Visions and Prophecies of Daniel Expounded, Prophecy 5 · Part 2 · Section 19

Visions and Prophecies of Daniel Expounded · Prophecy 5 · Part 2 · Section 19

p. 134Sect. 19. Concerning the numbers of the yeers.

THere are two wayes to accommodate the yeers. I will propoſe both, and leave the Reader to determine.

The firſt way.

Either the very dark and weak begining of the ſignes mentioned, do ſet the term of beginning to the years: or elſe the more evident, open and perfect ſtate thereof. The weak and dark beginning of the ſignes, was before the year 400. the more evident, open and perfect ſtate thereof, about the year 600. I know no other way but theſe two. For the former way theſe Arguments do ſtand.

1. Immediatly after the riſing under Conſtantine, the perſecution of the Dragon forced the woman into her place in the Wildernes, which muſt eſpecially be the Arrian perſecution, and ſhe came to her place in the ſtate of a Wildernes Spiritual through Arrianiſme, eſpecially about the year 360. and afterward through Antichriſtianiſme, eſpecially from about the year 390; and therefore here we may ſix the beginning of the time, two times and half, according to Apoc. 12.13, 14.

2. The years begun at the time, when the true Doctrine and Worſhip is ſolemnly taken away, and Hereſie and Idolatry making the Church a Wildernes ſet up, Baron. ad an. 359. num. 110. & ad annum 360. num. 1.Dan. 12.11. This was done by Arrianiſme about the year 360. Baron. annal. Gildas Hiſt. the ſeeds of Antichriſt and Antichriſtianiſme then alſo hiddenly concurring. The Church was in the way of flight and ſeparation gradually before, but came not through Arrianiſme to her place in the ſtate of a Wildernes untill this time, as hath been ſaid: and therefore here may fitly be the beginning of the greater Number, to wit, 1290. But about the year 390, the Doctrine and Worſhip was ſolemnly corrupted by Antichriſt, and Antichriſtianiſme ſet p. 135up, and Idolatry then and not before had its beginnings: and therefore here may fitly be the beginning of the leſſer Number, to wit, the years 1260 or time, two times and half. Syricius ſeemeth to have bin the firſt Antichriſt, ſignified by the Star that fell from Heaven, Apoc. 8.10. from whence (as it is moſt probable) the decretall Epiſtles firſt began, who arrogated and made great way for Dominion over all Churches, Mornae. Myſt. pag. 50, 51. Tit. cult. ſanct. n. 7. & 10. p. 90, 93. Tit. Imago. p. 78.and firſt eſtabliſhed the Law of an unmarried eſtate among the Clergy, which is the Character of Antichriſt and Antichriſtianiſme, Dan. 11.37. and brought in the commemoration of Saints into the office of the Church after the manner of the Heathen Worſhip, and thereby encouraged the invocation of Saints, which together with other Idolatry, began to be in uſe between the year 380. and 400. as Mr. Perkins in his Problems hath clearly ſhewed. Now if Idolatry came in between 380. and 400. then about 390. And Syricius did all this about the year 390. I make little matter, that I cannot ſet down the preciſe year thereof exactly, ſeeing Syricius began but about five years before to be in the ſeat of the Pope, and the holy Ghoſt ſeemeth not ſo much to look at the niceties of numbers as alwayes to expreſſe the few broken pieces: but looketh eſpecially at the perfect and round number, which is the number decadical, and ſo the number 390. may be ſet down for the beginning of that which happily in ſome degree began three or four years before. See Corn. a Lap. upon Ezek. 29.12.

3. The years begin at the coming in of the Barbarians, which are the primitive ten horns: And as Arrianiſme came to its ſtrength about the year 360. ſo the Barbarians began at that time effectually and ſucceſſively to break in upon the Empire, judgement anſwering unto ſin. The Perſians made the firſt onſet, and in the iſſue took away five Provinces from the Roman Empire; and the bank being thus broken down, Ammianus.the whole flood of the Barbarians followed after, from about p. 136the year 364. After the year 378. there followed a ceſſation of the Arrian Hereſie and Perſecution, and therewithall a ceſſation of the irruptions of Barbarians for about ten years; and then the Antichriſtian Hereſie and Idolatry ſucceeding from about the year 390. the inundation of the Barbarians came in afreſh again, with a new and ſtronger beginning: So that from this time forward it could be no more interrupted, but continued and increaſed untill the Empire of the Weſt was utterly diſſolved. …alviſ. Cropl…ad ann. 89.For the cruell Barbarians from the North came in irreſiſtibly upon Britainy from about the year 390. and horrible inteſtine wars following in the reſidue of the Empire, and making way for theſe Barbarians, and alſo for the reſt, about five years after, namely, from about the year 395. the Gothes and all the other Barbarians followed, and entred into the whole Empire irreſiſtibly. So having divided the Empire into the ten Kingdoms, they corrupted the Church more then before; and laſtly, ſubjected their Kingdoms openly unto Antichriſt and to his Laws. So then the effectuall irruption of the Barbarians, beginning at 360. and again afreſh at 390. do alſo from the former term ſet a beginning to the years 1290. and from the latter term ſet a beginning to the years 1260. Now that the years muſt begin at the coming in of the Barbarians, and diſſipation of the Empire, it may appear from theſe conſiderations:

