The book of the Revelation paraphrased; with annotations on each chapter. Whereby it is made plain to the meanest capacity:

CHAP. XIV.

The Text.

1 AND I looked [or was in Vision];] and lo, a Lamb [i. e. Christ,] stood [to import his settlement in his Govern∣ment, and his Rule and Defence of his people, Psalm 2.6. Mic. 5.4.] on the Mount ¹ Zion [i. e. appeared in an exalted, and an e∣stablished State, in his Kingdom; Psalm 48. Mic. 4.1. Heb. 12.22.] and with him an ² Hundred Forty and Four Thousand [i. e. a Body of Apostolical Pure Christians, Chap. 7.4.] having his [i. e. Christ's] Fathers Name ³ written in their Foreheads [i. e. open∣ly adjudged by God, and professing themselves to be the true Fol∣lowers of Christ. See on Chap. 7.3.]

Annotations on CHAP. XIV.

¹ Zion(a) 1.1 was the Mountain, or upper part of Jerusalem, on one side of which stood the House, or Palace of David; as the Temple did on the North side of it, called Mount Moriah; which was reckoned as a part of Mount Zion. This Moun∣tain was taken by David from the Jebusites, whom the Chil∣dren of Judah were not able to drive out, because of their Ʋnbelief; and was the first Exploit undertaken by him, af∣ter his being anointed King over all Israel, upon the Submis∣sion

paid unto him by all the Tribes of Israel, and their ac∣knowledgment of their being his Bone, and his Flesh; wherein they were Types of the Obedience that all Nations are to pay to Christ; and of their becoming Members of his Bo∣dy, of his Flesh, and of his Bones, Ephes. 5.30. David took it when he began to(a) 1.2 Reign, being Thirty Years old; according to the Age when our Saviour began to preach, gather Members for his Kingdom, and cast out Devils; as David also dispossessed the(b) 1.3 Jebusites, and cast out their Tutelary Idols, the Hatred of his Soul; called by him and his Followers, by way of Sarcasm and Contempt, the Blind; and the Lame; as having Eyes, but seeing not, and Feet, but walking not; according to the like Expression used by him, Psalm 115. When he had taken it, he fortified the Strong Hold of it; and afterwards built there, and made a Beautiful City, calling it, the City of David. In all which he was a Type of Christ, as that Mountain, Strong Hold, and City, were of the Strength, Stability, and Beauty of Christ's Kingdom; especially as it shall appear at last in a most glo∣rious manner; triumphing over all Heathen and Antichristi∣an Idols; when the Lord shall set his King upon his Holy Hill of Zion; and Christ shall stand, and feed his People, and be great unto the Ends of the Earth, Psalm 2.6. Micah 5.4.

Only here it may be observed, (1.) That as the taking of this Mountain was the first Atchievement of David, after he came to the Kingdom, before he was fully established in it, and had built his City; so may this Appearance of Christ, be some

Preparatory State of his Kingdom, called the Kingdom of Da∣vid in Scripture; rising(a) 1.4 to the Tops of the Mountains, and exalting it self above the Hills, that so the Everlasting Gospel might be heard, and People might flow unto it; but some∣what different from the State of its full Establishment, when his Kingdom shall appear in its utmost Glory: as in the De∣scription of it given Heb. 12.22. they first come unto Mount Sion, before they come unto the City of the Living God, and the Heavenly Jerusalem; as is more fully shewn on the Three last Chapters; where this whole matter is largely consider∣ed.

(2.) That here is represented some Exalted State of the Heavenly Tabernacle it self, typified by Mount Sion; which was not yet of so high, and so exalted a Nature, as that which it shall afterwards arrive to, when it shall appear as in the highest Heavens, or in its Heavenly State: it being probable, that there are Exaltations of Christ's Kingdom in the Arche∣type of it, in the Heavenly Places; of which the several Ad∣vances it receives here on Earth, are the Counterpart, Patterns and Example; according to what hath been already dis∣coursed on Chap. 12.1. and will be shewn more largely here∣after: it being very difficult to give Account of many things in this Prophecy without this Supposition.

² As this Vision relates to the State of Christ's Kingdom upon Earth, there is hereby signified, a Body of Apostolical pure Christians, appearing in a State of open, and publick professi∣on of Christ's pure Religion: but as it refers to the State of things in the Heavenly Places, hereby is denoted an appear∣ance of the very 144000. mentioned in the seventh Chap∣ter,

who are the Saints and Witnesses departed in the Lord.

