A37035:2109
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.
Their obedience followeth, they ascend up to Heaven, &c. meaning their taking on them that public owning of the Gospel which they were called to, and the certainty of the effect, following the former call, such a condition followed indeed as they were called to. 2. The manner of their ascending, was, in a cloud, that is, gloriously and safely, as the Lord is said to be clothed with a cloud: their glory and safety is by divine Power; it is like with allusion to Christs ascension, Acts 1. both these Resurrections being by one Power. It is said also to be in a cloud, because though it were discernible to onlookers, yet was it mysterious and dark to them, who could not discern, (through the many reproaches and imputations put upon the first Reformers,) the beauty of the work in their hand, and ⟨p. 493⟩the glory of Gods dispensation to His Church in them. 3. It is marked that their enemies beheld them: they saw them dead, they saw them raised to their feet, and now they behold them ascending; which showeth still a visible and remarkable change in the steps and progress of His Church, and the reality and greatness of it, which could not be marred by their opposers though they beheld it; which certainly would provoke their enmity, and increase their envy the more. They are called their enemies, not for any particular wrong these witnesses had done to them, but, for the work in their hands, these witnesses should still have enemies retaining their enmity, yet were restrained from marring their exaltation, which showeth that the reviving of the Gospel and down-bringing of Antichrist will be by degrees. In short, these two verses say, that the Gospel shall again flourish, and the witnesses thereof shall be placed in a honourable condition suitable to their profession, in despite of all their opposers.
Their obedience followeth, they ascend up to Heaven, &c. meaning their taking on them that publick owning of the Gospel which they were called to, and the certainty of the effect, following the former call, such a condition followed indeed as they were called to. 2. The manner of their ascending, was, in a cloud, that is, gloriously and safely, as the Lord is said to be clothed with a cloud: their glory and safety is by divine Power; it is like with allusion to Christs ascension, Acts 1. both these Resurrections being by one Power. It is said also to be in a cloud, because though it were discernable to onlookers, yet was it mysterious and dark to them, who could not discern, (through the many reproaches and imputations put upon the first Reformers,) the beauty of the work in their hand, and