the Time of Finding, Chapter 8
CHAP. VIII.
FIftly, It is A Time of Finding, when there is no ſtaggering at the Promiſe: But the things asked, are by Faith obtained. A Time of Finding, when the things asked, are ſeen and received by Faith.So certain, as if they were already in our own hands. ThusoSam. 1.18 Hannah was ſure of the Child as if he had been in her armes. SopExod. 14 13, 14. Moſes at the Red Sea ſaw Pharoah and his hoſte drown'd, before ever they went into the water. In dividing the Land of Canaan, not onelyonly did Joſhua and the people by lot, lay out the Inheritance of every Tribe, in the Countreys which they had conquered: But likewiſe all other parts of the Land, which at preſent they poſſeſſed not. And this they did, believing what was not yet in their hands, it ſhould be theirs ſo ſure, as the parts and places already taken. No leſſe confident and certain are Saints now, i. e. as ſome of the Canaanites are caſt out: Moncks, Fryers, Arch-Biſhops, Biſhops. SoqLev. 18.28. the Land, ere long ſhall ſpue out the reſt ofrDan. 7.27 them: And it ſhall be given to the Saints of the moſt high. Though the Iſraelites after they came out of Egypt, had a ſtop for forty years in the wilderneſs; yet God gave them the peaceable poſſeſſion of Canaan according to his promiſe. So Jeruſalem and the Temple were built. Howſoever thorough the malice of the Enemy, there was ſome ſtop, put to the worke awhile. True it is, the worke of God, THE GOOD OLD CAƲSE, hath met with A TROƲBLER, an ACHAN, for through the falſhood and hypocriſie of ſome men, it hath been killed and layen in the ſtreet, like the dead bodies of the Witneſſes: howſoever not ſuffered to be put in graves. But what of all this? ſo mercifully hath the Lord anſwered the Cries and Tears of this people, as by faith they ſee it riſen, and like a Conquerour ſtanding on its feet, to the Terror, Shame and Ruin of the Adverſaries.
Queſt. But wherefore hath the Lord ſuffered his work to be ſtopped, and to lie (as it were) under a death?
Anſ. Howſoever neither men nor Devils could have ſtopped it, had he pleaſed (not to have had it ſo) Yet he would have it ſtopp'd a while for theſe Reaſons.
1. To diſmiſſe from the worke ſome Regiments of prophane Eſau's, and worldly Demaſſes; who followed it not for love but loaves. Such Hypocrites and rotten hearts, the Lord could not endure to ſee in his work, and therefore brought his Army out of the Field, to disband them, and toſPſ. 125.5. lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. A good Riddance. A Dogg that followeth two men, is not known to which of them he belongeth till the way part: Then indeed you ſhall ſee: Howſoever we knew not plain and honeſt hearts, from diſſemblers, ſo long as the Intereſt of Chriſt, and worldly profit kept together. Yet the Lord by this STOP hath made a marvellous diſcovery of both. A good ſeparation.
2. That the Scriptures might … fulfilled: For by this STOP came in the perillous Times, of which Paul gave warningt2 Tim. 10.3.1 in Timothy, meaning the ſecond Apoſtacy. How the Characters ſet down there by the Apoſtle, paralell with the Backſliders of this age I have largely*A Book entituled Truth with Time. elſewhere ſhewed. In ſome Fenny Countries, where people are troubled with GNATS; they uſe to hang dung in the midſt of a room, as a bait for the Gnats to fly to, and ſo catch them, as a ſnare provided for that purpoſe. Why would the Lord have a STOP to the work, and by that STOP bring up the Apoſtacy? It is plain enough, that it might be a Pit and a Snare (dung indeed) to catch all the GNATS of the three Nations: For I verily believe there is not a worldly minded Profeſſor (whether Church-member, or Church-Officer, or otherwiſe) but he is fallen into this Trap.uJob 18.5.8, 9, 10 The light of the wicked ſhall be put out, and the ſparke of his fire ſhall not ſhine. For be is cast into a net by his own feet, and his own counſel ſhall caſt him down. The gin ſhall take him by the heel, and the rob… ſhall prevail againſt him. The ſnare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way. xRev. 15.3Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty.
3. As the Lord made a Proof or Tryall of Abrahams faith, love and obedience, by his willingneſſe to offer his ſonne Iſaac: So this STOP hath been, viz. yCor. 11.19that they which are approved may be made manifeſt. If a Maid, that ſhe might be ſuch a mans Wiſe, ſhould refuſe a great Eſtate, and live very poorly with him, would not this argue ſhe married him for Love, and nothing elſe. There are many ſince this Apoſtaſie came up, for the love and affection which they bear to the GOOD OLD CAƲSE, have refuſed great places high promotion and honour, and ſufferd Baniſhment, Impriſonment, cruel mockings, and ſpoyling of their goods: And what doth this ſignifie?aGen. 22.12. Now I know (ſaid the Angell to Abraham) that thou feareſt God, ſeeing thou haſt not withheld thy ſonne, thine onelyonly ſon from me. Surely a man ſheweth great affection and faithfulneſſe unto Jeſus Chriſt, when riches, preferments and great mens favours are rejected, and his poor, deſpiſed, betrayed, and crucified Cauſe is boldly owned of him.
4. ThatbRom. 11.28. the Lord may make a ſhort work upon the earth, when his work ſhall be revived again. As a man intending to ſhew his skill by leaping farre, goes backward firſt a little: So the Lord intending more than an ordinary ſpeed & quick diſpatch of the ſeven laſt plagues, ſeemeth firſt to go backwards.cRev. 11.…4. Behold the third woe cometh quickly. Thus it was with Iſrael in Egypt. After Moſes and Aaron had been with Pharoah they haddExod. 5.9. more work laid upon them, and their bondage greater than before. But when the Lord revived that work, How faſt went it forward then? In leſs than thirty days all the ten plagues were poured out upon Egypt. So after the forty years, when the Lords work came on again, the Land of Canaan is preſently conquered,eJoſh. 12.24. & one and thirty Kings put to death. How ſoon was the Lords Houſe built when the work was revived, in four years at moſt: And ſo I take it here, the Lord means by this Stop, HAST HAST afterward.
5. To ſtrike the greater dread and horrour upon wicked menfRev. 11. at the riſing of the work: Herod thinking Chriſt to be John Baptiſt, he thought likewiſe John being riſen, he came with more ſtrength and power than he had before; and this tormented him: That the Cauſe and Intereſt of Chriſt, thought to be dead and buried, ſhould be raiſed again: No marvel the ſinners in Zion will be afraid, and fearfulneſs ſurprize the hypocrites; they know it comes forth in Power, Glory and Majeſty to take vengeance on them for their falſhood and unrighteouſneſſe.
6. There is a STOP that ungodly men in this Time may fill up the meaſure of their ſinnes, & ſo be fatted for the ſlaughter.gJer. 51.13. Thine end is come, and the meaſure of thy Covetouſneſs; that is, when Babilons Covetouſneſſe is full and ripe, then come the vials of wrath to be poured out upon her. Among the Egyptians it was a cuſtome, when any man was condemned for ſome notorious crime, to feaſt him and fat him, that he might undergo the greater Torment. I think no man will deny, but ſome men of late are fatted to purpoſe:hPſ. 119.70. Their heart is as fat as greaſe. But it was not thus before the STOP: For their Coveteouſneſs, Pride, Lightneſſe, Luxury, was nothing in meaſure and height to what it is now. A ſad ſtop: wofull places, offices, promotion, maintenance, &c. that prepares men like Sheep for the day of ſlaughter!
