Commentary Upon Revelation, Chapter 7
CHAP. VII.
THe ſixeſeales opened, exhibited the particular types of the firſt ſorrowes. The ſeuenth, is to bring foorth ſo huge an euill, as the heart of Iohn, and all hearers and readers, were to bee ſtrengthened againſt the horror thereof. Herefore it is, that before the ſeale be opened, to the manifeſtation of ſo many degrees of a deteſtable miſchiefe, in this Chapter a ſummary view is giuen, of the reſt of this Propheſie; in a generall type of the euill ariſing, of the prouident care of Chriſt to preſerue to himſelfe a Church, vnderunder and in the midſt thereof: the victory of the Church ouer this euill, and her gracefull ſtate thereupon. Thus, not onelyonly, by a timous praeception of deliuerance, from ſo dangerous a caſe, fortifying hearts, which otherwaies, at long and particular explication thereof, without this praemunition, might hauehave fainted: but alſo, by this order of handling, in proponing theſe things before the opening of the ſeuenth ſeale, (whereof they are the proper euents) implying, not obſcurely, that this ſecond great euill, was, euen in time of the former ſorrowes, greatly aduanced.
2 The miſchiefe, is ſhewed in foure miniſters of indignation: by their number, place, and action; portending plainely, that euill which at more length and particularly, in the ſixe trumpets is exponed. Againſt which inconuenience vponupon the world, how Chriſt entertaineth his Church, during the time of the euill, is declared to the 9. verſe: From thence to the end of the Chapt. is firſt, the Church her victory, (at length in the ſeuenth trumpet, and ſeuen vials thereof declared) and next, her gracefull ſtate thereupon; which is amplie in the 21. and 22. Chap. inlarged: heere, both ſummarily proponed.
3 The number, of theſe miniſters of indignation, is foure: for the foure corners of the earth. See Chapt. 4. their place, the foure corners of the earth: to ſhew an euill, which in the height of it, ſhould ouergoe all: as is cleere in the fifth trumpet and end of the 13. Chapter. Their action, is to hold the forue windes, &c. Windes when they are tempeſtuous, are noyſome, but blowing temperately and mildly, they bring a ſweet influence of fertility to the earth, and of purification both to ſea and aire. We liue by emitting and indrawing of breath: and without wind, all things would putrifie. Hence in Scripture to ſignifie the influence of ſpirituall graces, ſpeeches are borrowed: Ioh. 3. Act. 2. Cant. 4. Ariſe ô South and come ô North, blow on my garden, &c. See Ezech. 37. 9. whence moſt cleerely, this ſpeech is in this ſenſe. The with-holding then of windes, ſignifieth the reſtraint of ſpirituall life and grace. The earth, ſea, and trees, are alſo typicall, as is euident in the fifth trumpet, Chapt. 9. where the maine point of this foreſhewed euill, taking exec…tion, the miniſters thereof are interdicted, hurting of theſe trees who had the ſeale of God on their fore-heads. This frame of ſpeech, is alſo from the practiſe of enemies in extreme deſtructions. As of Iſrael, Iuda, and Edom, againſt Moab. Marring eueryevery good field, ſtopping eueryevery fountaine of water, and felling eueryevery good tree, 2. King. 3. 19. Deſtroying ſo, the fields wherein, the moyſture whereby, and the things themſelues, which in fields and by moyſture doe grow. The ea…th then, is the place of the viſible Church, wherein are trees good and bad, ſome bearing fruit, ſome but leaues: but, as heere it is hurt by this plague, it ſignifieth onelyonly the earthly ones, who are in it, but not of it: for the ſealed ones are not of Chap. 12. …2.the earth, but, albeit in the earth, yet the citizens of heauen. The Sea, is the common worſhip, wherein men are ioyned, pure or impure, as it falleth, through the lothſomeneſſe or deadlineſſe of the waters, making accordingly Ezech. 47. Pſalm. 1.the trees which grow thereby, good or bad. Trees are men: of whom, ſuch as are planted in the courts of God, are alwaies freſh and flouriſhing; like theſe of paradiſe. Pſal. 92. 13. & 52. 8.Chriſtians, good and bad, are in Scripture, ſo ordinarily called trees, as it were a vaine thing to heape teſtimonies. This euill then, was to ouergoe the whole viſible Church, doctrine, worſhippe, and profeſſours therein.
