Supplement to Christs Peaceful Kingdom on Earth to Come, Comparisons 1

Supplement to Christs Peaceful Kingdom on Earth to Come · Comparisons 1

p. 2An Endeavour of a ſhort and plain Abridgment of the Prophetical Viſions in Daniels Propheſie, in reference to a Parallel of what is foretold of the 4th or Roman Monarchy, and of Chriſts Kingdome on earth, further explained by Chriſt in the book of Revelations, for the uſe of the Chriſtian Church.

IN the ſecond Chapter, Nebuchadn…zzars dreamexpounded.Nebuchadnezzar a Gentile (as Mr. Mede obſerves) had in a dream repreſented unto him a great Image, ſhaddowing forth t…e four worldly Monarchies; the firſt of which was his own Caldean Kingdom, whereof he was the head of gold, to contirue after him in Evilmerodack his Son, and Beiſhazzar his grandchild, unto which was then to ſucceed the breaſt and arms of ſilver, beg…n by Darius, and ſoon after by Cyrus in the Monarchy of the Medes and Perſians; to which ſucceeded the third of braſs, as Daniel expounded, namely, the Grecian Impire, begun in Alexander the Great; and the fourth after that, of Iron, ſtronger then all the former, breaking all the other to pieces, namely, the Roman, of long continuance under many forms of Government, but eſpecially long in the feet and toes thereof, all the Popes time, with the ten crowned horns, as appeared more to Daniel a Jew, Chap. 7. unto which the Kingdome which the God of heaven would ſet up in the Stone cut out of the mountain without hands, ſhould ſucceed, which ſhould never be deſtroyed, but ſhould break in pieces and contume the four former Kingdoms, and then become a great mountain filling the whole earth it ſelf; and ſhould ſtand for ever, though the ſtone was long in beating them in pieces before it became ſuch a mountain filling the whole earth.

But in Chap. 7. Daniel a Jew in the firſt year of Belſhazzar, hath an other dream, Daniels firſt Prophetical Viſion.further ſetting forth all the ſaid M…narchies, in a Viſion of four Beaſts riſing out of the Sea, upon the ſtriving of the four winds of heaven, again ſetting forth the four ſaid Kingdoms: the firſt like a Lyon, having Eagles wings, to wit, the high ſoaring Babilonian, which was brought down in Belſhazzar, Chap. 7.4. But the ſecond like to a devouring Bear, with three ribs in the mouth, p. 3conceived to be Media, Perſia and Babilon; which laſt was taken by Darius and Cyrus, in whom the Median and Terſian Kingdome began.

The third was like a Leopard, having on the back four wings, having alſo four heads, and Dominion was given to it; whereby is decyph…red the Grecian Monarchy begun by Alexander the great, who like a Leopard was ſwift in catching the prey, of whom alſo it may be ſaid, Vini, Vidi, Vici. I came, I ſaw, I overcame; whoſe four Heads or Captains cruelly with their ſucceſſors, chiefly devoured the Jews: which four heads appeared to be four Command…rs, entring upon Alexanders Dominion when he died, viz. Caſſander head of Macedonia, Antigonus of Aſia, Seleuchus of Syria, and Ptolomy of Egypt. But the fourth Beaſt namely, the Roman Monarchie, Daniel ſaw in the night, Viſions exceeding dreadful, terrible and ſtrong, with iron teeth (their Commanders) and nails of braſs (their Senate) that devoured and brake in pieces and ſtamped the reſidue with the feet of it, and was diverſe from all the beaſts that were before it, and had ten horns: And while Daniel conſidered the horn, there came up among them a little horn in appearance at firſt, before whom there were three of the firſt horns pluckt up by the roots; and behold in this horn were eyes, like the eyes of a man, and a mouth ſpeaking great things: thoſe ten horns, one that ſtood by expounded, v. 16. to Dan. v. 24. to be ten Kings, that ſhould ariſe out of that fourth Kingdome, and that other, to wit, the little horn that ſhould ariſe after them, or behind them (for the ten Kings were to ariſe at one hour with the beaſt, Rev. 17.) who being diverſe from the ten, ſhould ſubdue three Kingdomes, which according to Mr. Mide, were the Lumbards, the Franks and the Greeks, ſubdued by the Pope, who during his time, times and the dividing of a time, that is for the ſpace of 1260 days of years, ſhould wear out the Saints of the moſt high, and think to change times and laws, the Saints being ſo long given into his hands, v. 25. But then the ancient of days executed his fiery and ſevere judgment upon that little horn that ſpake great things, with his ten and ten times ten thouſand, by the fiery ſtreams that came from before him, till the beaſt was ſtain, and his body was deſtroyed and given to the burning flame, verſe 9.10.11. the ſame expounded again, verſe 20.21, 22.

But verſe 13. Daniel ſaw one like the Son of man come in the clouds of heaven who came to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him (which probably) will be done by the faithful prayers of the Saints) whereupon was given him Dominion, and glory, p. 4and a Kingdom, that all People, Nations and Languages ſhould ſerve him; and his Dominion is an everlaſting Dominion, which ſhall not paſs away, and his Kingdom that which ſhall not be deſtroyed, as the little Horns or Beaſts was, v. 21, 22. who made war with the Saints, and prevailed againſt them, as Rev. 13. but yet onelyonly until the ancient of days came, that Judgment was given to the Saints, and that they poſſeſſed the Kingdom, which was the Kingdom of the Moſt High, whoſe Kingdom ſhould be an everlaſting Kingdom, and all Dominions or Rulers ſhould ſerve and obey him, v 27. and that (as there is ſaid) All Kingdoms under the whole Heaven.

