Two Treatises, Title page 3 – Treatise 2

Two Treatises · Title page 3 – Treatise 2

THE Face of the Times: WHEREIN Is briefly diſcovered by ſeveral Prophetical Scriptures, from the beginning of Geneſis to the end of the Revelation, the RISE, PROGRESSE, and ISSUE of the ENMITY and CONTEST, between the SEED of the WOMAN, and SEED of the SERPENT, to the final breaking of the Serpent's head, in the total and irrecoverable Ruin of the MONARCHIES of this World, which have been ſpirited, influenced, and headed all along by him, for the bruiſing of the Saints Heel (or killing of their Bodies) for the Teſtimony of Jeſus, which by them hath been given forth in the true Spirit of Propheſie.

The Deſign of this Writing, is,

To ALARM the World, and awaken up the preſent Generation of God's People in it, to a more diligent and curious obſervation of the preſent Signs of the near approaching day of the Lord, that they may be more carefully minding and …oing what moſt concerns them, by way of preparation thereunto.

Seeing that all theſe things ſhall be diſſolved, what manner of perſons ought we to be in all holy converſation and godlineſs, looking for and haſting unto the coming of that day of God, (which will come as a thief in the night) wherein the heavens being on fire, ſhall be diſſolved, and the elements ſhall melt with fervent heat?

2 Pet. 3. 10, 11, 12.

Printed in the Year, 1662.

p. 61THE Face of the Times.

IT was the ſaying of Chriſt to the Generation he converſed with, while in the fleſh, Ye hypocrites, ye can diſcern the face of the skies, but can ye not, or how is it that ye cannot diſcern the ſigns of the times? Why do you not ſet your ſelves to obſerve and ſpel out the meaning of God's providential voice, given forth in harmony with his written Oracles, by the Judgements which he is now executing in the earth, as to that moſt pertinent and concerning Truth, The near approach of the day of the Lord? It will ſurprize and overtake the wicked that are in darkneſs, as a thief, and exceeding dreadful will it be to them. But the Children of Light and of that day, are required to lift up their heads, when they ſee the ſignes thereof, (however diſmal to their fleſhly part) for their Redemption draweth nigh, Luk, 21. 25, 28.

God is ſtill working and carrying on his deſignes in the world, on the behalf of his People, as alſo over-ruling all the contrary actings of his and their enemies, in purſuance of his decree, publiſhed at paſſing that ſentence upon the Serpent, Gen. 3. 15. I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy ſeed and her ſeed; it ſhall bruiſe thy head, and thou ſhalt bruiſe his heel.

In the latter branch of this ſentence, (which was firſt put in execution) God declares himſelf as to ſundry particulars, which do ſummarily and fully contain his deſign and work throughout all ages of the World, till it be accompliſhed, and the Myſtery of it finiſhed, as he hath declared unto his ſervants the Prophets, Rev. 10. 7. Then the Saints Turne will come, to act his part in purſuance of the p. 62former branch of the Decree, for bruiſing of the Serpents head, and giving an incurable wound to all his adherents.

There is indeed a great myſtery in the managing of this war, which God declares he hath founded in the enmity ſet by him between the ſeed of the Woman and ſeed of the Serpent. Matters are ſo contrived in the moſt wiſe deſigne of God, that the ſeed of the Woman muſt ſuffer firſt, and be on the loſing hand, (as to any outward quietneſs and fair dealing that they are to expect in this world) for a long tract of time, wherein the headſhip of this world, the Empire and Government of the whole earth ſhall be, as it were, in the hands of the evil one, who ſhall be very much permitted to diſpoſe of the powers of it, to his own inſtruments and creatures. But at the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet, this time is to end, and be no longer. Then the ſeed of the woman muſt break this headſhip, which Satan for ſo long time hath exerciſed over the whole world, and deſtroy all thoſe worldly Kingdoms that have been managed under his influence, to their prejudice. Then Judgement will be given to the Saints of the moſt High. They ſhall take and poſſeſſe the Kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever, Dan. 7. Then the Kingdomes of this world ſhall become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Chriſt, holding of him as their viſible head, who is and was and is to come, and will take unto himſelf his great power for that purpoſe.

The particulars which are ſummed up, (Gen. 3. 15.) concerning the nature of this war, and the manner of managing it, (explained ſince by time and the hiſtory of things in the Scriptures) are theſe,

1. Let Satan do his worſt, and make all the Power and parties he can, amongſt the Sons of Adam, yet God will have a Seed in the World, called there the ſeed of the woman, that ſhall be in a ſtate of fixed enmity and war againſt him and his ſeed.

2. For a long tract of time, Satan ſhal not be chained up nor reſtrained from uſing all his skill and power, by himſelf and his inſtruments, for the doing of his utmoſt in a way of war, to ruine, deſtroy and prevail againſt the Seed of the Woman. For this end he ſhall be permitted to have the ſubordinate exerciſe of the Empire and viſible Government of the whole world, to be given and beſtowed as himſelf will, for the ſtrengthening his intereſt, and encouraging of thoſe that will be his creatures, and fall down and worſhip him.

3. The contrariety of mind and principles between theſe two ſeeds, p. 63will be ſo fixed and unchangeable, that they will never give over conteſting and fighting one with or againſt another, whatever it coſt them, till the heel of the one be fully bruiſed, that is, till the ſufferings of Chriſt yet behind in his body myſtical, and every member thereof, be accompliſhed, by ſuſtaining loſs in the fleſh, even to death it ſelf; and the head of the other fully broken, that is, till the headſhip and viſible Government of the World be wholly taken out of the hands of Satan and his inſtruments, and reaſſumed by Chriſt into his own hands, and the hands of fit and meet Miniſters and Officers under him.

4. After a long time of patience under bodily ſufferings, not loving their Lives unto the death, the ſeed of the Woman ſhall at laſt certainly and fully overcome the ſeed of the Serpent, tread Satan and his kingdom under foot, for ever and ever. The principal means they ſhall rely upon for the bringing of this war to a good iſſue, is the way of overcoming by the blood of the Lamb, (or force of Chriſts interceſſion, whoſe blood cries for vengeance againſt his enemies) as alſo by the word of their Teſtimony (freely and boldly given forth by them in their very ſufferings, whilſt worldly Power ſtands on the enemies ſide) which ſhall have its effect upon friends and foes, as a ſavour of Life to the one, death to the other, a ſweet ſavour to God both ways, proſpering in the thing whereto he ſends it, and performing all his pleaſure, 2 Cor. 2. 15, 16. Eſay 55. 11.

Purſuant to this counſel and decree of God, (declared, Gen. 3. 15.) he hath wonderfully and fignally preſerved the ſeed of the Woman, unto this very day. He hath given them being, preſervation and protection in the midſt of all enemies, and in deſpite of all their rage and oppoſition. He hath carried on his CAUSE, and upheld righteouſneſs on the ſide of his People, whatever diſguiſes, reproaches or blemiſhes have been endeavoured to be put upon it, by the Devil and his adherents. The miraculous preſervation of the Womans Seed, the Scriptures diſtribute into three principal Branches, which diſtinguiſh the whole tract of time allotted to them for their ſufferings, into three great Periods and ſeaſons, wherein the ſeed of the Woman hath received variation, as to the outward form and diſpenſation of things, though in mind, principles, and ſpirit, they continue ſtill the ſame, in and under all theſe Changes.

The firſt appearance of the ſeed of the Woman, in order to enter the liſt with the Seed of the Serpent, we find in the line of Adam, p. 64which he begat of Eve, the Mother of all living. Abel the firſt Martyr died before he had any iſſue, or means to propagate it. God ſupplied that defect in the line of Seth. In this new line is carried on the decreed enmity between the two ſeeds, till the Flood came and ſwept away (in a manner) all mankind, from off the face of the earth. At that time the firſt war ended. But the foundation and matter of a new war, in this kind, is contracted into, and found even in the family of Noah. The firſt war, begun in Adams line, and continued in Seths, was (in a way of God's juſt judgement upon the whole world) brought to an end by the Flood. The ſeed of the Woman was now narrowed and diminiſhed into Noahs perſon and two of his ſons. The ſeed of the Serpent was contracted into a leſs room yet, the other ſon.

This Epocha of 1656 years, from the Creation to the Flood, is in Scripture diſtinguiſhed as one great period of time and revolution of things in the world, relating to this war between the two ſeeds, and the event of it. It began in and with the Patriarchs, in the perſon of Abel, whom Cain that was of that wicked one, flew. It continued all along with the Patriarchs and their day on earth, who lived every one of them hundreds of years: And it had its period in that univerſal miniſtry of God's wrath and vengeance upon the whole world, which in Scripture is called, THE DAY OF THE LORD.

The ſecond appearance then of the ſeed of the Woman and ſeed of the Serpent alſo, we find in Noahs family. From the matter and fuel, contracted into this narrow compaſs, does the fire of the war between the two ſeeds break forth a-freſh, and another world (as it were) and ſtate of things, diverſe from the forme, runder the government of the Patriarchs, is brought upon the Stage. This new and differently ſtated war, ariſes and is occaſioned from the differing minds and principles, found in Noah's three ſons, Sem, Ham, and Japhet. The flood having deſtroyed all the families of the earth, ſave Noahs onelyonly, the Government of the World came hereby to receive a conſiderable change, becauſe the Right of the Empire of the whole world was now by Gods Providence devolved upon the family of Noah, and in particular, upon himſelf in perſon, as the right heir of it. After him, it came to Sem and his line, by God's ſpecial deſignation, though Japhet were the eldeſt.

In Noahs three ſons, as in type, the three ſorts of principles and mindes, which influence this ſecond world of mankind, are deſcribed, and (as I may ſay) perſonated, to the life. Theſe three principles diſtinguiſh all perſons deſcended of Noah's family, throughout the whole world, into three ſorts of Inhabitants.

p. 65The ſame method does John, by way of allegory hold, (Rev. 12. 12.) calling one ſort of them, Inhabitants of Heaven, or thoſe that dwell and have their converſation in Heaven; correſponding in their Principle and way of Life, with the Jeruſalem that is above.

