his Angel Revel 1.1 and Michael the great Prophecie by the ministery of an Angel in the similitude of a man Dan. 10. And at the presence of the Angel Daniel is terrified and falleth into a deep sleep as proportionably the Saints of the last time to whom these mysteries are discovered under the Antichristian Persecutions but he is revived as they also have been and shall be and he is told that the Vision is of events to be fulfilled in the last time the last wrath the time of the end Vers 17 18 19. The Ram is interpreted as before Verse 20 and the Goat Verse 21. His great horn and the four succeeding Vers 22 but not in the strength of the great horn Alexander the Great also as before Vers 23. ¶ And in the end of their kingdom when the transgressors shall come to the full That is when the Christians revolted into Idolatry shall come to the fulnesse of their Apostacie For the Transgressors are here called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in relation to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Antichristian transgression making desolate Chap. 8.12 13 by which the Christian Church began to be made desolate ever since the beginning of the One thousand two hundred and sixty yeers but the Apostacie or Spiritual desolation came not toward fulnesse or perfection till about the time of Hildebrand after which time the greatnesse of Antichrist here spoken of arose and the encreasing himself by his two Wars ¶ And a King shall stand up This is Antichrist hiddenly with the Barbarians Chap. 7.8 Apoc. 17.12 openly after them He came to maturity in Hildebrand and afterward It followeth ¶ Of an hard or fierce countenance That is of a proud and imperious look not onely in relation to the Saints but also to the Princes of the earth In respect of whom it is said Chap. 7.20 that his look was more stout then his fellows as being proudly imperious and tyrannical also unto them ¶ And understanding dark sentenoes That is dark and profound subtilties such as the Pope and his Clergie-men professe in their Philosophical speculations and questionary Theologie ¶ And his power shall be mighty That is after the time of his maturity which came to passe in Hildebrand after anno 1073. ¶ But not by his own power Because his power did mediately consist in the power of the Christian Princes voluntarily subjected unto him Apoc. 13.3 and 17.17 ¶ And he shall destroy wonderfully Beyond all former example See Chap. 11.24 25 26. The truth hereof is manifest by the History to the full ¶ And shall prosper For he must stand One thousand two hundred and sixty yeers Apoc. 11.2 3. Dan. 12.7 ¶ And shall practice To wit by Military Expeditions and cunning devices ¶ And shall destroy the mighty That is the Turks and Saracens as Chap. 11.25 26. ¶ And the people of the holy Ones That is the Waldenses in a second War equal for greatnesse to the former and immediately succeeding Verse 25. ¶ And through his policie also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hands For by craft and policie he brake down the Waldenses and Princes of the Covenant as it is expounded Chap. 11.23 24. ¶ And he shall magnifie himself in his heart By exalting himself above Secular Kings and Magistrates Chap. 7.20 and 11.36 ¶ And by peace he shall destroy many For under pretence of Peace he entred by flatteries into the Waldensian Countries and made incomparable havock and destruction by his Harpyes the Monks Inquisitors Chap. 11.21 23 24 33. In peace also he destroyed them because in cold blood and times of peace by course of unjust Laws and not of Wars ¶ He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes That is Christ Jesus Prince of the kings of the earth Apoc. 1.5 by subverting his Institutions and setting up his own abominations So it is expounded Chap. 8 1◠11. and 11.37 38 39. ¶ But he shall be broken down without hand That is without the hand of man and by the onely power of God Almighty The phrase is expounded Chap. 2.44 45. See 2 Thess 2.8 Dan. 7.19 22. Chap. 12.1 Apoc. 17.4 and 19.19 20 21. A Question is asked Vers 13. How long And the answer is Verse 14 To the evening and morning Two thousand and three hundred The Two thousand and three hundred of mornings and evenings are just half so many compleat days to wit One thousand one hundred and fifty days and days are yeers See in Luthers Life If these begin from the yeer 360 together with the yeer 1290 Chap. 12.11 they will end at 1510 when by Luther the Sanctuary began to be purged and because of the round number that yeer may be pointed at rather then 1516 or 1517. Although from Damasus the first Pope that entred in after the manner of an Antichrist to wit from 367 the One thousand one hundred and fifty yeers will expire precisely at 1517. But because two evenings are according to Scripture to every compleat day Exod. 12.6 and proportionably two mornings also and forenoon is morning and afternoon is evening Exod. 29.39 Dan. 9.21 and also the evening of the night to wit the fore-part thereof Psal 30.5 6 and morning Exod. 14 or later part thereof and so after this manner Four mornings and evenings will compleat one day Hence another way of accommodation will arise by numbring the days or yeers according to the fourth part of the Two thousand and three hundred and so the yeer will be 575. And if the particular state and acts of Antichrist described in this Chapter are in this number circumscribed the greatnesse of Hildebrand the Pope and his rising above the Emperour beginning in 1075 as Calvisius declareth from thence Five hundred seventy and five yeers will precisely run out before the yeer 1650 which is the first yeer of the great Purgation os the Sanctuary according to the way of accommodation as shall be shewed upon Chap. 12.7 11 12. The fourth Prophecie Dan. 9 of the Seventy weeks The Controversal Part. THis was revealed unto Daniel in the time of the evening-Oblation v. 21 and after that he had long and earnestly sought the Lord. The meaning also of this Prophecie hath been long sought by sundry pious and learned Divines and for many hundred yeers but it may be that the unsealing of it is reserved to the evening of the world proportionately to the other Prophecies of Daniel which were to be sealed up until the time of the end Dan. 8.26 27. and 12.4 10. The general and received opinion hath been and is that these weeks began at the going forth of the Regal Edict for restauration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian Captivity But the accommodation of this opinion and of the yeers unto the thing is exceeding various and divided by manifold opinions and all of them clogged as I suppose with inextricable difficulties For some begin these yeers at the fourth yeer of Zedekiah
little season they might be prepared for the last and great Vial which shall expire and be compounded with the general Resurrection and final Conclusion of all Judgement Now if the Vials begin from 620 then accordingly the sixth Vial will end and therewithall the 1000 yeers in 1620. From which time the Dragon shall gradually be loosed first with various successe as the fifth Seal Apoc. 6.11 and the Hail-stone spotted Horses Zech. 6.6 do insinuate and then by three dayes and half of final Triumph his solution shall run out in the yeer 1649 precisely together with the 2260 yeers of Antichrist according to one of the two wayes of Accommodation But if the Vials begin from 840 then accordingly the sixth Vial will end and therewithall the 1000 yeers the space of about 20 yeers before 1860 and so the solution of the Beast and Dragon which is to be at the end of the 1000 yeers will precisely expire with the yeers of Antichrist according to the other way of Accommodation This is certain that when these yeers shall have an end immediately shall follow the glorious time of New-Jerusalem to the joy of all Saints Whereof it is said Isai 60.1 Arise O Jerusalem and shine for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee It is also very evident unto me That this glory of New Jerusalem beginning at the end of the yeers of Antichrist is consummated in Heavenly glory as the utmost degree thereof So that the Heavenly Estate according to the use of the holy Prophets entereth into the composition of New Jerusalem and of the state of new Heavens and new Earth For the state of these new Heavens and new Earth promised in the Prophecy of Isaiah is such a state wherein all Saints do expect their share