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Les diagrammas suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 *•" *i:i ■ ,f osmoK \" mnoDiT wmnsf vpoh THE PB0FHEGIE8 ■% Of fiBVELATION, DANIEL, ISAIAH, 4f^, TBB 8B00KP OOMINQ Of aa SAIIITS AT THl miBT BUOUKmOll. ^- iIm tkidlMlh yvt in tlw tnl of .AC L "■•f '% <&., "4 lUH GALT: rUfiUSBBD BT WILLIAM M AR€B, Aim fOB tAU BT E. * A. lOLLBB, 8T TONQB 8TBBBT, tOiOXfQ, 1860 f^^ A.T:C» ,^#>^^^^ -. /'« ./ .^^* ■\ ■■*' *' 'd'HjT'^.. 'fr ■;*>■■ -.s/'^^r -*#;• »V:r'^'-^-;-^r'''*" >^ iy ff (c ...M ,«W».. t.:-' .-! l.-.>.I 'r^:iwi,-'.4 ^ .j4>. w ' . J CONTENTS. V.;!. -yr^? The Vision of Jesus Christ.(chap. 1.) The Epistles of Christ, the universal Bishop, to the seven Churches in Asia ; extending through all Time to the Coming of our Lord, (chaps. 11 and III.) Christ revealed as a King seated on a Throne in Ileaven (chap. IV.) Christ revealed ka a Priest, the Lamb slain from the Foundations of the tv orld. (chap. V.) The first Series of Judgments inflicted on the Western Branch of the Roman Empire, (chap. VI.) The sealing of the British Nation from the Effects of the Seventh Seal. (chap. VII.) The Judgments and final Overthrow of the Church in the East- ern Branch of the Roman Empire, (chaps VIII and IX.) 1 Christ exhibited as the Inflictor of Judgments, (chap. X.) Epitome of the Church History, (chap. XI) [History of the Church during the Pagan Period, being that of the fourth Beast of Daniel, or the Roman Empire when under Pa- ganism, (chap. XII.) [istory of the Church during the Papal Period, when the Roman Empire is divided into the Ten Kingdoms of Great Britain, France, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Naples, Sardinia, and the three Ecclesiastical States of Rome, Ravenna, and Lombardy. (chap. XIII.) 'he Acts of the True Church during the first Period of the Infi- del Ascendancy in the Roman Empire, (chap. XIV.) Supplementary History, containing the Seven last Vials of Wrath the sevenfold Act of Vengeance, commencing A. D. 1792. (chaps. XV. and XVI.) ly. CONTENTS. Hiitorj of the Roman Empire under its lost Form of Infidclitjr, and during the Supremacy of the lafidsl Antichrist, (chap. XVII.) Judgment on Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth, (chap. XVIII.) Final Confederation of the Ten Papal Kings under their Leader, the Infidel Antichrist, who is the eighth Head of the Beast yet of the seven. The coming of our Lord with all his Saints ; the fate of tlie Infidel Antichrist and the False Prophet of Rome, and the utter Destruction of the Ten Papal Kings, with heir conftderatc Armies, (chap. XIX.) ^'^ *^^ «,i^» :^?»^ *:fi ■i-^-pd^ >i' ^.lyy. .'"t "• 'I . .V u ,.i -^^:;;a C?i*r '. n :^:^^!:^:r . '■' ii'i-' " S'ti, j'^' ->;.{ 'f . } .7. .,-. :f,,. , ..^ :rvP. -i^.tmik-Ml '-• ■>: ■■■■< -5eT;^'v5»^.^'s = »rt* ■ ^'i.;i ;:L,n' ^i Ilarlots and PREFACE TO THIS EDITION. Tuis condensed, but comprchcnsire, work \va3 tirst published in London, in 1R29. In u comparative small compass it contains the substance of the large and expensive works of Fleming, Jones, Frere, Dr. Gumming, Elliott, and other writers on Prophecy. The work had a great circulation in England and Scotland, ' but is supposed to be now out of print, which has induced the Editor and Publisher of this Edition to lay it again before the public in a cheap and popular form. What will render this work of great interest to the Religious Public of the present day is the fact, that much which neces- sarily was conjecture with the Author in 1829, is now a matter of History in 1860 — and the inference is therefore fair, that what is still unfulfilled may be as literally fulfilled. There is no doubt that the great Religious Revival which is now going on in many parts of Europe, America, and Asia, is a work of the Holy Spirit — to prepare the Church for the speedy advent of our Lord — and that the cry may possibly now have gone forth "Behold the Bridegroom cometh." In which case, does it not become the duty of the " Wise Virgins " to be t. t'U' ming their Lamps and be prepared to enter in before the "Door is shut:' Should this little work, in any way, aid in this great and im- portant preparation, the end desired by the re-publication of this Book will have, in so far, been obtained by. Gait, 8th February, I860. THE EDITOR. I nt^i. :^7!'i: i' > ►f^'^il i *^ (*i «-!, 5VJI > » .4 ;-?l , I* ' I..) laDd ■.h.j^,^ tM -^< *f ^fc^ »-, *».A Hs\ ,VJ. t.s.-A^IM /ti,. ji^T (1- *,«'i>>5-<'- •r>-: «v«»-. '.?*«^ r- * .; f>" PREFACE. ■ , •■ "'.4 '"^'.i • ■ - 1 . 1 , !■• - 4' - ■ . n'N- - ,k'j 'n I,. J , .^ i' • . .»^ •*;• ■^^*-. ■». 