wherein a great manie by their extravagancies have lost themselvs insomuch that even the greatest Divines and scholars are very warie and cautious how to meddle with the Revelation therefore that it is and should remain a Book sealed till such time that the accomplishment of things doth reveal it But especially it is to bee observed what answer Christ returned to his Disciples upon their curious question concerning the restauration of the Kingdom of Israël Acts 1. vers 7. when hee said It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father hath put in his own power Whereupon wee answer that the Revelation of St John is indeed full of Mysteries which will remain Mysteries and hidden things till the accomplishment doth discover and reveal them to us and till wee by the application of Histories and events see before our eies the effect and what by this and that thing hath been meant But it doth not follow therefore that the Revelation ought to bee laid aside and that wee ought not at all to search what hath been already fulfilled or is shortly to bee exspected chiefly concerning the fulfilling of the determined time when the Enemies of the Church shall bee destroied and the Church bee brought to a quiet and peaceable condition Whereas Daniel did the like and did observ by Books the number of the years whereof the Lord spoke c. Daniel 9. vers 2. And St John writeth concerning his Revelation chapter 1. vers 3. Blessed is hee that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie and keep those things which are written therein For the Revelation is a book of Memorable Acts. Wherein is foretold how and what things shall befal to the Church of God and to the Romane Empire under which the Church doth subsist Now manie things have been already fulfilled in the one thousand five hundred fiftie years by-past and if wee compare the Histories and the things hapned in the Romane Empire with the Revelation wee shall discover cleerly how far the accomplishment reacheth and what wee may exspect ere long so that the things represented are no more Mysteries and hidden things but cleer and accomplished Acts unto us But hee that forbeareth to read this Revelation and is not versed in the Old and New Romane Histories and knoweth not how to distinguish the times of the Revolutions and changes but confoundeth the Apocalyptical numbers and doth make manie Epoches whereas they comprehend nothing but relata and Correlata or carelesly passeth by the application of the numbers as an hidden Mysterie which indeed is the main keie of the Revelation To him must the Revelation needs bee full of Mysteries and obscurities and remain a sealed and unopened Revelation But why manie learned men of note wee do not speak of all have been much mistaken in their expositions The causes amongst others have been these 1. That the antient Interpreters in the primitive times have applied to their times manie things which yet as then had no relation to them The Modern Interpreters do follow their steps not minding so much the Historie as the Autoritie of the Interpreters whereby they lead themselves and others out of the waie 2. Secondly the Method and Harmonie is not observed In the Revelation all things are set down in good order what from time to time should com to pass the Synchronismes or concurrencies of times are set down one after another and the Revolutions and changes in the Ecclesiastical and civil States are exactly and punctually distinguished even as an excellent and well-versed Historian is wont to do in the description of humane actions but contrarie to all this the Interpreters do pervert overturn and disturb the Method seek and finde out by-waies of error the things as relata belong to one and the same time they set down as following one another What shall com to pass after the fall of Babylon they do place before it oftentimes not knowing themselvs where they stick or how they shall winde themselvs out 3. Besides they mistake and confound the States one with another not observing where mention is made of the Ecclesiastical or civil State so that manie times they applie Monastical matters and the actions of Antichrist to that which in the Revelation is spoken of the civil State And hence it is that the more one doth read Expositors the more one is confounded But that therefore the Revelation should bee a book shut up is contrarie to the letter of the cleer text for 1. The seven Epistles were never sealed 2. The Lamb opened the book sealed Revel chap. 6. and 8. 3. The third was a little open book chap. 10. vers 2. 8. 4. And in the end of the Revelation the Son of God saith to John Seal not the sayings of the Prophesie of this book for the time is at hand chap. 22. ver 10. And although the Prophet Daniel was commanded to close up and seal the book of his Prophesie chap. 12. vers 4. 9. yet no longer till the time of the end for afterwards the said Prophesie was unsealed by the Revelation of St John Therefore it is added Man shall run to and fro and knowledg shall bee increased The answer our Saviour Christ gave Acts 1. vers 7. is very impertinently applied and objected to this purpose For hee speaketh there of times and seasons that is de tempore occasionato sive tempestivo as Ausonius declareth it when a good opportunitie is presented to go on in a business as in the Gospel of St John chapter 2. vers 4. when Christ saith Mine hour is not yet com and yet nevertheless within a little while hee doth supplie Wine But here wee consider the time in general which is determined upon the Blasphemies and persecution of the Antichrist and in what year it should begin or end but wee do not compute the daie or hour wherein hee shall bee overthrown Besides Christ doth speak of the times and seasons which the Father hath put in his own power and hath not revealed Here wee consider the years which the Father hath not reserved as a secret to his own power but revealed to us by his Son The third objection THe strongest and chiefest objection is That in general all the Divines and States-men write and hold that the fourth Monarchie and Romane Papacie shall continue until the end of the world and shall be removed and come to an end with the comming of Christ to the last Judgment Answer The Revelation of St John doth intimate no such thing but contradicteth it plainly For after the destruction of the Citie of Rome chapter 18. There was heard a great joie in heaven chapter 19. vers first till the ninth The heaven is opened and the Son of God who chapter 6. vers 2. at the opening of the first seal went forth conquering and to conquer upon a white hors presenteth himself here again upon a white hors as a Conqueror c. vers
