Commentary Upon Revelation, Chapter 20 – Notice
CHAP. XX.
WEe hauehave heard the iudgement of the Whore, and the Beaſt her aduancer: but for a perfit victory, is requiſite alſo the deſtruction of the Dragon, that great and Maſter enemie: as, of whoſe Kingdome and authority, the Beaſt, who made all the Whores credit, was onelyonly the ſuffragant. That is, in this Chapter, ſet foorth, in two degrees of his captiuity: Chap. 13.whereof, the laſt is abſolute, to eternall deſtruction. Now, as captiuity implyeth euer a fore-going liberty, whereof it is the priuation, ſo heere, a twofold liberty or looſing is to bee taken vp; according to the two degrees of reſtraint. The firſt liberty, it was not needfull, that heere it ſhould be recorded, beeing largely declared in the 12. Chapter. From which liberty, his reſtraint, albeit of that time (as by ſubſtituting the Beaſt of his authority, by deceitfull hypocriſie and efficacie of error, to worke that, from performing whereof, in open rage, hee was then bound vp, might well bee preſumed) yet hath beene reſerued to this place, to giuegive vsus in one view, his whole ſtory. Which, conſiſteth in that rage, Chap. 12. From which, beeing heere, in ſome conſideration, bound vp for a time, he is againe let looſe; and his endeauours thereupon, are here declared: ſo farre from his intended ſucceſſe, as he is taken the ſecond time, and deſtroied for euer.
2 In his firſt reſtraint, come to bee conſidered, the ſureneſſe, end, and degree thereof. The ſureneſſe, is cleered in the perſon apprehender, and manner of fermance. The apprehender is God …s miniſter, an Angell: inſtructed with authority, as, comming from heauen: with power to execute, as, hauing the key of the bottomleſſe pit, and a great chaine. All ſpoken after the manner of men. This Angell, falleth not from heauen to earth, as that great ſtarre, Chapter 9. but commeth downe, as he Chapters 10. and 18. And, accordingly, hath the key of the bottomleſſe pit for a farre different end from that: this comming, to incloſe the Prince of darkeneſſe, being himſelfe the miniſter of light: whereas that great ſtarre, falling from the miniſtrie of light, to become the miniſter of darkneſſe, he openeth the botomleſſe pit, to let out darkeneſſe. The Dragon, is heere deſcribed, by theſe ſame names, and property, of ſeducing Nations, which are giuen him in the 12. Chapter, in the firſt degree of this his firſt foile, towards this firſt captiuity: when by Michael his valour, hee was caſt from heauen. Which the holy Ghoſt doth, of purpoſe, to leade vsus know that this firſt binding, is from that rage. So wiſely and plainely, the ſpirit teacheth vsus to couple together the parts of this propheſie. Now Chriſt is hee properly, who treadeth downe the head of that ſerpent: Gen. 3. Luke 11. 21. 1. Ihon 3 8. Chap. 1. 18.who, onelyonly, is that ſtronger then the ſtrong one, comming in, binding him and ſpoiling his houſe: as who, onelyonly hath come to loſe the workes of Satan, and onelyonly hath the keies of hell and death. But, according as he giueth gifts to men, and worketh by his miniſters of whatſoeuer calling, who, in his light and ſtrength, aduance the Kingdome of light, and bring downe that of darkeneſſe, his miniſters, thus inſtructed by him, and to this ende, are alſo Pſal. 149. 8.binders of the Dragon. Of whom this Angell is the generall type.
3 The manner of fermance, to ſhew the ſurenes thereof, is after the manner of men, ſet forth, in incloſing, ſhutting, and ſealing, as was the caues mouth on Daniel, and the Sepulchre of Chriſt.
4 The end of his reſtraint is, That he ſeduce not the Nations, &c, Which ende, how it is, and how farre to be vnderſtood, the degree of his reſtraint now, and his endeauour, vponupon his next looſing will make cleare.
5 Thus we hauehave the ſureneſſe, and end of the Dragons reſtraint. Now followeth the degree thereof: cleering the end, as I hauehave ſaid. The degree is, that this his captiuity is not abſolute, but in a ſpeciall conſideration. This is ſhewed by the time thereof, ſtate of men in that time, and what this ſtate is. The time is not, for euer, as in his next taking, but, for a thouſand yeeres: which being expired, he was to bee loſed againe. The denunciation of which ſad euent, is mitigated with a conſolation, that it ſhould be but for a ſhort ſpace, euen that three daies and a halfe, wherein the witneſſes were killed and lay vnburied, Chapter 11. For thencefoorth, by degrees the Dragon is againe comprehended, till he be made fully faſt in eternall chaines.
6 The ſtate of men, during this firſt reſtraint, ſheweth it alſo not to be abſolute: in ſo farre, as hee ſhall bee bound but to a few, being ſtill looſe towards the moſt part. This is cleered, by declaration of the ſeuerall condition of both: and firſt, of theſe to whom hee is bound. Wherein, are two: their condition, in this his reſtraint: and, who they are, that hauehave this condition. Their condion, is expreſſed, firſt, in figuratiue ſpeech, of Thrones and Sitters, hauing iudgement accordingly, giuen them: and next, in proper termes, that they liued and raigned with Chriſt theſe thouſand yeeres. Who they are, that are in this eſtate and condition, is ſhewed in two ſorts: Firſt, The ſoules of them who were beheaded for the word of God, &c. Secondly, They who worſhipped not the Beaſt, &c. The ſtate and condition of the contrarie ſort, is, that during theſe thouſand yeeres, they lay dead and liued not. Now, how great this number is, and how ſmall in compariſon thereto, is the former, is cleere by the 13 Chapter, where all the earth follow the Beaſt, and receiue his Character, name, or number: except theſe 144000. ſealed ones, Chap. 7. in mount Sion with the Lambe, Chap. 14. And conſequently, in what reſpect, and to whom, the Dragon is ſaid, during this ſpace, to bee bound.
7 The third point, ſhewing yet further the ſtrict conſideration of Satan his reſtraint, is the explication of this ſtate and condition of both ſorts of men: what this life and raigne of the one is: and, what is the death of the other. To wit, that this life and raigne, are not to bee taken for this naturall life, or any wordly dominion: neither yet, for that euerlaſting and glorious ſtate, which the Saints, in Soule and body, after the laſt indgement, inioy in heauen: this being their ſtate during the thonſand yeeres, and called the firſt reſurrection. As, neither is the death of the other, to be vnderſtood of the naturall death of the body, by ſeperation of the ſoule therefrom: or, of the eternall death of both, in Gehenna: as, wherein the world lying dead a thouſand yeeres, thereafter riſeth from it, to hauehave part in the firſt reſurrection, and conſequently of bleſſedneſſe. But, this life and raigne in reſpect of the ſoules beheaded, is their honourable commemoration, and riſing from vnderunder theſe horrible ſlanders & calumnies, whereby, the honour of their ſufferings was, maliciouſly, by Satan eclipſed: euen that ſame thing, which, by long white robes, was ſignified, Chapter 6. In reſpect of theſe who Worſhipped not the Beaſt, &c. This life and raigne, is the firſt reſurrection: whereby men here, by the word and ſpirit, are begotten to the life of God in Chriſt, and freed from the bondage and death of Satan and ſinne: being Epheſ. 5. 14.vindicare in the liberty of the ſonnes of God, and ſo, made Kings and Prieſts to God in Chriſt Ieſus. And the death of the reſt, who riſe not this firſt reſurrection, is that death in ſinne, ignorance, idolatrie and induration, wherein all men lye, naturally, depriued of the life of God: like thoſe 1. Tim. 5. 6.widowes, who being aliue, yet were dead: and like Ephraim, who was dead in Baal. From which death, who O…. 13. 1.ſo riſeth not, to be pertaker of the firſt reſurrection, ſhall be accurſed foreuer, and ſubiect to the power of the ſecond death, as contrariwaies, who hauehave part in the laſt reſurrect on, are bleſſed and holy, and ſhall liue and raigne eternally not feeling the ſecond death.
