LECTURE IV.

THat which resteth now to be cleared, is the time, which is six times repeated in this first part of the Chapter, and said to be a thousand years: and this leadeth to the third thing proposed.

Concerning it, there is the lesse hazard what be concluded, if these strange events (formerly rejected) be eschewed: Yet, these things concerning it, we take for truth.

1. That, simply considered, it pointeth at some peculiar definit time of the Church under the dayes of the Gospel, and taketh not in, nor belongeth unto, all that time be∣twixt Christs first coming in the flesh, and His coming again to judgment. For, then, 1. It would not answer the scope, which is to point out some peculiar thing belonging to one time and not to another. 2. It is expresly differenced from the time following it, wherein that peaceable estate is marred by Gog and Magog, and not unclearly contra∣distinguished from some loosing or liberty of Satan against the Church before his appre∣hending here, ver. 1. This therefore (which is also Augustins judgement, de Civit. Dei, lib. 20. cap. 6, & 7. with many Schoolmen) we think not safe. 2. Whatever definit time it be, this is certain, it designeth a long time simply, and comparatively the longest time of a prosperous condition against enemies, that the Church of Christ is to have in the dayes of the Gospel; for so certainly the often repitition of this number of a thousand years, doth import. 3. Whether it be definitly taken for a thousand years, properly so understood, is more questionable: Although there be no great absurdity so to take it, (if they be placed in their own room) as, for the most part, Interpreters do; yet, I think there is no necessity in it, 1. from what is said of times generally, Chap. 11. 2. Because this vision is as obscure in all things as any in this Book, and it will be very unlike then that this time only is literally to be taken, whereas in all this Prophesie no other time by any judicious Interpreter is so literally understood, even those who make them most definit, do yet make them improperly and prophetically to be understood; and, to say all other expressions in this vision are figurative, and only the time (which continually to all is im∣properly set down formerly) shall here be literal, is not very consistent with the strain of this Prophesie: for, where dayes and years and moneths are formerly mentioned, no sound Interpreter can take them literally for so many and no more; and what reason can be given of altering the common strain in this obscure place? 3. And, that ordinarily some give it for a rule, that broken times are definit (though they be not alway literal) as three years and an half, &c. yet whole times are ordinarily indefinit in the Scripture, as Psal. 90. a thousand years in Thy sight, are taken for a long time; and a thousand generations for many, Psal. 105. and ten dayes, Rev. 2.9. According to this rule then, an indefinit ac∣ception, will sure best with this place. If any object, or ask, why this time is so often definitly repeated? It may be answered, 1. Because usually by a thousand, a great num∣ber or long time is set out in Scripture, as we have said before. 2. Because ordinarily a good condition is set down in a long time, or in expressions setting out a long time, where∣as difficulties are mentioned under hours, dayes, &c. (See Chap. 17.) and this is done for the Churches comfort: But this cannot infer, that so they are for so many years perem∣ptorily to be understood: for, 1. It is not ordinary to the Scripture in reckoning of times to be so peremptory, even in historical places, as by comparing of Scriptures is clear. Page  723 2. That number, three years and an half, fourty two moneths, one thousand two hundred and sixty dayes, time, times, and half a time, in equivalent expressions (Chap. 11, 12, and 13.) is five times set down; yet no judicious Writer will count them therefore lite∣rally to be understood, even those who make them definit; though it may be observed, that Papists who make the former time literall, yet make this, that is as often repeated, indefinit.

The greatest question concerning the time, is in the particular application thereof to a certain beginning and close, which is questioned even amongst those that in other things agree, to wit, Whether it be wholly past, i.e. begun and ended? Or, 2. if fully to come, as not being as yet begun? Or, 3. if current, that is, begun, but not ended? In all which there is diversity. Those who make it fully past, begin at four periods, 1. some at Christs birth, and end at Pope Sylvester the second a Magician. 2. Some at His death, and end at Benedict the third, suffocated by the devil. 3. Others, at the destruction of Ierusalem, and so end it in Gregory the seventh, or Hildebrand. 4. Most begin it at Constantine's reign, making this contemporary with that of Satan's being cast from heaven, Chap. 12. this is also ended, anno 1300, in Boniface the eighth, when the Wars against the Waldenses began. Prideaux, de mille annis Apoc. doth thus sum those of that opinion.

