or Dragon and his two companions the Beast and the false-Prophet Day and night Continually without intermission For ever and ever A description of all Eternity 11. And I saw a great white Throne By this Throne a cloud is understood and being termed a great Throne the Universall judgement is figured out and being also called a white one Truth Equity and Justice are thereby signified And one sitting thereon Namely Christ God and Man Now he is said to be seen to sit there that hereby we may be taught That he is prepared and ready to passe judgement From whose face Being both most refâ—lgent and full of austherity The Earth and Heaven fled away That is the fashion of this world passed away and was consumed with fire which went before this Judge and the Creatures the Inhabitants of earth and heaven did all tremble at the sight of him And there was found no place for him By reason of the resplendenâ—y and Majesty of the Judge which no creature could endure without being changed into some other state and condition Therefore there shall be an Universall change of the whole world in that Judgement day 12. And I saw the dead That is Those who had been dead but were now raised and restored unto life Small and great A Dichotomy or division naturally to be understood in regard of quantity morally in regard of quality or dignity So that all must be placed before the Tribunall of Christ Standing before God As expecting his definitive sentence And the Books were opened Books not devised or written by any other then by every one in his own private conscience dictated according to his severall thoughts words and deeds These Books therefore thus written have hitherto been reserved shut up and not taken notice of as it were in some private closet or place of account But now they are opened so that they may be plainly read by every particular man And another book was opened That onely book written by God himself Which is the book of Life That is The secret and hidden Decree of God concerning our Election which there shall in publike be exhibited and made manifest Now it is called The book of Life because therein God hath as it were set down the names of them who through his grace and favour shall become heirs of eternall life Compare Luke 10.20 And the dead were judged A definitive sentence passing upon all acquitting some and condemning others Out of those things which were written in the Book To wit In the books of mens consciences Now these books shall be opened after a severall manner For the books of the Consciences of godly men shall not be so opened that their sinnes shall rise up in judgement against them for in this respect they are still sealed up but they shall be so opened that they may read indeed their sinnes there many and gâ—eat ones but so as they are covered by Christ and the power of them more and more weakened by the Spirit of Christ through repentance and the study of good works Therefore the godly shall reade in their conscience the justice of Christ covering their sinnes and through him bringing forth good works But the condition of the ungodly shall be farre otherwise For they shall read in their consciences their sinnes not pardoned by Christ According to their works Which shall give testimony either of their faith in Christ or else of their impiety and unbeleef 13. And. Tâ—ansitively for After that that is After the sentence of the Judge now passed and published The sea gave up her dead that were in it Bâ—ing drowned or devoured of fiâ—nes And death That is The Fire Aire and Beast of the Earth and Fowls yeelded up their dead which had not been buâ—yed And Hell That is The Grave In these words then is contained partly a description of the generall Resurrection partly a distribution of the bodies of them that were dead into three sorts One of them that were drowned in the Sea Another of those which were not drowned in the Sea but being dead had no buriall as being brought to ashes either by the fire or aire or else devoured by beasts of the earth or by flying fowls A third sort of those who were laid in their graves Gave up their dead By the command and appointment of God Which were in them The very same and not others the same in number And they were judged every man Not any one being excepted According to their works So that no man shall have cause to complain of any injury done unto him 14. And death And for But adversatively Death that is some and indeed most of the dead but not buryed And Hell The Grave which is here put for them that were buryed therein And again not all the buryed are here to be understood but some and indeed most Now by Death and Hell may be understood men deserving both Were cast into the lake of fire That is made subject and slaves to eternall damnation so that the Saints for the time to come need not stand in any danger or fear of them Which is the second Death Or Eternall This Relative Which may either be referred to the word Lake or else may be taken collectively In the former acception the Lake is called the second death that is a signe or Symbol of the second or eternall death In the latter the judgement of condemnation committed to execution is called the second death Now this is called the second death because the bodies and souls of the damned do in very deed dye twice For the body dyeth both when it is separated from the soul and also when being again joyned to the body it is seperated from God And the soul dyeth both when in this life it separateth it self from God by sinne and when after this life it is separated from God by everlasting punishment Lastly This punishment is called Death because it taketh away the life of grace and glory with which if the life of nature be compared it is rather to be called death then life 15. And whosoever was not found And for For a copulative particle for a declarative Finding is here applyed to God by an {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} or by attributing of humane actions passions and affections to the unlimited power and unsearchable operations of the Deity Written in the book of Life Both in the former book as well through the love and election of God as in the latter by faith hope and charity Was cast into the lake of fire Through the just judgement of God and by his own default 2. A Logicall-Theologicall Analysis This Chapter is divided into five parts I. THe Description of the Angel Vers. 1. II. The Effects or operations of the Angel that is what the Angel did In part of the 1. Verse 2.3 III. The happy estate of the Church which followed upon what the Angel had effected In part of the 2 3 4 5
