Apocalyptical Mysteries, Part 2 – Title page 3

Apocalyptical Mysteries · Part 2 – Title page 3

p. 1Apocalyptical MYSTERIES. The Second Part, Touching the Seven VIALS.

Revel. 16. Chapter.

THis Chapter containeth the Angels Commiſſion, to execute the wrath of God upon the Beaſt, and their execution thereof gradually, by pouring out one Vial after another, until all the ſeven Vials of the ſeven laſt Plagues be poured out upon Babylon, unto whom is given the Cup of the Wine of the fierceneſs of the wrath of God, verſ. 19. of which Cup every one that worſhippeth the Beaſt and his Image, and receiveth his Mark in his Forehead, or in his hand, ſhall drink, Chap. 14.8, 9, 10, 11.

p. 2The Angels Commiſſion is in the firſt verſe of this Chapter, And I heard a grea… Voice out of the Temple, ſaying, Go your wayes, and pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the Earth.

In this Commiſſion obſerve Chriſt's Command for the execution of the wrath of God upon Babylon; wherein you have, firſt, The Divine Authority of it, A great Voice out of the Temple; Secondly, The Perſons to whom the Command was given, Saying to the ſeven Angels, Go now. Thirdly, The work which they were commanded to do, Pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the Earth.

This great Voice was the Voice of the LORD, Iſa. 66.6. A Voice from the Temple, the Voice of the LORD, that rendereth recompence to his Enemies. It is called a grea… Voice; not onelyonly to ſhew us that it is the Lord's Voice, but his Voice out of Zion, which is his Temple, as was propheſied Joel 3.16. The LORD alſo ſhall roar o… of Zion, and utter his Voice from Jeruſalem and the Heavens and the Earth ſhall ſhake Yea, to declare that the great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and haſtned greatly, Zeph. 1.14, 15. which diſpenſation of the day of wrath, the Prophet calleth, p. 3The Voice of the Day of the LORD, Zeph. 1.14, 15. And ſuch is that Voice which is uttered out of the Temple of Heaven, from the Throne, ſaying, It is done, verſ. 17. of this Chapter; upon the pouring out of the ſeventh Vial.

The Temple in this firſt verſe, is called, The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Teſtimony in Heaven, chap. 15.5. and the Temple of God opened in Heaven, chap. 11.19. And in the 17. verſe of this Chapter, the Temple of Heaven. Not that we are to underſtand it to be in Heaven, in reſpect of place, for John ſaw no ſuch Temple in the holy and Heavenly City, chap. 21.22. But by the Temple of Heaven, or in Heaven, is meant the Heavenly State of the Church of God on Earth, reſtored to its Apoſtalical inſtitutions, and Primitive purity, called, the Temple of the Living God, 2 Cor. 6.16. It is called the Temple of the Tabernacle, to note, that the Church of God on Earth at this time of the pouring out of the ſeven Vials, is not ſo glorious, nor ſo fixed, as the Temple was in Solomons time, but rather doth reſemble the Tabernacle of the Congregation of the LORD, which had been in the Wilderneſs, and was come into the promiſed Land; in which Tabernacle of p. 4the Congregation of Iſrael, there was a ſignal Teſtimony of the preſence of God, Num. 9.15, 16. where was alſo the Ark of his Covenant, and wherein was the Service of God performed, and all his holy Sacrifices offered, 1 Chron. 16.17, 37, 40. And ſo when this Temple of the Tabernacle was opened, Rev. 11.19. There was ſee… in his Temple the Ark of his Covenant; and thoſe who had waſhed their Robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, that did ſerve him day and night in his Temple, chap. 7.14, 15.

The ſeven Angels which had command to pour out the Vials of the wrath of God, are them ſame ſeven who had the ſeven laſt Plagues, chap. 15.1. the ſame ſeven Angels came out of the Temple, verſ. 6. and the ſame ſeven Angels had given unto them ſeven golden Vials full of the wrath of God, verſ. 7.

Seven is a Prophetical Number, ſignifying both variety of Inſtruments, and perfection of the Judgements of God in this Propheſie, as the ſeven Trumpets, chap. 8.1, 6, 3. Some denouncing, and others executing theſe laſt Plagues.

Theſe Angels are cloathed with pure and white Linnen, and girded with golden Girdles, p. 5chap. 15.6. Their Cloathing declares ſome of them to be the Prieſts of God, for ſo were the Prieſts of the Temple cloathed, Levit. 6.10. & 16.4. 1 Sam. 2.18. And this was the Lords Inſtitution, Exod. 39.27, 28, 29. Their being girded with golden Girdles, ſhews that others of them are the Magiſtrates of the LORD, into whoſe hand God will commit the Government of the Kingdom of Chriſt, Iſa. 22.21, 22, 23. The Miniſters of the Churches are called Angels, chap. 1.20. The Angels of the ſeven Churches. And Kings alſo are compared unto Angels, 1 Sam. 29.9. & 2 Sam. 14.7. As an Angel of God, ſo is my Lord the King. The whole Deſcription teſtifies theſe Angels to be Kings and Prieſts unto God, whom Chriſt hath made ſuch, Rev. 5.9, 10. who was ſo cloathed and girded himſelf, chap. 1.13. And in the midſt of the ſeven Can…leſticks, was one like unto the Son of Man, …loathed with a Garment down to the foot, and …irt about the Paps with a golden Girdle; A Deſcription of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, as …rieſt and King in his Church.

Objection. But how can the pouring out … the Vials of the Plagues of Almighty God, full of his great wrath, be applyed p. 6unto the Miniſters of the Goſpel, who an to preach the moſt precious ſweet ſou… ſaving Truths of Jeſus Chriſt, eſpeciall conſidering that by theſe Vials and Plague… are meant the real and external Judgment and Plagues which God will have execute… by thoſe Angels upon the Whore, as appears chap. 18.8. Therefore ſhall her Plagues co… in one day, Death, Famine, &c.

Anſwer. The Miniſters of the Goſpe… may be ſaid to pour out the Vials of God great wrath, even his real and materi… Plagues, and moſt righteous Judgments up on the great City Babylon; as the Prophe… of old are ſaid to root out, and pull dow… and to deſtroy, and to throw down, Jer. … 10, 16. and to take the Wine-Cup of th… Lords fury at his hand, and to make a… Nations (to whom God ſends them) to drin… of it, Jer. 25.15, 16, 17, — 28. A… this they did by pronouncing thoſe Judgements of God againſt them, which the Lo… commanded them, Jer. 1.16. Even … the Miniſters of the Goſpel pour out th… Vials of the wrath of God, & real Plague… upon Myſtical Babylon, by pronounci… thoſe laſt Plagues of the wrath of God … gainſt her.