Another ſort he tearms, Inhabitants of the Earth, or thoſe that dwell on Earth; the tribes of the Earth, or citizens of the earthly Jeruſalem.

The third are thoſe that dwell in the Sea, or are found in a ſtate of deep darkneſs, and alienation from the Life of God, caſting up mire and dirt, as raging waves of the troubled Sea, (Eſay 57. 20.) living in that open heatheniſme and prophaneſs, that the greateſt part of the world chuſe to abide in, notwithſtanding the offer of Liberty made to them, by the ranſom paid on their behalf in the blood of the Redeemer.

1. The mind that ſhews it ſelf in the firſt ſort of theſe Inhabitants, is that which was in Sem; a holy, ſpiritual mind, ſet upon things above, or in heaven, at Chriſts right hand. This, when it comes to operate, is that active, living Faith of the new creature, which works by love. By this Faith, or in this ſpiritual mind and principle of Life and operation, Abel offered unto God a more excellent Sacrifice than Cain, Heb. 11. 4.

2. The mind that diſcovers it ſelf in the ſecond ſort of inhabitants, (thoſe that dwell on Earth, citizens of the earthly Jeruſalem) is that which was in Japhet, as a middle wavering ſtate, perſwadeable either to good or evil; either to leave the earth and love of ſeen things, and to aſcend and dwell in the tents of Sem, in order to be fixed and ſet on things above, or elſe to cleave unto things ſeen, in affection and deſire, and thence to deſcend, and draw back to perdition, apoſtatize and lodge in the heatheniſh principles of Cham, and ſo partake of his curſe as well as ſin. Thoſe that thus decline from the wavering ſpirit and principles of Japhet, to the prophane ſtate of Cham, are noted in Scripture to be ſuch as having known the way of righteouſneſs, do turn aſide from the holy command, and ſo come to have their lot amongſt thoſe that are twice dead, and pluck'd up by the roots, whoſe latter end is worſe than their beginning. For upon ſuch a fatal backſliding, ſuch an irrecoverable fall in their own perſons, they come to be fixed in evil and bound up with the fallen Angels in everlaſting chains under darkneſs, unto the judgement of the great day, … Pet. 2. 20. Jude, verſ. 12. and verſ. 6.

This wavering ſpirit of Japhet, conſidered ſingly in its own ſphear and activity, (as neither advancing towards the tents of Sem, and p. 66things above; nor declining to the heatheniſh and prophane ſtate of Cham) is that ſpirit which properly conſtitutes the Iſrael after the fleſh, in diſtinction from the true Iſrael of God, or Circumciſion of the Spirit, on the one hand; and the heatheniſh uncircumciſed Nations, on the other, whilſt God kept up the war in the line of Abraham, or ſeed of Iſrael according to the fleſh, till Chriſt's incarnation. For in Abraham's line, deriving from Heber and Shem, did God renew and maintain the war with the Seed of the Serpent, and continued it till his ſignal rejection of that line, and utter cutting them off from being any more a Nation and People of themſelves, at the laſt ſacking and deſtruction of Jeruſalem, after the death of Chriſt, by the hand of Titus Veſpaſian.

3. The mind that declares it ſelf in the third ſort of Inhabitants, who dwell in the Sea, or in the depth of alienation from the life of God, (without any ſenſe or feeling of that which is morally and naturally good according to the Law, hating and deſpiſing God's image in any kind, where-ever it ſhines forth) is that which was in Cham. For this was he curſed and judicially fixed in his bondage, as a ſervant of ſin, reſembled by that ſervant under the Moſaical diſpenſation, who for refuſing his freedom when offered, was bored thorow his ear, in token of his perpetual ſervitude, Exod. 21. 6.

1. The firſt ſort of theſe Inhabitants are heavenly, having a mind and principles fix'd in that obedience of Faith which is acceptable, and by entring into God's Reſt through Faith, do become unmovable in the right way of working Righteouſneſs, wherein they attain the end of their hope, that is, the ſalvation of their ſouls.

2. The ſecond are earthly, unfixed either in good or evil, wavering between both, having a mind ſometimes ſerving the Law of God, and ſometimes the law of ſin. Theſe, however they may draw near to God with their words and tongue, their heart is alienated and at a diſtance from him; at leaſt, may be, for ought they know, notwithſtanding the form of godlineſs they live in. For they are not able to make a true and certain judgment of themſelves, till they partake of that Anointing from above that can teach them all things. This is that only that will enable them to keep the word of Chriſt's patience in the day of their tryal. Without this Grace extended to them, and poſſeſſed by them, they will become Apoſtates, forget they have been waſhed from their old ſins, and will ſhew themſelves at laſt the moſt hardned and bitter reſiſters of the holy Ghoſt and Power of Godlineſs.

3. The third are like the Sea, foaming out their own filth, and they are conſtant and fixed therein, having minds and conſciences p. 67ſeard and made harder than the nether milſtone, in works of darkneſs. Being paſt feeling, they have ſold themſelves to work wickedneſs. Peradventure ſometime they may be made a little ſenſible of the ſting and penalties of the Law, ſo as to make ſome ſlender acknowledgments and feigned profeſſions of obedience and ſubjection thereunto, (the Devils alſo believe and tremble) but no hearty or ſincere repentance from dead works, or pure obedience of love, ſpringing from the ſpirit of Adoption, and appearing in a ſteady amendment of life, is to be found in them. Yea, they are by God himſelf judicially hardned, and unchangeably faſtned in their own choſen wayes of darkneſs. They give themſelves up to work all uncleanneſs with greedineſs, and God gives them up to vile affections, to take their courſe, and fill up the meaſure of their abominations, till he ſee time to ſtrike them once for all.

The firſt and laſt of the above-named minds or principles, are the two extreams, in the one or other of which, the middle or ſecond ſort of Inhabitants (that are in the wavering, changeable, contending ſtate, with whom God is ſtriving by his Spirit) will come at laſt to be unchangeably fixed. The perfect and righteous ſtate which Man was at firſt created in, was this middle, wavering and unfixed ſtate of perfection which was at firſt, and upon renewal thereof is again capable to be guided by the Spirit of God (through Faith) into a higher and better, or to be tempted and ſeduced by Satan into a lower and far worſe.

The ſinful ſtate likewiſe into which mankind was plunged by the firſt tranſgreſſion and fall of Man, is not fixed, or made immutable and deſperate, until a new proof and tryal be made of all men. In order to this, by vertue of the Blood of the Redeemer, and through obſervation of the Rules appointed by God for recovery out of the Fall, a reſtitution to the rectified Principles and Righteouſneſs of our firſt Creation, is in Chriſt moſt certainly attainable by every ſinner, without exception. For by Chriſt's Blood there is remiſſion to be had for all ſins paſt, and a new tryal is propounded and ſet before every one for time to come, upon the terms, and according to the tenor of God's conditional, or abſolute Covenant. Hence it is the War ariſes, and the Enmity is ſet, or comes to be fixed between the two ſeeds, each ſerving, as it were, for the proof and tryal of the unmovableneſs of one another, either in good or evil.

Through this was occaſioned the quarrel between the ſeed of the Woman, and the ſeed of the Serpent, growing up out of Noah's family. The uſurpation of the univerſal Government of the World in p. 68favour and aſſiſtance of the Serpent's ſeed, was attempted and purſued by Nimrod and his ſucceſſors. Afterwards it came into Nebuchadnezzar's hands, and by Daniel's interpretation of that prophetical Image of worldly Monarchy that Nebuchadnezzar ſaw in a dream, the continuance thereof in his line and three other ſucceſſive branches of Univerſal Monarchy in the lines of the Medes and Perſians, Grecians, and then Romans, was foretold. All theſe have been the inheritors of Cham's ſpirit, upholding a heatheniſh ſtate of Idolatry, Ignorance and Prophaneſs, againſt the Kingdom and Obedience of Chriſt, kept up and witneſſed unto, all along, in and by the line and ſeed of Abraham, from Sem downward, to the laſt ſack and utter ruine of the Temple and City of Jeruſalem under the Romans. The chief memorables in this ſpace of time, that concern the oppoſit intereſt to theſe worldly Monarchies, were the eminent Call of Abraham, Iſaac and Jacob to the Faith, the giving of the Law, the building and rebuilding of the Temple, the long continuing of the Prophetical Office in the Jewiſh Church, Chriſt's Incarnation, Miniſtry, Death and Reſurrection. About forty years after the Reſurrection of Chriſt, Jeruſalem is deſtroyed by Titus Vespaſian, and there ended the ſecond great Period and Revolution of this War, that was managed between the two ſeeds. All along this ſecond War, the ſeed of the Serpent was poſſeſſed of the Univerſal Monarchy of this World, had all the countenance and aſſiſtance which that could afford. The main viſible Protection vouchſafed by God on the other hand, to his Church and People, was continued in the line of Abraham, accounting from Sem downward, unto God's judicial rejection of that ſeed of Abraham according to the fleſh, upon their crucifying the Lord of Glory.

In this ſecond War, we find the ſeed of the Woman bruiſed ſtill in the heel and coming off with loſs. Yea, upon the winding up of this ſecond great Day or Period of time, (wherein the Prince of Life was by wicked hands put to death, and the whole Nation of the viſible Church of God on Earth, rejected, and their Worſhip prophaned and deſtroyed) the Devil might ſeem to himſelf and others to have come off compleat conqueror. But the War is again renewed by the Serpent and his ſeed, againſt the ſeed of the Woman, who are repeated and brought forth again by the Regeneration, from amongſt the very heatheniſh Nations of the World, that were not before accounted by God as a People of his, but given up, as it were, to the dominion of Sin and Satan.

This third War had its foundation laid in the Incarnation, Death p. 69and Reſurrection of Chriſt, who (though a Son) was taught obedience by ſuffering, and in the condition of a ſufferer obtained the victory. Through death he deſtroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the Devil. And by taſting death for every man, as became the Captain of our Salvation, he was made perfect through ſufferings.

