The key of the Revelation, searched and demonstrated out of the naturall and proper charecters of the visions.: With a coment thereupon, according to the rule of the same key, / published in Latine by the profoundly learned Master Joseph Mede B.D. late fellow of Christs College in Cambridge, for their use to whom God hath given a love and desire of knowing and searching into that admirable prophecie. Translated into English by Richard More of Linley in the Countie of Salop. Esquire, one of the Bargesses in this present convention of Parliament. With a præface written by Dr Twisse now prolocutor in the present Assembly of Divines.

Things to be fore-knowne.

1. BY a Synchronisme of prophecies I meane, when the things therein designed run along in the ••ame time; as if thou shouldest call it an agree∣ment in time or age: because prophecies of things falling out in the same time run on in time together, or Synchronize. * 1.1

2. The order of the Seals, and in them of the Trumpets, is cer∣taine and undoubted (to wit) the same which the number to every one ascribed doth point out, I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. The rest therefore of the prophesies being compared first betweene them∣selves,

afterward with the Seales by the way of Synchronisme, the order of the whole Revelation will be clearely manifest: the * 1.2 thing which now by Gods help we goe about to shew.

Thou who sittest upon the throne, And thou O Lambe root of David, who wast onely worthy to take and open this book; open the eyes of thy servant, and direct his hand and minde, that in these thy mysteries he may discerne and produce something, which may tend to the glory of thy Name and profit of the Church.

The first par••.

The first Synchronisme. Of the Woman remaining in the wildernesse. Of the seven∣headed * 1.3 Beast restored. Of the outer court troden under foot by the Gentiles. Of the Witnesses in the meane time prophecying in sackcloth

Here I begin, and my first Synchronisme shall be of that noble Quaternion of Prophecies, which are very remarkable by reason of the equalitie of their times; 1. Of the woman remaining in the wildernesse for a time, times, and halfe a time; or as there it is ••ore manifestly declared, 1260. dayes. 2. Of the seven∣headed Beast restored, and ruling 42. moneths. 3. Of the outer court (or of the holy Citie) so many moneths troden under foot by the Gentiles. 4. And last of the witnesses prophecying in sackcloth 1260. dayes.

The truth of this Synchronisme is almost granted, and seemeth that both it may, and also usually is avouched upon this ground, because of the equality it selfe of their times: for a time, times, and halfe a time, that is, three yeares and an halfe (as it appear∣eth by comparing the 6. and 14. verses of the 12. chap.) make 42. moneths, and 42. moneths 1260. dayes.

But because it is not necessary (howsoever it be very likely in visions shewed the same time) that aequall times should bee also * 1.4 the same times, since aequality hindereth not but that some may be before, some after others: therefore that character of aequality of times will not be sufficient to convince one that is perverse. Wherefore I will get me caracters else where, out of which by ••leare and evident demonstration I thus make good the point.

The Synchronisme of the Beast and the woman. * 1.5

The times of the Beast and of the woman dwelling in the wil∣dernesse begin at the very same instant of time, to wit, the con∣quest of the red Dragon, and the thrusting him downe into the earth: therefore, since the said times are of aequall continuance, it must of necessity follow that they did concurre in the whole in termediate space of time, and likewise at length end their course together.

That the times of either of them do commence from the same beginning or terme, is manifest out of the 12. chap. for when as the dragon is cast downe by Michael, then the woman escapeth from his presence into the wildernes [ver. 6 and 14.] The Dra∣gon being angry, that hee had in vaine attempted to destroy her now entring thither [in the 15, 16, and 17. ver.] he went to make war with the rest of her seed (to wit, those which she should bring forth in the wildernesse, vers. 17. * 1.6 And standing upon the sea sand, [vers. 18.] To the ten horned Beast thence ascending [chap. 13.1. he gave his power, and his throne, and great autho∣ritie; there verse 2.

Chap. 11. The Synchronisme of the Beast, and the pro∣phecie of the witnesses.

The times of the Beast and of the prophecie of the witnesse being likewise aequall, are finished together at the end of the sixt trumpet: therefore it is manifest that they also begun together, and through the whole space betweene did Synchronize.

Now that the times both of the Beast, and of the witnesses of God, prophecying in sackcloth, ended together with the end of the sixt trumpet that also appeareth out of the 14. ver. of the 11. Chap. where aswell the ascension of the witnesses into heaven (which is the period of their mourning prophecie, as that great earthquake (wherewith the Imperiall citi•• being overthrowne, the kingdome of the Beast was abolished) is marked out by the moment wherein the second woe (which is the sixt trum∣pet) went out, and the third woe (or seventh trumpet) should forth with ensue for in that moment of time the witnesses (whom the Beast which had ascended out of the bottomles pit had slaine, being even ready to finish their testimony in sackcloth (for this * 1.7 is meant by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) reviving by God ascended up into

heaven [verse 7. 11. 12.] and the tenth part of the city fell by * 1.8 meanes of the great earthquake the same houre [ver. 13.] and the matter came to that passe, that the 7. trumpet sounding, all the Kingdomes of the world became our Lords and his Christ, verse 15.

The Synch. of the Witnesses and of the Court (or holy city) * 1.9 possessed by the Gentiles.

That the times of the Witnesses, and of the Court (or holy ci∣tie) possessed by the Gentiles do contemporize, it appeareth as well by the meaning of the text, Chap. 11. v. 2, 3. as also by the wrath of the Gentiles now cast out, in the beginning of the sea∣venth Trumpet; that is, from the end of the sixt, when also the dayes of the witnesses shall end, as it hath already been manifest∣ed, for the Gentiles which in the 18. verse are said to be enraged at the found of the seaventh Trumpet, are the very same which hitherto by the space of forty two monthes, had troden under∣foot the court of the outer. Temple (that is, the holy city) and which now therefore come to be destroyed by the wrath of God. And surely this Synchronisme is called into question by none, to my knowledge or remembrance.

The Synch. of the Witnesses, of the Court, of the Beast, * 1.10 and of the Woman.

If the treading under foot of the court and holy city did agree ••n time with the prophecy of the Witnesses; it will agree in time also with the Beast, with which the Witnesses agreed in time; and therefore also with the Woman in the wildernesse, to which th•• Beast agreed in time. So the Woman in the wildernes, the do∣minion of the Beast, the treading of the holy city under foot, and the prophecie of the witnesses, do synchronize each with other.

The second Synchronisme. Of the two borned beast (who is also the false prophet) * 1.11 with the ten horned Beast (which is also called the Image of the Beast.

For the two horned Beast is the founder, or erector of that seaven headed Beast, wearing crownes upon his ten hornes; which after his deadly wound, to the great hurt of the Saints he

anew restored according to the image of a certain former estate wherein he was to rule full 42. moneths, chap. 13. v. 3, 5, 12, 14, 15. which being done, he doth exercise all his power in his pre∣sence; and also doth shew (or worke) great wonders in his sight, verse 12, 13. and chap. 19. verse 20. At length this very same two horned Beast (which Iohn calleth elswhere the false prophet) together with that other Beast, in whose presence hee had done the wonders, as inseparable companions are taken, and both cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone, Chap. 19. v. 20. when therefore the ten horned Beast (give me leave, for plain∣nesse so to call the seaven headed Beast restored) and the two horned false prophet are not separated one from the other, either in their rising, or in their ruine; Moreover, whereas the one ex∣crciseth the power of the other 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, in his pre∣sence, who seeth not that they necessarily contemporize through their whole time? But that the whole matter may bee rightly perceived, it is to be understood, that there is no other state of the seven headed Beast described, cha 13. then that of the instau∣ration, or of the last head, which was tenne horned; that which the whole order of the description doth make evident. For whatsoever evill the Beast is said to have committed, whatsoever worship or adoration is given unto him by the inhabitants of the earth, all that is said to be done after his instauration, or healing of his wound. Furthermore, that the ten hornes doe belong to the last head or state of the Beast (which is the state of his ••staura∣tion) is manifest by the interpr••tation of the Angel. Chap. 17. For there when five heads had fallen, that is, had fulfilled their, * 1.12 courses, and the fixt even then in Iohns time was in being; yet the time of the hornes is said not to be as yet come. Therefore of ne∣cessitie it must belong unto the seventh or last head.