3. Theſe Angels come out of the Te… ple, p. 7chap. 15.6. after it was opened. This doth declare them to be the raiſed Witneſſes of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt; for the Temple was not opened (in the Viſion unto John) un…il the ſlain Witneſſes were riſen, and had …ſcended the Throne, chap. 11.7, 11, 15, 17, 19. So their coming out of the Tem…le ſignifies their Saint-ſhip, and that theſe Angels are fellow Citizens with the Saints, …nd of the Houſhold of God, built upon the …oundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets, Je…us Chriſt himſelf being the chief Corner Stone, in whom all the Building fitly framed …ogether, groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord, Eph. 2.19, — 22.

And who are more fit to declare the …engeance of the Lord, even the vengeance …f his Temple, Jer. 50.28. then the Mi…iſters of God in Zion? Or who are more …eet to execute the Righteous Judgments …f God upon Babylon, then thoſe Magiſtrates …nto whoſe hand the LORD will commit …he Government of Chriſts Kingdom here …n Earth, called, The People of the Saints …f the most High, Dan. 7.27. whom the …ORD of Hoſts will make his Battle Ax, …nd Weapons of War, and with whom he …ill break in pieces the Nations, and de…oy Kingdoms, and render unto Babylon p. 8all the evil that ſhe hath done in Zion, Jer. 51.20, 24.

Leſt it might be dubious how the Saint or true Worſhippers in the Churches, Miniſters or Magiſtrates, ſhould execute th… fierceneſs of Gods wrath upon Babylon, an… upon the Kingdom of the Beaſt, conſider th… ſome of the Angels which came out of th… Temple, may be alſo the holy Angels of God who are ſaid to be about the Throne in th… Temple, chap. 5.11. worſhipping God wit… the four living Creatures, and twenty for Elders, chap. 7.11. and who are ſaid to a… company the Saints, that were cloathe… with white Robes, and Palmes in the… hands, chap. 7.9, 10, — 15. (an Emble… of the victory they had gotten over the Be… and his Image, chap. 15.2.) For the ho… Angels of God are preſent in the Aſſe… blies of the Saints, 1 Cor. 11.10. 1 Pe… 1.12. 1 Tim. 5.21. And they are ſe… forth to miniſter for them; and therefor… may be ſaid alſo to come out of the Te… ple (as well as the Saints) to execute th… righteous Judgements of God upon Babylon, chap. 18.1, 2. And Chriſt alſo, w… is the Angel of the Covenant.

By the Earth, here we are to underſtan… the earthly State of Babylon, as it is contr… p. 9diſtinguiſhed from the Heavenly State of Zion, which is the true Church of God, Rev. 9.1. I ſaw a Star fall from Heaven to the Earth; which was the viſible Apoſtacy of the Clergy from the Heavenly State of the True Church of God, for ſoundneſs of Doctrine, purity of Worſhip, and power of Diſcipline, to an earthly State of a falſe Church, with reſpect unto corrupt Doctrine, ſuperſtitious Worſhip, and tyrannical Diſcipline, after the Inventions and precepts of Men.

And as the Earth, Gen. 1.2. is a genetal …earm, which comprehended the Land, the Seas, the Firmament, with the Sun, Moon, and Stars; the Air, and all Men, Beaſts, Fowls of the Air, and every creeping thing …hat God created and made out of that Maſs or Chaos. So by the Earth here is comprehended the Earth, Sea, Sun, Seat, and all other things of the Beaſts deviſing, men…ioned in this Chapter; and alſo thoſe In…abiters of the Earth, which are the Objects of the three dreadful WOES menti…ned, chap. 8.13. whereof the third Woe …ontains the 7. Vials of the laſt Plagues of God to be poured forth upon thoſe Inhabi…ers of the Earth, who are the worſhippers …nd admirers of the Beaſt, chap. 13. 8. 17. 8. & 14. 9, 10, 11.

p. 10The Saints having gotten the victory over the Beaſt, and over his Image, and over his Mark, and over the number of his Name; the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Teſtimony in Heaven being opened; the Doctrine, Worſhip, and Diſcipline of the Church of God in ſome meaſure reſtore… to their primitive Purity; the ſeven Angels, who have the ſeven laſt Plagues, being come out of the Temple, and having received ſeven golden Vials full of the wrath of God, with commiſſion and expreſs command to execute the fierceneſs of the Wrath and Plagues of God, poured out their Vials upon the earthly State of the Beaſt, and Myſtical Babylon, and upon all the Inhabiters of that Earth, to wit, the worſhippe… and admirers of the Beaſt; as hath bee… before declared and proved in the Expoſition of the firſt verſe.

And the firſt (Angel) went and poure our his Vial upon the Earth. verſ. 2. of th… Beaſts Kingdom.

The Earth in Scripture is often taken fo… an Earthly-State-Apoſtacy in any Natio… or Kingdom, upheld by men of corru… Minds, and earthly Intereſts, Gen. 6.11, 12, 13. Zeph. 3.8 This Earthly-Stat… Apoſtacy is propheſied of, and foretold … p. 11…he Apoſtle to be in the laſt dayes, 2 Tim. ….1, — 5. and is moſt likely to be the Subject of the laſt Plagues which are to be poured out of the ſeven Vials upon the Earth, verſ. 1. This Earth of the Beaſts Kingdom, is that Earth, whoſe Inhabitants rejoyced over the Witneſſes and Warriors of the LORD, when they were ſlain by the Beaſt, and their dead Bodies were not ſuffered to be put in Graves, chap. 11.10. againſt whom that third WOE is pronounced, chap. 8.13. and upon whom this firſt Vial is to be poured out. As the dry Land is called the Earth, Gen. 1.10. ſo by the Earth in this ſecond verſe, we are to underſtand ſome thing in the Beaſts Kingdom that bears a fit and full reſemblance unto the dry Land.

