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
Treatise which I judge meet for the Saints in this GENERATION to know Into the right understanding whereof the LORD guide my heart and yours by his Holy Spirit and Word to his Glory that we may know what we ought to do in this DAY of our GENERATION Amen and Amen Apocalyptical MYSTERIES The Third Part. Touching the Kingdome of Antichrist and the KINGDOME of CHRIST Rev. 11.15 The Kingdoms of this WORLD are become the KINGDOM of our LORD and of his CHRIST and HE shall REIGN for ever and ever LONDON Printed in the Year 1667. Apocalyptical MYSTERIES The Third Part. Touching the Kingdome of Antichrist and the KINGDOME of CHRIST Rev. 11.15 The Kingdoms of this WORLD are become the KINGDOM of our LORD and of his CHRIST and he shall REIGN for ever and ever THe Seventh Angel mentioned in this verse is the Angel of the third WOE denounced against the Inhabiters of he EARTH chap. 8.13.9 12. and 11.14 which third WOE containeth all those righteous Judgments of God that are to be executed upon Mystical BABYLON by pouring out of the Seven VIALS of the Last PLAGUES of Almighty God upon the KINGDOM of the BEAST Whereupon the Kingdoms of this WORLD become the KINGDOM of CHRIST and and of his SAINTS for ever and ever By the Kingdoms of this WORLD we may understand 1. Vniversally All the Kingdoms of the World that are upon the face of the Earth 2 Kings 19.15 Jer. 25.26 to wit All Rule Dominion Power and Government in all Nations and Kingdoms of the WORLD 2. Generally All the Kingdoms of the DOMINION of Nebuchadnezzar King of BABYLON Jer 34.1 and Dan. 2.37 38. also of Cyrus King of Persia Ezra 1.2 and Dan. 2.39 likewise of Alexandeâ— the Great King of Grecia Dan. 8.8 9 10 21 22. and Dan. 11.3 and 2.39 and lastly of the Caesars the Kings of the Romans which is the fourth Kingdom oâ— Monarchy of this WORLD Dan. 2.40 41 42. Dan. 7.23 24 25. 3. Specially All the Nations Languages Kingdoms and People that are under the DOMINION Rule Power Government and Kingdom of ANTICHRIST the Man of SIN and Son of PERDITION 2 Thess 2.3 4. to wit the BEAST of the EIGHT Head with two HORNS Who ascended out of the Bottomless PIT and shall go into PERDITION chap. 17.8 11. together with All the Dominions Rule Authority Power and Government of all the ten Kings who received their Power one hour that is at the same Time with the BEAST and have given their Power and Strength unto the BEAST chap. 17.12 13. These are the Kingdoms of this WORLD which shall become the KINGDOM of our LORD and of his CHRIST That which doth Concern the Saints in this GENERATION to know touching the Kingdoms of this WORLD is 1. How they became the Kingdoms of ANTICHRIST and 2. How they shall become the Kingdom of CHRIST To that End let the Saints Consider First The Kingdoms of this WORLD to wit the Assyrio Chaldean Monarchy the Medio Persian Monarchy the Grecian Monarchy and the Roman Monarchy had their Dominions and Kingdoms given them by the God of Heaven Jer. 34.1 Dan. 2.37 38 39 40. Ezra 1.2 Who have by the Succession of Divine Providence had and exercised their Dominion Power and Authority over all Nations People and Languages under their Goverment Under whose Yoke and Dominion God for the sins of his people Israel put them also and their Kings Deut. 28.15 25. Jer. 27.6 7 8 11 12. Ezek. 17.12 13 14. Dan. 2.37 38 39 40. Ezra 1.2 Rom. 13 1-7 Secondly The Fourth Kingdom or Monarchy which is the Roman-Monarchy or Kingdom of the Caesars in the dayes of our Saviour and his Apostles was God's ORDINANCE of Magistracy and those higher POWERS unto which all the Saints and every Soul who lived under the Roman Government ought to be Subject for Conscience sake Rom. 13.1 2 3 4 5 6. The Apostle Paul would not have exhorted Titus to put the Saints in mind to obey Magistrates as he did Tit. 3.1 if there had been no Magistrates then in Being or if they had been Vsurpers and not God's Ordinance Why did the Apostle Peter writing to the Saints scattered through Pontus Galatia Capadocia Asia and Bythinia exhort them 1 Pet. 2.13 14. To submit themselves unto every Ordinance of Man for the Lords sake whether it be to the King as Supream or unto Governours as unto them that are sent by him c. verse 15. for so is the will of God c. if the Caesars Kings and Governours then in Being were not Lawfull Powers had no lawfull Authority nor were the ORDINANCE of God as well as they were the Ordinance of Man Let it be also well and seriously Considered first That Christ and his Disciples called the then Roman Powers Magistrates Luke 12.11 58. and Acts 16.19 20 21 22. Secondly That the Apostle exhorted the Saints to pray for Kings in their Church-Assemblies and for all that then were in Authority 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Thirdly That our Saviour and his Apostles did submit themselves unto the Roman-Caesats Kings and Governours then in Power paid them Tribute or Custom Matth. 