7. For the praiſe of his great power: Chriſt was able to have kept Lazarus from death and the grave; but he would not: and why?iJoh. 11.4. That the ſon of man might be gloried: And indeed (I think) there was no miracle which our Saviour wrought more to his glory than this. Not onelyonly is Lazarus dead and buried, but ſuppoſed to ſtink, having been three days buried. And for all this to raiſe him up, what a wonderfull work is this? Though it be true (as was ſaid) the Lord could have prevented all STOPS; yet he would not: But he will have his Cauſe ſlain and buried, and in the opinion of the Enemy, to rot and ſtink: (no fear of riſing again) And then will hekPſ. 78.65. awake as one out of ſleep, break the heavens and come down, ſhake the mountains and raiſe up his friend Lazarus, to the glory of his power, the joy of his people, and the confuſion of his Enemies. Amen, Amen.
Queſt. But what reaſons have you to believe that the good old Cauſe will be revived again.
Anſwer 1. Becauſe the honour of God is much concerned in it ſince the STOP. What ſay the ScofferslLuk. 14.30. This man began to build, but was not able to finiſh it: As if ſome, by their craft and policy had over-reached Jeſus Chriſt. As long as Pompey ſtood and flouriſhed, Cato ſtoutly maintained a Providence: But when he fled into Egypt, and was ſlaine of a baſe fellow, and lay upon the ſhoare without any honour of Burial; when Cato alſo was beſet with Caeſars army. He fell from his former doctrine, turning his tale, as if there were no providence at all: but every thing went by hap. It is too probable by ſome late Turnings, many are turned Atheiſts. And therefore queſtionleſſe, God will revive his work again: For otherwiſe how can the great reproach and diſhonour be taken off from his Providence and Government.
So 2. Is Religion & the true profeſſion of the Goſpell; which never will have the Credite, Glory, Beauty, it had formerly, if the intereſt of Chriſt and his People be not revived. Nothing better heals the ſting of Vipers, than to apply their own fleſh to the diſeaſe: The duſt of a Toad put to its venomous biting takes away the poiſon. It is much upon my heart, by ſome ſuch APPLICATION the Lord will heal thoſe fearfull wounds and bitings, which are upon the truth. Though men have not regarded the Credit and Honour of it, yet Chriſt doth and will recover it and revive it again; by deſtroying the fond gloſſes, and covetuous practiſes of corrupt men, and raiſing up faithfull ones to preach the everlaſting Goſpell.
Euſebius writes of Peregrinus the Philoſopher; having gotten a great eſtate, by feigning himſelf a Chriſtian, that he might conſume it the more freely on his luſts, revolted to Gentiliſme. It is plain enough to ſee, why ſome men have left the Lords work and this people; It was that they might be at liberty to ſpend what they had gotten in exceſſe, pride, riot, laſciviouſneſs. They well knew, ſhould they have kept cloſe to Chriſt and his intereſt, they could not have fulfilled the deſires of the fleſh, and walked after their own luſts. And therefore thought it better to turn Heathens again. For ſo doing they knew they ſhould have elbow-room enough, & might do whatſoever ſeemd good in their own eyes. But what of all this, let ſuch know the Lord will make That Holy Profeſſion of his Name, Goſpel & Kingdome glorious and honourable again. Though they have made it vile and contemptible in the eyes of the world.mEzek. 36.23. I will ſanctifie my great Name, which was prophaned among the Gentiles: which ye have prophaned in the midſt of them.
3. Such were the wonderfull actings and appearances of God, for and with this Cauſe, as it is not poſſible it ſhould come to nothing (vaniſh away like ſmoak) which yet will be ſo, unleſſe it be quickned and raiſed again.nJudg. 13.23. If the Lord were pleaſed to kill us, he would not have ſhewed us all theſe things: Let no man think that he would ſo eminently have ſhewed his power, juſtice, and wrath againſt the late King for his Tyrany and Arbitrary Government; So aagainſt the Biſhops for their pride and humane inventions, but that he means to deſtroy the like wickedneſſe in others, if afterward they ſhall take it up.o1 Sam. 3.12. When I begin I will alſo make an end. Though it be a judgment (and to be executed upon his own people) yet he will perfect the work. And will he not do ſo (and morepLam. 3.33 willingly) when it is to have mercy upon Zion.
4. In reviving this work he willqIſa. 57.18 Reſtore Comfort to his Mourners rPſ. 85.6.would not thou revive us again, that thy people may rejoyce in thee? That is, when thou ſhalt take that which letteth out of the way; and bring us again upon thy work: Our mourning will ceaſe, and thy power, faithfulnes, goodnes, juſtice, will be ſoul-refreſhing unto us. I know ſome men can take pleaſure in beholding beaſtly and filthy things: So is oppreſſion, falſhood and deceit, to a time-ſerver & turn-coat a moſt pleaſant ſight: As Hanibal, when he ſaw a pit full of mans blood, O formoſum ſpectaculum: and the Scots Queen ſeeing her Subjects lie dead and ſtripped on the earth, cryed out, The goodlieſt Tapeſtry that ever ſhe beheld. The cryes and groans of the poor under their oppreſſions and heavy burthens, what ſweet muſick makes this in the ears of Self-ſeekers: Now their pay comes in, their ſalary, and their ſo much per annum. But the joy of good men riſeth otherwiſeſPro. 29.2. When the wicked beareth rule, they mourn: tPro. 11.10and when wicked Rulers periſh, they ſhout for joy. So that untill this work be revived, Saints may expect little joy as to outward and publick Affaires.
5. This Cauſe will ſurely be revived, becauſe it is not mans but the Lords: For, 1. Are notuPſ. 110.12 Chriſts Enemies to be made his foot-ſtool, andxPſal. 2; 6. he to ſit upon the holy hill of Zion? 2. Is not all oppreſſion to ceaſe, and yIſa. 60.18Violence to be heard no more in the Land: The firſt and ſecond Apostaſies both to be deſtroyed? 3. Muſt notaPſ. 85.11. Truth ſpring out of the earth, and Righteouſneſſe look down from Heaven? AndbDan. 7.22 the Saints poſſeſs the Kingdom? But can theſe things be and not the work revived, that is impoſſible. When it is night and dark, whence do ye expect to have light again in this viſible world: Is it not by the riſing of the Sun? So theſe great things which we are waiting for concerning Jeſus Chriſt and his Kingdome, the coming in and accompliſhment of them will be, by the Lords reviving his work and Cauſe again.
Queſt. But is there not ſomething for the Lords people to do, in order to the reviving of the Work?