This way of fighting and overcoming the Devil and Sin, was a great myſtery till then, and the moſt unlikely of all other, ever to break the Serpents head, and diſpoſſeſs him and his Inſtruments of their worldly Thrones and Powers. Yet in this way of the Croſs, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their Teſtimony, do the true Witneſſes of Chriſt manage and carry on this third War. One thouſand two hundred and ſixty dayes, that is, yeares, have bin alotted them for propheſying in ſackcloth, in a perſecuted, wilderneſs condition. Then they are to riſe out of their graves, ſtand again upon their feet, and prophecy with power. 'Tis paſt all diſpute, that the conqueſt muſt fall on the ſide of the Lamb and his followers, at the ending of this third great ſeaſon and revolution of time, wherein the ſeed of the Woman hath ſtill been on the ſuffering hand. The end of their ſuffering ſeaſon will be, when the ſeventh Trumpet begins to ſound, immediately after the effect which the pouring forth of the Vials ſhall have upon the Beaſt and his kingdom.

This is the Riſe, Progreſs and Iſſue that is given unto things in the third Age of the World, called Chriſtian, that was made to ſpring up and have its being out of the deſtruction of the Jewiſh World, Rom. 11. 11.

The cleer view and proſpect of things in this Chriſtian World, (both as to the Civil and Church-government, as alſo the War between the two Seeds, brought on again and continued) was given by Chriſt unto the Apoſtle John, and revealed to him by his Angel in the Book of the Revelation. For there we find the period that muſt happen alſo to this third World, and to the Heavens and Earth, or the Civil and Church-ſtate appertaining to it, and carried on under this diſpenſation, in order to give place to a world to come, which is yet to ſucceed. This World to come, will be of a more heavenly and ſpiritual Conſtitution, as to the general ſtate and frame of things, which is to be brought forth by Chriſt's ſecond appearance, upon the ſpirits and bodies of men, on this ſide their compleat and utmoſt glorification. The final aſcending up to the Father, to ſit down at his right hand, is after this world that is yet to come (or the thouſand years Reign of Chriſt withall his Saints on earth) ſhall have had its courſe.

p. 70Unto the riſen ſtate of Saints, when they ſhall begin to come forth in their victorious poſture, and unreſiſtable power of Faith and Prayer, doth the Prophet Hoſea ſeem to refer, chap. 6. verſ. 2, 3. After two dayes (ſayes he) or great ſeaſons of Affliction and Suffering (already deſcribed) he will revive us, by the WORD's being made Fleſh, and the day-ſpring from on high therein viſiting us. This (Hab. 3. 2.) is called a reviving the work, or preſerving it alive in the midſt of the years of Wrath and Oppreſſion from the Serpent and his ſeed, that was yet to be under-gone for the ſpace of 1666 years after Chriſt's birth, as will appear in its proper place. In the third day (ſayes Hoſea) that is, at the end of it, when the Witneſſes are to ariſe, we ſhall live in his ſight. By following on to know the Lord, we ſhall perceive that his going forth in this his third great revolution of time, hath been as the morning, ſhining more and more unto a perfect day, and that his coming to us (according as hath been by him purpoſed) in his firſt and in his ſecond Appearance, will be as the former and latter rain unto the Earth.

The former rain of Chriſt's Spirit, in the ſeaſon of his firſt Appearance, began at the day of Pentecoſt, in viſible gifts and diſtributions of the holy Ghoſt, dividing to every man ſeverally, as himſelf pleaſed. By this means he raiſed up a Miniſtry that formed and laid the Foundation of the Primitive Church. That Church was upheld in its original purity, more or leſs, as long as they kept the Word of God's Patience, and withſtood the oppoſition made againſt it, after a right manner, by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their Teſtimony, in the giving whereof, they loved not their lives unto death. This appeared, all along thoſe hard and cruel Perſecutions they under-went, until ſuch time almoſt as Conſtantine came to the Empire.

But to avoid Perſecution, Chriſtians then began to mingle Intereſt with worldly Powers, and (to pleaſe Governours) took their reſt in the outward Court, ſome out-ſide form of godlineſs, ſo as that which we call Chriſtian Religion, became the Religion of the Empire (or of the body of the Nation unto which it was received) as commanded and compelled by the Laws of the State, and power of the Sword. This practice commenced and bears date about four hundred years after Chriſt, from which time little of the former rain hath fallen upon ſuch viſible or ſtate Chriſtianity, in their Publick and National Meeting-places of Worſhip. That rain became then hidden Manna, the peculiar food and refreſhing of the Woman and her ſeed in the Wilderneſs, where ſhe is nouriſhed for a time, and times, p. 71and half a time. From about the time that Chriſtian Religion hath been made National, and in the Rules, Ordinances and Doctrines thereof, been embodyed with the Laws of each Nation in the Empire, and ſo enforced by the Civil Sword, thoſe that truly keep the Commandments of God and Teſtimony of Jeſus, have been driven into a ſtate of deſolation, perſecution and diſperſion, and are ſo to continue and be warred upon, forty and two Months, by the Earth and her Inhabitants on the one hand, and by the Sea and her Inhabitants on the other.

Both theſe ſorts of Inhabitants and Enemies of the Church in the Wilderneſs, do make up and conſtitute but one great City or incorporated Society of the Serpents ſeed, ſpiritually called Egypt and Sodom, under the headſhip of worldly Government, as it ariſes out of the Sea. This worldly Government is ſtill but the ſame fourth Beaſt and univerſal Romane Empire, in Principles of oppoſition to the Kingdom of Chriſt and Seed of the Woman, as before. It ſeems indeed to be now healed and reformed with the ſhew of Chriſtian Religion, under the headſhip of Church-Government and coercive Power ariſing out of the Earth, or apoſtate Principles of the worldly Church, departing from the Primitive Power, Purity and Patern; retaining ſtill ſomething of the form of Godlineſs, but denying the Spirit and Power thereof.

The firſt Beaſt carries the ſecond, and is willing to be rid upon by it, finding great benefit and advantage by having the Whore upon their back, for the propagating of ſervitude, and rooting out of the earth the pure and chaſte Principles of the Primitive, Apoſtolick, Catholick Church.

Thus the War is managed between the two ſeeds in this third day. Towards the latter end of this day is our lot fallen, who are at preſent alive in this world. But before the period, and ſhutting in of this day, the Sufferings of the Womans Seed ſhall have an end. Then, that Miniſtry of the Spirit ſhall come in, which is compared to the latter rain. This is that which ſhall break the Serpents head, utterly tread him, his kingdom and followers under foot. This is that, which (by the pouring forth of the ſeven Vials of the wrath of God upon the kingdom of the Beaſt, to the utter ruine and deſtruction thereof) will prepare the way for the coming down of the new Jeruſalem out of Heaven, as a Bride adorned for her Husband, and ſo, for the thouſand years Reign of Chriſt on Earth. At the beginning of that Reign, Satan ſhall be chained up, and there ſhall be no more Sea, or prophane worldly-Intereſt, and beaſtly Government left.

p. 72In the evening-time of this third day or age of the World (wherein we now live) it ſhall be light, by the coming on of the Kingdom and Reign of Chriſt, with all his Saints, Zech. 14. 5, 7.

This then that we have been deſcribing, is the third ſignal ſeaſon or great revolution of things in this world, wherein the ſame War that was from the beginning, hath been, and ſtill is carrying on between the two Seeds, under the name of Chriſtian, or of Chriſt's followers. The Seed of the Serpent, under pretence of being for Chriſt, do prove at laſt univerſally againſt him, moſt ſhamefully and wickedly rejecting him, and falling in with the kingdom of Antichriſt, in direct oppoſition to his Kingdom. This they will do, notwithſtanding that he hath been graciouſly ſtriving and contending by the Miniſtry of the Goſpel, to work the whole World into a ſtate of Obedience and Subjection to the Righteouſneſs of his Scepter. For this end hath he been many hundred years giving forth the light and glory of his Goſpel and Kingdom, from the Eaſtern parts of the World to the Weſt, and ſuffered himſelf all along to be caſt off, and his Members to be oppreſſed and troden under foot, by degrees, in one Nation and Country after another, till at laſt it came to theſe Weſtern parts, and was ſpread from hence in America, which with theſe Nations we live in, ſeem to be the laſt piece of Ground this Quarrel is to be fought out in. Yea, and probably this is the time as well as the place, wherein the Witneſſes are finiſhing their Teſtimony, being the laſt that are ſignally to be ſlain by the Beaſt, as the proper accompliſhment of that Propheſie, Revel. 11. 7. The Beaſt is repreſented here as generally in his aſcendant poſture, being gratified with ſome remarkable Riſe in his affairs, as a lightning before death, to enable him for the accompliſhing of this great counſel of God that is to be acted upon the dead bodies of his ſlain Witneſſes, within the three years and half before their riſing again and ſtanding upon their feet. Then they are to enter upon the ſecond part of their Prophetical Miniſtry, compared to that of Eliah's in Ahab's time, and that of Moſes in Egygt, when at their word they ſhall ſhut Heaven that it rain not, have power over Waters to turn them into blood, and to ſmite the Earth with Plagues as often as they will.

By them alſo Heaven ſhall be opened, and a fuller and more excellent diſcovery of Chriſt in Spirit miniſtred, than ever yet hath been. Amongſt them ſhall be found thoſe ſeven Angels, or Officers of the Church, to whom ſhall be committed the pouring out of the ſeven golden Vials, full of the wrath of God. Theſe Vials contain a like univerſal Miniſtry of Wrath and of the Judgement of God by p. 73Fire, upon ungodly men, as was brought by Water upon the old World in the dayes of Noah. This miniſtry of wrath by Fire, ſhall put a period to the third ſtate of things in the world, as that by Water did unto the firſt. Out of the deſtruction of the preſent World and frame of things, by this fiery miniſtry of God's wrath, is the thouſand years Reign of Chriſt to ſpring up, in that Kingdom of his that ſhall never end.

