The Sealed Book Opened, Commentary · Chapter 12
CHAP. XII.
The Sense or Explication.
HEre begins the third vision which John saw tota ad Antichristum (says the Jesuite Ribera) & ejus tempora pertinens: which vision is an ample Commentary, and cleer Exposition of sundry things contained in the second, especially concerning Antichrist: the general summe whereof is a lively painting out of the malignant Church, and the great upholders thereof; Satan and his instruments the old Roman Empire, and succeeding Papacy, with the rising and falling of both, and eternal condemnation of Satan at last who set them awork, with the eternal felicity of Gods Saints in the heavens for ever.
The scope of this Chapter then particularly, is to set forth, 1. The nature and description of the true Church here on earth, whose head is Christ. And 2 Of the false Church, whose head is Satan, with the continual enmity which is between both.
More particularly in this Chapter we have, 1. A description o… the true Church, v. 1, 2. 2. Of Satan her arch-enemy, v. 3. 3. Of his assault, foile and disappointment, to v. 1…. 4. The godlies joy arising thereon, to the 13th. verse. And 5. Satans continuing (notwithstanding) in his rage, and persecution, although he be disappointed, from v. 13. even to the end.
Vers. 1. ANd there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman cloathed with the Sunne, and the Moone under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve starres:
FIrst then John sets down the quality of this vision, that it was a wonderful one; therefore he sayes, I saw a wonder in heaven: yea, there appeared (sayes he) a great wonder: and indeed no marvel that he calls it so; to see such a weak woman, and such a strong enemy, so mighty and monstrous, yet not to prevaile against her, especially she being in her weakest estate, in the paines of her birth.
The thing then which he sees, is a woman, whereby is understood the Church of Christ: for so does both a Pope expound, (Greg. moral. 34. c. 7.) and the Jesuite Ribera confesse, saying, mulier ergo ecclesiam significat: and not the whole visible Church in common; but the true Church, or Elect number, who followed not Antichrist, as v. 8. for so likewise confesses the same Jesuite, saying, Dici quidem haec de ecclesiâ non tamen pro omnibus membris, sed pro electioribus; which is therefore said to be in heaven, quod altitudinem dignitatis & sanctitatis ecclesiae indicat (sayes he,) & propterea in coelo videtur, quia conversatio ejus in coelis est.
She is also compared to a woman, which is usual to Gods Spi…it so to do in Scripture: sometime to a virgin, 2 Cor. 11.2. sometime to a bride espoused, Rev. 19.7. and sometime to a wife, as Eph. 5.25. She is then called a woman, 1. To shew, as the woman had her first being and beginning from man, so has she from Christ. 2. A woman is the weaker vessel, so is she of her self. 3. The love of a woman is to her husband alone, so is the love of the chaste Spouse of Christ. 4 By company with her husband she is fruitful, so is the Church. 5. All her welfare stands in the provident care, protection and love of her husband, so does the Churches. 6. The husband payes the wives debts, so has Christ payed hers: herein notwithstanding is a great difference between her and other women (wherein she is like the mother of Christ her head,) that she is both a virgin, and yet a fruitful mother.
Next, she is saide to be clothed with the sunne, so that although she be weak, yet she is very glorious; by which sunne is meant that sunne of righteousnesse, Mal. 4.2. the Lord Jesus and his righteousnesse, whom she has put on, as Gal. 3.27. and who is as a garment to her, tegendo, ornando, & protegendo, wherewith she is not only said to be covered, but (as the original foreign has) she is covered round about, and wrapped therein as it were, so that no part of her is naked: and as she is clothed with Christ and his righteousnesse in justification before God, so he being also made to her sanctification she is cloathed also thereby before the world.
Thirdly, she is said also to have the Moon under her feet, whereby the world is meant, which is ever subject to changes, and so she has it not (as many have it) in her heart, but by a holy contempt thereof (using it only for her supportation and maintenance, as if she used it not) she tramples it under her feet.
And if we will heare a great Pope his Exposition conforme hereunto, Gregory 34. moral. c. 7. sayes thus, In sole verò illustratio veritatis, in luna autem, quae menstruis suppletionibus deficit, mutabilitas temporalitatis accipitur. Sancta autem ecclesia, quia superni luminis splendore protegitur, quasi sole vestitur; quia verò cuncta temporalia despicit, lunam sub pedibus premit, which Exposition (sayes Ribera) est omnium expositorum explanatio.
Fourthly, upon her head she has a Crown of twelve stars, not of gold decked with precious stones, as the great whore is decked, chap. 17.4. or the Popes triple Crown is, but with starres which Christ is said to hold in his hand, chap. 1.16. as his servants to do his will; but are on her head, as her Crown and Ornament, by which twelve stars, is to be understood the doctrine of the twelve Apostles, her constancy in the profession whereof is her Crown and glory: to this also assents the forenamed Ribera, saying, Duodecim stellae, duodecim Apostoli sunt, qui tenebras hujus seculi splendore doctrinae & vita suae illustrarunt.
Ver. 2. And she being with child, cryed, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
Here we have what a woman she is, mulier, quae faecundatur à Christo, & virgo quae incorrupta perseverat in Christo (as one sayes well,) who is said to cry as women do in travelling, by fervent and earnest prayer (to wit) as also by painfull and powerfull preaching of her teachers, therefore it is said, that she cryed travelling in birth, whereof the Apostles words are an Exposition, saying, Gal. 4 19. My little children of whom I travel again in pain, till Christ be formed in you. Wherefore it is subjoyned, and she was pained, to be delivered; children not being brought forth to Christ by the new birth without both fervent prayer, and painfull preaching of Pastours, therefore sayes Andreas Caesariensis, cruciari dicimus ecclesiam secundum singulos eorum, qui ex aqua & spiritu regenerantur, donec formetur Christus in eis, ut ait Apostolus. Gal. 4 Likewise sayes Ribera, cruciabatur ut parcret, id est, vehementer affligebatur causa pariendi; & hoc propterea dicit, quia eo tempore magna erit falsorum doctorum & precursorum Antichristi copia, & multi potentesque ecclesiae & catholicae veritatis religionisque oppugnatores.
Sundry Popish interpreters who would have by this woman the Virgin-Mary to be understood, as she is commonly so painted, here they stick, and are hereby convinced in the contrary by their own confession, that the Virgin-Mary in bringing forth Christ, cryed not travailing, nor was pained to be delivered.
Ver. 3. And there appeared another wonder in Heaven, and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads, and ten hornes, and seven crownes upon his heads.
Follows here the description of Satan, the Churches arch-enemy whom John sees as another wonder in heaven, not that Satan who is cast down from thence has any footing or reentry there, but John speaks of these things as they were represented to him in a heavenly vision, and to shew what ever troubles by Satans malice fall's out against Christs Church on earth, is first foreseen in heaven, and moderated by the God thereof.
The name that Satan here gets is, (amongst many others which he receives in Scripture,) a great red dragon, and 1. He is called a dragon, first because he is an old serpent as he is called, v. 9. and as dragons are, next, for his sharpness of sight at…ribu ed to such spying and watching all occasions and adv…ntages. 2. He is called a great dragon for his great power and might, for which also he is called a lyon. 3. He is called a red dragon, for his fiery fury and bloody cruelty. He is also said to have seven heads and ten hornes, to shew. 1. What an uglie and dreadfull monster he is. 2. His seven heads. 1. Signifies his manifold slights and great craftiness, as also. 2. His many associates called by the Apostle, Eph. 6.12. Principalities and powers the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritua l wickedness in high places. 3. By his ten hornes are figured the multitude of his external agents, who have great worldly power, and serve him as hornes to push and hurt the godly, as we see expounded. c. 17.12. 4 On his heads there are seven crownes, thereby signifying. 1. That he is a great Prince, called therefore the Prince of the aire, and God of this world, who has many under his dominion, in whom he rules, and over whom he raigns mightily. 2. Signifying his many victories, that he has gotten over Adams poste…ity, since that first victory that he got over himself in Paradise.
Ver. 4. And his taile drew the third part of the starres of Heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her childe assoone as it was borne.
After his descrip…ion follows his assault. 1. O the pastours called here the starres of heaven, for the reasons before specified, c. 8.10 & 9 1. Wherein he shews his craftiness, that prevailing over them, he may the better and sooner prev…il over others, as it is said, the shepherd being smitten, the sheep may be dispersed. Of these then it is said, that his taile drew the third part of them, and cast …hem to the earth, that is, from shining in the Church by the heavenly doctrine of the truth and a holy life, to erroneous doctrine, and an earthly disposition to affect earthly honour and riches, as we see under Antichrist for hoc manifestissimè dicit r de tempore Antichristi (sayes Ribera on these words) And this he does not with head and hornes, that is, by might, but by his taile, that is, by slight, cauda enim assentatio notatur. 1. Alluring them with honour and riches. 2. As a dragon or serpent stings with the taile and infuses their venome thereby: so he by stinging them with the infusing in their hearts both of pride and avarice. 3. By the taile likewise we see, Isa. 9.15. false doctrine is meant, so that as pride and avarice is infused in their heart, so in like maner the poyson of false doctrine, especially such as may best conduce for the furthering of both these.
Next, as he watched Christ after his birth by Herod to destroy him, so here it is showne how he watches his mysticall members, to destroy them in like manner, after their new birth, as it were in the cradle, and to blast them in the bud of grace, before they come to flower or fruit, for the effectuating whereof, as it is said, as the woman was readie to be delivered, so in like maner to shew his readiness to destroy her child assoone as it was borne, he is said to stand before the woman, and that there should be no escape.
Ver. 5. And she brought forth a man-childe, who was to rule all Nations with a rod of iron: and her childe was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
Follows here her birth, and his disappointment, with her childs both preservation and preferment. First, then it is said that she brought forth a childe, and not children. 1. According to the ordinary custome of the birth of women, who for the most part bring forth but one at a birth. 2. To shew the paucity of the elect, and true children of the Church, in comparison of them who perish. 3. Their unity in Christ all making up but one body, having one father, one faith, one baptisme, and one spirit whereby they are quickned, &c. and therefore this word, one man-child is collectively to be understood, for many, but of one disposition; as we have al Israel called the Lords first-borne, and Matth. 22. That there was one that wanted the wedding garment, & 4. to shew that as of this one, so may it be judged of all, concerning the dragons purpose of devouring.
Next, This child is called a man-child, for spiritual strength and masculine cou…age, for the truth, and against temptations, therefore sayes Andreas Cesariensis, masculus autem filius ecclesia populus est voluptatibus indomitus.
T…irdly, it is said that he was to rule the Nations with a rod of iron, which indeed first and principally is competent to Christ, but by him, and in a secondary respect is ascribed unto all the elect, who are Kings and Priests, and shall at last judge the world or nations, and subdue their enemies: which exposition to be true, Christs owne words confirme, Revel. 1.27. Where he sayes, to him who overcomes will I give power over the nations, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron. &c. Thus also do Ambrose, Haymo & Ausbertus expound these words, and of late Ribera, saying, per hac indicari dicimus, quosuam intelligere debeamus in filio masculo, …uem mutier poperi, nempe electos, qui simul cum …hristo judicabunt nationes, & damnabunt punientque Christi adversar…os
Lastly, the advancement of this child is set downe, saying he was caught up unto God and to his throne, which is to be understood either of the Church her estate here, separated to God from the rest of the world by a heavenly disposition, and being surely p…otected by him; …r else of that happie condition of the godly hereafter, after all the troubl…s and t…mptations, & watchings of Satan to have them destroyed or ended, according as our Saviour speaks, Rev. 3.21. saying, To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Ver. 6. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore dayes.
After the womans delivery, is here set down her flight into the wilderness, the time of her lurking therein, and the Lords care of her, and providence toward her all that while. Allusion being still herein to the Old-Testament; to shew that it is no new thing that befalls the godly now when they are persecuted and made to fly for a time, to desert places and lu…k, for the same has befallen to the Saints before, as we see in the example of Elias, 1 Ki. 17.1. & others in his time, who was forced to flie to the wilderness & lurk, and where God provided both a place and food for him, and the rest of his true Prophets, and whereunto in this place the allusion is made: upon which words Blasius Viega the Jesuit, writing, says thus, that by the woman flying into the wilderness, is signified, that so great shall be the persecution of Antichrist against the Church, that for flying and eschewing the same (sayes he) she shall depart into solitary places, that so she may lu…k and hide her self, the whole time of the raigne of Antichrist: the very same sayes also Ribera, in these words, magnitudo igitu… persecutionum Antichristi praenunciatur, quarum timore magna pars fidelium ad deserta confugiet, so that, as the Rhemists themselves confesse, in their annotations on, 2 Thes. 2.3. The publick intercourse of the faithfull is like (say they) to cease, and the communion of Christians shall only be in heart, and their worship private.
2. As for the time of her lurking there, it is, during the prevailing of Antichrist, spoken of before, c. 11.2, 3. And alluding to the time of Elias lurking. All which time the Lords care of her, and providence for her, should be such, as both a place should be provided for her, as was for Eliah, when he rem…ined by the brooke Cherith, and thereafter with the widow of Zarephath, as also food, as was lik…wise provided for Elijah, by the ravens first, and th…t widow next: and where it is said, they shall feed her, loquitur (sayes Ribera) de praedicatoribus veritatis, qui eum ill…s qui fugient, versabuntur in solitudine, & eos Verbo Dei poscent.
Ver. 7. And there was war in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his Angels.
Followes here, after Satans former disappointment, a new conflict, so …ostless is he in his malice, and shall be to the worlds end; which, whereas it is said that it was in heaven, is to be understood (as before, v 3.) that this showes only, that it was by way of a heavenly vision that John saw this. Next, we have the parties that fought, to wit, Michael and his Angels on the one side, and the dragon and his angels on the othe…, according to that enmity proclaimed at first in Paradise, Gen. 3.15. By Michael, which is by interpretation, who like God, Christ being understood, who is indeed the vive likeness of the Father, and the ingraven character of his image, and is so called likewise, Dan 10 13. Whose Angels are either his holy Angels, or rather faithfull pastors, frequently so called, as we see, Rev. 2. & 3. Yea all the godly, as v. 11. who are militant here, and of a heavenly disposition. As on the other part, the dragons angells are either wicked spirits, or rather hereticall teachers, and such fallen starres as he drew down from heaven, from whence he fell himself, yea all his other wicked crew.
Ver. 8. And prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devill and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Followes the event, or Satan and his angels their foile. 1. Negatively, that he prevailed not, nor was there found place any more in heaven. 2. Positively, that he and his angels were cast out into the earth, whose names and chief action is likewise set down, to wit, the great dragon, the Devil, that old serpent, and Satan, who deceives the world first then it is said that he prevailed not, nor was there place found any more in heaven for him, this being spoken after the manner of those who being overcome in battle flee out of the field, and have no more place or footing there. 2. From heaven he is cast into the earth, that is, he gets a great downfall, or, there …as no place any more found in heaven, that is, to hinder that heavenly work of grace, wrought by the Ministery of the Gospel, which brings men thither, but was cast out into the earth, that is, to the earthly sort to tyrannize over them, as Ribera expounds, and may be seen, v. 12.
Next, his names are set down. 1. A dragon for cruelty, as has been said, and a great dragon for power. 2. He is called a serpent for subtilty, insinuation and venomous stinging, as he proved to our first parents, and as his locusts, c. 9. are like him. So also he is called that old serpent. 1. Because he is habituated in wickedness, and therefore they are the liker him who are so. 2. Because of his long experience, whereby he is skilfull in all subtilty (as many wicked are) and therefore the more to be adverted. 3. He is called the devil foreign from his accusing. 1. God to man, as to Evah. 2. Man to God, as Job, v. 10.3. Man to man falsly, by unjust accus…tions, or lying calumnies, and 4. Man to his own conscience to drive to despair, as he did Judas. 5. He is called Satan, that is, an adversary, to wit, to Gods glory and mans good.
Lastly, his speciall action wherefrom he is described, is, the deceiving the whole wo ld wherein we have. 1. His subtilty of deceiving, called, 2 Thes. 2.9, 10. Deceive…bleness of unrighteousness and strong delusion. 2. The large extent or efficacy thereof, deceiving the whole world, which is to be understood with that exception that is made, c. 13.8. to wit, of the elect; the deceiving of all which, others so called, John 17.9. 2 Cor. 4.3. is by making them look in a false glass whether of things intellectuall by error of mind, or things morall by practise of life, to make them sinne so against God.
Ver. 10. And I heard a loud voice, saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdome of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God, day and night.
Followes the solemne thanksgiving, as it were the sounding of the victory, which ensues upon Satans foile and dejection, which is with a loud voice, to shew how farre the same was to be heard, even over all parts wherein the true Word of God, which Satan sought to hinder, should be preached, the summe whereof is comprehended in this song, wherein we have three things ascribed to God. 1. As the whole Gospel teaches, the only praise of salvation, contrary to Antichristian doctrine that ascribes any part thereof to others. 2. Strength, both in all those whom he saves, for their inabling to all holy duties, and overcoming their spirituall enemies, as also for all those, to their defence and preservation. 3. A kingdome, wherein the power of his Christ is made manifest, both by ruling and reigning in his own elect or Church, and in overruling and subduing of his and their enemies, sutable unto which is the reason that is subjoyned, concerning the subduing of him who is the enemy both of Gods kingdom, and mans salvation, who is called here of new (according to his former name Satan) the accuser of the brethren, that is, of all faithfull Christians, who are brethren, and so should be amongst themselves in love and charity, as they are children of one God and Father in advancement and dignitie, and of whome these who sing this song speake accordingly, saying, Our God, in common, as speaking of the brethren; they say likewise, Our Brethren in communion. In which act in like manner of Satans accusing the brethren, we have. 1. His malice, accusing being intended for condemning and destruction. 2. The restlesness of his malice, that he did this, day and night before God, so that, as he is malicious, so he is restlesly malicious, therefore no truce nor intermission is to be expected either from himself or his wicked iust uments, who herein are like him. 3. The disappointment of his malice and his own overthrow is set down, for he is not only cast out, as v. 9. and rejected with all his accusations, but as here, he is cast down also and dejected into the earth to roare and rage a while here, and shall be shortly with all his angels and agents to hels fire hereafter.
Ver. 11. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lambe, and by the word of their Testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Followes here, after Michael and his Angels victory, that is Christs and his followers or mysticall members, (called also brethren) their victory, the means whereby they overcame the dragon and his angels, to wit, negatively, it was not by their own strength, but positively here it is said. 1. It was by the blood of the Lamb, that is, primely and principally by faith in the blood of Christ. 2. By the Word of God, adhering to the truth thereof only, and of the promises of God therein contained; which word is called the word of the Testimony, because of their avowed profession and confession thereof, and v 17. it is called the word of Christs Testimony, because he is the object thereof. 3. Their overcoming was by constant perseverance, and patient suffering for the truth even to the death, not preferring thereto their dearest lives, as we see Paul professes of himself, Act. 20.24.
Ver. 12. Therefore rejoyce yee heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea: for the devill is come downe unto you, having great wrath, because hee knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Followes here. 1. Upon the ground of the former victory an exhortation to the heavens, and the dwellers therein, to rejoyce: by whom are meant either the glorious Angels, and glorified spirits of the godly in heaven; or by the heaven is meant the true Church of Christ, and by the dwellers therein, the true members thereof so called, as has been said before. 1. Because of her dignity in opposition to the earth. 2. Her origin and graces from it. 3. Her disposition sutable to it, and 4. Her inheritance at last in it.
Next, there is a denunciation of a woe to the inhabitants of the earth, and of the sea, in these two comprehending the world, or thereby meaning the earthly and worldly minded sort. The reason of which woe is set down, because the devil being as before, vanquished and cast down, is here said to be come down to them having great wrath: the reason whereof it given, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time, to wit, to rage and range through the world like a rearing lyon, seeking whom he may devour, otherwise his time shall be for all eternity in hells fire for ever.
Ver. 13. And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, hee persecuted the woman which brought forth the man-childe.
Here is set down unto us, Satan his incessant and restlesse malice, which neither his forenamed disappointment, present foile and overthrow, nor feare of future destruction, can move to desist, but on the contrary obstinately he persists in persecuting the Church.
Ver. 14. And to the woman were given two wings of a great Eagle, that she might flee into the wilderness into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and halfe a time, from the face of the serpent.
To whom were given two wings of a great Eagle (says the text) that thereby, (as we have it, v. 6.) she might flee into the wildernesse, &c. From the face of the serpent. By which wings are meant, all the wayes and means of evasion which God out of his care for his Church provides for her safety and protection in the day of trouble, which are called wings of an Eagle rather then any other bird, and of a great or st ong Eagle, to shew. 1. What good persecution does to the Church, to wit, as the waters heaved up the Ark, or as is said, Isa. 40.31. That they that wait upon the Lord, (like Eagles) shal renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, and runne, and not be weary: even so persecution makes the Church mount up the higher by prayer, and frequency with fervency thereof, unto God, who is the God of her salvation, and as an Eagle that has his strength renned not to weary therein, so that the words of Esay may be an exposition of these in this place. 2. As persecution drives her neerer to God, so she rests not nor relyes upon any means that God appoints for her safety or deliverance: but as the Eagle soares with his wings the highest of any bird above the earth, looking to the sunne; even so doth she above all earthly helps or means, putting her confidence only in him, who is the sunne of righteousness, on whom she looks by faith.
The exposition of the rest of this verse we have it, v. 6. only here it is said, that she might flie from the face of the serpent: not that hereby he knew not where she was, but by flying into such places where she lurked, she eschewed so (like the hid Prophets by Obadiah,) his open fury and persecution, which otherwise she had not so escaped.
The application of which double flight of the woman by the red dragons persecution of her into the wilderness, to the history of the Church is this: when the apostolicall and primitive Christian Church with great paines, as a woman in childbirth, and under great persecution of the heathen emperours, had at last brought forth a man child, that is, (taking the word collectively, one for many,) a number of Christian professors of spiritual strength, and masculine courage; then Satan shortly thereafter assaulted the Church by hereticks, which like fallen starres whom he drew with his taile and cast to the earth, sought to pester the Church by damnable heresies, and so to destroy the same; wherein he so prevailed, (especially by the Arrian heresie, that made the Christian world to sob under it, and wonder that it was turned Arian) that through the prevailing thereof, and the sharpe persecution of Arian Roman Emperors that patronized the same, the true and orthodox professors were forced to lurk in caves and dens and such like places, like the woman fled to the wilderness, or the times of Elijah's flight from Ahab, as Athanasius witnesses at large in his book, ad solitariam vitam agentes.
Thereafter when that cloud was scattered and overpast, and that Michael and his Angels, or Christ by his faithfull and orthodox servants had fought by their learned writings and painfull preachings, and thereby had overcome the dragon and his hereticall angels, and as it were, cast them to the earth. Then of new upon the prevailing of Popery which ensued thereafter, the dragon againe began his persecution of the Church, and the elect number of such who adhering to the word could not be deceived: and as he had formerly done in the prevailing of Arianisme against Christs person, so now again in the prevailing of Popery against Christs offices, he drives them through the sharpness of bloody persecution, like the woman to flie into the wilderness, and so to disappeare, except a few (like the two witnesses, c. 11.) whom God in every age raised up, as, v. 11. To bear testimony to the truth, and not to love their lives even unto death, as the book of Martyrs, and that called Catalogus testium veritatis doth shew us. And thus did the people of God lurk in Babel, and places of Popish jurisdiction, but not being of Babel, till the time of the Lords evocation, c 18.4.
Ver. 15. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
Followes here, after the womans flight into the wildernerss; what the dragon does, and for what end. 1. Then he casts out water out of his mouth as a flood after her. 2. His end or intention thereby is that he may cause her to be carried away of the flood, first then by these waters or flood that he casts out of his mouth after her to be caried away thereby, may be understood. 1. The many false aspersions lies, and slanders which he raised against her, as he did against the primitive Christians to sink or drowne them in a gulf of reproaches, against which they were forced to write apologies to the heathen Emperors, and therefore this flood of waters is said to come out of his mouth 2. Hereby may also be understood the many grossest heresies and errors of Popery, which as at a flood gate issued forth boldly and abundantly (and of some whereof they are now ashamed,) when once Popery so prevailed universally in power, that none durst controll the same, as we s…e, c. 13. 17. & 17. 13. And which flood of heresies in like manner is sutably said to come out of the mouth of the dragon, the mouth being the instrument of the venting of such. 3. By water and floods of water, usually in scripture is understood trouble and persecution: therefore sayes Ribera. In aqua consentiunt expositores persecutionem significari, which for the violence thereof is said to be like a flood, which caries all with it which it finds in its way, and is said to come out of the mouth of the dragon, because by suggestion he commands the wicked so to do, and stirres them up thereto (as sayes Ribera) all which is for this end, to destroy the true Church of Christ and members thereof, which is called here, the carrying her away.
Ver. 16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
But here is Satans disappointment, that the evil which he intended by this flood against the true Church, either for her disgrace or destruction, the same falls upon his own earthly ones, who as heaven to earth, are still in opposition to the true Church, and who are said to help the woman, not intentionally, but ex eventu, by a ready receiving in her mouth and swallowing it up greedily what came out of his mouth, hearkning to his lyes, believing his errors; and yielding to his suggestions, and all this, to their own endless destruction, for otherwise it is not to be thought, that the dragon and these his earthly ones would be so opposite and divided against themselves, that whom the one would hurt, the other would help of purpose.
Some also by this flood of water cast out after the woman, understand that inundation, which especially overflowed Italie of the barbarous Gothes and Vandalls, in the dragons intention set forth to drown and destroy the woman, or Church of Christ, but which farre contrary to his intention lighted upon the earthly sort.
Ver. 17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make warre with the remnant of her seed, which kept the commandements of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ.
Here still we have set down, the implacable malice of Satan, and his restlesse attempts against the Church of Christ. 1. Then we have his making of open warre. 2. The motive thereof, to wit his anger against the woman. 3. The party against whom he goes to make warre, to wit, the remnant of the womans seed, and 4. Their description. 1. From keeping Gods commandments; and 2. Their having the Testimony of Jesus Christ. These then are 1. Called the seed of the woman, having relation to her description v. 2. As a woman with child, or a mother, as indeed she is, Gal 4.19, …6. Semper parturiens, ever bringing forth children to Christ her …eavenly husband, by the immortal seed of the word principally, which is the seed of God; but who are likewise called her seed, because they are conceived in her womb, brought forth by her pains, nourished on her breasts, and that in the whole work of regeneration or the new man, she is a coworker with God, her part being the Ministry, and his part the efficacy.
They are likewise described. 1. From keeping the commandements of God, not the traditions or doctrines of men: and the…e they keep in affection, profession and practise, by a serious and evangelical observation, in sincerity of a holy endeavour more and more, and having respect to all Gods commandements, to keep them with David, even to the end.
Next, they are described from having the Testimony of Jesus Christ, by which is meant, either the Gospel which they believe, as well as they keep Gods law, both which must be done by a true Christian, which Gospel is expresly so called, Reve. 1.2. and 2 Tim. 1.8. Or else, by their keeping of Gods commandements, the Testimony of Jesus Christ signifies his witnessing to their conscience, and others that see their godly conversation, that they are the children of God, Rom. 8.16. And thus, either or both wayes it may be said, that they have the Testimony of Jesus Christ.
Lessons or Application on the twelfth Chapter.
Ver. 1. WHere John sayes, there appeared a great wonder in heaven, this shews us that Gods works for his Church, and against her enemies are most part wonderfull, as we see in this chapter, and as we see they we…e for Israel in Egypt, and in their delivery from thence, so also in the book of Josua, Judges, Esther, and elsewhere.
2. In the comparing the Church to a woman, we see that of her self she is but weak, but strong is he who ownes her.
3. By her description, we see that all her decking and ornaments are heavenly and spirituall, and therefore not like the whores busking, c. 17. From the earth and earthly.
4. More particularly she is clothed with the Sunne, therefore herewith we should be likewise clothed, to make us glorious before God, and acceptable.
5. She has the Moone under her feet, which teaches all her true members in like manner to tread upon the world in affection, and never to let it have place, neither in heart nor head.
6. It is first said that she was clothed with the Sunne, and then that she trod on the Moone, to shew us that we will never despise the world, till we put on Christ, and know the excellency of Christ, and of heavenly things.
7. She has a crowne of starres on her head, which showes what is her most glorious ornament, and how contrary she is to the Roman Church who has the Moone on her head, being glorious with worldly pomp, but puts the starres under her feet, suppressing the holy Scriptures in an unknown tongue, and prohibiting people to read the same, and subjecting the authority and sense thereof to her power and pleasure.
Ver. 2. It is said that the woman was with child; whereby we see that the Church of Christ is a fruitfull mother, and as she is fruitful, so must all her true members be in like manner.
2. We see that she is the common parent of all Gods children, Gal. 4.26. So that he who has not the Church to be his Mother, has not God to be his Father: therefore the godly, v. 16. are called her seed: what duty and love then children should do or carry to their dearest Parents, let her children do and carry to her in like manner.
3. When she is most in pains and under persecution, then is she most fruitfull, God so over-ruling Satans malice, and making all things work for her good.
4. When pained to be delivered, then she cryes: even so when we are any way pained or in distresse, let us ever with Gods Saints, before us, cry unto the Lord.
Ver. 3. By the description of the dragon, we see what a mighty enemy the Church has, fiery and fierce, with many heads and hornes, much craft and great power, and who has had many victories: And therefore how watchfull we should be and frequent in prayer; and how wofull in like manner should be our condition, if the Almighty were not on our side.
2. We see who is the prime author of all cruelty and bloodshed, specially against the Church of God, even the red dragon; and consequently what all wicked persecuters & plotters are against the godly, though never so great monarchs; but the base heads and hornes of that monstrous beast.
Ver. 4. Where he beginnes at the starres of heaven, and with his taile drawes the third part of them and casts them on the earth; this should make Pastors in Christs Church be most watchfull of any, his chief and first aime being to make them fall, that theirs may be the ruine of many.
2. This also should t…ach us, not to wonder greatly, to see Churchmen for worldly preferment, and earthly pelf, to make or to have made defection from the truth, remembring Judas one of the twelve Apostles, Demas and Diotrephes.
3. The very bane of the Church, and Satans most active instruments have been such, who have brought in into the Church of Christ, most damnable heresies, superstition, idolatry, and many other abuses.
4. We see he prevailes only over a third part, who were in the Church, but not of it; where we see then, who are they who make defection, and that Satans power is limited, neither can he prevaile over any one, who is a true member of the Church, whether Pracher or Professor.
5. We see that he uses all meanes to assault the Church of Christ, both head and taile, force and fraud, and therefore by all meanes we should guard our selves and resist.
6. In his standing before the woman to devoure the child, we see Satans bloody cruelty ever, but the Lords powerfull r… straint, that he stood before her only, but had no power to touch either the mother or the child.
7. As he sought to devour the child, or the Church in the infancie thereof, so doth he to blast each member in the bud of grace, and beginnings of godliness, after their conversion, and therefore the more should be taken heed unto.
Ver. 5. The godly of the Christian Church brought forth by the pains of the Apostles and their successors are called, but one manchild: which teaches, that all the true members of Chr…sts Church should be in a holy unity but as one man, as we see, Act. 4.32. And of masculine courage for the truth, Jer. 9.3. against all opposi…ion.
2. Where that which is primely proper to Christ, is in a secondary respect attributed to his Church, to rule al nations with a rod of iron: we learn the st…ait union that is between Christ and his Church which makes this, as we see, Act. 9 4.
3. Where it is said, that the man-child was caught up to God, and to his throne, we see. 1. Satans disappointment in all his attempts against Christs Church, Psal. 2.4. 2. What happiness and high preferment abides Gods children at last, how ever they be troubled or despised here, and 3. How joyfull may death be to them, who is justly called the King of feare to others.
Ver. 6. By the womans flying to the wilderness to lurk a wh…le, we see that the conspicuous visibility of the Church is not always specially to her enemies.
2. We see that it is sometimes lawfull to flie in time of hot and bitter persecution, and to lu…k, till Gods time come of kything, as we see in the example of Eliah. 1 Kin. 17.3. Mat. 10.23. Act. 14.5.
3. Where it is said that she had a place and food prepared for her, we see Gods provident care for his Church in greatest extremities, as we see Gen. 45.5. 1 Kin. 17.4. & Act. 28.2, 4.
Ver. 7. By this new warre in heaven between the dragon and his angels, and Michael and his Angels: we see the restless malice and attempts of Satan, and his instruments against the Church of Christ.
2. We see that all men whosoever, are under one of these two generalls, to wit, Christ Jesus, ot Satan, Michael or the dragon.
3. Where it is said, that Michael and his Angels fought, it is not any note of weakness in Christ, who was able by himselfe alone to overcome Satan and all his followers: but this teaches us, that as he himself, and by himself has overcome Satan; so will he also have him overcome by his faithfull servants and Ministers, for his greater confusion, and their g…eater honour; as we see Joshua did, Josh. 10.24.
4. We see here, that our estate must be first militant, before that it be victorious and triumphant; therefore we should put on the whole armour of God Ephes. 6. Look for invasion, be still on our watch, pray with Moses, Exod. 17.12. and resist our adversary.
5. In our militant estate here, against so mighty adversaries this is our comfort, Michael the Captaine of the Lords hoste is with us, Josh. 5.14. The victory then is certaine, for if he be with us, who can be against us, to overcome us? Rom 8.31.
6. As faithfull Preachers are in a speciall manner Christs Angels, so we see that on the contrary false seducers are no other but Satans angels, and so to be accounted.
Ver. 8. We see to our comfort, that Satan shall never in end prevaile, but still he and his instruments shall suffer the foile.
Ver. 9. Where Satan is called an old serpent, we see to whom they are like who are habituated in wickedness, and crafty to doe evil.
2. Where he is called, the devill or an accuser, as ver. 10. we see whose broode they are who in like manner are false accusers of their brethren, slanderers and backbiters.
3. He is also called Satan, that is, an enemy, to Gods glory and mans good or salvation: therefore who ever by doctrine or practise impaires the one, or opposes the means of the other, they are Satanicall, and like him.
4. He is said to deceive the whole world: where we see then how more prone the world or men are to believe lies or errour, then they are to believe the truth, and to be deceived by Satans temptations or baites to sinne, then to walk in the wayes of God to their eternal profit and pleasure.
