Clavis apocalyptica, or, A prophetical key by which the great mysteries in the revelation of St. John and the prophet Daniel are opened : it beeing made apparent that the prophetical numbers com to an end with the year of our Lord, 1655 : in two treatises: 1. Shewing what in these our times hath been fulfilled, 2. At this present is effectually brought to pass, 3. And henceforth is to bee expected in the year neer at hand : with an introductorie preface / written by a Germane D. ; and now translated out of High-Dutch.

In the Ecclesiastical State.

In the first Period until the three hun∣dred ninetie fifth year.

1. The Church is built up under great persecution, chap. 11. vers 1.

2. The Church is gloriously beauti∣fied, and clothed with the Son (of

righteousness) hath the Moon under her feet (despiseth all worldlie and earthlie things, and reigneth over the works of darkness;) and upon her head a Crown of twelv stars, the Apostles and the wholsom Doctrine of the same. Chap. 12. vers 1, 2.

3 The red Dragon, the Devil stir∣reth up manie heresies, persecuteth the Church, Constantine the great cometh to the Imperial Seat, the Dragon is overcom, and Heathenism exstirpated, vers 4. and following.

In the second Period from the three hun∣dred ninetie fifth, until the one thousand six hundred fiftie fift year, these seven Synchronisms or concurrent times are de∣scribed.

• 1. The Holie Citie is trodden under foot by the Gentiles, chap. 11. vers 2.
• 2. The two Witnesses clothed with sackcloth, vers third until the tenth.
• 3. The Woman fled into the

• wilderness, and is fed there, chap. 12. vers 6. until the fourteenth.
• 4. The Beast with ten horns blas∣phemeth God, and maketh war with the Saints. chap. 13. vers 5, 6, 7.
• 5. The Beast with two horns at the same time drive's a trade with his pedling wares, vers 11. until the eighteenth.
• 6. The one hundred fortie four thou∣sand sing a new song, and live without blame, chap. 14. vers 1. until the sixth.
• 7. The Whore of Babylon, the Po∣pish Hierarchie ride's, and rule's the beast with ten horns, the Princes and Potentates, which adhere unto the Papacie at their own chusing and liking, chap∣ter 17.

Herewith God causeth Babylon to bee forewarned. Chap. 14. vers 6. with fol∣lowing.

Declareth and denounceth unto her the punishments and plagues. Chap∣ter 15. and 16.

And when no Reformation doth fol∣low, hee passeth the sentence upon her, and destroieth her. Chap. 17. and 18.

Whereupon in the third Period followeth the description of the great joie and Triumph of the Church, over the to∣tal ruine and destruction of her ene∣mies. chapter 19. and the desired tran∣quillitie and peace of the Christian Church.

These things wee may see and learn in general out of the Revelation of S^t Iohn. But seeing there bee manie particular and important things conteined there∣in, which do relate unto our present times, and are set down for the com∣fort of the Church, which is now af∣flicted; wee think good and expedi∣ent to make a collection of the same.

Now of these our times doth speak ex∣actly and particularly the eleventh chapter in the Historie of the two Witnesses.

And the sixteenth chapter in the descrip∣tion of the seven vials of the wrath of God.

The eleventh chapter describeth the beginning of the third part of the Pro∣phesie, out of the little open book, and and goe's through all the three Periods of the times of the New Testament, and becaus it is as it were an abridg∣ment of the whole Revelation, and de∣scribeth the whole time of the New Testament; wee will take the whole into our thought, and consider the con∣tents thereof.

Now it consisteth of two parts, wherein is described

1. What is declared unto S^t Iohn by word of mouth, how things shall com to pass.

1. in the first period, at the building up of the Christian Church.

2. In the second period, under the Antichristian Vicar in two Synchro∣nisms or concurrencies of times.

Where,

1. The Gentiles tread the holie Citie un∣der

foot, for the space of fortie two moneths. vers 2.

2. The two Witnesses are clothed with sackcloth, one thousand two hundred sixtie daies, vers 3. And following.

2. What in the beginning of the third Period is represented to Iohn by a sudden change in a vision.

In the first period under the Empire of the Dragon, the Son of God causeth his Temple and Church to bee built up. The place of the Sacrifices to bee measured, and doth faithfully protect his persecuted Christians.

For thus writeth Iohn. Vers 1. And there was given mee a reed like unto a rod, and the Angel stood saying: Rise and measure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worship therein.

Mow seeing the building and gather∣ing of the Christian Church is here commended to Iohn, under the mea∣suring of the Iewish Temple at Ierusa∣lem; therefore wee must consider the

condition and form of the Tem∣ple, that wee may attain unto the true proper meaning of this text.

1. The Temple stood in the Citie of Ierusalem upon the Mountain Moria, the length thereof was threescore Cubits, the breadth twentie cubits, and the height an hundred and twentie cubits. 2 Chro∣nic. 3. vers 3. and 4. Iosep. antiq. lib. 8. cap. 3.

