others sinful both in life and profession Therefore called spiritually Sodom Rev. 11.8 and as to Faith and Doctrine An Apostate and what is in that kind worse falling away v. 3. departing from the Faith 1 Tim. 4.1 denying the Lord that bought them and bringing in damnable Heresies 2 Pet. 2.1 and Doctrines of Devils forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats c. 1 Tim. 4.1 2 3. we know who do so Of these Apostate Professors are those also of whom St. John speaketh who deny that Jesus is the Christ adding he is an Antichrist that denyeth the Father and the Son whosoever denyeth the Son hath not the Father 1. John 2.22 23. And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is that spirit of Antichrist whereof ye have heard that it should come and even now already is it in the world 1. John 4.3 Not that Antichrist or every Antichrist denyeth Christ come in the flesh Some did so nor do all hereticks speak the same thing but whosoever shall say that Christ is not come in the flesh is an Antichrist In all is to be observed 1. That all false doctrines and heresies whether against the doctrine and truth of Christ of which the Apostle S. Paul speaks 1. Tim. 4. or against Christ's person or Natures of whom St. John speaks both these are against Christ and such as so teach and believe are therefore because against Christ Antichrist so as every deceiver is an Antichrist 2 John v. 7. I Judg saith St. Hierom all chief hereticks to be Antichrist under the name of Christ teaching contrary to Christ. 2. Hereby we find that there are many Antichrists 1 John 2.18 and of those many that some were then in the Apostles dayes in the world 1. John 4.3 Apostates from the faith before professed They went from us but were not of us saith the Apostle 1. John 2.18 19. 3. Observe that among those many Antichrists there is one chief Antichrist see both in 1. John 2.18 little children it is the last time as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come even now are there many Antichrists In this we find those two sorts of Antichrists distinguished 1. In number Antichrists plurally And many Antichrists the other but Antichrist singly one among many 2. These two also are distinguished in time Of those many some already come and then in the World but that one Antichrist then not yet come yet expected 2 Thess. 2. the revealed in his time v. 7.8 3. see that one and chief Antichrist above the rest pointed at Emphatically by an Article which is in the Greek not expressed in our English 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Article 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or that Antichrist saith Grotius points at some one Antichrist among those many more noted And with like Emphasis is this man of sin in the Text expressed by that man of sin The Son of perdition v. 3. That wicked v. 8. and even him whose coming is after the working of Satan v. 9. 4. Observe that great Antichrist in S. John and this man of Sin in S. Paul to be intended of the same Person none can doubt but that St. Paul doth speak these things of Antichrist saith S. Augustine where and else where we find the same person under several names under diverse considerations so called Sodom and Egypt Rev. 11.8 the great whore Rev 17.1 Babylon v. 5. and here that man of sin 5 and by St. John Antichrist In which variety of names some one is at present to be principally used for avoiding confusion in which I shall choose that of Antichrist as being a word both Scriptural and Ecclesiastical frequently occurring in the Fathers and Ecclesiastical writers ancient and modern 5. Observe that man of Sin or Antichrist although singularly and Emphatically and as it were personally pointed at is not notwithstanding to be understood as terminated in any one individual person whatsoever but as those many Antichrists make up that wicked society of Apostate Hereticks of what kind soever so is this great Antichrist A chief of this great Apostacy but as one in succession though diverse in persons so it is said of the Pope and Papacy That as to the place and office of the Papacy ' all Popes from first to last are but as one Pope so when they say the Pope is head of the Church that is not intended of any one Pope alone but of any and all in that succession Thus of Antichrist as here considered in his person condition and quality A man of Sin one in profession and faith also in life and manners sinful exceedingly and how that is will appear after in particulars II. We have next to see this man of sin as to his place where he should appear and is to be expected sitting in the Temple of God Which words The Temple of God some appropriate to Jerusalem and the Temple there so understood properly saith Grotius in both Testaments It seems also to make for this what is instanced of Cajus one of the Roman Emperours who caused his Image or statue to be placed in the Temple at Jerusalem to be worshipped which agrees say some with the Text literally This man of sin sitting in the temple of God c. But this man of sin or Antichrist is intended of an Apostate Christian fallen away v. 3. such as was not Caius a Pagan and never otherwise therefore not he this Antichrist 2. Nor is Antichrist one individual person but a chief in succession heading an Antichristian State and Faction therefore not Caius nor Simon Magus or any other such whosoever which will after appear more fully 3. The Temple of God in the Text is interpreted the Christian Church by the Fathers St. Augustin Chrysostom Hierome Hilary Theophylact Theodoret and others also by Thomas Aquinas and others of the Schoolmen 