and portion Universally as the Apostle Peter doth expresse 2 Pet. 3. And therefore it must necessarily be the state of Heavenly perfection which is at least inclusively spoken off by the Prophet Isaiah For thus go the words of the Apostle 2 Pet. 3.13 14. Neverthelesse we that is we all all Saints and Christians according to his promise that is as it is promised unto us in the Prophecy of Isaiah which we have a little before Interpreted do look for new Heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousnesse that is all righteous people and without defilement of sin and sinful society It followeth Vers 14. Wherefore Beloved seeing that ye look for such things be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blamelesse Furthermore the general Resurrection and last Judgement are evidently brought in Apo. 20.11 12. as the Expressions declare So clear indeed that any place of Scripture describing the last Judgement may be detorted to another sense as easily as this And besides the Parallel place of Dan. 12.2 13 14. doth confirm the same where Daniel and all the wise without Exception and Distinction are brought in partakers of the Resurrection at the end of the last plague upon Antichristians Now the perfect state of New Jerusalem is expressely brought in after this general Resurrection and last Judgement Apoc. 20.11 and 21.1 And therefore it is the state of heavenly perfection As the old Heavens and Earth do gradually go away from after the end of the yeers of Antichrist that is as the Antichristian Kingdoms do gradually depart so the new Heavens and new Earth or Kingdom of Christ with the change of all things doth gradually come in Until at the end of 45 yeers Dan. 12.12 the old Heavens and old Earth being perfectly departed in the last Judgement and general Resurrection Apoc. 20.11 the new Heavens and the new Earth come into the place thereof in the state of heavenly and immutable Perfections Apoc. 21.1 2. In the foresaid incoactive state of New Jerusalem the Jews shall come in by Conversion according to the Prophecy Rom. 11. and shall be principal Members and extraordinarily gifted for the enlarging of the Kingdom of Christ over all the World They began first to run as Cushi but interrupted The Gentile Christians like Ahimaaz break over the Mountains of opposition God making all Hills as a plane unto them And so they first bring in the tydings of the fall of Antichrist But the tydings are general and incompleat Afterward 2 Sam. 18.31 the Jews that first began to run shall come in last and bring distinct and perfect tydings of the fall of Antichrist and all enemies universally Now when they have so done then shall follow life from the dead or the general Resurrection as the Apostle Paul expresseth Rom. 11.15 So then the Jews shall come in as Members of New Jerusalem and New Jerusalem is to be the Catholike Church advanced to the state of glory wherein there is no distinction of Jew or Gentile Grecian or Barbarian And therefore in all the Revelation I finde not any mention of Jewish Christians in distinction from the rest The Jews are the faithful in general Apoc. 2.9 and so are the Jews of Philadelphia Apoc. 3.9 The twelve Tribes of the Children of Israel are all the parts of Christendom out of which the Saints are sealed before the glorious time of New Jerusalem Apoc. 7.4 5 6 7 8 9. The Holy City or Jerusalem is Christendom Apoc. 11.2 And the Kings of the East may be the Protestants in general as hath been Expounded according to the course of Holy Scripture So is New Jerusalem the Catholike Church glorified Apoc. 21. And it is a name imposed on the Gentile Philadelphia Apoc. 3.12 The true Church in general is called the Jerusalem Gal. 4.26 And all that is called Israel in the Old Testament unto whom the Promises are made are not Israel according to the flesh but mystical Israel the whole Church Rom. 9.6 Daniel also in all his Prophecies by his people and by his holy people understandeth Christians in general as hath been shewed before See Dan. 9.24 and 11.45 and 12.1 Accordingly in all the ancient Prophets although the Prophecies are litterally to be understood of Israel and Judah properly so called according to the Type yet according to the Antitype and more fully they appertain to the mystical Israel and mystical Judah the Catholike Church of Christ and especially as rising out of the mystical Babylon of Antichrist as the parallel places in the Revelation do evidently declare Revel 14.8 and 18.2 3 12 20 21 22. and 19.2 But of this I purposed onely at this time to give a hint as also to touch a few Reasons and Arguments by the way And I have been much larger then I thought to be Much more satisfaction may be given concerning these things and if necessity require and strength and opportunity make way I hope I should not be backward to do my best service herein to the Spouse of Christ If any of my Reverend Brethren otherwise minded can shew unto me better light I shall count my self and the Church of God beholding unto them for it and willingly receive it at their hands In the mean time this is my judgement And to God onely wise in Christ Jesus the Revealer of Secrets be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever Amen FINIS
partly brittle The Gothes and Vandals and divers others proved brittle quickly dissolved but the Irony strength appeared in the Franks by whom the Empire was restored in the Image of its former glory But after Charles the Great this Empire also was in divisions and the parts continued in the Title of the ten horns in relation to the division which was at first Thirdly it is said of them that they should mingle themselves with the seed of men that is endeavour again by Marriages to unite the divisions but yet the kingdoms should not be united but continue in distinction as Iron cannot be mixed with Clay Vers 43. And of the truth of this attribute we have had frequent experience in these later times The destruction of this Empire by the stone Vers 34 45. THe stone doth signifie the Saints Vers 44. with Chap. 7.22 26. It is cut out of a great mountain which is the Romane Empire bearing rule before upon the earth the Dominions of Antichrist Vers 35 45. From hence the Saints are cut out by professed separation and victorious exemption They are thus cut out without hands that is by the onely power and finger of Almighty God as it is interpreted Vers 44 45. Thus they began to be cut out anno 1160 in the Waldenses and continue so unto this day And the extraordinary hand of God was seen therein as the strange arising growth prevailing of them doth manifestly declare But their absolute cutting out and exemption from the power of Antichrist is that which is to be expected at the term of the slaughter of the two Prophets when their rising by the power alone of God Almighty without the help of man is thus described Revel 11.11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entred into them and they stood upon their feet and great fear fell upon them that saw them and they ascended up to heaven in a cloud c. And so this stone or kingdom of the Saints shall be set up even in the days of those Kings Vers 44 that is of Antichrist and the ten horns signified by the feet and ten toes which it striking shall dash in pieces and they shall be no more Vers 35. Then this stone or kingdom of the Saints having been set up immediately after the three days and half now upon the destruction of Antichrist his Kingdom shall become agreat mountain and fill the whole earth Vers 35 44. A great mountain that is the supreme kingdom filling all the earth because all dominion shall be subject unto it Chap. 7.14 27. Ezek. 17.22 23. The second Vision or Prophecie Dan. 7. The Part Controversal AS for the three first Beasts there is little or no Controversie moved about them I come unto the fourth described Vers 7 8 c. Some by the fourth Beast understand the Successors after Alexander in the Grecian kingdom and especially the kingdom of the Seleucidae and by the little horn Antiochus Epiphanes Graserus hath largely and learnedly oppugned this opinion from whom I alleadge against it these Arguments First the kingdom of the Seleucidae belongeth to the third Beast and is one of the four parts into which the Greeian kingdom was divided after Alexanders death expresly represented in his four wings and four heads Vers 6 the truth of which interpretation will clearly appear by comparing Chap. 