AN ALARM TO THE LAST JUDGEMENT.  
OR An exact discourse of the second coming of Christ, and of the general and remarkable Signs and Forerunners of it past, present, and to come; sound and soberly handled, and wholesomely applied.  
Wherein divers deep Mysteries are plainly expounded, and sundry curiosities are duly examined, answered and confuted.  
By T. D. Bachelor of Divinity.  LUKE 21.28. 
When these things begin to come to pass, then hold up your heads, for your redemption draweth near.  
LONDON, Printed by Nicholas Okes for Matthew Law, and are to be sold at the sign of the Fox in Paul's Churchyard. 1615.   

TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL AND REligious, the Major, and Aldermen of Harwich in Essex, and to all the devout and zealous Christians and Parishioners, both of Dovercourt and Harwich, a plentiful increase of all inward and outward happiness.  
ALBEIT (Right Worshipful, and most dearly beloved) some have causelessly doubted of, and others have damnably denied, a main and principal Article of the Christian Faith; namely, the visible and glorious descent of our Lord jesus from heaven to judge both the quick and the dead, whose coming we thirstingly and continually expect and pray for; yet it is clear and very demonstrable, by the current of sacred Scripture, and by due observance of the ruinous estate of the world, and the daily accomplishment of the forerunners and general Signs of the last day; that the ends of the world are come upon us, 
1. Cor. 10.11.  That the end of all things is at hand, 
1. Pet. 4.7.  and that these are the very last times: For  
First, if in the Apostles times it was so near his period and consummation, yea consumption; how much more near is it in our times, sith that so many hundreds of years are long ago expired? And what if the Lord seemeth to stay long, and to defer his coming, yet this delay is nothing, being compared with Eternity, and a thousand years with God are but as one day, 
2. Pet. 3.8.  and the Lord will in the mean time, have the number of his Elect fulfilled, and the sins of the Reprobate grow to their full measure and ripeness.  
Secondly, it is certain that the glorious Gospel hath, even in the Apostles times, been solemnly published and proclaimed to the whole (habitable) world, so that such a solemn and general Legacy and Embassage is not again to be expected.  
Thirdly, the ancient and mighty Roman Empire, that in former ages had the command of some two hundred and fifty Countries, Kingdoms and Provinces, is now so impaired, wasted and weakened, that it hath lost all his former Majesty and Dominion, and retaineth only a bare and naked image, and picture, of that it formerly enjoyed: 
2. Thess. 2. ●.  So that that, which by it puissance kindred Antichrists coming, being taken away, and the thousand years of Satan's binding being expired, 
Apoc. 20.2  Antichrist is confessedly come.  
Fourthly, Antichrist (I mean that Italian Priest and Romish Caiphas) hath been (by his excess of tyranny and superstition) revealed, even in the year of Christ, 607, and sithence; but from the year 1517, unto our days, he hath been not so much discovered, as by the Breath of God's mouth, that is, by the Preaching of the Word, been confuted and confounded: and not withstanding that the busy and restless. Jesuits, Priests, Seminaries, study and strive to recover their losses, and heal the wounds of the ever-dying Beast, yet it is but a lightning before death, & periturum gaudium. 
Ester 6.13.  The Romish Haman hath begun to fall before Mordecai of the seea of the jews, yea, to fall before the reformed Christians, and therefore he shall never prevail against them but certainly fall before them.  
Fiftly, sin and iniquity every where aboundeth, and is grown excessive and impudent: all things are out of square, all flesh hath corrupted his way, and (whether we respect Doctrine, Discipline, and (specially) corruption of manners) in most Coasts and Countries, there is almost no faith left on the earth.  
Sixtly, All the Elements, all the creatures, the Sun, Moon, Stars, Plants, Birds, Fowls, Fishes, etc. groan grievously under the burden of man's sins, 
Rom. 8.20.21.22.23.  and are wonderfully perverted by man; yea, exceedingly decayed in their proprieties, virtues, efficacies, and therefore watchfully wait for their plenary and final deliverance from this bondage of corruption.  
Lastly, (to pass over in silence many other Arguments, yea, and some few Signs shortly to be fulfilled, whereof I distinctly entreat in the ensuing Treatise) the just judge of the world must needs give perfect rest and glory to his troubled Saints and servants; 
2. Thess. 1.7.8.  and of necessity render vengeance unto his, and their, implacable enemies.  
Wherefore (my dearly beloved Brethren and Parishioners) let us be wise hearted and awaken ourselves; and the rather, because God (in his wisdom) hath deservedly concealed and kept from us, the knowledge of the set hour, day, yea year, let us (casting away all unprofitable and vain curiosities) take notice of the accomplishment of the Signs and Tokens of the last judgement, as they are revealed in the volume of the Bible, and seeing the last of them to begin only to come to pass, let us rejoicingl hold up our heads, 
Luk. 21.28.  knowing that the day of our (full) redemption draweth nigh.  
And that you might be more plainly and plentifully, directed and instructed in these Doctrines and Duties, I have (in my love and Pastoral care) been moved, to Print, Publish, and Inscribe unto you, this small Treatise following, purposing (if need require) hereafter to enlarge it. And seeing that, by Divine Providence, the ample charge of Dovercourt and Harwich is committed unto me, a poor Minister of the Gospel, I therefore, by the help of God, will carefully and conscionably discharge my Office and Ministry. And I doubt not, but that you generally, having with such contentment received my doctrine, and so kindly and respectively entertained me, will continue, yea, happily proceed in the work of your love; which will greatly redound unto God's glory, and much tend to my encouragement. If my reverend, grave, learned, and diligent Predecessor, your late Pastor of blessed memory, hath planted you, I will do my best endeavour to water you, and build you up in the faith, referring the success and increase unto the blessing of the Almighty.  
But being so well persuaded of you all, and expecting all good things from so well disposed and zealous people, I cease to use further speech, and I withal, betake and commend you unto the direction and protection of the Prince of Pastors, the Bishop of your souls, our Lord jesus Christ, who always bless and preserve you. From Harewich in Essex june 12. 1615.  
Your loving and careful Pastor: THOMAS DRAXE.   

An Alarm to the last judgement.  

THE FIRST CHAPTER Containing the Preface.  
BEFORE that we treat and discourse of the general Signs and Forerunners of the Last judgement, it shall not be impertinent, in few words, to show and demonstrate the Subject itself: for where there is no Substance, there are no Accidents; and where there is no Foundation, there is no House, or Building. Therefore that the truth of these Signs may more manifestly appear, and that we may more orderly proceed; I thus, by warrant of God's Word, and weight of invincible arguments, evince, and prove, these three main principles of Faith and Religion. First, that there shall be an universal judgement, wherein all reasonable creatures shall be called to an account. Secondly, that JESUS CHRIST the Son of God, is appointed of God, to be the judge of the judge, both of the quick and the dead. Lastly, that this world (in respect of the fashion, form, and corruptible qualities thereof) shall have an and, and come to destruction. That there is a set and prefixed day of judgement (though unto us profitably unknown) and that there shall be a general judgement, I thus declare.  
First, the sacred Scriptures are pregnant and plentiful in this point, job 19.25. Psalm. 9.8. Isa. 66.15. Dan. 12.2. Math. 25.31. Luke 18.17. john 5.28.29. and chap. 12.44. Act. 17.31. Rom. 2.16 1. Thess. 4.16.17. and chap. 5.2. 1. Pet. 4.8. Tit. 2.13. Apoc. 20.11. 12.13. Heb. 9.27.28.  
Secondly, the doctrine of the last judgement, 
Heb. 6.2.  is a very ancient, and principal Article of the Apostles Catechism; and therefore no person, unless he be a mere Atheist, or Infidel, can, or will deny it.  
Thirdly, the General Resurrection, the necessary and immediate antecedent of the judgement, 
Sublatis destinatis ad finem, tollitur finis.  and those that shall arise and appear in judgement, who are the proper object of it, do enforce it; yea, and what arguments serve to prove the Resurrection, the same justify the last judgement.  
Fourthly, the general and particular judgements, calamities, and punishments, both in the old and new Testament, and in all succeeding ages, are Types, Similitudes, and Fore-significations of it. Of this kind were Noah's Flood (or Deluge) wherein the world was drowned; the over-whelming of Pharaoh and the Egyptians in the red Sea; the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah; the destruction of jerusalem; the ruin of the four great Monarchies of the world, that afflicted Gods chosen; and of late time, the sinking and dispersing of the Spanish invincible Armado, Anno Christi 1588., in the English Seas, and by the coasts of Ireland.  
Fiftly, unless there should be a final judgement, wherein every man is to receive a reward according to his works, God could not declare himself perfectly just. For all sins in this world committed, come not to light: neither are all punished that are apparent. Tyrants, and Oppressors; yea Christ's Arch-enemies, the Turk and Pope, etc. live long, and prosper in their wickedness. And if God should censure all sins that are done in the earth, than no other judgement would be expected: wherefore the Lord beareth long with sinners, and suffereth the offences of the Reprobate to grow rotten ripe, that he may fully and finally punish and plague them at the last day. Forbearance is no quittance: Christ cometh with woollen feet (i. fair and softly) but striketh with Iron hands, that is deadly.  
Sixtly, unless there come a day of general release and absolution for the godly, yea a day of full deliverance, and glorious triumph, God cannot declare himself completely and infinitely merciful. For it seemeth to go well with the wicked, in this world, and ill with the good: The godly are oppressed and persecuted, troubled and tormented, molested, martyred, massacred, and both inwardly and outwardly afflicted; therefore the just Lord cannot but at length reward the patience and piety of his servants: Great shall their reward be in heaven: 
Math. 5.5.  He shall recompense the lightness of their momentany afflictions, 
Rome 8.18. 2. Cor. 4 17 18.  with an exceeding and superexcellent weight of glory.  
Seventhly, the fear, trembling, astonishment, horror of conscience and dreadful despair in many malefactors (specially persecutors and murderers) even of those that escape the judgement of the Magistrate, doth evidently argue that there will come a day of reckoning, and that there is an hell fire, whereof these are certain flashings, and forerunners.  
Lastly (to be brief) the children of God look and long for, groan and pant for this day and time; which is the day of their Marriage, of the body's ascent into heaven, and of their entrance and inauguration into the Kingdom of Glory. These spiritual sighs and sobs, 
Rom. 8.22.  are special effects of God's spirit, infallible characters of God's children, and the very earnest of our inheritance. Inward desires make a louder sound in God's ears, then bare words uttered with the tongue, and therefore cannot miss the mark, viz. eternity of blessedness.  
Now that jesus Christ, not only as he is God, whereby in the decree, efficacy, and authority of the judgement, he is equal with God the Father, and the Holy Ghost; but also as he is man, in regard of the sentence to be pronounced, and the visible execution of the judgement; is and shall be the judge both of the quick and dead, the Scriptures put it out of question, Dan. 7.9.10. joh. 5.27. Act. 10.42. 2. Cor. 5.10. 2. Tim. 4.1.  
Secondly, it is an Article and foundation of faith, firmly to be believed.  
Thirdly, it is one end, and that a principal one, of Christ's Resurrection & Ascension: It is a part of his Kingly Office which he shall then most openly and eminently execute.  
Fourthly it standeth with all equity, that He that, when he lived on earth, 
Mat. 26.64  and was most unjustly judged, accused, indicted, condemned and executed, should at length, gloriously, and in the view of all the world, judge, arraign, condemn, and fee execution done upon his enemies.  
Lastly, to stop the mouths of, and to put all Atheists to silence, the Heathenish Prophetess Sibylla testifieth as much, saying 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
That is: 
Christ shall come in the clouds  
In glory, with his sinless Angels.   
And that this miserable and corruptible world, with all the contemned creatures shall (not in respect of matter and substance, but outward form, and accidental qualities) have an end and consumption, thus I compendiously make it manifest. First, by express Scripture: Secondly, by Argument. Heaven and earth shall pass away: 
Mat 24.35 1. Cor. 7.31 2. Pet. 3.10  The fashion of this world passeth away. The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the elements shall melt with heat, the earth also and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up. 
Apoc. 20.11  I saw (saith Saint john) a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the heaven and earth fled away, and there was found no place for them. Secondly, by argument, I thus make good my assertion. The world being but a creature had a beginning, and therefore it shall have an end; Omnia orta intereunt. The world as in the several parts, so in the whole, daily fadeth, decayeth, weakeneth, and is in an irrecoverable consumption, therefore it must needs, at length, come to an end. A ruinous house will in tract of time fall, and a sick body cannot hold out long. The world must be renewed at the last day; 
2. Pet. 3.  for there shall be a new heaven, and a new earth: 
Generatio unius est corraptio alterius.  Ergo the old heaven and earth must (of necessity) be first abolished. Lastly, some of the Pagan Philosophers and Poets (whensoever, or wheresoever, they had so much light) acknowledge as much.  
The Platonists held, that the world should be destroyed: so did the Sibyls Prophecy: The Poet Ovid in the first book of his Metamorphosis, and Lucan in the first book belli Pharsalici, justify as much; and man's sin hath justly deserved and procureth it.   

