another or distinct supernumerary horn to the ten horns of the Roman Beast three of which ten horns this little horn plucked up Johns Vision of the Beast with ten horns crowned upon whom the Woman sits I take to be a more ample Rev. 13. 1. Rev. 17. 3 18. and full discription of the Antichristian State in general but neither Daniel or John make God the Appointer or Ordainer of either of those States as Pagan or Antichristian neither do I see but when the Beast Antichrist had driven the Church into Rev. 12. 6 7. the Wilderness Note the Christian Church in the Wilderness became as distinct and free a State from Antichrist as Israel was from Egypt when they were in the Wilderness Partic. 3 Thirdly I am greatly perswaded the Beast Rev. 13. 11 c. is the Beast asâ—ending out of the bottomless pit Rev. 11. 7. and is a distinct Beast from that Rev. 13. 1 c. though the latter Beast possess one of the ten horns or kingdoms of the Pagan Empire That Beast which ascends out of the bottomless pit and kills the Witnesses possesseth or reigns over the great and chief Street of Mystery Babylon spiritually called Sodom and Rev. 11. 7 8. Egypt or one horn and kingdom of the Beast which Beast is more fully described Rev. 13. 11 12 c. All the ten horns of the great Beast or the ten streets of Babylon as a City were under the Whore and that Woman reigned over the whole immediately Rev. 17. 3 18. for the most part of the 1260 dayes Note But this Beast vers 11. the Holy Ghost describes to be another Beast distinct from the former and as it were one of the horns rending and separating it self from the other Body or subjection from the Woman under a seeming pretence of Reformation or of more Purity and easie Government to the former but is still the Dragon in cruelty and tyranny That this is a distinct Beast from the former is evident As First This Beast vers 11. had another original from vers 1. Note The first Beast arose out of the Sea viz. Confusion in the Roman State but this Beast arose out of the Earth viz. Earthly and Rev. 13. 1â— carnal Wisdom or Prudence of State to cast off Imperial Papal Jurisdiction over them Secondly This Beast had two horns or two Powers viz. the Sword and the Keys Power Civil and Ecclesiastical Note The ten Kings had only ten horns viz. Civil Power and the Woman which rode them kept the Keys from them all and this Beast got two horns viz. both Powers to himself But the two horns of this Beast are said to be horns like a Rev. 13. 11. Lamb viz. First Horns like a Lamb but new budding or putting forth very tender and able to do little hurt Secondly Horns like a Lamb viz. Powers meekned and abated of that hardness and strength as was in the ten horns or Powers greatly limited and restrained to what the former hornes were and yet this Beast still spake as a Dragon viz. Rev. 1â— 11. he lays claim to Imperial Majesty as absolute Monarch in his Dominions Thirdly Again it is said of this Beast And he exerciseth Rev. 13. 12. all the Power of the first Beast before him viz. All the Power of the whol Antichrist Civil and Ecclesiastical therefore this is another Antichrist distinct from the former viz. the Antichrist with ten horns Mark the words Note He exerciseth or putteth out all the power of the former Beast in Church and in State yet not by donation or designation from the former Rev. 13. 12. Beast as the former Beast did by designation from the Dragon but meerly by abruption or breaking off from the former Beast and so assuming absolute Jurisdiction Civil and Ecclesiastical in his own Kingdom as Hen. 8. did Fourthly It is further said of this Beast And he had power to give Life to the Image of the Beast c. viz. To the whole Rev. 13. 15 16 17. form of the Government of the former great Beast or the old Antichrist in Civil and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Or this Beast with two horns had power to give life breath or efficacy to Civil and Ecclesiastical Officers to force and compel obedience to all his Laws Civil and Ecclesiastical as any See the Acts of Allegiance and Supremacy of the Emperors Kings or Popes did or do in their Dominions From all which we may Observe First That this Beast is not said to act his own Power singly and simply but he acts the Power of others And he had Rev. 13. 