17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; d the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an ame. thyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. e Isa 54.11-d Exod 24.10. Ezek. 1.26,-e Ch.22.2-f John 4.23.-g Isa.21.23. & 19,80, Ch 22.5, Ver. 11.-h Isa €0.3,5,11.& 66, 12. Tob 13.11. the distance from the plain country, to the place where the city stood. But what need is there of attempting to determine such measures in such a visionary representation? The quad rangular form intimates its perfection and stability, for the square figure was a figure of perfection among the Greeks: apηp TεTрaуovos, the square or cubical man, was, with them, a man of unsullied integrity, perfect in all things. 17. The wall-an hundred and forty and four cubits] This is twelve, the number of the apostles, multiplied by itself; for twelve times twelve make one hundred and forty four. The measure of a man, that is, of the angel.] The cubit, so called from cubitus, the elbow, is the measure from the tip of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger; and is generally reckoned at one foot and a half, or eighteen inches; though it appears, from some measurements at the pyramids of Egypt, that the cubit was, at least in some cases, twenty-one inches. By the cubit of a man, we may here understand the ordinary cubit; and that this was the angel's cubit who appeared in the form of a man. Or, suppose we understand the height of the man as being here intended; and that this was the length of the measuring rod. Now, allowing this height and rod to be six feet, and that this was intended to have some kind of symbolical reference to the twelve tribes, mentioned ver. 12. represented by the twelve gates; and to the twelve apostles, represented by the twelve thresholds, or foundations: then twentyfour, the number of the tribes and apostles, multiplied by six, make precisely the number one hundred and forty-four. 18. The building of the wall of it was of jasper] The ori ental jasper was exceedingly hard, and almost indestructible. Pillars made of this stone have lasted some thousands of years, and appear to bave suffered scarcely any thing from the tooth of time. are the Temple of this city 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 h And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in nowise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie; but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. ¡ Isa. 60, 11.—k Is 61 20. Zech. 14.7. Ch.22.5-1 Ver. 24-m Isa.35.9 & 52.1. & 50 21. Joel 3.17. Ch.34,14.15.-n Phil. 4.3, Ch.3.5. & 13.8.20.12. Christ crucified, preached by the apostles, gives a solid foundation to stand on; and we have an entrance into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Heb. x. 19, &c. And in reference to this, we are said to be built on the FOUNDATION of the APOSTLES and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone, Eph. ii. 20. The first foundation was jasper] A stone very hard, some species of which are of a sea-green colour. The second, sapphire] This is a stone of a fine blue colour, next in hardness to the diamond. The third, a chalcedony] A genus of the semi-pellucid gems; of which there are four species: 1. A bluish white; this is the most common sort. 2. The dull milky veined; this is of little worth. 3. The brownish black, the least beautiful of all. 4. The yellow and red, the most beautiful, as it is the most valuable, of all. Hitherto this has been found only in the East Indies. The fourth, an emerald] This is of a bright green colour, without any mixture: and is one of the most beautiful of all the gems. The true oriental emerald is very scarce, and said to be found only in the kingdom of Cambay 20. The fifth, sardonyr] The onyx is an accidental variety of the agate kind: it is of a dark horny colour, in which is a plate of a bluish white, and sometimes of red. When on one or both sides the white there happens to lie also a plate of a reddish colour, the jewellers call the stone a sardonyx. The sixth, sardius] The sardius, sardel, or sardine stone, is a precious stone, of a blood red colour. The seventh, chrysolite] The gold stone. It is of a dusky green, with a cast of yellow. It is a species of the topaz. The eighth, beryl] This is a pellucid gem of a bluish green colour. Pure gold, like unto clear glass.] Does not this imply that the walls were made of some beautifully bright yellow stone, very highly polished? This description has been most injudiciously applied to heaven; and in some public discourses, for the comfort and edification of the pious, we hear of hea ven with its golden walls, golden pavements, gates of pearl, &c. &c. not considering that nothing of this description was ever intended to be literally understood; and that gold and jewels can have no place in the spiritual and eternal world. But do not such descriptions as these tend to keep up a fond-vielet colour, composed of a strong blue and deep red. ness for gold and ornaments? In symbols they are proper; but construed into realities, they are very improper. The ninth, a topaz] A pale dead green, with a mixture of yellow. It is considered by the mineralogists, as a variety of the sapphire. The tenth, a chrysoprasus] A variety of the chrysolite, called by some the yellowish green and cloudy topaz. It differs only from the chrysolite, in having a bluish hue. The eleventh, a jacinth] A precious stone of a dead red colour, with a mixture of yellow. The twelfth, an amethyst] A gem generally of a purple or These stones are nearly the same with those on the breastplate of the high-priest, Exod. xxviii. 