Hē apostasīa, ho antichristos, or, A scriptural discourse of the apostasie and the Antichrist, by way of comment, upon the twelve first verses of 2 Thess. 2 under which are opened many of the dark prophecies of the Old Testament, which relate to the calling of the Jews, and the glorious things to be affected at the seventh trumpet through the world : together with a discourse of slaying the witnesses, and the immediate effects thereof : written for the consolation of the Catholike Church, especially the churches of England, Scotland, and Ireland / by E.H.

Of the ANTICHRIST, The Fourth Part. (Book 4)

CHAP. I.

WHose comming is after the working of Satan, with all power, and* 1.1 signes, and lying wonders.

In verse 8. we had a generall view of Antichrists reigne and Antichrists ruine; now in the four following verses the Holy Ghost descends to a more speciall and peculiar description of An∣tichrists appearing when he comes to be formally Antichrist, i. e. to dis-possesse the lawfull Magistracie and Ministery, the two anointed ones; and to set himselfe and his Image or government above them.

The Holy Ghost describes him (that the Church may know him above all others when he comes) 1 By his manner of appear∣ing in the world. 2 By his followers or subjects.

His manner of appear∣ing is described in

• Generall, to be after the working of Satan.
• Speciall, to be, 1 With power. 2 With signes. 3 With lying wonders. 4 With all deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse.

[Whose comming] Comming, or appearance, or presenee, is here put for the full possession that Antichrist hath of the throne he usurpes; his appearing formally to be Antichrist; and how is this appearance? the Text answers, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] accord∣ing to the working of Satan.

Some learned men conceive that by Satan is not here meant the Devil, but such an enemy and adversary of the Lords Anoint∣ed, as Iudas was; their ground for this is partly from the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies not an infernall spirit, or reprobated Angel, but an adversary or spightfull enemy. If this be the mean∣ing of the Text, then it must run parallel with that, Revel. 13. 12. he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, or in the

presence of him; that first beast is the Pope, so that as the beast of the Sea with seven heads and ten horns got up to his usurped greatnesse by supplanting his Sovereign; so by the same rounds of policie doth the Antichrist climbe up to his usurped greatnesse: and thus he may be said to come after the working of the adver∣sary the Pope, who is the grand adversary of the true Christian Church, and of the Jews conversion; but I cannot adhere to this opinion: for Satan here (as for the most part every where) is one of the black attributes of the Devil, appropriated onely to him.

It would scarce be worth while, unlesse to satisfie the curious, to repeat the wilde opinions of some learned men on this expres∣sion.* 1.2 Some thinke he is a Devil incarnate, who endeavours to imitate Christ, and to perswade the people that he is Christ: they think he shall be of the Tribe of Dan, and after this manner de∣ceive the Jews. They think he will pretend to come of a Virgin as Christ did.

Others, that he shall not be a Devil, but a man begot by the Devill of a Virgin.

Hierome on Isaiah 16. thinks that the Devil is the father of An∣tichrist: this in some sense is tolerable; but for the other o∣pinions I finde not the least ground in Scripture for them, and therefore leave them. Neither can I so heartily imbrace the opi∣nion of learned Swarez, and those other Romish Doctors of his opinion, who hold, that Antichrist shall be filled with the evil qualities of the Devil from his cradle. Yea the Devill (say they) shall so shape him to his mould, when he is in the wombe of his mother, ut temperamentum & complexio ejus fiat propensissima ad om∣nia vitia; these things may be true, but 'tis very uncertain to me; I desire to sail by the Compasse of the Word, and the winde of the Holy Ghost in the Scripture as neer as I can, and that (if any* 1.3 thing) will bring me to the desired fair heaven of truth. Anton. Scaynus, Hemingius, and Bened▪ Iustin, have very good glosses upon these words; the neerest to truth of any of these I have re∣peated.

I most concurre with Zanchie upon this Text; his coming is ac∣cording to the working of Satan, i e. the Devil, who hath, (Iohn 8. 44.) two Epithites given him by the Holy Ghost, even by Christ himselfe, he is a liar and a murtherer: now according to this efficacie of Satan Antichrist comes; these ars, (as Zanchie calls

them) Antichristi arma, the weapons of Antichrist; in this sense we finde a parallel Text, Revel. 13. 11. the beast of the earth spake like the Dragon, and how did the Dragon speak? Gen. 3. 1, 3, 5. he speaks flattering lies, and teaches abominable rebellion. He taught to pluck the forbidden fruit; so Antichrist flatters his fol∣lowers with fair promises of liberty; but they are lies, and teach∣eth to pluck the forbidden fruit; you know there is one sacred tree in the world, which man is forbidden to touch, yea the Hereticks and Apostates of these times confesse it; some of the eminentest of them have acknowledged that it is as sacred corn, onely to be reaped by the hand of God; now this forbidden fruit, this sacred tree he cutteth down; and herein he commeth according to the efficacie of Satan, i. e. as a liar and a murtherer and a cheater. The Devil put on a painted skin when he vented his most pernici∣ous poison: so doth Antichrist, he puts on the speckled skin of fair pretences. Nothing but liberty, the Gospel, and the promotion of piety and Saintship is in his mouth, but his heart and practices and designes are diametrally against it.

CHAP. II.

THus you have a generall description of the appearing of Antichrist: now followes the particular symptomes of his ap∣pearing.

In this Chapter are the signes and marks of Antichrist, which* 1.4 are proper onely to the Antichrist, and to none else; for (as our English Chrysostome in his learned and holy Treatise of grace, p. 42.* 1.5 saith) though it may fall out that some other besides the Anti∣christ may have some of those marks belonging to him, yet none have them all cumulatively and collectively, but the true Anti∣christ. So I conceive there are some peculiar signes and markes of the Antichrist which none can have but he, such as relate to the time, the place, and the manner of slaying the Witnesses.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, cum omni potentia, Beza In omni virtute, so both the Vulgar and the Syriack.

Some learned Protestants (conceiving the Pope •…•…o be the Anti∣christ) understand by [all power] the secular and Ecclesiastick power which the Pope usurpes.

Others think, It is to be referred to the power of doing prodi∣gious

things in shewing signes and wonders: so Beza and Zanchie* 1.6 think. Aquinas on these words saith, that Antichrist shall de∣ceive people after this manner. 1 By his secular power. 2 By the power of miracles. He conceives that Paul by [all power] means secular power, such as Antichrist is said to have, Dan. 11. where he is said to rule over the treasures of gold and silver, and to honour the god of forces, i. e. blesse his sword-power which hath exalted him. I humbly conceive that this is the meaning of Paul; for having before shewed us that he ariseth out of the midst of the true Church, and setteth himselfe in the throne of the true Church by supplanting the lawfull possessours of it. The meanes by which he must accomplish this, must be by extraordi∣nary policie, which the Apostle tells us is by the efficacie of Satan: the policie of hell promotes him to this power; by flatteries and fair pretences he windes himself into power and strength, and then he murthers and supplants those that stand in his way by the strength of that power, which by flatteries and fair pretences he got the possession of. Thus, according to the working of the De∣vill,* 1.7 by lying and murthering he gets into power, and then ap∣pears with all power, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (say the learned Criticks) signifies an army or host, so 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is best in∣terpreted the Lord of hosts. Our learned Critick Leigh proves that the word is used for military power, both amongst humane and divine Authors. Theodoretus, Nazianzen, and others so use the word; so that when Antichrist appeareth to be formally An∣tichrist, he appeares clothed with all power, he is Commander in chief of forces and power.