1. It is very probable, That Antichriſt aroſe in the coming in of the Barbarians, and diſſipation of the Empire. So expreſly Serez the Author of the French Hiſtory, a man indifferent and impartiall, and of whom we have no cauſe to think that he looked at any other end in his Diſcourſe, but onelyonly the reality of the thing in it ſelf, without reſpect to the Accommodation of the years. And thus he writeth, fol. 2. Damaſas, Syricius, Anaſtaſius Innocentius, Soſimus and Bonifacius, Biſhops of Rome, lived there one after the other, amidſt the confuſions of the Empire, and even at Rome: whereas p. 137the Emperors were ſeldom ſeen; ſo as the abſence of the Emperors, troubled to withſtand the Barbarians, & the miſerable ſtate of the time, which forced Chriſtians to flye to their Biſhop for counſell and comfort in their confuſed afflictions, laid the foundation of their authority, then ſmall, being tyed to their charges, and ſubject to the Emperours command: But it grew by degrees, untill it came to the height of this Soveraign and Abſolute power, ſo as in the end they have preſcribed Laws to the Emperours, Kings, and Chriſtian Princes. A neceſſary Obſervation, both for the truth and order of this Hiſtory, to underſtand rightly both the time and means of their riſing. In the firſt age, the Biſhops of Rome durſt not ſhew themſelves, being perſecuted, and impriſoned, and martyred by the Emperours. Since Conſtantine the Great, their authority began in the diſſipation of the Empire, it increaſed eſpecially under Pipin and Charls the Great. Again at the year 514. thus the ſame Author writeth; The Pope of Rome thruſt himſelf forward amidſt theſe confuſions and ruines of the Empire, recovering that which the Emperours had loſt.

2. Antichriſt is the little horn, and he roſe at the ſame time, together with the ten horns, in low and dark beginnings, and the Primitive ten horns were the Northern Barbarians, Dan. 7.8. It is true, he is ſaid afterward, Verſe 24. to ariſe after the ten Horns: but this may be ſaid in reſpect of the open and more perfect degree of his Kingdom.

3. The Beaſt or Antichriſt is ſaid to receive his Kingdom at one hour, together with the ten horns, Apoc. 17.12.

4. The flood of the Dragon, which doth ſignifie the inundation of the Northern Barbarians, is expreſly ſet after the womans flight, and coming to her fixed ſeat in the ſtate of the Wilderneſſe; wherein ſhe is to ſit down, and to be hidden the ſpace of all the foreſaid years, the time, two times and half. So therefore the flood of the Barbarians cannot precede the p. 138years, and can aſcend at moſt but unto a ſtate of coexiſtende therewithall, as being in order ranked after them, and begun in events in order of nature praeexiſtent, though not happily of time.

5. The ſeventh head is Antichriſt, and he ariſeth into his Kingdom gradually, as the ſixth head falling under the Barbarians, giveth way and place unto him. See Apoc. 17.10. Thus the Emperours, the impediment of Antichriſt, is gradually removed, that Antichriſt may gradually ſucceed, 2 Theſſ. 2.8.

According to this way, thus we may ſettle the terms of the years.

1290 Beginning at the year 360 do end together in the year 1649.

1260 Beginning at the year 390 do end together in the year 1649.

490 Beginning at the year 1160 do end together in the year 1649.

575 Beginning at the year 1075 do end together in the year 1649.

390 Beginning at the year 1260 do end together in the year 1649.

1. The 1290. Dan. 12.11.

2. The 1260. Dan. 12.7. Apoc. 12.6, 14.

3. The 490. Dan. 9.24.

4. The 575. Dan. 8.14. There are numbred 2300.

of mornings and evenings.] But becauſe in Scripture-uſe, there is a morning and evening for the day time, and a morning and evening for the night time, Exo. 29.41. & 30.8. Lev. 23.5. Num. 9.3, 5, 11.Exod 29:41Exod 30:8Lev 23:5Num 9:3Num 9:5Num 9:11Exod. 12.6. and 29.39. Pſal. 30.5, 6. Therefore it may be that four of thoſe 2300. do concur to make up one day, and ſo 2300. mornings and evenings may make up 575. full dayes, which in uſe Propheticall are 575. years. And ſo this number may onelyonly comprehend the times of the moſt perfect raign of Antichriſt, deſcribed in that eighth chapter; beginning from the year 1075. when firſt Hildebrand took occaſion to exalt himſelf effectually above the Emperour, and promulged effectuall Decrees concerning the unmarryed eſtate of the Clergy, and other Willworſhip; and Antichriſt in him began of a little horn to become p. 139a great horn, and preſently thereupon exceeding great in the war againſt the Turks and Albingenſes; which eſtate of his, ſeeing it is onelyonly handled in the foreſaid chapter, no marvell if a number of years proportionate unto ſuch a ſtate of Antichriſt was cut out in the ſaid place.

5. The years 390. according to the round number, or at large 391. and an hour, Ap. 9.14. do appertain unto the ſolution of the Turks; which, by the diſſentions of the Latines, and movings of the Tartars, began to be looſed from about the year 1260. and two years before in ſome degree: ſo that the hour may be in 1258. the day, the year following, and the 390 from 1260. See Brov. annal. Thus the Turks will ceaſe to be looſed in the year 1649. and the next year following may they begin to fall together with the Pope, if this former way of Accommodation doth hold. Although in reſpect of remiſſe degrees, the Turk began to be looſed in Saladin about the year 1169. Calviſ. and ſo his 390. years will expire immediatly before 1559. from which time the Turkiſh power and Kingdom hath continually decayed.

The ſecond way of Accommodation of the years.

NOw that the Popes Kingdom, more properly ſo called, that is, the commanding, and effectuall and open ſtate thereof, and the more perfect ſtate of the foreſaid ſignes thereof, do ſet beginning to theſe years; the following Arguments will plead on the other ſide.

