of them his own way Flâ—s de Jesse fuit Davidis sanguine Christus Catastrophe Sicuâ— Evangelii Biblia sacra probant Christ Jesses Flower from Davids blood did spring As Gospels sacred Books plain proofs doo bring THESIS VI. Apocalypsus patefacta The Revelation Reveled THe Apocalyps is a sublime speculation of Prophetic Preamble Visions reveled by Christ to John Evangelist exiled at Patmos by cruel Domitian Author of the secund primitiv persecution Son to mild Vespasian and Brother to merciful Titus termed Mankinds delight whom 't is thought he poisoned to enjoy the Empire Al Prophecies specialy Apocalyptic are deep dâ—rk mysteries seldom descried or disclosed til finished and fulfilled But becaus Mr. Joseph Medâ— late Felow of Christs College in Cambridg wher he died An. 1638. aged 53 a most rare Phoenix for al learned Languages and liberal Literature hath set out an exact Key of Synchronicisms or châ—onical Symetries and most accurat Comment on most part of the Text somwhat amply yet very obscurely they shal be more concisely contracted and cleerly complicated for every common capacity to guid their steps in this intricat labyrinth wher som things must be premised or predeclared for better understanding of it Clavis Appellativorum The Key of Terms or names THe seven spirits standing before Gods Throne after caled Precogâ—â—â—s â—ev 1. v. 4. seven Lamps of burning fire Rev. 4. v. 5. and the Lambs seven horns and seven eys Rev. 5. v. 6. are faithful zelous Ministers of the Word which wait before the Throne of God and Jesus Christ The seven golden Candlesticks are seven Churches in lesser â—â—ib v. 11 12 20. Asia ther named Ephesus Smyrna Pergamus Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea to whom John is bid by God to write in a Book what he saw The seven Stars which the Son of Man held in his right hand Ibid. v. 16 10. out of whos mouth went a sharp two edged Sword and his Face shone at the Sun are the Angels of thos seven Churches al Diocesan Bishops The whit Stone given to him that overcometh with a new Rev. 2. v. 17. Name writen which no Man knows sav he that receivs it betokens purity of Faith and integrity of Conscience Haply it relats to an old custom at Rome to giv Men acquited a whit stone and the condemned a black that their Officers might dispose of them accordingly wherof Ovid. Mos fuit antiquus niveis atrisque Lapillis His damnare reos illis absolvere culpam 'T was an old wont whit and black Stones to giv Thes damnd the guilty thos did the fault forgiv The twenty four Elders sitting on twenty four seats clothed Rev. 4. v. 〈◊〉 in whit with gold Crowns on their Heads round about Gods Throne are holy Prelats for number answering to the Priests and Levits twenty four courses of attendance in the Temple The four Beasts in midst of the Throne and round about it Ibid v. 6 7 8 being ful of Eys before and behind to shew sagacity ech of which had six Wings implying agility to execut Gods commands are the Israelits four Ensigns at their incampings in the Wildernes 1. Like a Lion for Juda's Camp on the East 2. A Bullock for Reubens on the South 3. With a Mans face for Ephraims on the West 4. A flying Eagle for Dans on the North side The Book writen within and sealed with seven Seals on the Rev. 5. v. 1 back side which the Lamb only was found worthy to open shews the various changes and chances of the secular Roman Empire til the end or dissolution therof The Lamb slain from the beginning Which stood in midst of Ibid. v. 6. the Throne and of the four Beasts and Elders having seven Horns and seven Eys is the Lord Jesus Son of God and Man That taketh away the sins of the World by his Death The seven seals which the Lamb opened in order are plagues Rev 6. per totum or punishments inflicted by God on the World wherin he useth the ministry of Angels The one hundred forty four thousand which were sealed of Rev. 7. v 3. to 8. Israels twelv Tribes twelv thousand or twelv times one thousand in ech are Christs elect Church caled afterward undefiled Virgins which folow the Lamb wherever he goeth Rev. 14. 1 5. The great multitud which none could number clothed with Ibid. v. 9 14 whit Robes and Palms in their hands are the numberless Nations Kindreds People Tribes and Toungs which cam out of tribulation singing praises to God The seven Angels with seven Trumpets given them which Rev 8. v. 1 2. sounded in order when the seventh Seal was opened are holy heavenly Messengers sent to denounce Gods heavy Judgment on the Earths Inhabiters The great Star burning like a Lamp or Torch which fel from Ibid. v. 10 11. Heaven into a third part of Rivers and Fountains caled Wormwood which made the Waters bitter that many died is Augustulus Romes last Emperor who fel from his high Throne and bittered a third part of Waters being a Prince of much baleful bitternes anguish and affliction to al his folowers The Angel flying through midst of Heaven and crying aloud Ibid. v 13. Wo Wo Wo to the Earths inhabiters is an Usher or forerunner of three others ready to sound great Woes The Locusts or long winged Grashopers coming from the bottom Rev. 9 v. 3. c. less Pits smoke are Mahometans derived from Arabia the Country of Locusts which plagued Egypt The King of Locusts caled in Hebrew Abaddon in Greec Ibid v. 11. Apollion the destroier is the Angel of the bottomless Pit stiled before Satan the old Serpent the Dragon the Devil and afterward the Accuser The four Angels bound at the great River Euphrates which Ibid. v. 14. c. the sixth Trumpeting Angel loosed are the Tures four Sultanies or Signiories who lay long confined neer that River but long ago let loos into the Eastern Empire which it hath since swalowed with much of West The litle open Book which a mighty Angel Christ had in his Rev. 10. v. 2 30. hand and made Johns belly bitter being bid to eat it declares the Churches destinies The Temple or inner Court to be measured is the primitiv Rev. 11. v. 1. Churches State under persecution of Pagan Emperors before Constantines conversion The outer Court not to be mesured but given to the Gentils Ibid. v. 2. who shal tread the holy City under foot forty two Annal months or 1260. yeers is the same Church given to new Idolaters or Image-worshipers caled Gentils The two Witnesses clad in sack-cloth which shal Prophecy Ibid v. 3. 4 5. 1260. annal dais being two Oliv trees and two Candlesticks are Patrons or Preachers of divine truth caled two becaus in the Law every Word shal be established by two Witnesses and in regard of Gods two Testaments which they use in prophecying
