Jasper a precious stone I see no more here but the most happy everlasting life of Saints set forth The City was pure gold This metal we chiefly-esteem therfore the Holy Ghost sets forth the glorious condition of the Church or City by it pure Gold is without drosse if tryed in the fire it comes forth without any such shewing the most pure estate of the Church above Like to Chrystall Or clear Glasse the matter is solid Gold the form bright as Glasse or Chrystal so it is as a golden City shining in glory not really but to stirre us up to seek after this heavenly Ierusalem which farre exceeds all these precicious things to which it is as it were compared Vers 19. And the foundation of the wall The matter of the wall and City is mentioned the foundation is very precious being of precious stones stones are for foundations preous stones for this being Christ laid by the twelve Apostles whose names were upon the foundations the foundations were all of whole Pearles or Gemmes which were Pillars of the wall as it were thus the foundations were garnished with pearles or precious stones The first was a Iasper Clear and green which the Papists say signifies Peter who did shew a lively flourishing love towards Christ indeed Peter being first converted is usually first named but the same order of mentioning the Apostles by the Evangelists is not observed alwayes and 't is conceived all loved him and dyed for him as well as Peter Iohn only excepted perchance who was the beloved Disciple writ most of love therefore this of the Papists proves little neither is it said the Apostles were the foundations but their names were written upon them doubtlesse the preciousnesse of the stones set-forth the preciousnesse of Christ the foundation and the Gospel preached by the the twelve so the stones set forth the choycenesse of him that sate upon the throne ch 4.3 which is a plain sense The second a Saphire being skie-coloured it aswageth lust 't is wonder saies my Pareus that Writers apply not this to Iohn who only lived unmarried the Papists apply it to Andrew but since the order of reckoning the Apostles is not alwayes the same we hence can certainly gather little But this observe if the twelve had their names upon the foundations then had John before his death and why may not the Beast like a flying Eagle resemble John chap. 4.7 who though alive had written his Gospel where he sores aloft like an Eagle about Christs Divinity See the exposition on that chap. 4 7. I see little hindring The third a Chalcedony A kinde of a Carbuncle of a purple colour good against black choler that is sadnesse and fear Now the foundation Christ and the Doctrine of the twelve Apostles both teach love as in the first stone chastity in the second and expel all base fear as in the third stone The fourth an Emerauld A most pleasant green colour refreshing the sight good against poyson and the falling sicknesse Now the foundation Christ is most pleasing and cordial The fifth a Sardonix Resembling in part a mans nayle and the colour 't is good against pride so is the foundation Christ and the twelve Apostles doctrine The sixth a Sardius Of a dark red colour it emboldens sharpens the wit The seventh a Chrysolite c. Being good against shortnesse of breath the Papists apply them to the Apostles but for brevity sake I omit them Christ compleatly comprehends what 's in them to perfection who is the true foundation of the heavenly Ierusalem the Apostles have their names written upon the foundation because they confirmed the foundation Christ with their blood Vers 21. And the twelve Gates were twelve Pearles c. Christ is the only Gate he is the way door and life but because by the ministry of the twelve Apostles we come to Christ hence the City is said to have twelve Gates now the Doctrine of the Apostles leading to Christ is more precious then Gold or Pearles who in heaven shall shine with the brightnesse of Christ like glorious Pearles And the street of the City was pure Gold Now followes the inward beauty of the City there are many streets in a City and a Market-place or place of meeting I see nothing else here but the whole course of the Saints in heaven is most uncorrupt and pure their walking or motion and meetings comprehended by streets are righteous and pure as Gold our meetings below are full of corruption and the purest Church and members sinful therefore the state of this life is not here meant Transparent Glasse Is the Cities unutterable brightnesse Vers 22. And I saw no Temple in the same Solomons glistering Temple was a type of Christs spiritual Church heaven shall need none preaching and all outward exercises of Religion shall cease in this world our weaknesse needs these helps then God will not be served with external worship Christ shall give up his ministerial Kingdom by which he now governs the Church 1 Cor. 15.24 and God according to the Essence in three persons shall be all in all each one then shall be taught of God Ier. 31.34 None need say know the Lord all imperfection shall be laid aside 1 Cor. 13.10 and tongues which were only to build up the Church faith and hope which were to lay hold on Christ which now in the Vision they enjoy only charity remains So when I speak of meetings or motion ver 21. I mean no such as these but conceive they may move and not alwayes in heaven sit stand stil or rest in one place which were improbable For the Lord Almighty is the Temple of it Here the Saints praise him in Temples there they shall immediatly rejoyce in him and keep a perpetual Sabbath to him serving him day and night before the throne so they shall rejoyce in God as in a Temple God in heaven is insteed of a Temple chap. 11.19 the Temple of God was open in heaven meaning the triumphant Church who were Gods Temple in earth now he is the Saints Temple in heaven Vers 23. The City hath no need of Sunne nor Moon to shine in it c. T is not said the Sunne and Moon were not for as Esay hath it The Moon shall shine as the Sunne and the light of the Sunne shall be seven fold for a recompence for their unwearied former pains chap. 30 26. speaking of the renovation of all things But God and the Lamb as equal in light and glory shall be the light of the City and shall obscure the other lights which shall remain glorified as monuments of Gods mercy power and wisedome but the city shall not need them having the father of lights there where also every Saint shall shine as the Sunne for ever O glorious City But observe that Esay is partly to be understood of the great light of knowledge and grace under Christs spiritual Kingdom in respect of the dark clouds of the
't is a discovering his nakednesse 2. The Gospel sanctifies and chérishes mans nature 3. Satan and his instruments are under the power of Christ hurt not sayes Christ 4. Christ is God for he has the Seale of election 5. He Takes much care of his people hurt them not 6. His Gospel is preached and he has sealed ones in the Kingdome of Anrichrist 7. There is a set time of our calling untill we have sealed 8. Christs servants are to be known by their profession of him and obeying him in their foreheads 9. There is an assurance of salvation to be had in this world understood by the word sealed for the use of a Seale is to confirme so that the Saints need not feare falling away 10. There is a certaine number of the Elect. 11. Christ and his Ministers do co-work till we have sealed 12. All the sealed ones are servants to God Vers 4. Of all the Tribes of the children of Israel That is of all Nations imitating the true faith of the true Israel because God has elected to salvation some out of every part of the world sayes Annonymus upon the place or as ch 5.9 Thou hast redeemed us out of every Nation kindred tongue people here is a certaine number put down for an uncertaine though there be a set number elected and known to God the Tribe of Dan is left out not because Antichrist was to come out of that Tribe as the Papists affirme and many of the Fathers grounding on Gen. 49.17 Dan is a Serpent in the way but because that Tribe forsook the fellowship of their brethren and became like Gentiles Judg. 18.1.30 Vers 9. After this I beheld and lo a great multitude which no man could number This shewes this to be a differing act from the former the sealed ones were in earth but this great multitude is seen in heaven before the Throne the sealed ones note the Church militant this multitude the Saints in heaven observe as in chap. 6 12 14. Antichrist makes a great earthquake in the Church and darkens the Sunne makes the heavens depart as a scrowle so on the other side here the Gospel is preached though hindred chap. 7. ver 1. and the Elect sealed And as the Antichristian adversaries tremble at the last day chap. 6. vers 2. last so the Martyrs and sealed ones chap. 7. ver 9. Enjoy eternal felicity the multitude are those under the Altar chap. 9 And the hundred fourty foure thousand sealed ones ver 4. They had white robes to note their glory and palmes in their hands to note their victory and reward for the palme was given in token of victory of old Vers 10. And they cryed with a loud voice saying salvation to our God The Angels Elders Beasts nay the whole Assembly of heaven sing joyfully to God and the Lamb but the Antichristian adversaries say to the mountains fall on us this thanksgiving of the heavenly inhabitants is indifferent plaine therefore for brevity sake I omit it Vers 13. One of the Elders answered saying unto me what are these which are arrayed in white robes the Papists say Peter I beleeve 't was the same that chap. 5.5 said weep not one that was next to John who asks who they were in white robes not as doubting but to take occasion to instruct John as the Baptist once sent his disciples to Christ to confirme them of the Messias Vers 14. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb hence their whitenesse hence they are before the Throne or enjoy felicity not because of works or martyrdome then And serve him day and night That is ever for there is no night where all Saints shine as the Sun but t is spoken to our capacity In his Temple To wit Heaven The Lamb and the Almighty are the Temple of it Christ shall dwell among them That is they shall for ever enjoy the favour and glory of God Thus much for the positive good they shall enjoy Now followes what they shall be freed from Vers 16. They shall hunger no more Hunger and thirst and heat are put for all the defects and troubles of this life as tears note the afflictions and sorrowes of it which Christ will deliver them from for he will feed them with satiety of joyes in his presence And will lead them to the fountains of living waters of comfort For in his presence is the fulnesse of joy as in his absence are miseries for evermore CHAP. VIII Act I. Vision third Vers 1. There was silence in heaven about the space of halfe an houre THough the 7. Chapter concludes with the day of Judgement and the freedom of Saints from all miseries yet this silence I understand not of that tranquility which we expect to follow that day because that is to last for ever this for half an houre what then by it I understand a short space in which the former Vision being Acted John had permission to desist from the contemplation of these high mysteries and to prepare himself to contemplate on new Visions Vers 2. And I saw the seven Angels The seven Angels whom he saw before Chap. 4.5 to whom Christ that sate on the Throne gave seven Trumpets to sound withall Who stood before God Their office was as Heralds to stand in the presence of God speedily to performe his commandements Now these Angels do represent the Ministers of the Gospel who as trumpeters by comission were to cry alound and proclaime the will of God Seven is a perfect number it notes Christs sending a compleat or perfect number of Preachers or labourers into his harvest yet 't is supposed the seventh means the Archangel mentioned 1 Thess 4.16 to sound at the last day Vers 3. And another Angel came and stood at the Alter Christ before these Ministers begin to preach or sound steps in to sanctify them by sending them his spirit to enable them to go through with their work comes forth with a golden censure I follow Annonymus upon the place who by the Altar understands Christ under whose protection the Saints are chap. 6.9 By the fire of the Altar his spirit which as fire descended and lighted upon the Apostles Acts 2. Thus 't was cast into the earth Now as the fire is from the Altar so it notes the spirit to be God and from Christ If I go I will send you the comforters sayes Christ Here note an allusion to be had to the Types of the Old-Testament where the Priest went to the Altar whereon continuall fire was preserved And he took a golden Censure and he put incense therein which being kindled by the fire of the Altar was resolved into an odoriferous smoke acceptable to God Now in heaven there is no Altar but Christ who as our high-Priest appears being God and man who sanctifyes the prayers and endeavours of the Saints with the Censure that is his most precious death and passion which he applies to the Saints which is
