the Popes Dr. Barrow of the Popes Supremacy pag. 240 c. The third general Council of Ephesus was afraid lest under pretence of Sacerdotal Power the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Pride of Secular Dominion should be brought into the Church Parker ibid. p. 234. See Overal 's Convoc Book l. 3. 1-6 Ecclesiastical Authority which from the Power of binding and loosing inflicting of Censures distributing the Charity of the People and determining of Controversies in Civil Matters voluntarily referred to them according to the (d) 1 Cor. 6. Apostles Advice arrived at last from such small beginnings to the Antichristian Preheminence now visible in the Papacy 6. Excessive (e) Overal's Convocat Book B. 3. 1-6 Hieron in Vit. Malchi Postquam ad Christianos Principes Venit Ecclesia potentia quidem divitiis major sed virtutibus minor facta est I do not say that an Ecclesiastical Society may not lawfully for its support use Power Policy and Wealth in some measure to uphold or defend it self but that a Constitution needing such things is not Divine or that so far as it doth use them it is no more than humane Dr. Barrow of the Vnity of the Church pag. 33. 4◠Honours and Riches whereby the Minds of the Clergy were corrupted and drawn off from the care of Souls as (f) Epist 1. 5 7. Gregory the Great confesses ingenuously and the Church became too like a Worldly Kingdom especially when Kings and Emperours became over-lavish in their Liberality to purchase Pardons for their sins whereupon as the Learned Archbishop of Paris de (a) Heidegger Histor Papat chap. 3. Marca observes the Discipline of the Church was very much relaxed in recompence as it were for the large Endowments received from them 6. Early Forgeries of Books and Traditions confessed by Learned Romanists a too great Reverence for Antiquity and a Despair of knowing more than our Ancestors which our Learned (b) Antichrist Demonstrat pag. 15. Abbot makes to be one main cause of the Rise of Antichristianism 12. It is evident that The Papacy is The Antichrist because the several Properties and Characters given of him in Scripture do agree to the Papacy and to it alone For the full proof of which Proposition I refer the Reader to the (c) Abbot's Demonstrat Antichrist a book much valued by Joseph Scaliger who was not wont to be lavish of his commendations Downham of Antichrist Dr. Moor's Mystery of Iniquity Dr. Cressener's Demonst of the first Principles of the Protestant applicat of the Apocal. Jurieu's accomplishm of Prophecies Tom. 1. Chap. 24. Tom. 3. His Pastoral Letters But chiefly Dr. Beverley's command of God to his People to come out of Babylon where this great truth is most evidently demonstrated Books quoted in the Margent and shall only here give him a brief View of what may be most observable on this Head 1. The Doctrines and Practises laid to the Charge of Antichrist in Scripture the general Heads of which are reckoned up paragr 4. are plainly taught and practised in the Romish Church such as Idolatry Superstition Supremacy Persecution and the carrying on all this by Lying Wonders forbidding Marriage and abstaining from Meats and that after so subtle a manner under a disguise of Piety as that Good and Learned Men have been deceived by it Whence it plainly appears to be a Mystery of Iniquity and The Apostasy foretold and described in Scripture as Mr. (a) Apostasy of the latter Times Mede and Dr. (b) Mystery of Iniq. Moor have fully proved 2. The Seven-hill'd City the place of the Residence of Antichrist can agree to none but Rome the Seat of the Papacy for whose Residence in it the Emperours made way by removing from it by degrees as hath been observed on Chap. 13. 2. and the Name Number Image and Mark of the Beast the excessive Riches and gawdy Pomp of the Woman are sufficiently Visible and Notorious in the Romish Church as hath been also before observed on the 13th and 17th Chapters 3. The Insolent (c) See on Chapter 13. Boastings unmeasurable Ambition mad Zeal and Devilish Cunning the Tyrannical Vsurpati ons of the Papacy over Emperours and Civil Powers and the universal spreading of that Mystery of Iniquity do sufficiently shew that it was plainly described by the Little Horn and the King that should do after his Will in (d) Chap. 7. and 11. See Mr. Mede's Works p. 667 c. Graser Histor Antichr p. 149 c. Daniel and by the Beast and the Whore in the Revelations whom the World followed and wondred after 4. The Worldly (e) Rycaut's Preface to the Lives of the Popes Dr. Barrow of the Vnity of the Church p. 33. 34. c. in 410. Pomp Temporal Dominion Court Guards Titles Style and Coronation of the Pope plainly shew that he is a Horn and a King according to Prophecy and the Rise of the Papacy upon the Fall of the Roman (a) See on Chap. 13. and 17. Emperours is a sufficient Proof that the Popes are that Man of Sin who was to be witheld until that Time and that they are the seventh Head and Eighth King 5. It is plain from History that the Converts from Heathenism and the Barbaroas Nations Paganized the Western Parts of Christendom and became the Chief Support of the Papacy And how agreeable is that to Prophecy which places the Entrance of the (b) See on Chap. 11. Chap. 13. Gentiles into the Court of the Temple before the Succession and Rise of the Beast thereby intimating that they were prepared before hand as Subjects for this King of Pride 6. How aptly are the Eastern and Western Divisions of the Empire called the Two Horns of the Beast And is it not accordingly notorious from History that the Grandeur (c) Rex Superbiae prope est quod dici nefas est Sacerdotum ei praeparatur exercitus Greg. M. lib. 4. ep 38. of the Papacy and the Idolatry of it was made way for by the Ambition and Corruptions of the Clergy of both those Divisions by the Constantinopolitan as well as Roman Bishops who were the (d) Gregor M. Epistolae Abbot demon Antichrist Constantinopolitanus Episcopus Antichristi Praecursor Forerunners of Antichrist and in whose Dominions also Image Worship was decreed by the Second Council of Nice whereupon they fell under the severe Effects of the Saracenick and Turkish Woes described Chap. 9. And hath not that Clergy ever (e) Medes Apostasy of the latter times part 2. since been the Chief Instruments of promoting and keeping up that deceivableness of Vnrighteousness as the Apostle calls it 2 Thes 2. And may they not therefore be well meant by the False Prophet in this Prophecy 7. How observable is it from (a) Mede's Works p. 463. 661. History that the Empire was divided when the Papacy rose and that upon those Divisions and that Three Horns or Powers viz. the Exarchate the
observes one of the most Illustrious Events which has come to pass and not to be parallell'd since the Apostles times which none can think of without astonishment and the utmost degrees of admiration and wonder there being in it great Discoveries made of God's Almighty Power and admirable Counsels which being designed as the Creation and all his providential Works are chiefly with reference to his Son's Kingdom he hath been pleased to give us Visible Marks and Characters of it in the Reformation such as are 1. The Agreement and Consent which there was in the Substantials of Doctrine at first betwixt the Reformers Vnity (a) John 17 11-23 Eph. 4.3 4. in truth being a Mark of Christ's Kingdom and one of the most powerful external means to convert the World For this great Work was begun about the same time in two distant places by Luther in Germany and by Zuinglius at Zurich and although they held no Communication with one another Zuinglius on purpose abstaining from reading of Luther's Books when they began to be common amongst them yet they differed in no Doctrine of any very considerable moment as the French Historian (b) Pag. 946. Mezeray confesses concerning the Protestants in general but in that of the Sacrament where also their difference was not so great but that they both (c) Sleidan pag. 97 121 159. edit Anglic. agreed in the Substance of the Article that Christ's Body was taken spiritually with the Heart and not corporally with the Mouth and resolved at a Conference they had about it to refrain from all Contention concerning the manner how Christ was present in the Sacrament Whereby it came to pass that the people amongst whom Luther 's Writings were at last common by hearing and reading of them did see the same Spirit in both of them according to the Scriptures and did submit the more willingly to the Truth although it seemed something New to them which was Zuinglius's Design in abstaining from reading of Luther's Books as (a) Melchior Adam Vita Zuingl pag. 28. Melchior Adamus particularly testifies in his Life 2. The Reformation began on a sudden with a surprise and at unawares when men were most secure and were the least prepared for it which are the Signs of the coming of Christs Kingdom in Scripture Matth. 24 36-51 1 Thes 5.3 For Leo (b) Father Paul's History of the Council of Trent pag. 4 5.9 Fascicul rerum expetend passim Bishop of Meauxe's History of Variat pag. 1 â— the tenth was then Pope a most Voluptuous Libertine as loose in his Religion as his Manners whose Example also was followed by almost the whole Clergy who were then as the Popish Writers of those Times unanimously confess very ignorant and very vicious And the Church also was then at ease and quiet the Schism as Father Paul speaks being absolutely extinguished and no considerable Adversary appearing When all on a sudden whilst the Pope was at rest in his House and flourishing in his Palace dissolved in Ease and Luxury the Reformation broke out to his great astonishment and disquiet at an unexpected time and by an Accident very observable his Factors being then busie in selling Indulgences to supply his excessive Prodigality and to raise a Portion for his Sister All which came to pass according to what the Scripture has assured us That when Men say Peace and Safety then sudden Destruction cometh upon them and that the coming of the Son of Man shall be when Men are eating and drinking marrying and giving in marriage and so was it at this his remarkable coming 3. The Reformation proceeded from small beginnings and yet made a wonderful progress in a short time notwithstanding the most powerful Endeavours to the contrary being sometimes carried on by Men who designed nothing less and by Means and to Ends unthought of even by those who begun it Which are plain Characters of the Kingdom of Heaven in (a) Matth. 13. Mark 4.26 27. Scripture which is likened to a Grain of Mustard-Seed the least of all Seeds which yet when it is grown up is the greatest of all Herbs and to Seed sown in the ground which springs and grows up and yet the Sower himself knoweth not how For (b) Father Paul's Hist of Counc of Trent pag. 6-12 15 17. 71. Sleidan in Prefat pag. 31. Luther was a Person of no great Fame or Interest who designed at first only to preach against the Scandalous Abuses of Indulgences and was carried on contrary to his Expectation from one Controversie to another and against his first Inclinations and Resolutions chiefly by the forward Oppositions of his Adversaries he having often professed that he was ready to let the Cause fall if his Enemies would but permit him And if some few (c) Father Paul's Hist pag. 20-23 Bishop Burnet's Histor Reform part 1. pag. 255. things had been at first granted which Pope Hadrian was inclinable to but was diverted from his purpose by others it is generally thought that a stop had been put to the Reformation But God ordered things otherwise making the sins of Men subservient to his Will as is apparent from the Actions of Henry the Eighth who intended (d) Fox's Rook of Martyrs Vol. 2. pag. 273. Vol. 3. pag. 92. nothing less at first than the throwing of the Pope's Power and seems in all his Actions to be lead on by Providential Circumstances to do that which he least designed But as its Beginnings were mean and contemptible so was its Progress (e) Sleidan 133. 160. Basnage Histoir de la Religion pag. 421. wonderful for by the year 1532. Seven Princes and Twenty Four Cities had received Luther's Doctrine and as Erasmus tells us it had spread all over Germany and had stretched it self from the Ocean as far as Switzerland Neither did it contain it self only within Germany but the sound of it reached Sweden and Denmark the former receiving the Reformation A.D. 1525. the latter A. D. 1537. and its progress was so sudden and so swift rouzing the whole World as Erasmus speaks of it out of its Lethargy that I could never think of it without reflecting upon the Question made by our Honest Martyrologist John (a) Vol. 2. pag. 80. Fox viz. how it should come to pass that although the Romish Bishop hath had great Enemies and Gainsayers continually from time to time both speaking and working preaching and writing against him yet notwithstanding never any could prevail before the coming of Luther To which weighty Question although he gives there several good Conjectural Resolutions as he calls them yet the Chief Reason is to be assigned to the Thunders and Voices which were then uttered and to the wonderful Efficacy which prophetical Times and Seasons have upon the Affairs of Christ's Church it being Necessary as Father (b) History pag. 4. Paul judiciously observes upon this very occasion for the effecting of any thing that the time come
THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION PARAPHRASED WITH ANNOTATIONS ON EACH CHAPTER Whereby it is made plain to the meanest Capacity DAN XII 4. Many shall run to and fro and Knowledg shall be increased HAB. II. 2. Write the Vision and make it plain upon Tables that he may run that readeth it LONDON Printed in the Year MDCXCIII THE PREFACE THere is scarce any part of Holy Writ which hath met with a more severe entertainment in the World than this Sacred Book For although it hath evident Characters of its Divine Authority and more Humane Testimony than any other Book of the New Testament yet upon the increase of the Millenary Controversies in the Church it was first called in question and then boldly and impiously rejected by that party whose Sentiments it oppposed until they had found out a way of reconciling it unto them Into such extravagancies will immoderate opposition transport men and a fond Love and heady Zeal for private Fancies and Opinions Neither have those who have endeavoured to illustrate and clear the difficulties of this Mysterious Book met with less gentle usage in these latter ages especially from those of our own Nation but have been commonly represented as Frantick Zealots and Crazed Enthusiasts or where such Characters could not be fastned on them they have been generally depressed in the World if their Sentiments proved contrary to what was most prevailing in it to the great discouragement of inquisitive Persons and to the mighty hindrance of Truth and Knowledg which never thrive better than under a gentle and moderate freedom And therefore I cannot but regret although it be to the Dishonour of my own Nation the hard fate of those two excellent Persons Mr. Potter and Mr. Mede the former of whom although admirably skilled in many abstruse parts of Learning yet lived and dyed in an obscure retirement in a remote corner of the Land whilst the other the Ornament of our Church and of the Age he lived in was never able so much as to keep a Horse for Health not State which was the heighth of his ambition And I wish I could say that we were grown more favourable to such disquisitions that so a considerable person of deep Thought and of great insight into Mysterious Truths upon whose Hypothesis the following Interpretation is chiefly grounded after much doubt and tryal of it might not be permitted to struggle with adversity and lie under the depressing circumstances of Restraint But alas I fear that like the Apostle Peter (a) Luke 9.33 when he desired the continuance of the Glory of Christ's transgfiuration upon this Earth we know not what we say when we wish that such men had met with greater advantages in the World as the present state of it is and that we ought not to seek (b) Jerem 45. great things for our selves or others whilst the Church is in a Sack-cloath State and Condition but that our Souls are to be suited to God's Dispensations and we are not to aim at high things in the times of publick calamities And whosoever makes this use of privacy and adversity may sooner meet with Divine Visitations and comforts in the most obscure corner and with Spiritual Illuminations in a Patmos or a Prison than amidst the greatest affluence of the enjoyments of this World and all the advantages of great Parts many Books and much Learning which too often swell the mind and puff up more than edifie whereas the chief qualifications next to Prayer and the Divine assistance to the attaining to Knowledg in this or any other part of Scripture are Humility Industry and Patience in searching and a ready submission to Convictions although they prove contrary to our former thoughts and our present interest For great application of Mind is necessary to search into the bottom of Mysterious Truths and a man who would understand the Will of God in this Prophecy must during the Study of it renounce Parties and Prejudices and divest himself of his former Principles although never so deeply rooted and never so seemindy rational and closely follow that Sense which appears to be the meaning of the Holy Spirit For God's Thoughts are not as our Thoughts and men of the greatest strength of Reason when they happen upon false Principles and too strictly adhere to them are of all others the most irreclaimable It were easy to shew that Alcasar who spent twenty Years in the Study of this Prophecy Ribera and other very Learned and Judicious Men amongst the Romanists had scarcely missed of many great Truths if they had not been of that Communion and that several truly great and good Men among the Protestants were misled by a too fond respect for some private Principles Such as were the impossibility that so gross an Idolatry and so Universal an Apostasy as is supposed in this Prophecy should ever be permitted to overspread the Face of the Visible Church which yet is supposed should actually come to pass towards the end of the Word by Ribera (a) Viegas Victorinus and most of the Ancient Fathers Alcas pag. 20. and other learned Papists chiefly upon the evidence which this Book afforded them And such also was their opinion of the necessity of an uninterrupted Succession in every Church and the impossibility of deriving it from one which was formally Idolatrous together with a greater Love for the outward Peace Unity and Prosperity of the Church than it is capable of during this imperfect State in which they seem to have rested without expecting one of a different Nature Which seem to be the chief prejudices upon which Grotius Mr. Thorndick Dr. Hammond and others espoused a groundless narrow and inconsistent Hypothesis contrary to the common Doctrine of Protestants and of the Churches of which they were Members and to the Scope and genuine sense of the words of this and other Prophetical Books of Scripture as hath been sufficiently shewn by Dr. Moor Dr. Cressener and several Divines of Foreign Churches Whereas Mr. Mede seems to have been rewarded by God with the best grounded the most consequential and the most comprehensive Hypothesis of any other for his great freedom of Mind impartial Search and universal Charity which were joyned in him with a rare and uncommon mixture of slowness and yet largeness of thought I am not ignorant that many excellent persons who have shaken off the fetters of Prejudice and Education and have too great Souls to he confined within the narrow compass of a Party or a private Interest are yet very a verse to the Writings of those who offer at the Interpretation of Prophetical Scripture if their sentiments seem to look with a too close and threatning Aspect upon the Age they live in because of the frequent falsity of such pretences and the ill influence they may have especially at some times and seasons upon the publick peace of Church and State And indeed they are not to be blamed for being cautious and
watchful over such Pretenders especially at a time and in a Nation so prone to Enthusiasm and so easily transported into irregular Practises upon any new or unusual Occurrence But although due caution be commendable yet a settled aversion to or a careless neglect of searching into Scripture Prophecies may be of as ill effect to the Publick as the Confidence of false Pretenders to the Interpretation of them or the rashness of the giddy Multitude can possibly be And I cannot see what excuse Learned Men can have for not weighing and considering what is offered from Scripture History and Reason towards the clearing up of that Prophecy to the Study of which the reward of Blessedness is promised in it Rashness and groundless Confidence and pretences to immediate Impulses when not agreeable to Scripture or Reason are indeed to be Despised and it is fit that even those who propagate Truths after a Turbulent and Zelotick manner should be restrained but when things which may seem something strange and uncommon are offered by Men of Piety and Learning although with an Air of some more than ordinary assurance it is very commendable to search into the grounds of them and not wholly to slight them although there may be a mixture of Frailty and Error in them For God doth not now ordinarily assist after an infallible manner and sometimes permitted even his Prophets (a) 1 Sam. 16.6 2 Sam. 7.3 2 Kings 4.27 to Err when their desires were too eager and their approbation even of a good design too hasty and they spake as Men not as Prophets Enthusiasm which arises from an overheated Imagination is indeed a dangerous Disease of the Soul and it is I must confess something difficult for the best and wisest Men to avoid all taint and infection of it whilst they are too intent upon the Study of Prophetical Scripture especially of those parts of it in which God who hath afforded us in Scripture suitable matter for the exercise of all our Intellectual Capacities has condescended to the Fancy and Imagination of Mankind and has entertaired them as he hath done in this Book if I may so speak with a Divine Opera representing the greatest transactions belonging to his Church in Sacred Emblems and Hieroglyphicks Upon which consideration câ—re hath been taken that no interpretation should be inserted into the Paraphrase upon the Text which was not thought to be justly grounded upon the Scriptures quoted in it and bare Imagination hath not been in the least indulged but in the Annotations where it is Lawful to Exspatiate to propose conjectures to the Learned World and to give the raines to Fancy but under the curb and restraints of Reason and Prudence But although Enthusiasm which is a false pretence to extraordinary Impulses and Inspirations from God be very pernicious to the Souls of Private Persons as well as to the Publick yet it is certainly of very ill consequence rashly to reject every thing as Enthusiastick in the performance of which good sober and judicious persons profess themselves to have found sometimes more than ordinary assistance upon the due use of proper means Because it tends to the disparagement of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost encourages Men in a Jejune dry formality of Religion without inward Life and Spirit and robs them of much of that Joy and Comfort they might otherwise find in hearkning what God the Lord will say unto them by bringing natural and revealed Truths into their Minds and by opening and awakening their Ears to Discipline and Instruction for God speaketh once yea twice but man perceiveth it not For let Men of narrow Souls or those who have accustomed themselves only to dry Reasoning think what they will it is evident enough from some Mens Experience and from the very Spirit and Majesty which appears in their Discourses that they are raised sometimes above themselves and are afforded a clearer and larger prospect of useful great and momentous Truths than their Faculties do ordinarily arrive to or could have reached without Divine Assistance And extraordinary Truths are not only to be expected from those who have an happy Concurrence of all the Endowments which compleat a Great Genius but are frequently bestowed upon men of meaner abilities such Oar being often found amidst much Dross and many Imperfections especially of Style and other Ornaments which the World too much values and unreasonably dotes upon God for the Exaltation of free Grace and that men might not Glory in themselves and attribute things to their own Skill sometimes making use of the foolish weak and base things of the World to confound the Wise the Mighty and most valuable things in the esteem of Men. And therefore I hope that men of Wit and Natural Accomplishments will not disdain to look into Authors whose way of management may at first sight promise little much less rashly despise great Truths for not being cloathed in a modish Dress For many men who have true and just Thoughts of things are very unhappy in expressing them and they who much Study the Prophetical Writers whose Style as the ingenious Theorist of the Earth truly observes is rather Bold and Noble than Just will contract a swelling obscure and Metaphorical Style which elevated Minds and even Plato himself could not avoid nor the generality of the first (a) Plutarch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Philosophers who are observed to have admitted a Divine Principle into their Philosophy the want of which is an unpardonable fault in Aristotle and others as if an uncommon and freer Style were the effect of Noble and Divine Thoughts and a too close and jejune one were the sign of a narrow and an Atheistical Disposition But whatsoever may be thougnt of the Interpreters of this Prophecy the Prophecy it self is certainly worthy the utmost thoughts of all Pious Learned and Ingenious Persons whose pains will be sufficiently rewarded by the pleasure Spiritual Profit and Advantages they will reap from it For what can afford greater pleasure to Pious Minds than to have a view in lively Emblems of the Throne of the Majesty of tne great God and to see his Glory and Goodness pass before them in Mystical representations of his Attributes of the Mystery of our Redemption and the Glorious Kingdom of Christ the Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World Who can forbear breaking forth into Praises and Thanksgivings upon reading the Songs of Victory which the blessed Spirits sing before the Throne or God at the several Exaltations and Triumphs of Christ's Kingdom And who is so in Love with this present World as not to wish that he were Dissolved that he might be with Christ in his holy Mount (a) Chap. 14. 1. And that even this Earth and Heavens might meit and pass away although he himself should suffer Loss thereby and be saved but so as by Fire that he might be with Christ and the blessed Saints in a New World wherein Righteousness shall