It was divided into two parts. 1. The hinder part towards the West was twentie cubits long, and twentie cubits broad; and called Sanctum San∣ctorum, the most holie place, into which the High-Priest alone entred but once a year in his High-Priests attire, first of Kings 6. vers 16. and 8. vers 6. 2 Chron. 5. vers 7.

2. The Forepart towards the East was fortie cubits long, and twentie cubits broad, and was called Sanctum, the holie place into which onely the Priests entred. 1. Reg. 6. vers 17. 2 Chron. 5 v. 11. and this is called here in the text, The Temple of God.

(Nota. Numerus cubicus dimensionum Templi Judaici exhibet Templi Mystici numerum Novi Testamenti. 144000.

Longitudo. 60. cubitorum.

Latitudo. 20.

facit 1200.

Altitudo. 120.

facit 144000. numerum signatorum. cap. 7. & 14.)

2. Before this hous and Temple of God, were two Courts; whereof you may read in the second of Kings 21. vers 5. 2 Chron. 4. vers 9.

1. The Inner Court, first of Kings 6. vers 36. which was called the Court of the Priests. 2 Chron. 4. vers 6. into which none was permitted to enter, but the Cohanim and Priests, according to the appointed order, there they served God with sacrifices and praiers.

In the middle of this Inner Court stood the Altar for the Burnt-Offer∣ings,

which was twentie cubits long and broad; and ten cubits high.

This whole place of the Inner Court is called here Thysiasterium.

2. Without this was the great Court. 2 Chron. 4. vers 9. Iosephus. lib. 8. c. 3. compassed with a wall of white Mar∣ble; The Outward Court, Ezekiel 40. vers 17. called the Court (in the Temp∣le) of the people, or of the Israëlites.

This place did contein in it's circum∣ference four furlongs, and none durst enter into it, but the Israëlites, which were purified according to the Law. The unclean Jews, and Gentiles durst not com into it. It is called in the Greek text, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Outward Court.

3. About this Court Herod caussed yet another great place to bee inclosed with a wall, for the Gentiles and un∣clean, which was called the Court of the Gentiles; whereof here no menti∣on is made.

By this Iewish Temple doth the Angel

represent unto John the condition of the Church, and Congregation of God in the New Testament, giving him a reed, and commandeth him to measure.

By the measuring is signified the build∣ing and propagating of the Church. (Ezech. 40. and following, Zach. 2. vers 1, 2. Revelations 22.) God's Fa∣therlie providence, and faithful care; and how exactly and narrowly hee doth observ the actions and sufferings of his believing people.

Iohn should measure 1. The Temple of God; that is, the Christian Congregation, the true, in∣visible, hidden Church, which God will build up in the hearts of Believers. 1 Cor. 3. vers 16, 17. and 16. vers 9. 2 Cor. 6. vers 16. 1 Peter 2. 5. Ephes. 3. 17. Iohn 14. vers 23.

2. The Altar 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the place, where the Sacrifices were offered, the place of oblations, which was the in∣ner Court, where the Altar of burnt-offerings stood, where the Priests did

sacrifice, and performed their service, and praiers, That is:

Becaus the Christian Church will bee exposed to afflictions, and persecu∣cutions, and is to suffer manie grie∣vous torments and tribulations, in re∣gard the true Professors and servants of God, shall bee delivered up and killed like sheep appointed for the slaughter, there∣fore hee causeth the sufferings, and miseries which they should undergo, to bee measured out unto them, whereby hee setteth certain bounds to the Tyrants, beyond which they cannot go; and when they are com so far, then must vengeance overtake them. Hence it is, that the sacrificed souls of the Martyrs, who were slain for the word of God, and lie under the altar, (as slaughtered sacrifices) crie with a loud voice to the Lord, holie and true, for vengeance. Revel. 6. vers 9, 10.

3. And them that worship therein. Them therein, not in the Altar, but in

the inner Court, in the Court of the Priests; as Kings and Priests, Re∣vel. 1. vers 9. and 5. vers 10. as the Roial Priesthood, 1 Petr. 2. 9. in the beauties of his holiness, Psal. 110. pure and undefiled.

Worship, serv God, with perseverance until the end, and stick close to him, in all sorts of persecutions, even to the yielding up, and sacrificing of their bodies and lives.

Now followeth the Description of the condition of the Church in the second Pe∣riod, in the time of Poperie from the three hundred ninetie fifth untill the one thou∣sand six hundred fiftie fifth year, in two Synchronisms, or concurrences of times.

1. The first of the treading under foot the holie Citie, vers 2.

But the Court, which is without the Tem∣ple, leav out, and measure it not, for it is given unto the Gentiles.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; wee read in the old greek versions: which doth agree

with the above-mentioned description of the Courts of the Temple. For the Inner Court is in the first vers in∣timated by the world Thysiasterium.

