The Key of the Revelation, Summary

The Key of the Revelation · Summary

Things to be fore-knowne.

1. BY a Synchroniſme of prophecies I meane, when the things therein deſigned run along in the …ame time; as if thou ſhouldeſt call it an agreement in time or age: becauſe prophecies of things falling out in the ſame time run on in time together, or Synchronize.foreign

2. The order of the Seals, and in them of the Trumpets, is certaine and undoubted (to wit) the ſame which the number to every one aſcribed doth point out, I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. The reſt therefore of the propheſies being compared firſt betweene themſelves, p. 2afterward with the Seales by the way of Synchroniſme, the order of the whole Revelation will be clearely manifeſt: the foreignthing which now by Gods help we goe about to ſhew.

Thou who ſitteſt upon the throne, And thou O Lambe root of David, who waſt onelyonly worthy to take and open this book; open the eyes of thy ſervant, and direct his hand and minde, that in theſe thy myſteries he may diſcerne and produce ſomething, which may tend to the glory of thy Name and profit of the Church.

The firſt par….

The firſt Synchroniſme. Of the Woman remaining in the wilderneſſe. Of the ſevenheaded Chap. 1…. Chap. 1…. Chap. 11. Chap 11.Beaſt restored. Of the outer court troden under foot by the Gentiles. Of the Witneſſes in the meane time prophecying in ſackcloth

Here I begin, and my firſt Synchroniſme ſhall be of that noble Quaternion of Prophecies, which are very remarkable by reaſon of the equalitie of their times; 1. Of the woman remaining in the wilderneſſe for a time, times, and halfe a time; or as there it is …ore manifeſtly declared, 1260. dayes. 2. Of the ſevenheaded Beaſt reſtored, and ruling 42. moneths. 3. Of the outer court (or of the holy Citie) ſo many moneths troden under foot by the Gentiles. 4. And laſt of the witneſſes prophecying in ſackcloth 1260. dayes.

The truth of this Synchroniſme is almoſt granted, and ſeemeth that both it may, and alſo uſually is avouched upon this ground, becauſe of the equality it ſelfe of their times: for a time, times, and halfe a time, that is, three yeares and an halfe (as it appeareth by comparing the 6. and 14. verſes of the 12. chap.) make 42. moneths, and 42. moneths 1260. dayes.

But becauſe it is not neceſſary (howſoever it be very likely in viſions ſhewed the ſame time) that aequall times ſhould bee alſo …the ſame times, ſince aequality hindereth not but that ſome may be before, ſome after others: therefore that character of aequality of times will not be ſufficient to convince one that is perverſe. Wherefore I will get me caracters elſe where, out of which by …leare and evident demonſtration I thus make good the point.

p. 3The Synchroniſme of the Beaſt and the woman.Chap. 1….

The times of the Beaſt and of the woman dwelling in the wilderneſſe begin at the very ſame inſtant of time, to wit, the conqueſt of the red Dragon, and the thruſting him downe into the earth: therefore, ſince the ſaid times are of aequall continuance, it muſt of neceſſity follow that they did concurre in the whole in termediate ſpace of time, and likewiſe at length end their courſe together.

That the times of either of them do commence from the ſame beginning or terme, is manifeſt out of the 12. chap. for when as the dragon is caſt downe by Michael, then the woman eſcapeth from his preſence into the wildernes [ver. 6 and 14.] The Dragon being angry, that hee had in vaine attempted to deſtroy her now entring thither [in the 15, 16, and 17. ver.] he went to make war with the reſt of her ſeed (to wit, thoſe which ſhe ſhould bring forth in the wilderneſſe, verſ. 17. **For without doubt it is to bee read with all the latine tranſlations, the greeks of Aldus an. 1518. and the Syriaque Interpreter (who out of the greeke turneth it) et ſte… tit, and he ſtood, not as at this day the greek copies have it, et ſte…i, and I ſtood.And ſtanding upon the ſea ſand, [verſ. 18.] To the ten horned Beaſt thence aſcending [chap. 13.1. he gave his power, and his throne, and great authoritie; there verſe 2.

Chap. 11. The Synchroniſme of the Beaſt, and the prophecie of the witneſſes.

The times of the Beaſt and of the prophecie of the witneſſe being likewiſe aequall, are finiſhed together at the end of the ſixt trumpet: therefore it is manifeſt that they alſo begun together, and through the whole ſpace betweene did Synchronize.

Now that the times both of the Beaſt, and of the witneſſes of God, prophecying in ſackcloth, ended together with the end of the ſixt trumpet that alſo appeareth out of the 14. ver. of the 11. Chap. where aſwell the aſcenſion of the witneſſes into heaven (which is the period of their mourning prophecie, as that great earthquake (wherewith the Imperiall citi… being overthrowne, the kingdome of the Beaſt was aboliſhed) is marked out by the moment wherein the ſecond woe (which is the ſixt trumpet) went out, and the third woe (or ſeventh trumpet) ſhould forth with enſue for in that moment of time the witneſſes (whom the Beaſt which had aſcended out of the bottomles pit had ſlaine, being even ready to finiſh their teſtimony in ſackcloth (for this when they ſ…all finiſh.is meant by foreign) reviving by God aſcended up into p. 4heaven [verſe 7. 11. 12.] and the tenth part of the city fell by foreignmeanes of the great earthquake the ſame houre [ver. 13.] and the matter came to that paſſe, that the 7. trumpet ſounding, all the Kingdomes of the world became our Lords and his Chriſt, verſe 15.

The Synch. of the Witneſſes and of the Court (or holy city) Chap 11.poſſeſſed by the Gentiles.

That the times of the Witneſſes, and of the Court (or holy citie) poſſeſſed by the Gentiles do contemporize, it appeareth as well by the meaning of the text, Chap. 11. v. 2, 3. as alſo by the wrath of the Gentiles now caſt out, in the beginning of the ſeaventh Trumpet; that is, from the end of the ſixt, when alſo the dayes of the witneſſes ſhall end, as it hath already been manifeſted, for the Gentiles which in the 18. verſe are ſaid to be enraged at the found of the ſeaventh Trumpet, are the very ſame which hitherto by the ſpace of forty two monthes, had troden underfoot the court of the outer. Temple (that is, the holy city) and which now therefore come to be deſtroyed by the wrath of God. And ſurely this Synchroniſme is called into queſtion by none, to my knowledge or remembrance.

The Synch. of the Witneſſes, of the Court, of the Beaſt, Chap. 11, & 12. & 1….and of the Woman.

If the treading under foot of the court and holy city did agree …n time with the prophecy of the Witneſſes; it will agree in time alſo with the Beaſt, with which the Witneſſes agreed in time; and therefore alſo with the Woman in the wilderneſſe, to which th… Beaſt agreed in time. So the Woman in the wildernes, the dominion of the Beaſt, the treading of the holy city under foot, and the prophecie of the witneſſes, do ſynchronize each with other.

The ſecond Synchroniſme. Of the two borned beaſt (who is alſo the falſe prophet) Chap. 13.with the ten horned Beaſt (which is alſo called the Image of the Beaſt.