An apendix concerning the mutuall interchanging of the names of the Beast and the fal••e prophet; likewise of the Beast and the image of the Beast.

For of both these the title of the Synchronisme did admonish, and first, that the two horned Beast, and the false prophet be the same, Iren••us, one amongst the most ancient interpreters of the Apocalyps hath observed. Which by the comparing of the 13. 14, 15, and 16, verses of the 13. chap. with the 20. verse of

the 19. Chap. is so cleare and manifest that it needes no further proofe.

But that which the title further seemeth to intimate, that the ten horned Beast is wont also to be called by the name of the image of the Beast, that is not so evident, and which the reader except very attentive, will scarce at all perceive. But that the same is so, I think that I have observed upon good ground; and there∣fore, wheresoever the Beast and the false prophet are mentioned together (which I finde three times) there by the surname of the Beast, is understood no other then the ten horned beast; when by the false prophet, it is evident there is meant the two horned. Contrarily, where with the Beast thou seest coupled the image of the Beast [as chap. 14. ver. 9.11. chap. 15. ver. 2. chap. 16. ver. 2. chap. 19 ver. 20. and chap. 20. ver. 4.] there by the Beast is to be understood the false prophet; and by his image the ten horned Beast, or the seven headed restored: for this Beast seeing hee ac∣knowledgeth the false prophet to be his restorer, and that he suf∣fereth himselfe to be guided by the will of him, as of his supreme Lord [chap. 13. verse 12, 14, 15.] he is not without cause called his image; not whose similitude hee representeth, the genitive being passively taken (for in that respect he is the Image of an∣other, happily of the seven headed dragon, or of the state in in which hee flourished before the wound, according to whose example he doth afresh blaspheme God, and make warre against the Saints) but that image which that two horned Beast speak∣ing like the Dragon did restore and challengeth for his owne, the genitive, to wit, signifying the Agent or Posseslor; even as in the self-same places that is not the marke of the Beast, which is stamped upon the Beast himselfe, but wherewith that same Beast doth brand those that worship him.

And that it is so, as I have said, concerning the image of the Beast, that which is said in the 13. chap. Verse 15. is for an argu∣ment in the first place, that that very image of the Beast, which the false prophet did give life unto, did cause that whosoever shall not worship the image of the Beast should be slaine; likewise else where (that thou mayest know him to be the Beast) hee is almost ever put after a verb which signifies to adore, as an object of worship: when as therefore the Apocalyps doth pourtray onely two and no more Beasts; this so wicked a majestie with

like power either of commanding or compelling, cannot but agree to either of them. Furthermore, where the Beast is pre∣sent together with the false prophet, the image of the Beast in the same construction of words is not to be found, as if there the appellation of the Beast should serve the turne.

To conclude, of that self-same is the image of the Beast said to be, of whom is the name and number, chap. 15.2. But the name and number seeme not to be called the name and number of any other beast chap. 13. then of the two horned, therefore it is like that he is also called the image of him (as of his principall founder or chief Lord.) But this image, whether it be, or be not that tenne horned Beast, it nothing hindreth our purpose: for the Synchronisme of the Beasts is not built upon this foun∣dation.

The third Synchronisme. Of the great harlot or mysticall Babylon with that same seven headed Beast ten horned. * 1.13

1 The time of the Beast is the time of the desert [Synch. 1. •• 1.] and the harlot is seene of John in the desert, chap. 17. verse 3. 4. but this marke doth not much enforce.

2 The ten horned Beast carrieth the harlot, or if you had ra∣ther so call her the whore, and the harlot sitteth upon the beast: * 1.14 therefore they are both of one and the same time, verse 3.7.

3 The ten hornes of the Beast (with which his last and newest head is branched [marke it well] under the courses of which alone (in which likewise it revived after its deadly wound, the courses of the first heads being now before fulfilled, the harlot doth ride the Beast, and the Beast doth beare the harlot:) these ten hornes, I say, are ten Kings, who take their authoritie as Kings at one houre with the Beast, to wit, with that Beast which was restored, and di beare the whore, and now was become ten horned, that is, exercising the course of the last head. These, the time being fulfilled wherein they should deliver their authoritie to the Beast, [ver. 13.17.] that is, when the frame and body of the Beast came to be dissolved, they hate the har∣lot, and make her desolate and naked, and at length burne her with fire, [ver. 16.] So therefore the Beast, which in the state of ten hornes (in which onely Iohn did prophetically consider

her) first began with the harlot, that is, with the whore, and shall not survive the harlot, nor the harlot him: therefore, the harlot and that Beast doe synchronize universally and exactly, which was the thing to be proved. * 1.15

The Fourth Synchronisme. Of the 144000. sealed: being virgins, with the * 1.16 who••e of Babylon and the Beast.

1 For first they are called Virgins, and for that commended, that they had not defiled themselves with harlots, Chap. 14. ver. 4. Therefore they fall into the adulterous times of the whore of Ba∣bylon, with whom the Kings and inhabitants of the earth com∣mit fornication, Chap. 17. verse 2. and 18. 3.

2 Out of this company of Virgins proceed those which de∣nounce the ruine of Babylon, [Ʋerse 8. of the same 14. Chap.] and who do deterre men from all communion with the Beast, or his Image, or his Marke: therefore this company of Virgins doth contemporize with Babylon and the Beast.

3 To conclude, these are those called, chosen, and faithfull fol∣lowers of the Lambe, Verse 4 of the said Chap. with whom be∣ing accompanied Chap. 17. v. 14. he maketh war with Kings or the hornes of the Babylonian Beast; and who by conduct of him (as being King of Kings and Lord of Lords) shall at length get the victorie (in the same verse) for those words, Lord of Lords and King of Kings, I thinke ought to be read by a parenthesis: where the Angel saith, these shall fight with the Lambe, and the Lambe shall overcome them (because hee is Lord of Lords and King of Kings) and they that are with him called Elect, and faithfull: that is the Lambe and who are with him called, elect, and Faithfull, shall overcome the tenne Kings supporting Babylon.

4 But these things suffice not to make the contemporation a full and entire contemporation, for they may all consist even with a contemporation but in part. I thus therefore demonstrate the company of the sealed of the Lambe wholly and exactly to contemporize with the Beast, That company of the sealed, be∣ing an opposite with the Beast, or of the whole company of the * 1.17 followers of the Beast, is of the same time with them: to wit,

the bands of the holy souldiers, even then persevering in their alleagiance to the Lambe, when other inhabitants of the world as revolters and Apostates had taken the marke of the Beast.

It is plaine out of the text, whence as in times past according to the ancient custome, servants and souldiers were wont to be branded and marked, with the name of him to whom they had given their Faith: even so these are shewed to beare the name of the Lambe and of his Father in their fore-heads.

