The book of the Revelation paraphrased; with annotations on each chapter. Whereby it is made plain to the meanest capacity:

CHAP. XVII.

The Text.

1 AND there came [with Authority and Commission from God,] one [i. e. the first, Chap. 16.2.] of the seven Angels which ¹ had the seven Vials, and talked with me [after a more famili∣ar manner;] saying unto me, Come hither [i. e. nearer unto me, to receive more clear and intimate communications of Knowledge;] and I will shew [or point out, and demonstrate] unto thee, the Judgment [i. e. the foul ³ guilt, Sentence and Destruction,] of the great ⁴ Whore [i. e. the gteat Idolatrous City and Church;] that ⁵ sitteth upon many Waters [that is, ruleth over much people, Verse. 15, 18.]

Annotations on CHAP. XVII.

¹ To shew, that this Woman was one of the Enemies of Christ's Kingdom, upon whom the Vials are to be poured, and withal the chief of them, with whom all the others were to fall.

² As being now about to give him a more clear descripti∣on of the Beast, than he had as yet received.

³ So the Word signifies sometimes in Scripture, as Ezek 7.23. Rom. 5.16. 1 Tim. 5.12.

⁴ The People, Cities and Churches, which Apostatize from the True God to Idolatry, are called Whores in

(a) 1.1 Scripture, for breaking their Covenant with God, to whom they were thereby espoused; from whence it is e∣vident, that a Christian City must be meant in this Chapter, and not a Pagan; which cannot be said to be a Whore, or an Apostate City, because Pagan Cities having never acknow∣ledged the True God, or been espoused unto him, cannot be said to Apostatize from him. And we may observe that there is here a Double Article in the Greek (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) to shew that this City was Eminent for Idolatry, and that she had been before noted for it in this Prophecy; that she had continued in it for a long time; that her sin was great in it self; and had been propagated through the large Extent of her Dominions; whence she is called, The Great Whore, and The Whore; as being the Chief and Me∣tropolitan of the Idolatrous Cities and Churches; the impudent Whorish Woman (according to Ezek. 16.30. and Chap. 23.) and the Jezebel, Rev. 2.20.

⁵ In Allusion to the situation of her Type, Babylon; which is called, The Great City, Dan. 4.3. and is described Jerem. 51.13. as dwelling upon many Waters; that is, situa∣ated upon Euphrates, which encompassed it, and ran through it, and the adjacent Countrey, in Cuts and Rivulets.

2 With whom [i. e. by ⁶ whose sollicitations, and example;] the [ten] Kings of the Earth, [verse 12.] have committed [spiritual] fornication [which is Idolatry, Isa. 23.17.] and [all] the inhabitants [or meaner people] of the Earth [i. e. of the Apostate Roman Empire,] have been drunk [i. e. madly zealous, and sottish y dote∣ing, Jerem. 51.7.] with the wine of her Fornication [i.e. her pleasing, and intoxicating allurements to Idolatry.]

⁶ Or, hereby may be signified, that they Idolized her, by worshipping her, and calling her the Mother and Mistress of all Churches, and attributing Infallibility to her; as the Phrase is taken Jerem. 3.9. Ezek. 16, 17.23, 37.

3 So he [i. e. the Angel,] carried me away in the Spirit [chap. 1. 10.] into the Wilderness, ⁷ [where the Woman, the true Church was, chap. 12. 6.] and I saw a ⁸ Woman [i. e. a City, verse 18. and Church] * sit [on high; and in an exalted state, verse 9.] upon a scarlet ⁹ coloured Beast [i. e. the Roman Empire,] full of names [or kinds] of Blasphemies [i.e. of all ¹⁰ manner of Idols, and Idolatries, and Idolatrous Titles, and Offices;] having seven heads [or successive forms of Government, verse 9, 10.] and ten horns [i. e. Kings, verse 12.]

⁷ The Wilderness was a proper place for him to see this Vision in:

(1.) Because places of Retirement and Solitude, are fittest for the Reception of Divine Illuminations, and for Medita∣tion; and to signifie, that a clear and distinct View of the Apostasy could not be taken but by one who had retired at some distance from it, and from its bewitching pleasures; and the Hurry and Noise which attended its City, Church and Court.

(2.) Because the Woman, the pure Church, being in the Wilderness, he could best compare them, and distinguish the one from the other.

⁸ Churches and Cities are represented by Women in Prophe∣cy(a) 1.2; as they are also in ancient Coyns and Pictures. And although a City be here chiefly signified, as is plain from

Verse 18. yet because the Church is in the City, and the foul and loathsome Crime of the City, here reprehended, is with relation to Church-Corruptions; therefore that is to be understood, and included in it.

* She sitteth on high, on the Beast, by which she is born up, or exalted, as Imperial Cities are, by the Empires, of which they are the Chief Seat.

⁹ Scarlet Colour denotes Royal Authority, as appears from Dan. 5. Matth. 27.28. and the Military Robe of the Ro∣man Emperours was also of that Colour; whereby is ap∣positely signified the Tyrannical Cruelty of the Beast; and that this Woman, or City, was seated in the Roman Empire, and was the Imperial City of it.

¹⁰ All which may be included in(a) 1.3 Names of Blasphe∣mies; and is plainly fulfilled in the Numerous kinds of Ido∣latry, and Idolatrous Offices, in use under the Roman An∣tichristian Jurisdiction; no other Beast being proper to carry a Whore, or an Apostate Church; but an Apostate one.

4 And the Woman [i. e. the Romish City and Church] was ar∣rayed in Purple ¹¹ and Scarlet Colour [i. e. arrogated to her self Im∣perial Power, and Majesty,] and decked ¹² with Gold and precious stones and Pearls [i. e. was a pompous, and worldly Church, full of Pride and Riches;] having a golden Cup ¹³ in her hand [i. e. tempting Baits, and powerful motives ready at hand, to entice worldly minds;] full of abomination, ¹⁴ and filthiness of her fornication [i. e. of abominable and loathsome Idolatry.]

¹¹ Scarlet was the Habit of the Romans in VVar, and Pur∣ple the Habit of the Emperours and Senate in Times of Peace, as Grotius observes on the place; whereby is signifi∣ed, that this was an Imperial Roman City. It is also obser∣vable,

(1.) That this VVoman takes to her self the Colour of the Ornaments of the Tabernacle of God (as Grotius also notes) which were of(a) 1.4 Purple and Scarlet, whereby her Idolatrous Ʋsurpations of what belongs to God may be set forth.

And (2.) That these Colours are much affected in the Papacy;(b) 1.5 that Christ's Priests (saith Baronius) might be in their Pomp, equal to the High Priests amongst the Hea∣thens.

¹² Such was also wont to be the Attire of Harlots, Prov. 17.10. And it is observable, that the Papacy has not only excessive Riches and Revenues, but that the(c) 1.6 Popes have been so prodigal in procuring Ornaments and Jewels for their own Pontifical Attire, and especially their Triple Crown, (a fatal Counterfeit of Christ's many Crowns, Rev. 19.12.) that they have often run the Papacy into debt by it; which by their Prodigious Pride is loaden with Gold and Jewels, and became thereby so heavy, that Pope Paul the Second died of an Apoplexy, occasioned by the weight of it.

¹³ Babylon, her Type, is said (Jerem. 51.7.) to be the Golden Cup, that hath made the Earth drunken with her Wine.

¹⁴ Abominations signifie Images or Idols, and the abomina∣ble Practises accompanying them. 1 King. 11.5, 7. 2 King. 23.24. Jerem. 7, 30. ••2, 34.

5 And upon her ¹⁵ forehead [after the impudent manner of a whore∣ish woman, Ezek 23, and 16.30.] was a Name ¹⁶ written [so plain∣ly, that it might be read and understood by those who exercise Spiritual Wisdom, verse 9.] Mystery ¹⁷ [of iniquity, 2 Thes. 2.7.] ¹⁸ Babylon the great [i.e. the Metropolis of the Fourth, or Roman Empire,] the ¹⁹ Mother [City, and Church,] of Harlots [i. e. of Ido∣latrous Cities, and Churches;] and abominations [i. e. the cheif Author and Promoter of Image Worship; and other filthy ²⁰ and unclean Doctrines and Practices] of the Earth [i. e. of the Apostasy.]