1. For Foundations.

2. For all manner of Flood.

3. For fulneſs of Riches, Pſal. 104.5, 14.

And therefore by this Metaphorical Earth, we are to underſtand, the Foundation, Doctrines, and Principles of all falſe Religions, as the Doctrine of Juſtification by Works, the Doctrine of Popiſh Supremacy, the Doctrine of Purgatory, Maſs, worſhipping of Images, Croſſes, Crucifixes, p. 12Altars, &c. the Doctrine of the worſhip of God according to the Commandments and Inventions of men; the Doctrine of Magiſtratical and Miniſterial Power coercively to be exerciſed over the Conſciences of men, in the Matters of God, his Worſhip and Government, both Political, and Eccleſiaſtical, &c. which like the dry Land, (called Earth) Firſt, Doth ſeem to ſtand ſo firm, that they ſhall not be removed for ever. And ſecondly, Out of thoſe Earthly Doctrines is produced all manner of Food for them that make their belly their God, as the Abbots and Prieſts do. Alſo thirdly, Out of thoſe Earthly Doctrines is produced abundance of riches, all their Temples, Cathedrals, Abbies, Friaries, Nunneries, Churches and Chappels, have been founded and built upon this Earth, which they that are the Inhabiters of this Earth, thought ſhould never be removed, chap. 18.7. For ſhe ſaith in ber heart, I ſit a Queen, and am no Widow, and ſhall ſee no ſorrow. Yea, the Popes themſelves, and their Cardinals, Arch-Biſhops, Prelates, Prieſts, and all the Clergy, (have been founded, fed, and enriched by theſe earthly Doctrines) who are the Inhabiters of this Earth, upon which p. 13this firſt Vial ſhall be poured out, and againſt whom the third Woe is pronounced, chap. 8.13. and upon whom the ſad effects of this firſt Vial will inevitably fall, viz. a noyſom and grievous ſore which fell upon the men which had the Mark of the Beast, and upon them which worſhipped his Image; which bears ſome alluſion unto one of the noyſome and grievous Plagues of Egypt, Exod. 9.10, 11. This Sore being noyſome, cauſeth both Lovers and Friends unto Babylon to ſtand afar off for fear of her Torment, chap. 18.10, 15, 17. And it being a grievous Sore, cauſeth much pain and torment unto the worſhippers of the Beaſt and his Image, chap. 14.8, 9, 10, 11. [which are the properties of ſuch Sores, Pſal. 38.11. & 77.2.]

The ſecond Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sea of the Beaſts Kingdom, verſe 3. that is to ſay, upon the Eccleſiaſtick Conſtitutions, Forms, Ordinances, Maſſes, Traditions, Will-worſhips, and all other Popiſh Superſtitions, and Inventions of Myſtical Babylon, that great Whore, and Mother of Harlots, (viz. both ill-favoured and well-favoured Harlots) the Catholick and National Churches of Rome, Spain, France, &c. which Idolatrous Worſhip, (like the p. 14Sea, when it is troubled, Iſa. 57.20.) is full of mire and dirt. As the gathering together of the Waters is called Seas, Gen. 1.10. ſo the gathering together of the general Councils, National Synods, Dioceſan Viſitations, Courts, &c. are called Seas, as the Sea of Rome, the Popes Sea, the Cardinals Sea, Canterburies Sea, Yorks Sea, &c. In which Sea of Myſtical Babylon, the Kings of the Earth, the Merchants of the Earth, Maſters of Ships, and as many as Trade by Sea do trafick for the States and Souls of men, &c. chap. 18.9, 11. The effects of this Vial is blood and death unto the Idolatrous and Superſtitious worſhippers. Behold, the righteous Judgements of God, and his juſt Retaliation unto the Scarlet and Bloody Whore, and falſe Prophet, the Sea of Rome, and all other Myſtical Seas of the Romiſh and Babyloniſh Churches in any Nation, whoſe Sea, by the pouring out of this ſecond Vial, ſhall become like the blood of a dead Man, and every living Soul died in this Sea.

And this Plague alſo may have ſome Alluſion unto that Plague of Aegypt, Exod. 7.20, 21. whoſe Waters was turned into blood, and the Fiſh that was therein died. So bloody and ſo deadly is the Idolatrous-worſhip p. 15of the Sea of Rome, and of all other Nations that worſhip the Beaſt or his Image, who ſhall utterly be deſtroyed, as appears, chap. 14.9, 10, 11.

The third Angel poured out his Vial upon the Rivers and Fountains of Waters in the Beaſts Kingdom, verſ. 4.

Theſe Myſtical Rivers and Fountains of Waters, bear ſome Alluſion unto thoſe material Rivers and Fountains which Solomon ſaith, run into the Sea, Eccleſ. 1.7. As the Fountains or Spring-heads run into the Rivers, and the Rivers run into the Sea; ſo the Emperors, Kings, Princes, and Nobles of the Roman Antichriſtian Politick and Eccleſiaſtick Government and Kingdom, give their power and ſtrength unto the Beaſt, chap. 17.12, 13. And to his Councels, Synods, Courts, &c. which is the River into which theſe Fountains run, and ſo into the Sea of Rome, Canterbury, &c. The great Monarchs of this World, and Kings of the Earth, are ſaid in Scripture to be the Head of their Rivers, Ezek. 29.3, 4. & 32.2, 6. I will alſo water with thy blood the Land wherein thou ſwimeſt, &c. Again, as the Fountains do ſignifie Kings, &c. ſo by the Rivers into which their ſtreams do continually run and p. 16are filled, and influenced by them, is meant the Antichriſtian Hierarchy, Popiſh Clergy, and all the falſe Prophets, Teachers, and Prieſts, and upon all that are in holy Orders, (as they ſpeak) who preach the Doctrine of the Beaſt, and worſhip his Image; ſuch as theſe are called Wells, (though without any living and refreſhing Water) 2 Pet. 2.1, 17. And they are here fitly reſembled unto Rivers of Waters in the Beaſts Kingdom. This Antichriſtian Monarchy, Hierarchy, Popiſh Clergy, Prieſts and Prelates, (like the Rivers and Fountains in and about a great City, Iſa. 18.27. Ezek. 32.2.) though they ſpoil the Land, and waſte the City, and foul the Waters, [for as a Fountain caſteth out her filthy Waters, ſo do theſe corrupt Fountains caſt out their wickedneſs, Jer. 6.7.] yet that great City, Myſtical Babylon, is made very great, (and like the Aſſyrian of old, Ezek. 31.3, 4, 5.) her height is exalted, and ſhe is enriched, becauſe of the multitude of theſe Waters and Fountains of hers, whoſe Nurſeries and Seminaries, like the deep, with her Rivers running round about their Plants, ſend out their little Rivers unto all the Trees of the field, and into the deep Sea.

p. 17The effect of this Vial is their own blood, which God in his righteous Judgements gives thoſe Monarchs, Kings, Prelates, Prieſts, and all the Popiſh Church and Clergy-men to drink, as a juſt Retaliation of the blood of the faithful Saints, and Sackcloath Witneſſes, which this Scarlet Beaſt and bloody Whore of Rome hath ſhed, by perſecuting and killing them, chap. 13.…7. & 11.7.17.4, 5, 6. & 18.20, 24. For which Judgments the LORD is acknowledged by all his Saints, and holy Angels in Heaven and on Earth, to be Righteous; and his Judgements alſo are acknowledged by them to be true and Righteous, verſe 5, 6, 7.

The fourth Angel poured out his Vial upon the Sun of the Beaſts Kingdom, verſ. 8.

