The Signs of the Times, Dedication (2 of 2)

The Signs of the Times · Dedication (2 of 2)

p. 32The ſecond particular in this General Diſcourſe, is the Scene whereon the great God ſhews his marvelous Signs and Wonders, and where they have their extraordinary ſcituation: whereof we cannot have a better account from any better Hand, than from the ſweet ſinger of Iſrael Pſ 135.6. VVhere after he had declared. 1. Gods Goodneſs, v. 3. Then 2. Gods Greatneſs, v. 5. Yea greater than all Gods, either Deputed (as Magiſtrates, Pſ. 82.1.6.) Or Reputed as Idols Pſ. 115.4.1. Cor. 8.4. He comes p. 33to declare what a moſt free Agent, this good and great God is. v. 6. Doing whatever pleaſeth him, whereby he confuteth three ſorts of the Truths Adverſaries: 1ſt. The Stoicks that bind Gods Almighty Hands, under a Fatal neceſſity, as if God could do nothing but as ſecond Cauſes do move and oblige him: 2. The Epicureans, who dotingly Dream, that God (called Actus puriſſimus) is altogether Idle, ſitting in Heaven at his own eaſe, and altogether unconcerned with the Affairs of this lower World which (they ſay are managed by chance and fortune: 3. The Ethnicks, who confeſs God to be concerned in the greateſt matters of this lowermoſt World, but not with the leaſt of them, ſaying, Non vacat exiguis Rebus Adeſſe Jovi. Jove is not at leiſure to be preſent at ſmall matters.

David here doth Demonſtrate the groſſneſs of all thoſe three miſtakes; ſaying, God is always at work, as John 5.17. and he works freely what he pleaſeth. Pſ. 115.3. and under no Conſtraint or Reſtraint, no ſecond cauſe can either help him or hinder him, even the ſeeming Impediments he over-ruleth, and making them ſerviceable to his own irreſiſtible Will: as Phaorah's Daughter is made to preſerve Moſes, who was to Deſtroy Pharoah's Kingdom, &c. And laſtly, he nameth the three grand Stages or Theaters whereon God worketh what he willeth, both his Ordinary and extraordinary works, to wit, Heaven Earth and Sea, the great God is concern'd in all things that come to paſs in all theſe; parts of the viſible World: This leads me from the General to a particular Diſcourſe of thoſe mighty Signs, Wonders and Prodigies, which the great God hath very lately ſhewn to the World, upon all thoſe three Scenes or Stages. And firſt in the Heavens, this Mighty God (Jehovah not Jove or Jupiter) is declared to be the Maker of all Meteors, Jerem. 10.13. Pſ. 135.7. whether they be Fiery, Airy, or VVatery, and whether they be Ordinary or Extraordinary. 1. Ordinary, 'tis the great God that cauſeth Vapours to aſcend from the ends of the Earth. Pſ. 135.7. p. 34And Jerem. 10.13. Thoſe Vapours the Sun, Moon and Stars exhaleth out of the Earth and Sea (by the Ordinance of the Creator) whereon thoſe uſual Meteors (as Clouds either with Rain or without, Thanders and the Rainbow &c) are made as on their proper matter: This may be exemplified in the little World (Man) in whom Vapours are experienced to Aſcend up from below unto the Brain, and from thence again do Deſeend in a Defluxion of Rheum down upon the Lungs, &c. Thus it is in the Great World, as to the firſt common Meteor, to wit, Clouds, which are moiſt Vapours dra…n up (as is aforeſaid) into the middle Region, where being, by the coldneſs thereof, condenſed and congealed, they ſo continue there, until by the warmth of the Sun they come to be diſſolved and turn'd into Rain. Zanch. de Op r. Dii. lib. 3. cap. 6. pag. 381. Hereupon they are called, Gods Garden-Pat for watering Plants, wherewith he duly watereth, the wide Garden of the World. Now this, though Common, is one of Gods mighty Sig s and Wonders that he ſhould bind up ſuch a vaſt weight of water in his Clouds, which are nothing but Vapours knit together, and ſo are Veſſels much thinner than the Liquor contained in them, 'tis a mighty Wonder, that the Clouds are not rent under them, Job. 26.8. And ſo to cauſe a Cataclyſme (or warer Spouts, as Marriners call them) to drown not only Ships at Sea, but alſo the whole Globe of the Earth. This wonderful work of God, (that ſuch a Maſſy weight of VVater, ſhould be confin'd to a thin Cloud, as if a ſtrong man ſhould be conjur'd into a ſlender Cobweb, and there be kept Nolens Vole…s) If well weighed, would be ſufficient to convince the greateſt Atheiſt in the VVorld, of an Omnipotent Deity: no meer man can ſpread aloft the thinneſt Curtain [abſque fulcris] without ſome ſolid thing to uphold it. Yet the great God ſpreadeth thoſe thin Curtains (the Clouds) over the whole Face of the Firmament, Job. 25.9.36.29. ſuch as have great Floods bound up, ſometimes in them, as in a Garment, Prov. …0.4. Yet have they nothing but the fluid Air to ſuſtain them; there be alſo Clouds p. 35without water (as well as with) which ſeem to carry the leſs VVonder in them: yet if we Conſider, that all Clouds are Gods Spunges (as Zanchy, that Divine Philoſopher calleth them) which are in time filled with the waters that are above the Firmament, and the true reaſon, why ſome Clouds do Rain upon the Earth, and others doe not, is, becauſe God doth not ſqueeze all thoſe Spunges with his mighty Hand: and thus God ſaith, I will command the Clouds to Rain no Rain upon this or that place. Iſa. 5.7. Thoſe are Clouds without Rain Prov. 25.14. For God preſſeth them not, and thoſe which God ſqueezeth (as man doth a Spunge,) he doth it not with all his might, but gently, that they may moderately drop upon the Earth to refreſh it, but not to Ruine it, as was done to the Old VVorld, when God opened the Cataracts of Heaven and wrung thoſe Spunges hard upon them: the Conſideration hereof ſhould bring man to the knowledge of the Power, Wiſdom and Goodneſs of God, Rom. 1.19. Job. 38.37. Jer. 5.22. The ſecond common Meteor is Thunder, &c. This is alſo Wonderful, that Fire and Water, ſhould mingle in one Cloud, and that Hard Stones (according to the vulgar Opinion) ſhould come out of the midſt of thin Vapours. Theſe are Wonders in Nature far beyond Humane Apprehenſion, that one and the ſame Cloud ſhould one while be an Aery Sea, to powr down a whole Tide of VVater, and another while, (even immediately) be as ſome Aery Furnace, which ſcattereth abroad flaſhes of Fire, into all parts of the Earth, aſtoniſhing the VVorld with the dreadful noiſe of that Eruption, and that God ſhould fetch Fire out of the midſt of Water, and hard Thunderbolts out of the midſt of ſuch a ſoft Exhalation as a Cloud is: Hac ſunt ſane Tremenda, atque admiranda, no leſs to be Dreaded than Admired: The third comman Wonder in Nature is the Rain-Bow, fixed upon a watery Cloud, by the Reflection of the Sun upon it, This is ſuch a wonderful work of God, that the very Heathens feigned it to be the Daughter of Thaumantias (which ſignifies VVonderment. This is a work top-full of VVonders, witneſs 1ſt. The beautiful Form p. 36and Faſhion of it, a Semi-Circle, the ends whereof were never ſeen by any Mortal, but as 'tis terminated by the Horiſon. 2ly. The Various Colours it carrieth exceeding the ſplendour and livelyneſs of the deepeſt Dye in the World) which have (as ſome conceive) their various Significations, as the two grand Deſtructions of the Old World, and of this New by Water and by Fire, the watery colour of the Rain Bow ſignifying the former, and its fiery colour the latter. 3ly. The ſeveral Prognoſticks of it, according to Scalage, ſaying, a morning Rain-bow portends Rain, but an evening one, fair weather. 4. The Shape of it, being that of a Bow (therefore called the Rain-bow) which yet never ſhooteth any man, unleſs it be with Admiration, Delight, &c. 5. The poſture of it, the Bent of the Bow is from the Earth and towards Heaven, as if man were ſhooting at God, and not God at man. This Bow with both ends downwards and its back to Heaven; muſt needs be [nuntius faediris & ſerenitatis] an Emblem of Peace, and a meſſenger of Mercy to mankind, for he that ſhooteth holdeth the Back of his Bow always from him, and this may be the Signification of its third (to wit Green) colour, that is, the merciful preſervation of the VVorld, betwixt thoſe two grand Deſtructions of it, ſignified by its watery and fiery colours aforeſaid. 6ly. The unreadineſs of it, as to any Execution of Divine Diſpleaſure. David ſaith, God hath bent his Bow, and made his Arrow ready, Pſ. 7.12.13. But here, though the Bow ſeem bent, yet we ſee no String, neither do we either read of (as Ambroſe well obſerveth) or behold any Arrow ordained for this Bow: If he doth ſo at any time, 'tis, (as the Pſalmiſt there tells us) againſt Perſecutors, and not againſt his People: The time would fail me to ſpeak of the Wind, both Tempeſtuous and VVhirlwinds (whereof I have ſpoke ſomething of it in my Crown of a Chriſtian, in Chapter of Meditation) and of other Meteors, in the Firmament, that are ordinary products of Nature, yet Marvelous Wonders in Nature, as to mans Capacity and Apprehenſions; It ſhall ſuffice to ſay only this in General at this time, which is no leſs a ſignal and ſingular Wonder, that p. 37out of one and the ſame equal matter (to wit, out of thoſe ſame Vapours, which are exhaled out of the Earth and Water) ſo many ſeveral and differing Meteors ſhould be engendred by the Almighty Power, and unſearchable VViſdom of God.

