The Sealed Book Opened, Commentary · Chapter 22
CHAP. XXII.
The Sense or Explication.
THe parts of this Chapter are two, the first absolves the description of the heavenly Jerurusalem, to the sixth verse, and the second is the Epilogue of the prophecie from that to the end.
Ver. 1. ANd he shewed me a pure river of water of life, cleere as Chrystal, proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the Lamb.
First then, he proceeds in the praise of this heavenly City, ascribing thereto, what is either for the necessity, pleasure or contentment of life, or which on earth can be desired, shadowing forth thereby the perfect felicity of the Saints in glory.
First then, for necessiity. It is necessary that a City so great and populous as this, have the benefit of wholesom water for sundry uses. Here then is the benefit of this in a most excellent and eminent degree. For, 1. For abundance thereof, here is not a well or fountaine, but a river. 2. Not muddy or feculent, but pure without any dreg, and cleer as chrystal. 3. Not corruptible or dead, but a water of life, or living water. And, 4. Not coming from hills or springs, which may be cut off, diverted, or dryed up, but out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb who is in the middest of this City, as the Temple thereof, c. 21.22. as the light also thereof, v. 23. and here as the waterer and refresher of this heavenly Eden, and therefore no more deficient to her can this plenty of the water of life be, then God and Christ can faile who is the fountain therefore, and liveth and reigneth for ever.
Ver. 2. In the midst of the street of it, and of either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yeilded her fruit ever monethmonth: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Next to the water to drink, follows the wholesome and delectable fruit to eat, alluding to mans estate in innocency, and in the earthly Paradise, to whom was allotted the fruit of the trees for food, and therefore sayes our Saviour, c. 2.7. of this food, To him that overcometh, I will give to eat of the tree of life that is in the midst of the Paradise of God. In this City then, food which maybe intercepted or with-holden, is not brought unto it, that it should depend or be beholden to others for the same, as Tyre and Sidon were to Herods country, Acts 12.20. but grows within it, and so it has alsufficiency within it selfe, and upon one tree, in the midst of the street for accesse to all, and for expatiating it self likewise to the benefit of all, it is said to grow on either side of the river, and yet, it is more extolled from the variety of the fruit thereof and greater delight, that it bares twelve manner of fruits. And next, it is commended from the admirable fertility and plenty thereof, that it yeilds her fruit every monethmonth. And from this last of all, that nothing in it is unprofitable, as the leaves of other trees are when they fade or fall, but as the fruit of this tree is for meat, so her leaves are for medicine.
This tree of life then (typed by that which was in the earthly Paradise) is Christ J…sus, from whom we have our natural, spiritual, and eternal life, as he testifies of himselfe, John 6.51, &c. Also, like this one tree, he alone is sufficient to all unto salvation, whose variety likewise and plenty of fruit, as the same is the variety of his graces and benefits here, so is it that fulnesse of joy and pleasures for evermore which his Saints enjoy in glory hereafter, he also is said to be unto us not only for meat but medcine, not that in the state of glory any sicknesse shall be, or need of medicinal things to cure, but to conserve eternal life and health, so that Christ Jesus shall not only give life to his Elect, but shall be the conserver thereof in them, without the least decay unto all eternity. The allusion also which these words have to Ezekiel 47.12. we may see in that place, and Cant. 7.13.
Ver. 3. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God, and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him.
Thereafter he further describes the happy estate of this City, and Citizens thereof. 1. Shewing what shall not be there. 2. What shall be. First then, there shall be no more curse, that is, either sin (whereto the godliest are subject in this life) and for which Gods …urse is threatned; nor misery which as a curse for si ne c…e upon man, and the earth for his sake, neither any sinful or cursed company of the wickeed, amongst whom the godly are mixed here like a lilie among thornes.
