Church of Christ. Neither ought it to move any if it should be objected that Presbyteries are before Synods and Congregations before these because Members that constitute the one have commission from the other and therefore Congregations must be first as Shires are before a Parliament or Kingdom made up of them because they commissionate such This I say hath no weight in it 1. Because the Catholick Church hath not her being from particular Churches but doth descend as is said from the preceeding generation till it come to the first Church that ever was from which all that followed were derived and did extend themselves accordingly as they encreased as hath been said and Adam's familie is once Gods Church thereafter Noahs then Abraham's is especially adopted after that at Christ's coming the Gentiles are ingrafted in that stock and the Ordinances that came from Zion prevailed and that not to constitute different Churches but to encrease and enlarge that one Church which for its accommodation might have its diverse rooms but be still one familie the Gospel-church therefore hath its being from the Church before Christ and particular Congregations have their being from it as parts of the same 2. The similitudes hold not for before there be a Generall Assembly there is an unity of the Catholick Church which warrandeth her Members to conveen in one and Presbyteries to instruct for that end otherwise they could not do it even as the Kingdom as such is before a Parliament met and hath an unity before Cities choice and although Cities considered abstractly may be before such an union because the union may depend upon voluntary submission yet if they be considered as parts of that Kingdom it is supposed to be first and to communicate to them such priviledges and therefore they are free parts of such a body not because they give the whole a being but because they have a being from it so here particular Congregations cannot be considered as parts of the whole but the whole must be supposed to be first which on such occasions are bound to concur in generall although sometimes in the particular it may be free whether to joyn with such or such a particular Church or any other From which many usefull points touching the externall order Discipline and Government of the Church will follow and is the right understanding of the nature of the Covenant of Grace doth conduce exceedingly to the clearing of Gospel-truths so the right understanding of this unity of the Catholick Church hath great influence upon the uptaking of what concerneth her outward administration in order and Discipline and that communion which is amongst Ministers and Members of the visible Church whereof somewhat was said Chap. 2. vers 1. To this purpose may be observed that famous Augustine did long ago take the defence of Ticonius writing against the Donatists upon this same subject as may be seen in his writings against Parmenianus lib. 1. cap. 10. LECTURE I. CHAP. XIII Vers. 1. ANd I stood upon the sand of the sea and saw a beast rise up out of the sea having seven heads and ten horns and upon his horns ten crowns and upon his heads the name of blasphemie 2. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard and his feet were as the feet of a bear and his mouth as the mouth of a lion and the dragon gave him his power and his seat and great authority 3. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death and his deadly wound was healed and all the world wondred after the beast THe right understanding of this Chapter is of great concernment to the understanding of this prophesie it hath such difficulty in it that by some it is accounted as crux interpretum The difficulty is not even almost with Papists whether the Roman state be designed here or not or concerning the beasts if by one of them Antichrist be holden forth both these are palpable and certain this being compared with the 17. Chap. The difficulty lieth in these two 1. To what time state or head of the Roman Empire they relate 2. If different states be meaned by these two beasts Or if one Antichrist as diversly considered be set out by these shapes because one doth not sufficiently paint him out who standeth both in a Civil and Ecclesiastick relation so that now Satan as it were being first spoiled of temporall Authority in his lieutennant the heathen Emperour and being also disappointed of his second design of drowning the Church by errors setteth himself to hasten up a new Kingdom or Deputy but in another shape that by joyning both violence and deceit in him together he may bring to passe what these being essayed separately did not effectuate So that this is looked on as the product of the Dragons third design wherein his uttermost skill kytheth and the greatest strength of his Kingdom lieth which design is answerably described in a double type The 1. shewing what really Antichrist is to whom he succeedeth of whom he hath his power where he sitteth and to what height he cometh c. The 2. how he appeareth what way he carried on and brought about that design and what weapons and pretences were abused for that end This we conceive shortly to be the scope and drift of both these types for more clear understanding whereof we shall premit some generall propositions the particulars whereof will appear more in opening this and the 17. Chapter Proposition 1. It is ordinary to the Prophets especially to Daniel to set out temporall Monarchies by great beasts as Chap. 7. and 8. And these beasts do not hold forth individuall persons but a successive series of the same line on that throne and it is usuall in this prophesie to borrow types from him only sometimes that which is spoken in the Old Testament of temporall enemies or straits of the Church is applied to spirituall and covered enemies as many things literally agreeing to Antiochus are applied to Antichrist and things literally true of Pharaoh are applied to the devil So by a Beast here may be meaned a State of great power and violence against the Church though not in or by a single person in one generation executed but for a long time by a series of one combined body successively under one head This must be understood that of the Churches suffering under the Dragon formerly his first Deputy the heathen Empire and Emperour being understood thereby as it was one body though under diverse individuall Emperours successively Propos. 2. Sometimes one state thing or person will be set out in Scripture by diverse types and beasts so Dan. 7. the Persian Empire is set forth by a Bear the Grecian by a Leopard In the 8. the Persian by a Ram and the Grecian by a He-goat See Chap. 7. the Seleucides Kingdom though but a branch of the Grecian is set out by a beast as different from the other wholly because
in somethings different Which saith that though the types be different yet the party signified may be one considered in diverse respects In which sense Chap. 17. this same Antichrist is called the eight beast and yet really there also but one of the seven and the seventh though in appearance or upon distinct consideration different from the seventh vers 11. Propos. 3. More particularly the state or power designed here is the state and power which hath Rome for the seat of it as the Metropolis of its Kingdom during its standing as it was of the heathen Emperours before for the Dragon placeth his Deputy in that same seat where the former fate before vers 2. Beside this seat is particularly described Chap. 17. in three things 1. In its naturall situation for that time seven mountains vers 9. 2. In its politick Government to wit seven sorts counting-in this beast 3. In its present Authority in Iohn's time over the Kings of the earth vers 18. And what is and hath been the state which hath had and hath Rome for its seat this long time is not hard to determine Propos. 4. By this beast is not set out the Roman Empire simply as under any head but as under its seventh and last head or government whatever it be for although the beast have in all seven heads as it is considered in its whole body yet seing these heads are successive and the removing of one is the inferring of another contra it is to be looked on at one time as under one head only Therefore that which was in Iohn's time being the sixth Rev. 17. and this beast having the sixth wounded and healed again before he exâ—rce his power It must follow that it is here the Roman Empire under its seventh and last government Hence the difference is remarkable between the beast here and Chap. 12. although it set out the same Empire with seven heads and ten horns yet there the heads are crowned and the horns were not because the Cesars then reigning keeped their power the Provinces were governed by their Deputies here the horns are crowned to show that the instruments acted by this beast have soveraign power which is more clearly expounded Chap. 17. However this is the Roman Empire or that Government of it which is the seventh All the effects here agree to the beast after its head is healed and after it hath gotten the throne and seat of the Dragon This beast therefore is compleatly described to shew in what series this last succeedeth to the former but that of wounding of the head and healing it again which must be the head then in being is to direct us to what state or government of that Empire or series we are to look for the fulfilling of these effects and which ought to be pointed at as great deputy and lieutennant of the devil to wit in its again revived and healed condition which is the last or seventh Government Propos. 5. We would distinguish this beasts beginning to arise from his publick appearing because they are in themselves different events and have different times and we conceive it is the publick appearing and manifesting of this to the world that is pointed at here which differeth from its begun underhand working even as the Churches begun flight is different in its rise from its hid private condition at the lowest so this being contemporary to that must have that same consideration for as he riseth she fleeth and her flight encreaseth with his rising like light and darknesse His beginning will appear to be 1. after outward persecution for the Dragon giveth him that seat and quiteth the chair to him and so this cannot be the Heathen persecuting Emperours but some succeeding them and that immediately for there is no vacancy of this throne but the one resigneth it to the other 2. It beginneth as soon as the womans flight that is immediately after Satans dethroning he seeketh to advance this beast and piece and piece he groweth from that time for vers 5. his power and commission is for the same fourty two moneths and the time being alike the period of the close is alike for when the beast beginneth to be destroyed her prophets put off their sackcloth vers 11. and 16. Therefore the beginning of both must be together also Again this sheweth it is no French nor German Emperours that can be meaned by this for they had not their rise so soon for this will be about the 300. year as is said before 3. The manifesting of this beast will be found to be after the devils disappointment of his design to drown the woman when these grosse heresies prevailed not to gain his end and also to be contemporary with the healing of the deadly wound which the sixth head had gotten yea to be the very healing of it in Romes recovering a publick Court and Authority by the papacy which by the Cesars and Emperours their becoming Christian and removing their Court from it had left It received again in papacie an head and that same superscription of blasphemy on it which it had under its former masters which will fall in about the 600. year or a little after when both the peaceable possessing of Rome by Popes and inbringing of Idolatry made forward together Beside in this state the horns are crowned which from Chap. 17.12 relateth to the erection of new Kingdomes not then in being which sheweth that the manifestation of Antichrist and the erection of Kingdoms out of the Empire must go together and that it is his manifestation which is intended here Out of which Propositions we may draw three Conclusions Conclusion 1. It is not any state or branch of the civil Romane Empire that is holden forth here 1. not the Heathenish state as is said 2. not the Grecian Emperours which had their seat at Constantinople the first Christian Emperour had in Gods wisdom transferred his Court thither that so this beast might have the fairer accesse to the Dragons throne for these had not their seat at Rome 2. They continued not during these fourty two moneths but are gone 3. There was not alway so good friendship between them and the Popes as between these two beasts here the Emperours being alwayes jealous of them and sometimes by their lieutennants afflicting and straitning them and they again by Excommunications casting down some of these Emperours who were violent opposers of Image-worship and of praying c. unto Saints departed as Leo Isaurus and Constantinus Copronymus and others called fighters against Images by them 3. This beast appeareth not till the wound be healed Now in the Heathen Emperours time it was but hurt in these Emperours at Constantinople their beginning it was not perfectly healed till a time thereafter Neither can it be the succession of French Emperours brought in by Stephanus the third after Caroâ—us Marcellus to wit Pipinus Carolus Magnus Lodovicus Pius c. who were called to defend the
almost like to a widow before this now received a Court Popes Cardinals and her solitarinesse was helped and she looketh out again as majestically and commander-like by this head as by any other That this is the healing here understood appeareth by the effects 1. The admiration that then followed in the worldâ— and the thanks they in effect gave the devil for this service as generally better content with this than with any other head that ever was before The particular effect in this verse is All the world wondered after the beast It is more to wonder after than at the beast Here beginneth the effects of his enchantment on the world after this healing which was not before 2. This admiration after the beast is more particularly set forth afterward It implieth 1. an unexpected amazement as at the seeing of something they had not seen or thought to see so soon and certainly the wicked world could not have expected again an Idolatrous head so soon 2. It importeth a sort of Divine or Religious reverence or doting on the beast superstitiously for it is after the beast which is clear afterward as holding out an estimation of some Religious thing in this head who is called Christs vicar more than in any which went before which cannot agree to a civil state 3. It importeth a willingnesse or gladsomnesse in the doing of this as affected or delighted with it It is otherwayes expressed by enchanting the inhabitants of the earth mens wicked nature that loveth whoring from God now welcometh exceedingly this corrupt beast and submitteth to him and drinketh-in in a deluded way his fornications willingly where we have an emblame of mans nature 2. The parties admiring are all the world that is as large dominion and possibly more under this head healed than ever any head had before him It is all who are not elected whereby it is clear again that this beast wondered-after is Antichrist and this admiration or worship is more than civil he hath exceeding many yea Emperours Kings and great men giving their power to him and that willingly Chap. 17. which they never did to any other In a word saith he when this head came up this beast got moe followers and other sort of respect than ever before For clearing this exposition of the wound and healing Consider this wound must be at the time of the Churches begun flight which was contemporary with the fall of Idolatrous Emperours for this healed head is contemporary with the womans flight therefore this wound must be before which can be no other but that though this healing immediately appeared not as is said 2. Consider that at that time five heads were past the seventh to come which riseth after the healing of this wounded head and is the seventh or papacy it is not wounded here nor was it in being before these fourty two moneths began and during that time it hath power and is not wounded It must be then the sixth of the Emperours that suffered at that time when the woman began to flee Now there was then no wound in the temporall grandour glory and state of the Empire it was as great under Constantine as ever Therefore he is known by that name Constantine the great it must then be the change we expounded it to be 3. Add if the papacyes rising to be the seventh head be the healing of this wound Then must the wound be such a want or change as papacy supplieth But papacy healeth this and is the seventh head This beast which endureth fourty two moneths and hath power from the Dragon healeth and recovereth this seat that was lost and sitteth again in Rome c. and this is papacy as is proven and will Chap. 17. more fully appear Now the thing which the devil aimeth at by the papacyes settling at Rome is the recovering of that worship which he lost and by the Popes means again by Idols and Images the devil is worshipped Chap. 9.20 and here v. 2. Ergo the removing this Idolatrous worship by publick Authority which was the Dragon's casting from Heaven Chap. 12. is the wound here Beside temporall over-running of the Empire by Goths Vandals and such like can neither be called one wound because it was frequent nor attributed to this seventh head because out of it the Popes reaped still advantage as also they suit not this time nor was the Emperours healed after these incursions so as to have more following than before and the Emperours not being heads after they became Christian as will be clear Chap. 17. and it not being they who are wondered at as this head after its healing is It cannot therefore be applied to them but as is said LECTURE II. Vers. 4. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast and they worshipped the beast saying Who is like unto the beast who is able to make war with him 5. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies and power was given unto him to continue fourty and two moneths 6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemie against God to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle and them that dwell in heaven 7. And it was given unto him to make war with the Saints and to overcome them and power was given him over all kindreds and tongues and nations 8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world THe first part of this Chapter describeth Antichrist under a secular notion of civil power It setteth him out first in his rise vers 1 2 3. In three things 1. To what state he belongeth to wit that of seven heads and ten horns that is the Roman vers 1. 2. Of what nature he is he is compounded of monstrous qualities vers 2. 3. To what time or revolution of that Roman state he belongeth to wit that which after the wounded head was healed and the horns had gotten Crowns that is to say after the civil Empire is weakened and divided in sundry Kingdoms and the Pope steppeth up to act them all 2. His reign or the effects of his rise after this head is sealed are set down from vers 4. forward in four steps or effects first toward the gracelesse world he obtaineth much respect and applause from them even in the highest degree so that he ruleth amongst them at his pleasure vers 4. The second is the time of his continuance vers 5. The third containeth his blasphemy or doctrine towards God vers 6. The fourth and last his persecution against the Saints or his practice towards them vers 7. and 8. The universality of the subjection he getteth or of the power he hath is restrained to the Reprobate world as the proper object of his Kingdom as it is of the Dragons who giveth him that power The first effect after his rising vers 4. is set out in three steps
admitted to be accounted his Hence some may be grosse in many of his superstitions and idolatries as many Greeks yet by their schism of disowning him 700. years since they are not under his number Again many Dominicans and others will maintain many orthodox points of Doctrine yet so long as the Popes Crown is not stricken at his acknowledgement of them will not be denied A second is his changing all Religion in Doctrine and Worship to an other mould different from the simplicity Christ left it in a putting it in a more externall glorious and pompous state more heathen like that is called the making the Image of the first beast in part and the Gentiles treading under foot the holy City Chap. 11.2 3. His doing all this by an usurped power and illimited Authority multiplying traditions ceremonies and changing worship at his pleasure which signe of proud self-exalting and walking by that principle seemeth very peculiar to him as the strain of this Chap. and 2 Thess. 2. sheweth From these premisses it may be solidly reckoned who is Antichrist and to whom this name belongeth thus That succession of persons or that party power or state in the world which succeedeth the Roman heathen Emperours in their seat at Rome having no warrand for their Authority from God but from the devil who came in piece and piece after Idolatry was crushed to restore another sort of Idolatry in the place of it and by whom the wound Idolatrous Rome got was healed after whom all the world wondered and whom they universally worshipped willingly giving to him more than humane reverence who boasteth of great power beyond any other in the world and with liberty encroacheth upon Gods prerogatives and wrongeth His Saints to His dishonour whose rise beginneth at the Church fleeing to the wildernesse and continueth till the witnesses be killed growing 1260. years who maketh War for a long time against the Saints and overcometh and persecuteth the Godly that acknowledge him not and he who in doing all this bringeth it about under pretext of a title to Christ vers 11. deluding the world by false miracles for gaining his point and by Sentences and Excommunications presseth all the world to be in dependance on him and so forth as may be gathered from the former part of the Chapter He I say to whom all these agree he is that Antichrist for this is a sure reckoning Cui competit definitio ei competit definitum But spirituall wisdom will find all excellently well to agree to the Pope in his power rise of it exercise of it continuance of it means by which he came by it and cloak under which he hid himself in coming to it and in exercising of it and therefore he is by this reckoning the Antichrist There are two other wayes of reckoning beside this more common to Divines The one whereof is from the letters of a name which in Greek and Hebrew are numerals to gather a name including this number 666. in it Some others reckon it to a set year after Iohns writing the Apocalypse as Daniel describeth Christs coming by so many years or weeks before He came so here they make Iohn to describe the time of Antichrists coming before he came Of these two wayes which are followed by Learned men we shall speak a word afterward It is considerable how ever we reckon it that it still trysteth in one Person or State to wit the Pope yet we think the former way we settled on safest 1. as best agreeing to the scope this being subjoyned at the back of such a particular description of Antichrist now reckon saith he it is not impossible to find it out And 2. It is likest true spiritual discerning wisdom to gather from Doctrines rather than from letters Divinity is more in these than in the other 3. It is most safe and convincing for one this way may fix on the Antichrist and by no numerall name can he without this and be his name what it will if the thing be found it evidenceth the thief who is to be apprehended as guilty and the succession of this power to the sixth head of the wounded beast and his getting the Dragons seat doth more clearly point at the state Civil he belongeth unto than any name such as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 can convincingly do beside 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will agree to heathen Rome or Christian as well as antichristian and so can be no differencing name and the words may be taken thus Now ye have gotten some yea many generall characters of the Antichrist any that hath wisdom lay them together and see whom ye will find it to be as the Lord Dan. 5.26 numbered Belshazzar and found him light not from the letters of his name but from his practices 4. This way of reckoning agreeth better with the opposition that is made to the Elect Chap. 14. who have their fathers name in their foreheads which is certainly some publick profession or evidence of their adhering to him being free from the pollutions of Antichrist And therefore on the contrary this of Antichrists number must be some deciphering of him in reference to his Doctrine without which none are accounted his especially considering vers 2. Chap. 15. it is something the Elect getteth a victory over Therefore it must be some pollutting thing which no nationall name is Also this as the mark is upon them that worship him rather than upon himself yea it is upon them all for they must bear the name or its number vers 17. and it is such a thing as by birth they have not yet by devoting themselves to him may be attained and such a thing as the having thereof freeth them of his censures and giveth them liberty to his Market as the want thereof doth make them obnoxious to his censures as is clear vers 17. and it must be some such thing as constituteth them antichristian and so consequently in him must be such a thing as constituteth him Antichrist or contrarily the name and number in him is somewhat essentially holding him out to be Antichrist as our Lords essentiall attributes are comprehended under His name and understood by it Therefore that name or number in them must be such as constitutes them of that essence and body with him for it is derived from him to them as the name of the Parent is to the Childe or of the Husband to the Wife and by that which is derived they become not only to be called his but indeed to be his it must therefore be such a thing as deriveth with it his pollution and corruption to them that receive it and which doth really difference and characterize his followers Chap. 15.2 from the followers of the Lamb and doth make them obnoxious to Gods Judgement as guilty All which do evidence that by this name and number of the beast must be understood the things Doctrines or practices of antichristianity and not any numerall name personall