But by the Outward Court, here is understood the Outward worship, or ser∣vice of God, which consisteth but in the Outward appearance and Ceremo∣nies, whereof God will take no no∣tice, and therefore rejecteth it.

Leav it out, and measure it not saith the Angel.

For it given unto the Gentiles, and the holie Citie they shall tread under foot.

Here wee must reflect and look,

First, upon the invasion of the Heathe∣nish Barbarous Nations. For from the three hundred twelfth year of our Lord; when Constantine the great was converted unto the Christian Faith, until the three hundred ninetie fifth year; when Theodosius the great died, the Church of God did triumph over the Gentiles, and destroied the

worship of the Dragon, and their ido∣latrous Temples. But immediately af∣ter the death of Theodosius the Great, the Goths, Huns, Alans, with other Barbarous Nations, invaded the Ro∣mane Empire, ruined and destroied the same on all sides, whereby the Church, as the holie Citie begun to bee troden under foot, and the Anti∣christ had an occasion given to break forth, and shew himself. vid. Hieron. Epist. 3. & 11.

2. Upon the Heathenish Idolatrie, which in Poperie hath been brought in again. The Heathen worshipped Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Apollo, Hercu∣les, Juno, Venus, &c. In the Popish Religion, Marie, Peter, Paul, George, &c. are set up instead of those, and called upon in time of distress, so that there is but little difference between them.

3. Upon the horrible Sodomie, and other abominable sins, which in time past have been committed by the Heathen,

and then afterwards practised, and in publick books defended, and are as yet commended, and permitted in the Popish Church by the Clergie and others, without anie shame, or re∣straint.

This treading under foot shall continue fortie two moneths, that is, one thou∣sand two hundred sixtie years, as doth appear in clavi Apocalypt.

2. The second Synchronismus, or concurrencie of times, of the two Witnesses clothed with sackcloth, &c. while's the Holie Citie is troden under foot, God will not forget his own people, but will faithfully care for them, where∣fore hee saith:

V. 3. And I will give power unto my two Witnesses, and they shall prophesie a thousand two hundred and threescore daies, clothed with sackcloth.

By the two Witnesses are understood faithful Teachers, and Governors of the Church, both Ecclesiastical and Political. To such hee will give, that

they may edifie, and propagate the Church of God, and preserv the same against all Heresies, and hostile attempts. The number of the witnesses is small, beeing but two of them; which is the least number, yet sufficient for the testimonie of the truth. For at the mouth of two or three witnesses shall the matter bee established. Deuter. 19. vers 15. Matth. 18. vers 16. John 8. vers 17. 2 Cor. 13. vers 15.

The Angel saith, Unto my two Wit∣nesses: whereby it doth appear, that hee that speaketh here unto Iohn, is the Son of God himself.

They shall prophesie clothed with sack∣cloth.

The whore of Babylon is araied in purple, and scarlet color, and decked with gold, and precious stones and pearls, Re∣velations 17. vers 4. But the wit∣nesses of Christ are clothed with sack∣cloth; that is, their cloths are but poor and despicable, as those were of the Prophets of God in times of old,

who wore also sackcloth, Isaiah 20. v. 2. a rough garment, Zechar. 13. vers 4. Elijah was girt with a girdle of leather, 2 Kings 1. vers 8. preaching repen∣tance, and the suffering of the Cross, and persecutions, and were exposed to all manner of tribulations and perse∣cutions.

A thousand two hundred and threescore daies; that is, as manie years from the three hundred ninetie fifth year of our Lord, until the one thousand six hun∣dred fiftie fifth year, as it doth appear in Clavi Apocalypt:

Vers 4. These are the two Olive-trees, and the two Candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Thus are the High-Priest Ioshua and the Prince Zerubbabel described, Zach. 4. vers 14.

Vers 5. And if anie man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies, and if anie man will hurt them, hee must in this man∣ner bee killed.

This is taken out of the historie of the Prophet Elijah, when at his request fire came down from Heaven and con∣sumed the Captain, with his fiftie men. 2 King. 1. vers 10. 12.

Which likewise the Disciples of Christ would have don, when the Sa∣maritans would not receiv Christ and them, Luke 9. vers 54.

Vers 6. These have power to shut Hea∣ven, that it rain not in the daies of their Prophesie, which is also taken out of the historie of Elijah, 1 Kings 1••.

V. 1. And have power over the wa∣ters, to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues as often as they will, which is out of Moses's and Aa∣ron's expedition in Egypt, applied and referred hereto, whereof wee read in Exodus 7. vers 20. and in the 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. chapters.

By this description of the two Wit∣nesses, God doth declare that, what mercies in times of old hee hath shewed unto his people, the Children of

Israël, the same hee will also shew in the New Testament unto them that believ.

