Demonstration. IV.

THroughout the Book of the Revelation, we have a plain, and full account, of a Church-state, or Saints Worshipping God in Gospel-Churches, till the Personal appearance of Christ.

Two things must be premised.

1. This Book of the Revelation is a discovery from God the Father to Jesus Christ, of things (especially relating to his Churches) that were shortly to come to pass, Rev. 1.1. i. e. the accomplishment of some of the things there prophe∣sied of, was immediately to take place. Yet,

Page  442. It containes a prophetick discovery of the State of the Church, from that time to the personal coming of the Lord Jesus, Rev. 20.1. And I saw an Angel [Constantine, say some; an Arch-Angel, so others; Christ, the Angel of the Covenant, so rather] come down from Heaven, having the Key of the bot∣tomless Pit. (Christ alone hath so, Rev. 1.18.) chap. 21.3. The Tabernacle of God is with men. And 22.20. He which testi∣fieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly, Amen; even so come Lord Jesus.

So then, if we demonstrate, that the Continuance of a Church-state, or Gospel-Churches, is prophesied of throughout this Book, the continuation of Gospel-Churches, with the Worship, Ordinances, Institutions peculiar to them, cannot be denied.

A late learned Author (and some others before him) asserts, that by the seven Churches of Asia (Rev. 2. & 3.) the State of the Church of Christ downwards, to the end of all things, is represented. And the truth is, with that strength of Arguments, that I know not how it can be refelled. The Church of Ephesus representing the State of the Church of Christ to the tenth of Nero's raign, A.D. 63. Smyrna, the State of the Church from 63. tell A.D. 324. (when Con∣stantine had subdued the most potent Enemies of the Church) and comprises the Ten Presecutions. Pergamos, the state of the Church from 324. to A.D. 1242. when the Popes Le∣gate Amelin, made an end of the Albigensian War, with Trancavel, Bastard of the Earl of Beziers. Thyatira, the State of the Church from 1242. till whole Nations fell off from the Papacy. Sardis, from the rise of the Witnesses to the last Vial. Philadelphia, from the time of the Last Vial, to the fourth Thunder. Laodicea, the State of the Church from the fourth and fifth Thunders, i. e. from the loo∣sing of Satan, to the appearing of Christ's coming to Judg∣ment under the sixth Thunder. Now, though I have several reasons why I cannot comply with this Learned Author, as touching the computation of time; yet his Arguments, to prove the State of the Church, from that time to the Con∣fummation of the World, to be represented by the seven Churches of Asia, seem unanswerable As, 1. The title of Page  45 the Revelation, ver. 1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ— to shew unto his Servants things which must shortly come to pass. The Asiatick Churches then were; this Book containes a Revelation of things that were to be. 2.. John's present sa∣luting of the Seven Churches upon his calling this a Book of Prophesies, with this Salutation, Grace be unto you, and Peace from him which is, and which was, and which is to come, ma∣nifests as much. 3. The description he gives of Christ, which is, and which was, and which is to come, ver. 4.8, 11. doth intimate that he is treating of what reaches from the beginning of the Church to the latest Ages thereof (even to the coming of Christ, ver. 7.) 4. The preamble into the Vi∣sion of the seven Churches, ver. 10. and that of the seven Seales is so like, that it seems they are both of like extent and importance. 5. Else no Reason can be given, 1. Why, after the Spirit had given notice, that this Book is a pro∣phesie of things to come, he should presently start from the title, and intended subject, to write Seven Epistles that have nothing considerable of Prophesie in them; and that he should do this, with as great pomp, and as high a preamble, as when he begins the Prophesie of the Seals, and the open'd Book. 2. Why the Epistles should be writ to the Churches of Asia, rather than to the Churches of Europe, and Affrick. 3. Why he gives the precedency to this Church rather than that. 4. Why just Seven, neither more, nor less. 5. Why these seven, rather than any others, which might have the very same Vertues and Vices. 6. Why Christ is described holding the Seven Stars in his right hand, in the Epistles to the Churches of Ephesus, and Sardis. 7. Why the Church of Ephesus of all others, should be commended for their trying false Apostles. 8. Why 'tis said to the Church of Smyrna, more than to any other, Be thou faithful nnto Death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life. 9. Why such an Ataxy in the ranging of the Churches, that the two irreprehensible Chur∣ches, Smyrna, and Philadelphia, are not joyned together; Ephe∣sus, Sardis, and Laodicea against whom there is no complaint of eating things offer'd to Idols; and then Pergamos and Thy∣•tira, in which there is. 10. Why Christ, before the Epistle Page  46 to the Church in Pergamos, is set out by a two-edged Sword; and in the Church of Thyatira, by his feet like fine Brass [as if they burned in the Furnace; for that supplement must be added.] 11. Why Antypas should be named by name (in a Book so full of aenigmatical involutions.) 12. Why Christ expresseth a greater disgust against the Church of Laodicea, than that of Sardis, which is said to be quite dead. 13. Why in every Epistle, that phrase is used, I know thy works; which is a thing of small importance in the literal sense; but in the prophetical, it seems on purpose so repeated, to intimate an allusion in Asia, to the Hebrew word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (as if 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, was intended to answer 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) that Asia may also be significant, as well as the names of the Seven Churches. 14. Why a particular Woman should be taken no∣tice of by name in the Church of Thyatira, more than others. 15. Why the promise of ruling over the Nations, and receiv∣ing the Morning-Star, should be made to the Church of Thy∣atira more than others. 16. Why the temptation that was to come upon all the World, should be mention'd rather to the Church in Phyladelphia, than others. 17. Why upon her should be written the Name of the City of God, &c. 18. Why the Church of the Laodiceans should account her self so hugely rich, increased in goods, and to have no want in any thing. 19. Why that phrase, He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear—which our Saviour is found so often to add at the end of his Parables, should be used in every Epistle; they being no Parables, but Epistles sent to each of those Churches in Asia respectively—

The sum is, the seven Asiatick Churches were Types of the State of the Church (or the Churches of Christ) from that time to the end of all things. There must then all along be Churches to answer to these Types. Sometimes ('tis true) more Pure, Spiritual, Splendid, Visible; sometimes less, as the Types of them represent; but alwayes such as Christ ownes for his Churches, and as such walks in the midst of them.

