as the light of the sun and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold c. Though a man where he stands may see very much yet being set up higher as on a hill or mountain suppose as high as the sun he sees a great deal more then he did before True it is no sooner are the Witnesses risen but the earth is enlightned Rev. 18.1 by the Ark of the Testament Rev. 11.19 and the Tabernacle of the Testimony opened in heaven Chap. 11.5 But when the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 Saints then shall be higher then Temple or Tabernacle Rev. 21.22 for their light shall be seven times more then before as being rais'd to a higher pitch and degree of light and knowledge then either the Prophets or Apostles had Answ 2. He saith No man shall be able to enter in but he doth not say No man shall be able to go out And in this he alludeth to Solomons Temple wherein the Priests could not enter 2 Chron. 7.2 they could not go in but those who were in could go out 1 King 7.10 11. being so filled with the presence and glory of the Lord that they went out So here the Angels of the Vials shall go out being so filled with the presence spirit and glory of the Lord that they will not be able to abide in Though none go in yet he saith not None go out So that I cannot see how this hinders but the Vials may be begun Repl. I think you have laid down a very good Ground by your distinction to prove that the Vials are not begun For 1. If those in the Temple must be filled with such a presence spirit and glory of the Lord before they go out I am strongly perswaded that neither Waldo Wickliff Armachan c. were any of the Angels nor the Swedish or Britain Souldiers nor yet is the Temple filled with such a presence It is one thing to be in the Temple and another thing to have it filled with this glory you speak of For such a time will not be neither is it to be expected till the Antichristian darkness be more expell'd Should a man now make enquiry amongst the choicest Saints concerning Temple-presence I know what they would say and not without cause we have not the understanding of men clouds and darkness are about us we want the presence and spirit of God there is a death darkness and deadness spread over all things as worship ordinances Scriptures c. Nevertheless sure I am there is as much now of the presence and spirit of God with his people as any of those ever had who are said to be the Angels of the first Vials So then if there be no coming out until the Temple is filled with the presence spirit and glory of the Lord we may conclude Either none are come out or if any are they had not the presence and Spirit of God which the holy Ghost expresseth Rev. 15.8 2. As none are to come out of the Temple until filled with the Spirit so not until they are call'd Rev. 16.1 The which Call I do not take to be in following Providence but more then ordinary as the Prophets and Apostles were by some immediate impulse of spirit the Lord making them now clearly to see that their work and time is come As I have said before A particular and special call peculiar to this time of the Vials as Mr. Tilling saith which hitherto no man had Answ 3. Whereas he saith No man we must observe the subject he doth not say No Angel but No man which is a different dialect of the holy Ghost and doubtless means some other and not them that execute the Vials for they are called Angels and indeed I think it refers to a more inferiour subject and therefore cannot hinder but that the Vials which are poured out by Angels are more glorious instruments then common men may begin Repl. 1. You have given me occasion to declare my thoughts of the place It is true as you say he saith not No Angel but No man signifying thereby when the Vial-time begins what a most glorious Reformation there will be both of persons and things For such shall be the light judgement zeal and conscience of Saints as no man shall be admitted into the Temple no carnal and formal Professors no corrupt Hypocrites no such Apostates as 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4. Now that shall be verified Holiness becometh thy house Jehovah to length of days Psal 93.5 Hitherto especially since the great Apostacie the vile with the precious have been in the Temple Whilst men slept the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat Matth. 13.25 What through ignorance partiality covetousness self-love MAN hath entred into the Temple most unworthy persons have been taken into Church-fellowship but now no man is able c. it is so filled with smoak from the glory of the Lord and from his power So then the meaning is upon the rising of the Witnesses the Church draws to primitive perfection both for light and life As the Tabernacle of the testimony shall be opened that is large discoveries of Gospel-mysteries so the Temple shall be shut as no entrance for man none but Angels shall go in and out And though I am not of your opinion that this refers to the blessed Jerusalem-estate of the thousand years yet it is a fore-runner and carries the character and likeness of that glorious time Hence in part will be fulfilled Isa 35.8 48.2 Joel 3.17 Isai 26.2 1 Cor. 6.9 10. Psal 15.1 2. 