An expositon of all St. Pauls epistles together with an explanation of those other epistles of the apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude : wherein the sense of every chapter and verse is analytically unfolded and the text enlightened. / David Dickson ...

CHAP. II.

THe resolution of the Doubt concerning Christs com∣ing follows.

There are two parts of the Chapter: In the first hee con∣futes the errour touching Christs last coming, whilst the Thessalonians were alive, to vers. 13.

In the other, hee confirms the faith of the Thessaloni∣ans.

Vers. 1. Now wee beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Iesus Christ, and by our gathering to∣gether unto him,

An errour had crept in amongst the Thessalonians con∣cerning Christs coming immediately, whilst they were alive, which errour the Devil cherished, that as for o∣ther causes, so also for this, that at leastwise after that age hee might expose the whole Christian Doctrine, to∣gether with this Article, to a mockery; therefore the Apostle admonishes them, that they suffer not themselves to bee moved from the sound sense and faith of this Ar∣ticle. In the mean while hee affirms two things, as most certain, whereof hee would not have them doubt: The first was, That Christ will come, as he had taught before, in his appointed time. The other was, It will come to pass that all the faithful should be gathered together from the four quarters of the world to meet the Lord: But hee beseeches them, if they would bee wise for themselves in that day, that they would have a care of that errour, whereof wee speak.

Vers. 2. That yee bee not soon shaken in minde, or bee troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by let∣ter, as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Because Impostors did brag partly of some Revelati∣ons from the Spirit, partly some speech of the Apostle, which they affirmed they had heard, they did partly say, that it was manifested by the former Epistle written by the Apostle to the Thessalonians, as if in the fourth and fifth Chapters, hee had taught that Christ would come while they were yet alive, the Apostle commands to take heed, lest they should bee by this, or any like imposture de∣ceived, troubled, or by any other means bee moved from the faith.

Vers. 3. Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin bee revealed, the son of perdition.

Hee gives a reason of his dehortation, Because Christ would not come before the Antichristian defection should bee, and Antichrist should bee revealed, the chief Captain and Patron of this Apostasie: Therefore it be∣hoveth two things to precede Christs coming, a falling from the faith received (whereof 1 Tim. 4.1.) and the revelation of the chief or great Antichrist: That which concerns the falling away, hee doth not understand the falling away of one or a few, or of many in many Churches, for day by day in those times there were not a few Runagates from the tents of Christ, almost through all the Churches, and many followers of many errours; but hee understands the universal falling away of the external or visible Church; so that false opinions contrary to the Gospel should bee received, and openly defended, and that commonly in the visible Christian Church, by those that should boast in the name of Christians.

As concerning him, who should bee the head of this Apostasie, hee fore-tells that hee shall bee revealed by God, partly by permitting him to erect his Kingdome in his Church, and openly, and in very deed, shew him∣self to bee Antichrist, partly by making of him manifest by the Doctrine of the Gospel (which should make his impostures manifest, and open to all those that are un∣willing to bee deceived) of which Antichrist, or head of Apostates, that hee may bee better discerned in his time by those that were circumspect, The Apostle pro∣pounds seven Articles, which are exactly to bee obser∣ved.

Art. 1. Contains the description, and nine Notes of Antichrist, all which, and every one, agree to none bet∣ter, yea to none other than to the Pope of Rome, as it will appear by those that observe them.

Man] Note 1. Hee shall bee a Man, in spight of those that in favour of the Pope, feign, that the evil Spirit Antichrist is to come: Therefore hee is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Man, both in nature and kinde, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Man, in the singular number, that hee may shew that the famous, chief and great Antichrist in kinde so called, is described; He doth not only intimate some individual man, or a single person, but the series of shavelings that were to succeed in one seat, Heb. 9.7.25. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The high Priest denotes the whole series or succession of Priests, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The man of God signi∣fies not one Pastor, but the series of faithful Ministers; and that according to the stile of the Prophets when they speak concerning the order of Kings, as Dan. 7.2.

Of sin] Note 2. Hee shall bee the man of sin, as well because hee is a notable sinner, yea highly addicted to sin, as because both by fraud and impostures, and by force and tyrannical compulsion, hee was to bee the famous author of sinning unto others.

The son] Note 3. Hee shall bee the son of perdition, or the successor of Iudas the Traytor: For by this title Christ heretofore noted Iudas in the New Testament, Ioh. 17.12. which Iudas Antichrist resembles, partly in the assumed title of the Apostolical calling, partly by dissimulation, covetousness, cruelty, obstinacy, and final perdition, bringing destruction upon many, and prin∣cipally upon himself, destroying others, and destroyed himself.