8.8 22. and 11.4 For the king of Grecia is expresly distinguished from Alexander as the whole from the part comprehending both him the quadrupartite division among his Successors Chap. 8.21 22. Therefore both he and the Seleucidae with other his Successors are included in the third Beast and cannot be extended to the fourth Secondly because these four Beasts arose successively to subdue the world Vers 2 3. But the Seleucidae and other successors of Alexander succeeded into it already subdued by him Thirdly the Preface prefixed to the fourth Beast Afterward I saw in the Visions by night and behold The proposing of him without a name as an unknown and strange Monster the sollicitous and curious enquiry of Daniel concerning him Vers 19 the bestowing of a far larger and more accurate description upon him then upon the former Beasts do plainly argue that the fourth kingdom here signified is far more great and wonderful then any of the former and therefore cannot be the kingdom of the Seleucidae Fourthly the fourth Beast is said to be dreadful and terrible and very strong in comparison with the Beasts going before having Iron teeth and Brazen nails devouring and breaking in pieces and stamping the residue under feet But the kingdom of the Seleucidae was weaker then that of Alexander as it is expresly said Chap. 8.22 and did not devour and destroy so as the former kingdoms as entring upon a world subdued already by Alexander the Great therefore the fourth kingdom cannot be the kingdom of the Seleucidae Thou wilt say The fourth kingdom is thus expressed not in relation to the world or state general but to the Jewish Church unto which it was more terrible and stronger then the former But it is manifest that the Iron strength is the character of this kingdom distinguishing it in a general and unlimited comparison with the kingdoms going before To exert in some one particular place such as Judea more cruelty by reason of the weaknesse of the people and not by reason of his own absolute strength is not a sufficient reason that he should be characterized and distinguished from the others by the character of strength and fear fulnesse No more verily then the Spanish Inquisition or Phalaris or some other Tyrant may be superlatively compared in strength with Cyrus Alexander Julius Caesar because more cruel and formidable then they in respect of some weak and not-resisting persons over whom without exertion of much strength they might easily exercise their tyrannie Again their strength was not so much terrible to the Jews as Nebuchad-nezzar or Haman were And the Jews against the Seleucidae would have vindicated themselves into liberty and had defended themselves sufficiently had not the Romanes come upon them and broken them down at last and the Seleucidae together Lastly it is expresly said that the fourth kingdom is thus strong irony and terrible not onely in relation to the Jews but also to the whole earth For it is said that it should devour the whole earth and tread it down and break it in pieces Vers 23. And Chap. 2.40 it is expresly said to be of Iron because it shall bruise and break in pieces all the former kingdoms And how shall this be verified of the Seleucidae Fifthly this Beast is said to be unlike to the Beasts that were before it whereas the kingdom of the Seleucidae was like other kingdoms Some say it was unlike in respect of the ten horns But these as they will have it are ten succeeding Kings which in kinde and nature is ordinary to all kingdoms They say it is
fall of the Romane Empire and the rising of the ten Kings the rising of Antichrist must concur who therefore began gradually to proceed together with the irruptions of the Barbarians into his kingdom and dissipation of the Empire and in 606 was openly enthroned But Dan. 7.24 Antichrist is said to come up after the ten horns This understand of his open enthroning which began in 606 after the Inundation of the ten Kings but secretly and hiddenly he arose before even among them and together with them as here it is expressed 2. He is called Another horn that is another beside the ten and as it is expressed vers 24 diverse from them they being Political he also Ecclesiastical by usurpation of an independent authority Spiritual 3. He is called A little horn because little at first as onely Primate and Metropolitane of the Churches of Italy and by little and little encroaching upon the power of the ten Kings by small and scarce discernable degrees of proceeding Before the time of Constantine the Bishop of Rome was onely a poor and mean Minister therefore called Vile or of lowe condition Chap. 11.21 from which weak lowe estate he cunningly and secretly came up among the ten horns until he overtopped them 4. His first arising is intimated to be hidden obscure and secret scarce discernable and therefore he is so represented among the horns that Daniel doth not espie or discover him but by a prying eye and a minde curiously considering Therefore it is said I considered the horns and behold there came up among them another little horn 5. It is added that before him three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots The first War of Antichrist which was waged by him after he came to the fulnesse of his kingdom As the Romane Empire fell so gradually he arose He was openly enthroned in 606. A temporal Dominion was given him by Pipin in 755 But his authority arose not so high as generally to overtop and command at pleasure the Kings and Emperours until the time of Hildebrand after 1073. Thenceforth he began to decree and make Wars himself and by Imperial authority to command the Kings and Emperours of the West to go forth as subjects in the Wars decreed by him And from the foresaid 1073 he had seditiously stirred Wars in Germany but the great and notable War directly decreed by him with voluntary and general submission of Kings Princes and Emperours was that which was decreed at Claremont about Two and twenty yeers after in 1095 against the Turks and Saracens which here followeth to be described And in this War it was verified which was here said of Antichrist that three of the first horns were rooted up before him For within about three yeers after the foresaid Decree at Claremont by the yeer 1099 he by his Souldiers of the Crosse rooted up subdued caused to fall as the phrases run vers 8.20 24 three Kings of the Turks and Saracens Solyman in Asia Cassianus in Syria the Egyptian Caliph in Judea That these three Kings are meant I am more then probably convinced from Chap. 8.9 and 11.29 places exactly parallel where they are expresly restrained to Judea the pleasant Land and to the East and South in the way unto it which must be Syria and Asia from the Northern horn of Macedonia as shall be shewed when I come unto the next Chapter In mean time observe these phrases arguing the places to be parallel 1. There came forth a little horn Chap. 8.9 Behold there came up another little born Chap. 7.8 2. Which waxed great unto the South and to the East and to the pleasant land Chap. 8.9 Before whom three fell Chap. 7.8 3. He shall destroy the holy people Chap. 8.24 He shall wear out the Saints of the most High Chap. 7.21 25. 4. He shall magnifie himself in his heart Chap. 8.25 He shall speak great things Chap. 7.8 25. His look was more stout then his fellows verse 20. 