The rise, growth, and fall of Antichrist together with the reign of Christ. by Edw. Haughton minister.

THE Rise, Growth, & Fall OF Antichrist, &c.

2 Thes. 2.3.

That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the Son of Perdition.

THe Devil transforming himself into an Angel light, brought some into the Church of the The ssulonians who taught, [the day of Christ, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉Was just at hand.] would take them in the flesh. This shakes their hearts exceedingly

that they are in danger of denying, and casting off the whole fath of Christ. Now for the clearing up of their understanding in the point, their confir∣mation in the Doctrine and work of Christianity; the Apostle doth beseech them, as brethren; yea adjure them by the comming of Christ, and their appearance before him to receive rewards of glo∣ry, that they would not be shaken in their minds, or troubled at the Doctrine broach'd amongst them, what plausible pretences soever they had for it; though they pretended the [spirt] for many false spirits are gone out into the World, whereof this is one; though they pretend the [Word] i. e. that we have imparted this Doctrine privately to them by word of mouth, as if it were an Aposto∣lical tradition; No nor yet though they shew you [a letter] for it, as from us; believe it not, tis a for∣gery. Thus the Apostle plucks up every foundation-stone those false teachers could possibly buid up∣on, Spirit, Word, Epistle; though they offer to confirm their Doctrine by any or all these wayes or testimonies: yet be not deceived by any wile, by any means, be not moved or troubled at it, 'tis all false. And to his assertions and exhortations hee adds (as a back of steel) a strong convincing argument taken from Gods decree concerning the order of transactions, For that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the Son of perdition.

The text branches it self thus. 1. The delay of Christs last coming; that day shall not come. 2. A pre∣ceding general defection from the faith; Except there come a falling away first. 3. The unmasking the detection of the great Antichrist, or ringleader of that Apostacy; The man of sin revealed. 4. His doom, The Son of Perdition. For that day shall not come, except &c.

My purpose is not to speak any things concern∣ing Christs putting off his last coming to judge∣ment; nor yet to give you the Common-place of Apostacy: but that which I aim at, is to discover Antichrist to you in his own colours; for all writers, both Popish and Protestant, say, that by [Man of sin] here is meant the great Antichrist; by [Son of Perdition] his most remarkabe de∣struction.

Well then, without any more ado, the point I hold forth, and undertake (by Gods assistance) to make good to you, is this;

The Popes of Rome are the revealed man of sin, the [now] well known Antichrist, of Whom Daniel, Paul, and the Apostle John, have spoken such vile and fear∣full things: I say in all they have said of the great Antichrist, they have pointed the singer at the Popes of Rome.

To make this good, first, thus, Daniel in Chap. 7. ver. 2. saw the four windes of heaven strive upon the great Sea. i. e. great commotions in the States

of the World, out of which there came four great beasts, the first like a Lion, shadowing forth the Babylonish Monarchy with its Pride and Violence; the second like a Bear, of a churlish and ravenous disposition; such a one was the Persian Monarchy; the third like a Leopard, having upon his back four wings, very subtle, and very swift upon the prey; such was the Grecian Monarchy set up by Alex∣ander the great, but he saw a fourth exceeding ter∣rible and dreadful, having Iron teeth, and it devou∣red and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet, and 'twas diverse from all the rest, and had ten hons upon his head. Who these beasts were, you have the Angels interpretation, Dan. 7 17. These great beasts Which are four, are four Kings Which shall arise out of the Earth: but so monstrous was the fourth, that Daniel would needs know the truth of him; the Angel speaks to that ver. 22. and 24. The fourth beast shall be a fourth Kingdom upon Earth, which shall be diverse from all Kingdoms, and shall devour the whole Earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in peices; and the ten horns out of this Kingdom, are ten Kings that shall arise, and another shall arise, &c. 'Tis well known, that the Roman Monarchy hath been the fourth great Kingdom of the World, then in its greatness and glory of domi∣nation, when Saint John writ his Revelation, who will tell you yet more of this beast and business. Rev. 17.3. I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-coloured

beast, having seven heads and ten horns. ver. 9 [the seven heads are seven Mountains] the Palatine, Capitoline, Aventine, Esquiline, Quirinal, Vimi∣nal, and Janicular, Mountains, upon which Rome in its greatness stood. And the seven heads are ex∣pounded also to be seven Kings, ver. 10. There are seven Kings, five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come and when he cometh he must con∣tinue a short space. [Seven Kings] i. e. seven Su∣pream Kings or forms of governments in Rome, which made good the saying of Daniel, that the last beast was diverse from all the rest; Now saies St. John [five are already fallen] Kings, Consuls, Tribunes, Decemvirs, Dictators, these five were all fallen and gone in Saint Johns dayes, [one is] viz, government by Emperors, which made up the sixt head of the beast, [The other is not yet come] he doth not say, the seventh, but the other, (as one hath very well observed) pointing doubtless at the Christian Emperors, who did not differ from the Heathen Emperors, as a distinct form of Go∣vernment, but onely in the quality of their per∣sons, the one persecuting, destroying, Christianity, the other protecting, advancing, Christianity [and when he comes he must continue a short space] for the Christian Emperors did not reign in their full strength and greatness above seventy or eighty years, as Historians make it evident. It follows, ver. 11. And the beast that was, and is not, even he

is the eighth, and is of the seven. [The beast that was,] The Papacy was in respect of the body of the Empire, but [is not] in respect of any present be∣ing, for it was not in Saint Johns time; [Even he is the eighth] if you reckon the Christian Emperors for one; but in that you ought not so to reckon [He is indeed of the seven] or one of the seven; for there have not been eight but seven forms of Go∣vernmnt at Rome, the last whereof is called the beast by way of eminency, the great whore, the false Prophet, Antichrist himself. So then, find out the last head to the Roman Empire, and you may say of him, this is [the man of sin the great Anti∣christ.] Now who is he? why, lets reckon again, the Kings had their time of Governing, that's one; the Consulls theirs, that's two; Tribunes theirs, that's three; Decemvirs theirs, that's four; Dictators theirs, that's five; Emperors theirs, that's six. All these are fallen and gone; and if I should put the questi∣on in this Congregation, who is the seventh head of that beast, or who since Emperors, have Gover∣ned Rome, I am perswaded the most ignorant man or woman could tell me, they are Popes; there∣fore ye Popes of Rome are the man of sin, and the great Antichrist. And with this agrees that of the Apostle Paul a little after my text, 2 Thes. 2.6.7.8. Ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work; only he who now letteth will let, till he

be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked be revealed. That the Papacy was working in St. Johns time, is evident, if you search Scriptures what errors were then taught, and what Doctrines the Church of Rome doth now teach; Antichrists Limbs and Joynts were then a framing, a knitting; the Pope was then a young Embrio, and was still grow∣ing in the womb, but could not break forth till the Emperors had made way for him, by removing from Rome, and seating themselves at Bizantium, or Constantinople. Tertullian, Hierom, Chrysostom, and the more judicious of the ancient Fathers, have still thus expounded this place. When Constantine had endowed Churchmen with indeed too much temporal greatness, especially the Bishops of Rome, they then began every day to look more and more like Popes, i. e. like the great Antichrist, and play Rex, which you know they could not do while the Emperors seat was at Rome; the Imperial presence and greatness withheld them; but when the hand of Providence took them out of the way, then they became Popes, and manifested themselves to be the seventh distinct Roman Government, the last head of that beast. Thus you see how both Saint John and Saint Paul were guided by one Spirit, when they describe Antichrist, to point the finger at the Popes of Rome. Take it thus. He that succeeds the Emperors in the Government of the Roman State,

or he that is seventh head of Daniels fourth beast, he is the great Antichrist: but the Popes of Rome succeed the Emperors in the Government of the Roman state, or they are the seventh head of the fourth great beast; therefore the Popes of Rome are the great Antichrist.

Secondly, Antichrist is the man that sets himself above all Rule, and all authority. 2. Thes. 2.8. then shall the wicked be revealed; thats our translation, but the Greek is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉the lawless man. v. 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the Temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. How must men forfeit their Intellectuals to fasten all this anywhere but upon the popes? For first they are Church-men, their seat is in the Temple, or reputed Church of God. The great Turk, let his pride and domination be what it will, yet he sits not in the Temple, he's no Church-man, but the Pope is. Secondly he is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉the Lawless man. PopeGratian in his decrees, reckons up several Laws, publike, private Laws, the Laws of Nature and Na∣tions, written and unwritten Laws, civil and cano∣nical, the Laws both of God and man; but the con∣clusion of all he makes, is this, that they are all subject to the Popes interpretation and dispen∣sation, and that he is the spiritual man who judgeth all things, and himself is judged of none. He allows such marriages as God hath forbidden; You all

know he allowed Henry the eighth of England to have his brother Arthurs wife, which God expres∣ly forbids, Levit. 18.16. Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brothers wife. And when the sin∣fullness of it was discovered, he would not untye the knot, or allow a divorce (though it got him nothing) and so justified the sin of uncleanness, and the trangression of Gods Law. He absolves people from the Laws of obedience to the Powers that God hath set over them, contrary to that, Let every soul be subject to the [High powers] so the Greeks, or the Powers that are set up on high, Rom. 13 To kill a Protestant, is no murther; to blow up a Parliament, is meritorious; nay though he carry plures animarum currus ad tartara. none may say unto him cur ita facis? Thus he puts all Rule and Law under his feet. Thirdly, He apposeth and ex∣alteth himself above all that is called God, or is Wor∣shipped, meaning all civil Powers and Rulers of this World; the beast hath lift up his paw at them all; yea and fetched them under too. Rev. 17.12.13. The ten horns are ten Kings, those have one mind, and give their power and strength to the beast i. e. he had conquered them, and they yeilded themselves his slaves; their power, their strength, their all should be at his service, vigorously to promote his designs. Bellarm, in his fifth Book de Rom. Pontif. hath these words, Omnes Imperatores Pontifici Romano debent suum imperium, all Kings and Emperors owe their

Crowns and Scepters to the Bishop of Rome; And hereupon the Pope stiles himself Rex Regum, Do∣minus Dominantium, King of Kings, Lord of Lords; and 'tis not bare words; but he acts accor∣dingly in deposing Kings, and giving away their Kingdoms. Pope Innocent the third deposed King John of England, and gave this Land to Philip Au∣gustus King of France, but at last he absolved him, upon condition he would hold his Kingdom in Fee of the Church of Rome, and that he should pay yearly a thousand Marks of silver in token of his subjection. Pope Alexander the sixth gave the West Indies to the Spaniard, the East Indies to the Por∣tugal, and set them their Limits. Pope Pius the fifth pronounced the sentence of degradation and deposition against Queen Elizabeth. The Monks whipt Henry the second of England, upon the death of Becket, and when he spoke some angry words to them, Domine (say they) noli mirarii; nos enim nul∣las minas timemus, qui de tali curia sumus quae con∣suevit imperare Regibus & Imperatoribus; never threaten us, we fear no threats, we are of such a Court as ruleth our kings and Emperors. I think I could have furnished you with a hundred stories of like nature. Fourthly, he sits in the Temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Non ait dicens, sed ostendens (says one.) hoc est, operibus, signis & miraculis nitens ostendere quod sit Deus; He doth not say it in words at length, that he's God; but

his carriage, and the prerogatives Royal he claims, are such, as if he were God himself. This they stick not to speak out, idem est dominium Dei & Papae, the Rule of God and the Pope are the same, & Jus ecclesiasticum est jus divinum, their ecclesiastical Law is Divine, and must bind the conscience as well as any Laws of God: Hereupon one expounds it (meethinks) very well, in templo conscientiarum, he sits in the Temple of mens consciences. He for∣gives sin as God doth, he makes Articles of faith as God doth, he takes to himself the Names and Titles that God doth; the Councel of Lateran stiles him [tu es alter Deus in terris] another God upon Earth, [Dominus Deus noster para,] our Lord God the Pope; he takes Divine worship to himself as God doth; they bow before him, and kiss his feet, which an Angel of heaven would not receive of John, Rev. 22. see you do it not, Worship God; Nay he takes upon him to do that which God will not do, to dis∣pense with Laws moral and natural, (as I said be∣fore) to give Indulgences to sin for time to come; there have been Leases granted for years. Schoole∣men affirm, Deum non magis homini indulgere pos∣se, ut 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉sese gerat, quam justitiae suae ordinem overtere, & seipsum negare, God can as soon de∣stroy his order and course of Justice yea deny him∣self, as give men Indulgences to transgress his Laws, to walk disorderly; but the Pope hath not so bound his own hands; he can be Dominus Deus,

and yet (upon good consideration and advan∣tages) indulge men to violate any or all the laws of God and Nature; He takes upon him to deliver souls out of Purgatory, to Canonize Saints at his pleasure; so that what is said of God, is said of the Pope, and more also. Take the summ of all thus; He who is the great Churchman, above all Law, and above all Earthly power, and who carries himself as if he were God, he is the man of sin, the great Anti∣christ; but the Popes of Rome are seated in the tem∣ple, have subjected all rule and Authority to them∣selvs, and behave themselves as if they were God; therefore the Popes of Rome are the man of sin, the great Antichrist.

Thirdly, Antichrists Name is written in his fore∣head Rev. 17.5. [Mystery] Brocard a Venetian doth avouch it, that the word [Mystery] is written in the Popes Mitre; and many others who have been at Rome, do profess to have seen it, as Dr. Iames the late keeper of the Library at Oxford, will further satisfie any man in his Dedicatory Epistle to his Treatise of the corruption of the Scriptures. What mystery 'tis that is written upon his forehead. Saint Paul tell you 2 Thes. 2.7 [My∣stery of iniquity:] As the Doctrine of the Gospel is a Mystery of Godliness, so the Papacy is nothing else but a Mystery of iniquity. The Pope pretends to be more for Christ then any man in the World, Christs Vicar, Christs Vicegerent, the visible head

of Christs Church, Saint Peters successor, to feed the flock of Christ, and still he hath Christ in his mouth, and who but Christ with him? I tell you he pretends to be more for Christ then any man alive; but let me tell you withall that there is no man alive so much against Christ as he is; and therefore most properly called [Antichrist] which signifies both [for] and [against] Christ, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Greek is [pro] as well as [contra] Ioh. 1.16. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Grace for Grace. The great Antichrist is one that is pretendedly for Christ, but is really against Christ; which cannot be affirmed of the great Turk, or of any other beside the Pope; but of him it may most clearly. That he bears the World in hand, he is Christ greatest friend, I need not prove; I sup∣pose we will all take that for granted; but let me shew you how in truth he is Christs greatest Ene∣my in all points. One mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus 1 Time 2.5. There are other Mediators, says the Pope, both for satisfact∣on and intercession; for satisfaction, the propitia∣tory sacrifice of the Mass, the blood of Thomas, the merits of the Church; for intercession; the Virgin Mary, Saints and Angels are intercessors to God (even as to our particular necessities) for us, there's but one says Christ; there are more says the Pope. Christ alone is Prophet of his Church, to be heard in all things whatsoever he shall say. Act. 3. and for this end he opened the sealed book, bids

every one of his, search the Scriptures, grow in know∣ledge, walk in the light of Gospel-truth: the Pope expresly contradicts this, and tells you that the Doctrine Christ hath left in the Scriptures, is not sufficient without his daily supplements of unwrit∣ten Traditions, which are of equal Authority with the word of Christ, and must be beleeved upon pain of damnation. Of the written word, what he pleaseth he makes authentique; what he pleases he cancels; he teaches and interprets all by an infal∣lible unerring Spirit; He hath sealed up the book or Bible which Christ opened to them, forbidding the people the use of Scriptures; Latine Scriptures, Latine Service, all must be to them in an unknown tongue; he tells them that ignorance is the mother of devotion; and to believe as the Church believes is knowledge and faith enough. Christ hath for∣bidden all kinde of pictures and Images in the Worship of God, Deut. 4.15.16. Take good heed unto your selves (for ye saw no manner of similitude in the day the Lord spake unto you in Horeb) lest ye corrupt your selves, and make a graven Image, &c. John 4.23. The true worshippers worship the Father in Spirit and in truth; the Father seeketh such to worship him: No says the Pope, you shall make Images of the Trinity, and pictures of the Cross, and shall kiss and worship them with the worship of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the same worship ye give God & Christ. You shall make Images of Saints and Angels, and

shall worship them with worship of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉a reli∣gious worship, though not the highest, you shall pray unto them, and fill all your Churches with them, for they are Lay-mens books. Christ hath taught us that our own righteousness is as menstruous rags; up∣on our best performances we are unprofitable sevants; that we are justified by faith without the works of the Law; Tis not so, says the Pope, good Works are meritorious: there is a merit of congruity in them before conversion, and a merit of condignity in them after conversion; nay that some men do works of supererogation, more then the Law of God re∣quireth, or is their duty to do, whereby they are not onely justified themselves, but the overplus of their merits helps to justifie others. Christ saith, he will have the Sacrament of the Supper administred in both kinds. 1 Cor. 11 23. to 27. I have received of the Lord that which I delivered unto you, that the Lord Iesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and sayd, take, eat, this is my body; after the same manner he took the cup, saying, this cup is the new Testament in my blood; this do ye as oftenas ye eat this bread and drink this cup, &c. This St. Paul received of Jesus Christ, delivered it in charge to all and every of the Churches of Corinth, both what and how they were to receive: It shall not be so says the Pope: the Priest shall receive in both kinds: the People shall have nothing but the bread. Christ

teaches that marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled. Heb. 13. No says the Pope, 'tis not honorable in the Clergy (so they call them) tis not lawful for a Priest to marry. Christ says, Let no man judge you in respect of meats, or drinks, or an holy day Col. 2. You are now freed from the observation of daies and meats; every creature of God is good if it be received with thanksgiving; No says the Pope, ye shall observe Saints daies; and for meats, touch not, taste not any flesh on such and such dayes and weeks of Lent. But to what end should I thus go on? I profess I can hardly name one Doctrine of Jesus Christ, but the Popes of Rome have thwarted it, either directly or indirectly, and quite subverted it. The Pope may see himself in those old Here∣tiques, the Antitactae, as in a glass, who held it reli∣gion to contradict the Laws of their Maker, and instead of Gods Laws, brought in their own inven∣tions and fooleries. Take it thus. He on whom such a mystery of iniquity is found as to pretend to be wholy for Christ, and yet in every thing crosses and op∣poses Christ, he is the man of sin, the true and great Antichrist; but upon the Pope is this mystery of ini∣quity found, to pretend to be wholy for Christ, and yet in every thing he crosseth and opposeth Christ; there∣fore the Pope is the man of sin, the true and great An∣tichrist.

Fourthly, Saint John Rev. 13. having described the Roman State under six of its heads or Govern∣ments,

ver. 11. he brings forth the last head viz. Antichrist (that beast) by himself: of him he saith [He had two horns like a Lamb, spake like a Dragon, and exercised the power of the first beafi that was before him.] How this Description agrees to the Pope, you shall see. 1. He hath two horns like a Lamb; two horns in his Miter, two Keys in his hand, a twofold Power, Sacred and Secular, Spiritual and Temporal, as being both King and Priest of the Church. Boniface the eighth in the year one thousand three hundred, who insti∣tuted the first Iubile, came out one day in his Pon∣tifical habit; the next day in his Robes imperial having two swords carried before him, he caused the Herald to cry, Ecce duo glady, behold two Swords; he might as well have caused him to have cried, Ecce duo cornua Antichristi, be∣hold the two horns of Antichrist. Secondly, as like a Lamb as he looks, yet he hath the Dragons tongue in his mouth, he speaks like a Dragon i. e. like a raging Devil, swelling words of great terror, Rev. 13.5. There was given unto him a mouth speak∣ing great things and blasphemies. He. speaks on this wise, whosoever will not worship the beast and his Image, and receive his mark in their hand or fore∣head, they shall not buy nor sell, they shall be killed; he will shut heaven against them, and pass sentence of Damnation upon them, they shall go to Hell. That furious Dragon, the Devil, speaks nothing

but terror to Saints; hath the Pope a good word for any that do truly fear God? He calls them Heretiques, he thunders out his Bulls and Excom∣munications against them; he speaks nothing but Inquisitions, Blood, Death, Hell unto them. Truly the Pope speaks as like the Dragon, as if he had been spate out of his mouth. John 12. ult. Our Saviour saith of himself, Whatsoever I speak, even as the Father said unto me so I speak: the Pope may take up the words thus, Whatsoever I speak, even as the Dragon sayd unto me so I speak. Thirdly, He ex∣erciseth all the Power of the first beast that was be∣fore him. Look what Power was in the hands of any or all the Roman Governors, Kings, Consuls, Tribunes, Decemvirs, Dictators, Emperours, the Pope hath got it all to himself, and hereupon is called the Image of the first Beast. He hath brought Kingdoms and People under him as the former did; Rules over them with as much Pride and Ty∣ranny as the former did; hath suppressed the preaching of the Gospel as much as ever they did; is as great a hater, persecutor, shedder of the blood of Saints as ever any or all of them were; Lives in as great sensuality, pompous glory, as any did that were before him. So then, He who hath two horns like a Lamb speaks like the Dragon, and exerciseth the Power of the first beast, he is the great Antichrist: but the Pope hath two horns like a Lamb, speaks like the Dragon, and exerciseth the Power of the

first beast; therefore the Pope is the great Anti∣christ.