of but his coming to assist by his spiritual presence nor his coming in clouds at the last day is not to be here conceived but chap. 19. vers 11. And the Rainbow on his head The Rainbow signifies mercy because God set it in the cloud as a signe he would not destroy the world by water any more notwithstanding the sin of man Christ comes to his poor afflicted Church as a Messenger of peace and mercy who is our peace and procured us mercy a comfortable signe for an afflicted people promising one day to his true servants eternal rest and peace His face was as the Sun Noting two things Christs glorified condition and his being the Sun of righteousnesse illuminating his Church dissipating the tempests of calamities promising as it were by the clear beams of his countenance to dispel adversity from his people His feet as pillars of fire Pillars note strength to uphold fire notes Christ refining his Church for fire consumes chaffe also hereby is noted Christs consuming his adversaries and enemies so Christ appears as upholder of his people refiner of his Church devourer of his adversaries Thus Christ the strong Angel is above the Locusts and like the Sun looks upon the rage of the four Angels loosed and the rest of the adversaries ready to support refine consume Vers 2 And he had in his hand a little book open This is the same book which was formerly sealed with seven seales which Christ opened and holds it so in his hand 't was lesse now then when the seven seales were one for now many events were revealed to John out of it and the seales taken off Quest Why doth Christ open the book and now keep it so Answ Because Christ is the revealer of secrets and of the will of his Father and he keeps the holy Scripture open so that the Locusts nor their King notwithstanding the smoak of the bottomlesse pit can darken the truth of Jesus totally nor the armies of thè Barbarians could root up the faith of Christ Mark then notwithstanding all opposers of the truth the book is kept open for Christ raised some alwayes to defend his truth furthermore he keeps it open for his two Witnesses in chap. 11. to purge by it the dregs of the Locusts and their King And he set his right foot upon the sea c. Some by Christs right foot understand powerful ministers and by the left foot more weak ones however Christ sets his feet on sea and land that is takes possession of the world as preserving in all places some remnants of a Church to himselfe notwithstanding the many persecutions of tyrants who endeavoured to root out the very name of Christ mangre also the cunning endeavouring of that old serpent by many hereticks and by the Bishop of Rome's falling from heaven to earth turning the doctrine of Christ into wormwood and opening the bottomlesse pit this is a great consolation to the Saints that none can put Christ out of possession Vers 3. And he cryed with aloud voice as when a Lyon roareth This lyon-like voice shews the efficacious spreading of the Gospel which should and doth frighten the opposers who the more they rage the louder the voice is the more earnestly the name of Christ was professed and this Christs loud voice did foretel so that the enemies and opposers though they did rage yet they had a kind of secret feare in them Seven thunders uttered their voices These represent seven that is a perfect company of thundering ministers or Boanergeses of the truth who should upon the books being open and the voice of Christ as the Lyons roaring to wit in the publishing the Gospel notwithstanding all opposers undauntedly preach Christ against tyrants hereticks and Antichrist to make them unexcusable Vers 4. I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me c. This voice did not absolutely forbid the writing of what the seven thunders uttered but in respect of the event God foreseeing that the opposers would not hear but despise their voice causing the same to be sealed secret and hid to them through their own default Note that some Copies read After these things write what the seven thunders uttered However here you see how true that of Paul is the Gospel is hid to them that are lost Vers 5. And the Angel which I saw stand lift up his right hand to heaven So they did in old time that did sweare God once swore by himselfe Christ here sweares by God Christ forbade not swearing upon a just occasion an oath so is the end of strife idle oaths Christ forbade as by ones hair head Ierusalem by which none ever swore before a Magistrate rash oathes then are forbid not other Observe Christs sword as Mediatour and God-man by his father who in that respect is greater then he Now in Vers 6 7. And sweareth by him that liveth for ever and ever c. follows what was sworn to wit that time should be no longer but the accomplishment of the mystery of God under the seventh Trumpet at the day of judgement was at hand but Christ is not to be understood as if he had swore time should be no more after that day but should be swallowed up in eternity for what needed an oath to confirme so apparent a truth Christs swearing was to comfort the godly under tyrants and especially Antichrist who had established his kingdome as it made the Saints feare much more misery for it seemed so firme that it should not be demolished now Christ promises a time of Reformation tacitly of which in chap. 11. also the ruine of Antichrists Kingdome and that no more time of such misery and sadnesse should happen to the Church So the oath here is for the confirmation of the promise and for the Saints consolation The mystery of God shall be finished c. either of the Jews calling a little before the seventh Trumpet of whose calling the Prophets speak and Paul Rom. 11. or rather the mystery of the resurrection as Paul cals it 1 Cor. 15. behold I shew you a mystery and destruction of the adversaries of which see Zach. 14 Mal. 3. penult and Mal. 4. thus the sixt trumpet shall continue fulfilling till the last day then the seventh by the Arch-angel shall sound 1. Thessal 4.16 Vers 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven c. to wit that bade not to write the things uttered by the thunders ver 4 commands him 1. To take the book out of the hand of Christ 2. To eat it True seven thundring ministers in the time of Antichrist and opposers preached undauntedly the truth of Christ but without fruit but now John must eat the book by which is signified that the Gospel is to be preached anew though not by John himselfe in the time of Antichrist with successe this book then written within and without chap 5.1 is the Gospel as well as the Revelation that without is the known word of God
this purpose was that chap. 6. vers 10. how long of which see the exposition 'T is time therefore that thou raigne and be angry with them for ever By Nations here I understand all enemies what ever with whom the 24 Elders desire Christ to be angry in those words thy wrath is come or let thy wrath come And the time of the dead c. Or the resurrection to wit is come But surely Christ revealed this to them in heaven otherwise 't is very secret That they should be judged There the righteous must be acquitted however must appear before the tribunal and the wicked be condemned That thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the Prophets c. To wit of eternall life a reward out of free gift not debt so the Apostle the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life Rom. 6. vers last And though God has promised life eternall is not a debt neither is God a debter but to himself but enough The 24 Elders seem to make two sorts of people of them that were to be judged some who were to be destroyed others to be rewarded these three sorts 1 The Prophets comprehending Patriarches Apostles Evangelists 2. The Saints to wit Confessours Martyrs who opposed Antichrist 3. The fearers of Gods name comprehending all other servants of God Great and small c. All have the reward alike and perchance a like reward So St. Paul seems to say a crown of righteousnesse sayes he is laid up for me and not only for me but for all those that love his appearance Because in another book I have touched this point and in this page I le name the choise proofes of each side and shew the more probable opinion 'T is said one is the glory of the Sun another of the moon 1 Cor. 15.41 and so shall be the resurrection therefore one Saint in heaven is to outshine another Answ As Peter Martyr fol. 579. there is nothing said of the glory of heaven only as one star outshines another so the bodies in the resurrection shall much differ in glory from them as they are now sowen in corruption as vers 42. speaks note 't is not said so shall it be after the resurrection to wit in heaven but so is the resurrection therefore that place proves nothing Now to this place I annex that of Math. 22.30 on the other part We our Saviour sayes wee shall be like the Angels of God in heaven now the Angels have but one and the same glory But secondly 't is said every one must receive according as he has done in the body 2 Cor. 5.10 and it shall be more tolerable for Sodom in the day of judgment then now if there be differences in punishments why not in rewards of glory Answ Because punishments are for desert rewards out of mercy who has promised to give the last as to the first even every one a penny Matth. 20.13.13 Thirdly but the Angels differ in dignity there be thrones principalities therefore we shall perchance in glory for we shall be like them Answ At the day of the resurrection when we shall be like them all those offices which were for the use and service of the Saints and Church shall be done away as well as tongues which were for the building the Church according to 1 Cor. 13.10 so then all shall be alike Answ 2. Archangel and perchance these forequoted are different kindes to which Christ doth not say we shall be like now the Angels differ not But I rather retain the first answer Fourthly in my fathers house Christ sayes are many mansions Ioh. 14.2 Answ Many not divers for all shall shine as the Sun Mat. 13.43 Now nothing shines more therefore all shal be very glorious yet alike glorious Thus that in Dan. 12.3 doubtlesse is meant for they that be wise are teachers in that place who instruct as the Hebrew has it and they that turne many to glory are Teachers too now the same labourers are to have the same not a differing reward every one his penny therefore Daniel says they shall shine as the firmament or heaven of stars which is all one not as the stars among themselves but gloriously as the stars Fifthly there is a greater and a lesse in the kingdome of heaven Matth. 5.19 A ruler over ten cities and a ruler over five Luke 19.19 and t is said he that sows bountifully shall reap bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 therefore there be differences of reward Answ all these quoted places are to be applyed to the Kingdome of grace not of glory and therefore prove nothing The more carefully the Saints imploy their talent here below the sooner they are preferred in the Church and the greater the preferment And the more one sows or gives to the Saints the more temporal blessings God gives him or the more grace but enough The more probable opinion is easily discovered Christ promises that all his shall be with him and consequently partake of the same glory and if the twelve Apostles shall sit upon thrones so the twenty foure Elders do nay all the Saints shall judge the world 1 Cor. 6.2 and be glorified together Rom 8.17 But enough for a digression I hope no transgression Ver. 19. And the Temple of God was opened in heaven c. There is no Temple in heaven but the Church triumphant is here meant the opening it is the manifestation of its perfect glory which shall be after the day of judgement of which Iohn was even now speaking which is now hid and kept secret And the Ark of the Testament was seen Meaning Christ for the Ark in the Temple typified him who was formerly seen in earth in forme of a servant but now after the great day in perfect glory And there were lightnings thundrings voyces c. Here is a Preparation to the fourth vision and the lightnings are the punishments to befal the wicked at the last day God shall raine upon the wicked fire and brimstone storme and tempest Psal 11.6 these things signifie the conspiracy of the elements to take vengeance on the wicked and may come litterally to passe at the last day CHAP. XII Vision 4. Act. 1. Vers 1. And there was seen a great signe in heaven TO John in a vision great in regard of the events A signe to wit a woman clothed with the Sunne Some read it a wonder because the woman was wonderfully clothed and delivered To omit the story of Eve and the serpent and Mary with Christ persecuted by Herod which are here as it were represented doubtlesse this woman is the Church for women as the Church are weak depending on their husbands fruitful she is in heaven partly because she appeared so to John also the Church hath both her original and conversation in heaven This vision begins as it were of Christs birth Clothed with the Sunne Because the Church is clothed with Christ who is the Sunne of righteousnesse the Church
