A Two-Fold Shaking of the Earth, Exposition

A Two-Fold Shaking of the Earth · Exposition

p. 1A Two-fold Shaking OF THE EARTH: OR, An Expoſition on Heb. 12.26, 27, &c.

IT is a common received opinion, that Alexander the Great was encouraged in his Perſian Wars, by the light and information which he had from Jaddus, the High-Prieſt of the Jews, who opened unto him the Viſion of the Ram and He-Goat, in which Daniel had foretold the overthrow of the Medes by the King of Grecia. Dan. 8. I know it comes many times to paſs, howſoever men in their actions fullfil the purpoſe and deſign of God, yet think not ſo, neither do it to that intent: p. 2Iſa. 10.7. Notwithſtanding the Lord (who is good to all) rewards them ſometimes largely for the workſake. And ſo much appears in the Prophet: Son of man, Nebuchad-rezzar King of Babylon cauſed his Army to ſerve a great ſervice againſt Tyrus; every head was made bald, and every ſhoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his Army for Tyrus, for the ſervice he had ſerved againſt it. Therefore thus ſaith the Lord God, Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchad-rezzar King of Babylon, & he ſhall take her multitude, and take her ſpoyl, and take her prey, and it ſhall be the wages of his Army; I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he ſerved against it, becauſe they wrought for me, ſaith the Lord God, Ezek. 29.18, 19, 20. Now had he and his Army done that ſervice conſcientiouſly, and in obedience unto Gods appointment, and therein ſingly have ſought the glory of God, and not their own profit and intereſt; would they not much more have pleaſed him, and done a p. 3more acceptable ſervice, and received a better and far greater reward?

Hence this may be gathered: As there are great things to be done in the laſt days, by the Repreſentatives of the People, and by ſuch as ſhall have the Power of Nations in their hands (eſpecially, when it is to execute the vengeance of the Lord and the vengeance of his Temple upon any part of Babylon) that they have ſome underſtanding in the Propheſies of the laſt days, whereby they may know what their work is, and that they are call'd of God to it, and when and how to move in it. For ſo not only ſhall they be encouraged to take it in hand, but have aſſurance of good ſucceſs, and a full reward for their ſervice.

Object. But we have not now men of Prophetical ſpirits, to open unto us the dark Propheſies of the Scriptures concerning the laſt Times.

Anſw. 1. Let this be granted, yet I humbly conceive, a man may take liberty, and that very warrantably, to declare his opinion of the darkeſt and p. 4difficulteſt places of Scripture, in a ſober and modeſt way; and for this he hath a Cloud of witneſſes.

But, 2. It will be granted (I think) by all, when there is ſome part of a Propheſie already fulfilled, there is much light given to the knowledge of the reſt: I ſay, by that PART which is fulfilled, he that is wiſe, and obſerves the ways and works of God, may the better and eaſier underſtand what remains to be accompliſhed. Though a brutiſh man knoweth not, neither doth a fool underſtand this, Pſal. 92.6. yet who is wiſe, and he ſhall underſtand theſe things; prudent, and he ſhall know them, Hoſ. 14.9. So then, this I would ſay, Though a man profeſs not infallibility, nevertheleſs, from a due and ſerious obſervation of a Propheſie in part fulfilled; it is probable (being a perſon that fears God, and in dayly communion with him) what he apprehends by a diligent ſearch concerning the reſt, will prove to be a Truth.

3. Do not Star-Gazers and Monthly Prognoſticators take large liberty at this p. 5time to publiſh to the world their predictions concerning the alteration and change of States and Policies? as, what Kingdom and Commonwealth ſhall riſe or fall in ſuch a Yeer, or ſuch a MonethMonth; and what Deſolations there will be, by Peſtilence and Famine, by the ſword, and by fire and water; in ſuch Countreys, Towns and Cities: Notwithſtanding it is well known, (and confident I am it is a Truth) the firſt invention of Aſtrologie is by many learned men attributed to the Devil. This is the judgment of Tertullian, lib. de habitu muliebri; and again, de Idolatria: and of Origen, Hom. 13. in Num. and of Clemens Alexandrinus, in Eclog. and Lactantius writeth, as Coelius Rhodig. hath obſerved, Lib. 2. cap. 12. Aſtrologia, Auſpicia, Auguria, & Oracula eſſe Daemonorum inventum. And King James calls Aſtrologie, the Devils School, Daemonol. lib. 1. cap. 3, & 4. I might add, how their profeſſion and practiſe hath been always condemned, for Impoſture, Jugling, Superſtition, and Vanity, not onelyonly p. 6by the Fathers (as ſome call them) but by Councils, and divers learned later writers; yea, and more then all this, plainly forbidden in the word of God, Lev. 19.31. Deut. 18.10, 11. Iſa. 47.11, 12, &c.

If this be ſo, that howſoever their profeſſion be condemned by God and men, yet there is freedom given them to publiſh their Aſtrological predictions, of the alteration and change of States and Policies: It will then be thought far more lawful, for any of the Lords ſervants to have the like freedom to declare his judgment concerning the alteration and change of States and Policies, taking his light and ground from the word of God.

For, 1. Howſoever there is nothing written upon the Stars or Planets of the riſe and fall of any Power or Government, Civil or Religious, yet in the holy Scripture it is. Here we have the Fourth-Monarchy, and the ten Kings, the little Horn, the Dragon, the Bottomleſs Beast, and the two other Beasts; the former riſing up out of the Sea, the later coming p. 7up out of the earth: not onelyonly written at length and fairly to be read, but the time exactly ſet down of their riſe, and how long they ſhall continue, and the period and end of them: Dan. 7.25. and 12.7, 11, 12. Rev. 11.2, 3, 9. and 12.6, 14. and 13.5. Hab. 2.3. Pſal. 102.13. Dan. 8.14.

2. Though men are forbidden to ſearch the Planets, and the Eclipſes of the Sun and Moon for thoſe things, yet they are commanded and encouraged to ſearch the Holy Scriptures, even the Viſions and Propheſies which concern the laſt days, whereby to know the Time of the End, Rev. 1.3. and 22.10. and 13.10. Dan. 12.9, 10. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his ſecrets unto his ſervants the Prophets, Amos 3.7. Thus Noah knew the time when the Flood would come, before it came, though the ungodly knew it not. So Daniel knew the deliverance of Gods people, a little before they were delivered, not by gazing upon the Stars, but by the light and direction which he had from the Word p. 8of God, Jer. 9.1, 2. But this ſhall ſerve for the manuduction to our diſcourſe.

The Scripture which I ſhall firſt mention, and ſpeak a little to it (according to that meaſure of Grace which I have received) is Heb. 12.26, 27. Whoſe voice then ſhook the earth, but now he hath promiſed, ſaying, Yet once more I ſhake not the Earth only, but alſo Heaven. And this word, Yet once more, ſignifieth the removing of thoſe things that are ſhaken, as of things that are made, that thoſe things which cannot be ſhaken, may remain.

But before I come to the opening and applying of this Scripture, I think it neceſſary to ſet down a few things, both to prevent objections, and for the Readers better underſtanding the matter treated of.

1. It muſt be minded, that Scripture-Propheſies have ſeveral accompliſhments; that is, they are ſometimes fulfilled over and over, as to times, places, perſons: and therefore it cannot p. 9be fairly concluded, Becauſe ſuch a Propheſie hath been once fulfill'd, therefore 'it cannot be fulfilled again. I could inſtance ſeveral Propheſies, which already have been fulfilled more then once, and yet are to be fulfilled again. To let paſs many others, when Moſes bleſſed the twelve Tribes, for Judah he prayed thus: Hear Lord the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people; let his hands be ſufficient for him, and be thou an help to him from his enemies, Deut. 33.7.

This Prophetical prayer of Moſes, ſometimes in the whole, and ſometimes in part, hath already at ſeveral times been fulfill'd, and yet the Propheſie runs on for a further fulfilling. Read and compare theſe Scriptures, 2 Chr. 13.14. & 14.11, 12, 13, &c. Rev. 5.5. Pſal. 2.6, 7. and 72.15. 2 Sam. 19.26, — 31. Dan. 7.13, 14. 1 Tim. 6.15. Act. 3.20, 21. 1 Sam. 22.35, 40. Rev. 19.15, 16. Pſal. 45.4, 5. & 110.5, 6. So in that bleſſing which Jacob gave to the ſame Judah, Gen. 49.8, 9, 10, &c. what he there by the p. 10Spirit of God Propheſieth of, hath been fullfilled; and yet we are ſure there is much in the Propheſie to be fulfilled. For the Readers ſatisfaction, I have thought good to mention theſe places: 1 Chron. 5.2. Heb. 7.14. Hoſ. 11.12. Judg. 1.1, 2, 3. 2 Sam. 17.10. & 22.41. Phil. 2.10. Rev. 5.5. Mat. 28.18. Luk. 1.32. Epheſ. 1.20, 21. 1 King. 4.25. 1 Cor. 15.25. Iſa. 11.10. Rom. 15.12. Hag. 2.7. Mat. 12.21. Zech. 9.9. Joh. 12.14, 15. Iſa. 63.1, 2, 3. Rev. 19.13. and 14.20.

2. Whereas ſome think in applying Scripture-Propheſies to a particular State or Nation, this is too ſtraight, and miſſeth the mind of the Spirit; To this I anſwer: If in applying a Propheſie to a particular Nation, it be there confin'd, then I grant there is a miſtake, if there be not a reſtriction in the Propheſie. But though the Propheſie be general, and have a large extent, yet it is no ſtraitning of the Propheſie, to ſay, that in reſpect of the riſe and beginning of it, it will not be univerſal, but in ſuch a Nation at firſt. p. 11As light, though it ſpread it ſelf over …e face of the whole Earth, yet in the …wning it breaks forth and appears …t in one place. The Lord ſaith, I …ll pour out my Spirit upon all fleſh, Joel ….28. Again, I will ſhake all Nations, …ag. 2.7. Now I do not think that …eſe things ſhall be done at one time …d all together; I mean, either of them; …ut gradually; that is, he will begin …mwhere firſt, and ſo proceed from …eſh to fleſh, and from Nation to Nati…n, till the whole be accompliſhed.

3. But the greateſt difficultie is, to …nderſtand where the Lord will begin … pour out his Spirit, and to ſhake all Na…ions: For my part, I think, as the hi…tory of the old Teſtament reſpected …he Jews, and we have little recorded …here of the affairs of the World, but …s the Church and people of God were more or leſs concerned therein: for howſoever there were great tranſactions of things in the world (as we finde in humane Hiſtories) all the while the Kingdoms of Iſrael and Judah ſtood; nevertheleſs, what reſpected p. 12not the Church, the Holy-Gh… takes (as it were) no notice of. … the Viſions and Propheſies of Scripture … ſpecting the laſt days, do concern t… Church and people of God; They … written for their learning, Rom. 15.4. A… therefore where the Churches a… there may we certainly expect the a…pearance of them, eſpecially a begi… ning. And if this be ſo, I have the Reaſons to think, that the pouri… out of the Spirit, and the ſhaking of all N… tions will begin here in England.

1. Where the Lord draws o… the heart of his Children to ſeek h… face for any particular bleſſing, the… uſually he grants it; Thou wilt prepar… their heart, thou wilt cauſe thine ear … hear, Pſal. 10.17. Now I think, th… I may boldly ſay, Never were th… hearts of Saints in any age mor… ſtrongly carried forth by the Spirit o… God in prayer, then ſome have bee… theſe late yeers, for the particulars before mentioned.

2. Where may we expect th… work to riſe and be revived, but where p. 13… was ſtopt, and had a Death (as it …ere) put upon it? What a Glorious …uſe the Lord had in this Nation, and …ow eminently he appeared with it, it … well known: and alſo who they …ere, who through their hypocriſie …nd Apoſtacie, moſt unworthily be…ayed it, and put an unbleſſed ſtop to ….

