is the true Temple in which we must worship and the holy Altar upon which we must offer and they onely are owned and accepted that make use of him they are onely to be measured and taken notice of Now for all others of what profession or quality soever be their externall formes of worship and service never so glorious or amiable in the sight of men yet it is rejected cast forth and disowned if they worship not in the true Temple if they offer not upon the everlasting Altar that God hath appointed for all his Hence it is the Lord saith take measure of those that worship in the Temple these are they that I owne I take notice of none but these I will accept of no more These are they that serve me in truth and worship me in spirit and I will owne them and acknowledge them for my owne Sixtly and lastly for as much as 6 Observ Temple Altar and worshippers must be measured Observe That the Lord hath alwayes had a people that have been measuring of divine things John here did personate all Saints who in all ages and periods of time under the sury and rage of Antichrist have been ready to give in a testimony for Christ and his truth and have alwayes born witnesse against the man of sin the Son of perdition and against all his superstitious formes of worship alwayes casting off and rejecting his service and inventions Every one according to his measure hath been ready to stand up and give in their Testimonies for the truth of Christ against the falshood of AntiChrist So much for the first verse VERS 2. But the Court which is without the Temple leave out and measure it not for it is given unto the Gentiles and the holy Citie shall they tread underfoot fortie and two moneths IN the former verse we had John◠call to measure the Temple of God the Altar and the worshippers therein Now here he doth receive a prohibition or a negative command not to measure the outward Court which was without the Temple because it was given as a portion to the Gentiles In this verse we are to take notice First what that is which must not be measured The Court which is without the Temple Secondly the prohibition it selfe Leave it out measure it not Thirdly The reason of this prohibition for it is given to the Gentiles Fourthly The use that the Gentiles make of the outward Court and the holy City They tread them underfoot Fiftly How long Fortie and two moneths First That which must not be measured is the outward Court so called as being distinct from the inward Court which was appropriate to the Priests in which was the Altar where they offered sacrifice which was also adjoyning to the Temple This outward Court is here spoken by an allusion to that mentioned in Ezek. 40. 17. which was far larger and bigger then the inner Court Therefore called The great Court 2 Chron. 4. 9. being wide and large enough to containe multitudes of people This was not hallowed as the inner Court and Temple was but was common for all people By the outward Court is meant all Antichrists worships and worshippers even the whole surface or superficiall part of things as all outward professions all externall formes of worship power order government wisdome art or whatsoever is without the Temple of God all that the Gentiles or carnall professors may take up and be exercised in these be all the outward Court The outward face of the visible Church was given to Antichrist to Gentiles to worldly Christians to use and enjoy while the true servants of the Lord are serving him in the wildernesse as in the inner Court of the Temple They were that inward and secret Temple with whom the Lord was present Secondly The prohibition it selfe Leave it out measure it not The Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to cast forth as we use to cast things of no value out of doors As if he had said cast it forth as common and of no use account it not of the Temple nor of any part thereof but rather esteeme it as a portion for the Gentiles which they may enjoy and be exercised in therefore measure it not Now by measuring of the Temple Altar and worshippers he was to take a true dimention of the servants of God who worshipped him in Christ and served him in spirit who were the true invisible and secret Temple of God serving the Lord in the wildernesse Then by not measuring the outward Court is meant thus much That he should not measure or judge the true servants of the Lord by externall things for the outward face of the visible Church was to be given to the Gentiles and that Antichrist was to sit in the Temple of God and should exercise in all externall formes of worship order government he should exercise in all outward ordinances and in the highest acts of Religion as prayer preaching and expounding of the Scriptures and the like and therefore though these Gentiles or Antichristian professors should thus exercise themselves in formes of worship in Church-government in highest externall acts of Religion were called Christians possessing and injoying the outward face of the visible Church yet they were not to be accounted as the Temple of God to be of his structure or building as measured by the true reed or weighed by the ballance of the Sanctuary they were not to be accounted as Gods approved Church or to be the true Temple of the Lord. Thirdly The reason of this prohibition For it is given unto the Gentiles All worldly Christians and Antichristian professors are here called Gentiles by an allusion to those that were enemies unto the Jewes they were called Heathens and Gentiles as appeares in Psal 2. 1. And the Psalmist complaines in Psal 79. 1. saying O God the heathen or the Gentiles are come into thine inheritance thy holy Temple have they defiled they have layd Jerusalem on heaps c. This was the complaint of the Church of the Jewes unto the Lord against the most barbarous tyranny of the Babylonians when they raz'd Jerusalem polluted the Temple and murdered the people So here the sons of spirituall Babylon who most barbarously and cruelly torment the Saints and tread the holy City under foot these also are called Gentiles and heathen Now saith he the outward Court is not to be measured because it is given to the Gentiles it is a Gentiles portion a worldly Christian a carnall professor may take up use and be exercised in any of these externall things he may take up the highest forme of worship he may make the greatest profession of Godlinesse he may be exercised in the most eminent acts of Religion therefore measure not my true servants and Temple by these they are but the outward Court and the portion of Gentiles Fourthly What use doth the Gentiles make of these things They tread them under foot And the holy City
That the spirit of the Lord is the onely Standard and rule of divine thingâ— p. 15 16. Foure false rules of knowledge discovered 1. Flâ—shly wisdome p. 17. 2. Meer speculation p. 18. 3. Externall forme p. 19. 4. Historicall knowledge p. 20 21. Foure true principles of divine knowledg whereby we come to know the truth 1. By the Spirit p. 22. 2. By divine impressions p. 23. 3. In Jesus p. 24. 4. By trâ—â— Conformity p 25. 3 Ob That the Lord hath alwayes afforded his presence with his people even in the darkest saddest times of Antichrist's reigne p. 26. 4. Ob That the Lord had alwayes a people that did truly worship him p. 27. 5. Ob That the Lord doth accept of none to worship him but such as serve in his Temple and offer upon his Altar p. 28. 6. Ob That the true Saints of God have alwayes been measuring of divine things p. 29. From verse 2. we have 1. The outward Court explained p. 31 2. The outward Court rejected p. 32 3. The outward Court given to the Gentiles as their portion p. 34 4. The holy City is trodden under-foot by the Gentiles p. 35 5. The time of forty-two monâ—ths explained and compared p. 36 37 38 Observations from the wordâ— opened 1. Ob That all externall formes and professions of Christ without life and power are but shaddows p. 39 40 41 2. Ob That the true Temple Altar and worshippers of God are not to be measured by outward things p. 42 3. Ob That the outward forme of divine things is given for a time into the hands of Antichrist p. 43 44. 