³ They were before sealed, and in a hidden, and invisible State; but now they have a Name written, that is, appearing legible upon their Foreheads; and that the Name of God: whereby may be understood some Approbation of them, and Declaration on God's part, before whose Throne they are (Verse 5.) as to be judged and approved by him, that they were Holiness unto the Lord; in allusion to the Inscription on the High-Priest's Frontlet, Exod. 20.36. and that they were worthy of the Exalted State they now were advanced unto: and withal an open profession of the Witnesses on Earth, that they were God's true Soldiers and Servants, (who used to(a) 1.5 be marked in the Forehead) and not marked Slaves of the Beast. And by the mention of Christ's Sealed Number in this place, is intimated the great difference there will be in the Is∣sue and Event of Things, betwixt Christ's Servants appearing thus in Glory, and the marked Servants of the Beast, just be∣forementioned in the former Chapter; and withal (according to that known Rule, That Opposites, when placed near one another, illustrate each other) hereby is much established the Interpretation of the Number of 666. there given; 12 the Root of 144000. being an Anti-Number to 25, the Mark of the Beast; signifying an Apostolical Body of Witnesses, as that does an Anti-Apostolical one. See the Notes on Chap. 7. num. 9. and on Chap. 13.18.

2 And I heard a Voice ⁴ from Heaven, as the Voice of many Wa∣ters [i. e. a loud and powerful one, Chap. 1. 15.] and as the Voice of a great ⁴ Thunder [i. e. Terrible, Chap. 4, 5. 6, 1. 10, 3.] and I heard the Voice of ⁴ Harpers harping with their Harps [i. e. there was

a great and powerful Appearance of Christ's Kingdom, Chap. 11.15.]

^{4 4 4} Voices, Thunder (called so frequently, Psalm 29. and in other places, the Voice of God) Musick and Singing, are the constant Forerunners and Attendants of Christ's King∣dom, as hath been frequently observed. And it seems to me, that this Vision relates to the Appearance of Christ's Kingdom, upon the sounding of the seventh Angel, when there were great(a) 1.6 Voices heard in Heaven, saying, the Kingdoms of the World are become the Kingdoms of the Lord, and of his Christ; and that it is Synchronous and contemporary with it; it being very rational, that the seven loud Voices, so audibly heard in order, in this Chapter; should be no other than the Voices of the Seven Thunders (mentioned, Chap. 10.3-8.) now unsealed, or opened; which were then sealed, and not to be written, or come into Event, until the days of the Voice of the seventh Angel.

And here it may be observed; that by the Voices and Mu∣sick, is not only represented an Appearance of Christ's King∣dom upon Earth; but that also they signifie the Joy which is in Heaven, and in the Heavenly Tabernacle, upon the Exalta∣tion of Christ's Kingdom; For if there be Joy in Heaven up∣on the Conversion of a Sinner, it may well be supposed to be there also, upon the great Advancements of Christ's Kingdom upon Earth.

And amongst all the Musick of the Temple, perhaps(a) 1.7 Harps are here more particularly mentioned; Because it is the Musical Instrument of Praise and Thanksgiving, which was wont to be made use of in setting forth Great and Ex∣traordinary Actions; and was the particular Instrument which

David was eminently skilled in, and which was the occasion of his being brought to Court, and fitted for the Kingdom; which was the Type of Christ's Kingdom here represent∣ed.

And Thunder also may be here mentioned to shew, that the seven Voices of this Vision, were the several Openings, or Ʋn∣sealings of the seven Thunders, which were sealed, Chap. 10.4.

3 And they sung, as it were, a New Song [i. e. the Song of Re∣demption by Christ's Blood alone, which seemed to be New, be∣cause it had not been taught, nor heard openly during the Apo∣stasy. See Chap. 5.9.] before the Throne of God [Chap. 4.] and be∣fore the Four Beasts [or Living Creatures Chap. 4.6.] and the El∣ders [Chap. 4.4. i. e. the Doctrine of Redemption, and those who sung, and had taught it in the Church, whilst they were up∣on Earth, were approved of by God, and the Divine Consisto∣ry, which all along in this Prophecy appears as passing Judg∣ment upon the Actions represented in it. See Chap. 4.1. pag. 70.] and no man could learn that Song but the Hundred Forty and Four Thou∣sand [i. e. none could fully understand, and experience, the Doctrine taught in that Song, but those true Christ ans] which were redeemed [i. e. rescued and delivered by the Blood of Christ alone, from the Earth [i. e. from the Corruptions of Anti∣christianism.]

