Revelation

He is not only 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of the same nature and essence with the Father. So Athanasius, Basil, Chrysostom: 1. Is God the Father called Almighty, so is Christ (Revelation 1:8), 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Almighty. 2. Is God the…

All power is given to him. Christ has three keys in his hand, the key of the grave, to open the graves of men at the resurrection; the key of heaven, to open the kingdom of heaven to whom he will; the key of hell (Revelation 1:18), to lock up the damned in that fiery prison. To…

And he is, the text says, 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉, King of Kings. He has a preeminence of all other Kings, he is called the Prince of the Kings of the Earth (Revelation 1:5), 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉 — He must needs be so, for by him Kings reign (Proverbs 8:15). They hold their c…

Christ is fit to be Judge, as he partakes both of the manhood and Godhead. 1. Of the manhood: being clothed with the human nature, he may be visibly seen of all: it is requisite the Judge should be seen (Revelation 1:7). Behold he comes with clouds, and every eye shall see him.

2. Jehovah, a word that properly sets out God's eternity; a word so dreadful, that the Jews trembled to name or read it, therefore used another word Adonai, Lord. Jehovah contains in it time past, present, and to come (Revelation 1:4): which is, and which was, and which is to co…

All that are of God, as they have Christ for their captain (Hebrews 2:10), so holiness is the white color they wear. 5. Holiness is our honor, holiness and honor put together (1 Thessalonians 4:4), dignity goes along with sanctity (Revelation 1:6). He has washed us from our sins…

7. God is the best Father because he never dies, (1 Timothy 6:16) Who only has immortality. Earthly fathers die, and their children are exposed to many injuries, but God lives forever; (Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the last. God's crown has no successo…

He made this day (Psalm 118:24): "This is the day which the Lord has made." Arnobius and the current of expositors understand it of our Christian Sabbath, and it is called the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10). As it is called the Lord's Supper, because of the Lord's instituting the…

Here is a meditation fit for our first entrance into a Sabbath, God's holiness: the contemplation of this would work in us such a frame of heart as is suitable to a holy God: it would make us then reverence his name, hallow his day: while we are musing of the holiness of God's n…

6. Shut up the Sabbath evening with repetition, singing of psalms and prayer: beg that God would bless the Word you have heard; but I hope your practice herein will prevent my further speaking. Could we but thus spend a Sabbath, we might be in the Spirit on the Lord's Day (Revel…

1. Is God the Father omnipotent, so is Jesus Christ. He is [illegible], the Almighty (Revelation 1:8). He creates (Colossians 1:16).

(1.) The Kingdom of Heaven is a place of honor; there are the glorious triumphs and sparkling crowns. In other kingdoms there is but one king, but in Heaven all are kings (Revelation 1:6). Every saint glorified is a partaker of the same glory as Christ does (John 17:22): The glo…

If the fetters of sin be broken off, and we walk at liberty in the ways of God (Psalm 119:45): I will walk at liberty — this is a blessed sign we are pardoned. Such as are washed in Christ's blood from that guilt, are made kings to God (Revelation 1:6); as kings they rule over t…

By this 'power of death' is meant not so much bodily death as that eternal death to which, as the proper punishment of sin, its guilt binds us over. This power of his is not that of the Judge in sentencing to death or casting men to hell, which is Christ's own royal prerogative…

2. This error thwarts the glory of the grace of God; for it is an error that strikes at the richest and most radiant diamond of the crown of the glory of Christ, it hangs election and the effectualness of God's decree as to effectual calling, faith, justification, and perseveran…

Now we shortly add this third, of kin to the former, that believers, and such as are fled to Christ for refuge, would look on his sufferings as come under for them; and these same Scriptures which we cited to confirm these, will confirm this. The reason why we would have you con…

And (1 Timothy 1:15) this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Jesus Christ came to the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. And John heartily, (Revelation 1:7) to him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, etc. But they that e…

And yet this were a most natural, proper, and kindly exercise for believers; even like the work of those, who say, Salvation to our God, that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb (Revelation 7:10). To Him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, etc. (Revelat…

But when He is executor of His own testament, and by His Spirit makes the application, what is, or can be wanting? We shall say no more, but that here it is clear, that we have a living Mediator as Himself says (Revelation 1:18): I was dead, and am alive, and live for evermore.…

It is Christ that died, indeed, rather that is risen again, etc. This way of justification makes Christ's death wondrous lovely, and it is on this that the song of the redeemed is founded (Revelation 1:5). To him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and ha…

There is nothing among men readily less cared for, than a ministry; some would have none at all; others would have them of such a stamp, as would please and humor them; But our Lord has received gifts to give to men; And he that poured out such gifts on the apostles and others,…

I leave it to the experience of the godly, if Jeremiah his singing of praise in one verse, (Jeremiah 20:13) and his cursing of the day that he was born on, in the next verse, verse 14, the order of Scripture being of divine inspiration, does not speak God's dispensation in this…

4. The Scripture nowhere speaks of any love of God in Christ to man, but such as is efficacious in saving; any other love is lip-love, not real; and so to allege this one place, without authority of the Word, is petitio principii, a begging of the question; for the love (Ezekiel…

He is at God's right hand, and we are in his hands (John 10:28), and all his enemies are under his feet, who then can pull us out? (Revelation 1:18) says Christ, I have the keys of hell and death. The key is still in the Scripture phrase the ensign of power and authority.

Now not only Christ's soul (as theirs) lives to cry, but his whole person; for he is risen again, and lives to intercede for ever. In (Revelation 1:18), Christ appearing to John, when he would speak but one speech that should move all in him, he says but this, I am he that lives…

Therefore verse 33 of that Acts 2, Peter giving an account how it came to pass that they were so filled with the Holy Ghost, says, that Christ having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, had shed him forth on them; which receiving is not to be only understood…

[Son, remember you in your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus evil, etc.] says Abraham to the soul of Dives in hell (Luke 16:25). [Remember me when you come into your Kingdom] said the good thief to Christ; And (Revelation 1) I am he (says Christ) that was dead,…

If you have the life of grace, there is some spiritual warmth in your soul, some heat in your soul; do but consider then the knowledge that is within you: Is your knowledge such as lets you alone, and only puffs you up, and makes you to think well of yourself, if that be all the…

2. Now as there is a likeness and conformity, and unity in nature, between Christ and a child of God, so there is also in us, a conformity to Christ in his offices, the meaning is, whoever has the Son, he has the offices which the Son has. As he was both King, Priest and Prophet…

It was an act of love (Galatians 2:20): Who loved me and gave himself for me. (Revelation 1:5) To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his blood. He thought no price too dear for our salvation; let us love him again who loved us first (1 John 4:19): We love him beca…

For he is Head and Lord of the renewed state; a Priest, to offer a sacrifice for sin, which having once offered, he for ever represents in heaven; he was also to be Teacher of mankind to acquaint us with the way of salvation. These offices are often alluded to in Scripture (Reve…

Upon any visions and apparitions of the divine Majesty, God's servants fell to the earth — (Ezekiel 1:28) when I saw the appearance of the likeness of the glory of God, I fell on my face; Paul when Christ appeared to him from heaven, he fell to the earth (Acts 9:4). (Revelation…

Again it was the decree or constitution of Paul, that the collection for the poor should be the first day of the week at Corinth: now this collection in the Primitive Church, followed preaching, prayer, sacraments, and it was the conclusion of all other exercises in the assembly…

If in honors & riches; by him we are made Kings and Priests. Apoc 1:6. If in libertie; by him we are delivered from the hands of our enemies, Sinne, Satan, &c.

But now all are indifferently received. Some expound this place generally, that the Gentiles shall be priests: that is to say, shall offer themselves to God; for so the scriptures in many places calls all by the name of a royal priesthood: (Exodus 19:6), (1 Peter 2:9), (Revelati…

It is plain, that every Church has its Angel mentioned; and there being seven Churches how many Angels, I beseech you, are there? Now because he does not say expressly in terms, seven Angels of the seven Churches, we are foiled in our proof; judge Reader, what to expect of so de…

No soul is pardoned but with respect unto the blood of Christ as the procuring cause of that pardon. Hence he is said to have washed us in his blood, Revelation 1:5. In himself, to have purged our sins, Hebrews 1:3. by one offering to have taken away sin, and for ever to have pe…

1. to Daniel, chap. 7:9, 10. to Johnn, Revelation 1. Read the places attentively, and learn to tremble before him.

2. Although that manner of speaking be used in some other languages, yet it is never so used in the Hebrew tongue (as, by these who understand it, is asserted; and by some of the most Learned Jews is acknowledged) and therefore we understand the Trinity of Persons in one Godhead…

And it is clear that the Spirit is here intended, because it is the Spirit's blowing that only can make the spices or graces of a believer to flow, as the wind does the seeds and flowers in a garden. Next, by north and south wind are understood the same Spirit, being conceived a…

Now, seeing Jesus Christ is so excellent himself, and these being instanced as the choice excellencies that are in him, they must needs be exceeding and passing excellent, as the aggravating and heightening of every commendation does show: there will be need therefore of much so…

Now if we will for instance, consider some such places as these, My beloved is mine, etc. I called, but he gave me no answer, they yield plain doctrines, as other plain Scriptures do: and therefore, seeing it's one continued Song, and each of these dark and plain places answer o…

God speaks by his ministers, who are his watchmen, in his name to warn the people of his judgments temporal and eternal, which in the Scriptures he has threatened (Ezekiel 3:17-18, etc.; Isaiah 63:6), who are the Lord's ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), from whom they have a com…

Truth is the seal that leaves the print of its own holiness upon us; it is both speculum and lavacrum, a glass to show us our blemishes, and a laver to wash them away. Truth makes us free (John 8:32); it beats off the fetters of sin, and puts us into a state of sonship (Romans 8…

2. The next thing in order of time seems to be the appointment of the Christian Sabbath. For though this was gradually established in the Christian church, yet those things by which the revelation of God's mind and will was made, began on the day of Christ's resurrection, by his…

He through whom this redemption has all along been carried on, he shall appear in the sight of the world; the light of his glory shall break forth; the whole world shall immediately have notice of it, and they shall lift up their eyes and behold this wonderful sight. It is said,…

It is the character of the Lord's people both in respect of holiness and happiness, that (however they be branded as the troublers of Israel) they are the quiet in the land (Psalm 35:20). If every saint be made a spiritual prince (Revelation 1:6), having a dignity above others,…

Fifthly, we must improve all our gifts, parts, abilities for them, in pleading for them: Thus in the Primitive times, God stirred up many of great learning, of excellent parts, to plead for the persecuted Christians, who did much service this way: as Justin Martyr, in his Apolog…

You are joined near to Christ, as a girdle about a mans loyns; take heed you be not as that girdle, Jer. 13. A rotten girdle, fit for nothing, so were the Church of the Jews at that time; but you should be as that girdle of Christ, Rev. 1. A golden girdle about his paps; By whic…

Hence is that Phrase, Enter into your masters joy; that enters not into you, but you must enter into it: it is your masters joy, not only that joy that your master gives, but the same joy your master has, that you shall enter into and live in. It is said of Saint John, in Rev. 1…

These are as it were the saints' wages; but besides, the great reward is to come, an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Christ makes all his subjects kings (Revelation 2:10): I'll give you a crown of life. This crown will be full of jewels, and it will never fade (1 P…

They are not of the world, though they live here, yet, they trade in the heavenly country. The world is a place where Satan's throne is (Revelation 2:13), a stage on which sin every day acts its part; now such as are called are in, but not of, the world. Quest. To what does God…

12. We glorify God by being zealous for his name (Numbers 25:11): Phinehas has turned my wrath away, while he was zealous for my sake. Zeal is a mixed affection, a compound of love and anger; it carries forth our love to God, and anger against sin in a most intense manner: zeal…

God will not be in any man's debt; (Malachi 1:10) Who has kindled a fire on my altar for nothing? 2. God lets men go on in sin and prosper, that he may leave them more inexcusable, (Revelation 2:21) I gave her space to repent of her fornication. God adjourns the sessions, spins…

3. You who have love to God, keep it flaming upon the altar of your heart. Love, as fire, will be ready to go out (Revelation 2:4). You have left your first love.

Therefore we must imitate Christ, who became obedient to the death (Philippians 2:8). The crown is set upon the head of perseverance (Revelation 2:26). He that keeps my works to the end, to him will I give the morning star.

This decay of grace I shall show in two particulars. 1. The lively actings of grace may be suspended (Revelation 2:4): You have left your first love. Grace may be like a sleepy habit; the godly may act faintly in religion, the pulse of their affections may beat low.

When gray hairs shine with golden virtues, this is a crown of glory. The church of Thyatira was best at last (Revelation 2:19). I know your patience and your works, and the last to be more than the first.

But the holiness of God is pure, like wine from the grape; it has not the least dash or tincture of impurity mixed with it. 2. A more unchangeable holiness: the saints though they cannot lose the habit of holiness (for the seed of God remains), yet they may lose some degrees of…

Through the bright mirror of his own essence he has a full idea and cognizance of all things; the world is to him Corpus diaphanum, a transparent body. He makes a heart-anatomy; he is [illegible] (Revelation 2:23). I am he which searches the reins and the heart.

By a lie in our words we deny the truth, by a lie in our profession we disgrace it. Not to be what we profess to God is telling a lie; and the Scripture makes it little better than blasphemy (Revelation 2:9). I know the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and are not.

Satan has a kingdom; he got his kingdom by conquest; he conquered mankind in Paradise. He has his throne (Revelation 2:13): "You dwell where Satan's throne is"; and his throne is set up in the hearts of men. He does not care for their purses but their hearts (Ephesians 2:2).

He who is truly sanctified cannot fall from that state. Indeed seeming holiness may be lost; colors may wash off; Sanctification may suffer an eclipse (Revelation 2:4): You have left your first love; but true Sanctification is a blossom of eternity (1 John 2:27): The anointing w…

And (verse 10). He has not rewarded us according to our iniquities. God has deferred his wrath, and given us space to repent (Revelation 2:21). God is not like a hasty creditor, that requires the debt, and gives no time for the payment.

Thus you see how the meditation of Heaven would be a means to bring us there. 18. The last means for obtaining the Heavenly Kingdom is, perseverance in holiness (Revelation 2:10). Be you faithful to death, and you shall receive the Crown of Life.

Where God pardons he purifies. As in the inauguration of kings, with the crown there is the oil to anoint: so when God crowns a man with forgiveness, there he gives the anointing oil of grace to sanctify (Revelation 2:17): "I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new n…

And by this his long experience and observation he has his set and composed machinations (2 Corinthians 2:11), his methods of temptations (Ephesians 6:11) which are studied and artificially molded and ordered — even such systems and methods of them as tutors and professors of ar…

As in the sacraments, the bread conveys whole Christ and the wine also whole Christ, so in the word every promise conveys whole Christ. And if you can say as the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2:6, 'This thing I have — that I hate sin, and every sin as God hates it, and because…

But his own, God gives up to him but as prisoners to a jailer, as a magistrate may do his child to commit him; who has not a power over his prisoner to do anything with him, but only by appointment, for a time, with a limited commission, and therefore cannot put him on the rack…

Which shows us clearly the truth of Gods word, which says of Christ, that he reigns in the middle among his enemies. Howsoever they rage, and seek to blot out his name, and to root out his kingdom, yet despite their throats, he will rule in the middle of their kingdoms, and ther…

Who makes reckoning of corn that sheds before harvest? It was the glory of the church of Thyatira, her last works were more than her first (Revelation 2:19). Perseverance carries away the garland; a true Christian does not only set out in the race, but hold out; The righteous al…

In the evangelical covenant, the promises that are made are not made to any work or virtue in man, but to the worker: not for any merit of his own person or work, but for the person and merit of Christ. For example, it is a promise of the Gospel (Revelation 2:10): Be faithful to…

Remember the place where you are is the place of his feet (Isaiah 60:13). Act faith upon the omniscience of God: 'All the churches shall know that I am he that searches the heart and tries the minds, and will give to everyone according to their works' (Revelation 2:23). 'All thi…

5. Apostacy. Jer. 6. 28. They are all grievous revolters, Reprobate silver shall one call them, because the Lord hath rejected them. This made God remove his golden Candlestick from the Church of Ephesus, because she had left her first Love, Rev. 2. 4. And if apostacy will make…

And, O, what massive consolation have such words as these, in them; and what confidence may believing sinners have to come to this Mediator; that is a mother, a father, a brother, and a parent, that has begotten us out of His own bowels; and in some respect, (as we are believers…

And though the godly do steadfastly believe their salvation is in a castle, above losing; yet in reason, sin bringing broken bones, (Psalm 51:10), a sad cloud, the damming up of a spring of Christ's love spread abroad in the heart, a temporary hell in the soul, it must be sorrow…

He that does the will of my heavenly Father, the same is my brother, etc. (1 Corinthians 9:24). So run, that you may obtain (Revelation 2:2). I know your works and your labor (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

I know not better how to express it, than from (Revelation 1:14-15), in the description of our blessed Savior, His eyes were as a flame of fire. It is true, the eye is lightsome, but it does not burn, they are not hot, but the eyes of Christ is as a flaming heat; and the meaning…

Fifthly, faith had need to grow, even that faith which accompanies salvation, by which we believe on the name of Christ, not only thus far as has been said, but had need to grow in the fruits of it, for many times though faith may have some strength and comfort, and put forth it…

It is sometimes the case of a Christian, as David speaks (Psalm 39, last verse), Oh spare a little that I may recover any strength; so a Christian man if he find himself in a decay, that he is dead and heartless in every spiritual performance, oh then spare a little, that I may…

And we read that once he took the habit and guise of a prophet (1 Samuel 28:18), and indeed he deceives more by the voice of Samuel than by the voice of the Dragon. We read of the depths of Satan (Revelation 2:24). Here he comes like a divine, with a Bible in his hand, and turns…

3. With respect to the devil and his instruments, to whose malice he sets bounds, who otherwise would know no measure. (1.) For the devil see (Revelation 2:10). Fear none of those things which you shall suffer, behold! the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may b…

Lastly, aged persons that have begun in the spirit, must look that they grow up in the graces of the spirit more than others, that they may end in the spirit. It is said of the angel of Thyatira, that his love, service, and works, were more at the last, than at the first (Revela…

I permit not a woman to teach (1 Timothy 2:12). Let women keep silence in the Churches, for it is not permitted to them to speak (1 Corinthians 14:34; Revelation 2:20). This condemns the fantastical opinion of the Anabaptists, that all men may speak publicly without any differen…

In Song of Solomon 2:1 he is compared to a rose and lily, sweet and beautiful flowers; in the very next verse he is compared to a tree bearing sweet fruit. In Isaiah 53:2 he is called a root out of dry ground; but elsewhere, instead of that, he is called the Tree of Life, that g…

What ever Creature be instrumental for any good to you, it's your Lord Jesus Christ that gave the orders and commands to that Creature to do it; and without it they could have done nothing for you: It's your head in Heaven that consults your peace and comfort on Earth: these be…

And truly thus it is; and my own eyes have seen it, in that noble Manuscript, written by the hand of Tecla (as is probably supposed) some 1300 years ago, as Cyril, the late renowned Patriarch of Constantinople avows; your goodly proof therefore is in the suds. But to meet with y…

Touch his flesh and his bone, or touch his flesh to the bone, strike as hard, wound as deep as you can. It is said (Revelation 2:10), that Satan should cast some of them, that is, of the servants of God, into prison. God gave up their bodies to irons, and fetters, to the stocks…

If upon the eruption of new lusts or corruptions; if upon the return of old temptations, or the Assaults of new ones; if upon a revived perplexing sense of guilt, or on the tediousness of working and labouring so much and so long in the dark, the soul begins to say in it self, I…

It remains therefore, 4. That it must be spoken to Christ's Ministers, and Officers in the Church, called rulers in the Scripture, and in this Song, watchmen and keepers of this Vineyard, as by office, contradistinguished from professors (Song of Solomon 3:3; Song of Solomon 5:7…

And (Proverbs 5:21), "The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord" — he knows them, as if he were looking on them with eyes, all things are so naked and discernible to him. This agrees also with that (Revelation 2:18), where Christ is said to have eyes as a flame of fire: wh…

3. The Vineyard is said to be the Bride's, verse 12 and Chapter 1:6, in respect of the believer's particular trust, with oversight of, and interest in, these things that Christ has purchased for them, and bestowed on them, which they are to improve and trade with; In which respe…

For, 1. That distinction of the church in visible and invisible, is not a distribution of a whole into distinct parts, as, suppose one would divide a heap of chaff and corn, into corn and chaff; but this is a distinct uptaking of the same whole, (to wit, the church) under two di…

These mysterious marrow-rich truths are like that song that none could learn but the 144,000 that are redeemed from the earth (Revelation 14:4). Or like that new name which no man knows, saving he that receives it (Revelation 2:17). Such truths are better felt than spoken, soone…

Sit down then and reckon the charges in building the tower of religion, and whether you have armor of proof to carry you through an army of dangers and difficulties. Stock yourselves for a storm, frame your backs for a burden, melt your wills into God's will, as you desire to ho…

They do not leave off duty, but they grow dead in duty. They have left their first love (Revelation 2:4). It is with them as fire when it is going out; or as the sun when it is going down.

