A Voice From the Temple to the Higher Powers, Text

A Voice From the Temple to the Higher Powers · Text

p. 1A Voice from the Temple, to the higher POWERS; Wherin is ſhewed, that it is, the Work and Duty of Saints, to ſearch the Propheſies and Viſions of holy Scriptures, which concern the latter times: And that Jeſus Chriſt will reveal the knowledge of them, neere the end of their accompliſhment. And ſo much is here clearely proved, and the Objections to the contrary anſwered.

THings muſt be removed, and taken off, from the place where they are, before they can be laid, and ſetled elſe where: That I may win others to the ſame opinion I am of, in the ſubject or matter I here plead for; I ſhall firſt begin to anſwer ſuch Objections, which I conceive are moſt conſiderable againſt it.

Object. 1: When (a)(a)Acts 1.6.7.Acts 1:6Acts 1:7they were come together, they asked of him, ſaying, Lord, wilt thou at this time reſtore again the kingdome of Iſrael; And he ſaid unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the ſeaſons, which the Father hath put in his own power. If not for the Apoſtles to know, then not for others, who in gifts, place, and parts, are farre ſhort and inferiour to them.

Anſwer 1. Becauſe it was neither convenient nor neceſſary for the Diſciples, (no, nor for any in that age) to know the Times; yet it doth not follow, that it was inexpedient or unneceſſary for others in ages after; Chriſt doth not ſay, It is not for any, or, it is not for others, but it is not for you to know; he means no way uſefull, or fit for them, as tending either to Gods glory, or the Churches good.

2. In ſaying, which the father hath put in his own power; he plainly intimates, that it ſhould be revealed and made known p. 2in due time; and unto ſuch as he thought good. It was Goliah's lot, to have his head cut off with his own ſword: this very ſcripture, if rightly weighed, is a moſt effectuall proof, to confute the very thing they bring it for.

3 As Chriſt told them, It was not for them to know the times: ſo he might have given them a reaſon for it; for the knowledge of the Time, concerning the reſtauration of the Kingdome to Iſrael, was then ſhut up, and ſealed, according to (b)(b)Dan. 12.4.Dan 12:4Daniel, and not to be revealed, till towards or near the accompliſhment.

Object. 2. But (c)(c)Mat. 24.37, 38, 39.Matt 24:37Matt 24:38Matt 24:39as the dayes of Noah were, ſo ſhall alſo the coming of the Son of man be, for as in the dayes that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, untill the day that Noah entred into the ark, and knew not, untill the flood came and took them all away, ſo ſhall alſo the coming of the Son of man be.

Anſwer, I ſhall anſwer this ſcripture two wayes.

1 For the wicked and ungodly ſinners, the knowledge of the time was hid from them: and indeed, this is the thing which Chriſt in that place chiefly intends, in comparing the time of Noah with the latter times: for howſoever the prophane wretches then, neither knew, nor foreſaw the coming of the flood; yet Noah (e)(e)Gen. 6, 7. and 7.4.Gen 6:7Gen 7:4did: he (I ſay) both foreſaw and foretold the time of the old worlds deſtruction. It was indeed concealed from the wicked, becauſe it was to come upon them as a ſnare in the night, but revealed unto Noah for (f)(f)Heb. 11.7.Heb 11:7his own, and the Churches preſervation. Even thus (ſaith (g)(g)Luk. 17 30.Luke 17:30Chriſt) ſhall it be in the day when the Son of man ſhall be revealed: that is, ſome ſhall know nothing of the times, but go on in their ignorance, and unbelief, as become (h)(h)2 Pet. 3.34.2 Pet 3:34ſcoffers, and walking after their own luſts, and ſaying, where is the promiſe of his coming? and ſo periſh in the coming deſtruction; others on the other hand, by faith (like Noah) ſhall prepare an Ark, to the ſaving of their own ſouls.

2 As concerning the Saints, Chriſt doth not ſimply and abſolutely deny unto them the knowledge of the time, for he knew that the time was to be revealed unto them, (i)(i)Dan. 12.4, 9, 10Dan 12:4Dan 12:9Dan 12:10near the end; but he denyeth it, onelyonly to the Saints preſent, and far diſtant from the end, to whom it was not to be (j)(j)Dan. 12.4.10.Dan 12:4Dan 12:10made known, as being unſeaſonable and not expedient, and would p. 3have occaſioned rather hurt then good, Chriſt ſaith, in a certain (l)(l)John 7, 6, 10.John 7:6John 7:10place, My time is not yet come; nevertheleſſe within a little while after he goes up to the feaſt: ſo concerning the godly (whether we reſpect the dayes of Daniel or Chriſt) the time then was not come that the propheſies of the End ſhould be opened to them; yet they ſhall be opened and made known to Saints near the finiſhing, and before their accompliſhment.

Object. 3. (m)(m)Mark 13.32.Mark 13:32But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angells which are in heaven, neither the Son but the Father.

I know there are ſeverall anſwers given; ſom, not as meere man: Others, though not the day and hour, yet the year might be known, both to Chriſt, angels and men. But to let theſe things paſſe, my anſwer is, Chriſt as the Son of man, knew it not, till he was aſcended and glorified; hence it is, that he is acknowledged nnRev. 4, 5, 9Rev 4:5Rev 4:9worthy to take the book, and to open the Seals thereof; mark the reaſon, For thou waſt ſlain, and haſt redeemed us to God by thy blood: ſo then as (o)(o)Rev. 1.1Rev 1:1God gave unto Jeſus Chriſt the Revelation, to ſhew unto his ſervants things which muſt ſhortly come to paſſe: ſo this is as a fruit of his ſufferings, riſing again, and fitting at the right hand of his father.

And this is a point of marvellous conſequence (though little minded) for it is matter of encouragement to ask wiſdome of God, that we may underſtand Daniel, and the book of the Revelation, what is meant by (p)(p)Dan. 7.25.Dan 7:25Time, times, and dividing of time, what by the (q)(q)Rev. 11.2.Rev 11:242 Moneths, the 1260 dayes, what by the (r)(r)Rev. 13.18.Rev 13:18number of the Beaſt, which is 666. and (s)(s)Dan. 6.12, 6.Dan 6:12Dan 6:6how long it ſhall be to the end of theſe wonders. Becauſe Chriſt by his death became worthy to open the Seals, that is, (with other things) purchaſed by his blood for us this great priviledge, to know the time and ſeaſons, and to make them known unto his Church and people. If it be a thing which a man owns, and hath a lawfull intereſt and right in it, he can ask it with the more boldneſſe and confidence, and doubts not but to have it. So here, &c.

Object. 4. Many learned and godly men, diving and ſearching into theſe myſteries and hidden things, have been greatly miſtaken, and by their extravagances have loſt themſelves, which makes others warie and cautious how to meddle with them.

p. 4Anſw. 1. By the ſame reaſon, other Scriptures are not to be ſearcht, for learned men have moſt corruptly and falſely interpreted them.

2 Though it be aſſerted by us, that it is poſſible, needfull, yea, required to ſearch out the accommodation of the years, yet we do not ſay, every man (howbeit learned and godly) ſhall underſtand: for the Lord may do what he will with his own.

3 That many formerly have been miſtaken, it is not ſtrange, becauſe the time was uncertain in which they lived: the Revelation being reſerved (as I ſaid before) for the Saints of the laſt age. Beſides, that many, (I do not ſpeak of all) even in theſe our dayes, miſſe the mark, no marvell.

For 1. Some of them (t)(t)Prov. 3.5, 6.Prov 3:5Prov 3:6lean unto their own wiſdome, humane learning, arts, ſciences, authority of men: and ſeek not the Lord by faith and prayer, to have direction, light and counſell from him; and hence, (and juſtly too) is that verefied on them, uuRom. 1.2.Rom 1:2profeſſing themſelves to be wiſe, they became fools.

2 It is an uſuall thing with Scholars to follow one another right or wrong. The old Fathers (as they are call'd) applyed many things to their times, which as then had no relation, others coming after, ſay the very ſame, and look no further, and ſo one leads another out of the way:

3 Another cauſe of many mens miſtake in the accommodation of years, is confounding one thing with another, and diſorderly ſetting down that firſt which ſhould be laſt, and laſt firſt: thus they appply promiſcuouſly to Jews and Gentiles, what ſhould be diſtinguiſhed, as proper but to one. Again, diſtinguiſh not between the Eccleſiaſticall and Civill State, as to the riſe and fall of both: cry up a preſent glorious condition of the Church, far before her warfare is accompliſhed.

Laſtly, for ſuch as are warie and cautious, how to meddle with the times. I ſhall ſay no more but thus. If a man towards the beginning of Harveſt, ſhould travell through the Countrie, from London to York, poſſibly then he would ſee very few Harveſt labourers in the fields but let him paſſe the ſame way a few weeks after, he ſhall ſee people every where at work, and every one his hands full. At preſent we are but at the beginning of the Harveſt, but I believe (and note it well) before one year is expired, p. 5the Lord will ſend forth ſuch a multitude of labourers into his Harveſt, as not a man that is come out of Babylon, and hath ſeperated himſelf from all the abominations thereof: but will make it his ſpeciall work to ſearch Daniel, and the Revelaion, and diligently ſeek after the knowledge of the Times.

Objection 5. This pretending to Inſpirations, Revelations, and the ſpirit of propheſie, is no other then what John of Leiden, Herman, Rotman and Chipperdoling did, and ſo the Munſter buſineſſe, whereby multitudes were betrayed, and driven to Rebellion, and great miſchief and miſerie followed.

Anſwer 1. This is no other aſperſion and ſcandalons reproach, then hath been caſt by the enemies of the truth, upon all good men ever ſince, who have been zealouſly earneſt for reformation.