They that read the Text [in omni virtute] so understand it, they* 1.8 oppose it to infirmity and imbecillity, and not to vice. Saith Scay∣nus, it may be understood of armie, or great wealth, or powers; and to this do other learned men consent, who say, the Greek word is answerable to the Hebrew word, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chajil, which signi∣fies power or armies, or that wherein power and might consists, whether wealth and riches, or strong confederates; so doth Na∣zianzen describe Antichrist to be a beast full of poison and mis∣chief,* 1.9 a man of great power and might, a wealthy man.

Hence it is we have the Antichrist, Daniel 7. Daniel 11. and Revel. 11. and 17. plucking up three of the ten Kingdomes subject to Rome, and making war with and overcomming and wearing out the Saints; and in another place doing what he pleaseth, and so

successefull with his power or forces, that he pitcheth his tents in the holy mountain betwixt the Seas, and makes war with the two Witnesses, overcomes them, and kills them, and makes war with the Lambe; and all this he doth by his power, his hosts, and ar∣mies, over whom he hath the chief command. All these expres∣sions are but to set forth the manner of the Antichrists appearing, 'tis with armed power against the Church: for no otherwise can he make war with the Lambe, then by assaulting the true Church, the Lambes bride.

CHAP. III.

—and signes, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 amongst humane Authors signifies a prognostick signe, and sometimes an argument, but commonly a signe: there are naturall, civill, and diabolicall signes; and there are divine reall signes: the word in Scripture is used to expresse them all.

Iudas, (Matth. 26. 48.) gave his souldiers (of whom for a time he was Conductor Generall) a signe whereby to know Christ. This was a distinguishing signe to his souldiers, a destructive signe to Christ, a deceitfull signe to the betrayed Church, the ele∣ven Apostles. Such a signe shall the Antichrist use in the slaying of the Witnesses, he shall kisse those with fair promises, whom he intends to bettray and kill; his signes shall be designed signes to his followers, destructive signes to the Lords anointed, and de∣ceitfull signes to the deluded, betrayed Churches, under the wing of the Lords anointed.

The Apostle useth here two words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies properly a prodigie, or an extraordinary act be∣yond the ordinary course of nature. And so oft-times doth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: yet seldome when they are both found (as here) together, then (as now) their proper distinct significatiōs are to be regarded.

The learned distinguish betwixt 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 thus;* 1.10 signes are those things which are done in an extraordinary man∣ner; but not beyond or against nature; as to heal the sick, to cure a leaper, to restore a lame man to his limbes: but prodigies are extraordinary acts, or productions beyond the course of na∣ture, as to raise the dead, or give sight to one totally blinde; this cannot be done by nature or art; for totall privations admit of no regresse. In what sense signes are here to be taken, is question∣able;

but 'tis out of question, that these signes are one grand Character or great letter of the Antichrist.

That miracles are called signes in Scripture, is most frequent and certain; and the learned give reasons for it, which reasons* 1.11 are deduced from Scripture, Mark 16. 20. He confirmed the Word with miracles and signes: the miracles and signes that accompani∣ed the Apostles, were to confirm the doctrine of the Apostles, and their extraordinary divine call and anointing unto that work. This usually accompanied the Prophets before Christ, when they were made Apostles, and had a word put in their mouths, usually a signe went along with their word of prophecie. Therefore when Christ was cried up of the people for a Prophet, the Phari∣sees come, and require a signe from beaven, Matth. 16. 1. that was to confirm his extraordinary mission, and the new doctrines that he taught.

As Christ by signes and miracles confirmed his Anointing as only Head, Priest, and Prophet as man, and so anointed above his fellows, above all that ever were, he was Davids Lord, the King of Kings, Priest of Priests, and Prophet of Prophets, as he, I say▪ confirms his unction and his new government by signes and mira∣cles. So the Antichrist when he comes, he shall come in the spirit or energy of the Devil, and with lying signes and wonders en∣deavour to confirm his usurpation, by pretending to an extraordi∣nary mission; he goes to prove his title to what he usurps by the false signe of providence, of Saintship, of immediate revelations and such like wayes.

This observe as a general truth, that that man, or Church, or* 1.12 State, since the establishing of the Gospel-Church upon the Bible, that have no better title then the present signes and miracles they bring with them to uphold it, do build upon an Antichristian foundation. For you may be sure their title is not good by the law of Christ in his sacred records, who flie from that to feigned signes and miracles of their own.

I cannot say particularly what these signes are; but sure I am from the text, they are deceitful signes and prodigious signes. What prodigies and signes, Europe▪ yea, the World hath had these four yeers past, I leave the judicious of the World to judge. I pass on to the Scriptures that are cogent with the text. I Revel. 13. 13. there the Antichrist doth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, make great signes▪ and upon what designes? but to cheat the men of the earth to a

subjection to his new government, as you may see in the after∣words of that Chapter.

Another parallel text we have in Matth. 24 24.—where the Antichrist is set forth by his followers, those that comply with him, and promote him by dividing and corrupting and over-top∣ing the true Church by those factions of Apostates, which they draw out of the Church against it. They are ca•…•…led false Christs and false Prophets, who 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; though this be not spoken of the person of Antichrist, yet 'tis spoken of the followers of Antichrist, who appear in the Church with the Antichrist, and are the instruments of broaching those false signes, which in the other texts are attributed to the Anti∣christ, he being the head and patronizer of them: for it is not to be imagined that •…•…e alone doth these signes, but he hath fit instru∣ments designed by him for the work. The Frogs out of the Dra∣gons mouth, the three unclean spirits help him.

I am loath to enter upon Revel. 16. it being a Chapter so full of unrevealed revelations, there being much more difficulty in it then commonly Expositors conceive: yet if I did affirm that Revel. 16. 16. ran parallel with Pauls prophecie in the description of Antichrists ruine, verse 8. whereby the breath of Gods mouth, as in Revel. 19. 15. and the brightness of his coming (as verse 12, 16. manifesteth) he is destroyed with his fellows, verse 20. that is, brought to Armageddon, Revel. 16. 16. I think I could easily prove it, and upon better grounds then as yet I see by former Authours of o∣ther opinions refuted: but I must return to a harder task, and that is to prove that Matth. 24. 24. is a prophecie of the Antichrist and his followers. For proof hereof we must borrow the me∣thod of him who wrote the last Annotations upon this Chapter:* 1.13 Here are (saith he) three questions propounded. 1 Of the ruine of the Temple and of Ierusalem. 2 Of Christs comming to re∣store the Jews. 3 Of his comming to judge the World. As for that end spoken of, v. 14. it is not meant the end of the World, but the end of the Jewish Church and State-government, the Temple and the Throne should be ruined.

