The Key of the Bible, Biblical commentary · Part 2 · Section 3

The Key of the Bible · Biblical commentary · Part 2 · Section 3

p. 300III. THE PROPHETICAL BOOK, Viz. THE Revelat.

THE PROPHETICAL BOOK of the New Testament, prophetically foretelling what shall be the future condition of the Church of Christ in all ages, to the end of the world, is the REVELATION OF JOHN THE p. 301DIVINE. This may well be called a Propheticall Book; For 1 The Holy Ghost himselfe divers times stiles it A Prophecy, Rev. 1.3. and 7.10, 18.19. 2 And the nature of the Book is chiefly Propheticall, as the Series of the Book implyes; and also some passages plainly testify, that it treats of things, which must shortly come to passe, Rev. 1.1. and things which shall be hereafter, Rev. 1.19.

Title, This book in Greek is called [foreign] i. e. The Apocalypse (or Revelation,) of John the Divine ▪ whereby are indigitated to us, both the nature of the Book, and the Penman of it.

Nature of the Book, A Revelation. so called, because it Reveals and makes known unto us secret hidden mysteries, and future events. Its true, this Revelation, is not without mixture of much intricatenesse and obscurity, (as all prophecies are enigmaticall and ambiguous to men, till they be effected, but when the time prophecied is come, then they have a more clear, and certaine exposition. So Iraen. Advers. Haeres. l. 4. c. 43.) And this to exercise the p. 302Reader to search out the truth, as August. de Civitat. dei, l. 20. c. 17. hath well observed.

Penman or instrumentall Author of it, viz. Iohn the Theologue or Divine. What Iohn this was, some question. Eusebius mentions two Iohns, whose monuments were to be seen at Ephesus, viz. Iohn the Evangelist, who wrote the Gospel, and 1 Epistle of John: and Iohn the Presbyter, who wrote 2. and 3. Epistle of Iohn, and the Revelation, Euseb. Eccles. Hist. l. 3. c. 39. To him also seems to incline, Dionys. Alexandrinus in lib. de Repromissionibus, But that this is a great mistake, and that IOHN the Evangelist and Apostle was Penman of this Revelation, may be cleared by these considerations.

1. This Title attributes it to Iohn the Divine. This Epithet we read no where to be given to Iohn the Presbyter, but belongs to Iohn the Apostle and Evangelist, [foreign] by way of peculiar emphasis, because like an Eagle he soares aloft, writes more sublimely of the Divinity of Iesus Christ, both in this Book, (in which D. Par…us hath observed p. 303XLVIII. Arguments of Christs Divinity) as also in his Gospel, Iohn 1.1. &c. and in his 1. Epistle. And the King of Spaines Bible, of Montanus Edition, hath this Greek Title before the Revelation, [foreign] i. e. The Revelation of the Holy Apostle, and Evangelist Iohn the Divine, which Title clears this matter, and is consonant to Rev. 1.1, 2. (whether it were prefixed by Iohn, or after by the Church,) nor is it any way probable that Christ sent his Angel to any other Iohn, then to the Apostle with this Revelation.

2. Iohn the Penman of this Book is so descr…bed, that Iohn the Apostle and Evangelist seemes plainly to be indigitated, Revel. 1.1, 2. His servant Iohn: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the Testimony of Iesus Christ. Now how notably did Iohn beare record of the word of God, and testimony of Iesus Christ? see Iohn. 1.1.2.14. and 1 Iohn 1, 1. and 5.9. compared with Revel. 19.13.

3. The style much resembles that of Iohns Gospel and Epistles. As for instance; It is peculiar to Iohn to stile Christ, The p. 304word. compare Iohn 1.1.14. 1 Iohn 1.1. and 5.7. with Revel. 1.2. In his Gospell he stiles Christ the Lamb of God Iohn, 1.29.36. so in the Revelation Christ is called the Lamb at least 28. times.

4 That Iohn who wrote this Revelation, had it in the Ile Patmos made known to him, who was there for the name of God and Testimony of Iesus Christ Rev. 1.9. And Histories mention no other Iohn, but only Iohn the Apostle to be in Patmos. Banished thither by Domitian the Emperour for the Gospel's sake, neer to period of his Reigne, (as Funccius computes) about the ninety seventh year after Christ. See Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 3. c. 16. and 18.