3. If Scripture-Propheſies reſpecting …e laſt times, do moſt concern the Churches, and ſuch as make the grea…eſt profeſſion of Religion; ſurely then …or the Lord to begin the Earth-Quake …ere, I ſay, Judgment at his houſe and …anctuary, it will make very much for …he glory of his Wiſdom, Juſtice, Ho…neſs.

For, 1. This I will ſay, and ſtand …y it againſt all gainſayers, That the Apoſtacy of Engliſh Profeſsors hath brought more diſhonour to God, and general ſcandal …o Religion, then ever was done by any people profeſsing Godlineſs theſe thouſand yeers: …dd to this, How they glory in their ſhame, and declare their ſin as Sodom, and …ide it not, Iſa. 39.

p. 142. They have brought (as much … in them lies) all the Blood ſhed in t… three Nations, upon the good old Cauſ… and ſeek to acquit the King and h… Party, by building again the Tyran… and Idolatry which was deſtroye… and ſuppreſſing with both hands, th… truth and Righteouſneſs which they pr… tended to.

3. The groſs hypocriſie of Profeſſors hath made more Atheiſts within theſe four or five yeers, then have bee… heard of in many ages before. Som… I could name, who have confeſt, tha… obſerving the Horrible falſhood, treach… ry, lying, ſelf-ſeeking, &c. among Profeſſors (eſpecially in the Officers o… the Army) are become ſtark Atheiſts for they thought it was not poſſibl… for men profeſſing ſo much Godlineſs and acting ſo much wickedneſs, to b… ſuffered upon the face of the earth, I there were a God of Judgment, Mal. 2.17. Reader, wonder not at this, but wonder there are not more Atheiſts, I had almoſt ſaid, all Atheiſts. For is there any thing that can occaſion p. 15men ſooner and more effectually to turn Atheiſts, then to ſee great Profeſſors of Religion; yea, Church Miniſters, and Army Officers, even whilſt they are talking of Godlineſs, Juſtice, Honeſty, and whilſt they are faſting praying, and preaching, live in the practiſe of ſuch horrid ſins as heathens would abhor, and be aſhamed of? I remember what a Turk ſpake to an acquaintance of mine at Constantinople, when he had bid him leſs for his commodity then he asked: I am no Christian, (quoth he) to ask otherwiſe then I mean to have. What would a Turk have ſaid, had he ſeen the actions of ſome Profeſſors of late yeers? I am no Chriſtian, to break all vows, oaths, promiſes, engagements: I am no Christian, to cheat and cozen my Brethren, under pretence of long prayer: I am no Chriſtian, whilſt I talk of Law and Justice, not to make conſcience of any thing: I am no Chriſtian, to preach against pride, covetouſneſs, ſelf-ſeeking; and in practiſe, no man more proud, more covetous, and more ſelf-ſeeking then my ſelf.

p. 164. Howſoever the Good old Cauſ… hath met with great oppoſition; ye… none have done that wrong and prejudice to it, as Apoſtate Profeſſors: though the Scribes and Phariſes, with Pontius Pilate crucified Jeſus Chriſt, yet it was Judas, one of the twelve that betrayed him, and delivered him up into their hands. It is true, Chriſt in his good old Cauſe hath been crucified by all ſorts of enemies; the old Malignants and Cavaleers trample it under foot, and laugh it to ſcorn, they ſhoot out the lip, and ſhake their heads at it: but who firſt betrayed it? who were they that delivered up the intereſt of Chriſt and his people into the hands of wicked men? It was not an enemy, then we could have born it; But they were Diſciples, and ſuch as we leaſt thought would have been ſo unfaithful unto God and their Countrey. Let death ſeiſe upon them, and let them go down quick into Hell: for wickedneſs is in their dwellings and among them, Pſal. 55.15.

5. What will more ſilence them that are without, and awaken the p. 17Nations abroad, then to hear that judgment is begun at the houſe of God: ſurely if any thing will waken them, this will.

Laſtly, It is to be heeded, though there are no people, Nation, or Language under Heaven, but more or leſs are concerned in the Propheſies of the laſt times; yet every Propheſie is not to be carried to every Nation: neither do ſome Propheſies (as I humbly conceive) belong at all unto ſome people. The five firſt vials (as I underſtand) will extend no farther then the Dominion of the Beast; neither ſhall any part of the world be the ſubject of theſe vials, but the Antichriſtian State or Kingdom. Again, whereas Chriſt ſaith, there ſhall be Earth-quakes in divers places, Mat. 24. And certain it is, there is no Civil power, Government, or State upon Earth, but ſhall be broken to peeces, and utterly periſh; yet touching that Earth-quake mentioned Rev. 11.13. it will not be univerſal, but rather a State Earth-quake, in one Nation; although the effect of it will be wonderful, p. 18even to the ſhaking and overturning of all the powers of this world.

Moreover, as in Scripture we find many times part taken for the whole: ſo in Propheſies, as appears, Act. 2.16, 17. with Joel 2.28, &c. Though there be but a part of a Propheſie fulfilled, yet Peter expreſſeth all. True it is, in all Propheſies, that which is done laſt, will be more full and perfect then the former; yet ſo, as we muſt remember they have their morning or dawning, as their noon day. It is ſaid of the Angel, the Earth was lightned with his glory, Rev. 18.1. not at firſt, nor all at once, but by degrees: it will be ſo at laſt. It is ſaid, the ten Horns upon the Beaſt ſhall hate the whore, and ſhall make her deſolate and naked, and ſhall eat her fleſh, and burn her with fire, Rev. 17.16. now this ſhall not be done by all of them; for ſome of theſe Horns will never forſake the whore, but ſhall go into perdition with her, Rev. 18.9, 10. and 19.18. To be ſhort, whoſoever would inform himſelf in the propheſies of the laſt times, let him obſerve theſe 5 things.

p. 191. The Lord will begin his work, his ſtrangework, amongſt that people where Religion is moſt eminently profeſt, Jer. 25.18, 28. Ezek. 9.6. 1 Pet. 4.18.

2. Though he ſhake Earth and Heaven together and at one time, yet the Earth firſt. As a man lays firſt the foundation, and afterward builds upon it; ſo the Lord will have righteouſneſs and juſtice firſt eſtabliſhed in the Earth, and then men ſhall fear the Lord, (that is, worſhip him in ſpirit and truth, Iſa. 28.13. with Mat. 15.9.) as long as the Sun and Moon endure, thorow all generations, Pſal. 72.1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

3. There muſt be a diligent and watchful eye to obſerve the firſt appearance of Scripture-Propheſies; that is, how any Providential Diſpenſation gives forth the matter of the Propheſie. For this is certain, if we ſee the Lord hath begun a work in order to the fulfilling of his Counſel and Decree, contained in any viſion or Propheſie, though there may ſeem to be ſome obſtruction, or a death upon it, notwithſtanding p. 20he will carry it on in ſpight of all oppoſition men and Devils: Exod. 5.1, 2, 20, 21. and 5.1. and 12.30, 31. When I begin, I will alſo make an end, 1 Sam. 3.12.

And truly, I am of the opinion which the Army was of before their Apoſtacie, That the late King was one of the ten Horns, Rev. 17. And whereas he and his Monarchy were pluckt up by the root, and a Commonwealth eſtabliſhed; here I take it, was a fulfilling of a Scripture-Propheſie, I mean a beginning of that good promiſe, Rev. 17.14. where it is ſaid, The Lamb ſhall overcome the ten Kings. And whereas there hath been a THING lately ſet up (I know not what to call it; for it is neither formally a Monarchy, nor a Commonwealth; but tohu and bohu, without form and void:) To me it ſignifies no more then the houſe of the fooliſh builder, built upon the ſand; the wind and floods nigh at hand, will blow and beat upon it: and if ſo, it muſt fall, and great will be the fall of it. But the Lord (as I ſaid) will go forward to fulfil and perfect p. 21the reſt of that Propheſie: ſo that it is neither the houſe of the Stewarts, nor the corrupt intereſt of any other man, that ſhall fruſtrate the Counſel of God concerning the Government of this Nation; but the good old Cauſe ſhall riſe again, and be more glorious then ever it was before.

4. The Propheſies of the laſt times, as to their accompliſhment at firſt, they will be very dark and dubious. Truly, I think, without ſpecial enlightning by the Spirit, few of the Lords people will have a clear ſight and knowledge of what God doth, till a great deal be done.

And one great Reaſon is, becauſe many think the ſlaying of the witneſſes, and their riſing, the Reign of the Little Horn, the laſt Apoſtacy and Earth-quake, will make ſuch a noiſe in the world, as the deafeſt and blindeſt amongſt the ſons of men will be able to hear and ſee ſuch things. But I cannot find in the word of God any footing for ſuch an opinion; but rather, that darkneſs ſhall cover the Earth, and groſs darkneſs p. 22the people, even then, when Zions light is come, and the glory of the Lord is riſen upon her, Iſa. 60.1, 2.

5. Beware leſt thou ſtumble here with the multitude; that is, to think ſuch and ſuch Propheſies are not fulfilled, becauſe thou canſt not ſatisfie thy ſelf, when, where, and how they were fulfilled. That ſaying in the Prophet holds true here, Thy way is in the ſea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footſteps are not known, Pſal. 77.19. A man that ſhall ſee the Sun at noonday, though he were aſleep when it roſe, will he conclude it is not the Sun, becauſe he ſaw it not at its riſing? Reader, if thou ſhalt ſee the Earthquake whereby the Power of this Apoſtacie is broken, the good old Cauſe on foot again, and righteouſneſs exalted in the Nation; ſuch as have baſely betrayed the Rights and Liberties of the people deſervedly puniſhed, and ſo a way prepared for the 144000 to do the reſt of the Lords work, of higher and greater concernment: I think thou mayeſt very well conclude, that the reign p. 23of the bottomleſs Beaſt, the Little Horn, the ſlaying of the witneſſes and their riſing, all theſe things are paſt, though thou ſlepſt when they were doing. Now for the Text.

1. By Earth and Heaven, here, is meant States and Policies; the firſt, what is Civil and Temporal; the other, Eccleſiaſtical and Religious. By Shaking, is meant alteration and change; that is, removing and taking away all forms and kinds of Government which now ſtand, Iſa. 2.19. and 13.13. Joel 2.16. Hag. 2.6, 7. Rev. 21.1. Iſa. 65.17. I know by others this is otherwiſe interpreted, i. e. a Shaking of the material Earth and Heavens, with all the Inhabitants thereof, Angels and men. But under favour, there is nothing in the Prophet nor in the Hebrews, that hath any reference to the judgment of the great day; and therefore this Shaking cannot be applied to that time, but muſt be before.

2. By once more, I underſtand two things.

1. A State or Government changed; p. 24yet ſo, as there is ſomething afterward ſet up in the ſame Nation, ſo diſpleaſing unto God, as THAT alſo ſhall be be deſtroyed, That thoſe things which cannot be ſhaken may remain. What the things are which ſhall remain after a twofold ſhaking, is ſhewed in Daniel: And in the days of theſe Kings ſhall the God of Heaven ſet up a Kingdom, which ſhall never be deſtroyed, & the Kingdom ſhall not be left to other people, but it ſhall break in peeces and conſume all theſe Kingdoms, and it ſhall ſtand for ever, Chap. 2.44.

By once more, is ſignified the great difference between the two-ſhakings: For howſoever the Lord doth both, and in the firſt ſhaking there was great expectation and hope of much good by it; yet through the hypocriſie and falſhood of ſome men, things proved altogether otherwiſe: He looked for judgment, but behold oppreſſion; for righteouſneſs, but behold a cry, Iſa. 5.7.

Now howſoever the Lord was pleaſed to ſuffer ſuch corrupt men to carry on their wicked deſign, and to ſet up themſelves againſt his Son and Zion, that p. 25the Scripture might be fulfilled; yet after the ſecond ſhaking, it ſhall not be ſo: but the work of Reformation (begun) ſhall go forward and proſper; yea, and in ſpight of all Apoſtates and Hypocrites, under what profeſſion and form ſoever truth and righteouſneſs ſhall riſe and flouriſh for ever.

