in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n be_v chief_o concern_v the_o exorbitancy_n and_o exaltation_n of_o earthly_a power_n against_o christ._n and_o these_o we_o say_v do_v more_o near_o and_o immediate_o symbolize_v with_o the_o great_a antichrist_n second_o they_o come_v also_o in_o the_o near_a resemblance_n to_o antichrist_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v true_o antichristian_a who_o forsake_v the_o scripture_n to_o hang_v mere_o upon_o dream_n and_o revelation_n for_o as_o the_o true_a believer_n who_o take_v christ_n for_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n apply_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o seal_v to_o their_o conscience_n by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o who_o mis-believe_a and_o take_v antichrist_n for_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v his_o superstition_n law_n and_o decree_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o they_o by_o vision_n dream_n and_o apocryphal_a revelation_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o here_o be_v the_o esâ—…igies_n and_o lively_a pourtraicture_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o point_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v premise_v one_o caution_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v note_v that_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o revelation_n absolute_o and_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n but_o of_o revelation_n restrictive_o and_o in_o a_o sense_n only_o if_o we_o take_v revelation_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n i_o do_v easy_o agree_v that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o first_o 2000_o year_n from_o adam_n to_o abraham_n but_o also_o in_o the_o last_o dispensation_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v wonderful_o reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o people_n as_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o my_o own_o experience_n i_o can_v avouch_v it_o to_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v in_o several_a place_n so_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o good_a christianâ—…_n who_o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o bring_v home_o by_o a_o admirable_a way_n of_o conversion_n and_o some_o select_a person_n also_o i_o know_v who_o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o choose_v out_o for_o himself_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n both_o in_o dark_a and_o troublesome_a time_n i_o have_v find_v that_o they_o have_v speak_v great_a thing_n concern_v the_o last_o trouble_n and_o divers_a event_n thereof_o which_o experience_n have_v confirm_v to_o be_v true_a but_o concern_v this_o kind_n of_o people_n that_o a_o distinction_n may_v be_v make_v between_o true_a and_o apocryphal_a revelation_n i_o have_v ever_o note_v three_o thing_n in_o they_o first_o they_o have_v diligent_o wait_v upon_o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o have_v break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n through_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n through_o opposition_n of_o enemy_n through_o threaten_n of_o tyrannical_a court_n that_o they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n second_o i_o have_v observe_v that_o they_o have_v always_o adhere_v to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o have_v spend_v very_o much_o time_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o promise_n command_n and_o other_o passage_n desire_v nothing_o more_o in_o all_o the_o world_n then_o that_o they_o may_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v save_v their_o own_o &_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o people_n three_o i_o have_v observe_v this_o in_o they_o that_o though_o they_o have_v be_v under_o extraordinary_a teach_n yet_o they_o have_v have_v great_a darkness_n in_o which_o they_o have_v always_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o so_o and_o that_o he_o will_v carry_v they_o on_o further_a now_o in_o pray_v wait_a and_o use_v the_o mean_n they_o have_v first_o or_o last_o have_v assure_v help_n from_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o immediate_a supply_n of_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v much_o speak_v by_o the_o schoolman_n concern_v the_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o endeavor_n of_o man_n suarez_n have_v his_o way_n alvarez_n bathe_v his_o penottus_n seem_v to_o draw_v a_o thread_n betwixt_o both_o and_o cajetan_n say_v in_o hoc_fw-la ego_fw-la non_fw-la possum_fw-la quietare_fw-la intellectum_fw-la meum_fw-la in_o this_o i_o can_v satisfy_v my_o understanding_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o never_o find_v better_a ground_n of_o resolution_n anywhere_o then_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o christian_n who_o it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n a_o long_a time_n to_o exercise_v in_o the_o school_n of_o temptation_n as_o they_o have_v have_v sundry_a change_n of_o trouble_n and_o fear_n so_o they_o have_v have_v interchangable_a supply_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o auxiliary_a grace_n to_o direct_v help_v and_o comfort_v they_o in_o all_o their_o fear_n there_o have_v be_v a_o sweet_a parallel_n betwixt_o god_n grace_n and_o their_o endeavour_n as_o they_o do_v work_v under_o the_o grace_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o grace_n receive_v by_o their_o experience_n i_o do_v find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n in_o deal_v with_o a_o soul_n to_o break_v it_o all_o to_o piece_n and_o then_o whole_o to_o make_v it_o up_o by_o the_o continual_a help_n of_o his_o spirit_n now_o this_o do_v not_o any_o way_n drown_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n but_o do_v only_o put_v he_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o upon_o a_o humble_a dependence_n upon_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n this_o i_o have_v find_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o such_o as_o have_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v pray_v much_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n with_o some_o of_o these_o the_o lord_n have_v deal_v by_o peculiar_a revelation_n but_o these_o be_v particular_a privilege_n which_o he_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o certain_a person_n extraordinary_o who_o he_o do_v set_v apart_o for_o special_a service_n either_o to_o himself_o or_o to_o his_o church_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o believer_n in_o this_o last_o dispensation_n may_v be_v partaker_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o will_v not_o absolute_o and_o peremptory_o conclude_v against_o all_o dream_n vision_n and_o revelation_n in_o these_o last_o time_n and_o i_o think_v it_o very_o expedient_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v moderate_a in_o their_o censure_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o vision_n and_o revelation_n which_o man_n do_v make_v boast_n of_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v that_o they_o do_v proceed_v from_o no_o good_a spirit_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v so_o high_a as_o to_o live_v above_o ordinance_n and_o to_o slight_v the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o salvation_n nay_o when_o they_o shall_v go_v further_o and_o maintain_v thing_n apparent_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o rest_v whole_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n there_o be_v great_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v have_v this_o way_n in_o deep_a suspicion_n that_o the_o power_n and_o work_n of_o satan_n be_v here_o and_o they_o who_o call_v every_o thing_n antichristian_a in_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o worship_n in_o the_o literal_a expression_n of_o scripture_n if_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o will_v find_v that_o by_o their_o slight_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o by_o their_o hang_n upon_o extraordinary_a revelation_n in_o matter_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n they_o themselves_o be_v the_o most_o antichristian_a man_n and_o do_v come_v in_o the_o near_a resemblance_n to_o the_o great_a antichrist_n as_o he_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o by_o john_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o particular_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o him_z who_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o miracle_n sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o show_v and_o foretell_v that_o not_o only_o at_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n but_o also_o in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o devil_n shall_v have_v power_n give_v he_o to_o do_v great_a thing_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v the_o lie_n of_o antichrist_n