¹⁵ Criticks have observed, that Harlots were wont to have their Names written on the Portals of the House where they prostituted themselves, and sometimes upon their Fore∣heads; and that hereby is accordingly signified, the notori∣ous Impudence of her Idolatry; although I presume, that this may be rather an allusion to the Title(a) 1.7 upon the Fore∣front of the Mitre of the Jewish High Priest, which had Ho∣liness to the Lord, written upon it; and that hereby is inti∣mated, that this Apostate Church was of a contrary Temper and Spirit to what God required in his Church and Ser∣vants.

¹⁶ She was not one of those whom God had sealed in the Forehead; but had her Crime written upon it, her sin being publick and notorious, and easily to be discerned by the Mind that hath Wisdom.

¹⁷ Hereby is evidently signified, that this VVoman had compleated and brought forth that Mystery of Iniquity;

which began to work when the Apostle wrote to the Thessa∣lonians; called a Mystery of Iniquity, because it un∣dermined Christianity, the Mystery of Godliness, by the spe∣cious pretences of promoting and advancing it; as Dr. Moor hath shewn in his Mystery of Inibuity; where he hath also plainly proved, that this hath been actually done by the Ro∣mish Church; whose Religion and Worship (especially in what belongs to the Mystery of the Mass) is so mystical, that many Books have been writen to give the significations of it; and of the Habits of their Priests, and the Ceremoniet and Vestments they make use of.

And that Papal Rome is hereby meant, will appear more evidently from what Scaliger has noted on this place; viz. that the Word(a) 1.8 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, was engraven on the Front∣let of the Pope's Mitre; and was changed by Julius the Third, when the Protestants began to adapt this Prophecy to the Papacy; which is also confessed to be true by Brocardus, a Papist, in his Notes upon this place, who lived in the times of Pope Julius; and is but faintly denied by Lessius, in his Answer to King James.

¹⁸ Babylon was the Seat of the Assyrian Monarchy; and is confessed(b) 1.9 by almost all Interpreters, Ancient and Mo∣dern, Popish as well as Protestant, to be a Type of Rome; which in here described by the Phrase Nebuchadnezzar made use of, when he proudly gloried in Babylon as the seat of his Kingdom; from whence it appears that Rome is here meant, under the relation of being the seat of the fourth Empire, as Babylon was of the first. And Rome as the seat of the

Fourth Empire under its Antichristian King, must be here meant; because it is called the Mother of Harlots; which is a Phrase peculiar to an Apostate City, and Church in Scrip∣ture; as hath been before observed on numb. 4.

¹⁹ The cheif of the Idolatrous Churches; from whence Idolatry is derived and propagated to all others; and on which they depend, as members of it; in Opposition to the True Jerusalem the mother of us all, Gal. 4.26.

²⁰ Such as the Denial of Marriage to the Clergy, whereby Ʋncleanness is promoted; the toleration and defence of For∣nication; and other abominable Doctrines and Practises which are Taught, or Connived at under the Papacy.

6 And I saw the Woman [as it were] drunken with the Blood of the Saints [or holy and pure Christians, which she had spilt with an excessive, and insatiable greediness and delight;] and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus [i. e. his Special and Faithful Wit∣nesse;] and when I saw her, I wondered ²¹ with great Admiration [what this Vision should mean]

²¹ This shews that Rome Antiehristian must be here under∣stood; for it would have been no such strange sight to have seen Pagan Rome, defiled with Idolatry, and drunk with the blood of Christians.

7 And the Angel said unto me, wherefore didst thou marvel? [for the thing when thou understandest it more fully, will not seem so strange, and therefore] I will ²² tell [or explain unto] thee, the mystery, [or secret meaning, and import,] of the Woman [i. e. the City and Church;] and of the Beast [i. e. the Roman Empire,] that carrieth or supporteth her, verse 3.] which hath the seven heads and ten horns [verse 3]

²² Here the Angel, contrary to his wonted custom, Ex∣plains the Vision to him; which shews that it is a very re∣markable

one, and upon which the understanding of all the others depend very much.

8 The beast [or Roman Empire, as under its seventh Head, the Papacy, verse 10, 11.] which thou sawest carrying the Woman, [verse 3.] was ²³ [in the sixth head the Pagan Emperours; verse 10;] and is ²³ not [as yet risen, and arrived to an Antichristian Supremacy. See chap. 13. 11 12.] and [or but,] shall ascend ²³ out of the bottomless Pit [and arrive to that Supremacy; See on chap. 9. 1, 2. and chap. 13.] and [at last] shall go into ²⁴ Perdition [i. e. be utterly destroyed, Rev. 19.20. Numb. 24.24. 2 Thes. 2.8.] and they that dwell on the [Antichristian] Earth [throughout all its Territories;] shall wonder after the Beast [i. e. be wonderfully taken with him, follow him with an implicit Faith, and Wor∣ship, and be subject unto him. See on Chap. 13. 3, 4. And by his Admiters, I mean those] whose names are not written in the book if Life [of the Lamb, chap. 13. 8.] slain from the beginning of the World [i. e. those who are not living members of Christ's true Church, chosen from all Eternity, and purchased by the Blood of Christ, the Eternal Sacrifice; but of a New, Apostate Church, which yet pretends to be the Catholick, and has introduced New Mediators, and New Sacrifices; all these shall with Wonder and Adoration, admire] when they behold [with great Applause, and with a superstitious Fear and Subjection,] the Beast that was [a Draconick Idolatrous Power in its sixth Head, the Emperours;] and is not [as yet manifestly and apparently the same Imperial Draconick Power;] and yet is [the same, but in an Image, or a Christian Disguise, having introduced a Pagano-Christian Idola∣try, and a Mock Imperial Power, under the pretence of a Chri∣stian Supremacy. See on Chap. 13. 14, 15.]

^{23 23 23} This is, as it were, the Name(a) 1.10 and Character of the Beast, taken from his different states and conditions; whereby is signified, that the Beast which he then saw car∣rying

or supporting the VVoman, or City of Rome, was the Roman Empire; which had been under an Imperatorial Pow∣er; but was now under one, which had been for some time advancing towards it, and was just ready to ascend (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) to it; being just come forth out of the bottom∣less Pit, which he went down to open (Chap. 9. 12.) and having exalted the Imperial City to the heighth of Ecclesia∣stical Dignity. By which is plainly signified, the Time when the Papacy attained its Supremacy from Phocas; and ex∣alted the Church of Rome above all Churches, after it had been for some time in a weak and Infant state, according to what hath been already discoursed on Chap. 9. 1, 2. and Chap. 13.

²⁴ Antichrist is called the Son of perdition, 2 Thes. 2.3. as Judas, the Type of him, also is, John 17.12. because he brings perdition or destruction upon others, and is himself (as highly deserving it) devoted by God to perdition, and that a most exemplary and severe one, Numb. 24.24.

9 And here is [matter to exercise] the mind which hath [Mysti∣cal, and Spiritual] Wisdom [Chap. 13. 18.] The seven Heads are [the Symbols, and Representations of] seven ²⁵ Mountains, on which the Woman [i. e. the City and Church of Rome] sitteth [or is situated.]

²⁵ This is a most evident description of Rome, no other Imperial City being seated at the time when John saw this Vision (for it is described as then actually reigning, at the 18th Verse) upon seven Mountains. For(a) 1.11 Constantino∣ple (which indeed stands upon as many Hills) was not then

built; and the Ancient Byzantium was not so situated, but was afterwards enlarged to that compass by Constantine, in imitation of Old Rome.

And the seven Heads have a double signification, as other(a) 1.12 Types have not unfrequently in Scripture. For they have not only a reference to the seven Kings, the moveable, and successive Heads of the Beast; but also to the seven Im∣movable Heads, or Mountains, on which the City of Rome was situated; which are called Heads, because they support the City which stands upon them; as the seven Heads, which are Kings, did the Civil State of it; which was kept up by the Majesty, Government and Residence of them.

10 And [also] there [or they *, to wit, the Heads,] are [or sig∣nifie,] seven ²⁶ Kings [or Forms of Supreme Idolatrous Govern∣ment:] five are fallen [already from the Soveraignty which they had exercised in their proper Successions,] and one ²⁷ [viz. the Go∣vernment by Pagan Emperours,] is ²⁸ [now in being;] and the o∣ther ²⁹ [King, but not Head, or Idolatrous Government, viz. the Christian Emperours;] is not yet come [into Succession;] and when he cometh, he must [or ought to] continue a ³⁰ short space [in com∣parison of the five first, the Government now in being, and that which is to succeed it.]