4 These are they which are not defiled with [Whorish] Women [i. e. were not Members of Idolatrous Churches, Ezek. 23. See Rev. 17.1.] for they are Virgins [and not Prostitutes, as Jezebel, and the Whore, Chap. 17. and had kept themselves pure from all Idolatry and Antichristian Pollutions, Psalm 45.14. Canticl. 1.3. 2 Cor. 11.2.] these are they which ⁵ follow the Lamb whereso∣ever he goeth [i. e. were the Faithful Disciples of Christ; and are now his more Immediate Attendants in the Heavenly State of his Kingdom here represented;] these were ⁶ redeemed from ⁷ among men, being the first ⁷ fruits unto God, and to the Lamb [i. e. the choi∣cest Members of his Church; and the first partakers of the Glory of his Kingdom.]

⁵ A Metaphor taken from those Officers who are the con∣stant Attendants of Princes; or from the Disciples of Pro∣phets, concerning whom this Phrase is used in(a) 1.8 Scri∣pture; or rather from the Virgins, the Companions of the Bride and Bridegroom, Psalm 45.14. Matth. 25. Christ's Kingdom being likened to a Marriage-Supper, Chap. 19.9. and his Attendants as a Bridegroom, to Virgins, Matth. 25. who are also the Chorus to the Marriage-Song of his Kingdom, in the Book of Canticles. And they are men∣tioned in opposition to the Followers and Worshippers of the Beast.

⁶ As the First-born were wont to be under the Law, Exod. 13, 13.22, 29.

⁷ First Fruits(b) 1.9 were the First and the Choicest Offerings; and whatsoever was separated from Prophane Ʋses to Holy ones.

Whereby is signified, (1.) The First Church of Choice, Holy, and Pure Christians, which shall appear at the expi∣ring of the Times of the Beast, upon the first Succession of Christ into his Kingdom; when (as hath been before shewn on Chap. 10. num. 13.) the Thirty Years in Daniel, which make the 1260 Years to amount to 1290. are to begin in the full and entire Resurrection of the Witnesses: Who are said here to be redeemed by the Lamb, or Christ alone, in oppo∣sition to their own and others Merits, and Antichristian Par∣dons and Indulgences; and that from among Men; i. e. from out of the World, or the common State of Mankind; or rather

from the Antichristian Men of the Earth, those Merchants, (Chap. 18.11-13.) who bought and sold Men and Souls.

(2.) Because in this Vision there is described not only the State of Christ's Church and Kingdom upon Earth, but al∣so the State of the Archetypal Kingdom in Heaven; Hereby is also represented the first Glorious Appearance of the Members of it, the Witnesses departed in the Lord, who have the pri∣viledge to be the constant Attendants of the Lamb, in his Heavenly Tabernacle; and the first partakers of that exalted State of his Kingdom, here Visionally represented by Mount Zion.

5 And in their mouth was found no ⁸ guile [i. e. they were not found guilty of the great Lye of Antichristianism and Idola∣try;] for they are without Fault before the ⁹ Throne of God [i. e. they are acquitted and justified by God; although they had been con∣demned and anathematized by Antichrist.]

⁸ Idols are called Lyes in(a) 1.10 Scripture; and Lying (as Grotius observes on the place) is a constant Concomitant of Idolatry; and hereby this Apostolical Number of Christ's Fol∣lowers, are distinguished from those which belonged to An∣tichrist, whose Religion is but an Image, or Counterfeit of Christ's, and is thereupon also justly called a Lye.

⁹ Hence it appears, that this is the Vision of some exalted State of Christ's Heavenly Kingdom, seen as before the Throne of God, or the Divine Sanhedrim, and Court of Judicature, coming down (as it were) on Mount Zion; where the Witnesses (who are the 144000.) who had been killed by

the Beast, appear, and are, as it were, adjudged by God, as worthy the exalted State they enjoy with Christ; and which they had obtained under his Conduct, and for his Sake: which Appearance shall have also (as hath been all a∣long observed) a parallel one on Earth, in the Philadelphian State of the Church.

6 And I saw ¹⁰ anoth r Angel [or Gospel-Ministry, Chap. 1. 1, 20] fly in the midst of Heaven [to denote the Swift; Publick, and Universal Public tion of the Gospel of the Kingdom, Chap. 8.13.] having [committed unto him 2 Cor. 5.19.] the ¹¹ Everlasting Gospel [of the Kingdom spoken by the Mouth of all his Pro∣phets since the World began, which was to bring in Everlasting Righ eousne s, Dan. 9.24 Acts 3.21-26. Rev. 16.7.] to preach unto [all] them tha dwell on the Earth, and to ²² every Nation [of Pagan Mahometan, and Antichristian Gentiles;] and Kin∣dred [or Tribes of Israeli es;] and Tongue [or the various People of several Languages amongst them;] and People [i. e. to the whole multitude of each.]