24.3 4. Isai 60.21 Rev. 21.27 22.15 Compare 1 Cor. 3.3 Are ye not carnal and walk 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to man Now whereas Mr. Tilling opinion is That Saints before the Vials begin shall not attain to that purity the Church of Christ enjoyed before the corruptions of Antichrist crept into it I think otherwise and the Scripture which he quotes viz. Rev. 4.6 in my opinion is against him For then saith he speaking of the Primitive time there was a sea of glass clear as crystal here is a sea of glass but not yet so clear as crystal There is more in Rev. 15.2 then a sea of glass for it is added mingled with fire Now the reason why these words mingled with fire are left out in Chap. 4.6 it is because of the purity which the Church then was in as to Doctrine and Discipline before the Apostacie of Antichrist and so the sea of glass needed no mingling with fire But the impure and filthy dross of Antichrist being crept into the Church then indeed there was cause to have the sea of glass mingled with fire whereby to consume and burn up not onely the grosser part of Popery or the lees and dregs of that Religion but the whole great and small as the fire leaves no dross or impurity in silver refin'd So then whereas the sea of glass is said to
Truth vvith Time OR CERTAIN REASONS PROVING That none of the seven last Plagues or Vials are yet poured out neither will the time of their pouring out begin till after the rising of the Two Witnesses and the fourty two months of the Beast's reign be expired LIKEWISE An ANSWER to the said REASONS With a REPLY FURTHER The Author hath here set down in a brief Exposition his opinion of the FIRST VIAL By JOHN CANNE Minister of the Gospel Jer. 51.10 Come let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God Dan. 12.10 But the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand But the wise shall understand London Printed by J.C. for Livewe Chapman at the Crown in Popes-head-Alley 1656. To all the Mourners in Zion now waiting by faith and prayer for the fulfilling of the great promises of the last Times Precious Ones THe Lord saith by his Prophet * Psal 50.5 Gather ye to me my gracious Saints that have stricken my covenant with sacrifice Who are meant here I shall not say but this I say The time draws nigh in which the sanctified and mighty ones of Jehovah shall be gathered together to him even the hundred fourty and four thousand standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion It is possible this Work of mine at first sight may seem strange to you being contrary to what hath been generally received and withal may occasion some discouragement as if the day of the Lords vengeance and the year of recompenses for the controversie of Zion were further off then you thought before For the first I shall refer you to the Discourse it self but for the later that is taking None of the Vials yet begun it will be for your encouragement and advantage many ways 1. Here you may see what choice and singular Priviledges the Lord hath reserved for YOU the Saints of the last times as to be particularly THESE Rev. 14.1 2 3 c. and the called chosen and faithful Chap. 17.14 The Angels to come out of the Temple with seven golden Vials full of the wrath of God * Psal 149.7.8 To do vengeance on the heathens reproofs in the nations To binde their Kings in chains and their Nobles in fetters of iron To do on them the judgement written this comely honour is to all his gracious Saints Hallelu-jah It never grieves a childe to know more then he did of the Portion which his father left him I have in this Treatise acquainted you with something more then what probably you knew before concerning your lot how eminent it is being fallen in the last days 2. If the Lord will thus honour you the Saints of the last times with high and glorious employment What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness How should ye studie * 2 Tim. 2.21 to be meet for the Masters use workmen that need not to be ashamed Surely * Levit. 16.21 he will send by the hand of fit men Were a man chosen to any great Office in the Commonwealth he would take pains to have insight in it and to have all meet qualifications for the discharge thereof In former times as Saints saw that their work then was to suffer for the testimony of Jesus Christ so they went to God by instant and earnest prayer for faith patience courage constancie c. that they might not love their lives unto the death We are come without doubt neer the time of the end viz. the period of the Beast's reign and the Vials to begin Hence we should minde what our Work is NOW and for THIS be calling upon God day and night for spirits sutable to the Work 3. I know nothing if duly weighed of more weight then this to heal all present Breaches amongst the faithful of the Land and to gather them in as one with and for the Lamb. Never was there a time more unseasonable then now for brethren to be at oddes whether about Forms or the like but rather bearing each with other in their Opinions to joyn together in Fasting and Prayer that they may all know the Lord as to the