then in the general shall be ever safe Mat. 16. the gates of hell shall not prevail against her yet particular Churches as Corinth Rome may erre and fall away as experience shews Having the Moon under her feet By it is shewed the variable condition of the Church here below sometimes shining in full light sometimes scarcely to be seene but rather here is noted the Churches despising and trampling underfoot all sublunary vaine and perishing things possessing Christ by faith And a crowne of twelve starres on her head She professeth the faith of the twelve Apostles who are compared to bright starres which is a crowne as it were to her head thus the Church is a crowned Queen and the faith an adorning Vers 2. And she being with child cryed c. Alluding to women who beare not without paine nor bring forth without sorrow the Virgin Mary not excepted See my Glimps of Christs love page 16. The Papists cannot tell how to beleeve that this place any way concerns the Virgin Wel the Church cannot bring forth her fruit of Christ without crying labour sorrow the propagation of the Church ever was with great troubles cares cryes thus Saint Paul travelled in birth with the Galatians chap. 4.19 tyrants make the Churches paine the greater Vers 3. And there appeared another signe a great Dragon having seven heads c. Because he is an old Serpent who has devoured other Serpents and so becomes a Dragon Red Notes his cruel bloodthirsty nature persecuting the Church This Dragon is the Devil ver 9. the crowned heads of the Dragon are Kings Emperours Tyrants as Herod Nero Domitian for seven is taken for many By hornes strength is meant by them Governours Captaines are meant as Pilate Festus Now ten notes a great many the Dragon differs from the Beast chap. 13. the description of each makes it appeare yet this Dragon begot that Beast and are somewhat alike Vers 4. And his taile drew the third part of the starres c. Now followes the action of the Dragon he by his taile that is by cunning flattery and insinuation for Dogs fawne with their tailes drew or enticed many teachers of the Church compared to starres to leave their heavenly function and to fall to humane traditions and earthly cares yet I rather by the Dragons tail understand under several tyrants many long persecutions for the Dragons taile is his strength wherby many at least seeming starres fell to the worship of Satan Nay some faithful teachers too for a little season here are things noted first yet not many yeers after performed Esay says the Prophet that tels lyes is the tayle chap. 9.15 Now perchance by Dragons taile false-teachers and hereticks as Arrius may be noted who drew many from the faith Now by this Dragons meanes that starre chap. 8.10 chap. 9.1 fell to the earth I mean the Romane starre and Arrius And the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered c. Like a hungry Wolfe before the fold to devoure the Sheep Peter cals him a roaring Lyon intimating his hungring after a prey 1 Pet. 5.8 First when Christ was literally born he fought to devoure him by Herod when the children suffered for him before he for the children and ever since he strives to devour Christ the manchild in his members by Tyrants Hereticks Antichrist This Act answers to the first foure Seals concerning horses chap. 6. and to the Trumpet concerning the fire mingled with blood the burning mountain the starre falling containing the time from the birth of Christ to the rising of Antichrist Now follows comfort in act the second being answerable to the fifth Seal of the soules being under the Altar chap. 6 9. and to the Angel standing on sea and land chap. 10.2 Vers 5. And she brought forth a manchilde who was to rule all nations c. The Sexe notes strength thus Christ is the mighty God Who doth feed that is rule all nations with an iron rod. as Psal 2. that is with a powerful Scepter the nations with an iron rod but his People with his word or as Psal 53. in green pasture as a shepheard not a tyrant Is the devil a dragon So then remember Christ is that strong manchild who by his power and iron rod defends himself in his members whiles here below Note by the womans bearing a son many sonnes nay multitudes of sons are signified who first beleeved And he was caught up unto God c. Christ litterally and the Saints spiritually are caught up into heaven that is defended and protected and after death as the witnesses are caught up or ascend to heaven out of the danger of the Dragon his heads or horns Vers 6. And the woman fled into the wildernesse c. Here that is said to be done first which was not done till afterward to wit when the Dragon was cast to the earth and the woman had wings ver 13. To which place I referre the Reader for the interpretation of this verse Vers 7. And there was warre in heaven c. After the manchilde was caught up to heaven and before the scattering of the Church John in the vision saw the warre in heaven and it signifies how Christ ascending overcame Satan destroying his Kingdome bringing to the Saints eternal safety Brightman applies this to Constantines suppressing the enemies of Christianity which in part may hold But doubtlesse this war began before Christ is Michael in this place for the Angels can't be said to be any other Michaels though perchance Iohn saw one Angel as Commander of the rest in the Vision Christ and Satan fought in the temptation bloody sweat passion when our Michael overcame as Sampson by his death but especialy by his resurrection and ascension though the whole mystery of our salvation is here shadowed out he destroyed the Dragon and to this houre in some sense the battel from heaven lasts with the Dragon This Vision was to comfort the Church in her miserable persecutions seeing at last her Michael prevailed and she in him now though in the Vision more Angels fought noting perchance how all his members must fight against Satan yet Christ doubtlesse trod the Winepresse alone Isa 63.3 Vers 8. And prevailed not c. Christ sits triumphing in heaven and in his Church in great measure at this day therefore there is no room for Satan there I beheld him as lightning fall from heaven says Christ the preaching of the Gospel and Christs death cast him out and destroyed his Kingdome Thus Christ entred the strong mans house or kingdome and spoiled it Matth. 12.29 perchance here is some allusion to Satans first casting out of heaven Vers 9. That old Serpent called the devil and Satan c. he is called old because of a long standing even before the fall A serpent because of his craftinesse and poyson of sin wherewith he infects the nature of man A divel because an accuser and slanderer of the
new song then being the serving and celebrating the name of God is to be learned by Gods children imperfectly here perfectly hereafter Note the harpers beasts and 24 Elders are all before the throne therefore partakers of the same glory and all follow the Lamb because redeemed from the earth to wit by the efficacious blood of the Lamb. Vers 4. These are they who are not defiled with women for they are Virgins c Marriage does not defile though Jerome was against it extolling Virginity being the means to keep men undefiled and Gods own ordinance these harpers were a very great multitude who are called waters therefore now 't is improbable they should be all reall Virgins but Virgins are those not polluted whether in wedlock or single life who especially have not been defiled with spiritual fornication with the whorish woman chap. 17.2 These are opposed to the inhabitants of the earth who are defiled but the harpers are holy and follow the Lamb Christ Whether so ever he goes c The servants of Antichrist wondred and followed the beast chap. 13. these the Lamb and serve him night and day Hence observe after the resurrection there will be motion in heaven and now is in its kinde Secondly all the Saints are to be where Christ is according to his prayer therefore all the Saints follow the Lamb a like and pertake of equall glory of which largly already These be the first fruits to God that is holy for so were the first fruits in the Law and bought and redeemed from among men so are all the Saints as well as these therefore this is but a priviledge common to all the Saints of heaven Vers 5. And in their mouth was found no guile for they are without spot before the throne of God To wit now in heaven for now they are without fault having washed their robes by faith in the blood of the Lamb before the throne to wit Gods Majesty in heaven the being before the throne is the cause of their blisse Vers 6. And I saw another Angel flee in the midst of heaven An Angel for many Angels who represent Preachers of the Gospel And now another state of the Church is to be looked for This Angel is conceived to be Wickliffe Professour at Oxford who Anno 1371. preached the everlasting Gospel against Antichrist He writ many volums which came to other nations and people to read to him many witnesses were raised suddainly Midst of heaven shews the imperfection of the doctrine at first not quite heavenly nor quite earthly men see not so clearly at first when Reformation begins Having an everlasting Gospel Because it cannot perish but in Wickliffes successours continued So the word sowed cannot returne in vaine in a state it continues here and in heaven for ever 'T is a folly for Antichrist to strive to suppresse it To preach to the inhabitants of the earth c. Sworne vassals to Antichrist Therefore at first the successe could not be imagined to be great for the task was very hard The substance of his preaching was that God might have the glory not the beast nor his image Because the houre of his judgement is come to wit of his giving understanding grace and judgment of the truth or rather because the day of the great judgment is at hand of which anon Vers 8. And another Angel followed saying with a loud voice c. The rest of Vers 7. being plain I omit This is conceived to be Luther to whom many witnesses were joyned Babylon the great City is fallen it is fallen c. That is shall suddenly fall and assuredly fall Now the Caldean Babylon is not here meant but that which then ruled over nations 2. That which was to be the seat of Antichrist 3. That defiled all nations with fornications but this was Rome plainly Neither did heathenish Rome ever make merchandise of souls but Popish Rome chap. 18.13 A most plain argument that not heathenish but Popish Rome is here meant also this Rome I mean the whole Antichristian Church has more kept the people of God in bondage then heathenish Rome But I speak to Beleevers therefore will use no more arguments here is fallen twice said to note the certainty of it That great City To wit Rome or the Church of Rome which in this Angels time began to fall in many places as Germany Saxony Because she made all nations drink You see Rome is the mother of spiritual whoredomes Of the wine of her fornication So called first because Idolatry is more pleasing to mans corrupt nature then the true worship of God 2 Because one may soon be drunken and overcome by it 't is a bewitching sin Of the wrath of her fornication So called because it brings Gods judgments and wrath Vers 9. And the third Angel followed them saying with a loud voyce c. To wit the successours of Luther as Bullinger Calvin Zanchius who with a loud voyce that is couragiously forbad the worshipping of the beast upon pain of Gods wrath As Vers 10. The same shall drink also They that love the wine of Idolatry must pledge in the wine of Gods wrath without mixture without allaying with water that is without mercy Of his indignation and anger To wit in the seven Vials of which in order And hee shall bee tormented This should dehort from Idolatry The Verse being plain for brevity-sake I passe Vers 11. And the smoake of their torment To wit the smoak of the fire of their torment ascended it seemes hell is below For ever and ever See Drexelius of eternity Concerning the beast Image mark and name is already spoken Now to vers 13. is easy and comfortable Vers 13. Blessed from henceforth are the dead which dye in the Lord. Not only from the houre of death but from the preaching of the three Angels for now Reformation teaches purgatory is a lye Now men beleeve the truth henceforth men die in the truth in the Lord for the Lord That is for his cause there is no salvation then to them that are not in Christ Hence learn is there such torments for Antichrist Here then is good ground for the Saints patience a while under tryal Are they blessed that depart in Christ then death 's not the end of all The death of the body under tyrants hurts not the soul of the Saints Lastly it is infinitely more comfortable dying since the Reformation by the three Angels then in the days and Church of Popery blessed be God but enough till vers 14. Vers 14. And I looked and behold a white cloud Behold the great day and Christ on the cloud Now the Saints shall henceforth be perfectly happie and the good works of all their former life which are said to follow them not goe before them as the cause of glory shall through mercy and grace crown them for ever Yet perchance that verse may be taken thus write to wit for the Saints comfort and as a