For the two horned Beaſt is the founder, or erector of that ſeaven headed Beaſt, wearing crownes upon his ten hornes; which after his deadly wound, to the great hurt of the Saints he p. 5anew reſtored according to the image of a certain former eſtate wherein he was to rule full 42. moneths, chap. 13. v. 3, 5, 12, 14, 15. which being done, he doth exerciſe all his power in his preſence; and alſo doth ſhew (or worke) great wonders in his ſight, verſe 12, 13. and chap. 19. verſe 20. At length this very ſame two horned Beaſt (which Iohn calleth elſwhere the falſe prophet) together with that other Beaſt, in whoſe preſence hee had done the wonders, as inſeparable companions are taken, and both caſt alive into a lake of fire burning with brimſtone, Chap. 19. v. 20. when therefore the ten horned Beaſt (give me leave, for plainneſſe ſo to call the ſeaven headed Beaſt reſtored) and the two horned falſe prophet are not ſeparated one from the other, either in their riſing, or in their ruine; Moreover, whereas the one excrciſeth the power of the other foreign, that is, in his preſence, who ſeeth not that they neceſſarily contemporize through their whole time? But that the whole matter may bee rightly perceived, it is to be underſtood, that there is no other ſtate of the ſeven headed Beaſt deſcribed, cha 13. then that of the inſtauration, or of the laſt head, which was tenne horned; that which the whole order of the deſcription doth make evident. For whatſoever evill the Beaſt is ſaid to have committed, whatſoever worſhip or adoration is given unto him by the inhabitants of the earth, all that is ſaid to be done after his inſtauration, or healing of his wound. Furthermore, that the ten hornes doe belong to the laſt head or ſtate of the Beaſt (which is the ſtate of his …ſtauration) is manifeſt by the interpr…tation of the Angel. Chap. 17. For there when five heads had fallen, that is, had fulfilled their, Verſe 10.courſes, and the fixt even then in Iohns time was in being; yet the time of the hornes is ſaid not to be as yet come. Therefore of neceſſitie it muſt belong unto the ſeventh or laſt head.

An apendix concerning the mutuall interchanging of the names of the Beaſt and the fal…e prophet; likewiſe of the Beaſt and the image of the Beaſt.

For of both theſe the title of the Synchroniſme did admoniſh, and firſt, that the two horned Beaſt, and the falſe prophet be the ſame, Iren…us, one amongſt the moſt ancient interpreters of the Apocalyps hath obſerved. Which by the comparing of the 13. 14, 15, and 16, verſes of the 13. chap. with the 20. verſe of p. 6the 19. Chap. is ſo cleare and manifeſt that it needes no further proofe.

But that which the title further ſeemeth to intimate, that the ten horned Beaſt is wont alſo to be called by the name of the image of the Beaſt, that is not ſo evident, and which the reader except very attentive, will ſcarce at all perceive. But that the ſame is ſo, I think that I have obſerved upon good ground; and therefore, whereſoever the Beaſt and the falſe prophet are mentioned together (which I finde three times) there by the ſurname of the Beaſt, is underſtood no other then the ten horned beaſt; when by the falſe prophet, it is evident there is meant the two horned. Contrarily, where with the Beaſt thou ſeeſt coupled the image of the Beaſt [as chap. 14. ver. 9.11. chap. 15. ver. 2. chap. 16. ver. 2. chap. 19 ver. 20. and chap. 20. ver. 4.] there by the Beaſt is to be underſtood the falſe prophet; and by his image the ten horned Beaſt, or the ſeven headed reſtored: for this Beaſt ſeeing hee acknowledgeth the falſe prophet to be his reſtorer, and that he ſuffereth himſelfe to be guided by the will of him, as of his ſupreme Lord [chap. 13. verſe 12, 14, 15.] he is not without cauſe called his image; not whoſe ſimilitude hee repreſenteth, the genitive being paſſively taken (for in that reſpect he is the Image of another, happily of the ſeven headed dragon, or of the ſtate in in which hee flouriſhed before the wound, according to whoſe example he doth afreſh blaſpheme God, and make warre againſt the Saints) but that image which that two horned Beaſt ſpeaking like the Dragon did reſtore and challengeth for his owne, the genitive, to wit, ſignifying the Agent or Poſſeſlor; even as in the ſelf-ſame places that is not the marke of the Beaſt, which is ſtamped upon the Beaſt himſelfe, but wherewith that ſame Beaſt doth brand thoſe that worſhip him.

And that it is ſo, as I have ſaid, concerning the image of the Beaſt, that which is ſaid in the 13. chap. Verſe 15. is for an argument in the firſt place, that that very image of the Beaſt, which the falſe prophet did give life unto, did cauſe that whoſoever ſhall not worſhip the image of the Beaſt ſhould be ſlaine; likewiſe elſe where (that thou mayeſt know him to be the Beaſt) hee is almoſt ever put after a verb which ſignifies to adore, as an object of worſhip: when as therefore the Apocalyps doth pourtray onelyonly two and no more Beaſts; this ſo wicked a majeſtie with p. 7like power either of commanding or compelling, cannot but agree to either of them. Furthermore, where the Beaſt is preſent together with the falſe prophet, the image of the Beaſt in the ſame conſtruction of words is not to be found, as if there the appellation of the Beaſt ſhould ſerve the turne.

To conclude, of that ſelf-ſame is the image of the Beaſt ſaid to be, of whom is the name and number, chap. 15.2. But the name and number ſeeme not to be called the name and number of any other beaſt chap. 13. then of the two horned, therefore it is like that he is alſo called the image of him (as of his principall founder or chief Lord.) But this image, whether it be, or be not that tenne horned Beaſt, it nothing hindreth our purpoſe: for the Synchroniſme of the Beaſts is not built upon this foundation.

The third Synchroniſme. Of the great harlot or myſticall Babylon with that ſame ſeven headed Beaſt ten horned.Chap. ….

1 The time of the Beaſt is the time of the deſert [Synch. 1. … 1.] and the harlot is ſeene of John in the deſert, chap. 17. verſe 3. 4. but this marke doth not much enforce.

2 The ten horned Beaſt carrieth the harlot, or if you had rather ſo call her the whore, and the harlot ſitteth upon the beaſt: Machatricemtherefore they are both of one and the ſame time, verſe 3.7.

3 The ten hornes of the Beaſt (with which his laſt and neweſt head is branched [marke it well] under the courſes of which alone (in which likewiſe it revived after its deadly wound, the courſes of the firſt heads being now before fulfilled, the harlot doth ride the Beaſt, and the Beaſt doth beare the harlot:) theſe ten hornes, I ſay, are ten Kings, who take their authoritie as Kings at one houre with the Beaſt, to wit, with that Beaſt which was reſtored, and di beare the whore, and now was become ten horned, that is, exerciſing the courſe of the laſt head. Theſe, the time being fulfilled wherein they ſhould deliver their authoritie to the Beaſt, [ver. 13.17.] that is, when the frame and body of the Beaſt came to be diſſolved, they hate the harlot, and make her deſolate and naked, and at length burne her with fire, [ver. 16.] So therefore the Beaſt, which in the ſtate of ten hornes (in which onelyonly Iohn did prophetically conſider p. 8her) firſt began with the harlot, that is, with the whore, and ſhall not ſurvive the harlot, nor the harlot him: therefore, the harlot and that Beaſt doe ſynchronize univerſally and exactly, which was the thing to be proved.foreign

The Fourth Synchroniſme. Of the 144000. ſealed: being virgins, with the Chap. 14 Chap. 17.who…e of Babylon and the Beaſt.

1 For firſt they are called Virgins, and for that commended, that they had not defiled themſelves with harlots, Chap. 14. ver. 4. Therefore they fall into the adulterous times of the whore of Babylon, with whom the Kings and inhabitants of the earth commit fornication, Chap. 17. verſe 2. and 18. 3.

2 Out of this company of Virgins proceed thoſe which denounce the ruine of Babylon, [Ʋerſe 8. of the ſame 14. Chap.] and who do deterre men from all communion with the Beaſt, or his Image, or his Marke: therefore this company of Virgins doth contemporize with Babylon and the Beaſt.

3 To conclude, theſe are thoſe called, choſen, and faithfull followers of the Lambe, Verſe 4 of the ſaid Chap. with whom being accompanied Chap. 17. v. 14. he maketh war with Kings or the hornes of the Babylonian Beaſt; and who by conduct of him (as being King of Kings and Lord of Lords) ſhall at length get the victorie (in the ſame verſe) for thoſe words, Lord of Lords and King of Kings, I thinke ought to be read by a parentheſis: where the Angel ſaith, theſe ſhall fight with the Lambe, and the Lambe ſhall overcome them (becauſe hee is Lord of Lords and King of Kings) and they that are with him called Elect, and faithfull: that is the Lambe and who are with him called, elect, and Faithfull, ſhall overcome the tenne Kings ſupporting Babylon.