But 2. Such as are godly, wiſe, or able to put a difference between lying propheſies, and fooliſh viſions, and a grace given unto Saints, to underſtand the mind of Jeſus Chriſt in holy Scriptures, 2 John 2.20.John ſaith, Ye have an unction from the holy one, and ye ſhall know all things. To you (ſaith (y)(y)Mat. 11.Matt 11Chriſt) it is given to know the myſteries of the kingdome: (a)(a)Pſal. 25 14.Ps 25:14The ſecret of the Lord is with them that fear him. Again, (b)(b)Prov. 3.32.Prov 3:32His ſecret is with the righteous. Are not theſe Goſpel promiſes, and Saints Priviledges, and attainable by the exerciſe and acts of faith. (c)(c)Pet. 2.6.He that believeth on him, ſhall not be confounded. Becauſe the Spider turns many things into poyſon, is the honey, wormwood and gall, which the Bee makes?

3 I could ſhew in ſeverall particulars, how contrary (as light is to darkneſſe) the carriages and practiſes of the Munſter Impoſtors, (firſt and laſt) were, to what is either ſaid or done by the godly of this age, who are of my opinion, namely, that the propheſies of the laſt times ſhall be revealed unto Saints near the end. Let Sleidan (or any other) who hath written the Hiſtorie of Munſter, be peruſed by any impartiall Reader, and he ſhall not find any ground to frame a parralell, neither in reference to matter, manner, men. I have ſome thoughts, (ſeeing there is ſuch a noiſe of Munſter) ſhortly to diſcover the abſurdity, ignorance and malice of ſuch people, who ſeek to diſgrace good men, and through their ſides to pierce the glorious work of p. 6God now begun amongſt us, by raking into the buſineſſe of Munſter.

4. It is worth the obſerving, how ſutably Satan hath carried on his Deſigne to keep men in ignorance, ſupeſtition, and bondage, and to hinder them from embracing the things belonging to their peace. Though he could never certainly and perfectly reach the knowledge of propheſies, as to the very time of their accompliſhment: yet knowing that ſuch and ſuch things ſhould come to paſſe, and having ſome conjecture near the time, his manner hath been beforehand, to corrupt the minds of the people (ſome way or other) with a prejudice againſt them, that ſo, when the thing it ſelf ſhould come to paſſe, men might neither believe nor receive the ſame.

Thus he raiſed up many falſe Chriſts, and why? that the true Chriſt might not be received when he came. So for this Munſter Buſineſſe. The Devill knew in the latter dayes, Tyrants and oppreſſors would be throw down, the Antichriſtian kingdom deſtroyed; good men and good things advanced: Now mark the craft of this wicked one; when the appointed time ſhould come, in which theſe things were to be fulfilled, to the end that men might not then believe: He ſtirred up before hand a company of Seducers to beguile the ignorant and ſimple people: meerly, (I ſay) upon this account, that when the time ſhould come, that Tyranny and Oppreſſion ſhould be ſuppreſt, Babylon caſt down, righteouſneſſe exalted; this work might not finde acceptation among the people, he having (as I ſaid) poiſoned before hand the mindes of the people, Note.by ſuggeſting Munſter and the effects of that buſineſſe: So then in ſhort, the ſumme is this, The Devill in cauſing that work at Munſter, intended that it ſhould be a ſnare to the people of this Age.

Having ſpoken to the Objections; I come now to Arguments, to prove that the knowledge of the times is needfull, poſſible, yea required and ought to be ſearcht; And ſo to juſtifie Gods people, (miniſters and others) who (by Faith, Prayer, Conference, meditation, reading) are now upon the work.

1. Becauſe this is a part of the written word of God. Dan. 7.25. and 9.25, 26. and 12.7.11.12. Rev. 11.2, 3. and 12.6.14. and 13.18. Now (d)(d)John 5.39.John 5:39Chriſt commandeth us to ſearch the ſcriptures, p. 7the whole, and all, and not ſome part as we think good to pick and chuſe: (e)(e)Rom. 15.4.Rom 15:4Whatſoever things were written aforetime, were written for our ledrning, that we through patience and comfort of the ſcriptures might have hope. (f)(f)Dan. 29 29Thoſe things which are revealed, belong unto us and to our children for ever. A ſervant being commanded to doe ſeverall things, if he do onelyonly a part of them, what he thinks fit and beſt, (as eaſieſt) and not the reſt; the maſter will not be pleaſed: ſo here,

2. Becauſe the knowledge of the Times, is part of that Propheſie, and thoſe good things to come, which the (g)(g)Rev. 1.1Rev 1:1father gave unto his ſon, to ſend and ſhew unto his ſervants. Chriſt did not ſend the letter without the ſence: But intended, that it ſhould be known and underſtood; therefore the ſenſe and underſtanding is to be ſearcht.

3. It is ſaid of the whole Propheſie, and conſequently of the Times therein contained: (h)(h)Rev. 1.3.Rev 1:3Bleſſed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this propheſie; I think no man takes it of an ignorant and fruitleſſe reading and hearing, without underſtanding: for ſurely, ſuch a hearing or reading iiActs 8.30.Acts 8:30makes no man happy. Beſides it is ſuch a reading and hearing, as may be the rule and ground of practice: Hence it is added, and keep thoſe things which are written therein: Conſequently then, it muſt be a reading with underſtanding and knowledge. Obſerve hence the raſhneſſe of ſome Teachers, who ſeek to diſcourage Saints, from that work, unto which alone, is pronounced the promiſe of bleſſedneſs. They will allow men to read the years and times in the text, but they muſt not ſeek for the underſtanding. Juſt for all the world, as to bid a man to catch at the ſhaddow, but with all charge him not to toucht or take the fruit.

4. Let Chriſts words be well obſerved, When (k)(k)Mat. 29 15yee therefore ſhall ſee the abomination of deſolation ſpoken of by Daniel the Prophet, ſtand in the holy place; who ſo readeth, let him underſtand: he hath reference, no doubt to Dan. 9.27. and 11.31. and 12, 11. where the times of the end are declared and Characterized: Chriſt here cals upon us, not for reading, but for underſtanding Daniels weeks, dayes, times. Now doth Chriſt bid us underſtand Daniel; yea, in his numbers, how dares any mortall creature, reproach p. 8any for ſearching his Propheſies. (l)(l)Acts 4.2Acts 4:2Whether it be right in the ſight of God, to hearken unto you, more then unto God, judge yee? A ſervant in not doing his duty, cannot be excuſed, but yet is more in excuſable, when with all he ſhall ſmite his fellow ſervants for doing their duties. I leave the application to the Reader.

5. It muſt be granted, that the holy ſcripture, either holds forth a certain, and ſet time, and period of years; in reſpect of the breaking of the fourth Monarchy, the deſtruction of the Antichriſtian kingdome, the end of the Turkiſh Empire, the ſlaying of the Witneſſes, Chriſt taking the poſſeſſion of the kingdome, and reigning, &c. or not: If there be no time ſet, and appointed time; for what uſe then are theſe Texts, Dan. 7.25. and 9.25, 26, 27. and 12.11, 12. Hab. 2.3. Revel. 11.2, 3. and 12.6.14. If there be a time certain and fixt, then I would know; if nothing of the time is to be known, till after the accompliſhment; how theſe and ſuch other ſcriptures, can be ſaid to be written for our learning and comfort? or, what benefit the Church and People of God have by having them written! Caeſars letter though he carried it with him in his boſome into the Councel, yet not knowing the contents, it profited him nothing. In the knowledge of the times, there lyes our comfort and ſafety; to have the words in our book, and no more, that helps not, though we have them with us ſtill in our boſome.

6. Daniel being commanded, to (m)(m)Dan. 12.4.Dan 12:4ſhut up the words, and ſeale the Book, even to the time of the end; afterwards, ſees (n)(n)v. 5two, the one ſtanding on this ſide of the banck, and the other on that ſide of the banck of the river. Theſe two, I take to be Types, the one a Type of the Chriſtian Gentiles, the other of the Iewes; unto whom Ieſus Chriſt (the man clothed in linnen) will open the myſteries of the times, a little before the end.

Three reaſons I have for this,

1. They both make enquiry, How ^o long ſhall it be to the end of theſe wonders? Our Bibles reade, and one ſaid to the man clothed. But the word (one) is not in the text; nor is there to be underſtood, for they ſpake both.

2. The man clothed in linnen (which was Chriſt) (p)(p)v. 7.holds up his right hand, and his left hand to heaven; wherefore both, and not one hand alone? (q)(q)10.5.Becauſe here are two, one on his right hand, p. 9another on his left, and both to be informed

3. They are both anſwered, as to their queſtion, concerning the times. The Gentile type, hath his anſwer, v. 7. It ſhall be for a time, times, and an half: And the Jew type hath his anſwer, v. 11. From the time that the daily ſacrifice ſhall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh deſolate ſet up; there ſhall be a thouſand two hundred and ninety dayes. From this I gather, ſome litle time before the end, the Lord will unſeale the propheſies of Daniel, and reveal the times included, to ſome, both Iews and Gentiles. Thoſe great myſteries of the times, which have been hid, and lookt up from former ages, ſhall be clearly opened to them, and they ſhall know how long it will be before the Fourth Monarch be deſtroyed, the witneſſes ſlain, Euphrates dryed up, and Michael ſtand up for his people. And this they ſhall ſpeak out to the world, and not one jot of their words ſhall fail. You will ask it may be, what will men ſay to this? It will be with theſe men, as it was with Hezekiah's meſſengers, ſome laughed them to ſcorn, 2 Chron. 30.11.2 Chr 30:11and mocked them: Nevertheleſſe divers of Aſher, and Manaſſeh, and of Zebulun, humbled themſelves, and came to Jeruſalem.

