Two Discourses on the Mournful State of the Church, Discourse

Two Discourses on the Mournful State of the Church · Discourse

ECCLESIA GEMENS: OR, Two Diſcourſes On the mournful State of the Church, with a Proſpect of her Dawning Glory.

Exhibited in a View of two Scriptures, repreſenting her as a Myrtle-Grove in a deep Bottom, and as a knot of Lillies among Thorns.

Pſal. 68.13.

Though ye have lien among the Pots, yet ſhall ye be as the Wings of a Dove covered with Silver, and her Feathers with yellow Gold.

LONDON, Printed for John Hancock, at the three Bibles in Popes-head Alley in Cornhill. 1677.

To the Holy Church of Chriſt lately walking in Communion with Mr. J.C. and now with D.J.O. before whom theſe exerciſes were handled, and to whom they are now humbly preſented by

Theirs in the Fellowſhip of the Goſpel. S. L.

p. 11673. April. 6.THE VISION OF THE MYRTLEGROVE.

Zach. 1.8.

I ſaw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red Horſe, and he ſtood among the Myrtle-trees that were in the bottom, and behind him there were red Horſes, ſpeckled, and white.

THIS is a Comfortable Viſion to the Church in a low and dark condition: For, upon her Humiliation by the Prophets Sermon of Repentance, v. 6. The Captain of the Lords Hoſts appears in order to deliverance.

The Captivity was in part returned, but the Temple, whoſe Foundation p. 2though laid, yet the Progreſs of its building interrupted, lay ſtill in a ruinous ſtate, and the City it ſelf unwalled and in a mournful plight, Pſ. 137.2.Ps 137:2and many of the people not hitherto come forth of Babylon: Their Harps hung yet upon the willows; but now they are to be taken down to be imployed in Songs of Zion, with Myrtle Crowns of Feſtival Joy upon their Heads.

It ſuites with our eſtate ſince the return of our Fathers from Spiritual Babylon. For as yet the pure Temple-worſhip mourns in the duſt, and the City of New Jeruſalem lies in rubbiſh.

In this Prophetical Viſion obſerve:

11. The Time, v. 7. The ſecond year of Darius Hyſtaſpes, 519 years before the Birth of our Lord, on the 24th Day of the 11th MonethMonth Sebat, anſwering to part of January, and more particularly, the Prophet ſaw this Viſion in the Night.

By Night.] 1. To ſhew the darkneſs and difficulty of the Viſion. 2. That it was a time of affliction to the Church. 3. That Chriſt the Captain p. 3of the Church appeared but darkly to the Fathers of old.

22. The Place of the Viſion, in a Bottom, Bamezulah, in profundo, which the Chald. Paraphraſe turns foreign in Babylon, Jer. 51.13.Jer 51:13which lay in a low Champion plain by the great River Euphrates in the Land of Chaldea, and was noted, if I remember right, for fertility in this fragrant Shrub of Myrtle. Com. in Plin. l. 15. c. 29.Edeſſa in Meſopotamia had its name from Myrtles; and however, Parthia was famous for it, which was a neighbouring Province.

3dly. The Objects preſented in the Viſion which are three.

A Captain upon a red Horſe foreign Equitans, or aſcendens, about to get up; as the LXX. expreſſe it, foreign, ready to aſcend upon his Horſe, who is no other than that ſame Captain which appeared to Joſhuah when entring upon his Wars againſt the Canaanites. Joſ. 5.14.Josh 5:14I ſhall not determine with Alapide, that the [Sus Adam,] the red horſe notes his Humanity; I dare not be ſo bold, but rather, as a Captain getting p. 4up on his horſe of bloud, in order to the ſlaughter of his Enemies.

2A Grove of Myrtle Trees in the midſt whereof ſtood this valiant Captain of the Lords Hoſts, ready to get up, or being aſcended, makes a ſtand till the time of his going forth againſt Babylon: For though Babylon were taken by Cyrus before this Viſion, yet there paſſed 4 years after this Exhibition to the Prophet, even juſt at the finiſhing of the Temple in the 6th. Herodot. l. 3. p. 323. Uſſer. annal.of Darius, when that Golden City was wofully ſackt, the Walls pull'd down, and the Gates demoliſh'd, and 3000 of her moſt noble Citizens ſtaked or crucified, and after a while Babel was totally laid in ruines by Xerxes.

3Behind this glorious Captain were placed in Martial Array, 3 ſorts of horſes, or 3 Troops or Regiments of various coloured horſes, Red, Speckled, and White.

By the Myrtle Grove is meant the Church of God; by the bottom, Babylon: By the Captain, Jeſus Chriſt the Son of God: By the Red p. 5Horſe, his deſign of War againſt Babylon: The 3 ſorts of Horſes behind him, firſt Red, noting bloudy wars againſt the Churches Enemies. 2d. The ſpeckled, ſignifying various Providences; ſometimes the Church victorious, and othertimes in an afflicted ſtate under the Antiochian Princes. 3d. White Horſes, repreſenting the Church in the end compleatly victorious and triumphant: All the Churches troubles ſhall end in victory; and theſe Horſes that attend upon Chriſt, go forth from among the Myrtle Trees, that is, the Angels who encamp about tho Church, are ſometimes ſent abroad upon expeditions againſt her Enemies, arming and influencing of Nations one againſt another, to ſubdue thoſe who have impugned the Church, Iſ. 51.11.Isa 51:11and to execute the vengeance of the Temple.

This Viſion is given by God to the Prophet on purpoſe to encourage his People in going on with Temple-work, having formed the heart of Darius, to give forth another Edict beſides that of Cyrus, to p. 6finiſh the ſtately ſtructure of his Temple. Having thus touch'd upon the Scope of the Prophecy, let's deſcend to ſome Inſtructions from it. There be 3 Spring-heads from whence the ſtreams of the obſervations may flow full pleaſantly.

