Seismos megas. Or Heaven & earth shaken. A treatise shewing how kings, princes, and their governments are turned and changed by Jesus Christ as [brace] King of Kings, and King of Saints. / By John Davis, M.A. sometime lecturer at Christ Church in London, and now pastour of a congregation in Dover.

The Contents of the Book.

CHAP. I.

• SHeweth the occasion and Scope of this Treatise.

CHAP. II.

• HHandleth these eight Proposals.
• 1. God delivers his Prophesies in way of a Promise. 2. New-Testa∣ment Promises are set forth in Old-Testament language. 3. Both Pro∣phesies and Promises, are to be taken in the largest sense. 4. That both Prophesies and Promises admit of di∣vers Degrees, Seasons, Manners of fullfilling. 5. That under one Per∣son or things named, a whole Series both of persons and things, is to be un∣derstood. 6. God performes his Promises in these latter Ages, in a way of proportion to his former glorious workings. 7. The inflicting of judge∣ment on the Adversaries of his Church, is subordinate to the performance of

• his Promises. 8. That the time of fullfilliug Prophesies and working great changes is at, or before the com∣ing of Christ.

CHAP. III.

• SHeweth the Meaning, Doctrines, and Method of Haggai 2. 6, 7, 8.

CHAP. IV.

• HAndleth this Doctrine, In the great Turnes of Ages, God dis∣penseth himselfe in the way of a Pro∣mise.
• 1. This holds out God as a Father. 2. Exalts the honour of Christ the Son. 3. Honours God in the person of the Spirit. 4. Makes notably for the security and improvement of grace. 5. Notably confounds the men of the World. 6. Greatens our estate.
• Ʋse 1. of Instruction, shewing
• 1. In great Turnes, are great wants. 2. It shewes the vanity of the crea∣tures. 3. That Gods wayes are in the deeps.
• Ʋse 2. of Exhortation to search out

• the Promises of the latter Age. The Motives are six.
• 1. This renders you children of wis∣dome. 2. Its a blessed preservative against the infection of sin. 3. It ad∣vanceth your faith and love. 4. Its proper to conquer difficulties and dis∣couragements. 5. Its apt to make you watchful and dutiful. 6. It ad∣vanceth your heart in praises.

CHAP. V.

• SHeweth that when Christ is about to performe his Promises, he cau∣seth Changes in Natural bodies. How?
• 1. Jesus Christ hath given a being and constant course to Heaven and Earth. 2. He maintaines what he hath given. 3. The creatures thus made and maintained, are at his becke. 4. That it is his pleasure they should some∣times step aside from their ordinary constant course. 5. Christ governes them in all their turnings aside. 6. That these turnes carry the nature of Signes, yet favour not Astrological Predictions. Why? because,
• 1. This is the beginning of taking

• to himself his great power. 2. By this meanes he speaks to all the World. 3. By this way of working, he minds us that the creatures are not in that state he intends for them. 4. By these turns in Natural bodies, he knows how to draw forth spiritual actings in his peo∣ple.
• Ʋse 1. of Instruction.
• 1. To see Christs excellency.
• 1. In that he causeth these turnes. 2. In that he can doe more.
• 2. Its a vain thing to set against Christ. 3. Its easie hence to conceive the Promises of this life shall be per∣formed.
• Ʋse 2. of Exhortation.
• 1. To consider Christ in all these Changes. 2. To feare before him. 3. To advance your faith. 4. To ex∣alt him above man, or meanes.

CHAP. VI.

