gods so greatly in danger to denounce war against Christs Standerd-bearers to fight with their forces and being even conquered to renew the battell with all their strength were slaine with admirable slaughters discomfited and put to â—light untill at last the estate growing desperate there was none could be found to succour any more the Romane religion entring into ruine with so great a crash So I conceive I have comprehended in a few words whatsoever the holy Ghost would set â—ut by those lofty allegories pertaining to this seal And this is the first fulfilling of the victory of Christ the foundation whereof was laid in the first seal For the noting of which in what age of the Empire it should happen the seales which hitherto have gone before doe serve the differences of time which in the meane space did run on being foreshewed It remaineth now that we apply to the severall parts of the propheticall Chap. 6. allegorie the interpretation already given and shew the reason thereof which we will doe the whole context being first se â—efore our eyes which is thuâ— 12. And I beheld when he haâ— opeâ—eath sixt seal and lo there was a great earthquake and the Sâ—n became as black as sackcloth of haire and â—he whole Moone became like blood 13. And the stars of heaven fell upon the earth as a figâ—ree â—asteth her unripe figgs when it is shaken of a mighty windâ— and the heaven departed as a booke that is rolle together 14. And every mountain and Island were moved out of their places 15. And the Kings of the earth and the great men and the tribunes and the rich men and the mighty and â—very bond â—an and every freeman hide themselves in dens and the rocks of the mounâ—ains 16. And said to the mountains and rockâ— fall on us and hiâ—e us from the face of him that sitteth upon the throne aâ—d from the wrath of the Lamb. 17. Becâ—use the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand These representations of terrible slaughters and as I may say turning things upside down are oâ—dinary used by the prophets Majeâ—onides Moâ—e Neb part 2 cap 29. The Aâ—aâ—ians say of him to whom some singuler miâ—forâ—â—ne hath happened that his heaven iâ— turâ—ed o eaâ—th or hath falleâ— upon hiâ— eaâ—th compare it wâ—â—h â—amenâ— â— 1 Chap. 6. after the custom of the East as our poets also have their figures their ornaments So Ieremy chap. 4. 24. he desâ—ribeth the destruction of Iudea as if all things were to be reâ—uced to tâ—e ancient Chaos I beheld the earth saith he and behold 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it was without forme and void and the heavens and there was no light in them I saw the mountaines and lo they were moved and all the hils and they were disordered See the rest likewise Ioel chap. 2. 10. of the horrible destruction thereof by the army of the Northerne Locusts The earth trembled saith he before him the heavens were moved â—he sun and moone were darkned and the stars withdrew their brâ—ghtnesse But let us handle every one of them more distinctly Behold saith he there was a great earthquake in the Greeke Verse 1◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is a shaking of heaven and earth as in the words following is manifest For the latine word terrae motus not doth fully expresse the Greek For such aâ— earthquake witnesse the Apostle Hâ—brewes 12. 26. upon the place of Haggai yet once more and â—aggai â— 6. I will shake the heaven and the earth sheweth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hag. 2.6 the change of those things that are shaken which may be confirmed out of the same Haggaus Vers 21 22. of the same chaptâ—r where he iâ—terpreteth this parable of the change and alallteration of the kingdomes of the world by way of further explication I will shake the heaven and the earth and will ouerthrow 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the throne of kingdomes and will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen c. we therefore as els wher in the Apocalyps so here also will understand by the shaking of the earth and heaven the ruine of things and as it were the turning of things vpside downe And now the object of this change as of the former chaunces also under the Seales is the Romane Empyre but not the Politique gouernment by the Cesars for this forme is not yet to be dissolved but as it is subiect in a religious respect to Satan as Prince and to his angells the divells This â—ivellish government of the Roman Empyre the storme of which resteth vpon this Seale shall be overthrowne and broken in peeces with a great noise And the Same becamâ— black as sackcloth of haire and the Moone became as blood that is through defect of â—he adjective became ellipsim as redd as blood now it is a circumlocution of the eclipse of the ligths where in the Sunne is wont to appeare black but the Chap. 6. Moone reddish To which that of Esay chap. 13. 10. concerning the punishment of Babilon is altogether like The same shall be darkened verse 21. in his rising and the Moone shall not give foorth her light Septuagiat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Mattheu 24. 29. neither is there any other sense to be made in the opinion of Aben Ezra of that in the same Esay câ—ap 24. concerning the dstruction wherewith the Lord being about to raigne in Ierusalem all on as in this Seale would puâ—nish the hoaste of heaven an high aâ—d the Kings of the earth vpon the earth The moone saieth he shal be confounded and the sunn shal be ashamed that is both Verse 23. of them as if they hid their faces for shame shall be covered with daâ—kenes when the Lord of hoasts shall raâ—gne iâ— mount Sion and in Ierusalem and in the sight of his auncients gloriously But what doe these thinges thou wilt say belonge to the Romane Demonarchie hearken and I will tell thee In the prophets as thou shalt heare anon in the following visions every kingdom and bodie of goâ—ernment resembleth the world as the partes also the heaven the earth the stars serve for that repreâ—entation * That it was common with the Easterâ—e nations to vse the parable of the world to figure things it may appeare by the chimi call philosophy proceeding from the Arabians and â—gyptians wherin all most every wordly body likned to the world is said to be compact of heaven Earth and starrs for proofe whereof to omitt others that on place of Esay suffizeth chap. 51. 15. I am the Lord thy God who divided the Sea it is the Red sea and the waves thereof roared the Lords of â—oasts is his name 16. And I putt my words in thy mouth that is I give thee my law and covered thee with the shadow of mine hand that I may plante the heavenâ— and lay the foundation of
Commons House Munday Febr 21. An. Dom. 1641. IT is this day Ordered by the Committee for Printing and Publishing of Books c. That Mr Jackson Minister of Saint Michael in Woodstreet London be desired to peruse Mr More his Translation of Mr Mede his book on the Revelation this day presented to the said Committee to be licenced and to report to the said Committee his opinion therein and concerning the Printing thereof Iohn White I Have according to the Order of the Committee for Printing c. read over Master More his Translation of Mr Mede his booke on the Revelation and finde it to be exactly Translated and that the book it selfe gives much light for the understanding of many obscure Passages in that sweet and comfortable Prophecie and though Master Medes opinion concerning the thousand years of the seventh Trumpet be singular from that which hath beene most generally received by Expositors of best esteem and I conceive hath no just ground yet he therein delivers his judgement with such modestie and moderation that I think the Printing of it will not be perillous and therefore conceive that the publishing of this Translation is a good work and may with Gods blessing yeeld much comfort to many April 18. 1642. Arth. Iackson IT is Ordered by the Committee of the Commons House of Parliament concerning Printing this eighteenth day of April 1642. That the book Intituled the Key of the Revelation c. be Printed Iohn White The Key of the REVELATION searched and demonstrated out of the Naturall and proper Charecters of the Visions WITH A Coment thereupon according to the Rule of the same Key published in Latine by the profoundly Learned Master Joseph Mede B. D. late Fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge For their use to whom God hath given a love and desire of knowing and searching into that admirable Prophecie Translated into English by Richard More of Linley in the Countie of Salop. ESQVIRE One of the Burgesses in this present Convention of Parliament REVEL 1.3 Blessed is he that readeth that is interpreteth and they that heare him that interpreteth the words of this propheci◠and keepe those things that are written therein for the time is at hand that is is now present wherein the same things shall begin to be fulfilled and daily more and more shall be fulfilled With a Praeface written by Dr Twisse now Prolocutor in the present Assembly of Divines Printed at LONDON by R. B for Phil. Stephens at his Shop in Pauls Church-yard at the signe of the gilded Lion 1643. A PREFACE written by Doctor Twisse shewing the Methode and Excellency of Mr Medes interpretation of this Mysterious book of the REVELATION of Saint JOHN MAny shall runne or passe to and fro and knowledge shall be encreased Dan. 12. 4. I lighted some times upon a wittie interpretation of this passage in a certain Manuscript and the interpretation was this That the opening of the world by Navigation and Commerce and the increase of knowledge should meet both in one time or age The observation is justified by experience howsoever Divines may judge as they see cause of the congruitie thereof unto Daniels text And this increase of knowledge which these latter times have brought forth appeares in nothing more remarkeably then in the interpretation of this mysterious booke the Revelation of Saint Iohn And as the mother of Solomon saith of the vertuous woman whom she describeth Pro 31.29 Many daughters have done vertuously but thou surmountest them all In like sort may it be said of Mr Mede in reference to his Expositions of the Revelation Many Interpreters have done excellently but he surmounteth them all Neithere should this seeme strange that being advantaged by the labours of those that went before him hee hath added something of his owne wherein hee hath surpassed others yet without disparagement to any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 any man may adde something to the labours of others as Aristotle hath it Ethic. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by these meanes Arts grow to perfection Thus wee salve the credit of ancient Writers though in some things many of the present age doe excell them for they have carried us on their shoulders to a great height by their instructions and for us to soare a little higher it is no great advancing of our abilities certainly no disparagement at all to them by whom we have profited in an high degree Thus a dwarfe lifted up on a tall mans shoulders may easily discover much more then hee thankes be to the tall man for it Thus a Wren carried on an Eagles shoulders to the highest pitch of her soaring aloft if when the Eagle is weary the Wren springs up somewhat higher this is no great glory to the Wren much lesse any dishonour to the Eagle Yet to confesse a truth Master Mede hath many notions of so rare a nature that I do not finde he is beholding to any other for them but onely to his owne studiousnesse and dexteritie with the blessing of God upon his labours And here First I doe observe Gods direction of him in the course that he hath taken 1. As First in his Clavis Apocalyptica the Key of the Revelation wherein hee hath drawne together the homogeneall parts of it dispersed here and there yet belonging to the same time the indistinction whereof may expose many to no small errour ere hee be aware conceaving all the Passages in the Revelation to be ordered in place according to the order of time wherein they were fulfilled which is found to be other wise as in the Key is manifested representing many perticulers mentioned in different places yet belonging to the same time 2. Secondly the Authour gave himselfe to write Specimina Essayes wherein he goes over every part of this book excepting the three first Chapters taking a generall view of each as he goes 3. Thirdly he proceeds to a more full Comentari◠from the fourth Chapter to the fourteenth that which followeth from thence to the end containes onely his former conceptions which he called Specimina Essayes or first adventures Secondly whereas in performancies of this nature two things are necessarily required 1. A right discerning of the meaning of the words and phrase which for the most part is Figurative and Tropicall the more exactly to finde out the sense of the Prophecie thereby 2. A right accomodation of each part unto the proper time of the Historie concerning the accomplishment of things foretold 1. As for the first of these the whole Body of the Revelation for the most part being carried along by Figurative expressions it is requisite to observe the Genius of Scripture phrase in this kinde wherein Master Mede excells and hereby the sense is cleared in such sort as to give great satisfaction As in opening the mysterie of the battell in heaven Revel 12. and the casting downe of Satan unto the earth hee shewes that States and Kingdomes in the world Politicall are indeed
