Generation-work, or, A brief and seasonable word offered to the view and consideration of the saints and people of God in this generation, relating to the work of the present age, or generation we live in wherein is shewed, I. What generation-work is, and how it differs from other works, II. That saints in the several generations they have lived in, have had the proper and peculiar works of their generations, III. That it is a thing of very great concernment for a saint to attend to and be industrious in, the work of his generation, IV. Wherein doth the work of the present generation lye, V. How each one in particular may find out that part or parcel of it, that is properly his work in his generation, VI. How generation-work may be so carried on, as that God may be served in the generation / by John Tillinghast ...

VIAL VI.

1 The SUBJECT of it,

The great River Euphrates.

AND the sixth Angel poured out his Vial upon the great River Eu∣phrates. [Vers. 12]

Those who understand the drying up of Euphrates in a litteral sense, to make way hereby for the Jews more speedy return out of the Eastern Countries to Jerusa∣lem, their native Country, mistake, for the grounds of our last Proposition, and also because (as saith a godly man in answer to this opinion) the sixth Vial according to this should have no plague at all, for (saith he) either in these words of drying up Euphrates the plague is pointed at, or in none; for the following words mention no plague, but only the endeavour of Gods enemies to defend them∣selves against it.

By the River Euphrates some others understand the Riches and Revenues of Antichristian Babylon, which Riches and Revenues of theirs, are the strength of Ba∣bylon mystical, as Euphrates of old was of litteral Ba∣bylon; the drying up of Euphrates, the taking of these their Revenues from them, which Rents and holy Tribute of theirs being denied, their Chests and Coffers will by degrees grow empty.

Now although the Patrons of this opinion are men of worth, and to be esteemed, yet cannot I herein sub∣seribe unto them.

1 Because (as is by some of them confessed) the dry∣ing up of Euphrates in this sense, hath been begun this hundred years, nay, some say three hundred, where∣as the pouring forth of this Vial, is a thing yet to come.

2 Because every of the Vials hitherto hath done this by degrees already, and the Vials yet to come will more; for observe it throughout all the Vials, whatsoever it is that Antichrist loseth by any Vial, he, together with the loss of that, loseth a considerable part of his Revenues coming in thereby; and therefore every Vial clipping his Tribute, and cutting him short here, there needs not a par∣ticular Vial to be poured out upon that which every of the Vials, till the same is wholly destroyed, will have an in∣fluence upon.

Neither thirdly, Can I see how this will further (at most but very little) the Jews return, which is that great thing, to prepare a way for the doing whereof this Vial is poured forth.

An eminent late Writer interprets this River Euphrates to be the streams of Popish corruption, namely, their I∣dolatries, by their Mass, Invocation of Saints, &c. their murders of the souls of men, as well as the bodies of Christs servants; their Sorceries, of which many of the Popes themselves were guilty; their Whoredomes, namely, in their Stews; their Thefts, by their Indulgen∣ces and Pardons for money, &c.

But these things are no other but that Popish Earth, the first Vial fell upon, by the fall whereof these (though not throughout Antichrists Kingdom, yet in some parts (which is enough to evidence a Vial to have been already poured out upon them) were destroyed. And it is well known, that Luther who began to pour out the first Vial, was the very hammer of the Papists, as to the beating down, and knocking in peeces these things.

And although the Popish party are severely punished for these things, upon the sounding of the sixth Trumpet, Chap. 9.18, 19, 20, 21. Yet as these gross enormities came not then in, upon the sounding of that Trumpet, but were in before, though then they are punished for them; so (each Vial casting out (as the same Author hath observed) that very corruption which the same Trumpet brought in) it follows, the bringing of these things in being before, so must their casting out also, and therefore it is more agreeable to the Authors own Position, to place the casting of these things out under the first Vial (as I have done) they co••∣ing in, in all likelihood, under the first Trumpet) than that their casting out should not be until this Sixth.

But more rightly (as some others) we are to understand the Ottoman Family, or Turkish Empire, called the Great River, because of the multitude of People and Nations therein, Rivers signifying People and Nations, as I have proved under the third Vial; and the Great Ri∣ver Euphrates, either to signifie (as some think) that people to be here meant who inhabit about Euphrates, which are the Turks; or (as I conceive) to give us to un∣derstand that that very people are here intended, who shall about this time be looked upon, and accounted the greatest people of all others; for of all Rivers that we read of in the Old Testament, Euphrates is called the Great Ri∣ver, Gen. 15.18. Deut. 1.7. Josh. 1.4. or the River, by way of emphasis, Deut. 11.24. Now the people who at this present time are of all others accounted the greatest, are the Turks, who therefore, and no other, are here to be understood.

And which serves us for a strong confirmation hereof, the River Euphrates is but once more in all the Revelation mentioned, Chap. 9.14. and there, by the general con∣sent of Expositors, it hath reference to the Turkish power.

To which let me further add, that it being a thing also granted, that in the last war (to which preparation is made under this Vial) as well the Turkish Power shall be en∣gaged against the Saints, as the Power of the Beast, it therefore seems a thing very probable, that the Turk shall by the pouring out of this Vial, have some great provo∣cation which shall induce him to joyn hands with the Beast in his so desperate a quarrel.