Now to these three questions Christ distinctly answers, deny∣ing none as false, nor reproving them as needlesse. To the first question you have an answer which extends to v. 22. To the second question, viz. when Christ shall come to convert the Jews, and re∣store the Kingdome to Iudah, that is, unite the twelve Tribes

again in one Religion under one King, as it was under David and Solomon. The Disciples were questionlesse right in the question, for otherwise Christ would have shewed them their errour and mistake: but that Christ doth not, neither in this Chapter nor in Act. 1. 6. where they ask this question, Wilt thou at this time re∣store▪ the Kingdome to Israel? i. e. unite Iudah and Ephraim the two sticks in Gods hand. They had this opinion not onely by tra∣dition from their fathers, but they had it from their prophecies, the written received Word, from Moses and all the Prophets. See what answer Christ makes to them, It is not for you to know the times and the seasons that the Father hath put into his hands, but ye shall re∣ceive power;—the Spirit of Revelation after his ascension; should reveal this to them, as it was to the beloved Disciple Iohn, and to all them who by the Spirit afterwards understood Christs pro∣phecies in Matth. 24. and Luke 21. So that Christ positively af∣firmes, that such a restauration of the Kingdome to Israel there should be, and they should have in due time a more full discovery of that truth: in the mean time 'twas reserved in the Fathers hands. He that wrencheth the scope of Christs words to a con∣trary sense, in my judgement offers exceeding much violence to the Text. Likewise in Luke 17. 20. when the Pharisees that ground∣ed this question of the comming of the Kingdome of God upon the Old Testament-prophecies, which are clear in the thing: Christ denies not the question, but answers to it in Moses words, from whence they raised the question. So that it is manifest, the Disciples were found in the question about Christs comming to call home the twelve Tribes; to which he answers from v. 23. to v. 35. where he gives the Symptomes immediately going before his comming, and that is, •…•… Antichrist and his followers should be busie: where? in the Church: about what? about dividing Christ, making factions in the Church, saying, Here is Christ, and there is Christ; behold, he is in the desert, behold, he is in the se∣cret chamber: thus Antichrists followers by factions raised in the Church, and by their false signes and false wonders, in successes, providences, pretences of sanctity and such like falsities, shall pre∣vail so exceedingly, that generally all loose professours shall be drawn to a defection, or a cursed neutrality, or to a malicious a∣postasie from the Church, yea, they shall stagger many of the e∣lect▪ and (were it possible) make them also finally to fall into the same delusions, impenitencie, and irrecoverable apostasie. Now

(v. 27.) comes Christ like the lightening, i. e▪ suddenly, terribly: when is that? v. 28. when the ravenous birds of prey, the Romish Eagles are feasting and rejoycing at the dead carcases of the Wit∣nesses: then followes, v. 29. the vials pouring out on the aposta∣sie and the Antichrist; and then appears the signe of the Son of man in heaven, and then shall all the Tribes of the earth mourn: what? all the Tribes? yes, all: for v. 31. the Angels with sound of Trumpet, Isa. 27. 13. (that is, at Iohns seventh Trumpets sound∣ing) shall call all the Tribes from the four ends of the earth. Oh blessed day▪ the Lord hasten it: but is this at the day of Judge∣ment? no; but at the time of Antichrists ruine, for the Genera∣tion of the Jews shall not perish untill all this be fulfilled; now after this Christ treats of the day of Judgement in that Chapter.

CHAP. IV.

[And lying wonders] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The Syriack renders it, and with false prodigies: Beza reads, lying prodigies.* 1.14

I dare not alter any thing, and therefore may not finde fault. They say the expression is an Hebraisme equipollent to 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which they translate for the Text.

It is observable, that all the New Testament-prophecies are full of Hebraismes: sure the Holy Ghost hath some holy designe in it; either to informe the Hebrews, that the same Spirit that in∣spired the Old Testament-Prophets, inspired also the New: and that the onely way to understand either is to believe both, and compare them one with another: thus I understand that of see∣ing eye to eye, as Esay hath it.

Or else, it is, to humble us Gentiles in the remembrance of our stock. We are by nature wilde Olives; and all the light we have received for salvation it hath come from the Hebrews. To them were committed the Oracles of the Gospel, and they (viz.) the twelve Apostles, and Paul, all Hebrews did dispense those Ora∣cles to the world, which are to this day, and will be the standing rule to all the Churches to the end of the world. Hereby all boast∣ing is excluded from the Gentiles.

Or rather to point us to the Old Testament, there to search for a parallel Comment on a prophetick Text in the New Testament, It may be all these designes are included in the phrase and man∣ner

of expression. [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] this is a degree beyond signes,* 1.15 that Antichrist goes: for signes are but things acted within the Sphere of nature; but wonders, beyond and above the reach of nature. Hence some conceive 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to be all one with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which comes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies to terrifie; for won∣ders being things done beyond the course of common causes, amaze and terrifie the beholders, so that they stand at a gaze, fil∣led with admiration and wonder, which is nothing else but the surplus of expectation. Antichrists slaying of the Witnesses, changing the times and lawes of that State where he slayes them, Dan. 7. 25. pitching his tents in the Holy Mountain, Dan. 11. ult. dividing Mount Olivet, Zach. 14. stripping the Church of all her strength and power which she made against him, Deut. 32. 36. set∣ting up his new strange government in the stead of the govern∣ment of the slain Witnesses, Revel. 13. 12, 13, 14. these are such great things beyond the expectation of the people that are not acquainted with the signes and marks of Antichrists appearing, that they wonder at his successes and are cheated by the Antichrist by the great signes (v. 13.) especially that of Religion and Saint∣ship; for Antichrist shall do all these unexpected things under the cloke of Religion; as Solomon appeared in the sight of all the men of Israel to be that King, whom God had made choice of to build him an house, and that that house God chose beyond all others to be his house by the comming down of fire from hea∣ven in the sight of Israel, at which sight they being filled with ho∣ly wonder, bowed down their heads, and worshipped, believing; even so Antichrist shall by his cunning designes which he cloaks with externall formes of high devotion, make the people believe that he is the man designed to pull down Antichrist, and to lay the top-stone of Church-Reformation, and make the times glori∣ous times: you may know Antichrist by the Livery that he gives to his black Guard: in 2 Tim. 3. 2, 3, 4 we finde 18 of his company, & all in one Livery, v. 5. having a form of godliness, self-lovers or self∣ish men in the cloak of the form of godliness; covetous men in the form of godliness, boasters in the form of godliness, proud persons in the form of godliness, blasphemers in the form of godliness, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affe∣ction, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, headie, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more then lovers of God; all these the Apostle tells us

in the last dayes (meaning the dayes of Antichrists appearing) shall be cloaked in a forme of godlinesse. All these Devils in these dayes arise and walk in Samuels mantle. So that I may use St. Iohns words to the dispersed, despised, and distressed Churches in this age, 1 Iohn 2. 18. Little childeren, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists, whereby we know that it is the last time: they went out from us, but they were not of us. These are the followers of Antichrist, & these are the chiefs of men to be destroyed when the Witnesses rise; which* 1.16 day God of his abundant mercy hasten. I believe 'tis neer at hand.

Antichrist and his followers by their prodigious acts under the cloak of Religion may make the World wonder, but they do no no wonders; for the Holy Ghost tells us, they are lying wonders, wonders that onely cheat the men of the earth, or earthly-minded men to a subjection, to bow down to their image, and receive the mark of the beast.

Antichrists miracles are lies, respectu omnium causarum, saith Cor∣nelius à Lapide, in respect of the materiall, efficient, formall, and finall cause.

The end of his miracles is to cheat the people into a compliance with his false wayes; whereas the end of true miracles was to con∣firme the truth.

The originall of these miracles is the Devil; Antichrist is helped by Sorcerers and Witches that pretend Revelations, and come with all manner of cunning to cheat and deceive soules.

The matter of them are meer deceits; for dive into the bot∣tome of them, and you shall finde the fire he pretends came from heaven, is fire of his own making, to delude the people.

Ant. Scaynus conceives his lying wonders are such as Iannes and Iambres wrought before Pharaoh, which were meer delusions and no true miracles; yet served the turn to harden Pharaohs heart against the true Church, and to divert the people from believing and obeying the truth, to their utter ruine; and thither tendeth the miracles of Antichrist.

Some learned men say, Antichrist shall be a great Magician or* 1.17 Sorcerer; to this I could adde a very strange story, which I re∣ceived from a person of honour; but to avoid all occasions of offence, I forbear it.

The miracles of Antichrist are also formally lies, for they are

performed meerly by cunning. He may pretend that miraculous* 1.18 providence from heaven doth all. Herein he most desperately blasphemes, for he makes God the Author of his sins, by entitling God to all those prodigious villainies, that he himselfe, and by his cunning Instruments perpetrates.