17, &c. and probably were intended to express the meaning of the Hebrew words there used.-See the notes on the above passages, where these The ancient Jews teach, that "when Jerusalem and the temple shall be built, they will be all of precious stones, and pearls, and sapphire; and with every species of jewels."-gems are particularly explained. Sephir Rasid hagadol, fol. 24. 1. 21. The twelve gates were swelre pearls] This must be The same authors divide Paradise into seven parts, or merely figurative, for it is out of all the order of nature to houses; the third they describe thus-"The third house is produce a pearl large enough to make a gate to such an im built of gold and pure silver, and all kinds of jewels and mense city. But St. John may refer to some relations of this pearls. It is very spacious; and in it all kinds of the good nature among his countrymen, who talk much of most pro things, either in heaven or earth, are to be found. All kinds digious pearls. I shall give an example:-"When Rabbi Juof precious things, perfumes and spiritual virtues, are there chanan (John) once taught that God would provide jewels and planted. In the midst of it is the tree of life, the height of pearls, thirty cubits every way; ten of which should exceed which is five hundred years; (i. e. it is equal in height to the in height twenty cubits, and should place them in the gates of journey which a man night perform in five hundred years,) Jerusalem, according to what is said, Isa. liv. 12, I will make and under it dwell Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the twelve patri- thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, one of archs, and all that came out of Egypt, and died in the wilder his disciples ridiculed him, saying, Where can such be found, Over these Moses and Aaron preside, and teach them since, at present, there is none so large as a pigeon's egg?— the law," &c.- Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 13. 4. In the same tract, Afterward, being at sea in a ship, he saw the ministering anfol. 182 1. we find these words-"Know that we have a tradi-gels cutting gems and pearls; and he asked them for what tion, that when the Messiah, with the collected captivity, shall purpose they were preparing those? They answered, To place come to the land of Israel, in that day the dead in Israel shall them in the gates of Jerusalem. On his return, he found rise again; and in that day the fiery walls of the city of Jeru. Rabbi Juchanan teaching, as usual; to whom he said, Explain, salein shall descend from heaven: and in that day the temple master, what I have seen! He answered, Thou knave, unless shall be builded of jewels and pearls." thou hadst seen, thou wouldest not have believed; wilt thou not receive the saying of the wise men? At that moment he fixed his eyes upon him, and he was reduced into a heap of bones." Bava bathra, fol. 77. 1. and Sanhedrim, fol. 100. 1. p. 393. Edit. Cocceii.-See Schoettgen. ness. 19. The foundations of the wall] Does not this mean the foundations, or thresholds, of the gates? The gates represented the twelve tribes, ver. 12. and these foundations, or thresholds, the twelve apostles, ver 14. There was no entrance into the city but through those gates; and none through the gates but over these thresholds. The whole of the Mosaic dispensation was the preparation of the Gospel system; without it the Gospel would have no original; without the Gospel, it would have no reference, nor proper object. Every part of the Gospel necessarily supposes the late and the prophets. They are the gates, it is the threshold: without the Gospel, no person could enter through those gates. The doctrine of 22. I saw no temple] There was no need of a temple, where God and the Lamb were manifestly present. 23. No need of the sun] This is also one of the traditions of the ancient Jews; that in the world to come, the Israelites shall have no need of the sun by day, nor the moon by night, Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 7. 3. God's light shines in this city; and in the Lamb that light is concentrated; and from Him every where diffused. The sayings of this book REVELATION. 24. The nations of them which are saved] This is an allusion to the promise that the Gentiles should bring their riches, glory, and excellence, to the temple at Jerusalem, after it should be rebuilt-See ver. 26. 25. The gates of it shall not be shut at all The Christian church shall ever stand open to receive sinners of all sorts, degrees, and nations. There shall be no night there] No more idolatry, no intellectual darkness: the Scriptures shall be every where read; the pure word every where preached; and the Spirit of God shall shine and work in every heart. 