be_v hold_v together_o in_o before_o and_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n this_o shall_v be_v effect_v upon_o several_a nation_n that_o be_v before_o paganochristian_a in_o the_o sardian_n interval_n what_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o clear_a vers._n 28._o there_o be_v but_o one_o morning_n star_n and_o that_o be_v bright_a so_o that_o the_o morningstar_n and_o the_o bright_a morningstar_n must_v signify_v the_o same_o and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o signify_v several_a state_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o one_o be_v speak_v only_o of_o christ_n himself_o viz._n he_o call_v himself_o the_o bright_a morningstar_n but_o what_o the_o morningstar_n be_v which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o overcomer_n in_o the_o thyatirian_a church_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v understand_v far_a than_o we_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o but_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o like_a signification_n with_o 2_o pet._n 1.19_o both_o seem_v to_o respect_v a_o addition_n of_o light_n of_o life_n to_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n before_o receive_v ans._n there_o be_v but_o one_o morning_n star_n indeed_o which_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v here_o signify_v but_o in_o a_o political_a consideration_n as_o prince_n of_o his_o empire_n on_o earth_n which_o may_v have_v degree_n of_o largeness_n and_o lustre_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v here_o understand_v in_o a_o political_a sense_n the_o forego_n verse_n intimate_v that_o speak_v of_o the_o enlargement_n of_o his_o kingdom_n of_o which_o also_o the_o subsequence_n of_o the_o epiphonema_v far_o assure_v we_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n note_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o where_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o bright_a morning_n star_n apoc._n 22.16_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v there_o simple_o of_o his_o person_n abstract_v from_o his_o kingdom_n on_o earth_n because_o he_o say_v immediate_o before_o it_o i_o be_o the_o offspring_n of_o david_n which_o be_v a_o challenge_v his_o right_n to_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n upon_o that_o score_n of_o his_o descent_n from_o david_n the_o king_n to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v the_o promise_n ps._n 2._o and_o this_o follow_v the_o description_n of_o his_o glorious_a reign_n in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o relate_v to_o those_o time_n he_o say_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sardian_n interval_n i_o be_o the_o morningstar_n but_o the_o bright_a morningstar_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o exceed_a great_a lustre_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o millennial_a reign_n why_o shall_v any_o one_o wink_n against_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n and_o inviolable_a coherence_n and_o congruity_n of_o thing_n but_o why_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instead_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o sardian_n interval_n the_o expositor_n have_v note_v in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n chap._n 3._o vers._n 4._o walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a be_v in_o this_o verse_n make_v signify_v that_o converse_v with_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o all_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n but_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n the_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o walk_v in_o white_a be_v take_v in_o a_o different_a sense_n viz._n to_o be_v prosperous_a in_o the_o propagate_a the_o affair_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n also_o in_o the_o say_v follow_v verse_n those_o word_n i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n which_o interpret_v the_o forego_n word_n viz._n that_o the_o walk_n in_o white_a and_o the_o be_v clothe_v with_o white_a raiment_n be_v the_o walk_n in_o the_o light_n of_o life_n whereby_o we_o become_v heir_n of_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o so_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v yet_o take_v to_o signify_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o such_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o the_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o succession_n be_v no_o reward_n to_o the_o sardian_n church_n though_o it_o may_v be_v joy_n to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n ans._n if_o there_o be_v any_o error_n in_o this_o interpretation_n it_o be_v in_o that_o the_o expositor_n have_v not_o expound_v to_o walk_v with_o i_o in_o white_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o expound_v to_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n which_o have_v a_o political_a sense_n and_o signify_v the_o good_a success_n of_o affair_n with_o they_o for_o the_o remarker_n be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o expositor_n be_v give_v the_o prophetical_a sense_n of_o these_o epistle_n not_o the_o literal_a moral_a or_o spiritual_a and_o that_o therefore_o according_a to_o that_o solid_a rule_n set_v down_o that_o the_o declaration_n touch_v the_o success_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v write_v to_o before_o the_o epiphonema_n signify_v political_o so_o this_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a be_v to_o be_v expound_v according_o but_o be_v whiteness_n signify_v as_o well_o innocency_n as_o prosperity_n and_o innocency_n be_v a_o fit_v these_o few_o name_n in_o sardis_n for_o their_o prosperous_a success_n that_o i_o make_v use_v of_o these_o different_a signification_n so_o well_o subordinate_v one_o to_o another_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v cavil_v at_o but_o rather_o to_o be_v approve_v and_o correspondent_o to_o this_o prophetical_a sense_n which_o must_v be_v political_n i_o will_v not_o blot_v his_o name_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o these_o few_o name_n be_v the_o durable_a seed_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o shall_v last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o say_v this_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o durable_a succession_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o remarker_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o true_a christian_a state_n and_o know_v not_o the_o gratification_n of_o a_o soul_n regenerate_v into_o the_o live_a image_n of_o christ_n who_o with_o his_o church_n be_v one_o mystical_a body_n in_o succession_n through_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o what_o any_o part_n of_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o present_a if_o it_o make_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o future_a they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v ample_o reward_v by_o so_o happy_a a_o event_n and_o such_o a_o success_n as_o cause_n joy_v to_o