45 4. Ob The best use that Antichrist doth make of the holy Citie is to trample upon it p. 46 47 5. Ob Antichrist hath his prefixâ—d and limitted time in which he shall reigne p. 48 6. Ob That the shapes and formes in which Antichrist comes forth in to act his part are various and changeable p. 49 50 The spirit of Antichrist discovered in four particulars 51 52 53 54 The forme of Antichrist opened in severall shapes p. 55 56 1. In the forme of a Dragon p. 56 57 2. In the shape of a Leopard p. 58 59 3. In the appearance of a Beast with two hornes p. 60 4. In the shaddow of an Image which the Beast causeth to be set up p. 61 Those that up the Image of the Beast discovered by six Characters p. 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 Antichrist flies out of one forme into another p. 69 70 In verse 3. we have the mysterie of the wiâ—nesses in six things opened p. 70 1. The witnesses are enabled to prâ—phesie 1. From God originally p. 73 2. From Christ immediatly p. 74 The meanes by which the witnesses are impowered to prophesie 1. By the word p. 75 2. By the Spirit p. 76 2. The title of witnesses here given and why p. 77 3. The number of the witnesses and why they are called two p. 78 4. The office of the witnesses is to prophesie wherein we have two things 1. What it is to prophesie explained in three things p. 79 80 81 2. What testimony the witnesses give forth 1. Against the seed of the Serpent p. 82 2. Against the power of the Beast p 83 The Saints testifie against the power of the beast by holding forth 1. The prophesie of Christ p. 83 84 2. The Priesthood of Christ p. 85 3. The kingdome of Christ p. 86 87 5. The forme and state of the witnesses in sackcloth explained in three things p. 88 89 6 The duration of the witnesses prophesie a thousand two hundred and sixtie dayes opened p. 90 91 Observations from the words 1. Ob That none can give forth a testimony of Christ but such as are impowered thereto by Christ p. 92 2. Ob That all those that hold forth the truth of Christ opposing Antichrist are Christ's faithfull witnesses p 93 3. Ob That the witnesse of the Saints is a sufficient testimony p. 94 4. Ob That the whole bent of the witnesses prophesie hath alwayes been to uphold the truth of Christ against the falshood of Antichrist p. 95 5 Ob Those that have been most faithfull unto Christ and his truth have been most rejected of the world p. 96 6. Ob That Christ hath alwayes had a people to beare witnesse of his truth even in the saddest and darkest time of Antichrist's reigne p. 97 From verse 4. we have 1. Various opinions concerning the two witnesses p. 98 99 100 2. A full and positive description of the witnesses p. 101. The two olive trees as representing Christ explained in 4 particulars from p. 102. unto p. 109. The two Candlesticks as representing the Saints illustrated under 4 heads p. 111 112 113 The ground why Christ was represented by two olive trees 1. From his two-fold nature p. 115 116 117 2. From his two fold dispensation p. 118 119 120 121 The reason why the Saints are called two Candlesticks 1. They give forth an earthly testimony p. 123 124 2. They give out a heavenly testimony p. 125 126 127 Christ and his Saints are joyned in one and give forth one and the same testimony as is shewen in foure particulars p. 128 129 130 131 Observation from the whole That all the Saints and faithfull servants of God are his witnesses p. 132 133 134 135 In verse 5. we have a relation First the harmfull carriage of the enemy towards the witnesses p. 136 1. By restraining their persons p. 137 2. By rejecting their testimony p. 138 Secondly the witnesses defence by the fire issuing out of their moâ—ths 1. What is meant by fire p. 139 2. How it destroys the Adversary p. 140 Observations from hence 1. Ob That the Adversaries of Christ are alwayes ready to hurt his witnesses p. 141 2. Ob They that goe about to hurt the witnesses or hinder them in the course of their prophesie shall not goe unpunished p. 142 3. Ob That the witnesses shall prevaile against their enemies by the word of their testimony p. 143 144 4. Ob That the testimony of witnesses is of great force even while they prophesie in sackcloth p. 145 In verse 6. we have a threefold power given to the witnesses p. 146 First to shut heaven that it raine not where we have explained 1. What is meant by raine p. 147 2. What it is to shut heaven that it raine not p. 148 149 Secondly to turne waters into bloud where we have opened 1. What is meant by waters p. 150 2. What it is to turne waters into bloud p. 151 Thirdly to smite the earth with all plagues wherein we have 1. The agreement between the seals opening and the Trumpets sounding and the vialls powering forth p. 152 153 2. The seven vialls opened together with the seven seals and the seven Trumpets from p. 155. unto p. 169. Observations from the Text. 1. Ob That the testimony of the witnesses against the wayes and practises of
and spirituall presence by the coming downe of the new Jerusalem out of heaven which is nothing else but the light of the Gospel the glory of God the Spirit of Christ shining forth and dwelling in the hearts of Saints making them his Temple and Tabernacle Indeed Christ was the true Temple of God who was prefigured by the former Temple of the Jewes but the Saints being gathered up into Christ united to him in spirit joyned to him as members making up the fulnesse of his body they also together with Christ become the Temple of the living God Secondly the Altar doth represent unto us the true service and worship of the Lord. The Altar was that whereon the Priest was to offer sacrifice in the Temple or in the inner Court that joyned to the Temple which was the Priests Court and accounted part of the Temple it selfe both the Temple inner Court were holy appropriated unto the Priests onely but for the outward Court it was common for all people to come into it Now I say the Altar that was in the Court of the Temple doth signifie the true and reall service of the Lord the worship that beleevers tender unto him viz. all the prayers thankesgivings and praises they offer up all their parts gifts and graces that they imploy all their pains costs and endeavours all these I say are the sacrifices that the Saints do continually offer up to God by Jesus Christ the true Altar upon which they offer So that we have not onely Gods presence with his people making of them his Temple but here is also an Altar or the divine and spirituall worship of all beleevers in the Temple who are made an holy Priesthood to offer up spirituall sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ I Pet. 2. 5. Thirdly They that worship therein We are not onely to take notice of the worship but also of the worshippers not onely of the Temple but of those that serve in the Temple not onely of the Altar but also of those that offer thereon The true worshippers are those that worship God in spirit that draw nigh to him in faith and assurance that know whom they worship and worship him whom they know these know him that is true and they truly serve him Here is a distinction made between the false worshippers and the true between those that onely worship in the outward Court mentioned in the next verse that onely worship in the externall forme or superficiall part of things and those that are the true spirituall Priests of the Lord who enter into the inner Court and into the Temple of God and worship there These are they that the Lord doth take notice and accept of that he will owne for his true worshippers and servants namely those that worship in his Temple and offer upon his Altar The words being thus opened we come to take notice of some Observations that doe necessarily arise from them The first observation is this That I Observe the Lord doth suitably prepare his people to receive such things as himselfe doth impart unto them This is taken from Johns qualification when the Angel bids him arise to raise up his minde and affections from low meane and carnall apprehensions and objects and to fix them on those things that were divine and heavenly even to the understanding and knowledge of these heavenly mysteries that the Lord revealed unto him by the mouth of a mighty and strong Angel Suitable unto this is that in Revel 4. 