Vers. 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped: So that hee as God sitteth in the Temple of God, shewing himself that hee is God.

Note 4. Hee will bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, an Adversary, who really and indeed will bee opposite to God and his Ordinances, whatsoever hee pretends, hee will really prove and shew himself an Adversary, who will also oppose the Gospel of Christ in fundamentals, such the Apostles shews some of his fore-runners, 1. Cor. 16.9. For hee will bee an adversary to Christ himself, as to the carriage, offices, and benefits of Christ: Wee see that the Roman Bishop is such an one, who hath opposed him∣self against Christ more, and in more things, and more cruelly and subtilly: and longer than any one ever did.

Exalteth] Note 5. Hee exalteth himself by his pride above all that is called God, or every thing that is wor∣shipped, i. e. above all Magistrates, Princes, Kings, and Emperours, who in Scripture are called Gods, or are

worshiped as it were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 August or illustrious, as Act. 25.21.25. & Psal. 82.1.

In the Temple] Note 6. Hee will bee in the Temple of God, or in the visible external Christian-Church, which will profess indeed the Faith of Christ, and vaunt him∣self to bee the Temple of God.

Sitteth] Note 7. Hee will sit in that society which profess themselves the Temple of God, i. e. hee will pos∣sess the publick Ecclesiastical office, the Episcopal seat or chair.

Note 8. Hee will sit in the Temple, hee will set him∣self over the Temple, hee will sit super-incumbent o∣ver the Church, arrogating to himself the chief seat, the preheminence, the Bishoprick, the Prelacy in the Chri∣stian-Church.

Shewing himself] Note 9. Hee will boast himself, as if hee was God, i. e. not thinking that hee is sufficiently exalted above the Common-wealth, and the Church of God, as the Prince and chief Governour thereof, hee will also indeavour to carry himself as God: partly by false∣ly boasting himself to have all the power of Christ com∣municated to him, and that hee is by delegation, the Vi∣car of Christ, i. e. Vice-Christ, or Antichrist, according to the signification of the Preposition, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, like to God, equal with God, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Vice-Roy, partly by assuming the Titles which are pro∣p••r to God, as the chief Pastor, or Prelate, the head of the Church, &c. which Titles are due onely to Christ. Lastly, by arrogating to himself priviledges in Heaven, Earth, and Hell, which belong to God alone, such as now the Pontificians acknowledge without shame in the Romane Pope. About which things yee may read more at large in the controversies touching the Bishop of Rome amongst the writers of Controversies.

Vers. 5. Remember yee not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

Artic. 2. Containing the certainty of this Prophecy, as that which the Apostle had taught before, and where∣of, hee being present, had instructed the Thessalonians, and now being absent, hee repeats it, that hee may con∣firm the Truth, and may fasten it in their memo∣ry.

Vers. 6. And now yee know what with-holdeth, that hee might bee revealed in his time.

Artic. 3. Containing that which hindred the Reve∣lation of Antichrist, whose spirit did then attempt to e∣rect himself a Throne, but hee could not, because as yet the seat was not vacant, designed to receive the Throne of Antichrist, in that seven-hill'd City, Rome, as the Spirit of God describes, Apocal. 17.9. For the Romane Empire must bee taken away in the West: Caesar was to bee taken away from that City before Antichrist could bee revealed, wherein wee have also the Pontificians consent: Touching this hinderance, our Apostle in ex∣press words had before admonished the Thessalonians, and knew that they understood and remembred it, but the reasons were weighty, wherefore the Spirit of God was unwilling to express that hinderance to them in this Epistle: For it was not much matter to them that hee should discover it, nay, this mystery ought to bee kept se∣cret from the world: Partly, that more easily the per∣mission of this mystery of iniquity decreed by God might bee fulfilled: Partly, lest from hence hee should give a∣ny occasion of persecuting the Christians: For if the Emperors had understood that any one amongst the Professors of Christ, would erect unto themselves a Throne at Rome, and that hee should extinguish the Romane Empire, and that Emperour; All of them might have thought it very just to shew their cruelty against the whole name of Christ.

Vers. 7. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: onely hee who now letteth, will let, until hee bee taken out of the way.