and name have his number but all that have his number have not his mark and name and because by searching this we come to know his name this is the right order of searching yet if any think meeter to reckon from a name suppose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which almost since Iohn's dayes hath been followed as appeareth by Irenaeus who was heaâ—â—â— of Polycarp disciple of Iohn vid. lib. 5. adversus haeres Cap. 30. pag. 250. edit Eras. Sed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nomen habet 666. numerum valde verisimile est quoniam novissimum regnum hoc habet vocabulum Latini enim sunt qui nunc regnant sed non in hoc nos gloriabimur that is The name Lateinos hath the number of six hundreth sixty six and it is very like for the last Kingdom hath that name for they are Latines who now reign but we shall not glory in this Yet the wisdom of God hath ordered so that the sum or result of both reckonings turn to one and pointeth at the same Antichrist hinted before for both the forenamed words compleatly exhibit that number 666. and point out the same party where the doctrines rested before Neither will this destroy but confirm our former exposition for this name is brought but as an accumulative argument and evidence of the Antichrist Thus he that hath all the characters of Antichrists doctrine and hath a name which in the numerall letters make up 666. he is Antichrist But to the Pope both these do agree Only as is formerly hinted there is this odds The name will not prove Antichrist without the other marks for it may agree to many and the other marks will prove him without the name for they can agree to no other and are proper to him quarto modo Besides the former conclusion that this reckoning yeeldeth to wit that by this beast is clearly pointed out the Pope for out of this Chapter may be reckoned a proposition that who ever stands marked with these properties is the Antichrist But the story and knowledge of the papacy yeeldeth the assumption that it is the Pope to whom all these will agree Ergo c. Besides this I say these other conclusions may be drawn 1. That the conceit of a Danitish Antichrist invented by Papists to vindicate their Pope is foolish and vain 2. That Mahomet is not the beast intended here 3. That Antichrist is no open professed enemy but a false counterfeit pretended friend 4. That he is already come and so must be the Pope 1. To shew the vanity of that fond Antichrist which they say shall be a Iew one single person of the Tribe of Dan from these two Scriptures Gen. 49. v. 17. and Ier. 8. v. 16. exceedingly abused which yet Bellar. dare not lay weight on and that he shall come three years and an half before the end of the world subdue all the world making himself a Monarch of it sit in Ierusalem be acknowledged by the Iews as their Messias build that Temple do something miraculous giving life as to an Image making fire come down from Heaven c. and be destroyed by Christs second coming c. after he hath killed Enoch and Elias whom they call the witnesses Chap. 11. We oppose to that conceit these truths in this Chapter 1. The time of Antichrists rise is immediately after the sixth head of the Roman beast is wounded to wit when Heathen Emperours are put from their throne Ergo it is long before the end of the world 2. The seat that Antichrist hath to sit on is the seat of the Dragon to wit that seat where the devil by Roman Emperours sate and persecuted the Church before But that is not Ierusalem but Rome Ergo c. That therefore is a truth of Chrysostoms that he sitteth in the Temple of God that is not at Ierusalem but in the Church pretending to have a prime place in it 3. He is not one single person he is the seventh head of this beast yea he is a beast But by none of the former heads of the Roman Governours can be understood any single person but a series of Governours in one state likewise by beasts are understood a series and not one single person Dan. 7. Ergo Antichrist is no single person 4. His continuance is longer than fourty and two noneths literally taken which may be thus made out 1. If his rise to his height be so slow and by so many degrees till he be up and if his standing be so long as to bring and hold all the world under and that by a sort of willing subjection to fight with the Saints and overcome them and other such things as cannot be done in such space if also his decay and ruine be by a long tract of judgements as is under the vials Then he must be of larger standing than fourty and two moneths But the former is true Ergo c. 2. It is clear from this that it beginneth so soon as the Churches fleeing which is about Ann. 300. and continueth till the vials come which comprehend the time of the six trumpets which certainly are more than fourty and two moneths for the vials do bring the first judgements on him 3. If his time had been no longer than fourty and two moneths it had been no great argument for Paul 2 Thess. 2. to prove that the day of Judgement was not neer if fourty and two moneths had been the longest time of his reign for that was Paul's Argument The man of sin is not revealed therefore it is not at hand for that could only have proved it was not within three years and an half 5. He is to be discovered before the end for the first vial cometh on them that have his mark and Chap. 14. they are threatned by publick preaching with judgement before it come 2. For Mahomet this cleareth him also not to be that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. This Antichrist hath horns like the lamb sitteth in the Temple of God looketh like Christ but so is not Mahomet who was never a Christian. 2. This Antichrist sitteth at Rome and by a new sort of Idolatry healeth the wound the sixth head had gotten i.e. by worshipping Idols Images c. But Mahomet abhorreth that and pretendeth to worship one God only 3. This Antichrist doth great signs and wonders But Mahomet claimeth to none and pretendeth no signs but to cover that saith that Christ was sent with signs and he with a sword 4. This Antichrist carrieth on and driveth all his designs under a resemblance of making use of Christs power as having horns like the lamb and by a pretext of and claim unto a vicarship and deputation from him so doth not Mahomet 3. Hence also we may conclude that Antichrist is no open opposer or denier of Christ to be Christ or one that calleth himself Christ but an intruder of himself in what is Christs due
Isai. 1. Consider then this woman two wayes 1. simply as a woman so it is the city Rome that then was 2. as a whore so it is the apostatized Church of Rome which though in Iohns time it was not come yet was in vision represented to him as come By beast in generall some wicked Dominion or Empire as Dan. 7. must be understood More particularly We may take the beast in a fourfold consideration 1. complexly with its seven heads as in any form of its Governments so it pointeth out the Roman Empire indefinitly as it was before Iohns time under the five heads who were fallen as it was in his time under the sixth and was to be afterward under the seventh There is but one beast in all thus considered 2. We may consider the beast to speak so as a body or the beast without relation to any head so it holdeth forth the Empire Dominions or Countries which made up a Monarchy under any of these sorts of Governments or heads It is a body upon the matter the same however its Governments changed This seemeth in the exposition to be called the Peoples Tongues and Languages vers 15. on which the woman sitteth and is expressed by many waters in the preface vers 1. on which the whore sitteth as she doth here on the beast 3. We may consider the heads as distinct from the beast and so they are the formes of Governments which successively guided that beast and supported that city And thus the last head which succeedeth the Caesars which did reign in Iohns time will be the Pope or Papacy who now hath headed that Empire for many years By the former heads the woman as a city is supported by the last as she is a whore 4. We may consider the beast as under and acted by the last head the Pope so by it is represented the Roman sea or seâ—es Romana which by Religion under pretext of Christs Headship ruleth as broadly as ever any of her former states did as appeareth by what was said Chap. 13. In this respect it is of an Ecclesiastick nature to hold out a twofold respect in this beast beside any of the former so this fourth consideration taketh up the beast as the Authority ruling and the whore as the city where he ruleth for Chap. 19. he as a Beast or Governour hath a being when the whore is destroyed in the 18. If it be asked here Under what notion the beast is considered in this place Ans. 1. Under the last as it is headed with the Pope and under pretense of Religion domineereth Reason 1. It is the same beast Chap. 13. but that looketh to the last head of this beast or state of this Empire as is said 2. Because only the last state of this beast contemporateth with this cities becoming a whore to be supported by it 3. It is the state of the beast which then was to come and the sixth was then in being therefore it is the last for it is to go to perdition 4. It is the beast which all wonder at that Kings give their power willingly unto which is expresly called the beast vers 8. which should ascend c. and the beast to which the Kings shall give their power vers 13. and with whom they receive power vers 12. which only are true under the last state of the beast it being not so with any of the former Governments where heads were crowned and not the horns Chap. 12. here the horns were crowned Chap. 13. and are Kings in respect of temporall jurisdictions yet these same Kings under pretence of spirituall power are as much keeped under the beast with the seventh head as ever under any of the former If it be further asked how the woman sitteth on that beast It is clear two wayes 1. she sitteth on it as having her principall seat in the chief seat of that Roman Empire she sitteth on that Dominion and hath the city Rome for her nest Hence vers 9. in the exposition it is thus cleared she sitteth on the beast i. e. on the seven hills which is the center of the beasts Dominion and on many waters that is that same Empire 2. It is expounded in that word the beast that carrieth her vers 7. that is supporteth her by its authority and keepeth that city which otherwise had been desolate in some grandour by her as in Chap. 15. even as she was made famous by being the seat and residence of these who formerly managed the authority of that Dominion This then is the first thing whereby this whore is described the power or Empire wherein she dwelleth and whereby she is supported to wit Rome or the Roman sea which they call the rock on which their Babylon standeth as an unerring and an infallible foundation at least so far as to discover her to be this whore This beast or Empire getteth four marks in the Text 1. Her colour is scarlet pointing out 1. her grandour 2. her cruelty as the Dragon was coloured Chap. 12. 2. This beast is full of names of blasphemy Chap. 13. every head had blasphemies on it that is was blasphemous and idolatrous but this under the last head is now all full of them superstitions idolatries arrogant titles and usurpations were never claimed so much by any of the former as by this whereby appeareth that it holdeth forth no Christian Empire or Rome as Christian except under its defection The other two parts of the description to wit heads and horns are so particularly interpreted by the Angel afterwards that we shall forbear till we come to it which is the last part of the Chapter The second thing whereby the whore is described is her pompe and outward gloriousnesse vers 4. Whereby is set out 1. their pride in being so arrogant 2. their wealth and riches 3. her carriage to allure to her superstition with poisoned cups and such deckings as whores set themselves out by 4. Yet her deckings are but carnal and counterfeit decked that is guilded in the original it is not gold but guilded external pompe only whereby the world is taken more than with that simplicity wherewith the woman is adorned Chap. 12. So this pompe appeareth yet more 1. in the nature of her worship in Churches altars holy dayes ceremonies and garments 2. In the nature of her officers great Cardinals stately Princes are her Ministers 3. Their carriage is not needlesly observed that their great men delight in purple and scarlet is not by chance but by providence Baronius as cited Chap. 13 saith it was that Christs Priests should be in their pompe equall to the heathenish Pontifex Maximus The third property of this woman is her name in her forehead vers 5. which is not that this whore will own such a name as mother of harlots but rather disown it but alluding to the manner of impudent whores who set their badges and names to be known over their doores and on their
her as now under the last head And he beginneth at the beast because we know by this who that whore is by knowing who supporteth her The woman being spoken of last We come to the first thing followed vers 8. to wit the description of the beast in generall under the notion of his last head for Iohn in a prophetical vision getteth a sight of this backslidden Church and the Empire or dominion that supported her as she is a whore for that is in the words vers 8. The beast thou sawest Now the beast he saw was that which supported the whore called vers 11. the eighth head pointing at the last state of this Empire So this answereth a seeming contradiction how this beast can be said not to be and yet to be vers 8. for it is not to be understood simply that it is not for in the end of the verse it is said It yet is which maketh the wonder the more and vers 10. there was one King head to that beast even in that time but the opposition is to be understood in some respect that is it was formerly a large Empire but is not the Empire under that Government and form which is here intended in that respect it is but to come which is verified in the state of this beast which Iohn saw and the Angel describeth More particularly this beast is described in a threefold respect 1. as to the time past it was that is this is an Empire which is not now to begin simply but long hath had dominion in the world though differing from this under the last consideration for 1. It was under Kings Consuls Emperours and other lawfull civil Governours this ascendeth from the pit 2. It was a civil Government governing by power and force of Arms now it s Ecclesiastick bearing rule by Religion and pretext of Christs horns 3. It was openly heathenish and idolatrous avowedly persecuting Christians now it is not so a pretended Christian but really idolatrous and an enemie to all true Christians 2. It is described in respect of the present time It is not that is in respect of this last state which was coming and is opposed to all the former in that respect it is not come as it was to be antichristian and as the Roman city is not yet an whore So this Government which is the last of that beast is not now in the world because it is under the seventh head and the sixth was then vers 10. for though the mysterie of iniquity began to work very soon yet this birth was not then brought forth So it is in vain to seek this beast amongst the formes then existing though that same Empire was in other respects in being even then Here also it would be adverted That this was and is not looketh to Iohns time and is to be made a truth then as the word in the future but shall arise cleareth But was and is not in the end of the verse looketh to the time after his rising and becoming the object of the earths admiration which is the cursed priviledge of the last head that then was to arise from the pit 3. It is described in reference to the time to come and or but as often shall arise though he be not yet come yet he shall come and because there was most difficulty to know him that was to come and it is most concerning also to Gods people That future state is set out also in a further description in these four 1. in his rise He shall ascend out of the bottomlesse pit where two things are insinuated 1. Concerning his nature and kind 2. Concerning his order or manner of rising By his originall from the bottomlesse pit We understand the same thing as Chap. 9. of his being Angel of the bottomlesse pit His arising from thence Chap. 11.7 and his getting power from the devil Chap. 13.5 All which imply not only that he should be of a hellish disposition but that his power or form of it which was to succeed that which then was should have a rise specially from hell that is should be no civil Government of any sort all which Rom. 13. are Gods Ordinances nor meerly a power abused by the devil in oppression and persecution for that had not been any peculiar mark to this beast or this state of the beast for all the former almost were such and so it would not reach the Angels scope It must then be understood of a Government unwarranted by God and a medling in things not put in mens power an office not acknowledged in the Word such as Papacy is but in effect a power especially plotted by the devil and brought out of hell to supply the Dragons place when he should be dis-throned in the heathen Emperours By which it appeareth that this is a singular dominion in respect of its rise as being specially obliged to the devil for that and singular in its usefulnesse to him which can be spoken of no ordinary Government though the persons be sinfull that are in it Secondly This and shall ascend c. implyeth 1. a great height this beast should come to from small beginnings as Chap. 13. 2. That gradatim or piece and piece he should come to it not all at once at an height but one step of usurpation after another till the height were come unto but in a covert way as papacy arose so that there seemeth to be some intervall as it were between the beast that was and is his evanishing in that shape which he then had and the last beasts appearing in which respect it is said Chap. 13. peculiarly of this change that one head was wounded and discerned to be so before it was recovered by this last For the time and manner of this rise see more Chap. 9. and Chap. 13. Only here it appeareth that the future state of the Roman Empire which should be in its nature and rise different from the former states thereof is the state that is set out by this beast and all know that this is the Papacy or Pontificatus 2. This last state of the beast which in this Chapter is called commonly the beast is set out in his ruine as he was under that form to succeed what had gone before so that there should be none after him for he shall go into perdition 1. Implying an evanishing of this beast under this head and not only the changing of this state for that had not been peculiar to it but common with the former All by gone states are comprehended in what was and this future state or consideration of the beast taketh in all which was to come of him 2. It implieth a peculiar destruction waiting for him different from the former 3. A slownesse in its on-going though there be a certainty of its fulfilling yet not at once If Papacy be 〈◊〉 this head then we cannot look for an Antichrist to succeed it seing it hath succeeded to the
Empire partly against the Goths and Lombards who then trode on Italy partly for restraining the insolency of the Exarches of Ravenna who being Deputes to the Grecian Emperour pillaged and spoiled Italy exceedingly for these Emperours rise will not come up to this beasts rise Their rise was about the 750 or 766. Neither is it of that continuance nor will the rest of the characters agree to it of having that seat c. Beside that Empire is by many counted a speciall favour of God to this part of the world Pencerus in vita Caroli Magnâ—â— which could never be said of this beasts rise The like reasons also will strike against the German Emperours or that elective succession brought in by Otho the third and Carolus the fourth who may be chief horns of this beast crowned by him to execute his decrees and may be amongst these who give their power to this beast but cannot be the beast himself Conclusion 2. By this first beast then is understood Antichrist in his Kingdom which appeareth by all the characters given 1. He succeedeth the Dragon in his seat 2. His rise reign and continuance agree to these fourty two moneths desolate condition of the Church ending and beginning with it He is worshipped not civilly only that worship is no fault in it self but religiously as no Emperour was he hath absolute dominion and taketh â—â— title to him over all Kindreds Tongues c. Their submission to him is voluntary and with admiration which was never to any civil state he hath crowned horns and Kings under him who reverence him which will more particularly appear in opening the words for all spoken here agreeth to one beast and in one state or condition to wit under the last head when the wound which the sixth got was healed things to come bring represented to Iohn as past the beast thus healed in his head is admired worshipped followed c. to him power over the Saints is given alluding as is ordinary in the Antichrists case to Antiochus Dan. so either Antichrist is no head of this beast or he is set out by this beast who this long continueth and in whom and by whom the Dragon is again worshipped by the men of the earth all which can agree to no other To speak in short then here is set out the Roman Empire as antichristian or headed with Antichrist having now the sixth head which was wounded by the throwing down of Heathenish Idolatry again healed by the papacies becoming the seventh for there are but seven and to this Empire as under this head agreeth all that is spoken unto here considering it as representing that same civil state now the seventh time carrying another head of blasphemy yet again repeated under another type that it may be known nor to be the same head though on the same beast with that which was wounded nor of the same kind altogether with the former It is true this is generally otherwayes expounded by learned Interpreters whereof some do expound this first beast to hold forth the Roman civil Empire become Christian others understand it of the complex body of Kings arising out of the ruines of the Empire as Mede calleth it universitas regum incolarum and so they distinguish this beast as representing some civil power from the two horned beast following which to them is Antichrist and an Ecclesiastick state yet upon the matter there will be found no great difference for even these acknowledge this civil power whether consisting in Emperours or Kings to be acted and made use of by this Ecclesiastick beast which is the same upon the matter that we say to wit that the head acting these horns is the Antichrist and therefore the beast is to get its denomination from the head whereby the rest are swayed Beside if we look narrowly to this description we may well call Emperours as they now are or Kings horns of this beast but cannot account them the beast it self but as they are united in and under him for the beast here is that which supporteth the whore Chap. 17. which is acknowledged by the same forenamed Author to be the Ecclesiastick beast Again this beast having its beginning immediately after the close of Heathenish persecution that can neither be said of the Roman Empire or of that university of Kings We may add that the horns of this beast being crowned that is having supream civil power cannot be thought subject to any other civil power and it is clear here that the worshippers of this beast are of equal extent with these who bear this mark and are contradistinguished from the hundreth fourty four thousand that were sealed whereby all Papists are included as under his power and seing this can agree to no Emperour whose dominion is not of such extent so neither can this beast be applied to him Again it cannot be the university of Kings for they are horns acted by this beast and so may be distinguished from him as we will often find them as Chap. 17. these horns are turned to hate the whore which was supported by this beast Chap. 19. this beast is cast into the lake with the false prophet and therefore must be understood of this first beast according to that learned Author yet can it not be said that all these Kings or Emperours go to the pit as if none of them could remain after Antichrist especially considering the prophesie of the Lords making some of these Kings who were formerly horns of this beast to become instruments of his vengance against the whore We conclude it therefore as most safe and consistent with this prophesie to expound this first beast of Antichrist who acteth these horns and to whom the Kings of the earth willingly gave their power and so to be applied to the Pope and his Kingdom supposing him to be Antichrist Conclus 3. It remaineth therefore that these two beasts must be upon the matter one the last holding forth no different state but the same which the former held forth in a different notion Therefore there is no particular description of the parts of it or of its rise in respect of time and continuance but it becometh one in all these with the former Therefore in this Chapter there is but one name one character and one beast or number alway spoken of yea they have one Sea commission c. and are designed by one beast Chap. 11. vers 7. spoken of as one Chap. 17. yea the woman that is said to sit on the beast vers 13. is called this very City or Empire Rome vers 18. The woman certainly is the antichristian Church but that woman vers 18. is not a distinct government or state from that civil state or from Antichrists state but that same supported by its civil power Therefore they are one Thus we see every one of these conclusions do follow each other if it be not the civil Empire which is typified by the first beast