8 Now, this death of the Reſt of men, albeit in particular conſiderations of the ſingular perſons, in that time who lay dead and raiſe not the firſt reſurrection, it was an entrie to the ſecond death: Yet the ſpirit, heere, ſheweth that in the generall conſideration of the world, it ſhould not alwaies lie in that death. But as theſe 144000. liued and raigned with Chriſt, theſe thouſand yeeres, (while all the earth followed the Beaſt, and were dead in Baal) and were partakers in the firſt reſurrection, vnderunder ſure hope of the ſecond, to glory: ſo after theſe thouſand yeeres were expired, not theſe onelyonly but an infinite number of all peoples, Kindreds, Tongues, and Nations, with Palmes in Chap. 7.their hands, and long whit robes, made white in the blood of the Lambe, ſhould riſe from their death wherein they lay, and ſing a new ſong. This, is euidently implied in theſe words, The reſt of the dead liued not, till the thouſand yeeres were expired, and this is called the firſt reſurrection, which, is ſpoken, in common, both of the former who liued during the thouſand yeeres, and of the other, who, after the thouſand yeeres, aroſe and liued. So, as theſe words, This is the firſt reſurrection, are relatiue, als well to the life of theſe who liued during the thouſand yeeres, as to them, who ſhould liue after the expiring thereof: for, their life is one, albeit not of one time, as the words, The reſt of the dead liued not till, &c. euince clearely: and accordingly, bleſſedneſſe and immunity from the ſecond death, is the firſt pronounced in common, of both: and thereafter ſeuerally by parts, this their common life and bleſſedneſſe of the firſt reſurrection is exponed. That the firſt ſhould liue and raigne with Chriſt a thouſand yeeres: and the other, notwithſtanding, of the Dragon againe louſed, and his ſtrange endeauours thereupon, yet ſhould riſe this firſt reſurrection, and liue, and raigne with Chriſt for euer and euer. The place hath been, and is miſtaken highly, euen to the breeding of dangerous hereſies. But thus it is. The holy Ghoſt hauing ſet forth the ſtate of the Church, as ſhee riſeth the firſt reſurrection, and liueth the life of God, from the time of Sathan his firſt reſtraint, and that in two degrees of riſers: firſt theſe, who during the yeeres of his Captiuity, liued & raigned, when as by the Beaſt his preuailing it might hauehave ſeemed, that there had beene none at all: Next, theſe, who after the thouſand yeeres, notwithſtanding his looſing and rage, yet roſe from their death in ſuperſtition and blindneſſe; and hauing ſaid of both in common, this is the firſt reſurrection. He then proclameth their bleſſedneſſe accordingly, in this their ſpirituall life, and raigne here, and that diſtinctly according to the two times. Of the firſt ſort, that they ſhall be Prieſts of God, & raigne with Chriſt a thouſand yeeres. And of the ſecond ſort, that after the thouſand yeeres were expired they ſhould riſe to the life of God, and raigne for euermore. Now, if this ſecond member had been thus ſuccinctly put, anſwering ſo to the other, it had exempted al doubt. But becauſe in ſtead of this ſummarie reddition, the holy Ghoſt much more gracefully ſubioyneth the narration, how, as during Sathan his firſt reſtraint, a good number liued the life of God, refuſing the Beaſt his marke, and ſo were bleſſed in the aſſurance of victory ouer the ſecond death: ſo, after his louſing notwithſtanding thereof, and all his endeauours thereupon, the reſt of the dead ſhall riſe the firſt reſurrection, and the Church ſhould ſtill waxe and encreaſe in light & grace: Sathan in his higheſt endeauours againſt her, ſhould be againe made faſt for euer, and ſhe enioy an eternal peace. Then to hauehave the full ſenſe of the ſecond member, and a cleare reddition, wee muſt reade from the beginning of the ſeuenth verſe, to the end of the 5. of the 22. Chapter. Neither muſt wee here imagine, that the firſt are ſaid ſo to liue a thouſand yeeres, as though the life of God had periſhed from them thereafter, or that this life and raigne is of one and the ſame perſons, ſtill liuing all this while, (which were a lourdly groſſe apprehenſion) as neither muſt wee thinke, that becauſe the ſecond are ſaid to raigne for euermore, that thereby is firſt and properly meaned their ſtate in glory after the laſt reſurrection. But thus the ſpirit will ſhew, how firſt and laſt God entertained a Church, and ſpirituall life therein. To the firſt, are attributed a thouſand yeeres, in reſpect that the Dragon being ſo long tyed from diſturbing their ſpirituall life and raigne by open rage, is againe let louſe. To the ſecond, a raigne for euermore, becauſe the Dragon fighting againſt it, is taken and captiued for euer, to ſhew ſuch a deſtruction of oppoſers, as the Church her peace ſhould neuer againe bee diſturbed by any new louſing of Sathan from his ſecond impriſonment: but ſhee ſhall enioy quiet ſtate here in plentifull diſpenſation of grace, till ſhee bee at length tranſlated to euerlaſting glory: according to that which of her in this reſpect was ſaid, Chapter 7. they ſhall hunger no more, &c. To take the thouſand yeeres, verſe 6. to beginne at the expiring of the firſt thouſand, verſe 4. and 5. which ſecond thouſand yeeres, the reſt of the dead ariſing, ſhall liue and raigne: and to take the firſt reſurrection here ſo in relation to a ſecond, as by the firſt ſhould be meaned the riſing of Gentiles from vnderunder Antichriſtian darkeneſſe: and the conuerſion of Iewes to be in relation thereto, the ſecond: Albeit it be the indgement of one deepely ſeene in theſe myſteries, and deſeruing well of the Church for his learned Commentaries on this Booke; yet it ſeemeth to me a groundles coniecture, which hath made him to miſtake alſo as I think the end of this Chapter. For, beſides that to take the thouſand yeeres, verſe 6. for a ſecond thouſand, after that verſe 4. and 5. and yet to make the thouſand yeeres ſpoken, verſe 7. to be relatiue to the firſt, and not to theſe immediately preceeding, it maketh an obſcure, and implicate conſtruction, (which in our interpretation goeth plaine and ſoundly) what ſhould induce to thinke a ſecond thouſand yeeres to be meaned verſe 6. ſeeing no caſe is put at the end thereof to fall out, why the ſpirite ſhould ſo exactly hauehave limited them, as we ſee in the firſt the looſing againe of the Dragon? The thouſand yeers, life and raigne then in the 6. verſe, is the ſame which was ſpoken, verſe 4. and there reſumed very pertinently, to ſhew, in ſubioyning the other ſort of riſers and liuers, God his whole diſpenſation, from the firſt binding of the Dragon, towards his Church, firſt and laſt, and diſtinctly in both.