That it is a dreadful token of God's great anger against that people from whom he removes the Gospel. The anger of God was fearfully incensed against the Church of Ephesus, when he did but threaten to come against her, and remove the candlestick out of its place (Revelation 2:5)…

The end of God's ordaining a summer season, and sending warm and pleasant weather, is to ripen the fruits of the earth, and give the Husbandman fit opportunity to gather them in. And God's design in giving men a day of grace, is to furnish them with an opportunity for the everla…

THus, and unspeakably more than thus, do Saints rejoyce and shout for joy, when they reap the favour and love of God, for which they laboured in many a weary duty. This joy of harvest, as great as it is, and as much as carnal hearts are lifted up with it, is but a trifle, a thin…

The manifestations of his love will be to your soul as showers to the parched grass; your soul that now droops, and hangs the wing, shall then revive and leap for joy (Isaiah 61:1). A new face shall come upon your graces, they shall bud again, and blossom as a rose; if he does b…

Caesar after his victories, in token of honor had a chair of ivory set for him in the Senate, and a throne in the theater; the Saints having obtained their victories over sin and Satan, shall be enthroned with Christ in the Empyrean Heaven. To sit with Christ, denotes safety, to…

A man can no more by the power of nature reach Christ, than an infant can reach the top of the pyramids, or the ostrich fly up to the stars. See your need of Christ's anointing and teaching (Revelation 3:18). 2. Go to Christ to teach you (Psalms 25:5): Lead me in your truth, and…

As here he puts his grace upon the saints, so shortly he will put his glory upon them. This is comfort to the poorest Christian, perhaps you have scarce a house to put your head in, yet you may look up to heaven and say, There is my house, there is my country; and I have already…

2. Comfort to the godly in regard of their salvation (2 Timothy 2:19). The foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, the Lord knows who are his: God's counsel of election is unchangeable: once elected and for ever elected (Revelation 3:5). I will not blot his name out of…

Perhaps once we were mounted into higher orbs, we did [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], set our hearts on things above, and speak the language of Canaan, but now our minds are taken off of Heaven, we dig our comfort out of these lower mines, and with Satan compass the earth: a sign w…

Thus God adopts us into the family of heaven; and God in adopting us does two things: 1. He ennobles us with his name; he who is adopted bears his name who adopts him (Revelation 3:12): I will write on him the name of my God. 2. God consecrates us with his Spirit: Whom he adopts…

3. I grant, true believers, though they do not fall away actually and lose all their grace, yet their grace may fail in the degree, and they may make a great breach upon their sanctification. Grace may be moritura, not mortua — dying but not dead (Revelation 3:2): Strengthen the…

God will make his sword drunk with the blood of apostates. 4. The promises of mercy are annexed only to perseverance (Revelation 3:5). He that overcomes, shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.

The covenant of grace brings preferment. Our nature is now more ennobled, we are raised to higher glory than in innocency, we are advanced to sit upon Christ's throne (Revelation 3:21), we are by virtue of the covenant of grace nearer to Christ than the angels. They are his frie…

It was good advice Calvin gave to Melancthon, that he should not so affect the name of moderate, as to lose all his zeal. To be cool and silent, when God's blessed truths are undermined or adulterated, is not moderation, but lukewarmness, which is to God a most hateful temper (R…

Resp. They have greater honor than is conferred on the princes of the earth; They are precious in God's esteem; (Isaiah 43:4) Since you were precious in my eyes, you have been honorable; the wicked are dross (Psalm 119:119), and chaff (Psalm 1:4), but God numbers his children am…

These are lamps without oil, whited sepulchers, like the Egyptian temples, which had fair outsides, but within spiders and apes. The Apostle speaks of true holiness (Ephesians 4:24), implying, there is a holiness which is spurious and feigned (Revelation 3:1). You have a name to…

In serving your masters you serve Christ, and he will not let you lose your labor, you shall receive the reward of the inheritance. From serving on earth, you shall be taken up to reign in heaven, and shall sit with Christ upon his throne (Revelation 3:21).

They are conquerors over the world, and being victors they now have palm branches. 3. They sit upon the throne with Christ (Revelation 3:21). When Caesar returned from conquering his enemies, there was set for him a chair of state in the senate, and a throne in the theatre.

As the herb Heliotropium turns about according to the motion of the sun; so a godly man's actions do all move towards the glory of God. 11. If we would obtain the heavenly Kingdom, let us keep up fervency in duty, What is a dead form without the power (Revelation 3:16)? Because…

Hypocrites soon give over doing God's Will; like the chrysolite which is of a golden color, in the morning it is very bright to look on, but towards evening it grows dull, and has lost its splendor: We should continue in doing God's Will, because of that great loss that will bef…

Is there any such joy as to have the golden banner of Christ's love displayed over us? Is there any such honor as to sit upon the throne with Christ (Revelation 3:21)? O then long for the celestial kingdom.

And not only so, but delivers them up to Satan — that being the consequence of it, which therefore, because it implies the former, is put to express the whole proceeding. Which delivery of him to Satan was not a giving him a commission to carry him on to more sin, for the end pr…

And this teaches us to lay aside all self-love and pride of heart, and to practice the duties of humility, as the apostle exhorts the Philippians in the same place: and that shall we do when we begin to cast off that high opinion which every man by nature conceives of himself, a…

I say [truly righteous] to exclude the hypocrite, who has a form, and slight tincture of piety, but knows not the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:6). He has nothing of religion but the name (Revelation 3:1), and religion often suffers by him: But he who is really righteous,…

Objection 5. Christ says (Revelation 3:4) that the faithful in the Church of Sardis shall walk with him in white: for they are worthy: therefore believers merit. Answer: Every believer is worthy to walk with Christ: yet not worthy in himself, but in Christ, to whom he is united,…

For all this may be, and probably is, the fruit of his love and care for your soul. Revelation 3:19: Whom I love, I rebuke and chasten. How much better is it to have an idolized enjoyment taken from you in mercy, than if God should say concerning you, as he said of Ephraim in Ho…

Thus the gospel calls not to an empty house that wants meat, but to a banqueting house where Christ is made ready as the cheer, and there wants no more but feasting on Him: so it's set out under the similitude of eating and drinking (John 6:57), He that eats me, even he shall li…

An eighth expression is that of opening to Christ, (Song of Solomon 5:2) Open to me my dove, etc. (Revelation 3:20) Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man open the door to me, etc. (Acts 16) it's said, the Lord opened the heart of Lydia: when the Word comes, sinners' h…

For we have not only the Mediator, and His satisfaction to look upon in this soul-travel, but also the contrivance of the Covenant, called in the former words, the pleasure of the Lord; who, while we were enemies gave His Son, and was content to want Him for a time (to speak so)…

3. It implies the Mediator's fitness for this service, that He is furnished, fitted, and qualified for, as well as taken up with, the justifying of sinners, and setting them free before the throne of God. He has a full purse (to speak so) to pay their debt; therefore He bids sin…

And though the godly do steadfastly believe their salvation is in a castle, above losing; yet in reason, sin bringing broken bones, (Psalm 51:10), a sad cloud, the damming up of a spring of Christ's love spread abroad in the heart, a temporary hell in the soul, it must be sorrow…

Verse 3: Incline your ear to me, and hear, and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting Covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Then a soul dies a soul's death — he is lean, he eats dirt, he has no bread — while he comes to Christ (Revelation 3:18): I coun…

5. How long he seeks; how long a night-rain wet his locks and hair! How long a night is it, he stands at the church door knocking? (Song of Songs 5:1; Revelation 3:20). There be many hours in this night; since he was preached in Paradise, and yet he stands to this day, how gladl…

Christ with a great condescension took upon him the office of his Father's Ambassador to the Church, to promote the Covenant of Reconciliation between God and man, and make offers of it in preaching the Gospel, and he it is that does by his Spirit persuade the elect, and does ma…

(Psalm 32:6) Hence says David, verse 7. You are my hiding place, you shall preserve me from trouble: Some way or other God will attest and testify the integrity of his praying servants before the world: Thus he dealt in the case of Job: God's children may be long concealed from…

For it is a manifest beguiling when a man persuades himself that he is somewhat, when in deed he is nothing. Such men are well described in the third chapter of Revelation in these words: You say: I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and do not know how…

Christ was even consumed with the zeal of God's house (John 2). The angel of the Church of Laodicea is blamed, because he is neither hot, nor cold (Revelation 3). He is accursed of God, that does the work of God negligently (Jeremiah 48).

The Church of Laodicea, thought shee was rich, and increased with goods, and had neede of nothing: whereas shee was wretched, and miserable, andpoore, and blind, and naked. Apoc 3:17. And so the skarlet strūpet thought her selfe a Queene, and that shee was out of all daunger of…

She at some times appears greatly affected and delighted with texts of Scripture that come to her mind. Particularly, about the beginning of November last year, the text came to her mind: 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will…

First, the bestowing a reward carries in it a respect to a moral fitness, in the thing rewarded, to the reward: the very notion of a reward being a benefit bestowed in testimony of acceptance of, and respect to, the goodness or amiableness of some qualification or work, in the p…

And hear how Christ, to encourage you, represents himself as a lamb: he tells you that he is meek and lowly in heart — are you afraid to come to such a one? And again, Revelation 3:20: 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will c…

(1.) Of all mercies, this comes through most and greatest difficulties, Ephesians 1. 19, 20. (2.) This is a spiritual mercy, excelling in dignity of nature all others, more than gold excels the dirt under your feet, Revelation 3:18 One such gift, is worth thousands of other merc…

They that invent a worship, must invent a doctrine to maintain it by. Some perhaps may stumble at that text (Revelation 3:9), where this promise is made to the Church of Philadelphia, Behold I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews and are not, but do…

He is so indeed who has no grace in him; but not he alwaies who can find none in him: But these are different things. A man may have grace, and yet not have it at some times much acting; he may have grace for life, when he has it not for fruitfulness and comfort, though it be hi…

The comfortable fellowship that is to be had with him by the Gospel is held forth under the similitude of a great feast; as fellowship in glory and enjoying of him there is set out by eating and drinking with him at his Table (Luke 22:29-30). Now this is most friendly, when Chri…

It is like that wondering expression (Isaiah 49:21): You shall say (to wit, when the sudden change comes) Who has begotten me these? Or, as it is (Revelation 3:9) where it is promised to the Church of Philadelphia, that others should fall down, and worship at her feet, as being…

The third word is, drink abundantly: that shows the largeness of his allowance, and the heartiness of his welcome, as a gladsome host, so cherishes he his guests; and all this is [reconstructed: to] be understood spiritually, of the joy and comfort which he allows on his people,…

They are cited as having authority, and not to get it; and therefore there are many scriptures in the Old Testament, which were never cited in the New: although it may be said, there are many near resemblances (at least) in the New Testament, to diverse passages in this Song; as…

And therefore the Apostle has twice cautioned parents against this provoking way of discipline; (Ephesians 6:4) You fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: And again, (Colossians 3:21) Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Yet notwithstandin…

First, sometimes it is taken for the nature and being of the deity itself. Nor is it an unusual figure to put name for that thing or person that is expressed by it; as Revelation 3:4. You have a few names in Sardis, that have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with…

If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures, then you shall understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:3-5). Before I break off this subject, let me press a little upon you the wholesome counsel of our dear Saviour (Revel…

It is the duty of every Christian to lay up such truths in the close cabinet of his heart, as he may live and die by and adhere closely and constantly to: we must do by truths, as Caesar by his books, who being to swim through a river to escape the fury of his enemies, carried h…

It is a mocking of God to bring Cain's sacrifice, a body without a heart, a carcass without spirit, it is as if a Jew had brought the skin of a beast for sacrifice and no more. But where the treasure is in the heart, there the essentials of the service are made up, the work is f…

It was the advice Calvin gave [reconstructed: Melanchthon], that he should not so affect the name of moderate, that at last he lost all his zeal. To be lukewarm in matters of religion, is far from offering violence to heaven (Revelation 3:19). Be zealous and repent.

Who would not be willing to serve a prince that is given to mercy and clemency? God is represented with a rainbow round about him (Revelation 4:3), an emblem of his mercy. Acts of severity are rather forced from God; justice is his strange work (Isaiah 28:21).

To make sinners tremble, let them think of these three things: The torments of the damned are without intermission, without mixture, and eternal. 1. Without intermission; their pains shall be acute and sharp, and no relaxation; the fire shall not be slackened, or abated (Revelat…

Use 3. Of Exhortation. Let us hallow and sanctify God's name: did we but see a glimpse of God's glory, as Moses did in the rock; the sight of this would draw adoration and praise from us; could we see God face to face, as the angels in heaven do, could we behold him sitting on h…

Psalm 57:10: God's mercy is great above the heavens. Psalm 108:4: God is represented as a king, and a rainbow was about his throne (Revelation 4:2-3). The rainbow was an emblem of mercy.

Nothing he commands but is for our interest and benefit: O then kiss the Son! Why do the elders throw down their crowns at the feet of Christ, and fall down before the Lamb (Revelation 4:10-11), but to testify their subjection, and to profess their readiness to serve and obey hi…

So when a gracious soul has done any duty, he desires that the glory of all may be given to God (1 Peter 4:11): That in all things God may be glorified. This is to do God's will as the angels, when we not only advance God's glory, but design his glory; the angels are said to cas…

Thirdly, we must give God glory in all his creatures, because he is the creator of them all. So in the Revelation the twenty-four elders fall down before him, and say, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor, and power: giving this reason, for you have created all thi…

When Abraham is willing that glory to the Lord should be written with the ink of his son Isaac's blood; and the Martyrs, that their pain may praise God, they then level at the right end; for that must be the most perfect intention, that comes nearest to the most perfect. This is…

First, the word "all" is, in materiâ necessariâ, in a necessary matter, taken for all and every one: "God made all nations of one blood" (Acts 17:26); "He knows the hearts of all men" (Acts 1:24); "All have sinned" (Romans 3:12; Romans 5:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Timothy 4:10; J…

Now love is seen in admiring the excellencies of that glorious being whom we love, and ascribing all to him, as being deeply affected with his goodness. (Revelation 4:10) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that lives for ever…

The making therefore of all things depends on a mere Soveraign Acts of the will and pleasure of God. So the whole creation makes its acknowledgement, Revelation 4:11. Chap.

II. These words are a notable forme of giving thanks and praise to God: for when the heauenly creatures are said to give thanks to God, they doe it to this effect, Rev. 4. 9. 11. you are worthie, O Lord, to receiuehonour, and glorie, and power. Againe, Phil. 4. 6.

Nor shall there be any envying one another's happiness, (though one star differ from another in glory) but everyone shall bear his part in the lower or higher praises of God, (as one says) with a harmonious variety in perfect symphony: certainly that unfading crown of glory shal…

8. This holy violence brings rest; motion tends to rest (Hebrews 4:9): There remains a rest for the people of God. Indeed, there is a motion which does not tend to rest: they who are violent in a way of sin, shall never have rest (Revelation 4:8): They rest not day and night. Su…

But God's workmen have a much harder task than they. Hence they are set forth in Scripture by the laborious ox (1 Corinthians 9:9; Revelation 4:7). Some derive the word deacon from a word that signifies dust, to show the laboriousness of their employment, laboring till evening,…

Man was made for two ends; to glorify God, and to enjoy him. Now our crown of glory must be laid at God's feet; as the elders, (Revelation 4:10) saying, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power. All our desires must give place to this, that he may be glorif…

1. With his goodness. The creation is nothing else but an effusion of the bounty and goodness of God, he made the world not that he might be happy, but that he might be liberal, he made the world not by necessity, but at his pleasure (Revelation 4:11). You have created all thing…

Oh what a good master have we! When the saints are crowned, they cast their crowns at the Lamb's feet (Revelation 4:10). We hold all by his mercy (Luke 17:10).

2. Wherein God expresses his mercy to them in creation and providence. 1. In creating them: it was great mercy, that being infinitely perfect in himself from all eternity, and so not needing anything, he took the creatures out of nothing, which therefore could merit nothing, and…

Whenever the grace of Christ is wrought in the heart as a principle of duty, you shall find the soul, when it is most carried out, with a "yet not I" in the mouth of it: "I live, yet not I"; "I labored more abundantly than all, yet not I" — self is disclaimed, and Christ most ad…

Answ. Self-searching is a reflect act upon the state (and such acts are more spiritual than direct acts) and therefore it should be the work of all, to try, under what reign they are, whether of the first or second Adam. And whereas Angels cover their faces and their feet with w…

Third, God must defend all his glory with the same necessity, except the Scripture make some exception of some glory which he must preserve, as dearer to him than some other glory, which is unwarrantable to say, and if God must, by necessity of nature, and as God, because natura…

But who lives for God, who sleeps, who wakes, who eats for God and his Glory? And they who make themselves their last end, idolatrously put self in the room of God, who only is the last end of all (Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11; Proverbs 16:4), and as good make self the first Au…

Ephesians 1:9, 11. Revelation 4:11. The being, existence, and natural circumstances of all creatures, being an effect of the free counsel and pleasure of God, all that belongs unto them must be ultimately resolved thereinto.

And where there is perfect satisfaction without satiety, there is blessedness forever. So the Holy Spirit affirms of the four living creatures in the Revelation: they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty (Revelation 4:8). They are continually exerc…

The Philosopher says, Motion tends to rest. Indeed there is a motion which does not tend to rest; they who walk with their sins shall never have rest, Revelation 4. 8. They rest not day and night: But they that walk with God, shall sit down in the Kingdom of God, Luke 13. 29. As…

There is no sleep in Hell. What would the damned give for one hour's sleep, Revelation 4.8. They rest not day nor night.

The humble soul knows no landlord but Christ, and is only Grace's humble tenant: there is none to him but the Lord Jesus with his rich ransom of blood (1 Timothy 1:16, 17). So there is much humility in heaven: if it were possible that tears could be in heaven, the humble saints…

First, it gives us to understand them very clearly, not only believe that they are true, but we understand plainly the meaning of them; by faith we understand the world was made (Hebrews 11:3), and faith is the evidence of things not seen: by faith Abraham saw Christ's day; we k…

How does this make heaven ring of the saints' praises? They sing Hallelujahs to Christ their Savior (Revelation 5:9). They sang a new song, saying, You are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood.

His scepter (Hebrews 1:8), A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 3. His escutcheon, or coat of arms, he gives the Lion in his arms (Revelation 5:5), The lion of the tribe of Judah. And he is, the text says, 〈in non-Latin alphabet〉, King of Kings.

If a man redeem another out of debt, will not he be grateful? How deeply do we stand obliged to Christ, who has redeemed us from hell and damnation (Revelation 5:9): And they sang a new song, saying, you are worthy to take the book, and open the seals, for you were slain, and ha…

Many are full of murmurings and discontents, but seldom do they bring glory to God by giving him the praise due to his name. We read of the saints having harps in their hand (Revelation 5:8): the emblem of praise: many have tears in their eyes, and complaints in their mouth, but…

Christ takes the dross out of our prayer, and presents nothing to his Father but pure gold. Christ mingles his sweet odors with the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8). Think of the dignity of his person, he is God; and the sweetness of his relation, he is a Son.

Psalm 71:8. Let my mouth be filled with your praise, and with your honor all the day. Revelation 5:13. Blessing, honor, glory and power be to him that sits upon the throne. Blessing God is honoring of God.

