The mystery of the two witnesses unvailed: Wherein wee have a description of their persons time acts death and office. manner of prophecie. sufferings. resurrection. With the consequences that follow. Together with the seaventh trumpet, and the kingdome of Christ explained. by John Robotham, preacher of the Gospel in Dover.

VERS. 13. And the same hour was there a great earth-quake, and the tenth part of the Citie fell, and in the Earth∣quake were slaine of men seven thousand, and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heave.

HAving spoken of the resurrection and ascention of the Witnesses, we now come to handle the great and notable effect that succeedeth thereon, together with severall consequents thereunto annexed. The same hour there was a great earth-quake, and the tenth part of the Citie fell, &c. In the handling of which we may consider,

First, the time of this Earth-quake, in these words; And the same hour, &c.

Secondly, the Earth-quake it selfe, mentioned in the Text, there was a great Earth-quake.

Thirdly, the consequents thereun∣to annexed, and they are three.

• 1. The tenth part of the Citie fell.
• ...

• 2. Seven thousand men are slain.
• 3. The affrighted remnant give glory to God.

But first, of the time, The same houre there was a great Earth quake. This terme of time is not to be taken restrictvely, as if it should be meant of an hour con∣sisting of so many minutes. Some read the same day; neither may wee take it for a naturall day of twenty foure hours. It is an indefinite speech, and holds no certainty for the space of time: but it imports, that the time of this great Earth-quake should answer the time of the Witnesses rising and as∣cending up to heaven. Those words expressed in Chap. 17. 12. These receive power one houre with the beast, import the same, meaning the whole terme of their raigne with the beast.

Secondly, the earth-quake it selfe follows: And there was a great Earth∣quake.

The naturall cause of an Earth-quake is, when the wind is pent up in the bowels of the earth, and seeking vent from thence, breaks forth into violent concussions and motions, so that the earth shakes and rends, contrary to its

naturall firmenesse and stability. Of such an Earth-quake we reed, Amos 1. 1. And the like appeared when Christ arose from the dead, as it's recorded, Mat. 28 2.

But here we are to understand a my∣sticall and spirituall Earth-quake, a sha∣king of Kings, Kingdomes, States, Powers, Formes, Goverments, and the very dignities, orders, strengths, and comforts of men. The same Earth∣quake is meant, Chap. 6. 12. And Ch. 16. 18. Thus the Lord saith, He will shake the Heavens and the Earth, and the Sea, and the dry land, & all nations, Hag. 2. 6. This was partly fulfilled when Christ came in the flesh, the heaven of Ceremonies and shadows, and of all the Jewish worship was shaken and a∣bolished; and also the earth was sha∣ken, both Sea and dry land, all the whole earth was full of great commo∣tions and ruines. But this is again to be fulfilled; yet once more will the Lord shake heaven and earth: The hea∣ven of Antichrists worship, Church, forme, order and government: And the earth also, all those worldly pow∣ers that have engaged to uphold and

manage the cause of the Beast; these powers, dominion, authorities and states shall be shaken also. Thus we see what wee are to understand by this Earth-quake, the great commotions and troubles that shal even rend & tear the earth in pieces: all its order, pow∣er, government and dominion, both in Church and State shall be broken, all shalbe turned upside down by these violent breakings forth, that shal hap∣pen upon the world at the rising and ascending of the Witnesses.

In the third place we have the conse∣quents of this great Earth-quake in these words; The tenth part of the Citie fell, and in the Earth-quake were slaine of men seven thousand; and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven.

This first consequent in order is this, The tenth part of the Citie fell. Whereof we are to take notice of three things, viz. what is meant,

• First, by the City.
• Secondly, by the tenth part.
• Thirdly, by the fall thereof.

First, this City is great Babylon, men∣tioned in Chap. 17. 5. which is meant

of the whole universall power, domi∣nion and territories of the Antichristi∣an Church and State. The nations combined together, and gathered into a Church, worshipping the Beast and his image, submitting to his rule and government; this is the great Ci∣ty Babylon, of which we have spoken already, from vers. 8. Though Rome it selfe hath mystically ruled over the Nations, hath been the rise of abomi∣nations, and therefore in some sense, is meant by the Citie: yet it cannot be taken so restrictively, but it takes in the whole State and Church of Anti∣christ, that is called this Citie, the mother of Harlots, that hath corrupt∣ed the earth with her abominations.