* So the Words in the Original ought to be tran∣slated.

²⁶ Heads, by a very apt Similitude, signifie Supream Pow∣ers, as being the Governing part of the Body, signified by the Beast: and accordingly, seven Heads signifie here seven

Kings; i. e. Supream Governours, or Governments; as the Word is taken in Scripture, Deut. 33.5. Dan. 7.17, 23. And hereby the Roman Empire is undoubtedly signified, which had seven successive kinds of supreme Government; viz. Kings, Consuls, Decemvirs, Dictators, Tribunes, Em∣perours, Popes; as(a) 1.13 Protestants generally reckon them up, with great Reason, from History. For the Triumvirate was rather a Confusion than a Government, and lasted not long; and is rejected by(b) 1.14 Fenestella, as no Magi∣stracy.

^{27 27} The Five first of these Governments were already past, and abrogated at the Time of this Vision; and are here only just mentioned; and that altogether, without any distinct Account of them, their Time, Names, Difference, or the Order of their Succession amongst themselves; because they were of no further use to this Propheey, then to shew, that the One Head then in being, was the sixth of the seven, af∣ter five already past. But although the distinct Order of the Succession of the Five Governments which were past, be not here particularly specified (whereby many doubts which might have been raised concerning them, are obviated) yet it is evident, that the whole seven Governments were succes∣sive, and not all together in being at one and the same time; because the sixth King is represented as following Five al∣ready past, and as One then in being, to which another not yet come, was to succeed; which are plain Characters of an Orderly Succession.

²⁸ For John saw this Vision, under Domitian, a Pagan

Emperour. And from hence it is evident, that the Ancient Pagan Rome is not the Beast, because the Beast is the Eighth King, Verse 11. but the Pagan Emperours are the Sixth; to wit, the King then in being (the one that now is.)

²⁹ The One King, or Government in actual being, when this Vision was seen, was certainly that of the Pagan Empe∣rours; and therefore the other here mentioned, must be the Christian Emperours; because they are the only King, or Government of Rome, which immediately succeeded the Pa∣gan Emperours. And they are most appositely called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; not only to signifie, that they were the Government next in Succession to the former, or distinct in Number from it; but that they were (as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifies) of an other kind or sort from it, as not being Beastian or Idolatrous, but an utter Enemy to the Beast; during whose Reign it lay wound∣ed to Death, (Chap. 13. 3.) Whereupon 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 seems to be made use of by the Holy Spirit; that so it might be answered by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Word which includes both the former Senses. For seeing that there are Eight Kings, and but Seven Heads, it is plain, that One of the Kings must be no Head; and therefore of a Nature different from all the other: which can only belong to this Seventh King; because the Five First Governments are known to be Idolatrous Govern∣ments, (which is the signification of an Head in this Prophe∣cy;) and the Eighth is expresly said to be one of the seven; that is, Idolatrous Heads. So that this Other is indeed a King, and that the seventh, of the Imperial City of Rome; but is not of the Seven; that is, is not a King who is also an Idolatrous Head of the Beast; as all the six Governments be∣fore the Christian Emperours were, and as the seventh Head was to be; who is the Eighth King, or Government; but the seventh Idolatrous King, or the seventh King, who is an Head, as well as a King; as appears from Verse 11.

³⁰ This is also an evident Character of the Christian Empire; which (in comparison of the Reign of the Five preceeding Kings, and the 1260 Years of the Beast) lasted but for a short space; uiz. but about an hundred and Fifty Years, reckoning from Constantine, until the Fall of the Western Empire, under Au∣gustulus. A. D. 476. Whence also it is evident, that the Beast, the next, or Eighth King, must enter into Succession at that Time, together with his Ten Kings, who receive power as Kings, at the same Hour with him, Verse 12. These being evidently Governments immediately successive, as a Sixth to a Fifth, a Seventh to that, and an Eighth following it, without any Interregnum, or intermediate Government. And it is here said, that it must, or ought not to continue long; to shew, that Providence had ordained, that the Christian Empire should be short, on purpose that there might be space enough (out of the time destined for these purposes) for the Reign of the Beast, whose Kingdom was to be built upon the Ruines of the Christian Empire.

11 And the Beast that was [viz. in the sixth Head, Verse 8.] and is not [as yet risen to his Supremacy, Verse 8.] even he [and let it be observed;] is the ³¹ Eighth [King, Verse 10.] and is [one, to wit, the last,] of the seven [Heads, or Idolatrous Govern∣ments, the Seventh King being no Head, Verse 10.] and goeth in∣to perdition [i. e. shall be destroyed; and then all the Four Mo∣narchies end in him, and the Kingdom of Christ succeeds, Dan. 2. and 7. See on Verse 8. and on Verses 16, 17.]

³¹ From this Verse it is evident,

(1.) That The Beast is the Papacy; because that although there were Kings of Italy, after the Extinction of the Chri∣stian Emperours, the Seventh King; yet Rome, the Woman, or great City of these Eight Kings, who upheld and sustained it by their Authority; and where the Heads and Kings were resident, which reigned over the inferiour Kings or Princes of the Earth: was never afterwards under the Supreme Govern∣ment

of any but the Pope; at least for any consider∣able time: who must therefore be the Eighth King here mentioned; they being called Kings, with respect to the City of Rome; as appears from Verse 3, 9, 10, 11, 18. and from what hath been observed on Chap. 13. 2. where the very same Beast with this is described; as is evident from the Chara∣cters given of them in both Chapters; which may be seen in Dr. Moor's Synops. Prophet. lib. 1. Chap. 10, &c. and in Dr. Cressener's Demonstrat. of the Apocalyps,

(2.) That the Papacy is an Idolatrous Government, because the Eighth King, which is the Papacy, is of the Seven Heads of the Beast, or Idolatrous Roman Empire in general; and is also The Beast in particular, or that which is called so by way of Eminence; viz. the Seventh Head, but Eighth King, which was, is not, and yet is; which is called, the Beast, al∣though it be only a Head of it; as an eminent part has of∣ten the denomination of the whole; and to shew, that it is the same with the Little Horn in Daniel, which is called (Dan. 7.11.) The Beast, although it were only One of its Horns.

Whence (3.) it will follow, that the present Papacy is the Beast; because that hath been in possession of the Govern∣ment of Rome ever since the Christian Empire; and so conse∣quently no other Antichristian King is to be expected to∣wards the End of the World; nor any other City to be un∣derstood here but the present Papal Rome: the Head of which, the Pope, is actually Crowned(a) 1.15 with a Triple Crown after his Election; and that with so many Solemnities, that the Ceremony takes up a whole Day; and he has also all the En∣signs of Temporal Soveraignty; as a Court of Cardinals (who in the Ceremoniale Romanum, are called Princes in the

Church) Embassadours, Guards, and the like; and is ap∣proached with more Reverence than the Emperours them∣selves; which is so much taken notice of by the(a) 1.16 Jews and(a) 1.17 Infidels, that the Pope is frequently called the King of the Franks (i. e. the Christians) by the Turks; and the King of Edom by the Jews, by which they mean Rome.

12 And the ten ³² horns which thou sawest, are [or signify,] ten Kings [or independent Soveraignities;] which have received no Kingdom [or independency, of and in the Empire;] as yet [i. e. at the time of this Vision:] but receive Power as Kings [i. e. an independent, and Soveraign Power;] one hour ²³ with the Beast [i. e. at the same time, that the Beast receives Power, and in conjuncti∣on with him.]

³² These Kings receive Power with the Beast when he comes to be the Eighth King; which coming not to pass un∣til the Extinction of the Christian Emperours of Rome, or the Western Caesars; by these Kings can be meant no other then those amongst whom the Empire was divided upon the Con∣quests of the Northern Nations; who are thought by Mr.(b) 1.18 Mede, and other Learned Men, to have been Ten at first; although that Number seems rather to be retained, upon the account of the Ten Toes of the Image in (c) Daniel; to which the Ten Horns of the Beast do correspond; to shew, that this Beast is the last State of the Roman Empire; in which the Image was to be broken in peices by the Stone (the Emblem of Christ's Kingdom) which is to smite it on its Feet, and Ten Toes. For the Endeavours of Learned Men to reduce the several Divisions of the Roman Empire into

Ten, are not so successful as could be wisht; Mr. Mede being forced to make the Greeks one of then; and the Author of the Book de Excidio Antichristi, confining them within the Rhine, and the Danube: So that I cannot but think, upon further consideration, that the True Account of this Divisi∣on, is with relation to the Image in Daniel; the Book of the Revelations being nothing but a more full illustration by va∣rious Emblems, of what is but briefly delivered in that Pro∣phecy. See the Annot. on Chap. 11, 13. 12, 3.