fancy of yesterday muchlesse savouring of Popery have thought and published concerning this opinion Besides the irrefragable judgement of the Divine Tycho Brahe that singular ornament both of the Heavens and his owne Denmarke and with him the termination herein of Carolus Gallus omitted by Asted and not long agoe one of the States Professors of Divinity in their University of Leyden If thou finde any discrepancy in their resolutions about this matter perswade thy selfe that time and the holy Spirit will more and more enlighten the deepe mysteries of Godâ— word and of its unspeakable goodnesse of the Saints of God will yet in these latter times make us all of one heart and one mind in Christ Iesuâ— That all we that doe confâ—sse his holy Name may agree in the truth of his holy Word and live in unity and godly love which is the prayer of our Church In the meane time good Reader consider that it is as lawfull for men yea for good Christians themselves to differ in circumstances of opinions as it is requisite and seemely that they should grow up together like m fellow branches in matter of good correspondence and affection Farewell SCRIB LIMNOPOROPOLI Antiquorum Saxonum five Regiovici in Regniâ— X. ab V.L. Ad Jamissam Ptolomaei si non omnes depravati codâ— In {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} quod Iohannes Loukinn LONDINI IV. Mater 39. Edw. R. 3. P. Elizabethâ— Regina {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} SCHOLPUBL GR. LAT. LL. E. V. Regni sui III. To the Christian Reader THere are three things necessary for him who takes upon him to expound Prophecies published by the Holy Ghost And first truely the light and Grace of the holy Spirit is requisite For seeing that Prophecie proceedeth from the holy Spirit It is necessary that by the same also it should be expounded Next Apious and diligent reading of Prophecies and conferring them one with another much avayleth hereunto Lastly The fulfilling of any Prophecie and an experience in a manner thereof is as it were the Key with which it is unlockt and opened Wherefore that saying of Irenaeus is true Every Prophecy before it is fulfill'd is a Riddle But when it is fulfill'd it hath a plain exposition and understanding of it self These three things as in all holy Prophecies so in the Divine Revelation may be joyned together and namely in this piece thereof which now according to my Ability I am about to Illustrate and at this day too Wherein to the light of the Gospel there is added a great Catastrophe or Issue of many things foretold by God himself except indeed any one happily chance to be bewitched with a prejudicate opinion Let us set sail therefore in the Name of God and comfort the desolation of Germany with this pious meditation Revelation Chap. 20. ANd I saw an Angel come down from heaven having the Key of the bottomelesse pit and a great chain in his hand 2. And he laid hold on the Dragon that old Serpent which is the devill and Satan and bound him a thousand yeers 3. And cast him into the bottomlesse pit and shut him up and set a seal upon him that he should deceive the Nations no more till the thousand yeers should be fulfilled and after that he must be loosed a little season 4. And I saw thrones and they sate upon them and judgement was given unto them And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witnesse of Iesus and for the Word of God and which had not worshipped the beast neither his image neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand yâ—ers 5. But the rest of the dead lived not again untill the thousand yeers were finished This is the first resurrection 6. Blessâ—d and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power but thâ—y shall be Priests of God and of Chrâ—st and shall reign with him a thousand yeers 7. And whâ—n the thousand yeers are expired Satan shall be loosed out of his prison 8. And shall goe out to deceive the Nations which are in the four quarters of the earth Gog and Magog to gather them together to battell the number of whom is as the sand of the Sea 9. And thâ—y went up on the breadth of the earth and compassed the campe of the Saints about anâ—â—he beloved Citie and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them 10. And the dâ—vill that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false Prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever 11. And I saw a great white Throne and him that sate on it from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away and there was found no place for them 12. And I saw the dead small and great stand before God and the books were opened and another book was opened which is the Book of life and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works 13. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them and they were judged every man according to their works 14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire this is the second death 15. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire PROLEGOMENA OR THE PREFACE Concerning The Author and Subject of this Chapter and the Connexion thereof with the foregoing and following Chapters 1. Of the Author of this Chapter THe Principall Author of this Chapter is the same who is Author of the whole Book namely Iesus Christ who as a faithfull Steward of our Salvation received this Revelation from God the Father and sent the same by his Angel to Iohn the Evangelist Revel. 1.1 Wherefore the Principall Author is the Spirit of God the Minister or Messenger partly the Angel partly Iohn who Chap. 1.1 and 4. setteth down his name in generall but a little after in the ninth Verse restraining that generality He doth as it were with his finger point at it I John your brother and companion in the affliction and Kingdom and patience * which is in Jesus Christ was in the Island which is called Patmos The history which Eusebius relates tells us That Iohn the Evangelist and Apostlé was banished into the Island of Patmos by Domitian Whence it is collected that Iohn the Evangelist and Apostle was Gods Poâ—-man in the delivery of this Prophecy and hence That the Authority of this Book and so of this Chapter which we intend to expound is Divine Wherefore deservedly we most highly esteem of this Revelation as a part of Scripture which hath God for it's Author But especially this Prophecy ought in this respect to
