inhabitants of the earth but Saints as they have their Original from so their conversation in heaven CHAP. IX Act. 1. continued NOw follows the fift and sixt Trumpets the fift prefiguring the dissipation of the Western Europian Churches by Antichrist The sixt the destruction of the East by the means of the false Prophet Mahomet and the Turks after him these began to blow together as it were of which histories sufficiently testifie Vers 1. The first Angel sounded and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth who this Angel or Minister was is not certainly known perchance the said Gregory upon whose preaching this starre fell but the star notes some notable Bishop falling from the heavenly truth to earthly traditions and doctrines of divels certainly as Christ did not signifie the divel by this starre fallen long since of which therefore Iohn needed not to be informed so certainly 't was not Luther a poor Monk who had little and left nothing behind him except footsteps of Reformation The starre notes some notable Prelate long before him who began to ruine the West as Mahomet did the East and 't was none but the Pope of Rome signified by the star chap. 8. ver 10. who burning as a Lampe that is clearly and gloriously as the Bishops of Rome did at first yet did fail at last and together with Arrius not Mahomet who neither was one of the stars of heaven that is of the Ministers of the Church nor did ever shine being a wretched villain always imbittered the waters by falfe doctrines traditions heresies Now to whom or what Ecclesiastical person can this be applied but to the Anti-christian Apostacy of the Bishops of Rome Gregory as all know makes him to be Antichrist that should affect the title of Universal Bishop Boniface the third his successor three years after his decease was declared by Phocas the intruder as all agree universal Pope chief Priest or Bishop of Bishops Behold the Star though this is not to be applied to Boniface alone who sate not on the chayre scarce a yeare but to his Successors the whole Series of Popes The Key of the bottomlesse pit by Key power is meant for he that hath the Key of the house hath the power of the house Now the Pope says he hath the power of hell or the bottomlesse pit to damn whom he will and to deliver whom he will thus he is the Angel of the bottomlesse pit ver 11. God permitting the divel tempting Phocas gave him this power behold the man Christ then though he gave the first Bishop of Rome and all other the Key that is power of binding and loosing casting forth and receiving in according to the word yet the Pope having thrown away Christs Key he makes use of Satans usurped one This his triple Crown can prove whereby his power over heaven earth and hell is meant but enough his practice makes him known Where note Christ hath the Key properly as head of the Church and Mediatour the Pope usurpingly and deceitfully as Angel of the bottomlesse pit not of the Church or sinke of hell also God suffers the sin by it to punish another sinne to wit for not receiving the knowledge of the truth see 2 Thes 2.10 11. and Rom. 2.24 26. Vers 2. And he opened the bottomlesse pit and there arose a smoke out of the pit Hell and the doctrine thereof was shut up by the Prophets and Apostles who led men to the true fountaines out of the snares of Satan but the Pope has opened it to the destruction of poore souls behold the smoke of the pit I mean the Popes black divinity worshipping of Images forgivenesse of sins by Masse Pennance Almes Pilgrimages of which the Volumes and practice of Papists sufficiently testifie Now as smoak doth hurt the eyes darken the aire cause things not to be seen as they are so doth the doctrine of Papists And the Sun and the Aire was darkned by reason of the smoke of the pit Christ the Sun of righteousnesse was obscured formerly in part by Hereticks but after the fall of this star much more as the times after Boniface the third make known the Aire signifying the Church as receiving light from the Sun as the Church doth from Christ was darkned and no wonder for if the doctrine of Christ be darkned how shall the Aire or Church have light Thus 't is plaine though the Papists professe they know God yet in works they deny him Note that some by Aire understand the Scripture which conveys the light of the Sunne as the Scripture doth the light of Christ which was much darkned by Popish doctrines and expositions If the Aire signifie the Church yet Christ had the sealed ones and consequently a Church notwithstanding this darknesse among the Papists Vers 3. And there came Locusts out of the smoke After the falling of the Star First the bottomlesse pit was opened there the Angel of the bottomlesse pit takes the Keyes to wit absolute authority upon him Secondly there followed smoak to wit divellish doctrines Thirdly the darkning of the Sunne and Ayre Christ and the Church Fourthly follows the generation of the locusts they are small creatures having little wings by which they lift up themselves a little from the earth and seem rather to leap then to fly but in some parts of the world there be some have bigger bodies God plagued Egypt with an Army as it were of locusts John the Baptist did eat them as well as wild honey Pray mark do not the Monks Fryeryes and religious Orders as they call them come out of the gulfe of the sea of Rome sure not by Christs authority or his word the opening of the pit brought them so then the Goths army cannot be here understood which came not out of the pit but the Popish Clergy who seem to be holy to fly a little from the earth but indeed are as the locusts gorbellied devourers and earthly some are greater behold the Bishops and Cardinals And as the Baptist did eate locusts so some have fed on those as I may so say but with this difference to their destruction Who as locusts skip in the Summer sing and delight in ease but the Romish Clergy where are greater troops then of Locusts Where then of Fryers What creatures destroy more then the Locusts Who more then the Romish Clergy who devoure widowes houses gather infinite riches without labour build Colledges palaces but as the Locusts do good neither to God nor man If it be objected that these cannot be understood of the Romish Clergy because vers 4. these cannot hurt the sealed ones but Antichrist and his instruments shall kill the two Witnesses Chap. 11. ver 7. I answer they may kill them yet not hurt them in this sense the outward killing of which in its place may befall the Saints not the inward hurting of the soule for they are sealed by election redemption And power was given them as the
Lords Vers 18. That yee may eate the flesh of Kings c. Who by the unclean spirits chap. 16.14 were to be gathered to Armageddon Both the Kings of the earth suppose Persians Tartarians Indians and those of the ten Kings who forsooke not the Whore who shall be a feast for birds indeed for hell for the Lord shall overtake these his enemies combining against him and utterly destroy them for ever I meane the judgment day shall overtake them for they shall warre against him and last in some sort till then And the flesh of horses and of them that sit on them c. So it is after a battel but here at the last day though all shall be destroyed yet only the Beast and the Kings shall be cast into hell not the horses together with their Armies which being plain in vers 19. I passe Vers 20. And the Beast was taken alive c. The Beast and false Prophet here are one as the Beasts chap. 13. v. 1. 11. are one for the false Prophet is but Antichrist as a Deceiver together with the Cardinals and Clergy of Rome as chap. 13. v. 11. who hath two hornes as a Lamb and doth wonders in the sight of the Beast as this doth here and the Beast is Antichrist as a secular Prince as I have noted chap. 13. and are but one Beast called by John chap. 13. vers last They shall be cast alive into hell either because being taken alive at the last day they shall only be made incorruptible changed and cast into hell-fire and never dye a temporal death or because they shall alwayes live in hell in torment and never die a living death or dying life however by a double punishment he shall be plagued as a secular wicked Prince and as a false deceiving Prophet the Lord having long since begun to destroy Antichrist by the preaching of the word as by the spirit of his mouth 2 Thes 2.8 now finally casts him into the lake of fire and his friends thus the brightnesse of Christs coming shall destroy Antichrist 1. By preaching 2. By this spiritual not proper slaughter or destruction in hell Vers 21. And the remnant were slaine with the sword of him that sitteth upon the horse c. Alluding to Ezek. 39.15 Go ye cursed Now as literally Gog and Magog were slaine and birds eat their flesh so shall allegorically this be fulfilled in the destruction of Antichrist after such a manner as the last judgment requires for the Devil shall have enough and hell shall be even filled with reprobates by reason of this Armageddon CHAP. XX. Preface to Vision 7. or last Act. 1. Vers 1. And I saw an Angel come down from heaven having the Key of the bottomlesse pit and a great chaine in his hand THis Vision is in some sense the recapitulation of all the former and concludes the marriage of the Lamb and history of the Church from Christs incarnation to the last day or the consummation of all things the Angel is Christ who came down from heaven being incarnate for us being the womans seed and to bruise the Serpents head having the Key that is power of hell and death chap. 1.18 or the bottomlesse bit and that by right not as Antichrist who usurps it And I saw Noting the order of the Vision not the order of the events for after the day of judgment now mentioned chap 19. there shall follow no binding and loosing Satan so that here is not a continuation of history and times observed A great chaine in his hand Noting Christs omnipotency and power above and over Satan a chaine of providence shewing how Christ by his Birth Passion Burial Resurrection Ascention sending the spirit cheifly preaching by the Disciples bound up and hindred Satans tempting the world to Idolatry of which see my Glimps of Christs love page 48. and margin Vers 2. And he laid hold on the Dragon c. In the Vision this is the battle betwixt Michael and the Dragon chap. 12. v. 9. there he is bound from accusing the brethren and cast out of heaven and Church and packt into the earth wildernesse heathens and dry places here lest he seduce the Nations keeping them from beleeving being but almost the same with the former So Satan was not so bound the thousand yeers absolutely for he tyrannized by the Romane Emperours over the Saints in the red horse chap. 6. and overspread the face of the Church with Heresie in the black horse chap. same v. 5. but in respect of seducing the Nations Now since the thousand yeers began many Nations have beleeved which Satan could not hinder Thus Christ beheld Satan fall like lightning Luke 10.18 thus the Prince of this world was judged John 16.11 when Christ in earth And he bound him a thousand yeers Though from Christs Nativity Satans Kingdome began to be ruined yet his death and resurrection did him most hurt but the Jewes much hindred the calling of the Gentiles with any great efficacy till the ruine of the Temple from which time chiefly the thousand yeers of Satans binding are reckoned being Anno 73 according to my Pareus who conceives them to be ended anno 1073. when Gregory the seventh a Monke and a Magician poysoning Alexander the second invaded his chaire at Rome and so the divel began to be let loose by him who gave himselfe to all manner of loosenesse yet from the Angels descent or Christs incarnation Satan began to be bound for then temples idols oracles were forsaken fell down and were silent as histories testifie See Master Smiths arrow against Atheists Thus however Satans loosing hath been 577 years or thereabout Vers 3. And cast him into the bottomlesse pit and set a sea upon him that he should deceive the People no more Into hell and confirmed him there as with his seal now though truly Satan had been cast into hell from his fall according to Peter and Jude yet he had more liberty to range abroad then after Christs incarnation for a thousand years after which he was To be let loose a little season No doubt from the expiration of a thousand years after the Angels descent to the end of the world Satan shall be loosed called A little season either in respect of God with whom a thousand years are but as one day or in respect of years past since the Creation or of eternity or in respect of the Scripture wont who cals the Generation since Christ the last houre Now Satan is to be let loose to manifest his rage against the Church to increase his future torment 2. For the triall of the Saints 3. Justly I mean in respect of Gods punishment upon the nations to seduce them that will not beleeve the truth unto salvation Act. 2. Vers 4. And I saw thrones and they that sate upon them and judgement was given unto them c. The former act answered to ch 6. about Christs riding on the white horse and to ch 12.
brethren for so much the Greek word signifies Satan because an adversary and hater of mankind Lastly he is called the Seducer of the whole earth c. for he hath deceived mankind generally now this shews the greatnesse of the benefit obtained by the victory since such an enemy and his Angels whereof Baalzebub is Prince should be spoyled signified by his being cast out of heaven in the Vision How Christ by his birth and death spoyled Satan see farther my quoted book p 48. Vers 10. And I heard a great voice in heaven c. Here follows the Song of the Church The great voice notes the multitude of rejoycers and the greatnes of their joy The cause because the accuser is cast out neither our sin ill conscience the law nor Satan can cast those out of favour who are in Christ Jesus I mean their former sinne and ill conscience of which 1 John 3.20 If our heart condemne us God is greater then our heart and knows all things if we can truly say we love the brethren to wit as the preceding verses speak Now concerning Satans accusing see Iob 1. from vers 7. forward These things being easie to ver 13 I passe them for brevity sake with these notes 1. The heavenly host call us brethren the accuser of our brethren a great dignity 2. They rejoyce because we shall not be accused see their love to us for Satans accusation could not hurt them but us who have not finished our warfare but now by Christs victory there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. Of which very largely see my Glimpse of Christs love pag. 60 67. Where the particulars life death are examined 3. Christ manifested his love power salvation when he drew us as a lost prey out of the Dragons jaws Of which see the quoted book everywhere 4. Though Satan cannot prevail with God by his accusation yet he stirs up many adversaries in the world against us therefore we should walk very carefully for Satan is not dead though overcome 5. The blood of Christ is the cause or means of our victory by the blood of the Lamb they overcome the Lamb and Michael you see are the same by whose death passion resurrection the victory is obtained 6. Since Satan cannot prevail with God but is cast out of heaven and the Church hee 'l domineer the more over the nations the inhabitants of the earth by making them idolatrous and bringing woes and miseries on them Wo to the inhabiters of the earth 7. Satans greatest malice is against the manchild the Church and Saints whose happinesse he envies but hee 'l play at smal game rather then sit out disturb the earth rather then do no hurt This Prophecy concerns the times of Antichrists rising Anno Dom. 606. and after when Satan by Antichrist and his Locusts troubled sea and land Priests and people of Antichrists Church known by the name of Inhabitants of the earth Vers 13 And when the Dragon saw he was cast unto the earth he persecuted the woman c Here the persecuting of the woman is renewed by the Dragon notwithstanding the Church had got Constantine the Emperour that man-child in some sense to profect her for his excessive bounty to the Church did much hurt as I noted chap. 6. v. 7 8. about the pale horse by which meanes the venome of Pride Ambition Coveteousnesse Luxury was breathed into the Clergy which ministred occasion of new persecution Now also Arrrius whose name is enough to tell the misery of that age most beyond thought vexed the Church here the Dragon persecuted the woman for oft times the Emperours were Arrians Vers 14. And to the woman were given two wings of a great Eagle c. The Church after her many battles with hereticks and Tyrants obtained Constantine to defend her but by means of that peace brought to the Church by Constantine many sins reigned in the Clergy and the Church then began to take her flight into the Wildernesse by that time Antichrist arose she was gotten thither Anno 606. for her flight was long therefore she is said to have Eagles wings which Fowle flies longest and strongest So that Church which formerly was the woman cloathed with Christ having as it were a Crown of Apostolical faith to adorne her is now fled into the Wildernesse by it we are not to conceive any local flight as into Arabia deserta or the like But the wildernesse here is opposed to heaven now when the woman cast off the graces of Christ and his robes wherewith she was clad and put on the whorish attire she so altered her visage that she seemed not the same thus she became invisible more and more true there were many that feared God in every Age but they as the Church in Elias time were contemned and invisible or unknown rather keeping private in Families then publike in Congregations Now as we say in our proverbial speech of any thing that is confused or unweeded or overgrown as a neglected garden it is a meere wildernesse so the Church by reason of her spiritual confusion is said to be a wildernesse though formerly a chaste Virgin Note the Popish Church hath ever been visible and flowrishing but not this woman therefore that Church is not this woman for she became by little and little to live as those seven thousand in Israel in the time of Idolatry private and retired hating the whore and her poluted Garments Doctrine Worship and wayes though she were perchance in the literal or local Rome or that spiritual Wildernesse Eagles wings Note the power of her deliverance for they have strong wings not as a small bird By wings then I understand not so much the two Testaments by which she preserved her selfe but an allusion to that foule who by her strong wings flies far and strongly out of danger so the Church by faith flies toward heaven or out of danger into some private retiring place like Elijahs where she is to be spiritually fed as he was literally A time and times and halfe a time So Antichrist shall triumph not for ever yet not a very small time neither but a time yea and times known to God not to us I conceive as my Paraeus by this time the same space is noted as formerly to wit of 1260. yeares which time is given to the reigne of Antichrist So this Antichristian Church of Rome succeeded in the roome of this chaste woman who was fled into the wildernesse or gotten out of sight by that time he arose and abode and is to abide there till Antichrist leaves off treading down the holy City God be thanked she hath been in some measure visible a good while and Antichrists daies are partly expired when their date is quite out we doubtlesse shall see the woman much more glorious and visible for the time of Antichrist reigning is her hiding and as he decreases she increases Thus we have heard of Romes corruption
