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

CHAP. XIX.

The Text.

1 AND after ¹ these things [i.e. the things seen in the prece∣dent Chapter,] I heard a great Voice of much people in Hea∣ven [i. e. of the innumerable Company which stands before the Throne, and before the Lamb, Chap. 7.9.] saying, ² Alleluja, [i. e. Praise ye the Lord,] Salvation [from all evils, especially those suffered under Antichristianity,] and Glory, and Honour, and Power [be ascribed] unto the Lord our God [and to him alone; for he is the sole Author of all good.]

Annotations on CHAP. XIX.

¹ From the First to the Tenth Verse, there is a Vision of a Triumphant and Joyful Appearance in Heaven, for the Judg∣ment upon the great Whore, described in the Two preceeding Chapters; and for the Marriage of the Lamb, and the near Approach of his Glorious Kingdom.

² This Word is first used, Psalm 104.35. to express the Psalmist's Joy upon the prospect of the Accomplishment of his Prediction, or Desire, that sinners might be consumed out of the Earth. And it is here also made use of accordingly, upon the Judgment executed upon Antichrist, God's Chief Enemy; and upon a prospect of the Old Earth's being ut∣terly consumed, together with the wicked people of it; and a New Earth's succeeding in its place.

2 For true, and righteous are his Judgements [and therefore is he to be praised;] for he hath judged [and punished,] the great whore [or the Idolatrous City, and Church,] which did corrupt [and de∣stroy, Jerem. 51.25.] the Earth with her Fornication [or Idolatry,] and hath avenged the Blood of her servants at her hand [i. e. hath re∣warded her abundantly according to her demerits, for shedding the blood of his Faithful Witnesses and Servants, chap 18. 20.]

3 And again [or the second time,] they said Alleluja [to testifie their Joy, upon the sight of the smoke, the sign and token of her everlasting burnings.] And her smoke rose up [or was then in its ascent, and that] for ever, and ever [i.e. she was punnished with an everlasting Destruction.]

4 And the four and twenty Elders, ³ and the Beasts [i e. the repre∣sentatives of the Jewish and Christian Church, chap. 4.] fell down and worshipped God that sat on the Throne, saying, Amen, Alle∣lujah [i. e. there was a very great appearance, and manifestati∣on of Christ's glorious Kingdom; and the justice of God's Judg∣ments was acknowledged with Praise and Thanksgiving.]

³ The Elders of the Church of Israel, are placed first in this Appearance of the Divine Confessus, or Sanhedrim: from whence it may be concluded, that this was a Vision of the New Jerusalem-State, in which the Israelites, as the First Born, are to have the Preheminence; who (according to all Prophecy, and Rom. 11.) are to be converted, and restored to their own Land; as hath been before observed.

And perhaps for this Reason also is the Hebrew word, Al∣lelujah, here retained.

5 And a voice ⁴ came out of the [midst of the] Throne [from Christ. See chap. 5, 6. 7, 17.] saying [by way of holy Excite∣ment, and Encouragement,] praise our God [my God, as well as yours, John 20.17. Rev. 3.12] all ye his Servants, and ye that fear [and worship] him, both small, and great [i. e. of whatsoever Nation, Quality and Condition ye are, for God is no respecter of Persons, Psalm 115.11, 13. Acts 2, 5.10, 34, 35. Gal. 3.28.]

⁴ This Voice seemes to be an Heavenly Excitement to all the Saints upon Earth, Gentiles, and Jews, small and great of all Nations now converted, to joyn with the Heavenly Assembly, in rendring Praises to God.

6 And [immediately upon this efficacious Exhortation from out of the Throne,] I heard as it were the voice of a great multi∣tude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty Thundrings [i. e. there was a mighty appearance of Christ's Kingdom, and powerful Communications from the Heavenly Throne, to all his Servants upon Earth that fear'd him; and Heaven, and Earth joyned in praises] saying, Alleluja; for the Lord ⁵ God Omnipotent [now] reigneth [and that Gloriously, Isa. 4.23.]

⁵ These Words are taken from Isaiah 24.21-23. where it is prophesied, That the Lord God of Hosts, (or the Lord God Omnipotent) should Reign in Mount Zion, and in Jeru∣salem, and before his Ancients (or Elders of the Christian Church), and that Gloriously; after he had punished, and shut up in Prison the Kings of the Earth. Which is a clear Proof, that the Reign of God, here mentioned, has a Respect to the Reign, and Kingdom of Christ, after the punishment of the wicked Kings, and Nations of the Earth, Chap. 20.

