Apocalyptical Mysteries, Part 1 – Title page 2

Apocalyptical Mysteries · Part 1 – Title page 2

p. 1Apocalyptical MYSTERIES, The Firſt Part, Touching the two WITNESSES.

Rev. 11.3, 14.

And I will give power unto my two Witneſſes, and they ſhall propheſie a thouſand two hundred and threeſcore days cloathed in ſack-cloth. The ſecond Wo is paſt, and behold, the third Wo cometh quickly.

IT is not my intent to expound every verſe, and interpret each particular thing therein contained, but to offer my Opinion briefly touching ſome things which I conceive are of more general concernment, p. 2and may be of more ſpecial uſe unto the Saints at this DAY.

The Particulars which I have thought moſt neceſſary to treat of touching this Subject, are principally theſe.

1. Who are the two Witneſſes, and what is their Teſtimony?

2. What is their Power, and the time of their Propheſying?

3. Who the Beaſt is, and how he kills them?

4. What is the ſtreet of the great City, in which their dead bodies lie?

5. VVhat Time is to be underſtood by the three dayes and an half?

6. How they ſhall be raiſed again, and what are the Effects thereof?

As touching the firſt, viz. VVho are the two VVitneſſes, and what is their Teſtimony?

The two VVitneſſes, verſ. 3. are deſcribed Metaphorically by two Olive Trees, and two Candleſticks, verſ. 4.

Theſe are the two Olive Trees, and the two Candleſticks ſtanding before the God of the Earth.

By which Deſcription it appears, that the two Witneſſes are not any two individual Perſons, as Moſes and Elias, nor is thereby meant any two particular Teſtimonies, as p. 3the Old and New Teſtament, or two diſtinct Callings, as Magiſtracy and Miniſtry; for none of theſe Interpretations will agree with this Deſcription of the two Witneſſes, as will plainly appear in the Expoſition of this fourth verſe.

By the two Olive Trees are myſtically ſignified the Lords Miniſters and Prophets, who are here called Sons of Oyl, which is an Hebraiſm, and a Metaphorical Expreſſion borrowed from Zech. 4.11, 14. Theſe are the two Anointed Ones that ſtand by the LORD of the whole Earth. Such were the Prieſts and Prophets of the LORD, who were Anointed, Exod. 28.41. & 1 Kings 19.16. Yea, and all the Saints who are a Royal Prieſthood, 1 Pet. 2.9. have an Unction from the Holy One, 1 John 2.20, 27. but eſpecially the Lord's Miniſters and Prophets, who being anointed with the Spirit above their fellow-Brethren the Saints, do empty the golden Oyl out of themſelves into the ſeven Lamps of the golden Candleſticks.

By the two Candleſticks, are figured forth the viſible true conſtituted Churches of Jeſus Chriſt, as plainly appears by his own interpretation, Chap. 1.20. And the ſeven Candleſticks are the ſeven Churches. As p. 4one Candleſtick in the Prophets Viſion usyſtically ſignified that National Church of God, which was but One, Zach. 4.2. So two Candleſticks in the Apoſtles Viſion Metaphorically repreſenteth thoſe Congregational Churches of Jeſus Chriſt, which are many.

Nor is my diſtinguiſhing between the Lords Miniſters, and Prophets, and his Churches unwarrantable; for they are diſtinguiſhed in other Scriptures, Acts 15.4.22, 23. The Apoſtles and Elders with the whole Church, Acts 20.17, 18. alſo Phil. 1.1. 1 Pet. 5.1, 2. and 1 Cor. 12.28. And God hath ſet ſome in the Church, firſt Apoſtles, ſecondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers.

The Teſtimony which theſe two Witneſſes bear, whilſt they propheſie in Sackcloath, is not that general Teſtimony which the Miniſters and Churches of God in all Ages of the Goſpel have born againſt Sin, Satan, and the World of ungodly men; though that may turn unto them for a Teſtimony, but it is a Generation Confeſſion of thoſe Truths which do properly belong unto that Age wherein they live, and unto which they are called, as was John the Baptiſt, John 1.19, 20, 23. the Apoſtles, Acts 1.8. & 4.18, 19. 20. p. 5Paul, Acts 18.5. and 23.11. Timothy, 1 Tim. 6.12. And the Martyrs of Jeſus Chriſt, Rev. 6.9. in their DAY.

So that this Teſtimony is that confeſſion of Truth, which the Churches of God, and the Miniſters and Prophets of the Lord have made, and the Witneſſe, which they have born in their own Generation for Chriſt, his Magiſtracy, Miniſtry, Churches, Ordinances, Worſhip, and Government, or Diſcipline, &c. and againſt Antichriſt, or the Beaſt, his Magiſtracy, Miniſtry, Churches, Ordinances, Worſhip, and Government, or Diſcipline, &c.

Hereby the Saints in this preſent Generation, may underſtand three things, which are neceſſary for them to know, and to do, viz.

