stand for ever though the stone was long in beating them in pieces before it became such a mountain filling the whole earth But in Chap. 7. Daniel a Jew in the first year of Belshazzar hath an other dream Daniels first Prophetical Vision further setting forth all the said Mâ—narchies in a Vision of four Beasts rising out of the Sea upon the striving of the four winds of heaven again setting forth the four said Kingdoms the first like a Lyon having Eagles wings to wit the high soaring Babilonian which was brought down in Belshazzar Chap. 7.4 But the second like to a devouring Bear with three ribs in the mouth conceived to be Media Persia and Babilon which last was taken by Darius and Cyrus in whom the Median and Tersian Kingdome began The third was like a Leopard having on the back four wings having also four heads and Dominion was given to it whereby is decyphâ—red the Grecian Monarchy begun by Alexander the great who like a Leopard was swift in catching the prey of whom also it may be said Vini Vidi Vici I came I saw I overcame whose four Heads or Captains cruelly with their successors chiefly devoured the Jews which four heads appeared to be four Commandâ—rs entring upon Alexanders Dominion when he died viz. Cassander head of Macedonia Antigonus of Asia Seleuchus of Syria and Ptolomy of Egypt But the fourth Beast namely the Roman Monarchie Daniel saw in the night Visions exceeding dreadful terrible and strong with iron teeth their Commanders and nails of brass their Senate that devoured and brake in pieces and stamped the residue with the feet of it and was diverse from all the beasts that were before it and had ten horns And while Daniel considered the horn there came up among them a little horn in appearance at first before whom there were three of the first horns pluckt up by the roots and behold in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking great things those ten horns one that stood by expounded v. 16. to Dan. v. 24. to be ten Kings that should arise out of that fourth Kingdome and that other to wit the little horn that should arise after them or behind them for the ten Kings were to arise at one hour with the beast Rev. 17. who being diverse from the ten should subdue three Kingdomes which according to Mr. Mide were the Lumbards the Franks and the Greeks subdued by the Pope who during his time times and the dividing of a time that is for the space of 1260 days of years should wear out the Saints of the most high and think to change times and laws the Saints being so long given into his hands v. 25. But then the ancient of days executed his fiery and severe judgment upon that little horn that spake great things with his ten and ten times ten thousand by the fiery streams that came from before him till the beast was stain and his body was destroyed and given to the burning flame verse 9.10.11 the same expounded again verse 20.21 22. But verse 13. Daniel saw one like the Son of man come in the clouds of heaven who came to the ancient of days and they brought him near before him which probably will be done by the faithful prayers of the Saints whereupon was given him Dominion and glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him and his Dominion is an everlasting Dominion which shall not pass away and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed as the little Horns or Beasts was v. 21 22. who made war with the Saints and prevailed against them as Rev. 13. but yet onely until the ancient of days came that Judgment was given to the Saints and that they possessed the Kingdom which was the Kingdom of the Most High whose Kingdom should be an everlasting Kingdom and all Dominions or Rulers should serve and obey him v 27. and that as there is said All Kingdoms under the whole Heaven Again Daniels second Prophetical Vision chap. 8. in the third year of Belshazzar Daniel had another Vision concerning the second and third Oppressors of the Jews after the times of the Chaldeans were out namely of the Ram of Persia and the He-Goat of Grecia successively until the list period of the Grecian Persecution called the time of the end and the last end of the indignation by the Angel Gabriel v. 17 19. 20 21. now the Rams or Persian Kings two Horns were the Kingdoms of Media and Persia against whom the He-Goat of Grecia came so swiftly that he is said not to touch the ground or none in the earth touched him but in his chollar came close to the Ram and cast him down and stamped upon him and that notable Horn between his eyes appears to be Alexander the Great whom Stories report not to have been willing to take any offers of Peace or tearms of Agreement or tenders of Marriage with the Persian Kings Daughter but with indignation rejected all saying The World could not endure two Soveraigns or chief Kings but when he was strong he was broken and after six years his Four said Commanders called four notable Horns v. 8 came in his room and out of one of them namely Seleuchus Nicanor by descent came that little Horn which waxed exceeding great towards the South and towards the East and towards the pleasant Land which little Horn was Antiochus Epiphanes who grew great towards Egypt and towards the East where the Persian Ram arose and towards the pleasant Land where his rage was greatly manifest v. 10 11 12. against the Jews who by reason of encrease of transgressions had power given him to afflict them greatly and do many hainous things against their Laws and VVorship magnifying himself against the Prince of the Host so that by his means the daily Sacrifice was taken away and the place of Gods Sanctuary was cast down for the space of Two thousand three hundred Mornings and Evenings or One thousand one hundred and fifty natural days or as some take them for the whole number of dayes which make up Six years three months and twenty dayes which is conceived to begin when Menclaus revolted to Gentilism and many wicked Apostates with him as first of Machab 1.12 whereupon Gods Temple and Worship was contemned and neglected and people revolted as 2 Mach. 4.12 to 18. which Apostasie began in 142 year of the Greek Empire and continued to the 148th year thereof and the 11th of Antiochus 1 Mac. 4.52 though the extremity in Antiochus own Reign was but half the time which seemeth more consonant to Daniels Prophesie Evenings and Mornings signifying natural days as in the Creation and though his wickedness prospered for a time ver 26. yet after that short time he was broken without hands being stricken with a loathsome disease dyed miserably thereof as seems very probable from 2 Mac. 9.5 28 though besides this a further
beginning of the following state namely of the Kingdom of Power or the Kingdom of the Mountain then to succeed as Rev. 20. and Rev. 11. which as that of the Stone was many hundred years in passing to this last state So this shall never pass away or be destroyed while the World continues but shall at last be perfected in the Kingdom of Glory in Heaven for evermore as that of Patience was perfected in the Kingdom of Power before Now of the time of the beginning of the first saith Daniel chap. 2.44 In the dayes of those Kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom c. and of the beginning of the Second chap. 7. saith he again v. 13 14. I saw the Son of man coming with the Clouds of Heaven and unto him was given Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him c. Of which more by Gods assistance afterwards 3dly We must especially observe how the first Session of the day of Judgment begins the said last state of Christs Kingdom where the Judgment is said to be se and the Books opened at the destruction of the Beast and upon that account Dan. 7.12 because of the great words which the Horn spake ver 9 10 11. will be executed by Christ at the Armageddon Battel Rev. 19.11 to the end spoken of Rev. 16. And likewise another like Session of Judgment after the thousand years we may again observe will according as God hath appointed and our Saviour declared Rev. 20.11 13 c. perfect the said Kingdom of the Mountain in glory after the last Gog and Magog shall be destroyed after the thousand years shall be ended when also the Judgment will again be set and the Books opened which is proper only to the Judgment of the great Day as St. Jude calls it and why should it seem strange that Christ should have such a great Day to judg and rule in over all creatures as he is Mediator whilst the Kingdom which the Ancient of Days gave him shall remain in his hand when Antichrist had his Day of before And not to speak of the days of Captivities of the Jews or of 1260 years their forty years in the Wilderness Heb. 4. St. Peter reckons Eternity under the name of a day 1 Pet. 3. last 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as in the Original So that upon many considerations Mr. Mede might well reckon all that time from Christs coming with clouds Dan. 7.13 of which Rev. 1.7 and Rev. 19.11 c. to the last Sessions end under the title of the Day of Judgment wherein first at the destruction of Antichrist when he destroys the quick with visible temporal judgment and rewards his Servants the Prophets and his Saints and all that fear his Name both small and great in their order Rev. 11.18 and Rev. 20.4 5. when likewise Daniel sheweth the Saints shall take the Kingdom being then given to them and possess it for ever to the Worlds end as Christ then will receive it of his Father to give it to them ver 13. yet they shall rule for him ver 27. all that time in all Nations under the whole Heaven 4thly In the next place the God of Heaven is said to be first the Founder of Christs Kingdom in the whole of it under both states of the Stone and Mountain of Patience and Power chap. 2.44 In the dayes of those Kings the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom that shall never be destroyed c. And also he is said to be the Doner or Giver of it to Christ his Son chap. 7.9 13 14. So likewise Rev. 5. Christ hath not onely the Revelation given to him from God the Father to open and make known the same to his Church but the Lamb hath Riches and Honour and Power and Wisdom and Strength c. to execute and fulfil all things contained therein ver 12 13. which he himself declared before his ascention Matt. 28.18 19 20. his Commission from the Father enables him to fulfil the contents of that Book in both states of that Kingdom in order from the beginning of the first Seal chap. 6. when he sent out his Apostles as before Matt. 28. to and in his 1000. years reign on Earth Rev. 20.4 Rev. 5.10 5thly So likewise for the extent of his Kingdom under both States In the first state it is large without restraint unto Jews or Gentiles Greeks or Barbarians in respect of the tender of it Go preach the Gospel to every creature Mar. 16.15 Go preach the Gospel to