9 Now, from what point of time to beginne, and at what point, conſequently to cloſe the count of theſe thouſand yeeres, the end heere mentioned, and degrees of the Dragon his reſtraint, doe clearely lead vsus. Wee muſt not thinke, that Sathan in an inſtant was eyther tyed vp from his rage, or againe, in a preciſe point of time let looſe. But both fell out by degrees. From the firſt out going of the Goſpell, hee beganne in ſome degree to bee bound, as hee complaineth of Chriſt, that hee had come to torment him before the time. And as Math. 8. 29.the Goſpell preuailed, hee was ſtill the more made faſt. But ſeeing the end here ſpecified of his binding, and the condition of the Church heere deſcribed vponupon his reſtraint, Make euident, that this his Captiuity is not abſolute, but in ſome ſpeciall conſideration: and the degrees here mentioned ſhew, that then his vptying is to bee counted, when in that conſideration he is perfectly made faſt, as taken, ſhut vp, locked on & ſealed; we hauehave to take vp that point of time, when according to this end he was fully faſtned. I ſhewed before on the 12. Chapter, that the Dragon his proper rage is taken for open and cruell perſecuting of Chriſtians: from which he was then fully tyed vp, when by Conſtantine his conuerſion to the faith, open perſecution ceaſed, and Chriſtianity was by lawes eſtabliſhed, the Church became glorious in the eyes of all men; the ſoules of Martyres got long white robes, and ſeates were ſet vp, and the Saints Chap. 6. 11.did ſit on them, &c, hauing iudgement giuen them. For, both the commemoration of Martyrs was honourable, and the eſtate of the Church flouriſhing in peaceable and goodly condition, and glorious account. And albeit in the meane time, Sathan was working by his Lieutenant the Beaſt, whom vponupon this his reſtraint from open rage, hee ſent forth, then in the firſt ſenſible degrees to deceiue by falſe ſemblance, and who from this point of time mightily preuailed (though at firſt by ſlow & ſcarſe perceptible degrees, as riſing out of the earth) in bringing Nations to make vp the image of the Beaſt, which at the end of theſe thouſand yeeres came to the top of Chap. 13.impiety: yet they liued and raigned all the while, who Chap. 14. Sect 8.receiued not his Character. The end then here mentioned of the Dragons reſtraint, that hee ſhould not ſeduce, &c. muſt not bee taken abſolutely (for hee was neuer buſier ſeducing, nor with greater ſucceſſe, then during theſe thouſand yeeres) but ſeducing here muſt be vnderſtood, according as wee ſee hee worketh vponupon his louſing againe: when hee falleth to that ſame kinde of ſeduction, from which firſt hee was bound vp, that is, to ſeduce Nations to compaſſe the Tents of Saints, and the beloued City. Euen to ſet them againe vponupon violent and furious perſecution, by ſword and fire, as he was a murtherer from the beginning, and as in that, men moſt bewray themſelues to bee the children of their father the Diuell. From this rage hee was bound vp, when by the two wings of that great Eagle, the woman eſcaped to her Ioh. 8. 44.place from the preſence of the Dragon: he beeing chained from comming at her, now extolled with wings. And the degrees here ſet downe, of binding, incloſing, ſhutting vponupon and ſealing, ſhew euidently that the count is to be taken vp from the full and perfect point of his Captiuity. For from that time hee had no louſe chain for open rage. In Iulian he was not ſo much louſed, as biting the chain. Who beſides his ſhort abode, neuer durſt fall directly to murthering of Chriſtians, the perſecutions of Conſtantius and Ʋalens were partiall heates vnderunder profeſſion, euen that bloud that was mingled with haile and fire, Chapter 8.
10 Now, as wee hauehave the point of time of his perfect fermance, which is the 300. yeere of Chriſt, or therby: ſo this leadeth vsus to the point of his looſing, the 1300. yeere, or thereby, and the conueniency of ſtory is cleare; for although as by degrees hee was faſtned, ſo by degres hee was looſed againe; yet wee ſhall find as at the firſt point, the full degree of his binding; ſo at this time, him fully looſed. In the Pontificality of Gregory the ſeuenth, he had a long chaine, which yet was further raxed in that of Vrban the ſecond, and his Succeſſors, kindlers of that tragicall and ſuperſtitious warre, for recouery of Ieruſalem. But, for the end here ſpoken of open cruelty againſt Saints, hee was fully louſed in the Pontificality of Boniface the eighth and his ſucceſſors; from whoſe times hauehave beene bloudy perſecutions and cruell rage. Then the woman beganne to returne from the wildernes, the witneſſes to ſteppe out Chap. 11.of the Temple, the little booke eaten, to giuegive hearts and eyes, to apply the reede, and ſo to diſcerne the Temple from the Court: then the firſt of theſe three Angels, Chapter 14. beganne to breake out through the midſt of Heauen, and the other two in courſe followed: ſo as then they were bleſſed who died in the Lord, and then was the patience of Saints. The Beaſt his mouth then being perceiued, and ſo the ſemblance of the Lambs horns no more able to beare him out, the Dragon behooued come againe in roome to maintaine his owne throne, & to repreſſe by rage what by hypocriſie could not be kept downe. Then the two witneſſes lay ſlaine in the ſtreetes of the great City, all Nations being ſeduced to ſlay them, and reioyce ouer them. Then the Beaſt which Chap. 11.was carſt ſpotted like a Pard, becommeth of the Dragons colour; and the Whore born vp by him, is drunke Chap. 17.with the bloud of Saints: from that time what cruell murther of Chriſtians was vnderunder the odious names of Waldenſes, Albingenſes, Fraterculi, Beghardi, &c. And ſince, what fiers, what bloud ſheds, what monſtrous complots for extirpation of the truth hauehave beene practiſed, is too well known.
11 In this rage, though for a time the Dragon deborded, yet praiſed bee God, by ſucceſſe of the Goſpell, and fire from heauen, hee is in making faſt the ſecond time, in an euerlaſting chaine. Therefore it is ſaid, that hee ſhould be louſed but a ſhort space. For they are faine to relent of their open murthering and burning, & are now in God his iuſtice getting meaſure for meaſure,
12 The time then of theſe thouſand yeeres, is from the firſt open and ſenſible ſteppes of the myſtery of iniquity, working on to the quickning of the Beaſt (which fell together with this binding vp of the Dragon) to the toppe of that impiety, when it came to the higheſt degree. And this is the onelyonly time in all this propheſie, to Chap. 9. Sect. 5.bee taken definitely; becauſe of Antichriſt his whole working (which was in way euen from the Apoſtolike times, firſt by hid and inſenſible, and next by open ſteppes towards the height, from which height againe as by degrees it aroſe, ſo by degrees it muſt vaniſh) no preciſe or exact time could be ſet downe: but yet, to giuegive vsus ſufficient cleareneſſe, the holy Ghoſt putteth the time from the firſt beginning of open working, to the height of impiety: and marketh the two pointes of this time, with moſt euident notes of the binding of the Dragon, and his louſing againe.
