The Resurrection Revealed, Book 3 · Chapter 2 · Section 35
SECT. XXXV.
Next we come to Daniel. The firſt place in this Prophet is in the ſecond chapter, from ver. 31. to ver. 36.
§. 1 NOw Mr. Medes lately printed Diatribae, pars 4. and his Opuſcula, and my pen being met, I ſhall give him the way and precedency, as glad of ſuch a ſtrongly-learned Captaine to lead me up in the Skirmiſh, for the truth now in hand, againſt the many oppoſers thereof. And the rather, becauſe perhaps (ſuch are the partiall-perſonalities that act ſome mens braines) the ſame truth will be better accepted from his mouth then from mine. Quo demum (ſaith he*Opuſcul. par. 2. p. 20. Arg. 2.) abſoluto, &c. i. e. The fourth Kingdom, (or Monarchy) according to Daniel, is that upon the diſſolution and abolition whereof followes the conſummation of Chriſts Kingdom *By Chriſts Kingdom, which Mr. Mede do…h …o often mention, in theſe …is diſcourſes, here quoted, in this §. 1. he …eans (as he expounds it in other places of his workes) CHRISTS CHURCH, as CHRISTIAN, or the CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF CHRIST. See before in this third book chap. 2. Sect. 12 S. in the large marginal note.. But the Roman Kingdome being once extinct, and aboliſhed, the Kingdom of Chriſt ſhall be conſummated; therefore the Roman Kingdome (or Monarchy) is the fourth.
The major (or firſt propoſition) is moſt evident from either propheſie of Daniel. As concerning Nebuchadnezzars dreame, thou ſaweſt (ſaith he chap. 2. v. 34, 35.) untill a ſtone was cut out without hands, and it ſmoate the image upon its feet of iron and clay, ſo that it brake them to peeces. So the wind carryed them away, and no place was found for them. But the STONE that ſmote the image became a great MOUNTAINE, ſo that it filled the whole earth. That is, Daniel himſelfe being the Interpreter, in the dayes of the fourth Kingdome (or Monarchy) the God of Heaven will raiſe up a Kingdome (this is, that ſtone cut out of the mountain) which ſhall not for ever be deſtroyed, and which ſhall not be left to another people (as it befell the former Monarchies) but it ſhall crumme, and conſume all thoſe Kingdoms, but it ſelfe ſhall ſtand for ever: that is, the ſtone of Chriſts Kingdome, having now, for many ages paſt, been cut out of the mountaine of this world; at length when the time decreed of God ſhall come, the laſt parts of this image being caſt out, and utterly aboliſhed, though hitherto it hath been but a STONE, and indeed of offence, or ſtumbling, ſhall then grow into an HUGE MOUNTAINE, and ſhall fill the whole earth.
For the minor (or ſecond propoſition) That the Roman Kingdome or Monarchy being once extinct and aboliſhed, the Kingdom or Monarchy of Chriſt ſhall be conſummated, it is eaſily proved out of the New Teſtament. For by, or from the abolition of Antichriſt ſhall the Kingdome of Chriſt be conſummated, 2 Theſ. 2.8. And that wicked one ſhall be revealed, whom the Lord will conſume with the ſpirit of his mouth, and ſhal aboliſh with the ſplendor or brightnes of his coming; or (as the Syriack) ſhall kill him with the revelation or manifeſtation of his coming. So alſo it is apparent out of the Apocalyps that Antichriſt ſhall remaine till the ſounding of the ſeventh, that is, the laſt Trumpet; which once ſounding, there are great voyces in Heaven, THE KINGDOMES OF THE WORLD ARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, who ſhall reigne for ever and ever, Rev. 11.15. the very ſame thing which the Angel a little afore (Rev. 10.6.) foretold, That the ſeventh Trumpet ſounding, the MYSTERY OF GOD SHALL BE FINISHED, as he hath declared to his ſervants the Prophets. But Antichriſt was to riſe out of the Roman Empire, 2 Theſ. 2.7. and Revel. 16. John affirmes Antichriſt to be one of the ſeven-headed beaſt.