Again, Daniels ſecond Prophetical Viſion.chap. 8. in the third year of Belſhazzar, Daniel had another Viſion concerning the ſecond and third Oppreſſors of the Jews, after the times of the Chaldeans were out, namely, of the Ram of Perſia, and the He-Goat of Grecia ſucceſſively, until the liſt period of the Grecian Perſecution, called the time of the end, and the laſt end of the indignation, by the Angel Gabriel, v. 17, 19. & 20, 21. now the Rams, or Perſian Kings two Horns, were the Kingdoms of Media and Perſia, againſt whom the He-Goat of Grecia came ſo ſwiftly, that he is ſaid not to touch the ground, or none in the earth touched him; but in his chollar came cloſe to the Ram, and caſt him down, and ſtamped upon him; and that notable Horn between his eyes, appears to be Alexander the Great, whom Stories report not to have been willing to take any offers of Peace, or tearms of Agreement, or tenders of Marriage with the Perſian Kings Daughter, but with indignation rejected all, ſaying, The World could not endure two Soveraigns, or chief Kings; but when he was ſtrong, he was broken; and after ſix years, his Four ſaid Commanders, called four notable Horns, v. 8, came in his room, and out of one of them, namely, Seleuchus Nicanor, by deſcent came that little Horn which waxed exceeding great towards the South, and towards the Eaſt, and towards the pleaſant Land; which little Horn was Antiochus Epiphanes, who grew great towards Egypt, and towards the Eaſt, where the Perſian Ram aroſe; and towards the pleaſant Land, where his rage was greatly manifeſt, v. 10, 11, 12. againſt the Jews, who by reaſon of encreaſe of tranſgreſſions, had power given him to afflict them greatly, and do many hainous things againſt their Laws and VVorſhip, magnifying himſelf againſt the Prince of the Hoſt, ſo that by his means the daily Sacrifice was taken away, and the place of Gods Sanctuary was caſt down, for the ſpace of Two thouſand three hundred Mornings and Evenings, or One thouſand one hundred and fifty natural days; or, as ſome take them, for the whole number of dayes, which make up Six years, three months, and twenty dayes, which is conceived to begin when Menclaus revolted p. 5to Gentiliſm, and many wicked Apoſtates with him; as firſt of Machab. 1.12. whereupon Gods Temple and Worſhip was contemned and neglected, and people revolted, as 2 Mach. 4.12, to 18. which Apoſtaſie began in 142 year of the Greek Empire, and continued to the 148th year thereof, and the 11th of Antiochus, 1 Mac. 4.52. though the extremity in Antiochus own Reign, was but half the time, which ſeemeth more conſonant to Daniels Propheſie, Evenings and Mornings ſignifying natural days, as in the Creation; and though his wickedneſs proſpered for a time, ver. 26. yet after that ſhort time he was broken without hands, being ſtricken with a loathſome diſeaſe, dyed miſerably thereof, as ſeems very probable from 2 Mac. 9.5, 28, though beſides this, a further myſterie ſeems to be intended in this Scripture, namely, the Jews laſt Reſtauration at the end of the 2300 years, from the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar in the Perſian Monarchy, and all the time of the Grecian and Roman, to Chriſts appearance, as afterward; we ſhall endeavout to ſhew.

Again, chap. 9. in the firſt year of Darius the Mede, Daniel underſtanding by Books, viz. from the Propheſie of Jeremiah of the Seventy years of the Captivity of the Jews in Babylon, as is recorded Jer. 25.12. and 29.10. which then drew towards an end; he ſet himſelf by prayers, ſupplications, and faſtings with ſack-cloth and aſhes, to ſeek Gods face for himſelf and his people, v. 4.20. whereupon at the time of the Evening-Oblation, the Angel Gabriel came again ſwiftly flying, and touched him, and made known unto Daniel what ſhould be done by Gods determinate counſel, after ſeventy Weeks of years, that is 490 years, upon his people, and the holy City Jeruſalem, to finiſh tranſgreſſion, and to make an end of ſins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlaſting righteouſneſs, and to ſeal the Viſion and Propheſie, and to annoint the Moſt Holy, v. 21, 24. ſo that the ſeventy years ſuffering in bondage, ſhould not onelyonly be recompenced with the building of the City, which ſhould remain ſeven times ſeventy years, but ſhould have thoſe glorious Mercies of Mercies to be acc…mpliſhed in the Meſſiah, which made the beauty of that ſecond Houſe much more glorious then the firſt built by King Solomon.

Which myſtical ſetting them down, though prophane perſons neither underſtood nor regarded, yet Gods faithful ſervants that would ſearch into them, might find them ſuitable to their Jubilies and Prophetical days, and be comforted in them, as by Gods Oracles, rather then if it had been plainly ſaid, after 490 years, in v. 25. the former whole number of Seventy Weeks are diſtinguiſhed firſt into ſeaven Weeks, or 49 years from the Edict of Cyrus, in his firſt year, for their return from Captivity, p. 6wherein was re-edified Jeruſalem, to the ſixth of Darius Longimanus, ſecond Son to Darius Hiſtaſpis, by Heſter, in whoſe ſix years the Temple was built; which being begun in the third year of Cyrus, was forty ſix years in building, according to the Jews account, by ſome thus reckoned; Cyrus and Cambiſes 9. Darius Hiſtaſpis 14. Xerxes 20. Darius, or as ſome, Artaxerxes Longimanus 6. which ſeems agreeable to the Propheſie. 2dly, Of the 62 weeks, or 434 years following, wherein appears, chap. 8. and chap. 11. many remarkable things befell the Jews; which 62 Weeks brought in the Meſſiah, and laſted towards the end of his private life; and the one week of the laſt, finiſhed the ſacrifice of Chriſt, and begins both the calling of the Gentiles, and rejection of the Jews, as may be ſupplied from v. 27. But in v. 26. he further declares the deſtruction of the City and Temple by the Romans under Titus and Veſpatian: and after in v. 27. ſpeaks, how the Roman Emperor ſhould make the Sacrifice and Oblation to ceaſe, which was not all done ſuddenly, Of which ſaith Chriſ…ſt Se…m. contr… Judae…: foreign.and at once, but by … three diſtinct degrees remarkably; though the beginning thereof, then done by Ceſar, was in the end of that one laſt Week; for after that woful deſtraction and captivity by Veſpatian and Titus, they ſought again in oppoſition to Chriſt, to ſet up their Typical Worſhip there. Again, their City was afterwards taken about 130 years after Chriſts incarnation, and the Temple ruined by Adrian the Emperor. And when they had ſet up their ſaid Worſhip again under, or by the Oak in Mamre, Conſtantine the Great drave them thence. And laſtly, Moſt remarkably and wonderfully was their enterprize of building their Temple, diſappointed, when that wicked Apoſtate the Emperor Julian, in oppoſition to Chriſts Religion, did not onelyonly ſet up variety of wicked Heatheniſh Abominations, but encouraged the Jews to build their Temple at the publike Charge, which with great endeavours and coſts was ſet upon; but when the ſtones of the old Foundation were digged up, and they went about to lay a new Foundation, by Earth-quakes, Fire, and terrible ſigns of Gods indignation againſt them, many were deſtroyed which were employed about that work, and their very tools and Inſtruments melted and conſumed by the fire, the ſtones laid for foundations, violently caſt up, which occaſioned Cyrill then Biſhop of Jeruſalem, to ſay, Now was fulfilled the prediction of our Saviour, That not one ſtone ſhould be left upon another, that ſhould not be thrown down. Which ſeems to be the true Epocha of thoſe 1290 days of years, ſpoken of Ch. 12.11. which probably end before that 45 years preceding Chriſts appearance, as by v. 12. and v. 1. of the ſame Chapter may appear. But of theſe in their due place.

p. 7But it is further added in v. 27. the latter part of it: And for the overſpreading of Abomination, he ſhall make it deſolate, even until the conſummation, and that determined ſhall be poured upon the deſolate, that is, during the time of the Gentiles, to be fulfilled, as ſaith Chriſt, Luc. 21.24. which appears to contain all the time of Jeruſalems deſolation, and the Jews diſperſion ever ſince, until their calling about theſe times of ours, …hen they are to begin their ſpiritual and civil reſurrection, which ſhall end (as was hinted, and may further from Cap. 12. appear) in a glorious and bleſſed ſtate, by the free and rich mercy of their God, and the God of their Fathers, in reſpect both of their ſouls and outward condition, according to the many great promiſes God hath given, and then to be fulfilled to them, their children, and their childrens children for ever, through all the Reign of Chriſt the thouſand years with his Saints on earth, and thenceforth perfect bleſſedueſs to all Eternity.