¹⁰ There being no Angel mentioned before, but only a Voice (Verse 2.) By another Angel here must also be under∣stood, another Voice; which Word imports Ʋtterance of Doctrine; as John the Baptist is called, The Voice of one cry∣ing in the Wilderness: And this Voice is here called an An∣gel, because it was pronounced by an Angelical Voice, or Speaker; who was seen; whereas the former was only heard; so that this is another, or a distinct Voice or Angel from the former: Whereby a certain Order of Voices is plain∣ly represented; which being also Seven in Number, and di∣stinctly reckoned up, may very well be accounted the seven Thunders, opened into loud and distinct Voices.

¹¹ The Gospel of Christ's Glorious Kingdom being the main Subject and Scope of these Visions, it must therefore be here referred to; which is called Everlasting;

(1.) Because it was the Doctrine, or Mystery designed by God from everlasting, praefigured in all the Types of the Old Law, and preached, or spoken by the Mouth of all the Prophets since the World began; by which Phrase Eternity is signified in Scripture. See Acts 3.21-26. Rom. 16.25, 26. 1 Cor. 2.7. Rev. 10.7.

(2.) Because it was to bring in the Everlasting Righteous∣ness (mentioned Dan. 9.24.) or the way of becoming Righ∣teous in the Account of God by Christ alone; which will then be fully manifested to be no New Doctrine (as the Apo∣stasy, at the Beginning of the Reformation asserted it to be) but the way which was from Everlasting, and shall be until the End of all Things.

I think it may not be unfit to observe in this place, That the Apostasy (that it might be a perfect Antichristian Counter∣feit of Christ's Kingdom) did pretend to a New Gospel, called the(a) 1.11 Eternal Gospel; containing many Extravagant and Blasphemous Opinions; and asserting, that the Scrip∣tures contained not the Gospel of the Kingdom, but were to give way to a New Gospel, which should take place in A. D. 1260. Six Years after the preaching of it; which Gospel was so much favoured by the Popes, and the Court of Rome, that a Book written against it, was burnt by their Order; And although they were at last forced to burn the Eternal Gos∣pel also; yet it was done secretly, and with much unwilling∣ness.

¹² This is a Pleonasm, or a Figure, wherein by a Redun∣dant Accumulation of many Particulars, is expressed the preaching of the Everlasting Gospel, for the bringing in of all Nations (whereby Ethnicks, or Gentiles of all sorts, are

meant in Scripture) and of all the Tribes of Israel to the Kingdom of Christ; according to Hosea 6.1-3. Matth. 24.14. Rom. 11.25, 26. which is to be near the End, when the Deliverer shall come out of Sion, and after Two days, in the Third Day; which Dr. Pocock on Hosea, extends even to the End of the World; but others, with more Reason, to the End of(a) 1.12 Antichristian, or Gentile Times, when Christ's Kingdom shall appear, and they who have known (something of Christ's Kingdom) shall follow on to know the Lord, more fully and perfectly by the preaching of this E∣verlasting Gospel, Hos. 6.3.

7 Saying with a loud Voice [i. e. after a zealous, and most pow∣erful manner;] fear God [and not Idols, Isaiah 8.12, 13.] and give Glory to him [alone, and not to Creatures, Angels, and Saints;] for the Hour [or precise time, and appointed Season;] of his Judgment [Government, or ¹³ Kingdom, and of his Judg∣ments on all manner of Idolatry, Pagan, and Antichristian, which he will no longer wink at;] is come: and worship him [therefore the Creator of all things,] that made Heaven ¹⁴ and Earth, and the Sea, and the Fountains of Waters [of the Great Deep, Gen. 7.11.]

¹³ So Judgment often signifies in the Old Testament; as Psalm 72.1, 2. and in other places of Scripture.

¹⁴ The Heathens worshipped all the parts of Nature, even the Seas, Rivers and Fountains, as is clearly proved by(b) 1.13 Vossius; which the Antichristian(b) 1.14 Apostasy also having i∣mitated, in appointing Tutelar Saints, and Angels to most of the parts of the Creation, and in introducing a Worship

which is but an Image, or a New Model of Paganism; Do their Idolatries may be here meant.

8 And there followed another ¹⁵ Angel [or Gospel-Ministry;] say∣ing [i. e. preaching, and denouncing this great Truth;] ¹⁶ Ba∣bylon [i. e. Antichristian, or Papal Rome,] is ¹⁷ fallen, is fallen [i. e. will as certainly fall in a short time, as if it were a ready fallen;] that great City [of a large Juri diction, and Head of the Roman Empire;] because she made all Nations drink of the Wine of the ¹⁸ wrath of her Fornication [i. e. partake of her Idolatry.]

¹⁵ Some Copies read a Second Angel; for so it was, al∣though it was the Third Voice; for so saying imports.