And here bear with me in giving (by way of digreſſion) ſome few broken Notions, in order to the better and more diſtinct opening of Chriſt's Kingdom, which we ſhall find (Luk. 17. 20, 21. and chap. 19. 11, &c.) to be diſtinguiſhed into a Twofold ſtate;

1. A Kingdom inward. The Kingdom of God is within you; and is the dominion of God in the Conſcience and Spirit of the Mind. This Kingdom ſtands not, nor comes in or with any outward obſervation, but is the commanding, ruling Principle of Life in the true Saint, as a Law written in his inward parts. Chriſt's Kingdom, as thus conſidered, is intended, (Rev. 11. 1.) where it is called the Temple of God, or the inward Court, and thoſe that worſhip there, glorifying God in their Spirits. This Kingdom of Chriſt is capable of ſubſiſting and being managed imwardly, in the minds of his People, in a hidden ſtate, concealed from the eye of the world; By the Power thereof, the inward ſenſes or eyes of the mind are opened and awakened, to the drawing them upward to a Heavenly converſe, catching and carrying up the Soul to the Throne of God, and to the knowledge of the Life which is hid, with Chriſt, in God. Thoſe that are in this Kingdom, and in whom the Power of it is, are fitted to flye with the Church into the VVilderneſs, and to continue in ſuch a ſolitary, diſperſed, deſolate condition, till God calls them out of it. They have VVells and Springs opened to them in this VVilderneſs, whence they draw the VVaters of Salvation, without being in bondage to the Life of Senſe, and the objects depending thereon, as touch not, taſte not, handle not, which periſh in the uſing.

2. But Secondly, Chriſt's Kingdom is alſo outward; appearing to ſenſe, and to the eye of the ſenſual or inferiour part of the mind, which works only by bodily organs, judging by the ſight of that eye, and the hearing of that ear, whoſe life is in and by the body, conſiſting in bodily exerciſe, and is therefore compared (Revel. 11. 2.) to the outward Court, and the VVorſhip thereunto appertaining. This is the Dominion of God in the Conſcience alſo, though but in the inferiour or ſenſual part of the mind, where it becomes a Law in our Members, to put in execution and perform the Law of the Spirit of p. 74our Mind, that ſo our very bodies may become the Temple of the holy Ghoſt, and we may be able to glorifie God, not in our Spirits only, but in our Bodies alſo, as clean Veſſels and earthen Tabernacles, upon which may be written, HOLINESS TO THE LORD, Zech. 14.

Now the Kingdom of Chriſt comes not properly to appear in outward ſhew and viſibility, but as it ſhines forth in this lower and earthly part of the Soul, witneſſing the Dominion and Power of God to be there as a Law and commanding Principle, in, and over the outward man. With reſpect to this kind of its Appearance, in affecting and influencing the bodily part of man, and becoming the Life thereof, it is capable to come forth in a Power and Glory that is corruptible, fading, and that wears away; as alſo in that which is incorruptible and abides for ever. The firſt of theſe is meant, (1 Joh. 3. 1, 2.) where 'tis ſaid, Now are we the Sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we ſhall be: but we know that when he ſhall appear, we ſhall be like him, (or have the like appearance with him) for we ſhall ſee him as he is. The Sons of God are not yet in the proper appearance of his Sons, but do bear the form and appearance of the fleſhly man, to the making a fair ſhew in the fleſh: They have their Treaſure but in an earthen Veſſel, unredeemed from its preſent bondage unto corruption. But the time is haſtening, when they ſhall in Spirit ſhine forth as the Sun in its ſtrength, in the Kingdom of their Father, and their very bodies ſhall be as the Firmament, tranſparent, and of ſervice to unvail the glory of the inward man, and not cover and diſguiſe it, as now they do.

But, alas! This fair ſhew in the fleſh, which may alſo be made by thoſe that are ſtrange Children, paſſes with moſt for the Kingdom of Chriſt, even yet in theſe laſt dayes, ſome crying, Lo here; and ſome, lo there; according to that form of ſervice and divine worſhip they are perſwaded in their minds, is according to the Rule of God's VVord, though it be but that only which appertains to the outward Court, which is given up by God into the hands of the Gentiles, to poſſeſs and tread under foot at their pleaſure. The Heavens hereof are paſſing away with a great noiſe, and theſe worldly Elements are melting apace; As a Veſture they ſhall be folded up and changed, they ſhall periſh and wear old as a Garment, whilſt Chriſt's inward and ſpiritual Kingdom ſhall remain, and in its due time come forth in an appearance that ſhall be laſting and unſhaken for ever. VVherefore we receiving this Kingdom, which cannot be moved, let us hold faſt, and have Grace, whereby we may ſerve God acceptably, with reverence and Godly fear. For our God is a conſuming fire.

p. 75But to return, and apply our ſelves to the ſubject we were on before, which is, To give the view of what Word God is fulfilling, and what part of his Counſel he is executing among us, in this our day. The Heavens are now black over our heads, the Sun is turned into darkneſs, the Moon into blood, and mens hearts are failing them for fear of what God is bringing upon the Earth. Great diſtreſs is in the Land, and upon the Nations; Wrath is coming upon that People, who ſay they are Jews and are not, but ſhall be found liars. The Sea and the waves alſo, will roar; the prophane heatheniſh party of men will be in great perplexity too.

Surely, the Figtree, and all the Trees are ſhooting forth; and after this cruel, ſharp Winter that is (and for ſome ſpace is yet to be) upon us, the Summer approaches that will make amends for all. Great cauſe there is for the Sons of God to lift up their heads, as foreſeeing that their Redemption draws nigh.

In this point, the Book of the Revelations will be every day more and more opened, to give us light and inſtruction, the Providences of God helping much every day too, as to the interpretation thereof, together with the Spirit of Truth, that dwells and lives in the hearts of Saints. Through mercy, the Lord who is that Spirit, hath not been wanting in his Teachings of this kind to a poor Worm in my preſent ſolitude and bonds. I ſhall have occaſion to tell you by and by, that there appears cauſe to me of diſſent from Mr. Mede, as to ſome applications that are made by him in his learned Commentary on that Book, when I come to ſpeak of ſome particulars concerning the Witneſſes, and their twofold time and ſtate of propheſying.

1. Their thouſand two hundred and ſixty years propheſying in ſackcloth, in a perſecuted wilderneſs ſtate.

2. Their propheſying in power and glory, during the ſpace of the pouring forth of the ſeven Vials of Wrath, as a fore-running Eliah-like Miniſtry, preparatory to Chriſt's thouſand years Reign on Earth. Yet, as to that which Mr. Mede calls his great Key for the opening of that whole Book, to wit, his Synchroniſms or Contemporations of things, which he finds to agree and fall out together in the ſame age and time, I exceedingly reverence his Judgement, and look upon him as one that hath moſt happily found out the hidden order and method, uſed by the holy Ghoſt in that Prophetical Book.

This method being once known to the very rational judgment of man, that may be exerciſed upon the matters contained in that Book, they are thereby rendred much more eaſie and intelligible.

Let us alſo take it for granted, (as that which is the common p. 76judgment of thoſe that acknowledge the Scriptures) that in this Book of the Apocalypſ… are contained and revealed, in an orderly method, the things which were to fall out in the courſe of God's Providence and wiſe ordering of matters for the good of the VVomans Seed, during the third Day or Age of the world. This day reaches from Chriſt's Aſcention (or departure into a far Country) to God's bringing again this his only begotten Son into the world, that every tongue may confeſs, and every knee bow to the honour of his moſt glorious Name. Then ſhall he, in the quality of Univerſal King, as well on Earth as in Heaven, enter upon and keep the poſſeſſion of his Kingdom, againſt all Uſurpers and Oppoſers whatſoever.

This ſpace of time between Chriſt's Aſcention to Heaven, and Reign on Earth, is meaſured out in three great and diſtinct Sections or Diviſions, in the Book before-mentioned, as Mr. Mede takes notice; and every of theſe three are again made to contain in them ſeven Sub-diviſions of that portion of time that is allotted unto each of them. Hereupon Mr. Mede's own words are, The order of the Seals, and in them, of the Trumpets, is certain and undoubted, to wit, the ſame, which the number to every one aſcribed doth point out, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The reſt therefore of the Prophecies in that Book, being compared firſt between themſelves, and afterwards with the Seals, by way of Synchroniſm, the Order of the whole Revelation will be evident. This Aſſertion of his I take to be moſt clear.

He therefore begins with that notable quaternion of Prophecies, which are ſo very remarkable, by reaſon of the equality of their times.

1. The firſt is, the Prophecy of the VVoman's remaining in the VVilderneſs for a time, times, and half a time, or 1260 dayes, as is there more manifeſtly declared.

2. The ſecond is that of the ſeven-headed Beaſt, reſtored and ruling forty two months.

3. The third is of the Court (or of the holy City) trodden under foot by the Gentiles.

4. The fourth and laſt, is that of the two Witneſſes, propheſying 1260 dayes, that is, years.

Now although (as Mr. Mede well obſerves) the character of equality of times will not be ſufficient to evidence that they are the ſame times, but may be before or after, yet by other characters which that Book affords, to make out the demonſtration, it ſeems very clear. Theſe other characters he brings (as well he may) out of the twelfth Chapter, where 'tis plain, that when the Dragon is caſt down by p. 77Michael out of Heaven, the VVoman eſcapes from his …ſence into the VVilderneſs, ver. 6, and 14. The Dragon being … that he had failed of his attempt to deſtroy her in Heaven, re… to his earthly weapons, and applies himſelf to make war with the VVoman and with the reſt of her Seed, to wit, thoſe which ſhe ſhould bring forth in the VVilderneſs, ver. 17. And for this purpoſe he gave his Power, his Throne, and great Authority to the ten-horned Beaſt, out of the Sea aſcending, Chap. 13. 1, 2.

By Chap. 11. it appears, that the times of the Beaſt and of the Prophecy of the VVitneſſes are equal, and that they are finiſhed together at the end of the ſixth Trumpet, which ſhews they began and held on together, the whole ſpace. The twelfth verſe ſhews the Aſcention of the VVitneſſes into Heaven, which puts a period to their mourning Prophecy, as alſo that great Earthquake (wherewith the Imperial City being overthrown, the Kingdom of the Beaſt comes to be aboliſhed) noted by the very moment in which the ſecond Woe, which is under the ſixth Trumpet, went out. On this, the third Woe is quickly to enſue, at the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet. In that very moment of time that the Witneſſes, (whom the Beaſt aſcending out of the bottomleſs pit had ſlain, being at the point of finiſhing their Teſtimony in ſackcloth) were revived by the ſpirit of life from God entring into them, and aſcending up into Heaven, the ſame hour the tenth part of the City fell, by means of the great Earthquake.