• SHeweth the change of Angels, and this Doctrine, That Jesus Christ in the great turning Providences, im∣ployes the ministration of Angels. For clearing of which Doctrine, take

• notice of these nine things.
• 1. Jesus Christ, God-man, is head of Angels. 2. Angels are to serve him; not in his person alone, but in serving of his Saints. 3. Angels are to serve Christ and his Saints, in the destruction of their enemies. 4. An∣gels are to have more apparent decla∣ration made of their service toward Christ and his world. 5. Angels are brought in in the visions, and so in the execution of those visions. 6. An∣gels have worke deputed to them, con∣cerning Kingdomes and Nations. 7. Angels and Saints shall be joyned to∣gether hereafter; and therefore they are conjoyned in the worke here. 8. Christs last dispensations are his great∣est, wherein he useth Angels.
• 1. In the working of his wisdome. 2. When he takes to himselfe his great power. 3. Ʋpon more immediate ad∣ministration of Saints. 4. Shewing forth his unchangablenesse.
• 9. Christ must have his Angels, as well as the Dragon his.
• Ʋse 1. of Instruction.
• 1. To see Christ his excellency who is far above Angels; because they are

• but his servants: where Heb. 1. is breifely opened.
• Ʋse 2. Of Exhortation.
• 1. To behold those glorious works. 2. To draw forth your faith and love. 3. To provoke you to come forth in the service of these latter dayes; to be fel∣low-servants with the Angels.

CHAP. VII.

• COntains the shake of Kings, for four Reasons; because,
• 1. They make the great turnes in the Earth. 2. They pretend to be ex∣empt from mans power. 3. Dea∣ling with them, is a compendious way of dealing with the world. 4. They are decked▪with all worldly power, and seem to be the fittest match for Christ.
• Ʋse of Instruction to see that there is
• 1. A meanesse in their Majesty. 2. That the management of particular places must be reckoned for. 3. He will surely account with meaner men. 4. Its lawful to appe ale from Princes to Christ. 5. Judicial proceedings against Princes, is stamped with

• remarkable Characters of Christ.
• Ʋse of Exhortation.
• 1. to meditate on these dealings of Christ. 2. to give unto Christ the honour due to his Name.

CHAP. VIII.

• * 1.1 SHewes, Pos. 1. All power is given to Christ in Heaven and Earth; Where observe,
• 1. All power is in Christ. 2. All power is his due, upon the taking of our nature. 3. though it be his due, 'tis rightly said to be given to him. 4. Jesus Christ hath had but little honour of all his power. 5, Christ will ex∣alt himselfe in such turnes upon Kings, as that they shall honour him in their consciences.
• Ʋse 1. Of Instruction to teach us,
• 1. the riches of Gods love to Christ. 2. that the Father is fully satisfied in the power laid on him. 3. the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in Christs hand. 4. Christ returnes all his power to the Father.
• Ʋse 2. of Exhortation:
• 1. To flocke about Christ in love. 2. to come with resolvednesse to be

• at his disposal. 3. tremble ye wic∣ked ones, though the mighty of the Earth. 4. The Lord reigneth, let the earth be glad.

CHAP. IX.

• * 1.2 SHewes that Kings reigne by Christ.
• 1. They are, or are not, by him. 2. He blesseth or blasteth them, in the worke of Government. 3. What wisdome or power they have, they can∣not put forth without him. 4. the continuation, or succession of them, is from him. 5. Bad Kings, as well as good, are from him: where observe
• 1. Good men may be bad Kings. 2. the badnesse of Kings is not from Christ: for,
• 1. Its not by his command. 2. Its not by his working. 3. He doth not stirre them up to any wickednesse. 4. though Christ be no cause of their bad∣nesse, yet he permits it. 5. In per∣mitting them he puts forth a righteous judgement. 6. He orders their bad∣nesse for good.
• Ʋse of Instruction.
• 1. that their being Creatures of

• Christs making; stamps Authority on them. 2. When we rise against Go∣vernment, we rise against Christ. 3. Ascribe the good of Government to Christ. 4. Hence take a ground of patience under evil Governours. 5. Christ must needs be glorious.
• Ʋse of Exhortation in sixe passages out of Psal. 2.
• 1. To be wise. 2. To be instructed. 3. to be in feare. 4. To serve him. 5. to rejoyce with trembling. 6. To kisse the Son.

