Exposition of Revelation 1-3, To the reader – Analysis of vision
To the Godly and Christian Reader Grace and Peace.
I Am not ignorant (good Reader) how vngratefull a thing it is, to deale by way of Censure or reformation, in those things wherin others hauehave gone before; and many times for the smart that followeth, do men beshrow their owne fingers. Yet the warrant of a good calling will breed peace in his conscience, that herein shall endeuour the obseruance of these rules of LoueLove, to wit, a1. Cor. 13.5. LoueLove thinketh not euill.Iudge the best of that which is done ▪ and bIt seeketh not hir owne things.referre his owne paines to the glorie of God in the good of others: Hereto I aime in this second edition of this booke. For my calling to this worke, when mine accusers stand forth, the executors of the dead shall answer for my discharge. And for mine indeuour to doe good; the small gaine of this reuised worke, was truly returned to the right owners thereof: If thou therefore returne glorie to God, for good receiued to thy soule, in this behalfe I hauehave my desire. Here onelyonly rests the doubt, how this second edition should not be preiudiciall to his good estimation that published the former: I answer, well inough: For I hope he intended cSee his preface towards the end.the glorie of God in the good of his Church, and the credit of the reuerend Author of this worke: Now if any addition be brought hereunto, his intent is furthered, and wherein then can he be greeued? If one man should helpe poore Orphanes to some lands or liuing, he would not thinke himselfe wronged by another, that should enlarge their iust claimes, or settle their possession in a better tenure: so I trust it fareth in this worke; where thou shalt find vppon thy diligent view, in some doubtfulldAs touching the Images of the Trinitie, Pag. 53. Col. 1. things the Authors meaning truly cleared, his method rectified, many repetitions omitted, and the matter (specially towards the latter end) somewhat enlarged. If any thing be dissonant to the Authors iudgement in his liue-works (which I hope thou shalt not perceiue) rather charge the fault on me through ignorance, or misunderstanding, than entertaine in thy heart the least conceit of wauering leuitie in so godly, learned, and iudicious a Diuine, who hath so well deserued of thy louelove, if thou louelove the truth. Thus crauing thy fauourable acceptance of my helping hand, to do thee good, I end with him, That is the beginning, and the end: Let him that hath an eare heare what the spirit saith vntounto the Churches.
Thine in him, who is Lord of all, T.P.
❧ A GENERALL ANALYSIS OF the Vision shewed to John.
The three first Chapters consist of a
Preface, containing the
Title of the booke, viz. Apocalypse, or Reuelation, described by seuen Arguments, vers. 1, 2, 3.
Inscription of the vision, wherein is Iohns
Dedication, To the seuen Churches. Vers 4.
Salutation, including the
Blessings wished for
Grace. Vers 4.
Peace. Vers 4.
Authors of them viz.
1. The Father. Vers 4.
2. The Holy ghost. Vers 4.
3. The Son ▪ who
Is described by
His offices.
Propheticall. Vers. 5.
Priestly. Vers. 5.
Kingly. Vers. 5.
The execution of his offices in four works.
1. Louing vsus. Vers. 5.
2. VVashing away our sinnes. Vers. 5.
3. Making vsus kings & priests. Vers. 6.
4. comming to …dgement▪ Vers. 7.
doth confirme the former description▪ Vers. 8.
A Vision, containing
Circumstances foure.
Person to whom, John. Vers. 9.
Place where, Isle Pathm…. Vers. 9.
Manner how, In a Traunce. Vers. 10.
Time when, On the Lords day. Vers. 10.
Parts
The entrance into it: containing
The means of Iohns preparation, viz. a voyce set out by
The place whence it came. Vers. 10.
The greatnesse of it. Vers. 10.
The matter of it. Vers. 11.
Parts of his preparation.
Hearing, noted in the meanes, Vers. 10.
Turning himselfe, Vers. 12.
Matter, viz. a representation of Christ in maiestie▪ set out by
The place where John saw him, Vers. 13.
His forme or figure, in
His attire, Vers. 13.
The parts of his bodie, Vers. 14.15.
The properties thereof, Vers. 16.
His actions.
1. A confirmation of John being sore afraid▪ Vers. 17, 18.
2. A commaundement to write, Vers. 19.
3. The interpretation of the Vision, Vers. 20.
4. Seuen seuerall commaundements, to write seuen Epistles to the seuen Churches. Chap. 2. & 3.