These that make it fully to come, are of four opinions, 1. Some (as the old Chiliasts) make it after the day of judgment. 2. Some make it after all the vials, including the day of judgment, as Archer and Alstedius. 3. Others put in under the seventh vial, after the beasts destruction, in an interval before the end of the world, and the arising of Gog; so doth Mede and some others. Lastly, some make it, as it were, to be a current day of judgment all that time, and to follow upon Christs coming to judgment, thus Tylling ast: the former also in their explanation, would seem not much to differ from this.

These who make it running, are of two sorts; 1. Some begin about the year, 1300. when the Waldenses arose, and when (according to their accompt) the thousand years of Satans binding from Constantines time, expired; this is Brightmans opinion, who maketh these two of Satans binding and the Saints reigning to be successive; but this ground at the entry is rejected. 2. Others (only Cotterius I find alleaged for this) begin at Luthers dayes, 1517. How to decide here is difficult; yet, having laid the former grounds, there is the lesse hazard, considering well the nature of the events, which make these thousand years famous: neither is it uselesse to enquire in it, not only for clear applying of this Scripture, but for understanding all the controversie about it; for, if it shall be found, that all of it, or a part of it, is past, it will serve much to clear the nature of all, and be the best refutation of many errors about it, and will help to stay the gadding expectation of stu∣pendious things to come.

That we may proceed, these two generals are certain, 1. That these thousand years be∣long unto, and are contemporary with some of the former principall Prophesies of Seals, Trumpets and Vials, which continue the series of events from the beginning to the end. 2. Then this is certain, that the binding of Satan, here mentioned, with the kingdom following thereupon to the Saints, must relate and be subjoyned unto some one of these notable loosings that are contained in this Prophesie, which Satan hath against the Saints, and must be contemporary with some victory they have over him after these. Now, four of these are mentioned, Lect. 1. In all which, Satans liberty preceedeth; his overthrow in part followeth, and then the Churches good condition is subjoyned. The first is his keeping the world under darknesse and Idol-worship; from this he is removed by the white horse of Christ, conquering in the Gospel, Chap. 6. 2. He is loose after that, in persecuting by the red horse, Chap. 6. and seeking by the red dragon to destroy the woman and her childe, Chap. 12. where he is overcome and casten to the earth. 3. He is loose under the first six trumpets, by raising Antichrist; and (Chap. 13.) by warring with the Saints in him; by the seventh trumpet (Chap. 11.) the victory is obtained, and the ever∣lasting Gospel preached, Chap. 14. The last is his loosing in Gog and Magog, in which he is overthrown, at, or a very little before, the end of the world. Now the question will be, to which of these overthrows we may apply these thousand years of his binding? and so whether it contemporateth with the seals, or trumpets, or vials, for to one of these or some part of them, certainly it relateth; and so may we know whether it be past, pre∣sently Page  724 current, or to come? For clearing whereof, we shall, 1. see what light this place giveth of it self to the timing of it. 2. We shall shew it is neither fully past, nor yet to come fully. 3. That it is current under the vials, beginning with them at the binding of Satan after his third loose. 4. We shall give the scope and co-herence of this Chap∣ter on it.

