Prophesying 3. Who the Beast is and how he kills them 4. What is the street of the great City in which their dead bodies lie 5. VVhat Time is to be understood by the three dayes and an half 6. How they shall be raised again and what are the Effects thereof As touching the first viz. VVho are the two VVitnesses and what is their Testimony The two VVitnesses vers 3. are described Metaphorically by two Olive Trees and two Candlesticks vers 4. These are the two Olive Trees and the two Candlesticks standing before the God of the Earth By which Description it appears that the two Witnesses are not any two individual Persons as Moses and Elias nor is thereby meant any two particular Testimonies as the Old and New Testament or two distinct Callings as Magistracy and Ministry for none of these Interpretations will agree with this Description of the two Witnesses as will plainly appear in the Exposition of this fourth verse By the two Olive Trees are mystically signified the Lords Ministers and Prophets who are here called Sons of Oyl which is an Hebraism and a Metaphorical Expression borrowed from Zech. 4.11 14. These are the two Anointed Ones that stand by the LORD of the whole Earth Such were the Priests and Prophets of the LORD who were Anointed Exod. 28.41 1 Kings 19.16 Yea and all the Saints who are a Royal Priesthood 1 Pet. 2.9 have an Unction from the Holy One 1 John 2.20 27. but especially the Lord's Ministers and Prophets who being anointed with the Spirit above their fellow-Brethren the Saints do empty the golden Oyl out of themselves into the seven Lamps of the golden Candlesticks By the two Candlesticks are figured forth the visible true constituted Churches of Jesus Christ as plainly appears by his own interpretation Chap. 1.20 And the seven Candlesticks are the seven Churches As one Candlestick in the Prophets Vision usystically signified that National Church of God which was but One Zach. 4.2 So two Candlesticks in the Apostles Vision Metaphorically representeth those Congregational Churches of Jesus Christ which are many Nor is my distinguishing between the Lords Ministers and Prophets and his Churches unwarrantable for they are distinguished in other Scriptures Acts 15.4.22 23. The Apostles and Elders with the whole Church Acts 20.17 18. also Phil. 1.1 1 Pet. 5.1 2. and 1 Cor. 12.28 And God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondarily Prophets thirdly Teachers The Testimony which these two Witnesses bear whilst they prophesie in Sackcloath is not that general Testimony which the Ministers and Churches of God in all Ages of the Gospel have born against Sin Satan and the World of ungodly men though that may turn unto them for a Testimony but it is a Generation Confession of those Truths which do properly belong unto that Age wherein they live and unto which they are called as was John the Baptist John 1.19 20 23. the Apostles Acts 1.8 4.18 19. 20. Paul Acts 18.5 and 23.11 Timothy 1 Tim. 6.12 And the Martyrs of Jesus Christ Rev. 6.9 in their DAY So that this Testimony is that confession of Truth which the Churches of God and the Ministers and Prophets of the Lord have made and the Witnesse which they have born in their own Generation for Christ his Magistracy Ministry Churches Ordinances Worship and Government or Discipline c. and against Antichrist or the Beast his Magistracy Ministry Churches Ordinances Worship and Government or Discipline c. Hereby the Saints in this present Generation may understand three things which are necessary for them to know and to do viz. 1. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to bear their Testimony not onely against the Power Throne and great Authority which the Dragon who is the Devil Chap. 20.2 gave unto the Beast Chap. 13.2 but also against all the Kings of the Earth who have received their power at the same time with the Beast and give their power and strength unto the Beast Chap. 17.12 13. to wit those ten Kings of the fourth Monarchy who received a Political and Ecclesiasticaâ— Power one hour or at the same time with the Beast and have given their moral power and natural strength unto the Beast and principally against the Politick and Ecclesiastick power of the eighth Beast who is also one of the seven Kings who goeth into perdition 2. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to bear their Testimony not only against the most gross Idolaters of the great VVHORE Mystery Babylon and her Sorcerers but also against the superstitious Abominations of all other Harlots to wit false Churches and false VVorshippers who are her Daughters Chap. 17.5 Yea though they be well-favoured Harlots Nahum 3.4 called the Cities of the Nations that is to say National Churches who shall fall in the utter destruction of great Babylon when she comes in remembrance before God Chap. 16.19 3. The Churches Ministers and Prophets of the LORD are to beat their Testimony unto the Kingdom of Jesus Christ here on Earth not onely as he is King of Saints Chap. 15.3 and King of Zion Psal 149.1 2. but also as he is King of Nations Jer. 10.7 For this confession of the Kingdom of our LORD Jesus Christ is properly the Truth of this present Age and Generation the glad tydings whereof is to be preached in all the WORLD for a Witness unto all Nations and then shall the END of the WORLD come Mat. 24.14 And I may say in the Apostles words 1 Cor. 10.11 This is written for our Admonition upon whom the Ends of the VVorld are come As touching the second viz. VVhat is the Power of these two VVitnesses and the time of their Prophesying The Power which the Lord hath given unto his two VVitnesses is not a Magisterial Authority or Dominion but a Prophetical Power to wit the Power of the VVORD not the Power of the Sword which is another Reason why I cannot be of their Opinion who say That these two VVitnesses are the Magistracy and Ministry of Christ This Prophetical Power is declared by several Acts such as were done by the Prophets of the LORD of old vers 5 6. to wit first Power over Fire as Eliah had 2 Kings 1.10 and Jer. 5.14 Behold I will make my words in thy mouth Fire Secondly Power over VVaters both the VVaters that are above the Firmament verse 6. These have power to shut Heaven that it rain not in the dayes of their Prophesie And such a prophetical Power Elijah or Elias had 1 Kings 17.1 There shall be no dew nor rain but according to my VVord which the Prophet effected by earnest prayer Jam. 5.17 And also over the VVaters which are under the Firmament to turn them into Blood verse 6. As Moses the LORD'S Prophet did Exod. 7.19 20 21. Thirdly Power to smite the Earth with all Plagues which Plagues are to be understood Metaphorically of Spiritual Judgements For although the Prophetical Power