There is much ascribed to Christ's intercession, but his intercession had not prevailed with God for the forgiveness of one sin, had he not shed his blood. It is worth our notice, that when Christ is described to John as an intercessor for his church, he is represented to him in…

And when they were to publish the birth of the Messiah, they begin on this manner, glory to God in the highest heavens, peace on earth. And John in his vision heard the angels about the throne, crying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb, etc. to receive power, riches, and stre…

The saints departed pray to God by giving thanks to him for their own redemption and for the redemption of the whole Church of God upon earth. Revelation 5:8-9: The four beasts and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, and they sang a new song: You are worthy to take…

It's the peculiarity of grace that commends it to the souls of believers, and makes it wonderful to them; that God should have taken notice of them that were by nature separate from God as well as others; that their case being common, his love should be peculiar, is indeed just…

That which is a great ground of thankfulness for election, effectual calling, justification, etc. is because these mercies are peculiar; even so that which makes the redeemed thankful for redemption, is because they are redeemed and bought when others are left. Hence is that son…

Third, because without this, people can never love Christ; for it is this benefit of justification, and pardon of sin, that much engages them to love and praise him. Because (say and sing the redeemed, Revelation 5:9) "You have redeemed us to God by your blood, you are worthy to…

This way of justification makes Christ's death wondrous lovely, and it is on this that the song of the redeemed is founded (Revelation 1:5). To him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and has made us kings and priests to God, and his Father, to him be glo…

It is of as many as are justified — the iniquities of such He bore, and of no more. 2. It serves to provoke you that have gotten in Christ this privilege, to be very thankful; this is it that makes the song of praise heartsome (Revelation 5:9): "You have redeemed us to God by yo…

So (Deuteronomy 10:20): "You shall fear the Lord your God, and serve him." Christ expounds it (Luke 4:8) exclusively: "You shall serve only the Lord," because it is the prerogative of God to be worshipped, as it is a prerogative of grace to be the ransomed and redeemed of God (D…

And the Apostle affirmes this of his humane nature, (as was said) for he speaks of that nature that was tempted here below. And therefore the Lambe that was slaine, and so the man Christ Jesus, is Revelation 5:6 said to have seven eyes, as well as seven hornes; which seven eyes…

Our enemy is vigilant and strong, it is enough for us, that our Redeemer is merciful and faithful in succoring the tempted, and able to master the tempter, and defeat all his methods. Christ has conquered him both as a Lamb and as a Lion (Revelation 5:5, 8). The notion of a Lamb…

Oh fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken, ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to have entered into his glory. 6. The redemption of the church by Christ is the talk and discourse we shall have in heaven, the angels and glorified spir…

But now all are indifferently received. Some expound this place generally, that the Gentiles shall be priests: that is to say, shall offer themselves to God; for so the scriptures in many places calls all by the name of a royal priesthood: (Exodus 19:6), (1 Peter 2:9), (Revelati…

But he who pays a man's debt for him, and so delivers him from slavery, cannot be said to purchase an estate for him, merely because he sets him at liberty, so that henceforth he has an opportunity to get an estate by his own labor. So that according to this scheme, the saints i…

Revelation 5:5-6 — And one of the elders said to me, Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals. And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in…

The continuation of all your mercies and comforts, outward as well as inward, is the fruit of his Intercession in Heaven for you. For look, as the offering up of the Lamb of God a Sacrifice for sin, opened the door of mercy at first; so his appearing before God as a Lamb that ha…

But as the Sacrifices of Beasts could not have been before the entrance of sin, so it may be evidenced that they were instituted from the foundation of the world, that is presently after the entrance of sin. Christ is called the Lamb of God, Johnn 1:29. which he was in reference…

And since the reformation, the church's persecutions have been beyond all that ever were before. Though some parts of God's church sometimes have had rest, yet to this day, for the most part, the true church is very much kept under by its enemies, and some parts of it under grie…

If God shut up a man, who can open (Job 12:14)? As there was none found in heaven or earth, that could open the seals of that book (Revelation 5:5), so is there no opening by the hand of the most able and skillful ministry, those seals of hardness, blindness and unbelief, thus i…

Our Lord Jesus was more admired for his controlling and commanding the unclean spirits, than for any other of the cures he wrought: Unruly passions are unclean spirits, legions of which some souls are possessed with, and desperate outrageous work they make: The soul becomes like…

He is therefore called the Lamb of God, for his meekness, and patience, and inoffensiveness, and even in his exaltation, he retains the same character. One of the elders told John (Revelation 5:5) that the Lion of the tribe of Judah would open the sealed book; and I beheld (says…

This indeed is called a reward, but it is the reward of another manner of righteousness then our own; were it that there were no other righteousness but our own, though our own should be true righteousness, the reward would never come to this height; but this is first the reward…

2 Corinthians 5:14-15: the love of Christ constrains us. Fourth, they consider him as God equal with his Father, to whom all honor and obedience is due, Revelation 5:14. This then the saints do in all their obedience — they have a special regard to their dear Lord Jesus.

They not only bow down and desire to look into the mystery of the cross, 1 Peter 1:12, but worship and praise him always on this account. Revelation 5:11-14: I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne — the living creatures and the elders, the number of them being t…

He redeemed us from the Curse of the law, by being made a Curse for us, Galatians 3:13. He redeemed us also by his precious Blood as of a Lamb without Blemish or Spot from our vain Conversation or Slavery to Sin, 1 Peter 1:18, 19 and Thou art worthy, for thou wast slain, and has…

And therefore ought by no means to be neglected by Christian priests, that is by any that are Christians. Another spiritual sacrifice is, The Prayers of the Saints (Revelation 5:8) (Psalm 141:2). Let my Prayer be set forth before you as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as…

Surely our assemblies should more resound with the praises of God. In church worship, there should be a mixture of harps, which are instruments of praise, as well as vials full of odors, which are the prayers of the saints (Revelation 5:8). But usually we thrust gratulation, tha…

All your works shall praise you, O Lord: and your saints shall bless you. Praise relates to God's excellence, and blessing to his benefits: his works declare his excellence; but his saints (which are sensible of his benefits) they bless him; they count him worthy of all honor an…

Indeed, mourn for it in cases of dubious anxiety. John wept when the book of the seven seals was not opened (Revelation 5:4). Mourn over your ignorance; refer all to practice (John 7:17).

We must never look for such mercy and grace from God as shall discharge us from our duty and subjection to God, or give you liberty to dishonor and disobey him. No, Christ redeemed us to God (Revelation 5), and (Luke 1:74-75). Salvation is our benefit, obedience is God's right a…

The creation witnesses against sin, with respect to God and man: for, 1. It teaches man many duties. 2. It convicts man of many a sin. The creatures teach man his duty in general, and many special ones: in general, they do all in their courses and places praise God, and fulfill…

And he gave himself that he [illegible] deliver us from this present [illegible] world (Galatians 1:4). And again (Revelation 5:9), he was slain and [illegible] bought us [illegible] his blood to God the Father. So that by way of purchase he has bought us from ourselves — that i…

Answer: The Law and Covenant of Works is a rule of everlasting righteousness, and so may be called an everlasting righteousness containing precepts of the Law of nature intrinsically good, such as to know, love, fear, and trust in him as the only true God: and in this sense it i…

Titus 3:3. We ourselves were also sometimes foolish, disobedient, etc. Indeed the glorified cannot before the Throne sing the glory of the Lamb slain and the price of Redemption paid (Revelation 5:12), to redeem them from sin, but there must be even in glory, this sense of their…

1 John 1:8: The blood of Jesus Christ purges us from all sin. Revelation 5:9: And they sang a new song (to wit, the four beasts and the four and twenty elders) — for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood. 1 Peter 1:18: By his stripes (which he suffered in his…

And by the way we may make good use of the foul sins that fall out; for holy and clean is that hand and counsel of the Lord (Acts 2:27-28), which determined what Herod and Pilate should do: yet did the Jews with wicked hands slay and crucify him (Acts 2:23). And O what beauty of…

If Christ's Throne [illegible] removed, the Throne of the glorified cannot stand. And all along where the state of the triumphing Church is described, the Lord Jesus keeps the name of the Lamb, in reference to the mediatorial sacrifice of the Lamb of God slain for the sins of th…

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (Jude 21). Looking for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life (Revelation 5:9). You have redeemed us to God by your blood, etc. (Ac…

Now this must be given to Christ by promise (Galatians 3:16). Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made, he says not, and to seeds, as of many, but as of one, and to your seed, which is Christ: He cannot well mean mystical Christ, that is, Christ and all his, for they a…

3. Infinite wisdom also requires that justice and righteousness (under the name of mercy we comprehend free and rich grace) may meet, and peace and righteousness may kiss each other (Psalm 85:11). Hence all these attributes of glory must come forth, that a throne may be set up a…

This the Apostle fully clarifies in the ninth chapter to the Romans; where he so asserts the supreme Dominion and independence of God in all his actions, his absolute freedom from taking rise, cause or occasion, to his purposes, from anything among us sons of men, doing all thin…

'Having received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations' (Romans 1:5) — not the Jews only, but some among all nations. The gospel being 'the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek' (verse 16) — inten…

It is true, Christ is said to give his life a ransom for all, but nowhere for 'all people.' And because it is expressly affirmed in other places that he died for many, for his church, for those who believe, for the children God gave him, for us, for some of all sorts — though no…

It is Christ that died, yes, rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us (Romans 8:33-34). Which that they are procured for all and every one of the sons of Adam, that they all may use that rejoicing in full assurance, can…

Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a King; he has a kingly title, High and mighty (Isaiah 57:15). 2. He has his Insignia Regalia, his ensigns of royalty, Corona est insigne Regiae potestatis; His crown (Revelation 6:2), his sword (Psalm 45:3), Gird your sword upon your thig…

This is the Grand Assizes; the greatest appearance that ever was: now Adam shall see all his posterity at once. We must all appear; the greatness of men's persons does not exempt them from Christ's tribunal; kings and captains are brought in trembling before the Lamb's throne (R…

Why what shall we be? Every son of God shall have his crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), and white robes (Revelation 6:11). Robes signify dignity, and white signifies sanctity.

But God's word says to the contrary. For the souls of the godly lie under the altar, and cry, How long Lord Jesus (Revelation 6:9)? Dives in soul did suffer the woe and torments of hell: and Lazarus had joy in Abraham's bosom (Luke 16:23).

11. God calls them a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6). 1. They are kings, they have their throne (Revelation 3:21) and white robes (Revelation 6:11). Robes signify their dignity, and white their sanctity.

The saints departed pray generally for the state of the whole Church. Revelation 6:9-10: I saw under the altar the souls of them that were killed for the word of God, and they cried: How long, Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the e…

The first chapter of Ezekiel contains an admirable scheme of providence; there you may see the living creatures who move the wheels — that is, the great affairs and turnings of things here below — coming to Christ, who sits upon the throne to receive new orders and instructions…

It abides not with him all that dark and lengthy night, or space after death, in which their bodies rest in the grave, which is termed man's long home: and, The days of darkness are many (says Solomon); no, he rewards them in the evening of the day, besides what he will add to i…

Worldly sorrow, says the Apostle, works death. And if it works your death, it works your damnation also; for Hell follows that pale horse (Revelation 6:8). If a believer dies, there is no danger of Hell to him, the second death has no power over him; but woe to you if it overtak…

Use, 1. It may make us wonder that men and women think so little of sin; there are many that will scoff at a challenge or threatening for sin; but let me say it, that mountains of lead, yes, though all this world were turned into one mass, or lump of lead, it should not be so he…

Yet suppose the hardest befall me, I know what to do; as the unjust steward resolves on a way, beforehand, how to swim through his necessities (Luke 16:4). The Lord acts judgment and what they shall pray in the time of their extremity, who now spit at all praying and religion; t…

To illustrate this by the help of the former comparison begun; If as Abel's blood cries, so also it proves that Abel's soul lives to cry; that both his cause cries and himself lives to follow it: So that the cry of Abel's blood is seconded with the cry of Abel's soul that lives,…

And seeing this whole man both body and soul was tempted, and that (as the Text says) he is touched with a feeling in that nature which is tempted, it must therefore be in the whole man, both body and soul. Therefore when as we reade of the wrath of the Lambe, as Revelation 6:16…

So when God glorifies his wisdom and power, in delivering his people from their Enemies, and ensnaring them in the works of their own hands, a double note of attention is affixed to that double work of Providence, Psalm 9:16 higgaion slah. So at the opening of every seal which c…

God leaves not either the measure or the time, the degree or the continuance of any affliction in the hand of Satan or his adherents. We read (Revelation 6:10) that the souls under the Altar cry, 'How long, Lord, how long?' They cry to God how long — they knew that he only had t…

While it's said, he has a crown, hereby is not signified any material crown, but majesty and glory, as Psalm 21:3, You set a Crown of pure Gold on his head, etc. And so Christ conquering on the white horse (Revelation 6:3) is said to have a crown: And (Revelation 19:12) it's sai…

This is a long time of the church's trouble and affliction, and is so spoken of in scripture, though it be spoken of as being but for a little season, in comparison of the eternal prosperity of the church. Hence the church, under the long continuance of this affliction, cries ou…

As to those prayers against his enemies, which we find in some of his Psalms, and which sometimes sound a little harsh, surely they did not proceed from any such irregular passion, as did in the least clash even with the evangelical laws of meekness: we cannot imagine, that one…

But Christ's holy religion, though for some ages it was utterly destitute of all secular supports and advantages, and was assaulted on all hands by the most vigorous attacks of its daring and most implacable enemies, yet it has strangely weathered its point, and is in being, and…

It's appointed for all men once to die, and after that the Judgment. Revelation 6:8. And I looked, and behold a pale Horse, and his name that sat on him was Death: and Hell followed him. Ah it makes a sudden and strange alteration upon mens conditions, to be pluckt out of house,…

1. Temporally upon persons, kingdoms, nations and countries, a type whereof you have (Isaiah 63:1-6). As he did it upon the old Roman world (Revelation 6:16), and this also he does two ways. 1. By calling out here and there an eminent opposer, and making him an example to all th…

He endures the vessels of wrath with much long-suffering (Romans 9:22). While the gospel is administered in the world, he is patient toward the men of it — until the saints in heaven and earth are astonished and cry out 'How long?' (Psalm 13:1–2; Revelation 6:10) — and those men…

As his law binds all, so all that continue in impenitency, and the neglect of his grace, are subject to the curse of the law: It is general to all transgressors; Cursed is every one, etc. And if God should lay their sins home to their consciences, and speak to them in his wrath,…

If the righteous be scarcely saved, or with difficulty, where shall the sinners and ungodly appear? (1 Peter 4:18). See how they run away, and would fain hide themselves (Revelation 6:15), etc. In the day of eternity, (that long, everlasting day) then when they are in hell, they…

1 They will be exceeding great and terrible, such as will make the stoutest hearts to quake and tremble: If the writing of Mene, Mene, Tekel, etc. made a change in Belshazzar's countenance, and trouble in his thoughts, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees s…

1. Every saint shall be a King: There are some that aspire after earthly scepters, as if here were the place of the saints' reign: then surely, the Church of God should not be militant upon earth, but triumphant. But, behold the honor of the saints, they shall be all Kings! (tho…

This Resolution will vanish. 2. Resolution against sin may arise from fear of future evil; an apprehension of death and Hell, (Revelation 6:8). I looked, and behold a pale horse,and his name that sate on him was death, and Hell followed after him?

And do you think he would let his Inheritance be wrested out of his hands? A godly man will not only dispute for the Word, but die for it, Revelation 6. 9. I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God. 6. He shows his love to the Word by preferring…

His eyes will be as a flame of fire, Revelation 1.14. Christ is represented with a bow, and a crown, Revelation 6.2. Give me leave to allude.

There are many that cannot be awakened by the most solemn warnings, and awful threatenings of the word of God; the most alarming discourses from the pulpit, and the most awakening and awful providences; but all will be thoroughly awakened, by the sound of the last trumpet, and t…

They shall have the heavenly nectar and ambrosia, the spiced wine, and juice of the pomegranate (Song of Solomon 8:2). This royal supper of the Lamb will not only satisfy hunger, but prevent it (Revelation 7:16). They shall hunger no more.

Sorrow is the evil spirit that haunts us; the world is a Bochim: Rachel wept for her children; some grieve that they have no children, and others grieve that their children are undutiful. Thus we spend our years with sighing; 'tis a valley of tears: but death is the funeral of a…

Indeed they shall be made like Christ's glorious body (Philippians 3:21). 2. The bodies of the saints, when they arise, shall be free from the necessities of nature, as hunger and thirst (Revelation 7:16). They shall hunger no more.

This crown is not lined with thorns, but hung with jewels; it is a never-fading crown (1 Peter 5:4). 2. The saints in Heaven have their robes; they exchange their sackcloth for white robes (Revelation 7:9). I beheld a great multitude which no man could number, clothed in white r…

So when we speak of the kingdom of heaven, we must draw a veil, we cannot set it forth in all its brilliant beauty and magnificence; gold and pearl do but faintly shadow it out (Revelation 21); the glory of this kingdom is better felt than expressed. 1. They who inherit this kin…

It was prophesied of such as were brought home to Christ (Psalm 18:44), As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me. 7. We do God's Will as the Angels in Heaven, when we do it constantly; the Angels are never weary of doing God's Will, they serve God day and night (Revelation…

And Solomon says (Proverbs 29:18), "Where there is no vision, there the people are made naked," that is, their sins lie open before God; and by reason thereof they themselves are subject to his wrath and indignation. Now Christ was crucified naked, that he might take away from u…

We will lend an ear to a practical point of doctrine, and will some way aim to mind it; if we be bidden pray, we will pray; if we be commanded to mortify sin, we will endeavor it, and so in other duties; but who minds this as a duty, when we are called of God, to admire, and pra…

Consider, and compare them with the multitude of reprobates that are even in the visible Church, they are few, yet if you will consider them in themselves, they are many. And it's most true that is spoken, Revelation 7:9, I saw a number which no man could number. If we look sinc…

3. It's a difficulty to the Church and people of God, to think on such great confusions as are in the world; there are but few judicatories that are for Christ; but few governors higher or lower that do consult his honor or regard him; It's others that have the throne and court,…

Since then this is his design in all the chastisements inflicted on his own people, and since he only by his grace can make it infrustrably take effect, let him have our hearty allowance and approbation to carry it on vigorously and successfully, and let us pray more frequently…

But 1. Christ has strewn the way to heaven with blood and wars, and forbids us to censure his sad patrimony, in that the servants are no worse than the Lord, and flower of all the martyrs; though blood has been, and must be the rent and income of the crown of the noble King of K…

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many Angels round about the Throne, and the beasts, and the Elders, and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands (Revelation 5:12), saying worthy is the Lamb. (Revelation 7:9) After this, I beheld,…

Indeed I grant, if those of the family of faith, be considered by themselves, they are many (Matthew 8:11): I say to you, that MANY shall come from the East and from the West, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. Nay they are innumerable (R…

But some childishly descant here upon the sign of the Cross: others refer it to the preaching of the Gospel: and both of them, as I take it, are wide from the mark. For he rather seems to allude to that which was done at the going forth and deliverance of the people: as Moses de…

But after this harvest and its gleanings were over, the rest were blinded and hardened; the gospel had little success among them, and the nation was given up, and cast off from being God's people, and their city and land was destroyed by the Romans in a terrible manner. And we r…

Though the man Christ Jesus is the highest of all creatures in heaven, yet he as much excels them all in humility, as he does in glory and dignity; for none sees so much of the distance between God and himself, as he does. And though he now appears in such glorious majesty and d…

And though there be other uses of sealing, yet we conceive that which is aimed at here is, 1. To show the church is not common, but well kept and sealed, so that none can trouble believers' peace without Christ's leave, who has sealed them by his Spirit to the day of redemption…

3. It is a tree of long continuance, and keeps long green; hence (Psalm 92:12, 14) it is said of the righteous, they shall flourish like the palm tree; therefore (Joel 1:12) it is an evidence of great drought, when the palm tree withers. 4. They were looked on as most fit to be…

1. This is a spiritual life: it is opposite to that animal life which we live now. Here we hunger and thirst; but there we shall hunger no more (Revelation 7:16). There is the marriage supper of the Lamb, which will not only satisfy hunger, but prevent it.

