The time of the end shewing first, until the three years and an half are come (which are the last of the 1260 dayes) the prophecies of the Scripture will not be understood, concerning the duration and period of the fourth monarchy and kingdom of the beast : then secondly, when that time shall come ... the knowledge of the end ... will be revealed, by the rise of a little horn, the last apostacy, and the beast slaying the witnesses ... / by John Canne.

THE CHARACTERS. OF THE Little Horn, OPENED.

HAving ended the latter Apostacy, I come now to the Little Horn. And here wee will consider three things.

1 What this little Horn is?

2 How it doth appear, that the raign (or rather Tyranny) of the little Horn, shall bee in the three years and half?

3 Whether the present state-Apostacy be the little Horn?

In handling these particulars, I intend to do no otherwise, then I did before. Explain the matter as I humbly conceive to bee the meaning of the Holy Spirit, and leave the application to the judgement of the sober Reader. Granting withall, if hee finde not all things here set down exactly to agree with the State-Apostacy of our time, and never till now fulfilled, with so much clearnesse and certainty, wee are not yet come to the time and reign of the little Horn.

For the first, I do not understand, by the Little Horn, any single person, as Antiochus Epiphanes, Julius Caesar, Domician, Mahomet, William the Con∣querour, King Charles, &c. But a King∣dome, or State, and so the most judicious generally take it. Hence it is vers. 11. that his body, is mentioned, and ver. 26. his dominion. So then, as the ten Horns, are ten Governments, or States, so I think is the little Horn, a State, or Government, which may thus be described.

A company of men in the last dayes, having left their former principles of jus∣tice, Law, and Conscience, shall assume un∣to themselves, lastate or body politick, ap∣pointing one as Head, and framing an in∣strument

of Government suitable to it.

This Horn is said to bee Little.

1 Obscuro loco natum et plebium. Jaco∣bus T••rin. Of his low birth, small and mean beginning, which shews that this little Horn cannot bee the fourth Mo∣narch. Chap. 11. 21.

2 Because The Kingdome doth not by right belong unto him. Diodate, that is, this Government shall bee set up by a few persons, without the consent of the peo∣ple, yea against their will.

3 Little, because it will not have the faithful prayers of the Saints for it, nor the hearts or hands of other people: but such Apostates, as are named, 2 Tim. 3. 2, 3, 4, 5.

4 Little, because among other Horns, or Kingdomes, this will not bee allowed for a Lawful State, otherwise then to serve their own turn, and to make ad∣vantage and gain by it.

5 Little, because the Lord will not suffer him to bee great, but will blast his designs and actions both at home and a∣broad.

6 Little, because of the short time this State is to continue. viz. Three years and an half; no longer.

I know some have thought, that by the word Little, A younger brother is meant. I confesse there may bee some∣thing in it, for many do read, Cornu ulti∣mum & parvun, a horn, the last and little; Signifying that this Horn shall arise, neer or about the time, when the Elder, or former States and Kingdomes are going down, and ready to be pluckt up by the roots.

But howsoever it be Little in such con∣siderations, yet it is said to be a Horn, that is, a State, or Government.

1 Because, it shall have the name and Title of a civil power or Government given to it.

2 It will push as hard as other Horns have done, against the Laws and Liber∣ties of the Nation, yea, and against the interest of Christ and his people.

3 This State will make Laws and Ordinances, which shall bee as duly kept and observed by the Apostates under it, as if they had been enacted by the greater Horns, that is, by a more Lawful and just power.

Touching the second point, viz. that the Tyranny of the Little Horn shall bee in the three years and half; To prove this,

the Text saith, untill a time and times, and the dividing of times, Dan. 7. 25. The sense (I conceive) is thus. From his rise, hee shall have so much time allowed, or he shall so long continue by the Lords suf∣ferance, to exercise the cruelty and wicked∣nesse mentioned in the Vision. That the meaning is so, appears by the Question and Answer, Dan. 12. 6, 7. How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? for a time, times and an half. As if hee should say, For the vision of the little Horn it shall bee for a time, times, and an half, so long hee is to continue, to scatter the power of the Holy People, and when that time shall bee expired, the words of the Prophesy are fulfilled concerning him: For soon after the judgement shall sit, and they shall take away his Dominion, &c.

Qu. But by a time, and times, and dividing of time what time is there meant, or how much is this time? The common receiv∣ed opinion is, three years and an half. These persecutions (saith Diodate) shall last, one year, two years, and halfe one year, that is to say, three years and half.

I confesse in the application, I finde few to agree with me, yet for the time, tobee three years and an half, (neither

more nor lesse) few writers which I have seen, but take it so as I do. And for these few which understand it otherwise, as making first, a time, times, and dividing of time, to bee three years and an half, and then out of the three years and half, to reckon each day for a year▪ this I conceive neither agrees with Daniels manner of reckoning the time, nor with other Prophets. That three daies and an half, should be taken, for three years and an half. So forty two months, for so many years, as there are dayes in the months. Again One thousand two hundred and threescore dayes for so many years: this is right, and according to the Scriptures, Numb. 14. 34. Ezek. 4. 5. But by a time, to understand a year, by times two years, and dividing of time▪ an half year, and after∣ward, from these three years and an half, to number years by daies. There is not for this (I think) any ground in the word of God.

Besides, why should not Daniel when hee useth words and terms alike: be alike understood: in chap. 4▪ 25. it is said seven times shall passe over ••hee; here it is not questioned but by seven times; seven years are meant, no raising of another number from daies, to years: Now I

see no reason why the Prophet in one place should bee understood, by Time, strictly a year, and in another, as many years, as a year hath daves, especially seeing it is familiar with Daniel to set down his account in this manner, as ch. 11. 13. in the end, Haghi••tim shan••m, of the times of years, see chap. 7. 12. and 8. 17. and 11. 14, 35, 40. and 12. 4, 9. I might add, how three years and half was the term of Christs persecution in the flesh: the which being expired, immedi∣ately begunne (upon his resurrection) the setting up of his spiritual kingdome all the world over. So three years and an half is the time of the sufferings of his witnesses under the little Horn, the which being ended, they shall rise and stand up∣on their feet again, and then beginnes, that which you have Rev. 11. 13, 14. the great earth-quake, and the sounding of the seventh Trumpet, and the kingdomes of this world becomming the kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ.

Quest. But how doth it appear, if by time, and times, and dividing of time, three years and half are meant, that these are the three years and half, which period the number of one thousand two hundred

and threescore years, and contemporises with the latter Apostacy, and slaying of the witnesses.

Answ. 1 Graserns against Junius, gives many reasons, that the Vision shewed Daniel concerning the Little Horn is to have its accomplishment in Novissim. die∣bus, in the very last times toward the end of the world, and judgement shall not passe upon him, us{que} ad consummatio∣nem irae, untill the indignation bee ac∣complished. Dan. 11. 36. that is unt ill the forty two months are expired. Histor. An∣tichrist. pag. 115. 119. &c.

If this bee so (as I see nothing a∣gainst it) then must this little Horn, be before the rise of the witnesses, and the forty two months are expired: for hee shall have no Dominion or Power after that time.

2 Upon the destruction of the Little Horn, the Saints possesse the kingdome: but this they do not, neither is the King∣dome theirs, till the witnesses rise, and the time of the Beasts Tyranny is expir∣ed. Hence I gather, that the three years and an half, allowed the Little Horn, and the three years and an half, in which the witnesses lye slain, must needs contempo∣rise.

I would have the reader observe this, for I think there is some weight in it. If the taking of the kingdom by the Saints, bee upon the ruine of the Little Horn, and the rising of the witnesses (as clearly it is so to me) then it must follow necessa∣rily, that the three years and half, given to the Little Horn, and the three years and half spoken of the slain witnesses, are all one, see Dan. 7. 25, 26, 27. compare Rev. 11. 8. 11, 12, 13, 15, &c.

3 Another Argument, I lay down thus, the book is not to bee opened, untill the time of the end; which is in the three years and half, and the understanding of it will bee partly by the Characters of a lit∣tle Horn. Now it is the Lords usual man∣ner not to lead his people back to things past, but to teach them the understanding of Prophesies, by what is present, and doing in their own time, when yee shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of, by Daniel the Prophet, stand in the holy place &c.

Again, when yee shall see all these things, &c. Mat. 24. 15. 33. So the little Horn must be seen before the wise will under∣stand the end, and this is proper to the three years and half.

4 It seems by Daniel, that the cause and ground of the Little Horns, making warre against the Saints, wearying them out, and scattering their power, will bee for bearing witnesse to Christs visible and glorious kingdome, so that the con∣troversy now, will not bee (as formerly it was) about the Church, Ministery, wor∣ship, and discipline, but about the whole Rule, Dominion, and government under the Sunne, that is whether the kingdoms of the world shall continue (as they are) in the hands of Tyrants, and oppressors, or they shall bee Christs, and the Saints of the most high, according to that promise, And there was given him dominion and glory, and a kingdome, that all People, Na∣tions, and Languages should serve him, and his Dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not passe away, and his king∣dom that which shall not bee destroyed. A∣gain, And the Kingdom, and Dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the Saints of the most high, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdome, and all power shall serve and obey it, Dan. 7. 14▪ 27. And this proves likewise, that the three years and half of this Little Horn must bee the

last of the one thousand two hundred and threescore years, it being the last testimo∣ny of the witnesses, in the behalf of Christ, and the main cause of their slay∣ing by the Beast.

And here the Reader may understand not onely the Time when the Little Horn shall stand up, but one manifest Charac∣ter to know him by: under his govern∣ment there will bee a large tolleration of Religion, for hee will pretend great care to tender consciences, as that every one may have liberty to worship God in what form hee listeth: onely hee will not allow that any should assert, what the Scriptures plainly testify, concern∣ing the breaking of the Image, and in par∣ticular, that hee shall bee slain, and his bo∣dy destroyed, and given to the burning flame: The Saints shall take away his dominion to consume it, and to destroy it▪ unto the end, any thing but this: but this will not bee suffe∣red: no tolleration here of tender consciences: any lye rather will be born then this truth, and how to suppresse it will bee the great businesse. And there∣fore crafty councel will bee taken against Jehovah and his Christ.