5. To these might be added the Harmonious consent of ancient Fathers, who unanimously conclude, that Iohn the Apostle penned this Book. Dionys. Areopag. who was Pauls disciple, Act. 17. who wrote about the sixtieth year after Christ, in those writings ascribed to him, calleth the Apocalypse, A secret and mysticall vision of the beloved Disciple, Dionys. Eccles. Hierarch. c. 3. p. 305Iustin Martyr, who wrote in the one hundred and fiftieth year after Christ, ascribes the Apocalypse to Iohn, one of the Apostles of Christ. Iustin. in Dial. ad Tryphon. To which passage Eusebius relating, saith, Iustin mentions the Apocalypse of Iohn, plainly saying it is the Apostles, Euseb. Hist. Eccles. l. 4. c. 18. Irenaeus, who wrote in the eightieth year after Christ, saith, And what things soever Iohn the disciple of the Lord saw in the Apocylapse — Iraen. Advers. Haeres▪ l. 4 c. 50. and l. 4. c. 37. p. 373. A. Coloniae 1596. To these might be added the suffrage of many more, as of Greek Fathers, Clem. Alexand. Paedag. l. 2. c. 12. Athanas. in Synops. Epiphan. Haeres. 51.54, 76. Chrysost. Hom. 5. in Psal. 91. of Latin fathers, as Tertull. contra Marcion l. 4. Cyprian. de e…hort. Martyr. c. 8.10.11.12. Ambros. in Psal 50 & l. 3. de spir. sanct. c. 21. August. de Civi…. dei l. 20. c. 7. & de Haeres. c. 30. & de Doct. Christ. l. 2. c. 18. videantur Annot. in Irenae. l. 5. c. 30. p. 490. Colon. 1596. but in so plaine a case these may suffice.

So that by all this, its plainly evident p. 306that the Penman of the Revelation was Iohn the Apostle, that wrote the Gospel, and the Epistles. The unfolding of his name, and who he was more particularly, See in Annot. to Iohn's Gospel.

Authority of this Book, is not Humane, but Divine. For,

1. This book was indited by Iesus Christ himselfe the faithfull and true witnesse, who sent his Angel to testifie the same to Iohn the Apostle, and by him to the Churches. The Revelation of Iesus Christ which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to passe; and he sent and signified it by his Angel unto his servant Iohn— Rev. 1.1. and towards the close of the book he saith, I Iesus have sent mine Angel to testify unto you these things in the Churches, Rev. 22.16. Note, this Revelation was given by Iohn the Apostle to the Churches, by an Angel to Iohn, by Iesus Christ to that Angel, by God to Iesus Christ: How punctually then is the Divine Authority of it asserted?

2. It was penned by Iohn the Apostle of Christ (who was divinly inspired & acted by the Holy Ghost) as hath bin formerly p. 307manifested, and therefore it is of divine Authority, especially considering that this blessed Apostle was commanded by Iesus Christ to write this Book, Saying I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and wh… thou seest write in a Book,—write the things which thou hast s…en, and the things which are, and the thing… which shall b… hereafter, Rev. 1.11 19. See also Rev. 2.1.8.12.18. and 3.1, 7, 14. and 14.13. and 19.9. and 21.5.

3. The nature of the book imports the divine Authority of it. For 1. It is eminently Propheticall, speaking of things that shall be hereafter, Rev. 1.1, 19. and 22.7, 10, 18, 19. and the prophecies of this book, are touching future events in reference to the Church to the end of the world, till the Church, the Lambs wife, shall be fully ready for compleat marriage with the Lamb, Rev. 19.7, 8, 9. So that neither ancient writers nor any other, but such as were inspired with a spirit of prophecy from the al-knowing God, could foretell these things to come, Isa…. 41.22. 2. In the propheticall expressions of it, p. 308it is consonant to other propheticall books, and gives light to them, Daniel, Zechariah, especially Ezekiel, As in the particulars of eating up the Book, Rev. 10.9, 10. with Ezek. 2.8. and 3.3. of sealing Gods promise, Rev. 7.2, 3. with Ezek. 9. of the foure living Creatures, Rev. 4.6, 7. with Ezek. 1.5.6. of Gog and Magog, Rev. 20.8. with Ezek. 38.2. and 39.1. of the measuring of the Temple and City, Rev. 21.15. with Ezek. 40.3. &c. Of the two olive trees, &c. Rev. 11.4. with Zech. 4.3, 11, 14. &c. 3. Many things foretold in this Book prophetically, are fulfilled and come to passe actually, As Interpreters have observed in many particulars. Therefore this Book is of divine Authority, Ierem. 28.9.4. Promise of explaining how long the Idolatrous and Tyrannicall Kingdome of Anti-Christ should last, was made to Daniel the Prophet, Dan. 12.4, 9. which some conceive to be fulfilled in these Apocalypticall visions, Rev. c. 11. and 12. and 13. and 17. &c. And had not Christ under the New Testament left his Church some propheticall Record, p. 309for her comfort against the horrid cruelty, idolatry and darknesse of the Anti-christian Dominion, showing when it should have an end, and how happy at last the Church should be, all her enemies being universally made the footstool of the Lambe; she were in a worse condition then under the Old Testament; which were absurd.

4. As the Holy Ghost by Moses, the first Penman of the Canon of the Old Testament warned the Jewes against adding to or diminishing from the word of God, yee shall not adde unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, Deut. 9.2. and 12.32. So by the Apostle Iohn the last Penman of the Canon of the New Testament, Iesus Christ warneth all persons that heare the words of this Prophecy; If any man shall adde unto these things, God shall adde unto him the plagues that are written in this Book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this Prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this Book, Rev. 22.18, p. 31019. By which severe Commination, the integrity and divine Authority of this Book is asserted by Christ, against all whom Christ foresaw, would either indeavour to infringe the Authority of it, or corrupt the purity of it. Hereby then the whole divine Canon is sealed up, as fully now compleat, and divinely Authenticall, after which we are to expect no more Scripture from God.