Hee will give them Ioshuas and Ze∣rubbabels; faithful Teachers, and reli∣gious Rulers, and Governors, who shall fit and edifie them unto the Tem∣ple of God, and as Candlesticks give light unto them with their pure do∣ctrine, and as Olive-trees assist them with powerful consolation.

Hee will give them zealous Elijahs, and Elishahs, who shall fight against the whore Jezabel, the Priests of Baal, and other persecutors.

Hee will also at length send them his Moses's and Aarons, who shall deliver them, and bring them forth out of the Antichristian bondage.

Vers 7. And when they have or shall have finished their Testimonie: cùm finierint vel peregerint.

Thus the versions do render it, either in the perfect, or future perfect tens, whereby the Teachers and Expositors have been mistaken, to think that this

last war should not begin till then; when the determined one thousand two hundred sixtie years of the two Witnesses should bee exspired.

But becaus by this means the two Witnesses should remain in sackcloth, and the Woman in the wilderness, be∣yond the time appointed, and also the fourth beast should continue to blas∣pheme longer then 3½ times, or for∣tie two moneths. To all which, not onely the plain text, but also the swearing of the Angel, Daniel 12. vers 7. and the great Oath of the Son of God, Revelations 10. vers 6. are contradictorie; therefore wee must look upon the propertie of the text in the original tongue; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the indefinitum primum, which indeed may bee rendred in the perfect tens, when they have finished, or in the future, perfect tens, when they shall have fi∣nished. But this exposition beeing al∣so repugnant and contrarie to this, and other texts in the Revelation; wee

must reject it, and render the words in futuro simplici cùm finituri sunt; When they shall finish: namely, when the one thousand two hundred sixtie years shall draw to an end, as Ioannes Clove∣rius in primo diluculo Apocalyptico prop. 14. p. 124. and in Comment. post∣humo Tom. 3. page 28. doth observ. Likewise Iosephus Medeus in Comment. in Apocalypsin.

In the one thousand two hundred sixtie years, first the one thousand years do expire in the year one thou∣sand three hundred ninetie five. Then the two hundred years expire in the year one thousand five hundred nine∣tie five, whereupon do follow the six∣tie years, as the end: So that these words; when they shall finish their te∣stimonie, are to have this sens; when in the one thousand five hundred ninetie fith year of our Lord, the sixtie years shall begin.

Then the Beaest that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit, shall make war against

them, and shall overcom them and kill them.

By the Beast here is meant, the Beast with ten horns, which Chapter 13. vers 1. riseth up out of the Sea; whereof the Angel in the 17. Chapter vers 8. saith to Iohn, The Beast that thou sawest, was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit. And vers 11. The Beast that was, and is not, even hee is the eighth, and is of the seven, &c. That is: the Empire or Government, hath been under the Heathenish Romane Empe∣rors, where the Dragon did reign, and was openly worshipped in Paganism.

And is not. The Dragon was thrown from his seat, and is not any more worshipped openly, becaus Chri∣stian Emperors and Governors are com to the Imperial dignitie, who have destroied heathenism.

And ascendeth again out of the bottom∣less pit. When the Dragon's govern∣ment was destroied, and the Heathe∣nish Idolatrie abolished, the Dragon

creep's in again by the means of the Beast with ten horns (when the Ro∣mane Empire is divided into manie Kingdoms) give's him his power, and his seat, and great autoritie; and bring's it to this that a new and more holie form of Idolatrie is established, and that hee, the Dra∣gon, together with the Beast is wor∣shipped again, Revelations 13. vers 2, 3, 4. This Beast is the eighth, and is of the seven; that is, the Rider (the wo∣man sitting upon the Beast) which John seeth in a vision, Chapter 13. vers 3. doth govern the civil State in the divided Romane Empire, as the Beast with ten horns (and this is the seventh sort of Government) and withal the Ecclesiastical, Popish Go∣vernment also, which is the eighth sort. But becaus the Woman sit's up on the Beast, and both doth make one Com∣plexum, or a Rider; And the Woman doth after her pleasure, ride and go∣vern the Beast; therefore both the

last forms of the Romane Common∣wealth, the Ecclesiastical and Politi∣cal Government in Poperie are count∣ed for One, wherefore the Angel saith, The eighth is of the seven. Whence wee conclude, that by the Beast, which ascended out of the bot∣tomless pit, is understood the Popish Ecclesiastical Government, which useth the Temporal sword, and the power of worldlie Potentates, as a Rider maketh use of the power and and strength of his hors.

Of this Beast is said here, that it shall make war against the two witnesses, and shall overcom them, and kill them: That is, there shall bee in the Romane Empire, a persecution set a foot against the Evangelical Prote∣stants, by the instigation of the Pope and the Prelats, towards the end of the appointed time, in the last sixtie years, from the one thousand five hun∣dred ninetie fifth, until the one thou∣sand six hundred fiftie fifth year.