Buls Excommunications and hissing Sermons against the Saints condemning them as Schismaticks and Hereticks Now as here the Beasts rage lasted 42. months so the little horne warred with the Saints till the Ancient of daies came and judgement was given the Saints Dan. 7. Now this is the last judgement Note the Catholick state of the Beasts power it was over all kindreds tongues these are the wonderers already spoken of vers 3. remember Christs flock is a little flock Vers 8. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him c. Here is a most comfortable restriction the worshippers of the beast are not all Christ hath his people but Inhabitants of the earth contradistinct to Saints whose conversation is in heaven whose names are there written being elected Now if none of the Beasts worshippers have their names written in heaven there is no salvation for them in the state they are in God be thanked we follow not the Beast this is one signe we are written in the Book of life of the Lamb because we were elected to life through him Slaine from the foundation of the world To wit in the eternal purpose of God and by promise that the seed of the woman should bruise the Serpents head Thus the efficacy of Christs death was to the Fathers by faith before his actuall slaying typified out by the sacrifices Verse 9. hath been oft spoken of Vers 10. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity this may comfort the Godly for Antichrist though he lead his own worshippers to destruction and domineer over the bodies of the Saints yet he shall be led into captivity by being cast into the lake of fire chap. 19. in the mean time they need patience to conquer withall Vers 11. And I beheld another beast coming c. Doubtlesse it was the same Beast as is said but called another because of another forme See vers 1. Out of the earth Here the original of the Beast is treated of who came out of the bottomlesse pit before now by his coming out of the earth is meant First That this Beast is not so terrible as the sea monster before spoken of land beasts are more familiar to us Secondly This notes the ignoble and earthly rise of the Beast the Pope was but a poore Frier first the Cardinals once but Deacons imployed about the burial of the dead of the City of Rome though now fellows for Princes but here perchance is noted how that muckle trash money is that about which the Beast and his worshippers are most imployed and which is the usuall cause of their arising and preferment Having two hornes like a Lamb You see the Beast seemes no way terrible looks like a Lamb like Christ as if he were his Vicar and servant of servants yet in speech he is like the Dragon Remember the Lamb had seven hornes chap 5.6 this Beast but two because he hath not the true Lambs strength nor his meeknesse and truth for he speaks as the Dragon by which we are to understand the Beasts false Doctrines as Justification by works Satisfactions also his blasphemies against God the Temple and Saints nay and Scripture saying it is so far true as it is confirmed by him and his Church therefore this Beast is truly called a false Prophet chap. 16.13 teaching doctrines of devils Vers 12. And he exerciseth all the power of the first Beast before him c Doubtlesse here Antichrist as a deceiver is described Now the whole series of Popes is here meant who have usurpedly exercised the power of the Beast already mentioned perchance the Cardinals arising may be here noted who as a second Beast exercise the same mentioned power of the former Beast and that before him and by his authority but these are better comprehended under the notion of Locusts otherwise this Beast might have been called another yet the like for that begot this and yet arose after the other for these Cardinals were once scarce Parish Priests and in time are after the Pope however the series of the Popes have made and so have these Cardinals the earth or the Inhabitants thereof in the forequoted sense to worship the former wounded but healed Beast that is the Pope as a deceiver here causeth himself to be worshipped as a secular Prince Or these Cardinals as a second Beast yet in some sense the same with the former cause the former Beast or Pope to be worshipped of all the admirers and wonderers of which already Vers 13. And doth great things so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth Antichrist shall deceive if it were possible the very Elect. Wonders and miracles have ceased the Church being built and now they belong to Antichrist not to the Church of Christ Now one of his great signs is He maketh fire to come down from heaven Whether alluding to Elias or Satan in Job 1. it matters not 2 King 1. for certainly he would be accounted a man of God though his working be after Satan Now the Pope does not literally do this no more then the Disciples removed mountaines yet they did very great things and were the true Disciples as the Pope is the Beast although he literally bring not fire from heaven since he does other great signs belonging to Antichrist yet the Spirit is likened to fire and so descended and lighted upon the Apostle now the Pope takes upon him to give the Spirit in consecration and forgivenesse of sins and as Satan destroyed Jobs sheep by fire chap. 1. so this Beast destroyes Princes by thundering Excommunications In the sight of men That is openly Vers 14. And deceiveth them that dwell upon the earth by those miracles which he had power to do c Thus Antichrist is a seducer but not of Saints but of the Inhabitants of the earth Thus God punishes them that desire not nor receive the truth to salvation the Saints rely on Scripture and with the Bereans examine all things and so are not deceived miracles must not prove the faith nor truth then in this Age. Now follows the grand Idolatry of Rome his worshippers are commanded to make an Image or Images for that is the meaning of it to the Beast not of the beast but of the Father Son Holy Spirit Mary so that the Beasts kingdom you see is a kingdom of Images or Idols thus the Pope commanded his Worshippers to do Vers 15. And he had power to give life to the Image of the Beast Satan gives the Pope this power thus though the first Bishop of Rome had his power from Christ as also Aaron had from God yet the Pope now a beast hath his usurped power as also Caiphas from Satan by which the one condemned or helped to forward it Christ the other Christians But how can the Images speak Why remember the worshippers pray to them sacrifice to them confide in them beleeve they help them thus the Beast and his Locusts
thing remarkable from henceforth blessed are the dead to wit since Reformation by the three Angels for now purgatory-lyes are confounded and men are taught to be presently happy after death and are taught justifying faith which brings comfort at death now men are taught works follow the workers to heaven not to justifie or save absolutely yet they follow for Christ out of mercy and promises annext to good works will reward them with glory This white cloud signifies Christs divine Majesty for God because of his heavenly power is often in the Psalmes said to ride on the clouds But here Christ comes according to his promise Math 26.64 upon the clouds to judge the world the clouds being his throne Thus comes in Act fourth containing comforts for the godly shewing the joyfull change of the Churches afflictions at the day of judgment Having a crown of gold upon his head c. This notes Christs Kingly Majesty As the sharp reapers sickle in his hand notes his judging and destroying the ungodly as it were mowing them down at the last day for the sickle is to reap the ungodly Vers 15. And another Angel came out of the temple Noting the desire of Angels and Saints at the last day to see the destruction of the wicked Which Angel John in the Vision saw coming out of the temple viz. heaven Thrust in thy sickle and reap Judging is the office of Christ yet the Saints and Angels shall come with Christ to waite on him and approve his righteous sentence Thrust Desiring Christ not commanding to do his office Because the time is come c. To wit the time prefixed in the counsell of God to judge the world which the Angels and Saints noted by the Angel coming out of heaven knew because they saw Christ on the clouds as on a throne and the signes of the last day fulfilling and fulfilled To reap To gather the good into heaven the barne the tares in bundles for the fire The harvest is ripe The measure of the Churches miseries and the sins of the wicked was full And he that late on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth c Thus Christ fulfills the desire of the Saints and reaps the earth saying come ye blessed go ye cursed thus the harvest is the end of the world Matth. 13. The reapers are the Angels yet Christ is said to do what they do because they act by Christs authority Vers 17. And another Angel came out of the temple which is in heaven c. Heaven Noting how Angels shall be reapers and gatherers of the vintage the wicked Yet perchance Christ is here meant to whom power of the sickle or judging is only committed Note all over this book severall persons come in acting as in some Comedy Vers 18. And another Angel came out from the Altar which had power over fire c. In the Vision that is out of heaven from God Yet Christ is the Altar from whom and by whose power the Angels act at the last day This Angel so all the Saints as is noted Chap. 6.10 cry how long hastens the judge who is not slack to reap the earth and gather the sowre wild grapes thereof meaning the wicked for the good grapes in Scripture and the vine are taken in a good sence but the grapes of the earth as the graps of Gomorrah in a bad sense But why doth the Angel who has power over fire demand this Answ Because God by the Angels will cast the wicked or grapes into hell fire now the Angels have power over fire thus to wit by Christs command to burne the grapes tares wicked Also perchance over particular elements Vers 19. And the Angel thrust in his sickle and cast the Vine of the earth into the great Wine-presse To wit into hell For as clusters are trodden in the wine-presse so the reprobates in the lake of hell Vers 20. And the Wine-presse was broken which was without the City To wit Heaven of which City in ' its place chap. 22.15 And blood came out of the Wine-presse Alluding to the blood of the grape called so in Scripture Noting the bloody that is horrible punishments to befal the wicked in hel that spiritual winepresse Vnto the horses bridles c Innumerable multitudes of clusters are to be pressed of all the wicked from the Creation which however shall be quickly done that in the Vision the blood flowed a thousand six hundred furlongs each furlong being a hundred twenty five paces able to make a sea of blood Now Christ uses no horses but the blood in the Vision so streamed out as it would have run a great many miles for length understood by furlongs and reached the bridles of horses for depth had there been any Perchance alluding to Conquerours who after a battel ride up in the blood of the slain to view the enemy Thus the Antichristian Tyrants rode to see the Martyrs die Thus Christ triumphs over them CHAP. XV Vision 5. being but a Preparation to the Vision Vers 1. I saw another signe JOhn was informed by many signes or visions one expounding another The acts of which bring at last ever either joy to the Saints after sorrow by shewing heaven Angels Martyrs and their blisse and protection or destruction of the adversary To this purpose the Reader may see this book speak In heaven So John saw them in heaven which were to be performed on earth on the Antichristian Church Great shadowing out great things Admirable shadowing forth the admirable judgements of God Seven Angels meaning a perfect company these note ministers in the Church by whom God in some sense poures forth his wrath as in some sense he did by the witnesses chap. 11. Having the seven plagues Of which see ver 7. Last plagues because to be poured out in the last age when Popery declined much Filled up The Plagues are to continue in the several Angels till the judgement day when the Arch-angel shall sound and the wicked have the full wrath of God on them for ever Vers 2. And I saw as it were a sea of glasse mingled with fire c. A sea of glasse as ch 4.6 the word is noted brittle as glasse troublesome as the sea full of fiery persecutions afflictions contentions in which the Saints are involved Of glasse again because all the actions of men there are apparent before God the throne But behold many Harpers praising God for his judgements or seven vials to be poured out justly on the wicked behold a company standing as Conquerors by faith on the sea or world They overcame the Beast his images mark of subjection or obedience and the number of his name of all which already chap. 13. Here note the beast is in the singular number therefore but one though of two formes chap. 13. Observe many Saints had obtained victory over Antichrist already the seven vials not being poured out which would not be suddainly finished when pouring out therefore
ago said the preaching of the Gospel should cause to take away earthly dominion and temporal possessions from the Clergy to wit of Rome God be thanked no Kingdome in Christendome except Spaine and Italy but have more or lesse diverted the Euphrates of Rome and made way for the Kings of the East Ministers and good Christians to take her Vers 13. I saw come out of the mouth of the Dragon Since the riches and Euphrates of Rome is drying up she sends Ambassadours to the Kings of the earth to help her These come out of the mouth of the Dragon Beast and false-Prophet In the Vision which is but one as is noted chap. 13. the Dragon furnisheth them with lies the monster or sea-beast representing Antichrist as a secular Monarch with tyranny the false Prophet or land-beast who was like a Lambe in part with all deceit of unrighteousnesse Three impure spirits Meaning the spiritual fathers of Rome's Church Three denotes Perfection or a sufficient company as two witnesses do chap 11. Impure spirits So are these locusts in their original and life Like Frogs came out of the mouth of that Dragon c. In impudent loquacity and filthinesse what more irksom then croaking of Frogs So the clamours of these messengers to the Kings of the earth prating any thing to gain their aid for Antichrist what more impure then frogs both in their original and living the same is true of the Romish Parats and Fryars who may well be said to come out of Antichrists mouth being orders of his confirming having no ground in the Word Now these are Antichrists usual Legates or Emissaries Vers 14. For they are the spirits of divels From the Dragon who gave Antichrists place chap. 13. Their craft and subtilty is from hell though then they make a faire show of religion yet they are of the disposition of the devil their father Working miracles No Church so brags of miracles as that of Rome but t is known Antichrists coming is with signes and wonders and with all deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse Who go forth as Ambassadours To the Kings of the earth To wit heathen and idolatrous It seems towards the end Antichrist to keep up his false tottering power will make league with Indians or any infidels Thus the prating frogs Jesuites lie most uncleanly in ditches and mire of riches vanity and temporal honour and are sent as the Popes Nuncio's or Emissaries to gaine the helpe of the Kings of the earth against the day of the Lord. Vers 15. Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments c. To wit in this dangerous deceitful time and keeps his garments See chap. 3. ver 18. that they be not defiled with the world and flesh for Christ comes unawares as a thief in the night This then is a cautionary parenthesis because the day of the Lord is at hand against which we should watch and be prepared Ver. 16. And gathered them together To wit the unclean spirits shall gather them that is the Kings of the earth by their false miracles lies and prating To battel to fight against Antichrists opposers truly a great miracle that men should fight for the beast of Rome when his other vassals shall hate him as chap. 17. ver 16.17 no wonder if they come to Armageddon or a place of destruction and ruine Since they fight against Jehovah for the beast Called in the Hebrew tongue Harmageddon This Word and such like prove this book was delivered to John in Syriack or Hebrew Megiddo was the place where that most hopeful Prince Iosiah was slain 2 Chron. 35.22 by Necho King of Egypt whereupon for t was an infinite losse the sad Prophet Ieremy composed the book of Lamentations ver 25. Harmageddon in Hebrew signifies a mountain So Har-megiddo is but the hill of Megiddo True Megiddo was the city but the hill field where the battel was fought was after cal'd by that name So the kings of the earth shall be brought to another place of confusion or another Megiddon The alteration of letters are nothing if the tongues be considered in which they are writ Two things are here to be noted 1. The opportunity or fitnesse of the place Such was the field of Megiddo 2. The great lamentation which here the adversaries shal make because of the slaughter therefore one day when Antichrist is almost ruined by the Word and several Kings revolting from him and opposing him he shall be in league with Turk and nations whom he shall entice to help him and to prop up his ruined state but these shall be opposed by other Kings of the East or Christians to their great ruine for the great day shall there overtake the wicked Vers 17. And the seventh Vial was poured out into the aire The six Trumpets signified Preachers I mean the six Angels of the Trumpets as the temporal events proved but the seventh could not be chap. 10. ver 7. then the mystery of God was to be finished So now the six Angels of the Vials may but the seventh proclaims the day of the Lord the end of all things And there came a great voice out of the Temple saying it is done Upon the sounding of the Trumpet the aire is corrupted infected with Pestilence and smitten with Gods wrath so that needs the destruction of all creatures and the end of all things must follow To which purpose a voice from heaven and the throne confirms the truth of it saying It is done This is the great voice of the Trumpet 1 Thes 4.16 the Lord shall descend with a shout Thus the world 's ended and the grapes of the earth to be pressed in the lake of hell and the kings of the earth destroyed at Megiddo Vers 18. And there were voyces lightnings thunders and there was a great earthquake c. These things shew the horrible effects of the last Vial when Christ shall come to take vengeance at the last day then may be voyces of the damned lightnings burning the earth to peeces and the works thereof thunders from heaven for all elements shall conspire against the wicked and such an earthquake as never was for the earth shall be rent to peeces and dissolved Vers 19. And the great City was divided into three parts To wit the Church of Rome wherein or in whose streets the witnesses lay chap. 11. ver 8. In three parts Three notes perfection so it was quite demolished and rent by the earthquake yet I beleeve the literal City shall be destroyed before this day chap. 17.16 But her Dominions and jurisdiction may in some measure last to this earthquake or the end And the Cities and Nations fell To wit of Turk Saracen American and all earthly Kingdoms now at the great Day Yet perchance these may come helping the Whore by the mediation of the three unclean spirits to some nay many private overthrows or Armegeddons before the last day for many Kings shall hate her and burn her before as
6. Act. 3. Vers 1. And after these things I heard a great voyce of much people in heaven THe occasion of this praising God is from vers 20. of chap. 18. Where the heavenly voyce bids the Saints rejoyce as here they do Now 't is usuall in this book as in a comedy or tragedy to bring in harpers or musick to delight the spectatours Hence it is remarkable after Romes destruction men shall rejoyce on earth for Gods just vengeance on her before the day of Judgment For though John heard the voyce as in heaven yet it noted also joy on earth among the Saints After these things After the scarlet coloured City was burnt for so both women chap 17.3 4. and City are arayed chap. 18.16 and the Merchants riches partly burnt partly made uncapable of sale After the common Merchants of Nations had bewailed the City for now they cannot trade with the spiritual Merchants of Rome with gold pearle for Masses pardons nor could the spirituall Merchants being impoverished reach the price of fine linnen pearle after these things as in the last five Visions a chore of singers appear praising God Because Antichrists blasphemy Idolatry is destroyed in part so the cause of the rejoycing is good To vers 10. and 11. things being indifferent plain and to be understood by the reading with adding some few notes I 'le passe them by From vers 1. Allelujah that is praise the Lord being an Hebrew word by which all the quire of Heaven both of Old and New-Testament praise the Lord. Note the sweet concord of both Churches under the Law and Gospel now in Heaven Also perchance hence may be noted that the Hebr. tongue used in Paradise and by our Saviour on earth mixt with the Syriack after the resurrection shall be the tongue to celebrate God in Heaven perchance here may be thought on the Jews Hallelujahs whose tongue this is after their fuller conversion according to Rom. 11. Vers 2. It becomes us all to take notice and praise God for the equity of his judgments upon his and our enemies as Antichrists Vers 3. Hell is below for the smoake ascended here is noted also the eternity of Romes judgment for ever and ever Vers 4. After the former rejoycings the 24. Elders or Jewish Church and the four Beasts alluding to the Apostles see chap. 4. succeed in the praysing God saying Amen So that none but he who sate upon the throne is worshipped not one worships another and he for ever by succession of companies which is to be noted Vers 5. Another voyce inviting to more prayses is heard out of the throne by which is noted its being from heaven and it was not the voyce of him that sate on the throne because the voyce invites to praise him also the two companies had ceased their song so this was Christs voice who as Mediatour cals God his God saying praise our God it seemes they had ascribed to God salvation that is the power of saving acknowledging salvation to be from him but greater motives for praise remaine then their deliverance from Antichrist and his judgment and their salvation to wit the Lambs marriage which all his servants of more or lesse faith children or men that feare him so the Catholique Church is here comprehended must praise him for I hence observe it is our duty to praise God and take notice of his love that his will ought to be done by us in earth as 't is in heaven Vers 6. Now follow the praises by all the people of God in heaven and earth as it were compared to waters because of multitude chap. 17.15 and noyse and to thunder filling heaven and earth i th ecchoes thus John heard it noting the exceeding joy and prayses of both Churches Militant and Triumphant see chap. 14.2 where the like noyse of praise is heard Now this Song belongs to the time a little before Christs coming to judgment as will appear Because the Lord hath reigned that is by subduing the enemies as Antichrist had declared powerfully himself to be God Vers 7. For the marriage of the Lamb is come c. The betrothing between Christ and his Church is in this world by faith and the word preached the word wooes the Church for Christ faith imperfectly embraces him the consummation of the marriage is at the last day when Christ and the Church shall for ever be together enjoying one another perfectly there she shall as a wife enjoy him here only as a Virgin betroathed She hath made her selfe ready to wit for glory but to her it was given to be clothed in white linnen ver 8 to wit by Christ by whom and with whom as with fine linnen she is clothed being her self naked Ezek. 16.8 It was given Noting her natural nakednesse of grace and righteousnesse but through Christs endeavours as a Bride to trim her self but is much nay most helped by Christ to be dressed as Brides are by others for here both dressings are meant of grace but especially of glory so she must needs be a most glorious spouse being dressed with Christ Vers 9. Write As a most remarkable comfortable note Blessed are they that are called internally and effectually to the marriage of the Lamb begun here and perfected hereafter Sure eye hath not seen nor eare heard nor hath it entred into mans heart to conceive the joy banquet attire and graces of this marriage and friends truly invited Now against the Papists if they be blessed that are invited assurance of heaven is to be had here for this is one of the true sayings of God to wit that t is given to the Bride to be clothed in fine linnen therefore there is no Predisposition in her and that they are blessed who are in this world invited having heaven in part upon earth Vers 10. And I fell at his feet to worship him c. The Angel's who talked with him Abraham civilly worshipped Angels as Travellers Gen. 18. and was blamelesse which may perswade that this worship offered by John was religious because forbidden Now John had seen Angels before now and heard them speak yet never offered to worship till now either being now over-joyed about the comforts of the Lamb and his spouse for which discourse for this Angel had familiarly talked with him a great while by way of thanks he would have worshipped him or perchance supposing he had been Christ To be brief Iohns weaknesse is here shewed and the Angels faithfulnesse since Iohn confesses in writing his errour as Moses shews his original Matthew his calling impartially it shews that these men were inspired by God who were the Writers of these books And since the Angel refuses the worship for two reasons 1. Because he was Iohns fellow servant 2. Because God was only to be worshipped therefore no worship neither douleia nor latreia for they are indifferently used for the same worship is due to Saints or Angels So that as the Angels refuse it so