Laſtly, Daniel in the third year of Gyrus King of Perſia, Chap. 10, Danids fourth Prophetical Viſion.11, 12. had another Viſion, having mourned three full weeks, and ſaw a glorious perſon appearing to him by the River Hiddekel, when his Companions fled for fear (though they ſaw not the Viſion) and Daniel had no ſtrength nor comelineſs left in him, till he was afterwards raiſed and ſtrengthned, when the Angel made known to him the things that were to come to paſs in the latter dayes: Whereupon Chap. 11. he had the three Earthly Kingdoms then to come, before Chriſts appearing, ſet before him: But firſt briefly of the two former of Perſia and Grecia, I ſay briefly in reſpect of what was ſhewed him in chap. 8. but after more fully of the proceedings of the Greek Kingdom divided into Two Branches, and moſt largely of the laſt wicked Tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes, until he was quelled by the Romans, Chap. 11. v. 30.

Ver. 2. And now will I ſhew thee the truth. Behold, there ſhall ſtand up yet three Kings in Perſia, and the fourth ſhall be far richer than they all; and by his ſtrength, through his riches, he ſhall ſtir up all againſt the Realm of Grecia.

OnelyOnly in v. 2. is ſpoken of the Perſian Kingdom, in which after Three Kings, to wit, Cyrus, Cambiſes, and Darius Hiſtaſpis, ſhould a Fourth, namely, Xerxes, ſucceed, richer than them all, who by his ſtrength ſhould ſtir up all the Kingdom of Grecia.

V. 3, 4. And a mighty King ſhall ſtand up, that ſhall rule with great Dominion, and do according to his will. And when he ſhall ſtand up, his Kingdom ſhall be broken, and ſhall be divided towards the four winds of Heaven, and not to his poſterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled; for his Kingdom ſhall be pluckt up, even for others beſides thoſe.

But then v. 3, and 4. that great Alexander of Macedonia, whoſe Kingdom ſhould be divided towards p. 8the four winds, to his Captains, as was ſhewed, Cap. 8. not to his poſterity, which after was parted into Two, the Kings of the Scuth, namely Egypt; and of the North, namely Syria; the Wars of Alexander with the Perſi… being ſhewed to Daniel in Chap. 8. now here was ſhewed to him thoſe that followed in Egypt and Syria, who in thoſe times afflicted th… Jews that lay between them, by the ſpoil and forrage of their Armies.

Ver. 5. And the King of the South ſhall be ſtrong, and one of his Princes, and he ſhall be ſtrong above him, and have dominion; his dominion ſhall be a great dominion.

The King of the South, v. 5. is conceived to be Ptolomeus Lagi of Egypt; and that one of his Princes there named, is conceived to be Seleuchus Nicanor, who had Babylon and Syria, with the Dominions which he added of Antigonus and and Lyſimachus.

Ver. 6. And in the end of years they ſhall join themſelves together, for the Kings daughter of the ſouth ſhall come to the King of the north to make an agreement; but ſhe ſhall not retain the power of the arm, neither ſhall he ſtand, nor his arm; but ſhe ſhall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begather, and he that ſtrengthned her in theſe times.

And v. 6. The two Sons of Ptolomeus Lagi, Philadelphus and Megas, contended about the Title of Cyrene, vvhen Antiochus Soter, Son to Seleuchus, aided Megas, to vvhom he had before married his Daughter, vvhichwhich vvas a bone of contention betvveen Egypt and Syria; to appeaſe vvhichwhich, Ptolomy Philadelphus married his daughter Berncie to Antiochus Theos, Son to Antiochus Soter: Which Marriage, vvith the ill ſucceſs thereof, is the ſubject of ver. 6. For Theos had another Wife Laodice, by vvhom he had tvvo Sons, Seleuchus Callinchus, and Antiochus Hierax, vvho took ill their Mothers Divorce, and cauſeleſs rejection; vvhereupon they took the firſt opportunity, to cut off Bernice and her young Son, vvith all her Train that came vvith her out of Egypt, and that in deſpight of vvhat her Husband Theos, or Father Philadelphus could do for her reſcue.

p. 9This King of Egypt Ptolomeus Philadelphus ſo called, for marrying his own ſiſter, was exceeding rich, and a great warriour; ſtudious of learning, by whoſe procurement the Septuagint tranſlation was compoſed, and his daughter Bernicee, for her great dowry was ſtiled Phernophoras. But the King of the North here of Syria, was Antiochus Theos for taking Divine honour to be ſtiled God, after Laodice ſeeing her husband Theos his inconſtancy, poiſoned him, and to promote her ſon Callinicus to the Kingdome.

Verſe 7. But out of a branch of her root, ſhall one ſtand up in his eſtate, which ſhall come with an army, and ſhall enter into the fortreſs of the King of the north, and ſhall deal againſt them, and ſhall prevail:

Then v. 7. The brother of Bernice before ſlain, namely, Ptolomy Evergetes called a bud of her root, in revenging of his ſiſters butchery, prevailed againſt Egypt, hazzarding Callinicus his whole Kingdome, who ſucceeds his Father Theos.

Ver. 8. And ſhall alſo carry captives into Egypt their gods with their Princes, and with their precious Veſſels of Silver, and of Gold, and he ſhall continue more years then the King of the North.

Ver. 8. Ptolomy hearing of Mutiny at home, left his Conqueſt of Syria, and returned with his great Booty of 2500 captivated Idols; but Callinicus dyed of a fall from his Horſe, the refore ſaid [not to continue long] and his Brother Hierax after Civil broyles, was ſlain by a Troop of Robbers, So ended both thoſe Murtherers.

Ver. 9. So the King of the ſouth ſhall come into his Kingdom, and ſhall return into his own Land.

Ver. 9. Energetes upon his return home to Egypt, repreſſed the Commotions [and ſo returned] as is ſaid, unto his Kingdom.