7. As the time of the end is neerer at hand, ſo the Propheſies, and conſequently the times included, are to be unſealed, Dan. 12.9. Rev. 22.10. and 1.3.Dan 12:9Rev 22:10Rev 1:3opened, revealed. In Daniel 12.7. when a time, times, and an half, was propoſed, and the Prophet profeſſing he underſtood it not, v. 8. an anſwer was given v. 9. that the words were ſealed up till the end; that is, untill the laſt time immediately before the end; as the phraſe is uſed, Revelat. 11.7. Therefore in the time immediately before the accompliſhment, theſe words are to be unſealed; that is, the meaning of them ſhall be known to Saints. Again this is further manifeſted by v. 10. Many ſhall be purified and made white and tryed; and none of the wicked ſhall underſtand, but the wiſe ſhall underſtand. So ver. 11. what they ſhould underſtand at the time of the end, in particular, is there more fully expreſſed. And from the time (ſaith the Angel) that the daily ſacrifices ſhall be taken away; and the abomination that maketh deſolate ſet up, there ſhall be 1290. dayes.

Queſt. But wherefore hath the Lord denyed the knowledge of the times to his people in former ages; and will reveal it to Saints neer unto the end.

p. 10I might here ſay, Mat. 11.26.Matt 11:26in the words of our Lord, Even ſo father, for ſo it ſeemeth good in thy ſight: But I Anſwer,

1. Gods adminiſtrations in the later Times, concerning a nation and Kingdom, Note.to pluck up, and pull down, and to deſtroy it, will be ſuch as the inſtruments of the work, probably ſhall want former examples, and ordinary rules to walk by. Men at Sea having not the marks and directions, which travellers have on Land, need ſome other help to ſteer and order their courſe by: Gods way neer the end will be in the Sea, Pſal. 77.19Ps 77:19and his path in the great waters: So that as the actions of ſome men ſhall be rare, unexemplary without preſident; ſo God will give them clear light in away ſuteable, that is, make them underſtand the times, and that it is now their proper work to act, ſo and ſo: in order to the fulfilling of the will and commandement of God, though the ſame (as the world judgeth) ſeem irrational, illegal, abſurd, deſtructive to Religion, Law, Liberty, &c.

2. Theſe latter times will be accompanied, with ſuch great deſtractions, confuſions, diviſions, as people will be at a loſſe, and ſo in darkneſſe, that they will not know what to doe, which way to take, nor how to diſpoſe of themſelves. Reader, note it; Gods marvelous work now in the world, will move ſo contrary to mens expectations and ſelf intereſt; as multitudes ſhall fall off daily; Iſa. 60.2.Isa 60:2yea, ſome good men ſhall be offended, and left behinde; Darkneſſe ſhall, cover the earth, and groſſe darkneſſe the people: Nevertheleſſe, for the comfort and encouragement of the wiſe, the Lord ſhall ariſe upon them, and his glory ſhall be ſeen upon them; and by the underſtanding of the times, which they ſhall have, God will make them inſtrumentall, for the perfecting of the good work which he hath begun. Thus not by might, Zech. 4.6.Zech 4:6nor by power, but by my ſpirit, ſaith the Lord of hoſts.

3. As the knowledge of the end, hath been concealed from former Ages, to prevent ſecurity, and to ſtir men up unto watchfulneſſe; Mat. 24.42. Mar. 13.35 Luk. 12.40Matt 24:42Mark 13:35Luke 12:40as our Saviour expreſly ſhews; ſo it is to be revealed to this laſt Age, to move men to repentance and amendment of life; that they ſhould forſake all unrighteouſneſs, guile, diſſimulation, ſelf-ſeeking; Doe juſtice, love mercy, loſe the bonds of wickedneſſe, undoe the heavy burdens, and let the oppreſſed go free, and break every yoke. If a man fall into a pit, or ſnare, p. 11whereof he was before told and warned, he vexeth and grieves the more. When corrupt and deceitfull men ſhall ſee the very thing come to paſſe upon them, which before in the word of the Lord, was told them: namely within ſuch a time, if they turn not from their evill wayes, and make their wayes and their doings good, the Lord will pluck them out of their dwelling places, lay them aſide, break their power to pieces: Lord, what a torment and vexation this will be to them: that notwithſtanding warned and admoniſhed as from God, they ſhould yet harden and hearten themſelves to their own deſtruction. Prov. 5.12.Prov 5:12How have I hated inſtruction, and my heart deſpiſed reproof? and have not obeyd the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that inſtructed me.

4 For this cauſe likewiſe will the Lord have the book now opened, viz. to advance the honour and holineſſe of his bleſſed word: we are in an age wherein moſt things are queſtioned: not only water-Baptiſme, and whether there be a true Church: but whether there be a true God, a true Chriſt, a true Word, &c. Now as this is atime, wherein Satan appears againſt the holy Scriptures, and the truths therein contained, more violently and blaſphemouſly then ever heretofore: ſo I confidently affirm, and will abide by it, that the Lord will now ariſe and appear for the vindication of the holy Scriptures, more gloriouſly and eminently then ever: And wherein can the excellency of them be more advanced? the truths in them more manifeſted? the contemners of them more aſhamed and ſilenced, then that the wiſe ſhould underſtand. For what Athieſt will not bluſh, and be confounded, when he ſhall moſt evidently ſee ſuch things come to paſſe this year and the next, and ſo forward, till the year, 1770. as was foretold: And that in order to the fulfilling of propheſies and viſions, recorded, ſome fifteen hundred years, others, two thouſand years before, and more:

Having proved by ſeverall Arguments, that the knowledge of the times, is poſſible, and ought to be ſearched, and wherefore the ſame (though concealed from former ages) is to be revealed to the laſt age. I come now to the Propheſies themſelves. In Daniel I find five ſpeciall propheſies, in reference to the time p. 12of the end, Chap. 7.25. Chap. 9.24, 25, 26, 27. Chap. 12.7, 11, 12.

The three firſt concern the Chriſtian Gentiles, the two latter the Jews; and in them are comprehended all the works of both: that is, when thoſe years are expired, then their whole warfare ſhall be accompliſhed, and they ſhall be no more two, but one; and one ſhepherd ſhall be ſet over them. Howſoever I intend to ſet forth theſe things, more at large in another Treatiſe; yet ſomething I will ſpeak now, as to the times, both of the Gentiles, and of the Jews. And firſt to that place in Daniel, Dan. 7.25.Dan 7:25Ʋntill a time, and times, and dividing of times.

In Scripture we find time, to be taken for dayes, as Dan 4. comparing v. 16. with 34. By dayes, years are to be underſtood. Your children ſhall wander in the wilderneſſe forty dayes, Numb. 14.33, 34. Ezek. 4.6Num 14:33Num 14:34Ezek 4:6each day for a year. Again, Thou ſhalt bear their iniquity forty dayes, and I have appointed thee each day for a year. In propheticall uſe, a day, that is, a year, containeth 360 dayes, or years. This Daniel calls a time. The word times, ſignifies ſo much more, that is, 720 years. The dividing of time is, 180 dayes, or years, the whole put together, makes 1260 years: and ſo much, the ſpirit of God expreſly declares in Rev 12. where a thouſand two hundred and threeſcore dayes, v. 6. is ſaid to be, a time, and times, and half a time v. 14.

Before we come to the accommodation of theſe years, we are to ſpeak of the ten horns, and the little horn: firſt of their riſe, then their fall; that is, their beginning and ending: For their riſe or beginning, it is to be underſtood, either as hid and ſecret or more plain and open. Theſe ten horns, I underſtand to be the Romane Empire, diſſolved into ten parts or Kingdoms. In the enumeration of them, ſome produce them thus. Brittany, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Africa, Aſia, Graecia, Syria, and Egypt. I ſhall ſet down what to me, is moſt probable. 1. The kingdom of the Brittains, 2 of the Saxons both in Brittany, 3 of the kingdom of the Franks, 4 of the Burgundians, both in France, 5 The kingdome of the Weſt Gothes, in the Southern part of France, and part of Spain, 6. the Sueves and Alanes in part of Spain, 7 the Kingdome of the Vandals in Africa, a little before in Spain, 8. The Alemanes in Rhaetia, and Noricum, Provinces of Germany. 9 the Kingdome of the Eaſt Goths in Ponnonia, a little p. 13before in Italy, Laſtly the Kingdome of the Greeks, in the remnant of the Empire. Though this Decharchicall diviſion doth not continue, yet that it was ſo at firſt, is apparent by Hiſtory.

For their Riſe, which was obſcure and dark, Dan. 7.8.Dan 7:8which gave Daniel occaſion to conſider the hornes, (as being ſo low and ſhort that he could ſcarce perceive them) this was about the year of our Lord, 388. It is true, the fall of the Empire was by degrees, and it was 40 years after, or more, before the ſame was effectually diſſolved. Nevertheleſſe about this time, to wit the year 388. thoſe horns did appear, though obſcure, and little, (as I ſaid before) in Rev. 17.12. The horns which thou ſaweſt, are ten Kings, which have received no Kingdome as yet, but receive power at Kings one hour with the Beaſt, that is, they had not at firſt a Soveraignty, Majeſty, Power, Priviledges, which afterwards they poſſeſt, and were confirmed in. Now adde unto 388. (which was the time of the riſe of the ten horns, and the Romane Empire its beginning to diſſolve) Daniels number, namely, 1260. and it extendeth to the year of Chriſt, 1648.

This year, to wit the year 1648. do I affirm with much aſſurance, was the time, when the Thrones were ſet, and the ancient of dayes did ſit, as is expreſſed in Dan. 7.9, 10. Here began the Lord God Almighty, to call Kings and Kingdomes to an account, to caſt down the mighty from their ſeats, to cut off the ſpirit of Princes, and to be terrible unto the Kings of the earth. And this work goes forward ſtill, and ſhall prevail and proſper, to the utter breaking and deſtroying of the fourth Monarch, or Romane Empire, diſſolved into ten Kingdomes: And the little horn, that is, the Antichriſtian State, and Kingdom likewiſe.

I know it will be expected, that I give ſome reaſons for what is here aſſerted, eſpecially, it being delivered with ſo much confidence: This I ſhall willingly do.