But further, The State of the Churches as represented in the Book of the Revelation, may be consider'd under a four∣fold period of time.

Page  47I. The time of the Roman-Pagan Empire: That then there were true Churches of Christ, will not be denied. Against them, Satan the great red Dragon, in that Pagan-state, set himself with all the cruelty imaginable, pouring out the blood of Myriads of the Lords faithful Ones. These Churches wrestle with God night and day, in Faith, Prayer, Supplica∣tion; and at last the whole State (as a just Judgment of God upon them, for their cruelties exercised upon his Chil∣dren) passes away, Rev. 6. These Churches, are the Woman cloathed with the Sun, having the Moon under her feet, and upon her head a Crown of Twelve Stars, Rev. 12.1.

II. The time of the prophesying of the Witnesses, which Synchronizes with the time of the Wild-Beast, or Antichrist. That during this time, which is one thousand two hundred and sixty Dayes, or fourty-two Months (which according to the Grecian account, thirty dayes to a Month is the same.) There were Gospel-Churches, is evident. For,

1. The Witnesses themselves are such; therefore call'd Two Candlesticks, Rev. 11.4. These are the two Olive-Trees, and the two Candlesticks standing before the Lord of the Earth. Candle∣sticks! Who, or what are they? The Palmoni, wonderful numberer, the interpreter, one of a thousand, shall answer for us (and one would think the interpretation he gives, should pass without question among those who call themselves by his name) Rev. 1.20. The seven Candlesticks which thou sawest, are seven Churches. Object. But why here but two Candlesticks? Answ. The Antichristian apostacy had now so far prevailed, that Christ could own but a few as standing in such a relation unto himself.

2. During this period, there is a Temple of God, an Altar, and such as Worship therein: which can denote nothing less than a Gospel-Church-state, and Gospel-Worshippers therein; in opposition to the Court without, and Holy City which is given to the Gentiles, (or Antichristians) to tread under foot, Rev. 11.1, 2. And this Temple, &c. is to be measured with a Rod, ver. 1. 'Twill not be altogether impertinent to en∣quire; what's held forth by the Measuring of the Temple, &c. Five things I humbly conceive the Spirit of the Lord in∣tends by it.

Page  481. The Churches of Christ that were in a Witness for him, being reduced to more Purity, and Scripture-simplicity than was with them a little before. Through the cunning work∣ing of the man of Sin (though then in a Mystery) profes∣sors had not a little swerved from Scripture-rule. The bo∣dy, generality of these are swallowed up in the Antichristi∣an Apostacy; a little remnant are awakened to stand up, as Witnesses for Christ; and they perceiving disorders a∣mongst themselves, reduce all to the Scripture-standard; The only way to heal all the differences amongst Christians, touching Worship at this day.

2. The paucity of true, sincere Worshippers, so few, that they might easily be Measured.

3. The difference God makes betwixt Professors; some he curiously Measures, others he deals not so with, as not worth minding, being Virgins, Nullius Pretii, of no reckoning, value.

4. That the building of the Church is Gods work; his measuring-line, not Man's must be stretcht over it.

5. His care to preserve this remnant in that purity, sim∣plicity of Worship, that was according to his Will, and they had attain'd to, during the whole time of the Anti∣christian Apostacy, and Prophesying of the Witnesses a∣gainst it. Measuring in Scripture (somtimes at least) denotes the care, concern of Jehovah for the thing mea∣sured.

III. All the time of Antichrist's rampancy, there are two Witnesses that have Power given them from the Lord (at least till the time of their slaughter) to prophesie against Antichrist; i. e. to stand by the Lord of the whole Earth against him, Rev. 11.3, 4. viz. to take Christ's part against Antichrist; maintain, defend the things of Christ against the incroachments, devices, carnal inventions of Antichrist. Now this man of Sin made not onely advances against the Doctrine of the Gospel, but against the oeconomy, order thereof, with respect to Worship, Christ hath his particu∣lar Churches with fixed Officers in them (Institutions, Or∣ders, of his own affixed to them) all gather'd by the Power Page  49 of the Spirit, and voluntarily giving up themselves, to the Lord and one another: Pastors, Teachers, chosen by them from amongst themselves, He the Head of them all: Anti∣christ hath his oecumenical, Universal Church, Officers, In∣stitutions, Ordinances, Forraign, contrary to Christ's: He sets up himself as Head of this Antichristian-Church; ga∣thers into it, by force, violence; rules, governs it, by Ca∣nons, Laws of his own. If then Christ hath his Witnesses, and their work be to Witness for him against Antichrist's innovations; they must be found not only pleading against these, (which would be only a negative testimony) but wit∣nessing for the Order, Institutions of Christ; and so conse∣quently be in the practice of these. For it cannot be ima∣gin'd, that Christ's Witnesses should own that in Principle, and plead for it, which they are themselves out of the practice of. Nay the truth is, this last is that, wherein their witness signally lyes.

IV. That the Woman's flight into the Wilderness▪ Rev. 12.6. and the Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth, contemporize, is not onely generally granted; but 'tis from hence evident, because the time of the Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth, and the Womans continuing in the Wilderness, is the same. Rev. 11.3. They shall Prophesie a thousand two hundred and six∣ty dayes clothed in sackcloth. Rev. 12.6. And the Woman fled into the Wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and three-score dayes. That she was in the Wilderness in a Church-state waiting upon the Lord, in Institutions, Ordinances of his own appointment, is evident.