Come we now to thoſe that are Extraordinary, and confine our ſelves to this paſt year (1680.) only which God hath made Annum Mirabilem, a wonderful year, as he did that paſt year (1660) alſo. How thoſe two famous years run in Paralel lines, and yet how that Congruity hath alſo its Diſparity, is made manifeſt in the Application: The 1ſt. Sign from Heaven or Prodigy in the Heavens that this VVonder-working God ſhewed to the VVorld, was according (to my now modell'd method) that prodigious Comet, or Blazing-ſtar, ſeen all over Europe, upon which I have Publiſhed, (for publick good) a little ſtitcht Book of three ſheets, Entituled, A Philoſophical and Divine Diſcourſe Blazoning upon this Blazing-Star, unto which, I muſt here refer the Reader, for a diſtinct diſcerning of the Product, Form, Colour, Motion, Scituation, and Signification or Probable Prognoſticks, &c. Thereunto Here adding this little ſupplement, at this time: This laſt Comet (in the year 1680.) was ſo prodigious, that the like hath not been ſeen (for length and breadth of its Train) this 800 years. I have conſulted Oſiander's Epitome of the Centuries, who (indeed) mentioneth a Comet of an unuſual magnitude, a little before the Death of Conſtantine the Great, which (he ſaith) was expoſed to publick view, [tanti principis obitum Deſtgnâſſe] as a Prognſtoick of the period of ſo great and ſo good a Prince, Cent. 4. Lib. 2. Cap. 25. pag. 214. And the ſame Author tells of another Comet, of a prodigious greatneſs, ſhooting his Dreadful Rays above the City Conſtantinople, and reaching almoſt (as he ſaith) from Heaven to that City, which was (as he addeth) to give warning of Gajan the Scythian and Arrian's Deſign to ſet that great City on Fire, yet through the goodneſs of God (at the prayers of his People in it, that Helliſh Plot (as he ſayth) was moſt graciouſly prevented) and that by an Apparition of an Hoſt of p. 38Angels, which terrified this Curſed Arian, from his burning project. See Cent. 5. Lib. 1. Cap. 19. Pag. 89. I would to God the ſame mercy may be ſhown to London, for the prayers of many in it. Gen. 18.32. Iſay 65.8. The ſame Author alſo telleth of another Comet, in the 6th. Century, which did portend the Overthrow of the Metropolis of Cilicia by an Earthquake, and much more miſchief done in the Eaſt. Cent. 6. Lib. 1. Cap. 34. and of another Horrible one of an unuſual Longitude in Juſtinian the Emperors time, which fore-ran that horrible Butchery the Hunns made over moſt of Europe. Cent. 6. Lib. 3. Cap. 9. in the year 557. after Chriſt. But I do not find (in my Reading any ſuch prodigious Comet (as to its Train) ſave only that one which was the fore-runner of the Turkiſh Monarchy in the 6th. Century, and who knows, but this paralel Blaze may likewiſe preſage the Approach of the fifth Monarchy of our Dear Redeemer, who will (ſooner or later) take to himſelf his great power and Reign. Rev. 11.17. He will certainly Divide the ſpoil with the ſtrong, Iſa. 53.12. He will not always be an underling in the World, but will put in for his part which his Father gave him. Pſ. 2.8. in deſpight of a ſtrong Turk, ſtrong Pope, and ſtrong Potentates, and a ſtrong Devil, (who is the Maſter of them all) for his Father will make all his Sons Foes his Footſtool. Pſ. 110.2. and Matth. 22.44. He will put down all power that is oppoſite to the power of this Prince of Glory. 1. Cor. 15.24. and put them (who now Creſt it high againſt Chriſt) into the fitteſt place for them, to wit, under Chriſts Fect. Tis beyond doubt, that this preſent Comet, put Rome into a ſtrange Conſternation; oh pray, pray, pray, that the Influence of it may conſume all the dreggs of the Roman Church, in all that B…aſts Dominions, as Keplerus foretold long ago, ſhould be the effect of that Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, in Leo, a ſign of the Fiery Trigon. And the reaſon why ſuch an Effect was expected, may be this; The various Returns of thoſe eminent Trigons, fall out very rarely in the World. Acute Tychobrahe, thus reckons p. 39them. The firſt was under Enoch. The ſecond under Noah. The third under Moſes. The fourth under Solamon. The fifth under Chriſt, Tabernacling in Fleſh. Then the Roman Empire was in its Zenith or higheſt Advance: The ſixth under Charles the Great, when the Roman was turned into the German Empire, and the ſeventh draweth nigh, which is ſuppoſed to have a Sabbatiſm (as the Sabbath of Reſt, followed the 6 Days labour at the Creation) in its Womb. Our Bleſſed [foreign or] Maſter of the Marriage Feaſt, reſerveth his beſt Wine for this laſt time: Although (that Univerſal Schollar) Alſted make a little variation of thoſe 6 aforeſaid Conjunctions and Revolutions, yet he fully agreeth with Tychobrahe in this, that the ſeventh great Revolution of the ſuperior Planers, falleth upon our laſt times, and doth certainly portend ſome great and univerſal mutation (as all the other ſix hath formerly done (eſpecially conſidering that thoſe Planers in their ſeventh Return, hath perfectly compleated their circular Motion, and then are in the ſame point and poſture that they were placed in at the Creation of the VVorld. Alſteds Encupl. Uranoſc. Lib. 11. Pag. 125.