7 Let us be glad, and rejoyce [exceedingly,] and give honour [or praise, Luke 17.18.] to him [alone:] For the Marriage ⁶ of the Lamb [Christ with his Church; 2. Cor. 11.2. Eph. 5.32.] is [now actually] come, [in, and by the coming of his Kingdom, Psalm 45. Matt. 22, 11.25, 1-13. Luke 12.36.] and his Wife hath made her self ready [i. e. the new Jerusalem state, is now coming down from God out of Heaven, Rev. 21.2.]

⁶ Christ is represented frequently(a) 1.1 in Scripture as a

Bridgegroom, and the Church as his Spouse, and Wife; to whom he is actually married when his Kingdom appears in its Glo∣ry; as is plainly asserted, Chap. 21.2. The Time from his Death and Resurrection, until then, being rather the Time of betrothing, or Espousals, than of Marriage. Consider Can∣ticles 3.11. and the Mystical Sense of the Captive Spouse, Deut. 21.10-14 which may perhaps have some reference to this matter.

8 And to her was granted ⁷ [by Christ, in virtue of his Death, Eph. 5.25, 26.] that she should be arrayed in fine Linen, clean and white [or bright, and Royal ⁸ Garments, see on chap. 3.4.] For the fine Linen, is [i. e. signifies,] the ⁹ Righteousness of [the] Saints, [who now come down from Heaven with Christ in his Kingdom, chap. 21.2.]

⁷ Her Nuptial Garments, and Ornaments are here said to be Granted, or Given unto her; to shew, that all the Righ∣teousness we have, is of Free Gift and Grace; even the prepa∣ring, or making our selves ready, by putting on Christ's Righ∣teousness by Faith; which as subjected in our Faculties, may be called Our Righteousness; whereby we become perfect through the Comliness which God puts upon us, Jerem. 23.6. Ezek. 16.14. Zech. 3.4. Rom. 3. and 10.3, 4. Phil. 2.12, 13.

⁸ See Grotius on the place. Christ was now about to pre∣sent his Church without spot or wrinkle, Ephes. 5. and there∣fore is she cloathed in fine white Linen; of which sort also Royal Robes were wont to be; whereby is signified, that the Saints were now to Reign with Christ.

⁹ By 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is meant in Scripture the(a) 1.2 Precepts of

the Law, and Holy Actions conformable to those Precepts; in which sense it is here taken: which are said to be given un∣to the Saints, to shew, that the Justification, and also the in∣herent Holiness of Saints, is wholly from Christ our Righte∣ousness, and is given and communicated unto them out of his Fullness, 1 Cor. 1, 30.15, 10. Gal. 2.20. John 1.16.

Doctor Hammond's Interpretation of these Words, (The Ordinances of the Sanctuary,) cannot possibly be true; be∣cause the Holy Spirit expresly says, that the fine Linen (which the Priest used when he went into the Sanctuary, which is here alluded to) is; that is, signifies (which is the constant meaning of that word in this Prophecy) Righteousness; and therefore the fine Linen it self cannot be here meant; but the Righteousnesses of Saints, signified by those Ordinances of the Sanctuary.

9 And he [i. e. an Angel, chap. 22. 8.] saith unto me, write [this Truth, and seal it not, for it will immediately be brought into effect, see on chap. 5, 1.10, 4.] blessed are they which are ¹⁰ called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb [which is the Kingdom of Heaven, Matth. 22.2.] and he [i.e. the Angel,] saith unto me,(a) 1.3 these ¹¹ are the true sayings of God [i. e. certain infallible, and most important Truths; as incredible, and as inconsiderable as they may seem to men]

¹⁰ The Righteous Saints, (who are called the Wife of the Lamb, that is the Church of Saints, collectively taken, in the Two foregoing Verses) come down with Christ out of Hea∣ven, as is evident from comparing those Verses with Chapt. 21.2. and therefore by the called in this Verse seems to be meant the Saints who shall then be alive upon Earth, who are said to have but a part in the first Resurrection, Chap. 20.6.

and are represented here only as Guests bidden, but not as the Companions, and Followers of the Bridegroom. See on Chap. 20.6.