And, first, here, concerning the close or expiring of these thousand years, we may gather, 1. that it is a little (how long, none can tell) before the end of the world; for, Satan's loosing (ver. 7.) goeth before the end, and these thousand years expire before that: there∣fore these thousand years are not to be expected after the day of judgment, neither at it or immediately before it. 2. It is clear, that it is the last great binding before the last interval of Satan's last loosing, which preceedeth his finall binding: for, after this imme∣diately Gog is loose, and Satan is not again restrained, but finally judged. Hence we may gather, 1. That this good condition of the Saints, is the last they are to have on earth, seing nothing followeth it but Satans loosing and final judgment. 2. That when this must end, Gog and Magog succeeds; and so hardly can we say, that these thousand years are expired, Except we say, 1. Gog and Magog is come. 2. and that be applyed to such an enemy as continueth for a little season, in comparison of the good condition that the Church hath had for a long time before that. 3. If so, we must say, there is no freedom to the Church to be expected after this, such as she hath had before (for, nothing cometh after Gog and Magog) which seemeth contrary to the nature and tenour of this prophesie, especially of the vials, which encreaseth Satan's binding and overthrow, and their reign, still to the last.

Again, for the beginning of these thousand years, it is clear here, 1. That it cannot be∣gin at the entry of the Gospel, except we say there is but one interval of the Churches peace under it (contrary to experience) and so divide all the time of the Gospel in these thousand years, and the little persecution of Gog and Magog, which cannot be granted, for the former grounds. 2. The binding supposeth a loosing to go before it, and what loosing? it seemeth clear by the raising of some Martyrs for the testimony of Jesus Christs whereby it appeareth, that the great persecution of the Church, even by Antichrists is to in∣terveen betwixt Christs first coming and this good condition of the Saints, it being ordi∣nary that their suffering condition goeth first, and that their reigning condition and Satans binding cometh thereafter. Beside, 3. It is the last good condition before the end, con∣tradistinguished from her hard condition going before.

From this second, we may proceed then and say, that it is not fully past, Not only from the former considerations, but also, 1. because that would make the Churches low condition and her good condition to be confounded (which yet are expresly distinguished) if that reign fall either contemporary with Antichrists or heathenish persecution. 2. It presupposeth the Antichristian tyranny before its beginning, which cannot be if all the thousand years shall be past already. See ver. 4. 3. That which belongeth to the Churches best condition on earth, is not yet come, to wit, 1. Antichrists ruine, 2. the ful∣nesse of the Gentiles, 3. the incoming of the Jews, which are certainly to be looked for; and to make this good condition (which relateth to her best condition on earth, as hath been said) to be already past, would separate it from all these excellent events, which cannot be done. See Rom. 11. ver. 12, 13. where the Iews in-coming is called the riches of the Christian world and life from the death, which, not upon the matter only, but in ex∣pressions also, suit well with this place.

From all which then we conclude, 1. that these thousand years are not, nor cannot be contemporary with the seals or trumpets in the first two special periods of the Churches condition, she being in both these, low; therefore must it belong to the time of the vials, which followeth the other. 2. We may conclude then, that this binding of Satan or good condition of the Saints, is not that victory of the Gospel, meerly spirituall, by the white horse, Chap. 6. Nor that over Satan in Constantin's dayes, Chap. 12. (both which agree either with seals or trumpets) much lesse is it that of Gog and Magog at the end yet to come: It must needs follow then, that it is the third binding of the devil by the witnesses rising, Chap. 11. the Gospels spreading after Antichrists begun ruine, Chap. 14. that is understood here, there being but four in all.

This then we take for certain, that it belongeth to the prophesie of the vials, God Page  725 having shown in them the down-bringing of her enemies expresly, but leaving the Churches condition to be gathered by consequence; here expresly he sheweth the Churches good con∣dition, contemporary with that: which may further be made out, 1. The Churches good condition must be contemporary with the lowest estate of her enemies; (for their falling and her rising, & contra, are still knit together) But the vials hold out the longest series of judgements against her enemies, and the most full, Therefore it belongeth to them; for, during the seals, she is persecuted by heathens, during the trumpets by Antichrist, in the vials the Lamb and these that were with Him prevaile. Secondly, The great things belonging to the Churches good condition, as, 1. the removing or restraining open enemies. 2. The fulnesse of the Gentiles. 3. The in-calling of the Jews, belong all unto, and fall under the vials (as may be seen by the exposition of Chap. 16, 17, 18, 19. preceeding,) Ergo, this good condition, (being the Churches best estate) falleth under them also. Thirdly, This good estate of the Saints, and this binding of Satan, contemporary with it, is the last freedom and greatest that the Church hath before the last day, But that is under the vials. Ergo.