2 EFFECT.

Drying up of the waters of Euphrates.

And the waters thereof were dryed up. The Turks power, and multitude, through the pouring out of this Vial shall be wasted and destroyed: for waters set forth mul∣titudes of people, (as before) the drying up of the waters, imports a wasting and consuming of these multi∣tude••.

3 The moving Cause.

Preparing a way for the Kings of the East.

That the way of the Kings of the East might be prepared. These words render a reason of the drying up of Euphrates, which is to prepare a way for the Kings of the East.

By Kings of the East, We are here to understand, the Jews, who upon the pouring forth of this Vial, shall re∣turn to their own Land, and be converted to Christ: And I take it that the pouring out of this Vial, prepares a way for both, viz. Their possession of their own land again, and their conversion to the Faith of the Gospel; For as the latter shall not go without the former, I mean conver∣sion to Christ, without possession of their land (The Scripture being full and clear in this, that when that Nati∣on

shall be converted, they shall be in possession of their Land again, Isa. 61.7. Jer. 31.17. and 32.41. Ezek. 37.21, 22, 25. Amos 9.14, 15. Zech. 2 12.) so the for∣mer alone without the latter, would be a thing indeed too low and carnal to be accounted the sole moving cause of pouring out this Vial, which this preparing a way for the Kings of the East, is.

Now the Jewes are here called Kings, either for that abundance of riches they shall bring along with them at their return, Isa. 60.9.—To bring thy Sons from far, their silver and their gold with them. Or rather for that great honour and dignity that God will put upon his people, (setting them uppermost in his Kingdom) upon it, Mich. 4.8. And thou O Tower of the flock, the strong hold of the Daughters of Sion, unto thee shall it come, even the first Dominion, the Kingdom shall come to the Daughter of Jerusalem, Isa. 61.9. Their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their off-spring among the people, all that see them, shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed, Zech. 8.23. In those daies ten men shall take hold out of all the languages of the Nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will goe with you, for we have heard that God is with you.

And they are called, Kings of the East (the Greek reads it, from the rising of the Sun) because (as some think) their coming shall be from the Eastern Countries, which though I do not altogether deny, yet cannot I here subscribe to it, as the reason why they are so called, because, as this interpretation adheres too much to the letter, so it is evident, that the Scriptures which speak of their return, do as well mention their coming from other quarters, as from the East, and not one Scripture speaks of their com∣ing from the East alone, Isa. 43:5. I will bring thy seed

from the East, and gather them from the West: I will say to the North give up, and to the South keep not back, bring my Sons from far, and my Daughters from the ends of the Earth, Chap. 49.12. Behold, these shall come from far, and loe these from the North, and from the West, and these from the Land of Sinim. Jer. 31.8. Behold I will bring them from the North Country, & gather them from the coasts of the earth,— Zech. 8.7. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, behold I will save my people from the East Country, and from the West Country, and I will bring them, and they shall dwel in the midst of Jerusalem. But rather following the Greek, Kings from the rising of the Sun. I take it they may be so called, because then they shall come to this great preferment, honor, and dignity, when Christ the Sun of righteousness shall arise, whose rising, that it shall be upon the pouring forth of this Vial (before the last is poured forth) shall appear hereafter.

Now God in his wonderful and unsearchable Provi∣dence will so order it, as that at the appointed time of the Jews return, the power and multitude of the Grand Signeur (who is now the greatest Monarch in the world, and holds their Land in possession) shall be much wasted and consumed, and that in such a way, by such means and instruments, that as the one, viz. The wasting of the Great Turks Power, shall set open a door for the Jews to possess their own Land, so the other, viz. the way, means or instruments by which this shall be done, shall be a special help and furtherance to their receiving of the Gospel, and Christ for their true Messiah; and so indeed the pouring out of this Vial upon the Great Ri∣ver Euphrates shall prepare a way (as hath been said) both for their possession of their own Land, and their con∣version to Christ, both which to take in here is much better (I conceive) and more agreeable to the mind of the

Holy Ghost, than to limit and straiten the same to any one onely.

Now that the Jews are spoken of under this Vial, whose conversion we are to expect before the pouring out of the seventh, is clear.

1 Because the Jews conversion being a thing so remark∣able as nothing more, and this to be in the very last ages of the world, it cannot be thought that in the Vials, (which is a Prophetical History in short, of things to be transacted in the last times) the same should be whol∣ly omitted, which yet in case it be not here spoken of, is,

2 Because in Rev. 19. (which Chapter is but a Com∣mentary upon the two last Vials) the Marriage of the Lamb to his Bride (which Bride can be no other than the General Assembly of the faithful ones, both of Jews and Gentiles converted to Christ, among which the Jews (as elder Sister) are chief, and therefore particularly spoken of, Isa. 62.4 5. and 54.4.5, 6. Hos. 2.19, 20.) is made an immediate forerunner of the battel of Armageddon, as compare ver. 7, 8, 9. with 19.20.21. with which bat∣tel the seventh Vial beginning, (for what is done before the pouring out of the seventh, is onely a preparation to it) the Conversion of the Jews, or the Marriage of the Bride must necessarily be before the seventh Vial is poured forth. He who desireth further light as to this Argument, may at his leasure read over the 37 38, 39, Chapters of Ezekiel, the third of Joel, and the 12, 13, 14, th. Chap∣ters of Zachary, and by comparing Chapter with Chapter, and the whole with this Prophecie, may finde it.