That which ſtartled the great men of Rome ſo much, at the Blazing out of this Comet, was, the Mathematicians there obſerved it to be in the Train of it, ſix times longer than that which did portend the laſt Pope Alexander the VII. Exit out of the World: This Diſcovery put the preſent Pope into ſuch a cold paroxyſm, that nothing but a Dutch Stove could keep him warm: I doubt not but that cold Sweat which hath ſeized now upon all the Limbs of Antichriſt, will (in due time carry off, not only him, but ſuch as ſhould ſucceed him, by the Breath of Chriſts Mouth, and by the brightneſs of his coming. 2. Theſ. 2 8 A prodigious Comet, and a Climacterial Conjunction (Aſtrologers ſay) are a double Seal of the great God, to aſeertain this great Truth.

In that leſſer Conjunction of the two ſuperior Planets, in the year 1664. The Comet followed the Conjunction as a Seal, for p. 40Confirmation that dreadful Effects were portended thereby, which not only this Land (in Fire, Plague and Plots, &c.) but alſo moſt of Europe (in moſt Deſolating Wars) ſmarted under, but as to the Total, Greateſt, or Clymacterical Conjunction approaching (which cometh to paſs only every 800. year) this hath as its Seal) a Dreadful Comet as its [foreign] or Harbinger going before it, and ſhewing it ſelf firſt to awaken and amaze the Drowzy Secure World, &c. However we (well enough) may call it a Divine Preacher (or Preco) ſent from God, to point out ſome ſacred Truth out of Heaven, to the Inhabitants upon Earth; 'tis an Orthodox, and Authentick Preacher, backed with ſuch inſuperable Authority, as neither the proud paſhur of Rome, nor any of his popiſh Prelates, can ſuſpend from its Office, or put to Silence, until it hath delivered its meſſage, and done its Work, that its Creatour gave it to do: It cannot be obſcured (in its aſtoniſhing light and luſtre) or dwindle away by any created Hands, but only by the hands of its own Maker. And now when it is gone off the Stage, Oh that the loud Sermons it hath preached, may ſtill Sound in our Ears, and Sink down into our Hearts, taking deep Impreſſions there, though it be a good while after, as did thoſe Sermons loudly and luſtily cryed out by Chriſts Cryer, or Fore-runner (John the Baptiſt) who did lift up his Voice like a Trumpet, Iſa. 58.1. and thoſe ſacred Truth, he had preached long before, had their bleſſed and ſaving Effect, long after, as John 10.41. The Word preached ſometime before, ſometimes Works, (and that conſiderable) after. Yea, may we not ſay of this late Comet, that it was ſome Prince-Peracher, having ſuch Attendants before it and after it) all, as ſo many Curats under it, God himſelf (ſpeaking to Job out of the Whirlwind, Job 38.1.) doth magnify Arcturus that Star of the firſt magnitude, and that always Riſeth upon the 10th. of March exactly when the Sun Setteth) by deſcribing how Stately he is attended with his Sons (the little Stars) that wait upon him. Job 38.32. In like manner the great God, hath ſo Ordered, that this late Blazing-Star (of a prodigious p. 41Magnitude in its Train) ſhould have other Apparitions attending it (as ſmall Curats to that Illuſtrious Preacher the Comet) eſpecially that Fiery Dart which followed its extinction, within a few weeks after: This is the ſecond Phaenom non or Apparition, which the great God ſhewed to poor man as a Sign from Heaven, ſeeing none ſhewn on Earth will convince us, it being with us as it was with thoſe Chriſt-Tempters in the Goſpel. Luke 11.16. They muſt have a Sign from Heaven, over and above all thoſe mighty and matchleſs Miracles that Chriſt wrought amongſt them upon Earth; They muſt have the Meſſiah to Thunder from Heaven upon them, as Samuel had done upon their Forefathers. 1. Sam. 12.16.17. to convince them of their Sin (in asking a King) and to bring them to Repentance: for as Johns Baptiſt, was Chriſts Fore-runner into the World, ſo Repentance muſt be his Fore-runner into Mens Hearts, Houſes, Cities and Countries, &c. Therefore to bring men to it, when they will not comply with the Council of Mortal Miniſters upon Earth (as thoſe would not with that of Samuel) God ſends ſome Signs Extraordinary from Heaven, ſeeing [ſigna de Caelo ſunt Formidanda] ſuch Signs as God ſends from Heaven are moſt formidable: Samuel bids that people firſt ſtand and Hear, v. 7. that is, Buſtle not, Briſtle not, but ſuffer a word of Exhortation, Heb. 13 22. When this would not do (the good old man being contemned by them, both in his perſon, preaching and power) he ſet GOD at work to ſpeak to them by Signs and Wonders, and then Samuel ſaith, Secondly Stand and ſee, v. 16. that ſo thoſe two Learned Senſes (as Ariſtotle calls Hearing and Seeing) being both Affected, might be alſo Inſtructed: ſo God ſaith likewiſe Heartye Deaf, look ye Blind, Iſa. 42.18. Thus the Lord ſaith to us in our Day, ſo gives us not only the Word to Hear, but alſo Signs to ſee, and that one Sign upon another, that they which will not Hear the Voice of the firſt Sign, might be moved to hear the Voice of the ſecond, Exod. 4.8. Therefore did God ſend a ſecond ſign (the Bolis or Fiery Dart) immediately after the firſt, (to wit, the Comet) as a Seal annexed to it, in its direful proſpects p. 42and prognoſticks: 'Tis true I cannot ſay of this latter, as I can of the former, that […iſce Oculis Vidi] I ſaw it with my own Eyes, but ſundry ſpectators of it doth aſſure me, that it was a long ſtr am of Fire, pointing down towards the Earth, and appearing but two or three nights, which was the cauſe of my not beholding it; Letters alſo from the Hague and from Copenhagen give a dark account of this Blaze, about the 27th. of February: This Liery Lance or Dart, Philoſophers calleth Bolis, foreign Jacit, to Caſt, as if it were Gods Javelin which he caſteth at ſinful men, as Saul did his againſt David. 1. Sam. 18.11. The Hebrew word [chanith] ſignifies alſo a very long Spear to thruſt through at diſtance, yet no mortal man is armed with ſo long a killing Spear, as the great God is, no not great Goliah (himſelf) whoſe [chanith] or Spear was of a prodigious length and thickneſs. …. Sam. 17.7. It was 26 foot in length, and like a Weavers Beam for thickneſs, beſides its head, which according to the Hebrew [lahab] Flamed and which weighed twenty five pound: yet this long Flaming Spear is nothing to Gods Glittering Spear, Habb. 3.11. Which he draweth out, to ſtop the way of his peoples Perſecutors, Pſ. 35.3. Where the word [chanith] is uſed. And although the great God is able to cut off the Greateſt men with a bare nodd of his Head or frown of his Face, Pſ. 80.16. Yea to blow them away as ſo many ſmall Duſt-Heaps, Job 4.19. Yet the Holy Ghoſt here atributeth to him, Armour both Defenſive and Ofenſive, that his appearing for his people might appear ſufficient, Pſ. 35.2, 3. Notwithſtanding God needs no bigger a [chanith or] Lance to kill an Atheiſt with than an Hair, as the dying Noble-man once acknowledged upon this occaſion: He ſitting in the Great Moguls Court, dallying with one of his Miſſes, ſhe pluck't an Hair out of his Breaſt, this little Wound, (made by that ſmall means) preſently Feſtered, and turning into an incurable Canker ſoon killed him: yea, ſuppoſe, man be as great as the Great Pope, yet Adrian the IV. (an Engliſh man) can tell them by woful Experience, that though his name (before he was Pope) was Break-ſpear, yet could he not break Gods Spear, p. 43though it be no ſtronger then an Hair or Fly (in Gods Hands) wherewith he was Choaked: The word [foreign] Jaculum. A Dart, is uſed Heb. 12.20. Yet it alſo ſignifies that Plummet of Lead which Marriners caſt down with a long Line to plum the depth of the Waters, leaſt the Ship run upon the ſhallow and there be ſhut up in the Sands and be broken; or which Carpenters uſe, to meaſure and mark out that part which they intend to Hew off or Plain. If we take it (in the firſt Sence) as a Fiery Dart, Philoſophy ſaith, it ſignifies Drought, and portends War. Alſted Encyclop. Lib. 7. Cap 9. Pag. 469. If (in the ſecond) as 1ſt. The Mart…ers Plummet, then it may ſignify God is ſounding the Depth of Religion in our Land, Oh that the Ship (the Church) may not be found upon the ſhallows running all Religion into a Form only, denying the Power of it. 2. Tim. 3.5. Alas then the Quick Sands will ſwallow us up, or we ſhall run upon ſome ſplitting Rock. 2ly. As the Carpenters Plummet, then God Bleſs us from the dreadful Divine Threatning mentioned 2. Kin. 21.13. That God wip not our Jeruſalem (or London) as one wipeth a Diſh when tis dirty, and turn it upſide down. This he will do, If he lay judgment to the Line and Juſtice to the Plummet. Iſa 28.17 This ſhould make wicked mens (who ſhall certainly have their Due) Ears tingle, and their Hearts tremble, through Terror, Horror and Dolor, for God will not give over wiping untill all the Dirt be done away; yet loveth he to fore-ſignify it, thus threatning that he may not ſtrike, as …broſe obſerveth, God giveth us many warnings hereof, If God ſay to us as he did to Amos ch. 7.9. What ſeeſt thou? The ſight of this ſecond Apparition was, as Gods Line and Plummet, to meaſure …ut how much is to be cut off, yet the Square Timber or Stone ſhall be ſpared: Chriſt (that Skilful Carpenter, Mark. 6 3) will not cut an Hair-breadth beyond his Mark or Meaſure, when he gives the wicked their Due, it may be done without damage to the Godly. May we but ſee the Line or Plummet once in the Hands of our Z…r…bba…ls, as Zech. 4.10. The Perpendicular put once into Parliamentary Hands, the p. 44wicked may be pulled down, and the Godly built up. But if nor, and God … upon our Iniquity. Pſ. 130.3. We can expect nothing but the Line of conſuſion, and the ſtones (or Plumm…,) of Em…ti… ſ…. Iſa. 34 11.