I have handled the former points the more briefly, because I think they lye open to very little exception. That which follows next is, whether the pre∣sent State-Apostacy bee the Little Horn? I have said often before, I undertake not the APPLYING PART: I shall onely shew (going over all the Characters) what this Little Horn will be, as to his deport∣ment and carriage, when he comes upon the stage, to act a sad tragedy.

Behold there came up among them another little Horn, Dan. 7. 8.] Though this lit∣tle Horn bee not one of the Ten; yet hee grows upon the body of the fourth beast, vers. 7. and so is part of the Image, Dan. 2. And here I would have the Reader observe (which indeed hath not been heeded by Expositors) that the little Horn cannot be the persons or states, to which most men formerly have applied it: for either they have taken it for a person or state: which was not upon the head of the fourth beast, as Antiochus Epiphanes, Ma∣homet, the Turkish Empire, Antichrist, or one of the ten Horns, as the Norman race, William the Conqueror, Charls Stuart▪ &c. And thus both wayes have mis'd the mark. For however (as I said before)

this little Horn, is not one of the ten, yet a∣mong them, that is, upon the head of the Beast, as the rest are. Hence (I think) this certainly may bee asserted, that if the pre∣sent state-Apostacy bee not the little Horn, it hath not yet risen; For Daniels descript∣tion of it in this place (among them, and yet another) agrees not with any person or State hitherto mentioned by any writer that I have seen.

Quest. But why is he said to bee among the ten Horns on the body of the Beast?

Ans. 1 Though he be none of them, yet through ambition hee will seek to be like them in state pompe, and all wastful vanities, hee will assume their Titles, Power, Priviledges, be as absolute a Mo∣narch as any of them; in a word, either he will follow the former Horns, in all their exorbitancies, riot, and excess, or will strive what he can to have it so.

2 That he is said to bee upon the Beast, it is to shew; notwithstanding his former Declarations and Engagements, and war∣ring a long time against Kingship, when he comes to bee the Horn, hee shall uphold the rotten interest of the fourth Beast (as her members) namely Priests and Law∣yers, her moth-eaten customes, and Tra∣ditions,

and what else that filthy part of the image (viz. feet and toes) is compoun∣ded of.

Another Little Horn] Junius, Pisca∣tor, and many others translate, the last horn, being little, achari (saith Willet) signifi∣eth the last as well as another. The wis∣dome of the Holy Ghost is to be minded here, in making choice of a word, where∣by to shew what this little Horn shall be.

1 Another; here is signified, though this horn bee a State, or Government (as was said before) yet shall it not have the constitution and form of a civil State, it shall not have (I say) any stamp upon it, suitable either to a kingdome, or a Commonwealth, as the ten Horns had: for howsoever some of them at first were not fairly constituted, yet within a while that question was taken off, and the go∣vernment acknowledged by the People, to bee just and lawful. But this little Horn for all his policy and craft, will be Another still, never able to wipe off usur∣pation and Tyranny, by gaining a for∣mal constitution of a State; And hence I take it hee is said to bee another.

But secondly, That hee is said to be the Last, me thinks here I cannot but say

with Paul, O the depth both of the wisdom & knowledge of God: As there are two Apos∣tacies, the first and the last: so there are the first Horns, and the last Horn: the first Apostacy, and the first Horns rise together, So saith the Scriptures: And the ten Horns which thou sawest are ten Kings, which have received no kingdome as yet; but receive power as Kings, one hour with the Beast, Rev. 17. 12. The Kings and Horns I understand to bee all one. The Roman Empire broken to peeces, that is severall Nations and people casting off the Ro∣man yoke, and constituting themselves absolute and free States: The Beast to be the first Apostacy, or Antichristian king∣dom, now these two have their rise, & be∣ginning at one time; so the last Apostacy and the last Horn rise together; I hope the Reader will heed the sweet harmony of Scripture Prophecies; surely it is not for nothing, that the little Horn is called the Last; for as the first Apostacy & first Horns came up at one time, so the last Apostacy, and the last Horn will bee in one hour.

But again (for great is the mystery of godlinesse) here also may bee meant as the little Horn shall not grow upon the body of the Beast, till in the last daies,

when perillous times shall come, and the former Horns neer cutting, off. So he shall bee the last indeed, as vers. 24. For I think Gods hand, will bee so visible and e∣minently lifted up against him, in giving his body to the burning flame, that none after him will presume to set up any State or government any more upon the old Beast

Before whom there were three of the first Horns] I think it would rather darken than lighten the matter, to men∣tion the several opinions of men about these three Horns. Some (understand the Turkish State to bee meant by the little Horn) will have Asia, Grecia, and Syria, to be these three Horns. Others Egypt, Syria, and Cylicia. Others Siria, Egypt and Africa.

Again, such as take Antiochus Epiphanes, for the little Horn, are various in their ac∣count. Some number Seleucus his elder brother, and Demetrius son to Seleucus, and Philopater, his sisters son. Others leaving out Demetrius, chuse Antiochus the great, father to this Antiochus the vile. And a third sort leave it indifferent which bee nam'd. So for others applying the little Horn to the Pope; One takes it for the ex∣communication of this King, and that

Emperour; another for the deposing of such and such: Now that which I shall say to all is this, whether wee consider Kings or Kingdomes named by them, they were not any of the ten Horns: nei∣ther were they broken by a little Horn, which grew upon the fourth Beast, nor in three years and half, neither together, and at one time: Nor doth it appear by any History, that so many Horns (more nor lesse) were pluckt up by the persons na∣med by them: nor that it was the last Horn, which grew upon the fourth Beast, and another from the ten Horns.

Therefore I shall propound this to the Reader, to bee considered and weighed by him. whether England, Scotland, and Ireland, are not three kingdomes: and these three at one time (as to their Priviledges▪ Laws, Rights, Freedomes, &c.) broken? And whether this bee not done by men, who have the Characters of the last Apo∣stacy upon them; and such as call them∣selves a State and Government, but never could formally put themselves either in∣to a Kingdom or Commonwealth. And whi∣ther the time in which all this was done, were not (as probably it may be thought) neer or about the period of the forty-two

months. But it is likely some will questi∣on, whether England, Scotland, and Ire∣land, are three of the ten Horns, in the di∣vision of the Roman Empire.

To this I Answer. 1 All know that are acquainted with Histories and In∣terpreters, such difference there is a∣mong them in the enumeration of the ten Horns, whether understood of persons, or States, that nothing from them can be certainly concluded.

And therefore I may say, and as groundedly (granting there were ten dis∣stinct divisions) that England was one, Scotland another, and Ireland a third, as others who name either this or that Countrey.

But 2. My opinion is, (and so is the judgement of most) by ten, no precise and certain number is meant, but an uncer∣tain and indefinite: that is, the Roman Empire dissolved into several States and Kingdomes. And thus was England one, Scotland another, Ireland another. Nei∣ther doth the Holy Ghost (I think) in∣tend any thing further; But many Nati∣ons and Countries should withdraw from the Power of Rome, and become Indepen∣dents, free and absolute in and among

themselves. So that by ten many are un∣derstood, as it is often so in scripture. Numb. 14. 22. Job 19. 2.

Pluckt up by the rootes] The Angel ope∣ning these words▪ vers. 24. saith, hee shall subdue three Kings, Humiliabit, saith Rob. Steven, and Pagnim, bring them low, or humble them, as if hee should say three Kingdomes, which shall arise after the division of the Roman Empire (I would have the reader to consider whether these may not bee England, Scotland, and Ire∣land) being by the mighty hand of God brought off, and raised up from a great deal of Tyranny, and arbitrary Poner, under which they were enslaved, and having ob∣tained much of their ancient freedome, rights and Priviledges, and in a hopeful way to a thorow Reformation at home, and to have been instruments abroad of much good us o∣ther Nations, in suppressing Tyranny and Idolatry: Behold on a sudden out of the last Apostacy (as the bottomlesse pit) up starts the last Little Horn, who humbles them, and brings them down under the oppression and bondage wherein they were before (or rather more) hinders them in going on, in the work of Reformation, and instead of doing good to other Nations, makes these three Countries

a reproach and scorn every where.

Now howsoever this Humbling & bring∣ing down, may largely bee taken. Yet, I think the holy Ghost chiefly intends reli∣gious things, that is, this last Horn, shall be an occasion of rendring the blessed name of God, and the cause of his dear Sonne, contemptible to the World: The which before, was not onely mightily cried up and pretended to, but gloriously held forth, as a burning light, before all people and kindreds, and Tongues, and Nations.

In this Horn were eyes, like the eyes of a man] This may bee taken two wayes. 1 Of his Carnal Wisdome worldly pru∣dence, subtlety, policy, making an out∣ward shew to bee a great lover of Laws, of justice, and Equity, and the interest of the People, hereby the easier and sooner to effect his own design. That he is said to have Eyes, and no such thing mentio∣ned of the Ten; This I understand com∣paratively: For they did see, that is, they were crafty and politick, yet so, as blind to what sight this Horn shall have, in all cunning devices. Hee will exceed all that were before him, both for matter and manner of deceits; their craft was shewed, but now and then, and onely in

some of their publick affairs, and trans∣actions, they studied other things, be∣sides carnal policy, and carried on some of their Actions without deceit, simply and honestly. In a word, their Policies were but rough draughts at the belt. Whereas this Horn (whosoever hee be) will mannage none of his actions with∣out deceit, his head and heart will never bee off from studying craft, and for all his projects and contrivements, they will be most artificial works.

