BibleWare/BibWare.bin/bibref/mhc.exe/RE.TXT

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** The Book of the Revelation of St. John consists of two
principal divisions. 1. Relates to "the things which are," that
is, the then present state of the church, and contains the
epistle of John to the seven churches, and his account of the
appearance of the Lord Jesus, and his direction to the apostle
to write what he beheld, ch. #1:9-20|. Also the addresses or
epistles to seven churches of Asia. These, doubtless, had
reference to the state of the respective churches, as they then
existed, but contain excellent precepts and exhortations,
commendations and reproofs, promises and threatenings, suitable
to instruct the Christian church at all times. 2. Contains a
prophecy of "the things which shall be hereafter," and describes
the future state of the church, from the time when the apostle
beheld the visions here recorded. It is intended for our
spiritual improvement; to warn the careless sinner, point out
the way of salvation to the awakened inquirer, build up the weak
believer, comfort the afflicted and tempted Christian, and, we
may especially add, to strengthen the martyr of Christ, under
the cruel persecutions and sufferings inflicted by Satan and his
followers.

* The Divine origin, the design, and the importance of this
book. (1-3) The apostle John salutes the seven churches of Asia.
(4-8) Declares when, where, and how, the revelation was made to
him. (9-11) His vision, in which he saw Christ appear. (12-20)

#1-3 This book is the Revelation of Jesus Christ; the whole
Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ, and all
relates to him. Its principal subject is to discover the
purposes of God concerning the affairs of the church, and of the
nations as connected therewith, to the end of the world. These
events would surely come to pass; and they would begin to come
to pass very shortly. Though Christ is himself God, and has
light and life in himself, yet, as Mediator between God and man,
he receives instructions from the Father. To him we owe the
knowledge of what we are to expect from God, and what he expects
from us. The subject of this revelation was, the things that
must shortly come to pass. On all who read or hear the words of
the prophecy, a blessing is pronounced. Those are well employed
who search the Bible. It is not enough that we read and hear,
but we must keep the things that are written, in our memories,
in our minds, in our affections, and in practice, and we shall
be blessed in the deed. Even the mysteries and difficulties of
this book are united with discoveries of God, suited to impress
the mind with awe, and to purify the soul of the reader, though
he may not discern the prophetic meaning. No part of Scripture
more fully states the gospel, and warns against the evil of sin.

#4-8 There can be no true peace, where there is not true grace;
and where grace goeth before, peace will follow. This blessing
is in the name of God, of the Holy Trinity, it is an act of
adoration. The Father is first named; he is described as the
Jehovah who is, and who was, and who is to come, eternal,
unchangeable. The Holy Spirit is called the seven spirits, the
perfect Spirit of God, in whom there is a diversity of gifts and
operations. The Lord Jesus Christ was from eternity, a Witness
to all the counsels of God. He is the First-born from the dead,
who will by his own power raise up his people. He is the Prince
of the kings of the earth; by him their counsels are overruled,
and to him they are accountable. Sin leaves a stain of guilt and
pollution upon the soul. Nothing can fetch out this stain but
the blood of Christ; and Christ shed his own blood to satisfy
Divine justice, and purchase pardon and purity for his people.
Christ has made believers kings and priests to God and his
Father. As such they overcome the world, mortify sin, govern
their own spirits, resist Satan, prevail with God in prayer, and
shall judge the world. He has made them priests, given them
access to God, enabled them to offer spiritual and acceptable
sacrifices, and for these favours they are bound to ascribe to
him dominion and glory for ever. He will judge the world.
Attention is called to that great day when all will see the
wisdom and happiness of the friends of Christ, and the madness
and misery of his enemies. Let us think frequently upon the
second coming of Christ. He shall come, to the terror of those
who wound and crucify him by apostacy: he shall come, to the
astonishment of the whole world of the ungodly. He is the
Beginning and the End; all things are from him and for him; he
is the Almighty; the same eternal and unchanged One. And if we
would be numbered with his saints in glory everlasting, we must
now willing submit to him receive him, and honour him as a
saviour, who we believe will come to be our Judge. Alas, that
there should be many, who would wish never to die, and that
there should not be a day of judgment!

#9-11 It was the apostle's comfort that he did not suffer as an
evil-doer, but for the testimony of Jesus, for bearing witness
to Christ as the Immanuel, the Saviour; and the Spirit of glory
and of God rested upon this persecuted apostle. The day and time
when he had this vision was the Lord's day, the Christian
sabbath, the first day of the week, observed in remembrance of
the resurrection of Christ. Let us who call him "Our Lord,"
honour him on his own day. The name shows how this sacred day
should be observed; the Lord's day should be wholly devoted to
the Lord, and none of its hours employed in a sensual, worldly
manner, or in amusements. He was in a serious, heavenly,
spiritual frame, under the gracious influences of the Spirit of
God. Those who would enjoy communion with God on the Lord's day,
must seek to draw their thoughts and affections from earthly
things. And if believers are kept on the Lord's holy day, from
public ordinances and the communion of saints, by necessity and
not by choice, they may look for comfort in meditation and
secret duties, from the influences of the Spirit; and by hearing
the voice and contemplating the glory of their beloved Saviour,
from whose gracious words and power no confinement or outward
circumstances can separate them. An alarm was given as with the
sound of the trumpet, and then the apostle heard the voice of
Christ.

#12-20 The churches receive their light from Christ and the
gospel, and hold it forth to others. They are golden
candlesticks; they should be precious and pure; not only the
ministers, but the members of the churches; their light should
so shine before men, as to engage others to give glory to God.
And the apostle saw as though of the Lord Jesus Christ appeared
in the midst of the golden candlesticks. He is with his churches
always, to the end of the world, filling them with light, and
life, and love. He was clothed with a robe down to the feet,
perhaps representing his righteousness and priesthood, as
Mediator. This vest was girt with a golden girdle, which may
denote how precious are his love and affection for his people.
His head and hairs white like wool and as snow, may signify his
majesty, purity, and eternity. His eyes as a flame of fire, may
represent his knowledge of the secrets of all hearts, and of the
most distant events. His feet like fine brass burning in a
furnace, may denote the firmness of his appointments, and the
excellence of his proceedings. His voice as the sound of many
waters, may represent the power of his word, to remove or to
destroy. The seven stars were emblems of the ministers of the
seven churches to which the apostle was ordered to write, and
whom Christ upheld and directed. The sword represented his
justice, and his word, piercing to the dividing asunder of soul
and spirit, #Heb 4:12|. His countenance was like the sun, when
it shines clearly and powerfully; its strength too bright and
dazzling for mortal eyes to behold. The apostle was overpowered
with the greatness of the lustre and glory in which Christ
appeared. We may well be contented to walk by faith, while here
upon earth. The Lord Jesus spake words of comfort; Fear not.
Words of instruction; telling who thus appeared. And his Divine
nature; the First and the Last. His former sufferings; I was
dead: the very same whom his disciples saw upon the cross. His
resurrection and life; I have conquered death, and am partaker
of endless life. His office and authority; sovereign dominion in
and over the invisible world, as the Judge of all, from whose
sentence there is no appeal. Let us listen to the voice of
Christ, and receive the tokens of his love, for what can he
withhold from those for whose sins he has died? May we then obey
his word, and give up ourselves wholly to him who directs all
things aright.
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* Epistles to the churches in Asia, with warnings and
encouragements, To the church at Ephesus; (1-7) at Smyrna;
(8-11) at Pergamos; (12-17) and at Thyatira. (18-29)

#1-7 These churches were in such different states as to purity
of doctrine and the power of godliness, that the words of Christ
to them will always suit the cases of other churches, and
professors. Christ knows and observes their state; though in
heaven, yet he walks in the midst of his churches on earth,
observing what is wrong in them, and what they want. The church
of Ephesus is commended for diligence in duty. Christ keeps an
account of every hour's work his servants do for him, and their
labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. But it is not enough
that we are diligent; there must be bearing patience, and there
must be waiting patience. And though we must show all meekness
to all men, yet we must show just zeal against their sins. The
sin Christ charged this church with, is, not the having left and
forsaken the object of love, but having lost the fervent degree
of it that at first appeared. Christ is displeased with his
people, when he sees them grow remiss and cold toward him.
Surely this mention in Scripture, of Christians forsaking their
first love, reproves those who speak of it with carelessness,
and thus try to excuse indifference and sloth in themselves and
others; our Saviour considers this indifference as sinful. They
must repent: they must be grieved and ashamed for their sinful
declining, and humbly confess it in the sight of God. They must
endeavour to recover their first zeal, tenderness, and
seriousness, and must pray as earnestly, and watch as
diligently, as when they first set out in the ways of God. If
the presence of Christ's grace and Spirit is slighted, we may
expect the presence of his displeasure. Encouraging mention is
made of what was good among them. Indifference as to truth and
error, good and evil, may be called charity and meekness, but it
is not so; and it is displeasing to Christ. The Christian life
is a warfare against sin, Satan, the world, and the flesh. We
must never yield to our spiritual enemies, and then we shall
have a glorious triumph and reward. All who persevere, shall
derive from Christ, as the Tree of life, perfection and
confirmation in holiness and happiness, not in the earthly
paradise, but in the heavenly. This is a figurative expression,
taken from the account of the garden of Eden, denoting the pure,
satisfactory, and eternal joys of heaven; and the looking
forward to them in this world, by faith, communion with Christ,
and the consolations of the Holy Spirit. Believers, take your
wrestling life here, and expect and look for a quiet life
hereafter; but not till then: the word of God never promises
quietness and complete freedom from conflict here.