1. The Beaſt or little horn, that is, the Pope, is ſaid expreſly to riſe into his Kingdom after the ten horns, being thenceforth about to raign the time, two times and half, Dan. 7.24, 25. It will be anſwered, He roſe with them in reſpect of ſmall beginnings, but after them in reſpect of open manifeſtation of his Kingdom. See Apoc. 17.12. But howſoever, thus much may be gathered, That according to this place, it will not be inconvenient or unreaſonable to begin the years of Antichriſt after the riſing of the ten horns, and from the manifeſtation p. 140and open power of his Kingdom, but rather very connaturall unto it.

2. The Beaſt is ſaid expreſly to riſe into his Kingdom, after the Dragons flood, and the drying up thereof, being about to raign 42. moneths, which ſignifie all the years of Antichriſt, Apoc. 12.16, 17, 18. with cap. 13.1, 5, 6. Now the Dragons flood was the flood of the Northern Barbarians; foraſmuch as the waters caſt out of his mouth, do properly ſignifie Nations, Tongues and People, Apoc. 17.15. flowing out upon the Church, at the mouth or ſuggeſtion of the Devil. Their flood was dryed up, partly when they were ſubdued by Juſtinian, partly when they were united with the earthly part of Chriſtendom in Antichriſtian Religion. It may be anſwered, That after this time indeed the Beaſt aroſe into the open ſtate and power of his Kingdom, in appearance according to the ſimilitude of other Kingdoms: But in ſmall and dark beginnings that he began before; and that from thoſe ſmall beginnings his years are to be numbred, howſoever they be ſet down under the open ſtate thereof. Compare Apoc. 12.14. with cap. 13.5, 6. But this will be ſufficient for our purpoſe, that it will be very conſonant and agrecable to this place, to begin the years of Antichriſt from his latter ſtate, and not unnaturall thereunto; howſoever we cannot prove that certainly it is ſo.

3. Dan. 11.19 to, 21.Dan 11:19–21So expreſly after the inundation of the Northern Barbarians, and after the Reſtauration alſo by Juſtinian, Antichriſt is brought in ſucceeding in the Kingdom. But it may be anſwered as before, That then indeed began the glory of his Kingdom, or ſome ſmall degree of glory at the leaſt: Although he had the Kingdom before, even with Justinian, and before him alſo; yet without the glory of the Kingdom: compare Dan. 11. v. 20. with v. 21. and both with v. 19. This howſoever ſeemeth to follow from the words, that this ſecond ſtate or degree of Antichriſt his Kingdom may conſtitute a p. 141very naturall and convenient beginning for the duration of his reign; eſpecially ſeeing in ſuch accommodation of the yeers all numbers will agree, and every one of them from very reaſonable and ſatisfactory terms of beginning.

According to this ſecond way, we may ſet beginnings thus unto the years.

1290 From 570 end in the year 1859.

1260 From 600 end in the year 1859.

1150 From 710 end in the year 1859.

490 From 1370 end in the year 1859.

Firſt, 1290. may begin in 570 according to the round number. For then upon the coming of the Longebards into Italy, began the evident and open ſtate of the Popes Kingdom. So expreſly Machiavel in his Hiſtory of Florence, l. 1. Caeperunt hec tempore pontifices Romani majori eſſe in dignitate quam antea fuerant. Paulo poſt. Vix alia erat pontificum dignitas et aeſtimatio, prater eam quam vitae ſancti monia ſibi paraverant et doctrina, ante aetatem. Longobardorum. Rurſum. Quum autem Longobardi jn Italiam jam venirent, et illa in factiones plurimas ſciſſa eſſet, adaugebatur pontificia poteſtas hoc eorum adventu. Quum enim pontifex caput eſſet et princeps urbis Romanae, imperator vero Conſtantinopoli preeſſet, itaſe tempori et praeſenti rerum ſtatui accommodabant Longobardi ac Longinus, ut mediante pontifice populum Romanum ſibi devincirent, non ut ſubditus illorum eſſet, ſed ſocius; et nunc horum, nunc Grecorum artes ſequentes pontifices, mirum quam adaugebant ſuam dignitatem.

Secondly, the 1260 yeers may fitly begin in the yeer 600. according to the round number. Then began Gregory the Pope to deform the Church with rites and ſuperſtitions. Alſted. Chron. Myſt. iniq. And indeed the Hiſtoricall uſe of Images began about the yeer 400. but the ſolitary Images of Saints began not to be ſet up in Temples before the yeer 600. Perk. yet the Pope approved not the worſhip of them. p. 142Then began Gregory the Pope to command a litany for the invocation of Saints to be ſung publikely. Then (ſaith Perkins) of a commemoration of Saints was made an invocation of them. …rkinſ. …, Ima…, Caſ…der.About the ſame yeer Gregory the Pope contended about the Primacy with the Patriark of Conſtantinople. And about ſix yeers after the yeer 600. the Pope was made by Phocas univerſall Biſhop: and then firſt was the priviledge confirmed to the Church of Rome, to wit, of Primacy over all Churches; Alſted laſtly; from about this time the Pope began to ſend forth his emiſſaries, for the ſubjecting of the ten horns and people of Chriſtendom unto his papall authority.

Thirdly, the 1150 yeers being the halfe of the 2300. Dan. 8.13, 14. by taking only one morning and one evening for one full day, may begin moſt fitly at the yeer 710. For then Antichriſt began publikely and in open councels to authorize the worſhipping of Images, and to eſtabliſh the ſame, and the invocation of Saints, and to maintain the ſame by conſtant perſecutions. Alſted Chronol. cap. de conciliis. Sigon. de regno Ital. Centur. Magdebur. Then alſo began the Pope to exerciſe power and dominion over Kings and Emperours. Sigon. Balgus. And from this time forward he ceaſed not to purſue the Emperours of the Eaſt, in favour of Idolatry, untill ſuch time as he had utterly caſt them out of Italy, and eſtabliſhed his owne Kingdom in the Empire of the Franks. Platina. Onuphrius.