But 2. And this I rather take to bee the meaning. The Little Horn hath Eyes, the other none; Here is signified, that hee will, by a subtle Practice, cal'd Religi∣on; Liberty of Conscience, Gods glory the advancement of Christs kingdom, &c. set up himself, and his own Interest. A thing which the ten Horns never saw, such eyes will bee proper to this Horn: for hee shall joyn himself to the people of God, and take part with them against Tyran∣ny and Idolatry, as seeing it to bee the way for his own advantage: As the Pope, Mahomet, and others, brought their de∣signs to pass by such Eyes: to wit religious pretences.

In the same way will this Horn exalt

himself: It will not bee so much by carnal Policy and the Wisdome of this World (for in this respect the other Horns were not blinde) but hee gets power, place, and authority, another way into his hands▪ namely, by standing up, for, And with a good Interest, and so gains the hearts, and prayers of Gods people▪ and afterwards having what hee desired, turns his HORN, that is, his Power, Ar∣my, and Councel, against the holy People, and the good old Cause, by which he was first raised.

Eyes of a man] Not of an Angel, this is added, to shew, that all the time of his Saint-like carriage, and when hee appea∣red most earnestly zealous for the inter∣est of Christ and his people: like another John, his heart is not upright before the Lord, but is a very Hypocrite, even that Fool, who saith in his heart, there is no God: For under all his Protestations, Oaths, Covenants, great undertakings, &c. The Plot and Design which hee will carry on, is how to make himself, and his Family great, by the ruine of that CAUSE so much before pretended to.

In a word, that hee is said, to have Mans Eyes▪ I take the meaning thus:

This Horn shall bee a notorious Hypo∣crite, a very Atheist, a Monster, a monstrous Monster, one that shall dis∣cover more Hypocrisy, and Atheisme, (if his former and latter actions be com∣pared together) then ever was done be∣fore him, by any person upon the face of the earth.

And a mouth speaking great things] This is often mentioned. I beh••ld then▪ be∣cause of the voice of the great words which the Horn spake, vers. 11. Again, A mouth that spake very great things, vers. 20. the which is afterward explained by the Angel, He shall speak great words against the most high, vers. 25. So indeed many Interpreters read. But others Translate it otherwise, as Vatablu••, Pagnim, Mon∣tanus, Ro. Steven, &c. Men known to bee skilful in the Tongues: Not against the most high, but ex parte altissimi, Let∣zad. On the part of the Almighty: for the Most High, or in his behalf. Symma∣chus renders it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Hee shall speak as the high God, That is, his words shall be of Holiness, Righteous∣nesse, Goodness, and Truth. Though in his Actions and Practice there be no such thing. And if the matter be considered,

there is good ground for this reading. That which doth most astonish Daniel, are the words of the Little Horn.

Now there is little cause of Admirati∣on, to hear a man speak wickedly, that doth wickedly. But to see a man make warre against the Saints, weary them out, by Bonds, and Imprisonment, destroy the Laws, Liberties, and Rights, of the People, and commit all kinde of Ty∣ranny, and yet in words to Professe, hee is for God, and for the interest of Christ, and his people, and for the Priviledges, safety, and publick good of the Nation, this indeed is enough to amaze a Prophet. There∣fore as Graserus rightly observes, this Horn, is one qui impietati su••e Dei nomen pretendit, which shall pretend the name of God in all his Impieties. Hee shall not cast a Saint into Prison, but will pretend Gods glory for it. Hee shall not pluck up three Kingdomes by the roots: but will say it is for the honour of God. If hee break his Vows, Promises, Oaths, &c. Really saith hee, it is for the sake of the most high: Thus every thing hee doth, though it bee for Babylon, and the great Whore, and to keep up any base corrupt interest in the Nation, it is for Christs sake, as he saith▪

Again, the reason why the word Letzad, hath been rendred against the most high. I conceive it to bee thus, the little Horn hath been taken by Interpre∣ters, for the open professed enemie of the Truth, as Antiochus Ephiphanes, Mahomet, the Pope, &c. where as hee is a subtle Hypocrite, alwaies speaking for God, and good things, though in his Ac∣tions (if you observe him there) he shall plainly demonstrate that hee regards nei∣ther God nor goodness.

I would not have men to bee rash and heady Censurers, specially in the Appli∣cation of this little Horn. For truely I think, one of the clearest Characters of him, is set forth in this place. Whensoever this Dominion of his shall bee erected, if any complaint bee made against it, for unrighteous doings, (and for doing worse than any men did before) what will they say for excuse; ex parte altissimi, it is in the behalf of Christ, for the sake of the godly party, to prevent new warres, and effusion of bloud: Briefly all the im∣pleties and wickednesses committed a∣gainst God and man, shall bee defended this way.

And to say the truth, except it bee

this shift, they will not find a fig-leaf to cover their Nakednesse.

And here it will not be a misse to give the Reader notice, that this little Horn shall bee so famous and notorious in his day, concerning the matter here menti∣oned, that the same in scripture is often foretold. Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name sake, said, let the Lord bee glorified, &c. Isa. ••6. 5. Observe here four things.

1 This casting out must bee by a Go∣vernment, men who have gotten Power into their hands, and so are stronger than their brethren.

2 They were Brethren, either in some Church, Army, Councel, Parliament, E∣quals and Companions.

3 How unjust, and sinful soever their proceedings are against their brethren, by banishing some, or imprisoning others, &c. Gods Glory is pretended, as if all were done of Conscience, and to do God good service.

4 Though this Apostate-State, thinks to cover their Malice and Cruelty by mocking God: yet God will not bee mocked, but as hee sees their Hypocrisy and Deceit, so hee will discover it to

their everlasting shame, and the honour and comfort of the other.

This little Horn or Apostate-State, is likewise (as I take it) foretold by our Saviour. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my Lord delayeth his comming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drun∣ken▪ &c. Mat. 24 48, 49. First, this smiting must bee understood (as I said before) of persons that have gotten power into their hands, and so exercise tyranny by autho∣rity. 2 They are fellow-servants. All pro∣fessors of the Gospel, the persecutors have a form of Godlinesse, as the sufferers have both form and Power. 3 That the wicked servant, smites his fellows, he pre∣tends, Justice, Conscience▪ and necessity for it: For so I take the sence: as if hee should say: I acknowledge Jesus Christ to bee your Lord, and mine, and do expect his comming as well as you, and that hee shall bee the onely Potentate, King of Kings. and Lord of Lords, have all power and Dominion given him: notwithstanding seeing it will bee a long while before that time comes, and you would perswade the peo∣ple that day is at hand, whereby occasion is given of warres and Commotions, and to

have my Dominion (as the LITTLE HORN) taken away and consumed: these things I cannot suffer, as being against the honour of God, and the good of his people; and therefore must correct such persons as disturbers of our present Government.

4 Notwithstanding the specious pre∣tences of this wicked servant, as if hee did not smite his fellow-servants, but out of tenderness and Conscience to the glory of God: yet this, all the while apparently shall bee seen in him, that hee eats and drinks with the drunken, all the vices and sinnes which Paul reckons up of the Last-Apostates, are as visibly to bee seen in him, as was the Leprosy in Gehezies forehead.

For the close of this Character: it seems to mee that Isa. 66. 5. and Mat. 24. 48. with the little Horn, Dan. 7. and the last Apostacy, 2 Tim. 3. are parallel Texts of Scripture-prophesies.

His looks were more stout then his fel∣ows] If this Character had been well minded, William the Conqueror, Charls Stuart, and the like, had never been pitch upon: For it is expresly said, that this Horn must bee stouter than any of the ten.

I shall open the words in three things.

1 Howsoever wee read of many stout Horns among the Ten, which were very Tyrants, and for their oppression and cruelty, some of them were deposed, o∣thers banished; some imprisoned; some put to death (as Charls Stewart in our time) yet hee cannot bee the little Horn, who doth not in an arbitrary and lawless way exceed them all, how tyrannical soever their Government was. And therefore unlesse wee see a State, that hath more violated and broken the Laws of the Nation, destroyed the priviled∣ges of Parliaments, and Rights of the People, more than ever Charls Stewart did, yea than ever was done since the Conquest, or since the rise of the Beast; the Holy Ghost acquits it here from being the little Horn. Nay, I say more (for God forbid, I should condemn the righ∣teous) if since the rise of the Ten Horns, it can appear that for plucking up by the roots, the Laws, Liberties, and Free∣dome of the people, and ruling accord∣ing to will and lust, there hath been done, by any of the Ten, what hath been done in our Time, wee are not yet come, (I speak as I think) to the daies of the lit∣tle Horn.

2 That hee is said to have his looks sto••••ter then his fellows, here I think the spirit of God, intends the likenesse be∣tween the heads of the two Apostacies▪ how stout the first was, wee have shew∣ed; now much more might be added. As thus

a 1.1 No man (saith hee) must dispute or doubt of my actions.b 1.2 Those that will not obey my Decrees are to be dispossessed, and sequestred of all Honours and Estates with∣out restitution.c 1.3 My power is greater than all created powers.d 1.4 I can aispense with Laws, Vows, Oaths, Covenants, &c.e 1.5 What I say that must bee reverenced and received for Truth.f 1.6 And whosoever speaketh against it, is forthwith an Heretick, yea, a very Pagan, a Witch, an I do later, an Infidel.g 1.7 In a word, I cannot bee judged by any Prince or Prelate upon the Earth. Neque ab omn bus simul in Concilio congregatis, not by all the Princes and Prelates in the world, though in Councel together.h 1.8 And such as I take to bee my enemies, others are to take their enemies, and forthwith to withdraw from them, and not so much as to look upon them.

I would have all men very carefull whom they make the Little Horn: For

I am perswaded, what person soever he shall bee, for Stoutnesse, hee will bee like the head of the first Apostacy, that is, what the former hath said, the latter will attempt to do.

3 It is observed by some Expositors; that in verse 8. there is no mention made of his Stunt looks. But afterward, verse 20. Hence they conceive, that hee will bee worse at last, than at the beginning, grow more fierce and tyrannous against the interest of Christ, and his people, towards his end, than hee was before: Indeed Evil men and seaue••rs shall wax worse and worse, 2 Tim. 3. 13.