17.24 25 26. and commanded the Saints so to do and to continue in so doing Rom. 13.5 6 7. Thirdly The Roman-Power and Political-Government of the Caesars Kings and Governours of the fourth Monarchy or Kingdoms of this WORLD became Antichristian and the Kingdom of Antichrist when the Beast received his Power his Seat and great Authority from the Dragon Rev. 13.2 that old Serpent which is the Devil chap. 20.2 and exercised that Power both Tyrannically over the Estates and Persons of Men and Coercively over the Consciences of Men and Women Causing all both small and great rich and poor free and bond to subject themselves unto the Beast and his Image and to receive his Mark Name and Number and to Worship the Beast or else they must neither buy nor sell but be Killed Rev. 13.16 17. This POWER of Antichrist which the Devil gave him was signified unto John by a BEAST with two HORNS like a Lamb Rev. 13.11 Horns do signifie Power and Authority in the Prophesies of Scripture Zech. 1.18 19 20 21. Hab. 3.4 and Dan. 8.20 24 25. and two Horns imply a twofold Power and Authority to wit Political and Ecclesiastical these two Horns are said to be like the Lamb because the Beast pretends to have both his Political and Ecclesiastical POWER and great Authority from Christ and to exercise both for Christ whereas indeed HE had his Throne his Power and great Authority from the Dragon the Devil and Sathan chap. 23.2 and doth exercise it against Christ and his Saints chap. 11.7 and 13.15 16 17. This Politick and Ecclesiastick POWER is the same POWER that the ten Kings of the Roman-Kingdom received also ONE HOUR with the Beast that is to say at the same Time when the Beast received his Antichristian POWER from the DRAGON chap. 17.12 Which mixt Political and
Apocalyptical MYSTERIES Touching the Two WITNESSES the Seven VIALS and the Two KINGDOMS to wit of CHRIST and of ANTICHRIST EXPOUNDED Wherein is contained some things necessary for the Saints in this present GENERATION to know And therein is also shewed what the ISRAEL of God ought to do in this DAY By H. K. a Servant of Jesus Christ Isa 26.20 21. Come my people enter thou into thy Chamber and shut thy doors about thee hide thy self as it were for a little moment until the indignation be overpast For behold the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the Inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity The earth also shall disclose her blood and shall no more cover her stain London Printed in Year 1667. To all the Saints that in every place call upon the Name of the LORD Jesus Christ My Brethren THey that would serve God in their Generation according to his Will ought to inquire diligently into the particular Truths of the Age they live in which are Recorded in his Holy WORD The dayes wherein we live being not onely the latter Times of the first Apostasie prophesied of by the Apostle 1 Tim. 4.1 2 3. but the last dayes of those perilous Times mentioned by him 2 Tim. 3.1 5. I conceive that the last part of God's revealed Will to wit the Book of the Revelation hath in it those Truths which more peculiarly belonged unto this Age wherein we live which consideration hath made me willing as my occasions and daily Imployment would permit to be searching them out And though I cannot say that I have in all things found the Truth which principally and above others may be called the Truth of this Age and of our Generation Yet being incouraged by that Blessing promised Rev. 1.3 I have crouded my self into the number of those that run to and fro to find it And have by searching the Prophesies of this Book of the Revelation found three Mysteries wherein are some things that seem to relate unto this Age and Generation wherein we live viz. That of the two Witnesses of the seven Vials and of the two Kingdoms to wit of Christ and of Antichrist Which I have made the Subject of this little Treatise in the reading whereof I doubt not but you will find some Truths that are necessary for the Saints in this Age and present Generation to know and also some duties which the ISRAEL of God ought to do in this DAY and Age wherein we live Dear Brethren How ever others may censure me for presumption in offering my Opinion in those things that are in their judgment too high and deep Mysteries for me to meddle with Yet you that are Saints know how to bear those infirmities and weaknesses of your unworthy Brother which happily you may discern in reading this Treatise And notwithstanding them all may receive any glimmerings of light that is held forth to you in the Exposition of these Prophesies that so you and I who have our Fathers Name written in our Foreheads may go hand in hand like loving Brethren about our Fathers WORK following our LORD the Lamb wheresoever he goes The Divisions Contentions and Separations that to this Day remains among the Professors of this Age causeth me to think That God hath not done all his WORK upon Mount Sion There are some sufferings yet behind which will purge away that dross by the Spirit of Judgment and by the Spirit of Burning And this is one Reason among others which makes me think the two