1 -, ..".^.'v; - f). '^ ..'(. It is admitted by all commentators, that the prophecies contained in the Rerelations to St. John at Patmos are of a far more en- llarged and comprehensiTC character, and inclado ampler revcla- jtions of the will and purpose of Qod, than is to be found in any (other prophecy contained in the inspired volume. The object Ifor which this prophecy is given to the Christian Church through Ithe beloved disciple is evidently of a consolatory character, and [calculated to cheer the prospects and animate the courage of the IChorch, during those various vicissitudes and persecutions Iwhich should attend her footsteps under tho brutal oppression lof the fourth beast of Daniel, or the Ptoman Empire, in its Pagan, jPapal, and Infidel form of government ; and extending through ill the history of the Church, until Christ himself sliould come [and deliver his saints from the dominion of the fourth beast, rhen the time should arrive when the kingdom over the whole sarth should be given unto the Son of Man, and to tho Saints of |tbe Most High God, who are to possess it for ever and ever. To this period in the prophetic record, the author has given a con- jcise interpretation ; which he does not oflTer as sufficient in itself, (for the revelation is upon that grand and ample scale, that lone can ever exhaust the comprehensive subject,) but rather as guide for the students of this most blessed book ; in order, if possible, to assist them in further research for its hidden treas- ires. To those who have been so far enlightened by the Spirit )f truth, as to have overcome the prejudice which is too preva- lent against the study of this prophecy, nothing need be offered is incitements to its perusal ; but to those who are still labour- ing under this delusion of Satan, it may be as well to observe, )hat such can have little conception of the rich profusion of Di- rine treasure whieb is couched under this symbolical prophecy ; )Oth as affording abundant sources of consolation to himself, VIM. PVLEVACt. I ! ) I (M eompOAinff ono or the complete body of Cliriit,) and likewiie M conUinlng in its ample foId« deep openingt of Dirioo truth, •cattered like gemn throughout the whole. Such an eiuberant collection of magnificent truths, and conTeyed in such spleuuid imagery, is no where else to bo found ; so truly doei that bless- ing of our Lor I, to whom the rerclation was first giren, and then bequeathed to hi>« Church, descend upon the diligent and rererent inquirer into these holy mysteries. " Blessed is he that rcadeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which arc written therein : for the time is at liand." (chap. i. 3.) It will bo necessary to offer n few remarks on the internal struoturo of the book, and likcwiae upon tbo nature of symbolic prophecy. , ,f ,. It has been laid dowu by an eminent commentator,* that a symbolical prophecy should bo studied solely with respect to the symbols, and the structure of tho book thus first ascertained from internal sources, previously to any attempt being made at an interpretation ; and the strict observance of this most impor- tant rule is the only effectual preventative to the encroachment of fanciful interpretations. Tho character of symbolical prophecy necessarily affords a larger scope to tho interpreter than the more literal ; because it is not found difficult to mould events so as they shall assume, in some one respect or other, an apparent assimilation to the pro- phecy ; and thus a spurious interpretation has doubtless often been presented to the church. Before any interpreter, therefore, commences his arduous task of explaining symbolical prophecy, he should take good heed to confine bis researches within such limits as the prophecy itself will not fail to present, when its structure and arrangement is determined from the symbols themselves. Acting upon this invaluable and only safe course to be pursued, Mr. Freref has rendered a service to the church • Mcde. t Thn author cannot omit expressing to this gentleman, his own sense of obligation for the benefit and instruction he Ium roeeived from the ** Com- bined View of tho Prophecies of Daniel and St. John ;" and also firam a small pamphlet since published, entitled, " On the general Structure of the Apocalypse, being a brief Introduction to the minnte Interpretation." From both of these works he haa received much information necessary to the arrangement of this interpretation. PEBFACI. il. which f he can f c*reeljr ever repft7» bj ciUblbhing the structure of this Apocaljpse upon a basis of truth which nothing has artr shaken ; and