Boniface the third but Satan being let loose Ann. 1073. Gregory 7. raged with both swords spiritual and civil deposing the Emperour Henry forbidding marriage of Priests advancing Idolatry Now comes in the grand Idol of Transubstantiation and Purgatory called by Pareus the god of forces out of Dan. 11.38 because by the meanes of it and Purgatory the Popes became rich and all their forces were employed to confirme this Idol it being also the strength and nerve of Popery In the first Millenary the flourishing Churches of the East indeed became adulterate but Mahometisme though it also began in the thousand yeers hath infinitely more spread after Satans loosing by which meanes the Nations have been much deceived Now the judgment upon Satan Gog and Antichrist follow in the last act And fire came down from heaven and devoured them The first Gog and his Army fell partly upon the mountains of Israel by the Macchabes here followes the last destruction of Gog and Magog some notable judgments shall overtake them before or to be sure however at the day of judgment these judgments are set out by fire a mercilesse Element so Psal 11.6 God shal rain upon his enemies fire brimstone alluding to Ezek. 38.22 where Gog's destruction is set forth perchance as relating to the last day of vengeance and that by fire Thus the old Goggish war and the new somwhat agree This fire from heaven is the sharp sword which proceeded out of Christs mouth Chap. 19.21 to devour or slay the Adversary Vers 10. And the divel that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire c Master and servants are tormented for ever but doubtlesse Satans punishment shall be greatest as the seducer of them to wit of the nations upon whom the whore sitteth chap. 17 15. who through Satan deceives them and Gog and Magog with all their forces Princes and retinue under the Turk and Kings of the earth which I the rather mention because here is mention made not only of Satan and them as of Gog and Magog whom he deceived but of the Beast and false Prophet suffering in the lake whom he also deceived the Nations then or inhabitants of the earth are deceived chiefly by Antichrist and Satan after the thousand yeers and Gog and Magog with their adherents distinctly from them thus we have an Eastern and Western Antichrist Vers 11. And I saw a white throne Here is the description of the day of judgment which I observed in this Congregation was after every Vision after some sort expressed except in the first which being a peculiar Vision omits it and after follows the joyful marriage of Christ and the Church with the description of the heavenly Palace or new Jerusalem which Master Brightman mistaking applys it to this life A great white throne and one that sate on it Great because set up for the general judgment of all white because of its celestial splendor and majesty it is the white cloud mentioned chap. 14.14 he that sate on it was Christ to whom God hath committed all judgment John 5.22 From whose face the earth and heaven fled away c. Being not able to endure his Majesty yet they shall not depart as a scrowle till the judgment be past And there place was found nowhere Most say the renovation of all things shall be and that only the fashion of the world that is the outward forme and corruptible qualities shall be destroyed and so the earth shall be found no more as it was but shall be made most beautifull and glorious being to be delivered into the glorious Liberty as far as 't is capable of the sons of God Rom 8. being to be freed from corruption and bondage But few shew good reasons for this renovation except that the Saints might contemplate on the creation renewed which they in heaven shall know to perfection though this be altogether consumed now since all the sons of men shall be in heaven or hell to what purpose shall the renovation be It is some may say for the Saints somtimes to visite delight in and live but their mansions are prepared in heaven These shall be changed if Philosophy could bear that interpretation into nothing having served the creatures for the creators pleasure as they were created out of nothing or shall be exchanged for the heaven of heavens Now perchance to be delivered out of corruption is liberty enough for this whole creature Man excepted But we expect new Heavens and new Earth that is the glorious heavenly condition of the Church above in perfect glory and the bodies of the Saints which are earth consummated Sea shall be no more c. 21.1 We scarce hear of ' its renovation or use why then should Heaven and Earth be renewed without their fellow Element But I referre the reader till anon to the most learned discourse of Dr. Hackwill upon this subject towards the end of his most delightsome book of Gods preserving the world and governing of it Vers 12. And I saw the dead small and great Meaning those who had died from Adam to the last day but now raised up by the power of Christ but those who are found alive at the last day shall be judged also being lesse in number then the said dead who now are quickened through Christ Small and great Great men and beggars men and children It seems John saw children in the stature of children though then made capable of understanding their sentence but most beleeve we shall be of a full stature to which the Apostle alludes till we come to a full man the stature and fulnesse of Christ Ephes 4.13 For as in Paradise the type of heaven Adam was created perfect in stature and of a ripe choyce age So 't is thought it shall be in heaven Such was Christ so the young man appeared in Christs grave as typing out the resurrection Mar. 16.5 but enough And I saw the dead Yea and living to be judged who shall be changed in a moment and I beleeve the false Prophet or Beast shall be so found and after changing be cast alive into the pit as chap. 19.20 Standing before That is brought to judgment The guilty standing ready to be condemned who are already condemned and the Saints standing in Christs presence to be absolved who were formerly in soul in blisse and absolved but here perfect misery and joy is expected And the Books were opened alluding to humane courts not as if God wanted books The Reprobates own conscience will be an open book against them God forgets not their impieties Perchance the Scripture may be produced against those who knew them and disobeyed them according to that saying The words which I spake shall judge at the last day John 12.48 then Hereticks will answer for abusing the book of God And another Book was opened The book of all those that were elected and redeemed to life through Christ Jesus And the dead were judged Sentence was pronounced According
to the things that were written Gods Word as it is the rule of our life so it shall bee of our judgement According to their works Good or bad but the just are not judged or saved because of their works Good or bad works are known to all and by them as open testimonies shall all be judged The good works of Saints Christ wrought in them yet hee 'l reward them for what he has wrought O blessed Jesus work thy work in us Vers 13. And the sea gave up her dead which were in her c. Sentence being pronounced all the Elements give up their dead the Water those that were drowned the Earth those that were buried whether Saints bodyes or Reprobates but the Saints so long before the rest that they might meet Christ and the rest of their brethren in the Aire and come to see and approve Christs judgment of the wicked by Hell I understand how the damned shal appear to receive their final sentence who are called dead because they were dead in sin and once bodily dead By death I understand the grave or the earth as before the effect of death All that were burnt eaten by birds of the Aire or fishes of the Sea shall appear the Angels shall gather the ashes of the Elect from the four corners of the earth Vers 14. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire That is the devil who brought death and caused destruction or enticeth to hell Thus death shall be swallowed up in victory 1 Cor. 15.54 in vers 10. by an anticipation of time the devil was said to be cast into the lake of hell which indeed was but now fulfilled This is the second death Or eternall death The first was a temporall death if it may be called one or rather a separating man by sin from God Vers 15. Is easie All but the elect are damned being not written in the book of life If any man demand why so oft this book speaks of the last judgment 'T is answered because the Saints my be comforted and patiently endure persecution for a while This Act answers the harvest and vintage chap. 14. latter end And to the seventh Viall of the haile chap. 16.21 and to chap. 19.20 concerning the armyes of the Kings of the earth together with the Beast and the Kings casting into the lake of Hell CHAP. XXI Being the seventh Vision continued AFter the Renovation if not destruction of the world the heavenly glory is shewed to John under a twofold simile First As a glorious bride adorned Secondly As a most excellent choyce City which is set forth by things which are most rare and precious to man to give a glimps of the Saints glory in the glorious heaven Vers 1. And I saw a new Heaven The devils and the reprobates being cast into hell being mentioned Now follows the description of the Saints glory And I saw Iohn as Moses saw the promised land sees heaven before death into which Paul was wrap'd and heard unspeakable things A new heaven Esay foretold of a new heaven and earth chap. 65.17 which began to be accomplished after the shaking heaven and earth Heb. 12.26 by a Reformation by Christ and the Apostles when all things became new men became new creatures here the new heaven may signifie the Churches glory in heaven with Christ and the earth the bodies of the Saints most glorious Master Brightman applies the latter to the glorious condition of the Church after the Jews Conversion which cannot hold though we expect their Conversion but do not beleeve it to be tyed to Judaea as he supposes who in some measure are daily gained to the faith The Millenaries apply this to their golden age of whose opinion in part Augustine confesseth he once was but our Saviour tels us of no such brave time in earth towards the end but says when the Sonne of man comes shall he find faith in earth and though Rome shall be burnt yet both Antichrist and Gog shall rage to the end Concerning the new heaven and earth though I almost stagger in the point I will follow the most common opinion notwithstanding what elsewhere I have said in this book concerning the dissolution of all things and by a new heaven and new earth prophesied by Esay and in some sense fulfilled by the renewing of the Church I understand the renewed condition of heaven and earth literally to be fulfilled according to Esay and Peter 2.3 13. The substance whereof shall not be utterly abolished but the corruptible qualities and it shall be pure bright glorious Thus the first heaven and earth were passed away being not vanished quite for substance but quality being to be renewed and purified by fire A new heaven and a new earth c. John saw not the very glory of heaven which eye hath not seen but types and similies of it And the sea was no more According ro corrupt qualities and rolling with waves as now but made solid and in a globe though I know no use of these things unlesse to remaine as monuments of the great works of God and of his Power and to be renewed as having in their nature and course faithfully served their Creator as a reward for their service being delivered from bondage into the liberty of the sonnes of God according to their capacity And perchance the heavens may not as now compasse the earth or move there being no use of it But the brightnesse and lustre thereof shall be much augmented as of the Sun and Moon Vers 2. And I saw the holy City Here is the glory of the renewed Church shewed to Iohn after he had seen the renewed world and indeed this renovation of the Church seems distinct from that of heaven and earth renewed therefore one cannot be well the other or the new heaven and new earth the glorified condition of the Church for t is said And I saw as distinct from the former Let the Reader perpend this also Iohn seems to insert his name to confirm it saying I Iohn saw the Holy City Ierusalem Meaning the Church which the Scripture cals Ierusalem A City Because of its choyce and rare building such was Ierusalem built by Salomon more rare is this which is not built of common stones but as Esay 54.13 which I may apply in some sense here the Citizens are Saints who know one another as Citizens do She is called holy Because glorious in heaven and perfectly holy so appearing to Iohn in the Vision she in some sort is holy here below for Christ sanctifies her washing her by water regenerates her by faith and the spirit The old Ierusalem was polluted this is new newly glorified in heaven in the Vision perfect holy Coming down from heaven So chap. 3.12 noting her original to be from God this must not be understood of local motion her abode is heaven as chap. 12. vers 1. a woman in heaven but here is noted her heavenly grace and
Jasper a precious stone I see no more here but the most happy everlasting life of Saints set forth The City was pure gold This metal we chiefly-esteem therfore the Holy Ghost sets forth the glorious condition of the Church or City by it pure Gold is without drosse if tryed in the fire it comes forth without any such shewing the most pure estate of the Church above Like to Chrystall Or clear Glasse the matter is solid Gold the form bright as Glasse or Chrystal so it is as a golden City shining in glory not really but to stirre us up to seek after this heavenly Ierusalem which farre exceeds all these precicious things to which it is as it were compared Vers 19. And the foundation of the wall The matter of the wall and City is mentioned the foundation is very precious being of precious stones stones are for foundations preous stones for this being Christ laid by the twelve Apostles whose names were upon the foundations the foundations were all of whole Pearles or Gemmes which were Pillars of the wall as it were thus the foundations were garnished with pearles or precious stones The first was a Iasper Clear and green which the Papists say signifies Peter who did shew a lively flourishing love towards Christ indeed Peter being first converted is usually first named but the same order of mentioning the Apostles by the Evangelists is not observed alwayes and 't is conceived all loved him and dyed for him as well as Peter Iohn only excepted perchance who was the beloved Disciple writ most of love therefore this of the Papists proves little neither is it said the Apostles were the foundations but their names were written upon them doubtlesse the preciousnesse of the stones set-forth the preciousnesse of Christ the foundation and the Gospel preached by the the twelve so the stones set forth the choycenesse of him that sate upon the throne ch 4.3 which is a plain sense The second a Saphire being skie-coloured it aswageth lust 't is wonder saies my Pareus that Writers apply not this to Iohn who only lived unmarried the Papists apply it to Andrew but since the order of reckoning the Apostles is not alwayes the same we hence can certainly gather little But this observe if the twelve had their names upon the foundations then had John before his death and why may not the Beast like a flying Eagle resemble John chap. 4.7 who though alive had written his Gospel where he sores aloft like an Eagle about Christs Divinity See the exposition on that chap. 4 7. I see little hindring The third a Chalcedony A kinde of a Carbuncle of a purple colour good against black choler that is sadnesse and fear Now the foundation Christ and the Doctrine of the twelve Apostles both teach love as in the first stone chastity in the second and expel all base fear as in the third stone The fourth an Emerauld A most pleasant green colour refreshing the sight good against poyson and the falling sicknesse Now the foundation Christ is most pleasing and cordial The fifth a Sardonix Resembling in part a mans nayle and the colour 't is good against pride so is the foundation Christ and the twelve Apostles doctrine The sixth a Sardius Of a dark red colour it emboldens sharpens the wit The seventh a Chrysolite c. Being good against shortnesse of breath the Papists apply them to the Apostles but for brevity sake I omit them Christ compleatly comprehends what 's in them to perfection who is the true foundation of the heavenly Ierusalem the Apostles have their names written upon the foundation because they confirmed the foundation Christ with their blood Vers 21. And the twelve Gates were twelve Pearles c. Christ is the only Gate he is the way door and life but because by the ministry of the twelve Apostles we come to Christ hence the City is said to have twelve Gates now the Doctrine of the Apostles leading to Christ is more precious then Gold or Pearles who in heaven shall shine with the brightnesse of Christ like glorious Pearles And the street of the City was pure Gold Now followes the inward beauty of the City there are many streets in a City and a Market-place or place of meeting I see nothing else here but the whole course of the Saints in heaven is most uncorrupt and pure their walking or motion and meetings comprehended by streets are righteous and pure as Gold our meetings below are full of corruption and the purest Church and members sinful therefore the state of this life is not here meant Transparent Glasse Is the Cities unutterable brightnesse Vers 22. And I saw no Temple in the same Solomons glistering Temple was a type of Christs spiritual Church heaven shall need none preaching and all outward exercises of Religion shall cease in this world our weaknesse needs these helps then God will not be served with external worship Christ shall give up his ministerial Kingdom by which he now governs the Church 1 Cor. 15.24 and God according to the Essence in three persons shall be all in all each one then shall be taught of God Ier. 31.34 None need say know the Lord all imperfection shall be laid aside 1 Cor. 13.10 and tongues which were only to build up the Church faith and hope which were to lay hold on Christ which now in the Vision they enjoy only charity remains So when I speak of meetings or motion ver 21. I mean no such as these but conceive they may move and not alwayes in heaven sit stand stil or rest in one place which were improbable For the Lord Almighty is the Temple of it Here the Saints praise him in Temples there they shall immediatly rejoyce in him and keep a perpetual Sabbath to him serving him day and night before the throne so they shall rejoyce in God as in a Temple God in heaven is insteed of a Temple chap. 11.19 the Temple of God was open in heaven meaning the triumphant Church who were Gods Temple in earth now he is the Saints Temple in heaven Vers 23. The City hath no need of Sunne nor Moon to shine in it c. T is not said the Sunne and Moon were not for as Esay hath it The Moon shall shine as the Sunne and the light of the Sunne shall be seven fold for a recompence for their unwearied former pains chap. 30 26. speaking of the renovation of all things But God and the Lamb as equal in light and glory shall be the light of the City and shall obscure the other lights which shall remain glorified as monuments of Gods mercy power and wisedome but the city shall not need them having the father of lights there where also every Saint shall shine as the Sunne for ever O glorious City But observe that Esay is partly to be understood of the great light of knowledge and grace under Christs spiritual Kingdom in respect of the dark clouds of the