Secondly, the tenth part of the Citie (the principall thing here to be en∣quired after) is variously interpreted. Some would have the tenth part to be meant of the Levites part, such a part as was offered to the Priests under the Law, as a maintenance of the legall Priest-hood. So that hereby the lot or portion of the Priest-hood, the chiefest and most devoted part should fall; that the tribute of Tythes on tenths, where∣by

the Antichristian Ministry was main∣tained, should fall, and utterly be with∣held at the rising, and ascending of the Witnesses. But by the tenth part of the Citie, we may understand of the tenth part of the Nations and Peoples that were devoted to the service of Anti∣christ. In Chap. 17. 13. Ten kingdoms give up their power and strength to the beast, to serve and worship him. Now the tenth part of those King∣domes, Nations, or Peoples, that have wholly given up themselves to Anti∣christ, and have resigned up their rule, and authority, their worship and ser∣vice to the Beast, these are here called the tenth part of the Citie.

Thirdly, this tenth part shall fall by with-drawing themselves from the yoake and bondage of the service of Antichrist, as it's foretold of them in Chap. 17. 16. These shall hate the whore, eate her flesh, and burne her with fire.

Those tenne kingdomes or nations that had formerly given up all their strength and power to the Beast, and did formerly support Antichrist, now they shall withdraw themselves again, now they shall with one consent pre∣pare

themselves for her destruction. For God hath put into their hearts, to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their king∣dome unto the beast, untill the words of God should be fulfilled, Chap. 17. 17. The Lord in justice gave over the nations to be servile to Antichrist, for an appoin∣ted time, untill he had executed all his cruelties, and enjoyed his dominion and tyranny over them; so at the end of his determined time, God will put it into the hearts of the nations, to consent and agree to rise up unto the destruction of all Antichristian domi∣nion and power. And though these nations shall not fully & wholly thus rise up to effect this great worke, to hate the whore, eat her flesh, and burne her with fire, untill the last seale be o∣pened, the last Trumpet sounded, and the last Viall powred out, when there shall be a finall and totall destruction of Antichrist's power and raigne: yet there shall be a tenth part of the nati∣ons, that God will raise up to begin this worke, God will honour some nation or nations, first to withdraw their power and authority from the service of the beast, and to oppose his

tyranny and oppression, and that at the opening of the sixt seale, the founding of the sixt Trumpet, the powring forth of the sixt Viall, at the time in which the witnesses shall begin to rise and as∣cend. Now these nations that the Lord shall first begin withall, to raise up, to oppose the power of the beast: I say this nation, or nations, is meant here by the tenth part of the Citie. For be∣fore that all Nations shall hate the whore, and cast her off, and burne her flesh with fire, there shall be some par∣ticular nations, that God will honour with the first of his worke, and this is called the tenth part of the Citie, that should fall, not onely, by withdrawing their owne power and assistance; but also opposing and suppressing the do∣minion and power of Antichrist.

The second consequent followeth in these words; And in the earth-quake were slaine of men seven thousand. In the opening hereof, it will be necessary, that we consider of three things, con∣cerning those here that are sayd to be slaine.

• First, the persons.
• Secondly, the manner.
• ...

• Thirdly, their number.

The persons here slaine are expressed by an elegancy, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The names of men, put for men of name; that is, of power, greatnesse, of office or dig∣nity, of some place or eminency. The Hebrews expresse men of honour or renowne, by men of name, Gen. 6. 4. So here, names of men, being put for men of name, are meant men of note and quality, such as are of place and digni∣ty, men of worth and greatnesse. These men here slaine by the earthquake, are not of the meaner and lower sort and quality, but men of renowne, for wis∣dome, learning, parts and gifts, and men of place, of rule and authority. The names of men shall be slaine, their honour and greatnesse shall lie in the dust, their excellency stained, and their power broken. These are the persons that shall be slaine.