And the same Horn made war with the Saints, and prevailed against them ••] As the Characters of this Horn are proper to him: so in opening each particular, if the meaning of the spirit bee understood, wee must finde out such things to bee done by him, as were not done before by any other. Touching this war.

1 The ground of it will bee (as hath been said) about Christs interest and right to the Kingdome: For in the dayes of this Horn, the Saints will bee raised up very high in bearing witnesse for the son of David, against the Rulers of the

World, that the Time is at hand▪ in which all their Power and Dominion, shall bee taken from them. But more especially, will they stand up against the Horn, as taking him to be the little Horn, and the first Enemy that must bee de∣stroyed (as the subject of the first vial) and the greatest obstructer to the work of the last times, in execnting the vengance of the Lord, and of his Temple upon Babylon; whereupon hee will use all the Policy and Power hee hath (to keep his body from the burning flame) by perse∣cuting the Saints many ways, in appear∣ing thus for the Lamb.

That such a Controversy shall be be∣fore Christs Personal comming is mani∣fest. But those my enemies which would not that I should reign over them, bring hi∣ther and slay them before wee, Luk. 19. 27. I know the place is usually interpreted of Christs spiritual reigning in the hearts of Beleevers: But the scope and series of the Parable carries it otherwise, read vers. 11. 12. and foreward. The mean∣ing I take thus, towards the end of the forty two months, in the three years and half, the dispute will grow high about Christs visible Kingdome: Some will

assert it, others oppose it, and here be∣ginnes the warre between the Horn and the Saints, which was never before in the world.

2 Though the warre bee raised upon this occasion, yet will the Horn so palli∣ate the same with pious pretences, as it may well have the name of the Holy War. For here the Persecutors, Smiters of their Brethren, and who cast them out••t these must bee Saints, and the well affected, and the good people: And they that are imprisoned, banished, and overcome, these Malignants, Traitors, Fools, Beasts, not worthy to live in Church or Com∣mon-wealth. So that for Hypocrisy, the like was never shewed before.

3 For this, War, I••o not conceive, that the Saints shall come forth into the field, and fight the little Horn, and so bee over∣come by him; For till his three years and half are expired, The Lord of Hosts will not muster the Host of the battle against him. But by making warre is meant, hee shall oppresse them many wayes, for bearing witnesse to Christs Kingdome, against his power and standing. See Jam. 4. 1.

Quest. But why is it called a war, if

nothing bee more intended, than the Horn persecuting the Saints, they making no resistance.

I answer, the Holy Ghost (I conceive) calls it a making war, because this Horn shall have his greatest aid, and help by an Army; These kinde of men will principally do his Commands against the Saints, bee they never so unrighteous and cruel. For other men in Civil pla∣ces, as they will not care to serve him in such a way, so hee will not make use of them as of Souldiers under him. These will bee most for his turn, whether it bee to banish, or imprison, or to put a Saint to death.

Truely for this Reason (I think) though the Saints are meer Patients, yet it is cal∣led a war. To signifye if it bee this little Horn: Then 1 The instruments which he shall chiefly imploy against Gods peo∣ple will bee Army-men. 2 His Souldi∣ers will bee so degenerate and mercina∣ry, as they will not spare any of the Lords pretious ones, but whomsoever hee bids them, to banish, imprison, mur∣der: they will do it, though they know no offence or fault they have commit∣ted. Reader, the Application is thy part.

And prevailed against them] How this is done is shewed, chap. 12. 7. hee shall scatter the Power of the Holy people: the which place hath reference to Moses words: when hee sees their Power is gone, Deut. 32. 36. Not onely may the slay∣ing of the Witnesses bee here meant: but this Horn shall proceed and prosper so farre in this war, as all hope will bee ta∣ken away from Christs cause ever to rise again. I shall give the Reader my thoughts of the thing. As the darkest time of the Night, is about the dawning, so a little before the expiration of the three years and half: The interest of Christ and his People will bee at the lowest ebb, and the Horn-State at the highest spring of glory and greatnesse: For the Lord shall judge his people, and re∣pent himself for his servants, when he see∣eth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up or left. Thus Moses and Da∣niel, speak of one thing, that the Horn will not bee to the height of his persecu∣tion, till his body bee ready to bee given to the burning flame, and therefore who∣soever shall live under his Dominion, must expect that hee will bee most fierce and cruel, when the period and end

of his time is come.

And shall wear (or tire) out the Saints, of the most high] Here wee have the An∣gels explanation of the words before, how hee shall prevail, namely, weary out the Saints, that is▪ by keeping some of them under bonds and banishment, as thinking thereby to yre them out, and so com∣pel them to deny Christ, as himself had done before.

Others by poverty and outward wants being forced to leave their former im∣ployment, and maintenance, that they might not be partakers of his sins. Re. 13. 16, 17.

This makes mee think, that the Lord will not suffer him to shed much bloud: for howsoever hee will not fear God nor man, and bee most wrathsul, specially towards the end of his time: Neverthe∣lesse, hee shall but fulfil the Councell and purpose of God (as did Pharoah, Ju∣das, Herod, and Pontius P••late) that is, not put the Saints to death, but •• eary them out; no further (or very little) shall hee go, in spight of his Stont looks.

But again, they are not onely Saints, but of the most high; which seems to im∣port that some Saints shal do well enough

under this Horn: as to their peace, liber∣ty, and worldly enjoyments; onely those who are (not for him but) for the most High, he will make war against. And in this, his Hypocrisy, and other wickedness, will bee ••he lesse seen and noted. In honouring some Professors of Religion: promoting them to great pla∣ces and offices in his Councel, Army, Colledges, and making them his familiar friends, such I mean as will have fellow∣ship with him in the works of darknesse, and justifie his unrighteous wayes. howsoever in the mean time, hee shall persecute others, who are in truth, and really for the cause and interest of Christ.

I would have the Reader likewise to observe this, as a special thing whereby to know the time of the Little Horn. There will bee then two sorts of Saints▪ the one hee will hate, the other seem to love: the one he will take into his Palace, the other cast into Prison: the one shall be raised from one degree of preserment to another, the other thrown out of all. And the Reason is▪ because the former are Saints of the most high: The latter are not, according to the meaning of the text: The former like Moses will esteem the re∣proach

of Christ, greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: The latter like De∣mas, will imbrace the present world: and not care what becomes of the King∣dome of the most high, so they may reign as Kings themselves in Pomp, Pride, and Pleasure, &c. with the HORN.

And think to change times and Laws] To know what is here meant, it must bee observed, what the Holy Ghost speaks of this Horn, as to bee his great work and businesse: and this is set down in two things: viz. making warre against the Saints of the most high, and plucking up by the roots three Kingdomes: so that as he takes twosorts of people for his great∣est enemies. The fift Monarchy-men, and the Common-wealth-men: so hee is fallen upon a design, whereby he thinks to keep up his Power and Dominion, in spight of both Parties: that it, by changing times and Laws: where note, how in the first hee shews himself a very Atheist: in the latter, a deep Polititian. We will speak of both distinctly.

By Times in this place, I understand the set Time, in which the father hath promised to give his son, and the Saints with him, the Kingdome and Dominion,

and the greatnesse of the Kingdome, under the whole heaven, Psal. 102. 13. Isa. 14. 31. Hab. 2. 3. Rev. 10. 6, 7, and 22. 10. Dan. 8. 19. and 10. 1. and 11. 27, 29, 35. As the Israelites after four hundred and thirty years were set free from the Egyptian bondage. And afterward delivered from the Captivity of Babylon, the seventy years, being expired. So the forty two months, and the one thousand two hundred and sixty dayes, and the three years and half being sulfilled, it is Gods purpose to begin the deliverance of his people from Tyrants, and Oppressours, and to make them his battle Axe, and rod of his strength to break the Image to peices, and take the King∣dome, Dan. 7. 18. Now the little Horn, reading such prophesies, and what great things are promised the Saints, after a Time, Times, and dividing of time, and when three dayes and an half are ended. And perceiving what encouragement some take from such places, as intending to follow the call of God, when that Ap∣pointed time shall come. What doth he I (not beleeving the holy Prophesies▪) bee thinks to change the Times: that is, wher∣as after three years and half, the Saints make account the Times will bee Christs

and Theirs, he on the contrary THINKS, to have it his still▪ and to continue the Lit∣tle Horn, as he was before; Yea, and to have his son a Horn, after his decease.

That the Reader may clearly under∣stand, what my meaning is, This I think. When the dayes of the Little Horn are almost expired: the Wise shall understand, that hee is the Horn, and God will put in their hearts to fulfill his Will up∣on him, which is to take away his Domini∣on, to consume it, and to destroy it unto the End, Dan. 7. 26. This being perceived by him, hee shall perswade himself to frustrate what the Scriptures testify, and the Saints beleeve concerning him, by some crafty devises which he hath thought upon.

As Herod (a Type of this Horn) when hee heard of the birth of the King of the Jews, gathered all the chief Priests, and Scribes of the people together, to know of them where hee should be born. Though hee intended onely the death of the Holy Child Jesus: yet hee seeks to know, what the Scriptures had foretold of the place and time; And why so; to change the time, that is, to make void the Councel of God. The like may be done

by the Little Horn: being Troubled to hear, that Christ is appearing against him, to take away his Dominion, hee ga∣thers the Priests and Scribes together, and inquires of them about the Time: who can inform him, (some of them at Least) that after three years and half, the Horn must bee destroyed: what doth hee now? Thinking to change the Time, hee doth all that hee can, by power and craft to escape the revenging hand of God.

Again, it is worth the noting, though the chief Priests and Scribes, had not the Grace, to go with the Wise men unto Christ, yet had they so much knowledge in the Scriptures, as they could tell the Tyrant, the place where hee should bee born, whereby to further his bloudy de∣sign.