to make him manifest This Title contains three things 1. the Author God who gav it to Christ 2. The use for which he gav it to shew his Servants the things that shal shortly befal 3. The means by which Christs manifestation is put forth to this use 1. He sent and signified Ibid v. 2. 3. c. it by an Angel to John 2. The Preface directs either generaly to al Churches that bear record of Gods Word and Testimony of Jesus and al things he saw which wil make them blessed that read hear and keep the same or specialy to the seven Asian Churches of Jesus Christ who is described 1. By the properties or effects of his first coming in the Flesh who is the faithful Witnes and first begotten of the dead Prince of al earthly Kings which loved us and washed our sins in his Blood making us Kings and Priests to God his Father 2. By the properties and effects of his secund coming with Clouds when every Ey even thos that pierced him shal see him and al Kindreds wail becaus of him 3. By a narrativ of the Visions which extends from ch 1. v. 9. to ch 22. v. 6. 4. By the conclusion comprised ch 22. v. 6. ad finem Here consider 1. The certainty importance and use of it 2. The effects which it wrought in John who was ready to worship the Angel but bid to forbear 3. The command which he had not to seal the Prophecies with the reason of it 4. The authority therof is repeated becaus Jesus sent his Angels to testify thes things in the Churches becaus 't is ratified by the Spirit Bride and al Beleevers becaus the perfection is such as no thing may be added or subtracted on pain of eternal plagues and perdition The Contents of the Prophecy are triple 1 The things which John saw in the first Vision viz. 1 Vision Chap. 1. Christs presence with his Churches who is their Mediator and high Priest as walking in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks their King as holding their seven Stars or Angels in his right hand and Prophet as out of whos mouth went a sharp two edged sword of Gods Word 2 The things which then were Chap. 2 3. viz. the seven Churches to whom John by Christs appointment sent Epistles wherin al perfections and imperfections promises and menaces admonitions and reproofs exhoâ—tations and precepts are intended to al Churches and Pastors so wel as thes sith no Prophecy is of privat interpretation for the proem and period of every Epistle is Let him that hath an ear hâ—ar what the spirit saith to the Churches 3 The things to bâ—fal hereafter Ch. 4 tâ—l ch 22. which transcend from the Churches on Earth to the Kingdom of Heaven wher John saw the things which must be hereafter The secund Vision shews 1 What the Churches constitution 2 Vision in Heaven is how ordered about Gods Throne and set in his presence 2 What the administration of affairs in Heaven and Chap. 4. the Churches government on Earth by Jesus Christ is who a spotless Lamb flain meritoriously purchased that honor to open Chap 5. the sealed Book of Gods Counsils being his seven Eys of Wisdom and seven Horns of Power able alone to discharge such a trust 3 What changes chanced in the World and the Chap. 6. Churches condition at opening of the first six seals wher is shewed how at preaching of the Gospel great troubles and terrible Chap. 7. wars arose among Men wherin Christs Martyrs ly as Sacrifices under the Altar crying for vengeance but are comforted that they shal be avenged after a short season and their Enimies terrified at first executing of the Lambs wrath upon them Yet lest judgment prepared should fal on his Friends a preventiv Chap. 8. provision is made to seal and sever them from the rest that no hurt heat or hunger shal annoy them 4 What destruction betides or is brought on the World at opening the seventh seal and what glory to the Saints which last includs al that folows to the end of this Book Here seven Angels with seven Trumpets declare Gods Judgments on the Earth but the three last remarkably differ from the four first which giv warning of great Wo thrise threatned by tripetion to the Earths Inhabitants but the four first tend to depriv the World of a third part of their comforts as in trees green grass the Seâ— with al Animals therin Ships Rivers Fountains Sun Moon Stars the light of day and night The three Wo-Trumpets Chap. 9. produce heavier plagues both by Locusts which shal so torment Men that they shal seek death but not find it and Euphratean Horsmen which shal slay a third part of Men yet the rest repented not The third Vision of A mighty Angel coming from Heaven 3 Vision Chap. 10. clothed with a cloud and Rainbow on his head his face like the Sun and feet as pillars of fire who stood on the Sea and Earth had a litle Book open in his hand which John being bid eat up and inabled him to Prophecy The three past Visions shew three substantial Note differences of things reveled to John and three main