13 In Conſtantine his time, that too great and open ſteppes were laide for Antichriſt to mount vp to Sathan his throne, is too well knowne. And to what a height the miſtery of iniquity had wrought on, in the Pontificality of Boniface the eighth their owne ſtories giuegive cleare teſtimony: recording of him that hee entred like a foxe, raigned as a Lion, and died as a dogge. When, by a counterfeit Oracle hee had got himſelfe made Pope, hee would vponupon no condition acknowledge the Emperour, except hee did take his title and dignity of him, as to whom properly it belonged. He excommunicated the French King, becauſe hee would not take his Crowne holden of him, and impudently and impiouſly diſcharged his Subiects of their allegeance. He blaſphemouſlie againſt the honour of Chriſt his Croſſe, inſtituted the firſt Iubilie at Rome, and put forth this decree, that the Biſhoppe of Rome ought to be iudged of none, although he ſhould carry innumerable ſoules with him to hell.
14 The peruerſe mindes of the Romanes here bewray themſelues. For this time of a thouſand yeeres, which onelyonly of all the times in this propheſie is to bee taken definitely, they will hauehave to bee indefinite; and al the reſt to be taken both definitelie and properly. And without either example of Scripture, or ſhew of alluſion, caſting it roundly by them, they will forſooth hauehave theſe thouſand yeeres here indefinitely put for all the time from Chriſt, to Antichriſt his raigne: who ſhall raigne (ſay they) three yeeres and a halfe before the laſt iudgement. But, if during theſe thouſand yeeres, the ſpeciall honor and chiefe crown of them who liue and raign in them, be their refuſing to worſhippe the Beaſt (whom euen Romans confeſſe to be Antichriſt) of neceſſity his Kingdome muſt hauehave beene in vogue theſe thouſand yeeres. And this againe ſheweth plainely, that theſe times of a 1260. dayes, 42. monethes, and a time, times, & halfe a time, are not properly and definitely put for the iuſt time of Antichriſt his raigne, as the Romans would inforce, ſeeing theſe thouſand yeeres hee beareth ſway: further, if theſe times were definitely, and yet not properly to be taken, as ſome of our learned interpreters eſteeme, I ſee no reaſon why here the holy Ghoſt ſhould hauehave altered his ordinary ſtile. See Chapters 9. and 11. and 12.
15 Now conſidering all the courſe of this propheſie, expreſſing firſt the ſtate of the Church in the ſeuen of Aſia, next, compriſing the whole future euents in ſeuen Seales: the ſeuenth whereof affordeth ſeuen Trumpets; and the ſeuenth of theſe ſeuen vials of the laſt wrath. Seeing alſo that in all this Booke, but ſeuen diuers times are recorded. Firſt, that of ten dayes, Chapter 2. 2. that of halfe an houre, Chapter 8. 3. that of fiue monethes, Chapter 9. 4. that of an howre, day, monethmonth and yeer of the ſixth Trumpet, Chapter 9. 5. that of 1260. dayes, 42. monethes, a time, times, and halfe a time, which are but one, Chapter 11. and 12. and 13. 6. that of three dayes and a halfe, Chapter 11; and now this of a 1000. yeeres is the ſeuenth, in huge proportion, exceeding all the former. Conſidering alſo, that this time of a 1000. yeeres, is in the courſe of this Chapter, and within ſhort ſpace, ſixe times recorded, and thereafter no time mentioned but euermore. Whither in theſe conſiderations, if this maner of leading implyeth any further myſtery, I referre it to godly and ſober conſiderations: not daring louſe the raines to curioſity in ſo diuine and hid matter; wherein yet I am perſwaded, thongh my weakeneſſe cannot find it out, that nothing is eyther in matter or manner of handling, which hath not in it a great depth of wiſdom.
16 Thus was the dragons firſt reſtraint, in a certaine degree of time and meaſure. Followeth the ſecond, abſolute and euerlaſting. And it is cleared by the fore-going liberty, to which hee is louſed. From the firſt binding. So as all this point is in theſe two, the dragons ſecond liberty, and the euent thereof.
17 In this his ſecond liberty, is the time when, and his endeauour beeing looſed. The time is, at the expiring of the thouſand yeeres whereof wee hauehave ſpoken. His endeauour being looſed, is to practiſe againe, that from which, by his firſt taking, hee was with-held: that is, to ſeduce Nations. Which ſeducing, muſt bee vnderſtoode to be of that ſame kind, as heereafter is clearely ſhewed, in that hee brought them to compaſſe the tents of Saints and beloued City. For otherwaies, all the time of his reſtraint from this kind of working, hee by the Lieutenant of his power, ſeduced in another kind mightilie. The greatneſſe of this his endeauour, to this end, is cleared: firſt, by theſe whom hee ſeduced: and next, by their action vponupon his inſtigation. In theſe who are ſeduced, are theſe circumſtances. 1 Their habitation. 2 Their quality. 3 Their number. Their habitation, is the foure quarters of the earth. Whereby is offered to our conception, both, Satan his earneſt and diligent practiſe in this his laſt puffe; and that, all the enemies ouer the whole earth, of what ſtate and condition ſoeuer, whom, in this his laſt fury, hee bringeth foorth, are heere deſigned. Their quality, is expreſſed in the names giuen them, of Gog and Magog. To ſhew them, deteſtable, for cruell diſpoſition to deſtroy: that by a huge deſtruction, they ſhall be deſtroyed: and that they are the inſtruments of Satan his laſt fury. Their number, is expreſſed in two notes. One, that they ouerſpred the plaine of the earth: the other, that they were as the ſand of the Sea for multitude.
18 Such are they who are ſeduced. The end, whereto the Dragon leadeth them, is, to compaſſe the tents of Saints and the beloued City. Euen the vtter deſtruction (in their intent) of God his true Church, heere on earth, pitching in Tents, as yet in their warfare, and abſent from their eternall habitation: but who notwithſtanding, are the true Citizens of heauen, beloued Chap. 12.of God.
19 Thus is the Dragons liberty, and his endeauour thereupon. The euent heereof is double. One, of them, who thus ſeduced by him, were ſet on ſo euill a worke; that fire came from heauen and deuoured them. The other, of him who is their leader; that hee is now taken and commited to euerlaſting fire and torment. This his iudgement, is cleared by his fellowſhip therein: the Beaſt and falſe Prophet.