So some Ministers of the last Apostacy, by the light which they have of the Pro∣phesies of the Last Times, may bee able to inform the Horn, when his three years and half are ended, and yet remain still with him, and not go forth with the Wise to follow the Lamb.

Quest. How will hee think to change the Times, that it may not bee Christs

time, but His after the three years and an half are expired.

Answ. My opinion is, these three wayes.

1 As the Saints of the most high will rise in their Testimony against him (es∣pecially about the Time of his End:) So on the other hand, hee will ingage, re∣volted Professours, to appear for him more than they did, in justifying his Government and wayes: aspersing their Dissenting Brethren, to speak things, of spight, ignorance, Preposterous zeal, and what will they have? men may be as good as they will, &c. And thus getting the Apostates every where to cry him up, for a Nursing Father, and his Government, the prop and pillar of Religion, he will think to change the times.

As a little before Israels deliverance out of Egypt, Moses and the Magitia••s had a sore conflict; and the like between Elias and Baals Priests, a little before they were put to death▪ So I conceive, a little before his Dominion is taken from him, the Controversy will grow high between the Witnesses of Christ, and Apostates, on whose side the Truth is.

2 Hee will scatter the Power of the ho∣ly people, grow so high in Pride and Stout∣nesse, neer his end, that it shall seem their Power is gone, and there is none shut up or left. So farre shall hee prevail a∣gainst the remnant of the womans seed; that having before stain the witnesses, hee shall think there are none left, either in pri∣son, or out of Prison, to take away his Dominion, and cast his body to the burning flames, when the three years and half are expired. As the scum and drosse is wi∣ped off, and thrown into the fire, when it hath spread it self over the Pot, and no∣thing of the liquor seen: so the destructi∣on of this Horn will bee, when he thinks hee hath the cause of Christ down under him, and no appearance or sight thereof is left, Psal. 119. 119.

But lastly, Hee thinks to change the Times by his Army: And indeed his greatest hope will bee in this.

For first, The Army must bee purg'd, that is to say, not a conscientious Soul∣dier left in it, specially an Officer: not a Man if known that his Principles are for smiting the Image. Secondly, Such mer∣cinary fellows shall bee raked together▪ as like the Turkish Janazaries, and Spanish

slaves in the Indies, they will serve his turn in any thing. As those Bloud-suck∣ers which are applied to mens bodies. Wheresoever they are laid (be the place well or ill) there they stick, and do the work they are applied for: So the Soul∣diers of this Horn, whatsoever they are Commanded, that they will do, bee the party good or bad, sick or sound, all is one to them: The will and Lust of their great Master shall bee obeyed, though it bee against the expresse Law of God.

3 Their main businesse is now, to hunt after the Saints of the most high, break their meetings, and imprison such as they think might promote the interest of Christ, and his people, against the Little Horn, had they liberty. Fourthly, it is pro∣bable hee will cause his souldiers to take away from some of the Fift Mo∣narchy-men, their Armes, and Weapons, not leave them a Sword, Musket, Pistol, Pike, &c. it may bee not a Horse, nor Money to buy them bread: And hav∣ing done all this, now hee thinks (and hath hee not reason for it) he hath chang∣ed the Times.

It is observed by some, when Ahab was told by the Prophet, that the Lord

would bring evil upon him, and cut off his posterity, 1 King. 21. 21. that hee takes more Wives and Concubines, and begets no lesse than seventy Sons, 2 King. 10. 1. Thinking thereby either to have preven∣ted what the Lord had threatned, or to make him the more work: So the Horn understanding, that his Power and Do∣minion is to bee destroyed: now hee will bestir himself: devising and practising all hee can, either to cross the Lords de∣cree against him (change the Time,) or put him hard to it. Thus vain man would be wise, though man bee born like a wild asses colt. Job 11. 12.

For the other particular: Wee are to consider 1 What is meant by Laws? 2 How he thinks to change them?

Quest. What are these Laws which he thinks to change?

Answ. 1 That Form of Government, which was established before, and to which the People had submitted and en∣gaged to maintain. This I think is meant by changing the Laws, the abroga∣ting of that kinde of Government, which by the Legislative Power of the Nation, was ordained, and the good people every where had consented to.

2 A change in all Fundamentals. As to that Power, and Right which is in the people, to chuse their▪ own Representatives, and the Priviledges of Parliaments. These two things hee will pluck up by the roots, viz. take away from people and Parli∣aments, their power and priviledges: and assume all to himself: yea, so Arbytrary and Lawlesse will hee bee herein, that never a Tyrant before him (governing the Nations where hee shall bee) ever durst to attempt the like. And so much the Reader is to observe: For my minde gives mee, whosoever doth not this, hee is not the little Horn in Daniel. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righ∣teous do? Psal, 11. 3.

3 Such laws as were made for every indi∣vidual person, wherby every private man before had ways and means to help him∣self in case of wrong and oppression, whe∣ther it concern'd his person or Estate: But these hee will make void, and in∣stead thereof his Will shall be for a Law, as to imprison and banish whom he will, and keep them there as long as hee will: And to take mens Goods and Estates from them, when, and how much hee pleaseth: So that onely his will, and

nothing else shall be a Law for men to walk by, and trust to, neither will they have any other defence (whiles this Horn raigns) to preserve themselves and fami∣lies from ruine.

Quest. But how doth hee think thus to change the Laws?

Answ. 1 Ex parte altissimi, in the be∣half of God, as following providence and necessity, and that he could do no other∣wise, to preserve the Nations in Peace: Especially the godly party, and tender Consciences, who above all earthly things hee hath a fatherly care of. And this will bee (in the time of the Horn) the greatest plea among Apostates. How much it concern'd the honour of God, and the interest of Christ, and his people, to take away from the People their Power, and from Parliaments their ancient Pri∣viledges: Remove foundations, lay the Law aside, and Rule by Will and Lust, leave the People nothing to help them∣selves from violence and wrong, in re∣spect of their Persons, or Estates: yea, the Impudence of Turn-Coats and Hypocrites at this time will bee such▪ that whosoever grieves and Complains because the Laws are changed, shall bee branded for Ma∣lignants,

men that seek themselves, and are discontented because the Power is not in their hands.

2 Whereas it is said hee will change Laws, the meaning seems to bee, when hee hath laid the former aside, hee will (to use the Scripture phrase) Invent to himself the INSTRƲMENT of a foolish shepheard: stuff up some thing (as Michal did the Bolster with goats-hair) and lay it in the place of the other. Not that hee shall think what hee hath done, is worth any thing (for he will laugh at it himself, and before the three years and half are expired, call it all to nought) But as men to quiet fools and children, when they have taken good things from them, put a bable or trifle into their hands: So it is some BABLE or Trifle▪ which hee will give the People: of pur∣pose (as Children and fools) to still them and that they may not cry after the GOOD OLD LAWS which hee hath ta∣ken from them.

3 My Opinion is (when this Horn shall reign) in changing the Law, he will do as D. Alva did, chuse a Councel. And in this hee will be very subtle, as taking the per∣sons (whom hee will have to be of his

Councel) out of several sects and parties. It may bee from the Anabaptists one, from the Independents two or three, and so from the Presbyterians, and Cavileers, more or lesse.

By which means hee makes account that his changing of the Law: will be the sooner allowed by all sides and sects.

4 In this change of the Law, he will make use of Corrupt Lawyers: a thing ea∣sy to bee done (for I verily think when this Horn shall rule, there will bee few Lawyers but as rotten as dirt) These Wretches and Traitours to God and their Country (to have preferment and places under him, and to keep up old rotten Customes and Corruptions in the Law) will bend their tongue like their bow for lyes: Countenance him, and go along with him, in the worst o•• his Acti∣ons, contrary to all Law, and against their Knowledge, and Conscience, and Oathes which they had often taken. To this might bee added, what a watchful Eye the Horn will have on such, as shall appear for Laws and Freedome of their poor Countrey, not onely thrust them out of place and practice, but imprison them, and possibly more too (when that time

is) before it do expire. But

5 And Lastly, as no People have had their Laws changed, and an Arbytrary Power set over them, and so enslaved to the unlimited Commands of some men, but it hath been by the Power of the sword: so questionlesse, whatsoever this Horn shall do, he will do it by an Army, which will readily put in execution all his Or∣ders and Appointments, bee they never so unreasonable, illegal, and unjust, as was said before.

It is said of Christs enemy, Mat. 13. 25. that he sowed Tares among the wheat: Hee pluckt not up the wheat, though he mixed his Tares with it. But this Horn doth worse: For though other Tyrants before him, sowed Tares, that is, brought in many things which were Arbytrary, and Illegal: yet they pluckt not up the Wheat: but this MIGHTY MAN will not leave any good Corn standing: no∣thing but his bitter Tares for the people to feed upon.

But for all this, the Holy Ghost tells us, he doth but think to change Times, and Laws: for no such think indeed can hee do. But like a man in his sleep, dreams hee hath great things, and when

hee awakes findes it altogether otherwise. So will his actions bee, hee builds Cas∣tles in the Air, promiseth a great deal to himself, but hee that sits in heaven, do••h laugh him to scorn, and will scatter this proud Horn in the imagination of his heart. So that in the three years and half, nothing is done for him (as to the chang∣ing of Laws and times, though his own creatures bee imployed in the work, read Psalm 52. and 75. Exod. 15. 9, 10. as ap∣pliable to this.

That it was no more but Thinking in respect of changing the Times, will appear by and by, when wee come to speak of his End. Neither will it bee more than thinking, in respect of changing Laws: For never shall he bee able to establish his Government: nor will any of his Acts or Ordinances (made by him in the three years and half) bee acknowledged for LAW, when that short time is expired, but thrown out as things execrable and a∣bominable.