4. Notwithstanding what is confidently averred by some that in both Testaments the Temple of God is intended of that Temple in Jerusalem the contrary appears and that the Christian Church is also in that pointed at in both Testaments So in Zech. 6.12 13. Behold the man whose name is the Branch meant of Christ Zech. 3.8 Isa. 14 1. Jer. 3 8.33.15 he shall grow out of his place and he shall build the Temple of the Lord even he shall build the Temple of the Lord and he shall bear the glory and shall sit and rule upon his throne In which is not intended the Temple of Jerusalem as if built by Christ whose destruction he declared those dayes also of its destruction being the time of the Lord 's coming to Judge that People and then setting up his Temple of the Christian Church where he would be worshipped in spirit and in truth not any longer in Types and Sacrifices as in Jerusalem John 4.20.21.23 And the Christian gospel-Gospel-Church taken as Catholique and of both Nations is called
the houshold of God built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord in whom they are also builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit Ephes. 2.19 20 21.22 And as by the Temple so by Jerusalem also is the Gospel-Church of Jew and Gentile signified and that also as the Church is Militant and Triumphant Jerusalem which is above being mother of us all Gal. 4.25 26 27. In which it is to be observed that the state of the Christian Church is set forth in the Revelations by 2 Visions of 2 Women One the Holy Christian Church represented in a Woman cloathed with the sun and the moon under her feet and upon her head a crown of 12 starrs she travailing with Child shewing her numerous Issue who was before barren Isa. 54.1 she also and hers prosecuted and persecuted by the dragon but preserved Rev. 12.1 2 3.6.13 14 15 16 17. But the other woman signifying the Church Antichristian persecuting the true Professors and drunk with the blood of the Saints and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus Rev. 17.1 2 4 5 6. Observe also that these 2 women or the Church under these 2 states and conditions are also represented by 2 Cities the great City Babylon and Jerusalem that City named Babylon Rev. 17.5 18. being for that Antichristian state but the other City Jerusalem Rev. 20. 21 22. for the Church of God the new Jerusalem and Temple no wonder then if by Jerusalem and the Temple the Christian Church be signified 5. And that Jerusalem and the Temple there could not be the place where that man of sin or Antichrist was to sit appears in that Babylon the city contrary to Jerusalem is declared Antichrist's seat Also that the description given to that City the seat of Antichrist no way suits with Jerusalem see for that Rev. 17.6 7 8 18. where by Babylon the Romanists we need go no further intend Rome and for that the Rhemists earnestly contend in their Annotations on 1 Pet. 5.13 The Church that is at Babylon saluteth you saith St. Peter which is their Scripture-proof for St. Peters being at Rome Also Cardinal Baronius speaking of the name Babylon in the Revelation Certissimum est c. it is most certain saith he that by the name Babylon the City Rome is signified and Cardinal Bellarmine by Babylons description agreeing to Rome concludes out of Turtullian Notissimum est c. saith he It is most evident and acknowledged that Rome is built on seven hills nor was there any other city which in the dayes of St. John had dominion or reigned over the Kings of the earth but Rome onely Rome saith he and no other city not Constantinople which although after styled Rome or new Rome being also seated on hills yet did not that then in St. Johns dayes reign over the Kings of the Earth And as to Jerusalem nothing of all that could be said of it neither that it was so situated on seven hills nor then reigning over the Kings of the earth Jerusalem being then with her children in Bondage Gal. 4.25 and that to the Romans and by the Romans soon after destroyed And if Rome be the City for that malignant state then must the Temple of God be understood to be there and Rome to be the place for Antichrist's sitting But it is objected how the Church of Rome should be then called the Temple of God where Antichrist sitteth Res. So was Jerusalem also once the Faithful City And even when at worst after their crucifying the Lord it was then called the Holy City Math. 27.53 having that name from what before it was So was Rome once famous over the World for its faith Rom. 1.8 and the Church there was the Temple of God And it was an honour to the Church of Rome that it held out longer than some other Churches and opposed the Heresies rising and prevailing in the Eastern Churches yet as those famous Churches of Asia fell from their Purity particular Churches may fail so did Rome it self after and that once faithful city became an Harlot Rev 17.5 as was said of Jerusalem and their silver was become dross and their wine mixt with water Isa. 1.21 22. once Pure now Mixt and Corrupt with Errors and they even Apostate from that Faith professed by their Forefathers yet from what once was and from what is yet there left of Good though mixed and corrupt that Church is called by the Apostle here The Temple of God and there Antichrist sitting The summe of all is that Babylon which is acknowledged to be Rome and the Temple of God there or the Church of Rome Apostate from the Faith formerly professed is the place where Antichrist is to be expected and found which was the 2d circumstance here considerable for Antichrist's discovery his place sitting in the Temple of God III. The Next is