the false Prophet who is the great Antichrist being thrust down a little before the beginning of the thousand yeers do endure their punishment There they shall be tormented day and night without intermission for ever and ever that is For all ages so that for the time to come they shall never scape forth again 11. I saw also a great cloud like a great white Throne and Christ the Son of GOD the Judge of the living and dead sitting thereon with great Majesty and prepared to give Judgement From before his face the Earth and the Heaven fled away and there was no place found for them For this earth and this heaven shall passe away at the coming of Christ and all things shall be made new 12. I saw also all the dead small and great standing before God and ready to hear the sentence of the Judge What happens then The books of mens Consciences are opened the counsells of all mortell men and the secrets of their hearts being brought to light Now lest the elect children of God should be disheartned every one by the particular survey of his own book or conscience behold another book is opened for them I mean the Book of Life in which according to the fatherly acceptance of God in Christ their names are written from everlasting These books being thus opened the dâ—ad are judged out of those things which are written in the books according to their works and that after such manner that the works of the Saints are judged out of the book of life which contains the books of their Consciences washed and cleansed with the Blood of Christ But the works of the ungodly are numbred and surveyed and so judged out of the books of their own consciences not cleansed from sins nor purged with the Blood of Christ 13. Hereupon then the Sea gave up its dead which had been concealed in the bosome thereof Death also and the Grave that is The fire ayr and the earth and indeed all the Elements dâ—livered up their dead which having received formerly they had partly consumed partly yet preserved They were therefore all judged and every one in particular none at all excepted and they were judged justly for the judgement was according to every ones works of which their consciences bare them record 14. And this being performed ungodly men Death and Hell that is Men deserving both were cast into that lake of fire that there for ever they might swallow up waters running with fire and there suffer the second death that is by dying the second death never to die 15. For whose name soever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into that lake of fire both by the just Judgement of God and by the heynousnesse of his own deservings V. The Questions arising in this Chapter THe chief Questions of this Chapter are these 1. Whether these thousand yeers severall times here mentioned are alwayes to be understood literally 2. Whether they be already finished 3. What year ought to be put for the beginning of them 4. What is to be understood by the first Resurrection 5. Who are to be understood by Gog and Magog 6. Whether the Martyrs with Christ shall reign here on Earth All which Questions I will bring into this one Whether there shall be any happinesse of the Church here upon earth before the last day and of what kinde it shall be This question I will handle somewhat more largely both by way of confutation and confirmation I will in the first place therefore by certain Classes or ranks of Arguments confirm the truth to be maintained herein After that I will confute the Objections of the adversary part I. The Confirmation of the Truth THere shall be three Classes or ranks of Arguments for the maintaining of this Truth which we comprehend in the following Thesis or Position The happy estate of the Church in this life shall consist of the Resurrection of the Martyrs and their kingdom here on earth of the freedome of the Church from the persecution of the enemies of the Gospel by an utter overthrow of them of a lasting peace which shall arise from thence of the encrease of the Church or the multitude of the believers by the conversion of the Iews and Nations not yet converted of the Reformation of Doctrine or a greater enlightment and life among all estates of men of the Majesty also and great glory of the Church and lastly of the sincere joy thereof Now this happinesse shall begin in that very year wherein it shall come to passe That the kingdom of that great Antichrist shall be destroyed and it shall last for a thousand years The truth hereof we will make good 1. Out of the Context and Coherence of this Chapter 2. Out of other sayings of the Scripture 3. Lastly by Arguments taken from reason and the consent and agreement of some holy and learned men The first Classis of Arguments From the Context of the Chapter we draw these Arguments THe first Argument is taken from the connexion of this Vision with the former which is described chap. 19. verse 19 20 21. For Iohn saith in the first verse of this Chapter And I saw that is Afterwards to wit After I had seen the Beast and the false Prophet cast into the Lake of fire Now lest any one should think that this casting of them in shall be in the end of the world Iohn doth presently adde and the rest were slain with the sword of him that sate on the horse and all the fowls were filled with their flesh From which words it is manifest That it is spoken here concerning the destruction of Antichrist and his followers which shall not happen in the last and Universall Judgement but shall be a particular Judgement by it self which is thus demonstrated The coming of Christ to the last Judgement shall at length happen after the Warre of Gog and Magog which is a distinct War from that which is described chap. 19. ver. 19. For the Warre of Gog shall be against the Saints having now enjoyed a long-lasting Peace But the Warre of Antichrist shall be against the Saints being now brought almost to nothing by some great persecution Again in this 20â—h Chap. vers. 10. it is said That the Devill should be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone after the Warre of Gog where the Beast and the false prophet * WAS which words have a plain respect to those chap. 19. ver. 20. These both the Beast and the false prophet were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with Brimstone The second Argument is from the Connexion of this Vision with the following which is set down in the 21 Chapter For saith Iohn in the first verse thereof After that I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth that is The thousand yeers being finished the Warre of Gog and Magog being ended and the execution of the last Judgement of which in the