Ver. 10. But his ſons ſhall be ſtirred up, and ſhall aſſemble a multitude of great forces; and one ſhall certainly come and overflow, and paſs thorow; then ſhall he return, and be ſtirred up even to his Fortreſs.

Ver. 10. The two Sons of Callinicus, to wit, Seleuchus Serannus, and Antiochus Megas, could not endure that Ptolomy Philopator that killed his Father Energetes, ſhould poſſeſs any part of Syria under their noſes, muſtered up what power they could; but Cerannus being poyſoned, Antiochus warred with Ptolomies Captains, who overcame Attalus, and drew Theodolus to reſign Syria unto Antiochus, and p. 10to help him againſt his own Maſter, Ptolomy; ſo he overflowed Syria, and ſet upon Philopators ſtrong holds of Egypt.

Ver. 11. And the King of the South ſhall be moved with choler, and ſhall come forth and fight with him, even with the King of the North; and he ſhall ſet forth a great multitude, but the multitude ſhall be given into his hand.

Ver. 11. But Antiochus beſieged Raphia, was overcome by Philopator's Army, and his great multitudes partly ſlain, and partly captivated.

Ver. 12. And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart ſhall be liſted up, and he ſhall coſt down many ten thouſands, but he ſhall not be ſtrengthned by it.

Ver. 12. Ptolomy Philopator being purfed up, exerciſed great cruelty againſt the Jews, and would have gone into the Holy of Holies, whom the High-Prieſt reſiſted; whereupon he made cruel Edicts againſt them, and put many to cruel deaths, as 2 Mac. 3, & 4 chap. but was given up to unclean luſts, had a Male-Concubine, one Agathocles, killed his Wife and Siſter, ſoon after ſtruck with death, and left his young Son to the tuition of that vile Agathocles; whereupon divers parts under him rebelled; and then Antiochns having made preparation more ſtrongly, invades his Sons Dominions.

Ver. 13. For the King of the North ſhall return, and ſhall ſet forth a multitude greater than the former, and ſhall certainly come (after certain years) with a great army, and with much riches.

Ver. 13. That Child of four years old, Ptolomeus Epiphanes, the Nobles ſtomached to be left under the laſcivious Agathocles, encouraged Antiochus expedition [after certain years as is ſaid] But the Romans having taken the tuition of that young King, gave him a rub by an Embaſſage, to forbear the Territories of Epiphanes, which notwithſtanding, after certain years, he did invade Egypt.

Ver. 14. And in thoſe times there ſhall many ſtand up againſt the King of the South; alſo the Robbers of thy people ſhall exalt themſelves to eſtabliſh the Viſion, but they ſhall fall.

Ver. 14. But the Jews finding then content under Antiochus, took part with him againſt the Emperor; but divers Jews having built a Temple in Egypt to ſet up their Worſhip there, were devoured by Antiochus his Army.

p. 11Ver. 15. So the King of the north ſhall come, and caſt up a Mounts and take the moſt fenced Cities, and the arms of the ſouth ſhall not withſtand, neither his choſen people, neither ſhall there be any ſtrength to withſtand.

Ver. 15. Antiochus makes a ſecond expedition againſt Egypt, with all Warlike preparation, and gave it a great overthrow, as he had had a great foyl at Raphia before.

Ver. 16. But he that cometh againſt him, ſhall do according to his own will, and none ſhall ſtand before him; and he ſhall ſtand in the glorious Land, which by his hand ſhall be conſumed.

Ver. 16. Antiochus being helped before by the Jews, comes among them with his Souldiers, that he might have ſuccour near him; but thoſe Souldiers did ſo waſt their Land without reſpect to friend or foe, that Antiochus his peace, proved to them little better than Epiphanes Hoſtility.

Verſe 17. He ſhall alſo ſet his face to enter with the ſtrength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him: thus ſhall he do, and he ſhall give him the daughter of women corrup…ing her: but ſhe ſhall not ſtand on his ſide; neither be for him.

Verſe 17. Antiochus thought of a third expedition into Egypt, to recover what he had loſt, and though ſtrongly prepared and begun with hopeful ſucceſſe, yet was ſtopped by the Roman Protectors of Epiphanes their pupill: But Antiochus pretended amity, and to give his daughter to Epiphanes, and thought to corrupt her, to deſtroy her husband, which beautiful Cleopatra the daughter of women would not do.

Verſe 18. After this ſhall he turn his face unto the Iſles, and ſhall take many; but a Prince for his own behalf ſhall cauſe the reproach …ffered by him, to ceaſe; without his own repreach he ſhall cauſe it to turn upon him.

Verſe 18. Antiochus ill bearing two affronts done him by the Romans in Egypt: now to ſhew his Lordlineſs, invades Grecia, and ſpoils the countreys of Helleſpont Cherſoneſus Eubojea **Called Iſles, as Gen. 10.45.Gen 10:45, formerly belonging to the Roman title, wherein firſt ſucceeding, well he mocked at the Romane terrour: but ſmarted by them afterward: whereupon [the Prince] (not yet being at the height of their Kingdome) that is the Roman State [for his own behalf] (not now as formerly, for p. 12Epiphanes, v. 12. returned his reproach upon him, being thrice vanquiſhed by them by Sea and Land, they forced him to ſurrender what he had won by Wars in Grecia, and defray their Charges, and deliver to them his Ships and Elephants which they required, and to give twenty Hoſtages, to pay a huge ſum of moneys for twelve years, and one of the Hoſtages to be his Son.

Ver. 19. Then he ſhall turn his face towards the fort of his own Land; but he ſhall ſtumble and fall, and not be found.

Ver. 19. Antiochus returning to his ſtrong-hold of Syria, being to pay 1500 Talents laid on him, attempted for ſupply to rob the Temple of Juppiter Belus in Perſia; whereupon the Barbarous people tumultuoſly ſlew him; ſo [he ſtumbled and fell, not being found.]

Ver. 20. Then ſhall stand up in his eſtate a raiſer of Taxes in the glory of the Kingdom; but within few dayos he ſhall be deſtroyed, neither in anger, nor in battel.

Ver. 20. Then unto Antiochus the Great, ſucceeded Seleuchus Philopator, his Fathers Darling, in his Kingdom of Syria, who to maintain his pomp, laid heavy Taxes on his Subjects, and attempted by his Captain Helioderus, to rob the Temple of Jeruſalem; and ſhortly after was poyſoned by the ſame Captain.

Ver. 21. And in his eſtate ſhall ſtand up a vile perſon, to whom they ſhall not give the Horour of the Kingdom; but he ſhall come in pea…eably, and obtain the Kingdom by flatteries.

