A37035:811
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.
To the first, that a Ministers works may be perfect before God: beside the frequency of them, and what may also be in his other personal carriage, these things will be found to be required by virtue of this expression, 1. That in public ministerial duties a man be acted out of zeal to the glory of God and affection to the souls of these he Preacheth to: this was Pauls practice in his fulfilling of his Ministry, Col. 1.25. (where the same word is) being compared with what goeth immediately before, and what followeth after. And this is the great commendation of Timothy beyond others, Philip. 2.20. that he naturally cared for the state of the people, that is, he pursued their edification, as a Mother will seek the safety and good of her own child. This is a qualification of an high price before God, without which, no diligence will •e esteemed of. 2. That a Ministers ministerial duties be thus perfect, it is requisite that in them he extend himself according to his ability to the utmost for the peoples edification. That is to make full proof of the Ministry, 2 Tim. 4, 5. when nothing is left unessayed which may put a mans gifts, time, ability, &c. to the utmost, for the Peoples good; so that his design is seriously to improve all for that end. 3. There must not only be diligence and faithfulness in external duties; but there must also be a suitableness to Gods mind, in the end, motives, and manner of performing these duties, and also tenderness and faithfulness in the performing of such duties as are not obvious to men, to wit, praying for the People, sympathizing with them in straits, grieving when they are wounded, and the like, which we will find frequent in the practice of Paul. Now, when a Minister contenteth himself with the performing of such duties as are before men, and maketh no conscience of these, it looketh as if he aimed rather to be approven of men than of God: and therefore his works cannot be said to be perfect before Him. And to this belongeth a Ministers carrying of himself in Preaching, admonition, and every duty as in the sight of God. 2. Corinth. 2.17. For we are not as many, which corrupt the Word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 4. This perfection taketh in an earnestness and universality in all the duties of the Ministry, and that in reference to all times and persons: