Exposition of Revelation, Title page – To the reader
AN EXPOSITION Of the whole BOOK of the REVELATION. WHEREIN The Visions and Prophecies of CHRIST Are opened and Expounded:
SHEWING The great Conquests of our LORD Jesus Christ for his Church over all His and Her Adversaries, PAGAN, ARIAN and PAPAL; and the glorious State of the Church of God in the New Heavens and New Earth, in these Latter Days.
By H. K. …
Rev. i. 3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the Words of this Prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the Time is at hand.
LICENSED, September 12. 1688.
LONDON, Printed for the Author; and are to be Sold by William Marshall, at the Bible in Newgate-street, MDCLXXXIX.
AN EPISTLE TO THE READER.
Ingenious Reader,
SAINT Paul confessed, that he (and other able Ministers of the New Testament, 2 Cor. 3.6.) did know but in part, 1 Cor. 13.9, 10. though they were stewards of the mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4.1. And Calvin, Beza, yea, Austin, and also the ancient Fathers did profess, that they understood not the Revelation of the Prophecies written by John in this Book: And although I have read this part of the holy Scripture of Truth many times over, and have also read the profitable labours of those learned Men who have written thereon: Yet I do acknowledge the Prophetical part of this Book is so mysterious, that I know very little of the mystery of the prophecies thereof. Notwithstanding, I will give the Readers two reasons why I here present this Exposition of the whole book of the Revelation, to be read by them. First, Those learned and godly Men have improved their five Talents of knowledge and wisdom, in their studies and labours published for the benefit of others, in preaching, expounding, and writing their understanding of the Revelations of Jesus Christ to his servant John (written in this Book:) And I dare not hide my Talent, knowing that my Lord and Master will shortly call me to give an account of my Stewardship. Secondly, That promised blessing, Rev. 1. Vers. 3. did incourage me to read, study, and expound this part of the holy Scripture, publickly in the course of my Ministry: And now (being aged) I have adventured to publish this my Exposition thereof (such as it is) for the benefit of them that shall read it, that they also may be partakers of that blessing.
And now I do humbly counsel the Reader to consider, that the words of the Prophecy of this Book, do bear an allusion unto other sacred Prophecies in the holy Scripture, wherein several things are spoken after the manner of the holy Prophets and Customs of the Jews. The Historical matter of this Book concerns the state of the Church of God, from the days of the Apostle John in the Isle of Patmos (about the year 96.) in the Reign of Domitian the Emperor unto the end of this World. And therefore, I would advise the Reader diligently to observe what is already past and fulfilled, what is now fulfilling in our days, and what is hereafter to be fulfilled. And to that end search the Scriptures, read Ecclesiastical Histories, and other Expositions of this Book, together with this Exposition.
That thereby, when you read the Book of the Revelation, you may understand the Mysteries, the Prophecies, and the Visions therein contained, especially the Vision of the Seven Seals, which contain the judgments of God, that he executed upon the Heathen Pagan Idolaters, Rev. 6.4-17. and of the Seven Trumpets, which contain the Woes God executed upon the Arian Apostate Persecutors, Rev. 8.7-13. and 9.1. to 21. and of the Seven Vials of the last Plagues of God Almighty, which he will cause his Angels to pour out upon the Roman Antichristian Papal Beast, Whore, and false Prophet, to their utter destruction, Rev. 16th. Chapter, and 18.8-10-19-21. and 19.19.
Lastly, Consider the glorious appearance of our blessed LORD Jesus Christ at his Second coming, Rev. 20, 21, 22. Chapters of this Prophecy of the Revelation, and the glorious state of the Kingdom of Christ, and of the Church of God on Earth, Rev. 5.9, 10. and 21.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. and 22.7-12-20.
Courteous Reader, I have purposely omitted to Write or Print the Words of many Scriptures in this my Exposition, because I was not willing to make the Book, nor price of it great, the worth whereof being (in my own opinion) small, but yet I do intreat thee to read the words thereof in the Bible very diligently, for they are the Scripture Proof of that which I propound, and the ground of faith to believe it; that so thy faith may not stand in the wisdom of Men, but in the power of God, 1 Cor. 2.5. Pray often and fervently, that God will open those Scriptures unto thee, and open thy understanding, and seal instructions upon thy heart. Amen.
So prayeth thy Souls friend, H. K.
AN EXPOSITION On the BOOK of the REVELATION.
THIS Book containeth the last part of Gods revealed Will in the holy Scripture of Truth, which he gave forth by our Lord Jesus Christ, who commanded his Servant John to Write it, and send it to the Seven Churches in Asia.