It remaineth now therefore only to enquire, if the beginning of these thousand years be to be reckoned from the beginning of the vials, or to be restricted unto the seventh after Antichrists fall, as the learned Mede doth? We say, it cannot be restricted to the last, but must take in moe, even them all. We shall first confirm the negative part, then the affirmative. 1. It is not to be restricted to the seventh vial; for, then it would make this reign to be a very short time; or, it would make the continuance of the seventh vial disproportionable exceedingly to all the rest: for, Gog and Magogs opposition certainly falleth under the seventh.

These thousand years then, according to this, would interveen betwixt the sixth and that opposition, which apparently would be no long time; or, it will fall in the other inconvenience,

2. We grant, that it may be under the seventh at its height (as, under the sixth trum∣pet, the Churches low condition was at its height) yet, not only in it, because the Churches good and ill conditions are not counted by their highest degrees, but by the kind and series of their estate good or ill. Hence, the Churches low condition is not astricted to the fifth or sixth trumpets only, but it is reckoned for one thousand two hun∣dred and sixty dayes, (which taketh in all the trumpets) because the same strait which came to an height under the fifth or sixth seals or trumpet, is to be reckoned from the first, where it began, and from which it did still grow from one step to another till it came to its height, it being all but different degrees of one condition and not diverse condi∣tions: for, that same Antichrist is stricken at by the first vial, though not overturned wholly (at least) till the sixth; And that Gospel, is preached and professed under it, which groweth still, till it come to this height in a continued victory.

3. If we passe the first vial, it will be hard where to fix its beginning, there being still a graduall difference only amongst them, Therefore these who do passe the first vial, pro∣fesse unclearnesse here, how far to bring on the sixth trumpet with the vials, and where to begin this time; and indeed if we leap over the periods set by the prophesie it self, we will not easily settle: thus, Mede, otherwise most accurate and particular in applying this prophesie, is yet put to this stand here, upon the former ground.