Now indeed here lay the occaſion of a former miſtake generally among the Lords people: we thought when the King and Biſhops were taken away, and the form of Government changed from Monarchy to a Commonwealth, that we ſhould preſently have ſeen good days, and that tyranny and perſecution would have ceaſed; but we did not conſider the word here, YET ONCE MORE; i. e. there muſt be two ſhakings. So that the good days (or, the days of the Son of man) ſpoken of in Scripture, do not belong to the first ſhaking; neither may any that truly fear the Lord, and keep the commandments of God, and have the Teſtimoof Jeſus Chriſt, expect any better time, till after the ſecond ſhaking: when p. 26this yet once more is over, then coms in the time, that the Lord will not be wroth with his people any more: violence ſhall be no more heard in the Land, nor destruction within thy borders. Thou ſhalt no more be termed forſaken, neither ſhall thy land any more be termed deſolate. He will break all bonds, and ſtrangers ſhall no more ſerve themſelves of thee. Then the houſe of Iſrael ſhall go no more aſtray, neither be polluted any more with their tranſgreſſions. The Lord will no more make his people a reproach among the Heathen, neither ſhall the wicked any more paſs over thee, but be utterly cut off, Iſa. 54.9. & 60.18. & 62.4. Jer. 30.8. Ezek. 14.11. Joel 2.19. Nah. 1.15. precious Promiſes! Oh, how ſhould we deſire this ONCE MORE! Come Lord Jeſus, come quickly.

3. By Voice, I underſtand the Instruments which the Lord hath raiſed up and brought together to ſhake the Earth, and his powerful preſence with them, enabling them effectually to perform the good work he calls them to.

Methinks there is ſomething here p. 27(though it lie like gold cloſe in the Earth) very obſervable. There are two ſhakings, but the word VOICE is but once mentioned, and joyned with the first: the later brings a promiſe with it. As if the Lord in this later ſhaking would be more ingaged for the intereſt of Chriſt and his people then he was before. Though a man do ſomething freely and of his own accord, yet where he ſtands bound by promiſe, there he takes the more care to have the thing done. This may ſerve for our comfort and encouragement, the Lord will not fail us in this ſecond ſhaking. He ſeems to give us more then we had before; I ſay, more ground and reaſon to hope that this preſent Apoſtacie in Church and State ſhall be ſhaken, then we had formerly to beleeve the ſhaking of the King and Biſhops.

But ſeeing our buſineſs at preſent, lies not ſo much in explanation, as application; I ſhall therefore come now to ſet down what I humbly conceive, may be from the forenamed Scripture rightly p. 28gathered. Not reſtraining the Text to our preſent time, or only to that which is here aſſerted (for as I have ſaid, ſo I ſay again, both this Propheſie and others may be fulfilled over and over.) But that which I take the Holy Ghoſt hath ſome reſpect to in this Propheſie, & foretels ſhould come to paſs, is this.

The firſt ſhaking was, when the Long Parliament voted down Kingly Government, and pluckt up Monarchy root and branch, and constituted a Commonwealth, and enacted, that the Supream Authority of the Nation ſhould be in a Parliament, without a King and Houſe of Lords. Add to this (as proper to the ſame ſhaking) the extirpation of the Government of the Church by Archbiſhops, Biſhops, &c. The ſhaking which is yet ONCE MORE, is the utter aboliſhing of that THING, which now ſtands. Reader, thou muſt bear with me: for truly I know not what to call it, except the LATE STATE-APOSTACIE: neither that THING, which is managed by the Tryers, unleſs I ſhould ſay, it is one of the names of blaſphemy, which the great whore carries p. 29upon her forehead, Rev. 17. (as I am perſwaded it is,) yet it hath no proper name. But to proceed, theſe two things (call them what you will) being (as it were) the two preſent States and Policies of the Nation; the one Civil, the other Religious, theſe both will the Lord ſhake; I ſay, Overturn, overturn, overturn. Reader, let me requeſt this of thee, forbear thy cenſure till thou haſt peruſed my Reaſons for what hath been aſſerted: I hope thou ſhalt ſee I am not like the Apoſtates of this age, to give rayling for Reaſon.

1. It is without diſpute that among all Nations profeſſing Religion, there hath not been the liker State-ſhaking as was a while ſince in England. For not only was he (who was acknowledged by many LAWFUL PARLIAMENTS, the Supream Magistrate) brought as a Delinquent before a High Court of Juſtice; but had ſentence of Death paſs'd upon him, the which was ſoon after put in execution; yea more, to the end that Monarchy might for ever ceaſe in the Nation, p. 30and the very name of it forgotten, there were four Acts of Parliament (all ſtanding yet in force, for ought I know) which make it high Treaſon, for any man to take upon him the name of a King or Supream Magiſtrate, without conſent of Parliament.

The firſt Act ſaith thus: Be it enacted and ordained, that whoſoever ſhall declare, publiſh, or any way promote any perſon to be King or Chief Magiſtrate of England or Ireland, &c. without conſent of Parliament, ſhall be judged and deemed a TRAYTOR to the Commonwealth, and ſhall ſuffer pains of Death, and ſuch other puniſhments as belong to the Crimes of high Treaſon. Act of Parl. January 30. 1648.

The like Act was made March 17. 1648. and May 14. 1649.

Again, July 17. 1649. It was enacted, That if any perſon ſhall maliciouſly or adviſedly, publiſh by writing, printing, or open declaring, &c. That the Commons in Parliament are not the Supreme Authority of this Nation; or ſhall plot, contrive, or endeavor to ſtir up, or raiſe force, &c. p. 31that every ſuch offence ſhall be taken, deemed, and adjudged by the Authority of this Parliament to be high Treaſon. But there is more yet; there was an Ingagement, which was drawn up and ſent out by the Parliament for all the Nation to ſign, which went thus: I do hereby declare and promiſe to be true and faithful to the Commonwealth, as now eſtabliſhed without a King or Houſe of Lords. And this Ingagement was generally taken by ſuch as were then counted well-affected.

Object. Though it cannot be denyed but this was a moſt eminent Shaking; yet how is it proved, that in the Change of the Engliſh-Monarchy to a Commonwealth, a Scripture-Propheſie was fulfill'd, and particularly, Heb. 12.26, 27?

Anſw. If it be granted it was a SHAKING (and an eminent one too) it will eaſily be proved (being in England) a Scripture-Propheſie was fulfill'd, and particularly, Heb. 12.

For the Scripture-Propheſies of the laſt times, concern the Churches and p. 32people of God; and where theſe are, there may we expect will come to paſs what things are foretold in the word of God: there are many changes and alterations of States and Policies in the world at this time, of which nothing in Scripture is foretold: nevertheleſs where Gods people are, and Jeſus Chriſt is truly worſhipped, there cannot be any ſuch ſhaking (I ſpeak according to that light I have in the things of God) but in order to the fulfilling of ſome Propheſie. What thou ſeeſt, write in a Book, and ſend unto the ſeven Churches in Aſia, Rev. 1.11.

2. If England be one of the ten Kingdoms, in Dan. 7.7, and Rev. 17.12. as it is generally held; yea, the firſt that conſtituted it ſelf a free and abſolute State when the Romane Empire was broken to peeces; then I think it may certainly be concluded, that the Holy Ghoſt in Heb. 12. hath reference to the ſhaking of which we ſpeak: my reaſon is this; What was revealed to Daniel, John, and Paul, was by one Spirit, and concerned one thing, as to the ſhaking p. 33of the ten Kingdoms.

3. That the firſt ſhaking was by a VOICE, I think there is very much in it (as I have hinted before,) Truly more VOICE then PROMISE; My meaning is, that many people in their riſing againſt Monarchy and Epiſcopacy were carried forth beyond their own principles: A VOICE there was; that is, God mightily appear'd in them and by them; but no Promiſe; that is, they had no Scripture-light for what they did, but only followed Providence, opportunity, victory, ſelf-intereſt. Reader, miſtake me not; I do not ſay there was not Scripture-ground for putting down Monarchy and Epiſcopacie (I beleeve there was:) but this I ſay, many who had a great hand therein, did it not upon that account; for there are many at this day (and ſome I know) who were as active and forward as any in the thing, and gave their Vote againſt the King, the Biſhops, and Houſe of Lords; yet now, none more earneſt for a King and Houſe of Lords then they; yea, and for Epiſcopacie p. 34too, if it fall in with their Intereſt.

4. Whereas it was Gods voice that ſhook the firſt Earth; I hope none will be offended (neither Independent, Presbyterian, or Baptiz'd) if we ſay, ſuch as account themſelves the Lords Embaſſadours, Angels of Churches, the Miniſters of Jeſus Chriſt, &c. are the perſons by whom the Lord chiefly ſpeaks; and his VOICE, as John was in the Wilderneſs. This being ſo, by whoſe voice then was the Earth ſhaken?

I anſwer, By no voice ſo effectually as that voice which came out of the Temple. Oh! how did this VOICE ring thorow the Nation, calling upon the good people every where, in their Sermons and Writings, to come forth and help the Lord againſt the mighty: never did this VOICE ceaſe, but was ſtill crying in the ears of the Parliament and Army, SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE, till they had ſhaken King and Biſhops out of the three Nations.

It is very requiſite, as we have mentioned the Voice from the Temple, ſo to give ſome inſtances how ſhaking it was, p. 35to have the late King cut off. I will begin with Mr. Burroughs, becauſe (I ſuppoſe) what he wrote, was the VOICE of all his Independent Brethren in that particular. Thus he tels us:

You muſt obſerve, That every one is ſubject to the Higher Powers: Mark, it is not to man firſt, but it is to the Power. Let every ſoul be ſubject to the Higher Power, where-ever this Power lieth. It is not to the will of man, that hath Power, but it is to the Power of the man. Now the Power, the Authority, is that, THAT A MAN HATH IN A LEGAL WAY.

Again, in another place, There is (ſaith he) no Authority we are ſubject to now, but according to the Laws and Conſtitutions of the Country where we live. When things are brought into a Law, and be according to the Agreements and Covenants of the place and Country wherein we live, &c. then the power of God is in it. But we muſt enquire whether it be a Power. On Hoſ. Chap. 1. Lect. 6. p. 157. and Lect. 4. pag. 111. and Lect. 3. pag. 65.

Mr. Bridge his Voice ſhall be next, p. 36in his anſwer to Doctor Fern, thus: Did not Athaliah remain as a conquereſs ſix yeers? and who knows not that ſhe was lawfully thruſt from the Throne again by a stronger hand then her own? Meer conquest being nothing elſe but an unjuſt uſurpation. And if the Conquerer rule the whole Kingdom, & keep them under by conqueſt only, WHY MAY NOT THE SUBJECT RISE, AND TAKE UP ARMS TO DELIVER THEMSELVES FROM THAT SLAVERY? Mr. Bridge against Dr. Fern, Sect. 4. pag. 42.

But one thing is remarkable, what ſearching Books there was, and citing the opinion of men. Truly, I think there was ſcarce a learned man (whether Papiſt or Proteſtant) if he had written againſt Uſurpers, Tyrants violalating the Laws, Rights and Liberties of the People; but he was brought forth by thoſe who defended the Parliaments cauſe againſt the King. To omit many, how often is Alstedius quoted, for ſaying, A Tyr ant without Title, who is an Invader, every private perſon p. 37may and ought to remove: for he is not a King, but a private man, who doth invade the Country as an Enemy. Alſted. Caſ. Con. cap. 16. Reg. 8. p. 341.