successe they are brought together in Armageddon vers 16. and before this after the preparation in parenthesis there is cast in a word both of warning and of comfort Behold I come as a thief Blessed is he c. vers 15. 1. The Author is designed by three names yet is the same party under diverse considerations The Dragon is the same mentioned Chap. 12.8 9. to wit the devil here acting not immediately but for supporting his lieutenant the beast to whom he gave his power Chap. 13. leaving nothing that hell can do for that end The beast is the first beast named Chap. 13. to wit the Pope as he is head to the civil State of Rome The false prophet is the two horned beast Chap. 13.11 for Chap. 19 20. the false prophet worketh miracles before the first beast which is the very work of that two horned beast Chap. 13. and his place only He is called here the false prophets because that vizorn of respect to the Lamb which formerly he pretended is now taken away and he that pretended to be Christs Vicar is now discovered to be the great deceiver and false prophet which was to come and as these two beasts are one Chap. 13. as was there cleared so is the beast and false prophet one here for Chap. 19. vers 19. the beast is distinct from the Kings of the earth so vers 14. of this Chapter yet it would seem that all Civil powers under the name of Kings as Châ—p 17. are contradâ—stinguished from the beast and whore as they that shall once support her and afterward hate her neither can the Emperour be secluded from that reckoning and therefore it is no supream Civil power 2. They are both cast into the lake together vers 20. and the now-Roman Empire likely was either dâ—stroyed or turned from the Pope to hate him under the fourth and fifth vial 3. They boâ—h end together and it will be hard to think that there will be no succession of Emperors or Civil states representing these parts or powers after the Popes overthrow yet are they all three named dâ—stinctly to shew what concurreth for supporting papacy devilish subtillity temporall power and deep hypocrisie In a word all unlawfull and carnall shifts and that both Civil and Ecclesiastick are made use of Secondly These inferiour agents are severall wayes described 1. In their nature they are spirits not propeâ—ly for spirits as such cannot be seen neither is it such that can treat with Kings and perswade them to war as sent out of the mouth of the beast and false prophet But spirits 1. for their activity and nimblnesse in compassing their designs 2. Because they call themselves spirituall men in opposition to Laicks such as the Popes Negotiators are as Nuncios Legats Jesuits c. are exceeding meetly taken in here for their institution oath and way of proceeding answereth well to that of these frâ—gs as singularly commissionated to spread themselves through the world to engage all Kings against Christs followers who may also have lying spirits waiting on them to make their embassage effectuall as Ahab's false prophets had 1 King 22. to which this may allude 2. They are described by their qualities they are unclean spirits like frogs 1. In their rise not of God but the devil for they are called so vers 14. as all their orders are not of Christs plâ—nting therefore compared to locusts Châ—p 9. 2. In their ends devilish opposit to the Lord Christ as the devil is 3. In their manner of proceeding by all means devilish instruments c. as murders treasons lies equivocations c. they care not what if they may effectuate their designs for supporting the beast 4. In their life filthy and loathsome like frogs that use marishes which in Reformations are not cleansed Ezek. 47.11 so that brood continue in these places which remaineth unhealed and haunteth such company 3. In their number they are three that is a considerable number In the 11. Chap. when Christs cause was low he had but two witnesses Antichrist hath three as it wereâ— moe do back him to his last than Christ had so tenâ—cious and constant are men in evil rather than good Three also to suit with the nature of him that commissionateth them So some act devilishâ—y and subtiâ—ly as from the Dragon representing him Others by mâ—ght and civil negotiations carrying the businesse as servants to Princes A third sort counterfeiting Religion either by pretending many miracles to have been done by their party or strengthened by the devil to do great wonders themselves for covering their hypocrisie and strengthening their cause and according to this threefold commission they act 3. This design of the beasts by these agents is more particularly holden forth in four things 1. To whom they are sent to the Kings of the earth and of the whole world that is to all Nations and Powers whether Christian or Heathen that would joyn against the true Church Therefore if the Emperor were one of the Popes followers the commission must be sent to him and he not be a sender but as the naming of the Dragon distinctly supponeth no distinct visible power so neither doth it in the other likewise by the Dragon cannot be meaned heathen persecuters for they are sent unâ—o by the beast also and do not send but it is the beast now appearing both lâ—ke a Dragon and a false Prophet 2. Their errand is to gather them to the battell of that great day of God Almighty that iâ— to an eminent appearing of Gods in taking vengeance on them not that this is their intentention to fight against God as it is expounded Chap. 19. or to meet his vengeance but that in Gods providence thiâ— is made the result of all and though they think its fighting for Christs Vicar yet he expoundeth it otherwise as it is upon the matter a fighting against God Almighty for it was to oppose His Churches rising and in that battell God was partie 3. The instruments are more clearly designed spirits not of God but of the devil suiting well with such a commission 4. The means how they prevail it is by working miracles such as the devil by his naturall and experimentall knowledge of things and speciall dexterity to do and compasse things can out of naturall causes easily and really bring forth which may be wonderfull to men who can act nothing like these or by his deceit making men believe he doth things of themselves beyond the power of nature which he doth not really perform but deludeth men to believe that they are performed such are the beasts miracles Chap. 13.12 Or by making men believe that all their legends of counterfeit miracles are true which they make a mark of the true Church and thus perswade men to support their Babylon Before he set down the successe of this negotiation which is vers 16. he casteth in vers 15. a word of warning and comfort It should be in parenthesis as
state that then was It may also mean an active perdition in respect of destroying others in which respect Chap. 9. he is called Apollyon and 2 Thess. 2. the son of perdition for this describeth him best in his nature and is like one who cometh from that fountain from which he hath his rise 3. He is described by the welcome he should have in the world when he arose or the effect he should have on the world They that dwell on the earth shall wonder whose names are not written in the Lambs book This setteth out the absolutenesse of his reception or the obedience that should be given him in four 1. in extent the whole world almost all the Roman Empire except some Elect ones by God keeped from that impurity as also Chap. 13. it is as broad as ever it was in any form before 2. There is the kind of subjection expressed by wondering a superstitious subjection to him as to some Deity and not meerly as to a civill Governour as in the former heads for such subjection many Elect children gave but this is an Idolatrous adoration such as Papists give to their Popes 3. It setteth out the degree of subjection this of admiration is more nor ordinary and is to be wholly at the beck and command of this beast under this consideration it is a superstitious devotednesse to him 4. There is the motive of all this it is willingly they admire him not by constraint of arms but by a mistaken devotion they of themselves give up and enslave themselves to him as is said of the Kings vers 13. they shall give their power to the beast and vers 17. they agree to do it They were now out of temporall subjection the Empire having become weak and they upon that had got their Kingdom yet this admiration had such influence on them as to make them universally yeeld to this beast upon this account more willingly than Armies had made them do to the former The exception put in a parenthesis whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world not only holdeth forth that compliance to be an exceeding sinfull defection even such as the Elect should not yea to the end cannot continue in it But 1. It sheweth there is a difference made by Jesus Christ of Elect and Reprobate as if by name they were written in distinct Books 2. It sheweth it is eternall and so without dependance on our free wills it is before the world 3. It sheweth that our standing and being keeped clean is a fruit of Election and not our Election a fruit of our foreseen faith or works It is they admire not because they are written in the Lambs book and not they are written because they admire not 4. It sheweth a suitablenesse in the end and midses these Elected to glory are brought to it by Holinesse Eph. 1.4 and Sanctification 2 Thess. 2. vers 13. in being keeped from such filthinesse as others fall in and which otherwise they would have fallen in and on the contrary they go to destruction falling in sins which are the causes of their damnation though not of their reprobation yet the decrees in respect of their ends are not without respect to these midses although not grounded on them 4. And lastly he is in this last consideration described by the ground of this admiration which pointeth at the state it agreeth unto This is proposed by way of ridle When they behold the beast that was and is not and yet is This is to be understood with respect to the time of the beasts actuall existing under the last consideration wherein he is admired and seen by the inhabitants of the earth and so not only was and is not as in the former part of the Verse when this state was to come but now it is so it differeth in the notion of timing it from what it was formerly and is thus to be understood They see now an Empire which being before that time was exceeding different from this 1. in form 2. in nature or kind ut supra the heads then were crowned Chap. 12. now the horns 2. It is not that is it is a Dominion but it is not the former which was it is spirituall and so admired 2. It lordeth and ruleth over ten Crowned Kings the former did over ten Legats Proconsuls or Governours of Provinces 3. It useth not arms directly but Excommunications Censures c. 4. It was openly heathenish and idolatrous now it is secret under pretext of Christs Vicar so that old forme is away For this beast may be two wayes conceived 1. in its generall complex consideration 2. more particularly in its heads and horns In the generall consideration he compareth the whole beast in its Ecclesiastick nature complexly with the whole beast considered as a temporall Empire considered also complexly as under any of its first six heads so this last beast which supporteth the whore upon an Ecclesiastick account is opposed to its civil consideration as a civill power which went before In this sense there are but two states of this beast one that was present and to passe when this last succeeded another to come But when he considereth again the beast more particularly in respect of its heads and horns and compareth the Governments among themselves vers 10 11. there are seven forms whereof five were past one present and one to come Hence it is that he calleth this Ecclesiastick state of this beast the eighth looking to its distinct nature from the former and also the seventh as it is upon the matter the same power continuing the Dominion of Rome in one series with the former forms even as the two beasts were distinguished Chap. 13. upon that diverse account though upon the matter one So this first was and is not is no contradiction for the beast i. e. the Empire then was yet was not this power come as the supporter of the whore but was to come in which respect he is looked upon as distinct from all the other heads The third step is and yet is that is though it now differ much from what it was yet it is really that same Dominion upon the matter by other spirituall weapons 1. ruling as amply as ever their predecessors did 2. having as full and absolute rule as ever it had See for this two sayings of Bellar. lib. 3. de Pontif. cap. 21. pag. 301. cited Chap. 13. 3. It ruleth as tyrannously as any of the former encroaching on others liberties till it bring them under and when it hath done that it exerciseth its power also cruelly especially against the Saints as vers 14. and Chap. 13. 4. It keepeth the former throne and seat though under another form it getteth the Dragons seat and Authority Chap. 13. and these people Nations and Languages and Kings that formerly had the former beast for their temporall lord they have Papacy for their spirituall 5. in respect
Kings here are as ver 12. where they are called ten Kings and shall it be thought that by these are meaned ten men who are like and do all that is spoken of them in their own time Experience will say the contrary That since the Roman Empire decayed and Kings arose out of the ruines thereof many ages are past yet what they have to fulfill on the Whore is not yet come And 3. these Kings as is clear are successive one to another and that immediatly the fifth succeedeth the fourth the sixth the fifth c. and there are not two at once 4. And that line or succession of the seven together is to go from the rising of this Empire to its ruine while this beast is an Empire it is under some one of these heads except we imagine a beast without an head and consequently this succession taketh in so long a series that five individuall persons could not fill up the time before Iohn nor can one make it up after him for many dayes have continued since yet the beast is not gone fully to perdition though it then was in his time It must then be either under the head it had then which is false or it must be under the seventh which succeeded and however it be it cannot be one person who so long could continue head to that beast 5. They must be Kings or Governments that are heads to one and the same body and sit at Rome foâ— the heads are Kings to that same City to which the Hills belong seing they describe one Beast or Empire and they must be over many Nations ver 15. yea the same Nations for there is one body of this beast under all the heads and all the heads are Governours to one beast or body and so are Roman Governours and that of a great extent Otherwayes one head were but half an head or head to half the beast and the setting out of both by one type confirmeth this that they are Kings and Hills of one City 6. These Governours or sorts of Governments are precisly Seven having one Empire for their dominion and continuing from its rise to its close so the first Government beginneth equally with the first head and it endeth together with the seventh and there are neither moe nor fewer for if the Hills be seven and not moe nor fewer and if just five be past and no moe then the seven in whole must be so and not moe nor fewer and the one to come must be properly one also And to say there might be an other Government distinct from the seven it would also say it behoved to be an other beast or dominion for saith the Angel This hath but seven the last whereof goeth to perdition and hath no successor 1. From what is said it is clear 1. that the naming of an eight ver 11. is not to be understood as of a distinct head For 1. Then the beast would have eight Kings and so would not be well represented by seven heads or exponed by seven Kings if there were moe 2. Then this beast to wit the eight would not be one of the seven which it is expresly said to be ver 11. and if one of seven it must be one of the seven formerly mentioned and that none of the first sixth therefore it must be the seventh it self which was to come 3. The same called the eight vers 11. is all one with that vers 8. But that holdeth out the Roman Empire under its seven heads or at least under one of them and it is the same beast that was and is not which Iohn saw and which the Angel is discovering and if he were not under any of these heads this would contribute little to that end Nor would it be a discovery of the same beast 4. The head which was to come is all one with that state of the beast vers 8. that was to arise for there is but one state to come and but one head to come Now were there eight heads there would be two to come in Iohns time neither could one state have comprehended the whole future form of that beast as vers 8. if it had been to be diverse and various and under different heads 5. If the seventh head be last then there is not an eight But it is said of the seventh it must continue but a short space as agreeing with what is said vers 8. of the beast that it must go into perdition under that form which was to come therefore it is not said the seventh but the other and that in the singular number is not yet come to shew there is but one to come How this is called the eight we shall clear afterward A second thing from what is said is also clear to wit that we cannot put any Government between the sixth head which was in Iohns time and the seventh or last whatever it shall be found to be And therefore we cannot as some Interpreters do put in either the King of Goths in Italy who for a time commanded Rome nor Christian Caesars For 1. there are but seven in all and none of these is the last for there is one since 2. All these seven heads head and rule the Roman Empire which is broader than that Kingdom of Goths which wanted a great part of Italy and were never Emperours 3. The papacy was breeding then after the wound which was given to heathenish Emperours by Constantine and never was healed till by it as was cleared Chap. 13. But there cannot be two heads together Therefore All heads have names of blasphemy which cannot be said of Christian Emperours as such Then fourthly beside if Christian Emperours were an head when ceased they to be a head seing they keeped some name long after they went from Rome and were weakened in their power piece and piece The second thing whereby these Kings are set out is clear that is they are such seven forms of Government as five thereof must preceed Iohns time That is meaned by this five are away or fallen one is to wit the sixth that is one different from any of the former the other is not yet come He saith the other and not the seventh 1. to shew there was but one to come 2. To shew that it was to be as different from the rest or more than any that had gone before and according to his manner he pointeth out this last especially because it is the scope of all to clear what concerneth him It is said of him in this vers He must continue a short space when he cometh which I take to imply two things 1. the certainty of this others coming or of his continuing a time when he shall come Thus when he cometh he shall continue c. holdeth forth the necessity of his continuance for a time till he have his time of it as well as any of the former and that people would not think he shall evanish
are not a head but he must be this head whom these horns acknowledge and seing they acknowledge another now which they did not in Iohns time Therefore this must be fulfilled And therefore we conclude that the sixth Government which then was is past and that the seventh hath succeeded ◠except we say the beast for many years hath had no head and it s before cleared also that neither Christian Emperour nor Gothish King can properly be called the seventh head of this beast yea or a head at all A third thing clear is that the Pope or Papacy may well be called a head or Government of this Empire for 1. that it is a Government cannot be denied and of a distinct kind from any of the former 2. It hath its seat at Rome and is a King of that seven hilled city as is also clear 3. That it extendeth its Dominion not only over Rome or that part called now the Empire but over at least all that was the western Empire and further for many years and if the same body that is commanded or governed be the beast the Government that commandeth it being thus circumstantiated must be the head or we must say that that Empire hath not been under a head for a long time which cannot be 4. Therefore we may further argue If Papacy be a Government of that Empire it must be the seventh and last which we take to be one as is said for 1. that was not in Iohns time it is not that which then was but that being the sixth and this having succeeded to it in its seat and Dominion must therefore be the seventh that was not then come 2. If all the characters agreeing to the seventh head be verified in it Then it must be the seventh But the first is true Ergo c. These characters agree to the seventh 1. to have ten Kings out of the ruine of the Roman Empire contemporary with it that Government contemporary with them is the seventh Papacy is so 2. that these Kings give their power to it willingly 3. that they persecute at its direction 4. that some of them hate her again all which are verified in the Papacy There are two objections against this the last whereof will lead us to open the 11. verse Object 1. The seventh head is but to continue a short space but that agreeth not to the Pope Answ. It is not a short space simply as is before cleared but comparatively short with a sure destruction for which cause it is said also of the eight vers 11. that he goeth even from his beginning to perdition The second Objection is seemingly stronger If the Pope be the seventh Then who is the eight it seemeth that would agree better to him and therefore their must be some moe Governments understood seing there is an eight particularly mentioned Answ. 1. The Papacy is both the seventh and the eight but in different respects and on diverse considerations for that there are but seven and that this eight is so the eight as he must be of the seven therefore the very seventh six being before his rise fallen is cleared before and therefore Papacy if it be the seventh that succeedeth the sixth which then was it must also be the eight But I say differently considered 1. Papacy considered as a Princedome and the Pope as a Prince he is the seventh head in that same series with the other that went before But 2. Papacy being considered as an Ecclesiastick power and so much different in nature and kind from the former and as having a twofold relation as a Prince and as a Pastor or Prince of Pastors so he is the eighth as being so various from the former that one of these relations setteth out but one half of him yet is he even under this consideration indeed one of the former seven though by himself or others he shall be thought so different from them as to be accounted both the seventh and eight for which reasons he is Chap. 13. set out by two beasts one holding forth his temporall power the other his Ecclesiastick Again consider this beast which Iohn saw complexly as with his body whereby he carrieth the whore he doth so differ from any head even from the seventh and may be called also an eight as a seventh Thus being considered he is a totum and the head a part but again considered as he governeth that body he is of the seventh 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he is one of that reckoning by a Synecdoche the beast for that head of the beast and so he is a seventh and eight as he is not and yet is in diverse respects and therefore is it observed that though he called it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is in the neuter genet in the Greek yet the relative even be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is of the masculine that looketh to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or King represented by that beast that is the King understood by this beast in its last head he is both the eight and seventh that is of a twofold respect and so differeth from any that went before him which is added as a distinguishing mark to difference this last head or state of that Empire from any preceeding It is to come and when it cometh it will look like a seventh and an eight also yet really is the seventh under which form the beast shall go to destruction and not overlive that form Therefore Chap. 19. the beast that is the body and the false prophet that is the head go into destruction together Hence this argument may be formed If the seventh head here be that Government over Rome succeeding to that which governed it in Iohns time to wit the Roman Emperours Then the Pope is this seventh head for he succeeded But the former is true Ergo. Or if the Pope be the seventh Government succeeding to that which was then over Rome in Iohns time Then is Rome under him the whore and he is the Antichrist But the former is truth us supra Ergo. That which Bellar. asserteth lib. 3. de Pontis cap. 15. pag. 294. that Antichrist shall be ultimus Rex Romani Imperii non tamen sub nomine Romani Imperatoris and that he is supremum ultimum caput impiorum c. as he asserted immediately before alluding to this that by this last head is understood Antichrist doth confirm this And it may then from this be gathered that the Pope is Antichrist thus If the Pope be the last Governour of the Roman Empire yet not under the title of Roman Emperour Then he is Antichrist that is granted But that he is the last King of the Roman Empire c. appeareth thus If the Pope or papacy be the seventh Government which succeeded to that over the Roman Empire which was in Iohn's time yet under another name Then it is the last for the seventh is last ut supra and under it the beast