5. The generall current of best Antiquity, except some few particular persons, and divers of them guilty of such heresies as this Book condemnes, hath embraced this Book, and accounted it of divine Authority. As those formerly cited, to prove Iohn the Apostle to be Penman of it, and many more that might be enumerated. As that ancient Ancyran Councel, held before the Nicene. in Append. as also the third Councell of Carthage, Can. 47. Cyprian frequently alledges the Revelation among the other Canonicall bookes, as De exhort. martyrum, c. 8. c. 11. c. 12. Testimon. Advers. Iudaeos l. 2. c. 1. Sect. 3.6, 11. &c.

6. The Cavils and Objections, against p. 311the divine Authority of this Book, reckoned up by Erasmus or others, how weak and unsatisfactory they are, may appeare in severall writers, who have confuted them. Especially vid. Bez. Prolegom. in Apocylaps. Ioannis. and Gerh. loc. Com. De scrip. sac. in exeges. cap. 10. Sect. 294. ad sin. cap.

Excellency of this Book is most considerable For,

1. The conveyance of it at first to the Church is singular. From God to Iesus Christ; From Iesus Christ to an Angel; From the Angel to Iohn, whom Jesus peculiarly loved above all his Apostles and Disciples, Rev. 1.1. And this to Iohn when in exile for Christ in the Isle Patmos; and that not on a common day▪ but on the Lords day, the Queen of dayes; and …o Iohn in Patmos, on the Lords day, not in an ordinary but extraordinary composure and elevation of his soule, when he was in the spirit, caught up (as it were) and transported in an holy extasie and spirituall Rapture, that he might the more attend to these mysteries revealed, and have more immediate un-interrupted Communion p. 312with Jesus Christ the Revealer, Rev. 1, 9, 10. &c. what can all this import, but some singularly eminent treasure for the Church in this book, whereby the Church in her deepest tribulation, may be (with Iohn) spiritually intransed and ravished with many surpassing grounds of joy, and consolation?

2. The stile is stately and sublime, and may wonderfully take the highest notion; The expressions quick, piercing and patheticall, and may pleasingly penetrate the dullest affection. The whole contexture is so full of divine majesty, that it commands an awfull Reverence in all gracious hearts that read it.

3. The matter of it is most heavenly and spirituall, and that in exceeding great variety, notably describing the Divinity of Christ, His offices and the benefits of them, clearly pointing out Anti-Christs Seate, Tyranny, Rise, Growth, Power, Acts and Fall, and most lively delineating the Churches condition, what it was in the Primitive times after Christ, and what it should be afterwards till the worlds end; how sad, p. 313yet s…fe under Anti-christs dominion; how sweet and happy after Anti-Christs destruction; how comfortable at the day of judgement; and how glorious in heaven with Iesus Christ for evermore. What Saint would not thirst much to read and here, more to understand, but most of all to enjoy these things? Some of them are laid downe most mystically in abstruse visions, to exercise the judgements of the wisest; some more familiarly to succour the infirmity even of the weakest. In some places the Lamb may wade, in others the Elephant may swim. Those prevent contempt, these anticipate discouragement. Ioao…imus Abbas prefers this Prophecy, before the Prophecy of all other Prophets. Beza saith, That those things in other Prophets, which were not fulfilled after Christs coming, the holy spirit hath heaped them all together in this precious book, and also added others so farre as was needfull or usefull for the Church to know them, Bez. Prolegom. in Apoc. Oecolampadius cals this book, The best Paraphrast of all the Prophets. Ioh. Oecolamp. Praefat. in Dani…l. Hierome p. 314saith, Apocalypsis tot habet sacramenta quot verba. Parum dixi, pro merito voluminis, laus omnis inferior est; in verbis singulis multiplices latent intelligentiae, i. e. The Revelation hath as many mysteries as words. Its but a little I say, all praise is too low for the merit of this volume; manifold understandings lie hid in every word. Hieron. in Epist. ad Paulin.

4. The Book it selfe is compleat, capable of no Addition or Detraction, but upon severest Penalties, Rev. 22.18.19.

5. The Penman Eminent, viz. John that beloved disciple, that sweet compound of love. It was Moses his honour who was Gods peculiar favourite, to be Penman of the first Book of the Old Testament. And it was Iohn's honour who was Christs peculiar favourite, to be Penman of the last Book of the New Testament; oh what divine love and favour is made known unto the Church, in all the volumes between the Armes of these two favourites!

6. Finally, God counts them blessed soules, that read, heare and keepe the words of this Prophecy. Blessed is p. 315he that readeth, and they that heare the words of this Prophecy, and keep these things that are written therein, Rev. 1.3. A blessed Book, that renders them blessed, who are practically versed in it.

