A37035:1531
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.
2. The place where they are seen, it is said he saw them under the altar. There was then no material Temple (that of Jerusalem being destroyed;) So neither by the altar can be understood any material altar: for, in heaven where we must conceive these souls to be, there is neither material altar nor Temple: and to say these souls were under any altar on earth, (suppose such were) were to contradict the scope, and overturn the consolation that is intended, and would involve many absurdities concerning the nature of the soul, its speaking and being under an altar; which were also literally to be understood, if that concerning the altar were: both then must be figuratively understood, to set out one or all of these three, 1. The happiness of these souls, which not only have a being, but exist in a notable safe and comfortable condition in a special nearness to God, as under His altar which was so much delighted in and longed after by the Saints in their life. It is like alluding to these places, Psal. 31.20.84.3.91. 1. For, as the Tabernacle was a special sign of Gods presence, so the altar was a special part of the furniture of the Tabernacle; and it would seem that He looketh on the Martyrs as so many sacrifices offered unto God, as Paul speaketh, Philip. 2.17. 2 Tim. 4.6. thereby to hold out a special respect that God putteth upon them. 2. More especially, this expression pointeth out these souls to be in Heaven: the most Holy was a type of Heaven, as it is expounded, Heb. 9.10. And Heb. 9.12. it is said when Christ entered into Heaven, He entered into the most holy. The altar was before the most Holy; and therefore we conceive this must be understood of the glory of Heaven, Heaven being that where Christ is; and Christs presence, (Philip. 1.21.) is the company that the souls of Martyrs are to enjoy; and therefore it must be where He is, which Christ on the Cross (L•k. 23.) calleth Paradise unto the Thief. 3. Most especially by the altar must be understood Christ Jesus, by whom we have access to God, of whom the Tabernacle and all its furniture was typical, and who is called our altar,