1. The Churches, Miniſters, and Prophets of the LORD are to bear their Teſtimony, not onelyonly againſt the Power, Throne, and great Authority which the Dragon (who is the Devil, Chap. 20.2.) gave unto the Beaſt, Chap. 13.2. but alſo againſt all the Kings of the Earth, who have received their power at the ſame time with the Beaſt, and give their power and ſtrength unto the Beaſt, Chap. 17.12, 13. to wit, thoſe ten Kings of the fourth Monarchy, p. 6who received a Political and Eccleſiaſtica… Power one hour (or at the ſame time) with the Beaſt, and have given their moral power and natural ſtrength unto the Beaſt; and principally againſt the Politick and Eccleſiaſtick power of the eighth Beaſt, who is alſo one of the ſeven Kings who goeth into perdition.

2. The Churches, Miniſters, and Prophets of the LORD, are to bear their Teſtimony, not only againſt the moſt groſs Idolaters of the great VVHORE, Myſtery Babylon, and her Sorcerers, but alſo againſt the ſuperſtitious Abominations of all other Harlots, to wit, falſe Churches, and falſe VVorſhippers, who are her Daughters, Chap. 17.5. Yea, though they be well-favoured Harlots, Nahum 3.4. called the Cities of the Nations, (that is to ſay, National Churches) who ſhall fall in the utter deſtruction of great Babylon, when ſhe comes in remembrance before God, Chap. 16.19.

3. The Churches, Miniſters, and Prophets of the LORD, are to beat their Teſtimony unto the Kingdom of Jeſus Chriſt here on Earth, not onelyonly as he is King of Saints, Chap. 15.3. and King of Zion, Pſal. 149.1, 2. but alſo as he is King of p. 7Nations, Jer. 10.7. For this confeſſion of the Kingdom of our LORD Jeſus Chriſt, is properly the Truth of this preſent Age and Generation; the glad tydings whereof, is to be preached in all the WORLD for a Witneſs unto all Nations, and then ſhall the END of the WORLD come, Mat. 24.14. And I may ſay in the Apoſtles words, 1 Cor. 10.11. This is written for our Admonition, upon whom the Ends of the VVorld are come.

As touching the ſecond, viz. VVhat is the Power of theſe two VVitneſſes, and the time of their Propheſying?

The Power, which the Lord hath given unto his two VVitneſſes, is not a Magiſterial Authority or Dominion, but a Prophetical Power, to wit, the Power of the VVORD, not the Power of the Sword; which is another Reaſon, why I cannot be of their Opinion, who ſay, That theſe two VVitneſſes, are the Magiſtracy and Miniſtry of Chriſt.

This Prophetical Power, is declared by ſeveral Acts, (ſuch as were done by the Prophets of the LORD of old) verſ. 5, 6. to wit. firſt Power over Fire, as Eliah had, 2 Kings 1.10. and Jer. 5.14. Behold I will make my words in thy mouth Fire.

p. 8Secondly, Power over VVaters, both the VVaters that are above the Firmament, verſe 6. Theſe have power to ſhut Heaven, that it rain not in the dayes of their Propheſie. And ſuch a prophetical Power Elijah or Elias had, 1 Kings 17.1. There ſhall be no dew nor rain, but according to my VVord; which the Prophet effected by earneſt prayer, Jam. 5.17. And alſo over the VVaters which are under the Firmament, to turn them into Blood, verſe 6. As Moſes the LORD'S Prophet did, Exod. 7.19, 20, 21.

Thirdly, Power to ſmite the Earth with all Plagues; which Plagues are to be underſtood Metaphorically of Spiritual Judgements: For although the Prophetical Power of Moſes and Elijah, and other Prophets, brought material Plagues, and temporal Judgments upon Egypt, and other Countries, & upon the Inhabitants of the world, yet the Plagues and Judgments here myſtically deſcribed are, if not onelyonly, yet principally of a Spiritual kind, ſuch as the Lord: Prophets of old alſo had Power to do, Iſa. 6.9, 10. and Mat. 13.13, 14, 15.

The Time of their Propheſying is 1260, dayes, verſe 3. The ſame number of 1260. the WOMAN (that is to ſay, the Church of God) is fed in the Wilderneſs, chap. 12.6. p. 9to wit, by thoſe Miniſters and Prophets, who are the Witneſſes of Chriſt, as aforeſaid. Which 1260. dayes, counting 30. dayes for a month, make forty two months, which is the time that the holy City (viz. the Church of God) ſhall be troden underfoot by the Gentiles, verſ. 2. that is to ſay, by the Papiſts and Popiſh Idolaters, who for their Spiritual Idolatry in the Worſhip of God, are called Gentiles, as the great City, Myſtical Babylon, Spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, verſ. 8. And the number of forty two months is the time that was given unto the Beaſt (viz. Antichriſt, that Man of Sin, and Son of Perdition, to wit, the Antichriſtian Politick and Eccleſiaſtick Power and Dominion) to continue, and to prevail, Chap. 13.5, 7. Hereby it doth plainly appear, that as the time of the Gentiles who tread the holy City underfoot, chap. 11.2. and the time of the Beaſt, that doth make war with the Saints, and Witneſſes of the LORD, and overcome them, and kill them, chap. 13.5, 7. & 11.7. are one and the ſame time of forty two months; ſo the time of the WOMAN, who is fed in the Wilderneſs chap. 12.6. and the time of the two Witneſſes propheſying in Sackcloath, chap. 11.3. are one and the ſame time of 1260. p. 10dayes. And it hereby alſo appears that all theſe four are contemporary, all beginning and ending together; and beſides that which is noted touching theſe four, and their time in the Scripture of Truth, both the Antiquity of Eccleſiaſtical Hiſtory, and the late Expoſitors of this Book of the Revelation, do give a Teſtimony unto the ſame, affirming, that when the Beaſt began to exerciſe his Tyrannical Power, and Antichriſtian Dominion over the Saints, then the Holy City began to be trodden under foot, then the Woman fled into the Wilderneſs, and then the two Witneſſes began to Propheſie in Sackcloath.