That is to ſay, Upon the Emperour of Germany, the King of Spain, &c. with reſpect to the Temporal and Political part of the Beaſt's Kingdom, and upon the Pope of Rome, the Popiſh Cardinals, and Arch-Biſhops, &c. with reſpect to the Spiritual and Eccleſiaſtical part of the Beaſt's Kingdom; thoſe Antichriſtian Emperors, Kings, Popes, and Prelates, (like the Sun in the Firmament of Heaven, Gen. 1.16, 17, 18.) are moſt eminent and chief Lights, and p. 18have the moſt eminent Grandeur, Rule and Dominion in the Firmament or Fabrick … the Beaſt's Politick and Eccleſiaſtick Government and Kingdom; and are fitly reſembled by the Sun, and other Lights … Heaven, Iſa. 13.9, 10, 11.

The effect of this Vial, is the ſcorching of men with great heat, verſ. 9. By th… power that was given unto this Angel ſo t… do, verſ. 8. The men that are ſcorched with fire, and with great heat, verſ. 8, 9. are thoſe men of the Beaſt's Kingdom, who worſhip the Beaſt and his Image, chap. 14.8, 9, 10, 11. who are tormented with Fi… and Brimſtone, which cauſeth them to blaſ… pheme the Name of God, who hath powe… over theſe Plagues; And they repented n… to give him glory, verſ. 9. The Fire an… Heat, are the burning Heat and devouring Fire of the fierceneſs of God's great wrat… poured out of this Vial upon the Sun, which cauſeth thoſe dreadful Effects, Rev. 18.8… And ſhe ſhall be utterly burnt with Fire; fo… ſtrong is the Lord that judgeth her.

And the fifth Angel poured out his Vi… upon the Seat of the Beaſt, verſ. 10.

Who this fifth Angel is, the Expoſitio… of the firſt verſe gives us to underſtand viz. Some of thoſe Magiſtrates into whoſ… p. 19hand God will commit the Government of the Kingdom of Chriſt, (as was proved before) And ſome of thoſe Miniſters of his Churches, who ſhall come out of the Temple, even ſuch of his Saints as our Lord Jeſus Chriſt hath redeemed and made Kings and Prieſts unto God, who ſhall reign on Earth, aſſiſted by Chriſt, the Angel of the Covenant, and his Heavenly Angels, to execute the righteous Judgments of God, (as was alſo proved before) by pouring out of the Vials of the wrath of God.

This Vial is one of thoſe ſeven golden Vials which was given unto the ſeven Angels, which were full of the wrath of God, and contained the laſt Plagues, which are to be poured out upon Myſtical Babylon, to her utter deſtruction, as hath been proved, before, and chap. 16. verſ. 19. and all them that worſhip the Beaſt and his Image, chap. 14.8, 9, 10, 11. Theſe Vials are called the Cup of Gods Indignation, and the Cup of the Wine of the fierceneſſe of his wrath.

The Beaſt is the Object of the Wrath of God, even of the fierceneſs of his great Wrath, upon whom the LORD will pour out all his Plagues firſt and laſt, and Babylon ſhall drink the Cup of his Indignation, p. 20chap. 14.10. and the nineteenth verſe of this Chapter.

Beaſt in this Propheſie of the Revelation, is ſometimes named without any diſtinction; and then by Beaſt we are to underſtand the whole Complex Body of the Antichriſtian Politick and Eccleſiaſtick State of the Roman Kingdom, Church, and Government, as chap. 11.7, 13.18, 14.9, 11. and ſometimes the Beaſt is named with diſtinction, chap. 13.11, 12. as if there were two Beaſts, both which is but one Beaſt diſtinguiſhed by his twofold, Power, and Dominion, to wit, Political and Eccleſiaſtical, as doth appear, verſ. 1. & 4. So chap. 17.3. the Beaſt and the Woman, that is to ſay, the Political Government, and the Eccleſiaſtick State; likewiſe chap. 16.13. and 19.20. the Beaſt, and the falſe Prophet; alſo the Beaſt and his Image, chap. 13.14. By the Beaſt we are to underſtand the Roman Antichriſtian Political State Power and Dominion. By the Woman, wh… is the Whore, the Image of the Beaſt, and the falſe Prophet, (in divers reſpects) w… are to underſtand the Roman Antichriſtian Eccleſiaſtick State, Church, Worſhip, an… Government. The Reaſon of this diſtinction is the two-fold Authority and Juriſdiction p. 21which the Beaſt exerciſeth in the World, and in the Church; and therefore the Beaſt is ſaid to riſe from two places, to wit, out of the Sea, Chap. 13.1. and out of the Earth, verſ. 11. and to have two Horns like the Lamb, chap. 13.11. that is to ſay, a two-fold Power, Political and Eccleſiaſtical, both which was given unto the Beaſt by the Dragon, chap. 13.2. And the Dragon gave him his Power, and his Throne, and great Authority. Which Dragon is called the old Serpent, the Devil, and Satan, chap. 12.9. & 20.2. And he laid hold on the Dragon, that old Serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan.

By the Beaſt then in this verſe, is meant the Roman Antichriſtian Politick and Eccleſiaſtick State, Kingdom, Rule, Power, Dominion, Worſhip, and Government, …wit, the whole Complex Body of Anti…hriſt, who hath his Power, Throne, and …eat Authority given unto him by the De…il, and doth by virtue thereof exerciſe …oth a Political and Eccleſiaſtical Government. And this Roman Politick and Ec…eſiaſtick State, is that Antichriſt who de…eth the Father and the Son, 1 John 2.…. and that Man of Sin, and Son of …rdition, 2 Theſ. 2.3, 4, 9, 10. Who oppoſeth p. 22and exalteth himſelf above all that is called God, or that is worſhipped, even that Beaſt that aſcended out of the bottomleſs Pit, and goeth into Perdition, chap. 17.8, 11. As the Beaſt is the Object of the wrath of God, ſo the Seat of the Beaſt is the Subject upon which this fifth Vial of his wrath is poured out.

And the fifth Angel poured out his Vial upon the Seat of the Beaſt, verſ. 10.

By the Seat of the Beaſt we are to underſtand the Place, even the principal place where the Beaſt doth exerciſe his Power and great Authority; which is Rome, and alſo all other great Cities where the Beaſt hath his Reſidence, his Throne, his Courts, and exerciſeth his Grandeur and great Authority. The City of Rome is the ſeve… Mountains on which the Woman, that is, Myſtical Babylon, ſitteth, chap. 17.5, 9. And the Seat of the Beaſt being diſtinct from his Power and Authority, as it is, chap. 13.2. it muſt be interpreted of the place … the Beaſt's Reſidence, where his Throne … placed, and his Power and great Authori… is principally exerciſed.

The effects of this fifth Vial are four.

Firſt, A great Eclipſe of the Beaſt's fo… mer Greatneſs, Grandeur, and Glor… p. 23And his Kingdom was full of darkneſs; that is to ſay, The Beaſts Kingdom and Dominion both in the Political and Eccleſiaſtical part thereof was totally eclipſed, darkned, and clouded.