1 2. When the Angel sounded his Trumpet the voice sayd Come up hither and I will shew thee things to come Now what did this voyce signifie by saying ascend or come up c. it is not meant of his bodily motion or change of his stâ—tion but a translation or change of his minde For saith John Immediatly I was in the Spirit That is he was in a heavenly rapture or heavenly extasie he was spiritually carried up into heaven The like expression we have in 2 Cor. 12. 2. where the Apostle sayth he was caught up into the third heaven Meaning thereby that he was in an exceeding high and heavenly rapture or spirituall transfiguration of minde and spirit that so he might heare those unutterable revelations of divine mysterie from the Lord. Thus Moses is taken up into the Mount with God when he receives the Law at his mouth Exod. 24. 12. So were the Apostles taken up with Christ upon the holy Mount to behold his glorious transfiguration as the Apostle relateth 2 Pet. 1. 18. Now by the Mount is resembled that high and heavenly pitch of a minde enlightned of affections raised of a heart spirituallized whereby the Lord doth suitably prepare his people to receive such things as hee doth discover unto them Now as the Lord doth suitably prepare his Saints to entertaine heavenly things by enlarging their capacities strengthening their knowledge and raising their affections so he doth also make them to be of the same nature and quality as his discovery is that he makes knowne unto them The creature is whatsoever the voice of the creator is unto him If the Lord speak to any onely by naturall things as by corne wine and oyle and the like Such unto whom the Lord comes in these and no more they are meerly carnall and naturall they heare God speaking in these and they cannot ascend higher And so if the Lord speak in the heavenly visions of divine glory through his Son unto any then these unto whom he thus speakes become gracious and heavenly suitable unto the voice that speakes unto them It is said in Heb. 1. 2. God hath spoken in these last dayes by his Son and how is it then the Apostle tells us in Gal. 4. 6. Because ye are Sonnes God hath sent the spirit of his Sonne into your hearts So that when God speaks to us by his Sonne it makes us to be sonnes also and when we are sonnes then the Lord speaks to us by the spirit of his Sonne Whatsoever the voice of Christ is unto us such are our hearts such are our mindes and affections the whole frame and nature of our spirits is such as his discovery is unto us Therefore it is most unpossible the Lord should reveale heavenly mysteries and shew forth his visions of divine glory unto any but he must also raise up the minds affections of such unto some proportionable and suitablenesse of spirit to receive such revelations from his mouth Secondly Observe That the spirit 2 Observ of the Lord is the onely rule and standard of divine and heavenly things This is taken from Johns qualification enabling him to measure the Temple And there was given me a reed like unto a rod Which reed or rod doth represent unto us the Spirit of the Lord the true rule and measure of divine truth The word and spirit are all one for saith Christ in Joh. 6. 63. My words are spirit and life
The outward word is but the clothing of the spirit neither hath it life and power but as the spirit doth goe forth in it Then the spirit is the true measure whereby we may take an equall scantlet or true dimention of heavenly things This is that the Apostle doth plainly tell us in 1 Cor. 2. 10. That the Spirit doth reveale the deep things of God So that the deep and hidden things the most secret mysteries of gospel-Gospel-truth are revealed unto us by the Spirit Now what man is it that doth not imagine he hath the true measure and rule of the things of God Every man pretends it and lays claime unto it Therefore before I passe this poynt I shall shew upon what grounds many men are mistaken and also make knowne what are the true foundations and principles of the true knowledge and discernnance of the things of God Concerning the false rules whereby men mistake take notice of these which follow First Fleshly wisdome and carnall reason are the principles that many men thinke to finde out truth by and by these principles of nature they would professe to attaine unto the knowledge of divine things but there is an utter inability in man by all his corrupted principles of nature rightly to judge or discerne of spirituall things Christ tells Nicodemus That which is borne of flesh is flesh Joâ— 3. 6. Now what doth he meane by flesh he doth not meane materiall flesh and bloud but he meaneth the corrupted principles of mans nature the wisdome will and affections of the nâ—turall man which cannot enter into the kingdome of God Againe the Apostle tells us of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an animate sensuall or naturall man and of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a spirituall man or one enlightned by the spirit of God Now the naturall man is not able to judge of things above the principles of nature for every truth is discerned by principles of light suitable to it selfe Hence it is that the Apostle saith in 1 Cor. 2. 11. No man knoweth the things of man but the spirit of man that is in him Now what are the things of man but all created things of whom man is the epitome or compendium of them all they being all comprehended within him as in a Mapp or short abridgement so as for the secret and hidden things of nature or of the creature there is none can fadome or comprehend them but the spirit of man or the reason wisdome or understanding of man So it falls out in the things of God for saith the Apostle Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God Heavenly things are onely judged and discerned by him that is spirituall who judgeth all things by a true light Then it is in vaine for man to grope in the darknesse of his own wisdome and reason after the knowledge of heavenly truth Mans knowledge is a weak and dimme light as the light of a Candle to the light of the day or like the shine of the Moon unto the glory of the Sun it is a low fleshly and most unperfect light and altogether insufficient to measure divine things by Secondly Many there be that ground their knowledge of divine things upon some barren notion or fruitlesse opinion or meer speculation and when they have got some jejune and dry Maximes of Divinity or some poor lean and saplesse syllogisticall reasonings that then thinke they have attained to a most compleat knowledge of the things of God and that they are well seen in the mystery of truth when alas all these things are not sufficient to present unto the soul the least glimpse of true and saving light Thirdly Others thinke that the whole mystery of truth is bound up or comprehened within some circle or forme of Religion Such as these are apt to say Lo here and lo there as Christ speaks in Luke 17. 21. that is Lo here is Christ in this way of worship in this form of Religion in this opinion and doctrine but saith Christ The kingdome of God is within you That is The kingdome of God is not so much of forme but of power of righteousnesse and peace of light and joy of love and life and all these are best manifested within us for Christ is best knowne where he lives It hath been the practice of Antichrist to cry up the Temple of the Lord while they cry downe the Lord of the Temple and to take up the forme of Religion as a meanes to persecute the power thereof Then t is not an empty and barren forme of Religion that can furnish us with the true light of the kingdome of Christ or the knowledge of his will Fourthly and lastly the most of men thinke that if they have some historicall knowledge of Christ and some literall knowledge of the Scriptures and are trained up as Parrets to speake over such things as they read in books and Treatises and are well versed in the Systems and body of Divinity that then they are sufficiently instructed in the mysteries of the Gospel when alas the truths of God are hidden from their eyes and every word and letter they read are written with an unknowne character which cannot be deciphered without the Spirit of God The most learned Scribe the greatest Rabbie that shall understand the Originall language in which the Text of Scripture was first written as the Hebrew and the Greeke but yet shall want the language of the Spirit cannot give a true interpretation of the hidden and secret truths contained in the Scripture There is not onely a history but also a mystery of Christ there is not onely letter but also Spirit in the Scriptures which the most learned in the world cannot finde out without the Spirit of Christ The Apostle gives in a full testimony unto this in citing of that place which saith I will destroy the wisdome of the wise and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent where is the wise where is the Scribe where is the disputer of this world hath not God made foolishnesse the wisdome of this world 1 Cor. 1. 