In the second place, the manner of their slaying presents it selfe. This can∣not be meant of a reall and proper slaying; no more then that of the wit∣nesses: for if the slaying of the wit∣nesses be a mysticall slaying, the earth∣quake a mysticall earthquake, so the

slaying of these men is mysticall also. The witnesses were alwayes slaine in their testimony and cause, sometimes they gave testimony also by their bloud. Sohere, these that are the abettors and upholders of Antichrists cause, these I say are slaine in their cause and man∣nagement thereof; some of whom may also lose their lives in the quarrell. Then this slaughter of these men of name, is in their honours and prefer∣ments, in their titles and offices, in their pomp and riches, in their rule and do∣minion, in their parts and nams, in all these they shall be slaine and suppres∣sed, even as they themselves formerly dealt with the witnesses, in keeping them under: this now shall be their owne lot and portion.

Lastly, we have the number of those thus slaine, and that is seven thousand: which doth imply a full and perfect number; and doth not here signifie just so many in an equall proportion, but is put indefinitely, as it's often, a certaine number, for an uncertaine: and may as well signifie, many more, or lesse, then the precise number that is expressed.

The number here mentioned seven thousand, doth imply the whole and perfect number, that doth mannage and uphold the cause of the beast: There were many of the people of all Nations, that were seduced and mis∣guided, and drawn to wonder after the beast; but these men of name, are those that undertake to mannage and uphold the worship, forme, and power of An∣tichrist; all these, the whole and per∣fect▪ number of them shall be slaine. Th••se be not the poore, vile, and base sort of men, but those of a more noble degree and ranke, men of fame, for wisdome, learning, gifts, and offices; the full and compleat number of these shall be slaine and fall in this earth∣quake.

The third and last consequent fol∣loweth, which is thus expressed; And the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven. In the unfolding these words we may consider.

First, the persons here meant, called a remnant.

Secondly, their passions and actions.

• 1 They are affrighted.
• 2. They give glory to God.

The persons here specified are called a remnant. A remnant is so called in re∣spect of it's smallnesse or littlenesse, it's most commonly attributed to a small peice or fag end of cloth, that is some fragment or very small peice left of the whole, and it's alwayes put for that which is, poor, few, and contemptible. Then by the remnant we are to under∣stand, the poor, ignorant, seduced peo∣ple, that by dependance upon, & com∣plyance with those men of name, that did mannage the cause of Antichr••••••, have been drawne to worship the beast, and to receive the marke of his image. These poore sottish people are called a remnant.

Their passions and actions follow.

First, they are affrighted, and well they may, when they see all their props and pillars gon, the men of name & power throwne downe from their station. When the Nobles and great ones of Is∣rael were led captive into Babylon, the poore and weake of the people were left behinde: so the great undertakers of Antichrists cause and quarrell are slaine, and throwne downe, now here is a poore company of seduced persons

that have wondered after the beast, they behold their great men slaine, and men of renowne and power throwne downe, and overthrowne, and now this poore remnant, they are very much affrighted and amazed, they are cast downe and terrified at the fight thereof: when they shall see an utter ruine of those that seduced them, whom they owned and beleeved, and had great dependance on, and therefore are striken with exceeding great feare, when they see these taken away.

Secondly, this poore affrightned rem∣nant, gave glory to the God of heaven. God was stiled, God of the earth, vers. 4. And is called, The God of heaven and earth, Gen. 24. 3. Here called the God of heaven. Also in Dan. 2. 18. This notes the greatnesse of his power and soveraignty, who is mightier then all the powers of the world. The remnant shall glorifie the God of heaven, that can subdue all the powers and domi∣nions of the earth. But how shall the remnant glorifie God? That shall be, by acknowledging the just judgements of God, upon all those men of name, that he had throwne downe and slaine.

Suitably wee have the expression in Josh. 7. 19. My Son, confesse (saith Jo∣shua) and give glory to God, that is, by an acknowledgement of the truth and righteousnesse of Gods just judgement. So here the poore affrighted remnant, shall freely acknowledge the equitie and justnesse of all those evils enflicted upon the men of name, of greatnesse, office, and power, these shall say, that they suffered justly and deservedly; and though they be affrighted & terri∣fied to see these great men of the earth, both in civill, and in ecclesiasticall dig∣nity and power, to fall and be cast downe, yet they shall glorifie God, by acknowledging of the just hand of God in his judgements upon them.