Anſ. Yes ſurely. For, 1. Howſoever Achan was the TROƲBLER and had cauſed the STOP, yetcJoſ. 7.11. Iſrael had ſinned alſo. dJer. 5.55.Your Iniquities (ſaith the Prophet) have turned away theſe things, and your ſins have withholden good things from you. When the clouds are ſcattered which hide the Sun from us, then we behold his ſhining face again: So the Lord,ePſ. 85.1, 2 he forgives the iniquity of his people, fIſa. 44.22Blots out their tranſgreſſions and ſins as a thick cloud, and then he will be favourable to his land, and bring back the Captivity of Jacob. So that it is the duty of every Saint (waiting for the great Promiſes of the Father) to be at the foot of God, exceedingly bewailing his Own, and his Brethrens great miſcarriages: And as there is hope our Deliverance is nigh, ſo our hearts ſhould be the more broken and in bitterneſſe, and our tears and ſighings encreaſe; now we ſhould riſe at midnight and cry,gI…el 2, 17. Spare thy people, hHoſ. 14.2.Lord take away all iniquity, & receive us graciouſly: ſo will we render the calves of our lips. We muſt not ſo look upon Achans & Troublers abroad & without, as not to ſee the Achans and Troublers at home, in our own hearts. Though ſome have beeniNum. 3.3 55. pricks in the eyes of the Lords work and the good old Cauſe, andkIoſh. 23.13. Scourges and Thornes in the ſides of his people; yet muſt we confeſs the righteouſneſſe of Jehovah, and ſay,lEzra 9.14 he hath puniſhed us leſs than our iniquities deſerve. In ſhort, our ſins are asmJohn 11.39, 41. the Stone upon the grave which muſt be rolled away by confeſſion and heart ſorrow, in order to the reviving of the work.
2. Though the Lord will revive his work, nEzek. 36.37.yet for this, he will be ſought unto by his people to do it for them. A man may be willing to do his Friend a good Turn, yet he expects he ſhould ask it of him:oMat. 7.7. Ask and have. pZac. 2.13Be ſilent O all fleſh before the Lord, for he is RAISED up out of his holy habitation. Obſerve, it is not ſaid he is riſen, but he is raiſed. Well,qGen. 49.9 Who ſhall Rouze him up? Who hath raiſed the Lord out of his holy habitation? The Prophet will tell you.rPſal. 90.13, 14, 15, 16, 17. For the ſighing of the needy now will I ariſe ſaith the Lord. Thus the Church in the Wilderneſſe, to have the work up again, and to go forward, is earneſt in prayer; Return (O Lord) how long, and let it repent thee concerning thy Servants. O ſatisfie us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoyce and be glad all our dayes. Make us glad according to the dayes wherein thou haſt afflicted us, and the years wherein we have ſeen evill. Let thy work appear unto thy Servants, and thy glory unto their Children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and eſtabliſh thou the work of our hands: Yea, the work of our hands eſtabliſh thou it.
3. That Councel of our Saviour is to be heeded,ſLuke 12.35, 36. Let your loynes be girded about, and your light ſhining: That when the Lord cometh and knocks, you may open unto him immediatly. If a man have a promiſe of ſome great office and preferment, ſhould he not endeavour to fit himſelf for it? How to be prepared for the Lords work, when it ſhall come forth again; is ſhewed us in thetRev. 14.1, 4, 5. Characters of the Lambs followers: they have his Fathers name (not the Mark of the Beaſt) written in their foreheads. Theſe are they which are not defiled with women, for they are Virgins: Theſe are they which follow the Lamb whereſoever he goeth, theſe were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and the Lamb: And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. What is the reaſon ſo many have fallen under the Lords work, made ſhipwrack of it and themſelves too? They took it up, before they were meet for it. If a Fool or Mad man be at the Helme, neeeds muſt that Veſſel miſcarry. If the Guide be blind, the Followers of him will miſs their way:uEc. 10.16 Wo to thee O Land, when thy King is a Child, and thy Princes eat in the morning; that is, one who out of inferiour Condition is leapt into a Throne, and gives himſelfe (with his New Lords) to luſt and pleaſures, and make their own Intereſts and Profits the chief thing that they look after, and prefer that before the Publick good. As we expect therefore not to be laid aſide, and ſtand aſhamed when the work ſhall be revived: Let us not ſleep as do others, but be ſober and watch, keep oyle in our veſſel,xHeb. 10.23. Hold faſt the profeſſion of our faith without wavering, and yverſe 35.not caſt away our confidence which hath great recompence of reward. When a man is to begin a thing, and makes onelyonly a rough draught, any inſtrument will ſerve the turn; but afterward when he comes to fine work, then he uſeth (and muſt have) better tooles. Though I do attribute to the work done as much as any man rightly can, yet this I humbly conceive, it hath hitherto been but a rough draught (very low and mean) comparatively to what the work will be, when the Lord ſhall give it a Reſurrection. And therefore as the work will be much finer, ſo he will uſe better inſtruments, or if he uſe any of the former inſtruments, he will make them purer and better than ever: He will haveaPſal. 102 18. a Created people, bIſa. 13.3.Sanctified ones: cRev. 17.14Called, and choſen, and faithfull: dRev. 15.6.Cloathed in pure, and white linnen, and having their breaſts girded with golden girdles.
Queſt. But how and in what manner will the Lord revive his work: And when will that bleſſed Time of finding come?
Anſ. There are many ſignes which go before a ſtorme, and …any ſymptomes which diſcover d…ſeaſes before men fall into them: So (I think) before the Lord will appear again for the old Intereſt of Chriſt and his people againſt the enemies thereof; there will be ſome ſignes and Symptomes going immediately before. The huſbandman that hath the eye of experience will give a fair gueſs of the whole day by the morning; I ſhall leave other men to their own conjectures: For my part I do apprehend ſo farre already a dawning of the work, as I dare adventure (in the ſtrength and power of my God) to give a ſober gueſs of it.
Gods work in the womb of Providence is according to what the Prophet ſpeaks of Gods forming him in the womb of his mother; He begins withePſal. 139. his unformed ſubſtance, or Embrio, that is, the body in the womb before it hath perfect ſhape; then he ſpeaks of being covered with skin and fleſh: Laſtly, how curiouſly he was made, namely with ſinewes, veines, arteries, and variety of limbs: As an Embroiderer joyneth many parcels, and wier-work of various colours, very artificially and curiouſly together, untill there comes forth ſome goodly portraiture, or other dainty workmanſhip; and all this is done in the loweſt part of the earth; ſo he calleth the womb, becauſe of Gods ſecret and unknown making of men there. In ſuch a way is the work of God in the womb of providence: Oh it is fearfully and marvelouſly made: It is at firſt (as it were) unwrought, afterwards it hath fleſh and bone; but curiouſly embroidered, like a piece of needle work, before it comes viſible forth: In this womb of Providence are the ſeaven last vials formed, and the Angels which ſhall pour them out. So the little Stone which ſhall ſmite the Image, and the weapons of war, which ſhall thraſh Babylon, and all the mountains of the world. That this work ſhould be in the womb of Providence (yea, and ſo curiouſly wrought, as ready to come forth) & yet not perceived it is no wonder.fEcc. 11.5. As thou knoweſt not what is the way of the ſpirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with Child: ſo thou knoweſt not the works of God who makes all gJob 28.23.God underſtandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.
Queſt. But can you demonſtrate by any fair Arguments, that the work is no Embrio, but curiouſly wrought, and coming forth out of the womb of Providence, at the hRom. 12.5.Man-child to rule the Nations with a rod of Iron?