changes of his Spirit in receiving them the first contains Christs ministration of his Offices on Earth among his Churches the next of his Offices in Heaven over al the World to preserv and propagat his Church the last of his Offices both in Heaven and Earth to finish al wickednes in the World and to perfect his Churches felicity In al which manifestations he is presented sutable to the things reveled 1 As a Man in dealing with Men 2 As a Lamb offred to God in dealing with God 3 As a mighty Angel to incounter Satan with his Angels and powers of darknes in the World The matter of this Vision is Chap. 11. to shew when and how the mystery of God spoken by the Prophets shal be finished wherin 1 John had a Reed as a Red given to mete the Temple Altar and them that worship 2 The out-Court is given to the Gentils who shal tread on the holy City fourty two moneths 3 The two sack cloth witnesses had power to Prophecy one thousand two hundred and threescore dais 4 The Beast rising from the bottomless pit shal slay them but after three dais and a half they revived and ascended to Heaven in a cloud which terrified their Enimies 5 Great joy was in Heaven becaus this worlds Kingdoms are becom the Lords and his Christs that he may reward his Saints and Servants Ther folow several subordinat Visions which concern the Church typified by a woman Chap. 12. and respect 4 times 1 Before she fled into the wildernes who brought a Man-child which the Dragon waited to devour but he was rapt up to Heaven and the Dragon with his Angels cast to Earth by the Angel Michael yet he persecuted the Woman and made war
Throne saying it is doon so he that sat beholding new Jerusalem descend from Heaven said to John Lo I make al Rev. 21 5 6. things new it is doon I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and end Ergo new Jerusalem begins at the Phials last term It is doon when the whore was dispatched and so symbolizeth with that time which insâ—eth the Beasts perdition For one of the Phial Angels shewd John the whores condemnation while the Rev. 17. Phials were pouring out and one at least behind which Angel shewed him the great City holy Jerusalem or Lambs Bride descending from God when it becam glorious the Phials being ended and Beast with Babylon destroied Ergo it began with the seventh trumpet 6 The numberless multitud of al Nations Kinreds People and Toungs bearing triumphant Palms who are Citizens of new Rev 7 9. 16. 17 Jerusalem that shal hunger or thirst no more for the Lamb shal lead them to living Fountains of water and God shal wipe al tears from their eys concur with the seventh trumpet or space of time from the Beasts destruction Thes are his several sorts of Synchronicisms which I hav put in so plain English as my smal skil in such sublime speculations can perform wherto heads this brief period or perclose After Christs thousand yeers reign and Satans condemnation 〈◊〉 to eternal fire folows the general Resurrection and final Judgment After new Jerusalem folows Paradise with the tree of Life in midst like Eden having a River on ech side Rev 20. 11 12 13. 14. Rev. 22. 12 of the street which is the worlds consummation and conclusion of this Revelation when God wil giv every Man as his work shal be Such a Key of Synchronicisms or Apocalyptic compass wil open al the hid mysteries of this Book with which no part of the old Testament no not Daniels Visions or Vaticinations can compare for certainty or singular structure to find out the right interpretation by concent or harmony of times and concurrence of things Lord open every Mans â—ys that he may discern thy wondrous works of wisdom Commentarii Compendium The Brief of his Commentary NExt ensues his cuâ—ious Comment which contains two Comment principal parts 1 Of the seven Seals and seven Trumpets 2 Of the litle Book both being vastly tedious and imperspicuous but som sporadical excerptions shal be presented more plausible and perceptible craving pardon for not abbreviating al particular parcels He begins with the Apocalyptic Theater wher John behold Part 1. al as on a Stage which is that imperial Heavenly Session of God and the Church exactly framed after the form of old Israels incamping in the Wildernes both which he compares Rev 4. Numb 1. 52. at large wel worth perusal but too prolix to capitulat He omits the Vision of seven Asian Churches in the three first chapters and parts the rest into two Prophecies 1. Of the Seals which comprehends the Empires destinies 2. Of the litle Book which concerns the Church or Christian Religion til in fine both be united in the Church and this Worlds Kingdoms Rev. 11. 15. becom the Lords Kingdoms and his Christs The scope of the sealed Book is to shew the distances of insuing times distinguished by characters of events in what order of changes and chances the Roman Empire running on Christ should vanquish the Gods of this World with whom he waged war Rev. 5. who must reign til he hath put al Enemies underfeet viz. al terren power and authority as St. Paul expounds The first 1 Cor. 15. 24. 25. six Seals distinguish divers different times of the Empire then florishing til Christ shal suppress the Heathen Gods or Idols in al thos dominions The first shews the origin of Christs victory when 1 Seal Rev. 4 7. the fals Gods fel and the worshipers being pierced with the Gospels arrows submitted to Christ the conqueror who hath not yet fully overcom but laid a fair foundation of Victory to be gradualy finished The discloser of this Seal is The first Beast like a Lion shewing one on a whit Rev 6. 1. 