proper work of the day and therein as all alike concerned stand fast together in the defence thereof I have observed it a long while that nothing more draws out the hearts of Christians to peace and oneness then the understanding of the Times Men walking in a dark room are apt to stumble and fall one upon another It is want of Generation-light that Ephraim envies Judah and Judah vexeth Ephraim Could Saints but see that the day breaks and the shadows are flying away those Forms and other things which men now are earnest for God is shaking and making all things new they would lay their hands upon their mouthes and say Once have I spoken yea twice but I will proceed no further If a Master should come and finde his servants quarrelling about some small matter and in the mean time nothing done concerning things of more weight and importance though some might be less in fault then others and so less blamed yet they would be all reproved as having neglected the greater and more weighty business It is true in these Controversies as some have more Truth on their side then others so their fault is the less nevertheless not having served their Generation but contended onely about things of lesser importance for this they may ALL stand ashamed before the Son of man at his coming 4. If no Vial yet be poured out and the Vial-Angels are to come out of the Temple this considered should stir up the Churches of the Saints to hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches They have seen thy goings O God Rev. 2.7 Psal 68.24 even the goings of my God my King in the Sanctuary My opinion is near the time of the Vials the Spirit of God will move among the Saints at their holy Meetings in some strong and extraordinary way as to the shaking of the house as Act. 4.31 or as in Acts 13.2 And the Temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power And therefore Rev. 15.8 as eminent and infallible confirmations and assurances are to be ask'd so God's Answers and Returns are to be heeded for now Believers are to expect the great promise of the Father to be endued with power from on high and to have the Spirit of truth Joh. 16.13 to guide them into all truth and to shew them things to come Again as wonderful and extraordinary things are to be attempted things new and in former ages unheard-of so the wonderful appearances of God as moving and leading men thereto are to be observ'd which are no other then Gods call to the Angels of the Vials in the Temple Go your ways and pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the earth Rev. 16.1 Who is wise and he shall understand these things prudent Hos
And the Temple was filled with smoke from the glorie of God and from his power and no man was able to enter into the Temple till the seven plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled How this can be fairly applied to the persons whom I have often mentioned viz. Grostead Armachan Wickliff Luther the King of Swethen or our Late Parliament I see no reason at all for it For 1. If there hath been no such Temple yet filled with smoke from the glory of God as I beleeve there hath not then consequently none of the 7 Last plagues have been poured out But 2. Suppose such a Temple 3 or 400 yeers past Yet how will it appeare that in all this time notwithstanding the multitudes which have ever since separated from the false Church not one man of them was able to enter into the Temple 3. For the persons who are thought to be the Angels already gone out of the Temple with Vials of wrath give them their due and more too yet I doubt if things be duly weighed whether groundedly it can be proved I speake as to any of them that the Temple was * I am much unsatisfied that not any of the Vials are yet poured out in regard I see so little proportion and sutableness between the persons who are said to be the Angels how the Spirit of God describes the persons and worke FILLED with smoke from the glory of God and from his power Lastly I am something confirmed in my opinion not onely to observe how unsuteably the matter of the Vials is applied to things already done I say the disproportion between the one and the other But what contrarieties and differences there are amongst good men about them a Of this opinion are good men Some think Three are poured out b So Mede others say Four c Thus holds Mayer some Five d So thinks John dela March others Six Now truly my mind gives me if such things were past being of so great concernment Gods people would not be so divided and lost therein Besides it is my opinion and I shall ere long give reasons for it when the time comes that these Vials shall begin to be poured out the Lord will set it * I Question whether Wickcliff Husse Luther c. or the King of Sweth or our Parliament either the one in preaching the Gospel or the other in going forth to war had it put upon their hearts by the Spirit of God that what they did was in order to the fulfilling of this Prophesie that is they knew they were called out of the Temple to poure out such and such of the last plagues upon the Antichristian Kingdome But I doe not question when the set-time is come that the Vials indeed must be poured out but such as shall be the instruments and ministers thereof shall fully know that they are the Angels appointed for that worke home upon the hearts of the Saints as their worke and not onely shall they be Spirited and fitted for it but they shall know by some divine appearance that the set-time is come now as his chosen called and faithfull they must follow the Lamb with golden Vials in their hands Rev. 15.7 16.1 18. 