Visions and Prophecies of Daniel Expounded, Prophecy 2

Visions and Prophecies of Daniel Expounded · Prophecy 2

p. 8The ſecond Viſion or Prophecie, Dan. 7.

The Part Controverſal.

AS for the three firſt Beaſts, there is little or no Controverſie moved about them. I come unto the fourth, deſcribed Verſ. 7, 8, &c.

Some, by the fourth Beaſt, underſtand the Succeſſors after Alexander in the Grecian kingdom, and eſpecially the kingdom of the Seleucidae: and by the little horn, Antiochus Epiphanes. Graſerus hath largely and learnedly oppugned this opinion; from whom I alleadge againſt it theſe Arguments.

Firſt, the kingdom of the Seleucidae belongeth to the third Beaſt, and is one of the four parts into which the Greeian kingdom was divided after Alexanders death, p. 9expreſly repreſented in his four wings and four heads, Verſ. 6: the truth of which interpretation will clearly appear, by comparing Chap. 8.8, 22. and 11.4. For the king of Grecia is expreſly diſtinguiſhed from Alexander, as the whole from the part, comprehending both him & the quadrupartite diviſion among his Succeſſors, Chap. 8.21, 22. Therefore both he and the Seleucidae, with other his Succeſſors, are included in the third Beaſt, and cannot be extended to the fourth.

Secondly, becauſe theſe four Beaſts aroſe ſucceſſively to ſubdue the world, Verſ. 2, 3. But the Seleucidae and other ſucceſſors of Alexander, ſucceeded into it already ſubdued by him.

Thirdly, the Preface prefixed to the fourth Beaſt: — Afterward I ſaw in the Viſions by night, and behold. The propoſing of him without a name, as an unknown and ſtrange Monſter; the ſollicitous and curious enquiry of Daniel concerning him, Verſ. 19; the beſtowing of a far larger and more accurate deſcription upon him then upon the former Beaſts, do plainly argue, that the fourth kingdom here ſignified, is far more great and wonderful then any of the former, and therefore cannot be the kingdom of the Seleucidae.

Fourthly, the fourth Beaſt is ſaid to be dreadful, and terrible, and very ſtrong, in compariſon with the Beaſts going before; having Iron teeth and Brazen nails, devouring and breaking in pieces, and ſtamping the reſidue under feet. But the kingdom of the Seleucidae was weaker then that of Alexander, as it is expreſly ſaid, Chap. 8.22, and did not devour and deſtroy ſo as the former kingdoms, as entring upon a world ſubdued already by Alexander the Great; therefore the fourth kingdom cannot be the kingdom of the Seleucidae. Thou wilt ſay, The fourth kingdom is thus expreſſed, not in relation to the world p. 10or ſtate general, but to the Jewiſh Church, unto which it was more terrible and ſtronger then the former. But it is manifeſt, that the Iron ſtrength is the character of this kingdom diſtinguiſhing it in a general and unlimited compariſon with the kingdoms going before. To exert in ſome one particular place, ſuch as Judea, more cruelty, by reaſon of the weakneſſe of the people, and not by reaſon of his own abſolute ſtrength; is not a ſufficient reaſon that he ſhould be characterized and diſtinguiſhed from the others by the character of ſtrength and fear fulneſſe: No more verily then the Spaniſh Inquiſition, or Phalaris, or ſome other Tyrant, may be ſuperlatively compared in ſtrength with Cyrus, Alexander, Julius Caeſar, becauſe more cruel and formidable then they, in reſpect of ſome weak and not-reſiſting perſons, over whom, without exertion of much ſtrength, they might eaſily exerciſe their tyrannie. Again, their ſtrength was not ſo much terrible to the Jews as Nebuchad-nezzar or Haman were. And the Jews againſt the Seleucidae, would have vindicated themſelves into liberty, and had defended themſelves ſufficiently, had not the Romanes come upon them, and broken them down at laſt, and the Seleucidae together. Laſtly, it is expreſly ſaid, that the fourth kingdom is thus ſtrong, irony and terrible, not onelyonly in relation to the Jews, but alſo to the whole earth. For it is ſaid, that it ſhould devour the whole earth, and tread it down, and break it in pieces, Verſ. 23. And Chap. 2.40, it is expreſly ſaid to be of Iron, becauſe it ſhall bruiſe and break in pieces all the former kingdoms. And how ſhall this be verified of the Seleucidae?

Fifthly, this Beaſt is ſaid to be unlike to the Beaſts that were before it; whereas the kingdom of the Seleucidae was like other kingdoms. Some ſay it was unlike in reſpect of the ten horns. But theſe (as they will have it) are ten ſucceeding Kings; which in kinde and nature is p. 11ordinary to all kingdoms. They ſay it is extraordinary in this reſpect, becauſe ſome of the Egyptian Kings are mixed in the number. But what ground of ſuch a mixture? Becauſe (ſay they) they are deſcribed, Chap. 11, whereas there is no mention of ten horns, Chap. 11; the number there not adaequately ten: no reaſon to extrude ſome, to intrude others, but rather contrary to reaſon, as Graſerus ſheweth.

