A37035:826
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.
Beside these Observations and what hath been said, there are yet some few Questions tending to the further clearing of this Epistle; as First, If an unsound hypocritical man may be a sent Minister of Christ? Secondly, If such a man may have gifts in exercise; or, if even a Believer may have gifts in exercise when his grace is in no good condition? Thirdly, If such a Minister may have fruits? Fourthly, If usually such a Minister with his gifts hath many, or rather but few fruits? And lastly, if by his deadness the Ordinances be so polluted to others as they cannot without sin partake of the same with him? To which, we shall answer shortly in order, by laying down some Doctrines from the Text.
Beside these Observations and what hath been said, there are yet some few Questions tending to the further clearing of this Epistle; as First, If an unfound hypocriticall man may be a sent Minister of Christ? Secondly, If such a man may have gifts in exercise; or, if even a Believer may have gifts in exercise when his grace is in no good condition? Thirdly, If such a Minister may have fruits? Fourthly, If usually such a Minister with his gifts hath many, or rather but few fruits? And lastly, if by his deadnesse the Ordinances be so polluted to others as they cannot without sin partake of the same with him? To which, we shall answer shortly in order, by laying down some Doctrines from the Text.
And to the first we say, that men that are unsound as to heart▪honesty, may be de facto Ministers in the Church of Christ, and, while continuing such, ought to be so accounted: What this Angel was simply in respect of his state, we shall not determine; yet this is certain that although he had a name to be living, he was dead; and his works were not perfect before God, what ever they were before men. And comparing this with the condition of the Angel of Laodicea following, we conceive there is ground to say, that men that are for their own case unsound, may yet be Ministers in Christs House; and are to be esteemed such, while they continue in that room, s•ing our Lord Jesus doth so here. And this is not to plead for profane Ministers, as if by this they themselves might have peace in their discharge of Ministerial duties: or, as if others, whose place giveth them a hand in the admitting unto, or keeping in the Ministry, such as are, or may be discovered legally to be so, might from this have any defence; there will no such thing follow hence: But it is to plead for the Ordinance of the Lord Jesus Christ, that ought not to suffer derogation in whatsoever hands it be. Hence doth the Lord (