A37035:859
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.
The promise, in reference to this trial, which is made to Philadelphia, is in these words, I will also keep thee from the hour of tentation, &c. It may two ways be understood, 1. As being a promise to keep her from any prejudice by that trial, though she might meet with the same: this is indeed truth; but cannot be said to be a peculiar privilege to Philadelphia: for, all the Lords people might plead and expect that, and yet some peculiar thing seemeth to be holden out as to Philadelphia in this promise. Therefore, 2. we understand it thus, when others shall be under persecution, thou shalt either be altogether free from that particular trial, which is to come; or, at least in a great measure shall be kept from the extremities that others thereby shall be put unto. And in this respect, the promise beareth something peculiar to Philadelphia: and therefore cannot be made use of by others as a ground to expect freedom from temporal crosses, except there be the like warrant to apply the same.
The promise, in reference to this trial, which is made to Philadelphia, is in these words, I will also keep thee from the hour of tentation, &c. It may two wayes be understood, 1. As being a promise to keep her from any prejudice by that trial, though she might meet with the same: this is indeed truth; but cannot be said to be a peculiar priviledge to Philadelphia: for, all the Lords people might plead and expect that, and yet some peculiar thing seemeth to be holden out as to Philadelphia in this promise. Therefore, 2. we understand it thus, when others shall be under persecution, thou shalt either be altogether free from that particular trial, which is to come; or, at least in a great measure shall be kept from the extremities that others t•ereby shall be put unto. And in this respect, the promise beareth somthing peculiar to Philadelphia: and therefore cannot be made use of by others as a ground to expect freedom from temporall crosses, except there be the like warrand to apply the same.
The last thing in the verse, (though it be first in order) is the ground to which the Lord doth knit this promise, Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee, &c. The word of Christs patience, is the Gospel: called so, 1. because usually the cross followeth it, and the Professors thereof have need of patience. 2. Because it is the great School-master that teatheth the exercise of patience: for which reasons, it's also called the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ, chap. . vers. 9. Their keeping of this word of His patience, doth import their owning of, and adhering to, this Gospel with much patience under many crosses and much persecution and so this connection doth not imply any merit in them procuring this peculiar privilege; but doth express Christs tenderness, and, to say so, His condescending equity in His proceeding, who, seeing this Church had a little strength, and yet had born out more steadfastly and patiently under many former trials, than others who might be of greater abilities; Therefore, out of His tenderness, He now promiseth to keep them free in a peculiar manner from a coming storm.