15. Power to give Life Secondly Though it is said He had Power to give Life but not said to be from God or the Dragon or the former Beast therefore it must follow that this Beast had his Power from the Earth viz. from that earthly Interest out of which he arose and so is one of the Kings of the Earth Thirdly He had Power to give Life to the Image of the former Beast Therefore this Beast and the former Beast differ as a Beast and the Image of that Beast differ This latter Beast hath the Power of the former Beast Civil and Ecclesiastical but not lo fully and absolutely The Pope of Rome and other Monarchs are Powers absolute and Independant from the People but this Beast with two horns is a Power under limitation and restraint both Civil and Ecclesiastical and is but the Image Likeness or Picture of the former great Antichrist and not the same Beast I might mention other distinct marks set upon this latter Beast to difference him from the former Beast and yet shew him to be one in Nature with the other Beast so that both make up but the great Beast Antichrist in the whole Yet they are so distinct that they are properly two Beasts and two Antichrists which may be distinguished most properly by Antichrist Papal and Antichrist Protestant and if this New Name of Antichrist hold good and Antichrist be really found and discovered in the name and shew of a Protestant or Protestantism then Satan the Devil or Dragon is discovered in his Cheats Note First In influencing Heathen or Pagan Powers Secondly As Satans cheats discovered influencing Antichristian Powers Papal Thirdly As influencing Antichristian Powers Protestant under which many Saints deeply suffer in several Countries as will be more manifested in little time as I humbly judge Partic. 4 Fourthly I take the Politick Sate of this Nation to be different and distinct from the Four Empires It is plain both Dan. 5. 19. vers 30 31. and 8. 3 c. from Prophecy and History That the Four Empires arose by the Sword and Conquest successively and so gave Laws at pleasure And though we should grant that William of Normandy invaded England by the Sword and Pollicy and was called William the Conqueror yet he could not hold his Monarchy but by Agreement
The People of England are the first Seat of Power with the People and to Rule by Law Therefore by the Civil Constitution of England The People are the first Seat of Power and the Kings of England have been as well bound by Oath to Govern by Law as the People are bound by Oath or Law to subject to Kings as Governours in Chief Partic. 5 Fifthly and lastly The Lords People in England have by the Light of the Gospel and brightness of Christs coming and 2 Thes 3. 3 4 8 with the smart of Heathenish and Antichristian Tyranny made great discoveries of the Man of Sin the Son of Perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God Tyrannizing over their Souls and Bodys and now sighing and saying O Lord our God other Lords besides thee have had Dominion over us but now by thee only will we make mention of thy Name Isa 26. 13. Now for the Lords Remnant under and after all these Bonds and Engagements to God and one to another with experiences of Gods appearing for them for them to turn back to Egypt and Babylon and break Covenant with God and one with another For them again to set up what they had destroyed in Gods Name Spirit and Power and from which they were redeemed by so great Grace through many Prayers with the exhausting of so great Treasure and the price of so much Blood of Saints with others and again for those redeemed Souls to submit their Necks to the same Yoke of Tyranny this must needs be a sin of high nature and dreadfully provoking God SIR YOu were pleased to give your Understanding upon several Passages in that Paper which I willingly pass as loath to take up much of your time to read over my thoughts in every particular but if the Lord shall be pleased to bring to light more of his secret Will and our Duty in our Day this Labour will not be lost or this time meerly spent and it will be found both our honour and our Souls quiet to be witnessing for Christ against Antichrist however it goes with our outward man The 10th Month the 12th Day 1667. SIR SOme dayes after I had written my thoughts in what I judged then meet in return to yours I was under some conviction in my self that I had not fully explained my Understanding upon Rom. 13. 1 c. a Scripture which I had several times cited in a sence which some do not receive I am therefore humbly bold to add these Lines as a Post-script to the former I find it is the opinion of some men godly and learned That the Pagan Roman Caesars were and the Antichristian Kings are though idolatrous beastly bloody Tyrants the Magistrates and Ministers of God Constituted and Ordained and Invested by God with all Supream Authority in Civil affairs to rule over the Lords People and that the Saints are commanded by God to submit and subject to those Powers in their Bodies and Estates for the Lords sake and for Conscience sake This I humbly judge is Written Printed Preached and Professed c. It seems to me That the Old Testament the Law and Prophets which speak most of Political Government are yet silent in this point neither recording the time when the manner how or the words of Gods Commission and their Investment into such absolute Soveraign Authority over his People nor is there as I know or can be produced any one Text from the Old Testament where God by Moses or any of the Prophets commanded his People to submit to Pagan Roman Caesars or Antichristian Idolatrous Beastly bloody Tyrants as Gods Ordinance for the Lords sake or for Conscience sake But the proof of this Doctrine is taken out of the New Testament and two great Apostles of Christ Peter and Paul are made the only Fathers of this Opinion which I desire to examine The Rise and Original of the Pagan Caesars or the 4th Empire was first fore-shewed by the Prophet Daniel in these words After this I saw in the Night-Visions and behold a fourth Beast dreadful and terrible and strong exceedingly and it Dan. 7. 