Fourthly, the 490 yeers or 70 weeks of yeers, may begin at the yeer 1370 as hath been ſaid, from the time of Wickliffe. Of this I have already ſpoken. So all the numbers in this ſecond way, will preciſely end in the yeer 1859. Now let the Reader conſider and judge.

Fifthly, the ſolution of the Turks, notwithſtanding this ſecond way may begin in the foreſaid yeer 1260. and continuing 390 yeers may end immediately before 1650: or elſe beginning p. 143from about 1300 may poſſibly run out 40 yeers after. Or happily beginning in remiſſe degrees from about 1169 may be extended to 1559. and ſo the end of the ſtrength of the Turkiſh Kingdom may be determined by theſe yeers, proportionably to the five moneths of the Kingdom of the Saraſins, and not the abſolute and perfect end thereof.

Concerning the 1000 yeers, Apoc. 20.3.

THe Dragon is not ſimply the Devil, but with ſeven heads and ten horns, Chap. 12.3. that is, the Devil in the Roman Empire. He in his heathen eſtate or in the Heathen Emperours, had through all the Roman Empire ſeduced the Nations, C 12.9. to wit, with heatheniſme and in the way of oppoſition to the Church. But he was caſt down out of his throne in the times of Conſtantine, Chriſt then taking poſſeſſion of the throne together with the Saints, Chap. 12.5, 10. But he by the barbarous Nations as by many waters overflowing the Empire of the Weſt, and afterward ſtirring and raiſing up Antichriſt, beginning openly to reign and with the Barbarians to ſubjugate the Church about the yeer 600. even now ſeemed about to obtain and to recover that amplitude of power and dominion, for the ſeducing of the Nations in his ſecond or Antichriſtian ſtate, which before he had obtained in his firſt or Ethnick ſtate.

This greatnes and efficacy of power that he might not yet obtain, he was forthwith by the ſix firſt plagues of the Vials more and more to be bound and impriſoned, as it were in a bottomleſſe pit, for the ſpace of a thouſand yeers: and thoſe thouſand yeers being ended, he is for a little ſpace to be looſed in Antichriſt, to obtain that power, at leaſt comparatively, which before he had in his Heathen ſtate. So then after theſe 1000 yeers he ſhall recover himſelf out of all the former p. 144plagues of the Vials, and having ſubdued the witheſſes in the Weſt, he ſhall go forth without impediment to gather all Nations againſt the holy City, and upon this occaſion he ſhall come to an end by the ſeventh Viall.

The Dragon in Antichriſt and in the Antichriſtian horns, gradually aſcending to the height, the Saints or holy people began as it were to be beheaded, Apoc. 20.4. which phraſe I. believe is here applied for myſticall ſignification, foraſmuch as it was not uſuall or cuſtomary with Antichriſt to kill the Saints by ſuch a kind of death properly underſtood, but myſtically he beheaded them, by the word and cenſures wrongfully applied: pronouncing them to be ſchiſmaticks and hereticks, and ſo cut off from Chriſt as the body from the head, and then proſecuting them as excommunicate and cut off from Chriſt, with perſecutions, firſt of leſſer kind before the times of Waldus, and after unto death.

The Saints in this eſtate aroſe in their own defence, and by the word and cenſures did as it were behead the Antichriſtians, pronouncing them excommunicate and cut off from Chriſt, and thereby expoſed them unto the judgement of the Vials. Now God approved the word and ſentence in their mouths, and thereupon followed it with plagues, whereby the Dragon in the Antichriſtians ſhall be impriſoned and reſtrained a thouſand yeers unto the end of the ſixth Viall: And then a ſhort ſolution intervening for the gathering of all Nations, ſhall afterward be utterly cut off by the ſeventh Viall. Thus then the Saints did reign a thouſand yeers, to wit, by the word and propheſie, as it is alſo expreſſed, Apoc. 11.5, 6. and unto the foreſaid laſt ſolution of the Antichriſtians out of the bottomleſſe pit, Apoc. 11.7. and they reigned by bringing the Vialls in the way of propheſie, as it is affirmed in the ſame place, Apoc. 11.6. Thus alſo they are ſaid to reign as Prieſts of God and of Chriſt. Apoc. 20.7. that is, by the word and prayer. For in this manner Prieſts do uſe p. 145to reign: Therefore the Saints or Angels, which are the Miniſters of the ſeven Vials, are brought in clothed with fine linnen, which was the habit of the Prieſts, Ezek. 44. and coming as Prieſts out of the Temple, Apoc. 15.5, 6. to pour them out by the word and prayer upon the Antichriſtians. And in this ſenſe they are ſaid to be ſet on thrones, and to have judgement put into their hands, Apoc. 20.4. which is the judgement of the ſeven Vials, Apocalyps 14.7. and 15.4. and 16.7. Now whereas the Saints are ſaid to ſmite the Antichriſtians with ulcers and blood and fire, as in the four firſt Vials, and then to darken the Kingdom of Antichriſt, as in the fifth, and afterward to dry up the waters of his Kingdom in the ſixth: what is this, but at leaſt to bind and reſtrain the Dragon in the Antichriſtians? And we can alſo ſhew, that theſe ſix Vials, let the yeers of Antichriſt be meaſured which way you will, muſt continue the ſpace of a 1000 yeers. And expreſly after that theſe ſix Vials are ended, it is ſaid as after the end of the 1000 yeers, that the Dragon with the Beaſt is looſed to gather all Nations together againſt the time of the laſt Viall. Compare, Apoc. 16.13, 14, 15. with Apoc. 20.3, 8, 9.

