An angel flying] CHAP. XIV. heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the - hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. [to preach the Gospel. 5 And in their mouth was found no guile for they are without fault before the throne of God. 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people; 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. EXPOSITION. from the Papacy. It claimed to judge Sovereigns, and actually cited even Charles V. and Philip II. to stand before it; its office was persecution; and the universal result of its success was the suppression of the Scriptures. It was the Papacy on a subordinate scale." (Apoc. p. 242.) When it is added, that this second beast caused all its creatures to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their forehead, we suppose it must be understood, that all their actions and professions must bear the stamp of Popery, the refusal of which would be attended with consequences as fatal as was, in Pagau Rome, the refusal to worship the Emperor, or his gods. But the most perplexing inquiry in this chapter, and perhaps in all the book, relates to the number of the beast, and of his name; and yet that number is plainly stated to be "Six hundred and threescore and six." "Of all the various interpretations of this text, which it would be endless to enumerate, and much more to canvass," Dr. Doddridge says, "I find none that pleases me so well as that of Sir Is. Newton [which, indeed, was first suggested by St. Irenæus, in the second century], that the [Greek and Hebrew] words Luteinos and Romiith [meaning], the man of Latium, or of Rome, whose numeral letters, taken together, make 666, are here referred to. I suppose (adds the Doctor) this number is mentioned to siguify, that the appearance of that power, whose efforts were to continue 1260 years, was to happen about 666 years after the date of the Revelation, A. D. 96. And this I take to be the grand key by which the era of the fall of Babylon is to be calculated, as it fixes the rise of the beast to the year 756, or thereabouts; when, upon the destruction of the Exarchate of Ravenna, the Pope became a temporal monarch; that is, in prophetic language, a beast." Of this more hereafter. Mr. Croly is, however, very confident (as he generally is), that no name is here alluded to; and that the number mentioned is not the number of a man, but of man; that is, a human number: a number commonly in use, which he supposes to mark the rise of the Inquisition, 666 years after the rise of Popery, which he places in A.D. 532; and these numbers, taken together, make 1198, which he gives as the exact date of the origin of that abominable institution. That the Inquisition formed the vital principle of Popery, and that it was mainly founded by the Dominicans, on the pretence of working miracles, must be admitted; but we have still some doubts whether the making an image of the beast may imply any thing more than setting up a system of idolatry. And, if it did, we are inclined to think, with Bishop Newton, that the Pope himself is the true image or idol of the Roman church. NOTES. Ver. 3. A new song-Not only the song of victory over their enemies, as Moses sung, but also the song of Redemption by the blood of Christ.-Four brasts-or "living creatures." See chap. iv. 6. Ver. 4. Not defiled with women--i. e, not idola ters; for idolatry is spiritual fornication. See 2 Cor. xi. 2, 3-Whithersoever he goeth-The Lamb being considered as their leader: so all the Ronian soldiers were sworn to follow their general "whithersoever he might lead them," The fall of Babylon] REVELATION. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand; 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his [announced by an angel they may rest from their labours; 2. their works do follow them. 14 And I looked, and behoid: white cloud, and upon the clone a sat like unto the Son of man, have on his head a golden crown, and in L hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came o the temple, crying with a loud to him that sat on the cloud, Th in thy sickle, and reap: for the tim come for thee to reap; for the har of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the e thrust in his sickle on the earth; the earth was reaped. 17 And another augel came a the temple which is in heaven, be having a sharp sickle. cry t 18 And another angel ca from the altar, which had powe fire; and cried with a loud H that had the sharp sickle, s Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and the clusters of the vine of the for her grapes are fully ripe. 19 And the angel thrust in Ess into the earth, and gathered t of the earth, and cast it into the winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was t NOTES-Chap. XIV. Con. Ver. 8. Babylon is fallen.-See chap. xviii. 2. Ver. 9. Receive his mark.-See on chap. xii. 16, 17. Ver. 10. The wine of the wrath, &c.-See Exposition of Ps. Ixxv. and Isa. li.-" without mixture," must here mean, without diluting.—Tormented with fire and brimstone.-See chap. xviii. 6. Ver. 13. From henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit. -Marg. "From henceforth saith the Spirit; yea, that," &c."From" is redundant and unnecessary. The sense appears to be, that such afflictions are approaching, that death will be a happy escape from them. Ibid. Their works do follow them.-Greek," with them;" i. e. their reward is not deferred to the final judgment. Witsius, and other Protestants, have hence ably argued against purgatory, and in proof of an intermediate state. Ver. 15. Isripe.