all Nations Matt. 28.19 As Augustus Coesar would have all the World taxed so Christs riding on the white Horse hath the same bounds Rev. 5. No doubt their sound went into all the world and their words to the end of the earth saith the Apostle Rom. 10.18 So Dan. 2.24 It shall never be destroyed but shall break in pieces all those Kingdoms and extend sometimes very largely in the Empire and at one time or other all over the known World But the other state of the Kingdom of the Mountain is not onely unlimited in the tender of it but also boundless in the extent of it over all the whole Earth as an huge Mountain it fills the whole Earth Dan. 2.35 and ch 7.13 14. To the Son of Man was given Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him and his Deputies the Saints take the Kingdom ver 18. and that which was the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven v. 27. and then all Dominions shall serve and obey him So Rev. 20.4 the Saints reigned with Christ a thousand years and the representative Church exult assuredly That they shall reign upon Earth Rev. 5.10 and Rev. 11.15 The Kingdoms of the World are become the Kingdoms of our God and of his Christ c. 6thly Again for the nature of this Kingdom although the first state of it being mostly invisible and therefore in the outward aspect for the most part despised neglected yea opposed by the men of the World of all sorts for the most part of the time of the Kingdom of Patience in which state though the Devil and the wicked World have endeavoured earnestly to destroy it yet it could never be destroyed Dan. 2.44 And though the Beast make war with the Saints and think to wear them out yet his time is limited to a time times and dividing of a time but then the Judgment shall sit and destroy him Dan. 7.25 26. even when he shall have accomplished to scatter the Power of the holy people Dan. 12.7 for he shall never utterly destroy their Power Rev. 12.6 So Rev. 13. Rev. 11.2 But in the second state it will not onely be an inwardly invisible true Church but also an outwardly visible and glorious Kingdom likewise when Jews and Gentiles shall be so largely and unlimitedly brought into it Rom. 11.12 c. Dan. 7.14 Even
much the more hard to do good among them by how much men usually disregard a Prophet in his own Countrey as he shewed that Proverb to be fulfilled by them in regard of himself with many other considerations to this purpose manifested in the Gospel But after he shewed himself in publick in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom declaring how that Kingdom of God was come unto them namely the Kingdom of the Stone is easily there observable Quest But why may some say was the spiritual Kingdom of Grace called the Kingdom of the Stone Answ First because Christ had been promised and prophesied of long before under the Name as was in part shewed before and might by many places of Scripture be made further evident Secondly Some Stones as the Adamant are harder then the four Metals to be bruised by it hence our Saviour saith of himself Mat. 21.44 Whosoever should fall on that Stone should be broken but on whomsoever it should fall it would grind him to powder And though the Doctrine of the said Kingdom was so powerfully preached by him as was acknowledged by the very Auditors themselves to be with authority and not as the Scribes although he did such and so many Miracles as never man did and though his life was so perfectly exemplary who did all things well as was also acknowledged of him and no evil nor guile was found in his mouth as Gods Spirit witnessed of him and that he went about doing good though suffering evil for it yet it was his meat and drink so to do his heavenly Fathers will and to finish his work and even to suffer so as no man ever did nor all men ever could to that end yea how was he straightened until he had fulfilled it and all that was but to lay that Foundation of that Kingdom of the Stone which began to appear when he was declared by his Resurrection from the dead to be the Son of God with power Rom. 1.14 whereupon he was so owned of his Father Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee Psal 2.7 applied Act. 13.33 Heb. 1.5 and thereupon all power being given to him as he declared soon after to his Disciples when he gave them Commission to preach the Gospel and wherein his Divine Power should chiefly be manifested in the World Matth. 28. viz. in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom saying upon that account of his Divine Power vers 18 19 20. Go preach the Gospel to all Nations c. which Commission in succeeding Ministers was to reach to the end of the World that was to be accomplished at his coming again When God shall bring his Son again into the World Heb. 1.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the Original shews when all the Angels of God shall worship him and every knee bow to him Phil. 2. and the fame World is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 2.5 the World to come and by our Saviour that World at the Resurrection Luk. 21.35 in which interim it was to be preached to all that should believe through their word for which our Saviour prayed before his death John 17. until that great period was come when all the World should both believe and know that God the Father had sent him as he there speaketh yet after all the Divine Glory shewed in Christs Birth Doctrine Miracles Life Death and Resurrection so neglected opposed gain-said persecuted in all Christ was did and suffered so accomplished and published in the World the Rulers believed not on him but hindred others that would and though many Prophecies had been fulfilled all that time in and by Christ and he had foretold many others to be fulfilled by the Worlds wicked actings and proceedings against him and to be fulfilled upon them for their so doing in the ruine of that People their City and Nation yet by their infidelity and wickedness they brought on the accomplishment thereof upon themselves and though his Doctrine was acknowledged to be such as never was taught and his Miracles such as never were wrought by any other and nothing was found in his Life or Death that justly could be proved against him yet all was disregarded and rejected by the most of men living in his time If it was acknowledged at one time he did all things well another time he was judged a drunken and a gluttonous man a friend of Publicans and Sinners if one time his Doctrine seemed Divine and Powerful another time he was esteemed as one that deceived the People if at one time he be acknowledged to have done many wonderful and powerful Miracles he is again traduced that he cast out Devils through Beelzebub the Prince of Devils if by some he be stiled the Son of David he is by others called the Carpenters Son the Son of Joseph and Mary whose Brethren were with them if at one time he is thought to be a great Prophet or the Messiah he is again another time called Jesus of Galilee if the People one while by an over-ruling hand of God entitle him King of the Jews that was to come to the Daughter of Sion and sing Hallelujahs to him in the highest and Hosanna's to the Son of David yet not long after they cried Crucifie him crucifie him and fulfilled those horrid evils that brought their Judgements declared by him before upon them in the most dreadful ruine of that People with their City and Countrey unto this very day and which must continue whilst the time of the Gentiles as our Saviour witnessed be fulfilled Luk. 21.23 And after the foundation of the Kingdom of the Stone was â—o said by the God of Heaven and after his Resurrection all Power was given to him in Heaven and Earth and he had given Commission to his Apostles to preach the Doctrine of the Kingdom and to others succeeding under the first Seal Rev. 6. First the Apostles went out without any worldly power and though they were indued with Power â—â—om on high when the holy Ghost sate on them Act. 2. like cloven tongues of fire on each of them whereupon they were enabled to speak with strange languages who not long before were poor ignorant unlearned Fishermen of low condition yet were then suddenly enabled both to speak miracles and work miracles and Divine Power was manifest to go along with their Preaching of the Gospel to the conversion of many thousands at one Sermon yet the powers of the world even then stood up against them whilst they that were unlearned before spake miracles of strange languages and which was more miraculous they heard them when there was so many as the Text witnesseth of strange Nations which heard them every one speak in their own language the wonderful works of God yet even then they say blasphemously of this wonderful work of God These men are full of new Wine They hear of their miracles but they seek to suppress them for we say the Rulers prevail nothing these men do many
of the World and the general Judgement Now in the second state of it we have considered the Founder of this Kingdom of the Mountain the God of Heaven and the Donor of it the Ancient of Days the Receiver and Owner of it Luk. 19.12 the Son of Man Dan. 7.15 also the time of the setting up the first state of it viz. the Kingdom of the Stone namely In the days of one of those Kings in the height of the Roman Monarchy in Augustus and Tiberius days the manner how it was set up in the first state Not by power nor by might but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts Zech. 4.6 Also the spiritual force and prevalency of it to beat down and break in pieces and smite the Image in the Feet and Toes of it c. likewise of the largeness of the tender of the Grace of the first state to every Creature capable to all sorts of People successively till at the time of the end it shall be perfected in the Kingdom of the Mountain filling the whole Earth which outwardly visibly and gloriously as well as inwardly and spiritually God the Ancient of days will give to his Son the Son of Man upon the destruction of the Beast and false Prophet when Christ the said Son of Man shall come in the Clouds of Heaven to receive it who shall retain it to the end deputing its Rule and Judgement to his eminent raised Saints and Martyrs who shall execute the same for him over all People Nations and Languages under the whole Heaven for the thousand years which afterward Christ will deliver to God the Father 1 Cor. 15.24 for ever after the Worlds end In which Kingdom the Body of the Jewish converted Nation with faithful Israelites Ezek. 37. and the abundance of the Gentiles coming in at their rising Isa 60.3 4 c. shall continue conjoyned in their successions in one throughout the said Period to the end of the World Now the most evident Fore-runners of this Kingdom of the Mountain are these First The awakening Dan. 12.2 of the Israelites and Jews from their bondage and dispersion to seek for their promised Land by such an Elias as God will send to them before the great and terrible day of the Lord come as Malachy speaks Chap. 4 5. Secondly The eminent fall of Antichrist the Pope at the rising and ascending of the Witnesses Rev. 11. The first is founded upon two Scriptural Computations 1. Of the 1290 days of years Dan. 12.11 from the most probable Epocha of Julians time about 366. or as learned Vsher 363. ending about 1656. or sooner which is computed vers 12.45 years before the standing up of Michael the Prince of Daniel's People Dan. 12.1 12. about the year 1700. 