Since this is so, it followeth, that either holdeth equall pro∣portion with other, and altogether answer in a like distance of time. For the state of such opposition doth require, that the company of the Sealed of the Lambe, for as much as is intended by that vision, be wholly esteemed of an opposite estate of the Beast: For besides such opposition it hath no estate by the mea∣ning of this vision, and therefore with the same beginning be∣ginneth, and ending endeth.

5 Furthermore concerning the finall contemporation, that also may be proved by that mark out of the 7. Chapter. Because the period of both, aswell of the tyranny of the Beast, as of that company of the sealed, is the multitude of the palmebearers: of the Beast, because it is there said of the palm-bearers: These are they which came out of great tribulation, but out of what tribu∣lation, except of the Beast persecuting the Saints? Therefore they leave the tyranny of the Beast behinde them: of the com∣panie of the sealed; because the multitude of the palm-bearers immediately follow, as by that transition (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 after * 1.18 these things I saw) is manifest.

5. A Consectarie of the generall Synchronisme of all hitherto mentioned.

So the Beast restored to life again or the ten horned, hath con∣temporized with the woman in the wildernesse, the treading under foot the holy City, and the witnesses in the mean time mourning in sackcloth, Synch. 1. The two horned Beast, with the ten horned Beast, Synch 2. The whore with both, Synch. 3. The companie of the virgines sealed, with the whore and the Beast, Synch. 4. Therefore all Synchronize with all.

The sixth Synchronisme. Of the inward court measured with the reed of God, of the lying in wait and the battaile of the seven headed Dragon with * 1.19 Michael concerning the child-birth.

For they are the immediate antecedents of those things which formerly were shewed to be contemporaries: the battaile of the Dragon, and the child-birth of the woman, of the habitation of the woman in the desert, and of the ten horned Beast; the inner court (for that which is said concerning the temple of God, the * 1.20 altar and the priests worshipping there according to custome, is the Periphrasis thereof) of the outer court or people, where the Gentiles without right or reason are said to be harboured.

For first both of them, as well the child-birth of the woman, as the battail of the Dragon with Michael, doth altogether pitch upon the same period, that is, the flight of the woman into the wildernesse; which is said immediately to have followed the de∣signe of them both. For the woman, as soone as she had brought forth flieth into the wildernes, there to be nourished 1260 dayes, chap. 12. verse 6. Likewise the Dragon being throwen downe, the woman flyeth into the wildernes, there to be nourished from the presence of the Serpent, or Dragon for a time, times, and halfe a time, ver. 13, 14 wherefore the title of the Synchronisme doth cast both these as you see, into one time, as it were visions of the same time, and altogether of the same thing, and which there was no such need to sever in this matter.

Furthermore that same duell, wherein Michael overcame the Dragon, did goe next before the seven headed revived or ten horned Beast: for the Dragon forthwith as soone as hee was throwen downe unto the earth, standing upon the sea sand for the time to come, delivereth his place, that is, his power, throne, and great authoritie, to the Beast rising up thence; and (as the Complutense edition which Irenaeus hath it) one of his heads as it were slaine to death; whose wound being healed, the whole * 1.21 world wondring followed the Beast, chap. 13. verse 1, 2, 3.

And thus far the matter is plaine and cleare: but the antecessi∣on of the inner court to the outward court (which is the onely thing that remaineth to perfect this Synchronisme) is a little har∣der taske to prove, because the matter is otherwise taken, and therefore hindred with prejudice; yet thus I shew it. The inner court, according to the building of the temple, in situation and or∣der is before the outer court being neerest to the thro••e of God or the temple (which was the principall part of the whole stru∣cture.) * 1.22 Therefore if the things signified be of divers times (for it is no new thing, that the order of situation should expresse the order of time, as it is to be seen in the Statua in Nebuchadnezzars dream:) surely it is agreeable to reason, that the thing signified by the inner court should bee in time before the thing signified by the outer. But that the things meant by the courts are of di∣vers times, and so that which is meant by the inner court more ancient and before the other. I thus farre demonstrate, because this vision of the measuring of the court of the temple and al∣tar, or the inner court, is the beginning to the prophesie repea∣ted; which (as anon more at large shall be shewed) doth from the originall and very first beginning rehearse the times of the prophesie of the seales, the beginning whereof no man doubteth to be fetcht from the very Epoche of the time of the Revelation. Thou must (saith he) prophesie againe (for so he expoundeth the mysterie of the eaten booke) to many people, nations, tongues, and kings. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Again, that is to say, the order of times, con∣cerning which he had prophesied before being repeated. For he beginneth from that measuring of the temple and altar, and them that worshipped therein. If therefore the vision of the woman bringing forth the childe and the war of the Dragon (which is part of this repeated prophesie) do ascend to the very head of the period, or time of the Revelation, so that the Revelation hath no∣thing more ancient then it, or which deriveth its originall higher (which will be manifest as well out of the nature of the thing it selfe which is a birth, as also out of the Synchronismes hitherto demonstrated, and hereafter to be demonstrated:) why should not much rather the beginning of the same prophesie, and the first vision of all the rest be thought to ascend thither? But the moneths of the outer court cannot ascend thither; as which wholly have contemporized with the ten horned Beast. There∣fore

to mee it is most clear that the times of the * Inner Court * 1.23 measured, do not onely go before the moneths of the * outer un∣measured, but also ought to be derived from the originall of the repeated prophecie, together with the vision of the child-birth, and dragon.

Now that these three, the habitation of the woman in the wil∣dernes••e, the ten horned be••st, and the treading under foot of the outer court by the Gentiles are contemporaries, it appeareth out of the first Synchronisme: therefore the times of the measuring of the inner court, and the child-birth of the woman, together with the lying in wait of the dragon, and the battell with Mi∣chae••, are the immediate antecedents of contemporaries, and consequently, they themselves cannot but contemporize each with other; * the very point I was to demonstrate. * 1.24

The 7^th Synchronisme. Of the seave•• Phialls, and of the Beast, and of Babyl••n incli∣ning * 1.25 to ruine.

The effusion of the Phialls bringeth the ruine and destruction of the Beast, as out of the text it selfe is manifest, for the conque∣rours of the Beast sing the * triumphant song of Moses, chap. 15. * 1.26 verse 2. 3. And it is moreover specially manifest concerning the first Phiall [chap. 16. verse 2.] which inflicteth a grievous ••ore upon men, having the m••rk of the Beast, and those that worship his image: concerning the first Phiall [verse 10.] which is pou∣red upon the throne of the Beast, and makes his kingdome dark. And likewise concerning the last, which being poured out; Baby∣lon is utterly destroyed, vers. 19. Therefore the pourings out of the Phials doth contemporize with the ending of the Beast and Babylon.

The other part.

I Have gone through the first part in seven Synchronismes; the other part of the seals followeth, wherein I shall demonstrate the connexion of all the foresaid prophecies (and if there be any other also) with the seales, in so many other Synchronismes. Whence it will plainly appear (a thing most worthy observation, and of no small moment to the interpreter, unlesse I be deceived) that the whole Revelation from the fourth chapter: (For I now

meddle not with the seven Churches) is distributed into two principall prophecies, either of which proceedeth from the same time, and endeth in the same period. The first is of the seale, and * 1.27 in them of the trumpets; for the seventh seale is the seale of the trumpets, which I take for granted every where out of the gram∣maticall sense of the context: neither is the same order of mean∣ing which is held in all the rest of the seales, to be thought not to agree to the seuenth alone: as that that vision which followeth the opening of the seale should be the matter of the seale. Now * 1.28 the vision of the seven Angels with the seven trumpets succeedeth the opening of the seventh: the other prophecie (or rather body * 1.29 of propheticall visions) is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or of the little book open∣ed, which beginning at the same instant of the Apocalyptique time, ••epeateth the time of the former prophecie which is of the seales, from the eight verse of the tenth chapter, unto the end of the book: And that this is a repetition of the prophecy is shew∣ed by that transition verse 11. of the same ch••pter, where the Angell saith to Iohn, thou must againe 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. prophecie to many people, and Nations and tongues, and Kings. Furthermore rea∣der, that also perhaps shall not be unworthy thy observation, that the severall beginnings, as well of both these, as also of the first vi∣sion of all concerning the seauen Churches, as of three entire pr••phecies are proclaimed with a voice as of a trumpet from heaven speaking with Iohn, as if the holy Ghost by this note would distinguish them from the rest of the prophecies, which are parts of these maine principles, in which (partiall prophe∣cies) you will see no such thing to be.