thing remarkable from henceforth blessed are the dead to wit since Reformation by the three Angels for now purgatory-lyes are confounded and men are taught to be presently happy after death and are taught justifying faith which brings comfort at death now men are taught works follow the workers to heaven not to justifie or save absolutely yet they follow for Christ out of mercy and promises annext to good works will reward them with glory This white cloud signifies Christs divine Majesty for God because of his heavenly power is often in the Psalmes said to ride on the clouds But here Christ comes according to his promise Math 26.64 upon the clouds to judge the world the clouds being his throne Thus comes in Act fourth containing comforts for the godly shewing the joyfull change of the Churches afflictions at the day of judgment Having a crown of gold upon his head c. This notes Christs Kingly Majesty As the sharp reapers sickle in his hand notes his judging and destroying the ungodly as it were mowing them down at the last day for the sickle is to reap the ungodly Vers 15. And another Angel came out of the temple Noting the desire of Angels and Saints at the last day to see the destruction of the wicked Which Angel John in the Vision saw coming out of the temple viz. heaven Thrust in thy sickle and reap Judging is the office of Christ yet the Saints and Angels shall come with Christ to waite on him and approve his righteous sentence Thrust Desiring Christ not commanding to do his office Because the time is come c. To wit the time prefixed in the counsell of God to judge the world which the Angels and Saints noted by the Angel coming out of heaven knew because they saw Christ on the clouds as on a throne and the signes of the last day fulfilling and fulfilled To reap To gather the good into heaven the barne the tares in bundles for the fire The harvest is ripe The measure of the Churches miseries and the sins of the wicked was full And he that late on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth c Thus Christ fulfills the desire of the Saints and reaps the earth saying come ye blessed go ye cursed thus the harvest is the end of the world Matth. 13. The reapers are the Angels yet Christ is said to do what they do because they act by Christs authority Vers 17. And another Angel came out of the temple which is in heaven c. Heaven Noting how Angels shall be reapers and gatherers of the vintage the wicked Yet perchance Christ is here meant to whom power of the sickle or judging is only committed Note all over this book severall persons come in acting as in some Comedy Vers 18. And another Angel came out from the Altar which had power over fire c. In the Vision that is out of heaven from God Yet Christ is the Altar from whom and by whose power the Angels act at the last day This Angel so all the Saints as is noted Chap. 6.10 cry how long hastens the judge who is not slack to reap the earth and gather the sowre wild grapes thereof meaning the wicked for the good grapes in Scripture and the vine are taken in a good sence but the grapes of the earth as the graps of Gomorrah in a bad sense But why doth the Angel who has power over fire demand this Answ Because God by the Angels will cast the wicked or grapes into hell fire now the Angels have power over fire thus to wit by Christs command to burne the grapes tares wicked Also perchance over particular elements Vers 19. And the Angel thrust in his sickle and cast the Vine of the earth into the great Wine-presse To wit into hell For as clusters are trodden in the wine-presse so the reprobates in the lake of hell Vers 20. And the Wine-presse was broken which was without the City To wit Heaven of which City in ' its place chap. 22.15 And blood came out of the Wine-presse Alluding to the blood of the grape called so in Scripture Noting the bloody that is horrible punishments to befal the wicked in hel that spiritual winepresse Vnto the horses bridles c Innumerable multitudes of clusters are to be pressed of all the wicked from the Creation which however shall be quickly done that in the Vision the blood flowed a thousand six hundred furlongs each furlong being a hundred twenty five paces able to make a sea of blood Now Christ uses no horses but the blood in the Vision so streamed out as it would have run a great many miles for length understood by furlongs and reached the bridles of horses for depth had there been any Perchance alluding to Conquerours who after a battel ride up in the blood of the slain to view the enemy Thus the Antichristian Tyrants rode to see the Martyrs die Thus Christ triumphs over them CHAP. XV Vision 5. being but a Preparation to the Vision Vers 1. I saw another signe JOhn was informed by many signes or visions one expounding another The acts of which bring at last ever either joy to the Saints after sorrow by shewing heaven Angels Martyrs and their blisse and protection or destruction of the adversary To this purpose the Reader may see this book speak In heaven So John saw them in heaven which were to be performed on earth on the Antichristian Church Great shadowing out great things Admirable shadowing forth the admirable judgements of God Seven Angels meaning a perfect company these note ministers in the Church by whom God in some sense poures forth his wrath as in some sense he did by the witnesses chap. 11. Having the seven plagues Of which see ver 7. Last plagues because to be poured out in the last age when Popery declined much Filled up The Plagues are to continue in the several Angels till the judgement day when the Arch-angel shall sound and the wicked have the full wrath of God on them for ever Vers 2. And I saw as it were a sea of glasse mingled with fire c. A sea of glasse as ch 4.6 the word is noted brittle as glasse troublesome as the sea full of fiery persecutions afflictions contentions in which the Saints are involved Of glasse again because all the actions of men there are apparent before God the throne But behold many Harpers praising God for his judgements or seven vials to be poured out justly on the wicked behold a company standing as Conquerors by faith on the sea or world They overcame the Beast his images mark of subjection or obedience and the number of his name of all which already chap. 13. Here note the beast is in the singular number therefore but one though of two formes chap. 13. Observe many Saints had obtained victory over Antichrist already the seven vials not being poured out which would not be suddainly finished when pouring out therefore
the Papists lye saying Antichrist should rage but about foure years These harpers are not only to be taken for those chap 14.3 who congratulate the 144000. standing with Christ on the mount but are to be taken for the Church militant as Brightman observes rejoycing and singing of Songs of praise as Moses did for victory over Pharaoh so these over the national name of the beast for the word in Greek is overcoming as it were now in earth though it be represented to Iohn in heaven having the harps of God in the Vision meaning excellent harps Vers 3. And they sang so it seemed to John yet there are not tongues lips nor voices as yet enough in heaven to make musick but this is spoken to our capacity yet the Saints most sweetly and joyfully but as spirits praise God in heaven The Song of Moses Exod. 15. or like it And the Song of the Lambe as oft before T is a Song composed of many places of Scripture together by which you see the way to praise God is out of his lasting Word Thus his Word endures for ever in heaven and praises out of his Word Thou King of Saints God in a peculiar manner is their king and they his subjects Vers 4. Who shall not feare thee not Antichrist Being only holy The Popes unholinesse is here reproved All nations shall Some of all nations upon Antichrists declining For thy judgements are manifest In weakning his kingdom by the preaching of the Word making him odious This the Harpers worthily pronounce Vers 5. And after that I looked to wit after the Song as an interlude And the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in heaven was opened Alluding to the litteral Temple the meaning is John saw heaven open out of which came these Angels There is no mystery in it but Antichrists judgements proceed from Christ the High-priest of the Tabernacle Vers 6. And the seven Angels came having seven plagues clothed in pure white linnen White linnen notes their heavenly Purity With a golden girdle So Christ had chap. 1.13 noting his Majesty and Diligence which his servants the Angels have ready to execute his pleasure Or this imports the decency of Angels who assuming bodies or appearing in bodily formes for our sakes come not naked but clothed as the Priests by Gods command in the law Vers 7. And one of the foure beasts Of these is spoken chap. 4. it matters not which of them gave the seven Vials perchance he that was nearest not Peter as the Papists think Thus much is apparent the Church desires Gods judgements to be hastened upon Antichrist as chap. 6.10 upon tyrants O Lord how long the beasts resemble the Gospel Church now they especially desire it being greatest sufferers Vials noting the vessel holding as much as a man can drink at a draught but doubtlesse these were great ones noting Gods great judgements ' Golden Noting the justnesse of the judgements though then John saw Vials in the Vision they noted the cup of wrath and fury spoken of in some sense chap. 14 10. Vers 8. And the Temple was filled with smoak c. Not a cloud as 1 Kings 8.10 11. but smoak noting how the Church of Rome was to be filled with darknesse and confusion and consequently wrath of God Which though formerly it were in the Romish Church not of new yet now it began more plainly to appear after the light of the truth that no man could enter into heaven above noted by the Temple because of darknesse of ignorance and sin nor could enter into the Church to receive light because nothing but blindnesse and darknesse till the seven plagues were past that is never for the seventh Angel is the Archangel at the last day thus none of the beasts worshippers have light nor can enter into the Temple of heaven in the state they are in for ever But Christ we hope will call many of them home as that great City or Church of Rome decays Thus farre the introduction to the fifth Vision The smoak comes from Gods glory and power and the blindnesse from God as a righteous judgement CHAP. XVI Vision 5. Vers 1. And I heard a voice out of the Temple saying to the seven Angels go c. FOrmerly two witnesses chap. 11. that is a few were raised up against Antichrist Now seven that is very many who by their preaching shall as the witnesses cause Vials of wrath to be poured upon Antichrist We have heard of the Beast against the witnesses Chap. 11. the Dragon against the woman Chap. 12. the Beast against the Saints by warre Chap. 13. and suffering none to buy and sell but his spirituall Merchants not followes a strang change Judgments for the Antichristian company Beast and Merchants goe There is Commission Pour out not drop aggravating the punishment Pour out his viall upon the earth Leave none at all in the vessell upon the earth in vers 2. these Angels note ministers Vers 2. And the first went and poured out his Viall upon the earth Note the readinesse of the Angels in obeying the Lord whose voice out of the Temple or heaven commanded them even now ver 1. On the earth that is the inhabitants of the earth or worshippers of the beast And there fell a grievous noysom sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast c. To wit on Antichrists markked ones T is an allusion to the first Egyptian plague of boils and blaines Exod. 9.9 for here is oft such punishments as haile locusts blood Now though God may punish the Roman Church with outward diseases as the French pox which follows the wanton Clergy yet since outward diseases are common to all chiefly with Brightman I understand these plagues to be in men as hatred envy malice against the true light upon the preaching of the Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth by the first Angel note the Gospel is the savour of life to the Saints though it be as a Vial and torment to the marked ones because it hinders their riches honour pride tyranny Now what greater sore then a tormented vexed mind Vers 3. And the second Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sea and it became as the blood of a dead man So in the Vision the sea is the Romane Church or gathering together of Churches Perchance the Councel of Trent whether all People gathered for help when the first Vial was poured out it lasted many years many rivers as Cardinals Bishops Archbishops c. run hither and made up the sea to consult against Christs true witnesses however the sea of Rome or Church is the sea the Bishops and Doctors are the rivers and fountains which make up the sea or the fountains are Scripture all corrupt at least to them this is a plain allusion to that Egyptian plague when the waters were blood so here the Church Bishops Doctors are polluted so the Scripture the fountain in some sense of water is