dwell What more grateful Entertainment for an Ingenious Mind than to have a prospect of all the great Transactions of the World since Christ's Resurrection represented as in Scenes shifted by the Ministry of Angels at each great change upon the Stage of this World For this Book is a Divine Drama full of holy Art and sacred Ornaments taken from Prophetick Symbols and Eastern Hieroglyphicks into which the Holy Spirit hath transferred most of the Beauties Excellencies and Magnificence of the Old Testamens and the greatest part of the Types and Figures of the Law the Throne of God and the Kingdom of Christ being the True Tabernacle of which Moses saw the Pattern in the Mount And the Art observed in it is very admirable and much like that of a true and just Poem the design of it being one great Action viz. The Kingdom of Christ to which all the lesser Actions are Subservient as to one great End which is carried on after a delightful as well as an Instructive manner by Descriptions Narrations a Chorus of Angels and blessed Spirits and by Christ himself speaking on great occasions as by so many Episodical Ornaments And may God inspire some Pious and Devout Soul with a Poetical Spirit suitable to the greatnest of the Subject with a Spirit like that which came from him upon his Servants David and Solomon when in Divine Raptures they set forth the glories of his Kingdom for the Subject well deserves an inspired Pen and will outlive all which have been hitherto undertaken as affording the most proper matter for the Devotion and Contemplation of the New World and therefore may be justly recommended to all Ingenious Persons as worthy their most serious Thoughts and pious Meditations Ribera a learned Romanist resembles this Prophecy to a vast Ocean full of Deep Gulphs receiving and swallowing up all Human Wisdom and the Metaphor although something bold hath much of Truth in it there being few of the Liberal Arts and Scienâ—es which the Eternal Word the Wisdom of God hath not made use of in it to exercise the understanding of those who have Spiritual Wisdom and to confound the Wisdom of those who are wise in their own conceits Here the Sacred Orator may find the most Magnificent Idea's of Divine things and the most lively Images of what can most effectually raise Admiration Love and Fear the most prevailing Passions of Mankind viz. the Glory of God and of Christ's Kingdom and the horror and dread of the Punishments denounced and executed in it And all this expressed in a Style (a) Stylus five Structura Orationis qualis nunquam à Mortalibus usurpata fuit nec apud quenquam Humanum Auctorem Extat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hic vides non Humanam Cotton apud Poli Syn. more than Human whereby some of the wisest and best of all Ages have been induced to search into it for the Providential Fate of God's Church and to admire and acknowledg its profound depth and Divine Authority as that great Critick (b) Euseb Hist Eccles 7.25 Dionysius Alexandrinus did even when they professed that they could not fathom the meaning of it which is no slight Argument of the peculiar Majesty and Excellen of this Book Neither let nice VVits be offended at the Paronomastical Allusions may he found in it for they are frequent in (c) Vid. Maimonid Duct Dubit 2.43 Gen 9 27.49 8 16 19. Jerem. 1.11 12. Dan. 5.25 29. Zephan 2.4 and the Notes on Chap. 2. 1 3. Scripture as they know who have skill in the Original Languages and were much in use in the Eastern Nations Those who have skill in History and Chronology may here exercise it with great Delight and Satisfaction and every mind that hath Wisdom whether it be in Numbers Geometry Architecture Colours Precious Stones Meteors or any other parts of Knowledge here hinted at or alluded to ought to contribute their skill to it For united Endeavours best promote Knowledge and God himself usually joyned (a) Exod. 31.2 3 6. 36 1 2. Eccles 4.9 Mark 6.7 1 Cor. 12.8 many together Two at least in every great and Weighty Work He gave Aholiab to Bezaleel joyned Aaron to Moses and Christ sent forth his Disciples by Two and Two and raised up Two Witnesses to testify to the Truths of this Prophecy And therefore I cannot but earnestly entreat all that are Wise-hearted in whose Hearts God hath put Wisdom and skill in Arts for they are from him and may thereby be Sanctified to stir up the Gifts which are in them and to joyn heartily and unanimously together for the service of the approaching Sanctuary and Kingdom of Christ for the work hath been long retarded by the noise of (b) 1 Kings 6.7 Axes and Hammers that is by Divisions and Contentions amongst Christians which ought not to be heard in the Building of God's House whatsoever hath been hitherto permitted under imperfect and lower Dispensations But further if the Hypothesis here advanced prove true and this Book be found to contain the great Events belonging to the Christian Church from the Reformation to the End of Time and to the Kingdoms of this World as they have a relation to it will it not afford a most cogent and most illustrious Proof for the Being of a God and a Providence and for the Divine Authority of the Scriptures and most effectually silence the little and unreasonable Cavils of Atheists and Antiscripturists For how could so long a Series and so great a variety of Events depending on rational Instruments and free Agents seemingly independent on each other and yet all tending to One End be revealed so long before their accomplishment but by One Infinite Mind or Understanding comprehending all things at one View and over-ruling and conducting them all to One End What but infinite Mind and Wisdom could foresee and so exactly describe the Orderly (a) See Chap. 6. Succession of the Roman Emperours by the very particular Countries from which they came and the great occurrences which happened under them or so exactly (b) See Chap. 2 10 6 9-17 foretell the very Period of the Persecution under Dioclesian and at so long a distance shew the Souls of the Martyrs under the Altar and the fatal overthrow of Paganism What else but the Eternal Knowledg could foretel and that so particularly in exact agreement with all History the Destruction of the Roman Empire and the (a) See Chap 8. Various Fate of Rome so often taken and retaken so often Burnt and yet not utterly Consumed What else but Wisdom it self could so livelily (b) See Chap. 9. represent the innumerable swarms of Tormenting Saracens the Locusts and Scorpions of the Earth and the mighty inroads of the Turkish Cavalry passing the River Euphrates and foretel the very manner and precise time of their taking Constantinople which cannot therefore be the Beloved City as Dr. Hammond supposes in agreement with the Opinions of the
latest and best Chronologers after a doubt concerning it What else could Connect the Saracenick Wo with the Idolatry of the Christian Church as a Scourge to it and foresee that Mahomet a Counter-Antichrist to the Papal One should arrive to a Supremacy in the East soon after the Christian (c) See page 136 137. Chalifs or pretended Vicars of Christ had Usurped one of another Nature in the West What but (a) Is 41 21-29 44 6 7.45 21. Wisd 8. 1. that infinite Wisdom which reacheth from one end to another and doth sweetly Order all things could thus declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things which are not yet done and unite together so many distant Events in agreement with the Prophecies and Types of the Old Testament and the Truth of all Profane History and make them conspire to One End the Kingdom of his Son Let the Oracles of the Heathens shew any thing like this or the most daring Wit demonstrate and no less evidence ought to satisfy him of the contrary how this could otherwise come to pass And if this Book be of Divine Authoriâ—y why should the Divinity of our Saviour be doubted of Who is expressly called (b) See Chap. 1. 8 14.3 21.5 6 c. 17 14 19 9 10 12 13.20 6 12.21 6 7.22 6 13. God in it receives Divine Worship from Angels and Men and has the same Attributes given him with God the Father and is always represented in it as One with him For such plain Testimonies ought to outweigh the contrary prejudices which proceed chiefly from the Imperfection of our finite and limited Understandings and their utter inability to comprehend an Infinite Being But as this Prophecy is Instructive in great Truths so does it afford satisfaction also in many doubts For from hence men may learn not to be too much disquieted at great Changes and Revolutions in Churches and States and may the more readily be induced to submit to what is not evidently sinful in them because they are from God and that all such great Events are some way or other conducive to Christ's Kingdom God often makeing use of the Sins of Men to bring to pass the Wise and Good but Mysterious Counsels of his Will And from hence also much may be learnt with relation to the Government (a) Read the Epistes to the Seven Churches Chap. 2. and 3. And Chapters 5. 6. 7. 10. 13 18. 21 10-27 VVorship and Reformation of the Church and to the abating of the warm Contentions about them amongst Protestants for seeing that all Church States are as yet imperfect and like the Jewish Dispensation but Temporary Ordinances until the time of the Reformation in order to the Kingdom of Christ the best ought to bear with the worst because they themselves are but Imperfect and instead of violent Heats and Animosities should endeavour to shew each other the Pattern Form and Fashion of God's House the Apostolical Model frequently mentioned in this Prophecy that so they may all according to the expressions of Ezekiel (a) Chap. 43. 10-12 in whom there is a Type of Christ's pure Church whatsoever some triumphant VVriters may with scorn enough have said to the contrary be ashamed of what they have done and of their Iniquities and Deviations from it And in the mean time until God shall reveal even this unto them what should they do but in obedience to the Apostolical Precepts Bear one anothers Burthens please others rather than themselves in Honour Prefer one another do all their things in Charity and to edification and Peace as well as for Truth Decency and Order And let not any sincere and conscientious person of the Romish Communion be offended at some harsh expressions he may find in this Book for they are no other then the Holy Spirit makes use of to give them a true and just Idea of the deformity and odiousness of Idolatry Cruelty and Church Tyranny in God's sight that so they might be the more effectually deterred from them and to create in the minds of Protestants a due abhorrence of such Practises by Notions and Symbols apt to raise a just indignation against them which have also by God's Providence been so deeply imprinted in the minds of the Vulgar that all endeavours of some Learned Men to the contrary have been unsuccessful and sometimes of fatal consequence and why should men speak peace where God does not and give complemental Names to those whom the Holy Ghost hath stigmatized and made infamous So that if the Romish Church be Idolatrous Usurping and Cruel he bringeth not a railing accusation against it but speaketh the words of Truth and Soberness who applyeth to it the Titles of Beast Whore and Antichrist And altho this charge against the Church of Rome hath been managed by diverse arguments yet I think by none more successfully than by those which are taken from this Prophecy which I hope ingenuous Men of that Communion and many such are there of it will be pleased to read and consider for I dare promise them that they will meet with many (a) Especially Chapters 13. and 17. clear and unexpected Proofs in it and such as may give them satisfaction for I can truly say that I have experienced their efficacy for the removing of some of their Prejudices which I lay under As for the present performance altho I find upon a cursory review some mistakes and many Imperfections in it which cannot be avoided in a work of so great length and difficulty yet I can assure the Reader that the utmost sincerity hath been used and all the diligence possible amidst frequent indispositions of Body and many avocations And as for the main gounds upon which the Interpretation proceeds viz. The gradual defection of the Church the Antichristian Apostasy especially of the Romish Church and the future glorious Kingdom of Christ I hope that they have been fully and plainly proved in their several places (a) Read especially Chapters 2. 3. 7. 13. 17. 20. 21. 22. but other less material or abstruse things must take the common Fate of such disquisitions and all that I shall desire from the Reader is that he use diligence in search read the Book throughout and be true to his Convictions and then I Hope Pray and Believe that he will not miss of Satisfaction humbly desiring him to remember him in his Prayers who hath spared no Pains nor cost in this matter for his good God's Glory and the Promoting of Christ's Kingdom AMEN Even so come Lord Jesus THE Argument THis Book is a Dramatick Prophecy wherein is represented as in Visionary Scenes the great Events belonging to the Church of Christ from his Resurrection (a) Chap 1. 10. pag. 11. In Comaedia sive Tragaedia nequaquam Spectatur Tempus illud quo Actio datur sed potius tempus rei ipsius cujus datur Actio Alcas pag. 6. to the Delivery (b)