Fifthly, Antichrist shall comfirm his Doctrine, Laws, Kingdom, by Miracles, Rev. 13.13, 14. He doth great Wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the Earth in the sight of men; And deceiveth all them that dwell upon the earth by means of the Miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, &c. This none in the World attempts to do beside the Pope. Heb. 2.3, 4. Christ did suf∣ficiently confirm that Doctrine, Gospel, Kingdom he set up, by Signs, Wonders, and divers Miracles so that Austin long since said, If any man looked for Miracles, he himself was a Miracle. And therefore tis evident, the Pope hath another Doctrine, Gospel, Kingdom to establish and advance in the World; that to perswade men to receive and sub∣mit to, he must be put to the working of new Mi∣racles; Miracles are so in esteem with them, that they are made a mark of the true Church; and ours is a false Church, because we can work no Miracles, whereas indeed our Saviour makes them a note of false Christs, and false Prophets, Mark 13.22. False Christs and false Prophets shall rise, and shew signs and wonders to seduce, if it were possible, even the Elect; The Pope hath come as near seducing the Elect as any man did that ever lived. And Saint John here makes them a mark of Antichrist and his Church, so also doth Paul, 2 Thes. 2.8, 9. Then shall that

wicked be revealed; even he whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all Power and signs, and lying wonders. In Gregory the great his time, when Antichrist was near to be revealed, Miracles of all sorts began to be multiplied; there were appa∣ritions for confirmation of purgatory, praying to Saints, praying for the dead. I have read many stories of their Miracles, which here I will not trouble you with; they'l serve well for winter-tales; Onely this one word, tis sayed of Pope Hildebrand (called Gregory the seventh) that he would as oft as he pleased, shake fire out of his Gown sleevs, to the great terror and astonishment of the People. Their own Historians tell us, that above twenty of their Popes have been abominable Nigromancers, who by their sorceries and divelish wonders have de∣ceived the World, so gaining credit to their way. But it may be some will ask me, what shall we think of the many and great Miracles that are amongst them? I'le tell you, Those Miracles Papists say they now do, are done with the Antipodes, in the fur∣thest parts of the world; for my part, I am resolved I will not go to disprove them; I believe the most of them are meer fained lyes: or else they are but mira, not miracula, as applying activa passivis may produce very wonderful effects: sometimes the senses of men are bemisted add deceived as Pha∣roahs Magicians did their Spectators: Many times the fancy is deluded, they perswade some People

they are possessed, and then perswade them they are dispossessed: but they do it by Holy-water, Crosses, Exorcisme, not by the Power of the word as Christ did; and Christ did cast out divels by day-light, before many witnesses, yea his very Ene∣mies; but Priests cast them out closely in their chambers, in the night, and will have no spectators but such as are their sworn friends. Our Saviour did other Miracles, He gave legs to the lame, eyes to the blind, he raised the dead to life, but these can do no∣thing but only this about devils; therefore I am as∣sured there is some gross delusion or other in it. But well, gloria Miraculorum is their badge; and tis most evident, if Saint John may be believed, tis a mark of Antichrist and his Church: Take it thus. He that since the Apostles and first primitive-Christian times will confirm his Doctrine, and set up his Kingdom by Miracles, is the great Antichrist: But the Pope (and none in the World else) since those times, confirms his Doctrines, and sets up his Kingdom by Miracles; therefore the Pope is the great Antichrist.

Sitxhly, Antichrist shall challenge to himself a Power over all Nations and Churches upon the face of the Earth, in reference to Christ, as being his Vicegerent, Rev. 13.7. Power was given him over all Kinreds, Tongues, and Nations, ver. 16.17. He causeth all, both great and small, rich and poor, bond and free, to receive his mark, and that no man

might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, &c. This Power the Pope assumes to himself, and hath had it; for no man in the World layes claim to it but he; though the great Turk lays claim to all, yet not in reference to Christ, as his Deputy; but the Pope doth. It is Antichristian to challenge Power over the faith and conscience of one man or Church; tis more Antichristian to challenge Power over many Churches, as Bishops do; tis a further degree of Antichristianism to claim a Power over whole Provinces, as Arch-Bishops do; tis yet more, to Lord it over the faith of many Provinces and Kingdoms, as Patriarks do; but to challenge such Soveraignty over all the Churches in the world as the Pope doth thats the great Antichrist of An∣tichristianism. And (as one wittily saith) lest he should wrong himself by too modest a claim (for you must know he's a modest soul) he doth not onely challenge a Power over all this world, but in Heaven & Hell also where ever Christ hath power, yea and even in Purgatory too, where Christ hath no Power. Mr. Fox in his book of Martyrs records Pope Leo the tenth his Bull against Luther, where he charges all Patriarks, Metropolitans, Primates, Arch-Bishops, Bishops, and all other Ecclesiastical Orders downwards, even to the begging Friers: and then all Kings, Electors of the Empire, Princes, Dukes, and so on, and at last all men throughout the universal World upon pain of the great excom∣munication,

that they do not embrace Luthers Doctrine, adhere to, or favor his person. Judge you now, if this Language be not the very same with that of the great Antichrist, Rev. 13. And let me tell you, the Popes of Rome have exercised this supremacie for many hundred years. Before I close this in hand; let me in a word answer a quaere or two the Church of Rome are still putting to us: Where was your Doctrine, and where was your Church before Luther? Why, as for our Doctrine, my Answer's thus, It was where theirs never was, in the Scriptures. And as for our Church, where that was, my Answer runs thus. I. Our Protestant-Divines have abundantly cleared it to them, that in all Ages there were some (they have named the men, and the junctures of time in which they lived) that opposed Pope and Popery. Secondly, if we had none before Luther, how came they to have so much work for their Inquisitions before Luther, for their Armies against the Albigenses and Wal∣denses five hundred years ago? and how came Thomas Arundel Arch Bishop of Canterbury, and his fellow Bishops in the reign of Henry the fourth and Henry the fifth of England, to condemn and execute so many of the followers of Wickliff; and amongst the rest, that gallant and famous Saint, Sir Iohn Old-Castle. 'Tis strange there were none of our Church before Luther, when there were (its well enough known) so many in every King∣dom

apprehended and executed for opposing the Pope, for denying and rejecting popish Doctrine and worship. Surely all they may very well be rec∣koned of our Religion; for they would die before-they would be of theirs. Thirdly If by this they mean, where was your Church visible, tis a Non∣sence quaere; for Rev. 11.2. the holy City (meaning the visible Church of Christ) shall they tread under foot forty two Moneths i. e. all the time of Anti∣christ; and Rev. 13. He had Power given him over all People. Nations, and Languages, and all the World wondred after the beast. Twas an impossibili∣ty and inconsistent with Gods eternal counsel and decree, that we should have a visible Church during the [height] of Antichrists reign. It is enough for us that there have been two witnesses in every age Prophesying in sackloth against him, some few haters & opposers of him, (very closely and secret∣ly; you might hear of two or three Heretiques in a Kingdom or in a County; but perhaps you should not know, many times, where to find one of them, the Beast had so got all the World under his paws) Take it in this Syllogisme. He that usurps Autho∣rity over the faith and conscience of all the Kingdoms and Churches in the World, he is the great Anti∣christ; but this the Pope hath done, and doth do at this day (at least presumptively and intentionally; he'l tell you, 'tis his right,) therefore the Pope is the great Antichrist.

Seventhly, The Holy Ghost hath (upon the matter) named him to us. Rev. 13. and last verse, Here is wisdom, let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six. As if the spirit of God had sayd, 'tis not over difficult to find out his name, seing tis the number of a man, a number that a man may find out or reckon: Then he commends the finding of it out for a special piece of wisdom and understand∣ing, that so every one might be encouraged to set himself to work, it being natural unto men to de∣sire to be accounted wise. In the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉Romagnosh Romanus, a Roman, the numeral letters make up six hundred sixty six. In the Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉(the man that useth the Latine tongue so much.) the numeral letters make up six hundred sixty six. You know no expression pleaseth but this, ecclesia catholica [Romana,] and the Latine Tongue, Latine Bible, Latine Service, all must be in Latine; out of this number (says Saint John in effect) find out his name that is so much for the Latine. In the Latine tongue, this [Generalis dei Vicarus in terris] makes up six hundred sixty six. And to give him not onely the name he desires, but the name he de∣serves, In our English [The Pope by superioritie is the divels Leiftenant] the numeral letters hereof make up six hundred sixty six. This number may be found in such names and terms as do rightly set him

out in diverse Langaages. But the Jesuites object, that this number may be found in many other names: We shall easily grant it may, without weakning what hath been delivered: for they can bring no other name to whom all the other pro∣perties of Antichrist do agree. The Holy Ghost doth not send us here barely to find out a name, but such a name out of them as will grasp in all the other descriptions of Antichrist, such a name as sutes to all that is said of him in the Rev. or else∣where; such a name as will hold forth [the man that succeeds the Emperors in the Government of the Roman State, or that is the seventh head of Daniels fourth beast; that sits in the temple of God, as the great Church man, Lording it over the Faith and Consciences of all men in the world; and (in ordine ad spiritualia) subjecteth all civil rule and Autho∣rity to himself; that highly pretends to be for Christ, and yet in every thing crosseth and contradicteth Christ; That looks like a Lamb, speaks like a Dra∣gon, and exerciseth the Power of the first beast, viz. King, Consuls, &c.] When we put them to find a name out of this number, that points out a man to whom all these particulars do agree, they are at a stand, they cannot give us one, though their King∣dom, and their All lie upon it. Wherefore I con∣clude; That that name whereto all the descriptions of Antichrist do agree, is that Saint John bids us here seek after, and is the name of the great Antichrist;

but the names before given (pointing out the Pope) are such, as in every one of them all the descriptions of Antichrist do meet and concentrate; therefore this is the name; and consequently the Pope is the [man of sin,] the [great Antichrist.] Thus you have a se∣venfold-scripturall demonstration of the point. It's good to make sure-work, when we have to do with so unruly a beast.

But why did not the Holy-Ghost speak expres∣ly who it was? might not he as easily have said, the [Popes of Rome] are [the man of sin,] the great Antichrist, as expressed it thus darkly, and left it so liable to doubt and controversie?

I answer, Tis not for us to teach God how he shall speak, but duty, when he hath spoken, to set our selves, with reverence, to spell out his mind; I might put you off with this. But yet think, I may with safety venture to give you some reasons, why God carried it on thus, in the clouds and in the dark. I. 'Twas out of a tender respect he had to his People, the prevention of their utter ruine; for had he said, that the Bishops of Rome, and conse∣quently Christians, should be Lords of Rome, yea make Kings and Emperors bow before them, nay be Masters of the World; this (inhumane con∣jecture) would have armed the Heathen Emperors (as one man) against the Christians; and Christi∣ans talked so much of a Kingdom, that they had some thoughts and jealousies in their heads and

hearts of them already; therefore certainly if Saint John had spoke out, their jealousies had kind∣led into a flame against them, that they would have set themselves to have destroyed the name of [Christian] from of the Earth, which was this way prevented. Secondly God would shew himself to be the God of secrets, and depths of wisdom a∣bove weak shallow man. This book of the [Reve∣lation] hath brought many great and learned men to let fall their plumes, the high thoughts of their own wisdoms and sufficiencies, hath set them a stu∣dying, hath exercised their best Intellectuals, brought them upon their knees to God in prayer, that he would be pleased to give them a Revelation of the Revelation; the things he hath opened in this book, that he would open them more, and give them his own key; for none else can unlock the Ca∣binet. How hath it set men of admiring, that if there be such hardness, such depths in Gods [Reve∣lations,] what unsearchable secrets and depths of Mysteries are there in the heart and bosome of God himself infinitely above the reach of the un∣derstanding of all Men and Angels? God loves to lay vain proud men low; he loves to bring them to the knowledge of themselves; and tis a great mercy to us that he doth so. Thirdly, God sent Antichrist as the greatest judgement on men that ever was in the World. Rev. 6.2. God there sends forth Christ in his Apostles, Evangelists, and others

riding swiftly on the white horse of the Gospel, and you know how quickly they rid clean through the world, (Psal. 19.34. with Rom. 10.18.) but the world did generally despise the Gospel of Salva∣tion offered to them. In the following verses of that chapter God sends out The red horse of War, The black horse of Famine, The pale horse of Pesti∣lence: and his name that sate upon him was Death, and Hell followed him, verse the twelfth, There comes a great Earthquake, which (upon the same account) shakes down all the heathen Gods and Monarchies, brings Constantine the great into the Throne, sets up Christianity in the World, and now (Regis ad Exemplum) every one turns Christian; but yet the meer formality of name and notion served their turn, the generality of men received the Christian faith, but not in the love of it; they held the truth of God in unrighteousness; and this (doubtless) angered God more then the Heathens open con∣tempt of the Gospel; whereupon God set himself to bring forth some greater judgements on the Christian world then he had on the Heathenish, when first he had secured his own By sealing the servants of God in the forehead Chap. 7. In the eighth Chapter the Trumpets sound, whereby all Expositors agree, haereses & corruptelas verae Doctrinaepraesignifi∣cari; In the four first, chiefly, Heresies & Corruptions of sound Doctrine are presignified, (Temporal mi∣series not excluded) but tis something hard, I find, to

assign the right heresie, and who was the broacher, to every Trumpet. Chap. 9.1, 2. Tht fifth Angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven, and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit; And he opened the bottomless pit, and there arose smoak out of the pit, as the smoak of a great furnace, and the sun, and the air were darkned by reason of the smoak of the pit. Here Hell breaks loose up∣on them; and now, in the Popes of Rome, or the great Antichrist, was wrath come upon the Chri∣stian World to the uttermost; there were all Judge∣ments in this one, 2 Thes. 2.8. to 13. Then shall that wicked be revealed, whose comming is after the man∣ner of Satan, with all deceivableness of unrighteous∣ness in them that Perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be sved; for this cause God shall send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lye, that they [all might be damned,] &c. Now if God had named the Person, and time of Antichrists coming, there are such fearful things spoken of him, that all the World would have set against him, and so God had crossed the decree of Divine Justice: but being ex∣pressed thus darkly, the Pope hath been able to corrupt and deceive all the Nations of the Earth, whereby the determined wrath is come upon the souls and bodies of Hypocritical and ungodly Chri∣stians. This kinde of revealing of him was most sutable & serviceable to the great design God had

upon the base, rotten Christian World. Fourthly, The revelation of him in this Book and elsewhere, is sufficiently clear to all the Elect who have set them∣selves to find out Antichrist. As it fared with the Jews concerning Christ, Rom. 11.7. so also with the Gentilish Churches concerning Antichrist; The election have obtained knowledge of him when the rest are blinded, by their own wilfulness, by their self interest; and God holds their eyes, (in a just judgement) that they shall not see and know him. Dan. 12.10. None of the wicked shall under∣stand, but the wise shall understand; If the sense of the Context be rightly drawn down, it speaks to this present business concerning Antichrist, and bringing in the Kingdom of our Lord; the men of the world will be blinded to the last, but the spiri∣tually wise do discern and judge of all things. Rev. 15. ult. The Temple was filled with smoak from the glory of God and from his Power; and no man was able to enter into the Temple till the seven plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled. This verse will bear a double Interpretation; one of them is this; the Temple or Church of Christ (gained out of the hands of Antichrist) hath the glorious presence and Power of God abiding in it; for the smoak that filld the Tabernacle and Temple upon their de∣dications, had that signification, whereto the Holy-Ghost here alludes: God hath been powerfully and gloriously present amongst his Saints since the Vials

began to be poured out. The other, (which I aim at) is This, the Temple or Church of Christ to the eye of the Antichristian Partie, (as a powerfull and just judgement of God upon them) is full of the smoak of Apostacie, smoak of Errors, Heresies, the smoak of Schisme, the smoak of Treason, the smoak of Rebellions: the Church of Rome and Popish Faction can see nothing of Righteousness, Equity, Honesty, in any or all those wayes the Saints take against them; their Assemblies and Councels, their Doctrines and doings are the darkness and grie∣vance of smoak unto them, and will be so yet a while; for none of them (says the text) can come into the Temple; To be true members of the Church of Christ, to own the Assemblies of the Saints in their worship and wayes, till the seven plagues of the seven Angels be fulfilled: I say till then (such a smoak is in their eyes) they will not be able to get any clear vision of things, though there be the light of noon day to guide us in our work and way. The whore hath layed Kings, mighty men, Mer∣chants, and all them (both great and small) that dwell upon the Earth, (except two poor witnesses, dead-drunk with the wine of the spiritual fornica∣tion. Rev. 14. Those who are drunk with Heresies, Errors, their own Inventions, and Opinions, can have no right understanding or discerning spirit in them, neither of themselves nor of the great Antichrist, nor of the true Church, nor of God in Christ;

God in his works or worship; they know no body, they know nothing, but what their drunken fancy and strong delusions suggest to them. Po∣pery is a mystery, 2 Thes. 2. Rev. 17. and do you wonder if Papists and carnal impenitent People, do not, or cannot understand mysteries? See but one text more, Hos. 14.9. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the wayes of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them; but the transgressors shall fall therein. This Scripture can hold truer in nothing then in this business between Christ and Antichrist; wicked men are blinded in it; they stumble at it and fall, but the Saints of God being wise and prudent, they discern, they know, & go on in the right wayes of the Lord. I am perswaded there is no man in the World that hath the Spirit of Jesus Christ in him, that is a Saint indeed, but if he set himself to study this point, which Humility, Diligence, Faith, and Prayer, he shall be led into the very City of Rome, and there comparing predictions with the Popes actions, (for Paul had no other way mightily to convince the Jews, that that same Jesus who was born of Mary, suffered so ignominously under Pon∣tius Pilate, was the very Christ, but by laying his birth in the circumstances of it, his manner of Life, Doctrine, Miracles, Death, Resurrection, to the Prophesies that went before of him; and this did it) I say when he shall have taken a full veiw of things.

there, comparing the Popes carriage with what Daniel, Paul, and the Apostle John have spoken of him, and see how fully they joyn and cloze one with another, he shall be forced to sit down satis∣fied that the Popes of Rome are the great Antichrist; and the oftner he reads this Chapter of Paul to the Thessalonians, and Saint Johns Revelation, he shall wonder at the clearness of this truth shining and breaking in upon him more and more, and marvel that any who ever read Saint Paul and Saint John, do not see it. Though God hath expressed things darkly in this point, yet clear enough to all the Elect; if the rest be deceived and perish, he matters it not; 'tis the Elect he intends, to Communicate secrets, Mysteries, and do good unto.

But the Bishops of Rome that were once (by com∣mon confession) such good men, some of them even Martyrs for Christ; they were planted (as Jeremiahs expression is) wholy a right seed; how were they turned into the degenerate plant of a strange Vine, into the Vine of the Earth? Rev. 14.18. How came they to so much vilenes, as to make up the man of sin, the great Antichrist?

For satisfaction to this; 1. Those of them that were truly good, righteous and holy persons, doubtless their seed abode in them; so they lived and so they died; their Righteousnes, Holiness, Services, Sufferings went along with them. Secondly God hath not so annexed grace to any Function or

Rank of man, not yet to any one place in the World, but in process of time that Function may fail, that place basely degenerate. Sure if God had En∣tailed grace and goodness on any succession of men, it was Aaron, and those that followed in the Priest∣hood; but how it was with them, may be known if you read 1 Sam 2.12. to the end of that Chapter. The Holy Ghost spake nothing bad, but all good of the Angel and Church of Philadelphia; yet now tis the Synagogue and habitation of Turks and Devils. But a most ominous Prophetical Warning did Paul give the Church of Rome, Rom. 11.17. to 23. If some of the branches be broken off, and thou being a wild Olive-tree wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the Root and Fatness of the Olive-tree: Boast not against the Branches; if thou Boast, thou bearest not the Root, but the Root thee. Thou wilt say then, the Branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in: Well, because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith; be not high∣minded, but fear; for if God spared not the natural Branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God; on them that fell severity, but towards thee goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. Are these Bugbears, windie Bladders? Can these words possibly import less then that God and Grace were not so made over to them, but time might produce a change both in Pastors

and Church, from good to bad, from bad to worse; and that if they did not walk humbly, and watch to the keeping of the Faith, they should certainly be cut off. Thirdly, Together with Constantines large Endowments and Immunities, there arose abun∣dance of Idleness, Errors, Images, Superstitions, Pride, Affectation of outward greatness, especially in the Church of Rome; and thus she forsook her first Love; and the spirit daily quenching, yea dying, in them, they knew no way to keep up, but by sup∣porting themselves with a carnal and outward strength. Socrates, in his seventh book and 11. Chapter, saith, Now began an ill name to stick on the Bishops of Rome, who beyond their priestly bounds, have stept into principality. This was in the daies of Theodosius the yonger, scarce fourscore years since their low poor condition, which Constantine raised them from. The next remarkable thing we read of, was this; Philippicus & Leo, with some other Emperors after them (not without the advice of Pratriarks and a whole Eastern Councel) threw Images out of Churches, as being decreed Idola∣trous: Whereupon the Bishop of Rome seizes the City and Territories about into his own hands, makes himself Lord thereof, which till then was Governed by a Greek Magistrate, absolves all Italy of their Tribute and obedience due to the Empe∣ror, upon this goodly occasion. Then to bear him∣self out in these pranks, he takes upon him by Pap••••••

sentence to unthrone Chilpericus, gives the King∣dom to Pepin, and so made him his fast friend and Champion; for by him he presently got all Raven∣na, and annexed it to the Sea of Rome as lawful prize to Saint Peter. I must not now stand to tell you, how, throughout the fift and sixt hundred years after Christ, diverse of the Bishops of Rome did openly contend for supremacy, but were supprest in several Councels, of Carthage, and Chalcedon. Twas not long after when Phocas murthered his Master, the Emperor Mauritius, and then (says the Historian) Bonifacius obtinuit a Phoca, ut Rom. Ecclesia esset caput omnium Ecclesiarum. Pope Bo∣niface obtained of Phocas, that the Church of Rome should be head of all Churches. From that time forward, that Antichristian Jurisdiction and Supre∣macie grew still more and more, till it became an overgrown Monster, even to give Laws to all the Kingdoms and Churches in the World. Fourthly, It is said Rev. 13.2. The Dragon gave him his Power, and Seat, and great Authority. The Pope hath the Keys of the bottomless pit (Rev 9) in his hands; the devil freely bestowed them on him, and made him the great steward of his house; his heart rests securely in him. Fithly, God made them Antichrist, in that sense which he's said to harden Pharoahs heart: They not receiving the truth in the Love of it, but holding the truth of God in un∣righteousness; for this cause God gave them up to

what you have heard, to receive in and upon them∣selves that recompence of their Errors and sinful∣ness which was meet. Thus you have the cause of his Rise, and Growth.