Which time of the exerciſe of the Beasts Antichriſtian Politick and Eccleſiastick Power coercively was (ſay they) about the Year of our Lord, 407, 409, 410. or thereabouts. As may be ſeen in Symſons Hiſtory of the Church, lib. 4. Socrat. Hist. Eccleſ. cap. 3. Helvicus in Concil. Taurinatenſ. cap. 7. The Councel of Toled… in Spain, Anno Dom. 400. as ſaith Helvicus. Magdeb. Cent. 5. cap. 10.

It is not my work at preſent to determine either the beginning or ending of this time, but onelyonly to give the Interpretation of theſe 1260, dayes, which contain the p. 11time of the Witneſſes propheſying in Sackcloath.

The 1260. dayes are not to be underſtood litterally of ſo many natural dayes, for that is but three years and an half, which is intended by the three dayes and an half, verſ. 9. when the dead bodies of the ſlain Witneſſes lie unburied, called a Time, and Times, and half a Time, chap. 12.14. and Dan. 7.21, 25.

But we muſt underſtand thoſe 1260. dayes prophetically, that is to ſay, each day for a year, according unto thoſe Scriptures, Numb. 14.34. and Ezek. 4.5, 6.

So that, The whole time of the two Witneſſes propheſying in Sackcloath, is 1260. years. So long the holy City is to be trodden under foot; ſo long the Woman is to be in the VVilderneſs; and ſo long the Beast's Power is to continue; for the times of all theſe four do begin and end together, and are but one time, to wit, 1260. years.

As touching the third Particular, viz. Who the Beast is, and how he kills the VVitneſſes.

The great Monarchs and Monarchies of this WORLD, have been figured forth by wild Beasts; God ſhewed his Prophet Daniel the four Kingdoms by a Viſion of four Beaſts, Dan. 7.3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The first like p. 12a Lyon, the ſecond like to a Bear, the third like a Leopard; the fourth Beaſt, to wit, the Roman Kingdom, was ſo dreadful, that he had no Name, ſo monſtrous, that he had no reſemblance unto any one Beaſt, but is deſcribed by ſuch things as doth manifeſ… him to be a Monster, to wit, partly a Man, by his two Iron Legs, by his Feet, and te… Toes, part of Iron, and part of Clay, Dan. 2.33. which is expounded of the fourth Kingdom, verſ. 40, 41, 42, 43. and partly a Beaſt, by his great Iron teeth, by his te… Horns, and a little Horn that came up among them, Dan. 7.7, 8. which is alſo expounded of the fourth Monarchy, verſe 24, 25▪ or Roman Kingdom.

And our LORD Jeſus Chriſt gave the like Deſcription of the fourth Monarchy, or Roman Kingdom, unto his Servant John, under the ſimilitude of a Beaſt, namely, … great red Dragon, Revel. 12.3. Which Beaſt was terrible and monſtrous, (as that which Daniel ſaw) all ſpotted like a Leopard, his feet like a Bear, and his mouth a… the mouth of a Lyon, chap. 13.3. with ſeven Heads and ten Horns, chap. 17.3. aſcending out of the bottomleſs Pit, and goeth into Perdition, v. 8. And this is the Beaſt which ſhall kill the VVitneſſes, chap. 11.7.

p. 13The Beast in this Propheſie is ſometimes mentioned alone, without any diſtinction, and then we are thereby to underſtand the whole complex Body of the Roman Antichriſtian Politick & Eccleſiaſtick State and Government, as chap. 14.9, 11. And in other places of this Book the Beaſt is mentioned with ſome other, as if he were two, as the Beaſt that roſe out of the Sea, and the Beaſt that roſe out of the Earth, chap. 13.1, 11. Beaſt and Woman, chap. 17.3. the Beaſt and the falſe Prophet, chap. 19.20. And thereby we are to underſtand a …wo-fold Power mixed and exerciſed together, that is to ſay, by the Beaſt is meant …he Political, and by the Woman, the Eccleſiaſtical Power of the Roman Govern…ent.

So then by the Beaſt, that kills the VVitneſſes, verſ. 7. we are to underſtand the …oman-Antichriſtian-Politick-and-Eccle…aſtick-State and Government exerciſed …ercively over mens Conſciences in any …lace or Caſe whatſoever.