I'le conclude this verse with that of Goranus; Antichrist (saith he) that he may deceive the people, makes use of the choicest and wisest language, (talkes like a Saint) dissembles much vertue (in his conversation) makes use of Scripture-testimonies, pretends to work miracles, makes large promises of promotion to those that adhere unto him, and others he frights into a compliance by the threats of persecution.

I hope I shall be pardoned for not mentioning the opinion of Methodius in his Revelations about Antichrist, nor of Hyppolitus, nor Ephrem in their Tracts of the end of the World; where they make as if he should counterfeit Christs miracles, as to give sight to the blinde, restore the lame to their limbes, cast out Devils, turn the Sun to darknesse, seemingly also make mountains to move, himselfe to flie in the air, and such like miracles, which are onely fancies of their braines, there being not a word in Scripture whereon to ground any such opinion.* 1.19

And with all deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse in them that perish, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 seemes by the most of Translators rather to be interpreted and expounded then transla∣ted;* 1.20 for as 'tis observed, the word is compounded of the prima∣tive [α] and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which signifies a path or high-way; and therefore I chuse to follow him who translates it [out-path] in every out-path of unrighteousnesse.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is either opposed to truth, as 1 Cor. 13. 6. and so 'tis put for deceit or falshood; or else (as Alstedius saith) it signifies that oppression and Tyranny which one man exerciseth over another: In both these senses it may well be understood of the Antichrist. For he is not onely a cheater, and a false perjured person, but also a monstrous oppressor, and a bloodie persecutor of the innocent lambes of Christs flock. He is a Tyrant, who walkes in all the by-paths of iniquity, His crooked feet can keep no straight paths; he must have by-wayes to bad ends. Cornelius à Lapide shews us six of his by-paths, wherein he walkes. 1 With much civility and courtesie to all, thereby to ingratiate himselfe into their fa∣vours▪

2 By a feigned holiness,- and so (as Goranus, whose words we have quoted) he proceeds to discover his severall wayes.* 1.21

Thus you have the seducer (viz.) the Antichrist: his manner of seducing in generall and in speciall: and now we come to the parties seduced.

CHAP. V.

IN them that perish] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Observe the Apostles correlate termes in this discourse, in v. 3. the Antichrist, the seducer is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and they that are seduced, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; as the blinde lead the blinde, and both fall into the ditch; so the grand seducer leads the seduced, until they both tumble down into hell. You may read their dread∣ful ends in their names, perditition is their name, and destru∣ction is their end; be their profession what it will. The son of perdition, when he comes, will draw the subjects of perdition af∣ter* 1.22 him to damnation: this is the generall Character of Anti∣christs subjects; they are lost men, ruined men; they shal be slain Revel. 11. 13.

Here we have the full length of Antichrists chain (as Zanchie observes) to the comfort of the Saints; for though Antichrist arise in the midst of the Church; and appear with his armed for∣ces to terrifie some, and with his cheats, and deceits, and miracles to draw away others; yet he shall not be able to deceive the mean∣est Saint of God. This is exceeding great comfort to the Saints, and glory to Christ, who rules hereby in the midst of his enemies. A true Saint is never more visible then when the true visible Church is most obscured and darkened with Hereticks and Se∣ducers.

Then was Athanasius in the full when the visible Chruch was* 1.23 in the wane. Chrysostome comforts his hearers, from this Text; af∣ter he had preached to them of the cunning fraud, subtilty, and malice of the Antichrist. Fear you not, (saith he) my beloved? but hearken unto him who hath said, that he shall prevail onely over them that perish: if it were possible, he shall cheat the elect, but it is impossible: he may make them stumble, but never totally fall. No, in that pit his own feet shall be for ever captivated with the multitude of Apostate professours, his zealous follow∣ers.

The elect shall be kept in all their wayes, that they never dash their foot against that stone. They may be afflicted even unto death, both shamefull and cruell by Antichrists tyranny, but they shall never perish by Antichrists temptation. He may tyrannize over the true Saints, but he shall never make them his subjects nor followers: they (though conquered) yet are conquerours o∣ver the image and mark of the beast, Ergo adhaerebunt Antichristo s•…•…li 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, saith Zanchie. Onely those that are designed of God unto destruction shall be the subjects and followers of Anti∣christ.

[Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved▪]

Here we have a general Character of those Reprobates, who are the followers of Antichrist. They are formall Christians, ha∣ving no love at all of the truth which they professe. The Apostle intends it (saith Aquinas) as a demonstration of their deception, and the particle 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 seems very much to confirm it.

They would mock God with a mock Religion, and God re∣turns their mocks upon them again, by suffering others to mock them with a mock Religion, turning Solomons proverb into a pro∣phecie, and fulfilling it: The back-slider in heart shall be filled with his own wayes, he shall have enough on't.

An hypocrite puts on Iacobs smooth skin of profession to cover the Esau's hands and face of his villainie, as Iacob put on Esau's counterfeit skin, meerly to deceive. He intended to wear it no longer then untill he hath thereby accomplished his designe. He loves Religion no more then Iudas loved charity. Though he carried the bag of charity and the tongue of charity, yet he was a hard-hearted thief that robbed the Church, by converting the Church-stock to his own private use. Such are Antichrists follow∣ers, who receive Religion in the form and externall shew of it, but not in the love and power of it: they receive it into their armes, but not into their hearts; they imbrace Religion, as Am∣non did his beautifull sister, not to be tied in Nuptiall bonds of unity and love, but to satisfie his lust, and after that disgracefully to shut her out of doors. They love Religion in the truth no more then Absalom loved Justice, onely in pretence to some great∣er end to depose the King and get the Crown. Now as they think to cheat men by their pretences and hypocriticall delusions; so God in Justice leaves them in the hardnesse of their heart, and

blindness of their minde, to be cheated by the Devil and Antichrist to their own damnation. Whiles they cheat men under the cloak of religion of their honours and estates, the Devil that whiles cheats them of their souls. It may be truly said of every formall hypocriticall professor, Perditio tua ex te, Thy destruction is of thy self. But I crave pardon for my sawcinesse in going here before my betters, let us see what the learned say.

[They received not] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Some learned men conceive that this is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ or an extenuation, a diminutive expression, the full meaning being this [they pertinaciously refused]

[〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] the love of the truth. Some by love of the* 1.24 truth, understand Christ, who is both truth and love. Charit•…•…tem ex∣hibuit, & veritatem ostendit, saith Goran. So that the meaning is, they received not Christ, that is, truth; for he that receives not truth in the love of it, receives not Christ.* 1.25

Some others conceive 'tis meant of the deficiencie of charity in Antichrists followers, they have knowledge and gifts and faith, but no charity, which profiteth nothing, 1 Cor. 13.

Probably, truth is here put for the whole doctrine of the Gos∣pel in opposition to all other false Religions, so that the Chara∣cter of Antichrists followers is this: They are professors of the Gospel of true Religion, but they are hypocriticall professors and temporary; professors: for, 1 They receive not the truth into their hearts; they love not what they professe. 2 Neither do they professe Religion with a designe to be saved by it.

Religion is not a Iacobs ladder for them to climb to heaven by, but a blinde zeal, under which without suspition they carry on their hellish designes: all the heaven they look at, is the wealth and greatnesse and pleasure of the world. They receive not the love of the truth, that they might be saved by it; but the outward pro∣fession of the truth, that they may be preferred by it.