2. Of the Turks date to slay the third part of men being the sixth Trumpet Rev. 9. for doing of which his time is set down by an hour a day a month and a year which date of his Mr. Mede reckons to be 396 years which began not long after 1300. as Chronologers compute them and to end about the same time both which together may serve as a Key to open the mystery of that largest number of 2300 years Dan. 8. fore-spoken of in the fifth head of the Roman Monarchy Pag. 34 Again 2dly That Antichrists eminent fall is near in the tenth part of the City Rev. 11. seems probable 1. From the beginning of his rise at one hour with the ten Kings or his crowned Horns that should give their power to the Beast Rev. 17. which seems to be manifest about 406. by the Author of Excidium Antichristi lately published and so his date reacheth to about 1666. Secondly By the pouring out of the Vials 1. Upon the Popes Earth in discovering him to be Antichrist 2. Upon his Seas when many Nations Tongues and People fell off from him 3. Upon his Rivers and Fountains which Mr. Mede seems firly to apply to the Popes Emissaries Priests Jesuites and other seducers who were resirained by a Law made by Q. Eliz. whereby they had blood to drink c. Rev. 16.6 with like things then done elsewhere c. since which time in about 100 years that third Vial two others are conceived to have passed and now the sixth to be begun so that probably about the like proportion the seventh Vial may be poured out to the Popes utter ruine when the seventh Trumpet begins to sound probably about the foresaid period Some Observations from the whole IT remains now in the last place that we lay down some general Observations to be left to be enlarged and particularly improved by all judicious and discerning Christians as Gods Spirit may guide them therein First As the summary of all Religion shews that the eternal Counsel of God is always exactly perfectly in fulfilling so Gods more especial revealing to the greatly beloved Prophet Daniel the orders the times the state the nature the rise and the ruine of the four great Monarchies of the World that should successively oppress the Jews to inform the faithful in all ages following that God orders according to his most wise counsel all the sufferings and tryals of his People men cannot add in the least to their measure or continuance above what God hath in his most wise counsel appointed Therefore trust in the Lord at all times and in all conditions for as he orders all things in the greatest Monarchies so all for the good of his poor and faithful servants yet in wonderful varieties of his most wise dispensations ever to be adored Therefore if ye see injustice or oppression in a City marvel not at it as Solomon saith Secondly As God revealed to Daniel all the Jews oppressors in order with the times of them both how many and how long they should be so held under by them So thereby take notice how gracious God is to his faithful People in the worst times to let them have ground of comfort that his Peoples Sufferings are here limitted by himself and that they might not be without ground of Faith and Hope of good in the issue of them Thirdly As Daniel saw in Vision the rise of all so the ruine of them to teach the Faithful in their successions to look through the dark Clouds and Storms of Persecution to the bright Sun-shine that will follow and in the dark night of afflictions to the rising of the Sun of Righteousness with healing in his wings and that the triumph of enemies in wickedness doth but foreshew their dectruction Fourthly As the Jews at the height of their provocations were captivated by the Babylontans and the Israelites before them by the Assyrians so therein the impartial justice of God is to be acknowledged who is so far from sparing a People upon whom his Name is called if they sin against him that the nearer he hath brought them to himself he doth the more severely punish them when they greatly rebel against him Fifthly
mysterie seems to be intended in this Scripture namely the Jews last Restauration at the end of the 2300 years from the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar in the Persian Monarchy and all the time of the Grecian and Roman to Christs appearance as afterward we shall endeavout to shew Again chap. 9. in the first year of Darius the Mede Daniel understanding by Books viz. from the Prophesie of Jeremiah of the Seventy years of the Captivity of the Jews in Babylon as is recorded Jer. 25.12 and 29.10 which then drew towards an end he set himself by prayers supplications and fastings with sack-cloth and ashes to seek Gods face for himself and his people v. 4.20 whereupon at the time of the Evening-Oblation the Angel Gabriel came again swiftly flying and touched him and made known unto Daniel what should be done by Gods determinate counsel after seventy Weeks of years that is 490 years upon his people and the holy City Jerusalem to finish transgression and to make an end of sins and to make reconciliation for iniquity and to bring in everlasting righteousness and to seal the Vision and Prophesie and to annoint the Most Holy v. 21 24. so that the seventy years suffering in bondage should not onely be recompenced with the building of the City which should remain seven times seventy years but should have those glorious Mercies of Mercies to be accâ—mplished in the Messiah which made the beauty of that second House much more glorious then the first built by King Solomon Which mystical setting them down though prophane persons neither understood nor regarded yet Gods faithful servants that would search into them might find them suitable to their Jubilies and Prophetical days and be comforted in them as by Gods Oracles rather then if it had been plainly said after 490 years in v. 25. the former whole number of Seventy Weeks are distinguished first into seaven Weeks or 49 years from the Edict of Cyrus in his first year for their return from Captivity wherein was re-edified Jerusalem to the sixth of Darius Longimanus second Son to Darius Histaspis by Hester in whose six years the Temple was built which being begun in the third year of Cyrus was forty six years in building according to the Jews account by some thus reckoned Cyrus and Cambises 9. Darius Histaspis 14. Xerxes 20. Darius or as some Artaxerxes Longimanus 6. which seems agreeable to the Prophesie 2dly Of the 62 weeks or 434 years following wherein appears chap. 8. and chap. 11. many remarkable things befell the Jews which 62 Weeks brought in the Messiah and lasted towards the end of his private life and the one week of the last finished the sacrifice of Christ and begins both the calling of the Gentiles and rejection of the Jews as may be supplied from v. 27. But in v. 26. he further declares the destruction of the City and Temple by the Romans under Titus and Vespatian and after in v. 27. speaks how the Roman Emperor should make the Sacrifice and Oblation to cease which was not all done suddenly Of which saith Chrisâ—st Seâ—m contrâ— Judae◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and at once but by â— three distinct degrees remarkably though the beginning thereof then done by Cesar was in the end of that one last Week for after that woful destraction and captivity by Vespatian and Titus they sought again in opposition to Christ to set up their Typical Worship there Again their City was afterwards taken about 130 years after Christs incarnation and the Temple ruined by Adrian the Emperor And when they had set up their said Worship again under or by the Oak in Mamre Constantine the Great drave them thence And lastly Most remarkably and wonderfully was their enterprize of building their Temple disappointed when that wicked Apostate the Emperor Julian in opposition to Christs Religion did not onely set up variety of wicked Heathenish Abominations but encouraged the Jews to build their Temple at the publike Charge which with great endeavours and costs was set upon but when the stones of the old Foundation were digged up and they went about to lay a new Foundation by Earth-quakes Fire and terrible signs of Gods indignation against them many were destroyed which were employed about that work and their very tools and Instruments melted and consumed by the fire the stones laid for foundations violently cast up which occasioned Cyrill then Bishop of Jerusalem to say Now was fulfilled the prediction of our Saviour That not one stone should be left upon another that should not be thrown down Which seems to be the true Epocha of those 1290 days of years spoken of Ch. 12.11 which probably end before that 45 years preceding Christs appearance as by v. 12. and v. 1. of the same Chapter may appear But of these in their due place But it is further added in v. 27. the latter part of it And for the overspreading of Abomination he shall make it desolate even until the consummation and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate that is during the time of the Gentiles to be fulfilled as saith Christ Luc. 21.24 which appears to contain all the time of Jerusalems desolation and the Jews dispersion ever since until their calling about these times of ours â—hen they are to begin their spiritual and civil resurrection which shall end as was hinted and may further from Cap. 12. appear in a glorious and blessed state by the free and rich mercy of their God and the God of their Fathers in respect both of their souls and outward condition according to the many great promises God hath given and then to be fulfilled to them their children and their childrens children for ever through all the Reign of Christ the thousand years with his Saints on earth and thenceforth perfect blesseduess to all Eternity Lastly Daniel in the third year of Gyrus King of Persia Chap. 10 Danids fourth Prophetical Vision 11 12. had another Vision having mourned three full weeks and saw a glorious person appearing to him by the River Hiddekel when his Companions fled for fear though they saw not the Vision and Daniel had no strength nor comeliness left in him till he was afterwards raised and strengthned when the Angel made known to him the things that were to come to pass in the latter dayes Whereupon Chap. 11. he had the three Earthly Kingdoms then to come before Christs appearing set before him But first briefly of the two former of Persia and Grecia I say briefly in respect of what was shewed him in chap. 8. but after more fully of the proceedings of the Greek Kingdom divided into Two Branches and most largely of the last wicked Tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes until he was quelled by the Romans Chap. 11. v. 30. Ver. 2. And now will I shew thee the truth Behold there shall stand up yet three Kings in Persia and the fourth shall be far richer than they all and by his strength through his riches