1. Isa 13.3 Psa 50.4 5. Dan. 12.10 Rev. 17.1 Howsoever I have thus far declared my self that none of the seven last plagues are poured out yet I must confesse considering how in this thing I dissent from what hath been and still is the common received opinion of most pious and pretious Saints I desire to be very humble and sober in my thoughts and in this regard I profess in the presence of God before the whole Israel of God that I shall be most willing and thankfull through the good hand of Christ assisting me to receive better light from the least of the Flock if I am mistaken about the time And because the knowledge of the times to wit when the Vials are to take their beginning is a thing of special concernment for here if we mistake we build upon a sandie foundation and the whole Fabrick is mar'd by it Besides the matter of the Vials is the main thing which all waiting Saints at this time are diligently to enquire after as their GENERATION-WORKE For these and other like considerations it is my humble request that whosoever amongst the Little remnant of the woman is not satisfied with these reasons but thinks he can produce stronger Arguments that some of the Vials are poured out then those which I have brought that in the spirit of meeknesse so much may be made known to the followers of the Lamb. And to the end the Answer may be the more full and satisfactory to the Saints everywhere I will here adde a few Queries the which being answered with the Reasons will give the more light to the point in controversie Quest. 1 First If by the Angel pouring out the first Vial either Waldo Wickliff Grostead Armachan Luther c. be meant who then is the one of the 4 Beasts which gave unto the 7 Angels the 7 golden vials Rev. 15.7 By the four Beasts in the Revelation all Learned and godly Expositors do understand the Ministers Preachers of the Gospel If so how then can they who * If the place be well weighed I think such will see their mistake who apply any of the Vials to the preaching of the Gospel It is one thing to stir up another to his work and another thing to take the work out of his hand deliver over the Vials to be poured out by others be the doers thereof themselves Quest. 2 Secondly whereas the 7 last plagues are to be poured forth by 7 Angels The Question is whether by each Angel a single person be meant or a number If a number of persons then whether all godly or some suppose the greater number shall be taken into the work which are visibly prophane and wicked even such as carry the Marke of the Beast It seems by the Scripture that none shall be called to the work of the Vials nor have a hand in the pouring of them out but * Rev. 15.6 17.14 14 1. Isa 13.3 Psa 102.18 Jer. 50.45 Rev. 18.6 Saints by calling If so then how is the 2 or 3 Vial applyable to the Sweden or English wars Quest. 3 Thirdly why should the Song of Moses of the Lamb Rev. 15.34 I doe not denie but the Lord hath done much for his Church and people in these later times but it will not therefore follow that he hath given them such victories deliverances as to sing the song of Moses c. be carried up to the times before the rising of the witnesses and the new song Rev. 14.3 brought down many hundred yeers after This seems to be 1. Against the order of the prophesie 2. The matter of the song if rightly observed is not suteable to any time in which the
Beasts reigned Neither lastly can it be shewed in my opinion that ever the Churches of the Saints since the rise of Antichrist to this day have had occasion through any deliverance or Victory to song the Song of Moses and of the Lamb. Quest. 4 Fourthly That some of these Vials should be poured out in the preaching of the Gospel by Wickliff Husse Luther c. Others by Parliaments Armies Navies c. Though it be so taken yet I do not see any Reason for it for their opinion to me seems better grounded I mean as to order who apply all the seuen last Plagues either to the (a) I would have this thing wel consider'd why we should understand in preaching of the gospel Vials plagues to be poured out preaching of the Gospel onely or onely to temporal Judgments executed by Civil Powers But to understand one Viall poured out in a Spiritual way another in a Civil way here I desire proof as being unsatisfied Quest. 