that of time when he should appear Little difference is between the Romanists and us as to the place but the question is of the time for as the Jewes speak of Christ yet to come so do they of Rome concerning Antichrist and that he is expected about the end of the World and at Rome when Rome shall turn Apostate but we Assert that Antichrist is already come and that long since and that he is even now in the World acting as is said of him which is to be now examined The time for Antichrist's appearing is thus in the text expressed v. 5 6 7 8. Remember ye not saith the Apostle That when I was yet with you I told you these things and now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time for the mystery of Iniquity doth work already onely he who now letteth will let until he be taken out of the way and then shall the wicked be revealed Unto this is to be added that in Rev. 17. both places joyned making up this whole matter For in Rev. 17. we read of a woman sitting on a beast with 7 heads that woman being that great City Rome and those 7 heads interpreted both 7 hills on which that city is seated And also 7 Governments called 7 Kings Kingly or supreme Of which 7 Governments of Rome it is said that 5 are fallen and one is and the other not yet come and that when he cometh he must continue a short space and that the beast that was and is not and yet is which is added v. 8. even he is the eighth and is of the seven and goeth into perdition v. 10.11 For opening both which Texts together 1. It is granted that Rome is that great City seated on seven hills and ruling over the Kings of the earth 2. That these seven heads or governments are Romes seven Governments also 3. Of those seven Governments of Rome it is said that
ordained Romans 13.12 standing in his place and so to be subjected to according to their degrees in Government whether to the King as supream or unto Governours under him 1 Pet. 2.13 14 and from this subjection are none exempted let every soul be subject c. The Apostles were not exempted nor is the Pope This God Commands yet see in this The Pope exalting himself above all called Gods even Emperors as vassals to him causing them to hold his Stirrup and Kiss his feet Celestine 3. crowned the Emperor Hen 3. with his toe Popes also setting their feet on the necks of Emperors as did Pope Adrian 4. and Alexander 3. Also disposiing crowns and deposing and advancing at pleasure which by Aventinus is said of the Popes from Gregory 7th to his time Hildebrand who is Gregory 7th first founded the Papal Empire which his successors for 450 years carryed on notwithstanding the oppositions of the world and Emperors resisting so as high and low were brought under and subjected to their yoke According to their will they cast down from heaven to hell and exalt from hell to Heaven again And what in this they practise they avow as due and proper to them and to them alone of which therefore I need say no more In the Pope therefore and in him alone and in none other is this sign of Antichrist found that he exalteth himself above all called Gods III. It followeth His sitting in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God Tu es alter Deus in terra Thou art another God upon earth was the speech of Christophorus Marcellus in the very Council of Lateran to Pope Julius 2. the Pope himself being present Concil Lateran Sess. 4. And in the Gloss on the Canon Law he is called our Lord God the Pope And whereas the word God so said of the Pope was by some thought too much and in some Editions omitted we find the censure of the Gloss by Pope Pius 5 and the Gloss of the Canon Law revised by Cardinals and learned men deputed for it by Pope Gregory 13. in both the word God before omitted to have been restored and put in again and that by the Popes allowance now it being what was our Lord God the Pope Nor can it be otherwise intended but that the Pope should be so esteemed while they stick not to ascribe to him Attributes proper to God as Omnipotence and Infiniteness The Pope say they may do whatsoever God doth nor can it be known what the Pope can do for the power of the Pope is infinite and what is infinite is not known and what the Pope doth is reputed as done of God for what the Pope doth he doth as God not as man Which the Popes Omnipotence is by them averred by Scripture all Power in Heaven and Earth is given me which was said by Christ of himself Mat. 28.8 and that is said of the Pope also that Power of Christ being challenged by the Pope his Vicar nor that as to Heaven and earth only but beside their Purgatory even to Hell also so as his power seems to extend so far as to deliver from Hell whence is no redemption and to forbid and command when they please and whom they think fit to be kept from thence Nolumus We declare it our pleasure that the Punishment of Hell be not inflicted on such as are signed by the cross those imployed by the Pope on his business And as Omnipotence and Infiniteness Gods attributes are attributed to the Pope so is Adoration also which God challengeth as proper to him self onely I am the Lord that is my Name and my Glory will I not give to another neither my praise to graven Images God speaking of his Worship Is. 42.8 He only is to be served or worshipped Math. 4.10 but to the Pope are Religious adorations given in a most solemn manner while the new elected Pope is placed on an Altar and there seated in his Chair with his Crown and in his Pontificalibus adored by all present Cardinals Ambassadours of Princes and all of all degrees descending from their places and with prostrations worshipping him And is not this a sitting in the Temple of God as God shewing himself that he is God IV Further a mark and sign of that wicked one is that his coming and Acting is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that Perish because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should believe a Lye 2. Thess. 