the wisdom of men. The number is the number of a man, computed after the usual manner among
men, and it is 666. What or who is intended by this, remains a mystery. To almost every religious
dispute this number has yet been applied, and it may reasonably be doubted whether the meaning
has yet been discovered. But he who has wisdom and understanding, will see that all the enemies
of God are numbered and marked out for destruction; that the term of their power will soon expire,
and that all nations shall submit to our King of righteousness and peace.
Chapter 14
Chapter Outline
Those faithful to Christ celebrate the praises (1–5)
of God.
Three angels; one proclaiming the (6–13)
everlasting gospel; another, the downfal of
Babylon; and a third, the dreadful wrath of
God on the worshippers of the beast. The
blessedness of those who die in the Lord.
A vision of Christ with a sickle, and of a (14–16)
harvest ripe for cutting down.
The emblem of a vintage fully ripe, trodden (17–20)
in the wine-press of God's wrath.Verses 1–5
Mount Sion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church, and in the midst of her in all her
troubles, therefore she is not consumed. His presence secures perseverance. His people appear
honourably. They have the name of God written in their foreheads; they make a bold and open
profession of their faith in God and Christ, and this is followed by suitable actings. There were
persons in the darkest times, who ventured and laid down their lives for the worship and truth of
the gospel of Christ. They kept themselves clean from the wicked abominations of the followers
of antichrist. Their hearts were right with God; and they were freely pardoned in Christ; he is
glorified in them, and they in him. May it be our prayer, our endeavour, our ambition, to be found
in this honourable company. Those who are really sanctified and justified are meant here, for no
hypocrite, however plausible, can be accounted to be without fault before God. (Rev 14:6-13)
Verses 6–13
The progress of the Reformation appears to be here set forth. The four proclamations are plain
in their meaning; that all Christians may be encouraged, in the time of trial, to be faithful to their
Lord. The gospel is the great means whereby men are brought to fear God, and to give glory to