Next, he shews what shall be there. 1. Gods throne and the Lamb…, tha… is, his perpetual and glorious presence in his throne of Majesty with and amongst his Saints, as is said, Rev. 7.15. like a triumphant and glorious King…, having perfected h…s Kingdome and the number of his Elect, and subdued all his enemies, so that it m…y be said of this City, as is said Ezek. last 35. and the name of the City from that day shall be, the Lord is there. 2. It is said, that his servants shall serve him, by whom are to be understood his Angels and glorified Saints, who are said, c 7.15. to serve him day and night, that is, for ever, without intermission or wearinesse, praising his holy name, and singing Halelujah unto the Lamb for ever.
Ver. 4. And they shall see his face, and his Name shall be in their foreheads.
Hereafter he proceeds further, and shews wherein the beatitude of Gods glorious Saints consists, to wit, 1. In the blessed vision of Gods face, that is, in that neer and clear beatifical vision and fruition of God and of his glorious countenance, and comfortable presence, wherein himself declareth their happinesse to consist, Mat. 5.8. when they shall see him as he is, 1 John 3.2. and wherein also our Saviour▪ declares the blessednesse of the Angels doth stand, Mat. 8.10. the unsearchable and comfortable manner whereof is only known to the enjoyers thereof, only let us for our instruction learn the true way to attaine thereto, which is, 1. As we see Matth. 5.8. to be clean in heart, for such shall see God. And, 2. To be holy in life, without which, as is said, Heb. 12.14. none shall see God.
Next, it is said, that his Name shall be in their foreheads, that is, his image of perfect holinesse, (whereby, as by his name or mark stamped upon them, they are known to be his) shall be imprinted upon them, so that, as is said, Psal. 17.15. they shall then be satisfied with his likenesse, the imperfect lineaments whereof they only have here, longing for that perfection. And that new name spoken of, Rev. 2.17. which here no man knows but he who receives it, to wit, the seale of their adoption, and which lies hid in the heart, shall then be manifestly seen and known, as that which is written upon ones forehead.
Ver. 5. And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the Sun, For the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever.
Here the closure of the description of the Saints happinesse in glory, 1. That there shall be no night there, neither naturally or properly taken, nor yet spiritual or figuratively taken, as it is often for ignorance, sinne, affliction, desertion and the like, neither that eternal night of utter darknesse; which shall be the portion of the wicked. Nor shall be any need there of artificial light, as of a candle or fire by night, or natural, as of the Sun by day, whereby also may be meant the Ministery of the Word of God, so called and compared, Ps. 119.105. 2 Pet. 1.19. and Rev. 9.2. which shall then cease, as 1 Cor. 13.8. for the Lord shall then by himself immediately give them light in glory.
Ver. 6. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy Pr…phets sent his Angel, to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
After all which, follows the conclusion of this book, commended, 1. By the Angel from the truth and fidelity of all these sayings therein, as flowing from him who is truth it self, as he is light and life, and before that one jot of whose word fail, heaven and earth shall perish. 2. From the utility thereof, to wit, whereby the Lord God of the holy Prophets by his Angel doth shew his servants the things which must shortly be done, where we have, 1. That against that wicked heretick Cerinthus that denyed Christs Deity, our Saviour is here stiled the Lord God, for as, Rev. 1.1. It is he that sent his Angel to shew his servants the things which must shortly be done. He is called the Lord God of the holy Prophets, 1. Because of his inspiration of them. 2. Because of his mission of them. And 3. Because of his owning them in a peculiar manner as his servants, therefore he sayes, Do my Prophets no harm. And, 4. Because of his providence and protection of them, as we see in Eliah and Elisha and others. 3. The Angel also that is sent, is called here his Angel, as they are all. 1. By right of creation. 2. By office or function, as being his minist…ing spirits to execute his will, for which cause we say, Let thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, Heb. 1.14. And, 3. In respect of his sovereignty and dominion, being Lord both of men and Angels, therefore is it said, Let all the Angels of God worship him, Heb. 1.6. Lastly, this Angel is sent to shew his servants the things that must shortly be done, which is to be understood, either of the beginning of their accomplishment, which shortly even in Johns dayes, and after they began to have, or of the full and final performance of them, which is but a short time, either in respect of God, to whom a thousand years is but as a day or houre, or in respect of eternity, in which respect the longest time here is but lesse then a moment.