Sixthly, the fourth Beaſt hath ten horns, and a little horn ariſing after them, by whom three of the former were rooted out, Verſ. 7, 8. How will this agree to the kingdom of the Seleucidae? They ſay they are ten ſucceeding Kings, whereof Antiochus Epiphanes is the tenth and laſt, and the ſame the little horn. But if onelyonly by ſucceſſion, then really in all particular differences of time, it had but one horn, and ſo the kingdom might rather be ſaid to have one horn then ten. 2. Theſe ten horns here deſcribed, exiſted at the ſame time, not by ſucceſſion, becauſe the little horn aroſe among them, Verſ 8, and his look was more ſtout then his fellows, Verſe 20.3. How can Antiochus Epiphanes be both the little horn, and alſo the laſt of the ten, ſeeing the little horn is ſaid to ariſe beſides and after them? Verſ. 8, 20, 24. 4. Antiochus cannot be the little horn, becauſe the little horn ariſing, groweth greater and greater, and more ſtately then the other horns, Verſe 8, 20, whereas Antiochus was not ſo great as his father Antiochus Magnus. 5. What are the three horns, and how did they fall before Antiochus? Verſ. 8. It is ſaid that they are Ptolaemcus Philopater King of Egypt, Seleucus the brother of Antiochus, and Demetrius. But was Seleucaes rooted out, becauſe he died by ſlowe and lingring hatred? And how can Demetrius be one of the three, which was not reckoned by the authors of this opinion among the ten? Verſ. 8. Laſtly, by the fall of the three, p. 12the little horn grew greater then the reſt, whereas nothing was added to Antiochus beſide the ancient kingdom of the Seleucidae. 6. The little horn is to rage againſt the Saints a time, two times, and an half. How will this agree unto Antiochus? Becauſe (ſay they) the Temple was profaned by Antiochus three yeers and ten days But here it is half a time, or half a yeer, as alſo it appeareth by comparing Chap. 12.7. Apoc. 12.14. 7. The Beaſt falleth in the deſtruction of the little horn, Verſ. 11. But the kingdom of the Seleucida did not fall in Antiochus Epiphanes.

Seventhly, this fourth kingdom is extended until the laſt Judgement by fire, Verſ. 9, and the opening of the books, Verſ. 10. with 2 Theſſ. 2.8. Apoc. 19.20. By comparing of which places, it is clear that theſe expreſſions cannot be underſtood of the torments and death of Antiochus, but of the laſt Judgement.

Eightly, it is extended until the coming of Chriſt in the clouds of heaven, Verſ. 13, 14, which is his ſecond coming, Apoc. 1.7. Matth. 24.30. and 26.64. For it is not ſaid that he aſcended in the clouds, but that he came, Verſ. 13.

Ninthly, it is extended to the time when all the kingdoms of the earth ſhall be the Lords and his Chriſts, Verſ. 14. with Apoc, 11.15; and when the kingdom ſhall be given to the Saints of the moſt High, all hoſtile forces utterly ſuppreſſed, Verſ. 14, 26. Chap. 2.44. Apoc. 11.17, 18. And how can this be verified in the kingdom of the Seleucidae?

And upon theſe grounds I conclude with Graſerus, that the fourth kingdom here ſpoken of, is not the kingdom of the Seleucidae. Now the third Beaſt being the Greek kingdom, what ſhould the fourth be but the kingdom following, which is the Romane kingdom? which I alſo prove by theſe Arguments.

1. Firſt, becauſe after Alexander and the diviſion of his p. 13kingdom into four parts in his Succeſſors, propoſed in the deſcription of the former Beaſt, the Romane kingdom did immediately follow.

2. Becauſe one badge of this Beaſt is the ten horns, which is attributed to the Romane kingdom, Apoc. 12.3. and 13.1, 2. and 17.9, 10.

3. Becauſe the Monarchy ſignified by the fourth Beaſt, continueth to the laſt Judgement, Verſe 9, 10, with Apoc. 20.11, and to the deſtruction of the Beaſt and Dragon at the time of the end, Verſe 11, with Apoc. 13.6. and 19.20. and 20.10, and to the coming of Chriſt the ſecond time in the clouds of heaven, Verſe 13, with Apoc. 1.7. and to the riſing of New Jeruſalem, the kingdom of the Saints, Verſ. 14, 26, with Apoc. 11.15.

4. Becauſe the ſame ſpace and form of duration is attributed to the little horn as to Antichriſt of the Romane kingdom, Verſe 25, with Apoc. 12.14; therefore the little horn is Antichriſt, and the fourth Beaſt the Romane kingdom. I adde, that the characters of the little horn and of Antichriſt are the ſame, as may appear, by comparing Verſe 25, 8, with Apoc. 13.5, 6. Now Antichriſt ariſing in the Romane kingdom, if the little horn ariſing be Antichriſt, then the Beaſt wherein he riſeth, is the Romane kingdom.

5. Becauſe in all other partieulars the deſcription of the fourth Beaſt agreeth to the Romane kingdom, as may appear in the partioular Expoſition.

The Opinion of Graſerus is examined.

LEarned Graſerus, by moſt of all the foreſaid Arguments, moſt learnedly and ſatisfactorily oppugneth the Opinion of Junius and his followers; who hold the fourth Beaſt to be the kingdom of the Seleusidae, and the little p. 14horn Antiochus Epiphanes. As for Graſerus his own judgement, he holdeth that the fourth Beaſt is the Romane Empire; but the little horn upon which the greateſt part of this Prophecie and Viſion is ſpent, he holdeth to be Mabomet, in the ſpecial Accommodation.

Firſt (ſaith he) Becauſe this little horn groweth up with an aſpectable or diſcernable encreaſe; which agreeeth not unto Antichriſt, but to Mahomet. Anſw. It is evident that his riſing is deſcribed as hardly and difficultly diſcernable, becauſe Daniel is brought in curiouſly prying and conſidering, before he perceiveth or ſpieth him, Verſ. 8, which agreeth not to Mahomet, but Antichriſt.

Secondly (ſaith he) the little horn doth not ariſe out of the Beaſts body, but without it: and is here propoſed, not becauſe it aroſe from the Romane Empire, but becauſe he made aſſault againſt it, there fixed his Seat, and emulated his diſpoſition. Anſw. What more plain, then that it aroſe out of the Beaſt, foraſmuch as it aroſe among the ten horns, which were the horns of the Beaſt? And where ſhould this little horn be preſented unto Daniel, unleſſe in the Beaſt before him?

Thirdly (ſaith he) becauſe the Antichriſt or Pope of Rome doth gather, See more in the Explication.make up, and repair the horns of the Romane Empire: but this little horn rooteth out and ſubdueth three of them; and therefore he is rather Mahomet. Anſw. The three horns are three Provinces of the Romane Empire, as Chap. 8.21, and three adverſe and hoſtile Kings therein; which Antichriſt ſubduing, eſtabliſhed his own horns. I finde no other Argument of moment. But now I will alſo ſhew my reaſons why the little horn is onelyonly Antichriſt, and not Ma… mit.

p. 15That the litte Horn is Antichrist.