But haply, some man will say to me, Is not the Pope Saint Peters successor?

My Answer's this. That he is the great Anti∣christ, hath been (I think) sufficiently cleared; then whether he is Saint Peters Successor, or no, I leave thee to judge. But for your clearer light in this point, what if Saint Peter were never Bishop of Rome? as for my part, I verily beleeve he was not. And because here is the very foundation of their Papacie, give me leave to speak to it: not doubt∣ing but I shall say enough to convince thee; there is no just Warrant to make it a point of thy Faith, that Peter was Bishop of Rome. Whatsoever Bel∣larmine saith concerning Peters Journals (for he speaks as punctually as if he had travelled with him from first to last) hath no solid ground to rest the sole of its foot upon at all. He says, in the fifth year of Christs passion, Peter was made Bishop of An∣tioch, and continued in that Bishoprick seven years: Then he went to Rome the second year of Clau∣dius, ibi{que} sedem fixit ann. 25. there he pitched, and Bishop'd it, five and twenty years; Et ibidem vitam finivit, there he ended his daies.

But that ever Peter was seven years Resident at Antioch, (for thats required in a fixed Bishop)

and twenty five at Rome, or most part of those years in those places, he brings not one text of Scripture to prove either; you have his bare word for it; but who'l take that for good proof in his own cause, I wonder. For the former of these, we read concerning the Church of Antioch, who ga∣thered and constituted it. Act. 11.19.20, 21, 22. ver. 25.26. We find also who were the chif Pro∣phets and Doctors of it, Act. 13.1. We do not find in all the Scripture that Peter was at Antioch, but in one place, Gal. 2. and that in transcursu, he took it only in his way. Is here sufficient ground to con∣clude him Bishop of Antioch for seven years to∣gether? I have stood the more upon this, to shew you, that if upon such slender grounds they have concluded him Bishop of Antioch for such a space of time; certainly they will catch at small things to constitute him Bishop of Rome; whereby their own turn is so much served: Search all the New-Testament from one end of it to another, and where ever you find Rome named, if you find men∣tion of Peters being there twenty five years, or ten years, or one year, or one day, then let me pass for a lyar. Yea says Bellarmine, 'tis evident he was at Rome, Ex eo quod fuit in Babylone, in that he was at Babylon. 1 Pet. 5.13. [the Church which is at Ba∣bylon salutes you.] Roma autem in Apocalypsi pas∣sim vocatur Babylon, Rome in the Revelation is still called Babylon; his very words.

1. Let God have the glory of his own truth out of his Enemies mouths. Rev. 17.4, 5. The woman was arrayed in Purple, and Scarlet colour, and decked with Gold, and Precious Stones, and Pearls, having a golden Cup in her hand &c. And upon her forehead was written, Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of Harlots and the abominations of the whole Earth. All this then by Bellarmines own confession must be understood of Rome; and the great whore or An∣tichrist is not to sit at Jerusalem (as he says in ano∣ther place; lyars had need of good memories) but at Rome. The Holy Ghost tells us, He must reign in Babylon; Bellarmine interprets, and sais, that is at Rome.

Secondly, Though by [Babylon,] we must alway understand Rome in the Revelation, doth in therefore follow that by [Babylon,] we must understand Rome in all other places of the New-Testament? because John in his mystical and typical visions by [Babylon] points out Rome: must therefore Peter needs in the bare salutation of an Epistle, by Baby∣lon, mean Rome? is there either Example or reason of speaking mystically, and by a figure in a meer Salutation? (The Church that is at Babylan salutes you) conclude who will from this, that therefore Peter was at Rome; I am loth upon such easie terms to forfeit my Intellectuals, though a thousand Bellar∣mines should say it.

But briefly to give you my reasons (beside the

Scriptures deep silence in this point) why it cannot be thought that ever Peter was Bishop of Rome.

First, Peter (we all know) was an a Apostle, and consequently had an unlimited commission in respect of place, (according to that Mat. 28. Go teach all Nations) and to be a Bishop also fixed to one place, is not this (diminutio capitis) to fetch him a hole lower then Christ had set him? are not these 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, utterly inconsistent? Did Christ make him an Apostle, and dare they degrade him, and make a fixed Bishop of him? It seems they dare dishonor Peter (after they have given him a Complement or two) if they can thereby Honor themselves, and pull down an Apostle to set up a Pope.

Secondly, That Paul was at * 1.1 Rome, and that in the reign of Nero, when Peter was fixed Bishop there (as they say,) tha's evident from Scripture: but in all Pauls occurrences and trans∣actions, we can nowhere find either expressions or hints concerning [Peters] being there, much less Bishop there. Of those who first saluted and con∣gratulated Pauls coming to Rome, see Act. 28.14.15. So from Puteoli we went towards Rome. And from thence when the Brethren heard of us they came to meet us as far as Appii forum: Here's all; surely had it been as the Church of Rome teaches, Paul would have used more civility towards the prince

of the Apostles, and universal head of the Church, then to have jumbled him in undiscernably among the [Brethren] Then after three days Paul sends for the chief of the Jews ver. 17. to clear his inno∣cency and honesty in coming thither; yet no men∣tion of Peter, unless they can find him in that ex∣pression [Men and brethren.] It is said ver. 30. Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him: but we read not that Peter ever gave him visit at his own house or elsewhere. During the time of Pauls abode at Rome (how long twas in all we are not certain,) he wrote divers Epistles, but in none of them doth he speak ought of Peters being there, but seems rather to hint the contraty, 2 Tim. 4.16, 17. At my first answer no man stood with mee, but all men forsook me; I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, that by me the preaching might be [fully] known, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lion. Tis strange, did Couragious Peter desert him? but suppose him not to be at [that time] at Rome; had he with all his faithfulness and pains no better learned them Christ and Christian carriage, then to forsake one another in suffering times? nay to leave an Apostle in his trial to the merciless paws and teeth of a Li∣on: But tis more probable, Peter had never taken pains with them at all, from the following words,

[that by me the preaching might be fully known,] there having been nothing of Christ and his wayes known but what the brethren who were there oc∣casionally, set on foot. Paul made the Gospel [fully] known to them; he revealed the whole Counsel of God to the Jews at Rome, and in the ears of all the Gentiles also. Had Peter been fixed Bishop there, surely Paul could not have carried this honor from him. Peter long before this would have, [fully] preached the Gospel of the Kingdom to all, both Jews and Gentiles; the work had not been to do when Paul came. Col. 4.7. to 13. He there reckons up a few names, whereof Peter is none; These (says he) are of the Circumcision, and these [onely] are my fellow-workers unto the Kingdom of God, which have been a comfort to me. From Pauls first arrival there, to the time of writing this Epistle, Peter could not be at Rome; if he had, of a certainty he had made these lines false; for he could not but have been a chief fellow-worker with and comforter of Paul. Whence an argument may be drawn from the less to the greater (which is more then argu∣mentum ab authoritate negative,) that if Paul men∣tion inferior persons, those whose welfare and re∣spects twas of less concernment to speak of at pre∣sent; then much more would he have mentioned Peter the Prince of the Apostles, him to whose care and charge they were all chiefly committed (being made universal head of the Church) had he been

there at any of those times that Paul writ either to, or from Rome; But he doth not once name him, neither in that Epistle he wrote to the Saints at Rome, nor yet in these he afterwards wrote from Rome to other Churches; therefore surely Peter was far from being fixed Bishop there. And let me tell you, this hath more Authority and prevalency to determine my faith in the Point, then all that Papias, a suppositious Clemens, and Higisippus, the first Authors of Peters Episcopacy there, have; men (tis well known) much given to unwritten tra∣ditions, deceiving and being deceived thereby (as the Apostle speaks,) which is manifest from that discord and contradiction in those authors who do assert this, not onely to the Scriptures, but among themselves.

Thirdly, For Peter to have been fixed Bishop of Rome, contradicts the voyce or conclusion of Di∣vine providence in the eminent success of his Mini∣stry. Gal 27, 8. The Gospel of uncircumcision was committed to me (says Paul,) the Gospel of cir∣cumcision unto Peter: For he that wrought effectu∣ally in Peter to the Apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me towards the Gentiles. And when twas evident to them all, that God would work effectually & mightily with Peters ministrati∣on for the good of the Circumcision or People of the Jews: is it likely that Peter would or durst so thwart the spirit and mind of God, as to fix his

seat among the Gentile? were they not bound to lay forth themselves best for the advantage of the Gospel? yes doubtless; and therefore you may find them giving one another their hands and solemn Engagements that Paul and Barnabas should be preachers to the Gentiles: hereupon says Paul Act. 19.21. After I have been at Jerusalem, I must also see Rome: and God confirmed this conclusion of their, Act. 23.11. The Lord stood by him, and said, be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified of me in Ierusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome: And at Rome you find him, Act. 28. I pro∣fess, had they taken the Rise of their succession from Paul, they had puzled us more then now they have; for Paul was at Rome; and the Spirit speaks expresly, That he was not behind the very chief of the Apostles, spake with more tongues then they all, the care of all the Churches lay upon him: I say, had they made themselves a Church, and claimed Supremacy from Paul, they had put us more to't: but God hath befooled them in their Counsels; they lay claim to all from Peters fixed Episcopacie there, contrary to the mind and spirit of God in that eminent success Peter still had in laying forth Christ to the Jews; as also contrary to that solemn and well-grounded Covenant among themselves, that he together with James and John should be minister of the Jews. Oh says Bellarmine, tis meant principa∣liter Judeorum chiefly of the Jews. 'Tis very true,

but I would it had been considered by him, that at this very time Peter, (supposing him twenty five years Bishop of Rome) had already spent some years of his fixed Episcopacy, and presently after this Engagement was to return to his seat and of∣fice, and there spend out his daies: how could such an Engagement stand with wisdom or honesty of Spirit? his in accepting, theirs in putting it upon him? Therefore what an errant dissembler and Co∣venant-breaker do they make their first Bishop and head of their Church? But for my part, I verily be∣leive Peter did take the Engagement with much wisdom and honesty of Conscience; it so nearly concerned the greater Growth and Advantage of the Church, that he did lay forth his ministration (though now and then as occasions were started to the Gentiles) principally, and for most part, to the Jews. And indeed consider

Fourthly, how Scripture looks with a full face towards this, to make it good. Gal. 1.18. Then after three years (meaning of Pauls conversion) I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. Paul found him there and left him there, and this was Anno Christi thirty seven. Eight years after this he was at Ierusalem; for Herod had him in Prison. Act. 12. and this was the forty fifth year of Christ, and third year of Claudius. Six years from that he was at Ierusalem; for Paul writes Gal. 2.11. then fourteen years after, (that is,

from the third year of Pauls conversion mentioned Gal. 1.) I went up again to Ierusalem with Barna∣bas, and took Titus with me also. Where he found Peter, ver 7.8 9. and this was in the year of Christ fifty one; At which time, the learned say, that council spoken of Act. 15. was held viz. in the eighteenth year of Christs passion: but if that fa∣mous council was after the time that Paul came up by Revelation Gal. 2.2. it still makes more against them; for Peter was at the council. Act. 15.7. From the council he did not return to Rome (for thence all the Jews were Banished by Claudius) but tra∣velled up and down those Countries, teaching the scattered Iews, to whom he had writ his former Epistle, and in this peregrination he came to An∣tioch, where Paul withstood him to his face. Gal. 2.11. In the sixty third year of Christ and eighth year of Nero, Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans, where he salutes by name all his familiar friends and ac∣quaintance, but not a word of Bishop Peter: was [he] not one of Pauls dear friends; or was he not there at that time? No say they, he was gone to visit and confirm the Churches; but are they sure Paul knew as much, that upon that ground he should forbear to mention him? but suppose he had known of his absence, it would have stood both with wisdom and piety to have saluted and sent commendations to him.

For, First, It would have manifested to them all

how worthy Peter was of Remembrance, and very dear to Paul, and provoked new flames of affecti∣on on in their hearts towards their absent Pastor, which Paul was used to do. 1 Thessa. 5.12.13. &c.

Secondly, If this Salutation could not have been conveyed to him by letter from some of the Church: yet upon Peters first return to Rome he had doubtless met with it, which could not but have been a great refreshing to his wearied spirit. Four years after this Epistle was written, Paul himself came Prisoner to Rome the sixty sixt years of Christ, and eleventh year of Nero; he lived two whole years in his own hired house (as I showed before,) and was there some time more in another way; that's implied; Now Bellarmine tells us, both Paul and Peter suffered under Nero, the last year of his reign; he reigned in all but thirteen years, eight moneths; when his thirteenth year and somewhat more was expired, tis evident Peter had not been at Rome. A strange fixed Bishop who is never mentioned in any of the letters either to or from Rome; none that ever were there could either see or find him there; no nor yet he himself left any [indubitable] testimony of [his) Episcopacie amongst them. There∣fore I am satisfied that Peter made-good his pro∣mise and Engagement, laying forth his Apostleship principally and generally to the Jews, and at Ieru∣salem; and so neither was nor could be a fixed

Bishop of Rome at all, much less for twenty five years together.

But In the next place, suppose (and I do but sup∣pose) it that Peter had been at Rome yea had lived and died Bishop there, what ground or warrant can they show which necessarily infers, that he must have a Successor in that Prerogative and Dignity? There is no Law or Command in all the Book of God for it; and was there ever any Kingdome or Soveraignty Spiritual or Temporal, (and this of theirs is both) without Laws made touching the Succession thereof, and forms of Election? but here is no such thing.

Besides, Peter wrot his second Epistle to the U∣niversal Church [indefinitely, to them that had ob∣tained like precious faith with him, and the rest of the Apostles, 2 Pet. 1.1.] I cannot but wonder why he did not then declare to all the Churches in the world, that the Bishops of Rome were to inherit Successively, his place and honour of Ʋniversal Su∣premacie; and will'd them after his death, to re∣ceive and own the Bishop of Rome still under that Name and Notion; especially when he had so handsome an opportunity of bringing it in, 2 Pet. 1.14. [Knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shew∣ed me.] Might he not have brought it in very pat∣ly here? But you see he did not; for doubtless there was never any such thing in his head or heart.

Christ had shewed nothing of that.

But further; Suppose we grant a necessity of a Successour in that Dignity and Office; did it not of right fall to S. John, who was an Apostle, and lived many years after S. Peters death? The Apo∣stle whom Jesus so loved.

Certainly if any one could have been found fit and worthy to have been left Ʋniversal head of the Church, 'twas he: but Peter did not at his death confer it upon him, willing the Church of Rome to signifie so mcuh to him, and bring him to that See: for surely Peter was acquinted with no such office, much less necessity of such a Succession. Whereunto add but this one word. They themselves confess an Apostle to have been above any Bishop (tis a truth more clear then could ever yet be denyed;) now, how could Linus if he succeeded Peter in the place of universal Supremacyship, but be above the Apo∣stle Iohn? and yet with the same breath they say, an Apostle is above a Bishop. But you know it is a Mystery of Lying Iniquity, abovo admalum, from the root to the very fag end of it.

But well: In the last place, the Pope will needs be Successor to an Apostle. I confess I think he is; but 'tis to Iudas; and my reasons are these follow∣ing.

1. The Pope continued a great while in the Church undiscerned; a close Hypocrite, but a real hater of that he did professe to love, as Iudas did.

2. He's a Theif as Iudas was, and bears the bag too.

I told you how he first came to possess himself of Rome, and all Italy; and presently after, of all Raven∣na: just as a thief gets a purse on the high way. Do I need to tell you what vast Treasures of wealth their Sorceries, and Legerdemain of Pardons, Indulgen∣cies, Purgatory, Canonization, and the like, have brought them in yearly? they make Merchandize of mens souls; Vendit Alexander claves, Altaria, Christum; and what is this but mear cheating and thievery?

Iudas (you know) was such a thief and lover of the bag, that he grudged his Master the Oyntment the good woman poured on him; the Pope, tis the grief and vexation of his heart, that a drop of mer∣cy or comfort falls upon Christ in any of his Mem∣bers.

3. He is as perfect at Hail Master, and kissing Christ, and then betraying him in his Truths, Wor∣ship, Saints, Discipline, Kingdom, to be spit on, reviled, crucified, as ever Iudas was.

4. Our Saviour calls Iudas the son of perdition, Joh. 17.12. which very expression the Holy Ghost here takes up, and calls him also the Son of perdition.

It is said, Iudas went to his own place, Act. 1. The same is said of the Pope, Rev. 17.11. He goeth into perdition: And Rev. 19.20. The false Prophet was

taken and cast alive into the Lake. The Pope in the pride and baseness of his heart, makes himself S. Peters Successor; but God in Wisedome an Ju∣stice, declares him to be Iudas Successor; and this (indeed) is the true foundation upon which the present Rome, or stately Babel of Papacie is built.

Ʋe. I shall now make some improvement of the point by Application; and first be informed, That as the Iews have framed a Messias to them∣selves: so the Popish Clergy have framed an Anti-Christ that God never made mention of; for the Descriptions they give of him, when applyed to the True One, are all of them most false and fri∣vilous.

1. One of them is this, That the Great Anti∣christ must be a single individual person, as the Ar∣ticle o^e denotes; therefore the Pope cannot be he; for there have been many Popes.

Reader, it thou thinkest there is any thing in this, be pleased to take better information; The Article o^e doth not enforce any such thing, Mark 2.27. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉and not [Man] for the Sabbath. Luke 4.4. It is written, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉that [Man] doth not live by bread alone. 2 Tim. 3.17. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉that the [Man] of God may be perfect. Will any one who is Master of Common Reason, say that the Aricle o^e in these places denotes an in∣dividual

single Person? Therefore the prefixed Article cannot enforce it upon us, that Antichrist is one single man.

2. All the Rulers of the four great Monarchies are set out by Daniel, as if every Kingdom had had but one, Dan, 7.17. These great beasts which are four, are four Kings, whereas we know there were more in every one of them. The last Beast or King∣dom had seven heads or Rulers; seven Kings make up the first, and they are all called one head, and so one.

The Emperours, S. Iohn moulds them all into one, Five are fallen, and [One] is, speaking of go∣vernment by Emperours. The seventh head of this fourth Beast, is the Great Antichrist; and why should he be thought a single person, rather then any of the other six? As each of the former must be taken Collectively, so doubtless must this be, unless better reasons be given against it then Bellarmine, or any other of his way have yet held forth.

3. Jesuits themselves call the whole bulk and succession of Popes, One visible head of Christs Church; therefore give us leave to learn of them, and call the whole bulk and succession of them, that one Antichrist, or one head of the Antichristian Church, which was arising in S. Paul, and S. Iohns time, and is not yet fallen: and tell me what single person can be head of a body of such continuance.

The second thing they fancy of Anti-Christ, is, That his Seat must be at Ierusalem. Tis needless to speak much to this; can any man read the 17. chap. of Rev. where the Angel tells Iohn, That his Seat is the City built upon seven Mountains, and that hath seven distinct forms of Government; and the great City which in S. Iohns time Ruled over the Kings of the earth? Of courtesie tell me, can any man un∣derstand this of Ierusalem? was Ierusalem built up∣on seven Mountains? had ever Ierusalem seven heads, or distinct forms of Government? did Ie∣rusalem in S. Iohns time raign over the Kings of the earth, or was it not rather it self in Vassa∣lage.

2. Whereas it is said, 'Tis the City where our Lord was crucified, Revel. 11. this will not carry it in their sense.

For first, Let them reconcile this to the former description, which I am confident they can never do.

2. Antichrists seat is called Ierusalem, Spiri∣tually or Mystically, as 'tis also called Sodom and Egypt; Erroneous, Prophane, Murtherous Ierusa∣lem, take it in that state or posture, and Ierusalem was a Type or Shadow of Rome Antichristian. An∣tichrists seat is at Ierusalem not Literally, but Mysti∣cally.