1. She is therefore call'd the Woman; as the false Church is call'd the whorish Woman, because of her Antichristian Church-state, Worship, Ordinances.

2. 'Tis said, They should feed her there. Quest. Who shall feed her there? Answ. Persons appointed by the Lord, and chosen by the Church in this her Wilderness-state shall do it. Quest. How should they feed her? Answ. There's no extra∣ordinary way of feeding pointed at by the Spirit of the Lord; therefore she's to be fed in God's Ordinary way; in Page  50 her attendment on Institutions of his own appointment for that end.

So that evidently there were Churches, Church-Institutions, Worship, all the time of the Witnesses prophesying.

Object. All this may be granted, and yet the continuance of Gospel-Churches not proved; for the Witnesses began not to Prophesie till a few years ago.

Answ. Though this Objection be very weak, frivolous, the basis upon which it is built, generally exploded by all Refor∣med Christians, and therefore may seem not worthy our notice: yet resolving not willingly to pass by any thing, that may seem to have the least shadow of Argument in it, against what we are pleading for; and for the sake of some that are (or may be) in danger to be led aside, by such pretensions as these, we shall particularly examine it. Several things are supposed, as the basis upon which this Objection is built, that are evidently false; which being demonstrated to be so, the Objection will presently evaporate into smoke, and vanity. As,

1. That the two Witnesses spoken of, are two particular Persons.

2. That they are to come in the last of the last dayes.

3. That the time of their Prophesie is but One thousand two hundred, and three-score natural dayes. Now the Hetero∣doxy of all this, will presently appear.

I. As touching the first, 'tis true, Bellarmine the Jesuite, and others, tell us, not only that they are two particular Persons, (whom some of late follow) but also who they are, viz. Enoch and Elias (who they say shall come, and fight a∣gainst Antichrist in Jerusalem, and there be put to death by him, Bellar. de Rom. Pontif. l. 3. c. 13.): But that they are not, cannot be two particular Persons, is evident.

1. The Two Witnesses are call'd, two Candlesticks; which Christ interprets to be Churches (as was said before.)

2. The Two Witnesses Prophesie, all the Wild Beast's (Anti∣christ's) Reign, viz. Fourty-two Months, or One thousand two hundred sixty dayes, viz. prophetick dayes, i. e. Years, as shall by and by be demonstrated. 'Tis not to be imagined, Page  51 that any two particular Persons should ever live so long.

3. During the time of their Prophesie, They torment them that dwell upon the Earth, Rev. 11.10. i. e. the Antichristian Kingdom: which 'tis not probable, two particular Persons (especially considering that those which hold this notion, assert also, that the 1260. dayes, are natural dayes, or three Years and an half) should do in so short a time.

4. When they are slain, and lye dead in the street of the great City three dayes and an half, (natural dayes as they'l have it) they of the People, and Kindreds, and Tongues, and Nations (viz. the multitude over which Antichrist presides) see their dead bodies, and rejoyce over them—Which that they should do, if but two particular persons, and they lye dead for so short a time, is the first-born of absurdities. 'Tis impossible, within that limit, the persons mention'd should all hear of it, much more come to see it.

II. That the two Witnesses are to come in the last of the last dayes, is also an unscriptural-vanity, as is e∣vident.

1. The two Witnesses Prophesying, and the Gentiles tread∣ing under foot the Holy City, contemporize, Rev. 11.2, 3. But the Court which is without the Temple leave out, and measure it not: for it's given unto the Gentiles, and the holy City shall they tread under foot fourty and two Months. And I will give Power unto my two Witnesses, and they shall Prophesie 1260 Dayes cloathed in Sackcloth. The fourty two Months, according to the Grecian account, are exactly 1260. Dayes: so long then as the Gentiles tread down the Holy City, so long are the Wit∣nesses to Prophesie. A few things must further be enquir'd into. 1. Who we are to understand by the Gentiles. 2. What by the Holy City. 3. What their treading under foot the Ho∣ly City, means. 4. What space of time the fourty-two Months take up, in which 'tis said, the Gentiles shall tread down the Holy City.

1. By the Gentiles, we are to understand the Antichristians; particularly the bloody Papists, headed by the Pope [That〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Man of Sin, that Son of Perdition, that Lawless One, 2. Thes. 2.3, 8.] These are Page  52 call'd Gentiles, because, 1. Of their Introduction of Idolatrous Worship practised amongst the Gentiles. I mean not only the Worship of Statues, Idols of Wood, Stone, Brass, Silver, Gold; but the Worship of Heroes, (or Saints) in imitation of the Gentile-Heroes, whom they Worship'd. 2. Of their being actuated by the same Spirit of bloody cruelty, against the Worshippers within the Temple and Altar (or the true Spiritual Worshipers), with which the Gentiles before them were actuated against the Primitive Believers; and actu∣ally murdering the true Servants of the Lord, as they did.

2. The Court without the Temple, and the Holy City (which Type out the same thing) is the Antichristian Church-state, Worship, Worshippers, Orders, Ordinances. The Temple of God, the Altar, and the Worshippers therein, v. 1. are the Gospel-Church-state, with the Worship, and Worship∣pers thereunto belonging (as hath been proved.) The Court then without the Temple, and the Holy City, to be left out (as a matter of no worth) is the false Church-state, with its Worship and Worshippers.

3. Their treading under foot the Holy City, denotes.

1. The numerousness of the Antichristian Worshippers.

2. Their frequency in their Antichristian Service, as the Phrase is taken, Isa. 1.12. Psal. 121.2. q. d. Measure not the Court—. The false Worship, Worshippers, are so contemp∣tible, vile, they deserve not to be taken notice of: are so numerous, that they cannot well be measured—They throng the City, as if they would tread it under foot at once.