This Beast, that ſhall kill the two VVitneſſes, is more diſtinctly (though more My…ically) deſcribed, Rev. 17.8, 11. by …ee particular things. First, By his paſt, …eſent, and future State; The Beaſt that p. 14WAS, and IS NOT, and yet IS. Secondly, By his twofold number; even he is the EIGHT, and is of the SEVEN. Thirdly, By his RISE and RUINE; He ſhall aſcend out of the bottomleſs PIT, and go into PERDITION,

The Beaſt that WAS, Chap. 17.11. that is to ſay, the fourth Monarchy, or Roman Kingdom, and the Political Government thereof WAS a Kingdom which God ſet up, and a Power which God ordained, Dan. 2.40.7.7, 23. and Rom. 13.1, 7.

The Beaſt that WAS, and IS NOT, th… is to ſay, the fourth Monarchy, or Roman Kingdom in its mixt State of Politick-and, Eccleſiaſtick Government, coercively exerciſed over the Conſciences of men in an… Place or Caſe whatſoever, IS NOT God… ORDINANCE; For the Dragon (which is the Devil, Chap. 20.2.) gave this Bea… his Power, and his Seat, and great Authority, chap. 13.2.

The Beaſt that WAS, and IS NOT, an… yet is, chap. 17.8. that is to ſay, the fourth Monarchy, or Roman Kingdom, which w… a Power ordained of God, with reſpect unto its meer Political Government, but I… NOT God's Ordinance in its mixt State … Politick-and-Eccleſiaſtick Power and Government; p. 15Yet IS a Power, and hath a Throne, chap. 13.2. Yea, and exerciſeth great Authority over the Bodies and Conſciences of Men coercively; and cauſeth both ſmall and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive his Mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and cauſeth that as many as would not worſhip the Image of the Beaſt, ſhould be killed, chap. 13.15, 16, 17.

And the Beaſt that WAS and IS NOT, even he IS the EIGHTH, chap. 17.11. that is to ſay, the eighth Head of the Beaſt, and IS of the SEVEN, which Myſtery of Iniquity, that we may with more clearneſs underſtand; the Angel told John, that the Beaſt that carrieth the Woman, had ſeven Heads, chap. 17.7. which he ſaith are ſeven Kings, verſe 10. that is to ſay, ſeven kinds of political Governours, and forms of Government in the fourth Kingdom, whereof FIVE are fallen, or were paſt and gone before John's time, namely, 1. Kings, 2. Conſuls, 3. Decim-vers, 4. Tribunes, and 5. Dictators: ONE is, to wit, Emperors, who being the ſixth head of the Beaſt, ruſed and exerciſed their Dominion over the whoſe Roman Kingdom in the dayes of our Saviour and his Apoſtles; the OTHER is p. 16not yet come, to wit, the ſeventh Head of the Beaſt, that is to ſay, the ſeventh King, or kind of Government was not yet in being, when John writ this book of the Revelation; which ſeventh Head is Popes, for they ſucceeded the Emperors in the Kingdom and Government of the Roman Empire (as all Hiſtorians teſtifie) and have ruled and reigned as Kings.

And this Beaſt is the EIGHTH, viz. the eighth Head, with reſpect of his Eccleſiastical Power, mixed with his Political-Authority; And is of the SEVEN, that is to ſay, he is one of the ſeven, to wit, the ſeventh Head or King, with reſpect of his Political-Power-and-Authority. And this mixed Politick-and-Eccleſiastick Power, is ſignifyed by his two Horns, chap. 13.11, 12.

And ſhall aſcend out of the bottomleſs PIT, chap. 17.8. &c chap. 11.7. The Beast that aſcendeth out of the bottomleſs Pit, viz. the Helliſh Apoſtacy of the latter times, foretold by the Apoſtle Paul, 1 Tim. 4.1, 2, 3. which is contemporary with the opening o… the bottomleſs Pit, chap. 9.1. So is th… falling away (or Apostacy) with the revealing of the man of Sin, this ſon of Perdition, 2 Theſ. 2.3. this King is the Ange… p. 17of the bottomleſs Pit, chapter 9.11.

And go into Perdition, chap. 17.8. and verſe 11. goeth into PERDITION.

The man of Sin, Antichrist, is called the SON of PERDITION, 2 Theſ. 2.3. and it is twice affirmed, chap. 17.8, 11. that he goeth and ſhall go into PERDITION, becauſe the thing is certain: And the meaning is, that the BEAST of the eighth Head, that is to ſay, the Roman-Antichriſtian-Pollitick-and-Eccleſiaſtick-Power, Dominion, and Government, together with the Antichriſtian-POWERS, Potentates, Kings, and Governours, who exerciſe that Antichristian-power and dominion coercively over the Bodies, Eſtates, and Conſciences of men, ſhall be utterly deſtroyed; which utter Deſtruction and PERDITION will be fully effected and compleated by pouring out of the ſeven VIALS of the laſt Plagues, for in them is filled up the wrath of God, chap. 15.1. & 16.1, 10, 19. & 18.2, 8. & 19.19, 20, 21. & 14.9, 10, 11, 12. And the third Angel followed them, ſaying with a loud Voice, If any man ſhall worſhip the BEAST and his IMAGE, and receive his MARK in his Forehead, or in his Hand; the ſame ſhall drink of the Wine of the WRATH of God, which is poured out without p. 18MIXTƲRE, into the CƲP of his Indignation.

If it be enquired how the BEAST doth kill the Witneſſes? I anſwer,

The BEAST ſhall 1. make WAR againſt them; 2. He ſhall OVERCOME them; and 3. He ſhall KILL them, verſ. 7.