Ver. 7. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that that keepeth the sayings of the prophesie of this book.
Thereafter Christ subjoynes to the godlies comfort and his enemies terror, the promise of his second coming to judgement, and that it shall be quickly, however the wicked servant sayes, Luke. 12.45. my Master delays, or as 2 Pet. 3.3. where is the promise of his coming? Next he pronounces them blessed who keep the words of this book, not only in memory and profession, as many do, but in practice and performance, as two few do keep.
Ver▪ 8. And I John saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the Angel which shewed me these things.
9. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the Prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book, worship God.
Follows Johns confirmation of those things that were shewn him, that they were sure and true, he having been both an eye▪ and ear witnesse thereof, as he sayes elsewhere, 1 John 1.1. whereunto …he subjoynes a new profession of his weaknesse, which before he shewed, c. 19.10. in falling down to worship the Angel.
Ver. 10. And he saith unto me, Seale not the sayings of the prophesie of this book: for the time is at hand.
After which is subjoyned a command to John not to seal, or close up the words of this prophesie, as writs use to be that are not yet to be made known, but to publish and reveale the same, for which cause it is called a revelation.
Ver. 11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy let him be holy still.
Then is set down a preoccupation or answer to an objection, which John might have made, saying, by this not sealing or concealing of this prophecy but publishing the same, the wicked and unjust persecuters of the Church shall not be made better, but rather more irritate and worse, to which the Angels answers: Let it be so, that the wicked continue indured and habituated in their wickednesse, yet the …dly shall be thereby confirmed to continue constantly in th… course of godlinesse, and holinesse both of profession and practice, notwithstanding of all that their enemies can plot or practice against them.
Ver. 12. And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
For the terrour of which wicked ones, and comfort of the godly he again brings in Christ himself promising that he shall come quickly to judgement, and to reward every one according as his works shall be, whereof we have already spoken, c. 10.13.
Ver. 13. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14. Blessed are they that do his Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in thorow the gates into the City.
Of this likewise where Christ is called, Alpha and Omega, &c. we have spoken, c. 21.6. As also, of what is said, v. 14. we have spoken, v. 7. and 2.
Ver. 15. For without are dogges, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth or maketh a lie.
Here likewise he shews who are excluded from entry into that holy City, and having right to the tree of life, ratione non facti, sed pacti, to wit, dogs, that is, the unclean, and such as are furious enemies to the truth, whom our Saviour, Mat. 7.6. compares there also unto dogs and swine, and to whom here are joyned such others who were named, c. 21.8. amongst whom he mentions, not only those that make a lie, but also such as are seduced by lying doctrines, and do love lies; Upon which words therefore most rightly doth the Jesuit Ribera observe, that our Saviour makes mention of those sinnes, which in Antichrists time shall then most prevaile.
Ver. 16. I Jesus have sent mine Angel, to testifie unto you these things in the Churches, I am the root and the off-spring of David, and the bright and mo…ning star.
In this verse he again repeateth what he said, Rev. 1.1. and in this Chapter, v. 6. to wit, that he is the Author of this Revelation and sent his Angel for that end, to testifie these things in the Churches, and expounding here who is meant, v. 6 by the Lord God of the …oly Prophets, to wit, himself, therefore he sayes here, I Jesus sent my Angel.
As likewise he calls himself, the root and off-spring of David, he being the first according to his Deity, from whom by creation David and all man-kinde had their being and did spring, and being the second according to his humanity, and David, in that respect, being the root from whom he sprang. As he was the first likewise, Ps. 110.1. David calls him his Lord, and as he was the second, he is called, the son of David, which was that riddle that our Saviour put up to the Pharisees.