The foure Kingdomes in Daniel are (ſaith Mr. Mede*Diatr: par. 4. p. 361.393.) twice revealed; firſt to Nebuchadnezzar, in a glorious image of foure metals: 2 To Daniel himſelfe in a viſion of foure divers beaſts, ariſing out of the Sea. The intent of both is, by that ſucceſsion of Kingdomes; to point out the time of the KINGDOME OF CHRIST, which no other Kingdome ſhould ſucceed, or deſtroy. Nebuchadnezzars IMAGE of MONARCHIES, Dan. 2. points out TWO STATES, of the Kingdome of Chriſt. The firſt to be while the times of thoſe Kingdoms of the Gentiles yet laſted, typified by a STONF CUT OUT OF A MOUNTAINE WITHOUT HANDS, the Monarchical STATUE YET STANDING upon his FEET. The ſecond not to be untill the UTTER DESTRUCTION and DISSIPATION OF THE IMAGE, when the ſtone having ſmote it upon the feet, ſhould GROW INTO A GREAT MOUNTAINE WHICH SHOULD FILL THE WHOLE EARTH. The firſt may be called, for diſtinction ſake, REGNUM LAPIDIS, the Kingdome of the Stone; which is the ſlate of Chriſts Kingdome, WHICH HITHERTO HATH BEEN. The other, REGNUM MONTIS, the Kingdome of the Mountain (that is, of the Stone growne into a Mountaine, &c.) which is the ſtate of his Kingdome which hereafter ſhall be. The INTERVALLUM between theſe two, from the time the ſtone was firſt hewen out (that is, the Kingdome of Chriſt was firſt advanced) untill the time it became a MOUNTAINE (that is, when the MYSTERY OF GOD ſhall be FINISHED) is the ſubject of the Apocalypticall viſions. Note here, that the STONE is expounded by Daniel, to be that LASTING KINGDOME which the God of Heaven ſhould ſet up. Secondly, That the STONE was hewne out of the MOUNTAINE, before it SMOTE the IMAGE upon the FEET, and conſequently, before the Image was DISSIPATED. And therefore that, the KINGDOME typified by the STONE, while it remained a STONE, muſt needs be within the TIMES OF THOSE MONARCHIES: that is, before the laſt of them (viz. the Roman) ſhould expire. Wherefore Daniel interprets, verſ. 44. of this ſecond chapter, That IN THE DAYES of theſe Kingdomes (not after them, but while ſome of them were in being) the God of Heaven ſhould ſet up a Kingdome WHICH SHOULD NEVER BE DESTROYED, nor LEFT (as the other were) to another people; but ſhould BREAKE IN PEECES, and CONSUME ad thoſe Kingdomes, and it ſelfe ſhould ſtand for ever. And all this he ſpeaks, as the INTERPRETATION of the STONE: FOR AS MUCH (ſaith he) AS THOU SAWEST THAT A STONE WAS CUT OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN WITHOUT HANDS; AND THAT IT BRAKE IN PEECES THE IRON, THE BRASSE, THE CLAY, THE SILVER, AND THE GOLD. Here make the full point, for theſe words belong not to that which followes (as our Bibles, miſſe-diſtinguiſhing, ſeem to refer them) but to that which went afore, of their interpretation. But the STONE becoming a Mountaine, he expounds not, but leaves to be gathered by what he had already expounded.
So then [IN THE DAYES OF THOSE KINGDOMES of the Gentiles] ſignifies, DURING THEM, and in the latter part of them, as the nature of the thing ſpoken of ſufficiently argues, which was to deſtroy the laſt Kingdome, which had deſtroyed, and ſwallowed the former three; I mean the ſecond ſwallowed, or poſſeſſed the firſt; the third, the ſecond; the fourth the third: and ſo in a ſence, by the deſtruction of the fourth, the STONE deſtroyeth all the reſt, as contained therein. For the ſtone ſmites neither the golden part, nor the ſilver, nor the braſſe immediately, but onelyonly the feet of iron and clay; and yet by that blow, was the braſſe, the ſilver, and the gold deſtroyed alſo, in as much as they all came by ſucceſsion to the iron. I adde that the diſsipation of the gold, ſilver, and braſſe, together with the Iron, may bee foreign typi, the comlineſſe or conveniency of the type; becauſe the parts of the Image in the type could not ſucceed one another in time, as the Kingdomes (ſignified by them) did; and ſo the Image appeared to be diſsipated all at once, in viſion, though the Kingdomes were not ſo, ſave only in the ſence afore-named. Thus Mr. Mede, to whom I aſſent almoſt in all things.
I have other good company to goe along with me in this point, upon this Chapter, but I muſt firſt premiſe ſome things to make way for them. You have in this ſecond Chapter of Daniel, from ver. 36. to ver. 46. the propheſie of this viſibly-glorious Kingdome of Chriſt to bee on earth, given by God to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream of a great Image (ver. 31. &c.) of foure Mettals in the foure parts thereof; the Head being of gold, the Breſt and Armes of ſilver, the Belly and Thighes of braſſe, the Leggs and Feete of Iron, but in the feet a mixture of clay: and to Daniel by the ſpirit of propheticall revelation to interpret it according to the true intent and meaning of Gods mind therein. According to which, in ver. 37, 38. Daniel tels Nebuchadnezzer that he the ſaid Nebuchadnezzar, is the firſt part of the firſt metal, viz. the Head of gold; in that the God of Heaven had given him a Kingdom (or Empire, viz. the Aſſyrio-Chaldean) and power and ſtrength, and glory. Why further hee is called a golden head, wee ſhall annex more conveniently by and by.