#8-11 Our Lord Jesus is the First, for by him were all things
made; he was before all things, with God, and is God himself. He
is the Last, for he will be the Judge of all. As this First and
Last, who was dead and is alive, is the believer's Brother and
Friend, he must be rich in the deepest poverty, honourable
amidst the lowest abasement, and happy under the heaviest
tribulation, like the church of Smyrna. Many who are rich as to
this world, are poor as to the next; and some who are poor
outwardly, are inwardly rich; rich in faith, in good works, rich
in privileges, rich in gifts, rich in hope. Where there is
spiritual plenty, outward poverty may be well borne; and when
God's people are made poor as to this life, for the sake of
Christ and a good conscience, he makes all up to them in
spiritual riches. Christ arms against coming troubles. Fear none
of these things; not only forbid slavish fear, but subdue it,
furnishing the soul with strength and courage. It should be to
try them, not to destroy them. Observe, the sureness of the
reward; "I will give thee:" they shall have the reward from
Christ's own hand. Also, how suitable it is; "a crown of life:"
the life worn out in his service, or laid down in his cause,
shall be rewarded with a much better life, which shall be
eternal. The second death is unspeakably worse than the first
death, both in the agonies of it, and as it is eternal death: it
is indeed awful to die, and to be always dying. If a man is kept
from the second death and wrath to come, he may patiently endure
whatever he meets with in this world.

#12-17 The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and
sinners. It turns and cuts every way; but the believer need not
fear this sword; yet this confidence cannot be supported without
steady obedience. As our Lord notices all the advantages and
opportunities we have for duty in the places where we dwell, so
he notices our temptations and discouragements from the same
causes. In a situation of trials, the church of Pergamos had not
denied the faith, either by open apostacy, or by giving way so
as to avoid the cross. Christ commends their stedfastness, but
reproves their sinful failures. A wrong view of gospel doctrine
and Christian liberty, was a root of bitterness from which evil
practices grew. Repentance is the duty of churches and bodies of
men, as well as of particular persons; those who sin together,
should repent together. Here is the promise of favour to those
that overcome. The influences and comforts of the Spirit of
Christ, come down from heaven into the soul, for its support.
This is hidden from the rest of the world. The new name is the
name of adoption; when the Holy Spirit shows his own work in the
believer's soul, this new name and its real import are
understood by him.

#18-29 Even when the Lord knows the works of his people to be
wrought in love, faith, zeal, and patience; yet if his eyes,
which are as a flame of fire, observe them committing or
allowing what is evil, he will rebuke, correct, or punish them.
Here is praise of the ministry and people of Thyatira, by One
who knew the principles from which they acted. They grew wiser
and better. All Christians should earnestly desire that their
last works may be their best works. Yet this church connived at
some wicked seducers. God is known by the judgments he executes;
and by this upon seducers, he shows his certain knowledge of the
hearts of men, of their principles, designs, frame, and temper.
Encouragement is given to those who kept themselves pure and
undefiled. It is dangerous to despise the mystery of God, and as
dangerous to receive the mysteries of Satan. Let us beware of
the depths of Satan, of which those who know the least are the
most happy. How tender Christ is of his faithful servants! He
lays nothing upon his servants but what is for their good. There
is promise of an ample reward to the persevering, victorious
believer; also knowledge and wisdom, suitable to their power and
dominion. Christ brings day with him into the soul, the light of
grace and of glory, in the presence and enjoyment of him their
Lord and Saviour. After every victory let us follow up our
advantage against the enemy, that we may overcome and keep the
works of Christ to the end.
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* Epistles to the church at Sardis; (1-6) at Philadelphia;
(7-13) and Laodicea. (14-22)

#1-6. The Lord Jesus is He that hath the Holy Spirit with all
his powers, graces, and operations. Hypocrisy, and lamentable
decay in religion, are sins charged upon Sardis, by One who knew
that church well, and all her works. Outward things appeared
well to men, but there was only the form of godliness, not the
power; a name to live, not a principle of life. There was great
deadness in their souls, and in their services; numbers were
wholly hypocrites, others were in a disordered and lifeless
state. Our Lord called upon them to be watchful against their
enemies, and to be active and earnest in their duties; and to
endeavour, in dependence on the grace of the Holy Spirit, to
revive and strengthen the faith and spiritual affections of
those yet alive to God, though in a declining state. Whenever we
are off our watch, we lose ground. Thy works are hollow and
empty; prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds
not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with
suitable devotion of soul to God. There are not inward
affections suitable to outward acts and expressions; when the
spirit is wanting, the form cannot long remain. In seeking a
revival in our own souls, or the souls of others, it is needful
to compare what we profess with the manner in which we go on,
that we may be humbled and quickened to hold fast that which
remains. Christ enforces his counsel with a dreadful threatening
if it should be despised. Yet our blessed Lord does not leave
this sinful people without some encouragement. He makes
honourable mention of the faithful remnant in Sardis, he makes a
gracious promise to them. He that overcometh shall be clothed in
white raiment; the purity of grace shall be rewarded with the
perfect purity of glory. Christ has his book of life, a register
of all who shall inherit eternal life; the book of remembrance
of all who live to God, and keep up the life and power of
godliness in evil times. Christ will bring forward this book of
life, and show the names of the faithful, before God, and all
the angels, at the great day.

#7-13 The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and
authority in and over the church. He opens a door of opportunity
to his churches; he opens a door of utterance to his ministers;
he opens a door of entrance, opens the heart. He shuts the door
of heaven against the foolish, who sleep away their day of
grace; and against the workers of iniquity, how vain and
confident soever they may be. The church in Philadelphia is
commended; yet with a gentle reproof. Although Christ accepts a
little strength, yet believers must not rest satisfied in a
little, but strive to grow in grace, to be strong in faith,
giving glory to God. Christ can discover this his favour to his
people, so that their enemies shall be forced to acknowledge it.
This, by the grace of Christ, will soften their enemies, and
make them desire to be admitted into communion with his people.
Christ promises preserving grace in the most trying times, as
the reward of past faithfulness; To him that hath shall be
given. Those who keep the gospel in a time of peace, shall be
kept by Christ in an hour of temptation; and the same Divine
grace that has made them fruitful in times of peace, will make
them faithful in times of persecution. Christ promises a
glorious reward to the victorious believer. He shall be a
monumental pillar in the temple of God; a monument of the free
and powerful grace of God; a monument that shall never be
defaced or removed. On this pillar shall be written the new name
of Christ; by this will appear, under whom the believer fought
the good fight, and came off victorious.

#14-22 Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of
Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, "The Amen;" one steady
and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion
is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men
should be in earnest. How many professors of gospel doctrine are
neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful
matters, and hot and fiery in disputes about things of lesser
moment! A severe punishment is threatened. They would give a
false opinion of Christianity, as if it were an unholy religion;
while others would conclude it could afford no real
satisfaction, otherwise its professors would not have been
heartless in it, or so ready to seek pleasure or happiness from
the world. One cause of this indifference and inconsistency in
religion is, self-conceit and self-delusion; "Because thou
sayest." What a difference between their thoughts of themselves,
and the thoughts Christ had of them! How careful should we be
not to cheat our owns souls! There are many in hell, who once
thought themselves far in the way to heaven. Let us beg of God
that we may not be left to flatter and deceive ourselves.
Professors grow proud, as they become carnal and formal. Their
state was wretched in itself. They were poor; really poor, when
they said and thought they were rich. They could not see their
state, nor their way, nor their danger, yet they thought they
saw it. They had not the garment of justification, nor
sanctification: they were exposed to sin and shame; their rags
that would defile them. They were naked, without house or
harbour, for they were without God, in whom alone the soul of
man can find rest and safety. Good counsel was given by Christ
to this sinful people. Happy those who take his counsel, for all
others must perish in their sins. Christ lets them know where
they might have true riches, and how they might have them. Some
things must be parted with, but nothing valuable; and it is only
to make room for receiving true riches. Part with sin and
self-confidence, that you may be filled with his hidden
treasure. They must receive from Christ the white raiment he
purchased and provided for them; his own imputed righteousness
for justification, and the garments of holiness and
sanctification. Let them give themselves up to his word and
Spirit, and their eyes shall be opened to see their way and
their end. Let us examine ourselves by the rule of his word, and
pray earnestly for the teaching of his Holy Spirit, to take away
our pride, prejudices, and worldly lusts. Sinners ought to take
the rebukes of God's word and rod, as tokens of his love to
their souls. Christ stood without; knocking, by the dealings of
his providence, the warnings and teaching of his word, and the
influences of his Spirit. Christ still graciously, by his word
and Spirit, comes to the door of the hearts of sinners. Those
who open to him shall enjoy his presence. If what he finds would
make but a poor feast, what he brings will supply a rich one. He
will give fresh supplies of graces and comforts. In the
conclusion is a promise to the overcoming believer. Christ
himself had temptations and conflicts; he overcame them all, and
was more than a conqueror. Those made like to Christ in his
trials, shall be made like to him in glory. All is closed with
the general demand of attention. And these counsels, while
suited to the churches to which they were addressed, are deeply
interesting to all men.
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* A vision of God, as on his glorious throne, around which were
twenty-four elders and four living creatures. (1-8) Whose songs,
and those of the holy angels, the apostle heard. (9-11)

#1-8 After the Lord Jesus had instructed the apostle to write to
the churches "the things that are," there was another vision.
The apostle saw a throne set in heaven, an emblem of the
universal dominion of Jehovah. He saw a glorious One upon the
throne, not described by human features, so as to be represented
by a likeness or image, but only by his surpassing brightness.
These seem emblems of the excellence of the Divine nature, and
of God's awful justice. The rainbow is a fit emblem of that
covenant of promise which God has made with Christ, as the Head
of the church, and with all his people in him. The prevailing
colour was a pleasant green, showing the reviving and refreshing
nature of the new covenant. Four-and-twenty seats around the
throne, were filled with four-and-twenty elders, representing,
probably, the whole church of God. Their sitting denotes honour,
rest, and satisfaction; their sitting about the throne signifies
nearness to God, the sight and enjoyment they have of him. They
were clothed in white raiment; the imputed righteousness of the
saints and their holiness: they had on their heads crowns of
gold, signifying the glory they have with him. Lightnings and
voices came from the throne; the awful declarations God makes to
his church, of his sovereign will and pleasure. Seven lamps of
fire were burning before the throne; the gifts, graces, and
operations of the Spirit of God in the churches of Christ,
dispensed according to the will and pleasure of Him who sits
upon the throne. In the gospel church, the laver for
purification is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which
cleanses from all sin. In this all must be washed, to be
admitted into the gracious presence of God on earth, and his
glorious presence in heaven. The apostle saw four living
creatures, between the throne and the circle of the elders,
standing between God and the people. These seem to signify the
true ministers of the gospel, because of their place between God
and the people. This also is shown by the description given,
denoting wisdom, courage, diligence, and discretion, and the
affections by which they mount up toward heaven.