1. BY the ruine or deſtruction of this little horn, the fourth Beaſt, or Romane kingdom, is ſaid utterly and finally to fall, Verſ. 11: whereas by the fall of Mahomet it would rather be eſtabliſhed: Therefore he is not Mahomet, but the Antichriſt of Rome.

2. The deſtroying of the Beaſt and little horn, by giving them up to the burning fire, is deſcribed in ſuch forms as are in the Revelation interpreted of Antichriſt, Verſ. 9, 10, 11, with Revel. 19.20. and 20.10, 11. Dan. 7.13, 14, with 2 Theſſ. 2.8.

3. This little horn is conjoyned with the ten horns, Verſ. 7, 8, 20, 24, accordingly as Antichriſt is conjoyned with them, Revel. 13 and 17.

4. The characters attributed to him, are the ſame which are attributed unto Antichriſt. As, 1. That he ſhall ſpeak great things with a preſumptuous mouth againſt the moſt High, Verſ. 8, 25, with Revel. 13.5, 6. 2. That he advanceth himſelf above the Civil Magiſtrate, Verſ. 20, with 2 Theſſ. 2.4. 3. That he changeth Laws and Times, Verſ. 25. with 2 Theſſ. 2.3, 4. 4. That he maketh War with the Saints, prevaileth againſt them, Chap. 7.21, 25. with Revel. 13.7.

5. The time, two times, and a half, determined for the ſpace and duration of the little horn, will not agree to Mahomet: and it is the ſpace expreſly and in propriety determined upon Antichriſt, Dan. 7.25. with Revel. 12.6, 14. and 13.5, 6. Wherefore I conclude, The fourth Beaſt is the Romane kingdom, and not the kingdom of the Seleucidae: and the little horn, neither Antiochus, neither Mahomet; but onelyonly Antichriſt, or the Pope of. Rome.

p. 16Of the three horns which the little horn is ſaid to overthrow, Chap. 7.8, 24.

1. IUnius and his followers, affirming the little ho… to be Antiochus Epiphanes, ſay, that the three horns are Ptolomey, Seleucus, and Demetrius. This opinion hath been impugned before.

2. Others holding the little horn to be Mahomet, ſay, that the three horns are Syria, Egypt, and Africa, which were ſubdued by the Saracens. But this opinion alſo hath been impugned in part before, where it hath been ſhewed, that the little horn is the Pope of Rome, and not Mahomet, and therefore the foreſaid Countreys cannot be the three horns, ſubdued by his people, which are the Saracens. I adde, that the Countreys ſubdued by Mahomet and his followers, were not onelyonly three, but many more; as Arabia, Judea, Philiſtia, and the Countreys adjacent; Syria, part of Aſia the leſſe, Egypt, Numidia, Barbary, Spain, &c. and therefore cannot be preciſely ſignified by three horns.

3. Others underſtanding by the little horn the Heathen Emperours of Rome, affirm that the three horns plucked up by them, is the liberty of chuſing Deputies, and the Government of certain Countreys, which Augustus took from the Senate. But the Heathen Emperours aroſe in great height at firſt, and therefore could not be a little horn. And as for the three horns, it is unreaſonable to think that the power of chuſing Deputies is a horn, or can aptly concur to the making of three: And as for the Countreys the Government whereof Auguſtus took from the Senate to himſelf, they were not ſubdued or plucked up by the roots, as there it is ſaid; and beſides, they were not three, but ten, as Strabo writeth, Geog. circ. fin.

p. 174. Others affirming the little horn to be Antichriſt, ſay that the three horns are the Greeks, Longobards, and Franks, which were ſubdued by the Pope of Rome ſucceſſively. But I object, that the Greeks and Longobards were not properly ſubdued by him; he had not yet attained to the power of decreeing and making War, but onelyonly by intreaty he petitioned the help of Kings, by whom they were ſubdued. 2. The three horns are expreſly fixed, partly in Judea, and partly in the South and Eaſt, in the way and paſſage thereunto, Chap. 8.9, 10; and therefore cannot be the Greeks, Franks, and Longobards.

5. I think, for my own part, that theſe three horns are the three Mahumetan Kings, one in Aſia, the other in Syria, the third in Judea, which were ſubdued by the Pope and his Weſtern Armies, about the yeer 1099. Firſt, becauſe about this time the Pope began to decree and make War himſelf, and not before. 2. This was one of the greateſt acts that Antichriſt ever did; and therefore fit to be a character of him. 3. Theſe Kings were preciſely three, and properly ſubdued by him. 4. They are properly in Judea, and the South, and Eaſt, in the paſſage thereunto, Chap. 8.9. 5. Theſe were ſubdued immediately before the War againſt the Saints, as it followeth in the Prophecie, Chap. 7 and 8. 6. The parallels will ſhew the ſame, Chap. 7.8. and 8.9. and 11.22, 25.

The ſecond Viſion or Prophecie, Dan. 7.

The ſecond Part, containing the Explication.

FIrſt, the general confuſion and unſetling of the world by Wars, is ſignified by the ſtriving of the four windes upon the great Sea, Verſ. 2. See Apoc. 13.1.

p. 18Secondly, after theſe tumultuous Commotions by War, the Conqueſt or general Victory falling at laſt to one, four kindes of Monarchies ſucceſſively ariſe. They ariſe out of the Sea upon the earth, Verſ. 3. as Apoc. 1.31. that is, out of an unſetled State in warlike confuſions, repreſented by a Sea toſſed with windes, into a peaceable and fetled Regiment and Monarchy, repreſented by the earth, Apoc. 13.11.

