Chapter II
The exposition of the 5th chapter.
THE stage being built in the 4th chapter, the chorms, which is the church, being set, here begins the prologue ; and that so elegant and stately a one
as was never heretofore invented, or put before any poem.
First, Here is a book sealed, presented in his hand who sits on the
throne. Which book contains God s decrees to be executed until the day of judgment.
Secondly, Here is a proclamation made to all creatures, to find out one who should be found worthy to open it.
Thirdly, There were none such found in heaven, nor in earth.
Fourthly, John weeps, thinking there would be an end of his visions, and
that he must put up his pen.
Fifthly, In this strait comes Christ, and takes upon him the opening and
fulfilling of this book, and all the decrees therein contained.
Sixthly, At this the chorus fall down and worship. Ver. 1. First, What is this book ? Many make it to be the Scriptures. But it is plain, by what all along does follow, that it is a book containing the affairs of the world and the church, and God s decrees about them both. For upon the opening every seal, John sees a vision containing the matter
of the ensuing chapters, namely, the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. And when the
seals were all taken off, chap. x. 8, then John is bidden to eat the book, that he might prophesy again the other part of this prophecy. So that it is
this very book of the Revelation, and the government of the world and his church that is set forth therein, which Christ, by taking the book, under
takes to manage, perform, and execute, and gives it to John. Which agrees with what is said at the beginning of this book, chap. i. 1, The Revelation
of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass ; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.
Ver. 2. A strong angel thereupon proclaims, Who is worthy to loose the
1 ? &c. The use of the seals is not simply to shew that it
seals of this book
cannot be known, as Daniel s sealed book did shew that the things in it
could not be known till the end : Dan. xii. 4, But thou, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end : many shall run
to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. This signified not only so, but it is for the setting out the glory of Christ, and how he was only able to
take the book, and loose the seals, &c.
1. God causeth a general proclamation to be made to all creatures ; as some kings have done for some noble service, promising a great reward, as
Saul did, 1 Sam. xvii. 26, 27.
2. An angel makes this proclamation, to shew that none among men
8 , AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. [PART I.
could ; and it was a strong angel, that so his voice may reach all creatures. The end of which was
(1.) To stir up strong desires in John, and all else that read, to search
into the meaning of this prophecy. What he did exhort to, chap. L 3, and by promise provoke unto, here he does the same again by this proclamation.
(2.) To set out the weakness of the creature, still to the end that so the honour of Christ might the more appear, in that he only can do this. It isGod s manner thus to endear mercies to us, as he did a wife unto Adam. He first brought all creatures unto him, that so he might see that there was not a meet help for him among them. So in the work of salvation, he lets the soul try all means first, as to run to duties, and all other helps, and then he brings it to Christ, 1 Cor. i., that his power may appear. First, he lets the world try their wisdom, what that could do ; and then sends the fool
ishness of preaching to save them that believe, ver. 21, 2o. It is a question among the school-men, whether any mere creature could satisfy for sin? Some say it might ; and some say it is a needless question. But it is a
necessary thing to know that a creature cannot ; for it glorifies Christ the
: which is an argument against that also ; for if they could not open the book, they could much less have redeemed us, that being made a greater thing, ver. 9, where they sing that Christ was therefore worthy to open the book, because he had re deemed us.
more, as that all creatures here were first challenged
Use. Hence learn we to renounce all kings, priests, and prophets, except Christ, who is a priest to redeem, a prophet to teach and reveal the mysteries of God, and a king to execute all God s decrees. It is good to go over all the creatures, and to renounce them, and say, I will be saved by none of you. Suppose the work of redemption were yet to be done, and God should make
this proclamation, as here : Find me out a party able to redeem ; call a
council, and seek one fit for the purpose. Surely none would be found ; and then how would we howl and weep, as John did here, and count our selves undone ! And then, suppose God should set out Christ at last, as one able to save to the uttermost, but this not till he had tried what you could do for yourselves ; surely this w
rould nonplus you. But God would not thus put you to it ; and therefore took another course, and the more to commend his love unto us, he himself found out Christ, and spake to him to die for us, and do the work of redemption to our hands.
Who is worthy ? It is not simply an act of power to break open the-
seals ; but there must be an authority by ivorth. So that which puts the value on Christ s satisfaction was the worth of his person. And thus in this act of opening the book, a mere creature might have had as much habitual grace, and performed as much duty ; but who is worthy ? It was a personal worth which carried it : Such an high priest became us, who is
higher than the heavens, that is, than the angels, Heb. vii. 26. Ver. 3, None was found worthy. Observe the word none ; it is not re strained to man, (no man,) but never a reasonable creature, either in the
heavens, as the angels; nor on earth, as men; nor under the earth, as devils ; nor holy men departed, who are said to go down to the grave : all
these, nor any of these, were able to open the book, neither to look there
on, that is, so as to understand it, for else John could, and did look on
it, ver. 1. Now to loose the seals, and open the book, is not simply to know God s mind in his decrees, but to make the vision of them to John, and to execute and fulfil them in their times. It is an allusion to those who take a com-
CHAP. II.] AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. 9
mission, who do it, not only to look on it, but to fulfil it. It is a commission
sealed, so that this proclamation is in effect thus : Who is able to be God s commissioner, to take this book, and make the visions to John, and in their times to produce and execute them? And this appears from chap. vi. 1, And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. Still as the seals are opened by the Lamb, there is a vision made to John of what shall be done. Therefore the Lamb is presented, not simply as one that should take the book, but as one that hath eyes and horns eyes of
providence, and horns of power to execute. And this agrees with Gen, xlix. 9, 10, where Judah is made a type of Christ, and called a lion s whelp, and a sceptre, and a lawgiver, to take God s laws from him, and execute them ; for in that respect it is that Judah is called a lawgiver in the placeabove cited, not in respect of making or giving laws, but in respect of exe cutive power to see God s laws kept. So Christ here takes this book as to deliver it to us, to execute the decrees of it.
Ver. 4, And I wept much. His despairing put him upon weeping ; he was called up to heaven to see visions, but meets with a stop. This was toset off the mercy, to try his heart, and to render his joy greater.
Obs. God in greatest mercies may make greatest stops; he may so bring to despair that no hope shall be seen, yet at length shew himself in mercy. So to John here. So likewise in the first work of conversion many times ; and so in other great works. John was called to see visions, yet a stop and pause was in his view made.