Theſe two places, namely, Apocalyps 11.5, 6, 7. and 16.13, 14. compared with, Apocalyps 20.3, 8, 9. I ſuppoſe ſufficient for the anſwering of any objections, that may be oppoſed to our interpretation. Whereunto may be added that in Daniel 9.24, 25, 26, 27. where the Church is brought in ſtanding and prevailing, that is, reigning all along from its firſt beginning untill the laſt week, which agreeth with the time of the ſolution of the Dragon for a little ſpace, at the end of his 1000 years. For we muſt underſtand theſe expreſſions, not in a ſenſe abſolute but comparative. And as the primitive Saints, notwithſtanding the ten ſucceſſive Perſecutions, are brought in reigning and prevailing p. 146more and more againſt the Heathen Emperours, to wit, by the word and prayer, the fight of faith and patience, accompanied with ſutable effects of the Goſpel and of judgement, untill they were utterly caſt down in the dayes of Conſtantine, Apocalyps 6.1.2. with 12.9, 10, 11, 12. ſo notwithſtanding ſeverall guſts of Antichriſtian perſecution, the Saints being many times hurt, Apocalyps 11.5. and many times beheaded as hath been ſaid, Apocalyps 20.4. yet they riſe continually and prevaile and reign by the like means, ſaving only for a little ſpace at the looſing of the Dragon.

Let this be obſerved in concluſion, that we have not from neceſſity ſo interpreted that phraſe, beheaded for the teſtimony of Ieſus, as hath been explicated: for we may ſay with Paraeus, that any manner of death is ſignified thereby, and I adde, any manner of puniſhment and affliction in generall, infflicted upon Saints as hereticks and malefactours. Such was reproach and leſſer kinds of perſecution before the times of the Waldenſes, and afterward the puniſhment of death. And notwithſtanding all this, they are ſaid to riſe and live and reign, partly in themſelves and partly in their ſucceſſours and members of the ſame body ſpirituall, and by propheticall and prieſtly power to bring the conſtant judgement of the Vials upon the Antichriſtians, to the retarding and reſtraining of the Dragon in them, unto the end of the 1000 years.

But as concerning the Antichriſtians and the Dragon in them, it is ſaid of them that they ſhould be ſo killed by the prieſtly power of the Saints, being dead ſpiritually, and cenſured to be as dead by propheſie, and thereupon given up to the plagues of judgement: that they, being the reſidue of the dead ſpoken of, Apocalyps 20.5. ſhould not live again, untill the thouſand yeers be expired. Which p. 147is to be underſtood either of the more generall converſion and ſpirituall reſurrection, whereby the remnant of Antichriſtians ſhall ariſe at the end of the 1000 years and of the years of Antichriſt: or of the reſurrection of the dead properly ſo called, which ſhall follow after the ſaid years, Apocalyps 20.8, 12. or of the Antichriſtians cut off and ſlain by the conſtant plagues of the ſix former Vials, through the whole ſpace of the 1000 years, and not ariſing perfectly or breathing out of them, untill after the end of the 1000 years; and for a little ſeaſon. As concerning the opinion of many Worthyes, affirming, that the reign of the Saints a 1000 yeers, is to be expected in the glory of New-Jeruſalem at the end of the yeers of Antichriſt: I cannot poſſibly bring my judgement to incline unto it. For this opinion is incumbred with inextricable difficulties and uncouth aſſertions, as concerning a partiall reſurrection from the dead before the generall, and the like. Moreover alſo it hath not any ground from the place alledged in the Revelation, as hath been ſhewed. And where New-Joruſalem is purpoſely deſcribed, there is not the leaſt intimation of ſuch a time determined, as being to be in a perpetuall uniformity eternall, after that it commeth to its height. And it is cleer from Daniel 12.1, 2, 11, 12, 13. and from Revelation 11.18. that the laſt judgement or Viall upon Antichriſt is to be compounded with the genetall reſurrection. For it is expreſſed to be the reſurrection, and none other followeth, Daniel 12.2. wherein both Daniel and all that are wiſe and labour in the work of converſion ſhall be glorified, Verſe 3, 13. and wherein all both ſmall and great ſhall be rewarded, Apocalyps 11.18. Whereas it is objected, that New-Jeruſalem in the Prophets, is deſcribed after ſuch a manner, as is ſutable to a temporall manner of reigning upon earth, according as p. 148the Millenary reigning is ſuppoſed to be. I conceive anſwer may be given unto this objection. For ſuch expreſſions of temporall felicity, as do occurre in the deſcription of New-Jeruſalem, are either to be underſtood of its ſtate of incheation, as it is in motu; and eſpecially from after the end of the years of Antichriſt through the ſpace of 45 years, as Daniel expreſſeth, Daniel 12.11, 12. or being applied to its ſtate of heavenly perfection immediately enſuing, they are to be underſtood in a myſticall ſenſe, according to the common way and courſe of the holy Prophets. Who knoweth not, that New Jeruſalem deſcribed by Ezekiel, and from whom the Pictures of it are tranſlated into the Revelation, are all along myſticall and figurative? And ſuch as are the deſcriptions in one prophet, ſuch for the generall muſt be the parallel deſcriptions in the reſt. There is Chriſt and the Church ſet forth by the building of a Temple, the worſhip of the Church by ſacrifices and feſtivall ſolemnities, Chriſt as King by the Prince or Princes of Iſrael, glorified Saints by trees with healing leafes and fruits perpetuall, and their glorious inheritance by the ſeverall inheritances of the Sons of Iſrael in the land of Canaan. Now I do acknowledge that theſe and the like places may have a generall application to the whole Kingdom of Chriſt, and more particularly to the firſt degrees of the Reformation after Antichriſt. But my purpoſe is not here to ſpeak of this larger acception. In a ſtricter ſenſe; the foreſaid paſſages are partly to be fulfilled in the ſtate of inchoation at the end of the reign of Antichriſt, and partly of the heavenly perfection. So in the ſtate of inchoation the Miniſters as Angels, letting in the elect by converſion through the gates of particular Churches, into the community of the whole Church of New-Jeruſalem: ſhall hereby be inſtruments of bringing them into the heavenly perfection, and ſhall therein p. 149be glorified with their converts. And therefore in the ſtate of heavenly perfection, they are brought in under ſuch repreſentations as will agree to the foreſaid relation which they had unto their converts in the ſtate of inchoation, Apocalyps 21.12. In like manner the Kings of the earth are ſaid to bring their glory unto it, Apocalyps 21.24. according as in the parallel Prophecy, Iſaiah 60. partly becauſe in its ſtate of inchoation they ſhall come unto it by converſion, ſubjecting themſelves, their Kingdoms and glory thereunto, in procuring the felicity thereof: and partly becauſe they ſhall ſtand in this frame of love unto Chriſt and his Church, through all eternities in heavenly perfection. Rivers of water running, Hills dropping new wine, Mountains flowing with milk, ſeven times increaſe of the light of the Sun, abundance of Corn, and Feaſts and Dancings, and joyfull Solemnities, to be expected when Jeruſalem ſhall be reſtored out of Babylon, are clearly Types and myſticall Expreſſions of the ſpirituall glory of the Church in generall, which is the New Jeruſalem, when it ſhall be reduced out of the Babylon of Antichriſt in the ſtate of inchoation, and principally when it ſhall aſcend unto the height of heavenly felicity. The Church of converted Jews ſhall have their portion in this Jeruſalem: but to make it the onelyonly thing, properly intended in Judah and Jeruſalem thus deſcribed, and in reſpect of temporall eſtate, I conceive is far beyond the intention of the Holy Ghoſt.