ago said the preaching of the Gospel should cause to take away earthly dominion and temporal possessions from the Clergy to wit of Rome God be thanked no Kingdome in Christendome except Spaine and Italy but have more or lesse diverted the Euphrates of Rome and made way for the Kings of the East Ministers and good Christians to take her Vers 13. I saw come out of the mouth of the Dragon Since the riches and Euphrates of Rome is drying up she sends Ambassadours to the Kings of the earth to help her These come out of the mouth of the Dragon Beast and false-Prophet In the Vision which is but one as is noted chap. 13. the Dragon furnisheth them with lies the monster or sea-beast representing Antichrist as a secular Monarch with tyranny the false Prophet or land-beast who was like a Lambe in part with all deceit of unrighteousnesse Three impure spirits Meaning the spiritual fathers of Rome's Church Three denotes Perfection or a sufficient company as two witnesses do chap 11. Impure spirits So are these locusts in their original and life Like Frogs came out of the mouth of that Dragon c. In impudent loquacity and filthinesse what more irksom then croaking of Frogs So the clamours of these messengers to the Kings of the earth prating any thing to gain their aid for Antichrist what more impure then frogs both in their original and living the same is true of the Romish Parats and Fryars who may well be said to come out of Antichrists mouth being orders of his confirming having no ground in the Word Now these are Antichrists usual Legates or Emissaries Vers 14. For they are the spirits of divels From the Dragon who gave Antichrists place chap. 13. Their craft and subtilty is from hell though then they make a faire show of religion yet they are of the disposition of the devil their father Working miracles No Church so brags of miracles as that of Rome but t is known Antichrists coming is with signes and wonders and with all deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse Who go forth as Ambassadours To the Kings of the earth To wit heathen and idolatrous It seems towards the end Antichrist to keep up his false tottering power will make league with Indians or any infidels Thus the prating frogs Jesuites lie most uncleanly in ditches and mire of riches vanity and temporal honour and are sent as the Popes Nuncio's or Emissaries to gaine the helpe of the Kings of the earth against the day of the Lord. Vers 15. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments c. To wit in this dangerous deceitful time and keeps his garments See chap. 3. ver 18. that they be not defiled with the world and flesh for Christ comes unawares as a thief in the night This then is a cautionary parenthesis because the day of the Lord is at hand against which we should watch and be prepared Ver. 16. And gathered them together To wit the unclean spirits shall gather them that is the Kings of the earth by their false miracles lies and prating To battel to fight against Antichrists opposers truly a great miracle that men should fight for the beast of Rome when his other vassals shall hate him as chap. 17. ver 16.17 no wonder if they come to Armageddon or a place of destruction and ruine Since they fight against Jehovah for the beast Called in the Hebrew tongue Harmageddon This Word and such like prove this book was delivered to John in Syriack or Hebrew Megiddo was the place where that most hopeful Prince Iosiah was slain 2 Chron. 35.22 by Necho King of Egypt whereupon for t was an infinite losse the sad Prophet Ieremy composed the book of Lamentations ver 25. Harmageddon in Hebrew signifies a mountain So Har-megiddo is but the hill of Megiddo True Megiddo was the city but the hill field where the battel was fought was after cal'd by that name So the kings of the earth shall be brought to another place of confusion or another Megiddon The alteration of letters are nothing if the tongues be considered in which they are writ Two things are here to be noted 1. The opportunity or fitnesse of the place Such was the field of Megiddo 2. The great lamentation which here the adversaries shal make because of the slaughter therefore one day when Antichrist is almost ruined by the Word and several Kings revolting from him and opposing him he shall be in league with Turk and nations whom he shall entice to help him and to prop up his ruined state but these shall be opposed by other Kings of the East or Christians to their great ruine for the great day shall there overtake the wicked Vers 17. And the seventh Vial was poured out into the aire The six Trumpets signified Preachers I mean the six Angels of the Trumpets as the temporal events proved but the seventh could not be chap. 10. ver 7. then the mystery of God was to be finished So now the six Angels of the Vials may but the seventh proclaims the day of the Lord the end of all things And there came a great voice out of the Temple saying it is done Upon the sounding of the Trumpet the aire is corrupted infected with Pestilence and smitten with Gods wrath so that needs the destruction of all creatures and the end of all things must follow To which purpose a voice from heaven and the throne confirms the truth of it saying It is done This is the great voice of the Trumpet 1 Thes 4.16 the Lord shall descend with a shout Thus the world 's ended and the grapes of the earth to be pressed in the lake of hell and the kings of the earth destroyed at Megiddo Vers 18. And there were voyces lightnings thunders and there was a great earthquake c. These things shew the horrible effects of the last Vial when Christ shall come to take vengeance at the last day then may be voyces of the damned lightnings burning the earth to peeces and the works thereof thunders from heaven for all elements shall conspire against the wicked and such an earthquake as never was for the earth shall be rent to peeces and dissolved Vers 19. And the great City was divided into three parts To wit the Church of Rome wherein or in whose streets the witnesses lay chap. 11. ver 8. In three parts Three notes perfection so it was quite demolished and rent by the earthquake yet I beleeve the literal City shall be destroyed before this day chap. 17.16 But her Dominions and jurisdiction may in some measure last to this earthquake or the end And the Cities and Nations fell To wit of Turk Saracen American and all earthly Kingdoms now at the great Day Yet perchance these may come helping the Whore by the mediation of the three unclean spirits to some nay many private overthrows or Armegeddons before the last day for many Kings shall hate her and burn her before as
chap. 17.16 Why may not Kings of the earth to their destruction strive to help her before by a secret judgment And great Babylon came into remembrance before God c. God thought on her before but now at the appointed day payeth the old debt fully Great Babylon and the Cities of the Nations are distinct you see So Constantinople is not meant by Babylon but the Cities of the Nations comprehend that and all other heathen Kingdomes That City which trampled under foot the holy City and Witnesses is remembred Vers 20. And every Island fled away and the mountains were not found These things shall literally come to passe at the last day when the great earthquake shall happen so that the wicked shall have no hiding place Vers 21. And there fell great haile as of a talent weight out of heaven upon the men God plagued Egypt and destroyed the Canaanites with great haile and hailstones Josh 10.11 and by it is noted Gods terrible judgments against the wicked and vassalls of Antichrist noted by men A Talent Being a hundred pound weight notes the greatnesse of the judgment Now I know not but these things may in some sort come literally to passe at the last day when Earth Sea or Islands Aire or Haile nay and fire all the Elements shall conspire against the cursed and wicked Yet they blasphemed God because of the plague of the haile c. I confesse I was long of the opinion that the judgment-day was not here treated of 1. Because men shall subscribe to that judgment as being convinced 2. Because they seemed to live impenitently on earth and blasphemously notwithstanding the judgments which should beget fear and repentance But upon second and better thoughts I finde that the cursed raging of hell-hounds against God is here expressed after the great day who though they shall at the sight of the judge cry mountaines fall one us yet despairing and convicted in conscience of the justice of the sentence shall never cease with their mouth 's however to pour out blasphemies against God as if he were unjust and unmerciful because of the haile or eternall torments of hell Thus ends this Vision with the world CHAP. XVII Vision 6. Act. 1. Vers 1. And there came one of the seven Angels which had the seven Vials and talked with me c. EIther that Angel which poured out his Vial upon the seat of the beast or the last who by his Vial raised the earthquake to the destruction of all and talked with me saying come hither behold the readinesse of these ministring spirits to do any good to the Saints and with what joy they are imployed about things for our consolation what familiarity between them and the Saints noted in that expression he talked with me saying come hither And I will shew thee the damnation c. not any longer nakedly describe the beast but set forth plainly the beast and whore before thy eyes yet in a vision The judgment Not only the temporall upon the city but eternall of which anon Of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters Not Jezabel chap. 2. but doubtlesse Rome an insatiable strumpet Now by whoredom not common fornication is noted for she is a City but spirituall fornication viz. apostacy from God perfideousnesse Idolatry The true Church is Christs Bride and Spouse he is married to her in faithfulnesse righteousnesse judgment Hos 2.19 and her Apostacy is spirituall fornication and whoredom oft in Scripture See Ezekiel 16.9 25 26. Vers 2. With whom the Kings of the earth to wit committed fornication She enticeth them pretending her being the only Catholique Church and Spouse of Christ to receive her superstition and Idol-worship bewitching them as Dalilah did Sampson so that they have made themselves and kingdoms tributaries and slaves to this whore of Rome Not only Kings but inhabitants of the earth Sworne vassals of Antichrist and enemies of the Gospel commit this fornication with a whore None of the Saints whose names are written in heaven are finally thus overtaken 'T is compared to wine 1 Because of its specious pretences of holinesse 2. Because it bewitches and besots mans corrupt nature and even makes him drunk of the waters in vers 15. Wine is sweet but proves deceitfull So Idolatry is to mans corrupt nature but brings wrath and judgment at last Now the Act begins Vers 3. And he led me away in the Spirit John then was not in one continued extasy but severall times in the Spirit neither saw he all in one place but formerly in heaven now in the wildernesse the fittest place to see a Church that was a wildernesse Formerly Iohn saw a chast matron in heaven clothed with the Sun now a whorish woman riding upon a beast in the wildernesse Behold he talked that of succession of most venerable Popes called a whorish woman in the wildernesse And I saw a woman sitting upon a Scarlet coloured beast c. It is much women usually are afraid of cruel beasts but this woman rides on one The woman signifies the Church as is noted chap. 12. v 1. the whorish woman notes the adulterous Church her scarlet notes her Kingly Majestick power giving laws to all for Kings and Emperours weare scarlet The Beast is the Empire of Rome with whose spoils she is adorned Thus as a whore she is an adulterous Church having usurped power as a Beast or Monarch she hath a temporal sword and command as is noted chap. 13. yet but one Antichrist Full of blasphemies Or blasphemous doctrines See chap. 13.6 against God his Tabernacle and them that dwell therein Having seven heads and ten horns So t is the same breast or Antichrist chap. 13. who had seven heads and ten hornes ver 1. deceiving the men of the earth as this doth ver 2. by which I oft noted Antichristian vassals are meant of the heads and hornes anon Vers 4. And she was arrayed in purple The Beast was in scarlet so they be alike yet attired both in scarlet and purple It followes And decked with gold precious stones and pearles Noting the riches and pride of the Roman Church which are to be seen in her Churches Altars Idols Robes Palaces or noting how her attire is like a Queen as she boasts her self to be chap. 18. v. 7. I sit a Queen Thus as some reall whore she adornes her self to entice her lovers to fornication This also her scarlet and wine one being delightsome the other pleasing and sweet note for under most specious pretences of being the Catholique most holy Church Christs Spouse and Peters seat she bewitcheth the Kings of the earth and Inhabitants thereof And had a golden cup in her hand Read the description of the whore in Prov. 7. By this cup all Romes glorious pretences are meant to entice people as that her Orders Sacraments Ministers succession are only right That she is the Queen of Churches the Pope the father of fathers and only cheif shepherd