with Wife and Children to trudg after Emilius triumâ—hing Chariot Hannibal flying several wayes was sent for by the Romans and could not be freed from them but poisoned himself Geutius King of the Illyrians felt their terror So Prusias King of Bythinia Eumenes King of Pergamus Ariarathes King of Cappadocia Deiotarus King of Galatia Mithridates King of Pontus c. all which felt the Roman yoke or brake their hearts or Kingdoms by resisting and their insolency hath been as much over the Jews and above any others for they made Judea a Province and billetted their Souldiers in every City and took away all Capital Government by Laws Offices and Penalties as Florus observes and others and after Jerusalem was made equal to the Earth by Vespatian But their insolency over earthly Gods as Psal 82.6 hath been seen in the Roman Antichrist for History relates at least 20 famous Emperours and Kings trampled under foot by him miserably c. besides such as spâ—nt themselves in his device of the holy wars and to act for him in other countreys c. Again the Church and State of Rome have been manifest by blasphemies when Ptolomy and Cleopatra told the Senate they were more bebolding to them then to the immortal Gods they took it so When Cicero uttered blasphemies against Gods Religion as barbarous superstition and against God himself as unworthy to be owned by the Romans since his people the Jews who professed dependance on him were overcome which Blasphemies were entertained and applauded The Emperor Tiberius was desirous to Authorize Christ amongst the number of the Roman gods but was resisted by the Senate pretending it belonged unto them to make or unmake Deities as they pleased But this Blasphemy is more palpable on the Roman Antichrist who challengeth to be stiled God and that by the Emperor himself and his Disciples stile him Our Lord God the Pope a certain Deity on Earth and the greatest Deity on Earth and by open allowance And though this Fourth Tyrant over the Jews was to continue long in the several Heads of that State and the Pope is the 8th or of the 7th and also that Turkish State over the Jews yet when Gods people shall be raised from the dust of dispersion and bondage both Pope and Turk will at once be destroyed and cast into the streams of Fire and Brimstone issuing from the Ancient of Days Yet it seemeth to me the 36 Verse is rather to be restrained to the former times of the Roman Kingdom under the Senate Kings Emperors and other Governors before the Popes time and suiteth well thereunto and it is remarkable That the Spirit of Christ teacheth the Prophet usually to set down his Prophesies and Visions according to the order of accomplishment except in occasional explications as Chap. 7 8. and 12. in some things yet Idolatry Blasphemy and Tyranny are such spirits as have run in the blood through the whole Body of the Roman Monster And that general note of the long continuance thereof the Roman Kingdom shall prosper till the indignation shall be accomplished c. that is to the end of the Jews dispersion and bondage and coming of Christ Cap. 12. Ver. 37 38 39. Neither shall he regard the God of his Fathers nor the desire of women nor regard any God for he shall magnifie himself above all Ver. 38. But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces and a God whom his Fathers knew not shall he honour with gold and silver and with precious stones and pleasant things Ver. 39. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god whom he shall acknowledg and encrease with glory and he shall cause them to rule over many and shall divide the Land for gain But Ver. 37 38 39. seems evidently to belong to the Popes time in a special manner his not regarding the God of his Fathers sets forth the Antichristian Hypocrisie sub nomine Christi militant contra Christum they pretend for God and Christ but intend all for themselves not as the Apostles and first Roman Christians that so regarded their God that with heart and hand not onely in well-doing but in self-denial and sufferings to the loss of Estate Life Liberty and all they stedfastly clave unto him But now all the honor of Christs Prophetical Priestly and Kingly Offices are taken in effect from him and ascribed to the Pope and especially in respect of their Breaden Gods Idolatry as might be shewed and particularly follows in the next verse and how much the Papists disallow lawful Marriage and reproach it here called the desire of Women is too manifest both by their Doctrines and Practises and as for Atheistical Blasphemies their Writings are abominably fraught and filled therewith And how his new-coin'd Breaden God and what devised honor is given to him what Riches and Ornaments bestowed upon him how set up in Cities Kingdoms and Countreys what promotions go with him both Ecclesiastical and Civil what Prohibitions of Traffique Oppressions and Persecusions to the Opposers of his Worship is too large here to be set down Ver. 40. And at the time of the end shall the King of the south push at him and the King of the North come against him like a whirlwind with Charets and with Horsemen and with many Ships and he shall enter into the countreys and shall overflow aâ—d pass over Ver. 40. But that he might not in the time of the end be so terrible in Might in the World as he was grown notorious in wickedness in the world God had appointed to send him gradually such a Checkmate thenceforward to act another part upon the Worlds Stage that should both restrain his Power and curb his Pride which was the Mahumitan Antichrist arising out of the bottomless pit as well as the Pope which to carry on the Perdition of that wicked Iron Roman Monarchy in two Wo-Trumpets was to blow out the Wrath and Judgment upon the Eastern Empire especially and to restrain the Man of Sin which otherwise might have seemed too much like a God on Earth indeed First Raising the Saracens about An. Dom. 600. or not long after to push at the Eastern Roman Empire by many assaults and incursions in which both Saracens and Romanized Christians were both or at least by course the Jews oppressors in the times of those supposed Holy Wars but more especially since the Turk came against him with his Multitudes about the year of our Lord 1300 with Chariots and Horsemen and many Ships for his hour and a day and a month and a year as Rev. 9.15 that is 396 years he should continue to overflow with his Multitudes and pass over is not yet fully compleat Ver. 41. He shall enter also into the glorious land and many Countreys shall be overthrown but these shall escape out of his hand even Edom and Moab nnd the chief of the children of Ammon Ver. 41. The Turk should possess Judea and many
cruel Persecutions of the Saints and their Antichristian Idolatries and Wickedness as in the two last verses of that ninth Chapter is expresly set down That they that escaped those Plagues saving the green grass and trees v. 4. of chap. 9. before sealed ch 7. repented not of the Works of their hands that they should not worship Devils and Idols of Gold and Silver c. nor repented of their Murthers and Sorceries and Fornications and Thefts but to be destroyed at the seventh Trumpet as they had destroyed the Earth Chap. 11.18 And after those Antichristian Abominations had been so long advanced in the West under the Man of Sin and his Ten Crowned Horns in the time of divers Trumpets but especially the two first said Wo-Trumpets under that two-fold Beast by new-coined Paganism and Idolatry under a seeming Christian disguise The Dragon after his former casting down to the Earth under the sixth Seal having given his Power and Seat and great Authority to the said two-fold Beast there are seven Angels having seven Golden Vials filled with the Wrath of Almighty God prepared to pour them out to the said Beasts destruction under the second Wo-Trumpet and beginning of the 3 d Chap. 15 16. whereupon the Kingdoms of the World become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ Chap. 11.16 and Chap. 20. As may more fully appear in the fore-named Abridgment on Rev. 5. in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in the Letter of May 20. 1664 in the Forerunner to which the Reader may be referred and in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pag. 27 28 29 30 c. Now what we read to be recorded of the Roman Empire in Daniels Visions is sometimes set down more generally and sometimes more particularly as seemed good to the Spirit of God to make them known to him for the benefit of his Church then and for the better and more orderly application of what was there more darkly delivered to Daniel to what our Lord Jesus Christ hath more fully though mystically revealed to St. John his beloved Disciple for his Christian Church to the end of the said Empire we shall by Gods gracious assistance endeavour to proceed in the ensuing order First To set down what Daniel sets forth of the beginning and rise of that Empire Secondly Of the Time and Continuance of it Thirdly Of the general temper quality or nature of it Fourthly Of the several States and Parts of it Fifthly Of the Extent and Largeness of it Sixtly Of the End Ruine and Destruction of it Referring thereunto the several parts of the Book of the Revelations more fully explaining each particular accordingly and so proceed to some general Observations and Improvements as Gods Spirit and Word shall direct First then to consider what Daniel sets down of the beginning and rise of that Roman Empire and that is done remarkably when he comes in Chap. 11. to set down how by degrees it began to arise upon the decay of the Greek Empire when the two Heads of Egypt and Syria had long battered each other then Rome had advantage first to shew her self in anothers Right whom as her Pupil she had taken the defence of namely of Ptolomeus Epiphanes the Son of Ptolomy Philopator against Antiochus the Great when his Father had left him being a Child of four years old as the Stories applied to the 13 and 17 verses in the Abridgment makes to appear and therefore afterwards the Romans in v. 18. are called the Prince and act afterwards against Antiochus the Great on their own behalf and