The ſecond effect of this Vial will be the extremity of Rage that the worſhippers of the Beaſt will fall into; And they gnawed their Tongues for pain.

The third effect of this Vial, will be their blaſphemy againſt God; And they blaſphemed God becauſe of their pain and ſores.

The fourth effect will be, an impenitent frame of hardneſs of heart; And they repented not of their deeds.

So that although the Beaſt and ſome of his worſhippers live, after his Kingdom and Dominion, both Political and Eccleſiaſtical be deſtroyed, yet they repent not of their Idolatries, which cauſeth God to proceed in his Judgments, and to pour out the 6th and 7th Vials upon them.

And the ſixth Angel poured out his Vial upon the great River Euphrates, verſ. 12.

The Object of the wrath of God poured out of this Vial, is the River Euphrates.

There was a River that ran through Meſopotamia unto old Babylon, which by way of Eminency, above all other Rivers, is p. 24called the great River, the River Euphrates, Gen. 15.18. Deut. 1.7. Joſh. 1.4. unto which this may bear ſome alluſion; becauſe what that natural River was to Material Babylon, this Metaphorical River is to Myſtical Babylon. The principal benefits of a great River are two, viz. Revenue, Iſa. 23.3. The Harveſt of the River is her Revenue; and Strength, Iſa. 8.7. The Waters of the River ſtrong and many, even the King of Aſſyria and all his glory.

By the great River Euphrates, here we are to underſtand that which is the Harveſt of Babylons Revenue, and the Puiſſance of her ſtrength at this juncture of time, when the Throne of the Beaſt, by the pouring out of the fifth Vial, was broken, and in a meaſure deſtroyed. That the day of Gods great wrath will be upon the Merchandiſe of Babylon, viz. her Merchandiſe of Gold and Silver, precious Stones and Pearls, Purple and Scarlet, Wine and Oyl, Corn and Cattel, Slaves and Souls of Men, is manifeſt, chap. 18.10, 11, 12, — 17. For in one hour ſo great Riches is come to nought. And by that Judgment of God upon Babylon, her great Revenue (which is one Stream of the great River) is dryed up.

But the ſtrength of Myſtical Babylon figured p. 25forth by this great River Euphrates, (in this 12. verſe) is the great Turk, and his numerous and mighty People; who will be at this juncture of time aiding and aſſiſting the Beaſt, and Myſtical Babylon, againſt Chriſt and his Zion; for which Cauſe God will pour out this Vial of his wrath upon both Turk and Pope, and upon all the People and Multitudes, who are the Waters of this great River, chap. 17.15. And the Reaſon why I rather incline to this Opinion, (than the former) is, becauſe all Expoſitors do interpret the great River Euphrates, chap. 9.14. to be the Turks. Now conſidering that this great River is mentioned but in thoſe two places of this Book of the Revelation.

Firſt, Under the ſixth Trumpet, chap. 9.14.

And ſecondly, Under the ſixth Vial, chap. 16.12.

I conceive it is moſt probable that one ſort or Nation of People is intended in both places, to wit, the Turks, who then did, and now do inhabit about that great River Euphrates; and as the looſing of the four Angels which were bound in that great River, chap. 9.14. ſignifyed the Turks breaking in and over-running the Nations, p. 26as a Plague (following Antichriſt) upon the Chriſtian WORLD: So the drying up of the Water of this ſame great River, chap. 16.12. ſignifyeth the waſting and deſtroying of the Turks Dominion, Power, and People, as a Plague upon them for ſtanding in the way of the LORD and his People, and aiding, aſſiſting, and helping his and his peoples Enemies, whom God hath purpoſed to deſtroy utterly; That the way of the Kings of the EAST might be prepared, verſ. 12.

By the Kings of the Eaſt, we are to underſtand the Jews, who are called Kings, becauſe of the Kingly Dignity which God will put upon them in that day, Mich. 4.8. The Kingdom ſhall come to the Daughter of Jeruſalem, Iſa. 62.1, 2, 3. Thou ſhalt be a Crown of Glory in the Hand of the Lord, and a Rayal Diadem in the Hand of thy God.

And the Kings of the Eaſt, becauſe they ſhall come from the East Countries, at leaſt ſome of them, Iſa. 43.5. I will bring thy Seed from the Eaſt, &c.

The way that is to be prepared for the Jews, is two-fold.

Firſt, For their Converſion.

And ſecondly, For their return unto their p. 27own Land, by taking the stumbling-block out of their way, Iſa. 57.14.

The Papiſts are a very great Stumbling-block unto the Converſion of the Jews; and the Turks are a great impediment unto their return unto their own Land, unto which God hath promiſed to bring them, Ezek. 37.21, 22, 25. and to that end God will have both theſe ſtumbling-blocks removed out of the way of his Antient People the Jews.

That which followeth in the 13, 14, 15, 16 verſes of this Chapter, is not any proper effect of this Vial, nor any part thereof, but rather an interval of time betwixt the ſixth and ſeventh Vials, wherein ſome remarkable things are to be tranſacted in order to the pouring forth of the ſeventh Vial, and therefore contain a praeparatory Viſion thereunto.

In which Viſion John ſaw three Embaſſadors or Agents ſent from the Dragon, the Beaſt, and the falſe Prophet, to the Kings of the Earth.

The Dragon is that old Serpent called Satan, which is the Devil, chap. 20.2. The Beaſt is the civil State or political Powers, which Beast roſe out of the Sea, chap. 13.1. The falſe Prophet is the Eccleſiaſtical State, p. 28which is the Beaſt that roſe out of the Earth, chap. 13.11. He is here called the falſe Prophet, becauſe now he is unmasked, and his Vizard pluck't off, to wit, his pretended likeneſs unto the Lamb, chap. 13.11. And now he is diſcovered to be that Deceiver and falſe Prophet which was to come.

The three unclean Spirits like Frogs, verſ. 13. are their Embaſſadors or Agents, called Spirits, for their ſubtilty and activity, and pretending to be ſpiritual men, and imployed principally about Religious and Spiritual Affairs, (like Ahabs falſe Prophets, 1 King. 22.21, 22. who deceived the Kings of Iſrael and Judah, in perſwading them to go up to Ramoth Gilead to Battel) and therefore are ſaid to be Spirits of Devils, verſ. 14. working Miracles: as the Devil raiſed up falſe Chriſt's, and falſe Apoſtles; ſo he doth falſe Prophets, purpoſely to deceive the Kings of the Earth, and the Inhabitants of the Earth, that they may not receive the true Chriſt, believe the true Apoſtles, nor regard the Teſtimony of the true Prophets of the Lord.

Before John ſets down the ſucceſs of this their Negotiation, he writes a word of warning, as it were a Parentheſis, verſ. 15.