us and other Nations and what the Contents of this book do intend to make out unto those that read it with attention I am much inclined to believ that God doth intend some special advantage to his Church by the publication thereof and that it is an effect of his good Providence towards us to have it put at this time into our hand Therefore let mee discours a little with you about it that not onely the desire of our common friend who doth engage us to this publication of the Treatise and the declaration of our Judgment concerning the same may receiv som satisfaction when wee shall have occasion to write unto him but that others to whom this shall bee imparted may have also occasion to laie the matter thereof more seriously to heart then otherwise perhaps they would intend to do As for Mr Comeniu's Letter which doth give mee this opportunitie to discours with you upon this Subject the words thereof concerning this matter are tâ—ese My Son in Law hath been away these two weeks beeing sent to Warsaw and to Brieg hee bring 's no news but terrors by reason of the Peace which is to bee feared will afford nothing but new tortures to the consciences of those that are deserted by it and excluded from it Nor are the forerunners hereof wanting Behold here I impart unto you these Germane Treatises concerning the Periods of the Revelation-times drawing to an end Godgrant they may not bee lost nor fall into other hands but upon this condition that you shall let us know your Judgment thereof for to this effect hee that is the autor of them caused them to bee communicated unto us that whoëver should read should also judg and censure I have heard a little while ago of this book that it is the true Revelation of the Revelations and that which will bee most comfortable if hee hath hit right is that wee are so near the terme prefixed I praie you communicate this to your men if yet you have anie Joseph Medes amongst you but it must first bee translated into English Thus much hee from Lissa in Poland where most of the exiled Bateman's have had their residence since the time of their banishment And in these words I take notice not onely of the opinion which som among them have of this book in approving of it and of the Autor's Modestie and Ingenuitie who sent it to him in concealing his own name and submitting it to the censure of others that by the communion of Saints the measure of light which God hath given to everie one may becom serviceable unto all but chiefly of the good hand of Providence reaching forth this Treatise unto them at this time for it is a manifest demonstration of the Fatherlie care of God over them to support their hearts in their approaching trials that they may not faint under the burden thereof It is a true saying of the Apostle whereunto the experience of all Saints in all ages doth bear witness That God is faithful who will not suffer us to bee tempted above what wee are able but will with the temptation also make a waie to escape that wee may bee able to bear it And as this is a truth in God's waie towards particular Saints in their several occasions so wee may conclude that in the universal dispensation of trials towards the whole Bodie of his Church his cours will not bee different but altogether consonant unto this promise that as the sufferings of Christ abound in the Church which is his Bodie so the consolations of the church shall also abound in Christ who is her head So that if the trials whereunto particular Saints are put shall bee found unto prais and honor and glorie at the appearing of Jesus Christ far more shall this bee verified of the whole Congregation and general assemblie of the Holie ones whose names are written in Heaven I look then upon this book which doth open to the Bohemian exiled and Germane Churches the counsel of God foretold so long ago in the Revelation and now shortly to bee accomplished as a special cordial sent unto them from heaven in their present affliction and to support their hearts against the approaching visitation wherewith God's Providence will farther visit those parts before hee make an end of his work amongst them And that it is now also at this juncture of time sent from thence unto us to mee it doth signifie that which is very considerable in several respects which I shall briefly point at before I com to speak of the Treatise it self First then wee may observ from hence that the same spirit who doth rais the exspectation of the Saints in these parts doth also work the like thoughts elswhere as it is observable that about the time of Christ's comming in the flesh there was much waiting for the consolation of Israël and looking for the Redemption of Jerusalem as Luke doth intimate chapter 22. vers 25. 38. So it is now worth our consideration that there is more then an ordinarie looking out for the accomplishment of the promises wherein the Revelation of Jesus Christ hath caused us to hope You know that som moneths ago one came of purpose as he said out of Germanie through the Low-Countries into this Citie to make enquirie whether anie were here who did look after the fulfilling of the Revelation his design by this enquirie was that som ground of communication and good intelligence might bee enterteined amongst us for the better understanding of God's waies and the observation of his footsteps in working out his great work for the Churches and to this effect hee left som books here with him whom you know and since his return into the Low-Countries hee hath by Letters promised a further communication with us upon that Subject in the name of his Collegue Thus wee have had a call both from Germanie and Poland to entertein these thoughts as for the Low-Countries you know that there are manie there whose eies are opened to look this waie and in France I know som though not so manie as elswhere whose heads are lifted up becaus their deliverance is at hand Nor do wee Christians onely exspect shortly som great change of affairs but even the Jews almost everie where are also made sensible of the approaching change of their condition So that seeing there is an universal concurrence of thoughts towards this object wee may rationally conclude that the Lord is hastening to finish his work in righteousness and becaus it is apparent that on all sides the enemie is about to lift himself up like a flood wee may also see it herein manifest that the Spirit of the Lord according to his promise is preparing to lift up a Standard against him Secondly this Call which is given to us from so far doth signifie unto mee two things First somwhat of God's waie to accomplish his design Secondly somwhat of our dutie in subordination thereunto God's