to take away those reproaches he had cast upon them Vide Abridgment v. 18. But in v. 30. the Ships of Chittim that is the Romans Navy as was prophesied by Balaam Numb 24.24 câ—me against Antiochus the Vile by the appearance whereof before Alexandria he was forced away which was the ancient mark for the Jews to know their last Oppressor was at hand under the Title of the Ships of Chittim so conquering that Adversary at present vide Abridgment But after Antiochus the Vile had perfected his outragious wickedness against the Jews by reason of transgressions chap. 8.23 until Javans rage ended as in the latter end of v. 35. At the 36 ver the Spirit of God entitles the Romans of whom he there speaks and describes them by the King Not now with limitation as before to North or South or any other Quarter but absolutely The King to whom belonged the said Ships of Chittim before v. 30. Now having obtained the Soveraignty which was to continue until the indignation of God against the Jews was ended ver 36. Chap. 9.27 So that now he began to exalt himself above every god as he did eminently till Christ was born and then spake marvellous things against the God of gods by his Authority blaspheming rejecting killing the Son of God the Stories whereof are contained in the Gospels and that time those things were acted and before the Revelation was given yet the Spirit of God leads Daniel by steps to set forth in such manner the rise and such proceedings of the Roman Monarchy till then c. Secondly For the time of the enduring and continuance of the Roman Empire Daniel shews chap. 9. last That the Ships of Chittim being as was observed chap. 11.30 that last Oppressor of the Jews as Numb 24.24 that should afflict Ashur and should afflict Eber and that he also should perish for ever so that no Oppressor of Eber should remain after him sets forth his time in these words holding out the continuance of the Desolation of Jerusalem and the Jewish dispersion therewith under the Roman Tyranny and Cruelty for the over spreading of abominations he shall make it desolate after he had spoken such marvellous things against the God of gods when in the midst of the last week of years Christ dying by his Authority shou'd cause the Sacrifice and Oblation to cease Jure intentionaliter by Right and intentionally in regard of Gods institution thereof though not efficaciter effectually But then it follows how long such desolation should continue even after his efficatious causingof Sacrifice and Oblation to cease as in the Abridgment even until the consummation saith he and that determined shall be poured upon the Desolate by that last Oppressor to perish for ever Or by such as were to bring on his perdition in the Fifth and Sixth Trumpets viz. The Saracens and Turks Revel 9. chap. namely as Dan. 11.40 41. The Saracens by pushing at his Borders about the times of the Holy Wars so called and the Turk after them over flowing a great part of his Dominions by his multitudes help to bring him down which is called by our Saviour the fulfilling of the times of the Gentiles whilst from Jerusalems destruction the Jews should fall by the edg of the Sword and be led away captive into all Nations and Jerusalem should be trodden down of the Gentiles Luk. 21.24 that is
with both their great Adversaries the Turk and Pope the Mystical Antichrist until Christs appearing not improbable to be about the same time aforesaid for some few years difference there is in the Computations of years in Authors concerning the last causing of Sacrifice to cease in Julians time as was observed and of the time of the fixth Viol the end whereof may happily be sooner felt of many then known or believed when the 7th Viol will be poured out to fulfil that terrible destruction which both Old and New-Testament as was shewed give witness unto But all circumstances considered it may seem very probable upon all these said accounts so concurring in a joint period That the Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord to the wicked World approaches nigh before which an Elias was to be sent to his ancient people of Israel Mal. 4.5 happily already come to the Israelites we now hear of c. Upon all which considerations it behoves all sorts of men wisely to weigh in the ballance of the Sanctuary both these and such like Scriptural Advertisements and all other providential signs of the times otherwise our manifold Warnings both from the Word and Providence will make our Judgment the more heavy and our neglect thereof will make us the more inexcusable and wo be unto us if we unfaithfully go about to put off the evil day far from us when God is about to bring it suddenly upon us His Judgments begin now to appear terrible in the World and he seems to begin his great Earth-quake to come when the Beasts eminent fall is to begin Therefore let all the Inhabitants of the World learn righteousness both righteousness of Justification by the right knowledg and application of the Doctrine of Faith in Jesus Christ alone as Dan. 12.3 and righteousness of new obedience being led by the Spirit of Sanctification by the Rule of the Word in the pathes of Holiness Righteousness and Sobriety in their whole life and conversation which are those Garments most needful at such times to be kept close to us Rev. 16.15 against these times wherein the storms of Gods wrath begin to arise upon the wicked world in these last of dayes And so we have done with the sixth and last Consideration to wit of the utter ruine and perdition of the Roman Kingdom and all the broken Limbs of the other with it whereunto the Monarchy of Christ is solely to succeed in the next place to be considered Here onely let me add the Consideration of the proportioned Degrees of Gods proceedings against three sorts of men in three great revolutions of times wherein partly he hath manifested and partly he will manifest most eminently his wonderful Grace since the old Worlds drowning by water and Sodom and Gomorrahs destruction by fire set forth for examples to all succeeding ages and yet for ought we find they had not the like tenders of Grace that those since their destruction have had and yet will have First Against the Jews at their last desolation and captivity Secondly Against Antichrist at his utter perdition Thirdly What his word declares shall be against that last Gog and Magog at the worlds last destruction for these terms of Gog and Magog are taken for the great resolved and implacable Enemies of Gods Church First The Nation of the Jews were brought near to God after all the twelve Tribes deliverance out of Egypt and setling in Canaaan enjoying above their Brethren a peculiar nearness to God more than any other people a long time having his Oracles and Ordinances and Messengers amongst them and many tokens of his gracious presence with them great things revealed to them great things done for them and long patience exercised towards them but when they continued not onely unreformed but obstinate that they set themselves against God and his Messengers in such a notorious rebellious manner that there was no remedy they were led Captive to Babylon but yet with a gracious promise of returning again after 70 years But afterwards when neither Mercy nor Judgments did them good but after all their wickedness and transgressions they killed the Lord of Life and persecuted his Messengers that sought to save their fouls such an horrible desolation befell them as in all the world the like had not been heard But 2dly Since the Romans have rejected greater tenders of Grace wherein both Christs and his Apostles both Preachings and Miracles were performed and whereby the Jews Desolation was accomplished for resisting of Christ and his Gospel which after the wicked Example of the Jews they have so rejected despised yea opposed and persecuted both the Gospel and all that owned it in such bloody cruel and savage manner that the just wrath and vengeance of Almighty God hath almost all along pursued them but especially it will appear in the utter ruine of the Roman Kingdom at Antichrists destruction who hath of all others abused the greatest clearest and most glorious light of Gospel-Grace after his fore-fathers owning of it and taking up a profession thereof yet after by his abominable Apostasie so wickedly to pervert such precious Truth and so many hundred years to proceed in such abominable hellish practises of Atheism Blasphemy Idolatry with all varieties of VVickedness Persecution and Bloodshed of the Saints his last utter ruine will according to the VVord be so much the more terrible by an immediate hand of Christ by Fire and Sword and otherways to make it so dreadful to all succeeding Generations as is said Dan. 12.1 and Ezek. 38 39. in reference both to him and the Turk who hath likewise got so great a share in the Empire where the false Prophet Mahomet is also set up that it will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a Nation more fully again explained of the Pope and happily that false Prophet too Rev. 19 11 to the end But 3dly VVhen the Hypocrisie of the last Gog and Magog so long restrained by the wonderful Glory and powerful Grace of Christmanifest both before in the destruction of Antichrist and all along the thousand years not onely to all the Generations of the faithful for the inward and outward man but to the raised Saints in so blessed and holy an Estate continued that time on Earth all under that Universal Dominion of Christ and his Saints yet notwithstanding all reasons and motives to the contrary when at last by Satans seducement upon the advantage of the numerousness of those hypocritical slaves formerly to the Church they shall so Atheistically after all dare to break out into open Enmity and Hostility probably to free themselves from Christs and his Churches outward yoke to think and attempt to compass the Camp of Saints from all the Quarters of the Earth by the Conduct of the Devil and even to besiege as it were Heaven it self upon Earth the beloved City it will be an Attempt so far beyond all parallel in the height of