they_o as_o the_o remarker_n acknowledge_v must_v be_v a_o proportionable_a good_a to_o they_o and_o if_o consequent_a upon_o their_o labour_n and_o suffering_n a_o reward_n thereof_o so_o that_o such_o allegation_n as_o these_o be_v mere_a affect_a cavil_n vers._n 8._o the_o open_a door_n that_o can_v be_v shut_v and_o the_o little_a strength_n signify_v not_o any_o outward_a force_n or_o army_n but_o that_o spiritual_a strength_n that_o be_v attain_v to_o by_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n which_o make_v we_o become_v free_v by_o the_o truth_n from_o the_o thraldom_n of_o the_o worldly_a power_n and_o gain_v that_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o never_o to_o fall_v both_o this_o and_o the_o four_o follow_a verse_n do_v show_v the_o philadelphian_a church_n to_o be_v in_o a_o militant_a state_n in_o progress_n to_o the_o victorious_a state_n of_o rest_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o millennium_n and_o what_o be_v say_v in_o these_o verse_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o entire_a state_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o seven_o vial_n as_o the_o commencement_n thereof_o but_o to_o instance_n in_o their_o signify_v a_o militant_a state_n etc._n etc._n the_o promise_n v_o 9_o to_o make_v they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n to_o come_v and_o worship_n etc._n etc._n do_v plain_o show_v the_o church_n to_o be_v in_o conflict_n with_o such_o enemy_n as_o pretend_v to_o be_v true_a christian_n and_o yet_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o true_a church_n which_o can_v agree_v with_o the_o millennial_a state_n when_o satan_n shall_v be_v bind_v and_o all_o enemy_n put_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n the_o promise_n v_o 10._o to_o keep_v from_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n do_v evidence_n and_o a_o state_n far_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o millennium_n and_o do_v seem_v to_o signify_v that_o time_n of_o great_a trouble_n precedent_n thereto_o dan._n 12._o the_o promise_n also_o v_o 11._o to_o come_v quick_o and_o warning_n to_o hold_v fast_o etc._n etc._n do_v also_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o millennium_n when_o god_n will_v reward_v all_o his_o servant_n ch_z 11.18_o be_v not_o then_o come_v though_o it_o be_v near_o approach_v and_o the_o several_a promise_n v_o 12._o make_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v do_v
denote_v man_n precise_o in_o a_o invincible_a spiritual_a state_n as_o for_o the_o scripture_n cite_v for_o the_o first_o god_n name_n be_v not_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n themselves_o and_o when_o we_o pray_v hallow_a be_v god_n name_n do_v we_o understand_v the_o people_n of_o god_n there_o by_o god_n name_n what_o trifle_v be_v this_o and_o last_o beside_o all_o this_o if_o by_o god_n name_n be_v mean_v those_o that_o bear_v his_o name_n this_o according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n signify_v the_o high_a attainment_n in_o christianity_n as_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o philadelphian_a state_n ch_z 3.12_o i_o will_v write_v upon_o he_o the_o name_n of_o my_o god_n and_o so_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v the_o note_n of_o the_o less_o perfect_a degree_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n because_o it_o be_v the_o jerusalem-state_n the_o high_a degree_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n that_o be_v apoc._n 21.3_o and_o the_o condition_n there_o describe_v be_v a_o permanent_a condition_n so_o that_o this_o conceit_n of_o sojourn_v be_v a_o perfect_a mistake_n according_a to_o which_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o outward_a court_n will_v be_v a_o restore_n of_o it_o to_o a_o sojourn_v condition_n how_o repugnant_a be_v these_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o dweller_n in_o heaven_n signify_v man_n of_o the_o three_o state_n but_o that_o of_o ch_n 12.12_o rejoice_v you_o heaven_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o they_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n and_o as_o for_o the_o conceit_n touch_v the_o worshipper_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o thysiasterion_n the_o groundlesness_n thereof_o be_v show_v in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o remark_n on_o chap._n 11._o so_o that_o this_o whole_a remark_n hitherto_o be_v a_o strange_a incoherent_a dream_n of_o force_a and_o far-fetched_a fancy_n and_o for_o his_o impugn_v the_o expositor_n interpretation_n it_o be_v as_o weak_a as_o the_o other_o be_v wild_a for_o suppose_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o angel_n to_o be_v well_o mean_v by_o they_o that_o so_o worship_v they_o though_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o church_n more_o than_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o that_o they_o so_o worship_v be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n aim_v at_o by_o they_o that_o give_v the_o example_n to_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o this_o worship_n be_v real_o a_o reproach_n to_o they_o which_o reproach_n they_o be_v all_o make_v object_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v proper_o call_v blasphemy_n as_o act._n 19.37_o the_o town-clark_n clear_v the_o apostle_n from_o be_v blasphemer_n of_o the_o goddess_n diana_n that_o they_o be_v all_o reproach_v both_o god_n saint_n and_o angel_n be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o exposition_n and_o it_o be_v far_o fit_v that_o this_o reproach_n shall_v be_v call_v blasphemy_n that_o by_o this_o sharp_a reproof_n they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o effectual_o stave_v off_o from_o commit_v idolatry_n in_o such_o worship_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n to_o all_o which_o you_o may_v add_v that_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n to_o charge_v the_o sinner_n with_o that_o direct_o which_o he_o commit_v but_o interpretatiuè_fw-la as_o jer._n ch_z 2.27_o the_o prophet_n there_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o say_v to_o a_o stock_n thou_o be_v my_o father_n and_o to_o a_o stone_n thou_o have_v beget_v i_o for_o their_o pray_v to_o stock_n and_o stone_n see_v synops._n prophetic_a book_n 1._o chap._n 1._o vers._n 10._o this_o scripture_n be_v of_o like_a sense_n with_o reward_v she_o as_o she_o have_v reward_v you_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 18._o but_o the_o sense_n here_o give_v be_v to_o make_v a_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n to_o be_v threaten_v instead_o of_o a_o judgement_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o speak_v so_o ambiguous_o as_o to_o be_v unintelligible_a ans._n this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a promise_n to_o they_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o present_a that_o their_o cause_n shall_v obtain_v at_o last_o and_o a_o threaten_n to_o the_o unconverted_a part_n of_o their_o enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v