Anſ. As this is a great Queſtion, ſo I ſhall modeſtly ſpeak to it, from that light … have received. Indeed I cannot decline my former opinion: But do think the work (as an unformed ſubſtance) begun about June: And that it is now covered with skin and fleſh; full wrought and coming forth. It ſeems ſo to me for theſe reaſons:
1. I do obſerve, that the Spirit of the Lord is ſo full and mighty with ſome of his hidden ones, as they cannot ceaſe f…om crying to him day and night.iRev. 14.15 Thruſt in the ſickle and reap, for the time is come for thee to reap: for the harveſt of the earth is ripe. Not now for a diſcovery of the Apoſtacy, for that is apparent enough: Nor ſo much now for Separation, as to have the judgement written, ſpeedily executed. It is doubtleſs a truth, when the Lord ſhall ſpirit a people (though very few) and bring them forth, as his Jobs, Samuels and Daniels to ſtand before him, and withall gives themkMat. 17.20. a grain of that faith of which Chriſt ſpeaks. Whatſoever they ask in that FAITH ſhall be given them. A little time will ſhew, by whoſe LEADING and MOTION I write thus: Namely, That the Lords work is reviving, and will ſuddenly appear in the deſtroying of the laſt Apoſtacy, and this done by that Faith (which ſome poor wormes have received) to which all things are poſſible.
2. I think Providence is opening the womb, Becauſe ſome men (like Jehu) drive too furiouſly to hold out long. Blood-ſuckers when they are ready to burſt, draw ſtrongeſt. Thus it was with Pharoah, Abſolom, Haman, when they begun to pull hard they ſtreightway periſhed: No otherwiſe than like Rats and Miſe and other Vermin, whilſt they are pulling hard at the bait, down falls the Trap, and ſo are taken: So Geeſe many times break their own neck, with biting and pulling hard the root which they hold in their Bill. What the Bait is, and the Root which ſome men are pulling at, moſt do know: But what is the Trap? Verily Providence: And you ſhall ſee, when they come to their ſtrongeſt Pulls, to pull with BOTH HANDS, down falls the Snare, and the Vermins cruſht to pieces.
3. Becauſe the Controverſie riſeth high between the Lords Witneſſes, & the Lords Enemies. When we ſee a woman big with Child, we conclude ſhe hath not long to go. Can the controverſie be higher? Is it not about the Title of the Crown, Kingdome, Government; yea, and who ſhall Reign and be King? Whether Jeſus Chriſt in his Lawes or proud fleſh in his Luſts? Methinks by the greatneſſe and ſwelling of the womb, there is hope of a ſpeedy birth: It was ſo in the Caſe between Moſes and the Magicians, Elias and the Prieſts of Baal: So the Scots and the Prelates. When the difference and controverſie grew high on all ſides; What immediatly followed? Breaking work;mPſ. 11.6. Upon the wicked he rained ſnares, fire and brimſtone, and an horrible Tempeſt: This was the portion of their Cup. When we ſhall ſee the conteſt at that height, either men muſt move for their Lives, Lawes, and Liberties; or be abſolute Slaves; Suffer their witneſſes to be put in graves, or ſtand up for their Riſing; Then will the Lords worke come forth in quickening and ſpiriting a dead people, andnZach. 2.7 Zion ſhall deliver her ſelf that dwelt with the daughter of Babylon.
4.oEcc. 3.11. The Lord hath made every thing beautifull in his ſeaſon. That is, the worke of divine providence, is the more comely and excellent, in reſpect of the Seaſon, in which it comes forth: Thus it is in natural things. The Spring, Summer, Autumne. VVinter, every thing in his ſeaſon, oh how lovely and faire it is: So in all the works of God about his Children: VVhitherpPſ. 111.3 it be the puniſhing of the wicked for their ſakes: or their own deliverance. He will make the worke honourable and glorious in reſpect ofqAct. 1.7. That Seaſon and Time he brings it forth. Hence I am perſwaded the Good old Cauſe is reviving. Becauſe methinks it is now, ſuch a Seaſon, as will put upon it the Beautie of holineſs.
5. VVhen I conſiderrGen. 1.16. the wheele in the midſt of a wheele, ſEzek. 10.12.and the wheeles full of eyes. And withall obſerve many late providences, this likwiſe much confirmes me: You may eaſily know which way a man means to ſhoot, by his holding of his musket or Bow: Againſt whom of late hath the Lord held the mouth of his Canon: The Head of the Arrow of his VVrath, and the point of his great and ſtrong Sword. Truely he muſt be very ignorant in publick affaires that cannot point at them: And what may we gather hence? That he will diſcharge his whole Cannons among them: make his Arrows drunk in their Blood, and they ſhall not eſcape his drawn ſword, and this ſuddenly too. In warr uſually there are ſome light skirmiſhes before the main Bodies do Engage: So before a great rain and ſtorme, little dropping: The Lord hath been skirmiſhing with them both by land and ſea: and ſhamefully beaten them everywhere; and terrible drops have fallen upon them like haile-ſtones: So that now he is comming againſt them with the Bodie of his Armie: AndtPſ. 83.15. to perſecute them with his TempeſtuPſ. 50.22. Now conſider this ye that forget Godx2 Pet. 2.15. VVhichWhich have forſaken the right way, and are gone aſtray, following the way of Balaam the ſon of Boſor, who loved the wages of unrighteouſneſſe:yDeut. 32.41, 42. If I whet my glittering word, and mine hand take hold on judgement, I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. I will make mine arrows drunk with bloud, and my ſword ſhall devour fleſh, & that with the bloud of the ſlaine and of the Captaines, from the beginning of the revenges upon the enemie.
6. Judgement is at the birth againſt a profeſſing people, when the Counſel of the Lord in all his Servants is rejected: and they are hearkning to flatterers, lyers, Wizards, who will humour them in their luſts, and encourage them in every ſinfull Action. This is plain in the Cauſe of Joaſh a2 Chr. 24. from 16. to 26.After the death of Jehoiada came the Princes of Judah, and made obeyſance to the King: then the King hearkned unto them. Theſe Princes were the old malignant Courtiers in the reigne of Jehoram, Ahaziah & Athaliah. The thing that he hearkned to, was to deſtroy that good Reformation which himſelf had made a little before: that is to ſet up again the Idolatry and Tyrany which he had throwne down, and to caſt out the juſt and righteous things which he himſelfe lately had eſtabliſhed. The evil of this is told him again and againe: But no admonition will take place. For he grows ſo wicked that he cauſeth the Prophet (who reprov'd him) to be ſtond: even his ſonn who had ſet him on the Throne. But what followed? oh ſad things (and that ſuddenly) firſt upon the Land that was made the ſeat of war, ſpoyld and plunderd; afterward a ſore puniſhment upon himſelf, by the hand both of God and man.