The two Witnesses shall bee over∣com and killed: That is, they shall bee removed, and thrust out of all Eccle∣siastical and Political Offices and im∣ploiments.

(Vers 8. And their dead bodies shall lie) in the street of the great Citie, which spi∣ritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Here is the place described, where the persecution shall happen. It is not an universal persecution, which goe's throughout the whole Romane Em∣pire, but a particular Act, becaus the dead bodies of the two Witnesses do not lie in all the streets, but onely in One; in the street of the great Ci∣tie.

By the great Citie is understood the Citie of Rome, of which the Angel saith, in the 17. chapter, vers 18. The Wo∣man which thou sawest is that great Ci∣tie, which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth; Which is called in the 14. chapter vers 8. Babylon the great Ci∣tie.

And that by Babylon is meant the Citie of Rome, is granted by the Je∣suits themselvs, as Blasius Viegas in cap. 17. Apoc. sect. 3. Remacius de Vaulx in Harpocrate divino part 1. fol. 235. Bellarm. lib. 2. Pontif. Rom. c. 2. & lib. 3. c. 5.

But by the Citie with the streets, is the whole Romane Popish Empire set forth; as it is elswhere compared unto a Beast with ten horns, chap. 13. and 17. and unto the Sea with rivers and fountains, Chapter 16. Compare also Luc. 14. vers 21. 23.

The Citie of Rome is called spiritually, that is, the Citie of Rome, or the Ro∣mane Papacie. Is among the Hebrews, especially the Prophets to bee called; signifieth as much as to bee; and that in a singular high manner and waie, as appeareth by Isaiah chapter 1. vers 26. chapter 7. vers 14 chapter 9. vers 6. chapter 56. vers 7. chapter 60. vers 14. chap. 26. vers 4. Ierem. 3. vers 17. chap. 23. vers 6. Ezech. 48. vers 35. Zach. 6.

vers 12. chap. 8. vers 3. Finkius. Can. 49. Cent. 11.)

Spiritually, that is Mystically, in a mysterious sens and resemblance.

Another Sodom, becaus of their Pae∣derastia, and other horrible Sodomiti∣cal Abominations and sins, which not onely are committed, but com∣mended there. As Sleidan lib. and Ba∣laeus in Catalogo, do write concerning Io∣annes de la Cata Archbishop of Bene∣vent, that hee published in print a Treatise to commend Sodomie: so that this is fully agreeable to that which the Prophet Isaiah saith, chap. 3. vers 9. The shew of their countenance doth witness against them, and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not.

Shee is another Egypt, becaus of the great blindness and hardness of heart, as also becaus of the Tyrannie and grievous bondage, wherewith shee doth afflict the people of God, driving and compelling them to a slavish ser∣vitude of Poperie.

Shee is also a true likeness of Ierusalem, becaus shee, like the Iews, doth de∣spise God and his word, killeth the Prophets, nay, refuseth to hear, and to receiv the Son of God himself, blaspheming, calumniating, persecut∣ing, and crucifying him in his mem∣bers, as by experience is cleerly seen. And their dead bodies (shal lie) in the street.

These words are spoken, as it were with som amazement, abruptly, and without the concluding word to make up the sens. The dead bodies of the Witnesses in this street? But which street? A Citie hath manie streets; and so hath the papal State, which is here called the great Citie, having under it manie streets and Kingdoms in subjection, those wee must reflect upon to discover, where such wars and persecutions in these years from the one thousand five hundred ninetie fifth of our Lord are hapned.

Three principal streets or Kingdoms hath the Oriental Antichrist, the Truth

in his subjection, hee hath not used anie such persecution against the Christians in his Dominions.

Seven are under the Occidental An∣tichrist.

In Italie, France, Spain, and the British Kingdoms, no such remarkable persecution did happen within this time, nor also in Poland: The attempt, which was made in Prussia in the one thousand five hundred ninetie fifth year of our Lord, was of no long continuance. What came to pass in Hungarie and Transylvania in the year one thousand six hundred two, and som following was quieted by the Putshkeyish insurrection; and cannot bee referred to this.

The tenth Horn yet remain's; Germa∣nie, or the Germane Empire, which in the whole Beast or Empire cannot bee counted otherwise, but one horn, and a Kingdom by it self in the whole bodie of the fourth Monarchie.

This is the principal street in the

great Citie, the principal horn of the Beast, the principal Kingdom in the fourth Monarchie, whose head is repre∣sented by the Citie of Rome. This Germane Empire is here called the street, per excellentiam, becaus it is the principal street in the Empire, which doth appear hence.

1. By reason it is called the Romane Empire.

2. By reason it is, as it were a figure and Image of the old Romane Empire, having seven heads, in regard of the seven Princes Electors, and ten Pro∣vinces, in respect of the ten Circles, into which it is distributed.