This too, is very considerable; how∣soever the main work of the Horn, in the three years and half, will bee about his own interest, how to secure himself and settle the Government of the three Pro∣••ince••

(which hee hath pluckt up by the roots) in his own Family, yet shall his Dominion bee taken from him, before any thing is perfected. So that hee is but a THINKER and DREAMER at most: Nothing shall hee bring to pass for his own turn and purpose. Thus shall the Scriptures bee fulfilled in him. A man shall not bee established by wickednesse, Prov. 12. 3. The expectation of the wicked shall perish, Prov. 10. 28. The wicked shall fall by his own wickednesse, Prov. 11. 5. The house of the wicked shall bee overthrown. Prov. 14. 11. The Lord will destroy the house of the Proud, Prov. 15. 25. An inhe∣ritance may bee gotten hastily at the begin∣ning: But the end thereof shall not bee bles∣sed, Prov. 20. 21.

And they shall bee given into his hand] This may be meant

1 Of God, by whose sufferance the Horn shall prosper, yea take root and grow as the Prophet saith, Jer. 12. 2. and so doubts not, but to bring to pass all his de∣signes in respect of changing both Times, and Laws.

2 They shall bee given him by men, viz: the Apostates of that time: And these the most eminent and heads of the people,

whether Ministers, Magistrates, Lawyers, Souldiers. It was told David, that Ahi∣tophel was among the Conspirators with Absolom. Hee had but one Ahitophel with him, this Horn will have many, sut∣tle and crafty foxes. But I wish them a better end. So then by this giving, is signi∣fied, that he will plead Right to his Domi∣nion and Government, as appointed thereto by God and man, no Intruder or Usur∣per: neither in attempting to change times and Laws, doth he more, then he hath war∣rant and ground for it.

I would have this likewise to be heed∣ed: whosoever this Horn is, hee will plead hard for the lawfulnesse of his power, as Given by God and man into his hand. How∣soever in truth, hee receives it from Gods only permissively. As a Theif may take a purse from men by force and fraud.

Thus I have done with the Little Horn as to his Action: That which follows is his suffering. Thus the Spirit of God gives us a full history of his life and death. In his end and punishment wee may consi∣der. 1 The Time. 2 The Author. 3 The Instrument. 4 The Judgement it self. And lastly, How and in what manner. Some thing I will speak

(though briefly) to each particular.

For the Time] It will be immediately upon the expiration of the three years and half. Though the Lord did not shorten the term of his peoples abode in Egypt (viz. four hundred and thirty years, Fxod. 12. 41.) nor their seventy years captivity in Babylon, but let it run out to a day: yet being out, hee presently delivered them according to his promise: So the little Horn shall have his full time of three years and half (bearing date from the day he was constituted a Horn) but no more may hee expect, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Bee silent O all flesh before the Lord: for hee is raised up out of his holy habitation, Zach. 2. 13. This Time contemporises with the womans second comming out of the wil∣dernesse, Rev. 12. 14. and the rising of the witnesses, Rev. 11. 11. and with that set Time in the Prophet, Psal. 102. 13. So likewise, Rev. 16. 1. And I heard a great voice out of the Temple, saying to the seven Angels, go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God, upon the earth. And the first went and poured out his vial upon the earth, &c.

It is an Allusion to Souldiers, who

are ready to charge and fight the enemy, but do it not till they have the word of Command. So Gods people will bee prepared for the work, before the years bee expired. But as no word of Com∣mand will bee given them to go out, till then: so they will wait (as a people prepared for the Lord) untill that time shall come.

But howsoever by the Scriptures we may know the beginning of this judge∣ment, yet how long the time will bee in the execution, that is not certain; but probably a very short time, yet so, as gra∣dually. First, A dawning, and afterwards the light more and more appearing.

2 For the Time, The Little Horn is to bee destroyed before the other ten. I beheld till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame, As concerning the rest of the Beasts, they had their Dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and Time, Dan. 7. 11. 12. The meaning I take to bee thus. The Term of the ten Horns do expire with the little Horn; and in that respect, their Dominion is said to bee taken away: yet their lives were prolonged: that is, their Power and Government is not

to bee broken to pieces, till the little Horn bee first consumed. Hence it is that the little Horn or State-Apostacy, (for I tak it to bee all one) is the subject of the first vial, as I have shewed and pro∣vedelsewhere. (see the Book Truth with Time.)

Quest. But why is the little Horn to be destroyed before the other ten?

Answ. 1 As the Israelites overthrew Moah and Ammon (Lots posterity and neer of kin to them) because they sought to hinder them from going into the good Land, to fight the Lords Battles a∣gainst the Kings of Canaan. So this Horn (by profession a brother) in that hee will hinder the Saints of the most high, from going forth against Babylon, and the Kings of the earth, it is a righ∣teous thing with God that hee should fall first by the hands of the mighty O••es, Isa. 63. 1, 2, 3, 6. I take the meaning thus, The Lord will smite Edom first, that is, false brethren and Apostates, and after∣ward tread down other people in his anger.

2 This Horn and latter Apostacy, is a luke warm State, neither hot nor cold, and therefore the Lord will spue it out of his

mouth, not cold because it hath a form of godlinesse, not hot, because it denies the power of it.

A thing offensive to the Stomack can∣not bee born, but a man will bee rid of it as soon as may bee. When the forty two months are ended, the Horn will bee destroyed first: And no marvel▪ for hee is more offensive and odious to God than the rest (I would thou wert cold or hot) and therefore the Lord will ease himself of this Enemy, as one that hee cannot bear, nor suffer to have his life prolonged, as the other Ten.

And here Gods order in pouring out the last Vials is to bee noted: he will not begin with Spain, France, Germany, &c. But with the little Horn; Neither may wee reckon any warre past, or to come, to bee the war of the Lamb against the ten Kings, Rev. 17. 14. or the smiting of the Image, Dan. 2. or rewarding Babylon, Rev. 18. 5, 6. till this Horns Dominion bee taken away, and utterly consumed. Not ob∣serving this, great mistakes have been a∣bout former warres, in bringing them under the Vials, as the Sweden, English, Holland, to the second, third, and fourth vials. Whereas to mee it seems clear by

Scripture, the first thing which will bee done in fulfilling the Prophecys of the last times (I speak of warre) is the cutting off of this Horn, and nothing will bee done against Babylon and the ten Kings (as the proper work which the hundred forty and four thousand, and the called chosen, and faithful shall bee put upon) till this thing be done.

2 For the Author of his judgement? It is God and Christ, as appears Dan. 7. 9, 10, 11, and afterward more briefly, vers. 26. But the judgement shall sit. That this Horn, by a divine judicatory, is to have his dominion taken from him, and his body given to the burning flame: there are ma∣ny memorable things in it.

1 Here is shewed, that the Lord will give him no more time, nor bee patient any longer, neither suffer him to pro∣ceed any further in his Tyranny, and Hypocrisy, but set all his former sins be∣fore his face, and tear him in peeces, and there shall bee none to deliver him. He thought to have gone beyond his time, yea, and God too, but now vengeance hath reached him, notwithstanding all his former cunning shifts in hope to have prevented it. Lo this is the man that made

not God his strength, but trusteth in the a∣bundance of his riches, and strengthneth himself in his wickednesse, Psal. 52. 7. and 9. 6, 7. and 94. 20.

2 That the Lord from his Throne judg∣eth him. Here is signified, what God is about to do: viz. destroy Tyrants and all unrighteousnesse of men, and to esta∣blish Peace and Righteousnesse in the earth: And indeed now is the way made for it, and never the like before in the World. Open yee the gates, that the righ∣teous Nation which keepeth the Truth may enter in, Isa. 26. 2. This lest Horn, or A∣postacy, kept shut the gates of righteousnesse: Other Nations because of him, could not come into the wayes of Truth, therefore he that loveth Righteousnesse, and hateth Wickednesse, brings him before his Throne, and cuts him off for a worker of iniquity, Psal. 45. 6, 7. & 79. 2.

3 This shews, that the Saints in taking away his Dominion, and casting his body to the burning flame, shall therein do no more but what is just and right, and what ought to be done. No man can justly blame an Officer for putting in executi∣on the just sentence of a lawful Judge: But the judgement shall sit. Though Hypo∣crites,

and Apostates may cry out a∣gainst them of cruelty, and self revenge, when they shall see the Horn trampled under their feet like dirt: his Abetters and Followers bound in Chains and Fet∣ters of iron, and made exemplary to the World, for causing the name of God and his Truth to bee blasphemed: yet will they bee faultlesse in all this before the Throne of God: for they onely exe∣cute the judgement written; for his banish∣ing and imprisoning of the Saints, he had neither the Law of God nor Man for it; but what is done to him, is from the throne Psal. 89. 14.

4 Here likewise is signified what know∣ledge and light, Saints shall have, in pou∣ring out the vial upon him, and how free they will bee in that work. It grieves Officers many times, and troubles their Consciences, to do what they are com∣manded about punishing of others. But here will lye no scruple in the way: for the Judgement shall s••, they shall certain∣ly know it is the mind and will of the Lord that they should do so. The ser∣vants of the Horn, when they persecuted the Saints, knew indeed, therein they pleased him, but not the Lord. It will

now bee quite otherwise, they who de∣stroy the Horn, will know they please God, though not him.

5 This shews how impossible it is for the Horn to escape destruction, when the three years and an half are ended. As a Malefactor being condemned at the Bar, and delivered up into the Executioners hand, hath small hope to br••ak away from him. So this Horn (his time being out) as a condemned person in the Court o Heaven is given up to the Saints of the most High, and they shall take away his Dominion, &c. Now i•• he can get out of their hands let him.