Use. Here John is comforted, first, by a stander-by, endeavouring touphold his heart ; and, secondly, by the sight of the Lamb, ver. 6. Observe here the degrees God useth to comfort his people by ; first, let
ting fall something giving hopes of Christ, so to draw the soul patiently towait ; then, secondly, shewing it Christ himself. God might have at first shewed John the Lamb, but he first comforts him by a stander-by, (as Job
first heard by the hearing of the ear,) and then his eye saw the Lamb.
Christ, the only opener of this book and giver of this prophecy, is diversely expressed
1. He is called the root of David, out of Isa. xi. 10. Christ put thisriddle to the Pharisees, How David could call him Lord, if he were his son ? So here it may be asked, How could he be called the root of David, if he were the son of David, and so a branch of that root 1 The truth is, he is theroot of David, and of all the saints. He was the root of his ancestors, and the father of his mother. The root of any family is in Scripture put for the-
eldest son in it, who is as the root of the rest. So, Isa. xiv. 30, I will kill
thy root with famine ; that is, thy first-born, the root of thy house ; for in
opposition he says, and the first-born of the poor shall be fed. So Mai.
iv. 1. Therefore, in that Christ is called the root of David, is meant, that he-
is the first-born among all his brethren, as he is called in Rom. viii. 29. And
Ps. Ixxxix. 27, so God calls David in the type, but intends Christ thereby, when he says, I will make him my first-born, higher than the kings of the
earth ; and, ver. 29, His seed shall endure for ever. In this is Christ the
root of David, that he is the first-born of every creature; of whom the whole
family in heaven and earth is named.
2. He is called the lion of the tribe of Judah ; and this in a manifest
allusion to the prophecy in Gen. xlix. 10, wherein Judah, as this placeshews, is made a type of Christ. And it warrants the application of all
there unto Christ. Now Judah was called a lion
10 AiST EXPOSITION OF THE EEVELATION. [PART I.
(1.) Because out of Judah came all the worthies and lion-like men, as
Joshua/"" Othniel, and David, who were all shadows of Christ ; therefore, Gen.
xlix. 9, he is called an old lion, as the word is, a courageous, hearty lion.
So, 2 Sam. xvii. 10, valiant men are said to have hearts like lions. Such was Christ, who durst engage his heart to draw near to God, Jer. xxx. 21.
(2.) Judah had the kingdom, whereof a lion is the emblem; therefore
sceptre and lawgiver are attributed to him, ver. 10. So that it is as much
as to say, Christ, the king by inheritance, as Judah was, shall overcome.
(3.) Judah did take the prey, the land ; it was done by Judah s worthies,
Joshua, Caleb, &c. And when, as a lion, they had taken that prey, they couched and had rest, as in Solomon s days, 1 Kings iv. 21 ; which was also
prophesied of, Num. xxiii. 24, Behold, the people shall rise up as a great
lion, and shall not lie down till they have eaten the prey. And, Gen. xlix.
9, He couched as an old lion; who shall raise him up ? So Christ, when
he had led captivity captive, sits down quietly in heaven, as it were, couch
ing and lying in wait, especially till the day of judgment, and till before, when
he shall see an opportunity to avenge the enemies to his church, when he
will appear as an old lion, who, being roused, suddenly leaps on the prey ;
especially in the latter days, when the gatherings of the people shall be unto
him, as the context is, then shall his kingdom be as of a lion among beasts, Mic. v. 8, where the prophet speaks of Christ s kingdom and conquest in
the calling of the Jews, as he had done of Christ s birth, ver. 2. Now that
kingdom is the scope of this book.
Ver. 6, And in the midst of the elders stood a Lamb as it had been slain, &c. John had heard of Christ as a lion, but he sees him as a lamb. So many a poor soul is afraid of him, till it comes to see him, and be acquainted with him. But he in the end will be found to be a lamb, and a lamb that hath seven eyes to run to and fro through the earth for the good of his
saints ; and seven horns, not to hurt them, but to defend them, and to butt
his and their enemies. Therefore let not your thoughts of Christ be all as
of a lion ; for though he hath the courage and strength of a lion, yet he hath
the meekness of a lamb too unto you; who, therefore, have cause to won
der at and praise this mixture in him. Christ is called a lamb in allusion
to the sacrifices of the old law, which were most commonly of lambs ; two lambs a day, Num. xxviii. 3. Here he was to be represented as a priest ; as
before, in being called a lion, he was presented as a king. And therefore it
* as it had been slain. This Lamb stood in the midst of the throne, nearer than the four beasts who stood between the throne and the elders ; and this, for that he is the Mediator between Ms church and God.
follows,
As it had been slain. That is
1. As if he were newly slain, his blood perpetually remaining fresh, as if he had been slain but yesterday, Heb. ix.
2. But as slain, to shew that he doth not remain slain and dead, but is
alive. So, chap. i. 18, I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.
Stood a Lamb. Standing imports a readiness to afford help. When Ste
phen died, he saw Christ standing at God s right hand, as ready to receive him. It also shews his readiness to intercede. Having seven horns. Horns are put for power, with which to push. So,
chap. xvii. 12, and the ten horns are ten kings. So by seven horns here is
* It is strange that Joshua should be repeatedly mentioned as of the tribe of Judah, whereas he was of the tribe of Ephraim. ED.
CHAP. II.] AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. 11
meant all kingly power. Seven is a number of perfection ; and it shews
that Christ hath power to open the seven seals. And as there are seven
trumpets and seven vials, so Christ hath seven horns; that is, power to fulfil
all these. Antichrist riseth like Christ, and comes with power, Rev. xiii. 12. But what discovers him ? He hath but two horns ; the church needs not
fear him. The Lamb hath seven horns to vindicate himself of his enemies. Fear not kings neither, though they be ten ; Christ is King of kings. And
fear not the devil, who is as a roaring lion ; for Christ, the lion of the tribe
of Judah, is stronger than he, and will bind him sure enough for hurting of
thee.
