A37035:1843
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 instrumental cause of this which maketh the waters bitter, is set out three ways, 1. It is more generally called a Star, and a great Star, burning like a lamp. 2. It is shown from whence this Star fell. 3. And more particularly, the name of the Star is called Wormwood.
2. The instrumentall cause of this which maketh the waters bitter, is set out three wayes, 1. It is more generally called a Star, and a great Star, burning like a lamp. 2. It is shown from whence this Star fell. 3. And more particularly, the name of the Star is called Wormwood.
By Stars (as we heard, Chap. 1. vers. 20.) are understood Ministers in the visible Church, who, by receiving light from Christ, should hold it forth to others: a great Star burning like a Lamp, is, one eminent for parts, gifts, place, or in estimation for holiness, making a great show, yet not having much reality, but (as it were) a glancing counterfeit light, no• proceeding from a right principle, as that of the Stars doth from the Sun, but kindled from some external thing as that of a Lamp is, nor so solid as the former, though having more glorious and pompous appearance. 2. This Star fell from Heaven, that is, made defection from the visible Church and the straight and pure preaching of the Gospel, and corrupted these fountains and waters; Error bringeth folks low, even from Heaven to Earth, as profanity doth; when this wild-fire of self-seeking is by pride kindled, and by parts and gifts without grace entertained, it soon bringeth down the greatest Star that taketh not its light from Christ. The word is, it was falling, not altogether fallen, as is spoken, Chap. 9.1. to signify a begun decay, or fall, which afterward John discerned more clearly when it was fallen and come to its height, or rather lowness of a full decay: by it is showed, that this plague is promoved by such as by their parts or former estimation have been eminent in the Church.
By Stars (as we heard, Chap. 1. vers. 20.) are understood Ministers in the visible Church, who, by receiving light from Christ, should hold it forth to others: a great Star burning like a Lamp, is, one eminent for parts, gifts, place, or in estimation for holinesse, making a great shew, yet not having much reality, but (as it were) a glancing counterfeit light, no proceeding from a right principle, as that of the Stars doth from the Sun, but kindled from some externall thing as that of a Lamp is, nor so solide as the former, though having more glorious and pompous appearance. 2. This Star fell from Heaven, that is, made defection from the visible Church and the straight and pure preaching of the Gospel, and corrupted these fountains and waters; Errour bringeth folks low, even from Heaven to Earth, as profnity doth; when this wild-fire of self-seeking is by pride kindled, and by parts and gifts without grace entertained, it soon bringeth down the greatest Star that taketh not its light from Christ. The word is, it was falling, not altogether fallen, as is spoken, Chap. 9.1. to signifie a begun decay, or fall, which afterward Iohn discerned more clearly when it was fallen and come to its height, or rather lownesse of a full decay: by it is shewed, that this plague is promoved by such as by their parts or former estimation have been eminent in the Church.