knowledge thereof wherein I douâ—t not â—ut any will be of the same minde with me who shall throughly consider the matter The Theater being prepared in thâ—s manner â—he which sate upon the throne reacheth forth in his right hand a book written Chap. 5. wiâ—hin and on the backside closed with â—â—aven seals and therewithall Verse â—â— 2 an Angel coming forth upon the stage with alâ—ud voice proclaimâ—th that â—f power were given to any to open it whereby those things might be seen and read that were therein contained he should take it iâ—to hâ—s hands and endeavour it a thing without doubt if he shall perform would be very acceptable to all that are enflamâ—d with a desire of secret things And in truth the book was most worthy that any one should strive with aâ—l the powers â—f his wisdom and industry to oâ—en it as a book of prophesies or of the the councells of God wherein is contrived the series and order of thiâ—gs to be done till that second and glorious câ—mming of Christ For of such sorte certainly that double prophecie following of things to come which that booke did containe appeareth for to be which is the cause â—nles I be deceived why Iohn going about to set forth his visions prefixed in the fronte of â—is history the description of that gloriouâ— comming as â—t were the bond of the Apocalyptique race Behold Hypotyposiâ— Chap. 5. saith he chap. 1.7 he commeth with the cloudes of heaven and every eye shaâ—l see him they also which pierced him and all tribes of the earth shall waile over him as if he should say this is the scope his is the the bound of the visions which shall declare But whâ—n no man in heaven nor in earth neither under the Verse 3 4 5 6 7. earth was able to open the book and â—he matâ—er seemed now to be past help so that Iohn brake forth into weeping for griefe behold a Lambe seeming as it had beâ—n sâ—in that is bearing the signes and of his by past death rose up in the midst of the throne Skarts of elders and Beasts and took the book to unseal and open as who alone above all had deserved the power to do it Now this being seen forth with the Quire of Beasts and elders Verse 8. together with the Angels standing round about and all creatures in generall being full of joy sing a song of praise to the Lamb and to his father Wherein I thought good to observe that alone that they plainly refer the power of opening the book to the merit of the passion of the Lamb. Thou art worthy say they to open Verse 9.10.11 12.13 14. the book and the seaâ—s thereof because thou wast slainâ— and hast redeemed us to God with thy blood out of every tribe and people and tongue and nation Out of which perhaps light may come to the saying of our Saviour neither having as yet suffered nor entred into his glory of that day and houre suppose of his second Mat. 42. 36. coming whether it should bâ— sooner or later no man knoweth no not the Angels in heaven nor the Son but the father onely For why as yet the Revelation was not given to Christ of the father nor the order of things to be done unâ—ill his coming opened I affirme nothing rashly let the reader way the matter well with himselfe The Lamb thus opening the book at every severall seal thereof Chap. 6. singular types of things to come are exhibited the body whereof runneth through the whole Apocalyptique race and so concludeth Systema the first universall prophâ—cie The interpretation whereof now by the favour of him that sitteth on the throne and of the Lamb we will undertake Chap 6. Concerning the two Apocalyptique propâ—eces The first prophecie of the seales comprehendeth the destinies of the Empire The other of the little book the destinies of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church or of christian religion untill at length both shall be united in the Church raigning the kingdoms of this world becoming Chap 11. 15. our Lords and his Christ For as in the old testament Daniel did foreshew as well the coming of Christ as also did digest the destinies of the Iewish church according to the successions of Empires so it is to be conceived that the Apocalyps doth measure the state of Christanity by the affairs of the Romane Empire which should yet remain after Christ Neither doth the event crosse it For the interpretation of the first prophecie out of this generall supposition thus procâ—edâ—th Of the first prophecie which is of the seals and first of the things meant by the first six seals The sâ—ope of the seven seals in sum is that there might be shewed by the distances of ensuing time distinguished by the characters of events in what order of the chances of the Romane empire running out it should come to passe that Christ should vanquish the Gods of the world what whom he had begun war to wit in the sixt course or sixt seal the Gods of the Empire of Rome heathen but in the seventh when the course of the trumpets shall come to the last trumpet whatsoever else of the worship of idols and devils did after there a new or should as yet any where else in the world arise should be utterly destroyed For he must reign untill he have put all his enemies under his feet that is shall have abolished all contrary principality auâ—hority and power 1. Cor. 15. 25. Let us in the first place handle the first period as order requireth Chap. â— The first six seals therefore by a six fold character of events not much unlike to those which our Saviour also had foreset for the appointed time of the overthrow of Ierusalem do distinguish so many different times of the yet standing and flourishing Romane Empire untill at length in the sixt Christ should utterly overthrow the power of idols and heathen gods in that region Now characters I call the notable chances of the Romane Empire whereby as by certain emblems the different times are disceâ—ned and those in this first period not brought from without by the barbarous nations such as were of the Empire under the plagues of the seven rumpets afterwards falling but intestine chances and rising in the very Empire it selfe which difference certainly is therefore set by the holy spirit that by unlike markes the unlike times of the Râ—ane estate here flourishing there decaying may be described Moreover that commeth here to be observed Since these characters of châ—nces which I have named scarse or seldom go through the whole space of the seal and therefore no way by themselves avail for the limiting of their different times by any certain beginning and end therefore the holy Ghost in the four first seals where that should be most requisite as well for the cause aforesaid as for the in equality of the different times
the speech is here are they which are appointed to direct the plagues of the Trumpets using those men for execution by whom it pleaseth God to bring to passe his decrees But the foure first of these Trumpets are of such plagues as are of lesse extent and not so great to wit which resting for the most part upon the Westerne or Latine world the Bishop of Rome which was hereafter to be the head at least of that world was to Chap. 8. cure In the right application of which representations here also the Reader may observe that the Romane Empire with the rest of the Kingdomes of the world by the holy Ghost are tacitly resembled to the body of the world the parts whereof are Earth Sea Rivers Heaven Starres in that manner that the body of every Empire may have also his Earth which may be instead of that Earth to wit a certaine bottome and Basis on which the weight of the whole government may rest the Sea likewise which by environing its Earth beareth altogether the likenesse of the Sea this is the largenesse or extent of the Dominion The politique Rivers also which after the manner of other rivers have their beginning from their Sea and thither returne such are Provinciall Magistrates and other ministers of the dominion together with the Provinces themselves the channels of the Rivers To conclude the Sunne and other Starres in the heaven of Sovereigne power resembling the Sunne the Moone the Starres in the worldly heaven This analogie being observed the interpretation as altogether confirmed with the figures of the old Prophets will so be easie and altogether the most convenient to the matter in hand Now that there is so oft repetition of the third part as of the third part of the Trees of the Earth the third part of the Sea of the Rivers of the Heaven that I take to be meant of the bounds of the Romane Empire comprehending in the compasse thereof the third part of the knowne world in Iohns time The which seemeth may be proved out of that that afterwards Chap. 12. is Vers 3 4. said that the Dragâ—n having seven heads and tenne hornes that is to say the heathen Romane Empire drew the third part of the starres of Heaven with his tayle and cast them into the Sea that is the third part of the Princes and Rulers of the world be subjected to his Empire These things thus settled let us come to the interpretation of the severals And the first Angel sounded and there came Hayle and Fire Vers 7. mingled with blood and they were sent upon the Earth and the third part of the Earth was burned and the third part of the Trees was burnt up and all the greene grasse was burnt up And the second Angel sounded and as it were a Great Mountaine Chap. 8. 8. burning with fire was cast into the Sea and the third part of the Sea became blood 9. And the third part of the creatures which were in the Sea and had life dyed and the third part of the ships perished And the third Angel sounded and there fell a Great Starre from 1â— heaven burning as it were a Lampe and it fell upon the third part of the Rivers and upon the Fountaines of waters 11. And the name of the Starre is called Wormwood and the third part of the waters became wormwood and many men died of the waters because they were made bitter And the fourth Angel sounded and the third part of the Sunne 12. was smiâ—ten and the third part of the Moone and the third part of the Starres so as the third part of them was darkened and the third part of the day shone not and the night likewise The first Trumpet The first Trumpet of the seventh Seale entereth at the Romane Idoll government now at length beaten down and shaken at the going out of the sixt Seale and being about to strike the first blow to the Empire now entering into ruine it destroyeth the third part of the Earth with a terrible â—torme of Hayle with fire and blood that is it wasteth the territory or people of the Romane Empire to wit the Basis and ground of that â—oliticall Vniverse with a terrible and bloody breaking in of the Northerne Nations it vanquisheth and consumeth the Nobles and common people You may see the representation of Hayle tending to the same purpose I meane to signifie an hostile vâ—olent assault Esay Chap. 28. vers 2. Behold the Lord hath a mighty and strong one he pointeth at Salmanassar as a tempest of Hayle and a destroying storme as a flood of mightie waters overflowing shall cast downe to the Earth with the hand Vers 3. the crowne of pride the drunkerds of Ephraim shall be trodden under foot Also Esay 30.30 Concerning the slaughter to come upon the Assyrians And the Lord shall cause his glorious voyce to be heard and shall shew the lighting downe of his arme with the indignation of his anger and flame of devouring fire with scattering and tempest and Haile-stones 31. because Chap. 8. Assur shall be beaten down through the voyce of the Lord c. Here is to be observed because haile is wont to be with lightening especially in the hotter Regions therefore with the mention of Haile is joyned Fire as well here by Iohn and Esay as also Psal 18. 13 14. yea in the History Exod. 9. 23. But Iohn hath miâ—ed Blood also beyond nature that he might shew by this token the whole representation to reflect upon Slaughter Concerning the representation of Haile let the Reader see also Esay 32. 19. and there the Chalde Paraphrast Furthermore the same Paraphrast doth teach that Trees in Propheticall parables doe signifie great Lords and wealthy men which for Oakes of Basan Esay 2. 13. hath put Princes of the Provinces for Cedars Esay 14. 8. wealthy men for Firre trees sometime Princes Esay 37. 24. sometimes Kings â—say 14. 8. by whom also that of Zach. 11. 2. Howleô Firre tree because the Cedar is fallen because the magnificent are spoyled Howle ye Oakes of Basan because the fenced wood is fallen is thus Paraphrased Howle ye Kings because the Princes are broken who so were rich are spoyled Howle ye Rulers of Provinces because the countrey of your fortitude is wasted Whence from the Analogie it is easily gathered that greene grasse is taken for the common people when as here it is joyned with trees Now that we may pick something out of History concerning the event I will derive untill something more certaine shall appeare the beginning of this trumpet from the death of Theodoâ—ius the first that is from the yeere of Christ 395 because then Christian Religion seemed plainly to have triumphed over the Gods of the Heathen and withall as it were in a certain common terme of the former Seale ending and this beginning the invasions of the Barbarians something attempted before but in the yeers next following the Empire