And seven eyes, ivhich are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the
earth. The Spirit, not in his personal subsistence, is here meant, but in his
instrumental working by gifts and providence, and so is called seven spirits
before, in chap. iv. 5 ; which seven spirits before the throne are gifts in the
church which are from Christ, for he is the fountain of spiritual gifts, and
hath the Spirit without measure. But here, by the seven spirits in Christ
are not meant gifts poured out, but eyes of providence sent into the earth, by which he knows and sees all things; which alludes to that in Zech. iv. 10, For who hath despised the day of small things 1 for they shall rejoice, and
shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven ; they are
the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth ; and
implies the perfection of the knowledge and providence of Christ, to order all
affairs on earth for his church s good, as in 2 Chron. xvi. 9 ; and in Zecha-
riah, before quoted, he ordered the affairs of the Persian monarchy for the
building of his church. Christ, as man, hath eyes as well as horns, to dis
cern and guide all things here below. His human nature is the instrument
of all God s power ; all goes through his hands ; and all the works of God s
providence go through his view : he knows whatsoever is done in the whole
world. But why should Christ be presented here in this chapter under these
notions of a lion of Judah s tribe, and a lamb, and the root of David, rather
than any other 1
1. In that he speaks in the language of the Old Testament, and of John
the Baptist, who was under the Old Testament ; for Christ is everywhere
spoken of throughout the volume of that book, as appears by Luke xxiv. 27, where it is said that Christ,
l beginning at Moses, and all the prophets, did
expound unto them the things concerning himself. Now Moses called him
a lion, Gen. xlix. 9; Isaiah called him <a lamb, chap. liii. 7, and the
root of David, chap. xi. 10 ; and then John Baptist called him the Lamb
of God, which bears the sins of the world. Wherefore, as all other things
in this book are set forth in allusions to the Old Testament, so these de
scriptions of Christ also.
2. He gives Christ these titles in relation to the work of redemption, of
which mention is made, ver. 9. Now to that two things are required
(1.) A price to be paid to God; and so as a lamb he hath redeemed us
to God by his blood, ver. 9.
(2.) Power to deliver us out of the hands of our enemies ; and so he is a
lion that overcomes.
3. It hath relation especially to the opening of this book, and executing
the affairs contained in it, and so those titles are most proper; for
(1.) He needed to die for it, and so is presented as a lamb slain. For
that very price that salvation did cost, the same must each revelation to us
cost also. And his being simply the Son of God, and so knowing the
12 AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. [PART I.
counsels of God written in his decrees, was not enough for him to make them known to us ; but to reveal this counsel, as in a book to be opened to-
us, he must needs die, our sins otherwise hindering it. Hence it is said, ver. 9, Thou art worthy to open the book, for thou wast slain, &c. So
therefore, as a lamb, he is said to take sin away, that hindered the revelation of it to us.
(2.) As a lion he needed courage to encounter God s wrath ; and by breaking through a consuming fire, to approach his throne, and take the book. Who is this that hath engaged his heart to draw near unto me 1
Jer. xxx. 31. No angel durst have presumed to come so near God.
(3.) As a lion he needed to overcome death, and rise to execute the con tents of this book. They say that a lion sleeps the first three days after he
is brought forth, but then being roused by the roaring of the old lion, he, after that, sleeps the least of any creature. So did Christ rise by the power of his Father, to sleep no more.
4. Being risen, he is set forth
(1.) As a lion of Judah; for that in that prophecy, Gen. xlix. 49, as also, Ps. Ix. 7, Judah, in respect of his kingly office, is called God s lawgiver ; not
simply in respect of giving the laws, that Moses, of the tribe of Levi, did, but because Judah executed them. Now, in that Christ did here take the book of God s decrees, and undertook to execute and fulfil them as God s
commissioner, therefore he is in this respect most properly here called the
1 lion of the tribe of Judah.
(2.) He is here set forth as a lamb having seven horns, and as many eyes; and this, in as fit and proper a respect as might be, to signify his being one not only fit to give this prophecy, but to effect the things contained in
it by his horns and eyes. And he is said to have seven horns and seven
eyes, to shew his full power to open the seven seals, and to blow the seven
trumpets, and to pour out the seven vials. He is such a prophet as never
was, in that he not only makes a bare revelation of things, but brings them to pass, and makes them good. God gave him the platform of occurrencesto come, and power and wisdom to order the accomplishment of them. He
is also set forth both as a lamb and a lion to shew his priestly and kingly office ; and how, by virtue of both, he makes us kings and priests, as they
sing, ver. 10; and having his kingdom in their eye, they are confirmed in the
promise of it by a remembrance of him as a lamb and a lion, thus strong and powerful. As a lamb, he purchaseth the revelation of what concerns his
church; and as a lamb with horns and eyes, he effects the accomplishment of
it. And the scope and sum of this book being to shew how Christ rules the world and his church, till he hath put down all rule, and how he then takes the kingdom himself ; therefore he is described as a lamb, in respect of his
quiet governing the affairs of the world and the church, until that his king dom, which then, as a lion, by open force he assumes, and rescues the
church, as a prey, out of the enemies jaws, and that by the right of a pro mised succession from Judah and David ; for which cause those titles of the root of David and lion of Judah do here come in.
1. In a word, this title of his being the root of David shews his right to that kingdom which he is to receive, of which David and his kingdom was but the type.
2. His being called a lamb slain is to shew both a right and title to that kingdom, and also the price by which he purchased it, even his own blood.
3. His being a lion is to shew the power by which he conquers, obtains, and possesses it; therefore this heavenly chorus, or company, here, when
CHAP. II.] AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. 13
they once see Christ, by taking the book, to undertake the accomplishment of this prophecy, (the conclusion of which is his instalment into his king dom,) they, in the joy and faith of it, shout out beforehand, saying,
* We
shall reign on the earth ; as looking on all that was to forego his kingdom, and to come between this vision and his kingdom to come, all as already done, and having this kingdom chiefly in their eye which should come.
Now from the 8th verse to the end of the chapter is a doxology, or a giv ing praise for the Lamb s taking the book ; which song consists of four parts, or was sung by four companies : as
1. Four-and-twenty elders and four beasts the church of men upon earth. They begin and raise the song
: ver. 8, And when he had taken the
book, the four beasts and four-and-twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
2. The angels join their voices : ver. 11, And I beheld, and I heard the
voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders ; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.
3. The creatures come in also : ver. 13, And every creature which is in
heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, honour, glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.
4. The beasts close all, saying Amen : ver. 14, And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four-and-twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that
liveth for ever and ever.