Ver. 21. Then ſucceeded Antiochus Epiphanes, (or as ſome Epimanes the Vile) who was left an Hoſtage with the Romans, by his Father, and now Demetrius his Brothers Son, the Heir of the Kingdom, was to be Hoſtage in his room; but before his return, the Heir was poyſoned (as was thought) by his means, by the aforeſaid Heliodorus. This Antiochus was reſiſted in the life time of the Heir Demetrius; but he wound himſelf in by pleading the Heir was unable to weild ſo troublous a ſtate, and ſo would undertake his Tuition, and ſo by flattering, gulled the Nobles.

p. 13Ver. 22. And with the arms of a Flood ſhall they be overflown from before him, and ſhall be broken: yea alſo the power of the Covenant.

Ver. 22. Then by three main aſſaults, Antiochus Epiphanes attempted in the old quarrel with Egypt. Firſt, he took occaſion by the minority of Ptolomy Philomator, ſon to Ptolomy Epiphanes, ſon to Cleopatra, Antiochus Epiphanes his Siſter, to invade Egypt with great Forces, where he overthrew Philomators two Captains with a ſtorm or flood of diſcomfiture. The Prince of the Covenant ſeemed to be Tryphon, who upon the former Overthrow, was the principal Actor in a League between him and the King of Egypt, whereupon he having entrance into Egypt firſt, took away Tryphon the chief Witneſs of the League, the better to conceal his Treachery.

Ver. 23, 24. And after the League made with him, he ſhall work deceitfully; for he ſhall come up, and ſhall become ſtrong with a ſmall people.

Ver. 24. He ſhall enter peaceably even upon the fatteſt places of the Province, and he ſhall do that which his Fathers have not done, nor his Fathers Fathers; he ſhall ſcatter among them the prey and ſpoil, and riches; yea, and he ſhall forecaſt his devices againſt the ſtrong Holds, even for a time.

Ver. 23, 24 This Antiochus the Vile, regarded not the League he had made, but entring upon Egypt, ſcattering handfuls of money to win the Vulgar, which he had got amongſt them, and practiſed devices againſt the Strong-holds of Memphis and Alexandria, the principal Cities, by ſowing diſcord between Philometor the elder, and Phiſochon the younger brother, whoſe the two ſaid Cities were; but (as ſaith the Text) it was but for a while, the elder brother by the Mediation of a Siſter to them both, prevented that device.

Ver. 25. And he ſhall ſtir up his Power and his Courage againſt the King of the ſouth, with a great army, and the King of the ſouth ſhall be ſtirred up to battel with a very great and mighty army, but he ſhall not ſtand, for they ſhall forecaſt devices againſt him.

Ver. 25. As the ſtrength of Antiochus the Vile, at firſt was Policy and Devices; ſo in this his ſecond Expedition, he ſtirred up all the ſtrength of Syria to try by War.

p. 14Ver. 26. Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat, ſhall deſtroy him, and his army ſhall over flow, and many ſhall fall down ſlain.

Ver. 26. Yet the Courtiers of Philometor ſecretly plot with this Antiochus the Vile, againſt all reaſon and engagements to the King, their Families, and all Intereſts.

Ver. 27. And both theſe Kings hearts ſhall be to do miſchief, and they ſhall ſpeak lies at one Table; but it ſhall not proſper; for yet the end ſhall be at the time appointed.

Ver. 27. After the Battle fought, the two Kings parley about a Truce wherein each ſtrives to outreach the other; and Antiochus was Royally feaſted by Philometor, which were but for a time diſſembled, till Gods time came.

Ver. 28. Then ſhall he return into his own Land with great riches, and his heart ſhall be againſt the holy Covenant; and he ſhall do exploits, and return to his own Land.

Ver. 28. Antiochus having gotten much Treaſure upon the Truce, and robbing the Temple of Jeruſalem, which paid him Tribute for two years reprieve of the Jews, many of which he corrupted afore-hand, 1 Mac. 1.21, to 24.

Ver. 29. At the time appointed he ſhall return, and come toward the ſouth; but it ſhall not be as the former, or as the latter.

Ver. 29. So after the ſaid two years, he invades Egypt the third time, beſieging the Royal City Memphis, which he ſoon after took, and drave Philometor to flye for his life to Alexandria, which as he went to beſiege, Popilius arrives on an Embaſſie from Rome, and diſcharges Antiochus from any further invaſion on Philometors Countrey, whoſe Tuition the Senate and people of Rome had undertaken. But while Antiochus was complementing of Popilius, and other Romans of his old Acquaintance, the Noble Roman makes a Circle in the Sand, and charges him to return Anſwer before he went out of it; whereunto he obeyed. [Now was the time of the end of the Wars with Syria and Egypt, mentioned v. 27.]

Ver. 30. For the Ships of Chittim ſhall come againſt him; therefore he ſhall be grieved and return, and have indignation againſt the holy Covenant; ſo ſhall he do, he ſhall even return, and have Intelligence with them that forſa…e the holy Covenant.

Ver. 30. The Romans (called the Ships of Chittim, for they never landed at Alexandria) came of Chittim one of the Sons of Javan, Gen. 10.4. from whom Grecia p. 15and all Italy was peopled; Latinus having tranſported the Citians from the Greekiſh Iſlands into Italy; and here the wonderful Numberer ſets them forth by the Ships of Chittim, that ſo the Jews from Baalams Propheſie, Numb. 24.24. might hence know the riſe and ruine of their laſt great Oppreſſor, the Roman Kingdom. And he had intelligence with ſuch as forſake the Covenant; for many Rebellious Jews deſirous to eſtabliſh Gentiliſm, did privily pack with him againſt their Citie and people, 1 Mac. 1.14.

Ver. 31. And arms ſhall ſtand on his part, and they ſhall pollute the Sanctuary of ſtrength, and ſhall take away the daily Sacrifice, and they ſhall place the abomination that maketh deſolate.

Ver. 31. In his Attempts againſt Jeruſalem, beſides treacherous Jews, he had Foraign Captains, Philippius, Andronicus, and Apollonius, as 2 Mach. 5.22, 23, 24. men of inſatiable cruelties to act for him, who having taken the Fort of Sion, committed miſerable Maſſacres, without reſpect of Sex or Age, 1 Mac. 1.35. and polluted the Temple by blood of Infants, 1 Mac. 1.39. Secondly, By their going into the Temple, being ſtrangers, as Act. 21.28. Thirdly, To meddle with holy things, v. 47. and v 54, and 57. ſetting up the Idol Juppiter Olimpius, in the Temple, called the Abomination, as Jer. 32.34. and God hates Idolatry, Iſa. 1.13. and it brings deſolation, for which the Jews were ſo ſadly and ſorely plagued.

Ver. 32. And ſuch as do wickedly againſt the Covenant, ſhall be corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God, ſhall be ſtrong, and do exploits.