upon when he reigned over all the Kingdoms that God gave to him 1 Kings 4.21 Upon whose THRONE our LORD Jesus Christ shall sit and Reign over all the Kingdoms of the WORLD Who is the onely POTENTATE the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords 1 Tim. 6.14 who shall be KING of all the EARTH Zech. 9.14 with whom the Saints shall Reign on EARTH and shall Rule and Govern the Nations not by the Laws of Men but by the Laws of God Which are true Laws right Judgements and good Statutes Nehemiah 10.13 14. For Christ our LOKD and Judah his People is our Law-Giver Isa 33.22 and Psal 101.8 The Kingdom shall come to the Daughter of Jerusalem and the first DOMINION to the Daughter of Sion Mich. 4.7 8. And out of Sion shall go forth the Law Mich. 4.1 2 3-7 Thirdly This KINGDOM of our LORD will begin before the Kingdoms of this WORLD End Dan. 2.44 In the Dayes of these Kings to wit the ten Kings of the Fourth Monarchy and Kingdom of the Beast shall the God of Heaven set up a KINGDOM which is the Kingdom of Christ Dan. 7.13 14. Then will our LORD Jesus Christ take unto him his great POWER and Reign Rev. 11.15 17 18. At which the Nations will be angry and the Heathen will Rage The Kings of the EARTH will set themselves and the Rulers of this WORLD will take Counsel together against the LORD and against his Christ Yet God will set his KING upon his Holy HILL of Sion and will give him the Heathen for his Inheritance and the uttermost parts of the EARTH for his Possession Psal 2 1-8 And the LORD shall REIGN over them in MOUNT-Sion from henceforth even for ever Mich. 4.7 8. Fourthly Though the KINGDOM of Christ shall begin before the Kingdoms of this WORLD End And though all the Kingdoms of this WORLD shall become the KINGDOM of our LORD Jesus Christ Yet the great Glory and Perfection of Christs Kingdom shall be in the WORLD to COME Then shall ALL things be put in SUBJECTION under the Feet of Christ Hebr. 2.5 6 7 8 9. Which World to COME is contradistinguished from the WORLD that NOW IS Mat. 12.32 Called this WORLD in distinction from that WORLD Luke 20.34 35 36. The Apostle also speaketh of the DOMINION of this WORLD Eph. 1.21 and of the POWER of the WORLD to COME The WORLD to COME is not that eternal State of God's Kingdom of GLORY in Heaven but it is the glorious and spiritual State of the KINGDOM of Christ on EARTH Heb. 2.5 That same WORLD even THAT that is to COME to wit The inhabited WORLD to Come wherein the PEOPLE of God shall build Houses and inhabit them according to Gods Promise in that day when he will Create New Heavens and a new Earth Isa 65.17 18 19 20 21 25. and Amos 19.11 14. And shall build up the Tabernacle of David c. Fifthly The Dominion and Government of the KINGDOM of Christ on EARTH shall be given to the Saints Dan. 7.27 and be Managed by them according to the Laws of Christ and to that End the Saints who shall Reign with Christ on Earth shall be rarely Qualified and fitted for that Kingdom Work and Kingly Government for 1. They shall be all Righteous Isa 60.21 They shall do no Iniquity Zeph. 3.13 They shall be without Fault before the THRONE of God Rev. 14.5 2. The Saints shall be SPIRITED for Government Isa 28.5 6. Constituted Government Rev. 5.9 10. and strengthned for Governing Zech. 12.5 8. and Isa 45.24 25. 3dly and Lastly The Saints shall be cloathed with Humility so that they shall Cast down their Crowns at the Feet of Christ their KING Rev. 4.10 11. Exalting HIM alone ch 5.9 10. And they shal be Endued with Courage Clad with Zeal and Girded with Strength and Truth that they may binde Kings in Chains and Nobles in Fetters of IRON and Execute upon them the JUDGMENT written Luke 19.27 This HONOUR have all his SAINTS Psal 149.1 2 6 7 8 9. which was Prophesied of Jer. 51 19-24 Thou art my Battle-Axe and Weapon of WAR for with thee will I break in pieces the Nations and with thee will I destroy Kingdoms and with thee will I break in pieces Captains and RULERS c. Also Zech. 12.5 6. In that DAY will I make the GOVERNORS of Judah like a Hearth of Fire among the Wood and like a Torch of Fire in a Sheaf and they shall devour all the PEOPLE the Enemies of Christ round about Sixthly The Gospel of this KINGDOM of Christ shall be preached in all the WORLD for a WITNESS to all NATIONS Mat. 24.14 And therefore the Kingdom of Christ cannot be set up in any Nation until the GOSPEL of the Kingdom be first preached in that Nation And then that NATION Kingdom or PEOPLE which do believe the GOSPEL of the Kingdom preached unto them and are made WILLING in the DAY of God's POWER Psal 110.3 to Admit the Saints to RULE and GOVERN that Nation according to the LAWS of our LORD and KING Jesus shall become the Kingdom of Christ But that Nation Kingdom and People which will not receive the TESTIMONY of the Kingdom of Christ but reject the WITNESS of the Gospel and Kill the WITNESSES of Christ shall be utterly Wasted and Destroyed Isa 60.12 And our LORD Jesus Christ will put down all RULE all AUTHORITY and all POWER that are his Enemies and wilâ— not Submit unto his DOMINION 1 Cor. 15.24 25. and Luke 19.27 Seventhly WHEN this Kingdom of 〈◊〉 LORD is Established on EARTH wiâ—â— POWER and great GLORY and all thâ—â— Kingdoms of this WORLD are become the KINGDOM of Christ The Thousand Years of the Reign of Christ and his Saints being Expired and Ended Then Will Christ come again and all the Saints with HIM Zeph. 14.5 and 1 Thes 4.15 16 17 18. then will be the General RESURRECTION and the Last JUDGMENT 1 Cor. 15.22 23. and Rev. 20.4 12 13 14. Which being past Christ shall deliver up the Kingdom unto God the Father that GOD may be ALL in ALL 1 Cor. 15.24 25 28. FINIS
Fowls of the Air and every creeping thing â—hat God created and made out of that Mass or Chaos So by the Earth here is comprehended the Earth Sea Sun Seat and all other things of the Beasts devising menâ—ioned in this Chapter and also those Inâ—abiters of the Earth which are the Objects of the three dreadful WOES mentiâ—ned chap. 8.13 whereof the third Woe â—ontains the 7. Vials of the last Plagues of God to be poured forth upon those Inhabiâ—ers of the Earth who are the worshippers â—nd admirers of the Beast chap. 13. 8. 17. 8. 14. 9 10 11. The Saints having gotten the victory over the Beast and over his Image and over his Mark and over the number of his Name the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven being opened the Doctrine Worship and Discipline of the Church of God in some measure restoreâ— to their primitive Purity the seven Angels who have the seven last Plagues being come out of the Temple and having received seven golden Vials full of the wrath of God with commission and express command to execute the fierceness of the Wrath and Plagues of God poured out their Vials upon the earthly State of the Beast and Mystical Babylon and upon all the Inhabiters of that Earth to wit the worshippeâ— and admirers of the Beast as hath beeâ— before declared and proved in the Exposition of the first verse And the first Angel went and poure our his Vial upon the Earth vers 2. of thâ— Beasts Kingdom The Earth in Scripture is often taken foâ— an Earthly-State-Apostacy in any Natioâ— or Kingdom upheld by men of corruâ— Minds and earthly Interests Gen. 6.11 12 13. Zeph. 3.8 This Earthly-Statâ— Apostacy is prophesied of and foretold 〈◊〉 â—he Apostle to be in the last dayes 2 Tim. â— 1 5. and is most likely to be the Subject of the last Plagues which are to be poured out of the seven Vials upon the Earth vers 1. This Earth of the Beasts Kingdom is that Earth whose Inhabitants rejoyced over the Witnesses and Warriors of the LORD when they were slain by the Beast and their dead Bodies were not suffered to be put in Graves chap. 11.10 against whom that third WOE is pronounced chap. 8.13 and upon whom this first Vial is to be poured out As the dry Land is called the Earth Gen. 1.10 so by the Earth in this second verse we are to understand some thing in the Beasts