan keeping still their old dominion in them, and they their old subordination to them! Obs. 5.