free in civilibus or the Governour that were the head should have no power over them and so one Empire in one bodie and many Kingdoms in distinct bodies cannot be one Neither can the second be said that that change on the Provinces or Kingdoms here called horns is an other beside this for there are but two states of these Nations one then present while they were subject to that temporall head the other to come in which they are to have Dominion of themselves There is not again two states of their becoming Kings but one and the denying of the one inferreth the other Thus the horns are either uncrowned that is subject to the Roman Empire or they are crowned that is have gotten a Kingdom according to this prophesie But they are not now in the first state Therefore they must be taken in the last consideration And as there is no head or Government interveening among the supream Governments set our by heads So must there be no interveening state of these Kingdoms admitted betwixt what then was and the fulfilling of this whereby their future state is set out Arg. 2. If the Kings now in being have the very characters mentioned here Then they must be the fulfilling of this prophesie But in event they answer it in all things Ergo. 1. There are now many Kings which were not in Iohns time 2. They are arisen out of the old Provinces of the Roman Empire 3. They are under another head and Governour than was then in Iohns time and so contemporary with that which was to come 4. They have all joyntly given their strength to be serviceable to the power that is the seventh head which was then to come 5. They have been making for a long time in all their Dominions war with the Saints Therefore this must be fulfilled seing all things prophesied have directly come to passe Arg. 3. It may be made out thus If the last Government of Rome be come which is called the eight or seventh Then this prophesie is fulfilled for they that is the last Government of Rome and these ten Kings are contemporary together They receive power one hour with the beast and give it to him and therefore the making out that any of them is come is the making out that both are come But it is cleared before and is clear also in it self that he is come thus If that Government or Governour of Rome be come to whom the separate Kings that refuse temporall subjection to the Emperour shall give joyntly their power and strength upon another account Then the seventh and last Governour of Rome is come for that beast which they give their power unto is the beast which Iohn saw in the vision which vers 11. was then is not but was to come But truth and experience telleth us that another Governour sitteth now at Rome than sat in Iohn's time unto whom these Kings have given their power Therefore the last Governour must be come and so this pophesie which is contemporary with it must be fulfilled Arg. 4. This prophesie must either be fulfilled or it is to be fulfilled But not the last Therefore the former If these Kings or Kingdoms be to arise they must either rise out of the Kingdoms that now are separate or out of that which is called the Empire But neither of these can be Not the first beside that there is no warrand to expect a second revolution of those Kingdoms after the first which this would infer I say secondly they must arise to be in this consideration horns to the beast and Kings which were not Kings before Now all these Provinces having had this long time Kings cannot then be looked on as the subject out of which these to come must arise Beside if there were a twofold arising of Kings out of the Empire and the one not distinguished from the other the arising of these ten Kings would not be a distinguishing character to discern this beast and so to make him known by his horns which yet is the scope here And therefore this character of ten Kings can agree to no other state or head but this last No◠2. can it be out of the bounds of that now called the Empire for 1. there is not that extent of dominion as to furnish ten Kings especially to make such a great dominion as Antichrists is supposed to be of all People Tongues and Nations 2. If it were no broader then Antichrists might and power by his horns would be no greater than what is now the Empire 2. It appeareth that such must be Kingdoms in this state as were Provinces before the horns are the same or near the same uncrowned and crowned But Germany was never moe Provinces than one or at most two as was France and Spain Therefore there is no proportionablnesse here to make ten crowned horns out of that which was but one or at most two before Beside our reasoning is not only that there are now so many Kings but so many who act as horns to an other power as the Provinces were wont to do and they are not horns to these called Emperours They must therefore be so to another head and if so then this prophesie is fulfilled The manner of fulfilling must be looked in these steps 1. Constantine after the heathens are cast down removeth from Rome and leaveth that seat void so after that he is not to be accounted an head as is said on Chap. 13. 2. After that anno 412. and 455. the barbarous Nations Goths and Vandals did over-run the western Empire and seven times take Rome by this the Empire is distracted and severall Provinces are either now become Kingdoms by the continuance of these Nations in them or by others assuming supream power over them without dependance on the Emperour 3. During which time this last head driveth his design of exalting himself and making an image of that Empire which was fallen 4. By the means mentioned Chap. 13.12 c. all these Kings are brought to worship that beast and receive his mark more or lesse as he arose till he came to that height to dispose of Kingdoms ratifie elections under the title of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Carion observeth unto which in time they came generally to submit and accordingly possesse many of their Kingdoms 5. When God had discovered him to be the Antichrist some of these who once had given their power to him have withdrawn it and we are to wait and pray for the fulfilling of this more as the former of giving their power to him hath been already fulfilled Out of what is said we would draw three sorts of uses 1. From this lay down some conclusions and the first is if this prophesie be fulfilled then Antichrist is come and not to be looked-for to come for if the horns be there is the head and if the head be then is the beast the one is not without the rest But that is verified
before another were opened and so betwixt the seals and trumpets c. No that is not meaned for the white horse in the first seal and the red horse in the second are still riding as we will see Chap. 19. in the time that belongeth to the vials but it looketh especially to the rise 〈◊〉 these as the white horse goeth before the red and the red before the black and the seals before the trumpets and so forth although the event signified by the white horse may continue after the red is come and so in other events Also It looketh to these events mentioned as in an eminent degree as for example when we say the seals hold forth open persecution and the trumpets error the meaning is they â—old out these to be at a height more than ordinary and to be the predominant state or evil of the Church during that time respectively 2. We would be advertised that one of those may well agree and be applied to another time and occasion by proportion and analogie bot not simply As for instance The white horse cometh first out under the first seal aâ—d ere long the red horse followeth This may hold Doctrinally in the generall from it That where ever the Gospel cometh ere long the devil stirreth up men to persecute it or wherâ—ever Christ sendeth the Gospel it holdeth forth that His carand is there to conquer yet looking on the words as they are propheticall they hold forth the first spreading of the Gospel and the conquest and persecutions that followed it Otherwise there were no difference betwixt this Book which is propheticall and any other which is Doctrinall seing the generall dispensations which befall the Church might be gathered from both alike neither would it make for Christs scope which is to shew unto His servants things to come for arming of them against them Prep 2. The first two prophesies hold forth the troubles of the Church that of the vials the ruine of her enemies 1. That the seals at least second third and fourth hold forth sad things to the Church appeareth 1. From the fifth seal Chap. 6. in which mention is made of many Martyrs killed for the testimony of Jesus which must be under the former seals 2. In that they desire revenge on their persecuters for their bloud whereby it appeareth that till that time they had been born down by persecuters as unrevenged which could not be if the former seals contained judgement on the world 2. That the trumpets hold forth a torn and wasted condition of the Church and God by them giving the alarm thereof is evident 1. By the Prophets prophesying in sackcloth Chap. 11. and the beasts prevailing against the Saints Chap. 13. which contemporateth with the trumpets And 2. By this that when the seventh trumpet sounds Chap. 11.17 it is said that God hath taken to Him His great power and reigned as if under the former six His power had lyen by because His Church was under affliction 3. That the vials bring judgement on the enemies appeareth 1. From the Song Chap. 11. when the seventh trumpet sounds and Chap. 16 â— and 6. it is the shedding of their bloud who had shed the bloud of His Servants and it is on the beast his followers and throne in the Chapters following And though now and then God took order with particular persecurers yet such a remarkable change as that will not agree with a standing persecution or to speak so with a state of persecution such as was under the former two Prâ—p 3. Though both the seals and trumpets hold out troubles to the Church yet do they hold forth different troubles not only in time but in nature and from different enemies The seals hold forth bloudy cruelty from Heathens the trumpets deceitfull heresies and troubles from false Christians which may be thus gathered 1. Concerning the seals they are bloudy to the Church as appeareth from the fifth seal where they cry for vengeance against the shedders of their bloud 2. That under the seals the Saints are meerly passive and patient in bearing out their cause with sufferings towards their enemies and prayers towards God But under the trumpets it is different 1. God giveth them warning that they should be active in preparing for that storm 2. That they are represented as striving not only in suffering and prayer as to outward enemies but Chap. 11. by propâ—â—cying which agreeth better to the vindicating of truth against false Brethren than towards these who are altogether without 3. The enemies are diversly described under the trumpets come the false Prophet and the locusts in a secret manner carrying on their design 4. The effects are different the seals shed bloud and take away the lives of all Professors by the trumpets again the cleaâ— waterâ— of life are imbittered and Truth corrupted Stars made to fall from Heaven and especially the Prophets persecuted and insulted over Chap. 11. 5. It is clear from Gods preparing His own against the trumpets Chap. 7. more than against the seals Chap. 6. Of which difference this is the reason that Christ will not keep His people from killing swords but will guard them from soul-murthering errours as by Chap. 7. compared with Chap. 9. and 4. is clear 6. It is most clear by comparing the explicatory prophesies Chap. 12. and 13. which are contemporary to these of the seals and trumpets from which may be gathered not onely that the Church hath troubles during that time but also that these troubles are to be distinguished either as they proceed from the Dragon who waiteth to devour the Childe Chap. 12. which contemporates with the seals or as they proceed from the beast Chap. 13. which hath horns like the Lamb but indeed speaketh like the Dragon and succeedeth him in his seat which contemporateth with the trumpets From which we may conclude 1. That the first period of the Militant Church to wit that which belongeth to the seals is to be fixed at the close of the great persecution by Heathens and her meeting with new storms from within by the devils raising up false Teachers and corrupt Doctrines with great Patrons to them both Civil and Ecclesiastick which is a trial of another nature and yet of as great concernment to her Therefore least being free of the former she should now think her self free of all the Lord soundeth a trumpet and giveth her the alarm of this storm which time will fall about the three hundred year of our Lord or thereby when at first the Church enjoyed peace by publike Authority under Constâ—â—tine which peace was immediatly marred by the Arrian heresie and others following it unto which the trumpets gave warning This would not be understood as if the Church wanted heresies under the seals or persecution under the trumpets No the contrary is clear But this we mean 1. That under the seals persecution by bloud had its height and was more constant under the trumpets again
heresies and corrupt Doctrine had their height and were for the time respectively predominant in the Church 2. We mean that under the seals persecution was still growing till the change came as the last persecution by Dioclesian was the greatest and that under the trumpets error and declining grew till Antichrist came to his height so that though there may be error under the seals yet error came not to its height then and was not the predominant evil which troubled the Church as under the trumpets 3. Although there may be persecution under the trumpets Yet thus do they differ 1. In respect of the persecuters in the one open enemies to Christ and in the other covered enemies to Christ. 2. They differ in respect of the grounds they go upon and the manner how they prosecute their designs according to their respective principles 2. Again we may conclude The period between the trumpets and the vials is to be fixed at the Lords beginning to pursue Antichrist and to make the obscured light of the Gospel to break out to the diminishing of Antichrists tyrannie which will fall to be about the one thousand five hundred year of our Lord or somewhat therâ—after for the first vial bringeth judgement on his that is the beasts worshippers which judgement is carried on by one vial after another Chap. 16. till he himself be cast in the lake 2. The sixth trumpet endeth before the last woe when the seventh is to sound and Chap. 10. it is certified by him that sweareth that the time of his reigning in a predominant and uncontrolled way shall be continued no longer than the seventh Angel begin to sound at which time the vials begin to be poured forth on him 3. It is clear by the Song Chap. 11. after the sounding of the seventh trumpet wherein God is praised for avenging of the blood of His Servants and beginning to reign in Antichrists overthrow before the eyes of the World which overthrow is carried on by degrees under the seven vials and God is praised for it at the beginning it becometh then so certain though in one instant it be not perfected 3. We conclude that the sixth vial endeth at Antichrists casting in the pit Chap. 19. at the end the seventh at the utter overthrow of all the enemies of the Church and the consummation of all things yet so as God doth severall wayes and at several times plague his enemies before this but their finall and full overthrow goeth along with this For these prophesies which we call explicatory prophesies they are also three The first is in Chap. 12 13 14. describing Antichrists rise reign and begun ruine and by the party to whom he succeedeth to wit the Dragon Chap. 12. The second is Chap. 17 18 and 19. holding out a particular explication of his ruine especially by the fifth and sixth vials The third is Chap. 20 21 and 22. relating unto the happie estate of the Church here and hereafter especially under the seventh vial as at Chap. 20 will be cleared That these three must be for time contemporary unto and for the matter though in more obscure types comprehended under the principall prophesies or some part of them which was the second thing proposed concerning this series to be cleared may appear 1. If these principall prophesies be linked so together that the one of them immediatly inferreth the other and yet so that all of them together do contain a view of the Churches affairs from the beginning unto the end Then all these explicatory prophesies must contemporate with some of the former and the matter contained in them must be of that same nature with and relate unto the former But the first is clear from the Propositions formerly laid down 2. It will be clear by considering the matter of both The same thing is in the 12. Chap. that we had Chap. 6. And so the 13. Chap. agreeth with the trumpets even as the Chap. 17 18 c. answer unto the vials with this difference The principall prophesies shew the events more shortly and darkly the explicatory more fully and clearly The first sheweth the events what is done the second sheweth the manner how and the instruments by whom and circumstances relating unto them 3. That the 12. Chap. contemporateth with the seals the 13 and 14. with the trumpets the 17 and 18 c. with the vials may thus be made out 1. The ruine of Antichrist Chap. 17 18 c. is evidently and undeniably contemporary with the vials Chap. 16. which beginneth and perfecteth that ruine 2. The rise of Antichrist and his reign Chap. 13. doth immediately go before his ruine and so precedeth the vials immediately and therefore must contemporate with the trumpets which do also immediately go before the vials 3. The Dragons pursuing the Church Chap. 12 is immediately antecedent to the beasts rise Chap. 13. and so must contemporate with the seals that immediately go before the trumpets which contemporate with the beasts rise according to that certain rule quae conveniunt uni tertio conveniunt inter se that is if the seals belong to the time that goeth immediately before the trumpets and the persecution of the Dragon Chap. 12. belong to that time also Then they must belong to one and the self same time and so in the rest Or thus to the same purpose The seals contain the Churches infancy and first trialls and the 12. Chap. undeniably doth the same Therefore they are contemporary together The beast Chap. 13. succeedeth the Dragon as the trumpets do the seals which proveth again that the beast Chap. 13. and the trumpets are contemporary so also must the vials which succeed the trumpets be contemporary with that reviving state of the Church Chap. 14. which immediately dependeth upon the beasts height Chap. 13. And this seemeth to be native to the form of the types the holy Ghost minding to set out things successive one to another by one manner of expression in seven types and when He stoppeth or digresseth to set down what is further needfull for preparation unto consolation against amplification or explication of things contained in these He taketh himself to an other manner of expression as after the trumpets Chap. 9. untill the 16. and again when He returneth to the series of the Story to follow on where He left He taketh up His former way of setting forth events by sevens as He doth in the 16. Chapter And no other reason can be given why He interupteth that manner of expression and returneth to it again but to help us to know what part of this prophesie to subjoyn to another and what part of it to take as an explicatory repetition of something already said This we judged necessary to premise in the entry that we may the more clearly proceed according to the mould proposed From which in generall we may Observe 1. How various the case and state of Christs Church is here on earth
the vials contain matter of one kind as is already cleared Therefore there is no reason to divide them as if one part of them to wit the first six did belong to one wo to wit the second wo or sixth trumpet and others of them to another wo to wit the seventh trumpet there is no reason for this division especially considering that the last wo is of the same nature as the seven vials are but the second wo to wit the sixth trumpet is not of the same nature with the last as the exposition thereof will clear for which cause they are divided in distinct woes The vials therefore being of one nature cannot agree to woes that are so different in all the former respects Secondly That there is some observable march and bound betwixt the second and third wo cannot be denied for it is especially marked in all the three last woes one wo is past and another cometh c. and the exposition will make it out But if we will apply some vials to the second wo and others to the third there will be no such remarkable change to fix the difference betwixt these two woes because all the vials are but steps and degrees of plagues of the same kind or rather of one plague and that on the same object to wit Antichrist c. But these three woes do expresse judgements of different kinds and upon different objects And it is observeable that that Learned Author otherwise most acute in every thing yet here is at some stand whether to take in the first five or the first six vials within the sixth trumpet And considering that the seven vials are put together in one form by the holy Ghost even as the seals and trumpets were What reason can there be given why they should be divided and the last only made to contemporate with the seventh trumpet and others with the preceding trumpets as if it were not one principal prophesie as the rest are more than to divide the trumpets and to make the last only to contemporate with the seventh seal and the rest with the other preceding seals seing the Spirit keepeth the same form in both Further we argue thus if the seventh vial and the seventh trumpet only contemporate together Then the first six vials must contemporate with the preceding trumpet to wit the sixth But that cannot be said because first the vials carry judgements on the same object with the seventh trumpet to wit on the beast but the sixth trumpet doth contain a judgement of another nature and on another object as is said Therefore the vials cannot belong to it Secondly The series and strain of the vials sheweth that they together do contain one whole period of the state of the Militant Church to wit Antichrists declining and decaying estate even as the seals and trumpets did contain two former periods to wit the Churches sufferings under Heathenish Persecutions and Antichrist his rise and height The sixth trumpet therefore being a step or degree of a former period cannot be contemporary with any of the vials which are steps of a subsequent period for two periods neither in whole nor in part can be contemporary one with another More particularly their rise must be at one and the same time for the seventh trumpet cometh immediatly on the back of the killing of the witnesses and contemporateth with the whole course of their liberty as appeareth by this that then and not untill then the Kingdoms of the earth becometh the Lords Then he taketh to him his great power and reigneth Then he rewardeth his servants the Prophets and destroyeth them that destroyed the earth Then the temple is opened in heaven and the ark of his testament is seen c. as it is chap. 11. All which do suppone that it was other wayes in all these respects before the seventh trumpet did sound seing these are marked to be effects of the sounding of it which demonstrateth that the sounding thereof must be immediatly upon the back of Antichrists height and killing of the witnesses and so must carry on his ruine long before his destruction which cometh by the sixth vial It must therefore blow long before the seventh vial yea it must contemporate with the first because they to wit all the vials carry on Antichrist's ruine from that same term as is granted and will appear from chap. 15. where the Angels with the vials even the first of them came out of the Temple thus opened by the seventh trumpet upon the instant of the earthquake and shaking of Antichrists Kingdom at the expiring of the sixth trumpet which is the very march thereof for which see chap. 11. Lect. â— Therefore none of these vials can preceed the seventh trumpet seing before it the Temple is supposed to be shut Secondly This last wo doth immediatly succeed the second wo and therefore must have its beginning with the first vial because if six vials did preceed the blowing of the seventh trumpet Then would a distinct wo interveen between these two to wit Antichrists ruine which is carried on by the first six vials which were absurd for the sixth trumpet is not called a wo as bringing any judgement on Antichrist as the exposition will clear and is granted by him Thirdly If it were so that the first six vials did belong to the sixth trumpet Then would it to wit the sixth trumpet contain two woes to wit the plague of Mahomet and the ruine of Antichrist for both these give a denomination to severall woes But the former is absurd Fourthly If the seventh trumpet doth comprehend Antichrists ruine and the carrying on thereof to his destruction Then must it contain the first six vials because by these he is ruined and brought to nought and his judgement is begun immediatly on the back of his height and fall and perfected by them Therefore must it here belong to the seventh trumpet or the seventh trumpet doth no way belong to the ruine of Antichrist but it doth belong to his ruine as was formerly hinted in the object thereof and afterward will be clear Ergo c. Fifthly If the sixth trumpet doth contain Antichrists height and the Churches lowest sufferings Then can it not comprehend the first six vials because by them Antichrist is ruined and brought to nought and it is absurd to place Antichrist his height and totall fall under the same trumpet or wo seing they do not fall under one period Neither will it consist with the nature of this prophesie that one trumpet which containeth but a part of one period should contain effects of so contrary and opposite natures as Antichrists greatest height and his totall and full ruine But the former is true the sixth trumpet containeth his height and triumph Ergo c. Sixthly The sixth trumpet doth leave the beast still in some being while the seventh come as the same Author granteth Synchronism 1. of this second part But the sixth vial doth wholly
why should they not be sought for if innocent why should they be punished Yet did this occasion much calmnesse to Christians especially in these parts The persecution stirred by Hadrian was staid by the Apologies which Quadratus and Aristides presented to him Anton. Pius was made to relent by that Apologie of Iustin Martyr Anton. Philosophus by an extraordinary providence was changed and made to befriend Christians which was thus In the Marcâ—manick Wars he and his Army were brought to great straits being overpowered with the enemie and inclosed among mountains without water so that he and they were like to perish for thirst a Legion of Christian Souldiers who then were in the Armie did separate themselves from the rest and before them all falling down to Prayer they obtained from the Lord not only water in abundance but a glorious victory over the enemies the Lord causing it to rain with such fire and thunder upon the enemie as made them to give backs This Legion upon this occasion was by him called Legio fulminatrix and this miracle prevailed so with the Emperour that presently he gave out an edict most favourable to Christians ordaining that they should neither be sought for nor punished if presented but that their accusers should be punished seing that his safety and the safety of the Empire depended upon their Prayers And it is worth the marking that so many persecutions together were restrained by God during this time for it maketh it the more applicable unto therestraint insinuated in this seal which can be found in persecutions at no other time 12. We may add that in no age the Church had moe well qualified men nor at any time had moe appearing for her against all sorts of enemies as may be witnessed by the Apologies of the foresaid Quadratus Aristides Apollonius Melito Asiâ—nus Iustin Martyr Tertullian and sundry others boldly and learnedly pleading the Christians cause against persecuters and were presented to severall Emperours There was also much dispute with Heathens as Origen contra Celsum with Jews as Iustin dialog cum Trâ—phâ—ne and Tertullian adversus gentes â—udâ—os So also against many Hereticks as witnesse Ireneus his writings and Tertullian de Prâ—scriptions adversus Hereticos Yea many able and holy men appearing also to prevent and remove schisms and differences in the Church as is evident by Ireneus and Polycarp their pains and travell to keep a good understanding between the Churches in the East and in the West not only by writing serious exhortations to peace and forbearance one of another and in reproving the vehemencie of some too fervently advanceing their own judgment with hurt to the Churches peace but also by their travelling from East to West to compose their differences whose labour for a time God blest till about Anno 200. when Victor excommunicated the Churches of the East which rash deed is condemned by many Vide apud Euseb. Cent. Magd. Baron in the History belonging to that time By which we see that as there was never more to do with well qualified Ministers so was the Church well furnished with them which doth well agree with the qualification of the third beast represented like a man in the type as is said By these Christian Religion was preserved from Heathens without and vindicated from Hereticks within and the substantials of the Gospel were keeped from hurt The white horse was still conquering and many were brought in to Christ so that the Heathens Idolatrous Templs were almost desolate no man haunting them nor buying their Sacrifices as the same Plinius in the forcited place compleaneth and yet there was no place almost where Christianity was not and though all other Monarchies had their bounds and were limited yet this Dominion of Christs had none but spread over all and therefore behooved to be the Son of Gods as Tertul. at length proveth Apol. cap. 37. c. Yea Christians did so encrease that as the same Author affirmeth had they but withdrawn from their Towns and Countries they had left them almost desolate and terrible to the indwellers that remained and yet all this was without humane force and help but as it were by the alone voice of Him whose Throne is amongst the four beasts All which being considered we suppose it will not be unanswerable to the type nor any straining of the scope thus to apply it seing this seal doth especially speak out these four agreeing better to the event of this time than any other As 1. a decaying state of the Church in some things worse than the former whereby she becometh black 2. A remarkable restraint upon the instruments and effects of this sad decay 3. A sort of seeming justice in the authors and abettors of these evils 4. With a sober improving of parts and abilities by the Ministers of the Church in a rationall way opposing themselves to these evils All which we have found in the event and therefore conceive it not unfitly to be resembled by this type as differing both from the seal preceeding and the other following And from it thus understood we may observe 1. That the Church is subject to moe sorts of trials than one and when one cometh there is readily a second that followeth before the outgate of that and the last trial is ordinarily the saddest and bringeth the Church lowest Obs. 2. That men may be good civil and morall men in things belonging to the Commonwealth and yet be exceeding great enemies to Religion and the Church Or That the most excellent men in the world for parts if they be not sanctified are often the greatest enemies of the Kingdom of Christ. The Church had peace under Commodus and Heliogabolus but suffered by Trajan Severus Hadrian and Antoninus Pius whose government was excellent to the Commonwealth which made many in that time without force submit themselves to the Romanes Yet in the matters of Religion and what concerned the Church there were none greater enemies to them which proceedeth partly fâ—om the nature of fleshly wisdom which Rom. 8.7 is enmity to God partly because men of that temper had more settled principles of persecution within them not acting by profane furie as others but from deluded zeal This made them more eager more constant and more vehement in the persuing of Christians than the principles of profanity use to do as we see in Paul who in his blinded zeal furthered persecution more than many others 3. Because the more wise and civil one be without Religion the more foolish doth Religion appear to him and the more furnishing hath he to persecute with 4. The persons of such men have more weight with others to provoke them to their practice and to abhor as a grosse ill the thing they persecute It was nothing thought of to see Nero and Domitian persecute Christians but when Trajan Antoninus Pius and such like opposed Christianity that made men abhor it while such men otherwise blamelesse cryed out upon it