4 Againſt this danger, the care of Chriſt is ſhewed, ordering the ſtate of his elected ones, by imprinting on them ſuch a marke, with the ſeale of God, as thereby, they ſhould eſcape the euill. Herein, come to be obſerued, the perſon actor, and the number ſealed. The perſon is of great note, as being an Angel, but of ſingular quality, euen the Angel of the couenant. This is cleare, by his notes, and by his action. His notes are two. His comming vp from the Eaſt: and hauing the ſeale of God. In the firſt, are notable, the quarter whence he commeth, the Eaſt: and that he aſcendeth therefrom. He commeth from the Eaſt, not onelyonly, as our day ſtarre and Sunne of righteouſneſſe, by frame of ſpeech from naturall lights, which all ariſe from the Eaſt (and heere, conuenientlie, ſheweth him to bee the light and life of his ſealed ones, when ſpirituall darkeneſſe ſhould poſſeſſe all) but this hath alſo a ſpeciall alluſion to the laſt Chapters of Ezechiel: wherein, the goodly ſtate of the Church, vnderunder the Goſpell, being deſcribed vnderunder legall types, not only is the glory of the God of Iſrael, ſeene enter into the Temple by way of the Eaſt, and the forefront of the houſe noted to be towards the Eaſt, and the land ſo diuided amongſt the Tribes, as one end of each portion ſhould reach to the Eaſt: but alſo, at the eaſt doore of the inner court of the Temple (ſo ſituated, as, to each doore thereof, men behooued aſcend by degrees, as this Angel aſcendeth from the Eaſt) none were permitted to enter or come foorth but the Prince. All, both Prince and people, worſhipped before that doore, but the Prince onelyonly went in and out thereat. Neither might the people come in the Temple at all to worſhip, but when the Prince was in the midſt of them: they came in together and went out together, yet at the Eaſt doore, none but hee. And out of the Eaſt doore came the waters, which did grow to a Sea. All, no doubt, to ſhew; that no light ought to come in God his houſe, but the Prince his light; neither any Doctrine flow from the Temple but his; who onelyonly entreth and commeth foorth at the Eaſt doore: in his light, all muſt walke, and worſhip; and therefore, no entry but when hee entreth, no worſhip but when hee is preſent, as in whom and for whom, onelyonly it is accepted, and from whom onelyonly wee are to take the rule thereof. His light riſeth on all his owne children, hauing all their portions reaching to the Eaſt. That this Angel then, commeth from the Eaſt, it ſheweth him to be the Prince: that he aſcendeth, it noteth his cōming to be into his temple, to bee life and light to his ſealed ones, in the midſt of this darkneſſe: euen that lambe vponupon Mount Sion, in the midſt of thoſe 144000. Chap. 14. when all the earth followed the beaſt, Chapt. 13. Conſider well, for this ſtate of Chriſt his Church, and his manner of preſence in it, the 11. Chapt. His ſecond note is, that hee hath the Seale of the liuing God. This ſeale, he hath eſſentially, as he is the Image of the inuiſible God; and ingraued Col. 1. 15. Heb. 1. 3. Iohn 5. 26.character of the Father his perſon: hauing life in himſelfe, as the Father hath life in himſelfe. And he hath this ſeale, to ſeale others therewith: giuing life to whom he Iohn 5. 21. Ioh. 6. 27.will, as the Father quickneth whom he will: for him hath the Father ſealed. All faithfull, hauehave this ſeale; that is, are ſealed therewith. But to hauehave it in this degree, as therewith to be the ſealer of God his Saints, it is aboue the dignity of all creatures. Hee onelyonly is the Maſter of God his great Seale, ſealing all God his children, with Epheſ. 1. 13. 2. Tim. 2. 19.the holy Spirit of promiſe. The foundation of God abiaeth ſure, and hath this ſeale, the Lord knoweth wh are his. And this alſo he ſealeth vp in vsus, by his ſpirit of ſanctification; ſo, as, who call on the name of the Lord, depart from iniquity. Hauing this Seale, wee need not feare any darkeneſſe of Antichriſt, for our annointing teacheth vsus all things: and the honour of our God 4 Iohn 2. 27.ſo requiring, wee hauehave our Seale in our foreheades, ready to giuegive account of our hope to all that aske 1 Pet. 3. 15.vsus.