Thirdly, the firſt Beaſt, a Lion, reprefenteth the Bab… lonian Monarchy. The Beaſt like a Lion for ſtrength, hath alſo Eagles wings, in reſpect of exaltation above men, …er. 48.40 Ezek. …7.3.Ezek 7:3and victorious celerity in Atchievements, Obad. v. 4. 2 Sam. 1.23. Jer. 4.13. His wings are pluckt; that is, he is deprived of Imperial eminency, whereby he was lift up above men; of his wealth and Dominions; as it came to paſſe by Darius the Mede, and Cyrus of Perſia. He is made to ſtand upon his feet, as a man; that is, brought down to the common rank of men. And a mans heart is given him; that is, lowe and common ſpirits; not imperious and irreſiſtible, as before.

Fourthly, the ſecond Beaſt, a Bear, repreſenteth the Perſian Monarchy, in reſpect of ravenous cruelty. It raiſed up one Dominion, enduring no Mates in the Empire, but ſubduing, firſt the Medes, then the Babylonians, and uniting all in one Government. It hath three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. By their teeth beaſts do make their Conqueſts. The three ribs between them, are the three parts conquered by the Perſian Monarch, in that he puſhed Weſtward, Northward, Southward, Chap. 8.4. His great and large Victories joyned with much cruelty, ſlaughter, and ſpoil, are ſignified by thoſe words ſaid unto him; Ariſe, and devour much fleſh, Verſ. 5.

Fifthly, the third Beaſt, a Leopard, repreſenteth the Grecian Monarchy, in reſpect of ſubtilty, rapidity and p. 19celerity, Jer. 5.6. Hab. 1.8. Dan. 8.5. This kingdom ſet up by Alexander the Great, was after his death divided into four kingdoms, ſignified here by the four wings, whereby it was exalted above men; whereof were four Kings, ſignified here by four heads. See Chap. 8.8. and 11.4. Apoc. 12.14.

The fourth Beaſt, repreſenting the Romane Empire, Verſ. 7.

THe Empire that next ſucceeded after the Grecian, was the Romane; and accordingly it is ſignified by the next, which is the fourth Beaſt. Concerning which, obſerve theſe Particulars.

Firſt, the admirable condition of the fourth Beaſt, in compariſon to the former, is marked out by a Preface larger then ordinary: After this, I ſaw i… the Viſions by night, and behold.

Secondly, it is propoſed as a ſtrange and unknown monſter without a name, in theſe words, A fourth Beast. The reaſon is, becauſe of the diſſimilitude of the Romane Empire to all precedent kingdoms, and the ſtrange variety of the forms thereof, as it is expreſſed afterwards. And beſides, it hath a compoſition and concurrence in it ſelf of all the properties of the former Beaſts; being likened to the Babylonian Lion, to the Perſian Bear, and to the Grecian Leopard, Revel. 13.1, 2.

Thirdly, it is ſuid to be dreadful and terrible; which noteth the ability and readineſſe of this Empire to annoy with great evils: for a ready power of hurting greatly, is the ground of dread and terrour.

Fourthly, it is ſtrong exceedingly: for the Romane Empire hath been ſtrong as Iron, in compariſon of all other kingdoms, breaking and bruiſing them all, Chap. p. 202.40, and devouring the whole earth, Chap. 7.23.

Fifthly, it hath great Iron teeth; which ſignifie the conquering Captains, ſuch as Scipio, Pompey, and Caeſar, ſtrong, irreſiſtible as Iron, in compariſon of all before. And for the ſame cauſe, the Romane Empire is repreſented by Iron leggs, Chap. 2.40.

Sixthly, Graſ. de Antic.it hath nails of Braſſe, Verſ. 19. A Beaſt maketh his aſſault for victory with his his teeth; and after victory, uſeth his claws to tear. Therefore as the teeth are the Captains making Conqueſts; ſo the nails are the Romane Senate and Provincial Magiſtrates; theſe being of Braſſe, as the other were of Iron, becauſe ſomewhat milder then the Captains.

Seventhly, the actions of both teeth and nails are ſet down in the next words. Of the teeth thus: It devoured and brake in pieces. Of the feet and nails thus: It ſtamped the reſidue with the feet thereof. Thus the Romane Empire by its Captains devoured the weaker, brake in pieces the ſtronger; and by its Magiſtrates ſtamped the reſidue under feet; handled and tare at pleaſure the conquered, crowing and inſulting after Conqueſts.

Eighthly, the extent of Victory is added, Verſ. 23, that it ſhall devour the whole earth; that is, a great part thereof, even from the River Euphrates into Great Britanny. See Luke 2.1.

Ninthly, It is added, that it was unlike to, diverſe from the Beaſts that were before it. This is ſaid both in reſpect of preſent ſtate, and alſo in reſpect of multiplicity of forms ſucceſſive therein. For, to uſe the words of Graſerus, it endeavoured to fit and frame the Forms of all other kingdoms to it ſelf, but altered. And in reſpect of diverſity and ſtrange multiplicity of Forms of Government, it is repreſented Apoc. 12.3. and 13.1. and 17, by ſeven heads, and an eighth, and ten horns. The Governments p. 21were of Kings, Conſuls, Tribunes, Decemviti, Dictators, Romane Emperours, Popes, with the ten Kings.

The alteration of the Romane Empire by the ten horns and Antichrist.

FOr about Four hundred yeers, the Romane Emperors continued in their Majeſtie, even until the end of Conſtantine the Great; and then began effectually to be broken down, and to be diſſolved into ten kingdoms. This is that ſtate of change which is expreſſed in the end of verſ. 7, in theſe words: And it had ten horns. More diſtinctly, verſ. 24: And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that ſhall ariſe, and another ſhall ariſe after them. Now the Empire beginning to be effectually diſſolved at the foreſaid time, ſtayed not in falling by degrees, until about the yeer 456 it appeared broken into ten parts, as a learned Author hath ſhewed on Apoc. 8. The kingdom of the Britons, of the Saxons, both in Britanny; of the Franks, of the Burgundians, in France: of the Weſtgothes, in the Southern part of France, and part of Spain: of the Sueves and Alanes, in part of Spain: of the Vandals, in Africa; a little before, in Spain: of the Alemans, in Rhaetia and Noricum, Provinces of Germany: of the Eaſtgothes, in Pannonia; a little after, in Italy: of the Greeks, in the reninant of the Empire. Though this Decharchical diviſion doth not ſtill continue exactly, yet it is ſufficient that it was ſo at firſt. And I give inſtance in the four horns, that are ſaid to come up after Alexanders death, whereby all the Succeſſors in the Grecian kingdom are underſtood in their divided kingdoms, although the Quadripartiſion was onelyonly at firſt, and laſted not above Three and twenty yeers. So the Turks are ſignified by four Angels, becauſe their diviſion p. 22was quadripartite at firſt, on this ſide Euphrates, Apos. 9.14. But the ſeveral Kings dividing the Empire, though they were in no difference of time exactly ten, yet may be called ten in relation to the firſt Decharchical diviſion thereof under Auguſtus Caeſar; whereof ſee Strabo in the end of his Geography. And thus whoſoever divided the Empire, as Saracens, and Turks, &c. may come under the name of the ten horns in general.