Obs. Observe in the general, That the sons of men are the eminentest
praisers of God ; they are the leaders in this heavenly choir, and they con clude the song. The reason of which is, in that the highest work that God
ever did is the work of redemption, which concerns us, not the angels ; for
which, notwithstanding, the angels praise him, in Luke ii., as also here : yea, all the creatures rejoice in our redemption, ver. 13. But still we are the
first-fruits, we are the leaders in the song, whom the angels follow. It is not said by them, Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood ; that con cerns us, though they sing praise too.
Use 1. Learn we from hence to bless God for his mercy and goodness to
others. We see the angels do so for us, who yet cannot sing as we, with an
interest, and yet they praise God for our redemption; and this is their
highest grace.
Use 2. Learn we to bless God in a sense of our interest. That will
raise our hearts a degree higher, as it was with the church of men in their
song here, ver. 9, 10.
Yer. 8. The praisers, who were of the sons of men, are described, (1.) as
having harps ; (2.) golden vials : in allusion to the Levitical service in the
temple, where they had musical instruments, and incense in bowls or vials,
which, Zech. xiv. 20, are called the bowls of the altar. Not that musical
instruments are to be in the worship of God now, neither incense : which, as
it was the type of prayer and praises, Ps. cxli. 2, Let my prayer come up before thee as incense ; so those harps were of that spiritual melody, as
the Apostle calls it, which we make in our hearts to God, even of spiritual
songs, Eph. v. 19. Therefore John himself interprets the odours or incense
here to be the prayers of the saints. And their hearts are the golden vials,
having faith purer than gold, as Peter speaks, which is the spring of all their
prayers, and their harps also are their hearts; corda and chordae are near akin.
14 AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. [PART I.
And every one is said to have harps ; for in public worship all should
join. The little strings go to make up a concert, as well as the great. Though thou hast but little grace, yet God s worship would not be com
plete without thee. And whereas John calls these odours the prayers of
the saints, it makes nothing for what the Papists would hence collect,
namely, that the saints in heaven offer up the prayers of the saints on earth. For
1. This company are, as we said before, the church of men on earth.
2. These here offer not the prayers of others, but their own ; for both
themselves make the song, and that a new one ; and also the benefit they
praise God for in it is their own, Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. Those words, therefore, the prayers of the saints, are but the in
terpretation which John adds ; and do imply only this, that these were saints, and their odours were their prayers.
Ver. 9, And they sung a new song. 1. You shall find, in the Psalms, that when David had a new occasion, in a further degree, to praise God, he says, *I will sing a new song; now here there was a new occasion given.
2. It is called new in opposition to the old song under the old testa
ment; as, John xiii. 34, I give you a new commandment; that is, of the
gospel, called new, in opposition to the commandments of the old law. In
the 4th chapter of this book, these elders had sung a song for the work of
creation, ver. 1 1 ; but here they sing for the work of redemption, as ver. 9, which is the eminent work of the new testament, as creation was of the
old ; and therefore it is called a new song.
3. There is a more special reason why they should sing a new song, for
that the New Jerusalem was in their eye
: Christ s kingdom and their king dom (we shall reign on earth); there all things shall be made new/ And
therefore their song is now a new song for the instalment of their new king.
Thus, Ps. xcvi. 1, which is a psalm of this kingdom of Christ, as appears by ver. 10-13, doth therefore begin with these words, sing unto the Lord a new song.
UTse l. Learn we from hence to frame new matter of praise, and to have
fresh affections upon every new occasion.
Use 2. We are to bless God, both for our creation and our redemption, and to take in the mention of old blessings when we give thanks for new. As a good scribe is said to bring forth of his treasure new things and old,
so in thanksgiving we are to sing the old song and the new.
The matter of the song is praise to the Lamb ; where we have
First, The person praised, the Lamb, Thou art worthy, spoken in answer
to the proclamation before made : Who is worthy ? Thou, and thou alone ;
for by him, and for him, are all things/ Col. i. 16.
Secondly, The things for which they praise him;
1. For his death, that he died to redeem them.
2. For his resurrection, intimated in this, Thou wast slain, the one mak
ing us priests, the other kings; as follows, Kev. v. 10. And to this end
Christ died and rose, that he might be Lord and King, Eom. xiv. 9. The word here which is translated redeemed is Tjyogaffas, bought, in the
original. For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and people, and tongue, and nation/ Eev. v. 9. From
hence observe
Obs. 1. That the blood of Christ was paid as a price to God for the pur
chasing of our redemption. So, 1 Cor. vi. 20, bought with a price. And
in 1 Tim. ii. 6, it is called a ransom.
CHAP. II.] AN EXPOSITION OF THE KEVEIATION. 15
Obs. 2. Yet Christ hath not redeemed all men ; for it is not every nation and people, but out of every nation, the elect only.
< worthy to receive the book/ because he was slain/ it argues, this book of the Revelation is a special fruit of his death, and so should be the more prized by us. Before Christ s death, we have his own word for it that he knew not when the day of judgment should be ; but now, since he was slain he doth, for he is pronounced worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof, ver. 9. Ver. 10, And hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. Christ was before set forth as a lion, for a king ; so as a lamb, for a priest. And both were mentioned, to shew the ground of our being both kings and priests
Obs. 3. In that they say, Christ is
: We shall reign on earth. From hence observe
1. That this comforted the saints of old, even the consideration of Christ s kingdom on earth. And how peremptory are they
! We shall reign. They mention that, because that is the end and scope of the Revelation, and the conclusion of this book, when the seals are off, and the contents of the book accomplished ; and therefore they have that in their eye. And seeing Christ undertakes the accomplishment of all, whereof this is the issue, they are confirmed in the faith of it.
2. That this kingdom of Christ on earth to come is a far more glorious condition for the saints than what their souls have now in heaven ; for these here overlook that condition which yet they were to run through, and their
( We shall reign on earth. Ver. 11. In the llth verse comes in the other company of angels, and their song ; who
thoughts fly to this for comfort,
1. For their number, are ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands. So likewise, Dan. vii. 10, where the same throne and king dom of Christ is prophesied of, there is the same number of his guard of
angels mentioned : A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him : thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thou sand stood before him : the judgment was set, and the books were opened. Observe from hence, that God hath another world of rational creatures which we see not. And what a story then will the latter day produce ! And what need we fear when there are so many for us, as Elisha said to his
servant, 2 Kings vi. 16, for they are all our guardians too?