Kingdom that bears a fit and full resemblance unto the dry Land 1. For Foundations 2. For all manner of Flood 3. For fulness of Riches Psal 104.5 14. And therefore by this Metaphorical Earth we are to understand the Foundation Doctrines and Principles of all false Religions as the Doctrine of Justification by Works the Doctrine of Popish Supremacy the Doctrine of Purgatory Mass worshipping of Images Crosses Crucifixes Altars c. the Doctrine of the worship of God according to the Commandments and Inventions of men the Doctrine of Magistratical and Ministerial Power coercively to be exercised over the Consciences of men in the Matters of God his Worship and Government both Political and Ecclesiastical c. which like the dry Land called Earth First Doth seem to stand so firm that they shall not be removed for ever And secondly Out of those Earthly Doctrines is produced all manner of Food for them that make their belly their God as the Abbots and Priests do Also thirdly Out of those Earthly Doctrines is produced abundance of riches all their Temples Cathedrals Abbies Friaries Nunneries Churches and Chappels have been founded and built upon this Earth which they that are the Inhabiters of this Earth thought should never be removed chap. 18.7 For she saith in ber heart I sit a Queen and am no Widow and shall see no sorrow Yea the Popes themselves and their Cardinals Arch-Bishops Prelates Priests and all the Clergy have been founded fed and enriched by these earthly Doctrines who are the Inhabiters of this Earth upon which this first Vial shall be poured out and against whom the third Woe is pronounced chap. 8.13 and upon whom the sad effects of this first Vial will inevitably fall viz. a noysom and grievous sore which fell upon the men which had the Mark of the Beast and upon them which worshipped his Image which bears some allusion unto one of the noysome and grievous Plagues of Egypt Exod. 9.10 11. This Sore being noysome causeth both Lovers and Friends unto Babylon to stand afar off for fear of her Torment chap. 18.10 15 17. And it being a grievous Sore causeth much pain and torment unto the worshippers of the Beast and his Image chap. 14.8 9 10 11. which are the properties of such Sores Psal 38.11 77.2 The second Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sea of the Beasts Kingdom verse 3. that is to say upon the Ecclesiastick Constitutions Forms Ordinances Masses Traditions Will-worships and all other Popish Superstitions and Inventions of Mystical Babylon that great Whore and Mother of Harlots viz. both ill-favoured and well-favoured Harlots the Catholick and National Churches of Rome Spain France c. which Idolatrous Worship like the Sea when it is troubled Isa 57.20 is full of mire and dirt As the gathering together of the Waters is called Seas Gen. 1.10 so the gathering together of the general Councils National Synods Diocesan Visitations Courts c. are called Seas as the Sea of Rome the Popes Sea the Cardinals Sea Canterburies Sea Yorks Sea c. In which Sea of Mystical Babylon the Kings of the Earth the Merchants of the Earth Masters of Ships and as many as Trade by Sea do trafick for the States and Souls of men c. chap. 18.9 11. The effects of this Vial is blood and death unto the Idolatrous and Superstitious worshippers Behold the righteous Judgements of God and his just Retaliation unto the Scarlet and Bloody Whore and false Prophet the Sea of Rome and all other Mystical Seas of the Romish and Babylonish Churches in any Nation whose Sea by the pouring out of this second Vial shall become like the blood of a dead Man and every living Soul died in this Sea And this Plague also may have some Allusion unto that Plague of Aegypt Exod. 7.20 21. whose Waters was turned into blood and the Fish that was therein died So bloody and so deadly is the Idolatrous-worship of the Sea of Rome and of all other Nations that worship the Beast or his Image who shall utterly be destroyed as appears chap. 14.9 10 11. The third Angel poured out his Vial upon the Rivers and Fountains of Waters in the Beasts Kingdom vers 4. These Mystical Rivers and Fountains of Waters bear some Allusion unto those material Rivers and Fountains which Solomon saith run into the Sea Eccles 1.7 As the Fountains or Spring-heads run into the Rivers and the Rivers run into the Sea so the Emperors Kings Princes and Nobles of the Roman Antichristian Politick and
Ecclesiastick Government and Kingdom give their power and strength unto the Beast chap. 17.12 13. And to his Councels Synods Courts c. which is the River into which these Fountains run and so into the Sea of Rome Canterbury c. The great Monarchs of this World and Kings of the Earth are said in Scripture to be the Head of their Rivers Ezek. 29.3 4. 32.2 6. I will also water with thy blood the Land wherein thou swimest c. Again as the Fountains do signifie Kings c. so by the Rivers into which their streams do continually run and are filled and influenced by them is meant the Antichristian Hierarchy Popish Clergy and all the false Prophets Teachers and Priests and upon all that are in holy Orders as they speak who preach the Doctrine of the Beast and worship his Image such as these are called Wells though without any living and refreshing Water 2 Pet. 2.1 17. And they are here fitly resembled unto Rivers of Waters in the Beasts Kingdom This Antichristian Monarchy Hierarchy Popish Clergy Priests and Prelates like the Rivers and Fountains in and about a great City Isa 18.27 Ezek. 32.2 though they spoil the Land and waste the City and foul the Waters for as a Fountain casteth out her filthy Waters so do these corrupt Fountains cast out their wickedness Jer. 6.7 yet that great City Mystical Babylon is made very great and like the Assyrian of old Ezek. 31.3 4 5. her height is exalted and she is enriched because of the multitude of these Waters and Fountains of hers whose Nurseries and Seminaries like the deep with her Rivers running round about their Plants send out their little Rivers unto all the Trees of the field and into the deep Sea The effect of this Vial is their own blood which God in his righteous Judgements gives those Monarchs Kings Prelates Priests and all the Popish Church and Clergy-men to drink as a just Retaliation of the blood of the faithful Saints and Sackcloath Witnesses which this Scarlet Beast and bloody Whore of Rome hath shed by persecuting and killing them chap. 13. â—7 11.7.17.4 5 6. 