attributerunt â—i 〈…〉 Prophetiâ— autem aeâ—eâ—norum boâ—â—rum continet promisâ—â—onem omnâ—â— gentes cogniturâ—n 〈…〉 * So Symmachus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} But Aquila Theodoâ— {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} a chosen Language * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Sym. Mat. 17.11 As well the old Iewish Church as the Christian beleeved that Elias should be the foreâ—unner of the Day of Iudgement as appears by Tertull. de 〈◊〉 cap. 2â— As Iohn was foreâ—unneâ— of Christs â—irst coming so Elias of his last The Iews talk idlely of restoring his soul to his body What need that seeing he was taken up into Heaven with both Therefore Tertullian 〈◊〉 Anima cap. 35. saith Elias shall come 〈…〉 de quo non est exemptus sed mundo reddendum de quo est translatus Quod ut ver◠〈◊〉 divinitus dictum saith the learned Ios. Scaliger * De considerat Evangel lib. 1 cap 21. Theodoret in his own language not yet printed out of the M. of the publike Libâ—ary in Oxford is this {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Paulo post {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Where by the way take naâ—ion That in this Ma. s. the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Hosea Hab 〈◊〉 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Mitâ—â— are Theo 〈◊〉 the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} upon the other vii are Theodoret When at the printed Laâ—ine of 〈◊〉 Gillius whose Translation Alsled made use of they all go under Theodorets name And yet which I wonder at the Inscription of the Gr Copy in the beginning of the book is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} I owe the Transcription to my learned and worthy friend 〈◊〉 Henry 〈◊〉 of Oxford See D' Frideaux Orat. de Vocations Iudeorum Sect. 6. concerning this place * Reade were hardned {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Out English Interpreters as well as others confound these verbs {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} and {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} â—ut none of the ancients exciâ—â—Suâ—â—â— whose authority as learned men know in many things is to be suspected use {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} for 〈◊〉 See 〈◊〉 â— 4 Rom. 117. * Either Alsled forgot himâ—self or else the Printer oversaw the 43. Place in this number For that being left out as it appears it is there are in all but Lxv. Philo Iudeus lib. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} See Tycho â—râ—heâ— Iudgement concerning this life Revolution of the Fiery Trig on which you have in the beginning of this book Esdras * Whither these ten Tribes were carryed is at this day a great question Esdras tells us that they entred Euphrates by the narrow passages of the River and so travelled a vast Country of a year and halfs journey and that the Countryes called Aâ—sareth I finde indeed in Ptolemy lib. 5. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} a City of the Greater {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} not farre from the place where Araxes exposeth 〈◊〉 self into the Caspian Sea Perhaps an Israelitish Colony But how all this can stand good compared with a King 17.6 and Geography it self viderine {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} See Doctor Reinold De libriâ— Apocryphis ad locum Bretowoods Enquir cap. 13. The Sibylls {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} The Sibylls verse runnes thus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} The former verse in Tertullians Latin is Nulla jam Delos harenae Saâ—â—os ut Sibylla non mendax Lib. de Pallio Vide Ioan. Obsopai edit. Sibyll Carminum Gr. lat Parisus Alfonsus Conradus Mantuanus Lucas Osiander Matthaeus Cotterius Ioannes Piscator {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} On the earth Io. Piscatoris De futura in tertis Ecclesie â—elicitate Tractatus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Theophrastus Paracelsus Michael Sendivogius Stephanus Pannonius Ioannes Dobricius * In Serpentaâ—â— De quâ scrip sit Ioan Keplerus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} quem vide nuperum item tractatum apud nos editum Nuncius Propheticus inscriptum pag. 14. Petrus Molinaeus {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} * He shall not finde faith indeed adeo frequentem in cordibus justificatorum quam natantem in libris hypocritarum as Doctor Prideaux Orat. de Vocat Iudaerum where he explains this place Sect. 7. * {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} secula per Enallagen pro {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} in this place as also in the Hebrewâ— chap 1. vers 2. and chapter 11. vers. 3. is used for {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} because in Hebrew {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} signifieth bat {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} See