4 But theſe things ſuffice not to make the contemporation a full and entire contemporation, for they may all conſiſt even with a contemporation but in part. I thus therefore demonſtrate the company of the ſealed of the Lambe wholly and exactly to contemporize with the Beaſt, That company of the ſealed, being an oppoſite with the Beaſt, or of the whole company of the …followers of the Beaſt, is of the ſame time with them: to wit, p. 9the bands of the holy ſouldiers, even then perſevering in their alleagiance to the Lambe, when other inhabitants of the world as revolters and Apoſtates had taken the marke of the Beaſt.

It is plaine out of the text, whence as in times paſt according to the ancient cuſtome, ſervants and ſouldiers were wont to be branded and marked, with the name of him to whom they had given their Faith: even ſo theſe are ſhewed to beare the name of the Lambe and of his Father in their fore-heads.

Since this is ſo, it followeth, that either holdeth equall proportion with other, and altogether anſwer in a like diſtance of time. For the ſtate of ſuch oppoſition doth require, that the company of the Sealed of the Lambe, for as much as is intended by that viſion, be wholly eſteemed of an oppoſite eſtate of the Beaſt: For beſides ſuch oppoſition it hath no eſtate by the meaning of this viſion, and therefore with the ſame beginning beginneth, and ending endeth.

5 Furthermore concerning the finall contemporation, that alſo may be proved by that mark out of the 7. Chapter. Becauſe the period of both, aſwell of the tyranny of the Beaſt, as of that company of the ſealed, is the multitude of the palmebearers: of the Beaſt, becauſe it is there ſaid of the palm-bearers: Theſe are they which came out of great tribulation, but out of what tribulation, except of the Beaſt perſecuting the Saints? Therefore they leave the tyranny of the Beaſt behinde them: of the companie of the ſealed; becauſe the multitude of the palm-bearers immediately follow, as by that tranſition (foreign after Chap. 7. 1.theſe things I ſaw) is manifeſt.

5. A Conſectarie of the generall Synchroniſme of all hitherto mentioned.

So the Beaſt reſtored to life again or the ten horned, hath contemporized with the woman in the wilderneſſe, the treading under foot the holy City, and the witneſſes in the mean time mourning in ſackcloth, Synch. 1. The two horned Beaſt, with the ten horned Beaſt, Synch 2. The whore with both, Synch. 3. The companie of the virgines ſealed, with the whore and the Beaſt, Synch. 4. Therefore all Synchronize with all.

p. 10The ſixth Synchroniſme. Of the inward court meaſured with the reed of God, of the lying in wait and the battaile of the ſeven headed Dragon with …Michael concerning the child-birth.

For they are the immediate antecedents of thoſe things which formerly were ſhewed to be contemporaries: the battaile of the Dragon, and the child-birth of the woman, of the habitation of the woman in the deſert, and of the ten horned Beaſt; the inner court (for that which is ſaid concerning the temple of God, the ….altar and the prieſts worſhipping there according to cuſtome, is the Periphraſis thereof) of the outer court or people, where the Gentiles without right or reaſon are ſaid to be harboured.

For firſt both of them, as well the child-birth of the woman, as the battail of the Dragon with Michael, doth altogether pitch upon the ſame period, that is, the flight of the woman into the wilderneſſe; which is ſaid immediately to have followed the deſigne of them both. For the woman, as ſoone as ſhe had brought forth flieth into the wildernes, there to be nouriſhed 1260 dayes, chap. 12. verſe 6. Likewiſe the Dragon being throwen downe, the woman flyeth into the wildernes, there to be nouriſhed from the preſence of the Serpent, or Dragon for a time, times, and halfe a time, ver. 13, 14 wherefore the title of the Synchroniſme doth caſt both theſe as you ſee, into one time, as it were viſions of the ſame time, and altogether of the ſame thing, and which there was no ſuch need to ſever in this matter.

Furthermore that ſame duell, wherein Michael overcame the Dragon, did goe next before the ſeven headed revived or ten horned Beaſt: for the Dragon forthwith as ſoone as hee was throwen downe unto the earth, ſtanding upon the ſea ſand for the time to come, delivereth his place, that is, his power, throne, and great authoritie, to the Beaſt riſing up thence; and (as the Complutenſe edition which Irenaeus hath it) one of his heads as it were ſlaine to death; whoſe wound being healed, the whole Lib. 5 … an… the text in …he … with … aſſe…h to this reading; as alſo the Syriaque interpreter which is lately ſet forth, yea among the …a…e …. Pri…aſ… doth not read that word (vidi I ſaw) although he take it ſo by adding the … was.) This deceived …im …hat in latine (one of the heads, &c.) concerning the caſe is … the Greek.world wondring followed the Beaſt, chap. 13. verſe 1, 2, 3.

p. 11And thus far the matter is plaine and cleare: but the anteceſſion of the inner court to the outward court (which is the onelyonly thing that remaineth to perfect this Synchroniſme) is a little harder taske to prove, becauſe the matter is otherwiſe taken, and therefore hindred with prejudice; yet thus I ſhew it. The inner court, according to the building of the temple, in ſituation and order is before the outer court being neereſt to the thro…e of God or the temple (which was the principall part of the whole ſtructure.) …Therefore if the things ſignified be of divers times (for it is no new thing, that the order of ſituation ſhould expreſſe the order of time, as it is to be ſeen in the Statua in Nebuchadnezzars dream:) ſurely it is agreeable to reaſon, that the thing ſignified by the inner court ſhould bee in time before the thing ſignified by the outer. But that the things meant by the courts are of divers times, and ſo that which is meant by the inner court more ancient and before the other. I thus farre demonſtrate, becauſe this viſion of the meaſuring of the court of the temple and altar, or the inner court, is the beginning to the propheſie repeated; which (as anon more at large ſhall be ſhewed) doth from the originall and very firſt beginning rehearſe the times of the propheſie of the ſeales, the beginning whereof no man doubteth to be fetcht from the very Epoche of the time of the Revelation. Thou muſt (ſaith he) propheſie againe (for ſo he expoundeth the myſterie of the eaten booke) to many people, nations, tongues, and kings. foreign Again, that is to ſay, the order of times, concerning which he had propheſied before being repeated. For he beginneth from that meaſuring of the temple and altar, and them that worſhipped therein. If therefore the viſion of the woman bringing forth the childe and the war of the Dragon (which is part of this repeated propheſie) do aſcend to the very head of the period, or time of the Revelation, ſo that the Revelation hath nothing more ancient then it, or which deriveth its originall higher (which will be manifeſt as well out of the nature of the thing it ſelfe which is a birth, as alſo out of the Synchroniſmes hitherto demonſtrated, and hereafter to be demonſtrated:) why ſhould not much rather the beginning of the ſame propheſie, and the firſt viſion of all the reſt be thought to aſcend thither? But the moneths of the outer court cannot aſcend thither; as which wholly have contemporized with the ten horned Beaſt. Therefore p. 12to mee it is moſt clear that the times of the * Inner Court foreign. Chap. 11. verſ 1. foreign verſe 2. of the ſame chapter.meaſured, do not onelyonly go before the moneths of the * outer unmeaſured, but alſo ought to be derived from the originall of the repeated prophecie, together with the viſion of the child-birth, and dragon.

Now that theſe three, the habitation of the woman in the wilderneſ…e, the ten horned be…ſt, and the treading under foot of the outer court by the Gentiles are contemporaries, it appeareth out of the firſt Synchroniſme: therefore the times of the meaſuring of the inner court, and the child-birth of the woman, together with the lying in wait of the dragon, and the battell with Michae…, are the immediate antecedents of contemporaries, and conſequently, they themſelves cannot but contemporize each with other; * the very point I was to demonſtrate.foreign.

