to note that the Church of God on Earth at this time of the pouring out of the seven Vials is not so glorious nor so fixed as the Temple was in Solomons time but rather doth resemble the Tabernacle of the Congregation of the LORD which had been in the Wilderness and was come into the promised Land in which Tabernacle of the Congregation of Israel there was a signal Testimony of the presence of God Num. 9.15 16. where was also the Ark of his Covenant and wherein was the Service of God performed and all his holy Sacrifices offered 1 Chron. 16.17 37 40. And so when this Temple of the Tabernacle was opened Rev. 11.19 There was seeâ— in his Temple the Ark of his Covenant and those who had washed their Robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb that did serve him day and night in his Temple chap. 7.14 15. The seven Angels which had command to pour out the Vials of the wrath of God are them same seven who had the seven last Plagues chap. 15.1 the same seven Angels came out of the Temple vers 6. and the same seven Angels had given unto them seven golden Vials full of the wrath of God vers 7. Seven is a Prophetical Number signifying both variety of Instruments and perfection of the Judgements of God in this Prophesie as the seven Trumpets chap. 8.1 6 3. Some denouncing and others executing these last Plagues These Angels are cloathed with pure and white Linnen and girded with golden Girdles chap. 15.6 Their Cloathing declares some of them to be the Priests of God for so were the Priests of the Temple cloathed Levit. 6.10 16.4 1 Sam. 2.18 And this was the Lords Institution Exod. 39.27 28 29. Their being girded with golden Girdles shews that others of them are the Magistrates of the LORD into whose hand God will commit the Government of the Kingdom of Christ Isa 22.21 22 23. The Ministers of the Churches are called Angels chap. 1.20 The Angels of the seven Churches And Kings also are compared unto Angels 1 Sam. 29.9 2 Sam. 14.7 As an Angel of God so is my Lord the King The whole Description testifies these Angels to be Kings and Priests unto God whom Christ hath made such Rev. 5.9 10. who was so cloathed and girded himself chap. 1.13 And in the midst of the seven Canâ—lesticks was one like unto the Son of Man â—loathed with a Garment down to the foot and â—irt about the Paps with a golden Girdle A Description of our Lord Jesus Christ as â—riest and King in his Church Objection But how can the pouring out 〈◊〉 the Vials of the Plagues of Almighty God full of his great wrath be applyed unto the Ministers of the Gospel who an to preach the most precious sweet souâ— saving Truths of Jesus Christ especiall considering that by these Vials and Plagueâ— are meant the real and external Judgment and Plagues which God will have executeâ— by those Angels upon the Whore as appears chap. 18.8 Therefore shall her Plagues coâ—â— in one day Death Famine c. Answer The Ministers of the Gospeâ— may be said to pour out the Vials of God great wrath even his real and materiâ— Plagues and most righteous Judgments up on the great City Babylon as the Propheâ— of old are said to root out and pull dowâ— and to destroy and to throw down Jer. 〈◊〉 10 16. and to take the Wine-Cup of thâ— Lords fury at his hand and to make aâ— Nations to whom God sends them to drinâ— of it Jer. 25.15 16 17 28. Aâ— this they did by pronouncing those Judgements of God against them which the Loâ—â— commanded them Jer. 1.16 Even 〈◊〉 the Ministers of the Gospel pour out thâ— Vials of the wrath of God real Plagueâ— upon Mystical Babylon by pronounciâ— those last Plagues of the wrath of God â—gainst her 3. These Angels come out of the Teâ—ple chap. 15.6 after it was opened This doth declare them to be the raised Witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ for the Temple was not opened in the Vision unto John unâ—il the slain Witnesses were risen and had â—scended the Throne chap. 11.7 11 15 17 19. So their coming out of the Temâ—le signifies their Saint-ship and that these Angels are fellow Citizens with the Saints â—nd of the Houshold of God built upon the â—oundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jeâ—us Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone in whom all the Building fitly framed â—ogether groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord Eph. 2.19 22. And who are more fit to declare the â—engeance of the Lord even the vengeance â—f his Temple Jer. 50.28 then the Miâ—isters of God in Zion Or who are more â—eet to execute the Righteous Judgments â—f God upon Babylon then those Magistrates â—nto whose hand the LORD will commit â—he Government of Christs Kingdom here â—n Earth called The People of the Saints â—f the most High Dan. 7.27 whom the â—ORD of Hosts will make his Battle Ax â—nd Weapons of War and with whom he â—ill break in pieces the Nations and deâ—â—oy Kingdoms and render unto Babylon all the evil that she hath done in Zion Jer. 51.20 24. Lest it might be dubious how the Saint or true Worshippers in the Churches Ministers or Magistrates should execute thâ— fierceness of Gods wrath upon Babylon anâ— upon the Kingdom of the Beast consider thâ— some of the Angels which came out of thâ— Temple may be also the holy Angels of God who are said to be about the Throne in thâ— Temple chap. 5.11 worshipping God witâ— the four living Creatures and twenty for Elders chap. 7.11 and who are said to aâ—â— company the Saints that were cloatheâ— with white Robes and Palmes in theâ— hands chap. 7.9 10 15. an Embleâ— of the victory they had gotten over the Beâ—â— and his Image chap. 15.2 For the hoâ— Angels of God are present in the Asseâ—blies of the Saints 1 Cor. 11.10 1 Peâ— 1.12 1 Tim. 5.21 And they are seâ— forth to minister for them and thereforâ— may be said also to come out of the Teâ—ple as well as the Saints to execute thâ— righteous Judgements of God upon Babylon chap. 18.1 2. And Christ also wâ—â— is the Angel of the Covenant By the Earth here we are to understanâ— the earthly State of Babylon as it is contrâ— distinguished from the Heavenly State of Zion which is the true Church of God Rev. 9.1 I saw a Star fall from Heaven to the Earth which was the visible Apostacy of the Clergy from the Heavenly State of the True Church of God for soundness of Doctrine purity of Worship and power of Discipline to an earthly State of a false Church with respect unto corrupt Doctrine superstitious Worship and tyrannical Discipline after the Inventions and precepts of Men. And as the Earth Gen. 1.2 is a genetal â—earm which comprehended the Land the Seas the Firmament with the Sun Moon and Stars the Air and all Men Beasts
