this VVorld do not descend inâ—o â—ucceeding VVorlds to be born any more in a Body of Flesh but remain to all Eternity with God and Christ in the Heavens ascending continually unto greater Glory and Dignity but those who are not perâ—ected in tâ—is VVorld nor have attained the Gloriâ—iâ—â—tion of their Bodies do descend into â—â—cceeding VVoâ—lds to be boâ—â— in their oâ—der and turn in a Body of Flesh until they 〈◊〉 at laâ—t pâ—â—fected and have obtained the 〈◊〉 of their Bodies in the Heaâ—â—â—â— 80. And it is worth our consideration â—nd diligent enquiry whether or no from â—he proportion of the holy City compared into the whole Earth may not be Mystiâ—ally and as it were abstrusely represented â—o us how great a part of Mankind of this World shall be saved in this World First â—herefore let us see what is the measure of â—his holy City in its solid content Iohn in the Revelations saith this City was equal in length breadth and depth that it was â—2000 Stadia or Furlongs in length that â—s 1500 of our Miles for eight Furlongs make a Mile therefore the â—olid content of the City is â—â—â—5â—00000 Miles as in the Mâ—rgin But as for the Meaâ—ure of the Earth we will suppose 61 Miles for every degree which is one Mile above the vulgar Computation and then the Circumâ—erence will contain 21960 Miles but the Diametre will contain 6989 Miles â…™ whereof is 1164. To find the Superficial content multiply the Circumference by the Diametre that is 21960 by â—987 the whole Sum is 153434520 Miles lastly multiply the aforesaid number by 6987â— of the Diametre and the Product will be as in the Margin 178597781280 Miles the 〈◊〉 content of the Earth which if you divide by the solid content of the Holy City the Quotient will be 52 with the remaining Fraction as in the Margin Therefore after this rate the Holy City will be in proportion to the whole Earth as 1 to 52 and â…› thence will arise that great year of 365000 Years wherein all the Souls on this Earth are to be saved for if the 1 52 part of Mankind be saved in one World then in 52 Worlds or Weeks of Worlds that is 365000 Years all Mankind will be saved 81. 'T is likewise to be considered whether or no that slow Motion of the eighth Sphere as 't is commonly call'd doth not answer to the great year of Iubilee of 50000 Years that is seven Worlds or Weeks Ex. gr Let us suppose this â—ighth Sphere to finish its Revolution in 49000 Years one degree of the said Sphere will make 138 Years which doth not much differ from the vulgar Computation of Mathematicians 82. Therefore for the clear understanding of many Mysteries of true Philosophy we must have a true and exact Chronology or Computation of times from the beginning of this World to the end thereof 83. The true Chronology from the beginning of the World to the end of it is to be â—ound in and deduced from the Scriptures for to what purpose are parts of Chronology exhibited to Men in Scripture with such care industry and diligence of Writers unless all the parts of it were exhibited also for if the Scripture fails in any part of Chronology it fails in all and if it fails in all 't is vain and unprofitable to exhibite any part which is absurd and therefore all parts of Chronology are to be had in the Scripture otherwise the Scripture were certainly very imperfect but the Scripture is perfect giving a perfect Testimony not only of â—ll the Doctrines of true Religion but â—lso of all the parts of true Chronology without which the Doctrine of true Religion is maimed and imperfect 84. Now the true Chronology of the World as it is in Scripture contains from the Worlds Creation to the â—ruciâ—iction of our Saviour Christ 3996½ Years From the Crucifixion of Christ to the eâ—d of the World 3003½ Years which in intire Years from the beginniâ—g of the World to the end thereof is 7000 Yeâ—rs 85. And that our Saviour Christ was to be Crucified and raised from Death to Life in the end of the fourth Millenium from the World's Creation may be clearly evinced for divers reasons 1. The Analogy of the six days of the Worlds Fabrication or construction of the 6000â— Years of this World for the first day by a wonderful Analogy agrees with the first Millenium the second with the second the third wiâ—h the third the fourth with the fourth the fiâ—th with the fifth the sixth with the sixth and lasâ—ly the seventh with the seventh Millenium which also is the Sabbaâ—h of this World that the Sun Moon and Stars were placed in the Firmament on the fourth day This most excellently and clearly points out that Christ the Son of Justice should come in the fourth Millenium and â—scend into the Heavens to enlighten all Men. Lastly by the Moon and Stars the Church with the Apostles and Evangelists 〈◊〉 clearly demonstrated 2. The entrance of the High Priest in the Sanctum Sanctorum or Holiest of all once a year to expiate the Sins of all the People in the end of the â—eventh Month apparently signifies that Christ by vertue of his Blood should enâ—â—r into Heaven it self in the end of the â—ourâ—h Millenium of the World which exâ—ctly agrees to the end of the seventh Month to wit the 22th day of the seventh Month which was the last day of the Feast of the Tabernacles for by the Rule of Three as 7000 Years is to 3996 so is â—65 days to 208 days and in 208 days are contained the days of six Months from the Vernal Aequinox to the 22th day of the seventh Month that is 187 and 21 which together make up 208 3. This is confirmed by the division of time from the beginning of the World to the Resurrection of Christ delivered in the second Book of Esdras ch 14. And this Division is made into twelve parts where of ten and an half were elapsed when the Angel delivered those things to the Prophet Esdras which Division also Christ made into twelve hours and called the time of his Incarnation the twelfth Hour saying to the Iews Are there not twelve Hours in the day Work whilst you have the day c. clearly hinting that that very time was the twelfth Hour from the Worlds Creation Now how many Years one hour of the Day or Night doth consist of may be positively concluded from that mysterious Psalm the 90th ver the 4th A thousand Years are in thy sight but as yesterday and as a Watch in the Night but a Watch of the Night contains three Hours Therefore if a thousand Years be as a Watch of the Night or three hours one hour will be the third part of a thousand Years that is 333 â— Years and Christ arose from the Dead in the end of the twelfth hour which answers to 3996 Years from the beginning of the Worldâ— for 333 multiplied by 12
King 11. Athalia reigned 6 Years 2 King 12. Ioas reigned 40 Years 2 King 14. Amazias reigned 29 Years 2 King 15. Azarias reigned 52 Years 2 King 15. Ioathan reigned 16 Years 2 King 16. Achaz reigned 16 Years 2 King 18. Ezechias reigned 29 Years 2 King 21. Manasses reigned 55 Years 2 King 21. Amon reigned 2 Years 2 King 22. Iosias reigned 31 Years 2 King 23. Ioathas reigned 00 Years 2 King 23. Ioachâ—m â—eigned 11 Years 2 Kin. 24. Zehojaâ—hin reigned 3 Mon. Years 418 Note also that the Captivity must be reckoned 70 Years from Zehojathin but not from Zedekia as appears from the Epistle of Ierâ—miah ch 29.10 But if according to others the Captivity of 70 Years be computed from the third year of the Reign of Ioachim according to that of Dan. 1â—1 the fifth Period from the foundation of the Temple unto the Babylonian Captivity will contain only 410 and therefore that the number of Years from the Creation of the World to the Captivity may be 3440 there must be 37 Years added to Cainan in the second Period So that 't is all one whether the Captivity be reckon'd from the third Year of Ioachims Reign or after the eleventh Lastly 't is to be observ'd that the truth of this Period is proved from the Fourth Chapter of Ezekiel â— for those 390 Days signifie 390 Years from the time Ieroboam erected the Golden Calf to the Destruction oâ— Ierusalem therefore 36 Years of Solomon's Reign are deducted and two of Rehoboam's Reign To which 10 Years of Zedekia`s Reign unto the Destruction of Ierusalem being added the whole amounts to the number of Years 390 Lastly the sixth Period of 556 years and an half is proved for the Captivity lasted 70 Years and from the end of 70 years viz. of Daniel's Weeks 3 years and an half being deducted there are to be accounted 486½ Years when Cyrus publish'd an Edict for the rebuilding of the Temple 556½ Observe how exceedingly they wander from the Truth who contend that the 70 Weeks of Daniel are not to be reckon'd from the Edict of Cyrus and suppose the beginning of the said Weeks to be long since Cyrus`s Time forsaking the Truth of Scripture and giving credit to heathenish Historians and so indeed they abandon the Holy Scripture as tho` it were a maim'd and imperfect thing which true Christians and such as are studious of the Scripture should not do Admit it be according to them who follow the Historical falshood of the Heathens that Daniel's 70 Weeks were long sinceâ— Cyrus that is as they will have it 70 Years after the end of the Captivity to wit by their computation in the second Year of Darius Longimanus after this rate there will be 560 Years from the end of the Babylonian Captivity to the Death of Christ but this doth in a wonderful manner contradict Esdras in that he saith ten parts and ½ of the World are elapsed from the Creation to the Death and Resurrection of Christ. For suppose that there were 560 Years 1 21 and ½ of 1 12 from Adam to the Death of Christ all the twelve parts taken together would make up 4480 Years which far exceeds the years feigned by the followers of the Heathenish History 89. Now from the foremention'd Chronology the years from the beginning of the World to the Babylonian Captivity are 3440 as it is inserted in the Margin to which if 2300 be added those Years which the Angel spoke of to Daniel Dan. 8.14 propheâ—ically signified by Days make up the number of 5740 Years which being compleaâ—ed the Sanctuary shall be purged that is that happy Millenium of the Sabbath shall begin and then adding to it the aforesaid Millenium and 260 Years more thereof comes the sum of 7000 Years which makes up the intire age of the whole World from the Creation of Adam to the End Now the said 260 Years is that little time mentioned by Iohn in the Revelations Chap. 20. which commences after the expiration of the Millenium and therefore that Sabbatick Millenium begins 260 Years before the end of the Sixth Millenium of the World 90. And â—o indeed the whole age or time of the Sabbatick Happiness comprehends 1260 Years even as much as the Kingdom of Babylon and Antichrist contained that the Day of Christ`s glorious Reign upon Earth may be equal to the Reign of Antichrist in his base and filthy Kingdom of Darkness And either Period contains three years and an half that is seven years taken together which answers to the seven last years that Iacob served Laban 91. And indeed that whole time that Iacob served Laban making about twenty years elegantly divides the whole age of the World into its distinct Pâ—riods by a marvellous Analogy for as 360 makes up one mystical and prophetical Year so 7â—00 makes up 19 Yâ—ars 5 Months and 10 Days that is in a manner 20 Years but such is the Analogy The first seven years of Iacob`s Service extend from the beginning of the World to Israel's departure out of Aegypt now the Time of Iacob`s Marriage with Leah signifies that time wherein the Lord engaged the Childrâ—n of Israel to himself by the outward Law and the â—our Sons of his Wife Leah Ruben Simeon Levi Iuda extend from the Law to Christ's Incarnation who was to spring out of Iuda Lastly the Children of the Concubines signifie the Gentiles who were to believe in Christ in the days of the Apostles even almost until the end of the Babylonian Apostacy And Rachel's Barrenness signifies the Iewish Church which during all that long space was as it were barrenâ— in the Christian Faith which Rachel was afâ—erwards to bring forth Ioseph whose time certainly reaches to the Sabbatick Millenium but the Birth oâ— Bâ—njamin being last of all apparently signifies the Apostle Paul who was of the Tribe of Benâ—amin with other Saints who were last oâ— all to come into the World to wit about the year of the World 6000 and shou`d remain in the World even till the coming of Christ from Heaven And â—inally the death of Rachel and the departure of Iacâ—b and his Sons out of Padan Aram into his own Countâ—y signifies the end of the World and the ascension of the Saints from Earth into the Heavenly Country in glorified Bodies all this is confirmed from Gen. 49. from vers 1. to the 28. 92. But that little time aforesaid of 260 years in which begins the Sabbatick Millenium within the sixth Millenium of the World to wit at the year 5740. was prefigur'd under the Law by the Sabbath which began in the Evening of the sixth Day wherefore those 260 years are as it were in the evening of the sixth day that is the sixth Millenium of the World 93. Moreover it is clearly demonstrated â—rom the Words of Osea when that most blessed and truly Golden Age of the Sabbatick Millenium shall begin Os. Ch. 6. v. 2. after two days