11 12 15 16. Whom the Armies which are in heaven follow upon white-horses cloathed in fine linnen white and clean vers 14. These are the Martyrs to everie one of whom are given white robes chapter 6. vers 11. Nay These are they which came out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes chap. 7. vers 14. These are they that are called and chosen and faithful Chap. 17. vers 14. Against these are gathered the Beast and the Kings of the earth and their armies to make war against them The end and issue of this war is that the Beast and with him the fals Prophet that is the Romane Empire and Popedom shall bee taken and both cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone chapter 19. vers 19 20. But the Dragon as their General hath quarters given him in this war hee is laid hold on and cast into the bottomless pit and shut up wherein hee remain's bound a thousand years that hee should deceiv the Nations no more nor bee able to stir them up against the Church Chapter 20. vers 1 2 3. In the mean while the faithful Children of God have their rest Hebr. 4. vers 1. like as God did rest the seventh daie from all his works vers 4. But the last Judgment and the end of the world is afterwards described chap. 20. vers 11. till the 15th Hereunto agreeth the Prophesie of Daniel chap. 2. vers 34 35. where the Image which representeth the four Monarchies is seen so long till the stone smite's the Image upon his feet not at the beginning of the fourth Monarchie for then the feet and toes were not as yet but at the end thereof and break 's it to pieces But the stone that smite's the Image becom's a great mountain after the breaking and grinding of the four Monarchies to dust that is a Kingdom that shall break to pieces and grinde to dust all these Kingdoms which are represented by the great Image vers 44 45. And in the 7th chapter vers 1. till the 8th by the four Beasts are described the four Monarchies which Daniel beheld vers 9. till the thrones were cast down as the words are in the Original For the ancient of daies did sit vers 9. not for the universal and last judgment which hath been committed unto the Son Iohn Chap. 5. v. 22. but for the particular judgment over the enemies of the Church in the fourth Monarchie over the fourth Beast of the Romane Popedome which Daniel beheld even till the Beast was slain and his bodie destroied and given to the burning flame and the power of the other beasts came to an end vers 11 12. For a set time was determined over them how long each of them should last The Saints shall bee given into the hands of the fourth Beast so long as the Woman rideth on the Beast until a time and times and the dividing of time vers 25. And when these 3 ½ times Anno 1655 shall com to an end the Judgment of the judgment of the Ancient shall sit and then his power is taken away so that it wholly is abolished and come's to an end Vers 26. But the world therewith is not destroied but the Kingdom and dominion and the greatness under the whole Heaven shall bee given to the people of the Saints of the most High whose Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and all dominions shall serv and obeie him Vers 27. compare vers 13 14. The words of St Paul 2 Thes chap. 2. vers 8. where hee writeth And the Lord shall destroie him with the brightness of his coming are expounded in the Revelations chap. 19. vers 11. till 21. But what may bee the true meaning and sens of these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I leav to the consideration of judicious Divines It seem's they do not speak of the universal and last Judgment which St John describeth in his Revelation chap. 20. vers 11 12 13 14. Nay the text doth not bear that the two Acts in the said 19. chapter vers 11. till 21. and chapter 20. vers 11. till 15. shall bee counted for one or reduced together to one and the same time Becaus it appeareth that one thousand years are interposed For the two great Guests the Beast and the fals Prophet are one thousand years before lodged in the Inn in the Lake of fire burning with brimstone then the Hoast the Devil come's who after the one thousand years is associated to them at the end of the world chapter 20. vers 4. Whereupon immediately vers 11. the last Judgment is held Wee are here led into the Mysteries of God into which wee will not too much presume to penetrate nor search too far into them but wee turn and address our selvs both with ears and hearts to the Son of God who standeth at the door knocketh and calleth If anie man hear my voice and open the door I will com into him and will sup with him and hee with mee To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with mee in my Throne even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne Revelations c. 3. vers 20 21. Blessed is now hee that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophesie and keep those things which are written therein for the time is at hand Chap. 1. vers 3. Elessed is hee that keepeth the sayings of of the Poophesie of this book c. 22. v. 7. Nay blessed are they that do his Commandements that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in thorow the gates into the Citie v. 14. To him which is and which was and which is to com the Almightie bee glorie and dominion for ever and ever Amen Revel chap. 1. v. 6. 8. A List of the things which are shortly to com to pass collected out of the XI and XVI Chapters of the REVELATION 1. THe last Actus reformationis sive evacuationis of the Evangelical Protestant Churches which will appear in Silesia chap. 11. v. 7. 2. The 3 ½ years following thereon when the dead bodies of the two Witnesses lie in the street v. 9. till 11. 3. The continuance of wars in those Kingdoms wherein the innocent blood of the Martyrs is avenged chap. 16. v. 4. 4. The sudden fall of the strong pillar of the Papacie vers 8. 5. The exaltation of an Evangelical Protestant head chap. 11. v. 12. 6. A Reformation in Germanie v. 11. 12. 7. The destruction of the Citie of Rome chap. 11. v. 13. c. 16. vers 10. 8. The end of the Turkish Empire chap. 11. v. 14. c. 16. v. 12. 9. The controversie of the Jews c. 16. v. 12. 10. The great endevors of the Papists and gathering of all their utmost power c. 16. vers 13. c. 19. v. 16. 11. The ruine of the whole Papacie chap. 16. vers 18. till the 21. c. 19. v. 20. 21. 12. The accomplishment of the Mysterie