lose_v so_o much_o of_o their_o dominion_n by_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o this_o certain_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v against_o the_o papal_a power_n in_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n the_o late_a bless_a reformation_n which_o be_v more_o considerable_a than_o the_o kill_n by_o the_o sword_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v no_o far_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v than_o themselves_o necessitate_v it_o this_o verse_n therefore_o set_v out_o the_o expectant_a state_n of_o the_o soldier_n of_o the_o lamb_n the_o firm_a hope_n of_o victory_n at_o last_o for_o their_o suffering_n as_o be_v express_o say_v in_o those_o last_o word_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o the_o news_n of_o their_o actual_a victory_n be_v by_o the_o second_o angel_n ch_n 14.8_o vers._n 12._o the_o exercise_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o first_o beast_n etc._n etc._n do_v signify_v the_o temporal_a dominion_n of_o the_o two-horned_n beast_n by_o pluck_v up_o three_o horn_n by_o the_o root_n and_o for_o the_o better_a countenance_v the_o power_n he_o do_v exercise_v he_o as_o a_o prophet_n or_o christ_n vicar_n do_v confirm_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o power_n by_o the_o beast_n and_o so_o cause_v all_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o his_o exercise_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o first_o beast_n can_v signify_v his_o make_a law_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o the_o first_o beast_n have_v such_o power_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v yet_o that_o can_v be_v call_v all_o his_o power_n nor_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o ans._n one_o will_v think_v the_o remarker_n a_o man_n of_o a_o mighty_a secular_a and_o worldly_a genius_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o opened-book-prophecy_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n he_o ever_o distort_v thing_n to_o a_o politic_a or_o civil_a sense_n which_o yet_o be_v most_o natural_o understand_v of_o religion_n for_o the_o word_n here_o run_v thus_o and_o he_o exercise_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o first_o beast_n before_o he_o and_o he_o cause_v the_o earth_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o to_o worship_v the_o first_o beast_n who_o deadly_a wound_n be_v heal_v before_o which_o immediate_o precede_v and_o he_o speak_v as_o the_o dragon_n viz._n decree_v idolatry_n and_o the_o reason_n than_o follow_v because_o he_o have_v get_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o beast_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n whereby_o he_o reduce_v the_o world_n again_o to_o a_o draconick_a religion_n bloody_a and_o idolatrous_a he_o have_v get_v all_o this_o kind_n of_o power_n into_o his_o hand_n the_o two-horned_n beast_n i_o say_v have_v so_o but_o he_o have_v not_o get_v all_o the_o secular_a power_n of_o the_o empire_n into_o his_o hand_n no_o not_o by_o pluck_v the_o three_o horn_n up_o by_o the_o root_n for_o the_o ten-horned_n beast_n signify_v the_o whole_a secular_a dominion_n of_o the_o empire_n beside_o that_o the_o two-horned_n beast_n begin_v to_o renew_v the_o image_n of_o the_o dragon_n before_o he_o have_v pluck_v up_o the_o three_o horn_n by_o the_o root_n so_o that_o that_o passage_n all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o first_o beast_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n it_o be_v false_a of_o the_o other_o and_o this_o power_n of_o approve_v and_o allow_v matter_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o supreme_a secular_a magistrate_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o our_o church_n be_v most_o certain_o their_o right_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o place_n to_o dispute_v the_o point_n thus_o safe_a be_v it_o to_o steer_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o opened-book-prophecy_n by_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o empire_n vers._n 14._o the_o change_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o victory_n of_o the_o martyr_n can_v be_v call_v a_o deadly_a wound_a of_o the_o beast_n by_o a_o sword_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o ruin_n to_o it_o thereby_o for_o the_o same_o politic_a body_n of_o the_o beast_n continue_v till_o it_o be_v wound_v to_o death_n by_o a_o sword_n viz._n ruin_v by_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o ruin_v by_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n so_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o like_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o revive_n of_o he_o but_o he_o live_v again_o when_o the_o like_a politic_a body_n or_o civil_a state_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o empire_n be_v reestablish_v by_o the_o ten-horned_n beast_n by_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n settle_v into_o a_o subjection_n to_o or_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o
resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o yet_o the_o power_n then_o touch_v which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v not_o only_o antichristian_a in_o some_o sense_n but_o mere_a pagan_n but_o from_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o the_o root_n of_o all_o authority_n be_v god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v witness_n with_o a_o witness_n that_o in_o pretence_n of_o christ_n right_n to_o rule_n will_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o authority_n god_n himself_o and_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o ancient_a giant_n be_v viz._n of_o fight_v against_o god_n wherefore_o this_o doctrine_n imply_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o these_o two_o vial_n make_v by_o the_o remarker_n be_v extreme_o unsound_a and_o unchristian_a and_o consequent_o upon_o this_o account_n also_o his_o interpretation_n be_v false_a vers._n 12._o though_o the_o dry_n up_o the_o river_n euphrates_n may_v signify_v such_o mutation_n in_o the_o turkish_a empire_n as_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o jew_n and_o eastern_a nation_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o be_v like_a to_o have_v some_o far_a signification_n viz._n that_o whereas_o euphrates_n be_v a_o great_a defence_n to_o babylon_n by_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o which_o cyrus_n take_v the_o city_n something_o analogous_a thereto_o whence_o may_v be_v the_o great_a strength_n and_o confidence_n of_o mystical_a babylon_n may_v be_v here_o signify_v to_o be_v remove_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n but_o what_o this_o be_v time_n must_v disclose_v ans._n this_o remark_n be_v ingenious_a enough_o but_o why_o may_v not_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o turkish_a empire_n be_v the_o great_a defence_n of_o the_o mystical_a babylon_n so_o that_o as_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n hinder_v the_o appear_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n or_o antichrist_n so_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o turkish_a empire_n may_v retardate_v antichrist_n ruin_n the_o king_n of_o the_o east_n not_o appear_v for_o the_o true_o apostolic_a church_n till_o there_o be_v some_o change_n or_o brokenness_n in_o the_o turkish_a empire_n vers._n 16._o a_o there_o be_v no_o such_o commutation_n of_o iconism_n here_o as_o be_v imagine_v b_o but_o the_o division_n of_o the_o city_n into_o three_o part_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o that_o decisive_a battle_n viz._n the_o antichristian_a party_n be_v overthrow_v and_o dissolve_v two_o part_n thereof_o viz._n the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o three_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n ch_n 19_o v._n 20_o 21._o ans._n a_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o commutation_n of_o iconism_n in_o this_o vision_n for_o the_o fore_n part_n of_o the_o vision_n from_o v_o 13._o to_o v_o 17._o represent_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n those_o of_o the_o dragon_n party_n viz._n pagan_n and_o infidel_n and_o those_o of_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n party_n viz._n the_o antichristian_a force_n draw_v out_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o army_n of_o god_n almighty_n or_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n viz._n the_o evangelical_n party_n into_o the_o field_n of_o armageddon_n but_o neither_o fight_n nor_o success_n be_v mention_v hitherto_o no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o seven_o vial_n pour_v out_o upon_o they_o yet_o for_o the_o discomfiture_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o antichristian_a party_n by_o the_o evangelical_n wherefore_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o commutation_n of_o iconism_n and_o these_o tripartite_a force_n in_o armageddon_n which_o comprise_v as_o it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o world_n be_v turn_v into_o as_o great_a and_o large_a a_o city_n which_o may_v contain_v the_o same_o party_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o either_o conflict_n or_o success_n of_o that_o vast_a multitude_n congregat_v in_o armageddon_n set_v out_o in_o the_o vision_n which_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v forget_v in_o the_o midway_n what_o he_o be_v about_o wherefore_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v predict_v be_v continue_v but_o by_o a_o commutation_n of_o iconism_n and_o the_o tripartite_a force_n in_o the_o field_n be_v represent_v by_o a_o mighty_a city_n divide_v into_o three_o part_n and_o the_o battle_n be_v represent_v by_o those_o boanergese_n the_o preach_a part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n host_n thunder_v over_o this_o great_a city_n and_o the_o success_n by_o declare_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o be_v the_o infidel_n they_o fall_v be_v thunderstruck_a convert_v to_o the_o pure_a apostolic_a faith_n by_o the_o powerful_a preach_n of_o these_o evangelist_n but_o it_o be_v say_v of_o babylon_n which_o be_v part_n of_o this_o great_a city_n that_o hailstone_n of_o a_o talon_n weight_n fall_v upon_o she_o but_o instead_o of_o be_v convert_v she_o blaspheme_v but_o that_o she_o be_v vanquish_v in_o a_o political_a sense_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o description_n a_o man_n must_v wink_v hard_a that_o can_v keep_v his_o eye_n from_o intromit_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n but_o now_o to_o what_o the_o remarker_n allege_v i_o say_v b_o how_o can_v the_o divide_n of_o the_o city_n into_o three_o part_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o battle_n in_o armageddon_n when_o there_o be_v no_o fight_v there_o nor_o the_o vial_n pour_v out_o till_o v_o 17_o and_o the_o great_a city_n answer_v to_o the_o tripartite_a force_n draw_v out_o into_o the_o field_n of_o armageddon_n viz._n infidel_n antichristian_a and_o evangelical_n the_o say_a city_n must_v contain_v the_o same_o but_o this_o tripartition_n the_o remarker_n will_v take_v up_o withal_o leave_v out_o the_o evangelical_n party_n and_o make_v the_o antichristian_a party_n two_o whenas_o quatenus_fw-la antichristian_a they_o be_v but_o one_o party_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o account_v and_o last_o for_o the_o three_o party_n slay_v with_o the_o sword_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n in_o this_o vision_n but_o of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v thunderstruck_a to_o all_o which_o you_o may_v add_v that_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v as_o much_o two_o before_o the_o fight_n as_o after_o and_o those_o slay_v with_o the_o sword_n viz._n the_o draconick_a party_n be_v one_o part_n of_o this_o tripartition_n as_o much_o before_o as_o after_o the_o fight_n so_o that_o the_o fight_n can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o this_o tripartition_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o true_a tripartition_n but_o what_o be_v before_o the_o conflict_n and_o which_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o force_n evangelical_n antichristian_a and_o infidel_n into_o those_o three_o part_n for_o logic_n tell_v we_o as_o there_o be_v reciprocatio_fw-la definitionis_fw-la cum_fw-la definito_fw-la so_o there_o must_v be_v distributionis_fw-la partium_fw-la cum_fw-la toto_fw-la there_o must_v be_v a_o adequateness_n in_o both_o vers._n 17._o a_o it_o be_v do_v do_v here_o as_o former_o note_v answer_v to_o the_o same_o word_n ch_n 21.6_o and_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v and_o time_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o ch_n 10._o viz._n the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a the_o politic_a frame_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v dissolve_v and_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n to_o be_v establish_v etc._n etc._n b_o but_o to_o imagine_v here_o to_o be_v signify_v the_o overthrow_n of_o antichrist_n by_o powerful_a preach_n be_v a_o strange_a conceit_n they_o have_v long_o since_o by_o obdurate_a impenitence_n be_v past_o such_o cure_n of_o which_o they_o have_v long_o before_o this_o sufficient_a trial_n and_o become_v ripe_a for_o this_o finish_v plague_n which_o in_o the_o suppose_a sense_n will_v not_o be_v such_o but_o a_o mercy_n c_o the_o vial_n into_o the_o air_n signify_v the_o immediate_a pour_v it_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n or_o the_o extinguish_n his_o power_n by_o which_o the_o beast_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v act_v ans._n a_o this_o fond_a fancy_n of_o the_o remarker_n i_o have_v refute_v above_o and_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a precarious_a dream_n of_o he_o that_o all_o political_a government_n shall_v cease_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v finish_v if_o the_o antichristian_a government_n cease_v and_o a_o true_a christian_a polity_n that_o faithful_o and_o effectual_o support_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n worship_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o order_n this_o extravagant_a fancy_n tend_v to_o nothing_o but_o enthusiastical_a anarchy_n the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a
i_o say_v must_v be_v place_v in_o one_o of_o the_o two_o eminent_a joint_n of_o the_o two_o forego_v vision_n and_o so_o as_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o like_a end_n as_o that_o three_o vision_n in_o daniel_n do_v viz._n more_o full_o to_o represent_v the_o matter_n belong_v to_o some_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o forego_n vision_n the_o remarker_n himself_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o first_o joint_n wherefore_o its_o natural_a place_n be_v at_o the_o second_o joint_n after_o the_o rise_v witness_n and_o partial_a fall_n of_o babylon_n for_o upon_o this_o it_o be_v present_o say_v the_o second_o woe_n be_v past_a viz._n the_o second_o wo-trumpet_n or_o six_o trumpet_n this_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o expositor_n the_o follow_a argument_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v afterward_o now_o what_o say_v the_o remarker_n to_o this_o a_o if_o a_o succeed_a vision_n say_v he_o prophesy_v but_o of_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o monarchy_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n end_n in_o the_o three_o joint_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o out_o of_o any_o relation_n to_o or_o contexture_n with_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o succeed_a vision_n do_v not_o prophesy_v of_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o monarchy_n but_o of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o and_o for_o that_o very_a purpose_n begin_v at_o the_o first_o joint_n viz._n with_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n nor_o do_v end_n at_o the_o three_o joint_n but_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n they_o respect_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o who_o cause_n this_o succeed_a vision_n be_v subjoin_v but_o the_o line_n of_o this_o part_n viz._n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n continue_v near_o a_o hundred_o year_n long_o though_o i_o will_v not_o gainsay_v but_o in_o some_o considerable_a sense_n the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n but_o it_o be_v the_o beginning_n at_o the_o first_o joint_n for_o the_o pass_n to_o the_o second_o and_o to_o the_o three_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o design_n so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o this_o succeed_a vision_n be_v in_o mere_a subserviency_n to_o the_o full_a illustrate_v some_o affair_n touch_v the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o three_o monarchy_n and_o therefore_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o forego_n vision_n as_o a_o supplement_n to_o some_o part_n thereof_o and_o thence_o be_v a_o fit_a example_n whereon_o to_o infer_v the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o open_v book_n and_o that_o which_o he_o far_o add_v of_o these_o three_o vision_n be_v receive_v at_o such_o divers_a time_n and_o in_o such_o divers_a manner_n one_o be_v but_o a_o interpretation_n of_o nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n how_o weak_a and_o impertinent_a be_v this_o as_o if_o that_o wisdom_n which_o inspire_v daniel_n can_v not_o so_o attemperate_a his_o vision_n that_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o subservient_fw-fr one_o to_o another_o and_o beside_o they_o be_v actual_o place_v thus_o in_o daniel_n book_n of_o prophecy_n as_o the_o other_o three_o be_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n so_o altogether_o nothing_o be_v it_o that_o the_o remarker_n have_v hitherto_o allege_v b_o but_o now_o second_o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o first_o joint_n in_o the_o two_o first_o vision_n in_o the_o open_v book_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n the_o inward_a and_o the_o outward_a court_n synchronize_a i_o have_v so_o full_o confute_v that_o fond_a conceit_n of_o he_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o his_o remark_n on_o that_o place_n that_o i_o need_v only_o here_o remind_v he_o of_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o rude_a and_o absurd_a than_o that_o c_o three_o as_o for_o the_o second_o joint_n it_o be_v most_o certain_o a_o authentic_a joint_n whether_o the_o remarker_n will_v agree_v to_o it_o or_o no_o and_o plain_o demonstrate_v by_o mr._n mede_n in_o his_o synchronism_n and_o solid_o maintain_v by_o the_o expositor_n nor_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o one_o in_o his_o wit_n it_o be_v the_o contermination_n of_o the_o medial_a synchronal_n with_o the_o post-medial_a and_o of_o the_o six_o trumpet_n with_o the_o seven_o but_o where_o the_o vial_n be_v o_o be_v place_v be_v the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n and_o consequent_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o millennium_n proper_o so_o call_v d_o four_o his_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o a_o partial_a vision_n shall_v commence_v with_o some_o eminent_a joint_n of_o the_o more_o general_a vision_n precede_v because_o the_o three_o admonish_a angel_n be_v a_o like_a vision_n and_o do_v not_o be_v very_o infirm_a forasmuch_o as_o that_o of_o the_o three_o admonish_a angel_n be_v no_o partial_a vision_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o the_o three_o vision_n in_o daniel_n be_v and_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o vial_n but_o mere_o part_v of_o a_o vision_n viz._n of_o the_o second_o vision_n of_o the_o open_v book_n and_o the_o first_o angel_n belong_v to_o the_o medial_a time_n the_o second_o to_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o post-medial_a time_n the_o joyful_a annunciation_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o babylon_n respect_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o city_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n which_o be_v just_a at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o six_o trumpet_n as_o i_o note_v before_o so_o that_o all_o that_o follow_v chap._n 14._o from_o vers_fw-la 8._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n respect_v thing_n or_o event_n after_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n e_o five_o the_o expositor_n pain_n in_o prove_v that_o the_o vial_n do_v not_o commence_v with_o the_o trumpet_n be_v not_o mis-spend_v because_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v incline_v to_o that_o opinion_n and_o there_o be_v some_o show_v and_o plausibility_n for_o it_o and_o sixthly_a the_o pain_n take_v to_o remove_v the_o vial_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o trumpet_n be_v not_o to_o place_v they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o trumpet_n for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o trumpet_n be_v no_o joint_n at_o all_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n reach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v