19 20. Then t is not carnall reason or fleshly wisdome t is not a barren notion or meer speculation t is not a round circle or empty forme t is not a literall knowledge or historicall relation of Christ and the Scriptures that are sound principles of saving light or the true measures or rules by which we may discerne spirituall things Thus having shewen rules and principles whereby men are mistaken in their judgement of divine things Now it followeth in the second place that wee make a discovery of those principles of light and truth whereby we may come to a true sight and knowledge of the things of God First Divine truths are knowne by the Spirit The Apostle tells us in 1 Joh. 5. 6. The spirit is truth The spirit is the fullest the highest the most absolute and the most comprehensive truth it 's
the originall and ground it 's perfection and end it 's the judge and standard of all truth It is most true that God hath made sense and reason the judge and standard of such truths that are within their owne compasse and circuit and are able to perceive and discerne such objects that are suitable to themselves but they can ascend no higher Now for spirituall things saith the Apostle they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2. 12. They cannot be judged or rightly understood without a spirituall apprehension and enlightned judgement therefore he saith in verse 9. Eye hath not seen eare hath not heard c. That is both the sense of seeing and hearing and also the reason and understanding of the heart are poore low and darke principles too superficiall too scant and narrow to judge divine things by Therefore the Apostle concludes in vers 11. That none knows the things of God but the Spirit of God which searcheth the deep things of God it is that alone openeth the deep and hidden mysteries of truth And hence the Apostle affirmes in verse 15. The spirituall man judgeth or discerneth all things Secondly Heavenly things are best discovered by a divine impression of them on the heart This is that the Apostle testifies of the Corinthians saying Yee are our Epistle written in our hearts knowne and read of all men for as much as ye are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by us written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God not in Tables of stone but in the fleshly Tables of the heart 2 Cor. 3. 2 3. As if the Apostle had said yee are the seal of our Apostleship ye are our commendatory letters the truth is most of all manifested by that divine impresse it hath upon your hearts it 's written there with a more lively character and more easie to be deciphered then if it were written with inke and paper or on Tables of stone The truths of God are not so well discovered by the word and letter without us as by the word and spirit within us The mystery of the Gospel is most of all seen when it is engraven upon our hearts by the indeleble characters of the Spirit of God Thirdly To know the truth aright is to know it in Jesus according to that expression of the Apostle in Ephes 4. 21 22. If so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him as the truth is in Jesus that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitfull lusts and be renewed in the spirit of your minde and that ye put on the new man which after God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse The Apostle shews plainly that to know the truth in Jesus is by the putting off the old man being corrupt and by putting on the new man c. wherein he doth compare the naturall and corrupt estate of man to an old worn-out garment which is fit for nothing but to be cast off layd aside and the new man which is the impression of the image of Gods righteousnes and holines on the soul he doth compare to a new garment fit to put on be adorned withall and hereby our mindes shall be renewed changed and regenerated from the naturall depravation of the understanding will and affections and wholly be filled and acted with spirit light life of Christ And hereby are we able to discerne the truths of Jesus as they are manifested to our new man or as they are represented to our mindes as being renewed according to the image and glory of Jesus Christ Fourthly and lastly we come to know the truth by our conformity unto it When there is a sweet complyance of our spirits with the will of God then we come to know most of the mystery of his will And this Christ himselfe doth beare witnesse of when he saith If any man will doe his will he shall know of my doctrine Joh. 7. 17. Now what is it to do the will of God but to have an harmonious consent and sweet complyance of our wills with the divine will of God whereby our wills are more enlarged in the knowledge and extent of his will our wills and his will as it were meeting and concentring in one Thus the soule becomes best acquainted with the knowledge of the truth and is enabled to understand the unknowne and hidden mysteries of heavenly things whereby it is able to judge aright and give a true dimention or measure of them And thus much for the rules or principles by which we are to judge and measure divine things Thirdly Observe from the Temples 3 Observ being measured That the Lord hath alwayes afforded his divine presence with his people even in the darkest and saddest time of Antichrists raigne The measuring of the Temple here hath an allusion unto Ezek. 40. where the Temple was measured that it might appeare the whole frame and order thereof was from the Lord. So here the Lord doth preserve a holy people to himselfe and by his divine presence with them doth measure them out for his Temple So that he doth preserve a spirituall forme of a Temple by his divine presence with his people even all the times of the generall Antichristian Apostacie and defection when there was no outward forme of a Temple when Antichrist sat in the visible Temple and exalted himselfe above all grasping all power and authority all rule and dominion then I say at the very time of the powerfull raigne of the Man of sin God would have us take notice that he did preserve a people to himselfe and by his divine presence love and protection did make them his Temple Fourthly Observe from the measuring 4 Observ of the Altar That the Lord had alwayes a people that did truly worship him Christ is the true Altar of God and all the Saints are made spirituall Priests to offer up their sacrifices and services on him The Saints draw nigh to God in sincerity they serve the Lord in spirit they worship him in spirit They did alway offer up upon the true Altar sacrificing all that was deare unto them their friends their goods their preferments their parts their lives and all that was deare unto them Such hath been the love of the faithfull unto the service of Christ that not withstanding all the rage and sury of Antichrist vexing and persecuting of them by imprisoument and death and whatsoever could be inflicted on them yet they could never be made weary of the profession of Christ but their faith and graces have alwayes been so impregnable and indefatigable that they could never be worne out or made to give over the service of Christ Fifthly Observe in that the true 5 Observ worshippers must be measured That the Lord doth accept of none but his true worshippers such as worship in his Temple and offer upon his Altar Christ