In ver. 39. Daniel tels him, that after him ſhall ariſe an inferiour Kingdom, which he applies to the Breaſt and Armes of ſilver, mentioned afore in verſe 32. which fitly reſembles the Empire that next followed, viz. the Medo. Perſian. Which taking the ſaid golden head, when Darius (Dan. 5.) tooke Babylon, added to it this breaſt of Empire, with the two armes of Medes and Perſians. And therefore this ſilver Empie is called inferiour, not in reſpect of power, authority, or Territory (wherein it was greater, by taking to it ſelfe that of the former, and adding its own) but in manner of Government, as in relation to the Church, being far more harſh to the Jewes (till the laſt) then the former: The Jewes injoying golden dayes (in compariſon) under Nebuchadnezzars Empire; although he was the firſt, that took the Kingdome from the Jewes; Which is the reaſon why the ſacred ſtorie of the Jewiſh Churches foraigne State, begins at Nebuchadnezzar, calling him the head; when as the Empire of Aſſyria and Chaldea was long afore him in being, viz. the Scripture takes no notice of the Kingdomes of Heathens, or of the world, further then as they concerne the woe or weale of the Church. This Nebuchadnezzar therefore, beginning the deſolation of the Church of the Jewes, as to their Temple-worſhip, and habitation, in the injoyment of theſe in their own Land, is called the head of that monſtrous Image of Monarchy.
In the ſame 39 verſe, Daniel tells him, that after that ſecond Empire of ſilver, ſhall ariſe a third of braſſe, which metall (though otherwiſe not expreſſe) intimates, by the order and proportion of deſcention, and degeneration, in calling the ſilver one inferiour to the golden; that this third brazen one, ſhall be as much baſer and worſe (if not more) in the ſence aforeſaid, then the ſecond of ſilver, as the ſilver was worſe then the gold. And this was to ſignifie the Grecian Empire or Monarchy; Alexander the Great being the Belly, that poſſeſſed it in whole; and his two Commanders, ſucceeding him, are the two thighes or hips. For though foure at firſt ſhared it, yet all, by their diſagreeing and ſtriving, ſoon fell into the hands of thoſe two; Whereof one had the Northern moyety, or half, called therefore, the King of the North: the other the Southern; called thereupon the King of the South; as you have the matter at large by way of propheſie, Dan 11. to which the beſt Hiſtories ſince doe exactly anſwer. But of this more after, when we come to the eleventh of Daniel.
In ver. 40, 41, 42.43. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar, that the fourth Kingdome, Empire or Monarchy ſhall be of iron and clay. Thereby ſignifying a baſer ſtate then the former, in the ſence afore-explained. And this muſt of neceſſity ſignifie the Roman Empire, which next followed the Grecian, conquering it, as Dan. 9. propheſies; and Hiſtories ſince, ſingularly ſhew the performance. In the days of this Iron Empire Chriſt comes, ver. 44. Imperante Auguſto, natus eſt Chriſtus; Imperante Tiberio crucifixus, is known to every School-boy that hath learned his Grammer. He came in the time of the Roman Empire; not in the time of the Grecian, or any of the former. And this Roman Empire is deſcribed by, and called Iron, becauſe it was harder, and hardier to breake the former, and more cruell (as wee afore intimated) to the Church. Witneſſe the Veſpaſian-Titan cruelty, propheſied by Chriſt, Matth. 24.1. &c. to come to paſſe (as it did) about forty yeares after Chriſts aſcenſion; and ſo along with it, and afore, and downeward, throughout the ten perſecutions, for three hundred yeares in all, the Roman Emperours ſucceſſively, moſt bloodily, and with variety of torments perſecuted the Church in innumerable multitudes, in all Countries, under their expanſe Dominion. This Empire, though (at Chriſts birth) was for a time united (if we may ſo ſay) in the twiſt of the two legges, or thighes, (as the two brazen hips were at firſt in the belly) yet a while after it is divided into Two; two thighes, or legges; and feet with their ten Toes; and thoſe Feet and Toes are mixt with clay, among the iron: That is, it was divided into the Eaſtern and Weſtern Empire; Conſtantinople being the Metropolis of the Eaſtern, and Rome of the Weſtern; and ſo opportunely fell into ſubdiviſions, till it anſwered exactly to theſe ten Toes, and Saint Johns Beaſt with ten Hornes. And they are mingled with clay, becauſe now the generality of the Church (as they ſeemed in outward profeſſion) much degenerated, mingled themſelves with the dirty ſeed and ſonnes of men; that is, the Heathen, and men of the world, that were out of the Church (according to that phraſe Gen. 6.2.) that is, the Papacy, or Papal Church (as they pretended to be) and their iſſue, incorporated themſelves with the civill State powers: All which can fit to none ſo aptly as to the Roman Empire. The marriages between the King of the North, and the King of the South, were both, and all, of the ſeed of men: and therefore the mixture aforeſaid, is not applicable to them. As for the diviſion of the Empire, it is divided to this day; the Mahomitan Turke (in ſeverall reſpects aforeſaid, riſing out of the Romans, though otherwiſe in part a Jew by blood) hath the Conſtantinopolitan Eaſtern part; and the Emperiall Pontificiall Pope hath the Roman Weſtern.