The time when this Revelation was written, was when Iohn was banished into the Ile that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the Testimony of Iesus Christ, Rev. 1.9.10. Iohn was banished into Patmos, by that cruell persecutor Domitian, in the fourteenth yeare of his Reigne, saith Hieron. Catal. illustr. vir. in vit. Ioan. Domitian reigned in all but fifteen years, as Helvic. observes, and his fourteenth yeare was in the ninety fourth yeare after Christ, Helvic. in Chronol ▪ in the ninety sixth after Christ, saith Pareus Prolegom. in Apocal. c. 5. This Book is conceived to be written after all the Books of the New Testament.

Occasion of this Revelation seemes to be this. Iohn being banished into the Ile Patmos, Rev. 1.9, 10. doubtless gave himselfe to prayer, and sacred meditations about the affairs of Christ p. 316and his Church, whereupon Iesus Christ appeared to his beloved disciple, in a spirituall ravishment, showing him what was his pleasure, both touching the present Churches of Asia, and touching his whole Church to the end of the world; thus comforting him: and commanding Iohn to write his visions, for the comforting of them.

Scope of this book is,

Generally, To make knowne by Iohn unto the Churches both the things that then were, and that should be thereafter, Rev. 1.19.

Particularly. 1 To informe the Church of the many sharp conflicts she should have with Satan and his instruments, especially Hereticks, persecuting Tyrants, and Anti-Christ himselfe, that so she might not dream only of Halcyon dayes, but might prepare more and more for the worst of stormes ▪ 2 To discover and point out in lively Colours that grand Anti-christ, that the Church might run and read, and most infallibly know who he is. 3 As also to support and comfort the Church and all the faithfull, over all p. 317their tribulations, with the hopes of the utter overthrow of Anti-christ and all their enemies; of their owne joyfull triumphs over them; and of the happy condition which the Church shall afterwards enjoy, partly in this world, but chiefly in the world to come.

Though this book be most obscure and intricate, yet these things may somewhat facilitate the understanding of i…, If we shall,

1. Keep the maine scope of the Book, still in our eye.

2. Compare the passages and phrases of the Revelation, with those of other Prophecies, as Rev. 11.4. with Zech. 4.3, 11, 14. Rev. 10.9, 10. with Ezek. 2.8. and 3.3. — Rev. 4.6, 7, 8. with Ezek. 1.5, 6, 7, 8. —Rev. 20.8. with Ezek. 18.2. and 39.1.—Rev. 21.15. with Ezek. 40.3. &c.

3. Parallel with this Prophecy, the subsequent Histories after Iohn's time, the Histories of the Roman Empire and Church, which testify clearly what cruelty and persecutions the Romane Emperours successively raised up against p. 318Christians: with what subtilty and fraud the B. of Rome did by degrees, (through the folly, cowardise, negligence, &c. of the Emperours,) step up into their throne, and subjugate not onelyonly Rome, the Seate of the Empire, but also the whole Empire it selfe to his dominion and pleasure, whence we may derive not a little light, to see what is meant by the opening of the Seals. The Stars falling from heaven to earth. The beast speaking great and blasphemous things. The beast and false Prophet. The image of the beast. And the whore riding upon the beast with seven heads and ten hornes, and ruling in the city on the seven hils, &c.

4. Consider prudently the experience of later and present times; how accurately doth the description of the Beast and scarlet whore agree, to the Papacy? of the Locusts, to the Romane Clergy, and of the Frogs comming out of the mouth of the Dragon, the beast and the false Prophet, to the Iesuites and Romane Emissaries, compassing sea and land, and creeping into Kings palaces, to gather them together, to the warre of the great day of God almighty.

p. 3195. Finally, if we shall diligently read, meditate and pray, that the holy spirit, who revealed these things to Iohn, would reveale their sense and meaning to us, These things may help us to untie many knots, and render many difficulties easie.

Principall parts. In the Book of Revelation are chiefly considerable, 1 The Preface, 2 The Substance of the Book, and 3 The Conclusion.

The Preface, which is …. Generall, in Ireference to the whole Prophecy, noting the Matter, Author, Penman, and Profit of this Book, c. 1. ver. 1, 2, 3. 2. Speciall or particular, in reference to the seven Churches of Asia Minor, and in them to the whole Catholick Church, figured by them, wherein are, 1. A Nomination of persons writing and written to. 2. The Salutation. 3. And a glorious Description of Jesus Christ, ver. 4. to 9.

The Substance or Body of this Propheticall IIBook. c. 1. v. 9. to c. 22. v. 6. Wherein is contained a Narration of the State of the Church. I. Militant on earth. c. 1. v. 9. to c. 20. v. 11. II. Triumphant in heaven, c. 20. v. 11. to c. 22. v. 6.

The Condition of the Church Militant is declared 1. For present, what it was when p. 320Iohn wrote the Revelation, c. 1. v. 9. to c. 4. v. 1. 2. For future, what it should be till the judgement day. c. 4. v. 1. to c. 20. v. 11.