The Viſion and Prophecie of Antichriſt, Verſ. 8, &c. An hiſtorical Narration of the two Wars of Antichriſt.

THere were two notable Wars of Antichriſt, which are mentioned in Daniel; his War againſt the Turks and Saracens, and his War againſt the Waldenſian Witneſſes of Truth: the one in the Eaſt, the other in the Weſt, both very great as ever any were, both about the ſame time ſucceeding one another, both immediately following the fulneſſe and perfection of the Antichriſtian kingdom in Hildebrand. Both Wars properly the Wars of Antichriſt, voluntarily raiſed upon conſcience of his Decree; and both ſo like and equal, that the later was of as great weight and difficulty as the former, as Thuanus the Hiſtorian doth expreſly teſtifie. The Sultans, and Kings of the Turks and Saracens, about the time of Hildebrand, had made an Inundation over Aſia, Syria, and Judea, moſt cruelly perſecuting the Chriſtians there inhabiting. Hildebrand's next Succeſſor ſave one, Urbanus the ſecond, about the yeer 1095, appointing a Synod of Biſhops and Princes at Cl…remont, decreed the Expedition againſt them, for the recovering the holy Land; by the happie ſucceſſe whereof, thoſe arms of Inundation were overflown again by another Inundation. As for the ſecond War, we may p. 23take notice of the greatneſſe and moment thereof, and its immediate ſucceſſion in time, after the War againſt the Turks. To this end, mark what Thuanus writeth in the Preface of his Hiſtory. When exquiſite puniſhments could nothing prevail againſt the Waldenſes, but that they encreaſed daily, at laſt compleat Armies were leavied againſt them, and a War of no leſſe weight then that which was waged before againſt the Saracens, was alſo decreed againſt them. And for the immediate ſucceſſion of this War after the War againſt the Turks and Saracens, yea, conjunction in time therewith, mark what another writeth. The Pope (ſaith he) turned the Armies of the Croſſe, which had been firſt appointed againſt the Saracens, upon his adverſaries the Waldenſes.

A brief Relation of the ſtate, proceedings, and Wars of the Waldenſes and Aloingenſes, gathered out of the Book intituled The Hiſtory of the Waldenſes and Albingenſes.

OBſerve firſt, that the Popes Expeditions againſt the Turks and Saracens, overflowed them about the yeer 1098: and Sixty two yeers after, that is, in the yeer 1160, the Waldenſes aroſe in France, profeſſing the ſame Doctrine that we do now, and made an abſolute ſeparatation from the Church of Rome. The Pope uſed what means he could to root them out; but the more they were perſecuted, the more they multiplied: ſo that on a ſudden they filled that great Tract of Land which …eth between the Alps and the Pirenaean mountains. Pope Innocent the third, perceiving the inſufficiency of former Perſecutions, called a Synod in the yeer 1204, and there decreed that the Expeditions of the Croſſe, which had been appointed againſt the Turks, ſhould now be turned p. 24againſt the Waldenſes: and the Catholikes (ſaith he) that ſhall take up the Croſſe for rooting them out, let them enjoy the ſame pardon of their ſins which is granted unto them that go againſt the Turks, for the recovering of the holy Land. For the ſtirring up of this flame, he ſent about his Preachers, who in likelihood carried themſelves as a little after, when taking this or ſuch like Texts; Who will riſe up with me againſt the evil doers, and who will ſtand with me againſt the workers of iniquity? they were wont to conclude their Sermons in this manner: Ye ſee now, dearly beloved, how great is the malice of the Hereticks: ye ſee alſo how much hurt they do in the world: ye ſee again how religiouſly and by how many godly ways the Church laboureth to reclaim them: But theſe means can do no good with them; nay, they defend themſelves by Secular power: And therefore the holy Mother the Church, though unwilling, and with grief, doth call together a Chriſtian Army againſt them. Whoſoever therefore hath the zeal of faith, whoſoever there is whom the honour of God doth touch, whoſoever there is that will have that great Pardon, let him come and take the Croſſe, let him joyn himſelf to the War of the Crucifix. By theſe and ſuch like means, P. 2. c. 6. p. 36.a great Army of voluntary Souldiers came together, in the yeer 1209, to the number of Three hundred thouſand, beſides many other great Levies in the yeer following. At which time, the Earl of Tolouze, the Earl of Beſiers, the Earl of Foix, the Earl of Comming, and Prince of Bearne, ſtood out in defence of the Waldenſes againſt the fury of the Pope. The Popes Agents and Souldiers took their Cities, Towns, and Caſtles, ſpoiled and pillaged their Countreys; killed by the Sword, captivated, burned, hanged, and diſmembred, with moſt mercileſſe and cruel behaviour: until about the yeer 1213, and ſo forward, when the Waldenſes began to riſe again with a little help; fire going forth of their mouthes, and devouring them that hurt them. Neither could p. 25the Pope any more by War effectually prevail, until turning to policie and deceit, by flatteries and lying promiſes he did utterly overflow and break them down. For about the yeer 1228, the old Earles of Tolouze and Foix being dead, Pag. 117the young Earl of Tolouze was allured by the Abbot of Grandſelve, to come to Meaux in France, there to conclude a Peace: fair promiſes pretended, and aſſurance given of ſafe return. There, contrary to faith and promiſe, the Popes Agents did catch the Earl under hatches, enſlaved him to the Pope. By the like flattery they took the Earl of Foix. In depth of policie they ſet upon him by the forced mediation of the deceived Earl of Tolouze, by whom they thought they could moſt aptly and effectually work and accompliſh their deſignes. He accordingly wrote to ſome of the ſubjects of the Earl of Foix, who being frighted with the apprehenſion of their ruine, ſhould intreat their Earl both to have compaſſion on himſelf and ſubjects, who would doubtleſſe be overthrown by this violence: that they ſhew him that there was an excellent opportunity offered, the onelyonly means to make them live in perfect peace, if they would perſwade him to ſubmiſſion. By the requeſts and tears of theſe frighted perſons, and the deceitful plots and tricks of the Popes Agents, this Earl was taken alſo; and delivered up, as a gage of his affection, the Caſtles of Foix, Pag. 130.Montgailard, Montreal, Vicdeſos, and Lordat, for the good of the Peace in general, while he yeelded the homage demanded. Thus a Peace and Compoſition was made by theſe two Earls, through ſubmiſſion to the Pope; which two props being gone, Pag. 130.the Earl of Comming and Prince of Bearne could not continue. See then, to appearance, the end of the Albingenſes, when in the yeer 1234, Trancavel a Baſtard-ſon of the Earl of Beſiers, ſtood up in their defence with moſt proſperous ſucceſſe. To take him off, p. 26the Popes Agents uſed another politick device: for they cunningly wrought on him by the mediation of the deceived Earl of Foix, through great promiſes and threats of danger, to bring him to ſome peaceable deſigne; and their craft ſucceſſefully proſpered in his hand. …. 134.And thus were the Waldenſian Princes overflown and broken down by Peace and crafty devices, and not by War: and their Churches fell with them. For although the horrible and conſuming deſtruction of the Waldenſes, was hotly and eagerly continued by the Monks Inquiſitors, Hiſt. Wald. … 1. b. 2. …2. p. 9.from the yeer 1206, to the yeer 1228; yet now their Princes being by ſubtilty thruſt under hatches, their deſtruction did in comparably encreaſe. For from hence aroſe that great Perſecution by the Monks Inquiſitors, … 2.b. 2. …. 122, 124who taking this poor people diſarmed and forſaken of their Leaders, as many as would not forſake their Faith, kindled their fires more then ever, whereby they were utterly rooted out, and the remnant ſeattered to the Mountains, and over all Europe. This I thought needful to preſix, that the Prophecie following might more clearly be underſtood. Now we proceed in the explication of the Text.