So Chamier: All Citizens, or free Subjects, have a right or warrant to riſe up against Tyrants, who by open force poſſeſs the Kingdom. Tom. 2. Lib. 15. cap. 12. Sect. 19. Again, Dr. Willet: Where the Kingdom is uſurped without any right, as by Athaliah; or where the land is oppreſſed by Invaders, as in the time of the Macchabees: in theſe Caſes there is leſs queſtion to be made of reſistance by the general conſent of the States. On Rom. 13. pag. 592. Neither is King James left out: The publick Laws (ſaith he) make it lawful and free, for any private perſon to enterpriſe againſt an uſurper of the Kingdom. Every man, ſaith Tertullian, is a Soldier enrolled to bear arms against all Traytors and publick Enemies. In his Remonſtr. pag. 216.

I ſhall not name any more cited by them. Touching this Temple-Voice, (wherein Mr. John Goodwin was louder then moſt of his fellows) there are 5 p. 38things to be ſeen in their writing, (when they ſtood with the Parliament againſt the King) as their State Principles.

1. That an Uſurper hath no Authority, is a meer private perſon.

2. That no obedience is due to an untitled or illegal Power.

3. That the ſword is peculiar to a Magiſtrate lawfully called, and not elſe.

4. That to the being of a Magistrate, is required a lawful calling.

5. To the making of a Supreme Magistrate, is to go the Vote and conſent of the people.

I do not mention this Voice to aſperſe it in the leaſt; neither do I think, they who ſtood with the Parliament againſt the King had a bad Cauſe; nor do I condemn any man for the Publick Teſtimony which he bore againſt the exorbitancie and arbitrary actions of the late King: yet this I may ſay, and none will be offended at it but the guilty:

1. It cannot be juſtified in any man, to call that rayling, and ſpeaking evil of dignities in another, which being p. 39done by himſelf, was then according to Scripture, Law and Conſcience.

Neither 2. can I judge it otherwiſe then a fault, for any man to write againſt Tyranny, and preach it down in reference to the King, and afterward in another allow and juſtifie the like Tyranny; yea, greater by many degrees.

But 3. And this indeed I moſt miſlike, viz. that ſuch men, whoſe Voice never ceaſed againſt the King and Biſhops, till their places were no more, ſhould be the forwardeſt to have that Tyranny up again, and exerciſed over the Bodies, goods, and Conſciences of the people, for which the King and Biſhops were removed.

Now for the next particular, i. e. our Grounds and Reaſons why by yet once more, the ſecond ſhaking is meant; the ſhaking of this preſent State-Apostacie: I ſhall only touch one thing which lies in our way, and ſo haſten to it.

As under the word Earth, in the firſt ſhaking, not only Kingly-Government is p. 40ſignified, but the Hierarchy alſo, called Earth; not only becauſe it was interwoven with the other, but aſcended out of the EARTH; was meerly carnal and earthly, and had nothing of Heaven in it. So I take the matter here: Though this State-Apoſtacie have ſomething in it that pretends to Religion, as the buſineſs of the Tryers, yet this coms under the word Earth: ſo that Heaven afterward ſaid to be ſhaken, is another thing, in which the Tryers are not concerned.

What was ſaid before concerning the Biſhops, that their Government was earthly, carnal, &c. is as true in the other; It is a plant not of Gods planting: yet in one thing the Prelates were to be commended, to the ſhame of theſe men; for that party would many times publickly undertake the juſtification of their calling, and would quote Fathers, Councils, Scripture, for what they did; but this later earth (as it ſeems by their ſilence) dares not put any thing forth for their juſtification. They know they have no p. 41Fathers, Councils, Preſidents, or Scripture to warrant their unſanctified place and ſtanding. And in John there is a good Reaſon why theſe Tryers come not forth to the light: For every one that doth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds ſhould be reproved or diſcovered, as hath the Margin, Joh. 3.20.

Concerning the ſecond ſhaking of the Earth (for of Heaven I ſhall ſpeak nothing now) here I will follow the former order: 1. Prove, that the preſent State-Apoſtacie ſhall be ſhaken. And 2. in this ſhaking, Scripture-Propheſle fulfilled, and particularly, Heb. 12.

Firſt, If the Rights, Liberties, and Priviledges of the people ſhall again be reſtored, and the work of Reformation go forward to a good ſettlement of the Nation; then neceſſarily muſt this later Earth be ſhaken: for as darkneſs vaniſheth when light breaks forth; ſo all falſhood and treacherous deſigns of men muſt end and periſh, when truth and righteouſneſs take place: when the Lords time came that Joaſh ſhould p. 42be brought out of the Temple, and ſet upon the Throne, it could not be otherwiſe but Athaliah and her confederates muſt ſuffer deeply.

And this is the reaſon why ſome endeavor what they can to uphold unrighteouſneſs and all manner of oppreſſion, and cannot endure to hear of good Laws, and honeſt things, but hate ſuch perſons as would advance them. They tremble (like Felix) to think of righteouſneſs, and that there ſhould be ſuch a thing as men call a FREE-PARLIAMENT, and not under the power of the ſword. And no marvel: for being conſcious to what they have done, they cannot but expect to be rewarded according to their works. But let theſe know, notwithſtanding all their crafty counſel, and joyning hand in hand; the good old Cauſe which was in the Nation, ſhall riſe and proſper, but they ſhall fall and periſh. Aſſociate your ſelves, O ye people, and ye ſhall be broken in peeces: Take counſel together, and it ſhall come to nought: Speak the word, and it ſhall not ſtand, for God is p. 43with us, Iſa. 8.9, 10.

I was ſpeaking juſt now of Joaſh: …ethinks in him we have ſomething …at reſembles our good old Cauſe: A…aliah doubtleſs thought ſhe had de…royed all the ſeed Royall of the houſe of …udah, and there was none left to have …uniſhed her murder and Treaſon. But …he was deceived, and found it other…iſe. It is ſure enough, ſome thought …ey had utterly deſtroyed the Common…ealth, when they made one man Chief Magiſtrate; but theſe workers of ini…uity will know ere long, it was a lie, …nd they wrought a deceitful work: …or the Commonwealth (though an In…ant) was hid, as Joaſh, in the Temple: What if you ſay, By the Temple is …eant the hearts of all the good peo…le in the Nation? Again, though A…haliah cried, Treaſon, Treaſon, when …oaſh was brought forth, yet it was no …reaſon in the people to ſet up their …awful King, and put her to death for … bloodie Traytor. So, if the Repreſentatives of the people ſhall puniſh Tray…ors, and Crown the Commonwealth with p. 44her juſt liberties and freedom, there will b… no Treaſon in … though hypocrites an… Apoſtates, cry, Treaſon, Treaſon.

Object. There is no queſtion, if … Commonwealth be eſtabliſhed with th… Rights and Liberties of the people but the Thing now up, muſt and will be ſha… ken. But how doth it appear, that th… good old Cauſe (like Joaſh) will b… brought forth, and crown'd with righ… teouſneſs and truth? If you prove no… this, you ſay nothing.

Anſw. It is very true, and I grant it therefore to prove it, theſe Argument and grounds I give.

1. This Bitter root ſhall certainly be pluckt up, when thoſe things are done, for which the only wiſe God ſuffered it to riſe. And no doubt, among many other ends he had, it was,

1. To diſcover a multitude of rotte… hearts, whoſe hypocriſie before lay hid, either under a form of godlineſs, or a… pretended zeal againſt the Tyranny and Idolatry of the King and Biſhops, and to have Church and State reformed; and having made their folly manifeſt p. 45to all men, to lead them forth with the …orkers of iniquity.

2. That a Scripture-Propheſie might …e fulfilled; namely, the coming in of …he ſecond Apostacie, foretold in 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, &c. the which Apostacie (to me) is as clear to be now in this Nation, as the Sun that ſhines at noonday. But of this more by and by.

3. To make proof of the faith, love, and obedience of his little flock; and in very deed, as the Tryals and Temptati…ns of the Lords witneſſes, have been theſe four or five yeers, many ways very great; So they have ſhewed much faithfulneſs to the Lord, and to his Son and Zion, that they have choſen bonds, baniſhments, cloſe impriſonment, and loſs of trade and livelihood, rather then with baſe time-ſervers, and merce-mary flatters, to betray the Liberties, Laws, and Rights of the Nation, for filthy lucre ſake. If a maid, that ſhe might be ſuch a mans wife, ſhould refuſe a great eſtate, and live very poorly with him, would not this argue ſhe married him for LOVE and nothing p. 46elſe? How many are there to my know ledge, would they have broken the… Vows, Oaths, and Ingagements, an… joyned with others, to build agai… what before they had deſtroyed, the… might have had what honour, prefe… ment or place they would? But the… would rather be impriſoned and ba… niſhed, and ſuffer with joy the ſpoi… ing of their goods, then turn Judaſſe… for a few pence. But what love an… affection have theſe perſons in thi… ſhewed to the good old Cauſe, and th… juſt Rights of their Country!

4. That Hypocrites having gotte… by the preſent Apoſtacie fat paſture might the ſooner fill up the meaſur… of their wickedneſs, and ſo be prepare for the day of ſlaughter. As the Lor… will have the harveſt and vintage rip… before he cuts them down: ſo there i… nothing will ſooner ripen corrupt me… then greatneſs, honour, riches, &c. Swi… will not fatten faſter by acorns, then will a… hypocrite by Court-preferment. Now Reader, conſider, as the Lord had theſ… and other ſuch ends for which he ſuffered p. 47this root of bitterneſs to be among us; ſo having had his END, what is now to be expected but a ſudden plucking of it up?

Then 2. What is it that hath occaſioned prophane perſons to blaſpheme the holy name of God, more then the late deſtroying of that good work of Reformation begun in the Nation? What ſaith the Scoffer at it! This man began to build, but was not able to finiſh it, Luk. 14.30. It is not man now, but God, the living God, that is derided and laugh'd at: he began to build, &c. he made a fair beginning (ſaith the MOCKING-APOSTATE) to have had a Commonwealth; he ſeem'd as if he would have made a righteous Nation. and the people no more under the luſt and will of men. But ſome were too hard for him, and out-witted him, and undid all that he had done before, with the infinite expence of Blood and Treaſure. But know (thou Atheiſt) Jehovah is more jealous of his glory and great Name, then to give it to another. Though he p. 48have kept ſilence, and thou thoughteſt that he was altogether ſuch an one as thy ſelf; yet know, he will ariſe for his Nameſake. For ſo is his promiſe, I will ſanctifie my great Name, which was prophaned among the Gentiles, which ye have prophaned in the midſt of them, Ezek. 36.23. But never will the name of God be recovered in this Nation, to the ſtopping of the mouths of Apoſtateblaſphemers, until that bleſſed work of breaking Tyranny and Idolatry (begun in the Long Parliament) be on foot again. I ſay once more (as a truth which I hope the Lord will enable me if call'd to it, to ſeal with my blood) That the precious Name of God prophaned in this Nation by Apoſtate Profeſſors, will not be ſanctified, till the good old Cauſe be revived, the Freedom and juſt Liberties of the people reſtored, a Commonwealth ſetled upon right principles of truth and righteouſneſs, and thoſe who have been the cauſe of the late horrible revolt brought forth to Juſtice.

3. Such are the wounds in the Body of this Nation, and the grievances and p. 49Breaches ſo many and great, as I am perſwaded, all the State-Phyſitians (I ſpeak not of Mountebanks and Quackſalvers) will perceive (when they ſhall come to the Cauſe and Cure) there is no healing of the whole, without cutting a part off; and what that part is, they will ſoon ſee. The Prophet Ezekiel ſpeaking of the falſe Prophets of his time, ſaith, One built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar, Ezek. 13.10. He alludes unto a fooliſh builder, who coming to a wall with his tools, ſees it is ſo rent and torn, as it cannot ſtand, but muſt be all pluckt down, and a new wall rais'din the place of it; nevertheleſs, he only plaiſters it over, and ſo ſeeks to cover the fault, but not to mend it. Who ſhould be builders, if not the Repreſentatives of the people? And therefore if the wall before them (which others built) be ſo weak, ſandy, and tottering, that it muſt be ſhaken; ought they not to beware of dawbing it with untempered mortar? and the rather, becauſe the Lord wants not labourers, but p. 50if one company of men prove unfaithful; that is, will be dawbing a rotten wall, when they ſhould caſt it down, he will DISSOLVE THEM with more ſhame and diſhonour, then any Protector could put upon them; and call ſuch to the State-work as ſhall be more faithful, and well rewarded for it. Say unto them which dawb with untempered mortar, that it ſhall fall, there ſhall be an overflowing ſhowr, and ye, O great hail-stones, ſhall fall, and a ſtormy wind ſhall renit. Lo, when the wall is fallen, ſhall it not be ſaid unto you, Where is the dawbing wherewith ye have dawbed it? Thus will I accompliſh my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have dawbed it with untempered mortar, and will ſay unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that dawbed it, Ezek. 13.11, 12, 15.