Visions commence from Christ's Resurrection For to that end only is the mention of this Day proper to this Prophecy On which he might truly stile himself The First Begotten of the Dead and he that was dead and is alive .. And accordingly we are not to suppose as some do that he received this Prophecy on the Annual Day of the Resurrection but that according to the Decorum to be observed in Visions and Representations the very Numerical Day in which Christ arose was as it were recalled and represented unto him as the Beginning of the Time allotted to the Actions of the whole Representation And from its being said That he was in the Spirit on that Day it may be conjectured seeing that every thing in this Prophecy has a mystical sense which yet is the primary and most proper that the Day of Pentecost on which Christ gave the Gifts of the Spirit was joyned in Vision and Representation with it as the same Day may happen to be the King's Coronation and Birth day too 21 Words of seeing hearing and the like signifie in Scripture the Actions of the Inward Senses as well as of the Outward 11 Saying I 22 am Alpha and Omega the first and the last And what thou seest in this Vision write in a Book for greater security and continuance Job 19.23 24. and send it unto the seven 23 Churches which are in Asia the Less unto Ephesus and unto Smyrna and unto Pergamus and unto Thyatira and unto Sardis and unto Philadelphia and unto Laodicea 22 These solemn Titles of Christ's Divinity are here repeated not only for the greater Assurance of the Certainty of these Visions but to signifie by being placed immediately before the Command to write to the Seven Churches That these Epistles relate to what was to come to pass in the End of Time and that they contain a Succession of Prophecy from the first to the last and the solemn Appearance of Christ which follows and the whole Preface with which this Vision is introduced do make it highly probable that they were designed for more than seven private Churches of no very large Extent or Duration 23 That these Cities were all in being in John's Time is past doubt only it hath been questioned by some whether there were Churches as yet Erected in all of them which yet seems to be a groundless Scruple seeing that the Apostle Paul so long before professes that he had at Ephesus a great Door and an Effectual one opened to him and that the Word of God increased so mightily throughout all Asia that he thought good to tarry amongst them for the space of three years Acts 19.10 20. and 20.18 31. See Archbishop Usher's Treatise concerning the Original of Bishops and Metropolitans and of the Lydian or Proconsular Asia 12 And I turned to see whose the voice was that spake with me And being turned I saw seven golden 24 Candlesticks representing seven Churches 24 Candlesticks are Symbols or visible Hieroglyphicks of Churches taken from the Candlestick with seven Branches and Lamps in it under the Law which was a Type of the Church Exod. 25.31 Numb 8.2 Whereby is signified their Duty of enlightning and instructing by the purity of their Doctrine and Example whereby they become precious as Gold in the fight of God See and compare Psalm 19.10 Matth. 5.14 John 5.35 Rom. 10.15 Philip. 2.15 16. And most especially the Candlestick Zec. 4. gives great Light to the Candlestick in this Vision 13 And in the midst 25 of the seven Candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man i. e. Christ walking in the midst of them to order them as the Priests did the Lamps Exod. 27.20 21. and to protect guide and watch over them Levit 26.12 Matth. 18.20.28 20. 2 Cor. 6.16 cloathed in the High-Priests Vestments with a garment down to the foot Exod. 28 40.39 27. Ezek. 9.2 Dan 10 5. and girt about the Paps with a golden girdle of the Ephod Exod 28 8.29 5. to denoâ—e his Royal Priesthood a golden girdle being also the habit of Kings anciently amongst the Eastern Nations Job 12.18 25 Hence perhaps it was that God commanded Exod 25.37 and Numb 8.2 that the Lamps should be lighted on that part which was towards the midst or middle Branch of the Candlestick signifying thereby Christ to whom we ought all to look for help and from whom we have all our Light and Knowledge See Ainsworth on Numb 8.2 14 His head 26 and his hair were white like Wool as white as Snow noting his Eternal Wisdom and Authority Dan. 7.9 and his eyes were as a Flame of Fire Penetrating all things by his Providence with quickness power and terror Dan. 10.6 Ezek. 1.27 Hebr. 4.12 13. 26 Hence may be proved the Consubstantiality and Equality of the Son with the Father the same Expressions being used in Daniel concerning the Father 15 And his Feet especially when he comes to Judge his Church Isa 53.7 like unto fine 27 brass as if they burned in a furnace i. e. representing the stability power glory and terror of his actions and punishments and that his Servants are to be purified and refined by sufferings Dan. 10 6.12 10. Malach. ch 3. and 4. and his voice as the sound of many Waters i. e. his word was powerful and terrible like that of a raging multitude signified by Waters Dan 10.6 Psal 93.4 27 See Dr. Hammond who seems to have given the true sense of these Words wherein is represented a fiery flaming Appearance in Glory taken from a flaming Fire in which the lower part looks like Amber which we translate Fine Brass and the Flame especially the upper part is of a white colour 16 And he had in his right hand i. e. under his mighty power direction and protection in safety and great honour Psal 18.35 Jeâ—em 22.24 Cant. 8 6. seven Stars i. e. the Angels of the seven Churches ver 20. and out of his Mouth went a sharp two edged Sword i e. his word sharp quick and powerful for the destruction of his Enemies and the defence of his Friends Eph. 6.17 Hebr. 4.12 and his countenance i. e. the manifestation of himself Cant. 5.15 Psal 4 6 was as the Sun shineth in his strength at noon in its greatest height and brightness that is very Glorious and of Majesty 17 And when I saw him in this glorious and terrible appearance I fell at his feet as dead for fear and he laid his right hand of power and support upon me saying unto me fear not I am the first and the last i. e the Eâ—ernal Almighty God who can sustain and strengthen thee Dan. 8 18.10 10 18. 18 I am he that Liveth i. e. the living God the Fountain and Author of Life and was dead for your Sins and behold now I am alive and that for evermore Amen i. e. This is a certain Truth and I have the Keys of 28 Hell i. e. power over the state and place of separated
on Gal. 4.25 29. the Corrupt Party hath stood most upon its Purity Honour and Preheminence and hath Persecuted and Despised the pure one Now the Church of Smyrna comprehending that Succession of the Church in which the great Persecutions happened and in which a Crown of Life was at last given them at the Empires becoming Christian The Blasphemy here reprehended refers chiefly to the latter State of that Succession when Honours and Riches Flowing into the Church corrupted the purity of their former poor and suffering condition and the reverence at first innocently paid to Martyrs and the introducing of Pagan Rites by degrees under pretence of winning the Heathens gave a great encrease to the growing Apostasy iniquity under the covert of a Mystery i. e. of Piety Religion and well meaning Zeal making daily progress in the Church until it arose to an Antichristian Synagogue or Congregation of a prevailing party amongst them Which phrase is made use of in opposition to the Title given the Jews in the Old Testament who are called Numb 31.16 The Congregation or Synagogue of the Lord which the corrupt party of this Succession had forfeited by its Antichristian or Satanical Innovations as the Jews also did upon their Apostasy under Jeroboam 2 Chron. 11.15 who are thereupon said to have Sacrificed unto Devils or Satan And it is worth Observation that the last degeneracy of the Jewish Church when as it appears from the Gospels it became a Satanical Synagogue consisted chiefly in vain Traditions in Affecting Titles Honours and Prehemency in neglecting the Spiritual Service of God and in expecting a present Worldly Kingdom of the Messias instead of a Future Heavenly State of it and of the Kingdom of God within us consisting in inward Righteousness and Peace and lastly in Cruelty and Persecution and in casting out of the Synagogue of the Lord the true and faithful Servants of Christ. Now in whatsoever Age of the Church there may be found such a Temper and Spirit Prevailing so much may it be said to have of the Synagogue of Satan in it Much of which was visible in this succession in the strifes amongst Bishops about the Superiority and the Prehemenency of their Sees in their rash Censuring and Excommunicating one another for slight Matters as appears evidently in the Behaviour of Pope Victor in the Oppositions made in this period to the Doctrine of the Antient Chiliasts and in the introducing a great number of Ceremonies Rites and Customs into the Church to bring over the Jews and Pagans to the Christian Religion 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer For behold the Devil 22 shall by evil Men as his Instruments cast some 23 of you who have the courage not to deny me into prison i. e. various and grievous Tortures and Persecutions that ye may be tryed fully whether ye be perfect and entire James 1.2 3. 1 Pet. 1.7 and you shall have Tribulation that is one most notable Persecution 24 ten days of years Be thou faithful unto the suffering of death and I will give thee a crown 25 of Life i. e. Freedom from Persecution Rewards and Honours 22 Persecutors do the Devils Work Eph. 2.2 and to him Justin Martyr frequently attributes the Pagan Persecutions because they were promoted and set on by his Instigation 23 For many fell away in the Times of persecution 24 Days in Prophetick account are frequently put for Years as is evident from Numb 14.34 Ezek. 4.6 and Dan. 9.24 where the Days of the Seventy Weeks are understood by most Interpreters of Years For a Day being the First and most Natural Measure of Time depending upon the constant and most known Revolution of the Sun is put in all Languages and particularly in the Hebrew to express indefinitely a length or continuance of Time as the Days of Herod signifie in Scripture the Time of his Reign and is limited to some certain continuance by circumstances or according to the Will of Him who makes use of it as it is by God in Scripture restrained to signifie a Prophetical Year as is evident from the places I have quoted against which Grotius has Objected nothing material as Dr. Moor has fully proved in his Mystery of Godliness Book 5. Chap. 15. Now the last and greatest Persecution of the Church under Diocletian lasting according to all Chronologers exactly ten Years It is evident that this place must refer unto it especially if we consider that the Vision of the Souls under the Altar which is Contemporary with this Succession immediately preceeds the great Earthquake or change of Things under Constantine and that no Example could be brought by Grotius or Dr. Hammond of a ten days Persecution in the Times to which they limit this passage and that Ten does not denote in Scripture a short time when put indefinitely but is always put for one of a long continuance it being as it were the plentitude of simple Numbers as is evident from Numb 14.22 Job 19.3 1 Sam. 1.8 Eccles 7.19 Furthermore seeing that the things referred to in this Prophecy being for the use of the whole Church ought to be illustrious parts of History and not References to something not Transmitted unto us with which shift Grotius puts off his Reader what more Notable part of History could be referred to than that of the ten Years Persecution which gave Date to the Aera Martyrum and is a most famous Character of Time exactly answering in its ten Years Duration to the Prophetical way of Accounting a Day for a Year and fit to be made use of by the Holy Ghost in Transmitting so remarkable a Period of the Church down to after Ages 25 A Crown denotes Regal and Triumphal Honours and a Crown of Life is opposed to the Deaths and Martyrdoms they had before Suffered And hereby is plainly set forth the Freedom from Persecution they Enjoyed under Constantine at the end of the Tenth Persecution which according to the Accurate Computation of Mr. Pagi in his Critical Annotations upon Baronius began Feb. 23. A.D. 303. and ended June 13th A. D. 313. when the famous Epocha was Instituted of the Churches Freedom from Persecution mentioned by Eusebius in his Chronicon and by the Author of the Alexandrian Chronicon From which Time we may date their Crown of Life Constantine daily proceeding to advance and secure the Church which enjoyed great Freedom bating only some short Persecutions particularly that under Julian until it came to its highest pitch of External Peace and Honour under Theodosius the Great who died at Milan A. D. 395. on Jan. 17. or Feb. 24. after he had given Paganism its deadly Blow by his Famous Defeat of Argobastes and Eugenius A. D. 394. 11 He that hath an Ear let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches Verse 7. And He i. e. that person who overcometh the Persecutions and Evils of this Church-State and perseveres unto the End in the Precepts of the Gospel