The 7^th Synchroniſme. Of the ſeave… Phialls, and of the Beaſt, and of Babyl…n inclining Chap. 6.to ruine.

The effuſion of the Phialls bringeth the ruine and deſtruction of the Beaſt, as out of the text it ſelfe is manifeſt, for the conquerours of the Beaſt ſing the * triumphant ſong of Moſes, chap. 15. foreign.verſe 2. 3. And it is moreover ſpecially manifeſt concerning the firſt Phiall [chap. 16. verſe 2.] which inflicteth a grievous …ore upon men, having the m…rk of the Beaſt, and thoſe that worſhip his image: concerning the firſt Phiall [verſe 10.] which is poured upon the throne of the Beaſt, and makes his kingdome dark. And likewiſe concerning the laſt, which being poured out; Babylon is utterly deſtroyed, verſ. 19. Therefore the pourings out of the Phials doth contemporize with the ending of the Beaſt and Babylon.

The other part.

I Have gone through the firſt part in ſeven Synchroniſmes; the other part of the ſeals followeth, wherein I ſhall demonſtrate the connexion of all the foreſaid prophecies (and if there be any other alſo) with the ſeales, in ſo many other Synchroniſmes. Whence it will plainly appear (a thing moſt worthy obſervation, and of no ſmall moment to the interpreter, unleſſe I be deceived) that the whole Revelation from the fourth chapter: (For I now p. 13meddle not with the ſeven Churches) is diſtributed into two principall prophecies, either of which proceedeth from the ſame time, and endeth in the ſame period. The firſt is of the ſeale, and Apo…ha.in them of the trumpets; for the ſeventh ſeale is the ſeale of the trumpets, which I take for granted every where out of the grammaticall ſenſe of the context: neither is the ſame order of meaning which is held in all the reſt of the ſeales, to be thought not to agree to the ſeuenth alone: as that that viſion which followeth the opening of the ſeale ſhould be the matter of the ſeale. Now foreign.the viſion of the ſeven Angels with the ſeven trumpets ſucceedeth the opening of the ſeventh: the other prophecie (or rather body Syſt…ma.of propheticall viſions) is foreign or of the little book opened, which beginning at the ſame inſtant of the Apocalyptique time, …epeateth the time of the former prophecie which is of the ſeales, from the eight verſe of the tenth chapter, unto the end of the book: And that this is a repetition of the prophecy is ſhewed by that tranſition verſe 11. of the ſame ch…pter, where the Angell ſaith to Iohn, thou muſt againe foreign. prophecie to many people, and Nations and tongues, and Kings. Furthermore reader, that alſo perhaps ſhall not be unworthy thy obſervation, that the ſeverall beginnings, as well of both theſe, as alſo of the firſt viſion of all concerning the ſeauen Churches, as of three entire pr…phecies are proclaimed with a voice as of a trumpet from heaven ſpeaking with Iohn, as if the holy Ghoſt by this note would diſtinguiſh them from the reſt of the prophecies, which are parts of theſe maine principles, in which (partiall prophecies) you will ſee no ſuch thing to be.

Now theſe are the beginnings of the prophecies; of which I admoniſh, of the viſion of the ſeven Churches, chap 1. 10. in theſe words: And I was in the ſpirit upon the Lords day, and I heard a great voice behinde me as of a trumpet, ſaying, &c. of the prophecie of the ſeales alſo, chap. 4. verſe 1. on this wi…e: And the firſt voice which I heard as of a trumpet ſpeaking to mee, ſaid, &c. of the prophecie of the booke opened laſt of all, chap. 10. verſ. 8. And the voice which I heard from heaven (to wit, as of a trumpet ſpeaking) ſpake againe unto mee, and ſaid, &c. Hitherto hath been the Prologue, and that as I ho…e not inpertinent to the matter we have in hand. The Synchroniſmes now follow.

p. 14I. The principall Synchroniſme. OR The Synchroniſme. Of the ſeventh ſeale which as touching the ſix firſt trrmpets, is Chap. …of the ſame time with the ten horned, and two horned Beaſts, and the reſt contemporizing.

For firſt the beginning of the Beaſt doth contemporiz…, with the beginning of the ſeventh ſeale, which is of the trumpets,

For, ſince the company of the ſealed, being as it were oppoſite to the Beaſt raigning, muſt therefore juſtly and exactly contemporize with the Beaſt; and ſince the ſame company of the ſealed beginneth with the beginning of the ſeventh ſeale, or ſeale of the trumpets: it followeth altogether that the Beaſt likewiſe beginneth with the ſame ſeventh ſeale, or the ſeale of the trumpets.

Now therefore that the company of the ſealed entirely and exactly contemporizeth with the Beaſt, it hath beene ſhewed Synch. 4. the firſt Part. That the ſame company of the ſealed begin with the ſeventh ſeal, is apparant out of the ſeventh chapter, where that ſealing is ſubjoyned immediatly to the ſixt ſeale. For the viſion of the ſixt ſeale being over when the ſeventh which is Chap. 6. 12of trumpets was now to bee opened, proviſion is made for the ſealing of Gods elect ſervants, leſt they ſhould be deſtroyed by the great and bitter calamities which were to fall upon the world (when the foure Angels, being ſet over the foure quarters of the world, ſhall at the ſound of the trumpets, let looſe the windes wh…ch hitherto they had reſtrayed,) for whom alſo a caveat is given at the ſound of the fi…t trumpet, chap. 9. verſe 4. that thou mayeſt at leaſt by that marke know that ſealing to belong to the times of the trumpets. And that the end and going out of the ſixt ſeal is the beginning of the ſeventh, is out of all queſtion; ſince the order of the ſeales one after another, neither can, nor ought …o bee interrupted: Therefore it muſt needs bee that the companie of the 144000. ſealed, which followes the ſeale being over, do begin with the ſeaventh ſeale which immediately ſuc…eedeth the ſaid ſixt ſeal. And ſo the holy spirit by the marke of p. 15this ſealing (as I judge) hath in his marvellous councell taken order that wee might know the connexion of the beaſt beginning with the beginning of the ſeventh ſeale: ſince no other reaſon can be rendred, why the orderly ſucceſſion of the ſeales not otherwiſe to be interrupted, ſhould be confounded with the interpoſition of this viſion of the ſealed, Chap. 7.

Secondly, the end of the Beaſt doth contemporize with the going out of the ſixth Trumpet.

For ſince the 1260 dayes of the witneſſes mourning in ſackcloth are ended at the going out of the ſixth trumpet, or the beginning of the ſeventh; it muſt needes be that the 42. moneths of the beaſt end there alſo, and by conſequence that the tyrannie of the beaſt is contained within the compaſſe of the ſix firſt trumpets; which was the very point I was to demonſtrate.