¹⁶ Babylon is a known Type of Rome Antichristian; as is shewn more fully hereafter.

¹⁷ This is a common Scheme of Speech amongst the Pro∣phets, to signifie, that the thing will as certainly come to pass, as if it were already accomplished, Isaiah 21.9. Jer. 51.8. The Temporal Punishment of Babylon, or Rome, was executed, Chap. 11.13. before the sounding, and Voices of the seventh Trumpet; So that this Fall, which is after that sounding, must relate to some other Punishment: which may probably be its Eternal Punishment; which is executed, Chap. 18.2. and is here only Preached, or Denounced, as nearly approaching, by this Angelical Voice, or Preacher; and that after a more powerful manner (these Voices issuing out of Thunder unsealed) than had been done before.

¹⁸ They were drunk, and mad after Idols, and possest (as it were) with a high Rage of Lust after them; like to that of a Wild Ass, to which Idolatrous Israel is compared by the Pro∣phet, Jer. 2.24.

9 And the third Angel [but fourth Voice] followed [after] them, saying, with a loud Voice [to shew the Import, and Severity of the Denunciation;] if [after the Denunciation against the Antichri∣an City,] any man [shall still presume to] worship the Beast, and his Image, and receive his Mark in his Forehead, or in his hand [i. e. any way comply with Antichristianism, Chap. 13.11-18.]

10 The same shall drink of the Wine of the Wrath of God [i. e. he shall be punished in ¹⁹ Wrath for the ¹⁹ Wrath of his Fornica∣tion, Verse 8.] which is poured out [or ²⁰ tempered and prepared to be] witho t any [the least] mixture [or ²⁰ Temperament of Mercy, Luke 16.24. James 2.13.] into the ²¹ Cup of his Indig∣nation [and Fury;] amd he shall be tormented with Fire and Brim∣stone [i e. with the most exquisite Torments,] in the presence [and with the Approbation] of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb [Christ; who shall command the Execution of the Sentence, and approve the Equity and Justice of the Judgments of God, 2 Thes. 1.5-11.]

^{19 19} A Figure frequent in Scripture; as Rom. 1.25, 26. and in several other places.

^{20 20} This seems to be the true meaning of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; which Phrase in this way of rendring has some Ele∣gance in it.

²¹ A Phrase whereby the Wrath of God is frequently ex∣pressed in(a) 1.15 Scripture.

11 And the Smoak [from the fire] of their Torment ascendeth up [i. e. shall as certainly ascend as if it were now mounting up, and that] ²² for ever and ever: And they have no rest ²² day nor night [i.

e. their punishment shall be without interm ssion,] who worship the Beast, and his Image, and [he also shall be thus punished [whosoever receiveth the mark of his ²³ Name [i. e. is any way Subj ct to Anti∣christ, and is of his Profession.]

^{22 22} In the former Verse there was a Denunciation (for the Judgments are only here preached and foretold, but not executed,) of the severest of God's Judgments; expressed, to set forth the Extraordinariness of them, by many full, and even redundant Expressions: And in this Verse it is declared that their Punishment shall be for ever, and without intermis∣sion: Whence it appears, that their Everlasting Punishment, and not their Temporal one, is here denounced.

²³ Hence it is manifest, That the Mark of the Beast is the Impression of his Name: Image, Mark, Name, and Number of Name being all of the same import; Number including Mark, and Name too.

12 Here ²⁴ [or just at the time now represented in the course of this Prophecy;] is [the end of] the Patience [or waiting] of the Saints [for Christ's Kingdom, Dan. 12.12. Rev. 13.10,] Here are [all] they [and none of them are lost,] that keep the Command∣ments of God and the Faith of Jesus, [i. e. the Faithful and Obedi∣ent Witnesses are here ready to receive the blessedness promised them, Dan. 12.12. in the Kingdom of Christ, and the first re∣surrect on, now at hand, Rev. 12, 17.13, 10.20, 5.]

²⁴ This Voice (in exact correspondence with Chap. 13.10. which ought to be interpreted in agreement with this Verse) just after the Judgment on the Beast, sets Bounds to the Saints patient Expectation of Christ's Kingdom; intimating that it was near at hand; and that all the Faithful Witnesses, and Seed of the Woman (Chap. 12.17.) should rise; none of them having been lost, but Antichrist, of whom Judas, the Son of Perdition, was a Type, John 17.12.