the interpretation which naturally flows in upon tb« ' erection of such a frame-work is the best proof of its aecuracjr ; for that book, which furmurlj was considered enveloped in mjs- ticism an I obscuritjr, will appear to those who studjr it upon tliat gentleman's scheme, to be a bod/ of hearenly light scarcely loss characterised bj the capacity and distinctness it casts upon ererj other part of Scripture, than bj the simplicity and beauty of the interpretation to which it conducts. The author refers the reader to the pamphlet, entitled, "On the general Structure of the Apocalypse, being a brief Introduction to its minute In- terpretation, by James Uatley Frere, Esq.," which he would recommend to his most diligent andaltentire ; ^rusal. He will, howerer, avail himself of an extract, as compressing in a short compass the arrangement of the prophecy, referring the reader to the pamphlet itself for the arguments upon which it is foun- ded. TABLE OF THE CONTEXTS OF THE APOCALYPSE. Chap. I. contains, in verses 1 — 9, a general introduction, or pre- face ; and in verses 10 — 18, a vision of our Lord Jesus Christ, referred to in chap. i. 19, by the words, "Write the things which thou hast seen." Chaps. II, III. consist of the epistles to the seven churches which are in Asia, described in the same verse (chap. i. 19) as relating to " the things which are." The remainder of the Revelation consists of the prophetic his. tory of future events described in the same rerse (chap. i. 19) as " the things which shall be hereafter," and contains as un- der, namely. Chaps. TV. y. VI. VII. — The communication by the chernbic voices, of the history of the Western Roman Empire; chaps. IV. and V. being prefatory. Chaps. VIII. IX, X. 1 — 7.— The communication by the voices of trumpet angels, or the history of the Eastern Roman Empire ; chap. viii. 1—^, being prefatory. ^ .. ; • ► ^ ■ '• * -• h^-.^ff - i Chap. X. 8, to the end, and chap. XI.—The first part of the little open book, communicated by " the voice from heaven," or the X. PRBTACK. hiftory of the church in brief; chap. x. 8—11 being prefa- tory. ChApf . XII. XIII. and XIV. — The remainder of the little open book, eommnnicated by " the voice from heaven," repeat- ing the chnrch history at large, or in the deUils of its three succeasiTe periods. ' Chaps. XV. XVI.— The supplementary history, containing the acconnt of the pouring out of the seven golden bowls or vials of wrath, which are common to the lost period of the three preceding histories. Chaps. XVII. XVIII. XIX. 1— 10.— Tho explanation of the angel relative to the first history, namely, that of the Western Roman Empire, announced by the cherubic voices. Chap. XIX. 11 to the end, XX. XXI. 1—8.— The explanation of the angel relative to the second history, namely, that of the Eastern Roman Empire, announced by the voices of the seven trumpets. . - Chap. XXI. 9, to the end, and XXII. — The explanation of the angel relative to the third history ; namely, that of the church announced by " the voice from heaven," and contained in the little open book. The author has one observation to make upon the nature of symbolical language in general. Whilst this mode of instruc- tion is the most comprehensive and durable, it is likewise the most simple and natural. It is the universal language of man- kind ; the heavenly method of teaching man truth ; for natural words will not express spiritual things. Thus it is written in the xixth Psalm, " The heavens declare the glory of God ; and the firmament sh^^weth his handywork. Day unto day nttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard." The same truth, that the visible creation is to be regarded as setting forth the invisible, is declared by the Apostle Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans, i. 20 : " For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the thingft that are made, even his eternal power and God- head." This is the true character of symbolical language ; the whole world is one great symbol, the perfection of the Deity PRIFACE. 