A37035:878
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.
By gifts, we understand a fitness given of God, whereby one is capacitated for such a Calling: and although by improving, it may increase; yet we conceive that it is in it self no acquired thing simply, but is like a Stock or a Talent that is given to Trade with in such a Station: and therefore by no pains, skill, or art, can be attained, where it is not given. Hence it is peculiarly called a gift; and of Christs giving, Ephes. 4.12. 1 Cor. 12. and 14. 1 Tim. 4.14. and 2 Tim. 1.6. The Apostle comprehendeth it in that word [Greek or Hebrew], apt to Teach, 1 Tim. 3. And we may take it up in these three, 1. A capacity to discern and conceive of the things of God with some distinctness: if this be not, there can be no progress to any other step; and this may be called the gift of knowledge (as there is a word of knowledge which doth suppose this gift, 1 Cor. 12.) whereby one is able to take up the truths of the Gospel, which every one is not: this is prayed for to Timothy, 2 Tim. 2.7. not as to a Christian simply, but as to a Minister. 2. It taketh in a fitness to express and bring forth, for the edification of others, what they have conceived themselves: I called by the Apostle utterance, Col. 4.3,4. and he that hath it, [Greek or Hebrew]. And it may be called the word of wisdom or knowledge, whereby one is fitted profitably to speak to others: without which, no knowledge is sufficient. 3. There is also comprehended in this gift, an energy, or efficacy, which bringeth out things in another manner, and with another stamp than the Rhetoric and eloquence of men can do. Hence the Word and Power in the Preaching of the Gospel are distinguished, 1 Corinth. 4.19. I will know, not their word, but their power, (what the two great Divines Calvin, and Martyr say on the place, is excellent to this purpose) and this, we conceive, is the main differencing thing of ministerial gift, the former two being common to men of all professions in some respect, but this is not. Hence many men may have much knowledge, and be able by great eloquence to express it, and yet be far from that power and life which a native ministerial gift hath with it, as the corrupt Teachers at Corinth, who abounded in humane eloquence, were: which (as holy and Learned Mr. Boyd of Trochrege saith) is to be tried, not ex done, or, by the gift only;