Then matters are brought to that paſs, that the ſeventh Trumpet ſounding, all the Kingdoms of the World become our Lord's and his Chriſt's. In the ſame moment alſo, the Wrath of the Lamb comes to be poured out by the Miniſtry of the Vials, and the Temple of God is to be ſeen in Heaven, ver. 15, 19.

The great Harlot, or myſtical Babylon (chap. 17.) is of the ſame time with the ſeven-headed and ten-horned Beaſt, as are alſo the hundred forty and four thouſand ſealed Ones, being Virgins; theſe are of the ſame time with the Whore of Babylon and the Beaſt.

The period of the Tyranny of the Beaſt, and of this Company of the ſealed Virgin-Saints, is at the coming forth of the multitude of Palm-bearers. For, out of what tribulation could they come, but of the Beaſt's perſecuting the Saints? Therefore they leave the Tyranny of the Beaſt behind them, and are of one Myſtical Body or Church with the ſealed Ones, and have been under the ſame Perſecution with them; but are Saints of an inferiour rank and ſtation to thoſe that have the priviledge and dignity to be ſealed with the Name of the Father in their foreheads, Chap. 7.

p. 78The two …orned Beaſt hath contemporized with the ten-horned Beaſt, (Chap. 13…e Whore with both, and all theſe three with the Woman in the Wildern… the treading under foot the holy City, and the Witneſſes (mean time) mourning in ſackcloth. The company alſo of the ſealed Virgins, and the company of Palm-bearing Virgins, brought from under great tribulation, into a ſafe and bleſſed ſtate, (though no mention be made of their being ſealed) theſe (as to the ſeaſon of their tribulation under the perſecuting Beaſt) contemporize with the Whore and the Beaſt. All theſe contemporize one with another, and fill up the ſame ſpace of time. After this, ſucceeds the Miniſtry of the ſeven Vials, at the Riſing of the Witneſſes, and the moment of their aſcending into Heaven. This will come to paſs at the beginning of the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet. Then the triumphing ſtate of the Witneſſes will come on. The power of the Keyes, and the pouring forth of the Vials of God's Wrath upon the Kingdom of the Beaſt, will be viſibly committed to them, and the time of the Beaſt's and Babylons inclining to Ruine, or the viſibly declining ſinking ſtate of both, will fall in together with this Diſpenſation of the Vials, to make way for the Marriage of the Lamb, and the coming down of the New Jeruſalem out of Heaven, to be ſeen as the Tabernacle of God amongſt men here on Earth.

The remaining difficulty then is, to fill up the firſt of the three great Sections and Diviſions of time, before-mentioned, to wit, the ſpace which had an end put to it by the Womans actual flight into the Wilderneſs. This began, when John received this Prophecy in the Iſle of Patmos. Mr. Mede very judicially ſummeth it up in theſe three Particulars.

1. The value and preference which is put by God upon the ſtate of the Church, as it anſwers to the inward Court of the Temple of old, comparatively with thoſe who in their ſpirit, principle and way, anſwer but to the outward Court thereof, and the Worſhip appertaining thereunto. The former have the true inward Circumciſion of the heart in the ſpirit, whoſe praiſe is not of men, but of God. The latter are thoſe, who, at beſt, have but the Circumciſion of the heart in the letter, which labours to ſhew it ſelf in ſuch outward Circumciſion of language and practice, as may ſerve to keep up a ſhew or form of Godlineſs in the ſight and to the well-pleaſing of man, whilſt they are at an utter diſtance, even in their hearts, from the very life and power of Godlineſs, that ſprings up from the new nature, that is found in the true Circumciſion, which worſhip God in the ſpirit, and anſwer to the inward Court.

p. 79Paul takes notice of this in his time (Gal. 4.) where he diſtinguiſhes between an earthly Jeruſalem, that is in bondage with her Children, under the Covenant of Works or Dominion of the Law, and a Jeruſalem above, which is free, and is the Mother of all that Seed of Abraham, who are Heirs according to the Promiſe. Theſe are deſcribed (Rev. 12.) by the Woman clothed with the Sun that hath the Moon under her feet, and upon her Head a Crown of twelve Stars. This figurative deſcription ſhewes the Glory of the City Jeruſalem, as it is above, inward and in ſpirit, who with her Children is in freedom, under the Covenant and Dominion of Grace. The ſame is alſo ſignified by the inward Court, appointed to be meaſured by the Reed of God, in diſtinction from the outward Court, which is not meaſured, but abandoned and given up, as it were, to the power of the Gentiles, to be by them troden under foot, and defiled.

2. In this ſame ſpace of time, falls out the impregnating of the Woman, or her growing Great, ready to be delivered of a Manchild. The principal care of the Apoſtles, and other Teachers, who ſucceeded in their Spirit, in the Primitive Church, (deſcribed under the repreſentation of the ſeven Churches of Aſia, and the Angels or Officers appertaining to them) was, to be doing what had the moſt conducible tendency to the haſtening and forwarding this birth of the Man-child, which the Dragon oppoſed, diligently watch'd to hinder, reſiſt, and (if poſſible) to devour, as ſoon as born.

3. The ſeven-headed Dragon's lying in wait, and managing the battel againſt Michael and his Angels, about the aforeſaid birth, muſt needs contemporize with the two fore-mentioned Particulars. All the three do therefore fill up the firſt ſpace of time, or age, ſucceeding the Apoſtles, meaſured out by what is contained in the ſix firſt Seals; and was fore told to John, as that which ſhould happen both to the Church and World, until the Womans flight from the Dragon, after this great battel in Heaven, and retiring into the Wilderneſs, there to be nouriſhed of God, her appointed time.

Theſe three are the immediate Antecedents of thoſe things, which have been ſhewed to contemporize under the ſeventh Seal and ſix Trumpets; that is to ſay, the diſtinguiſhing between the inward and outward Court, with the Worſhip and Service appertaining unto each; Secondly, The impregnating of the Woman: And then Thirdly, The battel hereupon ariſing in Heaven, or within the Primitive Church, and continuing a long time, till at length the Man-child comes to be born. Then the Dragon loſes his credit and authority in the Church. His ſubtilty in accuſing and laying falſe imputation; on the Brethren, p. 80the truly pure and ſpiritual part of the Church) is detected. Hereupon, he is caſt out into the Earth, confined (as it were) to the outward Court, and the Worſhippers and Service belonging to it, as the only matter for him to work upon, for the increaſe of his Kingdom by the number of Hypocrites and Apoſtates, drawn by him out of the true Church. They were in truth never of it, though for a while they were in it. At length, they find it their intereſt to make a Separation from it; being ſenſual, and not having the Spirit, they can no longer endure thoſe that have it, and that ſhine forth daily more and more in the Life and Teſtimony thereof. The old Dragon became hereby neceſſitated to manage and proſecute the War with the earthly Weapons only of worldly Power and Government, in a way of outward force and compulſion, exerciſed by the power of humane Laws, and of the civil Sword. This Power and Sword, the corrupt, ſenſual, and malignant Church (founded and conſiſting in the worſhippers and ſervice of the outward Court) getting into their hands, or engaging it on their ſide, by mingling Intereſt with worldly Governours, committed Whoredom, like Tyre, with all the Kingdoms of the VVorld upon the face of the Earth, Iſa. 23. 17. Yea, this Beaſt with two horns, ſo influenced, encouraged and back'd the ten horn'd Beaſt, that he became thereby fixed and engaged, in his Mind as well as Power, to continue and carry on the War, forty and two months longer, againſt the Woman and her Seed, and to blaſpheme God, his Name, his Tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven.

Thus in brief Heads have we ſeen how the two firſt great Sections or Diviſions of time, in the third Age, are filled up, to wit, the ſpace from John's receiving the Prophecy of them in the Iſle of Patmos to the end of the firſt battel, or war, made in Heaven, and (as the iſſue of that) the catching up of the Man-child unto God and to his Throne, and the Womans actual flight into the VVilderneſs, and from thence to the riſing of the VVitneſſes, which puts a period to the ſuffering ſeaſon, alloted to their Propheſying in Sack-cloth. And as to the third and laſt Section of time, it is that which is meaſured out by the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet, and the pouring out of the ſeven Vials, which begins with the beginning of that Trumpet, and continues till the Whore be judged, Babylon ſunk, and the whole Kingdom of the Beaſt for ever ruined and deſtroyed. This makes way for the marriage of the Lamb to be celebrated here on Earth, and ſo, for the coming on of the Kingdom of Chriſt into the actual exerciſe of a viſible ruling Power and univerſal Empire over the whole VVorld, for a thouſand years.

p. 81Having thus had a view of the diſtinct periods of time, together with the matter of the Propheſies, which were to be fulfilled in and under each of theſe diſtinct Revolutions, it will yet much prepare and help our underſtandings, rightly to diſcern and look into the Myſteries of this moſt excellent Book, if once we can but arrive at a ſatisfactory opening, and interpreting (at leaſt, in ſome chief particulars) the things which are ſignified under many of the Figures and Allegorical Expreſſions, made uſe of throughout the whole Prophecy. For Example: Let us conſider theſe; The ſeven Churches and the Angels of them: The Throne in Heaven: The ſealed Book: The Woman: The Dragon and his Angels: Michael and his Angels: The Man-child: The throne and ſeat of the Dragon's Power and Authority: The outward and inward Court: The Floud, iſſuing out of the Dragon's mouth: The diſtinguiſhed Inhabitants of the Heavens, of the Earth, and of the Sea: The 144000 ſealed Virgins: The Palm-bearers: The Remnant of the Womans Seed, that keep the Commands of God and have the Teſtimony of Jeſus: The ſeven-headed, ten horn'd Beaſt: The Beaſt's Image: The two horn'd Beaſt: The falſe Prophet: The Whore: Myſtical Babylon: The great City that rules over the Kings of the Earth: The Number of the Beaſt's Name: The two Witneſſes; their hidden or obſcure Propheſying in Sack-cloth; their glorious Appearing and Propheſying in Power, and in a Wonder-working Miniſtry, like to that of Moſes and Eliah: The Kingdom of the Beaſt, and his aſcent out of the bottomleſs pit: The ſlaying of the Witneſſes, at the finiſhing of their Teſtimony, or perioding of their Sack-cloth-Propheſying, and their lying Dead in the ſtreets of the great City, ſpiritually called Sodom and Egypt: The Witneſſes riſing and aſcending up into Heaven: The coming of the Wrath of the Lamb: The ſight of Heaven opened, with the Temple and Ark therein contained: The Harveſt and Vintage: The marriage of the Lamb: The coming down of the new Jeruſalem out of Heaven; to be as a Tabernacle of God amongst men on Earth, all the Kingdoms of this World becoming the Kingdoms of the Lord and his Chriſt.