3K. seen and known in all hig Tisible works : this ii the inbliae origin of all s jmbols, and the onl j tme method of arriring to the knowledge of any deep tmthi in the spiritoal and inrbiblo world. We are hereby furnished with an argument in faroar of the truth of onr holy religion, iu contradistinction to that of the surrounding impostures of the heathen nations ; for if the hidden mysteries of our religion are found enclosed in the fold of the vis- ible creation, who could be the originator of that religion but the Creator himself? For he alone who from chaos produced this world of light, and life, and beauty, could shape things seen so as to represent and shadow forth things unseen : who can know the hidden mysteries of nature— but nature's Lord 7 As an illustration of the comprehensiveness of the symbolic language, the sun and moon may be instanced, which the reader will recognize as continually alluded to in Scripture, as symbo- lical of the Sun of Righteousness, even Ghvist : and the moon, as emblematical of his church, his chaste spouse. By an accur- ate examination of the natural fact, and comparing it with the thing signified, it will be seen with what exactness the one shadows forth the other. The sun (as far as it respects our planetary system) is an independent body of light : so is Christ the source of all spiritual blessing to his church. The moon is in herself an opaque body : so the church has neither form nor comeliness, and possesses no beauty in herself, but as she derives it from the imputed righteousness of Christ ; and being clothed with which, she sheds her borrowed lustre upon a world lying beneath her, in darkness and in error. The sun's rays are hid from that portion of the earth, which is immersed in the dark- ness of night, and is apparently all unconscious of his existence —not so the moon, who still enjoys the full blaze of his efful- gent brightness. Thus the true church can by faith recognize and enjoy the presence of her Lord, and receive that consola- tion and support from the light of his countenance, of which a world, lying in wickedness, is wholly ignorant. The similarity might be carried to a greater extent, but this probably wUl suf- fice, as an example of the fulness of the symbolical style. The author has annexed a short symbolical dictionary, in order to obviate the impression that the interpretation of the symbols is arbitrarily assomed, and likewise to assist the student •t,- xu. PBErAOB. of this iatoreiting prophecy. It if an abbreTiated extract from Mr. Frere'i " Gombined View of the Prophecies ; " to which the reader is directed for a more enlarged explanation. 1 Tht Karth ...•.•... The third part of the Earth ' * iff '» t . -. " ■•■'.'■.' t The fourth part of the Earth An Earthquake Sun Moon Stars Heavens Great Waters Sea Sea of Glass Four Winds River Euphrates . . . . Mr Beasts Heads of a Beast. . . Chaste Woman The territories which were tlie seat of the four great empires. The Eastern Roman Empire, of which Constantinople was the capital, being that portion which fell to Constantine, on the division of the empire bj Con- stantine the Great, among his three sons. Italy, togettier with the Roman Province of Africa, being one of the four prefec- tures into which the Roman Empire was divided bj Constantino the Great. (Rev. vi. 8.) A popular commotion, threatening the overthrow of a kingdom. The Lord of day, in temporals, the King ; spiritually, the Sun of Righteousness ; Christ. The Queen of heaven ; the consort of the sun, the queen ; spiritually, the church. The princes and nobles of a kingdom; spiritually apostles or ministers of the church. The political system of government, in which these symbolical planets appiear. Multitudes of people. The noise of many waters is as the noise of a multitude of people. " The untillable and barren deep," peoples in an unfruitful state, subject to storm, &c. Population in a tranquil state. The spirit of violence and discord, which when let loose acts on the sea, or popu- lation. The Turkish Empire, which first rose in the neighbourhood of that river. Descriptive of universality. Savage, indicate political brutal power ; beasts of Rev., various significations, Infidel power and Papacy. The rulers of a kingdom or empire. Spouse of Christy the true church, bring- ing forth spiritual children. PBKTACK. ••• XUl. Uru-hoMte WottuM... Fornication Kingt of the Earth.. Babylon Holy City^Jerutaltm Temple. Living Creaturet. . . incenee, or Sweet > Odours ) WhUe Robee Rain Grass Rivers and Fountains Flood of Waters.... Storm of Hail Flight of Locusts... Ships Shipmaster jOrMer- ) chants., 5 Wings Horse Tail of Scorpion. . . Prophetic Day Month Time Haifa Time Prophetic Hour..,. Harvest of Mercy. . . Harvest of Wrath.. Vintage^ or Tread- ) ing Wme-press. > Fire Lightning The ; I harlot, the Papacj, \rho indaee kh^ . of the earth to commit fornication. Spirltu.iil Idolatry. The rulers of the Papal nations. The Papacy and its adherents. Used symbolic«llj of the present Tisible church literally that city which comes down from Goa. Holy of holies symbolizes hearenly things, the New Jernsalem the presence of Ood. Holy place