18.20 24. For which Judgments the LORD is acknowledged by all his Saints and holy Angels in Heaven and on Earth to be Righteous and his Judgements also are acknowledged by them to be true and Righteous verse 5 6 7. The fourth Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sun of the Beasts Kingdom vers 8. That is to say Upon the Emperour of Germany the King of Spain c. with respect to the Temporal and Political part of the Beast's Kingdom and upon the Pope of Rome the Popish Cardinals and Arch-Bishops c. with respect to the Spiritual and Ecclesiastical part of the Beast's Kingdom those Antichristian Emperors Kings Popes and Prelates like the Sun in the Firmament of Heaven Gen. 1.16 17 18. are most eminent and chief Lights and have the most eminent Grandeur Rule and Dominion in the Firmament or Fabrick 〈◊〉 the Beast's Politick and Ecclesiastick Government and Kingdom and are fitly resembled by the Sun and other Lights 〈◊〉 Heaven Isa 13.9 10 11. The effect of this Vial is the scorching of men with great heat vers 9. By thâ— power that was given unto this Angel so tâ— do vers 8. The men that are scorched with fire and with great heat vers 8 9. are those men of the Beast's Kingdom who worship the Beast and his Image chap. 14.8 9 10 11. who are tormented with Fiâ—â— and Brimstone which causeth them to blasâ— pheme the Name of God who hath poweâ— over these Plagues And they repented nâ— to give him glory vers 9. The Fire anâ— Heat are the burning Heat and devouring Fire of the fierceness of God's great wratâ— poured out of this Vial upon the Sun which causeth those dreadful Effects Rev. 18 8â— And she shall be utterly burnt with Fire foâ— strong is the Lord that judgeth her And the fifth Angel poured out his Viâ— upon the Seat of the Beast vers 10. Who this fifth Angel is the Expositioâ— of the first verse gives us to understand viz. Some of those Magistrates into whosâ— hand God will commit the Government of the Kingdom of Christ as was proved before And some of those Ministers of his Churches who shall come out of the Temple even such of his Saints as our Lord Jesus Christ hath redeemed and made Kings and Priests unto God who shall reign on Earth assisted by Christ the Angel of the Covenant and his Heavenly Angels to execute the righteous Judgments of God as was also proved before by pouring out of the Vials of the wrath of God This Vial is one of those seven golden Vials which was given unto the seven Angels which were full of the wrath of God and contained the last Plagues which are to be poured out upon Mystical Babylon to her utter destruction as hath been proved before and chap. 16. vers 19. and all them that worship the Beast and his Image chap. 14.8 9 10 11. These Vials are called the Cup of Gods Indignation and the Cup of the Wine of the fiercenesse of his wrath The Beast is the Object of the Wrath of God even of the fierceness of his great Wrath upon whom the LORD will pour out all his Plagues first and last and Babylon shall drink the Cup of his Indignation chap. 14.10 and the nineteenth verse of this Chapter Beast in this Prophesie of the Revelation is sometimes named without any distinction and then by Beast we are to understand the whole Complex Body of the Antichristian Politick and Ecclesiastick State of the Roman Kingdom Church and Government as chap. 11.7 13.18 14.9 11. and sometimes the Beast is named with distinction chap. 13.11 12. as if there were two Beasts both which is but one Beast distinguished by his twofold Power and Dominion to wit Political and Ecclesiastical as doth appear vers 1. 4. So chap. 17.3 the Beast and the Woman that is to say the Political Government and the Ecclesiastick State likewise chap. 16.13 and 19.20 the Beast and the false Prophet also the Beast and his Image chap. 13.14 By the Beast we are to understand the Roman Antichristian Political State Power and Dominion By the Woman whâ— is the Whore the Image of the Beast and the false Prophet in divers respects wâ— are to understand the Roman Antichristian Ecclesiastick State Church Worship anâ— Government The Reason of this distinction is the two-fold Authority and Jurisdiction which the Beast exerciseth in the World and in the Church and therefore the Beast is said to rise from two places to wit out of the Sea Chap. 13.1 and out of the Earth vers 11. and to have two Horns like the Lamb chap. 13.11 that is to say a two-fold Power Political and Ecclesiastical both which was given unto the Beast by the Dragon chap. 13.2 And the Dragon gave him his Power and his Throne and great Authority
to death John 11.47 to 53. And KILL them vers 7. The killing of the two Witnesses doth not signifie a Corporal death only nor principally for such a killing doth not agree with this Prophesie but it is rather a Metaphorical Expression which signifies a two-fold Death partly Civil whereby the Witnesses shall be deprived of their civil Liberties and the Exercise of their Religion their Estates confiscated their Persons confined Imprisoned Banished and some of their Lives or all their livelyhood taken away by the tyrannical Power of the Beast and partly yea principally Spiritual whereby the Witnesses shall be deprived of that Zeal Vigor and Courage which with all boldness they had formerly manifested in bearing their Testimouy openly for Christ his Kingdom his Church his Worship and his Government against the Antichristian Beast his Kingdom Church Worship and Government The darkness and blackness of the DAY of the Witnesses death will principally consist in their being deprived of that Spirit of Life that sometimes they had received from God and had formerly exercised in bearing their Testimony which Spirit of Life the Witnesses lose by cooling in their Spiritual affections unto Christ and by their sinning against the LORD for usually when Ministers or Members of Churches fall from their first Love they fall in with the Apostacy of the time and so lose that life and courage which they formerly had and manifested with great boldnesse for Christ against Antichrist This Spiritual kind of death is most agreeable unto their Resurrection that is effected by that Spirit of Life from God which vers 11. after three dayes and an half shall enter into them Now such as is the Resurrection of the Witnesses such is their death But their Resurrection is Spiritual for vers 11. the Spirit of Life from God entred into them therefore their death is Spiritual viz A depravation of that Spirit of Life that is to say the loss of that courage boldness zeal vigor and life which they formerly had and manifested in their Testimony for Christ against the Beast This kind of death is also most agreeable unto the Witnesses lying dead after they were killed in respect both of the place which is Spiritually called Sodom and Egypt ver 8. and of the time when they lay unburied which is Prophetically said to be three dayes and an half vers 9. Touching the fourth Particular viz. What is the Street of the great City in which their dead Bodies lie The Answer unto this Particular is Mysteriously given in the 8 9. verses of this Chapter And their dead Bodies shall lie in the street of the great City c. The great City is that mentioned chap. 17.8 Which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth to wit the WOMAN that sits upon a Scarlet-coloured BEAST chap. 17.3 which is the great WHORE chap. 17.1 whose Name is Mystery BABYLON the Mother of HARLOTS chap. 17.5 viz. the whole Antichristian Kingdom of the Beast all Mystical Babylon The Street of the great City is some noted Street as a Market-Street or some eminent Street as Cheap-side or some open Street or place as Smithfield within or without the great City under the Dominion and Government thereof By this Street we are to understand some â—minent Part of Mystical Babylon and Kingdom of the Beast viz. some of the ten Kingdoms which appertain unto the Dominion of the Beast and not his whole Kingdom â—or the whole City It is not said in the Streets of the great City but in the Street to wit the most eminent Kingdom for the Testimony of Jesus Christ even that Nation where the Witnesses have most eminently born their Testimony against Antichrist The place being spoken of by way of eminency must be understood either in relation