13 And I heard a [Fifth] Voice from Heaven [as Thunder, Ver. 2.] saying unto me, ²⁵ Write [i. e. unseal, and plainly deliver this impor∣tant, memorable, and necessary Truth, which will very shortly be accomplished;] ²⁶ Blessed [Dan. 12.12] are the dead which dye in the Lord [i. e. who dye for his Sake, and Cause, and in his Faith and Favour, resigning their Life and Spirit into his hands, by vertue of Grace and Strength derived from him, 1 Cor. 15.18. 1 Thes. 4.14, 16.] from henceforth [i. e. they will be ²⁷ immediate∣ly blessed; for the time is near, yea, even at the doors:] yea, [it is certainly so, Chap. 1.7.] saith the [Holy] Spirit [it self, whose Witness is Truth, 1 John 5.6. and which raiseth the dead, Rom. 8.10, 11.] that they may rest [Dan. 12.1, 2. 2 Thes. 1.7.] from their Labours [in the Kingdom of Christ, for a Thousand Years, Hebr. 4.9, 10. See on Rev. 20.5, 6.] and their [good] works [without the Trouble, Sufferings and Labour which before ac∣companied them;] do follow them [into the Rest prepared for them in that Kingdom, to their Praise and Honour, and that they might be rewarded for them, Heb. 4.]

²⁵ Writing and Sealing are opposed in this Prophecy; as hath been before(a) 1.16 observed; from whence we may con∣clude, that this Voice was one of the Thunders now unsealed, or Written.

²⁶ In this Verse there is a plain Declaration of the First Resurrection; Concerning which see what is fully discoursed on, Rev. 20. And it is taken (as Grotius excellently ob∣serves on the place) from Dan. 12.12. where Blessedness is pronounced as belonging to those who shall wait, and come to the End of the 1335 Years: from whence also it appears, that this is to be accomplished at the completion of those Years; when a Blessed Resureection is to be, according to Dan. 12.1, 2, 3.

²⁷ This seeems to be the import of the Particle 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Dr.(a) 1.17 Hammond hath observed: and although there be some difference amongst Criticks about the signification of this Word, and whether it should be referred to what goes before, or what follows after; yet the sense seems, according to all, to be much the same.

24 And I looked ²⁸ [or was in Vision,] and behold a white [or bright] ²⁹ cloud [of Glory, to denote, the Majesty, Justice, and Purity of Gods Judgments,] and upon the Cloud one ³⁰ sate like unto the Son of Man [i. e. Christ, Chap. 1.13. Dan. 7.13. John 1.14] having on his head a Golden ³¹ Crown [denoting his Kingdom, and Conquests, Chap. 6.2.] and in his hand a sharp ³¹ Sickle [to reap the World swiftly and speedily, Joel 3.4, 13. Matth. 13.30, 36-43.]

²⁸ The two former Verses contained evidently a Declara∣tion of a Blessed State of the Dead in the Lord, immediately to ensue; which State being the next thing in order to be performed, seems to be here set forth by Metaphors made use of to the same purpose, by the Prophet Joel, and our Saviour, in the places quoted in the Paraphrase on the Text; as shall be endeavoured to be shewn from what the Words of the Text shall suggest.

²⁹ Here Christ is represented as coming in his Kingdom to Judgment; according to the Descriptions frequently given of it in the Gospels, Luke 21.27. Matth. 24, 30.26, 64. Dan. 7.14.

³⁰ This posture also denotes Judicature and Government Joel 3.12. Matth. 19.22. to which answers his coming sitting

on a White Horse, as he does here on a White Cloud, in the parallel place to this, Rev. 19.11.

³¹ In Rev. 19. he hath also many Crowns upon his Head; which are a known Emblem of Regal Power, and Conquest: And as he had a Crown at his first going out to propagate the Gospel, Chap. 6.2. so is he here also represented with a Golden one, to shew the Glory of the Kingdom in which he is now established.

³² This is the Instrument of Reapers, with which they not only cut down the Corn, but also gather it together; accord∣ing to our Saviour's Parable, Matth. 13. and it is sharp, to denote the speed which will be then used, Joel 3.4.

15 And another [a sixth] * Angel [and Voice] came out of the Temple, crying with a loud Voice [i. e. earnestly, Luke 18.7. Rev. 6.10.] to him that sate on the Cloud [i. e. to Christ;] Thrust in [we humbly pray thee] thy Sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee [the Lord of the Harvest, the Judge of the World, which raiseth the Dead, and quickneth them, Matth. 9.38. John 5.21, 22.] to reap; for the ³³ Harvest of the Earth [or Field of the World,] is * ripe [i. e. all things are ready, and the time ap∣pointed for gathering the Children of the Kingdom is now just at hand, Matth 13.30, 38. John 4.35. Mark 4.29.(a) 1.18 Joel 3.14]

* This Angel, or Angelical Company (for Angel is taken collectively in this Prophecy) is not a Gospel-Ministry, be∣cause it does not denounce any thing as the others had done; but seems to denote the Attendants of Christ, the An∣gels, who are the Reapers, Matth. 13.29. and the Shout, the

Voice of the Arch-Angel, which shall accompany him at the last Day; and they cry out unto him from his Heavenly Temple, to expedite that Blessedness which had been so long delayed, and which the Saints so eagerly long after, and the whole Creation groans for, Rom. 8.22, 23. 2 Cor. 5.1, 2.4, 5.