this verse the Holy Ghost is meant by seven spirits because grace is prayed for from them Also Pareus agrees with me that in chap. 4. ver 5. created angels may be understood but not here Vers 5. And from Iesus Christ Peace cometh by Christ Eph. 2.15 Christ here is treated of as the Mediatour and therefore is put last the order is sometimes in the Scripture omitted as 2 Cor. 13. ult Who is the faithfull witnesse Faithful because he confirmed the truth not only by preaching and miracles but by suffering Witnesse because by way of Prerogative he is so though there be three that bare record in heaven 1 Iohn chap. 5. because he first also and only shed his blood for his own testimony therefore on earth he is the witnesse The first begotten of the dead because Christ first and only raised up himself by his own power to immortal life others were raised by his power and became subject to death again And the Prince of the Kings of the earth that is as chapter 19. verse 16. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Who loved us and washed us from our sins by his own blood Vers 6. And hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his father He concludeth his dedication with a Thanksgiving First because Christ loved his People and became man for * See my Glimps of Christs love p. 36 37. them Secondly because he died for them justifying them by his blood nay sanctifying them Thirdly making us Priests and Kings Priests to consecrate our selves as a living sacrifice to God through him Kings not only in a dopting us to be heyrs of his Kingdome above but through his power making us Conquerours of Sinne and Satan To him be glory either understand the glory of his Godhead or that glorious exaltation of his manhood at the right hand of his father For ever and ever shews Christs Eternity Amen That is be it so Vers 7. Behold he cometh with clouds This may comfort the Saints though the wicked tyrannize a while he cometh to judgement This also proves against the Papist that the humanity of Christ is not everywhere because he cometh with clouds and they are not every where Every eye shall see him that is every man his Crucifiers Scoffers also the righteous the former to their confusion the larter to their comfort And they that pierced him as in Zach. 12.10 to wit the Souldiers Iohn here and in his Gospel applies that of Zechary to Christ and teaches us two things 1. That Christ is God 2. That Iohn writ this Revelation Even so Amen it shews that there is no doubt but Christ will come to end the afflictions of the Church and to punish the wicked with whose coming the Saints are well pleased Vers 8. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end Alpha is the first letter of the Greek tongue Omega the last it shews Christ is first and chief the verse proves Christs deity See Isa 41.4 Vers 9. I John who am your brother t is no vain-glory to name himself here otherwise we might have thought 't was Christ spoke also Paul repeats his name twice in one Epistle I Paul with my own hands his name being prefixt before Brother there is a spiritual brotherhood among the members of Christ Iohn is their brother in three things named in the text 1. In tribution 2. In the spiritual Kingdome of Christ which we being Kings and Priests ought to maintain 3. In sufference Was in the Isle that is called Patmos Domitian the Emperour first cast him into a Caldron of boyling oyle but receiving no hurt banished him into this Isle where he received this Vision The Emperour being slain he returned to Ephesus and ministred to the seven Churches For the Word of God Iohn sheweth the true cause of his banishment and 't is worth observation that the Romanes as they conquered worshipped the gods of every nation Jesus only excepted it seems the devil was content that they should worship any god but the true For the Word of God to wit Christ For the Testimony To wit the doctrine of Jesus Christ Vers 10. Was in the spirit Iohn was in spiritual meditations when he saw the Revelation which he saw not with mortal eyes but being ravished in spirit his mind was carried beyond it self On the Lords day the first day of the week on which Christ arose from the dead which by the example and command of the Apostles 1 Cor. 16.1 Christians keep and observe as holy T is not probable Christ would burden the mind of Iohn with all the Vision or Revelation at once especially considering ch 4. ver 1 2. and ch 17.3 Iohn confesseth he was in the spirit at other time but doubtles John as all true Prophets understood every particular of the Revelation I heard a great voice behind me great either in regard of the great mystery of the vision or in regard 't was the voice of the great God Behind me Shews the freenesse of Gods love to Iohn in the voice he not expecting any such voice or Vision As of a Trumpet in respect of its shrilnesse and being heard afarre off it notes the terrour and power of his Word Ver. 11. Saying I am Alpha and Omega in the voice three things are contained 1. The Eternity of Christ 2. Johns commission to write warranted by divine Authority 3. To send the Vision wtitten to the seven Churches What Christ carefully commands John to write it becomes us carefully to read for though particularly this Vision concerne the seven Churches yet all Scripture is written for our instruction Ephesus Where Paul constituted a Church to whom he after writ an Epistle 't was in Asia the lesser Smyrna a sea-coast-towne now called Smeer where Iohn or some other Apostle constituted a Church And to Pergamus Here Paul Acts 20. raised up Entychus dead and happily planted a Church Thyatira of this city was Lydia a seller of purple who was converted to the faith by Pauls preaching at Philippi Act. 16.12 14. To those of Sardis the once famous city of Craesus Philadelphia a city of Mysia of the lesser Asia And unto Laodicea a city near Ephesus Paul preached here and commanded his Epistle written to the Colossians to be read here Col. 4. ver 16. The Pastor hereof was an hypocrite neither hot nor cold with whom Christ was much displeased Note though Paul had preached the Gospel at Rome long before this yet that Church not remembred perchance because Christ foresaw her usurping authority The Apostles are ever very silent of the Virgin Mary the spirit foreseeing the Church of Romes idolizing her But what say I Christ sends not to the Church of Rome truly with some difference of time considered great part of this book concerns the whorish or Antichristian Church of Rome who boasts her self to be Christs Vers 12. I turned to see the voyce That is him that spake Seven golden Candlesticks
is cloathed with mercy let him look which way he will there is the Rainbow like the delightsome Emrauld to shew how he delights in Covenant-keeping in Promise-keeping and in mercy You see then here was God the Father represented sitting and reigning in the person of his Son so he that formerly appeared to John walking among the seven golden Candlesticks now appeares sitting on a throne sometimes under one figure Christ is represented sometimes under another Vers 4. And round about the throne 24. Seats and upon the Seats foure and twenty Elders sitting An honourable Session of Elders hereby are represented the company of Patriarks Prophets godly Kings and Judges nay all the Saints under the Law who now triumph with Christ in heaven but certain here is a finite number put for an indefinite by the number is noted a perfect Senate They sit on thrones because with Christ they shall judge the world They be said to be Elders because of their wisdome Cloathed in white raiments Here is the Priestly dignity of Saints shadowed out as by crownes on their heads the Kingly is white undefiled robes become Priests also the purity of Saints in heaven is hereby signified their Garments being washed in the blood of the Lamb. Crownes note their reigning with Christ this is the crown of life and glory Vers 5. Out of the Throne proceeded lightnings and thundrings and voices By Lightnings and thundrings and voices to wit of thunder and lightning for thunder is the voice of the Lord by it is noted the Majesty and power of him that sits upon the Throne who sends forth judgements against the wicked And seven Lamps of fire burning before the Throne To wit chiefe Angels who are his eyes and feet c. by which he executes his pleasure Vers 6. Also before the throne The Sea of glasse like Chrystal is the world very fraile a sea because instable and tumultuous as Chrystal cleare because all the counsels and actions of men are before God and the Throne he clearly discerning every thing Bulling And in the midst of the Throne and round about the Throne were foure beasts Neare the Throne and close by it as I send ye as Lambs in the midst of Wolves So here these foure beasts were neare the Throne though some think the foure Evangelists are here meant as Matthew in likenesse of a man because he begins with the generation of Christ as man Mark of a Lyon because he begins as roaring the Law The voice of one crying in the wildernesse Luke of an Oxe because of the sacrificing of the Priest which he begins with John of an Eagle because soaring aloft In the beginning was the word and the word was God such high divinity Iohn begins with that one of the Ancients said had he flown a little higher he had flew quite out of sight we being not able to comprehend him But how can this be well understood of the foure Evangelists since Iohn was yet alive I understand the State of the Christian Church triumphant who are of divers forms because divers Nations and peoples are now under the Gospel received but the 24. Elders or Jewish Church was more uniforme in the Law Foure perchance alluding to the foure Evangelists or a finite number put for an indefinite Beasts because of their great paines and difficulty to enter into the kingdome of heaven Full of eyes As the former notes the paines and labour of Teachers to gaine soules to Christ So this latter notes the watchfulnesse and singular wisdom and insight of Teachers we should all be thus quick-sighted to understand Scripture Vers 7. The first was like a Lyon c. The Church is described from her gifts a Lyon notes fortitude a Man wisdom an Oxe labour and industry an Eagle sharp sight as in knowledge Vers 8. And the foure beasts had each of them six wings about him Alluding to Esay 6. with two they flie noting their quicknesse and readinesse to serve God with two they cover their face not being able to behold the Majesty of God with two they cover their feet not knowing when Christ shall come to judgement or that nothing unbeseeming the Divine Majesty might appeare about them Thus the Seraphims In that their wings are full of eyes it denotes that full and perfect light or knowledge which the Church enjoyeth with God in heaven And they rest not day and night saying Holy Holy Holy c But incessantly praise God for they are never weary Now note both Beasts and Elders praise God here is the excellent consent and harmony of Prophets in the Law and Apostles in the Gospel acknowledging Christs holinesse power and Godhead Vers 10. The 24. Elders fell down before him that sate on the throne c. Rose from their seat and fell down before the throne giving due worship and reverence to him that sate thereon And cast their crowns before the Throne Attributing their victory and reward to God the Author Greg. The rest is easie CHAP. V. Being a continuation of the second Vision Vers 1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne a Book DOubtlesse this Book is the Revelation it self which was not a materiall but a Visionall Book Now as Christ is said to receive the Revelation from God of which before and to deliver it to John by an angel So here this Book was in the right hand of him that sate on the Throne and taken out of his hand by the Lamb vers 7. Opened and delivered unto the Angel who gave it to John commanding him to eate it chap 10. Forasmuch as all things thus agree no question this Book was the Revelation In his right hand c Because God is the Author of the Revelation also because he held it forth to Christ to open and unfold Written within and without This signifies the multitude of matters which were exhibited to John in the Revelation no place in the Book was empty Sealed with seven seales Because the Book was shut up and kept secret and kept close from the understanding of men this is one use of seales it notes the obscurity and secresie of the Revelation till by Christ opened Vers 2. And I saw a strong Angel proclaiming with a loud voice Or one of the seven Spirits excelling in strength See my Glimpse of Christs love pag. 43 44. who cried with a loud voice because with a mighty courage he proclaimed before the whole Company of heaven the question about opening the Book Who is Worthy to open the Book c Not who can for not only skill and strength but worthinesse is also required in the opener of the secret counsell of God about things to come Note this Vers 3. And no man in heaven c. Silence in heaven all creatures dumb as unable and unworthy to open the Book in earth men and beasts under the earth fishes and sea monsters being under the earth according to the sense of the
second Commandement that is in the water under the earth By heaven earth seas unablenesse to open the Book is understood but thus much no creature could Vers 4. And I wept much because no man was found worthy to open c He concluded sure some worthy matter is in the Book therefore wept because it could not be opened and known this weeping was not in vaine for by prayers and teares he hath his desire granted him Let this instruct us how to attaine to the knowledge of the mysteries of God Vers 5. Then one of the Elders said unto me weep not c. Who is unknown the Papists would needs perswade it was Peter but it was one the Jewish Church not Christian as is observed perchance he that was next to Iohn Behold the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah Alluding to Iacobs blessing where Iudah is called a Lyons Whelp it notes Christs dignity strength and Kingly power Christs mother was of this Tribe The root of David Mary came of David Hath prevailed Being found worthy observe here Christs manhood of the root of David Christ Godhead since he was worthy and overcame admitting no creature with him into the Society of his function Vers 6. A Lamb Before a Lyon conquering sin hell death now a Lamb noting Christs innocency In the midst To wit between the Throne and the Elders as Mediator betwixt God and the Church also it notes Christs exaltation at the right hand of God Stood as it had been slaine His standing notes his Resurrection being staine his death a Lamb slaine noting his manhood a Lion and a Lamb standing noting his Godhead victory Resurrection Having seven hornes Seven is taken indefinitely for many or answering the seaven seales hornes note power eyes Divine insight so that Christ wants neither skill nor power to open the seven seales of the Book His eyes are said to be the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth meaning seven choice created Angels which proves Christs divine nature since the Angels are his servants who give him account of the sons of men whose hearts however he knows without them and which they know not whom he uses not for need but majesty and comfort to the godly Ver. 7. And he came took the book out of the right hand of him that sate upon the throne to wit out of the midst and went to the throne and took the book to open it Thus that is fulfilled chap. 1. ver 1. God gave the Revelation to Christ and he to Iohn Christ gives it to John as God receivs it of his father as God-man Sits on the throne as God goes to the throne for the book as God-man Vers 8. When he had taken the book which was not yet opened though the Latine version read it so which Alcusar would faine excuse Here is noted the cause of the heavenly inhabitants joy because Christ had received the book wherein the whole counsell of God touching the good of the Church and the destruction of the adversaries to the end of the world is contained And fell down before the Lambe giving him divine worship which proves his deity Having every one of them harps not as if God were pleased with musick but because it stirred up the affections of Saints to God-ward with such instruments the holy Prophets and Kings were wont to praise God and to delight themselves and others for the same instrument might praise God and please others And golden vials full of odours which are the Prayers of the Saints as perfumes ascend upward and give forth a sweet smell so Saints in Prayer seek for heavenly things and are pleasing to God through Christ Now as gold excels so Prayers from a pure heart Let the viol of our hearts be pure and the Prayers of thy People be as sweet odours in thy sight O Lord. Vers 9. And they sung a new Song A most excellent Song containing the new benefits of Christ They both Churches see the consent of both Covenants Know by the way the Prayers carried by the Elders in vials were their own Prayers only Saying thou art worthy to take the book and to open the Seals thereof excluding worth from any other the worth is the preciousnesse of his blood which we should well consider For thou wert slaine Christ by his death hath merited for others and he only can give salvation Vers 10. Thou hast redeemed us to God by thy blood c. Here the Church applies the price of our redemption to her self with the effects For he hath made them Kings and Priests of which already And we shall reign on earth not only mortifying our earthly desires and trampling them under feet but also as Christ our head doth raigne here not by a secular power for his Kingdome is not of this world and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal for the head reigning the members reign but this we understand not of an earthly but spiritual dominion Vers 11. And round about the throne The Angels whose number is even infinite only known to God joyne with the Church triumphant of which they are members in the praising Christ who though they had not a redeemer as man yet had benefit by Christs death See Col. 1.20 compared with 16. praise him for mans redemption and perchance their own gathering together Eph. 1.10 is thought on Vers 12. Saying with a loud voice worthy is the Lamb. c. These Angels with Songs set forth seven divine Titles of the Lamb yet his ubiquity as Pareus notes is not mentioned To receive power because he is omnipotent And riches because in him are hid all the treasures of wisedome and knowledge And wisedome being the eternal wisedome of the father And strength because he hath overcome the world and Satan And glory because he raigneth gloriously And blessing he is worthy of blessing in whom we are all blest Vers 13. And every creature which is in heaven all the creatures nay divel and all do in some sort set forth the praises of God Now here is another argument of Christs deity since all the creatures worship him with religious worship Vers 14. And the foure beasts said Amen here the Beasts and Elders manifest their joy and consent to the praises of Christ sung by the Angels to speak to capacity by saying Amen that is so be it and the Elders by worshipping Christ who liveth for ever and ever What joy and companions in praise what holy members hath the Church triumphant in heaven that t is even heaven to us below to think of it CHAP. VI. J. Act of the second Vision Vers 1. And I saw when the Lambe opened one of the Seals c. NOw the book begins to be opened for Christ now reveals unto John the Councels of God which were yet hidden and shut he shewed to John in types which he made him understand but he shews us the types only concealing the mysteries that we might exercise
the pale-horse He that sate opon his back was death c. Though Christ doubtlesse was carried up and down as rider in the Church for all profest him yet since in works they denied him death the effect of sin is said to sit upon his back drawing hell for that waits on death without Christ after him Now though by beasts beastly lusts raigning in the souls of the people through the negligence slothfulnesse and security of Bishops wounding and killing many may be understood And by famine that of the word Amos 8.11 By the sword the wounding tongue which cuts like a sharp rasor Psal 52.2 or false wounding doctrines of Hereticks suffered in the Church by death the spiritual death for want of Christ the life and the Gospel the food of the soule for I heare not of a persecuting sword in this age yet certainly there is a plain allusion to Ezech. 14.21 where the Lord threatens Jerusalem for her Apostacy with his foure sore that is some cruel punishments to which Christ likens here the cursed effects of security in teachers and hereticks wounding doctrines destroying a fourth part that is a great part of the earth under the Romane Empire Now follow Act. 2. Vision second Vers 9. And when he had opened the first Seal In this second Act are three things contained 1. What he saw and the place where 2. What they said 3. The answer they receceived The summe of all is to comfort the godly against the scandall of the crosse shadowed out especially under the red horse particularly least John should be daunted much at the effusion of so much blood of the Martyrs he sees their souls safe under the protection of Christ Observe then the soul is separable eternall I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slaine for the word of God and for the testimony which they held To wit of all the Martyrs slain from Nero to Boniface the third the first Antichrist Vnder the Altar To wit Christ Heb. 13.10 We have an Altar not then in purgatory but in heaven Thou shalt be with me this day in Paradise Not under the robbes of Mary but under the safety of Christ the Altar not lost for they enjoy the presence of Christ and of God as far as created natures are able Vers 10. And they cryed with a loud voyce saying how long c. By this is shewed their earnest desire of the hastning Gods judgments 't was no vocall but visionall crying which imports no impatiency for the glorified Saints are free from such corruption their desire is just that Gods glory may be vindicated the Church finally delivered They do not prescribe God a time but closely submit to the same as unknown to them only they intimate that to them it seems just and equall that he should deliver his Church and no longer suffer the blasphemies of cruall Tyrants Vers 11. And white Robes were given unto every on of them They are answered in words and deeds for white robes were given them this notes the beginning of glory Moses and Elias talking with Jesus had such shining garments the perfect robe though this former be without spot is referred till the day of judgment Now for the word And it was said unto them that they should rest yet for a little season To wit by him that sate upon the Throne or the Altar under whose protection they are Now Christ is called an Altar because he was sacrificed as a Lamb upon the Altar of the Crosse or his divine nature which sanctified and made the sacrifice worthy and able to pacify divine Justice In the answer note many things 1. Antichrists time is short 2. God heares alwayes the prayers of his Saints 3. The cruelties of the wicked are not forgotten but shall be revenged 4. The cause of the forbearance is first to lead men to repentance that the full number of the Martyres may be accomplished 5. A communion between the Saints above and these below We ought not therefore to pray to them being our fellow servants Neither though they love us do they pray for us because it would derogate from Christ in whose presence they are as if his intercession were not satisfactory or he were asleep however we ought not to pray to them since they know not our particular wants though they be in the presence of GOD For Abraham knowes us not Esay 93. Act 3. Vision second Vers 12. I beheld when he had opened the sixth Seal and loe there was a great earthquake c. This Act consisteth of two parts 1. Treats of the greater and more horrible confusion of the Christian world under Antichrist vers 2.15 then and in the 7. Chap. is treated comfortable things as the sealing of the Elect to vers 8. I referre these Earthquakes to the last persecutions under Antichrist upon Phocas the Emperours proclaiming Boniface the 3d. universall Bishop and Prince of Priests or indeed Antichrist then the Christian world began to be horribly shaken for now Christ the Son of righteousnesse began to be obscured that is the doctrine concerning his offices and benefits darkened the Moon or Church turned into blood the Starres or Pastors fall from heavenly offices the opened Book of Scripture or the Heaven rolled up and forbidden to be read the mountains Kings and Princes for they are higher then the other people in Jeopardy The Ilands brought under Antichrists yoak and tyranny First of the earth-quake sometimes t is taken in a good sence as Heb. 12. I will shake heaven and earth meaning in reforming the world by Christ Note also that the signes foretold to be at the last day Math. 24. in the Sun and Moon shall litterally come to passe when the Isles shall fly away and mountains were not found to wit at the day of judgement But here the Earthquake signifies the shaking and oppressing the Church by Antichrist who darkened the Sun to wit Christ and the true light of the Gospel and the Hypocriticall Monkes who wore garments of sackcloth glorying of perfection do as by a true badge testifie that they live under this darknesse spoken of But say they the Pope professeth Christ against all Hereticks Answ Should he openly cast off the name of Christ then he could not have brought under his bondage the Christian world But his coming as the Apostle writeth is withall deceiveablenesse in them that perish Christ is darkned and Mary adored free-grace rejected for polluted works the Sacraments changed into Idols the Gospel into Traditions scarce any thing but the name of Christ remaining The Moon became as blood The Moon is the Church Now as the Moon borrowes light of the Sun so the Church all of Christ Into blood The cruell tyranny of Antichrist makes the Church red with the blood of the Saints the oft Massacres prove this in part Vers 13. The Starres of Heaven fell into the earth Starres do not really fall but false ones do so false teachers like