The Beast cannot overcome them as Witneſſes, (for ſo they Overcome him, and the Dragon alſo, chap. 12.11. And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their Teſtimony) but as Warriours, chap. 13.7. And it was given to him to make War with the Saints, and to overcome them. This WAR is a more open and viſible Oppoſition between the Witneſſes & the BEAST, then formerly, though the two Witneſſes had oppoſed the Beast, and born their Testimony againſt his mixt Antichriſtian Power, and Idolatrous Worſhip, from the beginning of the 1260. dayes of their Sackcloath-condition, which they did more privately; And though the Beast had perſecuted the two Witneſſes for the Testimony which they bare againſt him, from the beginning of the 42. months of his Power; Yet now at last, and toward the end of their 1260. dayes, the two Witneſſes bear a more manifest Testimony, and make a more open and Viſible Oppoſition p. 19y againſt both the Tyrannical Power, and Idolatrous Worſhip of the Beaſt: and therefore the Beaſt now at laſt, and toward the end of his 42. months, begins to rage, and maketh a greater and more cruel Oppoſition, both againſt the Churches and Prophets of the LORD, who are the two Witneſſes, and all the Saints; by exerciſing his Power more tyrannically againſt them; which is the WAR here mentioned, verſ. 7. as that was, chap. 13.7. In the time of Charles the fifth, in Germany, France, Scotland, &c. and in Queen Maries dayes in England, &c.

In this WAR the Beaſt overcomes the Witneſſes, verſ. 7. as in that he overcame the Saints, chap. 13.7. Some of the Witneſſes are overcome by fear, and others by flattery; ſome by his alurements and preferments, others by his threats and confinements are overcome for a time; ſo far as to ceaſe from bearing their Teſtimony againſt him ſo openly and vigorouſly as they did before; In which reſpect the Beaſt is here ſaid to overcome them.

But this will not appeaſe the rage, and great wrath of the Beaſt, for he perceives that the Teſtimony which the Witneſſes bear in their more private Retirement, and Conventicles, (as they are called) or Meetings, p. 20will like a Moth waſte, & ſecretly conſume his Power and Dominion, and at laſt (if let alone and ſuffered to enjoy any liberty to meet together to worſhip) his Power and Dominion will be utterly deſtroyed, as is Propheſied, Dan. 7.26. And therefore the Beaſt will take Councel together with his chief Prieſts to KILL the Witneſſes of the LORD, (as the high Prieſt, the chief Prieſts and Elders did to put our Saviour to death, John 11.47, to 53.) And KILL them, verſ. 7. The killing of the two Witneſſes doth not ſignifie a Corporal death only, nor principally, for ſuch a killing doth not agree with this Propheſie; but it is rather a Metaphorical Expreſſion, which ſignifies a two-fold Death, partly Civil, whereby the Witneſſes ſhall be deprived of their civil Liberties, and the Exerciſe of their Religion; their Eſtates confiſcated, their Perſons confined, Impriſoned, Baniſhed; and ſome of their Lives, or all their livelyhood taken away by the tyrannical Power of the Beaſt; and partly, yea principally Spiritual, whereby the Witneſſes ſhall be deprived of that Zeal, Vigor, and Courage, which with all boldneſs they had formerly manifeſted, in bearing their Teſtimouy openly for Chriſt, his Kingdom, his Church, his Worſhip, p. 21and his Government; againſt the Antichriſtian Beaſt, his Kingdom, Church, Worſhip, and Government.

The darkneſs and blackneſs of the DAY of the Witneſſes death, will principally conſiſt in their being deprived of that Spirit of Life that ſometimes they had received from God, and had formerly exerciſed in bearing their Teſtimony: which Spirit of Life the Witneſſes loſe by cooling in their Spiritual affections unto Chriſt, and by their ſinning againſt the LORD; for uſually when Miniſters or Members of Churches fall from their firſt Love, they fall in with the Apoſtacy of the time; and ſo loſe that life and courage which they formerly had, and manifeſted with great boldneſſe for Chriſt againſt Antichriſt.

This Spiritual kind of death is moſt agreeable unto their Reſurrection, that is effected by that Spirit of Life from God, which verſ. 11. after three dayes and an half ſhall enter into them. Now ſuch as is the Reſurrection of the Witneſſes, ſuch is their death: But their Reſurrection is Spiritual, (for verſ. 11. the Spirit of Life from God entred into them) therefore their death is Spiritual, viz, A depravation of that Spirit of Life, that is to ſay, the loſs of that courage, p. 22boldneſs, zeal, vigor, and life, which they formerly had, and manifeſted in their Testimony for Christ againſt the Beast.

This kind of death is alſo moſt agreeable unto the Witneſſes lying dead after they were killed, in reſpect both of the place, which is Spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, ver. 8. and of the time when they lay unburied, which is Prophetically ſaid to be three dayes and an half, verſ. 9.

Touching the fourth Particular, viz. What is the Street of the great City in which their dead Bodies lie.

The Anſwer unto this Particular is Myſteriouſly given in the 8, & 9. verſes of this Chapter, And their dead Bodies ſhall lie in the street of the great City, &c.