606. III. Under the Popes of Rome while they extended their power farre and wide from the yeer of Christ 606 to the yeer 1517 that is from Boniface the third to Leo the tenth In all which time the Church was most miserably pressed and only not quite oppressed partly by the Sarazens and Turks in the East partly by the Popes of Rome in the West IV. Under the Popes of Rome now perceiving an inclination and decay of their Kingdom from the yeer of Christ 1517 to the beginning of the thousand yeers What the condition of the Church hath been and now is since the yeer 1517 to this prsent is known unto us partly from Histories partly from our own notice and remembrance What it shall be hereafter from the time wherein we write this to the beginning of the 1000. yeers we cannot in particular determine But this we know in generall That the Church is to be purged purified and cleansed by this persecution which at this day it suffers That by this means it may be by little and little prepared for that great Reformation which the Epocha or Account of those thousand yeers shall bring The third Period of the Church of the New Testament is from the beginning of the thousand yeers to the end thereof And it shall contain as well the Martyrs that shall then rise as the Nations not yet converted and the Iews and it shall be free from persecutions Which four things because they are called into question are the more at large to be proved And first of all for the Resurrection of the Martyrs The truth thereof is demonstrated * to the eye in a manner out of the 20 of the Revelation the 5. verse Then for the Conversion of the Gentiles which are not yet called into the Church the Apostle describeth it most lively Rom. Iâ— 25 where he plainly teacheth us That the fulnesse of the Gentiles is to be gathered to the Church Hitherto also appertaineth that which we read Gen. 48.19 that the seed of Ephraim shall become a multitude of Nations For it cannot be interpreted of the numerous off-Spring of Ephraim for therein the Tribe of Iudah especially excelled And the word Gojim is most properly meant by the Heathens Therefore this is the meaning Out of Ephraim shall descend in numerable Nations which in their time shall flow-in plentifully to the Gospel Moreover Christ Luk. 21.24 teacheth us that the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled So Gen. 17.4 5. God promiseth Abraham that he should become a father of a multitude of Nations and Gen. 18.18 that in him all the Nations of the Earth should be blâ—ssed To these places you may adde Psal. 22.28 Matth. 24.14 and Revel. 12.5 If any one should object that the Conversion of the Gentiles was a little after the first coming of Christ He must know that at that time all nations were not called Therefore we must understand a double Conversion or calling of the Gentiles a former and a latter The former was in the time of the Apostles and their Successors This latter hath not been as yet but it shall be at length a little before the Conversion of the Iews So that these two Conversions are joyned together Isai. 11.12 Zach. 2.10 c. For the maintaining of this opinion see among others Iustus Heurnius De Legatione Evangelicâ ad Indos capessendâ and Kepler De Stellâ novâ Serpentarii where fol. 206. he writs That all the contentions which are at this day among Christians and the difference of their worships tends to this That from their mutuall destroying one another an occasion may arise on one side of converting the Indians on another of converting the Iews and Turks Now let us enter into consideration of the conversion of the Iews The promises thereof are Gen. 49.18 19. Num. 23.23 Deut. 30.3 6 8. and chap. 32. from the 19. to the 43. Isai. 11.11 12. and chap. 43.5 and so forward chap. 45.22 25. chap. 59.20 21. Iere. 16.14 chap. 23.3 4. chap. 31.31 32 33 34. Ezech. 36.26 and forward Hos. 1.11 chap. 3.4 5 Mich. 2.12 chap. 4.6 and forward chap. 5.5 6 7. Zeph. 3.11 12 13 19 20. Amos 9.14 15. Zach. 11.16 Rom. 11.25 26 27. 2 Cor. 3.16 Matth. 23.39 Luk. 21.24 The explications of which places look for in the following questions and almost every where in the author cited in the Margine And to them adde these two reasons 1 The Iews wander to and fro through the whole world dispersed scattered and banished from their own ayr and soil God therefore without doubt reserveth them for some great and admirable work 2. Christ being born of the Iews he is promised unto them with very many and most glorious promises Therefore it is not to be beleeved that they should not at some time or other acknowledge him as the Messias Neither can you object that the Iews were converted in the time of Christ and the Apostles For they were but the first fruits of the Iews And that Conversion was but in part onely See concerning this Argument Iustus Heurnius in his Book before cited who handles it most accurately and is of opinion that this order shall happen in the Reconciliation of the Iews That in the first place those ten Tribes which were carried away by the Assyrians shall be converted to whom afterwards the Tribes of Iudah and Benjamin shall joyn themselves In the same place also he conjectureth very probably That the converted remainder of the Iews united with the converted Church of the Heathen shall resist the attempts of the adversaries of GOD and beat down Antichrist Yet I should rather suppose that the Iews should entertain the ruine of Antichrist as an occasion of their Conversion But this nothing to the main matter and substance of the question It remains now that I make it plain that this Church gathered together of Iews and Gentiles shall be freed from the persecutions of their enemies This is proved out of Deut. 32.40 41 42 43. Psal. 96. Psal. 110.5 6 7. Isai. 11.1 2.3.4 chap. 24.23 chap. 25. chap. 26.1 2 3 c. chap. 33.20 21 22 23 24. chap. 34. from the 1 to the 18 verse chap. 49.24 25 26. chap. 54.14 15 16 17. chap. 59.16 17 18 19 20 21. chap. 63.1.2 3 4 5 6. Dan. 12.1 Ioel 3.1 2.9 10 11 12 13 14. Micah 4. the whole Chapter Zeph. 3. from the 9 ver. to the end Zach. 11 10. to the 17. chap. 12.1 to the 9. chap. 14. â— to the end Mal. 4.1 2 3. Revel. 14.8.14 15 16 17 18 19 20. chap. 18. quite thorow chap. 19.1 2 3.11 and the following verses chap. 20. In these places is described the setting at liberty of the Church of the New Testament from the persecution of the enemies of the Gospel by an utter overthrow of them from whence shall arise it's continuall Peace together with an enlightment and Regeneration greater then