26. The glory and honour of the nations into it] Still alluding to the declarations of the prophets, (see the passages in the margin, ver. 24, &c.) that the Gentiles would be led to contribute to the riches and glory, of the temple by their gifts, &c. 27. There shall in nowise enter into it any thing that defileth] See Isa. xxxv. 8. lii. 1. Neither an impure person, he are faithful and true who turns the grace of God into lasciviousness; nor a liar, be that holds and propagates false doctrines. But they which are written] The acknowledged persevering members of the true church of Christ, shall enter inte heaven: and only those who are saved from their sins, shall have a place in the church militant. All Christians are bound by their baptism to renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh; to keep God's holy word and commandments, and to walk in the same all the days of their life. This is the generation of them that seek thy face, O God of Jacob. Reader, art thou of this number! Or, art thou expecting an eternal glory, while living in sin! If so, thou wilt be fearfully disappointed. Presuming on the mercy of God, is as ruinous as despairing of His grace. Where God gives power both to will and to do, the individual should work out his salvation with fear and trembling. CHAPTER XXII. The angel The river of the water of life, 1. The tree of life, 2. There is no curse nor darkness in the city of God, 3-5. assures John of the truth of what he has heard and states that the time of the fulfilment is at hand, 6, 7. He forbids John to worship him, 8, 9. Again he states that the time of the fulfilment of the prophecies, of this book is at hand, 10-12 Christ is Alpha and Omega, 13. The blessedness of those who keep His commandments; they enter through the gates into the city, 14. All the unholy are excluded, 15. Christ sent his angel to testify of those things in the churches, 16. invitation of the Spirit and the bride, 17. A curse denounced against those who shall either add to or take away from the prophecies of this book, 18, 19. Christ cometh quickly, 20. The apostolical benediction, 21. [A. M. cir. 4100. A. D. cir. 96. Impp. Flavio Domitiano Cæs. Aug. et Nervâ.] The AND he showed me a pure river of water of life, clor & Anden John saw these things, and heard the the het as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the mids of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were d for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it: and his servants shall serve him. 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 i And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for k the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7 Behold, I come quickly: P blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, 'See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. still. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 12 13 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they inay have right to the tree of life, band may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are d dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremon a Ezek 47.1. Rech. 14 9.-b Ezek. 47.12 Ch.21.21.- Gen 2.9 Ch. 2.7-d Ch.21. r Ch. 19.10-s Dan. 8. 95. & 12.4, 9. Ch. 10.4.- Ch. 1.3.- Ezek 3.27 Dan. 12. 10. 24.-e Zech. 14. 11-f Ezek. 48.35-g Matt. 5.8. 1 Cor.13.12. 1 John 3 2-h Ch.3, 2 Tim.3.13.- Ver. 7-w Isa. 40, 10 & 6211-x Rom. 2.6 & 14.12. Ch 20. 12-y Isa. 12. & 14. 1.-1 Ch.21.23, 15.-k Psa 3 9.& 8.11.-1 Dan 7.27. Rom 5.17. 2 Tim, 2. 41 4. & 44.6.& 48 12. Ch.18, 11 & 21.6,- Dan.12.12 1 John.3.Na Ver.2. Ch. 12. Chap.3.21-m Chap. 19 9. & 21.5.-n Chap. 1.1.-o Chap.3.11. Verse 10, 12, 20.-2.7-b Chap 21.27-1 Cor.6.9, 10. Gal.5.19, 20, 21. Col.3 6. Chap.9.2), A. & A. Ch.1.3-9 Ch. 19.10. 8.-d Phil. 3.2. NOTES. Verse 1. Pure river of water of life] This is evidently a reference to the garden of Paradise, and the river by which it was watered; and there is also a reference to the account, Ezek. xlvii. 7-12. Water of life, as we have seen before, generally signifies spring, or running water; here, it may signify incessant communications of happiness proceeding from God. 2. In the midst of the street of it] That is, of the city which was described in the preceding chapter. The tree of life] An allusion to Gen. ii. 9. As this tree of life is stated to be in the streets of the city, and on each side of the river; tree must here be an enallage of the singular for the plural number, trees of life, or trees which yielded fruit, by which life was preserved. The account in Ezekiel is this: And by the river, upon the banks thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade--it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months -and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf there of for medicine. Ch. xlvii. 12. Twelve manner of fruits] Kapnovs dwdexa, twelve fruits; that is, fruit twelve times in the year, as is immediately explained, yielded her fruit every month. As this was a great and spacious city, one fountain was not sufficient to provide water for it, therefore a river is mentioned, a great river, by which it was sufficiently watered. Some think that by this tree of life the Gospel is indicated: the twelve fruits are the twelve apostles; and the leaves are Gospel doctrines by which the nations, the Gentiles, are healed of the disease of sin. But this seems to be a fanciful interpretation. 