#9-11 All true believers wholly ascribe their redemption and
conversion, their present privileges and future hopes, to the
eternal and most holy God. Thus rise the for-ever harmonious,
thankful songs of the redeemed in heaven. Would we on earth do
like them, let our praises be constant, not interrupted; united,
not divided; thankful, not cold and formal; humble, not
self-confident.
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* A book sealed with seven seals, which could be opened by none
but Christ, who took the book to open it. (1-7) Upon which all
honour is ascribed to him, as worthy to open it. (8-14)

#1-7 The apostle saw in the hand of Him that sat upon the
throne, a roll of parchments in the form usual in those times,
and sealed with seven seals. This represented the secret
purposes of God about to be revealed. The designs and methods of
Divine Providence, toward the church and the world, are stated,
fixed, and made a matter of record. The counsels of God are
altogether hidden from the eye and understanding of the
creature. The several parts are not unsealed and opened at once,
but after each other, till the whole mystery of God's counsel
and conduct is finished in the world. The creatures cannot open
it, nor read it; the Lord only can do so. Those who see most of
God, are most desirous to see more; and those who have seen his
glory, desire to know his will. But even good men may be too
eager and hasty to look into the mysteries of the Divine
conduct. Such desires, if not soon answered, turn to grief and
sorrow. If John wept much because he could not look into the
book of God's decrees, what reason have many to shed floods of
tears for their ignorance of the gospel of Christ! of that on
which everlasting salvation depends! We need not weep that we
cannot foresee future events respecting ourselves in this world;
the eager expectation of future prospects, or the foresight of
future calamities, would alike unfit us for present duties and
conflicts, or render our prosperous days distressing. Yet we may
desire to learn, from the promises and prophecies of Scripture,
what will be the final event to believers and to the church; and
the Incarnate Son has prevailed, that we should learn all that
we need to know. Christ stands as Mediator between God and both
ministers and people. He is called a Lion, but he appears as a
Lamb slain. He appears with the marks of his sufferings, to show
that he pleads for us in heaven, in virtue of his satisfaction.
He appears as a Lamb, having seven horns and seven eyes; perfect
power to execute all the will of God, and perfect wisdom to
understand it, and to do it in the most effectual manner. The
Father put the book of his eternal counsels into the hand of
Christ, and Christ readily and gladly took it into his hand; for
he delights to make known the will of his Father; and the Holy
Spirit is given by him to reveal the truth and will of God.

#8-14 It is matter of joy to all the world, to see that God
deals with men in grace and mercy through the Redeemer. He
governs the world, not merely as a Creator, but as our Saviour.
The harps were instruments of praise; the vials were full of
odours, or incense, which signify the prayers of the saints:
prayer and praise should always go together. Christ has redeemed
his people from the bondage of sin, guilt, and Satan. He has not
only purchased liberty for them, but the highest honour and
preferment; he made them kings and priests; kings, to rule over
their own spirits, and to overcome the world, and the evil one;
and he makes them priests; giving them access to himself, and
liberty to offer up spiritual sacrifices. What words can more
fully declare that Christ is, and ought to be worshipped,
equally with the Father, by all creatures, to all eternity!
Happy those who shall adore and praise in heaven, and who shall
for ever bless the Lamb, who delivered and set them apart for
himself by his blood. How worthy art thou, O God, Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost, of our highest praises! All creatures should
proclaim thy greatness, and adore thy majesty.
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* The opening of the seals, The first, second, third, and
fourth. (1-8) The fifth. (9-11) The sixth. (12-17)

#1-8 Christ, the Lamb, opens the first seal: observe what
appeared. A rider on a white horse. By the going forth of this
white horse, a time of peace, or the early progress of the
Christian religion, seems to be intended; its going forth in
purity, at the time when its heavenly Founder sent his apostles
to teach all nations, adding, Lo! I am with you alway, even to
the end of the world. The Divine religion goes out crowned,
having the Divine favour resting upon it, armed spiritually
against its foes, and destined to be victorious in the end. On
opening the second seal, a red horse appeared; this signifies
desolating judgments. The sword of war and persecution is a
dreadful judgment; it takes away peace from the earth, one of
the greatest blessings; and men who should love one another, and
help one another, are set upon killing one another. Such scenes
also followed the pure age of early Christianity, when,
neglectful of charity and the bond of peace, the Christian
leaders, divided among themselves, appealed to the sword, and
entangled themselves in guilt. On opening the third seal, a
black horse appeared; a colour denoting mourning and woe,
darkness and ignorance. He that sat on it had a yoke in his
hand. Attempts were made to put a yoke of superstitious
observances on the disciples. As the stream of Christianity
flowed further from its pure fountain, it became more and more
corrupt. During the progress of this black horse, the
necessaries of life should be at excessive prices, and the more
costly things should not be hurt. According to prophetic
language, these articles signified that food of religious
knowledge, by which the souls of men are sustained unto
everlasting life; such we are invited to buy, #Isa 55:1|. But
when the dark clouds of ignorance and superstition, denoted by
the black horse, spread over the Christian world, the knowledge
and practice of true religion became scarce. When a people
loathe their spiritual food, God may justly deprive them of
their daily bread. The famine of bread is a terrible judgment;
but the famine of the word is more so. Upon opening the fourth
seal, another horse appeared, of a pale colour. The rider was
Death, the king of terrors. The attendants, or followers of this
king of terrors, hell, a state of eternal misery to all who die
in their sins; and in times of general destruction, multitudes
go down unprepared into the pit. The period of the fourth seal
is one of great slaughter and devastation, destroying whatever
may tend to make life happy, making ravages on the spiritual
lives of men. Thus the mystery of iniquity was completed, and
its power extended both over the lives and consciences of men.
The exact times of these four seals cannot be ascertained, for
the changes were gradual. God gave them power, that is, those
instruments of his anger, or those judgments: all public
calamities are at his command; they only go forth when God sends
them, and no further than he permits.

#9-11 The sight the apostle beheld at the opening the fifth seal
was very affecting. He saw the souls of the martyrs under the
altar; at the foot of the altar in heaven, at the feet of
Christ. Persecutors can only kill the body; after that there is
no more they can do; the soul lives. God has provided a good
place in the better world, for those who are faithful unto
death. It is not their own death, but the sacrifice of Christ,
that gives them entrance into heaven. The cause in which they
suffered, was for the word of God; the best any man can lay down
his life for; faith in God's word, and the unshaken confession
of that faith. They commit their cause to Him to whom vengeance
belongs. The Lord is the comforter of his afflicted servants,
and precious is their blood in his sight. As the measure of the
sin of persecutors is filling up, so is the number of the
persecuted, martyred servants of Christ. When this is fulfilled,
God will send tribulation to those who trouble them, and
unbroken happiness and rest to those that are troubled.

#12-17 When the sixth seal was opened, there was a great
earthquake. The foundations of churches and states would be
terribly shaken. Such bold figurative descriptions of great
changes abound in the prophecies of Scripture; for these events
are emblems, and declare the end of the world and the day of
judgment. Dread and terror would seize on all sorts of men.
Neither grandeur, riches, valour, nor strength, can support men
at that time. They would be glad to be no more seen; yea, to
have no longer any being. Though Christ be a Lamb, he can be
angry, and the wrath of the Lamb is exceedingly dreadful; for if
the Redeemer himself, who appeases the wrath of God, be our
enemy, where shall we find a friend to plead for us? As men have
their day of opportunity, and their seasons of grace, so God has
his day of righteous wrath. It seems that the overthrow of the
paganism of the Roman empire is here meant. The idolaters are
described as hiding themselves in their dens and secret caves,
and vainly seeking to escape ruin. In such a day, when the signs
of the times show those who believe in God's word, that the King
of kings is approaching, Christians are called to a decided
course, and to a bold confession of Christ and his truth before
their fellowmen. Whatever they may have to endure, the short
contempt of man is to be borne, rather than that shame which is
everlasting.
$-$-$- RE:7

* A pause between two great periods. (1-3) The peace, happiness,
and safety of the saints, as signified by an angel's sealing
144,000. (4-8) A song of praise. (9-12) The blessedness and
glory of those that suffered martyrdom for Christ. (13-17)

#1-8 In the figurative language of Scripture, the blowing of the
four winds together, means a dreadful and general destruction.
But the destruction is delayed. Seals were used to mark for each
person his own possessions. This mark is the witness of the Holy
Ghost, printed in the hearts of believers. And the Lord would
not suffer his people to be afflicted before they were marked,
that they might be prepared against all conflicts. And, observe,
of those who are thus sealed by the Spirit, the seal must be on
the forehead, plainly to be seen alike by friends and foes, but
not by the believer himself, except as he looks stedfastly in
the glass of God's word. The number of those who were sealed,
may be understood to stand for the remnant of people which God
reserved. Though the church of God is but a little flock, in
comparison with the wicked world, yet it is a society really
large, and to be still more enlarged. Here the universal church
is figured under the type of Israel.