â— Heb. 3. 8 9. 13. c. likewise Chap 4 to conclude 2 Pet. 1. last vers where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for ever a Day I say first to beginne at the particular and as it were morning Iudgement of Antichrist and the rest of the living enemies of the Church by the glorious 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appearing of our Lord in flaming fire and then at length to determine after the reigne of the thousand yeeres granted to new Ierusalem his most Chap. 20. holy Spouse upon this earth and after the utter destruction of new enemies yet to arise the great Day waxing toward evening and Satan being againe loosed at the universall resurrection and judgement of all the dead Which things being finished the wicked shall be cast into Hell to be tormented for ever but the Saints shall he translated into Heaven to live with Christ for ever This indeed is that time of the wrath of God upon the Gentiles and of judging the cause of them that died for Christ for which the triumphing Eldâ—rs give thankes at the sound of the seventh Trumpet Chap. 11. 18. For that then God would give reward to his servants the Prophets and Saints and them that feare his name small and great and would destroy them which destroy the earth This is that Day of Iudgement and perdition of wicked ones of which Peter 2 Epist Chap. 3. vers â— speaking presently addeth but be not ignorant of this one thing beloved to wit the day which I even now spake of that one day is with the Lord as a thousand yeeres and a thousand yeers as one day In which same day indeed the Apostle with his brethren of the same kindred the Iewes to whom he writeth expecteth that new forme of things to come of which by and by he saith vers 13. But we looke for new heavens and a new earth according to his promise wherein dwelleth righteousnesse Observe according to his promise But where was this promise of new heavens and a new earth extant when Iohn had not yet seene the Revelation except that of Esay Chap. 65. 17. and 66. 22. which promise surely whosoever shall read I should marvell if he should judge that it shall be fulfilled elsewhere then on earth This also is that Kingdome joyned with the appearance of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ ready to judge the world of which Paul to Timothy 2 Epist Chap. 4. vers 1. I charge thee before our Lord Jesus Christ who shall iudge the quicke and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdome For after the last and universall resurrection according to the same Apostle 1 Cor. 15. vers 24 25 26 27 28. Christ the last enemy being destroyed that is death shall deliver up the Kingdome to his Father that he may be subiect to him who subdued all things to himselfe so farre is he from being said then to enter upon any new Kingdome That Kingdome therefore which neither shall be before the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appearance of our Lord nor after the last resurrection Chap. 20. is necessarily to be concluded between them This is that Kingdome of the Sonne of man which Daniel saw who when the times of the horne of Antichrist were fulfilled or the times of the Gentiles come to end Luk. 21. 24. shall appeare in the clouds of Heaven when there shall be given him power glory and a Kingdome that all People Nations and Languages should serve him or when as the Angel by and by expoundeth it a Kingdome power and greatnesse of Kingdomes under the whole Heaven marke it well shall be given to the people of the Saints of the most High Dan. 7. 13. 14. Also the 18.22 â—6 27. Neither yet as I said even now shall this Kingdome be after the last resurrection since the Sonne of man is not to enter upon a Kingdome then but as Paul witnesseth to lay it downe and deliver it to his Father Now that the same Kingdome is handled in both places as well by Iohn as Daniel may be proved by these two Arguments First that both begin at the same terme to wit the overthrow of the fourth or Romane Beast that of Daniel when the Beast governing under that last regiment of the horne with eyes was slaine and his body given unto the burning flame Dan. 7. 11. 2â— 27. That of the Revelation when the Beast and false Prophet that wicked Vers 10. horne in Daniel having mouth and eyes as a head are taken and both cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone Secondly from the same session of Iudgement premised to both For it will appeare that the one is borrowed from the other and altogether tend to the same purpose by comparing the words of the description of both Dan. Chap. 7.  Vers 9 I beheld till the thrones were set For so it is to be rendered with the Vulgar 70. and Theâ—d and so the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for a throne is used in Targum at the 15. v. of the 1. cap. of Jer. And I saw Thrones Rev. 20. 4. Vers 10 And the iudgement was set That is the Iudges as in the great Sanedrin of the Iewes to the rule whereof the whole description is framed And they sate upon them  And iudgement was given to the Saints on high that is power of judging Hence is that of Pâ—ul the Saints shall iudge the world And iudgement was given unto Chap. 20. them Vers 22. Chap. 20 Vers 22  And the Saints obtained the kingdom that is to say with the sonne of man who came in the clouds of heaven And the Saints lived and reigned with Christ a thousand yeers Furthermore I would have the Reader understand this Whatsoever almost is found from the Iews whatsoever is delivered by the Lord in his Gospel or any where in the new Testament by the Apostles concerning the day of the great judgement that is taken out of this vision of Daniel to wit that judgement to be accomplished by fire Christ to come in the clouds of heaven to come in the glory of his Father with multitude of Angels the Saints with him to judge the earth Antichrist to be abolished 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with the brightnesse of his coming c. So that they goe about wholly to undermine the pillar of the Evangelicall faith concerning the glorious coming of Christ who neglecting the ancient tradition of the Church endeavour to turn this prophesie to another end Lastly that I may conclude this is that most ample kingdom which by Daniels interpretation was foreshewed to Nebuchadnezzar in that Propheticall Statue of the foure kingdoms not that of a Stone cut out of a Hill whiles yet the Series of Monarchies remained for this is the present state of the kingdome of Christ but of the Stone when they were utterly broken and defaced to become a Mountaine and to fill the
much answerable to the condition of the world Naturall and accordingly represented in Scripture for as the world Naturall consists of heaven and earth so in each State a Kingdome is found somwhat answerable hereunto and that is the Nobilitie and the Laitie And as in heaven there are Sunne Moone and Starres of lesser and greater magnitude so in every Kingdome there is a King and Queene and Nobles and that in great varietie of degrees of magnitude And as in the earth there is great variety of creatures as of trees of various sorts and of herbs and flowers so in the people of any Common-wealth is found great varietie of differences And upon this ground and by this course of interpretation which hee taketh whereas other Writers many times give prety interpretations which the Reader perhaps could wish to be true Mr Mede by his grounds and manner of proceeding convinceth the Reader of the truth of that sense and meaning the Text which is delivered by him even to admiration 2 And when this is done as for the accomodation of the matter of fact in this prophecie thus interpreted by him unto its proper time this requireth great skill in History and I have found that Master Medes friends who have been acquainted with the course of his Studies would give him the bell for this as herein out-stripping all others Thirdly I have observed some notable distinctions in this Comentarie of Master Mede which have given me great content as giving great light to the cleare understanding of many things which otherwise would prove very obscure As for example 1 The distinction between the book-sealed with seaven seales which he calles the greater book the contents whereof indeed are very large containing an History from the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel to the end of the world and this hee saith containes fata imperij the fortunes oâ— destinies of the Empire 2 and the little book mentioned Revel 10. which he saith containes fata Ecclesiae the fortunes or destinies of the Church The first containes the seaven Seales and the seaven Trumpets for the seaventh Seale produceth the seaven Trumpets 1 The six first Seales containe the Storie of the Empires continuance unto the dayes of Constantine included in whose dayes there being a strange Metamorphosis of the Empire from Heathen to Christian this change is represented in such a manner as if it were the ending of the world and the beginning of a new which in my conceit seems very judiciously delivered by him 2 Then the seaven Trumpets which are the contents and matter of the seaventh Seale represent the judgements of God upon the world for standing out against the Gospel and shedding the blood of the Saints 1 By the heathen Emperours and for that cause ruine was brought upon the Empire by degrees untill it was rent and torne into ten Kingdomes which is set forth by the parts thereof in foure degrees and accordingly that â—ills up the materiall contents of the foure first Trumpets 2 The other three Trumpets are called Woe Trumpets containing the judgements of God upon the Antichristian world the degenerate States of Christendome First by the Saracens the contents of the first Woe Trumpet 2 By the Turkes the contents of the second Woe Trumpet chap. 9. 3 By the end of the world Revel 11. 15. 2 Another distinction there is mentioned by him and which carrieth great light with it of great use for the clearing of the state of Christs glorious Kingdom here on earth and that is Revel 21.24 And the Nations that are saved 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is which escape the fire or are saved from the fire at Christs coming shall walk in the light of new Ierusalem by which it appeares clearly that new Ierusalem is one thing and the Nations that escape and are saved from the fire wherewith the earth and all the workes thereof shall be burnt in the day of Christs coming 2. Pet. 2. and 1. Thes 1. and 2. these I say are another thing and must be distinguished from new Ierusalem For in the light of this new Ierusalem those nations shall walk as is expresly testified And the distinction Mr Mede conceaves to be this By new Ierusalem is meant Christ and his raised Saints who are called the Saints whom he shall bring with him 1. Thes 4. and by the nations are meant all the faithfull servants of God who shall be found here alive at Christs coming 3 And I finde that the want of distinguishing these the ancient Fathers and perticularly Epiphanius have discoursed very wildely against the glorious Kingdom of Christ here on earth yet in just opposition to the Corinthians whose guise it was to discourse very carnally of the glorious Kingdome of Christ The consideration whereof moved Austin to relinquish the doctrine of Christs Kingdome here on earth which formerly hee embraced as himself professeth in one of his works Decivitate Dei where he treats thereof 4 Yet as Mr Mede hath in my judgement exceeded in merit all others that went before him in this Argument so others after him may go beyond him in some perticulars As to instance in a perticular or two or three 1 The discovery of the true meaning of the number of the Beast 666. by Mr Potter wherewith Master Mede himself was exceedingly taken even to admiration professing it to be the greatest mystery that hath been discovered since the beginning of the world 2 The same Master Potter hath other strange mysteries to be discovered out of the same number and especially out of the fraction thereof which as yet he hath not made publike 3 So likewise in explication of the mysterie of the two Beasts mentioned Revel 13. hee differeth from Mr Mede And I have seen an excellent discourse thereupon but as yet he hath not communicated it to the world What cause have wee to blesse God for bringing us forth in these dayes of light may we not apply that of Esay unto these times when darkenesse Esay 6â— 2. covered the earth and grosse darkenesse the people the Lord hath risen upon us and his glorie hath beene seene upon us 1 Not onely in respect of the great Reformation wrought in this Westerne part of the world an hundred yeeres agoe and more God awaking as it were out of a sleep and like a gyant refreshed with wine and the Lord Christ awaking and stirring up his strength for the raising up of Iacob and restoring the desolations of Israel and blessing us with a resurrection of his Gospel and discovering the man of sin and blasting him with the breath of his mouth 2 But also opening the mysterie of the slaughter of the Witnesses which we have just reason to conceive to have beene on foot divers yeares not by judiciall proceedings only in the Martyrdom of Gods Saints but by the sword of war First in the Low-Countries then in France after that in Bohemia then in Germany which how long it should continue
