A37035:797
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 3
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.
acknowledging, that to love the Lord with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, with all the strength, and to love our neighbour as our self, is more than all burnt offerings or sacrifices. This is indeed much, to prefer internal moral duties to external ceremonial performances; and is more than usually was acknowledged amongst them: for which cause, the Lord saith in the next word, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God; yet He insinuateth he was not in the Kingdom of God, and so not really found notwithstanding. 5. They will sometimes have seeming fruits, even as to suffering: although no hypocrite can have a sincere end therein; yet it is clear, that many of them may suffer many things materially for the Truth of Christ. The Apostle, 1 Cor. 13. supposeth that one may give his body to be burnt, and yet want love: and, Gal. 3.4. he supposeth that there may be much suffering in vain. And certainly experience in all ages of the Church, hath made this appear to be truth. 6. If we look further in reference to Gospel duties, there may be fair flourishing in this respect also; as first, convictions of sin may be carried on a great length: Saul was often brought to say, I have sinned; Felix trembleth, while Paul preacheth to him, Act. 24.25. and even Simon Magus is brought to desire the help of Peters prayers, as being convinced of his hazard, Act. 8.24. Secondly, This conviction may be followed with something like Repentance, and sorrow for the committing of sin: thus, even Ahab humbleth himself, 1 King. 21. vers. 27, 29. and these that are mentioned, Psal. 78. vers. 34. &c. did seek and enquire after him who slew them. And certainly there wants not sorrow and bitterness in Judas his repentance, Mat. 26.3, &c. when he did really rue what he had done. Thirdly, There may be also something like faith; whereby one may in part be brought to believe the general truths of the Gospel concerning Christ, &c. and to his own apprehension be persuaded in himself, that he hath received him; and so carry within himself as if indeed there were ground to expect what is promised in him. This is clear also from the many instances of historical and temporal faith, that are recorded in Scripture: and in this respect, it is said of the temporary Believer, That anon he receiveth the word with joy, and goeth forth as if all were well.