4. The fourty-two Months cannot possibly denote fourty-two ordinary Months, or One thousand two hundred and six∣ty natural Dayes, or three years and an half, for these Reasons.

1. The Papacy (represented under the notion of the Gen∣tiles—) have been already rampant hundreds of Years; persecuted, murder'd, destroyed millions of Saints, for not treading together with them, the Holy City.

2. As was said, The forty-two Months, and the One thousand Page  53 two hundred sixty dayes are the same: Now, a day for a year is the prophetick reckoning. See Num. 14.34. Ezek. 4.6. So in the prophesie of Daniel, Chap. 8.21, 23. and 9.24. and 12.11, 12▪ And for ought I find in all Prophetick Books, where any signal time is spoken of.

3. That the Gentiles treading down the Holy City, and the wild Beast, Rev. 13.2, 3. are the same, hath hitherto been taken for granted; and 'tis evident they are so; as from other considerations, so from this, that the same term is given to them both, ver. 5. And Power was given to him forty-two Months (or One thousand two hundred and sixty Dayes, as was before intimated.) Now, tis impossible, that what is said to be done by, and ascribed to, this wild Beast, should be shut up in so short a period, as three years and an half. For,

1. He brings the whole world under his subjection, is a dread and terror to them; grows so considerable, that none is able to make War with him, ver. 4, 7. And they Worship∣ped the Beast, saying, Who is like unto the Beast? Who is able to make War with him.

2. All the World wonders after the Beast. ver. 3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉—. The Word is very emphatick, denoting honour, reverence, fear of any one, upon the account of some wonderful strange thing done by him. 'Tis translated Jude. 16. The having (mens persons) in admiration. It comes from the Hebrew〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 greatly to observe, reverence, wor∣ship, to magnify, have in great esteem. Some read it, He was admired in the whole Earth. The Arabick translates it, The whole Earth wondring, followed the Beast. Which is indeed the sense of the place. q. d. such wonderful things shall be done by the Beast in the sight of the World, that with the greatest admiration, highest approbation and consent, they shall take the Beasts part, list themselves under his standard. The Aethiopick reads, And the whole Earth wondred, and follow∣ed this Beast; to the same purpose.

3. He makes War with the Saints, and overcomes them, v. 7. Acts that must certainly take up more time than three Years and an half for their production.

Page  54III. Antichrist, who is the same with the Wild Beast, but now mentioned (as is granted by all) was in the womb in the Apostles dayes; wrought then under ground in a mystery, labouring to come forth; which he at last did, Exalting himself above all that is called God, or worshipped, shewing him∣self that he is God, 2 Thes. 2.4, 7. He more openly shew'd himself, whilst the Apostle John was yet alive, than he did in Paul's dayes, John 2.22, 23. and 4.2, 3. So that it's evident, that the Antichrist was in the womb in the Apostles dayes; and openly discover'd himself not long after the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (that which letted) call'd the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (the Letter, or he which letteth) 2 Thes. 2.6, 7. was taken out of the way. Vari∣ous are the sentiments of the Learned touching this Letter. The Learned Brightman makes him to be the sixth head of the Roman Empire: others think him to be the Holy Spirit, who by his signal presence, power with the Primitive belie∣vers, kept Antichrist from ascending to that heighth of dig∣nity, supremacy, he aimed at. Some adjudge it to be the a∣postasie spoken of, ver. 3. Except there come a falling away first, and that man of Sin be revealed, the Son of Perdition. q. d. The general Apostacy must first be, ere the man of Sin (or Antichrist) openly manifest himself; when that is, he will quickly appear to head it. Its not yet coming, is that which lets his Revelation. The generality take it for the Roman-Pagan-Empire, or Emperour, in his full Power, and Majesty, flourishing, and living at his seat in Rome. Which I humbly conceive is Paul's intendment. For, 1. No reason can be given, why Paul expresses himself in so dark terms; that which letteth this Letter, if the Roman-Pagan-Empire be not intended; but if so, the reason is obvious: They had an opi∣nion, that this Empire was everlasting; to have talk'd of its removal, would have stirr'd them up to have persecuted the Saints, as the Enemies of it. Less occasions they many times took so to do. 2. Antichrist's seat was to be Rome, Rev. 17.9. The seven heads are seven Mountains on which the Woman sitteth, i. e. The City built on seven Hills, is Anti∣christs Seat, viz. Rome, alone famous amongst Historians up∣on that account.

The Seven-hill'd City that governs the World, saith Pro∣pertius.

But take the Letter, or that which Letteth, in either of the forementioned sences, and he hath been actually taken away for above this thousand Years. Immediately upon which Antichrist was revealed; whose time, and the Beast's, are the same; for they themselves are the same. Therefore the fourty-two Months cannot possibly denote fourty-two Ordinary Months, or One thousand two hundred and sixty natural dayes, viz. Three Years, and a half; but a much longer tract of time.

By what hath hitherto in this matter been offered, the Ju∣dicious Reader will find a plain probation of the main The∣sis, we are now in the confirmation of, viz. that the two Witnesses come before the last of the last dayes. For,

2. The two Witnesses are expresly said to prophesie One thousand two hundred and sixty Dayes, i. e. Years, according to the Prophetick reckoning, as we have proved.

3. The Witnesses Prophesying▪ and the rampancy of the Wild-Beast, Rev. 13.2, 3.—take up the same time of four∣ty two Months, or, One thousand two hundred and sixty Dayes; but it hath been demonstrated, that the term of the Wild Beast is not so short as three Years and an half; therefore the Witnesses Prophesying cannot be thrust into so narrow a com∣pass.