3. No more curse] Instead of karavaɛua, curse, the best MSS., Versions, &c. read karalepa, cursed person. As there shall be no more sinning against God, so there shall be no more curse of God upon the people; for they shall be all His servants, and serve Him. Our first parents came under the curse by sinning against their Maker in Paradise: these shall never apostatize; therefore, neither they, nor the earth shall be cursed. 4. See his face] Enjoy what is called the beatific vision: and they shall exhibit the fullest evidence, that they belong entirely to Him; for His name shall be written on their foreheads. 5. There shall be no night there] See the 23d and 25th verses of the preceding chapter. 6. These sayings are faithful and true] See the preceding chapter, ver. 5. From this verse to the end of the chapter, is reckoned the epilogue of this book. 1. The angel affirms the truth of all that had been spoken, ver. 6-11. 2 Jesus Christ confirms what has been affirmed, and pledges Himself for the fulfilment of all the prophecies contained in it, ver. 12-17. 3. John cautions his readers against adding or diminishing, and concludes with the apostolical blessing, ver. 18–21. The things which must shortly be done] There are many sayings in this book, which, if taken literally, would intimate that the prophecies delivered in the whole of the Apocalypse, were to be fulfilled in a short time after their delivery to John: and this is a strong support of the scheme of Wetstein, and those that maintain that the prophecies of this book all referred to those times in which the apostle lived; and to the disturbances which then took place not only among the Jews, but in the Roman empire. What they all mean, and when and how they are to be fulfilled, God in heaven alone knows! 8. I fell down to worship] Iprostrated myself before him as before a superior being, to express my gratitude, and give him thanks for the communications he had made.--See on ch. xix. 10. 10. Seal not the sayings] Do not lay them up for future generations; they concern the present times; they must shortly come to pass-for the time is at hand. See above, ver. 6. What concerned the Jews, was certainly at hand. 11. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still] The time of fulfilment will come so suddenly, that there will be but little space for repentance and amendment. What is done, must be done instantly; and let him that is holy persevere, and hold fast what he has received. 12. Behold, I come quickly] I come to establish My cause, comfort and support My followers, and punish the wicked. 13. I am Alpha and Omega] See on ch. i. 8, 18, 14. Blessed are they that do his commandments] They are happy who are obedient. That they may have right to the tree of life] The original is much more expressive, va esai hckovoia aνTOV ERI TO ZVAOV Tns Cons, that they may have authority over the tree of life; an authority founded on right; this right founded on obedience to the commandments of God; and that obedience produced by the grace of God working in them. Without grace, no obedience; without obedience, no authority to the tree of gers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever lovetli and maketh a lie. 161 Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and h the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth, say, Come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, k If any man shall add unto these • Ch 11-fCh 5.5 Num 24.17. Zech. 6, 12.9 Pet 1 19. Ch.298-h Ch.21.2, 9.-i Ina 5.1. John 7 27 Ch.21.6-k Deu 4.2 & 12:32. Prov, 30.6. life; without authority, no right; without right, no enjoy. ment: God's grace, through Christ, produces the good; and then rewards it as if all had been our own. 15. Without are dogs] All those who are uncircumcised in beart. The Jews call all the uncircumised, dogs. "Who is a dog-Ans. He who is not circumcised."-Pirkey Elieser, ch. 29. And sorcerers] See the note on ch. xxi. 8. men. 16. I Jesus] The Maker, the Redeemer, and Judge, of all Have sent mine angel] An especial messenger from heaven. I am the root and offspring of David] Christ is the root of David, as to his Divine nature; for, from that, all the human race sprang for He is the Creator of all things, and without him was nothing made which is made. And He is the off spring of David, as to His human nature; for that He took of the stock of David, becoming thereby Heir to the Jewish throne; and the only Heir which then existed; and it is remarkable, that the whole regal family terminated in Christ; and as He liveth for ever, He is the alone true David and everlastina King. The bright and morning star.] I am splendour and glory to My kingdom; as the morning star ushers in the sun, so shall I usher in the unclouded and eternal glories of the everlasting kingdom. 17. The Spirit and the bride] All the prophets, and all the apostles; the church of God under the Old Testament, and the church of Christ under the New. Say, Come.] Invite men to Jesus, that by Him they may be saved, and prepared for this kingdom. Let him that heareth] Let all who are privileged with reading and hearing the word of God, join in the general invita tion to sinners. Him that is athirst] He who feels his need of salvation, and is longing to drink of the living Fountain. And whosoever will] No soul is excluded: Jesus died for every man; every man may be saved; therefore, he who wills, who wishes for salvation, let him come and take the water of life freely, without money or price! 