1 Howſoever our Chronicles give the Romane Empire ſome kind of intereſt and title to the Brittains, till the year 440. yet it was rather in name then in thing; For after the year 388. the Romanes never exerciſed that power here which they did before, onelyonly now and then (and that upon earneſt intreaty) they ſent hither ſome relief againſt the Scots and Picts, & having) p. 14done their work, immediately returned back again, leaving the Brittons to themſelves. Thus their Hiſtories ſerve to give ſome light unto Daniels viſions concerning the Times. Howſoever their thoughts were not at all carried out on ſuch a thing.

2. Who ever was the laſt, certain it is, that England was the firſt of the ten horns, and therefore here firſt were the throns ſet up, and judgement given upon the King and Kingdome. True and righteous are his judgements.Rev. 19.2.Rev 19:2

3. The high Court of Juſtice, which was erected in the Year 1648. before which, the laſt of our kings had his tryal and ſentence, was no other, then that throne of God, mentioned in Dan. 7.9, 10. I doe not confine the thrones in Daniel, and the ſitting of the ancient of dayes, unto England. For I know the Lord will have his thrones ſpeedily ſet up in other kingdomes; as France, Spain, Denmark, &c. and as he proceeded here, ſo he will do there, JƲDICATORY againſt Kings and Kingdomes. But to the point in hand, What was done by the Parliament and High court of Juſtice, in taking away the king, and changing (in part) the form of Government, was no other then a fulfilling of that propheſie in Daniel. Not that our Stateſmen thought ſo, or ſo intended; but God did put it in their hearts to fulfill his will, that it ſhould be ſo. And whereas this thing, not being before heard of, poſſibly will be ſleighted; therefore for prevention, I ſhall let the Reader know my reaſons for it.

1. It was given by the Angel unto Daniel, that the continuance of the ten horns or kingdomes, after their riſe and appearing, ſhould be onelyonly 1260 years, untill the thrones were ſet. In the year 1648. that term expired, for againſt the Engliſh horn, the Ancient of dayes came, and gave judgement. So that it muſt neceſſary follow, in the year 388. the Brittons became one of the horns. We need not be beholding to humane hiſtories, where the Scripture is clear, notwithſtanding in this point, our Chronocles (as I ſaid even now) agree with Daniel, as to the riſe of the Brittiſh horn.

2. From accommodating the years, let us conſider the work and thrones: For the work firſt, It is true, in all ages before this, Kings have been depoſed, impriſoned, put to death; but it was p. 15rather mans ſiting on the throne, then the Ancient of dayes; for what they did, was only cutting off one horn or Tyrant, and ſetting another up: whereas root and branch was here taken away. And this is the proper work of Thrones, to change the times & ſeaſons: diſſolve foundations, and remove former Pillars, I ſay abſolutely, and utterly to break in pieces and conſume the ten horns or kingdomes; their places muſt not be found any more upon earth: But a new form of government, is to be conſtituted and ſet up.

3. That the Ancient of dayes hath ſet up his throne in England, I am further confirmed, by the happy diſſolution of the late Parliament; really, I have wondred, that the Lord ſhould ſuffer ſuch men, ſo long to prophane his throne; Pſal. 89.14.Ps 89:14Juſtice and judgement are the habitation of thy throne: Pſal. 9.4.Ps 9:4Thou ſateſt in the throne doing right, ſaith David, Pſal. 9.4.

I know many are in darkneſſe concerning this great change, & not able to apprehend the true ground and cauſe therof, they run, ſome into miſtakes, ſome into diſcontents, ſome into rage and fury. For the ſatisfying therefore of ſuch people, who deſire to eye God, and his hand which is lifted up; I ſhall ſhew what is the true cauſe, that the Parliament was diſſolved.

The Ancient of days, having ſet up his throne amongſt us (from which he will ſpeak to, and plead with the Nations round about) was pleaſed to honour thoſe men formerly in place, as to admit them, to ſit upon his Throne: And becauſe (like Jehu) they did well in executing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, and did unto the houſe of Charls Stuart, all that was in his heart; the Lord ſuffered them many years to ſit on the throne of England: but taking no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Iſrael, but flying upon the ſpoile, and giving countenance and encouragement to the ſins of Jeroboam: God at laſt rejected them, as he did Saul. And for this cauſe, raiſed up the Generall; I ſay, for the Thrones ſake, that they might be no longer polluted and prophaned by ſuch a generation of corrupt men. And had not the Generall done what he did, to have the Thrones purged from that droſſe and filth, which cleaved thereto. I know not how he could have anſwered God, for that power, and truſt which he hath put into his hands.

p. 16And here (by the way) let me ſpeak a word unto ſuch as ſhall ſit next upon this Throne; I would have men conſider well beforehand what they doe. Its Gods own throne, and to ſpeake comparatively, it is the onelyonly Civil Throne, he hath now in the world; By it he will doe mighty and terrible things: And therefore ſuch as are not for Chriſt, and for the carrying on of his deſigne in the world, he will lay them aſide, one after another. And ſet ſuch up, as ſhall poure out the laſt Vials quickly upon Monarchs, and the Antichriſtian Kingdome.

One thing more, I ſhall add, in Rev. 16.10. It is ſaid, And the fift Angel poured out his vial upon the throne of the Beaſt (ſo the Greek hath it, throne, not ſeat) and his kingdome was full of darkneſſe: By the throne of the Beaſt, I underſtand the ten horns, that is, the States and Kingdomes of the World, which gave authority and power to the Beaſt. By darkneſſe, I doe not underſtand, (at leaſt not chiefly) that which is ſpirituall, as in reference to their Errors, Superſtitions, Idolatries, &c. for ſo that kingdome was full of darkneſſe before: but it is meant of amazement and diſtraction: not knowing what to doe, nor ſeeing any way how to come out. For application to the thing in hand; after the death of the late king, his throne and kingdom periſhing under the fifth Vial: how were people then generally at their wits end? in ſuch darkneſſe, as they fell one upon another. So upon the diſſolving of this Parliament (which was ſo degenerate, as it lookt more like the throne of the beaſt, then Gods throne) what a thick darkneſſe is now gone over men, as if an Angel had ſmitten them with blindneſſe, as were the Sodomites. And this you muſt expect ſtill along, that as Thrones, States, Powers, are broken to pieces: ſo confuſion, deſtraction, and darkneſſe will ever follow; eſpecially among hypocrites, time-ſervers, and the Antichriſtians. None of the wicked ſhall underſtand, but the wiſe ſhall underſtand, Dan. 10.12.

And therefore, for the Generall, and ſuch with him, whom the Lord uſed as ſeaſonable and good inſtruments to diſſolve the late Parliament; here may they ſee a divine ſtamp and character upon their work, even Gods owning both it and them; namely by this darkneſſe, which is fallen upon the children of this world. Had the Antichriſtians approved it: had thoſe p. 17which have enriched themſelves (Miniſters and others) under the late Parliament, appeared in it, and for it, had our Judges and Lawyers cryed it up, Law, Law; had the Clergy given thanks for it. In a word, had the people through the whole Nation ſent in their approbation and conſent to it, a man might very well have queſtioned the worke, whether it were of God, or no. But conſidering upon the breaking of this Throne, what darkneſs followed in Prieſt, in People: It is moſt evident and cleare, that it was not Gods Throne, but mans rather, and for this end thrown down, that the antient of dayes may have his throne ſet up, and he ſit againe moſt gloriouſly amongſt us.

From the ten hornes, I come now to the Little horne, who is ſaid to weare out the Saints of the moſt high, and thinke to change times and lawes. I know it is the common received opinion, that Antiochus Epiphanes is here meant. Why I take it otherwiſe, not Antiochus, but Antichriſt, or the Antichriſtian Kingdome to be here underſtood, my Reaſons are theſe.

1. Such as affirme Antiochus to be the little horne, Dan 7.8.20.Dan 7:8Dan 7:20do reckon him as one of the ten: But it is expreſly ſaid, that he came up after them, and is beſides them, and another.

2. In Dan. 8.9. 'tis ſaid, that this little horn waxed great, grew ſtatelier then the reſt, and over-topt the former Beaſts and hornes: Now all know, that know any thing of the Hiſtory of Antiochus Epiphanes, that this is neither ſo, nor ſo; for Antiochus Magnus was greater, and more powerfull by farre then he.

3. Dan. 7.8.Dan 7:8For the three hornes which the little horne is ſaid to plucke up by the roots: as Writers cannot agree who they were, ſo it is apparant that this Antiochus never did the things which they do aſcribe unto him.

4. For the words, Ʋntill a time, times, and dividing of time, they cannot be applyed to the rage of Antiochus againſt the Saints, nor with his actions and proceedings againſt the Iews, as is moſt apparent, by comparing the phraſe, with other Texts, Rev. 11.2. and 12.6.14.

5. If Antiochus had been the little horne, then after his death ſhould the kingdome of the Seleucidae immediately have been p. 18given up to the Jews. For it is as clear as the ſun at noon-day, upon the deſtruction of the little horn, Dan 7.21, 22.Dan 7:21Dan 7:22the Saints immediately poſſeſſe his Kingdom. But it is well known, that the Iewes by the deſtruction of Antiochus, had no reſtauration, but continued ſtill after that in bondage, and ſubject to the Roman power.

To apply this (as many doe) to the coming of Chriſt in the fleſh, and ſo of a ſpirituall Kingdome, and liberty, is moſt abſurd and groundleſſe. For not only was Chriſt born two or three hundred years after, but it is quite beſide the ſcope and purpoſe of the place, as follows.

6. In verſ. 27. it is ſaid, And the kingdome, and dominion, and the greatneſſe of the Kingdome under the whole heaven ſhall be given to the people of the moſt high. Obſerve here, whatſoever Kingdome, Dominion, Greatneſſe, &c. the Beaſt and the little horne had, upon their deſtruction, the Saints ſhall have the ſame. Now this cannot be underſtood of a ſpirituall Kingdome: For, 1. the Saints had ever that, and Chriſt ſpiritually alwayes reigned over them.