symbolizes the spiritual church on earth, the true priesthood. Outer court symbolizes professors of re- ligion only, not spiritual worshippers. The church, taken from the four banners of Judah, Ephraim, Reuben, and Dan, who usually encamped around the ta- bernacle. The prayers of saints. The righteousness of Christ. The Holy Spirit. True believers flourishing under the wat- ers of the Spirit of God. Sourceci of religions instruction. A large body of men, an army in motion. Northern armies, where hail is supoosed to generate. ^ Southern armies, whence locusts caibe. Establinhmcnts of those who make a gain of godliness. Venal Ecclesiastics. Emblematical of swiftness. Emblematical of power and authority. Seat of poison— false and deadly doctrines. A year. 30 years. 360 years. 180 years. A mouth, or twelfth part of a year, a short period. Protection and ingathering of the saints. Act of judgment. Last act of judgment after the harvest. Destruction inflicted upon an enemy. Fire from heaven, a manifest act of ven- geance. ^. f I ! zh. PRiriCK. Foie9 of Tkundtr, or VvictofTmmptt. I J ■**©', Voiet of the charch in heaven, and decla- ration of Qod'i judgement on his enc- mi«f. It now onlj remains for the author to acknowledge the deep debt of gratitnde he owes to the Rev. Edward Irving, to whose exposition of the Apocalypse, delivered at the Scotch Church, during the year 1828, he is chiefly indebted for the interpreta- tion of the prophetical parts of the book, and whose enlightened ministry he must regard as instrumental to his attainments of any theological truths contained in this commentary. He has not deemed it requisite to state such authority in the body of the work, in the very many instances, wherein the ideas are presen- ted almost as genuine as they proceeded from him, because the work would have abounded with a too-frequent repetition of such acknowledgments, seeing that he has arrived to the under- standing of almost every Divine truth by instructions received from the lips of his respected pastor. This acknowledgment is offered to the public, rather in compliance with the maxims of this world's wisdom, than to be regarded as the expression of his own obligations ; for they are of too sacred a character to admit of their allusion in terms of common courtesy. ThA author has one observation to offer for the consideration of the reader, previously to closing these few preliminary re- marks ; and in this, a careless reader will peruse this book, and derive as little benefit as though he never read it : but let him attentively compare the interpretation offered, with the text, ma- king every adequate allowance for the essential difference between a symbol and an historical fact, the sign and the thing signified, and by the blessing of Qod he may not only become a wiser but a better man ; for, assuredly, the blessing rests upon him who " readeth, and they that hear the words of this pro- phecy." Into the hands of Almighty God the Author commits this fee- ble attempt to make known the truths contained in this holy prophecy, praying that he wUl graciously pardon the many im- perfections it contains, and also if he has unknowingly and heedlessly " added unto these things, or taken any away from the words of the book of this prophecy," that the punishment threat- ened against such may not alight on his head, seeing that he PRKFACX. nd decU- his enc- the deep to whose 1 Church, iterpreta- lightened ments of He has )dy of the e prcsen- cause the etition of he under- receired gment is laxims of tion of his r to admit hath done it in ignorance ; bnt rather that his name maj be fonnd written in the Book of Life, and that he maj hare Inheri- tance in thatholj citj which cometh down out oi' hearen from his God, for Christ's sake. Jlmtn, London^ May, 8f lB2d. sideration linary re- book, and tt let him text, ma- differeace the thing become a ests upon this pro- 8 thisfee- this holy manjr im- ingly and f from the nt threat- g that he % % :r . t-yiil^i?^ > 1 ) i f / ■ - ' • -? ■ .ft '. , .-"■. *.^ ■■ .-•■'",". i ■ : h ■ V i,"^- '".■:■ ' . ■ * ' - 1 ■■ 1 i. r,V .'.,.,., "^ 1 ; • » ; / (■■■;, /■ If -' ' -^'^ -■'' " i i;, 1 \ - » 1 » ■' • • . ' ' - 1 ' t i i i 1 I il }! . ^ ' iL w m^ ^^-.A*.* CHAPTER I. lis firit chapter comprises the things which the Apostle had ieen (r. 19), and which he was told by our Lord to write. The most enlarged and coraprehensire views of the mysteri- ous doctrine of the blessed Trinity will be found contained in it, with the various oflSces and character of the Persons in the Godhead. This book is justly entitled the Re- 1 ne Revelation of Jetui Relation of Jesus Christ, both be- Chri$t,u}hich Godgavew.