The third Dreadful [foreign,] or Apparition in the Air, was on Dec 17. 1680. at Ottery nigh Exeter, near 5 at night, then appeared two great A…mies, the one out of the North, whoſe Leader had a Coronet on his Head) the other out of the South, ſeeming furiouſly to joyn Battle, and a little Retracting, charged again moſt vigorouſly, this continued about an hour, till at laſt there came a Reſerve and joyning with the Southern, beats back the Northern in great Diſorder, many were Tertified at it, and 'tis as true as it was terrible, &c. This Account came from a Reverend Miniſter, who (with many others) was an Eyewitneſs of it, while viewing the Amazing Comet, as publiſhed in Print.

And the like before had appeared on Sept. 12. Though the Relation and Confirmation thereof, came not to Hand till Jan. 14. after. The ſame year near Portſnet, in Monmouth-ſhire, as the Scheme and Letter Teſtimonial of a judicious Miniſter of that Place, doth abundantly Teſtify: The Narrative is as follows.

The firſt things that appeared were a Grove of Trees, a Houſe on a Mountain, and a Church on its South-ſide. Next we ſaw a Hill on the North ſide, with a Grove and Houſes therein. Then we noted a green ſquare Meadow, between the two Hills, then void of men. We ſaw many great Rocks towards the bottom of the South Hill, and a great Golden Globe, glittering gloriouſly on the top of the Spire of the Church, and a red Vane upon it. Then a great River broader on the North than on the South, in which were Ships Sayling, from North to South under the Mountain with the Tide, where one of the Ships which was hindermoſt tacked about, and Sailed through the Fleet, and got before the reſt. Then we obſerved the other Fleet Sayling with the Wind and againſt the Tide, from the South Point of the South Hill, and then meeting the other Fleet under the Grove, then p. 45the great Ship in the North Fleet, firſt ſhot, and the reſt in order; then the South Ships ſhot at them, the Fire and Smoak we clearly diſcerned, and we heard the noiſe of Guns, after this we obſerved the Army marching under the foot of the Hill along the Cliff, by the Sea-ſide; conſiſting both of Horſe and Foot, from the South-point of the South-hill, towards the Square Meadow, then the North Army over the top of the Hill on the North-ſide, towards the ſquare Meadow, where the Armys met, and after a ſhout, fought: the Swords and Pikes we cleerly diſcerned. We noted more Ships in the North Fleet, and moſt men in the South Army, when we drew to the upper end of the Field, and after the Land Battle, we heard over our Heads three lamentable and ſad Groans, Oh, Oh, Oh, at which we were much affrighted.

Now this Apparition of Armys (yea and ex abundanti of Navies too) was doubled as was Pharoah's Dream: Gen. 41.32. on a three fold account, 1ſt. To ſhew the certainty of its Prognoſticks accompliſhment. 2ly. The celerity, or ſpeedineſs of theſe things coming to paſs. 3ly. To ſtrike the greater Terror and Aſtoniſhment in right thinking minds, which Joſeph the Interpretor of the 2 Dreams) prudently concealed from that Infidel Pharoah, yet though the Viſions or Apparitions (in the Royal Dreams) were two, the ſignification was but one. v. 25. Importing one and the ſame matter; Thus it may be in this Aery Apparition (which was doubled) as it is thus alſo in many Divine Revelations, whereof we find in Scripture ſome ſrequent Repetition, which yet have their ſingular uſe, to wit, a making more deep Impreſſion upon the minds of Men, and importing both Aſſurance and Expedition of the matters foretold therein: Alas we need Line upon Line, and Precept upon Precept, Here a little and there a little, Iſa. 28.13. and all little enough to praeponderate the dulneſs of our Hearing, and the deadneſs of our Hearts: to write the ſame things to the Philippians, though 'twas grievous to the Apoſtle, yet was it ſafe and advantagious to the People. Phil. 3.1. Twas not a vain Repetition or an idle Tautology, but p. 46ſerved to ſet forth the Neceſſity, Difficulty and Excellency of the matter ſo reinforced. Nunquam ſatis Dicit, quod Nunqu…m ſatis Diſcitur, Truth is never enough ſaid, till it be enough learnt. And becauſe mens Breaits are Brawny, and their Heart-ſtrings Horny, therefore are the Apparition of Armys in the Air Doubled upon us, the more and better to beat upon, inculcate and imprint thoſe Divine warnings in the minds of men: Upon my diligent Search for Scriptural Paralells, and exemplification of Apparitions of Armys, I do find three eſpecially: The firſt of them is very …, yet ſuch as might have been prevented by a timely and true Repentance: the other are very comfertable: The firſt is that of Joel the Prophet who had ſuch a Prophetieal Viſion or p…arition of the Bab…am Armys, that ſhould ſo ſwarm in upon Judaea, as to make that very Day a Day of Darkneſs, and of Gloomineſs a Day of Clouds and of thick Darkneſs. Joel 2.2. As if it had been (no light matter as they made it, but) a light-leſs Day, and (as it were) a doleful Dooms-day. Their numerous Armys ſhould come in great Swarms, which, as the Cloud of Locuſts would Darken the Air, ſo as to turn Day into Night and ſpread far and near all the Country over, and that ſo ſuddenly, as the morning ſpread over the tops of the Mountains: and in this Apparition Joel boheld Flames and Flaſhes of Fire, burning up all before them. v. 3. Thoſe Locuſt, ſhould ſo conſume the Country, as they go along with their vaſt Armys (as if all had been burnt up by Fire) turning the … Eden into a Barren Wilderneſs &c v. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. wherein the Babylonians are Deſcribed. 1ſt. In their perſons to be …, numerous, ſwift, terrible, skilful orderly couragious and Innumerable. 2ly. In their Actions, to wit, Depopulating the Land (which occaſioned Famine,) Deſtroying their ſtrong Forts, and filling all (both Church and State) with Confuſion.