4. It may rationally ſatisfie all unbyaſſed perſons, that Gods actings and appearances were formerly ſuch for the intereſt of Christ and his people, as it cannot poſſibly be, that he ſhould leave it afterward. What! was the King taken off? his Poſterity laid aſide? the p. 51Biſhops and their Government put down, for this end, that there ſhould riſe up in their places, a Generation of men more corrupt then they were? Indeed, if we will give credit to the blaſphemous ſpeeches publiſhed to the world by Apoſtates, it ſhould be ſo; that is, all the victories and deliverances which the Lord gave unto his people in the time of the Long Parliament, was for them; that is, for their particular intereſt. They bluſh not to tell us in print (as may be gathered from their words plain enough) that Gods helping us in our ſeveral ſtreights, was to keep up the Lawyers in their corruption; Prieſts in their oppreſſion; the Magiſtrates in perſecution; the Tryers in their beastly invention; and the old Malignant to take his revenge on honeſt men, for their former good ſervice to God and their Country. But I ſhall leave theſe mockers to him that will not be mockt by them, but one day ſtop their mouth with a witneſs.

For concluſion, If the Lord were pleaſed to kill us, he would not have ſhewed us p. 52all theſe things, Judg. 13.23. We may be confident, never would he have drawn out ſo many heart-groans from his people, much leſs ſo much bloud from them, even heart-blood (willingly ſacrificed in the high places of the field) for the good old Cauſe, had he not intended to crown it with glory and honour in the end.

5. And here is a fit place to remind the Reader; as the Lord eminently appeared with us in the time of the long Parliament: ſo on the contrary, ſince this OTHER THING came up, how viſibly and ſenſibly hath he ſhewed his ſignal diſpleaſure againſt us, for our baſe backſliding; laying a curſe (as it were) upon all publick affairs almoſt, (as he did on the fig-tree) that nothing ſhould proſper which they took in hand? I ſhall not ſpeak of that Golgotha in Hiſpaniola, the field of Engliſh skulls and blood; nor the many millions of Treaſure, waſted meerly to ſatisfie the luſts and will of ſome men; nor what ſhame and diſhonour the Nation lies under, being ſome yeers paſt a p. 53terrour to all Enemies about us. Let us come to conſider the preſent condition of the Nation: Ask the Souldiers what their Arrears are? Then enquire among the Seamen, how many months pay is due to them? and while you are there, caſt an eye upon the Navy, and ſee in what a pickle that is, and whether there be any proviſion to ſet out a Fleet either offenſive or defenfive. Add unto all this, the extream poverty of the people, as having neither trade nor mony.

It is probable, there will be in the next ſitting, ſome that were Members of the Long Parliament; theſe men do know in what a riſing and flouriſhing condition the Commonwealth was, when they were diſſolv'd. But how are they like to find it now? as a poor ſheep full of worms; the worms are fat and luſty, but the ſheep lean, languiſhing and ready to periſh. So they ſhall ſee now (and not a few) perſons that are grown fat and full, by devouring the fleſh of the Commonwealth; I mean her Laws, Liberties, Rights, and Priviledges; p. 54but for the Commonwealth, ſo maugre and lean, as it cannot be long liv'd, if the Lord raiſe not up ſome good ſhepherds, to look after it.

A man that hath ſpent much time and labour, and been at great coſt in a work, and no ſooner hath done it to his liking, but ſhould ſee it preſently broken before his eyes, would not this extreamly grieve him? ſuch as ſate in the Long Parliament, and ſtood faithful to the good Cauſe, do well know, before Monarchy was ſhaken, and a Commonwealth eſtabliſhed, they had hard work, and it coſt the Nation not a little blood and treaſure: for ſuch men therefore to ſee all that they did broken to peeces before their eyes, methinks it ſhould much affect them. What elſe they ſhould do, I leave it to themſelves, or rather to divine Providence: For God ſtandeth in the congregation of the mighty, he judgeth among the Gods, Pſa. 82.1. Saul a little before his end fell into ſuch ſtreights, as he knew not what to do. I know who have formerly pretended neceſſity, when there was none: p. 55but now its fallen upon them to the full; for had it not been NECESSITY, this Aſſembly had never been call'd: what the iſſue will be, a little time will ſhew. The Scripture ſaith, The wicked is ſnared in the work of his own hand, Pſal. 9.16.

It is very obſervable, that the Lord meets with oppreſſours and deceitful men, one of theſe two ways; that is, either they ſhall take the better way for his people, or the worſe way for themſelves: When Herod charged the Wiſe men to bring him word where the yong child was, Mat. 2. here he ſhewed himſelf not a ſubtle ſerpent, not wiſe in his generation: for to have had his bloody deſign done indeed, he ſhould have gone himſelf, or ſent ſome of his guard to have done it. But in this way God blinded him, and kept it from him, that he might take a better way for Chriſt's preſervation. So Jezebel, had ſhe ſent ſome of her Prieſts with Souldiers to Elias (when ſhe ſent only a meſſenger to tell him what ſhe would do by to morrow) that had been a ſure way to p. 56have diſpatched him preſently: but God would not ſuffer her to take that way; ſhe muſt chuſe another way, and a better way for the Prophets life.

Again, Tyrants many times chuſe the worſe way for themſelves; thus it was with Pharaoh at the Red Sea; he had two ways to chuſe, either to return the way he came (which indeed was the better way) or to go forward and follow Iſrael into the great waters; but he will into the Sea: now in this he appeared more blind and hardned then before; for he might well think, the Lord had not made a way thorow the Sea for him, but rather had laid a ſnare for him and his Hoſt. I am now waiting to ſee what will be the carriage of ſuch men, who have betrayed their country: they have methinks (like Pharaoh) two ways; the one is to RETURN, or PUBLICK REPENTANCE, that is, make a free and ingenuous confeſſion of their former treaſon, oppreſſion, Covenant-breaking, &c. and to give up all their pretended Authority and Power into the hands of the Peoples p. 57Repreſentatives. Doubtleſs of the two ways, this is the better: the other is Pharaoh-like to go forward, though they cannot but think that this Great Aſſembly (like the Red-Sea) will ſave the Rights, Liberties, and good Laws of the Nation, and drown Arbitrary Power, oppreſſion, treaſon, &c.

If the Power and Majeſty of Engliſh Parliaments (which have been) be ſeriouſly heeded; it would not ſeem altogether improper to liken them (at leaſt ſome which have been the beſt and moſt glorious) to the Red-Sea. For many proud Pharaohs with their Hoſts have been ſwallowed up in Englands Parliaments! Had not I ſeen ſo many unworthy Addreſſes, I ſhould not have thought there had been ſo much baſe Engliſh blood in the Nation, men of ſuch mercenary, low, ſervile, and ſlaviſh Spirits; ſo far from following the ſteps of their Anceſtours, in ſtanding up for the Freedom and juſt Liberties of their Country, as they have attempted to maintain a private intereſt againſt the power of the people and p. 58Priviledges of Parliament. But it is well that there is a Publick Atteſtation againſt them, of many thouſands Religious and well diſpoſed people, who ſay, We teſtifie and declare againſt the late flattering Addreſſes, which have been contrived and carried on by intereſted perſons, as tending to the preventing the Aſſembling of a Parliament; as alſo anticipating (if not concluding) their ſence and judgment when aſſembled. And having in them a tendencie to the dividing of the people, and conſequently rayſing a new war, if God do not wonderfully prevent. Atteſtat. Novemb. 20. 1658.

Before I end, there is one thing I deſirouſly deſire the Reader to obſerve (eſpecially if he be a Member of this Parliament:) in all their late Addreſſes, we do not find, that a Parliament is ſo much as nam'd, or once deſired: Hence it may appear, who were the contrivers and promoters of them, and for what end they came forth; not to have any oppreſſion or heavy burdens taken off; not that the Peoples Rights and Liberties might be reſtored, the p. 59ſeveral grievances in the Nation might be look'd into and remedied; not that corrupt men lately crept into places might be removed, and better choſen: No ſuch things were aymed at; for had they not intended to keep up the grievous corruptions in the Nation, they would not have diſcovered (as they did by their ſilence) ſuch a ſlighting and diſregarding of Parliaments.

Having given many Reaſons that this Earth-Power will be ſhaken; The next thing is, to ſhew how in this ſhaking, a Scripture-Propheſie is fulfill'd, and particularly Heb. 12.27.

Here I muſt re-mind the Reader of what was ſaid before, That Scripture-Propheſies do eſpecially concern the Church and people of God: and it is for them to heed and obſerve, how the Lord in his Providential Diſpenſations brings them to paſs, whether it be in beginning, proceeding, or ending.

Our firſt Argument is thus: Whatſoever Earth-ſhaking coms not within the verge of the Text, Heb. 12. yet that Earth-government doth; namely, which p. 60ſhall not only be first ſhaken, but alſo whereby a way is made and prepared for the Lord to proceed to the ſhaking of Earth-Powers in other Nations: But ſuch is this Earth-power or preſent Government, Ergo.

I ſhall only endeavor to prove that part of the Argument which is queſtionable; that is, how this ſhaking aſſerted will be the firſt, and make way for the reſt, foretold Heb. 12.

1. If the Lord begin a work, and ſomething stop it, his manner is to remove that stop, and there to take up the work again and proceed: thus it was in the building of the ſecond Temple; after there was ſome good progreſs made in the work, Ezr. 3. by Artaxerxes command the people ceaſed, Ez. 4.23, 24. But the Lord (whoſe counſel ſhall ſtand) took off (by Darius) that ſtop, and ſo they went forward with the building, Ezr. 6. I have ſhewed before, that Gods work began, concerning the overcoming of the ten Kings, and preparing the way for the glorious and viſible Kingdom of Jeſus Chriſt, when the Old Parliament ras'd p. 61down Kingly-Government, and conſtituted a Commonwealth: that there was a ſtop made, it is true, and we know who were the occaſion of it.

Truly, ſo wonderfully did the Lord of Hoſts go forth then with our Parliament and Army, as among the Heathen they began to ſay, The Lord hath done great things for them, Pſa. 126.2. Not only were the Nations awakened about us, and began to conſider, whether the day of the Lamb and his great power were not come: but likewiſe the Enemies amongſt us, began to give Glory to God, and would often confeſs, that God was with us and againſt them. What ſhall I ſay (ah! theſe things cannot be remembred without great thoughts of heart by all that are truly godly!) That bleſſed cauſe of truth and righteouſneſs did ſo proſper both at home and abroad, that had there not been an unhappy ſtop put to it (through the hypocriſie and falſhood of ſome men) it would have been ere this time in other Nations, conquering and to conquer; yea, probably before now, more p. 62of the ten Horns had been cut off. For we were as a Beacon upon a hill, all people looking on, to ſee what would be the event of this Act, this strange Act in England.