The Charge given John, by him that was dead and yet liveth for evermore, the Amen, or everlaſting Truth of God (Rev. 1. 18, 19.) was, to write; Firſt, The things which he had ſeen, in the deſcription of the fulneſs and excellency of Chriſt's Perſon, exhibited to him, verſ. 12, 17. Secondly, The things which are, or the ſtate of the Church in his time, as it had for its chief places of abode, thoſe principal Cities in Aſia, by name expreſſed, (chap. 2d. & 3d.) together with the Repreſentation in them, (as in Type and Figure) p. 82of the ſtate of the Univerſal Apoſtolick Chriſtian Church, which was to continue under the ſeven diſtinctions of time, contained under the ſeven Seals, under the laſt whereof, ſix of the Trumpets were (as 'twere) included. There was that alſo found in thoſe ſeven Aſiatick Churches, that did typically repreſent the decreaſe and ſinking down of a great Party in the viſible Chriſtian Church, into the Apoſtaſie foretold in this Book of the Revelation, until the very time of the riſing of the Witneſſes.

Thirdly and laſtly, John was Commanded to write the things which ſhall be hereafter, or which were to ſucceed that preſent ſtate in which the then ſeven Churches were, at that time, reſpecting as well the Corruption and Apoſtaſie, coming upon the face of the Primitive Church, as the continuance of it, with countenance and ſupport from worldly Powers, till the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet. Theſe things that ſhall be hereafter, (when time ſhall be no longer, or when the Myſtery of God ſhall be finiſhed, and all perſons and things ſhall appear plainly and manifeſtly as they are) amount, in general, to the Conſtitution and Concerns of that glorious ſtate of the Church, which is to be from thenceforth, for evermore.

To proceed then to the Explicating of many of the chief Allegorical Expreſſions in this Book of Revelations.

1. By the ſeven Churches in Aſia, let us underſtand, as in type, the ſtate of the Chriſtian Church, characterized and deſcribed (as Brightman intimates) under the diſtinct periods of time, held forth by the things done, during the ſeven Seals, which reach to the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet.

2. By the Angels of the ſeven Churches are to be underſtood, not only or principally, the Officers or Perſons miniſtring, but rather the Light of the Goſpel in its diſtinct meaſures and degrees, adminiſtred according to the nature of the times and ſeaſons, which the things done under the firſt ſix Seals, did occaſion. For upon the rejecting of that, there was cauſed a gradual and ſucceſſive removing of each Candleſtick out of its place, and the Church ſinks down at length into an univerſal Defection and Apoſtacy, as to the viſible part of it. This renders it, in its concluding and final ſtate, ſo naucious and loathſome to God, that he reſolves to ſpue them out of his mouth, and reject them for ever.

To confirm this, we find each Church to conſiſt of two very different ſorts of Members; one, that are ſpiritual, prepared with ſpiritual ſenſes, or eares to hear what the Spirit ſayes to the Churches: the other, though they have the name and credit of Church-members, p. 83yea, and in proceſs of time, the greateſt viſible Power and Sway in it, ſaying they are Jews or right Heirs of Promiſe, yet are they not ſo, but do lie. They are indeed of the Synagogue of Satan. They came out from the ſpiritual and better part of the Church, as no longer able to joyn, and go along, or keep pace with them, in their heavenly Life and Converſation. Being ſenſual, and having not the Spirit, they ſeparate from the true ſpiritual worſhipper, ſeeking their upholding and maintenance in this or that Form and Way, from the Powers of the World. And having once got worldly Power and outward ſtrength and force on their ſide, they reſolved to perſecute and make War upon the better and more ſpiritual part of the Church, with earthly Weapons, and by compulſion of the Civil Sword.

3. The Throne in Heaven, deſcribed in the fourth Chapter, is the Seat which God hath made for himſelf, in the Creature-being of Chriſt the Mediator, as his own Sanctuary, from whence to iſſue forth all his Authority and Power, decreed to be by him exerciſed, whether in Heaven or on Earth, in the capacity of Head and univerſal King over all the works of God's hands. He that ſits on this Throne, is the ſame that (chap. 19.) is cloathed with a Veſture dipt in blood, and whoſe Name is called the WORD of God. He is ſaid (chap. 5. verſ. 6.) to have ſeven horns, and ſeven eyes, which are the ſeven Spirits of God, ſent forth into all the Earth; and this, by his being made fleſh, and by his Death and Reſurrection, in which he ſhewed himſelf the true Sanctuary, which God pitch'd, and not man. This had been, in type, from the beginning, a moſt glorious high Throne (Jer. 17. 12.) deſigned from all Eternity to be the Throne and the place of the ſoals of his feet, whoſe Name is the WORD of God, in order to dwell in the midſt of the Children of Iſrael for ever, and bear unto their ſight and enjoyment the clear and compleat viſion of the inviſible God.

4. The Book (chap. 5.) written within, and on the backſide, ſealed with ſeven Seals, as it is part of the Viſion given to John, is a deſcription of the inward and hidden meaning of the matter of this Prophecy, whether as to that which more eſpecially concerns the Affairs of the Church, or that which more generally relates to the Affairs of the World and the Empire thereof. The ſeven Seals with which it is ſealed on the back-ſide, do intimate the dark and myſtical movings or diſpenſations of Gods Providence, that the ſeven-fold diſtinction of time, under the ſeven Seals and Trumpets ſhould produce, as the method and way that Chriſt would take to open and p. 84make known the inward writing, and to give ſo plain a Viſion of it, that he that runs may read it.

The matter of this Prophecy, as it peculiarly relates unto the Church, contains in it the Church's progreſs and growth up in all things into Chriſt her Head, according to the purpoſe of the Father, which he purpoſed in Chriſt Jeſus before the World was, and this, in deſpite of all contradiction, or oppoſition, from the Serpent and his Seed. In this reſpect it is, that (chap. 12.) the Man-child with which the Woman was in Travel, comes at laſt to be born, and ſeated on high, above the reach of Satan, as to any hurt that he could do unto it. In the end, it becomes a Mountain, filling the whole Earth.

As the matter of this Prophecy doth more generally relate unto the World, that lies in the wicked one, and holds of the Serpent, as of its univerſal Head and Ruler, it contains the wonderful workings and contrivances of God's Providence, in favour of his Church, and in rendring to every one according to their works, filling thoſe that are of the World with the wayes of their own chuſing. By this means, his worſt enemies are taught and made to acknowledge his Juſtice and long-Suffering towards them, in and under all. His ſteady Counſels lead to the certain and final treading of all his Adverſaries under foot, and to the exalting of the horn of his Anointed, who is both Lord and Chriſt.

5. By the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that Worſhip therein, appointed to be meaſured, (chap. 11. 1.) is to be underſtood the right Worſhip of God, as well with reſpect to the object of it, ſhining forth in the Perſon and Spirit of Chriſt, inwardly known and converſed with, as with reſpect to the worſhippers themſelves, who are ſuch only as are qualified with ſpiritual ſenſes, rendring them meet for ſuch Duty and Service, which they are called to the performance of in their Spirits, and with their inward man. But that which conſiſts in the outward and bodily exerciſe, deſcribed by the outward Court, is given up, to be ſuppreſſed and troden under foot by the Gentiles, for 1260 years, verſ. 2.

6. By the Holy City is meant Jeruſalem, the City of the great King and Living God, the incorporated Society of Inhabitants or Citizens, that ſtand in relation to Chriſt, as his Subjects and Servants, under the obligation of one or other Covenant, that is conditionally or abſolutely. Thoſe that are his Subjects but in the conditional Covenant, are Citizens whoſe Names are only written in the Earth, who (upon tryal and proof) do not remain ſo. Though they ſay they p. 85are Jews, they are not, but do lie. Yea, they evidently diſcover themſelves in the end, to be the very Synagogue of Satan. But thoſe that are the Subjects of Chriſt, abſolutely, or in and by the new and everlaſting Covenant, eſtabliſhed in all things and ſure, they are ſuch Citizens, whoſe Names are written in Heaven, among the living in Jeruſalem, where they become Pillars in the Houſe of God, never to go out more, being found in a ſtate of Life and way of converſe with, and worſhipping of God in Chriſt, wherein they are ſecured from final Apoſtacy and Defection.

7. The Earthly Citizens, or the Inhabitants and Children of the Jeruſalem on Earth, do prove at laſt to be as great enemies to their King, as any among the heatheniſh and prophane World, when once they revolt from his Scepter, disjoyn and ſeparate from the ſpiritual and better part of the Citizens, whoſe Names are written in Heaven, or in the Lamb's Book of new-creature Life, in a character that is indeleble, and by vertue of that Covenant which cannot be broken. And their great Deſign (when once actually ſeparated from the true ſpiritual Worſhippers) is, by the calling in of ſtrength and aid from the prophane World, to tread under the holy City, even the very Heavenly Jeruſalem, and ſo to keep it under, that it may never come to have any Credit, Authority, or Power in the World.

Theſe Citizens and Inhabitants of the Heavenly Jeruſalem, are deſcribed (chap. 7.) by thoſe that are ſealed with the Seal of the Living God, and are either a Company certain, and numbred, making up the 144000 there mentioned; or elſe, a Company and Society of ſealed ones, that in compariſon of the former are numberleſs, and of a more large and univerſal extent, called (by way of diſtinction) Palmbearers.