I. Uision.

I. Touching the State of the Church then present. viz. The Asian Churches principally; are laid downe two things, viz.

1. A Preparation to the discovery of it, by A Vision of seven Golden Candlesticks and seven Starres. This is Iohn's first vision. And here we have a description, both of Iohn who had the vision: as also of the vision it selfe; both in respect of the 1 Forme of it. The 2 Effect it had upon Iohn, and the 3 Consequents ensuing thereupon. viz. The Comforting of John, Command to write the vision, and the Interpretation of the vision, c. 1. v. 9. to the end of the chapter.

2. A Narration or Description of the Condition of Christs Church then present, and this in Seven distinct Epistles, directed to the seven Angels of those seven Asian Churches. viz. 1. Of Ephesus, c. 2. v. 1. to 8. 2. Of Smyrna, c. 2. v. 8. to 12. 3. Of Pergamus, c. 2. v. 12. to 18. 4. Of Thyatira, c. 2. v. 18. to the end of the chapter. 5. Of Sardis, c. 3, 1. to 7. 6. Of Philadelphia, c. 3. v. 7. to 14. 7. Of Laodicea, c. 3. v. 14. to the end of the chapter ▪ In all which Seven Epistles▪ the same method p. 321is generally observed by the spirit of Christ, viz. Every Epistle, containing 1. A Description of Jesus Christ, suitable to the vision of him, in c. 1. formerly. 2. A Narratio… of the Good commendable; or Evill condemnable in the Angel of every Church, and so in every Church. 3. Promises or Threats, proportionable to their vertues or vices, 4. Hortatory Conclusions, inciting to attention,

II. Touching the state of the Church for the future, especially the European Churches, This is insisted upon more largely and more mystically. Which in sum amounts to thus much, viz. To Pre-monish the Church of her great tribulations in this world, 1 By persecuting Tyrants, 2 Then by persecuting Hereticks, 3 At length by Anti-Christs most cruell Oppressions both corporall and spirituall. Against all which the holy-Ghos… intermingles many comforts to the Church, as that 1 God will be with her in all her distresses and not forsake her. 2 Her troubles shall not be endlesse, nor over-long. 3. Her enemies shall all of them at last be utterly destroyed. 4. The Church shall at last be set in a safe and happy condition in this world, but especially in the world to come. Now all these things are laid down visionally, in six other visions, remarkably distinct from one another, viz. II. Vision. c. 4, 5, 6, 7. III. Vision. c. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, IIII. Vision. c. 12, 13, p. 32214. V. Vision. c. 15, 16. VI. Vision. c. 17, 18, 19. VII. Vision. c. 20, 21, 22. to v. 6. All which Visions seem to be comprized in two distinct Prophecies, or Systemes of Visions, parallel and contemporary to one another. Both revealing the mysteries for substance, but the later proceeding more punctually to particulars, as some are of opinion; Others rather think the former Prophecy comprehends the destinies of the Romane Empire, under seven Seals and seven Trumpets; The later Prophecy, the destinies of the Church, or of Christian Religion. The I. Prophecy beginning with the B. Sealed with 7. Seals c. 4. v. 1. ending c. 11. II. Prophecy, beginning c. 12. v. 1. (yet so as to take in some passages mentioned in the fifth Trumpet, as the Little book, the measuring of the Temple, the outer Court, the two Witnesses) continuing to the end of the Book. Now the sober considering, and wise comparing of these two distinct Prophecies with one another, may (as some think,) singularly serve to clear many difficulties throughout this Book,

II. Uision.

THE I. PROPHECY BEGINNETH.

The State of the Church future is revealed to JOHN, in a mysterious vision of A Book sealed with seven Seals, (All the particular mysteries in which Book, what man on earth can certainly and infallibly open, unlesse p. 323he had Iohn's Apocalypticall Key?) Here consider the

I. Preparatorys to the opening of the Seals, viz.

1. The Vision of God sitting upon a glorious Throne in heaven, c. 4. wherein are …. The Transition to this vision, v. 1. 2. The Description of God enthroned in heaven, v. 2, 3. 3. Em…le…es of Majesty about the Throne, viz. 1 Twen…y …oure Elders, 2 Lightnings, Thunders, Voices, 3 Seven Lamps, i. e. the seven Spirits of God, 4 A Sea of glasse, 5 Foure living Creatures, 6 The Songs of Prayse, presented to him that sate on the Throne by the foure Beasts, and …enty foure Elders, vers. 4. to the end of the chapter.

2. The vision of a Book, in the hand of him that sate on the Throne, sealed with seven Seales, c. 5. Here note 1. The sealed Book described, v. 1. 2. The inability of all creatures to open the book, v. 2, 3, 4. 3. The Lambs ability to open it, who stood before the Throne, v. 5, 6, 7. 4. The foure beasts and twenty foure Elders Gratulation, with Adoration to the Lamb for opening it▪ vers. 8. to the end of the chapter.