7. expounded v. 23. had great iron teeth it devoured and brake in pieces and stamped the residue with the feet of it And it was divers from all the Beasts that were before it and it had ten horns Here Daniel in his time described the fourth Empire whence it was vers 3. after what it was and how it acted in power and strength by Gods permission but not by Gods Institution and Commission that can be proved The Rise and Original also of Antichrist or the Antichristian State I take to be darkly represented by Daniel in the little â—aâ— 7. 8. vers 24 25 26 27. horn that came up among the ten horns of the Roman Empire or Roman Beast and how that acted also by Gods permission and how that Horn and Beast shall end But this Horn or Beast is shewed to the Apostle John and described fully Rev. 13. 1 2 c. which is generally taken to represent the Antichristian State Civil or Political The Rise of this Beast was out of the Sea and he had ten horns and upon his horns ten Crowns and upon his Heads the names of Blasphemy vers 1. The Dragon or the Devil gave this Beast his Power and his Seat and great Authority vers 2. And there was given him a mouth viz. to the Beast Antichrist speaking great things and Blasphemies vers 5. And he opened his mouth in Blasphemies against God to blaspheme his Name and his Tabernacle and them that dwell in Heaven vers 6. And it was given him to make war with the Saints and to overcome them vers 7. Now when the Original of Antichrist is thus plainly set out Note That his Power Seat and great Authority is from the Devil his work to Blaspheme God and his Worship and to make war with and overcome the Saints how unreasonable and unwarranted seems that Assertion which yet makes the Pagan Roman Caesars and Antichristian Kings to be Constituted Ordained and Invested by God with all Supream Magisterial Authority to rule over his People in Civil Affairs and that the Saints owe submission and subjection unto those Powers in their Bodies and Estates how intollerable bloody and tyrannical soever they be But to me there seems to be an unanswerable Argument couched against this vers 7. in these words And it was given him to make war with the Saints and to overcome them From hence I argue If in the rising State or under the Antichristian Civil State the Saints were in Arms lawfully upon their own defence against Antichrist in his Civil State and Antichrist overcame the Saints in war then the Saints had Civil Priviledges which they lawfully defended against Antichrist But under the Civil State of Antichrist c. Ergo. I will not follow this Argument as I might to prove it from the consent of Scriptures and History but
Ordinance was clearly in and amongst Gods Covenant-People from Moses to Christ and with none other Object But it is Objected That Daniels expounding Nebuchadnezzars Dream of the great Dan. 2. 37 c. Image said to him Thou O King art a King of Kings for the God of heaven hath given thee a Kingdom Power and Strength and Glory and after thee shall arise another Kingdom c. Therefore these four Kings or Imperial States were the Ordinance of God and lawful Magistrates or Ministers of God to whom the Lords People did and still do owe Obedience to in Civil things Answ To this I humbly give my thoughts First This was a Vision opened of four Imperial States which God would Providentially raise in the World successively one after another and use at his pleasure either to afflict Dan. 4. 17. or help his People and one to destroy the other but neither this Prophesie or any other Word of God speaks their Ordination and Constitution of Governors Magistrates or Misters Rom. 13. 3 4. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. of God sent for the good of his People for the encouragement of godliness and to be a terrour to evil-deers which are the great ends of Magistracy ordained by God and wherein the Lords People are commanded subjection for the Lords sake Secondly These Kings came successively to their Kingdoms and Rule by the power of the Sword and Strength as was prophesied but not by Power and Authority and so accordingly were represented by Monstrous Beasts and no Births of Dan. 7. 4 to 8. and 8. 