4. We have seen, that Antichrists destruction falleth under the sixth vial; then Christ and His Armies ride prosperously, and so doth the Iews conversion fall to be then also, as the same Author interpreteth it; And are not these events and effects of Satans binding, and the Churches reign? so, by the fifth, the whore is destroyed; and (Chap. 17. and 18.) all Kings are bound up from impeding it: there the Lamb maketh war and over∣cometh, so do the called and faithfull that are with Him, Chap. 17.18. which belongeth to the fifth vial, the effect whereof is a proof of this: And this certainly must belong to the Saints good condition, and it is opposed to that, Chap. 13. where they were over∣come, and it intimateth a change on their condition. This then is the first confirmation of this, that these thousand years are to be reckoned from the beginning of the vials, thus, If these thousand years can begin neither after the vials are begun, nor yet before they do begin, Then their beginning must be together, even as almost they end together; But they cannot begin before the first, as is said, nor yet after the first, Therefore they must Page  726 begin with it, seing at the beginning of these vials the Gospel began to spread, and con∣tinueth through them all to the last interruption, all of them carrying judgements of the same kind. 2. The third binding of Satan, after his liberty and tyrannie against the Church, beginneth by the vials; But this restraint here mentioned, is that third restraint, ut supra, Ergo, it is to begin then. 3. This binding of Satan, and good condition of the Church, is to follow immediately after the Churches return from the wildernesse, and the expiring of these one thousand two hundred and sixty dayes, Chap. 11. and 12. and 13. of Antichrists height: for, here the thousand years begin, when the Martyrs are raised, and when these, who were persecuted by Antichrist before, do get liberty; But the liberty that the Church hath under the vials (beginning at the first) is that which followeth upon her low condition in the wildernesse and Antichrists height, immedi∣ately, and by it the Saints get breathing and liberty to professe the Gospel again. Ergo, it is that that is meaned here. 4. The reign of the Saints, and the good condition of the Church here, certainly is contemporary with the rising of the Prophets and their taking up to a Church-state, Chap. 11. after the 1260. dayes are expired of their pro∣phesying in sackcloth; for, if when she suffereth they prophesie in sackcloth, and their low condition set out her low condition, why must not their good condition denote her good condition also? These cannot be separated, but when the Prophets die, in some respect the Church dieth, and when they arise and live, the Saints again must arise and live; But their ariseing and living, and being received to a publick profession and preaching again in their successours, is at the beginning of the vials, as was shewed, Chap. 11. There∣fore this of the Saints rising and living, must begin then also, seing Prophets and Saints make but one Church, and the one cannot rise without the other, they not being an or∣ganized Church, but together. 5. This reign or good condition of the Saints, must ne∣cessarily be the same, and contemporary with that estate of the Church on earth after Antichrists height, set out by the seventh trumpet, Chap. 11. But the vials in their rise, progresse and close, are contemporary with that seventh trumpet, as is cleared in Chap. 11. ver. 15. Therefore they must begin together. 6. These thousand years are contem∣porary with that palm-bearing company that are mentioned, Chap. 7. (cleared also and acknowledged by Mede) for, they succeed the sealed company going before (who are con∣temporary with Antichrist under the trumpets, as was said on the words; But these also begin and go alongst with the vials; for, immediately they succeed upon Antichrists begun ruine, Therefore these thousand years must be so also. And as there were then, after the 6. Chapter, two principall prophesies to follow, one holding forth the Churches strait con∣dition, and the other its enlargement, So was there a touch of both given by that seventh Chapter in two parts, as was there cleared. And if there be but two states following, one of the sealed one hundred fourty and four thousand, which expireth under the sixth trumpet before the vials begin, an other of the innumerable company that follow: we cannot therefore reckon five or six of the vials to that strait condition of the Church, but must take them all in under the Churches enlarged condition, which is opposed to the for∣mer: for, all the vials must either belong to the last good estate of the Church in the last part of that seventh Chapter; or, many of them must be comprehended under the first part, and be contemporary with that sealed company; But the last cannot be: for, 1. that sealed company and sealing, speaketh a height of strength in Antichrist, and an hiding of the Saints, contemporary with her being in the wildernesse, whereas the vials speak judgement against her enemies and the Churches return. 2. That sealing expireth when the Church cometh to have a publick profession, and multitudes flock in to her, at which time the vials do but begin. Therefore by this it appeareth that there is a mistake in contemporating the six first vials with the sixth trumpet, it being certain that the sixth trumpet contemporateth with this sealed number of one hundred fourty and four thousand. Now, if the vials all of them succeed that shut-up and straited condition of the Church, Then must they be contemporary with that enlargement, set out by the palm-bearing com∣pany, and so with these thousand years. It is also there observable, that the low con∣dition of the Church under Antichrist, and her sealing is reckoned from the sixth seal be∣fore ever the seventh be opened, though Antichrist be not in the vigorous pursuit of the Saints, till the fifth trumpet; so that enlargement, which is contradistinguished from it, ibid. is to be accounted from Antichrists turn, and the removing of that strait, for which Page  727 the company of one hundred fourty and four thousand were sealed, which beginneth by the first vial, though it cometh not to its height till the sixth or seventh: there is one rea∣son for reckoning both alike from their first beginnings. Beside, to shew that these vials or any of them cannot contemporate with the sixth trumpet, the sixth trumpet and they are of diverse matters; that trumpet speaketh Antichrists tyranny against the Saints and his prevailing; the vials, Antichrists ruine and Gods judgement on him. 2. We can hardly give contrary effects to one trumpet, it is not suitable to any other of them. 3. This would make the vials (which are one principall prophesie) contemporary with an other (at least in part with that) of the trumpets, whereas no more the vials can contemporate with the trumpets, than the trumpets with the seals, as is said in the preface on Chap 6. As for that which is said, that Antichrists Kingdom is shaken, Chap. 11. before the seventh trumpet blow, Answ. It may be answered, that it appeareth that Antichrists height there, is when the witnesses are killed; for, then he insulteth, and in the exercise of his tyranny and dominion is in the highest degree: there is no more there mentioned but their rising, Antichrists fear, and a part of the great Cities falling, which is mentioned, not to contemporate these events with the sixth trumpet, but to shew what is the con∣nexion betwixt, and the march and terme differencing the sixth from the seventh, that when the one (the sixth) endeth, then the seventh beginneth, which is then at the same hour, when the witnesses are raised up; then the second wo is past, and the third cometh quickly, there is such connexion betwixt them, as is more fully cleared, Chap. 11.