by_o the_o persian_n and_o daniel_n mourn_v for_o it_o full_a three_o week_n together_o the_o angel_n to_o comfort_v he_o tell_v he_o plain_o dan._n 10._o 20._o i_o will_v return_v to_o fight_v with_o the_o prince_n of_o persia_n and_o then_o the_o king_n of_o graecia_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o meaning_n of_o which_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o persian_n shall_v be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o grecian_n and_o then_o he_o come_v to_o particular_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o expedition_n of_o xerxes_n into_o greece_n how_o that_o the_o four_o king_n of_o the_o persian_n shall_v raise_v up_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n against_o the_o grecian_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o speak_v of_o darius_n the_o mede_n he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o darius_n the_o mede_n i_o stand_v up_o to_o strengthen_v he_o chap._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o and_o then_o he_o add_v i_o will_v show_v thou_o the_o truth_n behold_v there_o shall_v stand_v up_o three_o king_n in_o persia_n to_o wit_n cyrus_n cambyses_n darius_n and_o the_o four_o meaning_n xerxes_n shall_v be_v rich_a than_o they_o all_o and_o by_o his_o strength_n through_o his_o riches_n he_o shall_v stir_v up_o all_o against_o the_o realm_n of_o graecia_n vers_fw-la 2_o 3._o if_o we_o will_v go_v to_o the_o true_a reason_n wherefore_o the_o grecian_n be_v so_o courageous_a at_o the_o strait_o of_o thermopylae_n and_o wherefore_o they_o do_v prevail_v against_o the_o persian_n the_o true_a cause_n do_v lie_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v fight_v against_o the_o prince_n of_o persia_n and_o then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o graecia_n shall_v come_v note_n in_o it_o be_v the_o secret_a and_o invisible_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o decline_a of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o persian_n in_o the_o east_n and_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o grecian_a in_o the_o west_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o he-goat_n pass_v from_o west_n to_o east_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o ram_n of_o persia_n do_v push_v to_o the_o three_o several_a coast_n westward_o northward_o and_o southward_o chap._n 8._o vers_fw-la 4._o by_o these_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a if_o the_o victory_n of_o the_o grecian_n do_v pass_v from_o west_n to_o east_n then_o è_fw-la conuerso_fw-la it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o the_o victory_n of_o the_o persian_n do_v pass_v from_o east_n to_o west_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o question_n for_o speak_v of_o cyrus_n thus_o he_o say_v i_o have_v call_v a_o ravenous_a bird_n out_o of_o the_o east_n the_o man_n of_o my_o counsel_n from_o a_o far_a country_n chap._n 46._o 11._o from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a when_o god_n will_v conqueror_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o story_n those_o king_n that_o shall_v deliver_v the_o mystical_a israel_n out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o western_a babylon_n be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o the_o east_n in_o a_o figure_n rev._n 16._o 12._o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o climate_n in_o the_o hemisphere_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o heaven_n in_o the_o better_a exercise_n of_o military_a discipline_n in_o the_o experience_n of_o old_a soldier_n in_o the_o success_n of_o fortunate_a general_n or_o any_o other_o inferior_a cause_n but_o in_o the_o immediate_a dispensation_n of_o god_n therefore_o to_o add_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n as_o a_o epiphonema_n lift_v not_o up_o your_o horn_n on_o high_a speak_v not_o with_o a_o stiff_a neck_n for_o promotion_n come_v not_o from_o the_o east_n not_o from_o the_o west_n but_o god_n be_v judge_n he_o put_v down_o one_o and_o set_v up_o another_o psal._n 75._o 5_o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v stay_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o digression_n because_o i_o set_v that_o statesman_n soldier_n and_o other_o of_o deep_a wisdom_n look_v to_o these_o subtlety_n hereupon_o they_o trust_v in_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n oppose_v the_o gospel_n perfecute_v the_o saint_n bear_v themselves_o more_o high_a over_o those_o that_o be_v make_v subject_a to_o they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o honesty_n truth_n or_o religion_n when_o they_o have_v the_o law_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n they_o shall_v as_o well_o look_v to_o the_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a cause_n of_o the_o change_n of_o empire_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n fight_v against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o saint_n prayer_n that_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o golden_a altar_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o divine_a nothing_o more_o spiritual_a and_o nothing_o more_o apt_a to_o carry_v up_o the_o soul_n into_o a_o high_a contemplation_n of_o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n power_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n then_o to_o behold_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n as_o in_o a_o map_n the_o several_a empire_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v seat_v their_o time_n their_o change_n and_o their_o cause_n of_o the_o change_n and_o this_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o these_o empire_n come_v to_o be_v set_v up_o they_o that_o read_v the_o word_n together_o with_o the_o story_n of_o the_o time_n may_v see_v the_o fidelity_n of_o god_n and_o may_v by_o this_o come_v to_o know_v he_o by_o the_o name_n jehovah_n but_o so_o much_o by_o the_o way_n touch_v the_o sudden_a growth_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n from_o west_n to_o east_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o dominion_n they_o must_v also_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o iron_n to_o subdue_v the_o whole_a earth_n and_o break_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o though_o great_a nation_n and_o mighty_a prince_n shall_v rise_v against_o he_o as_o pyrrhus_n hannibal_n perseus_n jugurtha_n sertorius_n methridates_n tigranes_n etc._n etc._n yet_o in_o their_o time_n the_o roman_n must_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o all_o and_o break_v they_o all_o in_o piece_n and_o therefore_o when_o dionysius_n halicarnassaeus_n cicero_n and_o other_o boast_v of_o the_o roman_a greatness_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o they_o as_o sometime_o it_o be_v to_o cyrus_n i_o have_v gird_v thou_o with_o strength_n though_o thou_o know_v not_o i_o isa._n 45._o 1_o 2._o this_o be_v the_o true_a though_o the_o invisible_a cause_n why_o the_o roman_n grow_v so_o great_a and_o their_o