2. Hors with a Bow and Crown given him this is Christ or som Emperor haply Vespasian by whos conduct the war is waged and victory won as the folowing Seals are disposed or directed by Emperors The secund shews murders and intestin slaughters which 2 Seal the next Beast like a Bullock discloseth by One riding on a red Hors with a great Sword which was Trajan a mighty warrier born in Spain who made the third bloody primitiv persecution and the Jews raised fierce wars in Lybia beside many momutinies in most parts of the Empire The third shews a voice saying A measure of Wheat for a 3 Seal Rev. 6. 5. 6. penny and three of Barly for a penny see thou hurt not the Oil and Wine by which most Men deem dearth and famin to be meant yet he rather resembles it to the severe justice then executed The discloser is The third Beast with a Mans face by one on A black Hors with a pair of Ballances in his hand which is Septimius Severus an African in whos reign was no noted famin but famous justice wherof the Ballance is an Emblem The pricing of Victuals seems to sound thus take not Wheat or Barly from any til du price be paid and keep the like law in Oil and Wine that is defraud none nor steal or purloin for this Septimius and Alexander Severus both of one name shortly succeding were most strict justiciars denoted in this third Seal See Aurelius of the first and Lampridius of the last The fourth shews Killing with the Sword Hunger Pestilence 4. Seal Rev. 6. 7. 8. and Beasts of the Earth whos discloser is The fourth Beast in shape of an Eagle presenting one whos name was Death and Hel folowed who rode on a pale Hors having power over a fourth part of the Earth This is Maximinus a big barbarous Bubulc born in Thracia under whom the Sword raged every wher For in this Seals compas of thirty three yeers ten lawful Caesars wherof Maximin one were slain by the Souldiers besides thirty usurpers as Orosius tels wherof Galienus the last exceded al the rest far in savage ferity as Trebellius Pollio informs In the same age also the pestilence prevailed for fiften yeers over al the Empire as Zonaras testifies Lastly folowed famin in most ruful maner for al was wasted by thos wild Beasts and tillage abandoned so that a fourth part of the Earth or Empire perished The fift and sixt Seals havâ— no Beast to usher them nor any 5 Seal sitting on Horses but must begin wher the chance of the Rev. 6. 9. 10. 11. foregoing Seal left viz. at Aurelians reign A. 268. when the fiften yeers pestilence ceased In which the Souls of them slain for Gods Word and Testimony which they held lay under the Altar crying aloud how
be for a time times and half or 1260. yeers and from the Temples abominable desolation to that time 1290. 2. That the Son of God lifted his hand to Heaven and swore by him who created Heaven Earth Sea and al things in them that time shal be no longer or ther shal be no delay nor any time intervene But at the seventh Angels voice or sound of his Trumpet the Rev. â— 18. mystery of God shal be finished as he declared to his Prophâ—ts Thes things saith the Son of God whos eys flame as fire and his feet like fine Brass Thes things saith he that is boly and tru that Rev. 3. 14. hath the key of David c. Thes things saith Amen the faithful tru Witnes and beginning of the Creation of God Who then wil not beleev him Sith then according to Gods decree Anthichrist shal rage or reign but three times and half or 1260. yeers which terminat at end of A. 1655. Let us look up and Luk. 21. 28. lift our heads on high for our redemption draweth nigh Ob. Som Objections occur such meer mysteries may not be pried into specialy of things yet to com for divers deep Divines and solid Scholars hav been lost in this labyrinth Ergo it should remain as a book sealed til the event or accomplisHment be reveled as Christ to his Disciples curious question of Israels kingdoms restauration answered 't is not for you to know the Acts 1. 6 7. times and seasons which the Father hath put in his own power much less for us Sol. The Apocalyps is ful of dark deep mysteries which wil â—y hid til the event detect them by applying Histories to see or search the effects therein meant or mentioned yet it folows not that we must lay it aside and not inquire what is already accomplished or shortly to be expected specialy touching the time when the Churches Enimies shal be destroyed and it restored to rest for Daniel observed by Books what the Lord told Jeremy Dan. 9. â— Rev. 1. 3. that he would accomplish seventy yeeres in Jerusalems desolation and John saith Blessed is he that reads and they which hear the words of this Prophecy to keep the things writ therin for the time is at hand 'T is a book of memorable Acts which foretels what shal betide Gods Church and the Empire under which it subsists being writen to be read and such stiled blessed as read it for many things are already fulfilled and by comparing thos past with the Apocalyps we may the better descry what to look for yer long but he that forbears to read or is not versed in Roman Histories nor knows how to distinguish Revolutions or Changes but confounds Apocalyptic numbers making many Epoches wheras they synchronize containing only Relativs and correlativs or carelesly slights the numbers as an arcane mistery to such it remains a Book unopened ful of obscurities Is qui nil dubitat nil capit inde boni Men must dig Diamonds out of Rocks and never be daunted or deterred with difficulty many learned hav mistook for thes causes 1 Most primitiv Interpreters apply things to their times which had no relation and som modernists folow their steps as wild Gees doo their leaders misleading others out of the way Secondly a right method is not used for in the Apocalyps al things are orderly set as they shal befal the synchronisms folowing one another and revolutions exactly distinguished as Histories doo in describing human actions and affaires but too many Expositors pervert this cours thinking to set things as succeding one another which being Relata belong to the same time Who place before Babylons fal what shal be after not knowing wher they stick nor how to wind out Thirdly they confound the Civil and Ecclesiastic State oft applying Monastic matters or Antichrists actions to Monarchic and contrarily Yet that the Revelation shall remain a Book sealed or shut up repugns the very Text for the seven Epistles were never sealed the Lamb opened the sealed Book the other was a little open one and Rev. 10. 