Hence observe, that the Antichrist is so far from an open deni∣all of Christ, that he is a great professour of Christ, who prefers all his followers upon the account of religious men and Saints, men that professe religion: but what saith the Text? 'tis in hy∣pocrisie. 'Tis true, they fast and pray, but 'tis not out of love to that solemn duty, that they may be saved by it; but that they may thereby advantage their carnall Interests; as a reverend Divine said wittily once, eying some mens designes, They have (saith he) humbled themselves into the Throne, and fasted and prayed, that

which they accounted Achans wedge, and the Babylonish garment into their possession; fasted fine cloathes upon their backs, and self-denyingly wound themselves into all the great and profitable offices. This is all the heaven that Antichrists followers aime at by all their eminent professions; they receive not the truth to the mortifying of their lusts, but for the palliating of their lusts. 'Tis a good place, not grace; a Kingdome here, not a Kingdome here∣after, that their profession chiefly pursues and closely hunts after.

Shall I say any more? I will not, I need not; Reader, I leave thee wisely to Comment upon this too-too easie Text in this pre∣sent age, vid•…•…as, fugias.

But the Holy Ghost, as I humbly conceive, by the restrictive articles, and the Scope of the prophecie intends some eminent truth at this time opposed by Antichrist, upon the rejecting of which truth they become Antichrists subjects, as Antichrist by op∣posing it becomes formally Antichrist: but of this we shall touch in the last verse.

CHAP. VI.

AND for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should* 1.26 believe a lie.

In the former verse (as Aquinas observes) there is onely the sinne set down. In this verse there is both their sinne and punish∣ment; their being deluded is both their sinne and their punish∣ment.

In the following verse there is onely their punishment set down, which is damnation; the end of all their Apostasie, a just reward for such iniquity.

In the words there are these particulars: 1 The Judgement denounced [delusion.] 2 The Author inflicting it [God.] 3 The persons on whom it is inflicted [them▪] those that received not the love of the truth to be saved by it. 4 The specification of it by its effects [that they should believe a lie.]

In the Judgement or punishment denounced we must observe the Apostles manner of delivery, which is potent in the Causall Conjunction Copulative, for I cannot call [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] any thing else; and in the adjunct, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪

And for this cause, i. e. for rejecting the love of the truth, and not making it the meanes of their salvation; for this cause 'tis.

So that [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] imports two things. 1 A false professours damnation is from himself, not from God. He is the cause of it, for 1 He loves not what he professeth; and would you have a man for ever tied to what he loves not? Religion is an hypocrites purgatory, through which he wades with much regret of soul in hope at last to reap some profit. He loves the truths of Christ no more then a Merchant loves the Sea; he longs to be over it at his goald; he intends not to dwell at Sea in any wise▪ As a true Chri∣stian loves this present world, so a false Christian loves Religion; he cares not how soon he is rid out, so he may obtein his desired ends. So that as a true Christian counts it his hell, and will in no* 1.27 wise be tied for ever to the world; so an hypocriticall professor counts it his hel, & wil in no wise be tied for ever to the everlasting Gospel. If a man would commune with an hypocrites heart, it would tell him that he looked not at communion with Christ, nor expected any robes of righteousnesse from him, he neither loves Christ nor his truth, nor intends a Spirituall Crown, but earthly advantages by his profession. He loves not the Gospel after such a manner as to glorifie God, and be saved by it: and is not such a man the cause of his own damnation? God will save no man against his will. He will have all his servants Volunteers; he ties none by fatall necessity or absolute determination to obe∣dience▪ but all by free choice; hence our state in the first Adam was mutable, because God would be served by a voluntary choice. Since our restauration God gives us a will to choose him, and sta∣bility in that will to continue with him. And this is the Magna Charta of a Christian, that God will give him a will, that he shall never depart from him. But these followers of Antichrist, they are unwilling to receive truth unto sanctification, onely to outward washing, for some carnall end they will receive truth, but no fur∣ther; and therefore as Nazianzen well observes) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, 'tis not their cannots, but their will nots that will damn them; they would not receive the truth to be saved by it.

2 It imports thus much that a formall hypocriticall professour will easily become an heretick and an apostate, in time of tempta∣tion he will fall away. For this cause God shall send them strong de∣lusions. For this cause Ierusalems house is left (unto this day) unto

her desolate; for this cause they had eyes to see, and saw not; and ears to hear, and heard not; and hearts to understand, and un∣derstood not. For this cause we have this day so many apostates and hereticks, and fearfull and unbelieving persons even at the mouth of hell. They were formerly eminent professours, but their eminencie was onely in externals, in formalities; there was no inward heart-imbracing of the truth with an inward purpose and resolution to be saved by it; and hence it is, they are so soon de∣parted to another Gospel, or rather bewitched to imbrace the do∣ctrines of Devils; strong delusions.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the efficacie of delusion, so reads the Syriack; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies errour, and such grosse errour (say the learned) as leads a man from the way of nature, even to sin against the light of nature, against convictions of naturall conscience. But as if this were not high enough, the Apostle underlayes it with this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to raise it above superlative; to note, that Anti∣christs followers who are described to be eminent professours, shall be given up to the excesse of errours, even against the light of na∣ture; Covenant-breaking, Treachery, Apostasie, lying with a pur∣pose to deceive, adultery and murther are all sins against the light of nature, and these grosse sins shall professours be grosly guilty of in that time when Antichrist shall be revealed.

There is yet something more in the phrase; for the efficacie of delusion lies chiefly in this, that all these prodigious sins should be committed by Christians, and Christians bearing the name and ti∣tle of Saints, and they so far from shame and reluctancie in the committing of them, that they vaunt, insult, rejoyce, boast and triumph▪ openly in the committing of them, as if they had done God and the Church some speciall service: here lies the efficacie of delusion, that ever professours should be thus given up to a reprobate minde to commit such abominable sins against the light of nature with delight and greediness. This is the grand Character of Antichrists followers.

But it is said, that God sends these strong delusions: if so, then is not God the Author of their sin and damnation?

To this the generall answer is, that God sends not this delusion effective, but permissivè; he is not the efficient of it, but the per∣mitter of it. He permits it by letting loose the rains to Satan, and to Antichrist, and his Instruments. God doth not positively send them delusions. There cannot greater blasphemy be thought

of then to affirm God to be the Author of evill. God sends not any thing for that end to make men believe a lie, neither doth he permit it for any▪ such end, though in the consequents by accident it effects the same. The Judge fore-warnes his servant of theft, and then tries him by laying money in his way; he steals it; the Judge in punishing him is not the cause of his sin, but the Author of his punishment. God permits no∣thing* 1.28 unwillingly: permission stands not in opposition to the will; for permitting a thing is in some sort willing a thing: and besides, it cannot be supposed that God is an idle Spectator of events; for he is the Governour of all things, and directs all things according to the counsell of his will, and therefore by permitting of th•…•…se delusions to beguile souls to their damnation, he wills them.

To this we answer, that God doth will these things; but nei∣ther* 1.29 as a means, nor as an end tending to evill; he wills them as actions simply considered, which are not evil, but are made so by accident, through the defects of evill men. Or thus, God wills* 1.30 them as punishments to the wicked, and so they are good, as being destinated to a good end. He sends seducers amongst hypocriti∣call professors, as a King sends fire-ships which he takes from his enemies; and guiding their sterns, sends them into the midst of his enemies Navie, whereby he fires and destroyes his enemies. God may be justly said to will these things, as punishments; but not as sins. One and the same thing may be both a sin, and a punishment of sin, as Augustine instanceth in many particulars;* 1.31 a sin both in the seducer and the seduced, and a punishment, as by the wise providence of God ordered to both their destructions.