to_o place_v they_o in_o the_o second_o joint_n of_o the_o two_o forego_v vision_n viz._n at_o the_o contermination_n of_o the_o medial_a and_o post-medial_a synchronal_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o contermination_n of_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o trumpet_n at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o the_o witness_n rise_v and_o the_o city_n of_o babylon_n fall_v in_o part_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v place_v at_o the_o second_o joint_n of_o the_o two_o first_o vision_n of_o the_o open_v book_n it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o the_o place_v they_o in_o the_o second_o joint_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o seal_a book_n and_o beside_o to_o say_v the_o trumpets_z belong_v to_o the_o seal_a book_n and_o the_o vial_n belong_v to_o the_o open_v book_n and_o they_o be_v distinct_a prophecy_n have_v no_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o be_v a_o wonderful_a groundless_a assertion_n and_o point_v blank_a against_o the_o express_a indication_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n who_o refer_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o partial_a fall_n of_o babylon_n to_o the_o exitus_fw-la of_o the_o second_o wo-trumpet_n or_o six_o trumpet_n and_o yet_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v part_n of_o a_o vision_n of_o the_o open_v book_n and_o what_o correspondency_n thing_n have_v prophesy_v of_o in_o the_o seal_a book_n to_o those_o prophesy_v of_o in_o the_o open_v book_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v but_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n f_o and_n seventhly_a and_o last_o what_o the_o remarker_n will_v call_v needful_a i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o place_n of_o a_o partial_a vision_n shall_v be_v at_o some_o eminent_a knot_n of_o the_o more_o general_a vision_n precede_v be_v wonderful_o natural_a and_o congruous_a which_o be_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o expositor_n for_o place_v the_o vial_n at_o the_o second_o joint_n of_o the_o precede_a vision_n when_o the_o first_o will_v not_o do_v but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v four_o argument_n more_o add_v which_o we_o will_v now_o see_v how_o well_o the_o remarker_n can_v evade_v in_o his_o next_o remark_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v pag._n 280_o 281._o the_o imagine_v slight_a intimation_n say_v he_o of_o the_o seven_o vial_n rev._n 11_o 18_o etc._n etc._n be_v a_o very_a slight_a fancy_n a_o the_o nation_n anger_n be_v that_o for_o which_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v there_o say_v to_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o their_o anger_n or_o exulcerate_v rage_n at_o the_o
predict_v the_o entire_a event_n of_o the_o medial-vision_n to_o the_o accuracy_n of_o one_o prophetic_a day_n nor_o yet_o month_n yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v not_o herein_o trifle_v at_o all_o but_o that_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a use_n of_o this_o variation_n that_o no_o man_n for_o the_o want_n thereof_o may_v obstinate_o pretend_v that_o the_o other_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o use_n thereof_o whenas_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o that_o viz._n that_o the_o 42_o month_n or_o 1260_o day_n shall_v signify_v the_o full_a extent_n of_o that_o time_n whenas_o that_o full_a sense_n be_v so_o easy_o abatable_a by_o a_o prophetic_a synecdoche_n or_o numeral_a diorism_n there_o be_v give_v also_o intimation_n thereto_o have_v thus_o therefore_o dispatch_v the_o two_o first_o query_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o solution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o abovesaid_a letter_n to_o a_o friend_n which_o solution_n be_v as_o follow_v first_o have_v fix_v the_o epocha_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v to_o be_v reckon_v from_o the_o year_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o assist_v his_o apostle_n which_o be_v the_o most_o indubitable_a and_o unexceptionable_a epocha_n that_o can_v be_v pitch_v upon_o and_o must_v needs_o seem_v the_o least_o strain_a to_o serve_v any_o design_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o the_o epocha_n of_o the_o threefold_a prophecy_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_a book_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o open_v book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o self_n same_o year_n that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v fix_v these_o few_o reason_n seem_v to_o infer_v first_o they_o be_v prophecy_n all_o three_o of_o they_o of_o a_o large_a universal_a extent_n reach_v from_o the_o time_n at_o least_o of_o their_o reception_n which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o year_n after_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o time_n succeed_a even_o till_o the_o day_n of_o doom_n wherefore_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o be_v a_o transcript_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n or_o provision_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o god_n foresee_v it_o will_v be_v in_o its_o general_a succession_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n thereof_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o three_o prophecy_n or_o visionary_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v complete_a and_o unmaimed_a second_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o such_o interpreter_n that_o otherwise_o dissent_v from_o we_o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n begin_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v not_o then_o the_o other_o two_o prophecy_n do_v so_o too_o three_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o sealed-book-prophecy_n and_o the_o opened-book-prophecy_n be_v natural_o applicable_a to_o that_o epocha_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v pitch_v upon_o viz._n the_o year_n when_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v ascend_v and_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o assist_v his_o apostle_n for_o what_o more_o natural_a and_o fit_a application_n can_v there_o be_v of_o the_o rider_n of_o the_o white_a horse_n with_o a_o bow_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o who_o a_o crown_n be_v give_v than_o to_o christ_n ascend_v and_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o assist_v his_o follower_n to_o conquer_v the_o roman_a empire_n and_o subject_v it_o to_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o that_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v predict_v by_o our_o saviour_n fear_v not_o little_a flock_n for_o it_o be_v your_o father_n good_a pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n and_o this_o rider_n come_v from_o the_o east_n &_o oriens_fw-la nomen_fw-la ejus_fw-la see_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o first_o seal_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n wherefore_o this_o