Thus you ſee how largely Daniel by Gods Spirit of propheticall revelation ſhewes us the ſucceſſion and ſucceſſe of the foure great Monarchies of the earth, extending from before Daniel down to us, …preading themſelves over the face of the earth; and how the latter eat up the former, making it ſelfe fatter and ſtronger thereby. Now what ſhould be the deſign of the Heavenly, Church-loving God, ſo much to minde matters of State, and worldly Polities; and in a propheſie to his ſpirituall, world-ſlighting Church? ſurely, a very conſiderable one, viz. to the end he might methodically, for their better capacity, and underſtanding, propheſie to them of a fifo Monarchy, or Empire, or Kingdome, bigger and better then any of the former, to follow at the heeles, yea, to tread upon the toes of the fourth; and that by a glorious conqueſt. So that as curious wits ſpeake of Quinteſſentia, the quinteſſence of beings; ſo this ſhall be the quinteſſence of what ever was good in all the foure preceding, with an addition of celeſtial, divine, and infuſed, and ſuperfuſed grace and glory. This fifth Monarchy is immediately under Chriſt, then the ſole Emperour thereof: And this muſt as really, orderly, and aſſuredly ſucceed after, and prevaile over all the Places, Powers, and Territories of the former, as they followed and foiled one another. So that this fift Monarchy muſt as really, and ſenſibly be upon earth, as any of the preceding were, as Daniel with all might and maine of phraſe ſtrives (according to Gods dictating) moſt plainly to ſet forth.
§. 3 In this very ſence of this notable place of Daniel, to that end, I have very learned and pious men to go along with me, viz. Mr. Huet, on Daniel, Mr. Parker in his Viſions and Propheſies of Daniel expounded, and Mr. Archer in his perſonall reign of Chriſt. You ſhall heare them themſelves ſpeake, and urge their own Proofes, Reaſons and Arguments, that you may the better ſee cauſe to juſtifie them, and not condemn me of ſingularity.
§. 4, The ſum of Mr. Huet is this; The fift Kingdom is made up of the ſtate of the Jewes; who out of their dead and deſolate eſtate in regard of piety and polity, are awakened by God, and brought to the embracement of Chriſtian Religion, and to unite into a Kingdome, who were as dead men under the flouriſhing ſtate of the Empire of Rome. But in the declining condition of that Roman Empire, the Jewes are to be awakened by God, and to be re-eſtabliſhed into their former Kingdom, with great glory, and large command, ash us:
¶ 1. Such a Kingdome is here intended as was by the foure mettals with-held from the Jewes, who of all Noahs poſterity were the juſt heires of the world. Cham was to be a Servant; and Japhet was to dwell in the Tents of Shem, as one of his family; Shem being the head of that family. That ſuch a Kingdome muſt bee here meant, appears in that the Image ſtands up, at the inſtant of the Jews loſſe of Soveraignty, being made Vaſſals to the CHALDEANS by captivity. 2. In that this fifth Kingdome (as it relates to the Jewes, for the Chriſtian Gentiles muſt by no means bee diſſevered) began to be raiſed up to his greatneſſe, at the time of the battering of the Image. Now had this Kingdome been meerly ſpirituall, it needed not to have ſtaid for the overthrow☞ of the Image before it filled the earth; ſeeing Chriſts ſpirituall Kingdome doth not overthrow, (but rather ſet up) civil Government; and the Goſpel hath flouriſhed where the Church hath been under Tyranny.
¶ 2. It is ſuch a Kingdome, as doth break in peeces all the former Metals, viz. ſmites the feete, and ſo demoliſheth the Image. Now☞ the ſpirituall Kingdome of Chriſt doth rather inveſt, then diſ-robe earthly Kings and Emperours, commanding obedience to them whether good or bad, as the Scriptures abundantly mention. This ſmiting of the feet is left out as a Cypher by them that interpret it ſpiritually of the preaching of the word. Conſider then, if this☞ were meant of the preaching of the Goſpell, diſcovering the vanitie of earthly things, how glorious ſoever, why ſhould it not rather ſtrike at the more glorious Mettals? Is there any ſence, that Chriſt ſhould declaime againſt the baſe things of the world, and paſſe by the eminent States? or ſhould wee thinke that a conviction wrought in Syria-Egypt (as ſome by theſe make up the account of the fourth Mettal) ſhould occaſion the other States to yeeld to the imbracement of the faith of Chriſt, themſelves being ſtrangers to his Sermons? Sure I am, the converſion of Nations to the faith coſts more adoe. Or laſtly, dare any ſay, that our Lord either by his own perſon, or Apoſtles did firſt preach to the States of Syria and Egypt, before any other Countries? Is there not cleare evidence of the converſion of other Churches, before clay-footed Syria-Egypt? How then is the ſtone ſaid immediately to ſmite the feet, rather then any other part of the Image? Surely theſe and the like improbabilities we fall into, by intending hence Chriſts miniſtry of the Goſpell.