* ^ause it contains a prophetic com- to Aim, to thew unto hie lunication made by Qod the Father tervante things tohich mutt \o Jesus Christ, in virtue of his shortly come to pats ; and esurrection as Son of Man (see Mark he tent and signified it by ciii. 32); and more especially because hit angel unto hit tervant fts ultimate object is the glorious John: Eoming of Jesus Christ, to redeem his suffering church, avenge ler oppressors, and establish in everlasting power his own lingdom on earth, on the ruins of the antichristian kings. The Lngel through whon it was communicated to John, was one of the church in heaven. (See xiz. 10 ; zxii. 9 ; v. 10.) :, " He that is faithful in that which 2 Who bare record oj the lis least, is faithful also in much." word of God^ and of the JThe beloved disciple, who bare the tettimony of Jetut Chritt, ■"true record" of Christ's humility and of all thingt that he (John xiz. 35), was selected as the taw. {witness of his majesty and glory. There can scarcely exist a more 3 Blested is he that read' I animating encouragement to the eth^ and they that hear the study and continual observance of wordt of thit prophecy, and thb things declared in this most holy keep thote thingt which are prophecy, than is contained in this vtritten therein: for thg verse; such a manifeet incitement time it at hand. to its perusal being found attached to no other prophecy in the inspired Volume ; and which, I coupled with the iaitmctioii to th* Apoitle (xxiL 10), " Seal '!r^\itrtfil^r-::! lr::i I'-'-jp-^: '•■-' :-. I.-,:: Uvr--> * ■''. (, ■; I ; I I ) 4 John to the iiven churchtt which are in Aiia : Grace be unto you^and peace, from Him which is, and which 2 not the Mjingt of the prophecy of thli book," diitinetly unequiTocallj notifiee to the church, that the myiteriei then contained were never designed bj its Divine Author to be set to them : but, though it foretold them of the " much tribuUtj through which they were to enter into the kingdom of Qc yet likewiie spake of a redemption and of an inheritance " at hand." This Revelation is addressed I seven churches of the Bastern pire, which has the precedei inasmuch as it was so long the c1| woe, and which i» to come ; seat of the church, was the prineij and from the eeven Spiritt theatre of Ohrist's suffering and which are be/ore hit throne, mility, and is hereafter to be the i 6 And from Je$u$ Christ, upon which his glory will be m^ who it thefaithftU witnett, strikingly manifested. Seven ehui and thefirtt-begotten of the es are addressed, as representing i dead, and the Prince of the whole ; the number eeven being * kingtof the earth. Unto dicative of totality, or perfectij ' him that loved tis,and wash' The benediction is that of the ei - id u»from our tint in hit blessed Trinity ; the seven epiij " own blood ; characterising the Holy Qbost, QAndhtUhuadeutkingt so much in his eternal subsistei 'and priettt unto Ood and as in his diffusive and illuminat '- hit IHther ; to him be glory influence extended over the ehurcl - and dominion for ever and proceeding from the Son of Han, ' ever. Jmen. sitteth on the throne. *' The Pri^ of the kings of the earth" is Ofarist's true and proper title ;| the investiture in which dignity this prophecy most especii •'- refers ; and in the participation of which kingly power he instal all those who have been " washed from their sins in '■'■ own blood," and will make -them kings and priests nnto ^ and his Father, when he shall give the kingdom to the saint the Most High, who shall possess it for ever, even for ever ever. Amen. "'-'"■• ' *> ■•-■ « : ■>- 1 Behold, he cometh toith The ftitnre florions revel ati on | doudt, tend every eye ^mU Jesus Ohrisl is hero set fbrth as nehimfand i^yaltd which great object of tlie prophecy/ pitrced him : and all kin' the grand and momentous eri •;j lich «U the TMiou difp«nMtioni dredi of tki tarth mHmU I God's providence, rerealed there- wail bteauti 0/ him. Even in the Dirine plan are de- »o, Jmen. led to accelerate, and in which ^j shall all terminate ; the latter part of the verse dearlj loting the terrific judgments with which he will Tislt the Itions of the earth at his advent. '■ ?hi8 is a commenciDg as well as 8 lamJlphaand Omtga^ irminating text (zzi. 6, and xxii. the beginning and the end' setting forth the power and inq, saith the Lord, tohich Ihead of Gbrist, who is the author m, and which wai, and the prophecy. The same charac- which is to come, the JIU istic' being applied to the First mighty. \non in the Trinity in verso 4, declares his