3. By reason that the head of the Germane Empire hath still the name of a Romane Emperor, and hath the the preeminencie above all other Kings adhering to the Papal State.

Now in this street wee must seek the warr; and wee shall also finde it, if wee consider what is passed from the one thousand fiue hundred ninetie fifth

year, until this present hour, against the true Professors of the Gospel.

The Pope indeed hath from the be∣ginning of the Reformation, which hapned by Doctor Luther, alwaies aim∣ed at this, how hee might wholly root out and destroie the Professors of the Gospel, and to this effect, the Counsel of Trent was called in a spe∣cial manner.

But this would not take place in Ger∣manie, until the Jesuitical Sect prevail∣ed, and brought things to that pass, that the peaceable and meek hearts of Potentates have given too too much credit, and yielded to their flatterings, calumnies, and deceits. Whereupon, in the year one thousand five hundred ninetie eighth begun the persecution, against the Evangelical Protestants in Styria, Carniola, and Krain: and what success it had, and what thereupon followed in other parts of the Empire, especially in the Kingdom of Bohemia, and in all the hereditarie Lands of the

mightie and eminent hous of Austria; is manifest to the world, and there is in all these proceedings, which are here described, nothing els wanting but the last Act, which shall yet bee put in execution in Silesia. When this Act shall bee finished, then shall this war, victorie, and execution bee at an end, and therewith shall the 3 ½ years begin, at which time the dead bodies of the two Witnesses shall lie in the street, whereof the text speaks.

V. 9. And som of the people and kindreds, and tongues and Nations shall see their dead bodies three daies and a half.

Strange people, forreign Nations, and people of strange tongues did meet in this Germane war for Religion. And at Munster and Osnabruck were in like manner such kinde of people at the Treaties of Peace, of which is said: Som (of the people) shall see the dead bodies of the two Witnesses. When the Treatie of Peace shall bee fully exe∣cuted, then shall the forreign Nations,

which have mainteined the Evangeli∣cal caus, cleerly discover what they have neglected in that Treatie and con∣clusion of Peace, how manie dead bo∣dies they have made, and how manie they have in the hereditarie Provinces, shut up and excluded by this Pacifica∣tion, from the Exercise of Religion, from Libertie of Conscience, from their Privileges, &c. and how they have wholly cut them off, and de∣prived them of all hope, which be∣fore this Pacification they yet had, and which by their victorious arms was at last held forth unto them.

What are the Evangelical Professors in the hereditarie Provinces at this time, els then dead bodies or corps, which civilly have neither breath, nor life in them; nay, how manie thou∣sand souls shall yet bee killed, by the execution of this Pacification?

This they shall see three daies and an half.

That is, three years and an half, from

the time that the execution of the Pa∣cification shall bee fully accomplished, the last Act of the persecution finish∣ed, and the Evangelical Ministers ex∣pelled, and deposed out of the heredi∣tarie Principalities of Silesia.

Thus far, namely till the 3 ½ years be∣fore the end of the appointed one thousand two hundred sixtie years, should this last persecution reach: whereby it appeareth, that there is none other intimated in this text, but this, whereof mention hath been made in Germanie.

But they shall not onely see the dead bo∣dies of the two Witnesses, but they shall al∣so have som consideration over them. Which the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doth import, which as Budeus doth prove out of Aristotle, doth signifie rationem habere, to look to a thing, and to have som care for it, as it doth appear by the text following:

And shall not suffer their dead bodies to bee put in graves.

Here the question is, whether these

words are to bee understood of the friends, or of the enemies of the Pro∣fessors of the true Religion? Com∣monly these words use to bee referred to the enemies of the Evangelical Pro∣fessors, and are expounded; That in this last persecution there shall bee such crueltie used, that the dead bodies shall not have so much as earth given them to bee buried in. But wee must take notice, that these words are not propriè▪ and according to the meaning of the Letter to bee understood. For as in the eleventh and twelfth verses, there quickning and rising must bee taken in a civil sens, so likewise their killing a lying in the street must bee civilly understood. Moreover the tenth vers following doth describe al∣so the enemies by the name of them that dwell upon the earth: wherefore wee do infer, That the forreign Nations will not wholly laie down the sword, but will have at all times a watchful eye upon the designs of Papists in Germa∣nie,

and will not give waie, that the Evangelical Protestants shall bee total∣ly destroied, and buried under ground.

Vide Josephum Medum, and M. Gott∣licb. Heyland super hunc locum. philipp. Nicolai de R. Christi. p. 6. 4. Read also Wisd. chap. 3. vers 1. 9.

Vers 10. And they that dwell upon the earth. That is,

The Papists in general, who have their heaven here upon earth.

Finckius-Can. Theol. Cent. 11. can. 90. In scriptura S. peccatores appellan∣tur habitatores Terrae, non autem justi. Hi enim passim appellantur Advenae, pe∣regrini, incolae. Ex Hieron. Epist. 129. ad Dardanum.