more particularly the name of the Star is called Wormwood By Stars as we heard Chap. 1. vers 20. are understood Ministers in the visible Church who by receiving light from Christ should hold it forth to others a great Star burning like a Lamp is one eminent for parts gifts place or in estimation for holinesse making a great shew yet not having much reality but as it were a glancing counterfeit light noâ— proceeding from a right principle as that of the Stars doth from the Sun but kindled from some externall thing as that of a Lamp is nor so solide as the former though having more glorious and pompous appearance 2. This Star fell from Heaven that is made defection from the visible Church and the straight and pure preaching of the Gospel and corrupted these fountains and waters Errour bringeth folks low even from Heaven to Earth as profâ—nity doth when this wild-fire of self-seeking is by pride kindled and by parts and gifts without grace entertained it soon bringeth down the greatest Star that taketh not its light from Christ. The word is it was falling not altogether fallen as is spoken Chap. 9.1 to signifie a begun decay or fall which afterward Iohn discerned more clearly when it was fallen and come to its height or rather lownesse of a full decay by it is shewed that this plague is promoved by such as by their parts or former estimation have been eminent in the Church 3. The name of the Star is Wormwood given him from the effect which it produceth it having influence to corrupt the sweetest things and to make them partake of its nature Deut. 29.18 It is spoken of a man that hath a root that beareth gall or wormwood one that walked not straightly by Gods rule and Act. 8.23 Simon Magus lo said to be in the gall of bitternesse for his corrupt thoughts of the grace of God and it may well get this name which hath so much influence upon fountains and rivers that it may make them bitter like wormwood that is altereth their swerâ— nature bringing-in free will the deâ—ection of the Saints the inefficacy of Grace the Doctrine of merit and predestination upon foreseen works or Faith c. whereby the nature of the Gospel is quite overturned and that Doctrine which was healthfull to be drunken in is now like the Prophets pottage having death in the pot that none who would be unpoisoned dare drink of it more than the Egyptians might drink of their rivers when they were turned into bloud It is said to fall on a third part of the waters either 1. Because it was not a full defection from all truth some were by Gods goodnesse keeped clear Or 2. That this grosse errour or this heresie though it spread far yet it did not infect all men some prime men and Churches were keeped free of it Or 3. Deâ—ection in these truthâ— was â—ot then at its height but growing The effect is many men died c. which is to be understood of spiritual and eternal death following on the former corruptions by which many were destroyed like that which is mentioned in the former trumpet To come to the application of this We 1. take it for granted that some Church-defection is signified by this rather than the overtturning of the civil state of the Roman Empire for the falling of the Roman State is not actively the cause of its own bitternesse that State being passive in its being overturned and the bitternesse floweth not from it as an agent yet it is clear here that this falling Star is the active agent or instrument of imbittering these waters as the hail and the burning mountain was in the two trumpets before also the title Star and the effects as they are used in this prophesie will agree best to Church-men and affairs beside the scope whereof we have spoken 2. This judgement differeth from the former two 1. In its object more immediatly it striketh at the way of the Gospels manifesting grace 2. In its rise it is from some eminent preacher carrying it on with more rationall eloquence seeming reason and pretext of holinesse or by moe preachers together 3. In the manner of it not by bloud noâ— mixing in persecution as the former two had waiting on them but by making the waters bitter turning them into wormwood which was by the infecting of them with the errour it self 4. That it falleth not on the earth as Chap. 9.1 because yet it was but working and that Star not fully discovered as yet by this fall and so here it s a great Star but Chap. 9.1 a Star only because he lost much of his splendor by the first fall though we think it is the same fall begun here and perfected there 3. We take it for granted also that this trumpet in its rise belongeth to that time that succeeded the former contentions in the Church when the Bishops and Clergie of Rome especially were kindling both the Churches of the East and in Africk for their supremacy This will be in the fifth Century a little after the 400. year weâ— may apply it generally to the state of the Church during that fifth Century or particularly to â—ome Hereticks in it generally Doctrine then was corrupted not only by Pelagius Anno 413. Nâ—storius 429. Eutyches about 448. and other grosse Hereticks and these errours exceedingly fomented by the powers of the world especially that of the Eutycheaâ—s by Anastasius the Emperour and a second Councel at Ephesus called pradatoriuâ— because of its â—nfamous proceeding against Flavianus and in favours of Eâ—tychet by Dioscorus means Bishop of Alexandria for which it was protested against as no Synod by Anatolius and Severus Bishop of Aâ—tioch But which is more though there were many eminent men who stood against these Errours yet a great decay of true Doctrine crept in amongst good men that never did wear out again but grew still more in the Church to wit about satisfaction pennance freâ—-will merit of works possibility of fulfilling the Law holy dayes c. This application in this last respect we suppose safest as fore shewing the Church or Church-men generally to fall from true light and to be kindled with zeal for superstitions and though it did not in this age uniersally corrupt the Church in that height that followed but a third part i.e. many were keeped free yet way was made to it and the Churches declining and fall was begun which stayed not till afterward it came to its height This agreeth to the story considering the Doctrine of the Church at that time and to the scope which sheweth the Churches decay by degrees and Antichrists graduall rise his Doctrine though not his Supremacy got much footing in this age and also with the type here 1. of a Star falling which we will find was fallen Chap. 9.1 2. It corrupteth fountains and streams insensibly not striking so directly at the foundation as the former particular heresies did but keeping
not because of any worth that is in them or for their own sake But 1. for His sake and for His Authority that sendeth them 2. For the event of their word which will certainly come to passe and that more terribly and as certainly as ever any temporall judgement was brought on by Moses or Elias Fear to come in tops with this word it is a sword with two edges and will kill these who oppose and do not submit unto it LECTURE III. Vers. 7. And when they shall have finished their testimony the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomlesse pit shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them 8. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt where also our Lord was crucified 9. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three dayes and an half and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves 10. And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoyce over them and make merry and shall send gifts one to another because these two Prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth FRom the seventh Verse he proceedeth to describe the Churches estate in the condition of her Ministers The first step whereof i.e. their prophesying in sackloth contemporary with the Gentiles treading the holy City under foot is past now follow other two steps further 1. What was the low condition they were brought unto and the beasts prevailing over these witnesses killing and murthering them to vers 12. The last step is their Resurrection and the making of them and their testimonie and the state of the Church more glorious and visible than before Their low condition is set out 1. in their death 2. What went before it vers 7.8 And 3. in what followed after in the enemies insulting vers 9 10. set forth in severall circumstances The first circumstance whereby this is set out is the time of their killing vers 7. When they have finished their testimonie or were about to finish their testimonie for it is within the term of Antichrists height that this is done what was called prophesying before is called their testimony here because for that end they were to testifie and preach It is called their testimonie to set out that peculiar task which God had given them as their work and earand that behoved to be done and ended even as it is said of Iohn that he finished his course Acts 13 â—â— and so Paul speaketh of himself 2 Tim. 4 7. Thus was it with Christ He preached about three years and an half who was the true witnesse and could not be impeded till his hour came and his testimony and work given him was finished Ioh. 17. More particularly it will be found to be about the expiring of the fourty two moneths which is one with the beasts coming to an height for as we shew before these Prophets prophesying is contemporary with the beasts reign their putting on sackcloth and mourning is occasioned by his rise and so beginning together they go on in an equal length and therefore must end together that is at the beasts begun fall when they begin to put off their sackcloth But the question thence riseth 1. How can it be said that their testimonie is finished and they are killed and reproached when Ministers testifying is a continuing work And 2. how can it be said that the beast prevaileth more against the witnesses now at the beginning of his fall than in the time of his reign For answer 1. Consider That though now moe witnesses have appeared against Antichrist whereby it cometh to passe that these two witnesses are about to finish their testimony and as it were to go off the stage because God had now provided many for that task yet the period of Antichrists absolute tyranny is not at a close as we will find afterward And the Lord wisely made His Church somewhat more visible before that so this great act of his cruelty might be the more discernable and that thereby marches might be the more clearly rid betwixt the period containing his height and that which immediately followeth wherein is contained his decay and ruine 2. Consider these two witnesses testimony may be said to be finished when the manner of their testifying is finished or changed That is either 1. when their number is encreased and God giveth moe witnesses by bringing some others in their tour Or 2. When they then testifie more publickly and boldly who were before hid and scarcely discerned as the Church while she was in the wildernesse now they appear and openly avow their Doctrine and give a publick visible testimony Or 3. When their sackcloth is something altered and that contempt and reproach that was upon honest Ministers is somewhat diminished and they begin to get countenance it may be by some great persons or Princes their testimony may be said to be finished though not simply yet in some respect for this testimony of theirs seemeth to be especially intended as a check against Antichrists reign when all the world should be going after him Now after such a long time the Ministers step out more publickly to cry down Antichrist he is irritated and fighteth and warreth against them and by his discerning them better now than before he cometh at them with outward cruelty more And God having guarded His own testimony and made the world more sensible of these evils by their publick appearing and suffering in His righteous judgement and deep wisdom He permitteth Antichrist to prevail that this testimony may be sealed by suffering and bloud in which the sufferers are overcomers as it is Chap. 12.11 and Christ getteth no lesse testimony and victory in that The second circumstance is the party by whom they are killed it is the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomlesse pit to wit Antichrist or the Pope compare this with Chap. 13. and 17 18. It is a beast making war with the Saints there and here who will be found guilty of their bloud First He is called the beast as these in Dan. 7. and 8. are called 1. For his power and greatnesse 2. For his cruelty and inhumanity Secondly He is said to come from the bottomlesse pit to wit out of hell So his Doctrine came from thence Chap. 9.1 he is called the angel of the bottomlesse pit and cometh after the working of Satan whatever he pretend Thirdly He is said to be ascending in the present time 1. to shew his propinquity that in its first steps he was beginning to work 2 Thess. 2. 2. That he rose insensibly and as it were by degrees till he was on his seat and there is but one beast mentioned here because these two Chap. 13. are indeed but one and the same The third circumstance is in the degree of this in three expressions to wit make war overcome and kill them Quest. What was
most probable some extraordinary instinct and impulse of the Spirit constraining the Preachers and Professors of the Gospel now to a publick separation from Rome more than formerly was 3. And they heard it whereby is shown that though God had given many commands of separating from Antichrist and of coming out of Babel in the former ages yet were they not heard nor understood even by many Godly then living in that fellowship and burdened with their superstitions but now God giveth these revived witnesses at the beginning of Reformation to heat and distinctly to understand His mind in this particular and it doth imply also that though many saw their practice yet was not their call cleared to all possibly alluding to that of Paul Acts 9. where though many saw a glimpse of the light about him yet he only heard the voice that spake to him 4. The great thing in the call is the duty called-for Come up hither that is to Heaven as the words following do clear That the term from which is the antichristian Church and World and the low condition that Christs Servants had by her means is evident The term to which to wit Heaven we conceive is not properly to be understood of the glorious seat of the blessed but of a glorious visible Church-state upon earth it being ordinary especially in this Book to set forth the visible Church under this name and so the meaning is they shall not continue in their former sackcloth-condition but God shall erect a visible Church distinct from Antichrist which shall be as to the purity and beauty of Ordinances and to freedom from Antichrists tyrannie and persecution in comparison of what formerly the Saints were obnoxious unto like an ascending to Heaven That thus it must be understood beside what was said at the entry appeareth 1. It is a Heaven in opposition to the world formerly mentioned which was that of Antichrist 2. It is an happinesse opposit to their former low estate now when they are revived they are not permitted to live within the precincts of Antichrists dominion and under his tyrannie as before but are called up from without his reach 3. It is the same Heaven mentioned under the seventh trumpet vers 19. that is where the Temple Ark and Covenant is and their ascending is the opening of that Temple c. 4. It is such a Heaven as that Chap. 12. that Satan is cast down from as that the Man-child is taken up into vers 5. and 8. and such an Heaven as the everlasting Gospel is preached into Chap. 14.6 and that after the beasts begun ruine but all these are to be understood of a visible church-Church-state Therefore this must be so also especially considering that these witnesses are called Stars they are now fixed to shine in this Heaven of a visible Church-state as put on a candlestick that they may give light to the world more than formerly they were in capacity to do Their obedience followeth they ascend up to Heaven c. meaning their taking on them that publick owning of the Gospel which they were called to and the certainty of the effect following the former call such a condition followed indeed as they were called to 2. The manner of their ascending was in a cloud that is gloriously and safely as the Lord is said to be clothed with a cloud their glory and safety is by divine Power it is like with allusion to Christs ascension Acts 1. both these Resurrections being by one Power It is said also to be in a cloud because though it were discernable to onlookers yet was it mysterious and dark to them who could not discern through the many reproaches and imputations put upon the first Reformers the beauty of the work in their hand and the glory of Gods dispensation to His Church in them 3. It is marked that their enemies beheld them they saw them dead they saw them raised to their feet and now they behold them ascending which sheweth still a visible and remarkable change in the steps and progresse of His Church and the reality and greatnesse of it which could not be marred by their opposers though they beheld it which certainly would provoke their enimity and increase their envy the more They are called their enemies not for any particular wrong these witnesses had done to them but for the work in their hands these witnesses should still have enemies retaining their enimity yet were restrained from marring their exaltation which sheweth that the reviving of the Gospel and down-bringing of Antichrist will be by degrees In short these two verses say that the Gospel shall again flourish and the witnesses thereof shall be placed in a honourable condition suitable to their profession in despight of all their opposers In the 13. vers this glorious condition of the witnesses is set out by four glorious concomitants going alongst with it or consequents following upon it 1. And the same hour was there a great earth-quake By earth-quake Chap. 6.12 and vers 19. of this same Chapter is understood great and sudden temporall mutations By this we understand the great commotions which usually accompanie Reformation whereby Kingdoms are put in an uproar Satan and his instruments wakening up enimity against the Gospel and the Lord powerfully carrying on His design maketh the earth as it were to shake till He accomplish it This did really fall out and it may well be thought to be the fulfilling of this prophesie in Germanie France Holland England Scotland c. when at first the witnesses were brought to a visible Church-state separated from Rome The second effect following upon the former is a tenth part of the city fell It hath no name here and therefore must be understood to relate to that called the great city vers 8. that is the city having dominion over the Kings of the earth Chap. 17. vers 18. that is Rome to be taken not strictly in respect of that particular Town but more largely in respect of its Empire and Dominion as was formerly said It is said a tenth part of this Dominion falleth because by this publick preaching of the Gospel and the witnesses separating of themselves from her a great and considerable part of that Dominion is diminished and brought down or as Chap. 14. by that expression Babylon is fallen is fallen is set forth not the destruction of a City alone but the ruine of Antichrists Kingdom so here by the fall of a part of that City we are to understand the begun ruine and destruction of that Kingdom which was to accompanie the reviving of light in the world as is said and was actually fulfilled in the withdrawing of England Scotland Denmark Sweden and a great part of Germanie France Helvetia Polland Low Countries c. from their former dependance upon the beast The third effect following on this is a great number of men even seven thousand men were slain In the Original it is Names of men pointing at
it must be Antichrists and so both one for the last is he We may add that in the Chapters following when ever Antichrists diminishing is spoken of or the destroying of his Kingdom it is done under the name of the beast and but as one as may appear by these and the like phrases who worship him who had gotten victory over him his seat Chap. 16. which by all is expounded to be Rome Therefore these two must be one and such an one as hath one seat at Rome over all Nations with a slavish superstitious or rather idolatrous dependance on him and therefore when he is here set out and elsewhere through this Book by diverse representations as a woman carried by the beast and false prophet It is not as if they were two things but diverse types setting out one diversly considered to set out Antichrists two swords Civil and Ecclesistick or his twofold means he maketh use of to wit power and violence as a beast hypocrisie and dissembling as a false prophet for it cannot be thought that one can be of such sibnesse and likenesse to Antichrist in all things as this beast rising with him reigning with him falling and going to the pit with him especially seing two heads are not consistent together as upon one seat at the same time as hath been said This is acknowledged by Bellar. lib. 3. de Pont cap. 15. Idem Antichristus per duas bestias exprimitur per unam ratione regiae potentiae tyrannidis quâ coget homines violenter per alteram ratione magicae artis qua callidè homines seducet that is The same Antichrist is expressed by the two beasts by the one because of his kingly power and tyrannie whereby he shall force men violently by the other because of his magick art whereby cunningly he shall seduce men And he alleageth Rupertus for the Author of this exposition And ibid. calleth Antichrist King of the Roman Empire but not under the name of Emperour This also agreeth with the titles ordinarily assumed by the Pope who is a good Prince whereby he exerciseth temporall armes and a holy Pope whereby he is armed with spirituall weapons See the history of the Councell of Trent pag. 37. Concerning the Image mentioned vers 14. and 15. we also premit that by it is understood no meer civil power seing it receiveth such worship and that universally but it is the same power or state here typified by the first beast or Antichrists temporall Kingdom under the same notion as it is described here It is called 1. the image of this beast which was wounded because although it be not in all things the very same Empire yet doth it so exactly represent the former Roman state that it may well be called his image as if a pattern had been taken from that 2. It is called also his Image that is the Image of the two horned beast because it is his creature and is brought forth by him and may be claimed as his when it is brought forth and therefore although it be the Image of the first and second beast yet in diverse respects wherein also we may conclude that by both these beasts and also by the Image here mentioned is understood the same Antichrist or antichristian Kingdom This introduction hath been the more largely insisted on both because exceeding usefull for understanding the prophesie and also because difficult and by Diverse otherwayes applied We come then to the Chapter which hath two parts The first setteth out Antichrist in his power outward glory and cruelty as in one series with the heads of that beast and as now being that same seat and power but under another head This part of Antichrists description is begun at 1. Because this is indeed the thing which he is appear what he will 2. Because temporall greatnesse was the first bait that took with the Pope and brought forth other corruptions as they might advance that this is the end 3. Because in this respect by his power seat and predecessors he is best discerned and known what he is and who he is 4. Especially he is here looked on as an head or kind of government of a body politick whereof some were already past he is described with respect to that series as he succeedeth these who went before him in that same seat The Roman Empire here under the first beast being considered as with so many heads whereof he is the last In the second vision he appeareth without respect to seat or succession but as in himself and so is described In a word in the first vision to vers 11. he is holden forth as a temporall idolatrous Monarch having the seat of the Dragon in possession The second part of the Chapter from vers 11. setteth out the means and wayes how he came to that temporall greatnesse and how he entertaineth it by spirituall weapons miracles and censures with hypocrisie drawing all men to give him that voluntary adoration which he desired In the first beast is set forth the nature of the antichristian Kingdom and power compleatly with the supream head and Kings acting under him In the last is set forth especially the head himself This being compared with Chap. 19.20 will be more clear Again for the first part 1. Antichrist is typically described to vers 9. 2. Some plain Doctrine and uses are laid down vers 9 10. Before his description a word is prefixed I stood on the sea shore or the sand It is to shew what posture Iohn was in when he saw this He was put in that conveniency that now when the devil goeth to renew his war he may see what it produceth He saw it at no great distance but was placed commodiously to discern the rise of this monstruous beast This word kniteth not only the series of the vision with the close of the former Chapter but also timeth the matter to wit the publick appearing of this beast as a fruit of Satans third design after the storm of grosse heresies by the first four trumpets is over To come particularly to the description it is in many parts or respects 1. It s originall or rise is from or out of the sea By Sea we understand a low base beginning rising out of the commotions of a troubled world and coming to an height by temporall changes and afflictions on the Empire yet indeed proceeding out of the bottomlesse pit as Chap. 9. which is that same to ascend out of the sea save that this may serve to clear how subservient the tossings and shakings of the Empire were to its rise 2. If we take Sea as it was Chap. 5. it will be a rising out of the bulk of Church-men and an ascending above them alluding in generall to Dan. 7. and 8. 2. This beasts rise is set out actively it was not raised up nor exalted as lawfull powers are but it raised it self up and by its own working wrought it self out of its own station