5. He extolled himself against the Prince of the Host the Prince of princes Ch. 8.11 25. He shall speak words against the most High Chap. 7.25 6. By him the daily Sacrifice was taken away Chap. 8.11 And he shall think to change Times and Laws Chap 7.25 And as it is here said that three kings were rooted up from before him so Chap. 11.22 The arms of a stood shall be overflown from before him which is to be understood of the Turks and Saracens as I trust to shew when I come unto the place But here a Doubt ariseth How these three Mahumetan Kings are called three of the first horns seeing the ten were numbred without the comprehension of them Answ They may not be called formally three of the first horns that is as under the form and special kinde of them but onely materially as being the same onely in outward figure and now applied to a new representation And this is proved by Verse 24 where although in respect of the outward figure and type he is said to root out three of the first horns yet when the thing signified cometh to be spoken of it is onely thus said that ten horus are ten kings that shall arise and another shall arise after them and he shall subdue three Kings Mark it is not said that he shall subdue three of them or three of the former Kings as in the Type but onely three kings as if distinguished from the former ten But secondly and more satisfactorily it may be answered that in a more general sense the ten horns may comprehend any that divided the Empire such as Turks and Saracens then as hath been said before But whereas it may be objected from Apoc. 17.17 that the ten horns give their kingdoms to the Beast it is to be understood not of the ten horns in general but of those onely who adhered to the Beast The Gothes and Vandals and Burgundians are among the ten horns and yet they survived not to give their kingdoms to the Beast proportionably we may judge of the Turks and Saracens 6. And thus far of the first War of Antichrist against the Turks and Saracens His second War followeth against the Saints which is described Verse 22. I beheld and is this horn made war with the Saints and prevailed against them Vers 25 He shall wear out the Saints of the most High Which second War began against the Waldesian Protestants since the yeer 1160 and yet continueth and must until the end of the Reign of Antichrist when the ancient of days shall sit in Judgement and the kingdom of New Jerusalem shall be set up Vers 9.10 26. 7. He is said to have eyes like the eyes of a man Verse 8. either in respect of his feigned courtesie and flattering humanity Chap. 8.25 or in respect of his intolerable pride and arrogancy Verse 20 with Psal 12.3 4 18.27 or rather in respect of wisedom and policie Chap. 8.25 with Zech. 11.17 and the eye of his
as Nicolaus de lyra and others Clement of Alexandria begins them at the first yeer of Cyrus Origen from the first yeer of Darius the Mede Julius Affricanus from the twentieth yeer of Longimanus Tertullian as Origen but in a strange Chronologie Origen again elsewhere numbreth a day for Ten yeers and so fetcheth them from Adam Another from the sixth yeer of Darius Histaspes Others from the second of Darius Nothus Others from the seventh of Artaxerxes Longimanus See Pererius on Daniel Reinold Junius Others finding no soundnesse in these Opinions flee to extremes Master Broughton and his followers denying the truth of Heathen Chronologie constitute the yeers without ground Doctor Reinolds on the other side allowing and maintaining the Heathen Chronologie and finding no way how to accommodate these yeers unto it affirmeth that no certain time is meant but an uncertain and undetermined duration in allusion to the Seventy yeers of the Babylonian Captivity To spend long time in examining and confuting all these Opinions and sundry others that might be brought would be exceeding tedious both to the Writer and the Reader and unnecessary also forasmuch as Doctor Reinolds Pererius and other Authors have worthily shewed the unsoundnesse of other Opinions besides their own and their own impugned by one another Graserus whom Piscator seemeth to follow being overwhelmed with the difficulty or rather impossibility of accommodation affirm that these yeers must begin at the Edict of Cyrus but how to apply them according to Chronologie they ingenuously confesse they cannot tell All this I have alleadged especially for this end that by so monstrous variety of Opinions and such inextricable difficulties in every one of them we may the more easily be brought to suspect at least that the truth is not yet found and that not contenting our selves with that which hath been already said we might be incited and encouraged to seek for further light I purpose after all these the unworthiest of them to adde my mite for the understanding of this Prophecie not resolutely and peremptorily determining what I shall say but with submission to better Judgements shewing what may be farther said and upon what grounds of probability to prepare an easier way for the finding of the truth THis Prophecie seemeth not to be understood of the times between the Babylonian Captivity and the Passion of our Lord or destruction of Jerusalem for these Reasons 1. Because in no place of the New Testament this Prophecie is used against the Jews to prove the Messiah already come 2. If the restauration of the City Vers 25 is of the material Jerusalem after Nebuchad-nezzars Captivity it must begin in the first of Cyrus from which time Seventy weeks of yeers will fully expire long before the birth of Christ 3. The first Division of the Seventy weeks is Seven weeks of yeers Vers 25 the end whereof is expressely characterized by the setting up of a Messiah Governour which cannot be verified in the setting up of the first Governour of the Jews after the Captivity much lesse of Christ For Zerubbabel was set up in the beginning and Christ long after the end of all No other Governour can be meant after the first because the setting up of one pointeth at the first Therefore if the Seven weeks end not in the setting up of Zerubbabel or Christ as they cannot then they cannot be verified in the material state of Jerusalem after the Captivity of Babylon 4. The cutting off of the Messiah here spoken of is expresly joyned with the destruction of the City in one week to be accomplished the last Seven yeers Vers 26 27 whereas Christ suffered above Thirty yeers before the destruction of material Jerusalem 5. Those phrases Vers 24 To finish the transgression To make an end of sins To purge iniquity and To bring in everlasting righteousnesse are manifest characters of the time of the end as shall be shewed My Judgement is that these Seventy weeks of yeers are cut out for the restauration of the Spiritual Jerusalem the Church of Christ from the Babylon and servitude of Antichrist and must end in the full purgation thereof from Antichristian defilements and from the course of other moral transgressions 1. Because the effects characterizing the end of these yeers the consuming of transgression and the bringing in of everlasting righteousnesse Vers 24 are effects to be accomplished in the Christian Church at the fall of Antichrist Isal 1.25 26 27 28. and 27.9 Apoc. 21.27 2. In the other Prophets the restauration of the Christian Church from the Babylon of Antichrist is in like Types proportionably represented Isai 10 and 11 and 13 and 14. Jer. 50 and 51. Apoe 14.6 7 8. and 16.19 and 15.7 and 18.2 10 21. 3. In all the other Prophecies of Daniel the main subject of them is the history of Antichrist the Waldensian Saints and their successors restored and reduced out of Antichristian Captivity See Chap. 7 and 2 and 8 and 10 11 12. 4. The parallel proportion of phrase argueth the anointed Prince Vers 25 to be the Prince of the Covenant Chap. 11.22 which there doth signifie the Princes of the Waldenses as shall be shewed 5. The streights of times Vers 25 and the destruction of the City Vers 26 doth fitly agree to the Antichristian persecution See Chap. 8.24 11 13. 6. The effects of the last weeks are parallel with the Antichristian persecution described Apoc. 11. For as the Christian Church is in both places signified by the holy City Apoc. 11.2 with Dan. 9.26 and streights of time said in both places to go before the last afflictions Apoc. 11.5 3 7. with Dan. 9.25 so the last afflictions are also proposed with marvellous agreement There three yeers and half of tyranny over the conquered Saints Apoc. 11.8 9 in the end of persecution here half a week of yeers that is precisely three and an half out out for the same end There War immediately preceding the foresaid triumph Apoc. 11.7 here in like manner 7. From the beginning of the second half of the last week or of the three yeers and half a Prince is said to cause the Sacrifice and Oblation to cease Vers 27. A phrase attributed to Antichrist Chap. 8.11 and 11.31 there said to take away the daily Sacrifice 8. In the same time the said Prince is said Vers 27 for the overspreading of abominations to make desolate A phrase attributed to Antichrist Chap. 8.12 13. and 11.31 there said to set up the abominations making desolate 9. It is added Vers 27 Until the consummation determined shall be poured on the desolate A phrase also applied to the restraining of the Antichristian persecution Chap. 11.36 10. As the Seventy weeks the division of the Seven from the Sixty two and of both from the one week are unappliable to the material restauration out of real Babylon so they will exactly and precisely agree to the restauration out of the Antichristian Babylon as shall be shewed Upon
place ¶ And unto the end of the War even determined shall be desolations So I translate referring 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Adjective unto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And the meaning is that unto the full end of the last week shall continue the desolations of the Churches at least according to the visible frame and appearance of them in publike Worship Vers 27. ¶ And he shall confirm a covenant to many for one week He that is Antichrist the Prince immediately before spoken of And in the last week or in the last Seven yeers of the Seventy weeks shall confirm a Covenant with many that is with many of his own people as in the former Verse Papists or Antichristians or favourers unto them that by them he may destroy the Citie and Sanctuary before spoken of Haply also by sleights and subtil tricks he shall bring in many others within the circuit of the Covenant who having unawares engaged themselves shall be forced by their endeavours to promove the ends of the Covenant For the Hebrew word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to cause a Covenant to prevail over any and so may import so much as hath been said Wherefore the Jewish Rabbines referring these passages to the times of Vespasian say the meaning to be this that Titas Vespasian should make a fraudulent Covenant with many of the Jews that by disjoyning them he might the more easily prevail against them ¶ And in the midst of the week he shall cause the Sacrifice and Oblation to cease The Sacrifice and Oblation mystically signifieth Christian Woship Mal â—3 4 and the exercise of the Ordinances which Antichrist shall cause to cease in respect of the publike and open solemnities thereof howbeit he shall not effect or accomplish this before the midst of the last week to be continued to the end thereof the space precisely of three yeers and half expressed elsewhere by three days and half Revel 11.8 and here by the later half of the last week ¶ And for the overspreading of abominations he shall make desolate That is for this end that he may spread and diffuse and set up in all places the Worship of his Antichristian abominations he shall make desolate the true Church by causing her true Worship or publike solemnities to cease ¶ Even until the consummation and that determined be poured out upon the desolate It is said to be determined because precisely cut out or limited as the Seventy weeks in general Vers 24 to be ended at the end of them Until this end from the beginning of the One thousand two hundred and sixty days Dan. 11.36 and principally from the midst of the last week the consumption must be poured out upon the desolate And so at the end of the Seventy weeks the Transgression or Antichristian Apostacie being made an end of and sins consumed and iniquity purged by the Spirit and Word and by judgement or affliction everlasting and glorious righteousnesse must follow and the erection of the high kingdom of Saints foretold in the Prophets and Visions of the Old Testament and the Unction of the mystical Altar for the bringing of free-will-Offerings in righteousnesse and pure and holy Worship in the beauties of holinesse So Verse 24. Now if the Seventy weeks begin from Waldus that is from the yeer 1106 then this last doleful week will begin precisely in 1643 and the midst of the said week will be in 1646 from which yeer the three days and half of last affliction will run down to be fully ended in the yeer 1649. Proportionately if the One thousand two hundred and sixty yeers of the reign of Antichrist begin from the yeer 390 which is one way of accommodation as shall be shewed then they will precisely expire also in the said yeer 1649 and so will end together with the Seventy weeks or Four hundred and ninety yeers But if the Seventy weeks begin from Wickliff or from the yeer 1370 then the last week cannot be expecteed till Seven yeers immediately to come before the yeer 1860 that is above Two hundred yeers hence And proportionately if the One thousand two hundred and sixty yeers of the reign of Antichrist begin from the yeer 600 which is the second way of accommodation as shall be shewed then they will precisely expire also immediately before the said yeer 1860 that is precisely with the Seventy weeks according to their second accommodation The probabilities of both ways are such that I must professe I cannot judge or determine which of the twain is to be followed Howbeit I thought it needful to declare my thoughts Two or three yeers will determine the Controversie as yet undetermined An Answer to an Objection BUt against all that hath been said it will be objected that in this present Prophecie answer was given unto Daniel as he read the Prophecie of Jeremiah speaking of the material restitution of the Jews after Seventy yeers Captivity and as he prayed for the accomplishment thereof and therefore that the restitution of Jerusalem here spoken of must necessarily be understood of that which went before the first coming of our Saviour This Objection doth not move my judgement at all forasmuch as I am convinced of the use and custom of the Prophets who bring in types and figures ordinarily and touch them a little onely making way closely and hiddenly thereby to speak of greater things shadowed thereby See Isa 7. and 37.30 31. Matth. 24.2 3. Hag. 2. Psal 72 and 89 c. So Daniel here cast his thoughts on the Restauration out of Babylon temporal but closely under it he was by the Spirit led to the Restauration out of Babylon spiritual Besides Jeremiah himself speaking of the Restauration after Seventy yeers doth mystically imply and under figures describe the Restauration out of Babylon spiritual as the passages Jer. 29 and 33 and 50 and 51 do shew and the Apocalyptical accommodations make evident Daniel therefore enquiring into the Prophecie of Jeremiah concerning the Restauration of the Church enquired not onely after the Restauration of the Jews but after the Restauration of the Church in general and glorious and spiritual principally intended and desired of all Saints and therefore was led by the Spirit of God to the Restauration out of Babylon spiritual as sutable most unto his prayers and inquisitions Secondly Daniel fasted and prayed afterward as Chap. 10 so as here he is described and yet answers are given him at large concerning Antichrist and the state of the Church in the last times Matth. 24.15 Chap. 11 as appeareth evidently by the Abomination of desolation Chap. 11.31 which was after the coming of Christ to be set up and by sundry other Arguments There not a word of the reduction of the Jews but onely of the mystical people of Daniel out of the Babylon of Antichrist So here The Fifth and great Prophecie Dan. 10.11.12 Dan. 10. DAniel being prepared by abstinence humiliation prayer Vers 1 c. a
against the Turks and Sarasins as appeareth Verse 29. various expeditions of the armies of the Pope are signified Whose custome was to do and return do and return to their own Land Their doing short sudden their returning quick hasty both frequent and various Verse 29. At the time appointed Which I take to be the yeer 1146. and thence forward to 1291. he shall return and come toward the South Against the Turks and Sarasins by various and potent Expeditions but it shall not be as the former even so the latter Or it shall not be as at the first even so at the last See Deut. 13.9 Dan. 8.3 Isai 24.2 Gen. 18.25 Deut. 1.17 and so it came to passe From the foresaid time forward God blasted these latter Expeditions even until the Kingdom of Jerusalem was lost and the Christian forces utterly expelled Sect. 10. The particular Description of the second War of Antichrist against the Waldenses and the Albingenses VErse 30. And the inhabitants of the waste places of Kittim Kittim is Italy or rather more generally the Countreys of Europe Gras de Antie p. 457. And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth never signifie ships but properly the Inhabitants of waste desert or thirsty places Isai 13.21 and 34.14 with Luke 11.24 Isal 23.13 and the word is applied to the Saints Psa 72.9 and 74.13 These are the Waldenses that inhabited the waste and desert places whereabout they rose at first and wherein they retired themselves to escape the rage of Antichrist The Alps and Pirenean Mountains were their habitation They