1. From the Time and Place.

2. The Myrtle Trees.

3. The Captain and his Forces.

11. The Time: It was by Night, an obſcure and dark Seaſon. The Place was a deep Valley or Bottom; and both are fit Emblems of the troubles and afflictions of the Church.

The Church of God after begun deliverances, Obſ. 1.may continue for a ſeaſon under dark, doubtful, and afflictive Providences. Iſrael, after they were come out of Egypt, wandred 40 years in a howling Wilderneſs, and were exerciſed with 7 years Wars in Canaan, before they were ſettled under Vines and Fig-trees in that Land flowing with Milk and Honey.

Again, When Judah came out of Babylon, from the firſt of Cyrus, till p. 7Nehemiahs coming from Shuſham to build Jeruſalems Walls in the 20th.536. 454. 82. year of Artaxerxes Longimanus, Uſſer. annals.there intervened fourſcore and two years: And in the later days, after the 1290 years are fully expired, there muſt be a flux of 45 years from the firſt deliverance till the compleat ſtate of the bleſſed times of the Church. Dan. 12.11, 12.Dan 12:11Dan 12:12I need not inſert any other particular inſtances, 'tis the wiſe method of Divine Providence,

1To hew down and cut off thoſe ſtubborn Spirits which hanker after Egypt, and long for the Fleſhpots, the Garlick and Onions of their old ſtate of bondage. They ſmell rank and unſavoury before God, that like the old murmuring Iſraelites, dare to call Egypt by the Title of the Land of Canaan; crying to Moſes, Numb. 16.13.Num 16:13Thou haſt brought us out of a Land flowing with Milk and Honey, to kill us in the Wilderneſs.

Gradually to prepare his faithful people, who like Caleb and Joſhua follow the Lord fully, for thoſe bleſſed and glorious Enjoyments: As the horrid Rocks and Mountains p. 8of Pindus ſet off the pleaſant verdure of the Theſſalian Tempe: So did the Arabian Deſarts, the parching Droughts, the fiery Serpents, and the Swords of Baſhan ſuperadd a varniſhing luſtre to Canaan the glory of all Lands.Ezek, 20.6, 15.

3To manage the ruine and extirpation of the Churches Enemies by degrees; Deut. 7.22.Deut 7:22not all at once, leſt the beaſts of the field increaſe too numerous. To give his Enemies ſome time and ſpace of repentance, and to leave them without Apology; and that the Churches hands be not too full of labour and travel. But firſt Amaleck muſt have a blow from Joſhua, Exod. 17.10.Exod 17:10and taſte of the ſharpneſs of his glittering Sword; then the King of Arad (a City 4 miles ſouth of Malliattha or Amalek according to Jerom) muſt bow down their neck under his victorious foot; Numb. 21.1.Num 21:1then the Pools of Heſhbon muſt be dried up, and the Iron Bed of Og muſt be drawn in triumph; and laſtly, M…dian with her 5 Princes, and Balaam with his Inchanted Altars muſt flame in ſacrifice to Divine Vengeance, before p. 9they paſs over Jordan to conquer and enjoy the Land of Promiſe.Obſ. 2.

In the next place we may obſerve, that though the Church be overſhadowed with a dark night, and ſit ſilently upon the ground in a deep bottom, as repreſented on the reverſe of Veſpaſian's Coine weeping under a Palm-Tree; yet here ſhe is brought to erect her countenance with a ſmiling and joyful aſpect into the Myrtle Grove, and Chriſt her Lord and Husband preſent with her: All dark, but the bright Face of Chriſt illuſtrating the Face of the Prophet with a clear Viſion, and the Face of the Spouſe with ſome radiations of joy. Though the State of the Church be dark, yet the Viſion is bright; Gods work goes on though it be by night. Though the Church might not as yet ſee the Prophet, yet ſhe enjoys her Captain; and though his help be inviſible, yet 'tis certain. Though the Church think of little but continuing darkneſs, and a long and ſtormy time of trouble, like a January night, in which MonethMonth this Viſion p. 10appeared, yet morning will come: Phoſphorus, the Morning Star will ſhine, and the Sun will ſhortly gild the Eaſtern Mountains with his glorious Beams. The Babylonian Enemies think they ſhall always detain the captive Church in their Dungeon bottoms, but the ſhining Ruler of the Day will not ſail to appear in that his glorious Epiphany, Pſa. 104.20.Ps 104:20and chaſe all the wild Beaſts of the Night into diſmal holes and caverns. This Viſion comes by night, when the Church little dreams of deliverance. and leſs diſcerns the approach of her Heaven-born Captain. Watchman, what, Iſa. 21.12, 9,Isa 21:12Isa 21:9of the night? Behold here cometh a Chariot of Men, a couple of Horſemen: Babylon is fallen, is fallen; 2go up, O Elam, beſiege, O Media. Though the Church lye proſtrate in a deep Valley. yet 'tis a Valley of Viſion: Though ſhe cry out in the Valley of Achor, Hoſ. 2.15.Hos 2:15yet God will give her both Vineyards and Myrtle Groves from thence. The Church ſhall be both fruitful and fragrant in the midſt of couchant Vallies at the foot of the proud and p. 11lofty Mountains of the World. The Church never ſighs out her ſorrows in ſo dark a night, but a new Moon may appear with a little light and ſome brightning Viſions of mercy. Some Prophets to comfort, ſome Princes hearts awakening towards her reſcue, who, like Darius, ſhall ſhortly put foot in ſtirrup againſt her bloudy enemies. Neither is there any particular Member of the Church in ſo dark and bluſtring a Tempeſt, Job 35.10. Pſ. 139.12.Job 35:10Ps 139:12but may find ſome Songs in the night. He to whom the night ſhineth as the day by the luſtre of his omniſcient eye, beholds his darling Spouſe in the profoundeſt bottoms of tribulation, and ſends his Prophets with Glorious Viſions to erect and illuſtrate their gloomy and dejected Spirits.