3 Because upon the pouring out of the seventh Vial, a great voyce comes out of the Temple of Heaven from the Throne, saying It is done. What is the meaning hereof? Why the phrase is but once more used in all the

Revelations, and that is chap 21.5, 6. He that sate up∣on the Throne said, Behold I make all things new. And he said unto me, it is done; here it is applied to the set∣ting up of the New Jerusalem, noting the meaning of the phrase to be this, Now is the New Jerusalem esta∣blished, and how should this be, in case the Jews the pri∣mary and principal Inhabitants of this new City, were yet to be converted?

Object. If it be said, the words speak not of their Con∣version, but onely preparing a way thereto.

I grant it, the pouring out of this Vial, doth onely pre∣pare the way as to their Conversion to Christ, which Conversion of theirs is to be (for the fore-mentioned rea∣sons) in the Interval of time betwixt the sixt and seventh Vials.

Object. Whereas it is further objected, That the Con∣version of the Jews cannot be until such time as the seventh Vial is poured forth, because Chap 15.8. it is expresly said, No man could enter into the Temple, till the seven plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled.

To that I answer, That this doth as well exclude the Conversion of Gentiles and Pagans, all the time the Vi∣als are pouring forth, as Jews, and who will affirm that? so long as daily experience hath, and (blessed be the Lord) doth prove the contrary.

Some other interpretation must therefore be given of this Scripture, to free it from such an assertion and whether doth not this suite the place well, which also serves to for∣ward the work of pouring out the Vials, by putting life and courage into the Angels which are to do it? to wit, That the glorious and powerful presence of God in his Temple, all the time the Vials should be in pouring forth (which is here set forth by smoak, alluding to that cloud covering the Tabernacle of old, Exod. 40.34. and filling Solomons Temple, 1 King. 8.10. which was a sign of Gods special presence then) should be such,

that [no man] that is, none of the Antichristian party, no nor any other (for he speaks not here of men as worship∣pers, as 1 King. 8.11. but of men as enemies to the Tem∣ple, and Gods work in it) [should be able] i.e. by force or power [to enter into the Temple] i. e. to destroy the Templers, and thereby put a stop to the work, Gods power and presence being in the Temple, to assist the An∣gels in carrying it on [until the seven Plagues of the seven Angels should be fulfilled] i.e. never, for if they cannot hinder the work till it is wholly effected, they shall never do it.

Object. Whereas it is further objected, that the whole 21, and 22 Chapters of this Book, which are the events of the seventh Vial, do hold forth this of the Jews con∣version, which therefore seems rather to be an Effect of the seventh Vial, than to go before it.

To that I answer, That the main thing spoken of in those Chapters, is their glory, not their conversion. Now that I readily grant, that their glory (which is a fruit and consequent of their Conversion) shall have a cloud upon it, and not be conspicuous till the battle of Armageddon be over, and the seventh Vial poured out; but their Con∣version shall be before, for Chap. 19.8. tells us that the Bride is in her fine linnen, whilst yet preparation is but making to this battle, and the pouring out of the seventh Vial.

To conclude, The very Argument used by the Reve∣rend Author of these objections (in opening vers. 16. of this Chapter) to prove the Jews conversion from the fing∣ing Hallelujahs Chap. 19. which being an Hebrew word seems to imply the Conversion of the Jews at this time (who together (saith our Author) with the Gentile-Churches praise God for Romes destruction) makes di∣rectly against his own opinion, viz. That the Jews shall not be called till all the Vials are poured out; for the

singing Hallelujahs, Chap. 19. is before, yet preparation is made to the battel of Armageddon, as from the sequel of the Chapter is clear; and this precedency is not only in words, but a precedency in time, for the singing Hallelujahs is instantly upon Romes ruine, whereas the battel of Armageddon (which yet is included within the Vials) is not to be till some yeers after.

4 The Angel of this Vial,

The Gentile-Churches.

One great Question yet remains, which if not resolved, we are still in the dark, notwithstanding all that hath been hitherto said; which is, Seeing that this Vial shall fall up∣on the Great Turk, who shall be the Angel that must pour it out?

To say the Jews themselves shall do it, the Text it self will not allow, because a way is prepared for them by doing of it.

I could incline to think, because it seems well to agree to the metaphor of drying up, that the power and multi∣tude of the Great Turk should by little and little, ••hrough Intestive broyls, and Civil commotions, be wasted and consumed; but that my thoughts are recalled, when I con∣sider that all the Vials are to be poured forth by such An∣gels only as come out of the Temple.