dominion_n reach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o now_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o return_v from_o whence_o we_o have_v make_v a_o digression_n to_o show_v when_o the_o roman_a begin_v as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n some_o think_v it_o be_v when_o that_o nation_n be_v the_o most_o prevail_a nation_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o this_o can_v be_v for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n the_o great_a but_o more_o special_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n they_o be_v the_o more_o prevail_a people_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o begin_v in_o those_o time_n as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n in_o daniel_n image_n you_o will_v say_v then_o where_o shall_v we_o set_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o four_o kingdom_n i_o answer_v in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o roman_a dominion_n more_o absolute_o consider_v and_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o dominion_n in_o and_o about_o the_o border_n of_o the_o church_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o latitude_n of_o dominion_n in_o a_o more_o absolute_a consideration_n than_o the_o roman_a begin_v as_o the_o more_o prevail_a dominion_n when_o it_o become_v more_o mighty_a than_o any_o other_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o you_o speak_v in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n it_o begin_v then_o to_o be_v the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n in_o daniel_n image_n when_o it_o do_v begin_v to_o take_v in_o the_o great_a amplitude_n and_o largeness_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o about_o the_o confine_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v to_o our_o purpose_n object_n 3._o other_o perhaps_o may_v allege_v that_o we_o can_v begin_v the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n when_o the_o jewish_a church_n come_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o people_n for_o say_v they_o it_o be_v foretoll_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v gen._n 49._o 10._o sol._n i_o answer_v we_o must_v so_o expound_v the_o meaning_n of_o one_o that_o it_o may_v not_o dash_v against_o the_o main_a sense_n of_o another_o scripture_n now_o it_o be_v the_o manifest_a scope_n of_o other_o scripture_n to_o show_v that_o the_o four_o
be_v delude_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_a of_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o gentile_a god_n of_o the_o power_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o those_o country_n that_o lie_v whole_o under_o gross_a idolatry_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o satan_n have_v great_a power_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o wonder_n see_v august_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n lib._n 10._o cap._n 16._o the_o scripture_n also_o be_v very_o plain_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o will_v love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n deut._n 13._o ver_n 1_o 2_o 3._o in_o which_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n god_n may_v suffer_v seducer_n to_o arise_v to_o do_v great_a thing_n we_o have_v a_o large_a experience_n of_o this_o in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o beast_n kingdom_n for_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a mat._n 24._o 24._o these_o thing_n be_v special_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n have_v great_a power_n give_v to_o he_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o wonder_n and_o sign_n and_o great_a variety_n of_o revelation_n from_o hence_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o answer_v give_v by_o the_o crucifix_n at_o winchester_n be_v real_a and_o it_o be_v do_v by_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a power_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o zachary_n ask_v you_o of_o the_o lord_n rain_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o latter_a rain_n so_o the_o lord_n shall_v make_v bright_a cloud_n and_o give_v shower_n of_o rain_n to_o every_o one_o grass_n in_o the_o field_n for_o the_o idol_n have_v speak_v vanity_n and_o the_o diviner_n have_v see_v a_o lie_n and_o have_v tell_v false_a dream_n chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o here_o i_o demand_v how_o can_v the_o idol_n speak_v vanity_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v teraphim_n idol_n make_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o man._n with_o these_o idolater_n do_v usual_o consult_v in_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o mr._n pemble_n upon_o the_o place_n sai_z it_o be_v very_o probable_a thâ—…t_v the_o devil_n use_v the_o like_a feat_n to_o cozen_v the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o greek_n and_o other_o simple_a gentile_n and_o we_o may_v say_v the_o same_o touch_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o rood_n god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n may_v suffer_v apostatise_v christian_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o immediate_a delusion_n of_o satan_n because_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o of_o all_o other_o that_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v most_o proper_a to_o the_o purpose_n the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o see_v the_o apostle_n do_v here_o so_o plain_o speak_v of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n and_o of_o the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n meat_n and_o other_o lawful_a thing_n all_o do_v agree_v in_o it_o that_o he_o point_v to_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n only_o the_o great_a question_n lie_v here_o why_o the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n mr._n mede_n in_o his_o learned_a treatise_n concern_v the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o late_a time_n think_v that_o this_o be_v genitivus_fw-la materiae_fw-la a_o genitive_a case_n of_o the_o matter_n because_o daemon_n and_o the_o soul_n depart_v be_v so_o much_o worship_v in_o the_o papal_a kingdom_n though_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o general_n that_o daemon-worship_n as_o he_o say_v be_v use_v in_o that_o kingdom_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n for_o here_o be_v plain_o genitivus_fw-la efficientis_fw-la a_o genitive_a case_n of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n because_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o those_o impure_a spirit_n to_o cast_v miserable_a mortal_n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n if_o therefore_o we_o do_v determine_v the_o case_n that_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o rood_n do_v utter_v this_o voice_n touch_v the_o marriage_n of_o minister_n god_n forbid_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o do_v singular_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n in_o antichristian_a time_n that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n for_o to_o say_v true_o the_o prohibition_n of_o marriage_n as_o it_o do_v continue_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o so_o it_o have_v its_o immediate_a original_n from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n now_o for_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o house_n at_o cleve_n or_o calne_n we_o may_v probable_o believe_v that_o god_n may_v suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o do_v great_a wonder_n for_o so_o spondanus_n call_v it_o mirandum_fw-la to_o deceive_v the_o world_n what_o else_o shall_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n rev._n 20_o he_o lay_v hold_v on_o the_o dragon_n that_o old_a serpent_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o satan_n and_o bind_v he_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o shut_v he_o up_o and_o set_v a_o seal_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v