¶. 3. Such a Kingdome is here intended, as was to be continued to the Jewes without alteration. So the Text, it ſhall not be given to another people, from Daniels people. But when Chriſt firſt came, and brought his Spirituall Kingdome (whiles to be meerly ſpirituall) he firſt preached the Goſpell to the loſt ſheep of the houſe of Iſrael; from whom notwithſtanding the Goſpell was taken away, and given to the Gentiles. The which Argument is yet more plainly laid downe in Dan. 7. ver. 18. The Saints of the moſt high ſhall take the Kingdomes from the Beaſts, and poſſeſſe it for ever and ever. To which ſome anſwer, the words are to be underſtood of a ſtrange people. Whereunto I reply; the ſence is the ſame; another people, or a ſtrange people, are indifferently the ſame, ſith all were eſteemed ſtrangers to the Jewes, which were not Jewes. Others object, it ſhall not be given to another people, becauſe Chriſt will exerciſe his ſpiritual Lordſhip himſelfe. To which ſence I will ſubſcribe, if any ſhew me who did exerciſe this ſpirituall Lordſhip before the coming of Meſsiah, For ſo much the words ſound; That whereas you have been held under the Tyrants of this world thus long; upon the recovery of your Kingdome, it ſhall never be reſigned to any, as it hath been. Now nothing makes more againſt them then this. For it our Lord did aſſume ſuch a Kingdome as was formerly reſigned to others, it cannot be meant of ſpirituall regiment.
¶. 4. Such a Kingdome is here meant as muſt anſwer to Daniels ſcope, in his anſwer to the Kings dreame. But if this Kingdome be meant ſpiritually only, then Daniel had miſſed the ſcope much. For Nebuchadnezzar had his thoughts buſied about the iſſue of HIS Monarchy; according to which thoughts, the dream was directed: & Daniel interpreting it, undertakes to reſolve him fully For in a word Daniel intends two main points. 1. To comfort the Jewes in the loſſe of their Kingdom & liberty, ſhewing that after many changes it ſhould be reſtored to them againe. 2. To convince the King of his Tyranny over them, by which his third Heire ſhould be nothing the warmer; another ſhould take it from him, a third from him, and a fourth from him, which at length (maugre all their deſpight) ſhould be returned to the Jewes in greater glory, then ever they loſt it. Now whether the ſpirituall Kingdome of Chriſt …oth anſwer this ſcope or no, I leave to the judgement of the godly wiſe.
Thus Mr. Huet, to whom in the generall, and maine I fully conſent.
§. 5 Next let us heare Mr. Parker on this ſecond of Daniel. The maine controverſie (ſaith he) in this viſion, is about the iron feet and legs, and the ſtone that ſmote them. The opinion of ſome is, that the legges and toes of iron ſignifie the ſucceſſors of Alexander, in the Grecian Monarchy; and eſpecially the Seleucidae. And that the Stone cut out of the mountaine ſignifies Chriſt at his firſt coming, and his ſpirituall Kingdome. But this cannot ſtand.
¶. 1. Becauſe every metall ſignifies a diſtinct Kingdome, and the fullneſſe and complement the…eof, from the beginning to the perfect end. And therefore, as the brazen belly and thighes are the whole and perfect Grecian Kingdome; ſo accordingly, the legs and feet of iron doe ſignifie another Kingdome, diſtinguiſhed from the Grecian; which cannot be the Seleucidae, and other Succeſſors in the ſame Kingdome. For as the golden head ſignified the whole Babylonian Kingdome, and the ſilver breaſt, and armes, the Perſian; ſo the brazen belly and thighes, the whole Grecian, including the Seleucidae and the other Succeſſors. For theſe make up the integrity, …nd fulnes of the Grecian Monarchy or Kingdom, as much as the Succeſſors of Nebuchadnezzar make up the integrity of the Babylonian: or as much as the Succeſſors of Cyrus doe concur to the perfect conſtitution of the Perſian: And ſo when the Greeke Kingdome is propoſed, Dan. chap. 8. ver. 21, 22. it is expreſly deſcribed as conſtituted, not onelyonly of Alexander the Great, but alſo of the Seleucidae, and other the ſucceſſors in the ſame Kingdome.
¶. 2. This Viſion muſt reach to the laſt dayes chap. 2.28. which could not be, if the legges and feet, the extreame, and utmoſt part of the image ſhould end in the Seleucidae; for as much as this Kingdome expired before the birth of Chriſt.
¶. 3. Becauſe the legges are ſaid to be of iron, in compariſon of the parts and Kingdomes going before, which were of weaker metals.
Whereas the Seleucidae, and the other ſucceſſ…rs of Alexander, had not the ſtrength of Alexander, c. 8.21.22. Thou wilt-ſay, the Kingdom is repreſented by iron, onelyonly in relation to the Church, whereunto it was more terrible then the former: I reply,
1 As the two firſt Kingdomes are repreſented by unequall metalls, the firſt of gold, the ſecond of ſilver, to note an abſolute inferiority of the one unto the other, chap. 2.39. ſo by proportion, the two following of braſſe and iron, to note an abſolute imparity in ſtrength, between the latter, and the former. Wherefore the Iron Kingdome muſt be abſolutely, and in it ſelfe, ſtronger then the Brazen, and not (onelyonly) in reſpect of particular exerciſe and imployment of its ſtrength againſt the people of the Church.