Concerning Antichriſt, theſe Particulars are ſhewed, Verſe 8, &c.

1. THat his riſing is among the ten horns, in theſe words: There came up among them. So that the firſt riſing of Antichriſt doth concur with the firſt riſing of the ten horns. And ſo expreſly, Revel. 17.12, they receive power as Kings at one hour with the Beaſt. And Antichriſt was to be manifeſted upon the removal of the Romane Empire, 2 Theſſ. 2.7, 8, which began effectually to p. 27be removed by the ten Kings after Conſtantine the Great: proportionately with the fall of the Romane Empire, and the riſing of the ten Kings, the riſing of Antichriſt muſt concur; who therefore began gradually to proceed, together with the irruptions of the Barbarians into his kingdom, and diſſipation of the Empire; and in 606 was openly enthroned. But, Dan. 7.24, Antichriſt is ſaid to come up after the ten horns. This underſtand of his open enthroning, which began in 606, after the Inundation of the ten Kings: but ſecretly and hiddenly he aroſe before, even among them, and together with them, as here it is expreſſed.

2. He is called Another horn, that is, another beſide the ten, and as it is expreſſed verſ. 24, diverſe from them: they being Political, he alſo Eccleſiaſtical, by uſurpation of an independent authority Spiritual.

3. He is called A little horn, becauſe little at firſt, as onelyonly Primate and Metropolitane of the Churches of Italy, and by little and little encroaching upon the power of the ten Kings, by ſmall and ſcarce diſcernable degrees of proceeding. Before the time of Conſtantine, the Biſhop of Rome was onelyonly a poor and mean Miniſter, therefore called Vile, or of lowe condition, Chap. 11.21; from which weak lowe eſtate, he cunningly and ſecretly came up among the ten horns, until he overtopped them.

4. His firſt ariſing is intimated to be hidden, obſcure and ſecret, ſcarce diſcernable; and therefore he is ſo repreſented among the horns, that Daniel doth not eſpie or diſcover him, but by a prying eye, and a minde curiouſly conſidering. Therefore it is ſaid, I conſidered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn.

5. It is added, that before him three of the firſt horns were plucked up by the roots. The firſt War of Antichriſt which was waged by him, after he came to the fulneſſe of his p. 28kingdom. As the Romane Empire fell, ſo gradually he aroſe. He was openly enthroned in 606. A temporal Dominion was given him by Pipin, in 755: But his authority aroſe not ſo high, as generally to overtop and command at pleaſure the Kings and Emperours, until the time of Hildebrand, after 1073. Thenceforth he began to decree and make Wars himſelf, and by Imperial authority to command the Kings and Emperours of the Weſt, to go forth as ſubjects in the Wars decreed by him. And from the foreſaid 1073, he had ſeditiouſly ſtirred Wars in Germany: but the great and notable War directly decreed by him, with voluntary and general ſubmiſſion of Kings, Princes, and Emperours, was that which was decreed at Claremont about Two and twenty yeers after, in 1095, againſt the Turks and Saracens, which here followeth to be deſcribed. And in this War it was verified which was here ſaid of Antichriſt, that three of the firſt horns were rooted up before him. For within about three yeers after the foreſaid Decree at Claremont, by the yeer 1099, he by his Souldiers of the Croſſe rooted up, ſubdued, cauſed to fall (as the phraſes run, verſ. 8.20, 24) three Kings of the Turks and Saracens: Solyman in Aſia, Caſsianus in Syria, the Egyptian Caliph in Judea. That theſe three Kings are meant, I am more then probably convinced, from Chap. 8.9. and 11.29, places exactly parallel, where they are expreſly reſtrained to Judea the pleaſant Land, and to the Eaſt and South in the way unto it, which muſt be Syria and Aſia, from the Northern horn of Macedonia, as ſhall be ſhewed when I come unto the next Chapter. In mean time, obſerve theſe phraſes arguing the places to be parallel.