deceive_v the_o nation_n no_o more_o ver_fw-la 2_o 3._o by_o this_o he_o do_v tacit_o imply_v that_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o beast_n kingdom_n be_v a_o time_n of_o the_o lose_n of_o satan_n in_o which_o god_n be_v press_a to_o give_v he_o leave_v to_o do_v great_a wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o two_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n these_o word_n be_v express_v and_o the_o beast_n be_v take_v and_o with_o he_o the_o false_a prophet_n that_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o he_o with_o which_o he_o deceive_v they_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v his_o image_n these_o both_o be_v cast_v alive_a into_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n burn_v with_o brimstone_n ver_fw-la 20._o when_o this_o be_v do_v a_o angel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o a_o great_a chain_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o bind_v the_o dragon_n the_o old_a serpent_n that_o he_o shall_v deceive_v the_o nation_n no_o more_o all_o this_o plain_o declare_v that_o in_o antichristian_a time_n the_o devil_n have_v freedom_n to_o do_v great_a wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n if_o therefore_o at_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o house_n they_o who_o stand_v against_o the_o marriage_n of_o minister_n be_v marvellous_o deliver_v and_o those_o that_o stand_v for_o it_o be_v slay_v outright_o or_o sore_o bruise_v we_o must_v not_o wonder_v at_o these_o thing_n the_o devil_n can_v do_v great_a thing_n to_o deceive_v they_o who_o forsake_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n to_o hang_v upon_o vision_n dream_n and_o revelation_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o touch_v a_o hair_n of_o job_n head_n thou_o have_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o he_o and_o his_o substance_n be_v increase_v in_o the_o land_n yet_o we_o see_v when_o god_n do_v give_v leave_n the_o devil_n can_v cause_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o devour_v his_o sheep_n he_o can_v blow_v down_o
when_o herod_n be_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n sol._n the_o answer_n be_v clear_a that_o though_o herod_n be_v king_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o cyreneus_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n of_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o tax_n and_o judea_n be_v but_o a_o member_n annex_v to_o the_o province_n of_o syria_n maldonate_fw-it upon_o the_o place_n to_o my_o apprehension_n speak_v satisfactory_o for_o say_v he_o cyreneus_n be_v not_o the_o governor_n of_o judea_n but_o of_o syria_n but_o because_o judea_n do_v then_o belong_v to_o the_o province_n of_o syria_n as_o all_o author_n do_v deliver_v it_o be_v his_o office_n to_o tax_v not_o only_a syria_n but_o judea_n also_o and_o in_o very_a deed_n much_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o roman_a story_n that_o judea_n be_v a_o member_n annex_v and_o josâ—…phus_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apendix_n or_o the_o additament_n of_o syria_n if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o original_a we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o story_n that_o when_o the_o seleucian_n kingdom_n be_v destroy_v syria_n and_o judea_n both_o together_o come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o pompeâ—…_n the_o great_a and_o here_o we_o set_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n but_o because_o spanhemius_fw-la do_v seem_v to_o go_v another_o way_n and_o do_v stand_v upon_o it_o that_o judea_n be_v not_o a_o member_n annex_v to_o syria_n till_o the_o time_n of_o archelaus_n when_o judea_n be_v make_v a_o province_n let_v he_o now_o give_v his_o answer_n why_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n to_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o ecumenical_a tax_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n his_o answer_n be_v this_o ut_fw-la non_fw-la tantum_fw-la res_fw-la tam_fw-la illustris_fw-la charactere_fw-la temporis_fw-la illustri_fw-la consignaretur_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o tali_fw-la qui_fw-la responderet_fw-la vaticiniis_fw-la propheticis_fw-la not_o only_o that_o so_o famous_a a_o matter_n shall_v be_v decipher_v by_o so_o famous_a a_o character_n of_o time_n but_o by_o such_o a_o famous_a character_n of_o time_n which_o shall_v answer_v the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o then_o in_o particular_a he_o cit_v those_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n in_o the_o day_n of_o these_o kingdom_n shall_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n raise_v up_o a_o kingdom_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v destroy_v chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 44._o and_o then_o he_o conclude_v upon_o the_o premise_n in_o these_o word_n descriptio_fw-la enim_fw-la judaeorum_n sub_fw-la augusto_fw-la erat_fw-la publica_fw-la servitutis_fw-la professio_fw-la &_o tessera_fw-la obsequii_fw-la quod_fw-la debebatur_fw-la principi_fw-la extero_fw-la adeóque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d advenisse_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d illud_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quo_fw-la messiah_n nasci_fw-la debuit_fw-la &_o lapis_fw-la sine_fw-la manibus_fw-la è_fw-la monte_fw-fr excindi_fw-la the_o tax_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o augustus_n be_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o servitude_n and_o a_o badge_n of_o that_o homage_n which_o be_v due_a to_o a_o foreign_a prince_n and_o therefore_o a_o clear_a demonâ—…ation_n that_o that_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v in_o which_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v and_o in_o which_o the_o stone_n shall_v be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o mountain_n without_o hand_n from_o these_o word_n of_o he_o we_o do_v conclude_v that_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n the_o roman_a be_v the_o four_o and_o last_o metal-kingdom_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v bear_v the_o jew_n do_v yield_v their_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o roman_n as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o but_o if_o we_o do_v inquire_v after_o the_o time_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v homager_n it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o pompey_n the_o great_a therefore_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n we_o must_v there_o set_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n argument_n v._n that_o which_o do_v necessary_o spring_v from_o theâ—…r_a principle_n who_o do_v most_o authentical_o expound_v the_o monarchy_n that_o be_v the_o true_a beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n but_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o free-state_n when_o the_o church_n come_v first_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o their_o dominion_n be_v such_o ergo._fw-la the_o major_n be_v plain_a for_o we_o can_v reject_v that_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n which_o do_v necessary_o spring_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o most_o authentic_a expositor_n we_o do_v in_o substance_n take_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o be_v employ_v as_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o express_v but_o for_o the_o minor_a that_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a monarchy_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o free-stare_a and_o that_o this_o do_v spring_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o most_o authentic_a expositor_n this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o enumeration_n of_o singulars_n first_o the_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n do_v hold_v that_o all_o the_o four_o tyrannical_a empire_n be_v compact_v into_o