Artic. 4. Containing, together with the imp••diment of the Revelation of Antichrist, the beginning of his fal∣ling away; or of Antichristianism, which is called here the mystery of iniquity: Because, as all Christianity, the Head whereof is Christ, is the great Mystery of Godli∣ness, so all Antichristianism, whereof Antichrist is the Head, is the great Mystery of Iniquity. The Devil had before, from the beginning of the Gospel preached, spread abroad in the Church the seeds of this mystery, in ambition, covetousness, wickedness of teachers, in hu∣mane ceremonies, errours, and false Doctrine, and did now daily cherish, diligently indeavouring, that at length hee might erect openly the Kingdome of Antichrist, in the visible Church, under the colour of piety, but God putting a let, it did remain until when those things were written. The Romane Emperour did possess Rome, which was to bee the seat of Antichrist, and being vacant Antichrist would invade, and also assume to himself the dominion both of God and men.

Vers. 8. And then shall that wicked one bee revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his comming.

Artic. 5. It contains the visible Kingdome of Anti∣christ, or the beginning, middle, and end of his King∣dome.

What pertains to the beginning of his Kingdome, So soon as the Romane Empire, or the Romane Emperour shall bee removed from that which was to bee the seat of Antichrist, i. e. Rome, then in that City the Patron of Antichristianism will advance and discover himself, by exalting himself above all Laws, and that hee is bound to none, neither Civil nor Ecclesiastical, and also to have power in dispensing in divine matters, openly pro∣fessing himself to bee 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that lawless one (whereof the Spirit of God had fore-told) this shall bee the manner of revealing him, and the beginning of the clear possession of his Kingdome. The Romane Pope hitherto doth boast himself to bee such an one from that time wherein Rome ceased to bee the seat of the Empire, who impudently doth break in peeces the bars of Laws, doth extol himself above right and the Laws, hee disanulls the Laws made by God, and doth dispence con∣cerning them, as they say, and doth establish others in their stead, hee determines his will for reason, as the Orthodox have made manifest in their controversies: The Pontificians are not ashamed to confess these, and many other of the like sort concerning their Bishops, and publickly in their writings, so that there is no further need to enquire who hee is, that sits Antichrist in the Temple, or in the Visible Church, as to his Title, when wee know that the name 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may signi∣fie two things, according to the various acceptation of the Preposition 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, viz. the Vicar of Christ, and the Ad∣versary of Christ, and wee hear the Pope of Rome boast∣ing himself Antichrist in one of these significations, i. e. professing himself the Vicar of Christ, but in the mean while wee apprehend, the same as it were in the very act, openly affirming himself to bee amongst Christians, that hee is neither subject to Civil nor Ecclesiastical Laws, but without blushing to profess himself above them: And whereas now it is manifest to the world that the authority of the Pope of Rome is by himself, and by his attendants, extolled above Scripture, or divine Laws, as to the constitution of the Canon, determination of the sense, judgement and deciding of controversies, dispen∣satian (as it is called) about divine commands, &c. shall wee doubt who hee is that sits lawless in the Temple of God, or amongst the Professors of Christian Religi∣on? As to what concerns the second, or the possession of his Kingdome, Antichrist shall not possess his Kingdome without war, Christ shall fight against him with the sword of his mouth, i. e. by preaching of the Truth re∣vealed in the Gospel, and by the power of his Spirit con∣curring with the Word.

As to the third, touching the end of Antichrists King∣dome, or the issue of his War and Kingdome. Christ will detect and confute the lyes of Antichrist, the deceits, wickednesses, tyranny, false interpretations, and allega∣tions of Scriptures, and will by degrees demolish, con∣sume, and waste his Kingdome, and at length will de∣stroy and abolish it by the illustrious manifestation of his comming to the last general judgement.

Vers. 9. Even him whose comming is after the work∣ing of Satan, with all power and signs, and lying wonders,

Artic. 6. Wherein hee resumes, and furthermore de∣scribes the rise and progress of Antichrist, his arms, arts, and helps, wherewith hee will acquire his Kingdome, and as much as hee can, will uphold it.

The first help is Satan, who will with his manifold crafts instruct Antichrist, and by him hee will strongly put forth his effectual power in the whole time of Anti∣christs dominion.

Signs] Help 2. His faculty of dissimulation or power of setting forth some miracles, with deceitful signs and wonders, used for the confirmation of their false opinions: In the Popish Legends, as they are called, thou mayest read a thousand such.

Vers. 10. And with all deceiveableness of unrighte∣ousness, in them that perish; because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might bee sa∣ved.