2. 8. Rev. 22. 10. at end an Angel saith to John Seal not the Prophecies for the time is at hand Now tho Daniel was bid to close his Prophecy yet was it Dan. 12 4. 9. but til the time of the end for it was unsealed after by Johns Revelation Christ spak of times and seasons occasioned that John 2. 4 8 9. 't is not for men to know what God conceals as he said to his Mother my hour is not yet com yet soon supplied the Wine out of Water Here we tak time in general which is determined on Antichrists blasphemies and tyrannies in what yeer it shal begin or end which God hath reveled as is shewed not month day or hour which the Father keeps in his own power So tho no infallible certainty in al circumstances can be had yet many most pregnant conjects are prefined Ob. The chief O jection is that al Divines and Statesmen set the period of the fourth Monarchy and Papacy at Christs secund coming either to reign a thousand yeers as Chiliasts cry or to judg al flâ—sh which Master Mede makes one day or time but there is no certainty of confining the Catastrophe to A. 1655. Ergo 't is presumption for you so to doo Sol. The Apocalyps mentions no such matter but clean contrary Rev. 19. 1. to 20. for upon Romes destruction great joy was heard in heaven and the Son of God who at opening the first Seal went forth to Conquer on a whit Hors appeers again on the same whom the Armies followed on whit Horses clad in clean whit linnen Thes are Martyrs who having whit Robes given them Rev 7 14. cam out of great tribulation and washed their robes being caled chosen and faithful Against them the Beast and Kings of the Rev. 17. 14. Earth made war the issu wherof was that the Beast and fals Prophet Empire and Popedom or rather popish Clergy and Pope shal be cast alife into a Lake of fire burning with briâ—stone Rev 20. 1 2 3. but the Dragon had Quarter who is only shut or sealed up in the Ibid. v. 11. to 15. bottomless pit for a thousand yeers that he should deceiv the Nations no more nor excite them against the Church In the interim Gods faithful Children hav rest but the last judgment is described afterward hereto agrees Daniel's Image representing Dan. 2. 34 35. the four Monarchies til the stone smot it on his feet which was not when the fourth began for feet and toes were not then til the end thereof and broke it in peeces but the stone becam a great Mountain or Kingdom when al four Monarchies are grinded to dust which shal break in peeces al the rest Daniel in this Monarchic Vision beheld til the Dan 7. per totum Thrones were cast down and the Antient of dais sat not for
leaving Egs in the Earth to increas their issu They had a King the Angel of the bottomless Pit caled â—n Hebrew Abaddon in Greec Apollyon destroier which imports them Infidels or Children of unbeleef subject to the Prince of the Air as St. Paul saith wheras Eph. 2. v. 〈◊〉 Christians are freed from Sarans power and converted to God This Prince cald before the Devil old Serpent Satan Dragon is here new named Abaddon wheras Mahometans profes to worship one sole God Demiurgus Maker of the univers to whom they giv the Epither Abdi or Abada i. Eternal wheras the holy Ghost givs this King a title of semblable sound but opposit sens Abaddon the Worlds destroier instead of Demiurgus the Maker The sixth or secund of Wo hath a voice from the four horns 6 Trumpet Rev. 9. 13. to 2â— of the golden Altar saying Loos the four Angels which are bound at the river Euphrates Thes Angels being Patrons of thos parts metaphoricaly signify the confining Nations which breaking in upon the Roman Regions stopped a few ages neer this River but are now loosed They may probably imply the Turcs four Sultanies or Signiories Asia minor Aleppo Damascus Antioch but becaus Antioch lying a little remot from Euphrates lasted but fourten yeers being surprised by Boemund in the holy war som instead reckon Bagdet beyond Euphrates in Persia Such was their State at first irruption under Trogulbecus or Tongrolipix who took Bagdet An. 1008. Seididruddulas or Cutlumuses Nephew to Tangrolipix founded the Asian Kingdom An. 1012. Siarfuddulas subdued Aleppo An. 1079. Tagaddaulas another Nephew of Tangrolipix surprised Damascus at the same time Al which Angels were long limited to thos parts with manifold changes and now at last let loos being prepared for an Hour a Day Month and Yeer that they might slay the third part of Men. This loosing befel when the Tartars abolished Bagdets Caliphship A. C. 1621. An. 1258. and the Turcs were cast as it were with a sling into the Empires territories on this side Euphrates For the Latins who staid their incursions two hundred yeers were about that time driven out of Syria and Palestine Then the Turcs shared lesser Asia til Ottoman grew great whos Son Orchanes entred Europ and his fith Successor Mahomet 2. took Constantinople which is that slaughter of a third part of Men here intimated as the time a Day Month and Yeer plainly indicats For a Prophetic Day implies one yeer a A nice observation if vâ—ri table Month thirty a yeer three hundred threescore and fiv in al three hundred ninty six Now Tangrolipix was inaugurated King of Persia An. 1057. and Constantinople sacked An. 1453. just 396. yeers asunder Haply the very hour which in that proportion makes fiften dais agreed also with the event if Almachinus had recorded the Month of his Inauguration so wel as the yeer They are said to be Horsmen as Turcs and Persians are mo then Foot in number two hundred thousand thousand which intimats huge Armies as David saith The Charets of God are Psal â—8 17. twenty thousand even thousands of Angels such vast Armies the East Nations bring into field I heard saith John the number of them viz. by voice for he cannot see numbers in Vision and so must other places be understood which appeer not by Vision Ezekiel in his Prophecy against Gog the land of Ezek. 38. 