equality and one- Bs with the Father. Jt. John here introduces himself 9 /, John, who alto am I the accredited agent of communi- your brother and compa- tUig to the church this consolatory niun in trUtulation, and in )pbecy ', and begins by stating his the kingdom and patience ilification for the office, in having of Jesus Christ, was in the ticipated in the trials and suffer- isle that is called Patmos, of the saints, in the patient for the word of God, and lurance of which the Apostle for the testimony of Jesus id there was great reward. Christ. The day of the reanrrection was 10 I was in the Spirit on bst appropriately chosen by our the Lord*s-day, and heard frd for the abundant outpouring of behind me a great voice, as Spirit on the Apostle, to prepare of a trumpet. for the important service in which he was about to be em- |>7ed. The similitode of a voice, as of thunder, or a trumpet, jressive of sublimity and abruptness, is the voice of the irch which ought ever to be regarded with fear and reverence. chap. iv. 1 ; viii. 13; xiv. 2). • ^ . • .. The Apostle is here commanded 1 1 Saying, I am Mpha I write those revelations in a book and Omega, the first and Mch were about to be commnnica- the last : and what thou to him ; signifying that the ap- uest, write in a book, and [cation and use was not confined $end it unto the uven the seven churches to whom they churches which arp in Mia T y ufUo KphttUi, and unto were pftrticuUrly addreued, Smyrna, and unto Per- like the Epiitlei, (many of whi^ gamoi, and unto Iliyatira, were likewise directed to lepari and unto Sardi$, and unto churches), thej were intended Philadelphia, and unto the church unirersal, until the e^ Laodieea. "- of time : which view of the extend reference of all these Epistles is confirmed chap. ii. 26, wher the church at Thyatira is directed to " bold that fast which i| had till Christ come." 12 Jnd J turned to ire The seven golden candlesticks the voice that epake with me. lude to the candlestick with ^nd being turned, I taw branches and seven lamps in teven golden candletticks, tabernacle (Ezod. zxr. 31—37), tlj (the visible churches). — candlestick being the sustainer container of the seven lamps which were constantly kept bur ing in the tabernacle ; and which we find, from chap. iv. denoted the Spirit of God, the Light of the world, to be fou^ alone in the true visible church : which interpretation of emblematical character of the candlesticks our Lord hima condescends to give the Apostle, (see verse 20). 13 ^nd in the midst of Christ is here represented asarri| the teven candlesitcks, one ed in his priestly robes, as the like unto the Son of Man, of Man, walking amongst and wattj clothed with a garment ing over his churches ; the gold (priestly) down to the foot girdle being also significant of and girt about the papt with kingly character. The figure a golden girdle (kingly). aptly expressive of this proximity | his church during persecution or affliction ; for we likewise re that one like the son of Man was seen walking with the tli children of Israel in the fiery furnace, and delivered them frij the flames. . i^ ^^ 14. Hit head and his hairs This description coincides were white like wool, as thatof the Ancient of Day sin Danil white as snow, and his eyes affording one of the many evidena were as aflame of fire : that every revelation made to ua] God the Father is of God in Christ. His eyes being like a fla of fire, indicate his discernment of the thoughts and intents I the heart ; as when on earth he needed not that any shoij testify of man, for he knew what was in man. ^ This figure of fe«t like anto floe 15 Jndkit/etHUct unto If, we find on the like ooauione ftn$ br/watert iptife of the Son of Man, and leemi to point out the unrelent- Ig character of thoae judgments, when he will tread the wine- na of the wrath of Almighty God. His voice, as the sound of lanjr waters, is applied to the living creatures in Ezek. i. 24, id to the cherubim in Rev. ziv. 2 ; the former, emblematical the church in heaven ; the latter, of the church on earth. Christ himself interprets this sym- 10 Jnd he had in hU )l (v. 20) to be the seven angels or riffht hand seven ttare (the linisters of the churches; and his ministers of the churches) kolding them in his right hand, con- and out of hit mouth went feys the same encouraging truth as a tharp tvo-edged noord rben he declared of his sheep that (ch. ziz. 21),am/Atbet Daniel, struck down with awe I fell at hit feet at dead. it the heavenly vision, is encouraged And he laid hit right hand \)j Christ laying his right hand upon upon me, taywg unto me, lim; as in that instance the prophet Fear not; Ian thefirtt ras strenghtened. And by his de- and the last : daration, that He it was that was 18 lam he that liveth^ lead, and yet liveth, he conveyed and was dead ; and, behold the important truth to St. John, that / am alive for evermore, " to him belonged the issues from Amen : and have the keyt leath " (Psa. Izviii. 