³³ To wit, at One Hour, or Season, made up of Two Half Hours, beginning at A. D. 476. as hath been already fully discoursed on Chap. 8. 7.

13 These have ³⁴ mind [as to matters of Religion] and shall give their power [or Force,] and strength [or Authority,] to the Beast [to wit, in Religious Matters; and their Assistance and Arms on other occasions.]

³⁴ Here is plainly foretold the strict Ʋnion there is betwixt the Papacy, and the Popish Kings, or Kingdoms and Govern∣ments; and the Support, Assistance, and Authority they af∣ford it; which the Northern Nations were very Famous for, at their first Settlement and Conversion.

14 These shall make War with [i. e. oppose, and persecute,] the ³⁵ Lamb [i. e. Christ, in his true Members and Faithful Witnesses, Psalm 2 Acts 4.27, 28. 9, 4] and the Lamb shall overcome them [by the high and powerful preaching of his Gospel, Chap. 14] for he is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings [and therefore able to van∣quish them, and erect his Kingdom, Dan. Chap. 2. and 7. Psal. 2.] and they that are with him [i. e his Followers, when he comes to his Kingdom, Chap. 14. 1.] are called and chosen [by his Grace to this Service,] and [were his] faithful [Witnesses, Servants and Soldiers unto Death]

³⁵ Hence it appears, that these are Antichristian Kings or Powers; there having been no Persecution in the Roman Em∣pire by Pagan Powers, since the Division of it by the Northern Nations.

15 And he [i. e. the Angel,] saith unto me [i. e. instructed me in the further knowledge of the Mystery I had seen;] The Wa∣ters which thou sawest [Verse 1.] where the Whore sitteth; are [i. e. signifie] ³⁶ Peoples, and Multitudes, and Nations, and Tongues [i. e. the People of the Roman Empire, Dan. 4.1.]

³⁶ Here is shewn the Amplitude, and vast Extent of the Jurisdiction of the Papacy, a thing she so much boasts of.

16 And the Ten Horns [or Kings] which thou sawest upon the [Seventh Head of the] Beast; [even] these [Kings] shall [at last] hate the ³⁷ Whore [whom they had before loved and admi∣red;] and shall make her desolate [by forsaking her Communion;] and naked [by stripping her of her Ornaments, Verse 4. and Au∣thority; and by exposing her to shame, Chap. 16. 15.] and shall ³⁸ eat her Flesh [i. e. consume and devour her very Substance, and Revenues, Dan. 7.5. Psalm 27.2.] and burn ³⁹ her with fire [i. e. destroy what is left of her.]

³⁷ A Metaphor taken from the Ʋsage which Harlots often meet with, from those who have been misled, and abused by them; who are wont at first to entertain a dislike of them, then to hate them, afterwards to take from them the Gifts they had bestowed on them, and at last revenge them∣selves upon them by their utter Ruin.

From this Verse it may be observed,

(1.) That no one of the Kingdoms, or Principalities in Union with the Papacy, shall be able to arrive to an Ʋni∣versal Monarchy; but as all such Attempts have been hitherto vain, so shall they still be so: Because, as they were at first Many Independent Soveraignties, (said to be Ten, in allusion

to the Ten Toes of the Image, and Ten Horns of the Beast) when they at first gave thei Power to the Beast, Verse 13. So are they to remain so until they forsake her; it being expres∣ly here affirmed, that the Ten Horns shall hate the Whore.

(2.) That the Whore, or Idolatrous Church of Rome, shall fall by those very States and Kingdoms, which had all along upheld her. Which is to come to pass (as is plainly assert∣ed in the next Verse) when the Words of God shall be ful∣filled; that is, the Promises of God concerning the expiring of the Beast's Times, shall be compleated, according to what hath been already observed on Chap. 10. 6, 7. When the Ten Kings, which support the City and Church of Rome, which sits on them, withdrawing themselves from her; the Tenth of that great City, or the City, and Jurisdiction, consi∣sting (in the Account of Prophecy) of Ten Principalities, must needs fall too. From whence also it plainly appears, that the Fall of the Tenth part of the City, mentioned Chap. 21. 23. refers to the Ten Kings deserting and forsaking her.

³⁸ A Phrase taken from Dan. 7.5. Psalm 27.2. signify∣ing their taking away her very Substance, Revenues and Do∣minions, and converting what they had bestowed upon her, to their own Use; as Grotius interprets the place.

³⁹ A Phrase taken from Levit. 21.9. where it is comman∣ded. That the Daughter of a Priest guilty of Wheredom, should be burnt with Fire.

17 For God hath put in their [willfully wicked] hearts [Rom. 1.26. 2 Thes. 2.10] to fullfil his Will, and to agree [Verse 13] and give their Kingdom [and its power and strength,] unto the Beast [by submitting unto him, and being governed by him;] until the words of God [by his Prophets, and by his Apostle in this Visi∣on, Chap. 13. 5.] shall be fullfilled [i. e. until the Promises made by

God, concerning the Expiring of the Times of the Beast; and the following Approach of Christ's Kingdom, shall be fullfilled, Dan. Chapters 2. and 7. and 12.7. See on Chap. 10.5, 6.11, 13. and Verse 16. of this Chapter, num. 37.]

18 And the Woman which thou sawest, is [or signifies] that [re∣markable] great City, which [now] ⁴⁰ reigneth over the Kings of the Earth.

⁴⁰ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Regnant, Imperial City, now actually having, and exercising at this present time, Sove∣raignty over the Kings of the Earth. Which is a plain and evident Character that Rome is here meant; no other City being in Exercise of such Power at the Time when the Apo∣stle saw this Vision.

It may not be unuseful to add here, in the Close of this Chapter, this short Digression concerning Antichrist; that the Reader might have in one View the chief of what con∣cerns him in Scripture; especially the more plain and Do∣ctrinal parts of it: In order to which it may be observed,

(1.) That about Two Years after Ezekiel's(a) 1.19 Vision of the Temple and Throne, the Babylonian Monarchy began, up∣on the Conquest of Aegypt by Nebuchadnezzar, which was the only Kingdom that opposed him. Which Vision con∣tained a Type of Christ's Glorious Church and Kingdom, which was then to have come into Succession (in place of the Jewish Temple and City, then in Ashes) as a City and Tem∣ple fit for God's Presence; if the Idolatry, and other sins of his

People, had not hindred him(a) 1.20 from dwelling for ever in the midst of them. Hereupon, by the infinite Justice and Wis∣dom of God, the first(b) 1.21 Monarchy began; and a Course of Four successive Monarchies was to expire, before the Glo∣rious Kingdom of Christ should succeed. Which Monar∣chies (although as to their Greatness and Ʋniversality, they bore some Resemblance of the Kingdom of Christ) were yet indeed Antichristian; as being contray to Christ's Kingdom, in their Idolatry, bloody and persecuting Temper, and in respect of their usurping its place and stead; in which An∣tichristianism consists; which is an(c) 1.22 Opposition to, and a Delay, and Ʋndermine of Christ's Kingdom, which it usurps, and counterfeits. For seeing that Christ hath a Glorious King∣dom belonging to him, as come in the Flesh, the supplanting of this Kingdom is the peculiar Character of Antichrist; ac∣cording to 1 Joh. 4.3.

(2.) It is plain from(d) 1.23 Scripture, that in the Times of the Fourth of these Monarchies (called the Times of the Gen∣tiles, by our Saviour, Luke 21.24.) there should arise (be∣sides the other many Antichrists) One Grand Notorious one, called,

(1) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or The Antichrist, by way of Emi∣nence.

(2.) The Man of Sin, or the sinful wicked One, the chief

Author and Servant of Sin, and not of God; whose Pro∣fession is nothing else but a Mystery of Iniquity.

(3.) The Son of Perdition, or the graceless, hopeless Apostate, like Judas, called so John 17.12. the chief Author of Mis∣chief, and Destruction to Christ's Church; and therefore fitted for, and devoted by God to Destruction, or Perdi∣tion.