had more when Antichrist was at the highest Vers 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the Beast c. Meaning ten Kings of the West of which already shall hate the whore when God shall put it into their hearts The occasion of these horns of the Beasts hating the Beast and Whore was the Lambs victory convincing them of the truth God be thanked all kingdomes Spain and Italy excepted more or lesse hate the whore and oppose Idolatry Shall make her desolate By leaving the great City and with their Kingdomes and Dominions turn to Christ And make her naked Detect her abominations by confession writing and keeping back her gold riches pearle c. that should adorn her And shall eat her flesh Her flesh here is her annuities riches rents possessions wherewith she was fatted which they shall imploy upon their own territories Churches and several better uses And shall burn her with fire Rome to wit the nest of Antichrist and whorish Seat So that the Pope shall flie to some of the Kings of the earth for shelter as the Spaniard perchance who may be called one of the Kings of the earth contradistinct to the Kings of the East and may joyn with the other named Kings of the earth to his destruction now Antichrist is not thus to be quite ruined though his Palace be but in the succession of Popes shall live some where or other till Christs coming to judgement 2 Thes 2.8 whose brightnesse shall destroy him and the remaining Kings of the earth Vers 17. For God hath put it into the Kings hearts They were ready enough else to have continued in idolatry with Antichrist so that God must have the glory Here England Germany in part Scotland Swethland and other places recovered from Antichrist and hating him may be thought on once of the ten Kings Obj. What is putting into their heart and how it is done Answ God moves the heart of them by his divine cooperating spirit effectually so that it cannot but act yet leaves it free because the divine determination hinders not the judgement of reason about choosing or refusing note God put it into their hearts first to do his will or pleasure in executing his mind for the Beast as chap. 13. to agree and give their Kingdome to the Beast of which largely vers 13. of this chapter fighting with their might for his spiritual Empire Vntill the Words of God were fulfilled That is his decree touching the rising of Antichrist in this book and in the Apostles often Now he hath altered their minds convinced their consciences and they do his Will in executing his judgements upon the Whore after she was at the height and the Word of God was fulfilled that Antichrist should sit in the Temple of God or in the Church for God and oracle and after the Worshippers had admired after the Beast The Lord put it into more of their hearts to their salvation Amen Ver. 8. And the woman which thou sawst is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the earth To wit Rome for no other city in Johns time mark it had dominion over the Kings of the earth to whom they were tributary but Rome And thus the Church of Rome at her height held all and ruled all either by the sword or under pretence of Religion note God by his revealed Will grace coworking put it into these kings hearts to fulfil his will formerly God put it into their hearts to do his will in serving the Whore The action and motion materially is from God always the forme or obliquity of the action is from Satan and mans corrupt nature in which and by which God hath a secret working and end If a man ride well upon a lame horse the going or action is good as from the man the lamenesse is from the horse so the action in the Kings when they were for the Whore is from God the lameness and pravity of it serving the Whore is from their corruption by which however God wrought his pleasure The summe is the Angels or Preachers and Kings shall divert Euphrates of Rome the Preachers noted by Angels having made Rome weak in part and odious before then the three unclean spirits gather the Kings of the earth to helpe her but her former Vassals shall many of them hate her and burne Rome yet the Pope with the Kings that are left shall be gathered to battle against Christ and these converted ones but the bloody feild of Armageddon or the day of judgment shall overtake them CHAP. XVIII The sixth Vision continued Act 2. Vers 1. After these things I saw another Angel come down from heaven TO wit after the sight of the woman upon the Beast another Angel for this book is as a Trage-comedy where several persons come in as Actors here Angels signifie no Preachers as formerly the Angels bid but are real Angels one perchance Christ publishing future events to John they come from heaven and so do the judgments upon Babylon Having great power All the Angels are great in power how great in power is God then whose servants these are it notes the greatnesse of the matter in hand to wit great Romes overthrow who is not invincible And the earth was lightned with his glory This notes that he was a glorious messenger from heaven 2. That the judgement of Rome shall be publike and open Vers 2. He cryed with a loud voyce saying It notes 1. That the inhabitants of the earth and worshippers of the Beast shall not plead ignorance for so the Gospel hath long cryed down Rome and threatned her destruction 2. It notes the stupidity of Rome lying in pleasure though her judgments were at door Babylon is fallen is fallen c. As in Esay 21.9 concerning the literal Babylon it notes the certainty of its destruction therefore 't is doubled The Angel chap. 14.8 who proclaimed its ruine did it as a Preacher by the Gospel battering that spiritual City which about Luthers time began to decay and decrease in honour and greatnesse Here the destruction of the City of Rome is foretold by a heavenly Herauld because she rejected the former warning the Gospel-truth and killed the witnesses this Babylon is Rome having seven heads or governments sitting on seven mountains making drunk the Kings of the earth with her fornication being the seate of Antichrist and which in Johns time ruled over Nations And is become the habitation of Devils See Esay 13.16 to 22. or of Satyrs it was formerly Satans dwelling place being a Kingdome of Idolatry and Antichrists seat but now this notes its utter desolation as that place of Esay shews This Angels Proclamation belongs to the time a little before Romes destruction and is not yet come And the hold of every foule spirit Noting the apparitions of Devils to be there after its destruction not only Fairies and Satyrs And cage of every unclean and hateful bird As Kites Owles Vultures Ravens This
6. Act. 3. Vers 1. And after these things I heard a great voyce of much people in heaven THe occasion of this praising God is from vers 20. of chap. 18. Where the heavenly voyce bids the Saints rejoyce as here they do Now 't is usuall in this book as in a comedy or tragedy to bring in harpers or musick to delight the spectatours Hence it is remarkable after Romes destruction men shall rejoyce on earth for Gods just vengeance on her before the day of Judgment For though John heard the voyce as in heaven yet it noted also joy on earth among the Saints After these things After the scarlet coloured City was burnt for so both women chap 17.3 4. and City are arayed chap. 18.16 and the Merchants riches partly burnt partly made uncapable of sale After the common Merchants of Nations had bewailed the City for now they cannot trade with the spiritual Merchants of Rome with gold pearle for Masses pardons nor could the spirituall Merchants being impoverished reach the price of fine linnen pearle after these things as in the last five Visions a chore of singers appear praising God Because Antichrists blasphemy Idolatry is destroyed in part so the cause of the rejoycing is good To vers 10. and 11. things being indifferent plain and to be understood by the reading with adding some few notes I 'le passe them by From vers 1. Allelujah that is praise the Lord being an Hebrew word by which all the quire of Heaven both of Old and New-Testament praise the Lord. Note the sweet concord of both Churches under the Law and Gospel now in Heaven Also perchance hence may be noted that the Hebr. tongue used in Paradise and by our Saviour on earth mixt with the Syriack after the resurrection shall be the tongue to celebrate God in Heaven perchance here may be thought on the Jews Hallelujahs whose tongue this is after their fuller conversion according to Rom. 11. Vers 2. It becomes us all to take notice and praise God for the equity of his judgments upon his and our enemies as Antichrists Vers 3. Hell is below for the smoake ascended here is noted also the eternity of Romes judgment for ever and ever Vers 4. After the former rejoycings the 24. Elders or Jewish Church and the four Beasts alluding to the Apostles see chap. 4. succeed in the praysing God saying Amen So that none but he who sate upon the throne is worshipped not one worships another and he for ever by succession of companies which is to be noted Vers 5. Another voyce inviting to more prayses is heard out of the throne by which is noted its being from heaven and it was not the voyce of him that sate on the throne because the voyce invites to praise him also the two companies had ceased their song so this was Christs voice who as Mediatour cals God his God saying praise our God it seemes they had ascribed to God salvation that is the power of saving acknowledging salvation to be from him but greater motives for praise remaine then their deliverance from Antichrist and his judgment and their salvation to wit the Lambs marriage which all his servants of more or lesse faith children or men that feare him so the Catholique Church is here comprehended must praise him for I hence observe it is our duty to praise God and take notice of his love that his will ought to be done by us in earth as 't is in heaven Vers 6. Now follow the praises by all the people of God in heaven and earth as it were compared to waters because of multitude chap. 17.15 and noyse and to thunder filling heaven and earth i th ecchoes thus John heard it noting the exceeding joy and prayses of both Churches Militant and Triumphant see chap. 14.2 where the like noyse of praise is heard Now this Song belongs to the time a little before Christs coming to judgment as will appear Because the Lord hath reigned that is by subduing the enemies as Antichrist had declared powerfully himself to be God Vers 7. For the marriage of the Lamb is come c. The betrothing between Christ and his Church is in this world by faith and the word preached the word wooes the Church for Christ faith imperfectly embraces him the consummation of the marriage is at the last day when Christ and the Church shall for ever be together enjoying one another perfectly there she shall as a wife enjoy him here only as a Virgin betroathed She hath made her selfe ready to wit for glory but to her it was given to be clothed in white linnen ver 8 to wit by Christ by whom and with whom as with fine linnen she is clothed being her self naked Ezek. 16.8 It was given Noting her natural nakednesse of grace and righteousnesse but through Christs endeavours as a Bride to trim her self but is much nay most helped by Christ to be dressed as Brides are by others for here both dressings are meant of grace but especially of glory so she must needs be a most glorious spouse being dressed with Christ Vers 9. Write As a most remarkable comfortable note Blessed are they that are called internally and effectually to the marriage of the Lamb begun here and perfected hereafter Sure eye hath not seen nor eare heard nor hath it entred into mans heart to conceive the joy banquet attire and graces of this marriage and friends truly invited Now against the Papists if they be blessed that are invited assurance of heaven is to be had here for this is one of the true sayings of God to wit that t is given to the Bride to be clothed in fine linnen therefore there is no Predisposition in her and that they are blessed who are in this world invited having heaven in part upon earth Vers 10. And I fell at his feet to worship him c. The Angel's who talked with him Abraham civilly worshipped Angels as Travellers Gen. 18. and was blamelesse which may perswade that this worship offered by John was religious because forbidden Now John had seen Angels before now and heard them speak yet never offered to worship till now either being now over-joyed about the comforts of the Lamb and his spouse for which discourse for this Angel had familiarly talked with him a great while by way of thanks he would have worshipped him or perchance supposing he had been Christ To be brief Iohns weaknesse is here shewed and the Angels faithfulnesse since Iohn confesses in writing his errour as Moses shews his original Matthew his calling impartially it shews that these men were inspired by God who were the Writers of these books And since the Angel refuses the worship for two reasons 1. Because he was Iohns fellow servant 2. Because God was only to be worshipped therefore no worship neither douleia nor latreia for they are indifferently used for the same worship is due to Saints or Angels So that as the Angels refuse it so