3. When Christ was crucified, Ierusalem was one of the streets of Rome; for there you should hear

the fear of Caesar swaying all, [If you let this man go, you are not Caesars friend.] You should see a Roman Judge, Roman Souldiers, a Roman Death, and all Canaan within Romes boundary; and so upon the matter, Christ was Crucified at Rome; therefore Anti-christs Seat must be also at Rome.

The Third thing they weakly, or rather wilfully say of him, is this, That his whole raign is but for three of our years, and a half.

• 1. But doubtless this must be understood of An∣gels years, according as Daniels seventy weeks, and threescore and two weeks are meant of weeks of years; this is spiritual counting by Gods own dire∣ction, Numb. 14.34. Ezek. 4.6. I have appoint∣ed thee each day for a year.
• 2. Is there any likelihood in reason, that in the space of three of our years and a half, he should compass all that the Scripture speaks of him?

First, he must seduce from Christ (by corrupting their judgements) all the world, except two wit∣nesses, a small number of the Elect; and what time must this take up, set the shortest for it in reason that you can?

Secondly, He must teach them his own Doctrine and Worship, and make them all drunk with the wine of his abominable fornications.

Thirdly he must build a great and stately Tem∣ple to sit in, and there be worshipped as God (say

they;) but suppose all the materials at hand, it would spend most, if not all that time before it could be finished; and his sitting times surely will be but short, considering what his work must be, if his whole should be but three years and a half.

Fourthly, He must wage war, and fight great bat∣tels, bring down mighty Kings and Kingdoms, and make himselfe drunk with the blood of all the Saints.

Fifthly, He must have a flourishing reign without any visible or considerable opposition. Rev. 11.2. The Court which is without the Temple, measure it not; for it is given to the Gentiles, and the Holy City shall they tread under foot forty two months. Rev. 13.7. Power was given him over all Kindreds, Tongues, and Nations. ver. 3. All the World wondred after the Beast and ver 4. Who is like unto the Beast? Who is able to make war with the Beast?

Tell me now, that likelyhood in reason is there that all this should be effected in three years and a half? Thus you see they who willfully left God, have left, yea lost both Religion and common rea∣son, in that which most nearly concernd them to be quick-sighted in. But I wonder not, if they that are dead drunk, ravingly talk their own irrational Fancies. Other fond and groundless descriptions they give of that Antichrist they have framed to themselves; but these three being fallen, the rest

cannot stand. 'Tis not worth while to trouble you or my self any further with them, as those who will search after them cannot but confess; and I judge it better to say enough, then all.

Ʋse. 2. Is the Pope Antichrist? You see then, First, what a sad case they are in, who of Protestants turn to be Papists; they submit themselves to the Beast, and stand engaged to fight against Christ, his Kingdom, and their own Salvation; and what the issue of that will be, you shall hear upon the next Subject, and they shall feel here∣after.

Secondly, You may hence gather what it is to be an able, a learned Papist; this; a grown strong man armed, a Goliah, defieing God, the Israel of God, and the Gospel of God with all its grace and hopes. We use to say of Jesuites, quo meliores, eò deteriores, the better they are, the worse they are; it holds true of all Papists whatsoever.

Thirdly, the Pope being Antichrist, you may easily know what all Popish Ordinances are, their Doctrines, Auricular confessions, Pennances, Holy water, Crucifixes, Beads, Extream Unctions, Altars, Bloodless Sacrifices, Merits, Satisfactions, Images, the Worship of Saints and Angels with Invocation of them; Indulgences, Pilgrimages, Burying in a Franciscans-hood, Purgatory, Canonization; all this will all other appurtenances of their Religion, are all Antichristianism; the Holy-Ghosts expres∣sion

of them, is, They are the blood of a dead man. Rev. 16.3. No bettter then the polluting, Choak∣ing, Killing blood of a dead man: therefore take heed and beware of their Religion; hate it with a right perfect hatred, even all those forms of wor∣ship, Formalities, Ceremonies, any thing, every thing that is a kinn to it, as you would hate, when you are athirst, drinking blood.

Fourthly, You may hence also learn what heal∣ing balm for a wounded Conscience, what true comfort for him that is weary, and burdened heavily with his sin, the Church of Rome and their Religion can afford; Alas what balm, what heart-consolations can Antichrist, Antichri∣stianism hold forth? They themselves are so far convinced of this, that they have made it a Doctrine and point of Faith, that to talk of assurance of Sal∣vation is presumption; onely Apostles and extraor∣dinary Christians have attained to assurance; but tis presumption and boldness for the People to think of it; to believe as the Church believes is e∣nough. Cold comfort, this, the Lord knows, for an enlightned and wounded Conscience at the hour of Death, to have nothing to take off the guilt of sin, to break the power of lust, to appease an an∣gry God, and deliver the poor soul out of the jaws of Death and Hell, but a few Beads and Crucifixes, and Reliques, and the menstruous raggs of crea∣ture-righteousness, and performances, a few emp∣ty

wishes, and hopes, and believing as the Church believes; how may all such cry out, as one of them did, O animule, quo vadis? Poor despicable mise∣rable Soul, whither goest thou? Cornel. E. Lapid. in his Comment on the eleventh of Numbers tells this story of Pius Quintus who Excommunicated Queen Elizabeth, Cuus essem religiosus, sperabam bene de salute animae meae; Cardinalis factus, extimui; Pontifex creatus, penè despero. When I was in Re∣ligious Orders, I hoped well of the Salvation of my soul; being made a Cardinal, I was sore afraid of it; but since I was created Pope, I een despair. Rev. 9.5. And to the Locusts was given that they should not kill men, but that they should torment them five months; and their torment was as the torment of a Scorpion when it strikes a man. Natural Locusts come in April, and continue till September, five months; whereto the Spirit of God here alludes, and says, those mystical Locusts that came out of the smoak, the bottomless pit, should torment men five months, that is, throughout their whole duration: and their torment is as the torment of a Scorpion when he striketh a man; Now the sting of a Scor∣poin, is not at first perceived: but when it is, it works after such a lingering manner that it affords some hopes of life, yet doth certainly bring death in the end. When the poor soul is enlightned, and conscience stird with appredension of Divine displeasure, Popish Ordinances and Administrati∣ons

prove no better then the stings of Scorpions to them; afflicted and vexed they are with them; yet some faint hopes they have from them; but at last finding themselves deluded, they vainly wish Death it self, as if that would help them, ver. 6. They shall desire to die, and Death shall flie from them, leaving them still to the mercy of Popish racks and torments. Know assuredly that Pope and Jesuites by any thing that is in their Religion, are not, nor can they be, but skinners over (at the best,) slight healers of the wounds of Conscience; miserable Comforters, Physitians of no value: the Lord in mercy keep all his own out of their hands.

Ʋse. 3. The next Use is exhortatory, that every one of us would admire and bless the Lord and his goodness, that he hath brought us forth in such a juncture of time, and cast our lot in such a place, that we are not constrained to receive the mark of the Beast in our hands or in our foreheads. I desire to bless God every day, that God did not bring me forth in Spain or Italy, but that I am born an Eng∣lish man, and at such a time when Popery is not the Religion of the Nation, but the light of the Glo∣rious Gospel of Jesus Christ shines amongst us, and into us. Troubles I confess we have seen and felt, but put them all together with their utmost aggra∣vations, (so far as concerns the outward man,) and they are not worthy to be compared with the ex∣ceeding

great happiness we enjoy in our deliveran∣ces from the Egyptian darkness and bondage of po∣pery; especially if you take in the light and com∣forts of Christs blood and Gospel-truths we walk in. What would have become of thee (poor soul) hadst thou lived in times wherein the Sea of Ordi∣nances were no better then the blood of a dead man? The Lord grant every one of us to know our Gospel-happiness and priviledges, to rejoyce in the light and work the works of him that sent us (while we have the light) even comfort and Salvation to our selves, glory to Christ, advance∣ment to his Kingdom; and all this by receiving the truth in the love of it, and holding forth the word of life.

Ʋse. 4. Is the Pope Antichrist, and Popery An∣tichristianism? Why then, let it not trouble you, when ever, or where ever you see Christ and his Armies (in the greatness of their strength and fury) marching out against them. The Pope hath long time been Apollyon, a destroyer of others, even of the Church and People of God; but he himself shall be destroyed, Filius perditionis, the Son of perdition.

2 Thes. 2.3.

That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the Son of Per∣dition.

IN the former Treatise, I held forth the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 also, both the Rise and full Growth of Antichrist: It remains that I now shew you his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the Ebbing or declination of that proud Tide; the many several paces and degrees whereof, from first to last, do make up his total ru∣ine, and give him his name [Filius Perditionis] the Son of Perdition. Taking him in his largest ca∣pacity, the Point will be this;

The Pope and his Kingdom are appointed of God to most remarkable destruction.

First, God hath foretold and threatned it. Rev. 13.9.10. If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity, shall go into captivity: He that killeth with the sword, must be killed with the sword. Here is the Patience and Faith of the Saints. God hath proclaimed it to all who have spiritual ears to hear, that he hath captivity and a killing sword in store for those who have been such cruel enemies to his People. And he would have all his Saints act their faith in believing this threat, and their patience in waiting the full Execution of it.

Secondly, Christ (into whose hands all power in heaven and Earth is committed) hath sworn it; I say, God hath not onely threatned it, but Christ hath sworn it, Rev. 10.5, 6. The Angel which I saw stand upon the Sea, and upon the Earth, lifted up his hand to Heaven: And sware hy him that liveth for ever, who created Heaven, the Earth, and Sea, with all things that are therein, that there should be time no longer. The Angel of the Covenant, set one foot upon the Sea, the other upon the Land (Sea and Land, you know, make up the terrestial Globe) whereby is prefigured his throwing Antichrist out of all, and taking possession of all the World him∣self. He lifts up his hand, the ancient ceremony of an Oath. The thing he swears, is this, That there should be time no more; not simply, but for the Man

of sin to reign, havocking and destroying his Church. Look upon the structure of the Church of Rome, the power and policy of its constitution and Government; and who could in reason con∣ceive that Babylon should ever be destroyed? Says Christ, you have my word for it, you have my Oath for it, it shall shortly come to pass, that the time of their domination shall be no more. I will certainly ease you of her; God willing, more abundantly (as the Apostle speaks Heb. 6.) to shew unto the Heirs of promise, the immutability of his Counsel, confirmed it by an Oath: that (by two im∣mutable things (his Word and Oath) in which it was impossible for God to lye) we might have strong consolation in the assurance of Romes headlong down∣fall.

Thirdly, The Holy-Ghost brings it in as fully performed, as either sayd or sworn, in the Gross or Lump, and also in the Particulars of it.

First in the Gross and Lump. Dan. 12.1. At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy People, and [there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a Nation, even to that same time;] and at that time thy People shall be delivered. You have a Parallel to this, Rev. 16.17.18.19. The seventh Angel poured out his vial into the air, and there came a great voice out of the Temple of Heaven,

from the Throne, saying, 't is done. And there were Voyces, and Thunders, and Lightnings, and there was a great Earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the Earth, so mighty an Earthquake, and so great. And the great City was divided into three parts, and the Cities of the Nations fell, and great Babylon came into remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the feirceness of his wrath. Such an Earthquake will God raise under them, such showers and storms shall God send down upon them (as tis in the last verse of that Chapter. There fell upon men a great hail out of Heaven, every stone about the weight of a Talent, that made them curse and blaspheme; for the plague thereof was ex∣ceeding great.) I say such terrible Earthquakes and plaguing Storms of troubles will befall them as never any Kingdom in the World felt or heard of. Rev. 14 19, 20. And the Angel thrust in his sickle into the Earth and gathered the Vine of the Earth, (the Church of Christ is a Vine of Heaven, its root is in Heaven, all its fruitfulness is from Heaven, and for Heaven; whatsoever constitutes or compleats it, is from God out of Heaven, Ezek. 16.8. to 15. But the Church of Rome is the Vine of the Earth, its origination is of the Earth, Earthly Head, Earthly Members, Earthly Doctrines, Earth∣ly Worship, Earthly Discipline; whatever is peculiarly theirs, is of the Earth Earthly.) The An∣gel thrust in his Sickle, and gathered the Vine of the

Earth, and cast it into the great Winepress of the wrath of God; And the Winepress was troden without the City, and blood came out of the Winepress, even unto the horses bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. This speech of the Holy Ghost is doubtless hyperbolical; the import of it is this [a slaughter that hath dimensions, height and depth, length & bredth in it.] Rev. 18.8. Her plagues shall come in one day, Death, Mourning, Famine, and she shall be utterly burnt with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. Take one text more for it, Rev. 10.3, 4. He cryed with a loud voice as when a Lion roareth; and when he had cryed, seven thun∣ders uttered their voyces. And when the seven thun∣ders had uttered their voices, I was about to write; and I heard a voyce from heaven, saying unto me, seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. I take it, this Scripture contains as much terror in it against the Antichristian State, as any in all the book of God. Most fearful and stu∣pendious things are written against Antichrist; but as the Church of Rome would not content them∣selves with written Doctrines, but would have also their unwritten Doctrines and Traditions to fight against Christ and his Church withall, for more full execution sake: So God will not content himself with Judgements upon them that are written in this book (though they be exceeding many and great) but he hath Judgements also that are not

written, for more remarkable execution and ruine of them; even seven Judgements, every one where∣of is cloathed with thunder, sealed up and kept close in Gods armory, to be certainly brought forth in that day, beside all mens thought and expectation.

Go as far in Imagining the terribleness of their de∣struction as the line of your Fancy will be stetched to, and the event or issue will surely exceed what∣ever formidable things you have Framed to your∣selves; the thunder of a sevenfold wrath and dis∣pleasure from God will come upon them over and above.

Secondly, the Holy-Geost gives you his ruine in the particulars of it. Antichrist shall be so smit∣ten, ut sentiat se mori, he shall feel himself die, for more full revenge sake.

And here I must have recourse to the seven Vials, which are called (Rev 15.1.) the seven last plagues in which is filled up the wrath of God, that is upon the Romish Antichristian State.

Concerning [Vials,] I know, that several learned men say of them, they are vessels wide beneath, but of narrow mouths; & so, though they contain much, yet what they contain falls out guttatim, drop by drop, & soaks deep. It is very sure, that where a Viall of Gods wrath falls, it peirces deep, & wounds dead∣ly: But I am more inclined to their judgement, who say they are drinking vessels: wide-mouth'd Vessels. Phialae dicuntur, says Primasius, quia haec supplicia

non occulta futura sunt, sed manifesta omnibus, & Phialae patent; they are open-mouthd, plain drink∣ing pots; when you turn them up, whats in them comes forth violently and een all at once, ma∣nifest to every eye; hereupon the Angels command is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not distill out, or drop out, but [pour] out upon them. And indeed most evident it is, that whereever a vial hath fallen, there hath been much [remarkable] wrath upon that part of the Anti∣christian State.

It fares with us in handling Divinity, as it doth with travellors in certain places of their way, where the follower must set his foot in the very place of his leader, lest otherwise he step in: he that comes after in handling somepeices of Divinity, must speak or write, (in some particulars thereof,) the very words of him that went before; else he's sure to fall into Error, if not Heresie. I cannot tell what material thing can be added to that holy and judicious Tract of Mr. Cottons upon the sixteenth Chapter of the Revelations. I find that whoever have touched upon the Vials since that peice ap∣peared, have light their candles at his torch. Where∣fore I shall give you but hints upon them, nor scarce stand to clear up the reason of interpretations; for if thou beest a scholar into whose hands these pa∣pers of mine are fallen, I perswade my self thou hast read him, (for few Divines and men of learn∣ing have not:) but if it be otherwise with thee,

I [purposely] say no more then will be enough to whet thee an Appetite to get him (the price being but small,) from whom upon this Subject of the Vials, thou mayst have Ample and full satisfaction, what wages God devised for Antichrist from all Eternity, and hath been for above this hundred years a working out against him, and is still vigo∣rously going on with, not to cease but in his utter Ruine.

The first Vial falls upon the Popes mystical Earth or foot-stool, (Rev. 16. ver. 2.) the common sort both of Laicks and Clergy.

The Martyrs in the times of Henry the eighth, and Queen Mary, in England and elsewhere, did discover what a dangerous state (in reference to Eternity,) Common ordinary Catholiques were in, that so living and so dying, twas not their Beads, nor Almesdeeds, their good Hospitality, nor their ignorant devotions, and believing as the Church believed, would save them; if they died in the faith and worship of the Church of Rome, they would prove no better then damned Reprobates. This was a greivous botch and soare upon most of the People, to be told, and (in effect) convinced, that they were in a state of deep damnation; here∣upon they strove which should make most haste with Fire and Fagot to burn those who testified such dangerous things concerning them. But they made a further discovery of such as were in religious

orders, their parish-Priests, that their lives were very base, giving us themselves to ease, Idleness, Pride, insatiable Avarice, and serving their own bellies, and so were fitter to have been swine-heards then Preachers, or to have followed the Plough then lived in holy Orders. The Martyrs of those times did not at all blush or fear to tell them all this to their faces; and they themselves being convinced that what was laid to their charge, was both very base, and yet very true; mend their lives and manners they would not; keep off this Vi∣all the poor souls thus fiercely poured out upon them, they could not; whereupon they were filled with as much vexation and Torment, as if the noisome grievous soares of Egypt had been upon them from head to foot. This was a plaguing judgement upon Antichrist, thus to have the Ele∣ment smitten that did so strongly support him.

The Second Viall [Rev. 16.3.] is poured out upon the Antichristian Sea. In this, God came nearer to him then in the former; for the sea is above the land, as tis the proper place of the fire to be above the air; the place of the air to be a∣bove the water; so tis proper to the water to be above the earth; tis kept from overflowing all by the power of that word [hitherto shall thy proud waves goe, and no further.] Upon the pouring out of the first viall, finding themselves in a decaying state, they lay their heads together how to plaister

their soars, and heal themselves of the noysom botches and boyls that had lately broken out upon them, and were so visible in every ones eye; for which end the Councel of Trent was calld, where all the streams of Popish doctrine, Popish worship and discpiline were brought together, the conflu∣ence whereof the Holy Ghost there calls [Sea.] Upon this there did appear in the Reformed Churches, men of most eminent Godliness and Learning, who did abundantly discover this Sea of theirs both by writing, and preaching, to be a sea of blood, the blood of a dead man, and no better. In the true Gospel Ordinances there is to be had the living, purging, saving blood of Jesus Christ; but Popish Trental Ordinances were not such blood; they were a sea of blood of a dead man; clotted con∣gealed blood; polluting, choaking, killing blood; this is the Best word God affords them; and no marvell, when the death of souls was all their ope∣ration and effect [Every living soul dyed in the sea] All those who contented themselves to abide and swim in that Popish Sea, that had no other life but what was begot and nourished in the Romish re∣ligion, dyed and perishd eternally. This Vial tur∣ned their religion inside out, and showed it to all the World in its native colours and baseness; till this time, Every one took it, that it was the bad Lives of the Common sort of people, and worse Lives of the Parish-Priests that were in all the

fault; their Religion in itself good enough; but now tis made apparent to all that will nor shurt their eyes, that even the Religion itself is naught, and base and Antichristian all over; And this was yet a hotter Vial of wrath and torment upon them.

The Third Angel. (Rev. 16.4, 5, 6, 7.) pourd his Viall upon the rivers and fountains of waters; that is upon Seminary Priests and Jesuites who compass the earth to and fro, conveying the salt of Popish Trental doctrines and worship, to peo∣ple, nations and languages; [and they became blood] the meaning is, they had blood given them to drink. Now to give a man blood to drink, is to kill him. They were executed (by vertue of Queen Elizabeths Law, enacted with consent of Parlia∣ment, in the year 1581.) as Traitors, hangd, drawn and quartered. A Book entituled [Justitia Britan∣niae] was publised in several Languages, to clear the Christian equity and justice that was in such her proceedings with them. The United Provinces of the Low Countries, come from under the Altar of Persecution for Christ and Truth, (1.) being freed from the fearfull Tyrannies of Pope and Spaniard, took at her in the year 1586. and made a Law to the same effect against them; That if any Priest or Iesuite, whether Forreigner or Home-born, should come into any of the Provinces, it should be death to them being apprehended, and so they said [Amen] to

the Law and Justice of Queen Elizabeth; Let it be even so, Lord God; true and righteous are thy judge∣ments.

For the Pope to have capital punishment execu∣ted upon his Emissaries, (the supporters and ad∣vancers of his Kingdom and Glory) could not but be a tormenting vial of wrath upon him; as clear∣ly speaking what measure he himself might look for, if he should fall into their hands; even he that had drunk the blood of others so freely, to have his own heart-blood given him to drink, with a [Satia te sanguine] take your fill of blood and murther.

The fourth Ʋial is poured out upon the Sun, Rev. 16.8, 9. Papacy is resembled by an Antichristian world, where there is earth, sea, rivers, fountains, and a Sun shining gloriously.