Behold I come as a Thief, &c. that is to p. 29ſay, ſuddenly and unexpectedly, as Mat. 24.43, 44. and 2 Pet. 3.10.

Bleſſed is he that watcheth for my coming, and keepeth his Garments white and clean, and faſt girded unto him; leſt he walk naked, and they ſee his ſhame, 1 Tim. 5.22. Jam. 1.27.

The ſuccſs of their Negotiation followeth, verſ. 16. And he gathered them together into a place, called in the Hebrew Tongue, Armageddon. He gathered them together, that is to ſay, the Dragon, which is the Devil, by his Frogs, thoſe unclean ſpirits, gathered them together, viz. the Kings of the Earth.

By Armageddon we are to underſtand the name of a place, which the Jews ſhall give after they have gotten ſome conſiderable victory over the Turks, and therefore called it Armageddon, the place of deſtruction of an Army; which happily may have an …lluſion unto that great deſtruction of the Ca…aanites at the Waters of Megiddo, Judg. ….19. when Siſera the chief Captain of Jabin, with all his Hoſts, fell by the hand of Deborah, and Barack, where was made …uch a total deſtruction, that it is ſaid, Judg. ….16. And the Host of Siſera fell upon the …dge of the Sword, and there was not a man …eft.

p. 30And ſuch an univerſal deſtruction will be the effect of this Battel at Armageddon, chap. 19.20, 21.

And the ſeventh Angel poured out his Vial into the Air, &c. verſ. 17.

The Object of this Vial is the Air, which notes the univerſality of the Subjects upon whom the wrath of God is poured out of this ſeventh Vial. The Air fills all places, no Subject can be more general then the Air.

By the Air, here we are to underſtand all Nations, Kingdoms, and People; all Places, Perſons, and Things, that oppoſe the Kingdom, Worſhip, and Government of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and his Sion, Iſa. 60.12.

The Earth, Sea, Rivers, Sun, and Seat of the Beaſt's Kingdom is deſtroyed by the former Vials; And by this ſeventh Vial ſhall be deſtroyed all things whatſoever remains of Sathans Kingdom; Who is called, Epheſ. 2.2. The Prince of the power of the Air.

The other ſix Vials were poured out upon their particular Objects, but this ſevent… Vial is poured out into its Subject; which notes the ſpreading and dilating of it ſe… into every part of Satan's and the Beaſt'… Kingdom, for the utter deſtruction o… p. 31every thing therein that remained.

So then the wrath of God poured out of this Vial, will diffuſe and ſpread over,

Firſt, The whole Kingdom of Antichriſt, or the Beaſt.

Secondly, The remaining Dominion and Kingdom of the Turks.

And thirdly, The whole Kingdom of the Dragon, that old Serpent, which is the Devil.

And when all theſe Enemies againſt Chriſt and his Kingdom ſhall be deſtroyed by the pouring out of this ſeventh Vial, then comes a great Voice out of the Temple of Heaven, (to wit, the Viſible Church of God on Earth, reſtored unto her primitive Purity, and made glorious, Iſa. 60.7, 12, 13, 14.) ſaying, It is DONE, chap. 10.6, 7. viz.

The Myſtery of God is finiſhed, as he hath declared to his Servants the Prophets. This Voice is Chriſt's, chap. 21.5, 6. He that ſat upon the Throne, ſaid unto me, It is DONE. This Voice is ſaid to come from the Throne in the Temple of Heaven, in this 17. verſe; that is to ſay, It came from Chriſt, who ſat upon the Throne, chap. 21.5, 6. and implies now Chriſts Kingdom ſhall be ſet up, and he himſelf ſhall ſit upon the Throne, chap. 3.21. and all his Saints with him.

p. 32And there were Voices, and Thundrings, and Lightnings; and there was a great Earth-quake, &c. verſ. 18.

The like to this was the effect of the Witneſſes riſing, chap. 11.13. upon which Commotions the tenth part of the City fell; ſo here by this great Earth-quake, the great City is divided into three parts, verſ. 19. Fractions, or Diviſions, note the utter ruine of the Roman-Antichriſtian-Politick-and-Eccleſiaſtick-State, Power, Dominion, and Kingdom of the Beaſt; For a Kingdom divided againſt it ſelf cannot ſtand.

And the Cities of the Nations fell, verſe 19. litterally, ſuch Nations as come to help the Beaſt, and the Turk againſt the Lord and his People. Mystically by the Cities of the Nations, we may underſtand National Churches. The great Whore is called the great City; ſo the Harlots, who are her Daughters, chap. 17.5. are here called the Cities of the Nations. If the Catholick Church of Rome be the great City, then the National Romiſh Churches, may alſo be called the Cities of the Nations; which ſhall fall in the Day of the Lords controverſie with all Nations, Hag. 2.22. and Jer. 25.30, 31, 32, 33.

And great Babylon came in remembrance before God, verſ. 19.

p. 33By great Babylon here is primarily meant, Conſtantinople, the royal City of the great Turk.

And Secondarily, All his Principalities, Domininions, and Kingdom, propheſied of, Iſa. 14.4, 5, 24, 25, 32.

Neither am I alone in this my Opinion, for Mr. Brightman and others are of the ſame Jugement. And my Reaſons are,

1. Becauſe the great City, and great Babylon are contradiſtinguiſhed one from the other in this 19 verſe, and therefore cannot the ſame.

2. Becauſe great Babylon is ſaid here to come in remembrance before the LORD, which cānot literally be applied to the City of Rome; for that was the Seat of the Beaſt, upon which the fift Vial was poured out; nor can it be mystically applyed unto the whole Kingdom of the Beaſt, for that had come in remembrance before the Lord, in pouring out the former five Vials.

3. Becauſe the Turk hath been, is, and will be as great an Enemy againſt the Jews (eſpecially in their return to their own Land) as the Pope hath been, is, and will be againſt the Gentile Saints; And whereas both Turk and Pope, together with the Kings and Nations of the Earth, being now at laſt p. 34all combined together, with all their Forces againſt the LORD and his Saints, both Jews and Gentiles, they ſhall all drink of the Wine of the fierceneſs of Gods wrath, which ſhall be poured out of this ſeventh Vial without mixture of Mercy; chap. 19.19, 20, 21.

Every Iſland fled away, and the Mountains were not found, verſ. 20.

By Iſlands and Mountains, here we may underſtand,

1. Places of hiding, and of ſecurity, Ezek. 39.6. Iſa. 2.19, 21. and Hag. 2.6, 7, 22. But there will be no ſecurity not hiding, for every Iſland fled away, and the Mountains were not found, ſo that their ruine will be inevitable without any refuge or ſhelter.