2. The Iron Kingdome is expreſly ſaid to be as iron, becauſe it bruſed all theſe; that is, the former Kingdoms: and not onelyonly becauſe more terrible to the Jewes, ver. 40.
3. Becauſe it is the ſame with the fourth beaſt with the iron teeth, chap. 7. v. 7. which is therefore ſo repreſented, becauſe it devou…ed the WHOLE EARTH, and not the Jewes onelyonly
4. Becauſe Nebuchadnezzar, and Haman in the former Kingdomes, were more formidable to the Jewes, then the Seleuc…dae. And therefore there is no reaſon that in this reſpect (only) the fourth ſhould be repreſented by Iron, in compariſon of the former Kingdomes, as ſtronger and more terrible then thoſe.
¶. 4. In the dayes of theſe Kings, ſhall the God of Heaven ſet up the Kingdome of his Sonne: Whereas the Seleucidae, and the whole Greeke Empire was utterly diſſolved before the birth of Chriſt, v. 44.
§. 6 Neither can the Stone that ſmote the Image be Chriſt at his firſt coming and his Kingdome immediately following, &c. for the reaſons following.
¶. 1. Becauſe the Kingdome ſignified by the ſtone, muſt breake in peeces all the other Kingdomes: But this Kingdome of Chriſt☞ that was, and is between his firſt and ſecond coming, was not appointed for the breaking down of all earthly Kingdomes; this being the time of the Gentiles, Luk 21.24. and for the adverſary to reign, and for the Church to be trampled under foot, Rev. 11.2.
¶. 2. Againe, the Kingdome here ſpoken of, doth breake in peeces all other Kingdomes; ſo that thoſe being utterly extinct, this alone doth ſtand in place of them ver. 44. Now this ſtate is not to be expected under the Kingdome of Patience, or before the fall of Antichriſt; who fallen, the Kingdomes of the earth ſhall become the Lords, and his Chriſts, Rev. 11.15.18.
¶. 3. Further, what prerogative, and advancement had it been for the Kingdome of Chriſt SPIRITUAL, to have broken down☞ the Selcucidae, and other Horns of the Greeke Empire, as long as another Kingdome, the Kingdom of the Romans, ſucceeded in their place, to beate downe the Church, by the Heathen Emperors, and Antichriſt, for longer ſpace of time, and with greater and more terrible perſecution then ever before?
§. 7
Contrarily I affirme, that the legges, feet, and toes of the iron, doe ſignifie the Roman Kingdome.
1. Becauſe it is repreſented by a diſtinct mettall, coming after the Brazen belly and thighes, which is the Grecian. For no other diſtinct Monarchy came after the Grecian but this, as Hiſtory doth ſhew.
2. Becauſe tis ſtronger then all the reſt, and breaketh them in peeces, Dan. 2.40.
3. The Iron legs and feet are parallell with the Iron teeth of the fourth Beaſt, which ſignifies the Roman Kingdome, Dan. 7.7.
4. The ten toes repreſenting the ten Kings are accordingly a character of the Roman Kingdome, Revel. 12.3. and 13.1. and 17.12.
5. Tis ſuch a Kingdome as muſt ſtand to be deſtroyed by the Kingdome of the Saints; in the end of time, and therefore can be no other,☜ then the Roman Kingdome, yet continuing under Antichriſt.
§. 8
The Stone is the Kingdome of the Saints, as it is interpreted Dan. 2.44.45. with chap. 7.26, 27.☜ And that is the Kingdome to be ſet up at the fall of Antichriſt: as it appeareth by theſe reaſons.
1. Becauſe it ſhal be ſet up to deſtroy all adverſe Kingdoms in the world, which cannot be expected til about the time of the fal of Antichriſt.☜
2. It ſhall not riſe till about the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet, which is the time of the fall of Antichriſt, Revel. 11.15, 16, 17.
3. Then, and not before, it ſhall fill all the earth, ver. 34, 35.44, 45. that is, all Kingdoms ſhall be ſubject unto it, chap. 7.26, 27. compare Rev. 11.15.
Thus Mr. Parker, to whom in the maine and generall of his matter I aſſent.
§. 9 In the laſt place let us hear Mr. Archer ſpeak, in his fore-cited book p. 7. & 8. And then I ſhall take my turne.