(4.) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or the(a) 1.24 Satanical, and Apostate Ad∣versary, and Opposite to Christ's Kingdom.

(5.) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or The Blasphemous, and Insolent Ʋ∣surper, upon the Authority of Christ, and the Supreme Powers, who are called Gods in Scripture.

(6.) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or The Lawless One; one who pretends to be above all Laws; and violates all the Laws of God and Man. By which Man of Sin, is not meant a single person, but a Succession(b) 1.25 of Men; as Interpreters upon the place have observed from parallel places of Scripture: who is al∣so the(c) 1.26 same with Daniel's Wicked Horn, or Beast; as the Church (saith Mr. Mede) from her Infancy hath interpreted it.

(3.) It is plainly asserted in(d) 1.27 Scripture, that the Sin of this Man of Sin, should, in general, consist in an Apostasy, and that a great and solemn one, which should overspread the Visible Face of the Catholick Church of Christ: which is called by the Apostle Paul, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Apostasy, or the Grand Apostasy, and that from the Faith, or the Great My∣stery

of the Christian Religion, described in the last Verse of the Third Chapter to Timothy; which, as Mr. Mede hath well observed, should, according to the Division of the An∣cients, be the first Verse of the Fourth Chapter.

(4.) In particular, this Grand Apostasy is limited in Scrip∣ture, chiefly to these Three Heads,

(1.) To Idolatry and Superstition, Dan. 11.37-39. 1 Tim. 4.1-4.

(2.) To an Insolent and Blasphemous Usurpation of a God-like Supremacy, in Opposition to the Supremacy of Christ, and of the Civil Magistrate, Dan. 7.8, 11, 20, 25.8, 9-14, 23, 24, 25.11, 36, 37.2 Thes. 2.4.

(3.) To a bloody and persecuting Temper, Dan. 7.21, 25.8, 10, 24, 25.

(5) It is also(a) 1.28 expresly, plainly, and not aenigmatically, and mysteriously declared by the Holy Spirit, that this Apo∣stasy was to be in the latter Times. By which are meant, as Mr.(b) 1.29 Mede hath proved, the latter Times of the Fourth, or Roman Kingdom; whose Times he thinks are called the last Times, because it is the Last Kingdom in Daniel.

(6.) Furthermore, the particular Time, or Season, of the Coming, Revelation, or Appearance and Manifestation of this Man of Sin; is expresly dated by the Apostle Paul, from the Fall of the(c) 1.30 Roman Empire; which the(d) 1.31 Ancients ge∣nerally

understand, by the taking out of the way that which letteth, or withholdeth, 2 Thes. 2.6, 7. Upon which the Apo∣stle says, that the Man of Sin should be revealed, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; i. e. in his own Season, as Dr. Hammond rightly translates the Word; which is the same with that made use of in(a) 1.32 Daniel, and the(a) 1.33 Revelations, concerning the Months, Times or Seasons of the Beast.

(7.) The Apostle Paul in the same Chapter (2 Thes. 2, 6, 7, 8.) expresly assigns a Line of Time to this Man of Sin, da∣ted from his Birth, Coming, Revelation, or First Appearance, at the taking away of the Roman Empire, A. D. 475, or 476, and reaching unto the Coming of Christ: Which may be called, the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Times of Antichrist; to distinguish them from the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Times of Christ, mentioned 1 Tim. 6.15. it being remarkable, that Antichrist, Christ's Counter∣feit and Opposite, has also a Coming, Times and a Kingdom assigned him in Scripture, in Opposition to the Coming, Times and Kingdom of Christ.

(8.) The manner of the Destruction of this Man of Sin, is described by the Apostle (2 Thes. 2.8.) in Terms so agree∣able to those made use of in Dan. 7. and the(b) 1.34 Revelations,

with reference to the Little Horn, the Beast, and the False Prophet; that it cannot well be denyed but that they are the same.

(9.) The Apostle also further expresly declares, that this Man of Sin, which was not to be revealed, or appear openly, until the taking away of the Roman Empire; was yet in his Conception in the Womb, at the(a) 1.35 Time of his writing the second Epistle to the Thessalonians; aptly expres∣sed by(b) 1.36 the then actual workings of the Mystery of Iniqui∣ty; called so, because of its Contrariety and Opposition to the Mystery of Godliness, which it undermined by secret and mysterious Operations and Workings of Satan, in Lying Wonders, and strong Delusions; by Hypocritical Preten∣ces of promoting Christianity; by departing from the Sim∣plicity of the Gospel, and Apostolical Traditions; and ta∣king pleasure in Unrighteousness, for Interest's sake, as the Apostle plainly asserts, 2 Thes. 2.7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15. 1 Tim. 4.2, 3. 2 Pet. 2.3, 3.

(10) It is evident from Scripture, that Satan had great suc∣cess in the early Times of Christianity, in perverting and se∣duceing Men from the Purity, Truth, and Simplicity of the Gos∣pel; as appears from the Complaints of the Apostles, and from the many Heresies and Antichrists then in being; from whence the Apostle John concludes (1 Ep. 2.18.) that it was then the last Time, and that the Grand and Notorious Antichrist, the Head of the Apostasy, should take his Origi∣nal

from those many Heretical Autichrists which were then in being; and that (as hath been before observed) in the latter Times of those last Times; which seems plainly to be the sense of those words of the Apostle. To which progress of the Mystery of Iniquity many things then contributed; (as hath been before observed on Chap. 2. 4.) brought about by the Justice and Providence of God, for the punishment of those who would willfully perish, and would not receive the Love of the Truth, that they might be saved, 2 Thes. 2, 10.16. To which Particulars may be added, the early Ambition of some who stretched themselves beyond their own Measure, Line or Rule; that is, beyond the particular Districts to which the Apostles had confined the Exercise of their Power, which was otherwise unlimited; of whom the Apostle Paul com∣plains, 2. Cor. 10.12.18. who also seems to intimate(a) 1.37, as if the People thought that James, Peter and John had an Authority over him, because of their Gifts, Age and Conver∣sation with Christ: to which Opinion also the Apostles them∣selves might occasionally, and by accident contribute; who strove for Superiority whilst their Lord was with them; and were not afterwards infallible, save in what they did by the immediate assistance of the Holy Ghost; as appears from what the Apostle Paul blames in the Conversation of Peter, Gal. 2. So early, so secret, so plausible, and so powerful might the Temptations and Occasions be, to the introducing of the great Apostasy; God(b) 1.38 in his Just Judgments sending strong Delusions, and permitting all deceiveableness of Ʋnrighteousness to work upon them, who willfully delude themselves, and take pleasure in Ʋnrighteousness, 2 Thes. 2.

(11.) It is evident from History, that the Workings of this Mystery of Iniquity, were more visible in the following Ages; to which many things contributed:

As (1.) The(a) 1.39 Heresies which soon prevailed and cor∣rupted the Church, upon the Death of the Apostles.

(2.) The Greek(b) 1.40 Philosophy, and Customs, brought in∣to the Church by the converted Heathens; and many Jewish Customs and Notions taken from the(c) 1.41 Essens; whereby the(d) 1.42 Simplicity of the Gospel was by degrees corrupted, which was at first simple and plain in its Doctrine and Wor∣ship; as Protestant Authors generally shew; and as appears from several Popish Authors, particularly Platina in the Lives of the Popes, who shews in each Life, what Customs each Pope introduced.

(3.) An early(e) 1.43 modelling of the Church according to the Form of the Civil Government in the Empire; which was one chief occasion of the many Quarrels amongst the Bishops a∣bout their Sees; and of their aspiring to a Worldly Dignity suitable to the places of their Residence: from whence came Patriarchs into the Church, (which are confessed to be an Ʋ∣surpation, by Bishop(f) 1.44 Parker, and the Learned Sorbonist

du Pin) and other Ecclesiastical Subordinations confessed by Learned Dr.(a) 1.45 Barrow to be only Humane and Prudential Constitutions.

(4.) The Strifes,(b) 1.46 Ambition, and the too general De∣generacy of the Manners of the Clergy, much complained of by Ancient Authors: although God was pleased all a∣long to raise up Great and Good Men, who were Orna∣ments to the Church, and witnessed against, and opposed the overflowing Corruptions in Doctrine and Manners.