Now these are the beginnings of the prophecies; of which I admonish, of the vision of the seven Churches, chap 1. 10. in these words: And I was in the spirit upon the Lords day, and I heard a great voice behinde me as of a trumpet, saying, &c. of the prophe∣cie of the seales also, chap. 4. verse 1. on this wi••e: And the first voice which I heard as of a trumpet speaking to mee, said, &c. of the prophecie of the booke opened last of all, chap. 10. vers. 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven (to wit, as of a trum∣pet speaking) spake againe unto mee, and said, &c. Hitherto hath been the Prologue, and that as I ho••e not inpertinent to the matter we have in hand. The Synchronismes now follow.

I. The principall Synchronisme. OR The Synchronisme. Of the seventh seale which as touching the six first trrmpets, is * 1.30 of the same time with the ten horned, and two horned Beasts, and the rest contemporizing.

For first the beginning of the Beast doth contemporiz••, with the beginning of the seventh seale, which is of the trumpets,

For, since the company of the sealed, being as it were oppo∣site to the Beast raigning, must therefore justly and exactly con∣temporize with the Beast; and since the same company of the sealed beginneth with the beginning of the seventh seale, or seale of the trumpets: it followeth altogether that the Beast like∣wise beginneth with the same seventh seale, or the seale of the trumpets.

Now therefore that the company of the sealed entirely and ex∣actly contemporizeth with the Beast, it hath beene shewed Synch. 4. the first Part. That the same company of the sealed be∣gin with the seventh seal, is apparant out of the seventh chapter, where that sealing is subjoyned immediatly to the sixt seale. For the vision of the sixt seale being over when the seventh which is * 1.31 of trumpets was now to bee opened, provision is made for the sealing of Gods elect servants, lest they should be destroyed by the great and bitter calamities which were to fall upon the world (when the foure Angels, being set over the foure quarters of the world, shall at the sound of the trumpets, let loose the windes wh••ch hitherto they had restrayed,) for whom also a caveat is gi∣ven at the sound of the fi••t trumpet, chap. 9. verse 4. that thou mayest at least by that marke know that sealing to belong to the times of the trumpets. And that the end and going out of the sixt seal is the beginning of the seventh, is out of all question; since the order of the seales one after another, neither can, nor ought ••o bee interrupted: Therefore it must needs bee that the compa∣nie of the 144000. sealed, which followes the seale being over, do begin with the seaventh seale which immediately suc∣••eedeth the said sixt seal. And so the holy spirit by the marke of

this sealing (as I judge) hath in his marvellous councell taken or∣der that wee might know the connexion of the beast beginning with the beginning of the seventh seale: since no other reason can be rendred, why the orderly succession of the seales not otherwise to be interrupted, should be confounded with the interposition of this vision of the sealed, Chap. 7.

Secondly, the end of the Beast doth contemporize with the going out of the sixth Trumpet.

For since the 1260 dayes of the witnesses mourning in sack∣cloth are ended at the going out of the sixth trumpet, or the be∣ginning of the seventh; it must needes be that the 42. moneths of the beast end there also, and by consequence that the tyrannie of the beast is contained within the compasse of the six first trum∣pets; which was the very point I was to demonstrate.

But that the 42. moneths of the beast in like manner as the 1260 dayes of the mourning of the witnesses their contempora∣ries, are to be ended at the going out of the sixt Trumpet, is al∣ready demonstrated in the first part Synch. 1. §. 3. where out of * 1.32 the eleventh chapter is shewed, when the witnesses after they had continued dead three dayes, being raised to life againe, and carried up into heaven had fulfilled the dayes of their mourning prophesie; and a great earth-quake being caused the same houre or time, the * 1.33 great City was fallen, and the Beast the cruell enemy of the wit∣nesses * 1.34 by reason of the destruction then to bee suffered was at the last cast that wee may know in what time of the seales and trum∣pets this should happen, the Spirit hath immediately joyned the * 1.35 second woe (that is the sixt trumpet) even then to be past, and the third woe (to wit the seventh trumpet) to come anon which cha∣racter, another guide of this great Synchronisme, I do beleeve to be inserted in that place even chiefly to that end that it should bee as it were another of the hinges, upon which this great and uni∣versall frame of the open book and prophecie of seales should be turned. For otherwise both this warning, and the sound of the seventh trumpet which followeth forthwith in right and naturall order should have been placed at the end of the prophecie of seals chap. 10. But the holy spirit having in that place foreshewed the mysterie of the seventh trumpet after the manner of a Proclama∣tion, lightly only, yet as much as seemed sufficient, to wit, (that

at the sounding thereof, the mystery declared to the prophets, should * 1.36 be consummate) he would a little while withhold and deferre the sounding thereof and the expresse definition of the mysterie (and that no doubt not without some weighty cause: to wit, untill a transition being made to the new prophecie of the open booke Chap. 10. from the eight verse to the end] he had brought up the first vision thereof (the course of the Revelation being like∣wise run over) to the lame period. For that I would the Reader should well observe: in this one vision of the eleventh chapter (as being the first of the prophesie repeated over again (the most wise spirit runneth through, as the Weaver the warpe with the woofe, the whole space of the prophecie of the seals: and knitteth the same by the seventh trumpet, as it were with a curious knott, to * 1.37 the order of the seales, for direction of the time. But to what end, but that the other prophecies of the little book being joyned by their characters to the first vision, so fixed and compared with the seales, the whole body of the repeated prophesie might bee aptly conjoyned with the seales.

Furthermore, lest that happily should raise any scruple in any, that those things which are related in the Text, concerning the overthrow of the Beast, concerning the Fall of the Citie, and the slaughter of men caused by the Earth-quake, seeme not at all that they ought to be understood of the utter destruction of the beast: I say, that neither is this requisite to that Synohronisme whereof we have treated, but that they be meant at least concerning the fi∣nishing of his time of authority and raigne, which is determined in 42. moneths; and which the Synchronisme of the beast and witnesses being granted, must needs end together with the dayes of the witnesses. But that estate of the Beast which yet a little while shall be remaining (as hence may be gathered) shall bee so unlike the former, as is not to be accounted the same; but also not long after under the seventh Trumpet utterly to bee destroyed and abolished; the Kingdomes of this world becomming our Lords and his Christs.

And so this principall Synchronisme being well ground••d, it will be manifest that the other Synchronismes may be easily derived thence and knitt together with the s••ales.

The second Synchorisme. Of the inner Court and of the warre of the Dragon and Mi∣chael, * 1.38 concerning the birth o•• the childe b••ing con••••mpora∣rie * 1.39 with the first six Seales.

Because they are the next antecedents of the succeeding con∣temporancies. For the six first seales are the next antecedents of the seaventh. The inner Court and the contention of M••chael with the Dragon are the next antecedents of the Beast and the company of 144000. sealed. But now the seaventh seale or (which is all one) the six first trumpets, the company of the sealed, and the Beast, are contemporaries; as is shewed in the former Synchronisme.