As a Judge makes one thief to intrap and destroy another, so God destroyes one sin by another. Peccata praecedentia punit pec∣catis sequentibus. God here makes their after-sins to punish their former: since they would not imbrace truth to their salvation, they shall imbrace errours and lies to their damnation; God, as the supream Author of his own righteous vengeance, can take up what weapons he will against his enemies. Now what fitter In∣strument can you finde to punish Apostates in heart with, then to fill them with their own wayes: a false tongue is most fit for an itching ear. These blinde hypocrites God lets them take hands, and lead each other in their new-found paths of delight, untill they both irrecoverably fall into the ditch. These followers of Antichrist despise truth tendered by Gods messengers, and God

thereupon justly with-drawes his grace tendered to them; and so* 1.32 they are as wandering sheep in a wildernesse, a prey to those beasts of prey, to that roaring lion who daily goeth about seeking for such souls to devour them. God infuseth no evill qualities either into seducers or the seduced, but onely leaves them (who first left him) to the evill of their own hearts. They heap to themselves Teachers after their own hearts; a false heart will choose a false Teacher; and God lets them both alone: Ephraim is joyned to Idols, let him alone: this is all the sending which God is said to send. Seducers shall one day know that God never sent them: They ran, and I have not sent them. God will one day say to both the seducers and seduced, Who required these things at your hands? when men make gods with their hands, God leaves them to worship those gods. They would not receive the truth; well, saith God, they shall not receive the truth, but shall be hardened in their sin, untill they die. Since they refused coun∣sell and knowledge and the fear of God; they shall have none of it; I will refuse them, saith the Lord; they shall be given up to strong delusion to believe a lie. Since they would not feed on Angels food at Christs Table, they shall feed on the Devils excre∣ments amongst the swinish herds of heretitcks destinated to dam∣nation. As Christ by his gracious wisdome did save an adulterous woman from the judgement of adulterous men, by causing the shamefull sin of the condemned to flie upon the guilty conscien∣ces of the condemners: So God in his glorious wisdome brings to damnation hypocrites, by letting seducers baits catch those seduced souls, that so greedily catch at them; whereby they shamefully (like those accusers of the woman) go away and leave Christ, his Ministers and his Ordinances. In all this God is true, though every one of them be liars.

[That they should believe a lie] so Beza renders it and the Syriack. To a word [that they should believe that lie] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the lie;* 1.33 what lie? Mr. Leigh answers, Antichrist. Since they would not imbrace Christ, the truth, they shall be given up to blindenesse and hardnesse to imbrace Antichrist, the lie. A lie is falshood ap∣pearing in the cloke of truth, and so is Antichrist, which these A∣postates shall imbrace. They rejected and revolted from Gods anointed ones, which were the Cedars of God, and chose to them∣selves the bramble, and under this scratching thorn those goates shall sit till a fire come forth from the Lord, and devour both it and them. They heap to themselves ignorant and unlearned

Teachers, perverting the Word to their damnation, such as Ie∣rome* 1.34 speaks of.

The very name Antichrist imports a lie; for he is one against the truth, against Christ, who is the way and the truth. If [love of the truth] be meant Christ, as Chrysostome, Oecumenius, Theodore∣tus and severall other learned Authors affirm, then most proba∣bly the imbracing a lie is here meant, the subjecting to and closing with Antichrist, or (as very probably) truth is put for the anoint∣ed offices, the two Witnesses, which these Apostates reject, and imbrace the Antichrist, who in opposition to them is called a lie; usurpation is a lie, the great usurper is the Antichrist, who sup∣plants the Witnesses, and therefore called in the abstract the lie.

He is called in 1 Iohn 2. 22. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the liar, who is the Anti∣christ,* 1.35 who denies the Father and the Sonne, that is, the constitu∣ted offices in the Church, Luke 10. 16. for he that denieth them, denieth Christ; and he that denieth Christ, denieth God.

CHAP. VII.

THat they all might be damned, who believed not the truth, but had* 1.36 pleasure in unrighteousnesse.

This Verse windes up Pauls prophecie of the Antichrist and his followers.

It hath two parts in it. The first shewes us the last of Antichrist and his subjects, viz. their finall damnation. The last part is an exegefis of the two foregoing verses.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that they might be damned. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is here used for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the word properly signifies to judge; but in the worser sense it is often in the New Testament put for to condemn, as Luke 19. 22. Out of thy mouth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. I condemne thee; and* 1.37 so generally Expositors understand it, that their judging here shall be, cum judicio damnationis, with the judgement of damna∣tion▪ Here we have the dreadfull Catastrophe of Antichrist, but especially his companions, his men of name: and something more me thinks I see as matter of comfort in the Text, viz. the time when he shall be thus with his followers damned, or cast into hell, as Revel. 19. 20. expresseth it. Compare it with 2 Tim. 3. 8, 9. and it informes us, that they shall proceed no further then to oppose the Witnesses, as Iannes and Iambres did Moses & Aaron,

when they have resisted the truth, i e. the Witnesses maintaining the truth in opposition to the lie Antichrist; when they have cor∣rupted their own and others mindes with heresies and blasphe∣mises, and when they have shewed themselves reprobates concern∣ing the faith, then they shall proceed no further: they shall then receive the wages of their work, damnation. These that Paul pro∣phesies of to Timothy, are the same that here he prophesies of to the Thessalonians, for they are all professors of Religion, all in one livery, practising the same devillish things, and being alike corrupted and depraved. We finde Antichrist and his followers in Revel. 11. and Chap. 13. proceeding no farther then the slaying of the Witnesses, and triumphantly insulting over them, and their authority for three dayes and an halfe; and then on a sudden un∣expectedly a cloud is seen, and a loud voice is heard, the Witnes∣ses rise, the 7000 names of men are slain by a great Schisme, Com∣motion, or Earth-quake, which finisheth the second wo; and then followes presently the third wo, or seventh trumpet, and then the Dragon, the beast, and the false Prophet are cast into hell: and Hallelujahs and praises throughout, the Church are thundered, and no more of Antichrist appears for ever.

So that I will say to the true Church, as Christ in Matth. 24. When ye see these things begin to come to passe, know that the time of Antichrists damnation is nigh at hand, even at the door.

[Who believed not the truth] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The Holy Ghost seems to point at some peculiar eminent truth, which these hypocrites and Apostates did reject and would not believe; for 'tis not to be imagined that they rejected all truth, and turned Infidels and Heathens, for then they must necessarily cast off the profession of Christianity, which they that follow Antichrist do not do; and therefore I conceive it is some eminent truth, which God permits to be opposed, purposely to trie the knowledge, faith, love, since∣rity, Christianity and courage of his people, and to discover▪ the rottennesse, hypocrisie, and back-sliding of formal professours; this God usually doth in every age: some eminent truths or o∣ther he permits to be opposed, and calls out eminent professours to witnesse unto blood on their behalfe. There's never an Article in the Creed, but at one time or other hath been thus victorious∣ly in blood defended; all being delivered to us sealed with our holy Ancestors blood; Thereby teaching us our duty in a time when truth's opposed. God permits certain truths in severall ages

to be opposed in Queen Maries dayes: the doctrine of the Sa∣craments was opposed, and the true way of externall worship; and then God first sealed his truths with his Martyrs blood; and then delivered them to us, their posterity. Now in the time of Antichrists appearing the great truth, which shall be called in question, to the trial of the Saints, and the discovery of hypocrites and formall professors who shall reject this, is the two great Offices originally Christs, derivatively those whom he anoints, or designes thereunto, (viz.) to the Kingly Office, and to the Sacerdotall or Ministeriall Office. (Blessed is that Nation that enjoyes them both together.) These two Offices Antichrist shall (as we have already shewed) oppose and depose: and this makes him formally Antichrist. Now to this Antichrists followers (even against their former protestations and open professions) shall con∣sent, and in the ruining of the Offices shall concurre; and thus they shall rebell against the truth, and become the followers of Antichrist. This onely is signified, Revel. 13. by giving the mark to the beast, and receiving the mark of the beast; that is, enga∣ging against the anointed Offices to be a subject to the govern∣ment of Antichrist in direct opposition to it.