Shall rejoice over them, and make mer∣rie, and shall send gifts one to another.

These words are taken out of the book of Esther, chap. 9. vers 19. 22. and they have their peculiar sens, the effect whereof is found in that which doth actually appear.

Because these two Prophets tormented them

that dwelt on the earth vers 5. is said of the two Witnesses, that they are hurt unjustly; here is attributed unto them, that they torment their enemies, by sifting and searching out their Do∣ctrine and conversation, by examining and trying all things in them, according to the Divine Scriptures, by contra∣dicting their fals Doctrine, and abomi∣nable Idolatrie, and by laying their shameful, abominable, Sodomitical life before them.

Thus did Eliah and Micah torment the King Ahab. 1 King. 18. v. 17, 18. Jere∣miah, the Priests and the Prophets, Je∣remiah 27. vers 11. the Prophet Amos the people of Israel, Amos 7. vers 10. The Son of God the Devils. Mattthew 8. vers 29. Which must now bee called, to do injurie, to rais sedition, and to oppose the Magistrates; The fault is in thine own people said the Officers of the Children of Israël, Exodus 5. vers 16. For this is found most true: Mali cùm injuriam facere non

sinuntur injuriam se accipere existimant. As Grotius in his Annotation upon Mat. chap, 8. ver. 29. writeth.

Hitherto hath John written what the Son of God hath declared unto him by word of mouth.

Hereupon followeth a sudden change in the vision, and thereby is represented a sudden change in the Romane Em∣pire. In respect that the Son of God doth end his Prophecie and speech; and John tronsported in a vision, seeth before his eies, what after the issue of of 3 ½ years befel to the Witnesses, and what terrible, unexspected events, and alterations suddenly and unawares com to pass.

Here beginneth now the third Period in the year one thousand six hundred fiftie fifth of our Lord.

Where the enemies of the Gospel are quel∣led, and therewith doth break forth the true peace and tranquillitie of the Church.

Vers 11. And after three daies and an half the Spirit of life from God entred into them, &c,

When these 3 ½ daies, or years com to an end, with the one thousand six hun∣dred fiftie fifth year; then also toge∣ther therewith do exspire the fortie two moneths of treading the holie Citie under foot, chap. 11. vers. 2.

The one thousand two hundred sixtie daies of the two Witnesses clothed with sackcloth, vers 3.

The one thousand two hundred sixtie daies of the Woman in the wilderness, chap. 12. vers 6.

The fortie two moneths of the Beast, and of his blasphemies, chap. 13. vers 5.

The time of the Image of King Nebu∣chadnezzar. Dan. chap. 2.

The determined time of the four Monar∣chies. Dan. chapter 17. vers 12. 25.

The one thousand two hundred ninetie daies of Dan. chap. 12. vers 11. &c.

The spirit of life from God entered into them.

In the chapter 37. vers 14. of Eze∣kiel, God in the behalf of the Jews in the Captivitie of Babylon, doth use such

an expression, saying: I will put my spi∣rit in you, and yee shall live, and I shall place you in your own Land, &c.

The same will befal to the exiled, and oppressed Evangelical Professors, God will send them an unexspected help by such means, which never en∣tred into anie man's thoughts. God will revive them again, bring them in∣to their own Land, re-establish them in their dignities, and publick functi∣ons, and give them greater and higher Privileges, and Liberties, then they ever had before.

And they stood upon their feet.

The Exiled Evangelical Professors do appear again, and take possession of their Land and places. The oppressed also com forth again, and are delivered from their heavie yoak.

And great fear fell upon them, which saw them.

As now there is great joie and exsul∣tation, amongst the Papists, about the issue of this war: so there will bee

great terror, when they shall see the Exiled return into the hereditarie Pro∣vinces again, and the Oppressed take possession of their former dignities, and honorable functions. Then will bee a livelie example set before us, of that which is written in the book of Wisdom, chap. 5.

Vers 12. And they heard a great voice from Heaven saying unto them: Com up hither, &c.

By the Heaven the Church is under∣stood.

By the great voice is signified, that after the end of three years and an half, a great and chief Instrument, an high Potentate amongst the Evangelical Professors, shall rise and bee exalted, who to the great fear, and terror of Papists, shall open again a free cours to the Gospel, and Call with a great voice upon the exiled and oppressed; re∣establish them into their publick im∣ployments, and possessions, and saie unto them: Com up hither.

This is the Divine Diploma, or Letters Patents, the vocation, or calling which is published by that High Po∣tentate.

The exiled do obeie; They ascend up to Heaven, that is, they enter into their charges again, and perform that in the Church, which is committed to their trust.

In a Cloud; that is, with great auto∣ritie, respect, power and glorie. Isa. 14. vers 13. 14.