The third Synchronism•• Of the Vialls with the sixt trumpet. * 1.40 * 1.41

The seven Vialls of the last wrath, since they are so many de∣grees of the ruine and fall of the Beast [Synchronisme 7. Part 1▪] thereupon necessarily they are to begin with the beginning of the ruine and fall of the Beast. But the kingdome of the Beast be∣gan so much to decay, the sixt trumpet yet sounding, and proce••∣ded to that ruine at length, that at the going forth of that trum∣pet, there should be an end of that power of 42. moneths in which it was given him to bear rule and to overcome the Saints [Synch. 1. of this part.] But the Beast could not fall to that ru∣ine and fatall calamities before that the fift Viall at least should be poured out; for then at length that his seat was to be shaken, and his kingdome darkned, appeareth chap. 16. ver. 10. Therefore five of the Vialls at the least are powred out, before the sixt trumpet left sounding, and I beleeve also the sixt for the seaventh Viall, which is the Viall of con••ummation [there verse 17. 18.] doth therefore concurre with the beginning of the seaventh trumpet, which likewise is the trumpet of consummation, chap. 10. ver. 6.

The fourth Synchronisme. Of the thousand yeeres of the Dragons or Satans being bound with the seaventh trumpet, or space from the destruction of the Beast. * 1.42

That this of the binding of Sathan may the better be under∣stood; * 1.43 that is to be premised before the demonstration that in the text it is said, that then thereupon Satan is not onely cast

into the bottomlesse pit, but there shut up; and moreover, * 1.44 that the Angel had sealed it up upon him, that hee should no more seduce the Nations, untill the thousand yeers were con∣summate: that is, had surely enclosed him that at no hand hee should come forth. For it was the manner of the Hebrewes and neighbouring Nations, when they would surely shut and make fast a doore, they sealed it. So the stone put upon the Lions denne whereinto Daniel was cast, king Darius sealed with his ring, and with the ring of his Lords. Daniel 6. * In the Apocryphall History the servants of Daniel shut the doores of * 1.45 the te••ple of Bel, and seale it with the kings ring. Likewise the Jewes, Matth. 27. 66. did shut the Sepulchre of our Saviour, or madeit sure by se••ling the stone, &c. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: where is to be observed that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 doe mutually expound themselves. For it is one th••••g to be cast downe from heaven, Chap. 12. (which so many apply to this place) and quite another to be bound, to be shut up in a bottomlesse pit, and to be sealed. The first taketh not away the li∣bertie of wandring abroad and doing hurt; but the other by no meanes suffereth to come out of his prison: yea I dare affirme that none of those things which are related in the 20^th Chapter, doe appeare in the 12. neither againe concerning that which is rehearsed in the 12. Chapter, is there any word extant in the 20. so far it is off, that the same thing should be represented in both. Let us examine it a little: In the 20. Chap there are four things related of the Dragon. First, that hee was apprehended by the Angel which descended from heaven. Secondly, bound. Thirdly, cast into a bottoml••ss ••pit. Fourthly, that he was shut up and sea∣led. But thou shalt finde none of these in the 12^th chap. Likewise that one thing which is declared in the 12. Chapter. concern∣ing the casting down of the Dragon from heaven into the earth, of that there is not one * 1.46 sillable in th 20^th yea, it may plainely bee gathered out of the context that that was not at all then done; for it is said there, that the Angel which did come to binde the dra∣gon descended from hea••en: therfore the dragon was even then upon the earth. For otherwise wherefore should the Angel de∣scend from heaven to apprehend him hereupon cha. 12 Michael descended not frō heaven, but in the very heaven he fighteth hand

to hand with the divell. These things thus premised, let us come to the * 1.47 demonstration of the Synchronisme.

1. Arg. Vnder the first six seales the Dragon or Satan was free [Arg 1] and loose; likewise under the first six trumpets of the seventh seale: therefore it remaineth that the 1000. yeeres of the bind∣ing of Satan are cast upon the time of the seventh trumpet.

For that Satan or the Dragon was not bound, while the six first seales did yet run their course, appeareth by this, that during all that space he brussling with seven heads, and seven Crown••s, fought in heaven with Michael about the child-birth of the wo∣man, as lately hath been shewed Synch. 2.

But neither came it to passe in the six first trumpets of the fol∣lowing seale: for this is the time of the woman in the wildernes, and of the raigning ten horned Beast as appeareth out of the first Synchronisme of this part. Surely, it was far wide that the Dra∣gon should be thought to be bound, while the woman lived in the wildernesse; who being throwne downe by Michael from heaven, did endeavour to drowne her in her ••light with the flood of waters which he cast out of his mouth: and then when this tooke none effect according to his minde (the earth swallowing up the flood, and the woman now received into the w••ldernesse) being inflamed with wrath and fury, hee went to make warre with the remnant of her seed, which kept the Commandments of God, and had the testimonie of Jesus, Chap. 12. verse 13, 15, 17. Are these tokens of Satan bound?

But let us see also concerning the Beast; and heare, how the Dragon was bound under his raigne, to wit, the Dragon gave his power, and his throne, and great authoritie, and all the world wondring followed the Beast, and they worshipped the Dragon which gave power unto the Beast, chap. 13. verse 2, 3, 4. But perhaps Satan was able to doe all these things from out of his prison: certainly being shut up and sealed he could not. But that there may be no shifting place left, and that it may plainly appear how free and loose the Dragon was yet to commit those same villanies from which being once imprisoned, he is said to be re∣strained; behold another * 1.48 scholler of his, the fal••e prophet being the inseparable companion of the ten horned Beast, & the admi∣nistrator of his Bestiall authority, of whom thou hast it expresly written, that he did great wonders, and that he deceived the * 1.49

inhabitants of the earth by the signes which were permitted him to doe, will any one now ea••••ly beleeve, these Beasts carrying things thus, th••t the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that is, Satan, was bound, that he was cast into a bottoml••ss••••it, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up, that hee might not de∣ceive the people 〈…〉〈…〉? ••ccording to the 20^th chap. ver. 2.3.

Moreover, out of the trumpets themselves (for halfe the time at least) an argu••ent is not wanting of the devils libertie and freedome. ••or what is that king of the locusts of the fifth trum∣pet, which is called the angel of the bottomlesse pit whose name in Hebrew is A••addon, and in Greek Apollyon, and whom Saint Iohn painteth out to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, him who fel from * 1.50 heaven lately into the earth, that very same Dragon and Satan, whom Michael before the sound of the trumpets had thrust downe from heaven unto the earth? Neither doe I remember that in the whole Revelation there is read of any other besides him to have fallen upon the earth; neither doe I know whether those elogies of the Angel of the bottomlesse pit and Abaddon, can agree with any other besides him. Howsoever it is, certainly Satan was not then bound, the bottomlesse pit (as there it is said) was not shut upon him and sealed up: (but as you may see chap. 9. 2.) open, and that so, that the smoke thereof ascended, as the smoke of a great furnace, and the sunne and the aire was darkned by the smoke of it.

To conclude, but that this libertie of the Dragon or Satan in deceiving the people, continued even to the very destruction of the Beast, and therefore was altogether of one time with the six first trumpets, I thinke no man can doubt which shall well mark, what is read to be done from the effusion of the sixt Viall: to wit, that when the seventh, that is, the last by and by was to be pou∣••ed out, and therefore the finall ruine of the Beast, was even then at ••and, out of the mouth of the Dragon, and the Beast and false prophet, his Vicars, three uncleane spirits, spirits of devils work∣ing miracles, shall goe out to the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battell of that great day of God Al••ightie. Chap. 16. 13. 14.