Ver. 32. Divers Jewes joined with Antiochus againſt their Brethren, as Menelaus vvas guide to Antiochus in his robbing the Temple; and vvere more outragious againſt their Brethren, than the very Gentiles, 2 Mac. 5.15, 23. So Jaſan Alcimus, vvho contrary to his Oath betrayed his Brethren, and aided Bacchides, 1 Mac. 7.5, 15, &c. And the faithful Aſſideans Godly zeal in reſiſting Gentiliſm, and cleaving to Gods Worſhip, is recorded 1 Mac. 1.25. vvith their Noble Exploits of War, as follovvs v. 34.

Ver. 33. And they that underſtand among the people, ſhall inſtruct many; yet they ſhall fall by the ſword, and by flame, by captivity and by ſpoil many dayes.

Ver. 33. The Saints then had ſad Tryals, 1. By the Svvord, 2 Mac. 5.25. 2dly, Caſt into the fire, or ſcalding, 2 Mac. 7.34. 3ly, Sold to Gentiles, 2 Mac. 5.24. ſpoiled by Robbers, 1 Mac. 1.37, &c.

Ver. 34. Now when they ſhall fall, they ſhall be holpen with a little help; but many ſhall cleave to them with flatteries.

Ver. 34. The little help was by Mattathias and his Sons, Judas and his Brethren, who but an handful to Antiochus and his Army, yet God proſpered their Attempts to be a refuge to their diſtreſſed Brethren, and a vexation to their Enemies, to whom they gave many foiles, 1 Mac. 2.24, 28, 29, 47. yet were there many falſe Brethren, as Alcimus and others.

Ver. 35. And ſome of them of underſtanding ſhall fall to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end, becauſe it is yet for a time appointed.

Ver. 35. Thus were the Saints tryed by ſufferings from friends and fo…s, to their future honour, in evidence of their faith and conſtancy; and now was the appointed end of Javans rage; as in v. 1. was finiſhed the Tyranny of Babel. And v. 2. contained Four Tyrants of Perſia, and their rage finiſhed in Xerxes famous overthrow. And the third begins Javans firſt Oppreſſor, till Antiochus the Vile, whoſe death was ſpoken of Chap. 8. v. 25. which ſeems to be meant by the time of the end in this place, by reaſon the Spirit of God ſeems to end that Kingdom, then called the appointed time for it, when the tryals and temptations of the Saints by his means was finiſhed in that appointed time.

Ver. 36. And the King ſhall do according to his will, and he ſhall exalt himſelf, and magnifie himſelf above every God, and ſhall ſpeak marvellous things againſt the God of gods, and ſhall proſper, till the indignation be accompliſhed; for that that is determined, ſhall be done.

Ver. 36. The King here ſpoken of, is the Roman State, who was to proſper unto the end of the indignation of God againſt the Jews, as chap. 9.27. he ſpeaks of this King without diſtinction of North or South, as before (v. 18.) the Romans were but the Prince, (v. 30.) he calls them the Ships of Chittim. But here the King having the chief power, to whom many Kings ſubmitted and crouched, as the two Antiochuſſes, Father and Son, Syria's ſtouteſt Warriours. Perſeus King of Macodonia, brought with Wife and Children to trudg after Emilius trium…hing Chariot. Hannibal flying ſeveral wayes, was ſent for by the Romans, and could not be freed from them, but poiſoned himſelf. Geutius King of the Illyrians felt their terror. So Pruſias King of Bythinia; Eumenes King of Pergamus; Ariarathes King of Cappadocia; Deiotarus p. 17King of Galatia; Mithridates King of Pontus, &c. all which felt the Roman yoke, or brake their hearts or Kingdoms by reſiſting; and their inſolency hath been as much over the Jews, and above any others; for they made Judea a Province, and billetted their Souldiers in every City, and took away all Capital Government by Laws, Offices and Penalties, as Florus obſerves, and others; and after Jeruſalem was made equal to the Earth by Veſpatian.

But their inſolency over earthly Gods, as Pſal. 82.6. hath been ſeen in the Roman Antichriſt, for Hiſtory relates at leaſt 20 famous Emperours and Kings trampled under foot by him miſerably &c. beſides, ſuch as ſp…nt themſelves in his device of the holy wars, and to act for him in other countreys, &c. Again the Church and State of Rome have been manifeſt by blaſphemies, when Ptolomy and Cleopatra told the Senate, they were more bebolding to them, then to the immortal Gods, they took it ſo: When Cicero uttered blaſphemies againſt Gods Religion, as barbarous ſuperſtition, and againſt God himſelf, as unworthy to be owned by the Romans, ſince his people the Jews, who profeſſed dependance on him, were overcome; which Blaſphemies were entertained and applauded.

The Emperor Tiberius was deſirous to Authorize Chriſt amongſt the number of the Roman gods; but was reſiſted by the Senate, pretending it belonged unto them to make or unmake Deities as they pleaſed.

But this Blaſphemy is more palpable on the Roman Antichriſt, who challengeth to be ſtiled God, and that by the Emperor himſelf; and his Diſciples ſtile him, Our Lord God the Pope, a certain Deity on Earth, and the greateſt Deity on Earth, and by open allowance.

And though this Fourth Tyrant over the Jews was to continue long in the ſeveral Heads of that State, and the Pope is the 8th or of the 7th, and alſo that Turkiſh State over the Jews; yet when Gods people ſhall be raiſed from the duſt of diſperſion and bondage, both Pope and Turk will at once be deſtroyed, and caſt into the ſtreams of Fire and Brimſtone, iſſuing from the Ancient of Days.

Yet it ſeemeth to me the 36 Verſe is rather to be reſtrained to the former times of the Roman Kingdom, under the Senate, Kings, Emperors, and other Governors before the Popes time, and ſuiteth well thereunto; and it is remarkable, That the Spirit of Chriſt teacheth the Prophet uſually to ſet down his Propheſies and Viſions, according to the order of accompliſhment, except in occaſional explications, as Chap. 7, 8. and 12. in ſome things; yet Idolatry, Blaſphemy and Tyranny, are ſuch ſpirits as have run in the blood, through the whole Body of the Roman Monſter.

p. 18And that general note of the long continuance thereof, the Roman Kingdom ſhall proſper, till the indignation ſhall be accompliſhed, &c. that is, to the end of the Jews diſperſion and bondage, and coming of Chriſt, Cap. 12.

Ver. 37, 38, 39. Neither ſhall he regard the God of his Fathers, nor the deſire of women, nor regard any God; for he ſhall magnifie himſelf above all.

Ver. 38. But in his eſtate ſhall he honor the God of forces, and a God whom his Fathers knew not, ſhall he honour with gold and ſilver, and with precious ſtones, and pleaſant things.