take orders from him and be as slaves to him It is a sort of submission from some apprehension of some deity peculiar to this beast and this state of it beyond all others as is said 3. Lest it should be thought that all went wrong and there were no Church the Elect are excepted and this universality is restrained by this implied exception All such as were written in the Lambs book of life are preserved These are the little Temple set by Chap. 11. and the same who were sealed Chap. 7. and excepted from the hurt of the fifth trumpet Chap. 9.4 and the one hundred fourty and four thousand which Chap. 14. are standing as conquerours over the beast with the Lamb upon mount Sion Whereby it appeareth 1. There will be some excepted in the greatest tyranny of Antichrist 2. That they are the same with the one hundred fourty and four thousand that were sealed and consequently then this beast is Antichrist and this worship antichristianism for these Saints or Elect are not keeped or exempted from giving civil worship to temporall powers or from being overcome with this beast as to temporall hurt but from worshipping of him which is the sinfulnesse of this plague Therefore after it is said they got the victory over him Chap. 14. and 15. this also is to be understood of full and finall yeelding to the Popes blasphemies for otherwayes Elect souls have sometimes been ensnared In which respect here it is implied to be impossible that an Elect can worship him whence plainly it followeth that no native Pope-worshipper owning him and the compleat body of his doctrine and dying so can be saved except we would say one not elected may be saved for clearly this is pointed at as inconsistent with election and proper to the Reprobate Matt. 24.24 2 Thess. 2.10 It is true this assertion is not rigidly to be extended to all who in part shall be guilty of Popery Nor 2. as is said to these who shall repent but where there is a full and finall whoring with wondering after this beast this standeth as a peremptory truth because in the Spirits account this worshipping of the beast is blasphemy and derogatory in a high degree to God And 2. his manner of worship in its compleat body is Idolatry And 3. his intermixing of Traditions Satisfactions merit of Works in Justification c. in his doctrine is a perverting of the right wayes of the Lord and a corrupting of the pure waters that who drinketh thereof must die Therefore we may confidently assert it and indeed seing the Lord distinguisheth His true Church from Antichrist and calleth them Gentiles Chap. 11.2 and such as are not elected Chap. 13.8 but are to be damned 2 Thess. 2.10 and to drink of the wine of the wrath of God without mixture for ever Chap. 14.9 10 11. there is no place left for disputing this which is set down as a dread full sentence for scaring all from worshipping of that beast or receiving of his mark Popery will be found no little crime before God and to bring no little guilt and hazard upon souls what ever men think of it LECTURE III. Vers. 9. If any man have an ear let him hear 10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints 11. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth and he had two horns like a lamb and he spake as a dragon THe Spirit having given a dark description of Antichrist before He proceed to enlarge it in the following type He doth in these two verses to wit 9. and 10. set down in plain words something necessary for the consolation of the Saints 1. He layeth down that common and often repeated advertisement He that hath ears let him hear by which in this place he setteth out 1. the concernment of the knowledge of this mystery to Believers and therefore we would not think it unworthy the pains to search in it 2. It holdeth out an impossibility save to these who have ears to take it up and understand it Therefore it will need the more diligence to search it 3. It importeth a deafnesse in many who want ears for such Truths and therefore it is not to be wondered although many Papists continue blind and do not discern this Truth Having premitted this generall He subjoyneth vers 10. a speciall consolation which may be a reason why people in the flourishing estate of the wicked would be the more observant because there was retribution coming on the greatest and cruellest enemies of the Church they being to be dealt with as they dealt with others He that leadeth into captivity he that killeth shall be so met with which judgement holdeth out 1. the singular observing of justice meeting them in their own measure Psal. 137. ult Isa. 33. 1 2. 2. A great change coming on the highest power and so that there can be no stability in greatnesse when this admired beast is captivated as if he said think not this beasts standing will be eternall he that leadeth captive some banisheth and killeth others the day cometh when he shall be led in captivity for if the generall be true that all that lead captive shall be led captive then this beast also shall be so dealt with beside that it peculiarly relateth to him The consolation is expresly in these words Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints Here that is in this thing and on this promise there is a good ground for founding of both the patience and faith of the Saints So that here saith this much that from this word they may patiently abide a whiles suffering and by Faith expect an end to it and an overthrow and turn upon this powerfull enemy that carrieth all now before him Or here that is in this triall of Antichrists before the end come is exercised the patience and faith of the Saints now they will have to do with faith and patience now is the time of their acting of it till this word spoken to give them an encouragement come to passe to wit that the two evils they suffered killing and captivity shall be returned on their enemies heads Gods promise is that which keepeth life in faith and patience and strengtheneth them but still a time interveeneth between the promise and the outgate for the exercise of both these and this is the end of continuing straits else there should be little use for these Graces which are well put together From the 11. vers followeth the second part of Antichrists description under a different type because his way end and pretexts are such as cannot altogether by one beast be set out It being no strange thing to set out our Lord differently sometimes as a Lyon and sometimes as a Lamb as in the fifth Chapter So is his ape Antichrist under a twofold consideration described
is called a Lamb partly for His meeknesse in bearing so long with His enemies partly to distinguish Him from and oppose Him to the two horned beast Chap. 13.11 that appeared like Him Would Iobn say I saw after this the true Lamb who is indeed the Lamb as if for a time He had not been discernable And He is said to be on mount Sion to expresse His care of His Church even then when the former beast took all on him in Christs name yet this Lamb had not laid it by nor committed it to him but retained still His watchfull oversight of His Church though for His own good reasons He delayed the inflicting of vengeance on her enemies in these respects He is said to be standing to expresse both His watchfulnesse and tendernesse Micah 5 4. Act. 7.34 This sheweth the Church was not slighted by Christ even under Antichrist He is there and standing there as sitting doth expresse His dominion this doth His care 2. The state of these Believers is set down in respect of the place where they appear it is on mount Sion where our Lord stands and they with Him by this is meaned the Church whereof mount Zion was a type Psal. 48. and Psal. 125. for strength beauty and the fixing of the worship of God their thus appearing on mount Zion is in opposition to their being hid in the Temple Chap. 11.1 They are now as it were drawing out and Christs appearing here is His appearing by some visible Ordinances and Worship amongst them In a word saith he my eyes was taken off the enemies of the Church to behold her and I saw that Christ wanted not a Church neither was the Church destitute of His care but both are represented here though for a long time both were little seen 3. They are set out in their number to wit 144000. relating to that Chap. 7. First to shew they were just so many as were sealed and none of these were wanting the effect had holden good on them all and their sealing was not for nought Secondly to shew that the number kept clean after a strait and that decerned of God for that end will be alike Thirdly to shew that that time is at a close now for the 144000. which were brought in successively are now compleated in all which Gods faithfulnesse doth kyth 4. They have his fathers name written in their foreheads that is a profession of Gods truth as a seal bearing out to whom they belonged they thinking now no shame of owning Him In a word I saw that number bearing out his mark and burn-iron on them looking otherwise than all the rest of the world that had a different name upon them by which they are certainly opposed to these mentioned Chap. 13.17 18. Or more plainly this number in this posture waiting on the Lamb is certainly opposed to the number that followed the counterfeiting beast and received his name Christ to Antichrist His followers to his worshippers The name also is opposed whereby it appeareth there is some light to be gotten in clearing the one for clearing the other Secondly This state of the Church is set out by what Iobn heard as the first by his looking and seeing setteth them out in their appearance and profession So 2. this of hearing setteth them out in their practice The third setteth them out as they were indeed before God real Converts Elected Redeemed Called Justified and Sanctified This practice that he heard is in general singing and praising partly following the allusion used in the dramatick form of this Book by interludes of singing c. partly to shew the heartsomnesse and real mirth of Christs followers singing and glorifying Him in the fires Isa. 24.15 partly to point out the chearfull effect and blessed change that was now coming and at hand This singing and practice of theirs is more particularly set forth in these five 1. the place from whence from heaven that is the Church as Chap. 4. and 5. Or it may be to set out the joy in heaven at the Church appearing again on mount Sion However these 144000. learned this song and joyned in it possibly it is both as in Chap. 5. 2. In its manner it is a voice like waters thunders and harpings Waters make a great noise See Rev. 1.15 Ezek. 1. This sheweth the loudnesse of their cry it was now heard Rev. 19.6 Thunderings shew a vehemency and terriblenesse in the sound or powerfulnesse as Psal. 29. that sheweth goodwill in their crying Harpings shew chearfulnesse in the fingers and harmony in what was plaid or sung all three put together they shew a sound in the Church which had the word of God both loud powerfull and comfortable and that these professours were not dumb and silent nor jarring but now they are both seen and heard and it is pleasant both to see and hear them Thirdly In vers 3. they are set out by the matter of their song It is a new song now looking not to Christ to come but as come so differing from the old song of the Fathers See Chap. 5. New also in respect of a new reason and matter by a new mercy Psal. 40.3 and so this may be new as looking to Christs care of them in their almost now bypast strait so different from that Chap. 5. which for opening the seals was sung 4. This song is before the Throne Elders and beasts that is publickly as these represent a publick Church state as Chap. 4. Now it is in the Congregation or before the Throne c. that is they made good musick before God and in the approbation of His people though the world understood it not and thought nothing of it So these are looked on as contra-distinguished from the world They had the glad tydings of the Gospel that made them merry but the world was uncapable of that joy 5. This song is described by this that none in all the world that heard it could take it up or joyn in it but these redeemed ones whereby it appeareth to be yet a time of ignorance when the Gospel was keeped up from the world and also it holdeth forth that it is a special priviledge to understand the Gospel and that naturally men are uncapable of it in a word it is this the Church that I saw was in this condition that it was singing chearfully and merrilly Antichrists persecution could not mar nor take their joy from them that was such a sung and mirth aâ— was not carnall or naturall but spirituall of a new nature and therefore they sing this song alone none could sing nor perceive nor understand that which comforted them or kindly blessed God for it but such as had some experience of it they had it given them to learn this mystery which none other had and as propheticall it saith that though the Church of Christ peeped out for a considerable time in the Waldenses here and there and that they suffered joyfully which indeed
wit that this way is involved with many fundamentall inconsistencies with the Truth and way of the Gospel and so cannot be a possible way of attaining Salvation for it maketh men to count many sins not to be sins and so never to repent of them the sins that it discovereth it leadeth them not to the right satisfaction which only can be accepted for them to wit Christs Righteousnesse but to their own inherent holinesse and good works yea even this they corrupt and what they account saving Grace as Faith Repentance Humility and such like are nothing lesse than such indeed before God If it be again further asked what then are we to esteem of such as lived under Popery if all of them be excluded from the obtaining of salvation We answer with a fourfold distinction 1. We would distinguish these who might live under Popery and yet be keeped from the infection thereof and no way belong to that body from the native members thereof of such we have spoken Chap. 11. and 12. to such the Lord speaketh Chap. 18. Come out of Babylon my people such were rather captives under her tyrannie than subjects of her Kingdom of these there is no question but as the Lord sealed them for Him self Chap. 7. so did He alwayes singularly own them and accept of them 2. We may distinguish Papists in these that are antichristian worshippers and others who are superstitious and in some things are erroneous We call them antichristian who receive the beasts mark and number and give him worship in more than an humane manner ascribing to him a certain divinity infallibility universall supremacy and such like antichristian attributes and who 2. receive his doctrine in the complex contrivance thereof which is his number and 3. who joyn in his worship wherein it is antichristian as praying to Saints worshipping of Images adoration of the Masse and such like These in the former assertion we have excluded Again we call them superstitious Papists who might not altogether have keeped a distance from that Church in every thing but many wayes have been tainted with their superstitions yet so as to be keeped from an antichristian conjunction with that society or union therewith in things that are plainly antichristian but might be testifying against such by some sincere zeal and pure light Thus 1. we suppose that many did give some reverence to the Popes who yet did utterly abhor their grosse usurpations and blasphemies his assuming to himself what was proper to God and Jesus Christ and detest the base flatteries of others that ascribed these to him as to be supream head of all and that both in Civil and Ecclesiasticall things to be infallible to be countable to none to authorize traditions and such like and might only give him some reverence either from humane policie and Ecclesiastick constitutions such as was given to Archbishops Patriarchs c. or they might esteem him though erroneously and ignorantly to be a Church-officer for medling with things incumbent to Church-officers to meddle in without any opinion of his illimited or absolute power even as men might err in accounting Bishops Archbishops Patriarchs c. of divine Authority although they might disclaim antichristian tyrannous usurpation and practices in them and seek only to have that power subservient to edification 2. Further in fundamentall doctrines they may be pure although not altogether without errors even as were many of the Fathers 3. In worship they might joyn many superstitious rites as Crosses Altars Bowings c. yet abstain from worshiping of Saints and Idols and from accounting the Masse a propitiatory sacrifice although they might joyn in the Eucharist and such like Of such sort were Gersom Bernard and some others in the midst of Popish darknesse who were not altogether free of these superstitions yet still did check the Popish pride and usurpation and bound their authority and preserved the doctrine of remission of sins through faith in Christs Righteousnesse pure and pressed holinesse in some spirituall manner even in the midst of many superstitions that abounded and whereof they were not altogether free We suppose these last are no wayes to be classed with the former but might have had accesse to Gods mercy through Christ Jesus Because 1. although they had errors yet were they not such as were inconsistent with sincerity and the nature of the administration of Grace And 2. because they keeped the way of attaining pardon through Christ Jesus clear which being followed by them in their practice as no doubt it was by many might through Gods gracious dealing with them make them acceptable before Him so that their failings being of infirmity and not of malice might not be imputed to them but they accepted as penitents being sincerely affected with what they conceived to dishonour God although they did not discern every thing that was sin against Him Dist. 3. We would distinguish Papists living so and dying so from such as though living so might yet by Gods Grace have repentance conferred upon them at their death This hath been found by experience that many who have been tenacious of the doctrines and superstitions of Popery in their life have been yet at their death brought to abhor them and to betake them to the Righteousnesse of Christ alone for their Justification These where that Repentance and Faith were true as no question often it was are no wayes to be excluded or accounted worshippers of the beast 4. Distinguish times some thing might through Gods Grace be more dispensed with in these times of more universall darknesse than afterward in the breaking out of light and in Gods erecting a Standart for His Truth in the earth and bringing forth a visible church-Church-state for His People to joyn in which formerly was not hence communion in Church-fellowship with the Church of Rome is much more dangerous now than formerly which will appear upon these considerations 1. Because the Lord doth more peremptorily now threaten her and her followers and addeth more severe certifications to the same as we may see in this place now this is proclaimed If any man worship the beast c. the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God And again Chap. 18.4 2. Their stay now is more unexcusable because the Lord hath opened a door of freedom and they refuse it even as the peoples stay in Babylon while the captivity lasted was not imputed to them yet staying after the proclaimed liberty was detested and having with it ingratitude against their Redeemer and despising of their Redemption offered and a willing submission to that bondage contrary to the warnings and advertisements given them and Gods call to abandon the same 3. After this also things in the doctrine and worship of the Church of Rome became more deadly for Babylon refused to be cured and in the Lords righteous judgement it came to passe that their doctrines became more corrupt that thereby He might punish
the vintage is after the harvest in the season of it 3. It is like also different in the instruments or inferiour agents therefore it is said another Angel 4. The harvest is ripe but the vintage is fully ripe sin is at a greater height 5. The first instrument is a sickle vers 15. but the second a sharp sickle vers 18. when the commission is given to thrust in 3. Consider that Antichrist and his kingdom is the object of both 1. It is the scope here for it is Babylon and her worshippers who were threatened by the former Angels 2. When it is further explained and enquired into it will be found to be the same under the vials Chap. 16. and Chap. 19. which is clear to be on the beasts Kingdom 4. To enquire more particularly unto what particular judgements and times they relate In short we conceive them to hint at the judgements under the seventh trumpet and enlarged under the vials Chap. 16. yet more particularly to hold out the last judgements on the beast and his kingdom but not the last on the world for 1. this judgement of the vintage seemeth to be the battell of Armageddon largely prosecuted Chap. 19. vers 10. as appeareth by vers 15. of that Chapter he hath that for his name to tread the Wine-presse of the wrath of God and His Armies followed Him for the executing of this same judgement on the whore or beast Now this being a finall judgement on the beast it can probably be no other so likely as this where Christ doth the thing from which He hath that name vers 16. Chap. 19. yet this belongeth to the sixth vial probably there being a large description of many things after this and a new battell of Gog and Magog Chap. 20. vers 8. and then the end cometh vers 9 10. c. 2. Then it will follow that by the harvest is meaned the judgement on the beasts seat under the fifth vial that being the other remarkable stroak on Antichrist to wit the first harvest on his seat or state or more generally it may take in Gods first judgements on him which yet do not destroy him and so the vintage will be more universall on him and his followers The scope and sum then will turn to this 1. That when Antichrist groweth worse by the Word the Lord will severely by judgements execute wrath on him and his and that certainly and fickerly 2. To shew by what method the Lord will proceed first by lesser judgements then by greater He will make a full end in due time when all is ripe He will take them as they ripen 3. By what means some executing some praying and Christ Himself over-ruling all We come to the words The 1. judgement is set down vers 14 15 and 16. containing 1. the person executing this judgement 2. the incitment he hath to it vers 15.3 the execution vers 16. The person is described in the 14. vers beside a preface of Iobns I looked and behold which should make this to be observed The person executing the judgement is set out in four properties If it be asked who it is For Answer We conceive Christ to be principally meaned here yet so as inferiour agents who are made use of by Him who is the principall are not to be secluded That He is principally understood will appear 1. By comparing this treading with that name Christ getteth Chap. 19.15 He treadeth who is the Lord of Lords 2. The properties agree well and only to Him principally 1. He rideth on a cloud when He cometh to judgement Isa. 19.1 none hath such a Throne as He and He is said to come in the clouds with Power and great Glory Matth. 25. It is called a cloud and a white cloud 1. To shew Soveraignty and Glory in the Judge 2. Speedinesse and swiftnesse in coming to execute 3. By whitenesse is meaned not only gloriousnesse but innocency and streightnesse of proceeding Second property He is like the Son of man by which Title Christ is described Chap. 1. vers 13. and it can well agree to none other Third property He hath a golden crown on His head signifying 1. Authority He is a crowned King and that with a crown of gold signifying statelinesse Psal. 21. and prosperous successe in His undertakings and conquests Fourth property He hath in his hand a sharp sickle that is an instrument wherewith they used to reap as we mow hay with a syth By this is set out Christs readinesse furniture and power to execute judgement on wicked men as readily and easily as a man cutteth down grasse or corn with a sharp sickle he will mow them down Yet though we look upon Christ as a principall agent we do not exclude inferiour instruments Hence the second Angel which cometh out to the vintage is so described as the inferiour agents are yet in that Christ is chief as is said Beside Chap. 17. it is said God shall put it in the hearts of Kings to execute judgement on the whore and hate her and it is like Christ now appearing with a crown as a King may signifie his use-making of such and so appearing as King of Kings Chap. 19. in this work 2. The incitation that Christ getteth to delay no longer vers 15. hath these two things 1. the party urging 2. the motives used to perswade Him The party is an Angel and that out of the Temple by an Angel we understand as formerly some Minister or Ministers as mouths of Congregations interposing with Christ seriously to execute His wrath This their prayer suiteth with the Saints practice pointed at Chap. 16. See also Ier. 33. It agreeth well also with the practice of Saints under Antichrist and with the Lords way of stirring up people to pray before he deliver fully Dan. 9.23 for this voice being to Christ from an Angel that cometh out of the Church represented by the Temple because in it Ministers of old used there to serve it must necessarily be vented in praying and not in commanding And the Angel must be no proper Angel but a figurative as before By his coming out of the Temple also may be holden forth 1. their joynt concurrence in that suit who were in the Church 2. A liberty that was now in professing such petitions whereas before they were shut up in the Temple Chap. 11.1 This Angels speach containeth 1. his suit Thrust in thy sickle delay no longer 2. The motives or reasons for we ought to seek nothing especially of this kind but what is well grounded are two in generall The time for thee to reap is come holding forth 1. that there was time set to the judgement 2. When it is come then it is time to pray as Dan. 9.3 with 2. This word the time for thee seemeth to point out one especially interested in this office which must be Christ. The 2. motive is more particular confirming the former for the harvest of the earth is ripe By