The like befel Amaziah his ſonb2 Chr. 25.25, 26, 27. I know (ſaith the Prophet to him) God hath determined to deſtroy thee, becauſe thou haſt done this, and haſt not hearkened to my Counſel. The which thing came to paſs ſoon after. Again it is ſaid of Eli's childrenc1 Sam. 2.25. They harkned not to the voyce of their father, becauſe the Lord would ſlay them. That is he gave them not grace to repent, but did more and more forſake them, & gave them in his juſtice over to a reprobate mind, to their own ruin and deſtruction: Which alſodcap. 4.11. came to paſs. When Ahab hearkned to his falſe Prophets, & not to Michaiah; Gods Judgment ſoon reacht him. Was there ever a Generation of men that did caſt off the threatnings of God againſt their ſinnes with more contempt and ſcorne than ſome do now? For unleſs he be an Ahitophel, a Machiavel, a Subtil Serpent, tuſh they care not for any mans Counſel a ruſh. But is not this ſome notable ſigne of the Times? Yes ſurely (e) When it is evening ye ſay it will be fair wether. Mat. 16.For the skie is red And in the morning it willbe foul weather to day; For the skie is red and and lowring. Such is my confidence in the Truth of the Scripture, as from the Premiſes I can ſooner beleeve, that there is ſome great judgment very nigh the diſpiſers of good Counſell, than conclude fair or foul weather from ſuch ſignes in the face of the sky. That the work's upon reviving: This alſo ſhews it: neer in my apprehenſion did Time look ſo like midnight as now. Night it hath been ſome years together. But no Midnight till of late: If ſleep hath not ſeiz'd on the Virgins (Wiſe as Fooliſh) yet truly a great ſlumbering doth; for there is not (methinkes) that activeneſs, that life and ſoule to the great Cauſe of God, as ſome times there was: Several wayes people may fall a ſleep: And children very often ſing themſelves aſleep And are there not ſome of the Lords ſweet Babes, fallen now into ſome ſlumbering as to THE DAY WORKE, by their own pleaſant Singing. I ſhould be a great deale more affected and diſſatisfied with this late ſlumbring of the Virgins, but that I conſider the Scripture muſt be fulfil'dfIſa. 63.5. I looked (ſaith the Lord) and there was none to helpgAmos 7.2 By whom ſhall Jacob ariſe, for he is ſmal: ſmall indeed: For if the wiſe Virgins fall aſleep who then are left, Though this be ſo, yet herein am I comforted: The Midnight-time being upon us: It declares that the womb of providence is opening: and the Crie nigh hMat. 25.15.16Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out and meet him. Yea, and it is a merciemercy, ſeeing the Midnight Time is upon us, that there is a Ʋoice kept up to awaken ſuch as are aſleep.
7. Reader, mark this: Such men as by engagement ought to joyn with the Intereſt of Chriſt & his people, if they neglect their duty here, & joyn with the Lords Enemies againſt him and his Cauſe, there is certainly ſome great judgement nigh them. It was Midians dutyiDeut. 23.4. to have met Iſrael with bread & with water in the way when they came forth out of Egypt. That is, they ſhould have refreſhed & aſſiſted their Brethren in their travels towards Canaan; but in ſtead of doing ſo, Midian hired a Wizard, a Witch to curſe the Lords people: But what is his puniſhment for it? He ſhall not enter into the Congregation of the Lord for ever. Iſrael muſt never ſeek his peace nor proſperity. Many Reaſons there were, why Achitophel ſhould have ſtood faithfull to David and his Righteous Cauſe: But (like an unthankfull wretch) he went with Abſalom in that unnatural Rebellion: But how ſped he?k2 Sam. 17.23. When he ſaw his counſell was not followed, he went home and hanged himſelf. Again whoſe part ſhould Judas have taken? (in point of Reaſon, Religion, and Conſcience) Doutleſs his Maſters; but he falls in with the Scribes and Phariſees to take away his Maſters life. What his end was, and how he was rewarded for it. (It is recorded)gMa.. 27.5 He went and hanged himſelf hAct. 1.18And falling headlong burſt aſunder in the midſt, and his bowels guſhed out. Are there any ſuch in our Time, who in reſpect of many Engagements, ſhould aſſiſt and help the Lords people, ſtand up with them, for Righteouſneſſe and Truth: And do they (like Midian, Achitophel, Judas) ſide & take part with Wizards, Rebels, Phariſees, (and marked Slaves of the Beaſt. I ſay, are there ſuch? If ſo, then I queſtion not but Providence ere long will ſhew ſome notable work uppon them.lPſal. 46.8 Come, and behold the works of the Lord, what deſolations he hath made in the earth.
Laſtly, And which is not the leaſt that perſwades me, the good old Cauſe is ready to riſe: I do obſerve that the Lords people every where are expecting it. Now what means this (k) ſinging of the Birds, if the ſpring be not nigh. Is it poſſible that it ſhould lye (with ſo much weight) upon the Spirits of all the little remnant; that the Lord is coming ſorth to take vengeance on his adverſaries, and to comfort Zion: And nothing ſhould be in it: I cannot think ſo, neither is there any reaſon for it. Indeed,lPro. 4.19. The way of the wicked is darkneſſe they know not at what they ſtumble.mv. 18. But the way of the juſt is as a ſhining light, that ſhineth more and more to the perfect day.
Thus Reader thou ſeeſt the Reaſons why I think, the WORK is at the Birth. I ſhall offer a little more to thee And no more (I hope,) then what is according to Truth: and with ſupplications the Lord hath led me.
From the Creation to the Flood (according to the beſt account that I have ſeen) were 1657. yeeres. And ſo many yeeres we reckon paſt, ſince Jeſus Chriſt was born. In this yeare (viz- 1657.) doth period the 42. Months and 1260. dayes in which the Beaſt was to reigne, and the Saints to ſuffer. Mr. Tilling haſt (of Pretious memorie) beginning at the Head of the account; i. e. at the riſe of the Beaſt, brings down the two Numbers to the yeare 1657. I have done ſomething by inquiring at the foot, to wit the laſt three years and an half of the Account, and here we do agree as to the Time of the End: That is, whereas the Woman muſt benRev.: 12.6. in the wilderneſs 1260 dayes: andoRev. 13.5 'Power was given to the Beaſt to continue 42. Moneths. Both theſe Numbers (ſignifying indeed all one time) do end in the aforeſaid yeare, 1657. This humblie do I conceive:
I know what will be here objected. If this were ſo, we ſhould ſee ſome change as either to the riſing of the witneſſes, or fear among the enemies, or ſomething done upon Babylon: But things ſtand as they did before: The Dragon, Beaſt, Little Horne both Apoſtacies as Rampant as ever, yea rather of late grown greater, & are at the riſing hand, than otherwiſe.
Anſ. This being a hard knot. I truſt the Lord will the more help me to unty it, & ſo to take this Stumbling block out of the way of his people.
1. I would ſay (as the Lord ſaid to Job pJob. 28.22.28, 29.Haſt thou entred into the treaſures of the ſnow? or haſt thou ſeen the treaſures of the haile? Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? out of whoſe womb came the ice? and the hoarie froſt of Heaven? who hath gendered it? Hath the Lord a Treaſure for ſnow and hail, a Father to beget the rain and drops of dew: and a womb wherein the ice & hoarie froſt are gendered? and afterwards brings them forth, as he thinks good to uſe and ſpend them? Then much more a Treaſure, a Father, a Wombe for higher things, & greater workes, wherein his name, glory, kingdom & people are eſpecially concernd. Is not this laid up in ſtore with me,Deu. 32.34: and ſealed up among my treaſures. Again though it may not be queſtioned ButqIſa. 48.14. The Lord will do all his pleaſure upon Babylon: Nothing ſhall faile of his threatnings, againſt the Dragon, Beaſt, Little Hornet Yet the ordering, managing and governing thereof, that only and wholly belongeth to him, both when to begin, and how to do it. Hence I humbly conceive, if we ſhould ſee nothing done in the year, 1657. as to the riſing of the Witneſſes or ruine of the Bottomleſſe, Beaſt, and laſt Apoſtacie: It will not therefore follow that the 1260. Yeares ended not in that year. No more reaſon: Then becauſe the Childe is not Born, Ergo, not conceived in the womb.