5 Fifthly That the effect of the first Viall whether by Grostead Armachan Wickliff Luther c. poured out should no further extend then to the discovering of some particulars of the grosser sort of Idolatry as Purgatory Mass Penance Corporal Presence Praying to Saints Pilgrimages Indulgences c. with a Reformation of some people from the practice of such Corruptions Many gross Lyes and Errors of the Beast neither discovered nor reproved at the same time by the persons before named This I question because when any Viall is poured out wheresoever it falls it shall (b) That any of the vials should be like a net which holds some of the greater fish lets the lesser goe through the holes I am not of that opinion Isa 13.9 16 Ps 137.9 neither do I think that any reformation which hath been formerly in Church or State is to be brought under any of the Vials break the Kingdome of Antichrist fully and wholly I say not some part of it but extirpate all his Idolatries and Blasphemies root and branch The like may be said concerning applying other Vialls whether to the Wars of Germany or since here in England The truth is so much Idolatry and Superstition is unshaken even to this day where the Vials are said to fall as the subjects of them as I have ground to think that nothing yet hath been done sutable to the nature and effect of any Viall Quest. 6 Sixthly whereas it is said Rev. 15.8 And the Temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power and no man was able to enter into the Temple till the seven plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled First If by smoke we understand the wrath of God inflicted upon the Antichristians for their wicked Idolatry as some do The question then is How it can be said that since the Vials began to be poured out their darkness and blindeness hath been more and greater then before But secondly If by the Temple filled with smoke from the glory of God c. the Spirit alludes to the history of the Tabernacle which in the dedication thereof was wholly filled with a Cloud of the glory of the Lord so as Moses could not enter into it Exo. 40.33 34. And to the history of the Temple which likewise at the dedication was filled with the Cloud of the glory of God so as the Priests could not stand to minister so long as the glory of Jehovah filled the house I say if the place be thus applied as most do and that filling to be a testimony and signe of Gods glorious presence and approbation Then here is signified a pouring out of the Spirit upon the Angels before they go forth as tarrying in the Temple as the Disciples did at Jerusalem untill they should be endued with power from on high Luke 24.59 Indeed this great promise of the Father concerning the sending of the Comforter to teach us all things and to bring all things to our remembrance Joh. 14.26 is by Saints now prayed for and waited for even day and night but as yet that Spirit is not (c) It is my opinion that no Vial shall be poured out until the saints have the spirit poured out upon them which was promised to be given in the last days now if we have not that spirit yet I may well conclude Grostead Armachan Wickliff Luther c. had it not in their dayes given forth from the glory of God and from his power Neither probably shall we receive it until the woman be out of the wilderness Who is this that cometh out of the Wilderness like pillars of smoke perfumed with myrrhe and frankincense with all powders of the Merchant Behold his bed which is Solomons threescore valiant men are about it of the valiant of Israel c. Go forth O ye daughters of Zion and behold King Solomon with the Crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals and in the day of the gladness of his heart Song 3.6 7 11. Quest. 7 Seventhly Whereas upon the opening of the seventh Seal the first Angel of the seven which had the seven Trumpets sounded Rev. 8.1 7. The question is Whether observing order the first Viall of the seventh is to be poured out till after the sounding of the first Trumpet If so then we are not to begin the Vials until after the rising of the Witnesses as is manifest Rev. 11.12 15. Such as think some Vials are poured out do likewise hold that the (d) Brightman holds that the seventh trumpet sounded in the year 1558. seventh Trumpet hath already sounded But to grant that some Vials are past and the seventh Trumpet not yet sounded here ought to be first good consideration if we will not be children in understanding That the seventh Trumpet hath not yet sounded I think it must be granted by all who hold the Witnesses not risen But that any of the Vials are to be poured out till after the sounding of the seventh Trumpet truly in my opinion whosoever shall humbly and soberly observe the Prophesie shall finde little ground to think otherwise In the dayes of the voyce of the seventh Angel when he shall begin to sound the mystery of God should be finished as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets Rev. 13.7 Now unless by finishing the mystery here is meant the pouring out the seven last Plagues I know not what is to be understood It is said before That there should be time no longer ver 6. that is upon the sounding of the last Trumpet the seven Angels which had the seven last Plagues should obeying the heavenly voyce go their wayes and pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the earth and so no more time viz. for the Beast and the false Prophet or any other wicked ones to oppress the Lords people whether Jews or Gentiles Quest 8 Eighthly I desire to know Whether the seven last Plagues do not