One paſſage in the Prophet Iſaiah I will endeavour to clear, in ſtead of all other, by reaſon of the difficulty thereof. This is Iſaiah 65.17, &c. The ſtate of new Heavens and new Earth is there deſcribed, verſe 17. This largely taken, is the whole Kingdom of Chriſt, beginning at the times of the Apoſtles; wherein is ſpiritually old age, in reſpect of Grace, and duration, and proſperity, and ſecurity ſpirituall, p. 150Pſal. 1.3. and 92.12, 13, 14. But of this ſenſe I purpoſenet to ſpeak now. In a ſtricter acception, it is the ſtate of new Jeruſalem, Apoc. 21.1, 2. 2 Pet. 3.13. that beginneth in … at the end of the years of Antichriſt, and is conſummate in coeleſtiall glory. Therein ſhall be no weeping, crying, &c. v. 19. as Apocalyps 21.4. and there ſhall all be as old men, and none ſhall dye as yong men, verſe 20. becauſe there all ſhall be laſting, and alſo wiſe as old men, and fully know the Lord, and none ſhall be ſpirituall Infants any more. See Apoc. 4.4. 1 Cor. 14.20. For the deſcription of the Church is myſticall, after the ſimilitude of an earthly Kingdom, glorious in temporall happineſſe, in which are no diſeaſes, Famine or Sword, to cut off the life before old age, and in which men build and plant, and labour cheerfully and ſucceſſively, enjoying the fruit of their labours without moleſtation or interruption, and wherein no enemy or wilde Beaſt maketh men afraid: So that by ſuch temporall felicity of long life, ſpirituall old age or wiſdom is partly ſignified, and partly perpetuall continuance in the Kingdom of Heaven. And as the Saints and Miniſters have builded ſpirituall houſes, and planted ſpirituall vineyards in their own converſion, and the converſion of others, and in the ſetting up of Churches by the preaching of the Goſpel, after the ſimilitude of thoſe that in an earthly Kingdom do the ſame in temporall reſpects, 1 Cor. 9.7. ſo ſhall they eat the fruit, or enjoy the comfort hereof without interruption of any enemy, through all eternities. So verſe 21, 22, 23. And thus are the words following to be interpreted, verſe 24. Before they call I will hear: Becauſe, although they may literally be expounded of the inchoation of new Jeruſalem, yet figuratively onelyonly of the heavenly perfection, wherein God is ſaid to hear before we call, after the ſimilitude of temporall ſecurity, to ſignifie his continuall protection of his people from the very fears, or near approaches of any p. 151dangers. And whereas it is added, verſe 25. that The wolf and the lamb ſhall feed together, and the Serpent ſhall lick the duſt: Nothing elſe is ſignified, then an abſolute and eternall excluſion of all enemies offenſive to the Church, partly by converſion begun upon the Earth, and in Heaven continued, partly by perdition everlaſting. Laſtly, whereas in the time of the new Heavens and Earth, Levites and Prieſts are ſaid to continue, Iſaiah 66.21, 22. Miniſters are underſtood in the ſtate of inchoation: and both in ſtate of inchoation and perfection, all Saints ſhall be myſticall Prieſts and Levites for ever, And they ſhall go forth and ſee the carcaſes of the wicked, that is, duly conſider the end of the wicked, whoſe worm ſhall never dye, and whoſe fire ſhall never go out, in the ſtate of Hell then oppoſite unto heavenly perfection. So chap. 66.24. compared with Mark 9.44. It is clear from the Epiſtle to the Hebrews, that under the Type of the Land of Canaan, the Land of Iſrael was Heaven ſignified: And if in theſe and ſuch like expreſſions of the Prophers, Heaven is not underſtood, then would it not be ſpoken of by them, which would be utterly unreaſonable to think.

p. 152Of the SEVEN VIALS.