were hidden also in the Wildernesse spiritually Apoc. Morn Myst Iniq. p. 327.328 12.6 14. and 17.3 shall come against him By the spiritnal sword from the yeer 1160. by the material sword also from the yeer 1209. therefore he shall be sore grieved So signifieth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from the root 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and it noteth excesse or an extreme degree of sorrow such as vexeth inwardly and bewrayeth it self by dejection of countenance Psal 109.16 Prov. 15.13 such as consumeth the body and causeth the flesh to pine away Prov. 17.22 such as is desperate and intolerable Prov. 18.14 And such was the sorrow of Antichrist for the unprosperous successe and the greatnesse of his sorrow is signified for two causes his unprosperous successe against the Turks and Sarasins Verse 29. and the rising of the Waldenses Verse 30. Usser de sue Eccles pag. 261. And for the former cause Pope Lucius and Urban died for grief neither could the latter lesse afflict him and shall return That is from the Turkish war for he immediately converted his forces from the Turks and Sarasins upon the Waldenses And the duplicity of his war is implyed in that he is said to do by course going and returning from the one unto the other and have indignation against the Holy Covenant An indignation furious and tending to destruction so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zeph. 3.8 Isa 30.27 Cumres ex animi sententia non succederet Cont. 13. cap. 2. p. 12. l. 1. saith one Papa indignatus alterum gladium pro suo more vibrat First his heart was onely against the Holy Covenant Verse 28. The Waldenses arising in defence thereof his desire striketh down into deep sorrow Verse 30. Lastly hope of victory coming on his deep sorrow ascendeth upward into a furious indignation His indignation is vented on the Waldenses by a destroying war but properly as it is here said against the Holy Covenant in them and he shall do and return The manner of the war of his Souldiers of the Crosse is described as before against the Turks Their various and frequent expeditions with short dispatch and quick returnings See Hist Albin pag. 2. This war began in the yeer 1209. By sundry expeditions the holy people were cruelly destroyed until the yeer 1â—18 when they recovered themselves and prevailed Neither could the Pope any more by force prevail against them At length by deceitful and fraudulent devises in the yeer 1229 he oppressed them utterly and scattered the remainders of them and being scattered he endeavoured to consume them by persecutions And this is the second means whereby Antichrist came unto the perfection of his Kingdom as it may be proved by two Arguments First because of those three means Chap. 8.9 10 11. the first of them whereby Antichrist grew up unto the Mahometans is set immediately before this Verse But the third means whereby he grew up to the Prince of the host of Heaven by taking away the daily sacrifice is set immediately after to wit Verse 31. and therefore the second of those means whereby he grew up to the army or host it self to wit the Waldenses and Albingenses is put between But it is necessary that it should be interposed in this Verse 30. and expressed in the words before described or else it must needs be altogether omitted The second reason is because his indignation arising against the holy Covenant by the occasion of the Insurrection of the Albingenses inhabiting the deserts and declared by doing and returning as before it hath been said in the description of the war against the Mahometans Verse 28. must properly and naturally be expounded of the war and persecutions intended against the Albingenses and he shall have respect to them that forsake the holy Covenant So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is expounded with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 following Verse 37. These that forsake the holy Covenant are the Antichristian apostates the Princes and people of the West as also the Princes of the Albingenses which had revaulted from their Faith Whom Antichrist the Albingenses being now oppressed in the yeer 1229. forced to take utterly away the daily Sacrifice to wit by a fuller and more perfect apostacy as it is declared in the words following Verse 31. And arms shall stand for him That is the Emperours Kings and Princes of the Christian world shall stand for Antichrist or on his side at his instigation falling into a more full and absolute apostasie and they shall pollute the sanctuary the strong hold That is the Temples or places of worship and they shall take away the daily sacrifice That is the true doctrine and worship instituted by Christ and shall set up the abomination making desolate That is Antichristian idolatries and superstitions corrupt doctrine and unlawful worship The same which was begun from the beginning of the 1290 dayes Dan. 12.11 Now the Albingenses being oppressed was brought unto perfection as it is expresly declared in the History of the Waldenses and Albingenses Hist Albing boak 2. chap. 7. at the yeer 1229. Vers 32. And such as do wickedly against the Covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries Or he shall cause them to play the hypocrites by reason of flatteries To wit by reason of the deceiveablenesse of iniquity 2 Thes 2.10 Or by the enticements of riches pleasures and honours and by the baits
truth knowledge shall be multiplied on the earth in the last time Verse 5. Behold two others These seem to be the types of the two witnesses asking of Christ who is that man clothed with fine linnen the knowledge of these mysteries in the last time to be revealed Verse 7. After a time two times and halfe a time a time is a yeer Dan. 4.20 which in propheticall use containeth 360. dayes whence three times and an half do contain thrice 360. dayes and also one half part thereof that is dayes or in use propheticall yeers 1260. as it is expresly declared Apoc. 12.6 14. and when he shal accomplish to scatter the power of the holy people all these things shall be finished This is to shew that the end of Antichristian persecution shal be at the end of the 1260 yeers Verse 9. And he said go thy way Daniel for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end Therefore the foresaid mysteries especially those about the times of Antichrist God intended to conceal and hide for a certain time and only to reveal the same in the last time And unto this place our Saviour seemeth to have respect when he saith That no man knoweth the day and hour not so much as the Angels of heaven but the Father only Mat. 24.15 36. and when he saith It is not for you to know the times which the Father hath put in his own power Act. 1.7 wherefore Christ exhorted the present age that they would be watchfull because they knew not the time of the end forasmuch as it was to be hidden from the former ages least the long distance of the time being known should hinder the duty of watchfulnesse But in the time of the end whereof see Chap. 11.40 it seemeth that it is to be revealed Not unto the world on whom the end shall come as a thief in the night especially the last part of the last time but unto the Saints which by the propinquity of the time shall be stirred up to watchfulnesse Napier saith a little otherwise affirming that our Lord speaking of the hiding of the last time speaketh of the day properly so called not of the yeer which he saith is to be revealed But the Author of the key Apocalypticall doth insinuate upon chap. 5. that the mystery of the times was not revealed to our Lord himself as man before his Ascension and that therefore he spake thereof as of a thing to be unknown But he addeth that after his glorification he received of the Father the knowledge of this mystery and revealed it by his servant John unto the Church Let the Reader consider all and hold that which is most right Verse 10. Many shall be purified made white and tried to wit many of the witnesses of truth by the persecutions of Antichrist Chap. 11.35 but the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand but the wise shall understand For they which have not received the truth with love shall think the Antichristian lies to be reall truths 2 Thes 2. Dan. 11.32 and in the time of the end they shall be secure as in the dayes of Noah Mat. 24. but the witnesses of truth and the reformed Saints shall understand the mystery of