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〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Expresly, or In express words. CHAP. XVI.
The Fourth Particular, viz. The Warrant or Proof of this Prophecy. When the Spi∣rit speaks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and when 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. That the Spirit foretold the Great Apostasy 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 expresly in Dan 11. vers. 36, 37, 38, 39. A View of these Verses in the He∣braw Text, with an exact Translation of them both in Latin and English. The chief Difficulties in these Verses explained, and incidentally other places of Scripture. The different opinions of Iunius and Graserus about Vers. 38. The Author's Translation free from the inconveniences of both. A particular Explication of Mahoz and Mahu∣zim: That hereby are meant Fortresses, Bulwarks, as also Protectors, Guardians, Defenders, &c. How fitly this Title is appliable to Angels and Saints, accounted to be such by those that worshipt them.
NOW I come to the Fourth particular of this Prophecy, The Warrant or Proof thereof. The Spirit hath foretold it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or in express words, in some place or other of Divine Writ, The Spirit told Peter, Acts 10. 19. Behold three men seek thee. The Spirit said, Separate Barnabas and Saul, Acts 13. 2. The Spirit forbade S. Paul to preach in Asia. The Spirit said that the Iews should bind S. Paul at Ieru∣salem, Acts 21. 11. But in all these the Spirit spake not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for these things were nowhere written; and therefore what it spake, it spake 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, only by secret In∣stinct or Inspiration. But that which the Spirit speaks in the Written word, that it speaks 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, verbatim, expresly. If therefore concerning this Apostasie of Christian believers to be in the Latter times the Spirit speaketh 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; then is it to be found some∣where in the Old Testament: for there alone the Spirit could be said to speak 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or verbatim, in the Apostles time. Having therefore so good a hint given us, let us see if we can find where the Spirit speaketh of this matter so expresly.
There are three main things in this our Apostle's Prediction whereof I find the Spirit to have spoken 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or in express words, and that in the Prophecy of Daniel. 1. Of these Last or Letter times. 2. Of the new worship of Daemons in them. 3. Of a Prohibition of marriage to accompany them. As for the first of these, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Latter times, Daniel* 1.1 (as you have heard before) expresly names them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, A time, times, and half a time; being those Last times of the Last Kingdom,* 1.2 wherein the Hornish Tyrant should make war with the Saints, and prevail against them. For the second, A worship of new-Daemons or Demi-gods with the profession of the name of Christ; you will perhaps think it strange if I should shew it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But if I do; it was the Appendix of hindering or debarring marriage, mentioned in the next verses, which as a thred led me the way to the end of the eleventh chapter of Daniel, where I found it; and in a place too very suspicious, being taken, I think, by almost all the Ancients for a Prophecy of Antichrist; yea and so expounded by the greatest part of our own, though with much variety of reading and application.
But hear the words themselves in the 36, 37, 38, 39. verses of that eleventh chapter of Daniel, translated, as I think, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, verbatim, without any wresting or straining the Hebrew text: They are a Description of the Last or Roman Kingdom, and the several states thereof, Conquering Nations, Persecuting Christians, False∣worshipping Christ. The words are these.