wickedness both of Men and Devils in the world that the Vengeance of God will no longer suffer it to continue nor them to have longer time further to attempt any other Evil in it but both at once or near together shall be destroyed from the face of it and sent thence to their own place of torments and thereupon the dissolution of the world to ensue Such VVisdom Power Holiness and Goodness of such Gods great Proceedings in the world the Sacred Scriptures seem clearly to hold out to be observed and improved by all men The Parallel of the Fifth Monarchy in Daniel further Expounded in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ To which purpose we shall set down First Some Observations tending thereunto more indirectly and remotely Secondly We shall summarily and briefly adjoin the particular Branches most considerable in the Parallel between Daniel and the Revelation Thirdly We shall add some Explications and Illustrations of some most material things further to be considered therein as God shall assist WHere First observe That as the Antichristian Church is set forth by Forty two Months according to the course of the Moon that rules in the dark night So Daniel saith chap. 2.7 He saw the fourth Beast in the Night-Visions wherein much mystery of iniquity was to be observed Secondly Again observe as Christ Rev. 16.15 warns all men That he will come as a Thief in the night So Daniel c. 7.13 saw in the Night-Visions The Son of Man come in the Clouds of Heaven Thirdly As the time of the Two Sack-cloth Prophets is described by 1260 days of years Rev. 11. the day being the time of light and comfort so the Saints the Children of Light are they to whom the Son of Righteousness the true Light gives the Kingdom to possess it for ever and ever ver 18. when the Beast and his Worshippers shall be cast into utter darkness Fourthly As Christ makes known to his Saints That the Beast shall make war with them and overcome them and kill them temporally Rev. 13. So Daniel shews that the time would ensue that the Beast should be slain and his Body destroyed and given to the burning flame Dan. 7.11 Rev. 14. Fifthly As the Lambs Followers Rev. 14. are described to be such as loved not their lives unto death So the Kingdom that belongs to them Daniel saith shall not be destroyed v. 14. but they shall possess it for ever and ever v. 18. Sixthly As the Woman the true Church is nourished in the Wilderness a time times and half a time Rev. 12.14 that the Beasts tyranny and persecution might not destroy her while her limited time of suffering lasted so the Beast speaking great words against the Most High and wearing out the Saints is also limitted by the said time times and dividing of a time chap. 7.25 his great Power and abused Authority cannot lengthen his days Seventhly As in Dan. ch 2. many chief matters are set down of the times nature order or states founder or setter up continuance and prevalence of Christs glorious Kingdom on Earth with the unlimited extent of it so besides these in chap. 7. is more remarkably described the manner of raising it both remote and more near the Donation of the Founder thereof with the Owner of it namely the Son of Man his Doputation of it to the Saints together with power to judg and rule for him over the whole world and in chap. 12. the particular time in order is described of the second estate of it which are all that Daniel speaks directly of it only indirectly are the continuance of the first estate of it implyed chap. 9.24 26 27. describing what shall be done towards the end of the seventy Weeks when Christ should by his own Sacrifice of himself cause the other jure to cease and how he should confirm the Covenant with many and after the people of the Prince to wit the Romans should destroy the City about forty two years after And then in general sets down the time of its desolation which our Saviour calls the fulfilling of the times of the Gentiles Luc. 21.24 which contains the first Estate of Christs Kingdom Also it is again indirectly spoken of under the Popes wicked actings against it in the said first state of it by the Roman Monarchy Dan. 11.36 37 38 39. So in the Revelation what directly belongs to Christs glorious Kingdom upon Earth is Rev. 11.15 to the end and chap. 19 20 21 22. But indirectly there are many things revealed and seen and promised which refer to the New Jerusalem that comes down from God out of Heaven for encouragements to the faithful sufferers in their successive times all along set forth in that Book besides Of which more afterwards Vide Paper of Dec. 7.1664 in the Forerunner p. 36 37 38 39. Secondly As to the second head briefly to be adjoined we may both from Daniel and the Book of Revelations jointly observe these particular branches most considerable First The order and different states of that Kingdom distinguished by the Kingdom of Patience and Kingdom of Power called aptly by Mr. Meds The Kingdom of the Stone and the Kingdom of the Mountain grounded upon Dan. 2.34 35. The first is deciphered under Christs riding conquering and to conquer Rev. 6. through all the Seals and Trumpets to the sounding of the seventh Trumpet which contains the time of the first state the Kingdom of Patience or the Kingdom of the Stone set forth directly in all the Book of the Revelation saving those last named chap. 11. and chap. 19 20 21 22. wherein as was shewed is contained the second state of Christs Kingdom of Visible Power or the Kingdom of the Mountain filling the whole Earth Both these states Daniel sets down more largely First the first state though indirectly under the actings of the Roman Empire against the God of gods and disregard of his Fathers God in the Emperors and Popes time Dan. 11.36 37 38 39. and so of the actings of the Fourth Beast with his wicked Horn chap. 7. and a great part of the Iron Kingdom with feet and toes of Iron and Clay so long as they have been the Persecutors and Oppressors of Gods true Church and the other state of it Daniel expresseth when the Kingdom was given by the Ancient of Dayes to the Son of Man chap. 7.13 14 to the end of that Chapter 2dly Again for the beginning of the States of the said Kingdom The beginning of the first was under the first Seal Rev. 6. which was when Christ having all power given him in Heaven and in Earth then gave Commission Matth. 28.18 19 20. to his Disciples and succeeding Ministers to preach the Gospel to all promising to be with them to the end of the World when he saith Rev. 10. Time namely of the Beast and wicked Dominion should be no more which will be finished when the Beast shall be destroyed which Kingdom will be perfected upon the
such a glory as becomes the Son of God to have Dominion and Glory as was said and which he willed before his death the Vision of to his Saints John 17.24 that they should be where he was to behold his own glory not which he had with the Father but that which the Father had given him as Mediator at the Beasts destruction Dan. 7.12 14. and accordingly Rev. 1. there is a glorious description of his coming at his Kingdom and likewise Rev. 19.11 12 13 c. At his First coming there was no form nor comeliness seen by most in the World either in his person or outward condition when the Son of Man had not where to lay his head Es 53.2 He was called a King in scorn at his death and arrayed like a King in mockery a crucified King in contempt and such was his Kingdom outwardly in most mens eyes in regard of his Subjects of his Officers of his Laws of his Ordinances in the World most of the many hundred years of the first state thereof by the varieties of Persecutors both Paganish and Popish c. 7thly As Christs Kingdom in the first State of Patience is outwardly weak and oppressed therefore resembled by a Woman in a Wilderness condition 1260 years or a time times and the dividing of a time in wearing out Dan. 7.25 and having her power scattered ch 12.7 yet inwardly even then it is spiritual and strong to consume and break in pieces and subdue as Dan. 2.34 it smites and breaks in pieces the feet and toes of the Iron and Clay and v. 44. it shall consume and break in pieces all those Kingdoms and c. 7.23 it shall devour the whole Earth and tread it down and break it in pieces Observe the expressions For that which is spiritual is prevalent and strong above that which is outward and temporal Hence Zac. 4.6 when the Candlestick had its Lamps supplied with Oyle from the two Olive Trees Christ there declares his Church should overcome not by Power nor by Might but by his Spirit Hence also he saith That he will give Power to his Two Witnesses that is prevalency to prophesie though in sack-cloth 1260 dayes of years to consume the Beast and bring him low Rev. 11. the Saints also overcome having washed their Robes in the blood of the Lamb by a spiritual powerful Victory hence the faithful are stiled Overcomers having spiritual Power from God derived unto them against all Spiritual and Worldly Adversaries therefore saith our Saviour He that overcometh shall inherit all things Rev. 21.7 Rev. 2.7 11. Rev. 12.13 Rev. 15.2 But the second state of that Kingdom is not onely spiritually prevalent but also outwardly powerful to subdue and destroy and therefore as it had spiritually smitten the Iron Kingdom in the feet and toes before Dan. 2.34 So by it and for it shall the Beast be slain and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame Dan. 7.11 Rev. 19.11 to the end Rev. 14. latter end and 16. at the end and after that there is given to Christ Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him Dan. 7.13 14. which is the same with Christs Reign with his Saints a thousand years Rev. 20.4 and spoken of the same time in the same order of Affairs to be accomplished by Christ for himself and his Church and likewife Rev. 11.15 relates to the same time of the sounding of the seventh Trumpet when the Kingdoms of the World will be the Kingdoms of our God and of his Christ as there he is praised for by it the twenty four Elders And then Judgment that is judicandi potestas power of Judging will likewise be given to the Saints of the Most High as it is said Dan. 7.22 and the Kingdom and the Dominion and the Greatness of the Kingdom shall be given to the People of the Saints of the Most High Dan. 7.26 27. Answerable whereunto is that Promise of our Saviour in reference to that state and time as Mr. Brightman in his Observations noted Rev. 3.21 That to him that overcometh he will grant to sit with him on his Throne even as he before had overcome and was set with his Father on his Throne Now having set down those previous Observations in general and 2dly those Several Considerable Particularities contained in Daniel and all expounded in the Book of Revelations respecting Christs Kingdom on Earth we shall further by Gods assistance endeavour to proceed and to explain and illustrate the most material things that we have but hitherto briefly touched upon VVHerein we may first observe how Daniel describes the first State or Kingdom of the Stone which is the Kingdom of Patience wherein the Saints by Faith and Patience overcome and inherit the Promises as the Apostle speaks and shall inherit all things as our Saviour further promiseth and here we shall endeavour to shew how this Kingdom of the Stone hath in and from the time of Christs life and death been carried on accordingly both before the Beasts time under the persecuting Heathenish Dragon and since the Beasts forty two Months began and to shew how the Saints have spiritually and powerfully prevailed for above 1600 years past by the word of Christs Testimony which in several respects in several times they have been enabled by his Spirit to give witness and testimony unto and to this purpose Daniel shews chap. 2. when he had set a summary of Nebuchadnezzars dream before him in v. 33. he proceeds to the Fourth Metal figuring the Fourth or Roman Monarchy wherein were the legs of Iron and feet and toes part of Iron and part of Clay and in the two next ver he minds him of the confusion of all those Kingdoms set forth by the four several Metals though it was a long time to come and therefore he tells him Thou sawest until the Stone was cut out of the Mountain without hands which time until he more particularly explains v. 44. saying In the dayes of those Kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed that is saith Mr. Mede In the dayes of one of those Kings and while the broken parts of the other Kingdoms remained so that they had some life left to them though their Dominion was taken from them as it hath been since the time of the Roman Kingdom which hath had great Contests by the broken parts of some of the former as Persians Armenians Grecians as Stories witness of their wars and even sometimes been foiled by them too c. as might be shewed but the former Text respecting the time of the beginning of this Kingdom which the God of Heaven would set up is more fully explained in v. 12. and chap. 7. which hath reference to that last Text named and other places of Dan. 2. where he shews That the Stone should at last after it had long before smitten the feet and toes of Iron and Clay