CHAP. X. * 1.3

• OPens that setting up of Govern∣ment is for the worlds good: as appears,
• 1. In that it is set to keep the world in order. 2. Persons so set, and kept, enjoy propriety. 3. Government pro∣motes the increase of good things in our propriety. 4. Government protects your Peace 5. Setting up of Govern∣ment is, when God makes some men able and willing to manage Publicke Affairs, and draws others to consent and subject. 6. This is notably for the

• good of not some but all ranks of men. 7. Its extensive to the whole life of all those men. 8. There is honour due to them, who are thus set up for Go∣vernment.
• Ʋse of Instruction to shew,
• 1. That God is a faithful Creator. 2. Rulers had need be of much wisdom, and publicknesse of spirit.
• Ʋse 2: of Exhortation.
• 1. To esteem them highly. 2. To make honourable mention of them▪ 3. To speak to God for them. 4. To sub∣mit to every▪Ordinance. 5. To testifie our thankfulnesse, by service in person, and in purse.

CHAP. XI.

• * 1.4 UNfolds that Governours and Go∣vernments are apt to change; which these six things will further in∣forme you in.
• 1. Governours change by death, and in their manners while they live. 2. Manners and forms of Government, as well as Persons, are liable to change. 3. People change in their mindes and conditions. 4. Change of Govern∣ments,

• Governours, and People, cau∣seth change of Laws. 5. they change in their league and trade with Neigh∣bour Nations. 6. Jesus Christ King of Kings, makes a change on Govern∣ours and Governments, by sending Plague, Sword, or Famine, on them.
• Ʋse of Instruction.
• 1. Lesser bodies will change. 2. See the creatures vanity.
• Ʋse of Exhortation to Princes.
• 2. To exalt righteousnesse. 2. To be little in their own eyes.
• To All. 1. to raise up your hearts to minde things above. 2. to be content in these turnes. 3. to con∣tend to have the change for better.

CHAP. XII.

• * 1.5 SHews that Kings abuse their power; for
• 1. they serve themselves more then others. 2. they turn the power which should be for good, to the hurt of others. 3. Power was set against Christ in his person when he was on Earth. 4. It is against Christ and his interest Now. 5. the power of Kings is given up to Christs enemies.
• ...

• Ʋse of Instruction, to see
• 1. the foundation of turns on Kingdoms. viz. Departing from the right ends. 2. How little Kings de∣serve the name of Sacred. 3. Judge not of men or causes to be good, by the greatnesse of them that follow them. 4. Ʋndeceive your selves, about the true value of earthly powers. 5. that those in power be circumspect.

CHAP. XIII.

• * 1.6 SHews, that abuse of power tends to the breaking of power, which is ap∣parent;
• 1. When those in power indulge their own lazinesse. 2. When they take no account of under-officers. 3. When they rule by will. 4. When they look not after the execution of good Laws. 5. When they are un∣just. 6. When they sinfully conform to neighbour Princes. 7. When they persecute those who are good. 8. When they interpose unduely in the things of God.
• Ʋse 1. of Instruction, to see the cause of great turns among us.
• ...

• Ʋse 2. of Admonition to Princes.
• 1. Take heed of your hearts in law∣ful things. 2. Take heed of cove∣teous self-love. 3. Exalt not your selves unduely. 4. Anger and ma∣lice misbecome a Prince. 5. For∣get not the kindnesse of others to you. 6. Look that your Courtiers prove not flatterers.

CHAP. XIV.

• * 1.7 PRinces being wicked, people grow wicked too; because
• 1. Wickednesse in men of high place is misrepresented to the people. 2. Wicked Princes leave good Laws un∣executed, and sin unpunished. 3. Then wickednesse comes to be established as by a Law. 4. Because of the Priests of the Nation. 5. People are migti∣ly led by example.
• Ʋse 1. To shew how much Rulers have to answer for. 2. To shew that examples move much. 3. To take notice of the wickedness in us. 4. See how just it is to suffer from Princes, when we grow sinful by them.

CHAP. XV.