If we take this Mystical and most Illustrious light, according to their conceits and fancie, then tis the [Popes Supremacie in Temporals;] Papists will tell you, The Pope is as far above the greatest Monarch in this world, as the Sun is above the Moon; and the several glories of the Kings of the earth, are but lights derived from him; Temporal glory being in the Pope, as light is in the Sun. But how is the glory of the Popes Supremacy in Tem∣porals everywhere darkened, and in many King∣domes quite put out? You do not not now hear in any of the Popish Nations of his Excommunica∣ting

Kings, Deposing Kings, and giving away their Kingdoms; since Henry the 8. God hath exceed∣ingly darkened, almost quite destroyed that Sun of the [Popes Supreme power in Temporals,] which hath been a scorching Ʋial of wrath to him and his Clergy, and drawn from them sufficient blasphe∣mies.

But if you understand the Holy Ghost speaking of things, as indeed they be, then doubtless tis the house of Austria, or the German Emperour. It is well known that the Emperours (before the Pope set up his Kingdom of Temporal greatness) were the Sun and glory of the Political world, they being the sixt head of the fourth, or Roman Beast, were wounded deadly by the incursions of Goths and Vandals, Rev. 13.3. But the Pope growing up to his height, vouchsafed to be their Surgeon; his skill failed him not; for he quickly healed that deadly wound by setting up an Emperor in France, and after that, translating the Empire into Ger∣many.

Taking things as they really are, of a certainty this is the earthly Sun that shines most illustriously in the Popes Antichristian world: It matters not whether the Pope will own the Emperour as above himself, or no; we know he set him up in∣stead of the old Emperours, or sixt head, who were (by all mens confession) the Sun of the Political

world, and the Bishops of Rome but Stars, Re∣vel. 9.

God and Scripture have still made the supreme Magistrate (in Temporals) the greatest lustre and splendor of any State; and therefore with very good reason may the Emperour be here pitched upon, who hath been the greatest Light and Glory of the Popish world for hundreds of years.

The King of Sweden was the Angel out of the Temple, who poured this Vial upon the Popish Impe∣rial State, as if scorching flames of fire had light up∣on them.

And here give me leave to insert a discourse con∣cerning Kings.

I am not ignorant that he who follows truth too near the heels, may chance to have his brains dashd out; at least may derive a great deal of spight and odium upon himself, which a politick wise man would not do; but that of Solomon prevails with me, The uprightness of the upright shall deliver him.

I find upon search, That when Christ is going in good earnest to set up his Kingdom, in the name and glory of it, there is a great hazard, I may say, down∣fall of Kings.

I shall make this good to you from four scrip∣tures.

The first of them is Psal. 2. ver. 2. The Kings of

the Earth set themselves, and the Rulers take coun∣cel together against the Lord, and against his Christ. This Peter saith was fulfilled at Christs apprehen∣sion, tryal, and death, Act. 4.25, 26, 27. Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Chief Priests, and others, consult∣ed, and set themselves against him, when he had but given out some hints of his Kingship. This was that which stirred them up so against him, [Tell us, art thou the King of the Iews:] And when Pilate was minded to let him go, they cryed out, [He that makes himself a King, speaks against Caesar:] where∣upon Pilate went and passed Sentence upon him.

When there was but some talk that Christ would set up a Kingdom, they presently band themselves against him, and he dyes for't; and so they think they have broke the Cordes of his Government asun∣der, as tis vers. 3.

In the 4. verse, God laughs at them, being wroth. verse 5. Speaks that which vexes them, [Yet (or notwithstanding all their combined powers, and policies against him) have I set him up King of Sion, verse 6.] And says God, I will declare the decree, thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee, verse 7. This was fulfil'd in his raising him up from death to life, Act. 13.33.

God hath passed an Eternal Decree concerning his Son, That when they should kill and bury him, he would the third day bring him forth out of the womb

of the grave, and own him for his Son, and set him at his own right hand, there to intercede, and his inter∣cession should not be in vain: [Ask of me (says the Father to him,) and I will give the Heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession, ver. 8.] As if he had said, I will set thee in possession of thy inheritance, which shall have the uttermost parts of the earth for its boun∣dary, (according to that Psal. 72.8. He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.) For God to declare the De∣cree, is to act it; for Dei discere est facere.

When the time is at hand, he must be thus set in actual possession of all the Dominion, and Great∣ness, and Glory that God hath promised him; if the Kings of the earth did set themselves, and the Rulers took councel together against him, when he did but speak somewhat of his Kingly Office: how much more will they do it then, when they see his throne a building, and his Kingdom a going up to the no small prejudice of their Interest? Revel. 11.15, 17, 18. When he begins to put forth, and act his Great Power, and do something towards taking the Kingdoms of this world into his own hands and reign, then [the Nations are angry] at him, that is, they act against him in their anger, wherein Kings are chief, as you may see, Rev. 16.14, 16. But do they carry it? no; and [thy wrath is come, Rev. 11.18.] Christ in his wrath fights the battel with them in

(Armageddon) that is, where he gives them a most remarkable overthrow and destruction, which this 2. Psal. expresses plainly, Thou shalt break them with a rod of Iron, and dash them in pieces like a Pot∣ters vessel, v. 9.

Be wise now therefore (O ye Kings) be instructed ye (Judges) of the earth, v. 10. as if he said, look (You) well to your selves; be his servants (without Complement) and rejoyce with trembling when he comes about this work, v. II. Kiss the Son (with kisses of Reverence, kisses of Obedience) lest he be angry (and then a little thing will provoke him) and so ye perish in the mid-way (in the mid-way of your plots, enmities, oppositions of him;) for if his wrath be kindled but a little, blessed are all those (those Kings and Rulers especially) that have Wisdom and Faith to get interest in him, and be of his side; those that have not, the fire of his wrath will certainly consume them, ver. 12. The second Scripture is Isaiah 24. ver. 18.19, 20. Marlorat who professes to have taken the marrow and substance of his Comment out of Vatablus, Luther, Mus∣culus, Calvin, Oecolampadius, Pagnin, &c. hath these very words upon the latter end of the eighteenth ver. pertinet autem proprie hic contextus ad Papistus nostros, Christ in this Prophesie, says he, chiefly in∣tends the Popish State. Upon a following verse he hath these words, 'hoc vaticinium proprie ad Christi regnum pertinet, this other part of the Prophesie

doth chiefly respect the kingdom of Christ; he means his glorious kingdom, expressed in the last words of the Chapter.

The Popish and Gospel-opposing World is here set out by the [Earth] as it is also in diverse places of the Revelations, Rev. 14.19. Chap. 16.1. Here is mention of [heavy transgression] according to Rev. 18.5. Her sins are reach'd up to heaven. The transgression is sayd to be [so heavy] upon it, that the foundations of the Earth shake, reel to and fro, yea are utterly broken down, fall, and rise no more; the same you may read Rev. 16 18, 19. and Rev. 18.21. And it shall come to pass in that day, (that is, in the day of the Earthquake) that the Lord shall punish the (Host of the high ones) that are on high; Who are they?

I take the next words to be Exegetical; why the Kings of the Earth upon the Earth ver. 21. The most of the Kings and high Ones of the Earth will be Engaged aganst him, enough to make an Host, whom Christ will fall upon and punish (upon the Earth) with temporal judgement (according as you have heard) when he is abought to Raign be∣fore his (Ancients gloriously) as 'tis ver: 23. If this Prophesie have been at all fulfilled, it will doubt∣less be much more fulfilled in that day; for Prophe∣sies many times have a gradual fulfilling.—The third Scripture is Psalm 110. Sit on my right hand, till I make thy Enemies thy footstool, ver. 1. Concern∣ing

those Enemies, you may get some light out of Luke 19. ver. 14. the Citizens hated him and sent this message after him, We will not have this man to [Raign] over us, and ver. 27. Those mine [Ene∣mies] which would not that I should [Reign] over them, &c. The Father speaks of those who were Enemies to Christ (as a King,) Enemies to his Raigning. When Christ had cast down heathenish Idols and Government, Rev. 12. in all reason he might have expected (in Constantine, and follow∣ing Emperors, and ages) to have set up his King∣dom; but then upstarts the Pope, that Beast with his ten horns or Kings, who by their smiting and pushing, keep Christ out of all; Whereat (to speak after the manner of men) Christ seems to be dis∣contented; but the Father appeases him with these words, Son, sit you down on my right hand, I will make all your Enemies your foot-stool. I will send the rod of thy strength (that is, the Gospel) out of Sion i. e. from among my Saints and Churches, into all Nations, and thou shalt rule in the midst of the Enemies i. e. the power of thy Scepter shall prevail amongst them: and it shall not be a forced subjection, Thy People shall be [willing] in the day of thy Power; (Rev. 11.47.) they shall then come in to thee wittingly.

But shall they be Saints indeed? sayes Christ, my heart is set upon such; Yes, they shall come in to thee in the [beauties of holiness.] But their number

will be but small, as hitherto it hath been? Nay, from the womb of the morning thou hast the dew of thy youth; as if he had sayd, the number of them shall be as the drops of dew in the summers morn∣ing, innumerable. But how shall all this be effect∣ed? Why, the Lord hath sworn and will not repent; thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchi∣sedec, ver. 4. the blood and intercession of thine everlasting Priest-hood shall merit and effect it. But Father, where's my footstool? to this tis answered in the following verses, Thou shalt strike through Kings in the day of thy wrath. ver, 5. Thou shalt fill the places with dead bodies, that is, make great slaughters amongst thy Enemies; and shalt wound the [heads] of many Countries. ver. 6. and shalt drink of the brook in the way, (of the water next at hand, being in the heat of pursute,) and so shalt lift up thy head: As if the Father had sayd unto him, thou shalt have a footstool made up of Kings, and the heads of many Countries, and thereby shalt lift up thy head i. e. to a great height of Rule and glory of dominion. I have thus brought down the sense of these several Scriptures, from verse to verse, the more clearly to convince that I have quoted them properly for my purpose.—The last proof of it shall be undeniably clear, Rev. 16 14 16 with Rev. 19.18.19.20. The Kings of the earth and of the World are gathered to battel against him, in Arma∣geddon; there cannot be a better gloss or comment

on [Armageddon,] then that Rev. 19. Christ feasteth the fowls of the air with the flesh of (Kings,) Captains, mighty men takes the (Beast) and false Prophet, and throws them alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And doth not the storm beat violently at this day upon all the Kings of Christendome? You know how Christ hath lately trampled upon the Royal glory of this Nation. What by the Rules of common law and reason may be sayd for, or a∣gainst the Instruments thereof, I shall not stand to dispute; I am no Statesman; but (as a Divine) I am sure I may say, that God hat sometimes given men Commissions that all the World knew not of, nor any in the World beside themselves could read or understand.

Let me clear up this to you (else I do nothing, as to the present state of things amongst us) Act. 7.23. When Moses was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his Brethren; [It came into his heart,] that is, from God; God reachd him down a Commission into his heart, that no eye was aware of but his own. In obedience to this Com∣mission he sets to act. ver. 24. Finding an Egyptian beating and Israelite, he smote the Egyptian and slew him; supposing, ver. 25. that his Brethren would have understood that God by his hand would have delivered Israel. [That God by his hand would have delivered them] not in the same way he did deliver them; that doubtless was the furthest thing

in Moses thoughts; for you know when God calld to him out of the burning bush, and told him he must go deliver his People Israel, what a quarter had God with him before he could bring him to't? God is put to work two Miracles to create belief in him; else it had been soon enough to have wrought them in Egypt before Pharoah.

God is put there to answer five Objections; and further is fain to drill him on with carnal Ar∣guments; Aaron thy brother he's an eloquent man, can speak well, he'l meet thee at Horeb, and when he seeth thee he will be glad in his heart; thats one of them. Fear not, go into Egypt, for all that sought thy life are dead, there's the other.

Yet still Moses hangs off, till (the text saith) the anger of the Lord was kindled against him: then he yeelds. Read the third and fourth Chapters of Exod. and you'l see all this. Therefore when Moses supposed his Brethren would have understood, that God, &c. He nere thought of the way in which he did deliver them. How then? Why, you know he was called the Son of Pharoahs Daughter, he was heir apparent to the Crown and Kingdom of Egypt; and upon Pharoahs decease he himself should have been Pharoah (as is hinted) Heb. 11.24.25, 26. he was in some pause and dispute with himself, whe∣ther he should use means by Pharoahs Daughter and others, to get his pardon, and so come at last to the honors, riches, and pleasures of Egypt, or he

should flie, adhere to Christ and a good Conscience, and suffer in this World, as the rest of Gods People did. It is implied that if he had gon about it, he might have effected the former; but being acted by a principle of Grace he chose rather to flie and suf∣fer. Moses supposed, they seing him thus ventu∣rously kill and Egyptian to revenge a poor Israelites quarrel, would have easily gathered and comforted themselves in this, that if ever he came to be King, he would soon deliver them from their slavery and oppressions. This is the true sense of the verse, and not that any spirit of Prophesie was then upon Moses. Well, in the following verses you'l find by the next dayes visit and occurrence, that it was known; then (the text says) Moses fled from the face of Pharoah; well knowing that as to men, and Law, he was guilty of murther; for they could not see, nor understand the Commission by which he acted; men should not have condemned him, but been better informed by him; God owned and justified him in it, he killed a Tyrannical oppressor; he had his Commission for what he did, but 'twas an un∣der-hand Commission.

But you'l say, this was an extraordinary case, and therefore not to be brought down to transactions of our times. VVhoever thou art that repliest this, tis but thy, I, and my no; and my denying is as good as thy affirming, unless thy affirmation be backed with a stronger reason then my negation. I have

cleared it, that when tis sayd, He supposed they would have understood, &c. this was no spirit of Prophe∣sie upon him.

Beside, had Moses cursed him in the name of the Lord, and he fallen down dead, or the ground had opened and swallowed him up alive; or had Mo∣ses called down fire from heaven and consumed him, or the like, then indeed it had been an extra∣ordinary case, an act above nature, yea an act above the power of ordinary grace; but twas neither so nor so; therefore certainly the case was but ordina∣ry, and was recorded, and transmitted to after∣times for instruction.

Will you please to consider the case of Phineas. He finds Zimri and Cozbi committing uncleanness, and with a javeling kills them both at once. Now what could, as to men and Law, be said for this mans act? surely nothing that I can bethink my self of, but much against him. He was Phineas the Son of Eleazer, the Priest; what had he to do with the civil sword of Justice? but suppose he had, was he to do Justice in a private way, when Justice might have been obtained easily in a publike way? Had it not been Charity to have caused them to have been apprehended, their sin laid home to their con∣sciences; peradventure they might have repented; though their bodies had fallen, yet their souls might have been saved. Had it not been both wisdom and Piety to have brought them to publike Triall,

and publique condemnation, and thereupon all the People to have stoned them, that so others might have seen and feared and done no more so wick∣edly?

But Phineas steps out of his place, makes himself Judge, Jury, Witness, Executioner, all; in a heat, stabs them both through the guts to Hell. How the Law and men of those times looked upon him in this act, I know not; but this I know, he had a Commission for what he did, that no man in the World knew of, or could read beside himself. Numb. 25.10. [And the Lord sayd unto Moses] for doutless Moses was at a stand, and knew not what to think or judge of this Act of his thus Circum∣stanced; but God instructed him concerning it, that Phineas in the sparklings of his zeal, had done well, and excellently well, and he would reward him and his for it, as you may see, ver. 11.12, 13. Behold I give unto him my Convenant of peace. He shall have it, and his seed after him, even the Covenant of an everlasting priest-hood, because he was zealous for his God. If you shall say this was extraordinary, I deny it; what extraordinariness can there be for one man with a Javelin to kill two that lye along be∣fore him?

Whether God gave these men that are now in place and power with us [this kinde of Commissi∣on] for that eminent and exemplary peice of just∣ice, as I will not affirm it, so I will not deny it; but

this is granted of all, they were the Instruments in the hand of Divine providence [whose dis∣pensations are alwayes just and righteous.]

But what might be the reason that Christ hath such an eminent and incensed quarrel at Kings? a Viall of wrath is reserved peculiarly for them.

My answer in general is that which a wise man of this Land once sayd [Kings of all men have been most beholding to God, and God hath been (of all men) least beholding to Kings.]

Why do you think did God call the four great Kingdoms of the World, Dan. 7. four great beasts, but because the Kings and Rulers of each of them, were as so many wild, raging, untamed beasts, prey∣ing upon the poor Peoples estates and persons at their pleasure, setting up their own wills for a Law; and none of them so cruel this way as the Roman Monarchy. Dan. 7.7. Behold the fourth Beast was dreadfull, and terrible, and strong exceedingly, and it had great iron teeth, and it devoured and brake in peices, and stamped the residue with its feet, and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. These ten horns are ten Europaean Kings, and who ever reckons them up, I finde, brings in the [Kings of Brittain] for one of the horns of this terrible and fearfull Monster.

See yet more of these Europaean Kings, Rev. 17.12, 13, 14. The ten horns which thou sawest are ten Kings. These have one mind and shall give their pow∣er

and strength to the Beast; These shall make War with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall over-come them, for he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings. To have gone on in wayes of violence & oppression towards any sort of people, had been enough to have set Christ against them; but when these ten Kings of Europe successively have one minde for the Beast, give their power and strength to the Beast, to make war with the Saints and with the Lamb: do you marvel at that which follows? the Lamb falls par∣ticularly and after a special manner upon them, i. e. upon the European Kings, as being resolved to have this known in the World, that [he] is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

History tells us, that in the years four and five hundred after Christ, the Barbarous Nations of Goths and Vandals, broke the western Empire all to peices, at which time the Saxons were setled in England, Franches in Gall, the west Goths in Spain, the East Goths and Longobards in Italy, the Almains in Germany; these growing into civil States, toge∣ther with their manners change their religion, close with the Pope, settle their Governments so as was most sutable, yea serviceable to his Interest. And the Pope got in upon their Consciences, and brought them into Oaths and Obligations to defend the Rights and Priviledges of holy Church, that is in∣deed of Rome Antichristian against the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

And now when the time of Christs taking the Kingdoms of this World into his own hands draws dear, the most of these European Kings are yet pro∣fessedly for the Pope, in opposition to Jesus Christ, to keep him out.

Do you all know this? and do you ask a reason why Christ pours out wrath upon the Political fun of every Nation of Europe, why he makes the thrones of Kings to totter?

Bvt you'l say, the Kings of England cast off the Pope long since.

I answer, Henry the eight (it cannot be denyed) did cast off his Supremacy, but Jehu like (as Calvin hath observed of him) so far as served his own, turn, in Temporals only, but was still zealous upon the six Articles of the Church of Rome, that who∣ever denyed any of those Articles of Popery, they were burnt for it.

Then came that blessed child, and doubtless now glorified Saint of God, Edward the sixt, into the Throne, who repealed the six Articles, threw Im∣ages out of Churches, and furnished the Land with an English Service-boook or Liturgie: He had Wars with Scotland, Insurrections at home, a plain War in Norfolk, his time very short, his age very green; We cannot blame him for reforming no more, but must wonder at him, and bless God for his reforming so much.

Queen Mary (you know) brought us again

full sail into the Popes arms or bosom; but let her Reign pass in a red Parenthesis.

Next came Queen Elizabeth, and, to give her her just praise, made some encrease or improvement of King Edwards Reformation; but yet for all that (if the real truth might be spoken out) Rome and Eng∣land were still fast tied together by the tails of E∣piscopacy, Ceremonies, and form of worship, the waters whereof swelled high in King James time, and became a Land flood all over the three Nations after his decease, drowning some, car∣rying others full Tyde back again to Rome.

I'le tell you if you'l hear me with meekness and patience of spirit, what satisfies me; that he fell for the Popish Antichristian Interest, (which if well understood, Peoples spirits would more acquiesce in his fall, then now they do.)

1. There was this upon his account, the profana∣tion of the Lords day by a Law; I mean, by that wretched book of ungodly Sports and Liberties. The day which our Lord Christ and the reformed Laws of the Land had set apart for all sorts of People to have studied the Scriptures, encreased their Spiritual knowledge, and their faith, against all false Doctrine and Worship; and for the People to be authorized and instigated by the edict of a King to gaming, sporting, mixt danceing on that day; (as you know they were,) what could the Pope himself, had be been in England (considering

the state of the Nation) have done more, or been more Popishly politique for the undermining, for the undoing of our religion, as the best and speediest means of ushering in his own? Had the Sabbath taken its name according to his desire in that edict, it might rather have been called Dies Daemoniacus, then Dominicus, the Divels day then the Lords day.

Secondly, Never was any man a more stiff upholder of Episcopacy then he was, which indeed is nothing else but the Popes Supremacy (only under another name) multiplied, or broken into so many peices, everyone whereof hath the form and nature of the whole. Was not every Bishop in his Diocess a little Pope lording over both the flock & his co-presbyters? This peice of Popery he held fast to his dying day.

Thirdly, He suffered the Bishops so to mannage and improve the reliques of Rome in this Kingdom, the whole rabble of Ceremonies, (Calvin called them tolerabiles ineptiae, by give me leave (as wo∣full experience hath taught) to call them into∣lerabiles ineptiae, intolerale fooleries) I say to improve them so to the Popish interest, that many hundred precious witnesses of Jesus Christ were imprisoned, persecuted, forced into strange Countries, yea many of them to take up their dwel∣lings in a Wilderness amongst wild beast, and more savage men; Nay some blood was shed in a publike and juridicial way; by Gallio cared for none of these things, stood an idle unconcernd spectator,

I fear I am too benignus interpres, more favourable to him, as to this particular, then he deserved; We use to say (you know) qui non vetat peccare &c. He that doth not forbid, yea suppress sin, when he's able, commands it.