Antichrist and the time of the end also Verse 11. And from the time that the dayly sacrifice shall be taken away and the abomination of desolation set up That is from the time when first the true Doctrine and worship instituted by the Son of God shall begin to be removed and Heresle and Idolatry shall begin to be solemnly set up in the Christian Church making it desolate spiritually and temporally shall be 1290 dayes by 30 dayes this number exceedeth the 1260. whereof Verse 7. and therefore they must begin 30 yeers before the same Verse 12. Blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to the 1335 dayes In this space of 45 yeers there will be the spring of the glorious state of New Jerusalem the Summer thereof shall follow after in the heavenly and immutable condition The resurrection of Daniel and consequently of all the dead is described in the next verse So v. 2. Apoc. 11.18 and 20.11 12. Sect. 19. Concerning the numbers of the yeers THere are two wayes to accommodate the yeers I will propose both and leave the Reader to determine The first way Either the very dark and weak begining of the signes mentioned do set the term of beginning to the years or else the more evident open and perfect state thereof The weak and dark beginning of the signes was before the year 400. the more evident open and perfect state thereof about the year 600. I know no other way but these two For the former way these Arguments do stand 1. Immediatly after the rising under Constantine the persecution of the Dragon forced the woman into her place in the Wildernes which must especially be the Arrian persecution and she came to her place in the state of a Wildernes Spiritual through Arrianisme especially about the year 360. and afterward through Antichristianisme especially from about the year 390 and therefore here we may six the beginning of the time two times and half according to Apoc. 12.13 14. 2. The years begun at the time when the true Doctrine and Worship is solemnly taken away and Heresie and Idolatry making the Church a Wildernes set up Baron ad an 359. num 110. ad annum 360. num 1. Dan. 12.11 This was done by Arrianisme about the year 360. Baron annal Gildas Hist the seeds of Antichrist and Antichristianisme then also hiddenly concurring The Church was in the way of flight and separation gradually before but came not through Arrianisme to her place in the state of a Wildernes untill this time as hath been said and therefore here may fitly be the beginning of the greater Number to wit 1290. But about the year 390 the Doctrine and Worship was solemnly corrupted by Antichrist and Antichristianisme set up and Idolatry then and not before had its beginnings and therefore here may fitly be the beginning of the lesser Number to wit the years 1260 or time two times and half Syricius seemeth to have bin the first Antichrist signified by the Star that fell from Heaven Apoc. 8.10 from whence as it is most probable the decretall Epistles first began who arrogated and made great way for Dominion over all Churches Mornae Myst pag. 50 51. Tit. cult sanct n. 7. 10. p. 90 93. Tit. Imago p. 78. and first established the Law of an unmarried estate among the Clergy which is the Character of Antichrist and Antichristianisme Dan. 11.37 and brought in the commemoration of Saints into the office of the Church after the manner of the Heathen Worship and thereby encouraged the invocation of Saints which together with other Idolatry began to be in use between the year 380. and 400. as Mr. Perkins in his Problems hath clearly
shewed Now if Idolatry came in between 380. and 400. then about 390. And Syricius did all this about the year 390. I make little matter that I cannot set down the precise year thereof exactly seeing Syricius began but about five years before to be in the seat of the Pope and the holy Ghost seemeth not so much to look at the niceties of numbers as alwayes to expresse the few broken pieces but looketh especially at the perfect and round number which is the number decadical and so the number 390. may be set down for the beginning of that which happily in some degree began three or four years before See Corn. a Lap. upon Ezek. 29.12 3. The years begin at the coming in of the Barbarians which are the primitive ten horns And as Arrianisme came to its strength about the year 360. so the Barbarians began at that time effectually and successively to break in upon the Empire judgement answering unto sin The Persians made the first onset and in the issue took away five Provinces from the Roman Empire and the bank being thus broken down Ammianus the whole flood of the Barbarians followed after from about the year 364. After the year 378. there followed a cessation of the Arrian Heresie and Persecution and therewithall a cessation of the irruptions of Barbarians for about ten years and then the Antichristian Heresie and Idolatry succeeding from about the year 390. the inundation of the Barbarians came in afresh again with a new and stronger beginning So that from this time forward it could be no more interrupted but continued and increased untill the Empire of the West was utterly dissolved â—alvis Croplâ—ad ann 89. For the cruell Barbarians from the North came in irresistibly upon Britainy from about the year 390. and horrible intestine wars following in the residue of the Empire and making way for these Barbarians and also for the rest about five years after namely from about the year 395. the Gothes and all the other Barbarians followed and entred into the whole Empire irresistibly So having divided the Empire into the ten Kingdoms they corrupted the Church more then before and lastly subjected their Kingdoms openly unto Antichrist and to his Laws So then the effectuall irruption of the Barbarians beginning at 360. and again afresh at 390. do also from the former term set a beginning to the years 1290. and from the latter term set a beginning to the years 1260. Now that the years must begin at the coming in of the Barbarians and dissipation of the Empire it may appear from these considerations 1. It is very probable That Antichrist arose in the coming in of the Barbarians and dissipation of the Empire So expresly Serez the Author of the French History a man indifferent and impartiall and of whom we have no cause to think that he looked at any other end in his Discourse but onely the reality of the thing in it self without respect to the Accommodation of the years And thus he writeth fol. 2. Damasas Syricius Anastasius Innocentius Sosimus and Bonifacius Bishops of Rome lived there one after the other amidst the confusions of the Empire and even at Rome whereas the Emperors were seldom seen so as the absence of the Emperors troubled to withstand the Barbarians the miserable state of the time which forced Christians to flye to their Bishop for counsell and comfort in their confused afflictions laid the foundation of their authority then small being tyed to their charges and subject to the Emperours command But it grew by degrees untill it came to the height of this Soveraign and Absolute power so as in the end they have prescribed Laws to the Emperours Kings and Christian Princes A necessary Observation both for the truth and order of this History to understand rightly both the time and means of their rising In the first age the Bishops of Rome durst not shew themselves being persecuted and imprisoned and martyred by the Emperours Since Constantine the Great their authority began in the dissipation of the Empire it increased especially under Pipin and Charls the Great Again at the year 514. thus the same Author writeth The Pope of Rome thrust himself forward amidst these confusions and ruines of the Empire recovering that which the Emperours had lost 2. Antichrist is the little horn and he rose at the same time together with the ten horns in low and dark beginnings and the Primitive ten horns were the Northern Barbarians Dan. 7.8 It is true he is said afterward Verse 24. to arise after the ten Horns but this may be said in respect of the open and more perfect degree of his Kingdom 3. The Beast or Antichrist is said to receive his Kingdom at one hour together with the ten horns Apoc. 17.12 4. The flood of the Dragon which doth signifie the inundation of the Northern Barbarians is expresly set after the womans flight and coming to her fixed seat in the state of the Wildernesse wherein she is to sit down and to be hidden the space of all the foresaid years the time two times and half So therefore the flood of the Barbarians cannot precede the years and can ascend at most but unto a state of coexistende therewithall as being in order ranked after them and begun in events in order of nature praeexistent though not happily of time 5. The seventh head is Antichrist and he ariseth into his Kingdom gradually as the sixth head falling under the Barbarians giveth way and place unto him See Apoc. 17.10 Thus the Emperours the impediment of Antichrist is gradually removed that Antichrist may gradually succeed 2 Thess 2.8 According to this way thus we may settle the terms of the years 1290 Beginning at the year 360 do end together in the year 1649. 