For the first three hundred years after Christ, the church was for the most part in a state of great affliction, the object of reproach and persecution, first by the Jews, and then by the Heathen. After this, from the beginning of Constantine's time, the church had rest and pros…

We put not off the Humane, when we put on the Divine Nature; nor are we then freed from the sense, though we be delivered from the sting and curse of them. Grace does not presently pluck out all those Arrows that sin has shot into the sides of Nature, 2 Corinthians 7:5. When we…

This is the end of sealing — men set their seals on what they appropriate and desire to keep safe for themselves. So evidently in this sense the servants of God are said to be sealed, Revelation 7:4 — marked with God's mark as his peculiar ones. This sealing answers to the setti…

He hid an hundred Prophets in a Cave, 1 Kin. 18:4. The Angel is commanded before he poured his Vial of curses on the earth, to seal the Saints of God on their fore-heads, Revelation 7:3. Which was signum salutare a mark of safety: however God will look to the Spiritual safety of…

They fly to God's grace in Christ for daily pardon (1 John 1:9). They are ever washing their garments in the Lamb's blood (Revelation 7), and every day are cleansing themselves from the filthiness and defilement they contract by sin (John 13:10). He that is washed, needs not sav…

Thus we read of our Lord Christ, that he spent whole nights in prayer (Luke 16:12). It is said of the glorified saints in heaven, that they praise God continually (Revelation 7:15): "They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple, and he that sits on…

3. Another object of comfort is our happy estate in heaven which puts an end to all our miseries. God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes (Revelation 7:19). There shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying nor any pain (Revelation 21:4).

Hunger is a sharp sauce. The Lamb's supper shall not only satisfy hunger, but prevent it (Revelation 7:16): They shall hunger no more! Third, it will be a great supper in regard of the company invited.

The king of Israel and the king of Judah sat clothed in their robes (2 Chronicles 18:19); the robe was of scarlet, or velvet lined with ermine, sometimes of a purple color, sometimes of an azure brightness. Thus the saints shall have their robes (Revelation 7:9): I beheld a grea…

After a few showers that fall from our eyes we shall have a perpetual sunshine. In heaven the bottle of tears is stopped (Revelation 7, last verse): God shall wipe away all tears. When sin shall cease, tears shall cease.

We must be wayfarers before we are those who have arrived; heaven is a place of rest (Hebrews 4:9): there remains a rest for the people of God. No more wrestling there, for then we have overcome the enemy; the saints in glory are set forth with palms in their hands (Revelation 7…

Jesus Christ has provided a sponge to wipe off the tears of the saints. Here the Spouse is in sable, it being a time of absence from her husband: But in heaven Christ will take away the spouse's mourning; he will pull off all her black and bloody robes, and will clothe her in wh…

Answer: The Law and Covenant of Works is a rule of everlasting righteousness, and so may be called an everlasting righteousness containing precepts of the Law of nature intrinsically good, such as to know, love, fear, and trust in him as the only true God: and in this sense it i…

The Beasts and the Elders stand round about the Throne — saying, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, etc. (Revelation 7:15) Therefore are they before the Throne, and serve him night and day in his Temple, and he that sits on the Throne shal…

Now this must be given to Christ by promise (Galatians 3:16). Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made, he says not, and to seeds, as of many, but as of one, and to your seed, which is Christ: He cannot well mean mystical Christ, that is, Christ and all his, for they a…

If the seed were taken for Christ Mystical, the Apostle must say, The Law was added because of transgression, until the seed should come: that is, until Christ Mystical, his Church should come in the flesh, which is nonsense. 3. Whether the promise be of Canaan, and of life eter…

After a few showers that fall from our eyes, we shall have a perpetual sun-shine. Christ will provide an handkerchief to wipe off his peoples tears, (Revelation 7:17). God will wipe away all tears.

Sufferings, Reproaches, Persecutions, Troubles and Sorrows, to raise up our minds to the contemplation of that state, wherein we shall be freed from them all. It is a blessed Notion of Heaven, that God shall therein wipe away all tears from our eyes, Rev. 7:17. or remove far fro…

The King of terror makes all fear vanish. 4. Death will dry up a believer's tears, Revelation 7. 17. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; weeping is nothing but a cloud of sorrow gathered in the heart, dropping into water. A Christian often has none to keep him com…

The Apostle says, that Christ with one oblation made perfect forever them that were sanctified (Hebrews 10:14): the pardons cry out to the contrary and say, that sanctification is made perfect by the Martyrs, which otherwise were not sufficient. John says that all the saints was…

But in the Grave, a Believer has his quietus est; There the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest, Job 3.17. God will shortly wipe away all tears. Revelation 7.17. How should this make the Saints desire to be dissolved, Philippians 1.23.

Every apple of the tree of life is grace, every sip, every drop of the Sea and River of life, is the purchase of the blood of the Lamb that is in the midst of them. 3. They are as poor without Christ who are there, as we are, Glory is Grace, and their dependency for ages of ages…

Christ's locks and his hair are bushy and thick (Song of Solomon 5:11). He is not bald, nor gray haired, but he has a seed like the stars for multitude that no man can number (Revelation 7:9), but all those hairs grow out of a head of gold; and his offspring of children is as nu…

What wonder then that this same Lord Jesus be the delight and heaven of all in it? (Revelation 7:17) The Lamb has his throne in the midst thereof. (Revelation 22:4) And they shall see his face.

He will now burn up all his green and [illegible] lusts, and consecrate himself and his best endeavors to the more abundant service of the Lord. Secondly, as faith pays vows and promises made in affliction, so it yields to God more pure, and innocent, and gracious service than e…

3rd Fruit. The purification of our holy things. It is Christ's work in heaven, not only to present his own prayers to his Father, but he prays over our prayers again (Revelation 8:3): Another angel came, having a golden censer, and there was given to him much incense, that he sh…

Murderers shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: this is the second death. We read of fire mingled with blood (Revelation 8:7). Such as have their hands full of blood, must undergo the wrath of God.

Now by Christ's intercession his satisfaction is applied to our persons, and by consequent the defect of our works is covered and removed, and they are approved of God the Father. In a vision Saint John saw an angel, standing before the altar with a golden censer full of sweet o…

5. It flows from this, that our prayers are heard, though there be much infirmity in them; and that they are not cast back in our faces as dung, but are made savory to God — it is through the efficacy of his intercession. We have a type of this (Revelation 8:4-5), where John see…

He procures nothing by his intercession, but through the virtue of that blood which he offered in a sacrifice to satisfy justice, and therefore in improving of his intercession, this method must be followed; there must first be a betaking of ourselves to his satisfaction, as the…

1. That his Intercession be acknowledged as the fountain, and procuring cause of that liberty and liveliness, and so we are to carry a stopped mouth before God, and not to boast of it; for (as we showed) the pouring out of the Spirit is a special fruit of Christ's Intercession;…

Hebrews 13:15. Let us by him (as our High Priest) offer the sacrifice of praise (then of prayers also) to God continually. The offering is the Priest's, as well as the people's (Revelation 8:3), and far more here, because Christ by his office, is the only immediate person who ma…

Second, he carried this his blood into the holy of holies — namely the heavens (Hebrews 9:12) — where he appears (verse 24) and there also prays in the force of that blood. The type of those prayers was the cloud of incense made by the high priest, as it is expressly interpreted…

And the Apostle sweetly expresses how the Lord Jesus prays for us (Romans 8:34): "Who is he that condemned? it is Christ that died, yes rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us," so that the Lord Jesus Christ takes up o…

1. In our best desires, endeavors, actions, we must labor to feel our own defects: that we do not the good we should, nor in that manner we ought. 2. We must labor to have even our best works, (our alms, prayers, etc.) covered with the righteousness of Christ: for it is the swee…

The returns and answers of all your prayers and cryes to Heaven for the removing of your afflictions, or supply of your wants, are all procured and obtained for you by Jesus Christ. He is the Master of your requests; and were it not that God had respect to him, he would never re…

What is my voice and countenance, might she say (for proud unbelief is exceedingly humble, and subtle, when it's opposing, and thwarting with Christ's call) indeed (says he) your voice is sweet; there is no music in the world so pleasant to me, as the prayer of a poor believer.…

Such as these, (Isaiah 33:10) Your eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that cannot be taken down, the stakes thereof shall not be removed, nor the cords broken. It is spoken of the Church in the times of the Gospel, whose state hitherto has been most distur…

These were the sufferings of those times; we shrink at every thing, at every scorn and frown. As for after times, it pleased God to stir Constantine a Christian Emperor, and then the Church had some rest; to which some apply that place, Rev. 20:2 Satan was bound a thousand years…

As the moon when it shines brightest has a dark spot in it: how many grains should we want, if Christ did not put his merits into the scales? Our duties, like good wine, do relish of a bad cask: the angels pouring sweet odors into the prayers of the saints (Revelation 8:3) shows…

2. Paul knew it, by receiving new supply to bear the want of that he sought in prayer; he is answered that is more heavenly after prayer. 3. Liberty and boldness of Faith, is a sign of an answered prayer: The intercessor at the right hand of God, cannot lose his own work; his sp…

Grace is not only singly in the saints, but grace and peace must be multiplied on them. 4. The standing and prorogated intercession and advocation of Jesus Christ, every day, upon occasion of new committed sins (1 John 2:1-2), and the golden altar that has been hot these 1600 ye…

Christ has not fair weather when he goes to sea (Matthew 8:23-24). Yet his journey is lawful: when Christ is upon acts of his priesthood, and stands at the great high altar with his censer of gold, to offer up the prayers of the saints to God, he casts fire with the same censer…

Ejus adesse intolerabile, ejus abesse impossibile: To bear it will be intolerable, to avoid it will be impossible. And these hell-torments are for ever; have no period put to them (Revelation 9:6). They shall seek death and shall not find it.

Eternity is a sea without bottom and banks. After millions of years there's not one minute in eternity wasted; and the damned must be ever burning, but never consuming, always dying, but never dead (Revelation 9:6). They shall seek death, but shall not find it.

Peccatum transit actu manet reatu — sin at first shows its color in the glass, but afterwards it bites like a serpent. Those locusts (Revelation 9:7) were an emblem of sin: on their heads were crowns like gold, and they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the…

1. It may administer matter of wonder to us how any soul is saved. How may we admire, that Satan, this Abaddon, or Angel of the Bottomless Pit (Revelation 9:11), this Apollyon, this Soul-devourer, does not ruin all mankind? What a wonder is it that some are preserved, that neith…

He is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). The king of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue has his name Apollyon (Revelation 9:11). He is the Arch-destroyer, and destroys all in relation to the man Christ and his Chu…

What, is Satan become a savior? What salvation can we expect from him, whose name is Apollyon, and Abaddon (Revelation 9:11), both which signify a destroyer. Shall we send to the wolf to save the sheep?

Has their cup of wrath one drop of honey in it? Oh remember, after the golden crowns, and women's hair, come the lion's teeth (Revelation 9:8). Thus I have answered the first part of the objection: I shall lose all my pleasures in sin.

Their preachings, sermons, and books of devotion, they look all this way. Hence those who interpret the locusts that came out of the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:2) to be the friars of the Romish Church, who are said to torment men, so that they should seek death and not find it…

That which check'd Ioseph, was the Thoughts of a Sin-revenging God. When the delights of sin Tickle, let the Thoughts of God come into mens Minds, that he is both the Spectatour and the Iudge, and after the Golden Crowns and Womens Hair come the Lions Teeth, Revelation 9:8. This…

Christians, search where you will, there is no serious answer to that grand question, which is the great scruple of the fallen creature (Micah 6:7): how to appease angry justice. And we are told of those locusts who are seducing spirits which come out of the bottomless pit (Reve…

Prisons, common jails, are the worst places to live in ('tis a noisome pestilential air) but hell is worse than the worst of prisons. 2 Hell is called the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:11), and elsewhere frequently: The Devil is the Angel of the bottomless pit; 'tis a pit into wh…

He sinned from the beginning, and continues sinning to this day; and they that do imitate him in his work are his children as much as if they were begotten of him (John 8:44) — you are of your father the devil, and his works, his lusts, you will do. He was and is a murderer; he…

He showed Judas first the silver bait, and then struck him with the hook. This is the reason why sin has so many followers — because it shows the best first; first the golden crowns, and then come the lions' teeth (Revelation 9:7-8). But God shows the worst first; first he presc…

Sin first courts, and then kills: 'Tis first a Fox, and then a Lion: Whomsoever sin kisss, it betraies. Those Locusts in the Revelations, are the perfect Hierogly phicks and emblems of sin; On their heads were as it were Crowns like gold, and they had hair as women, and their te…

This word ever burns hotter than the Fire. At death all our worldly sorrows die; but the torments of Hell are as long-lived as Eternity, Revelation 9.6. They shall seek death, and shall not find it.

He turns the heart whichever way it pleases him; Men may change our minds, by giving us better reasons for things than we discerned before, and may alter our judgments and opinions by strength of reason, or affection to the contrary, but no man is able to change the heart but on…

If we could have our hearts more fixed upon the Jerusalem above, how would all worldly things disappear, and be as nothing in our eye. We read of an angel coming down from heaven, who did tread with his right foot on the sea, and with his left foot on the earth (Revelation 10:2)…

(2.) Great reason we should be heavenly in our thoughts, affections, conversation, if we consider what a blessed kingdom Heaven is; it is beyond all hyperbole; earthly kingdoms do scarce deserve the names of cottages compared with it. We read of an angel coming down from heaven,…

4. But as every fullness is not all fullness, so every fullness is not the fullness of the Godhead; therefore, to me it's as much as the elect are drawn to Christ as the choicest, the rarest among all. 2. So among all choice things and all relations, he is the first and most emi…

Therefore we ought in no way to suffer the law to reign in our conscience, and much less the Pope with his vain threatenings and terrors. Indeed he roars mightily as a lion (Revelation 10), and threatens to all those that obey not his laws, the wrath and indignation of almighty…

They that must convert others, it is meet they should be effectually converted. John must first eat the book and then prophesy (Revelation 10:9). And they that would be first Ministers of the Gospel, must first themselves eat the book of God.

And again (Romans 9:1): I say the truth in Christ, I lie not. And if you would yet have an example somewhat more perfect, we may see it in the practice of a holy angel (Revelation 10:6): The angel stood upon the sea, and upon the earth, and lifted up his hand to heaven, and swor…

3. For swearing or vowing (Genesis 22:14): I have lift up my hand to the most high God, that is, sworn. So (Revelation 10:5): The Angel lift up his hand and swore. So of God (Psalm 106:26): Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness; that i…

Answer 5: He is said to regard sin who does not regard the threatenings of God against sin. We read of seven thunders uttering their voice (Revelation 10:3). How many thunders in Scripture utter their voice against sin!

10. All the promises of the Gospel are first (as it were) promised to Christ; the Gospel is put over in his hand. Jesus is the Angel (Revelation 10:1), clothed with a Cloud, and a rainbow on his head (verse 2), and has in his hand a little book open; the Testament, and the book…

Christ Jesus, not David (Zechariah 9:10), shall speak peace to the heathen, and his dominion shall be even from sea to sea, and from the river, even to the ends of the earth. The Angel and Creator of angels, who set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the earth (…

3. The world shall have an end (says the Covenant) and time shall be no more. By him that lives for ever and ever, who created heaven and earth (says this Angel-witness, Revelation 10:6), that is most true. Time shall be no more.

Resp. 1. Be holy persons: in the sacrifices of thanksgiving, whoever did eat thereof, with their uncleanness upon them, were to be cut off (Leviticus 7:20), to typify how unpleasing their praises and thank-offerings are who live in sin. 2. Praise God with humble hearts, acknowle…

Again (Revelation 18:16) it is said, that the ten horns, which be ten kings, shall hate the whore, and make her desolate and naked, which must not be understood of heathenish Rome, but of popish Rome: for whereas in former times all the kings of the earth did submit themselves t…

And (Isaiah 9:6) it's said, that "The government shall be upon his shoulders, and of the increase of his government there shall be no end". And (Revelation 11:15) it is proclaimed, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ". All these, and…

This Blood therefore cries from Heaven, it is next to God who sits Judge there, it cries in his very ears; whereas the cry of blood from the ground is further off, and so though the cry thereof may come up to Heaven, yet the blood itself comes not up there, as Christ's already i…

Thus a time, or Jewish year, stood for three hundred and sixty years; times, or two Jewish years, stood for seven hundred and twenty years; and half a time, or half of a Jewish year, stood for one hundred and eighty years; so that the time, times, and half a time, (Daniel 7:25;…

2. He has a crown and glory as Mediator, in respect of the power, authority and glory with which he is invested, as God's great deputy, and anointed upon the holy hill of Zion, having power and a rod of iron, even in reference to enemies; and seeing this is not of his mother's p…

This also is exactly fulfilled in the same church. — It was foretold, that Antichrist would not suffer the bodies of God's people to be put into graves: Revelation 11:8-9. "And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, — and they — shall not suffer their dead…

Heaven is ready, but we are not fully ready; the barn is fit to receive the corn, but the corn is not yet fit to be gathered into it. But for this self same thing God is now working us (2 Corinthians 5:5), he is every day at work, by ordinances, and by providences, to perfect hi…

I know and am persuaded that Christ shall again be high and great in this poor withered and sunburned kirk of Scotland, and that the sparks of our fire shall fly over sea and round about to warm you and other sister churches, and that this tabernacle of David's house that is fal…

God has set us out to be men of contention to the whole earth: those that are censors of morals, whose office is to tax public abuses, will be looked upon as men of strife — we might justly suspect ourselves if this were not the portion of our cup. This spirit certainly acts man…

Why did Ahab hate Micaiah, and call Elijah his enemy but because they were the faithful reprovers of his wickedness, and never prophesied good concerning him, but evil (1 Kings 22:8; 21:20)? Why did the inhabitants of the earth rejoice when the witnesses were slain, but because…

There is in the life of a Christian a convincing light, that shows the deformity of the works of darkness, and a piercing heat, that scorches the ungodly, which stirs and troubles their consciences, and this they cannot endure, and hence rises in them a contrary fire of wicked h…

A wicked man is loath to be troubled. God's witnesses are the world's torment (Revelation 11:10): They tormented them that dwelt on the earth. A man that is bodily blind, would have a fit guide; but these wretchedly blind sinners, nothing so troublesome and hateful to them, as o…

Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hand (Isaiah 19:29). All the Kingdoms of the world are the Lord's, and his Son's, and he reigns in them by his Word and Gospel, as the seventh Angel sounds (Revelation 11:15). All the Gentiles are his (Isaiah 60:1-4, Malachi…

(3.) From Covenant prayers and church prayers — contrary to (1 Samuel 12; Psalm 28:9; Psalm 67:1-2; Psalm 103:4-5). (4.) From the blessing of the Lord's Covenant-presence, who dwells in the Nation, in the Kingdom (Psalm 135:21, Psalm 132:13-14, Revelation 11:15, Isaiah 19:25, Is…

Q. 1. If multitudes and people externally covenanted with God, though not internally, whom the Lord calls his people and chosen by him (Deuteronomy 7:6, Deuteronomy 10:15), be the rightly constituted and visible church, as Mr. Thomas Hooker grants, then kingdoms must be his visi…

2. The Anabaptists from these places say none are to be baptized, but such as are so in Covenant, and as have these promises fulfilled in them, in whom the Lord has wrought a new heart, and a new spirit; and that there is no external covenanting under the New Testament. But then…

The Chaldean Paraphrase expounds his hand to be his power and command, which extends to the Euphrates, as is promised (Exodus 23:31; Numbers 34:3), but fulfilled in David and Solomon (1 Kings 4:8). Solomon reigned from the Sea of Sodom, the Red Sea, to the Mediterranean Sea, and…

But on the supposition, that forever and ever refers to the punishment of the wicked in common, the Doctor thinks that that phrase is obviously capable of being understood of a limited duration. His reasons are, That [in non-Latin alphabet] in the singular number almost perpetua…

He that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit. The dragon is described with seven heads and ten horns (Revelation 12:3). He plots with the one, and pushes with the other.