CHAP. II. Of the Signs and Forerunners of the last judgement in general.  
ALBEIT the day and hour of the last judgement is unknown to all men, to the very Angels of heaven, 
Mat. 24.36  yea albeit the Son himself being on earth knew it not; 
Mar. 13.32  yea, although no man knoweth the year when the Son of man will come to judgement (For it is not for us to know the times and seasons which the Father hath put in his own power) yet the Lord jesus, 
Acts 1.7.  that he might not so much leave the wicked his irreconcilable enemies, without all excuse and pretence of ignorance, and withal appall, affrighten and astonish them, specially when his second coming nearly approacheth, doth kindly and lovingly forewarn his children, that they should neither be amated, nor found unready (for a man forewarned is half armed.) And that he might comfort and encourage them against the manifold scandals, troubles, and miseries of this present life; He hath (I say) in the Scriptures, left and given them many general and notable Signs, Tokens and Forerunners of his coming, which they daily do, and always ought, to take notice of, that when they see these things come to pass they might hold up 
Luk. 21.28.  their heads, knowing that their Redemption draweth near.  
These Signs and Prasagia are like to so many tender green, 
Mat. 24.32  and levy branches of the Figtree that shewerh the Summer of their happiness to be nigh. These are like the white and yellow ears of corn that declare the Harvest to be at hand; and these are (as it were) so many sounding Trumpets, or Alarms, 
A similitude.  to awaken us. And as the Sun being about to arise, first sendeth forth his bright beams a far off, and enlighteneth the East; so our Lord jesus the Sun of righteousness, doth before his second coming, send certain general Signs, and (as I may say) Harbingers, that men might the more carefully wait for, and more diligently address and prepare themselves against that time. The Tempests threaten before that they arise: the Houses crack before they fall, and the Smoke goeth before the flame: So these Signs and Forewarnings go before the consummation of the world.  
These Signs & Forerunners are of three sorts: namely, those that are already accomplished and fulfilled: Secondly, those that are mixed signs and praedemonstrations in continual action and motion; and those that yet remain in their due time to be performed. Of these plainly, and in order: But (that I may clear the coast, and proceed with more dexterity and profit) two principal questions by many moved, are to be seasonably decided. 
Questions  First, why God doth not, and will not, reveal unto any the hour, day, year, and time of the last judgement. Secondly, why the Lord seemeth so long to delay and put off that day and judgement; especially seeing that he promiseth to come quickly, and that his children so long wait and so earnestly pray for that time.  
I answer to the former question: The Lord will have the day, hour, year, etc. of the universal judgement concealed. First, because it is the Glory of God to conceal a thing, 
Prou. 25.2.  and not to reveal some things before the event, which is the best & surest interpreter. Secondly, that he might bridle and repress the impudent boldness, and rash curiosity of those, that vainly, yea presumptuously, pry, and search into things forbidden, unnecessary, and impossible to be known, & in the mean time neglect the searching out of, and the due practice of things in the word of God revealed and commanded. Thirdly, and lastly, not only to try and make known the modesty and humility of his dear servants, whether that they will break into the closet of his secrets or no; but also to keep them from the slumber of security, and to stir them up to watch for, and prepare themselves against that day. Vtiliter (saith an ancient Father) latet ultimus dies ut obseruentur omnes dies: That is, it is for our profit that the last day is unknown, that we may observe and watch all days.  
The second question.  
Why doth the Lord so long defer his coming to judgement?  
Ans. First that the Prophecy of the Revelation, 
Apoc. 6 11 & 11.10.  and of other Scriptures should be fulfilled: For heaven and earth shall pass away, 
Mat. 24.35  but no point or tittle of God's word shall pass away unaccomplished.  
Secondly, that the sins and abominations of the wicked and profane, who abuse and despise the riches of God's goodness, 
Rom. 2.4.  forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth them to repentance: and who misspend and lavish their time that God hath allotted for their repentance; 
joh. 14.22.  might be left without plea or excuse, and that their sins being heaped up to heaven, might be punished with eternity of torments.  
Thirdly, that none of the Predestinate should perish, 
1. Tim, 2, 4  but that in this world they should come to the acknowledgement of the truth, 
2, Pet, 3, 9  to repentance, and so consequently to salvation.  
Lastly, to try, declare, cherish, and exercise, the patience, faith, hope, and charity of his chosen, that live amongst such an infinite number of lewd, Atheistical, scandalous, superstitious and venomous people, and yet by the grace of God, directing and preserving them, are blameless, 
Phil. 2.15.  harmless, without rebuke, and shine as light in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation.   

CHAP. III. The first general Sign, the desolation and destruction of the Temple and City of jerusalem, and the utter overthrow of the jews Commonwealth.  
THE first general Sign of the end of the world, 
Mat. 24.12  is the utter ruin and laying waste of the City of God, 
Mat. 13.12  jerusalem, of the holy Temple, and the ruin of the jews policy and Commonwealth. 
Dan. 9.26.  The Temple and City was destroyed by Titus and Vespasian, Roman Emperors, the nine and thirtieth year after the Ascension of our Lord into heaven: And the jews ever since have been led away captive into all nations, 
Luk. 21.24  and jerusalem hath been trodden down of the Gentiles, 
1. Thess. 2.15.  and the wrath of God is come upon them to the full, now whether the believing jews shall towards the end of the world, be temporally restored into their own Country, rebuild jerusalem, and have a most reformed, and flourishing, Church and Commonwealth (as some by extraordinary expositions, seem to gather out of the Scriptures) the issue and event will discover. But (to finish the point in hand) the desolation of the Temple and City of jerusalem, by reason of the similitude and correspondency, of things, persons, and events, is a type and figure of the destruction of the world.   

CHAP. FOUR Of the Preaching of the Gospel unto all Nations.  
THE second general Sign is the publishing, Preaching, and proclaiming of the blessed Gospel in and through all (the habitable, 
Mat. 24 14  and then known, especially the Eastern) world, by the ministery of the twelve Apostles: These as Christ's Ambassadors, and like twelve Beams of the Sun of Righteousness, being effectually called to this heavenly Function, furnished with most rare, extraordinary, and miraculous gifts above all former Prophets, and having a Charge and Commission, with a promise annexed, 
Mat. 28.19.  to Teach and baptize all Nations, 
Distributive▪  and to Preach the Gospel to every (reasonable) creature; did accordingly perform it, and sealed and confirmed it with their blood and martyrdom; 
Psal. 19.6.  so that the line of the Apostles went out into all the earth, 
Col. 1.6.  and their words unto the end of the world, Rom. 10.18. and prospered and was fruitful: And since that time he that sitteth on the White (Triumphant) Horse, and hath a Bow in his hand, 
Apoc. 6.2.  and a Crown on his Head, i. the Lord jesus, and his Vicars, viz. Christian Kings and Emperors, have gone forth Conquering and to Conquer.  
Lastly, the Lights, Lamps, Fathers and Pillars of the Primitive Church, Saint Origen, Saint jerom, Saint Ambrose, and others, write, and avow, that all Nations were enlightened by the Apostles; so that the Apostolical calling and gifts being ceased, and the Gospel once universally having been published, no such solemn Legacy is the second time of us, or our Successors, to be expected.  

I. Aetiologià.  
The Lord would hereby enlighten all Nations, and by the Arm of his Gospel draw all the elect effectually unto him: 
Rom. 1.16.  For the Gospel is the power of salvation to every one that believeth, to the jew first, and also to the Greek. This is the Golden Sceptre of Christ's Kingdom which when it is holden forth, 
Psal. 110.2.  and by the elect touched, it is the instrument of their salvation.   

II. Aetiologià.  
Secondly, the Lord would, and will, have the Preaching of the Gospel to all Nations, to be a Testimonial, 
Mat. 24.14  (at least of convincement) unto them, that they should pretend no ignorance, nor have any thing to say in their defence: For they that know, or (at least) have sufficient means to know Gods will, and do not embrace and execute it, shall be beaten with many stripes: 
Luk. 12.47  i. their pains in hell shall be greater than of those, who never enjoyed the means of salvation: yet they sinning without Law, shall perish without Law. 
Rom. 2.12.    

Question.  
It seemeth that the Gospel hitherto, hath not been known, much less Preached by the Apostles, to the Americans and West Indies, those huge and vast Countries, for there is no monument or record of any such matter: and therefore the time is to come when they shall be enlightened, and receive the Gospel of our Lord jesus.  
Ans. I must in this difficult point answer, as distinctly, so by distinction. First, I answer that the Apostles and Evangelists, having taught and Preached the Gospel, to the most famous, known and populous Kingdoms, Provinces, Cities, and Towns, it is very probable that they, or their Successors, did Preach the Gospel to the unknown, obscure, and most barbarous Nations, such as are the Americans, West Indies, and North Parts of the world: And what if now either driven thitherby Tempests, or forced by enemies, they might in time grow barbarous, and lose all knowledge of Christ? Again, I deny not but that the Gospel may, and shall be at length published and made known to the Americans, if they never formerly heard of it; for the mercy of God in Christ is of infinite extent. And if the very Jesuits (though arch-heretickes, and the firebrands of sedition) perhaps sow some seeds of Christianity amongst them: How much more purely and plainly, may the English, Hollanders, and other Professors, in time, perform it? Fourthly, it divers parts of Europe, have within these hundred years last expired, since the revealing of Antichrist, and the dispersion of the mists of Popery, been so greatly illuminated: why may not (specially after the general calling and conversion of the jews, which we continually expect, and pray for, and which shall be the Enliving and Resurrection of the world) the Americans, 
Rom. 11.12  West Indians, and other Nations; yea even in the Turks Dominions, be enlightened?  
Lastly, it is sufficient to convince the world of unbelief, and to leave the Inhabitants without excuse, if only the Fame, Rumour, and Report, yea the very Sound of the Gospel hath come unto them: For they might have inquired, traveled, and proceeded further. But time and experience will clear this doubt.    

CHAP. V. Of a general Apostasy from the Gospel of Christ.  
THE third general Sign, already past, is not only the decay and ruin of the ancient and mighty Roman Empire, 
2. Thess. 2.  whereof now a name and a shadow, and not the tenth part of the Demaines and Dominions remaineth, that by the overthrow of it Antichrist might arise, 
Apoc. 13.14.  prevail, and tyrannize; and the Turk likewise domineer, 
2. Thess. 2.3.  but a general, 
Apoc. 9.1.2.  and almost universal Apostasy, revolt, and departure of all Nations, 
Apoc. 13.7 8.  from the Gospel of Christ, partly to Mahomet, as we see is come to pass in the East parts of the world, and partly to the Romish Antichrist as we see verified in the Western parts. 
cap. 18.3.  This Apostasy began Anno Christi 606 (or thereabouts) Forerunners whereof were, and foundations whereof laid long sithence, those proud, ambitious, and erroneus Prelates, that taught justification before God to proceed of man's works; that taught invocation, and worshipping of Angels and Saints; that brought in Traditions; adored Relics; immodestly, and immoderately extolled single life, against God's express Word, forbade meats, and marriages, defended the doctrine of Free-will in the work of our salvation, brought in an infinite number of old and idle ceremonies; yea, overmuch magnified the Sea and Primacy of Rome. Nemo repentè fit turpissimus: The Mystery of iniquity began in the Apostles times, and went on by degrees, and (at length) the venom and poison of false and damnable doctrine did infuse and diffuse itself into all the veins and vital parts of the Church: so that that of Isaiah is verified in the Romish Synagogue, From the sole of the foot even to the head, 
Esay 1.6.  there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores. Neither ought this to seem strange unto us, seeing that before the Incarnation of Christ, the like Apostasy befell to us Gentiles, about the year of the world 2455, and continued about fourteen hundred years: and the like apostasy or revolt happened to the ten Tribes, Anno Mundi two thousand nine hundred sixty five, and lasted some thousand years. For it pleased God in his justice by leaving men to their own wills, and by sending them strong delusions, to vindicate and revenge the contempt and refusal of his holy Gospel once offered unto them, and sincerely Preached amongst them.   

CHAP. VI Of the revealing and discovery of Antichrist.  

2. Thess. 2.3.  THe fourth general Sign already (at least in great part) accomplished, 
Apoc. 11.4 5.6. chap. 14. à v. 6. ad 12.  is the displaying and discovery of Antichrist by the Ministry of God's word, etc.  
This Antichrist, Bishop, or Pope of Rome, is that Great Star (or Bishop) that when the third Angel sounded, 
Apoc. 8.10  fell from heaven (i. the Church) burning, viz. before his fall, as it were, a Lamp, and fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters: i. Corrupted and poisoned the Church, and the Bishops, Pastors and Ministers of it. This is the Angel of the bottomless Pit: i. came from thence, and thither will return, with all his favourites & followers. This is the King of the Locusts, 
Apoc. 9.11  i. the Head and Prince of the Monks, Friars, Jesuits. This is that Man of sin; 
2. Thess. 2 3.  i. nothing but sin; yea a Teacher and Commander of it. 
Passiuè & actiuè.  The Son of Perdition: i. that is damned himself, and draweth innumerable with him to the same destruction. He opposeth himself, 
Ver. 4.  and exalteth himself above all that is called God: i Kings, Emperors, Princes, and Angels, that are in Scripture oftentimes styled Elohim, 
Psal. 82.1.  or Gods. He sitteth in the Temple of God, i. (as most Interpreters, old and new, expound it) the Church of God, because it was a true Church, and is so reputed; and a true Church lurketh amongst them: Showing himself that he is God: that is, not only assumeth to himself the title of God, viz: Holiness, and so to be called; but taking upon him power to Change times, Place and displace Kings; Forgive all sins; dispense with the degrees of Marriage forbidden in Moses Law; To command the Angels: to allow all villainy, and (without control) to do what he list. His will standeth for a Law: And forsooth the Holy Ghost dwelleth in his breast; and he cannot err (viz. but damnably.) His Seat is the new Babylon, i. Rome, that is seated (or was so in Saint john's days) upon seven known Hills, and then reigned over the Kings of the earth; for some 250 Provinces and Kingdoms, were subject to the Roman Emperor. In a word, all the Popes from Boniface the third, unto the now Pope Paulus quartus, are that great Antichrist, in a continued seat, succession, tyranny, false doctrine, and Regiment, that Saint Paul, and Saint john so much speak of.  
He hath been revealed some three hundred years ago, by worthy john Wickliefe, and others: But specially and notably from Anno Christi 1517, until this present date 1615, by Apostolical Martin Luther; and by many most learned, holy, and famous Doctors & Pastors in Germany, France, England, Bohemia, and other Countries and Kingdoms. The light of the Gospel, and the exact knowledge of the fountain Languages, hath, and daily doth, discover, dispel, and scatter, the darkness, shades, mists, and clouds of Popery. God (in mercy) continue and increase, amongst us the number of such worthy instruments, and grant that these flying Angels, may, without interruption, pass through the midst of this (European) Heaven, 
Apoc. 14.6  and Preach the everlasting Gospel to all Nations, Languages, and People, and that they may speedily and zealously embrace and retain it, Amen.   

CHAP. VII. Of the great persecutions under the Roman Anti christ.  
THE fifth general Sign, already (at least for the most part) accomplished, are the great persecutions, massacres, murders, wars, poison, rackings, excommunications, banishments, imprisonments, and all kind of cruelties against Protestant Princes, Prelates, Pastors, Professors, Churches, Kingdoms, Provinces, under the Romish Fox, Wolf, Antichrist, and his Butcherlike and bloodsucking followers; especially (over all Europe) in these last hundred years immediately expired. Their Religion is rebellion, their faith is faction, their badge is blood. 
Apoc. 18.24.  Rome hath been, & (to their power) yet is, the Shambles and Slaughter-house of the Saints. How many hundred thousands of Christians in Europe hath not that viperous and bloody generation slain and destroyed? But we see and hope that the most part of these troubles are overblown; 
Apoc. 6.11  that the Church hath and shall have a further rest and breathing time: 
Mark. 13.7  that the Papists shall be drunk in their own blood, and Babylon shortly be burnt with fire. And admit that the Romanists (for our trial, or, to punish our coldness and remissness in the profession of the pure worship of God) practise, or attempt aught, in Germany, France, the Low Countries, or, our secure, England; yet we trust it is but a Lightning before death: and a principal means to put an edge to our prayers; to scour off the dross of our drowsiness, and to enkindle the zeal of Protestant Kings, Dukes, Pastors and Professors against them, to their fatal and utter ruin; which the Almighty grant, for jesus Christ his beloved sons sake, Amen.  
And thus much of the general Signs of the last day, perfectly fulfilled, which is the first part of the Treatise.    