But that the 42. moneths of the beast in like manner as the 1260 dayes of the mourning of the witneſſes their contemporaries, are to be ended at the going out of the ſixt Trumpet, is already demonſtrated in the firſt part Synch. 1. §. 3. where out of Verſ 9, 10, 11, 12the eleventh chapter is ſhewed, when the witneſſes after they had continued dead three dayes, being raiſed to life againe, and carried up into heaven had fulfilled the dayes of their mourning propheſie; and a great earth-quake being cauſed the ſame houre or time, the Verſe 13great City was fallen, and the Beaſt the cruell enemy of the witneſſes Animam agere….by reaſon of the deſtruction then to bee ſuffered was at the laſt caſt that wee may know in what time of the ſeales and trumpets this ſhould happen, the Spirit hath immediately joyned the Verſe 14.ſecond woe (that is the ſixt trumpet) even then to be paſt, and the third woe (to wit the ſeventh trumpet) to come anon which character, another guide of this great Synchroniſme, I do beleeve to be inſerted in that place even chiefly to that end that it ſhould bee as it were another of the hinges, upon which this great and univerſall frame of the open book and prophecie of ſeales ſhould be turned. For otherwiſe both this warning, and the ſound of the ſeventh trumpet which followeth forthwith in right and naturall order ſhould have been placed at the end of the prophecie of ſeals chap. 10. But the holy ſpirit having in that place foreſhewed the myſterie of the ſeventh trumpet after the manner of a Proclamation, lightly only, yet as much as ſeemed ſufficient, to wit, (that p. 16at the ſounding thereof, the mystery declared to the prophets, ſhould Chap. 10.7.be conſummate) he would a little while withhold and deferre the ſounding thereof and the expreſſe definition of the myſterie (and that no doubt not without ſome weighty cauſe: to wit, untill a tranſition being made to the new prophecie of the open booke Chap. 10. from the eight verſe to the end] he had brought up the firſt viſion thereof (the courſe of the Revelation being likewiſe run over) to the lame period. For that I would the Reader ſhould well obſerve: in this one viſion of the eleventh chapter (as being the firſt of the propheſie repeated over again (the moſt wiſe ſpirit runneth through, as the Weaver the warpe with the woofe, the whole ſpace of the prophecie of the ſeals: and knitteth the ſame by the ſeventh trumpet, as it were with a curious knott, to …the order of the ſeales, for direction of the time. But to what end, but that the other prophecies of the little book being joyned by their characters to the firſt viſion, ſo fixed and compared with the ſeales, the whole body of the repeated propheſie might bee aptly conjoyned with the ſeales.

Furthermore, leſt that happily ſhould raiſe any ſcruple in any, that thoſe things which are related in the Text, concerning the overthrow of the Beaſt, concerning the Fall of the Citie, and the ſlaughter of men cauſed by the Earth-quake, ſeeme not at all that they ought to be underſtood of the utter deſtruction of the beast: I ſay, that neither is this requiſite to that Synohroniſme whereof we have treated, but that they be meant at leaſt concerning the finiſhing of his time of authority and raigne, which is determined in 42. moneths; and which the Synchroniſme of the beast and witneſſes being granted, muſt needs end together with the dayes of the witneſſes. But that eſtate of the Beaſt which yet a little while ſhall be remaining (as hence may be gathered) ſhall bee ſo unlike the former, as is not to be accounted the ſame; but alſo not long after under the ſeventh Trumpet utterly to bee deſtroyed and aboliſhed; the Kingdomes of this world becomming our Lords and his Chriſts.

And ſo this principall Synchroniſme being well ground…d, it will be manifeſt that the other Synchroniſmes may be eaſily derived thence and knitt together with the ſ…ales.

p. 17The ſecond Synchoriſme. Of the inner Court and of the warre of the Dragon and Michael, Chap. 1….concerning the birth o… the childe b…ing con…mporarie Chap 7.with the firſt ſix Seales.

Becauſe they are the next antecedents of the ſucceeding contemporancies. For the ſix firſt ſeales are the next antecedents of the ſeaventh. The inner Court and the contention of M…chael with the Dragon are the next antecedents of the Beaſt and the company of 144000. ſealed. But now the ſeaventh ſeale or (which is all one) the ſix firſt trumpets, the company of the ſealed, and the Beaſt, are contemporaries; as is ſhewed in the former Synchroniſme.

The third Synchroniſm… Of the Vialls with the ſixt trumpet.Chap. 16.Chap. 9.

The ſeven Vialls of the laſt wrath, ſince they are ſo many degrees of the ruine and fall of the Beaſt [Synchroniſme 7. Part 1▪] thereupon neceſſarily they are to begin with the beginning of the ruine and fall of the Beaſt. But the kingdome of the Beaſt began ſo much to decay, the ſixt trumpet yet ſounding, and proce… ded to that ruine at length, that at the going forth of that trumpet, there ſhould be an end of that power of 42. moneths in which it was given him to bear rule and to overcome the Saints [Synch. 1. of this part.] But the Beaſt could not fall to that ruine and fatall calamities before that the fift Viall at leaſt ſhould be poured out; for then at length that his ſeat was to be ſhaken, and his kingdome darkned, appeareth chap. 16. ver. 10. Therefore five of the Vialls at the leaſt are powred out, before the ſixt trumpet left ſounding, and I beleeve alſo the ſixt for the ſeaventh Viall, which is the Viall of con…ummation [there verſe 17. 18.] doth therefore concurre with the beginning of the ſeaventh trumpet, which likewiſe is the trumpet of conſummation, chap. 10. ver. 6.

The fourth Synchroniſme. Of the thouſand yeeres of the Dragons or Satans being bound with the ſeaventh trumpet, or ſpace from the deſtruction of the Beaſt.Chap. 20.

That this of the binding of Sathan may the better be underſtood; Chap. 11.that is to be premiſed before the demonſtration that in the text it is ſaid, that then thereupon Satan is not onelyonly caſt p. 18into the bottomleſſe pit, but there ſhut up; and moreover, chap. 20. 3.that the Angel had ſealed it up upon him, that hee ſhould no more ſeduce the Nations, untill the thouſand yeers were conſummate: that is, had ſurely encloſed him that at no hand hee ſhould come forth. For it was the manner of the Hebrewes and neighbouring Nations, when they would ſurely ſhut and make faſt a doore, they ſealed it. So the ſtone put upon the Lions denne whereinto Daniel was caſt, king Darius ſealed with his ring, and with the ring of his Lords. Daniel 6. * In the Apocryphall Hiſtory the ſervants of Daniel ſhut the doores of … and D…ag…n, verſe 11.the te…ple of Bel, and ſeale it with the kings ring. Likewiſe the Jewes, Matth. 27. 66. did ſhut the Sepulchre of our Saviour, or madeit ſure by ſe…ling the ſtone, &c. foreign: where is to be obſerved that foreign doe mutually expound themſelves. For it is one th…g to be caſt downe from heaven, Chap. 12. (which ſo many apply to this place) and quite another to be bound, to be ſhut up in a bottomleſſe pit, and to be ſealed. The firſt taketh not away the libertie of wandring abroad and doing hurt; but the other by no meanes ſuffereth to come out of his priſon: yea I dare affirme that none of thoſe things which are related in the 20^th Chapter, doe appeare in the 12. neither againe concerning that which is rehearſed in the 12. Chapter, is there any word extant in the 20. ſo far it is off, that the ſame thing ſhould be repreſented in both. Let us examine it a little: In the 20. Chap there are four things related of the Dragon. Firſt, that hee was apprehended by the Angel which deſcended from heaven. Secondly, bound. Thirdly, caſt into a bottoml…ſſ …pit. Fourthly, that he was ſhut up and ſealed. But thou ſhalt finde none of theſe in the 12^th chap. Likewiſe that one thing which is declared in the 12. Chapter. concerning the caſting down of the Dragon from heaven into the earth, of that there is not one **foreignſillable in th 20^th yea, it may plainely bee gathered out of the context that that was not at all then done; for it is ſaid there, that the Angel which did come to binde the dragon deſcended from hea…en: therfore the dragon was even then upon the earth. For otherwiſe wherefore ſhould the Angel deſcend from heaven to apprehend him hereupon cha. 12 Michael deſcended not frō heaven, but in the very heaven he fighteth hand p. 19to hand with the divell. Theſe things thus premiſed, let us come to the **foreign.demonſtration of the Synchroniſme.

1. Arg. VnderUnder the firſt ſix ſeales the Dragon or Satan was free Arg 1 and looſe; likewiſe under the firſt ſix trumpets of the ſeventh ſeale: therefore it remaineth that the 1000. yeeres of the binding of Satan are caſt upon the time of the ſeventh trumpet.