5 Thus are the notes of his perſon. His Action is that, he cryeth with a loud voice, &c. His loude crying ſheweth the greatneſſe of the miſchiefe: for preuenting whereof, as men in ſuch caſes doe, he is ſaid to cry with a loud voice, ſo bewraying care. The Subſtance of his cry, is in a commandement, and the end thereof. The commandement is, not to hurt, &c till we hauehave ſealed &c. His commandement ſheweth authority, whereby he ruleth all things in heauen and earth, both in mercy and iuſtice. As our brother, God is his God. I go to your God, and my God, your father and my father, Iohn 20. 17. The end of the commandement is, that the ſeruants of God may bee in ſuretie through his Seale in their fore-head. The ſpeech is from the 9. of Ezechiel: where, vponupon, the deſtruction of Ieruſalem, Temple, and all to enſue by the ſtate of Babell: ſuch a type of caution is put for preſeruation of ſuch as mourned, and ſighed for the iniquities committed in that City: ſo, here a ſpirituall deſolation, and Captiuity being to come on the viſible Church by myſticall Babylon: the like Caution is prouided for the like ſort. The marking on the fore-head, is put but according to the manner of men, who imprint a conſpectible mark on what they wold hauehave eaſily diſcerned from common, ſo as the beholders cannot miſſe to ſee it. Not that this Seale was perceptible to Antichriſt, or Miniſters of his deceit and cruelty. For the world ſaw not theſe ſealed ones, neither could learn their Song, Chapter 14. 3. but as I hauehave ſaid, by this frame of ſpeech, to ſhew their ſure protection by the prouidence of their God.
6 In the number ſealed, conſider of whom it is, and what it is. It is of all the Tribes of Iſrael, that is, of all true Iſraelites, the Elect of God, and Iſraelites indeede, Gal. 6. 16. For properly it cannot here bee taken: but the ſpeech is from the Church of Iſrael, and the ordinary manner of the Propheticall denunciations: for, as when the Church conſiſted onelyonly of Iſrael properly, the ſame was little in compariſon to that time, when by the Goſpell the Gentiles ioyne thereto; and as, euen of the Church of Iſrael, though their number were as the ſea-ſand, yet but a remnant was ſaued: euen ſo, in time of Antichriſt his darkeneſſe, the true Church of God Iſai 10. 22.ſhould bee narrow (as Iſrael, yea, but a remnant of Iſrael, as the Temple, while Court and Citie are giuen to the Heathen, Chapter 11.) in compariſon to the ſtate following in the victorie, when (as by ioyning of all Nations, the Church of Iſrael was enlarged) by the comming of theſe out of great tribulation, who with palms and white robes celebrate the victory, and by riſing of the reſt of the dead after a thouſand yeeres, an innumerable multitude ſhall fill the Church. The number then Chap. 20.is a few ſecret ſelect ones, abiding with the Lambe on Mount Sion: while all the earth follow the beaſt. This number is 144000. to ſhew a competent Company, euen then when none appeared to bee left, Of the further myſtery of this number, ſee Chapter thirteene in the end.