2. Now from this phrase of dropping we may argue that both Moses and Ezekiel had their prophesie from the Lord. For looke as the clouds from whence raine descends to mollifie the earth and to cause grasse and flowers to spring have not their water originally and natively in themselves but from the Sea and moistned places of the earth exhal'd and drawn up by the heat of the Sun so have not the Prophets a spirit of prophesie whereby they of themselves are able to discover divine mystery and revelation but it is drawne out of a full sea of that excellent knowledge and wisdome that is in God himselfe Then the Prophets must of necessity receive their message originally from God himselfe But Secondly They receive prophesie mediatly from Christ unto whom the Lord hath committed the whole administration of all things concerning his Church and kingdome And we have that passage 1 Sam. 3. 21. The Lord revealed himselfe unto Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord. By the word of the Lord is here meant Christ the eternall word by whom the Lord doth reveale himselfe as in Joh. 1. 18. So that Christ is brought in by way of mediation as by whom the Lord should reveale himselfe Suitable unto this is that passage in Genes 19. 24. The Lord rained upon Sodome and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven The Lord raining brimstone by the Lord is meat that the Lord did administer judgement by Christ as Mediator Christ is here brought forth acting in the office of his mediatorship though according to his divine nature he acts immediatly from himselfe without such dependance or subordination yet I say as Mediator he receives from the father and so communicates what he receives unto his Saints Thus you see from whom these Prophets receive power to prophesie and that 's from the Lord himselfe First from God originally Secondly from Christ as Mediator Secondly by what meanes the Lord doth thus impower these Prophets and that is first by his word Secondly by his Spirit First It is by the word that these Prophets are enabled to give forth their testimony Christs Commission to his Disciples was to preach the word Matth. 28. 19 20. And Christ is sayd to ride prosperously on the word of truth Psal 45. 4. John beares record of the word of God Revel 1. 2. The Saints were slaine for the word of God Revel 12. 11. This word is the sword that proceeds out of Christs mouth Revel 1. 16. The word being called the sword of Christ imports that it is full of efficacy and power of great force and prevalency discerning the thoughts and subduing the imaginations of the heart This is that spirituall weapon whereby the Saints are able to encounter with their enemies and to overcome the evill one to testifie against Antichrist Secondly by the Spirit which gives life and power unto the word The Gospel is called the ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 8. because the Spirit joynes it selfe with the word and makes it a quickning and powerfull word And therefore it is that Christ saith My words are spirit and life Joh. 6. 63. Christs word doth not go forth as a dead thing but as a quickning power not as a killing letter but as a powerfull spirit So that the word cannot be separated from the Spirit nor the Spirit from the word they both joyntly concur and agree in one The word is the habit or clothing of the spirit and the spirit is the life and power of the word by these meanes namely the word and spirit are the witnesses impowered to prophesie Secondly the title given unto those that testifie against Antichrist they are called witnesses This appellation is given to Christ being called the faithfull witnes Revel 1. 5. And the true witnesse Chap. 3. 14. Likewise he was promised to be given as a witnesse to the people Isa 55. 4. Therefore he tells Pilate that he came into the world to beare witnesse of the truth Joh. 18. 37. In like manner are the Saints called Witnesses as being called forth to testifie of the will minde of God before the world Thus it was sayd of John Baptist that he was sent as a witnesse of the light Joh. 1. 7. And to him meaning to Christ gave all the Prophets witnesse Act. 10. 43. The Saints that suffered for Christ suffered for the witnesse of Jesus Revel 20. 4. There is one place where by the Prophet both Christ and the Saints are brought in as joynt witnesses where the Lord speaking of his people sayth Ye are my witnesses and signifying of Christ farther saith And my servant that I have chosen Esa 43. 10. So that as Christ doth receive a message from the Father he doth truly and faithfully give forth his testimony as appeares in Joh. 3. 32. So also the Saints that receive his word and declare their testimony of his truth do set to their seal and witnesse of the truth as it is in Jesus and doe give forth testimony thereof before the world Thirdly The number of these witnesses and they are two Some say that there are onely two eminent persons here meant not exceeding the number expressed Others that thereby are meant the two Testaments so make the Scripture to be the witnesse here spoken of or else two in regard of their types which are presented to us by paires as Zerubbabel and Joshua the two anoynted ones and Moses and Elias that caused fire to come downe from heaven Also Moses and Aaron by whom the water in Aegypt was turned into bloud as we shall understand more in the sequell Or more especially they are called two witnesses in proportion to the Law that would not take an accusation unlesse asserted by two witnesses Matth. 18. 16. So here because there shall be a sufficient testimony given forth against Antichrist by the faithfull witnesses of Christ they are called two as most compleat and answerable to the Law Deut. 17. 6. Thus you have their number they are two Witnesses Fourthly Their office and employment follows They Prophesie Now in that they are stiled Witnesses and doe Prophesie wee are to consider two things First What we are to understand here by Prophesie Secondly What is the testimony they give forth By Prophesie wee may understand three things First to prophesie it is to foretell things to come to declare things that shall come to passe according to that saying in Esa 42. 9. Behold former things are come to passe and new things doe I declare before they spring forth I tell you of them Now though this be chiefly meant of Christ yet it is foretold by the Prophet as being first revealed to him So that prophesie is a dlvine prediction or a foretelling of things to come by a heavenly revelation Secondly to prophesie sometimes is meant of understanding the mystery of prophesie or of such things as are forespoken of as to open and declare the mystery
unto you ver 3. So that onely those that receive from the Lord a gift a revelation or spirituall understanding such onely are able to give forth a testimony of Christ and of his truth These witnesses can admonister the things of God suitably to what they have received of the gift or measure of Christ Secondly Observe That all those that 2 Observ bold forth the truth of Christ opposing Antichrist are his witnesses This is the title the Lord gives them here these are my two witnesses these testifie of me these hold forth my truth by declaration and by profession as if the Lord had said these are mine they owne me they suffer for me they indure the word of my patience and I will own them for my witnesses they bearing witnesse of my truth Therefore every individuall Saint that doth according to his measure and ability either by preaching praying writing or profession hold forth the power and authority of Christ against the usurpation and tyranny of Antichrist whosoever he be of what quality or degree soever the same is a witnesse of Christ to testifie against the man of sin that wicked one that son of perdition Thirdly Observe That the witnesse 3 Observ of the Saints is a sufficient testimony They are called two witnesses by whom a thing is confirmed and ratified Therefore God hath not left himselfe without witnesse but hath alwayes sent forth such as would have healed Babylon but she refused to be healed and repented not of her deeds still persisting in her abominations Hence it is that the Apostle saith God should send them strong delusions that they should 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beleeve a lie that they might be damned or judged that beleeved not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousnesse 2 Thes 2. 