¹¹ These being not ordinary Scripture-Truths, but of an high and Prophetick Nature; therefore a particular Assevera∣tion of the Truth of them is here used; that they might gain belief the more easily, and to ascertain the Revelation of them; as the Angel particularly asserts the Truth of Daniel's Visions, Dan. 8, 26.10, 21.11, 2. And this Phrase is af∣terwards twice used upon the same account in this very Pro∣phecy, Chap. 21, 5.22, 6.

10 And I [being transported ¹² with the Vision I had seen of the glorious state of Christ's Kingdom;] fell [through in∣cogitancy, and surprise,] at his [i. e. the Angel] Feet to Worship ¹³ him; And he [i. e. the Angel,] said [immediately, with ¹⁴ great Zeal, and in great haste, to prevent me as soon as he could;] I am thy fellow ¹⁵ Servant [and therefore am not to be Worshipped; Worship being to be given to Superiors, and not Equals; not to Angels, who are but Fellow Servan s, and Fellow Creatures with Men; and Ministring Spirits to the great God;] and [I am the Fellow Servant] of thy Brethren [the Prophets and Witnesses, chap. 12, 17. 22, 9] that have [receiv∣ed] the Testimony of Jesus [in his Gospel, chap. 1. 2.] Worship [therefore]* God [and him alone; and not his Servants, and Instruments, whatsoever their Excellencies, and Perfections may be; for they are but your Fellow Creatures: And even as to their Ministrations, and Offices, they are not Superior to you,] for the ¹⁶ Testimony of Jesus [which your Brethren the Witnesses have from the Scriptures concerning things future, chap. 1. 1, 2, 3.] is [of the same esteem, and value, with immediate Pro∣phecy it self; because that] the [very] ¹⁶ Spirit, [and Life] of Prophesy [consists in the Communication of it from Christ; and it matters not as to the value of the Prophecy, or of the Persons who recive it, whether it come from the Testimony of Christ in Scripture, or from immediate Revelation: And therefore seeing that thou and thy Brethren here received the Testimony of Christ; you are equal unto us; although you

have it not immediately from Christ, but by our Ministrati∣on; or from his Apostles and Disciples, chap. 1. 1-4. 22, 6.]

¹² This Action seems to be chiefly(a) 1.4 Symbolical; and is transferred, as in a Figure, to the Apostle; to teach, and re∣present unto us, under the Person of the Apostle himself, that the best men are very apt to he surprized, and drawn by the Example of others, and by false pretences, into Creature-Worship; and that such Worship is unlawful, let the pre∣tences be never so plausible; and that the only way to a∣void all manner of Idolatry, is to keep to the Precept here gi∣ven, of Worshipping God alone. See on Chap. 22.8, 9.

¹³ As being an Angel employed in a great Ministry, and upon the most pleasing, and most grateful Message; of shewing him the New Jerusalem-State, consisting of Gentiles and Jews, his Countreymen, Brethren and Kinsmen (for whom the Apostle Paul could have wisht himself accursed from Christ, Rom. 9.3.) united together, and reigning with Christ in his Kingdom.

¹⁴ All this seems to be included in the broken, and abrupt form of speech here made use of by the Angel.

¹⁵ Here is declared, that Angels and Men are Fellow-Crea∣tures, and shall be Fellow-Servants in the New Jerusalem-State, the World to come; which shall not be subject to Angels; and in which there shall be an Equality betwixt them, and Saints, the Members of it; and that they shall joyn together in the Worship of Christ. Luke 20.36. Heb. 1, 6.2, 5.

* That is, Jesus the Word of God, who is God, and One with the Father; and is accordingly worshipped in this Pro∣phecy, Chap. 5. and. 22.3. and in other places.

^{16 16} Here the Angel delivers a most excellent Axiom, where∣in we are taught,

(1.) That the principal thing to be attended to in Pro∣phecy is, Whether it be the Testimony of Christ, or no; That is, whether it be delivered in Scripture: which principal Cha∣racter, is here called, The Spirit of Prophecy; that is, the Life and Soul of it; which animates it, and gives it its true Value and Esteem; in the Sense that Spirit is often opposed to Let∣ter, and Flesh in Scripture, 2 Cor. 3.6.

(2) That the Sense of Prophetical Scriptures, given from a compare of Scripture with Scripture, is (when it evidently appears to be so) of equal Credibility with the Prophecy it self; because it is the Spirit, of the Letter of it.