IT remaineth to be ſhewed when the one thouſand yeers muſt begin and end. They begin, as hath been ſaid, with the Seven Vials.

In the four firſt Vials, are onelyonly ſet down four degrees of Judgement, and in the fourth degree coming to perfection: as appeareth by thoſe four degrees of judgement on the Roman Empire, expreſſed by the like Figures, Apoc. 8.7. And theſe four firſt Vials are upon the Builders and Founders of Antichriſt, as appeareth by Apoc. 16.2. The Kingdom of Antichriſt in propriety is not touched, till the fifth Vial, as is expreſſed Verſe 10.

There are two wayes of Accommodation. I will propoſe them both briefly: and the event will ſhortly ſhew, which is to be choſen. For either I judge the four firſt Vials are the four degrees of Mahumetan plagues upon Chriſtendom in general, together with other plagues adjoyned, beginning from the yeer 620: or elſe the four degrees of judgement upon the German-Roman-Empire, the chief Founder of the Prelacy of Antichriſt, beginning from the yeer 840. Sigon. If the former way ſhall hold, the firſt Vial will be from 620, the ſecond from 840, the third from 1160, the fourth from 1260, when the Turks effectually being looſed, began to powre out the Vial on the Sun, to the irrecoverable darkning of Chriſtendom. But if the ſecond way ſhall hold, the firſt Vial will be from 840, the ſecond may be from 888, Sigon. the third after a reſtauration as by Rivers, from 1160, the p. 153fourth from 1250, when Frederick the ſecond dying, See Cha… on. Chron… in the li… of Frederick 2. Sigon. de… reg. Hal. at the year 1286.the laſt maintainer in a manner of the German-Roman-Empire, and all Chriſtendom together, being in combuſtions, made way for the powring of the Vial on the Sun, to the darkning of the ſaid Empire irrecoverably, and of the Latin Kingdom in Jeruſalem, and to the Laxation of the Turks upon Chriſtendom in general. Now the Popes Kingdom in propriety, though aſſailed for a little ſeaſon by the Waldenſes, yet ſpeedily did not onelyonly recover it ſelf in the foreſaid times, but alſo took occaſion by the Oppoſition to come unto its fulneſſe: wherein it alſo ſubſiſted untill the time of Wickcliff.

Wherefore, from the yeer 1370, the time of Wickcliff, began the fifth Vial to be powred out upon the Throne and Kingdom of the Beaſt, in propriety ſo called. The ſixth followed from the time of Luther, whereby the waters of Euphrates, the Rivers or Waters, that is, the Nations and Kingdoms of Babylon ſpiritual, Apoc. 17.15. effectually began to be dryed up: And the Proteſtant Princes politick, or Proteſtant Saints in general, as ſpiritual Kings and Princes, began openly and viſibly to reign, ſet up by Chriſt the Sun of Righteouſneſſe to ſhine upon the World, then ſitting in a night of darkneſſe; and therefore they are ſaid to come as it were from the riſing of the Sun. So the phraſe is to be interpreted, Apoc. 7.2, 3. Ezek. 43.1, 2, 3. and frequently in Prophecies. This ſixth Vial runneth out in the laſt Aſcenſion of the Beaſt out of the bottomleſſe pit, Apoc. 11.17. and in the ſolution of the Dragon at the end of the 1000 yeers, Apoc. 20.3. For in the iſſue of the ſixth Vial, it is expreſſely ſaid in the ſame words for ſubſtance, that the Beaſt and Dragon went forth to gather the Kings of the Earth and of the whole World, Apoc. 16.13.14. That in their laſt proſperity for a little ſeaſon, they might be prepared for the laſt and great Vial, which ſhall expire and be compounded with the general Reſurrection and final Concluſion of all Judgement.

Now if the Vials begin from 620, then accordingly the ſixth Vial will end, and therewithall the 1000 yeers in 1620. From which time the Dragon ſhall gradually be looſed, firſt with various ſucceſſe, as the fifth Seal, Apoc. 6.11. and the Hail-ſtone, ſpotted Horſes, Zech. 6.6. do inſinuate, and then by three dayes and half of final Triumph, his ſolution ſhall run out in the yeer 1649, preciſely together with the 2260 yeers of Antichriſt, according to one of the two wayes of Accommodation.

But if the Vials begin from 840, then accordingly the ſixth Vial will p. 154end, and therewithall the 1000 yeers, the ſpace of about 20 yeers before 1860; and ſo the ſolution of the Beaſt and Dragon, which is to be at the end of the 1000 yeers, will preciſely expire with the yeers of Antichriſt, according to the other way of Accommodation.