[Truth] is here put in opposition to [lie] in the foregoing verse, which is there to be understood of the Antichrist; they could put confidence and trust in the lie, the Antichrist, the usurper; but in the truth, the Ordinances established by God they could repose no trust, but rejected them: therefore (Iude the 11.) these followers of Antichrist are said to perish in the gain-saying of Core, who rejected the two great anointed Offices of Magistracie and Ministery, Moses and Aaron: and in 2 Tim. 3. 8. There the truth that these Rebels resist, is specified, 'tis that of Magistracy and Ministery; such a resistance as Iannes and Iambres made a∣gainst Moses and Aaron, in vilifying them, their commission and authority.

CHAP. VIII.

BUt had pleasure (or delighted) in the iniquity.] This is a Rhetori∣call Antithesis to the words immediately preceding them▪

[〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, but] is an adversative particle, and put here oppositive∣ly; as much as to say, they distrusted and fled from the truth, but

they would throw themselves into the armes of unrighteousnes: they rebelled against Gods instituted Ordinances, but willingly with all their heart submitted to an usurper, the injustice, that is, (saith Goranus) the Antichrist, who before is called the man of the sin, and the lawlesse one; and here in the abstract, unrigh∣teousnesse. Because both his rising, reigning, and manner of be∣ing is unrighteous. He works unrighteousnesse, and receives the wages of unrighteousnesse with these his followers, who are* 1.38 all justly damned for the same. 'Tis the highest aggravation of sin and provocative of wrath to take delight in sin.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is by the learned distinguished from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; this com∣prehending the sins against God in the first Table; that compre∣hending all sins against our neighbour in the second Table of the law of God: so that [taking pleasure in iniquity] may be inter∣preted, delighting in rebellion, murther, supplanting, robbery, treason, slandering, oppression, adultery, false witnesse-bearing and covetousnesse. These are sins of the second Table: sometimes, as here in the Text, we finde the word opposed to 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, so 1 Cor. 13. 6. there the Apostle (using a method much cried down by the hypocrites and apostates of these times, viz. that of discovering true grace by signes) having discoursed of the excellency of love, gives the signes of true love, which these hypocrites who are the followers of Antichrist, of whom w•…•…treat, have not: and observe how this signe of true love meets with them [rejoyceth not in iniquity, but rejoyceth in the truth] this is true charity and love. But now the followers of Antichrist who are high-flowen profes∣sors, and prate much of love and charity, and tendernesse, and bowels, and cry out against bitternesse and rigid spirits; do not∣withstanding▪ walk the Antipodes to this Text. If we compare this in the Corinthians with this we are now upon in the Thessaloni∣ans: in the one you have the true reall Saint rejoycing, not in ini∣quity, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, there is the same word, he rejoy∣ceth not in iniquity: but now the hypocrites, who are the follow∣ers of Antichrist▪ you finde them here in the Text, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, taking pleasure in iniquity; and what's the reason? it hath been given already in v. 10. because they loved not the truth they did professe. And this is also the reason why they imbrace a lie, because they want true love: for true love rejoyceth in the truth, but hypocrisie rejoyceth in a lie. So that as the word is opposed to the truth, it gives us to understand thus much, that

Antichrists followers are a company of hereticks, that oppose both first and second Table-truths: they kisse truth, as Ioab did his bro∣ther General, onely with an intent to stab it, and destroy it: as Christ (I•…•…h. 7. 18.) is truth, and no unrighteousnesse is in him, and as all his followers love truth, and hate all unrighteousnesse: so in Antichrist there is all unrighteousnesse to be found, and no truth; and all his followers are such as reject truth, and love unrighteous∣nesse. This is not onely the comparison that many of the Ancients make, but the Scripture it selfe makes it, as we have seen.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is a word of large extent. But here I humbly conceive 'tis restrained to the thing in hand, and that is, (as we said before) to the Antichrist, who is in the same prophecie called the man of the sin, and the son of the perdition, and the exalter and opposer of the Ordinances of God, Magistracy and Ministery, and so the opposer of the truth; and then the lawlesse one▪ in opposition to truth established by law, Gods law, and mans law, and natures law. These are titles setting forth the effects of his power against those that oppose him: after this followes from v 9. to v. 12. the manner of exercising of his power over his followers; those that subject unto him. His power is in signes and lying wonders, and all manner of unrighteousnesse; the effects of this his power is* 1.39 the seduction of those that follow him; from which the Holy Ghost gives him two other titles, or rather, marks of infamy, [the lie] and [the unrighteousnesse] the grand usurper, and the great transgressour of the second Table; the changer, i. e. the breaker of the Saints laws and times. In the exposition of words, we must look to the scope of the matter or prophecie in hand: and what in that place the word or phrase imports, not what it may▪ signifie in another place upon a different subject. In this place, not I, but others take it to be meant of the Antichrist; whose followers, as they are said to reject the truth, i e. the truth which Antichrist opposed, and threw down viz. the Ordinances of God, the* 1.40 mediate pillars of truth, the two Witnesses: so they are said▪ to sit down with great content, and propension of minde under the government of the Antichrist. They are not forced to it as some∣are; but they are Volunteers; they cry him up, applaud him, ap∣prove of him with full consent, and delight in him; and so much 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 imports, it is not amisse translated.

[Take pleasure in the unrighteousnesse.] The followers of the Am∣tichrist, they love him with the love of complacency; 'tis a kinde

of death to them to be disswaded, there they are resolved to love, there to live, there to die, and there to be damned, which the Holy Ghost tells us is their certain doom, notwithstanding all their flourishes and feigned shewes of sanctity.

As it is impossible to pluck a reall Saint from Christ, because he is elected; so 'tis impossible to pluck one of these mook-Saints from Antichrist, because they are destinated to be damned; the foregoing signes of whose damnation is their rejection of the the truth, cleaving to the lie, and taking pleasure in the unrighte∣ousnesse.

All therefore that I have to say to the Churches in generall, and to every particular Saint from what I have said, is, tollete, legete, take up the Bible and read; take up Moses and read him; take up the rest of the Prophets, and read them; take up Christs pro∣phecies of the Antichrist, and Pauls, and Peters, and Iudes, and Iohns, and see what they say. What readest thou? what finde ye there? finde ye not that the ends of the world are come upon ye? finde ye not this day those Scriptures fulfilling in your eyes? Learn from them to know the times and the seasons, that so the great and terrible day of the Lord, which is neer upon all the Gentiles, may not come upon you unawares: be sober, and watch unto prayer; gird up the loines of your minde; stand fast in the faith; quit▪ your selves like men, your enemies on all hands are great and furious. The Devil is now exceeding wrath, know∣ing he hath but a little while, a short reign. Let's therefore be in∣couraged to patience, and let me write one word of comfort from my prison, to those Saints of God that seem to be prisoners to the Devil, that are held in the dreadfull black chains of desertion, that groan out their souls in dolesul complaints▪ Let them be comforted with this, Behold, the day of the Lord draweth nigh, your chains are dreadful, but not eternall. Lift up your heads, for the time of your redemption draweth nigh; Satan that hath chained you, shall anon be chained and sealed in hell; he hath oft assaulted you, but he shall assault you no more to deceive you.