4. The time of the Witnesses Prophesying, and Antichrists day (after his Revelation) are the same: For Antichrist, and the Wild Beast, Rev. 13. are the same. And the Witnesses Prophesying, and the rampancy of the Wild Beast take up the same time, as hath been proved. That Antichrist hath been re∣veal'd in the World for hundreds of Years past, hath also been demonstrated. Therefore the Witnesses Prophesying hath been also thus long, so must have their existence as Prophesying Witnesses before the last of the last Dayes; Quod erat demonstrandum.

As touching the third supposition upon which the Objecti∣on is built, viz.

Page  56III. That the time of the Witnesses Prophesie; is but for One thousand two hundred and sixty natural dayes: the contrary hath been, from what hath been said touching the second particular, abundantly evinc'd; to which add, The Witnesses are to Pro∣phesie all the time of Antichrist (as hath been proved:) The truth is, they are raised up, Spirited by the Lord as witnesses to prophesie against him, and his incroachments upon the Sove∣raign Authority of Christ. Tis true, the Papists, that they may clear the Pope of the charge hath been by the Protestants laid against him as the Antichrist, assert, That Antichrist is not yet come; that he is not to come till towards the period of time; to continue, when he comes, but three years, and an half. Thus Bellarmin l.3. De Pontif. Antichristus debet reg∣nare non nisi tres annos cum medio praecise. Antichristi adventus erit paulo ante finem mundi: continuo post mortem ejus mundus fi∣netur. i. e. Antichrist ought to raign but three years, and an half precisely. The coming of Antichrist, shall be a little be∣fore the end of the World: By and by, after his death, the World shall terminate.

Two things in this matter are easily demonstrated.

1. That Antichrist is long since come.

I. That the Papal Kingdom is the Antichrist spoken of: which, if plainly from Scripture demonstrated, it undeniably follows, that the time of the witnesses prophesie cannot be shut up within the limits of one Thousand two Hundred and Sixty na∣tural days.

1. That Antichrist is long since come, is evident; for,

1. He is Prophesied of, as to come when the Apostacy should break forth, 2. Thes. 2.3. Except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed: So that evidently upon the coming in of the Apostacy, the man of sin, or Antichrist, is to be revealed. But the Apostack hath been already for several hundreds of years: witness the corruption in doctrine, viz. Justification by Works, Transubstantiation, &c. in Worship, viz. the veneration of Reliques, the invocation of Saints, the Worship of the breaden God, Images, &c.

2. The Mystery of Iniquity wrought (viz. in Order to the bringing forth of the man of Sin) in the Apostles Dayes, Page  57 2 Thes. 2.7. It cannot then be imagin'd, but his birth was near. What? in the Womb then, and not to be brought forth for hundreds of years after? credat Appella! 'Tis a figment, that the repetition of, is refutation sufficient.

3. The 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or that which letted his Revelation, 2 Thes. 2.6. was long since removed out of the way, as hath been demonstrated. Immediately upon which, he was to be re∣vealed, ver. 8. The truth of this, will more evidently appear in our discussions of the second particular, viz.

2. That the Papal Kingdom, is THE ANTICHRIST spoken of in the Scripture: Which we shall in a distinct Trea∣tise 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 fully demonstrate.

The third Period of time mentioned in the Revelation is,

III. The time of the last Dragon-War: When we have an account also of a Gospel-Church-state; Churches Worship∣ping God, according to the appointment of Christ. Of this War we have an account, Rev. 12.17. And the Dragon was Wroth with the Woman, and went about to make War with the remnant of her Seed. V.L. And the Dragon was Wroth against the Woman, and went to make War with the rest of her seed. Ar. Therefore that Serpent was wroth against the Woman; and went to wage War with the Seed of the Woman, that was left. Syr. And that Dragon was wroth against the Woman, and went to make War with them, who are the residue of her Seed. Aeth. And this Beast was wroth against this Woman, and went that he might op∣pugn the rest of her Sons. Much to the same purpose.

A few things must be considered.

1. Who is meant by the Dragon. 2. Who by the Woman. 3. Who are the Remnant of her Seed. 4. What this War is. 5. To what Period of time it hath Relation. 6. That in the time of this War, there is a Gospel-Church-state of the ap∣pointment of Christ, to which Saints are found in Con∣formity.

I. As touching the first, by the Dragon we are to under∣stand the Devil. So the Spirit interprets, ver. 9. And the great Dragon was cast out, that Old Serpent call'd the Devil, and Satan. So also, Rev. 20.2. So call'd upon the account of 〈1 page duplicate〉Page  56〈1 page duplicate〉Page  57Page  58 his, 1. Sublety. 2. Malice, Enmity against mankind, especially the Saints. 3. Cruelty, in devouring, swallowing them up. 4. Strength, Power to put in Execution (by Di∣vine sufferance) his enmity against them. But yet the Devil as acting not in the Roman-Pagan-state, but in the Antichristi∣an; wherein he most evidently displayes his enmity, bloody cruelty, subtilty, and Power. Now this seems to be very e∣vident. For this Dragon is said to have Seven Heads, and Ten Horns, and Ten Crowns upon his Heads. The Seven Heads are interpreted, Rev. 17.9, 10. not only to be Seven Mountains, but also Seven Kings, or seven sorts of Govern∣ment; whereof five were fallen, when John writ, viz. Kings, Consuls, Tribunes, Decemvirs, Dictators; and one then was, viz. Pagan-Emperours; and the Seventh was not yet come, viz. Christian Emperours; amongst whom springs Antichrist, who is said to be the Eighth and yet of the Seventh, ver. 11. So then during the time of the Roman-Pagan-Emperors, the Dra∣gon had but Six Heads; therefore by the Dragon we are not to understanding the Devil as acting in that state, but in the Antichristian, when he had his Seven Heads compleat. The Ten Horns are also interpreted, Rev. 17.12. to be Ten Kings which had at that time of Johns writing, received no King∣dom: They respect a time when the Roman-Empire should be divided into Ten Kingdoms, which was not while the Em∣pire was Pagan, but under the Seventh Head, about the Year Four Hundred fifty six. To which add that John doth painly enough intimate, that these Ten Horns did not appertain to the Sixth Head that then was, or the Roman-Pagan-Empire, but to the Seventh, which was to come; for though he tells us, they were Ten Kings, yet he adds, that they had recei∣ved no Kingdom at that time; i. e. they were Kings not actu∣ally, but only in the purpose of God, to be produced as such under the Seventh Head, or Roman-Christian-Empire. Besides, the Beast with Seven Heads, and Ten Horns, is expresly said to carry the Whore, or Antichristian-Church, Rev. 17.3. From all which its most clear, that the Dragon with Seven Heads, and Ten Horns, is to be understood the Devil, as acting not in the Roman-Pagan, but Christian (or rather Antichristian) State.