their agreement with the Christian Church do fall down in great humility and submission before him that sat on the Throne and worship him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their Crowns before the Throne in token of Subjection and Homage saying 11 Thou art worthy and thou only O Lord to receive the Acknowledgement of Glory and Honour and Power for thou hast created all things by thy Power and for thy pleasure or Will the only Motive to it they are preserved in their Being and were at first created Nehem. 9.6 CHAP. V. The Text. 1 AND I saw in the Right 1 Hand of him that sate on the Throne i. e. of God the Father a 2 Book or Roll Ezek. 2.9 10. written within and on the back-side i. e. containing a long Series of Events 3 sealed with 4 Seven Seals to denote the Obscurity of the Prophecy and the Delay of its Accomplishment Dan. 12.4 Annotations on CHAP. V. 1 God held the Book in his Right Hand to shew his Power and his Readiness to deliver it 2 This Book seems to have consisted of seven several Rolls rolled up into one in the Form of a Cylinder (a) Poli Synops Hammond on Luke 4.17 and on the place Mede pag. 789 790 791. Mori Oper. Theol. pag. 21. ubi formam libri videas according to the Custom of the Antients having seven Labels sealed with seven Seals which being opened in order there appeared in each of them the Seulptures or Hieroglyphicks hereafter mentioned and the back side of the last Roll which is the outermost in rolling was written upon to shew that there was a long series of Events contained in this Book it being not the Custom of the Ancients to write on the back side of the Roll but when the inside could not contain all their Writing We may divide for Order and Memories sake the whole Prophecy of this Book into Two Tomes as Mr. Mede calls them the first of which contained in the foregoing Chapters may be called The (b) See on Chap. 4.1 Church Prophecy wherein Symbols of Churches then in being are used the Second which begins here may be called The Book-Prophecy because its Events are represented by Hieroglyphicks in a Book And both Prophecies are of the same Extent this latter reaching to the End of Time and determining and distinguishing Church Successions and Affairs as well as the former only with this difference that they are represented in the latter by future Occurrences and Circumstances of the Civil State and Empire that so the Times of their Accomplishment might be the better known and taken notice of by the illustrious Events represented in them For as it pleased God to describe and foretel by his Prophets the Fall of Babylon and other Events under several Symbols and Representations for the greater assurance of the Prediction as in Pharaoh's Dream Gen. 41.32 and that the thing might be the more deeply imprinted on Mens Minds by the Variety of the Figures by which they are described so hath the Divine Spirit upon the same account given divers Emblems of one and the same thing in this Prophecy 3 I shall here once for all endeavour to give the true import of Sealing which seems to have these several Acceptations in Scripture 1. It denotes a secret or an hidden Condition as we seal up things which we would keep secret 2. It denotes Security Thus the Stone at the mouth of Daniel's Den and our Saviour's Sepulchre were sealed with Seals 3. It signifies Hindrance and Restraint Thus God Job 37.7 is said to seal up the Hand of every man i. e. to hinder their Work by Storms and wet weather and to seal up the Stars Job 9.7 i. e. to restrain their Influences as Satan is said Rev. 20.3 to be shut up and to have a Seal set upon him to restrain him 4. Propriety is signified by sealing in Scripture from the Custom of sealing Goods and Servants when they were bought thereby to denote their propriety in them and to distinguish them from other Mens Servants Hammond on Eph. 4.30 5. Lastly From these and other Metaphors it often in Prophetical Scripture signifies the Obscurity of a Prophecy and the concealing of it in dark terms from the Generality of the People Isa 8.16 and the stopping or hindring the Events foretold by it so that sealing and writing and sealing and opening are opposed in prophetical Language to one another and signifie as much as concealing and revealing delaying the Accomplishment of a Prophecy and bringing it into effect See the Notes on Chap. 7.2 3 4. 4 With reference to the seven states of Christ's Church which were hindred from coming into event whilst the Book was sealed and were to be by degrees accomplished and discovered upon the gradual opening of each of them 2 And I saw a strong 5 Angel or a mighty one Psalm 103.20 proclaiming with a loud 5 voice after the manner of a Herald Dan. 3.4 who is worthy for Authority and Ability to open 6 the Book and to loose the Seals thereof i. e. to bring into event the things there delivered 5 5 To shew the Weight and Concern of the thing to be delivered as worthy to be heard of all Creatures 6 To open it by unsealing it or when it is unsealed 3 And no 7 man or no creature Isa 41.28 in Heaven i. e. neither Saint nor Angel nor in Earth nor under the Earth i. e. in the State of departed Souls from whence Christ was just come was able to open the Book i. e. to bring to pass the Events of it neither so much as to look thereon if it were opened that is of himself to understand foresee and govern the course of the Prophecy and conduct it into Event 7 Here by a Hebraism consisting in describing the whole by an enumeration of its parts is signified that no Creature whatsoever was able to open the Book or so much as to understand it of himself 4 And I wept * much because no man was found worthy to open and to read the Book neither to look thereon as fearing that I should not be shewn those things that were promised me Chap. 4.1 * This weeping seems to be rather from a Despair that things would not be carried on to the great Kingdom of Redemption as the Two Apostles Luke 24.21 were sorrowful least Christ was not he which should have redeemed Israel and were astonished as Mary also was John 20.13 15. because the Lord could not be found for which she wept For Christ is represented at the sixth Verse as just risen from the dead and therefore in congruity to that appearance what is here said must relate to the time before he appeared as risen which is also a Circumstance that confirms the fixing of the Epocha of this Book at the Resurrection 5 And one or the 8 first and chief of the 9 Elders or Representatives of the Jewish Church Chap. 4.4 saith unto me Weep
not for thy own sake or the sake of the Church which thou fearest will be deprived of what is contained in this Book for behold the Lyon 10 of the Tribe of Judah i. e. Christ Gen. 49.9 Heb. 7.13 14. who is also the root of David Isa 11.1 10. Rom. 15.12 hath prevailed with the Father by his Blood and Merits to open the Book and to loose the seven Seals thereof Vers 2 4. i. e. to declare what is in it and to accomplish it 8 For so One seems to signifie in this Prophecy as also it does Dan. 10.13 Gen. 1.4 Matth. 28.1 9 The Jewish Church having been entrusted with the Oracles and Prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Kingdom of Christ it is very proper that their Ministry should be here made use of to declare unto John the import of what had been delivered therein concerning the Merits and Power of Christ in revealing and erecting his Kingdom and therefore Christ is here described by Titles taken from what relates to the Jews as the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah because he came from that Tribe which is resembled to a Lyon in Scripture and the Root of David because he proceeded from his Stock as from a Root 10 No Creature whatsoever as Man signifies Verse 7. and Isa 41.28 was able to open this Book or look into it but only Christ by Vertue of his Merits whereby that extravagant Knowledge which is ascribed unto Angels and Saints in the Romish Church and their Mediatorship is plainly exploded as appears also from the 11th 12th 13th and 14th Verses 6 And I beheld with great concern and expectation and lo on a sudden in the midst of the Throne i. e. just before it and next unto it and of the Four Beasts and in the midst of the Elders i. e. betwixt God the Father and his Church stood 11 in a posture of Defence as Mediator and Advocate and in a readiness to receive his Kingdom Dan. 7.13 14. a Lamb i. e. Christ John 1.29.36 as it had been newly stain and just risen from the dead having seven Horns 12 i. e. perfect Regal Authority especially over the sevenfold State of the Church and seven Eyes signifying perfection of Knowledge and Providential Administrations Zech. 3.9 which are or represent the seven Spirits of God i. e. the perfect Operations of Gods Spirit Zech. 4.6 10. See on Rev. 1.4 sent forth into all the Earth to superintend dispose and conduct all things 2 Chron. 46.9 Isa 11.2 11 From Christ's being here represented as just risen from the dead with the Signs of his Sufferings fresh and bleeding it may be gathered that the Epocha of these Visions is to be taken from Christ's Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven as we have observed before on Chap. 1.10 And he is represented as standing to denote that he was not as yet in possession of his Kingdom which was due to him at his Resurrection as the Psalmist plainly affirms Psalm 2 7 8. but that he stood ready to receive it to which end he was brought unto the Father as appears plainly from Dan. 7.13 14. 12 Horns being the Weapons of Beasts they are put to signifie Strength and Power in Scripture as Psalm 75.5 10. and in Daniel and this Prophecy they denote Kings and their Regal Power as the Scripture interprets it self Dan. 8.20 21. Rev. 17.12 7 And he i. e. Christ being now entring upon his Kingly Office came to the Father being brought near before him to receive his Kingdom Dan. 7.13 14 and took the Book * out of the Right Hand of him that sate upon the Throne i. e. received his Kingdom from the Father and power to reveal and execute what was contained in that Book concerning it * This answers to Dan. 7.14 where upon his being brought to the Father a Kingdom is given him of which this Book is a Symbol as being the Book of the Kingdom of Christ only we are to take notice that the Book is sealed the Kingdom being not to appear but by steps and degrees according to the opening of the Seals until the seventh Trumpet of the seventh Seal during which time Christ was to sit in the patience and expectation of his Kingdom at the Right Hand of God until his Father made his Foes his Footstool according to Psalm 110.1 and 1 Cor. 15.25 27. 8 And when he had taken the Boâ—k the four Beasts and four and twenty Elders i. e. the Christian and the Jewish Church perceiving th t all Power was now given unto him of the Father fell down before the Lamb to worship him bearing every one of them Harps to praise him and golden Vials or Bowls to hold Incense in 2 Chron. 4.22 full of 13 Odours which are i. e. signifie the Prayers Psalm 141.2 of Saints i. e. of the living Creatures and Elders and all Saints and Members of the pure Church in his Kingdom Rev. 20.4 13 The Ascent of the Incense signifies the Ascent of Prayers to Heaven and the Odour of it their Acceptableness with God for which see Dr. Hammond on the place and on Luke 1.10 And here Christ appearing for his Saints as in his Kingdom makes them Priests to God by giving them Incense See Chap. 8.3 4.20 6. 9 And they sung a new Song of 14 singular Love and Gratitude upon the occasion of Christ's Redemption and Kingdom saying Thou art worthy and thou alone Verse 23. to take the Book and to open the Seals thereof for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God i. e. to be his Servants and Worshippers by thy Blood out of every Kindred and Tongue and People and Nation to be a Catholick Church and Kingdom 14 In this sense this Word is taken Psalm 33.3 Isa 42.9 10. But it is rather called a New Song here because it will have been for a long time out of use during the Apostacy which will have perverted the Doctrine of Redemption and Kingdom of Christ therein celebrated of which Kingdom there is here given an Appearance and Representation signified by Musick and Harps which are the Attendants of it in this Prophecy Songs and Musick being not made use of in it but upon some such Pre-appearance until the Apostasie is at an end as if during the Absence of the Bridegroom Mourning were more suitable for the Church 10 And hast made us unto the Service and Glory of our God Kings and Priests i. e. a Priestly Kingdom Chap. 1.6 and we shall reign 15 in the Earth in thy Kingdom Rev. 20.4 15 From hence it is plain that Christ's Kingdom is to be upon Earth Rev. 20.4 11 And I beheld or was still in Vision and I heard the Voice of many Angels round about the Throne and round about the Beasts and the Elders i. e. the whole Church consisting of Angels and Men Christians and Jews Heb. 12.22 23 24. and the number of them i. e. of the Angels was ten tbousand times ten thousand and thousands of