Plutarchs profound and learned Book De defectu Oâ—â—culâ—rum See for the Greek of of these verses in Io Obsopaeus his Edition of the Ancient Oracles The book is not now under my hands * Some begin these 1000 yeers at Christs Incarnation and end them in Sâ—â—â—ester 2. Some at his Passion and end them in Benedict 9 Some at the destruction of Hierusalem and end them in Hildebrand or Gregory 7. which is receptio feutentiâ— as D. Prideaux {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Orat de Gog Magog Sect. 1. Others begin them in Constantine the Great and terminate them in Bâ—nisaâ—t 8. about the year 1300. Cerinthus being a Iew had his fond conceits concerning these 1000 years from Iâ—dâ—isme Yet observe this That I renaus and Tertullian who professedly wrote of Cerinthus Heresies make not any mention of this his opinion to be one * Lib. de Haeresious cap 8. vide Epithanium Philastrium * Which thousand years of pleasure we no more maintain then those 1000 years mentioned in Virgils Purgatory Aen. 6. Alfonsus Conradus Concerning this seventh Millenary and what the Iewes thought thereof see Hierome upon the 65 of Esay and Camerarius in Alcinoum Flitonis Carpentarius also upon the same Dialogue pag. 322. * See the stupid 〈◊〉 of the Tâ—rks opinion hereabout in the Alcoran Azâ—â—â—a 28. and 31. Some rejected the authority of the Revelation because it seemed to favour the heresie of the Cerinthians or Chiliasâ—s But here de 1000 aâ—nis nihil corum narratur que Cerinâ—hus 〈…〉 Vbi enim luxus ille ubi cibus poius ubi nuptie 〈◊〉 sacrificia diâ—sfesti Hierusalem agen saith Trem. Besides Cerinthus affirmed Christ to be begotten at other men he denied God to be creator of the world he separated Christ and Iesus as two distinct persons Et que nescires melius * See the stupid 〈◊〉 of the Tâ—rks opinion hereabout in the Alcoran Azâ—â—â—a 28. and 31. Some rejected the authority of the Revelation because it seemed to favour the heresie of the
THE BELOVED CITY OR THE SAINTS REIGN ON EARTH A THOVSAND YEARES Asserted and Illustrated from LXV places of Holy Scripture Besides the judgement of Holy Learned men both at home and abroad and also Reason it selfe Likewise XXXV Objections against this Truth are here answered Written in Latine by Ioan. Henr. Alstedius Professor of the University of Herborne Faithfully Englished With some occasionall Notes And the Judgement herein not onely of Tycho Brabe and Carol â—â—â—â—ltus but also of some of our owne famous Divines Si aqua strangulat quid insuper bibendum est M. Antonin. Imp. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Lib. 4. Sect. 17. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Could he say of Athens Thou louely City of Cecâ—ops And shalt not thou say of the CHVRCH OF CHRIST Thou Lovely City of GOD Apoc. xx 9. LONDON Printed in the yeare of the last expectation of the SAINTS M.DC.XLIII To the Right VVorshipfull Sir Iohn Cordwell Knight and Alderman Master of the Company of the Mercers Mr. Lybbe Chapman Surveyor Captaine Thomas Chambrelan Mr. George Burrish Wardens And to the Worshipfull the Assistants and Communalty of the same Antient and flourishing Society of MERCERS in the Famous City of London RIGHT WORSHIPFVL MY ordinary employment being of late for some time interrupted and the usuall course of my studies not so much diverted as quite stopt by the late generall and miserable distractions of the Kingdome and especially of the place I live in I bethought my selfe of some meanes whereby I might mitigate my apprehension of the miseries issuing from these present distempers When I thinke God so directing it this Treatise with some others of the same nature came to my hands The Author is of as generall repute among us for learning as any late Writer we have received from beyond the Seas these many yeares and the Worke is an Explanation of the xx Chapter of the Revelation The Subject thereof is The assertion of the Glorious Kingdome of Christ here on earth a matter no doubt of great comfort and consolation to the Church of God And as I am not ignorant that Apocalypticall Discourses in generall are liable to many censures and that this Divine Prophecy it selfe is as yet a sealed book in so much that the great Calvin was forced to acknowledge if the reportes wrong him not that he knew not what so difficult and obscure a Writer as the Author thereof meant so I am sure this part thereof hath beene subject to most divers and contrary interpretations that what Hierome saith of the whole may well be said of this passage thereof So many words so many mysteries Yet receiving my selfe much satisfaction and seâ—lednesse of mind from this exposition thereof I thought that Gods people also might reape some benefit and fruit thereby And this is the maine cause that I have made it publique Now that I have inscribed it onto Your Names I have dealâ— but right and 〈◊〉 therein For owing the first groundes and foundation of my studies to Your large bounty and