gives the number 3996. And certainly no other Division can agree with the time of Esdras but this Division doth very well agree with it when the Angel revealed those things unto him for ten parts and an half make 3496 the time of the Angels discovery viz. 500 Years before the Death of Christ and 56 Years after the Caâ—tivity And therâ—fore that place in the second Book of Esdras ch 7. v. 28 29. concerning 400 Years from that time to the Death of Christ ought to be read 500. For without all peradventure by the mistake and inadvertency of Writers 400 was put for 500. 4. And lastly the self-same thing is very elegantly demonstrated from the Age of Abraham and the Age of the World for Abraham whom St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans calls the Father of all Men mystically represents the whole World And therefore by Abraham's Son Isaac whom he had born to him in his old age our Saviour Christ is signified who took upon him the Seed of Abraham who should come into the World be Crucified and arise from the Dead in the old Age of the World and for the clear demonstration of the said Analogy let the numbers be disposed in their due order afâ—er this manner as 175 Abraham's whole age is â—o 1â—0 when Isaac was born so is 7000 to 4000 which numbers stand in a true and accurate Analogy as will appear to any one that will but examine it by the Rule of Three But the Nativity of Christ mystically â—ypiâ—ied under Isaac rather answeâ—s to his Resurrection from the Dead than to the time that he was born of the Virgin Mary in the Flesh for â—â—ul applys the Resurrection of Christ to the words of the second Psalm Thou art my Son this day â—ave I begotten thee and Christ is called by the Apostle Paul the first Begotten in respect of his Reâ—urrection from the Dead Acts 13.33 86. Also the afoâ—esaid Analogy evidently demonstrates to us the number of Yâ—ars from the beginning of the Captivity uâ—to the Resurrection of Christ â—or the Naâ—ivity of Ishmael answers to the beginning oâ—â—he Captiviâ—y for when Isaac was born Ishmael was compleatly four Years old born in the 86th year of Abraham's Age therefore we may say by the Rule of Three as 175 is to 86 so is 7000 to a fourth proportional 3440 and then indeed was Ishmael mystically born to wit from the beginning of the Captivity And this Ishmael mystically â—ignifies the Iâ—ws themselves who mocked and persâ—cuâ—ed Christ as Ishmael in times past â—ersecuted Isaac Now Ismael persecuted Isaac when he was â—oâ—rteen Years old and therefore was with his Mother cast out of Abraham's House under the old Law which exactly answers the time wherein the Iews persecuted Christ hung him on a Cross and mocked him wherefore they were together with their Mother to wit the Law or old Testament cast out of the House of God that is 14 Years being elapsed which is 560 Years from the beginning of the Captivity for as 1â—0 Years do analogically signifie 4000 Years so do 1â— Years also signifie 560 Years which are 70 Years of Captivity and the 7â— Weeks of Dâ—niel to wit 490 Years And here indeed 560 make up those 14 Generations from the Babylonian Captivity to the Resurrection of Christ for these 14 Generations agree with the 14 Years of Ishmâ—el when he derided and scoffed at the true Heirâ— and yet in Sâ— Matthew's Genealogy of Christ there are but 1â— Generations from the Captivity to the Birth of Christ therefore the fourteenth Generation is to be computed from the Birth of Christ to his Resurrection And agreeable to this Analogy the whole time of the giving the Law to the time of the Captivity is described by the Age of Hagar the Mother of Ishmael and whereas the Law was deliver'd to the Israelites about 900 Y. before the Babylonian Captivity all that time of 900 Y. signifies the Age of Hagar when Ishmael was born which according to the aforesaid Analogy is 22½ Y. for as 14 Years answers to 560 so 2â—½ answers to 900. Therefore the Damsel Hagar brought forth Ishmael when she was 22½ Yâ— old that is the Law being 900 Ye old brought forth Ishmaelitish Iews which because of their Ishmaelitish Natures were delivered into Captivity who about 560 Ye afterwards persecuted Christ unto death even the Death of the Cross but because Christ suffered Death in the middle of the last week therefore 3½ Years are to be deducted out of the number 560 and therefore there remains 556½ Years to wit the true time from the beginning of the Captivity to the Death and Resurrection of Christ and from the beginning of the World 3996½ Years 87. Now it â—emains that we deliver a particular Chronology of every Period from the Scriptures And we shall find six Periods from the Creation of Adam to the Resurrection of Christ namely Years From Adam to the Flood 1656 From thencâ— to the Birth of Abraham 381 From thence to the Israelites departure out of Egypt 505 From thence to the Building of the Temple 480 From thence to the Babylonian Captivity 418 From thence to the Death and Resurrection of Christ 556½ 3996½ 88. The truth of these Periods is demonstrable by parts The first Period consists â—f 1656 Yeâ—rs from Gen. the 5. which computation is not disputed by Chronologers The second Period of â—ears 381 is proved from Genesis the 11. Sem begat Arphaxad after the Flood 2 Years Arphaxad begat Cainan 35 Years Cainan begat Sala 29 Years Sala begat Heber 30 Years Heber begat Peleg 34 Years Peleg begat Reu 30 Years Reu begat Sarug 32 Years Sarug begat Nahor 30 Years Nahor begat Terah 29 Years Terah begat Abraham 13â— Years 3â—â— Note That by negleâ—◠〈…〉 Cainan is omitted in the â—ebrew â—â—xt who notwithstanding is mention'd in Luke ch 3. and also by the LXX Interpreters and in right reâ—son we conclude his number to be 29 to wit that the whole Period from the Creation of Adam to the Death of Christ is 3996 Years and an half as is already prov'd Consider lastly that we rationally affirm that Abraham was born in the 130th Year of Tâ—rah`s Age as appears from Gen. 12. for when Abraham was 75 Years old Terah departed this Life aged 205 Years And that the third Period consists of 505 Years is proved For when Abraham receiâ—â—d the Promise he was aged 75 Years + 430 Years = 505 Years After this the Law was given Gen. 2.17 In the same year the Israelites departed out of Egypt The fourth Period expresly contains 480 Years 1 King 6. v. 1. The â—ifâ—h Period stands thus in Years 1 King 11. Solomon reigned after the Foundation of the Temple was laid 36 Years 1 King 14. Rehoboam reigned 17 Years 1 King 15. Abijam 8 Years 1 King 15 Asa reigned 41 Years 1 King 22. Iosaphat reigned 25 Years 2 King 8. Iehoram reigned 8 Years 2 King 8. Achazia reigned 1 Years 2
World to wit for the space of 260 Years â—rom the year oâ— the World 574â— to the year of the World 6000 and they shall live such an holy and blessed Life on Earth as Adam would have lived if he had not sinned yea and far hapâ—ier â—or as Sin abounded the Grace of God shall much more abound And the light of this day â—hall â—e as the light of seven Days because whatsoever was made in the first six Days was finish'd in the seventh And lastly The Trees that bare Fruit under the Law were accounted uncircumcised until the 4th Year but in the 4th Year they were as it were circumcised and holâ— to the Lord and in the â—iâ—th Year their Fâ—uit was eaâ—en This plainly signifies the whole Revolution of Souls which were nâ—t consummated and perâ—ected till the fouâ—th Millenium after Christ's Incarnation for he purg'd our Sins on the Cross whilâ—t he hung â—hâ—reon that so they might not be imputed to us â—n condiâ—ion that we believe on him whereby we shall â—eceive from him the Evangelical Grace of the holy Spirit But the â—ifth Year signifies the Sabbatick Millâ—nium in which we shall enjoy the Fruits of our Lâ—bours and Toil of our Hands â—â—r aâ— under tâ—e â—aw whilâ—t they had Manna it was not lawâ—ul 〈◊〉 thâ—m to gaâ—â—â—r sâ—id Manna on the Saâ—baâ—h-day so also in the Sabbatick Millenium they who gather'd nothing in their preceeding Lives cannot enjoy the Millenial Felicity Lastly as the Manna which served for the Sabbath was gather'd on the Sixth day so in the end of the sixth Millenium all the Saints are restored to Life and attain the Blessedness of the Sabbatick Millenium 82. By the aforesaid Numbers 333 and 260 Years the Mysteries of the seven Seals and seven Trumpets are clearly unlocked 83. And that the Interval of the first Seal contains 333 Years appears from the words of the first Beast come and see and so of the rest plainly intimating that the Space or Interval of every Seal from the first to the sixth comprehends 333 Years which is the Interval of one Revolution or Face as may be seen in the Tenth Column of the Table 84. Therefore the Interval of the first Seal contains from the Death Resurrection of Christ Years 333 â— â— The Interval of the second Seal reaches to 666 â— â— The Interval of the third Seal extends it self to 999 â— â— The Interval of the fourth Seal reaches to 1332 â— â— The Inter. of the â—ifth Seal reaches to 1665 â— The Inter. of the sixth Seal reaches to 2000 85. Now the Predictions or Prophesies of what should come to pass when each Seal was open'd wonderfully answers to those Intervals when the first Seal was open'd viz. from the Death of Christ to the Year 333. The Gospel was in a manner preâ—â—hed to the whole World which was sâ—gnifi'd by the white Horse and him that sat thereâ—n with a Crown on his Hâ—ad and a Bow in his Hand to wit Christ. After that time the Light of the Gospel shone not so much by reason of Men's Sins When the second Seal was open'd the Roman Empire was exceedingly infested with War and almost totally ruin'd this happen'd between 333 and 666. When the third Seal was open'd that is from 666 to 1000 Famine and Scarcity of Provision follow'd the War as it commonly happens that War is succeeded by Famine by the Red Horse War is signified by the Black Horse Famine In the opening of the fourth Seal from the Year 1000 to the Year 1333 not only bloody Wars but also abâ—minable Idolatâ—y Superstition and Hereâ—ies inâ—â—â—â—â—d the World and were signifi'd by the 〈◊〉 Horse and sâ—e that sat thereâ—n was â—â—â—ath whom â—leâ—â—â—olâ—owed When the â—iâ—th Seal was open'd the Sainâ—s and Martyrs cry'd unâ—o the Lord to revenge their Blood which certainly came to pass for from the year of Christ 1â—3â— thâ— Turkish Empire miraculously prevailed bâ— whose Sword God revenged the Blood oâ— the Saints This Interval reaches no Fâ—â—â—ther than the year 16â—6 from Christ'â— Death and Resurrection that is to thâ— year since Christ's Nativity 1700. Foâ— within this â—pace or interval were manâ— Saints to be killed which would fill up â— determinate Number together with the Saints which were slain before them anâ— this indeed is clearly fulfilled and yet is farther to be fulfilled to the year 1700 sinâ—â— the birth of Christ. In the opening of thâ— sixth Seal that is in the interval of timâ— from the year 1â—66 from Christ's Death and Resurrectiâ—n to the year 2000â— alâ— the Kingdoms of Men and Worldly Empires shall be overturn'd and the Empire and Dominion of the whole World shall bâ— Christ's and his Saintâ— And this is signiâ—ed by the great Earth-quake the darkening of the Sun and Moon the â—alling oâ— the Stars the removing of Heaven out oâ— its place c. But it is more clearly pointed out in the following Words touchâ—nâ— the Kings of the Earth and otâ—er leadeâ— and Potentâ—tes that they should â—ide themselves c. which prophesie certainly caâ—not in reason be wholly applyed to tâ—e â—â—ys of Constantine which yet many do The seventh Seal in regard it has not reâ—pect 〈◊〉 any particular interval like the first 〈…〉 but comprehends the whole Hiâ—â—oâ—â— â—herâ—fore is to â—e consider'd apart â—6 â—hâ—â— the 〈◊〉 Seal was open'd â—here 〈…〉 eaven for the space â—f haâ—f â—n 〈◊〉 after this silence â—he seven Aâ—â—el prepare to â—ound with â—â—â—ir seven â—â—â—â—pets Revel 8. wherefore 〈…〉 eal contaiâ— the intervals of â—â—l the seven Trumpets 8â— But the â—nâ—â—â—vals â—f these Trumpets â—re reckon'd fâ—â—m the seventh Trumpet â—or at the souâ—d of the seventh Trumpet â—egins the Milleniâ—m and the Kingdoms â—f this World become the Kingdoms of God and his Christ Revel 11.15 and â—he sound of this Trumpet lasts 260 years â—o wit from the year of the World 5740 〈◊〉 the year of the World 6â—00 and in â—hâ—s interval the mystery of God shall be 〈◊〉 sâ—mmâ—ted viz. the mysterious name of Tâ—tragramaton shall be unlock`d and no â—ess than the reward of an immortal Life â—estowed on all the Servants of God and â—hen indeed the promise which God made â—o Mâ—ses in the Bush shall be fulfilled I am â—he God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob â—nd it shall be known that God is not the God of the Dead but of the living 88. But the interval of the seventh Trumpet being known the intervals of all thâ— rest are known also and are thus computed The interval of the seventh Trumpet from the year of the World 5740 to 6000 The interval of the sixth Trumpet from the year of the World 5480 to 574â— The interval of the fifth Trumpet from the year of the World 5220 to 548â— The interval of the fourth Trumpet from the year of the World 4960 to 522â— The interval of the third Trumpet from the year of the World 4700 to 496â— The interval of the second Trumpet from the year of the World 4440