• * 1.8 THat abuse of power, and wicked∣nesse of people adapt to Civil war. How abuse of power works on good mens spirits. How wickedness adapts; See it thus.
• 1. Pride in Princes, produceth pride in people. 2. Pride introduceth luxu∣ry. 3. Luxury introduceth poverty. 4. Poverty makes people discontented. 5. Discontented people meditate their pressures. 6. Pressed people hardly pay for any publick uses. 7. People grow weary of their Trades. 8. They feare more then they feel. 9. There be Incendiaries that augment their fears. 10. These incendiaries have many fol∣lowers.
• Ʋse 1. To Princes, to consider their abuse of power. 2. To people who complain of Wars, yet are the cause of them. 3. To admire Gods goodness that we have no more Civil Wars.

CHAP. XVI.

• * 1.9 SHews that Civil Wars produce fatal Changes; for
• ...

• ... 1. Then Government is destroyed. 2. Equity and Laws are not then to be heard. 3. Then Religion, and devotion, are sti∣fled. 4. Learning and Trading fall down dead. 5. A rich people is made poor, and a strong people weake. 6. No safety to any then. 7. Plantations are nipt in the bud. 8. The victory of Civil Wars is much to be lamented.
• Ʋse. 1. Admire Gods goodnesse that we are a Nation. 2. Consider how much we are engaged to those in power, by whose care it comes to passe that Wars break not forth. 3. Look on some incon∣veniences as eligible, when they prevent what is fatal. 4. It should be far from us to promote a Civil War.

CHAP. XVII.

• * 1.10 NEighbour Princes fall off from us, or come forth against us, when we are in Civil War: which is opened thus.
• 1. God hath bounded and limited all Nations in their Territories. 2. Confede∣racy is as needful for a Nation as a Per∣son. 3. Its of great concernment, what, and with whom, confederacy is conclu∣ded. 4. Islands have more liberty of

• choice, as to their confederates, then those that live in a Continent. 5. We may have cause to break with those with whom we have been confederate. 6. Its possible some may break unjustly from us. 7. Those with whom we are in League, may be de∣voured by their adversaries. 8. Its possi∣ble notwithstanding confederacies a∣broad, we may be disjoynt at home. 9. This distraction tempts your friends to shake you off. 10. It opportunes your con∣federates to become your enemies.
• Ʋse 1. See how little help there is in men. 2. See what wickednesse is incident to Nations as well as persons. 3. Take hence one argument more against your Civil War. 4. Learn, its a curious work to manage affairs in Civil Wars. 5. Ad∣mire Gods providences towards us, who hath busied our Neighbour Nations.

CHAP. XVIII.

• * 1.11 OPens that unkind and unjust dea∣lings of neighbour Nations produce forreign Wars: as thus.
• 1. The pride and lust of ruling men, cause these hard dealings. 2. Those who are great, would be great alone. 3. These

• great leaders obtain many followers. 4. They conclude they have a fit season for their rage. 5. A people under present pres∣sures are exceding sensible. 6. They resolve if they recover, to do to others, as others thought to have done unto them.
• Ʋse 1. To see the spreading of sin, that it reacheth Nations as well as persons. 2. Nations as well as persons, are liable to trouble upon trouble. 3. God is appealed unto in War. 4. To admire again Gods goodness to us.

CHAP. XIX.

• * 1.12 SHews, that Jesus Christ will deale in severity with the Kings of the Earth; because
• 1. Kings are in covenant with their people, and break their Covenants. 2. In this dealing Christ appears no respecter of persons. 3. In this dealing Christ makes his wisdom out-shine King-craft. 4. Christ is to overcome Satan in his territories.
• Ʋse 1. Reade the sinfulness of Kings in Christs severity. 2. See the impartial and unspotted holiness of Jesus Christ. 3. See what to expect, and to what to refer our present providences.

CHAP. XX.

• COncludes with shewing, how the twelve Positions formerly handled, instruct us in our present Turns and Changes.

CHAP. XXI.