1260 Beginning at the year 390 do end together in the year 1649. 490 Beginning at the year 1160 do end together in the year 1649. 575 Beginning at the year 1075 do end together in the year 1649. 390 Beginning at the year 1260 do end together in the year 1649. 1. The 1290. Dan. 12.11 2. The 1260. Dan. 12.7 Apoc. 12.6 14. 3. The 490. Dan. 9.24 4. The 575. Dan. 8.14 There are numbred 2300. of mornings and evenings But because in Scripture-use there is a morning and evening for the day time and a morning and evening for the night time Exo. 29.41 30.8 Lev. 23.5 Num. 9.3 5 11. Exod. 12.6 and 29.39 Psal 30.5 6. Therefore it may be that four of those 2300. do concur to make up one day and so 2300. mornings and evenings may make up 575. full dayes which in use Propheticall are 575. years And so this number may onely comprehend the times of the most perfect raign of Antichrist described in that eighth chapter beginning from the year 1075. when first Hildebrand took occasion to exalt himself effectually above the Emperour and promulged effectuall Decrees concerning the unmarryed estate of the
Clergy and other Will-worship and Antichrist in him began of a little horn to become a great horn and presently thereupon exceeding great in the war against the Turks and Albingenses which estate of his seeing it is onely handled in the foresaid chapter no marvell if a number of years proportionate unto such a state of Antichrist was cut out in the said place 5. The years 390. according to the round number or at large 391. and an hour Ap. 9.14 do appertain unto the solution of the Turks which by the dissentions of the Latines and movings of the Tartars began to be loosed from about the year 1260. and two years before in some degree so that the hour may be in 1258. the day the year following and the 390 from 1260. See Brov. annal Thus the Turks will cease to be loosed in the year 1649. and the next year following may they begin to fall together with the Pope if this former way of Accommodation doth hold Although in respect of remisse degrees the Turk began to be loosed in Saladin about the year 1169. Calvis and so his 390. years will expire immediatly before 1559. from which time the Turkish power and Kingdom hath continually decayed The second way of Accommodation of the years NOw that the Popes Kingdom more properly so called that is the commanding and effectuall and open state thereof and the more perfect state of the foresaid signes thereof do set beginning to these years the following Arguments will plead on the other side 1. The Beast or little horn that is the Pope is said expresly to rise into his Kingdom after the ten horns being thenceforth about to raign the time two times and half Dan. 7.24 25. It will be answered He rose with them in respect of small beginnings but after them in respect of open manifestation of his Kingdom See Apoc. 17.12 But howsoever thus much may be gathered That according to this place it will not be inconvenient or unreasonable to begin the years of Antichrist after the rising of the ten horns and from the manifestation and open power of his Kingdom but rather very connaturall unto it 2. The Beast is said expresly to rise into his Kingdom after the Dragons flood and the drying up thereof being about to raign 42. moneths which signifie all the years of Antichrist Apoc. 12.16 17 18. with cap. 13.1 5 6. Now the Dragons flood was the flood of the Northern Barbarians forasmuch as the waters cast out of his mouth do properly signifie Nations Tongues and People Apoc. 17.15 flowing out upon the Church at the mouth or suggestion of the Devil Their flood was dryed up partly when they were subdued by Justinian partly when they were united with the earthly part of Christendom in Antichristian Religion It may be answered That after this time indeed the Beast arose into the open state and power of his Kingdom in appearance according to the similitude of other Kingdoms But in small and dark beginnings that he began before and that from those small beginnings his years are to be numbred howsoever they be set down under the open state thereof Compare Apoc. 12.14 with cap. 13.5 6. But this will be sufficient for our purpose that it will be very consonant and agrecable to this place to begin the years of Antichrist from his latter state and not unnaturall thereunto howsoever we cannot prove that certainly it is so 3. Dan. 11.19 to 21. So expresly after the inundation of the Northern Barbarians and after the Restauration also by Justinian Antichrist is brought in succeeding in the Kingdom But it may be answered as before That then indeed began the glory of his Kingdom or some small degree of glory at the least Although he had the Kingdom before even with Justinian and before him also yet without the glory of the Kingdom compare Dan. 11. v. 20. with v. 21. and both with v. 19. This howsoever seemeth to follow from the words that this second state or degree of Antichrist his Kingdom may constitute a very naturall and convenient beginning for the duration of his reign especially seeing in such accommodation of the yeers all numbers will agree and every one of them from very reasonable and satisfactory terms of beginning According to this second way we may set beginnings thus unto the years 1290 From 570 end in the year 1859. 1260 From 600 end in the year 1859. 1150 From 710 end in the year 1859. 490 From 1370 end in the year 1859. First 1290. may begin in 570 according to the round number For then upon the coming of the Longebards into Italy began the evident and open state of the Popes Kingdom So expresly Machiavel in his History of Florence l. 1. Caeperunt hec tempore pontifices Romani majori esse in dignitate quam antea fuerant Paulo post Vix alia erat pontificum dignitas et aestimatio prater eam quam vitae sancti monia sibi paraverant et doctrina ante aetatem Longobardorum Rursum Quum autem Longobardi jn Italiam jam venirent et illa in factiones plurimas scissa esset adaugebatur pontificia potestas hoc eorum adventu Quum enim pontifex caput esset et princeps urbis Romanae imperator vero Constantinopoli preesset itase tempori et praesenti rerum statui accommodabant Longobardi ac Longinus ut mediante pontifice populum Romanum sibi devincirent non ut subditus illorum esset sed socius et nunc horum nunc Grecorum artes sequentes pontifices mirum quam adaugebant suam dignitatem Secondly the 1260 yeers may fitly begin in the yeer 600. according to the round number Then began Gregory the Pope to deform the Church with rites and superstitions Alsted Chron. Myst iniq And indeed the Historicall use of Images began about the yeer 400. but the solitary Images of Saints began not to be set up in Temples before the yeer 600. Perk. yet the Pope approved not the worship of them Then began Gregory the Pope to command a litany for the invocation of Saints to be sung publikely Then saith Perkins of a commemoration of Saints was made an invocation of them â—rkins â—â— Imaâ—â— Casâ—der About the same yeer Gregory the Pope contended about the Primacy with the Patriark of Constantinople And about six yeers after the yeer 600. the Pope was made by Phocas universall Bishop and then first was the priviledge confirmed to the Church of Rome to wit of Primacy over all Churches Alsted lastly from about this time the Pope began to send forth his emissaries for the subjecting of the ten horns and people of Christendom unto his papall authority Thirdly the 1150 yeers being the halfe of the 2300. Dan. 8.13 14. by taking only one morning and one evening for one full day may begin most fitly at the yeer 710. For then Antichrist began publikely and in open councels to authorize the worshipping of Images and to establish the