Witnesses are not yet slain And though many of Gods Servants have suffered for the Testimony which they held yet there remains a Remnant of their fellow Servants and Brethren which shall be killed as they were and this must be fulfilled For as there was such a Dispensation under the seven Seals Rev. 6.9 10 11. before God would avenge their Blood so there shall be such a Dispensation under the seven Trumpets before the seven Vials of Gods last Plagues be poured out Rev. 11.7 18. And when I consider the Congregations of Saints Churches of several perswasions in this Age how unlike they are to the Churches of God recorded in the Scripture with respect unto Ministry Gifts and Discipline or Government besides what is amiss in the Worship of God It makes me think That the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven is not opened out of which Temple John saw the seven Angels come who had the seven golden Vials of the seven last Plagues of God Rev. 15.1 5 6. And if so then the seven Vials are not yet any of them poured out upon Mystical Babylon for those seven golden Vials were given them after they were come out of the Temple Rev. 15.5 6 7. and they had not a command to pour out any of the seven Vials till after that Rev. 16.1 2 3. Lastly The late Apostacy of some who have fallen in with the corrupt self-seeking interests of this sinful and superstitious Generation and the Zeal of others who have separated themselves from their Brethren judging them to be defiled with the sins of the times and therefore dare not have and hold Communion with them though they hope they are Saints and the dear Chilaren of God hath given me occasion to publish my Testimony at this time for the Kingdom of Christ and against the Kingdom of Antichrist wherein I have said some things that may by the blessing of God tend unto the recovery of some backsliders and to the rectisying of the Judgments of my zealous Brethren and to the reducing of those Saints unto repentance who have been defiled with any sins of this Age or Generation not of wilfulness but through weakness and that either for want of light or through the strength of some temptation who being overtaken with a fault should be restored in the spirit of meekness Gal. 6.1 2. Which blessings of God shall please to effect by these my poor endeavours and labour of love as I know he will not forget it so I pray for you and beg your prayers for me that neither I nor you may forget to give him the glory This done I remain your Brother in the best Bonds H. K. Apocalyptical MYSTERIES The First Part Touching the two WITNESSES Rev. 11.3 14. And I will give power unto my two Witnesses and they shall prophesie a thousand two hundred and threescore days cloathed in sack-cloth The second Wo is past and behold the third Wo cometh quickly IT is not my intent to expound every verse and interpret each particular thing therein contained but to offer my Opinion briefly touching some things which I conceive are of more general concernment and may be of more special use unto the Saints at this DAY The Particulars which I have thought most necessary to treat of touching this Subject are principally these 1. Who are the two Witnesses and what is their Testimony 2. What is their Power and the time of their
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
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
the 13 14 15 16 verses of this Chapter is not any proper effect of this Vial nor any part thereof but rather an interval of time betwixt the sixth and seventh Vials wherein some remarkable things are to be transacted in order to the pouring forth of the seventh Vial and therefore contain a praeparatory Vision thereunto In which Vision John saw three Embassadors or Agents sent from the Dragon the Beast and the false Prophet to the Kings of the Earth The Dragon is that old Serpent called Satan which is the Devil chap. 20.2 The Beast is the civil State or political Powers which Beast rose out of the Sea chap. 13.1 The false Prophet is the Ecclesiastical State which is the Beast that rose out of the Earth chap. 13.11 He is here called the false Prophet because now he is unmasked and his Vizard pluck't off to wit his pretended likeness unto the Lamb chap. 13.11 And now he is discovered to be that Deceiver and false Prophet which was to come The three unclean Spirits like Frogs vers 13. are their Embassadors or Agents called Spirits for their subtilty and activity and pretending to be spiritual men and imployed principally about Religious and Spiritual Affairs like Ahabs false Prophets 1 King 22.21 22. who deceived the Kings of Israel and Judah in perswading them to go up to Ramoth Gilead to Battel and therefore are said to be Spirits of Devils vers 14. working Miracles as the Devil raised up false Christ's and false Apostles so he doth false Prophets purposely to deceive the Kings of the Earth and the Inhabitants of the Earth that they may not receive the true Christ believe the true Apostles nor regard the Testimony of the true Prophets