The Lord God Almighty preſerve this Land from ſuch Perſons and ſuch Actions. Oh pray, pray, That God may not Hiſs for the Fly of Aegypt, and for the Bee of Babylon. Iſa. 7.18. for thoſe Flys would Bite us, to disturbus in our peace, but thoſe …ees p. 47would ſting us to deprive us of our lives. God Bleſs us from thoſe Romiſh Locuſts (ſo called Rev…. 9.3) to wit, the Popiſh Prieſts, Monks, Fryars and Jeſuites, being (all) both numerous and voracious Creatures. Oh that ſuch Peſtilent Vermin may never have Commiſſion from God to Marr our Land: As the Prophet propoſed Repentance as a Remedy (before the Decree brought forth) to them. v. 12.13.14. ſaying, now, though it be late, yet not too late, Nunquam ſerô ſi ſeriô. Though ſome Locusts be already come, as Kimchy ſenſeth it. So your Repenting for Sin, be but proportionable to your Rebelling againſt GOD. So ſweet is his Nature, ſo gracious, ſo merciful, ſo flow to Anger, &c. He will Repent of the Evil, and who knoweth, if he will not leave a Bleſſing behind him. Yea he will certainly turn to thoſe that turn to him. Zach. 1.3. Oh that England know ſuch things as belonged to her Peace. Luke 19.42. Before the Gate be ſhut, the draw-bridge taken up, and the Taper of Mercy be quite burnt out, &c. Then God would ſend out his Mandamus: Pſ. 44.4. and come with his Non Obſtante, Pſ. 106.8. and Iſa. 57.15. Yea and turn things to the contrary, as in Hamans Day. Eſt. 9.1.

The ſecond Inſtance of a Scripture Apparition, is that of Jacob. Gen. 32.1. Which was not Terrible, but Comfortable to him, for it was not a viſible Apparition of Armys of men fighting one againſt another, but 'twas an Army of Angels: neither muſt we think (with the Hebrews and ſome others) that one Troop or Company of thoſe Angels (which appeared as armed Soldiers) were for Jacob and the other againſt him, or yet that thoſe two Armys appeared under the command of two diſtinct Generals, the one under the Preſident Angel of the Country of Meſopotamia (from whence Jacob was coming) and the other under the Preſident Angel of the Country of Canaan whither Jacob was now returning: this is a preſumptuous fancy, and as falſe as preſumptuous, for this would have rather affrighted than comforted Jacob, as to the Iſſue, but we find that Jacob without any fear, ſaid upon the firſt ſight of it [This is Gods Hoſt] v. 2. Mahanaim, p. 48Hebr. or two Armys: The Hebrew Rabbies ſay well in this, that Jacob in this third Apparition knew them to be the ſame Angels whom he had ſeen (in his Apparition) Aſcending and Deſcending upon the lofty Ladder. Gen. 28.12 The Scope of this Apparition of Armys to Jacob was to ſtrengthen his Faith in the way of his Obedience: Jacob was now going whether God had commanded him to go. Gen. 31.3. Labans lowring look, makes Jacob look homeward (Oh that the Frowns of the World had this bleſſed effect on us) Laban purſues him, which put Jacob to a fright. v. 25. But God had whiſpered a word in Labans Ear. v. 24. So was better to him than his own Fears. God had ſpoke for him (and ſo he can for us) in the Heart-of his Enemys. Now, 'twas not true that Laban ſaid [it is in the power of my Hand, &c.] v. 9. Jacob was now as one that Fled from a Lyon (Laban had ſome ſhamefacedneſs) and a Bear (that had none) to wit, Eſau met him, ſaith a Rabby, This Apparition of an Hoſt of Angels came to fortify his Faith, againſt his next and worſt Fear; that he ſhould now hope the ſame power which had protected him from the Lyon Laban, would alſo preſerve him from the Bear Eſau, though he had ſworn his Brothers Death, and came armed with 400 Cut-Throats (at his Heels) againſt him.

Jacob (who in his excellent Wraſtlings) had power with God and prevailed. Gen 32.26. &c. could not want power to prevail with men. Hoſ. 12.4. Let Perſons, yea Parliaments go but that way God bids them as Jacob did, and they ſhall not want a Mahanaim, or Heavenly Hoſt to convoy them through a boiſterous Sea, where the Winds are contrary. Math. 14.24. and to conduct them through a wayleſs Wilderneſs, through never ſo many Prophane Eſau's, with Hundreds and Thouſands of Cut-Throats do way-lay them: Jacob was back-ſet by Lowring Laban, and fore-ſet by bloody Eſau, yet this Hoſt of Angels carry him through both and all.

The third Scripture Inſtance of Apparitions of Armys, was that in 2. Kings 6.17. which was a comfortable Apparition alſo, p. 49being an Army of Angels too, not of Men. Benhadad ſuſpected his Councellor of Treachery: Some Courtier (that had been with Naaman ch. 5) tells him, it was Eliſha that diſcloſed his Secrets, and ſo fruſtrated them by his Prophetick Spirit; therefore the King ſends Horſes and Chariots to fetch him. v. 12.13.14. as ſoon his Spys brought him Word, he was come to that little Town Dothan; the Town is preſently begirt with the Syrian Army. Gehazi's Succeſſor (being yet but a little acquainted with his Maſters Miracles) could ſee the Danger (ſo crys, alas my Maſter, what ſhall we do. v. 15.) but could not ſee the Deliverance, Eliſha was no more concerned than to have his Servants Eyes opened, (that his Faith alſo might be above his Fear) God opened them, and then he ſaw better Horſes and better Chariots for their Defence; Their Remedy would overmatch their Malady, v. 17. The ſame Horſes and Chariots that had carried up Elijah, were now come to protect Eliſha, from the Horſes and Charriots of Benhadad: Horſes and Chariots of Fire, muſt needs be too hard for the Syrians of Fleſh: Eliſha thus guarded, goeth out to his Adverſaries, and as he prayed open his Servants Eyes, he prayed his Enemies Eyes into blindneſs. v. 18. ſo led them thence to Samaria, where he entrapped them, that thought verily they had entrapped him in Dothan, not far from Samaria. v. 19.20. &c. While the Prophet ſtaid in Samaria (his place of chiefeſt Reſidence and the chief City of the Kingdom) he was ſecure from the Syrians Aſſaulting him, but if he be Removed to Dothan (to a place of deſection, as the Hebrew word ſignifies) a leſſer Town of leſſer ſtrength, there and thither may the Syrian Hoſt better Aſſemble, but they cannot Aſſault, the P. is ſafe there alſo, having more for than againſt, v. 16. They that be with us are more than they be with them. 2. Chron 32.7. more Friends than Adverſaries.