4 c. Nature All these Monstrous States or Kings came successively to Rule by Gods Providence in their times as they got power or strength to Conquer The King of Babylon Conquered 2 King 24. 1 2 c. vers 10. and 25. 1 2 c. and Captivated the Jews for their sin by Power and Might not by Authority or Right By Gods providence a Thief or Thieves rob or kill the honest Traveller Note but not by Power of Authority as having right to the Travellers mony and life by the Law of God and in this way like Beasts of prey one Kingdom or State subdued another and so it is still Thirdly Though Daniel said to the King of Babylon That God gave him a Kingdom Power and Strength yet this was prophesied after he had taken Jerusalem and captived the Jews Dan. 2. 37. living therefore this Commission was not warrant for the former Cruelty Fourthly Not any of these Kings had the Essentials of Gods Magistrates viz. As fearing God as chosen out of themselves and Exod. 18. 21. Deut. 1. 13. Rom. 13. 3 4. 1 Pet. 2. 13 14 invested with authority by them nor ruling by Gods Laws to encourage godliness and be a terror to evil-doers Therefore upon these grounds not any of the Heathen Kings were the Ordinance of God to be obeyed by the Lords People for the Lords sake Object But it is said That God brought upon Israel the King of the Caldees and God gave Jehoiakim King of Judah into the hand of the King of Babylon 2 Chron. 36. 17. Dan. 1. 1 2. Answ Yes God did so providentially as a Curse and Judgement to fulfil the Word of his threatnings upon their disobedience 2 Chr. 36. 14 15 16 17. Isa 10. 5 c. 2 King 24. 1 c. 8. 10 c. stubbornness and incorrigible rebellions against him but not as his Minister for their good as a Magistrate ordained by God to rule and feed them The Kings of Assyria and Babylon c. were such powers of the Earth or earthly powers which God by his Almighty Power providentially used as his Creatures to afflict or relieve to distress or save his Covenant-People when he pleased but not to rule and govern them under God or for God as his Magistrates ordained by him God by his Almighty Soveraign power and pleasure threatned the disobedience of his people with many sore judgments Ezek. 14 12 13 Deut. 28. 15 c. and he used what Creatures he thought good to do it by viz. Either noysom Beasts Famine Pestilence or Sword By Sword was meant the Sword of Kings or States whom he providentially brought upon them which Kings were only led by principles of Nature and opportunities and providences when they knew not God or his designs and so they were Isa 10. 5 6 7. v. 12. to 19. Jer. 51. 52. judged by God and destroyed for the misery desolation and blood of the Lords People Note Therefore these Heathen Kings or Powers were no otherwise the Ordinance of God but as Locusts Famine Pestilence c. or the Devil are the Ordinance of God Object But God gave it in Charge to those Jews who were carried Captives to Babylon to seek the peace of the City and to pray unto the Lord for it for in the peace thereof ye shall have peace Jer. 29. 7. Answ This was the Lords Command to those Captives But First That short time of Israels Captivity was foreshewed and also by whom their Deliverance should come viz. by Cyrus Isa 44. 28. 45. 1 2 c. Jer. 29. 10 11. Secondly Their Captivity was very easie they had the Liberty of Conscience in Religion they had liberty to build Houses to plant Vineyards and to eat the Fruit to marry Wives and to live in safety therefore to seek the Peace of the place but not of the King of Babylon Thirdly This command To seek the Peace of the place implies a Charge laid upon them not to raise trouble by seeking their Deliverance yet not to pray for the prosâ—â—â—ity of the King or the establishment of that Kingdom for God had declared Isa 44. 28. and 45. 1 2 3 c. Dan. 5. 30 31. Rev. 18 6 7. his determination to destroy Babylon and in Babylons destruction their deliverance should come Therefore God used the King of Persia to redeem Israel but this is not the case of Christians under Mystery Babylon But Daniel and other Servants of the Lord served the King of Object Babylon c. Answ They did so as Captives taken by the Sword and Violence not as Magistrates or Ministers of God to rule over them for then they had had no cause to return to their own Country and Government The Captive Jews under the King of Babylon and Captive Christians under the Turk are one in Nature Note but I judge that Christians in Turkish slavery do not see themselves bound by the preceptive will of God to abide in slavery if by Gods providence a way be opened for their escape The Jews under the Government of Judges were Judg. 2. 11 12 v. 14 15 16 c. oft providentially given up by God into the hands of several Heathen Kings or States for their great transgressions against God and when they humbled themselves before the Lord and repented the Lord also providentially delivered them But in the