11 12. That is because of their obdurate malice and incredulity shutting their eyes against the truth that was sufficiently held forth by these witnesses therefore the Lord would blinde their eyes by a restraint of his grace and wholly give them up to Satan to captivate their mindes and seduce their understandings that they should beleeve lying false doctrines to take pleasure in unrighteousnesse so as by their prodigious lies and forged superstitions they should mightily oppose the truth Fourthly Observe That the whole 4 Observ been of the witnesses prophesie hath alwayes been to uphold the truth of Christ against the falshood of antichrist The things they prophesie shall come to passe is the kingdome of Christ and the ruine of Antichrist The testimony they give forth is that the power of the anointing in the anointed shall subdue the seed of the Serpent and that Christ as Prophet Priest and King shall overcome the wisdome worship and dominion of the beast Thus they prophesie and continually powre forth their testimony bearing witnesse unto the truth this is their message they have to declare and they make it their continuall study and practice faithfully to discharge this message and trust Thus Christ tells Pilate For this cause saith he came I into the world to beare witnesse of the truth Joh. 18. 37. This was Christs worke and businesse and this is the great arrand and embassage of all his people to beare witnesse of the truth and to set to their scales that Christ is true and that Antichrist is a lier a seducer full of untruth and unrighteousnesse Fiftly Observe Those that have been 5 Observ most faithfull unto Christ and his truth have been most rejected of the world These witnesses being persecuted in their persons and flighted in their testimony they are made to mourne and put on sackcloth Thus it was with Christ while he was on earth he did as it were prophesie in sackcloth being rejected Esa 53. 3. and despised of men was a man of sorrows and griefe his testimony was rejected his words contradicted his person set at nought and all because he did testifie of the truth The same measure is given forth to all his faithfull servants the true ground of all their sufferings is the testimony they give forth for bearing witnesse unto the truth The soules under the Altar were slaine for the testimony that they held Revel 6. 9. Sackcloth and mourning have been the portion of all such as witnessed the truth in the time of the powerfull raigne of Antichrist Sixtly and lastly Observe That Christ 6 Observ hath alwayes had a people to beare witnesse of his truth even in the saddest and darkest time of Antichrists raigne The time of the witnesses prophesie in sackcloth is as long as the time as the man of sin hath to trample under the holy Citie Though the times werenever so dark and persecutions never so cruell yet still there was alwayes a remnant that were neither so farre blinded nor so much discouraged as to give out as that they should withhold their witnesse unto the truth When Elijah thought he had been left alone the Lord had preserved to himselfe seven thousand that had not bowed the knee to Baal nor kissed him I King 19. 18. So all the time of the generall apostacie and defection under the man of sin the Lord hath reserved to himselfe such as he hath kept from the evill of the time that would not yeeld to the worship nor conforme to the idolatrous courses of Antichrist VERS 4. Those are the two Olive trees and the two Candlesticks standing before the God of the earth HAving already spoken of the authority title number and office of these witnesses also of the manner and duration of them in their office now we are led to enquire who they are of whom in this fourth verse we have a sufficient draught and ful description Before I come to declare positively who these witnesses are I shall first shew you what the various opinions of men are in this thing First There are those that would have these two witnesses to be meant of the two Testaments which they call Law and Gospel namely the Scriptures but this interpretation is too remote from the adequate sence and meaning of the place for these witnesses are brought in as men and personated by men that are brought in as their types and are described by such actions that they should performe before the world therefore I shall consent that the Scriptures are the Testimony that these witnesses give forth but not the witnesses themselves Secondly Others understand the two witnesses to be meant of Godly Magistrates and Godly Ministers viz. two eminent ranks of men of the same quality as Zerubbabel and Joshua were of Now though this interpretation doth beare some Analogie and proportion to the truth the text cannot be so restrained for those two eminent types did rather prefigure Christ who is here brought in as the great witnesse meant by the two Olive trees as will appeare by the sequell therefore if Christ be chiefly personated by Zerubbabel and Joshua there is then no necessity to
word of God and despised his long-suffering in the dayes of Noah while the Arke was preparing Here that which Noah a Preacher of righteousnesse did is attributed unto Christ because Noah was but instrumentall in the businesse it was Christ in the spirit that put himselfe forth in and through Noah In like manner it was sayd that whatsoever the prisoners did in the prison Joseph was the doer of it Gen. 39. 22. because they did it by warrant leave from him or by his dictation commandement Just so Christ is sayd to prophesie all the dayes of Antichrist because his people receive their commission and power from him as managing of his cause and quarrell It is sayd in vers 8. that Christ was crucified in Egypt and in Sodome which cannot be meant of Christ's person because he was crucified at Jerusalem but it 's meant of Christ in his people his Saints being overcome and killed in spirituall Egypt and Sodome So that we sâ—e plainly that the testimony that these witnesses give forth is Christ's testimony it 's Christ in his Saints it 's the power of the most high one in his people In these respects Christ is brought in as having a share in this prophesie under the powerfull raigne of the beast From this whole verse thus opened take this one observation That all and Observ every one of the Saints are Gods witnesses The witnesses here meant cannot be onely appropriated to Magistrates and Ministers or to any two eminent persons neither are they to be restrained to those onely that suffered martyrdome in their bodies but of all Saints of evâ—ry individuall Saint of what quality or degree soever that gives forth a testimony of the truth of Christ all that doe according to their measures and abilities continually oppose the wayes and devices of Antichrist Christ the great and faithfull witnesse as the olive treâ— doth powre out his oyle of divine spirit into the Câ—ndlesticks of his people whereby they are enabled to shine as lights in the middest oâ— all the perverse generations of men and among ali the gain sayers of the truth The Propheâ— testifieth that the Lord will sinite the earth with the â—oâ— of his mouth and with the breath of his lips will destroy the wicked Esa 11. 4. The Saints of the most high have the everlasting word of God abiding and dwelling in their hears and as they hold forth the testimony thereof they are the very lips and breath of the Lord whereby â—e bruiseth his enemies and bâ—eaks â—hâ—n in pieces The Apostle doth affiâ—â—e that Antichrist shall be destroyed by the brightnesse of Christs coming 2 Thâ—s 2. 