the Dragon which is part of this repeated prophesie do ascend to the very head of the period or time of the Revelation so that the Revelation hath nothing more ancient then it or which deriveth its originall higher which will be manifest as well out of the nature of the thing it selfe which is a birth as also out of the Synchronismes hitherto demonstrated and hereafter to be demonstrated why should not much rather the beginning of the same prophesie and the first vision of all the rest be thought to ascend thither But the moneths of the outer court cannot ascend thither as which wholly have contemporized with the ten horned Beast Therefore to mee it is most clear that the times of the * Inner Court 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chap. 11. vers 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 verse 2. of the same chapter measured do not onely go before the moneths of the * outer unmeasured but also ought to be derived from the originall of the repeated prophecie together with the vision of the child-birth and dragon Now that these three the habitation of the woman in the wildernesâ—e the ten horned beâ—st and the treading under foot of the outer court by the Gentiles are contemporaries it appeareth out of the first Synchronisme therefore the times of the measuring of the inner court and the child-birth of the woman together with the lying in wait of the dragon and the battell with Michaeâ— are the immediate antecedents of contemporaries and consequently they themselves cannot but contemporize each with other * the very point I was to demonstrate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The 7th Synchronisme Of the seaveâ— Phialls and of the Beast and of Babylâ—n inclining Chap. 6. to ruine The effusion of the Phialls bringeth the ruine and destruction of the Beast as out of the text it selfe is manifest for the conquerours of the Beast sing the * triumphant song of Moses chap. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 verse 2. 3. And it is moreover specially manifest concerning the first Phiall chap. 16. verse 2. which inflicteth a grievous â—ore upon men having the mâ—rk of the Beast and those that worship his image concerning the first Phiall verse 10. which is poured upon the throne of the Beast and makes his kingdome dark And likewise concerning the last which being poured out Babylon is utterly destroyed vers 19. Therefore the pourings out of the Phials doth contemporize with the ending of the Beast and Babylon The other part I Have gone through the first part in seven Synchronismes the other part of the seals followeth wherein I shall demonstrate the connexion of all the foresaid prophecies and if there be any other also with the seales in so many other Synchronismes Whence it will plainly appear a thing most worthy observation and of no small moment to the interpreter unlesse I be deceived that the whole Revelation from the fourth chapter For I now meddle not with the seven Churches is distributed into two principall prophecies either of which proceedeth from the same time and endeth in the same period The first is of the seale and Apoâ—ha in them of the trumpets for the seventh seale is the seale of the trumpets which I take for granted every where out of the grammaticall sense of the context neither is the same order of meaning which is held in all the rest of the seales to be thought not to agree to the seuenth alone as that that vision which followeth the opening of the seale should be the matter of the seale Now 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the vision of the seven Angels with the seven trumpets succeedeth the opening of the seventh the other prophecie or rather body Systâ—ma of propheticall visions is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or of the little book opened which beginning at the same instant of the Apocalyptique time â—epeateth the time of the former prophecie which is of the seales from the eight verse of the tenth chapter unto the end of the book And that this is a repetition of the prophecy is shewed by that transition verse 11. of the same châ—pter where the Angell saith to Iohn thou must againe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prophecie to many people and Nations and tongues and Kings Furthermore reader that also perhaps shall not be unworthy thy observation that the severall beginnings as well of both these as also of the first vision of all concerning the seauen Churches as of three entire prâ—phecies are proclaimed with a voice as of a trumpet from heaven speaking with Iohn as if the holy Ghost by this note would distinguish them from the rest of the prophecies which are parts of these maine principles in which partiall prophecies you will see no such thing to be Now these are the beginnings of the prophecies of which I admonish of the vision of the seven Churches chap 1. 10. in these words And I was in the spirit upon the Lords day and I heard a great voice behinde me as of a trumpet saying c. of the prophecie of the seales also chap. 4. verse 1. on this wiâ—e And the first voice which I heard as of a trumpet speaking to mee said c. of the prophecie of the booke opened last of all chap. 10. vers 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven to wit as of a trumpet speaking spake againe unto mee and said c. Hitherto hath been the Prologue and that as I hoâ—e not inpertinent to the matter we have in hand The Synchronismes now follow I. The principall Synchronisme OR The Synchronisme Of the seventh seale which as touching the six first trrmpets is Chap. â— of the same time with the ten horned and two horned Beasts and the rest contemporizing For first the beginning of the Beast doth contemporizâ— with the beginning of the seventh seale which is of the trumpets For since the company of the sealed being as it were opposite to the Beast raigning must therefore justly and exactly contemporize with the Beast and since the same company of the sealed beginneth with the beginning of the seventh seale or seale of the trumpets it followeth altogether that the Beast likewise beginneth with the same seventh seale or the seale of the trumpets Now therefore that the company of the sealed entirely and exactly contemporizeth with the Beast it hath beene shewed Synch 4. the first Part. That the same company of the sealed begin with the seventh seal is apparant out of the seventh chapter where that sealing is subjoyned immediatly to the sixt seale For the vision of the sixt seale being over when the seventh which is Chap. 6. 12 of trumpets was now to bee opened provision is made for the sealing of Gods elect servants lest they should be destroyed by the great and bitter calamities which were to fall upon the world when the foure Angels being set over the foure quarters of the world shall at the sound of the trumpets let loose the
hath further used foure Beasts for the same purpose every of which should Epâ—châ—m demonstrate the computation of the seal appertaining to its own quarter How that is done we shall see anon It shall suffice now to have given warning of it Chap. 6. 1. And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals and I heard one of the foure Beasts as it were the voice of thunder saying Come and see 2. And I saw and behold a white horse and he that fate upon him had a bowe and a crown was given unto him and he went forth conquering and to conquer 3. And when he had opened the second seal I heard the second Beast saying Come and see 4. and there went â—ut another horse that was red and to him which sate upon him there was given that he should take peace from the earth and that they should kill one another and there was given unto him a great sword 5. And when he had opened the third seal I heard the third Beast saying Come and see And I saw and behold a black horse and he that sate on him had a paire of ballances in his hand 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the foure Beasts saying a measure of wheat for a peny and three measures of barley for a peny and hurt not the oile and the wine 7. And when he had opened the fourth seal I heard the voice of the fourth Beast saying Come and see 8. And behold a pale horse and he that sate upon him his name was Death and hell followed him and power was given to to them over the fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword with hunger and withdeath and with the beasts of the earth Of the first seal The first chance of the Romane Empire and surely very notable Chap. 6. is the originall of the victory of Christ whereby the Romane Gods begin to be vanished and their worshippers being pierced with the arrowes of the gospel begin every where to fall away and to submit themselves to Christ the conqueror 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mark it well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is he hath not yet fully overcome but hath laid the foundation of the victorie thence forward more and more to be accomplished The discloser of this seal is the first Beast in shape of a Lion Verse 1 2.1 standing at the east and sheweth a horsman comming out of his Chap. 4.7 quarter that is an Emperour from whose getting on horseback to ride that is comming to his Empire the distinct space of the first seal is to begin to wit from the glorious exaltation of our Chap 6. Lord Iesus Christ by the leading and guidance of which Emperour from the East this war is waged and the victor y gotten The beginnings of the following seals are directed by the Romane Emperours but where the victorie of Christ is described regard was to be had of him alone being Emperour And now this seal once passed the oracles of the Gods through the whole Romane world became silent and Iohn the last of the twelve Apostles of Christ having fulfilled the taske of his warefare passed out of this life to receive an immortall crown in the heavens together with his follow Apostles his brethren for their work valiantly and happily accomplished And that to be carryed on hors-back is abadg of authority and of them that rule and governe is to be seene out of the greek interpretation Psal 45. 5. wherein prosper thou and ride is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 goe on prosperously and raigne neither doth the Chalde differ from this sâ—nce which translateth that thou maiest ryde upon the throne of the Kingdome So the woman ryding upon the Beast Chap. 17. 3. is expounded by the Angell 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the City which raigneth ver 18. And the word of ryding is used in the same sense Deut. 32 13. Esay 58. 14. Psal 66. 12. Of the second Seale The second memorable chance of the Roman Empyre the Verse 4. embleme of the second seale is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Murther or intestine slaughter the like to which is scarse in all the Roman history And there was given sayeth he to him that â—aâ—e on this horse that he should take peace from the earth that is that he ryding peace should be taken from the earth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and that men should kill one another which last part of the sence doth strengthen the explication of the former For in what other senâ—e should these words be taken that it was given to him â—â—ap â— that sitteth on the horse that men should kill one another unlesse it were given or came to passe that he indeed riding men should excercise cruelty in mutuall murders and slaughters The discloser of this seal is the second Beast in the shape of a Bullock placed at the west and whilest in the vision he â—iddeth look back towards him thereby he warneth that this seal beginneth when Trajan the Spaniard bare rule being an Emperour comming from the west Dion Trajan a man of Spaine he was neither of Italy nor an Italian before him no man of another nation obtained the Empire of Rome But thenceforth from him the same stock raigned even untill Commodus where the space oâ— this seal endeth The beginning therefore being drawen from this Emperour let us seek that memorable accident 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of killing one another But the thing was done by the Gontiles and Iewâ—s then dwelling together throughout the Romane Empire both where Trajan and his successor Hadrâ—an guided the sterne of the Empire What was done under Traâ—aâ— take not upon mine but upon the joynt words of Dion and Orosius The Ieâ—s saith Orosius in anincredible commotion at one time as it were made wilde with â—urie were mightily incensed through the whole world For they waged most cruell wars even through all Libia â—gainst the inhabitants which then was made so desolate the â—â—habitants thereof being slaine that except Hadrian the Emperour had afterwards brought thither Colenies gathered from other places it had remained altogether vacant without inhabitant They which dwelt about Cyrene saith Dion one Andreas being their Captain do slay aswell Romanes as Greekes they feed of their flesh and eat their bowels they are besmeared with their blood and clothed with their skinnes Many they sawed asunder through the midst from their crown of the head many they cast to Beasts many they constrained to combate between themselves so that they slew two hundred Chap. 6. and twenty thousand men He goeth on furthermore in Egypt the like slaughter was made and in Cyprus Artenio being Captain where also there perished two hundred and forty thousand They raced Salamis a city of Cyprus having slain all the dwellers therein Oros Euseb But in Alexandria in joyned battail they were overcome and wasted Oros At length by others but specially