2. For their station; they are behind the elders, yet round about the
throne/ having all in a ring as it were. These are the guard of the queen of heaven/ the Lamb s wife/ the church. So, Ps. xxxiv. 7, The angels of the Lord encompass round about them that fear him. And, Heb. i. 14, it is
said, They are sent out to minister for the good of the saints. Ver. 12. The song follows in the next verse : Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power/ &c. Here observe
1. That Christ, though he were worthy by inheritance, yet he was worthy by purchase also ; so the words that was slain do imply. 2. As he hath seven horns and seven eyes, so he hath a seven-fold praise. 3. To express their strong desires to give him sufficient praises, and such
as were due unto him, they heap up many good things, of which they pro nounce him worthy.
4. None is worthy to be the king of all the world but only Jesus Christ. And indeed it were too much for any creature. The angels themselves were
top-heavy of their glory, which made them reel out of heaven ; but Christ hath the Godhead to poise him. No beast is naturally a king of beasts but
16 AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. [PART I.
the lion, says the philosopher; neither is any worthy to be king of all crea
tures but this lion of the tribe of Judah.
The things they attribute to him are
1. Power; that is, authority over all. So says Christ, John xvii. 2, To me all power is given.
2. Riches; that is, possession of all creatures. All things are Christ s, and so ours, 1 Cor. iii. 21. Riches of glory, knowledge, all are his.
3. Strength, joined to his authority. He is able to work anything ; not as other kings, who though they have authority, have yet no more personal
.strength than other men ; but Christ hath seven horns too.
4. Wisdom; and this as large as his power and dominions. He knows
all that God means to do ; and sees all with his own eyes, not with other men s, as other kings do.
5. Honour; that respects what all creatures bring in to him. They all
adore, and bow the knee to him, Phil. ii. 10.
6. Glory; both in his personal excellencies, and also what his Father
gives him. He sits at God s right hand, and governs with him ; and in his
person is the brightness of his Father s glory ; and especially shall be made manifest when he shall come to judge the world.
7. Blessing ; which respects that glory which, for his special goodness to
them, his saints do give him. Others, yea, even the devils, do give honour to Christ, but not blessing. That the saints only give ; for that respects in God the communication of goodness. They only bless him whom he blesseth first. Take notice therefore, that Christ hath all desirable excellencies
in him ; power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and blessing. Ver. 13, And every creature. Every creature in its kind shall worship
hrist, Phil. ii. 10, 11. Every creature comes in here, because when Christ s kingdom is set up, they shall be renewed, Piom. viii. 21, and be delivered
into a glorious liberty.
The church of men began the song, and these continue it; for it is the
mercy to them is the matter of their song, and the instauration of their
king. And therefore we are the more to be stirred up to do it, in that we
.see even all the creatures do it, whom it doth not so much concern.
Ver. 14, And the four beasts said, Amen. And with them the elders
join. Observe that the officers do both begin and end. Amen. It seems to be an ordinance that this word should be used in the close ; and that first by the officers, and then by the people. A prece dent for the practice of this you have likewise in 1 Cor. xiv. 1 6, Else when thou shalt bless with the Spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth n ot what thou sayest 1
CliAP. Ill] AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. 17
CHAPTER in.
The scheme and division of the whole prophecy, from the beginning of the 6th chapter.
THE stage being set, chap, iv., and the prologue acted, chap, v., the prophecy itself begins, in several scenes and visions, chap. vi. But ere I can proceed to tell you what the six first seals of the 6th chapter, or any vision else, doth concern, I must necessarily give you the argument and the division of the whole book; which will afford a better prospect, and a more delectable view, than that of the glory of all the kingdoms of this world, although that was made once in the twinkling of an eye ; for what can be more pleasant than to have an insight, though but a general one, into what is God s design and
project upon the world, in which the church is seated, and the condition of the church itself, in the world, since Christ s ascension? Now this you have as artificially, and in as many scenes in this book presented, as ever was story in any poem. Now for a general insight into this prophecy, which may serve both as a compass and a chart to us, in sailing over this sea, that we may know still where we are, I premise these general propositions or assertions concerning the whole prophecy
Prop. I. That this ensuing prophecy, from the beginning of chap. vi. to the end of the book, contains two prophecies, distinct each from other. That book mentioned chap. v. is brought in to represent this prophecy of the
Revelation, as was shewed, to be given to the church, and executed by Christ, the Lamb and Lion of Judah.
Now in that book two things are distinctly to be considered, as given with that book :
1. The seals on the back-side of the book.
2. The contents of the book itself. Now
1. As the book contains matter of prophecy, so do the very seals also. And accordingly the visions of those seals do take up the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th chapters. Both books and seals are mysterious, and do con tain matter of prophecy. The very back-side and cover of this book of God is prophetical. This book is all composed of prophecies; and the use of the seals is not simply to shew that the matter of this book was difficult to be known, as in Scripture phrase a sealed book imports ; but, besides, they serve to contain a matter of vision to be delivered.
2. Add to this, that answerably, ver. 2. of chap, v., in revealing and de
livering this prophecy, two difficulties are distinctly mentioned :
(1.) The loosing of the seals. (2.) The opening of the book. Now if the seals only did import the difficulty of this book, it would not have been made a new difficulty to open the book. But it is expressly made a distinct difficulty to open the book after the seals are loosened. This VOL. III. B
18 AX EXPOSITION OF THE KEVELATIOX. [PART I.
therefore was, because to loosen the seals, was to deliver one prophecy; and
to open the book when these seals were loosened, was to deliver another.
3. Accordingly, in the 6th chapter, when the Lamb opens the first seal,, a vision is seen, and therein a prophecy delivered ; so when the second is
opened, there is mentioned another; and when the third, a third vision; and
so on in that chapter. And the seventh seal produceth seven angels with seven trumpets ; six of which are recounted from chap. viii. to chap. x., and the seventh trumpet is in the end of the llth chapter.
In the second place, when these seals are, the one of them after the other, taken off, and the prophecy and visions of those seals seen and ended, then an
angel comes with a little book alone, without seals open, chap. x. 2, as containing a new prophecy for John. Now when that this first of the
seals was past, then accordingly John was bidden to eat it, ver. 9, 10, to be enabled for a new prophecy. So, ver. 11, it is expressly said, Thou must
prophesy again before many tongues and kings. And because a new
prophecy was upon the eating of that book to begin, hence, ver. 8, it is said,
The same voice which he had heard before did speak from heaven again.* Now that voice, or speech, he had heard but twice before, and it was both times whenas a new prophecy was given ; once when the Revelation first
began, and the epistles to the seven churches, chap. i. 10. And then another time, when this general prophecy begins, chap. iv. 1, which is dis
tinct from that prophecy of the seven epistles in the three first chapters, which is peculiar to the seven churches. And now again, chap. x. 8, as
beginning a new and third prophecy.