2. Chriſts words muſt be remembredrLuke 17.20: The Kingdome of God cometh not with obſervation, that is, not in ſuch manner at firſt, that it can be taken notice of by things done. Obſerve, it is not ſaid, the kingdome ſhall have no Obſervation. But Cometh not. Shewing how at firſt little will be ſeen to demonſtrate that ſuch a kingdome is come: But afterward it ſhall be viſible, and plain enough to be obſerv'd. And to this purpoſe ſpeakes the Prophet,ſIſa. 26.11 Lord though thy hand be lifted up, yet they ſee it not. But they ſhall ſee it. This was the great Stumbling block, which lay in the way of the Jewes, when Chriſt came in the fleſh. Becauſe he came not as they exſpected before hand (as it is in the comming of worldly Princes) in great ſtate and outward Pomp, they would not believe in him nor receive him for the true Meſias. And why may not the like be the Caſe of people now. Becauſe they ſee not as they expected WONDERS in 57. Some extraordinary power and preſence of God with his people, and great overturnings and breakings of Nations, hence conclude, it was not the Time of the End. But let ſuch know the Scripture favours no ſuch Concluſion.
Queſtion, But ſhall the forty two moneths (given to the beaſt) end, without obſervation.
Anſw. Howſoever immediately upon the period of the 1260. yeares there will not be I think actions of much Obſervation, either in reſpect of Zion or Babilon, yet the Time of the End, cometh not without Obſervation ſome other way.
For, 1. The ſerious Obſervation of the Propheſies and Viſions of the holy Scriptures relating to the laſt dayes, will lead a heart (if it hath nothing in it but truth and uprightneſſe, and the glory of God) to the knowledge of the Times. 2. There is the Obſervation of the Spirit:u1 Joh. 2:20: The unction from the holy one; and here we do obſerve how the Holy Ghoſt opens our underſtanding, and not onelyonly ſo, but thoſe great things which he reveals to his Babes and Sucklings, he confirms them therein; whiles they are in tears and weeping before the Throne. 3. The Obſervation of Providence, which hath brought …orth the Perſons and Things which were (according to the Propheſies of the Scripture) to finiſh and end the 1260. years.
But 3. Did not ſome men do, like one, who whiles he is ſtriving to have a great gripe, comes off with nothing in his hand. They might ſee that 57. hath not altogether been without OBSERVATION: For howſoeverxPſal. 36.6 Gods judgements are a great deep,yRom. 11.33. and unſearchable.aRev. 15.3 Great and marvellous are his workes,bPſ. 77.19. and his footſteps not known. I ſay, howſoever his Counſel, Government, Adminiſtrations, and the manner of proceeding is beyond all ſearching into: yet if matters ſoberly be conſidred by wiſedomes Eye, Fifty ſeaven hath ſhewedcPſ. 86.17 "ſome token for good, and thatdIſ. 63.3. the day of the Lords redeemed is come,eIſa. 34.8. 'and the year of recompences for the controverſie of Zion: For,
1. VVhat may be meant by that Government which was ſet up December 16. 1653. and laid aſide again June 26. 1657. It ſtoodfDan. 7.25 a Time and Times, and the dividing of Times, that is three years and an half, almoſt to a day, Oh the depth of Gods wayes! Aſhur ſhall fulfill his decree and counſel:gIſa. 10.7: Howbeit he meaneth not ſo, neither doth his heart think ſo.
2. VVhat things have been done, and how mannaged, and what ſucceſs hath followed in 57. it is ſo well known (to many mens coſt) as I need not mention it. But what may we gather hence: I mean from the Lords Acting and appearing already againſt ſome men? That the National affairs in their hands is like the Fig-tree under the curſehMat. 21:19. Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth for ever.
3. VVhen Agag thoughtiSam. 15.32. the bitterneſs of death was paſt, then came ſudden deſtruction upon him. Fifty ſeaven is not yet endedkProv. 27:1. Boaſt not thy ſelf of to morrow, for thou knoweſt not what a day may bring forth. Though the man-child in June were butlJob. 10.10 poured out as milk, and curdled like cheeſe, (to uſe the holy language) yet who knows what in nine Moneths the womb of Providence may bring forth:mLuk. 12.19.20. VVhilſt the FOOL is thinking of building his Barnes greater, death ceaſeth on him;nAct. 1 25. That he might go to his own place.
4. VVhen Caleb encouraged his brethren to fight the Canaanites: He told themoNum. 14.9. Their defence is departed from them: That is, the Lord would protect them no longer. But why is their ſhaddow & Covert now gone? doubtleſſe he hath reſpect to the time of the end. As if he ſhould ſay the 430 years (given to …he Amorites) being expired, and ſo their iniquity full: the Lord will deliver them into our hands, if we are fitted for the work: From which place, this I would gather: That the reign of the Beaſt may expire in 1657. and the enemies of God THEN ripe for judgement: yet the inſtruments not being prepared for execution: In this reſpect little or nothing for the preſent may be done.
Queſt. When the 430. years were expired, the Iſraelites came out of EgyptpExo. 12.40.42. the ſame day. So from Baby…on aſſoon as the 70. years ended. Why then ſhould not the Witneſſes riſe: and the little-horn, and beaſt be ſlain immediatly at the ending of the 1260 dayes:
Anſw. 1. Howſoever it be ſo concerning their comming out of Egypt and Babylon; yet there was ſometime before they came to Canaan and Jeruſalem: So in order to the riſing of Witneſſes. No ſooner are the three years and a half ended, but the work beginsqRev. 11.11. The ſpirit of life from God enters into it. The wheeles of Providence are ſet running; But there muſt be ſome time to have it perfected, as it was in the caſe of the Iſraelites.
But 2▪ Iſraels caſe and this here, are not alike: For as they were people, i. e. Men, women, children; So nothing could be done to their enlargement, but it muſt needs be obvious and viſible. But this about the Witneſſes, &c, hath much in it which is ſpiritual and myſticall: And therefore a work (as to the riſing and growing of it) not ſo plainly to be obſerved and diſcerned as was the other, eſpecially at firſt.
Neither 3. doe I find the promiſes alike, for it ſeems to me, by promiſe they were to be in Egypt, but 430 years: And in Babylon 70. and no longer. But it is not ſaid, the witneſſes ſhall ſtand upon their feet aſſoon, as the three years and half are ended. Indeed the Text ſaith,rRev. 11.11 And after three dayes and an half, the ſpirit of life from God entred into them; and they ſtood upon their feet: That is, ſuch a time being expired, the Lord will revive his work and good old cauſe again. But how long after, it is not ſaid: only this is in the promiſe: From that very time, it ſhall not lie dead as before; but the Lord will be forming it (for its birth) in the womb of providence.