(5.) The Encrease of(c) 1.47 Ecclesiastical Authority; which from the Power of binding and loosing, inflicting of Cen∣sures, distributing the Charity of the People, and determi∣ning of Controversies in Civil Matters, voluntarily referred to them, according to the(d) 1.48 Apostles Advice; arrived at last from such small beginnings to the Antichristian Prehemi∣nence now visible in the Papacy.

(6.) Excessive(e) 1.49 Honours and Riches, whereby the Minds of the Clergy were corrupted and drawn off from the care of Souls, as(f) 1.50 Gregory the Great confesses ingenuously; and

the Church became too like a Worldly Kingdom; especially when Kings and Emperours became over-lavish in their Li∣berality to purchase Pardons for their sins; whereupon, as the Learned Archbishop of Paris, de(a) 1.51 Marca observes; the Discipline of the Church was very much relaxed, in recom∣pence, as it were, for the large Endowments received from them.

(6.) Early Forgeries of Books, and Traditions, confessed by Learned Romanists; a too great Reverence for Anti∣quity; and a Despair of knowing more than our Ancestors; which our Learned(b) 1.52 Abbot makes to be one main cause of the Rise of Antichristianism.

(12.) It is evident that The Papacy is The Antichrist; be∣cause the several Properties and Characters given of him in Scripture, do agree to the Papacy, and to it alone. For the full proof of which Proposition, I refer the Reader to the(c) 1.53 Books quoted in the Margent; and shall only here give him a brief View of what may be most observable on this Head:

(1.) The Doctrines and Practises laid to the Charge of Antichrist in Scripture (the general Heads of which are rec∣koned up, paragr. 4.) are plainly taught and practised in the Romish Church; such as Idolatry, Superstition, Supremacy, Per∣secution; and the carrying on all this by Lying Wonders, for∣bidding

Marriage, and abstaining from Meats; and that after so subtle a manner, under a disguise of Piety; as that Good and Learned Men have been deceived by it: Whence it plain∣ly appears to be a Mystery of Iniquity, and The Apostasy fore∣told and described in Scripture; as Mr.(a) 1.54 Mede, and Dr.(b) 1.55 Moor have fully proved.

(2.) The Seven-hill'd City, the place of the Residence of Antichrist, can agree to none but Rome, the Seat of the Pa∣pacy; for whose Residence in it, the Emperours made way, by removing from it by degrees, as hath been observed on Chap. 13. 2. and the Name, Number, Image and Mark of the Beast, the excessive Riches, and gawdy Pomp of the Wo∣man, are sufficiently Visible, and Notorious in the Romish Church; as hath been also before observed on the 13th and 17th Chapters.

(3.) The Insolent(c) 1.56 Boastings, unmeasurable Ambition, mad Zeal, and Devilish Cunning, the Tyrannical Ʋsurpati, ons of the Papacy over Emperours, and Civil Powers; and the universal spreading of that Mystery of Iniquity, do sufficiently shew, that it was plainly described by the Little Horn, and the King that should do after his Will, in(d) 1.57 Daniel, and by the Beast, and the Whore in the Revelations, whom the World followed, and wondred after.

(4.) The Worldly(e) 1.58 Pomp, Temporal Dominion, Court, Guards, Titles, Style, and Coronation of the Pope, plainly shew, that he is a Horn, and a King, according to Prophe∣cy; and the Rise of the Papacy, upon the Fall of the Ro∣man

(a) 1.59 Emperours, is a sufficient Proof, that the Popes are that Man of Sin who was to be witheld until that Time; and that they are the seventh Head, and Eighth King.

(5.) It is plain from History, that the Converts from Hea∣thenism, and the Barbaroas Nations, Paganized the Western Parts of Christendom, and became the Chief Support of the Papacy. And how agreeable is that to Prophecy, which places the Entrance of the(b) 1.60 Gentiles into the Court of the Temple, before the Succession, and Rise of the Beast; thereby intimating, that they were prepared before hand, as Sub∣jects for this King of Pride.

(6.) How aptly are the Eastern and Western Divisions of the Empire, called the Two Horns of the Beast? And is it not accordingly notorious from History, that the Grandeur(c) 1.61 of the Papacy, and the Idolatry of it, was made way for by the Ambition and Corruptions of the Clergy of both those Divisions; by the Constantinopolitan, as well as Roman Bishops; who were the(d) 1.62 Forerunners of Antichrist; and in whose Dominions also Image Worship was decreed by the Second Council of Nice; whereupon they fell under the severe Ef∣fects of the Saracenick and Turkish Woes, described Chap. 9. And hath not that Clergy ever(e) 1.63 since been the Chief Instru∣ments of promoting and keeping up that deceivableness of Ʋnrighteousness, as the Apostle calls it, 2 Thes. 2. And may they not therefore be well meant by the False Prophet in this Prophecy?

(7.) How observable is it from(a) 1.64 History, that the Em∣pire was divided, when the Papacy rose; and that, upon those Divisions? and that Three Horns, or Powers, viz. the Exar∣chate, the Lombards, and the Franks, were removed by him, to make way for his Dominion in Italy? VVhich is plainly foretold, Dan. 7.8, 24. by the coming up of a Little Horn amongst the Ten Horns, by whom three of them were humbled, subdued, and pluckt up by the Roots.

(8.) May not the Pope (according to Daniel 7.24.) be fitly called a King, diverse from all the rest of the Kings, which are united with him? Is not his Supremacy an Image (as it is called Rev. 13.14.) of Imperatorial power, not a true and real one; and does not he subsist meerly by the Will of the Princes and Kingdoms of whom he is the Spiritual Head? so that they may (according to(b) 1.65 Prophecy) be fitly said to give their power to him, and his power to be mighty, but not by his own power.

(9.) Antichrist is called the Son of Perdition in Scripture And is it not notorious in all(c) 1.66 History, that Perdition, Mischief, Wars and Bloodshed has attended the Rise and Progress of the Papacy? For it was founded upon the Perdition and Ruines of the Empire; it was raised to a Su∣premacy, by approving the Murther of the Good Emperour Mau∣ritius; and advanced it self above the Civil powers, and all that is called God, by trampling upon Kings and Emperours, raising VVars and Seditions against them, and by anathemati∣zing, persecuting, and killing all that opposed it.

(10.) The Times of the Beast are most admirably divided

in Scripture, into a Time, Times, and an half Time; to de note the several Steps and Advances of it; and its Declination in the half Time; which being a Division, or breaking of Time, is an intimation of its broken and divided State; as hath been shewn on Chap. 12. Now it is plain from the History of the Papacy, that its Power was most considerably broken at the Reformation, A. D. 1517; So that we may very well date its half Time from that Year, after which so many Na∣tions fell off from it: if from that Year we ascend to the beginning of its Two Ʋnited Times (which are 720 Years) we arrive at A. D. 797. when his first time ended, consisting of 360 Years, the half of which is 180 Years; and there, according to Expectation, we find this Man of Sin, in the great strength and vigour of Manly Age; having conquered all the Obstacles which opposed his Establishment. For in that very(a) 1.67 Year (remarkable for a horrible Darkness for Seventeen Days together) the whole Race of Leo Conon, cal∣led Iconomachus, was utterly extinguished by the cruel Em∣press Irene; who had all along opposed the Pope in the Controversie about Images: whereby he was freed from his Enemies on all hands; his Power in the West being then also setled by the(b) 1.68 Kings of the Franks, to whom (as we may

observe by the way) the Popes chiefly owe their Temporal Grandeur. And if we ascend again from thence to the be∣ginning of its first Time (which must accordingly be A. D. 437.) we arrive to a very remarkable Year; in which we find the World very busie in setling the Lunar Year; as on purpose to point out unto us, that the Beast's Months were then just entring; in whose Times, compared with the Days of the Witnesses, there is observed the exact Mathematical pro∣portion betwixt the Motion of the Sun and Moon; a thing ve∣ry(a) 1.69 admirable, and worthy observation. And further, not only the beginning and end of the first Time, (where the Two Times also begin) are remarkable for some notable things relating to the Papacy; but also the Year 1157, the very Joynt of Time in which the Two Ʋnited Times meet; is very Fa∣mous for(b) 1.70 Pope Hadrian's setting up in the Vatican a Pi∣cture of the Emperour's Vassalage; who was fain to hold the Pope's Stirrup before he could be crowned; and for his insolent Letters to him; wherein he asserts, that he was set up by God to destroy Kingdoms and Countreys; and that the Roman Em∣pire was held as a Feif of the Papacy; whereby he sufficient∣ly shewed his Antichristian Spirit, and his Mouth speaking great things. So remarkable is each Joynt of the Beast's Times; di∣vided by the Wisdom of the Holy Spirit, into a Time, Times, (or Two Times united into One,) and half a Time, to denote the different States of Antichrist and his Kingdom; who was the whole first Time in his Growth, and Ascent to an Idolatrous Power; which he was fully established in at A. D. 797; ten Years after his finishing the Iconoclastick War in the Second Council of Nice: and because after that Time, until 1517. his Kingdom continually encreased, and received no decay,

and he went on, and prospered, in one and the same Kingly State; therefore are the Two next Times given in One united Line of Time, called Times, because it was One and the same Kingly State; the first Time, measuring out a different State from this, having a distinct Time to it self, and being then ended. And his last State beginning at the Reformation, A D. 1517. is very appositely measured by half a Time, be∣cause it was a divided, and a broken one.