2. Note.The Beaſt and the little horne never had a ſpiritual Kingdome, which ſhould be given up to the Saints after their deſtruction: And therefore the Kingdome, and dominion, and greatneſſe, poſſeſſed firſt by the Beaſt and little horne, and after their ruine to be given to the Saints, muſt needs be civill and temporall.

Why I take the little horn to be Antichriſt, my reaſon for it is this: It is generally held, that the holy Scripture is beſt interpreted by comparing pararall Texts. Now this is cleare, whatſoever in Daniel is ſpoken of the little horne, the ſame in other Scripture is applyed to Antichriſt. For example,

1. As the little horne is conjoyned with the ten hornes, Dan. 7.7, 8.20.24. ſo is Antichriſt with the ten hornes, Revel. 17.12, 13.

2. Such practiſes and proceedings, as in Daniel are attributed to the little horne, the very ſame are applyed to Antichriſt, in other Texts.

1. That hee ſhall ſpeake great ſwelling words againſt God, Dan. 7.25. The ſame is ſaid of Antichriſt, Rev. 13.5, 6.

2. That he ſhall advance himſelfe againſt the Civill Magiſtrate, p. 19Dan. 7.20. & 8.25. So Antichriſt, 2 Theſ. 2.4.

3. It is ſaid of the little horne, that he ſhall change times and lawes, Dan. 7.25. So Antichriſt is called the lawleſſe one, 2 Theſ. 2.8.

4. The little horne is ſaid to make war againſt the Saints, Dan. 7.21.25. So Antichriſt, Revel. 13.7.

Againe, for the time alotted to the little horne, and the ſpace of his tyranny, Dan. 7.25. it is the ſame expreſly with Antichriſt, Rev. 12.6.14 & 13.5.

Laſtly, for the end and deſtruction of them both, compare Dan. 7.9, 10.11. with Rev. 19.21. and Dan. 7.13, 14. with 2 Theſ. 2.8.

Thus having proved the little horne to be Antichriſt, I come now to ſome particulars concerning his riſe and fall. Dan. 7.20.Dan 7:20According to Daniel, he ſeems to be af er the ten hornes: Re… ….Yet John ſaith, the ten hornes receive power as Kings one houre with the beaſt. The places are eaſily reconciled, as thus: Their riſe was together, no difference or diſtance in point of Time: but Antichriſt is ſaid to be after the ten hornes, as receiving from them his power, dominion, juriſdiction.

Againe, for the Readers better underſtanding, as to the riſe and fall of the little horne, there are two things I would have him obſerve.

1. The little horne is to be conſidered as the Kingdom of the Beaſt, and as the members, or worſhippers of the Beaſt: By the Kingdome of the Beaſt, I underſtand him, as changing times and lawes: By the members, as making warre againſt the Saints.

2. … ſpeak of the little horne, or Antichriſt, I doe not meane … of the Pope, or any ſucceſſion that way, but I meane …, or Kingdome. It is true, the Pope is a member of that body, but he is not the body.

Againe, I do not here intend alone the Church, Miniſtery, worſhip, and government of Rome. But I include all falſe Churches, Miniſtries, Formes, Ordinances, Inſtitutions, brought in by men: whatſoever in the worſhip of God is beſides, or contrary to the Goſpel of Jeſus Chriſt. All this, whether in England, or Scotland, make up this Antichriſtian Kingdome, as that in Rome.

p. 20Now for the riſe or beginning of this Antichriſtian Kingdom; Firſt, as it was obſcure and darke, ſo it had its beginning in the yeare of our Lord, 400. to this adde 1260. and it goes to the yeare 1660. And here is the time of the end, concerning the whole Antichriſtian kingdome; for further, and beyond this time, I believe it ſhall not extend. I do not ſay, that the Antichriſtians, or members of the Beaſt, ſhall periſh now, or before; for I hold the contrary, that after their Kingdome is deſtroyed, many of them ſhall remain, and attempt moſt horrible and cruell actions: Rev. 18.21. Rev. 17.1.Rev 18:21Rev 17:1but for the State it ſelfe, that ſhall be found no more at all after the year 1660. This the Angel calls the Judgment of the great whore. Why Judgement? becauſe Thrones ſhall be ſet, and the ancient of dayes ſhall ſit: And look, as by a law, Kings and Kingly power ſhall be caſt out from the Nations, ſo will the Lord raiſe up men zealous of his glory, who ſhall publiquely give Judgment agaiſt Babylon, that it remaine for ever in the duſt.

Before I come to ſhew my reaſons for the time which I have aſſerted, I ſhall commend theſe three things to the Reader.

1. How I underſtand that place, Rev. 10.2. where the mighty Angell, ſets his right foot upon the ſea, and his left foot upon the earth. As by the Angel Chriſt is meant, ſo as he ſtands, it is upon the two perſecuting powers in the world, the ſpirituall and the temporal: His right foot is upon the **Note how they call it the Sea of Rome, the Biſhops Sea, &c.ſea; you know the ſpirituall power went ever before the temporall: Hence they uſed to ſay, the Lords ſpirituall, and the Lords temporall. And his left foote on the earth; that is, on the Kings and Kingdomes of the earth. So then my opinion is, that theſe … …owers Chriſt will cruſh under his feet together, an… … time. There was a truth in that ſaying, no Biſhop, no Kin…e event made it true: and welfare a good token. So now, as the reliques of Monarchy which remaine yet with us ſhall bemoved, ſo will the remainers of the Antichriſtian Kingdome be removed with them. As Monarchy falls, ſo falls Antichriſtime: When no foot-ſteps of Monarchy remaine, nothing then will ſtand of the Antichriſtian kingdome, which came in with it, and hath ever ſince been upheld and ſupported by it.

And for this cauſe a long time, I never expected any good from the late Parliament: For I plainly ſaw, they had no deſire p. 21to glorifie God (in the fulfilling of his will) to the rooting up of the remnants either of Monarchy or Antichiſtime: but rather ſought to oppreſſe the bodies and ſouls of the people under the heavy burthens of them both.

2. Thou art to take notice (Reader) that as the the thrones were firſt ſet up in England to arreign Monarchy, and to pluck up by the root that tyrannicall power which ſtood in oppoſition to Jeſus Chriſt, and to avenge the blood of his Saints upon it: Even ſo (as ſutable to it) here with us will begin his great work (by the Thornes) againſt the kingdome of Antichriſt, for the totall extirpation thereof. For howſoever I ſaid before, that the Antichriſtian State (as Church, Miniſtery, Worſhip, Government) ſhall be wholly deſtroyed before the yeare 1660. Yet I am of opinion, in reſpect of England, Scotland, and Ireland, before one halfe of that time is expired, the Supream Authority of this Nation will effectually finiſh that work. Zech. 8.6.Zech 8:6If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in theſe dayes: ſhould it be marvellous in my eyes, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts?

What progreſſe in this worke they will make, who ſhall come next in place, I cannot tell: but this I muſt tell them; the great buſineſſe which the Lord hath for the higher Powers of this Common-wealth now to doe, it is in order to the fulfilling of thoſe Propheſies which relate to the preſent time: and if they do not look now after this, and honour God in a conſcientious and faithfull diſcharge thereof; the Lord will not look after them, nor honour them, but lay them aſide, and let their names rot, as others before: And therefore if my counſell may be acceptable unto them; when any ſhall make adreſſes to them for Peace with Babylon, let them make anſwer in his words, What peace, ſo long as the whoredomes of Jezabel and her witch-crafts are ſo many? What Peace, ſo long as the 4^th Monarch is not broken to pieces, and conſumed? I would willingly know how men can enter into a league, as to ſit ſtill, and ſuffer ſuch things to ſtand, againſt which the Lord cals them forth to warre, and to deſtroy from the face of the earth. I have commanded my ſanctified ones; Iſa. 13.2.Isa 13:2I have alſo called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoyce in my highneſſe.

p. 223. As Chriſt will cruſh both powers at once, and thus by the Thrones: ſo there will be a ſpeciall opening of his minde unto …om…, whereby to know both their worke and time. As men formerly have obſerved Providence, ſo in the later age, Ier. 50.2.Jer 50:2they ſhall underſtand Propheſies, and act in order to them, and to the accompliſhment of them. Declare yee among the Nations, and publiſh and ſet up a ſtandard, publiſh and conceale not, ſay Babylon is taken. The knowledge of the time of the end will be ſo cleare and certain to ſome men now ſhortly in power and place, as they will publickly declare upon what account they act, namely as being choſen and called of God to execute the vengeance of the Lord upon Babylon. Moreover the difference ſhall not be (as heretofore) about meum and tuum; for honour, greatneſſe, enlargement of Dominion, and ſuch worldly reſpects, but better bottomed: it ſhall be for Chriſt, his Crown and dignity, and that righteouſneſſe and truth may be exalted in the earth.

For the Reaſons now, why I ſay the Antichriſtian Kingdome (as it is the little horne) had its riſe about the year 400.

1. About this time they began to open a paſſage to their pretended Supremacy, as giving to the Church of Rome the title of the Firmament of all Biſhops, and top of all Churches, and that without the privacie of the Sea Apoſtolique, that is, of the Primate, none might preſume to ordaine a Biſhop, and that the Cenſures of Biſhops in all cauſes of moment, was to be referred to the audience of the Biſhop of Rome.

2. About this time the little horne began to give check to Emperours and Kings, and to exalt himſelfe above the Civill Magiſtrate, in ſeverall particulars.

3. About this time they brought in many beaſtly lies, and ſuperſtitious vanities, confirming them by Councels, whereby Gods commandements were made of none effect.

4. It is clear to me by other Scriptures (which I have not now time to open) that the time alotted to the Antichriſtian Kingdome ſhall not paſſe the yeare 1660. Now being to continue from firſt to laſt, 1260. years, it muſt needs be, that his beginning was in the yeare 400. as I ſaid before.