is that Apostolical Testimonie of the Mysterie of Godliness which hee cal's great and without all Controversie in 1 Tim. 3. 16. That God was manifest in the flesh justified in the Spirit seen of Angels preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world received up into glorie to these heads then of the knowledg of Christ which in plain proper and significant words express the summe of all that is to bee known of him our sens of this whole Prophesie and of all the parts thereof must bee proportionate so that when wee look upon the visions wee must cast our eie at the same time to observ how both in the whole and parts that which is offered therein is all along relative hereunto If therefore you will first look upon the whole in the bulk of the matter and scope of the Prophesie and in the general contexture and tenor of the visions thereof you shall finde nothing els mentioned therein but what is directly tending to make out the heads of this mysterie of God in Christ that hee may bee known more and more fully unto the world till hee bee so fully revealed that all the earth shall bee filled with the knowledg of his name even as the waters that cover the Sea For by the contexture of the Apocalyptical visions it is not onely demonstrable that this promise shall bee accomplished but moreover the waie how it shall bee brought about is plainly discoverable Now the Bulk of the matter and scope of everie book rationally written may bee gathered ordinarily from the Title the Preface the Conclusion and the main heads of matters hand led therein if their contexture and coherence bee observed with a respect unto their main scope Let us then look briefly upon these things in this book to see what light they will afford us The Title tell 's us vers 1. that the book contein's a Revelation of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ then is the subject-matter whereof it speak's and to make him manifest is the scope of the book for it is called a Revealing of him and that this matter and scope may bee the more heeded to this title of the book three things are further added who the Autor of this Revelation of Christ is to what use it is given him and by what means it is put forth to this use The autor of it is God which God gave him which add's to the matter and scope an obligation of belief upon a discoverie of divine properties to bee seen therein The use for which God gave it to Christ is to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly com to pass which is a neerer scope relating to us as wee are obliged to respect the knowledg of the glorie of Christ The means by which the manifestation of Christ is put forth to this use are that hee sent and signified it by his Angel unto his Servant John by all which wee see that here nothing is aimed at but the Mysterie of godlines spoken of by Paul and our Salvation in partaking of the knowledg thereof Next to the Title the Preface is observable it extend's from vers 2. till 8. and doth address the book either generally to all or particularly to the seven Churches The general preface tell 's us First what John did in declaring this Revelation viz. hee bare record of the word of God and of the Testimonie of Jesus and of the things which hee saw vers 2. for the word of God brought with it to the ears of his minde the Testimonie of Jesus and that Testimonie was clothed and represented to his eies by the things which hee saw and of these as an ear and eie-witness of the Manifestation of Christ hee did bear record Secondly it tell 's us of what use and Importance this record of John is to all that read and hear and keep the things declared therein viz. it will make them blessed v. 3. all which is again fully relative to the fore-mentioned Mysterie of Godliness and our Salvation thereby The particular Preface to the seven Churches tell 's us that this book was peculiarly inscribed and sent unto them by John in the name of the Father of his seven Spirits vers 4. and of Jesus Christ who is described First by the properties and effects of his comming into the flesh which were to bee First the faithful VVitness viz. of the Father's wisdom Truth Power and love Secondly the first begotten of the dead and Prince of the Kings of the earth viz. by suffering and rising again and receiving the Kingdom in that nature which suffered and â—ose again Thirdly to shew his love to us who loved us by redeeming us and washed us from our sins in his own blood v. 5. and by exalting us to a glorious estate and hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father for which wee are bound to give him glorie and prais to him bee glorie and honor for ever and ever Amen vers 6. Secondly hee is described by the properties and effects of his comming again from heaven to judgment wherein hee shall manifest himself as man to all men even to those who have pierced him vers 7. and as God blessed for ever and almightie Vers 8. Upon this Preface and address of the book wherein wee see nothing but what is most fully consonant to the fore-named Mysterie doth follow the Narrative of the visions from vers 9. of chap. 1. till vers 6. of chap. 22. 8. and thereupon the conclusion of the book doth shut up the visions declaring in chap. 22. First the certaintie of the things conteined therein vers 6. with the importance and use thereof vers 7. Secondly the effect which the manifestation thereof wrought upon John viz. that it moved him to such admiration that hee was inclined to worship the Angel vers 8. but that the Angel forbad him to do so becaus hee acknowledged himself to bee nothing more then they who should keep the sayings of this book v. 9. Thirdly the command which hee received not to seal the Prophesies of this book and the reasons wherefore v. 10. till 16. Fourthly the Autoritie of this Prophesie is held forth in the conclusion 1. By the Autor thereof who is Christ vers 16. 2. By the Approbation of the intent thereof which it hath from the Spirit from the Bride from all believers and from all that desire the good things promised therein v. 17. 3. By the perfection thereof which is such that nothing may bee added to it nor taken from it vers 18 19 20 21. By all which wee see that the matter and scope of this Prophesie as to the Bulk thereof is none other but to set forth the glorie of Christ as manifested in the flesh and justified in the Spirit as seen of Angels and preached unto the Gentiles as believed on in the world and exalted by the perfection of his Church which hee filleth with his glorie unto the fulness