that it shall not rain upon the the Earth and to turn the Waters into Blood both which were in old time imputed to the said Prophets Moses turn'd the Waters into Blood and Elias had power over the Rain therefore when those Prophets shall come into the World they shall likewise produce these Signs and Miracles litterally understood 116. And indeed that Moses was not to live on Earth in the future Millenium seems to be clearly figur'd from hence that he should not entâ—r the Land of Promise but die in the Land of Moab of whom nevertheless it was said when he died that his Eye was not darkned nor his strength oâ— Nature impaired And altho ' God seem'd to exclude Moses from entring into the Land of Promise because he spake unadvisedly at the Waters of Meribah and so was thus chastised for it yet God out of his infinite Goodness and Mercy did transfer that Chastisement into a greater Favour and Blessing to him 117. Then as touching Abraham Isaac and Iacob they indeed did sâ—arce posseâ—s that Land of Promise but only conversed therein â—or a little time as Strangers and Pilgrims for that Land was rather promised to their Seed than to the Fathers themselves See Deut. 34.4 which also was a Figure of this Myâ—tery that neither Abraham Isaac nâ—r Iacob shoâ—ld dwell on Earth in the Millenium but during the Millenium should remain together in Heaven 118. It remains now that we produce certain promises and Prophesies and other Testimonies of the Holy Ghost out of the Scripâ—ures whereby may be prov'd that all the Saints shall be yet placed upon the Earth viz. in the Millenium to live together a most Holy and Blesâ—ed Life except those three extraordinary Men who instead of that reward on Earth obtain a more worthy and excellent Reward in Heaven The places of Scripture both of the Old and New Testament are these following Exod. 20.12 Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thy Days may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee Which promise Paul applies to the Gospel Eph. 6.2 Numb 14.12 The whole Earth shall be fill'd with the Glory of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jehovah Deut. 32.39 See now that I even I am he and there is no God with me I kill and I make alive I wound and I heal c. v. 43. Reiâ—yce O ye Nations with his People for he will revenge the Blood of his Servants and render Vengeance to his Adversaries and will be merciful to his Land and to his People Moreover in the second Book of Samuel chap. 23. ver 3 4 5 6 7. There is extant a famous Prophesie of the Kingdom of Christ to come in the end of the World and the destruction of the Kingdom of the Ungodly Likewise Iob hath attested his Belief that he hoped he should be rais'd up in the last day to live again in the Flesh ch 19.26 He likewise affirmed that he should enter naked into his Mother's Womb as he came naked out ch 1.21 But the Book of Psalms contains many famous Prophesies of Christ's Kingdom before the end of the World See Psal. 1. 3 4 5. Psal. 2. 8 9. Psal. 8. Psal. 37. 29. Psal. 45.14 15 16 17. Psal. 46.9 10 11 12. Psal. 68.31 32 33. Psal. 72.3 4 5 â— Psal. 90.13 14 15 16 17. Psal. 110. â—aâ—a◠〈◊〉 is almost wholly taken up in the Description of this happy Age and in a manner â—ll the Prophets do abundantly testifie oâ— thâ— same And so Iesse in these following â—â—â—â—ces chap. 2. ver 10. to ver 22. c 4. v. â— â— c. 6. v. 13. c. 11. from v. 4. to v. 9. c. â—â— c. 23. v. 21 22 23. c. 24. c. 25. from v. â—â— to 12. c. 26. v. 1. c. 27. from v. 13. to 2â— c. 51â— 11. c. 52. c. 54. c. 58. v. 14. c. 60 61 62 65. from v. 17. to the end of c. 66. See also these places of Ieremiah c 12. v. 15. c. 30. v. 17 18 19. c. c. 46. v. 27. Ezekiel c. 36 37 47 48. Daniel c. â— v. 13 14 27. c. 8. v. 14â— c. 12. v. 2 13 14. Hosea c. 6. v. 2. c. 13. v. 14. c. 14. v. 7. Joel c. 3. v. 15 16 17. Amos c. 9. v. 11. to 15. Obed. v. 17. to the end Mich. c. 4. c. 5. c. 7. v. 20. Neh. c. 1. v. 15. Hab. c. â— â— 4. Zeph. câ— 3â— from v. 8. to the end Hâ—g c. 2. v. 21 22 23. Zach. c. 12. v. 8. c. 14. v. 9. Malach. c. 4. v. 1 2 3 5 Some of which Plâ—ces have been alreâ—dy fulfilled and are now a fulâ—illing in some Degree in Relation to the first Fruits but the Final and Total accomplishment of all these things appertains to the Millenium See â—â—so the following places of the New Testament Mattâ— c. 15 v. 5 c. 19. from v. 28. to v. 30. Mar. c. 10. v. 29.30 The words with Persecutions are to be transferred with the following Luc. c. 18. v. 30. Acts c. 3. v. 21. Rom. c. 13. v. 11.12 1 Cor. 15. from v. 42 to v. 52. 1 Thess. c. 5. v. 15.16.17 Heb. c. 4. v. 9 10 11. 2 Pet. c. 3. v. 13. Iud. v. 14. Revel c. 11. v. 15. to 19. c. 20. v. 4 5 6 7. c. 21. v 1 2 3. 119. Those seven Churches of Asâ—a to whom St. Iohn wrote his Revelations do most certainly signifiy the seven Intervals of the Universal Church from the Death and Resurrection of Christ to the end of the World Now the Interval of Philadelphia whose Seeds is not only now in the World but her first Fruits also begins from the Year 1702 and continues to the Year of Christ's Nativity 1777. At what time the Millenium shall begin for the promise of New Ierusalem on Earth was chiefly exhibited to the Church of Philadelphia lastly the Millenium being almost expiâ—'d follows the Interval of the Church of Laodicea but this Church belongs not to the Saints of New-Ierusalem but is of another Order and of a different kind who will have the profession of the Christian Religion but without sincerity And because God hath invited them to Repentance 't is possible they may Repent and yet for all that not enjoy the Millenial Happiness nor the Resurrection of the Just in this World But their Salvation and Happiness will be deferred to the next succeding World But those that do not Repent will be cast into Hell Fire with other Wicked and ungodly Men where they shall suffer most Tremenduous and Inexpreâ—sible Torments at least for the space of 7000 Years And they are such whose Sins Christ said should neither be forgiven in this World nor that which is to come Certain Annotatiâ—ns to be Added 1 Because the number of the Beast Revel 13. is said to be 666 and is called the number of a Man this very well agrees with what has been said before for every Face contains 333 Years and because
the second Face is of a Man therefore the number 666 is the number of a Man to wit containing 666 Years from the Year sinâ—e Christ's Nativity 1036 to the Year 1702 for about the said Year 1036 the second Beast whose number is here computed Ascended out of the Earth vix in the time when Gregory the seventh flourish't who Exalted himself above the Emperor 2 Seeing the Intrerval of every Seal except the seventh contains 333 Years hence it appears that from the Death and Resurrection of Christ to the first part of the Millenium there are about 2000 Years and therefore from Christ's Death and Resurrection to the end of the World there are about 3000 Years which confirms the aforesaid Chronology the same is also confirmed by the Intervals of the Trumpets 3. Now whereas the Interval of each Trumpet is 260 Years this doth not seem to want a mystery for so many days as it were doth the Infant remain in his Mothers Womb and in Esdras the Lodging Rooms or Chambers of the Soul are likened to the Womb of a Wâ—man because then exactly in 260 Years the Soul is recall'd to live again in a Body of Flesh as it were at the sound of the Trumpet of God himself therefore the Interval of every Trumpet is 260 Years to which if 73 Years be added for the age of Mâ—n in a Body of Flesh the sum will be 333 Years aforesaid 4. Morâ—over God out of his great Goodnâ—ss and Wisdom has so decreed that Men should not live altogether and at one time a thousand Years compleat in the corrupt â—tate of a Carnal Body and it stands with the justice of God that they shall live the said thousand Years by parts for by the frequent Death of Men Mankind is better provided for and their Benefit and Advantage consulted for thus God often cuts off Men to plant and ingraft them anew Whereas if Men should at once live a thousand Years compleatly in the State of Corruption they would so degenerate that their Repentance and Salvation woâ—ld be far more difficult 5. But if any shouâ—d demand to what purpose God should call his Saints to live in a Terrestrial and Carnal Body a thousand Years and whether it were not better for them and more desirable to them to remain with God in the Heavens I answer God knows better than we what is most conducive to our Profit and Advantage And therefore the Saints ought to live a thousand Years on Earth partly that they may receive a visible Reward from God in the sight of the Wicked and Ungodly to their greater shame confusion and Condemnation and partly and indeed chiefly that they may be prepared and qualiâ—ied in that Millenium or thousand Years of Life to obtain so much and so great Glory as they shall be invested with when they shall ascend Bodily into Heaven A FEW QUESTIONS BY Way of Exposition ON Each Chapter of the Revelations of St. Iohn Wherein little or in a manner nothing except what pertains to the History is positively concluded but all are left to the free and Impartial Iuâ—gment and Ezamination of the lovers of Truth CHAP. I. QUâ—st 1. What may we understand by the seven Churches of Asia By Churches seven States of the Vniveersal Ch. to whom Iohn wrote Whether seven Churches then in being Or rather whether they were not seven States of the Universal Church from the time of our Saviour Christ's Resurrection to that so famous and noted time of the Restoration of all things called in sundry places of Scripture a Sabbath And in the old Testament prefigured under the common Sabbath of Days and Years Which if Iohn had intended of particular Churches then in Being why did he confine himself to a septenary Numberâ— were there not in Asia more than seven Churches Again seeing he termed that which he wrote unto them a Prophesie which hath respect to the time to come this doth not seem to agree so well with certaâ—n particular Churches then in being as with the Universal Church understood by seven States or Conditions this Church was in for the space of 2000 Years and seeing a septenary number is a mystical Number whether or no this doth not seem to be adapted to the Mystery of the seven Spirits Stars or Angels Quest. 2. Who are we to understand by the seven Angels of the seven Churches Whether are they Presidents or Pastors or Angels properly so called having distinct Administrations over those Churches For it appears from Dâ—niel and other places of Scripture that they were set over Kingdoms and Nations as God`s Vicegerents Why not then over Churches Seeing they are call'd miâ—â—â—tâ—â—ng Spiâ—its sent out to minister tâ— all those who shall be Heirs of Salvation Heâ— 1.14 And Heb. 2.5 it is 〈◊〉 unto the Angels he hath not as yâ—t put in subjection the World to come Whether or no this doth not intimate that this present World is subject to Angels but the World to come only subject to God and Christ And lastly seeing the Kingdoms of this World have their Ages and periods of time the Church will likewise have her Ages and Periods And why may not peculiar Angels be understood to preside and govern in particular Ages of the Church appointed and ordained by the most high to execute that Function CHAP. II. QUest 3. Whether or no the interval of the Church * The Church of Ephesus from the year 1â— to the year â—â—â— since Christs Resuâ—rection of Ephesus according to the aâ—oresâ—id Hypothâ—sis will not contain 33â—â— years from the Resurrection of Christ and in like manner the Church of Smyrna the same and so understand oâ— the rest except the Church of Laodicâ—a concerning which it may be quâ—stioned whether it doth noâ— belong to the interval of the Church of Philadelphia For in respect of its State and Condition whereâ—of Iohn gave an excellent description it extends to the Sabbath of the World Then whether the Church of Laodicea will noâ— have the same interval of time with it thoâ— it be not the same with the said Church but widely different from it Who are to be understood by the Church of Laodicea â— but certain luke-warm professours of the Christian Religion having a great notion and profession of the truth but possessing in a manner nothing of the Life and Power of it And doth not this clearly appear from the signification of the Words Philadâ—lphia and Laodiceâ— For Philadelphia signifies the love of the Brethren including certain Christian Virtues but Laodicea imports as much as popular Justice which for the most part is in a manner none at allâ— Furthermore by the same Reason thâ— whole interval of two thousand years may be distributed into six equal partsâ— whereof each will contain 333 years and â…“ of a year Whether is it not more consentaneous to reason that those intervals of the Churches be equally divided if the Historical events of them do better agree with these