one_o image_n and_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o some_o particular_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o dominion_n in_o this_o sense_n nothing_o do_v exclude_v the_o roman_a from_o be_v one_o of_o the_o four_n second_o they_o agree_v that_o all_o these_o tyrannical_a empire_n compact_v into_o one_o image_n continue_v a_o succession_n of_o that_o lordship_n which_o the_o first_o scil_n the_o babylonian_a do_v take_v from_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o roman_a must_v begin_v as_o the_o four_o of_o daniel_n kingdom_n at_o that_o time_n only_o when_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v under_o their_o dominion_n for_o though_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o mighty_a state_n and_o have_v gain_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a power_n in_o the_o west_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o sucsessor_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n in_o that_o monarchy_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v till_o they_o have_v take_v in_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o bring_v the_o jewish_a church_n within_o the_o power_n of_o their_o kingdom_n but_o when_o this_o matter_n be_v once_o effect_v then_o do_v the_o roman_a begin_v as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n and_o this_o do_v necessary_o arise_v from_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v best_a expound_v the_o metal-kingdom_n object_n but_o some_o perhaps_o may_v allege_v you_o have_v former_o teach_v that_o the_o metal-kingdom_n do_v not_o only_o respect_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o people_n of_o the_o gentile_n also_o when_o the_o gentile_n come_v to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n sol._n this_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o withal_o in_o the_o right_n state_v of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o kingdom_n we_o must_v have_v only_a respect_n to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o all_o these_o kingdom_n begin_v and_o in_o particular_a the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o afterward_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n do_v great_o increase_v and_o the_o whole_a empire_n in_o its_o just_a latitude_n from_o east_n to_o west_n from_o north_n to_o south_n be_v the_o seat_n and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o revelation_n do_v discover_v her_o state_n according_a to_o the_o change_n of_o time_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o roman_n but_o yet_o however_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o forementioned_a interpreter_n will_v strong_o enforce_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a when_o judea_n come_v under_o the_o power_n of_o that_o people_n see_v there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n but_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o object_n but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o allege_v why_o do_v you_o call_v this_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n see_v you_o yourself_o do_v not_o allow_v their_o exposition_n in_o some_o particular_n sol._n so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o exposition_n be_v approve_v i_o do_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o it_o do_v strong_o enforce_v the_o conclusion_n and_o for_o the_o kind_n of_o interpreter_n i_o will_v show_v who_o be_v the_o most_o approve_a and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o call_v after_o such_o time_n as_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n to_o reveal_v to_o daniel_n the_o four_o age_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o type_n and_o similitude_n of_o four_o metal_n in_o the_o image_n this_o discovery_n have_v be_v various_o receive_v some_o only_a have_v a_o glare_a light_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v turn_v it_o into_o fable_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o ovid_n in_o his_o metamorphosis_n
receive_v some_o hint_n of_o the_o four_o metal_n of_o daniel_n image_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o golden_a age_n under_o saturn_n and_o of_o the_o silver_n age_n under_o jupiter_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v not_o think_v whatsoever_o be_v speak_v by_o this_o poet_n to_o be_v altogether_o a_o fable_n that_o which_o he_o say_v concern_v deucalion_n flood_n in_o many_o particular_n it_o be_v a_o fable_n of_o his_o own_o make_n yet_o in_o the_o general_a ground_n we_o all_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o scripture-truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o deluge_n to_o drown_v the_o world_n so_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o giant_n and_o of_o their_o heap_v of_o pelion_n upon_o ossa_n we_o may_v conceive_v that_o in_o this_o he_o have_v some_o respect_n to_o the_o giant_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o four_o age_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o golden_a the_o silver_n the_o brass_n and_o the_o iron-age_n though_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o use_v the_o apostle_n expression_n he_o turn_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n yet_o in_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o four_o age_n and_o these_o age_n be_v figure_v by_o so_o many_o metal_n of_o the_o image_n in_o after_o time_n they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v the_o right_a experience_n of_o thing_n do_v expound_v the_o babylonian_a to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o gold_n the_o mede-persian_a to_o be_v the_o silver_n the_o grecian_a to_o be_v the_o brass_n and_o the_o roman_a to_o be_v the_o iron_n this_o be_v a_o true_a exposition_n in_o the_o main_a but_o in_o some_o particular_n they_o have_v go_v too_o much_o after_o ovid_n in_o his_o metamorphosis_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o babylonian_a monarchy_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o golden-metal_n but_o it_o be_v a_o common_a error_n in_o the_o ancient_n and_o now_o general_o among_o the_o historian_n chronologer_n and_o writer_n to_o begin_v the_o babylonian_a monarchy_n at_o ninus_n upon_o the_o front_n of_o many_o chronological_a table_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o ninus_n be_v picture_v as_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o babylonian_a cyrus_n of_o the_o persian_a alexander_n of_o the_o grecian_a julius_n caesar_n of_o the_o roman_a monarchy_n this_o distribution_n though_o it_o may_v take_v in_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o time_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o chief_a circumstance_n for_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o babylonian_a at_o ninus_n historian_n have_v take_v this_o out_o of_o thâ—…ir_n own_o head_n and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o hence_o bodin_n in_o his_o method_n of_o history_n ch_n p._n 7._o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o strike_v out_o the_o truth_n because_o some_o have_v mingle_v their_o own_o invention_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o have_v take_v this_o advantage_n upon_o the_o private_a error_n of_o some_o who_o have_v stand_v for_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o main_a but_o the_o latter_a expositor_n do_v decline_v this_o error_n of_o ninus_n and_o do_v pitch_n upon_o this_o that_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v the_o head_n of_o gold_n and_o that_o the_o babylonian_a kingdom_n do_v begin_v from_o his_o monarchy_n they_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v chief_o point_v to_o those_o several_a empire_n that_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o fullness_n of_o power_n one_o after_o another_o in_o those_o country_n where_o sometime_o the_o king_n of_o the_o lineage_n of_o david_n do_v bear_v rule_n these_o be_v the_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n