The fourth Monarchy (ſaith he) was that of the Romans; which becauſe it began farre lower then the reſt, viz. more Weſtward; and yet roſe as high Eaſtward as the higheſt of the former, therefore it became a mightier Monarchy then all the three former. This is expreſſed in this ſecond of Daniel, by legges of Iron; becauſe it was the ſtrongeſt of all, and ſubdued all under it. But in proceſſe of time, the body of the world which it bore up, being ſo great, to which it was a leg; it divided it ſelfe into two legges, viz. the Eaſterne and Weſterne Monarchy. Which yet, though divided, was as ſtrong as Iron, and held all Nations under them: But in proceſſe of time, fell into feet and toes. The Eaſtern Monarchy was ſwallowed up by the Turke; the Weſterne fell into divers Kingdomes. But among theſe ſub-divided Kingdomes, was ſtrength and weakneſſe; the feet being part of iron, and part of clay: And much mingling there ſhall be amongſt them, to re-joyne the Kingdomes into one body; ſome whereof are weak, and ſome ſtrong, as iron, and clay: but never ſhall be, as Iron cannot be mixed with clay. The Spaniards and Auſtrians of Spaine and Germany, and other Nations of Europe, ſome of which are ſtrong, and ſome weake, have ſought by marriages, and other covenants to mingle and re-joyne themſelves into one Monarchy, but it ſhall never bee; as we cannot mingle iron and clay: But in the period and up-ſhot of their Soveraignty and Monarchy, they ſhall remaine diſtinct Kingdomes, as Feete and Toes of Iron and Clay, partly weake, and partly ſtrong.
§. 10 Now in the dayes of this Roman Monarchy, this fourth Weſtern Monarchy, there ſhall be a ſtone cut out without hands, which ſhall ruine theſe Kingdomes (ſmiting the Image on the feet of iron and clay) and ſo ſwallow up the whole image; all the fore-going Monarchies being brought under it, and by it, to nothing: And it becomes a Monarchy over the whole earth, where ever the former Monarchies had ruled, ver. 35. That is, as it is explained ver. 44, 45. a Kingdome which that ſtone ſhall obtaine, ſet up by the hand of the God of Heaven. Whereas the other Kingdomes or Monarchies were erected by men on earth, though permitted, and ordered by God: This Kingdome, or Monarchy ſhall ſwallow up in it all fore-going Monarchies. And this is a FIFT Monarchy which ſhall ariſe in the world, after the former foure, which is meant of a ſtate of Chriſts Kingdome; as appeares by ſeverall reaſons.
¶. 1. Marke, it is called a Stone, as Chriſt is the cheife corner ſtone which the builders refuſed, 1 Pet. 2. v. 3. &c. to 8.
¶. 2. Againe, it is a ſtone not in hand, or cut out without hands. Becauſe God ſhall reare up this Kingdome. As touching Mr. Archers words of Gods rearing up this Kingdome without hands of humane helpe, I cannot inſert or aſſent to, while I ſtick at that place in Daniel chap. 12. ver. 1. &c. that when Michael ſhall ſtand up to deliver his people, meaning the great and generall deliverance of the Jewes from temporall and ſpirituall captivity, there ſhall be a great time of trouble, ſuch as there never was ſince it was a Nation, even to that ſame time; Inſomuch that many of the Jewes, afore, as it were a ſleep in the duſt, or as dead men, in their forlorne, hopeleſſe and helpleſſe condition, ſhall now at Chriſts appearance awake and ſtand up for the cauſe of their deliverance; yet ſome of them ſhall fall off to their everlaſting ſhame. According to which, there is a double period of time relating to their deliverance, mentioned in the eleventh and twelfth verſes of that chapter; as if it ſhould begin at one thouſand two hundred and ninety yeares after the ceaſing of the daily ſacrifice; but they onelyonly ſhould be bleſſed that wait, and come to the one thouſand three hundred thirty and fifth year, which is forty five years after. But of the full meaning of this place to this ſence, and the demonſtration thereof, we ſhal hear after in our laſt place of Daniel. This I confeſſe, and I can freely conceive, that whereas the Church of Chriſt is that ſtone, that Kingdome of Chriſt (as Mr. Mede, Mr. Huet, and Mr. Parker, have afore well expreſſed, or hinted) ſo Chriſts call of the reſidue of the Church into the ſtate of grace at the great and laſt bringing in of the Jewes, ſhall be ſo immediately and ſuddenly done, by Chriſt himſelfe, by his appearing in the clouds, and ſuch like extraordinary wayes (as in the birth of a Nation at once, as the Prophet deſcribes their call) that there ſhall not be uſed (for ought I know) the Miniſtry of mens preaching to that end.
¶. 3. Its duration (ſaith Mr. Archer) that it ſhall laſt for ever, ſhewes that it is meant of Chriſts Kingdome. We people (ſaith he) ſhall ſwallow it up, as they have done all other Monarchies. The Babylonian was left to the Medes and Perſians, and this to the Grecians; and the Grecian to the Romans: But this ſhall be left to none, but ſhall be for ever (Dan. 2.44.) that is, to the worlds end. But the Kingdome at the Worlds end, ſhall be Chriſts; for at the laſt end of all, he gives it up to the Father, 1 Cor. 15.24. Therefore till then, and at that time, when ALL ENDS, he hath the Kingdom. Chriſts SPIRITUALL Kingdome, and his PROVIDENTIALL were before this time: Therefore that which is to begin, when theſe Monarchies end, muſt be Chriſts Monarchy; wherefore from this propheſie we learne that Chriſt ſhall have a MONARCHICALL STATE ON EARTH, and a VISIBLE KINGDOME as other Monarches had, ſwallowing up, or cauſing to vaniſh all other Monarchies (as the latter Monarchies did the former.)
