A37035:1624
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
AN EXPOSITION Of the BOOK of the REVELATION. › Lecture 1 › Chapter 7
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.
3. Again, they are called four winds, to show, 1. The plurality of Errors which come one with another and one after another, when once these winds begin to blow. 2. To ⟨p. 382⟩show the opposition of one Error to another, and the inconsistency of them together, as well as with truth. In this, Error differeth from ordinary winds; these blow but from one airth at once, but this setteth upon-all corners together, the devil aiming to break in upon one side when he is repelled at another, and to catch one by one Error, who hath not been taken with an other.
3. Again, they are called four winds, to shew, 1. The plurality of Errors which come one with another and one after another, when once these winds begin to blow. 2. To ⟨p. 382⟩shew the opposition of one Errour to another, and the inconsistency of them together, as well as with truth. In this, Errour differeth from ordinary winds; these blow but from one airth at once, but this setteth upon-all corners together, the devil aiming to break in upon one side when he is repelled at another, and to catch one by one Errour, who hath not been taken with an other.
2. The instruments are described, I saw four Angels standing, &c. 1. They are called Angels. And, 2. four Angels. We need not dispute much whether they be good or bad, seeing God who is the Creator and Sovereign of both, may and often hath made use of either of them in executing of His judgments upon the wicked world: it would seem these mentioned here, are good Angels, 1. Because for a time they restrained these winds, ready before this to have broken out, but were kept up as in prison by them, till Christ should give orders. It is true the winds are from evil spirits, and prime Ministers of Satan; but the holding of these winds, and the timing of the blowing of them, so as might further Gods design most, are good, and seem to be acts of Christs Kingly Office, executed by good Angels, who have that committed to them for the Churches sake: and therefore, it may be said of them, that power was given them to hurt the earth, because that cannot come to pass but by their leave who have the oversight of that deluge of Error entrusted to them. 2. The Angel who speaketh to them, taketh them in as joint servants of God with him, and as employed in the same work, as it is, vers. 3. which maketh it appear to be Elect Angels, employed in that work for the good of Elect Saints. They are called four, because there were four winds, and there being hazard from so many airts, God will have His care and Sovereignty seen in having one Angel for every danger.