So the 1000. yeeres of Satans being bonnd, that he should not ••eceive the people any more, can have no place, neither under the six first seales, no•• under the six first trumpets: therefore they are ••o be left in the seven••h trumpet.

2 Arg. After a thousand yeers being fulfilled, Satan being let loose cut off his prison for a short time, hee had raised new stirs, the scum of the deceived people: which hee had gathered toge∣ther, being con••u••ed with fire fallen from heaven, the deceiver himselfe being taken and arrested, is said to be sent into the lake of fire and brimstone * 1.51 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 where were both the Beast and the false prophet. Marke here reader, the chronicall caracter; by which is intimated, that this whatso∣ever it is concerning Satan, being taken and condemned after his second loosing, it succedeth the vision of the former Chapter concerning the Beast and the false prophet being vanquished, taken, and thereupon cast into the lake burning with fire and brimstone, by him which sate upon the white horse, as in order of narration, so also in the time of the thing done. For otherwise it should not have been said, that Satan was sent thither, where both the Beast and the false prophet were, except both the Beast and the false prophet had been sent thither first.

Neither can any man of judgement say by way of evasion, that this war after a thousand yeeres of this 20^th chapter, is not differ∣ing from that of the former chapter; when as not onely the cha∣racter already brought, but also all the circumstances on both sides are repugnant; the parties, the battell, and the manner of the slaughter, there with the sword, here with fire; yea and the event of either war unlike, as anon the matter being demonstra∣ted shall be made plaine, there the binding of Satan onely for a time, but here a condemnation to eternall fire.

The war therefore, wherein the Beast and the fals•• prophet being taken are sent into the lake of fire, seeing that it is different from this last, to which Satan at length to be cast into the same lake had stirred up the nations presently after his loosing; either it must needs be waged within the very same thousand yeeres, or els when they were not yet begun. It cou••d not be waged with∣in the thousand yeeres, because so long Satan is said to be bound, and shut up in the bottomlesse pit, that he should not deceive the people any more, untill the thousand yeeres should be consum∣mate, chap. 20. vers. 3. But in the war, wherein at length there is triumph over the Be••st and the false prophet and their compa∣nions, if ever at any other time, hee was most free and loose to deceive, as appeareth by those things which even now wee have

alleadged out of the sixteenth chapter concerning the prepara∣tion of this war: to wit, that from the effusion of the sixt Phiall, when as now the seventh, wherein the Beast was utterly made an end of, was ready to be poured out; out of the mo••th of the Dragon out of the mo••th of the Beast and of the false prophet, * 1.52 three uncleane spirits, the spirits of devils shewing wonders, went forth to the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them together to the battell of the great day of God Almightie.

Because therefore the * 1.53 state of the thousand yeeres doth no way admit such Satannicall troubles and stirs: it must needs be, that this warre of the Beast shall in time goe before them, and so at length the 1000. yeeres of Satans binding, shall contempo∣rize with the space from the slaughter of the Beast; which was to be demonstrated.

3. Arg. To conclude, since through those thousand yeeres wherein Satan is kept in prison, Christ is said to have reigned in that Emperiall and Magnificent Kingdome with his, thereupon by the same arguments and marks by which the Synchronis••e of either is established, the other also will be confirmed. Therefore that that Emperiall Kingdome of Christ doth begin with the se∣venth trumpet or from the destruction of the Beast, is now for us to shew.

The fifth Synchronisme. Of the 1000. yeeres of Christ his Emperiall raigne, and of the se∣venth trump••t or the space from the destruction of the Beast. * 1.54

1 The excellent and Emperiall Kingdom of Christ, often and again mentioned in the Revelation and upon the coming where∣of the quire of the Beasts and triumphant elders are wont to sing hymnes and thanksgivings to God every where succeedeth in or∣der the conquest of, and the triumph over the Beast and Babylon. For first, where this reign of a thousand yeers is pro••erly handled in chap 20. of the number of those which reign with Christ are * 1.55 they who had not worshi••ped the Beast nor his image, nor had received his marke in their foreheads or in their hands; doe not these words sufficiently shew that this reign of Christ succeeded the reign of the Beast, his image and his stigmatized followers?

For wherefore should this elogie be given to those sons of the kingdome, that they had not worshipped the Beast, &c except the Beast had now gone before? For certainly the desert in time goeth before the retribution and reward. But now this kingdom is given (as the order of the narration sheweth) to the Saints, as a reward of their faith and constancie; and that after their cause was first discussed in open Court; of which Session as i•• were, there is a description in these words: * 1.56 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given to them, that is to say, to them was given authoritie of judging, &c. Therefore the time wherein the Saints approved their faith and constancie to ••od, while the Beast ruled, went before the judgement, the re∣ward followed the decree then made.

2 The same doth yet further appeare out of that hymne of praise ••ung of the elders and beasts at the overthrow of Babylon, c••ap. 19. 6. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hall••u-j••h for the Lord God that Almightie one hath reigned, ver. 7. Let us be glad and rejoyce, and give glorie to him: for the mariage of the Lamb i•• come, & his wife hath made herself ready. For I doubt not but that the kingdom is the same in both places.

3 But of all most clearely out of the 11. chap. ver. 15 16 &c. where at the found of the seventh trumpet, the dayes of the wit∣nesses, and of the Beast, and the moneths of the Gentiles being runne out there is proclaimed in heaven, the kingdomes of this world are our Lords, and his Christs, and he shall raigne for ever∣more. And the foure and twentie Elders fitting before God in their thrones fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, saying, We give thee thanks Lord God Almightie, which art, and which wast, and which art to come: for thou hast received thy great might, and hast entred thy Kingdome.

This is that finishing of the mysterie of God, declared by the Prophets, which the Angel had foretold before the tenth Chap. ver. 7. should come to passe about the the time of the sounding of the seventh trumpet: when neither the moneths of the Beast, nor the dayes of the witnesses mourning, nor any thing at all con∣cerning the period of time, times, and halfe time, shall be any more remaining, verse 6. 7. plainely according to that which was foretold to Daniel, chap. 7. vers. 25, 26, 27. and before con∣cerning the Universall dominion of Christ, or kingdome of the

Saints to come after the same times, and altogether the same session of judgement. Also that chap. 12 ver. 7. where the same Angel which is here in John is read with the same behaviour, rite, and (which is chiefly to be noted (almost in the same words, to have sworne that that space once being ended of a time, times, and halfe a * 1.57 time, the dispersion of the holy people; and together with that, that last of wonders should be consummate.

He which here desi••eth further confimation, let him use the Charecters of the former Synchronisme: for they af∣foord, as I said, their mutuall helps.

The sixt Synchronisme. Of t••e new Jerusalem the bride of the Lamb with the seaventh * 1.58 trumpet, or the space from the time of the destruction of the Be••st.

1. The marriage of the Lamb, and that Emperiall kingdome of the Almighty Lord God, both begin after the destruction of Babylon, where the seaventh trumpet beginneth, this appeareth out of the h••mne of the Elders and Beasts, which in the former Synchronisme we have commended out of the nineteenth chap. vers. 6.7. Hallilu••ah, for our Lord God Almightie reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoyce, and give honour to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made her selfe ready. But the new Jerusalem is that bride of the Lamb, adorned and pre∣pared for her husband: chap. 21. verse 2. And I saw (saith he) the holy City, new Jerusalem, coming downe from God out of hea∣ven as a bride adorned for her husband: and verse 9. Come and I will shew thee the bride the Lambes wife, &c. Therefore even she shal begin and contemporize with the seventh trumpet.