18. If any man shall add] Shall give any other meaning to these prophecies, or any other application of them than God intends; he, though not originally intended, shall have the plagues threatened in this book for his portion. 19. If any man shall take away] If any man shall lessen this meaning, curtail the sense, explain away the spirit and design of these prophecies, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, &c. Thus Jesus Christ warns all those who consider this book, to beware of indulging their own conjectures concerning it. I confess that this warning has its own powerful influence upon my mind, and has prevented me from indulging my own conjectures concerning its meaning, or of adopting the conjectures of others. These visions and threatenings are too delicate and awful a subject to trifle with; or even to treat in the most solemn manner, where the meaning is obscure. I must leave these things to time and event, the surest interpreters. No jot or tittle of Christ's word shall fall to the ground; all shall have its fulfilment in due time. This is termed a revelation, but it is a revelation of sym bols: an exhibition of enigmas, to which no particular solution is given; and to which God alone can give the solution. 20. Surely 1 come quickly] This may be truly said to every person, in every age: Jesus, the Judge, is at the door! Even so, come, Lord Jesus.] The wish and desire of the suffering church, and of all the followers of God, who are longing for the coming of His kingdom. concluding observations things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, 'God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of " the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely, I come quickly; P Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen. 1 Exod. 233, Psa 69 28. Ch 3,5. & 13.8.—m Or, from the tree of life.-n Ch.21.2.-~ o Ver. 12-p John 21.23-q 2 Tim. 4.8-r Rom. 16.20,24. 2 Thess. 3. 18. 21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ] May the favour and powerful influence of Jesus Christ be with you all, you, of the seven churches, and the whole church of Christ, in every part of the earth, and through all the periods of time. Instead of avтwv vμwv, you all, the most excellent MSS. and Versions have Tavrov Tov aytor, with all the saints. This reading Griesbach has received into the text as indisputably genuine. Amen.] So be it! and so it shall be for ever and ever.The opinion of Dr. Priestley concerning the authenticity of this book, and the manner in which it is written, should not be withheld from either the learned or pious reader. "I think it impossible for any intelligent and candid person to peruse this book without being struck, in the most forcible manner, with the peculiar dignity and sublimity of its composition, superior to that of any other writing whatever, so as to be convinced that, considering the age in which it appeared, none but a person divinely inspired could have written it. These prophecies are also written in such a manner as to satisfy us, that the events announced to us were really fore. seen; being described in such a manner as no person writing without that knowledge, could have done. This requires such a mixture of clearness and obscurity, as has never yet been imitated by any forgers of prophecy whatever. Forgeries, written of course after the events, have always been too plain. It is only in the Scriptures, and especially in the book of Daniel, and this of the Revelation, that we find this happy mixture of clearness and obscurity in the accounts of future events."-Notes on Revelation. The subscriptions to this book are both few and unimpor tant: The CODEX ALEXANDRINUS has simply the Revelation of John. The SYRIAC-doubles the Amen. The ETHIOPIC-Here is ended the vision of John; the Apocalypse, Amen: this is, as one might say, the vision which he saw in his life; and it was written by the blessed John, the evangelist of God. VULGATE and COPTIC-nothing. ANCIENT ARABIC-By the assistance of our Lord Jesus Christ, the vision of John the apostle and evangelist, the be loved of the Lord, is finished: this is the apocalypse which the Lord revealed to him for the service of men. To Him be glory for ever and ever! Having now brought my short notes on this very obscure book to a conclusion, it may be expected that, although I do not adopt any of the theories which have been delivered concerning it, yet I should give the most plausible scheme of the ancients or moderns which has come to my knowledge.-This I would gladly do, if I had any scheme to which I could give a decided preference. However, as I have given, in the preface, the scheme of Professor Wetstein, it is right that I should, at the conclusion, give the scheme of Mr. Lowman, which is nearly the same with that of Bishop Newton, and which, as far as I can learn, is considered by the most rational divines as being the most consistent and probable. The scheme of the learned and pious Bengel may be found in the late Rev. John Wesley's notes on this book: that of Mr. Lowman, which now follows, may be found at the end of Dr. Dodd's notes. Among other objections to this, and all such schemes, I have this which to ine appears of vital consequence: its dates are too late. I think the book was written before the destruction of Jerusalem, and not in 95 or 96, the date which I follow in the margin: which date 1 give, not as my own opinion, but the opinion of others. 