time of their Bondage they looked not upon those Tyrants as Gods Ordinance to rule over them or as Magistrates they were bound to obey Object But Joseph the Husband of Mary obeyed the Edict of Agustus Caesar and went with Mary his Wife from Nazareth to Jerusalem to be taxed Luke 2. 1 2 c. Answ This act of Joseph proves not Caesar a Lawful Power or Magistrate of God to rule over his people For First Every act of a good man is not therefore lawful because a good man doth it In many things we offend all Jam. 3. 2. Secondly Though Joseph obeyed the Edict of the Emperor yet no Text can be shewed that he did it by the Command of God Thirdly Though Caesar exacted a smal Tribute of the Jews to shew that they were Captives Conquered by the Sword yet he left them free in Religion and many outward Priviledges which Antichrist denies to Christians Mat. 27. 1 2. John 18. 31. Fourthly Note The very Elect of God and such as are eternally saved by long bondage and ignorance of their Priviledges as Gods Children may by Tradition give obedience to the Kings or States they lived or were born under both in Civil things and Spiritual Worship and not know that they do evil as Joseph and all Israel in Egypt As Joseph and Mary and other Jews in Canaan And as many Christian Martyrs have done under Antichristian Bondage and Tyranny Gen. 42 15. Exod. 6. 9. Act. 7. 24 25. Object But Christ himself paid Tribute to Caesar Answ Christ did it to avoid offence or scandal yet sinned not in it but he paid it not as to a lawful Magistrate or Minister of Mat. 17. 26 27. God who had power over his Body For First Christ declared himself free Secondly Christ at that time was entred upon his Mediatory Offices and had put out Royal Acts of Authority as King over Jews and Gentiles Mat. 3. 16 17 4. 18 19 c. Thirdly Christ only paid that Tax for Himself and Peter as persons only concerned and not for the rest of his Disciples Fourthly Christ did at that time in that thing give up or let go his own right out of a gracious end and design to propagate the Gospel and that was lawful or no sin in him which yet would be sin in his Servants Note It is lawful and may be good in a Master sometimes to give up or let go something of his right which is not lawful in a Servant to do Fifthly Dark Scriptures are to be expounded from the consent and currant of Scriptures to make a harmony that one text do not contradict another But to bring this text to prove hence that Caesar was a lawful Magistrate and had Authority from God to tax Christ and his disciples contradicts the words of Christ Note And hath given him Authority to execute Judgement also because he is the Son of Man All Power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth John 5. 17. Mat. 28. 18. Eph. 1. 20 21 22 23. with many other texts and currant of Scriptures Old and New Object But we find the Apostle Paul approved and appealed to Caesars Authority which was not only a bare subjection to but an owning of that Power Act. 25. 10 11. Answ Suppose Paul did so yet it is to be questioned Whether Paul did that by a Command from God or Christ It is Divine 1 Cor. 11. 1. 8. 23. Authority which makes the Acts of the Apostles lawful and imitable for Saints Note The failings of the Lords Worthies were not written for imitation but for caution and consolation 1 Cor. 10. 6 11 Gal. 2. 11 12 c. in failings Peter and Paul were chief Apostles of Christ and yet had the infirmities of men And as Paul blamed Peter in some things no doubt but Peter also might have blamed Paul in some things had he lived and travelled with Paul Paul himself is much in confession of his humane frailties and Rom. 7. 14 15 c Act. 22. 24 25 26. 23. 35. 24. 26 27. 25 1 2 3 8 10 11. infirmities through corruption and temptation And it is clear that Pauls appealing to Caesar at Rome was in design to deliver himself and save his Life from the Jews and that Judicature at Jerusalem where he was surprized and kept by violence of arms which hath been the case of many of the Lords people and not that Paul approved or owned Caesar as having Divine Authority or Jurisdiction over his Body Note but by that appeal providentially Paul had his Liberty And we do not read that ever he was brought to further tryal at Rome This Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles did yet Circumcise Timothy Rom. 11. 13. Act. 16 8. Note and also to save himself from the Jews rage fell into Peters transgression which he accused him for who were set against him for preaching down the Ceremonial Law and Circumcision Paul did yet pretend himself as a Jew under the Law and under a Vow and after the manner of the Law purified himself and went into the Temple To signifie the Act. 21. 