The great City is that mentioned, chap. 17.8. Which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth, to wit, the WOMAN that ſits upon a Scarlet-coloured BEAST, chap. 17.3. which is the great WHORE, chap. 17.1. whoſe Name is Myſtery BABYLON, the Mother of HARLOTS, chap. 17.5. viz. the whole Antichriſtian Kingdom of the Beaſt, all Myſtical Babylon.

The Street of the great City is ſome noted Street, (as a Market-Street) or ſome p. 23eminent Street, (as Cheap-ſide) or ſome open Street or place (as Smithfield) within or without the great City, under the Dominion and Government thereof.

By this Street we are to underſtand ſome …minent Part of Myſtical Babylon, and Kingdom of the Beaſt, viz. ſome of the ten Kingdoms which appertain unto the Dominion of the Beaſt, and not his whole Kingdom, …or the whole City: It is not ſaid in the Streets of the great City, but in the Street, to wit, the moſt eminent Kingdom for the Teſtimony of Jeſus Chriſt, even that Nation where the Witneſſes have moſt eminently born their Teſtimony againſt Antichriſt.

The place being ſpoken of by way of eminency, muſt be underſtood either in relation …o the Witneſſes, or in reſpect unto the Beaſt that kills them, or to both: Now take either of theſe, or both together, and it ſignifies not the whole Witneſſes, nor the whole Kingdom of Babylon, but a part thereof. Not the whole Kingdom of Babylon, becauſe …pon the riſing and aſcending of the Witneſſes, there is but a part of the Kingdom of Babylon falls, And the tenth part of the City fell, verſ. 13. which is that part here meant by this Street.

Nor all the VVitneſſes of Chriſt in all p. 24the WORLD, no nor in all the Kingdoms of Babylon, becauſe there are ſome Witneſſes remain alive when theſe two are killed, who ſhall call upon them to come up to them, when the Spirit of Life from the Lord doth again enter into them, and cauſe them to ſtand upon their feet, verſ. 12▪ And they heard a great Voice from Heaven ſaying unto them, Come up hither. Which Voice from Heaven, is the call of thoſe Angels, who have the ſeven laſt Plagues and come out of the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Teſtimony in Heaven when i… is opened, to come up to Mount Zion to them, where they and other Saints ſtan… with the Lamb, and to ſee the Judgement of the great WHORE, which will appe… by comparing, chap. 11.12, 19.14.1, 5… 15.1, 2, 5, 6.17.1. And the Temple o… God was opened in Heaven, and there were voyces, chap. 11.19. And the ſeven Angels came out of the Temple — in Heaven chap. 16.6. And one of the ſeven Angels which had the ſeven Vials, ſaid, Come up hither, and I will ſhew thee the judgment of the great Whore, &c.

As touching the fifth Particular, viz. What time is to be underſtood by the three days and an half, verſ. 9.

p. 25The knowledge of the time when the Witneſſes ſhall be killed and riſe again, is very deſirable unto the Saints in this GENERATION; many godly and learned Men have laboured ſtudiouſly in ſearching out this time, and have communicated their underſtanding about this Matter; whoſe labours have been profitable unto the Lords people, and unto me alſo; who having read their Opinions about the ending time of the Witneſſes Sackcloath-condition, and of the troubles of the Lords People, I have been much comforted by ſeveral precious Obſervations which they have made touching this matter: But not being fully ſatisfied with their Determination of the period of that ending time, I have alſo addicted my ſelf to ſearch the holy Scriptures touching ſuch Prophetical Numbers as ſeem to contain the ending time; And I ſhall take liberty to give my Opinion alſo, and the grounds thereof, viz.

1. The three dayes and an half, are three years and an half; each day for a year, according to the prophetical Account of Myſtical dayes, Numb. 14.34. and Ezek. 4.5, 6.

2. The three dayes and an half, are thoſe three years and an half which do immediately p. 26ſucceed the killing or death of the Witneſſes; for after they are killed, their dead Bodies are ſeen three dayes and an half, chap. 11.9. and they do immediately preceed their Reſurrection; for after three dayes and an half, the Spirit of Life from God doth enter into the Witneſſes, and they ſtand upon their feet, chap. 11.11. So then, The three years and an half are the time of the interval between the Death and the Reſurrection of the two Witneſſes.

3. The three dayes (or years) and an half, is the ending-time of the Witneſſes 1260. dayes, (or years) and of the Beaſts 42. months (or 1260. years.) For the clear demonſtration of this third Particular, let i… be conſidered;

Firſt, That the time when the Beaſt kills the Witneſſes, is towards the end of the 1260. dayes or years of their Propheſying, chap. 11.7. When they are about to finiſh their Teſtimony; and therefore the Witneſſes are killed before the time of their 1260… dayes or years be ended, to wit, three dayes or years and an half before.

Secondly, The killing of the Witneſſes, and the rejoycing over their dead bodies, are th… laſt Acts of the Beaſt's Tyrannical Power, and of the Whores Triumphing Joy; and p. 27therefore muſt be near the ending-time of the Beaſt's 42. months, and alſo of the 42. months, wherein the Gentiles (who are the Idolatrous worſhippers of the Beaſt) tread the holy City (that is, the Church of God) under their feet.

