Verse 12. And they heard a great Voice from Heaven saying unto them The Witnesses being raised and spirited for the WORK of the LORD are now called thereunto which call is by a great Voice from Heaven that is out of the Temple of God opened in Heaven chap. 11.19 to wit the Church of God on Earth whose Spiritual Glory is described chap. 12.1 by a Woman cloathed with the Sun c. This Voice is the Voice of the Remnanâ— of the Womans Seed who kept the Commandments of God viz. Christs Gospel Institutions Acts 1.2 and have the Testimony of Jesus viz. a Spirit of Prophesie amongst them chap. 19.10 even then and all that time of the three years and an half when the Witnesses are killed and their dead Bodies lie in the Street of the great City Which Remnant of the Womans Seed do call upon the raised Witnesses saying unto them Come up hither vers 12. that is to say Come and joyn with us and worship God with us Come and help us to carry on the Work of the LORD his Kingdom c. and to pull down the Kingdom c. of the Beast which call or invitation of the Remnant the Witnesses did straightway answer as followeth And they ascended up to Heaven in a Cloud wers 12. This signifies a glorious change in the state of the VVitnesses attending their Resurrection which they now attended by their Testimony called a Cloud in which respect those eminent Believers Heb. 11. Chapter are called a Cloud of VVitnesses Heb. 12.11 And the VVitnesses swift ascension or going up unto those that called them is fitly resembled unto a bright Cloud as the Conversion of the Gentiles and their coming into the Jews after their glorious Conversion Isa 60.1 2 3 4 5 8. VVho are these that flee as a Cloud c. And the same hour was there a great Earthquake Vers 13. By this Earth-quake we are to understand great Commotions overturnings and downfals in the Kingdoms of Antichrist as chap. 6.12 and Mat. 24.7 which great Change is said to happen the same hour with the Witnesses Ascention that is to say at the same time when the VVitnesses rise the Papists fall And the tenth part of the City fell Verse 13. By the City here is meant the whole Roman Antichristian Kingdom of the Beast as vers 8. and chap. 17.18 And by the tenth part of the City we are to understand one of the ten Kingdoms of Mystical Babylon for the whole City consisting of ten Kingdoms chap. 12.3 13.1 and 17.12 the tenth part of the City must be understood of some ONE of the ten Kingdoms to wit that Kingdom where the VVitnesseâ— lay slain called the STREET of the great City vers 8. And the Retaliation which follows seemeth to favour this Interpretation And in the Earth-quake were slain of men seven thousand vers 13. viz. seven thousand men of Name which fall of so many eminent Persons of the Antichristian Party will become a means of Conversion unto many others of that Party vers 13. And the Remnant were afrighted and gave glory to the God of Heaven Verse 14. The second VVOE is past and behold the third VVOE cometh quickly By the second WOE we are to understand all the Troubles Plagues and Judgements of the sixth Trumpet recorded from chap. 9.13 unto chap. 11.14 which are now past and ended And the third VVOE cometh quickly to wit upon the sounding of the seventh Trumpet which is the third WOE trumpet which is to be sounded by the seventh Angel chap. 8.13 which seventh Trumpet brings in the Dispensation of the seven Vials of the last Plagues of God upon Babylon which is fitly called the third or last WOE Touching which third WOE or Vials of the last Plagues of God upon Babylon I have something to offer in the second Part of this little Treatise which I judge meet for the Saints in this Generation to know And therefore I shall pray that God will open the Scriptures unto you that shall read it and open your understanding that you may know the Truth and what you ought to do in this day of your Generation Amen Apocalyptical MYSTERIES The Second Part Touching the Seven VIALS Revel 16. Chapter LONDON Printed in the Year 1667. Apocalyptical MYSTERIES The Second Part Touching the Seven VIALS Revel 16. Chapter THis Chapter containeth the Angels Commission to execute the wrath of God upon the Beast and their execution thereof gradually by pouring out one Vial after another until all the seven Vials of the seven last Plagues be poured out upon Babylon unto whom is given the Cup of the Wine of the fierceness of the wrath of God vers 19. of which Cup every one that worshippeth the Beast and his Image and receiveth his Mark in his Forehead or in his hand shall drink Chap. 14.8 9 10 11. The Angels Commission is in the first verse of this Chapter And I heard a greaâ— Voice out of the Temple saying Go your wayes and pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the Earth In this Commission observe Christ's Command for the execution of the wrath of God upon Babylon wherein you have first The Divine Authority of it A great Voice out of the Temple Secondly The Persons to whom the Command was given Saying to the seven Angels Go now Thirdly The work which they were commanded to do Pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the Earth This great Voice was the Voice of the LORD Isa 66.6 A Voice from the Temple the Voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his Enemies It is called a greaâ— Voice not onely to shew us that it is the Lord's Voice but his Voice out of Zion which is his Temple as was prophesied Joel 3.16 The LORD also shall roar oâ—â— of Zion and utter his Voice from Jerusalem and the Heavens and the Earth shall shake Yea to declare that the great day of the LORD is near it is near and hastned greatly Zeph. 1.14 15. which