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…

Besides what is already said, there are two things in this Chapter which we may consider a little further. And, 1. from vers. 4. we may see there is no less Spiritual wisdom and dependence on Christ called-for in the venting of light and in bringing forth of what we know, than there is diligence required in searching of Gods mind that we may know; and it is not warrant enough for Ministers to communicate that to the Church at all times which they know, because it is the Truth of God. For, John knew that these seven thunders were such, but there is a more special warrant to be looked unto. We mean not that there should be some extraordinary thing here: but as from Johns call, in general, we may gather the necessity of a call to the Ministry; so from his being commanded to write this and not that which was also revealed to him, we gather proportionably, that Ministers ought to try what in such and such a particular case is called-for to be communicated unto people as Gods message at such a time to them, seeing every thing which he knoweth cannot be delivered at once; something therefore is to be chosen, and that upon such consideration as may be sufficient for his peace who conscientiously aimeth to follow Gods mind: in reference to which, we may adventure to propose these generals, 1. That men would not look for any extraordinary impulse in swaying of them to the choice of Texts or Doctrines, it will be safest to walk by reasons that will abide the trial, especially where that which the impulse driveth at, doth not appear upon rational grounds to be so edifying indeed, where any extraordinary offer of a Text and solid reason from the convenience of that matter concur, in that case it is not to be neglected; yet now seeing God hath not left men to an immediate way of attaining to the knowledge of the Gospel preached, but doth require of them the use of mediate and ordinary means, so also are men both in reference to their calling in general and to particular messages, to collect His mind more from solid sanctified reason than from a mere internal impulse, left thereby God be tempted, and Satan get occasion to insinuate himself too much in our choice, or at least to confuse us by proposing one thing after another, that so he may indispose for all;

BEsides what is already said, there are two things in this Chapter which we may consider a little further. And, 1. from vers. 4. we may see there is no lesse Spirituall wisdom and dependence on Christ called-for in the venting of light and in bringing forth of what we know, than there is diligence required in searching of Gods mind that we may know; and it is not warrand enough for Ministers to communicate that to the Church at all times which they know, because it is the Truth of God. For, Iohn knew that these seven thunders were such, but there is a more speciall warrand to be looked unto. We mean not that there should be some extraordinary thing here: but as from Iohns call, in generall, we may gather the necessity of a call to the Ministrie; so from his being commanded to write this and not that which was also revealed to him, we gather proportionably, that Ministers ought to try what in such and such a particular case is called-for to be communicated unto people as Gods message at such a time to them, seing every thing which he knoweth cannot be delivered at once; something therefore is to be chosen, and that upon such consideration as may be sufficient for his peace who conscientiously aimeth to follow Gods mind: in reference to which, we may adventure to propose these generals, 1. That men would not look for any extraordinary impulse in swaying of them to the choice of Texts or Doctrines, it will be safest to walk by reasons that will abide the trial, especially where that which the impulse driveth at, doth not appear upon rationall grounds to be so edifying indeed, where any extraordinary offer of a Text and solid reason from the conveniencie of that matter concur, in that case it is not to be neglected; yet now seing God hath not left men to an immediate way of attaining to the knowledge of the Gospel preached, but doth require of them the use of mediate and ordinary means, so also are men both in reference to their calling in generall and to particular messages, to collect His mind more from solid sanctified reason than from a meer internall impulse, left thereby God be tempted, and Satan get occasion to insinuate himself too much in our choice, or at least to confuse us by proposing one thing after another, that so he may indispose for all;