Help 3. All deceiveableness of unrighteousness, or all unjust or fraudulent deceit, such are false, counterfeit, or fawning Doctrines, sophistical disputations, the intice∣ments of riches, honours, or dignities of this world, to∣gether with threatnings and terrors, the top and height of which deceit will bee in him, because hee will not o∣penly or directly fight against Christ, but hee will set upon the matter secretly, and in an hidden manner, coun∣terfeiting himself to act the cause of Christ, when, as much as hee can, hee subverts it.

Because] Artic. 7. Touching the subjects of Anti∣christ, and their perdition, and the causes thereof: The retinue of Antichrist, properly called his houshold, and familiars, are described to bee such as with obstinate minds stubbornly cleave unto him, even to the end, and in whom the Devil is very effectual. (1) From the property of Reprobates, They perish, they are of the number of those that perish. (2) From the meritorious cause of their perdition, because they receive not the Truth offered in the Word of God with love, that they might bee saved.

Vers. 11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions, that they should beleeve a lye.

They are described (3) From the most just re∣venge of the Judge upon them, punishing sin with sin, and delivering them to bee blinded by the Devil, that they which have refused to behold light, and have re∣nounced divine truth, should beleeve errors and delu∣sions, the devices of men, most gross fables, and lyes, and so should perish.

Vers. 12. That they all might bee damned, who be∣leeved not the Truth, but had pleasure in un∣righteousness.

They are described (4) From their last condition, and from the meritorious cause of their condemnation, They shall bee all eternally damned at that last judge∣ment, because they have not beleeved the plain truth of God, laid open in the Gospel, but with a full will have most unrighteously rested in the belief of lyes, and obedience to their carnal desires: And this is the issue of them, who obstinately cleave to the Bishop of Rome, and his errours, fore-told by the Spirit of God.

The Second Part.

Vers. 13. But wee are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, Brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salva∣tion, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the Truth.

The other part of the Chapter follows, wherein hee confirms (three waies) the Faith of the Thessalonians, lest they should bee moved by this sad Prophecy. (1) By thanksgiving in their behalf. (2) By an exhor∣tation of them to constancy; and (3) By prayer for them: As for the first way in their thanksgiving hee produces three Arguments for the confirmation of their Faith.

Brethren, beloved] Arg. 1. Yee are our Brethren, comprehended with the same love of God with us: Therefore yee need not fear perishing with the Anti∣christian sect.

Chosen] Arg. 2. In his decree touching the end and saving means, God hath chosen you that yee may obtain salvation through Faith, and Sanctification by the Holy Ghost, as by means, whereby yee may attain salvation, freely appointed for you: Therefore, &c.

Vers. 14. Whereunto hee called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the Glory of the Lord Iesus Christ.

Arg. 3. God hath now effectually called you through the Gospel preached by mee, that yee may obtain glory purchased by Christ: Therefore there is no reason, that yee should bee moved by this sad Prophecy.

Vers. 15. Therefore, Brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which yee have been taught, whether by word, or our Epistle.

The second way of confirming their Faith, By an ex∣hortation to constancy in the Faith, that they stand fast, and strongly maintain the traditions, or the Do∣ctrines delivered to them by the Apostles, against all ene∣mies, which Doctrines they had learnt, either by voice, whilst Paul was present, or by writing, as they had re∣ceived in the former and this Epistle, and in other Scrip∣tures.

Vers. 16. Now our Lord Iesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through Grace,

17. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

The third way of confirming their Faith is, Prayer to God, that hee would effectually comfort their hearts, and stablish them in the Faith of the Gospel, or of all sound Doctrine, and in holiness of life. The Arguments of his praying and confirmation of their Faith are four.

Arg. 1. From the relation of God and Christ to them. Jesus Christ is our Lord, and God the Father, is our Father: Therefore hee will confirm us in the Faith, or will stablish you with us.

Hath loved] Argum. 2. Because God hath loved us.

Hath given] Argum. 3. Because God hath given us solid reasons of perpetual consolation, and right to all those which may everlastingly comfort us.

And hope] Argum. 4. Because God hath given us good hope, i. e. not onely the best object of good hope, or the best reasons or causes of hoping well, but also a large measure, as to the habit of this hope, and because hee hath granted all these things to us out of his grace and meer favour, induced by none of our good deservings, which are none, or hindred by our evil deserts, which are great and many: Therefore hee will confirm you together with us, lest yee bee deceived by the errours of Antichrist, and perish.