he shall quicken us and in the third Day he shall raise us up and we shall live in his Sight What can be here signified by two Days but two thousand yearsâ— as in Psal. the 90. as in 2. Pet. 3.8 And therefore by the third Day he plainly means that Sabbatick Millenium of the World wherein he and all the Saints were to be raised up to live intirely a thousand years neither to dye any more but to ascend into the celestial Country when the Millenium oâ— thousand 〈◊〉 is fiâ—iâ—hed Now Osea lived in the fourth Millenium and therefore when said after two days c. he had respect to the seventh Millenium but compare this Prophesy with that of Daniel concerning 2300 years and thou shalt plainly perceive that both extend unto the Sabbatick Millenium 9â— But because those 1335 Days Dan. 12.12 contain 1335 years to wit the whole time of the Apostacy after the Apostles to the beginning of the Millenium therefore from 2300 years 1335 years are deducted and the remainder 965 contains the time from the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity to the beginning of the Apostasie after the Apostles and therefore subtracting 556 from 965 there remains 409 years the time from the Resurrection of Christ to the beginning of the Apostasie to which add 33½ from the Nativity of Christ to his Resurrection the sum is 442 years and an half â—rom the Nativity of Christ to the begâ—nning of the Apostasie 95. Add to this Number 442 1260 years mentioned in the Revelation the sum is 1702 years from the Nativity of Christ to the end of the first Period of the Reign of Antichrist 96. The second Period of 1290 years in Daniel extends 30 years further that is from the Birth of Christ to the year 1732. 97. The third Period of the reign of Antichrist extends 45 years further which is 1335 years viz. to the year of Christ's Nativity 1777. 98. Therefore the year 1777 from the Nativity of Christ ends the reign of Antichrist and the four Monarchies and all the Kingdoms of the World and from that very year begins the reign of Christ and of the Saints over the whole Earth 99. But 't is uncertain whether this present Epocha or date from the time of Christ's Nativity in the Flesh commonly received among Christians be true or no for Usher thinks the Vulgar Epocha to fail of the true Epocha about four years 100. Also the great Coversion of the Gentiles by the preaching of the Gospel in its purity and efficacy must preceed this happy Millenium of the World and then will follow the Conversion of the Iews to the Christian Faith to wit from the year 1702 unto the year 1777 but 30 years from the ye 1702 unto the ye 1732 have respect to the Conversion of the Gentiles then 45 years from the year 1742 unto â—777 do in a special manner respect the Restoration Conversion and return of the Iews into their own Country 101. But from the year of Christ's Nativity 652 to the year of Christ 1702 are prepar'd and gather`d unto God and the â—amb 144000 Saints which are the first Fruits for as the Feast of the first Fruits under the Law was kept 50 days before the Feast of Autumn so also now the Feast of the first Fruits preceeds the Feast of Autumn 50 years 1. But the time of the â—uture Millenium seems to have been prefigured to Abraham in the Sacriâ—ices which God commanded him to offer Now God commanded Abraham to take a Heiâ—er of three years old a Goat of three years old a Ram of three years old with a Turtle Dove and a young Pigeon Now suppose the Turtle Dove to be one year old and the Pigeon twenty days old the days of all those years according to the prophetick Style signifie years and all being added together make up 3620. Admit also that Abraham saw this Vision when he was 83 years old which was the year of the Woâ—ld 2120 according to the aforesaid Chroâ—ology the number 3620 being added to the number 2120 makes up 5740 the year of the World when the Millenium will begin 2. In the future Millenium all the Saints that ever lived since the beginning of the Woâ—ld will be rais'd up to live a Holy and Blessed Life upon Earth for the space of a thousand years Dan. 12. Hos. 6. Revel 20. 3. This Resurrection of all the Saints to Life is the first Resurrection expresly so call'd by the Apostle Iohn Revel 20.5 4. In this first Resurrection the Saints are raised to Life in a Carnal and Terrestial Body not such as we now have but such as Adam had in Paradise before he had eaten the Foâ—bidden Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and such a Body likewise had Christ wherein he suffer'd Death for all Mankind 5. Therefore there is a twofold Resurrection of the Saints the first is in a carnal and Terrestrial Body in which they shall all live for the space of a thousand years The second is that in which that Carnal and Terrestrial Body after the expiration of a thousand years shall not dye but be changed in a moment or in the twinkling of an Eye into a Spiritual and Coelestial Body and ascend into Heaven even as Christ ascended into Heaven after his Resurrection from the Dead 6. Of which twofold Resurrection of the Saints the Apostle Paul speaks clearly in 1 Epist. to the Corinth Chap. 15. That is not first which is Spiritual but that which is Natural and then that which is Spiritual as we have born the Image of the Earthly and we shall also bear the Image of the Heavenly But we shall not bear the Image of the Earthly in the Body in which we now live viz. of the earâ—hly Adam as he was after the fall but in the first Resurrection we shall bear the Image of the earthly in the future Millenium living such a Blessed and Holy Life as Adam â—ould have lived if he had not sinned â—hen at the end of the Millenium we shall not dye but be changed and this Mortal shall put on Immoâ—tâ—lity and this Corruptible Incorruption 7. Yet the Body of the first Resurrection may be said in some sence to be Mortal and Corruptible not that it shall ever dye or be corrupted but because in respect of a spiritual Boâ—y it is as it were Mortal and Corruptible that is at least not beyond a possibility of dying or being slain by external violence if God were so pleased even as the Body oâ— Christ suffered Death which notwithstanding in it's own Nature cou'd not dye 8. And that the Saints shall be raised to Life in a Carnal or Natural Body appears from that which Paul said speaking of himself and others we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed and this Mortal shall put on Immortality Paul therefore expected to be raised up to Life in a Body of Flesh in the future
Millenium that shou'd not dye but be changed 9. It appears also that when the Millenium is finished Gog and Magog shall gather themselves together against the Saints to slay them which certainly they cou'd never attempt to do if they did not live in a Body of Flesh. 10. This is more largely conâ—â—â—â—'d iâ— that the Saints even until 260 years after the beginning of the Millenium shall marry and propagate Children for the State of Matrimony and procreation of Children is not beneath the dignity of the future Millenium for Adâ—m in his Paradisical State before the fall had a Wife and tho' he had not sinned wou'd have known his Wife and have begotten Children 11. But that the Saints do for some time in the aforesaid Millenium contract Matrimony and beget Sons and Daughters appears from Isaiah Chap. 65. where the Inhabitants of this of this New Heaven and new Earth are prâ—mised that they shall build Houses and inâ—â—â—ite them plant Vineyards and ear the Fâ—â—â—t of them they shall not labour in vain â—or bring forth in fear for they are thâ— Seed of the Blessed of the Lord and their Off-spring with them yea in the same Chapter 't is affirm'd of the Sinners who shall live in the Millenium that they shall live to an hundred Years nor shall any die in Infancy and the days of the Saints shall bâ— as the days of the Tree of Life for so heretoâ—ore that place was read by the Fathers that is they shall live a thousand Years and then shall not die but ascend into Heaven in a Body changed which Adam would have done if he had not sinned 12. Now that new Heaven which will be câ—eaâ—ed in the future Millenium will be only new in respect of their excellent natures 13. Ioseph's Blâ—ssing by his Faâ—her Iacob which belongs to the said Millenium clearly demonstâ—ates thâ—t they should marry and beget and bring up Children Gen. 49 2â— 26. For among â—â—her Blessings which he had he waâ— also blessed with the Blessings of the Bâ—easts â—nd the Womb which have a respect to Wives and Mothers whose Blessings also ougâ—t to reach to the utmâ—st bounds of the everlasting Hills viz. to the second Resurrection when this Body of Flesh shall be changed into a Spiritual Body and being thus changed shall ascend into the everlasting Hills that is into the highest Heavens 14. Therefore those Words of Christ that in the Resurrection of the Dead they do not marry nor are given in Marriage but are equal to the Angels are to be understood of the second Resurrection but not of the first because certainly in thâ— first Resurrection they shall not be equal to to the Angels but as Adam was in Paradise before the Fall 15. And hitherto may be referred those woâ—ds of the book of Wisdom 3.43 Blessed is the Barrâ—n and Undâ—filâ—d who hath not known the Sinful Bed for she shall have Fruit in the Visitation of Souls 16. Now all the Sons Daughteâ—s of the Saints in the future Millenium are the Souls of all the Saints that ever have liv'd in a carnal Body since the beginning of the World and finally raised up to Life in a â—ody of Flesh and boâ—n of Fathers and Mothers into the Woâ—ld for none shall enjoy the Reward and Blessedness of the â—uture Millenium but such who have lived an holy Life on Eaâ—th from the begâ—nning of the World Moreover Christ called this Resurrection of the Saints unto Life regeneration 17. And therefore all Saints that enjoy the Millenium shall then be born into the World in a carnal Body and shall have Fathers and Mothers according to the Flesh. 18. Nor will this seem strange or incredible to any one after it is clearly demonstrated from Scripture that we have all lived several times in a Body of Flesh yea for many years and Ages of years 19. This Truth being once demonstrated and granted in a manner all the Mysteries and things difâ—icult to be apprehended of the future Millenium will be most easily understood for the Ignorance of the Souls being born again and returning to Life in a body of Flesh hath mightily obscur'd the Mystery of the future Millenium and in a manner all other Mysteries of the whole Christian Religion which indeed when the said new Birth or carnal Regeneration is demonstrated will display themselves and appear with a wonderful sweetness facility and evidencâ— of Truth 20. First therefore it shall be demonstrated by certain Arguments drawn from Scripture that the same Souls after the death of the carnal Body were again raised to Life and born of Parents in a Body of Flesh. 21. First this is proved from the express Words of Christ himself who called Iohn Baptist Elias yea affirmed him to be Elias himself Matth. 11. Mark 9.12 and declared him also to be the same that was to come But that where Iohn denied that he was Elias is to be understood of the Mystery of 1045 Years couch't under the name of Eliah which also signifies the strong and mighty God for that Dispensation or Ministration of Iohn answers not to to the name of Elias but the name of Iohn which signifies Grace but when he shall be born again into the World that Dispensation will most excellently suit with the name of Eliah 22. Secondly 'T is proved from that passage of St. Paul to the Romans where discoursing of the unbelieving Iews he affirms that they shall after many Ages believe in Christ and finally be reunited to their natural Root but the force of the Argument concludes in behalf of those Souls who were unbelieving in the Aposâ—les days which after certain Ages were to believe in Christ after the fullness of the Gâ—ntiles was converted to the Christian Faith which Conversion of the Iews we yet expect 〈◊〉 Earth even of those who were unbelieving in the Apostles days for all the Iews which are natural Branches shall be saved and their Hearts shall be opened and that too before the beginning of the Millenium 23. Thirdly 'T is proved from Matth. 23.35 compared with the 2 Chron. 24.22 where Christ aâ—â—irms that those very Iews who were contemporary with him in the Flesh had kill'd Zacharias the Son of Baruch c. But this Wickedness was committed in the days of King Ioas more than eighty Years before Christ's Incarnation * See Matth. 21.35 c. compare here-witâ— 2 Chron. 24.22 But if any should affirm that this was not their own but their foâ—e-Father's Crime and imputed to them because they were led by the same Spirit of Iniquity and Impiety I answer This cannot destroy the force of the Argument because according to the Râ—ghteous Ordinance of God the Sins of the Fathers are not imputed to the Children beyond the third or fourth Generation even when the Children are led by the same Spirit and follow the same steps of their Fathers But beâ—cause many Generations have interven'd between that Wickedness and the