(3.) That Interpreters of prophetical Scriptures, when their Interpretations are confirmed, are worthy of a Prophet's Re∣ward; because they have the Spirit of prophecy, Matth. 10.41.

11 And I saw Heaven ¹⁸ opened [for a glorious appearance of Christ,] and behold a white Horse [the Emblem of Christ's Royalty and Glory, from his Resurrection, to his second coming in his Kingdom, chap. 6. 2.] and he that sate upon him [i. e. Christ,] was called faithful ¹⁸ and true [to his Promises, and his Friends,] and in Righteousness [i. e. Truth, and Peace] he doth Judg ¹⁹ [his People, Psal. 96.10, 13. Is. 11.1-9.32, 16.] and make ¹⁹ War [with his Enemies, Is. 11.4.]

¹⁷ To shew that the Heavens shall open, when the King of Glory appears, Psalm 24.7-10. Matth. 24.30.

And this Appearance (which is the second Vision in this Chapter) is that of Christ's coming in his Kingdom to Judg∣ment; and is the same with that, Chap. 14.14. as will plain∣ly appear to any who considers the Circumstances, and De∣scription of both.

¹⁸ He is said to be Faithful and True; because of his ap∣pearing in his Kingdom, according to his promise; which A∣theists, Antiscripturists, and those of the Antichristian Party, had called in question; still asking, with those Scoffers (2 Pet. 3.) where is the promise of his coming?

^{19 19} Hence it appears that the great Battle of Armageddon, is by way of Judgment; wherein the Enemies of Christ, and of his Kingdom, are represented as(a) 1.5 Warriors in Arms; who when conquered, were wont, as Captives of War, to be judged by, and receive Sentence from the Conquerour, as ap∣pears from Jerem. 52.9.

12 His Eyes were as a flame of ²⁰ Fire [penetrating and judg∣ing of all things, after a quick and terrible manner, chap. 1.14. 2, 18.] and on his head were many ²¹ Crowns [to denote the ampli∣tude of his Dominions, his many Conquests, and the several Exercises of his Regal Office, especially now in his glorious Monarchy, and Kingdom, Psal. 72 8-20. Rev. 14.14.] and he had a Name ²² written that no man knew but he himself [i. e. his Es∣sence, and Nature as God Incarnate; and his Will, Counsels, Judgments, and Rewards, c uld not be fully known, nor comprehended by any Creature; and not at all after a saving manner, but by them to whom he should reveal them, Judg. 13.18. Job 11.7, 8. Psalm 36.6. Matth. 11.27. Rom. 11.33, 34. 1 Cor. 2.6.-16. 1 John 3.2.]

²⁰ Christ is to be revealed in flaming(a) 1.6 fire, when he comes to Judgment in his Kingdom; and therefore his Eyes are represented as a flame of fire, to signifie his Discerning Judgment, and All-seeing Wisdom; which he will then most peculiarly manifest.

²¹ Christ had a Kingdom from his very Resurrection; and has had all along many Conquests over his Enemies in the Administration of it; and is therefore very fitly represented with many Crowns; as David, a Type of Christ, put on his Head the Crowns of the several Kings conquered by him, 2 Sam. 12.30. 1 Chron. 20.2. See also 1 Maccab. 11.13. He has also many Crowns, because of his Kingdom, as the Eternal Word, and as Mediator; which he hath administred under the Father ever since his Resurrection, represented by the first Seal; and as he now enters upon the Administration of his Glorious Kingdom; as he is also King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, he hath all the Crowns of the Kingdoms of the Earth belonging unto him; and now, as it were, put upon his Head.

²² His Name, Emmanuel, God made Flesh, or God in our Nature, seems to be here more particularly understood; as being peculiar to him, as distinct from the Father, and the Spirit, Judg. 13.18. Isa. 9.6. Prov. 30.4.

13 And he was cloathed with a vesture dipt in [the] Blood [of his Enemies, Psal. 68.23. Is. 63.1-6.] and his Name is called [or, he is,] the Word ²³ of God, [John 1.1]

²³ That is, the Eternal Word of God; by whom God spake, when he made the World; and spake also to our Fore-fa∣thers

under the Old Testament, and unto us in the Gospel. And he may also be called, The Word, because in him the whole Word of God, Prophecies and Promises, are Yea and Amen; that is, constant, and not changeable, punctually fullfilled, un∣alterably confirmed, and ratified, 2 Cor. 1.19, 20. See Grot. on Joh. 1.1. Bishop Pearson on the second Article of the Creed; and Dr. Bull's Defensio Fidei Nicaenae.