7 … the 9. verſe is the third type and part of this Chapter, of the Church victorious ouer this miſchie…e: ſet downe two waies. Firſt, as Iohn had the knowledge thereof by ſeeing and hearing that company which are the type Secondly, as hee is otherwiſe informed of their caſe. The firſt to the 13. verſe, the next to the end. That which Iohn did ſee of them, is their number, place and habite. The number is innumerable, and that of all Nations, Kindreds and Tongues: to ſhew the largeneſſe of the Church in this ſtate, farre beyond that vnderunder the euill, and here expreſſed by the names of Nations, Kindreds, and tongues, according to the maner of Propheticall ſpeech, as is before touched. Theſe hauehave notes, farre differing from the former, arguing euidently this type to be of the Church victorious ouer the euill. The former, were few marked and ſecret ones, cloſed vppe from a common plague, whoſe ſong none could learne but themſelues: here are innumerable with publike Enſignes of victory, in high and loud ſong celebrating the ſame, and praiſing him by whom. Theſe come not in place till the Tabernacle bee opened in heauen, and the Vials of the laſt wrath, bee a powring out on the beaſt, Chapter 15. 5. Their place is ſtanding before the throne, the place of the true Church, Chapter 4. and accordingly interpreted of the elder, verſe 15. So in this ſenſe, it is ſaid, Chapter 11. to the two reuiued witneſſes, Come vp hither. Their habite is white garments, ſo interpreted v. 14. with palms in their hands, as victors ouer great tribulation, out of which they are come, verſe 14. the Palme with all nations is the ſigne of victory: ſo iuſtly in remembrance whence they are come, theſe celebrate now the feaſt of Tabernacles, victorious ouer the beaſt, his character, name and number thereof, Chap. 15. 1. Thus farre Iohn ſeeth of them. He heareth them cry, and with a loud voice. Here now theſe ſing, and with a loud voice, ſo as all may heare and learne, who will not harden their hearts. To the former was no ſong attributed, they had one, but which none could learne, Chap. 14. 3.except themſelues. Here is a Song in the eares of heauen and earth; The Song of Moſes, and of the Lambe, Chapter 15. The ſubſtance of their Song, as it is excellent, ſo it well fitteth their caſe. Saluation is of our God, and of the Lambe. Antichriſt deriued ſaluation from ſo many, and diuided the praiſe thereof among ſo many, as little part thereof remained to God and the Lambe: Theſe to ſhew a plaine croſſing of all Popery, and a triumph ouer it, acknowledge all ſaluation to be of God in Chriſt, and therefore all praiſe thereof to belong onelyonly to our God and the Lambe. This ouerthroweth all wherein the Romans conteſt with vsus, wee pleading nothing, but that All Saluation is of our God and the Lamb: In which ſong if they would ioyne with vsus, al debate were ended. This Song, by times the Iewes (no obſtinate) ſhall learne, and waſhing their garments in the bloud of the Lambe, ſhall come out of great tribulation, being at laſt fully wakened by a voice from the throne to ſing with vsus Haleluiah, Chapter 19. All Angels affirme this Song, of whom their place and ſong, Chapter 5.
8 Thus farre Iohn heard and ſaw of the caſe of theſe. Now from the thirteenth verſe is, what hee learned by information; wherein come to bee conſidered, the Informer, one of the Elders, ſee Chapter 5. Sect. 4. and what hee informeth. Wherein, againe is the occaſion, and the matter whereof, vponupon that occaſion he informeth. The occaſion is, Iohn his ignorance, and deſire of knowledge: to the conſideration of the one whereof, and ſo to the deſire of the other, he is ſtirted vp by an Interrogation, What are theſe? ſhe wing an admiration, as of an vncouch and ſtrange thing in the eyes of the world, when men in ſo great numbers ſhall ariſe from vnderunder Antichriſts darkeneſſe, to the true light of the Goſpell, whereof the daily encreaſe maketh the enemies gnaw their tongues for ſorrow, and amaſeth the world: but greater wonder ſhall yet bee, when vponupon the beaſt his fall, the Iewes forſaking their own righteouſneſſe, which is by the Law, and taking hold of the righteouſneſſe of God, by waſhing their long white robes in the bloud of the Lambe, ſhall ioyne with vsus in this ſong: ſo as