Pilate in part and deferres the rest untill the day of judgment Vers 16. And the number of the armie of horse men were two hundred thousand thousand Noeting the Turkish forces to consist of horsemen especially of which one Emperour of the Turks can bring forth more to a battle then all Christian Princes joyning together 400000. is common And I heard the number of them John having named the number of the Turkish horse noteing what an innumerable armie the Turks sometimes draw into the field least it might seem incredible affirmes he heard the number of them to put all men out of doubt I well remember that living in the University of Ireland a gentleman that newly came from Scandrown or Alexandreta told me he saw the Turkish army march by to recover Badget or Babylon and that the army was above a week marching by consisting of fifteen hundred thousand men with which he recovered Bagdet from the Persian By which however I may guesse thus much that the Turkish forces are incredible many Vers 17. And thus I saw the horses To wit in the Vision otherwise neither are horses in heaven nor such a number in one army in earth Xerxes came nearest They that sate on them had breast-plates c. This Nation of Turks carries not so much harnasses of steel for they come light into the field the readyer to assault fight or flye if occasion be as strength of nature for the breast-plates here mentioned note the inward courage of the Barbarians for their breast-plates were of fire jacinth and brimstone noteing their fiery cruell natures jacinth is in colour like fire and brimstone is easily kindled so are those Barbarians quickly incensed and provoked to warre where by fire they make great desolation And the heads of the horses were as the heads of lyons The Lyon is a generous strong cruell beast It notes the swiftnesse and valor of the Turkish horse in which they most confide and hope for victory The Locusts teeth were Lyons but these horses heads are such because the Locusts deal more secret the teeth being covered with the lips but these Barbarians are more open breathing nothing but war and destruction professedly And out of their mouthes proceeded fire and smoake and brimstone Out of the mouthes both of horse and rider noteing the feircenesse of their war-horses but chiefly this is to be applyed to the rider Brightman applyes this to the Turks guns out of which come fire smoake yet perchance the savage hydeous cryes of these Barbarians which they eye before they begin battle to terrify the adversary may bee understood by fire So their blasphemies against Christ may be meant by smoake which proceeded out of their mouthes as by brimstone may be meant the stinking sulphureous doctrine of that wretch Mahomet wherewith millions of souls are and have been destroyed Vers 18. By these were the third part of men killed Great has been the Turks successe many Kingdomes and Nations have they devoured and though the Christians have given them many defeats witnesse brave Scanderbeg Hunniades King of Hungaria and the Venetian 1571 yet finally by multitude they prevailed They have conquered the third part of our cities Provinces Kingdomes Churches and Armies The holy war of which see the sweet tongued Mr. Fuller destroyed many hundred thousands of the Turkish men yet they through sundry accidents slew many more hundred thousands of Christians and at last went away victorious Vers 19. For their power is in their mouth and in their tailes How they kill with their mouth is said vers 17. now they kill with their tailes the tailes are behind by which the retreats of the Turkes are noted either wounding and killing by deceit and fraud by lying in wait for poor Christians or by perfideousnesse though they oft keep their promises or by wounding with their arrowes upon a retreat fighting backward as the Parthians of old who were most feared when they turned their backs Either then by serpents tailes we may understand their deceit and fraud or their shooting headed arrowes and perchance poysoned upon their retreat The retreats of the Turks are cunning and dangerous compared to heads therefore and to serpents tailes Vers 20. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues The sins of the Eastern Churches as Idolatry that mother of mischeif caused this loosing of the four Angels bound formerly by Euphrates Now if God so punished these shall he spare Romes Idolatry but shee 'l say she worships not the Image but the party expressed by it Answ And truly when Israel worshipped the calfe Exod. 32. and said this is thy God O Israel which brought thee out of the land of Egypt vers 4. can I think they were such calves as to think this Idol-calf brought them out of that land doubtlesse they were not such sots they saw the powerfull hand of that God on Egypt on the Sea and they see this is the work of their own hands but they thought to expresse that God by this calf or oxe yet how displeased is God with them nay the learned Jews have a saying that no punishment ever happened to them in which there was not an ounce of the golden Calfe grounding on Exod 32. ver 34. Neverthelesse I will remember to visit this sin upon them Yet repented not of the works of their hands The end of Gods judgments is not for destruction but instruction and amendment of life Vers 21. Neither repented they of their murther c. Here I observe that the Eastern Churches were addicted to strange sins as sorceries impurity of life living many unmarried I mean of the Clergy Sacriledge for the Clergy under specious pretences did devoure widowes houses yet repented not O Rome look to thy own self for thy neighbours house is fired and thou lyest impenitent though guilty of the same sins truly you may expect the foure Angels to kill the third part of you since you thus provoke God to withdraw CHAP. X. Act. 2. Vision 3. Vers 1. And I saw another mighty Angel come down from heaven HEre in this Act are comforts for the godly under so long continued afflictions as the fifth Seal contained the comforts of the Martyrs under the Altar in respect of the evils of the foregoing seales so this chapter belonging to the sixth Trumpet doth containe consolations against the evils of the foregoing Trumpets which I have already mentioned in the preceding chapters This mighty Angel is Christ whom John saw in a Vision descending from heaven not by a local motion but by the presence of his Spirit and special help to relieve the afflicted condition of his Church Thus Christ has promised to be with his Church to the end Clothed with a cloud This notes the majesty of Christ for God in old time oft appeared to the people in a cloud So then Christ clothed with the cloud of our flesh is not here meant because his birth is not here treated
of but his coming to assist by his spiritual presence nor his coming in clouds at the last day is not to be here conceived but chap. 19. vers 11. And the Rainbow on his head The Rainbow signifies mercy because God set it in the cloud as a signe he would not destroy the world by water any more notwithstanding the sin of man Christ comes to his poor afflicted Church as a Messenger of peace and mercy who is our peace and procured us mercy a comfortable signe for an afflicted people promising one day to his true servants eternal rest and peace His face was as the Sun Noting two things Christs glorified condition and his being the Sun of righteousnesse illuminating his Church dissipating the tempests of calamities promising as it were by the clear beams of his countenance to dispel adversity from his people His feet as pillars of fire Pillars note strength to uphold fire notes Christ refining his Church for fire consumes chaffe also hereby is noted Christs consuming his adversaries and enemies so Christ appears as upholder of his people refiner of his Church devourer of his adversaries Thus Christ the strong Angel is above the Locusts and like the Sun looks upon the rage of the four Angels loosed and the rest of the adversaries ready to support refine consume Vers 2 And he had in his hand a little book open This is the same book which was formerly sealed with seven seales which Christ opened and holds it so in his hand 't was lesse now then when the seven seales were one for now many events were revealed to John out of it and the seales taken off Quest Why doth Christ open the book and now keep it so Answ Because Christ is the revealer of secrets and of the will of his Father and he keeps the holy Scripture open so that the Locusts nor their King notwithstanding the smoak of the bottomlesse pit can darken the truth of Jesus totally nor the armies of thè Barbarians could root up the faith of Christ Mark then notwithstanding all opposers of the truth the book is kept open for Christ raised some alwayes to defend his truth furthermore he keeps it open for his two Witnesses in chap. 11. to purge by it the dregs of the Locusts and their King And he set his right foot upon the sea c. Some by Christs right foot understand powerful ministers and by the left foot more weak ones however Christ sets his feet on sea and land that is takes possession of the world as preserving in all places some remnants of a Church to himselfe notwithstanding the many persecutions of tyrants who endeavoured to root out the very name of Christ mangre also the cunning endeavouring of that old serpent by many hereticks and by the Bishop of Rome's falling from heaven to earth turning the doctrine of Christ into wormwood and opening the bottomlesse pit this is a great consolation to the Saints that none can put Christ out of possession Vers 3. And he cryed with aloud voice as when a Lyon roareth This lyon-like voice shews the efficacious spreading of the Gospel which should and doth frighten the opposers who the more they rage the louder the voice is the more earnestly the name of Christ was professed and this Christs loud voice did foretel so that the enemies and opposers though they did rage yet they had a kind of secret feare in them Seven thunders uttered their voices These represent seven that is a perfect company of thundering ministers or Boanergeses of the truth who should upon the books being open and the voice of Christ as the Lyons roaring to wit in the publishing the Gospel notwithstanding all opposers undauntedly preach Christ against tyrants hereticks and Antichrist to make them unexcusable Vers 4. I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me c. This voice did not absolutely forbid the writing of what the seven thunders uttered but in respect of the event God foreseeing that the opposers would not hear but despise their voice causing the same to be sealed secret and hid to them through their own default Note that some Copies read After these things write what the seven thunders uttered However here you see how true that of Paul is the Gospel is hid to them that are lost Vers 5. And the Angel which I saw stand lift up his right hand to heaven So they did in old time that did sweare God once swore by himselfe Christ here sweares by God Christ forbade not swearing upon a just occasion an oath so is the end of strife idle oaths Christ forbade as by ones hair head Ierusalem by which none ever swore before a Magistrate rash oathes then are forbid not other Observe Christs sword as Mediatour and God-man by his father who in that respect is greater then he Now in Vers 6 7. And sweareth by him that liveth for ever and ever c. follows what was sworn to wit that time should be no longer but the accomplishment of the mystery of God under the seventh Trumpet at the day of judgement was at hand but Christ is not to be understood as if he had swore time should be no more after that day but should be swallowed up in eternity for what needed an oath to confirme so apparent a truth Christs swearing was to comfort the godly under tyrants and especially Antichrist who had established his kingdome as it made the Saints feare much more misery for it seemed so firme that it should not be demolished now Christ promises a time of Reformation tacitly of which in chap. 11. also the ruine of Antichrists Kingdome and that no more time of such misery and sadnesse should happen to the Church So the oath here is for the confirmation of the promise and for the Saints consolation The mystery of God shall be finished c. either of the Jews calling a little before the seventh Trumpet of whose calling the Prophets speak and Paul Rom. 11. or rather the mystery of the resurrection as Paul cals it 1 Cor. 15. behold I shew you a mystery and destruction of the adversaries of which see Zach. 14 Mal. 3. penult and Mal. 4. thus the sixt trumpet shall continue fulfilling till the last day then the seventh by the Arch-angel shall sound 1. Thessal 4.16 Vers 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven c. to wit that bade not to write the things uttered by the thunders ver 4 commands him 1. To take the book out of the hand of Christ 2. To eat it True seven thundring ministers in the time of Antichrist and opposers preached undauntedly the truth of Christ but without fruit but now John must eat the book by which is signified that the Gospel is to be preached anew though not by John himselfe in the time of Antichrist with successe this book then written within and without chap 5.1 is the Gospel as well as the Revelation that without is the known word of God
then in the general shall be ever safe Mat. 16. the gates of hell shall not prevail against her yet particular Churches as Corinth Rome may erre and fall away as experience shews Having the Moon under her feet By it is shewed the variable condition of the Church here below sometimes shining in full light sometimes scarcely to be seene but rather here is noted the Churches despising and trampling underfoot all sublunary vaine and perishing things possessing Christ by faith And a crowne of twelve starres on her head She professeth the faith of the twelve Apostles who are compared to bright starres which is a crowne as it were to her head thus the Church is a crowned Queen and the faith an adorning Vers 2. And she being with child cryed c. Alluding to women who beare not without paine nor bring forth without sorrow the Virgin Mary not excepted See my Glimps of Christs love page 16. The Papists cannot tell how to beleeve that this place any way concerns the Virgin Wel the Church cannot bring forth her fruit of Christ without crying labour sorrow the propagation of the Church ever was with great troubles cares cryes thus Saint Paul travelled in birth with the Galatians chap. 4.19 tyrants make the Churches paine the greater Vers 3. And there appeared another signe a great Dragon having seven heads c. Because he is an old Serpent who has devoured other Serpents and so becomes a Dragon Red Notes his cruel bloodthirsty nature persecuting the Church This Dragon is the Devil ver 9. the crowned heads of the Dragon are Kings Emperours Tyrants as Herod Nero Domitian for seven is taken for many By hornes strength is meant by them Governours Captaines are meant as Pilate Festus Now ten notes a great many the Dragon differs from the Beast chap. 13. the description of each makes it appeare yet this Dragon begot that Beast and are somewhat alike Vers 4. And his taile drew the third part of the starres c. Now followes the action of the Dragon he by his taile that is by cunning flattery and insinuation for Dogs fawne with their tailes drew or enticed many teachers of the Church compared to starres to leave their heavenly function and to fall to humane traditions and earthly cares yet I rather by the Dragons tail understand under several tyrants many long persecutions for the Dragons taile is his strength wherby many at least seeming starres fell to the worship of Satan Nay some faithful teachers too for a little season here are things noted first yet not many yeers after performed Esay says the Prophet that tels lyes is the tayle chap. 9.15 Now perchance by Dragons taile false-teachers and hereticks as Arrius may be noted who drew many from the faith Now by this Dragons meanes that starre chap. 8.10 chap. 9.1 fell to the earth I mean the Romane starre and Arrius And the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered c. Like a hungry Wolfe before the fold to devoure the Sheep Peter cals him a roaring Lyon intimating his hungring after a prey 1 Pet. 5.8 First when Christ was literally born he fought to devoure him by Herod when the children suffered for him before he for the children and ever since he strives to devour Christ the manchild in his members by Tyrants Hereticks Antichrist This Act answers to the first foure Seals concerning horses chap. 6. and to the Trumpet concerning the fire mingled with blood the burning mountain the starre falling containing the time from the birth of Christ to the rising of Antichrist Now follows comfort in act the second being answerable to the fifth Seal of the soules being under the Altar chap. 6 9. and to the Angel standing on sea and land chap. 10.2 Vers 5. And she brought forth a manchilde who was to rule all nations c. The Sexe notes strength thus Christ is the mighty God Who doth feed that is rule all nations with an iron rod. as Psal 2. that is with a powerful Scepter the nations with an iron rod but his People with his word or as Psal 53. in green pasture as a shepheard not a tyrant Is the devil a dragon So then remember Christ is that strong manchild who by his power and iron rod defends himself in his members whiles here below Note by the womans bearing a son many sonnes nay multitudes of sons are signified who first beleeved And he was caught up unto God c. Christ litterally and the Saints spiritually are caught up into heaven that is defended and protected and after death as the witnesses are caught up or ascend to heaven out of the danger of the Dragon his heads or horns Vers 6. And the woman fled into the wildernesse c. Here that is said to be done first which was not done till afterward to wit when the Dragon was cast to the earth and the woman had wings ver 13. To which place I referre the Reader for the interpretation of this verse Vers 7. And there was warre in heaven c. After the manchilde was caught up to heaven and before the scattering of the Church John in the vision saw the warre in heaven and it signifies how Christ ascending overcame Satan destroying his Kingdome bringing to the Saints eternal safety Brightman applies this to Constantines suppressing the enemies of Christianity which in part may hold But doubtlesse this war began before Christ is Michael in this place for the Angels can't be said to be any other Michaels though perchance Iohn saw one Angel as Commander of the rest in the Vision Christ and Satan fought in the temptation bloody sweat passion when our Michael overcame as Sampson by his death but especialy by his resurrection and ascension though the whole mystery of our salvation is here shadowed out he destroyed the Dragon and to this houre in some sense the battel from heaven lasts with the Dragon This Vision was to comfort the Church in her miserable persecutions seeing at last her Michael prevailed and she in him now though in the Vision more Angels fought noting perchance how all his members must fight against Satan yet Christ doubtlesse trod the Winepresse alone Isa 63.3 Vers 8. And prevailed not c. Christ sits triumphing in heaven and in his Church in great measure at this day therefore there is no room for Satan there I beheld him as lightning fall from heaven says Christ the preaching of the Gospel and Christs death cast him out and destroyed his Kingdome Thus Christ entred the strong mans house or kingdome and spoiled it Matth. 12.29 perchance here is some allusion to Satans first casting out of heaven Vers 9. That old Serpent called the devil and Satan c. he is called old because of a long standing even before the fall A serpent because of his craftinesse and poyson of sin wherewith he infects the nature of man A divel because an accuser and slanderer of the