dispensation of the day of wrath the Prophet calleth The Voice of the Day of the LORD Zeph. 1.14 15. And such is that Voice which is uttered out of the Temple of Heaven from the Throne saying It is done vers 17. of this Chapter upon the pouring out of the seventh Vial. The Temple in this first verse is called The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven chap. 15.5 and the Temple of God opened in Heaven chap. 11.19 And in the 17. verse of this Chapter the Temple of Heaven Not that we are to understand it to be in Heaven in respect of place for John saw no such Temple in the holy and Heavenly City chap. 21.22 But by the Temple of Heaven or in Heaven is meant the Heavenly State of the Church of God on Earth restored to its Apostalical institutions and Primitive purity called the Temple of the Living God 2 Cor. 6.16 It is called the Temple of the Tabernacle
poured out Let Christians consider 1. That the Seven last Plagues will utterly Ruin and Destroy Antichrist Root and Branch and that suddenly Chap. 18.2 8 10 17 19. 2. That the Seven last Plagues contain that last Judgement of the great Whore called Mystery Babylon which doth precede the Marriage of the Lamb Chap. 17.1 and 19.1 2 3 7. 3. That the Seven last Plagues are the effects of the last War of the Beast and False Prophet and the Kings of the Earth against the Lamb our LORD Jesus Christ and his Armies in Heaven namely his Saints who are Called and Chosen and Faithfull Who having Overcome and gotten the Victory over these Enemies of God of Christ and of his People They pour out those Vials of the last Plagues of God Almighty upon them chap. 17.13 14. chap. 16.14 chap. 19.19 20. and chap. 18.6 7 8. All which Argues that the Seven Vials of Gods last Plagues are not yet poured out 4. Because the First Angel hath not yet poured forth his Vial And If the First Angel hath not poured forth his Vial then the Second Third nor any of the Seven Angels have not poured forth any of their Vials But that the First Angel hath not poured out his Vial besides what hath been said for the proof of my Opinion the Reasons and Scripture-Grounds given for the same in general I do humbly offer these following Arguments to prove Viz. Though I Reverence those Godly and Learned Men and Bless the Lord for their worthy Labours in the Expositions of the Book of the Revelation Yet I cannot for the Reasons before given consent with them who affirm that Waldo Wickliff Husse Luther c. are meant by the First Angel that poured out the first Vial nor can I be of their Opinion who say by this Angel is meant the Sweden Wars nor the Long Parliament nor any other Persons or Plagues which have befallen the Antichristian Roman Political and Ecclesiastical State unto this Time Because I see not the Effects of this First Vial accomplished upon the Earthly Carnal and Worldly Interest of the grand Apostates of these Last Times Which thing causeth me to continue in my Opinion both in general touching all the Seven 〈…〉 and in particular touching the First Vial 〈◊〉 I shall be convinced by Scripture-Light and sound Reason grounded thereon Viz. That the First Angel hath not poured out his Vial. 1. Argument for the proof thereof is from chap. 18.21 Thus with violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down and shall be found no more at all I have already declared that the Vials of the Last Plagues do contain that last Judgement of the great Whore called Mystery Babylon mentioned Chap. 18. And all Expositors of this Prophesie of the Revelation do affirm the same which being so This Comparison chap. 18.21 holds especially in these two things viz. First as a great Milstone cast into the Sea doth not sometimes sink and another while swim now falling down and then rising again Thus or so When any of the Seven Angels pour out any of their Vials upon any part of the Roman Antichristian State of the Beast's Political and Ecclesiastical Kingdom that Part upon which the Vial is poured forth shall fall perish and rise no more no nor be found no more at all chap. 18.11 14 21. Secondly As a great Milstone cast into the Sea falls and sinks down irrecoverably unto the Bottom Thus or so when the First Angel hath poured out his Vial upon the Earth the Second upon the Sea the Third upon the Rivers the Fourth upon the Sun and the Fift upon the Seat of the Beasts Kingdom Babylon like a Milstone sinks to the Bottom that is to say The utter destruction of the Great Whore Mystery Babylon is suddenly effected by the pouring out of the Vials of the Last Plagues of the fierceness of the Wrath of God upon her chap. 18.8 10 17 19. for in one Hour she is made desolate But we see not such Effects of any Plagues of God yet upon Babylon and therefore conclude that the Seven Last Plagues or Vials are not any of them poured forth no not the First of them 2. Argument that proves the First Vial is not yet poured out is Because That noisom and grievous Sore which is the Effect of the First Vial is not yet fallen upon the Men which had the Mark of the Beast and upon them that did worship his Image chap. 16.2 For 1. That noisom Sore will cause both all the Lovers and Friends of Babylon for ever to stand aloof yea after off from her and from them that the Sore is on to wit Popes Cardinals Bishops Priests Jesuits Fryars Monks c. And upon them that worshipped his Image namely all the Papists Crucifix-adorers Image-worshipers Cross-creepers Altar-bowers c. chap. 18.10 15 17. 