the Church herſelfe with ioyfull admiration ſhall bee moued to ſay, Who hath begotten mee theſe? behold I was barren, whence are theſe? For the ſpeeches after following, ſee Iſai 25. and 49. and 60. Iohn his anſwere hath a confeſſion of his ignorance, and a modeſt requeſt of information: whereupon the Information followeth; firſt, ſhewing what and whence they are, according to the double demand: and next, ſhewing their gracefull ſtate vponupon this their victory, through God his dwelling amongſt them, and copious diſpenſation of grace. Their coming out of great affliction, is the comming from vnderunder the bondage of Antichriſt: which how great ſpirituall affliction it is, they know who hauehave gotten the victory, in whoſe mouth God hath put this ſong, Saluation is of our God, and of the Lambe. For this tribulation, ſee the fift Trumpet, Chapter 9. And when God openeth the eyes of the Iewes to ſee their common Sauiour, then ſhall they well vnderſtand what both ſpirituall and bodily affliction they now are in which ſhall endure, ſo much the more their victory: Hee ſheweth their long white robes to bee their iuſtification in the bloud of Chriſt apprehended by true faith, expreſſing the action of faith in theſe words, they hauehave drpt, &c. Thus noting a great difference betwixt them now, and when their garmentes were dipte in the mire of mens merites, in the filthy ſincke of Antichriſts Indulgences, and puddle of Purgatory: and in Iewes now a great change, no more ſeeking to eſtabliſh their owne righteouſneſſe, which is by the law, or placing it Rom. 103.in diuers waſhings, rites and carnall ceremonies, which cannot purge from ſinne: but dipping their robes Heb. 9. & 10. 4alſo in the bloud of the Lambe. So liuely the holy Ghoſt painteth out theſe things. Thirdly, hee ſheweth of them, that their ſtanding before the throne, noteth the true Church of God, worſhipping him in truth.
9 Thus is the victory, now their gracefull ſtate hereupon is ſhewed in a freedome from all euill, and affluence of all good, and that through God his preſence, and protection, and the Lambe his gracious diſpenſation, ſet out in ſo goodly a manner, as many thinke the things here promiſed to bee of the Kingdome of glory; but here in magnifike termes, the goodly ſtate of the Church is expreſſed according, as for plenty of light & peace, ſhee ſhall bee vponupon the deſtruction of Antichriſt, and all open enemies he…e in the Kingdome of grace, & no deſcription of the glory to … reuealed in heauen: which neither the eye can ſee, nor the eare heare, nor heart of man conceiue, and in heauen is no ſuch diſpenſation of the Lambe as here is noted, who then ſhall ſurrender the Kingdome to his Father, that God may bo 1 Cor. 15. 24.all in all. As in Antichriſt his preuailing, the ſtate of God his Church was ſhewed in the 144000. and the Church victorious ouer him (now diſcouered, and going to deſtruction) in the number innumerable, and their victorious geſture: ſo here the goodly ſtate of the Church (now free of all inuaſion or bondage, and hauing plenty of light and quiet ſtate) is magnifickly expreſſed, and yet but in ſuch frame of ſpeech, as is ordinary in the Iſai 25. & 49. & 60.Prophets for ſuch caſes. This ſtate of the Church is largely handled in the end of this booke, as the firſt (in the hid and ſealed ones) is in the ſixe trumpets, and the victory in the ſeuenth, and ſeuen Vials thereof. Now as I hauehave ſaid, according to the phraſe of the Prophets, theſe bleſſings are ſet forth vnderunder things corporall, and ampliſied each by remouing the contrarie euill. They ſhall not hunger for the Lambe ſhall feed them, they ſhall not thirſt, for hee ſhall leade them to the fonntaines of waters, they ſhall feele no burning, for God ſhall ouerſhadow them, &c. the ouerſhadowing is from the cloud in the wilderneſſe: for the leading and feeding, ſee and weigh, Pſal. 23. a profeſſion of theſe graces, which the man of God felt. See Iohn 4. 13. and 6. 27. &c. It is maruaile, how men acquainted with the ordinary ſtile of Scripture, ſhould hauehave drawne this to any other ſenſe; but hereof more vponupon the 21. and 22. Chapters. This ſtate is in theſe few words expreſſed, Chapter 19. The Bride is prepared. And accordingly, in all her goodly ornaments ſhewed to Iohn Chap. 21.