the Saints would blush did they know the several honours and adorations offered to their pictures and idols For the Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy The Angel confirms that he was fellow-servant with them that had the spirit of Prophesie or the Testimony of Jesus because he also had that Testimony revealing to John by the spirit these future events in this book Act. 4. of this Vision Vers 11. And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse c. Behold the Judge and last day Now the reason why this is here inserted is because the destruction of the city of Rome had been spoken of but not of the whole Churches ruine and Antichrists utter desolation who yet might lurke at some other place with some of the Kings of the earth his Confederates therefore here the final destruction and Armageddon of all is brought in Thus ended ch 11. and vision 3. from vers 15. where the seventh Angel sounded Thus ended chap. 14. vision 4. touching the harvest and vintage Thus ended ch 16. from ver 16 17. of vision 5. where the Angel said it is done Thus the Prediction of Christ is come to passe in the Vision to John Matth. 25.31 Christ and his Angels coming to judge the world hence the heaven was opened and Christ in likenesse of a Captain and troop of Horse coming thence to judge the world Christ hath a white horse noting his excellent pure divine nature not as if horses or men or swords were really here used but under the Allegory of a General and an Army the brightnesse of Christs coming to judgement is signified which some Expositors on this book not well noting have erred Behold a white horse and he that sate on him was Came out of heaven opened One day doubtlesse we shall see the heavens opened and Christs coming Now Christ in the primitive times came riding upon a white horse chap. 6. meaning the pure Apostolique Church conquering Heathenisme but here it notes his divine majesty and glory to be avenged on all his adversaries Called faithful and true warring and judging in righteousnesse This is for the comfort of all Gods People since the Judge cannot will not do wrong nay the adversaties shall confesse the justnesse of the sentence pronounced against them and the Saints shall be sure of pay and reward who have fought against sin for him for the General is faithful and true and therefore his officers calling to offices is most right and true Vers 12. His eyes a flame of fire As chap. 1.14 Fire gives light and consumes and it noted the vigilancy of Christ for his Church there so Christ sees into all secrets and will burn up the ungodly as stubble being fervent and victorious as fire usually is And on his head many Crowns Noting his royal Majesty Dignity and Power above Antichrist who had ten Crowns ch 13.1 and two horns ver 11. but the Lamb more even seven chap. 5.6 and here many Crowns And he had a name written that no man knew but himself This name is after expressed the Word of God now as ch 2.17 the new name given to the overcommers is known to none but them that have it because none know the happinesse of adoption but the truly adopted so none know Christs name but he to whom the father sanctifiedly shall reveal it even to salvation Vers 13. He was clothed in a vesture dipt in blood Thus he came in the Prophet from the spiritual Bozra or Edom to wit hell conquering by death all his enemies Esay 63.3 whose blood as it were seemed to be upon his garments but more on vers 15. of this And his name called THE WORD OF GOD We know his name and they to whom it is revealed Now this Iohn in his Gospel cals him the Word chap. 1. A word best expresses a man so Christ is the image of the father and his spokesman to the Church or his Word Vers 14. And the armes c. To wit which came for honour sake out of heaven to attend him Clothed in white linnen c. Not armed for Christ was strong enough Here is noted the Purity and Splendor of the Army attired as if they were indeed going to a marriage in the same livery as Christ having white horses being innocent pure glorious Of this army see Mat. 24.30.25 31. concerning the holy Angels Vers 15. Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword As chap. 1.16 where it noted the power of his word as a two edged sword Heb. 4.12 wounding sin in his people and wounding the enemies of his people but here it notes how by the word of his mouth and divine power he will at last destroy his enemies saying Go ye cursed That with it he should smite the Nations He comes meanly armed for his power is inward needing no outward defence Now Christ formerly as Psal 2. ruled the Nations with an Iron rod of judgment pushing them as he thought good but now will confound Antichrist and his Gentiles or Nations for he imitates them in Idolatry as by a rod of Iron For he treadeth the witnesses of Gods wrath See the Exposition chap. 14. ver 20. No wonder that his garments seeme bloody See also Esay 63.5 for here Christ conquering his enemies as some General dipt in his blood is presented in a Simile here then is not intended Christs passion as in Esay 63. but concerning Antichrist and all his enemies at the last day Vers 16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written c. In the Vision John so saw Chrst noting Christs being Monarch of heaven and earth in that he is King of Kings this proves Christs Divine nature and encourageth his people to trust in him and not feare the adversaries since he is above all and will suddenly manifest his power in their destruction This name was written on his vesture because all one day shall openly acknowledge it and on his thigh because he was eternally begot by the Father for the thigh in Scripture notes generation Gen. 46.26 Vers 17. I saw an Angel standing in the Sun who cried with a loud voyce saying c. That is in some clear high place to be seen and heard of all who as an Herauld or Trumpeter went before the Army calling to the fowles to devoure the slaine as it were after a battel yet I take this to be the Archangel sounding at the last day 2 Thes 4.16 Come and gather your selves together to the Supper alluding to Ezek 39.17 where the fowles are invited to devoure conquered God and Magog perchance Turk and Pope but literally this shall not come to passe at the last day for fowles and elements wherein they are shall then be consumed but under this similitude the horror of the last day is set forth for Raven Vultures usually devoure corpses after a battel The Supper of the great God because provided by him who is King of Kings and Lord of
Lords Vers 18. That yee may eate the flesh of Kings c. Who by the unclean spirits chap. 16.14 were to be gathered to Armageddon Both the Kings of the earth suppose Persians Tartarians Indians and those of the ten Kings who forsooke not the Whore who shall be a feast for birds indeed for hell for the Lord shall overtake these his enemies combining against him and utterly destroy them for ever I meane the judgment day shall overtake them for they shall warre against him and last in some sort till then And the flesh of horses and of them that sit on them c. So it is after a battel but here at the last day though all shall be destroyed yet only the Beast and the Kings shall be cast into hell not the horses together with their Armies which being plain in vers 19. I passe Vers 20. And the Beast was taken alive c. The Beast and false Prophet here are one as the Beasts chap. 13. v. 1. 11. are one for the false Prophet is but Antichrist as a Deceiver together with the Cardinals and Clergy of Rome as chap. 13. v. 11. who hath two hornes as a Lamb and doth wonders in the sight of the Beast as this doth here and the Beast is Antichrist as a secular Prince as I have noted chap. 13. and are but one Beast called by John chap. 13. vers last They shall be cast alive into hell either because being taken alive at the last day they shall only be made incorruptible changed and cast into hell-fire and never dye a temporal death or because they shall alwayes live in hell in torment and never die a living death or dying life however by a double punishment he shall be plagued as a secular wicked Prince and as a false deceiving Prophet the Lord having long since begun to destroy Antichrist by the preaching of the word as by the spirit of his mouth 2 Thes 2.8 now finally casts him into the lake of fire and his friends thus the brightnesse of Christs coming shall destroy Antichrist 1. By preaching 2. By this spiritual not proper slaughter or destruction in hell Vers 21. And the remnant were slaine with the sword of him that sitteth upon the horse c. Alluding to Ezek. 39.15 Go ye cursed Now as literally Gog and Magog were slaine and birds eat their flesh so shall allegorically this be fulfilled in the destruction of Antichrist after such a manner as the last judgment requires for the Devil shall have enough and hell shall be even filled with reprobates by reason of this Armageddon CHAP. XX. Preface to Vision 7. or last Act. 1. Vers 1. And I saw an Angel come down from heaven having the Key of the bottomlesse pit and a great chaine in his hand THis Vision is in some sense the recapitulation of all the former and concludes the marriage of the Lamb and history of the Church from Christs incarnation to the last day or the consummation of all things the Angel is Christ who came down from heaven being incarnate for us being the womans seed and to bruise the Serpents head having the Key that is power of hell and death chap. 1.18 or the bottomlesse bit and that by right not as Antichrist who usurps it And I saw Noting the order of the Vision not the order of the events for after the day of judgment now mentioned chap 19. there shall follow no binding and loosing Satan so that here is not a continuation of history and times observed A great chaine in his hand Noting Christs omnipotency and power above and over Satan a chaine of providence shewing how Christ by his Birth Passion Burial Resurrection Ascention sending the spirit cheifly preaching by the Disciples bound up and hindred Satans tempting the world to Idolatry of which see my Glimps of Christs love page 48. and margin Vers 2. And he laid hold on the Dragon c. In the Vision this is the battle betwixt Michael and the Dragon chap. 12. v. 9. there he is bound from accusing the brethren and cast out of heaven and Church and packt into the earth wildernesse heathens and dry places here lest he seduce the Nations keeping them from beleeving being but almost the same with the former So Satan was not so bound the thousand yeers absolutely for he tyrannized by the Romane Emperours over the Saints in the red horse chap. 6. and overspread the face of the Church with Heresie in the black horse chap. same v. 5. but in respect of seducing the Nations Now since the thousand yeers began many Nations have beleeved which Satan could not hinder Thus Christ beheld Satan fall like lightning Luke 10.18 thus the Prince of this world was judged John 16.11 when Christ in earth And he bound him a thousand yeers Though from Christs Nativity Satans Kingdome began to be ruined yet his death and resurrection did him most hurt but the Jewes much hindred the calling of the Gentiles with any great efficacy till the ruine of the Temple from which time chiefly the thousand yeers of Satans binding are reckoned being Anno 73 according to my Pareus who conceives them to be ended anno 1073. when Gregory the seventh a Monke and a Magician poysoning Alexander the second invaded his chaire at Rome and so the divel began to be let loose by him who gave himselfe to all manner of loosenesse yet from the Angels descent or Christs incarnation Satan began to be bound for then temples idols oracles were forsaken fell down and were silent as histories testifie See Master Smiths arrow against Atheists Thus however Satans loosing hath been 577 years or thereabout Vers 3. And cast him into the bottomlesse pit and set a sea upon him that he should deceive the People no more Into hell and confirmed him there as with his seal now though truly Satan had been cast into hell from his fall according to Peter and Jude yet he had more liberty to range abroad then after Christs incarnation for a thousand years after which he was To be let loose a little season No doubt from the expiration of a thousand years after the Angels descent to the end of the world Satan shall be loosed called A little season either in respect of God with whom a thousand years are but as one day or in respect of years past since the Creation or of eternity or in respect of the Scripture wont who cals the Generation since Christ the last houre Now Satan is to be let loose to manifest his rage against the Church to increase his future torment 2. For the triall of the Saints 3. Justly I mean in respect of Gods punishment upon the nations to seduce them that will not beleeve the truth unto salvation Act. 2. Vers 4. And I saw thrones and they that sate upon them and judgement was given unto them c. The former act answered to ch 6. about Christs riding on the white horse and to ch 12.