vision_n do_v that_o right_a to_o our_o saviour_n as_o to_o represent_v his_o glorious_a and_o miraculous_a assistence_n at_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seal_a book_n now_o for_o the_o two_o initial_a vision_n of_o the_o open_v book_n that_o comprise_v in_o the_o eleven_o chapter_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o inner_a court_n it_o be_v manifest_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n how_o applicable_a that_o be_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o year_n that_o christ_n suffer_v till_o the_o apostasy_n come_v in_o and_o the_o more_o primitive_a the_o more_o applicable_a and_o therefore_o here_o be_v but_o justice_n do_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n which_o reach_v from_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o these_o vision_n that_o it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n before_o the_o apostasy_n note_v as_o symmetral_a in_o this_o visionary_a representation_n and_o now_o for_o the_o initial_a vision_n comprise_v in_o the_o twelve_o thirteen_o and_o fourteen_o chapter_n the_o throe_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v in_o the_o head_n thereof_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n of_o who_o it_o be_v true_o say_v there_o be_v never_o sorrow_n like_o his_o sorrow_n these_o be_v the_o pang_n so_o early_o begin_v for_o the_o bring_v forth_o in_o his_o church_n a_o manchild_n that_o shall_v wear_v the_o imperial_a crown_n at_o last_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian._n and_o so_o the_o fight_n of_o michael_n with_o the_o red_a dragon_n the_o paganick_n roman_n power_n the_o battle_n be_v begin_v in_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n crucify_v under_o the_o roman_a power_n by_o pilate_n their_o governor_n but_o this_o strategem_fw-la of_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o suffer_v thus_o himself_o to_o be_v crucify_v be_v the_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o all_o his_o conquest_n and_o victory_n afterward_o as_o be_v obvious_a to_o observe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unfit_a and_o unjust_a to_o have_v this_o leave_v out_o of_o the_o visionary_a representation_n which_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v do_v not_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o open_v book_n reach_v to_o the_o very_a first_o beginning_n of_o the_o church_n and_o take_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n crucifixion_n and_o four_a and_o last_o whenas_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o daniel_n chap._n 7._o in_o that_o set_a of_o vision_n that_o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n by_o four_o beast_n viz._n the_o babylonian_a persian_a greek_a and_o roman_a that_o notwithstanding_o those_o vision_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o belshazzar_n which_o be_v according_a to_o thomas_n lydiat_a about_o 50_o year_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o babylonian_a monarchy_n yet_o mere_o that_o the_o set_a of_o vision_n may_v be_v complete_a the_o babylonian_a monarchy_n be_v represent_v from_o its_o very_a first_o rise_v and_o original_a though_o above_o two_o three_o of_o its_o duration_n be_v then_o past_a when_o daniel_n receive_v those_o vision_n wherefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n affect_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v this_o completeness_n in_o set_v of_o vision_n though_o the_o representation_n be_v of_o profane_a kingdom_n and_o we_o find_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o vision_n reach_v into_o some_o part_n of_o time_n before_o its_o reception_n save_v that_o intent_n that_o the_o visionary_a representation_n of_o such_o period_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v complete_a we_o may_v hence_o much_o more_o be_v assure_v that_o these_o set_v of_o vision_n be_v so_o they_o so_o much_o concern_v his_o church_n and_o for_o who_o completeness_n there_o be_v such_o weighty_a reason_n as_o be_v even_o now_o allege_v namely_o why_o they_o shall_v reach_v into_o the_o very_a first_o year_n of_o the_o church_n when_o christ_n suffer_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v the_o space_n of_o that_o time_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o vision_n though_o they_o be_v receive_v under_o domitian_n bear_v nothing_o that_o proportion_n to_o the_o space_n of_o the_o antemedial_a vision_n or_o of_o the_o first_o six_o seal_n that_o 50_o year_n bear_v to_o 70_o which_o be_v above_o the_o proportion_n of_o two_o to_o three_o but_o of_o the_o other_o the_o proportion_n be_v less_o than_o of_o one_o to_o six_o i_o say_v he_o must_v be_v a_o sceptic_a even_o to_o stupidity_n that_o be_v not_o hence_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o three_o prophecy_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n the_o sealed-book-prophecy_n and_o the_o opened-book-prophecy_n
reader_n to_o understand_v they_o and_o perceive_v the_o truth_n and_o strength_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o pain_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n even_o to_o many_o of_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v learn_v the_o mind_n of_o most_o be_v lax_n and_o desultorious_a slight_a and_o impenetrative_a and_o therefore_o what_o be_v most_o overly_o easy_a and_o superficial_a be_v the_o most_o general_o rellish_v and_o applaud_v when_o thing_n most_o true_a and_o solid_a be_v neglect_v because_o they_o require_v better_a part_n and_o more_o pain_n by_o close_a attentiveness_n and_o comprehensiveness_n of_o mind_n to_o receive_v they_o but_o for_o the_o dutch_a annotatour_n that_o they_o shall_v balk_v mr._n mede_n interpretation_n of_o the_o seal_n he_o that_o consider_v the_o texture_n thereof_o and_o how_o it_o be_v complicate_v with_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n with_o golden_a crown_n on_o their_o head_n which_o he_o make_v to_o represent_v the_o bishop_n of_o those_o happy_a time_n there_o prefigure_v as_o dr._n more_o the_o monarch_n need_v no_o long_a wonder_n that_o the_o dutch_a divine_n that_o live_v under_o a_o state_n that_o be_v neither_o monarchical_a nor_o episcopal_a shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o glorious_a time_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v predict_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n shall_v be_v episcopal_a or_o monarchical_a which_o two_o order_n be_v natural_o link_v together_o but_o now_o how_o necessary_o mr._n mede_n interpretation_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v interweave_v with_o that_o of_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o the_o horseman_n that_o appear_v upon_o the_o open_n of_o the_o four_o first_o seal_n come_v out_o of_o those_o four_o quarter_n that_o respect_v the_o four_o live_a creature_n the_o east_n the_o lion_n the_o west_n the_o ox_n the_o south_n the_o man_n and_o the_o north_n the_o eagle_n and_o in_o that_o order_n the_o four_o beast_n or_o live_a creature_n be_v reckon_v from_o those_o