Prophesying 3. Who the Beast is and how he kills them 4. What is the street of the great City in which their dead bodies lie 5. VVhat Time is to be understood by the three dayes and an half 6. How they shall be raised again and what are the Effects thereof As touching the first viz. VVho are the two VVitnesses and what is their Testimony The two VVitnesses vers 3. are described Metaphorically by two Olive Trees and two Candlesticks vers 4. These are the two Olive Trees and the two Candlesticks standing before the God of the Earth By which Description it appears that the two Witnesses are not any two individual Persons as Moses and Elias nor is thereby meant any two particular Testimonies as the Old and New Testament or two distinct Callings as Magistracy and Ministry for none of these Interpretations will agree with this Description of the two Witnesses as will plainly appear in the Exposition of this fourth verse By the two Olive Trees are mystically signified the Lords Ministers and Prophets who are here called Sons of Oyl which is an Hebraism and a Metaphorical Expression borrowed from Zech. 4.11 14. These are the two Anointed Ones that stand by the LORD of the whole Earth Such were the Priests and Prophets of the LORD who were Anointed Exod. 28.41 1 Kings 19.16 Yea and all the Saints who are a Royal Priesthood 1 Pet. 2.9 have an Unction from the Holy One 1 John 2.20 27. but especially the Lord's Ministers and Prophets who being anointed with the Spirit above their fellow-Brethren the Saints do empty the golden Oyl out of themselves into the seven Lamps of the golden Candlesticks By the two Candlesticks are figured forth the visible true constituted Churches of Jesus Christ as plainly appears by his own interpretation Chap. 1.20 And the seven Candlesticks are the seven Churches As one Candlestick in the Prophets Vision usystically signified that National Church of God which was but One Zach. 4.2 So two Candlesticks in the Apostles Vision Metaphorically representeth those Congregational Churches of Jesus Christ which are many Nor is my distinguishing between the Lords Ministers and Prophets and his Churches unwarrantable for they are distinguished in other Scriptures Acts 15.4.22 23. The Apostles and Elders with the whole Church Acts 20.17 18. also Phil. 1.1 1 Pet. 5.1 2. and 1 Cor. 12.28 And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers The Testimony which these two Witnesses bear whilst they prophesie in Sackcloath is not that general Testimony which the Ministers and Churches of God in all Ages of the Gospel have born against Sin Satan and the World of ungodly men though that may turn unto them for a Testimony but it is a Generation Confession of those Truths which do properly belong unto that Age wherein they live and unto which they are called as was John the Baptist John 1.19 20 23. the Apostles Acts 1.8 4.18 19. 20. Paul Acts 18.5 and 23.11 Timothy 1 Tim. 6.12 And the Martyrs of Jesus Christ Rev. 6.9 in their DAY So that this Testimony is that confession of Truth which the Churches of God and the Ministers and Prophets of the Lord have made and the Witnesse which they have born in their own Generation for Christ his Magistracy Ministry Churches Ordinances Worship and Government or Discipline c. and against Antichrist or the Beast his Magistracy Ministry Churches Ordinances Worship and Government or Discipline c. Hereby the Saints in this present Generation may understand three things which are necessary for them to know and to do viz. 1. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to bear their Testimony not onely against the Power Throne and great Authority which the Dragon who is the Devil Chap. 20.2 gave unto the Beast Chap. 13.2 but also against all the Kings of the Earth who have received their power at the same time with the Beast and give their power and strength unto the Beast Chap. 17.12 13. to wit those ten Kings of the fourth Monarchy who received a Political and Ecclesiasticaâ— Power one hour or at the same time with the Beast and have given their moral power and natural strength unto the Beast and principally against the Politick and Ecclesiastick power of the eighth Beast who is also one of the seven Kings who goeth into perdition 2. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to bear their Testimony not only against the most gross Idolaters of the great VVHORE Mystery Babylon and her Sorcerers but also against the superstitious Abominations of all other Harlots to wit false Churches and false VVorshippers who are her Daughters Chap. 17.5 Yea though they be well-favoured Harlots Nahum 3.4 called the Cities of the Nations that is to say National Churches who shall fall in the utter destruction of great Babylon when she comes in remembrance before God Chap. 16.19 3. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to beat their Testimony unto the Kingdom of Jesus Christ here on Earth not onely as he is King of Saints Chap. 15.3 and King of Zion Psal 149.1 2. but also as he is King of Nations Jer. 10.7 For this confession of the Kingdom of our LORD Jesus Christ is properly the Truth of this present Age and Generation the glad tydings whereof is to be preached in all the WORLD for a Witness unto all Nations and then shall the END of the WORLD come Mat. 24.14 And I may say in the Apostles words 1 Cor. 10.11 This is written for our Admonition upon whom the Ends of the VVorld are come As touching the second viz. VVhat is the Power of these two VVitnesses and the time of their Prophesying The Power which the Lord hath given unto his two VVitnesses is not a Magisterial Authority or Dominion but a Prophetical Power to wit the Power of the VVORD not the Power of the Sword which is another Reason why I cannot be of their Opinion who say That these two VVitnesses are the Magistracy and Ministry of Christ This Prophetical Power is declared by several Acts such as were done by the Prophets of the LORD of old vers 5 6. to wit first Power over Fire as Eliah had 2 Kings 1.10 and Jer. 5.14 Behold I will make my words in thy mouth Fire Secondly Power over VVaters both the VVaters that are above the Firmament verse 6. These have power to shut Heaven that it rain not in the dayes of their Prophesie And such a prophetical Power Elijah or Elias had 1 Kings 17.1 There shall be no dew nor rain but according to my VVord which the Prophet effected by earnest prayer Jam. 5.17 And also over the VVaters which are under the Firmament to turn them into Blood verse 6. As Moses the LORD'S Prophet did Exod. 7.19 20 21. Thirdly Power to smite the Earth with all Plagues which Plagues are to be understood Metaphorically of Spiritual Judgements For although the Prophetical Power
Verse 12. And they heard a great Voice from Heaven saying unto them The Witnesses being raised and spirited for the WORK of the LORD are now called thereunto which call is by a great Voice from Heaven that is out of the Temple of God opened in Heaven chap. 11.19 to wit the Church of God on Earth whose Spiritual Glory is described chap. 12.1 by a Woman cloathed with the Sun c. This Voice is the Voice of the Remnanâ— of the Womans Seed who kept the Commandments of God viz. Christs Gospel Institutions Acts 1.2 and have the Testimony of Jesus viz. a Spirit of Prophesie amongst them chap. 19.10 even then and all that time of the three years and an half when the Witnesses are killed and their dead Bodies lie in the Street of the great City Which Remnant of the Womans Seed do call upon the raised Witnesses saying unto them Come up hither vers 12. that is to say Come and joyn with us and worship God with us Come and help us to carry on the Work of the LORD his Kingdom c. and to pull down the Kingdom c. of the Beast which call or invitation of the Remnant the Witnesses did straightway answer as followeth And they ascended up to Heaven in a Cloud wers 12. This signifies a glorious change in the state of the VVitnesses attending their Resurrection which they now attended by their Testimony called a Cloud in which respect those eminent Believers Heb. 11. Chapter are called a Cloud of VVitnesses Heb. 12.11 And the VVitnesses swift ascension or going up unto those that called them is fitly resembled unto a bright Cloud as the Conversion of the Gentiles and their coming into the Jews after their glorious Conversion Isa 60.1 2 3 4 5 8. VVho are these that flee as a Cloud c. And the same hour was there a great Earthquake Vers 13. By this Earth-quake we are to understand great Commotions overturnings and downfals in the Kingdoms of Antichrist as chap. 6.12 and Mat. 24.7 which great Change is said to happen the same hour with the Witnesses Ascention that is to say at the same time when the VVitnesses rise the Papists fall And the tenth part of the City fell Verse 13. By the City here is meant the whole Roman Antichristian Kingdom of the Beast as vers 8. and chap. 17.18 And by the tenth part of the City we are to understand one of the ten Kingdoms of Mystical Babylon for the whole City consisting of ten Kingdoms chap. 12.3 13.1 and 17.12 the tenth part of the City must be understood of some ONE of the ten Kingdoms to wit that Kingdom where the VVitnesseâ— lay slain called the STREET of the great City vers 8. And the Retaliation which follows seemeth to favour this Interpretation And in the Earth-quake were slain of men seven thousand vers 13. viz. seven thousand men of Name which fall of so many eminent Persons of the Antichristian Party will become a means of Conversion unto many others of that Party vers 13. And the Remnant were afrighted and gave glory to the God of Heaven Verse 14. The second VVOE is past and behold the third VVOE cometh quickly By the second WOE we are to understand all the Troubles Plagues and Judgements of the sixth Trumpet recorded from chap. 9.13 unto chap. 11.14 which are now past and ended And the third VVOE cometh quickly to wit upon the sounding of the seventh Trumpet which is the third WOE trumpet which is to be sounded by the seventh Angel chap. 8.13 which seventh Trumpet brings in the Dispensation of the seven Vials of the last Plagues of God upon Babylon which is fitly called the third or last WOE Touching which third WOE or Vials of the last Plagues of God upon Babylon I have something to offer in the second Part of this little Treatise which I judge meet for the Saints in this Generation to know And therefore I shall pray that God will open the Scriptures unto you that shall read it and open your understanding that you may know the Truth and what you ought to do in this day of your Generation Amen Apocalyptical MYSTERIES The Second Part Touching the Seven VIALS Revel 16. Chapter LONDON Printed in the Year 1667. Apocalyptical MYSTERIES The Second Part Touching the Seven VIALS Revel 16. Chapter THis Chapter containeth the