Boniface the third but Satan being let loose Ann. 1073. Gregory 7. raged with both swords spiritual and civil deposing the Emperour Henry forbidding marriage of Priests advancing Idolatry Now comes in the grand Idol of Transubstantiation and Purgatory called by Pareus the god of forces out of Dan. 11.38 because by the meanes of it and Purgatory the Popes became rich and all their forces were employed to confirme this Idol it being also the strength and nerve of Popery In the first Millenary the flourishing Churches of the East indeed became adulterate but Mahometisme though it also began in the thousand yeers hath infinitely more spread after Satans loosing by which meanes the Nations have been much deceived Now the judgment upon Satan Gog and Antichrist follow in the last act And fire came down from heaven and devoured them The first Gog and his Army fell partly upon the mountains of Israel by the Macchabes here followes the last destruction of Gog and Magog some notable judgments shall overtake them before or to be sure however at the day of judgment these judgments are set out by fire a mercilesse Element so Psal 11.6 God shal rain upon his enemies fire brimstone alluding to Ezek. 38.22 where Gog's destruction is set forth perchance as relating to the last day of vengeance and that by fire Thus the old Goggish war and the new somwhat agree This fire from heaven is the sharp sword which proceeded out of Christs mouth Chap. 19.21 to devour or slay the Adversary Vers 10. And the divel that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire c Master and servants are tormented for ever but doubtlesse Satans punishment shall be greatest as the seducer of them to wit of the nations upon whom the whore sitteth chap. 17 15. who through Satan deceives them and Gog and Magog with all their forces Princes and retinue under the Turk and Kings of the earth which I the rather mention because here is mention made not only of Satan and them as of Gog and Magog whom he deceived but of the Beast and false Prophet suffering in the lake whom he also deceived the Nations then or inhabitants of the earth are deceived chiefly by Antichrist and Satan after the thousand yeers and Gog and Magog with their adherents distinctly from them thus we have an Eastern and Western Antichrist Vers 11. And I saw a white throne Here is the description of the day of judgment which I observed in this Congregation was after every Vision after some sort expressed except in the first which being a peculiar Vision omits it and after follows the joyful marriage of Christ and the Church with the description of the heavenly Palace or new Jerusalem which Master Brightman mistaking applys it to this life A great white throne and one that sate on it Great because set up for the general judgment of all white because of its celestial splendor and majesty it is the white cloud mentioned chap. 14.14 he that sate on it was Christ to whom God hath committed all judgment John 5.22 From whose face the earth and heaven fled away c. Being not able to endure his Majesty yet they shall not depart as a scrowle till the judgment be past And there place was found nowhere Most say the renovation of all things shall be and that only the fashion of the world that is the outward forme and corruptible qualities shall be destroyed and so the earth shall be found no more as it was but shall be made most beautifull and glorious being to be delivered into the glorious Liberty as far as 't is capable of the sons of God Rom 8. being to be freed from corruption and bondage But few shew good reasons for this renovation except that the Saints might contemplate on the creation renewed which they in heaven shall know to perfection though this be altogether consumed now since all the sons of men shall be in heaven or hell to what purpose shall the renovation be It is some may say for the Saints somtimes to visite delight in and live but their mansions are prepared in heaven These shall be changed if Philosophy could bear that interpretation into nothing having served the creatures for the creators pleasure as they were created out of nothing or shall be exchanged for the heaven of heavens Now perchance to be delivered out of corruption is liberty enough for this whole creature Man excepted But we expect new Heavens and new Earth that is the glorious heavenly condition of the Church above in perfect glory and the bodies of the Saints which are earth consummated Sea shall be no more c. 21.1 We scarce hear of ' its renovation or use why then should Heaven and Earth be renewed without their fellow Element But I referre the reader till anon to the most learned discourse of Dr. Hackwill upon this subject towards the end of his most delightsome book of Gods preserving the world and governing of it Vers 12. And I saw the dead small and great Meaning those who had died from Adam to the last day but now raised up by the power of Christ but those who are found alive at the last day shall be judged also being lesse in number then the said dead who now are quickened through Christ Small and great Great men and beggars men and children It seems John saw children in the stature of children though then made capable of understanding their sentence but most beleeve we shall be of a full stature to which the Apostle alludes till we come to a full man the stature and fulnesse of Christ Ephes 4.13 For as in Paradise the type of heaven Adam was created perfect in stature and of a ripe choyce age So 't is thought it shall be in heaven Such was Christ so the young man appeared in Christs grave as typing out the resurrection Mar. 16.5 but enough And I saw the dead Yea and living to be judged who shall be changed in a moment and I beleeve the false Prophet or Beast shall be so found and after changing be cast alive into the pit as chap. 19.20 Standing before That is brought to judgment The guilty standing ready to be condemned who are already condemned and the Saints standing in Christs presence to be absolved who were formerly in soul in blisse and absolved but here perfect misery and joy is expected And the Books were opened alluding to humane courts not as if God wanted books The Reprobates own conscience will be an open book against them God forgets not their impieties Perchance the Scripture may be produced against those who knew them and disobeyed them according to that saying The words which I spake shall judge at the last day John 12.48 then Hereticks will answer for abusing the book of God And another Book was opened The book of all those that were elected and redeemed to life through Christ Jesus And the dead were judged Sentence was pronounced According
the overcommers chap. 2.28 as is expounded he being the morning starre Vers 17. And the Spirit and the Bride say come That is the Spirit in every Saint sayes come Every Saint having the Spirit longs after Christ so David Psal 42.2 As the heart pants after the water brookes that hot and therefore dry or thirsty creature so doth my soule after thee O God And the Bride or Church longs after Christ to be fully gloryfied by him and to live ever with her husband the Church Militant Cant. 8. vers last cals for Christ saying be like the Roe that nimble creature and come in haste The coming of Christ is fearfull to the wicked but the regenerate long for him Let him that heareth say come As the Bride doth Truly the reading and hearing this book will make every spiritual man say come Lord Jesus such sweetnesse is here Let him that is a thirst come That is the qualification required in the commers come to me for redemption salvation glory if athirst for a thirsty man is fit to drink of the fountain of water of life Now he that is athirst is he that has the Spirit crying to Christ to come to perfect him and the Church in glory And whosoever will Being qualified and a thirst none else can come these the father draweth Let him take the water of life freely Being a thirst and drawen by the Father The invitation is generall Isa 55.1 Hoe all but note the qualification that thirst come ye to the waters but note God worketh in us to will and do Phil. 2.13 whosoever commeth then God draweth Vers 18. For I testifie This depends upon vers 7. blessed are they that keep the words of this Prophecy now he threatens those who any way corrupt or abuse it Sure Antichristian falsifyers of the truth are here meant For I also testify or testifie together sayes the Greek Because the Angel had spoken now Christ confirmes the Angels testimony witnessing also with the Angel Vnto every man that heareth Not the Pope excepted If any man shall adde By false interpretations as 2 Peter 3.16 adulterating the Text. Let the Papists take heed how they mingle traditions and lyes with the Text. Vnto him God shall adde the plagues To wit not only the seven last plagues but to be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone for ever with the dragon and false Prophet chap. 19 20. O Arrius and Engedinus where are ye O Popelings and Hereticks take heed Vers 19 If any man shall take away from the words of this Prophecy God shall take away his part out of the Book of life c. To the adders he will adde plagues to the takers away he sayes hee 'll take away his part out of the book of life That is what part he seemes to have or will utterly condemne him one day Indeed they may be said to take away from the Book that deprave it allow not of it sleight it or the like The overcommers were promised choyce rewards in the seven Churches these deprayers shall have no share with them nor with the glorious Bride in heaven Some have denyed Saint James his Epistle some this book through mistake not malice being otherwise true Christians and are not to be comprehended here Luther doubted of James many ancient Christians through weaknesse of the authority of this most Divine book on whom I dare not doubt but God had mercy But note not only the integrity but perfection of Scripture is hence proved since nothing is to be added away then with traditions the written word is perfect and only to be followed to salvation Deut. 4.2 Moses gives the same command let no man adde by which it is plain the holy Scriptures of the Old-Testament were full enough and perfect to salvation Now our Saviour not John takes this passage from Moses and other things in this book are taken from the Prophets everywhere To note the perfect agreement of the New-Testament and Old and also to shew how this Book sayes my Pareus is a summe of holy Scripture Well we must not depend upon Revelations but the written Word By this Christ proved himself and his death to his disciples Luke 24.27 see my Glimps of Christs Love pag. 57. Vers 20. He that testifieth these things saith surely I come quickly c. They be the words of Christ not of Iohn who testified and revealed this Prophecy to Iohn being the true and faithfull Witnesse chap. 3.14 who promises to come quickly to confute those who make a mock of his coming to judgment 2 Pet 3.2 3 4. and to stirre us to patience and watchfulnesse And truly if when Iohn writ this book Christ promised to haste then now he is even at the door many Jews are daily converted the Gospel much spread Antichrist manifested and spiritually killed by the Witnesses forsaken by the Kings of the earth or many of them nay and Christ has powerfully reigned by the Reformation of many Kingdomes in matters of Religion We expect to hear of Romes literall desolation but the utter ruine of Turke and Pope we expect not till the seventh Viall be poured out into the aire or the seventh Angel sound at the last day other things are most fulfilled and we hope God for the Elect sake will hasten his coming Surely I come 'T is an asseveration confirming his promised coming to comfort the godly and to stir them up to watchfulnesse and patience in well doing and ill suffering Vers 21. Even so come Lord Jesus Sayes Iohn after all the most joyfull glorious things in the Prophecy the Beast and Dragon in the Vision cast into the lake of hell longing for the consummation of glory Indeed Christ is the good Ahimaaz 2 Sam. 18.27 that brings true and good tydings here in this life but cheifly hereafter of perfect redemption which all the creation groanes for and perfect glory for the Elect. Or Iohn may be understood to desire Christ to hasten Antichrists destruction to hasten comforts to Syon and lastly to come to judgment to condemne the Dragon and Beast and deliver the Saints redeeming their bodies out of their graves consummating them in glory Thus the Spirit in all the Saints teaches to long after Christ and say come Lord Jesus come quickly even so Amen Hanc epitomen praecipuorum Commentariorum supra Revelationem JOHANNIS unà cum annotatiunculis quibusdam feliciter peregi 30 Martii 1650. Ann aetat meae 31. Trinitati gloria sempiterna Amen FINIS