benevolence I must acknowledge the first fruites thereof communicated abroad and indeed I ever intended them so whatsoever they had been to be Yours by â— due claime and challenge of them The Persians in whose Schooles gratitude was taught as Letters and Arts in ours whose * Laws punished the contrary almost as deepe as wee doe Homicide had an Order in their * Colledges which were for the education of them whose service was appointed for the King that after their greatest promotions and abilities in publick attendance they were to acknowledge all as received from the Classis of their first institution My naturall propension to thankfulnesse makes me confesse I owe all that I am in good letters I best know how little that is to the foundation I laid thereof in Your excellent Seminary of learning and to your extraordinary favour and encouragement to good studies and endeavours I pray God lead You alwaies along by the hand in all Your affaires and occasions I am Your very respectfull servant to be commanded William Burton To those who shall light upon this Booke TO prefix a word or two by way of preface may concerne thee Reader perhaps as well as my selfe That I might not therefore be censured for the onely idle person in these busie times in which GOD in Mercy looke upon us every man either with his Sword or Pen strives to make the noise and tumult greater I have thrust out this booke into the publique in the generall crowd of those many but with expectation of a better blessing I hope from God then some of them can looke for And although I am not ignorant that there are a generation of men in the world 〈…〉 alabaster â—â—guent is plenns putere videtur a 〈…〉 having tâ—eir understanding corrupted by their fancy can relish and judge aright of nothing yet so arrogant and self-conceited that they 〈…〉 exterminate all learning and kno 〈…〉 â—â—â—eth not just with their owne 〈…〉 humours with farre more super 〈…〉 Plato ejected Homer out of his Common-wealth Sed quid suibus cum amaracino They love the miâ—e best Notwithstanding all this I say the generall welcome and long entertainment which the other learned workes of this same Authour have had in our Schooles as well as in those beyond the Seas where he professed with admirable applause seemed to me not to deny this piece an endenizing or freedome from some hands of a better note Yet perhaps if thou hadst any acquaintance with me thou wouldst wonder to see a subject of this nature to come forth into the light of learned men by my meanes and assistance True it is I have under my command some Discourses I will not say of greater consequence but I dare say that cost me greater labour and longer enquiry to which these times doe deny a propitious birth And having lost almost my employment for the time through the present distractions and my bookes and I being in a manner quite severed from one another I thought I could doe nothing better by way of lâ—ffning my apprehension of these publique calamities which Gods justice and our owne unthankfulnesse by repining at his Mercies have brought upon us I had no intent hereby to impose upon any one or abuse mens beliefe by forcing their assent to an Heresie condemned in the Church as some would perswade us so many ages agoe Yet I know well enough that nothing pleaseth the fancy and feedeth the humour of this age so much as novelties men no lesse inquiring now after new Doctrines and opinions then of old the Athenians did after new Deities {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} must I say to these I took not this paines for them Neither indeed do I my selfe goe about to assert or maintaine any un-grounded Doctrine knowing well that opinion that Holy Disease how great soever her admires and a betters are
signified and indeed those who are joyned unto true Christians by the bond of the name Christian as the Moabites were joyned to the Iews by the bond of Consanguinity whom notwithstanding they persecuted with most hostible mindes and affections The 19 plâ—ce is Isai. 26.1 2 3 4 5. where part of that song is set down wherewith the Iews were to praise God for their deliverance from the Babylonian Captivity wherewith the Christians also were to praise him for their deliverance from the Tyranny of Antichrist as may be gathered from the comparing of Revel. 14.8 and chap. 18.2 with the 5 and 6 verses of this Chapter The 20 place is Isai. 27. That this Chapter doth treat of the Conversion of the Iews this may serve for a most certain Argument because the Apostle alleadgeth some part of the 9 verse Rom. 11.27 consider also diligently the two last verses The 21 is Isai. 33.20 21 22 23 24. Where the City it self Hierusalem so commonly called cannot be understood by reason that after this Prophesie it was overthrown by the Romans Therefore the Church of the New Testament is signified which every where in the Prophesies of Isaiah is mystically and typically or metaphorically called Hierusalem Now the things prophesied concerning it are Peace Defence against enemies and Victory All which have not yet happened and therefore certainly shall The 22 place is Isai. 34. from the 1 to the 18 verse Where you may collect that a Prophesie is here contained of the overthrow of the enemies of the New Testament by comparing the 4 verse with Revel. 