543 Scheme of the Apocalypse. REVELATION. Scheme of the Apocalypse. SCHEME AND ORDER OF THE PROPHECIES IN THE APOCALYPSE. A. D. INTRODUCTION. 95-Ch. i. 1-19. A prophetic vision in the Isle of Patmos, representing Christ; His care of the churches; promising a revelation; with cautions and exhortations suitable to the then state of the church, and to its future state in after ages; to encourage patience and constancy in the faith. FIRST PART of the Apocalypse, rela ting to the "things that are," or to the then state of the church. Chap. ii. Seven epistles to the seven churches of Asia Minor; describing their present state. Chap. iv. SECOND PART of the Apocalypse relating to the things which "shall be hereafter;" or to the state of the church in the ages to come after the time of the vision: with cautions and exhortations suitable to it. Scene of the visions; the throne of God; the consistory above and heaven ly church, representing God's power, majesty, authority, providence, and sure event of all His purposes. A seared book, containing a revelation of the state of the church in after ages, given to the Lamb to open, or to Jesus Christ to reveal for the good of the church by St. John. Ver. 8. Chorus of angels and saints, future state of the church in seven successive periods. SEVEN PERIODS. burning star falling upon the rivers, which became bitter; signifying the raveges in Italy, putting an end to the Roman empire, and founding a kingdom of Goths in Italy itself. 493-568 4. Fourth trumpet represents a 95-323 First Period showing the state of the church under the heathen Roman part of the sun and moon darkened; sig nifying the wars in Italy between Justi emperors, from about the year 95 tonian's generals, and the Goths, whereby about the year 323; the seals of the book opened in order. Seven Seals. 1. First seal represents a white horse; the rider with a crown, going forth to conquer, signifying the kingdom of Christ, or Christian religion prevailing against the opposition of Jews and heathens. 100-138 2. Second seal represents a red horse; power given to the rider to take peace from the earth, signifying the first memorable judgment on the persecutors of Christianity in the destruction of the Jews under Trajan and Hadrian. 138-139 3. Third seal represents a black horse; the rider with a balance, to measure corn, signifying great scarcity of provisions, near to famine, in the time of the Antonines. 193-270 4. Fourth seal represents a pale horse; the name of the rider, Death; signifying great mortality and pestilence, wherewith the empire was punished in the reigns of Maximin and Va lerian. 270-304 5. Fifth seal represents the souls of the martyrs under the altar; their reward and deliverance in a short time: signifying the severe persecution in the reign of Dioclesian; with an encouragement to constancy, suitable to such times of difficulty. 304-323 6. Sixth seal represents earthquakes, sun darkened, stars falling from heaven, signifying great commotions a the empire, from Maximin to Constan tine the Great, who put a period to the persecution of Rome heathen. Chap. vii. Interval between the first and second periods; representing an angel sealing 144,000 with the seal of the living God, signifying great numbers forsaking the idolatrous worship of the heathen Ronan empire, and enibracing the profession of Christianity. Ver. 9 Chorus of the heavenly church the exarchate of Ravenna was erected, Martel. PERIOD III 756-2016 Chap. x. Third Period of the vials reveals the state of the church and providence in the times of the last head of Roman government, represented by the beast, for 1260 years, to its final overthrow, from about the years 756 to about the year 2016. An angel, or nuncius, brings a little book, the remainder of the sealed book opened by the Lamb; and gives it to St. John to eat; signifying a farther revelation of what was to follow in order of time, to the end of the world. Chap. xi. Three general descriptions of this period:-1. First general description represents the temple measured ;| part given to the Gentiles; two witnesses prophesy in sackcloth 1260 days; signifying the corrupt state of the church, and the constancy of some faithful witnesses to the truth, though under severe persecutions, during this whole period. Chap. xii. 2. Second general description represents a woman forced to fly into the wilderness for safety, and protected there 1260 days; signifying the persecution and preservation of the church during the same period. Chap. xiii. 3. Third general description] A. D. represents a monstrous wild beast rising out of the sea, with seven heads, ten horns, as many crowns, and titles of blasphemy, who was to continue forty and two months; signifying that new Roman power, which should use its authority to promote idolatrous worship, and to persecute all who would not submit to it, and should be supported by and constitution, during the same period. another power like unto its own form church celebrates, in a hymn, the hap Chap. xiv. Chorus of the heavenly piness of those who remain faithful and constant. A nuncius, or angel, comes down from heaven to declare the certain and severe punishment of the enemies of truth and pure religion, in this period. Chap. xv. Seven angels receive seven cups, full of the wrath of God; signifying that the enemies of truth and pure religion in this period shall be severely punished in the course of it; and that they shall be utterly destroyed in the end. Chap. xvi. The oracle gives orders to the seven angels to pour out their vials, or cups. Seven Vials. 