A37035:912
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, as to the second, if any should ask, what reason there can be more to enquire thus in reference to Ministers, than in reference to members? and if the one will not follow upon the grounds that are laid down for inferring the other? We answer, It is enough to say that this enquiry in reference to Ministers is commanded, and the other not. Neither will any objector, I suppose, be able to give such precepts for the trial of Church-members, as have been laid down for this trial in reference to Ministers. It is observable which that great vindicator of this truth, concerning the admission of Church-members without such exact trial, doth answer to this objection; I mean Learned Mr. Wood, in his Examination and Confutation of Mr. Lockyer's Little-stone, pag. 80.81. Mr. Lockyer had made the same objection, which he answereth thus, All that Mr. Lockyer here bringeth in concerning admitting persons into Offices in the Church, is idly and impertinently alleged to the point in hand: we acknowledge that none ought to be put in such Offices, but such as give evidences of all manner of Godly conversation; we have an express and full rule for this, 1 Tim. 3. And hands ought not to be laid upon any man, without a foregoing trial and proof of these things. But where will ye show us in all the Scripture from the one end to the other such a rule requiring such qualifications in persons, and such a trial of them before, and in relation to their admission into the fellowship of the visible Church; and to be under Pastoral care and the Ministry of the Word? If he could show us this, either in precept or approved practice, we should soon yield and be at an end of this controversy; But this he cannot, nor ever will be able to show; and therefore the reasoning from the care and accuracy to be used in trying persons, who are already in the Church, in relation to admitting them to places of Office, unto admission of persons into the Society of the visible Church, is unreasonable. Thus far he convincingly to the point in hand. It is observable also, that these amongst the Ancients, who have said and done most against the Novatians and Donatists, have been yet most pressing and peremptory in this, to wit, that none with any blemish should minister in the holy things, as in the writings of Cyprian and Augustine is clear. This is enough to remove any such Objection:
Now, as to the second, if any should ask, what reason there can be more to enquire thus in reference to Ministers, than in reference to members? and if the one will not follow upon the grounds that are laid down for inferring the other? We answer, It is enough to say that this enquiry in reference to Ministers is commanded, and the other not. Neither will any objector, I suppose, be able to give such precepts for the triall of Church-members, as have been laid down for this triall in reference to Ministers. It is observable which that great vindicater of this truth, concerning the admission of Church-members without such exact triall, doth answer to this objection; I mean Learned Mr. Wood, in his Examination and Confutation of Mr. Lockyers Little-stone, pag. 80.81. Mr. Lockyer had made the same objection, which he answereth thus, All that Mr. Lockyer here bringeth in concerning admitting persons into Offices in the Church, is idlely and impertinently alledged to the point in hand: we acknowledge that none ought to be put in such Offices, but such as give evidences of all manner of Godly conversation; we have an expresse and full rule for this,