14 And the Armies which were in Heaven [i. e. Christ's mighty Angels, and the Saints which shall accompany them, when he comes to Judgment in his Kingdom, Dan. 4 35. Zech. 14.5. Matth. 22.7. 1 Thes. 4.14. 1 Cor. 15. Phil. 3.29. 2 Thes. 1.7. Jude 14.15. See the Notes on Rev. 14:14, 15. and chap. 20. and on verse 11. of this Chapter] followed him upon white ²⁴ Horses [as Companions, and Partakers with Christ in his Glory, and his Kingdom;] cloathed in fine ²⁵ Linen, white and clean [i. e. they were Justified and Sanctified by the Righteousness; and Holy∣ness of Christ imputed unto them. See on verse 8.]

²⁴ This Battle is a Judgment, as appears from Verse 15. So that these Armies of Heaven must be the Angels and the Saints who shall come with Christ in Judgment to his Kingdom, with glorified Bodies; as the Scriptures quoted in the Paraphrase, do plainly declare: and they are represented as on White Horses, to shew the Glory they shall appear in, and their joynt Rule and Reign with Christ; it being the custom for Kings Favorites, Nobles and Rulers, to be clad in White Garments, and ride on White Beasts; as hath been already observed on Rev. 3, 4, 18.6, 2.

²⁵ These Heavenly Armies appear in the same Habit, with the Spouse, at the Eighth Verse; whence it follows, that they are Saints, who differ not from the Spouse, which is the Church, but as the Members do from the Body, the whole from the parts united.

But Christ only, and not the Saints, appears in a Vesture dipt in Blood; to shew, that this Victory over Antichrist, and the wicked world, was wholly owing to his Blood; according to Isaiah 63.1-7. and that the Saints Robes were washed, and made white in his Blood alone.

15 And out of his Mouth goeth a sharp Sword [of Sentence, and Condemnation, proceeding out of it, verse 21] that with it he should smite [all] the [Wicked] Nations of the Earth, and [after he hath smitten them,] he shall rule them with a rod of Iron [during the continuance of his Glorious Kingdom, Psalm 2. Rev. 2.27. See Rev. 20.] and he treadeth [and that alone, Isa. 63.1-6.] the Winepress ²⁶ of the feirceness, and wrath of Almighty God [i. e. the wicked of the Earth were punished by him with exquisite Tor∣ments]

²⁶ From hence it appears, that this Judgment and Victory, is contemporary with Chapter 14. 19, 20. See also on Chap∣ter 20.

16 And he hath on his [Kingly, and Glorious ²⁷] Vesture, [Is. 63.1.] and on his Thigh [upon which the Sword of his Fury was also girt, Psalm 45.3. Is. 27, 1.66, 16. Ezek. 38.18, 21] a Name Written [legibly, and now seen, and acknowled by all;] King of Kings, and Lord of Lords [i. e. the only Supreme, Univer∣sal Monarch, Dan. 2.44, 45, 47. 1 Tim. 6.15. Rev. 17.14.]

²⁷ Here Christ is represented as taking possession of his glori∣ous Kingdom, clad in Imperial, Glorious Apparel; and girt with a Kingly Sword, according to the Description of his going forth to his Kingdom in his Might, Glory, and Maje∣sty, Psalm 45.

It is an ingenious conjecture of those who think, that as his former Name (Verse 12, 13.) denotes his Divinity; so does this denote his Kingdom, as the Son of Man: Where∣upon he wears a Title on his Vesture, as Kings are wont to do

their Regal Cognizances; by which they are distinguished, and made known: and also on his Thigh; to signifie, that he came from the Loyns, or Thighs of Abraham, and David (whose Son he was, according to the Flesh, Matth. 1.1. Rom. 1.3.) to whose Seed, which is Christ, an universal Kingdom was promised. Whereupon also they were wont to put their Hands under the Thighs of them to whom they swore Fidelity and Subjection; to shew, that Christ, the Blessed Seed, and Ʋniversal Monarch, was to come from the Thigh, or Loyns of Abraham, Gen. 24, 2.46, 26.47, 29. 1 Chron. 29.24. Ezek. 17.18.