Fourthly, There was Masse, and Masse Priests, Idols and the worship of the Beast, I might say of divels (for so Saint Iohn speaks Rev 9.20.) set up by conjugal promise and Covenant, and according∣ly kept and observed; I mean, the French Court a∣mongst us, from whence went no small animation and protection to Priests and Popery clean through∣out the Kingdoms.

Fifthly, I cannot but lay at his door, that new common prayer book that had first been at Rome (I have had it from some of deep inspection into State-affairs) and was there confirmed by the Popes own hand, and then sent by that Arch-prelate into Scotland, about fourteen years ago. Their throats being too narrow to swallow it, they were present∣ly proclaimed [Rebells] in all the parish Churches and Chappels in England, proclaimed [Rebells.] Ob∣serve, the [King] was affronted and disobayed in their rejection of it; VVhereupon an Army was raised against them, thinking to have forced that English Mass upon them, but at Barwick God gave him the Check.

Sixthly, His arming Papists by Proclamation to destroy his Parliament of England, and his making

peace with the Irish rebels, and proclaiming them his good Catholike Subjects, (what other language could have come out of the Popes own mouth?) Thus he openly professedly joyned interest with the Antichristian Party. You may be sure, Papists in both Kingdoms would never have run the haz∣zard of their Lives and Estates with him in so de∣sperate a war, but that they well saw and knew (if the day were his, whereof they made no question) how to make no small advantage to themselves a∣gainst the true Protestant, yea and had promises and assurances thereof from him.

Seventhly, That title of Defender of the faith (for which I know I shall be much wondred at) was found upon him, as likewise upon his Prede∣cessors.

First, He for his part, had been a sorry defender of godly zealous Protestants (the Lord knows) from first to last.

Secondly, that it is a Mark set upon the Kings of England by the Popes own hand, is better known then can be denyed. King Henry the eighth wrote a book against Luther, (I have seen it,) he inflicted death upon diverse that owned Gospel light and disclaimed Popery; whereupon the Pope sent him this Title (Defender of the faith) with a great sword, to slaughter (indeed) the true servants of Jesus Christ. Let any man judge whether this was not a mark of the Beast upon him, and twas ambitiously

derived one from another. King Edward and and Queen Elizabeth should have cast off this as soon and as zealously any of the rest.

I remember Luther says in one place, That if the Pope, as Pope, should command him to read the Scrip∣ture, or preach to the People, he would not (therefore) do it. Christ would not suffer the divels to call him the Son of God, (though indeed he were so,) yea he would not own his own name and Titles out of their mouth; he took it as no honor at all to him. Thus our Kings, when this Title came to them from the Pope, they should have thrown his title at his face again, and told him that God had given them the civil sword which they would not bear in vain, but zealously and constantly defend the true Gospel faith of Jesus Christ, without his command; and for his Title, they looked upon it as no honor at all to them, but a dangerous dis∣honour.

Well, now that Christ is gone forth to make In∣quisition, not onely for Popery it self, but even for the least dregs of it in all places of the world, this mark of the Beast also was found upon him, yea and actions tending to the Popes mind and sense upon it. Where Christ finds the least signes or marks of the Beast, such shall certainly feel his wrath; much more cause had Christ to pour out a Vial of wrath and justice on him, upon whom so much of Antichrist and his Interest was manifestly found;

and if one Instrument will not do it, another shall.

I am perswaded, had not our neighbour Nation owned & proclaimed him whom they did, the hand of providence had never raised this storm against them. I do not lay this down as a certain Conclu∣sion (for, Judicia Dei non sunt temere discutienda, sed formidoloso silentio veneranda,) tis only my per∣swasion, which you may receive or reject, as God shall guide your hearts. Yet I am not more con∣fident, that this book of the Bible came out of the mouth of God, then that the childe is born who shall see a general tottering and shivering to peices of Thrones and Scepters; and that-upon this ac∣count; the quarrel that is already one foot between Christ and Antichrist.

Begin at forty one, or thereabouts, and make up a Century, and observe it in your dayes, and then leave it to your children to be observed by them, if this now current Century, I say, be not more fa∣tal to most or all that hold Scepters in their hands, but especially to Europaean Scepters, then ever any was since this World began. The text is express Rev. 16.14 16.18. Chiefly in reference to Kings, who (being confederate in a crafty war, having fair pre∣tentions but exceeding bad intentions) marched in the head of their Regiments against, (indeed) Christ and his Kingdom: but a Divine Anathema or curse falls upon [them;] there is an Earthquake

raised, such as was not since men were upon the Earth, so mighty an Earthquake, and so great; to answer the greatness of the adversaries engaged against him; to shake to pieces those great and mighty ones of the Earth, which an ordinary Earthquake could not have effected.

But how can this be? for tis said Rev. 17.16. The ten Horns which thou sawest upon the Beast, these shall hate the Whore, and shall make her deso∣late, and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. The Pope falls by them, and not they by adhering to the Pope.

First, I answer, what I have sayd to this particu∣lar, you see, I have built upon plain Scriptures, and I think according to the sense and mind of the Holy Ghost in them.

Secondly, by [Hornes] here, it is not needfull to understand Kings in the strictness and formality of the Notion; and my reason is gathered from Rev: 17.9.10. The seven Heads are also seven Kings, five are fallen, and one is. Here, Consuls, Tribunes, Decemvirs, Dictators are called by the Holy Ghost [Kings.] when as we know, strictly, they were not so, onely they had Supream power in their hands.

Thirdly, What Protestant, whose eyes are open, doth not see that most or all the Kings of Europe in their present posture, are directly framed for the Popes interest. Indeed his and their [now] interest,

make up one Linsey Woolsey piece; they are so in∣terwoven and mixt, that Christ must be fain to open the whole fabrick of Kingly Government to the very foundations thereof, before the cursed roots and seeds of the mystery of iniquity will be got out.

Will you tell me, that he who lately swayed the Scepter here, and he that now endeavours to suc∣ceed, would ever have been perswaded, so to hate, as to make war against Pope and Papists, for the setting up in the World Gospel-Ordinances in their purity and power? and if it cannot be ex∣pected from the present Protestant Princes, can it in reason be hoped for, from the present Popish Princes? therefore they are in no small danger, most or all of them, to be shaken quite to peices by the Earthquake.

Fourthly, the strength of a beast, to do his greatest hurt, lies in his horns; they are the highest and most eminent parts of him; and so by [ten hornes,] is meant only, [the supream power of the ten Nati∣ons, by what names or Titles soever they are called.] Christ by the Earthquake will shake down those powers in whom are found a deal of carnal & Popish dregs, and set up those in their room that are men of other spirits, pares negotio, fit for such a business as Christ hath in hand. Doubtless, the ten horns, are the [ten Supream Powers] of Europe, who shal do the deed, that is so much desired and prayed for of all the Saints.

And now if any man herein differ from me, let him differ, I judge him not.

God forbid that in ruining Antichrist, I my self should be so Antichristian, as to attempt to Lord it over the faith of any man; Why should I be offended, that thou canst not see that which I see; nor believe as I belive? (if God intends thee good, I doubt not, but he'l find a time to reveal even this unto thee, that one civil Government is no more of Divine right then another, and that thy Conscience ought not to engage or give it self up in perpetuum to any one of them, but thou art free from Oaths & Convenants when tis sufficiently clear God hath layd aside that civil power to whom thou didst so swear or Covenant.) Onely I think it but reason to entreat this of thee, that fancy, Consci∣ence void of argument, custome, novelty of the things delivered, private ends and aims, self interest, may not be layd in the ballance against me; these are poor, beggarly, chaffi••, irrational things; be carefull to start from me upon some solidity of rea∣son. I do profess in the sight of God, that as I have balked nothing for fear of any mans displeasure (for though I respect and honour many men: yet, so far as I know my own heart, I fear no man) so neither have I brought in or delivered any thing purposely to grieve or provoke any mans spirit. I hope, I have otherwise learned Christ; You have it in the singleness of my heart, so as God brought it to my hand.

The fifth Angel poured out his Vial upon the seat of the beast, (Rev. 16.10, 11.) Here Expositors do generally pitch upon the City of Rome, to be [this seat] of the beast; But sure, tis not sense to speak of the destruction of Babylon, till Euphrates be dry∣ed up, which is under the sixrh Vial; and you must know that the Vials are placed in this Chapter ac∣cording to the order of events or transactions; and therefore the Popes material seat cannot be de∣stroyed by this Vial. The Greek is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he poured his vial upon the [Throne] of the Beast. By [Throne] in Scripture is often meant that Government with any person or state sitting upon that Throne, do set up and administer, as Ps. 89.29. So then, consider that form of Government the Pope sets up, and exercises in all his Churches throughout the World.

A throne (you know) admits but of one; finde a Government where one alone doth rule, and what can this be but Episcopacy? Episcopacie is a is a Government where one and no more hath the Throne or Seat; all the rest keep their distance and are under Command.

There were holy and learned men, as Beza, Cart∣wright, Bains, Parker, who cast some drops of wrath upon this Seat; but twas not long, ere all Scotland got the Vial into their hands, and poured it out up∣on Episcopacy to some purpose.

Then came the Parliament of England, and rooted

up Episcocal Government by the very roots; and in both Nations it was done with a great deal of Judgement, Wisdom, Courage, Piety. [And his Kingdom was full of darkness.] So our translation; but the Greek imports but this, [his kingdom was darkned] what Scotland had done in a judicial way, and the Parliament of England had done in a ju∣dicial way, I say, when the news thereof came to the Popes ears, to the ears his Cardinals, Jesuites, and all his religious orders, and Churches in Europe, can you imagine less but it was black and sad news to them, and news of a dangerous consequence, and a shrewd persage to all the lovers and upholders of that Government? what a deal of Popish lustre and glory was there in the three Nations by reason of Episcopacy, East, Host, Altar, Tapers, Copes, Surplesses, dressing up of Chappels with the Pictures of Christ, Virgin Mary, Apostles, Adorning Church-Widdows with the stories of the Bible in time to have become Laymens books, Altar-adora∣tion, Sacrament-adoration, Organs, Singing of ser∣vice; that travellors, from beyond Seas, when they saw the posture of things, would say one to another, we are at home, were but the service in Latine as tis in English.

And what great hopes had the Pope of the reconci∣liation of these Kingdoms to himself again? and all by means of that height of Episcopacy amongst us. But when a Vial full of wrath was poured out upon

it (according as you have heard) how was the popish lustre and glory in England, Scotland, and Ireland, quite put out? and a very considerable de∣gree of loss, sorrow, and darkness brought in upon the Popes whole dominions, so as made them ge∣nerally bite their tongues for madness, and blas∣pheme.

The sixth Vial is poured out upon the great river Euphrates. Euphrates must be here taken mystically, for that which is the maintenance and defence of Rome Antichristian, as that river was anciently of old Babylon.

There are five streams of baseness that run into one, and so make up this great Euphrates. Saint John mentions them Rev. 9.20, 21. Images, Murthers, Sorceries, Fornications, Thefts; by these Rome hath encreased her wealth, and by these Rome hath been upheld and secured.

Now when the ten Christian Kings or Supream Powers shall be so far converted to God, and have the eyes of their understanding so far enlightned, as to see all this their perverting of Religion, and these gross abuses, out the Christian world, their hearts will then rise against her, so as to dry up, and withdraw these streams of base revenues, by which they have been so enriched and defended. They'l pull down Images, whereby the simple people have been deluded; severely punish their Sorceries, whereby they have so awed and terrifi∣ed

the World; their fornications and whorish stews, whereby so many have been daily drown∣ed in sensuality and undone eternally; they'l put an end to their Inquisitions, whereby so many pre∣cious Servants of God have been cruelly murther'd; an end also to their spiritual Thefts, and Robberies, when they perceive the merits of the Alsufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ is held forth to them freely for the remission of sins, according to that Isaiah 55.1.2. They'l refuse to trade with them any more for their rotten creature-righteousness; their Pardons and Indulgences shall bring in no more treasures into the Popes Coffers; they'l part with no more monies to have the souls of their departed friends prayed and sung out of Purgatory, and will cast all their Trumperies out of their dominions. And thus shall the great river Euphrates be dryed up; [That be way may be prepared for the Kings of the East,] that is, that the ten Kings or Supream powers, now finding (in the eye of reasons) the ruine of Rome feasable, may encourage one another to the work, and dispatch it: they are called Kings of the East, in allusion to Cyrus, who came East from Babylon, and took it. Or thus, [that way may be made for the Kings of the East] i. e. for the briging home the People of the Jews, who are here called Kings. You may see another notable interpretation of this Vial in Mr. Reynolds Sermon preaced before the House Aug. 28. 1644. page 41.

The seventh and last Vial is poured out into the Air. The Air in which the Antichristian world lives, is the smoak of the bottomless Pit, Rev. 9. or the darkness of Ignorance; for out of this came their Locusts, all their hellish Doctrines and Wor∣ship.

Upon the pouring out of this Vial, the Glory of the Son of Righteousness, and of Gospel Ordinan∣ces doth so break forth, as quite prevails against that Infernal Darkness, and Spiritual Ignorance which bred Papacy, and in which Papacy had so long breathed and lived: and so the Antichristian Air being destroyed, they fall a gasping, and the pangs of Death come upon them: for immediately there comes a voyce from Heaven, saying, [Tis done] there's an end of the Pope and his Kingdom, and all the Mystery of iniquity.

Let me speak a little to the following verses. Verse 18. [There were voyces, and thunderings, and lightnings] and (as it were) the sound of Trum∣pets upon mens Spirits, that make their hearts quake and tremble within them: and also a great earth-quake; such a one as was not since men wer up∣on the earth; so mighty and so great. These will be sad days with the Antichristian party; such thun∣derings, voyces, lightnings from above; such an earth-quake from beneath them; the face of things threatning as if Heaven and Earth would come to∣gether. Do you marvel if at their Worlds end, they be at their Wits end?

The effects of these lightnings, thunders, earth∣quake, follow verse 19.

First, [The great City was divided into three parts.] But by this Great City, I understand Rome it self, which was shaken into three factions, and so became weak, that it could not defend it self against the Besiegers.

There have been three factions amongst us, (I call them Factions, onely because each have so e∣steemed of other) peradventure it will run upon a threefold Party of Faction to the end of the War. [Then the Citits of the Nations fell] i. e. fell off from her, and left her dosolate of all former help and comfort; and so [Babylon the great came into remembrance before God, [to give unto her the cup of the wine of the feirceness of his wrath.] See how this is expressed Rev. 18.8. Her plagues come in one day, Death, and Mourning, and Famine, and she shall be utterly burnt with fire. The latter end of that nineteenth verse doubtless looks as far as the great battel of God Almighty, the issue whereof is set down, Rev. 19, 20. the Beast was taken and with him the false prophet, and were both cast alive into the Lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Yet all this contents not Christ; he still goes on to pursue his Victory, Rev. 16.20. [Every Island fled away, and the mountains were not found.] No∣thing so remote as the Islands, nothing so strong as the Mountains; but the Antichristian Islands fled

and perished before the stroak of Christ; the Moun∣tains were beaten to dust: Christ will not leave Papacy so much as a Mountain to flie to, or an Is∣land to hide itself in; he'l leave no peice of the frame of Antichristianisme standing in any part of the World.

And yet still he goes on, ver. 21. [There fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a Talent, and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.] Here is an Allusion to Ezek. 13.11. to 16. I conceive the genuine sense of the verse to be this. Those ten Kings or Supream powers who follow Jesus Christ in this Expedition, have Commissions, or Commands from the God of Heaven, (though Rome be burnt, yea and the great battell of God Almighty fought and finished) to go on with their braining, destroying judgements, upon all those everywhere, wo are found to have had any interest in the Popes cause or King∣dom, in worshipping the Beast, or any way been en∣gaged for his preservation and defence. They shall be pursued and destroyed with such plagues and judgements as that it shall be evident, they are from God, and that heaven it self fights against them, to root out that accursed race to the last man from off the Earth.

I suppose by this time you are all willing and

ready to set your seals to this truth, that, [The Pope (who is the great Antichrist) and his Kingdom shall be destroyed with most remarkable destru∣ction.]

But now I know, the first Quaere youl make within your selves upon what hath been delivered, and desire some satisfaction in, wil be that of the Dis∣ciples Mat. 24.3. tell us when shall these things be; and what shall be the sign of their comming?

I confess these are marvellous hard Questions; but I shall freely tell you my thoughts upon them. I find the time of Antichrists reign set down Rev. 11.2. The Holy city shall he tread under foot forty two months, & also Rev. 13.5. and it was given him to continue forty and two moneths, (by the way, let me tell you, his reign is reckoned by the moon, which rules the night, to hint thus much to us, that Antichrists works are night works, his whole reign is a reign of dark∣ness) but, to the thing itself.

Forty and two months, allowing thirty dayes to a moneth (for they are Lunar moneths, I told you) make up a thousand two hundred and thereescore days, the just time of the witnesses prophesy∣ing in sackcloth, Rev. 11. or three years and a half.

First, I understand these numbers of a certain and determinate time, because every one of them is a broken number; round numbers as we call them, ten, a hundred, a thousand are put most times in∣determinately,

a certain for an uncertain num∣ber; but this is not a round, but a broken num∣ber.

2. These 42. months, or three years and a half, cannot be taken strictly for 42. of our months, or three of our years and a half; because (as I shew∣ed you before) tis an utter impossibility that the Rise and Growth, the Glory, and all the business of his Kingdome, should be compassed in so short a time.

Therefore Thirdly, they must be taken accord∣ing to that, Ezek. 4.6. I have appointed thee each day for a year. Every day in these 42 months being put for a year, the whole amounts to 1260 years, the just raign of Antichrist. But when the time of his raign did begin, confident I am, there is no man alive (without extraordinary Revelation) can speak certainly, and to a day: and hereupon it is that all divines are at a loss as to a punctual certain∣ty for his fall and ruin.

Concerning the time of the seetting forth of this Giant to run his course, there are two or three opinions, and I shall quickly tell them unto you.

• 1. Some begin it as high as Constantine when he left Rome, about the 19. year of his raign, and seat∣ed in the East.
• 2. Others place it as low as about the year 455. when Gensericus the Vandal took and burnt Rome,

• at which time the Empire was broken all to pieces, and utterly extinct.

There are a third sort who pitch it about the year 410. or 412. when Alaricus the Goth came and conquered, and ransacked Rome. Now they who say his 1260 years began when Constantine left Rome, pitch his fall about Luthers time, some∣thing above 100 years ago. They who say it be∣gan at 455. make his fall and ruin 65. years yet to come. They who affirm it began 410. or 412. lay him on his Death bed about twenty years hence.

It may be you will ask me my opinion amongst these.

Truly in a business of this abstruseness, twould be wisedom to put you off with other mens judge∣ments, and conceal my own; but I still finde that the sigleness of my spirit gets the predominancy of my Politicks.

1. I like their opinion well who reckoning from Constantine, pitch his fall in Luthers time; for indeed Luther laid the foundation of his mani∣fest ruin. It is not unusual with Scripture to say, a work is done (if it be of God) when tis but begun, Revel. 16.17. for it shall be as certainly done, as if it were done already: God calls things that are not, as if they were.

2. I think their Conclusion may be right, who counting from 455. spin out his life to threescore

years hence and upward; but sure tis to be under∣stood of that great battel of God Almighty, menti∣oned Rev. 19.19, 20. I verily perswade my self, they who live threescore and ten, or fourscore years hence, shall neither see Pope, nor form of Popery established by a law, defended by a power in any Kingdome in the world.

3. They most take with me, who counting from 410. pitch his fall 20. years hence; for about the year 410. or 412. the ten Horns or Kingdoms (as Historians generally tell us) were fairly appear∣ing; and surely the sixt head was going off at least, if not quite off, when some of the horns that grew on the seventh head, were so visible. The Pope must of necessity be before them; for he is the seventh head upon which those horns grew; it is said, Rev. 17.12. They receive power one hour, or (as the Original might be better rendred) the first hour [with the beast.] But some read it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not [with] but somewhat [af∣ter] the beast.

And indeed about this time the Popes shewed themselves openly to all the world, and spake out what they wounld have, that the censures of Bi∣shops, and all other causes of moment, ought to be reserved to the Audience of the Bishop of Rome, calling themselves the Father of Fathers, and Firma∣ment of Bishops.

When the Councel of Carthage, in the year 413.

sent and acquainted Pope Innocent with their Acts, desiring him That he would add his Authority; his Answer was to this effect, That they had due regard of the Sea Apostolick, and of him who had the care and charge of all the Churches; the very language of the Beastly Antichrist, Rev. 13.7. So that at this time we may safely conclude him actually set down in his Chair of Pestilence; and thence may as safely conclude, that his Throne, to wit, the City of Rome, and the glorious visibility of his raign and Kingdom, will be laid in the dust twenty years hence.