8. Now what is the brightnesse of Christâ— coming but his gloâ—â—ion rayes and bright bâ—â—mâ—s of heavenly diâ—coveries of light and truth that he shine forth withall through his people The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to consume by degrees to wast a thing by little and little untill it be consumed and come to nothing So shall the dissolution of Antichrist be by degrees by little and little even as the Lord shall be pleased to encrease and double his Spirit upon his people whereby they are enabled to testifie against the beast his image against the false Prophet and the deceiver and thus by degrees shall the man of sin be destroyed Now we perceive that it 's not onely for the wise and learned neither for the great and mighty ones to testifie of Christ or that they are those by whom Antichrist should be destroyed but it s for Saints of all degrees for every member how poore how meane soever that have received of that holy oyle from Christ the true olive tree that shines forth with the glorious testimony of Christ I say every such one is a Prophet and witnesse of the Lord. Then all those poor low and despised ones that have according to their measures and attainments given forth their testimony for Christ his truth against Antichrist and his falshood all the times of persecution as it were in the wildernesse and in sackcloth these I say are the witnesses here spoken of these are the two Candlesticks who receive a full supply from the two olive branches these stand before the Lord of the whole earth holding forth the word of truth and the testimony of Jesus in opposition to the man of sin that wicked one that son of perdition Such honour have all his Saints though in the wildernesse and clothed with sackcloth though under much persecution and trouble yet these are the Candlesticks of the Lord set by the true olive tree Jesus Christ receive of his oyle into themselves they together with Christ stand before the Lord of the whole earth and shine as lights in the world So much for the discovery of whom is meant by the two witnesses It followeth VERS 5. And if any man hurt them fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies and if any man will hurt them he must in this manner be killed HAving made a large description of the witnesses declaring who they are and what their businesse Now we come to shew how they are impowered to deale with their adversaries whereby we perceive the powerfull effects of their prophesie If any man will hurt them fire proceedeth out of their mouths c. In this verse consider first the haâ—mful carriage of the adversaries towards the witnesses If any man hurt them Secondly the means of defence or opposition made by the witnesses towards their adversaries fire proceedeth out of their mouths c. First the deportment of the adversary and that is expressed hypothetically or conditionally If any man c. whereby a certainty is affirmed This indefinite speech doth not imply that it should be a rare thing for men thus to doe but rather a certainty of punishment should be inflicted upon all those that should any way oppose these two faithfull witnesses If any man hurt them c. It cannot be meant as though few should hurt or injure them but rather that there should be no exception of persons amongst any that should hurt them none should goe unpunished for any exterior adjuncts or qualities whatsoever let them be of any kinde ranke or degree they should suffer for their violence offered to them The certainty of the enemies opposing the witnesses is held forth by the doubling of the phrase So Joseph tells Pharaoh that by the doubling of his dream the thing was established Gen. 41. 32. But how are these witnesses hurt by their enemies First by restraining of their persons by persecution imprisonment banishment and the like It hath been the practice of the beast continually to make war with the Saints with those that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Revel 11 17. Secondly by rejecting their testimony the enemy doth not onely go about to hinder the course of their testimony but also to turne the truth they hold forth into a
be when they have finished their testimony These witnesses have a time to prophesie and also a time when they shall finish their testimony and then they are slaine The maine thing we are to quire after is to know when these have finished their testimony and then we shall easily know when they are to be slaine Now the most received opinion is that these witnesses never come to finish their testimony untill neer the end and period of Antichrists raigne that there should be some great and eminent slaughter at the latter end of their prophesie upon the declining of Antichrist's state and kingdome but this is far remote from the true scope and sence of â—he truth in this place for so the slaying of the witnesses should be restrained to some particular persons and to some particular time and that neer the end of Antichrists raigne whereas the slaving of the witnesses is a continued act even all the dayes of the powerfull raigne of the beast who doth alwayes make war against these and doth alwayes overcome and kill the holy people all the time that the holy Citie is given into his hand to trample upon them and abuse them Then the time when these witnesses have finished their testimony is meant no more then this that when any of the faithfull servants of Christ shall in any age or time of Antichrist faithfully and fully discharge their trust deliver their message give forth their testimony of those truths of Christ that they are convinced of against Antichrist and the present evills of the times they live under then they are sayd to finish their testimony 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is variously translated the most accute render it when they are about to finish their testimony This they doe before they are slaine and because they doe this therefore they are slaine for they are slaine because of the testimony they give forth Thus Christ was sayd to finish hu worke Joh. 17. 4. by that faithfull testimony he gave of the Father And Paul tells us he had finished his course 2 Tim. 4. 7. when he had faithfully discharged his trust by preaching the Gospel according to his Commission So the Saints in every age and time when they have faithfully given in their evidence and testimony of that truth they know then they have finished their testimony and not that all the witnesses should first give in their testimony and at the last a few of them should be slaine but that I say every Saint every witnesse of the Lord in every age and time shall faithfully give in his testimony and then is slaine so that the slaying of the witnesses is not confined to one time or the last period of Antichrist but their slaying continues as long as their prophesie in sackcloth as we shall shew more hereafter Secondly by whom shall these witnesses be slaine and that is by the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomlesse pit Now for the opening of this passage consider three things First who is meant by this beast Secondly from whence he cometh Thirdly the forme or manner of his coming First by this beast is meant Antichrist who is so called from his beastly nature being most fierce and cruell most barbarous and dangerous So he is called a beast in Chap. 13. 4 5. because his mouth is full of blasphemy and his carriage full of inhumanity for his rage fury and madnesse he is like unto a beast being of a devouring nature and of a beastly disposition The whorish woman is sayd to ride upon the beast Chap. 17. 7. The woman is that whorish and Antichristian spirit that doth ride forth and act by a beastly inhumane power and as a beast doth devour and destroy and the Kings of the earth give their power unto the beast and so they become beastly fierce and untractable also The beast then is no other then that wicked one that son of perdition that spirit of wickednesse that mystery of iniquity putting it selfe forth in some corrupt and beast-like power and carriage most fierce and devouring it is Antichrist in his power and greatnesse oppressing and destroying the Saints of the most high So much for the description of the beast Secondly from whence this beast doth arise and that is from the bottomlesse pit or deep Abysse The beast mentioned in Chapt. 13. 1. is sayd to arise out of the sea that is out of many peoples and nations And the beast in vers 13. is sayd to arise out of the earth from a kingly or earthly power But this beast that slayeth the witnesses shall arise out of the bottomlesse pit Three things are sayd to ascend out of the bottomeesse pit First the smoke of the bottomlesse pit Chap. 9. 2. which is meant of all Antichristian darknesse and confusion Secondly we read of the Angel of the bottomlesse pit Chap. 9. 11. which is Satan called therefore Apollyon that is to say a destroyer whose worke is to destroy others Lastly we have the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomlesse pit spoken of here and also in Chap. 17. 