signified and indeed those who are joyned unto true Christians by the bond of the name Christian as the Moabites were joyned to the Iews by the bond of Consanguinity whom notwithstanding they persecuted with most hostible mindes and affections The 19 plâ—ce is Isai. 26.1 2 3 4 5. where part of that song is set down wherewith the Iews were to praise God for their deliverance from the Babylonian Captivity wherewith the Christians also were to praise him for their deliverance from the Tyranny of Antichrist as may be gathered from the comparing of Revel. 14.8 and chap. 18.2 with the 5 and 6 verses of this Chapter The 20 place is Isai. 27. That this Chapter doth treat of the Conversion of the Iews this may serve for a most certain Argument because the Apostle alleadgeth some part of the 9 verse Rom. 11.27 consider also diligently the two last verses The 21 is Isai. 33.20 21 22 23 24. Where the City it self Hierusalem so commonly called cannot be understood by reason that after this Prophesie it was overthrown by the Romans Therefore the Church of the New Testament is signified which every where in the Prophesies of Isaiah is mystically and typically or metaphorically called Hierusalem Now the things prophesied concerning it are Peace Defence against enemies and Victory All which have not yet happened and therefore certainly shall The 22 place is Isai. 34. from the 1 to the 18 verse Where you may collect that a Prophesie is here contained of the overthrow of the enemies of the New Testament by comparing the 4 verse with Revel. 6.14 and the tenth verse with Revel. 19 3. and the 11 verse with Revel. 18.2 Now by the Edomites the false brethren of true Christians are set forth and by Bozrah the chief City of Edom Rome the chief City of Antichrist is figured out whose ruine is most feelingly described in the 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 verses The 23 place is Isai. 43. the whole Chapter The discourse whereof is concerning the conversion of the Iews Especially consider the 5 and 6 verses I will bring thy seed from the East and gather thee from the West I will say to the NORTH Give up and to the South Keep not back Bring my sons from farre and my daughters from the ends of the earth The 24 place is Isai. 45.22 and 25. Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth 25. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory This is spoken of the Universall vocation of the Gentiles and Iews which two things have not yet come about The 25 is Isai. 49.24 25 26. Which words agree with the foregoing Prophesie of the calling of the Gentiles from the 18 ver. and therefore are to be interpreted of the Church under the Gospel which complains of the power of her persecutors ver 24. and is strengthned again by Christ with promise of deliverance verse 25. and with threats of the ruine of those which persecuted her ver. 26. Compare Revel. 16.6 The 26 place is Isai. 54.14 15 16 17. That this Prophesie doth speak of the Church of the New Testament is from hence made plain by reason that in this chapter a Prophesie is contained concerning those benefits which God would bestow upon the faithfull under the Gospel whereto it makes also That Christ Ioh. 6.45 alleadgeth the first part of the 13 verse Now in this place of the Prophet cited by us is contained a Prediction of the defence of the Christian Church against enemies which is not yet fulfilled The 27 place is Isai. 59.16 17 18 19 20 21 That here also is contained a Prophesie of the Church under the Gospel appears by comparing the 16 verse with chap. 63.5 as also the 20 verse with Rom. 11.26 Now there are three members of this Prophesie One of the destruction of the enemies of the Church which shall happen before the conversion of the Iews vers. 16 17 18 19. Another of the Majesty or glory which shall accrew to the Church by the ruine of her adversaries vers. 19. When the enemy shall come in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against him The third is of the conversion of the Iews vers. 20 21. The 28 place is Isai. 60. Which whole chapter treats of the happinesse which is yet to accrew to the Church of the Gospel as will appear to them that consider of it The 29 place is Isai. 63. the first six verses It will be made plain to any one that this Prophesie doth speak of the deliverance of the Church of the New Testament from the ministers and followers of Antichrist if he do but compare it with Revel. 14 19 20. and chap. 19.13 and 15. Who are signified by the Edomites and Bozrab appears by looking back to the 22 place The 30 place is Ierem. 16.14 to the end This Prophesie discourseth of the conversion of the Iews ver. 15. The Lord liveth that brought up the Children of Israel from the Land of the NORTH and from all the Lands whither he had driven them and I will bring them again into their Land which I gave to their fathers Also concerning the vocation of the Gentiles ver. 19. The Gentiles shall come unto theâ— from the ends of the earth and shall say Surely our fathers have inherited lies vanity and things wherein there is no profit The 31 place is Ierem. 23.3 where the conversion of the Iews is treated of The 32 place is Ierem. 33. ver. 3. and the following For â— the dayes come saith the Lord that I will bring again the Captivity of my people Israel and Iudah And a little after But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their King or as the Chaldee Paraphrase hath it Christ the son of David their King Behold again a most sweet prophesie of the conversion of the Iews The 33 place is Ierem. 31.1 3. Where in like manner the conversion of the Jews is prophesied of See Heurnius in his Book formerly cited by us The 34 place is Ierem. 31.31 32 33 34. That a Prophesie concerning the Church of the Gospel is contained in this place may be perceived by the alleadging thereof in Matth. 3.18 and in the Epistle to the Hebrews chap. 8.8 Now the conversion of the Jews is there promised in as much as God promiseth the people of Israel that he would make a new Covenant with them by means of which he would forgive their sins and write his Law in their hearts Which conversion of the Jews is not yet brought to passe because since the Gospel began to be preached the greatest part of the Jews have continued in unbelief Wherefore it shall be brought to passe in it 's good time The 35 place is Ierem. 32.37 39. Behold I will gather them out of all Countries whither I have driven them in mine anger And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear
chosen his own from Eternity The Omnisciency or all-knowledge of God is signified by the books in which the works of every particular man are written His Election is signified by the book of life Iust because God shall judge according to every mans works without acceptance of persons 6. God knoweth in what place the particular body of every dead man is reserved Vers. 14.15 1. Hell is a place full of horrour 2. Reprobation from life eternall is nothing else but a not-writing in the book of life Election to eternall life is a writing of our names in the book of Life An Appendix BEcause in the handling of this Chapter I proposed to my self not onely to maintain that which mine own Conscience witnessed with me to be true but withall to furnish these times also with this not the least Consolation it was needfull for me to use this Method which in the Explanation of holy Scripture without doubt exceeds all others It will not be amisse therefore if I set down this Method in the following Table In every Chapter yea Verse of holy Scripture there are to be considered The Prolegomena or Praecognita that is the foregoing matter or things to be known before hand and they are either of the Author and authority thereof Subject or matter Connexion or Coherence The Text it self in which are to be considered the Argument or Summe thereof Analysis or Resolution either Philologically and Theologically or Logically and Theologically Paraphrase or larger upholding thereof Questions either Fundamentall proper to that place and necessarily arising or Lesse principall common with other places and honorary or accessory Doctrines according to The order of the Heads in the Catechisme Common Places The order of the Context Of these the Argument Paraphrase and Doctrines belong to the handling of the sacred Text in the way of Preaching the Analysis or Questions to the Scholasticall part of Divinity Glory be to God alone FINIS Testimonies concerning this worke of Alstedius Dr. Hukewill in his Apology c. lib. 4. cap. 12.5.6 ALstedius a famous Professour at Herborne in his Diatribe dâ— mille annis Apocalypticis published about two yeares since is of this opinion as also that the thousand years mentionâ—d in the 20. of the Revel. during which time Satan should be bound is yet to come which assertion he first builds upon a litterall interpretation of the number in as much as it is five severall times repeated within the compasse of seven verses and the foure last with a special article added {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the thousand yearâ—s Secondly upon a supposition that Satan as yet hath not been bound up a thousand yeares together since the delivery of that Prophecie by the Angell to St. Iohn and by him to the Church considering that ever since much and grosse idolatrie hath raigned among the Pagans obstinate blindenesse among the Iewes since the rising of Mahomet pittyfull defection seduction among the Saracens strang errors aâ—d heresies sects and schisms among the Christians and since the rising of Antichrist wonderfull ignorance supâ—rstition and persecution of the â—aints together with a generall prophanesse and corruption in matter of manners all which saith he cannot stand with the binding up of Sathan the principall actor of all these for a thousand yeares and consequently that the performance of that promise is yet to be expected and for confirmation of this opinion though the booke it selfe be but little he alleadgeth 66. passages of Scripture inforceth many reasons answereth 36. Objections pâ—oduceth the testimonies of sundry learned men either expresly defending it or at least wise favouring â—t And they are Iustus Heurnius Ioannes Keplerus Petrus Curaeus Ioannes Dâ—bricus Ioannes Piscator Petrus Molinaeus Ioannes Ferus Seraph Firmianus Remalcus dâ— Vaulx Martinus Cellarius vid apud Alstâ—dium Christoph Bâ—soldus Cael Sec. Curio Alf. Con Mantuanus Lucas Osiander Matthaeus Cotterias Michael Sâ—ndivogaâ—â— Stephanus Pan 〈…〉 Quosâ—mnes suâ—si 〈…〉 The Authâ—r of a book latâ—ly published in latine and inscribed Nuncius Prophâ—icus who in modesty conceales his name pag. 34.42 Diatribe de mille â—nnis Apâ—caâ— quem tractatum c. thâ—t is the treatise of Alstedium concerniâ—g the thousand yeares in the Revelation â— estâ—eme above the value of gold and precious stones it being full of secret wisedome And pag. 42 Alsâ—ed in his tâ—uely golden little work of the thâ—usand yeares in the Apâ—calypse Which work though small yet full of great sedulâ—tie takes away all scruple of doubt herein And it is much to be deâ—ired that some one or other that delights himselfe in Theologicall misteries so weâ— worthy of our knowledge would translate it out of the Latine and make it speak English {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Thou wilt straightway thinke Reader that this was no small incitemeâ—t to me to goe on with this Translation having before the edition of this booke taken it into mine hands Testimonies concerning the Opinion it selfe approved by some famous English Divines And first Dr. Hâ—kewill of Oxford in his Book intituled An Apology of the power and providence of God in the governement of the world Lib. 6. Cap. 12. v. 6. AS wee neede not doubt that Antichrist is long â—ince come into the world so many passages of holy Scripture and testimonies of learned men make us more then hope that notwithstanding his late victories and triumphs his downefall is not farre off and that thereupon the Church of Christ shall flourish more in peace and power in doctrine and manners in lustre and glory then hitherto at any time in former ages it hath done To instance in all the passages in Scripture which to this purpose are alleadged would prove I doubt me tedious and in some perchance impertinent mine endeavour then shall be to pick out the choisest and among them specially those which seeme to point at a fuller calling as well of the Gentiles as the Iews then heretofore hath been The particular places for brevitie I have set downe which Reader pâ—ruse at thy leasure Psal. 22.27 Esay 2.2 Matth. 24.14 Rom. 52.26 2. Cor. 3.15 Micahâ— 3 Esay 30.26 and 54.11 But you shall have them all in this treatise The Doctor goes on ANd all this peace â—nd glory shall arise from the subversion of Rome and Antichrist aâ—d his adherents so evidenâ—ly described in the 14.18 and 19. of the Revelation that the very Iesuits themselves Ribera and Vegas cannot possibly devise any jugling conveyance how to shift iâ— off And if for the effecting of this great worke we should grant that which all antiquity both Iewish and Christian much beates upoâ— that Elias shall come and restore all things I cannot see what great absurdity can from thence be inferreâ— or what Article of Christian faith it impâ—gneth Indeed our Saviour telleth his Disciples that Elias was then come meaning Iohn the Baptist whom he tearâ—eth Eâ—ias in regard of his zeale