In a business of this Nature, you ought in reason make some grains of allowance to our guess: pos∣sibly it may fall out three or four years either un∣der or over; and what will you say if it fall out that Rome will be begirt and burnt too, about 16. years hence?

I'le tell you what my opinion is built upon; that of Revel. 13. verse the last, Let him that hath un∣derstanding, count the [number of the beast,] His number is six hundred threescore and six. Observe tis indefinitely called the number of the beast; the Holy Ghost may perhaps speak much in a little, two things at once: thus, that 666. is the number of the Beast, his name, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉&c. and the number also of his raign expired, that his Seat and Throne shall be pulled down and burnt, his formall visible reign shall be at an end about the year 666.

But in this (I confess) I have no man to stand by me; tis onely my opinion, which started up in me upon my poring upon that Text: yet I have this to countenance me; the Holy Ghost tells us, The Earth-quake that must shake his Throne and King∣dome all to pieces (when once it begins, and for my part, I am satisfied tis begun) will be a great earth∣quake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty and so great, Rev. 16. And this may be some Answer to those who think theres more work then can be done in so short a time: When God sets upon it, he will make quick work with him. The Earth-quake being so mighty and so violent, may possibly reach the Walls of Rome by that time; after which Popery will have a being for some years.

Rome is burnt in the 18. Chapter of the Revel. But the Beast and false Prophet, with their Armies, their destruction is described in the 19. Chapter, as being (I suppose) to be done some space of years after.

I doubt not but there are divers of you who hear me this day, that shall out-live Romes ruin; and that your childrens children will most certainly out-live the great battel of God Almighty, where∣in both Pope and Popery shall be utterly destroy∣ed.

But what shall the sign of these things be? Why, let me tell you, Scripture hath given a sign of his ap∣proaching

ruine, and thats the killing of the wit∣nesses: Concerning which, I shall briefly premise a few things, as,

First, that they are not to be restrained to any sort of men; for tis sayd of them Rev. 11.4. These are the [two Olive-trees,] and the two [Candlesticks] standing before the God of the Earth. In calling them the Olive-trees, the Holy Ghost doubtless al∣ludes to Zach. 4. Where Zerubbabel and Joshua, the Magistrate and the Priest, are in the vision, the two Olive-trees, in the interpretation, the two annoint∣ed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole Eaarth: the witnesses Comprehended all those Magistrates and Ministers that have in any juncture of time (out of a principle of Religion and Conscience for God) any way set themselves against the Pope. By [Candle∣sticks] we are taught from Christs own mouth, to understand [Churches,] Rev. 1.20. The seven Candlesticks which thou sawest, are seven Churches. The rest of Saints and Churches added to Godly Magistrates and Ministers, make up the witnesses. And we must needs take them thus; for the Holy Ghost divides all throughout the reign of Anti∣christ into but two witnesses (or Prophets) and the Gentiles, Rev. 11. So that all beside those of Antichrists Party or Faction, are witnesses, or are of the witnesses.

Secondly, They are sayd to be two;

First, In relation to Moses and Aaron who

brought Israel out of Egypt, to Zerubbabel and Joshua who brought the People of God from their Babylonish captivity: So these bring the Church of Christ out of the more then Egyptian Babylonian bondage of Popery.

Secondly, They are sayd to be two in reference to the legality of their testimony, two being a suf∣ficient number in Law to bear witness against him: and so God to be justified in their condemnation as being clear and righteous.

Thirdly, For their paucity; those who witnessed against him were but a very few in every Nation in respect to those droves and innumerable Multitudes that followed him; all the World wondered after the Beast, though toward the end of their Prophesie they grow apace (Rev. 14.6, 7, 8.) I saw another Angel flie in the [midst] of heaven having the ever∣lasting Gospel to preach to every Nation, Kindred, Tongue, People, saying fear God, give glory to him; for the hour of his judgement is come. And there followed another Angel saying Babylon is fal∣len, that is, hath begun to fall, since Luther and others have so publikely and openly preached the Gospel.

Bellarmine confesses that since we have called the Pope Antichrist; his Kingdom hath wasted and been incomparably less then before; the witnesses have increased, the Gentiles have decreased; but through∣out the most of his reign they were but two; very

weak and inconsiderable was the number that set a∣gainst him.

Thirdly, Antichrist hath been killing witnesses all along, Rev. 11.2. The holy City shall they tread under foot [forty and two moneths] throughout his whole domination hath he been been stamping Saints to dust, in every age, in every Kingdom; but that slaughter of the witnesses the spirit of God so largely describes, and points the finger to, as the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the indubitable sign or fore-runner of his sudden downfall, I take to be done at one time, and in one place.

It is notoriously known what our Prelates did in England, how for a long time they set themselves against the zealous Protestant; and by means of their Courts, Canons, Ceremonies, book of sports, new &c. Oath, they silenced, made to hide in Corners, drove into strange Countries, Wilder∣nesses, thousands upon thousands.

At last there rose up two or there somewhat more bold then their fellows, whom they took and made them high Examples off their Popish justice and cru∣elty, cut off their ears, and sent them to prisons, far distant one from another.

How much they glorified and pleased themselves in this their Conquest, you all know: and doubtless this fact of Protestant Bishops (for so they were called) was an universal token to the Popish World that the day was theirs. If Protestant Bishops

(say they) have done so valiantly for Romes In∣terest, surely the day is ours, and perfect Victory is got.

Now let me shew you (but very briefly) how the Circumstances of that Providence stand in joynt with the Text, both the thing itself, and the sequeles of it.

For the thing itself;

First, The Beast set upon them when they had finished their testimonie, ver. 7. The strictest sense may not be put upon this; for when they have quite finished their testimony, the beast will be absolutely ruined, he and they being contemporaries, Rev. 11.2.3. they both begin and end together; else Christ should have none to be for him during some part of Antichrists raign: therefore it must be under∣stood, when they were [about] to finish their testi∣mony, had brought it [almost to a period] because the [Beasts] raign and Kingdom was come [almost to a period.]

This war is to be when Antichrist is near upon his fall; may it not then be looked for in our time, when he is grown so old and gray-headed, of his 1260. years having run up a 1240. or little less: Seeing that from Daniel, Paul and the Apostle Iohn we understand the ruine of the man of sin to fall into the lap of the Century wherin we live; the more safely may any man conclude, that what hath fallen out in our times, may be the killing of the

witnesses, and signal token of his ruine. It consists well enough with the Text for the time wherein the Witnesses are to be killed.

Secondly, The text well looked into and consi∣dered, doth clearly give it to be not a bloody, but [mystical or civil slaughter] ver. 7. compared with verse 11. their resurrection is not a proper, but a civil or Mystical resurrection (as shall anon be made good) therefore it must needs follow (to those who love not to be contentious) that such also must be their death (there being still the same reason of Opposites,) turned out of their places, silenced, dis∣abled from speaking, moving, or acting in a publike way: but thus we know, the men spoken of, were killed and lay dead.

Thirdly, They thus lay dead (the text saith) In the street of the great City, which is spiritually called Sodom, Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified, ver. 8. Rome is elegantly here described to be Sodom for uncleanness, Egypt for idolatry, Jerusalem for murther, Oh Ierusalem thou that killest the Prophets, &c. It is called the [great City] as being made up of its ten Kingdoms; and in the [street] (tis not streets) but in the street or in that Kingdom where they shall be killed, there they shall lie, that whole Kingdom or dominion being a street of the great City so made up, whereto agrees the slaughter of these men being killed in one place, which then was within Romes boundary, and that in di∣vers respects.

Fourthly, In the street they lay [unburied,] they were not suffered to be put in graves, ver. 9. (this also must be expounded mystically) those that are put in graves, are out of every ones eye; these dead men their friends were not suffered to afford them graves, that is, to allow them any harbour or hiding place; all must shut them out of doores; but they lay there where their Enemies might feed and glut their eye upon their miseries.

Fifthly, They were in this condition for the [space of three dayes and a half] ver. 9. Which (being a broken number) do certainly point out a determi∣nate time; neither can they be taken strictly for three natural days and a half; for in that time the news of their killing could not be sent throughout the Antichristian World; and what space were that to congratulate, and solace themselves and one an∣other in the slaughter of them? and besides how litle is half a day perceived in such feasting and jocand solemnity? and therefore they must be understood prophetically, three days and a half for three years and a half: and tis well known that these men were under the bands of Confinement, or power of their civil death just so long, neither more nor less, three years and a half a die ad diem.

Sixthly, It is sayd, They that dwell upon the Earth, shall rejoyce over them, make merry and send gifts one to another, because these two Prophets tormented them that dwelt upon the Earth, ver, 10. All the witnesses

did torment them, but these last especially: whom having conquered and killed, the Popish, Prelatical party please and content themselves in this Con∣quest exceedingly, as those of old upon their Pom∣pous Solemnities and Feasting dayes did use to do; they made merry and sent gifts, to which the Holy-Ghost here alludes, and says, they rejoyced over them; observe, rejoyced [over] them; for they had these men still in their clutches.

Seventhly, At the end of the forementioned time [the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stagger up again] ver. 11. God by unex∣pected means did loose the bands of their death; they are suspended no longer, silenced no longer, kept in Antichristian clutches no longer; and after three years and an half (through a principle of life from God bestowed upon them) they get upon their feet again; even those same men that were kil∣led; had the space of their lying dead been an Age, or 2. or 3. Ages, I should have sought this Resurrection in their Successors, or men of such like Spirits risen up after them; but it being but three years and a half, I can easily believe that those same numerical men that were silenced, suspended, and so killed, might have their suspensions taken off, their mouths open∣ed, and they set upon their feet to Prophesie again, and so 'twas a Mystical or Civil Resurrection.

Eightly, They heard a voice from heaven, say∣ing, come up hither. The Decree or Vote of Parlia∣ment

calling them out of their low and dead con∣dition, into Liberty, Freedom; to a competent Maintenance, and comfortable Estate, wherein they also protected them in the sight and spight of An∣tichrist, and all their enemies, so that they were as secure from those that had lately killed them, as if they had been taken up into heaven it self.

Ninthly, They ascended up to heaven in a cloud, Heb. 12.1. There a multitude of Believers are called a cloud of witnesses: When these men re∣turned from their imprisonment, 'twas wonderfull to see what a cloud of witnesses they were accom∣panied withall, rejoycing greatly at this their un∣expected and happy Freedom, every one help∣ing, and lifting them up into their Heaven, what they could.

Tenthly, [Their enemies beheld all this (but could not hinder it) and great fear fell upon them] As easily apprehending, that being tormented with them before, they should be now much more pla∣gued by them, for the late injury done them (to say nothing of old quarrels;) and besides, a fresh and more full supply of the Spirit of God was come upon them; and now are days fear, swallows up and devours their whole three years joy and more, so that there is no sign left of it amongst them.

You perceive how this piece of Providence agrees with the Text in all the joynts and creeks of it.

The like you shall see in the sequels of this busi∣ness: they are four, all set down ver. 13.

The first of them, this, [The same hour the wit∣nesses rose, there was a great earthquake] A vio∣lent shaking of Church and State, even of the whole Kingdom, in the breaking out of these late Wars between King and Parliament; there have been such Commotions amongst us, as may well be called a [great earthquake] and it began pre∣sently upon the quickening or return of these men.

The second this, [The tenth part of the city fell.] Conceive (as I touched before) the great Mystical City made up of the ten Kingdoms, that gave their power to the Beast: and when one of these Kingdoms fell off utterly and irrecoverably from Rome, by means of the earthquake, then the tenth part of the city fell. If you would know which, peradventure the Greek may give some hint of it; the Holy Ghost seems to lay a great Emphasis upon the Article 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [that] tenth part, where the last of the Witnesses were killed, in so different and signal a way: [that] tenth part, that is so easily discernable from all the rest, Et pe∣nitùs toto divisi ab orbe Britanni; in plain terms, England. You'le say, was England but shaken off from Rome by this late Earthquake? I answer, it was in part, but not wholly; in Doctrine, but not in Worship and Discipline: for (as I told you) Rome

and we were fast tyed together by the tails of E∣piscopacy, Ceremonies, and Formes of Worship, though their bodies were loose, and heads looked several ways: Yet truly, let me tell you this, that in our times the heads were turning and looking one upon another with marvellous benigne a∣spects, and were working their bodies together again as fast as such great and unweldy bodies could be moved: There were such Popish Do∣ctrines, Popish Practises, and Popish ordering of Church-affairs (to say nothing of the State) in most points and places, that the Pope had good cause to assure himself of Englands return into the Bosom of the Romane Church.

But when the Parliament arose (for Parliaments themselves rose from the dead; you know how long we had been kept without them; and at last a Proclamation set forth, that men should not [think] of a Parliament) and quickened the dead Witnesses, Voted down Episcopal Government with all the Appurtenances of it, and (being for∣ced to't) took up Arms, resolving to live and die in the defence of those Votes; then, and not till then (I dare boldly say it) did England, a tenth part of those Kingdoms that had given their power to the Beast, utterly, totally fall off from Rome; that in reason they can have no hope of ever fetching it back again, to serve the Popish In∣terest.

The third is this, [In the earthquake were slain of men 7000.] This being a round and perfect number, you need not understand it of just so many and no more (for indeed 7000. is not a proporti∣onable number for such an earthquake, but it may be a certain number for an uncertain [and in the earthquake were slain 7000.] i. e. thousands upon thousands.

But searching the Original, I finde That runs thus, [In the earthquake were slain, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, names of men] that is, men of name, men of re∣nown: the like Hebraisme you have Gen. 6.4. So in this Fall of the tenth part of the City, were slain men of name, note, quality (besides the common sort of People) 7000. meaning of the Witnesses enemies; some lost their blood and lives, others their places, powers, livings, livelyhoods; and thus there were slain of noted Statesmen, and noted Churchmen 7000. which in reason may be conceived a competent number in this late earthquake.

The fourth sequel is this, [And the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven.] Observe, 'tis not said the remnant repented, but were terrified; and indeed, nothing is more evident then that an awe and terrour is fallen upon the spi∣rits of those that remain; and (as Joshua exhorted Achan to confess and give glory to God) so, they are constrained; it bursts out of their mouths (fore

against their wills) that since the restoring of those men every Providence of God hath fought against them. And though they speak evil of dignities and instruments (as Jannes and Jambres did against Moses) yet they will confess that this is digitus Dei, the just handy-work of God upon them: they have nothing to accuse God of, for such his Dispensati∣ons to them. Whatever they think or say, concern∣ing men and present Powers, yet being terri∣fied, they confess, and give glory to the God of Heaven.

Tell me now in the singleness of your Spirits, have not Providences suted marvellous patly to the Text? Hath not something fallen out in our days, that may with more perspicuity of Reason be called the [signal] killing of the Witnesses, then hath in any Kingdom you can name, all Circumstan∣ces complying fully with the standard of the Word? Confident I am, that since the quickening and Re∣surrection of these men, there can no Kingdom in the World be named where the Beast hath pre∣vailed against the Zealous Protestant party, so, as it may be said he is yet killing Witnesses; he hath enough to do to hold his own, and in many places is apparently on the loosing, sinking hand. Where∣fore if I may draw the conclusion, it shall be this, [That which we all so much fear, is past,] and let Antichrist, and those of his Faction, take what follows.

I remember what our Saviour said to his Disci∣ples, Mat. 24.32, 33. When the Fig-tree putteth forth her leaves, you uknow that Summer is nigh: Likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the door. So say I to you; When something hath passed before our eyes, which we cannot in reason but call the killing of the witnesses, and resurrection of the witnesses, from that time, from that sign, know that Antichrists utter ruin is near, even at the dore.

Ʋse. The first use shall inform you of the ground and cause of God's thus severe proceeding with them.

A Ʋial of wrath is poured upon every thing that belongs to Antichrist, and the latter still more hot and scalding then the former, till he's utterly burnt up and ruind by them: Why? it lies in this, [The ju∣stice of God.]

God hath a nature that constrains him to give to every one according to their works; but such have been Antichrists works and carriage, that it is the e∣quallest thing in the world that God should exe∣cute and pour out upon him, all those fearfull things which Daniel, Paul, and the Apostle Iohn have foretold, and threatned him withal. He who hath made himself [the Man of Sin,] God can do no less then make him [The Son of Perdition,] as tis in the Text, Rev. 18.2. An Angel cryed with a

strong voyce, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fal∣len; the reason is laid down in the 5. ver. Her sinns have reached unto heaven.

We commonly call it the See, but it may well be called the Sea of Rome, for the streams of all the wickedness of all the world have run thither, and have there been swallowed up.

1. The Apostle says of the Cretians, They are all-wayes lyars, Tit. 1. but of these he saith, They speak lyes in Hypocrisie, 1. Tim. 4.2. The very first rise of Popery was from a lye, Hypocritically, and a∣gainst their Conscience: they challenged Appeals in difficult matters to themselves, and forged a Ca∣non of the Councel of Nice for it, which the sixt Councel of Carthage did with much diligence search out, and found to be a very forgery, a very lye; but for all that, they had the face to go on, adding one lye to another, till they had made up their Religion, which indeed is nothing else but a great knot and bundle of lyes. Their Doctrine of Merits, their Doctrines of Purgatory, Transub∣santiation,, very lyes, as our Reformed Divines have made appear sufficiently: show me one point that is truly and peculiarly theirs, and I will pawn my life upon't, I demonstrate it to be a lye: a taste whereof you had in the first Sermon, showing you his contradictions of Christ.

2. There is the greatest pride found in them that ever was found in men.

Suppose thou hadst been at Rome this year, be∣ing the year of Iubile, (but you must know that he is not such a proud and pamperd Beast now adays, as he was in formen ages) hadst thou been at Rome this year of Iubile, but especially any of those Iubiles that were some hundreds of years be∣fore Luther, and there seen the Pope arrayed as the Holy Ghost describes him, Rev. 17.4. In pur∣ple and scarlet colour, decked with gold, precious stones, and pearls, with a Triple Crown upon his head, set in a golden chair, carried on mens shoulders; his Princely Cardinals about him, his Breaden God, Cru∣cifixes, Reliques carried before him, opening the gates of Paradise (as they call them) with the touch of his golden hammer; great Ambassadors (sometimes Kings themselves) bowing before him, and worship∣ing of him, the common people begging pardon of sin, and eternal life of him, scarce suffered to kiss his feet; I say hadst thou been at Rome, and seen all this, couldst thou have thought or said less of him, then hic est ipse primogenitus diaboli, this is (doubtless) the first born Son of Lucifer, the eldest Son of the de∣vil.

Pope Innocent the 4. Ann. 1253. in the 37. year of Henry the 3. of England, being set in his Con∣clave, in the midst of his Cardinals, after much ad∣visement upon a small occasion, brake out into this language, Annon Rex Anglorum noster est vassallus, & (ut plus dicam) mancipium, qui possumus eum nu∣tu

nostro incarcerare, & ignominiae mancipare. Is not the King of England our Vassal, nay to say more, our slave, whom we can imprison at pleasure, and con∣demn to everlasting ignominy?

Pope Alexander the 3. set this foot upon the Neck of the Emperor Frederick the first, blasphe∣mously using those words of the Psalmist, Super Aspidem & Basiliscum, Ʋpon the Adder and the Basilisk shalt thou tread. The Pope hath made Kings to wait at his Gate, and hold him his stir∣rop.

I could have furnished you with many stories of like nature, speaking aloud the pride of their Spi∣rits: says Basil long since, Odi fastum istius Eccle∣siae, I hate the pride of that Church of Rome. And lest you should think we speak out of Spleen and Envy against him; hear what the Holy Ghost saith, 2 Thes. 2.4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself a∣bove all that is called God, or that is worshiped, for that he as God, sitteth in the Temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

3. The greatest truely and blood guiltiness lies upon them, that ever was upon any: Tis impossi∣ble for me to convince you of the ten thousand part of their murthers.

Historians do generally with one mouth tell us in that one Kingdom of France, 400. years ago, they slaughtered ten hundred thousand of those godly Waldenses, and Albigenses:

The Duke D'Alva boasted, He had destroyed a∣bove 18000. Hereticks in the Netherlands, in the space of six years.

In the first 30 years after the Order of Jesuites was set up, tis found that above fourscore thousand were slain.

The Spanish Inquisition in the space of 30 years, made away no less then one hundred and fifty thou∣sand.

In the year 1572. was the Massacre at Paris; in a few days space there were above 30000. treache∣rously and basely murtherd.

In our Queen Marys days, in less then 4 years, were consumed with fire and faggot, 277 persons, every one whereof it might be strongly presumed were true Members of Jesus Christ, his Saints in∣deed.

In the late rebellion in Ireland (to speak with the least) one hundred thousand were murthred before we could get so much as one Breast-work against them.

And now by these hints I have given you, can you make any guess at the number of those that have been slain in all those ten Kingdoms, who sub∣mitted to him throughout the space of above 1000 years? Certainly they do exceed all humane A∣rithmatick, Rev. 17.12, 13, 14. The ten horns which thou sawest, are ten Kings, these shall give their pow∣er and strength to the Beast, these shall make war with

the Lamb. The ten Kings of Europe with all their power and strengths, were nothing but the Popes instruments of blood and cruely.

I may be bold to say it, the Popes little finger hath been heavier upon the people of God, then were the Loyns of the ten Heathenish Persecuti∣ons.