#9-12 The first fruits of Christ having led the way, the
Gentiles converted later follow, and ascribe their salvation to
God and the Redeemer, with triumph. In acts of religious worship
we come nigh to God, and must come by Christ; the throne of God
could not be approached by sinners, were it not for a Mediator.
They were clothed with the robes of justification, holiness, and
victory; and they had palms in their hands, as conquerors used
to appear in their triumphs. Such a glorious appearance will the
faithful servants of God make at last, when they have fought the
good fight of faith, and finished their course. With a loud
voice they gave to God and the Lamb the praise of the great
salvation. Those who enjoy eternal happiness must and will bless
both the Father and the Son; they will do it publicly, and with
fervour. We see what is the work of heaven, and we ought to
begin it now, to have our hearts much in it, and to long for
that world where our praises, as well as our happiness, will be
made perfect.

#13-17 Faithful Christians deserve our notice and respect; we
should mark the upright. Those who would gain knowledge, must
not be ashamed to seek instruction from any who can give it. The
way to heaven is through many tribulations; but tribulation, how
great soever, shall not separate us from the love of God.
Tribulation makes heaven more welcome and more glorious. It is
not the blood of the martyrs, but the blood of the Lamb, that
can wash away sin, and make the soul pure and clean in the sight
of God; other blood stains, this is the only blood that makes
the robes of the saints white and clean. They are happy in their
employment; heaven is a state of service, though not of
suffering; it is a state of rest, but not of sloth; it isa
praising, delightful rest. They have had sorrows, and shed many
tears on account of sin and affliction; but God himself, with
his own gracious hand, will wipe those tears away. He deals with
them as a tender father. This should support the Christian under
all his troubles. As all the redeemed owe their happiness wholly
to sovereign mercy; so the work and worship of God their Saviour
is their element; his presence and favour complete their
happiness, nor can they conceive of any other joy. To Him may
all his people come; from him they receive every needed grace;
and to him let them offer all praise and glory.
$-$-$- RE:8

* The seventh seal is opened and seven angels appear with seven
trumpets, ready to proclaim the purposes of God. (1,2) Another
angel casts fire on the earth, which produces terrible storms of
vengeance. (3-5) The seven angels prepare to sound their
trumpets. (6) Four sound them. (7-12) Another angel denounces
greater woes to come. (13)

#1-6 The seventh seal is opened. There was profound silence in
heaven for a space; all was quiet in the church, for whenever
the church on earth cries through oppression, that cry reaches
up to heaven; or it is a silence of expectation. Trumpets were
given to the angels, who were to sound them. The Lord Jesus is
the High Priest of the church, having a golden censer, and much
incense, fulness of merit in his own glorious person. Would that
men studied to know the fulness that is in Christ, and
endeavoured to be acquainted with his excellency. Would that
they were truly persuaded that Christ has such an office as that
of Intercessor, which he now performs with deep sympathy. No
prayers, thus recommended, was ever denied hearing and
acceptance. These prayers, thus accepted in heaven, produced
great changes upon earth. The Christian worship and religion,
pure and heavenly in its origin and nature, when sent down to
earth and conflicting with the passions and worldly projects of
sinful men, produced remarkable tumults, here set forth in
prophetical language, as our Lord himself declared, #Lu 12:49|.

#7-13 The first angel sounded the first trumpet, and there
followed hail and fire mingled with blood. A storm of heresies,
a mixture of dreadful errors falling on the church, or a tempest
of destruction. The second angel sounded, and a great mountain,
burning with fire, was cast into the sea; and the third part of
the sea became blood. By this mountain some understand leaders
of the persecutions; others, Rome sacked by the Goths and
Vandals, with great slaughter and cruelty. The third angel
sounded, and there fell a star from heaven. Some take this to be
an eminent governor; others take it to be some person in power
who corrupted the churches of Christ. The doctrines of the
gospel, the springs of spiritual life, comfort, and vigour, to
the souls of men, are corrupted and made bitter by the mixture
of dangerous errors, so that the souls of men find ruin where
they sought refreshment. The fourth angel sounded, and darkness
fell upon the great lights of heaven, that give light to the
world, the sun, and the moon, and the stars. The guides and
governors are placed higher than the people, and are to dispense
light, and kind influences to them. Where the gospel comes to a
people, and has not proper effects on their hearts and lives, it
is followed with dreadful judgments. God gives alarm by the
written word, by ministers, by men's own consciences, and by the
signs of the times; so that if people are surprised, it is their
own fault. The anger of God makes all comforts bitter, and even
life itself burdensome. But God, in this world, sets bounds to
the most terrible judgments. Corruption of doctrine and worship
in the church are great judgments, and also are the usual causes
and tokens of other judgments coming on a people. Before the
other three trumpets were sounded, there was solemn warning how
terrible the calamities would be that should follow. If lesser
judgments do not take effect the church and the world must
expect greater; and when God comes to punish the world, the
inhabitants shall tremble before him. Let sinners take warning
to flee from the wrath to come; let believers learn to value and
to be thankful for their privileges; and let them patiently
continue in well doing.
$-$-$- RE:9

* The fifth trumpet is followed by a representation of another
star as falling from heaven and opening the bottomless pit, out
of which come swarms of locusts. (1-12) The sixth trumpet is
followed by the loosing of four angels bound in the great river
Euphrates. (13-21)

#1-12 Upon sounding the fifth trumpet, a star fell from heaven
to the earth. Having ceased to be a minister of Christ, he who
is represented by this star becomes the minister of the devil;
and lets loose the powers of hell against the churches of
Christ. On the opening of the bottomless pit, there arose a
great smoke. The devil carries on his designs by blinding the
eyes of men, by putting out light and knowledge, and promoting
ignorance and error. Out of this smoke there came a swarm of
locusts, emblems of the devil's agents, who promote
superstition, idolatry, error, and cruelty. The trees and the
grass, the true believers, whether young or more advanced,
should be untouched. But a secret poison and infection in the
soul, should rob many others of purity, and afterwards of peace.
The locusts had no power to hurt those who had the seal of God.
God's all-powerful, distinguishing grace will keep his people
from total and final apostacy. The power is limited to a short
season; but it would be very sharp. In such events the faithful
share the common calamity, but from the pestilence of error they
might and would be safe. We collect from Scripture, that such
errors were to try and prove the Christians, #1Co 11:19|. And
early writers plainly refer this to the first great host of
corrupters who overspread the Christian church.

#13-21 The sixth angel sounded, and here the power of the Turks
seems the subject. Their time is limited. They not only slew in
war, but brought a poisonous and ruinous religion. The
antichristian generation repented not under these dreadful
judgments. From this sixth trumpet learn that God can make one
enemy of the church a scourge and a plague to another. The
idolatry in the remains of the eastern church and elsewhere, and
the sins of professed Christians, render this prophecy and its
fulfilment more wonderful. And the attentive reader of Scripture
and history, may find his faith and hope strengthened by events,
which in other respects fill his heart with anguish and his eyes
with tears, while he sees that men who escape these plagues,
repent not of their evil works, but go on with idolatries,
wickedness, and cruelty, till wrath comes upon them to the
utmost.
$-$-$- RE:10

* The Angel of the covenant presents a little open book, which
is followed with seven thunders. (1-4) At the end of the
following prophecies, time should be no more. (5-7) A voice
directs the apostle to eat the book; (8-10) and tells him he
must prophesy further. (11)

#1-7 The apostle saw another representation. The person
communicating this discovery probably was our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, or it was to show his glory. He veils his glory,
which is too great for mortal eyes to behold; and throws a veil
upon his dispensations. A rainbow was upon his head; our Lord is
always mindful of his covenant. His awful voice was echoed by
seven thunders; solemn and terrible ways of discovering the mind
of God. We know not the subjects of the seven thunders, nor the
reasons for suppressing them. There are great events in history,
perhaps relating to the Christian church, which are not noticed
in open prophecy. The final salvation of the righteous, and the
final success of true religion on earth, are engaged for by the
unfailing word of the Lord. Though the time may not be yet, it
cannot be far distant. Very soon, as to us, time will be no
more; but if we are believers, a happy eternity will follow: we
shall from heaven behold and rejoice in the triumphs of Christ,
and his cause on earth.

#8-11 Most men feel pleasure in looking into future events, and
all good men like to receive a word from God. But when this book
of prophecy was thoroughly digested by the apostle, the contents
would be bitter; there were things so awful and terrible, such
grievous persecutions of the people of God, such desolations in
the earth, that the foresight and foreknowledge of them would be
painful to his mind. Let us seek to be taught by Christ, and to
obey his orders; daily meditating on his word, that it may
nourish our souls; and then declaring it according to our
several stations. The sweetness of such contemplations will
often be mingled with bitterness, while we compare the
Scriptures with the state of the world and the church, or even
with that of our own hearts.
$-$-$- RE:11

* The state of the church is represented under the figure of a
temple measured. (1,2) Two witnesses prophesy is sackcloth.
(3-6) They are slain, after which they arise and ascend to
heaven. (7-13) Under the seventh trumpet, all antichristian
powers are to be destroyed and there will be a glorious state of
Christ's kingdom upon earth. (14-19)

#1,2 This prophetical passage about measuring the temple seems
to refer to Ezekiel's vision. The design of this measuring seems
to be the preservation of the church in times of public danger;
or for its trial, or for its reformation. The worshippers must
be measured; whether they make God's glory their end, and his
word their rule, in all their acts of worship. Those in the
outer court, worship in a false manner, or with dissembling
hearts, and will be found among his enemies. God will have a
temple and an altar in the world, till the end of time. He looks
strictly to his temple. The holy city, the visible church, is
trodden under foot; is filled with idolaters, infidels, and
hypocrites. But the desolations of the church are limited, and
she shall be delivered out of all her troubles.