He is likewise called, the bright and morning starre, alluding to that speech of Balaams prophecy, Numb. 24.17. so compared, 1. Because as that star exceeds all others in brightnesse, so doth Christ exceed all in heaven or earth for Majesty, excellency and glory. 2. That star is called Phosphorus, because it bringeth light with it, and so did Christ, as the light of the world, shining to those that sate in darknesse and in the shadow of death, and (as John 1.9.) enlightning every one that cometh into the world. 3. As the appearance of the day-star shews that the night is past, and the joyful day is at hand, so when our Saviour appeared in his incarnation and birth, this did shew that the night of darknesse of ignorance wherein the world was involved was at an end, and the joyful day of salvation, and promulgation of the news thereof by the preaching of the Gospel to all Nations was at hand.
Ver. 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Having thus twice spoken of his second coming to judgement (men being naturally so forgetful thereof,) here he shews. 1. The earnest desire of his Church (which he calls the B…ide) th…t this promise may be accomplished, it being a note o… Gods ch…ldren (as the Apostle shews, 2 Tim. 4.8.) to love and long for this coming of Christ. Also he joynes the Spirit, to shew by whose inspiration and motion Gods children wish so earnestly this coming of Christ, to wit, (as it is said, of old Simeons coming into the Temple, Luke 2.27.) by the Spirit. And let him that heareth (sayes he) to wit, profitably, with fai…h mixing his hearing, let him say, Come, that is, let the word which is heard by him produce this effect in him, to wit, a holy and earnest desire of Christs second coming.
And as the godly wish and pray for Christs second coming, as it is said in the Lords prayer, Let thy Kingdom come, so likewise he shews what should be their disposition, and practise in the mean time, and the utility thereof, to wit, that with a spiritual thirst after grace and the water of life they should come to him, and whosoever they be that is so disposed, and by grace made willing, his coming shall not be in vain, but he shall get that water of life, whereof Christ spake to the woman of Samaria, John 4.14. which quickens the soul and springeth up unto eternal life, freely, or as Isaiah s…yes, without any price, even for the taking, Isa. 55.1. if he come only with a holy thirst and desire after the same.
Ver. 18. For I testifie unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall adde unto these things, God shall adde unto him the plagues that are written in this book.
19. 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 that are written in this book
Last of all we have the consignation of the authority of this book as divine, and of the whole Canon of Scripture, …s perfect and inviolable, by a sad and solemn commination from the mouth of Jesus Christ himself, that none should dare, for doctrine of faith and manners to adde any thing thereto, or make the same to be therewith of a like authority, nor yet dare to take any thing therefrom, and impaire or derogate from the Divine authority, plenitude and perfection thereof, under no less pain, then to the Adder, the adding to such, Gods plagues that are written in this book, and to the Taker away, the taking away his name out of the book of life, &c.
Ver. 20. He which testifieth these things, saith, Surely, I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.
21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.
Thereafter the third time our Saviour tells, that he comes quickly, whereunto as in the former two places telling of his coming, he prefixed an ecce, or Behold, warning us thereby still to watch, and wait like the good servant, or wise Virgins that we be not unawares surprized; so here he prefixes the word (Surely) because of the security and incredulity of many, who put that day far from them, and whose lives proclaim that they beleeve not any such day to come. To which assurance of our Saviours in name of the whole Church the Apostle subjoyns a hearty Amen, and an earnest wish of his coming quickly for finishing the dayes of sinning, fulfilling the number of his Elect, destroying the works of the devil, freeing the creature from subjection to vanity, manifesting the glory of his justice and mercy, and entring his Saints in the full and perfect possession of the promised inheritance, &c. and therefore he sayes, even so, come Lord Jesus, and with a holy wish to all the godly, and hearty valediction he closes, saying, The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all, Amen.
The Lessons or Applications on the 22. Chapter.
Ver. 1. IN that the pure river of the water of life proceeds from God and the Lamb, we see who is the author and giver of all life, both of grace and glory.
Ver. 2. If we would be partakers of the fruit of this ttee of life here spoken of, in the heavenly Paradise, let us beware of the forbidden fruit of the tree of sinne, for c. 2.7. the fruit of this tree of life is promised to them only who overcome the temptations thereof.
2. We see that in Christ we shall have all things needful to perfect our happiness, having the pure river of the water of life to drink, and for food all manner of fruits of the tree of life.