2The 2d. part of this verſe contains the Viſion of the Myrtle Grove in a deep bottom: Hence

The Church of God in her loweſt eſtate and darkeſt time is highly valued of God: Obſ. It is his Pleaſant Plant, his Garden, his Paradiſe, his Myrtle Grove, more delicious than p. 12thoſe admired pendulous Gardens of Semiramis in Babylon. He planted theſe fragrant Shrubs: This ſenſible Plant, dedicated to his Love, he waters and watches it every moment. He always beholds it and beautifies it with his preſence and walk: He ſhews it to his Prophets by Divine Moon-light, and ſends them to tell his Church and People, how greatly he eſteems and values it. Though the night be cloudy and ſtormy, and the Church hardly to be kenned by carnal eyes were they awake; yet he whoſe eyes are like a flame of fire, Rev. 1.14.Rev 1:14Luke 2.9.Luke 2:9can make a ſudden light to ſhine about his Shepherds and the Flocks of his Church by night, and turn their Fears into exquiſite Joys, and teach them to tune their rural Pipes in conſort with the Heavenly Hoſt praiſing God, and ſo open the eyes of theſe Keepers of the Vines and Myrtles, that they ſhall behold the Captain of their Salvation in the midſt of the Grove, with 3 Troops of Angels for their protection and comfort; not a Tree but a Horſeman aſſign'd it like the Palms in the p. 13Temple always interwoven with Cherubims.

Q But why is the Church compared to a Myrtle Grove? Not to be over curious and nice; I ſhall only Spiritualize a few Notions about it.

11. The Myrtle is but a mean, low ſhrub to note the humility of the Church and its Members: They have no aſpiring thoughts like the proud ambitious Oaks of Baſhan. They take up but little room in the World, and do not kill the Herbage by poyſonous droppings or venemous ſhades. Learn of me, Mat. 11.29.Matt 11:29ſaith Chriſt, for I am meek and lowly, and you ſhall find reſt to your Souls. Meekneſs to bear reproof, meekneſs to return mild and ſoft anſwers, meekneſs not to murmur againſt afflicting Providences, are the notes of a humble Myrtle. Of a meek Spirit like Moſes, 1 Pet. 3.4.1 Pet 3:4which is with God of a great price. Meekneſs and quietneſs go hand in hand: Meddleſome, touchy, and quarrelſome Spirits, are not led by the Spirit of God. There grow no Thorns upon theſe Balſam Plants p. 14which thrive in cool Vallies at the bottoms of lofty and barren Mountains— & amantes frigora Myrtos. Saints and gracious Perſons are not ſo ſoon touch'd with direful Thunderbolts, nor inflam'd by the lightning Flaſhes of rage and anger.

22. The Myrtle is ever Green: Though low, yet always verdant. So lovely a Green, it tempts the eye with delight to ſpend contemplations upon it; and 'tis always green like that Godly Man whoſe Leaf never withers: Pſ. 1.3.Ps 1:3No cold Winter ſtrips them of their Holy profeſſion. Hypocrites are Sunſhine Profeſſors, Somer Birds, Butterflies that come forth when the Church enjoys her May: But Gods true Myrtles are green in January, the MonethMonth of this bleſſed Viſion. The ſtorm of Perſecution may break their Boughs, but not deſtroy their greenneſs; they may ſtand in a deep Valley, the Church may be driven into holes, but ſtill retains her native emerald greenneſs. As the Dove may be forced into a cleft of the Rock; but mourns p. 15and retains the voice of a Dove ſtill.Songs 2.14.

33. The Myrtle is eminent for Fragrancy. All is ſweet and perfumed in a Myrtle. The Berries, Flowers, Leaves, all moſt fragrant. The Roſe its Leaves are bitter, though the ſmell ſweet; but here all's deſireable, and therefore by the Ancients dedicated unto Love. —Vitis Jaccho, formoſae veneri Myrtus. &c. Whatever the Church yields, is eminent. The thoughts and diſcourſes of Saints are like the fine white Flowers of the Myrtle, they are full of candour, and breath holineſs in every Air, in every Region. The Life of Saints ſmells fragrantly, Songs 5.16.like Chriſt his Mouth is moſt ſweet: He is altogether, all over lovely.

4. 4. l. 1. c. 155.The Fruit of the Myrtle is Medicinal: It is aſtrictive, ſays Dioſcorides, and therefore good againſt ſpitting of Bloud, and beneficial to the Stomach, foreign; p. 16Myrtle Wine is profitable againſt the bitings of the Spider Phalangium, and the ſtings of Scorpions. Gracious perſons are of a healing nature to ſuch as breath forth cruelty againſt the Church, and whoſe Stomachs are full of poyſon and malignant venom: They are like the Trees of Paradiſe for the healing of the Nations wherein they dwell. Rev. 22.2.Rev 22:2A Child of God, much more a Church of Chriſt ſhould be like a Colledge of Phyſicians to a diſeaſed World. Truly, what is this miſerable forlorn World but a meer Hoſpital of crazy, wounded, and leprous perſons. Here lye ſome with limbs broken in Satans drudgery, others raging under intollerable pains, their very Nerves and Bones rotten through the Sins of youth, others full of Boyls and putrifying Sores from luſt and corruption, and all poyſon'd with the venom of Original Sin. O let Saints carry about the Balm of Gilead to cure the wounded of the Daughter of their People.

p. 1755. The Viſion exhibits theſe Trees in a cluſter: It is a Myrtle Grove to ſhew Communion. The Church is compared to a Flock of Sheep, to a Flight of Doves, to a Knot of Lillies, to a Grove of Myrtles. Saints love ſociety, ſo it be a ſociety of Saints. It was a cuſtom of old among the Gentiles to dance in their Temples with Myrtle Crowns upon their Heads, to ſignifie amity, love, Athen. Dipnoſ. l. 15. p. 676.and delight in each other: How much more excellent ſhall be the Communion of Saints, when inſtead of the Thorns ſhall ſpring the Firr Trees, and inſtead of the Briar or Nettle of the Heathen, Iſ. 55.13.Isa 55:13ſhall ariſe the Myrtle for a Name to the Lord; 60.13.an everlaſting Sign to beautifie the Sanctuary of his Holineſs, which ſhall never be cut up.

