A37035:1881
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 9
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.
By this phrase also (I saw a Star fall, &c.) is implied, 1. Not only a declining and defection, but such a declining as maketh him that was before a Star in Heaven, to cease from being considered in that relation, and afterward to be accounted as but eminent amongst the men of the world, because of their worldly earthly-like Religion and Worship. Upon which ground, the followers of this Antichristian Kingdom, are called Gentiles, Chap. 11.2. 2. This phrase importeth a visible and palpable step of this defection: the Star is not now falling, as was in the former Chapter; but it is fallen. And I saw it fallen, saith John, implying an observableness in it. 3. It importeth, that after the fall of this Star, and defection of this eminent Church-officer, he continued still in the account of a Star among the men of the world: he is called a Star, even after his fall, though indeed, and in John's account he be but a fallen Star and earthly, as having indeed forfeited his former Church-relation.
By this phrase also (I saw a Star fall, &c.) is implied, 1. Not only a declining and defection, but such a declining as maketh him that was before a Star in Heaven, to cease from being considered in that relation, and afterward to be accounted as but eminent amongst the men of the world, because of their worldly earthly-like Religion and Worship. Upon which ground, the followers of this Antichristian Kingdom, are called Gentiles, Chap. 11.2. 2. This phrase importeth a visible and palpable step of this defection: the Star is not now falling, as was in the former Chapter; but it is fallen. And I saw it fallen, saith Iohn, implying an observablnesse in it. 3. It importeth, that after the fall of this Star, and defection of this eminent Church-officer, he continued still in the account of a Star among the men of the world: he is called a Star, even after his fall, though indeed, and in Iohn's account he be but a fallen Star and earthly, as having indeed forfeited his former Church-relation.
The second thing described, is, the power given unto this fallen Star, And to him Was given the keys of the bottomless pit. Keys signify in Scripture, Authority and Power. By the bottomless pit, is meant Hell, as is unquestionable, Chap. 1.18. Christ is said to have the keys of Hell and Death, that doth signify His supreme Authority: Chap. 13.2, 4. the devil is said to have power, and to give it to the beast; because, in Gods secret Wisdom and Justice, the execution of His judgements in part is committed to the devil, and he is employed as supreme head of the wicked therein, and for that cause is said to have a throne, and is permitted to rule over the children of disobedience: here, this Star partaketh of this Authority, not as Christ hath it (for now, being fallen from Heaven, he hath lost relation to Him) nor in that same degree as the Devil doth; but as deputy and lieu-tenant to Him, who in Gods secret Justice furnisheth him with this power, as from Chap. 13. 2, 4. is clear. In a word, while he was in Heaven he exercised Christs Authority, and in that respect had the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Now, being fallen, he continueth to exercise Authority, and to retain a key, but of a quite contrary nature, to wit, of the bottomless pit, and to serve another master, to wit, the devil, as the exercise of his Authority tending now to the advancement of ignorance, darkness, superstition, and Idolatry in the Church, and being assisted with the power of Hell for that end: for, as Christs Ministers are said to have keys from Him, and when they warrantably exercise them, it is the opening of Heaven; So promovers of heresy, being Ministers of Satan,