â—o the Witnesses or in respect unto the Beast that kills them or to both Now take either of these or both together and it signifies not the whole Witnesses nor the whole Kingdom of Babylon but a part thereof Not the whole Kingdom of Babylon because â—pon the rising and ascending of the Witnesses there is but a part of the Kingdom of Babylon falls And the tenth part of the City fell vers 13. which is that part here meant by this Street Nor all the VVitnesses of Christ in all the WORLD no nor in all the Kingdoms of Babylon because there are some Witnesses remain alive when these two are killed who shall call upon them to come up to them when the Spirit of Life from the Lord doth again enter into them and cause them to stand upon their feet vers 12 And they heard a great Voice from Heaven saying unto them Come up hither Which Voice from Heaven is the call of those Angels who have the seven last Plagues and come out of the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven when iâ— is opened to come up to Mount Zion to them where they and other Saints stanâ— with the Lamb and to see the Judgement of the great WHORE which will appeâ— by comparing chap. 11.12 19.14.1 5â— 15.1 2 5 6.17.1 And the Temple oâ— God was opened in Heaven and there were voyces chap. 11.19 And the seven Angels came out of the Temple in Heaven chap. 16.6 And one of the seven Angels which had the seven Vials said Come up hither and I will shew thee the judgment of the great Whore c. As touching the fifth Particular viz. What time is to be understood by the three days and an half vers 9. The knowledge of the time when the Witnesses shall be killed and rise again is very desirable unto the Saints in this GENERATION many godly and learned Men have laboured studiously in searching out this time and have communicated their understanding about this Matter whose labours have been profitable unto the Lords people and unto me also who having read their Opinions about the ending time of the Witnesses Sackcloath-condition and of the troubles of the Lords People I have been much comforted by several precious Observations which they have made touching this matter But not being fully satisfied with their Determination of the period of that ending time I have also addicted my self to search the holy Scriptures touching such Prophetical Numbers as seem to contain the ending time And I shall take liberty to give my Opinion also and the grounds thereof viz. 1. The three dayes and an half are three years and an half each day for a year according to the prophetical Account of Mystical dayes Numb 14.34 and Ezek. 4.5 6. 2. The three dayes and an half are those three years and an half which do immediately succeed the killing or death of the Witnesses for after they are killed their dead Bodies are seen three dayes and an half chap. 11.9 and they do immediately preceed their Resurrection for after three dayes and an half the Spirit of Life from God doth enter into the Witnesses and they stand upon their feet chap. 11.11 So then The three
the 13 14 15 16 verses of this Chapter is not any proper effect of this Vial nor any part thereof but rather an interval of time betwixt the sixth and seventh Vials wherein some remarkable things are to be transacted in order to the pouring forth of the seventh Vial and therefore contain a praeparatory Vision thereunto In which Vision John saw three Embassadors or Agents sent from the Dragon the Beast and the false Prophet to the Kings of the Earth The Dragon is that old Serpent called Satan which is the Devil chap. 20.2 The Beast is the civil State or political Powers which Beast rose out of the Sea chap. 13.1 The false Prophet is the Ecclesiastical State which is the Beast that rose out of the Earth chap. 13.11 He is here called the false Prophet because now he is unmasked and his Vizard pluck't off to wit his pretended likeness unto the Lamb chap. 13.11 And now he is discovered to be that Deceiver and false Prophet which was to come The three unclean Spirits like Frogs vers 13. are their Embassadors or Agents called Spirits for their subtilty and activity and pretending to be spiritual men and imployed principally about Religious and Spiritual Affairs like Ahabs false Prophets 1 King 22.21 22. who deceived the Kings of Israel and Judah in perswading them to go up to Ramoth Gilead to Battel and therefore are said to be Spirits of Devils vers 14. working Miracles as the Devil raised up false Christ's and false Apostles so he doth false Prophets purposely to deceive the Kings of the Earth and the Inhabitants of the Earth that they may not receive the true Christ believe the true Apostles nor regard the Testimony of the true Prophets of the Lord. Before John sets down the success of this their Negotiation he writes a word of warning as it were a Parenthesis vers 15. Behold I come as a Thief c. that is to say suddenly and unexpectedly as Mat. 24.43 44. and 2 Pet. 3.10 Blessed is he that watcheth for my coming and keepeth his Garments white and clean and fast girded unto him lest he walk naked and they see his shame 1 Tim. 5.22 Jam. 1.27 The succss of their Negotiation followeth vers 16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew Tongue Armageddon He gathered them together that is to say the Dragon which is the Devil by his Frogs those unclean spirits gathered them together viz. the Kings of the Earth By Armageddon we are to understand the name of a place which the Jews shall give after they have gotten some considerable victory over the Turks and therefore called it Armageddon the place of destruction of an Army which happily may have an â—llusion unto that great destruction of the Caâ—aanites at the Waters of Megiddo Judg. â— 19 when Sisera the chief Captain of Jabin with all his Hosts fell by the hand of Deborah and Barack where was made â—uch a total destruction that it is said Judg. â— 16 And the Host of Sisera fell upon the â—dge of the Sword and there was not a man â—eft And such an universal destruction will be the effect of this Battel at Armageddon chap. 19.20 21. And the seventh Angel poured out his Vial into the Air c. vers 17. The Object of this Vial is the Air which notes the universality of the Subjects upon whom the wrath of God is poured out of this seventh Vial. The Air fills all places no Subject can be more general then the Air. By the Air here we are to understand all Nations Kingdoms and People all Places Persons and Things that oppose the Kingdom Worship and Government of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Sion Isa 60.12 The Earth Sea Rivers Sun and Seat of the Beast's Kingdom is destroyed by the former Vials And by this seventh Vial shall be destroyed all things whatsoever remains of Sathans Kingdom Who is called Ephes 2.2 The Prince of the power of the Air. The other six Vials were poured out upon their particular Objects but this seventâ— Vial is poured out into its Subject which notes the spreading and dilating of it seâ— into every part of Satan's and the Beast'â— Kingdom for the utter destruction oâ— every thing therein that remained So then the wrath of God poured out of this Vial will diffuse and spread over First The whole Kingdom of Antichrist or the Beast Secondly The remaining Dominion and Kingdom of the Turks And thirdly The whole Kingdom of the Dragon that old Serpent which is