2. Now Jerusalem is the beloved citie; but that beloved citie, forthwith after the 1000. yeares are ended, is said to be compas∣sed about by those last troopes of Satan then let loose, chap. 20. ver. 9. And they compassed the tents of the Saints and the be∣loved citie: therefore it must needs have beene extant before, while Satan was yet bound. I have thought fit to adde two other, either for confirmation, or illustration, and setting forth of these two arguments.

3. The seventh Viall being poured out, wherewith the Beast is dispatcht and abolished, there came a loud voice from the throne, saying, TETONE, It is done; chap. 16. vers. 17. So also, He that sat upon the throne saith to Iohn (beholding new Jeru∣salem descending from heaven) chap. 21. verse 5, 6] Behold, I make all things new TETONE, It is done, I am * 1.59 A, and ••, the beginning and the end: therefore new Jerusalem the bride of the Lamb beginneth at the last terme of the Vials TETONE the whore being already dispatcht; and so it contemporizeth with the space of time, which insueth the destruction of the Beast.

4. One of the Angels of the Vials [Chap. 17.] sheweth unto Iohn the condemnation of the whore, even while the Vials are in pouring out, and at least by one of them to be executed. And the same Angel of Vials [chap. 21. vers. 10.] sheweth to the same Iohn the bride of the Lambe the great citie, holy Jeru∣salem, to become glorious even when the Phials are now ended, that is, the Beast and Babylon being destroyed.

The 7^th Synchronisme. Of the palm-bearing multitude of the numberlesse triumphants out of all Nations, Tribes, People, and Tongues, chap. 7, vers. 9. with the seventh trumpet or space of time from the destruction of the Beast, chap. ••••.••••, &c.

1. The palm-bearing multitude next succeedeth, the com∣panie of ••44000. sealed: but that companie being to be mea∣sured, or judged of by its opposite, both state, and duration to the Beast with whom it contemporizeth, ended with the Beast also [Synchronisme 4. Part 1.] Therefore the palm-b••a∣ring multitude followeth both: and consequently will fall out in the time of the seventh trumpet, which is the space of time from the destruction of the Beast.

2. The palm-bearing multitude, are the citizens of new Je∣rusalem, for of both it is said, * 1.60 That they shall not hunger nor thirst any more, &c. That the Lambe shall feed them, and l••••d them to the living fountains of waters: and * 1.61 that God shall wipe away every teare from their eyes. Now new Jerusalem con∣temporized with the seventh trumpet, therefore the palm-bear∣ing multitude also.

The Apocalyptique Epoche or computation of the Revelation.

The Epoche or computation of the Apocalyps, as it is a pro∣phecie of things to come, whether thou shalt determine the be∣ginning of it, in the beginning of Christianisme, or in the over∣throw of the Iewish politie and church, or in that moment of time wherein the Revelation is shewed to John, or howsoever it be fixed (for I will not here play the interpreter, being mindfull of my purpose) I suppose none will doubt, but that thence the be∣ginning of the seales, as touching things done in them, is to be fetcht. But that the beginning of the second prophecie also, or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the open booke, is to be fetcht from the same ac∣count; if the very words of the context of the repeated prophe∣cie, and what wee have further formerly declared, at the sixt Synch. Part. 1. and in the entrance to the second part shall not have sufficiently perswaded any; he shall be at length enforced thereto by the very necessitie of the Synchronisme, if according to the demonstrations now made, hee shall assay to dispose the severall prophecies in their ranke and place.

The close of the Synchronismes and of the Apo••alyps.

After the 1000. yeers reigne and condemnation of Satan doth ••ollow the universall resurrection of the dead, and the last judge∣ment, and hell, chap. 20. from verse 11. to the end.

After new Ierusalem described chap. 21. followeth Paradise, which having the tree of life in the middle like Eden, a river doth environ on this side and that side, for so I take the words chap. 22. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to wit, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. In the midst of the street, and of the river, which was on this side, and on that side (to wit, of the street) was the tree of life. And this is the end of the world and of the Revelation.

Moreover, Reader; behold here is the order, and course of all the prophecies in the Revelation, according to the things therin to be done in this figure drawne before thine eye, and ••o be viewed at once; which I have framed by the exact rule of the Synchronismes already de∣monstrated

[illustration] visual timeline of the book of revelations

EPOCHA OR THE BEGINING OF THE APOCALIPS
MEDE his booke sealed HAYDOCK his booke sealed:	The first prophesy beginneth	The latter prophesy beginneth	MEDE his booke opened HAYDOCK his booke opened. How long•• L•••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou not 〈…〉〈…〉 booke written within; and, on the backside sealed with 7 seales. Ap.: v.1
the six first seales 1 victory 2 slaugher. 3 ••••••••ances. 4 death 5 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 6 earthquake.	〈…〉〈…〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉. 〈…〉〈…〉 with Michaell about the childe birth.
Trumpet. I haile falleth upon ye earth Trumpet. II the burning hill 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ye sea Trumpet III the starr falling into ye riuers Trumpet IIII the eclipse of the lights Trumpet V .I. WOE LOCVSTES Trumpet VI .II. WOE. THE EVPHRATEAN HORSEMEN The 7 phyalls destroying the Easte: 1 2 3 4 5 6 The company of 144000 seruantes of god out of all ye tribes of Israel are fenced to the seale of the liuing God.	The outer court (or holy citty) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈…〉〈…〉 for to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the gentiles 42. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The two wittnesses of god, at length to be killed by ye beast doe prophesy clothed in sackcloth 1260 days The woman in child birth, the dragon being cast out, flyeth into the desert there to bee nurished 1260 days or for a time 〈…〉〈…〉 The beaste wth 7 heades and ten hornes, after ye deadly wound cured vnder ye course of y•• last 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blasphemeth & overcometh ye Saints 42 moneths The two horned beast or false prophet, the restorer of the ten horned beast, exerciseth all his power in his sight The company of virgins 144000 sealed of the lambe (to whome alone the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 songe is giuen to be sunge) warneth ye worshipers of the beast of ye Judgment of God The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 city Babilon the 〈…〉〈…〉 vpon the seven headed Beast, now in the course of the last head being tenne horned and maketh the inhabitants drunken wth ye wyne of her fornication.
Trumpet 7 III WOE The misterie of god is fulfilled: As he declareth to his prophetes: The palme bearing multitude of innumerable rejoycers out of all nations kendreds & people THE KINGDOMS OF THE WORLD ARE BECOME OVR LORDES AND HIS CHRISTES The 7 phyalls destroying the Easte: 7	Satan is bound and the saints raigne with Christ a thousand yeares The wife of the lambe New Ierusalem (into the light wherof ye gentiles shall walk) desendeth from heuen.
SATAN IS LOOSED
THE GENERAL RESVRECTION the paradise of the iust the Lake of Fier THE ENDE

Know thou who voutchsafest to meditate vpon this Apocalyptik Type that the archinge lines meeting in the same begining and ende, shew contemporary prophesies: to wit, of the seales and of the litle booke, the same things is demonstrated by the bounds of the lines and circumferences answering each other.

And (to conclude) which of the Visions; goeth before or foloweth after: thou maiest behold by the order proceeding from the left hand to y^e right: At the: 27. 28 and 29^th pages of the key. the reader may finde a more full direction for the vse of this scheme

Place this betwixt pag. 26. & 27

for mine own, and (if thou please) for thy use, Lord open the eyes of the understanding of either of us, that we may behold his marvellous workes. Amen.