While there is a Devil and a wicked man in the world, never expect a charter of exemption from trouble; and how many fall away in an hour of persecution? Revelation 12:3-4: There appeared a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns; and his tail drew the third part of…

The sufferings of the primitive saints did honor God, and make the Gospel famous in the world: What would others say, See what a good master they serve, and how they love him, that they will venture loss of all in his service. The glory of Christ's kingdom does not stand in worl…

[illegible], I am ready to be offered up: not only the sufferings were ready for Paul, but he was ready for the sufferings. Origen chose rather to live despised in Alexandria, than with Plotinus to deny the faith, and be great in the prince's favor (Revelation 12:11). Many say t…

Galcanus Marquess of Vico, parted with a fair estate to enjoy God in his pure ordinances: When a Jesuit persuaded him to return to his Popish religion in Italy, promising him an huge sum of money: Says he, "Let their money perish with them, who esteem all the gold in the world w…

The wicked are subtle, having borrowed their skill of the old Serpent; they dig deep to hide their counsels from God, but he sees them, and can easily counterwork them. The Dragon is described with seven heads (Revelation 12:3), to show how he plots against the church. But God i…

Ignatius called his chains his spiritual pearls, and did wear his fetters as a bracelet of diamonds. This is to carry it as God's children when we obey his voice, and count not our lives dear so that we may show our love to our heavenly Father; they loved not their lives to the…

1. What a world of corruption is mingled with grace; grace is apt to be stifled, as the coal to be choked with its own ashes: Grace is often like a spark in the sea, it is a wonder it is not quenched: It is a wonder sin does not do to grace as sometime the nurse to the child, ov…

3. We must prefer God's glory before estate: gold is but shining dust, God's glory must weigh heavier: If it comes to this, I cannot keep my place of profit, but God's glory will be eclipsed; here I must rather suffer in my estate, than God's glory should suffer (Hebrews 10:34).…

First, his abilities to forge and invent false reasonings and arguments to overthrow our faith are (as they must needs be conceived to be) exceedingly great: who for his knowledge is called 'the wise one,' as well as Satan for his malice, and for his subtlety in outwitting us, a…

But in these of Satan, that is the issue he mainly drives all to, and it is made the foot and burden of all those his accusations, and is as the scope and argument that runs through the whole of that his charge against us. And in respect to this his misrepresenting our estates a…

In the old testament when open idolatry took place in all Israel, God said to Elijah, I have reserved seven thousand to myself that never bowed knee to Baal: and the like is and has been in the general apostasy under Antichrist. Saint John says, that when the woman fled into the…

Though Popery reigned and overspread the face of the earth for many hundred years, yet in the midst thereof God reserved a people unto himself that truly worshipped him. And to this effect the Holy Spirit says that the dragon, which is the devil, caused the woman — that is, the…

Yet I do not say, it is his proper right, because Satan sins in tempting any to sin; yet the temptation, as it falls passively on the sons of disobedience, is a work of divine justice, and as it falls on the saints, an act of spotless, and holy dispensation, for most just reason…

Now to the end that this common Gospel-sin may be the better seen in all its spots, consider: 1. What is in Christ the drawer. 2. What is in grace, by which sinners are drawn. 1. In Christ the drawer: there are many drawers suiting us — the world is the tail of the great red Dra…

When the devil comes into the church of God, like a wolf into the flock, they oppose and resist him. Therefore there is said to be war in heaven, that is in the church between Michael and his angels, and the devil and his angels (Revelation 12:7). And there was war in heaven, Mi…

For he is the father of lying and the enemy of Christian liberty: therefore he torments us every moment with false fears, that when our conscience has lost this Christian liberty, it should feel the remorse of sin and condemnation, and always remain in anguish and terror. When t…

Further that the church is barren, it is declared by the signe, because she neither brings forth child, nor beares. Desolate] that is, without husband in appearance, by reason of the cross and affliction, and without children: because at the first the Christian church was constr…

Our life is short and tedious, and our time is as a shadow that passes away — Come therefore and let us enjoy the pleasures that are present (Wisdom 2:1, 5-6). And hence it is that some spend their time in eating and drinking, and going gorgeously, and faring deliciously every d…

In prophetic language one day stands for a year, a Jewish month (of thirty days) for thirty years, and a Jewish year (of three hundred and sixty days) for three hundred and sixty years. Thus a time, or Jewish year, stood for three hundred and sixty years; times, or two Jewish ye…

In this she seems to be a type of the Gentile church, and also of every sincere convert. Ruth was the mother of Christ's line; he came of her posterity; so the church is Christ's mother, as she is represented in Revelation 12. Ruth forsook all her natural relations, and her own…

Such was the mighty power and deep policy used by Pharaoh to destroy Gods Israel, that to the eye of reason, it was as impossible to survive it, as for crackling thorns to abide unconsumed amidst devouring flames; by which Emblem, their miraculous preservation is expressed, Exod…

Ministers have found more kindness and respect from strangers, than their own people that are more obliged to them, Mark 6:4 A Prophet (says Christ) is not without honor, save in his own Countrey, and among his own Kin, and in his own House. Sometimes by the hands of Enemies, as…

This holds forth these things: 1. That there is an excellent courage and boldness, with which the believer is furnished beyond others; he is bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1), both in duties and sufferings. 2. That there is in believers an undauntedness of spirit, and an unconquera…

Now this last is to be here understood. Again, by mother here, is not understood his natural mother, but it must be taken in a spiritual sense for one of two, either, 1. For the Church Catholic, which being mother to Christ mystical, may be said to be mother to him, as (Revelati…

Such precious truths as these, Christians, you are to gather, and seal them up among your treasures, and you will find that such a treasure will furnish your minds with saving knowledge, fortify your hearts against errors and oppositions, satisfy your spirits in all doubts and o…

13. It is here worthy to be observed, that at this time, in Solomon's reign, after the temple was finished, the Jewish church was risen to its highest external glory. The Jewish church, or the ordinances and constitution of it, is compared to the moon, in Revelation 12:1. "And t…

It is evident by this, that these great revolutions and shakings of the nations, whereby the thrones of kingdoms and armies were overthrown, and every one came down by the sword of his brother, were to prepare the way for the coming of him who is the desire of all nations. The g…

"And the kingdom shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High," Daniel 7:27. This suffering state of the church is in scripture represented as a state of the church's travail, John 16:20-21 and Revelation 12:1-2. What the church is in travail striving to bring for…

The chaff is a very worthless thing, the Husbandman cares not what becomes of it, and of as little worth are wicked men, Prov. 10. 20. The heart of the wicked is little worth. The heart is the principal part of the man, and yet that's but chaff, no worth in it; his lands, his cl…

Or else Satan runs himself out of breath in some civil commotions. The Remonstrants in the low-countries quite overturned their cause, when they began to raise tumults and troubles everywhere, so those under the conduct of Muncer in Germany, did but run themselves violently like…

When our Lord Jesus is described in his majesty, riding prosperously, the glory he appears in is truth, and meekness, and righteousness (Psalm 45:4). The courage of those who overcome this great red dragon of wrath and revenge, by meek and patient suffering, and by not loving th…

That true Christianity has all along met with a great deal of opposition and contradiction in this world. I purpose not to enter into a particular disquisition of that which has been, and is spoken against religion, nor do I undertake at present to show how false and unreasonabl…

Thus are errors and false religions propagated; strip them of their supports, and they fall to the ground of course; but on the contrary, the Christian religion was planted and preserved not only without, but against secular force, recommended and upheld by its own intrinsic tru…

Lastly, it is Heaven already to join with the people of God in communion: The Scripture calls the Church of God, and Church communion, Heaven. And therefore where there is a promise of God to restore his Church, and recover it from thraldom and misery, Isaiah 65:17 Behold, says…

The complaint of Job might have been your, ch. 16:11 God has delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked; this would have been grievous indeed. Although they send a flood of reproaches after you, as Rev. 12:15 the Dragon cast out of his mouth a f…

They saw indeed its pale face, but not its sting and dart. There is also a lawful contempt of death: we freely grant, that in two Cases a believer may contemn it; first, when it is propounded to them in a temptation, on purpose to scare them from Christ and duty, then they shoul…

Surely, the wrath of man shall praise you, and the remainder of wrath you shalt restrain, Psalm 76:10. By which it is more than hinted, that there is a World of Rage and Malice in the hearts of wicked men, which fain would, but cannot vent itself, because the Lord restrains, or…

But how much more skilful and industrious is Satan to ensnare and destroy Souls? The Devil makes a Voyage as well as you; he has his Baits for you, as you for the Fish: he has his Devices and Wiles to catch Souls, 2 Corinthians 2:11. Ephesians 6:11. He is a Serpent, an old Serpe…

An Advocate is a Person appointed and chosen to plead before a Court of Justice against a Charge or Accusation, and by his Pleading to bring off his Client with Honor, or to defend one who is charged with a Crime, from the Condemnation and Death which might be due to it. So our…

A humble confidence, for it is not in himself, but in Christ, and this boasting is good: my soul shall make her boast in God, says David. Oh! they have only warrant to boast and to triumph even before the victory, that do it in that style, and may give a challenge to all the wor…

Why, by setting his instruments a-work to crucify him. And as he dealt with the head, so with the members (Revelation 12:12): the devil has great wrath, for he knows he has but a short time. When his kingdom begins to totter and shake, then he stirs up all his wrath, and inflame…

Some are loath to embrace Godliness for fear it will be a stain to their Reputation, and bring them out of favor with great men: you see how it does raise a persons renown, it makes him precious in Gods sight, he is a Jewel. Believers in regard of their mystical union with Chris…

The word is, subtile Stratagems. Satan is called the Old Serpent, Revelation 12:9. Though he has lost his Holiness, he has not lost his Policy: his snares are so Cunningly laid, that without the Guidance of Gods Fear we cannot escape them.

The Greek word slanderer signifies Devil. This is the Devils proper Sin, he is the accuser of the Brethren, Revelation 12:10. He does not commit Adultery, but he bears false Witness.

3. You offend God, and draw public hatred. It is the Devil's work to be the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10). The Devil does not commit adultery, does not break the Sabbath, nor dishonor parents; these are not laws given to him.

For censurers are always looked upon as the pests of the world. It is the Devil's business, his proper work (Revelation 12:10): he is called the accuser of the brothers. The Devil does not commit [reconstructed: adultery], break the Sabbath, dishonor parents, but he will slander…

If God be honored, if the kingdom of Christ be advanced by our sufferings, we are victorious. (Revelation 12:11) They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives to the death. That is an overcoming indeed to die in the qu…

And when wicked men or devils would hurt this their charge, they rise up in their might (Daniel 10:20). Gabriel and Michael join against the Prince of Persia (Revelation 12:7); Michael and his Angels fought against the Dragon, and his Angels, and overcame. When Balaam hankered a…

And (Revelation 21:8) they have their portion with the devil in the Lake of Fire. 3 Deceivers and seducers are of the devil, who is the deceiver (Revelation 12:9 and 20:12), the old serpent that deceived Eve, and deceives the whole world: they that deceive the souls of men are l…

He does not care for their purses but their hearts (Ephesians 2:2). Satan is served upon the knee (Revelation 13:4): "They worshipped the dragon" — that is, the Devil. Satan's empire is very large; the most kingdoms in the world pay tribute to him.

And this we find now in experience to be true, for the see of Rome never flourished until the empire decayed and the seat thereof was removed from the city of Rome. Again, Revelation 13 makes mention of two beasts: one coming out of the sea, whom the Papists confess to be the he…

Indeed a known harlot may afterward remain a wife and be so termed — yet after the bill of divorcement is given she ceases to be a wife, though she can show her marriage ring. Now the Church has received the bill of her divorcement in the written word, namely 2 Thessalonians 2 a…

Men come to Zion, and follow Christ in ones and twos of a whole Tribe (Jeremiah 3:14). They go to hell in thousands; a whole earth (Revelation 13) worships the Western Beast; and the Eastern Leopard has the far greatest part of the habitable world; Indians and Americans worship…

Zephaniah 3:10: From beyond the river of Ethiopia, my suppliants, even the daughters of my dispersed shall come. 4. Their names are particularly enrolled in the Lamb's book of life (Luke 10:20; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 20:15). As citizens of some famous incorporation, or sena…

Answer: I will show a third. Paul says, that before the end, there shall be a departure (2 Thessalonians 2), and this departure is general in all nations (Revelation 13:16), and after a thousand years there shall be the first resurrection (Revelation 20:5), and this resurrection…

Such was the mighty power and deep policy used by Pharaoh to destroy Gods Israel, that to the eye of reason, it was as impossible to survive it, as for crackling thorns to abide unconsumed amidst devouring flames; by which Emblem, their miraculous preservation is expressed, Exod…

Christ is called the Lamb of God, Johnn 1:29. which he was in reference unto the Sacrifices of old, as 1 Peter 2:18, 19. whence he is represented in the church, as a Lamb slain, Revelation 5:6. or giving out the efficacy of all Sacrifices to his church. Now he is said to be a La…

This is a contrivance of the devil to turn the ministry of the Christian church into a ministry of the devil, and to turn these angels of the churches into fallen angels, and so into devils. In the tyranny, and superstition, and idolatry, and persecution, which he sets up, he co…

Thus when the devil was silenced in his oracles (as it is well known he was upon the setting up of Christianity in the world) his mouth was opened in lies and slanders; and being forced to quit his pretensions to a deity, he appears bare-faced, as a devil, a false-accuser. The R…

Mahomet, though he industriously adapted his religion, to the sensual appetites of men, whose reason only, and not their lusts, could object against it, yet he obtained no strength, nor interest at all, till by a thousand artifices he had got the power of the sword, and with it…

See in Dan. 7. there is mention made of a cruel Tyrant that should make War with the Saints, and should persecute Gods people, that devoured and brake in pieces, yet there were some that should bear out all, that should have the Kingdom given them, and God should reward them glo…

Fourthly, an afflicted condition gives opportunity for much exercise of grace, it calls forth whatever grace there is in the heart to the exercise of it. Rev. 13:10 St. John speaking of the sufferings of the Saints, Here (says he) is the faith and the patience of the Saints; her…

A good report, is a great security against open violence. 2. To destroy the church, under the pretense of the church; as the beast in Revelation pushed with the horns of the Lamb (Revelation 13:11). It was a proverb, All evil began in the name of the Lord; In Nomine Domini incip…

We cannot be men without patience; passion does unman a man, it puts him beside the use of reason; we cannot be martyrs without patience, patience makes us endure (James 5:10). We read (Revelation 13:2) of a beast like a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and the…

You dwellest where Satan has his throne; and that such a one as no earthly Prince may compare; few Kings are enthroned in the hearts of their subjects, they rule their bodies, and command their purses, but how oft in a day are they pull'd out of their thrones by the wishes of th…

First, for the world as container — generally for the whole fabric of heaven and earth with all things in them contained, which God created in the beginning (Job 34:13; Acts 17:24; Ephesians 1:4); and distinctly, first for the heavens and all things belonging to them distinguish…

And herein his Intercession consists, being nothing (as it were) but his oblation continued. He was a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8); now his Intercession before his actual oblation in the fullness of times, being nothing but a presenting of the en…

But though the furnace of affliction discovered some dross in him (as it will in the best of men), yet he came forth as gold. In this furnace also grace is manifested: it is said (Revelation 13:10): 'Here is the patience and faith of the saints,' that is, here is the trial and d…

To this I answer, first I never had much esteem among great men; no, in every age of the world very few gave credit to me; and now being come (almost to the end of my travels) into the last and worst age, I could expect no other usage than what I meet with. How should I have man…

Because we are justified from eternity, only we are said by Paul to be justified by faith, in that by faith we come to the knowledge and assurance of the state of election, and of justification, and God's act of not imputing sin to us, which acts were passed upon us from eternit…

In Deo quadam dulcedine delectatur anima, imo rapitur, Aug. Now the saints spend their years with sighing, they weep over their sins and afflictions; then their water shall be turned into wine; then the vessels of mercy shall be filled and run over with joy; they shall have thei…

Ecclesiastes 1:8: all things are full of labour. Some labour in the mine, others among the muses: God has made a law — in the sweat of your brows you shall eat bread: but death gives a believer a Quietus est; it takes him off from his day-labour (Revelation 14:13). Blessed are t…

The enemies may set up their standard, but Christ will set up his trophies at last. Revelation 14:18, 19: And the angel gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great wine-press of the wrath of God, and the wine-press was trodden, and blood came out of the wine-press…

The breath of the Lord kindles that fire; and where shall we find engines or buckets to quench it? And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever, and they have no rest night nor day (Revelation 14:11). Thank original sin for all.

1. In riches (Revelation 21:21): the gates of pearl, and the streets of pure gold, and as it were transparent glass. 2. In tranquility; it is peaceable, the white lily of peace is the best flower of a prince's crown: Pax una triumphis innumeris melior — No divisions at home, or…

The devil is full of spite against mankind: this red dragon will spit fire in men's faces. 3. The torment of hell abides forever (Revelation 14:11). The smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever (Mark 9:44).

Affliction is the iron shoe, but mercy is mixed with it; here is the foot dipped in oil. But the torments of the damned have no mixture (Revelation 14:10): They shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture. No mixture of mercy.

Popish teachers teach the people nonsense and blasphemy; they cause the people to pray without understanding, to obey without reason, to believe without sense; it is a damnable religion. Therefore worshiping the beast, and drinking the cup of God's indignation are put together (…

Our heavenly Father will love for ever, but he will not contend for ever. The torments of the damned are for ever (Revelation 14:11). The smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: the wicked shall drink a sea of wrath, but God's children only taste of the cup of affli…

Unsubmissiveness is a reproach, but a cheerful resignation of our will to God sets a crown of honor upon the head of religion, it shows the power of the Gospel, which can charm down the passions, and melt the will into God's will. Therefore in Scripture submissive patience is br…

A man that is dead, knows what shall be his estate eternally: if he died a wicked person, that is, an unrepentant sinner, his state shall be according in eternal torment: if he died having repented of his sins, then he shall rest with God in his kingdom. Revelation 14:13. Blesse…

The world cries out, Glorious times! but a righteous man has an eye of discerning, he can see when the wicked [reconstructed: make void] God's law, and when religion is crucified by such as cry Hosanna to it. He is wise to keep from the contagion of the times (Revelation 14:2).…

Luke 16:25-26; John 3:36; Revelation 22:14-15; Revelation 21:7-8; Matthew 8:11. Nay, we find the contrary: Revelation 14:13 says that they that die in the Lord are said to rest from their labors, which cannot be true if any of them go to purgatory. And to cut off all evasions, i…

Argument 4. Further, it may much conduce to your willingness to die to consider that by death God often times hides his people out of the way of all temptations and troubles upon earth. Revelation 14:13: 'Write: from henceforth, blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.' It is…

I say, it either has in it, or appertaining to it, all that has been wrought for it, either in it, or by it. (Revelation 14:13) Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord: [And their works do follow them] — they go to Heaven with them, and after them. And in what subject else is…

And (Hebrews 5:7), he offered prayers, and [illegible], humble supplications of the poor, or oppressed, that make their address to one who can help them: he put in to God a humble petition, and a bill to his Father, as an overwhelmed man, and he offered this bill, [illegible], w…

Hebrews 11:13: All these [in non-Latin alphabet], died in the Faith, they are named and told by the head. Revelation 14:4: [in non-Latin alphabet], these are three times in one verse — these are they that are not defiled with women, — these are they that follow the Lamb, whereve…

And is it not a far more bitter death to be dead in sin, than to be dead in the body, when it is a living soul in God's sight? Then, blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for even so says the Spirit, that never spoke words of falsehood (Revelation 14:13). I say therefore, i…

For it is the privilege, yea the happiness of a righteous man, so to have his sins covered with the robes of Christ his righteousness, as that they shall never be uncovered to his shame (Psalm 32; Isaiah 43:25). Again, it may hence be proved; in that sanctification in death, is…

1 John 2:28: And now little children abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. In order to persons being blessed after death, it is necessary not only that they should once be in him, but that they should die in…

All other people are miserable, but that people whose God is the Lord. The world is divided into two societies: there are the people of God, the little flock of Jesus Christ, that company we read of in Revelation 14:4; and there are those that belong to the kingdom of darkness,…

Fourth, this is still manifest in his acts, in his present state of exaltation in heaven. Indeed in his exalted state he most eminently appears in a manifestation of those excellencies on account of which he is compared to a lion; but still he appears as a lamb (Revelation 14:1)…

Every Believer (take it in which sense you will,) has his Watch-Tower as well as Hbbkuk: and give me leave to say, it's an Angelical employment to stand upon it, and behold the consent of Gods Attributes, the accomplishment of his Ends, and our own happiness in the works of Prov…

Such a total rest is the sole privilege of the saints. Thus only blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth, indeed says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them (Revelation 14:13). When the saints die, they rest from their l…

The second thing we are to observe for use, is from the commendation of this Song, being for its excellency A Song of Songs: and it is this, that, the Believer has the choicest [reconstructed: Song], and most excellent mirth in the world; not such songs or joy as the world has,…

7. Thus also the Lord makes the study of his Word delectable, when both the judgment and affections, are jointly wrought upon: and to show that all the believer's conditions may be matter of a sweet song to him, whereas some things, if plainly laid down, would not be so cheerful…

When the day of God's indignation does come, and he makes such slaughter among his enemies, that the earth does stink with their carcasses, and the mountains do melt with their blood (Isaiah 34:2-3). When God treads the winepress of his wrath without the city, and the blood come…

The delightful rolling of these divine truths in the mind, help the soul to walk in the sweetest paradise of contemplation. These mysterious marrow-rich truths are like that song that none could learn but the 144,000 that are redeemed from the earth (Revelation 14:4). Or like th…

The people being settled there, their posterity continued there from age to age afterwards: and being, as it were, by natural walls, as well as by God's grace, separated from the rest of the world, never partook of the overflowing corruption. These especially were those virgins…

The meek and quiet soul is through grace a conqueror over these enemies, their fiery darts are quenched by the shield of faith, Satan is in some measure trodden under his feet, and the victory will be complete shortly, when he that overcomes shall sit down with Christ upon his t…

Christ rides prosperously, because of meekness (Psalm 45:4). Now it is the character of all the saints, that they follow the Lamb (Revelation 14:4), as a lamb, they follow him in his meekness, and are therefore so oft called the sheep of Christ. This is that part of his copy whi…

We have cause to bless God that we might be with Gods people, though in caves, and woods, and banished from all; we have much more cause to bless God when we can be with them thus publiquely, and peaceably, and can go from Gods house, to our own houses, and have communion there;…

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3: I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ; and I fear, lest by any means as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. An…

I will not Pity, nor spare, nor have Mercy, but destroy them. 'Tis sad, when the Prisoner begs of the Judge to spare him, but the Judge will shew him no favor. Gods cup of wrath is unmixed, Revelation 14:10. Yet it is said to be mixed, Psalm 78:5.