2. By Iſlands we may underſtand ſuch things as are ſeparated from a common, unto ſome ſacred uſe, as Iſlands are ſeparated from the main Land by Waters that go round about them. Such are all Popiſh Conſecrated and Dedicated things, viz. Biſhopricks, Deanaries, Cathedrals, Churches, Chapples, Priories, Nunneries, Church-Lands, and Revenues; all theſe, and all of theſe kinds ſhall be ſequeſtred and taken away from their Sacred, or rather Superſtitions p. 35and Idolatrous uſes, and reſtored unto a common and civil uſe, as before any ſuch Conſecration, Dedication, Aſſignation, or Separation.

3. By Mountains, we may underſtand, the great Powers and Dominions of the Earth, the Monarchs and Monarchies of this WORLD, Zech. 4.7. Iſa. 40.4. Jer. 51.25. Theſe ſhall not be found; for they ſhall be broken and deſtroyed utterly, and they ſhall be made like the Chaff of the Summer Threſhing-Floors, which the Wind carrieth away; Dan. 2.35. And no place was found for them.

And there fell upon men a great Hail out of Heaven, &c. Verſe 21.

The Hail from Heaven ſignifies ſome more immediate Judgements and Plagues of God. Here may be ſome Alluſion to the deſtruction of the Canaanites by great Hailſtones from Heaven, Joſh. 10.11. Or elſe this is that great Storm of Gods immediate Judgements threatned Prophetically againſt Gog in the Land of Magog, Ezek. 38.2, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23. And I will plead againſt him with an overflowing rain, and great Hailſtones, fire and brimſtone, &c.

And men blaſphemed God, &c. Verſe 21.

This is the Effect of Gods moſt juſt and p. 36righteous Judgements upon all his unplacable Enemies, they Blaſphemed God. This was the Effect of the Plagues poured out of the Fift Vial, Verſe 9, 11. which was the Beaſts former practice, Chap. 13.6. The Beaſt was a Blaſphemer from the Beginning, and ſo continues unto his End; He lives and dies in his Blaſphemies againſt God, and periſheth for ever.

Now as touching the Time, when theſe Seven Vials ſhall be poured out, though I have a very honorable eſteem of thoſe Godly and Learned Expoſitors of this Book of the Revelation, who are of opinion, that three or four of theſe Seven Vials are poured out already; Yet notwithſtanding all that they have ſaid, I confeſs I am not of their mind, out do rather think, That none of thoſe ſeven Vials are yet poured out.

The Scripture-Grounds that I have to offer for my Opinion in this Point are theſe, Viz. 1. Becauſe, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Teſtimony in Heaven is not opened, out of which Temple the ſeven Angels come forth with their ſeven golden Vials, Chap. 15.5, 6, 7. Which Temple I have proved before, to be the p. 37Heavenly State of the Church of God on Earth, reſtored in ſome Meaſure unto its Apoſtolical Conſtitutions, and primitive Purity: which, when ſo, was called the the Temple of the Living God, 2 Cor. 6.16.

Let Chriſtians conſider, that none of the Seven Vials are to be poured out until the Temple be opened, that is to ſay, until the Church of God on Earth be reſtored in ſome meaſure unto its Apoſtolical Conſtitutions, and primitive Purity, which is not yet done, and therefore no Vial is yet poured out. 2. Becauſe, Chriſt's Sackcloch Witneſſes and Warriers muſt be ſlain, and raiſed, and the Seventh Trumpet ſounded, before the Temple be opened, or any of the Seven Vials be poured out, Chap. 11.7, 11, 14, 15, 19.

But theſe things are not yet done, and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet poured out. Let Chriſtians conſider, Are the Witneſſes ſlain, before their Teſtimony be finiſhed? Verſe 7. ſaith, When they ſhall have finiſhed their Teſtimony, the Beaſt, that aſcendeth out of the Bottomleſs Pit, ſhall make war againſt them, and ſhall overcome them, and kill them: And if theſe Witneſſes and Warriers be ſlain, Are they Riſen and aſcended up to Heaven? (that is, to p. 38an Heavenly State and Dignity) and have their Enemies been enlightned to behold them? as is propheſied they ſhall, Verſe 11, 12. Again, Hath the Seventh Angel ſounded his Seventh Trumpet? as is propheſied Verſe 15. which Angel muſt Sound his Seventh Trumpet before this Wrath come, Verſe 18. I offer theſe three Reaſons to the ſerious Conſideration of Chriſtians, why the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet, Viz. 1. The Myſtery of God is not finiſhed, which muſt be done when the Seventh Angel begins to Sound his Trumpet, Chap. 10.6, 7. 2. The Second Wo is not Paſt until the Witneſſes and Warriers be raiſed and aſcended, which muſt be done before the Seventh Angel Sound his Trumpet, Chap. 11.11, 12, 14, 15. 3. Upon the Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet, The Kingdoms of this World do become the Kingdom of Chriſt and of his Anointed, Chap. 11.15. But this is not accompliſhed, which argues that the Seventh Angel hath not Sounded his Seventh Trumpet, which Seventh Trumpet muſt uſher in the Seven Vials, as the Seventh Seal did the Seven Trumpets, Chap. 8.1, 2, 6. whereby it is manifeſt that the Temple is not opened, p. 39nor any of the Seven Vials poured out.

And Thirdly, Becauſe, Thoſe Seven Vials contain the Seven laſt Plagues (Chap. 15.1. for in them is filled up the Wrath of God) which are Contemporary with the Victory, which the Saints ſhall get over the Beaſt, and over his Image, and over his Mark, and over the Number of his Name, Chap. 15.1, 2, 3, 4. Standing upon a Sea of Glaſs mingled with Fire, and ſinging that Triumphant Song of the Lamb, Verſes 3, 4. Which Victory the Saints have not yet Gotten, neither can they ſing that Triumphant Song, and therefore none of the Seven Vials are yet poured out. Let Chriſtians conſider, 1. That the Seven laſt Plagues will utterly Ruin and Deſtroy Antichriſt, Root and Branch, and that ſuddenly, Chap. 18.2, 8, 10, 17, 19. 2. That the Seven laſt Plagues contain that laſt Judgement of the great Whore (called Myſtery Babylon) which doth precede the Marriage of the Lamb, Chap. 17.1. and 19.1, 2, 3, 7. 3. That the Seven laſt Plagues are the effects of the laſt War of the Beaſt and Falſe Prophet, and the Kings of the Earth againſt the Lamb, our LORD Jeſus Chriſt, and his Armies in Heaven, namely, his Saints who are Called, and Choſen, and p. 40Faithfull, Who having Overcome and gotten the Victory over theſe Enemies of God, of Chriſt, and of his People, They pour out thoſe Vials of the laſt Plagues of God Almighty upon them, chap. 17.13, 14. chap. 16.14. chap. 19.19, 20. and chap. 18.6, 7, 8. All which Argues that the Seven Vials of Gods laſt Plagues are not yet poured out. 4. Becauſe the Firſt Angel hath not yet poured forth his Vial; And If the Firſt Angel hath not poured forth his Vial, then the Second, Third, nor any of the Seven Angels have not poured forth any of their Vials. But that the Firſt Angel hath not poured out his Vial [beſides what hath been ſaid for the proof of my Opinion, the Reaſons and Scripture-Grounds given for the ſame in general] I do humbly offer theſe following Arguments to prove. Viz. Though I Reverence thoſe Godly and Learned Men, and Bleſs the Lord for their worthy Labours in the Expoſitions of the Book of the Revelation; Yet I cannot, (for the Reaſons before given) conſent with them who affirm that Waldo, Wickliff, Huſſe, Luther, &c. are meant by the Firſt Angel, that poured out the firſt Vial: nor can I be of their Opinion, who ſay by this Angel is meant, the Sweden p. 41Wars, nor the Long Parliament; nor any other Perſons or Plagues, which have befallen the Antichriſtian Roman Political and Eccleſiaſtical State unto this Time: Becauſe I ſee not the Effects of this Firſt Vial accompliſhed upon the Earthly, Carnal, and Worldly Intereſt of the grand Apoſtates of theſe Laſt Times. Which thing cauſeth me to continue in my Opinion, both in general touching all the Seven … and in particular touching the Firſt Vial, … I ſhall be convinced by Scripture-Light, and ſound Reaſon grounded thereon; Viz. That the Firſt Angel hath not poured out his Vial.