the Devil And when all these Enemies against Christ and his Kingdom shall be destroyed by the pouring out of this seventh Vial then comes a great Voice out of the Temple of Heaven to wit the Visible Church of God on Earth restored unto her primitive Purity and made glorious Isa 60.7 12 13 14. saying It is DONE chap. 10.6 7. viz. The Mystery of God is finished as he hath declared to his Servants the Prophets This Voice is Christ 's chap. 21.5 6. He that sat upon the Throne said unto me It is DONE This Voice is said to come from the Throne in the Temple of Heaven in this 17. verse that is to say It came from Christ who sat upon the Throne chap. 21.5 6. and implies now Christs Kingdom shall be set up and he himself shall sit upon the Throne chap. 3.21 and all his Saints with him And there were Voices and Thundrings and Lightnings and there was a great Earth-quake c. vers 18. The like to this was the effect of the Witnesses rising chap. 11.13 upon which Commotions the tenth part of the City fell so here by this great Earth-quake the great City is divided into three parts vers 19. Fractions or Divisions note the utter ruine of the Roman-Antichristian-Politick-and-Ecclesiastick-State Power Dominion and Kingdom of the Beast For a Kingdom divided against it self cannot stand And the Cities of the Nations fell verse 19. litterally such Nations as come to help the Beast and the Turk against the Lord and his People Mystically by the Cities of the Nations we may understand National Churches The great Whore is called the great City so the Harlots who are her Daughters chap. 17.5 are here called the Cities of the Nations If the Catholick Church of Rome be the great City then the National Romish Churches may also be called the Cities of the Nations which shall fall in the Day of the Lords controversie with all Nations Hag. 2.22 and Jer. 25.30 31 32 33. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God vers 19. By great Babylon here is primarily meant Constantinople the royal City of the great Turk And Secondarily All his Principalities Domininions and Kingdom prophesied of Isa 14.4 5 24 25 32. Neither am I alone in this my Opinion for Mr. Brightman and others are of the same Jugement And my Reasons are 1. Because the great City and great Babylon are contradistinguished one from the other in this 19
verse and therefore cannot the same 2. Because great Babylon is said here to come in remembrance before the LORD which cānot literally be applied to the City of Rome for that was the Seat of the Beast upon which the fift Vial was poured out nor can it be mystically applyed unto the whole Kingdom of the Beast for that had come in remembrance before the Lord in pouring out the former five Vials 3. Because the Turk hath been is and will be as great an Enemy against the Jews especially in their return to their own Land as the Pope hath been is and will be against the Gentile Saints And whereas both Turk and Pope together with the Kings and Nations of the Earth being now at last all combined together with all their Forces against the LORD and his Saints both Jews and Gentiles they shall all drink of the Wine of the fierceness of Gods wrath which shall be poured out of this seventh Vial without mixture of Mercy chap. 19.19 20 21. Every Island fled away and the Mountains were not found vers 20. By Islands and Mountains here we may understand 1. Places of hiding and of security Ezek. 39.6 Isa 2.19 21. and Hag. 2.6 7 22. But there will be no security not hiding for every Island fled away and the Mountains were not found so that their ruine will be inevitable without any refuge or shelter 2. By Islands we may understand such things as are separated from a common unto some sacred use as Islands are separated from the main Land by Waters that go round about them Such are all Popish Consecrated and Dedicated things viz. Bishopricks Deanaries Cathedrals Churches Chapples Priories Nunneries Church-Lands and Revenues all these and all of these kinds shall be sequestred and taken away from their Sacred or rather Superstitions and Idolatrous uses and restored unto a common and civil use as before any such Consecration Dedication Assignation or Separation 3. By Mountains we may understand the great Powers and Dominions of the Earth the Monarchs and Monarchies of this WORLD Zech. 4.7 Isa 40.4 Jer. 51.25 These shall not be found for they shall be broken and destroyed utterly and they shall be made like the Chaff of the Summer Threshing-Floors which the Wind carrieth away Dan. 2.35 And no place was found for them And there fell upon men a great Hail out of Heaven c. Verse 21. The Hail from Heaven signifies some more immediate Judgements and Plagues of God Here may be some Allusion to the destruction of the Canaanites by great Hailstones from Heaven Josh 10.11 Or else this is that great Storm of Gods immediate Judgements threatned Prophetically against Gog in the Land of Magog Ezek. 38.2 18 19 21 22 23. And I will plead against him with an overflowing rain and great Hailstones fire and brimstone c. And men blasphemed God c. Verse 21. This is the Effect of Gods most just and righteous Judgements upon all his unplacable Enemies they Blasphemed God This was the Effect of the Plagues poured out of the Fift Vial Verse 9 11. which was the Beasts former practice Chap. 13.6 The Beast was a Blasphemer from the Beginning and so continues unto his End He lives and dies in his Blasphemies against God and perisheth for ever Now as touching the Time when these Seven Vials shall be poured out though I have a very honorable esteem of those Godly and Learned Expositors of this Book of the Revelation who are of opinion that three or four of these Seven Vials are poured out already Yet notwithstanding all that they have said I confess I am not of their mind out do rather think That none of those seven Vials are yet poured out The Scripture-Grounds that I have to offer for my Opinion in this Point are these Viz. 1. Because the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Heaven is not opened out of which Temple the seven Angels come forth with their seven golden Vials Chap. 15.5 6 7. Which Temple I have proved before to be the Heavenly State of the Church of God on Earth restored in some Measure unto its Apostolical Constitutions and primitive Purity which when so was called the the Temple of the Living God 2 Cor. 6.16 Let Christians consider that none of the Seven Vials are to be poured out until the Temple be opened that is to say until the Church of God on Earth be restored in some measure unto its Apostolical Constitutions and primitive Purity which is not yet done and therefore no Vial is yet poured out 2. Because Christ's Sackcloch Witnesses and Warriers must be slain and raised and the Seventh Trumpet sounded before the Temple be opened or any of the Seven Vials be poured out Chap. 11.7 11 14 15 19. But these things are not yet done and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet poured out Let Christians consider Are the Witnesses slain before their Testimony be finished Verse 7. saith When they shall have finished their Testimony the Beast that ascendeth out of the Bottomless Pit shall make war against them and shall overcome them and kill them And if these Witnesses and Warriers be slain Are they Risen and ascended up to Heaven that is to an Heavenly State and Dignity and have their Enemies been enlightned to behold them as is prophesied they shall Verse 11 12. Again Hath the Seventh Angel sounded his Seventh Trumpet as is prophesied Verse 15. which Angel must Sound his Seventh Trumpet before this Wrath come Verse 18. I offer these three Reasons to the serious Consideration of Christians why the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet Viz. 1. The Mystery of God is not finished which must be done when the Seventh Angel begins to Sound his Trumpet Chap. 10.6 7. 