-Marg. " dried;" referring to the state of ripe wheat in hot countries, and figuratively implying that the world was ripe for destruction. { Ver. 18. Another angel came out from the altar. -We have repeatedly heard of an altar in heaven, which, of course, can only be understood metaphorically; for, as we have before observed, much of this celestial scenery is taken from the scenery of the temple.Which had power over fire-i. e. which fulfilled the office of the priest who attended upon the altar of burnt-offering." It was natural enough for Protestanti part of the visions of this book to thek from Popery; but it was not only ridiculous, to make these angels types duals. Mr. Brightman, in particular, angel that came out of the temple with itse (ver. 19), as representing the Lord Crom angel that had power over fire (ver. 18.: Archbishop Cranmer: and the Le Cecil, as "the angel of the waters,” ch. 1 these personal applications are not te bat degrading to the Scriptures. S:11 more recent date explained the ang midst of heaven to preach the gospe the late Mr. G. Whitfield, from his zexp pidity of his motions; and the same b enemy of Arminianism, found the nisb in the names of the ReV. Ino, anD Chas) 51 3001X Ver. 19. And the angel thrust in diem See Joel iii. 13; Isa. Ixiii, 3, &e. Ver. 20. And the winepress was train On the hyperbolical expression blood reaching "unto the borse bras Newton refers to the Jerusalem Tara scribing the woeful slaughter whark fe Adrian made among the Jews, says, Gam waded in blood up to their nostriis.” The winepress of] CHAP. XIV. without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse [the Almighty's wrath. bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. (Z) CHAP. XIV. EXPOSITION. (Z) Ver. 1-20. The Lamb and his company on Mount Sion.-An angel publishes the gospel; and another predicts the fall of Babylon.The reaping of the earth, and 1 gathering in the vintage. The multitude here assembled represents, undoubtedly, the true church of God, who, in chap. vii. 3, &c. are represented as having been sealed, that they might be secured against apostacy, and preserved from the power of him who goes about "like a roaring lion" in the desert, "seeking whom he may devour." And, after all the cruelties of one beast and another, they are now found safe and triumphant with the Lamb upon Mount Sion. The literal Sion, we know, formed part of Jerusalem, and the spiritual Sion, doubtless, represents the Jerusalem which is above, or at least, a part of it. When we are told that these are virgins, we understand it as expressive not only of their purity generally, but especially of their freedom from idolatry, which is spiritual fornication-they had not worshipped the beast, nor yet his image; and when we are told that they are without fault before the throne," we must explain it by a reference to chap. vii. 14" They have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." from the earth, and the "wine-press of the wrath of God" is trodden. Perhaps there is no surer earnest of the speedy fall of Babylon, than the rapid success of those messengers who have recently been employed in circulating the Scriptures and the Gospel through the world. But a third angel approaches with a warning voice against Popish idolatry, announcing against such the most awful judgments. It is, indeed, the prevailing fashion in this liberal age to consider the errors of Popery as venial and of little consequence; and we are free to coufess that we believe there are Papists who enter as little into the spirit of their religion as the generality of Protestants enter into ours : they neither worship the beast, nor his image, nor receive his mark; but for those who worship saints and angels, or who trust their salvation either to their own merits, or the merits of departed saints, we confess we tremble. Lastly, we are invited to contemplate "the patience of the saints" in all their sufferings. their peaceful rest from all their labours upon earth-and the reward which follows" with them into heaven!" By those who "die in the Lord" is generally understood martyrs to Christianity; but we think, with Dr. Doddridge, that it should not by any means be so confined. All who live to the Lord" may confidently hope to die in him. (See Rom. xiv. 8.) "The 12th and 13th verses (says Mr. Fuller) would seem to portend a time of persecution prior to the final overthrow of the Antichristian power; a time which may be as the last struggles of the beast. This is the flood cast out of the mouth of the dragon after the woman (chap. xii. 15); the gathering together of the kings of the earth, and of the whole world to the battle of the great day of God Almighty' (ch. xvi. 14); and the war made by the beast and the kings against him who sat upon the horse and against The next vision exhibited to the apostle is that of an angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel," represented probably by a book or scroll, to proclaim or "preach to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. Many commentators refer this to the times of the Protestant Reformation; but we apprehend that though the gospel, both vocally and by the press, was then widely circulated, very few attempts were or could be made, to carry it beyond the bounds of Christendom: it was reserved for the present century, by means of Bible and Missionary Societies, on a grand scale, to carry it to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," under heaven. This angel appears also as the forerunner of another, having a widely different proclamation, announcing the fall of Babylon and its awful consequences-which are here represented under the popular images of the harvest and vintage of the world. The fall of Babylon, and the consequent triumph of the church, will occupy our attention under the 17th and 18th chapters; when we shall see that, by the same sweeping judgments, the saints are reaped xvi. 6.) his army." (ch. xix. 18.) The prodigious carnage with which this chapter closes seems to be described hyperbolically, unless it be intended to mark the country in which it should occur: 1600 furlongs being 200 miles, is said to be about the extent of the Pope's patrimony in Italy, and so it is explained by Mr. Mede and other expositors: nor is it unlikely that "the throne of the beast" should be stained with blood. (See chap. Seven vials with] CHAP. XV. REVELATION. AND I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy for all nations shall come [the seven last plagues and worship before thee; for the judgments are made manifest. 