A37035:875
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.
Concerning Ministerial qualifications.
Concerning Ministeriall qualifications.
IF we will compare the Angels of these three Churches in this Chapter together, we will find great difference: these of Sardis and Laodicea, it is like, had many gifts, which made the first get a name from others, and the last to esteem of himself; yet hath none of them a great commendation for grace, but the contrary; He of Sardis had a name, but was dead, and his works (what ever they appeared to men) were not perfect before God: what he of Laodicea was, that Epistle also will clear. And for fruit, the Angel of Sardis hath little, but a few names; and it is like he of Laodicea had less or none at all. The Angel of Philadelphia again, is in all these three contrary: he hath few parts, but a little strength; yet hath a good testimony of honesty and success. Whence may we not only gather, 1. That there are different measures of gifts amongst Ministers. And, 2. That some are more honest than others ⟨p. 199⟩And, 3. That the most honest have often the meanest gifts in appearance; and who have greatest gifts, often are least conscionable in the improving of them. And, 4. That a sincere honest Minister may have very mean gifts, either considered in themselves, or as being compared with others; and yet may be more faithful in improving of them, be more accepted of by Jesus Christ with his small measure, and have moe fruits and greater success, than others of more shining gifts without tenderness in their walk: But we may also have occasion to enquire, what qualifications are requisite in a Minister of the Gospel? and particularly, if Learning be any way useful to a Minister? or, if it be not rather hurtful, seeing weak Philadelphia is so commanded, when others are reproved? or, if grace ought to be reckoned amongst ministerial qualifications? There are here extremes, some giving too much to Learning, and too little to Grace, and others doing the contrary. These are not then to be looked on as inconsistent; but as agreeing well together: for, it is not the Angel of Sardis his reproof, that he had a name or gifts; but that he was unanswerable to them: nor is it Philadelphia's commendation, that he had a little strength; but that he improved well that little which he had: otherwise, one talent may be hid and abused as well as five.