6 That hee hath his judgement from the throne, It denotes, in what an amazement, and fright the Apostates will be round a∣bout him, as having neither Hope nor Heart to stand any longer by him. Who will dare attempt the rescuing of a Mur∣derer or Theif, being by the judge∣ment of the Court delivered over to the Executioner. THE JUDGEMENT SHALL SIT. It is said verse 11. His body shall bee given to the burning flame. Men flye from fire: If a House be burning, and in a flame, who will venture to run into the burning flame to fetch out the

richest Treasure. It will bee here with the Horns confederates, as it is said of the Merchants of Babylon. They shall stand a farre off, for the fear of his torment, weeping and wailing, and saying alas, a∣las, that great Apostacy, and head of it, that was cloathed in fine linen, and purple, and Scarlet, and decked with gold, and pretious stones, and pearles: For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. Of this Horn and Apostacy, given to the burn∣ing flame, and what dreadful terrour it will cause among the Apostates: The Prophet speaks, The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulnesse hath surprised the Hy∣pocrites: who among us shall dwell with de∣vouring fire? who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? Isa. 33. 14. when the earth opened and swallowed up Ko∣ra••h, Dathan, and Abiram, it is said, all Israel that were round about them, fled at the cry of them, for they said, lest the earth swallow us up also, Numb. 16. 34. That the Horn hath his judgement from so glorious a Throne: Read Dan. 7. 9, 10, 11. No doubt is signifyed, that his destruc∣tion will bee so terrible, strange, and un∣heard of, as those neer him will bee at their wits end, striving who can bee

farthest off, Revel. 11. 13.

7 And Lastly, That the Horn is thus judged: it is to shew how the Lord will acquit his innocent servants, from all the false aspersions of Apostates formerly raised against them. In the dayes of the Horns reign, how were the faithful ser∣vants of Christ abused, called Traitors, Beasts, Devils: thrown into Prison, and scattered every where; for witnessing a∣gainst their Hypocrisy, Apostacy, Cove∣nant breaking, and nothing thought bad enough to inflict upon them. But the judgement shall sit. Now it shall bee dis∣cerned between the Righteous and the Wicked, who were sincere, and on the Lords side, and who were dissemblers, and sought onely themselves and their own interest. Now as Jannes and Jambres with stood Moses; so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall pro∣ceed no further: For their folly shall bee manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 2 Tim. 3. 8, 9. But how was the folly of Jannes, and Jambres made manifest? I Answer, when they could not do with their enchantments as Moses did, but were forc't to confesse unto Pharoah, This is the

finger of God, Exod. 8. 18, 19. And when they could not stand before Moses, because of the boils, chap. 9. 11. So shall their folly be manifest (hee means directly the last A∣postates) their spiritual inchantments shall fail them, and Gods stroke will lve (like a boil) so heavy upon them, as they shall bee forc't to say, wee have been Apos∣tates, and plaid the Hypocrits, and these that witnessed against us, kept the Commande∣ments of God, and had the testimony of Je∣sus Christ.

Wee come now to the next particular; namely, the instruments, by whose hand the Lord will destroy him. It is said, they shall take away his dominion, to consume it, and destroy it unto the end, Dan. 7. 26. Ob∣serve here, it must bee taken from him, hee will not freely give it up. As theeves, and pirates, having by unjust ways taken great bootys, will not let them go, unless by a stronger party, they are forc't from them. By the word (they) Saints are meant, vers. 18. And particularly I take it to bee the Angel, which shall pour out the first vial, Rev. 16. 2. under that Angel are specially comprehended, such who before witnessed against his Apostacy; and Tyranny, and suffered under him, for

their testimony, Isa. 14. 2. and 33. 1. Ezek. 39. 10. As Gideon with three hun∣dred men, broke the Hosts of the Midia∣rites, and others afterward came in to them, and pursued the enemy, and so obtained a full and perfect victory: Thus some may beginne the work, and then o∣thers fall in with it, till his Power and Government bee utterly destroyed.

Quest. But shall none but Saints, bee used as instruments, to execute Gods judgement upon him?

Answ. Some indeed think so, and give these Reasons. 1 This honour have all his Saints, Psal. 149. 9. as if this were their priviledge alone, to execute the judge∣ment written: the which relates (say they) unto the Vials.

2 If the hundred forty and four thou∣sand, Rev. 14. 1. do take in the whole number which the Lord will imploy a∣gainst the Dominion of the Beast, Civil, and Ecclesiastical, then it must follow, that Saints onely shall destroy him. But the first is clear, and cannot bee denyed. Ergo, &c.

3 They read no where in scripture, that Christ will take any Instruments with him, to execute his last plagues upon the

Kingdomes of the World, but holy persons, neither are wicked men, in any place so much as once named, Psal. 149. 5, 6. 7. ••sa. 13. 3. Dan. 7. 18. Joel 3. 11. Rev. 17. 14. Psal. 110. 2. Psal. 50. 5.

4 The work it self, (they think) will not admit of any but Saints. For, First, It is to destroy all manner of ungodliness and unrighteousnesse in persons and things. Secondly, It shall bee done fully and faithfully, not by halves, and haltingly, as things formerly were, which cannot bee so, if prophane persons should bee used. Thirdly, The work is pro∣perly Christs and for Christ, that hee a∣lone may bee exalted, and therefore ve∣ry unlikely it is that hee will bee behold∣en to his Enemies for it. Fourthly, It is a work that requires spiritual principles: neither can it bee done without Faith, which wicked men have not. Thus some.

Howsoever I do agree with these men. that the Kingdome-work shall bee in the hands of Saints, and by them managed, and carried on: And therefore called the Warre of the Lamb.

Yet two things are to bee minded.

1 Though they shall all have (I think)

the Characters of visible Saints, yet not all alike: Some will bee weaklings, men very low, and of little light, and life, to the work, to what others have: and yet received. Again Secondly, howsoever in the judgement of Charity all may bee reputed Godly, yet there may be some not enlightned further, than for Refor∣mation in Civil things: And in that re∣spect, to wit, upon Common-wealth princi∣ples, will joyn with their brethren, the fift Kingdome men, against the Little Horn, and Babylon, thereby to recover their Ancient Liberties and Rights. As the Two Tribes and half, went armed o∣ver Jordan, before their Brethren, and left them not, till the other Tribes were set and setled in Canaan; and then retur∣ned back to the Country which they had chosen. So it is probable, some who have chosen the Land on this side Jordan (I mean) COMMONWEALTH-PRIVILEDGES will not onely joyn with their Brethren, whose Lot is on the other side: but it may bee, bee before them in the Warre: and when the Canaanites are subdued, will be content to sit down in their Lot of Free∣dome and Liberty.

Object. But some say, that Saints shall

not destroy the Little Horn, nor the ten Horns, neither the Image, Babylon, &c. neither must they (as Saints, and to ad∣vance the cause and Kingdome of Christ) make Warre at all. But suffer all things, and bee patient under Tyrants and Op∣pressours, till Christ himself appear, and march in the head of his Army.

When the Ziphites had treacherously betrayed David, unto Saul, what saith the Tyrant? blessed bee yee of the Lord, for yee have compassion on mee, 1 Sam. 23. 21. I must confesse, these men shew a great deal of Compassion to Tyrants and Perse∣cutors, as to hearten and incourage them in their cruel and bloody waies: But in the mean time let them know (whether it bee done of knowledge or through igno∣rance, that I leave) They do most un∣worthily betray the son of David, as to his Cause, Kingdome, and People, into the hands of Bloud-thirsty Sauls.

That much work shall bee done by Saints (as Saints) and upon the account of the fift Kingdome, before Christ personal∣ly appear, I prove thus:

1 Christs personal comming will not bee, till after the pouring out of the sixth Vial, at the great battle of Arma-geddon,

against Gog and Magog, specially in the Jews behalf, Rev. 16. 15. and 19. 11, 12. &c. Ezek. 38. 12. Joel 2. 11. Zach. 14. 1, 2, 3. Dan. 12. 1. But before that time, the Little Horn and the ten Horns, and the great Whore, or Babylon, are to bee de∣stroyed as the subjects of the five first Vi∣als.

2 The Ten Kings which shall hate the Whore, and make her desolate, &c. Rev. 17. 16. do not this, untill the Lamb overcomes them, vers. 14. Now by the Lamb, Christ personally, cannot bee understood, but his powerful presence with his called, cho∣sen and faithfull, as instruments in that work. For if Christ overcome them per∣sonally, how can it bee said, that they afterward have burnt the Whore, and yet Christ not come; Reader note this, it seems clear by the Scripture, that the Whore (I mean the State and Dominion of the Beast) must fall by the ten Kings, before Christ come in person, see Revela. 18. with Chapter 19. 1, 2, 3, 4. where the Lord is praised for that victory, and this is before Christ appears, vers. 11, 12. &c. Now then, what more absurd than to say, Christ in person shall overcome the ten Kings, and they afterward ruine

Babylon, and yet Christ doth not come till Babylon be ruined.

3 In Psal. 110. The Prophet shews how and in what manner the Father will set his Son upon his holy hill of Zion, and the Throne of David, to order it, and to esta∣blish it with judgement and with Justice. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion, ve. 2. By the rod of his strength, surely hee means the Saints, called the Rod of his inheritance, Psal. 74. 2. Jer. 10. 16. with which Rod hee will smite the earth, Isa. 11. 2. break the Powers of Na∣tions and Kingdomes to peeces, like a pot∣ters vessel▪ Psal. 2. 9. ler. 51. 19, 20, 21. &c. Then follows, The Lord at thy right hand, shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath, vers. 5. meaning no doubt at the Arnia-geddon Battle, where the Kings of the Earth, and of the whole World are gathred together, Rev. 16. 14. In the former Warre, Christ sits at the fathers right hand, whilst hee is making the enemys of his Son, his foot-stool, that is, by the rod of his strength sent out of Zion. But in the latter warre, the Father is at the Sonnes right hand. Besides, in that hee saith, I will make, &c. this cannot bee under∣stood of Christ, as the instrument of the

work, but Saints. And this same order and manner of proceeding we find every where in scripture, that the executing of the last judgements upon the Kingdomes of the world, shall be by Gods people first, these shall cut off the Little Horn, be new threshing instruments and weapons of war, Carpenters, Reapers, the Angels of the Vials, &c. by whom Jehovah will make Christs enemies his foot-stool, Dan. 7. 26. Isa. 41. 15. Jer. 51. 19. Zach. 1. 21 Rev. 14.