To say as doth a godly man) that the Turk shall draw all his forces out of Asia, and Africa into Italy, and this to be the drying up of the River Euphrates, would please me very well, were it not but that according to this interpretation, there should be no plague at all attending this Vial, seeing (as hath been said) the plague is expressed in these words of drying up Euphrates, or in none, unless barely a plague in his will carrying him, or

his counsel advising to such a journy, and plagues of this sort are more immediately from God, not mediately by Angels or instruments, as is the pouring forth of this Vial.

Yea (which makes me more averse hereto) I yet can see no other, but that the very and only reason of this per∣swasion is grounded upon a mistake, whilst the trouble∣some tydings out of the East and North, Dan. 11.44. (supposed to be an insurrection of the Jews in the Turks absence) is applied to the King of the South (that is, saith our Author, the Turks at this time invading Italy, and pushing against the Pope) whereas it is clear to him that seriously peruseth verse 40, 41, 42 43.44. that the same is to be applied to the King of the North.

If it should enter into the thoughts of any to conceive the Angel here to be Christ himself, who either by some immediate hand from Heaven should dry up the Turkish power, or by some secret judgement should cause a di∣vision amongst his subjects, or (as before) a diversion of his force some other way, thereby opening a door to the Jews to recover their own Land, I should to such re∣ply, that this were to make the Angel of this Vial different from all the rest, for every of the other Vials have some visible Angel pouring of them out, but according hereunto the Angel of this Vial should be invisible only.

What therefore shall wee say? seeing neither of these can stand, who may we next conceive unless some Chri∣stian power to be this Angel, which power must be such only as comes out of the Temple, no other being here to be admitted.

With this last my thoughts accord, because upon di∣ligent search, I can find no opinion else that will either agree with the Text, or with it self.

Give me leave therefore to express my own con∣jecture (for so I call it) and let others judge thereof, thus,

That the Saints having run through Germany, inva∣ded Italy, destroyed Rome, and being now with all their forces in Italy; the appointed time of the Jews delivery being come, the Jews in Italy, and thereabouts, together with those in these parts, and the outcasts also in the more remote corners of this world, shall now (through some strong impressions upon the hearts of some amongst them, that this is the very time of their deliverance) begin to stir, and to make towards their own land, whom the great Turk (having intelligence of their de∣sign) shall gather together all his forces to resist.

Now the work in Italy being done, and the instru∣ments doing it there, waiting upon God to see what fur∣ther work he hath for them, and also being by this time brought into such a frame by beholding Gods glorious Appearances with them against the Beast, as that there is now nothing so much in their hearts as a desire to do Gods work, and serve his will, being resolved (setting all carnal respects, and outward interests aside) to follow him whithersoever his providence shall lead them; and also being above measure taken and ravished (seeing here∣in the glorious accomplishment of all the Prophecies of old) with this great News, now ringing in those parts, and over all the world, that the Jews are stirring, as know∣ing how great an advance their coming in, will bee to the Kingdome of the Lord Jesus, by which the whole world shall be filled with the glory of the Lord; and also being loath, having gone thus far with Christ, now to sit still, whilst he hath any work to do, which they may be helpful in, yea counting it their high honour, and glorious privilege, in case they may but any way be∣come serviceable in this matchless work and design of

God; they shall hereupon make tender of their as∣sistance to the rising Jews in those parts against the Turk, whereupon with this handful of Jews (being as yet but the first fruits of those who from all parts are coming up) they out of some parts of Italy, shall invade the great Turks Dominions, by whose power his waters shall be dried, and his people become a spoyl unto them, which may be intimated in those words, Isa. 11.14. (which as they speak of the time, so also set forth the manner of the Jews coming up to their Land) They shall flye upon the shoulders of the Philistims toward the West, they shall spoyl them of the East together; The meaning may be this, Some Potent people towards the West of the Turks Dominions (as Italy is North-west of his principal Dominions shall take up the cause and quar∣rel of the Jews, and march swiftly with them into his Dominions, by whom those of the East (an Argument their march shall be East-ward, from towards the West quarter, to the East) that is, the Turks shall be spoyled, and the Jews re-possessed of their own Land. To this agrees, Isa. 49.22. Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up my hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy Sons in their arms, and thy Daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

And not besides our purpose is Zacharies Vision of the four Horns, and the four Carpenters, Chap. 1.18, 19, 20, 21. which Vision, that it relates to the last times (and not those times wherein Zachary lived) is clear by comparing the first and second Chapters together, which both speak of the same time, as appears, because the measuring line, Chap. 1.16. is mentioned again, Chap. 2.1, 2. and it is evident though that the Prophecie of the Jews return, Chap. 2. could not have its com∣pleat fulfilling (though something then was done in the

Type) in their return from the Babylonish Captivity, but must have respect to their last Restauration, when many Nations (together with the Jews) shall be joyned to the Lord, as vers. 11. And many Nations shall be joyned to the Lord in that day, agreeing to that (which more fully explains it) Chap. 8.20. Thus saith the Lord, It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the Inhabitants of many Cities. 21. And the Inhabi∣tants of o••e City shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of Hosts; I will go also. 22. Yea many people and strong Nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. 23. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, in those dayes ten men shall take hold out of all the languages of the Nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you (intimating the willingness of the Gentiles to march with them, and carry them up to their land at this day) for we have heard that God is with you, agreeing also to that (expresly spo∣ken of the last dayes) Mic 4.1.2, But in the last dayes, it shall come to pass, that the Mountain of the Lords House shall bee established in the top of the moun∣tains, and shall be exalted above the Hills, and the people shall flow unto it. 2. And many Nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord; which hath reference to the time of the Jews return, as is clear from vers. 6, 7, 8. In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted.