6.14 and the tenth verse with Revel. 19 3. and the 11 verse with Revel. 18.2 Now by the Edomites the false brethren of true Christians are set forth and by Bozrah the chief City of Edom Rome the chief City of Antichrist is figured out whose ruine is most feelingly described in the 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 verses The 23 place is Isai. 43. the whole Chapter The discourse whereof is concerning the conversion of the Iews Especially consider the 5 and 6 verses I will bring thy seed from the East and gather thee from the West I will say to the NORTH Give up and to the South Keep not back Bring my sons from farre and my daughters from the ends of the earth The 24 place is Isai. 45.22 and 25. Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth 25. In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory This is spoken of the Universall vocation of the Gentiles and Iews which two things have not yet come about The 25 is Isai. 49.24 25 26. Which words agree with the foregoing Prophesie of the calling of the Gentiles from the 18 ver. and therefore are to be interpreted of the Church under the Gospel which complains of the power of her persecutors ver 24. and is strengthned again by Christ with promise of deliverance verse 25. and with threats of the ruine of those which persecuted her ver. 26. Compare Revel. 16.6 The 26 place is Isai. 54.14 15 16 17. That this Prophesie doth speak of the Church of the New Testament is from hence made plain by reason that in this chapter a Prophesie is contained concerning those benefits which God would bestow upon the faithfull under the Gospel whereto it makes also That Christ Ioh. 6.45 alleadgeth the first part of the 13 verse Now in this place of the Prophet cited by us is contained a Prediction of the defence of the Christian Church against enemies which is not yet fulfilled The 27 place is Isai. 59.16 17 18 19 20 21 That here also is contained a Prophesie of the Church under the Gospel appears by comparing the 16 verse with chap. 63.5 as also the 20 verse with Rom. 11.26 Now there are three members of this Prophesie One of the destruction of the enemies of the Church which shall happen before the conversion of the Iews vers. 16 17 18 19. Another of the Majesty or glory which shall accrew to the Church by the ruine of her adversaries vers. 19. When the enemy shall come in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a Standard against him The third is of the conversion of the Iews vers. 20 21. The 28 place is Isai. 60. Which whole chapter treats of the happinesse which is yet to accrew to the Church of the Gospel as will appear to them that consider of it The 29 place is Isai. 63. the first six verses It will be made plain to any one that this Prophesie doth speak of the deliverance of the Church of the New Testament from the ministers and followers of Antichrist if he do but compare it with Revel. 14 19 20. and chap. 19.13 and 15. Who are signified by the Edomites and Bozrab appears by looking back to the 22 place The 30 place is Ierem. 16.14 to the end This Prophesie discourseth of the conversion of the Iews ver. 15. The Lord liveth that brought up the Children of Israel from the Land of the NORTH and from all the Lands whither he had driven them and I will bring them again into their Land which I gave to their fathers Also concerning the vocation of the Gentiles ver. 19. The Gentiles shall come unto theâ— from the ends of the earth and shall say Surely our fathers have inherited lies vanity and things wherein there is no profit The 31 place is Ierem. 23.3 where the conversion of the Iews is treated of The 32 place is Ierem. 33. ver. 3. and the following For â— the dayes come saith the Lord that I will bring again the Captivity of my people Israel and Iudah And a little after But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their King or as the Chaldee Paraphrase hath it Christ the son of David their King Behold again a most sweet prophesie of the conversion of the Iews The 33 place is Ierem. 31.1 3. Where in like manner the conversion of the Jews is prophesied of See Heurnius in his Book formerly cited by us The 34 place is Ierem. 31.31 32 33 34. That a Prophesie concerning the Church of the Gospel is contained in this place may be perceived by the alleadging thereof in Matth. 3.18 and in the Epistle to the Hebrews chap. 8.8 Now the conversion of the Jews is there promised in as much as God promiseth the people of Israel that he would make a new Covenant with them by means of which he would forgive their sins and write his Law in their hearts Which conversion of the Jews is not yet brought to passe because since the Gospel began to be preached the greatest part of the Jews have continued in unbelief Wherefore it shall be brought to passe in it 's good time The 35 place is Ierem. 32.37 39. Behold I will gather them out of all Countries whither I have driven them in mine anger And I will give them one heart and one way that they may fear