time of Christ's Incarnation and many more beâ—ween the Murther of Abel and that time therefore those very Iews had divers times lived in the World before that time yea Cain who killed Abel lived at that time Now That the Fathers of those Iews did kill the Prophets is true for all the Prophets which were killed were either killed by the Fathers of those Iews but in the space of four Generations or by those very Iews themselves 24. Fourthly 'T is proved in that Christ affirms that those very Iews to whom he spoke whilst in the Flesh had killed the Prophets O! Ierusalem Ierusalem said he that killest the Prophets and stonest them that were sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thee but thou would'st not 25. Fifthly it is proved in that St. Paul 1 Thess. 2.15 affirms that the same Iews killed Christ and the Prophets 26. Sixthly In that Christ in his Parable afâ—irms those Husband-men to have ill treatâ—d the Servants of the Lord and at last killed the Son himself 27. Seventhly from Christ's Parable of Laâ—ourers hired and sent into the Field some in the Morning others at the third Hour others at the sixth Hour others at the ninth Hour others were called at the eleventh Hour but they who were called at the eleventh Hoâ—r stood all the Hours of the day idle in the Markeâ— By those Labourers who were called in the eleventh Hour the Gentiles are to be understood who were called into the Church of Christ by the Minstery of the Apostles after Christ's Resurrection By those who were called in the Morning and at other Hours of the day the Iews are understood the Morning is the beginning of the Woâ—ld â—nd therefore certain Iews who lived in the Apostles days liv'd from the beginning of the World and laboured twelve Houâ—s in the Field some laboured nine others six three c. And when the Evening came thâ—y all received a Peny the Gentiles were made equal with the Iews the Iews muâ—murâ—d but without reason for the Genâ—iâ—es â—hâ—t believed in Christ and laboured in the Field had done as much and some of them more in the last hour than the Iews had done in the whole day for they had done but little before Christ's Incarnation and Passion and many of them did not labour without grudging therefore Christ said of them Many are callâ—d but few are chosâ—n 28. â—ighthly 'T is proved from the Words of Pâ—ter 1. Epist. Chap. 3. v. 18.19 For the same Souls or the same Men who lived before and perished in the Flood liv'd also in Bodies of Flesh upon the Earth when Châ—ist â—uâ—fer'd Death in the Flesh who being mortified in the Flesh was quicken'd in the Spirit and poured out upon Men a more abundant Life of Grace after he arose from the Dead and then indeed by the ministery of his Life and Grace he preached to those Souls who from the beginning of the World were detain'd in Prison and in Chains of Darkness under the Power of Satan which Souls notwithstanding werâ— restor'd to Life in a Body of Flesh to hear the Gospel Prâ—ached For the Gospel is not preach'd to Souls that live out of the Flesh but to such as live on Earth in Bodies of Flesh Iohn 1.9 Iohn 3.11.17.59 Luke 2.14 29. 9 ly 'T is proved from the Words of Peter where he affirms in his 1 Epistle Chap. 4. vers 6. that the Gospel was preached to the Dead That they might be judged as Men in the Flesh and therefore they who in time past were dead lived again in the Flesh that they might live to God in the Spirit 30. 10 ly 'T is prov'd in that Christ preached that the Hour should come and was already come in which the Dead should hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live Whereby the Dead he means not only the Spiritually Dead but such as are naturally Dead also who were to live again in the days of Christ that they might hear the Gospel and in hearing might believe and in believing might have eternal Life 31. Proof 11. St. Paul in his Epistle to Romans â— 25 affirms that Redemption is made in Christ Jesus to the remission of Sins past in the patience and long suffering of God Now the aforementâ—oned Sins are all the Sins committed by all Men from the beginning of the World 32. Proof 12. Christ is said to have reconciled us to God by his Death even when we were enemies to him and to have born our Sins in his Body on the Cross which he could not have done if we had not lived some time before the Death of Christ. 33. Prof 13. Christ dyed for all Men as well for those that had been dead from the beginning of the World as for those who were then alive and therefore the Efficacy of his Sacrifice extends unto all that have ever lived from the beginning of the World that they might repent and obtain forgiveness of their Sins If they would but believe in Christ and obey his Commandments for the time to come And how absurd is that opinion that Christ should suffer Death for all that dyed since the beginning of the World and yet that the greatest part of them should be wholly ignorant of so great Grace and Favour neither should ever taste of the Fruits of the said Grace after the Death of Christ 34. Proof 14. Christ hath affirmed that all Sins should be forgiven excâ—pt the Sin against the Holy Ghost but there were no Sins committed against the Holy Ghost before the Death of Christ. 35. Proof 15. Paul said God winked at Men in the times of ignorance but then he called all to Repentance Therefore he called those also to repent whom he hath formerly winked at ever since the beginning of the World 36. Because otherwise the Patience and long Suffering of God cou'd not be explained for God forbore with much long Suffering the vessels of Wrath c. And the great long Suffering of God allowed much time for Repentance because in the sight of the Lord a thousand years are but as one day 37. Proof 17. Peter in his second Epistle Chap. 3 said God did not come on purpose to execute his tremenduous judgments in the conflagration of the World because he is long suffering and wills all to come to Repentance and therefore the long Suffering of God bears with Men almost two thousand years after the death of Christ before the beginning of the Millenium anâ— three thousand years before the last Judgment and Conflagration of the Woâ—ld which three thousand years are with the Lord but as three days Now to what purpose did God grant Men so long a time But that such as had not lived a thouâ—and years from the beginning of the World might have the same time to live in a Body of Flesh before the end of the World that they might at last repent and in case they did not repent should be justly punished
for the neglect of so great Grace and long Sufferance 38. Proof 18. Becausâ— the Lord will grant all Mâ—n a day of Visitation in the Flesh that they may repent and lead a better Life and that day of Visitation is a thousand years according to the Testimony of Peter 2 Pet. 38. compare herewith Hebrews 4.7 39. Proof 19. Christ affirmed the Gospel should be preached to the wholâ— World that is to all Men therefore all Men either have heard the Gospel preached which Christ suffer'd Death â—or or else shâ—ll hear it hereaâ—ter before the end of the World therefore all Men that ever have lived since the beginning of the World if they have not believed on Christ to come by the ministery of the Prophets must live again to hear of Christ and to believe in him by the Minisâ—ery of the Apostles and other Ministers of Christ. 40 Proof 20. For the promise of eternal Salvation has respect to the Faith of Men whereby they believe on Christ that God raised him from the dead and therefore all either have had or shall have before the end of the World opportunity to hear of Christs Resurrection from the Dead which they cannot have unless they are born again into the World 41. Proof 21. The Lord promised by Moses those Iews and Israelites who liv'd in Moses time that he would raise them uâ— a Pâ—ophet like unto Moses whom they should hear in all things and therefore those very Iews and Israelites were to live in a Body of Flesh in the days of the Messias And so the Mâ—ssias was to be raised to all the Iews and People of Israel both to the Fathers and the children that all the Fathers and all the Children especially those who dyed in Unbelief might have opportunity to believe in Christ and obtain remission of their Sins past for they were not to be punished with Hell-fire in the end of the World for transgressing the Law but for transgressing the Gospel See Heb. 10. 28.29 42. Proof 22. For those promises of the abundant Grace of God and the plentiful efusion of the Spirit which God promised by the Prophets had respect to those Iews and Israelites who lived in the days of the Prophets which nevertheless were not to be fulfilled till the latter days under the preaching of the Gospel after the coming of the Messias in the Flesh for the promises were made to the Iews and all their Children afar off even to those who lived from the beginning of the World Acts 2.39 For how cou'd the Iews rejoyce in hope of those promises unless they were to live again in the days when they were to be fulfilled under Christ. 43. 'T is prov'd 23. From Psal. 90. v. 3.4 Thou turnest Man to Destruction and sayst again return ye Sons of Adam for a thousand years in thy sight are as yesterday when it is past and as a Watch in the Night From hence is clearly hinted the revolution of Souls from Life unto Death and from Death unto Life and that in the Space of 4000 years which are but as Night consisting of four Watches which this Mystery seem'd to signifie when it was said that Iesus went uppn the Sea to Disciples in the fourth Watch of the Night for that time in which Christ came in the Flesh was in the fourth Watch that is almost at the end of four thousand years from the beginning of the World 44. Proof 24. From the Words of Solomon in Eccleâ—iast Chap. 1. v. 4. to v. 12. for by a threeâ—old Similitude of the Sun Wind and a River is shown the various and manifold revolutions of Souls from Life unto a corporeal Death and from Death again unto Life for as the same Sun riseth that Sets the same Wind blows from tho South into the North and from the North into the South the same River that comes out of the Sea returns into the Sea so the same Generation that goes out of the World returns into the World neither is there any remembrance of former things In which Words he tacitely answers the Objection Why therefore cannot Men remember that they have lived before For that stands in the Counsel and Goodness of God but in the end of the World the Books shall bâ— opened and they shall remember all things And it was properly said of Solomon whatsoever was at that time had been before and should be again because all Souls had already been in the World before Solomon's time and perform'd their Revolutions whereof none was to be finished before the death of Christ on the Cross which will appear more plainly from the Table of the revolution of Souls heâ—eafter annexed 45. Proof 25. Is drawn from Ezekiâ—l Chap. 36. and 37. vers 12. I will open youâ— Graves and cause you to ascend out of your Sepulchres that is from the state of the Dead into your own Land 47. It is proved 27. Because they who kill'd the Marâ—yrs since the Apostle's days to wit within 300 Y. after the Death of Christ were after many Ages to be slain by Turks and other bloody and barbarous Men and this happened in the opening of thâ— fifth Seal Rev. 6.10 48. 'T is proved 28. In that they are killed in the pouring out of the third Vial who in times past killed the Saints and Prophets of God See Rev. 13.9 10. 49. Proof 29. It is the rule and general Ordinance of God's Justice That he that kills with the Sword shall be killed with the Sword and he that leads into Captivity shall be led into Captivitâ— but these things rarely happen in one Age and therefore are to be referr'd to divers Ages and Lives 50. Proof 30. For in Babylon was found the Blood oâ— all the Pâ—ophets and Saints which lived since the days of Christ and the Apostles yea also before those times even 4000 Yeaâ—s â—ackwards from the time Babylon â—â—rst began to be builded for the number of 4000 Years makes an intire Period of twelve Revolutions 51. Proof 31. For this reason the Brethren of the Deceased were to raise up Seed to their Deceaseâ— Brethren that they might as far as was possible be born again into the Woâ—ld in a proper and direct Line and that because of the Genealogy of Christ. 52. Proof 32. And for this reason the Lord in the Parable commended that unfaithful Servant who was so liberal to the Poor that they might receive him into their Houses hereaâ—ter when he should fail and therefore said he The Children of this World are wiser in their Generation to wit in their Revolution of Generation than the Children of Light 53. Proof 33. The Apostle Iude writeth concerning certain wicked persons who turned the Grace of God into wantonness c. that they were afore ordained to Condemnation but afore or of old doth not signiâ—ie from Eternity or before all Ages neither doth God ordain or sentence Men to Condemnation before they have committed Sin but for Sins committed and therefore
