A Revelation of the Apocalypse, Chapter 3 · Analysis 1
The Analyſis.
THERE be three Epiſtles of this chapter: One to the Sardenſes, an other to the Philadelpphienſes, the laſt to the Laodiceans. Neither are they without cauſe included in one chapter, ſeeing they are of nature ſomewhat divers from the former. For the former were further diſtant one from an other, ſo they had Antitypes of a longer time: But theſe are both ſevered one from another with leſſer diſtances, and alſo wee ſhall find the Churchches directly anſwering unto them, to be of a more conioined tyme. The Epiſtle to the Sardenſes after the inſcription to the Angell, deſcribeth the Sē der from the ſeaven Spirits, and ſeaven ſtarres: after it addeth the Narration. Which reproveth him, that he carrieth the name and ſome ſhewe of life, whē in very deede he was dead, ver. 1 but togither alſo he teacheth the remedy, which is double: the firſt conſiſteth in confirming the other things that are ready to dy. For it ſhould come to paſſe, that by the iuſt iudgment of God many should dy, who ſo should punish the neglect of lawfull and iuſt amēndement, ver. 2. The ſecond, that he should remember what things he had received, and ſhould repent. Which admonition, leſt he a should negligently regarde, he is sharpened by threatning of his unexpected coming, ver. 3. After he prayſeth ſome for their pure garments. Which prayſe conteineth the reward, both proper to them, and alſo comon to all conquerers ver. 5. Which is threefolde, white clothing, a permanent name in the booke of life, and his profeſſing of him before his father and the Angels. All which are concluded with the uſuall Epiphoneme ver. 6.