2. That grievous Sore will cause such exquisite Torment and pain unto the Men that had the Mark of the Beast and upon them which worshipped his Image That the Smoke of their Torment ascendeth up for ever and ever chap. 14.9 10 11. and when the Kings of the Earth the Merchants of the Earth and the Ship-masters Saylers and all the Company of Ships and as many as Trade by Sea shall see the Smoke of her Burning and the Torment of her Worshippers they will stand afar off and Cry Alas alas for in One Hour she is made Desolate chap. 18.18 19. But there is no such notsom and grievous Sore fallen upon the Men that had the Mark of the Beast nor upon them that Worshipped his Image The Popes Cardinals Prelates Priests c. nor the Papists who worship Images Crucifixes Crosses Altars c. have not been so tormented by any plagues of God that the Smoke of their Torment hath Arcended for ever and ever Nor have the Kings of the Earth the Merchants of the Earth nor they that Trade by Sea so seen the smoke of heâ— Burning as to stand afar off for fear of heâ— Torment Concluding and Confessing that in one hour she is made Desolate Read ch 18.9 10 15 17 18 19. And therefore I again conclude being the more confirmed in my Opinion by these Arguments That the First Angel hath not yet poured out his Vial And if the First Vial be not yet poured out then none of the Seven Vials of the Last Plagues are as yet poured out And until these Seven Vials of the Last Plagues of God be all poured our The Kingdom of the Antichrist will not be totally and finally Destroyed nor will all the Kingdoms of this WORLD become the Kingdom of the LORD and of his Saints Thâ—â—â—gh there will be some considerable Beginnings of the Destruction of the Kingdom of Antichrist and of the Establishing of the Kingdom of our LORD Jesus Christ before the last Vial be poured out Touching which Two Kingdoms viz. of Antichrist and of Christ I have something to offer in the Third Part of this little
Prophesying 3. Who the Beast is and how he kills them 4. What is the street of the great City in which their dead bodies lie 5. VVhat Time is to be understood by the three dayes and an half 6. How they shall be raised again and what are the Effects thereof As touching the first viz. VVho are the two VVitnesses and what is their Testimony The two VVitnesses vers 3. are described Metaphorically by two Olive Trees and two Candlesticks vers 4. These are the two Olive Trees and the two Candlesticks standing before the God of the Earth By which Description it appears that the two Witnesses are not any two individual Persons as Moses and Elias nor is thereby meant any two particular Testimonies as the Old and New Testament or two distinct Callings as Magistracy and Ministry for none of these Interpretations will agree with this Description of the two Witnesses as will plainly appear in the Exposition of this fourth verse By the two Olive Trees are mystically signified the Lords Ministers and Prophets who are here called Sons of Oyl which is an Hebraism and a Metaphorical Expression borrowed from Zech. 4.11 14. These are the two Anointed Ones that stand by the LORD of the whole Earth Such were the Priests and Prophets of the LORD who were Anointed Exod. 28.41 1 Kings 19.16 Yea and all the Saints who are a Royal Priesthood 1 Pet. 2.9 have an Unction from the Holy One 1 John 2.20 27. but especially the Lord's Ministers and Prophets who being anointed with the Spirit above their fellow-Brethren the Saints do empty the golden Oyl out of themselves into the seven Lamps of the golden Candlesticks By the two Candlesticks are figured forth the visible true constituted Churches of Jesus Christ as plainly appears by his own interpretation Chap. 1.20 And the seven Candlesticks are the seven Churches As one Candlestick in the Prophets Vision usystically signified that National Church of God which was but One Zach. 4.2 So two Candlesticks in the Apostles Vision Metaphorically representeth those Congregational Churches of Jesus Christ which are many Nor is my distinguishing between the Lords Ministers and Prophets and his Churches unwarrantable for they are distinguished in other Scriptures Acts 15.4.22 23. The Apostles and Elders with the whole Church Acts 20.17 18. also Phil. 1.1 1 Pet. 5.1 2. and 1 Cor. 12.28 And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers The Testimony which these two Witnesses bear whilst they prophesie in Sackcloath is not that general Testimony which the Ministers and Churches of God in all Ages of the Gospel have born against Sin Satan and the World of ungodly men though that may turn unto them for a Testimony but it is a Generation Confession of those Truths which do properly belong unto that Age wherein they live and unto which they are called as was John the Baptist John 1.19 20 23. the Apostles Acts 1.8 4.18 19. 20. Paul Acts 18.5 and 23.11 Timothy 1 Tim. 6.12 And the Martyrs of Jesus Christ Rev. 6.9 in their DAY So that this Testimony is that confession of Truth which the Churches of God and the Ministers and Prophets of the Lord have made and the Witnesse which they have born in their own Generation for Christ his Magistracy Ministry Churches Ordinances Worship and Government or Discipline c. and against Antichrist or the Beast his Magistracy Ministry Churches Ordinances Worship and Government or Discipline c. Hereby the Saints in this present Generation may understand three things which are necessary for them to know and to do viz. 1. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to bear their Testimony not onely against the Power Throne and great Authority which the Dragon who is the Devil Chap. 20.2 gave unto the Beast Chap. 13.2 but also against all the Kings of the Earth who have received their power at the same time with the Beast and give their power and strength unto the Beast Chap. 17.12 13. to wit those ten Kings of the fourth Monarchy who received a Political and Ecclesiasticaâ— Power one hour or at the same time with the Beast and have given their moral power and natural strength unto the Beast and principally against the Politick and Ecclesiastick power of the eighth Beast who is also one of the seven Kings who goeth into perdition 2. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to bear their Testimony not only against the most gross Idolaters of the great VVHORE Mystery Babylon and her Sorcerers but also against the superstitious Abominations of all other Harlots to wit false Churches and false VVorshippers who are her Daughters Chap. 17.5 Yea though they be well-favoured Harlots Nahum 3.4 called the Cities of the Nations that is to say National Churches who shall fall in the utter destruction of great Babylon when she comes in remembrance before God Chap. 16.19 3. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to beat their Testimony unto the Kingdom of Jesus Christ here on Earth not onely as he is King of Saints Chap. 15.3 and King of Zion Psal 149.1 2. but also as he is King of Nations Jer. 10.7 For this confession of the Kingdom of our LORD Jesus Christ is properly the Truth of this present Age and Generation the glad tydings whereof is to be preached in all the WORLD for a Witness unto all Nations and then shall the END of the WORLD come Mat. 24.14 And I may say in the Apostles words 1 Cor. 10.11 This is written for our Admonition upon whom the Ends of the VVorld are come As touching the second viz. VVhat is the Power of these two VVitnesses and the time of their Prophesying The Power which the Lord hath given unto his two VVitnesses is not a Magisterial Authority or Dominion but a Prophetical Power to wit the Power of the VVORD not the Power of the Sword which is another Reason why I cannot be of their Opinion who say That these two VVitnesses are the Magistracy and Ministry of Christ This Prophetical Power is declared by several Acts such as were done by the Prophets of the LORD of old vers 5 6. to wit first Power over Fire as Eliah had 2 Kings 1.10 and Jer. 5.14 Behold I will make my words in thy mouth Fire Secondly Power over VVaters both the VVaters that are above the Firmament verse 6. These have power to shut Heaven that it rain not in the dayes of their Prophesie And such a prophetical Power Elijah or Elias had 1 Kings 17.1 There shall be no dew nor rain but according to my VVord which the Prophet effected by earnest prayer Jam. 5.17 And also over the VVaters which are under the Firmament to turn them into Blood verse 6. As Moses the LORD'S Prophet did Exod. 7.19 20 21. Thirdly Power to smite the Earth with all Plagues which Plagues are to be understood Metaphorically of Spiritual Judgements For although the Prophetical Power
to note that the Church of God on Earth at this time of the pouring out of the seven Vials is not so glorious nor so fixed as the Temple was in Solomons time but rather doth resemble the Tabernacle of the Congregation of the LORD which had been in the Wilderness and was come into the promised Land in which Tabernacle of the Congregation of Israel there was a signal Testimony of the presence of God Num. 9.15 16. where was also the Ark of his Covenant and wherein was the Service of God performed and all his holy Sacrifices offered 1 Chron. 16.17 37 40. And so when this Temple of the Tabernacle was opened Rev. 11.19 There was seeâ— in his Temple the Ark of his Covenant and those who had washed their Robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb that did serve him day and night in his Temple chap. 7.14 15. The seven Angels which had command to pour out the Vials of the wrath of God are them same seven who had the seven last Plagues chap. 15.1 the same seven Angels came out of the Temple vers 6. and the same seven Angels had given unto them seven golden Vials full of the wrath of God vers 7. Seven is a Prophetical Number signifying both variety of Instruments and perfection of the Judgements of God in this Prophesie as the seven Trumpets chap. 8.1 6 3. Some denouncing and others executing these last Plagues These Angels are cloathed with pure and white Linnen and girded with golden Girdles chap. 15.6 Their Cloathing declares some of them to be the Priests of God for so were the Priests of the Temple cloathed Levit. 6.10 16.4 1 Sam. 2.18 And this was the Lords Institution Exod. 39.27 28 29. Their being girded with golden Girdles shews that others of them are the Magistrates of the LORD into whose hand God will commit the Government of the Kingdom of Christ Isa 22.21 22 23. The Ministers of the Churches are called Angels chap. 1.20 The Angels of the seven Churches And Kings also are compared unto Angels 1 Sam. 29.9 2 Sam. 14.7 As an Angel of God so is my Lord the King The whole Description testifies these Angels to be Kings and Priests unto God whom Christ hath made such Rev. 5.9 10. who was so cloathed and girded himself chap. 1.13 And in the midst of the seven Canâ—lesticks was one like unto the Son of Man â—loathed with a Garment down to the foot and â—irt about the Paps with a golden Girdle A Description of our Lord Jesus Christ as â—riest and King in his Church Objection But how can the pouring out 〈◊〉 the Vials of the Plagues of Almighty God full of his great wrath be applyed unto the Ministers of the Gospel who an to preach the most precious sweet souâ— saving Truths of Jesus Christ especiall considering that by these Vials and Plagueâ— are meant the real and external Judgment and Plagues which God will have executeâ— by those Angels upon the Whore as appears chap. 18.8 Therefore shall her Plagues coâ—â— in one day Death Famine c. Answer The Ministers of the Gospeâ— may be said to pour out the Vials of God great wrath even his real and materiâ— Plagues and most righteous Judgments up on the great City Babylon as the Propheâ— of old are said to root out and pull dowâ— and to destroy and to throw down Jer. 