1. Learn, Ʋſ. 1.That Myrtles may grow in Babylon, nay in Groves, in Church communion, though in a low and ſecret Valley by the waters of Babilon, till they are tranſplanted to Canaan. Captive Myrtles ſhall be Crowns of Glory in the Temple above. Saints may for a ſeaſon p. 18be, and thrive in a naughty world, in a hoſtile Country, and preſerved from the foot of violence: Saints may ſing Pſalms in Caeſars Houſhold, and be chiefly ſaluted by an holy Apoſtle. Phil. 4.22.Phil 4:22The Lilly may be ſheltred by Thorns, and the myrtle environ'd by a ſharp Babylonian Quickſet: Our Lord prays the Father not to take his Church out of the World, Joh. 17.15. Acts 2.40.John 17:15Acts 2:40but to defend them from the evil of it, and ſave them from the untoward generation wherein they live. Were it not for his Myrtles in this Valley of Tears, God would ſoon ſend up his Ax upon the Oaks of Baſhan, and lift up his Hammer upon Babylon. They muſt propagate and increaſe for a ſeaſon, till the time that Babylon's ripe for vengeance, and the ſecond Solomon's Garden in Zion meaſur'd out into Beds, Songs 6.2.made delectable with Walks, 4.15.and watred with Streams from Lebanon, and every way fitted by culture for the reception of ſweet-ſcented Myrtles, to be Plants of renown in the Glorious State of the Church which haſtens towards us.Ezek. 34.29.Ezek 34:29

p. 19Ʋſ. 2 2. The Churches dark and low eſtate moves the Divine bowels to mercy. Now comes a Prophet into the Valley, and a Viſion meets him for the Churches Joy in the 2d. of Darius. This great Prince ſtrengthens the former Edict of Cyrus in deſpight of Samaritan hatred; Ezr. 6.1, 14.Ezra 6:1Ezra 6:14and ſo do the following Princes, notwithſtanding Tobiahs Alliance to the High-Prieſt Eliaſhib. Neh. 13.4.Neh 13:4It's the God of Iſrael who melts and bends the hearts of Princes, and makes them flexible towards his Church; that the proſtrate Vine may begin to climb up and be ſupported by the Elm of Magiſtracy. He turns their hearts to hate his People for a ſeaſon for their correction, Pſ. 105.25. Pſ. 106.46.Ps 105:25Ps 106:46and then repents according to the multitude of his mercies, and makes them to be pittied of all thoſe that carried them captives. He puts it into the hearts of the 10 Kings to fulfill his Will, and to agree, Rev. 17.17.Rev 17:17and give their Kingdom to the Beaſt, until the words of God ſhall be fulfilled, and then he remembers his Holy Covenant.

p. 203. Ʋſ. 3 To encourage his People to go on with Temple-work. Shall the heart of Darius be enlarged towards the duſt and rubbiſh of Zion, and and ſhall not Zachary prophecy, and Zerubabel build, Zech. 3.5.Zech 3:5and Joſhua miniſter with a fair Mitre upon his Head, and all the People ſhout for joy, crying, Grace, grace, to the Glory of the 2d. Temple, which was far greater than the former, Hag. 2.9.Hag 2:9becauſe the Meſſenger of the Lord of Hoſts brought peace into it.

Ʋſ. 4 4. It's good to abide in communion with the Church of God; to be but a Berry, a Flower, a Leave of the Myrtle Tree is a great honour: Let Saints keep cloſe to this fragrant Garden. God ſmells a ſavour of reſt in ſuch Aſſemblies. Every Church is a Tree, and all the Trees make Gods Myrtle Grove in the Earth: For as they have their fragrancy, ſo they enjoy whole Regiments of tutelary Angels for their defence; yea Chriſt himſelf delights to be no where elſe, and to be ſeen among them as a Captain, getting up on his Red Horſe againſt their Enemies. p. 21They may come out with their Swords and Hatchets, their Axes and Acts of Hoſtility, but ſhall never be able to cut up the Myrtle Grove of the Church, that has ſo glorious a Captain to own it for his Garden and deſend it. Iſ. 4.5.Isa 4:5Upon all the Glory ſhall be a deſence. Gen. 3.24.Gen 3:24It's like the Ancient Eden guarded by Cherubims with flaming Swords, turning every way to keep the Path of the Trees of Life. Let Saints perſiſt in ſertility and fragrancy, and Chriſt will ever make himſelf viſible with troops of Angels in the midſt and round about his Fragrant Grove.

3I paſs on now to the 3d. Particular, The Viſion of the Captain and his Forces.

He that's called a Man in the Text riding on a red Horſe, holds conference with the Prophet, and the Prophet ſtiles him his Lord, v. 9. and the Angel of the Lord, v. 11.

Prophets and Angels hold heavenly communion, but eſpecially the Angel of the covenant. Now, that this Perſon is the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, p. 22the ſame who was with Moſes in the Buſh at Horeb in the Wilderneſs, Acts 7.38.Acts 7:38may appear;

11. By his ſuperiority over Angels. Joſ. 5.14.Josh 5:14The Captain of the Lords Hoſts, brandiſhing his Sword before Joſhua near Jericho, was now with his Sword girt upon his Thigh, Pſ. 45.3.Ps 45:3like a Prince of Might, aſcending the Red Horſe of War: He who is Head over all Principalities and Powers to his Church.Eph. 1.22.Eph 1:22

22. By his Interceſſion for the Church, v 12. He is the great Mediator; we never obſerve Ordinary Angels praying to God for the Church in the Sacred Page: Though often praiſing him, to teach that none ought to interpoſe in that glorious Office of Chriſt.

