PRACTICAL EXPOSITION OF THE EPISTLES TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA. BY THE REV. HENRY BLUNT, A. M. RECTOR OF STREATHAM, SURREY; LATE FELLOW OF PEMBROKE COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, AND CHAPLAIN PHILADELPHIA: HOOKER & CLAXTON, NORTHWEST CORNER OF CHESTNUT AND FIFTH STREETS. gut PREFACE. IN presuming to offer an exposition of any portion of the mysterious book in which the Epistles to the Churches are contained, the Author is not unmindful of the commendation which Joseph Scaliger bestowed on Calvin, viz. That he had shown his sense as much by not commenting on the Book of Revelation, as he had by the manner in which he had commented on the other Books of the Bible. With this in his recollection, he ought not, perhaps, to have ventured to publish even upon this small but important portion of the Book of Revelation; he has, however, been influenced by the consideration that although all may not agree precisely in the interpretation, none are likely to differ in their view of the invaluable practical lessons, and the sublime and cheering promises which are the chief characteristics of these Epistles. commentators* in In agreeing with some thinking it not improbable that the state of the Seven Churches of Proconsular Asia, was typical of the state of the Christian Church during seven different periods, reaching from the apostolical age to the end of time, the Author desires not to dogmatise upon so obscure a subject, but simply to present the view, as at least an interesting one, to the consideration of his readers. He is by no means wedded to this particular interpretation, nor shall he quarrel with any for differing from * Many before the Reformation; and Brightman, Forbes, Mede, More, Gill, Sir Isaac Newton, Vitringa, Lampe, and others, since that period. |