2. The Second Wo is not Past until the Witnesses and Warriers be raised and ascended which must be done before the Seventh Angel Sound his Trumpet Chap. 11.11 12 14 15. 3. Upon the Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet The Kingdoms of this World do become the Kingdom of Christ and of his Anointed Chap. 11.15 But this is not accomplished which argues that the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet which Seventh Trumpet must usher in the Seven Vials as the Seventh Seal did the Seven Trumpets Chap. 8.1 2 6. whereby it is manifest that the Temple is not opened nor any of the Seven Vials poured out And Thirdly Because Those Seven Vials contain the Seven last Plagues Chap. 15.1 for in them is filled up the Wrath of God which are Contemporary with the Victory which the Saints shall get over the Beast and over his Image and over his Mark and over the Number of his Name Chap. 15.1 2 3 4. Standing upon a Sea of Glass mingled with Fire and singing that Triumphant Song of the Lamb Verses 3 4. Which Victory the Saints have not yet Gotten neither can they sing that Triumphant Song and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet
poured out Let Christians consider 1. That the Seven last Plagues will utterly Ruin and Destroy Antichrist Root and Branch and that suddenly Chap. 18.2 8 10 17 19. 2. That the Seven last Plagues contain that last Judgement of the great Whore called Mystery Babylon which doth precede the Marriage of the Lamb Chap. 17.1 and 19.1 2 3 7. 3. That the Seven last Plagues are the effects of the last War of the Beast and False Prophet and the Kings of the Earth against the Lamb our LORD Jesus Christ and his Armies in Heaven namely his Saints who are Called and Chosen and Faithfull Who having Overcome and gotten the Victory over these Enemies of God of Christ and of his People They pour out those Vials of the last Plagues of God Almighty upon them chap. 17.13 14. chap. 16.14 chap. 19.19 20. and chap. 18.6 7 8. All which Argues that the Seven Vials of Gods last Plagues are not yet poured out 4. Because the First Angel hath not yet poured forth his Vial And If the First Angel hath not poured forth his Vial then the Second Third nor any of the Seven Angels have not poured forth any of their Vials But that the First Angel hath not poured out his Vial besides what hath been said for the proof of my Opinion the Reasons and Scripture-Grounds given for the same in general I do humbly offer these following Arguments to prove Viz. Though I Reverence those Godly and Learned Men and Bless the Lord for their worthy Labours in the Expositions of the Book of the Revelation Yet I cannot for the Reasons before given consent with them who affirm that Waldo Wickliff Husse Luther c. are meant by the First Angel that poured out the first Vial nor can I be of their Opinion who say by this Angel is meant the Sweden Wars nor the Long Parliament nor any other Persons or Plagues which have befallen the Antichristian Roman Political and Ecclesiastical State unto this Time Because I see not the Effects of this First Vial accomplished upon the Earthly Carnal and Worldly Interest of the grand Apostates of these Last Times Which thing causeth me to continue in my Opinion both in general touching all the Seven 〈…〉 and in particular touching the First Vial 〈◊〉 I shall be convinced by Scripture-Light and sound Reason grounded thereon Viz. That the First Angel hath not poured out his Vial. 1. Argument for the proof thereof is from chap. 18.21 Thus with violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down and shall be found no more at all I have already declared that the Vials of the Last Plagues do contain that last Judgement of the great Whore called Mystery Babylon mentioned Chap. 18. And all Expositors of this Prophesie of the Revelation do affirm the same which being so This Comparison chap. 18.21 holds especially in these two things viz. First as a great Milstone cast into the Sea doth not sometimes sink and another while swim now falling down and then rising again Thus or so When any of the Seven Angels pour out any of their Vials upon any part of the Roman Antichristian State of the Beast's Political and Ecclesiastical Kingdom that Part upon which the Vial is poured forth shall fall perish and rise no more no nor be found no more at all chap. 18.11 14 21. Secondly As a great Milstone cast into the Sea falls and sinks down irrecoverably unto the Bottom Thus or so when the First Angel hath poured out his Vial upon the Earth the Second upon the Sea the Third upon the Rivers the Fourth upon the Sun and the Fift upon the Seat of the Beasts Kingdom Babylon like a Milstone sinks to the Bottom that is to say The utter destruction of the Great Whore Mystery Babylon is suddenly effected by the pouring out of the Vials of the Last Plagues of the fierceness of the Wrath of God upon her chap. 18.8 10 17 19. for in one Hour she is made desolate But we see not such Effects of any Plagues of God yet upon Babylon and therefore conclude that the Seven Last Plagues or Vials are not any of them poured forth no not the First of them 2. Argument that proves the First Vial is not yet poured out is Because That noisom and grievous Sore which is the Effect of the First Vial is not yet fallen upon the Men which had the Mark of the Beast and upon them that did worship his Image chap. 16.2 For 1. That noisom Sore will cause both all the Lovers and Friends of Babylon for ever to stand aloof yea after off from her and from them that the Sore is on to wit Popes Cardinals Bishops Priests Jesuits Fryars Monks c. And upon them that worshipped his Image namely all the Papists Crucifix-adorers Image-worshipers Cross-creepers Altar-bowers c. chap. 18.10 15 17. 2. That grievous Sore will cause such exquisite Torment and pain unto the Men that had the Mark of the Beast and upon them which worshipped his Image That the Smoke of their Torment ascendeth up for ever and ever chap. 14.9 10 11. and when the Kings of the Earth the Merchants of the Earth and the Ship-masters Saylers and all the Company of Ships and as many as Trade by Sea shall see the Smoke of her Burning and the Torment of her Worshippers they will stand afar off and Cry Alas alas for in One Hour she is made Desolate chap. 18.18 19. But there is no such notsom and grievous Sore fallen upon the Men that had the Mark of the Beast nor upon them that Worshipped his Image The Popes Cardinals Prelates Priests c. nor the Papists who worship Images Crucifixes Crosses Altars c. have not been so tormented by any plagues of God that the Smoke of their Torment hath Arcended for ever and ever Nor have the Kings of the Earth the Merchants of the Earth nor they that Trade by Sea so seen the smoke of heâ— Burning as to stand afar off for fear of heâ— Torment Concluding and Confessing that in one hour she is made Desolate Read ch 18.9 10 15 17 18 19. And therefore I again conclude being the more confirmed in my Opinion by these Arguments That the First Angel hath not yet poured out his Vial And if the First Vial be not yet poured out then none of the Seven Vials of the Last Plagues are as yet poured out And until these Seven Vials of the Last Plagues of God be all poured our The Kingdom of the Antichrist will not be totally and finally Destroyed nor will all the Kingdoms of this WORLD become the Kingdom of the LORD and of his Saints Thâ—â—â—gh there will be some considerable Beginnings of the Destruction of the Kingdom of Antichrist and of the Establishing of the Kingdom of our LORD Jesus Christ before the last Vial be poured out Touching which Two Kingdoms viz. of Antichrist and of Christ I have something to offer in the Third Part of this little