〈◊〉 10 16. and to take the Wine-Cup of thâ— Lords fury at his hand and to make aâ— Nations to whom God sends them to drinâ— of it Jer. 25.15 16 17 28. Aâ— this they did by pronouncing those Judgements of God against them which the Loâ—â— commanded them Jer. 1.16 Even 〈◊〉 the Ministers of the Gospel pour out thâ— Vials of the wrath of God real Plagueâ— upon Mystical Babylon by pronounciâ— those last Plagues of the wrath of God â—gainst her 3. These Angels come out of the Teâ—ple chap. 15.6 after it was opened This doth declare them to be the raised Witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ for the Temple was not opened in the Vision unto John unâ—il the slain Witnesses were risen and had â—scended the Throne chap. 11.7 11 15 17 19. So their coming out of the Temâ—le signifies their Saint-ship and that these Angels are fellow Citizens with the Saints â—nd of the Houshold of God built upon the â—oundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jeâ—us Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone in whom all the Building fitly framed â—ogether groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord Eph. 2.19 22. And who are more fit to declare the â—engeance of the Lord even the vengeance â—f his Temple Jer. 50.28 then the Miâ—isters of God in Zion Or who are more â—eet to execute the Righteous Judgments â—f God upon Babylon then those Magistrates â—nto whose hand the LORD will commit â—he Government of Christs Kingdom here â—n Earth called The People of the Saints â—f the most High Dan. 7.27 whom the â—ORD of Hosts will make his Battle Ax â—nd Weapons of War and with whom he â—ill break in pieces the Nations and deâ—â—oy Kingdoms and render unto Babylon all the evil that she hath done in Zion Jer. 51.20 24. Lest it might be dubious how the Saint or true Worshippers in the Churches Ministers or Magistrates should execute thâ— fierceness of Gods wrath upon Babylon anâ— upon the Kingdom of the Beast consider thâ— some of the Angels which came out of thâ— Temple may be also the holy Angels of God who are said to be about the Throne in thâ— Temple chap. 5.11 worshipping God witâ— the four living Creatures and twenty for Elders chap. 7.11 and who are said to aâ—â— company the Saints that were cloatheâ— with white Robes and Palmes in theâ— hands chap. 7.9 10 15. an Embleâ— of the victory they had gotten over the Beâ—â— and his Image chap. 15.2 For the hoâ— Angels of God are present in the Asseâ—blies of the Saints 1 Cor. 11.10 1 Peâ— 1.12 1 Tim. 5.21 And they are seâ— forth to minister for them and thereforâ— may be said also to come out of the Teâ—ple as well as the Saints to execute thâ— righteous Judgements of God upon Babylon chap. 18.1 2. And Christ also wâ—â— is the Angel of the Covenant By the Earth here we are to understanâ— the earthly State of Babylon as it is contrâ— distinguished from the Heavenly State of Zion which is the true Church of God Rev. 9.1 I saw a Star fall from Heaven to the Earth which was the visible Apostacy of the Clergy from the Heavenly State of the True Church of God for soundness of Doctrine purity of Worship and power of Discipline to an earthly State of a false Church with respect unto corrupt Doctrine superstitious Worship and tyrannical Discipline after the Inventions and precepts of Men. And as the Earth Gen. 1.2 is a genetal â—earm which comprehended the Land the Seas the Firmament with the Sun Moon and Stars the Air and all Men Beasts
verse and therefore cannot the same 2. Because great Babylon is said here to come in remembrance before the LORD which cānot literally be applied to the City of Rome for that was the Seat of the Beast upon which the fift Vial was poured out nor can it be mystically applyed unto the whole Kingdom of the Beast for that had come in remembrance before the Lord in pouring out the former five Vials 3. Because the Turk hath been is and will be as great an Enemy against the Jews especially in their return to their own Land as the Pope hath been is and will be against the Gentile Saints And whereas both Turk and Pope together with the Kings and Nations of the Earth being now at last all combined together with all their Forces against the LORD and his Saints both Jews and Gentiles they shall all drink of the Wine of the fierceness of Gods wrath which shall be poured out of this seventh Vial without mixture of Mercy chap. 19.19 20 21. Every Island fled away and the Mountains were not found vers 20. By Islands and Mountains here we may understand 1. Places of hiding and of security Ezek. 39.6 Isa 2.19 21. and Hag. 2.6 7 22. But there will be no security not hiding for every Island fled away and the Mountains were not found so that their ruine will be inevitable without any refuge or shelter 2. By Islands we may understand such things as are separated from a common unto some sacred use as Islands are separated from the main Land by Waters that go round about them Such are all Popish Consecrated and Dedicated things viz. Bishopricks Deanaries Cathedrals Churches Chapples Priories Nunneries Church-Lands and Revenues all these and all of these kinds shall be sequestred and taken away from their Sacred or rather Superstitions and Idolatrous uses and restored unto a common and civil use as before any such Consecration Dedication Assignation or