830-988 First vial poured on the earth; a grievous sore upon the worshippers of the beast, signifying the great commotions throughout the whole empire, under the family of Charles the Great, by which that family becomes extinct, and by France are transferred to other families which both the empire and crown of 1040-1190 2. Second vial poured on the sea; it becomes as the blood of a dead man; signifying the great bloodshed of the holy war, to recover Jerusalem from the Saracens. France. rivers and fountains: they become blood 1200-1371 3. Third vial poured on the signifying the bloody civil wars between the Guelphs and the Gibbelines, the pa pal and imperial factions, when the popes were driven out of Italy int 1378-1530 4. Fourth vial poured on the sun, which has power given it to scorch nen; signifying the long wars in Italy Germany, France, and Spain, occasion ed by a long schism in the papacy Turks take Constantinople, and put an end to the eastern empire. Pestilential diseases occasioned by intemperate heat 1560-1650 5. Fifth vial poured on the seat of the beast, or his throne; signifying the Reformation, and the confirmation of it by the principal states of Europe, notwithstanding all opposition from the pope, and in opposition to the papal authority. 1676-1850 6. Sixth vial, poured on the river Euphrates, makes way for the kings of the East. This seems in the order of the prophecies to be yet future; but may likely mean some invasion of the pope's dominion from its eastern boɑndary, or the Adriatic. 1850-2016 7. Seventh vial poured on the air, the seat of Satan's empire, describes the utter ruin of this persecuting idolatrous Roman government, or mystical Babylon, at the end of this period. Chap. xvii. Mentions an angel interpreter, who fully explains the character of this idolatrous persecuting power, which should corrupt the church, and persecute the faithful during this period." Chap. xviii. Another angel sent from heaven to confirm the utter and lasting destruction of this mystical Babylon, as a punishment for her idolatrous corrup tions and persecutions. Chap. xix. Chorus of the heavenly church sings the praise of God, for His righteous judgments. A vision of Christ leading an army out WHICH, ON CAREFULLY READING AND STUDYING THE SACRED WRITINGS, I THINK I FIND 1. That there is but one uncreated, unoriginated, infinite, | and eternal Being; the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things. 2. That there is in this Infinite Essence a plurality of what are commonly called Persons, not separately subsisting, but essentially belonging to the Godhead; which Persons are commonly termed FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST; or GOD, the Locos, and the HOLY SPIRIT: and these are generally named the TRINITY; which term, though not found in the New Testament, seems properly enough applied, as we never read of more than three Persons in the Godhead. 3. That the Sacred Scriptures, or Holy Books which form the Old and New Testaments, contain a full revelation of the will of God in reference to man; and are alone sufficient for every thing relative to the faith and practice of a Christian; and were given by the inspiration of God. 4. That man was created in righteousness and true holiness, without any moral imperfection, or any kind of propensity to sin; but free to stand or fall. 5. That he fell from this state, became morally corrupt in his nature, and transmitted his moral defilement to all his posterity. 6. That, to counteract the evil principle, and bring man into a salvable state, God, from His infinite love, formed the purpose of redeeming man from his lost estate by Christ Jesus, and, in the interim, sent His Holy Spirit to enlighten, strive with, and convince men of sin, righteousness, and judgment. 7. That, in due time, the Divine Logos, called afterwards Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, the Saviour, &c. became incarnated, and sojourned among men, teaching the purest truth, and working the most stupendous and beneficent miracles. 8. That this Divine Person, foretold by the prophets, and described by evangelists and apostles, is really and properly GOD; having, by the inspired writers, assigned to Him every attribute essential to the Deity; being one with Him who is called God, Jehovah, &c. 9. That He is also perfect man, in consequence of His incarnation; and in that Man, or manhood, dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; so that His nature is twofold, Divine and human; or God manifested in the flesh. 15. That these blessings are received by faith, because not of works, nor of sufferings. 