thousands i. e. innumerale Heb. 12.22 12 Saying with a loud Voice and suitable affection worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive the Acknowledgment and Possession of power and Authority over all things especially his Church Matth. 11.27.28 18. John 17.2 and of Riches i. e. the inheritance of all things Heb. 1.2 and of Wisdom to govern his Church as being the Eternal Wisdom of his Father Prov. 3.16 and of strength to conquer his Enemies and honour from all Creatures and glory from his Father John 17.1 5. and blessing from Angels and Saints and all creatures Psalm 145.10 11. Psalm 148. 13 And every 16 Creature Phil. 2.10 which is in Heaven and on the Earth and under the Earth and such as are in the Sea and all that are in them heard I saying Blessing and Honour and Glory and Power be unto him that sitteth upon the Throne and unto the Lamb i e. to God the Father and his Son Christ for ever and ever 16 Even inanimatt Creatures are frequently in Scripture called upon to praise God by a common Figure usual to all Authors and Nations that because they would praise him if they could and are the Objects and Occasions of Praise to Angels and Men and are under the command of God and subservient to his Glory and his Churches good and because the very Order and Beauty of the Creatures especially as they shall be in the Restitution of all things is a Real and Virtual Praising of God And all Creatures Saints and Angels themselves are here brought as making this Acknowledgment to signifie that God and Christ are the alone Objests of Worship and not any Creature whatsoever Exod. 20.4 5. 14 And the four Beasts i. e. the Christian Church said Amen to this new Song i. e. consented and approved of it And after the Christian Church to shew that they received the clear and explicit Knowledge of Chrisi from the Christian Church and to testifie the Agreement there is betwixt the Old and New Testament the Four and Twenty Elders i. e. the Jewish Church fell down and worshipped him 17 that liveth for ever i. e. God the Father 17 Here it is to be observed that as the Christian Church began Chap. 4.8 9. with Hymns and Worship to God the Father so the Jewish Church here Ends after they had joyned with the Christian Church in Praises and Acts of Worship to Christ who has the same Worship here given him with the Father with an Act of Worship to the Father to shew that as all things are Of Him so are they also To Him and His Glory and that the Kingdom is to be delivered up unto him and that all things are to be subject unto him who is All in All 1 Cor. 15 24-28 which is signified by their falling down and worshipping him in token of their Obedience and of the Subjection of all things unto him all Creatures also are as themselves bowing or being subject unto him in the sense that they praise him Psal 2.10 11. CHAP. VI. The Text. 1 AND Christ being now possessed of the Right to his Kingdom and his sole and absolute Power and Dominion having been acknowledged by all Creatures in the former Chapter I saw or was in a Vision when the Lamb i. e. Christ having now the Right and Administration of the Affairs of his Kingdom opened 1 one i. e. the first Chap. 5. 5. of the Seals i. e. he revealed what was before hid and accomplished what was represented under each Seal and I heard as it was the noise or a Clap of 2 Thunder i. e. a powerful and a terrible Voice and efficaciously productive of its Effects See on Chap. 1. 10. 3 one i. e. the first of the four Beasts or the Apostolical Ministry saying Come and see and consider the Mysterious Sculpture which is to be seen in the first Roll of the Book and the great Event represented by it Annotations on CHAP. VI. 1 The Seals are as so many Stops and Delays to Christ's Kingdom and the opening of them signifies not only the making of the Visions known wnich before were concealed whereupon Prophecy is called a sealed Book but also the Effect of every Vision as the Prophet Ezekiel Chap. 12.23 Phrases it or the several Steps and Advances made towards the Kingdom of Christ this being the Book of Christ's Kingdom whirh he opened as King with Power and Authority and by actually effecting the things signified in their due and proper times 2 Hereby is signified the great Power and Efficacy which accompanied the first preaching of the Gospel whence Mark 3.17 James and John are called the Sons of Thunder and the utmost Force of God's Power is called the Thunder of God's Power Job 26.14 3 One as is usual in this Prophecy signifies the first of the Beasts like a Lyon whose Station being in the Eastern part of the Jewish Camp hereby is signified the coming forth of the Gospel from Jerusalem which is in the Eastern parts of the World whence the Gospel was first preached and the first Apostolical Church gathered according to the Prediction of the Prophets Isa 28.16 Micah 4.2 Acts 2.41 2 And I saw and behold I perceiv'd engraven on the first Roll a white 4 Horse signifying the pure and merciful power and conquest of the Gospel Dispensation Psal 45.4 and he 5 i. e. Christ that sat on him i. e. who had the Power and management of that Dispensation had a Bow 6 i. e. the Gospel Psal 45.5 and a Crown was given unto him as King and Conqueror and he went forth from Jerusalem Mic 4.2 conquering 7 by the efficacy of his Gospel and his Ministers and to conquer by degrees untill the completion of his Kingdom Psal 2 6.-8 4 Horses being a swift and warlike Creature according to the admirable Description of them given in Job Chap. 39. the Scripture does signifie by them some active and powerful Dispensation of his Providence brought to pass by his Angels and Ministers the Nature and Quality of which is denoted by the divers Colours attributed to those Horses as appears plainly from Zach. 1.8 10.6.2 3.10 3. Now the Dispensation here pointed at being that of Christ's Kingdom a (a) Bochart Hieros 2.7 white Horse is attributed unto him 1. to denote his Power Princes and Honourable Persons being used to Ride and that on White Beasts whilst Inferiours went on Foot as appears from Judg. 5.10 Eccles 10.7 2. To signifie the Mercifulness of his Conquest Psalm 45.4 Zech. 9 9.10 3. it being usual for Conquerors to ride on white Horses on the Days of Triumph Rev. 19.11 14. 5 That Christ is hereby signified is evident from Rev. 19.11 12 13. compared with Psalm 2. and 45. from whence these Symbols are taken 6 As an Archer with his Bow according to the Description given by the Psalmist 7 12.11 2. first menaces and threatens at a distance before he shoots so Christ first appeared with a peaceable
to be set up See on Chap. 8.7 9 And when he i. e. the Lamb Christ had opened 20 the fifth Seal I saw under the Altar 21 of sacrifice Lev. 4.7 i. e. under the Power in the presence of and in Communion with God and Christ the Souls of them see on Chap. 20.4 that were slain for the word of God and for the Testimony which they held i e. the Christian Martyrs especially under Diocletian Chap. 2 10.20 4. 20 The Beasts Voice or the Apostolick Ministry here ceases to shew that Satan's Synagogue was now rising in the Smyrnaean Succession upon the Honours paid to Martyrs under this Seal 21 When Altar is put indefinitely the Altar of Sacrifice is usually understood where the Blood of the Sacrifice was wont to be poured out and by being under the Altar is signified the happy state of Martyrs under the protection and in the presence of God and Christ as appears from Heb. 13.10 Colos 3.3 4. compared with 2 Maccab. 7.36 Psalm 27.5 Phil. 2.17 And here is given a plain Character of this Seal from the Voice of the Blood of the Martyrs and from the change of Things immediately following it in the next Seal whereby is evidently signified the great Persecution under Diocletian whereupon the Aera Martyrum was instituted and the overthrow of Paganism under Constantine from whence also it is very manifest that the Smyrnaean Succession is contemporary with this Seal from the like appearances Chap. 2.10 10 And they 22 cryed instead of the Apostolical Voices with a loud Voice thereby shewing their Number their Zeal and the importance of their Complaint saying How long O Lord Christ holy and therefore hateing Cruelty and Bloodshed and true to thy promises of avenging thy people Luke 18.7 8. dost thou not judge and avenge our Blood to vindicate thy Honour and thy Truth on them that dwell on the Earth i. e. the Pagan Empire for our Persecution has been long and cruel Revel 2.10 22 As Abel's Blood did Gen. 2.10 Heb. 12.24 11 And white Robes denoting Reward Honour and Purity Chap. 3.4 were given unto every one of them and it was said unto them that they should rest yet in quiet patiently expecting the time of God's Vengeance for a little season until their Fellow Servants also and their Brethren in Christ that should be killed as they were should be fullfilled 23 i. e. until the Times and the Number of Martyrs determined by God should be compleated 23 Hereby is signified the Martyrdoms which were to follow under Licinius Julian the Arrians and the Apostasie until God's signal and last Vengeance upon the Antichristian Tyranny under the Vials 12 And I beheld when he had opened the Sixth Seal and lo there was a great Earth-quake 24 i. e. a great commotion and a strange change of Affairs Hag. 2.6 7. Heb. 12.26 and the Sun 25 i. e. the chief God of the Pagans and the Heathen Emperour the chief Magistrate became black 26 as sackcloath of hair Isa 50.3 and the Moon i. e. the next in dignity became as 27 Bloâ—d i. e. were Eclypsed and lost their former Glory 24 It will not be altogether unseasonable to remark in this place what * Histor 4.11 Socrates the Ecclesiastical Historian notes from frequent Observation that Earthquakes are the Signs and Forerunners of Changes and Commotions in the Church 25 Here by Metaphors taken from the Prophetical Descriptions of the Day of Judgment and the last Conflagration of the World to which several of them seem plainly to refer as Dr. Burnet has observed in his ingenious Theory of the Earth and when the things described here by several Prophetical Accumulations shall be fully verified God's Judgments under Constantine and his Successors upon the Heathen Religion and Empire are set out unto us Although the Political World being described in Scripture by Metaphors taken from the Natural as appears from Isa 51.16 Dan. 8.10 the Heavens here may denote what is superiour in it and the Earth what is inferiour and the Sun may be taken for the Supreme in the State the Moon for the next and the Stars for those which are next in order unto them according to the Ancient Symbolical and Hieroglyphical Learning of the Eastern Nations of which we have an Example Gen. 37.9 10. Where Joseph's Dream concerning the Sun Moon and Stars is interpreted by Jacob of himself as Father and Chief of the Family of his Wife as next and of his Children as subject unto them And Sun Moon and Stars Hills and Mountains being the Objects and Places of Idolatry Hereby may be also signified the final Overthrow of Pagan Idolatry as well as of the Pagan Civil Powers 26 A Metaphor taken from an Eclipse in which the Sun appears black and the Moon of a dark Red like black Blood 13 And the Stars of Heaven i. e. the inferiour Deities and Magistrates fell unto the Earth i. e. were cast out and displaced by the mighty Power of God even as a Figtree casteth her untimely Figs Nahum 3.12 when she is shaken of a mighty wind e.e. as easily and in as great abundance Isa 34.4 14 And the Heaven i. e. the whole superior State of the Heathen World Civil and Religious departed 27 out of sight as a scroll that is rolled together so that they could not be seen i. e. they had no Authority nor Esteem and every Mountain i. e. all the places of Idolatry and of great strength and security Isa 2 14-18 Jerem. 51.25 Zech. 4.7 and Island 28 i. e. all their Provinces and Places beyond the Seas were moved out of their places i. e. the Government and Religion of them was changed and overturned 27 A Metaphor from the Ancient Manner of Writing upon one long Scroll which being rolled up according to their Custom what was written in it could not be seen 28 The Jews called all Maritime Places Islands and all places beyond the Mediterranean Consult the Interpreters on Gen. 10.5 and Mr. * Book 1. Disc 49. Mede And hereby is meant that no places escaped altho never so strong or remote 15 And the Kings 29 of the Earth i. e. the supreme Powers subject to the Roman Empire Isa 10.8 Acts 4.26 and the great men or Nobles Dan. 4.36 Mark 6.21 and the rich men and the chief Captains and the mighty men or Soldiers Judg. 5.22 and every bond man and every free man i. e. all of every rank and quality hid themselves for fear Isa 2.19 in the dens and rocks of the Mountains i. e. the most secret and most inaccessible places Judg. 6.2 29 Here by an enumeration of the several Ranks and Degrees of Men according to the Scripture-Phrase all the Members of the Roman Empire are reckoned up From a due consideration of these Six Seals it will be manifest that they are Synchronous with the two first Churches ending in that of Smyrna when that Period received a Crown of Life under Constantine and his