23 24. c. accomplishment of the dayes of Purification until that an Offering should be made These acts were not lawful in Paul an Apostle nor imitable for the Saints now though done by an Apostle but how far God may wink at these and the like weaknesses in his People I will not judge Note Object But it is said that Paul wrote to the Saints at Rome to subject to the Emperors of Rome though Beasts and Tyrants saying Let every soul be subject to the higher Powers for there is no power but of Rom. 13. 1. God the powers that be are ordained or ordered of God Answ First The Apostle in this place speaks clearly of Saints subjection to Magistracy or to Magistrates as Ordained by God and Ministers of State sent by God for the good of his People and not of the Caesars then Tyrannizing over the Lords heritage at that time I judge that the right of Civil Government 1 Cor. 6. 1 2 â— over the Saints was in themselves though they had not the power of strength to put out all Acts. Thus it was with the Jews in Babylon under the Romans c. The Jews as Gods Covenant-people had right to the exercise of all Civil Jurisdiction Gen. 49. 10. Deut. 1. 9 13. and 16. 18 c. Deut. 28. 25 47 48 c. amongst themselves by Gods appointment But as a Curse and Punishment of their sins the exercise of that Power and Authority was by Gods permission taken from them by the force and power of Enemies especially to some Joh. 18. 31. acts of Jurisdiction Thus it was with the Christians Christ left Authority with his own servants in all things without exception amongst themselves and the Saints were in the Mar. 13. 34. Mat. 25. 14. 1 Cor. 6. 1 c. exercise
was invested by the Father Mat. 28. 18. Eph. 1. 20 21 c. with all Power in Heaven and Earth Then the Heathen Kings from Christs time to the rise of Antichrist were Usurpers and not the Ordinance of God to be obeyed by Saints in Civil things But it is your thoughts as I take it that Antichrist in his Civil State is the Ordinance of God Magisterial and to be obeyed by the Lords People in Civil things as derived from the Heathen Magistratical Power or from the Roman State Your words are these I take the Dragon to be the Old Pagan Empire as it was acted by Satan in advancing Idolatrous Worship And by the Beast I mean the Roman Empire as Antichristian or rather Antichrist agitated by Satan in advancing Idolatry and Superstition under other Names And therefore if it were not a sin in the one to yeeld obedience I do not see how it should be sin in the other since Satan acted both Reply To this I make my humble Reply First I am not yet convinced from Scripture or Argument That any Heathen Emperors or Kings were Ordained by God to Rule and Govern his People from him as his Magistrates or Ministers of State who were acted and influenced by the Devil and answered not the ends of Magistracy as Ordained by God Secondly It is my understanding That upon Christs Baptisme he entered upon his Mediatorship and upon all his Mediatory Mat. 3. 16 17. John 1. 41. Offices actually and visibly in the World and that all Disciples believing and visibly closing with Christ as Mediator Prophet Priest and King Note were actually dismist and dis-ingaged from the Curse and Bondage of that Heathen Yoke which was brought upon Gods Covenant-People for Isa 10. 27. John 1. 41 45. their Rebellions against God his Laws and Government Thirdly I can easily grant Note That the same Satan acted the Pagan Empire and Antichrist and also that the Dragon or Pagan Empire gave to the Beast Antichrist his Power his â—ev 13. 2 Seat and great Authority viz. All that Power and Authority in the Roman or Western Empire which rested in the Dragon or the Devil to give And this Power and Authority is all which the Beast Antichrist ever had Note But it is not proved that God ever gave unto the Devil such Power or invested the Pagan Empire either with the power of Government in that Empire or with Power and Authority to Invest and Instal another State to Rule as Gods Ministers And it is my Judgement that neither the Dragon had Power of Authority from God to constitute a New State or to divolve Civil Power and Authority Magisterial as Gods Ordinance upon the Beast Antichrist or that Christian Believers are bound from God to receive and obey Antichrists Commands in Civil things because the Dragon gave him his Power I humbly judge That your Inference cannot be binding to the Lords People until these two things be proved First That the Heathen Dragonical State was the Ordinance of God intrusted with Supream Authority Royal in all the World as Lord and Law-giver Secondly That the Dragonical State or Power was Invested and Intrusted by God to constitute another Supream Royal State Civil in the World Note Acts of Royalty put out proves not the Authority to be from God but it is ground of strong suspicion if not of demonstration That the Power and Authority which is acted Isa 10. 5 c. 2 King 24. 1 2 c. 2 Thes 2. 