Sonne of thine Handymayd T. B. I wholly submit my selfe and opinion to the determination of our long expected Venerable Synod Its Auctoriâ—â—e in libello Docto Iupiter laborioso There is extant also in Print this last yeare a Treatise of one Master John Archer sometimes Preacher of All-hallows in Lombardstreet Intituled The Personall Reigne of Christ upon Earth The Author as I â—eare is with God but his Booke thou maist have on every stall But so farre out of some of our English Divines Let us now heare the Incomparable Tycho Brahe Tycho Brahe {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} His Testimony taken out of his first Tome Astronomicorum Progymnasmatum not farre from the end IT is worthy our best observation that as all the former uneven Revolutions of the Fiery Trigon namely the first third and fifth have ever beene auspicious to the world as having ushered in some great and singular favours of the Almighty to mankind so it is probable that this seventh Revolution which now Reignes ever since the yeare of our Lord 1603. is the forerunner of a more happy and glorious state then all the afore pâ—ssed ages have eveâ— yet enjoyed Neither doth this disagree with the most ancienâ— prophecies of the wisest men and enlightned by the Holy Ghost who have foretold that before the generall conflagration of all things that there shall be a certaine quiet and peaceable age for some good space of time upon Earth wherein the tumults and confusions happening 〈◊〉 politique States and by reason of varieties of Religions shall be setled and appeased and at length be made more conformable to the Divine Will and pleasure Which we may also not abscurely collect from the Prophets themselves who foretold that some golden age should be for a time on Earth in which men should beate their swords into Plough-shares and their Speares into pruning-hookes neither should Nation lift up a sword against Nation nor learnâ— warre any more But they shall sit every man under his Vine and â—nder his Figureâ— and none shall make them afraid as Micah the Prophet hath it ch. 4. and Esay ch. II. prophecyeth of the same in this manner The Wolfe shall dwell with the Lambe and the Leopard shall lie downe with the Kid and the Galfe and the young Lion and the â—atling together and a little childe shall leade them And the Coâ— and the Beare shall feed their young ones shall lie downe together and the Lyon shall eate straw like the Oxe And the sucking childe shall play on the hole of the Aspe and the weaned childe shall put his hand on the Cockatricuden They shall not hurt in all my holy Mountaine For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea And that passage also Esay 60. is to be referred to the Mysticall Hierusalem or more perfect state of Christianity then hath beene hitherto For Brasse I will bring gold and for Iron I will bring Silver and for-Wood Brasse and for Stones Iron I will also make thy Officers peace and thy exactors righteousnesse Violence shall no more be heard in thy Land wasting nor destruction within thy borders but thou shalt call thy wals salvation and thy gates praise And what goes before and followes where at length lie thus concludes I the Lord will hasten it in his time More places are likewise to be found as well in the Prophets as in the * Revelation promising an unusuall and unexpected happynesse of earthly things such as never hath beene in any age of the world hitherto The truth therefore of this Prophecy shall be fulfilled before the generall destruction of all things for it cannot faile proceeding wholly from the infallible Spirit of God and it is probable that the accomplishment thereof is at hand Why then may not all these things obtaine an expected event within the compasse of this renewed Revolution of the fiery Trigon and of the other three ensuing which compleate 800. yeares Hactenus Atlas ille Coeli Mathematici The Testimony of Carolus Gallus out of Dr Hakewill in his Advertisement to pag. 476. for I have not the Booke by me A Booke written by Carolus Gallus a Professour of Divinity in the University of Leyden published in the yeare 1592 and intituled Clavis prophetica nova Apocalypseos Iohannis Apostoli Evangeliographi In his Epistle Dedicatory to the Prince of Orenge and the States of the Netherlands he professeth it was a worke In quo saith he jam inde a viginti quinque annis c. that is In which for these XXV yeares I have very much laboured by reading meditating searching writing disputing and publiquely teaching both in Churches and Schooles seeking out and letting slip nothing which seemed to concerne the finding out of this Divine Treasure Now this man after all this travell search and study thus concludes his eight Observation upon the 20. Chapter of that Booke Breviter spiritus propheticus in hac Iohannis Apocalypsi c. that is Briefely the Spirit in this Revelation of John Prophecyeth concerning the particular and wonderfull Resurrection renovation and restitution of the Church that it in this last Age shall appeare made one of Jewes and Gentiles both living and dead and more gloriously then ever heretofore in a wonderfull manner shall live againe from the dead or first death and shall be renewed restored and flourish againe I THESS IV. Commate 16. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} THE DEAD IN CHRIST {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} for Christ that is The Martyrs SHALL RISE FIRST THe interpretation will not seeme strange to any one who knowes that the same Paul who in his owne words is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Ephe. 4.1 was a prisoner on bound for the Lords sake the preposition as feaâ—heâ— men know sometimes signifying the cause propter qâ—â—â— That place also Rev. 14.13 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} They that dye in the Lord is no otherwise interpreted by some Learned men for the whole pericope or passage there seemes plainely to point at the Martyrs who verse 4. are more elegantly called {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} The first fruites unto God and to the Lambe as purchased by a particular prerogative from among men Io. Bodimus method Hist. cap. 7 Epist. ad Paulinum Quot babet verbâ— tâ—â— Sacramâ—ntâ— * Dâ—â—tate exuperant latae contra ingraâ—os leges Amm. Marcell lib. 23. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Themiâ—t Orat. 3. * Xenophon {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} â— Cic. Academ. Quâ—st l. 2. Acts xvii â—â— 19 Lâ—ers de librâ—s Heâ—selitâ— Anthol lib. gâ—â—p 33. * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} O 〈…〉 dictâ— vide Epâ—cterum {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} 2 Tim. 4.3 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} 2 Tim. 1 1â— * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Marc.