which_o i_o so_o call_v because_o they_o go_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n now_o according_a to_o their_o ground_n it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o roman_a must_v begin_v as_o the_o four_o kingdom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o free-state_n when_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o country_n adjoin_v come_v under_o the_o lordship_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o rome_n and_o whereas_o in_o the_o chronographical_a table_n julius_n caesar_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n this_o be_v as_o false_a a_o imagination_n as_o that_o of_o ninus_n first_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o every_o metal-kingdom_n do_v rise_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o go_v before_o now_o what_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o grecian_a empire_n do_v julius_n caesar_n bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n second_o what_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o nation_n about_o the_o border_n of_o the_o church_n do_v he_o bring_v under_o the_o roman_a obedience_n if_o we_o speak_v in_o a_o latitude_n caesar_n do_v change_v the_o free-state_n into_o the_o government_n by_o one_o yet_o to_o speak_v accurate_o the_o roman_a do_v not_o begin_v then_o as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o pompey_n when_o the_o jewish_a church_n come_v under_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o so_o our_o argument_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o best_a expositor_n for_o the_o true_a beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a kingdom_n now_o then_o to_o gather_v all_o into_o one_o sum_n we_o may_v conclude_v the_o roman_a to_o begin_v as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n when_o the_o church_n come_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o people_n this_o be_v demonstrate_v first_o by_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o three_o former_a metal-kingdom_n which_o do_v begin_v each_o one_o as_o the_o church_n come_v under_o their_o dominion_n second_o by_o the_o end_n of_o the_o grecian_a kingdom_n type_v by_o the_o brass-metal_n where_o the_o grecian_a end_v there_o the_o roman_a begin_v three_o by_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o roman_a in_o the_o time_n aforemention_v four_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o evangelist_n s_o luke_n which_o do_v insinuate_v such_o a_o beginning_n five_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o most_o approve_a interpreter_n which_o be_v right_o lay_v do_v necessary_o prove_v such_o a_o beginning_n also_o have_v thus_o lay_v the_o foundation_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o building_n but_o there_o be_v some_o few_o objection_n that_o yet_o remain_v to_o be_v answer_v object_n 1._o mr_n mede_n stand_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o roman_a come_v up_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o the_o grecian_a go_v down_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o determinate_a and_o set_a time_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n sol._n what_o he_o speak_v in_o his_o apostasy_n of_o the_o lattertime_n concern_v the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o roman_n we_o do_v yield_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o main_a but_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n in_o that_o acception_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n and_o here_o as_o there_o be_v a_o determinate_a time_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o babylonian_a persian_a and_o grecian_a empire_n so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o determinate_a beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n second_o daniel_n see_v in_o the_o vision_n the_o four_o beast_n come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o sea_n one_o after_o another_o and_o the_o four_o beast_n last_o of_o all_o there_o must_v then_o be_v some_o determinate_a time_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o empire_n three_o it_o be_v the_o plot_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o four_o empire_n to_o decipher_v so_o many_o period_n of_o time_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a beginning_n of_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n there_o will_v be_v a_o chasm_n there_o will_v be_v some_o part_n of_o time_n which_o will_v be_v long_o to_o no_o metal_n of_o the_o image_n for_o as_o mr_n mede_n himself_o do_v allow_v the_o image_n do_v comprehend_v four_o great_a revolution_n of_o time_n to_o begin_v one_o after_o another_o in_o a_o orderly_a succession_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n apost_n pag._n 69._o for_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o time_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o that_o secret_a calendar_n and_o great_a almanac_n of_o prophecy_n the_o four_o kingdom_n of_o daniel_n which_o be_v a_o prophetical_a chronologie_n of_o time_n measure_v by_o the_o succession_n of_o four_o principal_a kingdom_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o captivity_n of_o israel_n until_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v a_o course_n of_o time_n during_o which_o the_o church_n and_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o
not_o to_o reveal_v this_o only_a to_o the_o jew_n but_o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o gentile_n also_o this_o latter_a may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o person_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n to_o who_o this_o secret_n be_v reveal_v for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o concern_v the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o kingdom_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v destroy_v why_o be_v this_o deliver_v to_o nabuchadnezzar_n a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o lord_n do_v reveal_v to_o pharaoh_n the_o dream_n of_o the_o seven_o fat_a cow_n and_o after_o the_o dream_n of_o seven_o lean_a cow_n this_o be_v not_o only_o discover_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n so_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o four_o great_a empire_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o last_o empire_n these_o thing_n be_v not_o reveal_v only_o to_o nabuchadnezzar_n that_o the_o jew_n may_v understand_v the_o truth_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a habitable_a world_n under_o nebuchadnezzar_n dominion_n may_v take_v notice_n of_o that_o which_o god_n do_v intend_v to_o do_v second_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o revelation_n to_o nabuchadnezzar_n which_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v observe_v it_o first_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o person_n nabuchadnezzar_n dream_v a_o dream_n second_o the_o way_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o he_o he_o forget_v the_o dream_n and_o therefore_o a_o great_a trouble_n fall_v upon_o his_o spirit_n three_o his_o call_n for_o the_o wiseman_n of_o babylon_n which_o city_n in_o these_o time_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o empire_n now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o all_o that_o live_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o so_o large_a a_o dominion_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o hearken_v after_o such_o a_o thing_n special_o when_o they_o shall_v hear_v of_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o the_o edict_n to_o kill_v all_o the_o wiseman_n of_o babylon_n here_o be_v a_o matter_n set_v out_o in_o the_o view_n of_o all_o asia_n as_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v three_o particular_n first_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o true_a god_n second_o that_o he_o will_v set_v up_o four_o great_a change_n of_o empire_n in_o the_o world_n three_o that_o in_o