There is yet a fourth Scripture Apparition of Armys, which, according to the Sentiments of ſome, is an Army of Men, but of others an Army of Angels, ſo ſeems a mixture of both, to wit, Zech. 6. from v. 1. to 9. 1ſt. Some ſence that Apparition of 4. p. 50Charriots, to ſignify the four Empires [in ordine ad Eccleſiam] all ordered from their Riſe to their Ruin (in each of them) by the Decrees of God, which lay hid as it were in Mountains of Braſs, and ran like a River under ground, till they broke forth, and ſhewed themſelves in their due execution, with reſpect (all along to the Church of God. And if we admit of this Interpretation, then this Apparition was an Army of Men, yea of four ſeveral ſorts of Men, The Aſſyrian, The Perſian, The Grecian And the Roman. Thus the four Empires (coliectively taken) muſt be underſtood: But the ſecond Senſe is, that it was an Apparition of four Squdaron of Angels, and this is more probable, as more agreeable to the Interpretation which the Prophets-Tutor (rather than Tutelar Angel) gives of it. v. 5. calling them the Spirits of Heaven, &c. And though the word [Ruachoth] Signify Winds, by which Daniel prefigures the four Monarchys, Dan. 7.2. Yet more emphatically, Angels are called Spirits. Hab. 1.7.14. And the Spirits of Heaven, Math. 24.36. and Gal. 1.8. Who as Miniſtring Spirits doe Stand before the Lord of the whole Earth. Mat. 18.10. To ſerve his Providence and to be ſent out (as his Agents and Inſtruments) upon various Errants, at his pleaſure: and therefore are they Deſcribed here Gods Chartots, as Pſ. 68.17. and of diverſe colours, 1. Black, when their Errands are Sorrowful. 2. White, when Joyful. 3ly. Red, when Bloody. 4. Grizled, when mixt of both Joyful and Sorrowful, as to contrary Subjects. 'Tis very Remarkable here. 1. That Divine Decrees are unſearchable, inſuperable, unavoidable, unremoveable, they ſtand like Mountains of Braſs, which can never be removed: 2ly. All Humane Events are ordered in the World by Divine Decrees: Therefore tis our part to put our Amen to Gods Amen; and to ſay in the Language of the primitive Chriſtians (the will of the Lord be done) Act. 21.14. 3. Angels are Gods Agents for moveing the wheel of Providence, in all Events, The Spirit of the living Creatures is in the Wheels. Ezech. 1.20. and 10.9.11.13. 'Tis a Comfort to Holy Men, that all Occurrences are managed by the Holy Angels, p. 514. The Work God Employs Angels to work in the World, is various work, 'tis Black work and White work, Red work and Mingled work. 5. Their Black work is upon Babylon, and their White work is upon Sion: The Black Horſes were ſent to deſtroy Babylon, that lay North of Judea, and the White Horſes were ſent after them into the ſame Northern Country to deliver Sign, which then in a great part lay among the Pots in Babylon. 6. Their grizled or mingled work, was upon Aegypt and Arabia, which lay South from Judea, the Puniſhment whereof was ſomewhat mixed and mitigated, they ſhould be in ſome better caſe than Babylon, yet not ſo good as to retain the Jews there from their own Country. 7. Their Black work done upon Babylon is ſaid to quiet Gods Spirit. v. 8. To eaſe him of his Adverſaries, Iſa. 1.24. to pacify his Anger and to give God full content. 8. The Errand of the Red Charriot, is wholy omitted, probably becauſe 'tis a work reſerved for the laſt times, as the Black Charret did deſtroy Babylon Literal, ſo the red Charet (not mentioned as to its going out here) may be Reſerved to deſtroy Babylon Myſtical, and to give her Blood to Drink, for ſhe is worthy. Revel. 16.6.9. After all this is done, comes in the Kingdom of the Branch. v. 12. Thus the Prophet here concurrs with Daniel, who after he had mentioned the downfal of the four Monarchys brings in the Kingdom of the Stone, Dan. 2. (the Kingdom of Chriſt our dear Redeemer) Daniel had ſuch Apparitions of mighty things, as Zachary had.

The fourth fearful Phaenomenon was that fiery flying Bullet, falling from the Firmament, whereof this Account from Roſtock in Silecia is given, that in Jan. laſt, the Heavens ſeemed to be Ruffled up like a ſheet of Paper, at which time a white glittering Bullet appeared, which ſeemed to yeild ſome drops of water, being attended with two great flaſhes of Lightning; The Bullet was ſeen (by many ſpectators) to fall down, but none of them could tell where it fell, only in this all do unanimouſly agree, that the ſaid Bullet, in its ſaling, gave a greater light into their Houſes than the greateſt lights they burned for three p. 52or four Miles round the place. I know not how to Exemplify this Apparition with a more ſuitable Paralel, out of Scripture Record, than with Zachary's Flying Roll: Chap. 5.1.2. &c. This Roll is called a Volumn, or a Scroll of Paper or Parchment, rolled up (as the Heavens ſeemed to be in this Prodigy) yet Flying and flecting ſwiftly all a long as a Bird of Prey in a ready poſture to ſeize on his Prey. Volans Velociſſimum ultionis incurſum denotat. This very poſture of Flying doth demonſtrate ſome ſudden Incurſion of Divine Vengeance, ſaith Chryſoſtome, but God only knows where it will fall: Nemo ſcelus gerit in pectore, qui non idem Nemeſin in Tergo. No man can carry any divelliſh wickedneſs in his Breaſt, but the ſame man muſt bear Nemeſin (ſo was the Goddeſs of Revenge called) or Divine Vengeance upon his Back. This the blind Heathens could ſay, by the light of Nature, into whoſe Hearts the Remarks how the Holy God Revengeth himſelf upon wicked men, caſt a greater light, than could this Flying Bullet, into the Houſes of thoſe Villages which were enlightned with it. Hereupon they called Vengeance foreign which ſignifies unavoidable, becauſe no Offender can either Avert or Avoid the Revenging hand of God, there is no eſcaping its coming, nor abiding it when it cometh: This Flying Roll is deſcribed by the Prophet to be ten yards long and five broad.