The second part of the Book touching mixed Signs in continual motion.  

CHAP. VIII. Of the vanity, corruption, and manifold abuse of the creatures.  
THE first general mixed Sign in continual action and motion, is the vanity, decay, mortality, and marvelous abuse of the creatures, daily growing and prevailing until the consummation and end of the world. The world waxeth old as a garment; it, and all the parts of it, fade, waste, consume, and draw toward their fatal period. All things (by sinful, licentious, and rebellious man) are abused, perverted, misapplied (against the Creator's scope, and the creatures desire) to unlawful, or immoderate profit and pleasure; yea to revenge, and open persecution. The Sun and Moon, 
The Sun & Moon.  those two great Eyes of heaven, are often darkened, and fearfully eclipsed, and (as learned Astronomers have observed) many thousand miles nearer the earth then in times past. The Planets and the other Stars, 
Stars.  like so many Candles and Spangles in the heavens, are much decayed in their virtues and operations, and by hurtful effects and influences, often annoy corn, man, beasts and plants.  

The Air.  The Air that we breath in, is oft troubled, infected, and consumeth into the clouds; and many frightful and ominous fights appear in it.  

The Earth.  The Earth, the common mother of us all, is many ways cursed, it is sore weakened, shaken eftsoones by earthquakes, the Sea oft encroacheth upon it, and marreth the beauty of it, deadly damps proceed out of it: it is in many places much more barren then in former times; or else aboundeth with weeds, thorns, and unprofitable things.  

The Sea.  The Sea ebbeth and floweth, it corrodeth and eateth upon the firm Continent, roareth, is tempestuous and unquiet, and drowneth both men and Ships.  
Rivers are often dried up, 
Waters.  and change their channels.  
In Plants, 
Plants.  Herbs, Trees, there is not the same vigour, efficacy, feeding, and medicinable virtue, which was in times past.  
Men are not so tall of stature, 
Men.  not so long lived, not so strong as in the days of old: They are more frail, feeble, mortal; and though they are more illumined, more witty, and learned, by many degrees, then in old time; yet they generally are more crafty, wicked, mischievous: they have science, but not so much conscience.  
Excess in Building and Apparel, 
Building.  sunt aegrae Reipub. indicia, that is signs of a sick state: They serve rather for show then substance, and are more glorious than lasting. Many Chimneys and little Smoke, fair houses and small hospitality; gallant houses and great enclosures, often eat up men, and dispeople the Land.  

Apparel.  Apparel is used more for neatness then necessity, for garishness then seemliness; fair feathers make fairy fools, and now a days apparel maketh a man: For matter, men (and especially the womankind) that often carry all their riches on their backs, and that have decked bodies but deformed souls, exceed their calling and ability, they cut not their coat according to their cloth; and this the poor Tenants find and feel. Alas poor souls! And as for fashion and form (now the Fashions kill an horse) the French, Spanish, Italian, and every new fangled form, is in request. If they were as monstrous in their bodily shapes, as they are prodigious in their attire, all men might justly wonder at them, and abhor them. The Peacock is a goodly Bird but hath foul feet: and they that affect fineness in apparel, neglect the sanctification of the soul; and (in a word) the levity of Apparel, doth argue the lightness and changeableness of the mind.  
Marriages are more desired for riches then Religion, 
Marriages  for goods than goodness; 
Genus & forma sine re vilior alga est.  and the face is more respected than grace; but like beginnings have like end, and like cause like effect, like parents, like posterity.  

Diet.  In Diet many great and rich men observe no time, order, measure; they look that the meat be rather toothsome then wholesome; they pamper the body but pine the soul; they stuff themselves but starve the poor; hence ensue surfeits, sicknesses and untimely deaths.  

Drinks.  And touching drinking, men were never so much given to immoderate drinking, and to be drowned in drunkenness, as in this dropsy age; not the fiery Tragon (yet there are too many ominous fires) but the watery Trigon reigneth: Men make their body's Tuns to receive the Wine and the Ale, and when the Wine and Ale is in, the Wit, yea Grace is out: They drink away all grace out of their hearts, money out of their purses, honesty out of their lives, and oftentimes die, and are damned in their drunkenness.  
And that Indian, 
Tobacco.  and costly, weed, now only and commonly in request, whereof so many thousands live (and yet they sell nothing but smoke, that though it came not out of the bottomless pit, it leads many into it) I mean that smoking and devill-choaking Tobacco: For if the smoke or vapour that came out of the liver of a Fish could drive the devil out of Tobias daughter: Of how greater force is the Nicotium or Tobacco? 
Tob. 6.16.17.  This Simple and drug serveth to dry up the drunken dropsy, that men may gull in the more drink. It is a nourisher of lust and drunkenness; yea of all idleness and prodigality, and a shortner of the life, rather than a lengthener of it.  
Docet experientia rerum. O would some strait and strict Statute were made against this waste-time and waste-mony Tobacco; for now it is a raging and unruly evil, better beseeming Pagans than Protestant's.   

CHAP. IX. Of the daily weakening and wounding of Antichrist.  
THE second general Sign in continual and present motion is the daily weakening and wounding of Antichrist and Popery in Christendom, by Writing, by Disputes, and by the Word and the Sword. The breath of the Lords mouth, 
2. Thess. 2.8.  i. the mighty and powerful Preaching of the word of God must consume him: viz. by degrees and times. And hence it is, that the Pope and Papists are such deadly enemies to the sincere and plentiful Preaching of the Word. The three orders of Angels, 
Reu. 14. v. 6. ad 11.  i. of Pastors and Preachers, must reveal, prophesy the ruin of Antichrist, and under pain of damnation, labour to revoke the favourites of Antichrist from their pernicious errors and heresies.  
The Christian Magistrates, Princes, Dukes, judges, Captains, etc. must and shall lead the Babylonians into captivity, slay divers of them with the sword; render double unto these seducing idolaters; 
chap. 18.6. chap. 17.6.  hate the whore, make her naked, eat her flesh and consume her with fire: And this is in continual execution; and both Magistrate and Ministers, Captains and Colonels, are in the Scriptures commanded and enjoined to prosecute this business. God stir up their zeal and resolution; 
judg. 5.23.  For Cursed is he that helpeth not the Lord against the mighty, 
jer. 48.10.  or, that goeth negligently about the work of the Lord.   

CHAP. X. Of the falling of particular persons from the revealed truth, and their return to the errors of Antichrist.  
THE third general Sign, in continual motion, is, that in the latter days, certain shall depart from the faith; 
1. Tim. 4.1.  some Princes, some Prelates, some Ministers, some Professors. They affect not, nor love, the sweet and sugared Gospel of Christ, but rather delight and dote upon sense-pleasing superstition; 
2. Thess. 2.11.12.  and hence being justly forsaken of God, these ignorant and unstable souls return with the dogs to their former vomit, and with the swine to their wallowing in the mire of Popish defilements. 
2. Pet. 2.   
These that thus fall away in this great light of the world, whether to Antichrist or to Epicurism, and Atheism, are Comets soon consumed, and not fixed Stars that always abide in the Firmament. These are like Chaff blown away with every blast of trouble, 
Psal. 1.4.  but not good Grain that abideth. Finally, they are they that build their house upon the sandy foundation of man's inventions, or at least of Historical and Temporary Faith; 
Mat. 7.26 27.  and therefore as soon as the winds blow, 
Math. 13.10. & 21.  and the waters flow, it falleth. For if they had builded it upon the Rock Christ, and kept Faith and a good Conscience, they had stood firm and fast, like the Mount Zion, 
Psal. 125.1  which standeth fast for ever and can never be removed.  
But, thanks be to God, this wind shaketh no corn: though the Church of Rome gain in one place, it looseth in another: that which is gained in the shire is lost in the hundred.   

CHAP. XI. Of a general corruption in life and manners, which is more to be feared in these latter days than corruption in doctrine.  
THE fourth general Sign in daily motion and increase, is the inundation of all manner of sin and wickedness, and a general corruption of men's manners. This plague reigneth and rageth: vices and abuses creep upon men by stealth, by their contagion infect them, and pass from one to another. Our age is (as it were) the Sink of all former ages, into which all filthiness runneth. The more Light we have, the more Lewd we are: the more we are warned, the more wicked we show ourselves. Men indeed have a Form and profession of godliness, 
2. Tim. 3 1.  but deny the power thereof in their hearts. Men generally so now live, as though there were no judge to call them to an account, no heaven for reward, and no hell for punishment: and, as though the Preachers threats and thunderings were but scare-bugs; yea, as though God had granted out a general indulgence unto all manner of sin.  