17 And I saw an Angel standing in the Sun [to shew the Glory of Christ the King of Kings and the Sun of Righteousness now c••mforting his Servants, and treading down his Enemies, Malach. 4.2, 3 Rev. 1.16.8, 12 10, 1.12, 1.] and he cried with a oud voice, saying, to all the Fowls ²⁸ that fly in the midst of Heaven, come and gather your selves together unto the Supper of the great God [i e. come, and partake of, and c lebrate this his great Victory, Is 34.6. Jerem. 12.9. Ezek. 39.17, 19. Zeph. 1.7.]

²⁸ In this Verse begins the Third Vision of this Chapter; wherein is described the Event and Success of the Battel of Ar∣mageddon, by a Feast for Fowls upon the Carcasses of the slain; to which they are, as it were, invited, by a Poetical Allocu∣tion, made use of 1 Sam. 17.46. Jerem. 12.9. and Ezek. 39.17-20. the place here alluded to; from whence it is evident, that the Battel and Success mentioned in this place, has a reference to Gog, the Subject of those Visions of the Prophet Ezekiel. Now, although by Fowl are meant in the Prophet, the Damned Spirits, who seize on lost Mankind, as Ravenous Birds on their Prey; yet because they are discom∣fited in this Battel, and are represented as bound in it, they cannot be understood in this place; which has a reference ra∣ther to the Saints (those Armies of Heaven on white Horses) who come with Christ in the Air at this Day of Judgment,

typified by a Battel of Decision; and are, as it were, invited to a Feast upon a sacrifice of the slain (as it is called Ezek 39.17-21.) according to the Notions and Customes of the Jews, who were wont to(a) 1.7 Feast upon Sacrifices; and that after a Victory, and sometimes upon the Spoils taken in War; as Abraham was f••asted by Melchizedeck; and his Soldiers upon the Spoils taken from the wicked Kings, a Type of the Kings here vanquished, Gen. 14. And accord∣ingly the Saints are here invited to an Eucharistical Feast, for the slaughter of Christ's Enemies; who are frequently in Scri∣pture said to(b) 1.8 rejoice; not in the misery, but in the righ∣teous Judgments of Christ upon the wicked; in regard of which Righteousness they are comforted (as the Prophet Eze∣kiel speaks, Chap. 14.22, 23.) concerning the Evil which God brings upon the wicked, for their wicked ways and do∣ings.

18 That ye may Eat the Flesh of [the] Kings [of the Earth,] and the Flesh of Captains, and the Flesh of Mighty Men [or Soldiers, Jerem. 46 5.] and the Flesh of Horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all Men, booth free and bond, both small and great, [i. e. that ye might rejoyce for the Judgments of God upon all his Enemies whatsoever, Psalm 110. and 149. Rev. 18.20. Ezek. 39.18-21.]

19 And I saw the Beast [i. e. the Papacy and its Hierarchy;] and the Kings of the Earth, and their Armies [i. e. all the wicked Potentates of the Earth, and their followers, and adherents;] gathered together to make War [i. e. united in a Diabolical Conspiracy, chap. 16.13, 14, 16.] against him that sate on the [white] Horse [i. e. Christ, verse 11.] against his Army [the Saints, verse 14]

20 And the Beast was taken [captive, Rev. 13.10] and with him the false Prophet [i. e. the other Beast,] that wrought Miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the Beast, and them that Worshipped his Image [i. e. the adherents of Antichrist, chap. 13.] these ²⁹ both were cast ³⁰ alive into a lake of Fire, burning with Brimstone [i. e. were punished after a most ex∣emplary manner, and with the utmost severity.]

²⁹ The Beast, and the False Prophet, (as being the Chief in the Conspiracy against Christ's Kingdom) are first taken, and are condemned to the Lake, even before the Devil, and the wicked Nations; who found them there, when they were cast into it, Rev. 20.10-15.

³⁰ This Phrase shews, (1.) That their Punishment will be very severe, and very exemplary, proceeding from the utmost Wrath, and Indignation of God, expressed by Fire and Brim∣stone.

(2.) That it was their Final and Eternal Condemnation; as being the very same punishment, to which all the wicked are at last consigned at the final consummation of all things, Chap. 20. 10-15. So that hereby is signified, the Eminency and Transcendency of their punishment, and the utter and to∣tal Abolition of that Antichristian State; which, as being the base, and Hypocritical Counterfeit of Christianity; is most pe∣culiarly abhorred by God; and is accordingly consumed and abolished, so as never to appear again, immediately at the ve∣ry First Approach, or Dawning of Christ's Kingdom; as the shadows fly away when the Day breaks; and the Chaff is sud∣denly driven away with the wind, Psalm 1.4. Hos. 6, 4.13, 3. Canticl. 2.17.2 Thes. 2.8.