³³ Harvest is plainly taken in a good sense in the places quo∣ted in the Paraphrase; and where it is common to the good and bad, as Matth. 13. they are distinguished from one an∣other as Tares and Wheat; and even in Joel 3.13. (from whence this Expression is taken) Vintage is peculiarly appropriated to the Wicked, and may be very well distinguished from the Harvest, which may relate to God's bringing, or gathering together his People, Verse 1.7. and his mighty ones, Verse 11. who seem to be the same with the Armies of Heaven, the An∣gels and the Saints, which shall accompany Christ at this great Day of his Kingdom, Rev. 19.14. And therefore the rea∣ping of both these at the last Day, being so plainly distin∣guished in Scripture, it is fit also that it should be so here also.

* Ripe, that is, fully ripe, White to the Harvest; and there∣fore looks as if it were dried or withered (as the Word also imports) because of the long delay, and expectation of Christ's Kingdom.

16 And he that sate on the Cloud [i. e. Christ;] thrust in his Sic∣kle on the Earth, and the Earth was [immediately] reaped [of its ³⁴ Wheat; i. e. the Just were gathered together at the first Re¦surrection, Matth. 13.30, 38, 48. Rev. 20.5. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thes. 4.13-18.]

³⁴ The Saints and Godly are understood (saith Mr. Bright∣man on the place) by the Corn, or Wheat of this Harvest; who are compared to it by our Saviour, Matth. 13.30, 38. and are here represented, saith he, as falling of their own

accord before the Sickle, through the great ripeness of them. Now seeing that almost(a) 1.19 all Interpreters agree, that these Words have a reference to the last Judgment, described by the same Metaphors in Dan. 7. and Math. 13. it is highly probable, that hereby is meant the gathering together of the Saints departed in Christ, by the first Resurrection; fitly call∣ed the reaping of the Earth of its Wheat; as it consists in the gathering together of the Bodies, and Dust of Saints, which are all that is precious, and of any Value in it; and the gathering of them, and those who remain alive, out of this Wicked, Antichristian Earth, into a New Heaven, and a New Earth; which is the proper meaning of(b) 1.20 Reaping in Scrip∣ture: and because this is to be done in a moment, (1 Cor. 15.51, 52.) therefore is the Sickle represented as sharp, to denote the extraordinary quickness of this Action: But of this see what is largely discoursed on the Three Last Chap∣ters.

17 And another Angel [i. e. the Seventh and last,] came out of the Temple which is in Heaven [i. e. another Angelical Company of Reapers, who were to bind ³⁵ together the Wicked, in order to destruction, Matth. 13.41.] he also having a sharp Sickle [to cut ³⁶ down, and gather together the wicked ones for a swift Destru∣ction, Verse 14]

³⁵ For such this Angel may very well be supposed to be, by the Description here given of him; and consequently the Angel, Verse 15. must mean the Reapers, who were to ga∣ther

the Wheat, or the Children of the Kingdom toge∣ther.

³⁶ For this is the Use of a Sickle, as well as to ga∣ther.

18 And ³⁷ another Angel came out from the Altar [of Burnt Of∣ferings, on which there was Fire continually, Levit. 6.9. Rev. 6.9.] which had power over fire [i. e. God's Judgments, in order to execute them, Rev. 8, 5.11, 5] and cryed with a loud cry [that the Blood of the Souls under the Altar might be speedily and ful∣ly avenged upon the Wicked, Rev. 6.9, 10, 11.] to him that had the sharp Sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp Sickle, and gather [by raising them;] the clusters of the ³⁸ Vine of the Earth [i. e. the Chil∣dren of the Wicked one, Matth. 13.30, 38, 41, 49, 50. Joel 3.13. Deut. 32.32.] for her Grapes are fully ripe [for Destructi∣on.]

³⁷ It is the Opinion of Dr. Lightfoot, That here is an Allusion to a Custom amongst the Jews, who were not wont to put in the Sickle, until the Priests, who sate in the Tem∣ple, gave Order, and Command for it: But I presume, the Reason given in the Paraphrase, to be more appo∣site.