2 3. Magog chief Prince of Mesech and Tubal from whom Tures descend describes them to be Horsmen armed for Persians and Parthians take name of Paras a Hors or Horsman But Turcs since their long plantations ther are by Nicetas and others caled Persians So thes Euphratean Horsmen are Turco-Persians They had brest-plats of fire Jacinthian smoke and brimstone which is no wher els in Scripture Ergo it may wel allud to Guns and the Horses heads were like Lions out of whoâ— mouths issued fire smoke and brimstone by which a third part of Men was killed For the Turcs used Guns latly before invented See Chalâ—â—â—dilas at siege of Constantinople and slu a third part of Inhabitants as their Successors did since at Corinth and other Cities Such sharp sawces make meats seem more savoury and Mr. Mede hath many such unvulgar unparalleld Annotations The Horsmens power was in their mouths and tails having tails like Serpents and heads with both which to doo hurt So Sarasens are said to hav sharp tails of Scorpions which is tru of Turcs who had tails of Serpents signifying their Mahometan subtlety or imposture wherby both did more mischief then by the Sword The rest of Men which were not killed by thes plagues repented not of their works that they should not worship Devils and Idols of gold c. which can neither hear see nor walk Nor of their Murders Sorceries Fornication and Thefts This is manifestly meant of Christians in the Roman Empire which worship Images made of those metals and materials for none but they doo 〈◊〉 on this side Euphrates Thes indeed are no Devils or unclean Spirits sith no Christians wil 1 Tim 4. 1 2 3. wittingly or willingly worship such But Demoniacs or Deastri dead Men Deified whom they make Mediators of Intercession betwen God and Men. The seventh Trumpet or third of Wo is ready to sound but 7 Trumpet Rev. 10 v. 1 c. a mighty Angel cam from Heaven clothed with a Cloud a Rainbow on his Head his Face as the Sun and Feet pillars of Fire He had in his hand a little Book open who set his right foot on the Sea and left on Earth crying loud as when a lyon roars and seven thunders uttered their voices John was about to write it but a voice from Heaven said seal up thes things which the seven thunders uttered and write not Then the Angel lifted his hand to Heaven and swore by him that livs for ever that Time shal be no more But in the dais of the seventh Angels voice when he shal begin to sound the mystery of God should be finished as he declared to his servants the Prophets The sound of this seventh Trumpet should succed the sixth but is superseded by the litle Book intervening yet lest ought be omitted in the interim to fulfil the Prophecy of Seals the holy Ghost shews the last trumpets event in general viz. that at sound therof the Roman Beast being destroid and the last heads time com to an end the mystery of God shal be finished as he foretold his Prophets For so 't is declared to Daniel that the fourth Dan 7. 13. 14. Beast being slain the Son of Man or King of Saints should rule over the World and the gratious promises of restoring Israel be fulfilled The finishing of which mystery is Christs glorious Kingdom which arose or appeered at sound of the 7 Ttrumpet when the grand acclamation of Voices in Heaven was heard saying The Kingdoms of this World are becom the Lords and his Rev.
Pray and lift up your Heads 1 Thes 5. 2 3. for your redemption is at hand but such as liv securely as assured of their salvation speaking peace and safety to their Souls Sudden destruction shal com upon them as travel on a Woman With Child and they shal not escape The day of the Lord shal com as a Thief in the night therfore watch and pray for great things and terrible revolutions are at dore to befal at end of A. 1655. wherin this Author is most confident who proceds thus It rests to be shewed 1. What hitherto hath bin fulfilled 2. What at present is effected 3. What shortly is to be expected which is chiefly contained in the 11. and 16. Chapters The Revelation describes the State of Christs Church in the new Testament and what shal betide the fourth Monarchy under which it subsists This description includs three Periods of time 1. The Dragons Ethnic Kingdom when seven Crowns 1 Period stood on his seven Heads being publicly adored and Christians persecuted by Pagan Emperors to which reign Constantin Rev. 12. 3. Rev. 13. 1. 2. put a Period A. 312. and the Church triumphed til Theodosius died A. 395. At which time the Devil left his shape of a Dragon resigning his Host Seat and great Authority to the Beast with seven Heads and ten Horns which rose from the Sea 2. Antichrists Vicarian Lieftenentship under the Dragon 2 Period Rev. 12. 