of the Lord. Before John sets down the success of this their Negotiation he writes a word of warning as it were a Parenthesis vers 15. Behold I come as a Thief c. that is to say suddenly and unexpectedly as Mat. 24.43 44. and 2 Pet. 3.10 Blessed is he that watcheth for my coming and keepeth his Garments white and clean and fast girded unto him lest he walk naked and they see his shame 1 Tim. 5.22 Jam. 1.27 The succss of their Negotiation followeth vers 16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew Tongue Armageddon He gathered them together that is to say the Dragon which is the Devil by his Frogs those unclean spirits gathered them together viz. the Kings of the Earth By Armageddon we are to understand the name of a place which the Jews shall give after they have gotten some considerable victory over the Turks and therefore called it Armageddon the place of destruction of an Army which happily may have an â—llusion unto that great destruction of the Caâ—aanites at the Waters of Megiddo Judg. â— 19 when Sisera the chief Captain of Jabin with all his Hosts fell by the hand of Deborah and Barack where was made â—uch a total destruction that it is said Judg. â— 16 And the Host of Sisera fell upon the â—dge of the Sword and there was not a man â—eft And such an universal destruction will be the effect of this Battel at Armageddon chap. 19.20 21. And the seventh Angel poured out his Vial into the Air c. vers 17. The Object of this Vial is the Air which notes the universality of the Subjects upon whom the wrath of God is poured out of this seventh Vial. The Air fills all places no Subject can be more general then the Air. By the Air here we are to understand all Nations Kingdoms and People all Places Persons and Things that oppose the Kingdom Worship and Government of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Sion Isa 60.12 The Earth Sea Rivers Sun and Seat of the Beast's Kingdom is destroyed by the former Vials And by this seventh Vial shall be destroyed all things whatsoever remains of Sathans Kingdom Who is called Ephes 2.2 The Prince of the power of the Air. The other six Vials were poured out upon their particular Objects but this seventâ— Vial is poured out into its Subject which notes the spreading and dilating of it seâ— into every part of Satan's and the Beast'â— Kingdom for the utter destruction oâ— every thing therein that remained So then the wrath of God poured out of this Vial will diffuse and spread over First The whole Kingdom of Antichrist or the Beast Secondly The remaining Dominion and Kingdom of the Turks And thirdly The whole Kingdom of the Dragon that old Serpent which is the Devil And when all these Enemies against Christ and his Kingdom shall be destroyed by the pouring out of this seventh Vial then comes a great Voice out of the Temple of Heaven to wit the Visible Church of God on Earth restored unto her primitive Purity and made glorious Isa 60.7 12 13 14. saying It is DONE chap. 10.6 7. viz. The Mystery of God is finished as he hath declared to his Servants the Prophets This Voice is Christ 's chap. 21.5 6. He that sat upon the Throne said unto me It is DONE This Voice is said to come from the Throne in the Temple of Heaven in this 17. verse that is to say It came from Christ who sat upon the Throne chap. 21.5 6. and implies now Christs Kingdom shall be set up and he himself shall sit upon the Throne chap. 3.21 and all his Saints with him And there were Voices and Thundrings and Lightnings and there was a great Earth-quake c. vers 18. The like to this was the effect of the Witnesses rising chap. 11.13 upon which Commotions the tenth part of the City fell so here by this great Earth-quake the great City is divided into three parts vers 19. Fractions or Divisions note the utter ruine of the Roman-Antichristian-Politick-and-Ecclesiastick-State Power Dominion and Kingdom of the Beast For a Kingdom divided against it self cannot stand And the Cities of the Nations fell verse 19. litterally such Nations as come to help the Beast and the Turk against the Lord and his People Mystically by the Cities of the Nations we may understand National Churches The great Whore is called the great City so the Harlots who are her Daughters chap. 17.5 are here called the Cities of the Nations If the Catholick Church of Rome be the great City then the National Romish Churches may also be called the Cities of the Nations which shall fall in the Day of the Lords controversie with all Nations Hag. 2.22 and Jer. 25.30 31 32 33. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God vers 19. By great Babylon here is primarily meant Constantinople the royal City of the great Turk And Secondarily All his Principalities Domininions and Kingdom prophesied of Isa 14.4 5 24 25 32. Neither am I alone in this my Opinion for Mr. Brightman and others are of the same Jugement And my Reasons are 1. Because the great City and great Babylon are contradistinguished one from the other in this 19
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