hand against the whore Therefore He would let them know how glorious a work it is that they may be stirred to be active in it when they are called to it and in the mean time may pray for it 4. Because this was the speciall thing foretold in the 13. and prayed for in the 14. Chapters and they that prayed for it formerly observe and praise for it when it is fulfilled Watchfulnesse in difficulties will send us to prayer and so should outgates send us to praise Although we dare not be particular in the application of things yet considering some remarkable overthrows of many Papists whereby their own bloud was given them to drink in Holland France Germany England c. in the prosecuting of their designs that were a little after the Councel of Trent and to the year 1588. which formerly when all things succeeded with them they used not to meet with and considering the Laws and Acts that were made against seminary Priests and saying of Masse c. that it should be death we conceive there is warrand to say that in part this vial is fulfilled and that there is in that respect ground for the praise that is mentioned here LECTURE III. Vers. 8. And the fourth Angel poured out his vial upon the Sun and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire 9. And men were scorched with great heat and blasphemed the name of God which hath power over these plagues and they repented not to give him glory 10. And the fifth Angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast and his kingdom was full of darknesse and they gnawed their tongues for pain 11. And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores and repented not of their deeds ANtichrists begun ruine goeth on as his rise did and by the same degrees The fourth Angel vers 8. poureth out his vial and a further degree of darknesse cometh on that kingdom and anxiety upon his followers The object of this plague is the Sun of Antichrists world so that men were scorched with fire that is the proper work of this Angel his power is by that plague of affecting the Sun to scorch men that is the men mentioned vers 2. that have the beasts mark for they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the plurall and as relative to these formerly mentioned Then vers 9. follow three effects of this plague 1. pain 2. blasphemie 3. impenitencie This plague is declared 1. in the object of it the Sun 2. in the nature of it in generall He had power given him to scorch men with fire 3. This is more particularly cleared in the effects vers 9. The Sun of the beasts kingdom or world we understand with a twofold respect 1. to his Temporall state 2. to his Ecclesiastick 1. By Sun in the world is understood somewhat eminent glorious and shining so Chap. 6. as the heaven is above the earth Now as the Sun is chief among the lights in that firmament so here must be understood some eminent chief light in that world as great ones Kings and Princes are glorious lights It would seem the Emperour as chief among them who uphold most that whore as her first born so is he called The King of Spain and others may be meaned it being the Sun that giveth light and also comfort and life to things here as these temporall Monarchs do to the Pope especially the Emperour and King of Spain or it may hold out the Lords withdrawing temporall powers from the beasts friendship as it is Chap. 17. and seing they glory much in that the making of such to hate her cannot but darken that kingdom and gall them much and indeed as the Word propagateth and defendeth Christs Kingdom so almost doth externall force of inquisitions and such like uphold the Popish tyrannie and seing these go before the fifth vial wherein Babylon is to be pulled down by some Kings this is not unlikely Looking again unto this beast as a whorish Church by Sun we understand the complex doctrine rules and canons of the Church of Rome or what is to them in place of the Scriptures which we expounded to be that Sun in the fourth trumpet Chap. 8. though this be not the Sun simply yet to them it is so and it is a Sun profitable to that kingdom or heaven wherein it shineth that we are to seek for here This is done by Gods making the light of His Word to shine more clearly and convincingly to discover the prophesies about Antichrist whereby his glory is stained that darknesse and ignorance which they formerly called light is abolished now in a great measure and this cannot but burn and scorch these men as very fire when light cometh to an height while-as the very prophesying of two witnesses Chap. 11. so tormented them for the outbreaking of Gods light darkeneth their sun as the rising of their errors darkened His Sun Chap. 8. but not in the same manner The effects will suit well with this also Both 1. the pain that men were scorched that is by this Word convinced and shamed and by the Gospels thriving which they could not impede so fretted as Isa. 26.11 The fire of enemies is their envie which as fire consumeth them This is a further addition unto and degree of the first plague vers 2. both these applications may agree with the scope and type c. The second effect is They blasphemed God who had power over these plagues Where is 1. Gods soveraignty in ordering all judgements saying to one go and he goeth to another do this and he doth it Matth. 8. It is marked here to aggrege their sin which is the second thing that they should have slighted God and not humbled themselves before Him who smote them Isa. 9. which was their duty but grew in blaspheming God that maketh their sin the greater By this blasphemy we would understand a more violent giddy following of their blasphemous errors and idolatrous wayes which they flee most unto in their straits to wrong God more publickly as their blasphemy was marked in their head the beast Chap. 13. thus light doth them no good as the third â—ffect cleareth They repented not to give God glory Where is holden out 1. the use of a rod repentance in taking with our sin and abandoning of it 2. the way to remove a rod repentance and not running on in sin 3. a great use of repentance or end of it is to give God glory when He smiteth 1. This taketh with the justice of the stroak Iosh. 7. My son saith he to Achan give God glory 2. It yeeldeth to Him as the greater and will not contest 3. It glorifieth Him in accepting the chastisement and in bringing forth fruits before others as acknowledging its being overcome Antichrists followers even by Gods judgements on him will not be brought to repentance so mad are they on their idols and so drunk with his delusions
Euphrates which beside what is said is confirmed 1. from the end wherefore it is dryed up to wit the Iews restoring and however we take their restoring as is said nothing more hindereth it than the Turks standing the Pope being now down especially if the restoring them to their own Land be understood that cannot be without this preceeding furtherance and the removing of this impediment out of their way 2. The fulnesse of the Gentiles goeth alongst with if it do not preceed the Iews calling and can that fulnesse be and the Turks possesse so many Nations where the Gentiles had Churches and where there is so much joy in the Church Chap. 19. and so much wrath generally on Christs enemies in the end thereof It cannot be thought that either of these can be and the Turks be free 3. It followeth natively by comparing the order and method of the vials with the trumpets This is clear in all That what plague cometh on the Church by the trumpets the contrary good cometh by the vials and what advantage Antichrist got by the one he losseth by the other Now it is certain that as by the fifth trumpet Antichrist rose and these Turks before bound at Euphrates were loosed by the sixth as a plague following Antichrist on the Christian world So by the fifth vial Antichrist is put from his seat and therefore in order by the sixth the Church should be next freed of that enemie which Antichrists rise to the throne brought on especially considering that the expressions are so like other in the sixth trumpet they are loosed as if Euphrates were overflowing all banks here again by the sixth vial that overspreading is restrained and dried which must be a drying up suitable and apposit to that loosing which was before in the sixth trumpet Beside there is no other application probable for to apply this to Cyrus his taking of Babylon as if he had been a King from the East his coming from the North will not suffer it Ier. 50.41 42 43. Or to call these Easterns heathen Nations or Turks to be made use of to destroy Antichrist cannot be for these vials are poured out by some from the Temple and Kings that formerly whored with the whore will have a main hand in her overthrow Chap. 17. Or to apply it to the weakening the Popes revenues which as a River strengtheneth him no question he being formerly put from his throne and these Kings turned to hate him his coffers will be empty before this sixth vial come Neither do these prepare so the Iews way nor speaketh it formally such accession to the Church as the other which is clear to be understood here from Chap. 19. There are two chief Objections to be removed The first is That these vials bring wrath on the beast as the effects of them and he is the object they pour their plagues upon but neither the in-coming of the Iews nor down-bringing of the Turks toucheth him or affecteth him Answ. 1. Though the beast be the chief object yet not the only object especially in these last two vials all other enemies Kings of the earth and Nations are also plagued as is clear comparing what followeth with Chap. 19.2 In all these vials two things are joyned together the standing and spreading of Christs Kingdom and the decreasing of Antichrists and these two proceed together what bringeth Antichrist down advanceth Christs Kingdom and what advanceth His Kingdom darkeneth Antichrists and though directly it strike not on Antichrist yet consequentially it doth for all Christs followers are Antichrists enemies 3. It is not simply the Jewish Nation their conversion and the Turks overthrow that are spoken of here but it is the Iews conversion and union with the Gentiles in pursuing Antichrist now discovered and therefore first here â—alled the false prophet and the Turks now apparently as united with Antichrist it being like that he is among the chief of the Nations or Kings of the earth which he addresseth unto and so both the Iews conversion and Turks ruine will be of great concernment and a heavy stroke to the Pope Obj. 2. Can such a great accession stand with that Chap. 15. that none would enter the Temple till these plagues were ended Answ. 1. It cannot be meaned that no growth should be of the Church from the beginning of the vials till all were closed for then there should never any be for they close the last judgement and yet every vial hath a new accession to the Church and some victory over Antichrist 2. The meaning of that place then is 1. none were able to stand to interceed for these who were to be plagued but necessarily and inevitably they were poured out and no intercession was admitted 2. None entered of these creatures devoted to Antichrist and his destruction they continued hardened to the last even after Rome is destroyed and the Popes abolished yet some remainder there is to the very last vial All which should stir us up heartily to pray for these things that sometimes will be so good news to the Church that in due time the Lord would perform it and hasten it So far may we be warranted from this place LECTURE V. Vers. 13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the Dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet 14. For they are the spirits of devils working miracles which go forth unto the Kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather them to the battell of that great day of God Almighty 15. Behold I come as a thief Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments lest he walk naked and they see his shame 16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon FRom vers 13. to vers 17. followeth the third effect of this vial to wit the last great expedition of Antichrist for his support now after Romes fall or at least the shaking of that dominion hugely and before his ruine It may either be called a third effect following on or occasioned by the former two To wit the first appearance of the Iews enimity against him and the Turks decay Or these verses may more fully explicate the manner how Euphrates that is the Turks dominion was dried up to prepare the Iews way it was by the beasts engaging them for him who then by the battell of Armageddon were ruined both together and an excellent state of the Church both of the fulnesse of the Gentiles and in-calling of the Iews followed whereupon these praises Chap. 19. are by anticipation set down before the battell however the effects are the same This expedition in this Chapter beside the event of it Chap. 19. is set out in five things 1. In its authors the Dragon Beast and false Prophet 2. It s speciall agents three spirits 3. Their task to gather the Kings of the earth And 4. the
seven hills and to have dominion over the Kings of the earth Neither was there any other which in Iohn's time had power over the Kings of the earth besides Rome And it is a most known thing that Rome was builded upon seven hills See also his 3. Book Cap. â— The same is the judgement of Estiâ—s in 4. Sent. Dist. 47. S. 9. and of Ribera upon the place The Rhâ—mistâ— also acknowledge that Rome heathen may be understood herâ— and Alcasar confirmeth it Also Cornelius â— lapide Blasius Viegas and others Reasons in the Text do constrain it so to be understood 1. It s locall situation This whore is a City sitting on seven hills in Iohns time whereof afterward 2. It is an Empire or City which had before that changed five sorts of Governments had then the â—â—xth unto which one other was to succeed as Popes have done who were not come in Iohns times 3. It is vers 18 clear from its Dominion she is that city that great city which then commanded all the Kings and great men of the earth which grounds I say make even the adversaries apply it to Rome but they fall in two foolish shiftâ— â—ome applying it to Rome heathen others to Rome under the Antichrist who they say is yet to come Of these we shall speak particularly in the close of the Chapter and â—ow premit 1. That this beast that beareth or carrieth the woman is the same mentioned Chap. 11. that cometh out of the bottomlesse pit and killeth the witnesses and the same with that beast Chap. 13. their rise is one with this out of the pit vers â— Their description in heads horns and exercise in persecuting the Saints and maintaining blasphemies and the time that they belong unto will be one that beast Chap. 13. riseth after the wounding of the sixth head This when that Government which then was is expired yet fall they under diverse considerations as the two beasts formerly Chap. 13. The beast is as the Husband or rather Adulterer the woman the wife or whore the woman representeth an apostate Church or the body the beast here suppoâ—â—ing her pointeth at the head or mungrell power sustaining her and acting her which in respect of absolutnesse tyranny and persecution though in a kind distinct from the former yeâ—â— become they one as we will hear 2. Observe that there is a great propinquity betwixt the woman or whore and this beast they belong to one time for the beast carrieth her and they 〈◊〉 together They â—re of one colour scurâ—â—â— They have both blasphemies on them and fornications the same upon the matter they both are up together the woman is great when the Kings give the beast their power when they withdraw iâ— then she cometh down his throne which was the Dragons Chap. 13. is her seat to wit the seven hills from which neernesse 〈◊〉 evident they must dwell together 3. This beast then must signifie such an Empire and Dominion as doth not only support Rome the city but Rome a whore and that not as a temporall head meerly by force keeping down men under it as did the old Roman Empire but such a head as the world wondereth at as is Chap 13. and here also vers 8. and such a head as when ten Kings out of the ruins of the old temporall Empire shall assume Dominion and soveraignity to themselves and withdraw from him yet willingly they shall yeeld their power to be disposed of by this beast and so long as they reverence him the whore is in no fear by them but when they cast him off then she is burnt By which it appeareth that as by the woman the Roman Church is described in opposition to the true Church Chap. 12.1 called a woman there so by the beast must be meaned the Roman sea or the Papall power by which this whore is supported and to whom the Kings of the earth give their power and after whom the whole world hath long wondered as was cleared Chap. 13. of this same beast and the propositions laid down there are also to be applied here 4. We would consider at what time this which is spoken of the beast and whore is to be applied to Rome and the powers which govern Rome which is the beast as the other is the woman There are these characters to find it out by which now at the entry we shall but in generall propound 1. It is the time when the beast should appear as he riseth from the bottomlesse pit vers 8. to wit in the last state of the Empire before his utter ruine and so it is not that which was in Iohns time any lawfull succeeding power which cometh not from the pit but it is that which the Dragon gave Chap. 13. an authority and soveraignity invented by the devil and not warranted by the Word such as is Vniversall Bishop Prince of Pastors and Vicar of Christ so it is no meer civill power though persecuting for then as it was in Iohns time it might have been said to have ascended from the pit and it had not been peculiar to the future state of the Empire which is a forreign Government of an other rise than these which went before such as that of the Popes who are distinct and different from Emperours 2. It is Rome under the last head of seven whereof five were but past in Iohn's time and Caesars were the sixth the seventh called the eighth for his twofold consideration as Chap. 13. then was not come for this last head is expresly called the beast vers 11. Therefore Rome under none of the first six Governments is the beast here but under the seventh or eighth which in Rome succeeded to Emperours or Caesars for this last is to have none after it A third character is to try the time by the horns That Government of Rome is to be the beast which shall have with it ten Kings reigning which had not recieved their Kingdom in Iohn's time vers 12. Again it agreeth to that state of Rome when other Kings that have withdrawn their temporall subjection from the Emperours shall yet unanimously and harmoniously of their own good wills give their power unto and be at the devotion of this beast 3. These Kings shall be especially employed by this beast in making wars against the Saints till God discover the whores rottennesse to them or some of them vers 14. compared with vers 16 17. It must then be applicable to that time when persecutions abounded through all the Christian world by the Laws of all Kings and Kingdoms which was when the Prophets prophesied in sackcloth and were killed Chap. 11. and 13. A fourth character we take from that that the woman is called a Whore therefore it cannot agree to Heathen Rome for she was not then married nor ever called a whore 5. The last thing we premit is concerning the times mentioned as past present and to come when they are particularly differenced
of its blasphemous idolatry and superstitions which though they differ someway in kind yet for number they are as many for guilt as great for effects of wrath as dangerous so that who would compare the many images dayes and Temples before applied to the idols of the heathens which now are called and turned into images dayes and Temples of the Saints they might say the idolatry upon the matter is the same though the names be changed even as their Churches are See Chap. 13. This upon the matter is the new formed image of the beast spoken of there In all which respects though it might be said that this beast is not the former in some respect yet materially it is in being as the Text saith Hence this argument may be formed That Government or Dominion in the world which in some respect to wit as civill was before Iohns time governing all yet as such that is as Ecclesiastick and under a different consideration was not come in his time but shortly was to succeed that which then was over Rome yet as differing from it and in its rise and nature to be no ordinary civill power but an unwarrantable Ecclesiastick power at which the world was to admire and unto which they were willingly to give a more absolute and divine subjection than to any of the former powers under that Government Rome is the antichristian whore That Government is antichristian and the head and supream Governour thereof is Antichrist But the Papacy is that Government which was not in Iohns time yet succeeded to that which then was in amplitude of Government and to which men willingly yeeld and have yeelded such an obedience and subjection which now is begun to go into perdition c. Therefore that Church is the whore that Government antichristian and that head and Governour is Antichrist for he immediatly succeedeth to that which was in Iohns time and according to Bellar. de Pontif. lib. 3. since the Gospel came to light goeth into perdition and all these marks agree to him only Therefore he is the state pointed at by these Or thus That form of Dominion over the Roman Empire which is not in kind one with what it was in Iohns time but immediately succeedeth to that and yet in respect of amplitude of Government and degree of subjection to it is the same with or more ample than the former though upon a different consideration and account that Dominion or Empire under that form is the beast seen by Iohn But Papacy is such a Government and the Empire of Rome under it is such Therefore it is the Dominion described by him as the antichristian Kingdom LECTURE IV. Vers. 9. And here is the mind which hath wisdome The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sitteth 10. And there are seven Kings five are fallen and one is and the other is not yet come and when he cometh he must continue a short space 11. And the beast that was and is not even he is the eighth and is of the seven and goeth into perdition THe Angel proceedeth to a particular interpretation of the parts to wit heads and horns wherein the beast was most singular and remarkable There is a sentence casten in before he descend to it Here is the mind which hath wisdom which is something like that Chap. 13.18 and it looketh both to what is past putting Readers to consider well of it and to what is coming pointing out something that a man of wisdom will not let passe but take hold of these marks for discerning of the whore The words imply 1. a materialnesse in the matter written as conducing for the understanding of this mystery 2. a difficulty to get a mind composed to take it up there will be need of spirituall and true wisdom 3. that such wisdom will find what is in it and get so much gripping as to fix them in this who is this whore and beast and therefore this Chapter would be the more fully insisted in 4. It Implieth that it is a rare thing to apply these marks wisely and that the generality of Readers will not do it And by this we may see that though promises be fulfilled and prophesies also and the expressions be very obvious and palpable to any that have discerning yet they are not so to these who have their minds blinded with prejudice and spiritual blindness such prophesies as are most clearly fulfilled and applied to Christ to the Iews are dark and others of Daniel and Ezekiel which undoubtedly are fulfilled are also obscure It is no marvell then that so many Papists wondering after this beast cannot wisely discern his marks It will take wisdom to do that which every one hath not and therefore that argument of Bellar. against the fulfilling of this prophesie because it is so obscure to many is of no force He beginneth at the heads and giveth two interpretations or two applications of that type or he declareth two things to be meaned by it 1. The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the woman or chief city sitteth 2. They are seven Kings We premit this that all the marks after described agree to one beast out of all which put together the clearing of what is signified is to be gathered Therefore that Empire or city must have seven hills which hath seven Kings and to whom the one is applied the other must be applied also otherwayes they do not serve the scope which is by the parts of one beast to discover the Empire meaned by it in whole The first exposition of heads is by the fixed property and naturall situation of this city or woman to wit mountains The second is by what is successive one to and after one another The former of seven mountains are contemporary this is successive and in diverse forms The heads are called mountains because in this they signifie so and we are to understand mountains Kings and to be set out by heads and horns in a metonymicall speach the signes getting the name of what is signified by it not that really they are so By these then mountains are properly to be understood and the number seven is definite also as appeareth by the exposition which followeth for Kings are properly seven and the number definite as appeareth by that that five are past one is c. and this suiteth with the nature of the Angels interpreting the seven Candlesticks and seven Stars Chap. 1.20 to be seven Churches and seven Angels as is said in the preface These mountains then are 1. described by their number seven and if the number were not definite but put for seven nine or eleven c. then it could not contribute to designe one place by another which yet is here the Angels scope who speaketh of these seven mountains as of seven mountains famous in respect of others and some way peculiar to this city 2. They are described from this that the woman sitteth on them