attributerunt â—i 〈…〉 Prophetiâ— autem aeâ—eâ—norum boâ—â—rum continet promisâ—â—onem omnâ—â— gentes cogniturâ—n 〈…〉 * So Symmachus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} But Aquila Theodoâ— {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} a chosen Language * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Sym. Mat. 17.11 As well the old Iewish Church as the Christian beleeved that Elias should be the foreâ—unner of the Day of Iudgement as appears by Tertull. de 〈◊〉 cap. 2â— As Iohn was foreâ—unneâ— of Christs â—irst coming so Elias of his last The Iews talk idlely of restoring his soul to his body What need that seeing he was taken up into Heaven with both Therefore Tertullian 〈◊〉 Anima cap. 35. saith Elias shall come 〈…〉 de quo non est exemptus sed mundo reddendum de quo est translatus Quod ut ver◠〈◊〉 divinitus dictum saith the learned Ios. Scaliger * De considerat Evangel lib. 1 cap 21. Theodoret in his own language not yet printed out of the M. of the publike Libâ—ary in Oxford is this {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Paulo post {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Where by the way take naâ—ion That in this Ma. s. the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Hosea Hab 〈◊〉 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Mitâ—â— are Theo 〈◊〉 the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} upon the other vii are Theodoret When at the printed Laâ—ine of 〈◊〉 Gillius whose Translation Alsled made use of they all go under Theodorets name And yet which I wonder at the Inscription of the Gr Copy in the beginning of the book is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} I owe the Transcription to my learned and worthy friend 〈◊〉 Henry 〈◊〉 of Oxford See D' Frideaux Orat. de Vocations Iudeorum Sect. 6. concerning this place * Reade were hardned {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Out English Interpreters as well as others confound these verbs {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} and {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} â—ut none of the ancients exciâ—â—Suâ—â—â— whose authority as learned men know in many things is to be suspected use {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} for 〈◊〉 See 〈◊〉 â— 4 Rom. 117. * Either Alsled forgot himâ—self or else the Printer oversaw the 43. Place in this number For that being left out as it appears it is there are in all but Lxv. Philo Iudeus lib. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} See Tycho â—râ—heâ— Iudgement concerning this life Revolution of the Fiery Trig on which you have in the beginning of this book Esdras * Whither these ten Tribes were carryed is at this day a great question Esdras tells us that they entred Euphrates by the narrow passages of the River and so travelled a vast Country of a year and halfs journey and that the Countryes called Aâ—sareth I finde indeed in Ptolemy lib. 5. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} a City of the Greater {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} not farre from the place where Araxes exposeth 〈◊〉 self into the Caspian Sea Perhaps an Israelitish Colony But how all this can stand good compared with a King 17.6 and Geography it self viderine {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} See Doctor Reinold De libriâ— Apocryphis ad locum Bretowoods Enquir cap. 13. The Sibylls {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} The Sibylls verse runnes thus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} The former verse in Tertullians Latin is Nulla jam Delos harenae Saâ—â—os ut Sibylla non mendax Lib. de Pallio Vide Ioan. Obsopai edit. Sibyll Carminum Gr. lat Parisus Alfonsus Conradus Mantuanus Lucas Osiander Matthaeus Cotterius Ioannes Piscator {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} On the earth Io. Piscatoris De futura in tertis Ecclesie â—elicitate Tractatus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Theophrastus Paracelsus Michael Sendivogius Stephanus Pannonius Ioannes Dobricius * In Serpentaâ—â— De quâ scrip sit Ioan Keplerus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} quem vide nuperum item tractatum apud nos editum Nuncius Propheticus inscriptum pag. 14. Petrus Molinaeus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} * He shall not finde faith indeed adeo frequentem in cordibus justificatorum quam natantem in libris hypocritarum as Doctor Prideaux Orat. de Vocat Iudaerum where he explains this place Sect. 7. * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} secula per Enallagen pro {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} in this place as also in the Hebrewâ— chap 1. vers 2. and chapter 11. vers. 3. is used for {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} because in Hebrew {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} signifieth bat {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} See Plutarchs profound and learned Book De defectu Oâ—â—culâ—rum See for the Greek of of these verses in Io Obsopaeus his Edition of the Ancient Oracles The book is not now under my hands * Some begin these 1000 yeers at Christs Incarnation and end them in Sâ—â—â—ester 2. Some at his Passion and end them in Benedict 9 Some at the destruction of Hierusalem and end them in Hildebrand or Gregory 7. which is receptio feutentiâ— as D. Prideaux {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Orat de Gog Magog Sect. 1. Others begin them in Constantine the Great and terminate them in Bâ—nisaâ—t 8. about the year 1300. Cerinthus being a Iew had his fond conceits concerning these 1000 years from Iâ—dâ—isme Yet observe this That I renaus and Tertullian who professedly wrote of Cerinthus Heresies make not any mention of this his opinion to be one * Lib. de Haeresious cap 8. vide Epithanium Philastrium * Which thousand years of pleasure we no more maintain then those 1000 years mentioned in Virgils Purgatory Aen. 6. Alfonsus Conradus Concerning this seventh Millenary and what the Iewes thought thereof see Hierome upon the 65 of Esay and Camerarius in Alcinoum Flitonis Carpentarius also upon the same Dialogue pag. 322. * See the stupid 〈◊〉 of the Tâ—rks opinion hereabout in the Alcoran Azâ—â—â—a 28. and 31. Some rejected the authority of the Revelation because it seemed to favour the heresie of the Cerinthians or Chiliasâ—s But here de 1000 aâ—nis nihil corum narratur que Cerinâ—hus 〈…〉 Vbi enim luxus ille ubi cibus poius ubi nuptie 〈◊〉 sacrificia diâ—sfesti Hierusalem agen saith Trem. Besides Cerinthus affirmed Christ to be begotten at other men he denied God to be creator of the world he separated Christ and Iesus as two distinct persons Et que nescires melius * See the stupid 〈◊〉 of the Tâ—rks opinion hereabout in the Alcoran Azâ—â—â—a 28. and 31. Some rejected the authority of the Revelation because it seemed to favour the heresie of the