To shed the innocent blood of any man, is a sin that cryes to God, and will certainly prevail with him for vengeance; how much more then to shed the blood of an Innocent Saint? I am confident if one had shed the blood of a hundred thousand men, that were indeed Reprobates, and the blood of but one true Saint of God, he should find a har∣der task and pull of it to come off with Divine Ju∣stice for the blood of that one Saint, then for all the other hundred thousand: there's reason e∣nough for it, they being but Chaff, Bryars, and Thorns, Dung, Scorpions, and worse then naught; but tis said, the death of a Saint is precious with God.

A Saint is a Member of Christ, helps to make up that body which is the fulness of him that fills all in all; is the pupilla oculi, the very apple of Gods eye; yea so dear to God, that the very hairs of his head are numbred; and therefore no marvel if he have a har∣der pull of it.

But the Popes of Rome have shed the blood of more then one Saint; indeed no other blood relli∣shes

with them. Rev. 18. and last verse, In her was found the blood of Prophets and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

A vein of cruelty & bloodshed went down from Cains days, even to the Popes times, who was so far from putting a stop to it, that he eagerly closed with it, made it wider and deeper then before; and his actions have justified all the murthers of the Saints that ever were yet committed in the world.

There hath not been a war in Christendom for this thousand years and upwards, but a Priest, or some eminently of the Popish Faction, hath been the incendiary; and they have so taken up their cups, that they have made themselves dead drunk. Rev. 17.6. I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Martyrs of Iesus; and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration: as at their sin, what that was, so at their punishment, how great in justice and equity it must needs be when it should come upon them.

To be drunk is a great sin; to be drunk with blood is monstrous; but to be drunk with the blood of the Saints, and Martyrs of Jesus, is strangely hel∣lish.

I could tell you how at Burges they buried one Marion alive; how in Queen Maryes dayes a woman being delivered at the stake, and the In∣fant by its sprawling like to get out of the fire,

they threw it with their forks into the fire again; they digg'd up Wickliffs bones and burnt them forty years after his death; Peter Martyrs wife at Oxford, Mr. Bucer and Paulus Phagius at Cambridge were served no better. We use to say, Vrsinon saevi∣unt in Cadavera, savage Bears will not rage against dead Carcasses. Now Lord, if these be Saints, who are Scythians; if these be Catholiks, who are Canibals?

Fourthly, The Bishops of Rome are the star that's sayd to fall Rev. 9. from Heaven to Earth. Their falling away from Christ and the Faith is called the great Apostacy of the latter times 1 Tim. 4. as Learned Mr. Mede hath judiciously observed.

Fifthly, It is sayd Rev. 13.5, 6. That he had a month speaking great things and blasphemies, and he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blas∣pheme his name, and Tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven. They take those Titles to them∣selves that are peculiar unto God, and so blaspheme his name; They call the true Doctrines and worship of Jesus Christ, Heresie and Schisme, and so blas∣pheme his Tabernacle.

Those that God hath damned they canonize, and affirm them to be in heaven; and those that God hath glorified in heaven, them they affirm to be damned souls in Hel, and so they blaspheme Hea∣ven and the inhabitants thereof. One of them would eat his Pork in spight of God; another of them, if God were so angry with Adam for eating

an apple, might not he much more for his Peacock? & says a third quantas nobis divitias comparavit ista fabula Christi, what a deal of wealth hath that Fable of Christ (speaking of the Gospel) broguht us in?

A Bishop here in England, when one he knew well, was brought before him for medling hereti∣cally with Scriptures, what a devil (sayd he) made thee meddle with Scriptures?

Sixthly, We read of their Fornication Rev. 9. and last v. tis true enough, there was once of shee-Pope, Ego non dubito (says Functius the Chronologer) quin divinito ita sit permissum, ut faemina fieret Pon∣tifex, & eadem Meretrix; I make no question of it, but that God in his wisdom permitted a noto∣rious strumpet to be advanced to the Popedom, that he might, in her, shew to all the World, what the Popes of Rome were, even that great whore with whom the Kings of the Earth committed Fornication; I say tis true enough, there was once a shee-Pope, who cried out (I mean, fell into the pangs of tra∣vel) as she was going on procession, (which after∣ward occasioned their Porphery Chair,) and so God openly declared her to be not onely mystically, but even literally the whore of Babylon, Rome calls her∣self, the Mother of all Churches, but the Holy Ghost much truer calls her the mother of Harlots Rev. 17. Common notorious stews are upheld in the Holy City if self.

Seventhly, Their covetousness is so base, that they

make merchandise even of mens [souls] as you may see, Rev. 18.11.12.13. It is storied of Pope John the twenty two, that when he dyed, there was found in his treasure two hundred and fifty tuns of gold.

And tis recorded of Boniface the eight, that he was able to shew more mony then all the Kings in Christendom.

Surely God hath long since smitten his hands at their dishonest gain, and that endless wealth, the inventions of their covetousness (Pardons, Indul∣gences, Pugatory, &c.) hath brought them in.

Eighthly, We read of their idolatry Rev. 9. and last verse; worship a piece of bread, kneel before the Cross & kiss it, & also the Images of Saints. Bo∣niface the 4^th: in the year 610 beg'd of the Em∣peror the Pantheon; he presently throws out the Heathen Images, and sets up the Image of the Virgin Mary as chief, and fills it with the Images of all the rest, and thereupon instituted the Feast of all Saints.

Ninthly, we read in the same place of their Sorceries. Their own Historians tell us (as I touch'd before) that two and twenty of their Popes were abominable Negromancers, of whom Bellarmine faith, they were parum probi homines, scarce to be called honest men; but Platina speaks out and calls them Monstra et portenda hominum, divels clad with flesh, and shapes of men onely.

Tenthly, They have kept Christ out of his brith∣right and lawfull inheritance above a 1240. years already, and he shall never have it but by strong hand.

If it went so hard with Ahab for taking Naboths Vineyard awhile, what will become of them who have seized Christs own inheritance so long a time, and killed those he hath sent unto them to demand his right out of their hands?

Lastly, They are the most impenitent wretches that ever breathed upon Gods ground; they have had the witnesses to call them to repentance from the very beginning; and God reaifed up the Turk as a scourge of Popery, yet the rest of the men (says the text Rev. 9.20.21.) that is, they of the West repented not. God gave the old World a 120. years to repent in before the broght the Flood upon them; he hath given these as much since Luther first preached the Gospel; but they are as far from repenting as the old World was when Noah en∣tered into the Ark. Rev. 16. ver. 9. When a Vial was poured upon the Sun, they blasphemed the name of God; they repented not. ver. 10.11. the fifth is poured upon the Throne of the Beast; they gnawed their tongues, blasphemed God, and repented not of their deeds, but prepared war against God, ver. 14. When great hail-stones fell upon them out of heaven; You read not of their repenting ver. the last, but that they blasphemed God to the last, because of the

plague of hail. Impenitent blasphemous wretches they have lived, and impenitent blasphemous wretches (for the generality of them) they'l certainly dye.

Now when God shall empty his last and hottest Vials of wrath upon her, and all her plagues come in one day, Rev. 18. Death, Mourning, Famine, and she's set all on a flaming fire, not to be quenched, for tis sayd, her smoak goeth up for ever and ever, those who shall then wonder why God deals so hardly and severely with her, God may answer them, are not my wayes equal, have I done unto her without cause all that I have done unto her, have not her sinnes reached up to Heaven? Do not you know that I am a just God, and reward every one accor∣ding to their works, judge I pray you between me and my enemies, if I have not done the thing thats right?

Ʋse. 2: The Second use shall instruct us in a point of wisdom, this; to hear and obey that voyce Rev. 18.4. Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. This is the voyce of God in all the streets of the great City, that is, in all the ten Kingdoms (especially) that either now do, or formerly have submitted them∣selves to the Beast, Come out from amongst them my People.

Oh, we are no Papists, I, but art thou none of the Popish Faction, is not thy heart with those that have joyned hands with Papists in one common cause? if so, in Gods interpretation thou art a Papist, and if thou dost not come out from amongst them, expect a share in their plagues. And as for thy not going to Mass, tis true, I think thou dost not love a Latine Mass, but peradventure thou lovest an English Mass, but peradventure thou lovest and English Mass with all thy heart; How welcom would the old Common prayer Mumpsimus be to thousands and Millions in this Nation, before any minister of Christs-praying, or worshipping in the Holy Ghost, as Saint Jude expresses it. And dost not thou love and allow thy self in some sins? lying is a Popish sin; Swearing, Blaspheming are popish sins; Apostacy from Christ and the faith to follow our own Fancies, and Delusions, a Popish sin; Pride and self-conceitedness, a Popish sin; hating and fighting against God and his Saints, a Popish sin; sleighting the power and purity of Ordinances, and profaning the Lords day, theft or any known dis∣honest gain, the sin of Uncleanness, Adultery, For∣nication, and Impenitency; all these, yea many more that might be named, are Popish sins; The Israe∣lites though they went out of Egypt, yeat took too much of Egypt along with them, their sins in the Wilderness were indeed Egyptian sinnes; We of the reformed Churches, though we left Rome be∣hind us, yet we brought too much of Rome along

with us, most or all those vile sins that are practised amongst us, our Ancestors found and learned them in the bosom of the Romish Church; and though they did let go their Doctrines and forms of wor∣ship in a great measure, yet they held fast very much corruption of manners, which we have inhe∣rited and improved (I fear) to a greater pitch and stock of Impiety by far then when twas left us; the Eternal God be mercifull to us. I say if these or any other Popish sins be found amongst us, God will put little difference between us and Pa∣pists; these Popish sins, if they be not put away from amongst us, will surely bring Popish plagues on us sooner or later.

In this late Earthquake amongst us, many (be∣cause they were of the Popish Eaction, and Popish sins were found in them) were shaken all to peices, and as much of the Vial fell upon them as did upon Papists themselves.

But perhaps thou'lt tell me. thou hast escaped, as many others also have; I advise thee then, sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee; repent, or else (believe it) that wrath which is due to a Pa∣pist will one day find thee out. Therefore friends, let all of us have our ears and hearts open to this voyce from heaven, and come out from amongst them; those sinnes any Papist lives in, do not thou live in; especially the wayes a Papist walks in, let not us walk in; that party or design a Papist ever

did or will own, let us hate and disclaim as we love our selves; and so we shall not onely escape their Plagues, but share in the Peace of God, and blessings of his own People.

Ʋse 3. The third Use take thus. I remember what comendations the Holy-Ghost gives the men of Issachar, 1 Chron. 12.32. That they were men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do. O that this could be truly affirmed of us, that we did but know the times, and what we have to do; that we could come once to understand our true Interest, and prosecute it vi∣gorously all of us, according to our places and power.

The grand Interest of all the People of God this day in Christendom, is, the ruine of Pope and Popery: till that be done, I dare deliver it, Firm and Blessed Peace and Happiness, in any Church or State, there will be none.

1. In this great quarrell of the times, between the Zealous Protestant, and Popish Faction, hate that wise indifferency, and neutrality of some men. Judg. 8. ver. 4, 5, 6, 7. And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them: And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give I pray you loaves of bread unto the people that follow me, for they be faint; and I am pursuing after Zeba, and

Zalmunna kings of Midian. And the Princes of Succoth said, are the hands of Zeba and Zalmunna now in thy hands, that we should give bread unto thy Army? And Gideon said, therefore when the Lord hath delivered them into my hands, then I will tear your flesh with the thornes of the ••ilderness, and with briers. You may read ver. 12. He took the two Kings, discomfited the whole Hoast, and by a guide he lite on, came to Succoth, learned out the Princes, and ver. 16. Its said, He took the el∣ders of the city, and thornes of the wilderness and briers, and with them he [taught] the men of Suc∣coth: He taught them how to stand Neuters when the Cause was a disputing between the People of God and the Common Enemy, Judg. 5.23. Curse ye Meroz (said the Angel of the Lord) curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof, because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. Meroz did not help the migh∣ty against the Lord, nor yet help the Lord against the mighty, but would be wise, and save their own stake, what way soever the game went: But the An∣gel of the Lord, the Lord Christ, did curse, and curse, and curse them bitterly, effectually; and gave all his People a charge that they should pray down curses upon them, because of their Neutrality.

Let me tell you, this quarrell that now Christ is engaged in, tis of the nearest concernment to him to prosper and speed well in it, that ever any was

in the world, and therefore be assured he will in∣terpret manifest Neuters to be close Enemies; those that are not with him of them, he will conclude they are against him, which cannot but end in a bitter destructive curse.

2. Gather we courage and valour to our selves, though the enemies, and difficulties of this work be never so many, never so great, and make up the number of those Called, Chosen, Faithful ones that go forth after Christ, upon this expedition, Rev. 19. Let Magistrates dispense Justice, Minsters dispense Ordinances, every man do the duty of his place, as much as possibly we can, to the difadvan∣tage of Romes Interest. More particularly;

1. Let us wait with patience, Rev. 13.10. He that leadeth into captivity, shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword, shall be killed with the sword; here is the [Patience] of the Saints (saith St. John) to be exercised in waiting for it; For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Give Christ his own time, and when it comes, it will come with so much advan∣tage every way, that thou wouldst not for any thing it should have come sooner. Christ times his Peoples mercies, and his time is still the best; bles∣sed are those that wait for him.

2. Get Faith, believe all that God hath said in this business, that he will fully execute each title of his threats upon him. Let thy Faith trade daily in

the blood of Christ for the more effectuall speed∣ing of it: for tis said, They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 12.11. that is, by exer∣cising their Faith in the blood of Christ.

3. Endeavor to be skilfull in the Word, espe∣cially in all the windings and turnings of this bu∣siness made known.

It is both sin and shame that Christians, especial∣ly we Ministers, study and understand no more of the Book of Revelations then we do. I am sure the contents of it are of as near concernment to us, as any are in all the Book of God; and I am sure God hath given out an encouragement to it, in the beginning of it, such as he hath not for the reading of any other in all the Bible, Rev. 1.3. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophesie, and keep those things that are written therein: that reads and studies them himself; that hears others expound, and preach the Word, and keeps the weighty things thereof in his heart to support & comfort him in these troublous sinking time, to direct and guide him amidst these many cross ways, and strange turns of affairs. And he hath given out a command for it in the lat∣ter end of the Book, Rev 22.10. Seal not the say∣ings of the Prophesie of this book; for the time is at hand that they must be acted; therefore let the book lie open for every one to read and study, that they may have understanding of the times, and know what they have to do.

The Word is the sword of the Spirit; 'tis a ham∣mer, a helmet; tis a fire, an engine of Battery; 'tis any thing thou canst stand in need of in this expe∣dition against him, Rev. 12.11. They overcame him by word of his testimony.

4, Give thy self much to Prayer; by Prayer thou mayest shut Heaven upon Antichrist and his Factions (as the Witnesses, Rev. 11.6.) that they shall get no showers of refreshment, no help, no mercy, no hope from God.

By Prayer thou mayst arm all the Hosts of Hea∣ven and Eath against them, Psal 18.6, 7, 8. In my distress I called upon the Lord, I cryed unto my God, he heard my voice out of his Temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled, the foundations of the hills mo∣ved, and were shaken, because he was wroth; There went up a smoak out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured; coals were kindled by it. Davids praying undid Saul; Much more will the prayer of Faith unanimously put forth by all the Saints, raise Heaven and Earth up in Arms against him. Prayer-blast him, ile warrant thee thou mayest do it.

5. Carry thy life in thy hand, Rev. 12.11. They overcame him; how? Why, they love not their lives unto the death. A dying time thou must have; thou canst never lose thy life (if I may call that a lo∣sing, which is indeed the greatest gaining) so glo∣riously,

comfortably, safely, as in this quarrell for God against Antichrist: say with Paul, I count not my life dear unto me, so I may but finish the work, Rev. 14.13. I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, they rest from their labours, and their works do follow them. The sense of this verse as it stands in conjunction with the former verses, is a Cordial, reach'd forth to those who shall lay down their lives for Christ in the quarrell, thus they die in the Lord, blessed are they; they rest from the labours, strifes, combustions, terrible broils that are in the World, for the pulling of him down; their services and sufferings shall not be in vain, they shall follow them in the rewards of them, triumphal Crowns, exceeding eternal weights of glory.

Happy are the men of this generation, accord∣ing as they lay forth their parts and power for An∣tichrist his ruine; it is the great work and business that God hath cut our for these times into which we are fallen, and blessed are they who know their Masters Work, and earnestly pursue his and their true Interest.

They are deaf that do not hear this voice from the mouth of Christ, Who will rise up for me against the evil doers, and who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquitie? Psal. 94.16. Cursed is he that doth work of the Lord deceitfully; and cur∣sed

is he that keepeth back his sword from blood, Jer. 48.10.

You will say, none of all this was spoken concerning Antichrist; true; for they were spoken concerning far inferiour enemies, and left upon Record, to be an alarm to us, then especially, when Christ should be up in Arms against his greatest adversaries; if any should then with-hold his sword from blood, or do the work he engages for, deceitfully, and is not in good earnest for the utter ruin of Pope and Popery, surely such shall be cursed of God, and cursed again. And do not say that in this I am cruel, lest you charge God foolishly, from whose mouth (you are witnesses) I speak, Rev 18.6. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works; in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double: as if he had said, spare her not, who never spared the dear Saints of God; give her judgement without mercy, who did never know to shew mercy; you can ne∣ver give her more then her iniquities have deserv∣ed Reflect we, every one of us, upon our selves and carriage, and see what we contribute to this great design Christ is gone forth upon. Do ye so dispence Justice and Judgement, so administer Gospel-Ordinances, Word and Sacraments, so act your Faith, so Pray, so Fight, as may help to shake out the remaining Vials of wrath faster and faster upon them? There is never a man or woman in

this Congregation, but may carry the matter so, as when Christ hath got the day and conquest, may without lying, or vanity of spirit, say, Through the goodness of God upon me, I was a weapon, a poor instrument in the hand of Jesus Chirst for the ef∣fecting of it; when Rome is all on a flaming fire, may say, I was one that helped to set it on fire; when Babylon is fallen, I was one that helped to pull it down: which if thou hast done (not Jehu-like, out of pride, and for thy own ends) but as service due to Jesus Christ, and for the bringing in of his Kingdom, doubtless thy seed shall be blessed upon Earth, and great shall be thy reward in Heaven.

Ʋse 4. The last Use is to you who in reason may live to this great day of Romes ruin, when you shal see the great Earthquake shaking their Politi∣call Heavens and Earth all to pieces, and the great∣est temporall glories now in Christendom brought down, laid low, and trodden under foot; let it not trouble you at all: for, let me tell you, those in Rev. 18. That shall tament her burning, are none of Christ friends, but carnal wretches, and indeed his enemies. Your duty upon it, is of a clean contrary nature. Rev. 18. you read of Babylon fallen, as when a milstone is cast into the bottom of the Sea; of the smoak of her burning, and that in one hour she is made desolate; saith the Holy Ghost, Rejoyce over her, thou Heaven, and ye holy Apostles, and Pro∣phets,

for God hath avenged you on her. Rev. 19.1. After these things (that is, after Rome burnt, and laid in ashes) I heard a great voyce of much People in Heaven (in the true Church of Christ) saying, Allelujah, salvation, and honour, and glory, and power unto the Lord our God, ver. 2. For true and righteous are thy Judgements; for he hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the Earth with her Fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his ser∣vants at her hand. ver. 3. And again they said, Al∣lelujah, and her smoak rose up for ever and ever. ver. 5. A voyce came out of the Throne, saying, [praise our God] all ye his servants, ye that fear him both small and great. It was one of S. Austins three wishes (that he could have rejoyced greatly in) to have seen Rome in her glory, though but heathenish; but I am confident were he upon earth now, one of his greatest wishes wherein he would most please and solace himself, would be to see Rome all on a flaming fire, and burnt to ashes, O quam pulchrum spectaculum! And truly there is cause why you should rejoyce in it with exceeding great joy.

• 1. When the Witnesses were dead in the streets, you know what was their carriage, Rev. 11. They rejoyced over them, made merry, sent gifts; and God will have you to tread forth the law of retaliation; as they rejoyced over your mi∣sery, so Gods tels you, tis an equal thing, and he requires it as a duty of you, to rejoyce greatly,

• over their miseries.
• 2. You know what postures they stand in, in reference to Christ and his Church; they provoke God daily with the highest hand that ever any did (as I have shewed you) they wrong Christ strangely, keeping him out of his just rights; they are the proudest enemy, the cruellest enemy, and enemy of the longest continu∣ance, the most hopeless of ever being brought in by repentance, that ever the Church had any; and therefore if ever the people of God might rejoyce in the downfall of an enemy, you may certainly in this.
• 3. Consider the sequel of their ruin, which will be this, A Kingdom that cannot be shaken, as the Apostle speaks Heb. 12.27, 28. and if the Text be rightly understood, it speaks to this very time and business. Out of the ruins and ashes these wars shall make, Christ will bring the most glorious frame of Government that ever the world saw; and let men and States do what they can, it will not be brought forth till then; but then it shall; and can any Saint but rejoyce in that which ushers in those good and blessed times, Scripture is so abundant in promising? which shall be the subject of the en∣suing discourse.

Notes

• * 1.1

  • Ann. Christi 66.
  • Ann. Neronis. 11.