20 This euent is further cleared and declared ſure, by ſetting downe the laſt degree of their deſtruction, in the laſt iudgement, when all enemies being brought vnderunder, death ſhall bee ſwallowed vp to victory. To ſhew vsus, that this ſecond victory ouer Satan, and reſtraint of him from this his laſt rage, ſhall not bee, but onelyonly for a certaine ſpace, as was that firſt: or in a ſpeciall reſpect, as that was; but it ſhall be abſolute and eternall. So as, from the time Chriſt began this ſecond time, ſitting on a white cloude, Chap. 14. 14. to make his iudgements manifeſt, Cha. 15. 4. And, from the time he began to erect this his great white Throne by the reuiued light of the Goſpell: when the time of the dead commeth to bee iudged, Chap 11. The ſeuenth Trumpet ſounding to the finiſhing of the myſtery of God, in full accompliſhment of all which the Prophets foretold, for deliuerance of the Church, and her goodly ſtate in grace: So as, the ſigne of the ſonne of man ſhall bee ſeene in heauen: the victory ouer her enemies, ſhall ſtill hold on, and the enemies ſtill fall, as did Haman before Mordecay, till by all the degrees of deſtruction, Eſter 6. 13.they at laſt, in the generall iudgement receiue finall ſentence: when death and the Diuell, who hath dominion thereof, ſhall be aboliſhed. And, for this purpoſe onelyonly, it is, that heere, ſo liuely an hypotypoſis, of the laſt iudgement, is ſet downe. In the perſon of the iudge: the maner and order of iudging; and the execution: ſo farre foorth, as for the preſent purpoſe was needfull. The perſon of the Iudge is deſcribed in his office, adminiſtration thereof, and his dreadfull maieſty and power. In office, hee is a Iudge, a royall and a great Iudge, as hauing a Throne and a great Throne. He is alſo faithfull, true, vpright, and glorious, and whoſe iudgements are cleare and manifeſt; by his white Throne. As he rode before, Chap. 19. on a white horſe, and did ſit Chapt. 14. on a white cloude. His adminiſtration is, in that hee ſitteth. His dreadfull maieſty and power, is expreſſed, in a wonderfull forme of iſhing before his preſence. Heauen and Earth depart, and ſo as their place is not found. To ſhew Iſai. 41. 12.a perfit departing: as that which in Scripture, is ſaide of the wicked, that he periſheth ſo, as his place is not knowen.
21 The order of iudgement, is in the perſons iudged, and manner of proceſſe. The perſons, are all the deade great and ſmall: cleared, by enumeration of theſe who are dead in the Sea, who by any other kind of mortality, or who were in their graues. And herein, clearely is implyed the power of the Iudge. For no queſtion can bee of the liuing, when all the dead are forced to giuegive preſence. The manner of proceſſe is ſet downe, after the forme of well ordered humane iudicatories. In that bookes were opened: euen the records of mens actions: Dan. 7. 10.and another booke, the booke of life. The iudgement of earth, is, of theſe things which were in the bookes according to their workes. The forme of ſpeech is to be noted, in that it ſaith not, of things written in the bookes and according to their workes. To ſhew, that heere, are not two rules of iudging. But, that ſo men are iudged according to their works, as yet the iudgement is led and ordered by the bookes. For the ground and cauſe of the iudgement, is the booke of life: according as in it mens names are written, or are paſſed by: beeing either giuen to Chriſt of the Father, or left. Now, whom the Father giueth him, none is able to take out of his hand, but he Iohn 10. 28 Ioh. 6. 39. 44. Rom. 8. 29.raiſeth them vp at the laſt day. And, whom he electeth, them hee predeſtinateth to bee made conformable to the image of his ſonne: whom he predeſtinateth, he calleth effectually: whom he calleth, he iuſtifieth, and ſanctifieth, heere, by his ſpirit to bring foorth fruits of righteouſneſſe, and ſo, at length glorifieth. Theſe fruits of faith, confirme vsus in the aſſurance of our election, and that wee are in Chriſt Ieſus: that, which, further ſtrengthneth our peace, as writing it in our owne conſciences: which are the one ſort of bookes: and whoſe teſtimonie muſt accord with the other booke of life. Now, then in the iudgement, ſo are workes lookt on, as collation alwaies muſt be of the bookes, to ſee if our names be written in the booke of life, as aſſurance of life and ioyfull peace are written in our conſciences. Otherwaies, in it ſelfe, all our righteouſneſſe is but as a menſtruous clout. But yet, what Iſrael will not obtaine ſeeking to eſtabliſh their owne righteouſneſſe, which is by the Law, the election will Rom. 10. 3. & 7.obtaine.
22 Such are the perſon of the Iudge, and the order and manner of proceſſe. Now, the execution followeth. Which, agreeably to the purpoſe of the holy Ghoſt, for which, onelyonly mention of the laſt iudgement is heere made, is all in wrath, againſt death, hell, and ſuch as are not written in the booke of life: who are adiudged to euerlaſting fire, which is the ſecond death. And, this is to ſhew, as I touched before, that this laſt victory, ouer the Dragon and his inſtruments, ſhall bee full and perfect: holding courſe, from the firſt degree of their foile, therein, till death and the graue, which are the laſt enemies, be ſubdued. And, this execution of enemies was ſufficient to record in this place, where, this matter is not 1. Cor. 15. Oſe 13.handled, as though, now at this point of time, and incident caſe, the laſt iudgement were to fall out. As many, heereupon, hauehave imagined, that the ouerthrow of Antichriſt, and theſe huge Armies of opponents, ſhould bee conioined with Chriſt his laſt comming. But, the ſpirit hath no ſuch meaning. But, handling the victory of the Church ouer her enemies, to ſhew that it ſhould bee perfect, he letteth vsus ſee that it ſhall hold on, till all enemies being ſubdued to Chriſt his feet, at laſt, death be ſwallowed vp of victorie: and that the Dragons foile ſhould not bee, now, as at the firſt binding, from which after a ſpace, hee got looſe againe: But, it ſhould bee to finall deſtruction. And, in this ſenſe, the Apoſtle in the ſecond to the Theſſ. 2. telleth that Antichriſt ſhall bee aboliſhed with the brightneſſe of the Lord his comming. Not, as though he ſhall raigne till then: but that he ſhall be ſo conſumed heere with the power of the word of truth, as, without recouering ſtrength, he ſhall be deſtroied for euer: the full and perfect point whereof, is in the Lord his laſt comming, and finall ſentence againſt him. Therefore Cha. 17 the Beaſt is ſaid to goe to deſtruction. In the vſuall manner of Scripture, when God will confirme his Saints againſt dangers, and in hope of deliuerance, for their full ſetling, he leadeth them to the conſideration of that finall deliuerance, whereto euer our hearts ſhould bend themſelues. and in like manner, in denouncing deſtruction to the enemies (in the meaſure whereof, as it falleth out here, we neuer are ſatisfied) he leadeth vsus to their laſt and finall ſentence. Thus the Lord calleth the Prophet, and other Dan. 12.faithfull, in that promiſed deliuerance from the tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes, to the conſolation of the reſurrection. Acts 24. 15. & 26. 8. Heb. 11. 35.So, Chriſt, in his ſermons, often. Paul for all Chriſtianity, pleadeth the reſurrection. The Martyres ſuffered conſtantly, vnderunder the Lawe, looking for a better reſurrection. The Scripture teacheth vsus, that, that day ſhall come as a thiefe, vponupon a peaceable and ſecure world, marrying and taking in marriage, &c. Which vndoubtedlie, 1. Theſ. 5. 2. Matth. 24.will be, when, vponupon deſtruction of all troublers, the Church enioying quiet ſtate, ſhall fall in the ſleepe of ſecurity. For, if the laſt iudgement and comming of Chriſt to it, had ſo notable markes, as the foile of Antichriſt, taking of the Dragon, and ſo great tumults, warres, and commotions, with the hauocke of ſo huge Armies beſiedging the Church, how could either that day comes as a thieſe on a peaceable world; or the Church, in ſuch cruell inuaſion, be at eaſe, and ſleeping? This errour, hath made the ſubſequent matter to be of moſt part miſtaken: as if therein, the ſtate of the triumphant Church in heuens, were ſet foorth, as it ſhall be after the laſt day.