The words therefore (as is clear) relating to the last times; by the four Horns scattering Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem, Chap. 1.19. we are to understand the four Monarchies, Dan. 2.37, 38, 39, 40. under which, Israel,

(or the ten Tribes) were scattered, after that, Judah (or the two Tribes) and lastly, Jerusalem it self totally ruined, and the place possessed by strangers; the two first by the Assyrian or Babylonian Monarchy, the last by the Roman, since Christs time. By the four Car∣penters which come to fray these Horns, and cast them out, that the scattered might be gathered again, under∣stand the stone cut out of the mountains without hands; by which the Image (representing all the four Monarchies) being smitten upon his feet (i.e. in the fourth or last Monarchy) the whole Image (i.e. all the four Monarchies) are broken in peeces together, and like chaff with the wind carried away, their place is no more found, Dan. 2.34, 35.44, 45.

Now compare Zacharies Vision, and Nebuchadnez∣zars Dream together, and we may out of both, make this conclusion viz. That the four Carpenters whih fray the Horns lift up over the land of Judah to scatter it, being the same with the stone smiting the great Image upon the feet, which stone being no other than the Gentile-Churches, who shall strike first at the Ro∣man Monarchy, and at the fect of it, which are said to be part of iron, and part of clay; (that is, at the same as it now is under the Beast, having a Civil and Spiri∣tual power mixed together) it will necessarily follow that the four Carpenters, which are to fray the Horns of the Gentiles, and cast them out, that Israel may be gathered again, are the Gentile-Churches. Now be∣cause the power of the Turk especially, is that Horn which at present is lift up over the land of Judah, and al∣so a part of the old Roman Monarchy, as he possesseth those Countries, which did anciently belong to that Mo∣narchy, therefore the Gentile Churches shall fray his Horns also, i.e. dry up his power at the time when Israel is to be gathered.

And the Reason why they are called a Stone, Dan. 2. but four Carpenters, Zech. 1. is, because Daniel speaks of this power in the first rise of it, which as it shall be in an extraordinary way, by an immediate finger of God, who shall take a handful of his people out of some of the Mountains of this world, and by his own power and provi∣dence without the help or assistance (yea, against the stream of wordly Rulers hearts, could they help it) form them to∣gether as a stone, to break the powers of the world by; so shall the instruments at first be but little, low, weak, unskil∣ful, most despised, & altogether unlikely to break in peeces the great Image: but now by the time that they come to fray the Horns lift up over the land of Judah, (i.e. to deal with the great Turk) they are four Carpenters, that is, they shall by this time become very for midable, having by waging war with the Beast, and fraying his Horns, got not onely power into their hands, now, to cope and grap∣ple with the greatest, but also the very Art of hacking, and hewing down Gods enemies, they shall be no longer young beginners, to whom time must be allowed to rid work off hands: but they shall now become perfect Ar∣tists, men that have driven a Trade a great while, of fraying of Horns, pulling down worldly powers, and therefore be skilled in the way, and know how to rid such work off hands apace; and hence (in the forequoted place Isa. 11.14.) its said, they shall flie, to note, the quick dispatch they shall make of their work.

Now the Gentile Churches by invading the Turks Dominions with such of the Jews as are nearest (for be∣ing zealous in Gods cause, and expert in their way, they will lose no time) and by fraying his Horns, they shall thereby prepare a way, or make a high way for the rest of the Jews, who come from more remote parts, and chiefly the ten Tr••••es who were carried captive by the King of Assyria (who therefore are called the remnant

of his people from Assyria) to come up to their land and joyn with the rest, as vers. 16. And there shall be a high way for the remnant of his people, which shall be left from Assyria (i.e. yet remaining of those the Assyrians carried captive) like as it was to Israel, in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.

Yet because some Jews there shall be, who shall be in such corners of the world, that they cannot any other way than by shipping come at their Land; therefore those Gentile Christians who shall have set their Breth••en in possession of their Land (making it now their bus••ress to serve God in this work) shall go forth with the multitude of their ships, to fetch up the Jews from the more remote parts, and Creeks, and corners of the world, unto their own land, which is spoken of Isa. 60.9. Surely, the Isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy Sons from far, their Silver and their Gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the holy one of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. And although at this day, the Gentiles shall be in a manner Servants to the Jews, yet shall their hearts be so spiritual, that considering it to be their Fathers work & will, they shall be so far from being offended to see these new-coming-in-Guestsso enter∣tained, and welcommed, as that they must wait upon them, that they shall exceedingly delight in the thing; As Angels of glory delight to see Saints dandled, and to serve them.