The words being thus far opened, we proceed now to touch upon some observations clearly offered to us from them.

First, observe from the earthquake it selfe, That the rising and ascending of the* 1.1 witnesses, doth cause a great earthquake in the world. No sooner doe the witnesses begin to rise out of their sackcloth, & ascend up to heavē, but the earth shaks, the world trembles, great concussions

and commotions are among the men of the earth, and upon all their affaires. States and Kingdomes, powers and governments, men and interests, these all shake and tremble. The very foun∣dations of mans peace and joy are shat∣tered and broken; the worships and wayes, the riches and preferments of the man of sin, they all expire and die. The powers of the beast, whether civill or ecclesiasticall, they are all subdued, and cast to the earth. All the corrup∣tion of Magistracy, and all false shews and formes of worship shall be dissi∣pated and shaken in pieces. An earth∣quake is one of the greatest evils and perplexities that can possibly befall the world; the earth being mans center and stay: when the very foundation of mans comfort and happiness is shaken, it must mightily affrighten & astonish the men of the world. There is no shel∣ter in an earth quake, for Kings, Parlia∣ments, Armies, Nations, Common∣wealths, it shakes all, yea, rich & poore, high and low, it throws downe every thing that stands in it's way, the very bottome and ground-work of the peo∣ples joy, trust, comfort, hope, it trem∣bles

and quakes: the root of all hu∣mane life, strength, wisdome, policy is cut in sunder at once. The foundation of all power, ecclesiasticall and civill, is shaken, the very stability of Church, State, Religion, order, government, shakes and falls downe unto the earth. And needs must it be so; for the wit∣nesses are the very basis and pillars of the earth, they were the strength and stability of the world: like unto the two pillars in Solomons Temple, the one called Jachin, the other Boaze, 1 King. 7. 21. that is as much as to say, stability and strength, which indeed did prefigure the stedfastnesse and strength of the Saints. These two Witnesses while they lived below in the earth, they were the strength and succour of the world, but when they arise out of the earth, and ascend to heaven, then the strength and stability of the earth ascends with them. The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I beare up the pillars of it, saith the Lord, Psal. 75. 3. The Lord holds up the earth by these pillars, namely, his witnesses, and when he calls them to heaven, to his king∣dome, to live in the liberty and glory

thereof, then the very pillars of the earth are removed, therefore the earth must needs quake and tremble. This sore judgement is so terrible and ama∣zing, that there is no shelter or succour, nothing that man hath, or doth enjoy can be secure, it is the most sweeping and affrighting evill, it pitties nor spares none, but carries all before it. As Sampson carried away the gates of the Citie upon his shoulders; so these two witnesses when they arise from the earth, and leave the world, they carry away with them, the strength, the peace, the comfort, the order, the pow∣er of the earth, and so leave the world and Antichrist in confusion and distra∣ction. The whole interest that the world hath, in all it's enjoyments, is but borrowed from the witnesses; and when these are taken away, and rai∣sed up above their former station, the world falls into ruine and confusion.

Secondly, from the time of this earth∣quake. The same houre, &c. observe, That* 1.2 all the time of this great earthquake, the witnesses are rising & ascending. The same houre and time, yea and all the time of these great commotions and stirres up∣on

the world, the witnesses get ground, and ascend higher and higher; though the world neither know it, nor per∣ceive it. This great earthquake; that this very day, doth shake Kings, king∣domes, States, Churches, rules and do∣minions, doth plainly demonstrate, that the witnesses are now in rising, that they begin to shake off their sack∣cloth and mourning, they stand upon their owne feet, and doe not any long∣er depend upon other mens shoulders: they ascend above the oppression and powers of their adversaries, into the glorious priviledges and liberty of Christs kingdome. Know that thorow this thicke and darke cloud, that God hath drawne over the earth, and in the midst of these nationall stormes and earthquakes, the Lord will shine forth more and more, and the Sunshine of his favour and love shall display it's beams upon his Saints, in working out their salvation and liberty. God by the plentifull showers of divine grace, and by his distillings of his spirit upon his people, will burne up that drosse and fleshlinesse in them, which God doth manifest in some already. And by