in the Image that were the lowest and last parts of it it should I say make those together with the Silver and the Gold and the Brass and the Iron at once become as the chaff of the Summer Threshing-floor namely in regard of what was said in chap. 7.12 to wit though the Dominions of all the former Kingdoms were taken away yet their lives were prolonged for a time and season till the last great and utter destruction of the Fourth Beast should be accomplished when the first Great Judgment was set and the Books opened Dan. 7.9 10 11. and when Christ came with Clouds to receive the Kingdom which his Father the Ancient of Dayes gave him over all the world ver 13 14. which should never pass away nor be destroyed as he there fully shews Now how this First State of the Kingdom of the Stone began to be set up as it is stiled ver 23. until the Kingdom of the Mountain took place as verse the 34. by the God of Heaven and hath all along been upheld powerfully and graciously by him as Daniel foresheâ—ed is to be observed from the History of the all along the times of the Roman Empire being Contemporaries with it Vide Irenicon on Rev. 5.27 28. in respect both of the affairs of the State under both Seals and Trumpets now near to the end of the sixth Trumpet or second Wo when the Turk must be destroyed Dan. 11. ult 12.1 And also in respect of the affairs of the Church both true and false till Antichrist the Pope with the former half of him the Turk be likewise destroyed as is probable at the same time or near together To which purpose observe how this spiritual Kingdom of the Stone was set up in that manner as Christ-shewed to Zachary in a Vision Chap. 4. how the Oyl was supplied to the Candlestick and its seven Lamps and seven Pipes thereof from the two Olive-Trees standing by it the use whereof he explains vers 6. Not by power nor by might but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts which is applied to the two Witnesses Rev. 11. and in this manner the Spirit of the Lord was originally as in the Fountain upon Christ himself being anointed above his fellows to preach the Gospel as Isa 61.1 This anointing was derived from him unto and fell upon the Apostles in an abundant measure and likewise in their measure upon all succeeding Messengers of Christ in the primitive Times and so forward in the times succeeding till this day and also on all faithful Christians in their degree all along unto the Antichristian Apostacy and from thence during the Popes forty two months wherein those anointed Ones or as the original word signifies those Sons of Oyl 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the two Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth 1260 days of years Rev. 11. have fed the Woman the true Church in her wilderness condition her time times and half a time now probably almost expired all which time this Oyl hath been divinely conveyed and supplied to preserve that light of Divine Truth and Grace by their Ministry in the Candlestick the true Church And as it appears this Kingdom of the Stone was at first set up so divinely by the God of Heaven and so spiritually and powerfully upheld by him that no wicked opposition could either destroy it or hinder it but even his spiritual Power and Grace made the opposition of men and Devils to promote it in the faithful Christians inward man So it may further appear to be his work both to set it up and preserve it by the unlikeliness of the means whereby he hath and still doth the same not as was said by power and might of the World for that not onely hath usually been deficient to help in that work but hath with Satans help made strong and violent opposition against it both in the Dragons heathenish and Antichrists apostatizing times which hath abundantly been evident both in the time of Christs own Ministry and in the Ministry of the Apostles who were his Legati a latere or Ambassadors immediately sent from him on the Message of the Gospel with all other mediate Messengers and Ministers sent by him from their times and also in all real and true subjects of the Kingdom of the Stone ever since to this very day To instance a little in each respect 1. Of their own outward meanness 2. Of the Worlds fayling to help them and 3. Of both the Devils and the wicked Worlds both malicious and violent opposition for the most part made against them First As Christ himself at his coming in our flesh was that foundation-Stone elect and precious which God sets such an Ecce Behold unto it that his People should take notice thereof when he should lay it in Sion Isa 28.16 and witnessed unto it by other Prophets long before his coming yet when he came into the World every way wonderful in Conception Birth Life Doctrine Miracles yea before in and after his death yet was he not by the Great Ones or the most or wisest or learnedest of men either owned or received But even then though he was very divinely and spiritually wonderful yet in regard his outward aspect and garb appeared to the Worlds Eye mean and contemptible the very Builders themselves rejected that elect and precious corner-Stone though to faithful mens eyes and Angels discovery very conspicuous and glorious So that our Saviour toward his Death applies the Prophecie of David Psal 118.22 unto the then Rulers which respected both him and them Matth. 21.42 saying The Stone which the Builders rejected is become the Head of the Corner which was the Lords own doing and was marvellous in the Eyes of men And so it hath been with the Kingdom of the Stone all along that Kingdom of Patience as we may by Gods assistance set down afterwards Now how this Stone it self in respect of his humane Nature may be observed eminently to be cut out of the Mountain by the God of Heaven without hands was declared also as a wonder before he came by the Evangelical Prophet Isaiah Behold saith he a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and his Name shall be Immanuel God with us Isa 7.14 So he was conceived by the holy Ghost and born of his Mother a Virgin without any real natural Father of his Flesh though he had a reputed one appointed by God himself to be a very useful help to the Virgin Mother of the Son of God yet how mean and low were then their outward conditions what attempts were made to destroy that spiritual King as soon as he came into the World How was he driven about to endanger him in his tender infant age soon after he came into the World How was he exposed and driven about whilst a child neglected and despised by the most of men and that amongst his own People and Kindred in the time of his private life where it was so
miracles And they not only do not own their Doctrine and not help to promote it but lay hold upon them and imprison them for preaching of it and this did not only befal them amongst the Jews at Jerusalem but in all places were they were sent as the Story of the Acts of the Apostles and other Writers of the Primitive times manifest Again The succeeding Primitive Christians both Teachers and Professors of the Gospel of Christ were not only not owned and encouraged by the Potentates and great men of the world But the great Red Dragon had gotten such strong possession of the highest seat of worldly Authority in the Roman Empire at the height of it having so mightily engaged them for all sorts of Heathenish Idolatry and to decline their imbracing of Christianity after such abundant conviction of the Divine Excellency of Christ Jesus the Son of God that in most places under that then most soveraign earthly Authority the Officers and Magistrates were engaged or encouraged to root out Christianity if it might be out of the world and how for the most part they acted to that purpose was so evident that as an Ancient records it was then observed that there was no day in the year whereupon five thousand Martyrs had not suffered save one in the Calends of February and what large Volumns have been written of the cruel and merciless deaths and martyrdoms of those primitive Christians wherein they were forced to undergo those strange devised tortures and torments besides all lesser sufferings may abundantly appear to those that are observantly conversant in them and even then by a Divine Power going along with this persecuted Gospel in the Preachers and Professors thereof as with the Israelites under Pharoah's Taskmasters the more they oppressed them the more they multiplied so those showeâ—â— of blood of the Saints made the Gospel to grow more fertily and as was observed by the Ancients Sanguis Martyrum Semen Ecclesiae the Blood of the Martyrs was the Seed of the Church And this continued all along the Primitive times in the ten much noted Persecutions besides less noted ones which were like not to be a few wherein as by so many grievous and sore pangs and throws of the Woman the Church then with child through mercy by the faith and prayers of God's People till she brought forth that Man-child Constantine the Great under the fixth Seal Rev. 6. who threw down the Dragon with his heathenish Idolatry from the Throne with his Sun Moon and Stars about him of his worldly powers that had so long persecuted the Saints in their successions before And this was done by the