Mat. 24.11  Charity is waxen cold, yet self-love aboundeth. Usury by the Scriptures, all ancient Fathers, and Counsels, condemned to hell, and in former generations scarce heard of, is now become a common Trade. O Legal, nay o Lawless thieves! Might overruleth Right; the poor is the rich man's booty. Idleness, excessive pride in apparel, blasphemy, Saboth-profanation, lying, yea, and drunkenness, abound and are unpunished. These are privileged sins, and seem to have some special charter and immunity, yea impunity. But the judgement of God sleepeth not, and one day shall pay for all. What should I speak of fraud, deceit, filthy living, backbiting, malice, envy, and going to the Law (to feed the greedy Griffins) for every trifle? Men (in a manner) mind nothing but eating, drinking, buying, selling, building, marrying, and giving in marriage; 
Luk. 17.26.27.28.  planting, setting, etc. not dreading the last day (though nearly approaching) much less preparing themselves by faith and repentance, against the second coming of our Lord jesus. But when they shall say peace, 
1. Thess. 5.3.  peace, sudden destruction shall come upon them as the travail upon a woman with child, and they shall in no wise escape. Finally, there is no truth in men's promises; whereas in time past every man's word was thought as good as an Obligation. There seemeth almost no faith left upon the earth, whether we respect God or man: Good men decay and evil men abound; yea, one may with better like and applause live loosely then Religiously: For every religious man (though never so discreet) shall usually be mistermed a Puritan, a Precisian, a Schismatic, a factious and seditious person. And alas! what ill have these honest and harmless men done? or who are these that so exclaim and declaim against them, but Libertines, Atheists, Papists, Drunkards, Gamesters, Epicures, and the like, whose tongue is no slander? What shall we conclude of all these, and the sins of all Callings and Trades, in Church, Family, and Commonwealth, which would be too long now to recite, All these daily and wondrously increasing, do presage and evince that the end of all things is at hand; and therefore we should be sober, and watch and pray, 
1. Pet. 4.7.8.  but above all things have fervent charity amongst ourselves.  
For as ulcers and bodily diseases 
A similitude.  coming thick, and members out of joint, are forerunners of death near at hand: so these common and prodigious offences and scandals evidently argue, that the day of the Lord is not far off.  
It shall be our wisdom, and good for us in this common pestilence of Manners, to get and preserve the Antidotes and Counter-poisons of faith and a good conscience; that though we live in all evil world which will grow worse and worse, yet we be not infected by it: And it is the greatest trial, yea and the highest commendations for any man to be godly, good, and devout, amongst those that are openly wicked: For it showeth that grace in him is more strong to preserve him, then wicked and profane men to poison, or pervert him.    

The third part of the Book touching general Signs yet for to come.  

CHAP. XII. Of the utter ruin, sacking, and burning of Rome, the seat of Antichrist.  
THE first general Sign of Christ's coming, that is yet not begun, is the ruin and utter desolation of the City Rome: For the Throne of the Beast must grow dark; 
Apoc. 16.10  Babylon must fall, it must fall, and come into remembrance before God: 
Apoc. 18.8  at one instant must her plagues come, viz famine, mourning, death; it must be burnt with fire, 
Ver. 12.13.  and all her precious things, all her Musical instruments, and idol furniture be wholly consumed, and ever after unto the coming of our Lord, Baybilon must be an house of devils, 
Ver. 2.  and a Cage of every hateful and unclean Bird: Some of the ten Horns: i one of the last Emperors, or some valiant Duke, must be the chief instrument to execute God's fore-determined vengeance upon her. The Romanists and Italians and others, that are willed to come out of Babel, 
Ver. 6.  and to render Double unto the Whore for that she had done unto them, shall assist the principal instrument.  
That Rome shall (literally understood) be utterly desolated before the end of the world; not only all Protestant Interpreters of the Revelation hold, but also the Sibyllae; 
Lact. de diu. praemio. lib. 7. c. 11.  yea divers chief Papists, as namely, Vega, Ribera, Bellarmine, the Rhemists, and others confess.  
Touching the year and point of time, when Rome shall be destroyed, albeit we dare not (as some do) determine of some thirty years hence, 
The time of the burning of Rome.  and some more probably of a shorter time, yet we are persuaded that it is near at hand, and (perhaps) much nearer than most imagine. For the power of the Pope in foreign Kingdoms is much lessened; his authority in civil causes every where falleth to the ground; yea in his own Dominions, in Venice, Florence, Milan, etc. Many that have been by him seduced begin to ken and smell him out; To speak nothing of England and other Protestant Kingdoms that have wholly forsaken him. Now let us come unto some forcible reasons and arguments, whereby we may make strong our assertion.  

I. Reason.  
All Kingdoms and States have their set Periods and Fatal years, which being expired, they must needs fall and come to nought, and lightly in the space of 500 years there is seen an alteration in all States, and why not in Rome?   

II. Reason.  
All tainted, unsound, and putrefied bodies, having the beginning and matter of their destruction in themselves, do at length (though no man hurt them) vanish and die: But Rome and Popery, is such a tainted, unsound, and rotten body; yea an old wind-shaken and ruinous house; which though the Jesuits, and others, seem to prop up for a reason, yet down it must, and fall it will, and so let it in God's name.   

III. Reason.  
Eastern Babel in Chaldaea, a figure of this Romish and new Babel, is long sithence fallen (though in villainy, cruelty, and idolatry nothing comparable to it) and therefore it must needs come to desolation. The Type and the Arch-type, must needs answer and agree. Babylon in Chaldaea was laid waste by the Medes and Persians, and so shall Rome be by the Christian Princes.   

FOUR Reason.  
God, that is truth itself, and whose absolute threatenings are always executed, 
Apoc. 18.21  hath foretold a secular ruin of Rome; therefore it must needs come to pass.   

V. Reason.  
God is infinite in power, 
Apoc. 18.8  and able to bring it to pass, therefore it is not impossible, though in our weakness, we do, and may, cast many doubts.   

VI Reason.  
Romish Babel is already fallen in many Countries, Kingdoms, Provinces, and States, of Europe, viz. in Germany, Helvetia, Polonia, Bohemia, Hungaria, England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, in divers Provinces of the Lower Germany, and in a good part of France, etc. And why shall it not by the like reason (in due time) fall in Italy, Spain, Portugal, etc. Parium similis est ratio.   

VII. Reason.  
The sins, treachery, idolatry, cruelty, pride, blasphemy, lust and abominations of Rome are so ripe and grown to such an head and impudence, that they overcome the patience and long-suffering of our Lord, and provoke and enforce him to descend unto visible and horrible execution, and revenge: For the just judge of the world must needs do justice, 
Gen. 18.  and be avenged of his enemies: Let us therefore say, 
Psal. 68.1.  Exurgat Deus & dissipentur inimici. i. Let God arise and let his enemies be dispersed.   

VIII. Reason.  
The Antichrist doth with all main and might (whatsoever the Fox pretendeth) set and oppose himself against our Lord jesus Christ, against his Gospel, Discipline, Church and Members; Therefore our Almighty JESUS cannot but confront and confound this his Arch-enemy.   

IX. Reason.  
The wailing and lamentation of the (Popish) Kings, 
Ab eventu.  Merchants, Mariners, etc. beholding a far off the burning of Rome; 
Apoc 18.9 11.17.18.  and contrariwise the rejoicing of the Prophets and Apostles (per prosopopeiam) and of the Pastors and Church of God, 
Apoc. 18.20.  for the desolation of Rome when it is come to pass; demonstrate the certainty of this future judgement.  
Lastly, certain of the nearest forerunners of Rome's ruin. First a sudden departure of many Christians out of Rome, by the instinct of God's Spirit; like whereunto was that of the godly jews departing from jerusalem, a little before the Siege of it. Secondly, a division of the City (or Citizens) into three parts; a figure whereof was the division of Tongues when the Tower of Babel was destroyed. 
Gen. 11.  Lastly, a most terrible and ominous Earthquake, 
Apoc. 16.18.  Such as there was never since men were upon the earth, do evidence it, and will give the godly the watchword.    

CHAP. XIII. How after the destruction of Rome the Papists, and lovers of the Whore, shall practise, by violence, utterly to root out all Christians, but shall be finally and utterly overthrown.  
A Second general Sign of Christ's coming, not yet begun to be fulfilled, is the utmost endeavour and practise of the Romanists (that shall survive when Rome is burnt) to root out and extinguish by the sword, all Christians: And this clearly appeareth, out of the 19 chapter of Saint john's Revelation, and by the consent of divers learned and judicious Interpreters.  
The Beast (i. the second beast the Pope) and the (Popish) Kings of the earth, 
Apoc. 19.19.  and their Armies (viz. huge and many) gathered themselves together to make war against him that sat on the Horse (i. Christ, and Christian Princes his Instruments) and against his Army, 1. All Protestant Soldiers. But behold, and wonder at the event, and give the Lord the glory of the victory: The Protestants shall Eat (i. destroy) the flesh of (Popish) Kings, 
Vers. 18.  Captains, Mighty men, of horses, horsemen, bond, free, 
Vers. 20.  great small: Then the beast and the false Prophet shall be taken. 
judg. 5. ult.  So perish all thine enemies o Lord; but let them that love thee, be as the Sun when it goeth forth in his might.  
So you see that the Papists shall seek by a general consent, to recover their ruins and regain their losses, but with no success; yea with their fatal overthrow: It is no striving against the Lord.   

CHAP. XIIII. A third general and memorable Sign of the approach of the last judgement; namely, the conversion of the jews.  
A Third general and eminent Sign, not yet fulfilled, is the general Calling, 
2. Cor. 3.15  and Gathering of the whole Nation of the jews unto the faith, and into the Church of Christ: And this is pregnantly gathered of Scripture: 
Isay 59.20.  joh. 10.16. There must be one Fold (of Iewes and Gentiles) and one Shepherd. 
Rom. 11.25  Every Tribe must mourn apart, 
Zach. 13.2.  for Christ (by them crucified) the parents (by the Sword of God's Word, 
chap. 13.3.  at least) must thrust through the false Prophet when he prophesieth: The Prophet shall be ashamed of his vision (i. his false doctrine) lay aside his rough garment (taken up by apish imitation 
Ver. 4.  of the true Prophets) and return to his former husbandry. 
Ver. 5.  Then shall we see (in earth) The holy City new jerusalem, 
Apoc. 21.2.  coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a Bride adorned for her Husband: whereof so many glorious things are spoken in Scripture, and literally to be understood in many points.  
These upon the fame and brute of their first conversion, and the report of their purpose to return into their own Country; near whereunto, and in the Confines whereof many of them dwell, shall be assaulted by the great Turk, 
Dan. 11.44 45.  the King of the North, who with all his forces shall endeavour to extinguish them, and kill every mother's son: so that there shall be such a time of trouble to them, 
Chap. 12.1  as never was since there was a Nation, even to that same time; But than Michael the great Prince, i. The Lord JESUS or his mighty instruments, shall Stand up and (finally) deliver them. None of all these Prophecies are yet performed, therefore they must, of necessity, be fulfilled in their appointed times.  
The jews being once converted, shall be a most famous, reformed, and Exemplary Church of all the world, 
Isay 2.2.  and all Nations shall flow unto it, and it shall be, as it were, a visible heaven upon earth; but it shall not (perhaps) many years continue. For the further proof of their further conversion (to omit sundry glorious promises of God in Esay, Ezechiel, the Psalms, and which are thought hitherto but in (small) part to be performed) I allege these reasons ensuing.  