#3-13 In the time of treading down, God kept his faithful
witnesses to attest the truth of his word and worship, and the
excellence of his ways, The number of these witnesses is small,
yet enough. They prophesy in sackcloth. It shows their
afflicted, persecuted state, and deep sorrow for the
abominations against which they protested. They are supported
during their great and hard work, till it is done. When they had
prophesied in sackcloth the greatest part of 1260 years,
antichrist, the great instrument of the devil, would war against
them, with force and violence for a time. Determined rebels
against the light rejoice, as on some happy event, when they can
silence, drive to a distance, or destroy the faithful servants
of Christ, whose doctrine and conduct torment them. It does not
appear that the term is yet expired, and the witnesses are not a
present exposed to endure such terrible outward sufferings as in
former times; but such things may again happen, and there is
abundant cause to prophesy in sackcloth, on account of the state
of religion. The depressed state of real Christianity may relate
only to the western church. The Spirit of life from God,
quickens dead souls, and shall quicken the dead bodies of his
people, and his dying interest in the world. The revival of
God's work and witnesses, will strike terror into the souls of
his enemies. Where there is guilt, there is fear; and a
persecuting spirit, though cruel, is a cowardly spirit. It will
be no small part of the punishment of persecutors, both in this
world, and at the great day, that they see the faithful servants
of God honoured and advanced. The Lord's witnesses must not be
weary of suffering and service, nor hastily grasp at the reward;
but must stay till their Master calls them. The consequence of
their being thus exalted was a mighty shock and convulsion in
the antichristian empire. Events alone can show the meaning of
this. But whenever God's work and witnesses revive, the devil's
work and witnesses fall before him. And that the slaying of the
witnesses is future, appears to be probable.

#14-19 Before the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet,
there is the usual demand of attention. The saints and angels in
heaven know the right of our God and Saviour to rule over all
the world. But the nations met God's wrath with their own anger.
It was a time in which he was beginning to reward his people's
faithful services, and sufferings; and their enemies fretted
against God, and so increased their guilt, and hastened their
destruction. By the opening the temple of God in heaven, may be
meant, that there was a more free communication between heaven
and earth; prayer and praises more freely and frequently going
up, graces and blessings plentifully coming down. But it rather
seems to refer to the church of God on earth. In the reign of
antichrist, God's law was laid aside, and made void by
traditions and decrees; the Scriptures were locked up from the
people, but now they are brought to the view of all. This, like
the ark, is a token of the presence of God returned to his
people, and his favour toward them in Jesus Christ, as the
Propitiation for their sins. The great blessing of the
Reformation was attended with very awful providences; as by
terrible things in righteousness God answered the prayers
presented in his holy temple now opened.
$-$-$- RE:12

* A description of the church of Christ and of Satan, under the
figures of a woman and of a great red dragon. (1-6) Michael and
his angels fight against the devil and his angels, who are
defeated. (7-12) The dragon persecutes the church. (13,14) His
vain endeavours to destroy her, He renews his war against her
seed. (14-17)

#1-6 The church, under the emblem of a woman, the mother of
believers, was seen by the apostle in vision, in heaven. She was
clothed with the sun, justified, sanctified, and shining by
union with Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. The moon was under
her feet; she was superior to the reflected and feebler light of
the revelation made by Moses. Having on her head a crown of
twelve stars; the doctrine of the gospel, preached by the twelve
apostles, is a crown of glory to all true believers. As in pain
to bring forth a holy family; desirous that the conviction of
sinners might end in their conversion. A dragon is a known
emblem of Satan, and his chief agents, or those who govern for
him on earth, at that time the pagan empire of Rome, the city
built upon seven hills. As having ten horns, divided into ten
kingdoms. Having seven crowns, representing seven forms of
government. As drawing with his tail a third part of the stars
in heaven, and casting them down to the earth; persecuting and
seducing the ministers and teachers. As watchful to crush the
Christian religion; but in spite of the opposition of enemies,
the church brought forth a manly issue of true and faithful
professors, in whom Christ was truly formed anew; even the
mystery of Christ, that Son of God who should rule the nations,
and in whose right his members partake the same glory. This
blessed offspring was protected of God.

#7-11 The attempts of the dragon proved unsuccessful against the
church, and fatal to his own interests. The seat of this war was
in heaven; in the church of Christ, the kingdom of heaven on
earth. The parties were Christ, the great Angel of the covenant,
and his faithful followers; and Satan and his instruments. The
strength of the church is in having the Lord Jesus for the
Captain of their salvation. Pagan idolatry, which was the
worship of devils, was cast out of the empire by the spreading
of Christianity. The salvation and strength of the church, are
only to be ascribed to the King and Head of the church. The
conquered enemy hates the presence of God, yet he is willing to
appear there, to accuse the people of God. Let us take heed that
we give him no cause to accuse us; and that, when we have
sinned, we go before the Lord, condemn ourselves, and commit our
cause to Christ as our Advocate. The servants of God overcame
Satan by the blood of the Lamb, as the cause. By the word of
their testimony: the powerful preaching of the gospel is mighty,
through God, to pull down strong holds. By their courage and
patience in sufferings: they loved not their lives so well but
they could lay them down in Christ's cause. These were the
warriors and the weapons by which Christianity overthrew the
power of pagan idolatry; and if Christians had continued to
fight with these weapons, and such as these, their victories
would have been more numerous and glorious, and the effects more
lasting. The redeemed overcame by a simple reliance on the blood
of Christ, as the only ground of their hopes. In this we must be
like them. We must not blend any thing else with this.

#12-17 The church and all her friends might well be called to
praise God for deliverance from pagan persecution, though other
troubles awaited her. The wilderness is a desolate place, and
full of serpents and scorpions, uncomfortable and destitute of
provisions; yet a place of safety, as well as where one might be
alone. But being thus retired could not protect the woman. The
flood of water is explained by many to mean the invasions of
barbarians, by which the western empire was overwhelmed; for the
heathen encouraged their attacks, in the hope of destroying
Christianity. But ungodly men, for their worldly interests,
protected the church amidst these tumults, and the overthrow of
the empire did not help the cause of idolatry. Or, this may be
meant of a flood of error, by which the church of God was in
danger of being overwhelmed and carried away. The devil,
defeated in his designs upon the church, turns his rage against
persons and places. Being faithful to God and Christ, in
doctrine, worship, and practice, exposes to the rage of Satan;
and will do so till the last enemy shall be destroyed.
$-$-$- RE:13

* A wild beast rises out of the sea, to whom the dragon gives
his power. (1-10) Another beast, which has two horns like a
lamb, but speaks as a dragon. (11-15) It obliges all to worship
its image, and receive its mark, as persons devoted to it.
(16-18)

#1-10 The apostle, standing on the shore, saw a savage beast
rise out of the sea; a tyrannical, idolatrous, persecuting
power, springing up out of the troubles which took place. It was
a frightful monster! It appears to mean that worldly, oppressing
dominion, which for many ages, even from the times of the
Babylonish captivity, had been hostile to the church. The first
beast then began to oppress and persecute the righteous for
righteousness' sake, but they suffered most under the fourth
beast of Daniel, (the Roman empire,) which has afflicted the
saints with many cruel persecutions. The source of its power was
the dragon. It was set up by the devil, and supported by him.
The wounding the head may be the abolishing pagan idolatry; and
the healing of the wound, introducing popish idolatry, the same
in substance, only in a new dress, but which as effectually
answers the devil's design. The world admired its power, policy
and success. They paid honour and subjection to the devil and
his instruments. It exercised infernal power and policy,
requiring men to render that honour to creatures which belongs
to God alone. Yet the devil's power and success are limited.
Christ has a chosen remnant, redeemed by his blood, recorded in
his book, sealed by his Spirit; and though the devil and
antichrist may overcome the body, and take away the natural
life, they cannot conquer the soul, nor prevail with true
believers to forsake their Saviour, and join his enemies.
Perseverance in the faith of the gospel and true worship of God,
in this great hour of trial and temptation, which would deceive
all but the elect, is the character of those registered in the
book of life. This powerful motive and encouragement to
constancy, is the great design of the whole Revelation.