21 And the ³¹ Remnant [i. e. the Kings of the Earth, and their Armies, verse 18, 19] were slain ³² with the Sword of him that sate upon the [white] Horse [verse 11.] which Sword proceeded out of his Mouth [i. e. they were Condemned by the Light, Evidence and

Convictions of Christ's Gospel, according to which God will then judge the Secrets of Men by Jesus Christ, Rom. 2.16.] and all the Fowls were filled with their Flesh [i. e. all the Saints were fully satisfied with the Justice of their Condemnation, and the high Praises of God were in their Mouths for it, Psalm 149 5.6]

³¹ The Beast, and False Prophet, the Chief Enemies of Christ's Kingdom, are first sentenced, and are cast into the Lake, at the first Appearance of Christ, to which punish∣ment also all their Adherents are expresly adjudged, Rev. 14.9-11. although not at the same time (as seemeth to ap∣pear from their bewailing the Ruine of Babylon afterwards, Chap. 18.) or not to the same degrees of it: Whereupon it follows; that if under the Beast, and the False Prophet, their Armies and Adherents are to be comprehended, who must needs be vanquished with their Cheiftains; then by the Kings, and their Armies, must be meant all the other wicked of the Earth, besides the Antichristian Counterfeit; who are vanquished and condemned by Christ, and his Armies. And although the Devil and his Angels, and Armies, are not here mentioned, yet it is evident from Chap. 20.2. that the Dragon was laid hold on, or taken Captive; which Phrase respects the Issue of a Battel, and must consequently relate to this at Armageddon. But because those Enemies are Invisible Instruments, and acted in, and by the others; therefore are they not particularly named here, but only their Instruments and Agents, who openly appeared, and resisted Christ's King∣dom.

³² These are not cast alive into the Lake, because they are to appear again after the Thousand Years Kingdom of Christ; but are said only to be slain by the Brightness, Efficacy and Pow∣er of Christ's Kingdom: whereby is meant a Spiritual Slaugh∣ter, accompanied with Bodily Torments, proceeding from Anguish of Mind; in the sense of the Psalmist, Psal. 59.11, 13.104, 35. concerning which see more on the following Chapter.

Here it may be noted, That there are Three Enemies of Christ to be vanquished by his coming; which may also be the Three Parts of the great City:

(1.) The Dragon, or Satan and his Angels; by whose Dia∣bolical Spirit all the Enemies of Christ's Kingdom were influ∣enced; who are bound and sealed up during the Thousand Years Kingdom of Christ; and are afterwards cast into the Lake, Chap. 20.2, 3, 10.

(2.) The Kings of the Earth, and their Armies; i. e. those who had a bare Enmity and Hostility against Christ's King∣dom, and not under the pretence of advancing it; who are slain at this Battel, and then make Second Assault upon Christs Kingdom; in which they are overcome, and at last utterly abolished, and cast into the Lake, Chap. 20.9, 10.

(3.) Antichristianism; consisting of Beastianism, and False Prophetism: which State is utterly abolished by the first Ap∣pearance of Christ; and all its Votaries, and impenitent Ad∣herents, lye under the severe Judgments of God, during the whole time of Christ's Glorious Kingdom; being never able to make any the least opposition against it.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Isa. Chap. 54. and 62. Hos. 2. Psalm 45. the Book of Canticles, and Bp. Patrick's Preface to it.
• (a) 1.2

  Grot. in Matth. 22.11. Luke 1.6. and Hammond. on Rom. 8.4. Rom. 2.26.
• (a) 1.3

  Or, these true words are of, or from God.
• (a) 1.4

  Of this Nature are many Actions of the Patriarchs thought to be by Justin Mar∣tyr, who calls them 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Dial. cum Tryphon. pag. 364, 371.
• (a) 1.5

  Ezek. 32.27. and Chap. 38. Rev. 20.
• (a) 1.6

  Thes. 1, 8.2, 8.
• (a) 1.7

  Dr. Cudworth's true Notion of the Lord's Supper.
• (b) 1.8

  See Rev. 18.20. Psalm 58.10. Psalm 106. and 149.