I. Reason.  
The Apostle S. Paul inferreth that the jews are not universally forsaken, because he being an Israelite, 
Rom. 11.1.  and of the Tribe of Benjamin is not forsaken.   

II. Reason.  
The same Apostle saith, that there is a Remnant reserved, 
A pari.  and as it were some seed of election in the multitude, 
Ver. 5.  though yet not seen nor discerned.   

III. Reason.  
The calling and conversion of some jews to the Christian Faith in all ages, doth conclude that the jews are not wholly forsaken, but are rather the first fruits of a greater Harvest, and the Forerunners of a greater Conversion.   

FOUR Reason.  
The First Fruits, viz, the holy patriarchs are holy, and therefore the Lump, 
Rom. 11.16  i. the multitude of them for the time to come, is holy: The root (Abraham) is holy, and therefore (some) Branches.   

V. Reason.  
It was a special end of Paul's ministery to win his Countrymen the jews; 
Ver. 13.14  and it is (or aught to be) the scope of our zeal and good example, to gain them: But this end and scope, being of God, cannot be vain and frustrate.   

VI Reason.  
The Fullness of the jews converted shall be the Riches (the occasion of knowledge & grace) of the world; 
Ver. 12.  and their taking (into the Church) shall be life from death, 
Ver. 15.  the reviving and springing again of the whole world consisting of jews and Gentiles.   

VII. Reason.  

Ver. 23.  God can convert them and graft them in again, therefore it is not impossible.   

VIII. Reason.  
When the Fullness of us Gentiles is come into the Church, 
Ver. 25.  id est, some remaining Nations, as perhaps Spain, Italy, Portugal, or the like Countries: then shall all Israel (i. a great or greatest part of the jews) be converted.  
Quest. 1. What shall be the place of their calling?  
Answ. The Eastern and Western parts of the world in respect of judaea and that are near unto it.  
Quest. 2. When shall they be generally called?  
Ans. When Rome, whose Idolatry so hindereth their conversion, shall be burnt, and the full number of us Gentiles, that shall provoke them, is come in.  
Quest. 3. Shall the jews be restored into their Country?  
Ans. It is very probable. First, all the Prophets seem to speak of this return. Secondly, they shall no longer be in bondage. Thirdly, God having for so many ages forsaken his people shall the more notably show them mercy.    

CHAP. XV. Of the extreme and final desolation of the Turk and his Monarchy.  
THE great Turk, who in Daniel is called the King of the North, 
Dan. 11.40  and all his innumerable Army, shall in a place called Armageddon i. the Mountain of Delight, 
Apoc. 16.16.  Beauty, or Holiness, or judaea, lying between the (Syrian) Sea, 
Dan. 11.45  and the great River Euphrates, be utterly confounded. 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  For this Turkish Gog and Magog shall plant his Palace there; he shall gather the (converted) jews to battle, 
Apoc. 20.9  he shall go upon the breadth of the earth, and compass the Camps of the Saints about, and the beloved City: i. jerusalem, or the Church of the jews: For he shall fear lest the jews, so infinite in number, gathering themselves together should come, or conspire, to dispossess him of his (usurped) Kingdom: wherefore he shall do his utmost, utterly to extinguish and root out these (poor) Jews: then there shall be such a time of trouble, as never was heard of (in that Nation) but Michael the great Prince (whether the Lord JESUS, 
Dan. 12.1.  or some powerful Instrument of his) shall stand up for his chosen, and deliver them: Fire shall come down from God out of heaven, 
Apoc. 20.9  and devour their enemies; 
Ezech. 38.9.  that is, (as Ezechiel more fully speaketh of the matter) though he come like a storm against the people of Israel, 
Ver. 16.  and as a Cloud to cover the land, yet God will make a great and general shaking in the Land of Israel; 
19  He will call for a Sword against him, 
22  he will plead against him with Pestilence and with blood; he will rain upon him and his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, 
Dan. 11.45  an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire and Brimstone. Finally, there he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.  
He is an arch-enemy of the Lord JESUS and his Church; he began with the Romish Antichrist, and why then shall not he be confounded with him, or not long after him?   

CHAP. XVI. Of the false Christ's, and the false Prophets (their ministers) that shall arise in the last age of the world.  
EVEN as (Tipicé) between the death of Christ, and the destruction of jerusalem, there arose false Messiasses in that generation: so correspondently, in the last generation of mankind, not long before the end of the world, 
Mat. 24 24  there shall arise false Christ's (that shall take upon them the very person of Christ, and usurp his name) and false Prophets (viz. their Ministers) that shall say they are sent of Christ, that shall win credit unto them, and do great Signs and Wonders to deceive (if it were possible) the very Elect. And this God shall suffer to come to pass, to try, prove, and make manifest, whether his elect people will assent unto, and be carried away with such false Christ's, and false Prophets, or no? And to vindicate and (spiritually) punish, in the Reprobate and unbelievers, the refusal and extreme contempt of his sweet and blessed Gospel, 
2. Thess. 2.11.12.  Preached amongst them, and offered unto them.  
Quest. But how may these false Christ's that shall be raised up by the devil, in the last age (or how shall they) be discerned and distinguished, from the false Messiah's before the destruction of jerusalem that drew great multitudes after them?  
Ans. These last shall be false Christ's taking upon them the very name of Christ, but the former were false Messiae, that imagined Christ to be a mere man, neither did they assume unto themselves the Title of the Son of God. Secondly, our Lord prophesieth of false Christ's that shall arise in the end of the world, and seduce, as well the Gentiles as the jews; but those before the overthrow of jerusalem only deceived the jews. Lastly, those false Messiae did show forth no Signs or Wonders, and therefore could not so effectually deceive others; But these false Christ's, by feigned Miracles, satanical illusions, and efficacy of error, shall seek to win them credit and authority; and therefore of this time that saying of our Lords shall be, or may be, (specially) verified: 
Luke 18.8.  Shall the Son of man when he cometh find faith upon the earth?  
Quest. Shall the miracles of these false Christ's and false Prophets be true and Divine, as those of our Lord JESV, and of the Apostles, were?  
Ans. No: The Miracles done by CHRIST and his Apostles, were true miracles in matter and form, having their beginning from God, setting forth the glory of God, and confirming the truth: But the Miracles of these false Christ's and false Prophets, shall be lying Miracles, illusions, or cunning conclusions, proceeding from the devil; not profitable and wholesome, but rather pompous and permicious, and tending only to confirm and maintain lies and errors.   

CHAP. XVII. Of the strange Events, Signs, Prodigies, and fearful wonders of the last age.  
A sixth general Sign not yet fulfilled, but to come to pass, are prodigies, strange things, and ominous and most fearful events. These shall presignify the change and end of all things to be even at hand, in so much that the very brute creatures shall feel the power of Christ ready to come to judgement. Of this sort are terrible Sights in the Air, 
Luk. 21.11.  dreadful earthquakes, frequent and fearful fires; 
Vers. 25  upon the earth distress of Nations with perplexities, the Sea & the waves extraordinarily roaring: 
26  men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: 
Mar. 13.8.  Famines, troubles, Wonders in heaven above, 
Act. 2.19.  and Signs in the earth beneath blood and fire, and vapours of Smoke. The Sun shall be turned into darkness, 
20  and the Moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord cometh; the Stars shall fall down from heaven: i. either such in show and appearance, or Meteors and blazing Stars. Of this sort also are thundering Winds, and troublesome Tempests, inundations of waters, 
Lact. de diu. praemio. lib. 7. c. 15.  excessive Rain, drying up of Fountains, failing of Beasts, Birds, Fishes: unequal and unnatural Seasons of the years, Winterly Summers, and Summer-like Winters, extreme barrenness of the earth, and horrible confusions.  

Use 1.  
Let all good Pastors and Preachers forewarn their hearers hereof, and when they perceive the accomplishment of them, labour to awaken them out of their deadly lethargy by zealous and due application hereof.   

Use 2.  
They much mistake the matter, and are foully overseen, that expect a golden world, and expect an heaven on earth, and an exquisite reformation of all things: whereas in so declining a world, they shall see the Lord coming in the clouds sooner than this their dream come to pass.    

CHAP. XVIII. Of the general and marvelous deadness of heart, and senseless benumbedness of the last times.  
A Seventh general Sign, shall be a dead slumber, spiritual Lethargy, and a brutish security in all sorts of people; which, though it hath been in the time of Noah, 
Luke 17.26.27.  not long before the universal Deluge; and in the time of just Lot, at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and in other ages of the world; yet it shall most apparently reign and prevail in the last age; So that no Alarms, no thundering judgements, no strange Sights, Monsters, Wonders, Doctrine, Counsel, Admonitions, Warnings, shall be able to arowse and waken them from this sluggish and deaf security: They shall drown themselves in pleasure and in drunkenness; mind nothing but the world, wealth, oppression, revenge: But the Son of man shall come to such, in an hour they wot not of, and shall find them sleeping: 
Mar. 13.36 1. Thess. 5.2.  The day of the Lord shall come as a Thief in the night: For when they shall say peace and safety, 
Ver. 3.  then sudden destruction shall come upon them as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. Securitas initium calamitatis: God give us grace, to watch and wait for that day, and to attend to the sound of the Trumpet, that being found watching and well-doing, we may stand before the Son of man, 
Luk. 21.36  and enter into our Lord's joy. Amen.   