All other people are miserable, but that people whose God is the Lord. The world is divided into two societies: There are the People of God, the little Flock of Jesus Christ, that company that we read of Revelation 14:4. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they…

They think it to be an acceptable service to God to molest and trouble those that are indeed his people. Those princes that sat and spoke against David, were not pagans and men of another religion, but of Israel; and it is often the lot of God's people to be persecuted not only…

4. If the world increase upon us, we should take the more care that we may have the comfort of it in the world to come. (Revelation 14:13) "Their works follow them." (Luke 16:9) "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when you fail they may receive you…

The will will be vexed that it had its will so long; here men think it a princely thing to have their will, but there they'll find it a devilish thing. 3 Yet further, these torments will be without intermission; they shall be tormented day and night (Revelation 14:11), and have…

1. They are called Virgins] now this is a name given in the Scripture, both in the Old Testament, and New, to the saints of Christ (Song of Solomon 1:3). The virgins love you, so (Revelation 14:4) the one hundred forty and four thousand that stood with the Lamb on Mount Zion, ar…

And [illegible] when justice is satisfied neither of them has right [illegible] power to retain the soul. Therefore the Scripture styles them redeemed from [illegible] earth (Revelation 14:3). And he gave himself that he [illegible] deliver us from this present [illegible] world…

4. Let us carry ourselves as the children of God in diligence; we must be diligent in our calling. Religion does not seal warrants to idleness; it was Jerome's advice to his friend, to be always well employed: six days shall you labor; God sets all his children to work, they mus…

There is a time when God says, My Spirit shall no longer strive. The angel cried, The hour of his judgment is come (Revelation 14:7). Perhaps the next sin you commit, God may say, Your hour is now come.

It will not be destruction but deliverance; death, like a whirlwind, may blow down the tree of the body, but it cannot blast the fruit of our graces. The trees of righteousness carry their fruit with them (Revelation 14:13): their works follow them. The Christian who abounds in…

As Gospel-light ascends, so Satans shady Kingdom of darkness vanishs. Revelation 14:6. there one Angel comes forth to preach the everlasting Gospel, and another Angel followes at his back, verse 8. crying Victoria, Babylon is fallen, is fallen. The very first charge the Gospel g…

4. The believers are blessed through Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:10, 13; Psalm 32:1-2; Romans 4:6; Psalm 2:12; Psalm 119:1). Their afflictions and death are blessed, precious in the eyes of the Lord, not qualified with any law-curse (Job 5:17; Psalm 94:12; Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:22;…

Men contravene a law to be so and so born, to wit, in sin, for it is forbidden by a law: but to be born and live, is no sin, but by order of nature, before original sin. Nor is it forbidden more to man to be born and live, than it is forbidden to beasts, nor to eat, sleep, wake,…

It is but a while when the Saints shall lie together in Christ's bosom, that hive of sweetness, that bed of perfume. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, Revelation 14. 13. Why should we mourn excessively for them who are blessed?

6. The torments of Hell have no period put to them. Origen fancied a fiery stream, in which the souls of sinful men, yea, Devils and all, were to be purged, and then pass into Heaven: but the Scripture asserts, that whosoever are not purged from sin by Christ's blood, are to lie…

The places are: Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; John 9:32; Ephesians 2:7; 3:9; Colossians 1:26; Hebrews 6:5. The places are as follows: Matthew 6:13; 21:19; Mark 11:14; Luke 1:33, 55; John 4:14; 6:51, 58; 8:35, twice, 51, 52; 10:28; 11:26; 12:34; 13:8; 14:16; Acts 15:18; Romans 1:25; 9:…

Jude 13: To whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. Revelation 14:10-11; And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever. Chapter 19:3;…

Not that a truly regenerate person is always in the same cheerful temper of obedience, he may sometimes find an indisposition and weariness of soul, but his weariness is his burden, he is weary of his weariness, he prays, weeps, uses all means to regain that alacrity and freedom…

Objection 7. But the souls under the altar cry to God, and their blood is not avenged: their blood, and their graves in their kind, make supplications before the throne for justice, yet the enemies prosper. Answer. Has not the Lord appointed a time for fighting, and suffering, a…

Now Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints; and the blood of one of Them cries louder than the blood of all Man-kind besides. Now from this I argue, If the blood of a Saint cries so, what must the blood of the King of Saints (as Christ is called, Revelation…

Title, and v. 1, 2, 3. So Moses and the people with him, Exodus 15. when God had delivered them from Pharaoh, how do they exalt him in a song of thanksgiving, which for the elegancy and spirituality of it, is made an Emblem of the doxologies given to God in glory by the saints!…

The commendation suits with his works, as if there were none of them, but what are adorned (as it were) with excellent gold rings, there being much glory, grace, wisdom and skill shining in them all, they are honorable and glorious (Psalm 111:3). Indeed, great and marvelous are…

We say every thing is mutable; but who meditates upon it? The world is resembled to a sea of glass mingled with fire (Revelation 15:2). Glass is slippery, it has no sure footing: and glass mingled with fire is subject to consume.

The Lord shall be King, and it is added over all the earth, not only over a few churches, but over all nations. Christ will show himself in the largeness of his power, not only as King of Saints (Revelation 15:3), but as King of Nations (Jeremiah 10:7), as head to the Church, bu…

Then atheists and blasphemers, the debauchees and profane scoffers of the age, will have their mouths stopped with an irresistible conviction; will have all their vile calumnies visibly confuted; their hearts filled with unspeakable horror, and their faces with everlasting shame…

And if you take these ways, by this you shall come to choose Moses Choice. O that now in my winding up of all, by all that has been said, some soul or other may have cause to bless God in being inclined to choose the same Choice: If you would choose Moses Choice, use Moses argum…

But O, what transcendent Joy, indeed, ravishing, will ove-run the hearts of Saints, when after so many Conflicts, Temptations, and Afflictions, they arrive in glory, and are harbour'd in Heaven, where they shall rest for ever! 2. Thessalonians 1:7. The Scripture says, They shall…

3. Object. The metaphor taken from nurses is often used, and applied to God, and to God's ministers. 1. Answer. The using of a thing by way of comparison and resemblance does not simply justify it: take the parable of the unjust steward, and of a thief (Luke 16:1, etc.; Revelati…

(2 Corinthians 10:5) And he has his royal scepter, (Psalm 110:3) which is called the rod of his strength. And he has his subjects, and they are the saints, (Revelation 15:3) King of saints. And he has his laws and constitutions; we read of the law of faith, and the law of libert…

Cain could say, his punishment was intolerable, but could not say, it was unjust; though greater than he could bear, yet not greater than he did deserve. God will not argue the case with men merely as a sovereign, but as a judge, who proceeds not by will only, but by rule: many…

And the saints, those noble choristers, shall take down their harps from the willows, and join in concert with the angels, praising and blessing God. Revelation 15:2-3: I saw them that had gotten the victory over the Beast, having the harps of God, and they sing the song of Mose…

1. David was a King, So is Christ adorned with Regal power, he is a King to govern his people, Revelation 15.3. and to conquer his enemies, Psalm 110.1.2.

God says not, no affliction shall befall his children, but no evil; the hurt and poison of it is taken away. Affliction to a wicked man has evil in it, it makes him worse; it makes him curse and blaspheme (Revelation 16:9). Men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the n…

The godly pray more (Psalm 130:1). The wicked blaspheme more (Revelation 16:9). Men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chrysostom: the hurt and malignity of the affliction is taken away. Affliction to a wicked man has evil in it; it makes him worse (Revelation 16:9). Men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God: but no evil befalls a child of God, h…

(Psalm 90:11) Who knows the power of your anger? The angel never poured out his vial but some woe followed; (Revelation 16:3) when the bitter vials of God's wrath are poured out, damnation follows. Dives cries out, O I am tormented in this flame; (Luke 16:24).

A wicked man frets and fumes, and is like a wild bull in a net. He in affliction blasphemes God; (Revelation 16:9). Men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God.

If so be that being clothed, we shall not be found naked. In this verse he gives a wholesome caution by the way; and withal insinuates, why he used the word clothed upon, in the fore-going verse, thus, speaking of the glory of such a separate soul, even because it is absolutely…

He persecutes the woman that brought forth the man-child (Revelation 12:13). He goes forth in his instruments to gather the kings of the earth, and the whole world, to the great battle of that great day of God almighty (Revelation 16:14), and makes war with the Lamb (Revelation…

By which three meanes, the Iesuites have preuailed much in Princes courts, in these latter daies. Apoc 16:14. Thirdly, in the glorious outside of holinesse of life and conuersation, in not sparing the bodie, by whipping of themselues, as Baals priests lanced themselues till the…

(3.) Or if neither of these had been your Lot, but you had been emptied by the womb of nature into this little spot of the Earth which is Christianized by profession, but nevertheless for the most part over-run by Popish Idolatry, and Antichristian delusions; what unhappy men an…

Wicked men quarrel with God, and are filled with discontent against him. So the Scripture describes them, Revelation 16:9 They were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues. But Godly men to whom afflictions are sanctified, the…

Observe, if Satan thinks to have such an advantage upon a holy man, as to make him blaspheme when he is in pain, do you think pain will be an advantage to your repentance? It is said, that at the pouring out of the fourth Vial (Revelation 16:9), when God did smite the inhabitant…

Putting off the clothes is an evidence of betaking themselves to rest, as keeping them on, is a sign of watching, as in (Nehemiah 4:23). None of us put off clothes, [reconstructed: except for] washing; Hence keeping on of the clothes is borrowed, to set out spiritual watchfulnes…

I told you we must make a treasure of this refined gold of Scripture-truths, but I rather understand this of the tried gold of precious graces, especially faith, which being tried in the furnace of affliction is much more precious than gold that perishes: this indeed makes the s…

A certain very late expositor (Mr. Lowman), who explains the five first vials in the sixteenth chapter of Revelation, with greater probability perhaps than any who went before him, explains the fifth vial, which was poured out on the seat of the beast, of what came to pass in th…

When his kingdom begins to totter and shake, then he stirs up all his wrath, and inflames his instruments; as dying beasts bite hardest. So (Revelation 16:14), we read of the spirits of devils that go forth to the kings of the earth, to stir them up against the saints. If you co…

1. The Godly are kept from impatience. When the Wicked are under Gods black Rod, they either faint or fret, Revelation 16:9. Men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God: but the Godly are silent under the Rod, Levit. 10:3.

For our light affliction which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Use 1. For Information, that God's righteous judgments are matter of praise and thanksgiving; an angel is brought in speaking (Revelation 16:5): "You are righteous,…

When Herod was so wicked as to assume glory to himself, which of right is God's, the Angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not glory to God (Acts 12:23). When God will judge, the Angels will execute the judgment written: The Angels executed destruction from the Lord again…

3 This will be the sad effect of these torments, [reconstructed: final] and eternal impenitency, and despair, even to cursing and blaspheming: he that dies impenitent, continues so for ever, and impenitency is attended with blasphemy (Isaiah 8:21-22). They shall pass through it…

And this it does to cross and thwart God and his design, who and which is set upon the happiness of his people. 7. Sin is contrary to, and set against the glory of God, and all that should and would give glory to him, or has any tendency to that end: Confession of sin and repent…

You will rejoice the generation of the righteous; indeed, there will be joy in Heaven — God and angels will be glad and rejoice at your return (Luke 15). 'Tis their sin, and greatly aggravated (Revelation 16:9), that they repented not to give him glory. Sin dishonors, but repent…

And still this is added at the end of every instance, "Yet you have not returned to me." (Revelation 16:11) They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, and they repented not. (Daniel 9:13) All this evil is come upon us, yet made we not our prayer, etc.

The saints are the children of the Most High, and such as shed their blood shall pay dearly for it. Revelation 16:6: You have given them blood to drink, for they are worthy. Second, God looks upon his children as persons of honor.

When Paul preached against Diana, all the city was in an uproar: we preach against men's Dianas, those sins which bring them in pleasure and profit, this causes an uproar. 3. From the malice of Satan: the ministers of Christ come to destroy his kingdom, therefore the old serpent…

Second, the wrong or injustice of not punishing any sin or sins does not arise from any natural obligation but from consideration of an affirmative positive act of God's will, by which he has purposed to do it. Fourth, he adds: no one can be called just for using his own right o…

Upon a sick bed a person is more fit to exercise impatience, than Repentance. We read, that at the pouring out of the fourth Vial, when God did smite the Inhabitants, and scorched them with fire; They blasphemed the Name of God, and repented not, (Revelation 16:9). So when the L…

4. The wicked shall not only be forced to behold the Devil, but shall be shut up in the Den with this roaring Lion, and he shall spit fire in their faces. 5. The wicked shall hear the language of Hell, Revelation 16.9. Men were scorched with heat, and blasphemed the Name of God.

He has a golden scepter to rule his people, but an iron rod to break his enemies. Revelation 17:12, 14: The ten horns you saw are ten kings; these shall make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is King of Kings. The enemies may set up their standard, but…

First on carnal reason, on which he chiefly works in this sort of temptations, the strength whereof lies in false reasonings, wherein, if in anything, he has the advantage. First, his abilities to forge and invent false reasonings and arguments to overthrow our faith are (as the…

Again (Revelation 18:16) it is said, that the ten horns, which be ten kings, shall hate the whore, and make her desolate and naked, which must not be understood of heathenish Rome, but of popish Rome: for whereas in former times all the kings of the earth did submit themselves t…

He persecutes the woman that brought forth the man-child (Revelation 12:13). He goes forth in his instruments to gather the kings of the earth, and the whole world, to the great battle of that great day of God almighty (Revelation 16:14), and makes war with the Lamb (Revelation…

Others to some carnal, fraudulent, oppressive course, whereby they are spotted by the world. The whore of Babylon propounds her abominations in a golden cup (Revelation 17:4), and the great motive here is, "All this will I give you." Though the Devil comes not in person to us wi…

The like was done in other cases, as to Ezekiel in his trance (Ezekiel 2:1): Son of man arise, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you. So to the apostle John (Revelation 17:18): When I saw him, I lay at his feet as dead; and he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not,…

Such was the mighty power and deep policy used by Pharaoh to destroy Gods Israel, that to the eye of reason, it was as impossible to survive it, as for crackling thorns to abide unconsumed amidst devouring flames; by which Emblem, their miraculous preservation is expressed, Exod…

4. Gold and all external riches, are empty things to a spiritual discerner of Christ's worth; as it were, a new sort of gold must be invented, or imagined, to shadow forth the excellencies of Christ, gold itself is but an insufficient and dark shadow to represent him; whoever lo…

See (Jeremiah 52:12-13). But the most fearful instances of God's terrible voice by fire are yet to come: Thus God will speak by fire to Spiritual Babylon, which may easily be proved to be Rome, from (Revelation 17:18). She being the then great city, which reigned over the kings…

The persecutions with which the Protestants in one kingdom and another have been persecuted by the church of Rome, have in many respects been far beyond any of the Heathen persecutions which were before Constantine the Great, and beyond all that ever were before. So that Antichr…

What floods of heresy have been poured out in city and country, which have overflowed the banks, not only of religion, but civility. Ignatius calls error, the invention of the devil; and Bernard calls it a sweet poison: Men's ears like sponges have sucked in this poison: Never w…

If [in non-Latin alphabet] here mean all men, the apostle in direct contradiction to himself in this very expression, means that he himself, and all the other apostles, as well the rest of mankind, did corrupt the word of God. Revelation 17:1: I will show to you the judgment of…

Such as make a God of pleasure, let them read but two scriptures (Ecclesiastes 7:4): The heart of fools is in the house of mirth. And (Revelation 18:7): How much she has lived deliciously, so much torment give her. Sugar laid in a damp [reconstructed: place] turns to water: so a…

The Jews say, that in every misery that befalls them, there is Uncia Aurei Vituli, an ounce of the golden calf in it. Revelation 18:4: Come out of her my people, that you not be partakers of her sins, and that you do not receive of her plagues. Idolatry lived in cuts men off fro…

In particular, Death is a voider to take away all his earthly comforts — it takes away his sugared morsels; no more drinking wine in bowls, no more mirth or music (Revelation 18:22): the voice of harpers and musicians shall be heard no more at all in you. The sinner shall never…

Revelation 18:4. And I heard another voice from heaven say, Go out of her my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues. In the former chapter Saint John sets down a description of the whore of Babylon, and that at large as he saw her in a visi…

We do, by our unthankfulness, darken and obscure the freedom of grace, that by this Gospel is preached to us; and there needs no other evidence of it but this; that many are to this day as ignorant of the way of justification of sinners, and as removed from, and as great strange…

The earth is given to the hand of the wicked. 4. Indeed, it is not only the slaughterhouse and shambles where Christ was slain, but all the martyrs and witnesses of Jesus were butchered here; for it is said of Babylon (Revelation 18:24), And in her was found the blood of prophet…

And so the skarlet strūpet thought her selfe a Queene, and that shee was out of all daunger of downefall, when shee was alreadie fallen. Apoc 18:2, 7. indeed this corruption is so naturall, that euen the regenerate themselues, who are in part sanctified, are tainted therewith:…

In one day all is gone. It is added as an aggravation of Babylon's downfall, that her judgments shall come upon her in one day (Revelation 18:8): "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death and mourning and famine, and she shall be utterly burnt with fire, for strong is…

She being the then great city, which reigned over the kings of the earth. Babylon's burning with fire you may read, (Revelation 18:8-10, etc.). Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine, and she shall be utterly burnt with fire; for strong is t…

This also is fulfilled in the church of Rome. —It was foretold, that he should sell the souls of men, Revelation 18:13. where, in enumerating the articles of his merchandise, the souls of men are mentioned as one. This also is exactly fulfilled in the same church.