15 16. from A. 395. til A. 1655. now neer During which space the Pope or fals Prophet blasphemed Gods name and persecuted his Saints for one thousand two hundred sixty yeers but when the Dragon was cast to ground he cast water out of his mouth as a Flood to carry away the VVoman that is he stirred the North Nations to invade the Empire and infest the Church but the Earth swalowed the Flood for they embraced Christanity and erected sundry Kingdoms The Dragon seing Idolatry could not be publicly erected resigned to the Beaâ—t risen from the Sea on which the great Whore or Antichrist the Dragons Deputy Vicar crept up in thos wars rode his seat power and authority viz. his host of Devils or Idols wherin Ethnics worshiped him which his Antichristian Vicar stil continues under the name of Saints Herof St. John speaks Rev. 13. 3 4. al the World wondred at the Beast but worshiped the Dragon which gav him power and the Beast also saying who is like him or able to make War with him This Lieftenentship is to last forty two months or one thousand two hundred sixty annal dais which beginning A. 395. must end A. 1655. as is said Then folows the Churches tru peace or prosperity at last 3 Period Rev 20. 1 2 3. Period for at sound of the seventh Trumpet the seventh Wo cam on the Empire and the seventh Phial of Gods wrath was poured oâ—â— wherwith the Churches Enimies are cut off and the Devil shut up in the bottomless Pit for one thousand yeers so that nothing but tru tranquillity can insu Hence the Church Rev. 11. 15. exults with great voice saying the Kingdoms of this World are becom the Lords and his Christs who shal reign for ever To thes three times al three Parts of the Apocalyps are Analysis squared for the Son of God desâ—ribes the state of his Church and what shal befal the Empire in a triple maner 1. By seven Epistles chap. 2. and 3. 2. By a Book sealed ch 4. 5. 6. 7. 3. By a litle open Book ch 10. to the end He also appeered to John in several shapes 1. As a Son of Man ch 1. who suffred in the fiâ—â—t Period 2. As a Beast like a Lamb with seven Horns and seven Eys ch 5. which fights in the secund Period 3. As a strong Angel clothed with a Cloud ch 10. who reigns having al things put under his feet in the third last Period As a Son of Man in mâ—â—st of seven golden Candlesticks he declares the Churches condition in general by seven Epistles wherof the two siâ—st belong to the first Period the â—iv last to the se und but the Promises ch 2. and 3. to the last As a Lamb he opens the sealed Book Gods hidden Decree implying the Roman Empires estate distinctly under which the Church is built and subsists ch 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. and 9. viz. in the Politic State for the first Period til A. 395. which by opening the six first Seals is performed the Ethnic Emperors condition is shewed in the first fiv but the fal of Paganism in the sixth from Constantin to Theodosius death In the secund Period from A. 395. to 1655. when the seventh Seal is to be opened seven Angels with seven Trumpets declare by seven Judgments then executed the Empires ruin Ch. 8. 1. By Barbarians A. 395. 2. By Romes first sackage A. 410. 3. By suppressing the West Empire in Augustulus A. 476. 4. By abolishing al public Offices A. 552. 5. By Sarrasens as the first Wo tels ch 9. 1. to 12. 6. By Turcs ch 9. 13 to 19. 7. By Papists palpable Idolatry Murders Sorceâ—ies Fornications and other abominable sins as in the secund Wo ch 9. 20 21. In the third Period at entry of A. 1655. the seventh Angel sounds and Judgment is executed with the third Wo on the Churches Enimies wherby Gods mystery is fulfilled ch 10. 9. As an Angel covered with a Cloud having a litle Book opened which John swalowed he foretels what shal befal the Ecclesiastic State in al three Periods 1. The Church is built up under persecutions ch 11. 1 2. 2. 'T is gloriously beautified with the Sun having the Moon under foot as despising al mundan things and a Crown of twelv Stars the twelv Apostles on hir Head ch 12. 1. 2. 3. The red Dragon raiseth many Heresies and troubles but Constantin as Michael overcam him and expeld Heathenism v. 9. In the secund Period thes seven Synchronicisms are set forth 1. The holy City trod down by the Gentils ch 11. 2. 2. The two VVitnesses mourn in sack cloth v. 3. to 10. 3. The VVoman fled into the Desart ch 12. 6 to 14. 4. The ten hornd Beast blasphems God and makes war with the Saints 5. The two hornd drivs a pety pedâ—ing trade ch 13. per totum 6. The company of one hundred forty four thousand sing a new Hymn and liv blamless ch 14. 1. to 6. 7. The VVhore of Babylon or Papal Hierarchy rides and rules the ten hornd Beast of free accord ch 17. Herupon God forewaâ—nd hir by declaring his plagues and punishments ch 15. and 16. but when no redres folowd he past sentence to confound hir Hence in the third Period the Churches joy or ovation over hir Enimies total ruin is displaied with hir wished peace or tranquillity ch 19. Thes are the general Contents of al but many mo important particulars relating to our times occur which shal be summarily collected for the Churches