the_o last_o succession_n of_o empire_n he_o will_v set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v destroy_v these_o thing_n be_v propound_v not_o only_o for_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a habitable_a earth_n under_o the_o babylonian_a empire_n that_o then_o be_v and_o for_o the_o age_n follow_v three_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o evangelist_n we_o do_v read_v that_o the_o evangelist_n s_o matthew_n do_v tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v bear_v in_o bethleem_n in_o the_o day_n of_o herod_n the_o king_n wiseman_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n matth._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o here_o interpreter_n upon_o the_o place_n do_v raise_v many_o question_n first_o who_o these_o wiseman_n be_v second_o why_o be_v it_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o a_o star_n three_o why_o do_v the_o star_n guide_v they_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o vanish_v out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d these_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o interpreter_n and_o they_o do_v give_v very_o learned_a and_o solid_a answer_n to_o they_o only_o there_o be_v a_o question_n to_o which_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o find_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n and_o that_o be_v this_o why_o be_v this_o matter_n reveal_v to_o wiseman_n in_o the_o east_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o other_o nation_n profession_n or_o sect_n among_o the_o gentile_n spanhemius_fw-la do_v handle_v this_o point_n in_o his_o dubia_fw-la evangelica_n part_n 2._o dub_v 31._o pag._n 326._o and_o he_o do_v come_v to_o this_o issue_n in_o the_o close_a concludimus_fw-la itaque_fw-la causum_fw-la vocationis_fw-la magorum_n nequaquam_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la suisse_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o solâ_fw-la dei_fw-la vocantis_fw-la bonitate_fw-la &_o illos_fw-la ex_fw-la merâ_fw-la ejus_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la vocatos_fw-la sive_fw-la absolutè_fw-la eorum_fw-la vocatio_fw-la consideretur_fw-la sive_fw-la comparatè_fw-la quod_fw-la enim_fw-la &_o vocati_fw-la &_o vocati_fw-la prae_fw-la aliis_fw-la dei_fw-la miserentis_fw-la fuit_fw-la illorum_fw-la potius_fw-la quam_fw-la aliorum_fw-la et_fw-la haec_fw-la causa_fw-la causarum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o summa_fw-la ratio_fw-la pag._n 329._o here_o i_o do_v agree_v that_o the_o call_v of_o the_o wiseman_n do_v chief_o depend_v upon_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o cause_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v call_v and_o why_o they_o be_v call_v before_o any_o other_o but_o yet_o with_o submission_n to_o a_o better_a judgement_n i_o think_v there_o lie_v a_o plain_a reason_n in_o the_o scripture_n why_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o east_n rather_o than_o to_o any_o other_o gentile_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o reveal_v four_o great_a change_n of_o time_n to_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o the_o time_n of_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o wiseman_n of_o babylon_n who_o profession_n it_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o change_n of_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o more_o special_o of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o but_o because_o they_o can_v not_o know_v this_o by_o their_o own_o strength_n the_o lord_n do_v reveal_v it_o to_o they_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o daniel_n that_o he_o will_v set_v up_o four_o kingdom_n over_o the_o earth_n whereof_o the_o babylonian_a in_o be_v be_v the_o first_o and_o then_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n he_o will_v set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v destroy_v in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n wherefore_o these_o change_n of_o time_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o east_n because_o it_o do_v suit_n with_o their_o profession_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o thing_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v once_o reveal_v in_o particular_a the_o time_n of_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n to_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o east_n when_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v bear_v at_o bethleem_n in_o judea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o herod_n the_o king_n he_o do_v call_v that_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o special_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v because_o these_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o they_o be_v call_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o kingdom_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o metal-kingdom_n do_v concern_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o brightman_n grasserus_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n shall_v take_v the_o little_a horn_n for_o mahomet_n because_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n be_v now_o under_o the_o turk_n many_o other_o argument_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o neither_o mahomet_n nor_o the_o turk_n can_v possible_o be_v resemble_v by_o the_o type_n of_o the_o little_a horn._n the_o scope_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o whole_a collection_n of_o circumstance_n do_v altogether_o pitch_v upon_o the_o papacy_n which_o arise_v after_o the_o division_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n into_o ten_o inferior_a kingdom_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o emperor_n phocas_n 666_o year_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a as_o the_o four_o metal-kingdom_n this_o be_v the_o true_a application_n of_o the_o time_n to_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o john_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v 666._o now_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o interpretation_n we_o will_v prove_v it_o first_o from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n rev._n 13._o second_o from_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o spirit_n rev._n 17._o three_o from_o the_o whole_a harmony_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o chief_a and_o remarkable_a circumstance_n last_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o thess._n 2._o and_o of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n chap._n viii_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o interpretation_n be_v prove_v from_o the_o remarkable_a circumstance_n of_o the_o text_n itself_o revel_v 13._o 16_o 17_o 18._o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a and_o precious_a truth_n in_o the_o general_n which_o we_o can_v always_o avouch_v that_o the_o spirit_n