For that Satan or the Dragon was not bound, while the ſix firſt ſeales did yet run their courſe, appeareth by this, that during all that ſpace he brusſling with ſeven heads, and ſeven Crown…s, fought in heaven with Michael about the child-birth of the woman, as lately hath been ſhewed Synch. 2.

But neither came it to paſſe in the ſix firſt trumpets of the following ſeale: for this is the time of the woman in the wildernes, and of the raigning ten horned Beaſt as appeareth out of the firſt Synchroniſme of this part. Surely, it was far wide that the Dragon ſhould be thought to be bound, while the woman lived in the wilderneſſe; who being throwne downe by Michael from heaven, did endeavour to drowne her in her …light with the flood of waters which he caſt out of his mouth: and then when this tooke none effect according to his minde (the earth ſwallowing up the flood, and the woman now received into the w…lderneſſe) being inflamed with wrath and fury, hee went to make warre with the remnant of her ſeed, which kept the Commandments of God, and had the teſtimonie of Jeſus, Chap. 12. verſe 13, 15, 17. Are theſe tokens of Satan bound?

But let us ſee alſo concerning the Beaſt; and heare, how the Dragon was bound under his raigne, to wit, the Dragon gave his power, and his throne, and great authoritie, and all the world wondring followed the Beaſt, and they worſhipped the Dragon which gave power unto the Beaſt, chap. 13. verſe 2, 3, 4. But perhaps Satan was able to doe all theſe things from out of his priſon: certainly being ſhut up and ſealed he could not. But that there may be no ſhifting place left, and that it may plainly appear how free and looſe the Dragon was yet to commit thoſe ſame villanies from which being once impriſoned, he is ſaid to be reſtrained; behold another **Aiu…m.ſcholler of his, the fal…e prophet being the inſeparable companion of the ten horned Beaſt, & the adminiſtrator of his Beſtiall authority, of whom thou haſt it expreſly written, that he did great wonders, and that he deceived the p. 20Chap 13. 13, 14.inhabitants of the earth by the ſignes which were permitted him to doe, will any one now ea…ly beleeve, theſe Beaſts carrying things thus, th…t the …, that is, Satan, was bound, that he was caſt into a bottoml…ſſ…it, and … up, that hee might not deceive the people …? …ccording to the 20^th chap. ver. 2.3.

Moreover, out of the trumpets themſelves (for halfe the time at leaſt) an argu…ent is not wanting of the devils libertie and freedome. …or what is that king of the locuſts of the fifth trumpet, which is called the angel of the bottomleſſe pit whoſe name in Hebrew is A…addon, and in Greek Apollyon, and whom Saint Iohn painteth out to be foreign, him who fel from Chap …heaven lately into the earth, that very ſame Dragon and Satan, whom Michael before the ſound of the trumpets had thruſt downe from heaven unto the earth? Neither doe I remember that in the whole Revelation there is read of any other beſides him to have fallen upon the earth; neither doe I know whether thoſe elogies of the Angel of the bottomleſſe pit and Abaddon, can agree with any other beſides him. Howſoever it is, certainly Satan was not then bound, the bottomleſſe pit (as there it is ſaid) was not ſhut upon him and ſealed up: (but as you may ſee chap. 9. 2.) open, and that ſo, that the ſmoke thereof aſcended, as the ſmoke of a great furnace, and the ſunne and the aire was darkned by the ſmoke of it.

To conclude, but that this libertie of the Dragon or Satan in deceiving the people, continued even to the very deſtruction of the Beaſt, and therefore was altogether of one time with the ſix firſt trumpets, I thinke no man can doubt which ſhall well mark, what is read to be done from the effuſion of the ſixt Viall: to wit, that when the ſeventh, that is, the laſt by and by was to be pou…ed out, and therefore the finall ruine of the Beaſt, was even then at …and, out of the mouth of the Dragon, and the Beaſt and falſe prophet, his Vicars, three uncleane ſpirits, ſpirits of devils working miracles, ſhall goe out to the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them to the battell of that great day of God Al…ightie. Chap. 16. 13. 14.

So the 1000. yeeres of Satans being bonnd, that he ſhould not …eceive the people any more, can have no place, neither under the ſix firſt ſeales, no… under the ſix firſt trumpets: therefore they are …o be left in the ſeven…h trumpet.

p. 212 Arg. After a thouſand yeers being fulfilled, Satan being let looſe cut off his priſon for a ſhort time, hee had raiſed new ſtirs, the ſcum of the deceived people: which hee had gathered together, being con…u…ed with fire fallen from heaven, the deceiver himſelfe being taken and arreſted, is ſaid to be ſent into the lake of fire and brimſtone **Chap. …. 10.foreign where were both the Beaſt and the falſe prophet. Marke here reader, the chronicall caracter; by which is intimated, that this whatſoever it is concerning Satan, being taken and condemned after his ſecond looſing, it ſuccedeth the viſion of the former Chapter concerning the Beaſt and the falſe prophet being vanquiſhed, taken, and thereupon caſt into the lake burning with fire and brimſtone, by him which ſate upon the white horſe, as in order of narration, ſo alſo in the time of the thing done. For otherwiſe it ſhould not have been ſaid, that Satan was ſent thither, where both the Beaſt and the falſe prophet were, except both the Beaſt and the falſe prophet had been ſent thither firſt.

Neither can any man of judgement ſay by way of evaſion, that this war after a thouſand yeeres of this 20^th chapter, is not differing from that of the former chapter; when as not onelyonly the character already brought, but alſo all the circumſtances on both ſides are repugnant; the parties, the battell, and the manner of the ſlaughter, there with the ſword, here with fire; yea and the event of either war unlike, as anon the matter being demonſtrated ſhall be made plaine, there the binding of Satan onelyonly for a time, but here a condemnation to eternall fire.

The war therefore, wherein the Beaſt and the falſ… prophet being taken are ſent into the lake of fire, ſeeing that it is different from this laſt, to which Satan at length to be caſt into the ſame lake had ſtirred up the nations preſently after his looſing; either it muſt needs be waged within the very ſame thouſand yeeres, or els when they were not yet begun. It cou…d not be waged within the thouſand yeeres, becauſe ſo long Satan is ſaid to be bound, and ſhut up in the bottomleſſe pit, that he ſhould not deceive the people any more, untill the thouſand yeeres ſhould be conſummate, chap. 20. verſ. 3. But in the war, wherein at length there is triumph over the Be…ſt and the falſe prophet and their companions, if ever at any other time, hee was moſt free and looſe to deceive, as appeareth by thoſe things which even now wee have p. 22alleadged out of the ſixteenth chapter concerning the preparation of this war: to wit, that from the effuſion of the ſixt Phiall, when as now the ſeventh, wherein the Beaſt was utterly made an end of, was ready to be poured out; out of the mo…th of the Dragon out of the mo…th of the Beaſt and of the falſe prophet, **Chap. 16. 13. 14three uncleane ſpirits, the ſpirits of devils ſhewing wonders, went forth to the kings of the earth, and of the whole world, to gather them together to the battell of the great day of God Almightie.

Becauſe therefore the **Ra…ſtate of the thouſand yeeres doth no way admit ſuch Satannicall troubles and ſtirs: it muſt needs be, that this warre of the Beaſt ſhall in time goe before them, and ſo at length the 1000. yeeres of Satans binding, ſhall contemporize with the ſpace from the ſlaughter of the Beaſt; which was to be demonſtrated.

3. Arg. To conclude, ſince through thoſe thouſand yeeres wherein Satan is kept in priſon, Chriſt is ſaid to have reigned in that Emperiall and Magnificent Kingdome with his, thereupon by the ſame arguments and marks by which the Synchroniſ…e of either is eſtabliſhed, the other alſo will be confirmed. Therefore that that Emperiall Kingdome of Chriſt doth begin with the ſeventh trumpet or from the deſtruction of the Beaſt, is now for us to ſhew.