By all which it appeareth, that these thousand years, beginning at the end of one thousand two hundred and sixty dayes, mentioned, Chap. 11. fall to begin about the year, 1560. and so are running, being in part past, but in their vigour to come, as the vials carry on by steps the casting down of enemies, and bring on the flourishing of the Gospel. I see no great absurdity in this, but some conveniences: for, 1. It shunneth the mistakes that are in the first opinion, which say, that all is past, wherein many, who truly think that the Scripture seemeth to hold out a better condition to come, cannot acquiesce: this is granted here; for, the vials are on the growing hand and these events are coming, which doth con∣firm the ground laid. 2. It avoideth that absurdity which followeth the other extream, which saith, that all is yet to begin: For, 1. this continueth the Churches condition no longer than the vials do, it being certain that the fourth is almost but begun, (if we be that length) there will be yet even by the reckoning of the vials and the events to be fulfilled under them a considerable time to the end, though not necessarily so much as would be, if after six vials these thousand years were to begin. 2. This preventeth the fear of ex∣pecting any strange and uncouth events during that time: For, 1. this giveth ground for no more but what suiteth with the vials, and what is otherwhere clear in this prophesie, and grounds formerly laid down. 2. If for some years the Churches of Christ have been under this good condition, we may then gather, that no strange thing is to be expected: we may expect a further degree of holinesse, number of professours, extent of a Church, &c. but that is not the thing which any will conceive to be dangerous: for, if the Church thrive when enemies are brought down, then the more they are brought down the more her good condition groweth, and that is necessarily inferred from the series of the vials.

There want not objections from both hands, as, 1. did not Christ and the Saints reign after His death by the Gospel? Ans. Yes, and shall do so continually; but the question is about the peculiar reign mentioned in these words. See Chap. 11.12. and 17.

Object. 2. Then the world is yet long to stand, and the Church to have a long good condition. Ans. That is not absurd (for we definite not how long) but that both follow, is certainly cleared before.

Object. 3. from the other hand, The Iews are not yet come, in therefore it cannot be current. Ans. The Iews in-coming belongeth not to the Saints good condition simply, but to its height and fulnesse, which we grant: we take that in before it end, but cannot suspend the Churches good condition untill it be, because it is by the Gentile Churches flourishing condition, that they are to be provoked. Beside, Antichrists height belonged to the Churches low condition, yet is not her low condition of the 1260. dayes to be restricted in their beginning to his appearing and height, but to his preparatory working, as often it is said.

