A37035:888
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.
3. We said also, that Grace was necessary, and that he that thus carrieth the Lords message now should be holy, as they were, who of old carried His vessels we do not rigidly call for this as for the former two, so as if no man could be a Minister without saving Grace, and unless he be truly regenerated: what was said in the former Epistle, doth guard against this; yet we may assert, that it is necessary by necessity of precept: for, holiness is a qualification in that same roll with ability to convince gain-sayers, Tit. 1.8, 9. And also by way of mids, it is useful and necessary in many respects, 1. For himself: he cannot have confidence of his Calling, or of his being approven of God in it, without this: though he may be called; yet he cannot act as called of God, and so must be much incapacitated in that respect. 2. For the work: which is of that nature that it requireth communion with God and a standing in His counsel, Jer. 23.18, 22. otherwise, it may be accounted a stealing of his word without acknowledging of himself, vers. 30. And though these be necessary in any Calling, yet the nature of this showeth them to be in a singular way necessary in it. 3. There cannot be that boldness in the message, especially where difficulties occur, without ⟨p. 203⟩it. 4. For application of Truths, and speaking especially to the weary, This is necessary; that they may more natively take up the cases of others, apply the remedy to them, and sympathize with them, by making forth-coming the consolation to others, wherewith they have been comforted themselves, 2 Corinth. 1.9. which is a main way whereby God fitteth His Ministers experimentally; and even the Head, in some respect, was thus qualified. From this, Luther said, that these three, tentatio, meditatio and oratio, were requisite in a Minister: and they who want this holiness, are certainly exceeding defective. Further, in respect of his having fruits, it is most necessary, these being often blessed of the Lord with many, and others with all their learning, but with few, as in these two Churches appeareth, beside a Ministers Prayers having influence on the hearers profiting, as well as his Preaching; and he being to Pray for them, and to account their thriving to be an answer of his Praying, as well as the fruit of his Preaching, as in Pauls practice is manifest: what can the unrenewed Minister do here?