The fifth Synchroniſme. Of the 1000. yeeres of Chriſt his Emperiall raigne, and of the ſeventh trump…t or the ſpace from the deſtruction of the Beaſt.….

1 The excellent and Emperiall Kingdom of Chriſt, often and again mentioned in the Revelation and upon the coming whereof the quire of the Beaſts and triumphant elders are wont to ſing hymnes and thankſgivings to God every where ſucceedeth in order the conqueſt of, and the triumph over the Beaſt and Babylon. For firſt, where this reign of a thouſand yeers is pro…erly handled in chap 20. of the number of thoſe which reign with Chriſt are … 4.they who had not worſhi…ped the Beaſt nor his image, nor had received his marke in their foreheads or in their hands; doe not theſe words ſufficiently ſhew that this reign of Chriſt ſucceeded the reign of the Beaſt, his image and his ſtigmatized followers? p. 23For wherefore ſhould this elogie be given to thoſe ſons of the kingdome, that they had not worſhipped the Beaſt, &c except the Beaſt had now gone before? For certainly the deſert in time goeth before the retribution and reward. But now this kingdom is given (as the order of the narration ſheweth) to the Saints, as a reward of their faith and conſtancie; and that after their cauſe was firſt diſcuſſed in open Court; of which Seſſion as i… were, there is a deſcription in theſe words: **Ve…e 4.And I ſaw thrones, and they ſat upon them, and judgement was given to them, that is to ſay, to them was given authoritie of judging, &c. Therefore the time wherein the Saints approved their faith and conſtancie to …od, while the Beaſt ruled, went before the judgement, the reward followed the decree then made.

2 The ſame doth yet further appeare out of that hymne of praiſe …ung of the elders and beaſts at the overthrow of Babylon, c…ap. 19. 6. foreign Hall…u-j…h for the Lord God that Almightie one hath reigned, ver. 7. Let us be glad and rejoyce, and give glorie to him: for the mariage of the Lamb i… come, & his wife hath made herſelf ready. For I doubt not but that the kingdom is the ſame in both places.

3 But of all moſt clearely out of the 11. chap. ver. 15 16 &c. where at the found of the ſeventh trumpet, the dayes of the witneſſes, and of the Beaſt, and the moneths of the Gentiles being runne out there is proclaimed in heaven, the kingdomes of this world are our Lords, and his Chriſts, and he ſhall raigne for evermore. And the foure and twentie Elders fitting before God in their thrones fell upon their faces, and worſhipped God, ſaying, We give thee thanks Lord God Almightie, which art, and which waſt, and which art to come: for thou haſt received thy great might, and haſt entred thy Kingdome.

This is that finiſhing of the myſterie of God, declared by the Prophets, which the Angel had foretold before the tenth Chap. ver. 7. ſhould come to paſſe about the the time of the ſounding of the ſeventh trumpet: when neither the moneths of the Beaſt, nor the dayes of the witneſſes mourning, nor any thing at all concerning the period of time, times, and halfe time, ſhall be any more remaining, verſe 6. 7. plainely according to that which was foretold to Daniel, chap. 7. verſ. 25, 26, 27. and before concerning the Univerſall dominion of Chriſt, or kingdome of the p. 24Saints to come after the ſame times, and altogether the ſame ſeſſion of judgement. Alſo that chap. 12 ver. 7. where the ſame Angel which is here in John is read with the ſame behaviour, rite, and (which is chiefly to be noted (almoſt in the ſame words, to have ſworne that that ſpace once being ended of a time, times, and halfe a **Are not theſe … 21 2.time, the diſperſion of the holy people; and together with that, that laſt of wonders ſhould be conſummate.

He which here deſi…eth further confimation, let him uſe the Charecters of the former Synchroniſme: for they affoord, as I ſaid, their mutuall helps.

The ſixt Synchroniſme. Of t…e new Jeruſalem the bride of the Lamb with the ſeaventh Chap. 21.2. Chap. 11 1.trumpet, or the ſpace from the time of the deſtruction of the Be…ſt.

1. The marriage of the Lamb, and that Emperiall kingdome of the Almighty Lord God, both begin after the deſtruction of Babylon, where the ſeaventh trumpet beginneth, this appeareth out of the h…mne of the Elders and Beaſts, which in the former Synchroniſme we have commended out of the nineteenth chap. verſ. 6.7. Hallilu…ah, for our Lord God Almightie reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoyce, and give honour to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made her ſelfe ready. But the new Jeruſalem is that bride of the Lamb, adorned and prepared for her husband: chap. 21. verſe 2. And I ſaw (ſaith he) the holy City, new Jeruſalem, coming downe from God out of heaven as a bride adorned for her husband: and verſe 9. Come and I will ſhew thee the bride the Lambes wife, &c. Therefore even ſhe ſhal begin and contemporize with the ſeventh trumpet.

2. Now Jeruſalem is the beloved citie; but that beloved citie, forthwith after the 1000. yeares are ended, is ſaid to be compaſſed about by thoſe laſt troopes of Satan then let looſe, chap. 20. ver. 9. And they compaſſed the tents of the Saints and the beloved citie: therefore it muſt needs have beene extant before, while Satan was yet bound. I have thought fit to adde two other, either for confirmation, or illuſtration, and ſetting forth of theſe two arguments.

p. 253. The ſeventh Viall being poured out, wherewith the Beaſt is diſpatcht and aboliſhed, there came a loud voice from the throne, ſaying, TETONE, It is done; chap. 16. verſ. 17. So alſo, He that ſat upon the throne ſaith to Iohn (beholding new Jeruſalem deſcending from heaven) chap. 21. verſe 5, 6] Behold, I make all things new TETONE, It is done, I am **Alpha … Omega.A, and …, the beginning and the end: therefore new Jeruſalem the bride of the Lamb beginneth at the laſt terme of the Vials TETONE the whore being already diſpatcht; and ſo it contemporizeth with the ſpace of time, which inſueth the deſtruction of the Beaſt.

4. One of the Angels of the Vials [Chap. 17.] ſheweth unto Iohn the condemnation of the whore, even while the Vials are in pouring out, and at leaſt by one of them to be executed. And the ſame Angel of Vials [chap. 21. verſ. 10.] ſheweth to the ſame Iohn the bride of the Lambe the great citie, holy Jeruſalem, to become glorious even when the Phials are now ended, that is, the Beaſt and Babylon being deſtroyed.

The 7^th Synchroniſme. Of the palm-bearing multitude of the numberleſſe triumphants out of all Nations, Tribes, People, and Tongues, chap. 7, verſ. 9. with the ſeventh trumpet or ſpace of time from the destruction of the Beaſt, chap. ….…, &c.

1. The palm-bearing multitude next ſucceedeth, the companie of …44000. ſealed: but that companie being to be meaſured, or judged of by its oppoſite, both ſtate, and duration to the Beaſt with whom it contemporizeth, ended with the Beaſt alſo [Synchroniſme 4. Part 1.] Therefore the palm-b…aring multitude followeth both: and conſequently will fall out in the time of the ſeventh trumpet, which is the ſpace of time from the deſtruction of the Beaſt.

2. The palm-bearing multitude, are the citizens of new Jeruſalem, for of both it is ſaid, **Chap. 7. 16. 17.That they ſhall not hunger nor thirſt any more, &c. That the Lambe ſhall feed them, and l…d them to the living fountains of waters: and **Chap. 21. 4.that God ſhall wipe away every teare from their eyes. Now new Jeruſalem contemporized with the ſeventh trumpet, therefore the palm-bearing multitude alſo.

p. 26The Apocalyptique Epoche or computation of the Revelation.