33. By his Dictates to the Prophet. He ſpeaks not of himſelf, when he declares the Angelical Functions of viſiting the State of the Church and of the whole Earth. But theſe (ſays the Captain, v. 10.) pointing to the 3 Troops of Holy Angels behind him; theſe are they whom the Lord hath ſent to viſit the p. 23Church in her ſcattered eſtate through the ſeveral Provinces of the Earth under the Dominion of Babilon.

44. By his Inſpiration of Prophecy in a way of command, when he had received a comfortable anſwer from the Lord to his Prayer for the Church: Cry thou, Thus ſaith the Lord of Hoſts, I am jealous for Jeruſalem and for Zion; that is, for the City and Temple, for the Politick and Eccleſiaſtick Eſtate of his People with great jealouſie, v. 14.

Next, we are to conſider him as a Rider upon a Red Horſe. A Horſe in Eaſtern Hieroglyphicks and Viſions, was an Emblem of War, of Victory, and Triumph: A Red Horſe, of Bloud ſhed in War in order to conqueſt; Iſ. 63.4.Isa 63:4to note that Chriſt goes with a Spirit of vengeance againſt his Churches Adverſaries, and returns with Garments dyed red from Bozrah, Iſ. 63.1.Isa 63:1all ſprinkled and daſhed with the Bloud of the Slain. Nay, Rev. 14.20.Rev 14:20ſometimes he rides his Horſes up to the Bridles in Bloud in the Valley of Hadadrimmon.

p. 24Then come in view his Satellites, or the Generous Troops under his Imperial Standard. Red Horſes, ſpeckled, and white, repreſenting the Holy Angels, multitudes of them marſhall'd in battel-array for various Expeditions, with the Triumphant iſſue of all their Wars on behalf of the Church. That Horſes and Chariots are Symbols of Angels, may be obſerved from other Scriptures; as, 2 Kin. 2.11. and 6.17. and Hab. 3.8. &c. The Chariots of God are 20000, Pſ. 68.17.Ps 68:17even thouſands of Angels; and not to mention the alluſions hereto in other Authors, only that in Suidas at preſent.

foreign: Suid. p. 1271.The Viſion of White Horſes is an appearance of Angels. I ſhall come to an obſervation.

Obſ. That Chriſt doth frequently appear to his Church in her diſtreſs under a warlike poſture: He is head of Angels for protection to his Myrtle Garden. One Angel might have ſufficed had God ſeen good, but for more abundant comfort he marſhalls whole Squadrons and Legions of Spiritual p. 25light Horſemen for their Service. Above all, let's take notice of ſome excellencies in this Captain General of the Cherubims that is now upon march for the Salvation of his Church.

11. He is a praying Captain, and mighty prevalent with God; like a Prince with God, like a Prieſt upon his Throne; Zech. 6.13.Zech 6:13both Prince and Prieſt on horſeback. He never prays but is anſwered, and he ever prays before he goes forth upon expeditions as he does in this Viſion, v. 13. and therefore in righteouſneſs he judgeth and maketh war. It's ſaid of old, Rev. 19.11.Rev 19:11Nulla fides pietaſ que viris qui caſtra ſequuntur. No faith or loyalty in the field. But behold, here's one with a double-edged Sword in his Mouth, a fervent prayer to make his Sword victorious. Judg. 7.18.Judg 7:18We have here the Sword of the Lord as well as of Gideon; a Sword from behind the Ephod, none like it; it hath cut down many a Philiſtine. The Sword of God is the Sword of Chriſt: Prayer whets the Sword and courage brandiſhes it. In his Majeſty he rides on proſperouſly, p. 26Pſ. 45.4.Ps 45:4and baths it in the hearts of his Enemies.

22. A Captain wiſe for conduct: The councel of peace is between his Helmet and Mitre. Zach. 6.13.Zech 6:13He is a Kingly and Royal Captain in order to the execution of his Prieſtly and Prophetical Office. He fights not for warſake but for peace: He hates them that delight in war and ſpin out long Sieges for large Wages. His End is to ſet Peace in the Earth, an Univerſal Peace as long as the Sun and Moon endure. Iſ. 2.4.Isa 2:4He deſigns to bring all the Swords and Spears of his Warriours to the Smiths Forge, and to faſhion them into Sithes and Plow-ſhares, into Sickles and pruning-hooks. Pſ. 72.7.Ps 72:7In his days ſhall the Righteous flouriſh, and abundance of peace foreign uſq, ad non lunam; till there be Moon no more. Yea, no leſs wiſe in management of his Armies for this glorious Deſign: Inſomuch, that Angels who excell in wiſdom, diſdain not to march at his command, and wheel about at the clangor of his Trumpet. There's no mutiny in all Heavens Army. Alexanders p. 27Soldiers when they were in the Indies among the Oritae, Curt. & Arian.would march no ſurther though to finiſh the worlds Conqueſt and dip their feet in the Eaſtern Ocean: But here is an unwearied Army that march up and down through the whole Earth at his command. v. 11.Angels are his Creatures, delighting to do his Will. The Inhabitants of Petra in Sogdiana built upon an inacceſſible Rock, jeered Alexander, Curt. l. 7. c. 11.and askt him whether his Soldiers had wings: But behold here are winged Soldiers riding upon winged Horſes that can fly into Cities at their Pleaſure. Such a Captain wages war on behalf of his Church. This is he, Exod. 14.14, 25.Exod 14:14Exod 14:25who fought from Heaven againſt the Egyptians and Pharach in the Red Sea. He taught Joſhua to lye in ambuſh againſt Ai. Joſh. 8.2.Josh 8:2He inſtructed Gideon to aſtoniſh the Midianites by Lamps and Pitchers into a panick fear. Jud. 7.16.Judg 7:16It's he, who comes from Edom, with garments dyed red from Bozrah, glorious in his bloudy apparel, Iſ. 63.1.Isa 63:1and marching in the greatneſs of his Strength. This is the David, who guides all p. 28according to the integrity of his heart, Pſ. 78.72.Ps 78:72and by the skillfulneſs of his hands.