〈◊〉 for ever Here again is promised the conversion of the Jews which alike belongs to the happy condition of the Church of the New Testament The 26 place is Ezek. 36.26 and the following Where the Prophet saith that it should come to passe That God would give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them By which words no doubt the conversion of the Jews is signified â— which having not been it remains it shall be The 37 place is Dan. 11.33 34. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame by captivity and by spoil many dayes Now when they shall fall they shall be â—olpen by a little help This Prophesie is to be understood according to the letter of the affliction and deliverance of the Church in the time of Antiochus and the Maccabees typically and mystically of the affliction and deliverance of the Church under Antichrist Which deliverance indeed is part of the happinesse of the Church under the Gospel Now that Antiochus was a type of Antichrist appears by comparing Dan. 11.36 and 2 Thess. 24. The 38 place is Dan. 11.44 45. But rumors out of the East and out of the North shall trouble him Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to make away many And he shall plant the Tabernacles of his Palace between the Seas in the glorious holy mountain yet he shall come to his end and noâ—e shall help him These three things are unfolded in this Prophesie 1. The Protasis or beginning of these tumults wherewith Iudea in old time and Europe at this day is most grievously afflicted 2. The Epitasis or busie part so wondrous full of troubles and contention 3. Lastly the Catastrophe or issue of these tumults so much desired and wished for by the Church How every one of these severally are fulfilled in Antiochus as a type of Antichrist it is nothing pertinent to our purpose to enquire Neither indeed is the matter so obscure or unknown Let us examine how they will suit with Antichrist The Protasis or first Act as they say is in these words At length rumors from the East and from the North shall trouble him The rumour from the East sounded loud in the year of Christ M. CCCC.LIII when Constantinople was taken also in the year M. CCCC.LXXXI when * Geduces the Bassa broke into Italy The same rumour was renewed when the House of Othoman having quite overthrown the Sultans power turned his Arms the second time upon Europe and taking a Belgradâ— and the Island b Rhodes began to invade the Territories of the Latine Church This rumor from the East was followed with a rumor from the North in the yeer of Christ * M.D.XVII and so forward The Epitasis or busie part is in these Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to make away many And he shall plant the Tabernacles of his Palace between the Seas in the glorious holy mountain At this day Antichrist in the performance thereof goes on under full Sail wanting no favour of windes For after he was troubled with the rumor out of the North with great and high Spirit he assaulted all them who either began this rumour or since favoured it or do at this time any way cherish it Neither doth he slack in these his attempts for he hath destroyed and utterly made away with many of Gods people Moreover he hath planted the Tabernacles of his Palace between the Seas in the glorious holy mountain that is He hath propagated his Religion among those people who had a long time professed the purity of Religion But it is well that the Catastrophe or last act is not answerable to the Epitasis or middle part of the Tragedy This brave Planter in the midst of his Plantation will have some unlucky chance befall him For when he shall come to his end none shall help him On the sudden a tempest shall arise which shall bring shipwrack upon this bold Steers-man But see more of this in Conrodus Graserus his History of Antichrist The 39. place is Dan. 12.1 And at that time shall Michael stand up the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a Nation even to that same time and at that time thy people shall be delivered every one that shall be found Written in the book I interpret this prophesie of the last persecution or the warre of Gog and Magog which shall immediately go before the last Judgement I am perswaded hereto by these two Reasons 1. Because the time of this trouble is said to be such as hath not been * since there was a Nation Which Notâ— of time cannot agree with any persecution but that which was most grievous such as was that of Gog. 2. Because in the 2. verse of this Chapter after that time of trouble vers. 1. the Resurrection and the last Judgement are immediately treated of The 40 place is Dan. 12.11 12. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away and the abomination that maketh desolate set up there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety dayes Blessed is he that waiteth and commeth to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty dayes Here these words But from the time c. are to be understood of the last destruction of the City Hierusalem by TITVS because then the daily sacrifice was taken away and the * abomination of desolation was set up as appears by comparing this place with the 9. chap. of Daniel vers. 26 27. Again propheticall dayes are here to be understood that is years Because these dayes are homogeneall or of the same kinde with the weeks chap. 9. But those weeks are propheticall therefore also these dayes Now Daniel carries us on to the end of the world by proposing two Periods or limited times of the New Testament and by joyning them to his seventy weeks in this manner The 70. weeks are terminated with the destruction of the City that is with the year of Christ 69. Here begins the Epocha or account of 1290 dayes that is of so many years So shall we come to the year of Christ a 1359. At which we must begin the Epoâ—â—â— of 1335 dayes or years And so we shall be brought to the yâ—â—â— of Christ b 2694. in which the Thousand years in the Revelation shall have end and they being ended the warre of Gog and Magog shall begin to which also the last Iudgement shall put an end See more in my Thesaurus Chronologicus pag. 51 c Compare also the Annotations of Lucas Osiander on Daniel 12. The 41 place is Hosâ— 1.11 Then shall the Children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together and appoint themselves as head and they shall come up out
of the Land for great shall be the day of Jezreel This truely is not yet brought to passe The 42 place is Hos. 3.4 5. For the Children of Israel shall abiâ—â— many â—â—yes without a King and without a Prince and without a Sacrifice and without an Imagâ— and without an Ephod and without * Teraphim Afterward shall the Children of Israel turn and seek the Lord their God and David their King and shall fear the Lord and his goodnesse in the latter dayes The Chaldee Paraphrase turns it thus A long 〈◊〉 the Children of Israel shall remain without a King of the posterity of David neither shall there be any to bear rule in Israel or to perform acceptable sacrifice to God in Hierusalem Neither shall there be any Statue in Samaria neiâ—â—â—r any Ephod or Prophet Afterward the Israelites shall be turned and they shall be diligenâ— in the â—orship of the Lord their God and they shall obey CHRIST the Sonne of David their King and they shall yeeld themselves to the worship of the Lord and then his goodnesse shall be infinite which shall happen unâ—â— them in the last dayes This Prophesie above all that can be said the antient Interpreters in generall do expound concerning the Conversion of the Iews in the end of the world to the Christian faith And indeed the words are very plain Because the Israelites which were carried away captives by Salmâ—nassar and scattered into severall Countries are prophesied of that they shall return to God and to David their King that is CHRIST whose type David was Which returning of theirs seeing it hath not yet been it is certain that in it's own time it shall be Now this belongs to the happinesse of the Church under the Gospel which the Revelation defines in the Period or limited time of a Thousand years The 43 place is Iâ—â—l 3.1 â— and from the 9. to the 14. Which Prophesie that it speaks concerning the Church of the New Testament appears plainly by comparing the 13. verse with Revel. 14. the 15.19 and 20. verses Now what is here spoken of the Valley of Iâ—â—oshaphat is to be taken mystically or typically For as God in old time in the Valley of Iehoshaphat overthrew the Aâ—â—oâ—ites and the Moabites and that by his Angels 2 Chron. â—0 so in his good time he will slay the enemies of the Church in a like place which Revel. 16.16 is called Armageddon This also maketh hereto That the Valley of Iehoshaphat is called the Vâ—lley of threshing because the Moabites and the Ammonites were as it may be said threshed by the Angel of God in that place by whose threshing the destruction of the enemies of Christs Church is signified Isaiah 25.10 The 44 place is Amos 9.14 15. I will bring again the Captivity of my people Israel and they shall build the waste Cities and inhabite them And I will plant them upon their Land they shall 〈◊〉 more be pulled up out of their Land Which Prophesie speaks of the Conversion of the Iews The 45 place is Mich. 2.12 I will surely assemble O Jacob all of theâ— I will surely gather the reâ—â—â—nt of Israel As if he should say I will gather unto the Messias that blessed seâ—â— of Abraham and full store-house of 〈◊〉 all and every tribe 〈◊〉 they are the seed of Iacob The 46 place is Mich. 4. The whole Chapter contaiâ—â— a Prophesie of the Church under