of principalitie to wit if he were a Prince that shall dreame that he is mounted upon such a horse Likewise Chap. â—33 Lighting from horsebacke if it be voluntarie of voluntary diminution of government but if unwillingly it is expounded of surrogating a successor into the dignitie These things will give light to the third Seale Chap. 6. Chap. 15. Out of the learning of the Indians If any shall see in his dreame a ballance or a bell as they call it it is a kinde of ballance Campanum to be hanged in any place let him understand it of the person of a Judge And if he have a suite in law and in weighing he shall see them to be equall one to another he shall obtaine his right If he seeme to see the ballance equall and cleane let him know the Iudge of the place to be iust but if he shall see the scales naught and broken let him thinke the Iudge of the place wherein he had his dreame uniust Likewise Bushels also with measures have the same interpretation in proportion but they are applied to the persons of inferiour Iudges These things to the sixt Seale Chap. 167. Out of the Monuments of the Indians Persians and Egyptians The 〈◊〉 hath reference in interpretation to the person of a King and the Mooâ—e to the person of a Prince next to the King Venus to the person of the Empresse or Queene likewise other great Starres to honourable personages belonging to the King Whilest I reade these things I am not farre from conceiving that glorious tiâ—le of Sapor the King of Persia in his Letters sent to Constantius the Emperour Sapor King of Kings partaker of the Starres brother of the Sunne and Moone to Constantius Caesar my brother greeting which Ammianus Marcellinus imputeth to the Persian pride to be none other then a style peculiar to the Nation arising from such representations which ought to seeme the lesse strange to any when we see even our Heralds in blazoning the armes of Emperours and Kings to use the name of the Sunne Moone and other Plannets Hither also is to be referred that interpretation of Iacob of his sonne Iosephs dreame of the Sunne Moone and eleven starres worshipping him which he immediately as not ignorant of the parables of the East applyeth to his Family interpreting the Sunne and the Moone to be understood of himselfe and his wife as King and Queene the Starres Chap. 6. of his sonnes as it were Princes of the Family Genes 37. 10. But let us returne to our Achmetes and he goeth on in the same Chapter If any shall seeme to see the Sunne in the Heaven wanting light and rayes the calamitie and dishonour belongeth to the person of the King If the Sonne shall seeme to any to be eclipsed that portendeth affliction and warre to the King If any shall seeme to see the Sunne covered with a cloud the King shall fall into affliction and diseases according to the manner of the overclouding If any shall seeme to see the Sunne the Moone and Starres gathered together without light If he be of the number of the Peers by reason of that obscuritie he shall fall into utter destruction If he be the King environed on all sides he shall be assaulted and shall fall into great affliction Chap. 168. Out of the observation of the Persians and Egyptians If any shall seeme to see the Starres cast but a very small light disparkled and scattered and full of obscuritie this reflecteth upon the calamity of the Nobles and wealthy and the Kings Presidents THis sixt Seale being finished we should immediately in order proceed to the seventh bringing forth a seven fold plague as which is joyned immediately with the sixt But the holy Ghost of set purpose hath thought meet to make a little stand untill he should set forth the state of a certain company of the same time with it as well to be safe as to overcome under the plagues thereof We will therefore first give what light of interpretation we can to that Vision And then we will continue the order of the Sâ—ales begun Chap. 7. THE VISION OF THE COMPANY OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD Or of the Elect and faithfull Church to be preferred amidst the ruines of the seventh Seale or the Trumpets exhibited in a Type Of an hundred forty and foure thousand sealed out of all the Tribes of Israel at the entrance of the seventh Seale THE Vision of the sealed is twise placed first Vpon Chap. 7. here at the entrance of the Trumpets in the first Prophesie againe as it were an opposite of the reigning Beast in the second Prophesie Chap. 14. and that in a double respect Here for their preservation amidst the destruction of the Trumpets there for their praise for keeping their alleageance to God and the Lambe when as other the inhabitants of the world as revolters and Apostates had received the marke of the Beast Out of which it plainly appeareth that the Prophesie of the Beast Chap. 7. contemporizeth with the matters of the Trumpets but how far is to be determined else where to wit not farther then the going out of the sixt Trumpet wherein the moneths of the Beast are ended with the dayes of the mourning Witnesses Chap. 11. 14. For the present our purpose is to cast the light of our interpretation to the former vision of the sealed wherein their preservation is handled of their praise afterward when we come to that Afterwards saith he that is the Vision of the sixt Seale being Vers 1. past and the seventh which is of the Trumpets even now beginning I saw foure Angels standing upon the foure corners of the earth holding the foure windes of the earth that the winde should not blow upon the earth nor upon the Sea nor upon any tree The meaning is he saw Angels which had power to restraine the Windes that is the tempests of warres and calamities out of what quarter of the world soever they should proceed untill it pleased God but at his becke if he should at any time give the signe to give them libertie through the world not the same Angels with those of the Trumpets but which yet at their sounding should set at libertie those windes one while out of this another while out of that part of the world for the wasting and overthrow of the Romane estate For the parable of Windes with the Prophets doth expresse warlike motions and hostile invasions and violent assaults As Ierem. 49.36 I will bring upon Elam the foure windes from the foure quarters of Heaven and will scatter them towards all those windes and there shall be no Nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not câ—me See the rest Also Chap. 51.1 Behold I saith the Lord will raise up against Babylon c. a destroying winde 2. And I will send into Babylon fanners and they shall fanne her and shall empty her land Adde also Chap. 18. 17. As an
East winde I will scatter them that is the Iewes before the enemie that is the King of Babylon Hither also that of Daniel seemeth to be referred Chap. 7.2 3. Behold the foure windes of the heaven strove upon the great sea and foure great Beasts came up from the Sea that is out of the conflict of the Nations every where fighting together and striving for the dominion and Empire there arose foure great Kingdomes I saw saith he another Angel afcending from the Sunne rising Chap. 7. having the Seale of the living God happily therefore it is Vers 2. the Lord Christ and he cryed alowd to the foure Angels to whom it was given to wit by setting the windes at libertie which they had restrained to hurt the Earth and the Sea 3. Saying hurt not the Earth neither the Sea nor the trees untill we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads That is loose not the Windes noâ— suffer them to have power of going and raging upon the world For he nameth the Earth the Sea and Trees answerably to the representation of Windes as to which the Windes are wont to bring dammage to the Earth by the ruine of houses to the the Sea by shipwrack to the Trees by a manifold overthrow and rending Forbeare saith he untill we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads That is by imprinting some marke upon them we have distinguished as it were the elect company of God over whom these destroying Windes which shall destroy the other company of men have no power but over whom taking regard to their Seale the Divine providence would continually watch least in this ruine of the Romane state which the Trumpets should bring their sacred Progenie should be extinguished For so provision would be made that neither they who did hurt them could be free from punishment as having transgressed the bounds of that power which God had given them and moreover the dammage if any were done at length should be repaired by God It hath allusion pâ—rhaps to the place of Ezech. Chap. 9. Where those that sigh and cry out for the abominations of Ierusalem are marked by the Angel to this end lest they sustaine like destruction with the wicked and reprobate by the smiters And surely as touching the event if any shall weigh the state of the times here handled it will seeme almost miraculous how it could come to passe that the Romane Empire being scattered and destroyed with so great a destruction of the Cities and Inhabitants so that the ancient Inhabitants being well neere extinguished it was inhabited by barbarous nations and strangers from Christ Yet the Church there should continue in the middest of these evils and the world as it were conspiring her ruine Yea also as we shall heare in the proper place the Beast at the same Chap. 7. time polluting whole Christendome with Idolatrous worship should neverthelesse cherish in her bosome a company as this is uncorrupted and for that cause tenderly regarded by God Of such consequence was it to be fenced with Gods Seale And I heard saith he the number of the sealed there were Vers 4. sealed an hundred forty foure thousand of all the Tribes of the children of Israel that is twelve times twelve thousand out of every Tribe twelve thousand For even as in the beginning we have seene the Theatre of Visions or the Apocaliptique session described after the representation and state of the old Synagogue and a great part of the Types of this Booke hath relation to it so that even the counterfeit Christians in the Epistles to the Churches for that cause beare the name of counterfeit Iewes so here also the Catholique Church of the Gentiles to be â—enced with the Seale of God is figured by the Type of Israel the twelve Apostles of that aptly answering to so many Patriarchs of this And it is so done not without good cause as well for other causes as specially because the Church even from the first rejection of the Iewes hitherto is gathered out of the Gentiles succeeded in the room of Israel and is as I may so call it surrogated Israel and in that place for a little while estemed by God untill his old people againe obtaining mercy the fulnesse of the Gentiles shall Vers 9. come in that is that innumerable multitude out of all Nations Tribes People and Tongues which the sealing of this Israel at length being finished Iohn testifieth he saw singing prayses to God and to the Lambe For this indeed is that I speak of the surrogation that the Apostle Paul would teach Romans Chap. 11. whilest he urgeth vers 11. the fall of the Iewes to have brought salvation to the Gentiles and vers 15. their casting away to have beene the reconciling of the world Not that otherwise the Gentiles in their time should not have beene called sithence the whole Quire of Prophets proclaime that the Gentiles should be gathered to the glory of Israel and turned to the Lord which neither the Iewes of old nor at this day doubt of but that not by this calling which was by anticipation substitution and for provocation to jealousie except the Iewes had first renounced Christ The discreet Reader may know what I meane It was necessary saith Chap. 7. the Apostle Acts 13. 46. that the word of God should first have been opened to you but after you reiect it and iudge your selves unworthy of everlasting life loe we turne to the Gentiles But concerning the preventive conversion of the Gentiles that is which should goe before the restoring of the Iews that I may remember that also that testimony of Amos seemeth to be taken cited by Iames in the Councell of the Apostles Acts 15. and for that purpose perhaps then chosen before other Prophesies which otherwhere might have been had concerning the choosing of the Gentiles to be the people of God For he meaneth that not only the name of the Lord should be called upon by the Gentiles that is that Vers 17. the Gentiles should become his people but also that that in part should then happen whilest yet the tabernacle of David should lye Vers 16. fallen down that is the kingdom of Israel should not yet be restored by Christ After those things saith he I will returne and build Vers 16. again the tabernacle of David fallen down and I will build again the ruines thereof and will set it up vers 17. that the residue of men might seeke after the Lord and all the Gentiles upon whom my name 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is called that is that the rest of the men together with those Gentiles upon whom heretofore my name was called then at length should seeke after and worship me the true God For for that which is now had in the Hebrew Text 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they may possesse the râ—nant of Edom. The ancient