this great earthquake will so shake the powers of the world, that they shall not be able to oppresse the Saints any longer. O that we could with faith and patience waite a while, and we shall behold within a few yeares, yea, in a very short space, what desolations and devastations God will make in the earth.; and what unexpected salvations and deliverances he will worke for his people, farre above what his enemies feare, or his people hope for. Therefore I say, wait but a while, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, the Lord will come and will not tarry; for in this very day, of the great earthquake, in the very time now of these nationall stormes and commotions, are the wit∣nesses rising above their adversaries, and ascending up into the heavenly enjoyments & immunities of the king∣dome of Christ.

Thirdly, from the first consequent of this great earthquake: and the tenth part of the Citie fell: observe, That nation* 1.3 that shall first of all shake off and disclaime the power of Antichrist, God will honour that nation first of all, in raising up his wit∣nesses in it. There is a tenth part of the

nations, that have formerly given up their power and authority to the beast, that shall fall off, and disown that man of sin, that shall withdraw themselves from the yoke and bondage of Anti∣christs service, and that in this earth∣quake, under the sixt Trumpet; and that before the ten hornes shall hate the whore, and burne her flesh with fire. Now I say, that nation, or nations, that shall first shake off the yoke of the oppressor, and the burden from off their shoulder, are the tenth part of the Citie, that here is sayd to fall in the earthquake: The power and dominion of Antichrist, that this nation, (or tenth part of the Citie) did once yeild and submit unto: now that authority and rule is wholly dissolved and abo∣lished. Now I verily believe that Eng∣land is this tenth part of the Citie; or take England, Scotland, and Ireland, as being united together into one, as be∣ing subjected under one dominion and government to be the tenth part of the nations, that shall first withdraw from under the raigne of Antichrist; for the tenth part is not tied to one nation, but to the tenth part of the nations,

that were brought under the power of Antichrist. And if the tenth part should be meant of one nation onely, yet this tenth part is but that nation, that the Lord doth begin his worke in; he will carry his designe from nation to nati∣on, untill the ten hornes are all brought to hate the whore, and to burne her flesh with fire. This indeed is the full accomplishment, when the forty and two moneths shall be ended, and the word of God fulfilled, the whole ten kingdomes shall joyne together, to make war with the beast, & to give up their power to the service of Christs kingdome. But the Lord doth first be∣gin with a tenth part, that shall first withdraw it selfe from under the do∣minion and power of the beast. And I believe, that this Island, with the nati∣ons adjoyning to it, will be the first fruits of the world, that here shall ap∣peare the new Jerusalem, and the nati∣ons of them that be saved, shall walke in the light thereof, for many nations shall be joyned to the Lord, upon the coming downe of the new Jerusalem, and finall downfall of Antichrist. Now if it be demanded, why Germany or

some of the reformed churches abroad may not be meant the tenth part of the Citie: to which I answer thus; That though those called the reformed chur∣ches, have in some respect, and in some things cast off the service and domini∣on of the beast; yet they have not cast off the image of the beast. For if we cast our eyes upon the reformed Churches abroad, we shall see a national church, a carnall Ministry, worldly Christians, invented ordinances of mans framing, civill and earthly lawes and instituti∣ons, humane and naturall gifts & parts exercised: so that these reformed chur∣ches so much talked of, are but some politick and humane frame, that sets up an image to the beast, or Antichrist coming forth in another forme and shape, then that of downright Popery. And therefore we cannot judge any of them to be the tenth part of the Citie, neither can we expect the rising of the witnesses to be from thence. Now for as much as England is the first nation, that is wholly, & thorowly casting off, and disowning all Antichristian pow∣ers; and for as much as the Lord hath raised up his people in a great measure