And their enemies beheld them: namely, those that formerly did rejoice at their afflictions and miseries.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, doth signifie con∣templari, ludos spectare vel celebrare, to see a Comedie, or plaie. The Papists had hitherto acted as it were a Comedie, with the Euangelical Professors, and tormented them with all sorts of plagues; Now they see the event and issue thereof, wherin doth befal un∣to them, what is threatned, Jer. 50. vers 10, 11, 12, 13.

Vers 13. And the same hour was there a great Earth-quake.

All the Peace which the Papists do imagine to themselvs, is now at an end. For immediately the reformation of this Evangelical Potentate causeth an exceeding great insurrection, and com∣bustion in the Romane Empire.

And the tenth part of the Citie fell.

By the Citie is here meant

1. Either the whole Papacie, and thus one of the ten streets hath its fall. Namely, the Germane Empire, which is the street where the dead bodies of the two Witnesses had lien, who are now standing again upon their feet.

2. Or the Citie of Rome it self, which in regard of the old Citie of Rome, when shee was in her florishing con∣dition, is counted this daie but the tenth part. As the same is proved by Lipsius lib. 3. admirand.

And there were slain. That is, cut off and destroid.

In the Earthquake. That is, in this war.

Seven thousand. That is, a great num∣ber, or multitude.

Of men. That is, high and great per∣sons, chief heads and noble families.

And the remnant were affrighted, and gave glorie to the God of Heaven.

The rest of the Papists stand ama∣zed, and do acknowledg the just judg∣ments of God, which hee poured out over them.

Vers 14. The second wo is past.

These words do not import, that by the destruction of the Citie of Rome, and the other things, which have been set down in the aforegoing words; the second wo is brought to an end: but the overthrow of the Turkish Empire is thereby especially inti∣mated.

Revelations 8. vers 13. S^t John be∣held and heard an Angel flying thorough the midst of Heaven, saying with a loud voice: Wo, wo, wo to the inhabitants of the Earth, by reason of the other voices of the Trumpet of the three Angels, which are yet to sound.

The first Wo hapned by the Saracens, and Arabians; whereof in Revel. 9. vers first till the twelfth.

The second Wo hapned by the Turks. Re∣velations 9 vers 13. till the 19.

Hereunto do agree almost all the Expositors, and refer this second Wo unanimously to the Turkish Empire.

And do infer from thence: becaus it is said here, the second Wo is past, that immediately after the destruction of the Citie of Rome, and these Revolu∣tions in the Germane Empire, the Turk∣ish Empire shall have it's fall.

Vers 14. Behold the third Wo cometh quickly.

All the three Woes are poured over the Popish Romane Empire.

But the third Wo is the last, and be∣ginneth at the sound of the seventh Trumpet. Wherefore, these words do immediately follow.

Vers 15. And the seventh Angel sounded.

Wherewith beginneth the seventh

and last plague poured out over Babel.

And withal is briefly described

1. The great joie, which ariseth in the Evangelical Church.

• 1. Becaus they have gotten an Evangelical head. Vers 11.
• 2. Becaus the Citie of Rome is de∣stroied, and Germanie is fallen away from the Papal State. vers 13.
• 3. Becaus the Turkish Empire is com to an end. Vers 14.
• 4. Becaus the Son of God hath ta∣ken possession of the Kingdoms of this world, and useth his great power, and reigneth. vers 15, 16, 17.

This joie is also described in the 19. chapter, vers 17.

And upon this joie did David in the spirit reflect.

In the 93. Psal. The Lord reigneth, and is cloathed with Majestie, &c.

In the 97. Psal. The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice.

And in the 99. Psal. The Lord reigneth, bee the people never so impatient.

2. The wrath of the Heathen: That is, the furie and rage of the Papists; against these the Lord riseth, becaus the daie of his wrath is com; utterly cut∣ting them off, and destroying them, vers 18.

This Act is with a double sign con∣firmed.

1. The Temple of God is opened, and there was seen in his Temple, the ark of his Testament.

2. There were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an Earth-quake, and great hail. vers 19.

The contents of these words are de∣scribed more at large in the ninteenth and twentieth chapters; where the Son of God, and with him the whole Ar∣mies which were in heaven do appear, sit∣ting upon white horses, chap. 19. v. 11. 14. Where also the Beast and the Kings of the earth, and their Armies are gathered together to make war, vers 19. And are

overcom and utterly destroied, vers 20, 21.

3. The time of the dead to bee judged, and to give reward unto the Prophets and Saints, &c.

This also is rehersed in the twentieth chapter, vers 4, 5, 6. But becaus it is there (••ccording to the common opi∣nion, as darkly set down as here, and the Son of God himself speaking of this time in the tenth chapter doth call it vers 7. the Mysterie of God; And also what the seven thunders have spoken of this Kingdom, cannot bee written; wee will herein acquiesce, and proceed herein to the sixteenth chapter.

Notes

• (the two Wit∣nesses.)