23 A learned man lately commenting, and with high and iuſt commendation, vponupon this booke, perceiuing well, that the ſubſequent condition of the Church muſt be vnderſtood of her ſtate heere in grace: and, ſo being, not ſeeing how this place could bee taken of the laſt iudgement, turneth it to an allegory of the conuerſion of the Iewes, by alluſion to the laſt iudgement: their conuerſion to the faith (in reſpect of their preſent and long beegunne deſperate eſtate, both temporall and ſpirituall) being as it were a riſing from the dead. According as, by the Prophets, in regard of the full point thereof, it is called: and by the Apoſtle a life from death. But, beſides that where a plaine ſenſe in proprietie is conuenient, farre ſought allegories are not meete, albeit for the wonderfulneſſe and inexpected falling out thereof, the Iewes reſtitution be, of the Prophets, called a riſing from their graues: yet, that thus, the whole deſcription, ſo cleerely in all the circumſtances, of the laſt iudgement, can be drawne thereto, I ſee no reaſon: ſpecially, where, agreeably to the manner of the holy Ghoſt, the deſcripton of the generall iudgement may bee taken properly and conueniently for the purpoſe in hand: and no neceſſity, for this, to interpret the ſubſequent Chapters, of any ſtate of the Church, in time, thereafter. Which doubt, will nothing trouble the iudicious Reader, conſidering the manner of the Propheticall deſcriptions, much different from common hiſtoricall narrations: in that they, by Hypotypoſeis, repreſent to the view, as preſent, thoſe things they propheſie. Further, to ſay in a reſurrection, whereby men riſe from ignorance and in duration, to the knowledge of God and imbracing of the faith, that they riſe to eternall deſtruction, it is vtterly abſurd. And, heere we ſee that all the execution is of enemies in torment and euerlaſting fire. The ſpirit euen, heereby as it were, pointing to vsus his purpoſe, of this narration in this place. And this argument, …uinceth that place, Daniel …. to bee of the laſt reſurrection. For, none riſe the firſt reſurrection, to euerlaſting ſhame: but all are bleſſed. As for the word, there put, of Many, as if therein, an argument were implied, of ſome other reſurrection, then the generall, wherein All riſe, it helpeth nothing that opinion: as being put but in common, and foreign, repeated according, to the ſubſequent parti…ition, of Many to glorie, Many to ſhame. And if thereon ought might be builded, with als good reaſon, heere the generall iudgement muſt bee vnderſtood, where All the dead ſmall and great doe riſe, &c. That the many and goodly Propheſies of the reſtoring of Iſrael, hauehave not as yet their full accompliſhment, till by faith they be grafted in againe, whence they were cut out, through vnbeliefe, it were either great ignorance, or perhaps blaſphemy to denie: ſeeing the Apoſtle to that purpoſe, citeth Propheſies, which, therfore, but in that caſe, cannot be fulfilled. Rom. 11.Againe, that it ſeemeth neceſſarie, ſo great a point not to bee ommitted in this Reuelation, I hartilie yeeld: but that therefore, this place ſhould, from a proper and well conſiſting ſenſe, be drawne thereto, I ſee no neceſſitie. For, that matter was, not obſcurely, in the ſixth Viall ſignified: and, more plainlie, in the Church her ſong, Chapter 19. and, if more be requiſite, who may not be ſatisfied (as ſuch myſteries are heere deliuered) with that, which in the next Chapter is ſaid of the new Ieruſalem; hauing, vponupon this full ouerthrow of her focs, her ports caſt open towards all the quarters of the earth; and on them written the names of the twelue Tribes of Iſrael, to whom then they are made patent, that all Iſrael may bee ſaued?
24 A Throne, Daniel 7. is erected, and one ſitteth, for iudging and deſtroying the Beaſts there mentioned, enemies and troublers of the Church then. And Daniel 12. the faithfull for conception of a perfect deliuerance, and full ouerthrow of their aduerſaries, are called to the meditation of the laſt and full degree thereof, in the generall reſurrection. To that, heere is the alluſion: euen as, in the deſcription of the enemies heere, the alluſion was to theſe. To ſhew, not onelyonly the like and full ouerthrow, of the troubles now of the Chriſtian Church, holding on to finall accompliſhment in Chriſt his laſt comming, as the other were aboliſhed at his firſt: but alſo, that the firſt, euen in the promiſe of God his diſpenſation, were types, of the latter. The not aduerting whereof, hath made many to miſconceiue the minde of the holy Ghoſt in the Prophets. While ſome, in accommodation of the promiſes and denunciations, ſo reſt in the firſt ſtate and time, as they looke not how, therein, God looked further: and others, ſo interpret them of the laſt ſtate and time, as, againſt the minde of the ſpirit, they apply them not, firſt and properly, to the ſtate then: Whereof, firſt, and for ſpeciall conſolation againſt the euils then, they are meaned: albeit they had alſo typically a further ſignification: as the wiſe and frequent alluſion in this Propheſie, prooueth, and accommodation through all the new Teſtament, no leſſe clearely.
25 This great white throne (ſhadowed by that of Solomon) albeit then, in full and finall degree, it ſhall be erected, when our Lord returneth in the cloudes of heauen: yet, in ſome degree, it is erected, here in the cleare, and euident preuailing light and power of the Goſpell. So as, euen heere after a ſort, heauen and earth depart, that is, the whole ſtate of the world is changed: as, vponupon pouring out of the ſeuenth Viall, was denounced: and, as for the like euent, though not in ſo full meaſure, was ſpoken of▪ at the opening of the ſixth ſcale. For, euen heere, we ſhall hauehave new heauens and a new earth, that is, a new ſtate of things, by the enemies vtter fall, and goodly, gracefull, and peaceable eſtate of the Church thereupon: when there ſhall be no more Sea: as, by Iſay is Propheſied often, and magnifikly in the ſubſequent Chapters Iſai. 42. 9. & 43. 18. & 65. 15. & 66. 22.is declared. Thus the ſtate vnderunder the Goſpell, in collation to the former, is called of the Apoſtle, a new worlde, and ſo the condition of the Chriſtian Church (vponupon deſtruction of Whore, Beaſt and Dragon, and ſtrange alteration of all the ſtates in the earth) enioying peace, ſhal bee yet in reſpect of her ſtate before, a new world. The full and perfect degree whereof ſhall then bee, when vponupon the Lord his laſt comming, the heauen ſhall depart with a noiſe, and the elements ſhal melt with heat: what time, wee ſhall get new heauens and a new earth, wherin 2 Pet. 3.righteouſneſſe no more ſoiourneth as in Tents, but ſtably dwelleth for euer as in a mountaine.