8. First the smoke of the bottomlesse pit is meant of that darknesse and confusion of that ignorance blindnesse that doth arise upon the soule as a thicke cloud from the fleshly acting of the heart whereby the minde and understanding is wholly darkned and obscured according to that of the Apostle speaking of the Gentiles saith Having their understanding darkned being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindnesse of their heart Ephes 4. 18. Blindnesse and darknesse is upon all the thoughts and inventions upon all the carnall actings of the flesh Secondly the Angel of the bottomlesse pit is Satan that Prince of darknesse that evill spirit that rules in the children of disobedience Ephes 2. 2. The Prince and power of darknesse by his instigations and suggestions doth rule and sway mans heart By the close of mans heart with Satan he is captivated ensnared and so brought into subjection unto him as unto a mighty Prince or Ruler Thus we see who is ment by the Angel of the bottomles pit Thirdly the beast of the bottomlesse pit is Antichrist in the forme of a beast or acting in his beastly inhumane power with much cruelty and fiercenesse Now what is this bottomlesse pit or deep Abysse that hath no bottome it cannot be measured none can take a dimention of it now I say what is this but that hellish working those fleshly imaginations those blacke and beastly devices of mans heart whereof there is no measure or end none can fadome them none can search the bottome of them Wee told you before that the frame and image of Antichrist did arise from the spirit of Antichrist so here this beast or power of darknesse that slayeth the witnesses ariseth out of that hellish wickednesse that rage and cruelty from that darknesse and confusion in the heart of man this is the pit
5. The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is not put for the true forme or essence of godliness but for an externall profession and conformity thereunto by a meer resemblance vizard or shew of holinesse So all the formality of Antichrist doth consist in externall gestures behaviours rites and ceremonies without the pure efficacious powerfull inward worship of God in spirit and truth so all their formal profession is but as a dead body a Carkase without the life or spirit of Christ Secondly observe That it is not so 2 Observ much the outward forme or figures of worship that Antichrist seeks to suppresse as it is the spirit and testimonies of the Witnesses The world doth patch up their whole Religion from the externall formes or bodies of the witnesses these lye in every street of the great Citie in all the Territories and Dominions of the Antichristian Church There is not one street or part of the worldly church but hath store of these Monuments and Images of the worship and service of God that they have taken up from the Witnesses laying of them down when the Saints worship God in the inward Temple in the Wilderness then these Gentiles possesse themselves of the outward Court take it as their portion and use it at their pleasures As Mahomet tooke part of the Jewish customes and part of the Christians practice and so patch'd up his forme of worship So Antichrist hath taken the externall formes that the Witnesses had before exercised in and adding his own inventions makes up a formall R ligion that he sets up in all the streeâ—s and territories of the great Citie viz. the whole Antichristian Church So that there is no Church no State part or Dominion where Antichrist hath to do but there we may see the bodies of the Witnesses the forms and images of the worship that they have been exercised in and have layd aside Thirdly from the resemblance observ 3 Obser That Antichrist is full of spirituall uncleannesse and cursed cruelty All the pride gluttony fulnesse of bread and abundance of idlenesse and filthinesse of Sodome all the wick dnesse idolatry rage envie and malice of Aegypt doth but set forth the sinfulnesse of the man of sin the sonne of perdition yea all that abominable wickedness heightned spi itualized and grown more vile and mysterious as it is acted by Antichrist Here is the silthiness of Sodome the idolatry of Aegypt the oppression of Babylon in a mysterie all under the preteâ—ce of piety and godliness This Citie is called the greatwhore Rev. 17. 1. because of the multitudes of her spirituall fornications And the mother of harlots vers 5. being a teacher and nourisher of others in her silthy whoredoms bringing up children of whoredoms Also she hath in her hands the cup ful of abominations a glorious cup to allure others to drink the wine of her fornicatior and to partake with her in cursed idolatrous practices Besides the enmity rage and cruelty of the Beast is alwayes vexing and tormenting the Israel of God Here is the filthinesse of Sodome and the enmity of Aegypt practiced by Antichrist in the mystery of iniquity drawn up to the greatest pitch heightâ—ed to the utmost extreamity deposing Christ and his truths advancing flesh and sinne into Christs throne and so becomes beastly and most abominable Fourthly and lastly observe It is 4 Obser the very life spirit and image of Christ that Antichrist doth chiefly oppose in slaying the Witnesses It is not so much the persons or bodies of these Witnesses they of the world do so much oppose but the appearance and life of Christ in them it 's the same wickedness that put Christ to death in his person and it 's still the same wickedness that slayeth Christ in his Saints and truth The very name of Antichrist signifies one that opposes Christ if this were not his worke and aime he could not be Antichrist who indeed is one that fights against Christ under the very forme of Christ And as it 's Christ he aimes at so it 's Christ that is slain and crucified it 's our Lord his truth his image that 's slain in spiritual Sodome Aegypt And in as much as ' its Christ he crucifieth killeth great shall be the judgment of Babylon as wee may see in Chap. 17. when God shall recompence upon the man of fin the blood of the Prophets and the blood of the Saints and of all that were slame upon the earth vers 24. And last of all the Lord will reckon with Antichrist for the blood of Christ for crucifying the Lord af glorie Christ tels the Jewes that upon that generation should be brought all the blood of the Prophets and righteous men slain in former times because they succeded the former Persecutors finished their work and so became guilty of all the blood shed before so here Antichrist doth contract all the guilt of Sodome Aegypt and Babylon and of those that crucified Christ therefore upon him shall be recompenced the blood of all that were slain upon the earth So great shall be the fall and ruine of Antichrist that a mighty Angell of great force and power shall take a great milstone and cast iâ— into the sea and it shall be found no more Rev. 18. 21. A great milstone is very ponderous and weighty of it selfe and falleth with great force but much more if it be cast down with a strong hand and being in the bottom of the Sea it cannot be found any more neither will it rise again All which sheweth the exceeding violent and perpetuall destruction of Antichrist being guilty of the blood of all Saints yea and of crucifying the Lord himself VERS 9. And they of the people kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three dayes and a halfe and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves IN the former verse we heard of the place where the dead bodies lay now here we come to see what is the carriage of their Adversaries towards their dead bodies wherein we may consider these particulars First the persons exercised about these dead bodies and they are the people and Kindred and Tongues and Nations Secondly their carriages or actions towards these dead bodies and they are two First they shall see them Secondly they shall not suffer them to be put in graves Thirdly the time how long they shall thus behold these dead bodies and hinder their buriall and that is for three dayes and a halfe First concerning the persons exercised about these dead bodies and they are People Kindreds Tongues and Nations We may read the words partively thus Some of all people and kindreds c. which implies some principall ones viz. those of power strength wisdome authority rule These principall men of all Nations Kindreds and Tongues the most learned and wise the most eminent and honourable of all Nations the most choisest of men of the greatest of gifts and