That the killing of the Witneſſes is the laſt Act of the Beaſt's tyrannical-Power, appears plainly; for as ſoon as the Witneſſes riſe, Babylon begins to fall, chap. 11.11, 13. And they ſtood upon their feet; and the ſame hour — the tenth part of the City fell.

That the rejoycing over their dead Bodies is the laſt Act of the Whores triumphing-Joy, appears plainly; for as ſoon as her Joy and Rejoycing is over, the day and hour of her Judgement came, chap. 17.7, 8, 10. For ſhe ſaith in her heart, I ſit as a Queen, and am no Widow, and ſhall ſee no ſorrow; therefore ſhall her Plagues come in one day, &c.

The things that the Saints in this GENERATION ought to know touching the time of the Witneſſes lying dead; Are,

1. That the time of the END, or the ending-time of the Witneſſes propheſying in Sackcloth; of the Beaſt's tyrannical POWER; of the holy City, her being troden under foot of the Gentiles, and of the Womans p. 28being in her Wilderneſs-condition, is near at hand; for the finiſhing Teſtimony is begun, to wit, the Goſpel of the Kingdom of our LORD Jeſus Chriſt, which is a certain fore-runner of the ending-time of this WORLD, Mat. 24.14. Rev. 11.7. And when they were about to finiſh this Teſtimony; That is, when they began to preach the Goſpel (or glad tydings) of the Kingdom; the Beaſt killed them, which is the laſt Act of his tyrannical POWER.

2. That although the ending-time be near, yet the period thereof will not be certainly known until the laſt three years and an half be begun, and well night expired, Dan. 12.4, 9. and Hab. 2.3. The Viſion is yet for an appointed time, at the END it ſhall ſpeak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it, becauſe it will ſurely come.

3. That when the ending-time is come and begun, before it be expired, there ſhall ſuch remarkable and wonderful things come to paſs (as are foretold in the Scriptures) whereby the wiſe ſhall underſtand, and certainly know that it is the time of the END, viz.

Firſt, Then will be ſuch tribulation, and ſuch a time of trouble as never was before, Dan. 12.1. Mat. 24.21, 22.

p. 29Secondly, Then will be ſuch an Apoſtacy among Profeſſors, Miniſters, Prophets, and Churches, as never was before, 2 Tim. 3.1. — 5. and 2 Theſ. 2.3.

Thirdly, Then will begin a very glorious Reformation in the Worſhip of God, by the Spirit of Life from God, which Spirit of Life entring into the ſlain Witneſſes, will ſet them upon their feet, that is to ſay, will cauſe them again to ſtand up for Chriſt and his Kingdom, and againſt Antichriſt and his Kingdom: And then will the Temple of God (that is to ſay, the Church and Worſhip of God) be opened in Heaven, chap. 11.11. & 10.11. & 11.19. Which … the times of the reſtitution of all things, which God hath ſpoken by the Mouth of all his …oly Prophets ſince the WORLD began, Acts ….21.

Touching the laſt Particular, viz. How be Witneſſes ſhall be raiſed again, and what …re the effects thereof.

The Anſwer unto this Particular, is My…ically held forth in the 11, 12, 13, and …4. verſes of this Chapter.

Firſt, As to the time; After three dayes …d an half, verſ. 11. by which we are to …derſtand three years and an half, (as have before proved) that is to ſay, at or p. 30before the end of that time; for as it was ſaid of our LOKD and Saviour, Mark 8.3… After three days he ſhould riſe again, which he did on the third day, 1 Cor. 15.3, 4. S… it is likewiſe ſaid of his Witneſſes, after three dayes and an half, the Spirit of Life from God entred into them, and they ſtood upon their feet, according to what was foretold by one of the Lords Prophets, Hoſ. 6.2▪ After two dayes he will revive us, in the thir… day he will raiſe us up, and we ſhall live in h… ſight.

The means of the Witneſſes Reſurrection, is the Spirit of Life from the Lord which entred into them, verſ. 11. viz. that Spirit Life, Power, Courage, Zeal, and Boldne… which the two Witneſſes formerly had received from God, and had exerciſed in bearin… their Teſtimony for the Kingdom of Chriſt &c. and againſt the Kingdom of Antichriſt &c. but had loſt by falling from their f… love, and by falling in with the leſt Apoſtcy; which Spirit of Life from God is again given unto them.

And they ſtood upon their feet, verſ. 1… that is to ſay, The Witneſſes were raiſed, … vived, …nd ſtrengthened by the Spirit of Li… from God; for as the loſs and departure… that Spirit of Life and courage to bear the… p. 31Teſtimony with boldneſs, was their death; ſo the Spirit of Life from God entring into them, and renewing their Courage, reviveing their Zeal, and increaſing their Boldneſs in bearing their Teſtimony, is their Reſurrection, and that which cauſeth them to ſtand upon their feet: which effect of the Spirit of Life from God, was typed out by the dry Bones of the Houſe of Iſrael, Ezek. 37.5, 10, 14. O my People, — I will put my Spirit in you, and ye ſhall live.