Page  592. By the Woman, we are to understand the Churches of Christ: So call'd upon the account of their visible espousal to him, or giving up themselves to him as their Lord, and Husband; owning his despotick Authority, in their profest Subjection to all his Institutions. This seems evident. Be∣cause,

1. By Woman in the first verse, is meant the Churches of Christ (as is generally granted) the Primitive Churches, say most; the Churches of Christ, as appearing in a latter-day-glory, say others: And as the Woman was at first call'd of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ish the Man, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉Isha Woman, because she was of him: So are the Churches of Christ call'd, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ha∣shulammith, Shulamitesse, or Salomona, or she that is peaceable, of him who is the true 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉Sheloma, Cant. 6.12.

2. These are frequently, as is already proved, call'd the Bride, the Wife of Christ, said to be betrothed, espoused to him: He is call'd their 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉Ish, Lord, Husband.

3. The Woman (as related to Christ) is in the Book of the Revelation, set in opposition to the Whore, or Mother of Har∣lots, Rev. 17. Now she types out the false Churches: there∣fore by the Woman we are to understand the true Churches of Christ.

3. By the remnant of the Womans Seed, some understand such as were brought forth by her in the Wilderness, or par∣ticular members of the Church (as others) who by reason of the iniquity of the times, cannot come together to Worship God in the Solemn Assemblies openly, as formerly, yet se∣perately and apart, they do worship him. Now there are several things that I humbly conceive lye in the way of these interpretations.

I. This War is not in, but out of the Wilderness: For into the Wilderness the Dragon could not, it seems, pursue her. Therefore he casts a Flood of VVater out of his mouth, to swallow her up, but with little Success, for the Earth helps her, opens her mouth and swallows up the Flood, Rev. 12.15, 16. Besides, he would (if he could) have attaqu't the Mother in the VVilderness, as well as the Children brought forth by her there; whereas this is a particular VVar against the rem∣nant of her seed. Nor,

Page  602. Can I see, how their Worshipping severally, and a part, is consistent with the Characters given of the remnant of the Womans seed, ver. 17. who are expresly said to Keep the Commandments of God, and to have the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Nor,

3. Would Satan have lookt upon them in their divided State, to be so considerable, as to go about to make so for∣mal a War against them, as is intimated: could he disunite, break, dissipate, scatter the Disciples of Christ, he would think he had done his work; at least so far, that he might pick them up by degrees, as he saw meet; and not put him∣self to the cost and trouble [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] of rai∣sing a War against them. Little do some think, how much they serve Satan, by driving on a design of scattering the Saints, and calling them off their Church-Assemblies: A work he hath been attempting by various artifices, and methods, ever since Christ had his Churches in the World; but hi∣therto without success.

This matter then must farther be considered. By the seed of the Woman (in the first Scripture-Notion of that expression) we are to understand the Messiah, Christ, Gen. 3.15. Here it hath respect to the Saints, begotten by the Word, and Spi∣rit of Jesus: call'd the seed of the Woman, because born in the midst of the Churches of Christ, before that their flight into the Wilderness, mention'd, v. 14. As also because like her, of the same nature, spirit, temper, walking in the same foot∣steps, owning the same Principles, Doctrine, practising the same Worship, found in the observation of the same Institu∣tions, Ordinances, with her. By the remnant then of her seed, we are to understand, such as remain behind her, when she flies into the Wilderness, go not with her thither. The Wilderness points out a state of secrecy, retirement, and so safety: The Woman (i. e. the body of the Churches) Flies into the Wilderness from the face of the Serpent, Worships in holes, corners; whilest this remnant keep on in their visi∣ble owning the Wayes, Ordinances, Institutions of Christ as formerly. Who (with submission I speak it) I conceive to be most strictly the Witnesses in their last testimony to Jesus.

Page  614. As touching the fourth and fifth particular, what this War is, and to what period of time it hath relation; It seems (at least to me) evident from what hath been already offer'd, that 'tis the last advance of the Dragon, or Devil, acting in the Papal-Antichristian-Wilde-Beast, ascending out of the bottomless Pit (or coming forth in more than ordina∣ry malice, fury) against the two Witnesses, or such of the Wo∣mans seed, who shall at this time most strictly have the Spi∣rit of Prophesie with them; and so bear up for a season, in a testimony for Christ against him; the issue whereof, shall be their slaughter, or the driving them off that publick testimo∣ny they are bearing, into the Wilderness, whether the Woman, or the body of the Churches was before fled. And this seems more than Probable. Because,

1. Though here's mention of the Dragons going about to make War with the remnant of the Womans seed; yet there's no intimation of the least execution, as to any corporeal slaughter he makes upon them: but they seem rather (with respect to that) in as great safety as the Woman that before was fled into the Wilderness: In answer to which, the slaughter of the Witnesses is not, cannot be a corporeal slaughter, as amongst others is most evident from this single consideration: viz. Such as their slaughter is, such will their Resurrection be; if their slaughter be corporeal, their Resurrection must be so: But their Resurrection is not, cannot be a corporeal Resurrection; be∣cause it crosses the Scripture, 1 Cor. 15.23. Every one in his own order, Christ the first-fruits, afterwards those that are Christ's at his coming: clearly asserting, that the Saints rise not till the personal coming of Christ: But now the Witnesses rise before; as is granted by all.