This puts me in mind of the Philiſtims, when they were ſmitten with Emerods, they take counſel, to know, whether the God of Iſrael had done it or no: having therefore put the Ark of the Lord upon a new cart, and ſent it away, thus they ſpeak one to another: If it go up by the way of his own coaſt to Bethſhemeſh, then he hath done us that great evil. But if not, then we ſhall know it was not his hand that ſmote us, it was a thing that happened to us, 1 Sam. 6.9. Whilſt the nations abroad, and the Enemies at home were muſing about the great cauſe we had in hand, what it ſhould mean; If it had gone directly forward, as the kine took the ſtrait way to the way of Bethſhemeſh, and turned not aſide to the right hand or to the left, v. 12. in all likelihood there would have remained by this time no more doubtings concerning the work; but they would p. 63have been fully ſatisfied (as the Philistims were) that it was the Lords doing; but when they ſaw the work went not the ſtrait way, but there was a grievous turning aſide, no leſs then building again the things which were deſtroyed, and deſtroying what was built; this took them quite off, and ſo blinded them, as now they can ſee nothing of God in the thing, but cry out, It was a Chance, neither was the Lord more with the Parliament then with the King: but all is now, It was the Fortune of War.

Thus have the Apoſtates by caſting the Lords work behind their back, and ſetting up their own intereſt, occaſioned many thouſands (far and neer) not only to ſpeak evil of the Good Cauſe it ſelf, but to deprive the Lord of his due Glory and praiſe; for that honour vvhichwhich men vvould have given to the Lord (and it was even upon their hearts and in their mouths to do it) is now by this turning aſide, denyed him, and given to Idol-Fortune. Beſides, vvhat dread and fear vvas p. 64there ſomwhile ſince upon the hearts of Cavaleers; no other then a kind of convincement, that to vote or fight againſt our good Cauſe, vvas to vote and fight againſt God: but ſince this late Revolt brake forth, that fear (I beleeve) is over. So that now, if there be a door open for them in Parliament or Army, they will as readily vote and fight againſt the intereſt of Chriſt and his people, as ever they did before. O wretched Apoſtacy!

2. The Lord vvill begin to ſhake the Earth the ſecond time, vvhere he ſees it is firſt ripe. As a husbandman that hath much corn to reap, cuts it not down all at once; but vvhere the ripeſt is, there he begins. Now among the Regions of the Earth, that Field is neereſt the ſickle, vvhere Religion, Conſcience, and the vvorſhip of God are made cloaks for fin and wickedneſs: SIN may be confidered as ſingle or double: if it have Religious hypocriſie mixt with it, it is a double ſin, and ſo ripens the ſinner, and haſtens his judgment the ſooner.

p. 65Had the Scribes and Phariſees which devoured widows houſes under a ſhew of long prayer, Luk. 20.47. pickt theſe poor womens pockets, or cut their purſes, their ſin and condemnation had not been ſo great, as to cheat them in the vvay they did. It is ſaid of Herod, He ſent and Beheaded John in priſon, Mat. 14.10. though this were a moſt cruel act in the Tyrant, yet (I think) it vvas not half ſo bad, as that in Jezebel, vvho took away Naboths life and goods under pretence of Law, Conſcience, Religion: It vvas no marvel, that Gods revenging hand vvas preſently upon her for it; for ſuch a ſin as that vvas, made her ſoon ripe for cutting down. Among other Reaſons perſwading me to think ſome terrible Earth-ſhaking is upon us, truly this is one; namely, that never ſo much National wickedneſs vvas in any age, as hath been of late committed in theſe three Nations under Religious pretences, viz. faſting, prayer, vveeping, talking high of God, and his Son and Zion; juſt as did the Phariſees: all devouring p. 66of late times (not of houſes alone, but) of the lives and liberties of the people, is ex parte altiſſimi, for the moſt high God. As Graſerus deſcribing the Little Horn, ſaith, he is one, Qui impietati ſuae Dei nomen pretendit, vvhichwhich ſhall pretend the Name of God in all his impieties. Add to this, 1. The number of Sycophants and flatterers every vvhere (eſpecially Churchmen) vvho cry up the oppreſſours of the Nation as the only men for juſtice, mercy, piety, &c. 2. By how much the crying ſins of the Nation are vvitneſſed againſt, the more do men riſe and grow vvorſe and vvorſe in the practice of them. Now vvhat do theſe things preſage, but that God is ready to lay the axe to the root of the tree? Shall I not viſit for theſe things, ſaith the Lord? and ſhall not my ſoul be avenged on ſuch a Nation as this? Jer. 5.9.

3. It is uſually Gods dealing with his people (as I ſaid before) vvhen he draws out their hearts to an earneſt ſeeking of him, to grant them vvhat they ask. Paul ſaith, He was the Spirits p. 67priſoner, Act. 20.22. The like is the caſe now of many pretious Saints: Such a powerful-commanding impulſe they find upon their Spirits, that they cannot reſt day nor night, but muſt be ſighing and groaning, that the Lord vvould ſuddenly make this ſecond ſhaking, and remove unrighteous perſons and things, and make the Nation happy and glorious, by eſtabliſhing truth and juſtice in the midſt of it. I know theſe are reputed (by the thriving party) madmen, giddy-heads, fantaſticks, the greateſt fools of the time: But God ere long will put the Queſtion out of queſtion; that is, vvhether thoſe vvho prayed againſt oppreſſours, and to have Magiſtrates and Judges as at the firſt, did well, and therein pleaſed God; or ſuch as did flatter them, and vvould have them ſtill continue, to the end they might ſerve themſelves upon them.

And as the Spirit puts a holy force upon them to pray continually, ſo they have many weighty encouragements not to faint.

For 1. It is generally beleeved by p. 68this Generation of Seekers, That England will never be beautiful and lovely, but rather her preſent blackneſs and deformity increaſe, untill thoſe be ſhaken, who have made her moſt unlovely; yea, vile in the ſight of the vvorld.

Neither 2. will there be any Stateſhaking in other Nations, as to the cutting off of Tyrants, and planting righteouſneſs among them, until ſome eminent vvork be done here firſt, concerning a righteous ſetling of a good Commonwealth.

3. It is their beleef, That the Lord ere long vvill ſo honour a Government and Governours here eſtabliſhed, as they ſhall be very uſeful and inſtrumental to carry on his great vvork in the World; that is, deſtroy Babylon, bring down the Enemies of Chriſt under his feet, promote righteouſneſs every vvhere; yea, and help the Lords Ancient people when their day ſhall come.

Laſtly, They are perſwaded, The Lord will not be turned from the fierceneſs of his anger, and intreated for the p. 69Land, until there be a publick check given to the late Apostacie by the Repreſentatives of the people. They hanged Haman, &c. Then was the Kings wrath pacified, Eſth. 7.10. So they took up Jonah and caſt him forth into the ſea, and the ſea ceaſed from her raging, Jon. 1.15.

If vve ſee a man vvhet and ſharpen a tool, vve conclude he intends to do ſomething vvith it: as the Holy Ghoſt ſpeaks of ſhaking the Earth yet once more, Heb. 12. ſo I think the Lord is now preparing Inſtruments for it. The vvork is ſuch, as it needs no fine tools; rough tools vvill ſerve well enough, eſpecially being to be us'd by ſo ſtrong & powerful an hand: when God ſhewed Zecharie the Horns, he ſhewed him the Carpenters too, Zech. 1.19, 20. Elias in a little cloud ſaw abundance of rain. Methinks in this National cloud I ſee both rain and hail; Rain for the refreſhing of the Earth, after more then 3 years and an half drought. What thinkſt thou, Reader, would it not be a pleaſant ſight, to ſee our Rights and Priviledges again to ſpring: it is now p. 70towards the Spring, and who knows, but we may have a GOOD SPRING of it; yea, and a fruitful Summer too? I mean, ſuch proviſion and care taken, as to have no more ſuch deſtroying winter (as we have had of late) by putting too much truſt in the hands of deceitful men.

Again, methinks I ſee in this cloud ſome hail; and why not that Propheſie here to be fulfilled, Judgment alſo will I lay to the line, and righteouſneſs to the plummet; AND THE HAIL SHALL SWEEP AWAY THE REFUGE OF LIES, and the waters ſhall overflow the hiding place, Iſa. 28.17. But I ſhall refer the Reader to the REASONS which he ſhall find in the cloſe of this Treatiſe, wherefore I have great hope that the Nation will reap much good by this preſent Parliament.

Our 2. Argument is, If this preſent Government be that State-Apoſtacie of which Paul ſpeaks, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, &c. Then is the ſhaking of it intended in this Text. But the firſt is true: Therefore the ſecond.

p. 71This I ſhall take for granted (for I am ſure no underſtanding Chriſtian will deny me it) that the ſhaking of the two grand-Apoſtacies fore-told in Scripture, are certainly meant in Heb. 12.27. And therefore leaving that part of the Argument which is vvithout diſpute; I ſhall endeavour to prove the other Part.

1. That there ſhould be in Goſpeltimes, two notorious Apoſtacies, is evidently ſhewed in Scripture. The firſt in the later days; and this in Doctrine; that is, a departure from the faith, 1 Tim. 4.1, 2. 2 Theſ. 2.3. 2 Pet. 2.1, 2. Act. 20.30. The ſecond Apoſtacie, in the last days, and this to be in practiſe; that is, a corrupt life or converſation: 2 Tim. 3.1, &c. 2 Pet. 3.3, 4.

2. As the firſt Apostacie was a State or Kingdom, and had a HEAD appointed to it, and Laws made ſutable to that Head and State, Rev. 16.10. and 13.2. So the ſecond Apoſtacie is to be a State, a Body, or Dominion, Dan. 7.11, 26. and to have a Head or Protector ſet over it, and ſuch Laws devis'd, p. 72as may beſt fit the intereſt of the Head and Body: and ſo much lies plainly in the Text; Perillous days ſhall come; intimating a power in the Apoſtacie, to act wickedneſs by a Law, in ſpight of all oppoſition, ſo long as the Apoſtacie ſhould continue: for had it not been ſo, it could not have been perillous days, as the Text holds forth.

3. The first Apoſtacie had its riſe in the Church, occaſioned through the covetouſneſs, pride, ſelf-ſeeking, Covenant-breaking, &c. of profeſſors, 2 Pet. 2.3. Act. 20.3. So the ſecond preſent Apoſtacie, had its riſe in the Church, and among eminent Profeſſors of Religion; and the Cauſe of it the very ſame mentioned before, becauſe they were lovers of themſelves, covetous, proud, &c. 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3. obſerve then, this Apoſtacie cannot be made by Jews, Turks, Papiſts, &c. It muſt riſe in the Church, and among Profeſſors of Religion, who have the right worſhip of God, in form at leaſt.

4. As they gave to the Head of the first Apoſtacie all power, and to do p. 73what he would, being above all, and to be obeyed of all, and not ſubject to any Council, power, or Authority on Earth; ſo the Head of the ſecond Apocie was Dominus omnium temporalium, Lord of every mans goods, he might do what he would, ſupra jus, contra jus, & extra jus, above Law, againſt Law, and without Law; he was allowed to be above the people in their Repreſentatives, and to call Parliaments when he pleas'd, and to break them as oft as he would.

5. Upon the Head of the first Apocie, is characterized the number of the Beaſt, Rev. 13.18. VICARIUS DEI GENERALIS IN TERRIS; which according to the numeral Letters is, 666. The very ſame number is on the head of the ſecond Apoſtacie, DUX GENERALIS ET PROTECTOR; that is, 666. Here is wiſdom. Let him that hath understanding, count the number of the Beaſt, for it is the number of a man, and his number is ſix hundred threeſcore and ſix, Rev. 13.18. The Engliſh of the firſt is, Gods General p. 74on Earth; the other, Captain General and Protector.