Divine Power of God's Spirit converting that famous Emperour encouraging him against the Heathenish Opposers and prospering his proceedings to a wonderful subversion of those powers of darkness which for the terribleness of their downfal the Spirit of God decyphers much like a day of Judgment in regard of the execution thereof Rev. 6. latter end which though it was said to be from the Wrath of the Lamb yet there is no sitting of Judgment nor opening of Books which will be at Antichrist's ruine when the day of Judgment will begin and as will be at the last ruine of Gog and Magog Rev. 20. when the last accomplishment of the Judgment follows upon it at the end of the world Yet this seems to be the great undertaking of Christ to conquer his Enemies in the first Seal whose right hand should then teuch him terrible things Psal 45.4 5. whilst as is there expressed he rides on in his Majesty prosperously because of the Word of Truth Meekness and Righteousness for the first three hundred years till Constantines Reign by whom the Empire of Heathenish became Christian having cast off the Dragons Worship and Religion and owned and received Christ's Religion And this appears to be one eminent purpose of God the Father's giving of the Book to the Lamb that as it had been slain Rev. 5.6 but was alive again to open the Seals thereof and under the sixth Seal was 〈…〉 Commâ—â—â—on contained to execute this terrible Wrath upon those Paganish Powers which was the Stones eminent smiting of the feet and toes of the Imrge at that time as Dan. 2.34 and elsewhere to like purpose as was shewed And from thenceforward Christ the said Lamb as it had been slain had further in Commission both by reason of the wicked Apostacy of Church and State in sucâ—â—eding times and to revenge the cruel bloodshed and persecutions of the Saints with blasphemies and other wickednesse of that Roman Empire before when Paganish and after likewise when it would be poysoned with Heresie and again apostatized by Popery so that suitably thereunto he should bring down again the power of Satan and wicked men in their several orders and places as appears by the 7th Seal opened by him Rev. 8. wherein he was accordingly to reveal and execute God's further Wrath by his seven Angels with their seven Trumpets in the four first of them blowing out chiefly that Wrath and Judgment upon the Western Empire for the most part to take away him that letted there the revealing of the Man of Sin in the Western Empire as 2 Thess 2.7 that Antichrist might appear And the two following Wo-Trumpets to reveal and execute like Judgements upon the Eastern Empire Rev. 9. which since hath almost been fulfilled upon it by the Sarazens and Turks to this very day And afterwards by the sounding of the seventh Trumpet to destroy on the sudden all the wicked powers of Men and Devils from off the face of the Earth at the Son of Man's coming in the clouds and receiving his visible Kingdom on Earth from his Father over all Nations People and Languages Dan. 7.14 And the Kingdom and the Dominion and greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heavens v. 27. And then at once breaking in pieces the Iron and the Clay and therewith the Silver and the Gold and Brass and making the whole Image of the four Monarchies that is the broken parts of the three former with all that remained of the last Roman Monarchy viz. the last and lowest parts thereof the feet and toes partly of Iron and partly of Clay to become as the chaff of the Summer-threshing-floor Dan. 2.35 when the wind of that last wrath from that third Wo-Trumpet of the 7th Ange will carry them all away as was shewed before from Dan. 2. Dan. 7. Dan. 12. and as may be observed from those parallel places Rev. 16. toward the end Rev. 19.11 to the end Rev. 11.18 which agree with the Son of man's coming in the clouds and when Michael shall stand up for Daniels People and when Antichrist shall have finished his time times and a half to scatter the power of the holy People then all these things shall be finished Dan. 12.7 though it is made evident to Daniel that his People should have 〈…〉 troubles before all would be
finished at the last said sudden and terrible ruine of the Roman Monarchy by the destruction of Antichrist And here again observe how God all along the Beasts forty two months gave his Spiritual Power unto his two Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth those Sons of Oyl as they are called Zech. 4. to prophesy against Antichrist to consume him with the Spirit of Christ's mouth 〈◊〉 bring on the said Destruction gradually accomplished by the seve◠Angels with their seven last Plagues poured out upon him Rev. 15 16 chapters till that Destruction be accomplish'd at the seventh Trumpet and last Vial of the seventh Angel poured-out upon him about the said time fore-spoken of when Christ comes in the clouds of Heaven Dan. 7.13 14. to receive his Monarchy upon Earth spoken of likewise Rev. 1.7 when the Jews shall generally be brought home unto him as Isa 66.8 and when the iniquity of that Land shall be removed in one day Zech. 3.9 And then will the four living Wights with the twenty four Elders have that honour given to them which they were assured of to their so great exultation aforehand See Iren. pag. 32. Rev. 5.10 and whereupon all Angels and all Creatures render to Christ the glory due to him which they acknowledge there to be his deservedly saying Thou art worthy to receive Riches and Power and Wisdom and Strength and Glory and Blessing c. And then the Kingdom of the Stone will become a Mountain filling the whole Earth when there will be given to him the Son of man by his Father the Ancient of dayes Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom that all People and Nations and Languages shall serve him and that for ever whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion that shall not pass away as the four former Kingdoms did and his Kingdom such as shall not be destroyed as the four former were Dan. 7.14 with many other Texts in Daniels Visions as we shewed which manifest it evidently to be to the utmost extent of Dominion both of place Over the whole Earth and under the whole Heaven as was said chap. 7.15 27. and of continuance and duration for ever while the World remained and for ever and ever to eternity v. 18. when that Kingdom of the Mountain shall be perfected in the Kingdom of Glory in the highest Heavens In that visible Kingdom of Power Christ having received that Kingdom of his Father he will then give it to his Saints who shall then take it as Dan. 7.18 and manage it for him as ver 27. having the Judgment that is the authority of judging then given to them to reign with Christ a thousand years Rev. 20.4 And that it is the same Kingdom given at the same time as the series and order of the Prophecy of Daniel and of the Revelation both manifest and the same Authority of Judging in the like expressions of Ruling and Governing is in both places assigned to the Saints as followeth For first Judicandi potestas illis facta Rev. 20.4 It is said I saw Thrones and they sat upon them Dan. 7.9 So I beheld till the Thrones were pitched down and the Judgement that is the Judges were set Rev. 20. And Judgement was given to them Dan. 7.22 And Judgement was given to the Saints of the most High Rev. 20. And the Saints lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years Dan. 7. And the Saints possessed the Kingdom with Christ the Son of Man that came in the Clouds of Heaven But after the finishing of the said thousand years Reign of Christ with his Saints on Earth we are to observe what Christ in Rev. 20.7 8 9 10. further explains shall be fulfilled concerning the last wicked attempt of Satan after he shall be loosed for a little season vers 3. from his thousand years imprisonment in the bottomless pit all which time he was bound that he could not seduce the Nations until the said thousand years were ended namely that after that time was finished that he shall then seduce the last Gog and Magog the wicked Hypocrites then in the World who shall then become very numerous in the four quarters of the Earth from whence he shall tempt them to come with a joynt consent who being a wicked generation that had been forced in the thousand years unwillingly yet-outwardly did conform to the holy and good Government of the Saints successively unto whom before time they were necessitated to be subject for the said thousand years space though against their own heart yet shall think then upon Satans seducement and conduct to free themselves from their yoke by attempting to compass with their multitudes the Camp of the Saints and even attempt to besiege the beloved City too the New Jerusalem that came down from God out of Heaven even Heaven it self upon Earth where the blessed and holy raised Saints had all the thousand years before happily beheld Christs glorious Presence shining bright with light and comfort upon them the Lamb being in each respect the light of that City Rev. 21.23 Isa 60.1 expecting by such means to free themselves from that by them supposed heavy yoke of the Saints good Government that so the Kingdoms of the World might again become the Kingdoms of Satan and of themselves his Vassals Upon which abominable attempt of Satan and those by him seduced hypocrites the Vengeance of God by fire as formerly upon the Beast and false Prophet shall again fall from God out of Heaven upon them and devour them and thereupon the Devil that deceived them be cast into the lake of Fire and Brimstone where the said Beast and false Prophet were cast above a thousand years before to be perpetually there tormented with them unto which will succeed the end of the World and the general judgement when again the Judge will sit and the Books will be opened and another Book will be opened which is the Book of Life and the Dead shall be judged out of those things that shall be written in the Books according to their Works as follows Rev. 20.11 12 c. whereunto succeds Eternity of Blessedness or Misery to every Man and Woman accordingly as they stand or fall in that general Judgment And thus briefly of the main things of Christs Kingdom in its several states of the Stone and of the Mountain filling the whole earth with what respects the beginning and ending of the latter state of the Mountain namely that it begins upon the destruction of the first Gog and Magog to wit of the Turk and Pope Ezek. 38. 39. before the New Jerusalem Ezek. 40. to the end of the Book which shall be called Jehova Shamma the Lord is there and at the end of the 1000 years reign of Christ and his Saints will succeed the attempt and defeat and ruine of the last Gog and Magog of wicked hypocrites against the Camp of the Saints and the beloved City as was shewed upon which will ensue the end