Obs. In that the seals themselves do thus contain a prophecy, observe, That in God s book nothing is without a meaning. Christ said, Not a tittle of it shall pass ; let it not therefore pass us. The very cover here is pro
phetical; much more does every word written in it contain matter of
instruction. Search the Scriptures narrowly, and slight not a tittle of them, though you understand them not. There is enough in what you understand, to admire ; and in what you understand not, to adore ; as judging it the word of the great God, every syllable of which has its weight and value.
Prop. II. That both these prophecies, both seal and book-prophecy, do run over the same whole course of times, from Christ s ascension unto his kingdom ; containing in them several events and occurrences successively, from that time to this of his kingdom, with which this book ends : namely, the seal-prophecy, from chap. vi. to chap, xii., doth act over one story of all
times, to the end of time ; and then the book-prophecy, from chap, xii., beginning at the same time again, doth act over another story of all the same times, unto the end. So that the same whole race of time is run over in both, but with several and distinct occurrences ; even as the two books of the Kings and Chronicles do contain the stories of the same course
of time from David unto the captivity. But the book of the Kings handles most the affairs of the kings of Israel; and that of the Chronicles more
eminently holds forth the story of the kings of Judah,
Now to demonstrate this apart ; first of the seal-prophecy, and then of
the book-prophecy
1. For the seal-prophecy ; lay but these three things together, (whereof the two first were never denied by any,) and the point in hand will neces
sarily follow :
(1.) That in the Cth chapter the six seals do begin ; with a prophecy, either from John s time or from Christ s. To prove this, besides those
evidences which, when we come to interpret them, will more evidently
CHAP. III.] AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. 19
appear, as that the first seal begins with Christ s going forth in preaching the gospel, so to lay the first foundation of his kingdom ; which going forth
refers to those primitive times. As also that in the fifth seal, you have the
first mention of the bloody persecution of the saints, professing the gospel, in the same primitive times ; which appears by this, that they are told that when the rest of their brethren, by the succeeding persecutions, should be
killed, they then should have vengeance upon their enemies for their blood
spilt ; which argues these in the Oth chapter to be those first persecutions. Besides these evidences, I say, it appears more generally, because the pro phecy itself does but here begin, all in the former chapters being but a pro logue and a preparation. And it begins with John s time at least ; for,
chap. i. 1, he says, he was to shew to Christ s servants things which should
shortly come to pass
: the things contained in this prophecy entering into an accomplishment presently upon John s writing them, and divulging them to the churches.
(2.) The second thing, which also none ever denied, is, that these seals and trumpets, which do in order succeed one another, do contain a continued
prophecy of events following one another in a succession of ages downward. To this purpose you may observe the phrase used, chap. x. 7, In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, which im
ports that these several trumpets do, as scenes in a comedy, share among them the several ages and times succeeding one another. And in like man ner the seals have their days, even as the rest of the trumpets have their
days proper, and peculiarly given to them. And look how in order they are
placed, one before the other, as first, second, and third, &c., so do the seve
ral times or ages precede or succeed one the other : so as the days of the
first seal are the first age, and things done in that age after John, and so on the second seal, &c.
(3.) Add to the two former this consideration, that the seventh trumpet, in the llth chapter, doth end all time, and so becomes a period to one dis
tinct prophecy of all time. This appears from chap. x. After the seals were
passed over and seen with their effects, and the six trumpets had sounded in the 8th and 9th chapters foregoing, the angel swears, ver. G, 7 of that 10th
chapter, that time should be no longer ; but in the days of the seventh
trumpet, all should be finished. And therefore, chap, xi., from ver. 15, where the seventh trumpet is brought in sounding in its order, when his day and turn comes to sound, must needs be esteemed the end of that prophecy : for it brings you to the end of all times ; that is, of the times which God thought fit to allot this world, and his enemies in the world, to rule and reign. First, the monarchs and great men of the world are to have
their time here, and then Christ s time, and the time of his saints, is to be
gin; as, ver. 15, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, &c. ; and, ver. 18, The time of the dead is
come, that they should be judged. When this world s hour-glass is run out, then that of another world is to be turned up to run, when there shall be a new heaven and a new earth. So that, from the first seal to the seventh
trumpet, is run over all the time that the monarchies and kingdoms of this
world, whilst they should be in the hands of Christ s enemies, should con
tinue and last. For that is the time which, towards the end, under the
sixth trumpet, the angel that came down under that sixth trumpet sware should be no longer. I shall set down the words of his oath : in the 6th and 7th v,erses of that 10th chapter, he sweareth by him that liveth for
ever and ever, that is, by God, who created the heaven, the earth, and
20 AN EXPOSITION OF THE KEVELAT1ON. [PART I.
the sea, and the things that are in all these his three dominions, that
there should be time no longer : but in the days of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he
hath declared to his servants the prophets.
Which whole voice, or words, of the sixth angel do import, (1.) That much
of that whole time had now been passed and run out already in the former
visions of the seals and trumpets, from the first until now. And, (2.) That
now the time allotted by God was brought well-nigh to the very last sands of
it. And that the church might have some warning, and be able to make some
guess, and compute when this time of the world s monarchy, or kingdoms of
the world, should have an end; and so, when the time of the Gentiles should
be fulfilled and be no longer; this angel doth, towards the expiration of that
whole time, give us, in the llth chapter, the true computation of that time,
during which the last monarchy you know there are four on earth should
endure, as that which might serve us to compute the period of the whole, and
the beginning of Christ s visible kingdom, even the days of the beast, or Pope, who is the last part, with his ten kingdoms of Europe, treading down the
church, or holy city ; which beast, and his kingdoms supporting him as their
head, and whose time, from his first beginning to the near approach of that
seventh trumpet, which shall begin to sound not long after, or but a little
before his very end, is forty and two months, or, which is all one, one thou
sand two hundred and threescore days ; that is, so many years. And with
him all other rule and dominion on earth shall end; and Christ shall take
the kingdom, when he shall have destroyed Antichrist through the bright
ness of his coming, which will grow brighter as his coming is nearer. And
withal, this angel gives a signal of occurrences which should immediately
forerun the period of this time of his ruin, whereby the church might with
some nearness discern his approaching ruin; which he does, in that llth
chapter, by presenting the face of that church, which shall be before the
downfall of that kingdom, and the last persecution of the church by the
beast, foregoing his ruin, that so the church might have both warning, and
not think it strange at the fiery trial which at last was to come upon them ;
as also to be comforted, for it should be the last ; and soon after it, the end
ing of all time, together with that of the world s kingdoms.
