power, or fulnefs of power, or perfect power, according as this metaphor or borrowed fpeech of horn, is ufually fo taken in all the fcriptures. This Lamb is alfo faid to have feven eyes, which are interpreted to be the feven fpirits of God: that is, the manifold graces and gifts of the Spirit; which he giveth unto his church. Now then to conclude this point; for as much as the number of feven in this book is a numbe of perfection and always noteth perfection, therefore by Chrift's feven horns, and feven eyes, we may, and that foundly understand his perfect power, and his perfect fight and knowledge in all things. For his feven eyes are fo taken in the third chapter of the prophecy of Zechariah, where it is faid: Upon one ftone fhall be 'feven eyes.' Meaning, that Jesus Christ, the corner-ftone of the church, fhould be full of eyes, to look out for the good of his church, and to give light to all others: for he is the life and light of the world.

And he came, and took the book out of the right hand of him that fat upon the throne.' Rev. v. 7.

Here Jefus Chrift takes the book out of his Father's hand, purpofing both to open it, and expound it: For he is the only expounder of the law, and the best interpreter of his Father's will.

Hereupon it is faid, that the four beafts, and four and twenty elders fell down be'fore the Lamb.' Rev. v. 8. to testify their thankfulness, and inward joy and rejoicing, that the Son of God would take upon him this office, which none other would or could perform.

Moreover, by their falling down and worshipping him, they do plainly teftify, that he is God over all, to be bleffed for ever. For otherwise the angels of heaven, both cherubims and feraphims, would not thus fall down and worship him, afcribing unto him both deity and divine honour.

Confider then how great he is, of whom it is faid: Let all the angels of God wor fhip him.' Pfal xcvii. 7.

Moreover, these angels and faints are faid to have every one harps and golden vials, full of odours, which are the prayers of the faints.' Rev. v. 8.

Thefe harps do fignify the fweet confent and harmony both of men and angels, in founding forth the praifes of the Lamb: for herein the whole church both militant and triumphant do accord and tune together, as many harpers harping upon their harps;' Rev. xiv. 2. as is written. alfo in another place.

Hereby alfo they do plainly teftify that inward peace and fpiritual joy, which all

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the faithful have through Chrift, which is more fweet and delightfome to the foul, than any mufic is unto the ears.

The vials full of odours, are expounded to be the prayers of the faints, which are therefore compared to odours, because they finell fweet in the noftrils of God, and are more fragrant then any nofegay or perfume whatfoever: for he taketh great pleasure in the prayers of his people; especially when they come out of golden vials, that is, fanctified hearts and confciences; for every fanctified heart is a golden heart in the fight of God, and every regenerate confcience is a jewel of price, gilt with gold, and enameled with pearl. For this caufe the holy man David wifheth earnestly, that his heart night be fo renewed and cleanfed inwardly, that his prayer might be directed as incenfe in God's fight, and the lifting up of his hands as a fweet fmelling facrifice.' Pfal. xiv. 1.

Furthermore, these faints and angels do fing a new fong.' That is, they do fing to the praises of the Lamb with renewed. affections, and unwearied defires. Their inward joy continueth always fresh and green as the bay-tree: They never wither. or wax weary of the fervice of God: Their fong is evermore new, and therefore evermore delightfome. For the more new any

thing is, the more pleasant and delectable: for men are not affected with old, but altogether with new things.

Now then, Jefus Chrift having taken this book into his hand to open and expound, is applauded into by the general confent and voices of the whole church: for fay they,Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the feals thereof.' Wherein they do all with common confent, give their voices unto Chrift, acknowledging him to be the only fit perfon in heaven or earth, to take upon him the function of opening a book fo clofed, fo clafped, fo fhut, fo fealed; and they do yield a reafon of their proceedings, becaufe (fay they) 'thou waft killed, and haft redeemed us

unto God by thy blood, out of every 'kindred, and tongue, and people, and 'nation.' Meaning hereby, that he was put to death, to pay the price of our redemption, in whom all believers, both Jews and Gentiles are faved. Their reafon then is this: he that hath died, and rifen gain, and is now exalted far above all principalities and powers, &c. is the most fit inftrument to open and interpret this book: but thou, O Chrift the Lamb of God, art fuch an one; therefore thou of all others art moft meet to take the matter upon thee, and to enter into this bufinefs. Further,

they amplify their reafon thus: that he hath made us of flaves and fervants, kings: and of profane perfons, priefts unto the moft high God. And last of all, that we fhall reign upon the earth.' Not meaning hereby, that we fhall reign as earthly kings, or only enjoy an earthly kingdom. For out of all doubt the faints fhall reign with Chrift in the heavens for evermore. But here is mention made of reigning in the earth, becaufe after this life God's children fhall have the fruition and inheritance both of heaven and earth; that is to fay, that new heaven and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteoufnefs:' 2 Pet. ii. 12. for the heavens and the earth being regenerated and purged from corruption, fhall be the portion of the faints, and the habitation of the elect for evermore.

After all this, John heareth the voice of innumerable angels befides the four beafts.' Rev. v. 11. That is, the cherubims and feraphims, or chief angels; that is, angels deputed to chief offices, round about the throne, which all with a loud • voice do acknowledge the Lamb which was killed, to be worthy of all honour, glory, and praife,' &c. Rev. v. 12. And not only thefe innumerable angels, being twenty thousand times ten thoufand, but also all other creatures both in heaven and

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