#11-18 Those who understand the first beast to denote a worldly
power, take the second to be also a persecuting and assumed
power, which acts under the disguise of religion, and of charity
to the souls of men. It is a spiritual dominion, professing to
be derived from Christ, and exercised at first in a gentle
manner, but soon spake like the dragon. Its speech betrayed it;
for it gives forth those false doctrines and cruel decrees,
which show it to belong to the dragon, and not to the Lamb. It
exercised all the power of the former beast. It pursues the same
design, to draw men from worshipping the true God, and to
subject the souls of men to the will and control of men. The
second beast has carried on its designs, by methods whereby men
should be deceived to worship the former beast, in the new
shape, or likeness made for it. By lying wonders, pretended
miracles. And by severe censures. Also by allowing none to enjoy
natural or civil rights, who will not worship that beast which
is the image of the pagan beast. It is made a qualification for
buying and selling, as well as for places of profit and trust,
that they oblige themselves to use all their interest, power,
and endeavour, to forward the dominion of the beast, which is
meant by receiving his mark. To make an image to the beast,
whose deadly wound was healed, would be to give form and power
to his worship, or to require obedience to his commands. To
worship the image of the beast, implies being subject to those
things which stamp the character of the picture, and render it
the image of the beast. The number of the beast is given, so as
to show the infinite wisdom of God, and to exercise the wisdom
of men. The number is the number of a man, computed after the
usual manner among men, and it is 666. What or who is intended
by this, remains a mystery. To almost every religious dispute
this number has yet been applied, and it may reasonably be
doubted whether the meaning has yet been discovered. But he who
has wisdom and understanding, will see that all the enemies of
God are numbered and marked out for destruction; that the term
of their power will soon expire, and that all nations shall
submit to our King of righteousness and peace.
$-$-$- RE:14

* Those faithful to Christ celebrate the praises of God. (1-5)
Three angels; one proclaiming the everlasting gospel; another,
the downfal of Babylon; and a third, the dreadful wrath of God
on the worshippers of the beast. The blessedness of those who
die in the Lord. (6-13) A vision of Christ with a sickle, and of
a harvest ripe for cutting down. (14-16) The emblem of a vintage
fully ripe, trodden in the wine-press of God's wrath. (17-20)

#1-5 Mount Sion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church,
and in the midst of her in all her troubles, therefore she is
not consumed. His presence secures perseverance. His people
appear honourably. They have the name of God written in their
foreheads; they make a bold and open profession of their faith
in God and Christ, and this is followed by suitable actings.
There were persons in the darkest times, who ventured and laid
down their lives for the worship and truth of the gospel of
Christ. They kept themselves clean from the wicked abominations
of the followers of antichrist. Their hearts were right with
God; and they were freely pardoned in Christ; he is glorified in
them, and they in him. May it be our prayer, our endeavour, our
ambition, to be found in this honourable company. Those who are
really sanctified and justified are meant here, for no
hypocrite, however plausible, can be accounted to be without
fault before God.

#6-13 The progress of the Reformation appears to be here set
forth. The four proclamations are plain in their meaning; that
all Christians may be encouraged, in the time of trial, to be
faithful to their Lord. The gospel is the great means whereby
men are brought to fear God, and to give glory to him. The
preaching of the everlasting gospel shakes the foundations of
antichrist in the world, and hastens its downfal. If any persist
in being subject to the beast, and in promoting his cause, they
must expect to be for ever miserable in soul and body. The
believer is to venture or suffer any thing in obeying the
commandments of God, and professing the faith of Jesus. May God
bestow this patience upon us. Observe the description of those
that are and shall be blessed: such as die in the Lord; die in
the cause of Christ, in a state of union with Christ; such as
are found in Christ when death comes. They rest from all sin,
temptation, sorrow, and persecution; for there the wicked cease
from troubling, there the weary are at rest. Their works follow
them: do not go before as their title, or purchase, but follow
them as proofs of their having lived and died in the Lord: the
remembrance of them will be pleasant, and the reward far above
all their services and sufferings. This is made sure by the
testimony of the Spirit, witnessing with their spirits, and the
written word.

#14-20 Warnings and judgments not having produced reformation,
the sins of the nations are filled up, and they become ripe for
judgments, represented by a harvest, an emblem which is used to
signify the gathering of the righteous, when ripe for heaven, by
the mercy of God. The harvest time is when the corn is ripe;
when the believers are ripe for heaven, then the wheat of the
earth shall be gathered into Christ's garner. And by a vintage.
The enemies of Christ and his church are not destroyed, till by
their sin they are ripe for ruin, and then he will spare them no
longer. The wine-press is the wrath of God, some terrible
calamity, probably the sword, shedding the blood of the wicked.
The patience of God towards sinners, is the greatest miracle in
the world; but, though lasting, it will not be everlasting; and
ripeness in sin is a sure proof of judgment at hand.
$-$-$- RE:15

* A song of praise is sung by the church. (1-4) Seven angels
with the seven plagues; and to them one of the living creatures
gives seven golden vials full of the wrath of God. (5-8)

#1-4 Seven angels appeared in heaven; prepared to finish the
destruction of antichrist. As the measure of Babylon's sins was
filled up, it finds the full measure of Divine wrath. While
believers stand in this world, in times of trouble, as upon a
sea of glass mingled with fire, they may look forward to their
final deliverance, while new mercies call forth new hymns of
praise. The more we know of God's wonderful works, the more we
shall praise his greatness as the Lord God Almighty, the Creator
and Ruler of all worlds; but his title of Emmanuel, the King of
saints, will make him dear to us. Who that considers the power
of God's wrath, the value of his favour, or the glory of his
holiness, would refuse to fear and honour him alone? His praise
is above heaven and earth.

#5-8 In the judgments God executes upon antichrist and his
followers, he fulfils the prophecies and promises of his word.
These angels are prepared for their work, clothed with pure and
white linen, their breasts girded with golden girdles,
representing the holiness, and righteousness, and excellence of
these dealings with men. They are ministers of Divine justice,
and do every thing in a pure and holy manner. They were armed
with the wrath of God against his enemies. Even the meanest
creature, when armed with the anger of God, will be too hard for
any man in the world. The angels received the vials from one of
the four living creatures, one of the ministers of the true
church, as in answer to the prayers of the ministers and people
of God. Antichrist could not be destroyed without a great shock
to all the world, and even the people of God would be in trouble
and confusion while the great work was doing. The greatest
deliverances of the church are brought about by awful and
astonishing steps of Providence; and the happy state of the true
church will not begin till obstinate enemies shall be destroyed,
and lukewarm or formal Christians are purified. Then, whatever
is against Scripture being purged away, the whole church shall
be spiritual, and the whole being brought to purity, unity, and
spirituality, shall be firmly established.
$-$-$- RE:16

* The first vial is poured out on the earth, the second on the
sea, the third on the rivers and fountains. (1-7) The fourth on
the sun, the fifth on the seat of the beast. (8-11) The sixth on
the great river Euphrates. (12-16) And the seventh on the air,
when shall follow the destruction of all antichristian enemies.
(17-21)

#1-7 We are to pray that the will of God may be done on earth as
it is done in heaven. Here is a succession of terrible judgments
of Providence; and there seems to be an allusion to several of
the plagues of Egypt. The sins were alike, and so were the
punishments. The vials refer to the seven trumpets, which
represented the rise of antichrist; and the fall of the enemies
of the church shall bear some resemblance to their rise. All
things throughout their earth, their air, their sea, their
rivers, their cities, all are condemned to ruin, all accursed
for the wickedness of that people. No wonder that angels, who
witness or execute the Divine vengeance on the obstinate haters
of God, of Christ, and of holiness, praise his justice and
truth; and adore his awful judgments, when he brings upon cruel
persecutors the tortures they made his saints and prophets
suffer.

#8-11 The heart of man is so desperately wicked, that the most
severe miseries never will bring any to repent, without the
special grace of God. Hell itself is filled with blasphemies;
and those are ignorant of the history of human nature, of the
Bible, and of their own hearts, who do not know that the more
men suffer, and the more plainly they see the hand of God in
their sufferings, the more furiously they often rage against
him. Let sinners now seek repentance from Christ, and the grace
of the Holy Spirit, or they will have the anguish and horror of
an unhumbled, impenitent, and desperate heart; thus adding to
their guilt and misery through all eternity. Darkness is opposed
to wisdom and knowledge, and forebodes the confusion and folly
of the idolaters and followers of the beast. It is opposed to
pleasure and joy, and signifies anguish and vexation of spirit.

#12-16 This probably shows the destruction of the Turkish power,
and of idolatry, and that a way will be made for the return of
the Jews. Or, take it for Rome, as mystical Babylon, the name of
Babylon being put for Rome, which was meant, but was not then to
be directly named. When Rome is destroyed, her river and
merchandise must suffer with her. And perhaps a way will be
opened for the eastern nations to come into the church of
Christ. The great dragon will collect all his forces, to make
one desperate struggle before all be lost. God warns of this
great trial, to engage his people to prepare for it. These will
be times of great temptation; therefore Christ, by his apostle,
calls on his professed servants to expect his sudden coming, and
to watch that they might not be put to shame, as apostates or
hypocrites. However Christians differ, as to their views of the
times and seasons of events yet to be brought to pass, on this
one point all are agreed, Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, will
suddenly come again to judge the world. To those living near to
Christ, it is an object of joyful hope and expectation, and
delay is not desired by them.

#17-21 The seventh and last angel poured forth his vial, and the
downfal of Babylon was finished. The church triumphant in heaven
saw it and rejoiced; the church in conflict on earth saw it and
became triumphant. God remembered the great and wicked city;
though for some time he seemed to have forgotten her idolatry
and cruelty. All that was most secure was carried away by the
ruin. Men blasphemed: the greatest judgments that can befal men,
will not bring to repentance without the grace of God. To be
hardened against God, by his righteous judgments, is a certain
token of sure and utter destruction.
$-$-$- RE:17

* One of the angels who had the vials, explains the meaning of
the former vision of the antichristian beast that was to reign
1260 years, and then to be destroyed. (1-6) And interprets the
mystery of the woman, and the beast that had seven heads and ten
horns. (7-18)

#1-6 Rome clearly appears to be meant in this chapter. Pagan
Rome subdued and ruled with military power, not by art and
flatteries. She left the nations in general to their ancient
usages and worship. But it is well known that by crafty and
politic management, with all kinds of deceit of unrighteousness,
papal Rome has obtained and kept her rule over kings and
nations. Here were allurements of worldly honour and riches,
pomp and pride, suited to sensual and worldly minds. Prosperity,
pomp, and splendour, feed the pride and lusts of the human
heart, but are no security against the Divine vengeance. The
golden cup represents the allurements, and delusions, by which
this mystical Babylon has obtained and kept her influence, and
seduced others to join her abominations. She is named, from her
infamous practices, a mother of harlots; training them up to
idolatry and all sorts of wickedness. She filled herself with
the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus. She intoxicated
herself with it; and it was so pleasant to her, that she never
was satisfied. We cannot but wonder at the oceans of Christian
blood shed by men called Christians; yet when we consider these
prophecies, these awful deeds testify to the truth of the
gospel. And let all beware of a splendid, gainful, or
fashionable religion. Let us avoid the mysteries of iniquity,
and study diligently the great mystery of godliness, that we may
learn humility and gratitude from the example of Christ. The
more we seek to resemble him, the less we shall be liable to be
deceived by antichrist.