2. After this advance of the Dragon, you hear no more of this remnant of the Womans seed, till the great Randezvouz upon Mount Sion, Rev. 14.1. Where they are the risen Wit∣nesses, represented under the notion of One Hundred forty and four Thousand, with their fathers name upon their foreheads— going forth under the conduct of the Lamb, to execute the Judgements written against Antichrist, ver. 7.8, 9, 10, 11, 12. to the end. And no wonder, for all this while, viz.Page  62 from the time of their slaughter, to the time of their rise, they lie Dead, as to any publick visible witness for Christ; which formerly they bear, till the Spirit of Life, from God, re-enters into them; and they stand upon their feet—.

3. This War against the remnant of the Womans seed, is much about the same time with her second flight into the Wilderness, ver. 14. That that flight of the Woman into the Wilderness is a second flight, is evident. For,

1. She is represented, ver. 10, 12. as coming out of it with Tryumph, Shouting, having greatned confidence, that she should never return thither again; for she sings, ver. 10. Now is come Salvation, and Strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and the Power of his Christ.

2. The Wilderness whether she flies, is call'd HER PLACE, ver. 14. viz. with respect to what's said, ver. 6. with rela∣tion to her first flying thither. And the Woman fled into the Wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God. Into this place, which is now call'd, her place, because before prepar'd for her of God, doth she now fly. Now that second flight of the Woman into the Wilderness, is exactly the same with the time of the Witnesses lying dead; She is nourish't for a time, times, and half a time, from the face of the Serpent: So the Witnesses lye dead a time [one Year] times [two Years] and half a time [half a Year] viz. Three Years and a half which is congruous to the Scripture-Notion of time, or times, Dan. 4.23, 25.

VI. That in the time of this War, there is a Gospel-Church-state, is evident. For,

1. There's the Woman, i. e. the Saints in Church-Commu∣nion Worshipping God in the wayes of Christs Institution (for upon this account she's call'd the Woman, Bride of Christ, as hath been proved) fled into the Wilderness, just (as 'twere) upon its commencement.

2. The Remnant of the Womans seed which keep the Com∣mandments of God, ver. 17. If by the Commandments of God, we understand the Commandments of God the Father, or of Jesus Christ, it comes all to one. For one great Command∣ment of the Father to the Sons of Men, is to hear Christ, Page  63Deut. 18.18, 19. And on the Holy Mount, a voice is heard to the same purpose, Mat. 17.5. And Christ tells us, that those that have heard, and learnt of the Father, come to him; viz. to be instucted by him, John 6.45. And he that hears him, i. e. obey's, subjects to him, his in-doctrinations, teach∣ings, hears the Father.

3. They are also said to have the Testimony of Jesus. i. e.

1. Negatively, they hold not to the Decrees, Canons, Laws, Institutions of Pope, Councils, Fathers, &c. They abhor to comply with any Antichristian Superstitions, Worship, Orders, Ordinances: would they have done so, the Devil had never gon about to make War against them. The Spirit testifyes of them, that they were not defiled with Woman, Rev. 14.4. i. e. with none of the Idolatries, Su∣perstitions, Fornications of the great Whore, or any of her Daughters.

2. Positively, they do visibly own Jesus Christ, in all his Offices, Laws, Institutions; nor will they be perswa∣ded to leave them, or cease to conform to them whatever it cost them. The Lord testifies of them in their risen-state, that they are Virgins, Rev. 14.4. i. e. chast to Christ, faithful to his Institutions.

And thus much touching the Third Period of time, in which it's evident, there are Churches of the institution of Christ. That there are so,

4. At the Witnesses rise, and all along the pouring out of the Vials, is very evident by the same Book of the Revelation: By the way I would modestly give my Judg∣ment touching Two things.

I. That the risen-Witnesses, and the Vial-Angels, contem∣porize. This seems evident. For,

1. The time of the Witnesses Prophesying, is a time of Mourning to them, being in their Sack-cloth-state, and for the most part the time of Antichrist. rampancy: but at the time of their rise, the scene begins to alter; and the Vengance of God falls so fearfully upon the Antichristians, that the tenth part of the City falls; or one of the Ten Kingdoms totally Page  64 draws off from Antichrist, and is brought into subjection to Christ: The time of the beginning of the pouring out of the Vials, is a time of Mourning to the Antichristians: for the Vials are Vials of the Pure Wrath of God Almighty pour'd forth in his Authority, and by his Appointment, upon them.

2. From the Witnesses rise, the destruction of the Kingdom of the Beast, or of Antichrist goe's on, till he be wholly de∣stroyed, and the Kingdoms become the Lords, Rev. 11.14, 15, 16, 17, 18. The same fate befals the Antichristians under the pouring forth of the Vials: their Kingdom is gradually wasted, consumed, till it cease to be, Rev. 16 from first to last. But this is not a place fully to prosecute this mat∣ter.

II. That there are none of the Vials yet poured forth: These few things (amongst others) which must not now be mentioned) lead me captive to the belief of this Asser∣tion.

1. The Witnesses, I humbly conceive, are not yet risen, 'tis to be feared not yet slain. Now the risen-witnesses, and Vial-Angels synchronizing, they not being risen, these have not pour'd forth one Vial.