quarter_n i_o say_v and_o in_o that_o order_n do_v the_o rider_n of_o the_o four_o horse_n come_v which_o answer_n to_o the_o quarter_n and_o ensign_n of_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o fit_a application_n of_o thing_n here_o to_o history_n by_o mr._n mede_n be_v admirable_a and_o enravish_a and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n marvellous_o illustrate_v therein_o and_o a_o reason_n obvious_a occur_v why_o there_o be_v only_o four_o horseman_n in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o seal_n viz._n for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o beast_n to_o point_n at_o the_o quarter_n they_o come_v from_o than_o four_o in_o the_o precedent_a vision_n which_o whole_a vision_n as_o i_o say_v allude_v to_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n but_o let_v the_o reader_n peruse_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o four_o and_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o mr._n mede_n or_o at_o least_o in_o dr._n more_o and_o so_o judge_v but_o now_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o judicious_a mr._n durham_n who_o the_o annotatour_n choose_v to_o follow_v rather_o than_o mr._n mede_n who_o yet_o undoubted_o much_o better_a deserve_v that_o encomium_n than_o the_o other_o party_n let_v mr._n durham_n be_v as_o judicious_a as_o the_o annotatour_n please_v when_o he_o be_v free_a yet_o who_o can_v well_o assure_v we_o that_o favour_n to_o a_o faction_n and_o his_o affection_n for_o the_o scotch_a presbytery_n for_o even_o his_o speech_n and_o style_n bewray_v he_o have_v not_o blind_v his_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n indeed_o before_o mr._n mede_n have_v blessed_v the_o world_n with_o his_o excellent_a interpretation_n of_o that_o vision_n apoc._n 4._o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n sit_v on_o his_o throne_n and_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n sit_v on_o throne_n round_o about_o he_o and_o of_o the_o open_v the_o first_o six_o seal_n chap._n 6._o for_o interpreter_n to_o have_v fumble_v in_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v a_o less_o sign_n of_o want_n of_o judgement_n but_o for_o one_o now_o when_o he_o have_v so_o fair_a a_o copy_n before_o he_o to_o interpret_v chap._n 4.4_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n not_o so_o much_o as_o of_o any_o officer_n or_o guide_n but_o of_o private_a professor_n though_o they_o be_v say_v to_o sit_v on_o throne_n to_o be_v clothe_v in_o white_a soft_a raiment_n such_o as_o either_o belong_v to_o the_o priesthood_n or_o to_o king_n house_n and_o to_o have_v golden_a crown_n on_o their_o head_n which_o in_o the_o apocalypse_n often_o occur_v and_o always_o signify_v political_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n not_o spiritual_a or_o moral_a what_o be_v this_o a_o sign_n of_o but_o of_o a_o cloud_a judgement_n much_o blind_v by_o a_o disgust_n against_o either_o monarchy_n or_o episcopacy_n the_o proof_n that_o he_o will_v bring_v from_o the_o song_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o elder_n chap._n 5.9_o 10._o make_v against_o he_o for_o whereas_o they_o be_v there_o say_v to_o reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o four_o beast_n indeed_o as_o well_o as_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n be_v equal_o there_o concern_v in_o that_o spiritual_a reign_n but_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n either_o all_o must_v have_v crown_n or_o none_o must_v have_v crown_n otherwise_o crown_n here_o must_v of_o necessity_n denote_v either_o christian_a monarch_n or_o christian_a bishop_n it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o in_o that_o it_o be_v say_v chap._n 4.9_o 10._o and_o when_o those_o beast_n give_v glory_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o and_o hence_o there_o be_v gather_v that_o the_o four_o beast_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o a_o preposterous_a business_n be_v this_o to_o make_v those_o that_o wear_v crown_n to_o be_v private_a person_n and_o those_o that_o have_v no_o crown_n to_o be_v ruler_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n beside_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o good_a sense_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o bad_a both_o according_a to_o the_o prophetic_a style_n signify_v a_o body_n politic_a and_o these_o four_o beast_n undoubted_o allude_v to_o the_o four_o quarter_n of_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n as_o also_o may_v the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n to_o the_o twenty_o four_o chief_a priest_n or_o head_n of_o the_o family_n or_o course_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n if_o bishop_n be_v understand_v thereby_o but_o if_o as_o the_o annotatour_n and_o his_o guide_n mr._n durham_n will_v have_v it_o from_o the_o text_n that_o the_o divine_a worship_n be_v begin_v by_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v by_o some_o among_o they_o it_o imply_v that_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o crown_a elder_n be_v the_o monarch_n and_o sovereign_n of_o christendom_n who_o be_v not_o the_o lead_a minister_n or_o priest_n in_o the_o divine_a worship_n though_o devout_o present_a at_o the_o same_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o in_o counterdistinction_n to_o the_o christian_a sovereign_n make_v part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o understand_v to_o take_v their_o place_n in_o that_o multitude_n of_o subject_n that_o make_v up_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n though_o these_o monarch_n be_v no_o bishop_n yet_o they_o be_v next_o under_o christ_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n they_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o so_o many_o patriarch_n as_o well_o as_o king_n or_o patres_fw-la patriae_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v father_n of_o their_o country_n this_o sense_n of_o mr._n mede_n or_o the_o doctor_n be_v easy_a and_o clear_a but_o that_o of_o mr._n durham_n unless_o we_o will_v make_v symbol_n and_o word_n signify_v any_o thing_n or_o nothing_o incredible_a nay_o impossible_a wherefore_o mr._n durham_n though_o call_v judicious_a by_o the_o annotatour_n have_v in_o this_o matter_n forfeit_v his_o title_n and_o his_o authority_n therewithal_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n nor_o indeed_o any_o for_o the_o annotatour_n to_o have_v desert_v mr._n mede_n way_n of_o expound_v the_o seal_n from_o the_o example_n of_o mr._n james_n durham_n but_o to_o give_v the_o annotatour_n his_o due_a he_o do_v not_o support_v himself_o only_o by_o these_o autority_n but_o add_v what_o he_o think_v be_v reason_n for_o his_o interpret_n not_o only_o the_o first_o six_o seal_n but_o first_o six_o trumpet_n also_o include_v in_o the_o seven_o seal_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o empire_n because_o say_v he_o according_a to_o mr._n mede_n own_o interpretation_n not_o only_o the_o first_o seal_n but_o also_o the_o five_o and_o six_o too_o relate_v