16. That the power to believe, or grace of faith, is the free gift of God; without which none can believe: but that the act of faith, or actually believing, is the act of the soul, under the influence of that power. But, this power to believe, like all other gifts of God, may be slighted, not used, or misused; in consequence of which is that declaration, "He that believeth shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." 17. That justification, or the pardon of sin, is an instantane ous act of God's infinite mercy, in behalf of a penitent soul, trusting only in the merits of Jesus Christ: that this act is absolute in respect of all past sin; all being forgiven, where any is forgiven. 18. That the souls of all believers may be purified from all sin in this life: and that a man may live under the continual influence of the grace of Christ, without sinning against his God: all evil tempers and sinful propensities being destroyed, and his heart filled with pure love both to God and man. 19. That unless a believer live and walk in the spirit of obe. dience, he will fall from the grace of God, and forfeit all his Christian privileges and rights: in which state of backsliding he may persevere; and, if so, perish everlastingly. 20. That the whole period of human life is a state of proba tion; in every part of which a sinner may repent and turn to God; and in every part of it a believer may give way to sin and fall from grace: and that this possibility of rising, and liability to falling, are essential to a state of trial or probation 21. That all the promises and threatenings of the word of God are conditional, as they regard man in reference to his being here and hereafter: and that on this ground alone the Sacred Writings can be consistently interpreted, or rightly understood. 22. That man is a free agent, never being impeHed by any necessitating influence either to do evil or good; but has it continually in his power to choose the life or death that is set before him: on which ground he is an accountable being, and answerable for his own actions: and on this ground also, he is alone capable of being rewarded or punished. 23. That his free will is a necessary constituent of his ra10. That his human nature is derived from the blessed Vir- tional soul; without which man must be a mere machine, gin Mary, through the creative energy of the Holy Ghost; but either the sport of blind chance, or the mere patient of an His Divine Nature, because God, infinite and eternal, is un-irresistible necessity; and, consequently, not accountable for created, underived, and unbegotten; which, were it other any acts to which he was irresistibly impelled. wise, He could not be God in any proper sense of the word; but as He Is GOD, the doctrine of the eternal Sonship must be false. 11. That as He took upon Him the nature of man, He died for the whole human race, without respect of persons; equally for all, and for every man. 12. That, on the third day after His crucifixion and burial, He rose from the dead; and, after showing Himself many days to His disciples and others, He ascended to heaven, where, as God manifest in the flesh, He continues, and shall continue, to be the Mediator of the human race, till the consummation of all things. 24. That every human being has this freedom of will, with a sufficiency of light and power to direct its operations: and that this powerful light is not inherent in any man's nature; but is graciously bestowed by Him who is the true Light that lighteneth every man that cometh into the world. 25. That as Christ has made, by His once offering Himself upon the cross, a sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and that, as His gracious Spirit strives with and enlightens all men, thus putting them in a salvable state; therefore every human soul may be saved, if it be not his own fault. 26. That Jesus Christ has instituted, and commanded to be 13. That there is no salvation but through him; and that, perpetuated in His church, two sacraments: baptism, (sprinkthroughout the Scriptures, his passion and death are consiling, washing with, or immersion in, water,) in the name of dered as sacrificial; pardon and salvation being obtained by the Holy and ever-blessed Trinity, as a sign of the cleansing the shedding of his blood. and regenerating influences of the Holy Ghost, producing a death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness; and the Eucharist, or Lord's supper, as commemorating the sacrificia' death of Christ. That by the first once administered, every person may be initiated to the visible church; and by the second, frequently administered, all believers may be kept in mind of the foundation on which their salvation is built; and receive grace to enable them to adorn the doctrines of God their Saviour in all things. 14. That no human being, since the fall, either has or can have merit or worthiness of or by himself; and therefore has nothing to claim from God, but in the way of His mercy through Christ: therefore, pardon, and every other blessing promised in the Gospel, have been purchased by His sacrificial death; and are given to men not on account of any thing hey have done or suffered, or can do or suffer, but for His sake, or through His merit alone |