33. A Captain ſucceſsful and victorihus: He ſhall ſubdue the people under him. Pſ. 45.5.Ps 45:5Succeſsfulneſs in a Captain is a mark of Honour ſtampt upon him by God, to ſignifie that ſuch ſhould be uſed. Such a character was imprinted upon Joſhua: The Lord thy God is with thee whither ſoever thou goeſt. Joſ. 1.9.Josh 1:9Though the Church hath ſometimes been oppreſt for a while, yet Chriſt never went forth attended with his Angelical Troops, but his Sword returned fat with the bloud of the ſlain. We need not range into the Annals of Ancient times; for even ſince the Incarnation, this Prince of Iſrael, this Michael, one like unto God hath fixt his Trophies with mighty honour upon the tops of the higheſt Mountains. In what triumphant Chariots did he ride up to the Capitol in the days of Conſtantine at the ſubduing of the Pagan perſecuting Roman Empire: Rev. 12.7.Rev 12:7What Songs of deliverance filled the Church in the times of Theodoſius p. 29the great. He will perform the like and greater atchievements againſt Papal Rome. Rev. 17.14.Rev 17:14For the Lamb ſhall overcome them who is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings.

44. He is a Captain of numerous Angels, that excell in ſtrength. He leads thoſe thundring Legions into field, who love the Church, and deſight in employment as miniſtring Spirits for the heirs of Salvation. Heb. 1.14.Heb 1:14Theſe Angels converſe among the Myrtle Trees, as well as their glorious Captain, and go forth for intelligence, and ſpy out the ſecreteſt counſels of the Adverſaries: So that if ſtrength, number, policy, intelgence and ſucceſs can make an Army happy, the Saints and the Church are bleſſed. Nay, they are ſuch as no dint or force of their enemies can touch or wound them: they fight inviſibly: they need no ſcaling Ladders to climb and aſſault the Cities of their Enemies; they can either fly over or pierce through their ſtrongeſt Walls and ſet the Church at reſt, whenſoſoever infinite Wiſdom ſhall think meet.

p. 30Ʋſ. 1 Wo to the Churches Enemies, who think they gird on their Armour againſt men like themſelves; 'tis a grand miſtake. The mighty Angels are drawn up in Batalia againſt them. When Julian was ſhot by a caſual Arrow; it's reported that he flung his bloud into the Air againſt Chriſt, appearing to him foreign and accuſed him of his ſlaughter: Sozomen l. 6. c. 2. p. 366. Theodoret. l. 3. c. 20. Caſſendor. Trip. Hiſt. l. 6. c. 47. Niceph. l. 10. c. 35.Others ſay, that he cried out with ſcoff and blaſphemy, Thou haſt overcome me O Galilean, thou haſt overcome me. But whether Chriſt himſelf, or an Angel by his ordination, as others report, it alters the caſe but little, ſince we are ſure it was like the Arrow ordained againſt Ahab, it hit by the aſſignation and conduct of Heaven; or as Sozomen phraſes foreign, he was ſlain by God, and received the due reward of his infamous taunt againſt our bleſſed Lord. For when he was marching againſt the Perſians, he ſorely threatned the Chriſtians that the Carpenters Son ſhould not avail them. Soz. ibid.To which a Prophetical perſon p. 31ſmartly replied, that he was preparing a Coffin for Julian, and he was buried with ſcorn in the Suburbs of Tarſus, by a rabble piping and dancing, and exclaiming, Jud. 8.Judg 8O great fool, where are now thy Propheſies? God and his Chriſt have overcome thee: So let all thine enemies periſh O Lord. The great God hath all the Hoſts in Heaven and Earth at his back: Various ſorts and offices of Angels, ſome red, others ſpeckled and white, alluding to the diverſities of Colours in the Standards of Armies, to know their Leaders, and to keep rank and order. Aelian hath writ his Tacticks, and Polyaenus his Stratagems, but no Methods or Policies like theſe of the Angelical Army, Ezek. 17.20. & 32.3.Ezek 17:20Ezek 32:3who lye in ambuſh behind the Myrtle Trees, and ſpread their Nets over the Heads of the ten-horned Beaſt of Babylon.

Ʋſ. 2 Let not the Church be troubled, if ſometimes the Speckled Horſes appear, though various adminiſtrations interweave the Churches comforts. April will paſs, and a durable Somer follow: What begins with red, p. 32goes on with ſpeckled, and ends in white. The Combat is bloudy at firſt, but always ſucceſsful, and ſhall be crowned with victory. The Church is like the Roman Empire, whereof the Hiſtorian ſaid, Pugnâ victi ſed nunquam bello: A Battel may ſometimes go off dubious but never overcome in a war. The Churches Myrtles ſhall never be cut down ſo long as an Angel can keep the field, he will protect them. So long as the Captain of the Lords Hoſts wears his Myrtle Crown, Corona Myrtea.he'll lead his Church in pleaſant meaſures in the Wildernes of Shur, and teach them to ſing the triumphal Song of Moſes and the Lamb on the brink of the Red Sea, Exod. 15.22.Exod 15:22while the Egyptian Carcaſſes dance upon the waters in regular order to the Churches Sonnets.

Ʋſ. 3 Let this exerciſe the faith of Saints: Though they ſit heavy in a dark night, yet morning will come: Though the Church mourn in a gloomy bottom, yet atlength ſhe ſhall be advanced on the top of the higheſt Mountains. Ʋſ. 2.2. Though wicked enemies p. 33compaſs them round for a while: yet the Hoſt of Angels within them ſhall break through and put all the Armies of the Aliens to flight. The fourth watch of the night though the darkeſt, yet 'tis neareſt the morning, and the deepeſt place of the Valley is next to the foot of the Mountain for aſcent.