6. It is a wonderful thing to conſider, when the Heathen Romane Emperors were ſubdued, the Idols of the Gentiles thrown down, Perſecution taken off from the Church, and liberty granted unto tender Conſciences in the exerciſe of Religion; that juſt then, the Let ſhould be taken out of the way, 2 Theſ. 2.7. and the firſt Apoſtacie riſe in the Chriſtian Church. Who would have thought when the Kings head was taken off, and with it that form of Government; When the Biſhops were put down, with Altars, Croſſes, Service-Book, Ceremonies, and other Popiſh-Idols; Perſecution ſtopt, and liberty given to tender Conſciences: I ſay, who would have thought that Profeſſors of Religion (yea, thoſe who had the greateſt ſhare and advantage in ſuch mercies) would have brought forth inſtead of grapes, the wild-grapes of the ſecond Apoſtacie? as if there had been no time for them, till juſt then, to have ſhewed their hypocriſie, p. 75falſhood, pride, covetouſneſs, treaſon, &c. But beſides the parallel between the two State-Apostacies, that we have the ſecond Apoſtacie at this time among us appears thus.

Firſt, We ſee plainly, though they left the power of godlineſs, and became ſelf-ſeekers, covetous, proud, traytors, covenant-breakers; yet they held faſt the form, or outſide of Religion: as men that have ſores and ulcers upon their bodies, throw not away their clothes, but keep them on for covering. And here the Reader is to obſerve, that this ſecond Apoſtacie cannot rightly be applyed to any but to Profeſſors of Religion; for ſuch as have neither power nor form of godlineſs, cannot be charged with it; they may be among the Apoſtates and helpers of the Apoſta…ie, but not proper members.

2. It muſt be underſtood that the men in the Text ſaid to be lovers of themſelves, covetuos, proud, &c. did formerly ſeem otherwiſe, and condemned theſe very vices and corruptions in others; for elſe it could not have been p. 76an Apoſtacie or falling from righteous Principles, to a ſcandalous and corrupt walking. Now who more complained againſt the King and Biſhop for their miſcarriages whilſt they ſtood, then thoſe men, whoſe miſcarriages ſince, have been far worſe in the very ſame particulars wherein the others were charged. I need not give inſtances; it is poſſible this Parliament may have occaſion to remember the old Court and the new; and the old Biſhops and the new Biſhops. If they do, there is hope then, that the greateſt grievances of the Nation will be removed, and the Liberties of the people reſtored.

3. In that way which Apoſtates ſeek to cover their Apoſtacie, doth the Lord diſcover both it and them. What is the way they take to have their Apoſtacie hid, and not known? it is by taking up a form of Godlineſs. And how doth the Lord unmask them, and make their Apoſtacie known? by that form of Godlineſs which they have taken up. And the truth is, were theſe men p. 77more ſelf-ſeeking, covetous, proud, &c. then they are, yet this alone would not prove them to be the later Apoſtates, unleſs with thoſe vices and ſins they had alſo a form of godlineſs; that is, did preach, pray, faſt, and made a great noiſe and ſhew of the outſide of Religion.

4. I know no better way for a man to have ſatisfaction in this thing, then firſt to conſider what the ſins are ſet down in 2 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. foretold ſhould be in the later State-Apoſtacie, and then to look about him, and ſee whether they are not all, and every one of them to be ſeen, as viſibly and plainly as was the leproſie in Gehazi's forehead. If the Reader do deſire more to inform himſelf in this matter, I ſhall refer him to a Treatiſe, intituled The time of the End, at pag. 36, &c. where all the Characters of the laſt Apostacie are fully opened.

Having ſpoken of the first and ſecond ſhaking of the Earth, I come now to deliver my thoughts concerning the manner of the ſecond ſhaking (for of p. 78the firſt I have ſpoken) and by whom the work will be done. And laſtly, my Reaſons, wherefore I think the time of this later ſhaking is nigh. The Scripture which I ſhall a little treat of, is in Rev. 11.13. And the ſame hour was there a great Earth-quake, and the tenth part of the Citie fell, and in the Earth-quake were ſlain of men ſeven thouſand; and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven.

I have thought ſometimes, that this Earth-quake, and the powring out of the first vial, had contemporized, and been all one thing; but ſeriouſly obſerving again the places, it ſeems to me, that this Earth-quake will be before any vial is powred out, and ſhall be a fore-runner (as John Baptiſt was to Chriſt) that is, prepare or make way for the Vials. About the time of this Earth-quake (in the ſame hour, ſaith the Text) the witneſſes aſcend up to Heaven in a Cloud. If by the witneſſes here, we underſtand fifth-Monarchy-men, and their work to be about the more pure and ſpiritual part of the fifth Kingdom, p. 79I conceive then, theſe do remain in Heaven, or the Temple, Rev. 15.6. (for I take it to be one thing) until the Earth-quake be made by the Commonwealths-men, as making way for the ſeven laſt plagues.

I deſire I may not be miſtaken in mentioning fifth Monarchy-men and Commonwealth-men diſtinct; I do it not as if they were not one people, and their work all one in reſpect of pulling down and building up; but in reference to the manner and way, how theſe things ſhall be done. The Earthquake will be (as I ſaid) before the vials, for theſe Reaſons:

1. Howſoever there are many differences among the Lords people, as what is Babylon, and ſo to be deſtroyed; yet in this they are all ſatisfied, and do unanimouſly accord, That all heavy burdens ſhould be broken, Tyrants (new as well as old) removed, the juſt Liberties of the people reſtored, Righteouſneſs ſetled in the Nation, and the good old Cauſe up again, conquering and to conquer. Now as the Lord in theſe things hath made p. 80his people of one mind, ſo he will have them joyn together in the proſecution of them: for things farther off (as about the vials) they ſhall likewiſe have light in them, Rev. 18.1. and accord in the work, when the time coms to put them in execution. Nevertheleſs whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the ſame rule, let us mind the ſame thing, Phil. 3.16.

2. It ſeems to me, that this Earthquake will be before the Vials; becauſe the Earth-quake is under the ſecond wo, Rev. 11.13, 14. but all the vials (as I conceive) fall under the third wo (which is the laſt) & therefore are ſaid to be the ſeven laſt plagues, Rev. 15.1.

3. If the Scriptures be heeded which treat of the fifth Kingdom, it will appear, that the great work which the Lord will bring to paſs for his Son and Zion in the laſt days, will begin at righteouſneſs among men; that is, to deſtroy oppreſſion and Tyranny in every kind; all corrupt Laws, and wicked Orders and Cuſtoms, and to have things ſo ſetled, as every man may have his due p. 81and juſt Rights: Righteouſneſs ſhall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulneſs the girdle of his reins, Iſa. 11.5. A ſcepter of righteouſneſs is the ſcepter of thy Kingdom, Heb. 1.6. There is a voice of many waters, before the voice of a great thunder, Rev. 14.2. Waters are below, thunder above; the work begins below at the waters: let us therefore take heed, that we miſs not the proper work of the day, in not beginning where we ſhould.

4. As God is a God of order, not of confuſion; ſo I think the great work of the times will be carried on in a beautiful and comly order. It is ſaid, The stone was cut out of the mountain, Dan. 2.45. Obſerve, it is CUT; ſo that it is not without form, it hath ſome comlineſs, faſhion, and order in it. I ſee no obſtruction, why all that is written concerning the execution of vengeance upon Babylon, or what is to be done by Saints as Saints (of publick concernment) till Chriſt perſonally appear, but may very well ſtand with p. 82good order. For example: Is it not poſſible that a Government may be rightly eſtabliſhed, and ſuch Governours choſen, as the tendereſt conſcience may ſafely act under it?

It is ſaid, The ten horns ſhall hate the whore, and ſhall make her deſolate and naked, and ſhall eat her fleſh, and burn her with fire, Rev. 17.16. I do underſtand this of a State or Government (let it be part of the fifth Kingdom) and the meaning to be this: when the Lamb hath overcome any Nation, there ſhall be that Government erected, and ſuch Governours ſet up, who will proclaim open war againſt the great whore, and raiſe up forces to reward her double for the blood ſhe had ſhed, and other abominable wickedneſs. This being ſo, it muſt needs follow, that the Earth-quake will be before the vials; for it is not to be imagined that the Repreſentatives of a Nation, if they are wiſe and ſober, will meddle with Babylon abroad, untill they have made a good Reformation, and things well p. 83ſetled at home.

5. If God have a voice in humane affairs, and to be hearkned to and followed, then I conceive this Earth-quake will be next; that is, a purging out of the droſs and filthineſs amongſt us, that righteouſneſs may dwell in the Land; this indeed we may now expect: for the harveſt of the later Apoſtacie is ripe, and the Lord ſeems to have prepared ſome ſharp ſickles for the cutting down of it. But for any other publick work at preſent, I do not ſee the like fitneſs either in things or perſons.

I have ſpoken the more of this, to the end, that whilſt we are looking at things further off, we do not forget our duty and work in things neerer home. I have read ſomewhere of an Admiral, when he ſhould have gone preſently in with the reſt of the fleet to fight the Enemy, he turned aſide and wheel'd about ſo far, that he never came in, to give a ſtroke. If we take not heed, our darling conceits will turn us aſide, and cauſe us to wheel off from p. 84the fight, i. e. our preſent Generation-work. If ſo, whoſoever the Lord ſhall honour in following him to the Battle and for his faithfulneſs in it, we for our parts can expect nothing but ſhame and diſhonour.

Queſt. What is meant by the Earthquake in the Text?

Anſw. The Repreſentatives of the people aſſembled in Parliament, by whom the later State-Apoſtacie ſhall be put down. So I take it. But,

1. I do not reſtrain this Earthquake to our Nation: I have ſhewed before, that one Propheſie may be often fulfilled. Thus, for ought I ſee to the contrary, the ſlaying of the witneſſes, and their riſing, may be done over and over; one while in one Country, and ſometimes in another, in reſpect of time, perſons, and place. But what people ſoever are left out of theſe Propheſies, we are not. For there is none of them (which concern the Gentile Saints in the laſt times) but they will have ſome accompliſhment here; yea, many p. 85of them more eminently here then elſewhere, eſpecially at firſt. But of this I have ſpoken before.

Neither 2. do I fix any time when this Earth-quake ſhall be. For howſoever I have ſtrong perſwaſions that the work will begin at the ſitting of this preſent Parliament; yet I am not ſo certain that the Lord will honour them in ſo noble and glorious a Cauſe for their poor country, as I am confident he will do it by others, if they neglect their duty. For the needy ſhall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor ſhall not periſh for ever, Pſal. 9.18.

Queſt. But why is the laying aſide of the preſent State-Apoſtacie, and bringing the Nation to a Common-wealth again, ſet forth by an Earth-quake?

Anſw. 1. Becauſe in all likelihood before it be over, it will make a dreadful and terrible ſhaking: Wo, wo, wo, to the inhabitants of the three Nations; who knows but this Earth-quake will raze the foundation of our new Nobility, reach the Tryers, Lawyers, Seſſers, Addreſſers, p. 86Exciſe-men, Custome-houſe-men, Corporations, &c. in a word, all the devouring vermine in the Land, ſuch as have taken away mens goods contrary to Law, Iſa. 33.1.

2. To ſhew when the Lord will raiſe up inſtruments againſt this Apoſtacie, they ſhall prevail, notwithſtanding all Ahitophels and Machiavels, in ſpight of Hell and all powers of darkneſs. It is an Earth-quake: Stand now with thine inchantments, and with the multitude of thy ſorceries, wherein thou haſt laboured from thy youth; if ſo be thou ſhalt be able to profit, if ſo be thou mayest prevail. Let now the Aſtrologers, the Star-gazers, the Monthly-Prognoſticators stand up, aad ſave thee from theſe things that ſhall come upon thee, Iſa. 47.12, 13.

3. It may denote the cauſe of the ſhaking; that this State-Apoſtacie is removed, it is, that oppreſſion and tyranny may ceaſe, and all people have their rights. Now howſoever this be a good work, and ought to be done, yet it riſeth no higher then Earth, and p. 87therefore fitly called an Earth-quake.