the_o other_o side_n i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v too_o high_a to_o call_v hen._n 8._o or_o any_o other_o supreme_a magistrate_n a_o head_n much_o more_o a_o good_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o eminency_n transcendency_n and_o sublimity_n of_o that_o prerogative_n belong_v to_o christ_n alone_o our_o prince_n have_v use_v such_o a_o title_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o statute_n in_o a_o moderate_a way_n the_o people_n have_v ascribe_v it_o to_o they_o to_o wit_n a_o spiritual_a power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n that_o ever_o have_v belong_v to_o king_n and_o prince_n which_o david_n solomon_n the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o christian_a emperor_n have_v ever_o exercise_v in_o their_o respective_a dominion_n this_o no_o doubt_n have_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o well-meaning_a man_n and_o so_o mr._n bedel_n do_v expound_v it_o in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n and_o pag._n 56._o but_o for_o my_o part_n be_v enlighten_v and_o better_o inform_v i_o pray_v god_n such_o title_n be_v no_o more_o use_v and_o let_v that_o passage_n next_o under_o thou_o and_o thy_o christ_n in_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a in_o these_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n supreme_a head_n and_o governor_n let_v the_o exuberancy_n of_o such_o a_o title_n pass_v among_o the_o iniquity_n of_o our_o holy_a thing_n our_o godly_a friend_n have_v be_v offend_v at_o it_o our_o enemy_n have_v insult_v experience_n have_v show_v much_o danger_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o present_a treatise_n i_o doubt_v not_o will_v show_v what_o a_o evil_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v other_o head_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o room_n of_o all_o man_n live_v the_o erastians_n have_v great_a cause_n to_o look_v to_o this_o for_o let_v prince_n be_v once_o tell_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church-government_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o church-power_n by_o this_o mean_n it_o will_v be_v effect_v that_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o own_o church_n will_v be_v pluck_v down_o and_o the_o name_n and_o headship_n of_o prince_n will_v be_v only_o set_v up_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o you_o give_v a_o inch_n man_n will_v take_v a_o ell._n rather_o for_o act_n past_a we_o shall_v often_o think_v upon_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v pour_v upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n and_o they_o shall_v look_v to_o he_o who_o they_o have_v pierce_v zach._n 12._o 10._o christ_n be_v not_o only_o pierce_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n when_o his_o body_n be_v run_v through_o with_o a_o spear_n but_o he_o be_v pierce_v also_o when_o his_o name_n and_o headship_n be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o and_o give_v to_o another_o so_o far_o as_o a_o whole_a nation_n have_v be_v mediate_o or_o immediate_o direct_o or_o indirect_o implicate_v and_o involve_v in_o such_o a_o sin_n so_o far_o i_o believe_v they_o ought_v to_o mourn_v if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v god_n perhaps_o may_v rebuke_v we_o when_o our_o army_n go_v forth_o against_o those_o that_o worship_n the_o beast_n and_o uphold_v his_o name_n and_o headship_n in_o enmity_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ._n though_o not_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o enemy_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v chastise_v for_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v provoke_v to_o appear_v against_o we_o when_o the_o lamb_n go_v forth_o on_o his_o white_a horse_n against_o the_o beast_n and_o his_o army_n the_o army_n that_o follow_v be_v upon_o white_a horse_n clothe_v in_o fine_a linen_n white_a and_o clean_a rev._n 19_o 14._o further_o also_o by_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n information_n may_v be_v give_v to_o certain_a in_o these_o time_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o mere_a show_n and_o colour_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o prophecy_n do_v think_v it_o a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o level_a magistracy_n abolish_v law_n and_o to_o turn_v all_o thing_n up-side_n down_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o such_o i_o may_v say_v that_o they_o mingle_v the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n with_o fable_n of_o their_o own_o comment_n in_o the_o metamorphosis_n of_o ovid_n we_o read_v of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o chaos_n of_o the_o giant_n heap_v of_o pelion_n upon_o ossa_n of_o deucalion_n flood_n of_o the_o four_o age_n of_o the_o golden_a the_o silver_n the_o brazen_a and_o the_o iron_n age._n these_o thing_n be_v not_o all_o fiction_n because_o they_o have_v some_o ground_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n neither_o be_v they_o all_o truth_n because_o they_o be_v mingle_v with_o fiction_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v some_o author_n who_o be_v for_o the_o five_o monarchy_n they_o think_v that_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v be_v the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o earthly_a kingdom_n but_o by_o the_o purport_n and_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n they_o may_v understand_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o government_n power_n and_o authority_n pure_o as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o government_n as_o idolatrous_a as_o tyrannical_a as_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n the_o empire_n of_o babel_n be_v resemble_v to_o a_o lion_n of_o persia_n to_o a_o bear_n of_o greece_n to_o a_o leopard_n of_o rome_n to_o a_o beast_n of_o divers_a shape_n all_o these_o monarchy_n erect_v and_o set_v up_o on_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o davidical_a kingdom_n be_v parallel_v to_o so_o many_o beast_n buâ—…_n to_o what_o beast_n shall_v we_o resemble_v in_o its_o right_a constitution_n the_o davidical_a kingdom_n itself_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o angel_n do_v express_o say_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o king_n and_o yet_o the_o beast_n have_v but_o seven_o head_n chap._n 17._o how_o can_v this_o be_v i_o have_v full_o prove_v that_o the_o dynasty_a race_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o christian_a caesar_n do_v make_v the_o seven_o roman_a king_n but_o no_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n therefore_o the_o mediatoriâ—…n_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o government_n as_o such_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o government_n as_o government_n but_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o government_n only_o as_o tyrannical_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n then_o why_o solid_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o these_o day_n shall_v set_v aside_o this_o kind_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n &_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n and_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o point_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v there_o be_v in_o this_o prophecy_n as_o strong_a if_o not_o strong_a proof_n then_o in_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o for_o example_n though_o bishop_n be_v put_v down_o the_o service-book_n take_v away_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n bring_v near_o the_o rule_n all_o this_o be_v do_v man_n be_v not_o please_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o church-state_n robinson_n and_o other_o of_o that_o way_n do_v plead_v that_o we_o have_v no_o example_n for_o a_o national_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a rock_n of_o offence_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o have_v no_o example_n of_o a_o national_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o how_o can_v all_o nation_n come_v in_o at_o that_o particular_a instant_n when_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o do_v still_o remain_v in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o the_o emperor_n themselves_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n now_o if_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o shall_v plain_o see_v how_o the_o spirit_n do_v foretell_v that_o after_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o church_n shall_v fall_v under_o grievous_a persecution_n in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o pagan_a caesar_n when_o that_o time_n be_v end_v the_o empire_n itself_o shall_v become_v christian._n what_o else_o shall_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n now_o be_v come_v salvation_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o christ_n rev._n 12._o 10._o this_o do_v note_v no_o other_o but_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o throne_n in_o the_o time_n of_o