II. The Opening of the seven Seals themselves in Order, c. 6, 7, 8. In the opening of which Seals is revealed to Iohn, what shall be the future State of the Church of God, p. 324from that time to the end of the world. In the Seventh of which Seales are brought in seven Trumpets; & in the Seventh of which Trumpets, are brought in Seven vials of the wrath of God, full of the Seven last plagues. More particularly consider here the

I. Seale opened, where 1 The attention required, 2 The matter revealed in it, viz. A white horse &c. c. 6. verse 1.2.

II. Seale opened, where 1 Attention called for. 2 The mystery revealed, A Red horse, &c. c. 6. v. 3.4.

III. Seale opened, where 1 Attention is incited. 2 The Mystery revealed, A Black horse, his rider having Ballances in his hand, A spirituall famine threatned, c. 6. v. 5, 6.

IV. Seale opened, where 1 Attention is stirred up 2 Matter Revealed, A pale horse and his rider Death, hell following, &c. c. 6. ver. 7.8.

V. Seale opened, where note 1 What was seen, soules under the Altar, martyred. 2. What these soules did, cryed for vengeance. 3. What they obtained, 1 White Robes for present, 2 Promise of compleat glory with their fellow martyrs, c. 6. v. 9.10.11.

VI. Seale opened, setting forth God… dreadfull judgements upon the enemies of the Church, for their bloody cruelties exercised to death upon the Saints, as was intimated in the fifth p. 325Seale. Here are considerable, 1. The Signes seen by Iohn, viz. A great earthquake, The Sunne became black, &c. c. 6, v. 12, 13, 14. 2. The things signified, viz. Kings, great men, &c i. e. all sorts and degrees of Persecutors, in horrour and despaire at their vvits ends, by reason of Gods judgements coming upon them from Christ so terribly, as if the very judgement-day were come, c. 6. vers. 15.16.17.

III. Uision.

VII. Seale opened. Here consider 1 Preparatories to it, 2 Mysterious Contents of it.

1. Preparatories to it, are in c. 7. fore-arming the Church with previous consolations against all ensuing miseries that were to come upon it: Against which evils the Holy Ghost here comforts the Church. 1. By that security, which the Angel of God, sealing the servants of God in their foreheads, shall afford them in midst of troubles, c. 7, 1. to 9. 2. By that triumphant victory, which after their great tribulation, all the faithfull shall have over all their miseries and enemies, c. 7. v. 9. to the end of the chapter.

2. Mysteries revealed in the opening of this seventh Seale; being farre more, and those more intricate to understand, then in the opening of any of p. 326the other six Seals. Events following the opening of the seventh Seale, are either I. Preparatory, as 1. Silence in heaven for halfe an houre, portending great things to follow, c. 8.1. 2. Vision of seven Angels with seven Trumpets, v. 2. 3. Vision of another Angel, and his actions, viz. offering up of incense; and casting the fire of the Altar into the earth, c. 8. v. 3. 4, 5. 4. Preparation of the seven Angels to sound their Trumpets v. 6. II. Executory, viz. the Angels actuall sounding of their seven Trumpets. c. 8. v. 7. &c. to c. 12.1.

I. Trumpet sounded, where consider, 1. The Signe following▪ Haile and fire mingled with bloud cast upon the earth, 2 The effect thereof, viz. The third part of trees burnt, &c. c. 8. v. 7.

II. Trumpet sounded, where 1. The Signe following, viz. A great mountaine burning with fire cast into the sea. 2. The effect ensuing, the third part of the sea became blood, &c. c. 8. v. 8.9.

III. Trumpet sounded, where, 1. The Signe ensuing thereupon. A great star fell from heaven—called worm-wood, 2. The effects thereof, viz. The third part of the waters became bitter, and many died of them, c. 8. v. 10, 11.

IV. Trumpet sounded, where 1. The p. 327Signe. viz. The third part of sun, moon and stars smitten. 2. The effects thereupon. viz. day and night shone not for a third part, c. 8. v. 12.

Here is annexed (by way of Preparatory Transition to the other three Trumpets,) John's vision of an Angel flying through the midst of heaven, denouncing three Woes by reason of the three last Trumpets, c. 8, 13.

I. Woe.

V. Trumpet sounded, where note 1. The Signe appearing, viz. A starre falling from heaven to earth. 2. The foure effects of this starre falling, viz. He opens the bottomlesse pit, Thence raiseth up smoake. Darkens Sunne and aire with the smoake, and brings Locusts unto the earth out of the smoake, which LOCUSTS are variously and notably described. 3. The Conclusion shutting up the Calamities of this Trumpet, and forewarning of them that follow, c. 9. 1. to 13.

II. Woe.

VI. Trumpet sounded, c. 9. v. 13. to the end of the chapter. Herein consider, 1. The Command to loose the foure Angels bound in Euphrates, v. 13, 14. 2. Execution of this command, v. 15. 3. The Description of the large Army of Euphratean Horses and Horsemen, v. 15, 16, 17. 4. The p. 328Calamitous effects wrought by them, v. 18, 19, 20, 21.