the Gospel as may be gathered from these words In the last times or In the end of dayes vers. 1. Also from the description of the Vocation of the Gentiles Vers. 1 2 3. Compare with this place Isai. 2. But besides the Prophesie of the calling of the Gentiles Vers. 1 2 3. which by the preaching of the Apostles and their successors was accomplished here is also contained a prophesie of the happy condition of the Church which yet remains to be fulfilled namely concerning the Peace of the Church in the end of third and 4 Verse Then of the Conversion of the Iews Vers. 5 6 7. Of the Majesty and glory of the Church Vers. 8. Lastly Of the victory of the Church which it shall gain over it 's enemies Vers. 9. and the following The 47 place is Mich. 5.7 and the following where he treateth of the Conversion of the Iews The 48 place is Zephan 3.9 I will turn to the people a * pure Language that they may all call upon the name of the Lord c. to the end Here is contained a threefold prophesie 1. Of the calling of the Gentiles which was done by the preaching of the Apostles Vers. 9.10 2. Of the Conversion of the Iews From the 11. to the 20. 3. Of the destruction of the enemies of the Church Ver. 14. to these words Vers. 19. I will save her that halteth c. The 49 place is Zepha 3.10 From beyond the rivers of * Ethiopia my suppliants even the daughter of my dispersed shall bring mine offering The Chaldee thus expresseth it From the Countries beyond the Rivers of INDIA by my mercy the banished of my people which were carried away shall return and they shall bring them as Offerings The 50 place is Zach. 2.10 and the following It appears plainly That this prophesie speaks of the Church of the New Testament by the 10. and 11 Vers. where the Jews are commanded to go out of the Babylonian captivity which was now at that time finished Whence it is gathered that mention is made here of the mysticall Babylon Revel. 18.4 Now here is promise made to the faithfull under the Gospel of their protection against their enemies Also of the Conversion of the Gentiles and of the Iews and of their joy which shall arise from the defence and dwelling of God with them The 51 place is Zach. 12.1 to the end It may hence be perceived that the prophesie in this Chapter doth speak of the Church of the N. T. because experience it self opposeth the litterall sence here in the 2. vers. and following concerning the protection of Hierusalem For from the time of this prophesie which was published to the Iews newly returned from Babylon the City was not so protected as is here promised but contrarywise overthrown by the Romans Whence it plainly appears that by Hierusalem here is mystically understood the Church of the New Testament Which mysticall manner of speaking is not unusuall in such kind of prophesies Now of the Church of the N T. partly the victory thereof which it shall gain over Antichrist is declared partly the Conversion of the Jews Compare Revel. 19.11 and following verses The 52 place is Zach. 14.6 and following It may be from this manifestly understood that this prophesie is of the Church of the N. T. in that our experience contradicts the sense of the letter concerning the plague wherewith God would smite all the people that fought against Hierusalem vers. 12 13 14. when as from the time of this prophesie the
enemies of Hierusalem were never strucken with such a plague nay on the contrary it self was overthrown by the Romans It remains therefore that by Hierusalem we understand the Church of the N. T. whose enemies shall be punished with no single plague but many as is here severally expressed Here then the destruction of the enemies of the Church of the New T. is prophesied of and moreover the illumination and enlargement thereof of which in the 6.7 and following verses The 53 place is Malach. 3.19 20 21. according to others chap. 4.1 2 3. That this prophesie speaks of the Church of the New Testament is clear out of these words The Sun of righteousnesse shall arise Now two things are promised here to the Church of the N. T which are not yet fulfilled namely the destruction of her enemies v. 19. and her own deliverance from persecution The 54. place is Mal. 4.4 5. Where the coming of Elias is spoken of Before the great and terrible day of the Lord come Which prophesie indeed hath a double fulfilling one in Iohn the Baptist another in some other great person who is yet to come This appears thus Christ teacheth us Mat. 11 17 Chapters that this Prophesie was fulfilled in Iohn the Baptist to wit in regard of his zeal and fervency But what else is spoken concerning Elias both in Malachy and Matthew doth not suit with Iohn the Baptist For Malachy saith Matth. 17.11 That Elias should restore all things which Iohn the Baptist did not Therefore we must necessarily determine That this Prophesie will have a double fulfilling Whereto belongs that also of * Augustine Elias shall restor all that is in the end he shall confirm the Saints troubled by the persecution of Antichrist And the rest of the Fathers also have thuâ— interpreted Malachy Theodoret in his Commentary writes thus of this place He speaks of his second coming and he likewise teacheth us what the great Elias shall do when he shall come And a little after Elias shall first come and he will perswade you O Jews That without doubting you would be joyned to the faithfull of the Gentiles and be brought together into my Church being become one The 55 place is Matth. 23.39 Where Christ speaks thus to the unthankfull Iews For I say unto you Ye shall not see me henceforth till ye shall say Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord By which words Christ declares That at length the Iews should see him not meaning in the last Judgement but before it because at the last Judgement they shall not cry out unto him Blâ—ssâ—d c. for then they shall tremble that have not been converted unto him but at that time when he shall shew himself to them that he may convert them to the true faith The 56 place is Mat. 24.14 And this Gospâ—l of the Kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witnesse unto all Nations and then shall the end come See now before the last Judgement the Indians themselves and others which yet acknowledge not JESUS CHRIST shall be brought unto the Church The 57 place is Luk. 21.24 And they the Jews shall fall with the edge of the sword â—nd shall be led captives into all Nations and Hierusalem shall be trampled on by the Nations untill the times of the Gentilâ—s shall be fulfilled This place shall receive light from the next following Our Saviour here teacheth us that the Jews shall be vexed along time by the Gentiles and that being ended they shall be converted to the Faith The 58 place is Rom. 11.25 26 27. The Apostle teacheth us in this place that the Jews should so long remain in their blindenesse and calamity till the fulnesse of the Gentiles should come in that is till the rest of the Nations of the world should flow in unto the Gospel For then it should come to passe that all Israel should be saved And this he calls a Mystery and that noâ— unfitly For this is that Propheticall Secret so often pressed by the Prophets of which Paul would not have the â—entiles ignorant lest they should despise the Jews as cast off for ever The 59 place is 2 Cor. 3.15 Therefore unto this very day when Moses is read the Veil is upon their heart Neverth lâ—sse when they shall turn themselves unto the Lord the Veil shall be taken away The Apostle here teacheth us two things concerning the Iews 1. That their mindes * were blinded as he speaks in the foregoing verse 2. That at length they are to be converted by the Spirit of Christ The 60 place is Revel. 22.5 And she brought forth a man-child Christ who was to rule all Nations with a rod of Iron Compare Psal. 2. You may gather out of these two places that Christ shall be Lord and King of all people Jews and Gentiles when he shall gather them into his Church and there feed and rule them The 61 place is Revel. 14.8 Where the ruine of mysticall Babylon is declared which belongs to the happinesse of the Church But seeing it hath not happened it shall most surely happen The 62 place is Revel. 14.14 to the 21. Where is 〈◊〉 blown the destruction of the enemies of the Church of the N. Tâ—â— The 63 place is Revel. 18 the whole Chapter Wherein iâ— contained a glorious Prophesie concerning the destruction of the the City of Rome and the overthrow of Antichrist The 64 place is Revel. 19.1 2 3. Where in like manner is contained a prophesie of Rome's downfall and Antichrist'sâ—â—â—dition The 65 place is Revel. 19.11 to the end Where is a clear prophesie of the vanquishing of Antichrists Army And these are the testimonies of Scripture in number * Lxvi in which the happinesse of the Church whereof we took upon us to treat is prophesied of promised and set forth I make no doubt but the attentive reader rather will easily observe a notable harmony and concent in these places of Scripture and from his own private reading adde also others The third Classis of Arguments THis Classis or rank of Arguments offords certain reasons and the consent of some learned men Reasons or Consequences I. All persecutors of the Church have at length been punished by God Therefore at length the great Antichrist also shall certainly be punished The Antecedent or foregoing proposition is proved partly from the nature of God partly by Induction of examples II. After long and grievous persecutions the Church hath ever felt some rest and refreshment here on earth Therefore also she shall have some breathing time after the persecution of Antichrist and that here upon earth because God himself hath made her such a promise III. Where the ayde of man failes there the assistance of God begins as Philo the Iew said long agoe both quiently and piously This is most certainly witnessed by the examples of the Church of the Old T. miraculously delivered out of the