until the building of the Temple of Solomon Aera vulgaris doth reckon in this period of time four hundred eightie years as they are plainly set down 1 Kings 6. vers 1. But by the book of Iudges and other places of the Scripture it doth appear that they were five hundred eightie years As Fortie years in the Wilderness Deut. 1. vers 3. Acts 13. 18. Seven years of Ioshua in the taking of possession and division of the Land of Canaan Ioshua 14. vers 10. Four hundred fiftie years until Samuel Acts 13. vers 2. As namely Eight under King Chushan Rishatha ïm. Iudges 3. vers 8. Fortie under Othniel vers 11. Eighteen under Eglon. vers 14. Eightie under Ehud vers 30. Twentie under Iabin chap. 4. vers 3. Fortie under Deborah and Barak Chapter 5. vers 31. Seven under the Midianites chap. 6. vers 1. Fortie under Gideon chap. 8. vers 28. Three under Abimeleck the Tyrant chap. 9. vers 22. Twentie three under Tola chap. 2. vers 3. Twentie two under Iair vers 3. Sa. Three hundred one as Iephthah saith Three hundred chap. 11. vers 26. Eighteen under the Philistines ch 10. vers 8. Six under Iephthah chap. 12. v. 7. Seven under Ibzan vers 10. Ten under Elon vers 11. Eight under Abdon vers 14. Fortie under the Philistines chap. 13. vers 1. Twentie under Sampson c. 16. v. 31. Fortie under Eli. 1 Sam. chap. 4. vers 18. Sa. Four hundred fiftie as above Acts Chap. 13. vers 20. Fortie years under Samuel and Saul Acts 13. vers 21. Fortie under David first of Kings chap. 2. vers 11. Three under Solomon first of Kings chap. 6. vers 1. Sa. Five hundred eightie years from the going out of Egypt until the building of the Temple of Solomon Here do concur two Characters as in the three hundred years whereof Iephthah speaketh Iudges 11. vers 26. Four hundred fiftie years of the Iudges until the Prophet Samuel whereof St Paul Acts 13. vers 2. Which in the vulgar supputation whereby are numbred but four hundred eightie years are not found 5. Eleven years of Ezekiah the last King of Iudah In the vulgar supputation indeed are reckoned up from the building of the Temple until the destruction of of the same four hundred seventeen years But there must bee eleven years taken off again in respect the beginning of the Captivitie of Babylon is counted the eleventh year of Iechoniah that was King immediately before instead it should bee upon good ground referred to the eleventh year of Ezekiah at which time the Temple was destroied As you may read hereof Michaël Mestlinum quaest 7. Chronolog pag. 67. seqq Etiam Reusnerum de supput annorum mundi pag. 28. Iohannem Piscatorem in suo Chronol Indice pag. 15. with som others more 6. Seven years in the times of the Kings of Persia as of Cyrus six years and of Xerxes the second one year 2. Whereof Mestlinus Quaest. Chronol pag. 3. 5. 38. 7. Two years which Scaliger Calvisius and Helvicus do refer to the supputation of years since the birth of Christ Now these mentioned years which together amount to three hundred ninetie six years beeing added to the five thousand six hundred four years since the Creation of the world according to the supputation of one thousand six hundred fiftie five years of our Lord it will bee manifest that the six thousand years since the Creation of the world do exspire with the one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year since the Birth of Christ 3. In the one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year since the Birth of Christ doth also exspire the period and time from the beginning of the world until the Flood The Flood came when the one thousand six hundred fiftie sixth year from the Creation of the world was exspired The end of the one thousand six hundred fiftie sixth year since the birth of Christ is according to the vulgar supputation incident into the end of one thousand six hundred fiftie fourth or begining of one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year Now the conjectures of som famous learned men have been these that at the end of these years great revolutions and changes may bee looked for as especially do mention hereof Leonard Krentheim in suis conject p. 53. Euchstadius in discursu de conjunct M. pag. H. 3. Wencestaus Budowez in circulo Horol c. pag. 15. Paulus Crellius in Prompt Biblico under the word Burse or title of repentance pag. 119. Seeing the mystical numbers which are expressed in the Prophet Daniel and in the Revelation of St John the six thousand years since the Creation of the world and also the period since the beginning of the world until the Flood do meet with the ending of the one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year of our Lord which draweth neer It is very likelie that for certain som great things are at the door and that wee may look for fearful and terrible revolutions For now it is the time wherein the Son of God doth call upon us Watch praie look up and lift up your heads becaus your redemption is at hand But the result of it is this which hee declareth Luke 18◠vers 8. When the Son of man cometh shall hee finde faith on the earth namely that Faith which the widow had and used against the unjust Iudg by her importunitie praiers and supplications until shee was avenged of her adversaries Surely this faith is not found among them that dwell on the earth The poor Woman put to flight and wandring in the Wilderness Revel 12. vers 14. onely maketh use of this weapon against her Adversarie and continueth in the same with crying without intermission to God the righteous Judg. And shall hee not avenge her Shall hee not avenge his own elect which crie daie and night unto him though hee bear long with them I tell you that hee will avenge them speedily But those that live in securitie and persist in their malice and wickedness when they shall saie Peace and safetie then sudden destruction shall com upon them as travail upon a woman with child and they shall not escape 1 Thes 5. vers 2 3. For the daie of the Lord shall com as a thief in the night Wherefore watch and praie Apocalypsis Reserata OR THE REVELATION OF St IOHN OPENED Wherein the distribution of the times of the New Testament being made Into The Kingdom of the Dragon The Lievtenantship of Antichrist The quiet state of the Church in the Kingdom of Christ By the EXPOSITION of the XI and XVI Chapters is shewed What in these our present times 1. Hitherto hath been fulfilled 2. At this present is effectually brought to pass 3. And henceforth is to bee exspected in the years neer at hand REVEL Chap. 22. v. 12. Behold I com quickly and my reward is with mee to give everie man according as his work shall bee LONDON Printed in the year 1650. THE REVELATION
the second Period from the three hundred ninetie fifth until the one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year of our Lord where the seventh seal is opened and seven Angels with seven Trumpets declare to the Romane Empire by seven judgments it's ruine chap. 8. which plagues have been fulfilled The first by the Invasions of barbarous Nations Anno three hundred ninetie five vers 7. The second by the destruction of the Citie of Rome which first hapned by Alaricus Anno four hundred ten ver 8. The third by taking away Imperial dignitie in Augustulus Anno four hundred seventie six vers 10. The fourth by the Abolition of all eminent publick charges at Rome Anno five hundred fiftie two vers 12. The fifth by the Saracens as the first wo. Chap. 9. vers 1. until the twelfth The sixth by the Turks chap. 9. vers 13. until the nineteenth and the abominable Idolatrie murthers sorceries fornications and thefts vers 20 21. of the Papists as the second wo. In the third Period when the one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year doth begin the seventh Angel doth sound and withal the seventh judgment is executed upon the Enemies of the Church with the third wo whereby the Mysterie of God is fulfilled Revel 10. vers 7. 3. Appeareth the Son of God to John as a mightie strong Angel from Heaven clothed with a cloud having a little book open which Iohn swallowed down and thereupon prophesieth how things shall come to pass especially In the Ecclesiastical State In the first Period until the three hundred ninetie fifth year 1. The Church is built up under great persecution chap. 11. vers 1. 2. The Church is gloriously beautified and clothed with the Son of righteousness hath the Moon under her feet despiseth all worldlie and earthlie things and reigneth over the works of darkness and upon her head a Crown of twelv stars the Apostles and the wholsom Doctrine of the same Chap. 12. vers 1 2. 3 The red Dragon the Devil stirreth up manie heresies persecuteth the Church Constantine the great cometh to the Imperial Seat the Dragon is overcom and Heathenism exstirpated vers 4. and following In the second Period from the three hundred ninetie fifth until the one thousand six hundred fiftie fift year these seven Synchronisms or concurrent times are described 1. The Holie Citie is trodden under foot by the Gentiles chap. 11. vers 2. 2. The two Witnesses clothed with sackcloth vers third until the tenth 3. The Woman fled into the wilderness and is fed there chap. 12. vers 6. until the fourteenth 4. The Beast with ten horns blasphemeth God and maketh war with the Saints chap. 13. vers 5 6 7. 5. The Beast with two horns at the same time drive's a trade with his pedling wares vers 11. until the eighteenth 6. The one hundred fortie four thousand sing a new song and live without blame chap. 14. vers 1. until the sixth 7. The Whore of Babylon the Popish Hierarchie ride's and rule 's the beast with ten horns the Princes and Potentates which adhere unto the Papacie at their own chusing and liking chapter 17. Herewith God causeth Babylon to bee forewarned Chap. 14. vers 6. with following Declareth and denounceth unto her the punishments and plagues Chapter 15. and 16. And when no Reformation doth follow hee passeth the sentence upon her and destroieth her Chap. 17. and 18. Whereupon in the third Period followeth the description of the great joie and Triumph of the Church over the total ruine and destruction of her enemies chapter 19. and the desired tranquillitie and peace of the Christian Church These things wee may see and learn in general out of the Revelation of St Iohn But seeing there bee manie particular and important things conteined therein which do relate unto our present times and are set down for the comfort of the Church which is now afflicted wee think good and expedient to make a collection of the same Now of these our times doth speak exactly and particularly the eleventh chapter in the Historie of the two Witnesses And the sixteenth chapter in the description of the seven vials of the wrath of God The eleventh chapter describeth the beginning of the third part of the Prophesie out of the little open book and and goe's through all the three Periods of the times of the New Testament and becaus it is as it were an abridgment of the whole Revelation and describeth the whole time of the New Testament wee will take the whole into our thought and consider the contents thereof Now it consisteth of two parts wherein is described 1. What is declared unto St Iohn by word of mouth how things shall com to pass 1. in the first period at the building up of the Christian Church 2. In the second period under the Antichristian Vicar in two Synchronisms or concurrencies of times Where 1. The Gentiles tread the holie Citie under foot for the space of fortie two moneths vers 2. 2. The two Witnesses are clothed with sackcloth one thousand two hundred sixtie daies vers 3. And following 2. What in the beginning of the third Period is represented to Iohn by a sudden change in a vision In the first period under the Empire of the Dragon the Son of God causeth his Temple and Church to bee built up The place of the Sacrifices to bee measured and doth faithfully protect his persecuted Christians For thus writeth Iohn Vers 1. And there was given mee a reed like unto a rod and the Angel stood saying Rise and measure the Temple of God and the Altar and them that worship therein Mow seeing the building and gathering of the Christian Church is here commended to Iohn under the measuring of the Iewish Temple at Ierusalem therefore wee must consider the condition and form of the Temple that wee may attain unto the true proper meaning of this text 1. The Temple stood in the Citie of Ierusalem upon the Mountain Moria the length thereof was threescore Cubits the breadth twentie cubits and the height an hundred and twentie cubits 2 Chronic 3. vers 3. and 4. Iosep antiq lib. 8. cap. 3. It was divided into two parts 1. The hinder part towards the West was twentie cubits long and twentie cubits broad and called Sanctum Sanctorum the most holie place into which the High-Priest alone entred but once a year in his High-Priests attire first of Kings 6. vers 16. and 8. vers 6. 2 Chron. 5. vers 7. 2. The Forepart towards the East was fortie cubits long and twentie cubits broad and was called Sanctum the holie place into which onely the Priests entred 1. Reg. 6. vers 17. 2 Chron. 5 v. 11. and this is called here in the text The Temple of God Nota. Numerus cubicus dimensionum Templi Judaici exhibet Templi Mystici numerum Novi Testamenti 144000. Longitudo 60. cubitorum Latitudo 20. facit 1200. Altitudo 120. facit 144000. numerum signatorum cap. 7.