Now as the Gentile Christians by drying up the wa∣ters of Euphrates shall set open a door for the Jews from all quarters to come up to their own Land: So shall this kindness of theirs shewed towards the Jews in undertaking freely so great a work for their sakes, have a strong influ∣ence upon the hearts of that People, to bring them by little and little to a love and liking of Christianity, and so (as I said at first) the pouring out of this Vial prepares a way both for their regaining their own Land, & their conversion to Christ.

Qu. If any further desirous to know who amongst the Gentile Christians are most likely to be the Instruments in doing of this work. My thoughts concerning it are, (of which I may truely say, that not a private affection to any people above others, hath been the rise of them, but a diligent search of the Scripture, to find satisfaction con∣cerning the Angel of this Vial hath brought forth unawares both the questior, with my thoughts thereupon) which in the general (so far onely as I have ground for conjecture) I shall here lay down, and let the understanding and un∣prejudiced Reader judge.

1 It is most likely, That the same Angel, or those very Instruments which shall ruin Rome, shall also pour out this Vial upon the great River Euphrates, be∣cause the stone that smites the feet of the Image (i.e. An∣tichrist) is the same with the four Carpenters, who are to fray the Horns (i.e. the Turkish Power) lift up over the Land of Judah.

Now because it will be said, That it is as hard a thing for us, as yet, to find who this Angel shall be, as the o∣ther; for till we see Rome destroyed, who knows who shall do the thing? I answer, would you know the In∣struments before you see them at Romes Gates, observe then the rolling stone, and look for them there where you see that: For this is most certain, that as the great I∣mage is to be broken in peeces by no other force or power, but onely that of the stone, so there where the stone is first taken out of the mountains, and formed together by God, and begins to roll and smite, out of that quarter, may we conclude the Tempest (though yet it be a great way off) which is to fall upon Rome shall most certainly come; for observe it, though the stone by rolling grows greater and greater, yet is it that stone still, and not another, which was formed together at first; whereas if the same matter which formed together did make the stone at first,

were wholly to be laid aside, though matter of the same kind should still be used, yet would it be a new stone, a stone new formed; but the same stone that smites at first, and not another, is that which breaks in peeces the great Image, though this stone, whilst it is in doing of it, is still in a growing posture; by means whereof as it rolls further and further, so may it have much more matter added daily to it, yet is it the same stone still, and the out∣ward strength of the stone lies principally in that matter, which was formed together at first, that being the Basis or foundation of the rest.

And this confirmes our first and main Proposition, viz. That the Gentile Christians shall pour out this Vial up∣on the Turk, because the very same stone, which begins to smite the Image on his feet, is to break the whole I∣mage, i.e. all worldly Powers.

This likewise confirms, what but even now I said, viz. That the stone, Dan. 2. and the four Carpenters, Zich. 1. are one and the same; for the four Carpenters are they which fray the Horns lift up in the last days over the Land of Judah. Now that which breaks all worldly Powers in the last days standing in the way of Christs Kingdom, is no other but the stone, which Daniel ••peaks of.

2 In answer yet further to the former Question, I find in the fore-quoted places, Isa. 60 9. and 11.14. four marks or characters to know that people by, who among the Gentile Christians, shall be the principal Instruments of making way for, and bringing the Jews unto their own Land.

First, They shall be a people inhabiting in some Isles.

Secondly, They shall have great hearts to the work, and a longing desire to see the day of Israels redemption, which therefore they shall wait upon God for: Both these are expressed, Isa. 60.9. Surely the Isles shall wait for me.

Thirdly, They shall be such who shall be very con∣siderable, and strong in shipping, having multitudes of ships at their command, as this in the following words, and the ships of Tarshish first. Tarshish was a place very considerable for Navigation and Shipping in time of old, for which reason the Scripture never speaks of great ships, strong ships, or multitude of ships, but they are called by the name of the Ships of Tarshish, 2 Chron. 9.21. Psal. 48.7. Isa. 2.16. Ezek. 27.25. Now this people dwelling in the Isles, and so strong in shipping, shall be the first that shall put their hands to this work, The Isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy Sons from far, and thy Daughters from the ends of the earth.

Fourthly, What if I say, they shall be a people under a State Government, for such a kind of Government of old had the Philistims, the power of Government among them residing not in one man, but in many, which in Scripture are called the Lords of the Philistims. Now this people who shall assist the Jews at this day, are Isa. 11.14. likened to the Philistims of old (they shall flye upon the shoulders of the Philistims) how? not in qualities or conditions, for the Philistims were ever enemies to Israel, and these are friends, but rather in the form of their Government; the Philistims were go∣verned by a State; so shall these. These are the cha∣racters, let the Reader refuse, or apply them as he plea∣seth.