CHAP. XIX. Of the gradual, yet sudden darkening of the lights of heaven.  
THE last general Sign is, not only the wonderful roaring of the Seas, but a gradual, yet sensible and strange darkening of the lights of heaven; this is the nearest general Sign, and the more to be heeded when it cometh: For presently after shall come our LORD JESUS, who by the brightness of his coming, shall (utterly) obscure and hide the light of the Sun, Moon, and Stars. Neither must this seem incredible or impossible, for the like hath been seen in time past (though not universally over the whole world, but in some kingdom and particular place of it) At midday, 
Act. 26.13.  as Saint Paul went to Damascus, he saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the Sun, shine round about him and then that journeyed with him: If it exceeded the brightness of Sun, than it obscured the Sun, and (as it were) put out the light of it.  
Secondly, at the death of Christ, the Sun was darkened and terribly eclipsed: 
Mat. 27.44.  And darkness was upon all the land (of judaea) from the sixth hour to the ninth: i. from noon to three of the clock in the afternoon.  
Thirdly, strange and wonderful sights and prodigies were forerunners of the destruction of jerusalem: and why not likewise of the end of the world?  
Lastly, the poor Mariners and Seafaring men have particular and lamentable experience of such darkness, when suddenly the storm ariseth, and all their lights are put out, and they oftentimes are overwhelmed. In Saint Paul's voyage to Rome, when he and his company were exceedingly tossed upon the Seas, neither Sun nor Stars in many days appeared. 
Act. 27.28.   

Use 〈◊〉  Let us therefore as the children of the Light, and the day, put on the Armour of light, that this darkness when it cometh discomfort us not, much less be a forerunner of everlasting darkness, Amen.   

CHAP. XX. divers difficult and curious questions, soberly handled, and religiously resolved.  

I. Question.  
How, and with what truth, could Saint Paul in his time teach, 
1. Cor. 10.  that the ends of the world were come on them: and S. Peter write that the end of all things was then at hand; 
1. Pet. 4.7  seeing that from that time unto ours, have passed about one thousand six hundred years, and we certainly know not, how many years remain to be accomplished?  
I Answer▪ First, from Christ's Birth (or Death) unto the end of the world is counted but an age, or the last, though (perhaps) the longest, age of the world: Seeing we are not to have, nor expect, any new Christ, new Gospel, new Sacraments, new Scriptures, new Apostles, new Evangelists, new Miracles; but content ourselves with those that Christ hath unchangeably left unto us.  
Secondly, this last age of the world is not confined and limited to a certain stint and set number of years, as the former ages are, and were: because we should always be prepared, and in continual expectation when it should end, otherwise men would more delay and post of (from time to time) their conversion unto God: Therefore, as the last age of a man (to wit old age) cannot be determined by a certain number of years as the precedent ages of a man; 
August.  namely, childhood, striplings state, youth, and ripeness of age can: Even so the last age of the world, cannot be determined and defined by certain and express years.  
Lastly, 
Chrys. hom. 33. in johannem.  as we call the end of the year, not the last day but the last month, though containing 30 days: So we may, and do, call the last quarter of the world, the end of it, though it be of longer extent than any age from the beginning of the world unto Christ his Incarnation.   

A second Question.  
Whether that this world shall last and continue (at least) seven hundred years, seeing that in the 20 chapter of S. john's Revelation, express mention is made of two distinct thousands of years; 
Apoc. 20.  the former whereof, is thought to take his beginning at the reign of the Emperor Constantine, and to end about Wickliefes time, Anno 1300, and in all this time the Church declined; and the second millenary, or thousand, wherein the Church shall be renewed and flourish, began only (as it is collected) about the year of our Lord 1300, so that seven hundred years yet remain.  
Ans. True it is that mention is made of two thousand years, and divers of the ancient Fathers did acknowledge as much, but misunderstood, and misapplied, the same, being carried away with the error of the Millenarij, that imagined that the people of God should after the Resurrection, live a thousand years in this world in pleasures and joys.  
But, I answer first, that it is not agreed amongst Interpreters, when the first thousand should begin, whether when S. john wrote his Apocalypse, or rather Anno 300 when Constantine began to reign.  
Secondly, for the Elects sake, lest all flesh should perish, these days shall be shortened, as well as those of the jews misery at the destruction of jerusalem 
Mat. 24.22  were abridged: For the shortening of the former is a type and figure of the shortening of the latter. Now how many years, or, whether certain hundred of years, God best knoweth (if not only knoweth) and the end and issue will make manifest.  
Thirdly, if the end of the world should continue so long, and this should be notified, and publicly signified to the world, they would take occasion to live much more licentiously, to defer their repentance; yea, many would Atheistically infer, that Christ would never come to judgement: And therefore the Holy Ghost keepeth us in suspense, and still in the Scripture telleth us, that the Hour draweth near, that the Day is at hand, and that the Lord will come quickly, to the intent we should always be ready.   

A third Question.  
Whether that the world shall end in the year of Christ two thousand thirty nine, that is some four hundred and five and twenty years hence, seeing that from the beginning of the world, to that date, are accomplished the 6000 years of the world's full continuance; figured (as divers old and new Writers think) by the six days of the creation.  
Ans. First, from the six days of creation to conclude of six thousand years of the world's continuance, it is no certain rule, or axiom, but only a conjecture. And whereas Saint Peter saith; That a thousand years with the Lord (viz. being compared with His Erernitie) is but as one day, 
2. Pet. 3.8.  and one day as a thousand years; he neither alludeth to the six days wherein the world was created, nor doth determine how long the world shall endure.  
Secondly, our confident persuasion is, that the world shall be consummate before this long date, for the days must be shortened, otherwise if the world hold on his hold, there should no faith be left, or found upon the earth.  
Thirdly the Wise Virgins, that is, the holy Professors of sincere Religion, 
Mat. 25.6.  shall nictare, id est, nod and slumber (though their hearts shall wake) and therefore they have no certain knowledge of any year when the Lord will come to judgement, 
Luk. 12.39  otherwise they would the more rouse up themselves.  
Lastly, the sixth Angel hath already blown, or sounded with the Trumpet, and when the seventh shall but begin to blow (which time is shortly expected) then the Mystery of God shall be finished, 
Apoc. 10.7  (i. the world shall be ended) as he hath declared to his Servants the Prophets, i. will reveal to the godly learned Pastors and Ministers, who (no doubt) some of them will take special notice of it, that they may more painfully perform their Office, and more prevailingly stir up their hearers.   

A fourth Question.  
Whether that the world shall end in the year of Christ 1699 or 1700, especially seeing that from the time that the daily Sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination of desolation set up, shall be 1335 days, which some interpret so many years, beginning the account in the year of Christ 367, when the jews, by the grant of the Emperor julian, repairing the Temple of jerusalem, were dispersed by fire sent from heaven?  
I Answer, that most, and almost all Interpreters understand those 1335 days, not for so many years, but literally, for three years and an half, with the addition of 45 days, in the end whereof Antiochus the chief enemy of the jews should die; and being fulfilled in Antiochus, why, or by what reason, should any man extend them further?  
Secondly, it is generally held that (the doctrine and mention of the last judgement excepted) that daniel's Prophecy endeth either at the death of Christ, or (at the furthermost) with the destruction of jerusalem.  
Thirdly, Master Napier, a learned Scot, counting the beginning of these 1335 days (and interpreting them for years) anno Christi 360, will have the world to end, about the year 1695; But Master Brightman maketh this date the beginning of the general conversion and flourishing state of the jews, which he holdeth shall continue divers hundred years afterwards.  
Fourthly, it was a received opinion that the world should end 1588., and the event descried the vanity of their collection: And why may not they err (though they cannot so much err coming nearer the end of the world) likewise, that define that the world shall certainly end between the years 1688, and 1695?  
Lastly, it is not for us (specially that live not in the very last age of the world) to know the times and seasons, 
Acts 1.7.  which the Father hath reserved in his own power; therefore let us not be over-curious, but wise to sobriety.   

A fifth Question.  
Whether (as some phantastics are reported to hold and defend) the world shall end before the years of Christ 1630?  
Ans. First, to arguments unknown we cannot give particular answers.  
Secondly, this opinion is private and singular, and, perhaps, only one man is the Author of it. An ille solus sapit? who hath told him?  
Thirdly, all the remaining Signs, not yet begun to be accomplished, cannot, in any probability, be fulfilled in so short a scantling of time; or, if they can, let him assign the particular year of Rome's ruin, of the jews conversion, of the coming of the false Christ's; if he cannot resolve us in the smalller point, how shall we credit him in the greatest?  
Lastly, when the jews are converted, it is most likely they shall (at least) continue glorious on the earth for one generation, that God's mercy may more evidently appear, and that all the world may take sufficient notice of their general calling, and hereupon be either converted or (at least) convicted.   

A sixth, and more material Question.  
Whether the very age (which some, 
Deu. 15.16  reckoning according to the jubilee account, restrain to 50 years) wherein our Lord shall come to judgement, either now is, or, hereafter may, or shall be▪ revealed to any; especially seeing that our Lord, speaking of the Signs of the last days saith; That this generation, (i. the age or time of a man's life) shall not pass until all these things shall be fulfilled?  
Ans. I answer, First, that to restrain a generation, or, age of a man, to 50 years, may seem too short an account; rather 70 or 80 years may make a generation.  
Secondly, the age wherein Christ shall come may be known, because our Lord only excepteth the day and hour.  
Thirdly, the Scripture expressly saith, that in that age in which the false Christ's and Prophets shall arise, all shall be fulfilled.  
Lastly, when the seventh Angel shall begin to blow, 
Apoc. 10.7  the Mystery of God shall be finished, etc.    

CHAP. XXI. The wholesome Application, and profitable Uses of all these Signs and Forerunners.  