Thus Mr. Archer, to whom in the bulk and ſum, with the explanation afore, I aſſent.
§. 10 By this you have ſeen ſome of my good company in this point, conſenting with me, upon the ſtrong reaſons they have produced, how deduceable our poſition (in the main) is, out of this Chapter: I ſhall not need to adde any thing by way of argument, but only a few words for further explanation of this propheſie.
¶. 1. Note how aptly and appoſitely this fift Monarchy, this Monarchy of Chriſt (that is, Chriſt the Monarch, and the Chriſtian Church, the Saints, his Monarchy) is compared unto a Stone cut out of the Mountaine, &c. We know that Chriſt is often called, or typified by a rocke, or Stone, Matth. 16.18. 1 Cor. 10.4. quoted out of Moſes, Numb. 20.8. And the Church is compared to an houſe built on, or in a rocke, Matth. 7. Matth. 16. and Zech. 3.7. ſeven eyes upon one ſtone, is (ſaith Junius) the Church built on Chriſt.
¶. 2. Some ſtone (as the Adamant, that cannot be filed) is harder then iron: and an huge ſtone of any ſort, falling from a Mountaine, will breake the iron that is under it, much more the iron that is mixed with clay. So Chriſt and his Church ſhall make up a Monarchy that ſhall be too hard, and weighty for the fourth, the Roman Empire, or Monarchy (that brake the reſt) to beare: Matth. 21.42, 44. Did yee never read in the Scriptures, The STONE which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner? whoſoever ſhall fall on this STONE (Chriſt) ſhall be broken; but on whomſoever it ſhall FALL, it will grind him to powder. Zech. 12.3. And in that day I will make Jeruſalem a BURDENSOME STONE for all peoples: all that burthen themſelves with it, ſhall be CUT IN PEECES, though all the people of the earth bee gathered together againſt it.
¶. 3. Tis ſaid, the Stone was CUT out of the mountaine WITHOUT HANDS, but withall it is ſaid, It SMOTE as a STONE againſt the Image; and as a STONE it brake the MATTER of the Iron and Clay. Whence I cannot conceive otherwiſe, but though Chriſt, the Monarch, was conceived (without man) by the Holy Ghoſt, &c. and his Church, his Monarchy both Jewes and Gentiles is, and ſhall be effectually called, and regenerated by the ſame holy Spirit, without humane help; yet Chriſt and his Church ſhall by a viſible hand of power daſh in peeces the fourth Monarchy, the Roman Pope, and his Armies, Territories, and Powers; and the Turke and his (which ſprang out of the Roman as is afore demonſtrated) I ſay, ſhall daſh it in peeces by a viſible hand of power, Dan. 12. Rev. 16. Rev. 19.
¶. 4. The meaning of the continuance of this Monarchy of Chriſt for ever, doth not ſignifie, as if it ſhould never have any end, as if Chriſt ſhould never lay downe all his power of regiment (for the contrary is expreſſe in 1 Cor. 15.24.28.) but the meaning is this.
1. That it ſhall never be DESTROYED, (verſe 44. of this ſecond of Daniel) that is, it ſhall not end with a devaſtation and deſolation, as the former Monarchies did.
2. It ſhall not be LEFT TO OTHER PEOPLE (ibid. ver. 44.) that is, other people ſhall never ſucceed the Saints, or Church of Chriſt, to poſſeſſe this fift Monarchy, as another people ſucceſſively ſucceeded, and poſſeſſed the other Monarchies by turnes; the Medes and Perſians took the Aſſyrio-Chaldean, and ſo down-ward.
3. That it ſhall STAND FOR EVER; that is, (as is explained in that ſame 44. verſe) this ſhall continue when the other Monarchies ſhall be broken to peeces.
4. That the end of this Monarchy of Chriſt (ſo farre as it may have an end) is onelyonly formally, of the power or mode of government by Chriſt; he reſigning his power to God himſelfe (1 Cor. 15.24, 28.) not materially; for the Saints ſhall continue for ever, eternally happy under the wing of the beatificall viſion of God himſelfe.
¶. 5. This viſible Kingdome or Monarchy of Chriſt is to follow the reſt in an immediate order and ſucceſſion of naturall time, and in the ſame phyſicall place of, or upon the Earth, as when and where the former (having exiſted their terme) were exterminated. For if this Monarchy of Chriſt ſucceeded onelyonly in eternity in the Empyrean higheſt Heaven, It can bee ſaid no more to ſucceed the ſaid foure Monarchies (as Daniel would by all meanes have it) then it ſucceeded any other Empire or Kingdome on Earth, eſpecially thoſe that were contemporary with theſe foure aforeſaid Monarchies, yet not ſubject to them, as ſome ſuch there were all the time of their duration*This laſt clauſe of ſome Kingdome extant in the time of the four Monarchies, yet no: ſubject to them, is alſo aſſerted by Mr. Mede, and tis confirmed by Hiſt. and exper.