Now because the thing aimed at in pouring forth this Vial, concerns the Jews more especially, and their Re∣stauration (as hath appeared in our Discourse hitherto) and because the thoughts of good men are various, and their notions and conceptions very different in the point of the Jews first stirring, some conceiving the same to be up∣on a Civil account only, to recover their Country, and

their conversion to be some years after: Others judging that they shall at the first be converted to the faith of the Gospel, and their stirring to arise from that; the right understanding of which mystery, is a thing of such im∣portance (either opinion having seemingly much footing in the Prophecies of the Old Testament) as that without some further light, then as yet I have seen, the Prophecies relating to this people, and the time of their return, cannot be brought to a joynt concurrence and har∣mony one with another; I shall therefore (not boasting of any light that I have above others, having reason enough to be otherwise minded; but as one willing, with others, to seek after, and if it may be, to find the truth) offer here (in the close of this Discourse) and that in as few words as I can, my own present thoughts concerning the thing, which are,

That the first stirring or moving of this people shall be (as I conceive) from some notable work of God up∣on the hearts of some, who shall at this day be Prin∣cipal ones, or Leaders amongst them, working in them a sincere, earnest, and longing desire to find the Lord their God: Hereupon arising themselves, and stirring up others to arise with them, now to go unto Sion, unto the Lord their God, which we have, Jer. 31.6. For there shall be a day, that the Watchmen upon the Mount of Ephraim (who was head of the ten Tribes, for which reason the Restauration here spoken of, must be their last, which is yet to come) shall say, Arise yee, and let us go up to Sion, unto the Lord our God, and vers. 9. wee have the manner of their coming, They shall come with weeping, and with supplication will I lead them: Qualifications not proper to such persons who move only upon a Civil account, and for worldly ends. So Chap. 50.4, 5. (speaking of the frame they shall be in, whilst as yet they are but upon the way) In those dayes

and at that time, saith the Lord, if the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah to∣gether, going and weeping; They shall go and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Sion, with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us joyn our selves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten. Which Text was not fulfilled in the re∣turn from Babylon, when Judah only, not Israel and Judah together, did return, but manifestly looks to their last Restauration, so Isa. 51.11. we have a contrary af∣fection, arguing the inward joy and delight they shall have in this journey, from considering whither, and about what they are going, viz. to Sion to seek their Lord, The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Sion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads. So Hos. 3.5. (they go seeking the Lord) Afterwards shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their King, and they shall fear the Lord, and his goodness (When?) in the latter dayes. Chap. 1.10, 11. at their beginning to stir, before yet they are come forth the place of their capti∣vity, shall be called the children of the living God. It shall come to pass that in the place where it was said unto them, ye are not my people, there shall it be said unto them, ye are the Sons of the living God. Then shall the children of Judah, and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land; for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

Now those amongst them who from such an inward de∣sire and principle, shall move themselves, and put others upon it shall be (as I conceive) persons under a state of true conversion to God, being now delivered from the curse before they lay under, and that hardness which be∣fore was upon them, though the particular Revelation of

Christ, as come in the fiesh shall not as yet be manifested to them; but with a strong breathing after the Lord; and a general faith in the Messiah, whom they shall truly beleeve in, look for, but as to come, they shall now go seeking after the Lord, and David (or Christ) their King; and this faith of theirs though for want of New-Testament light, it be not a New-Testament faith (i.e. a faith in Christ as come already) yet shall the same be true faith, though running in the Old Testament way, (they having yet no higher light) for such was the faith of Gods people of old, before Christ came, a looking to the Messiah which was to come, acknowledging their salva∣tion to be only from him, and earnestly breathing and longing after the day of his appearance.

And these persons who shall have already this true saving work begun in them shall by converse with, and beholding the holiness, grace, and love, of those Gentile Christians, who shall be instruments to help them in their land, have a farther work wrought in them, and upon them (and that before Christs appearance to them) namely, they shall be convinced that the Messias is come, being that Jesus which was Crucified by their Na∣tion, which shall so affect them, as that they shall begin to own the crucified Jesus for Lord and Christ; and this I think the rather, because I find the Apostle Paul seeming to intimate, Rom. 11.11. that the Jews shall be provoked (i.e. with a holy provocation) by the Gentiles; Yea vers. 30, 31. (having before spoken of their Call, vers. 26. And so all Israel shall be saved) he tells us plainly, that as the Jews by rejecting the Go∣spel at first, did make way for the same to be brought to, and preached among the Gentiles; so the Gentiles by having the mercy of the Gospel amongst them, shall (when the appointed time of Israels conversion to Christ is come) be a means of the Jews obtaining this mercy

again, For as yee in times past have not beleeved God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbeleef; even so have these also now not beleeved, that through your mercy, they also may obtain mercy; And which strengthens this perswasion, I find Rev. 19. (as hath been before observed) the Bride to be in her fine linnen made ready to receive, and meet her Bridegroom, and that before his appearance, or coming forth to battel upon the white Horse.

But now though there shall be many amongst them, who shall from such ends and principles move, as have been before declared, yet shall there also with these march a great multitude, who moved from no work upon their heart, shall yet go with the rest, either led to it by perswasion, example, or some carnal ends, or hopes of their own; as it was with Israel of old, at their coming out of Egypt first, and Babylon afterwards (both which were eminent Types of this deliverance) these being still in their hardness, their former state of sin and bondage, shall not be able to bear the glorious Gospel Revelation of Christ crucified to be their Messiah, but shall stumble at it, kick against it, and against such of their brethren who receive it.