This Remarkable Meaſure of the Flying Roll is 1ſt. Commenſurate to the Porch of the Temple, which is exactly deſcribed to be of the ſame Breadth and Length. 1. Kin 6.3. And as it bore a proportion in meaſure to the Porch, ſo it may be ſuppoſed to come out from thence, as a Voice from the Temple. Iſa. 66.6. And unfolding as it came thence, it appeared in the Air in a Flying poſture, haſtning and hovering over the Heads of wicked Perſons. 2ly. It bears likewiſe a proportion to the Land of the Jews, which Geographers Deſcribe to be twice as long, as it was broad, and now it being covered all over with the Guilt and Filth of Mens Sins, it was ready to be covered all over with the ſence and ſmart of Gods Judgments. 3ly. 'Tis commenſurate p. 53alſo to the whole World of Gentles, the length whereof, (take it from Eaſt to Weſt) much exceeded the breadth of it from North to South, as Geography obſerveth, and thus it ſignified that as all the Habitable Lands had filled themſelves with all kind of Sins, ſo God would now fill them with all kind of puniſhments: 'Twas every way large enough to plague all ſorts of Sins, and to puniſh all ſorts of Sinners, whether in every corner of Judea, or in the utmoſt parts of the Habitable World. Thus the Flying Roll is ſaid to go forth, yea Fly (more ſwiftly than the Eagle, the Arrow, or a Flaſh of Lightning) over the Face of the whole Earth, v. 2.3. And the Curſe of God (contained in the Roll within and without) is as the Fiery Bullet, that burns on all ſides, being like Ezekicls Book, filled with ſuch contents as Lamentation and Mourning, and Woe, Ezek. 2.9.10. This Curſe of God when it falleth upon the People of Gods Curſe, Iſa. 34.5. hath a more mighty and mortal fall than the bulkieſt Bullet in the World, far beyond the Burthen of that mountanious Bullet, which (Hiſtory telleth us) was ſhot out of that monſtrous murdering-piece, called Grand Diabolo, or the great Divel: Inaſmuch as the mighty Hands of the Almighty and All-Creating God in Heaven, can give a greater and more fatal Blow, than can the created Hands of the greateſt Divel in Hell. This is the Fiery Bullet that Droppeth the bitter Water which cauſeth the Curſe. Num. 5.18. and which will make the Thigh to Rot, and the Belly to Swell. v. 21.23. Neither let any man ſay, that the Curſes written in Gods Book, are but Bug-bears, and that words are but wind, as they ſaid, Jer. 5.13. for the words written in that Book (or Hebrew Scroll) ſhould cauſe the waters thus to work, which (in themſelves) had neither any diſcerning Virtue, nor any deſtroying Vigour, yet the Divine Inſtitution made the ſame potion, either Poyſon or Medicine, according to the cleaneſs or uncleaneſs of the party: Thus alſo Gods Word which Scoffers call but Wind, yet may have Dreadful Effects, for even Wind, when gotten into the Bowels of the Earth, may cauſe an Earth-quake, ſo this Word of the Curſe, when gotten into the Bowels p. 54of a mans mind, may make an Heart-quake. Beſides, that very Word which thoſe Mockers made light off as Wind, ſhould become Fire, and themſelves Fuel to feed it. Jer. 5.13.14. And as Fire ſlyeth upon Fuel that is fully dryed, and conſumeth it in an inſtant, Nah. 1.10. So Gods Flying-Roll will lick up wicked Livers, as that Fire from Heaven did the Sacrifice, the Wood, the Stones, and the Duſt, with all the Water in the Trench, 1. Kin. 18.38. Divine Threatnings, in Gods Flying-Roll, are (as Eraſmus ſaith of Ezek. 3.18.) Fulmina potiùs quàm Verba. Hot Thunderbolts, rather than ſuch Words as be but Wind) The ſame God that hath denounced it, will certainly do it, he will ſee his own Law Executed. Zach. 5.4. and will (himſelf) Execute the Judgment written in this Roll: Pſ. 149.9 Yea and more than is written: Deut. 28.61. Upon the Head of the Thief (great as well as ſmall, as the Pyrate told Alexander) under which is compriſed all other Sinners againſt the ſecond Table; and upon the Head of the Swearer (comprehending all againſt the firſt) God hath Sworn that Swearers ſhall not enter into his Reſt. We live in the Dreggs (the laſt and worſt) of Times, wherein Blaſphemous Oaths, are belched out of Black Helliſh Mouths, both ordinary and openly, yea ſome Oaths are become Rhetorical Inrerjections of Speech to the Vulgar ſort, and other ſome meer Phraſes of Gallantry to the Damme-Gallants: but mark the end. The direful Curſe comes flying with a Divine Commiſſion breaks into the Houſes of thoſe Thieves and Swearers) which they call their Caſtles, wherein they think themſelves out of the reach of Gods Rod) there it remains as a troubleſome Inmate in deſpight of them, they cannot rid or remove this curſing Roll, untill it hath not only ſauced their Meat and ſpiced their Drink, with the Wrath of God, as Job 20.23. but until alſo the Fire thereof hath kindled the Brimſtone that lay ſcattered upon their Habitations, Job 18.14.15. This puts their All into a light Flame, conſuming both Timber and Stones, their perſons and their Eſtates, which they have raked together by Rapine, Sacriledg, Perjury, and other wicked ways: Such Balls p. 55of Fire (Reſembling this Flying Roll, &c.) have been ſeen faling out of Heaven (Gods Temple) upon Woods, Ground, yea Houſes here in England, The bigneſs of which Fire Balls, have ſeemed to Spectators as large as the greateſt Chaldrons, theſe muſt be predictive Signs to us, as Jeremys Boyling-Pot was to the Jews, Jer. 1.13. and as Ezekiels was, Ezek. 24.3.4.13. Repreſenting Jeruſalem which then had a mighty Scum in her, but the Fire of Gods Wrath ſet the Pot on boyling (by the Chaldeans) until it had boyled out all the Bones and the Fleſh (the Stouteſt and Richeſt) at which they had Scoffed. Ezek. 11.3.7. But when they go to the Po…, and boyl luſtily there, their Scoffs are forced back down their own Throats, and their Hearts might then beſpeak them, as the Heart of the Tyrant Apollodorus (who dreamed he was taken and flead by the Scythians, and boyled in a great Chaldron) did, cry out of the Kettle or Chaldron to him foreign 'tis I that am the Cauſe of all this thy Miſery. No leſs a Sign was Ezekiels Iron Pan, to the Hard-Hearted Jews. Ezek. 4.3. both which Hieroglyphicks and Emblems did not only ſignify, their City ſhould be hardly Beſieged, but alſo that God would ſo ſeeth them in a Pot, and ſo fry them in a Pan, as that they ſhould pine away in their Iniquitys. Levit. 26.39. The good Lord Divert this ſore Judgment from London, and Direct it to Rome or myſtical Babylon, for ſhe is worthy. Revel. 16 6.

The fifth wonderful Signs in the Heavens, is, the Several Suns that have been ſeen in the Firmament, at ſome due diſtance one from another, as hath been Teſtifyed to me: but I ſhall not Inſiſt upon this, (as I have upon the former) not only becauſe my Book begins to ſwell beyond my Expectation, but alſo becauſe I have reſolved to enlarge upon nothing, no nor inſert here any thing upon ſlender Evidence, without evident and ſufficient Teſtimony: It ſhall therefore ſuffice to ſay but little to this, ſave only, that ſuch an Apparition need the leſs to be doubted of, ſeeing natural Phyloſophy mentioneth it, as one of Natures Products, though not ordinarily, calling them parelia p. 56or Mock-Suns: yet that Divine Philoſopher Zanchy, doth not only (in concurrence with Heathen Philoſopers) ſuppoſe ſuch Apparitions to prognoſticate abundance of wet weather, but alſo (as he ſaith further) various Judgments, as Famine, Sword, &c. Zanch. de Oper. Dei. Pag. 348. Yea our own Engliſh Chronicles tell us, that ſuch an Apparition was ſeen in the Heavens in the beginning of Queen Maries Reign as there had been the like before, to preſage the Death, of that inſolently proud Prelate, Thomas Becket Arch-Biſhop of Canterbury.

