A37035:896
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.
If it be objected further, Then there would be few Ministers entered, and many Congregations would be desolate. That great Pattern and Patron of Learning and Piety, Trochrege, when he moveth this objection to himself (which showeth that it hath been ordinary in all times so to dispute against this duty) Answereth, that it is not so much to be respected, quot, or, how many be in the Ministry, as quales & qui, that is, who, or of what qualifications they be. Therefore (saith he) it had been the advantage of the Ministry that they had been ever fewer, rather than that many who are in that station should have been admitted to it: for (saith he) some became not only useless themselves, but do incapacitate others, and make the Ministry despicable before all by their carriage. And indeed it is often found so, that many Congregations had been better still to have waited for what providence might have ordered for them, than to have been planted as they were. Many excellent things hath he to this purpose, pag. 1187, &c. particularly, pag. 1107, &c.
If it be objected further, Then there would be few Ministers entered, and many Congregations would be desolate. That great Patern and Patron of Learning and Piety, Trochrege, when he moveth this objection to himself (which sheweth that it hath been ordinary in all times so to dispute against this duty) Answereth, that it is not so much to be respected, quot, or, how many be in the Ministery, as quales & qui, that is, who, or of what qualifications they be. Therefore (saith he) it had been the advantage of the Ministrie that they had been ever fewer, rather than that many who are in that station should have been admited to it: for (saith he) some became not only uselesse themselves, but do incapacitate others, and make the Ministery despicable before all by their carriage. And indeed it is often found so, that many Congregations had been better still to have waited for what providence might have ordered for them, than to have been planted as they were. Many excellent things hath he to this purpose, pag. 1187, &c. particularly, pag. 1107, &c.
We are persuaded, that whatever profane men think of holiness, that yet the people who desire to have their souls saved, will be loath to have a blind Guide, who, by falling into the ditch, may hazard others, or, one that may heal their wound slightly; or at best, point out the way to them, but in little join with them in it. And especially, that Ministers of the Gospel, who know what esteem Christ hath of souls, and what difficulty it is for themselves to walk singly in this Ministry, even though they mind their own salvation; and what native and natural sympathy is called-for betwixt a Minister and His Flock; and who are well acquainted with the devices of the devil, who aimeth to make havoc of souls by an ungodly, as well as by an erroneous Ministry; and also are laying to heart and seriously minding their reckoning to Jesus Christ at His appearing, for the souls of such Congregations, as they have had access to provide with Ministers, whether his Sheep were committed to a friend, or an enemy, to one that loved him, and so would feed the Lambs; or one that loved and sought his own things, (as all men in nature do) and so would feed himself. We are persuaded (we say) that such will tremble to be accessory to such heinous effronting of Jesus Christ, or such cruel betraying of poor souls in committing them to an ignorant, or unfaithful Guide, who may fall in the ditch with them. And seeing this is of main concernment to the advancement of Christs Gospel, and the edification of peoples souls, to have Ministers according to the Lords heart, and not mens, to feed the people; and a special promis subjoined to His marrying of a Land,