The firſt ſort of theſe ſealed ones do anſwer to the 24 Courſes of the Levites of old, who were given unto God, inſtead of the firſt-born▪ They ſtand in a peculiar relation to, and dependance upon the great High Prieſt, as their Head, and do properly conſtitute and make up that Aſſembly of the firſt-born, whoſe Names are written in Heaven. Theſe are a Kingdom of Prieſts, repreſented before the Throne, by the four and twenty Elders.

The ſecond ſort of theſe Citizens and ſealed ones, do anſwer to the whole Congregation of Iſrael, diſtributed into their four parts and ſtations, round about the Ark, at a greater diſtance from the Throne, a Kingdom of common Subjects, and leſs priviledg'd Children than the former. Yet, theſe latter ſort of men ſhall be recounted as well p. 86as the former, to have been born in her, whom the Moſt High doth eſtabliſh, Pſal. 87. 5.

Thus, Pſal. 49. there is notice taken of high or noble men, and of low or common men. Theſe two Orders are eminently found in a ſtate of perpetuity and continuancy, in Chriſt's own Kingdom. Both of them have their original and foundation in the Manhead of Chriſt, who is one manner of man, as he bears the form of a Servant, like unto us earthly men, in all things, ſin only excepted. In this capacity he is conſtituted King over the whole Earth. But he is another manner of man, as he is called and made an High Prieſt after the Order of Melchiſedec, without Father, without Mother, without Pedigree or Deſcent, having neither beginning of dayes, nor end of life. It is therefore ſaid of him in this ſecond ſenſe, Conſider how great this man is, unto whom even the Patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of his ſpoyls. And again, the ſame Apoſtle (Heb. 5. 11.) teſtifies, that of him he had many things to ſay, that were hard to be uttered, ſeeing they were dull of hearing, and ſlow to diſcern the diſtinction of that excellency and perfection which ſhines forth in Chriſt's own humane nature, in the twofold reſpect which we have mentioned.

8. By the Two Witneſſes then, we are hereby taught to underſtand thoſe two ſorts of Citizens, or Inhabitants of the Heavenly Jeruſalem; the word of whoſe Teſtimony is, according to this their twofold and diſtinct birth, which makes them Kings or Prieſts with Chriſt, or both; that is, joynt or co-heirs with Chriſt, in the dignity and perfection of his Manhead, in one or both of theſe Conſiderations of it. This is intimated, (Iſa. 43. 10.) Ye are my Witneſſes, ſaith the Lord, and my Servant (Chriſt) whom I have choſen; that ye may know and believe me, or be one in Judgment and Will with me, and underſtand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed, nor ſhall be after me.

And they are called Witneſſes, not only becauſe they know and believe him, and are one in Spirit with him, as he is a glorified earthly man, and a man alſo that is Michael, God's fellow; but as they Propheſie in Sack-cloth, or in a ſuffering ſtate, not loving their lives unto the death, rather then ceaſe to be Witneſſes and to bear their teſtimony to the Truth, when called thereunto, under the greateſt contradiction of ſinners.

9. By the Woman (chap. 12.) clothed with the Sun, &c. who being with Child, cried, travelling in birth with a Man-child, and pained to be delivered, is meant the true Sarah, or ſpiritual Womb of Chriſt's dead body, (Rom. 7. 4.) which lawfully diſcharges us from the Covenant of the Law, or obligation to act ſingly by the activity p. 87it gives, that we ſhould be married to another, even to him who is raiſed from the dead, that we may bring forth fruit unto God, as quicken'd into a life and activity much more excellent. There is therefore ſet before the eyes of our Faith, the Law of the Spirit of Life that is in-Chriſt Jeſus, riſen from the dead, for us hence-forward to be conformed and live unto, as that birth of manly perfection, which ſhines forth in him, who was crucified indeed in weakneſs, but was raiſed in power, or a man of Power, in whoſe hands all Power in Heaven and Earth is intruſted. And thoſe who become one, in conjunction of Spirit with him, by the new and everlaſting Covenant, are with him caught up to the Throne of God, in the one or other capacity (before intimated) of the two ſorts of Citizens, that by the new birth are members of the Heavenly Jeruſalem, and of the remnant of the Womans Seed, that keep the Commandments of God, and have the Teſtimony of Jeſus.

The great Conteſt and Battel which happened between the Witneſſes on the one part, (comprehended under the name of Michael and his Angels) and the Serpent and his brood on the other, was, as the one were Friends, and the other Enemies, to the Croſs and Death of Chriſt, and as the Judgment, Opinions, and Practiſes of the one or other made void, or elſe eſtabliſhed and advanced the Myſtery and Efficacy of the Croſs and the Law of it, which thoſe that obſerve and follow, peace will be upon them, as on all the Iſrael of God. In this Quarrel the Witneſſes do fight under the protection and bleſſing of Michael, their Head; as the other do under the ſupport and encouragement of the Old Dragon, their Head.

10. By the Old Dragon we are to underſtand the Spirit that rules in the Children of diſobedience, who is (for the preſent) Head and chief Ruler over the World, as managing the univerſal Scepter thereof, by Chriſt's permiſſion. The Enſigns and Characters of this Empire (according to Scripture phraſe) is ſeven heads and ten horns, intimating the nature, as well as perfection and univerſality of that worldly Power, which is exerciſed by the Old Dragon, in waging war againſt the Woman and her Seed.

This War he is capable to manage, either as an Angel of Light, and a falſe Prophet in the Church; or as an univerſal Monarch and Governor in the World.

In the firſt Capacity, as this Dragon transforms himſelf into an Angel of Light, and Miniſter of Righteouſneſs, he works with all Power, Signs, and lying Wonders. As Jannes and Jambres withſtood Moſes and Aaron in their Commiſſion, ſo do the Serpent's Seed p. 88in Sheep's clothing and Chriſt's own likeneſs, reſiſt the Witneſſes in their Teſtimony, and oppoſe the Inhabitants of the Heavenly Jeruſalem, by pretending a greater Friendſhip to Chriſt, and conformity to his written Law, in all their words and actions, than the true Seed of the Woman, having indeed the form of Godlineſs, but denying the Power and Spirit thereof. After this manner did the Dragon and his Angels, in the Primitive Church, fight with Michael and his Angels, to prevent the birth of the Man-child, and to keep up the Credit and Authority of the Law, and their following after Righteouſneſs in the Principles, and upon the terms of the firſt Covenant, in oppoſition to the Miniſtry of the Spirit, according to the Promiſe and Tenor of the new and everlaſting Covenant. This battel continued, in the Primitive Church, about four hundred years, and came at laſt to this iſſue; Satan was caſt down out of Heaven, upon an evident diſcovery of his deceitful workings and lying wonders, in the Teachings and Inſpirations which came out of his mouth, as a falſe Spirit and Prophet, ſo that he was not able, ſingly this way, to bear up any longer againſt the Power and Demonſtration of the Spirit of Truth, in the mouth of the Saints, but found himſelf neceſſitated to reſort to his earthly and worldly Weapons, the Power of the Civil Sword, that ſo joyning both his Intereſts together, that of the Magiſtrate and falſe Prophet, he might grow up into ſuch a formidible poſture, as is mentioned, (Chap. 13. 4.) where it is ſaid, Who is like unto the BEAST, or able to make War with him?

This poſture the Apoſtle John beheld the Dragon putting himſelf into, when the ſeven-headed and ten-horned Beaſt aroſe out of the Sea, and the two-horned Beaſt out of the Earth. Both of theſe together do become the Seat or Throne, to which the Dragon gave up his Power and Authority. The firſt of theſe two Beaſts receives him, as the old, unclean, prophane, heatheniſh Spirit; they that are meant by that Beaſt, are ſtill the ſame in Principles, as before, only outwardly baptized into the name of the Chriſtian Profeſſion or Religion, when Chriſtian Religion became the Religion of the Roman Empire. Thus was that Beaſt healed of its former Wound, when Paganiſm was deſtroyed and pull'd down.

And becauſe the bare name of Chriſtian Religion, or out-ſide Profeſſion thereof, without ſomething of real Reformation and Power of inward Principles, was not of credit or authority enough, to advance Antichriſt's Kingdom, therefore the Miniſtry of the Law or firſt Covenant (even the knowledge of Chriſt according to the fleſh, p. 89as it is capable to ſerve the Serpents Seed for a cover and vail of their enmity againſt the Croſs of Chriſt, and Power of his Reſurrection) doth ſpring up over the head (as it were) of the firſt Beaſt. This ſecond Beaſt, or branch of Antichriſt's Subjects and Kingdom, with two horns, like the Lamb, but ſpeaking as the Dragon, chuſes rather to joyn Intereſt with the firſt Beaſt, than to ſuffer the Citizens of the heavenly Jeruſalem to come out of their Wilderneſs-condition. Yet this earth or miry clay, cannot (when all's done) cleave heartily and thorowly to the heatheniſh prophane Spirit of the firſt Beaſt, but at laſt is preyed upon by it. This Earthly Jeruſalem is unexpectedly ſurprized, and overflowed as with a flood, by that prophane Intereſt it ventured to call to its aſſiſtance againſt the true Seed of the Woman, in which reſpect it is ſaid that the Earth helps the Woman, the wrath of the prophane party of Antichriſt's Kingdom, or of the ten-horned Beaſt, being chiefly ſpent and poured out upon that Profeſſing Party that make up the ſecond, or two-horned Beaſt.

11. By the Inhabitants of the Heavens, of the Earth, and of the Sea, (chap. 12. 12.) are meant, Firſt, The Citizens of the heavenly Jeruſalem, who are under Grace; Secondly, The Citizens of the earthly Jeruſalem, who are under the dominion and curſe of the Law; And Thirdly, The prophane Party who live under ſin, moving therein, as in their Element, paſt feeling, by reaſon of the blindneſs and hardneſs of their hearts. This ſtate of Sin is nevertheleſs not unchangeable, nor thoſe that are Captives under it, in a condition irrecoverable, for Chriſt died to redeem men out of it.

12. By the ſeven-headed and ten-horned Beaſt, ariſing out of the Sea, is to be underſtood the Empire, or Governing Power of the World, in whoſe hands ſoever it be found, as it is made the Seat and Throne of Satan, and promotes the Intereſt of the Devils Kingdom in corruption of manners, and prophaneſs, even by the countenance of humane Laws, or at leaſt in the execution of them.