VII. Trumpet, Concerning which note. 1. Preparatories to it. 2. Sounding of it.

I. Preparatoryes to it (it being the Trumpet of highest concernment, because when that shall be sounded, The mystery of God shall be finished▪ as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets, c. 10, 7.) are very largely premised, c. 10, 1, to c. 11.15. Which seems principally to be Consolatory to the Church, against all her former and future tribulations, and this by the Vision of a mighty Angel come down from heaven, viz. Jesus Christ himselfe the Angel of the Covenant. Touching whom here are,

1. The Angels description, c. 10. ver. 1.

2. The Angels Actions, 1. Held a little Book in his hand, 2. Set his right foot on the Sea, his left on the land. 3. Roared as a Lyon; 7. thunders ecchoing again. 4. Swore that time should be no more, but when the 7^th Angel should sound, the mystery of God should be finished, c. 10. v. 2. to 8.

3. The Angels commands to John, 1. To eate the little Book in the Angels hand, that he might Prophecy▪ c. 10.8, 9, 10, 11. 2. To measure the Temple, Altar, and p. 329worshippers, but not the Court; for it should be trodden under foot of the Gentiles 42. moneths, c. 11. v. 1, ….

4. The Angels promises concerning his two Winesses, and their Prophecy, and how after they shall be killed by the Beast upon the finishing of their testimony. They shall againe Revive, c. 11. v. 3. to 14.

Thus the Second Woe is ended, and the third hastneth, v. 14.

III. Woe.

II. Sounding of the seventh Trumpet, wherein the Mystery of God is finished. And the Churches Miseries ended, c. … 1. v. 15. to the end of the chap. where consider, I. Things heard in heaven, viz. 1. Great voyces, saying▪ The Kingdomes of this world are become the Lords, and his Christs, &c. ver. 15. 2. The triumphant song or gratulation of the 24. Elders unto God, for honouring himselfe, and for the coming of his judgement to reward the Saints, and destroy the earth, ver. 16. 17, 18. II Things seene &c. In Gods Temple opened in heaven, viz. 1. The Saints Rewards, The Ark of his Testament, i. e. Jesus Christ. 2. The wickeds Rewards, Lightnings, voices, thundrings, earthquakes and great haile, ver. 19.

The former Prophecy endeth.

p. 330IV. Uision

THE II PROPHECY BEGINNETH.

Hitherto of the I. Prophecy, or Systeme of Visions, Denoting (as is thought by some) more especially the Condition of the last Empire viz. the Romane: Now to the II Prophecy or Systeme of Visions, (contemporary with the former both in the Seales and Trumpets) foretelling chiefly the future condition of the Church till the judgement day. Herein chiefly are set down, 1. The Tribulations and Persecutions of the Church by severall enemies. 2. The deliverance of the Church by her enemies destruction. 3. The happy condition of the Church, upon her deliverance. Though the common opinion of interpreters (who take not any notice of 2 contemporary Prophesies, and their Synchronismes, but judge these Visions to be one continued Prophecy,) bring all that followes under the seventh Trumpet, thus. viz. The sounding of the seventh Trumpet is propounded, I. Summarily, c. 11.15. to the end of the chap. II. Plenarily, and this either, 1. By way of Recognition and fuller explaining of the former Seales and Trumpets, in a digression, c. 12, 13, 14. 2. By way of Prediction of things future under the seventh Trumpet more largely, c. 15, 16, 17, &c. For substance these will come much to one. (But lets follow the former.)

p. 331I. The Persecutions of the Church by severall enemies greatly distressing her in this whole fourth Vision, c. 12. ver. 1. to c. 15. ver. 1. More particularly here note,

I. The Persecution of the woman that brought forth the man-child, viz. Both Jesus Christ, and the Primitive Church of the Jewes (as some are of opinion) even from her infancy; and this by Dragon, i. e, (as is expounded c. 12. ver. 9.) Satan▪ c. 12. v. 1. to 17.

II. The Dragons Persecution of, and making war with the remnant of her seed.

Viz. (as some thinke) with the Church of the Gentiles, where consider,

1. The Dragons Resolution and endeavours thus to persecute, c. 12. v. 17.

2, The instruments of Persecution, incited and imployed by the great Red Dragon, viz. 1. The Beast rising up out of the Sea having seaven heads and ten hornes, c. 13. ver. 1. to 11. 2. The Beast rising out of the earth, having two hornes like a Lambe, and speaking as a Dragon, &c. c. 13. ver. 11. to the end of the chap.

3. The event of this Persecution, viz. The Saints Victory through their constant and faithfull confession of Christ even to Martyrdom, this their victory being exellently amplifyed p. 332by the Causes, and Effects of it, c. 14. 1. to the end of the chap.

V. Uision.

II. The Deliverance of the Church, by the destruction of her enemies represented in the Vision of the 7. Vials full of the wrath of God, the 7. last plagues, poured out upon the eart… by 7. Angels, Here are, the

I. Preparatories to the pouring out of the Vials c. 15, throughout.

II. Pouring out of the Vials of the wrath of God upon the earth, c. 16.1. &c. viz.

I. Vial poured out, c. 16. ver. 2.

II. Vial poured out, v. 3.

III. Vial poured out, v. 4. to 8.

IV. Vial poured out, v. 8, 9.

V. Vial poured out, v. 10, 11.

VI. Vial poured out, v. 12. to 17.

VII. Vial poured out, c. 16.

This pouring out of the VII. Vial, is laid down, 1. More Summarily, 2. More Plenarily.