The Epoche or computation of the Apocalyps, as it is a prophecie of things to come, whether thou ſhalt determine the beginning of it, in the beginning of Chriſtianiſme, or in the overthrow of the Iewiſh politie and church, or in that moment of time wherein the Revelation is ſhewed to John, or howſoever it be fixed (for I will not here play the interpreter, being mindfull of my purpoſe) I ſuppoſe none will doubt, but that thence the beginning of the ſeales, as touching things done in them, is to be fetcht. But that the beginning of the ſecond prophecie alſo, or foreign of the open booke, is to be fetcht from the ſame account; if the very words of the context of the repeated prophecie, and what wee have further formerly declared, at the ſixt Synch. Part. 1. and in the entrance to the ſecond part ſhall not have ſufficiently perſwaded any; he ſhall be at length enforced thereto by the very neceſſitie of the Synchroniſme, if according to the demonſtrations now made, hee ſhall aſſay to diſpoſe the ſeverall prophecies in their ranke and place.

The cloſe of the Synchroniſmes and of the Apo…alyps.

After the 1000. yeers reigne and condemnation of Satan doth …ollow the univerſall reſurrection of the dead, and the laſt judgement, and hell, chap. 20. from verſe 11. to the end.

After new Ieruſalem deſcribed chap. 21. followeth Paradiſe, which having the tree of life in the middle like Eden, a river doth environ on this ſide and that ſide, for ſo I take the words chap. 22. foreign, to wit, foreign. In the midſt of the ſtreet, and of the river, which was on this ſide, and on that ſide (to wit, of the ſtreet) was the tree of life. And this is the end of the world and of the Revelation.

Moreover, Reader; behold here is the order, and courſe of all the prophecies in the Revelation, according to the things therin to be done in this figure drawne before thine eye, and …o be viewed at once; which I have framed by the exact rule of the Synchroniſmes already demonstrated

Know thou who voutchſafest to meditate vponupon this Apocalyptik Type that the archinge lines meeting in the ſame begining and ende, ſhew contemporary propheſies: to wit, of the ſeales and of the litle booke, the ſame things is demonſtrated by the bounds of the lines and circumferences anſwering each other.

And (to conclude) which of the Viſions; goeth before or foloweth after: thou maieſt behold by the order proceeding from the left hand to y^e right: At the: 27. 28 and 29^th pages of the key. the reader may finde a more full direction for the vſe of this scheme

Place this betwixt pag. 26. & 27

p. 27for mine own, and (if thou pleaſe) for thy uſe, Lord open the eyes of the understanding of either of us, that we may behold his marvellous workes. Amen.

A Corollarie concerning the uſe of the Key.

1. Out of what hath been ſaid, I ſuppoſe it appeareth that the Revelation conſidered according to the letter only; as if it were a certain bare …ſtory of things done, and not a prophecie involved with myſticall allegories, and types: yet to be furniſhed by the holy ſpirit, with ſuch ſignes and characters through the whole narration, that thence the right courſe, order and Synchroniſmes of all the viſions, according to al… things done in their time, may be found out, compoſed, and demonſtrated, and that without the ſuppoſition or help of any interpretation granted.

2. Then furthermore, as is the manner in hiſtories, that many and divers things, done by many and divers together, and at the ſame time, yet cannot be declared together, but ſeverally and one after another: ſo alſo in theſe prophecies and viſions of things done (howſoever revealed in the moſt apteſt and wiſeſt order by far) it falleth out, that they labour in vain that ſo go about to interpret the Revelation, as if the events every where ſhould ſucceed one after another in the ſame order and courſe, as the viſions are revealed.

3. For truely he that will endevour with ſucceſſe to finde out the meaning of the Apocalyptique viſions, muſt firſt of all place the courſe, and conne…ion of them one with another according to things done, being thorowly ſearched out by the foreſaid characters and notes, and demonſtrated, by intrin…icall arguments as the baſis, and foundation of every ſolid, and true interpretation. Therefore (which we ſee to be done amiſſe by very many) the order it ſelf is not to be conformed to every aptnes of interpretation, according to the will of the interpreter; but according to to the Idoea of this chronicall order framed before hand; by the characters of Synchroniſmes is every interpretation to be tryed as it were by a ſquare and plumb-rule.

4. For without ſuch foundation, thou ſhalt ſcarce draw any thing out of the Revelation, that will ſoundly aſſure the interpretation and application thereof, and which reſteth upon divine authoritie, but upon begged principles, and meere humane p. 28conjectures, on the contrary ſide, this being admitted for a foundation, when as now the pales of time and order, ſhall not ſuffer the a…plication to rove at randome, and according to pleaſure; thou wilt preſently admire the many wayes of ſo many different interpretations, yea, and repugnant, for the moſt part taken away; there being but a few differences left, and thoſe almoſt of the leaſt moment, in which the minde may as yet reſt doubtfull, concerning the generall application at the leaſt. So that hereafter as well out of this booke, as out of the reſt of the bookes of the new teſtament, arguments may be drawn even in matter of prophecie concerning interpretation certaine, and in which faith may repoſe it ſelfe, as it were in the oracles of the holy ſpirit, not the inventions onelyonly of humane wit.

5. Such a Key reader, yea if thou hadſt rather an Apocalyptique compaſſe, I ſhew thee, as far as my ability reacheth in theſe Synchroniſmes according to that meaſure of underſtanding which the good and bountifull God hath vouchſafed me an unworthy ſinner in theſe myſteries, and do propoſe unto thy vi…w a Scheme adjoyned, ſhort, eaſie, and compendious. In which (leſt happily thou ſhouldeſt be ignorant of the uſe of it) if once the ſence of any principall viſion, and the times ther…of fulfilled ſhall appea…e unto thee; thou haſt then a ready way ſhewed thee, whereby the line of Synchroniſmes and of order, thou mayeſt finde out, yea and demonſtrate the meaning of the other viſions. As for example, what others prophecies ſhall contemporize to that knowne prophecie of thine, as I have ſaid, are without doubt to be applyed to the …ame times▪ and what goe before, are not to be interpreted but of thoſe events that goe before; thoſe which ſucceed likewiſe, of thoſe which do ſucceed.

6. And leſt happily thou mayeſt doubt, whether any where in the Revelation out of all thoſe viſions any ſuch may be found, in which in that manner I now ſpeak, thou mayeſt ſafely pitch thy foot, and from whence, as it were from a ſtation or watch-tower thou mayeſt take the ſcantling of the reſt of the Revelation: behold proviſion made for this thing alſo by the holy ſpirits moſt wiſe counſell, in that famous viſion of the great whore which onelyonly and alone of all the viſions the Angel, as no where elſe h…e Chap. …7. …, &c.doth, interpreteth to Iohn; But to what end, except that by that an entrance be opened, as it were through a dore to the reſt otherwiſe p. 29ina…able? what wilt thou more? therefore by this way enter thou, calling upon the Father of lights, and being entred uſe the Key of entry to the opening of the reſt. Try, and having tried thou wilt confeſſe, that this prophecie is wonderfull, with which, the matter being throughly lookt into, none of the old Teſtament, (for ſo it beſeemed the goſpel) no not that of Daniel is to be compared in certain…ie, either for the ſingular workmanſhip of the Revelation, or for the way and reaſon of finding out the interpretation.

This laſt thing I intreat of thee reader who ſhalt meet with theſe things, that if thou ſhalt perceive any thing happily revealed unto me **1. Cor. 14.3.1 Cor 14:3ſitting by as a fellow prophet, profitable either to thy ſelfe or others touching theſe myſteries: that thou wholly aſcribe it to the mercy of God towards me; to whom alſo I will never ceaſe to give thankes for that little ray of his wiſedome: but if in any thing I have committed an errour, that count wholly mine, a man of ſmall abilities, and no way (which I very well am conſcious of) fit of my ſelfe for theſe things. Praiſe, honour and glory to him who fitteth upon the throne, and to the Lambe for ever and ever.