that were detain'd under the Chains of Satan from the beginning of the World were to be resâ—ored again from Death unto Liâ—e that they might hear the Gospel and have that benefit offered to them which Christ purchased for them as is manifest fâ—om Psal. 68.18 19 20 21 22 23 24. and Isaiah Chap. 26.19 63. 'T is proved 43. Because those 144000 who were sealed even before the Trumpets sounded were raised up in the Interval of the sixth Trumpet that they might become the first Fruits to God and the Lamb which thing begins already to be fulfilled and will be compleatly fulfilled in the year 1â—â—2 64. 'T is prov'd 44. because those 144000 altho they are accounted Gentiles yet they are really Iews and Israelites to wit 120â—0 from each Tribe of the Children of Iâ—rael Iâ—ws I say truly and properly and not only mystically that is have the Souls of true Iews who were in time past Iews and sâ—rang of Iâ—â—â—sâ— Parents 65â— ' â—is prov'd 45. Because God promised tâ— Siâ—n that is to the Iâ—â—â—sh Church that her Sons should be brought to her in the Gentiles Arms and upon their shoulders which plainly intimates that they should be born of gentile Parents See Isaiah 49â— 21 22. Rom. 11.30 31 32. Rom. 9.23 24 25.26 66. 'T is prov'd 46. Because from the beginning of the World a People was prepared â—or Christ both among the Iews and Gâ—ntiles Luk. 1.17 Ioh. 4.38 67. 'T is prov'd 47. From Rom. 11.30 where the Apostle Paul speaks of the Gentiles that believ'd on Christ who in times past did not believe in God and now they obtain Mercy by times past we are to understand former Ages when they liv'd heretofore in the World without either the true knowledge of God or hope in God Compare herewith those sayings of Ephes. 2.2 3 11 12 13. Gal. 3.4 68. 'T is Proved 48. From 2 Thess. 2.10.11 where Paul affirms of such whom Satan shou'd deceive in the days of Anti-Christ who were to be deliver'd up to strong delusions by the just Judgment of God that they might come into Condemnation because they did not receive the love of the Truth which clearly unveils the Reason wherefore God suffered so thick a mist and Cimmerian darkness to invade the World about 409 years after Christ's â—esurrection Also why he suffer`d that â—arkness so long to blind the Minds and â—earts of Men that Men were in a manâ—er more blinded for some Ages past in the â—eign of Antichrist than they were heretoâ—ore whilst they liv'd under Ethnicism beâ—ore the incarnation of Christ I say the â—eason of this is because they who were â—â—us blinded under Antichrist when they â—â—v'd under the clear Light of the Gospel â—id not love that Light nor believe on â—hrist that true Light enlightning every â—an that comes into the World and thereâ—ore by God's most just Judgment are blinded and darkened when they return into â—his Life in a Body of Flesh with this â—ross and obscure darkness and therefore â—â—e Light of the Gospel shone in the World â—ith so much lustre for so small a time to â—it the space of 333 years and not longer that the greatest part of Mankind might have a sufficient opportunity to embrace the said light but seeing they depised it it was not convenient that this â—ight shou'd shine any longer to them in â—ts lustrâ— for the coming of Christ in his day is 〈◊〉 the morning briâ—htness which suddenly haâ—tens 〈◊〉 â—he East to the West and â—hâ—â—eâ—ore they who love not that light nâ—r â—mbâ—ace it are worthy to be left in daâ—kneâ—sâ—â—or the negleâ—â— of so great Graceâ— but they who have not had the clear light of the Gospelâ—Truth propos'd unto them in the aforesaid space of 333 Years from Christ's Death and Resurrection shall live again 75 Years before the beginning of the Millenium and shall have the truth of the Gospel clearly shining before the Eyes of their Minds that so all that perish may be left without excuse for there shall not be a Man on Earth to whom the clear light of the Gospel shall not shine before the end of the World and that too immediately as well as by Means of the preaching of the true Servants of God even such who are truly sent and commission'd by God and Christâ— For the Gospel must be preach'd to every Creature before the end of the World 69. 'T is provedâ— 49. Because God punisâ—ed the iniquities of the Fathers upon the third and fourth Generation that the Children of the third and fourth Generation which underwent that punishment might be meliorated and reduc'd to a better State and Condition of Life that so at length from these so meliorated after the third and fourth Generation i. e. from their Children thus meliorated they may be again born into the World and become better as being born of better Parents for it is a singular Gift oâ— God to be born of good Parents 70. It is proved 50. Because for this Reason a Bastard was not admitted into the Congregation of the Lord until the tenth Generation so that when he shall be born the second time into the World in the 14 or 15 Generation the punishment which God inflicts on him and his Children shall reduce him to a better State and Condition and that defilement of Lust and Depravity shall be in some measure purged away But since by Christ every sinfull pollution is more effectually and perfectly purged away from those who believe on him therefore that severe Law concerning Bastards and a spurious issue together with all others of the like nature is repeal'd and abolish'd and hence also the Words of Paul may be understood where he speaks concerning Fornication that he that commits Fornication sins against his own Body infects and depraves his own Root and Original from whence he is to spring again and be raised unto Life with the odious stain of his own filthy Lust. 71. Lastly 't is proved because when certain of the Jews thought Christ was Elias or Ieremias or one of the Prophets which pesuppos'd the Truth of such a Doctrine in general Christ did not generally condemn the same but rather confirmed it saying that Iohn was Elias Moreover also he did the same in his Answer to his Disciples concerning him that was born Blind and so also when he conversed with Nicodemus concerning Regeneration or being born again tho' he chiefly intended Spiritual Regeneration There are other Arguments not a few which might be brought to confirm the Truth of this Doctrine which for brevity are omittedâ— 72. Moreover this Doctrine of the return of Souls to live again and be born in a Body of Flesh very easily answers to many of the most weighty objections to the â—â—opping of the Mouths of Atheists who dispute against the justice of God concerning the state of Infants dying in their Infancy and the state of Fools and such as are possess`d with unclean Spirits from their Infancy to the last
space of seven thousand years being finished the same Souls are again sent into the World for a fresh Tryal of their Obedience But those whom the space of seven thousand years wherein they shall be punish'd in Hell Fire with the most grievous and tremendous Torments will not deter from Sin these certainly are so stupid and obdurate that not any even the longest Torments that words can express can deter from it nor hath that infiniteness of Ages wherein wicked Men are to be punish'd tho' preached up by many reâ—ormâ—d Men but rather led many into despair and hardened their Hearts against the Goodness and Mercy of God 16. Now every one making his Revolulution from the first to the twelfth comes three times into the World in a carnal Body in the space of one Millenium which is like one year Consider then whether this be not that which was figured under the Law when all were to appear thrice every year before the Lord at the Temple of Ierusalem which typified the temple of the Body neither doth this seem to want a Mystery that the Temple of Ierusalem stood about a thousand years before it was utterly and totally overturn'd and demolish'd Moreover also this is worthy our animadversion viz. that all Souls whatsoever that had lived in a Body of Flesh ought to have lived once in some hour between the hours Ten Eleven and Twelve including part of the ninth and Thirteenth in Case they had finished their twelve Revolutions from the beginning of the World 18. Therefore all Souls not yet perfect lived in the compass of one hour to wit in the interval of 333 years viz. from the year of the World 3996 to the year of the World 4329. 19. And therefore all that have perform'd their twelfth Revolution within the said hour or aâ— leastwise their eleventh tenth ninth or eighth ought to hear the Gospel because all Souls who were in their twelfth Revolution were not to return as yet but othâ—rs that were to return had not suâ—â—icient opportunity of hearing the Gospel sincerely preached by reason of Antichristian Darkness 20. Others also who were making but thâ—ir sâ—vâ—nth sixth and fifth Revolution â—rom â—he Death and Resurrection of Christ if so be within the said hour they have not heard the Gospel preach'd they must hear in their succeeding Revolutions before the beginning of the Millenium to wit within the year 1700 and 1777 â—rom the birth of Christ. 21. In Revel 20. It is said the rest of the Dead lived not again till the thousand yâ—â—rs were finish'd this certainly is to be undersâ—ood of those Dead who had compleated their twelve Revolutions but those who had not as yet â—inished their twelve Revoâ—lâ—tions were to live again in the Millâ—nium â—â—t none who belonged to Babâ—lon wâ—re to live again in the Millâ—nium because they bâ—gan thâ—ir fiâ—â—t Revolution at the year 1â—â—4 and â—hereâ—ore â—inish â—heir twelâ—th Râ—â—oluâ—ion at the year oâ— the Woâ—ld 6740 The TABLE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 000 I          000 A Bull. 333 II 1         333 A Man 6â—6 III 2 1        666 A Lyon 1000 VI 3 2 1       1000 An Eagle A Bull. 1333 V 4 3 2 1      1333 A Man 1666 VI 5 4 3 2 1     1666 A Lyon 2000 VII 6 5 4 3 2 1    2â—0â— An Eaâ—le A Bull. 2333 VIII 7 6 5 4 3 2 1   2333 A Man 2â—66 IX 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1  2666 A Lâ—on 3â—00 X 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2  3â—00 An Eagle A Bull. 3â—33 XI 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3  3333 A Mâ—â— 3â—00 XI 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4  â—6â—6 A Lyoâ— â—â—0 XIII 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5  4000 An Eagle 4333 XIV  12 11 10 9 8 7 6 1 Seal 4333 33â— 1 â— A Bul 40â—6 XV   12 11 1â— 9 8 â— 2 〈◊〉 â—6â—6 6â—6â—â— â— A Maâ—â— 5â—â— XVI    12 11 10 9 8 3 â—eal 5â—00 999 â— 3 A Lyoâ—â— 5333 xvii     12 11 10 9 4 Seal 5333 13â—2 4 3 An Eagâ—â—â— 5666 xviii      12 11 1â— 5 Seal 5666 1665 5 â— A Maâ—â— 6000 XIX       12 11 6 Seal 6000 1998 6 â— A Lyâ—â—â— 6333 XX        12  6333 Millen An Eagle â—666 â—XI          66â—6  â—â—d what 's worth our serious Consideration 〈◊〉 that these very Men which shall be at â—â—st destroyed in Spiritual Babylon were â—â—e same Men who in a litteral Sence â—â—ilt the outward Babylon 79. The foregoing Scheme exhibits to our view one great Wheel being the greaest of all then four other great Wheels â—â—stly twelve little Wheels The great â—heels containing 1000 the little Wheels â—33 and the greatest of all 4000 years The Explanation of the Figureâ— 1. In this Figure the great outward â—ircle represents the greatest Revolution â—f Humane Souls 2. The other four great Circles signifie â—he same 4000 years so as that one of them â—akes 1000 years 3. And lastly the lesser Circles signifie â—â—ch one only Revolution or Face of 333 â—â—ars 4. The chief use of the figure is to â—â—ew that there are but 12 Faces altho' â—â—ch great one contains four less ones 80. The greatest Revolution of Souls â—omprehending 4000 years is fairly shadowed out to us under the type of the six days Creation For as the first days woâ—k was finished in the fourth the work of the second day in the fifth the work of the third day in the sixth aâ—d finally all in the seventh so the Souls that begin their Revolutious in the first Millenium finish it in the fourth and so fulfill their Mystical year and are either made perfect in Goodness or have filled up their measure of Evil those which are perfect in Goodness shall be rais'd up to Life in the Body and after the Millenium is expir'd their Bodies shall be chang'd and spiritualiz'd and they shall ascend into Heaven but such who have fill'd up their Measure oâ— wickedness shall be rais'd up to live in a Body of Flesh that they may suffer God`â— Judgment in the Conflagration of the World whose Resurrection is to Death and Condemnation Morâ—over Souls that begin their Revolutions in the second Millenium compleat them in the fifth and finally those that begin their Revolutions in the third compleat them in the sixth Millenium And forasmuch as in the sixth day of the Worlds Crâ—ation Man was created perfect in the Image of God therefore in the sixth Millenium all the Saints shall be raised up to live in the Body and be born inâ—o the