4 Upon the rising of the witnesses, there follows an Earth-quake, and the tenth part of the City fell, Rev. 11. 13. This cannot be meant as done by Christ personally, for afterwards it is said, The Kingdomes of this World are become his, and ••ee reigns, vers. 15. 17. Therefore (I think) the Earth-quake, and the Earth, Rev. 16. 2. is one thing, viz. The earthly Apostacy headed with the little Horn, on which shall bee poured out the first Vial, as soon as the Witnesses are ascended up into Hea∣ven.

5 When Christ shall come, and all his Saints with him. Zach. 14. 5. The enemy, shall not bee destroyed by any materiall weapon. And the Armies, which were

in heaven followed him, upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, Rev. 19. 14. No armour is mentioned, neither do I think that any such thing will bee u∣sed, or that the followers of the Lamb shall strike a stroke, but the enemies shall fall and perish by some extraordinary judgement. And there sell upon men a great hail out of Heaven, every stone about the weight of a Talent, Rev. 16. 21. Again I will plead against him with pestilence, and with Bloud, and I will rain upon him an o∣verflowing raine, great hail stones, fire and bloud, Ezek. 38. 21. But in subduing the little Horn, and the ten Kings, in smiting the Image, and the Dominion of the Beast; here shall be fighting, and instruments of war used, Isa. 13. 18. Jer. 50. 9. 14. 22. 35, 36, 37, 42. and chap. 51. 3. 11. Rev. 13. 10. & 18.

Now I come to the fourth head, which is the judgement it self. The Beast was slain and his body destroyed, and given to the burning slame, Dan. 7. verse 11. And they shall take away his dominion to consume it, and destroy it even to the end, vers. 26.

1 Being now come to his end, that he is called the Beast, and a little Horn before.

The Reasons may be: First, to signify that he is fatted for destruction; His Hypocri∣sies, Deceits, Mockings of God and men, and other abominable sinnes, are full and ripe, Jer. 12. 1, 2, 3. and Jer. 51. 40.

2 Seeing the Witnesses, are to bee slain by him, the Wisdome of God thinks good, to give him here, the same name which hee hath, Rev. 11. 7.

3 That hee perisheth under the name of a Beast, though formerly a Horn, it shews how little his death will bee pittied any where: No more than if a bloudy Ly∣on, or crafty Fox had been killed by hun∣ters. Moreover, what rejoycing there will bee among the Saints: that so cruel and fierce a Creature is taken out of the way. Allelu-jah, and again, Allelu-jah, Psal. 58. 1••.

2 Though it bee true, whatsoever is spoken of his end, is no more, (if we take the words in general) then that his govern∣ment and Pouer shall bee broken to peeces: yet I think there is something in every word, as to a particular kind of punish∣ment; and how several parties (as dis∣tinct) shall be punished some in one kind, and some in another. This State or Go∣vernment

to be destroyed, is made up of three sorts of people. 1 Souldiers to fight for it. 2 Lawyers and Priests to plead for it. 3 The Authors and Inventers of it. Now observe, how the Lord in destroy∣ing the whole, fits his judgement to each party.

1 The Beast is slain. This respects the Souldiery. And probable it is, that many of them will be slain. For howsoever the greater part of them (at least the better part: such as have any thing of God left in them) will lay down their arms, and forsake him neer his end: yet some des∣perate and prophane wretches (newly rais'd) will stand it out, and so fall by the sword of the Lord in the hand of his mighty ones. It is said, in the earth-quake were slain of men seven thousand, Rev. 11. 13 what number of souldiers will bee slain at this time, it is not exprest: a great slaughter no doubt: Every one (I think) put to the sword, that shall bee found in Armes, for the Horn: they having war∣ning given them before to come out, and not to fight in his behalf. see Isa. 34. 2, 3.

And his body destroyed] This seems to bee another kind of punishment; as

beheading▪ hanging, and putting to death by a Judicatory, and the word imports so much. This follows the slain Army. But who is the body of the Horn? The later Apostacy of which we spake; so that Judgment will now begin at the house of God, at the sanctuary. Woe now to Apostates; Woe to you Scribes, and Pharisees, Hy∣pocrites, The Lords day is upon you: such as did justifye and encourage the Horn, when hee thought to change Times and Laws. Acted unrighteously under him, Executed his unlawful Orders and Com∣mands against the Saints of the most High, made to themselves, an advantage of his Tyranny and Oppression: Oh how are the sinners in Zion afraid, and fearful∣nesse surprized the Hypocrites.

Now Church members, and Church Officers, are likely to experience, the soul that sins shall dye, and that the righteous God loves Righteousnesse: And it is not, fasting, praying, prophesying, &c. will deliver corrupt men, and such as have basely betrayed the cause of Christ, in the day of the Lords wrath, Mal. 3. 2, 3. Isa. 33. 14. & 66. 5.

Thus the Lords hand at this time will

lye heavy upon Professours, they are the body of the little Horn (Apostates I mean) which must bee destroyed. It will bee their turn (I verily think) to drink first of the Vials, 1 Cor. 3. 15. And by this means, the Lord will make his way the more plain, and his Judgements manifest: when he shall afterwards go forth against the Ten Kings, and the great Whore: for what may Idolaters, and men visibly Prophane, and wicked expect, but dregs and wrath, without mixture, seeing the Lord before, spared not Church-members and such as had a form of Godlinesse, Jer. 25. ••8, 29.

And given to the burning flame] As this judgement is greater than the for∣mer: so it is for the Horn himself, and the chief instruments which raised him up by whose means, Souldiers, Lawyers, Ministers and others, were brought into the Snare: This kind of punishment I take to bee the same, with that of the Beast, and false Prophet; a lake of fire bur∣ning with Brimstone, Rev. 19. 20. Now howsoever this bee not Hell, properly so called, yet it is some temporal Judge∣ment more than ordinary; I will not

say directly what it is, nor declare at pre∣sent my own thoughts: yet this I shall say, (it being a truth I think) when this Horn shall reign, whosoever shall be the Inventers and setters up of his Power and Government, they will not dye the death of all men: not bee slain or dis∣membred as the former were: but some extraordinary punishment will bee inflic∣ted upon them. If these men dye the com∣mon death of all men: or if they bee visued after the visitation of all men, then the Lord hath not sent mee, Numb. 16. 29. And so much the word signifies.

And they shall take away his dominion] As the former respecteth persons, so this doth things: that is, the State and Go∣vernment it self. The meaning I con∣ceive to bee thus. After the Army is de∣stroyed, and many put to death by a Judica∣tory: for justifying the Horn, in his unlaw∣ful actions, and himself and his MAKERS, given to the burning flame: Such a stink will that HORN leave behind him, as some speedy course shall bee taken to have the very remembrance of him blotted out under the whole heaven.

It remains now to shew how, and in

what manner it shall bee done? To take the Scripture for our light. It seems thus: When the three years and half are fully expired, the wise shall understand▪ that hee is the Little Horn foretold in Daniel, and to bee destroyed: and this light shall spread it self among the Saints of the Most High: yea, so clear and certain will the thing bee (they having the word of God and his spirit for it, providence like∣wise leading the way) that they shall pub∣likely declare, what they intend to do, The work beginnes with an Earthquake, Rev. 11. 13. And it shall bee such an Earth-quake, as will shake the Horn to purpose, in his Councel, Guards, Army, and relations every where: Insomuch as hee will bee miserably forsaken and left by most people. Few abiding with him, unlesse desperate men, and such who are so deeply ingaged with him, as have no hope to save themselves, (from bodily punishment) by Repen∣tance.

The Saints knowing the set Time is come, that the Lord will have mercy upon Zion; and being called out of the Temple, to pour out the Vial upon the Earth-A∣postacy

(being ready) go forth in the Name and strength of the Lord. And though they may have some opposi∣tion at first, yet I think they will be Conquerors at last without much losse, I say fighting for the Lamb; For so wonderfull will the presence of God bee with them, and so dread∣ful to the enemy, that this warre will bee short, and none of them af∣ter once broken to peices, will durst lift up their hands any more in the Horns behalf.

Thus I have ended with the Lit∣tle Horn. And in the close, this I can truely say, what I have writ∣ten, is (my Conscience bearing mee Witnesse) no otherwise than I un∣derstand the Prophesy: neither have I said any thing, but what I con∣ceive to bee the Truth in Jesus. And further, I have all along with Sighs and Groans, besought the fa∣ther of Light, That I might bee lead by his Spirit into the way of Truth.

The meek will hee guide in Judge∣ment; and the meek will hee teach his

way, Psal. 25. 9. Call unto mee, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou know∣est not, Jer. 33. 3.

Job 20. v. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth. That the trium∣phing of the wicked is short, and the Joy of the Hypocrite but for a moment? though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds. Yet he shall perish for ever, like his own dung: they that have seen him, shall say, where is he? He shall flee away like a dream, and shall not bee found, yea, hee shall bee cha∣sed away; as a vision of the night. The eye also which saw him, shall see him no more, neither shall his place any more be hold him.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Pope Innoc. 72 Ar. 17 q 4 Siquis.
• b 1.2

  Pope D••mase. 25. q. ••. C. omnia.
• c 1.3

  Auto-m••n. Sum. par. ••. Tit. 22. c. 5.
• d 1.4

  Pop. Nich. 15. q. 6. Aut. de elect. et elect. significa▪ in Glos.
• e 1.5

  Bellar. de verb. dei.
• f 1.6

  Greg. distin 81 c. siquis et Leo caus. q 6. cap. multa.
• g 1.7

  Bellar. de Rom. pont. l. 2. c. 26.
• h 1.8

  Glos. in c. 24. q. 3 si inimi∣cus.