2. We have not yet seen the preparatory work, to the powring forth of the Vials mentioned, Rev. 15.

3. The subject of the Vials are the persons, or things of Antichrist. The Vials being Vials of pure Wrath; on what∣ever persons, or things, they fall, they totally consume them; so, as that they shall never stand up, or exist more. What of the Persons, things of Antichrist have been thus removed, destroyed; Are they not all in their splendour, height, glo∣ry at this day?

4. The Vial-Angels, and the Stone-smiting, Dan. 2. synchro∣nize: the effects of the one, and the other, are the same; viz. the total destruction of Antichrist, and introduction, exaltment, of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus. But the Stone hath yet not begun to smite; for when it begins so to do, it shall never cease, till the Image be wholly destroyed; and it (the Stone) become a great Mountain filling the whole Earth, Page  65Dan. 2.34, 35. Therefore none of the Vials are yet pou∣red out. But of this matter we must not now speak at large.

That there are particular Churches upon the rise of the Witnesses, and the pouring out of the Vials, will receive a speedy dispatch.

1. Now the Witnesses (which we have proved to be parti∣cular Churches) stand upon their feet—. Begin openly, with their wonted, and perhaps, greater courage and bold∣ness to assert, and give Witness to the Wayes, and Instituti∣ons of Christ; which all the time of their Prophesying, they were publickly, and in the time of their slaughter, they were privately found in the practice of, Rev. 11.11.

2. Now the Woman that had fled into the Wilderness, and was nourisht there all the time of the Witnesses slaughter, comes out from thence, and shews her self as the true Loyal Spouse of Christ, in her visible subjection to him; in all his glori∣ous Institutions, and Appointments. To which time, that prophesie seems to have respect, Cant. 8.5.

3. Now the Temple, of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in Hea∣ven is open'd, Rev. 15.5. A few things must be enquired into.

1. What we are to understand by the Temple.

2. Why 'tis call'd, The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.

3. In what sense it's said, to be opened.

1. By the Temple, we are to understand the Gospel-Church-state, the Churches, Ordinances, Institutions of CHRIST: which hath been before proved, are represented under that no∣tion, with the Reasons thereof.

2. 'Tis call'd, The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimo∣ny; because the presence of God, his Laws, Statutes, Ordi∣nances, were with them, amongst them, in a special pecu∣liar manner. The Tabernacle of Old was a Type of his special presence with his people then, Exod. 25.8. and 29.45, 46. Levit. 26.11, 12. Therefore God is said to dwell in the Tabernacle; its call'd his Habitation, 2 Sam. 15.25. There he promised to meet with, and speak to his People, Exod.Page  66 29.42, 43. This Tabernacle is call'd, the Tabernacle of Testi∣mony, Exod. 38.21. Acts 7.44. because in it was the Ark, wherein was the Law, or Testimony. 'Twas at last brought into the Temple at Jerusalem, 1 Chron. 8.4.—2 Chron. 5.5. This here is said to be in Heaven (or appertaining to the Gospel-Ministration) perhaps on purpose to obviate any mistake, the Jews might have of the restitution of their Temple-Worship; q. d. Though I speak of the Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony; don't think, that I intend that which was built, by Moses, Solomon, and that your Old-Worship thereto affixed, shall be restored; no, I am treating of another kind of Temple, under another Ministration, viz. an Heavenly, which he that speaks from Heaven hath intro∣duced. To which appertains the Testimony, Laws, Insti∣tutions, he hath given forth; wherein he hath promised to meet his People, bless them, fill them with his Company, Presence, Glory.

3. By the Opening of the Temple of the Tabernacle in Hea∣ven, we are not to understand, the introduction of a New-Gospel-Ministration: The vanity, emptiness, ridicule of such an interpretation is from hence manifest; that John saith not, that there shall be a New-Temple built; but on∣ly, that the Temple shall be opened, i. e. the Old Temple of the Tabernacle that was standing all the times of the Pagan-Antichristian persecutions. And this very Scripture is of it self evidence sufficient, that at least all the times of Anti∣christ, there was an abiding Temple, or Gospel-Church-state, Worship, Worshippers therein. For at the rise of Antichrist we find a Temple, Rev. 11.1. and now at the going forth of the Vial-Angels, this very Temple is open'd: not the least tit∣tle, syllable, of the constituting a new one; but the opening the old. The word is not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to build; no, nor so much 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to restore, or repair; but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to open that which was already built, and sufficiently beautified by the Lord. The words are perhaps an allusion to 2 Chron. 28.24. & 29.3. The first Scripture tells us, that Ahaz had shut up the doors of the House of the Lord; the latter, that good Heze∣kiah open'd them▪ 'Twas the same House, the same doors Page  67 (not others) that was shut up and opened. The meaning is, Gospel-Churches that a little before were Worshipping more retiredly, privately, are now again brought to publick view; returned from their Wilderness, retired-state, to an open profession, owning of the Laws, Wayes of JESƲS.

4. The Vial-Angels come out of this Temple thus opened, Rev. 15.6. For they are some of the most Spiritual, princi∣pal of the Temple-Worshippers (or members of these Chur∣ches) as is evident from their Priestly-array, they are clothed in pure and White-linnen, having their breasts girded with Golden-Girdles: The attire of the Priests, Exod. 28.6, 8. Temple-Worshippers are a Royal Priesthood, 1 Pet. 2.9.

5. During the whole time of the pouring out of the Vials (at the close of which, as is generally granted, Christ comes) we find the continuance of this Temple, ver 8. And the Temple was filled with Smoak from the Glory of God, and from his Power, (i. e. there was a more than ordinary presence of God, with these Temple-Worship∣pers) and no man was able to enter into the Temple (viz. to interrupt, disturb the Worshippers there, as formerly they had done) till the seven Plagues of the seven-Angels were fulfilled, (i. e. till they were all pour'd out) Antichrist by them perfectly destroyed, the Glorious Kingdom of our LORD and SAVIOƲR introduced.