4. The buſineſſe of Egypt and Babylon was ſuch, that untill the people came out, the firſt part of the promiſe was not performed. But here it is not ſo, for the work may be begun, & go forward, and much done (according the Scripture) and yet not ſeen or …lieved, ſcarſe by any. As water …ns a great while under ground, be…re it comes out at the Spring head: …o after the 1260. years are expired, …efore the work will openly appear, … ſetting the Witneſſes upon their feet, … taking the little horns Dominion from …im, it will be as water under ground ſPſal. 139.15.wrought in the loweſt parts of the …arth.
Queſt. But how can the 1260 years …e ended, ſeeing it is the opinion of many …ood men, that the VVitneſſes are not …ain, neither hath the little-horn yet …een; nor the ſecond Beaſt riſen out of the earth: beſides many other things not …et fulfill'd, which muſt be before the 42. months do expire?
Anſw. Becauſe there are many men (and ſome whom I know and honour) of this judgement: I do intend by the good hand of God aſſiſting me, to publiſh very ſhortly a particular Anſwer to this Objection. And to give my Reaſons & grounds, why I think there is nothing foretold in Scripture, which ſhould come to paſs in the 1260 years, but hath had its due accompliſhment.
Queſtion, If the Work be ſo nigh r… viving? How, and in what manner wi… the Lord by Providence bring it forth?
Anſwer, I hope the God of truth b… his word and good ſpirit will ſo graciouſly guide me here: That I ſhal… not intrude into thoſe things whic… I have not ſeen. But give my judg… ment as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithfull. Tha… I may be in this great point the better underſtood: howſoever I thinke whe… the Lord ſhall bring this work on again in the Vials, it will betMat. 24.27. as the lightning, which commeth out of the eaſt and ſhineth even unto the weſt. Namely with great ſwiftneſs, and brightneſſe the whole world over, Nevertheleſs at firſt it will break forth (as the dawning of the day) but in one part or Country. And I think ſome what to this purpoſe.
1. Neere or about the viſible reviving of the workeuRev. 14.2 A voyce will be heard from heaven, as the voyce of many waters and as the voice of a great Thunder. Waters are from beneath, Thunder from above: So then by the Voyce of theſe Waters, I underſtand a terrible Appearance and ſtanding up of much …eople (or Common-wealths men) for …ivil Rights: Crying JƲSTICE … ƲSTICE againſt oppreſſours and …rong doers. Neither will they be fi…enced or quieted (no more then wa…ers) till they have recovered their …reedom and Liberties.
2. Thunder (as I ſaid) is from above. …nd here may be meant Fift Monarchy …en, ſpeaking very high, for the …ights of Jeſus Chriſt, his kingdome …rown and dignity: And howſoever …t is but one Thunder, and the Waters many, yet it will not onelyonly make a …ouder ſound, and be Farther heard, …ut likewiſe be more dreadfull and …errible whereſoever it comesxJer. 50.14 Put …our ſelves in aray againſt Babilon round …bout: all ye that bend the bow: ſhoot at her, ſpare no arrowes, down with her, down with her, in all her Abominations: In her Tythes and Triers as the reſt of her whordomes and Fornications.
3. That the Waters are ſet before the Thunder. It may import, that the worke will begin (at leaſt by moſt ownd) upon a Civil Account. As the leſſer wedge makes way for the greater: So in CLEAVING the kingdom… of the Beaſt. The controverſie will b… firſt about leſſer things, as the Powe… Freedome, and Priviledges of th… people, and ſo riſe higher and highe… untill the OLD BLOCK Babylon b… made Chips for the Fire.
4. There isyRev. 14.2 a Voice of Harper… Harping with their Harpes. This may ſignifie how lively, chearfull & reſolved they are to ingage for the GOOD OLD CAƲSE z2 King. 3.15.And it came t… paſſe when the Minſtrel played, the han… of the Lord came upon him. Formerly there was a death upon them, a baſ… fear and Cowardlineſs; But now th… ſpirit of life from God is entred into them, and they ſtand upon their feet. Now they look with Lion like faces, and quit themſelves like men. Though Peter ſhrunke and drew backaMat. 26.69. at the ſpeech of a poor wench, yet when he had received power from on high, He feard no coulers, he could thenbAct. 4.13. look with Boldnes any Tyrant in the face; So howſoever before, they had not life and courage, yet when the Harpers Harpe, ſuch will be the hand of God, upon them that they will not regard what their Enemies can doe either by fraud or forcecZech. 12.4 He that is feeble among them, at that day, ſhall be as David, and the houſe of David, ſhall be as God, as the Angel of the Lord before them.
5.dRev. 11.11 And great fear fel upon them that ſaw them. Though there be nothing yet done, but a more lively owning of the Lords cauſe than before, and declaring publickly for it, yet this ſtrikes a terrible aſtoniſhment and trembling among the Adverſaries;eAct. 5.24: As doubting whereunto this will grow. And their amazement is the more to heare how the number daily increaſeth in all parts, SayingfJer. 31.23 The Lord bleſſe the… habitation of Juſtice and mountain of holineſs; We will havegIſa. 26.2. the gates open, that the righteous Nation, which keepeth the truth may enter in. Beſides they ſee no meanes or way how to keep the peoples Liberties and rights any longer from them.hPſa. 76.5 The ſtout hearted are ſpoiled, and none of the men of might, have found their hands, that is, they are as if they had no hands, they are not able to make the leaſt reſiſtance or defence.
6. Whiles the adverſaries are thus in confuſion and fear, a happy union and accord will be made between the Waters and Thunder: So much I think is meant, by the VVitneſſes aſcending up to heaven in a cloud. It is but one cloud that hath them both. Hence about this time, I do exſpect a great uniting of the Common-wealth men & fifth Monarchy men upon good & righteous Principles: Unanimouſly agreeing to cary on the Lords workiZep. 39. With one conſent or Soulder, kIſa. 11.13Ephraim ſhall not envy Judah and Judah ſhall not vex Ephraim. But the Lord will lEze. 37.17joyne them one by another into one ſtick, & they ſhall become one in his hand. This bleſſed agreement of the People, inſtrumentally will be made, by ſome eminent and choiſe Chriſtians, men thatm1 Chr. 12.32. Have underſtanding of the times: to know what Iſrael ought to do. And this I take to be thenRev. 11.12. great voyce from Heaven, ſaying unto them come up higher.
7. Union being made and all in Heaven, hereoIſa. 13.4. the Lord of Hoſtes muſtereth the hoſt of the battel, andpRev. 19.14 the armies of heaven; here he cloathes the Vial Angels qRev. 15.6in pure and white linnen, having their breaſts girded with a golden girdle. This is Zion, *Pſa. 110.2out of which the Lord will ſend the rod of his ſtrength; & the Mount Zion whererRev. 14.1 the hundred forty and four thouſand ſtand with the Lamb. Here he fits his people for the work, and appoints them their work: So that my opinion is, for any people to go forth with the material Sword againſt Babylon, or the Kings of the earth, or to ſet up the viſible Kingdome of Chriſt, before the Lord hath brought them to this Heaven, into the Temple, to Zion, and Mount Zion, yea, and to ſome good accord among themſelves: They will not be upon the Lords work as to the pouring out of any vial.