Ver. 3. Though the godly be vexed with sin remaining in them, wherof the Apostle complains, Rom. 7. and feel the miseries that are incident to all men for sin here, as a part of the curse that sin brings, and although likewise they are mixed with the cursed crew of the Canaanite in the Land, yet we see that for their comfort, one day comes when they shall be freely freed from all these, and no more curse, or cursed thing shall be where they are.
2. By Christs description as a glorious King in his throne of Majesty, environed with so glorious an attendance, we see, if the Queen of Sheba pronounced them blessed who stood in Solomons presence and served him, how much more shall they be who stand in this Kings presence and serve him, In whose presence (says the Psalmist) is fulnesse of joy, and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Ver. 4. Hence we learn, that if we would see Gods face in mercy hereafter, and have his name on our fore-heads. Let us labour to be such, as to whom the sight of his face is promised, Mat. 5.8. and let holiness which is his name, be seen openly as in our fore-heads, in all our conversation, that men seeing our good works may glorifie God our heavenly Father.
Ver. 5. When we think of our imperfect and dark knowledg in this life, or on the sad nights of trouble, temptation, misery and desertions, which we have here, and of the many wants and necessities whereto we are subject, let this comfort us, that the day comes when there shall be no night, nor necessity of any thing, but an eternal Sabbath of rest, light and life, with plenty of all good things and pleasures for ever.
Ver. 6. Where he sayes, that all these words are faithful and true, we see the immutable verity of all that is contained in Scripture, being uttered by his mouth and dited by his spirit who is truth it selfe, one jot whereof shall never faile nor fall to the ground, whether threatning, promise, or prophecy, &c.
2. Seeing the Lord calls himself the Lord God of his Prophets, let none do them harm, for he who so owns them in a singular manner will revenge their wrongs.
3. They are called his holy Prophets, to teach all such whom he imploys to reveal his Will, that they should be so as himself is holy.
4. It is to his servants that Christ sent his Angel to shew them the things that must shortly be done, we see then to whom only the Lord reveales his secrets as his special favorites, and as he did to Abraham, Gen. 18.17. and professes, Psal. 25.14. therefore we should strive to be of th…t number.
5. We see also that the Lord knows not only present & preterit things, but likewise …hings to come, all such being as present to him, and which he does reveal to his servants, that they may not be offended when they fall out, and may also be comforted in this, that he orders all things, appoints deliverance for his Saints, and can disappoint the secretest plots of his Churches enemies.
6. Where he sayes, which must shortly be done, we see that all the time of the Churches sufferings here, or her enemies insulting over her, is but a short time, after which shall follow an eternal deliverance and a great reward.
Ver. 7. Speaking of his coming quickly to judgement where our Saviour sayes, Behold, we see then whereon we should have the eye of our faith hope and mediation continually.
2. In respect that Christ is to be the Judge of all men at his second coming, this serves as a great comfort to his own Elect, and terrour to his enemies.
3. Whereas they are pronounced blessed, and are so only, who keep the words of this prop…ecy, we see that it is the knowledge onelyonly of Gods Word that is recommended to us, but the keeping and observing thereof, if we would attain to our desired happinesse.
4. If we should keep the same, then also it follows that Gods Word should be known of all whose duty it is to keep the same, and that none should be debarred from reading thereof.
Ver. 8, 9 Johns falling down this second time to worship the Angel, teaches us, that when we see the frequent falls of Gods b…st servants through infirmity and non advertance, as we may also read, Gen. 12.13. and 20.2. it should teach us how watchful we should be, and earnest for Gods constant aid, working out the work of our own salvation in feare and trembling.
Ver. 10. John is commanded here▪ not to seal the sayings of this prophecy, though it be the obscurest part in the new Testament, where we may see then how contrary to the command of Christ by his Angel, is the command and practise of Antichrist and his Angels of darknesse, who will have all the Scripture se…led up and concealed from the people in an unknown tongue and they forbidden to read the same.
Ver. 11. Where he says, He that is unjust, let him be unjust still, and he that is holy let him be holy still. We see that there is a twofold perseverance, one in wickednesse, and another in godlinesse, the author of the one being Satan, and of the other, God.
