A37035:817
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.
The fourth thing in the Body of the Epistle, is, the consolation laid-down in reference to the handful that had some life: for, if they were but as two or three on the tops of the uttermost branches, the Lord will not neglect them. This consolation, vers. 4. hath three parts. 1. The persons are described to whom it is sent. 2. The consolation is laid down in • promise. 3. The reason is given, why the Lord putteth this difference betwixt them and others. The persons are several ways described, 1. They are said to be some names: this is according to the Scripture phrase, to show their eminency and excellency beyond others, who by their integrity had, as it were, procured themselves a name in Christs account: so this phrase is understood, Act. 1.15. to wit, not only it signifieth some persons simply, but some persons that are eminent. 2. They are even in Sardis: and this commends their honesty, that had kept somewhat lively, even where Minister and People were dead. 3. They are a few names: which showeth, that in comparison with the multitude of this Church, there were but few sincere Believers, at least in a lively condition, although outward things looked exceeding fair, which also heightens their commendation. 4. In the description it is said, thou hast, relating to the Angel• which saith, that a lifeless Minister may have some lively persons under his charge▪ and yet he is little to be thanked for it. We conceive, that this doth not only respect the title which he hath to all that are members; but it seemeth to relate to a peculiar interest in these few beside others; and so they might be said to be his, as being begotten by his Ministry: in which respect, he could not be said to have these who had no sincerity at all. 5. They are described by this, That they have not defiled their garments: which relateth not only to purity in outward practice; (for it is like that was not so rare a thing in Sardis) but especially it relateth to their inward liveliness and freedom from these evils, especially of security, formality, declining, hypocrisy, and such like, that were common in the place. And thus, to keep the garments, is often taken universally, as respecting mans inward condition, as well as that that is outward, and particularly, chap. 16. vers. 15.
The fourth thing in the Body of the Epistle, is, the consolation laid-down in reference to the handfull that had some life: for, if they were but as two or three on the tops of the uttermost branches, the Lord will not neglect them. This consolation, vers. 4. hath three parts. 1. The persons are described to whom it is sent. 2. The consolation is laid down in promise. 3. The reason is given, why the Lord putteth this difference betwixt them and others. The persons are several wayes described, 1. They are said to be some names: this is according to the Scripture phrase, to shew their eminency and excellency beyond others, who by their integrity had, as it were, procured themselves a name in Christs account: so this phrase is understood,