26 So farre then is this diſcription of the laſt iudgement to bee properly vnderſtood, as yet wee muſt not imagine it to bee here ſet downe, either for the point of time when it ſhall fall out, for that it ſhall hauehave this coincident caſe of the ouerthrow of Gog and Magog: but onelyonly for the cauſe aboue explaned. Neither is there in all this Propheſie, or (as I thinke) any where in ſcripture, any ground, whereon to gather determinately, the yeere or age of that day: whereof to inquire after the Lord his own anſwere, it is in my iudgement excuſeleſſe temerity: and to determine ought, is high preſumption. That ſome, otherwaies godly and learned men, excuſe their ſcanning hereat, by that, Chriſt, forecloſing al Creatures from the knowledge of the day and houre, leaueth ſo, place to ſearch the yeere or age: beſides that (in ſuch cleare euidence of the ordinary frame of Scripture ſpeech) this ſhift is both childiſh and ridiculous in my opinion, it is alſo too bold and groſſe dallying with the Lord his words.
27 Now yet for bringing minds to acquieſce in this our interpretation, the Nations ſeduced, their notes, iudgement and names are more to be cleared. The alluſion is partly to Sodome, wherein all young and old from al quarters compaſſed Lot his houſe. And Sodome was a City Gen. 19.of the plaine, and they were deuoured by fire from heauen. It is alſo to the 7. of Iudges, where the Midianites duplicate page duplicate page like Graſhoppers in multitude, and whoſe Camels were as the ſand of the ſea in number, pitched againſt Iſrael in the plaine: and were deſtroyed by three hundreth, but holding forth burning Lampes, and blowing Trumpets: (for the yoake of their burthen, and the ſtaffe of their Iſai 9 4.ſhoulder, and the rod of their oppreſſor are now to be broken, as in the day of Midian) an exceeding fitte type of this foile, which muſt be by fire from heauen: but ſuch as then ſhineth, when wee learne to breake the earthy pi…cher that hideth it, and to blow the Trumpet of God his word loudlie. This fire came out of the mouthes of the two witneſſes: This is the breath of the Lord his Iſai 30. 2 Theſ. 2. Ier. 23. 29. Chap. 14. 18 & 15. 7. Mal. 14. 1.mouth. The word of God in the mouthes of his ſeruants, is fire, and the wicked are ſtubble before it. But the alluſion here chiefly, both in the names and manner of iudgement, is to Ezechiel 38. and 39. where diuers learned men thinke one and the ſame matter to be handled, accommodating both that and this place to the Turkes, as whoſe deſtruction both there and here in their iudgement is meaned: and accordingly with Abenezra interprete the little horne, Dan. 11. miſtaking (as I thinke) theſe places, and here, yet going further aſide, in thinking there and here, one and the ſame matter properly to bee deliuered. Whereto the names of Gog and Magog, giuegive no more reaſon of proper interpretation then could before the name of Babylon, and the whole frame and leading of this Propheſie, by continuall alluſion to the old Teſtament might hauehave taught another ſenſe to be ſought for: and that here Gog and Magog are to be taken Spiritually, as before Sodome and Egypt.
28 By Gog and Magog in Ezeehiel, the Kings of Syria cruell oppreſſors of the Church of Iſrael are meaned: as by the little horne in Daniel, Antiochus Epiphanes the worſt of all. Wherof ſee Tremellius and Iunius vponupon theſe places, Iunius vponupon this, and the learned Commentarie of Hugh Broughton vponupon Daniel. That the attempt of Gog and Magog, and their iudgement, thereupon is ſaid to be in the latter yeeres: it will not trouble the reſolution Dan. 8.of any, who ſeeth the rage of the Goates foure hornes (of the Prophet plainely interpreted, and of all men confeſſed to be that of Alexander his ſucceſſors, & namely, of the ſuccreſſing little horn Antiochus Epiphanes) called the laſt wrath. Both Ezechiel and Daniel, ſo ſpeaking not abſolutely, but reſpectiue of the laſt cruell troublers of the Church of Iſrael, before the firſt comming of Meſſias, and accordingly of their deſtruction. Wherein, if much more appeare to bee ſpoken, then in the meaſure of God his iudgement againſt them can bee ſeen fulfilled: we hauehave to conſider, not only the Hyperbolike ſtile of the Prophets in ſuch caſes, but as I hauehave already touched, that theſe Propheſies beſides the firſt & proper accommodation, had a further but a typicall relation. And truly, it were ſtrange to imagine how the Turke his Kingdome ſtanding, the Iſraelites ſhall ſo recouer their owne land, as they dwelling therein ſecurely, and without feare, hee ſhould plot to inuade Ezech. 38. 11.them. That here the names of Gog and Magog ſhould bee meaned, or at leaſt reſtrained to the Turkes, is very improbable: ſeeing the two witneſſes ſlaine at this louſing of the dragon, lie dead in the ſtreet of the great City, Chap. 11.and all Nations reioyce ou…r them: ſeeing the Whore is drunke with the bloud of Saints, and in her is found Chap. 17. & 18 Chap. 13.all the bloud ſhed on the earth: ſeeing it is the Beaſt that maketh warre with the Saintes, and ouercommeth them: and therupon, whereas he was firſt like a Pard, in courſe of time, when the dragon is looſed, becommeth of his colour. Seeing alſo that out of the mouth of Chap. 17. Chap. 16.the dragon, Beaſt, and falſe Prophet, came theſe frogs, inſtruments of this ſeduction: and ſeeing they are deſcribed to be falſe Prophets, working miracles, and authoriſed thereto by the Beaſt and falſe Prophet: thus euidently deſigned to bee the Popiſh Clergy, and by experience, chiefly the Ieſuites. Laſtly, ſeeing here by Gog and Magog clearely are deſigned all the inſtruments of the dragon his laſt fury, from the foure quarters of the earth, the Turkes particularly cannot bee meaned. Like as herein is an euident Argument, why here Gog and Magog are not properly to bee vnderſtood, as in Ezechiel, who bringeth them ſpecially from the North. It is true, that at this point of time, when the dragon is louſed, the Turke his greatneſſe beganne without reſiſtance to vndoe all: God his iuſtice, in them louſing the foure Angels from Euphrates. But theſe Angels ſo louſed for puniſhment of falſe Chriſtians, their idolatry, witchcraft, murther, &c. more then direct enemies of the true Church, are not to bee eſteemed one with the dragon here louſed. Who, as at his firſt miſgiuing againſt the woman and her firſt ſeed, hee ſtirred vp the Beaſt of his authority to deceiue, firſt, like Balaam, and a fraudulent Pard: ſo here againe, being louſed for maintaining the credite of his Vicar (whom the ſemblance of the Lambe his hornes, falſe miracles, occupying of the holy City & Court of the Temple, and his fitting as God in the Temple of God, could no longer beare out: the rod now being applyed to meaſure, and his mouth found out whoſe it is) by the Beaſt, he maketh warre with the Saint… and ouercommeth them. Falling to open and cruel murther: the Dragon, Beaſt and falſe Prophet, all iointly bending their whole endeauours to ſeduce the Kings of the earth, enemies of all ſorts, to compaſſe the tentes of Saints, and beloued City. The City and Court of the Temple, trod vnderunder foot, and occupied of the Beaſt, albeit called holy, for that the Temple was within them, Chap. 11.yet were caſt out. Here the Tents of Saints, and beloued City are beſieged. The foure Angels from Euphrates were inſtruments of God his wrath againſt the world, and for the ſinnes ſpecified, Chapter 9. 20. 21. from which the ſealed ones were free. Here the endeauour of Gog and Magog is directly againſt the Saints. Gog and Magog then are the inſtruments whatſomeuer of Sathan his laſt fury againſt the Church, whom for vpholding of Antichriſt, or at leaſt, for keeping downe the full preuailing light o… the Goſpell, and gracefull ſtate of the true Church, he ſtirreth vppe, of what Nation ſoeuer, Turks or others.