Separation 3. By Mountains we may understand the great Powers and Dominions of the Earth the Monarchs and Monarchies of this WORLD Zech. 4.7 Isa 40.4 Jer. 51.25 These shall not be found for they shall be broken and destroyed utterly and they shall be made like the Chaff of the Summer Threshing-Floors which the Wind carrieth away Dan. 2.35 And no place was found for them And there fell upon men a great Hail out of Heaven c. Verse 21. The Hail from Heaven signifies some more immediate Judgements and Plagues of God Here may be some Allusion to the destruction of the Canaanites by great Hailstones from Heaven Josh 10.11 Or else this is that great Storm of Gods immediate Judgements threatned Prophetically against Gog in the Land of Magog Ezek. 38.2 18 19 21 22 23. And I will plead against him with an overflowing rain and great Hailstones fire and brimstone c. And men blasphemed God c. Verse 21. This is the Effect of Gods most just and righteous Judgements upon all his unplacable Enemies they Blasphemed God This was the Effect of the Plagues poured out of the Fift Vial Verse 9 11. which was the Beasts former practice Chap. 13.6 The Beast was a Blasphemer from the Beginning and so continues unto his End He lives and dies in his Blasphemies against God and perisheth for ever Now as touching the Time when these Seven Vials shall be poured out though I have a very honorable esteem of those Godly and Learned Expositors of this Book of the Revelation who are of opinion that three or four of these Seven Vials are poured out already Yet notwithstanding all that they have said I confess I am not of their mind out do rather think That none of those seven Vials are yet poured out The Scripture-Grounds that I have to offer for my Opinion in this Point are these Viz. 1. Because the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven is not opened out of which Temple the seven Angels come forth with their seven golden Vials Chap. 15.5 6 7. Which Temple I have proved before to be the Heavenly State of the Church of God on Earth restored in some Measure unto its Apostolical Constitutions and primitive Purity which when so was called the the Temple of the Living God 2 Cor. 6.16 Let Christians consider that none of the Seven Vials are to be poured out until the Temple be opened that is to say until the Church of God on Earth be restored in some measure unto its Apostolical Constitutions and primitive Purity which is not yet done and therefore no Vial is yet poured out 2. Because Christ's Sackcloch Witnesses and Warriers must be slain and raised and the Seventh Trumpet sounded before the Temple be opened or any of the Seven Vials be poured out Chap. 11.7 11 14 15 19. But these things are not yet done and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet poured out Let Christians consider Are the Witnesses slain before their Testimony be finished Verse 7. saith When they shall have finished their Testimony the Beast that ascendeth out of the Bottomless Pit shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them And if these Witnesses and Warriers be slain Are they Risen and ascended up to Heaven that is to an Heavenly State and Dignity and have their Enemies been enlightned to behold them as is prophesied they shall Verse 11 12. Again Hath the Seventh Angel sounded his Seventh Trumpet as is prophesied Verse 15. which Angel must Sound his Seventh Trumpet before this Wrath come Verse 18. I offer these three Reasons to the serious Consideration of Christians why the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet Viz. 1. The Mystery of God is not finished which must be done when the Seventh Angel begins to Sound his Trumpet Chap. 10.6 7. 2. The Second Wo is not Past until the Witnesses and Warriers be raised and ascended which must be done before the Seventh Angel Sound his Trumpet Chap. 11.11 12 14 15. 3. Upon the Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet The Kingdoms of this World do become the Kingdom of Christ and of his Anointed Chap. 11.15 But this is not accomplished which argues that the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet which Seventh Trumpet must usher in the Seven Vials as the Seventh Seal did the Seven Trumpets Chap. 8.1 2 6. whereby it is manifest that the Temple is not opened nor any of the Seven Vials poured out And Thirdly Because Those Seven Vials contain the Seven last Plagues Chap. 15.1 for in them is filled up the Wrath of God which are Contemporary with the Victory which the Saints shall get over the Beast and over his Image and over his Mark and over the Number of his Name Chap. 15.1 2 3 4. Standing upon a Sea of Glass mingled with Fire and singing that Triumphant Song of the Lamb Verses 3 4. Which Victory the Saints have not yet Gotten neither can they sing that Triumphant Song and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet
Ecclesiastical Power the ten Kings or Kingdoms do exercise for the BEAST against CHRIST and his Saints chap. 17.13 14. and chap. 19.19 20 21. unto their own Destruction Now assoon as this Antichristian Beast with his ten Horns was risen out of the SEA to wit the troubles tumults confusions and divisions of the Roman-Empire when by the WARS of the Barbarians the Roman-Empire was dissipated into ten Kingdoms At which Time also this same Beast with his two Horns is said to Rise out of the EARTH that is to say out of the Apostacy of an earthly-minded CLERGY who departed from the FAITH as was afore Prophesied 1 Tim. 4.1 2 3. should come to pass in the latter Dayes I say from that Time the Roman-Monarchy and Political Government of the fourth Kingdom ceased though not to be a Kingdom and to have a Power a Throne and great Authority yet to be a lawfull POWER and an ORDINANCE of God And therefore ought not to be obeyed nor submitted unto by any of the Saints of God neither in any Civil or Ecclesiastical Commands for that is to WORSHIP the BEAST or his IMAGE Let the Saints consider 1. That those who shall Reign with Christ have not WORSHIPPED the Beast chap. 20.4.2 As it was dangerous to WORSHIP the Beast a little after his Rise chap. 8.7 13. so it will be damnable to WORSHIP the Beast a little before his fall chap. 14 8-12.3 Those that shall stand with the Lamb upon Mount Sion with his Fathers Name in their Fore-heads and learn to Sing that New SONG before the Throne chap. 14.1 3. are such Saints as have gotten the Victory over the Beast and over his Image c. chap. 15.2 3. So then I conclude from what hath been said upon Scripture-Grounds touching the Kingdoms of This WORLD becoming the Kingdom of ANTICHRIST That the Saints in this GENERATION ought not to Obey nor to submit themselves unto the Roman Antichristian-Politick and Ecclesiastick-POWER Rule Authority Dominion and Government of the BEAST nor of the ten Kings or Kingdoms who have given their POWER and Strength unto the Beast The second thing which I judge necessary for the Saints in this GENERATION to know is How the Kingdoms of this WORLD shall become the KINGDOM of CHRIST God shewed unto his Prophet Daniel in his VISIONS of the Night how the Kingdoms of the WORLD should become the KINGDOM of Christ Dan. 2.34.35 44 45. Dan. 7.13 14 18 22 26 27. Viz. First The Kingdoms of the WORLD shall be broken in pieces by a STONE cut out of the MOUNTAIN without hands Dan. 2.34 35 Which STONE is Christ Plal. 118.22 Matth 21.42 and 1 Pet. 2.4 6. and also the Churches of Saints his Jerusalem called a Burthensom Stone Zech. 12.3 The Kingdoms of this WORLD shall be broken in pieces first by falling upon the Stone viz. Christ and his People Luke 20.17 18. Whosoever shall fall upon that STONE shall be broken Zech. 12.3 In that DAY I will make Jerusalem a burthensom STONE All that burthen themselves with it shall be cut in pieces Secondly The Kingdoms of this WORLD shall be broken in pieces by the STONE to wit Christ and his Peoples falling upon them Matth. 21.44 But on whomsoever this STONE shall fall it will grinde them to Powder and Jer. 51 19 20-24 Thou art my Battle-AXE and Weapons of WAR for with thee will I break in pieces the Nations and with thee will I destroy Kingdoms The Mystery of the STONE smiting the Fourth Kingdom upon his FEET of Iron and Clay and breaking them in Pieces was expounded unto the Prophet Dan. 7.17 18. But the Saints of the Most High shall take the KINGDOM and possess the Kingdom for ever even for ever and ever Dan. 7.24 25 26. But the Judgement shall sit and they shall take away his Dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the End read Isa 60.12 Secondly The Kingdoms of this WORLD being broken in pieces by the STONE falling upon them The STONE will become a great MOUNTAIN and fill the Whole EARTH Dan. 2.35 that is to say Christ and his Saints shall have the DOMINION in all the EARTH Dan. 7.11 12 13 14. And I beheld till the BEAST was slain and his BODY destroyed c. As concerning the REST of the Beasts they had their DOMINION taken away c. Behold ONE like the SON of Man c. And there was given him DOMINION and Glory and a KINGDOM that all People Nations and Languages should serve him c. Also Dan. 7.26 27. But the Judgement shall sit and they shall take away his DOMINION c. And the KINGDOM and Dominion and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given to the People of the Saints of the Most High c. As the WAY for the KINGDOM of Christ and his Saints to be set up is made by the Breaking in pieces the Kingdoms of this WORLD Isa 60.12 For the Nation and Kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish yea those Nations shall be utterly wasted So the Kingdom of Christ and his Saints shall be inlarged and established 1. By the Conversion of Sinners both Jews and Gentiles unto Christ Isa 60.3 5 8 10 11 14 15. and Isa 66.8 and Rom. 11.25 26 27. 2. By the Pouring out the SPIRIT upon all Flesh Joel 2.28 Isa 44.3 4 5. 3. By the UNION of all the Saints Zeph. 3.9 and Zech. 14.9 The LORD shall be KING over all the EARTH in that DAY there shall be ONE Lord and his Nome ONE And 4. By the RESTITUTION of all things Acts 3.20 21. and Isa 1.26 I will Restore thy Judges as at the first Isa 60.17 and Isa 49.6 It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my Servant to raise up the Tribes of Jacob and to RESTORE the preserved of Israel c. And then the Whole CREATION shall be delivered from the BONDAGE of Corruption and Restored into the Glorious LIBERTY of the Children of God Rom. 8.19 21 23. That which the Saints of God in this GENERATION are to know touching the KINGDOM of Christ are these things following Viz. 1. That the KINGDOM of our LORD Jesus is not of this WORLD Joh. 18.36 Nor is it of a Worldly Constitution but it is a spiritual and heavenly Kingdom 2 Tim. 4.18 and will be a glorious State Isa 60.1 2 15 19 21 22. of a NEW Heaven and of a NEW Earth wherein dwells Righteousness 2 Pet. 3.13 which is the State of the Holy City the NEW Jerusalem that cometh down from God out of Heaven Rev. 21.1 2. Then shall they call Jerusalem the THRONE of the LORD Jer. 3.13 17. which NEW Jerusalem God will make a PRAISE in the EARTH Isa 62.2 3 7. An eternal Excellency and the joy of many Generations Isa 60.14 15. 2. This KINGDOM of Christ is the THRONE of his Father David Isa 9.7 and Luke 1.32 33. which Throne Solomon his Son who was a Type of Christ sat