Fornication also thou hast such as â—mbrace the Doctrin of the Nicolaâ—â—ans which I have abhorred And indeed within this Interval there did not only mightily abound the Spiritual Fornication of Idolatry and Superstition but Carnal and Corporal also for then â—erâ— the Popes and Priests of the Romisâ— Church pâ—ohibited Matrimony Quest. 11. Whereâ—ore was that hidden Manâ—a promised to those that overcame in this Interval unless it was designed for the state of the Church then fled into the Wilderness or a solitary place For as God in times past â—ed the Childâ—en oâ— Israâ—l in the outward Wilderness with Manna from Heaven when the means of obtaining outward Bread was wanting so doth God promise to feed his faiâ—hful People in this third Interval with his hidden Manna which is the word of Life in their Hearts which â—hall be moâ—e largely communicated to them when they shall not have the fâ—ee liberty oâ— hearing the faithful Miniâ—ters of Christ. Moreover why in the first Interval was it promised to those that overcame to partake oâ—â—he Fruit of the Tree of Life in the midsâ— of Paradise but because in this first Interval the Kingdom of God was manifestly and clearly laid open like the coelestial Paradise the Church of God also flourished in this â—irst Interval like the said Paradiâ—e in the middle whereof Christ the Tree of Liâ—e brought forth in the Hearts of the Faithful his most amiable and salutiâ—erous Fruits of Divine Life Bâ—t in the second Interval by reason of the great Apostasie of the Proâ—essors of the Christâ—â—n Reâ—igion this Paradise of God was absconded and hidden and nevertheless it was promised to such as overcame that they should not be hurt by the second Death which by inverting the words is all one as to say they should eat of the Fruit of the Tree oâ— Life therefore was a Promise made unto them that they should not be hurt by the second Death because in this interval the greatest part of Christians so called by reason of their Apostacy from the primitive purity were to suffer the punishment of the second Death Quest. 12. Doth not the Name or Character of the Church of * Thyatira of Thyatira â—uitably agâ—ee with the Church within the fourth interval to wit from the year of Chrisâ—s Resurrection 1000 to the year †33 31 43. 1332 Now Thyatira signifies a Sacrifice of Labour and indeed this Church is commended for her Works her Charity Ministâ—ry Faith and Pâ—tience and the latter exceeded the former which Praise or Commendation certainly was only applicable to a small number of the faithâ—ul in the said Interval which lay hid as a little Wheat in a great heap of Chaff or as a little Gold is hid in much Dross And was not the Idolatâ—y and Superstition of this Age which more abounded in this than in the precâ—eding Ages plainly foretold in the enâ—uing Woâ—ds viz. that the Church of Thyatira permitted this Woman call'd Iezabel who call'd her self a Prophetess to teach which indeed did seduce the servants of God to commit Fornicaâ—ion and to eat things oâ—â—ered to Idols Now what may we understand by the Woman Iezabel except it be the Universal Body of false Teachers and Preachers who Taught the People their foul and abominable Superstition and Idolatry to wit the Adoration of Images worshipping of Saints Angels and Men departed And tho' divers in many places did protest and contend against such impieties nevertheless many winked too much at it and tolerated those things yea imitated others therein for â—ear And they that bare witness against such things remained nevertheless in Society with those that committed them for the most part neither did they distinguish and separate themselves â—rom them as they ought and therefore are polluted by them and so made partakers with them in their Sins Quest. 13. Wherefore in this fourth inteâ—val is the Morning Star promised to such as shall overcome and power over the Nations to rule them with a rod of Iron and to break them in pieces like a Potters Vessel unless it were to signifie that the obscure and long expected Ruin and Destruction of Antichristian Darkness which had over-shadowed the Earth for almost 1â—00 Ye draws towards a Peâ—iod for three quarters of the night as it were three Watches were then elapsed and there remained but one fourth part to come And even as the Morning Star appears in the East before the rising of the Sun bringing the good tidings of the approaching Day so there was a divine Morning Star given according to the promise of the Blessed God made to the faithful within this Interval touching Mundane affairs many of whom prophesâ—ed of this day and of the approaching Glory of the Lord which was to be revealed And whaâ—â—lashing and ruptures oâ— Nations happened in the following Interval occasioned by Horrible and Bloody Wars the History of our present times do partly and partly what we have seen with our Eyes do clearly enough demonstrate and more will follow in a short time which clashings and ruptures of Nations are not to be imputed to any carnal Sword which the faithful Servants of God shall use for the faithful will in no wise use a Sword or carnal Power for the power and might of God in his faithful Saints together with their Light and Life which they shall in a full degree exert will â—ffect it and confound the World and worldly Men and raise them up one against another and hence it is that great and terrible Wars shall â—ollow the larger maniâ—eâ—â—acion of Divine Light and Knowledge CHAP. III. QUest 14. Doth not the Name or Character of the Church of Sardis excellently agree to the State of the Church in the fifth Interval viz. from the year after Christ's Resurrection 1333 1 â— to the year 1666 2 â— For Sardis Sardis what signifies as much as a precious Stone of a Flesh colour now was not the Churches Reformation which began about the year of Christ's Nativity 1366 hereby describ'd And doth not the Flesh colour of this Stone evidently declare unto us that Church call'd the reformed Church had in her too much Flesh or too much of a fleshly nature and would be for the most part more of a Carnal than of a Spiritual Nature and more in the Profession of the truth than in the real possession of it And therefore it is argued she hath a name that she lives and yet is dead and that her Works were not perfect before God however there are some few who are said not to have defiled their Garments and to them the Lord has promised they shall walk with him in white because they are worthy but the publick and visible Reformation of the Church began about the Year of Christ's Resurrection 1333 which was from the year of his Nativity 1366 7 for then was Iohn Wickliffe an English-man of Oxford raised up who preached against the Corruptions of the Romish Church and about *.
several orders of Scholars and Students called by the name of Monks and Friars which were received and believed on by the ignorant Multitude as so many divine Oracles Moreover also the Locusâ—â— that ascended out of the Bottomless Pit seem to belong to this Interval of time of which hereafter in its proper place Now these two last Intervals to wit the third and the fourth seem to have a very near relation and affinity one to another in respect of Ignorance Blindness Idolatry Superstition and many other abominable Evils Yet the fourth Interval was not so destitute of good Men nor so full of Ignorance and Darkness as the third for in the fourth Interval God raised up some Eminent and famous Men as were Bernardus Clarevallensis and Malachias also the Waldenses and Albigenses with whom do agree those of the Church of Thyatira Moreover also in this very Interval began the Turkish Empire when their Captains or Calaphi were constituted Emperors over them who were miraculously strong in many parts of the World and the first of these was Ottoman * Ottoman about the year 1297. about the year 1297. Quest. 35. What are those effects or events that happen when the fifth Seal is opened and what may be principally understood by them are they not the Souls of such as were slain for the word of God and the Testimony which they bore whom Iohn saw under the Altar meaning the Souls of all that were slain for their firm and constant Profession of the true Faith from the beginning of the World to the time of the fifth Interval viz. unto the year of Christâ—s Resurrection 333 And why did they desire of God so earnestly that he would revenge their Blood upon the Dwellers on Earth Was it because the Justice of God is as well glorified in revenging as his Mercy is in pitying and forgiving and was it not also because they knew that the time when the Blood of the Righteous that were slain should be revenged upon the Ungodly was to be joyned with that time in which all the Righteous were to receive an hundred fold Reward which Christ promised them in the first Resurrection when they should be restored and raised to Life again Now why it should stand with God's Justice to revenge the Blood of those that were slain for many Ages past not only three or four Generations as in Deut. but more than an hundred Generations ago upon the Inhabitants of the Earth who are not as yet born or in being upon the Earth is a question that demands a clear Explanation Quest. 36. Wherefore was it said to those Souls that they should rest viz. under the Altar and was not that Altar Christ until the number of their Brethren yet to be slain should be fulfilled And doth not this fifth Interval signifiâ— that there shall come a time of much and greaâ— Tâ—ibulation to the Servants and People of God and that many shall be put to Death within this Interval in a manner during the whole space from the year of Christ's Resurrection 1333 to the year 1666 or from the year of his Nativity 1366 to the year 1700. And hath not this happen'd so in reference to the time past of this Interval And is it probable that near the same number of good Christians were slain by the Papists Turks from the year 1366 to this present day viz. from the days of Iohn Wickliff as were heretofore slain from Christ's Resurrection to the aforesaid term of years 1366 And whereas there yet remain some odd years of the said Interval to be fulfilled some think 18 others 16 and again other some 14 viz. from the year 1366 to the true year of Christ's Nativity 1700 whether or no we are not yet to expect more Tribulations and Persecutions will come upon the Servants of God till the said year 1700 Quâ—st 37. But the fifth Interval being expired whose end draws nigh may we not expect the true Church will enjoy some serene Interval and time of Rest and Tranquility until the laâ—t and greatest but shortest Peâ—secution under the seventh Head of the Beast not as yet fully to be accomplish'd till about the year 1774 Quest. 38. What are those effects or events which must be fulfilled in the World wheâ— the sixth Seal is opened that great Earthâ—quake the Sun darkned the Moon turn'â— like Blood the Stars falling from Heavenâ— the Heavens rolled up like a Scroll thâ— Mountains and Islands passing away Dâ— not all these things clearly signifie the enâ— and downfall of every Unjust Ungodly and Tyrannical Government and Dominiâ—on whatsoever that so at last the Kingdomâ— of Holiness and Righteousness may be seâ— up and established and God and his Chriâ—â— rule and govern by the holy Ghost in thâ— Hearts of Men in every Nation of thâ— World And is not this thing plainly signiâ—â—ed by Iohn him self in his following words And will not the time of this Interval undeâ— the opening of the sixth Seal contain thâ— common space of 333 Y. froâ— the year of Christ's Resurâ—â—â—ction 1666â— to * From the year 1666 to the year 2000. the year 203â— wherein God will fully râ—â—venge the Blood of his Servants that weâ—â— slain and are now in Heaven above upoâ— the Dwellers on Earth and so the Prayeâ— and Petitions of the Souls that cried undeâ— the Altar in the former Interval will be aâ—â—swered But some reâ—err the Iâ—terval of tâ—â— sixth Seal to Constanâ—ine's time and this theâ— do without any Authority for it appeâ—â— by many weighty Reasons and Circumstances that the sixth Seal was not as yet opened in the World neither was the Interval of this Seal begun CHAP. VI. QUest 39. Do not those other events and effects which will be produc'd at the opening of the sixth Seal plainly demonstrate that the sixth Seal will reach even to the 1000 Years Sabbath of the World What are the 144000 which were sealed in their Foreheads from every Tribe of the Children of Israel Are they not the first Fruits of the Saints who attain the first Resurrection from the Dead in the future Millennium and finally are not the 144000 the same with those mentioned in the 14th Chapter Moreover are they not really Israelites as to their Race or Stock 12000 being taken from every Tribe of Israel altho' many other of the Israelitish Race together with many other of the Servants of God shall hereafter receive the same Reward and Felicity of the â—irst Resurrection And again What is that great Multitude of all Nations Tongues and People which no Man could number standing before the Throne and the â—amb which were cloath'd in white Garments and bore Palms in their Hands Are they not all the Saints raised to Life again within the sixth Interval not only those who lived in the preceding Intervals since Christ's Resurrection but even all that have ever lived since the beginning of the World who came out of great Tribulation which they suffered in their