Ver. 39. Thus ſhall he do in the moſt ſtrong holds with a ſtrange god, whom he ſhall acknowledg and encreaſe with glory; and he ſhall cauſe them to rule over many, and ſhall divide the Land for gain.

But Ver. 37, 38, 39. ſeems evidently to belong to the Popes time in a ſpecial manner, his not regarding the God of his Fathers, ſets forth the Antichriſtian Hypocriſie, ſub nomine Chriſti militant, contra Chriſtum, they pretend for God and Chriſt, but intend all for themſelves; not as the Apoſtles and firſt Roman Chriſtians, that ſo regarded their God, that with heart and hand not onelyonly in well-doing, but in ſelf-denial and ſufferings, to the loſs of Eſtate, Life, Liberty and all, they ſtedfaſtly clave unto him. But now all the honor of Chriſts Prophetical, Prieſtly and Kingly Offices are taken (in effect) from him, and aſcribed to the Pope, and eſpecially in reſpect of their Breaden Gods Idolatry, as might be ſhewed, and particularly follows in the next verſe; and how much the Papiſts diſallow lawful Marriage, and reproach it, [here called the deſire of Women] is too manifeſt both by their Doctrines and Practiſes; and as for Atheiſtical Blaſphemies, their Writings are abominably fraught and filled therewith.

And how his new-coin'd Breaden God, and what deviſed honor is given to him, what Riches and Ornaments beſtowed upon him, how ſet up in Cities, Kingdoms and Countreys, what promotions go with him, both Eccleſiaſtical and Civil, what Prohibitions of Traffique, Oppreſſions and Perſecuſions, to the Oppoſers of his Worſhip, is too large here to be ſet down.

Ver. 40. And at the time of the end ſhall the King of the ſouth puſh at him, and the King of the North come againſt him like a whirlwind with Charets, and with Horſemen, and with many Ships, and he ſhall enter into the countreys, and ſhall overflow a…d paſs over.

Ver. 40. But that he might not in the time of the end be ſo terrible in Might in the World, as he was grown notorious in wickedneſs in the world, God had appointed to ſend him gradually ſuch a Checkmate thenceforward, to act another part upon the Worlds Stage, that ſhould both reſtrain his Power, and curb his Pride; which was the Mahumitan Antichriſt, ariſing out of the bottomleſs pit, as well as the Pope, which to carry on the Perdition of that wicked Iron Roman Monarchy, in two Wo-Trumpets, was to blow out the Wrath and Judgment upon the Eaſtern Empire eſpecially, and to reſtrain the Man of Sin, which otherwiſe might have ſeemed too much like a God on Earth indeed: Firſt, Raiſing the Saracens about An. Dom. 600. or not long after, to puſh at the Eaſtern Roman Empire, by many aſſaults and incurſions, in which both Saracens and Romanized Chriſtians were both, or at leaſt by courſe, the Jews oppreſſors, in the times of thoſe ſuppoſed Holy Wars, but more eſpecially, ſince the Turk came againſt him with his Multitudes, about the year of our Lord 1300, with Chariots and Horſemen, and many Ships; for his hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, as Rev. 9.15. that is, 396 years he ſhould continue to overflow with his Multitudes, and paſs over, is not yet fully compleat.

Ver. 41. He ſhall enter alſo into the glorious land, and many Countreys ſhall be overthrown; but theſe ſhall eſcape out of his hand, even Edom and Moab, nnd the chief of the children of Ammon.

Ver. 41. The Turk ſhould poſſeſs Judea, and many other Countreys ſhould be ſubdued by him; yet Edom, Moab, and the chief of the Children of Ammon, ſhould eſcape his hands, where multitudes of the Jews have been ſhattered, wherein (as Mr. Mede obſerves) the Providence of God hath been in that reſpect remarkable, That the Turk hath made compoſition with them, that they might not prey upon the Borders of his Dominions.

Ver. 42, 43. He ſhall ſtretch forth his hand alſo upon the Countreys, and the Land of Egypt ſhall not eſcape.

Ver. 43. But he ſhall have power over the Treaſures of gold and ſilver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians ſhall be at his ſteps.

Ver. 42, 43. Though Egypt held out long againſt the Turks by the help of the Mamalucks, yet about An. Dom. 1517. they were ſubdued; when as is ſet forth in this Text, the Turk having taken Tonumbeias (their King) captive, before he put him to death, he ſet him on the Rack, to wring out of him where his Treaſure lay, as he did with others of the Royal Race, and Royal City Memphis, to get their hid Treaſures, as the Text ſpeaks; the Libyans and Blackmoors aiding the Turk, and ſupplying him with neceſſaries in this War.

Ver. 44. But tydings out of the Eaſt, and out of the North ſhall trouble him; therefore he ſhall go forth with great fury to deſtroy, and utterly to make away many.

Ver. 44. Thoſe tydings out of the Eaſt appear to be of the Jews, that gather together about 1290 days of years, after the ceaſing of their publike Sacrificing in Julian the Apoſtates time, and his ſo publike ſetting up Heatheniſh Abominations, making deſolate, who before, or then were Eaſt from Judea, or to the Turks; whoſe gathering together will be to get their own Land, given to their Fathers and their Seed for a poſſeſſion for ever, which they muſt enjoy to the Worlds end. [And out of the North] appears to be the ten Tribes of Iſrael carried captive into Aſſyria, North from Judea, who probably at the ſame time joyn with their Brethren the Jews upon the like deſign; againſt whom the Turk in ruinous rage, will gather force to cut them off utterly.

Ver. 45. And he ſhall plant the Tabernacles of his Palace between the Seas, in the glorious Holie Mountain; yet he ſhall come to his end, and none ſhall help him.

Ver. 45. He will go into Judea, (here again called the holy Mountain) to ſecure himſelf, and maintain his part, but ſhall not thereby eſcape his determined ruine at the end of the 6th Trumpet, or ſounding of the 7th whereupon comes Chriſts appearance, as Chap. 12.1. when both Turk and Pope will be deſtroyed, making up the body of the great Myſtical Antichriſt; and all Gods people freed from that Spirittual Egyptian Bondage.