4. That the infamous memory of this laſt Apoſtacie, and the happy downfall of it may continue to all future Generations; Such deſolations and ruines as formerly were made by Earth-quakes, we find them recorded in Hiſtories both Divine and Humane, Amos 1.1. Zech. 14.5. to the end that ſuch things might not be forgotten. It is true, many National Earth-quakes hath this Iſland ſuffered, viz. by the Romans, Saxons, Danes, Normans, &c. Beſides ſeveral Earth-quakes among our ſelves, by Parliaments and Civil Wars. Nevertheleſs, I am very confident, that the memory of none of them will ſo long laſt, as the rembrance of this preſent Apoſtacie, and that SEASONABLE GOOD-EARTH-QUAKE, which not only ſhaked it, but ſwallowed it up. My Reaſon is, becauſe the honour of Gods great Name, the Cauſe of Religion, and the intereſt of Chriſt and his people, have more ſuffered by this preſent Apoſtacie in four or five p. 88yeers, then ever they ſuffered under the Romans, Saxons, Danes, Normans, put them all together, and all their time too: Some report the prints of Pharaohs Charriot-wheels did remain in the ſand of the ſhore at the Red-Sea, and was to be ſeen many hundred yeers after. I ſhall not ſtand to the truth of that: but this is a truth, and I ſhall abide by it, That the print of this Apoſtacie is ſo deep in Church and Commonwealth, made by ſelf-ſeeking, covetouſneſs, hypocriſie, Covenant-breaking, treachery, &c. that it will remain to be ſeen many ages hereafter.

5. To ſhew, that the Apoſtacie was ſuch a BURDEN as the Earth could no longer bear it, but muſt needs quake under it, and ſo ſhake it out. The land is defiled, therefore do I viſit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land it ſelf vomiteth out her inhabitants, Lev. 18.25. The earth is utterly broken down, the Earth is clean diſſolved, the Earth is removed exceedingly. The Earth ſhall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and ſhall be removed like p. 89a cottage. The tranſgreſſion of it ſhall be heavy upon it, and it ſhall fall and not riſe again, Iſa. 24.19, 20.

6. To anſwer an ancient Type in the old Teſtament: For in the Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, was clearly ſhadowed out the laſt Apoſtacie. Amongſt many other parallels which might be noted, take theſe few:

1. That Rebellion was made a little after the Lord had given a wonderful deliverance to his Church, and when they ſhould have paſſed over Jordan to the Promiſed Land.

2. The occaſion of it was ambition and love of pre-eminence in ſome perſons, not contented with that form of Government which the Lord a little before had appointed.

3. Howſoever the Action was wicked, (no leſs then high Treaſon) yet the chief Authors of it are ſaid to be famous in the Congregation, and men of renown.

4. That this Apoſtacie might the more effectually be carried on, the Liberty p. 90and Freedom of the people was pretended: and that Moſes and Aaron had taken too much upon them.

5. Howſoever few at firſt had a hand in this Rebellion (by the Hebrew Text it ſeems to be only Korah) yet thorow the hypocriſie and falſhood of theſe few, many afterwards were enſnared.

6. The Earth opened her mouth and ſwallowed them up. An Earth-quake indeed; yet a juſt reward for ſuch Rebellion and Treaſon.

Reader, The Sentence is left to thee, only be honeſt; did not this Apoſtacie riſe aſſoon as the Lord had delivered us out of the hands of our Enemies? and when in duty and Conſcience we ſhould have gone forward in his work? And was it not through the baſe pride of ſome men (to have all power in their own hands) that the Government of the Nation was changed from a Commonwealth (which the Lord had own'd and bleſt) to a THING which we cannot tell what it is? Again, p. 91though by three Acts of Parliament it was made Treaſon, to promote any perſon to be King or Chief Magiſtrate of England or Ireland, without conſent of Parliament: Yet this was done; But by whom? Men famous in the Congregation, and of great renown. And that they might the more prevail in their Rebellion, was not Liberty promiſed, and taking off the grievances of the People? Is not this very true likewiſe, that this State-Apoſtacie was firſt ſet on foot by a few (ſome ſay ſeven or eight, but more probably it was but one) yet afterwards Multitudes, multitudes fell into the ſin and ſnare? In concluſion then, wherein agrees not the Anti-type with the Type, but that the Earth-quake is not executed upon the later Rebellion? Conſider of it, take advice, and ſpeak your minds, Judg. 19.30.

Queſt. It is ſaid in the Text, The tenth part of the City fell, and in the Earth-quake were ſlain of men ſeven thouſand, &c. What is meant by it?

Anſw. 1. As there are two Apoſtacies p. 92foretold in Scripture; ſo I find two Cities mentioned in the Revelation: Firſt, the GREAT CITY; ſignifying, the whole Dominion and juriſdiction of the Papal Beaſt; that is, all States and Policies, Civil and Religious, under the See of Rome, and acknowledging the Pope Head of the Church. And note, when ever this Kingdom or State is meant by the word City, it is always expreſt foreign, That great City, Rev. 11.8. & 18.8. and 16.19. and 17.18. and 18.10, 16, 18, 19. and 21.10. By which we are to underſtand the firſt Apoſtacie: As for the ſecond Apoſtacie, is called a City likewiſe; but the word GREAT is left out, and there is great Reaſon for it.

For 1. This later Apoſtacie ſhall not be ſo large as the former, in ſpreading it ſelf over all peoples and Nations and Tongues; All the world wondred after the first Beaſt.

Neither 2. ſhall the later Apoſtacie have that honour and homage done p. 93to it, as had the former: For the Kings of the Earth ſhall give their Kingdoms unto the first Beaſt, Rev. 17.17.

3. The firſt Apoſtacie is to continue 1260 years, but the later not above three yeers and an half, till the Lord doth begin to ſtrike it with a Conſumption. So that the word GREAT, ſeems to be left out here, to diſtinguiſh between the two Cities, or two Apoſtacies; and this in the Text is to be underſtood of the later State-Apoſtacie. Moreover, we have ſome light here how to underſtand that place, Rev. 11.8. where it is ſaid of the witneſſes, their dead bodies ſhall lie in the ſtreet of the great City: it is well obſerved by many, that the Greek foreign, (i. e. a broad or ſpatious place) doth not ſignifie any place, Market-place, or broad place within the walls of the great City; but it is without the great City, as no part of the building. Hence we may conclude two things.

1. The two Witneſſes are not ſlain (in their Teſtimony) by any Civil Powers p. 94that hold the Pope Head of the Church; neither lie their dead bodies in any Country formally ſubject to the See of Rome. For their ſlaying and lying dead muſt be without the walls of the great City. Indeed the blood of the Martyrs will be charged upon the firſt Apoſtacie; but the ſlaying of the witneſſes, upon the ſecond Apoſtacie. Therefore let Church-Members and Church-Officers, and other Profeſſors of Religion look to it. For to ſpeak ſoberly and in the fear of God, this is my opinion (and I think grounded upon Scripture and practice) The blood of the witneſſes will be required at their hands: for never had the bottomleſs Beaſt murdred ſo bleſſed a Cauſe, and ſo glorious a Teſtimony for Chriſt and his Kingdom (as was in this Nation) had they ſtood faithful to the good old Cauſe.

2. Though the Power by which the witneſſes are ſlain, is not from the great City, yet it is for it; that is, it doth more ſtrengthen and ſupport the great whore then any State or Government p. 95properly the whores. Where lies now the ſtop, that the Lords work goes not forward, to remove oppreſſions and heavie burdens, and to eſtabliſh righteouſneſs among men? Not in Rome, Spain, Germany, France; the ſtop is neerer home: remove this Apoſtacie, and you ſhall ſoon ſee the good Cauſe reviv'd again, and the hearts of all good people reviv'd with it.

2. Whereas it is ſaid, The tenth part of the City fell, and the remnant gave glory to God; this cannot be meant of the great City, for that ſinks (every whit) like a great milstone to the bottom of the Sea: Beſides, I do not read of any giving glory to God in the great City when her plagues are upon her. But contrary (it is expreſly ſaid) they repented not, to give glory to God, but blaſphemed the God of Heaven becauſe of their pains and their ſores, Rev. 16.9, 11. Now the Reaſon is, becauſe the Lord will bring his people out of the great City Babylon, (as he did Lot from Sodom) before he burns her to aſhes. I will p. 96not ſay, among that huge heap of chaff, there will be no corn; yet I think, if any of Gods elect ſhall periſh (as to the outward man) in that common deſtruction; they will be very few, yea, in thoſe few, no repenting and giving glory to God, viſibly will appear, Rev. 18.4. Jer. 51.6.

But the Caſe here is otherwiſe: for howſoever the whole Apoſtacie will fall, yet in the Earth-quake all will not be ſlain that are found in the Apoſtacie. When Abſalom made that unnatural Rebellion againſt his father, it is ſaid, two hundred followed him in the ſimplicitie of their hearts, and knew not any thing, 2 Sam. 15.11. that is, they were ignorant of the wicked plot he had in hand; namely, under pretence of devotion and conſcience to deſtroy his own father, and make himſelf king or Chief Magiſtrate. No doubt many two hundreds, thouſands, I may ſay, through the diſſimulation and lying of their Leaders and Teachers, have fallen in with the Apoſtacie, ſimply p. 97and ignorantly, knew nothing of their deſign, that is, how under a cloke of Religion, and the ſafety of the godly party, the mother Commonwealth was to be murthered, and an Abſalom-like intereſt to be ſet up. Therefore by the Remnant here, I underſtand theſe ignorant and ſimple ones; not the OLD SERPENT, the ſeducers and ringleaders, who thought they had done their Country and themſelves good ſervice, when they ſought to deſtroy the lives and Liberties of the people.

3. Whereas it is ſaid, In the Earthquake was ſlain of men 7000. the Greek hath names of men; meaning, men of note, renown, famous, Gen. 6.4. contrary hereto, is men without Name, Job 30.8. alluding to the Rebellion of Korah, &c. Num. 16.2. & two things ſeem to be held forth.

1. This Earth-quake (that is, the Repreſentatives of the people) ſhall be men of courage, and of publick ſpirits, ſuch as ſhall have Lion-like hearts, fear no mans face, nor reſpect any mans perſon; but will cut down Cedars, aſſoon as ſhrubs, if there be cauſe for it. Indeed no people p. 98in the world formerly have been more honoured then the Engliſh, for men of reſolution, and of high and noble ſpirits, in ſtanding up for their freedom and Rights, againſt intruſion and uſurpation of all ſorts and ſizes. But, How is the faithful City become an harlot? it was full of judgment, righteouſneſs lodged in it, but now murderers. Thy ſilver is become droſs, thy wine mixt with water. Thy Princes are rebellious, and companions of theeves; every one loveth gifts, and follow after reward; they judge not the fatherleſs, neither doth the cauſe of the widdow come unto them, Iſa. 1.21, 22, 23. Oh! that it ſhould be ſaid, ICHABOD, The glory is departed from England. For have not men of late ſhewed themſelves to be of low, baſe, and ſervile ſpirits, in preferring their own particular intereſt, before the publick good of the Nation? And in ſtead of contending for our Birth-right (which but a little before was recovered with the Blood and Treaſure of the Nation) to give it up (or rather ſold it) Eſau-like, for a meſs of Pottage? But God p. 99will raiſe up a better Generation of men (and why may not we hope it is now?) who will recover the Glory of the Engliſh nation again, by exalting truth and righteouſneſs among us.

2. By names of men, is not meant the old names of note, renown, and famous in the days of the King and Biſhops; for they concern not the later Apoſtacie: but the new names; that is, Lords, Knights, Eſquires, &c. of the last edition. Thoſe who were poor the other day, and have made their families great by hypocriſie and lies, and betraying their Country, muſt expect to fall by this Earth-quake. For the number ſeven thouſand, it is probable before the Earth-quake be done, not fewer will be ſhaken; for it muſt go round the Nation, and follow the Apoſtacie from end to end. And I hope the appearance of it will be ſuddenly; we are waiting for it, and praying for it. So come Lord Jeſus. Amen, Amen.