This we have Isa. 8.14. He shall be for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offence to both the Houses of Israel, for a gin, and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem; which, that it speaks of this time is clear, not only for the reason, that it is about the time in which the Assyrian (i.e. as shall appear hereafter, the great Turk, who now possesseth what did anciently belong to the Assyrian Monarchy) is to overflow the land of Ju∣dah, yea and then too, when the same shall be Immanuels land, that is, when Christ shall begin of the Jews to bee known and worshipped there, as vers. 7.8. but also because it is said in the words, He shall be a stone of stumbling

to both the Houses of Israel, i.e. to some of the ten Tribes, and some of the two both, who shall at this day be reunited, which never yet hath been. And these are the Rebels spoken of Ezek. 20.38. which shall be amongst Gods people at this day, when they are to be ga∣thered out of all Countries, as were Korah, Dathan and Abiram, in the dayes of old, upon the coming out of Egypt.

Yea these shall bee they who immediately before the time of Christs appearance shall hate their Brethren (i.e. such among them who tremble at the word of the Go∣spel, which by the Gentile-Saints, they shall have had some light into, and cast them out for Christs name sake, whom now they own) who shall at the coming of Christ bee ashamed, when he shall appear to the others joy, as Isaiah (speaking of the time of the Jews Call, Christs coming, and the setting up of the New Jerusalem) tells us, Chap. 66.5. Hear ye the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his word, your Brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my names sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified, but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Yea these are they who in the last and great day of the battel of Armageddon, which Zechary speaks of, Chap. 14. shall some of them even joyn hands, (they shall bee so horridly vile) against the rest of their Fellow-brethren, and that with those who from all parts of the World shall bee gathered together against Jerusalem, as vers. 14. And Judah also shall fight at, (or against) Jerusalem, as did part of those who in Nehemiahs time came out of Babylon, conspire with Sanballat, Tobiah, and the rest of the enemies of Je∣rusalem against godly Nehemiah, and their Fellow∣brethren.

This mixture which shall be at this Day, some

being Israelites indeed, some in name onely I take it was typed by the mixed multitude marching up with Israel out of Egypt; the Congregation of Israel then, or those who (in that day whilst things were outward and typical) were the natural seed of Abraham typing out those who shall at this day bee the Spiritual Seed, or true Sons of God; the multi∣tude of Egyptians, and o••hers, who were not Is∣raelites by birth (though yet they went with the Congregation) typing out those, who at this Day (although they shall bee the Seed according to the flesh, and march with the rest) are yet notwithstand∣ing not accounted the Spiritual or Holy Seed, which Holy Seed, though but a Tenth (that is, a sew in comparison of the rest) are yet called the substance, Isaiah 6.13. i.e. the substance of this people that God looks at, or will reckon for the Seed at this day.

And in regard of this mixt multitude which shall bee amongst them when they stir, Daniel setting forth this their stirring by a Resutrection, Chap. 12.2. (which is the same with the Resurrection of the dry bones, Ezek. 37. applyed there to the Jews stirring) he saith, some shall arise to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt; Which last words are an Argument, that the Resurrection Daniel speaks of, cannot bee the same with that first Resurrection, Rev. 20.6. because none have part in that but such as are blessed, and holy, and on whom the second death hath no power.

Now because (as I have said) amongst those who come up to their Land, the greater part shall be found not truly seeking the Lord, but their own things; there∣fore by that time they are settled in their Land, (and probably, the Gentile-Christian removed from them,

or returned home) shall a fearful storm, such a day as never was from the foundation of the world, fall upon them (which Daniel mentions, Chap. 12.1. and Zech. Chap. 14.1.) by which as the better part shall bee brought through the fire and purified, and their faith tryed; so shall the other fall off, (as before) to the Enemy, or be cut off by this day of trouble, so that a remnant onely shall bee left, which remnant shall bee the Holy Seed, which wee have, Zecha. 13.8, 9. And it shall come to passe that in all the Land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off, and dye, but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tryed, they shall call on my Name, and I will hear them, I will say, It is my people, and they shall say, The Lord is my God, Isa. 10.20, 21, 22. It shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel in truth. The Remnant shall re∣turn, even the Remnant of Jacob unto the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the Sea, yet a Remnant of them shall return, the con∣sumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness, Chap. 4.2.3.4. In that day shall the Branch of the lord be beautiful and glorious — for them that are escaped of Israel. And hee that is left in Sion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem shall be called Holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem. When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the Daughter of Sion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst there∣of, by the Spirit of Judgement, and by the Spirit of

Burning, Zepha. 3.12, 13. I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the Name of the Lord. This is the day of purging out the Rebels: Ezek. 20.38. And I will purge out from among you the Rebels, and them that transgresse against mee. Of judging between Cattel and Cattel, Chap. 34.17. Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I judge between Cattel and Ca••tel, between the Rams and the Hee Goats. All which pla∣ces, as will be evident to him that shall but understand∣ingly peruse them, and compare them with other Scriptures, speak of the last times, when the Iews are to come in.

To this Remnant shall Christ at the great day of the battel of Armageddon (which shall put an end to this day of trouble) appear, who shall from that day bee advanced to reign with him in his Kingdome. But of this more hereafter.

Thus much as touching the sixth VIAL.