Here I muſt againe put the Reader in mind, that howſoever p. 23the vile perſon mentioned, Dan. 11.21. be the ſame here with the little horne, that is, the Antichriſtian Kingdome. Yet they are to be differenced in point of time, as not having their beginning and riſe together.

In this place the Antichriſtian Kingdome is the little horne, but not the vile perſon, becauſe the baſeneſſe and abhominable iniquity of that State, was not ſo high and full as afterwards it was, and appeared to the world: and therefore then rightly called the vile perſon, and not the little horne.

But to proceed, from the State-plague, I come to what is perſonall. After the Eccleſiaſticall Kingdom ſhall be deſtroyed; Every plant which the heavenly father hath not planted, Mat. 1.….13.Matt 1rooted up, the Antichriſtians, and worſhippers of the Beaſt will remaine, and in as much blindneſſe, and hardneſſe of heart as before. And ſo much appears, Revel. 18.9.11, 12, &c. where the Kings of the Earth and the Merchants are brought in weeping and wailing, when they ſee the ſmoake of the burning. Now to finde out the time of the end, concerning theſe mens deſtruction, we muſt enquire after the firſt warr which the worſhiprers of the Beaſt made againſt the Saints.

Twice the woman is ſaid to flye into the wilderneſſe: Rev. 12.6.14.Rev 12:6Rev 12:14And two warres the Antichriſtians made againſt her: the former, when that State was the little horne: the later, when it was the vile perſon. Of the firſt now I intend only to ſpeak: Although the later, which was againſt the Waldenſes, be more memorable, both for the cruelty and continuance of it, and will give much light to the matter I have in hand: and therefore I purpuſe (by the good hand of God aſſiſting me) ſhortly to ſet it forth.

The firſt warre (I finde) made againſt the people of God by the Antichriſtians, was in the yeare 406. About that time wee read of a people called Donatiſts, who by the Antichriſtian Clergy and others, were held Schiſmaticks, Hereticks, Blaſphemers, &c. and no otherwiſe proceeded againſt, and perſecuted, then if they had beene indeed moſt wicked people. Others after them (ſpecially the Prieſts) even to this day (as Carriers horſes) follow the ſteps of their fore-fathers, not taking notice who were their accuſers, nor the particulars whereof they were accuſed.

p. 24Theſe Donatiſts (by what doth appeare in the writings of their adverſaries) were honeſt men, ſound in the faith, and ſuffered very much for the Truth ſake. Concerning their opinions, howſoever we have them not, but as reported, and ſet downe by their Enemies (who no doubt made things as bad as they could) yet we ſhall take them as from them.

1. They denyed the publique Aſſemblies; that is, the Pariſh Churches of the Papiſts, as not being the Churches of Chriſt rightly conſtituted, and ſeparated from them, becauſe of the leaven and abhominations therein.

2. They refuſed to ſubmit to that power and form of Government, which the little horne had deviſed and ſet up.

3. They held that the Sacraments were no otherwiſe holy, then as they were given and taken by holy men.

4. It was their opinion that the Magiſtrate ſhould not compell mens conſciences, not force unto acts of Religion.

5. They are accuſed, as being Millenaries, that is, did believe and teach that Jeſus Chriſt in his humane nature, ſhould perſonally reign upon Earth.

I know other things are laid to their charge, but ſo improbable; yea impoſſible (if ſuch particulars as theſe were their Tenets) as their Enemies might have been aſham'd to put them gether; and others ſince more aſham'd of their ignorance and ſimplicity, as not to ſee how ridiculous, abſurd, and contradictory the old Popiſh Fathers are (Auguſtine himſelf) in the Story which they have left behind them, concerning the Donat …ſts. But to proceed.

Againſt theſe good men (in whom began the witneſſes that ſhould propheſie a thouſand two hundred and threeſcore dayes, Note.cloathed in ſack-cloath) warred the little horne (in his worſhippers) by Canons, Rev. 11.3.Rev 11:3Councels, Emperiall Edicts, &c. to the ſhedding of much innocent and precious blood: And this was (as I ſaid before) in the yeare 406. to which 1260. yeares being added, it comes to the yeare 1666. and to the number of the Beaſt 666. So then in briefe, my opinion is this: As the Antichriſtian State ſhal be deſtroyed before or by the year 1660. and all that fulfilled which is ſet down, Rev. 18. ſo, not beyond the yeare 1666. ſhall the Antichriſtians themſelves, and worſhippers p. 25of the Beaſt, eſcape the vengeance of the Lord, and of his Temple. But either by repentance from dead workes, come in, and put themſelves under the glorious Scepter of Jeſus Chriſt; or caſt into the great Wine-preſſe of the wrath of God, and ſo that fulfilled, Rev. 19. And here the Lord wil put an end, and period to all the troubles of the Gentile Churches, not to goe beyond, or further then the yeare 1666. After that time they ſhall be called to the marriage ſupper of the Lamb, and ſing Allelujah, ſalvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord God: Allelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I have done for this time with the firſt Propheſie. For the ſecond which concerns the 70. weeks, I know 'tis generally applyed to the coming of Chriſt in the fleſh, and to his death and ſufferings: but I underſtand it otherwiſe, as being one of the choiſeſt and cleareſt Propheſies in all the Scripture, concerning the later times, chiefly the two Witneſſes; a matter at this time much ſpoken of, and about which godly men are diverſly minded.

I am not willing to enter upon it now, but promiſe the Reader, he ſhall ſuddenly have it in an entyre Tract, for it lies ready by me for the Preſſe. From the Gentiles therefore, I come to the time of the end belonging to the Jewes, ſet down in Dan. 12.11, 12. And from the time that the daily ſacrifice ſhall be taken away, and the abhomination that maketh deſolate, ſet up, there ſhall be a thouſand two hundred and ninety dayes. Bleſſed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thouſand three hundred and five and thirty dayes.

It is moſt certain, that Jeſus Chriſt by his death, did put away all Jewiſh ſacrifices; he did (I ſay) Iure, and in right deſtroy them vertually by his owne ſacrifice, the fulneſſe and end of all their ſhadowes: Notwithſtanding facto, and actually after his death many years, and by divers ſteps and degrees. For after the taking and ſacking of Jeruſalem by Titus, the Citie not deſtroyed, the Jewes ſtill there inhabited, and continued their vaine worſhip with more ignorant zeale then before.

For 1. In the Reign of Adrian the Roman Emperour, who built and dedicated a Temple in Jeruſalem to Jupiter Olympius, p. 26at which the Jewes being offended, rebelled and made head, and in the end were overcome and diſperſed, and the Citie named Aelia, and given into the poſſeſſion of the Gentiles; whereas before untill that time, they had not ceaſed there, from ſacrifice.

2. Being expelled the Citie, yet they continued their ſuperſtitions in the Countrey, and built an Altar under the Oak Mamre (where the Angels appeared to Abraham) and forced the Merchants which came to the Faires to ſacrifice thereon, otherwiſe they ſhould not traffique. Conſtantine the Great demoliſhed the Altar, and built there a Church for the Chriſtians.

3. In the dayes of Julian the Apoſtate, and profeſſed Enemie of Chriſtians, in deſpight of the Chriſtian faith, he recalled the Jewes which were diſperſed to and fro, to return into their own land, gave them licenſe to build the Temple, and to re-eſtabliſh the Leviticall ſervice, and furniſhed them with work-men, money, materialls, and other neceſſaries out of the publique ſtock. The Jewes embracing ſo large a grant, attempted the building of the Temple, laid the foundation not wholly razed down before, wherein they were met by a ſpeciall hand of God: For a fearfull Earth-quake, with thunder, lightning, and fire-balls from Heaven, in one night deſtroyed all their worke and tools, and totally overthrew the foundation of the Temple: ſo that they were conſtrained to forbeare their work, and all further proceeding; and after that time the Jewiſh ſacrifices did for ever ceaſe.

It is alſo memorable, how Cyril then Biſhop of Jeruſalem, told the Jewes of this Propheſie; and ſeeing no admonition or perſwaſion would prevaile, he openly profeſſed, that now the time was come of which Chriſt ſpake unto his Diſciples, Mat. 24.2.Matt 24:2concerning the Temple, There ſhall not be left here one ſtone upon another, that ſhall not be thrown down. This total deſolation of the Temple, under the reign of Julian (in which the Iewiſh ſacrifices were wholly taken away) fell out in the year 365. to which 1290. being added, doe make up 1655. The time deſigned for the riſing and beginning of the Jewes, after their long diſperſion.

p. 27And here for the Readers better underſtanding, three things I ſhall propound to him.

1. I do not underſtand (though many doe) any generall converſion of the Iewes at this time unto the faith, by the preaching of the Goſpell, but only ariſing amongſt them, upon a civill account, to recover their own Countrey.

About this time (namely the yeare 1655.) if not before; my opinion is (and grounded I conceive on the holy word) that the Turk with great Forces will come into Italy. Dan. 11.40.Dan 11:40At the time of the end ſhall the King of the South puſh at him; that is, come out againſt the Pope, yet ſo, as he ſhall effect little or nothing, but ſuddenly depart: For tidings out of the Eaſt, Dan 11.44.Dan 11:44and out of the North ſhall trouble him; that is, news ſhall be brought unto him of an inſurrection of the Iewes through all parts of his Empire, making head, forming themſelves into a Body, and entring into the land of Iudea. The firſt-ſhall ſay to Sion, behold, Iſa. 41.27.Isa 41:27behold them, and I will give to Ieruſalem one that bringeth good tidings. It ſeems to hold forth the Meſſengers of the Jews, which ſhall paſſe from place, to place with tidings of their deſigne, and to bring others in, for the ſooner and better effecting of it.

Hereupon the Grand Signeor is ſaid to be troubled: and no marvail: For

1. He knows well, that the Iewes are a great people, and for wealth, and warlike abilities, able to cope with the greateſt Monarch in the world.