A Corollarie concerning the use of the Key.

1. Out of what hath been said, I suppose it appeareth that the Revelation considered according to the letter only; as if it were a certain bare ••••story of things done, and not a prophecie involved with mysticall allegories, and types: yet to be furnished by the holy spirit, with such signes and characters through the whole narration, that thence the right course, order and Synchronismes of all the visions, according to al•• things done in their time, may be found out, composed, and demonstrated, and that without the supposition or help of any interpretation granted.

2. Then furthermore, as is the manner in histories, that many and divers things, done by many and divers together, and at the same time, yet cannot be declared together, but severally and one after another: so also in these prophecies and visions of things done (howsoever revealed in the most aptest and wisest order by far) it falleth out, that they labour in vain that so go about to in∣terpret the Revelation, as if the events every where should suc∣ceed one after another in the same order and course, as the visions are revealed.

3. For truely he that will endevour with successe to finde out the meaning of the Apocalyptique visions, must first of all place the course, and conne••ion of them one with another according to things done, being thorowly searched out by the foresaid cha∣racters and notes, and demonstrated, by intrin••icall arguments as the basis, and foundation of every solid, and true interpretation. Therefore (which we see to be done amisse by very many) the order it self is not to be conformed to every aptnes of interpreta∣tion, according to the will of the interpreter; but according to to the Idoea of this chronicall order framed before hand; by the characters of Synchronismes is every interpretation to be tryed as it were by a square and plumb-rule.

4. For without such foundation, thou shalt scarce draw any thing out of the Revelation, that will soundly assure the interpre∣tation and application thereof, and which resteth upon divine authoritie, but upon begged principles, and meere humane

conjectures, on the contrary side, this being admitted for a foun∣dation, when as now the pales of time and order, shall not suffer the a••plication to rove at randome, and according to pleasure; thou wilt presently admire the many wayes of so many different interpretations, yea, and repugnant, for the most part taken away; there being but a few differences left, and those almost of the least moment, in which the minde may as yet rest doubtfull, con∣cerning the generall application at the least. So that hereafter as well out of this booke, as out of the rest of the bookes of the new testament, arguments may be drawn even in matter of prophecie concerning interpretation certaine, and in which faith may repose it selfe, as it were in the oracles of the holy spirit, not the inven∣tions onely of humane wit.

5. Such a Key reader, yea if thou hadst rather an Apocalyp∣tique compasse, I shew thee, as far as my ability reacheth in these Synchronismes according to that measure of understanding which the good and bountifull God hath vouchsafed me an unworthy sinner in these mysteries, and do propose unto thy vi••w a Scheme adjoyned, short, easie, and compendious. In which (lest happily thou shouldest be ignorant of the use of it) if once the sence of any principall vision, and the times ther••of fulfilled shall appea••e unto thee; thou hast then a ready way shewed thee, whereby the line of Synchronismes and of order, thou mayest finde out, yea and de∣monstrate the meaning of the other visions. As for example, what others prophecies shall contemporize to that knowne prophecie of thine, as I have said, are without doubt to be applyed to the ••ame times▪ and what goe before, are not to be interpreted but of those events that goe before; those which succeed likewise, of those which do succeed.

6. And lest happily thou mayest doubt, whether any where in the Revelation out of all those visions any such may be found, in which in that manner I now speak, thou mayest safely pitch thy foot, and from whence, as it were from a station or watch-tower thou mayest take the scantling of the rest of the Revelation: be∣hold provision made for this thing also by the holy spirits most wise counsell, in that famous vision of the great whore which onely and alone of all the visions the Angel, as no where else h••e * 1.62 doth, interpreteth to Iohn; But to what end, except that by that an entrance be opened, as it were through a dore to the rest other∣wise

ina••••••••able? what wilt thou more? therefore by this way enter thou, calling upon the Father of lights, and being entred use the Key of entry to the opening of the rest. Try, and having tried thou wilt confesse, that this prophecie is wonderfull, with which, the matter being throughly lookt into, none of the old Testament, (for so it beseemed the gospel) no not that of Daniel is to be compared in certain••ie, either for the singular workman∣ship of the Revelation, or for the way and reason of finding out the interpretation.

This last thing I intreat of thee reader who shalt meet with these things, that if thou shalt perceive any thing happily revea∣led unto me * 1.63 sitting by as a fellow prophet, profitable either to thy selfe or others touching these mysteries: that thou wholly ascribe it to the mercy of God towards me; to whom also I will never cease to give thankes for that little ray of his wisedome: but if in any thing I have committed an errour, that count wholly mine, a man of small abilities, and no way (which I very well am conscious of) fit of my selfe for these things. Praise, honour and glory to him who fitteth upon the throne, and to the Lambe for ever and ever.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.3

  Chap. 1••. Chap. 1••. Chap. 11. Chap 11.
• * 1.4

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.5

  Chap. 1••.
• * 1.6

  For without doubt it is to bee read with all the latine translati∣ons, the greeks of Aldus an. 1518. and the Syriaque Interpreter (who out of the greeke turneth it) et ste••¦tit, and he stood, not as at this day the greek copies have it, et ste••i, and I stood.
• * 1.7

  when they s••all finish.
• * 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.9

  Chap 11.
• * 1.10

  Chap. 11, & 12. & 1••.
• * 1.11

  Chap. 13.
• * 1.12

  Verse 10.
• * 1.13

  Chap. ••••.
• * 1.14

  Machatricem
• * 1.15

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.16

  Chap. 14 Chap. 17.
• * 1.17

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.18

  Chap. 7. 1.
• * 1.19

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.20

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.21

  Lib. 5 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 an•• the text in ••he 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 with 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 asse••••••h to this reading; as also the Syriaque interpreter which is lately set forth, yea among the ••a••••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Pri••as•••• doth not read that word (vidi I saw) although he take it so by adding the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was.) This deceived ••im ••hat in latine (one of the heads, &c.) concerning the case is 〈…〉〈…〉 the Greek.
• * 1.22

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.23

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Chap. 11. vers 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 verse 2. of the same chapter.
• * 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.25

  Chap. 6.
• * 1.26

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.27

  Apo••ha.
• * 1.28

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.29

  Syst••ma.
• * 1.30

  Chap. ••
• * 1.31

  Chap. 6. 12
• * 1.32

  Vers 9, 10, 11, 12
• * 1.33

  Verse 13
• * 1.34

  Animam agere••.
• * 1.35

  Verse 14.
• * 1.36

  Chap. 10.7.
• * 1.37

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.38

  Chap. 1••.
• * 1.39

  Chap 7.
• * 1.40

  Chap. 16.
• * 1.41

  Chap. 9.
• * 1.42

  Chap. 20.
• * 1.43

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.44

  chap. 20. 3.
• * 1.45

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 and D••a∣g••n, verse 11.
• * 1.46

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.47

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.48

  Aiu••••••m.
• * 1.49

  Chap 13. 13, 14.
• * 1.50

  Chap 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.51

  Chap. ••••. 10.
• * 1.52

  Chap. 16. 13. 14
• * 1.53

  Ra••••••
• * 1.54

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.55

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 4.
• * 1.56

  Ve••••e 4.
• * 1.57

  Are not these 〈…〉〈…〉 21 2.
• * 1.58

  Chap. 21.2. Chap. 11 1.
• * 1.59

  Alpha •• Omega.
• * 1.60

  Chap. 7. 16. 17.
• * 1.61

  Chap. 21. 4.
• * 1.62

  Chap. ••7. ••, &c.
• * 1.63

  1. Cor. 14.3.