2. The second part of the foresaid general proposition, viz., That there is a
new prophecy that runs over the same whole race of time, from the begin
ning to the end of the world s monarchies, unto Christ s kingdom, beginning
at chap, xii, and so on to the end of the book.
Now then, the prophecy of the seals, which runs over the whole time of
the world s monarchies, being thus ended, chap. XL, there begins another
prophecy at chap, xii., which runs over the same whole race and period of
times, though with other occurrences. And this is the other part of this
general proposition, which I demonstrate thus, as I did the former :
First, The 12th chapter begins a new prophecy, not only because that the
other having ended all time, this must needs begin again anew ; but further,
the vision of the woman and the dragon in the 12th chapter must needs be of
things foregoing the rise of Antichrist, the beast in chap, xiii., and there
fore concerneth the primitive times, which were the times before Antichrist.
This is proved thus. The dragon mentioned chap, xii., endeavouring to de
vour the woman, is cast down from heaven ; after which, striving to drown
her with a flood, he is prevented; and then John, standing, as the best copies
read it, upon the sand of the sea, spies this new beast arising, Mid the dragon
gives his throne and power unto him, chap. xiii. All this, therefore, which
CHAP. III.] AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. 21
is in the 12th chapter, must necessarily contain a story of things done before the rising of Antichrist, and so by consequence must belong to the primitive times, as the particular interpretation will make more clear.
Secondly, Add to this, that unto this beast, from his first rising in the 13th
chapter, there is allowed him to continue forty-two months, or 1260 years, which is the very same period of time upon the expiring of which the seventh trumpet begins, which, as you heard, had ended all time before, chap. xi. 15 ; and then the 14th chapter, which follows, contains the state of the church
during the times of the beast, in their separation from him and opposition of him. And then, chap. xv. and chap. xvi. contain seven vials to ruin this beast ; whereof the last doth end all time again, even as the seventh trumpet had done. And this is proved
1. In that, as when the seventh trumpet should .sound, the angel sware time should be no longer: so when the seventh vial is poured out, chap, xvi. 17, a voice says, It is done ; that is, time is at an end, all is finished.
2. It is said, chap. xv. 1, that these vials contain the last plagues, in which the wrath of God is fulfilled, and therefore must necessarily make an end of
all Christ s enemies/ and so of their rule j and together with them, of all their
time. And
3. The same things are said to be done in the pouring out the seventh
vial, which is the last of plagues, that are presented to be done at the sound
ing of the seventh trumpet, which is the last of woes. Thus at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, chap. xi. 10, there are said to be lightnings, voices,
thunderings, earthquakes, and a great hail; and so likewise upon the pour ing forth of the last vial, chap. xvi. 18, there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake, such as never were on earth before ; and
so great an hail, that every stone weighed a talent.
Obj. But you will say, If there be an end of all when Christ s kingdom comes, then what do the 17th, 18th, and 19th chapters contain, and to what time will you refer them, seeing the description of the kingdom of Christ
begins but at the 20th chapter, and so on ?
Ans. The answer, in general, is, that they contain a larger explication or
vision of some eminent things that fall out under the time of some of these
vials. And therefore the 17th chapter begins thus : One of the seven angels which had the seven vials talked with me, and shewed me/ &c., as implying that what follows belonged to their times.
But more particularly
1. The 17th chapter contains an interpretation of what was spoken con
cerning the beast in chap, xiii., and shews who that beast is. And as in the
prophecy of Daniel the manner of the Holy Ghost was to interpret the
visions there made, so here. And of the whore carried by the beast, he says
plainly, by way of explication, ver. 18, it is that great city that reigneth over the kings of the earth, namely, Home. And it was necessary that the
Holy Ghost should give an interpretation of some things in this book ; and
of this especially, as being that which gives light to all the rest, which
therefore fitly comes in after all.
2. The 18th chapter, and the 19th, to the llth verse, doth contain a more
poetical description of the ruining of that city, the seat of this last monarchy ; and therefore is but a more copious explication of the fifth vial, which,
chap. xvi. 10, is said to be poured out upon the seat of the beast ; together with a triumphing song of the church s concerning those times, sung at the whore s funeral, and for the approaching marriage of the Lamb. And this,
chap. xix. to ver. 11.
22 AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. [PART I.
3. From tlience to the 20th chapter, is a more full description of that last war of the beast, and all the kings of the earth, and their overthrow by Christ : which is therefore all one with the last vial, and the preparation
thereunto, as none that shall read from the 13th verse of the 16th chapter unto the end, and compare it with chap. xix. from ver. 11 to the end, will be able to deny. For so it pleased the Holy Ghost, towards the latter end
of this prophecy, to give a more full explanation of the two more eminent
vials, and the times of them, after he had first, for method s sake, briefly set them together, with the rest, in their order : as in like manner, after he had compendiously set together in one chapter, chap, xx., the reign of Christ
during a thousand years, and the universal judgment that follows, he yet spends the 21st chapter in a more copious and magnificent description of
the state of the new Jerusalem, and that kingdom of Christ during those thousand years.