#7-14 The beast on which the woman sat was, and is not, and yet
is. It was a seat of idolatry and persecution, and is not; not
in the ancient form, which was pagan: yet it is; it is truly the
seat of idolatry and tyranny, though of another sort and form.
It would deceive into stupid and blind submission all the
inhabitants of the earth within its influence, except the
remnant of the elect. This beast was seven heads, seven
mountains, the seven hills on which Rome stands; and seven
kings, seven sorts of government. Five were gone by when this
prophecy was written; one was then in being; the other was yet
to come. This beast, directed by the papacy, makes an eighth
governor, and sets up idolatry again. It had ten horns, which
are said to be ten kings who had as yet no kingdoms; they should
not rise up till the Roman empire was broken; but should for a
time be very zealous in her interest. Christ must reign till all
enemies be put under his feet. The reason of the victory is,
that he is the King of kings, and Lord of lords. He has supreme
dominion and power over all things; all the powers of earth and
hell are subject to his control. His followers are called to
this warfare, are fitted for it, and will be faithful in it.

#15-18 God so ruled the hearts of these kings, by his power over
them, and by his providence, that they did those things, without
intending it, which he purposed and foretold. They shall see
their folly, and how they have been bewitched and enslaved by
the harlot, and be made instruments in her destruction. She was
that great city which reigned over the kings of the earth, when
John had this vision; and every one knows Rome to be that city.
Believers will be received to the glory of the Lord, when wicked
men will be destroyed in a most awful manner; their joining
together in sin, will be turned to hatred and rage, and they
will eagerly assist in tormenting each other. But the Lord's
portion is his people; his counsel shall stand, and he will do
all his pleasure, to his glory, and the happiness of all his
servants.
$-$-$- RE:18

* Another angel from heaven proclaims the fall of mystical
Babylon. (1-3) A voice from heaven admonishes the people of God,
lest they partake of her plagues. (4-8) The lamentations over
her. (9-19) The church called upon to rejoice in her utter ruin.
(20-24)

#1-8 The downfal and destruction of the mystical Babylon are
determined in the counsels of God. Another angel comes from
heaven. This seems to be Christ himself, coming to destroy his
enemies, and to shed abroad the light of his gospel through all
nations. The wickedness of this Babylon was very great; she had
forsaken the true God, and set up idols, and had drawn all sorts
of men into spiritual adultery, and by her wealth and luxury
kept them in her interest. The spiritual merchandise, by which
multitudes have wickedly lived in wealth, by the sins and
follies of mankind, seems principally intended. Fair warning is
given to all that expect mercy from God, that they should not
only come out of this Babylon, but assist in her destruction.
God may have a people even in Babylon. But God's people shall be
called out of Babylon, and called effectually, while those that
partake with wicked men in their sins, must receive of their
plagues.

#9-19 The mourners had shared Babylon's sensual pleasures, and
gained by her wealth and trade. The kings of the earth, whom she
flattered into idolatry, allowing them to be tyrannical over
their subjects, while obedient to her; and the merchants, those
who trafficked for her indulgences, pardons, and honours; these
mourn. Babylon's friends partook her sinful pleasures and
profits, but are not willing to share her plagues. The spirit of
antichrist is a worldly spirit, and that sorrow is a mere
worldly sorrow; they do not lament for the anger of God, but for
the loss of outward comforts. The magnificence and riches of the
ungodly will avail them nothing, but will render the vengeance
harder to be borne. The spiritual merchandise is here alluded
to, when not only slaves, but the souls of men, are mentioned as
articles of commerce, to the destroying the souls of millions.
Nor has this been peculiar to the Roman antichrist, and only her
guilt. But let prosperous traders learn, with all their gains,
to get the unsearchable riches of Christ; otherwise; even in
this life, they may have to mourn that riches make to themselves
wings and fly away, and that all the fruits their souls lusted
after, are departed from them. Death, at any rate, will soon end
their commerce, and all the riches of the ungodly will be
exchanged, not only for the coffin and the worm, but for the
fire that cannot be quenched.

#20-24 That which is matter of rejoicing to the servants of God
on earth, is matter of rejoicing to the angels in heaven. The
apostles, who are honoured and daily worshipped at Rome in an
idolatrous manner, will rejoice in her fall. The fall of Babylon
was an act of God's justice. And because it was a final ruin,
this enemy should never molest them any more; of this they were
assured by a sign. Let us take warning from the things which
brought others to destruction, and let us set our affections on
things above, when we consider the changeable nature of earthly
things.
$-$-$- RE:19

* The church in heaven and that on earth triumph, and praise the
Lord for his righteous judgments. (1-10) A vision of Christ
going forth to destroy the beast and his armies. (11-21)

#1-10 Praising God for what we have, is praying for what is yet
further to be done for us. There is harmony between the angels
and the saints in this triumphant song. Christ is the Bridegroom
of his ransomed church. This second union will be completed in
heaven; but the beginning of the glorious millennium (by which
is meant a reign of Christ, or a state of happiness, for a
thousand years on earth) may be considered as the celebration of
his espousals on earth. Then the church of Christ, being
purified from errors, divisions, and corruptions, in doctrine,
discipline, worship, and practice, will be made ready to be
publicly owned by him as his delight and his beloved. The church
appeared; not in the gay, gaudy dress of the mother of harlots,
but in fine linen, clean and white. In the robes of Christ's
righteousness, imputed for justification, and imparted for
sanctification. The promises of the gospel, the true sayings of
God, opened, applied, and sealed by the Spirit of God, in holy
ordinances, are the marriage-feast. This seems to refer to the
abundant grace and consolation Christians will receive in the
happy days which are to come. The apostle offered honour to the
angel. The angel refused it. He directed the apostle to the true
and only object of religious worship; to worship God, and him
alone. This plainly condemns the practice of those who worship
the elements of bread and wine, and saints, and angels; and of
those who do not believe that Christ is truly and by nature God,
yet pay him a sort of worship. They stand convicted of idolatry
by a messenger from heaven. These are the true sayings of God;
of Him who is to be worshipped, as one with the Father and the
Holy Spirit.

#11-21 Christ, the glorious Head of the church, is described as
on a white horse, the emblem of justice and holiness. He has
many crowns, for he is King of kings, and Lord of lords. He is
arrayed in a vesture dipped in his own blood, by which he
purchased his power as Mediator; and in the blood of his
enemies, over whom he always prevails. His name is "The Word of
God;" a name none fully knows but himself; only this we know,
that this Word was God manifest in the flesh; but his
perfections cannot be fully understood by any creature. Angels
and saints follow, and are like Christ in their armour of purity
and righteousness. The threatenings of the written word he is
going to execute on his enemies. The ensigns of his authority
are his name; asserting his authority and power, warning the
most powerful princes to submit, or they must fall before him.
The powers of earth and hell make their utmost effort. These
verses declare important events, foretold by the prophets. These
persons were not excused because they did what their leaders
bade them. How vain will be the plea of many sinners at the
great day! We followed our guides; we did as we saw others do!
God has given a rule to walk by, in his word; neither the
example of the most, nor of the chief, must influence us
contrary thereto: if we do as the most do, we must go where the
most go, even into the burning lake.
$-$-$- RE:20

* Satan is bound for a thousand years. (1-3) The first
resurrection; those are blessed that have part therein. (4-6)
Satan loosed, Gog and Magog. (7-10) The last and general
resurrection. (11-15)

#1-3 Here is a vision, showing by a figure the restraints laid
on Satan himself. Christ, with Almighty power, will keep the
devil from deceiving mankind as he has hitherto done. He never
wants power and instruments to break the power of Satan. Christ
shuts by his power, and seals by his authority. The church shall
have a time of peace and prosperity, but all her trials are not
yet over.

#4-6 Here is an account of the reign of the saints, for the same
space of time as Satan is bound. Those who suffer with Christ,
shall reign with him in his spiritual and heavenly kingdom, in
conformity to him in his wisdom, righteousness, and holiness:
this is called the first resurrection, with which none but those
who serve Christ, and suffer for him, shall be favoured. The
happiness of these servants of God is declared. None can be
blessed but those that are holy; and all that are holy shall be
blessed. We know something thing of what the first death is, and
it is very awful; but we know not what this second death is. It
must be much more dreadful; it is the death of the soul, eternal
separation from God. May we never know what it is: those who
have been made partakers of a spiritual resurrection, are saved
from the power of the second death. We may expect that a
thousand years will follow the destruction of the antichristian,
idolatrous, persecuting powers, during which pure Christianity,
in doctrine, worship, and holiness, will be made known over all
the earth. By the all-powerful working of the Holy Spirit,
fallen man will be new-created; and faith and holiness will as
certainly prevail, as unbelief and unholiness now do. We may
easily perceive what a variety of dreadful pains, diseases, and
other calamities would cease, if all men were true and
consistent Christians. All the evils of public and private
contests would be ended, and happiness of every kind largely
increased. Every man would try to lighten suffering, instead of
adding to the sorrows around him. It is our duty to pray for the
promised glorious days, and to do every thing in our public and
private stations which can prepare for them.

#7-10 While this world lasts, Satan's power in it will not be
wholly destroyed, though it may be limited and lessened. No
sooner is Satan let loose, than he again begins deceiving the
nations, and stirring them up to make war with the saints and
servants of God. It would be well if the servants and ministers
of Christ were as active and persevering in doing good, as his
enemies in doing mischief. God will fight this last and decisive
battle for his people, that the victory may be complete, and the
glory be to himself.