Let this Viſion comfort the Church that God is pleaſed to ſend Prophets to manifeſt the iſſue of all their troubles. They ſhall not only be delivered in due time, but they ſhall know it before-hand to aſwage their ſorrows, and to heighten their expectations of deliverance. Though the Viſion be given by night, yet he ſhines upon the head of his Zachary, Amos 3.7.Amos 3:7and does nothing but what he reveals to his Servants the Prophets; and we muſt enquire from them not only our duty in a night of darkneſs, but our comfort alſo in the Valley of affliction. Let's remember to keep to the ſociety of Myrtles, if we would enjoy the preſence of Chriſt, the protection of Angels, the viſions p. 34of Prophets, and final victory over the Churches Enemies.

The laſt Uſe ſhould be for inquiry after the end of the Viſion when the white horſes of victory and triumph ſhall appear to the Church: Ʋſ. 5. Add.As he ſaid to the man clothed in linnen, Dan. 12.6.Dan 12:6How long ſhall it be to the end of theſe wonders! Or as that Saint enquired of the Palmoni or the wonderful Numberer, How long ſhall it be that the Sanctuary and the Hoſt ſhall be trodden under foot? And he ſaid unto him, 8.14.2300 days, then ſhall the Sanctuary be cleanſed.

Let's count then from the burning of the City and Temple of Jeruſalem by Nebuchadnezzar in the 19th. 2 K. 25.8. Jer. 52.12. Uſſer. 2300 588 1712.Jer 52:12year of his Reign, which was concurrent with the 588th. vulgar year before the Nativity of our bleſſed Lord: From which time, if we reckon 2300 years, it leads us by the hand to the common year of our Lord 1712. About which time the pure Worſhip which hath been oppoſed and confuſed ever ſince the ruin of Solomon's Temple, it's very likely may be reſtored to an Evangelical p. 35Glory, and the abominations of deſolation removed out of the way. I know what is ſaid about the literal fulfilling of this Text, under Antiochus, and the myſtical in the days of Julian; but I take it to be a more comprehenſive Oracle, not to be here amply diſcuſſed. As for Julians time, when the Jews attempted to rebuild the Temple by his Edict in ſcorn to our Saviours Prophecy in the year 363, when Julian was 4th time Conſul with Saluſtius Promotus. We find no account of any Sacrifice then offered, for they were but cleering the Rubbiſh. How then can this be an Epoche from the taking away that Sacrifice which was not then offered; no, nor ſince the days of Titus. Beſides Julian did this in a mock-ſavour to the Jews, and ſtood not with an Army in the Holy Place or City, for he came no nearer than about Antioch in his march to Perſia; and therefore this can be no root of numeration in this caſe.

Another gracious manifeſtation of the time is in the 12th. Chapter, which muſt be underſtood of the taking p. 36away Evangelical Worſhip for the time, Dan. 12.7.Dan 12:7times and a half mentioned, v. 7. are diſertly and diſtinctly applyed to the duration of the ten-horned beaſt, 7.25.Rev. 11.2.3.Rev 11:2Rev 11:3in the 7th Chapter; and is coincident with 1260 days in John, … 13.5.or the 42 months of their trampling down the Holy City, detaining the Woman in the Wilderneſs and the Witneſſes in ſack-cloth. But in aſmuch that Daniel adds 30 days to the 1260, it may be ſuggeſted that he reflects upon the Reſtitution of Iſrael and their converſion to offer up ſpiritual Sacrifice, which may be performed ſome ſhort time after the reſurrection of the Eſtate of the Church in the Weſt. So then if the Ten-horned Beaſt roſe in the Ruines of the Roman Empire: It's but conſidering when that City was taken, and the Imperial State demoliſht and finiſht, 1290 410 1700and connex the 1260 or 1293; and the bleſſed times will appear to the comfort and joy of the Church.

Rome was firſt taken by Alaricus A. 410.

p. 37A ſecond time by Genſericus, A. 455.

The third by Odoacer, A. 476. When having taken Rome, depoſed Auguſtulus. Paul. Diacon in add. ad Eutrop l. 16. p. 155.Paulus Diaconus ſubjoynes, Ita Romanorum apud Romam Imperium toto terrarum orbe venerabile & Auguſtalis illa ſublimitas, quae ab Auguſto quondam Octaviano erecta eſt, cum hoc Auguſtulo periit. Thus the Empire of the Romans at Rome, venerable through the whole World, and that imperial dignity which roſe in Auguſtus, periſht in Auguſtulus.

Bleſſed is he that readeth and they that he are the words of this Prophecy, Rev. 1.3.Rev 1:3foreign and that keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. The word foreign ſometimes ſignifies Aſtronomical Obſervations. We ought to be more curious and diligent in calculating the motions of Scripture-times than the moſt accurate Obſerver of Eclipſes and other Heavenly Configurations which are of great uſe in Scripture Chronology. Pſ. 89.36, 37.Ps 89:36Ps 89:37The Throne of this 2d. David is more eſtabliſht than the Sun or p. 38the Moon before him, and as a faithful Witneſs in Heaven. Behold, he cometh quickly, Rev. 22 7.Rev 22:7bleſſed is he that keepeth the ſayings of the Prophecy of this Book.

Obj. But ſome may ſay, What comfort is this to us, who it may be, are never like to ſee theſe glorious times; let us make our calling and election ſure, that we may enter into the Eternal Joy of our Lord.