2.9 10 11. This say some shews Antichrist to be a Conjurer and Compactor with the devil and such saith they was Simon Magus and he Antichrist But such we knew were Popes also as to mention no more Sylvester 2. Benedictor 9th Gregory 7. which I pass at present Neither insist I on those wonders by these acted whether seeming real by Satans working with them or for them or that they be lying wonders whether feigned or imposed as true or lying serving for confirming lyes and untrue doctrines of men nor speak I of those ridiculous fables with which their Legends of Saints are stuffed such as may be wondred how learned and prudent men should give credit to them if they do And if they do it must be surely from Gods giving them over Judicially to believe a lye they not receiving the love of the truth so is the Text The seat of the beast on which the Angel poured out his vial and his Kingdom is full of darkness Rev. 16.10 But I look on this here rather as a sign and mark of Antichrist by which he should act and be known in the World his Antichristian Church boasting of wonders making miracles a sign of the true Church and upbraiding us with our want they say of Miracles To which we say 1 That for the first introducing of truth miracles might be necessary but that truth being once received such miracles were after unnecessary such were in the first planting of the Gospel done by Christ and his Apostles which we challenge as ours But that truth then delivered to the saints being received and believed what now need we more or any renewed miracles For miracles and wonders as tongues c. are for unbelievers not for them that believe 1. Cor. 14.22 and it shews a novelty in those Popish Doctrines that need fresh confirmations and shewes them unbelievers that seek such But in this is a proper mark of that Antichristian Church that and no other sort of professors or People in the world but Rome only and the Pope adhereing so to miracles V. But to proceed Another mark of this man of Sin by which he is known is that he opposeth himself that is to Christ therefore called Antichrist Obj. But how can that be said of the Pope he being
be tormented c. Rev. 14.9 11. let such consider their State seriously and seasonably And now to conclude with a word to our selves that as we are to bless God for calling us out of that Sate of evil so to be confirmed in the truth and not to fall back whatever the Temptation be good or evil saving life or loosing it and that we desire the Lords grace in that for help and support All which I shall shut up in the words of the Apostle next after my Text v. 13 14 15 16 17. We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and beliefe of the truth whereunto he hath called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ Therefore brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which ye have been taught whether by word or by our Epistle Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God even our Father who hath loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through Grace comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work Amen FINIS These Books are lately Printed for and published by Nathaniel Ponder at the Peacock in the Poultry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or the Causes Wayes and means of understanding the mind of God as revealed in his Word with assurance therein And a declaration of the perspicuity of the Scriptures with the External means of the Interpretation thereof by Dr. John Owen D. D. The Church of Rome no safe Guide or Reasons to prove that no Rational man who takes due Care of his own Eternal Salvation can give himself up unto the Conduct of the Church in matters of Religion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or a Declaration of the Glorious Mystery of the person of Christ God and Man With the Infinite Wisdom Love and Power of God in his Contrivance and Constitution on thereof as also of the Grounds and Reasons of his Incarnation the Nature of his Ministry in heaven the present state of the Church above thereon and the Use of his person in Religion with an account and vindication of the Honour Worship Faith Love and Obedience due unto him in and from the Church (a) Guil. Estius Tom. 4. in l. 4. dist 47. sect 6. (b) Jac. Usherâ— Christ. Eccles sucâ—es c. 1 p. 18. (c) Id. c. 2. (d) Rich. Victor in Apocal. â— 6. c. 7. (d) Avent Annal. Boiorum l. 7. c. 47. Bin. conc gen par 2. p. 438. (c) Baron Annal. Tâ—m 12. a. 1170. Sect. 9. (f) Roger Hoveden Annal. Ricar 1. p. 388. (b) S. Hier. in Mat. 24. (c) S. Aug in 2 Thes. 2.7 de civit dei 1.20 c. 19. (d) Aug. triumph de potestate Ecc. q. 3. Art 7. (e) Grot. de Antichrist (f) Annal a. 45. (g) De Rom. Pont. l. 3. c. 13. l. 2. c. 2. (h) 6. Ep. 28. (i) Dionys Halicarnass an t Ro. 12. God-win's Rom. Antiq l. 2. sect 2. c. 15. (m) Avent Annal l. 7. (n) Ibid l. 5. o Tho. Stapleton t. 2. (p) Avent annal Boyor l. 5. p. 447. (q) Extra Joh. 22. deverb signif cap. cum â—â—ter (r) Antonin p. 3. t. cap. 22.5 §. 6. (s) Decius in cap. Can. de constit n 16. (t) Bulla Cle. 6. (v) Lib. cerem 1. §. 1. fol. 16. x Piatro Suav Polon Histo. Tr. p. 24. y Also Pius V. Cùm essem Religiosus sperabam benè de salute animae meae Cardinalis factus extimui nunc Pontifex creatus penè despero Concil e Legist com in Num. 11.11