Ecclesiastical Power the ten Kings or Kingdoms do exercise for the BEAST against CHRIST and his Saints chap. 17.13 14. and chap. 19.19 20 21. unto their own Destruction Now assoon as this Antichristian Beast with his ten Horns was risen out of the SEA to wit the troubles tumults confusions and divisions of the Roman-Empire when by the WARS of the Barbarians the Roman-Empire was dissipated into ten Kingdoms At which Time also this same Beast with his two Horns is said to Rise out of the EARTH that is to say out of the Apostacy of an earthly-minded CLERGY who departed from the FAITH as was afore Prophesied 1 Tim. 4.1 2 3. should come to pass in the latter Dayes I say from that Time the Roman-Monarchy and Political Government of the fourth Kingdom ceased though not to be a Kingdom and to have a Power a Throne and great Authority yet to be a lawfull POWER and an ORDINANCE of God And therefore ought not to be obeyed nor submitted unto by any of the Saints of God neither in any Civil or Ecclesiastical Commands for that is to WORSHIP the BEAST or his IMAGE Let the Saints consider 1. That those who shall Reign with Christ have not WORSHIPPED the Beast chap. 20.4.2 As it was dangerous to WORSHIP the Beast a little after his Rise chap. 8.7 13. so it will be damnable to WORSHIP the Beast a little before his fall chap. 14 8-12.3 Those that shall stand with the Lamb upon Mount Sion with his Fathers Name in their Fore-heads and learn to Sing that New SONG before the Throne chap. 14.1 3. are such Saints as have gotten the Victory over the Beast and over his Image c. chap. 15.2 3. So then I conclude from what hath been said upon Scripture-Grounds touching the Kingdoms of This WORLD becoming the Kingdom of ANTICHRIST That the Saints in this GENERATION ought not to Obey nor to submit themselves unto the Roman Antichristian-Politick and Ecclesiastick-POWER Rule Authority Dominion and Government of the BEAST nor of the ten Kings or Kingdoms who have given their POWER and Strength unto the Beast The second thing which I judge necessary for the Saints in this GENERATION to know is How the Kingdoms of this WORLD shall become the KINGDOM of CHRIST God shewed unto his Prophet Daniel in his VISIONS of the Night how the Kingdoms of the WORLD should become the KINGDOM of Christ Dan. 2.34.35 44 45. Dan. 7.13 14 18 22 26 27. Viz. First The Kingdoms of the WORLD shall be broken in pieces by a STONE cut out of the MOUNTAIN without hands Dan. 2.34 35 Which STONE is Christ Plal. 118.22 Matth 21.42 and 1 Pet. 2.4 6. and also the Churches of Saints his Jerusalem called a Burthensom Stone Zech. 12.3 The Kingdoms of this WORLD shall be broken in pieces first by falling upon the Stone viz. Christ and his People Luke 20.17 18. Whosoever shall fall upon that STONE shall be broken Zech. 12.3 In that DAY I will make Jerusalem a burthensom STONE All that burthen themselves with it shall be cut in pieces Secondly The Kingdoms of this WORLD shall be broken in pieces by the STONE to wit Christ and his Peoples falling upon them Matth. 21.44 But on whomsoever this STONE shall fall it will grinde them to Powder and Jer. 51 19 20-24 Thou art my Battle-AXE and Weapons of WAR for with thee will I break in pieces the Nations and with thee will I destroy Kingdoms The Mystery of the STONE smiting the Fourth Kingdom upon his FEET of Iron and Clay and breaking them in Pieces was expounded unto the Prophet Dan. 7.17 18. But the Saints of the Most High shall take the KINGDOM and possess the Kingdom for ever even for ever and ever Dan. 7.24 25 26. But the Judgement shall sit and they shall take away his Dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the End read Isa 60.12 Secondly The Kingdoms of this WORLD being broken in pieces by the STONE falling upon them The STONE will become a great MOUNTAIN and fill the Whole EARTH Dan. 2.35 that is to say Christ and his Saints shall have the DOMINION in all the EARTH Dan. 7.11 12 13 14. And I beheld till the BEAST was slain and his BODY destroyed c. As concerning the REST of the Beasts they had their DOMINION taken away c. Behold ONE like the SON of Man c. And there was given him DOMINION and Glory and a KINGDOM that all People Nations and Languages should serve him c. Also Dan. 7.26 27. But the Judgement shall sit and they shall take away his DOMINION c. And the KINGDOM and Dominion and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven shall be given to the People of the Saints of the Most High c. As the WAY for the KINGDOM of Christ and his Saints to be set up is made by the Breaking in pieces the Kingdoms of this WORLD Isa 60.12 For the Nation and Kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish yea those Nations shall be utterly wasted So the Kingdom of Christ and his Saints shall be inlarged and established 1. By the Conversion of Sinners both Jews and Gentiles unto Christ Isa 60.3 5 8 10 11 14 15. and Isa 66.8 and Rom. 11.25 26 27. 2. By the Pouring out the SPIRIT upon all Flesh Joel 2.28 Isa 44.3 4 5. 3. By the UNION of all the Saints Zeph. 3.9 and Zech. 14.9 The LORD shall be KING over all the EARTH in that DAY there shall be ONE Lord and his Nome ONE And 4. By the RESTITUTION of all things Acts 3.20 21. and Isa 1.26 I will Restore thy Judges as at the first Isa 60.17 and Isa 49.6 It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my Servant to raise up the Tribes of Jacob and to RESTORE the preserved of Israel c. And then the Whole CREATION shall be delivered from the BONDAGE of Corruption and Restored into the Glorious LIBERTY of the Children of God Rom. 8.19 21 23. That which the Saints of God in this GENERATION are to know touching the KINGDOM of Christ are these things following Viz. 1. That the KINGDOM of our LORD Jesus is not of this WORLD Joh. 18.36 Nor is it of a Worldly Constitution but it is a spiritual and heavenly Kingdom 2 Tim. 4.18 and will be a glorious State Isa 60.1 2 15 19 21 22. of a NEW Heaven and of a NEW Earth wherein dwells Righteousness 2 Pet. 3.13 which is the State of the Holy City the NEW Jerusalem that cometh down from God out of Heaven Rev. 21.1 2. Then shall they call Jerusalem the THRONE of the LORD Jer. 3.13 17. which NEW Jerusalem God will make a PRAISE in the EARTH Isa 62.2 3 7. An eternal Excellency and the joy of many Generations Isa 60.14 15. 2. This KINGDOM of Christ is the THRONE of his Father David Isa 9.7 and Luke 1.32 33. which Throne Solomon his Son who was a Type of Christ sat