• SHews the great Turns on Nations, ari∣sing from the consideration of Christ as King of Saints, set forth in twelve Sections.
• 1. Jesus Christ is King of Saints, as well as King of the World. 2. Christ hath his high honour upon his sufferings. 3. Christ puts forth the power he hath as King of Nations, for his people, to whom he is King of Saints. 4. Jesus Christ shall have more visible glory in this World. 5. Bitternesse is mingled with all Govern∣ments, that Christ may be sweet. 6. Christ pours out on his people a mighty spirit of prayer, which he in his Government as King of Saints, returns full answer to. 7. Jesus Christ shall have a willing people in the day of his power. 8. Some of the Kings

• of the Earth shall be among this willing people. 9. Christ having great work to do, stirs up the spirit of Princes and people. 10. The great work of the latter days shall be to exalt holinesse and righteousnesse. 11. Saints shall have notable Conquest over their enemies. 12. These things shall be by degrees.

CHAP. XXII.

• COntains the Ʋses of that Doctrine, that Christ is King of Saints.
• 1. Ʋse of inviting Instruction, dis∣covering,
• 1. Christs excellency. 2. The proper∣ties of his Kingdom. 3. The glory of his Saints.
• 1. Christ his excellency in four things.
• 1. His right and Title which is the justest: being.
• 1. By Election. 2. By Donation. 3. By Birth. 4. By purchase. 5. By Con∣quest.
• 2. His Qualifications are greatest. 3. His Administrations are the highest.

• ... 4. His Communications are the largest.
• 2 The Properties of his Kingdom being,
• 1. Spiritual. 2. Ʋniversal. 3. Eter∣nal. 4. Bringing in perfect peace.
• 3. The glory or excellency of his Saints; for,
• 1. They shall be more Saints. 2. They shall live safely. 3. their enemies shall be ruined.
• 2. Ʋse of Exhortation.
• 1. to know him. 2. to fear him. ••. to trust in him. 4. to embrace him with love. 5. to be like to him. 6. to glorifie him. 7. to be obedient to his laws; where you have,
• 1. the six Laws of Nature with Gospel-light.
• 1. Peace is to be sought. 2. Stand to your Covenants. 3. You must be thankful. 4. Serve one another. 5. Be merciful and forgive. 6. Reproach not one another.
• 2. You have many Gospel strains set out to highthen your obedience.

• THe Appendix shews Astrological Predictions to be frivilous and impious; where these five things are granted.
• 1. that the Stars have a powerful ruling excellency. 2. that by their light, heat, and motion, they work great alterations in the Aire. 3. that ha∣ving this power over the Aire, they do diver••••y affect compound bodies. 4. Scrip∣ture speaks plainely, that they are for times, and seasons. 5. that there may be some present Predictions about weather and such things.
• But two things are denyed.
• 1. that Stars have any power over the Reason or Will of man to necessitate or inforce them. 2. that Astrologers can rightly pretend to foretell such things as depend on mans will, or are any way contingent: and this appears by seven Arguments.
• 1. Such Predictions are derogatory to Gods prerogative of fore-knowing. 2. Such predictions are crosse to the word of God. 3. We reason from the Nature of the Stars. 4. We reason from the Nature of Art. 5. We argue

• from that part of Astrology, that is about weather. 6. these Predictions are derogatory to the excellency of Man. 7. VVe reason from the Nature of con∣tingent things.
• Object. But many things they fore∣tell come to passe
• Sol. 1. Not so many as they brag of. 2. Not from any causing virtue in the Stars. 3. Blind men sometime hit the white; so may Astrologers. 4. their coming to passe is a strong argu∣ment against them. 5. It may come to passe in a way of judicial venge∣ance.
• Ʋse 1. to the professors of the Mathematicks. 2. to their Disciples, dehorting them from Figure-casting.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Pos. 1.
• * 1.2

  Pos. 2.
• * 1.3

  Pos. 3.
• * 1.4

  Pos. 4.
• * 1.5

  Pos. 5.
• * 1.6

  Pos. 6.
• * 1.7

  Pos. 7.
• * 1.8

  Pos. 8.
• * 1.9

  Pos. 9.
• * 1.10

  Pos. 10.
• * 1.11

  Pos. 11.
• * 1.12

  Pos. 12.