upon when he reigned over all the Kingdoms that God gave to him 1 Kings 4.21 Upon whose THRONE our LORD Jesus Christ shall sit and Reign over all the Kingdoms of the WORLD Who is the onely POTENTATE the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords 1 Tim. 6.14 who shall be KING of all the EARTH Zech. 9.14 with whom the Saints shall Reign on EARTH and shall Rule and Govern the Nations not by the Laws of Men but by the Laws of God Which are true Laws right Judgements and good Statutes Nehemiah 10.13 14. For Christ our LOKD and Judah his People is our Law-Giver Isa 33.22 and Psal 101.8 The Kingdom shall come to the Daughter of Jerusalem and the first DOMINION to the Daughter of Sion Mich. 4.7 8. And out of Sion shall go forth the Law Mich. 4.1 2 3-7 Thirdly This KINGDOM of our LORD will begin before the Kingdoms of this WORLD End Dan. 2.44 In the Dayes of these Kings to wit the ten Kings of the Fourth Monarchy and Kingdom of the Beast shall the God of Heaven set up a KINGDOM which is the Kingdom of Christ Dan. 7.13 14. Then will our LORD Jesus Christ take unto him his great POWER and Reign Rev. 11.15 17 18. At which the Nations will be angry and the Heathen will Rage The Kings of the EARTH will set themselves and the Rulers of this WORLD will take Counsel together against the LORD and against his Christ Yet God will set his KING upon his Holy HILL of Sion and will give him the Heathen for his Inheritance and the uttermost parts of the EARTH for his Possession Psal 2 1-8 And the LORD shall REIGN over them in MOUNT-Sion from henceforth even for ever Mich. 4.7 8. Fourthly Though the KINGDOM of Christ shall begin before the Kingdoms of this WORLD End And though all the Kingdoms of this WORLD shall become the KINGDOM of our LORD Jesus Christ Yet the great Glory and Perfection of Christs Kingdom shall be in the WORLD to COME Then shall ALL things be put in SUBJECTION under the Feet of Christ Hebr. 2.5 6 7 8 9. Which World to COME is contradistinguished from the WORLD that NOW IS Mat. 12.32 Called this WORLD in distinction from that WORLD Luke 20.34 35 36. The Apostle also speaketh of the DOMINION of this WORLD Eph. 1.21 and of the POWER of the WORLD to COME The WORLD to COME is not that eternal State of God's Kingdom of GLORY in Heaven but it is the glorious and spiritual State of the KINGDOM of Christ on EARTH Heb. 2.5 That same WORLD even THAT that is to COME to wit The inhabited WORLD to Come wherein the PEOPLE of God shall build Houses and inhabit them according to Gods Promise in that day when he will Create New Heavens and a new Earth Isa 65.17 18 19 20 21 25. and Amos 19.11 14. And shall build up the Tabernacle of David c. Fifthly The Dominion and Government of the KINGDOM of Christ on EARTH shall be given to the Saints Dan. 7.27 and be Managed by them according to the Laws of Christ and to that End the Saints who shall Reign with Christ on Earth shall be rarely Qualified and fitted for that Kingdom Work and Kingly Government for 1. They shall be all Righteous Isa 60.21 They shall do no Iniquity Zeph. 3.13 They shall be without Fault before the THRONE of God Rev. 14.5 2. The Saints shall be SPIRITED for Government Isa 28.5 6. Constituted Government Rev. 5.9 10. and strengthned for Governing Zech. 12.5 8. and Isa 45.24 25. 3dly and Lastly The Saints shall be cloathed with Humility so that they shall Cast down their Crowns at the Feet of Christ their KING Rev. 4.10 11. Exalting HIM alone ch 5.9 10. And they shal be Endued with Courage Clad with Zeal and Girded with Strength and Truth that they may binde Kings in Chains and Nobles in Fetters of IRON and Execute upon them the JUDGMENT written Luke 19.27 This HONOUR have all his SAINTS Psal 149.1 2 6 7 8 9. which was Prophesied of Jer. 51 19-24 Thou art my Battle-Axe and Weapon of WAR for with thee will I break in pieces the Nations and with thee will I destroy Kingdoms and with thee will I break in pieces Captains and RULERS c. Also Zech. 12.5 6. In that DAY will I make the GOVERNORS of Judah like a Hearth of Fire among the Wood and like a Torch of Fire in a Sheaf and they shall devour all the PEOPLE the Enemies of Christ round about Sixthly The Gospel of this KINGDOM of Christ shall be preached in all the WORLD for a WITNESS to all NATIONS Mat. 24.14 And therefore the Kingdom of Christ cannot be set up in any Nation until the GOSPEL of the Kingdom be first preached in that Nation And then that NATION Kingdom or PEOPLE which do believe the GOSPEL of the Kingdom preached unto them and are made WILLING in the DAY of God's POWER Psal 110.3 to Admit the Saints to RULE and GOVERN that Nation according to the LAWS of our LORD and KING Jesus shall become the Kingdom of Christ But that Nation Kingdom and People which will not receive the TESTIMONY of the Kingdom of Christ but reject the WITNESS of the Gospel and Kill the WITNESSES of Christ shall be utterly Wasted and Destroyed Isa 60.12 And our LORD Jesus Christ will put down all RULE all AUTHORITY and all POWER that are his Enemies and wilâ— not Submit unto his DOMINION 1 Cor. 15.24 25. and Luke 19.27 Seventhly WHEN this Kingdom of 〈◊〉 LORD is Established on EARTH wiâ—â— POWER and great GLORY and all thâ—â— Kingdoms of this WORLD are become the KINGDOM of Christ The Thousand Years of the Reign of Christ and his Saints being Expired and Ended Then Will Christ come again and all the Saints with HIM Zeph. 14.5 and 1 Thes 4.15 16 17 18. then will be the General RESURRECTION and the Last JUDGMENT 1 Cor. 15.22 23. and Rev. 20.4 12 13 14. Which being past Christ shall deliver up the Kingdom unto God the Father that GOD may be ALL in ALL 1 Cor. 15.24 25 28. FINIS