the Saints shall be born of Virgins or whether as God formed Adam out of the Clay of the Earth or any other way suitable to the Majesty of the thing is a matter highly worthy to be explained if there be any to whom God shall reveal it Quest. 102. Do not the two last Chapters of the Revelations contain a Description of that most splendid and glorious State of the Saints or Church of God during the whole Interval or space of the Millennium even unto the end of the World Quest. 103. Shall thâ—re not new Heavens and a new Earth be made and prepared at the beginning of the Millennium Chap. 21.1 Isaiah 65.17.66.2 and 2 Pet. 3.13 And how shall this first Heaven and first Earth pass away Shall they be reduced to nothing or rather shall not the first or old Heaven and Earth alter their nature and quality and so be changed into new And whereas Peter said that Justice shall dwell in this new Earth doth not this sufficiently intimate that Righteous Mâ—n shall inhabit the same â—or both he and all the Saints expected this new Earth Quest. 104. Shall not there remain some Seed of Sinners in the time of the â—uture Millennium as appeâ—rs from Isaiah ch 65. v. 20 25. and out of that remaining Seed of Sinners will not the Armies of Gog aâ—d Magog be multiplied after the end of the Millennium And shall not these Sinners during the whole Millennium be totally subject to the Saints Quest. 105. Shall the Conflagration of the World be made at once or by parts of which see 2 Pet. 8. v. 10. Isa. 66. v. 15 16. Mal. 4. v. 1. And finally will it destroy all or for the most part only Sinners and will not certain Sinners escape the Flames whilst Babylon shall be totally destroyed and exterminated even as in Noah's Ark Ham and his Wife were preserved from the Flood as well as the Righteous from whom afterwards sprang the worst sort of Sinners Quest. 106. Will there not be found two sorts of Saints living upon Earth within the Interval of the sixth Seal viz. from the year of Christ's Resurrection 1666 to the year 2000. One whereof hath attained to the first Resurrection the other hath not as yet obtained it but hath an infallible Hope and Assurance after Death to obtain the same also within the time aforesaid And are not the words of Isaiah to be understood of the latter Isa. 65. v. 20. He that dies at an hundred years of age dies in Youth or Childhood but such shall die as Moses dy'd whose Eye was not darkened nor his natural Strength diminished when he died Deut. 3â— v. 7. For Moses did not die by reason of any Sickness or Decay of Strength but only to fulfil Divine Pleasure and will not also all the mortal Saints die after the same manner who have not as yet attained the first Resurrection that so by this way of dying they may obtain it Quest. 107. And will not the Children of the first Resurrection be in all respects the Children of God to wit both externally and internally as it were begotten of him their only Father And is not this clearly enough hinted to us in those words of Isa. 66. v. 9. Shall I be barren who give Generation to others saith the Lord as it is in the vulgar Translation Quest. 108. Do not those words of Revel 21.4 And there shall be no more Death nor Mourning nor Tears plainly intimate that the Saints who have obtained the first Resurrection shall never die any more neither internally nor externally but shall live during the whole Millennium a most Holy and a most Blessed Life on Earth but at the end of the Millennium to wit after all the Saints have lived compleatly a thousand Years on Earth shall they not be changed and ascend together to meet Christ in the Heavens even as Christ ascended into Heaven after his Resurrection And is not the Saints Life for a thousand Years apparently signified in these words Isa. 65. v. 22. which Iustin Martyr reads thus As are the days of the tree of Life so shall be the days of my People thereby signifying Man's return to that state of Holiness and Felicity wherein Adam stood before the Fall whilest he was permitted to Feed on the Tree of Life when as yet he knew not Death neither had yet tasted of the forbidden Fruit Quest. 109. How are those words to be understood Revel 21.1 And there was no more Sea Is Sea puâ— here Allegorically for worldly Afflictions and Tribulations Or may it not also be understood of some outward Mediterranean Sea dividing as well the Islands one from another as other Continents of the Earth So as that all the dry Land may remain together in one place as it is probable it did before the Flood Quest. 110. Why is that Holy City of God said to come down from Heaven Revel 21. v. 2 Doth not this plainly inâ—imate that all the Saints whatsoever now in Heaven shall descend from Heaven in the time of the Millennium to live a most Divine and Heavenly Life on Earth during the space of a thousand Years As before was said that at last they may be fitted and prepared for greater Glory which they shall enjoy in Heaven after the 1000 Years are finished to all Eteâ—nity For God shall be with them and in them whilst they Live here so that they shall suffer no Injury or Damage in this their Descenâ— but be greater Gainers by it Quest. 111. Do not those Words Revel 21.6 7. I will give to Him that Thirsteth of thâ— Fountain of Living Water freely He that overcomesâ— shall Inherit all Thâ—ngs and I will be to Him a God and He shall be to me a Son relate unto those which have not yet obtained the first Resurrection who yet Sâ—rive and Wrestle with Eâ—emies and Spiritual Temptations And all suâ—h shall have an Opportunity to Attain this first Resâ—rrection of the Saints at the Year of Christs Resurrection 2000. Quest. 112. Do not the twelve Doors or Gates of the Holy City whereon are inscribed the Names of the twelve Tribes of Israel clearly intimate that all the Gentiles who are true Believers shall be gathered together into one Body with the Faithful Israelites and all the Gentiles who are to be Saved will belong some to one and some to another of the twelve Tribes of Israel Quest. 113. And lastly do not the Names of the twelve Apostles inscribed upon the twelve Foundâ—tions of this City signifie that this very City was gathered together and Built by the Doctrine and Ministry of Saints and Apostlâ—s And that the Apostles themselves were the chief Members and as it were the Foundations of it Christ remaining above all and in all the Principal Foundation and Chief Corner-stone Quest. 114. Why is thiâ— City said to be Square in the Form of a Cube and not of a Gâ—obe Doth not this signifie the Stable Condition and Sâ—ate of
born oâ— Flesh and Blood And tho' it may be granted that the Hypothesis of the Revolutions may some way illustrate the Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead as Minutius Felix improved it to that purpose to convince the Heathen Philosophers of the verity of the Resurrection yet the Resurrection of the Dead tho' it be call'd a Revolution is not like those other Revolutions wherein Men's Souls are supposed after Death to revolve into other Bodies by humane Generation Page 71. ad fin Emend That none had finished their Revolutions according to that Hypothesis before the Death of Christ must be granted but that all Souls had begun their Revolutions before Solomon's time unless it be restrained to the Souls of the Iews is not so apparent but rather according to the Mystick Writers of the Iews many Souls do still begin their Revolutions until 6â—00 Years be â—xpired from the beginning of this World Page 81. ad med Emend That it is more probable those 144000 mentioned Reâ—el ch 7. and câ— 14. are to be understood of the first Fruits of the raised Saints sometime before the beginning of the 1000 Years viz. about the time of tâ—e opening of the sixth Seal Page 88. l. 22. Emend and Explic. This is only to be understood of all such Souls to whom the Period of 4000 Yearâ— is given because of the dark times preceding but in the Ages of more Light under Christ less time is given the shortness of time being supplied sufficiently wiâ—h the greater Light Page 93. l. 20. Emend and Explic. This present time is the last to any that have had sufficient time formerly givâ—n them but not to others that have not had their â—ull day and time given them Page 95. l. 5. Emend and Explic. That Souls revolve but thrice in the space of 1000 Years and consequently but once in the space of 333 Yearsâ— is to be understood of such Souls as have committed such hainous Crimes as for which they deserved to be ejected or cast out for so long a time which Ejection is called by Mystick Writers Excision that is either for such a long time as 333 Years or if they do not amend may prove at last a final Excision But such Souls 〈◊〉 do amend the Mystick Writers say do quickly revolve in order to their perfect Restitution so that the Soul of the deceased Faâ—her may revolve in his Grand-child which is only but Historically related but not Dogmatically aâ—serted yet not so that the Father is the Grand-Child for that would be great Confusion but that as they say the Soul of the Deceased Grand-father doth revolve to cohabit and live together wiâ—h the Soul of the Grand-Child in the same Body even as the Soul of the Grand-Child did live together and cohabit with the Soul of the Grand-father in the Grand-father's Body out of whose Loins he did at last proceed according to which Hypothesis it may be understood how the Souls â—f Er and Onan who died in the Land of Canaan yet went with their Brethren into Egypt making in all together with Er and Onan but 70 Souls as plâ—inly appeâ—reth from Gen. 46.12 27. it being granted that they revolved in Pâ—aâ—ez and Zerah their younger Brethren who had also their own proper distinct Souls all whiâ—h were great distinct Roots of their râ—speâ—tive Families Page 105. lin 1. Correct The Years from Chrisâ—'s Resurrection to the beginning of the first Trumpet are 180 to which adding the Yâ—ars â—rom Christ's Birâ—h â—o his Death and Resurrection viz. 34 Years current make 214 and therefore correct the Intervals of the Trumpets thus 214 474.734.9â—4.1254.1514.1774 â—034 The occasion oâ— the difference of four Years is above-noted and corrected at Page â—6 Page 1â—8 109. Emendat and Explic. If the seven Thunders and seven Vials have some Analogy as is â—robable thâ—se Intervals of Numbers Page 108. may â—ather be referred to the seven Thunders than to the â—even Vialsâ— And it is rather more probable that the 〈◊〉 of the seven Vials begins not to be poured out until 〈◊〉 year from Christ's â—â—rth 1â—0â— and if we allow ten Years to each Vial the last shall be poured out 〈◊〉 the year 1770 after which allowing three Years and to the personal Antichrist that is then to come whose timeâ— according to the general Sence of Antiquity is limited to that short space of three Years and ½ anâ— who at the end of that short space is to be destroyed by Christ's coming it brings us to the beginning 〈◊〉 the 1000 Years about the year 1774â— which yet 〈◊〉 not Dogmatically aâ—â—â—râ—ed but by way of a probablâ— Hyâ—othesiâ— and modest conjecture But that the Papal Hiâ—rarchâ— will not expire aâ—out the year 1700 〈◊〉 apparent â—rom Mâ—â—â—chiâ—â—'s Prophec An Irish Aâ—â—â—â— who lived aboâ—t 〈◊〉 Yâ—ars ago and had a Vision of 〈◊〉 the Popes that should be frâ—m hiâ— time to the 〈◊〉 See Flâ—re's 〈◊〉 according to wâ—ich Fifteen 〈◊〉 Sixteen Popes are yet to come but they may all happen to come and pâ—â—s before the year 1â—5â— be 〈◊〉 expired But aâ—ouâ— the year 1â—â—â— which is thâ—â—gâ—â— by strict account to 〈…〉 or 16â—â— some greâ—â— change may be probably expected in 〈◊〉 to a 〈◊〉 Reformation in the World thaâ— very 〈◊〉 being 〈◊〉 beginning of the sixth Seal according to this Châ—â—â—â—â—logical Hâ—poâ—hesis The seventh Seal may either 〈◊〉 suppos'd to comprehend in a â—â—nerâ—â— wayâ— all the 〈◊〉 Seals and Intervals of â—he â—rumpets and Vâ—â—â—s â—r wiâ—â—out any change of the Chronological Perâ—ods 〈◊〉 numbers of Years the seventh Seal may â—e suppâ—â—â— to be Synchronous or Contemporal with the 〈◊〉 Seal and consequently the half hour's silence may 〈◊〉 reâ—erred to that time to great Peace and Quiet 〈◊〉 the Church of Christ shall enjoy â—rom the year 1â—â—â— to the year 17â—0 â—ithin which space of â—0 Yeaâ—â— the seven Viaâ—s called the seven last Plaguesâ— are to poured out upon the false Church the Whore â—â—â—bylon and chieâ—ly the Râ—mâ—â— â—ierarchâ— aâ—d Papâ—â—â— Page 110. aâ—â—ed 〈◊〉 It is a great mistaâ—â— that needs Câ—rrecâ—iâ—n 〈◊〉 â—hich the Author 〈…〉 had correâ—ted in â—is Manusâ—â—pâ—s aâ— if the Propheâ—s 〈◊〉 Apostles or â—ny other of 〈◊〉 dâ—â—eâ—sed Saintâ— shaâ—l born agaiâ— into the World of Women Virgins or any others But all the deceased Saints shall â—e raised upâ— and â—eceive their Resurrection Bodies by â—he immediate Power of God and Christ. And tâ—o ' it is called in Scripture Reâ—eneration yet it is properly and truly a real Resurrection as well as Reâ—eneraâ—â—on wâ—erebâ— according to the Body thâ—â— shall be the Children of God as well as according to the Soul and â—â—â—rit Morâ—over as â—oncerning the order of tâ—â— Râ—suâ—â—eâ—â—ion the Scripâ—ure is plain Fiâ—st 〈◊〉 the first Frâ—its afâ—er they tâ—at are Chriâ—â— a◠〈◊〉 Coâ—iâ—g But iâ— is worthy â—o be consideâ—â—d wâ—ether â—here â—â—y noâ— be a first Fruits of tâ—e Râ—sâ—râ—â—â—â—â—on before the general Reâ—â—rrection oâ— the 〈…〉 to the Râ—vâ—latiâ—ns Chap. 7. anâ— Chap. 14. Page 11â— anâ—