from their sackcloth and mourning, & the Saints here begin to stand upon their feet, & to ascend above the power of their adversaries, into the liberty of Christs kingdome; and in that God hath begun this great earthquake here, shaking all powers, both accle••••asticall and civill: this I say, doth plainly de∣monstrate, that England is that tenth part of the Citie, where the witnesses shall first rise out of their sackcloth & bondage: Now this great earthquake, that had it's first beginning here, shall continue, and by degrees reach other nations, the Lord will from hence goe on, to shake all nations, the sea, and the dry land; And though Dutch, and Dane, and French shall combine against us, and becompasse the Camp of the Saints, and the holy Citie, yet the fire of the Lord shall come from heaven and consume them. The Lord shall be unto this Island a wall of fire round about, Zech. 2. 5. And thus the Lord will undoubtedly goe on, untill he hath subdued the power of the nations, & broken the strength of the ten hornes, that they shall wholly withdraw their power and authority from the service

of Antichrist; and shall devote all their strength, riches, authority, to advance the kingdome of Christ. Thus not one∣ly a tenth part shall fall in the earth∣quake; but all the ten hornes by de∣grees shall be scattered and broken; and whereas they have given their power and service to the beast: so now all their strength and power shall serve Christ and his ends. The kingdomes of the world shall become Christs, at the sound of the seventh Trumpet: of which we shall speake in it's due place: now we proceed.

Fourthly, from the second effect,* 1.4 and there were slaine of men seven thou∣sand. Observe: Those principally and chiefly shall be slaine in the earthquake, that are the upholders and maintainers of Antichrists cause and quarrell. Those here sayd to be slaine, are the names of men, or men of name, of fame, of note, of qua∣litie, of office, of dignity; such as these are slaine: these are slaine in their offi∣ces,* 1.5 powers, riches, honours; these are cast out of ecclesiasticall & civill pow∣er and rule (and as it's said of the Dra∣gon) they are cast out of heaven down to the earth, they are degraded, and cast

out, as an abominable branch. This earthquake doth not so much shake and scatter the poore, ignorant, sedu∣ced people, as those that are great in power, in office, in parts and renowne. There is not one of these shall escape, the seven thousand, the full, perfect, and compleat number of those chiefe props and stays of Antichrist, such as mannage his cause, and maintaine his quarrell, there is not one of those, that shall escape, that shall not be throwne downe. How hath this earthquake sha∣ken men out of their honours and dig∣nities, out of offices & places; as those that were in ecclesiasticall jurisdiction, Bishop••▪ Deans, Chapters, C••ancellors, Commissaries, Ordinaries, Parsons, and Curates, with all the rest of the Prelaticall crew: And then those in civill power & dominion, King, Lords, Parliaments, and all others of place and power, that have set their hands to uphold the power of the beast, the Antichristian or Cleargie interest, they have been broken and s••ared. All men of name, of civil or ecclesiasticall pow∣er and rule, that have set and engaged themselves, to uphold or maintain the

cause & interest of the beast, they have been all broken & slaine, in this great and ••errible earthquake. Therefore let all States and powers take heed, how they mix their authority, with the u∣surped ecclesiasticall power, for who∣soever doth so, shall surely be destroy∣ed. For the beast and the false Prophet shall be both taken together, and be cast alive into the lake of fire, burning with brimstone, Revel. 19. 20. The beast is corrupted Magistracy, or forme of power ecclesiasticall and civill mix•• together, compounded and joyned in∣to one: and so acts and comes forth in the forme of a beast: The false Pro∣phet is meant of those Priests, that speake lies in the name of the Lord, that seeme to work miracles, and cause fire to come downe from heaven in the sight of men, counterfelting the spirit of God, when they speake but a divi∣nation and falshood of their own spi∣rits. Now the beast and the false Pro∣phet fall together. The one speaking lies: and the other upholding him. The Clergie first studying and invent∣ing forme•• of worship, and the earthly power main••aining them. O that the

powers of the earth might see how much they are damnified by Cleargie interest, what a heavie burden it is, to carry the weight of spirituall juris∣diction, which will prove as a talent of lead upon the shoulders of all that stand under it. The woman is sayd to ride upon the beast, Revel. 17. 7. The Antichristian church, carried upon the back of earthly powers. Hath not ex∣perience told us? that there hath not been any sort of men, of what title or qualitie soever, that have layd hold of Antichrists interest, and sought to up∣hold and maintaine his cause, but they have been ensuared and broken in pie∣ces. Why hath there been all those tur∣nings, and overturnings of men of note and place, but because they have joy∣ned interest and power with the beast, and have endeavoured to uphold that usurped ecclesiasticall power, either Prelaticall, or Classicall.