10 11. and influenced from the Devil is not of Gods appointing or ordaining but only by Gods permission and suffering in his just Judgements And to this I may add Note That throughout the Books of the Prophets and Apostles Old Babylon and Mystery Babylon are declared the Objects and Subjects of Divine Wrath and Vengeance and therefore not the Ordinance of God as mostly taken to be Divine I can grant that by corruption evil and vile men may get in and be in power of Government Psal 12. 8 Hos 5. 1. and 8. 4. Isa 3. 1 4. which is appointed by God the which God doth not approve but threatens and judgeth where such offences are committed and not reformed Now this is the evil of Persons and not the evil of Government as ordained by God Note And in that case the Lord by his righteous Judgments may and doth punish a Nation both with and for wicked Kings and Rulers God also preceptively and providentially removed evil Kings and Rulers in Israel and Judah yet still continued Magistracy as his Ordinance but both Babylon Litterally Isa 1. 24 25 26. and Babylon Mystically in their Civil and Ecclesistâ—ical States shall be perfectly destroyed which is yet remaining and therefore Jer. 25. 12 13. Rev. 18. 21 c neither the Dragon or Antichrist are Magistrates or Magistracy as Gods Ordinance As for those Inferences or Arguments drawn from Pauls practice and from Peter and Pauls Writings to Saints or Churches I have given my understanding in them and so pass them but to what I have said I humbly crave leave to offer my thoughts in these Particulars following Particu 1 First I see it not clearly proved That the Pagan Roman Caesars are signified by the Dragon Rev. 12. 3 4 c. but that the Dragon may rather represent Antichrist for two Reasons First The Man of Sin Antichrist sits in the Temple of God 1 Thes 2. 4. And this Dragon appeared in Heaven Rev. 12. 3. viz. in the visible Church which the Pagan Caesars did not Secondly This Dragon drave the Woman into the Wilderness 1260 dayes the same time with the Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth Rev 12 6. and 11. 2 3. 13. 5 and one state of time with Antichrists Reign Therefore the Dragon must signifie Antichrist or the Antichristian State and not the Pagan Roman State For if we take the Dragon for the Pagan Empire then the Pagan Persecutions are included in the Antichristian Persecution of 1260 days or else John only hints the Pagan Persecutions and then falls into and states the Antichristian Persecution 1260 dayes Particu 2 Secondly It is not clear That the Beast arising out of the Sea Rev. 13. 1 c. and Daniels fourth Beast are one Beast and Rev. 13. 1. Dan. 7. 7. 2 Thes 2 7. Rev. 17 18. both representing the Roman Empire I humbly judge That upon the fall of Daniels fourth Beast the Beast with ten Horns Crowned then arose over whom the Woman reigns Note and so is the Kingdom of the Beast Antichrist as they are professed Christian 1 Joh. 2. 22. 2 Thes 2 7. States and yet oppose and deny the Fathers and the Sons Soveraignty Paul infers that the Pagan Empire ceased or was taken away when Antichrist arose and every of the ten horns or kingdoms as they put on Crowns they became entire and distinct Monarchies So Daniel makes the little horn Dan. 7. 8. Antichrist to be
I shall humbly add my thoughts upon these words which some think there is much in for Antichrist viz. And it was given him Rev. 13. 7. Here we are to enquire First Who is here to be underderstood by this particle him To this the Answer is clear It is the Beast Antichrist v. 1 2. Secondly What Power Antichrist had The Answer is common viz. Civil Power to make war or power and strength to raise Armies and make war with and overcome the Saints Thirdly How Antichrist had or came by this Power To this the Text answers It was given him Fourthly But the great Question is Who gave Antichrist this Power viz. God or some other The Answer is plain The Dragon gave him his Power and Rev. 13. â—â— his Seat and great Authority Now when the holy Ghost is thus plain and punctual in describing Antichrist in the Original of his Power and in the improvement of it against God Holiness and Saints that yet Antichrist should be asserted the Ordinance of God and Minister of God c. I confess I see no ground for it from these Scriptures Object But it is said by Saints to Antichrist as Christ once said to Pilate Thou couldest have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above therefore he that delivered me to thee Joh. 19. 10 11. had the greater sin Answ To this I Reply That in like manner as Pilate was Antichrist was permitted of God in whom it was to have hindred it to arise and get strength and power to make war with the Rev. 2. 5 10. Saints and to overcome them either for trial of their Faith or rebuke of their sin Pilate and the Jews could have put out Act. 2. 22 23. Rom. 9. 