Obj. But then you will say, Unto what will you refer the llth chapter, from ver. 1 to ver. lo, which is placed, as it were, between both prophecies
Ans. I answer, as before, all that discourse delivered by word of Christ s
mouth, between the seal and the book-prophecy, doth belong unto both ; as
containing an exact chronology of that last period of the time of the world s
monarchies. By means of which we may easily compute how much that whole time is that both the prophecies do run over, as shall be shewed in
the interpretation of that chapter. And withal, there is a signal given of such eminent occurrences befalling the church, as should be most proper and suitable signs of the dawning of Christ s kingdom shortly after to follow; and so of the ending of the time of both prophecies. That as the old
Jerusalem, before it was destroyed, had signs given of its destruction immi nent ; so hath the new Jerusalem also, before it is reared. Now that these passages in the llth chapter do belong thus unto both
prophecies, appears
1. In that he speaks of matters contained, and afterwards mentioned in
the book-prophecy, chap, xiii., xvi. : as likewise of matters mentioned in the seal-prophecy ; namely, of the ending of the sound of the sixth trumpet ; which is declared in chap. xi. 14, and called
( the passing away of the second
woe. And
2. The angel therein mentions how and when the expirations of the times of both prophecies do meet in the sixth trumpet of the seal-prophecy, ending about the tiine of the date of the beast in the book-prophecy. And thus to insert a chronological table, as it were, between both prophecies,
serving them both, and knitting together the times of both in one period; how agreeable is it to the way of historians, who when they run over much time and several matters, use to affix a table of times unto that their history ; and so doth our historical prophet John in that llth chapter.
Prop. III. The third general proposition, or head, shall be an inquiry into what is the matter or argument prophesied of in this whole book ; as
also, more particularly, what are the differing subjects of these two several
prophecies, the Seal and, Book-Prophecy.
I shall unfold and clear this by several steps and degrees in these proposi tions following
1. It is certain that the subject of both prophecies is the fates and
destinies of the kingdoms of the world which should be after Christ s
ascension, until he take the kingdom to himself Therefore at the end or conclusion of the seal and trumpet-prophecy, there is an acclamation that the kingdoms of the world were then become Jesus Christ s, chap. xi. 15, as
CHAP. III.] AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. 23
having all that while before been under other monarchs hands, and of which the former part of the prophecy had spoken all along. And therefore he
says, Time shall be no longer ; that is, for the kingdoms of the world, (that is, not for their worldly kingdoms,) unto which he opposeth that of Christ s. And therefore the book-prophecy also, which begins chap, xii., when it came to be first given, chap. x. 11, hath this prologue or preface unto it, Thou must prophesy again before kings and nations, &c. : before
Icings, that is, about kings, as the style of the prophet is ; and that word again implies his having prophesied about them before, in the seal-prophecy, although other occurrences in them, and also his being to do it again in this other prophecy following, in new occurrences that concerned the church.
2. The second proposition is, That the whole prophecy concerns only such kingdoms or monarchies of the Gentiles as had to do with the church of Christ. For
(1.) At the beginning of both prophecies, the church is made the stage or scene upon which all is acted; and so the prophecies extend to no other kingdoms than where the church hath been. And this you may observe throughout both of them ; as in the fifth seal, chap, vi., you have blessed martyrs then calling for vengeance for their blood ; and under the trumpets, which are miseries upon kingdoms, there are men sealed, as being servants of God, scattered and mingled amongst those nations upon whom those trumpets blow. And the like may be observed in the following chapter. So that they extend but to such kingdoms Or monarchies in the world where the church in all ages still was ; therefore, not to the West Indians, nor
Tartarians, nor Chinese, nor East Indians, &c., where the church hath not
been, or not to any considerable purpose ; not any of these kingdoms doth
this prophecy concern. This likewise agrees with God s manner in the pro phets, who prophesied of such kingdoms only as had to deal with his church, thereby to shew Christ s power in ruling kingdoms for his church s good.
(2.) This book being written for the comfort of his church, and all the judgments therein mentioned coming out of the throne of the temple, which
is the church, and likewise upon the prayers of the church ; it contains therefore the fates of such kingdoms as the church should have to do withal Now, if so, then
3. The third step, or proposition, is this, That the Roman monarchy, or empire, with the territories both in the east and west sea, which were under its jurisdiction, (which empire when John wrote was in its height and
flourish, and with which the church had most to do, and in the jurisdiction of which the church had always been chiefly, and in a manner only seated,) must needs be, in the several revolutions and changes of it, the main subject of this book of the Revelations, together with the state of the church under
it. Now this empire, and the dominions of it, was extended well-nigh as
far for circuit as the dominions under the Turk in the east, and the ten
European kingdoms in the west. All which, in John s time, were wholly and solely under the emperor of Rome. And in this empire, and through out all the territories of it, did God place his church and gospel ; and
throughout all which the Christian profession doth remain unto this day, even in the east as well as in the west, though darkly and corruptly, and
in a manner here only. This empire therefore, with its dominions, is in the New Testament called the world, even all the world, for the greatness of it ; and because indeed this was the world which God had set up to act his
great works upon. Thus, Luke ii. 1, 2, the whole world is said to have been taxed by Augustus ; and, Acts xi. 28, there is foretold a famine that
24 AN EXPOSITION OF THE REVELATION. [PAET I.
should rage throughout all the world, in the time of Claudius Csesar. And
this world was the line, as the Apostle s phrase is, beyond whose reach the
apostles preaching never stretched to any considerable purpose. This was
their chief auditory, as appears by Matt. xxiv. 14, where, before the destruc
tion of Jerusalem, foretold ver. 15, 16, as a sign forerunning it, it is said
the gospel should be preached to all the world; that is, over all the domin
ions of the Roman empire, as it was by the apostles before the ruining of it. Now that this empire, and the territories under it, together with the church
in it, should be the main subject of this book, there are these reasons for it :
(1.) Because, as hath been said, it is the chief, and in a manner only seat
of the church ; which was, and still is, extended so far, and no further. And by the power of this empire, and the several successions of it, hath the
church been mainly oppressed in all ages. If therefore this book-prophecy be of the church, then surely of the church under this empire ; and if of the
judgments upon any kingdoms for their oppression of the church, then
surely upon this, for the church s sake. And if the judgments which are in
this book, set out under seals, and trumpets, and vials, do come for the
church s sake, and be made to fall upon her chief enemies, then they must
eminently light upon this grand enemy, for such it hath been ; and so, this
prophecy must note out the judgments and wars that ruined the empire for
its persecuting the saints, who, chap. vi. 10, do cry out for vengeance ; and
the trumpets are the hearing of their prayers, chap. viii. 3.
(2.) The Roman empire, and the successions of it east and west, was that
fourth and great monarchy that should oppress the earth, now only left, when Christ ascended. Now, in the prophecies of the Old Testament, their main subject was the great monarchy then in being, or presently to come. So in Daniel, two or three chapters are chiefly taken up with the successions