Fiftly, from the third consequent, And the remnant were affrighted, &c. ob∣serve, That when God doth scatter the great* 1.6 and mighty ones of the earth, it doth much amaze & affrighten the poore and ignorant people, that have been seduced by them.

When the pillars of Antichrist are sha∣ken, it must needs perplex and trouble those that depended upon them. For when the poore, misled people, shall see the men of name, their great rulers throwne downe, and debased, this can∣not but affright them; when that pow∣er that ruled them shall be subdued, when that wisdome that led them, shall be turned into folly, when all the wayes and practises they have received shall be discovered to be frivolous and empty, this cannot choose but amaze and astonish the poore seduced rem∣nant: now they know not what to doe, nor on whom to depend, neither unto whom to goe for counsell, or upon whose judgement to build. Hence it is, that these poore ignorant people aske such questions as these; Of what religion shall we be of now? when shall we be setled? on whom shall we trust? These cannot live without some forme of religion prescribed by man; there∣fore they thinke, religion, order, go∣vernment to be gone, and that all is turned into confusion, unlesse they may enjoy the Lawes, platformes, di∣rectories, and customes of men, they

thinke all to be lost. Its no wonder then if this poore remnant be affrigh∣ted and astonished.

Sixtly, and lastly, observe, That it's* 1.7 the poore affrighted remnant will give most glory to God. These will so far glorifie God, as to acknowledge him just in all his judgements upon those men of name, that were slaine in the earth∣quake. The experience of our times tells us, that God hath discovered so much wickednesse and oppression in those he hath taken off and slaine, that the remnant, and seduced multitude, (though they loved them well, and were much affrighted at their fall) cannot but glorifie God, and say, these were justly throwne downe for violence and oppression, these have received their just demerit and deser∣ved vengeance: Thus will the common people glorifie the God of heaven, by acknowledging his just judgements up∣on them, that ruled over them. But as for these great and powerfull men themselves, they never will acknow∣ledge the just hand of God: they will say, of all these overturnings and sha∣kings, they are but fatum belli: and

thus it happened out unto them: These indeed are filled with anger and mad∣nesse in their spirits, these have their hearts full of vexation and griefe; these open their mouths, & blaspheme God, and his Tabernacle; calling light darknesse, and truth error, and the like. Their hearts even die within them with griefe and discontent, they weep and lament, because their gaine and merchandise is taken away, their honour and profit is wholly abolish∣ed: These gnaw their tongues for paine, and stand, crying, alas, alas; how is the glorious Citie, with all her order, worship, gaine, honour, in one houre made desolate. Thus shall the great ones lament their losses, but ne∣ver come to repent of the works of their hands, that they had worshipped Devils, and idols of gold, silver, brasse, and stone, &c. These never come to acknowledge the justnesse of God, hand upon them; but the poore affrighted remnant; these, though much perplexed and troubled to see what is done, yet they acknow∣ledge, that all those men of name justly suffered, and so they glorifie the God of heaven in the justnesse of his pro∣ceedings.

And as tis externally, so it is inwardly and mysteriously in man: It's not the wisdome and excellency of man, its not the parts and gifts, the learning, the greatnesse of man, that will glorifie God: no, these excellent things in man, will speak glory to it selfe, it will exalt the creature. But the low, wasted, crucified part of man, will give glory to God, man brought low in his owne conceit, and abased, and brought even to a remnant, will glorifie God, and suffer the Lord to make himselfe glorious.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1 Observ:
• * 1.2

  2 Observ:
• * 1.3

  3 Observ:
• * 1.4

  4 Observ:
• * 1.5

  The Lord puls downe the mightie from their seats, and exalts the humble and m••eke. ••
• * 1.6

  5 Obser
• * 1.7

  6 Observ••