2. Though Gods Word work not on obdured hearts to make them break of their wicked courses, yet it is sufficient, that it shall work on the godly to confirm and keep them constant against all terrors and temptations in the course of godlines.
3. Where he says he that is unclean, let him be unclean still, we see that sin is a polluting filthinesse, and how odious sinners are thereby before the face of God.
Ver. 12, 13, 14. Of all these things we have spoken already, c. 20.13.21.6. and 22.2. and 7.
Ver. 15. Where not only maker of lies, but those also who love them, are ranked amongst such who shall never enter into that holy City, but be cast into that lake of fire; let all wilful and seduced Papists apply this and take heed thereto.
Ver. 16. The Gospel and this prophecy thereof, having proceeded from Christs own mouth, and being likewise testified by the message of his Angels to the Churches, makes all men inexcusable who beleeve not the same, or doubts of the Divine Authority thereof.
2. Christ being the root of David and of all mankind from whom they are come as their Creator, as it is therefore said, Ps. 19.1. of the heaven and firmament, &c. with all other creatures that in their own kind they shew forth his glory, even so let man do specially, for whose cause he created this universe.
3. He being also the off-spring of David, by taking our nature upon him, wherein he suffered and is now glorified. Let us honour him whoso has honoured us, that justly it might have been said, Behold, God is become like one of us, or as the Jews said of him concerning Lazarus, Behold how he loved us!
4. Being also called the bright morning star, therefore as is said, 2 Pet. 1.19. Let us by taking heed to his holy Word, labour that this day star may arise in our hearts.
Ver. 17. By the Bride (which is the Church) her saying to Christ, Come, as he sayes to her, v. 12. I come quickly, we see that holy echo which the godly soul gives to Christ, even as David shew…, that when the Lord said, seek ye my face, his soul answered, saying, thy face will I seek, which is it that we are taught to pray, saying, Let thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
2. We see that all the Elect wish a neerer and strait…r conjunction with Christ, though it were by death: which nature most abhors, as Simeons wish to depart, and Pauls desire to be dissolved testifie, or by Christs coming to judgement, which terrifies most men to think on.
3. Where it is shewn that this and all other like holy desires proceeds from Gods Spirit, therefore for all such good motions, or further inabling us to what is good, he is to be implored.
4. With the spirit we see the word and hearing thereof joyned, as the parents, as it were, and producers of such holy desires, against all fanatick Sectaries, pretending and seeking after revelations of the spirit, without any warrant, of the Word.
5. Where it is said, Let him who is athirst come, we see, as we should wish Christs coming in mercy to us at that last day, so that we should (as he invites us) by a fervent desire of grace, and in the use of his holy Ordinances by faith and repentance come unto him.
6. Seeing the water of life is offered freely to all whosoever that thirsts after the same, and are of a willing minde to take thereof, inexcusable then are all such who despise this free offer, and fair day of grace, and who for want thereof shall perish eternally.
Ver. 18. By this curse pronounced against all who adde or take away from Scripture, we see under what great guiltinesse and dreadful curse Romanists lie, who both adde to holy Scripture their unwritten doctrinal traditions, and who derogate likewise from the authority thereof, and mutilate the Sacraments mentioned therein.
Ver. 20. In the Apostles closure, subjoyning to Christs speech of his coming, and saying, Amen, even so, come Lord Jesus. We are taught to wish that such a holy desire were in all men from a good conscience of Christs second coming, the remembrance whereof torments many before the time, so that they tremble with Foelix, Act. 24 25. and dare not say, Amen, even so, come Lord Jesus.
Ver. 21. Lastly, we see in the Apostles wish and valediction, 1. That the best wish that can be wished to any, or any can wish to themselves, is grace.
2. The Apostle wishes this to all men, teaching us in Christian charity to do the same in like manner.
3. The fountain and author whereof he acknowledgeth to be Christ Jesus, therefore from him only the same is to be sought, and the glory thereof only ascribed to him, To whom be glory, praise and dominion for evermore. Amen.