So that Chap. 12.1. ſets out the time when, and the perſon by whom the Jews deliverance from their diſperſion and bondage ſhould be begun, with the terror to come upon the World of wicked men, then up, and in great oppoſition of his Church and People, both in Eaſt and Weſt, the Turk being then in the height of his rage againſt the converted Jews, as before; and the Pope about to perfect the Armageddon Battel at the end of the ſixth Viol, when Chriſt with his Armies comes to deſtroy him and them, as Rev. 19. from v. 11, to the end; and Rev. 14. towards the latter end; and as in this Chapter it is ſhewed it ſhall be at the end of his time, times, and half a time, when he ſhall have accompliſhed or finiſhed to ſcatter the power of the holy people; when as his time, ſaith the ſame Angel of the Covenant, Rev. 10. by a ſolemn Oath, his time ſhall be no longer; all which time Chriſt revealed before, Rev. 12. his Church ſhould be in a Wilderneſs condition; for ſo the wore here (ſcattered) ſeems to imply; being onelyonly hid here and there by Gods Providence, and his accompliſhing of that ſcattering of them, denotes, That then they ſhall come out of that condition; and whereas their power till then was ſcattered, that then they ſhould have a power to unite themſelves, and their enemies not to have any longer power to hold them under, &c. though as the Jews will firſt have a beginning of their Reſurrection, both Spiritual, by Converſion; and Civil, from their bondage and diſperſion at the end of the 1290 dayes of years, v. 11. probably from Julian the Apoſtates time, about Ann. Dom. 366, the moſt probable Epocha of thoſe dayes, which will not be perfected until the 1335 dayes, v. 12, that is, 45 years after, at the ſtanding up of Michael their Prince at his appearing: So at the end of the 42 months, or his time, times, and half a time, when the laſt finiſhing Witneſſes ſhall ariſe again, there will be a time for the gathering of the Pope, with his Antichriſtian Armies, to the Battel of the great God, Rev. 16. before he be wholly caſt into the Lake of fire, together with the Turk (probably) but all the faithful Jews ſhall be delivered, whoſe names are found written in the Book of Life, when will be their great and moſt National Converſion, as Iſa. 66.8. Zach. 3.9.

Ver. 2, 3. Set forth the different condition of ſeveral ſorts of Jews, from their firſt awakening at the end of 1290 dayes, to the accompliſhment of their more general Call, as v. 11, 12. and what temporal, ſpiritual, or conſequently eternal glory or diſgrace will befall the ſeveral ſorts amongſt them, according to their faithfulneſs in cleaving to Chriſt in their troubles, or prevailing with their Brethren to adhere to Chriſts Righteouſneſs alone againſt all Jewiſh or Heatheniſh Seducements, wherewith probably they may be aſſaulted; or the contrary, as any ſhall be unfaithful or revolters, being ſeduced in the 45 years following, either by their falſe revolting Brethren, or by the Turkiſh Tyranny or flattery, and of ſuch ariſing, Ezekiel is informed, Chap. 37. which is here peculiarly applied to Daniels people the Jews, and to many of them, not all, who are turned to righteouſneſs of Juſtification, which God will accept, which they owned not before, with many other things conſiderable from the Text, as the natural ſcope of it will ſhew.

Ver. 4, and 9, is the ſealing of this Viſion from Daniels time, until the time of the end, as again Daniel was further informed, v. 9.

Ver. 4. the latter end, and v. 6, 7. there ſeems to be two diſtinct Notes and Characters given of the time of the end, under which was uſed that very ſame expreſſion, Chap. 11.40. namely, of the Roman Emperors and Popes dayes, which Daniel when he had heard, ſaith, v. 8. he underſtood them not; whereof two Reaſons ſeem obſervable from the Text, Firſt, That they did not directly concern Daniels people. Secondly, He is again in the next particularly told, They were then ſealed till the ſaid time of the end, Chap. 11.40. and Chap. 12.9.

The firſt of theſe Notes or Characters ſeems to be of the Primative times from the Apoſtles, before Antichriſts Forty two Months, or time, times and half a time began, namely, [That many ſhould run to and fro, and knowledg ſhould be encreaſed] which appears to be a Mark of thoſe times wherein either the Apoſtles and other faithful Miniſters of the Goſpel, by their travels, and preaching, and diſperſions, and perſecutions, and ſuch like means (then) were ſucceſsfully inſtrumental to cauſe the knowledge and profeſſion of the Goſpel of Chriſt to abound, foreign and by an Emphaſis called Knowledg; being not onelyonly the principal, but the onelyonly neceſſary thing to be known by all men: Or elſe, that many that by ſuch means took up the Profeſſion of the Goſpel, having onelyonly the light and the knowledg thereof, but not the Grace of the Goſpel, might for a time haſten to take up that Profeſſion; but by tentations and perſecutions, be as haſty to run away from the owning of that Profeſſion, according to the changes and turnings of the Affairs of thoſe Primative times.

And the ſecond Note or Character is more clear (which likewiſe gives further evidence to this) in that it is of the times ſucceeding thoſe primative times, ſtamped with a very evident mark to diſcover them, namely, Antichriſts time, times and half a time, or dividing of a time, as in Rev. 12.14. which v. 5, 6, 7. is ſet forth to Daniel in a Viſion, and reſerved, as follows, to be explained by Chriſt himſelf, v. 8, 9. in the time of the end, which he hath done accordingly, Rev 10.6, 7. to which purpoſe Daniel ſaw two perſons on each ſide of the River, v. 5. and one enquires of the other for the end of thoſe Wonders; whereupon the man clothed in white Linen (who probably is the ſame perſon, as Rev. 10.) utters in Daniels hearing, the Oath that follows to the like purpoſe, as we before noted.

But v. 11, 12. he gives Daniel (that beloved Prophet) two other Marks of the times, more diſcernable to him, as having reference to his own people the Jews (though then particularly hid to him, ſince they were of things to come) namely, The continuance of the Jews diſperſion and bondage, after the laſt moſt remarkable taking away of Sacrifice, and ſetting up the Abomination of Deſolation, moſt probably (as we ſaid before) in Julian the Apoſtate Emperor's time, about 366, from about which time the 1290 dayes of years are to be counted.

And ver. 12. ſetteth forth the bleſſed condition of ſuch faithful Jews or Iſraelites, as waited on God in doing their duty, and ſhall ſtill remain ſo doing to the appearing of Chriſt at, or about 1335 dayes of years after their firſt awakening, or call from diſperſion and bondage.

And the ſaid man clothed in white Linnen, having laid down ſome general conſolations for the faithful Sufferers all along thoſe evil times, till the times of the end were paſt (which he had before newly ſpoken of) v. 10 he then concludes with a particular conſolation to Daniel concerning his part and lot he was to receive when his people ſhould be delivered, and when Abraham, Iſaac and Jacob were to receive the Lot of their Inheritance in the Land of Canaan, which God had ſworn to give them; and yet his Word witneſſeth (in the dayes of their Pilgrimage) they poſſeſſed not a foot of, even then Daniel is likewiſe informed from Chriſt, that he ſhould then have his own Lot there with them, at the firſt Reſurrection, Rev. 20. or, as our Saviour calls it, the Reſurrection from the dead, Luk. 20.35. which here Daniel is taught by him as to his own Intereſt, will then be fulfilled in the end of the dayes, when the aforeſaid evil times are paſt, of which it is ſaid, Time ſhould be no longer, Rev. 10.6.