I. Use.  
HERE are condemned Aristotle and his followers, who imagining that the world had no beginning, held that it should never end.  
Secondly, here are taxed all Atheists and Scorners, that either will not believe, or be persuaded, that there shall be a second coming of Christ, and an end of this world; or else, with those scoffers in Saint Peter's time, say; Where is the promise of his coming? These be like unto one Manlius who said; Non alium vidêre patres, aliumùe minores aspicient.   

II. Use.  
The doctrine of these Signs serveth to check and reprove all Curiosists and rash Spirits, that by conjectures, Arithmetical numbers, and misapplying and wresting of the holy Scriptures, seek to search out, yea to determine the day, as Bellarmine (by consequence) doth: For he, misunderstanding the Scriptures both of Daniel and the Apocalypse, touching the continuance of Antichrist, doth hold that the imaginary Antichrist which he and his followers yet expect to come, shall reign just three years and an half, 
Dan. 12.11 12.  and that just in the end of them Christ shall come to judgement, or (at the utmost) there shall be a distance of 45 days for warning and preparation; so that by this account a man may know the very day of the last judgement, which Christ in his humility knew not, and which the heavenly Angels are ignorant of. Let us content ourselves with the knowledge and practice of things revealed, and and in other matters be wise to sobriety; otherwise if we come too near to the Ark of God's secrets, we shall be consumed; if we come too near to this Flame we shall be burned: Let us not approach too near this bottomless pit, lest we be drowned.   

III. Use.  
The meditation of the coming of Christ, of the near approach of it, and of the terror of the last judgement, must awaken us from the slumber of security, and spur and stir us up to amendment of life, to prayer, sobriety, and watchfulness, that we be not taken tardy nor found unready, but waking and well-doing. 
Mar. 13.33 35.  And the less that the point of Christ's coming is known unto us, the more let us watch, and prepare ourselves. Let us live well and we shall die well, and as we die and make our last end, such shall our judgement be at the last day. Finally, let Saint Hieromes holy and blessed meditation be ours also, that every one of us may say with him; Quoties diem illum considero, 
Hier. in Math.  etc. that is; As often as I consider that day I tremble in all my body, for whether I eat or drink, or what else sooner I do, me thinks I always hear that terrible Trumpet always to sound in my ears; Arise ye dead and come to judgement.   

FOUR Use.  
Seeing that our Lord in his love towards us, hath left us certain Harbingers, and Forerunners, of his second coming, for our full redemption, and for our inauguration into the Kingdom of heaven, let us search the Scriptures, and take due notice of these Signs, and the accomplishment of them; and the nearer that that day approacheth, so much the more let us hold up our heads: For the glory, happiness, triumph, and immediate fellowship with the blessed Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, we shall then enjoy, shall infinitely exceed (whether we respect quantity, quality, or continuance) all the troubles and trials of this mortal and miserable life: And the serious meditation hereof will make us hopeful and patient in all afflictions, and when death approacheth, make us willing to go to God, and to cry come Lord jesus, come quickly, Amen, Amen.     

An effectual Prayer according to the argument, and containing the Sum of the whole Treatise.  
O LORD our God, and most merciful Father, thou art indeed great and terrible, of pure Eyes, and canst not behold evil: Hardening, blinding, forsaking, punishing, and in thy justice taking vengeance on thy adversaries, 
Nah. 1.2.  and art in thy wrath a consuming fire, 
Heb. 12, 29  and art notwithstanding, in thy only begotten and most dearly beloved Son JESUS CHRIST, a most loving, gracious, and kind Father to all thy Church and children, not wishing, much less working, their misery, ruin, and destruction; but calling, justifying, sanctifying, directing, protecting, and glorifying them; yea, thou dost most lovingly forewarn them of the evils to come, 
Psal. 46.1.  and in the midst of their miseries and distresses, assist, comfort, sustain, support, and deliver them. 
Cant. 1.3.  This sweet Ointment & perfume of thy mercies doth draw us after thee, & these thy high, and altogether undeserved, favours, we confess and acknowledge with all thankfulness, and acclamation. And more particularly, seeing that thou in thy wisdom (to check and correct, our vain curiosity, & rash presumption) doth conceal & keep from us the knowledge of the set hour, 
Mar. 13.32  day, yea year, when the Son of man shall come to judgement; that we should be ready and prepared at every moment, and withal, that we (after the manner of the wicked thy enemies) should not be suddenly surprised, 
Luk 21.25.26.  nor distressed and perplexed with fear and astonishment, but be encouraged in well-doing. 
Mat. 24.32  And that we should gather certain signs of the Summer of solace, and Harvest of Happiness at hand; and that we should be preserved from all atheism, doubting, misbelief, thou hast, in thine unspeakable mercy, left us in the sacred Scriptures sundry general and undoubted Signs, tokens, and Forerunners, of the last judgement: Whereof diversare already past, as the destruction of the four mighty Monarchies; the desolation of judaea and jerusalem, the extinguishing of the large Roman Monarchy, 
2. Thess. 2.6.  whose power & Majesty hindered the coming of the Romish Antichrist; the universal and solemn Preaching of the Gospel by the Apostles and their Assistants and Successors unto all Nations; 
Mat. 24.14  Finally, the revealing, yea, general weakening & wounding of Antichrist: 
2. Thess. 2.8.  And whereof some are yet in continual motion and progress, as the rejection, and dispersion of the jews; 
Rom. 9.27.31.  the inundation and deluge of all impiety and iniquity; 
Rom. 8.22.23.  the vanity, abuse, corruption, and decay of the creature: And whereof certain remain yet to be accomplished; namely, the ruin of Rome; the overthrow of Mahomet and his Koran; the general calling and conversion of the jews unto the Christian faith; 
Rom. 11.25 26.  & (that which is the plague and poison of the declining, apostatical, contemptuous and unthankful world) in the last age of the world, 
Mat. 24.21  the arising of False Christ's and false Prophets, their instruments, that shall show great (Diabolical) Signs and Wonders; insomuch that (if it were possible) they shall deceive the very elect: Last (near the point of Christ his glorious appearance) the strange, sudden, and fearful dimming and darkening of the Eyes, 
Ver. 29.  Lamps, & Lights of heaven; therefore be thou entreated (most merciful Lord) to enlighten all our blind understandings, to mollify, purge, & prepare all our hearts, and effectually to stir up and rectify all our wills, desires, affections, that we may make true, godly, and seasonable use of all these soundings of the trumpets, and foreruning signs. Grant us grace, that by the due observance of the signs expired, and in continual act, we may certainly expect and wait for the performance of those, that are promised, and yet for to come: Heaven and earth shall pass away, 
Mat. 24 35  but thy words shall not pass away. And because thy Church on earth, 
Eph. 6.10.11, 12, etc.  is in such continual trouble and warfare; thy Saints and servants so much oppressed, 
Apoc. 6.9.10.  wronged, yea, massacred and Martyred; and the world of the Atheists, Idolaters, Hypocrites, profane and wicked ones, live in so dreadless security, 
1. Thess. 5.3.  and thrive in all manner of sin and ungodliness: we therefore, thy poor and unperfect children, do so much more humbly and earnestly beseech thy good Majesty to hasten the coming of thy Son, to shorten (for thy Elects sake) these days of sin, 
Mat. 24.22  bondage, corruption; and, in demonstration hereof, to destroy & abolish the tyranny of the Turk and Pope thy Arch-enemies. For this end stir up the zeal and courage, & prosper the heroical designs and endeavours of Christian Princes and Worthies; 
Apoc. 17.16.  convert (according to thy general promise) 
Rom. 11.25  the long seduced and miserably scattered nation of the jews, and take away the vail of Moses from their eyes, that their receiving into the Church may be to them and us, the increase of the Church, 
Ver. 12.  life from death, the reviving of our faith, and the multiplication of the common joy, when there shall be one Fold and one Shepherd. Likewise all the subsequent and nearest signs, in due time fulfil; and give us such wisdom and due regard and attention, that when we see and observe the last and most immediate general signs to come to pass, we may be more vigilant and fervent, in piety, prayer, charity, & for joy, lift up our heads, knowing that our (full and final) redemption, 
Luk. 21.28.  from all sin and sorrow, draweth nigh.  
But because it may be that none, or not many of us, that are now living, shall survive unto that day, but be prevented by death; and seeing that the last day is but a manifestation of our estate in death, and as death shall leave us, in such condition shall the last judgement find us, therefore (good Lord) give us grace and conscience to redeem the time: to provide ourselves of the Oil of Faith in the Lamps of our profession; 
Mat. 25.4.  to procure the wedding garment of holiness, and with all expedition to make ourselves ready against that day, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come on the world, 
Luk. 21.36  and to stand before the Son of Man▪ and hear that gladsome sentence of Absolution; Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit ye the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. As for all thy enemies, o Lord, in whom thou hast no part, let them betimes hear and receive that terrible sentence; 
Mat. 25.41  Go ye cursed into everlasting fire prepared the devil and his Angels: let them go to the place, in thy justice, appointed for them, and let the smoke of their smoke ascend up for evermore, 
Apoc. 14.11  that they for whom Christ never made any satisfaction, 
john 17.9.  and they that never rested in Christ his all-sufficient expiation, may by eternity of torment satisfy for all their abomination.  
Give a blessed assent (most gracious Father) to these our unperfect prayers: Pardon all our transgressions, supply all our wants, make us truly and ever thankful for all thy blessings in heavenly and earthly things, fulfil all the remaining signs, and in the time appointed, after that we have suffered a while, and made ourselves ready, bring us unto, and translate us into, thine everlasting Kingdom of glory, for thy only begotten and most dearly beloved Son jesus Christ his sake, merits and intercession, to whom with thy eternal Majesty, and God the holy Ghost, be given, rendered, and ascribed, all Power, Wisdom, Honour, Glory, Praise and Thanks in the Church, from Generation to Generation, Amen.  
FINIS.