Angels Commission to execute the wrath of God upon the Beast and their execution thereof gradually by pouring out one Vial after another until all the seven Vials of the seven last Plagues be poured out upon Babylon unto whom is given the Cup of the Wine of the fierceness of the wrath of God vers 19. of which Cup every one that worshippeth the Beast and his Image and receiveth his Mark in his Forehead or in his hand shall drink Chap. 14.8 9 10 11. The Angels Commission is in the first verse of this Chapter And I heard a greaâ— Voice out of the Temple saying Go your wayes and pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the Earth In this Commission observe Christ's Command for the execution of the wrath of God upon Babylon wherein you have first The Divine Authority of it A great Voice out of the Temple Secondly The Persons to whom the Command was given Saying to the seven Angels Go now Thirdly The work which they were commanded to do Pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the Earth This great Voice was the Voice of the LORD Isa 66.6 A Voice from the Temple the Voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his Enemies It is called a greaâ— Voice not onely to shew us that it is the Lord's Voice but his Voice out of Zion which is his Temple as was prophesied Joel 3.16 The LORD also shall roar oâ—â— of Zion and utter his Voice from Jerusalem and the Heavens and the Earth shall shake Yea to declare that the great day of the LORD is near it is near and hastned greatly Zeph. 1.14 15. which dispensation of the day of wrath the Prophet calleth The Voice of the Day of the LORD Zeph. 1.14 15. And such is that Voice which is uttered out of the Temple of Heaven from the Throne saying It is done vers 17. of this Chapter upon the pouring out of the seventh Vial. The Temple in this first verse is called The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven chap. 15.5 and the Temple of God opened in Heaven chap. 11.19 And in the 17. verse of this Chapter the Temple of Heaven Not that we are to understand it to be in Heaven in respect of place for John saw no such Temple in the holy and Heavenly City chap. 21.22 But by the Temple of Heaven or in Heaven is meant the Heavenly State of the Church of God on Earth restored to its Apostalical institutions and Primitive purity called the Temple of the Living God 2 Cor. 6.16 It is called the Temple of the Tabernacle
Fowls of the Air and every creeping thing â—hat God created and made out of that Mass or Chaos So by the Earth here is comprehended the Earth Sea Sun Seat and all other things of the Beasts devising menâ—ioned in this Chapter and also those Inâ—abiters of the Earth which are the Objects of the three dreadful WOES mentiâ—ned chap. 8.13 whereof the third Woe â—ontains the 7. Vials of the last Plagues of God to be poured forth upon those Inhabiâ—ers of the Earth who are the worshippers â—nd admirers of the Beast chap. 13. 8. 17. 8. 14. 9 10 11. The Saints having gotten the victory over the Beast and over his Image and over his Mark and over the number of his Name the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven being opened the Doctrine Worship and Discipline of the Church of God in some measure restoreâ— to their primitive Purity the seven Angels who have the seven last Plagues being come out of the Temple and having received seven golden Vials full of the wrath of God with commission and express command to execute the fierceness of the Wrath and Plagues of God poured out their Vials upon the earthly State of the Beast and Mystical Babylon and upon all the Inhabiters of that Earth to wit the worshippeâ— and admirers of the Beast as hath beeâ— before declared and proved in the Exposition of the first verse And the first Angel went and poure our his Vial upon the Earth vers 2. of thâ— Beasts Kingdom The Earth in Scripture is often taken foâ— an Earthly-State-Apostacy in any Natioâ— or Kingdom upheld by men of corruâ— Minds and earthly Interests Gen. 6.11 12 13. Zeph. 3.8 This Earthly-Statâ— Apostacy is prophesied of and foretold 〈◊〉 â—he Apostle to be in the last dayes 2 Tim. â— 1 5. and is most likely to be the Subject of the last Plagues which are to be poured out of the seven Vials upon the Earth vers 1. This Earth of the Beasts Kingdom is that Earth whose Inhabitants rejoyced over the Witnesses and Warriors of the LORD when they were slain by the Beast and their dead Bodies were not suffered to be put in Graves chap. 11.10 against whom that third WOE is pronounced chap. 8.13 and upon whom this first Vial is to be poured out As the dry Land is called the Earth Gen. 1.10 so by the Earth in this second verse we are to understand some thing in the Beasts Kingdom that bears a fit and full resemblance unto the dry Land 1. For Foundations 2. For all manner of Flood 3. For fulness of Riches Psal 104.5 14. And therefore by this Metaphorical Earth we are to understand the Foundation Doctrines and Principles of all false Religions as the Doctrine of Justification by Works the Doctrine of Popish Supremacy the Doctrine of Purgatory Mass worshipping of Images Crosses Crucifixes Altars c. the Doctrine of the worship of God according to the Commandments and Inventions of men the Doctrine of Magistratical and Ministerial Power coercively to be exercised over the Consciences of men in the Matters of God his Worship and Government both Political and Ecclesiastical c. which like the dry Land called Earth First Doth seem to stand so firm that they shall not be removed for ever And secondly Out of those Earthly Doctrines is produced all manner of Food for them that make their belly their God as the Abbots and Priests do Also thirdly Out of those Earthly Doctrines is produced abundance of riches all their Temples Cathedrals Abbies Friaries Nunneries