13. By the two-horned Beaſt, ariſing out of the Earth, we are to underſtand the Uſurpation of the Prophetical Office of Chriſt, by a falſe Spirit, or the ſaid Office as deceitfully executed in a private Spirit of ſelf-byaſſed Reaſon, in disjunction from the Spirit of the true Head, undertaking to counſel and lead men in the interpretation of the written Word, or other evident ſignification of God's Will. This, once joyned with worldly Government and Power, (made its vaſſal and ridden by it) is that Spirit and Principle for promoting of worldly Religion, which is founded in, and ſupported p. 90by humane Laws, under the Name and Form of Chriſtianity. The two-horned Beaſt and the falſe Prophet are therefore the ſame, as by comparing chap. 13. verſ. 14. with verſ. 20. of chap. 19. is moſt clear. And the ten-horned Beaſt is wont alſo to be called the Image of the Beaſt; where ever therefore the Beaſt and the falſe Prophet are mentioned together, (as they are, three times) there by the name of the Beaſt is meant no other but the ten-horned Beaſt; as by the falſe Prophet, the two-horn'd. Contrarily; where, with the Beaſt we find coupled the Image of the Beaſt, (as chap. 14. verſ. 9, & 11. chap. 15. verſ. 2. chap. 16. verſ. 2. chap. 19. verſ. 20. & chap. 20. verſ. 4.) there, by Beaſt is to be underſtood the falſe Prophet; and by his Image, the ſeven-headed and ten-horn'd Beaſt, as reſtored. For this Beaſt, ſeeing he acknowledgeth the falſe Prophet as his Reſtorer, and ſuffereth himſelf to be guided by him, as his ſupream Lord, (chap. 13. verſ. 12, 14, 15.) he is (not without cauſe) called his Image, not as repreſenting or bearing the ſimilitude of the two-horn'd Beaſt, but he is the Image which the two-horn'd Beaſt, ſpeaking like the Dragon, did reſtore, and which he challengeth for his own. To juſtifie this; that very Image of the Beaſt, which the falſe Prophet did give life unto, did cauſe that whoſoever would not worſhip the Image of the Beaſt, ſhould be ſlain. To conclude, of the ſelf-ſame is the Image of the Beaſt, and the Name or Number ſaid to be, chap. 15. 2. The Name and Number ſeem not to be called the Name and Number of any other Beaſt, than of the two-horn'd, as of the principal Founder and Lord.

14. The Number of the Name of the Beaſt, being ſaid to be the Number of a man, ſignifies that it is the ſenſual part of man's Wiſdom or Reaſon, become deviliſh, by joyning in combination with Satan in his revolt from his true Head, and in exerciſing enmity againſt all Righteouſneſs, upon one account or other.

This ſenſual part of man's Wiſdom ſavours and minds Earthly or ſeen things, and delights in corporeal fleſhly objects, whether actually corrupt, or only corruptible. This is the Wiſdom that is prevalent with the generality of men in the World, according to the Principles of which, the Empire and Government of the World is managed, and the judgment and interpretation of the very Law and Word of God is made, for the Rule in matters of Faith and Worſhip. This Wiſdom is in its beſt eſtate, unſtable and unfixed, ſo as from the top and height of its honour, there is ſuddenly a being made like the Beaſt that periſhes, and ſo a falling ſhort of the true Reſt. This was the caſe of the firſt Adam, who was created on the ſixt day▪ p. 91and whoſe unſtable perfection is therefore numbered by ſix, thrice repeated.

This ſenſual part of man's Wiſdom, is the executing or performing Power of the Soul, in reference to the dictates and enlightnings that declare themſelves in the intellectual and angelical part of the mind, which many times ſerves and approves the Law of God, whilſt the ſenſual part ſerves and obeyes ſin, and as with a Law of common conſent from the Members, oppoſes and reſiſts the good and right Rule which ſhines forth in man's intellect, and which we call ſound or right Reaſon. But as this ſenſual part, in its movings and actings, holds agreement and is in conjunction with the intellectual part, as its Ruler and Guide, following the dictates thereof; ſo far the actings thereof are ſound and right, holding conformity to the Law of God. Thus even the ſenſual part (as ſubject to the right dictates of the intellectual) is it ſelf a Rule unto humane action, and is the principle and foundation of righteous Magiſtratical Government amongſt men. Now when this Principle in Magiſtrates, ceaſes to be any longer found in a ſtate of down-right Paganiſm, and comes to be healed and reſtored out of darkneſs and prophaneſs, by receiving of the Scriptures or written Word of God, (opened and interpreted by ſuch as pretend to be commiſſioned and gifted for that purpoſe) unto which it owes its healing and reſtoration, it doth by way of acknowledgement receive and ſet up that prophetical Office, in an adminiſtration, countenanced by humane Laws and the Magiſtrates Power. Where-ever this kind of Magiſtracy is, in both the branches of it, both Civil and Eccleſiaſtical, (ſetting up for themſelves and their own Intereſts, in their own wills, in disjunction from Chriſt and his Spirit, the true Head, and in oppoſition to the Remnant of the Womans Seed, and their teſtimony in word and action) there is the Kingdom and Seat of the Beaſt and Antichriſt, leading the People over whom it is exerciſed, into ſervitude both of Soul and Body. This is that Principle and Power, that after the limited time of 1260 years, muſt fall and be taken out of the way.

15. By the Witneſſes Propheſying in Sack-cloth, are meant the true Circumciſion in Spirit, who Worſhip God in Chriſt Jeſus, and live in a through-reſignedneſs of mind to him that is riſen from the dead, who is the Spirit of Truth which is given them by the Father to be their guide, of whom and of whoſe Teſtimony they are not aſhamed, what ever diſgrace it be in, or however rejected by the Government under which the Providence of God hath placed them. They do therefore own it as their Principle, and make it their practice, to p. 92bear and ſuffer under ſuch worldly Powers and Governments, in Faith and Patience, whatever befals them for their Teſtimony's ſake, without attempting to reſiſt the Powers that are, to diſturb their peace or give them any juſt cauſe of offence.

They are called Witneſſes, becauſe of the word of their Teſtimony, which they forbear not to give in the worſt and moſt ſuffering times, whatever it coſt them. And they are Two, deſcribed by two Candleſticks, or Societies of Believers, and two Olive Trees or Sons of Oyl, becauſe through Faith they are the receivers of the Anointing which comes from the Holy One, and is Truth and no Lie. This Anointing proportions it ſelf in its Gift, either according to the meaſure it finds the Nature of man capable to take in and poſſeſs, without any new addition of a diſtinct, ſuperiour capacity and reception; or elſe gives forth its ſelf in a vaſt and boundleſs communication, wherein it is capable to flow forth into man, and to form in him an anſwerable Reception thereunto, (beyond and above that capacity and meaſure of knowledge and diſcerning, which is proper to man in his firſt make or building) to the extending and enlarging the intellectual part of man's Being, into a more abundant fruition of God, in a ſuperiority to that of Angels, even to a joynt inheriting, ſeeing, and enjoying of God with the exalted humane Nature of the Son of God, in that Name which he obtains above Angels, and wherein he is more excellent than they. At this more excellent Name of Chriſt, as it originally ſhines forth in Chriſt's own Perſon, every knee muſt bow, and every tongue confeſs, to the glory of God the Father.

Theſe two ſorts of Saints are in moſt intimate Union and inſeperable conjunction with the Lord that Spirit, who is the Son of man glorified or juſtified in Spirit, and who hath the gift of the Anointing, in both the reſpects before-mentioned. The one ſort of theſe Saints as well as the other, do with open face behold (as in a glaſs) the Glory of the Lord, whether that, wherein he is perfect man, or that wherein he is more than man, the man that is God's Fellow and Equal, and ſo Superiour and Head to Angels, Principalities and Powers, aſcended far above all Heavens. And they are changed into the ſame Image, reſpectively, whether of the one Glory or of the other, by the Spirit of the Lord, or the Lord the Spirit.

Theſe Two Witneſſes do live and abide in their Principles and word of their Teſtimony, when their perſons die, and they have put off their earthly Tabernacle. For the Witneſſing-work is carried on in a ſucceſſion of new Witneſſes, brought upon the ſtage of this World, p. 93one Generation after another, during the time declared of 1260 years, whilſt they are appointed to propheſie in Sack-cloth. And when that ſuffering ſeaſon of theirs ſhall have an end put to it, (as it muſt) the like two Companies and Societies of Saints (ſpirited with the ſame Principles, that theſe ſackcloth or ſuffering Prophets are of, both of them making but one Church and Houſe of the Living God) ſhall be quicken'd and rais'd up in Power, by ſuch a Redemption wrought in and upon their bodies (even here, in this life) from the bondage of Corruption, as is called the Adoption of the body, Rom. 8. 23. This Adoption or Redemption of the body, on this ſide the Reſurrection, will hold proportion very much, with Chriſt's Transfiguration. This ſtate of the body is prophetically deſcribed, Dan. 12. 3. where we are given to underſtand that the bodies of the Saints, or of thoſe that are wiſe, ſhall ſhine as the brightneſs of the Firmament, and their Spirits as the Stars for ever and ever. For into ſuch an intimate relation and conjunction, will Chriſt, as he is the Head of Angels, take and adopt the Spirits of Angels, and men regenerated, with himſelf, and with one another, as by his own influence on the Spirits of Saints, and by his and the influence of their own Spirits on their bodily or ſenſual part, to reduce their bodies into ſo near a relation to, and conjunction with the Life of their Spirits, and Chriſt in Spirit, as will raiſe and advance them into a heavenly frame, and render them meet for ſo great a glory of Spirit, or eminent exerciſe of ſpiritual Life and Power. This will be a glory of the body, not before known, as a common and general diſpenſation, ſince the World began, nor yet hardly ſo eminently experienced even by thoſe few choice Types and Shadowes of it, Enoch, Moſes and Elias, or others. This is that ſtate of body, or of the very outward-man and ſenſual part of the Saint, whereby Chriſt will be glorified in his Saints, and admired in all thoſe that do believe.