the great River 21 Euphrates i. e. hindered by Divine Restraint and the Providential course of things from making any considerable Progress in the parts of the Roman Empire beyond that River 19 The Bad as well as Good Spirits which God makes use of are called in Scripture Angels which in this Book are put to denote the Men and Instruments used by and under them in their executing the Commands of God And because there is great Reason to believe as I shall shew hereafter that the Turkish Potentacy is meant in this place which immediately followed the Saracenical I shall therefore endeavour to give you a brief Account of its Original and Progress The Turks called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by (a) Lib. 4. pag. 232. Mela 1. ult Plin. 6 7. Herodotus and Turcae by Mela and Pliny are by all Accounts a Northern People called therefore The King of the North Dan. 11.40 as the Saracens are The King of the South because they lie Southward of Palestine They were Orignally Natives of Tartary which is called Turchestân by the Eastern Writers and is a Countrey of a vast Extent reaching from the River Volga to the extreme East consisting of Two sorts of Tartars the Eastern or Mogul Tartars lying above China beyond the Mountain Imaus or Emodus and the Western Tartars on this side Imaus whose Language is different from the former and from these latter came the Turks as appears from their Language the Ground of which is Tartar and those Tartars also which inhabit the lesser Tartary upon the Black or Euxin Sea called the Crim Tartary or Tartaria Precopensis from a great Dike near which its Chief City stands Crim signifying a great Bank with a Ditch in the Tartar Language as Precop does in the Polish who were originally of the same Race with the Turks although they are now a mixt people because their Prince is by Compact to succeed the Grand Signior upon defect of Heir Male which the Turks would not have consented to if they had not been of the same Line Now the Turks made their Excursions from all parts at first some of them from beyond a Tanais where those Turks seem to have lived who sent an Embassy to Justin Junior and were employed by Heraclius against the Persians when he sailed through the Euxin Sea into Georgia and by degrees into Armenia but the greatest and most Famous Body of them came from Mawaralnà hra or the Regions beyond the River Oxus and from that part of it above the Caspian Sea which is particularly denominated from them Turchestân the Chief Seat whereof is Samarchand from whence they were called into Persia and not from Armenia as Abul-Pharajai and Elmacinus both testifie who make frequent mention of them and their Kings long hefore their setling in Persia They at first fell into Chorasân a Countrey lying betwixt Persia and India and ravaged some parts of (b) Petav. Rationar Tempor 9 7. Persia about A. D. 625. and afterwards (c) Abul-Phar pag. 115 116. assisted the Persians against the Saracens about A. D. 643. About (d) Sabellic Ennead 9. lib. 2. A. D. 800. they made great Incursions through the Portae Caspiae which is a narrow Passage near Derbent which signifies in the Persian Language a streight betwixt Mountains called by the Turks Demir Capi or the Iron Gate near the Caspian Sea betwixt Armenia and Persia and is part of that vast Ridge of Hills at least 1500 Miles long which runneth from West to East from Armenia to India where the Branches of it run several ways one great one of them separating the hithermost Tartary from that above China or the Mogul Tartary and is called Imaus these Hills receiving different Names in the different Counteies through which they run sometimes being called Mount (b) Nicephor Bryenn pag. 21. Du Cange in Not. ad Calcem Cinnami pag. 299. Excerpt e Legat. pag. 106. ed. Paris Leunclav Histor Mussulm pag. 22 23. Elmacin pag. 332. Abul-Phar pag. 222. Abul-Pheda per Gravium Knoll's History of the Turks Taurus sometimes Mount Caucasus and near Tartary Imaus Through this Natural Barrier of Nations there is a Narrow Passage which the Turks passed and possessed themselves of the Northern part of Armenia called perhaps from them Turcomania From whence and about the same time some of them went and settled in Caramania in Asia Minor anciently called Cilicia whilst others of them who were Stipendiaries to the Saracenick Chaliphs prevailed mightily at Bagdâd betwixt the Year 863. and 900. insomuch that although they had been often slain in great Numbers and were driven out of Chorasana they yet Rallied their Forces under Tugrol or Togrul-Beg (a) Du Cange ad calcem Cinnami pag. 300. called Tangrolipix and by several other Names by the Greeks who came from the Countries beyond the River Gihon or Jihun which is the same with Oxus as (b) Pag. 222. Du Cange ibid. Abul-Pharajai distinctly affims and passed that River and not Araxes which divides Armenia from Media except those Two Rivers are confounded by the Greeks as Du Cange thinks This great Captain together with the rest of his Brethren of the Family of the (c) Elmacin lib. 3.7 pag. 331. Abul-Phar 226 227. Leunclav Histor Musul pag 69 Niceph. Bryen pag. 21. Du Cange ubi supra Seljukidae who began to be Famous about A. D. 1038. being called into the Assistance of the Persians at last conquered them taking Ispahan about A. D. 1050. and having embraced Mahometism the Religion of that Countrey they proceeded so far as to conquer Bagdad A. D. 1055. and to put an end to the Empire of the Saracens in those parts Betwixt the years (d) Du Cange ad Calcem Cianam pag. 316. Histor Byzant illustrat pag. 354-358 1070 and 1080. they made great progress in Asia Minor some of the Family of the Seljukidae who came thither from Persia fixing their Imperial Seat at Iconium who are from thence called the Sultans of Iconium and are distinguished from the other Turkish Sultans who Reigned in Asia the Great whose chief Seats were in Persia where Tangrolipix * Elmac. pag. 342. died A. D. 1063. and at Bagdad But the (a) Tyrius de Bello sacro lib. 5. 6. Abul-phar pag. 242. Christians in the Holy War about A. D. 1097. having broken their power in those parts and what through the Divisions which arose amongst the Sons of Cutlumuses (b) Abul-phar pag. 245 290 312. the Cousin German of Tangrolipix and the first who made considerable Inroads into Asia Minor about A.D. 1108 We hear little considerable of the Actions of these Sultans until their Credit and Power came to be advanced by Sultan Aladdin Caicobad who was made Sultan A. D. 1219. and died about A. D. 1236. In the mean time the Eastern Turkish Empire mightily encreased especially under the Arms of Saladin (c) Abul-phar pag. 264-276 Fuller 's Holy War lib. 2. Chap. 35
according to what had before come to pass in the destruction of Josiah who was a Type of Christ as the godly Kings of Judah and Israel were and was slain near that place just when he had prepared the Temple of God the Emblem of Christs Kingdom 2 Chron. 35.20 4. To shew that God who over-rules evil Designs for good and who declares Judg. 4.7 the place here alluded to that he drew Sisera and his multitude together had ordained that these Kings should be totally overthrown as the Kings of Canaan were at Megiddo and that Christ's Church should triumph over them and bless God for the great Victory in the Song prepared for it in the preceeding Chapter as (a) 2 Chron. 20.26 Jehoshaphat and the Israelites did in the Valley of Beracah or Blessing for the Defeat of that great multitude of Wicked People which confederated against Israel Whereupon this place of Decision is called the Valley of Jehoshaphat in (b) Chap. 3.2 12 14. Joel The Battel being described sometimes as if it were to be in a (c) Joel 3. Ezek. 39 5. Valley or Plain and sometimes as on a (d) Ezek. 39.4 Mountain and confined to no particular place Jehoshaphats (e) Fullers Pisgah Sight pag. 280 294. Valley being far distant from the Valley of Megiddo but expressed so as to typifie other things unto us and to shew that they shall be totally defeated as men driven from their several Fastnesses and Retreats Mountains as well as Plains and Valleys 5. To shew that both Jews (f) Zech. 12.3 6 9 10 11 12 13 14. and Gentiles should mourn at the sight of Christ now ready to appear in his glorious Kingdom as there was a great Mourning for Josiah by the Jews and the Assyrians whom he then assisted which may probably be the meaning of Hadadrimmon Zech. 12.11 which according to (a) On Zech. 12.11 Grotius signifies the Glory of Rimmon an Assyrian Idol 17 And the seventh Angel poured out his Vial into the 35 Air and there came a great voice out of the Temple 36 of Heaven from the Throne i. e. there was an extraordinary manifestation of the intimate and more immediate presence of God saying it 37 is done i. e. this is the last vial and Judgment upon the wicked Nations Ezek. 39.8 See on chap. 20. and 21.6 35 By Air is meant in (b) See Dr. Hammond on Psalm 148.4 Scripture the Aerial Expansum or Firmament consisting of Air and Clouds ballanced by the Weight of it Job 37.16 which being the Place of Meteors the Angel pours his Vial upon it and thereupon follow Thunder and Lightning and a Great Earthquake which commonly accompany each other the Islands and Mountains fly away and so great Hail falls which is a usual Attendant of Thunder-storms as if the Clouds with all their (c) Job 38.22 23. Treasures of Meteors were thrown down from Heaven Whereby the more immediate preparations to the Dissolution of the Old Earth seem to be described according to the Prediction of the Apostle Peter and the Description given of it in Dr. Burnet's Theory who yet very (d) 3.3 7. prudently admonishes us not to be too positive or presumtuous in our Conjectures about these Things because if there be an invisible Hand Divine or Angelical that touches the Springs and Wheels of Nature it will not be easie for us to determine with Certainty the Order of their Motions 36 Called so in remembrance of the Throne and Temple in Ezekiel 37 A Phrase evidently taken from Ezek. 39.8 where it is used concerning Gog and Magog whence also it appears that their Destruction is here referred to concerning whom read Chap. 20. and Ezek. 38. and 39. 18 And there were voices and thunders 38 and lightning aad there was a great Earthquake such as was not since men were upon the Earth so mighty an Earthquake and so great i. e. there were very high manifestations of Christ's glorious Kingdom and a time of trouble such as never was before the powers of the Earth and Heavens being shaken to make way for a new Heaven and a new Earth Dan. 12.1 2. Matth. 24.29 Heb. 12 26-22 See on chap. 4.5 and on the three last chapters 38 See Dr. Burnet's Theory of the Earth Book 3. 19 And the great City i. e. the whole Antichristian Jurisdiction and Kingdom chap. 14 8.18 10 21. was divided by the Earth-quake into 39 three parts i. e. the whole strength of the Antichristian State was dissipated and overthrown and the Cities of the wicked Nations of the whole World verse 14. chap. 20.8 fell and great Babylon 40 i. e. Rome chap. 14.8 came in special remembrance before God to give unto her the cup of the Wine of the feirceness of his Wrath i. e. to destroy her with a most severe and an utter destruction See on chap. 14 8-11 39 The general Type of Three Parts seems to be taken from Ezek. 5.2 12. where Jerusalem when it was designed for Destruction is marked out into Three Parts which Three parts here are the Three United Forces of the Antichristian Kingdom viz. 1. The Dragon or Devil with his Three Vnclean Spirits 2. The Beast and his False Prophet who as being united in Force and Interest have one punishment 3. The Kings of the Earth See on Chap. 19 19-21 40 Hence it appears that the Conflagration is here pointed at because it is plain from this Prophecy that Rome shall be destroyed by Fire as hath been before observed 20 And every Island fled away and the Mountains were not found i. e. the 41 old Earth was dissolved 2 Pet. 3. See on chap. 21.1 41 See Dr. Burnet's Theory of the Earth B. 3.9 whose ingenious Hypothesis gives great light to this place according to which as is here foretold the Mountains are to be destroyed in the last place and there are to be no Islands because no Sea in the New Earth which is to be plain and level 21 And there fell upon the wicked Kings and men of the Earth who were gathered together against Christ's Kingdom verses 14.16 a great Hail out of Heaven 42 i. e. an extraordinary Tempest of Divine Wrath inflicted by the more immediate command of God every stone about the weight of a Talent i. e. each stroak of God's Wrath was extraordinary great heavy and insupportable Ezek. 38.22 Matth. 23.44 and yet these men Blasphemed God because of the Hail i. e. were still obdurate and impenitent for the Plague thereof was exceeding great upon which they should therefore have humbled themselves under the mighty hand of God 42 Hail was one of the Plagues of Aegypt and the wicked Kings of Canaan were destroyed by great Hailstones from Heaven Joshua 10.11 as the Antichristian Aegyptians and Kings of the Earth here are But this place more immediately referrs to Ezek. 38.22 where God foretells that Gog and Magog shall be destroyed by a Thunder storm of Rain and Great Hailstones