Churches and Chappels have been founded and built upon this Earth which they that are the Inhabiters of this Earth thought should never be removed chap. 18.7 For she saith in ber heart I sit a Queen and am no Widow and shall see no sorrow Yea the Popes themselves and their Cardinals Arch-Bishops Prelates Priests and all the Clergy have been founded fed and enriched by these earthly Doctrines who are the Inhabiters of this Earth upon which this first Vial shall be poured out and against whom the third Woe is pronounced chap. 8.13 and upon whom the sad effects of this first Vial will inevitably fall viz. a noysom and grievous sore which fell upon the men which had the Mark of the Beast and upon them which worshipped his Image which bears some allusion unto one of the noysome and grievous Plagues of Egypt Exod. 9.10 11. This Sore being noysome causeth both Lovers and Friends unto Babylon to stand afar off for fear of her Torment chap. 18.10 15 17. And it being a grievous Sore causeth much pain and torment unto the worshippers of the Beast and his Image chap. 14.8 9 10 11. which are the properties of such Sores Psal 38.11 77.2 The second Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sea of the Beasts Kingdom verse 3. that is to say upon the Ecclesiastick Constitutions Forms Ordinances Masses Traditions Will-worships and all other Popish Superstitions and Inventions of Mystical Babylon that great Whore and Mother of Harlots viz. both ill-favoured and well-favoured Harlots the Catholick and National Churches of Rome Spain France c. which Idolatrous Worship like the Sea when it is troubled Isa 57.20 is full of mire and dirt As the gathering together of the Waters is called Seas Gen. 1.10 so the gathering together of the general Councils National Synods Diocesan Visitations Courts c. are called Seas as the Sea of Rome the Popes Sea the Cardinals Sea Canterburies Sea Yorks Sea c. In which Sea of Mystical Babylon the Kings of the Earth the Merchants of the Earth Masters of Ships and as many as Trade by Sea do trafick for the States and Souls of men c. chap. 18.9 11. The effects of this Vial is blood and death unto the Idolatrous and Superstitious worshippers Behold the righteous Judgements of God and his just Retaliation unto the Scarlet and Bloody Whore and false Prophet the Sea of Rome and all other Mystical Seas of the Romish and Babylonish Churches in any Nation whose Sea by the pouring out of this second Vial shall become like the blood of a dead Man and every living Soul died in this Sea And this Plague also may have some Allusion unto that Plague of Aegypt Exod. 7.20 21. whose Waters was turned into blood and the Fish that was therein died So bloody and so deadly is the Idolatrous-worship of the Sea of Rome and of all other Nations that worship the Beast or his Image who shall utterly be destroyed as appears chap. 14.9 10 11. The third Angel poured out his Vial upon the Rivers and Fountains of Waters in the Beasts Kingdom vers 4. These Mystical Rivers and Fountains of Waters bear some Allusion unto those material Rivers and Fountains which Solomon saith run into the Sea Eccles 1.7 As the Fountains or Spring-heads run into the Rivers and the Rivers run into the Sea so the Emperors Kings Princes and Nobles of the Roman Antichristian Politick and
Ecclesiastick Government and Kingdom give their power and strength unto the Beast chap. 17.12 13. And to his Councels Synods Courts c. which is the River into which these Fountains run and so into the Sea of Rome Canterbury c. The great Monarchs of this World and Kings of the Earth are said in Scripture to be the Head of their Rivers Ezek. 29.3 4. 32.2 6. I will also water with thy blood the Land wherein thou swimest c. Again as the Fountains do signifie Kings c. so by the Rivers into which their streams do continually run and are filled and influenced by them is meant the Antichristian Hierarchy Popish Clergy and all the false Prophets Teachers and Priests and upon all that are in holy Orders as they speak who preach the Doctrine of the Beast and worship his Image such as these are called Wells though without any living and refreshing Water 2 Pet. 2.1 17. And they are here fitly resembled unto Rivers of Waters in the Beasts Kingdom This Antichristian Monarchy Hierarchy Popish Clergy Priests and Prelates like the Rivers and Fountains in and about a great City Isa 18.27 Ezek. 32.2 though they spoil the Land and waste the City and foul the Waters for as a Fountain casteth out her filthy Waters so do these corrupt Fountains cast out their wickedness Jer. 6.7 yet that great City Mystical Babylon is made very great and like the Assyrian of old Ezek. 31.3 4 5. her height is exalted and she is enriched because of the multitude of these Waters and Fountains of hers whose Nurseries and Seminaries like the deep with her Rivers running round about their Plants send out their little Rivers unto all the Trees of the field and into the deep Sea The effect of this Vial is their own blood which God in his righteous Judgements gives those Monarchs Kings Prelates Priests and all the Popish Church and Clergy-men to drink as a just Retaliation of the blood of the faithful Saints and Sackcloath Witnesses which this Scarlet Beast and bloody Whore of Rome hath shed by persecuting and killing them chap. 13. â—7 11.7.17.4 5 6. 