A I anſwer: Of all things in the World let's firſt make ſure of our own Salvation, and clear our evidences to eternal life, 2 Pet. 1.11.2 Pet 1:11that we may have abundant entrance into the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour. And then, let the proſperity of Sion lye warm at our hearts. All the Holy men of old took great delight in beholding the Churches Glory, though but in the Glaſs of Viſion; Pſ. 102.14.Ps 102:14Nay they took pleaſure in her ſtones and favoured the duſt thereof: For when the Lord ſhall build up Zion, he ſhall appear in his glory. 16.This ſhall be written for the Generation to come and the people that ſhall be created, 18.ſhall praiſe the Lord. The p. 39times of refreſhing ſhall come, and the reſtitution of all things whereof God hath ſpoken by the mouth of all his Holy Prophets ſince the world began; Acts 3.21.Acts 3:212 Pet. 3.2.2 Pet 3:2and we ought to be mindful of the words ſpoken before by the holy Prophets and Apoſtles concerning the promiſe of his coming; looking for, and haſtning to the coming of the day of God,13. when there ſhall be a new Heaven and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteouſneſs, 15.teſtifying that Holy Paul hath ſpoken of theſe things in his Epiſtles: Rom. 8.21.Rom 8:21When the Creature it ſelf (diſtinct from Saints, v. 23.) ſhall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God. Shall the great God think it meet in his heavenly wiſdom and goodneſs to the Church to foretell by all his Holy Prophets and Apoſtles theſe glorious times? Shall the Son of God receive this diſcovery from the Father and ſignifie it to his Angel, and ſend it by his Angel to his Servant John his beloved Diſciple. What a magnificent apparatus is here from God the Father to the Son, p. 40from his Son to the Angel, and from the Angel to John! Such as is before no Book of Holy Scripture beſides, and this upon the Lords Day to an Apoſtle in the Spirits extaſie, v. 10.and to a boſom Apoſtle in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jeſus Chriſt. Nay, what a Majeſtical Scene is laid down in the 4th. Chapter, which is wholy ſpent in preparation for theſe Viſions of things to come. A door opened in Heaven, and a voice like a Trumpet, and a glorious Throne appearing, and a Perſon upon it in viſage like the various-coloured Jaſper and the incarnate Sardine, and the Rainbow of the Covenant like the green Emerald round about the Throne, And ſhall minute, ſilly, mortal worms make light of theſe things, and deſpiſe to ſtudy the ſplendid radiant Propheſies let down from Heaven as a token of Gods love to his Church; It becomes not any, who profeſs themſelves the Servants of the moſt high God. Dun. 19.2.Are they wiſer than Daniel, Ezek. 28.8.Ezek 28:8who underſtood the number of the years by Books, and ſet himſelf p. 41to prayer about it. Yea, Zach. 1.12.Zech 1:12the Angel of the Covenant urges the number of the years in prayer, Rev. 13.18.Rev 13:18and the Spirit of God ſets it down for a point of wiſdom to count the number of the Beaſt. To what end? but for the conſolation of the Church when they know by the mouth of his holy Prophets that her warfare is accompliſhed; Iſ. 40.2.Isa 40:241.25.and that God would in due time raiſe up one from the North, Cyrus.and the riſing of the Sun. Behold, 27behold I will give to Jeruſalem one that bringeth good tidings It's a great reviving to the hearts of Saints who are affectionately inclin'd to the good and welfare of Zion, to hear that God will bring down his proud enemies, Iſ. 62.7.Isa 62:7and ſhortly make Yeruſalem the praiſe and joy of the whole Earth; and though themſelves ſhould not ſurvive to ſee all the goodneſs that God will ſhew to his people; yet like good old Simeon will ſing to take the young beginnings of this Salvation in their Arms.

David, 1 Chr. 28.3.1 Chr 28:3though forbidden to build the Temple, yet prepared for it p. 42with all his might and ſet his affection upon it, 29.2, 3 9.and rejoyced with great joy. Deut. 3.25.Deut 3:25Moſes, though he could not obtain to ſee the good Land beyond Jordan, that goodly Mountain, even Lebanon and that pleaſant Valley of Damaſcus, which lies between the two Lebanons from Weſt to Eaſt about 40 miles in length, the ſweeteſt and goodlieſt Valley that ever the Sun ſhined upon: As a learned Traveller told me, who was a late eye witneſs of its beauty; yet holy Moſes enjoy'd great pleaſure in taking but a proſpect of it before he dyed from the top of Piſgah.34.1.

Beloved Daniel pronounceth him bleſſed, Dan. 12.12.Dan 12:12that waiteth and cometh to theſe happy times, and receives a promiſe of ſtanding in this Lot of his inheritance in the end of the days: And laſtly, bleſſed John prophecying of the New Jeruſalem, Rev. 21.21, 24.Rev 21:21Rev 21:24and of the ſaved Nations which ſhall walk in the light thereof, and of the Kings of the Earth bringing their glory and honour into it, declares them bleſſed that do his Commandments, and thereby have right to the Tree p. 43of Life, 22.14.and to enter through the Gates into the City.

To end, What though ſeveral have erred in the Computation of Times, this does no way invalidate the dignity of Scripture Oracles, nor the certainty of their diſtinctly timed iſſue; but ſhould ſtir up others to compare Scriptures more accurately, to ſearch the Ancient Hiſtories more curiouſly, to diſcern what providences have writ their comment upon thoſe parts of prophecy already fulfilled, to be diligent in the computation of Eclipſes and other appearances of the heavenly bodies. which are the onelyonly true fixers of Chronology, without which all calculations in this nature will prove lame and inſignificant, to conſider the nature of Scripture years which may ſomewhat differ from the Julian, But above all, to pray ardently for the Spirits conduct, ſince the Apoſtle conjoynes the quenching of the Spirit to the deſpiſing of prophecy, 1 Theſ. 5.19, 20.1 Thess 5:191 Thess 5:20and know aſſuredly, Hab. 2.3.Hab 2:3That the Viſion is for a fixed, an appointed time, and he that ſhall come will p. 44come and will not tarry, and the benign Dews ſhall ſweetly deſcend upon the Mountains of Zion, Mic. 5.7.Mic 5:7which tarrieth not (for mans time) nor waiteth for the Sons of Men.