29), and that he of hell and of death. )sse88ed the keys of the first and of the second death. |(ReT. XX. 14.) The reyelation is here divided into 19 Write the thinf;t which ^) th9U ka$t Mtn ani thi ihrM diiUnet p*rU ! Ant, TIm gloi thlng9v>kich art, and tkt ous tUIod which th« Apoitl* thingt which $haUbi hit*' just ie«n ; teeond, Th« thingf wbU afltr: ar*, coDiiiting of the EpiitlM the seven churches (chap. li. aad Hi.) eihorting them patience and faithfulnras during the period of the Pagan pertecu tiona, under which thej were then luffering ; and, third, Tl things which shall be hereafter, commencing at chap. ir. and containing the three descriptions of persecutions through wbicli the church would have to pais— the Pagan, the Papal, and the Infidel— and thus following the history of the church, unti^ Christ her Head, should himself appear for her deliverance. 20 Tht myitery of the Christ hero explains the meanin| »evtn ttan which thou taw' of the vision, as in Dan. xii. 7; e$t in my right hand, and thereby confirming the accuracy 0.1 thi seven golden candle- the symbol of the candlesticks ail iticki. The ttcemtan^are more fully interpreted, verse 12, andl the anglee of the teven that of the stars in our comment,! chutchtti and tht teven on verso 16. With such DiviDtj eandleeticks which thou authority for our guide, there cani tawttt, arc tht tevtn chur- exist little danger of an erroneouil chtt. interpretation of these symbols, 8o| often occurring in the proi; .aic writingit. i . ' -ii i Eprbsus w lid cities iarU« ^' I JiQStiC JS, ' 'dercd f'be churc ^y 3t. Pan \td to the Fohn also Return froii ies Individ shurches, them to it lending tl listinguisl [reproving; taken the ! lead of 1 linisters 1 ;>onsibte f( )f their n a nnifor >ropriet) ^8 most n md whici rUl strict iddress. ' spistles ai leadship Iferenoe U vt, TIm gloi ApoiUt thingi whi< I Epiitlot u iof thtfUk ftgan p«{r£«<;( id, third, Tl bap. ir. ^m irough whici kpalt and thel :burch, unti( rerance. tho meaninj )&n. xii. 7;| accuracj o.i dIesUcka ail rerte 12, and ir comment, luch DWiaJ e, there can in erroneoDi •jmbolfl, 80 ■^vuiA •''»f "♦■ji -^ ». »l 1 • •••«} • ■ if: w< ^.. • r-_ ' T ■• *!" f ._. ' r' '* ■ ■ ... n , V-.: rf. • . ^f V^^ , fU ' ■W «« -'1 I '.^ * CHAPTERS II. i!»o m. be seeond and third chapters comprise the things mAicA «r« (i. !•), and preaent oar Lord in the charact« r of unireraal Bishop of hia Church. PBisca was -ne of the most splen- 1. IMto theangtl o/tht id citiet • ' Is Minor, being re- church of Ephtiut writt ; larkn: ^> fr its opulence, its Tolnp- Then thingi taith hi that '.jasiiCJS, mcI its idolatrj ; and was holdeth tht ieven $tar$ in . '. 'tdercdtbA metropolis of all Asia, hit right hand,who walketh f tie church of Ephesus was planted in the midtt of the seven i/St. Paul, and afterwards transfer- golden candle»tiek$. ed to the charge of Timothy : St. 2 / know thy v}orkt,and bhn also ministered in it after his thy labour,and thy patience ■eturn from Patmos. Christ addres- and how thou cantt not bear les indiridually the ministers of the them which are evil ; and hurches, communicating through thou ha$t tried them vAick hem to their people : and hy com- tay they are apottletf and lending them when their flocks are are not^ and hast found istinguiahed for faithfulness, or by them Hare. eproTing them when they hare for- 3. ^nd hati 6orne, and laken the faith, it is evident the great hatt patience^ and for my ead of the church considers hia name^e take hatt laboured^ inisters representatire of, and res- and hatt not fainted. lonsible for, tho spiritual condition 4 Neverthelett I have tome- f their respective charges. There what againtt thee, beeaute a uniform consistency and peculiar thou hatt left thyfirtt love. ropriet) in these epistles, which it 5. Remember therefore 8 most necessary to keep in view ; from whence thou art fall* 'i hk I i h K f 1 1 ! * ! /.' )l taith unto the churehet: To him that overcometh xoill J give to eat of the tree oflife^which is in the midtt •/ the paradise of Qod. 8 6. But IhU thou hast, that self, which he hftd jait exhibited to I thouho^stt the dtedt of the his faithful Apostle : and as the sap* NicolaUaru, which I alto erscription is differeDt to each charcb, h