1. Argument for the proof thereof is from chap. 18.21. Thus with violence ſhall that great City Babylon be thrown down, and ſhall be found no more at all.

I have already declared, that the Vials of the Laſt Plagues do contain that laſt Judgement of the great Whore (called Myſtery Babylon) mentioned Chap. 18. And all Expoſitors of this Propheſie of the Revelation do affirm the ſame: which being ſo, This Compariſon chap. 18.21. holds eſpecially in theſe two things; viz.

Firſt; as a great Milſtone caſt into the Sea doth not ſometimes ſink, and another p. 42while ſwim; now falling down, and then riſing again; Thus, or ſo When any of the Seven Angels pour out any of their Vials upon any part of the Roman Antichriſtian State of the Beaſt's Political and Eccleſiaſtical Kingdom, that Part upon which the Vial is poured forth ſhall fall, periſh, and riſe no more; no nor be found no more at all, chap. 18.11, 14, 21.

Secondly, As a great Milſtone caſt into the Sea falls and ſinks down irrecoverably unto the Bottom; Thus, or ſo when the Firſt Angel hath poured out his Vial upon the Earth, the Second upon the Sea, the Third upon the Rivers, the Fourth upon the Sun, and the Fift upon the Seat of the Beaſts Kingdom, Babylon (like a Milſtone) ſinks to the Bottom; that is to ſay, The utter deſtruction of the Great Whore Myſtery Babylon is ſuddenly effected by the pouring out of the Vials of the Laſt Plagues of the fierceneſs of the Wrath of God upon her, chap. 18.8, 10, 17, 19. for in one Hour ſhe is made deſolate. But we ſee not ſuch Effects of any Plagues of God yet upon Babylon, and therefore conclude, that the Seven Laſt Plagues or Vials are not any of them poured forth, no not the Firſt of them.

p. 432. Argument, that proves the Firſt Vial is not yet poured out is, Becauſe That noiſom and grievous Sore (which is the Effect of the Firſt Vial) is not yet fallen upon the Men, which had the Mark of the Beaſt, and upon them that did worſhip his Image, chap. 16.2. For,

1. That noiſom Sore will cauſe both all the Lovers and Friends of Babylon for ever to ſtand aloof, yea, after off from her, and from them that the Sore is on, to wit, Popes, Cardinals, Biſhops, Prieſts, Jeſuits, Fryars, Monks, &c. And upon them that worſhipped his Image; namely, all the Papiſts, Crucifix-adorers, Image-worſhipers, Croſs-creepers, Altar-bowers, &c. chap. 18.10, 15, 17.

2. That grievous Sore will cauſe ſuch exquiſite Torment, and pain unto the Men that had the Mark of the Beaſt, and upon them which worſhipped his Image, That the Smoke of their Torment aſcendeth up for ever and ever, chap. 14.9, 10, 11. and when the Kings of the Earth, the Merchants of the Earth, and the Shipmaſters, Saylers, and all the Company of Ships, and as many as Trade by Sea, ſhall ſee the Smoke of her Burning, and the Torment of her Worſhippers, they will p. 44ſtand afar off and Cry, Alas, alas! for in One Hour ſhe is made Deſolate, chap. 18.18, 19.

But there is no ſuch notſom and grievous Sore fallen upon the Men, that had the Mark of the Beaſt, nor upon them that Worſhipped his Image. The Popes, Cardinals, Prelates, Prieſts, &c. nor the Papiſts, who worſhip Images, Crucifixes, Croſſes, Altars, &c. have not been ſo tormented by any plagues of God, that the Smoke of their Torment hath Arcended for ever and ever; Nor have the Kings of the Earth, the Merchants of the Earth, nor they that Trade by Sea ſo ſeen the ſmoke of he… Burning, as to ſtand afar off for fear of he… Torment, Concluding and Confeſſing that in one hour ſhe is made Deſolate; Read ch. 18.9, 10, 15, 17, 18, 19. And therefore I again conclude, (being the more confirmed in my Opinion, by theſe Arguments) That the Firſt Angel hath not yet poured out his Vial: And if the Firſt Vial be not yet poured out, then none of the Seven Vials of the Laſt Plagues are as yet poured out.

And until theſe Seven Vials of the Laſt Plagues of God be all poured our, The Kingdom of the Antichriſt will not be totally and finally Deſtroyed; nor will all p. 45the Kingdoms of this WORLD become the Kingdom of the LORD, and of his Saints: Th…gh there will be ſome conſiderable Beginnings of the Deſtruction of the Kingdom of Antichriſt, and of the Eſtabliſhing of the Kingdom of our LORD Jeſus Chriſt before the laſt Vial be poured out.

Touching which Two Kingdoms, viz. of Antichriſt, and of Chriſt, I have ſomething to offer in the Third Part of this little Treatiſe, which I judge meet for the Saints in this GENERATION to know: Into the right underſtanding whereof, the LORD guide my heart and yours by his Holy Spirit and Word to his Glory, that we may know what we ought to do in this DAY of our GENERATION. Amen, and Amen.

Apocalyptical MYSTERIES.

The Third Part. Touching the Kingdome of Antichriſt, and the KINGDOME of CHRIST.

Rev. 11.15.

The Kingdoms of this WORLD are become the KINGDOM of our LORD and of his CHRIST, and HE ſhall REIGN for ever and ever.

LONDON, Printed in the Year, 1667.