Page  728Object. 4. Men cannot think that these are the thousand years they live into. Ans. This proceedeth from mistake and prejudice concerning the events; only they believe it not, because they expect some uncouth thing all that time. 2. It cannot be strange to these who say it is past; for, they place as ill and worse times under these thousand years: Nor again, can it be any absurdity to such as are sound in the nature of this Kingdom; for, in a great part, we enjoy and have enjoyed in many places since Antichrists begun ruine, in a good measure, all these six things, in which properly this Kingdom consisteth, as, 1. purity; 2. power in saving souls; 3. discipline and visible Church-profession; 4. many Profes∣sors in respect of what was before; 5. much peace almost where there is a Church, it hath had for a time, law for its peace, and hath not been persecuted on that account so as for∣merly; 6. a long continuance of all these, though with other difficulties, such as are not inconsistent with this condition. There are troubles, but they take not away visibility from the Church so as before, and things of this kind are warrantably to be expected from this word. Therefore it is not absurd, to apply it to our time in its beginning.

Object. 5. But Satant is loose under the sixth vial, when he stirreth up all to war against the Saints, and Antichrist is not defeated before that. Ans. This good condition of the Saints, is not only in their peace, but in their victories; though the devil and the beast fight still, yet they losse ground, Chap. 17. vers. 14. and to fight and overcome, is not a great impediment of a good condition; and this is opposed to their former conditions, not in this that they shall not have enemies, but that they shall fight and overcome them, (I mean rightly understood) and it shall not be as it was Chap. 13.8. 2. The binding of Satan we shew was not absolute, and this sheweth only that he was not keeped from essay∣ing something to be an occasion of Gods praise in the Church, and yet it saith that he was much restrained and weakned, this being the last essay of the beast after many defeats, which also succeedeth not well with him, and is but like Pharaoh's following of Israel to the red Sea, wherein was the Churches victory and not his.

We may then knit the scope (as in the entry, to this 20. Chapter) thus, Iohn being now to shew the devils last overthrow, beginning where he left, Chap. 12, and 13. where he is cast down and for a time rageth and getteth up a new worship in the world by Antichrists means, when open persecution failed him, It might be questioned, what came of him then? It is answered, I saw, saith he, (after he had done much hurt to the Church) the Angel that had cast him from heaven to earth, pursue him there, and take him by his power, and restrain him from that dominion and deluding of the world by that beast Anti∣christ as he had done, and that as strongly for a long time, as if he had been keeped in bonds, during which time I saw that Church, which was by Antichrist persecuted and spoiled, and these Saints that durst not before be seen, brought to a pure, free and peaceable pro∣fession of that truth which was formerly born down.

We come now to go particularly through the words (which may be more easily done) according to the former grounds: they contain two notable events, but contemporary, 1. of Satan's binding, 2. of the Saints reigning.

That of Satans binding, hath these circumstances in it. 1. The description of the party that bindeth Satan, ver. 1. 2. His executing that errand and actually binding him, vers. 2, 3—3. Some things added for clearing the end of this binding, and that for such a definit time, ver.—3.

The party is first called an Angel, which we take to be Christ, called Michael, Chap. 12. 1. Because it is He that destroyeth the work of the devil and is the stronger man, who is still contending with him for His Church. He (Chap. 12.) did cast him down; He (Chap. 6.) did conquer him on His white horse; He (Chap. 19.) defeateth him in his lieutenant the beast, which is a part of the same event. 2. Because it is Christ who carrieth the keys of hell and death, Chap. 1.18.

2. Again, He is said to come down from heaven: this is to distinguish it from that bat∣tell in heaven, Chap. 12. where ye heard the devil was cast to the earth, and, as a serpent, poisoned many there; Now, Christ by His power, followeth and putteth a restraint on him in respect of that link he had loosed after his former down-casting.