Maintain the combate with constancie, patience, and faith; help is at hand, hope in the Lord yet a little while, & he that cometh will come, and will not tarry: he'l come to your aid and comfort, and salvation▪ who manfully resist the Devils blaspemous injecti∣ons; when he'l come to the damnation of those who willingly im∣brace, and joyfully entertain all his temptations, leaping and

laughing, & triumphing in the Devils chains, as with bleeding hearts we hear of them & see thē every day. These are of the night, of the black night, reserved for chains of darkness; but ye, who are child∣ren of the light, though for the present in darkness: keep on in duty and in a way of obedience, though you finde no comfort in it, God may have most glory when you have least comfort, and you therein expresse most grace, most obedience; Faith and patience, though in the storm you see it not, your acts of faith may be tos∣sed, but the habit abides firm, that seed of God shall never suffer Ship-wrack in the greatest storme; the Mariners skill is seen then most, when he saves the ship in a stormy night, when he hath nei∣ther Sun, nor Moon, nor Stars to direct or comfort him. Keep at the helme of Ordinances, let not Ministers, nor the Communion of Saints be grievous or irksome to you: let the oares of duty be played. Pray for the day stars appearing, long for the comming of Christ to destroy the beast and the false Prophet, and the Dra∣gon, according to his prophetick promises: for certain, that great day is neer; and doubtlesse, that day will bring great comfort to distressed and deserted souls, as well as others; therefore long and pray, and groane for this comming of Christ, which will raise the Witnesses, refresh his afflicted Saints, and convert the twelve Tribes, and chain up the old Dragon. Even so, Come Lord Iesus Christ, Come quickly,

AMEN.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Verse 9.
• * 1.2

  Theodoretus. Hypolitus de Consummatione S•…•…culi. Rabanus de Antichristo.
• * 1.3

  Operatio Sata∣nae & omnis co∣natus ejus in hoc homine situs •…•…rit. Ant. Scay∣nus. In ipso, cum ip∣so, & per ipsum operabitur Sa∣tanas. Tirinus. In Antichristo est Diabolus. •…•…uggerens, •…•…icut dicitur de Juda, Jo. 13. Introivit in eum Satanas, scilicet instigan∣do. Aquinas. Ità Gorranus.
• * 1.4

  No•…•…e.
• * 1.5

  Mr. Ant. Burges
• * 1.6

  Hot modo deci∣piat Antichri∣stus; primò per potentiam Secularem. Secundò, per virtutem mira∣culorum. Quan∣tum ad primum, dicit in omni virtute scilicet Seculari, Dan. 11. Dominabi∣tur thesaurorum auri & argenti. Aquinas.
• * 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Copi•…•… militares dicuatur, non solum in sermo∣ne sacro, sed e∣tiam apud auto∣res profanos, Leigh.
• * 1.8

  Potestaccipi pro divitiis, & vi armorum. Ant. Scaynus.
• * 1.9

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Nazian. Jamb. 15. 2. 2.
• * 1.10

  Signa sunt quae∣dam mi•…•…a etiam p•…•…rva; prodigia verò magna quae aliquem∣prodig•…•…osum o∣stendunt, quasi •…•…ocul à digit•…•…. Aquinas.
• * 1.11

  Miracula di∣cuntur 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, quia signa sunt praesentiae divi∣nae, atque eorum proprius usu•…•… est ut confirmetur fides nostra. Leigh è Came∣ra. Miracula vo∣cantur signa Sy∣necdochicè▪ quia mi•…•…acula, signa, & testimonia sunt divinae ad dicendum voca∣tionis, & veri∣tatis 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.12

  Note▪
• * 1.13

  Annotations on the Bible.
• * 1.14

  Et prodigiis fal∣sis. Syr. Et prodigiis mendacibus. Beza.
• * 1.15

  Quae causam habent occultam alicui, & non simpliciter, di∣cuntur quidem▪ mira & non mi∣racula simplici∣ter; sed quae sim∣pliciter caus•…•…m occultam habēt, sunt proprie miracula. Aqui. Miraculum est quod •…•…it super omnem naturae vim; quódque omnium natura∣lium causarum, & creaturarum vires excedit & transcendit. Cornelius à Lapide. Zanchius.
• * 1.16

  Miraculum mendax dicitur vel quia deficit à vera ratione sacti, vel à vera ratione miracu∣li, vel à debito fine miraculi. Aquinas.
• * 1.17

  Cyrillus Ca∣tech. 15.
• * 1.18

  Non su•…•…t vera miracula vim naturae super an∣ti•…•…, sed praesti∣giae diabolicae, vel certè vi & potentiā natu∣rali patrata. Tyrinus ex Cy∣rillo & Theod. Utitur Anti∣christus ad fal∣lendum sapien∣e•…•…tiâ verbo•…•…um, simulatione vir∣tutum, testimo∣nio Scriptura∣rum, operation•…•… mir•…•…culorum, promissione di∣vitiarum, terro∣re persecutio∣num▪ Goran. in Locum.
• * 1.19

  Verse 10.
• * 1.20

  Mr. Leigh.
• * 1.21

  Magnâ comita∣ce & gratiâ se insinuandi cap∣tandique homi∣num gatia•…•…, & sanctimoniâ simulatâ utetur Antichristu•…•… ad illiciendum ho∣mines.
• * 1.22

  Describit jam subditos hujus regni: eóque•…•…o∣latur pios, ut ne metuant Anti∣christi potenti∣am quippe limi∣tibus certis defi∣nitam.
• * 1.23

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ Chrys.
• * 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Chrys.
• * 1.25

  Dicit [charita∣tem veritatis] qui•…•…isi forma∣ta•…•…ides per cha∣ritatem nibil est. Aquinas. Hic sensu•…•… saci∣lior est & plani∣or, maglsque connexu•…•… ver∣sui sequenti: op∣ponitur enim a∣mor veritatis errori, sive amo∣ri & amp•…•…exui erroris. •…•… Lapid. ex V•…•…tab. In •…•… funda∣mentum non est Christus, •…•…ui cae∣tera praepo•…•…un∣tur. Aug. de Ci∣vit l. 21. c. 26. •…•…▪ Note.
• * 1.26

  Verse 11.
• * 1.27

  U•…•… volunt Deo, ut fruantur mundo. Aug. de Civit Dei, lib. 15. c. 7.
• * 1.28

  Object.
• * 1.29

  Answ.
• * 1.30

  Vide Bazil. Tom. 1. Homil.
• * 1.31

  Aug. contra Ju∣lianum, l. 5. c 3.
• * 1.32

  Deus mi•…•…tet, quia Deus▪ dia∣colum ista face∣re per•…•…et. Aug. de Civit. l. 20. c. 19.
• * 1.33

  Opponit Aposto∣lus veritatem Christi non mendacio, sed iniquitati Anti∣christi. Cornell. à Lapide. Ità Scholi•…•….
• * 1.34

  Docent Scriptu∣ras quas non in∣telligunt, p•…•…iùs imperitorum magistri, quàm 〈◊〉〈◊〉 i∣p•…•…. Hieron. Epist.
• * 1.35

  Us•…•…patio est usu capio•…•… in∣terruptio in j•…•…. Civil.
• * 1.36

  Verse 12.
• * 1.37

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Scholia. Ità Beza. Aquinas.
• * 1.38

  Gravius est di∣lig•…•…e •…•…eccatum quàm •…•…accre. Greg.
• * 1.39

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 propriè sig•…•…t a•…•…cui facer•…•… injuri∣am, aliquem per vim opprime•…•…e. Alsted.
• * 1.40

  Rom. 12.