13 I Christ come 14 quickly in Judgment to my Kingdom for the 15 Vials are now ready to be poured forth Blessed therefore and this admonition is at this time of all others the most seasonable when the severest Judgments of God are ready to be executed is he that keepeth the Sayings of the Prophecy of this Book See Chap. 1 3.3 11. 13 Here Christ himself speaks this being a Sacred Drama in which according to the Nature of such Representations several Persons are introduced and there are many interlocutory passages as is observable in the Song of Solomon which is a Dramatick Poem in the Form of a Pastoral Eclogue 14 This Epilogue or Conclusion seems to refer to some of the most important and remarkable passages of the whole Vision which it behoved all to take the chiefest notice of according to the Method observed in the first Chapter which is as it were a Prologue or Introduction to it And accordingly the sudden Coming of Christ to take Vengeance of his Enemies in the pouring forth of the Vials being one of the most remarkable Events foretold in this Vision is here again mentioned as it had been before Chap. 1.7 15 For it seems probable from Chap. 21.9 that this part of the Vision was seen and heard by John just before he had the Representation of the pouring forth of the Vials when the Admonition to keep and observe the Words of this Prophecy was most highly seasonable For by a close consideration of Chap. 17 1.19 7-11 21 9. it seems as if the first or principal Angel of the Vials which shewed John the Judgment of the Whore and the New Jerusalem gave him also this Conclusion at the same time aptly fitted to the time just before the pouring forth of the Vials when it was necessary that the Saints should not only have a comfortable View of the blessed State but also be assured of the sudden coming of it that they might be sustained under the dismal Tribulation then approaching whereupon they are again assured of his quick coming Verse 12. 8 And I John the Apocalyptick Apostle and Servant of Christ See on Chap. 21.2 saw these foregoing things relating to the New Jerusalem and heard the Voice of Jesus and of his Angel Verse 6 7. and 16 both saw and heard all the Sayings and Vision of this Book and therefore am worthy of belief as having been an Eye and Ear-witness of them And when I had heard and sâ—â—â— the glorious State of the New Jerusalem I fell 17 down to worship before the Feet of the Angel which shewed me these things and who had also brought me the glad tidings of a Judgment on God's Enemy the Whore Chap. 17.1 and of the Marriage-Supper Chap. 19 9. 1â— Although these Words have an immediate reference to â—hâ—â— had been seen just before yet they may also refer to all the 〈◊〉 going Visions of this Book 17 It is something difficult to determine whether this passage be the same with the former related Chap. 19 7-21 and only twice repeated to shew the Importance of the Matter and the great danger of falling into the sin of Idolatry although the Relation be something different from the former according to the manner of the Evangelists the latter of whom deliver some things more fully and compleatly than the former and the Two Representations although of the same thing are very different the one being upon the View of the New Jerusalem State in its full Glory and compleat Description the other Chap. 19. only upon the sight of the preparation of the Bride and her coming down out of Heaven 9 Then saith he unto me immediately in great haste and with great Zeal and Vehemency See Chap. 19 10 See thou do it not for I am thy Fellow-Servant and therefore am not to be worsh pped and the Fellow-Servant of thy Brethren the Prophets and of them which keep 18 the sayings of this Book i. e. I although an Angel of so great Rank and Ministry am yet but a Fellow-Creature with thee and the Holy Saints and Witnesses and their Fellow-Servant also in the New Jerusalem State in which you and they shall be equal unto Angels and therefore I am nâ—t to be worshipped Worship being due to Superiors not Equals Creatures and Servants See on Chap. 19.10 Worship therefore God and him alone Matth. 4.10 18 Here the Angel seems to intimate as if the sayings of this Book were a Caution against the Apostatical State and the Worship of Angels and also the Rule and Model of Divine Worship from the first Apostolical State of the Church typified by Ephesus to the highest State of it in the New Jerusalem according to which as he could not receive such Worship so ought not John also to have given it unto him And this passage also affords a clear proof of the Divinity of Christ in Humane Nature because Divine Worship is paid unto him all along in this Book 10 And he i. c. Christ Ver. 12 13 16 20. saith unto me Seal 19 not the Sayings of the Prophecy of this Book for the time of the completion of all the Sealings mentioned in this Book is now at hand 19 These words must refer to the times of the seventh Trumpet when all the Thunders were unsealed Chap. 14. just before the pouring forth of the Vials until when it could not properly be used it being expresly commanded that every one of the Thunders should be sealed 11 He that 20 is unjust let him be unjust still and he which is filthy i e. guilty of any other sin all of which defile a Man Mat. 15.18 Jam. 1 21.3 6 let him be filthy still and he that is righteous or justified let him be righteous still and he that is holy or sanctified let him be holy still i. e. the time and place of Repentance is no more to be found but he that is unjust and filthy will not repent and he that is just and holy shall continue so still 20 These words seem to have a respect to the Times just before the pouring forth of the Vials when those Men who had been proof against the preaching of the Everlasting Gospel were judicially delivered over to punishment because of the willful Obstinacy and Hardness af their Hearts whereupon they blasphemed and repented not See Chap. 16.9 12 And behold I come 21 quickly to Judgment in my Kingdom and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be good or bad Matth. 16.27 Rev. 10.18.20 12-15 21 This must be supposed to be spoken before the pouring forth of the Vials in which the Wicked receive their Reward in Punishments 13 I am Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the End the First and the Last i. e. I am the Eternal God who as I gave Being to all things so do I put an end to them too and I am more especially shewing this my Divine Power in bringing all things to perfection
in my Kingdom and thereby putting an end to Prophecy whose main scope and design was with reference unto it See on Chap. 1 8.21 6 14 Blessed 22 in Christ's Kingdom Dan. 12.12 See on Chap. 14.13 are they that (a) The King's M S. reads 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is wash their garments do his Commandments i. e. are now found and appear to have kept them that they may have right by virtue of the Covenant of Grace and upon their appearing in the fine (a) The King's M S. reads 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is wash their garments white Linnen of Christ's Righteousness See on Chap. 19.7 8. to the Tree of Life i. e. to the incorruptibility of the new Jerusalem State verse 2. and many enter in through the Gates of the City i. e. be admitted into that State See on chap. 21.6 12 21. 15 For without this blessed State in the four corners of the new Earth see on chap. 20.8 are Dogs i. e. the Members of the Antichristian (b) A Dog is thought by the best interpreters to signify a Sodomite Deut. 23.18 Canes qui Supra cap. 21.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ut Hebrei exponunt id quod est Deut. 23.18 Grot. in Locum Sodom chap. 11.8 and those who are without the Covenant Matt. 15.26 Profane Bruitish and Persecuting Apostates Matt. 7.6 2 Pet. 2.22 and Sorcerers and Whoremongers and Murtherers and Idolaters and whosoever liveth and maketh a Lie i. e. all wicked Persons but especially the Antichristian Party to which these Characters eminently agree see on Chap. 21.8 27. 16 I Jesus have sent my Angel from the beginning (c) Chap. 1.1 of this Prophecy all along to this present conclusion of it to testify unto you John and all my other Servants chap. 1.1 these things in the Churches i. e. in or concerning the seven Successions of my Church see the Notes on chap. 1.4 and on chap. second and third I am the root and the off-spring of David i. e. the Messias proceeding from David as from a root to whom the Kingdom (d) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was Promised see on chap. 5.5 and the bright and morning Star which only dawned in the Church Succession of Thyatira but now shews in full brightness at the succession of my Kingdom see the Notes on chap. 2.28 17 And the Shirit speaking to and in the several Successions of the Church chap. 2. and 3. and makeing intercession for the Saints Rom. 8.26 27. and the Bride i. e. the Saints chap 19.7 8.21 2 say come Lord Jesus come quickly in thy Kingdom And let him that heareth and obeyeth the words of this Prophecy say joyning as in consort come Lord Jesus And (a) These are Christ's Words and are a kind of Antiphon◠in ths Divine Anthem or Sacred Dialogue wherein Christ in Answer to the Saints says as it were if you so desire my coming I will not be backward in inviting you let him say I that is a thirst come let him that is a thirst for the comforts and refreshments of the new Jerusalem State see on chap. 21.6 come And whosoever will or has a sincere desire for these times of full refreshments let him take the Water of Life freely for the incorruptibility of this State is of my free grace and favour chap. 21 6.22 1. 18 For I Christ verse 20. testify and declare (b) All this is frequently the import of the word Testifie in Scripture openly with the greatest earnestness zeal and holy Asseveration as with an Oath John 13.21 Rom. 1.9 Acts 18.5 unto every man of what (c) Nullo excepto pontifice vel concilio Paraeus in loc quality or dignity soever that heareth the words of the Prophecy of this Book that it is a Book of so great perfection and life that if any man shall (d)(d) Elegans est allusio in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grot. in Loc. add unto these things contained in this Book of Revelations and by consequence to any other part of Scripture by 22 Traditions and rash (e) Rashly to be the Authority of a false Interpretation of Scripture is to take God's Name in vain in a high degree Mr. Mede This is the last authoritative Prophecy that is likely to come from Heaven to be a rule of Faith to the Church and whosoever shall go about to infuse any other expectations into men than usually are agreeable to these Visions God shall bring on him the Judgments here denounced against his greatest Enemies and so in like manner whosoever shall derogate from the authority of this Prophecy or occasion mens not receiving the admonition of Christ here contained in every part thereof God shall cast him off c. Dr. Hammond's Paraphr or wilfully false Interpretations God shall add unto him besides the retributions of his ordinary Justice and Wrath the dreadful plagues that are written in this Book 22 Here is a change of Persons and John speaks whose words plainly refer to the admittance and entrance of the Saints into the new Jerusalem State and therefore must have respect to the times after the Pouring forth of the Vials when the Wicked were shut out of the City 19 And if any man shall take 23 away as the Antichristian Party hath even the Scriptures themselves from the words or authority of this of Prophecy God shall take away his part and the Book of Life i. e. he shall not be found written in the Book of Life among the Living in the New Jerusalem and out of the Holy City from which he shall be debarred and excommunicated and from the Things promises and blessings which are written in this Baok 23 As the Antichristian Party hath done 20 He which testifies these things i e. Christ who is Truth it self saith surely believe it for it is a certain and infallible Truth I come quickly i. e. all my comings are unexpected and by Surprize I begin very suddenly after the date of this Vision to bring it into effect I hasten all things to an end in the just and due time and am now just upon coming to put an end to this and all other Prophecies being not slack in performing them as some men count slackness 2 Pet. 3.9 Amen saith John the beloved Apostle and Servant of Christ in the Name and Person of Angels and Saints his fellow Servants even so be it come Lord Jesus in thy Kingdom come quickly 21 The 24 Justifying Sanctifying and efficaciously operative Grace Proceeding from the undeserved Love Favour and Assistances of our Lord God Jesus Christ our Saviour and anointed Prophet Priest and King be with you all Churches and Saints to whom this great Prophetical Epistle is Written Amen So be it and so it will certainly be 24 This whole Book of Prophecies being as it were one entire Epistle Monitory to the Church of God throughout all Ages of the World it is concluded as it was begun according to the custom of the Apostles with the usual Form of Valediction in their Epistles AMEN AMEN COME LORD JESUS COME QUICKLY FINIS