³⁸ The Wicked, and the Antichristian Church, are repre∣sented by an Earthly Vine, whose Clusters and Grapes are bitter, like the Vine of Sodom and Gomorrah, Deut. 32.32, 33: as the True Church, and the Righteous Members of it, are by the Vine of the Lord, and of Christ, Isaiah 5. Psalm 80. John 15. Now if the Reaping of the Harvest, signi∣fies the Gathering of the Saints at the First Resurrection; then the Gathering of the Vintage must signifie the Re∣surrection of the Wicked, to whom it is expresly re∣ferred by the Prophet Joel, Chap. 3.13. Concerning which see what is discoursed on the Three last Chap∣ters.

19 And the Angel thrust in his Sickle into the Earth, and gathered the Vine of the Earth, and cast it into the great Winepress of the Wrath of God [i. e. into exquisite Torments.]

20 And the Winepress was trodden [i. e. these Judgments were executed;] without ³⁹ the City [of the New Jerusalem, Chap. 21.2. Isa. 66.24. in the Valley of Decision, Joel 3 2, 12, 14. Rev. 16.16.] and blood came out of the Winepress, even to the Horses Bridles [i. e. the Destruction was very bloody, and ap∣parent to them with Christ, on White Horses, Rev. 19.14] by the space of a thousand, and six ⁴⁰ hundred furlongs [i. e. it was Universal, Joel 3.2. Rev. 16.14.]

³⁰ The New Jerusalem, the beloved City, the Camp of the Saints, which they came to compass (Rev. 20.9.) but could not enter, being discomfited, in a place without it, called Jehoshaphat, by Joel; whereby is signified, that Gods Judgments shall be executed upon them (which is the mean∣ing of the Word Jehoshaphat) in the places to which the Wicked shall be confined by God, during the Thousand years of the New Jerusalem.

⁴⁰ Four, the Square(a) 1.21 Root of 1600, is a Symbol of Ʋniversality; taken from the Four Corners, or Winds of Hea∣ven; which denote the whole Heaven, and the whole Earth, in Scripture: and perhaps also upon other Pythagorical and Cabbalistical Reasons, which may be seen in Dr. Moor's Commentary on this place.

And here is to be noted what a Learned Friend sug∣gested unto me; That Four being a Square Number,

and Furlongs being the Measure of the Four Square Ci∣ty, the New Jerusalem, Chap. 21.16: Hereby may be fitly signified, that this Vengeance (described here as a Four square one, if I may so speak, coming out of the Four square City) was not only Ʋniversal, in the Four Quarters, or utmost Corners of the Earth, the Seat of the Wicked Nations, Revel. 20.8; but also Perfect and Re∣gular, (as a Four-square City is) agreeable to God's Holy and Righteous Admensurations of Justice, towards All Men, the Wicked, as well as the Saints.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Josh. 15.63. 2 Sam. 5.1-10. 1 Chron. 11.1-9. 2 Chron. 3.1. Psalm 48.2.
• (a) 1.2

  2 Sam. 5.4. Luke 3.22, 23.
• (b) 1.3

  2 Sam. 5.6-8. Gregories Observat. Chap. 7.
• (a) 1.4

  Micah 4.1, 2.
• (a) 1.5

  See Mr. Mede on the place, and Grotius.
• (a) 1.6

  See Grot. on Rev. 5.8.
• (a) 1.7

  See Grot. on Rev. 5.8.
• (a) 1.8

  Matth. 8.19. Luke 9.57.
• (b) 1.9

  Exod. 22.29. Numb. 18.16. Jerem. 2.3. Zech. 2.12. James 1.18. See Mede on the place, and the Commentators on these Texts.
• (a) 1.10

  Jerem. 16.19. Am. 2.4. Grotius and Mede on the place.
• (a) 1.11

  Bishop Stillingfleet of Idol. Chap. 4. p. 238-246.
• (a) 1.12

  See on Chap. 11. 9, 11.
• (b) 1.13

  De Idolatr.
• (b) 1.14

  Dr. Moor's Mystery of Iniquity, part 2. lib. 1.17. Bishop Stillingfleet's Fourth Conference concerning Idolatry.
• (a) 1.15

  Job 21.20. Psalm 75.8. Isaiah 51.17, 22. Jerem. 25.15. Ezek 23.32, 33.
• (a) 1.16

  Pag. 80.
• (a) 1.17

  On this Verse, and on Matth 23.39.
• (a) 1.18

  The Day of the Lord is near.
• (a) 1.19

  Poli Synops. in Apocal. pag. 1098 in fin.
• (b) 1.20

  Metere est ex hac Vita colligere. Menoch. Tirinus in locum. Falx homines a Terra demet it ut Ecclesiae inserantur. Grot. in locum
• (a) 1.21

  Four times four hundred amount to sixteen hundred.