18.20 24. For which Judgments the LORD is acknowledged by all his Saints and holy Angels in Heaven and on Earth to be Righteous and his Judgements also are acknowledged by them to be true and Righteous verse 5 6 7. The fourth Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sun of the Beasts Kingdom vers 8. That is to say Upon the Emperour of Germany the King of Spain c. with respect to the Temporal and Political part of the Beast's Kingdom and upon the Pope of Rome the Popish Cardinals and Arch-Bishops c. with respect to the Spiritual and Ecclesiastical part of the Beast's Kingdom those Antichristian Emperors Kings Popes and Prelates like the Sun in the Firmament of Heaven Gen. 1.16 17 18. are most eminent and chief Lights and have the most eminent Grandeur Rule and Dominion in the Firmament or Fabrick 〈◊〉 the Beast's Politick and Ecclesiastick Government and Kingdom and are fitly resembled by the Sun and other Lights 〈◊〉 Heaven Isa 13.9 10 11. The effect of this Vial is the scorching of men with great heat vers 9. By thâ— power that was given unto this Angel so tâ— do vers 8. The men that are scorched with fire and with great heat vers 8 9. are those men of the Beast's Kingdom who worship the Beast and his Image chap. 14.8 9 10 11. who are tormented with Fiâ—â— and Brimstone which causeth them to blasâ— pheme the Name of God who hath poweâ— over these Plagues And they repented nâ— to give him glory vers 9. The Fire anâ— Heat are the burning Heat and devouring Fire of the fierceness of God's great wratâ— poured out of this Vial upon the Sun which causeth those dreadful Effects Rev. 18 8â— And she shall be utterly burnt with Fire foâ— strong is the Lord that judgeth her And the fifth Angel poured out his Viâ— upon the Seat of the Beast vers 10. Who this fifth Angel is the Expositioâ— of the first verse gives us to understand viz. Some of those Magistrates into whosâ— hand God will commit the Government of the Kingdom of Christ as was proved before And some of those Ministers of his Churches who shall come out of the Temple even such of his Saints as our Lord Jesus Christ hath redeemed and made Kings and Priests unto God who shall reign on Earth assisted by Christ the Angel of the Covenant and his Heavenly Angels to execute the righteous Judgments of God as was also proved before by pouring out of the Vials of the wrath of God This Vial is one of those seven golden Vials which was given unto the seven Angels which were full of the wrath of God and contained the last Plagues which are to be poured out upon Mystical Babylon to her utter destruction as hath been proved before and chap. 16. vers 19. and all them that worship the Beast and his Image chap. 14.8 9 10 11. These Vials are called the Cup of Gods Indignation and the Cup of the Wine of the fiercenesse of his wrath The Beast is the Object of the Wrath of God even of the fierceness of his great Wrath upon whom the LORD will pour out all his Plagues first and last and Babylon shall drink the Cup of his Indignation chap. 14.10 and the nineteenth verse of this Chapter Beast in this Prophesie of the Revelation is sometimes named without any distinction and then by Beast we are to understand the whole Complex Body of the Antichristian Politick and Ecclesiastick State of the Roman Kingdom Church and Government as chap. 11.7 13.18 14.9 11. and sometimes the Beast is named with distinction chap. 13.11 12. as if there were two Beasts both which is but one Beast distinguished by his twofold Power and Dominion to wit Political and Ecclesiastical as doth appear vers 1. 4. So chap. 17.3 the Beast and the Woman that is to say the Political Government and the Ecclesiastick State likewise chap. 16.13 and 19.20 the Beast and the false Prophet also the Beast and his Image chap. 13.14 By the Beast we are to understand the Roman Antichristian Political State Power and Dominion By the Woman whâ— is the Whore the Image of the Beast and the false Prophet in divers respects wâ— are to understand the Roman Antichristian Ecclesiastick State Church Worship anâ— Government The Reason of this distinction is the two-fold Authority and Jurisdiction which the Beast exerciseth in the World and in the Church and therefore the Beast is said to rise from two places to wit out of the Sea Chap. 13.1 and out of the Earth vers 11. and to have two Horns like the Lamb chap. 13.11 that is to say a two-fold Power Political and Ecclesiastical both which was given unto the Beast by the Dragon chap. 13.2 And the Dragon gave him his Power and his Throne and great Authority
the 13 14 15 16 verses of this Chapter is not any proper effect of this Vial nor any part thereof but rather an interval of time betwixt the sixth and seventh Vials wherein some remarkable things are to be transacted in order to the pouring forth of the seventh Vial and therefore contain a praeparatory Vision thereunto In which Vision John saw three Embassadors or Agents sent from the Dragon the Beast and the false Prophet to the Kings of the Earth The Dragon is that old Serpent called Satan which is the Devil chap. 20.2 The Beast is the civil State or political Powers which Beast rose out of the Sea chap. 13.1 The false Prophet is the Ecclesiastical State which is the Beast that rose out of the Earth chap. 13.11 He is here called the false Prophet because now he is unmasked and his Vizard pluck't off to wit his pretended likeness unto the Lamb chap. 13.11 And now he is discovered to be that Deceiver and false Prophet which was to come The three unclean Spirits like Frogs vers 13. are their Embassadors or Agents called Spirits for their subtilty and activity and pretending to be spiritual men and imployed principally about Religious and Spiritual Affairs like Ahabs false Prophets 1 King 22.21 22. who deceived the Kings of Israel and Judah in perswading them to go up to Ramoth Gilead to Battel and therefore are said to be Spirits of Devils vers 14. working Miracles as the Devil raised up false Christ's and false Apostles so he doth false Prophets purposely to deceive the Kings of the Earth and the Inhabitants of the Earth that they may not receive the true Christ believe the true Apostles nor regard the Testimony of the true Prophets of the Lord. Before John sets down the success of this their Negotiation