When God comes into his holy temple, all the earth will keep silence, (Habakkuk 2:20). The nearer we approach to Antichrist's ruin, God will give out more light, (Revelation 18). Babylon fell when the earth was enlightened with the Angel's glory; light will increase towards the…

These are they who come to a fearful end, yea many times in this life; as Esay 50:11 Behold, all ye that kindle afire, that compass about yourselves with sparks, walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that you have kindled, this shall ye have of my hand, ye shall lie…

The pleasure will quickly go off, but the sting will remain behind. I tasted but a little honey on the top of my rod (said Ionathan) and I must die, 1 Samuel 14:43. Thirdly, In fact, that's not all; but the Lord proportions wrath according to the pleasures souls have had in sin,…

And then verse 16 branches it into those three that are indeed the base anti-trinity that the world worships: the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. The soul of man unconverted is no other but a den of impure lusts, wherein dwells pride, uncleanness,…

When once he begins to set forth, the old prophecies are accomplishing apace; and however little preparation there seems to be for this work, it comes apace. It is said of the Antichristian state, Her plagues shall come upon her in one day. (Revelation 18:8) And of the Jews it i…

From compassing the earth (Job 1), a place defiled with sin (Isaiah 24:5), given to the children of men (Psalm 115:16). Here God will show his bounty to all his creatures, to beasts, and all kind of men; it is sometimes the slaughter-house and shambles of the saints, they are sl…

(Psalm 52:6): "The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his portion." (Revelation 18:20): "Rejoice over Babylon, you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her." When the word of God is fulfilled, surel…

So that hereby we become guilty of other men's sins, and we are like sooner or later to resent and regret this very grievously; indeed (though we ourselves may be saved at last) it will certainly pain us to think that any went to Hell, in whose sins we had a head or hand, and it…

Let me here take occasion to offer to your view some sins which are especially said to be the devil's sin, and they that do them are of, work for, and are like to, and called devils. 1 Murder, especially soul-murder, of which Antichrist the devil's son is hugely guilty, in makin…

3. The forethoughts of sufferings would make them lighter when they come; the suddenness of an evil adds to the sadness; this was ill news to the fool in the Gospel, (who reckoned without his host) this night shall your soul be required of you. This will be an aggravation of Bab…

Neither can it be said that only final unbelief is the only meritorious cause of damnation to such as hear the Gospel. For beside final unbelief there is also a contrariety between the murders, sodomies, etc. of professors and the Law for which they suffer in hell eternally (Rev…

Hence we must be mortified to every thing created which the Lord may take from us. 14. And upon this account there is required a deadening of our hearts to shipping and trading with diverse mighty nations, as we see in the case of Tyre (Ezekiel 27), of Babylon (Revelation 18:11-…

Or in Revelation 13:3 ('All the world wondered after the beast'), which few would take as meaning every individual person on earth? That 'all nations,' an expression of equal breadth with 'the world,' is to be understood in like manner is apparent from Romans 1:5; Revelation 18:…

The Lord will proportion a sinner's torment to his pleasure. Revelation 18:7, How much she has lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her.

So will God say to the wicked, come down from all your pomp and glory, sit in the dust, nay, sit among the damned, and there grind at Mill. The Lord will proportion torment, to all the pleasure the wicked have had, Revelation 18:7. How much she hath lived deliciously, so much to…

Indeed, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be Holiness to the Lord of Hosts, and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them and seethe therein; and in that day there shall be no more a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of Hosts (Zechariah 14:20-21). In fact, this a…

Neither by King, nor Parliament, nor Armies, for (Zechariah 4:6): Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord. When Babylon is to be destroyed (as the work is even now on the wheels in Britain) (Revelation 18:21): A mighty Angel took up the great millstone, and t…

Is a virgin afraid to be matched into the crown? Now is but the contract, at death is the marriage-supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). What hurt does death do but take us from among fiery serpents, and place us among angels?

I told you before what a glorious palace they shall have; but a man may starve in a house if there be no cheer. The saints at Death shall have a royal banquet, shadowed out in Scripture by a marriage supper (Revelation 19:9). Bullinger and Gregory the Great understand by that ma…

Resp. In subduing us to himself, and in restraining and conquering his and our enemies. Now of Christ's regal office, (Revelation 19:16) And he has on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a King;…

That soul who has tasted how sweet the Lord is, should long for a fuller enjoyment of him in Heaven. Has Christ put this ring of assurance on your hand, and so espoused you to himself, how should you long for the marriage supper of the Lamb, (Revelation 19:9). O Christian, think…

He has the key of justice in his hand, to lock up whom he will in the fiery prison of Hell; and he has the key of mercy in his hand, to open Heaven's gate to whom he pleases. This is the name engraved upon his vesture, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). He sits…

A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 3. He has his crown royal (Revelation 19:12). On his head were many crowns; he has his Iura Regalia, his kingly prerogatives; he has power to make laws, to seal pardons, which are the flowers and jewels belonging to his…

White robes denote three things: 1. Their dignity; the Persians were arrayed in white, in token of honor. 2. Their purity; the magistrates among the Romans were clothed in white, ergo called candidati, to show their integrity: Thus the queen, the Lamb's wife, is arrayed in fine…

They shall reign for ever and ever. (2.) A royal feast: It is called, The marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), which Bullinger and Gregory the Great understand of the magnificent supper prepared in the Kingdom of Heaven. A glorious feast it will be in respect of the fo…

All the torments of this life are but Ludibrium & Risus, a kind of sport to hell-torments; what is a burning fever, to the burning in hell? It is called the wrath of the Almighty (Revelation 19:15). The Almighty God inflicts the punishment, therefore it will be heavy; a child ca…

2. It has influence to obstruct folk's giving him credit, which is of the very essence of faith; so then, where he is not esteemed of, he is not, he cannot be believed on; the former says, that we will not marry him, this says, we will not trust him, nor trust the reality of his…

Sinful men have been stricken with fear at the sight of them; they are persons of a more excellent country than the earth. John the Apostle did overvalue an angel (Revelation 19; Revelation 21), and fell down to worship him. 2. Angels elect and chosen, never lost their birth-rig…

2. Christ was never weaker and lower than now, and never more glorious in his working (Isaiah 63:2): "Why are you red in your apparel, and your garments like one that treads in the wine-press?" (Revelation 19:15): he himself was trodden on in the wine-press, and the fierceness a…

He obtained it from pagans and idolaters, not from Christ. The angel deprecates and detests it (Revelation 19:10): "And I fell at his feet, to worship him, and he said to me, see you do it not, for I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren, that have the testimony of Jesus;…

Now from the [illegible], God will be distinguished by his jealousy, that he will not endure any partners in his worship. It is against examples (Revelation 19:10 and 22:8). When I had heard, and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel, which showed me these th…

See Exodus 6:3 then he was known to them by his name Jehovah, in giving being by his Providences to the mercies promised. Thus when Christ shall give his people the last and greatest deliverance from Antichrist, he shall shew himself to his people in a vesture dipt in blood, and…

While it's said, he has a crown, hereby is not signified any material crown, but majesty and glory, as Psalm 21:3, You set a Crown of pure Gold on his head, etc. And so Christ conquering on the white horse (Revelation 6:3) is said to have a crown: And (Revelation 19:12) it's sai…

So also (Psalm 45:14) and (Psalm 119:63), "I am a companion of all that fear you," etc. And this title is given them for these two reasons: 1. Because there is jointness and communion among them, in all their interests, both of duties and privileges, and also in sufferings, etc.…

3. What is the scope of these allegories, in other Scriptures, as that of Psalm 45, that of planting a vineyard (Matthew 21), that of marriage (Matthew 22), (which none can deny) is meant of espousing spiritually. (See this same allegory of marriage, Jeremiah 3, Hosea 2-3, Ezeki…

2. If the same allegories in other places of Scripture, will bear solid doctrines concerning Christ, his covenant, faith, etc. even such as are in plain Scriptures; then must this Song do the like, seeing it is the word of God, tending to the same scope with these. But it is cle…

When God treads the winepress of his wrath without the city, and the blood comes out of the winepress even to the horses' bridles (Revelation 14:20). In a word, when the Lord shall come forth upon his white horse with his armies, and shall destroy the Beast, and all the powers o…

This was the first thing of the nature that ever was done in the world; and it was a great thing that God did towards further advancing this great building of redemption. There had been before occasional prophecies of Christ, as was shown; but now the time drawing nearer when th…

They were all forerunners of the great prophet. The main end why the spirit of prophecy was given them was, that they might give testimony to Jesus Christ, the great Redeemer, that was to come; and therefore the testimony of Jesus, and the spirit of prophecy, are spoken of as th…

It is represented as a battle; it is called the battle of the great day of God Almighty. There will be some way or other a mighty struggle between Satan's kingdom and the church, and probably in all ways of opposition that can be; and doubtless great opposition by external force…

The Devil has ever shown a mortal spite and hatred towards that holy Book, the Bible: He has done all that has been in his power to extinguish that light, and to draw men off from it: He knows that it is that light by which his kingdom of darkness is to be overthrown. He has had…

As to those prayers against his enemies, which we find in some of his Psalms, and which sometimes sound a little harsh, surely they did not proceed from any such irregular passion, as did in the least clash even with the evangelical laws of meekness: we cannot imagine, that one…

But to them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but contradict it, and rebel against the light and laws of it, being resolved to obey unrighteousness, to them he will render, with a just and Almighty hand, indignation and wrath, the effect of which will be such trib…

As the Tree falls at Death and Judgment, so it lies for ever. If in Heaven, there you are a Pillar, and shalt go forth no more, Revelation 3:12. If in Hell, no Redemption from there, but the smoke of their torments ascends for ever and ever, Revelation 19:3. REFLECTION.

This also renders him graceful: by his whiteness, he fulfilled the law, by his redness he satisfied justice: this is our beloved, O you daughters of Jerusalem. 3. His endearing excellency in the administration of his kingdom, is hereby also expressed: He is white in love and mer…

Thus he sets out his whole communion with his church under this allusion: and that most frequently. The time of his taking the church unto himself, is the day of his marriage, and the church is his bride, his wife (Revelation 19:7-8). The entertainment he makes for his saints, i…

4 They witness against sin by this, that they will not suffer men to sin, that would do it to honor them. When John fell at one of their feet to worship him, says the Angel, See you do it not (Revelation 19:10); do not that to me, which is to be done to God alone: And again (Rev…

So we read of God's fierceness. Revelation 19:15: there we read of 'the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.' The words are exceeding terrible: if it had only been said, 'the wrath of God,' the words would have implied that which is infinitely dreadful.

The greatness of these celestial comforts is most fitly in Scripture expressed by the joy of a feast; mourning shall be turned into feasting. And it shall be a marriage-feast, which is usually kept with the greatest solemnity (Revelation 19:9): Blessed are they which are called…

This is acknowledged by some of the angels themselves. Revelation 19:10: I am your fellow-servant. Here is a parallel made between John the divine and the angel; the angel says to John, 'I am your fellow-servant.'

In regard to Christ: it is suitable to his dignity and state; he is Lord Supreme. This name is written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Shall not a King appoint laws to his subjects?

The sight may be dazzled in nearness to God, and we take our marks by the Moon; and the liberty of praying is terminated upon the fiducial acts, and we think it is fastened upon the particular thing we seek: and here the antecedent is true, as heaven, and the consequence folly a…

Fourth, to triumph eternally over enemies, the devils, malignant opposers of his reign, sin, and hell is an act of a Mediatory King; when head and members do both triumph, no less than it is a part of his royal Mediatory power to crush them all, and make them his footstool (Psal…

Christ's Blood and Incense, are the two hinges on which our Salvation turns. 3. Christ's Regal Office is precious, Revelation 19. 16. He hath on his Vesture, and on his Thigh, a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Christ has a preeminence above all other Kings for Ma…

Every thing that befalls us, every thing that we hear of, which has the Least of Danger in it, will discompose our Minds, and either make us tremble like the leaves of the Forrest that are shaken with the wind, or betake our selves to foolish or sinful relief, unless we are firm…

Why should we weep immoderately for them who have all tears wiped from their eyes? they enter into the joy of their Lord; and why should we be swallowed up of grief for them who are swallowed up of joy; they that die in the Lord, are not amissi, but praemissi, they are not lost,…

And so in many other Places. So we read of GOD's Fierceness. Revelation 19:15. There we read of the Wine-Press of the Fierceness and Wrath of Almighty GOD.

The canker that breeds in the rose is the cause of its perishing; and corruptions that breed in men's souls, are the cause of their damning. Sin without repentance brings the second death (Revelation 20:14), that is, mors sine morte, Bernard, a death always dying. Sin's pleasure…

4. Original sin without repentance exposes to hell and damnation. This is the second death (Revelation 20:14). Two things in it:

1. Bonds and chains (2 Peter 2:4). 2. The worm (Mark 9:44), this is the worm of conscience, and the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15) — other fire is but painted to this. 2. This house of hell is haunted with devils (Matthew 25:41).

The dead are cited as well as the living. Men when they die, avoid the censure of our law-courts, but at the last day, the dead are cited to God's tribunal (Revelation 20:12). I saw the dead small and great stand before God.

Response. Yes, all that are in the graves shall hear Christ's voice, and shall come forth (Acts 24:15). There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust (Revelation 20:12). I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.

So inconceivable and torturing is God's wrath that the wicked call to the rocks and mountains to fall on them, and hide them from it (Revelation 6). The hellish torments are compared to a fiery lake (Revelation 20:15); other fire is but painted in comparison of this: And this la…

(John 12:48) The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him at the last day. We read of the opening of the books (Revelation 20:12). This is one book God will open, the book of Scripture, and will judge men out of it.

But to an awakened conscience, there is no such burden as sin, when a man seriously weighs with himself the glory and purity of that majesty which sin has offended, the preciousness of that soul which sin has polluted, the loss of that happiness which sin has endangered, the gre…

Question. How should we lead this temporal life, that we may rise to glory, after death? Answer. This, Saint John teaches us, Revelation 20:6. Blessed and holy is he that has his part in the first resurrection: for, on such the second death has no power. We must therefore labor…

God doth so call as draw, John 6:44. Conversion is styled a Resurrection, Revelation 20:6. Blessed is he that has part in the first Resurrection; that is a rising from sin to grace.

And the second is as well taken for the grave, as for hell. (Revelation 20:14) Death and are cast into the lake of fire. Now we can not say, that hell is cast into hell, but the grave into hell.

And this discrimination or differencing has these four steps. 1. There is a differencing in God's purpose in respect of the end, while all men are alike before him, some are designed to eternal life, others not; therefore Matthew 25:34 it is said, "Come, you blessed of my Father…

Zephaniah 3:10: From beyond the river of Ethiopia, my suppliants, even the daughters of my dispersed shall come. 4. Their names are particularly enrolled in the Lamb's book of life (Luke 10:20; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 20:15). As citizens of some famous incorporation, or sena…

Answer: I will show a third. Paul says, that before the end, there shall be a departure (2 Thessalonians 2), and this departure is general in all nations (Revelation 13:16), and after a thousand years there shall be the first resurrection (Revelation 20:5), and this resurrection…

For as he will deny anything in justice that denied to Dives a drop of water to cool his tongue (Luke 16:24-25), so he will recompense anything in mercy, that will recompense a cup of cold water (Matthew 10:42). This integrity in judgment without partiality is signified by the w…

He then, above all other times, will appear as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, in infinite greatness and majesty, when he shall come in the glory of his Father, with all the holy angels, and the earth shall tremble before him, and the hills shall melt. This is he, spoken of in R…

(8.) The consideration of the great day, shod move your bowels of pity for them. O remember that Text, Revelation 20. 12, &c. I saw the dead small and great stand before God.

The giants that were in those days, in all likelihood, got themselves their renown by their great exploits against Heaven, and against Christ and his church, the remaining sons of God that had not corrupted themselves. We read, that just before the world shall be destroyed by fi…

And so the apostles were, as it were, in subordination to Christ, made foundations of the Christian church. See Ephesians 2:20 and Revelation 20:14. 3. Here is an appointment of Christian baptism.

All these shall now rise from the dead. The graves shall be opened everywhere in all parts of the world, and the sea shall give up the innumerable dead that are in it, Revelation 20:13. Now all the inhabitants that ever shall have been upon the face of the earth, from the beginn…

So in that day when the great trump shall sound, bone shall come to his bone, and the graves shall not be able to hold them a minute longer. Both sea and earth must render the dead that are in them (Revelation 20:13). When the seed appears above ground again, it appears much mor…

These were the sufferings of those times; we shrink at every thing, at every scorn and frown. As for after times, it pleased God to stir Constantine a Christian Emperor, and then the Church had some rest; to which some apply that place, Rev. 20:2 Satan was bound a thousand years…

Ep. 16. Eighthly, in reproaches and sufferings there are riches of glory both before the day of Judgement and after: riches of glory before; if so be that opinion of some be true (which I dare not altogether deny) of Christs coming to reign in the world here before the day of Ju…

Ah! I have cause to fear and tremble, lest God has left me under that Curse, Revelation 20:11. Let him that is filthy, be filthy still. I fear I am become as that myrie place, Ezekiel 47:11▪ that shall not be healed by the streams of the Gospel, but given to salt, and cursed int…

When the soul is turned out of doors, when it is cited to appear before the tribunal of God, then we give up our account. But especially at the great day: (Revelation 20:12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; that is, the book of co…

In the same hour came forth fingers of a mans hand, and wrote upon the Plaister of the Wall of the Kings Palace, and the King saw part of the hand that wrote: then the Kings countenance was changed. We read of Gods Book, Revelation 20:12. The books were opened: and his Bag, Job…

Many profess faith and love; but if it be not verified in practice, they are not accepted with God (1 Peter 1:17): "If you call on the father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work." And (Revelation 20:12): "I saw the dead, small and great, stand be…

His exceeding great power, according to the [illegible] of his mighty power in you that believe, as [illegible] wrought in Christ in raising him up from the dead. Hence the working of grace is called a resurrection (Revelation 20:6; John 5:20). The dead shall hear the voice of t…

God will reward the merciful man hereafter, though not for his works, yet according to his works. Revelation 20:12: I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened, and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, accordi…

Here take notice of two things: 1. The process in law (Revelation 20:12): "The books were opened." It is a metaphor taken from the manner of our courts of judicature, where there is the whole process, every circumstance traversed, and the witnesses examined.

The third thing to come, is, His Charge read: I will reprove you, and set your sins in order before you (Psalm 50:21). As God has a bottle for tears, so he has a book to register men's sins (Revelation 20:12). The books were opened.

3. If infants be born without sin, as Anabaptists teach, they die, and go either to Heaven — and so Christ took not on him their nature, and is not their Savior — or they go to everlasting torment, and yet never sinned, which is repugnant to Divine Justice; or to some third plac…

Answer: The Law and Covenant of Works is a rule of everlasting righteousness, and so may be called an everlasting righteousness containing precepts of the Law of nature intrinsically good, such as to know, love, fear, and trust in him as the only true God: and in this sense it i…

Though he has lost his sanctity, yet not his knowledge: Though he has lost his breastplate, yet not his headpiece. He has wit enough to deceive the Nations, Revelation 20.3. His understanding is nimble, and being compared with ours, is like the swift flight of an Eagle, compared…

1. It is Sulfurous, it is mixed with brimstone, Revelation 21:8. which is unsavory and suffocating. 2. It is unextinguishable; though the wicked shall be choked in the flames, yet not consumed, Revelation 20:10. And the Devil was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where t…

2. The severity of Hell torment. It is expressed by a lake of Fire, Revelation 20.15. Fire is the most torturing Element.

There are two things especially in hell to torment. 1. Fire, Revelation 20:15. It is called a lake of burning fire, Augustine, Peter Lombard, Gregory the Great, say, this fire of hell is a material fire, though they say it is infinitely hotter than any culinary fire; that is but…

What if the word everlasting be in two instances applied to the fire of hell? In other instances it is applied to the punishment, to the destruction, to the smoke of the torment, and to the torment itself of the damned, Revelation 20:10, "And" [they] shall be tormented, day and…

The present state of the fallen angels is a state of torment to a certain degree. They "believe and tremble:" "They are reserved in chains under darkness, to the judgment of the great day," (Jude 6): "They are cast down to hell," (2 Peter 2:4): "The devil that deceived them, was…

3. The saints at death shall not only have a sight of God, but shall enjoy the love of God; there shall be no more veil on God's face, nor his smiles checkered with frowns, but God's love shall discover itself in all its radiant beauty and fragrant sweetness. Here the saints pra…

Lumen actuat colores: Light adorns and gilds the world: What were the world without light, but a prison? The heavenly inheritance is irradiated with light: Christ as a continual sun enlightens it with his beams (Revelation 21:23). 2. To an inheritance incorruptible: It does not…

The wicked stumble at a Savior, and suck death from the tree of life. 4. Without being new creatures, we cannot arrive at heaven (Revelation 21:27). There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defiles.

The kingdom God gives his adopted sons and heirs excels all earthly monarchies: 1. In riches (Revelation 21:21): the gates of pearl, and the streets of pure gold, and as it were transparent glass. 2. In tranquility; it is peaceable, the white lily of peace is the best flower of…

If a physician could give you a prescription to keep you from dying, what sums of money would you give? At the Resurrection Christ will give the saints such a prescription (Revelation 21:4). There shall be no more death.