new song then being the serving and celebrating the name of God is to be learned by Gods children imperfectly here perfectly hereafter Note the harpers beasts and 24 Elders are all before the throne therefore partakers of the same glory and all follow the Lamb because redeemed from the earth to wit by the efficacious blood of the Lamb. Vers 4. These are they who are not defiled with women for they are Virgins c Marriage does not defile though Jerome was against it extolling Virginity being the means to keep men undefiled and Gods own ordinance these harpers were a very great multitude who are called waters therefore now 't is improbable they should be all reall Virgins but Virgins are those not polluted whether in wedlock or single life who especially have not been defiled with spiritual fornication with the whorish woman chap. 17.2 These are opposed to the inhabitants of the earth who are defiled but the harpers are holy and follow the Lamb Christ Whether so ever he goes c The servants of Antichrist wondred and followed the beast chap. 13. these the Lamb and serve him night and day Hence observe after the resurrection there will be motion in heaven and now is in its kinde Secondly all the Saints are to be where Christ is according to his prayer therefore all the Saints follow the Lamb a like and pertake of equall glory of which largly already These be the first fruits to God that is holy for so were the first fruits in the Law and bought and redeemed from among men so are all the Saints as well as these therefore this is but a priviledge common to all the Saints of heaven Vers 5. And in their mouth was found no guile for they are without spot before the throne of God To wit now in heaven for now they are without fault having washed their robes by faith in the blood of the Lamb before the throne to wit Gods Majesty in heaven the being before the throne is the cause of their blisse Vers 6. And I saw another Angel flee in the midst of heaven An Angel for many Angels who represent Preachers of the Gospel And now another state of the Church is to be looked for This Angel is conceived to be Wickliffe Professour at Oxford who Anno 1371. preached the everlasting Gospel against Antichrist He writ many volums which came to other nations and people to read to him many witnesses were raised suddainly Midst of heaven shews the imperfection of the doctrine at first not quite heavenly nor quite earthly men see not so clearly at first when Reformation begins Having an everlasting Gospel Because it cannot perish but in Wickliffes successours continued So the word sowed cannot returne in vaine in a state it continues here and in heaven for ever 'T is a folly for Antichrist to strive to suppresse it To preach to the inhabitants of the earth c. Sworne vassals to Antichrist Therefore at first the successe could not be imagined to be great for the task was very hard The substance of his preaching was that God might have the glory not the beast nor his image Because the houre of his judgement is come to wit of his giving understanding grace and judgment of the truth or rather because the day of the great judgment is at hand of which anon Vers 8. And another Angel followed saying with a loud voice c. The rest of Vers 7. being plain I omit This is conceived to be Luther to whom many witnesses were joyned Babylon the great City is fallen it is fallen c. That is shall suddenly fall and assuredly fall Now the Caldean Babylon is not here meant but that which then ruled over nations 2. That which was to be the seat of Antichrist 3. That defiled all nations with fornications but this was Rome plainly Neither did heathenish Rome ever make merchandise of souls but Popish Rome chap. 18.13 A most plain argument that not heathenish but Popish Rome is here meant also this Rome I mean the whole Antichristian Church has more kept the people of God in bondage then heathenish Rome But I speak to Beleevers therefore will use no more arguments here is fallen twice said to note the certainty of it That great City To wit Rome or the Church of Rome which in this Angels time began to fall in many places as Germany Saxony Because she made all nations drink You see Rome is the mother of spiritual whoredomes Of the wine of her fornication So called first because Idolatry is more pleasing to mans corrupt nature then the true worship of God 2 Because one may soon be drunken and overcome by it 't is a bewitching sin Of the wrath of her fornication So called because it brings Gods judgments and wrath Vers 9. And the third Angel followed them saying with a loud voyce c. To wit the successours of Luther as Bullinger Calvin Zanchius who with a loud voyce that is couragiously forbad the worshipping of the beast upon pain of Gods wrath As Vers 10. The same shall drink also They that love the wine of Idolatry must pledge in the wine of Gods wrath without mixture without allaying with water that is without mercy Of his indignation and anger To wit in the seven Vials of which in order And hee shall bee tormented This should dehort from Idolatry The Verse being plain for brevity-sake I passe Vers 11. And the smoake of their torment To wit the smoak of the fire of their torment ascended it seemes hell is below For ever and ever See Drexelius of eternity Concerning the beast Image mark and name is already spoken Now to vers 13. is easy and comfortable Vers 13. Blessed from henceforth are the dead which dye in the Lord. Not only from the houre of death but from the preaching of the three Angels for now Reformation teaches purgatory is a lye Now men beleeve the truth henceforth men die in the truth in the Lord for the Lord That is for his cause there is no salvation then to them that are not in Christ Hence learn is there such torments for Antichrist Here then is good ground for the Saints patience a while under tryal Are they blessed that depart in Christ then death 's not the end of all The death of the body under tyrants hurts not the soul of the Saints Lastly it is infinitely more comfortable dying since the Reformation by the three Angels then in the days and Church of Popery blessed be God but enough till vers 14. Vers 14. And I looked and behold a white cloud Behold the great day and Christ on the cloud Now the Saints shall henceforth be perfectly happie and the good works of all their former life which are said to follow them not goe before them as the cause of glory shall through mercy and grace crown them for ever Yet perchance that verse may be taken thus write to wit for the Saints comfort and as a
the Papists lye saying Antichrist should rage but about foure years These harpers are not only to be taken for those chap 14.3 who congratulate the 144000. standing with Christ on the mount but are to be taken for the Church militant as Brightman observes rejoycing and singing of Songs of praise as Moses did for victory over Pharaoh so these over the national name of the beast for the word in Greek is overcoming as it were now in earth though it be represented to Iohn in heaven having the harps of God in the Vision meaning excellent harps Vers 3. And they sang so it seemed to John yet there are not tongues lips nor voices as yet enough in heaven to make musick but this is spoken to our capacity yet the Saints most sweetly and joyfully but as spirits praise God in heaven The Song of Moses Exod. 15. or like it And the Song of the Lambe as oft before T is a Song composed of many places of Scripture together by which you see the way to praise God is out of his lasting Word Thus his Word endures for ever in heaven and praises out of his Word Thou King of Saints God in a peculiar manner is their king and they his subjects Vers 4. Who shall not feare thee not Antichrist Being only holy The Popes unholinesse is here reproved All nations shall Some of all nations upon Antichrists declining For thy judgements are manifest In weakning his kingdom by the preaching of the Word making him odious This the Harpers worthily pronounce Vers 5. And after that I looked to wit after the Song as an interlude And the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in heaven was opened Alluding to the litteral Temple the meaning is John saw heaven open out of which came these Angels There is no mystery in it but Antichrists judgements proceed from Christ the High-priest of the Tabernacle Vers 6. And the seven Angels came having seven plagues clothed in pure white linnen White linnen notes their heavenly Purity With a golden girdle So Christ had chap. 1.13 noting his Majesty and Diligence which his servants the Angels have ready to execute his pleasure Or this imports the decency of Angels who assuming bodies or appearing in bodily formes for our sakes come not naked but clothed as the Priests by Gods command in the law Vers 7. And one of the foure beasts Of these is spoken chap. 4. it matters not which of them gave the seven Vials perchance he that was nearest not Peter as the Papists think Thus much is apparent the Church desires Gods judgements to be hastened upon Antichrist as chap. 6.10 upon tyrants O Lord how long the beasts resemble the Gospel Church now they especially desire it being greatest sufferers Vials noting the vessel holding as much as a man can drink at a draught but doubtlesse these were great ones noting Gods great judgements ' Golden Noting the justnesse of the judgements though then John saw Vials in the Vision they noted the cup of wrath and fury spoken of in some sense chap. 14 10. Vers 8. And the Temple was filled with smoak c. Not a cloud as 1 Kings 8.10 11. but smoak noting how the Church of Rome was to be filled with darknesse and confusion and consequently wrath of God Which though formerly it were in the Romish Church not of new yet now it began more plainly to appear after the light of the truth that no man could enter into heaven above noted by the Temple because of darknesse of ignorance and sin nor could enter into the Church to receive light because nothing but blindnesse and darknesse till the seven plagues were past that is never for the seventh Angel is the Archangel at the last day thus none of the beasts worshippers have light nor can enter into the Temple of heaven in the state they are in for ever But Christ we hope will call many of them home as that great City or Church of Rome decays Thus farre the introduction to the fifth Vision The smoak comes from Gods glory and power and the blindnesse from God as a righteous judgement CHAP. XVI Vision 5. Vers 1. And I heard a voice out of the Temple saying to the seven Angels go c. FOrmerly two witnesses chap. 11. that is a few were raised up against Antichrist Now seven that is very many who by their preaching shall as the witnesses cause Vials of wrath to be poured upon Antichrist We have heard of the Beast against the witnesses Chap. 11. the Dragon against the woman Chap. 12. the Beast against the Saints by warre Chap. 13. and suffering none to buy and sell but his spirituall Merchants not followes a strang change Judgments for the Antichristian company Beast and Merchants goe There is Commission Pour out not drop aggravating the punishment Pour out his viall upon the earth Leave none at all in the vessell upon the earth in vers 2. these Angels note ministers Vers 2. And the first went and poured out his Viall upon the earth Note the readinesse of the Angels in obeying the Lord whose voice out of the Temple or heaven commanded them even now ver 1. On the earth that is the inhabitants of the earth or worshippers of the beast And there fell a grievous noysom sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast c. To wit on Antichrists markked ones T is an allusion to the first Egyptian plague of boils and blaines Exod. 9.9 for here is oft such punishments as haile locusts blood Now though God may punish the Roman Church with outward diseases as the French pox which follows the wanton Clergy yet since outward diseases are common to all chiefly with Brightman I understand these plagues to be in men as hatred envy malice against the true light upon the preaching of the Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth by the first Angel note the Gospel is the savour of life to the Saints though it be as a Vial and torment to the marked ones because it hinders their riches honour pride tyranny Now what greater sore then a tormented vexed mind Vers 3. And the second Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sea and it became as the blood of a dead man So in the Vision the sea is the Romane Church or gathering together of Churches Perchance the Councel of Trent whether all People gathered for help when the first Vial was poured out it lasted many years many rivers as Cardinals Bishops Archbishops c. run hither and made up the sea to consult against Christs true witnesses however the sea of Rome or Church is the sea the Bishops and Doctors are the rivers and fountains which make up the sea or the fountains are Scripture all corrupt at least to them this is a plain allusion to that Egyptian plague when the waters were blood so here the Church Bishops Doctors are polluted so the Scripture the fountain in some sense of water is
had more when Antichrist was at the highest Vers 16. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the Beast c. Meaning ten Kings of the West of which already shall hate the whore when God shall put it into their hearts The occasion of these horns of the Beasts hating the Beast and Whore was the Lambs victory convincing them of the truth God be thanked all kingdomes Spain and Italy excepted more or lesse hate the whore and oppose Idolatry Shall make her desolate By leaving the great City and with their Kingdomes and Dominions turn to Christ And make her naked Detect her abominations by confession writing and keeping back her gold riches pearle c. that should adorn her And shall eat her flesh Her flesh here is her annuities riches rents possessions wherewith she was fatted which they shall imploy upon their own territories Churches and several better uses And shall burn her with fire Rome to wit the nest of Antichrist and whorish Seat So that the Pope shall flie to some of the Kings of the earth for shelter as the Spaniard perchance who may be called one of the Kings of the earth contradistinct to the Kings of the East and may joyn with the other named Kings of the earth to his destruction now Antichrist is not thus to be quite ruined though his Palace be but in the succession of Popes shall live some where or other till Christs coming to judgement 2 Thes 2.8 whose brightnesse shall destroy him and the remaining Kings of the earth Vers 17. For God hath put it into the Kings hearts They were ready enough else to have continued in idolatry with Antichrist so that God must have the glory Here England Germany in part Scotland Swethland and other places recovered from Antichrist and hating him may be thought on once of the ten Kings Obj. What is putting into their heart and how it is done Answ God moves the heart of them by his divine cooperating spirit effectually so that it cannot but act yet leaves it free because the divine determination hinders not the judgement of reason about choosing or refusing note God put it into their hearts first to do his will or pleasure in executing his mind for the Beast as chap. 13. to agree and give their Kingdome to the Beast of which largely vers 13. of this chapter fighting with their might for his spiritual Empire Vntill the Words of God were fulfilled That is his decree touching the rising of Antichrist in this book and in the Apostles often Now he hath altered their minds convinced their consciences and they do his Will in executing his judgements upon the Whore after she was at the height and the Word of God was fulfilled that Antichrist should sit in the Temple of God or in the Church for God and oracle and after the Worshippers had admired after the Beast The Lord put it into more of their hearts to their salvation Amen Ver. 8. And the woman which thou sawst is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the earth To wit Rome for no other city in Johns time mark it had dominion over the Kings of the earth to whom they were tributary but Rome And thus the Church of Rome at her height held all and ruled all either by the sword or under pretence of Religion note God by his revealed Will grace coworking put it into these kings hearts to fulfil his will formerly God put it into their hearts to do his will in serving the Whore The action and motion materially is from God always the forme or obliquity of the action is from Satan and mans corrupt nature in which and by which God hath a secret working and end If a man ride well upon a lame horse the going or action is good as from the man the lamenesse is from the horse so the action in the Kings when they were for the Whore is from God the lameness and pravity of it serving the Whore is from their corruption by which however God wrought his pleasure The summe is the Angels or Preachers and Kings shall divert Euphrates of Rome the Preachers noted by Angels having made Rome weak in part and odious before then the three unclean spirits gather the Kings of the earth to helpe her but her former Vassals shall many of them hate her and burne Rome yet the Pope with the Kings that are left shall be gathered to battle against Christ and these converted ones but the bloody feild of Armageddon or the day of judgment shall overtake them CHAP. XVIII The sixth Vision continued Act 2. Vers 1. After these things I saw another Angel come down from heaven TO wit after the sight of the woman upon the Beast another Angel for this book is as a Trage-comedy where several persons come in as Actors here Angels signifie no Preachers as formerly the Angels bid but are real Angels one perchance Christ publishing future events to John they come from heaven and so do the judgments upon Babylon Having great power All the Angels are great in power how great in power is God then whose servants these are it notes the greatnesse of the matter in hand to wit great Romes overthrow who is not invincible And the earth was lightned with his glory This notes that he was a glorious messenger from heaven 2. That the judgement of Rome shall be publike and open Vers 2. He cryed with a loud voyce saying It notes 1. That the inhabitants of the earth and worshippers of the Beast shall not plead ignorance for so the Gospel hath long cryed down Rome and threatned her destruction 2. It notes the stupidity of Rome lying in pleasure though her judgments were at door Babylon is fallen is fallen c. As in Esay 21.9 concerning the literal Babylon it notes the certainty of its destruction therefore 't is doubled The Angel chap. 14.8 who proclaimed its ruine did it as a Preacher by the Gospel battering that spiritual City which about Luthers time began to decay and decrease in honour and greatnesse Here the destruction of the City of Rome is foretold by a heavenly Herauld because she rejected the former warning the Gospel-truth and killed the witnesses this Babylon is Rome having seven heads or governments sitting on seven mountains making drunk the Kings of the earth with her fornication being the seate of Antichrist and which in Johns time ruled over Nations And is become the habitation of Devils See Esay 13.16 to 22. or of Satyrs it was formerly Satans dwelling place being a Kingdome of Idolatry and Antichrists seat but now this notes its utter desolation as that place of Esay shews This Angels Proclamation belongs to the time a little before Romes destruction and is not yet come And the hold of every foule spirit Noting the apparitions of Devils to be there after its destruction not only Fairies and Satyrs And cage of every unclean and hateful bird As Kites Owles Vultures Ravens This