he writes a word of warning as it were a Parenthesis vers 15. Behold I come as a Thief c. that is to say suddenly and unexpectedly as Mat. 24.43 44. and 2 Pet. 3.10 Blessed is he that watcheth for my coming and keepeth his Garments white and clean and fast girded unto him lest he walk naked and they see his shame 1 Tim. 5.22 Jam. 1.27 The succss of their Negotiation followeth vers 16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew Tongue Armageddon He gathered them together that is to say the Dragon which is the Devil by his Frogs those unclean spirits gathered them together viz. the Kings of the Earth By Armageddon we are to understand the name of a place which the Jews shall give after they have gotten some considerable victory over the Turks and therefore called it Armageddon the place of destruction of an Army which happily may have an â—llusion unto that great destruction of the Caâ—aanites at the Waters of Megiddo Judg. â— 19 when Sisera the chief Captain of Jabin with all his Hosts fell by the hand of Deborah and Barack where was made â—uch a total destruction that it is said Judg. â— 16 And the Host of Sisera fell upon the â—dge of the Sword and there was not a man â—eft And such an universal destruction will be the effect of this Battel at Armageddon chap. 19.20 21. And the seventh Angel poured out his Vial into the Air c. vers 17. The Object of this Vial is the Air which notes the universality of the Subjects upon whom the wrath of God is poured out of this seventh Vial. The Air fills all places no Subject can be more general then the Air. By the Air here we are to understand all Nations Kingdoms and People all Places Persons and Things that oppose the Kingdom Worship and Government of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Sion Isa 60.12 The Earth Sea Rivers Sun and Seat of the Beast's Kingdom is destroyed by the former Vials And by this seventh Vial shall be destroyed all things whatsoever remains of Sathans Kingdom Who is called Ephes 2.2 The Prince of the power of the Air. The other six Vials were poured out upon their particular Objects but this seventâ— Vial is poured out into its Subject which notes the spreading and dilating of it seâ— into every part of Satan's and the Beast'â— Kingdom for the utter destruction oâ— every thing therein that remained So then the wrath of God poured out of this Vial will diffuse and spread over First The whole Kingdom of Antichrist or the Beast Secondly The remaining Dominion and Kingdom of the Turks And thirdly The whole Kingdom of the Dragon that old Serpent which is the Devil And when all these Enemies against Christ and his Kingdom shall be destroyed by the pouring out of this seventh Vial then comes a great Voice out of the Temple of Heaven to wit the Visible Church of God on Earth restored unto her primitive Purity and made glorious Isa 60.7 12 13 14. saying It is DONE chap. 10.6 7. viz. The Mystery of God is finished as he hath declared to his Servants the Prophets This Voice is Christ 's chap. 21.5 6. He that sat upon the Throne said unto me It is DONE This Voice is said to come from the Throne in the Temple of Heaven in this 17. verse that is to say It came from Christ who sat upon the Throne chap. 21.5 6. and implies now Christs Kingdom shall be set up and he himself shall sit upon the Throne chap. 3.21 and all his Saints with him And there were Voices and Thundrings and Lightnings and there was a great Earth-quake c. vers 18. The like to this was the effect of the Witnesses rising chap. 11.13 upon which Commotions the tenth part of the City fell so here by this great Earth-quake the great City is divided into three parts vers 19. Fractions or Divisions note the utter ruine of the Roman-Antichristian-Politick-and-Ecclesiastick-State Power Dominion and Kingdom of the Beast For a Kingdom divided against it self cannot stand And the Cities of the Nations fell verse 19. litterally such Nations as come to help the Beast and the Turk against the Lord and his People Mystically by the Cities of the Nations we may understand National Churches The great Whore is called the great City so the Harlots who are her Daughters chap. 17.5 are here called the Cities of the Nations If the Catholick Church of Rome be the great City then the National Romish Churches may also be called the Cities of the Nations which shall fall in the Day of the Lords controversie with all Nations Hag. 2.22 and Jer. 25.30 31 32 33. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God vers 19. By great Babylon here is primarily meant Constantinople the royal City of the great Turk And Secondarily All his Principalities Domininions and Kingdom prophesied of Isa 14.4 5 24 25 32. Neither am I alone in this my Opinion for Mr. Brightman and others are of the same Jugement And my Reasons are 1. Because the great City and great Babylon are contradistinguished one from the other in this 19
verse and therefore cannot the same 2. Because great Babylon is said here to come in remembrance before the LORD which cānot literally be applied to the City of Rome for that was the Seat of the Beast upon which the fift Vial was poured out nor can it be mystically applyed unto the whole Kingdom of the Beast for that had come in remembrance before the Lord in pouring out the former five Vials 3. Because the Turk hath been is and will be as great an Enemy against the Jews especially in their return to their own Land as the Pope hath been is and will be against the Gentile Saints And whereas both Turk and Pope together with the Kings and Nations of the Earth being now at last all combined together with all their Forces against the LORD and his Saints both Jews and Gentiles they shall all drink of the Wine of the fierceness of Gods wrath which shall be poured out of this seventh Vial without mixture