I. More Summarily & compendiously c. 16. ver. 17. to the end of the chap.

VI Uision.

II. More plenarily and copiously, c. 17, 18, 19, & 20 to ver. 11. Wherin divers mysteries are most lively explicated, which formerly were heretofore more obscurely mentioned. Notably pointing out the p. 333Rise, Seate, Reigne, Vassals, Successe, and at last the fatall Ruine of Anti-christ and all the Churches enemies. So that this part affords no small light to the Prophetick part of the Revelation. Here consider, 1. The judgement of the great whore. 2. The event thereupon.

I. The judgement of the great whore c. 17, 18, 19. Where are,

1. A notable description of the great whore, that is to be judged; By Visionall Representation, c. 17.1. to 7. By real explanation therof, v. 7. to 16.

2. The instruments that shall destroy the Whore. viz. The ten hornes, which are ten Kings, &c. c. 17. ver. 16, 17, 18.

3. The Emphatical promulgation of the woful ruine of Babylon, the Seate of the great whore, This is done by three Angels, 1. The first Angel declares the inevitable certainty of Babylons ruine, c. 18..1, 2, 3. 2. The second warning all God's people to come out of her, sets forth the grievousnesse of her destruction, with the sad lamentations of all her friends and vassals, ver. 4. to 21. 3. The third Angel, under the p. 334type of a great Milstone cast into the Sea, as it were seales up the irrecoverablenesse of her ruine, ver. 21, 22, 23, 24.

4. The gratulatory exaltations of the heavenly company 1 for the judgement of the whore, 2 for the preparation of the Lamb's wife for marriage with him, c. 19. ver. 1. to 11.

5. The finall and totall conquest of the Lamb and his Armies, over the beast and false Prophet, and the Kings of the earth and their Armies, c. 19. v. 11. to the end of the chap. Hitherto of the judgement of the great Whore.

VII. Or last Uision.

II. The event following after the judgement of the great Whore; which is chiefly three-fold,

1. The safety of the Saints (surviving the ruine of Babylon) from the seducements of the Dragon, the Devil and Satan, being chained up 1000 yeares, c. 20.1.2, 3.

2. The reviving of the Martyrs, and raigning with Christ 1000. yeares, the rest of the dead not living again till the 1000. yeares were finished, c, 20. v. 4, 5, 6.

p. 3353. The Saints miraculous deliverance from, and victory over Gog and Magog; (Satan, after the 1000. yeares expired, being loosed out of prison.) c. 20. v. 7. to 11.

Hitherto (as is conceived) hath been Revealed the future state of the Church as Militant on earth.

The condition of the Church as triumphant in heaven, is described both in respect of the 1. Inchoation ▪ and 2. Duration of it.

1. The Inchoation or beginning of the Churches triumph, shall be at the last and generall judgement: which is pathetically described, c. 20. v. 11. to the end of the chapt.

2. The Duration or Continuance of it; viz. Eternal happinesse in Heaven, which is most gloriously set forth, c. 21. throughout &c. 22. ver. 1. to 6.

The Conclusion of this whole Prophecy; which IIIis either,

1. Principal, containing a confirmation of the whole Prophecy of this Revelation, by the Testimony,

1. Of the Angel, by whom the Lord shewed these things to John, c. 22. v. 6.

2. Of Christ himselfe, who gave this Revelation, ver. 7.

3. Of Iohn that received this Revelation, ver. 8, 9.

p. 3364. Of Christ againe, ver. 10 to 18.

5. Of Iohn denouncing heavie judgements upon all that shall adde to, or take from this Prophecy, ver. 18, 19.

6. Of Christ testifying these things, Promising his speedy coming; amplified by Iohn's earnest request in his own and the Churches behalfe, ver. 20.

2. Lesse Principall, containing the Apostolicall Salutation to all the 7. Churches and faithfull Saints to whom this Revelation was written, ver. 21.

He that testifieth these things, saith; I come quickly. Amen. Even so, Come LORD JESUS.

Rev. 22.20.

D. Bernard. Medit. Devot. c. 4.

Praemium est videre deum, vivere cum Deo, vivere de Deo; esse cum Deo esse, in Deo, quierit omnia in omnibus: habere Deum qui est Summum Bonum. Et ubi est summum bonum, ibi est summa felicitas, summa jucunditas, vera libe…tas, perfecta charitas, aeterna securitas, & secura aeternitas: ibi est vera laetitia, plena scientia, omnis plenitudo, & omnis Beatitudo.

Sic cum Deo homo Beatus erit, in cujus conscientia peccatum inventum non fuerit. Videbit Deum ad voluntatem, habebit ad voluptatem, fruetur ad jucunditatem. In aeternitate vigebit, in veritate fulgebit, in bonitate gaudebit.

1 Tim. 1.17.

foreign.