And as it is here ſaid, that three kings were rooted up from before him; ſo Chap. 11.22, The arms of a ſtood ſhall be overflown from before him: which is to be underſtood of the Turks and Saracens, as I truſt to ſhew, when I come unto the place. But here a Doubt ariſeth, How theſe three Mahumetan Kings are called three of the firſt horns, ſeeing the ten were numbred without the comprehenſion of them. Anſw. They may not be called formally three of the firſt horns; that is, as under the form and ſpecial kinde of them; but onelyonly materially, as being the ſame onelyonly in outward figure, and now applied to a new repreſentation. And this is proved by Verſe 24, where although in reſpect of the outward figure and type, he is ſaid to root out three of the firſt horns; yet when the thing ſignified cometh to be ſpoken of, it is onelyonly thus ſaid, that ten horus are ten kings that ſhall ariſe; and another ſhall ariſe after them, and he ſhall ſubdue three Kings. Mark, it is not ſaid, that he ſhall ſubdue three of them, or, three of the former Kings, as in the Type; but onelyonly three kings, as if diſtinguiſhed from the former ten.

p. 30But ſecondly, and more ſatisfactorily, it may be anſwered, that in a more general ſenſe the ten horns may comprehend any that divided the Empire, ſuch as Turks and Saracens then, as hath been ſaid before. But whereas it may be objected, from Apoc. 17.17, that the ten horns give their kingdoms to the Beaſt, it is to be underſtood not of the ten horns in general, but of thoſe onelyonly who adhered to the Beaſt. The Gothes and Vandals and Burgundians are among the ten horns, and yet they ſurvived not to give their kingdoms to the Beaſt: proportionably we may judge of the Turks and Saracens.

6. And thus far of the firſt War of Antichriſt againſt the Turks and Saracens. His ſecond War followeth, againſt the Saints, which is deſcribed Verſe 22. I beheld, and is, this horn made war with the Saints, and prevailed againſt them. Verſ. 25, He ſhall wear out the Saints of the moſt High. Which ſecond War began againſt the Waldeſian Proteſtants ſince the yeer 1160, and yet continueth, and muſt, until the end of the Reign of Antichriſt, when the ancient of days ſhall ſit in Judgement, and the kingdom of New Jeruſalem ſhall be ſet up, Verſ. 9.10, 26.

7. He is ſaid to have eyes like the eyes of a man, Verſe 8. either in reſpect of his feigned courteſie and flattering humanity, Chap. 8.25, or in reſpect of his intolerable pride and arrogancy, Verſe 20, with Pſal. 12.3, 4, & 18.27; or rather in reſpect of wiſedom and policie, Chap. 8.25, with Zech. 11.17, and the eye of his Philoſophical and Scholaſtical underſtanding, whereby he is ſaid to ſee and underſtand dark myſteries, Chap. 8.23.

8. He is ſaid to have a mouth ſpeaking preſumptuous or great things, Verſe 8, 25; that is, magiſterially to teach and dictate falſe Doctrines, and ſuch as are of a high nature, againſt the Perſon, Offices and Worſhip of the Sonne of God, Revel. 13.5, 6, and with great inſolency and preſumption p. 31of ſpirit, Dan. 11.36, and with Scholaſtical profundities, and an ambitious ſtyle of ſpeaking, Dan. 8.23.

9. It is ſaid particularly, that he ſhall think that he may change Laws and Times. He ſhall not onelyonly change them, but alſo think it lawful for him ſo to do, as ſupreme Vicar of Chriſt on earth. So he ſhall change Laws, by removing the daily Sacrifice, or true Worſhip, in reading, hearing, and teaching of the Truth, in Prayer and Sacraments; and by ſetting up his abominations and Antichriſtian Idolatries, Chap. 11.30, 31, and Doctrines of devils, Chap. 11.37, 38, 39. Times he changeth, by ordaining ſuperſtitious holy days.

10. His look is ſaid to be more ſtout then his fellows, that is, then the ten horns, Verſ. 20, whereby is ſignified his exaltation of himſelf above Kings and Princes; whereof ſee Chap. 11.36, 37.

11. The duration of Antichriſt is determined by a time, two times, and a half, Verſ. 25; that is, One thouſand two hundred and ſixty yeers, as it is expounded Revel. 12.6, 14. The riſing of Antichriſt is to be fixed at the beginning of the fall of the Romane Empire, and riſing of the ten horns. But of this more fully in another place.

12. And thus much of the deſcription of Antichriſt his nature, actions, characters, and duration. Now his Fall and Ruine is deſcribed in this manner.

1. Daniel is ſaid to behold till the horns were ſet up. Set up, not caſt down, according to the Original. This is to note that Antichriſt continueth his reign and perſecution until the ſetting up of the Thrones of Judgement. So it is more plainly ſaid, Verſe 21, 22, 25, 26.

2. The ancient of days did ſit. This is God the Judge, called the ancient of days, becauſe he ever lived to take notice of, and now infallibly to bring to remembrance p. 32all the ancient and long-paſt villanies of the Man of ſin.

3. His garments were white as ſnow, to note the righteouſneſſe of his Judgements, Will and Actions. So his Throne is white for the ſame end, Revel. 20.11, 12.

4. The hair of his head is like the pure wool, to note the righteouſneſſe of his Counſels and Decrees.

5. His throne is like a fiery flame, and his wheels like burning fire, to note his ſpeed and wrath in coming unto Judgement.

6. A fiery ſtream iſſued and came forth from before him, to note the iſſue and execution of his Judgement, beginning in temporal conſumptions, ending in eternal burnings.