In a word, both time and room (and it may be Credit too) would fail me, ſhould I inſert the other Apparitions in the Air (we hear off if not ſee) as the Dreadful Thunders and Lightnings, the Impetuous Wind and Whirlwinds, and many ſtrange Meteors which I deſignedly omit, until I get better prooff, (which I truly deſire from all good Hands) well knowing my Brethren that went before me, in this Work 20 years ago, ſome do blame for credulity: Alterius perditto mea fit cautio. The Cenſure paſſed upon my Predeceſſors (in the like work) for being over Credulous, hath been cogent to make me a little the more Cautelous: Therefore I paſs on to the ſecond Scene or Theatre, whereon God ſhews his Wonderful Signs or Prodigies, to wit, on the Earth (as well as the firſt in the Heavens or Air) And firſt of the Prodigious Hail-ſtones, which God caſt out of the Air, down to the Earth, which cannot be called Apparitions in the Air (and ſo belong to the firſt Scene) ſeeing their prodigious bulkineſs could not be diſtinctly diſcerned, until they appeared (faln, taken up, and meaſured) upon Earth. This ſame Prodigy or Wonderful Sign, happened upon the 18th. of May, 1680. which became ſo miſchievous to all the Sky-Llights, all over London, &c. and knockt down many Rooks, by their vaſt weight, and bigneſs, ſome of them (being meaſured) were found ſeven Inches about, &c. This Sign alſo may be exemplified both out of Sacred and Civil Hiſtory. 1ſt. Sacred and 1ſt. The Plague of Hail ſlones upon Aegypt, Exod. 9.18. to 27. Such as that Land never ſaw or felt before, for this ſeventh Plague was: p. 571ſt. More General than any, being over the whole Land at once. 2ly. None ever was ſo Temper'd with Fire which ran along the Groun. v. 23. Though Fire and Hail be of two contrary Tempers, yet in this they made a Peace betwixt themſelves, that they might obey the Will of their Creatour. This was a ſtrange mixture, and a Miracle within a Miracle, ſaith Rab. Solomon: ſuch Hail-ſtones and Coals of Fire mingled together are mentioned: Pſ. 18.13.14.15. and Iſa. 30.30.31. as here and Pſ. 78.47.48. and Pſ. 105.32.33. 3ly. None ever ſo punctually Predictied and as punctually Performed, according to the Prediction. v. 18.23.24.25. 4ly. None ever ſo Deſtructive to Man, Beaſt and Trees, v. 25. Pſ. 66.46.47.48. and 105.33. 5ly. None ever ſo Distinguiſhing though it was over all the Land of Aegypt, yet the Land of Goſhen (a part of it) was exempted. v. 26. Such an Exemption (was that Torrent of Fire which ran down from Mount Aetna) vouchſafed to thoſe Religious Children, which ventured to Reſcue their Aged Parents, from thoſe fearful Flames, made Ariſtotle ſay, [foreign] It extorted from him an acknowledgement of Gods good Providence for the Godly here on Earth, when he ſaw the Flames of Fire, dividing themſelves and making a Lane for thoſe Godly Reſcuers of their Helpleſs Parents. The ſecond ſacred Inſtance of Prodigious Hail-Stones. Joſh. 10.11. Obſerved the like exemption or diſtinction (as that in Exod. 9.26.) 'tis ſaid [the Lord caſt down great Stones from Heaven] explained there [beebeni Habarod, Hagedeloth] ſuch huge Hailſtones as brained the Canaanites, but hurt not the Iſraelites that were not only at their Heels, but alſo mingled amonſt them as they flew them in their Flight and dreadful Thunder and Lightning came along with thoſe Hail-ſtones alſo, as not only Joſephus ſaith, but Habaccuck likewiſe Habbac 3.11. Where God ſhot off his ſhining Arrows, and darted from him his Glittering Spears, yea he level'd them (whether Huge Hail ſtones, or Hot Thunderbolts) with ſo even an Hand to their ſeveral marks, that he hit the one and miſſed the other, even when they p. 58were intermingled together: this was Digitus Dei. 2ly. Civil Hiſtory mentions ſtrange Hail-ſtones, both Ethnicks, as Livy Decad. 1. Lib. 1. and Decad. 3. Lib. 10. Claudian, &c. And Eccleſiaſtick, as Euſebius Lib. 5. Tertullian Cap. 5. Apolog. And Dio in the Life of Marcus Antonius (the Philoſopher ſo called) who fought againſt the Quades, and by the prayers of the Thundring L…on (as in Aurelius the Emperors time they were called) of Chriſtians, Ingens Gr ando complur aque fulmina in Hoſtes Ceciderunt, &c. Such huge Hail-ſtones, and hot Thunderbolts falleth upon the Enemy doth that Heathen Hiſtorian ſay, as if he had been an Eccleſiaſtick Writer) and Fire and Water did fall down from Heaven, the Chriſtians and their Party drank of the water and were Refreſhed, but the Quades (their Enemies) were Burnt by the Fire and Periſhed, while it fell not at all upon the other, or if it did, it was preſently quenched. Neither did the Waters Relieve the Quades, but Inflame them, as if it had been Oyl, ſo that they called for Water to cool them, when the water fell upon them, yea and wounded their own Bodies, to quench their burnings with their own Blood: many more ſuch ſtrange Stories have we in the Magdeburg Centuriſts and in Oſtanders Epitome (too long to Relate) I add only that out of Pererius (the Jeſuite) who tells us of a moſt grievous Hail ſhower in France in the Reign of Lewis Son to Charles the Great, which was ſo prodigious in the weight and bulk of the Stones, that it ſlew both Man and Beaſt, and at that time a peice of Ice of 12 foot long, fell with the Hail out of the Air, &c. If there be ſuch Wonders in a Hail-ſhower, 'tis the leſs Wonder that God propoſeth this great Wonder to Job, asking him, [Haſt thou ſeen the Treaſures of the Hail, which I have Reſerved againſt the time of Trouble, as the Day of Battel and War.] Job 38.22.23. Shewing that the Inſpection and Adminiſtration of all theſe marvelous Meteors, do only belong to the Great God, he hath vaſt Treaſures of them, many Arrows laid up in his Quiver (which can never be emptied, as the Poet ſaith of Joves) againſt the appointed time for Puniſhing his Adverſaries, then he brings forth p. 59his upper and lower Troops (as the Rabbins Phraiſe it) ready preſt for his Service, and this he will do againſt Babylon, againſt which God hath a moſt Dreadful Shower of Hail-ſtones, Revel. 16.17.18.21. where the ſeventh Plague upon Aegypt is compared to the ſeventh Plague upon Babylon, yet this latter far worſe, as more weighty than the former, every Hail-ſtone weighed a Talent, far bigger than thoſe that Brain'd the Cananitiſh Kings. Joſh. 10. See my Church-Hiſtory pag. 507. When our Joſhua or bleſſed Jeſus ſhall come forth Conquering and to Conquer the World (as that Typical Joſhua did Canaan) he hath a worſe Shower of Hail-ſtones wherewith to knock down not only all the Romiſh Rooks (that would Rook us of our Reformed Religion) but alſo to Brain all the Grandees of the Earth, that lend their Power to uphold the tottering Whore of Babylon; thoſe prodigious Hail-ſtones ſhall drop down out of Heaven and deſcend upon the Earth. Revel. 20.9 as if both conſpired to deſtroy Chriſts Enemies, as they had done Davids before. Pſ. 18.13.14.15. and the Churches Iſa. 30.30.31. Such as never were ſeen upon Earth. Revel. 16.18.

The ſecond Wonderful Sign upon Earth, is that ſtrange Apparition to the Maid at Hatfield.