the Saints would blush did they know the several honours and adorations offered to their pictures and idols For the Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy The Angel confirms that he was fellow-servant with them that had the spirit of Prophesie or the Testimony of Jesus because he also had that Testimony revealing to John by the spirit these future events in this book Act. 4. of this Vision Vers 11. And I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse c. Behold the Judge and last day Now the reason why this is here inserted is because the destruction of the city of Rome had been spoken of but not of the whole Churches ruine and Antichrists utter desolation who yet might lurke at some other place with some of the Kings of the earth his Confederates therefore here the final destruction and Armageddon of all is brought in Thus ended ch 11. and vision 3. from vers 15. where the seventh Angel sounded Thus ended chap. 14. vision 4. touching the harvest and vintage Thus ended ch 16. from ver 16 17. of vision 5. where the Angel said it is done Thus the Prediction of Christ is come to passe in the Vision to John Matth. 25.31 Christ and his Angels coming to judge the world hence the heaven was opened and Christ in likenesse of a Captain and troop of Horse coming thence to judge the world Christ hath a white horse noting his excellent pure divine nature not as if horses or men or swords were really here used but under the Allegory of a General and an Army the brightnesse of Christs coming to judgement is signified which some Expositors on this book not well noting have erred Behold a white horse and he that sate on him was Came out of heaven opened One day doubtlesse we shall see the heavens opened and Christs coming Now Christ in the primitive times came riding upon a white horse chap. 6. meaning the pure Apostolique Church conquering Heathenisme but here it notes his divine majesty and glory to be avenged on all his adversaries Called faithful and true warring and judging in righteousnesse This is for the comfort of all Gods People since the Judge cannot will not do wrong nay the adversaties shall confesse the justnesse of the sentence pronounced against them and the Saints shall be sure of pay and reward who have fought against sin for him for the General is faithful and true and therefore his officers calling to offices is most right and true Vers 12. His eyes a flame of fire As chap. 1.14 Fire gives light and consumes and it noted the vigilancy of Christ for his Church there so Christ sees into all secrets and will burn up the ungodly as stubble being fervent and victorious as fire usually is And on his head many Crowns Noting his royal Majesty Dignity and Power above Antichrist who had ten Crowns ch 13.1 and two horns ver 11. but the Lamb more even seven chap. 5.6 and here many Crowns And he had a name written that no man knew but himself This name is after expressed the Word of God now as ch 2.17 the new name given to the overcommers is known to none but them that have it because none know the happinesse of adoption but the truly adopted so none know Christs name but he to whom the father sanctifiedly shall reveal it even to salvation Vers 13. He was clothed in a vesture dipt in blood Thus he came in the Prophet from the spiritual Bozra or Edom to wit hell conquering by death all his enemies Esay 63.3 whose blood as it were seemed to be upon his garments but more on vers 15. of this And his name called THE WORD OF GOD We know his name and they to whom it is revealed Now this Iohn in his Gospel cals him the Word chap. 1. A word best expresses a man so Christ is the image of the father and his spokesman to the Church or his Word Vers 14. And the armes c. To wit which came for honour sake out of heaven to attend him Clothed in white linnen c. Not armed for Christ was strong enough Here is noted the Purity and Splendor of the Army attired as if they were indeed going to a marriage in the same livery as Christ having white horses being innocent pure glorious Of this army see Mat. 24.30.25 31. concerning the holy Angels Vers 15. Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword As chap. 1.16 where it noted the power of his word as a two edged sword Heb. 4.12 wounding sin in his people and wounding the enemies of his people but here it notes how by the word of his mouth and divine power he will at last destroy his enemies saying Go ye cursed That with it he should smite the Nations He comes meanly armed for his power is inward needing no outward defence Now Christ formerly as Psal 2. ruled the Nations with an Iron rod of judgment pushing them as he thought good but now will confound Antichrist and his Gentiles or Nations for he imitates them in Idolatry as by a rod of Iron For he treadeth the witnesses of Gods wrath See the Exposition chap. 14. ver 20. No wonder that his garments seeme bloody See also Esay 63.5 for here Christ conquering his enemies as some General dipt in his blood is presented in a Simile here then is not intended Christs passion as in Esay 63. but concerning Antichrist and all his enemies at the last day Vers 16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written c. In the Vision John so saw Chrst noting Christs being Monarch of heaven and earth in that he is King of Kings this proves Christs Divine nature and encourageth his people to trust in him and not feare the adversaries since he is above all and will suddenly manifest his power in their destruction This name was written on his vesture because all one day shall openly acknowledge it and on his thigh because he was eternally begot by the Father for the thigh in Scripture notes generation Gen. 46.26 Vers 17. I saw an Angel standing in the Sun who cried with a loud voyce saying c. That is in some clear high place to be seen and heard of all who as an Herauld or Trumpeter went before the Army calling to the fowles to devoure the slaine as it were after a battel yet I take this to be the Archangel sounding at the last day 2 Thes 4.16 Come and gather your selves together to the Supper alluding to Ezek 39.17 where the fowles are invited to devoure conquered God and Magog perchance Turk and Pope but literally this shall not come to passe at the last day for fowles and elements wherein they are shall then be consumed but under this similitude the horror of the last day is set forth for Raven Vultures usually devoure corpses after a battel The Supper of the great God because provided by him who is King of Kings and Lord of
about the womans travelling for when Satan was bound this was done and as some in this fourth verse appear beheaded being part of Act. 1. so ch 6. there was a red horse of which see the Commentary this also belongs to the three former trumpets chap. 8 7. about fire and blood mingled viz. persecution and death the burning mountain and the starre falling as in this verse some worshipped not the Beast so it belongs to chap. 13 about the Beasts raging The second act is comfort about the safety of the souls chap 6. under the altar of Christs Protection here upon thrones By which the cohaerence and parallel of this Church with the preceding may be understood I saw Souls are not to be seen but Iohn saw them visionally perchance after the forme of a body for they were sitting upon thrones Thrones note judiciary and royal dignity Sitting notes the souls resting from their labours for ever And Iudgement was given To the souls Noting not the day of Judgement of which after The Royal dignity given them fitting for the Kingdome of which anon So the Psalm Give thy judgements to the King Psal 72. The souls of them that were beheaded Not them that were beheaded as if in bodies as the Millenaries foolishly dream but their souls as Augustine observs For the witnesse of Iesus Meaning the Gospel for the Romane tyrants for three hundred years cruelly killed those that were servants to Christ Chiefly meaning those under the Altar chap. 6. And for the Word of God c. Meaning Christ who is the essential word Iohn 1. And them that worshipped not the Beast The former were Martyrs these are Professours who in all the time of Popery adhered to Christ being the sealed ones now in heaven and the 144000. chap. 14. glorified of which some perchance might escape without beheading See chap. 13 of the Beasts slaying those that worshipped not his image after 606 years of the thousand the Beast arose trampling underfoot the Saints whom Iohn also saw happy reigning with Christ from the very time of Satans binding for his binding and the Saints reigning with Christ began together being the same thousand years from what time however many Saints bodily perished by Romane tyrants That worshipped not the beast This shews they were such as were slain partly under Antichrist who raigned in part of the thousand years Also this proves the Papists fiction of Antichrist raigning four years towards the very end of the world to be a lye since he killed some of these now on thrones in the thousand years mentioned and it proves his raigne to be longer for the thousand years are past and yet Antichrist raignes And they lived and raigned with Christ a thousand years I see no difficulty in this place if well perpended which the Millenaries wrested to prove the Saints bodily raigning with Christ a thousand years before the generall resurrection The souls never die the souls of Saints whether Professours or Martyrs from Christs binding Satan and perchance here Stephen and John the Baptist with those primitive Professours as Symeon Anna Zachariah Magdalen may be thought on live gloriously and raigne with Christ in heaven So all that either were slain for the Word or however were not vassals or marked ones of Antichrist of which chap. 13. lived and as they dyed by degrees raigned with Christ a thousand years or some part of the thousand for there is no necessity to beleeve that they raigned at once But as 't is said of the ten Kings they received power with the Beast one houre chap. 17.12 That is by degrees as they were converted to the faith so these raigned with Christ according as in the thousand years they were gathered to Christ as if many travellers come to their Inne some at one houre some at another he that comes a five a clock comes but that day and so doth he that comes at twelve at noone he that was received into glory some few years before Antichrists raigning was but there in the thousand years so was he that was received into glory some few years before Satans loosing These then raigned in the Kingdom of grace first with Chrst and now in glory to wit in soul not in body of which in order Vers 5. But the rest of the dead lived not again till the thousand years were past All naturally who even were borne in the thousand years of Satans binding are dead in sin but Christ quickened those who belonged to him in the thousand years and after death received them to raigne with him But Satan was not so absolutely bound but that he hindred many from beleeving or living the spirituall life of grace and after of glory in the thousand years The rest of the sons of men dead in sin were not quickened when these mentioned before were who did raigne with Christ and shall for ever when the thousand years are past Quest Why was the thousand years mentioned Answ To shew what great events should happen in so short a time Paganisme and Iudaisme being much destroyed that the name of Christ should be spread over great part of the world Till the thousand years Not as if any of these dead should live a spirituall life afterward but to note 1. How in such a beleeving age many should not beleeve or be quickened 2. That after the thousand years many should live again we God be thanked are quickened though the thousand years be past and shall raigne with Christ a thousand years even to all eternity after death 3. That the common resurrection belongs to them and all at the last day but not the first to wit this of regeneration and grace which belongs to the Elect only This is the first resurrection To grace sayes Aug. not to glory Which against the Millenaries may be many wayes proved 1. Because were this a corporall resurrection 't were not the first for many in Old and New-Testament were risen before 2. At the last day some shall rise to glory some to shame but all together almost the Saints somewhat first the dead in Christ shall rise first not one a thousand years before the other but one for glory presently the other for shame 1 Cor. 15. but that is to be common to all not to the Saints only therefor this must be some other resurrection 3. The first death was to the soul a separation by sin from God and eternall life therefore the first resurrection must be to grace Ver. 6. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection on him the second death hath no power c. Here is perseverance to eternall life proved They have part of the first resurrection who by faith and repentance turne to Christ from the death of sin to the life of grace and are holy in part having by faith purified themselves and layd hold on Christ Now their blessednesse who have part in the first resurrection is set forth in three wayes 1. The
second death shall have no power of them that is eternall death the first is that of the body which passes on all See my Glimps of Christs love concerning temporal death and its benefit now through Christ pag. 61 c and the impossibility of falling pag. 57. to 60. and 75. c. 2. They shall be Priests unto God here chap. 1.6 and for ever hereafter But all the Saints shall be so as well as these Martyrs and confessours having part of the first resurrection and living the life of faith therefore that resurrection is but a spirituall one of which all the elect shall partake 3. Shall raigne a thousand years not the thousand past but another thousand even for ever and ever Thus the Millenarian or Papian errour is confuted which some in the primitive times not being able to answer denyed the authority of the book This Act will be plainer if the reader conferre it with the 144000. chap. 14. standing on Mount Syon and with them in chap. 7. who were sealed and with the harpers chap. 15.2 upon the sea of glasse who were preserved and sealed or as it is here quickened by grace and faith in the midst of Tyrants Hereticks and Antichrist raging against them and the Gospel Act 3. Vers 7. And when the thousand years are expired Satan shall be loosed Here follows the Churches calamities under both Antichrist Turk and Pope to last till the end of 1260 years for so long though with diminished forces and power the holy City may be encamped and trod under by them After those thousand years To wit of the Martyrs and confessours living and raigning with Christ being the same which is past and Satan let loose So Papias his Millenarian dream is ended Out of his prison Either hell or deserts whether he was banished and frightened the nations He has been let loose neer 600 years and was bound about Jerusalems sacking by Titus and the Jews dispersing who formerly hindred the Gentles imbracing the faith of Christ Vers 8.9 And he shall go out to deceive the Nations Formerly Satan was cast out of heaven now though loosed yet in a great measure is restrained from hurting the Church but may deceive the Nations Gog and Magog Now what is this but the loosing the four Angels or Nations bound up by the means of the great River Euphrates from Christendom now or the Roman Empire as formerly See chap. 9.14 and the exposition upon it so that I need seek no other meaning of Gog and Magog for according as this Vision agrees with the former So the four Angels in Euphrates formerly were Arabians Tartarians and here they are understood by Gog and Magog Here is an allusion to Ezek. 38. and 39. about Gog and Magog all the open and secret enemies of Gods people who after the captitive and before the Messias comming were to oppose the Jews to wit in the latter dayes Chap. 38.8 Meaning after the captivity not towards the end of the world as the Papists affirme supposing this to be the army of their Antichrist Now these nations sayes Iunius and Tremelius were those of the lesser Asia and Syria called Gog from Giges King of the Lydians who under the cruell Antiochus Nicanor oppressed Gods people but by the valour of the Macchabees were oft miraculously discomfited of which see the Historie For the things are accomplished partly Yet doubtlesse those chapters of Ezekiel allegorically seem to aime at a slaughter from heaven So then Iohn alluding to that as he oft does to the Prophets foretells of some grievous wasters of the holy land or Church or Christendom by some cruell enemies under the name of Gog Magog who shall have many overthrows as the former had by the Macchabees but shall finally be destroyed by fire from heaven at the last day where observe that Turk and Pope though Rome shall be burnt before shall remain warring against Christ till the last day To deceive the Nations But how by the spirit of Devils or three unclean spirits chap. 16. who came out of the mouth of the Dragon to gather the Kings of the earth to Armageddon ver 13.16 So Satan deceives the Nations making them Heathens again for many had embraced the faith and Gog and Magog in hope of overcoming the holy City Church or Christendome which in relation to Jerusalem a type of the Church is called holy because it ought so to be and in respect of the Nations and their Idolatry is so 't is plain Satan hath been let loose for not only the secret and mysterious enemies Antichrist and his worshippers have wasted the Church but the four Angels or Gog and Magog with their innumerable army as chap. 9.16 have furiously raged and conquered what they listed so that the name of Mahometism is larger then that of Christianity but Satan deceives Gog and Magog and under hope of victory shall lead them to Armageddon Which are in the foure quarters of the earth c. Magog son to Japhet Gen 10. from him came the Scythians now Tartars from them the Turks to whom the Arabians Armenians Saracens are joyned wasting for a long time farre and neer Gog meanes the people of lesser Asia called from Giges to whom the Macedonians and Egyptians of old joyned against Israel these as from the four quarters of the earth now under the name of Turk and Pope Gog and Magog destroy the holy City the one openly thirsting after the Empire of the world the other more cunningly and Ecclesiastically traducing the Church drawing them to Idolatry Now Satan deceives the Nations and Gog and Magog Turke and Pope as Leaders of these seduced Nations And they ascended c. Noting the base original of these Nations and their sudden rising to honour On the breadth of the earth For their conquests are large of which see Knolls Turkish History And they compassed the Camp of the Saints about Christendom And the beloved City The Church alluding to Jerusalem see how Christ loves his Church the word compassing notes the many irruptions into Christendom and cruel attempts against the Churches therein How the Gogish war began I just named chap. 9.3 4. Perchance we encreased their fury when Gregory the seventh alias Hildebrand sollicited Emperours and Kings to regaine the Holy Land by force of armes and after him Vrbanus second Pope of Rome who indeed prevailed so that mighty forces and vast summes of money was sent and great were their conquests for awhile the Christians subduing Saracen and Turk but through discord among Christians they won all and have followed hard upon Christendom by a war which sprung out of this and of which perchance the Christians were partly occasioners see the sweet tongued Master Fuller his Holy Warre on this subject most satisfactorily The summe is those thousand yeers of Satans binding and the Saints reigning being the same is past in which time the Pope as his Vicar took up his power in Anno 606. in
majesty called Galat. 4.26 Ierusalem above God from heaven hath chosen her Prepared as a Bride trimed for her husband Not preparing as in this world in deed ch 12. she was on earth though her original was from heaven but here she is actually prepared chap 19.7 she on earth had through Christ made her selfe ready but now she is actually adorned So her militant condition on earth is not here meant as Brightman thought The most learned Pareus observes she is not prepared for the Bridegroom as before the marriage-feast for that is past but for her husband the feast being ended and she married Vers 3. And I heard a great voice out of heaven c. We have partly heard what Iohn saw now follows what he heard Two voices he heard The first comes from heaven shewing joyful news to the Bride The second is his that sate upon the Throne ver 5. Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men Meaning that the Bridegroom and the Bride shall live in heaven for ever together Gods dwelling is with men since men being glorified live in heaven Now it had been no news to have said Christ lives with men on earth because he lived in the flesh with them and after by his spirit but now having ended the wedding-feast he and his Spouse live gloriously in heaven This the voice notes And he will dwel with them As in one house together This is happinesse indeed to enjoy God the fountain of happinesse His absence must needs be torment chap. 7.15 The Saints did enjoy God but God is said there but to dwel among them because they did not perfectly enjoy him but now he doth dwell with them as a Bridegroome with the Bride after the wedding perfectly by his glorious presence And they shall be his People Here is the Communion of Saints most perfect in earth they were by his inchoated grace Now they are his in part partaking of him in measure but then they shall be as he is perfectly glorious Vers 4. And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes c No tears are in heaven to be wiped away but it notes how free from all sorrow or cause of sorrow heaven is no troublesome thought of kindred doth possesse them there This life is a vale of misery There is no death but life no mourning but mirth joy pleasure No cry but peace and tranquillity No paine or labour but ease rest delight For former things are passed away Meaning the miserable state of this life and a new heaven shall succeed or a state of happinesse read chap. 7.16 to this purpose expounded This proves that this belongs not to this life for here the Church was ever and shall be more or lesse afflicted Vers 5. And he that sate upon the Throne said c Meaning Christ as chap. 4. or God Christ cals himself Alpha and Omega chap. 1.18 as this doth ver 6. whoever it were Christ or God the father he commands Iohn for the consolation of the Saints beforehand to write how he makes all things new because the world to them is troublesome full of causes of tears and sorrow therefore this was to be writ and laid up for the Churches comfort that a most strange should happen a new world they should enjoy Observe Gods love in two things here 1. He makes all new for the Saints sake not his own who from eternity lived with them and could to all eternity 2. He for their sakes commands this to be written being most true that they might not want consolation Vers 6. And he said unto me it is done The thing is as true and certain as if it were done viz. That all things shall be new and all tears wiped away and God would dwell for ever with men in heaven Thus the certainty of our salvation is set forth John 5.24 he that beleeveth is passed from death to life that is shall surely passe to life It is an asseveration full of weight I am Alpha and Omega c As chap. 1. ver 8. I will give unto him that is athirst So John 7.37 and 38. Christ cals which proves this to be Christs voyce who sate upon the Throne I will give of the fountain of life freely The water of life notes joy comfort refreshment Christ gives without our deserving freely eternal life The fountain notes the lastingnesse of their joy and the abundance of it being never to be dryed up the Angel deservingly praised God among other great works for creating the fountaines of waters chap. 14.7 which are strangely conveyed from the sea through the crannyes of the earth for mans use But much more thanks need we rerurn him for giving us himself the fountain of joy Ier. 2.13 but note the qualification 't is given only to them that first thirst after it He that overcometh shall inherit all things This being a Prophecy speaks of things as to come but the Church now in the Vision was in glory inheriting all things as heire of all Now every Saint is an heire of heaven Gal. 4 7. certainly they are rich who are heires of God and the promises and he is very covetous whom God cannot content and suffice But here is a fighting noted against the world Satan and the Beast which the Church by faith overcame And I will be his God and he shall be my Son Now we are adopted but then actually shall enjoy the benefits of Sonnes See 1 Ioh. 3.2 we shall be like him Vers 8. But the fearfull and unbeleeving shall have their part in the lake Being not written in the book of life Ch. 20.15 or as c. 13.8 meaning cheifly the worshippers of the Beast who are afraid to disobey the Beast or oppose his worship as the valiant Champions of Jesus alwayes have done Note a servant of Christ is a man of valour having the Spirit of Christ Fearfull Not having faith in Christ for remission of sins nor assurance of salvation in this life as the worshippers of the Beast teach none have standing ever in fear of hell and purgatory Vnbeleevers Such are all strangers from God and in particular the enemies of true assurance and justifying faith as all popelings Abominable Hating God or hated of God Murderers Here among others comes in the inquisitors of Spaine the burners of Hereticks as they call the Saints Whoremongers All in general who are impenitent and not written in the Book of life Here comes in the Romish Locusts who under pretence of vowed chastity live most dishonestly Sorcerers None greater then the Roman Clergy have been as histories tell Idolaters What thinks Rome of this what think covetous men what Epicures whose belly is their god All lyars Framers of lyes and enemies of the Truth Let Antichrist and his worshippers and all Hereticks think of this and be confounded Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone c. See Psal 11.6 of the wickeds portion They that are cast into
