A37035:1804
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.
3. The burning up of trees and all green grass holdeth forth, 1. The dreadful effects of this judgement on eminent professors, some for gifts and knowledge; some it may be for grace, and withal, some eminent for place and authority, called trees, as taler and stronger than others; and upon all grass, as if an utter barrenness followed it, and a pleasant land were turned to a burnt-up wilderness, that nothing almost was free from the hurt of that plague. 2. Yet it is limited, and a third part but of trees burnt up; many eminent men are kept free.
3. The burning up of trees and all green grasse holdeth forth, 1. The dreadfull effects of this judgement on eminent professours, some for gifts and knowledge; some it may be for grace, and withall, some eminent for place and authority, called trees, as taler and stronger than others; and upon all grasse, as if an utter barrenness followed it, and a pleasant land were turned to a burnt-up wildernesse, that nothing almost was free from the hurt of that plague. 2. Yet it is limited, and a third part but of trees burnt up; many eminent men are keeped free.
Now, if we come to particular application of it, it is done, 1. (as some think) in respect of temporal judgements on the Empire, which in this time followed by the Goths, Vandals, &c. 2. As others think, in respect of particular heresies, to wit, of the Arians, Macedonians, Nestorians, Pelagians, &c. Or, 3. as others, in respect of Antichrists rise, as something crept in, tending to his bringing forth in the Church by several steps. But, 4. They may be generally applied to the state of the Church in such a time under them all; (yet, •looking more especially to some remarkable particular) which we think safest, Because it is most comprehensive, and yet not inconsistent with, but agreeth best to the scope, series, and order, and to the effect) it showeth the d•clissi•• state of the Church in respect of time, which also hath its tendency to Antichrists heightening. For, 1. Heresy maketh way for him who still was fishing in troubled waters; and Rome, by its Authority and outward greatness, had too much influence in these debates, as an Umpire amongst dissentients. 2. The Empires diminishing proved a taking him out of the way, which withheld, and so made still a more open door for, his rising,