3. This Angel is described by two things, 1. He hath the key of the bottomlesse pit; this signifieth soveraignty and power: it differeth from that, Chap. 9.1, 2. For, 2. that Page  729 was a star, falling down, not coming down. 2. That was one who got the keys, this hath them as his due place; that but got them for a speciall use. 3. That opened the pit and sent out locusts and spirits, this shutteth it; and it is like, a respect is had to that loosing in this binding, this here being the restraining of that dominion, which Satan usurp•d there, and so these thousand years must be reckoned from the shutting of the pit of Anti∣christian errors, and liberty of His Ministers through the earth, as that of the opening of the pit sheweth their beginning: and this sheweth, that as Antichrist was gain•ng ground before the pit was opened, so may he have some being for a long time after the begun shutting thereof.

4. He hath a great chain in his hand. The devil is in some chains alway, Iude ver. 6. under some restraint. This sheweth, 1. the power of the Angel. 2. His errand to link up the devil from his former liberty, as men chain mastiffs. 3. It sheweth the devils mali∣cious nature that must be bound. And, 4. his subordination to Christs soveraignty, who effectually restraineth him.

The executing of his errand followeth, vers. 2. and 3. He laieth hold on him by His power, as one in fury and anger He grippeth him. 2. The party gripped and bound is de∣scribed, just as Chap. 12. To shew, 1. that it is the same devil that was cast down to the earth that is now further bound. 2. That we may have some help to knit this story of this serpent to the foregoing story of that same party. 3. He bindeth this serpent, tieth him up, as it were, and that for a long time, even a thousand years. 4. He casteth him in the bottomlesse pit, or abysse, which he feared, that is, put him not only from Magistracy and open persecution, as before, Chap. 12. but also restraineth him from such under∣hand dealing as he had before, and discovereth him and his working in a considerable and great degree beyond what was: and he shutteth him up and sealeth it, as Dan. 6. and Mat. 26. to shew the certainty of that restraint and the superiority of the Angel over him that He shall no more suffer Satan to go by his order and march set to him, than one shut up in prison can go forth either by violence or subtility.

2. Two ends, or reasons, are set down to clear the Angels proceeding, 1. He is bound that he should deceive the Nations no more, that is, keeped from having such influence to delude the world as he had done before, who first made them all Heathens and Idolaters generally, then after that made them all (Chap. 13, and 17.) to worship the beast and himself in him, so that there was scarce the face of a visible Church. Now, he shall not get that liberty so universally to delude Nations (for, Nations are collectively to be under∣stood here, all Nations) and eclipse the face of Christs Church as he had done. Nor, 2. ever after that shall he get the world so generally to ignorance, superstition, idolatry and persecution against the Godly, as formerly he had done.

Thus deceiving no more, is not to be understood simply, but with respect to such ex∣tent and successe, and is here added to signifie a new restraint put upon him, beyond what is in his casting to the earth, Chap. 12. where though he was put from open persecution, yet did he follow, and that not without successe, a new way by deceit, Chap. 13. but now is he restrained in a great measure from that also; so it is qualified as to the event. 2. It is qualified as to the time, that is, during the determinate time of his restraint of a thousand years: But after, saith he, he must be loosed a little season; this respecteth what is following concerning Gog and Magog: he was not restrained finally, but for a certain time (it would seem yet indefinite, for if it were just a thousand years, then might one precisely know the time of this event before it come, if they can reckon the begin∣ning of the thousand years) for, saith he, when it expireth, God will give him liberty to exercise His Church (possibly she abusing this good condition, when Antichrist is away, therefore a new scourge is provided) but for a little season. Little, 1. compared with the former loosings. 2. Little, compared with this time of the Saints peace and good estate. So that when after the Church shall enjoy liberty a long time from Antichrists per∣secution, a new triall is to be expected to her before the end come. By which also it ap∣peareth, that that reckoning of the thousand years cannot begin at Christs birth, or death; for, then it would not be a little time after its expiring to the end (there being yet so many of the vials with their effects to come) and although all the time of the Gospel be called a short time, yet that is not as compared with a definit time, but with eternity; whereas here it is called little comparatively with the thousand years going before.