this lake have not their names written in the book of life chap. 20.15 therefore the lake is hell Now though things are spoken here as yet to come being a Prophecy yet in the order of the Vision the wicked were before in hell chap. 20.10 14 15. and the Saints in glory Vers 9. And there came unto me one of the seven Angels What Iohn heard and saw generally is now ended Here followes perchance a kind of a special Vision or the glory of heaven more opened then hitherto I will shew thee the Bride the Lambs wife Here is noted the familiarity of the Angel with Iohn by which we may guesse they desire none of his worship I will shew thee Formerly Iohn saw her in the Wildernesse now he shall Visionally see her in glory Vers 10. And he carried me away in the Spirit It should seem to be indeed another Vision To a great high mountaine Iohn had hitherto been in the wildernesse as chap. 17. where this Angel shewed him the Whore and perchance having turned aside now returnes to him to shew him the Lambs wife Another like sight farre then the former in the Wildernesse Iohn saw a strange Whore From this high mountain high mysteries of the Church gloryfied And she shewed me a great City The Angel promised to shew Iohn the Lambs wife and now presents him with this sight for indeed the Church in glory is both the Lambs wife and City of God A Bride because of her marriage and ornaments A City because of her most magnificent building comely order invincible strength to last for ever Her Maker and Founder was God Heb. 11.10 this City only has foundation A great City In respect of her largenesse full of Saints and Angels So the glorious condition of the Church seemed to Iohn like a fair City which argues that whatsoever one may require to make up a compleat City is found beyond thought in the Church triumphant honour riches multitude learning or knowledge order all things convenient for that state see chap. 18.22 what Babylon shall want as musick trumpets harpes which this City shall abound with The holy Ierusalem The old was unclean this perfectly holy being according to the order of the Vision in perfect blisse Called Ierusalem because of her everlasting peace for so the word in Hebrew signifies under which is comprehended all manner of happinesse Coming down from God out of heaven So in the Vision Noting her descent and Original from God who is her husband who elected her through Christ Vers 11. Having the glory of God and her shining was like unto a stone most precious c. As if her situation and aire were commended She enjoyes that unaccessible light of Gods Majesty and presence And her light far beyond Sun and Moon was like to precious stone even a Jasper excellent in vertue good against poyson like a Christ all that is most bright and no wonder since God was the light of it vers 23. By these stones the bright majestique light of heaven is set forth excelling and comforting or driving away ill if possible any should be there and hence the precious stones and gemmes are mentioned by which not only the choycenesse of the City is set forth because most pleasing and precious to men but the imcomparable vertues in them shew the most incomparablenesse of God to the Church who is all to them and the Author of these vertues in the stones of which somewhat anon and must have them in a most plentiful measure in himself Vers 12. And had a wall alluding to a City Now the wall is the safeguard and protection of God The safeguard of heaven depends upon the wall of Gods omnipotency Great Being thick and broad therefore strong High Therefore not to be scaled Had twelve gates Meaning the doctrine of the Gospel or twelve Apostles by which heaven is opened to us At the gates twelve Angels Gallant Porters meaning the Fathers Prophets and Apostles who by preaching shewed us the way to the City And names writen thereon The names of the twelve Tribes of Israel noting the gathering of the spiritual Israel thither and perchance the literal seed Vers 13 On the East three Gates c. I seek no mystery here but look on the allusion to Ezek. 48.30 where such a City is described by which is meant the Church of the New Testament gathered from East West North South that is from all corners of the world Such is the represented Church above Vers 14. And the wall of the City The foundation is Christ 't is said to be twelve because the twelve Apostles by their preaching laid the foundation Christ for honour sake the names of the twelve are written upon the foundation because so fully laid by them because they if there be differences of glory as Christs right hand and left hand seeem to prove shall excel others in the Kingdom of glory doubtlesse the laborious Saint Paul is to be reckoned among them The Apostles of the Lamb Christ for so in their Epistles they stile themselves Vers 15. And he that talked with me One of the Angels of the seven Vials ver 9. and chap. 17. 1. who said come and I will shew thee Had a golden Reed to measure the City Not as chap. 11. v. 1. concerning reformation but only to acquaint John with the largenesse and figure of this City to describe the same to us So 't is Ezek. 40.3 4 5. where the Lord and now Christ by the Angel talking with John perchance who poured his Vial on the aire as chap. 16.17 setting the Prophet on a high Mountain as the Angel doth John here ver 10. sheweth him a City and Christ measuring it A golden Reed Because to measure so precious and glorious a City Vers 16. And the City lyeth foure square c. Which form is most solid and perfect the Longitude and Latitude being equal consisting equally of elect this notes the firmenesse of the City the largenes of the City is shewed in v. 16 17. to confirme what multitudes of Saint and Angels as Citizens are there being larger then the old Jerusalem but after that form nay larger then the literal Babylon which was one of the greatest Cities of the world being 66. miles compasse whose wals were one of the worlds wonders yet the wals of this are stronger and higher being not to be vanquished or conquered as Babylon and the old Jerusalem were I seek no mystery here According to the measure of a man Which measure the Angel used as he might say the City is so large according to the common measure of men which the Angel used John saw the City out of heaven when it was measured yet not in earth and it was only measured to shew every way the largnesse and majesty of that mystical City above Vers 18. And the building of the wall was of Iasper Babylons walls were choyce yet but of Brick Sand Pitch but this wall is of
be there and consequently blisse There shall be no curse because his servants there obey and serve him deserving no curse but obtaining honour unutterable such are Angels and Saints Since the Queen of the South wondred to see Solomons attendants sure in heaven is matter of admiration Vers 4. And they shall see his face That is shall be in the presence of God and shall see Christs humane nature gloryfied and comprehend God to content and satisfaction as far as created natures are capable See my Glimps of Christs love And his name shall be in their fore-heads Either alluding to the Beasts marked ones chap. 13. by which is noted his property of them and so Gods owning the Saints may be here meant or his name is his nature which they shall pertake of in heaven See chap. 3.12 expounded to this purpose I will write upon him my Name The Beast marked his that they might only serve and worship him Gods then are also marked that is consecrated to openly praise him and serve him for ever Vers 5. And there shall be no night c. Darknesse is but sad therefore no night of darknesse or sorrow shall be there The glory of God there hinders all night or darknesse so there needs no Sun being there is no night see chap. 21.23 where this verse is fuller explained And they shall raigne for ever and ever As Kings and Priests as chap. 20. v. 5 6. expounded the thousand years of Satans binding the primitive Saints lived with Christ in heaven after the expiration of them all others that were regenerated or partakers of the first resurrection after death reigned with Christ forever Vers 6. And he said to me these sayings are faithfull and true c. Hitherto the Prophecy which one of the seven Angels who poured out the Vials and talked with Iohn ch 17. commends to Iohn to recommend to us So not only the two last Chapters concerning the glorious Bride or City wherein by most choyce things as gold pearle the glory of the Saints above is as it were shadowed out but all the book is commended And indeed it is the true summe of all things to happen to the last day nay for ever What ever may be said of any book of holy writ may be said of this being an Epitome of holy Scripture in some sence so that herein is enough for salvation if well understood and practised Faithfull To which we may give credit True Which shall in time and order be accomplished And the Lord God of the holy Prophets sent his Angel Christ the revealer of the Prophesie is the Lord God of the Prophets who sent his Angel vers 16. I Jesus sent my Angel which proves two things 1. That the Angel was not Christ but his messenger though in the Old-Testament Christ appeared oft as an Angel to wit of the Covenant 2. That Christ is God being Lord of the Angels see chap. 1. v. 1. expounded His Angel Meaning himself who spake to John See ch 1. v. 1. about the rest of this vers Vers 7. Behold I come quickly The voice is Christs perchance represented by the Angel Christ is the Lord of the Prophets who confirmes the words of the Angel saying the things must shortly be done for he comes quickly Time runs away apace and deceives men who live in security and carelsenesse Christ will come before such are aware to judgment Blessed is he that keepeth these sayings c. See chap. 1. v. 3. expounded Vers 8. And I John saw these things c. Visionally and heard them therefore a good witnesse This is the very stile of John in his Gospel he that saw it bears record and his record is true chap. 19.35 And when I had heard and seen I fell down to worship before the Angel He ingeniously confesseth his errour again Perchance he committed his errour twise If so as it is probable for 't was upon the joyfull news of the Bride and her marriage that John was formerly taken in the errour about worshipping the Angel chap. 19.10 See the exposition which now in the Vision was past it shews the pronenes of the best men to sin more then once after reproof as John had chap. 19.10 without Gods speciall assisting hand also it notes our natures being prone to Idolatry no wonder the world ever has been so prone to that sin in all ages Vers 9. See thou do it not worship God As chap. 19.10 The words here differ from them in chap. 19. which proves 't was not the former errour but a second upon Johns taking leave of the Angel Now Iohn worshipped not but composed himself to worship by falling down So the very gestures of Papists before Idols is sinfull and forbidden let them worship whomsoever under the Idol or Image The Papists say the Angel out of modesty commanded Iohn to forbear because also in Christs sight but the Angels reproving Iohn proves the contrary Of them who keep the sayings of this book The Angel confirmes that it was not lawfull for Iohn to worship his fellow-servant for such are the Angels to Saints but God only Now the Angels fellow-servants are those who hate the Whore and Beast and flye out of Babylon keeping the sayings of the Book worshipping neither the Beast nor his Images of which his Kingdom is full so the Angels reasons against Iohns worshipping are seasonable All worship is due to Iehovah alone Vers 10. And hee said to me seal not the sayings of the Prophecy c. This the Angel saith but chap. 10.4 God commanded the things uttered by the seven thunders to be sealed which seemes to be taken out of Dan. 8.26 where the Prophet is commanded to shut up the Vision or seal it because it was not to be accomplished for many dayes The Angel commands this not to be kept secret or sealed because all might read it and beware of the Beast also because the time was at hand when Iohn writ and Antichrist has been now long revealed God commanded the things uttered by the seven thunders to be concealed not absolutely but in respect of the event because Antichrist would not take notice of them and therefore they were as good be kept secret see chap. 10.4 expounded And indeed it is worth noting Christs Angel sayes seal not but let Scripture be read but Christs pretended Vicar sayes seal all Scripture let none be read but by the Clergy opposing Christ Vers 11 He that is unjust let him be unjust still c. Here is a kind of tacit Objection answered for some may say the Prophecy being open and to be read Tyrants and Antichrists will through Satans instigation rage the more knowing their time is short or knowing the short time comprehends hundreds of years they may say as the wicked servant our master deferres his coming and will rage the more in the mean time Therefore 't were better the Prophecy were concealed To which is answered he that is filthy let him
expressed in that he offered up the Incense with or to the prayers of the Saints Thus by prayer Christ offering up the Incense of the application of his passion unto it the Saints may get the assurance of Christs death and consequently of eternall life Now upon Christs offering himself up for us and upon the preaching of the Gospel comprehended under the word voyces there followed the thundering of Tyrants the lightnings of Heresies you see they be dangerous and the great earthquake of Antichrist spoken of chap. 6.12 where observe that this part of the Vision agrees with that in chap. 6. Christ at the Altar giving seven Trumpets to seven Angels here resembles Christ on the white horse there The thundering here after the voyces or preaching of the Word and the fire of the Altar sent or Spirit given to the Church resembles Christ on the Red horse The lightning which burnes destroyes and makes look pale as experience testifyes resembles CHRIST on the pale and black horse of sicknesse and heresie Vers 6. The Angels prepared themselves to sound To wit now after that Christ had sent his spirit till then the Apostles were not to departed from Jerusalem nor these Angels to sound Thus then the seven Seals and Trumpets agree and perhaps the voyals for Christ signifyed the same thing to John under severall formes Vers 7. The first Angelsounded and there followed haile By this expression the contradictions and persecutions of the enemies of the Gospel are set forth for as haile is hurtfull to green Corne so is opposition and gainsaying unto young beleevers fire and blood resemble persecution and banishments which happened to the Disciples when the Gospel began to be preached from Penticost and forward as the Acts of the Apostles witnesse it has allusion to the seventh plague of Egypt and agrees with the first Seal by this means most of the Apostles and cheif Teachers in the Primitive time meant by trees were burnt up or destroyed And divers even very many Saints as green grasse being weaker then the trees were consumed at least bodily This may teach all sincere Teachers to expect at least haile that is contradiction it s well if not fire and blood let us be however like the trees planted by the water side Psal 1. Vers 8. And the second Angel sounded and as it were a great mountaine burning with fire c. This Mountain I beleeve not to be immediatly the devil as some think but the Roman Empire for he began not to burne with envy against the Church now but was a murderer from the beginning perchance stirred up to do this mischeif by the devil Now the Kings and Emperours or Empires are mountaines is said chap. 6.14 being higher then ordinary but what high mountaine was in the world now in this sense but the Roman Empire The Sea is the gathering together of waters and by it either the world or Church is understood Now the Roman Empire violently rushed in upon both and in the Church with fiery rage oppressed many thousand Saints witnesse the many persecutions Thus the Church was the red horse red with the blood of Martyrs Many in the Church bodily were destroyed understood by creatures dying in the sea And the third part of the ships were destroyed That is many Teachers who under Christ were able to manage the Sea or Church see the skill that ought to be in the Ministers of the Gospel but their souls were not lost though they were bodily destroyed since Christ was aboard but here is comfort not all but the third part of the sea was blood also the Sea quencheth fire so the Church through Christ shall have the victory at last And perchance it might be spoken because the Roman Empire should embrace the faith of Christ as Constantine did Thus the mountains was swallowed up with the sea but by this means Antichrist was neerer home Vers 10. And the third Angel sounded and there fell a great star from heaven Here as Chap. 6. are denoted all Arch-hereticks who for many years after the Apostles deformed the Church but especially here is signifyed the Apostacy of the Bishops of Rome as it were falling by degrees For indeed above thirty Bishops before Sylvester for the most part shined as starres in heaven and suffered martyrdom for Christ But after peace brought in by Constantine t is pitty such fair weather should do hurt the Roman star like the Babylonian Lucifer or the devil himself began to lift up himself above his fellow Ministers Sylvester is said to be the first that much degenerated burdening the Church with Heathenish rites and ordinances On the third part of the Rivers By Rivers I understand the Bishop successor of Sylvester and other Teachers from whom divine doctrine ought to flow to others By fountains I understand the Scriptures by waters the comforts and doctrines of Scripture infected The starre was called Warmewood From the effects of it because it did imbitter Thus also did Arrius that Heretick imbitter the Rivers partly by force partly by cunning that who drank did indanger their salvation here is an allusion to the waters of Marah this bitternesse continued untill Gregory Too too long had it pleased God otherwise yet here is comfort since but the third part of either was infected Vers 12. And the fourth Angel sounded and the third part of the Sunne Was smitten In the sixth Seal there is a totall Ecclips threatned the Sun should be as dark as sack-cloth of haire that is very dark but here only the third part of the Sun is smitten yet the apparitions much agree or as the pale horse noted the sickly estate of the Church of which see the exposition so somewhat of the same thing is here foretold the Sun shadows out the cheif Prelates as Pope Cardinal who ought to shine forth in life and doctrine the Moon which receives her light from the Sun signifies other inferiour depending orders as Priests and Curates The stars being lesse in light signifie the layity thus Annonimus upon the place all which grew sickly pale and dime in the matters of Christ yet here is comfort only the third part for Antichrist was not yet lifted up into his seat Vers 13. And I beheld and heard an Angel flying thorough the midst of heaven John saw this Angel fly in the midst of heaven which noted some notable Minister living in the Church or Kingdome of grace who spoke of the miseries of the Church ensuing 't is conceived Gregory Bishop of the Church of Rome was meant by this Angel who as a heavenly Herauld foretold of the grievous calamities to befall the Church by Antichrist witnesse his Epistles to the Emperour Mauritius Woe Woe Woe noting the three following Trumpets or many great miseries ensuing To the inhabitants of the earth Noting earthly-minded-men and hypocrites contradistinct to Saints whose names being written in heaven were more happy Note how Muck-wormes and Hypocrites are called