Seeing therefore that the Doctrine, Name, Number, Image, Place, Times, and all the other Characters, and Notes of An∣tichrist given in Scripture, do all agree to the Papacy, and to that alone; it will follow, that the Papacy is The Anti∣christ. Q E D.

But that the Rise, Progress, and Times of Antichrist, may be the better understood, I shall give this brief Scheme of them; referring to the several places in the Annotations, where they are particularly discoursed of.

• (1.) Antichrist(a) 1.71 was in Conception in the Womb, when the Apostle Paul wrote the Second E∣pistle to the Thessalonians, probably 25 Years after the Resurrection, 58 A. D.
• (2.) He was forming(b) 1.72 from that time, by the work∣ings of the mystery of Iniquity, in the lower parts of the Earth (as the Womb is called, Psal 139.15. Eph. 4.9.) du∣ring the Ephesine and Smyrnaean Succession, in which the Synagogue of Satan arose, until he was brought forth, and the Gentiles Months began, about the middle space, betwixt the Death of Theodosius, and the Fall of the VVestern Empire, just when Cyril was setling the Lunar Year. 437 A. D.

• (3.) From that time the(a 1.73 Gentiles, i. e. the peo∣ple newly converted to Christianity, Paganized it, by in∣troducing Heathen Notions and Customs; and thereby prepared the way for this Man of Sin's becoming the Beast, or the Seventh Head, and Eighth King, up∣on the Fall of the Western Empire; when he was revealed in his own Time, and the Beast arose with his Ten Kings; according(b) 1.74 to all History; and his Months began, 475 or 476 A. D.
• (4.) This Man of Sin was indeed the King of Rome (according to the Course of Succession laid down in Prophecy,) at 476. when the Christian Em∣perours ceased; but he did not arrive to his Ʋniver∣sal(c) 1.75 Supremacy over all Churches, until A. D. 606. according to the general Consent of Protestants, in agreement with Prophecy (Chap. 9. 1, 2. 17, 8.) which was prepared for him by the Eastern and Western Divisions of the Empire; called the other Beast, with Two Horns, like a Lamb, Chap. 13. 606 A. D.
• (5.) At 606 he fell as a Star from Heaven to Earth, and became an Earthly or Antichristian Monarch over all Churches; and from thence by degrees proceed∣ed to kill and overcome, until he came to be an(d) 1.76 I∣mage, or to have a Supreme Idolatrous Power establish∣ed fully at the End of his First Time, 797 A. D.

• (6.) From(a) 1.77 that Time the Popes advanced them∣selves by degrees, especially by the means of Hilde∣brand (as is clear from all History,) until they came into a full possession of Dominion, and Power in Tem∣porals, which they had long strove and struggled for, 1157 A. D.
• (7.) After that(a) 1.78 time (altho with some Variety of Fo••tune, according to the Temper of the Popes, and the Princes they were to contest with) they exercised the Power they had gained over Princes and Emperors, sitting in the Temple of God as God, and opposing and ex∣alting themselves above all that is called God; by De∣posing and Excommunicating Princes, absolving their Subjects from their Allegiance, dispensing with God's Laws, arrogating Infallibility to themselves, and filling the World with Slaughter and Confusion, and with scan∣dalous and abominable Doctrines and Practices, until the Reformation; when their Power in Spirituals and Tem∣porals was broken. 1517 A. D.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  Isa. 1.21. Nahum 3.4. Ezek. 23. Rev. 2.20.
• (a) 1.2

  Isa. 54.6. Jerrm. 6.2. Ezek, 16, 30. and 23d Chap.
• (a) 1.3

  See Chap. 2, 9. 11, 13. numb. 45.
• (a) 1.4

  Exod, 25.4.
• (b) 1.5

  Heidegger. in Apocalyps. pag. 429, 430. Platin. in Vit. Paul. secundi. Vide Bezae argutum Epigramma in hanc rem.
• (c) 1.6

  Rycaut's Preface to the Lives of the Popes,
• (a) 1.7

  Exod. 28.36.
• (a) 1.8

  Heidegger in Apocalyps. cap. 17. pag. 160. Downham of Antichrist. and Bishop Barlow's Brutum Fulmen.
• (b) 1.9

  Dr. Cressener, lib. 1.3.
• (a) 1.10

  Dr. Moor on the place, and his Synops. Proph.
• (a) 1.11

  Du Fresne Constantinop, Christian. 1.8, 9.
• (a) 1.12

  Grot. in Heb. 9.11,
• (a) 1.13

  Cressener Demonstrat. of the Apocal. lib. 3.
• (b) 1.14

  Lab. 21.
• (a) 1.15

  Sir Paul Rycaut's Preface to the Lives of the Popes.
• (a) 1.16

  Graseri Histor. Antichrist. p. 142. Buxtorf. Lexic. Talmud.
• (a) 1.17

  Graseri Histor. Antichrist. p. 142. Buxtorf. Lexic. Talmud.
• (b) 1.18

  Pag. 463. 661. Author. libri de Excid. Antichrist.
• (a) 1.19

  Ezek. 40, &c. Dan. 2. Lightf. Works, Tom. 1. pag. 132, 133.
• (a) 1.20

  Ezek. 43.1-12.
• (b) 1.21

  Dan. Chap. 2. and 7.
• (c) 1.22

  See on Chapters 13, 14, 15. Abbot de Antichr. pag. 26. Downham of Antichrist, 1, 4. 2, 1. Moor's Mystery of Iniq. part 2.
• (d) 1.23

  Dan. 4.33, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45.7, 8, 11, 12, 20, 21, 24, 25.8, 9-12.11, 36-45.12, 7, 11. Matth. 24.15, 24. Mark 13. Luke 12.41-59.21, 24.36. 2 Thes. 2. 1 Tim. 4.1-5. 2 Peter 2.1 John 2.18, 19, 22.4, 3.2 John 7.
• (a) 1.24

  Grot. in 2 Thes. 2.4. and 1 Pet. 5.8.
• (b) 1.25

  Poli Synops. in loc. See Downham of Antichr. 2.2.
• (c) 1.26

  Mede's Works, pag. 763.
• (d) 1.27

  2 Thes. 2. 1 Tim. 4.2 Pet. 2.1. See Mr. Mede's Works, B. 1. Disc. 29, 43. his apostasy of the latter times; and Dr. Moor's Mystery of Iniquity; which is also confessed by Ribera, and those other Learned Romanists, who assert, that there shall be an apostasy of the Romish Church, towards the end of the World. See Alcazer in Apocalyps. pag. 20. 466. ed. Ant••.
• (a) 1.28

  1 Tim. 4.1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. 1 John 2.18.
• (b) 1.29

  Apostas. of the latter Times, Chap. 21, &c.
• (c) 1.30

  Thes. 2.6, 7. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, (a word which signifies to retain, or hold fast, and also to obstruct, hold bàck, or hinder) is elegantly put to denote the Pa∣gan, and Christian, Roman Empire, and Emperours, the Sixth and Seventh Kings; from their holding their own proper Successions firm, during their own Times; and thereby holding back, or hindering the Succession of Antichrist: but the Christi∣an Empire, and Emperours, the Seventh King, is most especially thereby intimated, who held back, or hindered, more immediately, the Succession of the Antichrist, the Eighth King, that he might be revealed in his own Season, upon the Fall of Augustulus, the last of the Roman Emperours. See Chap. 8. 11, and this Chapter. Grot. in 2 Thes. 2.6. & Ham. ibid. & in Rom. 1.18. Abbot. demonstr. Antichr. pag. 91. Patres ad unum ferè omnes hoc agnoscunt.
• (d) 1.31