The LORD knows his Servants, his Witneſſes are not able either to do much, or to ſay much for Chriſt and his Kingdom, &c. nor againſt Antichriſt and his Kingdom, &c. unleſs they be ſpirited thereunto; and therefore when God had any eminent work or ſervice to do, he did not onelyonly raiſe up Inſtruments to do it, but ſpirited them accordingly. Thus the Spirit of the LORD came upon Othniel, Judg. 3.9, 10. and upon Gideon, Judg. 6.34. and upon Jephthah, Judg. 11.29. and upon Sampſon, Judg. 14.6, 19. and 15.14. and upon David, 1 Sam. 16.13. And ſo it will do upon the Lords Witneſſes, Rev. 11.11. And great fear came upon them (Enemies) that ſaw them.

Secondly, The effect of the Witneſſes Reſurrection, or ſtanding upon their feet, either p. 32concerned themſelves, verſ. 12. or their Enemies, verſ. 13.

Verſe 12. And they heard a great Voice from Heaven ſaying unto them.

The Witneſſes being raiſed and ſpirited for the WORK of the LORD, are now called thereunto, which call is by a great Voice from Heaven; that is out of the Temple of God opened in Heaven, chap. 11.19. to wit, the Church of God on Earth, whoſe Spiritual Glory is deſcribed, chap. 12.1. by a Woman cloathed with the Sun, &c.

This Voice, is the Voice of the Remnan… of the Womans Seed, who kept the Commandments of God, (viz. Chriſts Goſpel Inſtitutions, Acts 1.2.) and have the Teſtimony of Jeſus, (viz. a Spirit of Propheſie amongſt them, chap. 19.10.) even then, and all that time of the three years and an half, when the Witneſſes are killed, and their dead Bodies lie in the Street of the great City.

Which Remnant of the Womans Seed, do call upon the raiſed Witneſſes, ſaying unto them, Come up hither, verſ. 12. that is to ſay, Come and joyn with us, and worſhip God with us; Come and help us to carry on the Work of the LORD, his Kingdom, &c. and to pull down the Kingdom, &c. of the p. 33Beaſt, which call or invitation of the Remnant, the Witneſſes did ſtraightway anſwer as followeth.

And they aſcended up to Heaven in a Cloud, werſ. 12. This ſignifies a glorious change in the ſtate of the VVitneſſes, attending their Reſurrection, which they now attended by their Teſtimony, called a Cloud, in which reſpect thoſe eminent Believers, Heb. 11. Chapter, are called a Cloud of VVitneſſes, Heb. 12.11. And the VVitneſſes ſwift aſcenſion, or going up unto thoſe that called them, is fitly reſembled unto a bright Cloud, as the Converſion of the Gentiles, and their coming into the Jews after their glorious Converſion, Iſa. 60.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8. VVho are theſe that flee as a Cloud, &c.

And the ſame hour was there a great Earthquake, Verſ. 13. By this Earth-quake we are to underſtand great Commotions, overturnings, and downfals in the Kingdoms of Antichriſt, as chap. 6.12. and Mat. 24.7. which great Change is ſaid to happen the ſame hour with the Witneſſes Aſcention, that is to ſay, at the ſame time when the VVitneſſes riſe, the Papiſts fall.

And the tenth part of the City fell, Verſe 13. By the City, here is meant the whole p. 34Roman Antichriſtian Kingdom of the Beaſt as verſ. 8. and chap. 17.18. And by the tenth part of the City, we are to underſtand one of the ten Kingdoms of Myſtical Babylon, for the whole City conſiſting of ten Kingdoms, chap. 12.3. & 13.1. and 17.12. the tenth part of the City muſt be underſtood of ſome ONE of the ten Kingdoms, to wit, that Kingdom where the VVitneſſe… lay ſlain, called the STREET of the great City, verſ. 8. And the Retaliation which follows, ſeemeth to favour this Interpretation, And in the Earth-quake were ſlain of men ſeven thouſand, verſ. 13. viz. ſeven thouſand men of Name; which fall of ſo many eminent Perſons of the Antichriſtian Party, will become a means of Converſion unto many others of that Party, verſ. 13. And the Remnant were afrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven.

Verſe 14. The ſecond VVOE is paſt, and behold the third VVOE cometh quickly.

By the ſecond WOE we are to underſtand all the Troubles, Plagues, and Judgements of the ſixth Trumpet, recorded from chap. 9.13. unto chap. 11.14. which are now paſt and ended. And the third VVOE cometh quickly, to wit, upon the ſounding of the ſeventh Trumpet, which is the third p. 35WOE-trumpet which is to be ſounded by the ſeventh Angel, chap. 8.13. which ſeventh Trumpet brings in the Diſpenſation of the ſeven Vials of the laſt Plagues of God upon Babylon, which is fitly called the third (or laſt) WOE.

Touching which third WOE, or Vials of the laſt Plagues of God upon Babylon, I have ſomething to offer in the ſecond Part of this little Treatiſe, which I judge meet for the Saints in this Generation to know; And therefore I ſhall pray that God will open the Scriptures unto you, (that ſhall read it) and open your underſtanding, that you may know the Truth, and what you ought to do in this day of your Generation. Amen.

Apocalyptical MYSTERIES.

The Second Part, Touching the Seven VIALS.

Revel. 16. Chapter.

LONDON, Printed in the Year, 1667.