Nation People Tribe and Tongue After these things saith he I saw and loe a great multitude which nâ— man could number out of every Nation and People and Tribes Chap. 8. and Tongues standing before the Throne and before the Lambâ— Vers 9. clothed with white garments and Palmes in their hands And they Vers 10. cryed with a loud voyce saying salvation to our God who sittâ—th upon the Throne and to the Lambe c. But this vision seeing it belongeth to the seventh Trumpet neither can be elsewhere fitly and cleerely unfolded by reason of so many things to be fore-knowne we will deferre the exposition thereof thither For the present let that suffice which now hath beene said in generall and let the Reader remember that both these Visions certainly doe joyntly goe through the whole space of the seventh Seale or of the Trumpets but that the company of the sealed doth severally synchronize with the six first Trumpets the Palme bearing multitude with the seventh trumpet And so having done with the interpretation of the interposed Vision or Visions let us take in hand againe the intermitted series of the Seales The meaning of the seventh Seale that is Of the seven Trumpets THe sixe first Seales have beene handled wherein the state of At Chap. 8. the Empire as yet standing and flourishing untill that the dominion of Idols should fall was described by intestine chances the seventh succeedeth the matter whereof is Seven Trumpets where in are opened by accustomed representations for that purpose the destinies of the decaying and falling Empire being to be ruined by a seuen fold order of plagues the Trumpets sounding the allarum to the battell of its destruction to wit God taking punishment by that destruction for the blood of so many Martyrs shed by the Romane Emperours He which will not spare even the bruit beasts if at any time Exod. 21.28 they should slay a man his Image shall not he require the blood of his servants of the Empire which for so many yeeres Gen. 9. 6. hath slaine the Martyrs Neither ought the late godlinesse of Christian Emperours there governing to stay Gods justice any more then the godlinesse of Iosia that the Kingdome of Iâ—da being guilty of bloud-shed by Manasses should escape the destruction Chap. 8. decreed by God This revenge the soules of the Martyrs groning under the cruell slaughter of the fift Seale importunately begged by prayers this God promised so soone as the Romane Tyrant had fulfilled his measure by the adding of those who yet remained to be slaine Chap. 6. 11. This time was now come Wherefore the Angel the Priest of Heaven as the manner was with the prayers of the people made in the Temple sendeth up those prayers to the Throne of God in the smoake at the Altar of incense and putteth him in minde In the meane space Silence was made in heaven for halfe an houre to wit according to the custome of the Temple in performing such a Chap. 8.1 2 3. kinde of service For it is manifest there was silence used in religious worship in the Temples almost every where for they said to the people Be silent That was observed by the people of God then when incense should be offered For while the Sacrifices were offered which was the first part of the Liturgie the Temple resounded with Songs Trumpets and other Instruments of musicke 2 Chron. 29.25 unto the 28. But at the time of the Incense all was silent and the people inwardly prayed to themselves Luk. 1.10 To this therefore is the allusion while the Angel was offering at the golden Altar there was as is said Silence in Heaven for halfe an houre that is the whole time of Incense Which at length being finished the Angel filled the Censer Vers 5. with fier of the Altar and cast it into the Earth to wit that by this Ceremonie he might shew to what end those prayers tended which ascending up together to God he had mixed with a sweet savour to wit to obtaine revenge upon the inhabitants of the earth who had hurt the Saints yea had shed their blood And these prayers immediately have their answer For there were saith he to wit out of the Throne or most holy place of So also Acts 4. 3â— God granted the prayers of the Apostles in an Earth-quake the Temple as Chap. 4.5 voyces and thunders and lightnings and an earthquake In which words is described the Oracle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the daughter of voyce oâ— thunder whereby God in times past to his old people gave answers and with the same here he granteth the prayers of the Saints For we must know in the Hebrew tongue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 voyces and thunders meane the same thing for thunders are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is voyces Chap. 8. Therefore * And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to be taken by way of explication for that is or which I had rather by the figure * When by two wâ—rds one thing is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 voyces and thunders are voyces of thunder or with thunder For God for the most part did promulgate his decrees with thunder even as God gave the Law Exod. 19. 16. Yea that only Oracle left to the Iewes continued after the Babylonian captivitie An example whereof is with our Evangelist Iohn Chap. 12. 28. When the Lord had said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Father glorifie thy name there came saith he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a voyce from heaven I have both glorified it and againe I will glorifie it it followeth there And the multitude that stood by and heard it said It thundered Others said an Angel spake to him that is some said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a thunder from Heaven or joyned with a voyce from Heaven that is to say the daughter of thunder but others that an Angel spake And hence it is that in the Revelation not in this place onely but otherwhere often thunder is joyned with Oracles and voyces from Heaven as Chap. 4.5 Chap. 6.1 Chap. 10.3 You may see Aristarch sacr claris Danielis Heinsii pag. 277. and 45â— The offering thus ended and the prayers of the Saints granted by God in a voyce of thunder the seven Angels who had the seven Vers 6. trumpets prepared themselves to sound It is granted among all Divines that the workes of Divine providence and government are executed by the administration of Angels The Angels therefore in those Visions hold their place over whom they are appointed by God to bring things to passe and what is executed by the common meanes as well of Angels as of men that is said to be brought to passe the Angels being Authours as it were guides and Captaines So that they seeme to me to erre altogether from the scope who thinke some other mysterie lyeth hidden under these names of Angels The Angels therefore the Trumpeters of whom
concured with the same armes by Amurath this Mechmetes his Father and the Pelquenesians brought to obedience and by Mechmets himselfe were wholley subdued presently after the taking of Constantinople Corinthus also being conqureed by this manner of ordinance To this of their weapos is added another thing concerning the nature of the horses and horsemen That their power was not in 〈◊〉 9. their mouth only of which hither vnto but also in their tayles For their tayles were like serpents having heads by which they doe hurte That is the same which before hath binne said of the Saracens is true also of the Turkes To wit that they brought destruction where they came not onely by hostile force but also by the trayne of their Mahammedan imposture Whence it is that these are noe lesse serpents in their tayle then the Saraceinâ—all Lâ—â—usts whose religion they receaved but that one kind of serpentine tayle is attributed to these and another to them that ariseth from the naturall diversity of the shape of both the Locusts and horses whereupon a sharpe tayle of Seorpions to those but Chap. 9. to these tayles with serpentine heades did beste agree But the rest of the men which were not killed with these plagues veâ—â— 20. or which escaped these plagues repented not of the workes of their hands that they should not worship Devils and idolls of golde and silver and brasle and stone and wood which neyther 〈◊〉 see nor heare nor walke c. But who these may be it wil be no hard matter to gather since in the whole Romanâ— Empire or on this side Euphrates there are none now which worship Images O shamefull and grivous but christians Must it not needs be then that the very same worship Divells also since both is ascribed to the same in this place But what Devills then thou wilt say Shurely not those which they themselves hold for vncleane spirits and so call them for what christian wittingly and willingly would worship such but those Demone which by the heathen theologists were vnderstood by this name Damonia I meane Deastri consecrated men deiâ—yed see Hisiod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vers. 121. in simposiâ— by the names both of Angells and of dead men as it were mediators betwenne God and men 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sayeth Plato 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Devils are of a midle nature betweene the Gods and mortall men Likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God hath noe society with man but all comunion and conference of Gods with men is by mediation of spirits or Devills The same the other Platonists and the most philosaphers of other sects except the Epicurians doe hold I will only rite the words of Apuleius where in the de Dhmonio socratis opinion of Plato and the rest is fully and perspicuously contayned Devills sayth he are meane powers by whom both our desiers and Let the Redet see Austin de civit dei lib 8. ct 9. merits have accesse to the Gods carriers betweene mortall men and those that dwell in heaven hence of prayers hence of gifts which carry hither and thither thence petitions thence supplies or certeyne interpreters or bearers of recomendations Neither Chap. 9. sayth he will it stand with the majesty of the heavenly Gods to take care of these thinges Doubtles they had two sorts of Gods heavenly who were continually resident in heaven and would not abase themâ—selves to these earthly things nor be defiled with the thought of them these propperly and singulerly were called Gods others Divells who being as it were mediating divine power ministers of the heavenly and chife Gods had the oversight Daemones of humane affayers Those the holy cripture if I conjecture rightly calleth the hoaste of heaven these especyally those that you â—â—y see Hieroâ— vpon 22 chap. of Ezech. likewise vpon Hoâ—â—â— chap. 2. and vpon Esay 46. Demonem vers 5. 13. they made of dead men Baales of all the kinge of the Babilonians or Asyrians or in the Caldâ— pronunciation Bel who first was consecrate by his for a Devil whence after it came to passe that such divine powers were called Baalim that is Baales as Baalâ—peor Baal-berith Baal-zebub Baal-melach â—er 19 even as from the first Emperor Julius Casaer the other Romane Emperors afterwards are called Caesars But how this doctrine of Divels agreeth with the worshipping of Saints and Angels by the counterfeit-christians the thing it Dâ—monâ— selfe speaketh with this only difference that with them there were many supreame or heavenly Gods with us there is only one the Father of all And truly there ought to be but one mediator also our Lord Jesus Christ but that the false prophets have brought in more like the heathen Dâ—mones Plainely according to what Paâ—l hath prophesied 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 3. That it should come to passe in the latter times by the hypocrisie of false speakers faining lyes of Deâ—strorum miracles and through countorfeit holinesse of the Monkes abstaining from marriage and meates by reason of their â—ow that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is this doctrine of Divels should be brought back againe into the world The interpretation will aptly serve if thou take the ginitive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 passively that it may be the doctrine concerning devils as heb 6. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. The doctrine of baptisme the doctrine of lying on of handes For surely that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by the hypocrocy of false teachers and what followeth that the order of construction maybe safe it is expounded by the government of to substantives 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the preposition setting forth the inâ—trument and cauâ—eâ— which according to the Hebrew phrase is familiar But I have declared this more at large in another place in a peculiar tracte neither is it my minde here to repeate it Of the third wâ—e Trumpet OR The sound of the 7. trumept The vision of the sixt trumpet being ended for there is on Chap. 10. Yerâ—e 1. 2. only vision of one trumpet even as of the seales and vialls the next place in order of things was due to the sound of the seventh which notwithstanding being put of to the prophecie of the little booke to which the spirit of God is now to passe lest any thing Veâ—se 6. in the meane space on his part should be wanting to the fulfilling of the prophecie of the â—eales now to be ended he supplyeth the courâ— of the trumpets sound which was to be deterred with an oath wherein the event of the trumpet is shewed at least in generall To Yerâ—e â— wit that it shall come to pasâ—e when that Angel shall sound that the Romane Beaste being destroyed the times of the last head being come to an end the mystery of God shal be finished as he hath declared to his servants the prophets For so long agoe it was foretold to Daniell that the fourth Beast being slayne the