goeth to perdition But the Pope is the seventh which succeeded unto the sixth that then was and he hath keeped the Government of a long time since under another title than the Roman Emperour Ergo he is Antichrist What is alleaged by some that seven ages of the world are to be understood here or the seven oppressing Monarchies where Gods people suffered as Assyria Babylon Egypt Grecia c. That may be confuted by this argument Such Kings are understood by these seven heads as are Governments or Governours of one City yea of that seven hilled city and commanded one Empire and do head one and the same beast But none of these forenamed are such Therefore are not understood here LECTURE V. Vers. 12. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no Kingdom as yet but receive power as Kings one hour with the beast 13. These have one mind and shall give their power and strength unto the beast 14. These shall make war with the Lamb and the Lamb shall overcome them for he is Lord of lords and King of kings and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithfull THe Angle having interpreted the seven heads he goeth on to expound what is meaned by horns They are saith he ten Kings described beside their number ten in these four 1. that they were not presently Kingdoms as the beast was an Empire but were to come 2. That they were to be in the beasts time that is in the last state of the beast 3. That in their practice they would war with the Lamb. 4. In the event he would overcome them and some reasons are given of his victory that it was certain vers 14. In generall remember 1. that these horns are of and belong to the last state of the beast to wit under the seventh head which supporteth the whore the former sixth head had ten horns Chap. 12. that is exerced its strength and malice by so many Provinces or Pretors or Proconsuls but there is a difference here This seventh head called the eight King hath the same Provinces almost and as many but now they are Crowned as Chap. 13. He maketh use of Kings to do his businesse to persecute the Godly and to fight for him as the former made use of their Legats and Officers who had no Crowns Chap. 12. so both have Governours in which their strength and help consisteth but the last hath formal Kings to be his instruments This then is the character The last state or head of the beast shall have as large power as any of the former but his Vassals shall be formally Kings over whom he shall command as soveraignly and of whom he shall make use as absolutely as the former did of their servants The term of horns being borrowed from beasts as the whole Empire is compared to one beast who by their horns push and hurt in their fightings 2. Advert That there is no affinity betwixt the ten horns mentioned here and the ten horns mentioned Dan. 7.24 as there is no affinity betwixt these two beasts For first That in Daniel is an Empire which is to evanish at or before Christs first coming in the flesh Compare Dan. 7.26 with Chap. 2.44 45. these here get not their power till long after 2. These in Dan. are successive Kings of the same Kingdom one coming after another vers 24. here they are contemporary vers 12 13. These horns in Dan. are supream Kings of that Kingdom which is there set out by the beast exercing that same power the beast describing the Kingdom complexly and the horns the Kings separately v. 24. But here the beast is different from the horns now when they are crowned as it was before they got their Crowns Hence they give their power to the beast the beast is another King in some respect superiour to them which is not so in Daniel the beast there comprehendeth all these Kings 4. There is there one little horn which is last peculiarly spoken of whereof there is no mention here so that either there are eleven horns or there is a difference among the ten which is not here 5. add that if that little horn were Antichrist then the beast here were not Antichrist seing the beast and the horns differ for all the horns give power to the beast the seventh head and if that little horn be Antichrist he must do so also 6. Here the beast Antichrist is not posterior to the horns nor any of the horns to it or to one another for they are horns of the beast and at the same time there that little horn cometh last which sheweth they are not to represent one thing Neither can it be said that that little horn there and the beast here are one for 1. that little horn hath not ten horns for he destroyeth three Kings and seven are past either then he must have but seven Kings under him which are not destroyed or only three for a difference there must be between the three destroyed and the other and therefore there are not ten together In a word these ten horns set forth the Kingdom of Syria or the Seleucids of which stock came Antiochus Epiphanes by whom the Iews suffered much which was past before Christs birth Thus the Papists by mixing these do but endeavour to darken this Scripture and obscure the true Antichrist But it is clear they are not to be confounded for these horns here do well agree with the beast and for a time unanimously do all give their power to him but Dan. 7.24 that little horn destroyeth three before he come to his power Beside if that of the little horn were applied to Antichrist then it would infer that he destroyed the horns whereas here the horns destroy him Again by that little horn Chap. 7.23 is understood that little horn Chap. 8.9 and therefore by the last beast with the ten horns our of which that little one ariseth Chap. 7.24 must be understood the same beast with the four horns Chap. 8. seing from it that little horn descendeth as by comparing it with vers 23. is clear More particularly concerning these Kings Observ. 1. That they are not personally or individually to be understood as if it were so many Kings in one generation only for these Kings thus characterized take in all the ages since Kingdoms arose out of the Empire which in Iohns time was subject to it at least when in a considerable number they assumed dominion and soveraignty to themselves for the Empire in Iohn's time while these Kingdoms were not is clearly distinguished from that time and head or supream Governour when these Kingdoms were to come as having another face of an Empire on it Therefore seing these Kingdoms have had their rise long since out of that Empire and somethings concerning them being yet to be fulfilled It must take in moe ages than one for all that time is but counted one state of that dominion
what is admiration here they must therefore both relate to the same antichristian defection seing there are not two but one 3. Here it is also clear that this beast in the last notion to wit the Ecclesiastick is the Antichrist for he is the head of this great defection and supporter to it and supream ruler of this apostarizing dominion which can agree to none other but to him and vers 11. he is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an eminent person or succession of persons as the rest as he is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 elsewhere The scope being then 1. to point out Antichrist and 2. his Kingdom or whorish Church or Congregation Out of all that is said we may by resuming these characters gather these two conclusions 1. That the Church of Rome for these many years past hath been and presently is that whorish Church aimed at here and Antichrists seat and kingdom 2. That the Pope or who possesseth the Papacy in his complex dominion is the very Antichrist particularly characterized here The making out one of these maketh out both they are so linked together for if the beast represent the Pope Then certainly the whore must be that Church which is supported by him and whereof he is head contra if Rome be the whore he that is head to her must be this beast and Antichrist I shall make out both by resuming the characters and properties applyed to both thus If the characters be such that are given to this beast as are peculiar to Antichrist or if the properties whereby this woman is described be such as are peculiar to his Kingdom Then the Pope is Antichrist and the Romish Church the Antichristian Church and his Kingdom because which is the reason of the connexion all these agree only to them But the first is truth Ergo. Or if all these characters spoken and prophesied of concerning this beast and whore do belong to and be fulfilled in the Papacie and the Romish Church Then is he Antichrist and she the Antichristian Kingdom But that these properties agree and are to be applyed to them may be made out 1. by induction and recapitulation of the properties themselves which belong to Antichrist and his Church severally Then 2. by pointing out the time or state in which they are applicable to them Antichrist getteth these characters here 1. That he shall be a Roman Governour and govern the seven hilled city and that many Nations and Kingdoms of the earth beside shall give him reverence vers 7. Compare vers 8 9 10 and 11. 2. That he was not then in being in Iohns time vers 8. 3. That he was to succeed to that Government which then was to wit the Emperours and Cesars at Rome vers 10. 4. That he was not to have any new state of Empire but to continue that which was but in an other form vers 9. Therefore was he in some respect before Iohns time vers 8. 5. Though he be to succeed to the six Governments and in some respect as to the absolutenesse and seat of his Dominions is to be one body with the Roman Empire yet is he not to be so upon a Civil account but on an Ecclesiastick in which respect he is an other not yet come getting admiration or adoration having Kings under him who hath absolute temporall power of themselves which they could not have were he a civil Prince vers 8 9 10. So this Empire is two beasts on this ground and the last head two in this respect yet indeed but one 6. This Antichrist is too much reverenced and that in more than an ordinary civil worship vers 8. 7. He shall be no ordinary civill power nor warranted Ecclesiastick power neither in name nor thing but shall arise out of the pit vers 11. 8. He shall have Kings devoted to him and to be at his beck yea such as were not Kings then but since have gotten Kingdoms out of the ruines of the old Roman Empire vers 12 13. 9. He shall especially make use of them to persecute vers 14. 10. When his fall approacheth some of these shall be his enemies and God will make use of them for his ruine vers 16. 11. The fountain of that Dominion and seat of that Governour shall be the chief city that then ruled over all to wit Rome vers 18 c. 12. She carrieth all with much state pompe and profanity vers 4 5. These are the properties ascribed to Antichrist whereby he may be discerned 1. In his nature he is Ecclesiastick or mixed 2. In his rise unwarranted of God 3. In his welcome with great respect in the world 4. In his seat Rome 5. In his Dominion Nations and Kingdoms 6. His different and twofold consideration of Authority Civill and Ecclesiastick whereby he is set out as a twofold head and by a double type These things being clearly properties of Antichrist and uncontrovertably applicable to Rome the question is whether to Rome heathen before Constantine as Bellar. and Alcasar say or to Rome under the Antichrist that is to come as Ribera Viegas and Cornelius à Lapid◠say or if it be applicable to Rome presently as of a long time it hath been For fixing on the time or state whereto this that she is antichristian and her Governour Antichrist may be applied consider these 1. This must be true of Rome after and immediately after the sixth Government that then was ceaseth to be a head to Rome and a seventh succeedeth to that which then was 2. It is when Kings which were not then shall rise out of the Roman Empire that is when Provinces shall withdraw their civill dependance from Rome and have Kings of their own 3. When Rome hath turned from a Church to be an whore 4. It is before its fall and while the Kings or any of them giveth him their power that is while he is an head But all these agree well to the Pope and Rome and are fulfilled in them as they have been now for many years past and cannot be applied to Rome heathen nor can be expected to be fulfilled afterwards The application is made out in the exposition of the words There are three things I suppose which especially will stick 1. That I say Antichrist is not properly a civill Prince but hath other pretences and upon an Ecclesiastick account or pretext assumeth this greatnesse Which is clear 1. because he headeth the whore which is not a civill body but a degenerate Church and whore and therefore he must be such a head as suiteth that body and carrieth on that defection 2. He ruleth over Kings without infringing as they think their temporall dominion which saith that he must do it on an Ecclesiastick account 3. From this proceedeth the admiration the world hath of him And 4. this sheweth why in this last consideration he is looked on as two beasts and two heads because he is formally Ecclesiastick but really civil And
Gog and Magog who comes not to besiege heaven 2. It is a reign or good condition that Satans binding hath influence to increase and his loosing to diminish and disturb Therefore it is not in heaven to wit of the souls of Saints or Martyrs who are dead for the devils binding hath no influence on that 3. It is such a good condition as is capable of hazards and interruptions by enemies therefore it is on earth It holdeth forth then a good condition of the militant Church and that in a particular limited time which is not agreeable to it at other times it cannot therefore be understood of suffering Martyrs they being glorified in heaven after their sufferings in that time for this is no peculiar thing to any one time but alwayes and in all times a truth Thirdly As it holdeth forth a good condition so it would seem eminently to hold out the best that they can expect on earth for degree length of time and kind of dispensations This is clear 1. by the expressions of sitting upon thrones and reigning especially being compared with what went before of the womans fleeing and the Prophets prophesying in sackcloth this saith it is an honourable condition and settled opposit to that 2. By this that they are stiled Martyrs or such as were spotlesse in keeping their garments clean which signifieth much holinesse and their living with Christ also denoteth the same 3. That they have a camp and look as if all formerly dead were alive again it signifieth number they are numerous all of them are put together and as it were both these killed under Emperours and the beast Antichrist they arise now in this new state of the Church See Chap. 7. ver 9 10 c. 4. That Satan is bound so strictly and that they reign and live peaceably it sheweth purity and peace in a great degree 5. For a thousand years it sheweth it is the longest time that hath been before the Church was seen overrun with persecutions after with heresies and Hereticks and their favourers after that immediately with Antichrist Now this flourishing reign shall be longer the last then being the longest most un-interrupted and compleat dominion this must be it all things considered Fourthly It is some good condition peculiar to some one time not such a reign as believers alway have even when Satan is loose and Gog and Magog comes but something eminent that is not common to other intervals of the Churches condition but is more than hath formerly been or will after it be for as it is on the one side the devils eminent restraint so on the other it is the Saints eminent reign so as it was not in such case before these years began nor yet is to be after they are expired A fifth thing we say concerning this reign of the Saints is that what ever it be it is not absolute either for holinesse purity peace or length of time which appeareth 1. because so they reign as Satan is restrained and his restraint being but partiall so also must their reign be seing their absolute reign is reserved for heaven after the last judgement as his damnation is it being only in heaven where that which is only perfect is and what is imperfect is not done away to believers 1 Cor. 13. till they come there either in holinesse or outward or inward peace 2. It appeareth from this that while believers here reign in the world in it is the devil their own corruptions many hypocrites that being proper to the visible militant Church till the last day separate all these who offend and there being yet many dead in the world who have not gotten victory of the beast and there being also enemies without as Gog and Magog that want not enmity but opportunity It is therefore clear not to be an absolute freedom that they enjoy though it be in some extraordinary measure and manner yet onsets upon and wrestlings with them are not wanting and that with some successe though God graciously disappoint as to the event and suffereth it not to get to an height yet all His children have their own crosses and are to look for them to the end of the world And although this be rejected by Alstedius in his Diatriba as axioma vulgatum but not probatum and saith these warnings belong to the primitive times yet who shall consider that the Scripture joyneth following of Christ denying of our selves and taking up of the crosse together as Mat. 16.24 and elsewhere and maketh it a mark of sons and of love to be chastised Heb. 12. and a piece of our conformity to Christ the head Rom. 8.28 and a consequent unto Godlinesse alway 2 Tim. 3.12 and many other places will find it not so easie to reject it except we would wave perpetuall duties such as denying of our selves c. and deny that there were such need or use of crosses to believers who will certainly have corruptions in them to be mortified to the end of the world and so need the rod for promoving of that A sixth thing I suppose is clear that what ever it be it is not literally to be understood and properly as the words sound but figuratively and spiritually The particular making out of this will follow in the opening of the words Yet this we may in generall say 1. that they are figuratively to be understood not as the letter properly soundeth for that the devil is bound with a chain cannot be proper but to shew that he is keeped-in like a violent mastiffe in a chain by Gods soveraignty so thrones the souls of these slain their living and their resurrection is figurative as the rest who continue dead signifieth not properly these who continued in the grave but these in nature for it is said of all men contradistinctly from these living the rest of the dead c. yet the last judgement is not come therefore many lived a naturall life then who did not live thus but as all men are divided in regenerate and unregenerate so here they are divided in living and dead to that same purpose So souls sitting on thrones and reigning with Christ cannot but be figurative as that also of the resurrection there being in the Scripture but one acknowledged that is proper which this is not 2. I say they are to be understood spiritually which confirmeth the former that is this Dominion reign living and resurrection of the Saints must be spiritually understood especially and chiefly for clearing whereof understand that as there is a naturall and proper life Dominion and Resurrection so there is one figurative and spirituall which agreeth to all Christians 1. There is a spirituall slavery and bondage to sin death Satan c. Rom. 6. we were servants to it led captive by the devil at his will sold under sin and its reign Rom. 7. So there is a spirituall dominion to be free from that made Kings unto God Rev. 1.6 and Chap.
Therefore it setteth out no peculiar state of the militant Church and so by consequence none at all Although it should be said as some do that this will not prove that these promises are not to be fulfilled on earth but only that then all Saints that ever lived shall partake of them and therefore an Author of late maketh use of this Scripture to prove the resurrection of all the Saints before the day of judgment unto an happy condition upon earth for saith he This here spoken of is to be fulfilled on earth but this belongeth to all overcomers to eat of the tree of life c. Therefore all overcomers must be raised and brought to the earth to partake of it This I say will rather confirm our argument than elude it For 1. that consequence of his goeth upon the supposition that this belongeth to the Church on earth which we deny These who assert otherwise would look that they strengthen not such a consequent 2. Seing these happinesses are promised to all overcomers are they not verified to them at all times and can any think that souls immediately after death and victory were not brought unto this City or made partakers of the tree of life is that promise suspended till Christs second coming when this Church-state shall be set up on earth Yea on the contrary doth not this strongly conclude against it this tree of life groweth in Paradise but Paradise is heaven to which the thief on the crosse was brought that same very night he died Luk. 23 and is he not then a partaker of the fruit of that tree If then that was Paradise to which the thief was admitted at Christs suffering then the Paradise in which the tree of life groweth can be no particular state of the Church on earth but heaven is that Paradise where the tree of life groweth Compare Chap. 22.2 with Chap. 2.7 Again there is no promise Chap. 2. and 3. made to the overcomers but are generally such as are fulfilled to the overcomer after death and when these that here are given are for that same scope and some of them intermixed in the same places It will be hard so to difference them as that they did not partake of these formerly mentioned untill these thousand years did begin for this Paradise was in the thiefs time Paul's time 2 Corinth 12.4 Therefore ought not to be restricted to this It may also not be without weight to consider that this being the last thing described in this prophesie upon the back of the Churches temporall difficulties and also agreeing in it self well to heaven that it is more suitably applied to it than to any other condition this being the great result of all the Churches former trials and it is more comfortable to have the narration of her estate at the description of her eternall happinesse than at any other period whatsoever shewing that Gods care of His people shall continue till they be in heaven and so concludes because their condition is eternall Although I mind not to insist on the objections but to leave them to the opening of the words following and their series Yet considering that some do alleage many things for the contrary opinion I shall say two words in reference to two sorts of them 1. Learned Mede goeth about to contemporate this state of the Church here with the seventh trumpet Chap. 11. or as he speaketh with that intervall which is to be betwixt the beasts destruction and the end of the world But 1. There is a twofold mistake in the very rise of this Synchronisme 1. that it supposeth the seventh trumpet to presuppose the utter abolition of the beast and so only to contemporate with the seventh vial of this was spoken Chap. 11. last ver and 20. Lect. 4. The second mistake is that it supposeth this new state of the Church to succeed immediately upon the beasts overthrow which it doth not till the Dragon be taken and casten where the beast was before him as in the former series Chap. 20. appeareth Again beside this the grounds upon which he buildeth this Synchronisme will not sustain it 1. Note this that the Bride here is the same with Chap. 19.6 7 c. because she getteth the same name therefore is this contemporary with that for though it may be the same Church yet will it not follow that it is the same Church so considered and at the same time because it getteth the same name certainly Christs Church at any time on earth is His Bride and so is she at the day of Judgement Eph. 5.27 c. Yet it will not follow that where she getteth these names she is still to be taken as militant more than we might argue that Church Chap. 21. is the triumphant Bride Therefore so is that Chap. 19.7 The same will answer the second argument also which faith this is called the holy city but Chap. 20. ver 8. the holy city is compasâ—ed after the thousand years Therefore this holy city was before that time This will prove indeed that there was a Church then or that the Church now glorified did at such a time suffer and was encompassed for there is still but one Bride one Catholick Church and Family in heaven and earth Eph. 3. but it will not prove that the Church as here considered was put to suffering yea there seemeth to be expresse difference this is not only Ierusalem or the holy city that is the Bride but it is new Ierusalem to distinguish it from what it was formerly such a city as cannot be compassed therefore are its gates never shut such a city as no enemy can molest or no dog can approach unto and that not for a thousand years only but for ever all which are certainly to oppose it to the Churches militant condition formerly exprest The other two grounds which he addeth are suspected by himself Neither can any think that because Chap. 16.17 it is said it is done which words are again repeated Chap. 21.5 6. therefore they belong to one time it is rather thus Chap. 16.17 It is said to be done because near the consummating that seventh vial bringing with it the end Chap. 21.6 because actually consummated His last presumption because its one of the Angels of the vials that sheweth it to Iohn can conclude nothing except we say that God could not make use of an Angel to shew to Iohn His Church triumphant as well as militant and if this be conclusive it may plead to have it contemporary with one of the vials as well as this for no particular vial is mentioned yea it is like all this prophesie being shown to Iohn by one Angel Chap. 1. it might therefore plead for a contemporarinesse amongst all the parts of it but himself doth not lay weight on it A second word is to such as think it belongeth to the Christian Church after the Iews conversion because of the expressions that are made use of