2. They are domeſtick Enemies, beſetting him before and behind, eating out the bowels and revenues of his State.

3. Their riſing is ſudden, from all parts of Arabia, and Syria, and their faction grows exceeding ſtrong before he hears of it: So that the ſuddenneſs of it did preſage ſome evil event; as is ever obſerved amongſt Politicians, 2 Sam. 20.2.6.

4. He is the more troubled, as being with his Forces at ſuch a diſtance from them.

And laſtly, who knows, but he ſhall be troubled now, in remembring an old tradition which the Turks have; that at laſt they ſhall be ſubdued and deſtroyed by the children of Iſaak.

Here by the way, take notice, that the Turk having brought p. 28his Forces out of Aſia & Affrica into Italy, againſt the Chriſtians, Revel. 15.12. Iſa. 11.25. & 51.10, 11.Rev 15:12Isa 11:25Isa 51:10Isa 51:11or rather Antichriſtians: This I take to be the drying up of the river Eupbrates, & the waters thereof, that the way of the Kings of the Eaſt might be prepared. The meaning ſeems to be thus; the power and ſtrength of the Turkes being in Chriſtendom, the Jewes (improving the advantage and opportunity of the time) wil riſe, and repair to their own land, and by a ſtrong hand re-enter and take the poſſeſſion of it. And this they ſhall do (as I ſaid before) only upon a **Hence it is ſaid they ſhall take the Kingdom, Dan. 7.18. and after the Kingdom ſhall be given them, verſ. 27. Dan. 11.44. Dan. 12.1. Dan. 11.45. Ezek 38.8, 9, 10, 11.Dan 7:18Dan 11:44Dan 12:1Dan 11:45Ezek 38:8Ezek 38:9Ezek 38:10Ezek 38:11Civill account, taking example from other Nations, to ſhake off the yoke of Tyrants, and to be a free people.

2. The Jewes being entred into their own Countrey: The Turke ſhall goe forth with great fury to deſtroy, and utterly to make away many. And here begins the time of trouble, ſuch as never was ſince there was a Nation, even to that ſame time. Moſt cruell and bloody warres between the Jewes and Turkes. This conflict ſhall be (for the moſt part) in Judea: And he ſhall plant the tabernacles of his Palace between the ſeas in the glorious holy mountain: that is, the borders, or continent betwixt Euphrates, and the Mediterranean. Of this warre, and place ſpeaketh Ezekiel. In the later dayes thou ſhalt come into the land that is brought backe from the ſword, and is gathered out of many people, againſt the mountaines of Iſrael, which have been alwayes waſt: But it is brought forth of the Nations, and they ſhall dwell ſafely all of them. Thou ſhalt aſcend, and come like a ſtorme, thou ſhalt be like a cloud to cover the land, Zech. 14.2, 3.Zech 14:2Zech 14:3thou and all thy hands with thee, &c. So Zechariah, I will gather all Nations againſt Jeruſalem, and the Citie ſhall be taken, and the houſes rifled, and the women raviſhed, and half of the Citie ſhall goe forth into captivity, and the reſidue of the people ſhall not be cut off from the Citie. Then ſhall the Lord goe forth and fight againſt thoſe Nations, &c.

Moreover as this War is expreſſed in holy Scripture, and the place, ſo the continuance of it, how long it ſhall be. Bleſſed is he that waiteth, Dan. 12.12.Dan 12:12and cometh to the thouſand three hundred & five and thirty dayes. This later number is more then the former by 45. years. And ſo long ſhall this war continue between the Jews and the Turks, namely from the year 1655. to 1700. Sometimes the one getting the better, ſometimes the other.

p. 293. Theſe years being expired, about the year 1700. Dan. 12.7. Rev. 1.7.Dan 12:7Rev 1:7Michael the great Prince will ſtand up for his people. Behold hee cometh with the clouds, and every eye ſhall ſee him, &c. This is the SET TIME in which the Lord will ariſe and have mercy upon Sion. Pſal. 102.13.Ps 102:13His feet ſhall ſtand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jeruſalem on the Eaſt: and the Mount of Olives ſhall cleave in the midſt thereof toward the Eaſt, and toward the Weſt, and there ſhall be a very great valley, and halfe of the mountaine ſhall remove toward the North, and halfe of it toward the ſouth. Ioel 3.2.Joel 3:2And he will plead with them there for his people, and for his heritage Iſrael. The Turk now totally and finally ſhall be deſtroyed. His army probably, beſide the Sea of Gennezaret, Ezek. 39.11. Joel 3.2. Iſa. 60.8. Am. 9.14, 15. Ezek. 37.21, 22. Iſa. 60.18. Ezek. 34.31. Iſa. 49.19, 20. Ezek. 37.22.24. Hoſ. 1.11. Rev. 21.24. Iſa. 49.23. Zeph. 3.19, 20.Ezek 39:11Joel 3:2Isa 60:8Amos 9:14Amos 9:15Ezek 37:21Ezek 37:22Isa 60:18Ezek 34:31Isa 49:19Isa 49:20Ezek 37:24Hos 1:11Rev 21:24Isa 49:23Zeph 3:19Zeph 3:20otherwiſe called the lake of Tiberias, and the Turk himſelfe at, or neer Jeruſalem. Upon this ſhall follow a ſpeedy and ſudden converſion of the Jewes: In one day, and at once, as the Prophet ſpeaks. And after this, they ſhall dwell in their owne Land in ſafety, inhabite all the parts of it as before; their Countrey ſhall be more fertile and populous then ever it was, a moſt flouriſhing State of Church and Common-wealth. There ſhall be, after this victory once obtained, no ſeparation any more of the tenne Tribes from the other two, but both ſhall make one entire Kingdom. All Nations ſhall come in to them, and honour them, and willingly, or perforce ſubmit unto the Government of Jeſus Chriſt.

But to return to the year 1655. It is the opinion of many, (and I am of the ſame mind) that ſixe thouſand yeares from the Creation, doe meet with the ending of this year 1655. which is neer at hand, and great Revolutions are look't for at that time: For the particulars I find them not expreſt, but to me, theſe fearefull and terrible changes ſeeme to be theſe five.

1. The Turke, his coming againſt Italy with ſuch multitudes, will fill all Europe with terrour, and amazement; and howſoever his ſtay here ſhall be ſhort (as was ſaid before) yet it will be the occaſion, and riſe of marvellous changes to follow afterwards.

2. In this year will the Lord moſt eminently appear, ſhaking the Earth, Hag 2.22.Hag 2:22and overthrowing the Thrones of Kingdomes every p. 30where in Europe: By this time (I verily think) the Thrones will be ſet, Iſa. 26.11.Isa 26:11and the Ancient of dayes ſitting thereon. The Prophet ſaith, Lord, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not ſee, but they ſhall ſee, and be aſhamed. Hitherto what God hath done in overturning, overturning, overturning (the Biſhops firſt, the King next, the Parliament laſt) it is not obſerved, as the righteous hand of God. 2 Pet. 3.4.2 Pet 3:4All things continue (ſaith the Scoffer) as they were from the beginning of the Creation. But know this, in the year 1655. the Viall ſhall be ſo full, poured out ſo faſt, and lye ſo cloſe & hot upon the perſecuting powers of the world, as they ſhall then ſee, and be aſhamed, begin to take notice that it is the wrath of the Lamb which followes after them. It is reported of Moles, that a ſhort time before they die, they ſee a little, but never before. So the blind Pope, and his creatures: and the Kings of the earth, as blind as he, a little before the finall extirpation of their State, ſomething they will ſee, as of God fighting from Heaven againſt them, though they repent not to give him glory.

3. At this time, great changes and revolutions will be, in reſpect both of perſons and things: For howſoeve I am aſſured, that every change amongſt us ſhall be for good unto the Nation, as this preſent Government, and what followes, a great deale better then the former; yet I queſtion, whether the Lord will throughly purge his floore, in ſweeping out all corrupt and ſelfiſh men, untill that time: But ſome wil ſtil creep in unawares, not ſerving the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, but their own bellie. Nevertheleſſe this I would have the Reader obſerve, that about the yeare 1655. Pſal. 149.8.7.Ps 149:8Ps 149:7the righteous alone ſhall flouriſh, and be exalted. A two-edged ſword is in their hand, to execute vengeance upon the Heathen, and puniſhment upon the people: to bind their Kings with chaines, and their Nobles with fetters of iron. To execute upon them the judgement written. And this Supream Power ſhall abide with them four or five yeares without interruption, untill they have broken in pieces the fourth Monarch.

4. Another terrible and fearfull change, in likelihood will fall out in the year 1655. or the year after, that is the **There are ſome Propheſies which mention the burning of Rome in the yeare 6000. from the Creation.ſacking and burning of the Citie of Rome. After which it ſhall never p. 31be inhabited, neither ſhall it be dwelt in from generation to generation; but wilde Beaſts of the Deſart ſhall lie there, and their houſes ſhall be full of dolefull Creatures. And Owles ſhall dwell there, and Satyrs ſhall dance there. Iſa. 13.2.21, 22.Isa 13:2Isa 13:21Isa 13:22And the wild beaſts of the Iſlands ſhall cry in their deſolate houſes, and Dragons in their pleaſant palaces, and her time is neer come, and her dayes ſhall not be prolonged. And this inſtrumentally ſhall be done by the Saints of the moſt high, whoſe hearts and hands the Lord will raiſe up for that work. It is poſſible that the Pope, Cardinals, Arch-biſhops, Biſhops, &c. may eſcape, as being reſerved to periſh afterward with the worſhippers of the Beaſt; Num. 31.8.Num 31:8as Balaam periſhed amongſt the Midianites.

5. The laſt is the riſing of the Jewes, of which I have ſpoken, and ſhall make no repetition.

Having opened ſome Propheſies, and applyed them, according to the grace received, I come now to the other particular, which is to ſhew the time in which wee are, and our preſent work: And this is a ſpecial Voyce from the Temple unto the higher Powers.