the kindreds and people and nations shall see their dead bodies three dayes and an halfe and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves Or and there shall be of kindreds and people and nations which shall see their dead bodies c. Whether this be to be taken for a part of crueltie or benefit it is doubtfull nor is it to be determined but by the fulfilling of the prophesie For it may be taken either as proceeding from enemies adding this disgrace to the great slaughter which they had made the deniall of buriall to the dead bodies of the slaine or as from friends and favourers of the Witnesses to wit by this means providing for them as it were by and by to rise againe For howsoever it was otherwise a part of a great crueltie not to bury the dead and to be cast out unburied was esteemed especially among the Ieues for an exceeding ignominy yet those which were so slaine that they were not plainly in despaire but that they might be restored to life againe it is to be accounted a benefit to hinder them a little while from close buriall If we must hold the first to be determined by this Type seemeth to be intimated some note of Infamie or Ignominy wherewith all the followers of the Beast not contented to have slaine the Witnesses will moreover punish them If the latter some rescue from the reformed people for feare of whom as being in multitude the greatest part by farre and therefore the wound being yet fresh Chap. 11. and things not as yet settled not to be provoked to desperation without danger or at least by secret meanes and favour it should come to passe that the Witnesses should not be so dealt with that there were no hope of reviving Achmetes out of the learning of the Indians Apotel 130 If any in his sleepe shall seeme to himselfe to be buried that buriall tendeth to the full certaintie of his ruine If he shall seeme to see some defect of things pertaining to his buriall that defect is referred to hope If thou now enquire whether any thing in the Text appeare which inclineth more to this interpretation then the other I truly should draw this for an Argument of this matter that since here he declareth the subject in manner and words different from that when he speaketh of enemies in the verse following he would not have the same to be understood here as there but divers there certainly enemies but here friends of the Witnesses For of the enemies in the verse following rejoycing and sending gifts one to another he saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And they that dwell upon the earth But of those that will not suffer the dead bodies of the Witnesses to be put into graves 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations partitively as if he would note some certaine ones of a divers disposition from the rest Let the Reader judge Three dayes and an halfe That is as it seemeth three yeere and an halfe For those things that are foretold to be done then do argue that they cannot be understood of dayes in proper sence For can any man beleeve that the small space of three dayes and an halfe is sufficient either for spreading the fame of the death of the Witnesses or for the sending of messengers with gifts to and fro among the Nations Nay it were not indeed sufficient for the providing of them Adde hereunto that the halfe of a day properly so taken or twelve houres were altogether unfit for determining of such acts For such matters are not wont to be observed by houres but by moneths at least by whole dayes In the meane time it is to be observed that the time here is computed not of the killing of the Witnesses but wherein they lay dead and without life now after they were slaine But how long the warre it selfe shall last and how long time shall be given for the killing of the Prophets nothing but the fulfilling of the prophesie will teach Chap. 11. And they that dwell upon the earth shall reâ—oyce over them and Vers 10. shall be glad and shall send gifts one to another because these two Propheâ—s tormented them that dwelt on the earth Concerning the manner of sending gifts in a publique joy or in great gladnesse See Esther 9. 19. 22. But after three dayes and an halfe the spirit of life from God entered into them and they stood upon their feet and great feare fell Vers 11. upon them which saw them Such as the death of the Witnesses was such shall be their raising up or resurrection from the dead to wit a restitution to their former estate and that not so much by any humane power or ayde as the finger of God who is wonderfull in his works For these words the spirit of life from God entered into them intimateth this Achmetes apotelesm 6. and 7. out of the learning of the Egyptians and Persians If any shall seeme to see in a dreame the raising of the dead that matter signifyeth the delivery of those that be bound and an end of warres Apot. 7. a freedome from calamities You may see Ezek. chap. 37. And they heard a great voyce from heaven saying unto them Vers 12. Come up hither and they ascended up to heaven by a cloud or in a cloud and their enemies beheld them The witnesses shall not only be restored to their place and former station but shall be even advanced into some more excellent degree of honour and power For to be carried in a cloud and to ascend into heaven doth signifie that See Dan. 7.13 Esay 14. 13. and 19. Whereupon in the declarations of dreames which Apomasar or Achmetes that Arabian whom I have so often cited hath gathered out of the ancient monuments of the Egyptians and Fersians it is read if a King shall seeme to himselfe to have sitten in the clouds and to be carried whither soever he would the Barbarian enemies shall become his servants over whom he shall raigne with authoritie Aâ—so if a King shall seeme to himselfe as it were to have â—lowen to heaven where the starres should be he shall obtaine eminency and fame above other Kings Likewise if a King being ascended up shall seeme to himselfe to be set in heaven he shall reduce a countrey greater then that which he possesseth under his power Apotel 162. and 164. These things I bring in to this purpose that I may shew that this parable was used in that meaning which I say by Chap. 11. the Prophets of God according to the custome of the East The ministery therefore of the witnesses shaâ—l not be despicable as before neither shall they be reckoned among the abject and contemptible sort of men So that that which our Saviour said of himselfe Luk. 24. 26. Did it not behoove Christ to suffer these things and afterward to enter into his glory shall
holy Ghost to the Systeme of the world whose parts are Earth Sea Rivers Heaven Lights So that the earth in the Popedome answereth to the earth in the natural World Sea to sea Rivers to rivers Sunne to sunne 6. To conclude as already I have once or twise shewed because God useth Angels as ministers of his providence for moving and governing of the motions and changes of humane affaires Chap. 16. therefore those things that are brought to passe by the the hands of many are notwithstanding attributed to an Angel as it were the ruler and guide of the thing to be done after the common manner of speaking The Exposition of the Phyals according to the rule of the suppositions The first Phyall powred upon the whole body of the Beast The Earth in the Antichristian universe doth signifie the people Vers 2. or the common sort of Christians the footstoole the more shame of Antichrist upon which as the Basis that vastnesse of Papall Hierarchie being 〈◊〉 like the Tower of Babel * Vertice ad auras aetherias tendit reacheth to the very skies The Phyall being powred out upon this Earth pertaining to the Beast it drew that disposition from the effusion that it filled the followers of the Beast with furie and madnesse as it were with ulcers and those so foule and malignant that they could not be healed nor be closed up by any Cicatrice but they would breake forth againe This was fulfilled when the Christian common people called the Waldenses Albigenses Wiclifists Hussites and by other names began every where to renounce the authoritie of the Beast calling Rome Apocaliptique Babylon and the Pope Antichrist with which blasting of its earth burning with the * Rom. 10.2 zeale of God the followers of the Beast being stricken they were wholly enflamed with the ulcers of griefe and indignation by which being enraged they for very many yeers wonderfully tyrannized with fire and Sword but in vaine for they were smitten with an evill and uncurable ulcer which the more they bestirred themselves the more it grew worse and worse with them Exod. 9.8 9. So in times past the Land of Egypt being sprinkled from Heaven with dust like ashes it filled all the Egyptians and their cattell with ulcers Now the world of the Beast is called * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spirituall Egypt Chap. 11. 8. and thereupon the ulcerous sore here is to be interpreted * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiritually that is mystically and by analogie which is diligently to be observed in the figures of the two following plagues also taken from the same history The second Phyall upon the Sea of the World Chap. 16. of the Beast The Sea in the Antichristian world is the whole compasse of Vers 3. the Papall Society wherein not onely severall Christians but whole Nations People Kingdomes Provinces Diocesses otherwise among themselves dis-joyned and severed are gathered together in one or thus the Antichristian Sea is the compasse of the Popes jurisdiction or dominion compassing and enfolding as the Sea doth the Land men and Nations worshipping Christ The second Phyall being powred out upon this Sea presently it became as the blood of a dead body or cold and congealed blood such as is wont to be of those that are dead and slaine or of a member cut off seeing it is destitute of the influence of spirit and heat the entercourse with the fountaine of life being dissolved The sense is The Pontificiall Sea was slaine as it were with death beheading or slaughter Now this was fulfilled when by the labour of Luther and other famous reformers of the Church of that Age God wonderfully blessing their undertakings not now some single persons onely of the common people of Christendome but even whole Provinces Diocesses Kingdomes Nations and Cities renounced communion with those of the Beast and there being made a great dismembring of the dominion which was so large in times past they departed from the body of the Beast By which event the Sea of the Popes Dominion became dead for a great part of it like the blood of a dead body in which the Popes creatures could no longer breathe and live The third Phyall upon the Rivers and Fountaines of the world of the Beast The Rivers and Fountaines of waters of the Bestian world are Vers 4 5 6 7 the ministers and defenders of the Antichristian jurisdiction whether Ecclesiasticall as Iesuites and other Emissary Priests or even Secular and Lay as the Spanish champions to both of which as from that jurisdiction is committed a charge of solliciting and advancing the cause which they call Catholique in Chap. 16. like manner as the rivers derive their originall out of the Sea so also they bestow their labour and cost to the enlarging and preserving of it even as also the rivers returne to the Sea Now these Rivers whilest they at randome runne through their Channels wherein now there was no more safety for them by Gods just judgment by the effusion of the third Phyall are turned into blood in like manner as even they had heretofore imbrued the Saints of God and his Prophets with blood For from this Phyall the state of the Beast came to that passe that the ministers and defenders thereof now changing course are compelled to suffer the same slaughters wherewith they had beene accustomed to slay the Saints and Prophets of God while their government flourished as it is plainly set sorth vers 5 6. as it were a Key for the opening of the parable Which thing concerning the Ecclesiasticall Emissaries with their attendants I thinke was fulfilled when in our ENGLAND in the reigne of ELIZABETH of famous memory and also afterwards those bloody Proctors for the authoritie of the Beast were according to the lawes made for that purpose punished with death which had never before sobefallen them for solliciting the Papall cause And not they alone but the Spanish champions for the cause of the Beast who were much more to be feared then they going about to recover by force of armes the dominion of the Church of Rome thirsting for blood drank blood by full draughts especially in that memorable overthrow of the yeere 1588. and some yeers following the English and the Dutch by Sea and Land abundantly powring out the Cup of the mightie hand of God So that wonderfull great praise was given to God for his just and true judgements upon them both not onely of the Islanders themselves revenging their blood now long since shed but also of the neighbouring French groning yet under the Crosse and the Altar yea even then the Massacre of the yeere 1572. being fresh And thus far the Phyals seeme to have gonne on the rest remaine to be powred out yet The fourth Phyall upon the Sunne of the Beastian heaven What the Sunne is in the world of the Beast that we may Vers 8 9. search out first it is throughly