7. A thouſand thouſands miniſtred unto him, and ten thouſand times ten thouſand ſtood before him; to note the aſſiſtance of his Saints and Angels numberleſſe, in the ſentence and execution of the laſt Judgement, 1 Cor. 6.2, 3.

8. The Judgement was ſet, and the Books opened. It is ſet for the deſtroying of the fourth Beaſt, the Romane Empire, and Antichriſt, after the time, two times, and a half; beginning in temporal deſtruction, finiſhed in eternal, and compleated univerſally in the Reſurrection, at the end of Fourty and ſive yeers, Chap. 12.11, 12. The Judgement muſt be ſet, to deſtroy great Babylon unto the end, Verſ. 26; that is, unto end of the ſaid yeers, and to the full end and deſtruction of all the reliques and remainders of Babylon Spiritual. And the Books are opened, to ſignifie an open diſcovery of all the works of Antichriſt and his followers, that they may be proportionably rewarded.

9. Daniel is ſaid to behold them upon the ſetting up of the thrones of Judgement, and again, to behold till the Beast was ſlain: to note, that although the deadly blowe is given unto Antichriſt at the firſt erecting of the Thrones of Judgement; yet the deſtruction of his kingdom is gradually p. 33to be brought unto perfection, as in Fourty five yeers before expreſſed.

10. The deſtruction of Antichriſt is declared in three degrees. 1. The Beaſt is ſlain. The Beaſt is the Romane Empire, ſubſiſting under Antichriſt and his horns: and it is ſlain, to note the deadly blowe given thereunto at the beginning of the Judgement, in the battel of Gog and Magog. whereof read Ezek. 38. Revel. 20.8. 2. His body is deſtroyed. This is the ſecond degree, noting the gradual deſtruction of great Babylon, the Body and Kingdom of the Beaſt, partly by inteſtine ſlaughter, partly by the parts falling off and oppreſſing her under the Standard of the Witneſſes of Truth, Ezek. 39.1, 2, 3. Revel. 17. The third and laſt degree is thus expreſſed: And his body was given to the burning fire, which noteth the full end and abſolute conſumption of all the relikes of the kingdom by the end of the Fourty five yeers. Compare Verſe 26 with Revel. 19.20. and 20.14.

11. As concerning the reſt of the Beaſts, it is ſaid, that they alſo had their dominion taken away, and that their lives were prolonged onelyonly for a ſeaſon and a time, Verſ. 12. The meaning ſeemeth to be, that not onelyonly the Romane kingdom, but all the reſt before expreſſed, after the manner thus deſcribed, paſſed away: foraſmuch as they all were temporary, and appointed of God to continue onelyonly for a time and ſeaſon, the kingdom of the Saints onelyonly eternal; concerning which in the next words.

1. Daniel beholdeth this in night-Viſions, becauſe while the dark night of Calamity covereth the Antichriſtian world, the light ariſeth on new Jeruſalem, Iſai. 60.1, 2. and 21.12. Dan. 12.1.

2. One like the Son of man … in the clonds of heaven. The Son of man is Chriſt the Head, including alſo his Body the Church, as appeareth by the interpretation. Verſ. p. 3426, He is ſaid to come; and this is his ſecond coming, in a large ſenſe, comprehending his coming to bear rule on earth, by ſetting up his Kingdom, breaking down the enemy, and this the ſpace of Fourty five yeers: and then his viſible appearing at the Reſurrection immediately enſuing, to finiſh his new Jeruſalem begun, in heavenly perfection. And in this large deſcription his ſecond Coming is uſually taken in the Prophets. He is ſaid to come in the clouds of heaven; that is, on high, above the glory and power of the kingdoms of the earth, in the ſupereminent majeſtie of his Kingdom, Revel. 11.12. Iſa. 52.13. Matth. 24.30.

3. He is ſaid to come to the Ancient of days; that is, as Mediator, to obtain the kingdom for his Saints, removed from the enemy. So the Lamb is ſaid to approach to him that ſate upon the Throne, to receive the Book: notwithſtanding he that ſitteth on the Throne, is alſo Chriſt as God, Revel. 5.7.

4. It is added, that they brought him neer before him. Until better light may ſhine, I cannot but conjecture that they do ſignifie the Saints. Theſe bring Chriſt neer to the Ancient of days by the importunity of prayers, for the obtaining of the Kingdom, and removal of it from the Beaſt.

5. Hereupon, dominion is given unto him, and glory. To him, that is, to Chriſt and to his Saints, Verſ. 26, 27. This kingdom beginneth with the beginning of the fall of Antichriſt, and with the ſetting up of the Thrones of Judgement, as appeareth Verſ. 21, 22, 26, 27, and is abſolved in heavenly perfection, at the Reſurrection immediately enſuing.

6, The greatneſſe of his kingdom is ſignified in theſe words, that all people, nations and languages ſhould ſerve him. Hereby is ſignified the Univerſal Converſion of the p. 35remnant of the earth, who at the fall of Antichriſt ſhall be ſubject to Chriſt and his Ordinances, in the hand of his holy people, the Witneſſes of Truth: for which cauſe they are alſo ſaid to be ſubject to them, Verſe 26, 27. Iſai. 60.10, 12. All that ſhall withdraw their necks from ſuch ſubjection, ſhall be deſtroyed. Dan. 12.12.Dan 12:12And this is the firſt ſtate or riſing of new Jeruſalem, the ſpace of Fourty five yeers, before its compleating in the Reſurrection: which ſtate is eſpecially deſcribed by all the Prophets, as alſo the firſt ſtates of all other changes, as of the Greeks in four horns, Dan. 8; of the ten horns, Chap. 7; of the Turkiſh four Angels, Rev. 9; of the Waldenſian profeſſors; all which ſtates are ſpecially deſcribed, as being the original of the changes.

7. The Duration of the kingdom is ſignified in the next words: His deminion is an everlaſting dominion, which ſhall not paſſe away, and his kingdom that which ſhall not be deſtroyed.