This is certain, that when theſe yeers ſhall have an end, immediately ſhall follow the glorious time of New-Jeruſalem, to the joy of all Saints: Whereof it is ſaid, Iſai. 60.1. Ariſe O Jeruſalem and ſhine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is riſen upon thee. It is alſo very evident unto me, That this glory of New Jeruſalem, beginning at the end of the yeers of Antichriſt, is conſummated in Heavenly glory, as the utmoſt degree thereof: So that the Heavenly Eſtate, according to the uſe of the holy Prophets, entereth into the compoſition of New Jeruſalem, and of the ſtate of new Heavens, and new Earth. For the ſtate of theſe new Heavens, and new Earth, promiſed in the Prophecy of Iſaiah, is ſuch a ſtate wherein all Saints do expect their ſhare and portion Univerſally, as the Apoſtle Peter doth expreſſe, 2 Pet. 3. And therefore it muſt neceſſarily be the ſtate of Heavenly perfection, which is at leaſt incluſively ſpoken off by the Prophet Iſaiah: For thus go the words of the Apoſtle, 2 Pet. 3.13, 14. Nevertheleſſe we, that is, we all, all Saints and Chriſtians, according to his promiſe, that is, as it is promiſed unto us in the Prophecy of Iſaiah (which we have a little before Interpreted) do look for new Heavens, and a new Earth, wherein dwelleth Righteouſneſſe, that is, all righteous people, and without defilement of ſin and ſinful ſociety. It followeth Verſ. 14. Wherefore Beloved, ſeeing that ye look for ſuch things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameleſſe. Furthermore, the general Reſurrection and laſt Judgement, are evidently brought in Apo. 20.11, 12. as the Expreſſions declare; So clear indeed, that any place of Scripture deſcribing the laſt Judgement, may be detorted to another ſenſe as eaſily as this: And beſides, the Parallel place of Dan. 12.2, 13, 14. doth confirm the ſame, where Daniel and all the wiſe, without Exception and Diſtinction, are brought in partakers of the Reſurrection, at the end of the laſt plague upon Antichriſtians. Now the perfect ſtate of New Jeruſalem, is expreſſely brought in after this general Reſurrection and laſt Judgement, Apoc. 20.11. and 21.1. And therefore it is the ſtate of heavenly perfection. As the old Heavens and Earth, do gradually go away from after the end of the yeers of Antichriſt; that is, as the Antichriſtian Kingdoms do gradually depart, ſo the new Heavens, and new Earth, or Kingdom of Chriſt, with p. 155the change of all things, doth gradually come in: Until at the end of 45 yeers, Dan. 12.12. the old Heavens, and old Earth being perfectly departed in the laſt Judgement and general Reſurrection, Apoc. 20.11. the new Heavens, and the new Earth, come into the place thereof, in the ſtate of heavenly and immutable Perfections. Apoc. 21.1, 2.

In the foreſaid incoactive ſtate of New Jeruſalem, the Jews ſhall come in by Converſion, according to the Prophecy, Rom. 11. and ſhall be principal Members, and extraordinarily gifted for the enlarging of the Kingdom of Chriſt, over all the World. They began firſt to run as Cuſhi, but interrupted. The Gentile Chriſtians, like Ahimaaz, break over the Mountains of oppoſition, God making all Hills as a plane unto them: And ſo they firſt bring in the tydings of the fall of Antichriſt. But the tydings are general and incompleat. Afterward, 2 Sam. 18.31.2 Sam 18:31the Jews that firſt began to run, ſhall come in laſt, and bring diſtinct and perfect tydings of the fall of Antichriſt, and all enemies univerſally. Now when they have ſo done, then ſhall follow life from the dead, or the general Reſurrection, as the Apoſtle Paul expreſſeth, Rom. 11.15. So then the Jews ſhall come in as Members of New Jeruſalem: and New Jeruſalem is to be the Catholike Church, advanced to the ſtate of glory, wherein there is no diſtinction of Jew or Gentile, Grecian or Barbarian. And therefore in all the Revelation, I finde not any mention of Jewiſh Chriſtians in diſtinction from the reſt. The Jews are the faithful in general, Apoc. 2.9. and ſo are the Jews of Philadelphia, Apoc. 3.9. The twelve Tribes of the Children of Iſrael, are all the parts of Chriſtendom, out of which, the Saints are ſealed, before the glorious time of New Jeruſalem, Apoc. 7.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The Holy City or Jeruſalem is Chriſtendom, Apoc. 11.2. And the Kings of the Eaſt, may be the Proteſtants in general, as hath been Expounded according to the courſe of Holy Scripture. So is New Jeruſalem the Catholike Church glorified, Apoc. 21. And it is a name impoſed on the Gentile Philadelphia, Apoc. 3.12. The true Church in general is called the Jeruſalem, Gal. 4.26. And all that is called Iſrael in the Old Teſtament, unto whom the Promiſes are made, are not Iſrael according to the fleſh, but myſtical Iſrael, the whole Church, Rom. 9.6. Daniel alſo in all his Prophecies, by his people, and by his holy people, underſtandeth Chriſtians in general, as hath been ſhewed before. See Dan. 9.24. and 11.45. and 12.1. Accordingly in all the ancient Prophets, although the Prophecies are litterally to be underſtood of Iſrael and Judah, properly ſo called according to the Type, yet according to p. 156the Antitype, and more fully, they appertain to the myſtical Iſrael, and myſtical Judah, the Catholike Church of Chriſt, and eſpecially as riſing out of the myſtical Babylon of Antichriſt, as the parallel places in the Revelation do evidently declare. Revel. 14.8. and 18.2, 3, 12, 20, 21, 22. and 19.2.Rev 14:8Rev 18:2Rev 18:3Rev 18:12Rev 18:20Rev 18:21Rev 18:22Rev 19:2But of this I purpoſed onelyonly at this time to give a hint, as alſo to touch a few Reaſons and Arguments by the way: And I have been much larger, then I thought to be. Much more ſatisfaction may be given concerning theſe things, and if neceſſity require, and ſtrength, and opportunity make way, I hope I ſhould not be backward to do my beſt ſervice herein to the Spouſe of Chriſt. If any of my Reverend Brethren, otherwiſe minded, can ſhew unto me better light, I ſhall count my ſelf and the Church of God beholding unto them for it, and willingly receive it at their hands. In the mean time, this is my judgement.

And to God, onelyonly wiſe in Christ Jeſus, the Revealer of Secrets, be Glory and Dominion, for ever and ever, Amen.

FINIS.

End of the text · Thomas Parker, Visions and Prophecies of Daniel Expounded (1646)