29 The whole courſe of this Propheſie framed to the diſpenſation in the old Teſtament, and condition of the Church then, openeth clearely the reaſon of the alluſion. This is certaine, that in the condition of the Church of Iſrael, as I hauehave ſaid, wee are not onelyonly to looke vponupon things in propriety, but alſo to conſider them as ſtampes of things to come. Hereof it is, that as all the deliuerances promiſed from their enemies, and afflictions then had a further reſpect (as the meaſure of their preſent deliuerances, nothing anſwerable to the high promiſes; eaſily brought the godly to conſider, and waite for better) ſo alſo were their troubles and troublers, types of other and more dangerous enemies, and the deſtructions denounced againſt them (which in the firſt properly taken, were not ſeene fulfilled in the degree threatned) raiſed the hearts of the faithfull to waite in the end for a more abſolute victory and conſtant peace. The firſt great affliction of Iſrael was in Egypt by Pharao, that great dragon, as Chapter 12. Itouched. The next great affliction and captiuy was by Babel, and theſe Beaſtes in Daniel. Now after the peoples deliuery from Babel, City and Temple being reedified: the laſt cruell oppreſſing enemy, and ſtayer of true worſhippe before Chriſt his comming in the fleſh, was Gog, and of Gog ſpecially Antiochus Epiphanes: as Daniel, Ezechiel, and bookes of Machabees ſhew clearely. For the Romans were not long before Chriſt, but drawne in as ſequeſtres by the Iewes owne partialities (whereto pride brought them after they had beene helped by a little helpe) and albeit the ſtronger, yet ſo farre ſuffered and maintained the liberty Da…. 11. 34.both of ſtate and religion, as at Chriſt his birth Herod was a mighty King, and the ſtate and religion for freedome from any forraine oppreſſion, flouriſhing. Hence it is, that as for expreſſing the firſt troubles and troubler of the Chriſtian Church, and her deliuery there from, alluſion is to Egypt, &c. And for expreſſing the next huge euill of Antichriſt, the alluſion is to Babel, and that in a Beaſt carrying a note of all the foure in Daniel: ſo here to expreſſe the laſt enemies, who after her comming out of Babel and Sion reedified, ſhall be inſtruments of Sathan his laſt puft, the holy Ghoſt alludeth to Gog and Magog. For whoſe deſtruction, as a great white throne was ſet vp, that at the firſt comming of Chriſt; the ſaints Dan. 7.might get the Kingdome: ſo here, to ſhew that theſe laſt Miniſters of Sathan his rage ſhall fall ſtill to finall deſtruction in the Lord his laſt comming, a great white throne is erected. And as vponupon the full ouerthrow of Gog and Magog, Ezech. 38. and 39. Thereafter the ſtate of City and Temple are ſet down, moſt goodly: ſo by alluſion thereto, here vponupon the vtter foile ofher enemies, the new Ieruſalem is magnifickly deſcribed. That of Ezechiel is of the ſtate of the Church of Chriſt vnderunder the Goſpell, generally in relation to the Church before Chriſt, and vnderunder the law. This here in the ſubſequent Chapters, is of the Church ſpecially, now victorious ouer theſe enemies, and gracefull through the conuerſion of the Iewes and Eaſterne Kingdomes to the faith: enioying plenty of light and peace, in relation to the Chriſtian, Church, before in her wreſtlings and ſufferings by theſe enemies, now ouerthrowne.
30 By the courſe of this Propheſie it would appeare, that firſt the Whore ſhall bee deſtroyed, next, that the Kingdome in the head thereof the falſe Prophet ſhall be done away, and that thereafter, Sathan for his laſt endeauour ſtirring vp Nations againſt the Church, ſhall bee in theſe his inſtruments, ſo abſolutely foiled, as the Church from thence ſhall enioy quiet ſtate. For whither things ſhall thus fall out in courſe: or if thus, by parte, the ouerthrow of all the enemies be ſet downe, to ſhew a perfect victory, I dare not determine. And if (as poſſibly, and very probably it may fall) after the burning and ſacke of the City of Rome by Chriſtian Princes; and next afte… …he ruine of the Kingdome, and head thereof, the falſe Prophet: that the Dragon by ſome reſidue of the Frogges, ſhall ſtirre vp nations, and perhaps, of them the Turkes; (that ſo God may deſtroy all them who hauehave deſtroyed the Church) yet wee ſee cleerely what ſhall be the euent. For both the inward enemy and traitor, the beaſt ſhall be deſtroied: and all outward enemies, who by Satan his inſtigation (now madly furious, that his time is ſo ſhort) ſhall riſe againſt Sinn, ſhall finde it a cup of poiſon. The Turk hitherto hath been God his ſcourge againſt the world, and falſe Chriſtianity: and therefore hath preuailed, But if hee riſe againſt the true Church, fire from heauen ſhall deuoure him. Yet that heere ſpecially the Turkes are meaned, I ſee no reaſon. And as I can take vp the drift of the Holy Ghoſt in this Propheſie, it would rather appeare, and my heart inclineth ſo to thinke by the fall of the Beaſt, and conuerſion of Iewes thereupon to the faith, that the Turkes and other ſtates of the Eaſt ſhall bee brought to embrace the Goſpel; albeit, perhaps, firſt taught thereto by ſome noble foile. For no queſtion but as the euent of the ſeuenth Viall maketh cleere, the whole eſta…e of the earth ſhall ſuffer ſuch alteration, as was not ſince men firſt inhabited the ſame.
31 Now for the different meaſure of iudgement vponupon the Army, and vponupon their Captain… the Dragon: whoſe iudgement is according to that of the Beaſt, and falſe Prophet, beſides the reaſons aboue touched vponupon the end of the 19. Chapter; wee muſt further conſider, that the Dragon is ſuch an enemy as no foile of him can ſecure vsus, till he be ſealed vp in euerlaſting torment. And for the Beaſt and falſe Prophet, ſignifying a Kingdome, and order of ſucceeding heads ouer it, and not deſigning any one particular perſon, as the head of impiety: a perfect and vnrecouerable deſtruction of them both, both in God his iuſtice, and for the Churches full ſecurity, was requiſite.
To the Reader.
HEere ſhould hauehave followed the like Commentary vponupon the two laſt Chapters … vponupon the former, but for ſome ſpeciall reaſons, they are omitted. Vſe that which heere thou haſt with an vpright heart, and giuegive glory to God.