14. 2. Before this hous and Temple of God were two Courts whereof you may read in the second of Kings 21. vers 5. 2 Chron. 4. vers 9. 1. The Inner Court first of Kings 6. vers 36. which was called the Court of the Priests 2 Chron. 4. vers 6. into which none was permitted to enter but the Cohanim and Priests according to the appointed order there they served God with sacrifices and praiers In the middle of this Inner Court stood the Altar for the Burnt-Offerings which was twentie cubits long and broad and ten cubits high This whole place of the Inner Court is called here Thysiasterium 2. Without this was the great Court 2 Chron. 4. vers 9. Iosephus lib. 8. c. 3. compassed with a wall of white Marble The Outward Court Ezekiel 40. vers 17. called the Court in the Temple of the people or of the Israëlites This place did contein in it's circumference four furlongs and none durst enter into it but the Israëlites which were purified according to the Law The unclean Jews and Gentiles durst not com into it It is called in the Greek text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Outward Court 3. About this Court Herod caussed yet another great place to bee inclosed with a wall for the Gentiles and unclean which was called the Court of the Gentiles whereof here no mention is made By this Iewish Temple doth the Angel represent unto John the condition of the Church and Congregation of God in the New Testament giving him a reed and commandeth him to measure By the measuring is signified the building and propagating of the Church Ezech. 40. and following Zach. 2. vers 1 2. Revelations 22. God's Fatherlie providence and faithful care and how exactly and narrowly hee doth observ the actions and sufferings of his believing people Iohn should measure 1. The Temple of God that is the Christian Congregation the true invisible hidden Church which God will build up in the hearts of Believers 1 Cor. 3. vers 16 17. and 16. vers 9. 2 Cor. 6. vers 16. 1 Peter 2. 5. Ephes 3. 17. Iohn 14. vers 23. 2. The Altar 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the place where the Sacrifices were offered the place of oblations which was the inner Court where the Altar of burnt-offerings stood where the Priests did sacrifice and performed their service and praiers That is Becaus the Christian Church will bee exposed to afflictions and persecucutions and is to suffer manie grievous torments and tribulations in regard the true Professors and servants of God shall bee delivered up and killed like sheep appointed for the slaughter therefore hee causeth the sufferings and miseries which they should undergo to bee measured out unto them whereby hee setteth certain bounds to the Tyrants beyond which they cannot go and when they are com so far then must vengeance overtake them Hence it is that the sacrificed souls of the Martyrs who were slain for the word of God and lie under the altar as slaughtered sacrifices crie with a loud voice to the Lord holie and true for vengeance Revel 6. vers 9 10. 3. And them that worship therein Them therein not in the Altar but in the inner Court in the Court of the Priests as Kings and Priests Revel 1. vers 9. and 5. vers 10. as the Roial Priesthood 1 Petr. 2. 9. in the beauties of his holiness Psal 110. pure and undefiled Worship serv God with perseverance until the end and stick close to him in all sorts of persecutions even to the yielding up and sacrificing of their bodies and lives Now followeth the Description of the condition of the Church in the second Period in the time of Poperie from the three hundred ninetie fifth untill the one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year in two Synchronisms or concurrences of times 1. The first of the treading under foot the holie Citie vers 2. But the Court which is without the Temple leav out and measure it not for it is given unto the Gentiles 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 wee read in the old greek versions which doth agree with the above-mentioned description of the Courts of the Temple For the Inner Court is in the first vers intimated by the world Thysiasterium But by the Outward Court here is understood the Outward worship or service of God which consisteth but in the Outward appearance and Ceremonies whereof God will take no notice and therefore rejecteth it Leav it out and measure it not saith the Angel For it given unto the Gentiles and the holie Citie they shall tread under foot Here wee must reflect and look First upon the invasion of the Heathenish Barbarous Nations For from the three hundred twelfth year of our Lord when Constantine the great was converted unto the Christian Faith until the three hundred ninetie fifth year when Theodosius the great died the Church of God did triumph over the Gentiles and destroied the worship of the Dragon and their idolatrous Temples But immediately after the death of Theodosius the Great the Goths Huns Alans with other Barbarous Nations invaded the Romane Empire ruined and destroied the same on all sides whereby the Church as the holie Citie begun to bee troden under foot and the Antichrist had an occasion given to break forth and shew himself vid. Hieron Epist 3. 11. 2. Upon the Heathenish Idolatrie which in Poperie hath been brought in again The Heathen worshipped Saturn Jupiter Mars Apollo Hercules Juno Venus c. In the Popish Religion Marie Peter Paul George c. are set up instead of those and called upon in time of distress so that there is but little difference between them 3. Upon the horrible Sodomie and other abominable sins which in time past have been committed by the Heathen and then afterwards practised and in publick books defended and are as yet commended and permitted in the Popish Church by the Clergie and others without anie shame or restraint This treading under foot shall continue fortie two moneths that is one thousand two hundred sixtie years as doth appear in clavi Apocalypt 2. The second Synchronismus or concurrencie of times of the two Witnesses clothed with sackcloth c. while 's the Holie Citie is troden under foot God will not forget his own people but will faithfully care for them wherefore hee saith V. 3. And I will give power unto my two Witnesses and they shall prophesie a thousand two hundred and threescore daies clothed with sackcloth By the two Witnesses are understood faithful Teachers and Governors of the Church both Ecclesiastical and Political To such hee will give that they may edifie and propagate the Church of God and preserv the same against all Heresies and hostile attempts The number of the witnesses is small beeing but two of them which is the least number yet sufficient for the testimonie of the truth For at the mouth of two or three witnesses shall the matter bee established Deuter. 19. vers 15. Matth. 18.