A father may be fallen to decay, and have nothing to leave his son but his blessing; but God will settle an inheritance on his children, and an inheritance no less than a kingdom; (Luke 17:32) It is your Father's good pleasure to give you a kingdom. This kingdom is more glorious…

On the Sabbath we are doing angels' work, our tongues are tuned to God's praises. This Sabbath on earth is a shadow and type of that glorious rest and eternal Sabbath we hope for in heaven, when God shall be the temple, and the Lamb shall be the light of it (Revelation 21:22-23).

Heaven is the extract and quintessence of happiness. It is called a kingdom (Matthew 25:34) — a kingdom for its riches and magnificence: it is set out by precious stones, gates of pearl (Revelation 21). There is all that is truly glorious, transparent light, perfect love, unstai…

If a Cardinal put his red hat upon the head of a murderer going to execution, he is saved from death. But let all impenitent murderers read their doom (Revelation 21:8). Murderers shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: this is the second death.

The painter going to draw the picture of Helena, as not being able to draw her beauty to the life, drew her face covered with a veil. So when we speak of the kingdom of heaven, we must draw a veil, we cannot set it forth in all its brilliant beauty and magnificence; gold and pea…

(1.) A stately palace. 1. It is large and has several stories; for the dimensions of it, it is twelve thousand furlongs (Revelation 21:15), or as it is in some Greek copies, twelve times twelve thousand furlongs, a finite number put for an infinite; no arithmetician can number t…

What glory can God have by a proud, ignorant, profane heart? 3. If God should pardon and not sanctify, then that should enter into heaven that defiles, but (Revelation 21:27): "Nothing shall enter that defiles." Then God should settle the inheritance upon men before they are fit…

Moses slighted the honors of Pharaoh's Court, having an eye to the recompense of reward (Hebrews 11:26). Saint Paul who had a vision of glory, and Saint John who was carried away in the Spirit, and saw the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven, having the glory of God in it (R…

2. Everlasting and eternal. First, the state of the Elect in heaven, and their glory there, is not subject to corruption, or the least alteration; as appears in that notable and lofty description of the heavenly Jerusalem, Apocalypse 21:14, and from the 10th verse, to the 21st:…

Surely, we must follow Moses, and labor to see him that is invisible, by faith. This will make us courageous, and without fear in Gods cause; remembering this also, that among those which are reckoned to go down to hell, the fearful man is one, (Revelation 21.8) who dares not st…

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Revelation 21:6. I will give to him which is athirst, of the well of the water of life freely.

We for our parts deny it, as having no warrant in the word of God, which mentions only two places for men after this life — heaven and hell — with the twofold condition thereof: joy and torment. Luke 16:25-26; John 3:36; Revelation 22:14-15; Revelation 21:7-8; Matthew 8:11. Nay,…

4. They are called His seed, in respect of the portion which they get from Him; the Apostle says, that parents provide for their children; it is indeed eminently so here, believers come under His care, oversight, and tutelage; and as a man provides for his household, his childre…

There are shortly three things comprehended in this doctrine, (speaking now of unbelief, not only as opposite to historical faith, which we commonly call infidelity, but as it's opposite to saving faith, which we show is that which is called for here:) 1. That unbelief, or not r…

The heaven of glory is called the holy heaven (Psalm 20:6). The Lord will hear from his holy heaven, and the new Jerusalem the Church, has a brave crown on her head (Revelation 21:10-11). She comes down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God.

There was a serpent, a tempter in Paradise, but there is none in Heaven; the devil is shut out, and the old man is left in the grave never to rise more. 2. There is not the least evil of affliction (Revelation 21:4): All tears shall be wiped away from their eyes. Whatever is pai…

Math. 5. 6. Rev 21:6. In the fourth place, here is set downe the Meanes of spirituall life, in these words, And in that I now liue in the flesh, I liue by the faith of the sonne of God, who has loued me, and given himselfe for me.

In him are hidden all treasures of wisdom, and knowledge (Colossians 2). God and the Lamb are all things to all the Elect in the kingdom of heaven (Revelation 21). Here we see the right way to become rich: and that is, above all things to seek to be true and lively members of Ch…

For the company of them that dwell in heaven by their faith, cannot be discerned by the eye. John saw the heavenly Jerusalem descending from heaven, yet not with the bodily eye, but in spirit (Revelation 21:10). The things which make the Catholic Church to be the Church, namely,…

The words in the originall translated save, are exceptiue: as if he should say, I will glorie in nothing except in the crosse of Christ: and exclusiue, onely in the crosse of Christ, and in nothing els. Albeit they are sometime aduersatiue, as Gal 2:16. and Apoc 21:27. There sha…

3. At that day of his appearing, all these shadows will instantly be done away: there will not one tear be left on any believer's cheeks, there will be no affliction or desertion to hide him from them, but they shall be forever with him. There will then be no ordinances, nor tem…

5. The form is suitable also, he made the pillars thereof (says she) of silver; pillars in a piece of work signify, 1. Decorating. 2. Orderliness. 3. Stateliness, for which cause when wisdom builds her house (Proverbs 9:1-2) she hews out seven pillars; and Solomon made pillars f…

But it must be some excellent thing that is meant, as the commendation annexed clears. His head is as the most fine gold: In the original, there are two words indifferently made use of, to signify gold, the first because of its shining brightness and beauty; The second is applie…

3. It respects her provision and expectation; that she is provided for, waited upon, and to be dealt with, and even dalted, not as children of mean persons, but of princes, to whom it is her father's good pleasure to give a Kingdom, and such a one as is undefiled, and fades not…

2. These figures and similitudes, have their own use, to make us the better take up, and understand the spiritual things which are represented by them; when in a manner, he condescends to illustrate them by similitudes, and so to teach (as it were) to our senses, things which ar…

Fourthly, consider, how dreadfully God has threatened it with eternal death; scarce any one sin more expressly and particularly. (Revelation 21:27) Without, even in outer darkness, are dogs, and murderers, and idolaters, and whatever loves, or makes a lie. Fifthly, a lie shows a…

Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters (Revelation 22:15). And it were well with them, if all their punishment were only to be left without: but there is a lake of fire prepared for them, into which they shall be cast and plunged, the fir…

Lying was one sin of Israel, for which their land did mourn (Hosea 14:2, 3). And God threatens to give all liars their part in that lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8). Methinks that one place should make all liars to tremble.

Take heed of this sin in time; lay aside lying before it grows into a custom, which will be hard to leave. Old ones, break off this sin, before you be dragged by the chain of this sin into the fire of hell, which is the threatened punishment thereof (Revelation 21:8). Be not too…

But when we ascend to the heavenly kingdom, this mantle of sin shall drop off. That kingdom is so pure, that it will not mix with any corruption (Revelation 21:27). A sinful thought shall not creep in there.

The work by which this was to be done, was begun immediately after the fall, and so is carried on till all is finished at the end, when the whole world, heaven and earth, shall be restored; and there shall be, as it were, new heavens, and a new earth, in a spiritual sense, at th…

Alpha and Omega are the names of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, as A and Z are of ours; and therefore it signifies the same as his being the first and the last, and the beginning and the ending. Thus God is called in the beginning of this book of Revelation, b…

Therefore we may suppose, that immediately on the fall of man, it was made known in heaven among the angels, that God had a design of redemption with respect to fallen man, and that Christ had now taken upon him the office and work of a mediator between God and man, that they mi…

Now Christ the great Redeemer shall be most perfectly glorified, and God the Father shall be glorified in him, and the Holy Ghost shall be most fully glorified in the perfection of his work upon the hearts of all the church. And now shall that new heaven and new earth, or that r…

Compare Deuteronomy 9:23. By these waters, says judicious Mr. Strong, understand the doctrine of the Gospel; as (Revelation 21:2) a river of water of life, clear as crystal. Hic fluvius est uberima doctrina Christi, says Mr. [reconstructed: Brightman].

Which promise is again renewed to his churches of the New Testament (2 Corinthians 6:16). And when the churches shall be in their greatest flourish, and purity, then shall there be the fullest and most glorious manifestation of the divine presence among them (Revelation 21:3): A…

The Harlots guests are lodged in the depths of Hell, Proverbs 9:18. No more perfumed beds; they must now lie down in flames. Whoremongers shall have their part in the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone; which is the second death, Revelation 21:1. Such shall not inherit the…

Expressly they are the sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty, and they only, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. All others are excluded, Revelation 21:27. It is true that sometimes unfit persons creep unawares into the great house of God, so that in it are not only vessels of gold and…

This is that light that can break into the darkest dungeons, from which all other lights and comforts are shut out, and without this, all other enjoyments are, what the world would be, without the Sun, nothing but darkness. Happy they who have this light of divine favor and grac…

See how men hurry up and down, over sea, and land unwearied in their pursuit with hazard of life, and often with the loss of uprightness, and a good conscience; and not only thus esteem it in itself; but make it the rule of their esteem, one of another, valuing men less, or more…

Likewise those apprehensions of wrath due to sin, and sights of Hell as it were, that He brings some to, either at or after their conversion, make for this same end. That glorious description of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:16) is abundantly delightful in itself, and yet the…

That's our happiness in the next world where immediate influences and virtue does pass out from him. In heaven there is no temple (Revelation 21:22). But the Lamb is the temple of it.

1. The Scripture condemns all without restriction (Ephesians 4:25): "Therefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor." Revelation 21:8: all liars are shut out of the new Jerusalem — "And all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and…

Zwingli said, Ad aras Iovis & Veneris adorare, & sub Antichristo fidem occultare idem est: As well worship before the altars of Jupiter and Venus, as hide our faith under Antichrist. Fear and weakness excuse not; the fearful and unbelieving are put with murderers, and sorcerers…

But God is all to us, health, wealth, peace, honor, grace and glory; all things are yours, because you are Christ's and Christ is God's, so runs the Christian charter; there is omne bonum in summo bono, all things in the chiefest good. So (Revelation 21:7) He that overcomes shal…

The saints at Death shall have a royal banquet, shadowed out in Scripture by a marriage supper (Revelation 19:9). Bullinger and Gregory the Great understand by that marriage supper of the Lamb, the stately magnificent festival the saints shall have in Heaven; they shall feed on…

In uno Christo Angelus faederis completur, Fagius. The Angel of the Covenant (Malachi 3:1), a Lamp (2 Samuel 22:29), the bright Morning-star (Revelation 22:16). Jesus Christ is the great Prophet of his church; the woman of Samaria gave a shrewd guess (John 4:19).

3. In stability; other kingdoms are corruptible, though they have heads of gold, yet feet of clay: but this kingdom into which the saints are adopted runs parallel with eternity; it is a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28). The heirs of heaven reign for ever and ever (…

This is to tax God's wisdom, as if he knew not how to make his own law. And surely it is a high provoking sin (Revelation 22:18). If any man shall add to these words, God shall add to him the plagues written in this book.

And if you search through the whole Bible, there is no one sin that God has more followed with plagues than idolatry; the Jews have a saying, that in every evil which befalls them, there is uncia aurei vituli, an ounce of the golden calf in it. Hell is a place for idolaters (Rev…

How does this sin incense God? — he struck Ananias dead for telling a lie (Acts 5:5). The furnace of hell is heated to throw liars into (Revelation 22:15): "Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and whoever loves and tells a lie." 9. The evil tongue is the flatterin…

It gives us an exact model of religion, and perfectly instructs us in the deep things of God. The Papists therefore make themselves guilty, who go to seek out Scripture with their traditions, which they equalize it: the Council of Trent says, that the traditions of the Church of…

How can you converse with him whom you cannot believe what he says? Lying shuts men out of heaven (Revelation 22:25). Without are dogs, and whoever loves and makes a lie.

It will be a glorious appearing to the saints, when their union with Christ shall be complete, then their joy shall be full. The bride longs for the marriage day: the Spirit and the bride say come, even so come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:17). By this sacred love we may know the k…

8. If you would hear aright, practice what you hear; practice is the life of all. (Revelation 22:14): Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life. Bare hearing will be no plea at the day of judgment.

The furnace of hell is heated for liars. Without are sorcerers, and whoever loves and makes a lie (Revelation 22:15). Oh abhor this sin!

As a man follows his gain with delight. Revelation 22:15: Without are dogs, and whoever loves and makes a lie. To tell a lie is a sin, but to love to tell a lie is a greater sin.

And this willingness to show mercy appears two ways: 1. By his entreating of sinners to come and lay hold on his mercy (Revelation 22:17): Whoever will, come and take the water of life freely. Mercy woos sinners, it even kneels down to them.

There is the best air which is perfumed with the odors of Christ's ointments; and a most pleasant prospect of the bright morning star. 4. The palace is rich and sumptuous; it has gates of pearl (Revelation 21:21), it is enriched with white robes and crowns of glory; and this pal…

God will be as a deep sea of blessedness, and the glorified Saints shall forever bathe themselves in that ocean. One day's wearing the crown will abundantly pay for all the Saints' sufferings — how much more than when they shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). O let t…

A prince that travels in foreign parts, does he not long to be in his own nation, that he may be crowned? The bride desires the marriage day: (Revelation 22:17) The Spirit and the bride say, Come: Even so come Lord Jesus. Sure our unwillingness to go hence shows either the weakn…

Does not the Bride long for the Marriage day? The Spirit and the Bride say come, even so come Lord Jesus, Revelation 22.17. By this let us try our Love to Christ.

But some may say, how shall a man so prepare himself, that he may be fit for that place? Answer: This the Holy Ghost teaches us: for speaking of this heavenly Jerusalem, he says (Revelation 22), "There shall enter into it none unclean thing, neither whatever works abomination or…

We for our parts deny it, as having no warrant in the word of God, which mentions only two places for men after this life — heaven and hell — with the twofold condition thereof: joy and torment. Luke 16:25-26; John 3:36; Revelation 22:14-15; Revelation 21:7-8; Matthew 8:11. Nay,…

It says this much, that God in the gospel sets forth, as in a market, to sinners, rich and rare wares, and good cheap, or at very low and easy rates; and that believing is like buying up of the wares; life eternal is held out on condition of believing on Christ, and the poor sin…

There are some things here, that may be passingly hinted at, and then we shall come more closely and particularly to the words. 1. Then observe, that it is a privilege and prerogative to be God's servant; therefore it is mentioned here as a piece of the mediator's privilege; It…

2. Consider the freeness of the offer, which takes in many — our Lord communicates very freely, what He has bought very dear: and it's done with respect to His taking in of many, to take away all exceptions from the poor and needy, and from them that want money. 3. As the terms…

And (Isaiah 55:1), those who are invited to come to the cried fair of grace are such as are thirsty, and such as lack money; who among men are used to be excluded, but in Grace's market they only are welcome, it is to them that grace says, come. And (Revelation 22:17), "Whoever…

(3) From the experience they have had of the Lord's dealing with their souls, and the love of God spread abroad in the heart, by the Holy Ghost: (Romans 5:3-5). (4) From a sincere aim and respect to all the commandments of God (Psalm 119:6; Acts 24:16; 1 John 3:20-21; 1 Thessalo…

It is here, as if Christ's rich grace and our extreme wickedness should strive, who should descend to the lowest room in Hell, the latter to destroy, the former to save; and here Christ defies the sinner, to be more wicked than he can be gracious. 5. Christ in the Gospel, as a g…

Whereas otherwise in other respects, an angel would have been a higher and more glorious High Priest than a man. Now the angels being fellow-servants with us, (as the angel called himself, Revelation 22:9) they have affections towards us more assimilated to ours than God has; an…

The angel deprecates and detests it (Revelation 19:10): "And I fell at his feet, to worship him, and he said to me, see you do it not, for I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren, that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God." So (Revelation 22:9): "I fell down to worshi…

Paul and Barnabas when they heard this, rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out and saying, Sirs! why do you these things — we also are men of like passions with you, etc. Or to angels (Revelation 22:8). When John fell at the angel's feet to worship him, he s…

And (Psalm 15:2) he shall rest in the mountain of God, who speaks the truth from his heart. Lastly, destruction is the liar's reward (Psalm 5:6): God will destroy them that speak lies: and they must have their portion in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 22…

3. Liars bear the image of the devil; he is the father of lies (John 8:44); so often then as you lie, you make your tongue the instrument of the devil. 4. Eternal punishment in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 22:15). Here mark, that liars are entertained…

And again, doubtless there is a reward for the righteous, doubtless there is a God that judges the earth (Psalm 10:18; Psalm 58:11). Again, this condemns the damnable opinion of atheists, who think all things come to pass by nature, or fortune; and that doomsday is but a dream:…

The use of such epithets may not be easily reconciled to the refinements of modern taste; but, three centuries ago, few readers would be startled by them, and they are much more sparingly employed by Calvin than by many of his contemporaries. Not to mention that Paul says, Bewar…

With respect to the cry I view it as taken metaphorically for his sudden arrival; for we know, that when anything new and unexpected happens, men are wont to make a loud noise. True, indeed, our Lord cries daily, that he will come quickly, (Revelation 22:20;) but at that time, t…

God the Father invites you: this is the king who has made a marriage for his son, and he sends forth his servants, the ministers of the gospel, to invite the guests. And the Son himself invites you; and God's ministers invite you; and all the church invites you; and there will b…

Thus in some places he is called a Sun (Malachi 4:2); in others a Star (Numbers 24:17). And he is especially represented by the morning star, as being that which excels all other stars in brightness, and is the forerunner of the day (Revelation 22:16). And as in our text he is c…

Revelation 22:21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. It is very remarkable that the old testament ends with the word curse; whereby we are taught that the law made nothing perfect: but blessed be God, the new testament ends otherwise, even a precious bless…

Civil worship when it is excessive and goes too far is sinful; as in (Acts 10:25), Luke relates that as soon as Peter came in, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet and worshipped him; the worship was to Peter, for we are not to think that Cornelius was so grossly ignorant as t…

2. That this is the great scope and desire of a believer, if they had their choice, it's to have sensible communion with Christ: This is their one thing (Psalm 27:4). It's the first and last suit of this Song, and the voice of the Spirit and Bride, and the last prayer that is in…

2. All these are rich, like the most fine gold. 3. If there be a season (to speak so) wherein these perfections may be conceived more lovely and shining than another (for in themselves they are ever the same) they are so in our Lord Jesus Christ; it is ever harvest, summer and y…

The invitation she gives him, is, Come my Beloved; Come, is a word much used between Christ and the believer, and is a kindly word. He says, Come (Song of Solomon 2:10), and now she uses the same word; Her putting up this desire, expresses a desire of communion and nearness with…

6. The Bridegroom gives his farewell-request to her, verse 13. Which, seventhly and lastly, she meets with the ardent expression and putting up of her first, last, and great suit to him, to wit, that he would make haste, that is, hasten his coming for completing her happiness, b…

This law is the very gate of heaven; and the two tables, are the two leaves of it. We shall never enter into it, but only through these (Revelation 22:14): Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates…

No, the New Jerusalem which is above, is a holy city, and no unclean thing shall ever enter into it. Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters (Revelation 22:15). And it were well with them, if all their punishment were only to be left witho…

The sum of what Christ has purchased for us, is that spring of water spoken of in the former of those places, and those rivers of living water spoken of in the latter. And the sum of the blessings, which the redeemed shall receive in heaven, is that river of water of life, that…

It is said of the almond-tree (of which Aaron's rod was) that the rind thereof is bitter, but the kernel is very delicious, and the oil pressed out of it very physical, and of much virtue; just such are the chastising words of a plain-dealing ministry, bitter at present, but pro…

The heavenly kingdom abounds with riches (Revelation 21:21): "The twelve gates were twelve pearls." Earthly kingdoms are forced to traffic abroad for gold and spices: in the kingdom of God are all rarities to be had, all commodities of its own growth; therefore figured by the tr…

So chapter 33:15, "In those days, and at that time, I will cause the branch of righteousness to grow up to David, and he shall execute judgement and righteousness in the land." So Christ in the New Testament, is called the root and offspring of David, Revelation 22:16. It is obs…

O this is a sad case, and yet very common! Many persons are thus given over; as incorrigible and hopeless (Revelation 22:11). "Let him that is filthy, be filthy still." Jeremiah 6:29: "Reprobate silver shall men call them, for the Lord has rejected them."

But the church is the Paradise of the earth, a garden enclosed (Song of Solomon 4:12), in whose hedges the gospel-birds chirp and sing melodiously (Song of Solomon 2:12). Its beds, are beds of spices (Song of Solomon 6:2), and between its pleasant banks, a crystal river of livin…

"You are come to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels," etc. And ([reconstructed: Revelation 22:4]) "They shall see his face, and his name shall be written in their foreheads." And verse 24, the saints are represented, standing nearer to the throne of…