8. Howſoever the Lords Sanctified ones in heaven: are not ſmiting the Image: yet its ſaidſRev. 11, 12 Their enemies behold them. As how? Terrible as an army with Banners: Lifting up an enſign to the Nations, and publiſhing warr againſt Babylon. tIſa. 52.12.Ye ſhall not go out in haſt, nor go by flight: For the Lord will go before you, and the God of Iſrael will be your rereward. i. e. Seeing God hath taken away all their Feares, and given them great faith, made them one in the work, and fitted them for it, and withall experiencing the powerfull preſence of God among them, and how he hath left the enemy to feares, darkneſſe, diviſion, deſtruction &c. The Dragon and the Beaſt ſhall behold what they do. They need not fear theſe men for ſecret plots and treaſon, they ſcorn it, they need no ſuch ſhifts: What they do ſhall be in the ſight of the Sun.uIſa. 47.12 Stand now with thy inchantments, and with the multitude of thy ſorceries, wherein thouhaſt laboured from thy youth: if ſo be thou ſhalt be able to profit, if ſo be thou mayeſt prevaile, So will theſe ſay to their Enemies, bring forth the falſehood and lies ye truſted in. Now ſee if your hypocriſie and craft will help you any more. Now run to your Souldiers, Lawyers, Prieſts, &c. trie what they can do for you.
9. The Lord havingxIſa. 13.3 called his mighty ones for his anger. Next he brings them forthyPſ. 149.8, 9, 10. With the high praiſes of God in their mouthes, and a two edged ſword in their hands, to execute the judgement written. zRev. 11.13.And the ſame hour was there a great earthquake. Here I underſtand, begins the Ʋial work. And the earth-quake to be theaRev. 16.2 pouring out of the firſt Ʋial upon the earth: The ſame withbRev. 14.16.17, 18. the reaping of the harveſt of the earth and Cluſters: Only with this diſtinction. The firſt Vial hath two parts, or two effects (which you will) The firſt in the earth-quake. The other in the ſickle. And the tenth part of the City fell; The earth-quake reacheth but a tenth part, the other nine are reſerved for the Sickle.
As there are two Apostacies, and they have each a diſtinct Head. So they are ſet forth in this book by two Cities, the one is called the Great Citie; And alwayes ſo when the first Apoſtacy is meant. The other hath not the word Great given to it: becauſe the Latter City (or Apoſtacy) ſhall not be ſo large, big, ſtrong, and populous, neither of that antiquity and continuance as the former. Underſtanding what this City is, i. e. The laſt Apoſtacy, It wil be eaſier to know the reſt. And in the earthquake were ſlaine of men ſeven thouſand. The Greek hath 7000, Names of men. In Scripture, perſons that are famous & renowned for Power, Wealth, Wiſdome &c. are calledcGen. 6.4. Num. 18.2. Men of Name. On the contrary, men without credit and reſpect in thedJob 30.8. world, Children without name: In this laſt Apoſtacy, who are Men of name, yea, would be thought and counted the onelyonly men of name? If not Church-members and Church-officers, thoſe that are in the Congregational way, as they call it: As for the Cavileer Church, that hath no name, and the Presbyterian very little. The Common wealths men and Fift Kingdom men, al under hatches: Their crown is fallen, they muſt go for a company of ideots, giddie heads & ſillie fellowes: In a word all without name that beare a faithfull Teſtimony to the good old cauſe. Hence I am perſwaded (and in the fear of God I ſpeak it) by the 7000. Names of men, is meant, ſuch members and officers of Congregationall churches, and other Profeſſors of Religion, as have greivouſly revolted from the Lords work, and the Intereſt of Chriſt and his people.
The judgement followes: Were ſlain. As the Witneſſes were not corporally ſlain. So may this be underſtood of a ſpirituall death upon the Churches, Officers, Worſhip, Government. Which is worſe & more grievous than the other. Neither is this without ſome appearance already; For,
1. Is there not an earth-quake in their Churches: From whence elſe are all thoſe Rents, Diviſions Diſtractions.
2. Is it not evident that the Lord of late hath very much withdrawn his preſence from them: ſo that they have not the power, comfort, and ſweetneſs of his ordinances as formerly.
3. Do not the gifts and parts of their Officers ſenſibly abate, and wither.
4. For the Characters of the laſt Apoſtacy, viz. Self-ſeeking, Coveteouſnes, Pride, &c. do they not ſpread and appear like a Gangreen, every day more and more?
But 5. What means this bitter complaining of late, among the new raiſed Maſters and Doctors: That the ſons of Zerviah are too hard for them; not onelyonly get away their places, but jeer and deride them. If half be true which themſelves report; the Lord hath met with them already for their unfaithfulneſs. Now howſoever theſe things are but a beginning, and little to what (probably) will follow; yet enough to ſhew, if the earth-quake be not come, there is a Type of it at leaſt.
11. The other nine parts of the City (which I take to be the Civill power) theſe are left to the stokels. eDeu. 32.32, 33.For their vine is worſe than the Vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are of gall, their cluſters are bitter: their wine is the poyſon of dragons, and the cruell venome of Aſpes. A reaſon why they arefRev. 14.19 20. caſt into the great wine-preſſe of the wrath of God. Obſerve Reader, Reaping is mans work, but to cauſe earth-quakes is proper to God. This makes me think that the judgment on Churches, and profeſſors; will be by ſome immediate hand of God, but the other which is to be executed upon the Civil ſtate, will be by the hands of men,gDan. 7.26 They ſhall take away his Dominion to conſume and deſtroy it unto the end. So then though the latter Apoſtacy be the ſubject of the firſt vial, yet it muſt be underſtood as Church and State, and the judgements diſtinct.
12. No ſooner are the effects ſeen of the firſt viall, buthRev. 11.18. the Nations are angry, iPſ. 99.1.Iehovah reigneth, the people are ſtirred: As kRev. 16.2.men that have noiſome and grievous ſores upon them: are extreamly impatient, ſo prophane men and Idolaters, when they ſhall ſee the kingdomes of this world, are become the kingdomes of our Lord and his Chriſt (as they will ſoon do in the effects of the firſt vial) oh how will they ſtorm and ragel no torment like it. But the children of the kingdome will do otherwiſe.lPſ. 97.1. The Lord raigneth, let the earth rejoyce, let the multitudes of Iſles be glad thereof.
I ſhall conclude with a ſhort word: Though theſe things ſhould come to paſſe, yet they may be ſo mixt as not eaſily obſerved, when the Lord ſhall bring them forth, without marvellous and ſerious Watchfullneſs. If to a little wine, as much water be put: Though the wine remaine in the veſſel; yet not ſo well to be known wine, as if no water had been mixt with it. It is my Opinion with much Confidence when the witneſſes ſhall ſtand on their feet, and aſcend up to heaven, and the firſt Angelis pouring out his vial: and the earth-quake come: Here the works, wayes, judgments and appearances, of God, will be ſo manifold, various and ſtrong: That in this regard very few even of Gods own people (at firſt) will diſcern or underſtand how the JƲDGMENT WRITTEN is executed upon the little Horne, Bottomleſs Beaſt, and laſt Apoſtacy. mLuk: 21.38.Watch therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to eſcape all theſe things which ſhall come to paſs, and to ſtand before the ſonne of man.
FINIS.
End of the text · John Canne, the Time of Finding (1658)