5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the taber nacle of the testimony in heaven wa opened: 6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues. clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, whe who liveth for ever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fu filled. (A) CHAP. XV. EXPOSITION. (A) Ver. 1-8. Seven angels appear with vials containing the seven last plagues.This very short chapter is merely introductory to pouring out these vials of divine judgment in the chapter following. "A sea of glass, like unto crystal," has been exhibited to us in the fourth chapter; here it seems irradiated with the divine glory, brighter than the sun-beams; and whoever has seen a summer sea in a calm, may easily form an idea of the beauty of this image. Upon this sea is placed the whole multitude of the redeemed (for glorified saints and angels can tread the water as well as land), who unite, as in the last chapter, with the elders and the sacred animals in the song of Moses and the Lamb-a song of triumph over their enemies, and of praise for redeeming love: adding "Who shall not praise thy name? for thou art holy." The sounding of the seventh trumpet (ch. xi. 15) is generally considered as introducing the seven vials or plagues which follow, and which themselves prepare the way for the glorious period of the Millen nium, as already intimated. They must, therefore, fall toward the latter part of the 1260 days or years, so often mes tioned. This commission being given t these seven angels, together with the vials or censers they were to pour out upon the earth, &c. the temple above is immediately filled (as was Solomon's of old) with the symbol of divine glory. "This cloud (says Dr. Guyse) appeared like a thick cloud, awfully glorious, which was a symbol of the divine vengeance (Ps. svili. 8) as going forth from the presence of the Lord, and to be executed by the glory of his power, in the destruction of Antichrist; even as the cloud on the tabernacle was of his dreadful judgment upon Korah, NOTES. CHAP. XV. Ver 1. Seven last plagues-Or "strokes," or Scourges," alluding to the plagues of Egypt, which gradually became more terrible as they proceeded. Ver. 2. Gotten the victory over the beast, and over, &c.-Doddr. "Overcome the beast," &c. Dr. S. Clarke insists that it should be rendered, Out of the midst of the beast," as we sometimes say, ' Out of the paws of the lion;' i. e. they escaped his power by adhering steadfastly to the true religion, in the midst of an idolatrous and corrupt nation. Ver. 3. Thou King of saints.-Margnations, or ages." The MSS. vary; but Abp. Newcome reads, "O King eternal!" Ver. 5. The temple of the tabernacle.—i, e. the most holy place. Doddr. Ver. 7. And one of the four beasts-i.e. of the living creatures mentioned chap. iv. 6, &c. Ver. 8. Were fulfilled.-Doddr," finished." The four first vials] CHAP. XVI. CHAP. XVI. AND I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. 2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. 3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. [poured out. 4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. (B) 8¶ And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was EXPOSITION. Dathan, and Abiram, and the murmuring Israelites (Numb. xvi. 19, 42) and as Moses could not enter into the tabernacle, nor the priests stand to minister in the temple, while the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord (Exod. xl. 35; 1 Kings viii. 11), so no one could enter into this heavenly temple to intercede for preventing of these grievous calamities upon the beast: none were suffered to do this, that judgment might have its free course, till all the seven punishments to be inflicted by the ministry of the seven angels were fully executed in their order." CHAP. XVI. (B) Ver. 1-7. The three first angels pour out their vials.-Commentators are much divided as to the period of time in which we may expect the fulfilment of these predictions. Mr. Lowman reckons them from the middle of the 9th century to nearly the close of the 19th. Mr. Morell, though he closes at the same period, goes no farther back than to the middle of the 16th century for their commencement. There is, however, a remarkable correspondence between the trumpets and the vials, so far as respects the parties concerned. Thus, the first trumpet regards the earth, and so the first vial-the second trumpet turned the sea into blood, and so the second vial-the third trumpet affects the rivers and fountains, and upon these is the third vial poured-the fourth trumpet affected the sun, and so also the fourth vial-the fifth trumpet produced pain and darkness, and so the fifth vial also-the sixth trumpet loosed the four angels from the Euphrates, on which also the sixth vial is poured-the seventh angel aunounces the near approach of the Millennium, and the seventh plague produces the destruction of Popery to make room for it. But what are here meant by the earththe sea-the rivers, &c.? Dr. Gill (who has written largely and learnedly on this Book) thus explains them :-"The first vial will be poured out upon the earth, and designs those Popish countries which are upon the Continent, as France and Germany and as the first trumpet brought the Goths into Germany, so the first vial will bring great distress upon the Popish party in the empire. The second vial NOTES. CHAP. XVI. Ver. 2. A noisome and grievous sore.-Doddr. " a malignant and grievous ulcer." Ver. 3. Every living soul died in the sea.-Doddr. "And every living soul [that was] in the sea died." Compare Exod. vii. 21. Ver. 5. The angel of the waters.-This seems a bold and beautiful poetical figure; as if the angel who was set to guard the waters, himself acquiesced in the equity of the judgment--as if he had said, "The blood of thy saints has often swelled the rivers, justly, therefore, are these rivers turned into blood. .... Ibid. Hast judged thus.-Doddr. “Judged these." Woodh."Executed this judgment." Ver. 6. Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.-If the angel who had power over fire" (ch. xiv. 18), allude to the priest who kept the fire on the altar of burnt-otlering, this angel may have a like allusion to him who had the care of the great laver of purification. Ver. 7. Another out of the altar." Another [Angel]," says Doddr.-Woodh. “I heard [a voice from] the altar;" which is, we think, more exact. |