A37035:871
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.
Now to the second, to wit, how a Minister ought to use such an opportunity? We say, 1. it is to be improved with all diligence in his duty, as a man that is to reap corn that is already ripe. 2. It is to be made use of with all humility and self-denial, left by being tickled therewith he prejudge the Master of His Glory, and so procure straitening to himself. 3. It would be with much fear and watchfulness: with fear, lest he himself miscarry; or any soul miscarry in the birth, because of his unskilfulness: with watchfulness, lest the devil saw cares while he is sleeping; and the conception prove false without reality as to many hearers. This is Pauls word, 1 Corinth. 2.3. I was amongst you in much weakness, and in much fear and trembling, which showeth the kindly impression which he had, both of his own and the peoples infirmities. 4. It would be improved zealously, that is, so as the Authority of Christ may appear upon His Ordinances both to adversaries and friends. 5. It would be made use of (to say so) solidly, by making the foundation sure, by proposing solid food to souls, as the substantial Gospel-truths, and the uncontroverted duties of holiness: for, there is hazard too soon to bring such a people to the new wine of the most sublime things in Doctrine, or the most extraordinary practices of grown Christians: and it is better that they be fed upon milk, and what is healthful and nourishing, than that to please their appetites, they be diverted with useless Questions. 6. There would be much dependence upon God in such a case: for He is the Master, and hath appointed a great Steward over the house who hath the keys laid upon His shoulder: and the Minister in such a case, would know that he hath no Tack or Lease of such a condition, but is at the Masters pleasure: and therefore he would be acknowledged in every step of the Work as it is done, or in doing. Lastly, The great shot of all Preaching would be driven constantly, both in public and private, to wit, the edification and salvation of the people, and the forming of Christ in them by travelling, as it were, in birth for that effect. Obs. 4. Sometimes there may be greater success unto mean Gifts, by Christs countenancing the same, than where Gifts are in themselves more eminent and shining:
Now to the second, to wit, how a Minister ought to use such an opportunity? We say, 1. it is to be improven with all diligence in his duty, as a man that is to reap corn that is already ripe. 2. It is to be made use of with all humilitie and selfdenial, left by being tikled therewith he prejudge the Master of His Glory, and so procure straitning to himself. 3. It would be with much fear and watchfulnesse: with fear, lest he himself miscarrie; or any soul miscarrie in the birth, because of his unskilfulnesse: with watchfulnesse, lest the devil saw cares while he is sleeping; and the conception prove false without realitie as to many hearers. This is Pauls word,