whole world These things Reader I have thus discussed not rashly affirmed I leave the whole matter to the Church to be determined by the word of God to the iudgement whereof as it is meete I doâ— willingly submit mine opinion concerning this mysterie IN THE DIALOGVE OF IVSTINE MARTYR WITH TRYPHO THE IEW there is a notable place concerning the thousand yeers Raign of Christ TRYPHO BVt tell me the truth doe you confesse the restauration of Ierusalem and doe ye expect the gathering together of your people that they triumph together with Christ and the Patriarchs and the Prophets and our Tribes or those also who before your Christ came were Proselytes or doe you grant those things that you may seeme to get the better of us in dispute IVSTINE Trypho I am not brought to such a pinch that my words and thoughts should differ I confessed to you heretofore that not only I but many besides me doe verily thinke as you well know will come to passe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. But contrariwise I have signified to thee that many who are not Orthodox and pious Christians deny this I pointed out those to thee who are in name Christians but indeed Atheists and prophane heretiques because what they teach is altogether blasphemous wicked and foolish But that I may manifest to the world what I speakâ— to you I will collect all our disputations into one body wherein I will set down in writing what I hold in this point agreeable to what I professe to you my determination with my self is to follow neither men nor their opinions but God and his word For although ye have conferred with some who beare the name of Christians but are not so indeed but dare blaspheme the God of Abraham of Isaac and of Iâ—cob and who say that there is no resurrection of the dead but that presently after death their souls are received into heaven yet you must not thinke that those are Christians as neither any man if he judge aright will acknowledge the Sadduces or such like heretiques as those of the Genists Mâ—rists Galilâ—ans Hellâ—nians and Pharisees who are Baptists to be Iâ—ws not to trouble you with the expression of all that is in my minde they be called Iews and the children of Abraham and confesse God with their mouthes but their heart as God himself complaineth is farre from him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But I and all entirely Orthodoxe Christians doe both know the future resurrection of the body and the thousand yeers in that Ierusalem that shall be reedified adorned and enlarged as the Prophets Ezekiel and Esay and others doe declare For so Esay of the time of those thousand yeers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Esa 65.17 For there shall be a new heaven and a new earth and the former shall not be remembred neither shall they come into their mindes but they shall finde joy and rejoycing in those which I create For behold I make Ierusalem to triumph and my people to rejoyce and so forth to the end of the Chapter But of that for the dayes of my people shall be as the dayes of the tree of life he addeth In these words we understand that the thousand yeers are impliâ—itely pointed at For as it was said to Adam in that day thou eatest of the tree in that same day thou also shalt die we know he did not accomplish a thousand yeers we know also saith he that saying that a day with the Lord is a thousand yeers is to our purpose Moreover a certaine man with us whose name is John being one of the twelve Apostles of Christ in that Reveâ—ation which was shewed to him prophesied that our faithfull members of Christ should accomplish those thousand yeers at Ierusalem and then the generall and in a word the everlasting resurrection and last judgement of all joyntly together even that whereof also our Lord spake wherein they shall neither marry nor be given in marriage but shall be equall with the Angels even sonnes of the resurrection of God For the gifts of prophesie are extant with us even till this time c. There is another place to this purpose in the same book After the discourse of the great Day of judgement which he calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when the Iews should lament Christ whom they have crucified and Christ himselfe inaugurated after the order of Melchisedech should be the Iudge of quick and dead presently he addeth At whose second coming thinke not ye that Esay or other Prophets warned us to offer up sacrifices of blood or drinke offerings but true and spirituall sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving THE OPINIONS OF THE LEARNED HEBREWS CONCERNING the great Day of Judgement and the Kingdom of CHRIST then to be CArpentarius in his Commentary upon Plato his Alcinous pag. 322. affirmeth That the seventh Millenary is called by the whole Schoole of the Cabalists The great Day of Iudgement because then saith he they suppose that God will Iudge the souls of all men By the name of the Cabalists if I be not mistaken he pointeth at the Doctors of the Talmud with many of whom it is manifest this tradition was frequent for we reade in Gemara Sanedrin Perek Chelek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 R. Ketina said The world doth continue sixe thousand yeers and Esa 2.11.17 in one it shall be destroyed Of which it is said And the Lord only shall be exalted in that day But he understandeth that destruction which shall be by fire whereby the world shall be purified as gold and shall be freed from the servitude of the curse under which it groaneth by reason of mans sinne into the glorious libertie of the sonnes of God Rom. 8. 22. It followeth a little after 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is Tradition agreeth with R. Ketina Even as every seventh yeere of seven yeers is a yeere of release so of the seven thousand yeers of the world the seventh thousand yeere shall be the thousand of release as it is said And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day Likewise in the 92 Psalme the title is said to be A Psalme or song for the Sabbath day that is the day that is nothing else but rest Againe it is said in the 90 Psalme For a thousand yeeres in thy sight are but as yesterday Here let the Reader note two things First that the ancient Iews did understand that Prophesie in the second of Esay where these words And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day are twise taken for the day of the great judgement and the kingdom of Christ whose steps our later Rabbins have seemed to imitate R. Schelomo saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In that day that is in the Day of iudgement Againe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when he shall arise to shake the earth terribly that is saith he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the day of iudgement when the Lord shall breake the wicked of the Earth Rabbi
Kingdomes which shall so grow together by the Vers 14. government of the false Prophet their head shall fight with the Lambe yet at length the victory falling out on the part of our Lord the Lambe The Application That battell hath beene fought long since and even daily is in action this victory even in some sort iâ— accomplished but we hope shall be fulfilled sometime much more gloriously For truely out of the same tenne hornes or Kings they shall Chap. 17. be who at length shall hate the Whore whom they have so long Vers 16. borne which partly we perceive to be fulfilled shall make her desolate and naked shall eate her flesh and burne her with fire For God by whose providence it cometh to passe that with so marvellous a consent they should grow together into this Beast of the last head untill his appointed time he even the same will sometime put into their hearts that they shall execute his will also upon their Metropolis the Whore these things the Angel hath interpreted But what moreover is contained in the description of the parable Vers 4. that this Whore held in her hand a golden Cup full of abominations and filthinesse of her fornication likewise that she did Vers 5. beare her name written in her forehead that needed not the interpretation of the Angel For truely in both there is an Allusion to the custome of whores and stewes in time past Which whores were wont to drink to their Paramores philters in a golded Cup in the Stews the Cels had the name of the whores written upon them even as that of Tertullian declareth in his booke De Pudicitia under the very gates of lust under the very titles of lust But Seneca more perspicuously Controvers 2. lib. 1. Thou art called saith he a whâ—re thou stoodest in a common place a title is put upon thy Cell See also Martiall lib. 11. Epig. 46. Moreover if a whore was famous it seemeth she bare her name and title not onely written on her Cell but in her forehead Seneca intimateth that in the place cited Thy name saith he hangeth in thy forehead thou hast received the reward of adultery and the hand that was to give sacred things to God hath received rewards To which Iâ—venal also had respect Sat. 6. concerning the unbridled lust of Messalina the Empresse nuda papillis constitit auratis titulum mentita Lyciscae She stood naked with her gilded pappes bearing the title of Lyciscâ— But if that of Seneca be to be taken of the front of her Cell this also of Babylon may be so taken neither wil it be harsh for the nature of the figure which comprehendeth both as wel the Whore as the place or Brothelhouse in which she prostituteth her selfe The fall of Antichrist Chap. 15. OR The meaning of the seven Phyals as farre forth as is yet given us to understand And first Of the Phyals in generall THe holy Ghost propoundeth the history of the Phials and of At Chap. 15. the Angels pouring them out two manner of waies First in generall from the beginning of the 15. Chap. unto the end of the 5. vers where the vision of the seven Angels having seven Phyals being only briefly rehearsed before he cometh to the particular description either of the Angels or Phyals a narration is framed of another vision exhibited together with them wherein is figured for the time of the powring them out the state of the Church cleansed from idolatrous pollutions and filthinesse in that sacred Laver or Sea of the Temple not made of brasse as Solomons Vers 2 3. but of Crystall and singing the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tryumphant Song for the victory over the Beast the whole time of the effusion and that whiles yet she stood upon the brimme of the Laver as it were scarse gone out of the bath wherein she had cleansed her selfe Then he cometh to the cloathing and preparation of the Angels and to describe the Phyals particularly from those words of the 6. vers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vers 6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. And the seven Angels came out of the Temple having the seven plagues clothed in pure and white linnen and having their breasts girded with golden girdles that is in their Priestly habite For take heed that thou joyne not the words which we Ezek. 44.17 18. Maiemon de vasis sanctuarii c. 10. sect 1. have set downe with those of the precedent vers for truly that which is there said of the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimonie opened in Heaven that pertaineth not to the beginning but to the event of the Phyals That is to say the Temple which in the meane space while the Phyals were poured out was filled Vers 5. with smoake from the Maiesty of God and from his power so that no man was able to enter vers 8. he allâ—deth to the seven dayes dedication as well of the Tabernacle Exod. 40. 34. as also of the Temple 1 King 8. 10. 2 Chron. 5. 13. the Phyals being past it Chap. 16. will be so cleere that the Arke of the Testimony it selfe Christ shall be apparent even as we have it at the sound of the seventh trumpet Chap. 11. 19. with which that the last of the Phyals doth contemporize hath been shewed Synch 3. part 2. * Hypotheses Suppositions concerning the Phyals particularly 1. The effusion of the Phyals signifieth the ruine of the Antichristian At Chap. 16. Beast It appeareth out of the Text for which see Synch 7. part 1. For even as that former and more ancient * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Politie of the Romane Kingdome was to be overthrowne by the plagues of the Trumpets so this last by the plagues of the Phyals This is the cause of so great liâ—â—â—esse betweene them twain sith even this last beareth the Image of the former Romane Politie 2. The seven Phyals are so many degrees of the ruine thereof For like as the Beast grew up by degrees he is also so to be abolished by degrees 3. Whatsoever then it is on which every of the Phyals is poured out that suffereth damage and losse from the Phyall since the effusion of the Phyals is the effusion of the wrath of God Chap. 15. vers 1. Therefore no interpretation can stand here whereby the effusion of a Phyall falleth out to the benefit of that upon which it is poured out 4. The Earth the Sea the Rivers the Sunne are something concerning the Antichristian Beast answering to the earth the Sea and the Sunne For all the Phyals are poured out upon the Beast therefore also every of them upon something of the Beast or at least which is inseparable from the safetie of the Beast or concerneth his benefit 5. The whole body of the Beast or the Antichristian universe is in like manner as it was done in the Trumpets tacitly compared by the