5. It is said that his angels were cast out with him; wherefore we see that Satan and all his followers, their lot shall be at last a like: debarred from heaven, and cast down into that lake that burnes with fire and brimstone▪
Ver. 10. By this song of thanksgiving, we see what should be our rejoycing, and duty in thanking God in like manner; to wit, that Christ, his Church and cause prevailes; and that Satan and his instruments, they get the foile.
2. When the former prevail, we see the great benefit to man that redounds thereby; to wit, salvation comes, and strength, and the kingdom of our God to raigne in mens hearts, and the power of his Christ to be seen in their lives.
3. Where it is s…id, that the accuser of the brethren is cast down: then as it is said, Is. 50.9. & Rom. 8.33. who is it that can condemne, or lay any thing to the charge of the Lords elect? It is he that helps and justifies us, and has cast down the accuser of the brethren.
4. Here is a great comfort likewise, that there is such a sweet communion between the glorious Saints in heaven, and the Church militant on earth; that when they speak of God, they say our God; and when of the Church on earth, they say, our brethren; as we see the same also. c. 6.11.
5. The ass…iuity of Satans accusing day and night, should teach the godly to be in like manner assiduous in prayer to Christ their Advocate and Mediator; that he would plead against Satan, and intercede for them.
Ver. 11. Where it is said that they overcame; to wit, Christs followers; we see under what a happy General the godly do militate; to wit, under him who shall make them certainly victorious triumphants.
2, We see here in like manner the right way to overcome, 1. To cleave only for salvation by faith to Christs blood allanerly, and to the sufferings or merits of no other. 2. To cleave fast to the written Word of God only, and the truth contained therein, and to no other; as Popish traditions and such like, and 3. In doing this to be constant even to the death.
Ver. 12. By this exhortation of others that are in heaven to rejoyce likewise, we see, that the Saints of God think it not enough for themselves to rejoyce at Christ and his Churches prospering, but they exhort, and would have all others to joyn herein with them, that as God is all in all, so he may of all and by all be praised and glorified.
2. We see the contrary disposition of the godly & wicked; that, what is matter of joy to the one, is of sorrow to the other, and on the contrary; which was seen at Christs birth or first coming, and shall be at his second.
3. By the denouncing of a wo to the inhabitants of the earth, we see when it shall be well with the godly, then it shall be wo to the wicked.
4. Where it is said that the devil was come downe to them in great wrath, we see, 1. Who is the author of all unjust wrath and malice; as was first in the heart of Kain. & 2. As they who serve God get his loving favour, but they who are Satans slaves get nothing but his wrath, as their recompence in the end; being first their tempter, next their accuser, and at last their tormentor.
5. It is said that he comes in great wrath, because his time is short; which as it is a comfort to the godly, so it should be a lesson of wisdom: as he is busie in doing ill, so should they be in doing good, because their time is short here, yea, and most uncertaine.
Ver. 13. As Satan is restless to draw the wicked to sinne, and consequently to damnation; so likewise we see he is restless in persecuting of the Church of Christ, ever in all things; at all occasions, and against all, one way or other kything his wicked and cruell disposition.
Ver. 14. Gods provident care for his Church her preservation, is here againe set down, as it was, v. 6. before, to shew us; as oft as Satan assaults, as oft shall the Lord defend her; and for new distresses, shall provide new deliverances.
Ver. 15. Where it is said that the serpent cast out of his mouth a flood of water after the woman; we may see that it is a speat of spite & of all sort of mischief, which Satan intends and has against the Church of Christ, seeking by all means and machin…tions her overthrow and ruine.
2. We see the Lords restraint of Satan ever, and of his cruell malice, that Satan sends out a flood of water after her, but is not permitted to follow after her himself, for as, v. 14. she is nourished and hid for a time from the face of the serpent.
Ver. 16. As has been said, for new troubles the Lord provides new deliverances.
2. The evil that is devised against the Church, the Lord turnes it another way, and as is said here, that the earth helped her, he makes sometimes her enimies the means of her preservation; as Pharaos daughter was to Moses, and as of late the enemies own Letter was the means of the preservation of the English Parliament from the powder treason.
Ver. 17. We see that the dragons wrath against the woman breakes out in warre: which showes us, that even so wrath or any sinne harboured in the heart, will at lost break forth in action, as we see in Kain.
2. We see who is the principall author of the bloody warres, and massacres that have been in sundry nations of Europe, undertaken and made against protestants professors of the truth.
3. It is said, that he went to make warre with the remnant of her seed; to shew unto us thereby the insatiable blood-thirstiness of Satan and his instruments: who when they had killed the Lords witnesses, and so many before, as c. 6. 10. yet they cannot rest till in like manner they have killed the remnant; that the whore may be drunk with the blood of the Saints and the Martyrs of Jesus; Rev. 17.6. and let never the professors of the truth expect other of Romanists.
4. This seed of the woman is described from keeping of the Commandements of God (he sayes not of the Church,) and having the Testimony of Jesus Christ: by this mark therefore let us try our selves if we be of this number who are the members of Christs true Church; to wit, if we hold fast the profession of the truth constantly, and make our practise or conversation conforme thereunto suteably.