17. no act of power against Christ or Antichrist against the Saints but as God permitted and suffered in his own wisdom and counsel to bring to pass his designes of greater Grace Power and Glory So the Devil had no power over Job but as God Job 1. 9 10 suffered and permitted Note And I see not but by the same Argument that the Pagan Caesaâ—â— and Antichristian Kings are asserted to be the Ordinance of God and to be obeyed by the Lords People by the same Argument the Devil must be acknowledged to be the Orninance of God and to be obeyed by the Saints Object Or if it be said That God doth the Saints good by the Afflictions and Persecutions from Tyrants 1 Cor. 3. 22 23 Answ I say That God by his Wisdom Grace and Power so orders all for the good of Saints inward or outward and yet Rom 8. 28. neither the Devil or wicked men are the efficient cause of that good which comes to Saints by sanctified afflictions Note Therefore I yet see not any Scripture-proof that the Pagan Caesars or Antichristian Kings are the Ordinance of God and to be obeyed by the Saints in their Bodies and Estates for the Lords sake and for Conscience sake because God useth these Rods to chastize the Saints with As there hath no Heathen or Antichristian State arisen in the World but by Gods Permission and Providence Dan 4. 1â— so there hath been a concurrance of Natural Causes leading to such Changes of States and Governments God secretly carrying on his designes in them and yet so as the Agents or Instruments therein have not seen God in those things and so they have been cursed in the designes which they have accomplished against the Lords People and Interest Thus the Heathen Isa 10. 5 6 c Mat. 27. 1 2 c. â—ct 2. 22 23. State Judas and the Jews came under the Curse for destroying Jerusalem for betraying Christ and putting him to death although they fulfilled the determinate Counsel of God Therefore what Christ said of Judas may be said of every apostate Professor who for gain or self ends hath either formerly or in later times betrayed the Lords Interest and People into the hands of Antichristian Kings though by Gods secret counsel and permission The distressed Saints may say Note He or they that delivered us into the hands of beastly bloody men Jâ—hn 19. 11 have the greater sin But still some suppose that they have but done their duty and to confirm their opinion and practice in subjecting unto Pagan or Antichristian Kings as having power of Rule over them in Civil Affairs by Gods appointment they urge the Writings of Peter and both Pauls Doctrine and Practice but the two chief Corner Stones on which they found their Opinion is 1 Pet. 2. 13 14. and Rom. 13. 1. Of these Scriptures therefore I will take a further view The words of Peter are these Submit your selves to every Ordinance 1 Peâ— 2. 〈…〉 of Man for the Lords sake whether it be to the King as Supream c. In these words Peter enjoyns Saints universal obedience to every Ordinance of Man or Law of Man as some take it Civil and Ecclesiastical not considering the state condition or quality of the Kings Pagan or Antichristian But as Peter wrote this to Saints under the Pagan Roman Caesars it is taken for granted that Peter in his time commanded those Saints to submit to every Ordinance of those Emperours without exception though idolatâ—ous beastly bloody Tyrants Some men again godly and learned see cause to put a restriction upon Peters universal and say That Peters exhortation to Saints in that day was to submit to every Ordinance of Man in Civil Affairs concerning the Bodies and Estates of Saints Note But the Saints Consciences to God in Spiritual things were and are only under the Government and Ordinances of God and Christ And this their position they prove from other Texts and the currant of Scripture But I have given my sence upon this place in the former Papers and therefore pass it here But the main and chief Text in all the Scriptures urged are the words of Paul written to the Saints at Rome His words are these Let every soul be subject to the higher Powers for there is no Power but of God the Powers that be are ordained or ordered of Rom. 13. 1 God From this Text some argue thus First That Paul commands a universal obedience to the Higher Powers by Saints and Sinners Let every soul Secondly The Powers that be are ordained of God Paul saith not The Powers that have been or the Powers that shall be are Ordained of God But the Powers which be are Ordained of God And the Powers which then were in being were the Pagan Roman Caesars idolatrous beastly bloody Tyrants the which command is still binding to Christians under the like Powers From this Text some give the sole Supream Power to Kings to rule over mens Bodies and Souls as God Some again restrain the Royal Power of Kings only to the Bodies of Saints in Civil Affairs and give the Soveraignty of Souls to Eph 1. 21 22 23. Christ