  See Bellarm. de Rom. Pontif. 3.5. Chamier. de Antichr. Mede's Works, pag. 656.
• (a) 1.32

  Dan. 12.7. Rev. 12.14.
• (a) 1.33

  Dan. 12.7. Rev. 12.14.
• (b) 1.34

  Chap. 17, 8, 11. 19. 21.
• (a) 1.35

  Supposed most commonly to be written about A. D. 57, or 58. See above, pag. 302.
• (b) 1.36

  2 Thes. 2.7. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; it hath received its beginninng, or is in pre∣paration to enter, and disclose it self to the World. Hammond on the place, and on Gal. 5.6.
• (a) 1.37

  1 Cor. 15, 9-11. 2 Cor. 11.5. Gal. 2.1-12.
• (b) 1.38

  Nec periclitor dicere ipsas quoque Scripturas, sic esse ex Dei voluntate dispositas, ut Haereticis materias subministrarent; cum legam, Oportere Haereses esse, quae sine Scri∣pturis esse non poslunt. Tertull. de Prescript. cap. 39.
• (a) 1.39

  Euseb. Hist. 4.22. Chamier de Antichr. 16.8. where he largely shews how Antichristianism was promoted by Heresies.
• (b) 1.40

  Col. 2. It is confessed by Learned Romanists, that several Pagan Customs were introduced, especially in Constantine's Time, to win the Gentiles, Baron. ad. an. 312. art. 94. ad an. 324. art. 79. Gregor. M. lib. 9. ep. 71. Polyd. Virgil. Proaem. ed 5. ultimos libros de rerum inventor:
• (c) 1.41

  Confessed frequently by Grotius, in his Notes on the New Testament, and by Mr. Dodwell; particularly Append. ad Praelect. pag. 660-671.
• (d) 1.42

  Ammian. Marcellin. lib. 2. sub fin. Testes Verit. Spanhem. summa Histor. Ec∣cles. sparsim. Gregor. M. lib. 7. Epistolorum fatetur se (in rebus Liturgicis) ab Apostolorum consuetudine discessiste.
• (e) 1.43

  This is notorious, and confest frequently by Dr. Ham. in his Defence of Epis∣copacy.
• (f) 1.44

  Parker of the Govern. of the Ch. pag. 289. Du Pin. de Antiq. Eccles. Disc.
• (a) 1.45

  Of the Pope's Supremacy, pag. 191—in 4••.
• (b) 1.46

  Cypr. de Lapsis, pag, 123, 124. Origen. T. 1. pag. 71. 113. 142. 246. 441-444. ex edit. Huet. Euseb. Ec∣cles. Hist. 8. 1, 2, 13. Socrat. 7.11. & sparsim. Sozom. 7.7, 28, 29. Sulpit. Sever. sub fin. Grot. in Matth. 20.28.
• (c) 1.47

  See Pufendorf's history of the Popedom. Rycaut's Preface to the Lives of the Popes. Dr. Barrow of the Popes Supremacy, pag. 240, &c. The third general Council of E∣phesus was afraid, lest under pretence of Sacerdotal Power the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or Pride of Secular Dominion, should be brought into the Church. Parker, ibid. p. 234. See Overal's Convoc. Book, l. 3. 1-6.
• (d) 1.48

  1 Cor. 6.
• (e) 1.49

  Overal's Convocat. Book. B. 3. 1-6. Hieron. in Vit. Malchi. Postquam ad Christianos Principes Venit (Ecclesia) potentia quidem, & divitiis major, sed virtu∣tibus minor, facta est. I do not say, that an Ecclesiastical Society, may not lawfully for its support, use Power, Policy and Wealth, in some measure to uphold, or defend it self; but that a Constitution needing such things is not Divine; or that so far as it doth use them, it is no more than humane. Dr. Barrow of the Ʋnity of the Church, pag. 33. 4••.
• (f) 1.50

  Epist. 1. 5, 7.
• (a) 1.51

  Heidegger. Histor. Papat. chap. 3.
• (b) 1.52

  Antichrist. Demonstrat. pag. 15.
• (c) 1.53

  Abbot's Demonstrat. Antichrist. a book much valued by Joseph Scaliger, who was not wont to be lavish of his commendations. Downham of Antichrist. Dr. Moor's Mystery of Iniquity. Dr. Cressener's Demonst. of the first Principles of the Protestant applicat. of the Apocal. Jurieu's accomplishm. of Prophecies, Tom. 1. Chap. 24. Tom. 3. His Pastoral Letters. But chiefly Dr. Beverley's command of God to his People, to come out of Babylon, where this great truth is most evidently demonstrated.
• (a) 1.54

  Apostasy of the latter Times.]
• (b) 1.55

  Mystery of Iniq.
• (c) 1.56

  See on Chapter 13.
• (d) 1.57

  Chap. 7. and 11. See Mr. Mede's Works, p. 667, &c.—Graser. Histor. An∣tichr. p. 149, &c.
• (e) 1.58

  Rycaut's Preface to the Lives of the Popes. Dr. Barrow of the Ʋnity of the Church. p. 33. 34. &c. in 410.
• (a) 1.59

  See on Chap. 13. and 17.
• (b) 1.60

  See on Chap. 11. Chap. 13.
• (c) 1.61

  Rex Superbiae prope est, & quod dici nefas est, Sacerdotum ei praeparatur exer∣citus. Greg. M. lib. 4. ep. 38.
• (d) 1.62

  Gregor. M. Epistolae. Abbot demon. Antichrist. Constantinopolitanus Episcopus Antichristi Praecursor.
• (e) 1.63

  Medes Apostasy of the latter times. part 2.
• (a) 1.64

  Mede's Works. p. 463. 661.
• (b) 1.65

  Dan. 8.24.
• (c) 1.66

  See the Lives of the Popes, and the Histories of the Papacy before quoted. Foulis of Romish Ʋsurpat. Overals Convocat. Book lib. 3. Bp. Stillingfl. of Idolatry p. 314-337.
• (a) 1.67

  Zonar. Cedren. Sigebert. Petav. Rationar. Tempor.
• (b) 1.68

  Mezeray, pag. 99. It may be observed, that the Kings of France were the first Kings that embraced Christian Religion, as it was professed at Rome; and that they contributed the most of any Kings upon the Earth, to the raising and supporting of the Papacy; as appears from an Inscription on a Marble-Stone, still extant at Ravenna, where it is acknowledged, that Pepin was the first King who gave example to Posterity, how the power of Holy Church was to be amplified and encreased: and as they have all along afforded Refuge to Persecuted Popes (as Monsieur Mezeray speaks) so is it a thing remarkable, that France, although it hath no great Obligation or dependency upon Rome, except with relation to the priviledges of the Gallican Church; yet interests her self more warmly in her Affairs, and sends more Stately Embassies thither, than any other Princes: whence it may be observed, that it is upon all accounts the chief part of the Decem-principality; and that her Kings are the most remarkable of the Ten. Mezeray, pag. 15. 223. Rycaut's Preface to the Lives of the Popes.
• (a) 1.69

  See before on Chap. 11. 2.
• (b) 1.70

  Baron. Heidegger. histor. Papat. cap. 4. Foulis of Romish Ʋsurpat. 4.4.
• (a) 1.71

  See pag. 22. 302.
• (b) 1.72

  See from page 22-38, 93, 94, 112, 124, 125. from 204, to 215.
• (a 1.73

  See on Chap. 8, 10, 11. 9, 1, 2, 3. 11, 1, 2, 3. and Chapters 13. and 17. and 2 Thes. 2.
• (b) 1.74

  See the Author de Excid. Antichr. pag. 184.
• (c) 1.75

  See on Chap. 9. 1, 2. and Chap. 13. and Chap. 17. 8. and Heidegger. Histor. Papat. Chap. 2. Morney's Mystery of Iniq.
• (d) 1.76

  See on Chap. 13, 14-18. and Chap. 11. 7.
• (a) 1.77

  Heidig. Histor. Papat. Chap. 4, 5, 6.
• (a) 1.78

  Heideg. Histor. Papat. Chap. 4, 5, 6.