None know the day of Judgment nor direct time of it no not the Son of Man but if Christ shal reign on Earth one thousand yeers before it any Man can then tel it wil be one thousand yeers after 6. Jerusalem shal never be restored no more then Sodom or Samaria as the Prophets inform but eternal life in new Jerusalem is the reward of just Men at last day as St Paul Ezek. 16 53 Amos 5. 3. 2 Tim. 4 6. tels Ergo none shal reign on Earth with him in a rebuilt new Jerusalem much less he with them here 7. Antichrist is to be cast alife into the Lake burning with Brimstone at the Lambs mariage which shal be celebrat with his whol Church of Elect not part at the general Resurrection Rev. 19. Rev. 7. 20. Ergo he shal not be totaly destroyed til last day as is shewed 8. The reward of Mattyrs is eternal life in Heaven Ergo not temporal on Earth a thousand yeers but their Souls according to Chiliasts are in wors condition then other Saints which stay behind that space to enjoy the beatific Vision while they grovel below and return to bodies that eat drink sleep and delight in carnal things not like Christs glorious body nor thos immortal ones promised to the Faithful which must needs be irksom to them 9. The holy Martyrs Souls rest under the Altar in Heaven til their Brethren be fulfilled Ergo shal not return to reign here a thousand yeers Archer seing how absurd 't is to bring Rev. 6. 9. back Souls til last judgment rovs at random that no Soul shal enter the third or highest Heaven til then but abide in a sublunar Paradise with Enoch and Elias yet how knows he their Mansion is sublunar or can that be under the Altar To silv which scruple he frams a new Moon-calf-model of Heaven Hel and Paradise after his own Pythagorean Noddle 10. Antichrist is to continue til the last day of Judgment Ergo he shal not be fully or finaly abolished before thos thousand yeers commence as Chiliasts say who agree not together whether thos Saints during the millenium shal beget children as others then living must multiply incredibly nor how al shal be sustained with food and raiment whether miraculously or by industry Such are Sphynx Riddles and many mo Reasons may be alleged but let thes suffice Now to answer their arguments the chief arrows in their quiver folow who like al other Sects and Factions cul out the obscurest places of Scripture either misunderstood or misapplied or misinterpreted putting their own sens on them which shal be sincerely scanned Ob. To begin with their best Basilisc of battery Saint John Rev. 20 4 5. saith I saw the Souls of them that were beheaded for the witnes of Jesus who lived and reigned with him a thousand yeers but the rest of the dead lived not again til thos yeers were finished this is the first Resurrection Ergo they shal regin so long Sol. The Apocalyps is a most misty mistical Prophecy and this the darkest part which treats of the Resurrection only obiter or occasionaly wheras first Resurrection in al places els is spiritual of the Soul from the grav of sin to Grace and the very words apply to the Souls not Bodies of thos that were beheaded for holy Writ hath no first Resurrection of the Body but we must seek the tru meaning wher Resurrection is purposly handled and much more is here included or intruded in the premisses then the conclusion can bear for no Ey able to pierce a Milston is able to espy Earth in al the Context nor that Christ shal reign with the Martyrs but they with him to the tru meaning of the words the very next much conduce They shal be Priests of God and Christ and shal reign with him Now his Priesthood is spiritual as his Kingdom so al Christians are Priests but not to offer bodily Sacrifices and al Kings but not to rule mens temporal stats els ther would be more Kings then Subjects in thos thousand yeers sith not only the Martyrs and a few privileged Saints but al the godly millions of millions that must be born in that space must reign as Kings nor can it in any property of speech be applied to Christs personal reign on Earth sith 't is eternal not to be measured by time but if it be referred to his regal office of Mediator that is far longer then a thousand yeers for if al his Monarchy past from his byrth til now 1654 yeers be cut off whith repugns al Scripture sith he stil sits on Davids Throne ruling his Church as King yet the future cannot be confined to so short a scantle sith sundry secular Stats Signiories or Soveraignties hav lasted far longer hence master Archer makes the millenium the evening or last daun of his personal reign contrary to master Mede assuming to the morning many mo as if Christ by his omniscience and opening the Books of every Conscience cannot dispatch Judgment in a moment but must imploy thousands of yeers as men will presum to appoint him Saint Paul hath three parallel phrases If Children then Heirs Rom. 8. 1â— of God and joynt Heirs with Christ if we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together here we are Heirs Sufferers and glorified with him yet none imply his personal presence with men here but our spiritual communion with him in Heaven the case is semblable of this Millenar reign which is meant mysticaly and metaphoricaly of the Saints eternal reign with Christ this is the King-key of al the Fabric and therfore so amply answered Ob. Daniel saith many not al that shal sleep in the dust of Dan. â—â— â— Earth shal awake som to eternal life and som to shame and everlasting contempt but al shal rise at last day Ergo this is meant of the Millenar reign and real first Resurrection of Martyrs and som special Saints to Earthly glory Sol. He had need of cleer Crystal Specticles or Galilaeus great perspectiv who can see such a meaning for the Prophet speaks soly of the last Resurrection which Martyrs shal not partake as Chiliasts teach nor the wicked of the first til thos one thousand yeers end The Word many so hotly pressed provs not that al shal not rise at once but that thos which rise shal be many So Dr. Deodat senseth it wel to the Original the multitud of them that sleep in dust shal awake For al and many are oftimes Synonyma signifying the same as several subjects prompt and plain precedents prov Repl. Daniel ads the wise shal shine as the Firmament and Ibid. v. 3. Saints as Stars but at last Resurrection they shal shine as the Sun Ergo he means the first Sol. He expresseth no absolut but comparativ glory of Saints As St. Paul saith ther is one glory of the Sun another of Moon and Stars so is your Resurrection Nor doth