Witnesses were cloathed with sackcloth and the woman the Church fled into the Wilderness 2. That the six thousand years from the Creation of the world do exspire with the one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth year as was made apparent in Clavi Apocalypt 3. That also the number of years which were from the beginning of the world until the deluge and in the time of the New Testament since the Birth of our Lord reckoned thus far do end alike So as there the wicked world was punished and cut off by the Deluge so here the enemies of the Church shall bee destroied with fire and brimstone Revelations 19. vers 20. Dan. 7. vers 11. 4. The Romane Monarchie began at that time when the Eccentricitas Solis was the greatest and whereby som Astrologers conclude cum Georgio Joachimo Rhetico that the same shall decaie and end when the said Eccentricitas shall bee least And becaus som Astronomers do refer that to the one thousand six hundred fiftie third year which com's verie nigh to our term I thought good to make here mention of it leaving vim probandi to the trial of the Reader Dolingius conclude's in suo Antichristo Tymbogeronte verie well out of the Prophet Daniel chapter 6. vers 27. that by this revolution the Saints of the most High shall possess the Kingdom 5. Two Prophesies of the Turks concerning the Turkish Empire according to which this present young Turkish Emperor is the last and so hee under whom the Turkish Empire shall have it's final period Of the first Prophecie doth Franciscus Sansoninus make mention in a little book which hee Anno 1570. published in Print wherein hee made a collection of som Prophesies among which also this is set down as Joannes Wolsius Tom. 2. lect memor p. 803. writeth That under the fifteenth Turkish Emperor the Turkish Empire shall have an end Antonius Torquatus Medec D. Professor Ferrariensis Astrologus insignis maketh also mention hereof among his Prophesies which hee adscribed to Matthias King of Hungaria in the one thousand four hundred eightïeth year when hee writeth thus The Ottoman hous shall in 13. 14. or 15. heads Wolfius Tom. 2. pag. 896. calleth it ramum that is branch or bough diminish and decaie and shall not go beyond that number For after this shall hee by a terrible chance bee defeated and cut off After this Turkish Emperor's death there shall arise among their Princes and those that relate to the Ottoman Familie such a dissention and combustion that they shall pitifully cut one another's throats and afterwards bee horribly spoiled and destroied by forreign Nations c. This number of 15 heads must bee computed from the first Ottoman not according to the heads of the Turkish Emperors who have reigned for there are a great manie more of them but according to the members or branches of the Ottoman Familie Ottomannus or Ozman Gazi is the root and Origine of this house and so stipes communis Hee was by the King of Persia established in the possession of Carmania and dignified with the roial title From this did spring 1. Urchan Gasi who died in the one thousand three hundred fiftieth year 2. Murat who took Adrianople in the one thousand three hundred sixtieth year and died Anno 1390. 3. Bajaze◠1. whom Tamerlan carried away prisoner 4. Solyman 1. otherwise called Calepinus After him reigned his two brothers namely Musa who was killed by Mahomet Mahomet 1. died Anno 1422. These three Brothers belong to one Member or branch nay som do not compute Solyman and Musa at all becaus Solyman was Musa and Musa by Mahomet suddenly dispossest of the Imperial Government 5. Murat 2d died Anno 1450. 6. Mahomet 2d who took Constantinople Anno 1453 and died 1481. 7. Bajazet 2d was poisoned by his son Selim in the one thousand five hundred twelfth year 8. Selim 1. died Anno 1520. 9. Solyman 2d died at Ziget in Hungaria in the one thousand five hundred sixtie six year 10. Selim 2d died Anno 1575. 11. Murat 3d born of a Jewish woman Solomon Swiccard in his Itinerarie relateth died Anno 1595. 12. Mahomet 3d died Anno 1603. 13. Achmet 1. died Anno 1617. Whereupon was Mustaff brother of this Achmet chosen Anno 1617. And becaus hee was found to bee of so soft a disposition that hee was unfit to govern the Mufties and the principal Bassas partly by fair means and partly by threatnings wrought so far with him that hee resigned the Empire 14. These set up Osman or Ottoman 2d the Son of Achmet This same caused not Mustaff to bee strangled as it is usual but onely restrained him Wherefore when Anno 1622. this Osman was in a tumult thrust out of the Imperial Seat and strangled and the Janizaries found this Mustaff under restraint it happened that they exalted him the second time unto the Imperial Crown But becaus hee liked not the the emploiment hee resigned it to Osman his brother So that Murath the second Son of Achmet came to the Imperial dignitie Anno 1622 and died in the beginning of the one thousand six hundred fortieth year To him succeeded Ibrahim the third son of Achmet the 20th of Februarie 1640. Hee and his brother Osman had the same misfortune they were both strangled with three of his Sultanaes in Sept. Anno 1648. by the rebellious Janizaries These three brothers Sons of Achmet belong to one branch 15. Achmet second Son of Ibrahim an uncircumcised child of six years of age was set upon the Imperial Seat in Sept 1648. and made the Head over manie barbarous Nations and will bee if this Prophesie hold's the last Emperor of the Ottoman Government The second Prophesie is described by Bartholomew Georgieviez in his Epitome and after him by Philippus Lonicerus in his Turkish Chronicl lib. 3. in the beginning pag. 204. As also by Adam Nachen Moser in Prognostico Theolog. lib. 3. pag. 65. seqq Wolfius Tom. 2. lect mem pag. 293. Christoph. Besoldus in consider legis Sectae Sarac pag. 47. which is to this effect Our Turkish Emperor shall com and take from a Heathenish so they call the Christians Emperor King or Prince his Kingdom hee will bring under his power and conquer a red Apple In case the Christians in the seventh year shall not draw their swords hee shall reign over them twelv years build houses plant Vineyards hedg in gardens beget children But after twelv years when hee hath had the red apple under his power the Christians shall draw their swords and put themselvs into a posture of defence and put the Turk to flight By the red Apple is understood the Oriental or Constantinopolitan Empire becaus the occidental was long before exspired By the twelv years are signified twelv times under twelv Turkish heads who should reign after the taking of Constantinople Now Constantinople was taken in the one thousand four hundred fiftie third year by Mahomet the second so that the twelv years or times