#11-15 After the events just foretold, the end will speedily
come; and there is no mention of any thing else, before the
appearing of Christ to judge the world. This will be the great
day: the Judge, the Lord Jesus Christ, will then put on majesty
and terror. The persons to be judged are the dead, small and
great; young and old, low and high, poor and rich. None are so
mean, but they have some talents to account for; and none so
great, as to avoid having to account for them. Not only those
alive at the coming of Christ, but all the dead. There is a book
of remembrance both for good and bad: and the book of the
sinner's conscience, though formerly secret, will then be
opened. Every man will recollect all his past actions, though he
had long forgotten many of them. Another book shall be opened,
the book of the Scriptures, the rule of life; it represents the
Lord's knowledge of his people, and his declaring their
repentance, faith, and good works; showing the blessings of the
new covenant. By their works men shall be justified or
condemned; he will try their principles by their practices.
Those justified and acquitted by the gospel, shall be justified
and acquitted by the Judge, and shall enter into eternal life,
having nothing more to fear from death, or hell, or wicked men;
for these are all destroyed together. This is the second death;
it is the final separation of sinners from God. Let it be our
great concern to see whether our Bibles justify or condemn us
now; for Christ will judge the secrets of all men according to
the gospel. Who shall dwell with devouring flames?
$-$-$- RE:21

* A new heaven, and new earth: the new Jerusalem where God
dwells, and banishes all sorrow from his people. (1-8) Its
heavenly origin, glory, and secure defence. (9-21) Its perfect
happiness, as enlightened with the presence of God and the Lamb,
and in the free access of multitudes, made holy. (22-27)

#1-8 The new heaven and the new earth will not be separate from
each other; the earth of the saints, their glorified, bodies,
will be heavenly. The old world, with all its troubles and
tumults, will have passed away. There will be no sea; this aptly
represents freedom from conflicting passions, temptations,
troubles, changes, and alarms; from whatever can divide or
interrupt the communion of saints. This new Jerusalem is the
church of God in its new and perfect state, the church
triumphant. Its blessedness came wholly from God, and depends on
him. The presence of God with his people in heaven, will not be
interrupt as it is on earth, he will dwell with them
continually. All effects of former trouble shall be done away.
They have often been in tears, by reason of sin, of affliction,
of the calamities of the church; but no signs, no remembrance of
former sorrows shall remain. Christ makes all things new. If we
are willing and desirous that the gracious Redeemer should make
all things new in order hearts and nature, he will make all
things new in respect of our situation, till he has brought us
to enjoy complete happiness. See the certainty of the promise.
God gives his titles, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the
End, as a pledge for the full performance. Sensual and sinful
pleasures are muddy and poisoned waters; and the best earthly
comforts are like the scanty supplies of a cistern; when
idolized, they become broken cisterns, and yield only vexation.
But the joys which Christ imparts are like waters springing from
a fountain, pure, refreshing, abundant, and eternal. The
sanctifying consolations of the Holy Spirit prepare for heavenly
happiness; they are streams which flow for us in the wilderness.
The fearful durst not meet the difficulties of religion, their
slavish fear came from their unbelief; but those who were so
dastardly as not to dare to take up the cross of Christ, were
yet so desperate as to run into abominable wickedness. The
agonies and terrors of the first death will lead to the far
greater terrors and agonies of eternal death.

#9-21 God has various employments for his holy angels. Sometimes
they sound the trumpet of Divine Providence, and warn a careless
world; sometimes they discover things of a heavenly nature of
the heirs of salvation. Those who would have clear views of
heaven, must get as near to heaven as they can, on the mount of
meditation and faith. The subject of the vision is the church of
God in a perfect, triumphant state, shining in its lustre;
glorious in relation to Christ; which shows that the happiness
of heaven consists in intercourse with God, and in conformity to
him. The change of emblems from a bride to a city, shows that we
are only to take general ideas from this description. The wall
is for security. Heaven is a safe state; those who are there,
are separated and secured from all evils and enemies. This city
is vast; here is room for all the people of God. The foundation
of the wall; the promise and power of God, and the purchase of
Christ, are the strong foundations of the safety and happiness
of the church. These foundations are set forth by twelve sorts
of precious stones, denoting the variety and excellence of the
doctrines of the gospel, or of the graces of the Holy Spirit, or
the personal excellences of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heaven has
gates; there is a free admission to all that are sanctified;
they shall not find themselves shut out. These gates were all of
pearls. Christ is the Pearl of great price, and he is our Way to
God. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent
glass. The saints in heaven tread gold under foot. The saints
are there at rest, yet it is not a state of sleep and idleness;
they have communion, not only with God, but with one another.
All these glories but faintly represent heaven.

#22-27 Perfect and direct communion with God, will more than
supply the place of gospel institutions. And what words can more
full express the union and co-equality of the Son with the
Father, in the Godhead? What a dismal world would this be, if it
were not for the light of the sun! What is there in heaven that
supplies its place? The glory of God lightens that city, and the
Lamb is the Light thereof. God in Christ will be an everlasting
Fountain of knowledge and joy to the saints in heaven. There is
no night, therefore no need of shutting the gates; all is at
peace and secure. The whole shows us that we should be more and
more led to think of heaven as filled with the glory of God, and
enlightened by the presence of the Lord Jesus. Nothing sinful or
unclean, idolatrous, or false and deceitful, can enter. All the
inhabitants are made perfect in holiness. Now the saints feel a
sad mixture of corruption, which hinders them in the service of
God, and interrupts their communion with him; but, at their
entrance into the holy of holies, they are washed in the laver
of Christ's blood, and presented to the Father without spot.
None are admitted into heaven who work abominations. It is free
from hypocrites, such as make lies. As nothing unclean can enter
heaven, let us be stirred up by these glimpses of heavenly
things, to use all diligence, and to perfect holiness in the
fear of God.
$-$-$- RE:22

* A description of the heavenly state, under the figures of the
water and the tree of life, and of the throne of God and the
Lamb. (1-5) The truth and certain fulfilling of all the
prophetic visions, The Holy Spirit, and the bride, the church,
invite, and say, Come. (6-19) The closing blessing. (20,21)

#1-5 All streams of earthly comfort are muddy; but these are
clear, and refreshing. They give life, and preserve life, to
those who drink of them, and thus they will flow for evermore.
These point to the quickening and sanctifying influences of the
Holy Spirit, as given to sinners through Christ. The Holy
Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, applies this
salvation to our souls by his new-creating love and power. The
trees of life are fed by the pure waters of the river that comes
from the throne of God. The presence of God in heaven, is the
health and happiness of the saints. This tree was an emblem of
Christ, and of all the blessings of his salvation; and the
leaves for the healing of the nations, mean that his favour and
presence supply all good to the inhabitants of that blessed
world. The devil has no power there; he cannot draw the saints
from serving God, nor can he disturb them in the service of God.
God and the Lamb are here spoken of as one. Service there shall
be not only freedom, but honour and dominion. There will be no
night; no affliction or dejection, no pause in service or
enjoyment: no diversions or pleasures or man's inventing will
there be wanted. How different all this from gross and merely
human views of heavenly happiness, even those which refer to
pleasures of the mind!

#6-19 The Lord Jesus spake by the angel, solemnly confirming the
contents of this book, particularly of this last vision. He is
the Lord God faithful and true. Also by his messengers; the holy
angels showed them to holy men of God. They are things that must
shortly be done; Christ will come quickly, and put all things
out of doubt. And by the integrity of that angel who had been
the apostle's interpreter. He refused to accept religious
worship from John, and reproved him for offering it. This
presents another testimony against idolatrous worship of saints
and angels. God calls every one to witness to the declarations
here made. This book, thus kept open, will have effect upon men;
the filthy and unjust will be more so, but it will confirm,
strengthen, and further sanctify those who are upright with God.
Never let us think that a dead or disobedient faith will save
us, for the First and the Last has declared that those alone are
blessed who do his commandments. It is a book that shuts out
form heaven all wicked and unrighteous persons, particularly
those who love and make lies, therefore cannot itself be a lie.
There is no middle place or condition. Jesus, who is the Spirit
of prophecy, has given his churches this morning-light of
prophecy, to assure them of the light of the perfect day
approaching. All is confirmed by an open and general invitation
to mankind, to come and partake freely of the promises and of
the privileges of the gospel. The Spirit, by the sacred word,
and by convictions and influence in the sinner's conscience,
says, Come to Christ for salvation; and the bride, or the whole
church, on earth and in heaven, says, Come and share our
happiness. Lest any should hesitate, it is added, Let whosoever
will, or, is willing, come and take of the water of life freely.
May every one who hears or reads these words, desire at once to
accept the gracious invitation. All are condemned who should
dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by adding to
it, or taking from it.

#20,21 After discovering these things to his people on earth,
Christ seems to take leave of them, and return to heaven; but he
assures them it shall not be long before he comes again. And
while we are busy in the duties of our different stations of
life; whatever labours may try us, whatever difficulties may
surround us, whatever sorrows may press us down, let us with
pleasure hear our Lord proclaiming, Behold, I come quickly; I
come to put an end to the labour and suffering of my servants. I
come, and my reward of grace is with me, to recompense, with
royal bounty, every work of faith and labour of love. I come to
receive my faithful, persevering people to myself, to dwell for
ever in that blissful world. Amen, even so, come, Lord Jesus. A
blessing closes the whole. By the grace of Christ we must be
kept in joyful expectation of his glory, fitted for it, and
preserved to it; and his glorious appearance will be joyful to
those who partake of his grace and favour here. Let all add,
Amen. Let us earnestly thirst after greater measures of the
gracious influences of the blessed Jesus in our souls, and his
gracious presence with us, till glory has made perfect his grace
toward us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be, world without end. Amen.