In the generall I have expreſſed my opinion already: Chriſt hath his right foot on the Sea, and his left foot on the Earth. So then to follow the Lamb, it is to break in pieces thoſe two Powers, Kingly, and Antichriſtian. Who is on my ſide (ſaith the Lord) Who? Throw her downe. Come againſt her from the utmoſt border, Ier. 50.26.Jer 50:26open her ſtore-houſes, caſt her up as heapes, and deſtroy her utterly, let nothing of her be left. There is now a price put into your hands, a faire opportunity, and a door opened before you. He that letted is taken out of the way. If a Marriner ſhould be asked in winter why he is at home, and not at Sea; to ſpeake of the unſeaſonableneſſe of the time, might be a reaſon ſufficient: but if the Winter be paſt, and the ſeaſon good, here he hath not the like excuſe to make for himſelfe. When Kingly power ſtood, and the Lords Spirituall and Temporall, which was worſe, and the laſt Parliament little better; that ſome in Authority did little good, much might be ſaid for their excuſe: But now ſeeing all theſe things are removed, what will our next Governours have to ſay for themſelves, if they doe not appear and act earneſtly for juſt and righteous things. If p. 32a man did certainly know the day of his death: what appetite or deſire could he have to meat, an hour before he was to dye? It may be thoſe things which I here write, ſome will not receive: but howſoever I ſhall diſcharge mine owne conſcience: and therefore this I do declare with confidence to the world, that corrupt men, and ſelfe-ſeekers, their trade is coming down, and two years ſhall not be expired (mark it) but they ſhall vomit up what they have gotten by injuſtice, falſhood, bribery, &c. and God ſhall caſt it out of their bellie.

But more particularly to the preſent worke: Such as will act well hereafter, and ſerve their generation, they muſt in moſt things do otherwiſe, and contrary to what others have done before them. I ſhall only inſtance ſome particulars briefly.

1. They muſt be active, and quickly diſpatch the buſineſs which they take in hand; and not to tell people as others uſually did, of the Thankes of the Houſe, and that it was under Debate, referred to a Committee, &c. and here was all. But let Petitioners be ſpeedily relieved in their juſt applications. I have ſeen at the foot of great houſes, Images ſet out in ſuch a poſture, as if the building lay on their backs: Such pictures we had, as made ſhew to have the Church and Commonwealth on their ſhoulders, whereas in truth (for moſt of them) neither the one, nor the other had any reall help or ſupportance from them.

2. They muſt not ſeek nor deſire to grow rich and great in the world, by being in Authority, but advance the Publique Intereſt, and not their owne. A thing formerly not practiſed by many, but left the care of publick concernment to enrich themſelves.

Hence it is, that many of them, who before the Parliament began, were not worth two or three hundred pounds a year, have now made it up, ſome to a thouſand, ſome to fifteen hundred, ſome to two thouſand pounds a year, and more. Theſe muſt be ſerved, as Eſop did his fellow-ſervant, he gave him warm water to drink, by which means he vomited up the ſtollen figges.

3. It is a work now proper to the higher Powers, to be carefull what men they appoint, as Juſtices and Magiſtrates in the p. 33Common-wealth; hitherto in Towne and Countrey ſuch have been in many places, as have moſt groſly abuſed the people, exerciſed even an arbritary power where they liv'd, and done what they liſt; as knowing if their inſolencies and exorbitances ſhould be complained of, they had a **Of this thing, wee had a memorable example in Hull, where one Maſter Shaw, a notable Turn-coate, and Time-ſerver as lives, hath committed ſuch ſcandalous actions as ſeldome are heard of, yet no Juſtice could paſſe againſt him, by reaſon of the corrupt Mayor. The things are ſo foule againſt them both, as honeſt men wonder they ſhould be ſuffered: But ſo long as the laſt Parliament ſtood, Mr. Shaw was ſupported in all the miſchiefe he plotted, either againſt the Towne, or honeſt men. The laſt Speaker, Baron Thorp, and Sir Henry Vane, know who I meane, and who did helpe Shaw, to make three or foure unworthy Aldermen at a clap, all Brothers, and to have what Mayor and Sheriffs, Shaw would, to carry on his Deſigne, which was to diſquiet the peace of the place, and affront the honeſt party. I heare hee ſtudieth to get favour amongſt thoſe who are now in place: But that no honeſt man may be deceived by him, this I teſtifie publiquely, and of knowledge, he is a moſt corrupt man, and hitherto countenanced by men, as corrupt and rotten as himſelfe.friend in the Houſe, would bear them out in ſpight of all accuſers.

Hence a man every where, might have ſeen that in Solomon fulfilled: When the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

4. How many years hath it been under Debate in the Houſe concerning the propagation of the Goſpell. Now I deſire every one that fears God, to obſerve, what progreſſe they have made herein. This I affirme to be true, they have left ſtanding in the Nation, a Clergy, or generation of Prieſts, more ſcandalous, prophane, wicked, inſufficient, &c. then was in the Biſhops time, and before they began to ſit: Notwithſtanding they would ſend their Acts, to theſe wretches, that they ſhould pray and give Thanks for them. Whereas Hezekiah ſent to Iſaiah the Prophet, to lift vp his prayer for the remnant.

That theſe unworthy men, are to be removed from their unſanctified places and ſtanding, the word of God is clear for it; but whether he will ſo far honour our next Governours, in putting them upon ſo glorious a worke, a little time will ſhew.

5. Be ſure that ye be real, and faithfull to ſuch men, whom you know, to be reall and faithful to that Cauſe, and Worke you are upon. Of late, Turn coats, Time-ſervers, Apoſtates, and ſuch like, have been moſt favoured, ſooneſt heard, and prefer'd: p. 34The which was one ſpeciall cauſe of their ruine, and will deſtroy others if they do the like. As fire taken off from the hearth, and put to the Thatch, will burn down the houſe; Even ſo, if men in place, with-draw their affection from honeſt and good men, to act for unworthy ones, they cannot ſtand. Let them aſſociate themſelves, and they ſhall be broken, take counſell together, and it ſhall come to nought.

6. Pſal. 4.3. Pſ. 101.6.Ps 4:3Ps 101:6As the Lord will ſet apart him that is godly: And David ſaith mine eyes ſhall be upon the faithfull of the land: So in chooſing men to publique employment, carnall relations muſt be laid aſide, and men fearing God pitch't upon. It would be worth the while to conſider, how many are in place, who hate to be reform'd, count it their grace that they are graceleſſe: yea, deſpight the ſpirit of grace in Saints. If a man ſhould ſow Tares in his Field, or plant thornes and thiſtles in his Garden, would it be a wonder afterward, to ſee fruit according to the kind he hath ſown and planted? Thoſe that do ſet and plant in the Common-wealth, crafty men, covetous and deceitfull fellows, I meane as to have places of great truſt, and concernment, if they deceive the State; no marvail, Who will expect grapes of thornes, or figs of thiſtles?

7. There is another abuſe which honeſt men deſire ſpeedily to have reform'd, namely a multitude of unneceſſary and uſeleſſe Officers, publiquely employed in civill affairs, whereby the Revenues of the Common-wealth are extreamly waſted: which men, if removed, not onelyonly many thouſand pounds a year would be ſaved, but the worke ſpeedier, and much better done. Beſides, it is well known, that ſome of the late Parliament, have deviſed new Offices where there was none before, Note.and whereof there is no uſe in the world, purpoſely to ſet in ſome of their own kindred for ſallarie.

8. Whereas many have gotten great eſtates, by falſhood, deceit, unfaithfulneſſe, done many unjuſt actions, and doe fraudulently detain much of the publique treaſure in their hands, and ſome are ready to manifeſt and prove ſo much. It is deſired, not only that ſome men may be appointed, to heare and receive the Informations, and Charges, which ſhall be brought forth againſt ſuch Delinquents: but ſpeciall care p. 35be taken about the choiſe of them, as that they be able men, Exod. 18.21.Exod 18:21ſuch as feare God, men of truth, hating covetouſneſſe.

As thoſe laſt men in power were for the moſt part men moſt corrupt, ſo ordinarily they ſet none in places under them, but men corrupt and rotten as themſelves: And therefore no marvail though ſome much deſired to have their olde Maſters in again, for they knew, they were NONE SUCH to ſerve their turne. The glaſſe-window lets in light, but keeps out winde and raine: I hope to ſee ſuch in place, as will heare and receive the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and keep back partiality, reſpect of perſons, relations, private Intereſts.

9. For the Regulating of the Laws, and other corruptions amongſt us, here it is expected, that things be now done ſpeedily and effectually. The turning of the Law into Engliſh, no way eaſed or leſſened the grievances of the people: Curſed is he that doth the worke of the Lord negligently. Remember the TWO PLAGUES of this Nation, PRIESTS and LAWYERS. Becauſe thou haſt let goe out of thy hand, 1 Kin. 20.42.1 Kgs 20:42a man whom I appointed to utter deſtruction, therefore thy life ſhall go for his life, and thy people for his people.

10. Take heed of making Parties, and running into factions, as the former ever did, to carry on, particular and private deſignes.

The worke before you is publique, and generall, and therefore be not divided in Schiſmes and Factions, but unanimouſly accord together in the preſent worke of the Lord. In rayſing up a materiall houſe, when the workmen ſweetly agree together, the building goes forward apace: ſo here. How farre the Lord will carry on his work inſtrumentally by ſuch as ſhall be next in power, as to conſider of theſe, and other things I know not, neither what the Lord intends to doe by them, concerning the breaking in pieces the fourth Monarch, and Antichriſtian Kingdome: But this I know, if theſe come not up to the work, others ſhortly will: For it ſhall not be left undone beyond the yeare 1655. A people p. 36then ſhall be created, to fulfill the will of God (and he will put it into their hearts) in order to the Propheſies of the later time: Hab. 23.For the viſion is yet for an appointed time: but in the end it ſhall ſpeake, and not lie.