of Mercy chap. 19.19 20 21. Every Island fled away and the Mountains were not found vers 20. By Islands and Mountains here we may understand 1. Places of hiding and of security Ezek. 39.6 Isa 2.19 21. and Hag. 2.6 7 22. But there will be no security not hiding for every Island fled away and the Mountains were not found so that their ruine will be inevitable without any refuge or shelter 2. By Islands we may understand such things as are separated from a common unto some sacred use as Islands are separated from the main Land by Waters that go round about them Such are all Popish Consecrated and Dedicated things viz. Bishopricks Deanaries Cathedrals Churches Chapples Priories Nunneries Church-Lands and Revenues all these and all of these kinds shall be sequestred and taken away from their Sacred or rather Superstitions and Idolatrous uses and restored unto a common and civil use as before any such Consecration Dedication Assignation or Separation 3. By Mountains we may understand the great Powers and Dominions of the Earth the Monarchs and Monarchies of this WORLD Zech. 4.7 Isa 40.4 Jer. 51.25 These shall not be found for they shall be broken and destroyed utterly and they shall be made like the Chaff of the Summer Threshing-Floors which the Wind carrieth away Dan. 2.35 And no place was found for them And there fell upon men a great Hail out of Heaven c. Verse 21. The Hail from Heaven signifies some more immediate Judgements and Plagues of God Here may be some Allusion to the destruction of the Canaanites by great Hailstones from Heaven Josh 10.11 Or else this is that great Storm of Gods immediate Judgements threatned Prophetically against Gog in the Land of Magog Ezek. 38.2 18 19 21 22 23. And I will plead against him with an overflowing rain and great Hailstones fire and brimstone c. And men blasphemed God c. Verse 21. This is the Effect of Gods most just and righteous Judgements upon all his unplacable Enemies they Blasphemed God This was the Effect of the Plagues poured out of the Fift Vial Verse 9 11. which was the Beasts former practice Chap. 13.6 The Beast was a Blasphemer from the Beginning and so continues unto his End He lives and dies in his Blasphemies against God and perisheth for ever Now as touching the Time when these Seven Vials shall be poured out though I have a very honorable esteem of those Godly and Learned Expositors of this Book of the Revelation who are of opinion that three or four of these Seven Vials are poured out already Yet notwithstanding all that they have said I confess I am not of their mind out do rather think That none of those seven Vials are yet poured out The Scripture-Grounds that I have to offer for my Opinion in this Point are these Viz. 1. Because the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven is not opened out of which Temple the seven Angels come forth with their seven golden Vials Chap. 15.5 6 7. Which Temple I have proved before to be the Heavenly State of the Church of God on Earth restored in some Measure unto its Apostolical Constitutions and primitive Purity which when so was called the the Temple of the Living God 2 Cor. 6.16 Let Christians consider that none of the Seven Vials are to be poured out until the Temple be opened that is to say until the Church of God on Earth be restored in some measure unto its Apostolical Constitutions and primitive Purity which is not yet done and therefore no Vial is yet poured out 2. Because Christ's Sackcloch Witnesses and Warriers must be slain and raised and the Seventh Trumpet sounded before the Temple be opened or any of the Seven Vials be poured out Chap. 11.7 11 14 15 19. But these things are not yet done and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet poured out Let Christians consider Are the Witnesses slain before their Testimony be finished Verse 7. saith When they shall have finished their Testimony the Beast that ascendeth out of the Bottomless Pit shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them And if these Witnesses and Warriers be slain Are they Risen and ascended up to Heaven that is to an Heavenly State and Dignity and have their Enemies been enlightned to behold them as is prophesied they shall Verse 11 12. Again Hath the Seventh Angel sounded his Seventh Trumpet as is prophesied Verse 15. which Angel must Sound his Seventh Trumpet before this Wrath come Verse 18. I offer these three Reasons to the serious Consideration of Christians why the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet Viz. 1. The Mystery of God is not finished which must be done when the Seventh Angel begins to Sound his Trumpet Chap. 10.6 7. 2. The Second Wo is not Past until the Witnesses and Warriers be raised and ascended which must be done before the Seventh Angel Sound his Trumpet Chap. 11.11 12 14 15. 3. Upon the Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet The Kingdoms of this World do become the Kingdom of Christ and of his Anointed Chap. 11.15 But this is not accomplished which argues that the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet which Seventh Trumpet must usher in the Seven Vials as the Seventh Seal did the Seven Trumpets Chap. 8.1 2 6. whereby it is manifest that the Temple is not opened nor any of the Seven Vials poured out And Thirdly Because Those Seven Vials contain the Seven last Plagues Chap. 15.1 for in them is filled up the Wrath of God which are Contemporary with the Victory which the Saints shall get over the Beast and over his Image and over his Mark and over the Number of his Name Chap. 15.1 2 3 4. Standing upon a Sea of Glass mingled with Fire and singing that Triumphant Song of the Lamb Verses 3 4. Which Victory the Saints have not yet Gotten neither can they sing that Triumphant Song and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet