The TIME of the END:  
SHOWING, First, until the three years and an half are come (which are the last of the 1260 days) the prophecies of the Scripture will not be understood, concerning the Duration and Period of the FOURTH MONARCHY and Kingdom of the Beast.  
THAN Secondly, When that TIME shall come, before the expiration, the Knowledge of the End (or that there shall be Time no longer) will be revealed, By the Rise of a little Horn, The last Apostasy, and the Beast slaying the Witnesses; contemporizing  
The Characters Of which little Horn, the last Apostasy and Beast (as the Scriptures show them) are here faithfully opened; And the Application left to the Wise.  
By John Can.  
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets. Amos 3. 7.  
Think not that I come to send peace on earth; I come not to send peace, but a sword. Mat. 10. 34.  
London, Printed for Livewel Chapman, at the Crown in Popes-head-Alley, 1657.   

To the Reader.  
THat enmity which from the beginning Jehovah Elohim (the Lord God) did put between the Serpent and the Woman, and between their seed, as always, so now, doth work with marvellous earnestness in all those who in every age from their proper spirit are engaged by their principals, to maintain the combat to the time of the end.  
The Righteous is an abomination to the wicked, and the wicked is an abomination to the Righteous, from the beginning to the end of this present evil world.  
For as then (even in Abraham's time) he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him who was born after the spirit; even so it is now in these last days, and will be so till the old serpent the Devil and Satan, be cast into the bottomless pit; and then according to the scope of the Scriptures of Truth, the bondwoman and her son will be cast out, and the children of the freewoman shall be the heirs.  
And when I say, So it is now in these last days. I desire it may be well weighed, for assuredly the Serpent and his brood will muster all their forces, will improve all their policies, will come forth with utmost, enraged malice, to do the most mischief they can against the true spiritnal ●eed.  
The fresh Auxiliaries which are used in this service of the Dragon, that old Serpent, are the Apostates of the last times; who are such Christians in a form of Godliness, as the Devil is an Angel of Light, when he is so transformed, retaining his cursed properties and designs under the pretence of such a glorious transformation.  
Therefore (saith the Apostle) it is no great thing, if also his Ministers be transformed as the Ministers of Righteousness.  
Which words are, or may be, to the more cautelous Christians, a great preservative against the poisonous infection of the present Apostasy; for multitudes of careless ones have been beguiled by these deceitful (or cheating) workers, into a compliance with the interest of the Kingdom of the Beast.  
But Blessed be the name of our Lord Protector, the Patron of Innocency, Truth, and Righteousness: that these deceitful workers, resisters of the Truth, Patrons of the carnal worldly Church, shall not proceed much farther; for their folly in its appointed season shall be made manifest to all men, as the folly and madness of other of their brethren before them, have been made manifest in like manner.  
And (which is matter of great rejoicing to the Lords suffering servants) the Prince of the Apostates himself hath been compelled by the overruling Power of our Lord Jesus, to defile his own nest, to throw dirt in the face of his own Brat, to trample upon his own Government, with notable contempt, in the presence of his cowardly men of war. Oh! what joy of heart is it to us to live to see, how in that very thing wherein they dealt so proudly, so imperiously, the Lord is above them, and leaves them to such a degree of folly, as to set at nought, in such notable language in set Speeches, the works of their own heads and hands; and that in so short a space of time: verily it cannot be treason any longer (no not in the sense of the Court itself) to imagine, speak or write against the Instrument, or instruments which brought forth that monstrous Government. Ye may all speak treason by authority, 〈◊〉 ye Inhabitants of these three Isles of the Sea; for your Lord Protector himself hath lately set you a Pattern to pour contempt upon the whole Fabric, both Foundation and Superstruction.  
It is to be ascribed to the preventing Grace of God himself, and to no other cause, that some few of us have been preserved from that dangerous communion and conformity, wherewith many professors, well meaning souls, (like the followers of Absalon of old) have been unawares surprised and entangled.  
That Scripture in 2 Tim. 3. the first five verses (which by the servant of Christ, the Author of the ensuing Treatise, is opened and compared with two other famous Prophecies concerning the little Horn, and the Bottomless-pit-Beast) was made effectual to my spirit and conscience, to deliver me from those snares wherein the feet of others, not a few, have been taken: faith the Apostle in the forementioned place (after he had made a catalogue of Characters, whereby to describe the Apostates and Hypocrites of the last time) from such turn away. And the first and last of those Characters lay with most weight upon my spirit: Men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, proud, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  
And what I spoke publicly in a great Assembly, concerning the little Horn, in two general Observations, and nine special Characters, whereby to discern it from the other Horns, amongst whom it came up, is remembered by many then present; since which, others have likewise given their judgements. But this Author (by what conduct of providence, time will show) hath found cause to make those two Prophecies concerning daniel's little Horn, and John's Bottomless-pit-Beast, to synchronise, and to bring in the Apostasy of these last times, to accompany them in their accomplishments.  
It is remarkable what is told Daniel, Chap. 12. v. 10. Marry shall be purified and made white and ●●yed, but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.  
Surely the Apostates and Hypocrites of the last times are some of these wicked ones: these will do wickedly, but they cannot understand. Understanding dwelleth not, taketh not up her rest in the Assemblies, in the Counsels, of the last and worst sort of wicked ones. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; the wise shall understand: who is a wise man? he that fears the Lord, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. He that is become a fool for Christ's sake, that he may be wise. He who from a principle of saith and love, which is in Christ Jesus, can deny himself, can take up his Cross daily and follow his prince and his Saviour through the fire and through the water, if need be, and the cause of Christ call for it.  
The wicked, instead of understanding these Prophecies, shall do wickedly against those who watch and pray for the accomplishment of them; shall secretly wish that the Lord would delay his coming; cannot echo to the voice of the Spirit and of the B●ide, saying, Come Lord Jesus; shall be found smiting their fellow servants, conforming themselves to this old evil world, eating and drinking with the gluttons, and with the drunken; the Kings and the Inhabitants of the earth, who are made drunk with the wine of the fornication of the mother of Harlots, etc.  
They cannot brook the hand-writing of God in the Scriptures concerning the numbering, weighing and finishing of their Kingdoms and Governments, so well as that Baby lonish Prince Belshazzar did bear the interpretation of the hand-writing upon the plaster of the wall. But in stead of doing them honour who forewarn them of their approaching destruction, cannot behold them with a cheerful aspect from the moment of such their faithful admonitions and reproofs: but the will of the Lord be done.  
I desire moreover it may be understood and remembered by friends and enemies, that we have not by our Testimony engaged our liberties and lives against the Gen. & the Apostatising part of the Army, merely, or indeed principally, upon the account of the expiration of the time allotted to the little Horn, & the Beast (as it may be some have done) but upon the account of that good, righteous, and blessed Cause which He and his Officers seemed formerly to have loved better than their own lives, though since they have most unworthily preferred Barrabas before Christ, and so gratified the humours and the lusts of the children of Belial throughout the Nations, whilst the Lords remnant have been weeping and mourning in this day of trouble, rebuke, and blasphemy, for that abominable back-sliding, whereof they are guilty before the Lord▪ Let that counsel of Solomon and Paul rake place among those who have not yet fallen before him, because there hath been no opportunity of conversing with him; but yet through the power of credulity and simplicity▪ are obnoxious to entanglements: When he speaketh fair, believe him not; for there are seven abominations in his heart. Avoid those who serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  
All such upright Christians as are not (nor shall be) softened by his tears, nor entrapped by his spies, have cause to reckon those two deliverances in the catalogue of their choice mercies from the Lord: the best preservative is, to keep out of the sight of the one, and out of the reach of the other: far enough, and safe enough.  
What is written in the few following sheets, may be through the Lord's blessing, of great use to caution many precious souls for the time to come, who (having little experience and acquaintance with the spirits and designs of the worldly Powers in their managing the mystery of iniquity & the deceivableness of unrighteousness) are very apt to plead their cause, and make Apologies on their behalf, of whom they will find cause to be ashamed, when the hidden things of darkness and of dishonesty shall be brought into the open light.  
The truth is, we err, not knowing the Scriptures; We err, not being well instructed in the mystery of godliness, and in the mystery of iniquity. Godliness and ungodliness, righteousness and unrighteousness, are both of them mysteries; they lie very deep, they are remote from common understanding. We need the candle of the Lord to find out the depths of God, and the depths of Satan: for 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Co●. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 24.  each have their deeps, as Paul and John have written; but those who are light in the Lord, are enabled to descend into the depths of God, and into the bottomless pit or depth from whence the Beast, who slayeth the Witnesses ascendeth, and into which the Dragon that old Serpent the Devil and Satan shall be cast, and deceive the Nations no more. Amen.  
Although we in our preachings and writings may to the present age seem audacious men, thus to meddle with these dark prophecies; yet the succeeding generations shall bless the Lord for raising up some before their times, to forewarn them to flee from the wrath that is to come.  
The Lord give forth such a measure of the holy unction to his people in reading these things, that being enabled to distinguish betwixt probabilities and certainties, they may receive the Truth, and inquire further into that which is but probable, and so come to make a judgement of things according to the mind of Jesus Christ. I shall not add any more at this time, save only, that through the rich administrations of Freegrace, I am still, and hope to continue to the end,  
The servant of Jesus Christ, and of all the Saints for Jesus sake, according to the measure received, CHR. FEAR.   

AN Epistolary Perambulation:  
OR A Word to every one round the World.  
IT was a saying of one who read a Comment upon the Patience of Job, That poor Job was more miserably tormented with his Comment, then with his Condition (of botches and boils) and indeed I was the more doubtful of answering my friends desire, in publishing my poor Epistolary thoughts upon so pregnant a piece, and profitable as this is, lest he should suffer more by so deficient and indigent a Comment (as mine) then by the whole matter or subject of this discourse, so feelingly and faithfully (since his exile and sufferings) presented to the public judgement: Wherefore I fear to add (to what with so much Evidence and Demonstration he hath produced) lest I should diminish; and do rather wish that men would proportion Meditation to reading, that they may prove them staple Truths, and Commodities in their own Souls and Consciences. For they can best report them, who best relish them, and dispirit them into their own Spirits or Breasts. When I prepend how perplexable, and out of order, we are in these times, I the less wonder at those high Distempers and burning Paroxysms of Opinion, Pride, lust, and Passion among carnal Church-members and worldly professors, who (like thirsty Travellers) are ready to drink of every puddle, let the water be wholesome or hurtful; and in their heat will have it, though they surfeit for it: Such must be purged and better dieted, if ever they do well. Now I do think as to the venom of the times, contracted by taking in things untrue and obnoxious to the things and times of the end; these Streams which run from the Rock (Christ) and glide through the valley of this Book (or Brook) may be of singular use to expel, through the Savour, Sweetness, Sense, Simplicity, Evidence, and Wholesomeness of them to all Souls: They are slain and so perhaps not such placentia to the Court-palates, that had rather drink poison out of their own Golden-cup, Rev. 17. 4. then wholesome liquer, or sound Doctrine out of an Earthen-cup (such poor disposed vessels as we are: But we have this Treasure in earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us, 2 Cor. 4. 7, 8. Whiles we are troubled on every side, etc.) yet indeed, I do think I may say as Eccles. 12. 10, 11. This Preacher sought to find out acceptable Words; and that which was written (by this Coheleth, or in Arab. Gamiyo gatheror) is upright, even words of truth; yea, as goads and nails fixed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. like Centres for other lines to run unto) after the masters of Sentences, from one Pastor (Meroyeh Echad) or Shepherd of Souls, even Christ.  
The knowledge of the Times begins now to be a Language better understood in these days of the Kingdom Gospel (locked up in former ages, because sealed up for this, or the time of the end, the last) but these that spend their time in getting the knowledge without the practice, will be but like the Limner of some fair thing (for he draws it out, but enjoys it not.) Knowledge is the Commencement, but Obedience the Act; the first prepares, but this perfects our skill in the times. So, many shall run to and fro (Jeshottetu turn about) and knowledge shall increase, Dan. 12. 4. that is, an active stirring knowledge, rather more in Practice then Speculation; for the Grace and truth came (together) by Jesus Christ, Joh. 1. 17. whereas the Law (or Letter) may come another way, as Daniel's first knowledge of the times, by Books, Dan. 9 2. But his second and special understanding into these times, by a better teaching, Dan. 9 22, 23. The first prepared, the last perfected.  
This Special Teaching (or more by inspiration and practical judgement) I am persuaded this aged Brother (and companion in tribulation) hath, not only by his considerations, to ballast us with in the first place; and his clearness in the time of the end, to fraught us with in the next place; but in his large sails, good tackling, fair and constant gales, which attend him all the way, as he glides into the discovery of this (Terra incognita) the little Horn, whose Characters and Marks are made so plain, as he that runneth now may read them, and avoid them too, if God give grace: though mindless-men will never believe the plague i● so, till they see the Tokens, or else Lord have mercy upon us to be written upon their very doors.  
Nor am I without a Witness now from man to the same Truths sealed to me in my Pathmos-Isles and Palmony-Prisons, and prepared (about two years since) for the public view (could they have past the presses) upon these very Points, Principles of Truths, and Characters of the time, with the previous signs of the End at hand; but to my great affliction they lay defunct and dead, till now the Lord hath raised up another in a more burning and shining Light, much more grave, able, and acceptable upon this subject; so that I am satisfied for present, as if I were fully paid both in the Principal and Arrears, because as Joh. 5. (if I may use my Lords Words, as to what I have received from him through grace in these things) I have a Greater Witness than that of John; but if I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.  
Therefore I have more reason than another to think the ensuing matter taught of God, and to join with this Brother (this old Sufferer and Standard against the Prelates and Tyrants, old and new) in Wing and Word; seeing without so much as conference, or any occasional way of communicating our light (in these matters) each to other; ye, when wholly ignorant (for my p●rt) of his Light herein. I should hear in public from him (what I received only from the Lord, and him that hath the seven Spirits) in my prisons, and accordingly had prepared them for the press) the very same things, Florid Truths, Diaphanous and open Assertions and Marks of the Times, the little Horn, the second Beast, and the last Apestacy, especially threaded together into one (with so sweet and easy, clear, and compact an harmony both of time and place, after the Daniclian and the Apocalyptick accounts conjunct, as I was carried by the spirit into it before) through the Eye of a Needle, which a Shivell▪ d thread could never get through; and wherein I knew not of one man of my Light, Faith, and Judgement before: So that as I am (by experience) persuaded▪ he was awakened of God unto this Work (as the Prophet saith) morning by morning, Isai. 50. 4 So I cannot but bless the L rd for this concurrence of light, that out of (or in) the mouths of two or three witnesses every word may be established, Mat. 8. and that the nearer the lines are to the Centre, the nearer they may and must be one to another, particularly upon the little Horn; in my Chronography of the little time (Dan. 7.) I did trace the Truth with the same foot, and faith▪ and first travers▪ d the trajections and enervate the objections of them that would have it Mahomet, Caesar, the fourth Monarchy or Antichrist, by strenuous Arguments, ab ortu, tempore, modo, fine, Ratione▪ & equilibrio, from the Rise of it so long after the Hydra-headed fourth Beast, from the time of it, as the last limb of this fourth Beast, and that a loco too, it being but in one dominion (though consisting and in the place) of three (Horns) Provinces (saith Calvin upon the place, and gives this reason for it, quia Romani mi●tere solebant in singulas Provincias, quasi Reges, because the Roman Empiredom was wont to send men like Kings (but not Kings) into their Provinces, and so they did Constans hither into England for one Province, when they conquered it) From his manner of coming up to, and continuing in it ●sque ad consummationem i●ae, till the judgement sit; and saith Calvin upon the Analytical, Cham 11. 21. he shall come in peaceably and obtain the kingdom by flatteries (or Beshulovah in a quiet way) that is (applying it to Antiochus Epipha.) saith he obtendet fallaci●er Nomen Tutoris, he fallaciously assume (or draw over to himself) the name of a Protector or Preserver (so saith Mayo on Nehemiah, he did at the first take the Title of Protector, and afterward of King) and he must speak great swolling words (Sesquipedalia or decemp●d●li● verba) against the most High, or for the most High, as our friend here observes: only with this further note, ●at it is Letzad, which is properly in breath, whereby he will seem large to take in all that is for God and Christ, and not to limit; but it is Letzelang (not Tzad) which signifies in length, or far enough. So that for all that he shall speak large for God, yet he shall fall short in doing what he saith. And it further is proved from the end of his rise to fill up the measure, Dan. 8. 17, 19, 23. wear out the S●ints, and think to change Laws and the Times. Now this must be in Novissimis Diebus, in the last time of the Times, or at the three years and half, and not at the Rise of the fourth Monarchy or Antichrist in the first Apostasy, but of the Man of sin and mystery of iniquity that must be revealed by the last Apostasy and Defection. 2 Thef. 2. 8. Rev. 17. 5.  
Hence justin Martyr in Dial▪ come Tryph. p. 336. called the little Horn, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Man of the Apostasy. Further from Reason, and proportion of things therein, I proved how unavoidably they are hu●ricanoed into absurdities that assert the little-horn Government to be the fourth Monarchy, or Pope, or Turk, or the like: and though it be abundance more arduous to determine in the Positive (who he is) then in the Negative (who he is not) yet between both, and in the Argumentative, I may say, many marks to know him by, are now brought to light, (which before have been hid) as will suddenly pursue the discovery of him into a hue and cry after him where ere he lurks. But thus I say, the Author doth help us much, and like some excellent Musioian, hath a grace above others to the car by stops! So that according to the Arabic Adage, Gamalon bimaudi●i Gamalin jarkabo. A Camelin the place of a Camel may bend his knee, and so do●; to yield all that I could have said upon this Subject to what he hath said (and so energetically cleared) in this book, leaving them to apply that find the little Horn out by these descriptions.  
But a little more particularly, and 1. To the men of these Times, (that serve the Times and men); it may be they must (of course) be offended with this Treatise, and think it too plain; but poor Wretches! are they so unsound that they must not be touched? no! nor at such a distance neither? how then would they have endured the primitive Spirit? and plain-dealing Saints in those days then? Must we counterfeit with you? and come to you with Pythanology? must we either speak in Tropes and Figures? or else in Ropes and Faggots? or imprisonment at least? (durante beneplacito?) Do you take us by the Throat, saying, Pay me what you owe me! (yea what we do not owe you) and can you think to have compassion shown you or yours when the judgement sits? See but Mat. 24. 49. with Mat. 18. 33, 35. Shouldst not thou also have had Compassion? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the Tormentors! etc. Can you be called a Christian Government, that so far exceed the very Heathens in this matter? Why Titus Vespasian when (one spoke scurrilously of him) said, Ego, cum nihil faciam dignum propter quod contumelia afficiar, nihil cu●o, etc. Well! if I have done nothing worthy of these Reports! (or to be thus spoken ill of,) I care not! but if I have! O then! I have more reason to be angry w th' myself the Transgressor, then with him the Relater, for he hath told nothing but the truth then! He sent not out his Pursuivants presently (or Sword men to apprehend such a Man. Nor did we ever read among the Heathen, that T●c●●● was ever blamed or punish d for personating and publishing Tiberius' dissimulation. Nero's Cruelty, Sej●nus's pride, M●s●alina s Adultery, or Domitian's Tyranny and bruitish●es●, though he was his very Creature, and advanced by him: And good Lord! are we worse than Heathen? yea then the Heathen at this day? (as in China where the Zaul● and Choli have their liberty to say any thing against the evils of their Emperor and his Government & then the Dragon Government of the Heathen at that day? and yet these men that make us offenders for words, Isa. 29. 21. yea Words of truth and sobriety too! imprisoning and persecuting year after year! contrary to the Rule of Reason, N vure and Religion, would be accounted fain the farrest and best Government of any before it! but alas for th' m! let men say what they will, we see it and feel it every day to be of the Beast, and more brutish than those that have gone before; bloody Mary herself abhorring to make it Treason for words as they have done. Yet for this we bless our (overruling) God, that as to Beasts of the greatest power is given the least immanity, so to these of the greatest ferocity the least force, for the cursed Cow hath but short horns.  
2. To the Academies, Heathen schools, and Secular Clergy of England, especially, the Heads of Houses and Colleges, Doctors and Learned men, have we much to say if we might be heard, or admitted to speak our minds freely, 1. For that they have been such implacable enemies to the purest Truths, and present testimony in every age, how fierce against the Martyrs in Queen Mary's days? yea against the Brownists and Puritans in Queen Elizabeth's, and King James' days? accusing them to the Powers, and calling them (as they do us) absurd, ridiculous, frezzy fools, illiterate fellows, mad, seditious, and such as would bring all to ruin in Church and State? sitter to be chastised by the Magistrate then refuted? (Vid. Defence of the Brownists in King James' da●es, p. 114, 115, etc.) this hath ever been their language against the Saints; as they called Paul a Babbler, contradicting and blaspheming the Truth. Act. 17. & 19 Now it is our mercy to be of them that the Stoics, Peripatetics, Academics, and Pythagoreans rage at and revile.  
2. Because we are persuaded in our very souls (and know it) that we have the Truth, the Gospel, the cause of Christ, and the Testimony of Jesus on our side, (who suffer so by persecutions, imprisonments, & oppressions over our consciences and faith in these matters)! Now me thinks it is easy for so many Learned, wise and able Doctors, Triers and Chaplains to handle us if we be in Error, or out of the Way, and to make it appear by the Word of God, and convince us of it (in charity!) therefore if they have received the Truth in the Love thereof, we require it of them, and adjure them to it in the name of him who shall shortly judge the quick and dead! for the weaker we are, the easier will their work be to answer us.  
3. For that some of your chiefest Heads were once of the same mind with us in these matters, as appears by their Sermons and former practices, until they came to leave the Churches and their Pastor-ships for Colledge-places, and Corner-caps, and so became Vice-Chancellors, Doctors, Proctors, Precedents, Tryers and such as are in deep Traffic with the Whore's merchandise. Did we ever think the Dragon's tail could drag down such Stars as these to the Earth? to such earthly, yea, Antichristian titles? Orders? Customs, Laws? and Degrees as they have taken? (the Lord have mercy upon us! with what fear and trembling do I think of these things?) to forsake the the Churches for Heathens Schools? the Bride for the Whore? & the Whore harnessed too, in her old, filthy, adulterous robes too? the very same Popish Statutes up, and unrepealed at thi● day that were in Q▪ Mary's days? and in the thick of Popery? (however they refine them a little outwardly!) yet the same idola ocu●orum or feminine Idols, and Trumperies, Hoods, Caps, Robes, Rings, Holidays, Musics, Commencements, and Divinity-Acts are yet u●; Conradus Pelican upon his deathbed desired he might not be buried a Doctor, for he said, he must rise a Disciple and poor Creature! O Peter! Peter! Peter! (says Mr. Tyndal) thou wast too long a Fisherman then if this be lawful▪ for thou wert never brought up at the Arches! nor wert thou ever master of the Rolls, Chancellor of England, nor Vicechancellor of Oxford, etc.  
4. For that ye are (though untruly) called the Schools of the Prophets (whereas in truth ye are the Schools of the profane, Atheists, and Heathens, infusing Heathenish principles (by heathenish Authors) into proud, bold, fantastical, graceless youths) and for this reason have the Saints all along engaged against them, Wi●kliffe, Huss, Luther, Zuinglius, Tyndal and a 100 more; yea the Brownists at large to King james petitioned that they might no longer continue Heathen but Christian Schools, and instead of Aristotle and Plato they might study the Scriptures, Prophets and Apostles, for those that so do will receive the Truth gladly which we communicate! as 1 Thes. 1. 6. in much affliction.  
5. Besides, you are accounted the Fountain and Nursery of the Ministry that is (not of the Church but) Secular Clergy; not of Christ's but Aristotle's and the State's Ministry, that buy what they sell, and then sell what they so have bought (as Simon Magus) be they ever such stories, trash, Anti-christian Errors, or dreams of Predicaments, Universals, second Intentions, Quiddities, Hecsi●ies and Correlatives, etc. and what not, to amuse the Countryignoramus'? Now for as much as all these (with a 1000 more) appertain to the Beast and false Prophet, it is time to warn them (that are of them) to get from amongst them as fast as they can, for the time is near when this Beast and his whole Body (whereof you are a Part) must be given to the Burning Flame, Dan. 7. 11.  
3. To the Cities and Corporations that do yet stand by the Beast's Charter, it is the Time of the End too, and particularly this, where every man is (as we say Faber suae fortunae) seeking himself, and hammering out his own honour, (but not at God's Anvil!) buying, selling, building, planting, etc. as in the days of Noah, but doth not regard the Day of the Lord! O London! London! thou City! and Seat of the second Beast! next to Rome mayst thou look for the Wrath upon thee! for thy bowing down unto the Beast! persecuting the Saints! and height of all manner of Sins sound in thee at this day! Dost thou think that Latimers, Ridleys, Hoopers and the Martyr's blood wilt not be called for? yea were't not thou as gideon's Fleece, dry when the floor round thee for many years was wet with the blood of the late Wars? and shalt not thou be wet when the floor is dry? besides (retentio exc●emen●orum est parens● morborum!) thou retainest what will ruin thee, and standest upon those Popish Charters and Injurctions that must be rend up by the very Roots, nor will the dead Saints (the Patrons of your Companies) be able to protect you from that Day when the (living Saints or) judgement begins to sit.  
4. To such as are in Doubts, and Suspense, or Darkness! (either for want of light, or through too much light upon weak Organs) which occasions too much wavering, unstedfastness, mistakes, and dissimulations at this day! were Paul alive that reproved his brother Peter so openly, Gal. 2. what a terrible thundering Oracle would he be at this Day then! which will burn up double-dealing and deceit like an Oven! and nothing but true faith in the simplicity of the Gospel will abide by it. Surely Paul's care would be to put every man upon the proof of's own work and spirit, that he might have a rejoicing in himself, and not in another, Gal. 6. 4. knowing the subtlety of the Serpent in this last Apostasy, is to set up Truth against Truth! grace against grace! ordinances against ordinances! Saints against Saints! Spirit against Spirit! (and not ●o profane against Professors!) to fight! rend! shake! tear! distract and divide them with! that are to break his head, and to catch his kingdom! Wherefore see to your standing! that it be not upon Bogs or quagmires! or with staggering!  
5. To such as are impatient, ho● and rash; tarry till the Time of the End! it will be soon enough! and get your spirits well prepared, seasoned and sweetened with G●●ce for it will be bitter enough! a ●o●e sliding will break thy ●o●e, though a back-sliding would break thy neck! and if thou ●●●●●st to the Kingdom-work before the Time and Season, thou will be drawn out! or if thou g●est out with a wild field spirit, or common anointing! and not with the ●arden flowery spirit, or double anointing of the Kingdom (which is the blessing of the Firstborn!) thou art more capable of being out down with the grass, than o● cutting▪ down the grass; though all flesh be grass, Ilay 40. & as a field-flower rising up in its own, single, wild, natural spirit! It is another stratagem of Satan to deposit (too) the like for the thing (and so to cheat thee with a counterfeit!) compounding an anointing like to Gods anointing; a presume like to his presume! which is death by the Law, Exod. 30. 33. or else to put that upon the Stranger which belongs to none but the Lord, v. 38. or else to take the Lord's presume to smell upon, or to please their own senses and desires with, and so to raise up their own spirit (which then is hard to get down again, or not to call the Spirit of the Lord)! and with that Christian name to run out into disoorders and without rule, or else to conclude us in unbelief as to implicit commands under presence of a peremptory obedience to explicit, and like Nadab and Abil●● fall in the fire of our own kindling, or else instead of the Angel's Reed, would measure and model us by another Rule, and not with the King's Cubit which was three singers longer than the common, nor weighed with the Sanctuary shekels (whereon at first was stamped the print of the Lamb) which were twice as much as the common! But as Noab's A●k was built with the largest Cubit; So is this Work to be, that will now go forward.  
Lastly, if it be the end, than woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the Earth! for the time of the third woe is within reach! woe! to the Lawyers! Soldiers! Citizens! Merchants! Messengers! Gaolers! and all that are involved with the Beast at this day! from Court to Country! from their Protector to the Beggar! Rev. 14 10. woe! unto you rich who have laid up treasures for the last days! for you have your consolation, Jam. 5. 1. yea, woe! unto you Soldier! that fightest under the Beast's Banner! because the want of a good conscience will eat out thy valour! Jer. 50. ●3. woe unto you that seek great things for yourselves! Jer. 45. and make not God the Patron of your preferment; you might as in the Jewish fields, have plucked and eat what you would, but not have pocketed up (as ye have done) the Kings, Deans and Chapless lands, or the accursed thing, etc. yea, woe to you▪ that have deceived others! for that ye shall find by your long dissembling, ye have most deceived yourselves at last! Isai. 33. 1. and not to you that have been both the Archer and Ma●k in all your actions (shooting at your own Praise and Profit) because an Arrow shall come from the King's hands, Psal. 45. which must shoot you thorough the very heart▪ Isai. 1. 31. Woe! woe! to you Liars, Dissemblers, and False witnesses, who believe your own lies to be true, whiles ye turn the truth into a lie, for the time will come when few will believe you though you speak true, seeing, you have set your wits to work (on tenterhooks) for artificial Evasions from natural Obligations (besides Army-declarations) and God will frustrate the tokens of the liars! Isai. 44. 45. yea, woe! to those Foxes who with fire brands at their ●ayles have set us into a flame! for they shall burn up themselves in their own mischief! and he that teacheth lies is the tail, saith the Prophet! Isai. 9 15. woe to them that are serving themselves o● the times for their own ends! because yet a little while and they will see the Times to be served upon them for God's ends! And woe! woe to the Statists! who are now the Centre! wherein all the lines of Intelligence meet from foreign parts, because the time will come quickly wherein all the lines of most notable intelligence shall run from you and be reported of you into foreign parts! woe to you Tyrants and Nimrods' of the earth, that do now rule over the Saints and make them to howl, Isai. 52. 5. because the time of the end doth come wherein you shall howl, and the Saints shall rejoice and rule over you! Isai. 14. 2. and there was written therein lamentation, mourning and woe, Ezek● to even so Amen, Dan. 7. 18. but the Saints of the most High shall take (Vikabb●lun undertake) the Kingdom.  
JOHN ROGERS.   

The time of the End.  
Wherein is showed, that until the three years and half begin, (which are the last of the 1260 days) God's people will not understand the period of the Fourth Monarchy, and the Beasts dominion. But when that Time shall come, they shall have (before its expiration) the certain knowledge of it, by the appearing of a Little Horn, the later Apostasy, and a Beast. The particular Characters of which little Horn, Apostasy and Beast (as the holy Ghost in Scripture sets them down) are here opened, and so left for the Wise to understand, by application.  
THe great Business of Christ's Little Flock at this time, is about 
1 Chro. 12, 32.  the understanding of the Times, to know what Israel ought to do; when Daniel and John's Numbers shall end, the Spoiler cease to spoil, and the STONE begins to smite the Image. Many of the Lords Worthies have spent their study, and much time in the search thereof. And no marvel, considering how necessary it is that the SET-TIME be understood, before any Action can safely be undertaken by the Saints of the most High against Babylon. Among others, I (who am one of the least of the flock) according 
Jer. 50. 58.  to the measure of grace given me, have, with a broken and humble spirit, sought the Lord, and searched diligently the Prophecies, to find out the end of these Wonders. Now after much seeking, and long waiting upon the great Revealer of Secrets, what I find upon my heart (as given in I hope from God) to be Truth, I shall willingly make it known unto my brethren and companions in tribulation. And because the way which I shall take, hath not been (I think) observed before, I shall therefore endeavour to express my mind, and meditations of my heart, the more plainly: and will first lay down certain General Considerations; to the end, what I shall say afterward (as more home and proper to the TIME) may the better be understood.  

CONSID. I.  
To understand the Times, it is of great use, that the Prophetical Numbers be distinguished, and rightly applied: that is, to know what Numbers are proper to the Gentile-Christians, and what to the Jews. These, Viz. Until a time, times, and the dividing of time, Dan. 7. 25. So Chap. 12. 7. It shall be for a time, times, and half. Again, the forty and two months, Rev. 11. 2. and the one thousand two hundred and sixty days, v. 3. and the Witnesses lying dead three days and an half, v. 9 So again, the 1260 days, Rev. 12. 6. and the time, and times, and half a time, V. 14. these Numbers (I conceive) concern the Gentiles, as proper to their work and time. But the two thousand and three hundred days, Dan. 8. 14. and the one thousand two hundred and ninety days, Dan. 12. 11. and one thousand three hundred thirty and five days, vers. 12. are to be understood of the Jews only.  
Again, as these Numbers are to be distinguished, so they must be kept apart. For the Gentiles account and the Jews, do not (as I take it) contemporize. The Gentile-Saints will be upon their work (how long I shall not say, but) before there will be any life or visible stirring amongst the dry bones. This to me is evident, by the order of the Vials, if well considered: five of the seven, are to be poured out by the Christian Gentiles, before the Jews awake under the sixth Vial. And as for these Vials, or seven last plagues, I humbly conceive (though many good men are otherwise minded) that none of them are yet poured our. Besides, I take it, Moses words, Deut. 32. 21. have this meaning, that the Jews shall be provoked to rise, and seek their own enlargement and liberty, partly by the example of the Gentile-Saints, when they shall see the Lords work prosper in their hands, against the Western Beast: and partly, by the assistance and help which they shall have from the Gentiles many ways, Isat. 60. 9   

CONSID. II.  
It will not be known, when the forty and two months and one thousand two hundred and sixty days shall end, (the Time of the Beasts reign, and the woman's abiding in the wilderness) until the three years and half are come. For howsoever these three years and half are to be reckoned in the number of the one thousand two hundred and sixty years; yet must this last time begin (yea, I think, well-nigh expire) before the Wise will understand that the set and appointed Time is come. This to me seems very clear, by the Angel's words to Daniel: But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even unto the Time of the end, Chap. 12. 4. Again: Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up, and sealed, till the time of the end, Chap. 12. 9  
Three things are here observable: 1. The opening and understanding of the Vision, is referred to a certain and prefixed time; and not to be revealed till then. 2. In both places, it is called, The time of the End: which methinks must needs be, the three years and half: for I know no other time but this, that periods the number of the one thousand two hundred and sixty years. 3. He faith not times, but time; intimating, howsoever the whole account should have several times, or periods, (in respect of the divers actions of the Beast Civil and Ecclesiastical; and the various changes and condition of the Witnesses and Woman, all the time of his Tyranny) yet the unsealing of the Book should not be, till the last time of all the several periods. So Habak. 2. 3. The vision is yet for an appointed time: at the end, it shall speak, and not lie. What can we understand by the end, and the appointed time, but as Daniel hath it, the time of the end; that is, the three years and half: then is the vision to speak, and not before. So Rev. 1. 3. For the time is at hand. And Chap. 22. 10. Seal not up the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. For my part, I cannot conceive what time may be taken, as distinct from other times, and proper to the places, if not the three years and half. But that in Daniel seems yet to be more full: It shall be for a time, times, and an half, Chap. 12. 7. What shall be for a time, times, and an half? till the end of these wonders; that is, before they shall be opened. As if he should say, So far forth as the Christian Gentiles are concerned in these wonders, the manifestation of them is reserved, till the three years and half; and then the wise shall understand.  
Here observe, 1. It should be no cause of stumbling unto any person, that many good men have missed of the time in their accounts, seeing in their time, the words were closed up and sealed. 2. The cause of their mistake, was not (as some think) of an impossibility, as if the time of the end were not to be known: but because the appointed time, or end, was not then come, in which the vision was to speak. 3. Such as are now enquiring into the numbers of Daniel and John, to know when the Beasts dominion shall end; aught to mind whether they are come to the time of the end, in which (and not before) that great Mystery is to be known.   

CONSID. III.  
The way which some good men have taken, to find out the period of the one thousand two hundred and sixty years, viz. by beginning at the head of the account, is not (in my opinion) the best nor surest. For here we must credit (and depend on) humane Histories, and Records of Nations; things so uncertain and disagreeing among themselves, as nothing but conjectures and ghesses can be concluded and gathered from them. And hence it is, that many have been misled concerning the times: whereby others have taken advantage to condemn all, which search the times, and the Prophetical Numbers of the Scripture, as meddling with things too high and secret.  
If any should ask, Why are these Numbers mentioned as forty and two months, and one thousand two hundred and sixty days? I answer▪ The Lord would have it known, how long the Beast should reign, and the woman continue in the wilderness; that his people might wait with the more faith and patience till their enlargement came. Not that when the time of the end should come, he would carry them back to inquire what was done some thousands of years before, or search uncertain Stories for the rise of the Beast: I take it, he hath a nearer and better way to lead them in; more free from doubts and mistakes then the other, and easier to be found out and known by babes and sucklings: The way-faring men, though fools, shall not err therein, Isa. 35. 8.   

CONSID. IU.  
So for the Signs of the times, which are much spoken of, and matter of singular joy amongst Saints everywhere. These show us without doubt, that the kingdom of God is nigh, and that the great work of the Lord is approaching upon us: but as to the set time they come not home. And therefore we must have more light than these, to order our motions by. For example: be it granted, that the Lord hath a people enquiring after the Numbers in Daniel and John; much enlightened in the work of their generation; take pleasure in Zion's stones, and favour her dust; are a willing people, and a praying people; and such as have their hearts raised up against Babylon to take vengeance on her. I say, grant all this (as blessed be Jehovah it is all true, and more too) yet it will not follow, that the one thousand two hundred and sixty years (the time of Antichrists tyranny, and the Woman's persecution) must therefore end this year or the next. I confess, these are blessed Signs, and tidings of great joy; and do evidently declare (like the tender branches and leaves of the figtree that Summer is nigh) that the Lord will arise and have mercy upon Zion; and that the breaking work of the Stone is not far off: But yet they do not tell us how nigh the time is: this must be known some other way. When the Dove brought to Noah in her mouth an Olive-leaf, he knew that the waters were abated from off the earth: yet he went not forth of the Ark till the Lord did call him, Gen 8. 11, 15. Indeed these signs (like the olive-leaf) do plainly demonstrate, that the Antichristian deluge (which hath so long covered the face of the earth) is towards an end: nevertheless, we must abide where we are, till we hear that great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth, Rev. 16. 1.   

CONSID. V.  
So again, howsoever Providence is to be observed, and followed, when people are called forth to their work; yet we must take heed that we make no● Providence alone our call. Moses, Gedeon, David, and others, improved providences; but it was after they were confirmed, that the time was come wherein they were to serve their generation so and so: and in such cases, we are still to follow Providence. When we know the forty and two months are expired, and so the time come, in which the Lord God of heaven and earth will set up his kingdom, take away the dominion of the little Horn, and execute vengeance upon Babylon. Here we must, in the prosecution of the judgement written, eye and follow the leadings of God in his providential dispensations. It hath been the practice of worldly powers, to justify their unrighteous Wars and Murders, by crying up Providence: As if their Victories and Conquests must needs be lawful, because of the Opportunities and advantages which they had; though yet no otherwise than what Thiefs and Highway-robbers may pretend to. Saul fell twice into David's hands: might not this be thought a Providence, as leading him to take the kingdom? but there was something more in David's eye, (as he waited for the kingdom) namely, the Appointed time.   

CONSID. VI.  
Therefore near or about the period of the one thousand two hundred and sixty years; that is to say, in the last three years and an half of that Number, certain most remarkable and wonderful things will come to pass: for there shall appear then a Little Horn, of which Daniel speaks, Chap. 7. the later Apostasy, foretold by the Apostle, 2 Tim. 3. 1, 2, etc. and a Beast ascending out of the bottomless pit, who shall slay the Witnesses, Rev. 11. 7. These things shall be so obvious and plain, not only in respect of the certain time when they did rise; but so exactly agreeing in all things with the Scriptures, as hereby the wise shall understand, that now The Time of the End is come. Concerning this notable Time, I find many Writers both ancient and modern to mention it; although not agreeing in their Application. Some think these three years and an half shall be immediately before the ultimate or last Judgement: Others, a little before Christ▪ s personal coming to reign on earth. Others think (of which opinion I am) that these three years and an half (in which will be the Little Horn, the later Apostasy and Beast) shall be a long time before the Judgement of the great day; yea, and many years before Christ's personal appearing. But howsoever in application they differ; yet in these two great points, they agree: 1. That these three years and an half do period the forty and two months, and one thousand two hundred and sixty days; and that there shall be in this Time a Little Horn, a great Apostasy, and a Beast ascending out of the bottomless pit. 2. Immediately after these three years and half, there will be a visible and universal change of things thorough the whole world: For the little Horn shall be destroyed, Babylon fall, all earthly powers broken to pieces, and the Saints of the most High raised up, to a most glorious and blessed estate. Neither is it to be thought strange, that this hath been the opinion of some men in all ages, since the Primitive time, even hitherto: for if the Prophecies be read with heed and observation, so much (in my understanding) lies open and very clear in them. But of this more hereafter.   

CONSID. VII.  
Now for the characters of the little Horn, the later Apostasy and Beast; this must be heeded: Look as the Scriptures set them down, so they must have all their full and due accomplishment: yea more; these Characters (at least most of them) cannot be applied to any persons or things, (without force to the Text) but only to THAT little Horn, THAT Apostasy, and THAT Beast, which are to be in the three years and an half. Hence I may say, (though with much tenderness) some have very much wrested the Prophecies, in applying the Little Horn to this man and that man; the Apostasy to be meant of such persons, and the Beast to be understood so and so: the which applications in many particulars have no ways paralleled. But there is no need of doing so: for when the three years and half come, there shall appear such a Little Horn, Apostasy, and Beast, as all the Scripture-characters shall fall in, altogether and every way with them.   

CONSID. VIII.  
Though we might find out a littile Horn, characterized according to Daniel; but no Apostasy: or suppose an Apostasy, and a little Horn; but no Beast slaying the Witnesses: This could not be the three years and an half: for (I conceive) all three must be at one time, begin and end together. Not minding this, some have been mistaken, in taking the little Horn single and apart from the Apostasy and Beast; and would have him to be, many hundred years before the two later were in the world. Whereas to me, the one shall not be before nor after the other, but (as I said before) contemporize. Of this likewise I shall speak more, when I come to the particulars.   

CONSID. IX.  
But the great Question is: Seeing the period of the one thousand two hundred and sixty days shall be (as I think) in this way and manner made known, (viz. by a little Horn, an Apostasy, and Beast, appearing in the last three years and half) By whom and how will the Lord do it? This (methinks) is showed in Daniel, chap. 12. 5, 6, 7, etc. Two are said to stand by the river, the one on this side of the bank, and the other on that side of the river. These two, I take to be Types: the one of the Gentile-Churches, the other of the Jews; to whom Jesus Christ (the Man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river) being asked of both (for the word one is not in the text) How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? the Gentile-type is answered first, vers. 7. It shall be for a time, times, and an half; and so referred to the three years and an half: as if he should say, What concerns you Gentiles as to the understanding of the Visions and Prophecies of this book, the words are sealed up for a time, times, and an half; and when that time shall come, namely, the last three years and an half of the one thousand two hundred and sixty years, I will put of my Spirit into some of my servants, (represented here by one of the two standing on the bank of the river) whereby they shall open this great mystery to the Churches of the Saints among the Gentiles. Fulfilling herein what is said in the Prophet, Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets, Amos 3. 7. As for the other, (carrying the type of the Jews) he hath his answer, vers. 11, 12.  
Again, (I conceive) the Gentile-type in Daniel, is the same with Rev. 18. 1. that angel which cometh down from heaven having great power, and the earth was enlightened with his glory. If the order of things be duly observed, enlightening goes before the work: I say, before smi●ing the Image, and rendering vengeance upon Babylon. It is true, the followers of the Lamb are bid to reward her as she hath rewarded you, and double unto her double, etc. vers. 6. yet so, as to be enlightened first; the which enlightening must needs be understood (part at least) of the set and appointed time, when to begin to reward her.  
That none of the seven last plagues are yet poured out, I have given some Reasons publicly. 
See a Book entitled Truth with Time.  Now whereas unto John is showed in the wilderness the judgement of the great whore, by one of the ange's which had the seven vials, Rev. 17. 1, 3. this may be gathered: That near or about the time of the woman's coming out of the wilderness, (John carrying the type of the Church in that present state) the destruction of Babylon (as to the set time) shall be made known unto some of the Lords faithful servants; by whom others shall have it revealed to them, and whom he will employ, to pour out vials of wrath upon the kingdom of the Beast.   

CONSID. X.  
The time being known, when the three years and half shall end; that which follows next (and immediately upon the expiration of the foresaid time) will be to do, what the Lord commands his sanctified ones. Li●t ye a banner upon the high mountains, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that ye may go into the gates of the nobles, Isa. 13. 2. So Jer. 50. 2. Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish and conceal not, that Babylon is taken. The publishing of this war against Babylon, will be (I conceive) by the angels, Rev. 14. 6, 8, 9 and that voice from heaven, Rev. 18. 4. These shall gather the Saints together, Psal. 50. 5. the hundred forty and four thousand, Rev. 14. 1. the called, chosen, and faithful, Rev. 17. 4. at their rendevouz to the Lamb on mount Zion, where the Lord of hosts will muster the host of 
Isa. 52 12.  the battle, Isai. 13. 4. So that the Lords people shall not go forth in haste, nor conceal their work, or do things covertly; but come out in the light, and boldly, as Israel did out of Egypt. They shall have God's presence so visibly and powerfully with them, that the enemies, through a dreadful fear, shall not know what to do for their own safety, nor how to oppose the work of God in the hands of his mighty ones. As it is said of Barak, Gideon, Samson, etc. that the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and in that Spirit they went forth, conquering and to conquer: so now, the time being, come, and known, the like Spirit will be in the Lamb's followers, a faith to which all things are possible, And in this Spirit and faith (I believe) those who are now waiting for to see that day of the Son of man, shall rise up in the places where they are, and join together against Babylon and all her helpers.  
Hence the present worldly powers may take notice, how plainly that Scripture is fulfilled upon them: THEY IMAGINE A VAIN THING, Psal. 2. 1. Ah poor wretches! ye do so indeed, in taking counsel against the fifth kingdom. For, 1. These men which are for that Kingdom, will not stir till the set time be come and known. Then 2. They will publicly proclaim war against Babylon, and say, The day of the Lords vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion, is come. 3. As it is the Lords cause and work, so they are sure, whosoever resisteth shall be broken to pieces, and become as the chaff of the Summer-threshing-floor. Did not the first Monarchy fall before the second, so that before the third, so again the third before the fourth, when their times ended: and must not this fourth fall likewise before the fifth, in the appointed time? The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. But it seems they have no Gamaliel now in their Counsels: I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel▪ or this work, be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Acts. 5. 38, 39   

CONSID. XI.  
Though I shall here but speak over, what hath been hinted before; yet because the Consideration is weighty, and much to our purpose, I will add a little. Howsoever it be true, (as I am persuaded) that the Visions and Prophecies of the Scriptures concerning the period of the Beasts dominion, will not certainly be known till the three years and half begin, (and probably the greater part expired.) As Daniel knew not the deliverance of God's people to be so nigh, till the very year (or less) in which they were delivered: see Dan. 9 1, 2. with Ezra 6. 1. nevertheless when this time comes, before it expires, the knowledge of it shall be given in to some, as they are seeking the Lord by fasting and prayer, and searching the Prophecies, 2 Chron. 20 13, 14. This appears,  
First, by Dan. 12. 10. The wise shall understand. If the series and scope of the place be noted, two great Truths are there set down. 1. The holy Ghost speaks not of understanding in a large sense, but restrains it to a special and proper understanding; that is, they shall know the end of these wonders, vers. 6. As Noah knew the time when the 'slud would come, (before it came) of which the world was ignorant: so the end of the one thousand two hundred and sixty days (before it is finished) shall be revealed to the wise: but none of the wicked shall understand. 2. The wise shall not understand this, till the time of the end: so much likewise is held forth in the place. The three years and half must begin: and to know that such a time is come, there will be a little Horn, an Apostasy, and Beast: whereby the wise shall have such understanding.  
2. That the time will be known, before the forty and two months expire. I think so much is manifest, by comparing Dan. 12. 9 with Rev. 10. 6. The first tells us, that the words are to be opened at the time of the end: now this must be, before the forty and two months are expired: for the other tells us, After that, there shall be time no longer. Besides, if the two texts be observed, they belong to one matter & time. The one saith, the opening of the Mystery of God is left to the three years and half: the other, that it shall be opened before that time goes out.  
3. I find, that one of the four living creatures gives unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, Rev. 15. 7. but these angels are not bid by him to pour them out; that is done afterwards, by a voice out of the temple, Rev. 16. 1. The giving of the vials (I conceive) is the opening of the mystery of them, as to the time when, and the work how to be done; & so to prepare the angels for the execution of the wrath: and all this before the end. But their call to it, seems to be after the forty and two months are expired: He hath showed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen. Psal. 111. 6.   

CONSID. XII.  
Seeing, according to the determinate purpose and counsel of God, to the little Horn, the later Apostasy, and Beast, three years and an half are allowed; this I would gather, as my own apprehension, That the Lord of hosts will not make his worm Jacob a new sharp threshing-instrument having teeth; nor Israel his battle-ax and weapons of war, with which he will thresh the mountains, and break in pieces Nations, destroy Kingdoms, etc. until the foresaid time, that is, the three years and half, are accomplished. The saws came not forth from Babylon, by the Proclamation of Cyrus, till the seventy years were fulfilled. Neither were their fathers before them, ● brought ou● of Egypt, till the whole time was run out, which the Lord had fore-appointed for their sojourning there: And it came to pass▪ (saith the text) at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, EVEN THE SAME DAY, it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt, Exod. 12. 41. So now, in the spirit of meekness be it spoken, it is not the Lord's mind (I verily think) that the Stone should be smiting the Image, or the little Horn, to take away his dominion, and to consume and destroy it, until the times, time, and dividing of time, be out; which by divine counsel they are to have.  
Now whereas some may object that saying of Christ, For the elects sake these days shall be shortened, Matth. 24. 22. Mar. 13. 19, 20. as if this might be gathered from it, That the set▪ time mentioned in Scripture, viz. the forty and two months, and the three years and half, may be shortened, and so God's people go forth before it be expired: I answer: There is (I conceive) a great mistake in the understanding of that place. For Christ speaks not of any shortening of the set and fixed time allowed the little Horn, or Babylon, or the Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth, or their lying slain: but the meaning is, There would be such calamities and miseries in the world, that unless the Lord should shorten the time, no flesh could be saved. But of what time speaks he? not of the fixed time; that is, he means not the one thousand two hundred and sixty days, or forty and two months, or the three days and half: but speaks of Time largely; as if he should say, If the Lord should permit these calamities to continue many thousand generations, there would be a consumption and end of all mankind: but for the love he bears to his chosen, he hath shortened the time: that is, in his holy counsel determined: the woman in the wilderness, and the Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth, shall not exceed such a time. So the little Horn, the Beast and Babylon, etc. So that by shortening the time, he means not any set time of years mentioned in Scripture; but shortened, that is, it shall not exceed the years so and so appointed.   

CONSID. XIII.  
But that I may not be mistaken in some things I said before; as first, Beginning at the head of the account: thus I would be understood. Howsoever (I think) it is very uncertain, to know exactly the period of the Beasts dominion, beginning at the head of the account; neither doth the Spirit of God intent to lead his people in such a way, viz. through the confusion and contradiction of humane Histories, to find out CERTAINLY the time of the end; but in the way here mentioned. Notwithstanding, if it come to pass, that some good men, by their labours and study (beginning at the head) do period their account with our three years and half, (or miss not much) the blessed truth by this is the more confirmed, and the Lords good hand and wonderful providence greatly seen in it. Again, heretofore, both others, and myself too, have sought to find out the end of the Numbers, by searching the rise of the Beast; because than we understood no other way: and in that respect (following the light we had) the Lord no doubt was well pleased with our upright endeavours, yea and gave a blessing to it; witness the fruit and advantage which many precious souls in this Nation have had thereby. So that I am so far from seeking to have the blessed memory of our former Worthies any way darkened, as I profess in the fear of God, I judge myself to come short of many of them: and if any thing delivered by me, be clearer in respect of the time, it is because THE TIME OF THE END, is now nearer than when they wrote.  
So for the Signs of the Times, I am for them (rightly improved) as much as any man: When these things begin to come to pass, then look up (saith Christ) and list up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. Luk. 21. 28. Indeed these Signs by Saints in all places ought much to be minded. Christ blamed the Jews, for their neglect of this thing, Matth. 16. 3. And I must confess, from the Signs of the times, I have had much light and encouragement in this present Undertaking. Only my opinion is: To know when the set-time is come, for the Stone to begin to smite, and the last plagues to be poured out, we have no Scripture-light to be guided by, but the three years and a● half. And when this time is come, it will be as easy to know the beginning and ending of it, as to discern the Little Horn, the later Apostasy, and Beast.   

CONSID. XIV.  
To conclude with an humble and brotherly word ●o all, in all places, who are for the Kingdom-work, and desire to follow the Truth in love and light: I have no design (O ye precious ones) to weaken your hearts or hands, in the work of your Generation, and your appearing for your KING and mine; but rather to strengthen and encourage you, in whatsoever is from him and for him. These CONSIDER ATIONS▪ I shall leave with you, as a Manuduction to the other Part. All which gathered together, speak thus:  
1. It seems to me, (as grounded on Scripture) until the three years and half begin, and are well-nigh expired, (which are the last of the one thousand two hundred and sixty years) God's people will not understand the period of the Time.  
Neither 〈◊〉 may we say, that such a time is come, unless we see the Little Horn in Daniel, the Apostasy foretold of Paul, and the Beast slaying the Witnesses; all these must appear together, with all the Characters specified in the places, and contemporize.  
3. When such a time is come, Saints shall certainly know it, before it doth expire.  
4. By all the search and enquiry I have made, I do not see any way but this, to find out the time of the End; if we take the Word of God for our light and guide.  
5. Until these three years and half are finished, the rod of the Lords strength will not go out of Zion. So that to begin war against Babylon, or any of the Powers of this world, upon the account of the fifth kingdom, is not (I humbly conceive) to follow the Lamb, but to go before him: I say, if the aforesaid three years and an half be not come and ended.  
Lastly, seeing we are not sent back to search the erring Histories of old times, and to inquire what was done many hundred years ago; it doth therefore behoove all such, who are running to and fro, that knowledge may increase; to STUDY THE PRESENT TIME, whether the things which must be in the last three years and half, are already come, or not.    

THE CHARACTERS OF THE Last Apostasy, OPENED.  
I Know already, what the understanding Reader doth expect from me: If the three years and an half are begun, that I show him the Little Horn, the Later Apostasy, and the Beast ascending out of the bottomless pit, with all their Characters set down in sacred Scriptures. If I do not this, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it; let not my Writing be received. For I desire no man's belief any further than he see every thing well and fairly proved.  
Now because from the Apostasy (as the bottomless pit) the Beast ascendeth, who with his Horn slays the Witnesses: I shall therefore begin with the Apostasy first.  
And here we have two Questions:  
1. Why the Apostasy in 2 Tim. 3. must be in the last three years and an half.  
2. How it appears, that the present Apostasy of our time, is that Apostasy of which Paul speaks should be in the Last day▪  
This know also] The particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 likewise, or besides, carries the matter back to the former▪ Epistle▪ chap. 4. 1, 2, 3. and his meaning being opened, it is as he should say: In thy person, I speak to all Saints of future ages, and would have them forewarned of two great Apostasies which shall arise in the Christian Church before the time of the end: And these distinguished, 1. By their Times. The former shall be in the later times; that is, when he that letteth is taken out of the way, then shall the wicked be revealed: 2 Thess. 2. 7, 8▪ meaning the Great Whore, or kingdom of the Beast: the other will be in the last days, near or about the period of the Beasts dominion. 2. The former Apostasy shall be in Doctrine: Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy: forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats. The later will be in manners and conversation: Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, proud, etc.  
Again, that by the last days, the three years and half are meant, I prove it thus: The Word of God doth not only distinguish between Time and Time, (as there is a set time to every purpose under the sun, Eccles. 3. 1.) but likewise shows, that all Prophecies have their due accomplishments in their fixed appointments. Thus there was a time for the Dragon to reign in the Roman Heathen Emperors: and that Time must be expired, before the first Apostasy, or Antichristian kingdom could arise: 2 Thess. 2. 3, 7, 8. So there is a time for the two Witnesses to prophesy in sackcloth: which time must be finished, before they are slain in their Testimony. Again, being killed in their witness, they must lie three days and an half unburied; which is another distinct time.  
For Application: This later Apostasy cannot be carried up to the persecution of the Saints under the Heathen Roman Emperors: I think no man holds it so: Nor can it be referred to the time of the Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth: for then the last days were not come, for there was a time after that. Neither can it be understood of a time after the sackcloth Witnesses are risen; for then there shall be time no longer, Rev. 10. 6. to wit, either for the first or second Apostasy; but both are to be destroyed, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever: Rev. 11. 12, 13, 15. Therefore I take it (neither before nor after) the later Apostasy must necessarily contemporize with the last three years and half. So that three years and an half is the whole time of the later Apostasy, answerable to the time of the slain Witnesses.  
But the other is the great Point, How it can be proved, that the Apostasy of this age, is that Apostasy of which Paul speaks, 2 Tim. 3▪ 1, 2.  
The matter being weighty, I shall speak the more to it; yet with bowels and tenderness▪ sighing for the abominations that are done in the midst of us; and mourning for them, as the Prophets did for backsliding Israel and Judah.  
First, it appears by the Scriptures, that the two great Apostasies shall in many things be like each other: the former being a Type of the later. Concerning the first Apostasy:  
1. It had its rise in the true Christian Church, and among the professors of the Gospel. Hence it is called, a departure from the faith, 1 Tim. 4. 1. and a falling away, 2 Thess. 2. 3. And of this Apostasy (I think) Paul speaks: For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock: also, of yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, etc. Acts 20. 29, 30. Secondly, as the first Apostasy had its rise in the Church of Christ; so the cause of it was, for that men were lovers of their own selves, covetous, proud, etc. Through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you. 2 Pet. 2. 3. 2 Thess. 2. 4. Thirdly, this Apostasy being made through self-love, covetousness, pride, etc. there was one appointed to be Head or King over it, Rev. 9 11. called, That man of sin, 2 Thess. 2. 3. The lawless one, vers. 8. The angel of the bottomless pit, Rev. 9 11. and (typically) the Little Horn, in Dan. 7. To this King or Head of the first Apostasy, it was given to change times and laws; as 
a Sa●. ●●r●m. l. 1. Tit. 7.  Having all power in his hands, and 
b Nich. dist. S. Rom. in Glos●.  being above all, and to be obeyed by all: For 
c Jo. de Paris●is potest. R●x & Pap.  he is (dominus omnium temporaliu●, solus verus Dominus) The true and only Lord of all Temporal things. 
d Peter de Palud. de potest. Pap. el. 4.  Non potest subjicere se Concilio generali: He cannot subject himself to a general Council. 
e Inter casus Papales.  Legi non subjicet ulli; judicium est pro lege: He is subject to no law, and his judgement is in stead of law. 
f De concessione p aebendae Gloss. de Constit. licet Du●an. l. 2.  He hath all manner of law and right (in scrinio pectoris sui) in the closet of his own breast. 
g Trans. Episc. C. quanto in Gloss.  In its quae vult, est ei pro ratione voluntas: In those things which he will, his Will is unto him for Reason. His power is absolute, and extendeth as far as himself listeth. He may do all things 
h Inno. 3. ext D. concess. praeb. C. proposuit.  suprajus, contra jus, & extrajus: Above Law, against Law, and without Law. 
i Fran Zorobel.  Facit quicquid libet, imo illicita: What he pleaseth he may do, yea although unlawful.  
Besides, as for the Head of the first Apostasy, he must 
k Hugo in Gloss Dist. 40. C. non nos. ● Bellarm. de Rom. Pontif. ●. 4. e. 5. in fine.  not (say they) be judged by any man, for any crime either of murder or tyranny, but rather be excused. (l) Simo Papa erraret praecipiendo vitia, vel prohibendo virtutes, teneretur Ecclesia, credere vitia esse bona, & virtutes malas, nisi vellet contra conscientiam peccare: If this Head should err in ordaining evil things, or prohibiting good things, the Church is bound to believe the evil things to be good, and the good evil, unless she will sin against conscience.  
Again, whereas 
m Greg. q. 3. C. quat.  All other sentences and judgements both of Counsels and persons may be examined, for that they may be corrupt: but as the Head of the first Apostasy is above all Civil powers, and free from all Constitutions whatsoever▪ So 
n Ulricus Wald. confessionale, & de Sacr.  whatsoever he acts, approves or disapproves; men are bound, without either judging, or disputing, or retracting, to approve or disapprove the same. For here, 
o Cardinal. Cusan▪ Exer●. l. 2. c. 6.  obedience must be without enquiring, as a horse is obedient to his master: and it were 
p In Sept. Ext. Jo. 22. Tit. 14. C. cum inter l. Gloss.  heresy to think otherwise.  
To know therefore whether the Apostasy of this age be it, of which Paul speaks; we must consider the Parallel. 1. If it be the same, it hath its beginning and rise in the Churches of Christ, and among eminent professors of the Gospel: this appears, by having a form of godliness. 2. Self-love and covetousness, is the root from whence it springs: so much I shall show presently. 3. If it be the l●●er Apostasy, it must have a Head conformable to the first, who in his actions must speak great things, as the other did: Dan. 7. 8, 20, 25. It is given into my hands to change times and laws: and therefore I will do what I please; neither shall there be any law, but according to my will. I am above the people, and all their Representati●▪ s, to call them when I please, and to break them to pieces at my pleasure. What I will, shall be for Law, whether it be above Law, or against Law, or without Law: neither may any man say, (Sir) why do you so? For I am not, nor will not be subject to any Law, nor responsible for my actions to any Council, Court or Judicatory whatsoever. Whom I think fit to banish, imprison, or any other way to destroy, that I will do; neither am I bound to give any reason to any man for it. Those that acknowledge me to be their Head, must justify whatsoever I do: for I judge him a State heretic and traitor, that shall question my power, or say that I may not do what I will. I am free from all Constitutions of men: all are bound to obey me, without judging, disputing, or retracting: I say, All my commands and commissions must be obeyed, without enquiring of Reason, as the Horse or Ass is obedient to his master.  
You that are enquiring after the Time of the end, aught to mind this: It is not the present Apostasy which is come upon us, that the holy Ghost foretelleth in Timothy, if it agree not with the first Apostasy; namely, had its beginning in the Churches of God, and among professors of Religion: occasioned through self-love, covetousness, and pride; and hath a Head speaking great things, as did the Head of the first Apostasy. For judging and applying things, this I leave to the unbyass'd Reader▪ it being my work but to open the Prophecies.  
But there is one thing (and the Scripture notes it) in which these two Apostasies agree not: The former, by reason of the abominable Lies and damnable Heresies which were received, was a departure, both from the power of godliness, and the form too: The later being a falling away not in doctrines but manners, will keep still a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.  
I have thought sometimes, what the reason might be, that the holy Ghost useth the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (hence we say apostasy) being a 
* Hoc verbum est a re militari ad religionem traductum. Nam inter milites is dici●ur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, qui ord●nem suum & locum in acie datum deserit turpiter; vel qui a nobis ad hostes trans●ugit, qui etiam trans●uga appella●u●. Danaeus l. 4 de side, cap. ●5.  word proper to Soldiers; and borrowing it from them, applieth it to religious matters: Whether it might not be closely, foretelling of some eminent and notable falling away which would be among such kind of men in the last days, to the great scandal of the Gospel; being high and glorious professors thereof. But I proceed.  
2. And before we come to speak of the particular sins set down in 2 Tim. 3. it is worth observing, the vices which are not there mentioned: as, Idolatry, Adultery, Murder, Drunkenness, common Swearing, and suchlike: And no marvel; for these are of so gross a kind, as they cannot well stand with a form of godliness, and be defended and pleaded for, as the sins there specified. Here again the judicious Reader is desired to consider, whether this come not home to the present Apostasy: can the sins which are left out by the Spirit of God, as Idolatry, Adultery, Murder, etc. be charged upon them, at least so eminently, visibly, and generally, as the sins in the text? As for the vices which are not named, do they not preach against them, and punish them? But for the other which are named, if they are not as plainly seen in them, as was the leprosy on Gehaz●'s forehead; they are not the MEN meant in Timothy.  
So for the sins which are expressed▪ we must not take it of personal failings, that is, of good men, who by occasion fall into such sins, for so we should condemn the generation of the righteous. For who liveth, and sinneth not? But when the Apostle saith, Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, proud, etc. he means such MEN in whom these sins do reign; and they live in them, and are under the power of them; and think it strange that other men run not with them into the same excess of riot, and therefore speak evil of them. This likewise must the Reader observe, that the sins in Timothy cannot be applied to the Apostates of this age, unless they walk after their own lusts: 2 Pet. 3. 3 and are so far from acknowledging the evils which they have done, as that they are hardened in them, go on in the constant practice of them, and yet say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me: for I am holier than thou. Isai. 65. 5.  
3. It was foretold by the wisdom of God in Paul, that the first Apostasy should be a departing from the Lord in points of Doctrine, that is (as I said) a turning aside from the Truth to lies and vanities: 1 Tim. 4. 1, 2, 3. 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2, etc. The other, not in doctrine, but vicious walking? I hope the Reader will mind whether this is fulfilled in our time. Are not the Tryers zealous men against the Idolatry of the first Apostasy? They will tell you, there must be no inventions in God's worship; but every thing must be according to the Pattern, viz. Church▪ Ministry, Worship, and Government. But what say ye to the Characters of the later Apostasy? are they not lovers of themselves, covetous, proud? etc. I wish, for their own sakes, it be not so. Since my thoughts were upon this Apostasy, I have been considering whether till now, from the rise of the first Apostasy, it hath been known, that at any time the Officers of true Churches, have so fallen in with the world, have gotten such riches, houses, lands, moneys? have lived in such pleasure, plenty, riot, pomp, and state? I cannot find, that the like hath been before, and I hope after this time, it will be so no more. And indeed I should have thought this thing which is now come to pass very strange, had not this Apostasy been foretold, that in the last days there should be in the Churches of the Saints, and amongst the Ministers, Men, Lovers of their own selves, covetous, proud, etc.  
4. If the present Apostasy be that, of which Paul speaks, the time under it will be perilous, hard, difficult. The Dutch translates Schwertzeiten, heavy, grievous, or troublesome; because, saith their no●e, The time will be full of grief and hard for the Godly, perilous (saith Diodate) in regard of the spiritual state of the Church. The Reasons why the time; will be so hard, and heavy, under the later Apostasy, may be these:  
1. Because out of this Apostasy (as the bottomless pit) a beast shall arise, headed with a little horn, by whom the witnesses shall be slain.  
2. It will be a hard and heavy time, because the Rights, Liberties, and Freedoms of the people shall be taken from them: an Arbitrary Power set up, illegal Taxes imposed and only force, and violence bear sway.  
3. The prudent now must either keep silence, or extremely suffer: And so a heavy time.  
4. Such snares and temptations will be laid, as many good men shall be corrupted, and drawn aside from their former righteous principles; and from faith and a good conscience, to pernicious ways.  
Lastly, so heavy a time will it be, that men shall be at their wit's end, 
Tempo●a molesta mquibus dissicile sit concilium capere quomodo te geras adversus istiusmodi monstra que ex medio Ecclesi● sinu prod●bunt. Piscator in Loc.  not knowing what to do, nor what course to take for their own safety, nor how to keep a good conscience without suffering by this Apostasy: For it will be as much as a man's life, to appear for the just liberties of the people, and to hold forth a public testimony, for the visible and glorious kingdom of Jesus Christ. Hence the Aethhiopic translator renders it the bad year, because Religion and the holy Name of God, would suffer more dishonour and reproach at this time, then in any age before, by reason of the base revolting of eminent and forward professors every where. To prove these Reasons, that is my part, the which (if God permit) I shall do, when I come to open the sins and characters of the little Horn: Then I will show, that for these Considerations, it will be a perilous time under the later Apostasy. The Application, that is the Readers part: The which of the two (I conceive) is the least and easiest.  
But fifthly, and to come nearer yet to the matter; The question is, Whether the particular sins, set down in 2 Tim. 3. 2, 3, etc. may be found among the Apostates of this age, directly and fully, and not appliable since the first Apostasy to any men till now? If it be not so (without forcing the Text) what I have said in the Considerations, I shall abide by it, viz. This Apostasy is not that which the Spirit of God intends, in 2 Tim. 3. but some other is yet to come. Now to name the sins, and open the wotds with a little Application, will be enough for my part.  
Lovers of their own selves] The Apostle 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  begins at the Springhead: Self-love (as the bitter root) brings forth this unblessed weed, called, THE state-apostacy OF THE LAST TIMES. Neither indeed can it be otherwise; for if men begin to love themselves, they will soon be covetous, proud boasters, etc. And what thinkest thou Reader? when men shall love themselves more than their oaths, vows, covenants, etc. more than truth and righteousness, more than the laws, liberties and rights of the people, more than faith and a good conscience, say more than heaven and their own souls; yea, and more than God and his Christ. Whether such may not be thought to be the Self-lovers, intended by the holy Ghost, who should make the later Apostasy?  
Covetous] The word signifies, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Hic a Paulo di●ilu●, qui sive argentum sive aurum, sive agros sive siumentum, sive quas●●b●t alias opes a●d●nt●r ●xpetit & v●●●ose. Danaeus in Loc.  not only lovers of silver and money, but of other things, As Lands, Houses, Castles, Parks, Courts, Titles, great Offices and Places, etc. Besides, the word signifies an immoderate desire and appetite, to have the possession of such things. Hence the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is often rendered studium pecuniae, the Study of money. How this is made good in the present Apostasy, their practice is proof enough; neither do I mean to speak much of their doings, seeing the same is so obvious and manifest to the world, and by many published already: For their covetousness, what it is (from the head to the tail) God sees it, and men know it; and what scandal and reproach they have brought to the truth by it, they themselves will know one day.  
But because the Reader may do his part the better, which is Applicative: I shall commend three things to him:  
1. That he take notice: These here, whom the Apostle saith, shall be lovers of their own selves, Covetous, Proud, etc. were men formerly (seemingly at jest) of other principles and practices: for else it could not have been an Apostasy. It cannot be forgotten what was laid to the charge o● the Bishops, for their covetousness, pride, pomp, following the court, and what to the King and his party for their excess. But now who more covetous of Money, Lands, Houses, Castles, Parks, Courts, Titles, great Offices and Places, etc. then they, who condemned these very sins in others, see Rom. 2. 1, 3.  
2. It must be remembered, If the Apostasy now be it, of which Paul speaks; all the sins in the Text must be applied to it: for though we should see men to be covetous, boasters, proud, etc. yet if they have not the other vices, that is, if they are not truce breakers, false accusers, traitors, etc. it is not that Apostasy.  
Lastly, neither can it be the later Apostasy: if any having the form of Godliness, have formerly walked (as these do) after such lusts.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  Boasters] Crackers, or Bragger's, vain-glorious-men, which boast of that they have not, Ulpianus, Kickerm: and others take 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, to be such as arrogate and assume too much to themselves, promise more than they can do, and more than is truth. The word seems to be taken from Quack salvers, and Mountebanks, who Crack of their great Skill and rare Cures; being in the mean time ignorant of the true grounds and principles of Physic and Chirurgery. If it be the last Apostasy, great things will be promised the Nation, about Reformation of Church and State. This shall be talked of a long time, and in their Books published again and again. But what will all come too, Reader! Look about thee, and be harkening, if thou dost not hear poor creatures in bitterness make this complaint (as having cause enough) ye are Physicians of no value, ye are Crackers indeed, you have taken much upon you, and promised Mountains. But for the Body of the Commonwealth, it is much worse, than it was before: worse Magistrates, Ministers, Army, Navy, Councils: In a word, worse with us in all public concernments, both at home and abroad. If this be not the mournful complaint of all people, (except Revolters) and most true▪ I shall not fasten the Later Apostasy upon them.  
But, because the Tryers are the great Crackers, and think they deserve this Name, viz. Mend-all, as having done a great piece of service about Church-Reformation. This I think I may safely say, and that truly by experience: That the present National Clergy, is more corrupt, and far worse, than it was in the Bishop's time.  
For, 1. No Professors, but could have found then within few miles of their dwellings, some honest Puritan, or Nonconformist, to go to; whereby to be refreshed and built up in Faith, Knowledge, Holiness: whereas now, men may travel twenty, thirty, forty miles, and not find a Parish-Priest that hath any Gospel savour in his Ministry; no power, swetness, or life, but old formal, fruitless stuff, said over and a hundred times.  
2. Though it be true, the Bishops took little care to reform the Clergy, but rather how to suspend and silence, (as some do now) such as witnessed against their unsanctified Callings and Places. Nevertheless, if the Times be compared, the Enormities of the National Clergy are less looked into and reform: I say, less now, then in the Prelate's Times. I remember, the old Non-Conformists, were wont to call the Bishops making of Priests their Licenses and Visitations; the picking of poor men's pockets. I wish it do not appear so in the day of Christ, that some of these men have done little better. This I know, go to and fro thorough the Nation, the iniquity of the Priests increaseth every where, and what is done, amounts to little more than this: if a scandalous or ignorant Friest be cast out from one place, he goes to another, and doth there more hurt, and lives worse than he did before: fitly therefore, is the name Crackers by the Holy Ghost given them.  
Proud] or arrogan:, Lastly: Qui 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  super collem apparuerunt, men that will be under no yoke, but domineer, and all must be subject to them. Grammarians take the word, for men that will be masters, and will have no Superior, but all rule and authority must be in their hands. I know▪ not a better way to find out the Last Apostasy, then to follow the Light of the Scripture in paralleling the two Apostasies, and in nothing more, then to observe the pride, loftiness, and arrogancy alike in in BOTH HEADS. I cannot but speak the more of this, because it cannot be the later Apostasy, unless we see the HEAD of it, to be as PROUD and arrogant as the former was, would the former HEAD acknowledge no Superior, the later must do so: did they say of the former, 
a Joan Bromiard sum. pradic. c. 17.  Quaecunque potest●● est sub Coelo, est in summo pontifice: & that he is, 
b Bonaf. 6 dec. de cas. cap. licet.  Lex animata in terris, a living Law in the Earth: That 
c Sy●a●●us, papa, 9 ●. 3. aliorum.  all Cases of other men, God hath appointed to be judged by men, only he hath reserved the first Head to his own Judgement-seat; as not to be questioned for his doings by any Creature. And therefore though all other men, be under men's judgement, yet is he to be judged of none, neither of Kings, Councils, or any other Judicatory. Besides, 
d Pelarg. do planco, Eccles. l. 1. Art. 6.  Whatsoever he pleaseth he may do, whether with a Counsel, or without; and if the whole world should judge against him, ●et his Opinion were to be received. For 
e Lib Concil. Polyd distinc. 7. Synodum.  a general Council is of no authority, except this Head do confirm and allow the same. Such must be the Head of the Later Apostasy, his HAUGHTINESS will be under us Law, all power he shall assume to himself, not to be tried or judged by any man, but to be left to Christ's Judgement-seat alone; And the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signifies so much.  
Though I shall leave, (as I said) the Application of things to the Reader, yet I would willingly give him what light I can, Note therefore how the word proud, lofty, arrogant, comes home to the Triers, who have assumed a Superiority and Headship over all the National Priests, as if they were (as in part I think they are) that image made to the Beast, who will not suffer any to buy or sell, save he that hath the Mark or the Name of the Beast, or the Number of his Name.  
Much I could say, as to their Pope like pride and power: but it needs not, seeing their folly is already manifest to all men.  
Blasphemers,] or cursed speakers: 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  so our old Translation hath it. Blasphemy is two fold,  
First, Against God: and thus men blaspheme when they reproach his Name, Spirit, Power, Word, Works, Kingdom, Judgement, etc. Mar. 3. 30. Leu. 24. 11. Rev. 13. 16. & 16. 9, 11, 12.  
Secondly, There is Blasphemy against men: 1. By railing and evil speeches, 'tis 3. 2. 2. By reproaching the Godly for the Name of Christ, 1 Pet. 4 14. 3. By despising Lawful Government and Authority, Judas 8. 4. By raising false accusations against God's people, Rom. 3. 8. 5. By causing men through Persecution to deny Christ, Act. 26. 11. Lastly, By censuring and condemning things which men know not, Judas 10. 1 Tim. 10 13, 20.  
Howsoever, The men of the Later Apostasy will be Blasphemers all these ways: and so much the Reader is to look after: yet because by Blasphemers here, I think they are meant, whom Peter calls Scoffers; the Holy Ghost specially intends Blasphemy against the Spirit, and the visible Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  
Truly I would think, Some would tremble (if their Consciences were not seared) did they but read what Christ said of the Pharisees; and consider well what themselves despitefully have spoken against the Holy Ghost; because they said, He hath an unclean Spirit, Mar. 3. 30. How near to such Blas● hemy are these men who say, That the Prayers and other holy Exercises, of Saints are done by the Spirit of Satan: who say, It is by the power of the Devil, that the faithful Witnesses of this age, hold forth a Testimony against Apostasy, Hypocrisy, Covenant-breaking, etc. who scoff at the Lords great Work, moving by his Spirit in the hearts of his people; calling it the delusion of Satan, hellish, devilish, damnable; and what not: who scornfully upbraid the Saints with their Christ, as to be a pitiful Christ. So their blasphemous scoffing God's people, Will ye not suffer for your God? Where is now your God? we will answer YOUR GOD well enough. Mark Reader, as disowning our God and our Christ, to be theirs; and a God and a Christ easily to be answered.  
Disobedient to Parents.] The 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  old English Bible hath disobedient to Elders. Junius reads, Qui praesunt sibi non obtemperant est Synecdochè generis pro specie; Baldvin, hath this note on the place; Superiores non curant, nulliusque monita admittunt: videtur enim parentum nomen in genere complecti omnes, qui nobis praesunt. They regard not their Superiors, neither will receive their Admonition; by the word Parents, all such as are set over us as Rulers and Governors are meant: the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ properly, is one that is refractory, contumacious, will be under no Subjection or Government. So then the Apostates here foretold, are such as shall cast off all Duty and Obedience of Children: refuse to be under any Law, Power, Admonition, etc. They are the rebellious Children of whom Solomon speaks, Rob their parents, Prov. 28. 24. waste their father, and chase away their mother, Prov. 19 26. mock them and despise them, Prov. 30. 17. Foolish children which bring shame to their parents. Here Reader, like the wise man, be sure to have thy eyes in thy head: See if thou canst any that have robbed the people of their Power, Parliaments, Laws, Liberties, etc. have miserably wasted the Commonwealth in Men, Money, Shipping, Trade, etc. And having done all this, do laugh and mock at their Parents; and by their contumacy and rebellion, have made the Government and Governors, which the Lord set over them, a derision and scorn to all Nations round about. If thou seest this, thou hast the very sense and meaning of the Word.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Unthankful] Junius renders it Negantes beneficium, men that deny the benefits and good turns which others have done them. The Pope was said 
Speed Chr. l. 9 c. 9 pag. 622.  to be like a mouse in a sachet, or a snake in ones bosom, who did ill repay their hosts for their lodgings. I have showed before of the likeness there must be between the two Heads: They who banish and imprison their best friends, and show no cause for it; they who lay daily snares to entrap and destroy good men, which first raised them; they who make it most of their business, to undo such as were most faithful to them, and have done most for them; because they will not leave their good old Principles of honesty and justice, to follow them in unrighteous ways, must needs by all rational men be judged UNTHANKFUL.  
I have read (some where) how the Person that murdered the Prince of Orange, bought with the money which the Prince gave him, the Pistol, Powder and Shot, wherewith he killed him: an act of high Ingratitude.  
But Reader, suppose a people in their Representatives, having raised any up, and put Power into their hands, and this gratis, and of love▪ they Turned that same Power against the people, and therewith destroyed them, their Laws, Liberties, Representatives, etc. yea, more, the Interest and Cause of Christ, for whose sake, that Power and Trust was committed to them: Might not these be the unthankful men whom Paul speaks of? It is said of Nero, he used the destruction of his Country to his own benefit, Tac. An. l. 5. c. 10.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Unholy,] or profane, unsacred. Quibus nullum jus est, nec fast, saith Beza: So Baldvin, Qui nullum jus nec fas curant: men in whom is no Right, Truth or Trust. The Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, is taken for such as break Religious Covenants, Vows, Promises and Oaths; make not conscience of any thing they promise, either to God or man, so they have again and some worldly advantage, by breaking the same. Hence the Arabic translates, men altogether unjust. The Aethhiopic, Departers from truth.  
To find out the Later Apostasy by this word, it must be observed, That the Holy Ghost doth not intend any low or small matter; but what is public, general, and to be known and seen every where. This breaking of Religious Vows, Oaths, Promises, etc. and departing from Truth, must be understood National. Therefore I shall refer the Reader to the PROTESTATION made about the beginning of the Long-Parliament, and to the Scots-Covenant, and to the Engagement, which was drawn up, and sent out by the Parliament for all the Nation (who were then counted well-affected) to sign: which runs thus: I do hereby declare and promise, to be true and faithful to the Commonwealth as new established, without a King and House of Lords. As I am writing these things, that saying of the Prophet is sadly upon my Spirit, My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements, Psal. 119. 120. Oh how solemnly (with hands lifted up to Heaven) was it promised and sworn to, to endeavour the extirpation of all Idolatry and Tyranny, to maintain the just Privileges of Parliaments, and the Freedom, Rights, and Liberties of the People; to take off all heavy yokes, burdens, and oppressions: not to suffer the King to exercise an unlimited and Arbitrary Power; to have Abuses and Corruptions reform in Church & State. Now compare former Promises and Engagements, with present Actions: and one of these two it must be: that is, since the First Apostasy arose, never did men (having a form of godliness) violate so many Oaths, Promises and Engagements, publicly made, as the late Revolters have done: or else the Present Apostasy is not that in Timothy.  
To add one word more: I have several times acquainted the Reader of the likeness between the Two Apostasies. It is true, The Later having a form of godliness, cannot in that respect Assert for Doctrines and Principles, what the former doth; either in ascribing so much to their Head, or in breaking Vows, Oaths, and Engagements: But for action, what the former teacheth and doth, that the Later will do; but not Teach it. As for Example, beside the Practice, it is allowed and justified by the Doctrine of the First Apostasy, that men may break their Vows, Oaths, and Promises: For thus they say, 
* Sanche. Moral. Tom. 1. l. 3. n. 15. p. 25. Fulliar. Moral. T●a. 25. c. 11. n. 323. p. 204.  If a man promise to do a thing, having his reservation with himself, that he doth not purpose to make his promise good, he may deny that he promised any such thing, neither telleth he any lie, THOUGH HE HAVE SWORN TO DO IT; because it was no obligatory Promise, and so no Promise nor Oath at all. But the Later Apostasy, holding forth a glorious face and show of Religion, cannot teach this for Doctrine: nevertheless, the Holy Ghost tells us, That in their Practices and Doings, they shall be alike, both Breakers of of Religious Vows, Oaths, Promises; the one making no more conscience than the other; as to Practice.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  Without natural affection,] or inhuman, u●●●●iable Charitates exportes, faith Beza: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, erant bo●●i●es fine naturalibus affectibus, vel expertes exp●●●●● charitatis, vel expertes na●●●● pie●● 〈◊〉 M●n (faith Scultetus on the place) without natural Affections, or void of natural Charity, or void of native Piety. Baldvin, opens the word thus: Men in whom all humanity and love▪ is extinguished, which Nature joins one to another; so that other men's evils are not pitied by them, but their good envied. It may be englished, BEASTLIKE: As a Wolf sucking the blood of a Sheep, doth it without pity, and is delighted in the cruelty she useth,  
1. Wherein can men more show themselves to be without affections of piety and charity, than not to regard whom they destroy, nor how many, nor how illegal it be, so their own wills and lusts may be satisfied?  
2. Are not they without Christian affection, who will deal worse and more cruelly with good men (I say good men) then if they were murderers and highway thiefs?  
3. Is not all humanity extinguished in such men, who are so far from pitying the Saints when they are devouring them; as is a Beast from pitying a poor Lamb whilst he is sucking his blood?  
4. What natural affection have they, who care not for their Country, nor what wrong they do to the people, by taking away their Laws, Liberties and Rights; and imposing what burdens and pressures they please, merely to support and hold up their own private Interest? Consider of it, take advice and speak your minds.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  Truce-breakers,] Some read, absque foedere, without fidelity: the Dutch translates, implacable, unappeasable. Beza and Pagnin: Nescii soederis. Salmero, Inconfoederabiles. The Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, signifies men who make no consciences of their Promises and Agreements; and having done so, are irreconcilable, will admit of no truce, but upon their own unlawful terms.  
It is likely the Reader will expect that I should be large here, because the word (as he thinks) leads directly to the present Apostasy. But I will speak the less, because it is so plain; alas poor Creatures, here they cannot sew fig-leaves together, and make themselves aprons, (as our Parents did) to hide their nakedness.  
Two things, Reader, I would have thee mind:  
1. As the Lord foresaw what would be the special sins of the Later Apostasy, so he doth mention them the oftener: He knew, that breaking Promises, Covenants, and Engagements, would be the sins and evils chiefly committed by them, so he repeats the same again and again. The Judgement of the present Apostasy, I leave to others: whether it be that in Timothy or not: only this is clear by the Text, That Covenant-breaking, will be the sin, (as most eminent and remarkable) in them.  
2. The Declarations, Remonstrances, Petitions, and other Writings of the Army are worth the reading, specially a Book entitled, A LOOKING-GLASS FOR THE ARMY.  
In this Book he shall find truly collected, what Vows, Promises, and Covenants have been made, and whether all be not broken let them lf be Judge? But this remember also: It is not the last Apostasy, if the Vows and Promises, which have been broken, be not upon religious Pretences: that is, for the glory of God, the safety of the Nation, the good of the Godly party, etc. and so Righteous men still.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  False Accusers,] or Calumniators, slanderers. Greek, Devils. Aretius saith it signifieth, treacherously to take or deceive by false and lying words.  
1. Wherein can men be more treacherous, then having unjustly cast God's people into prison, afterwards to lay things to their charge which they never knew?  
2. What greater slander, then to belie the Holy Ghost; in saying that to be done by Satan, which is wrought by the Finger and Power of God?  
So, 3. in reporting strange Plots and Conspiracies to be among the Saints: whereby to render the Cause of Christ and his people contemptible and vile to the Nation: There being no Truth in it, but a mere slander.  
4. Are not those Calumniators who asperse their Brethren with the reproachful terms of fools, knaves, villains, rogues, trayt●rs? etc. though known to be wise, honest, sincere and sober Christians, because they will not serve their wills and lusts.  
5. Was it not Absolom's trick, that he might get the power into his own hands, to slander his Father's Government: There is no man, (saith he) deputed of the king to hear thee. Oh that I were made judge in the land! I would do justice: read 2 Sam. 15. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Inquire whether our former Governors have not been charged with much untruth, to the end that some might the sooner and easier (like Absolom) raise themselves.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  In continent,] so the old version ' reads. Beza, intemperantes. Junius, Subjecti affectui: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, qui cupiditatibus suis laxant habenas, & ingenio suo indulgente, saith Baldvin. Men who lose the reins to their lusts, and indulge their wit and will: properly the word signifies Excess, men that cannot contain themselves, within Bounds, Limits, Laws; observe no Rule, Order or Medium; exorbitant, unlimited.  

Remonstrance of the General & council of Officers, at St. Albon, Nou. 16. 1648.  He that desires light here, let him read The Army's Remonstrance against the late King: There this word is opened, in setting down particularly, his Excess, his Exorbitancy, the unlimited power which he took: For which Excess, nothing will satisfy some, but his Head.  
So the Impeachment of Strafford, for High-Treason, in the House of Commons, Anno 1640, and 41. The Articles exhibited against him, are now worth the reading. He died for Excess.  
Likewise, the great Case of Ship-money, when Sir John Finch, than Lord-Keeper; Chief-Justice Bramston, Judge Berkley, Judge Crawley, Chief-Baron Davenport, Baron Weston, and Baron Turnow, were accused and impeached of High-Treason by the House of Commons, for their extra-judicial Opinion in the Case of Shipmoney.  
Here Reader, thy work is short: It is only to give thy judgement, whethes such men as condemned the King and Strafford for being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, EXORBIT ANT, and had a chief hand in taking away their lives, made the Case of Ship-money High-Treason: because it was breaking Law-bounds. If they themselves should do worse in exercising an unlimited and arbitrary power; I say, suppose so: thou art then to judge whether without wresting the Text, the APOST ACY IN TIMOTHY (so far as this word bears) may not fairly be applied to them?  
And here I think good, (not going out of my way) to set down the Excess and Exorbitancies of Duke d' Alva, leaving the Application to the Reader:  

Meter Bel. ●●st. l. b. 3. Grimstone Nether. Hist. 311.  That which he did first in stead of assembling of the general States, he appointed a Council of twelve men, which was called, 
* The Mar. hath it, the Tyranny of the Duke and his bloody Council.  The bloody Council; in French, The Council of troubles, The first, second and third months; the Duke and these sat in Council every forenoon and afternoon, as being directed still by the Duke, whose intent was, that the Opinion of the Council should be but Consultative as giving judgement in some causes, but to have all things depend upon himself alone, and they to stand to the judgement he should give. By this Council, and by the Duke himself, all power and authority was taken from the Provincial Councils, and the Inhabitants robbed and spoiled of all their Jurisdictions and Appeals, clean contrary to the Privileges of their Country; yea, and the Councils themselves (which were like our Parliaments) were forced to stand to the judgement of the said council, which had the command over all noble and unnoble, spiritual and temporal: so that the DUKE'S WILL WAS AN ABSOLUTE LAW, without suffering or allowing any Appeal, Reformation or Reviewing of the Sentence once given and pronounced by the Duke: And that the Duke should be accounted by all men, absolute Governor; and all men dispensed withal, not to hold or observe any Ordinance or Institution made by any others, then by him; and that all things should be referred to his discretion.  
I would not be understood, as if Duke d' Alva were meant in this Prophecy▪ for I think otherwise. 1. Because he was no Apostate, that is, did never vow and promise better things. 2. He had no form of godliness. Both which must be in the persons here foretold.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  Fierce,] or unmild, not tame, wild, savage ● Inhumani & seri beastiarum more▪ saith Osiander; Inhuman and wild after the manner of Beasts. So Junius, Feri: Bestiaruns more efferatos: Arias Montan. The Dutch, Cruel, with whom it is perilous to converse. The word properly is applied to the rage and cruelty of Beasts. Hence some translate, Bestiales.  
Memorable is the thing which fell out lately at Abingdon. The Soldiers were more wild and savage, than the Beasts they rid upon: for the poor Beasts would not do the cruelty upon the Saints, (though spurred, kicked and beaten) to trample them under foot, being at Prayer; as their barbarous Riders would have had them do. How will some stamp, rage, rail, threaten and shake their Heads, as if they would eat up God's people, when they are brought before them.  
But that which I take to be chiefly meant by the word, is this: Look as Beasts, will hear no reason, neither is there any stopping of them in their fierceness, by speaking to them. So to speak to these men (meant here in the Text) of Reason, Law, Justice, Conscience, Right, it is to no purpose: they are Feri, wild Beasts: their Will and Lusts must be satisfied. Again, as some Beasts, having gotten by force or fraud, mastery over their Fellows, rule them by no Law, but their will: such a Beastlike Government doth the Spirit of God here intend: so that without doubt by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Tyrants are here meant.  
Now according to Statists and Lawyers, there are two sorts of Tyrants: 
Barth. kick. Systemat. polit. lib. 1. c. 28. p. 422.  One, absquetitulo, qui Rempub. sibi non commissam, sine ullo justo Titulo, vel Successionis, vel Electionis invadit, aut vi aperta, aut malis Artibus: He is called a Tyrant, without Title, who invades the Commonwealth (not committed to him) without any lawful Title, either of Succession, or Election; either by open fraud or wicked designs. Others describe him thus: Qui sine ullo jure, aut iniquo & minimè legitimo 
Barlolus de Tyrannides.  Titulo, Principitatum invadit: who, without any right, or the least lawful Title, usurps the Principality. The other is, Tyrannus exercitio sive ●su, id est, qui legitimum quidem jus ad Principatum habet, sed eum injust, & contra Leges exercet: A Tyrant by Practice or Exercise, who though he have a lawful right to the Government, yet administers the same unjustly, and against Laws. Of this later Tyrant, Bartolus, and others give Ten Notes. Again, touching the former Tyrant, their judgement is thus: 
* Kicker, ibid. Steph. Jun. B●ul. in vindic, contra Tyrant. Quest. 3. Althusius, l. 14. pol. Tol. l. 6. c. 18 & l. 26. c. 7. Rod. l. 2. c 5.  Quia Tyrannus absquetitulo, nullum habet Fundamentum sut Principatus, sive Regiminis, ideo e● tanquam privato licet, sine ulla conscientiae difficultate resistere, eumque pellere, vel● medio tollere: Quin desensio est juris Naturae. A Tyrant without Title, having no Foundation of his Principality or Government, may as a private man without scruple of Conscience, lawfully be resisted, and expelled and removed from his place: The Reason is, because it is the defence of natural right.  
The Conclusion is, When the Later Apostasy shall be in the World, (or rather in the Church) Tyrants shall then reign: it is not said which of the Two; but one of them will be: Neither have we ground to think that such an Apostasy is already come, unless so much doth appear.  
There may be yet something more in the word: Out of this Apostasy, (as the Bottomless Pit) ascendeth the Beast that slays the Witnesses. Now observe it Reader, it is a Beast that kills the Witnesses: and what are the Later Apostates said to be? Feri, wild Beasts.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Despisers of those that are good,] or not lovers of good men, nor good things, for the word takes in both: minimè amantes bonorum. Beza. Negligentes bonorum: Pagn. If good men are not loved it is for the good things which they hold and practice. Two ways men are said to be good men: either as they stand for the good of their Country, against Tyranny and Oppression; and for the Liberties, Freedom, Privileges, and just power of the people. Or standing up for the Truths of the Gospel, and the Interest and Cause of Christ. Now the Later Apostates shall appear against Good Men both these ways: And if this be not so now, it is not the Apostasy in Timothy.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  Traitors:] A name given to Judas, Luk. 6. 16. and to the Murderers of Christ, Act. 7. 52. So that there are two sorts of Traitors: 1 Spiritual or Gospel-Traytors. 2. Civil or Law-Traytors. Whether the Present Backsliders are meant here, I shall only show what they have said, and leave the Reader to be Judge. For the first, thus they have 
Army's Declaration to the people of Scotland, from Muscleborough, 1650.  said, We have not only proclaimed Jesus Christ King of Saints, to be our King by profession; but to admit him to the Exercise of his Royal Authority. And upon this simple account we engaged, not knowing the deep policy of Worldly Statesmen: And those things simply were in our eyes; namely, THE DESTRUCTION OF ANTICHRIST, THE ADVANCEMENT OF CHRIST's KINGDOM, THE DELIVERANCE AND REFORMATION OF HIS CHURCH IN THE BEST ESTABLISHMENT OF HIS ORDINANCES ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD, and the just Civil Liberties of Englishmen. Besides, not 
Army's Declaration, Sept. 17. 1648.  only would they have, That the exaction of Tithes and all manner of Impropriations removed; but all corrupt forms of an outside-Religion and Church-Government. Now with this compare their PRACTICE since: whether the good things they declared for, and the evil things they witnessed against, they have not only declined, and most unworthily betrayed (as the destruction of Antichrist and the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ:) but have & do most cruelly hate & persecute, (by banishment and imprisonment) many of the Lord's people, Because they do desire, (and for no other cause) to have such things made good, as they themselves pretended sometimes to be zealous and earnest for; but now have betrayed into the enemy's hand●▪ if this be not true, the Holy Ghost intends them not: neither do I.  
For Civil or Law-Treason▪ besides what was said before in the Case of the King, Strafford, and the 
Acts of Parliament Jan. 30. 1648.  Judges about Ship-money. I find four Acts of Parliament (not yet as I know of, repealed) which say thus, Be it Enacted and Ordained, That whosoever shall declare, publish, or any way promote any Person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or Ireland, etc. without consent in Parliament, shall be judged and deemed a TRAITOR to the Commonwealth, and shall suffer pains of death, and such other punishments as belong to the Crimes of High-treason▪  
The like Act was made March 17, 1648. and May 14, 1649. Again, in July 17, 1649. it was Enacted, That if any person shall maliciously or ad●●●edly publish by writing, painting, or open declaring, etc. that the Commons in Parliament, are not the Supreme Authority of this Nation: or shall plot, contrive, or endeavour to stir up or raise force, etc. that every such offence shall be taken, deemed, and adjudged by the Authority of this Parliament, to be High-treason. Treason (saith our Law) is an offence committed against the Security, An●plitude and Majesty of the Commonwealth.  
I am so far from taking the word (Traitors) for single persons, or to apply it to things doubtful; that I think the Holy Ghost intends a Combination of men, and such as shall most eminently betray both Gospel and Law, even Christ and their Country. But I shall not take the Readers work out of his hand.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉,  Heady,] or rash, inconsiderate, unstable, fickle, or giddy headed: such as suffer themselves to be driven this way and that way, by their passions and lusts. Dutch Note: The word as (some think) is taken from young birds, which venture to fly before their Feathers are grown: or from little children, who through their headiness, fall and get many knocks.  
When thou hast viewed their actions, first and last beginning at their Instrument, or new model of Government, and consider what that was and how hastily done. Their clapping up a sudden peace with the Dutch, and making war as fast against Spain. What loss we had of men and treasure at Hispaniola: the manner how, and what shame and scandal the English Nation had by it. Then pass over to Jamaica, and inform thyself truly, what hath succeeded since their arrival. Besides, how many hundred Ships have been taken from us by the Dunkirk, whilst our Fleet were abroad, for what I know not▪ Their throwing of Good Men, one while into Prison, another while releasing them again without showing any cause either for one or other. Their Creating Major Generals, like the Image that was made 
Rev. 13. 15.  to the Beast: preferring some to high Offices and Places, whom they had before publicly charged to be Betrayers of their Country. Summoning the Countries to choose Parliament-men, and when they came up, sent them home again; a hundred at a clap. It would take up too much time to enumerate all particulars. If these things considered, prove them not Heady and Rash, this than I would add: It may be doubted (and I do) whether the Later Apostasy be fulfilled in them. If any wise and sober man (not being one of them) can see upon any of their public Actions, (wherein the good of the Commonwealth is concerned:) whereon there is not engraven, and fairly to be read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, HEADY, RASH AND INCONSIDERATE: Either it is so, or this is not the last state Apostasy.  
highminded,] or puff▪ d up as a 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vol.  Tympany, for that sore comes from the word, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, significat eos qui sibi videntur insignes in re quapiam aut opinion, quam de se concipiunt, & ideo intumescunt. The word (saith Salmeron) signifies men who to their own thinking are famous in their actions and opinion; and being thus conceited of themselves are therefore puffed up. Some Translators have (C●eci) blind: others, Fanatici & dementati, fanatical and sottish. Indeed, the word doth signify one that is blind, and wants his understanding, yet conceives that he hath both fight and reason, and would have others think so too.  
It is not to be doubted, but these men (whose Apostasy is here arraigned) for King Craft and Statesmen▪ deem themselves▪ the None-such of the Word, and all Ruling men before them, Simplicians; and laugh at their Commonwealth. Notwithstanding, if that which they are designing and building, be,  
1. Against God, and therefore he shortly will destroy it.  
2. If that which the Saints are every where praying against.  
3. If that which was done before by the King, against the Privileges of Parliaments, and Liberties of the People.  
4. If that which the people every day more and more do hate them for.  
5. If that which may ruin their Families, and render their Names odious to posterity.  
I say, Should such be their design and actions. The Question is (though highly conceited of their own opinion and doings) whether according to the word here, they are not in truth BLIND, and FOOLISH, STONE BLIND, as the Aethiopick reads it?  
Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,] greedy upon voluptuousness: Old Translation. The word signifies such as are Friends to pleasures. Here Reader consider:  
1. The Heathenish vanities and sports taken up since this Apostasy was made: (banished and buried before:) witness what was done this year upon their Lord Major's day, though an Independent and Church-member: Such lightness and foolery was then, as was a scandal to Religion, and a grief to the Saints. Many poor Christians wanting bread, whilst they in wantonness vainly wasted away money: see Amos 6. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.  
2. Where can we see any of the present Revolters; specially, if crept up into High Places and Offices, whether at Court or in Country; but they are voluptuous and given to pleasures: yea, those which seemed sometimes to be Barzilla's, men so mortified to carnal pleasures, and risen with Christ, as such things were irksome and burdens to them. But now, who for excess and riot more than they? who more than THESE MEN, for fine Clothes, sumptuous Houses, costly Fare, and Court-Fashions? so that to see them now, they are more like Dives then Barzilla●. In every vanity and foolery, as carnal and light as other men.  
Truly I should have wondered to see this great Change among professors: how Barzillas are become Diveses': those who have preached much, and printed much against base delights, are now the Men addicted to them. I say, To see this, I should have thought it strange; but that I know this Prophecy of the Later Apostasy (every jot and every tittle of it) must be fulfilled.  
Having a form of godliness,] or formality, show, appearance, an outward visage. Quibus est species reverentiae Dei: Junius: in whom there is a show of fear, or worship of God. Specieminanem sive inane simulacrum: Piscator.  
I beseech thee, Reader, Take notice of the singular Wisdom and Counsel of God, who will discover the men of the Later Apostasy, in that way which they think to cover their Apostasy. How will the Later Apostates (being lovers of themselves, covetous, Covenant-breakers, Traitors, etc.) think to hide these Vices, so at least to hide them that they may not be thought to be the Apostates foretold in Timothy, By having a form of godliness, that is, by their often praying, fasting, preaching, and practising Church▪ Ordinances, etc. And how will the Lord make it known, That they are the Apostates there prophesied of? By having this form of godliness, that is, being men so forward for fasting and praying, yet living all the while in these gross and scandalous sins. And indeed, this here is necessarily added: for otherwise we might have looked for the Later Apostasy, among Turks, Jews, Papists, Ranters, Quakers, etc. but the Holy Ghost would have us to observe, that this Apostasy shall be in Zion, Isa. 33. 14. It shall have its rise in the Churches of Christ, and among eminent Professors of the Gospel, as the first Apostasy began in the Church, out of which rose the Beast, Rev. 13. So the later Apostasy will be in the Church, out of which ascendeth the Beast that slays the Witnesses.  
So that by how much I see men strict and forward in a form or show of godliness, and would seem to be the only men of their time (as the Scribes and Pharisees were in their ●ime) for bodily exercise, as fasting and prayer, yet live in the manifest practice of the former sins. The more I am convinced & confirmed, to think that SUCH ARE THE APOSTATES foretold in Timothy.  
Having a form a of godliness:] It seems the Spirit of God foreseeing the several Forms, which would be in the later Apostasy, and what crying up there would be of this happy time, that all parties might peaceably enjoy their own Form. Independents, theirs; Anabaptists, theirs; Presbyterians, theirs. He hath respect to this very thing; that is, what Liberty would be given to Forms; and how zealous and devout the Revolters would be for their form, and what acclamations: O blessed Time for such Liberty to FORMS!  
I would not be mistaken, I am not against a Form, to wit, Church-Order, according to the Gospel of Christ. But it is to open the words, how the man of the Later Apostasy, will rest in forms, and think to shift off the fowl Vices they live in by having a form of godliness: See Isa. 66. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. For I think that place, and this belong to one time and people.  
But it may be said, Some are under no Form, as to Church-Order. The word as I said, signifies a show or appearance of godliness. Now this men may have, (and many have it) who are members of no particular Churches: these may fast and pray, and in words desire, That the Lord will disappoint the designs of those that labour to lift themselves up against the the Interest of Christ and his people. And it is Machiavels Precept: Externa specie pium & Religiosum videri, etiamsi ex animo non sit: that his Scholars and Followers, seem to be Pious and Religious, although in Truth, and really they be not so.  
If a man have gotten any Ulcers or Sores upon his Body, he will not cast off his Clothes to have them seen: but rather put on more and better to hide them. So the Professors in last days, Church-Members and their Officers: Such I mean as are covered over with the Leprosy and scab of the Last Apostasy, (as Covetousness, Pride, Covenant-breaking, Blasphemy, Treason, Voluptuousness, etc.) They will not cast aside the form of godliness; but rather rise in the Practice of it, to the end, if it be possible, their Rottenness may not be observed.  
But denying the power thereof.] A virtute Dei longe discedant: Junius. This needs no opening: for where such sins are as have been mentioned, there cannot be the power of godliness. Hence observe, what foul and most gross sins men may live in, and yet hold forth to the World, a glorious show of Religion and Piety. So did the Scribes and Pharisees.  
Calvin on the place, moves a Question, How Paul agrees with himself to say, That men should be so wicked, and yet have a form of godliness? He answers, of their impudence and boldness, as boasting to be Christians: whereas they are rather Heathens and Devils. But I think something may be added.  
1. Though these sins are gross in themselves, and abominable in God's sight; yet seeing Whoredom, Drunkenness, Theft, etc. are left out, the particulars named, may stand with a Form or show of godliness: as hath been said.  
2. The Apostasy being general in Ministers and People, and whole Churches leavened: these sins are not looked after, but tolerated and born amongst them.  
3. This Later Apostasy will have a great deal to say for its own justification: as, that they have followed Providence; and if they are lovers of themselves, Covenant breakers, Traitors, etc. there was a necessity for it; the peace and safety of the people did constrain them to it. And add this, That the Scripture might be fulfilled in 2 Tim. 3. 1, 2, etc.  
Before I end, I would have the Reader take notice, there is something published under a Great Man's hand, concerning the former and later Apostasy. And word for word thus: Paul (
* O. P. his Speech in the Painted Chamber, Septem. 4. 1654.  saith he) when he would remember some things to be worse than the Antichristian State, of which he had spoken in the first to Timothy: tells them what should be the lot and portion of the last times; and says, In the last days, perillons times shall come: for men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, etc. And when he remembers that of the Antichristian State, he tells them, In the later days that State shall come in, wherein there shall be a departing from the Faith, and giving heed to seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Devils, speaking lies in Hypocrisy, etc. By which description, he makes the STATE of the last Times WORSE than that under Antichrist. And surely, it may well be feared▪ these are our times: for when men forget all Rules of Law and Nature, and BREAK ALL BONDS, etc. So he,  
In his words there are several things both true, and very consideration▪  
1. That there should be two State-Apostacus.  
2. That the later Apostasy should be worse than the former under Antichrist.  
3. That this later Apostasy is already in our time.  
4. That the Apostates in the last days would forget all Rules of Law and Nature, and break all Bonds. etc. In all this we agree (as being all (I think) true.) But in the Application, as carrying the later Apostasy to Ranters, Quakers, Levellero, Here I descent: my Reasons are:  
1. The Apostle speaks of a state-apostacy (and he calls it so himself) not meant of single persons under the power of others, and to be suppressed at their pleasure: But as the first Apostasy was a State or Kingdom, which had a Head, and none above it, and there were Laws made surable to that Apostasy, whereby to support it: So the later Apostasy is to be a State, a Body or Dominion, (as Dan. 7. 12. 26.) over which one person shall reign as Head, and whatsoever Laws are made under this Apostasy, shall be suitable to it, that it may not fall like the foolish man's house.  
Then 2. How is the Later Apostasy (already come) appliable to Ranters? who have no form of godliness, as both their Principles and Practice show: we must find this Apostasy in Churches and among great Professors: men (though covetous, proud, Truce-breakers, etc. yet) do fast & prey, practice Church-Ordinances, and pretend great zeal and conscience for the Interest of Christ and his people.  
Again, 3. How can this Later Apostasy be worse than that under Antichrist? If understood of Quakers, Ranters, etc. wherein are these men worse than the other? it is true, the Later Apostasy shall be worse than the Former, in slaying the Witnesses: The former destroyed good men, but not their Testimony. It killed the Body, but not the Truth: This Later shall kill the Truth, but not the Body; slay in most good men their Testimony and Witness for Christ, but leave their persons unkilled. True therefore, (as he saith) Of the two State-Apostacies, the last is the worse.  
4. That the Apostle should foretell the Later Apostasy to be heavy and perilous: there is little ground to apply this to poor, naked and inconsiderable persons: Besides, what have they done? whom have they banished and imprisoned? wherein have they been Traitors? when did they change Laws and Times? All which the Later Apostasy shall do, and more too.  
5. Let the sins in the Text be viewed (as I have opened the words) and compare them with Ranters, Quakers, etc. it will appear, they hold not parallel (almost) in any particular; whereas the Text (as I have said) must not be wrested, but such an Apostasy found out, which agrees with the place altogether, and in every thing.  
6. Seeing Ranters and Quakers err in Doctrine (as holding dangerous opinions) they come under the first Apostasy, rather than the later.  
Lastly, If the evils which he mentioneth, (viz. when men forget all Rules of Law and Nature, and break all bonds, etc. (be essential characters of the later Apostasy: I shall leave it to the Reader, whether he cannot find such things (more visible & certain) somewhere else, then among. Ranters, Quakers, or Levellers?  
Neither doth Paul alone speak of two Apostasies, but Peter likewise, and sets them down in the same manner the other doth: the first of things: viz. errors & doctrines of devils, 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2, 3. the later of persons, namely, corrupt and sinful walkers 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4. knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days, scoffers walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming? for since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the Creation.  
It is worth the heeding, how the Apostles begin their Prophecies alike: This know also (saith Paul) that in the last days. Knowing this first (saith Peter) that there shall come in the last days, etc.  
1. They would have Saints upon whom the Time of the End is come: to observe well the Symptoms and Characters of the Later Apostasy. Forewarned, forearmed: to know when this Apostasy is come will be a special preservative against it, and to shun it, and not to be parcaker of other men's sins.  
2. They both pitch upon one Time: In the last days, that is, the three years and half, as I have showed before: and as it is one time, so the persons here are one and the same.  
Scoffers.] When Popery overspread this Nation, besides Persecution of tongues and hands, the Papists endeavoured to refute the Protestants, by Scriptures, Fathers, Counsels, Antiquity▪ etc. And so did the Prelates, after them, the Non-Conformists and Separatists, when the power was in their hands. But what do we hear now? Truly, little more than scoffs and jests: so that he is no body, if he have not a jeer, a gird, some taunt or other (& that in their Pulpits) against the Fi●t- Monarchy-men. And this I take to be the reason why the Holy Ghost useth the word Scoffers; to signify, that besides jesting and mocking at the Assertors of Christ's visible and glorious Kingdom, little will be done by the Adversaries as to the confutation of them: The Truth whereof appears evident at this present Time: Psal. 124. 3, 4. 2 King. 19 3.  
Walking after their own lusts.] What these lusts are, was showed before: the sins mentioned by Paul, 2 Tim. 3. 2, 3, 4, 5. The phrase, [walking after them,] denotes how their affections will be wholly set upon these lusts, and so guided, and led by them, that all their Counsels and Designs shall be for the upholding and maintaining of them. Insomuch, that not a Soldier in the Army, not a Mariner in the Navy, not a Minister or Magistrate in the Nation, shall be allowed, if they be known they are men disaffected to the lusts, proper to the later Apostasy.  
Where is the Promise of his coming?] Had not this been added, we should not have known what kind of Scoffers the Holy Ghost intended: But the words do manifestly show, who are meant. It cannot be understood of Christ's coming to judgement at the last day: For who scoffs at that? all generally believe it; It being an Article of their Creed. Questionless therefore, it must be taken of Christ's personal coming to reign on earth; and of the throwing down of Babylon, and all the corrupt powers of the World, and the bringing in of the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. This indeed is mocked at, both in Court and Country. The Promise of his coming, which these Apostates are said to scoff at, are these and suchlike, Dan. 2. 44, 45. & 7. ●4, 27. Psal. 2. 6, 7, 8. & 45. & 72. Rev. 2. 26. & 5. 10. & 11. 15, 17. & 20. 4. Luke 19 12. Zach. 14. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. Hos. 3. 5. Isa. 53. 12. Act. 1. 11. Joh. 1. 51. Act. 3. 19, 20, 21. Rom. 8. 19, 20, 21. 2 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 11. Joh. 18. 36.  
That the Apostle brings in these Scoffers by way of Question: where is the promise of his coming? He doth it, to show the occasion of their scoffing. This great Truth of Christ's visible Kingdom, and personal Reigning in it, being publicly held forth by many, and some going so far as to fix the time, when the Lord (as they thought) would begin to Roar out of Zion, and to utter his voice from Jerusalem: Now nothing by the unbelieving Adversary being seen in order to it; O what scoffing and jeering is there now? Where is the promise of his coming? Watchman, what of the night? watchman, what of the night? Where is your Kingdom? Where are your reigning Saints? where is your 56, and 57? Ha, ha, say they, ye are dreamers indeed.  
For since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were:] That this later Apostasy may be the better known when it comes. The Holy Ghost shows what will be the saying of the Scoffers at that time: You talk (say they) of wonders, what great changes there will be in the world, what breaking-work, and destroying Kingdoms and Powers. Nothing but overturning, overturning, overturning, and that strange things and unheard-of, will shortly come to pass: But this proceeds from the folly and vanity of your hearts, mere delusion: for there is nothing new under the Sun; but what is done now, or shall be, the like hath been before, and so all things shall continue as they are, till Jesus Christ come to judgement.  
Hence it is, That these Scoffers (putting off the evil day, and saying in their hearts, Our, Lord delayeth his coming) will begin to smite their fellow-servants, by banishing some, and casting others into prison, and to eat and drink with the drunken; that is, leaving their former more sober & honest walking, will fall into the works of darkness: as rioting and drunkenness, chambering and wantonness; and so lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Hence it is (like the men of the old world) their minds will be on nothing but their lusts: as pomp, pride, honour, riches, great Titles, and places, etc. Hence it is that in their Counsels (having interwoven their Interest with Babylon) much studying there will be how to heal the Beasts deadly wound, and what provision to make, that this later state-apostacy may continue to many generations. But he that sitteth in the Heavens shall laugh, they Lord shall have them in derision, Psal. 2. 4. Mark it Reader, they are laughers now and deriders: but there's a day coming (and nigh at hand) when the Lord also will laugh at their calamities, and will mock when their fear cometh, Prov. 1. 26. And the righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance, Psa. 58. 10.  
From such turn aside,] have no communion with them, but fly from them: Dutch. Eorum conscuitudinem vitare jussit: Theop. Desire not (saith Baldvin) their friendship: and if they offer it to thee, refuse it. The words I take it, have this meaning, as if he should say, You that shall live in the days of this later Apostasy, and by the description here given of it, do plainly see that such a perilous time is co●●▪ beware that ye withdraw yourselves from it, and be not one of them, neither stand in any relation to them, (as they are Apostates) either by holding any place or office under them, neither acknowledge them any way, whether by counsel, person, purse, service, etc. But as Lot left Sodom, & God's people are to come out of Babylon; so must this Apostasy be left and departed from, by all such as expect a hiding place in the day of the Lords wrath. What Moses spoke to the Congregation, is the warning which the Spirit of God gives us here: Depart I pray you from the tents of these wicked men, & touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins, Num. 16. 26  
I have been the longer in opening the later Apostasy, Because most of our work lies here: for if this Apostasy be known, I mean as to the Time of it; that which concerns the little Horn, and bottomless Beast, will easily be understood. Because where this Apostasy is, there the others are: for they do all, (as I said) contemporize, as I shall show in their places.  
He that walketh uprightly, walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known, Prov. 10. 9  
The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, Pro. 15. 14. The   

THE CHARACTERS. OF THE Little Horn, OPENED.  
HAving ended the latter Apostasy, I come now to the Little Horn. And here we will consider three things.  
1 What this little Horn is?  
2 How it doth appear, that the reign (or rather Tyranny) of the little Horn, shall be in the three years and half?  
3 Whether the present state-Apostacy be the little Horn?  
In handling these particulars, I intent to do no otherwise, than I did before. Explain the matter as I humbly conceive to be the meaning of the Holy Spirit, and leave the application to the judgement of the sober Reader. Granting withal, if he find not all things here set down exactly to agree with the State-Apostacy of our time, and never till now fulfilled, with so much clearness and certainty, we are not yet come to the time and reign of the little Horn.  
For the first, I do not understand, by the Little Horn, any single person, as Antiochus Epiphanes, Julius Caesar, Domician, Mahomet, William the Conqueror, King Charles, etc. But a Kingdom, or State, and so the most judicious generally take it. Hence it is vers. 11. that his body, is mentioned, and ver. 26. his dominion. So then, as the ten Horns, are ten Governments, or States, so I think is the little Horn, a State, or Government, which may thus be described.  
A company of men in the last days, having left their former principles of justice, Law, and Conscience, shall assume unto themselves, lastate or body politic, appointing one as Head, and framing an instrument of Government suitable to it.  
This Horn is said to be Little.  
1 Obscuro loco natum et plebium. Jacobus T●rin. Of his low birth, small and mean beginning, which shows that this little Horn cannot be the fourth Monarch. Chap. 11. 21.  
2 Because The Kingdom doth not by right belong unto him. Diodate, that is, this Government shall be set up by a few persons, without the consent of the people, yea against their will.  
3 Little, because it will not have the faithful prayers of the Saints for it, nor the hearts or hands of other people: but such Apostates, as are named, 2 Tim. 3. 2, 3, 4, 5.  
4 Little, because among other Horns, or Kingdoms, this will not be allowed for a Lawful State, otherwise then to serve their own turn, and to make advantage and gain by it.  
5 Little, because the Lord will not suffer him to be great, but will blast his designs and actions both at home and abroad.  
6 Little, because of the short time this State is to continue. viz. Three years and an half; no longer.  
I know some have thought, that by the word Little, A younger brother is meant. I confess there may be something in it, for many do read, Cornu ultimum & parvun, a horn, the last and little; Signifying that this Horn shall arise, near or about the time, when the Elder, or former States and Kingdoms are going down, and ready to be plucked up by the roots.  
But howsoever it be Little in such considerations, yet it is said to be a Horn, that is, a State, or Government.  
1 Because, it shall have the name and Title of a civil power or Government given to it.  
2 It will push as hard as other Horns have done, against the Laws and Liberties of the Nation, yea, and against the interest of Christ and his people.  
3 This State will make Laws and Ordinances, which shall be as duly kept and observed by the Apostates under it, as if they had been enacted by the greater Horns, that is, by a more Lawful and just power.  
Touching the second point, viz. that the Tyranny of the Little Horn shall be in the three years and half; To prove this, the Text saith, until a time and times, and the dividing of times, Dan. 7. 25. The sense (I conceive) is thus. From his rise, he shall have so much time allowed, or he shall so long continue by the Lord's sufferance, to exercise the cruelty and wickedness mentioned in the Vision. That the meaning is so, appears by the Question and Answer, Dan. 12. 6, 7. How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? for a time, times and an half. As if he should say, For the vision of the little Horn it shall be for a time, times, and an half, so long he is to continue, to scatter the power of the Holy People, and when that time shall be expired, the words of the Prophecy are fulfilled concerning him: For soon after the judgement shall sit, and they shall take away his Dominion, etc.  
Qu. But by a time, and times, and dividing of time what time is there meant, or how much is this time? The common received opinion is, three years and an half. These persecutions (saith Diodate) shall last, one year, two years, and half one year, that is to say, three years and half.  
I confess in the application, I find few to agree with me, yet for the time, tobee three years and an half, (neither more nor less) few writers which I have seen, but take it so as I do. And for these few which understand it otherwise, as making first, a time, times, and dividing of time, to be three years and an half, and then out of the three years and half, to reckon each day for a year▪ this I conceive neither agrees with daniel's manner of reckoning the time, nor with other Prophets. That three days and an half, should be taken, for three years and an half. So forty two months, for so many years, as there are days in the months. Again One thousand two hundred and threescore days for so many years: this is right, and according to the Scriptures, Numb. 14. 34. Ezek. 4. 5. But by a time, to understand a year, by times two years, and dividing of time▪ an half year, and afterward, from these three years and an half, to number years by days. There is not for this (I think) any ground in the word of God.  
Besides, why should not Daniel when he useth words and terms alike: be alike understood: in chap. 4▪ 25. it is said seven times shall pass over ●hee; here it is not questioned but by seven times; seven years are meant, no raising of another number from days, to years: Now I see no reason why the Prophet in one place should be understood, by Time, strictly a year, and in another, as many years, as a year hath daves, especially seeing it is familiar with Daniel to set down his account in this manner, as ch. 11. 13. in the end, Haghi●tim shan●m, of the times of years, see chap. 7. 12. and 8. 17. and 11. 14, 35, 40. and 12. 4, 9 I might add, how three years and half was the term of Christ's persecution in the flesh: the which being expired, immediately begun (upon his resurrection) the setting up of his spiritual kingdom all the world over. So three years and an half is the time of the sufferings of his witnesses under the little Horn, the which being ended, they shall rise and stand upon their feet again, and then begins, that which you have Rev. 11. 13, 14. the great earthquake, and the sounding of the seventh Trumpet, and the kingdoms of this world becoming the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.  
Quest. But how doth it appear, if by time, and times, and dividing of time, three years and half are meant, that these are the three years and half, which period the number of one thousand two hundred and threescore years, and contemporises with the latter Apostasy, and slaying of the witnesses.  
Answ. 1 Graserns against Junius, gives many reasons, that the Vision showed Daniel concerning the Little Horn is to have its accomplishment in Novissim. diebus, in the very last times toward the end of the world, and judgement shall not pass upon him, usque ad consummationem irae, until the indignation be accomplished. Dan. 11. 36. that is unt ill the forty two months are expired. Histor. Antichrist. pag. 115. 119. etc.  
If this be so (as I see nothing against it) then must this little Horn, be before the rise of the witnesses, and the forty two months are expired: for he shall have no Dominion or Power after that time.  
2 Upon the destruction of the Little Horn, the Saints possess the kingdom: but this they do not, neither is the Kingdom theirs, till the witnesses rise, and the time of the Beasts Tyranny is expired. Hence I gather, that the three years and an half, allowed the Little Horn, and the three years and an half, in which the witnesses lie slain, must needs contemporise. I would have the reader observe this, for I think there is some weight in it. If the taking of the kingdom by the Saints, be upon the ruin of the Little Horn, and the rising of the witnesses (as clearly it is so to me) than it must follow necessarily, that the three years and half, given to the Little Horn, and the three years and half spoken of the slain witnesses, are all one, see Dan. 7. 25, 26, 27. compare Rev. 11. 8. 11, 12, 13, 15, etc.  
3 Another Argument, I lay down thus, the book is not to be opened, until the time of the end; which is in the three years and half, and the understanding of it will be partly by the Characters of a little Horn. Now it is the Lords usual manner not to lead his people back to things past, but to teach them the understanding of Prophecies, by what is present, and doing in their own time, when ye shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of, by Daniel the Prophet, stand in the holy place etc.  
Again, when ye shall see all these things, etc. Mat. 24. 15. 33. So the little Horn must be seen before the wise will understand the end, and this is proper to the three years and half.  
4 It seems by Daniel, that the cause and ground of the Little Horns, making war against the Saints, wearying them out, and scattering their power, will be for bearing witness to Christ's visible and glorious kingdom, so that the controversy now, will not be (as formerly it was) about the Church, Ministry, worship, and discipline, but about the whole Rule, Dominion, and government under the Sun, that is whether the kingdoms of the world shall continue (as they are) in the hands of Tyrants, and oppressors, or they shall be Christ's, and the Saints of the most high, according to that promise, And there was given him dominion and glory, and a kingdom, that all People, Nations, and Languages should serve him, and his Dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Again, And the Kingdom, and Dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the Saints of the most high, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all power shall serve and obey it, Dan. 7. 14▪ 27. And this proves likewise, that the three years and half of this Little Horn must be the last of the one thousand two hundred and threescore years, it being the last testimony of the witnesses, in the behalf of Christ, and the main cause of their slaying by the Beast.  
And here the Reader may understand not only the Time when the Little Horn shall stand up, but one manifest Character to know him by: under his government there will be a large toleration of Religion, for he will pretend great care to tender consciences, as that every one may have liberty to worship God in what form he listeth: only he will not allow that any should assert, what the Scriptures plainly testify, concerning the breaking of the Image, and in particular, that he shall be slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame: The Saints shall take away his dominion to consume it, and to destroy it▪ unto the end, any thing but this: but this will not be suffered: no toleration here of tender consciences: any lie rather will be born then this truth, and how to suppress it will be the great business. And therefore crafty council will be taken against Jehovah and his Christ.  
I have handled the former points the more briefly, because I think they lie open to very little exception. That which follows next is, whether the present State-Apostacy be the Little Horn? I have said often before, I undertake not the APPLYING PART: I shall only show (going over all the Characters) what this Little Horn will be, as to his deportment and carriage, when he comes upon the stage, to act a sad tragedy.  
Behold there came up among them another little Horn, Dan. 7. 8.] Though this little Horn be not one of the Ten; yet he grows upon the body of the fourth beast, vers. 7. and so is part of the Image, Dan. 2. And here I would have the Reader observe (which indeed hath not been heeded by Expositors) that the little Horn cannot be the persons or states, to which most men formerly have applied it: for either they have taken it for a person or state: which was not upon the head of the fourth beast, as Antiochus Epiphanes, Mahomet, the Turkish Empire, Antichrist, or one of the ten Horns, as the Norman race, William the Conqueror, Charles Stuart▪ etc. And thus both ways have missed the mark. For however (as I said before) this little Horn, is not one of the ten, yet among them, that is, upon the head of the Beast, as the rest are. Hence (I think) this certainly may be asserted, that if the present state-Apostacy be not the little Horn, it hath not yet risen; For daniel's descripttion of it in this place (among them, and yet another) agrees not with any person or State hitherto mentioned by any writer that I have seen.  
Quest. But why is he said to be among the ten Horns on the body of the Beast?  
Ans. 1 Though he be none of them, yet through ambition he will seek to be like them in state pomp, and all wasteful vanities, he will assume their Titles, Power, Privileges, be as absolute a Monarch as any of them; in a word, either he will follow the former Horns, in all their exorbitancies, riot, and excess, or will strive what he can to have it so.  
2 That he is said to be upon the Beast, it is to show; notwithstanding his former Declarations and Engagements, and warring a long time against Kingship, when he comes to be the Horn, he shall uphold the rotten interest of the fourth Beast (as her members) namely Priests and Lawyers, her moth-eaten customs, and Traditions, and what else that filthy part of the image (viz. feet and toes) is compounded of.  
Another Little Horn] Junius, Piscator, and many others translate, the last horn, being little, achari (saith Willet) signifieth the last as well as another. The wisdom of the Holy Ghost is to be minded here, in making choice of a word, whereby to show what this little Horn shall be.  
1 Another; here is signified, though this horn be a State, or Government (as was said before) yet shall it not have the constitution and form of a civil State, it shall not have (I say) any stamp upon it, suitable either to a kingdom, or a Commonwealth, as the ten Horns had: for howsoever some of them at first were not fairly constituted, yet within a while that question was taken off, and the government acknowledged by the People, to be just and lawful. But this little Horn for all his policy and craft, will be Another still, never able to wipe off usurpation and Tyranny, by gaining a formal constitution of a State; And hence I take it he is said to be another.  
But secondly, That he is said to be the Last, me thinks here I cannot but say with Paul, O the depth both of the wisdom & knowledge of God: As there are two Apostasies, the first and the last: so there are the first Horns, and the last Horn: the first Apostasy, and the first Horns rise together, So saith the Scriptures: And the ten Horns which thou sawest are ten Kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as Kings, one hour with the Beast, Rev. 17. 12. The Kings and Horns I understand to be all one. The Roman Empire broken to pieces, that is several Nations and people casting off the Roman yoke, and constituting themselves absolute and free States: The Beast to be the first Apostasy, or Antichristian kingdom, now these two have their rise, & beginning at one time; so the last Apostasy and the last Horn rise together; I hope the Reader will heed the sweet harmony of Scripture Prophecies; surely it is not for nothing, that the little Horn is called the Last; for as the first Apostasy & first Horns came up at one time, so the last Apostasy, and the last Horn will be in one hour.  
But again (for great is the mystery of godliness) here also may be meant as the little Horn shall not grow upon the body of the Beast, till in the last days, when perilous times shall come, and the former Horns near cutting, off. So he shall be the last indeed, as vers. 24. For I think God's hand, will be so visible and eminently lifted up against him, in giving his body to the burning flame, that none after him will presume to set up any State or government any more upon the old Beast  
Before whom there were three of the first Horns] I think it would rather darken than lighten the matter, to mention the several opinions of men about these three Horns. Some (understand the Turkish State to be meant by the little Horn) will have Asia, Grecia, and Syria, to be these three Horns. Others Egypt, Syria, and Cylicia. Others Syria, Egypt and Africa.  
Again, such as take Antiochus Epiphanes, for the little Horn, are various in their account. Some number Seleucus his elder brother, and Demetrius son to Seleucus, and Philopater, his sister's son. Others leaving out Demetrius, choose Antiochus the great, father to this Antiochus the vile. And a third sort leave it indifferent which be named. So for others applying the little Horn to the Pope; One takes it for the excommunication of this King, and that Emperor; another for the deposing of such and such: Now that which I shall say to all is this, whether we consider Kings or Kingdoms named by them, they were not any of the ten Horns: neither were they broken by a little Horn, which grew upon the fourth Beast, nor in three years and half, neither together, and at one time: Nor doth it appear by any History, that so many Horns (more nor less) were plucked up by the persons named by them: nor that it was the last Horn, which grew upon the fourth Beast, and another from the ten Horns.  
Therefore I shall propound this to the Reader, to be considered and weighed by him. whether England, Scotland, and Ireland, are not three kingdoms: and these three at one time (as to their Privileges▪ Laws, Rights, Freedoms, etc.) broken? And whether this be not done by men, who have the Characters of the last Apostasy upon them; and such as call themselves a State and Government, but never could formally put themselves either into a Kingdom or Commonwealth. And whither the time in which all this was done, were not (as probably it may be thought) near or about the period of the forty-two months. But it is likely some will question, whether England, Scotland, and Ireland, are three of the ten Horns, in the division of the Roman Empire.  
To this I Answer. 1 All know that are acquainted with Histories and Interpreters, such difference there is among them in the enumeration of the ten Horns, whether understood of persons, or States, that nothing from them can be certainly concluded.  
And therefore I may say, and as groundedly (granting there were ten disstinct divisions) that England was one, Scotland another, and Ireland a third, as others who name either this or that Country.  
But 2. My opinion is, (and so is the judgement of most) by ten, no precise and certain number is meant, but an uncertain and indefinite: that is, the Roman Empire dissolved into several States and Kingdoms. And thus was England one, Scotland another, Ireland another. Neither doth the Holy Ghost (I think) intent any thing further; But many Nations and Countries should withdraw from the Power of Rome, and become Independents, free and absolute in and among themselves. So that by ten many are understood, as it is often so in scripture. Numb. 14. 22. Job 19 2.  
Plucked up by the roots] The Angel opening these words▪ vers. 24. saith, he shall subdue three Kings, Humiliabit, saith Rob. Steven, and Pagnim, bring them low, or humble them, as if he should say three Kingdoms, which shall arise after the division of the Roman Empire (I would have the reader to consider whether these may not be England, Scotland, and Ireland) being by the mighty hand of God brought off, and raised up from a great deal of Tyranny, and arbitrary Poner, under which they were enslaved, and having obtained much of their ancient freedom, rights and Privileges, and in a hopeful way to a thorough Reformation at home, and to have been instruments abroad of much good us other Nations, in suppressing Tyranny and Idolatry: Behold on a sudden out of the last Apostasy (as the bottomless pit) up starts the last Little Horn, who humbles them, and brings them down under the oppression and bondage wherein they were before (or rather more) hinders them in going on, in the work of Reformation, and instead of doing good to other Nations, makes these three Countries a reproach and scorn every where.  
Now howsoever this Humbling & bringing down, may largely be taken. Yet, I think the holy Ghost chiefly intends religious things, that is, this last Horn, shall be an occasion of rendering the blessed name of God, and the cause of his dear Son, contemptible to the World: The which before, was not only mightily cried up and pretended to, but gloriously held forth, as a burning light, before all people and kindreds, and Tongues, and Nations.  
In this Horn were eyes, like the eyes of a man] This may be taken two ways. 1 Of his Carnal Wisdom worldly prudence, subtlety, policy, making an outward show to be a great lover of Laws, of justice, and Equity, and the interest of the People, hereby the easier and sooner to effect his own design. That he is said to have Eyes, and no such thing mentioned of the Ten; This I understand comparatively: For they did see, that is, they were crafty and politic, yet so, as blind to what sight this Horn shall have, in all cunning devices. He will exceed all that were before him, both for matter and manner of deceits; their craft was showed, but now and then, and only in some of their public affairs, and transactions, they studied other things, besides carnal policy, and carried on some of their Actions without deceit, simply and honestly. In a word, their Policies were but rough draughts at the belt. Whereas this Horn (whosoever he be) will manage none of his actions without deceit, his head and heart will never be off from studying craft, and for all his projects and contrivements, they will be most artificial works.  
But 2. And this I rather take to be the meaning. The Little Horn hath Eyes, the other none; Here is signified, that he will, by a subtle Practice, called Religion; Liberty of Conscience, God's glory the advancement of Christ's kingdom, etc. set up himself, and his own Interest. A thing which the ten Horns never saw, such eyes will be proper to this Horn: for he shall join himself to the people of God, and take part with them against Tyranny and Idolatry, as seeing it to be the way for his own advantage: As the Pope, Mahomet, and others, brought their designs to pass by such Eyes: to wit religious pretences.  
In the same way will this Horn exalt himself: It will not be so much by carnal Policy and the Wisdom of this World (for in this respect the other Horns were not blind) but he gets power, place, and authority, another way into his hands▪ namely, by standing up, for, And with a good Interest, and so gains the hearts, and prayers of God's people▪ and afterwards having what he desired, turns his HORN, that is, his Power, Army, and Council, against the holy People, and the good old Cause, by which he was first raised.  
Eyes of a man] Not of an Angel, this is added, to show, that all the time of his Saintlike carriage, and when he appeared most earnestly zealous for the interest of Christ and his people: like another John, his heart is not upright before the Lord, but is a very Hypocrite, even that Fool, who saith in his heart, there is no God: For under all his Protestations, Oaths, Covenants, great undertake, etc. The Plot and Design which he will carry on, is how to make himself, and his Family great, by the ruin of that CAUSE so much before pretended to.  
In a word, that he is said, to have Man's Eyes▪ I take the meaning thus: This Horn shall be a notorious Hypocrite, a very Atheist, a Monster, a monstrous Monster, one that shall discover more Hypocrisy, and Atheism, (if his former and latter actions be compared together) then ever was done before him, by any person upon the face of the earth.  
And a mouth speaking great things] This is often mentioned. I beh●ld then▪ because of the voice of the great words which the Horn spoke, vers. 11. Again, A mouth that spoke very great things, vers. 20. the which is afterward explained by the Angel, He shall speak great words against the most high, vers. 25. So indeed many Interpreters read. But others Translate it otherwise, as Vatablu●, Pagnim, Montanus, Ro. Steven, etc. Men known to be skilful in the Tongues: Not against the most high, but ex parte altissimi, Letzad. On the part of the Almighty: for the Most High, or in his behalf. Symmachus renders it, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, He shall speak as the high God, That is, his words shall be of Holiness, Righteousness, Goodness, and Truth. Though in his Actions and Practice there be no such thing. And if the matter be considered, there is good ground for this reading. That which doth most astonish Daniel, are the words of the Little Horn.  
Now there is little cause of Admiration, to hear a man speak wickedly, that doth wickedly. But to see a man make war against the Saints, weary them out, by Bonds, and Imprisonment, destroy the Laws, Liberties, and Rights, of the People, and commit all kind of Tyranny, and yet in words to Profess, he is for God, and for the interest of Christ, and his people, and for the Privileges, safety, and public good of the Nation, this indeed is enough to amaze a Prophet. Therefore as Graserus rightly observes, this Horn, is one qui impietati su●e Dei nomen pretendit, which shall pretend the name of God in all his Impieties. He shall not cast a Saint into Prison, but will pretend God's glory for it. He shall not pluck up three Kingdoms by the roots: but will say it is for the honour of God. If he break his Vows, Promises, Oaths, etc. Really saith he, it is for the sake of the most high: Thus every thing he doth, though it be for Babylon, and the great Whore, and to keep up any base corrupt interest in the Nation, it is for Christ's sake, as he saith▪  
Again, the reason why the word Letzad, hath been rendered against the most high. I conceive it to be thus, the little Horn hath been taken by Interpreters, for the open professed enemy of the Truth, as Antiochus Ephiphanes, Mahomet, the Pope, etc. where as he is a subtle Hypocrite, always speaking for God, and good things, though in his Actions (if you observe him there) he shall plainly demonstrate that he regards neither God nor goodness.  
I would not have men to be rash and heady Censurers, specially in the Application of this little Horn. For truly I think, one of the clearest Characters of him, is set forth in this place. Whensoever this Dominion of his shall be erected, if any complaint be made against it, for unrighteous doings, (and for doing worse than any men did before) what will they say for excuse; ex parte altissimi, it is in the behalf of Christ, for the sake of the godly party, to prevent new wars, and effusion of blood: Briefly all the impleties and wickednesses committed against God and man, shall be defended this way.  
And to say the truth, except it be this shift, they will not find a fig-leaf to cover their Nakedness.  
And here it will not be a miss to give the Reader notice, that this little Horn shall be so famous and notorious in his day, concerning the matter here mentioned, that the same in scripture is often foretold. Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name sake, said, let the Lord be glorified, etc. Isa. ●6. 5. Observe here four things.  
1 This casting out must be by a Government, men who have gotten Power into their hands, and so are stronger than their brethren.  
2 They were Brethren, either in some Church, Army, Council, Parliament, Equals and Companions.  
3 How unjust, and sinful soever their proceedings are against their brethren, by banishing some, or imprisoning others, etc. God's Glory is pretended, as if all were done of Conscience, and to do God good service.  
4 Though this Apostate-State, thinks to cover their Malice and Cruelty by mocking God: yet God will not be mocked, but as he sees their Hypocrisy and Deceit, so he will discover it to their everlasting shame, and the honour and comfort of the other.  
This little Horn or Apostate-State, is likewise (as I take it) foretold by our Saviour. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my Lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken▪ etc. Mat. 24 48, 49. First, this smiting must be understood (as I said before) of persons that have gotten power into their hands, and so exercise tyranny by authority. 2 They are fellow-servants. All professors of the Gospel, the persecutors have a form of Godliness, as the sufferers have both form and Power. 3 That the wicked servant, smites his fellows, he pretends, Justice, Conscience▪ and necessity for it: For so I take the sense: as if he should say: I acknowledge Jesus Christ to be your Lord, and mine, and do expect his coming as well as you, and that he shall be the only Potentate, King of Kings. and Lord of Lords, have all power and Dominion given him: notwithstanding seeing it will be a long while before that time comes, and you would persuade the people that day is at hand, whereby occasion is given of wars and Commotions, and to have my Dominion (as the LITTLE HORN) taken away and consumed: these things I cannot suffer, as being against the honour of God, and the good of his people; and therefore must correct such persons as disturbers of our present Government.  
4 Notwithstanding the specious pretences of this wicked servant, as if he did not smite his fellow-servants, but out of tenderness and Conscience to the glory of God: yet this, all the while apparently shall be seen in him, that he eats and drinks with the drunken, all the vices and sins which Paul reckons up of the Last-Apostates, are as visibly to be seen in him, as was the Leprosy in Gehezies' forehead.  
For the close of this Character: it seems to me that Isa. 66. 5. and Mat. 24. 48. with the little Horn, Dan. 7. and the last Apostasy, 2 Tim. 3. are parallel Texts of Scripture-prophesies.  
His looks were more stout than his fellows] If this Character had been well minded, William the Conqueror, Charles Stuart, and the like, had never been pitch upon: For it is expressly said, that this Horn must be stouter than any of the ten.  
I shall open the words in three things.  
1 Howsoever we read of many stout Horns among the Ten, which were very Tyrants, and for their oppression and cruelty, some of them were deposed, others banished; some imprisoned; some put to death (as Charles Stewart in our time) yet he cannot be the little Horn, who doth not in an arbitrary and lawless way exceed them all, how tyrannical soever their Government was. And therefore unless we see a State, that hath more violated and broken the Laws of the Nation, destroyed the privileges of Parliaments, and Rights of the People, more than ever Charles Stewart did, yea than ever was done since the Conquest, or since the rise of the Beast; the Holy Ghost acquits it here from being the little Horn. Nay, I say more (for God forbid, I should condemn the righteous) if since the rise of the Ten Horns, it can appear that for plucking up by the roots, the Laws, Liberties, and Freedom of the people, and ruling according to will and lust, there hath been done, by any of the Ten, what hath been done in our Time, we are not yet come, (I speak as I think) to the days of the little Horn.  
2 That he is said to have his looks sto●●ter then his fellows, here I think the spirit of God, intends the likeness between the heads of the two Apostasies▪ how stout the first was, we have showed; now much more might be added. As thus  

a Pope Innoc. 72 Ar. 17 q 4 Siquis.  No man (saith he) must dispute or doubt of my actions. 
b Pope D●mase. 25. q. ●. C. omnia.  Those that will not obey my Decrees are to be dispossessed, and sequestered of all Honours and Estates without restitution. 
c Auto-m●n. Sum. par. ●. Tit. 22. c. 5.  My power is greater than all created powers. 
d Pop. Nich. 15. q. 6. Aut. de elect. et elect. significa▪ in Glos.  I can aispense with Laws, Vows, Oaths, Covenants, etc. 
e Bellar. de verb. dei.  What I say that must be reverenced and received for Truth. 
f Greg. distin 81 c. siquis et Leo caus. q 6. cap. multa.  And whosoever speaketh against it, is forthwith an Heretic, yea, a very Pagan, a Witch, an I do later, an Infidel. 
g Bellar. de Rom. pont. l. 2. c. 26.  In a word, I cannot be judged by any Prince or Prelate upon the Earth. Neque ab omn bus simul in Concilio congregatis, not by all the Princes and Prelates in the world, though in Council together. 
h Glos. in c. 24. q. 3 si inimicus.  And such as I take to be my enemies, others are to take their enemies, and forthwith to withdraw from them, and not so much as to look upon them.  
I would have all men very careful whom they make the Little Horn: For I am persuaded, what person soever he shall be, for Stoutness, he will be like the head of the first Apostasy, that is, what the former hath said, the latter will attempt to do.  
3 It is observed by some Expositors; that in verse 8. there is no mention made of his Stunt looks. But afterward, verse 20. Hence they conceive, that he will be worse at last, than at the beginning, grow more fierce and tyrannous against the interest of Christ, and his people, towards his end, than he was before: Indeed Evil men and seaue●rs shall wax worse and worse, 2 Tim. 3. 13.  
And the same Horn made war with the Saints, and prevailed against them ●] As the Characters of this Horn are proper to him: so in opening each particular, if the meaning of the spirit be understood, we must find out such things to be done by him, as were not done before by any other. Touching this war.  
1 The ground of it will be (as hath been said) about Christ's interest and right to the Kingdom: For in the days of this Horn, the Saints will be raised up very high in bearing witness for the son of David, against the Rulers of the World, that the Time is at hand▪ in which all their Power and Dominion, shall be taken from them. But more especially, will they stand up against the Horn, as taking him to be the little Horn, and the first Enemy that must be destroyed (as the subject of the first vial) and the greatest obstructer to the work of the last times, in execnting the vengeance of the Lord, and of his Temple upon Babylon; whereupon he will use all the Policy and Power he hath (to keep his body from the burning flame) by persecuting the Saints many ways, in appearing thus for the Lamb.  
That such a Controversy shall be before Christ's Personal coming is manifest. But those my enemies which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither and slay them before we, Luk. 19 27. I know the place is usually interpreted of Christ's spiritual reigning in the hearts of Believers: But the scope and series of the Parable carries it otherwise, read vers. 11. 12. and forward. The meaning I take thus, towards the end of the forty two months, in the three years and half, the dispute will grow high about Christ's visible Kingdom: Some will assert it, others oppose it, and here begins the war between the Horn and the Saints, which was never before in the world.  
2 Though the war be raised upon this occasion, yet will the Horn so palliate the same with pious pretences, as it may well have the name of the Holy War. For here the Persecutors, Smiters of their Brethren, and who cast them out●t these must be Saints, and the well affected, and the good people: And they that are imprisoned, banished, and overcome, these Malignants, Traitors, Fools, Beasts, not worthy to live in Church or Commonwealth. So that for Hypocrisy, the like was never showed before.  
3 For this, War, I●o not conceive, that the Saints shall come forth into the field, and fight the little Horn, and so be overcome by him; For till his three years and half are expired, The Lord of Hosts will not muster the Host of the battle against him. But by making war is meant, he shall oppress them many ways, for bearing witness to Christ's Kingdom, against his power and standing. See Jam. 4. 1.  
Quest. But why is it called a war, if nothing be more intended, than the Horn persecuting the Saints, they making no resistance.  
I answer, the Holy Ghost (I conceive) calls it a making war, because this Horn shall have his greatest aid, and help by an Army; These kind of men will principally do his Commands against the Saints, be they never so unrighteous and cruel. For other men in Civil places, as they will not care to serve him in such a way, so he will not make use of them as of Soldiers under him. These will be most for his turn, whether it be to banish, or imprison, or to put a Saint to death.  
Truly for this Reason (I think) though the Saints are mere Patients, yet it is called a war. To signify if it be this little Horn: Then 1 The instruments which he shall chiefly employ against God's people will be Army-men. 2 His Soldiers will be so degenerate and mercenary, as they will not spare any of the Lords precious ones, but whomsoever he bids them, to banish, imprison, murder: they will do it, though they know no offence or fault they have committed. Reader, the Application is thy part.  
And prevailed against them] How this is done is showed, chap. 12. 7. he shall scatter the Power of the Holy people: the which place hath reference to Moses words: when he sees their Power is gone, Deut. 32. 36. Not only may the slaying of the Witnesses be here meant: but this Horn shall proceed and prosper so far in this war, as all hope will be taken away from Christ's cause ever to rise again. I shall give the Reader my thoughts of the thing. As the darkest time of the Night, is about the dawning, so a little before the expiration of the three years and half: The interest of Christ and his People will be at the lowest ebb, and the Horn-State at the highest spring of glory and greatness: For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up or left. Thus Moses and Daniel, speak of one thing, that the Horn will not be to the height of his persecution, till his body be ready to be given to the burning flame, and therefore whosoever shall live under his Dominion, must expect that he will be most fierce and cruel, when the period and end of his time is come.  
And shall wear (or tire) out the Saints, of the most high] Here we have the Angel's explanation of the words before, how he shall prevail, namely, weary out the Saints, that is▪ by keeping some of them under bonds and banishment, as thinking thereby to ire them out, and so compel them to deny Christ, as himself had done before.  
Others by poverty and outward wants being forced to leave their former employment, and maintenance, that they might not be partakers of his sins. Re. 13. 16, 17.  
This makes me think, that the Lord will not suffer him to shed much blood: for howsoever he will not fear God nor man, and be most wrathsul, specially towards the end of his time: Nevertheless, he shall but fulfil the Council and purpose of God (as did Pharaoh, Judas, Herod, and Pontius P●late) that is, not put the Saints to death, but ● eary them out; no further (or very little) shall he go, in spite of his Stont looks.  
But again, they are not only Saints, but of the most high; which seems to import that some Saints shall do well enough under this Horn: as to their peace, liberty, and worldly enjoyments; only those who are (not for him but) for the most High, he will make war against. And in this, his Hypocrisy, and other wickedness, will be ●he less seen and noted. In honouring some Professors of Religion: promoting them to great places and offices in his Council, Army, Colleges, and making them his familiar friends, such I mean as will have fellowship with him in the works of darkness, and justify his unrighteous ways. howsoever in the mean time, he shall persecute others, who are in truth, and really for the cause and interest of Christ.  
I would have the Reader likewise to observe this, as a special thing whereby to know the time of the Little Horn. There will be then two sorts of Saints▪ the one he will hate, the other seem to love: the one he will take into his Palace, the other cast into Prison: the one shall be raised from one degree of preferment to another, the other thrown out of all. And the Reason is▪ because the former are Saints of the most high: The latter are not, according to the meaning of the text: The former like Moses will esteem the reproach of Christ, greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: The latter like Demas, will embrace the present world: and not care what becomes of the Kingdom of the most high, so they may reign as Kings themselves in Pomp, Pride, and Pleasure, etc. with the HORN.  
And think to change times and Laws] To know what is here meant, it must be observed, what the Holy Ghost speaks of this Horn, as to be his great work and business: and this is set down in two things: viz. making war against the Saints of the most high, and plucking up by the roots three Kingdoms: so that as he takes twosorts of people for his greatest enemies. The fifth Monarchy-men, and the Common-wealth-men: so he is fallen upon a design, whereby he thinks to keep up his Power and Dominion, in spite of both Parties: that it, by changing times and Laws: where note, how in the first he shows himself a very Atheist: in the latter, a deep Politician. We will speak of both distinctly.  
By Times in this place, I understand the set Time, in which the father hath promised to give his son, and the Saints with him, the Kingdom and Dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom, under the whole heaven, Psal. 102. 13. Isa. 14. 31. Hab. 2. 3. Rev. 10. 6, 7, and 22. 10. Dan. 8. 19 and 10. 1. and 11. 27, 29, 35. As the Israelites after four hundred and thirty years were set free from the Egyptian bondage. And afterward delivered from the Captivity of Babylon, the seventy years, being expired. So the forty two months, and the one thousand two hundred and sixty days, and the three years and half being fulfilled, it is God's purpose to begin the deliverance of his people from Tyrants, and Oppressors, and to make them his battle Axe, and rod of his strength to break the Image to pieces, and take the Kingdom, Dan. 7. 18. Now the little Horn, reading such prophecies, and what great things are promised the Saints, after a Time, Times, and dividing of time, and when three days and an half are ended. And perceiving what encouragement some take from such places, as intending to follow the call of God, when that Appointed time shall come. What doth he ay (not believing the holy Prophecies▪) be thinks to change the Times: that is, whereas after three years and half, the Saints make account the Times will be Christ's and Theirs, he on the contrary THINKS, to have it his still▪ and to continue the Little Horn, as he was before; Yea, and to have his son a Horn, after his decease.  
That the Reader may clearly understand, what my meaning is, This I think. When the days of the Little Horn are almost expired: the Wise shall understand, that he is the Horn, and God will put in their hearts to fulfil his Will upon him, which is to take away his Dominion, to consume it, and to destroy it unto the End, Dan. 7. 26. This being perceived by him, he shall persuade himself to frustrate what the Scriptures testify, and the Saints believe concerning him, by some crafty devises which he hath thought upon.  
As Herod (a Type of this Horn) when he heard of the birth of the King of the Jews, gathered all the chief Priests, and Scribes of the people together, to know of them where he should be born. Though he intended only the death of the Holy Child Jesus: yet he seeks to know, what the Scriptures had foretold of the place and time; And why so; to change the time, that is, to make void the Council of God. The like may be done by the Little Horn: being Troubled to hear, that Christ is appearing against him, to take away his Dominion, he gathers the Priests and Scribes together, and inquires of them about the Time: who can inform him, (some of them at Least) that after three years and half, the Horn must be destroyed: what doth he now? Thinking to change the Time, he doth all that he can, by power and craft to escape the revenging hand of God.  
Again, it is worth the noting, though the chief Priests and Scribes, had not the Grace, to go with the Wise men unto Christ, yet had they so much knowledge in the Scriptures, as they could tell the Tyrant, the place where he should be born, whereby to further his bloody design.  
So some Ministers of the last Apostasy, by the light which they have of the Prophecies of the Last Times, may be able to inform the Horn, when his three years and half are ended, and yet remain still with him, and not go forth with the Wise to follow the Lamb.  
Quest. How will he think to change the Times, that it may not be Christ's time, but His after the three years and an half are expired.  
Answ. My opinion is, these three ways.  
1 As the Saints of the most high will rise in their Testimony against him (especially about the Time of his End:) So on the other hand, he will engage, revolted Professors, to appear for him more than they did, in justifying his Government and ways: aspersing their Dissenting Brethren, to speak things, of spite, ignorance, Preposterous zeal, and what will they have? men may be as good as they will, etc. And thus getting the Apostates every where to cry him up, for a Nursing Father, and his Government, the prop and pillar of Religion, he will think to change the times.  
As a little before Israel's deliverance out of Egypt, Moses and the Magicians had a sore conflict; and the like between Elias and Baal's Priests, a little before they were put to death▪ So I conceive, a little before his Dominion is taken from him, the Controversy will grow high between the Witnesses of Christ, and Apostates, on whose side the Truth is.  
2 He will scatter the Power of the holy people, grow so high in Pride and Stoutness, near his end, that it shall seem their Power is gone, and there is none shut up or left. So far shall he prevail against the remnant of the woman's seed; that having before slain the witnesses, he shall think there are none left, either in prison, or out of Prison, to take away his Dominion, and cast his body to the burning flames, when the three years and half are expired. As the scum and dross is wiped off, and thrown into the fire, when it hath spread itself over the Pot, and nothing of the liquor seen: so the destruction of this Horn will be, when he thinks he hath the cause of Christ down under him, and no appearance or sight thereof is left, Psal. 119. 119.  
But lastly, He thinks to change the Times by his Army: And indeed his greatest hope will be in this.  
For first, The Army must be purged, that is to say, not a conscientious Soldier left in it, specially an Officer: not a Man if known that his Principles are for smiting the Image. Secondly, Such mercenary fellows shall be raked together▪ as like the Turkish Janazaries, and Spanish slaves in the Indies, they will serve his turn in any thing. As those Bloodsuckers which are applied to men's bodies. Wheresoever they are laid (be the place well or ill) there they stick, and do the work they are applied for: So the Soldiers of this Horn, whatsoever they are Commanded, that they will do, be the party good or bad, sick or sound, all is one to them: The will and Lust of their great Master shall be obeyed, though it be against the express Law of God.  
3 Their main business is now, to hunt after the Saints of the most high, break their meetings, and imprison such as they think might promote the interest of Christ, and his people, against the Little Horn, had they liberty. Fourthly, it is probable he will cause his soldiers to take away from some of the fifth Monarchy-men, their Arms, and Weapons, not leave them a Sword, Musket, Pistol, Pike, etc. it may be not a Horse, nor Money to buy them bread: And having done all this, now he thinks (and hath he not reason for it) he hath changed the Times.  
It is observed by some, when Ahab was told by the Prophet, that the Lord would bring evil upon him, and cut off his posterity, 1 King. 21. 21. that he takes more Wives and Concubines, and begets no less than seventy Sons, 2 King. 10. 1. Thinking thereby either to have prevented what the Lord had threatened, or to make him the more work: So the Horn understanding, that his Power and Dominion is to be destroyed: now he will bestir himself: devising and practising all he can, either to cross the Lords decree against him (change the Time,) or put him hard to it. Thus vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass' colt. Job 11. 12.  
For the other particular: We are to consider 1 What is meant by Laws? 2 How he thinks to change them?  
Quest. What are these Laws which he thinks to change?  
Answ. 1 That Form of Government, which was established before, and to which the People had submitted and engaged to maintain. This I think is meant by changing the Laws, the abrogating of that kind of Government, which by the Legislative Power of the Nation, was ordained, and the good people every where had consented to.  
2 A change in all Fundamentals. As to that Power, and Right which is in the people, to choose their▪ own Representatives, and the Privileges of Parliaments. These two things he will pluck up by the roots, viz. take away from people and Parliaments, their power and privileges: and assume all to himself: yea, so Arbytrary and Lawless will he be herein, that never a Tyrant before him (governing the Nations where he shall be) ever durst to attempt the like. And so much the Reader is to observe: For my mind gives me, whosoever doth not this, he is not the little Horn in Daniel. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psal, 11. 3.  
3 Such laws as were made for every individual person, whereby every private man before had ways and means to help himself in case of wrong and oppression, whether it concerned his person or Estate: But these he will make void, and instead thereof his Will shall be for a Law, as to imprison and banish whom he will, and keep them there as long as he will: And to take men's Goods and Estates from them, when, and how much he pleaseth: So that only his will, and nothing else shall be a Law for men to walk by, and trust to, neither will they have any other defence (whiles this Horn reigns) to preserve themselves and families from ruin.  
Quest. But how doth he think thus to change the Laws?  
Answ. 1 Ex parte altissimi, in the behalf of God, as following providence and necessity, and that he could do no otherwise, to preserve the Nations in Peace: Especially the godly party, and tender Consciences, who above all earthly things he hath a fatherly care of. And this will be (in the time of the Horn) the greatest plea among Apostates. How much it concerned the honour of God, and the interest of Christ, and his people, to take away from the People their Power, and from Parliaments their ancient Privileges: Remove foundations, lay the Law aside, and Rule by Will and Lust, leave the People nothing to help themselves from violence and wrong, in respect of their Persons, or Estates: yea, the Impudence of Turn-Coats and Hypocrites at this time will be such▪ that whosoever grieves and Complains because the Laws are changed, shall be branded for Malignants, men that seek themselves, and are discontented because the Power is not in their hands.  
2 Whereas it is said he will change Laws, the meaning seems to be, when he hath laid the former aside, he will (to use the Scripture phrase) Invent to himself the INSTRUMENT of a foolish shepherd: stuff up some thing (as Michal did the Bolster with goatshair) and lay it in the place of the other. Not that he shall think what he hath done, is worth any thing (for he will laugh at it himself, and before the three years and half are expired, call it all to nought) But as men to quiet fools and children, when they have taken good things from them, put a babble or trifle into their hands: So it is some BABBLE or Trifle▪ which he will give the People: of purpose (as Children and fools) to still them and that they may not cry after the GOOD OLD LAWS which he hath taken from them.  
3 My Opinion is (when this Horn shall reign) in changing the Law, he will do as D. Alva did, choose a Council. And in this he will be very subtle, as taking the persons (whom he will have to be of his Council) out of several sects and parties. It may be from the Anabaptists one, from the Independents two or three, and so from the Presbyterians, and Cavaliers, more or less.  
By which means he makes account that his changing of the Law: will be the sooner allowed by all sides and sects.  
4 In this change of the Law, he will make use of Corrupt Lawyers: a thing easy to be done (for I verily think when this Horn shall rule, there will be few Lawyers but as rotten as dirt) These Wretches and Traitors to God and their Country (to have preferment and places under him, and to keep up old rotten Customs and Corruptions in the Law) will bend their tongue like their bow for lies: Countenance him, and go along with him, in the worst o● his Actions, contrary to all Law, and against their Knowledge, and Conscience, and Oaths which they had often taken. To this might be added, what a watchful Eye the Horn will have on such, as shall appear for Laws and Freedom of their poor Country, not only thrust them out of place and practice, but imprison them, and possibly more too (when that time is) before it do expire. But  
5 And Lastly, as no People have had their Laws changed, and an Arbytrary Power set over them, and so enslaved to the unlimited Commands of some men, but it hath been by the Power of the sword: so questionless, whatsoever this Horn shall do, he will do it by an Army, which will readily put in execution all his Orders and Appointments, be they never so unreasonable, illegal, and unjust, as was said before.  
It is said of Christ's enemy, Mat. 13. 25. that he sowed Tares among the wheat: He plucked not up the wheat, though he mixed his Tares with it. But this Horn doth worse: For though other Tyrants before him, sowed Tares, that is, brought in many things which were Arbytrary, and Illegal: yet they plucked not up the Wheat: but this MIGHTY MAN will not leave any good Corn standing: nothing but his bitter Tares for the people to feed upon.  
But for all this, the Holy Ghost tells us, he doth but think to change Times, and Laws: for no such think indeed can he do. But like a man in his sleep, dreams he hath great things, and when he awakes finds it altogether otherwise. So will his actions be, he builds Castles in the Air, promiseth a great deal to himself, but he that sits in heaven, do●h laugh him to scorn, and will scatter this proud Horn in the imagination of his heart. So that in the three years and half, nothing is done for him (as to the changing of Laws and times, though his own creatures be employed in the work, read Psalm 52. and 75. Exod. 15. 9, 10. as appliable to this.  
That it was no more but Thinking in respect of changing the Times, will appear by and by, when we come to speak of his End. Neither will it be more than thinking, in respect of changing Laws: For never shall he be able to establish his Government: nor will any of his Acts or Ordinances (made by him in the three years and half) be acknowledged for LAW, when that short time is expired, but thrown out as things execrable and abominable.  
This too, is very considerable; howsoever the main work of the Horn, in the three years and half, will be about his own interest, how to secure himself and settle the Government of the three Provinces (which he hath plucked up by the roots) in his own Family, yet shall his Dominion be taken from him, before any thing is perfected. So that he is but a THINKER and DREAMER at most: Nothing shall he bring to pass for his own turn and purpose. Thus shall the Scriptures be fulfilled in him. A man shall not be established by wickedness, Prov. 12. 3. The expectation of the wicked shall perish, Prov. 10. 28. The wicked shall fall by his own wickedness, Prov. 11. 5. The house of the wicked shall be overthrown. Prov. 14. 11. The Lord will destroy the house of the Proud, Prov. 15. 25. An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning: But the end thereof shall not be blessed, Prov. 20. 21.  
And they shall be given into his hand] This may be meant  
1 Of God, by whose sufferance the Horn shall prosper, yea take root and grow as the Prophet saith, Jer. 12. 2. and so doubts not, but to bring to pass all his designs in respect of changing both Times, and Laws.  
2 They shall be given him by men, viz: the Apostates of that time: And these the most eminent and heads of the people, whether Ministers, Magistrates, Lawyers, Soldiers. It was told David, that Ahitophel was among the Conspirators with Absolom. He had but one Ahitophel with him, this Horn will have many, subtle and crafty foxes. But I wish them a better end. So then by this giving, is signified, that he will plead Right to his Dominion and Government, as appointed thereto by God and man, no Intruder or Usurper: neither in attempting to change times and Laws, doth he more, than he hath warrant and ground for it.  
I would have this likewise to be heeded: whosoever this Horn is, he will plead hard for the lawfulness of his power, as Given by God and man into his hand. Howsoever in truth, he receives it from Gods only permissively. As a Thief may take a purse from men by force and fraud.  
Thus I have done with the Little Horn as to his Action: That which follows is his suffering. Thus the Spirit of God gives us a full history of his life and death. In his end and punishment we may consider. 1 The Time. 2 The Author. 3 The Instrument. 4 The Judgement itself. And lastly, How and in what manner. Some thing I will speak (though briefly) to each particular.  
For the Time] It will be immediately upon the expiration of the three years and half. Though the Lord did not shorten the term of his people's abode in Egypt (viz. four hundred and thirty years, Fxod. 12. 41.) nor their seventy years' captivity in Babylon, but let it run out to a day: yet being out, he presently delivered them according to his promise: So the little Horn shall have his full time of three years and half (bearing date from the day he was constituted a Horn) but no more may he expect, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Be silent O all flesh before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation, Zach. 2. 13. This Time contemporises with the woman's second coming out of the wilderness, Rev. 12. 14. and the rising of the witnesses, Rev. 11. 11. and with that set Time in the Prophet, Psal. 102. 13. So likewise, Rev. 16. 1. And I heard a great voice out of the Temple, saying to the seven Angels, go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God, upon the earth. And the first went and poured out his vial upon the earth, etc.  
It is an Allusion to Soldiers, who are ready to charge and fight the enemy, but do it not till they have the word of Command. So God's people will be prepared for the work, before the years be expired. But as no word of Command will be given them to go out, till then: so they will wait (as a people prepared for the Lord) until that time shall come.  
But howsoever by the Scriptures we may know the beginning of this judgement, yet how long the time will be in the execution, that is not certain; but probably a very short time, yet so, as gradually. First, A dawning, and afterwards the light more and more appearing.  
2 For the Time, The Little Horn is to be destroyed before the other ten. I beheld till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame, As concerning the rest of the Beasts, they had their Dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and Time, Dan. 7. 11. 12. The meaning I take to be thus. The Term of the ten Horns do expire with the little Horn; and in that respect, their Dominion is said to be taken away: yet their lives were prolonged: that is, their Power and Government is not to be broken to pieces, till the little Horn be first consumed. Hence it is that the little Horn or State-Apostacy, (for I taken it to be all one) is the subject of the first vial, as I have showed and provedelsewhere. (see the Book Truth with Time.)  
Quest. But why is the little Horn to be destroyed before the other ten?  
Answ. 1 As the Israelites overthrew Moah and Ammon (Lot's posterity and near of kin to them) because they sought to hinder them from going into the good Land, to fight the Lords Battles against the Kings of Canaan. So this Horn (by profession a brother) in that he will hinder the Saints of the most high, from going forth against Babylon, and the Kings of the earth, it is a righteous thing with God that he should fall first by the hands of the mighty O●es, Isa. 63. 1, 2, 3, 6. I take the meaning thus, The Lord will smite Edom first, that is, false brethren and Apostates, and afterward tread down other people in his anger.  
2 This Horn and latter Apostasy, is a luke warm State, neither hot nor cold, and therefore the Lord will spew it out of his mouth, not cold because it hath a form of godliness, not hot, because it denies the power of it.  
A thing offensive to the Stomach cannot be born, but a man will be rid of it as soon as may be. When the forty two months are ended, the Horn will be destroyed first: And no marvel▪ for he is more offensive and odious to God than the rest (I would thou wert cold or hot) and therefore the Lord will ease himself of this Enemy, as one that he cannot bear, nor suffer to have his life prolonged, as the other Ten.  
And here God's order in pouring out the last Vials is to be noted: he will not begin with Spain, France, Germany, etc. But with the little Horn; Neither may we reckon any war past, or to come, to be the war of the Lamb against the ten Kings, Rev. 17. 14. or the smiting of the Image, Dan. 2. or rewarding Babylon, Rev. 18. 5, 6. till this Horns Dominion be taken away, and utterly consumed. Not observing this, great mistakes have been about former wars, in bringing them under the Vials, as the Sweden, English, Holland, to the second, third, and fourth vial. Whereas to me it seems clear by Scripture, the first thing which will be done in fulfilling the Prophecies of the last times (I speak of war) is the cutting off of this Horn, and nothing will be done against Babylon and the ten Kings (as the proper work which the hundred forty and four thousand, and the called chosen, and faithful shall be put upon) till this thing be done.  
2 For the Author of his judgement? It is God and Christ, as appears Dan. 7. 9, 10, 11, and afterward more briefly, vers. 26. But the judgement shall sit. That this Horn, by a divine judicatory, is to have his dominion taken from him, and his body given to the burning flame: there are many memorable things in it.  
1 Here is showed, that the Lord will give him no more time, nor be patient any longer, neither suffer him to proceed any further in his Tyranny, and Hypocrisy, but set all his former sins before his face, and tear him in pieces, and there shall be none to deliver him. He thought to have gone beyond his time, yea, and God too, but now vengeance hath reached him, notwithstanding all his former cunning shifts in hope to have prevented it. Lo this is the man that made not God his strength, but trusteth in the abundance of his riches, and strengtheneth himself in his wickedness, Psal. 52. 7. and 9 6, 7. and 94. 20.  
2 That the Lord from his Throne judgeth him. Here is signified, what God is about to do: viz. destroy Tyrants and all unrighteousness of men, and to establish Peace and Righteousness in the earth: And indeed now is the way made for it, and never the like before in the World. Open ye the gates, that the righteous Nation which keepeth the Truth may enter in, Isa. 26. 2. This lest Horn, or Apostasy, kept shut the gates of righteousness: Other Nations because of him, could not come into the ways of Truth, therefore he that loveth Righteousness, and hateth Wickedness, brings him before his Throne, and cuts him off for a worker of iniquity, Psal. 45. 6, 7. & 79. 2.  
3 This shows, that the Saints in taking away his Dominion, and casting his body to the burning flame, shall therein do no more but what is just and right, and what ought to be done. No man can justly blame an Officer for putting in execution the just sentence of a lawful Judge: But the judgement shall sit. Though Hypocrites, and Apostates may cry out against them of cruelty, and self revenge, when they shall see the Horn trampled under their feet like dirt: his Abetters and Followers bound in Chains and Fetters of iron, and made exemplary to the World, for causing the name of God and his Truth to be blasphemed: yet will they be faultless in all this before the Throne of God: for they only execute the judgement written; for his banishing and imprisoning of the Saints, he had neither the Law of God nor Man for it; but what is done to him, is from the throne Psal. 89. 14.  
4 Here likewise is signified what knowledge and light, Saints shall have, in pouring out the vial upon him, and how free they will be in that work. It grieves Officers many times, and troubles their Consciences, to do what they are commanded about punishing of others. But here will lie no scruple in the way: for the Judgement shall s●, they shall certainly know it is the mind and will of the Lord that they should do so. The servants of the Horn, when they persecuted the Saints, knew indeed, therein they pleased him, but not the Lord. It will now be quite otherwise, they who destroy the Horn, will know they please God, though not him.  
5 This shows how impossible it is for the Horn to escape destruction, when the three years and an half are ended. As a Malefactor being condemned at the Bar, and delivered up into the Executioners hand, hath small hope to br●ak away from him. So this Horn (his time being out) as a condemned person in the Court o Heaven is given up to the Saints of the most High, and they shall take away his Dominion, etc. Now i● he can get out of their hands let him.  
6 That he hath his judgement from the throne, It denotes, in what an amazement, and fright the Apostates will be round about him, as having neither Hope nor Heart to stand any longer by him. Who will dare attempt the rescuing of a Murderer or Thief, being by the judgement of the Court delivered over to the Executioner. THE JUDGEMENT SHALL SIT. It is said verse 11. His body shall be given to the burning flame. Men fly from fire: If a House be burning, and in a flame, who will venture to run into the burning flame to fetch out the richest Treasure. It will be here with the Horns confederates, as it is said of the Merchants of Babylon. They shall stand a far off, for the fear of his torment, weeping and wailing, and saying alas, alas, that great Apostasy, and head of it, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and Scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls: For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. Of this Horn and Apostasy, given to the burning flame, and what dreadful terror it will cause among the Apostates: The Prophet speaks, The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the Hypocrites: who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? Isa. 33. 14. when the earth opened and swallowed up Kora●h, Dathan, and Abiram, it is said, all Israel that were round about them, fled at the cry of them, for they said, lest the earth swallow us up also, Numb. 16. 34. That the Horn hath his judgement from so glorious a Throne: Read Dan. 7. 9, 10, 11. No doubt is signified, that his destruction will be so terrible, strange, and unheard of, as those near him will be at their wit's end, striving who can be farthest off, Revel. 11. 13.  
7 And Lastly, That the Horn is thus judged: it is to show how the Lord will acquit his innocent servants, from all the false aspersions of Apostates formerly raised against them. In the days of the Horns reign, how were the faithful servants of Christ abused, called Traitors, Beasts, Devils: thrown into Prison, and scattered every where; for witnessing against their Hypocrisy, Apostasy, Covenant breaking, and nothing thought bad enough to inflict upon them. But the judgement shall sit. Now it shall be discerned between the Righteous and the Wicked, who were sincere, and on the Lord's side, and who were dissemblers, and sought only themselves and their own interest. Now as Jannes and Jambres with stood Moses; so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: For their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 2 Tim. 3. 8, 9 But how was the folly of Jannes, and Jambres made manifest? I Answer, when they could not do with their enchantments as Moses did, but were forced to confess unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God, Exod. 8. 18, 19 And when they could not stand before Moses, because of the boils, chap. 9 11. So shall their folly be manifest (he means directly the last Apostates) their spiritual enchantments shall fail them, and God's stroke will lye (like a boil) so heavy upon them, as they shall be forced to say, we have been Apostates, and played the Hypocrites, and these that witnessed against us, kept the Commandments of God, and had the testimony of Jesus Christ.  
We come now to the next particular; namely, the instruments, by whose hand the Lord will destroy him. It is said, they shall take away his dominion, to consume it, and destroy it unto the end, Dan. 7. 26. Observe here, it must be taken from him, he will not freely give it up. As thiefs, and pirates, having by unjust ways taken great booties, will not let them go, unless by a stronger party, they are forced from them. By the word (they) Saints are meant, vers. 18. And particularly I take it to be the Angel, which shall pour out the first vial, Rev. 16. 2. under that Angel are specially comprehended, such who before witnessed against his Apostasy; and Tyranny, and suffered under him, for their testimony, Isa. 14. 2. and 33. 1. Ezek. 39 10. As Gideon with three hundred men, broke the Hosts of the Midiarites, and others afterward came in to them, and pursued the enemy, and so obtained a full and perfect victory: Thus some may begin the work, and then others fall in with it, till his Power and Government be utterly destroyed.  
Quest. But shall none but Saints, be used as instruments, to execute God's judgement upon him?  
Answ. Some indeed think so, and give these Reasons. 1 This honour have all his Saints, Psal. 149. 9 as if this were their privilege alone, to execute the judgement written: the which relates (say they) unto the Vials.  
2 If the hundred forty and four thousand, Rev. 14. 1. do take in the whole number which the Lord will employ against the Dominion of the Beast, Civil, and Ecclesiastical, than it must follow, that Saints only shall destroy him. But the first is clear, and cannot be denied. Ergo, etc.  
3 They read no where in scripture, that Christ will take any Instruments with him, to execute his last plagues upon the Kingdoms of the World, but holy persons, neither are wicked men, in any place so much as once named, Psal. 149. 5, 6. 7. ●sa. 13. 3. Dan. 7. 18. Joel 3. 11. Rev. 17. 14. Psal. 110. 2. Psal. 50. 5.  
4 The work itself, (they think) will not admit of any but Saints. For, First, It is to destroy all manner of ungodliness and unrighteousness in persons and things. Secondly, It shall be done fully and faithfully, not by halves, and haltingly, as things formerly were, which cannot be so, if profane persons should be used. Thirdly, The work is properly Christ's and for Christ, that he alone may be exalted, and therefore very unlikely it is that he will be beholden to his Enemies for it. Fourthly, It is a work that requires spiritual principles: neither can it be done without Faith, which wicked men have not. Thus some.  
Howsoever I do agree with these men. that the Kingdome-work shall be in the hands of Saints, and by them managed, and carried on: And therefore called the War of the Lamb.  
Yet two things are to be minded.  
1 Though they shall all have (I think) the Characters of visible Saints, yet not all alike: Some will be weaklings, men very low, and of little light, and life, to the work, to what others have: and yet received. Again Secondly, howsoever in the judgement of Charity all may be reputed Godly, yet there may be some not enlightened further, than for Reformation in Civil things: And in that respect, to wit, upon Commonwealth principles, will join with their brethren, the fifth Kingdom men, against the Little Horn, and Babylon, thereby to recover their Ancient Liberties and Rights. As the Two Tribes and half, went armed over Jordan, before their Brethren, and left them not, till the other Tribes were set and settled in Canaan; and then returned back to the Country which they had chosen. So it is probable, some who have chosen the Land on this side Jordan (I mean) COMMONWEALTH-PRIVILEDGES will not only join with their Brethren, whose Lot is on the other side: but it may be, be before them in the War: and when the Canaanites are subdued, will be content to sit down in their Lot of Freedom and Liberty.  
Object. But some say, that Saints shall not destroy the Little Horn, nor the ten Horns, neither the Image, Babylon, etc. neither must they (as Saints, and to advance the cause and Kingdom of Christ) make War at all. But suffer all things, and be patient under Tyrants and Oppressors, till Christ himself appear, and march in the head of his Army.  
When the Ziphites had treacherously betrayed David, unto Saul, what saith the Tyrant? blessed be ye of the Lord, for ye have compassion on me, 1 Sam. 23. 21. I must confess, these men show a great deal of Compassion to Tyrants and Persecutors, as to hearten and encourage them in their cruel and bloody ways: But in the mean time let them know (whether it be done of knowledge or through ignorance, that I leave) They do most unworthily betray the son of David, as to his Cause, Kingdom, and People, into the hands of Bloodthirsty Saul's.  
That much work shall be done by Saints (as Saints) and upon the account of the fifth Kingdom, before Christ personally appear, I prove thus:  
1 Christ's personal coming will not be, till after the pouring out of the sixth Vial, at the great battle of Arma-geddon, against Gog and Magog, specially in the Jews behalf, Rev. 16. 15. and 19 11, 12. etc. Ezek. 38. 12. Joel 2. 11. Zach. 14. 1, 2, 3. Dan. 12. 1. But before that time, the Little Horn and the ten Horns, and the great Whore, or Babylon, are to be destroyed as the subjects of the five first Vials.  
2 The Ten Kings which shall hate the Whore, and make her desolate, etc. Rev. 17. 16. do not this, until the Lamb overcomes them, vers. 14. Now by the Lamb, Christ personally, cannot be understood, but his powerful presence with his called, chosen and faithful, as instruments in that work. For if Christ overcome them personally, how can it be said, that they afterward have burnt the Whore, and yet Christ not come; Reader note this, it seems clear by the Scripture, that the Whore (I mean the State and Dominion of the Beast) must fall by the ten Kings, before Christ come in person, see Revela. 18. with Chapter 19 1, 2, 3, 4. where the Lord is praised for that victory, and this is before Christ appears, vers. 11, 12. etc. Now then, what more absurd than to say, Christ in person shall overcome the ten Kings, and they afterward ruin Babylon, and yet Christ doth not come till Babylon be ruined.  
3 In Psal. 110. The Prophet shows how and in what manner the Father will set his Son upon his holy hill of Zion, and the Throne of David, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with Justice. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion, ve. 2. By the rod of his strength, surely he means the Saints, called the Rod of his inheritance, Psal. 74. 2. Jer. 10. 16. with which Rod he will smite the earth, Isa. 11. 2. break the Powers of Nations and Kingdoms to pieces, like a potter's vessel▪ Psal. 2. 9 ler. 51. 19, 20, 21. etc. Then follows, The Lord at thy right hand, shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath, vers. 5. meaning no doubt at the Arnia-geddon Battle, where the Kings of the Earth, and of the whole World are gathered together, Rev. 16. 14. In the former War, Christ sits at the father's right hand, whilst he is making the enemies of his Son, his footstool, that is, by the rod of his strength sent out of Zion. But in the latter war, the Father is at the Son's right hand. Besides, in that he saith, I will make, etc. this cannot be understood of Christ, as the instrument of the work, but Saints. And this same order and manner of proceeding we find every where in scripture, that the executing of the last judgements upon the Kingdoms of the world, shall be by God's people first, these shall cut off the Little Horn, be new threshing instruments and weapons of war, Carpenters, Reapers, the Angels of the Vials, etc. by whom Jehovah will make Christ's enemies his footstool, Dan. 7. 26. Isa. 41. 15. Jer. 51. 19 Zach. 1. 21 Rev. 14.  
4 Upon the rising of the witnesses, there follows an Earthquake, and the tenth part of the City fell, Rev. 11. 13. This cannot be meant as done by Christ personally, for afterwards it is said, The Kingdoms of this World are become his, and ●ee reigns, vers. 15. 17. Therefore (I think) the Earthquake, and the Earth, Rev. 16. 2. is one thing, viz. The earthly Apostasy headed with the little Horn, on which shall be poured out the first Vial, as soon as the Witnesses are ascended up into Heaven.  
5 When Christ shall come, and all his Saints with him. Zach. 14. 5. The enemy, shall not be destroyed by any material weapon. And the Armies, which were in heaven followed him, upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, Rev. 19 14. No armour is mentioned, neither do I think that any such thing will be used, or that the followers of the Lamb shall strike a stroke, but the enemies shall fall and perish by some extraordinary judgement. And there sell upon men a great hail out of Heaven, every stone about the weight of a Talon, Rev. 16. 21. Again I will plead against him with pestilence, and with Blood, and I will rain upon him an overflowing rain, great hail stones, fire and blood, Ezek. 38. 21. But in subduing the little Horn, and the ten Kings, in smiting the Image, and the Dominion of the Beast; here shall be fight, and instruments of war used, Isa. 13. 18. Jer. 50. 9 14. 22. 35, 36, 37, 42. and chap. 51. 3. 11. Rev. 13. 10. & 18.  
Now I come to the fourth head, which is the judgement itself. The Beast was slain and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame, Dan. 7. verse 11. And they shall take away his dominion to consume it, and destroy it even to the end, vers. 26.  
1 Being now come to his end, that he is called the Beast, and a little Horn before. The Reasons may be: First, to signify that he is fatted for destruction; His Hypocrisies, Deceits, Mockings of God and men, and other abominable sins, are full and ripe, Jer. 12. 1, 2, 3. and Jer. 51. 40.  
2 Seeing the Witnesses, are to be slain by him, the Wisdom of God thinks good, to give him here, the same name which he hath, Rev. 11. 7.  
3 That he perisheth under the name of a Beast, though formerly a Horn, it shows how little his death will be pitied any where: No more than if a bloody Lion, or crafty Fox had been killed by hunters. Moreover, what rejoicing there will be among the Saints: that so cruel and fierce a Creature is taken out of the way. Allelujah, and again, Allelujah, Psal. 58. 1●.  
2 Though it be true, whatsoever is spoken of his end, is no more, (if we take the words in general) then that his government and Pover shall be broken to pieces: yet I think there is something in every word, as to a particular kind of punishment; and how several parties (as distinct) shall be punished some in one kind, and some in another. This State or Government to be destroyed, is made up of three sorts of people. 1 Soldiers to fight for it. 2 Lawyers and Priests to plead for it. 3 The Authors and Inventors of it. Now observe, how the Lord in destroying the whole, fits his judgement to each party.  
1 The Beast is slain. This respects the Soldiery. And probable it is, that many of them will be slain. For howsoever the greater part of them (at least the better part: such as have any thing of God left in them) will lay down their arms, and forsake him near his end: yet some desperate and profane wretches (newly raised) will stand it out, and so fall by the sword of the Lord in the hand of his mighty ones. It is said, in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand, Rev. 11. 13 what number of soldiers will be slain at this time, it is not expressed: a great slaughter no doubt: Every one (I think) put to the sword, that shall be found in Arms, for the Horn: they having warning given them before to come out, and not to fight in his behalf. see Isa. 34. 2, 3.  
And his body destroyed] This seems to be another kind of punishment; as beheading▪ hanging, and putting to death by a Judicatory, and the word imports so much. This follows the slain Army. But who is the body of the Horn? The later Apostasy of which we spoke; so that Judgement will now begin at the house of God, at the sanctuary. Woe now to Apostates; Woe to you Scribes, and Pharisees, Hypocrites, The Lord's day is upon you: such as did justifye and encourage the Horn, when he thought to change Times and Laws. Acted unrighteously under him, Executed his unlawful Orders and Commands against the Saints of the most High, made to themselves, an advantage of his Tyranny and Oppression: Oh how are the sinners in Zion afraid, and fearfulness surprised the Hypocrites.  
Now Church members, and Church Officers, are likely to experience, the soul that sins shall die, and that the righteous God loves Righteousness: And it is not, fasting, praying, prophesying, etc. will deliver corrupt men, and such as have basely betrayed the cause of Christ, in the day of the Lords wrath, Mal. 3. 2, 3. Isa. 33. 14. & 66. 5.  
Thus the Lords hand at this time will lie heavy upon Professors, they are the body of the little Horn (Apostates I mean) which must be destroyed. It will be their turn (I verily think) to drink first of the Vials, 1 Cor. 3. 15. And by this means, the Lord will make his way the more plain, and his Judgements manifest: when he shall afterwards go forth against the Ten Kings, and the great Whore: for what may Idolaters, and men visibly Profane, and wicked expect, but dregs and wrath, without mixture, seeing the Lord before, spared not Church-members and such as had a form of Godliness, Jer. 25. ●8, 29.  
And given to the burning flame] As this judgement is greater than the former: so it is for the Horn himself, and the chief instruments which raised him up by whose means, Soldiers, Lawyers, Ministers and others, were brought into the Snare: This kind of punishment I take to be the same, with that of the Beast, and false Prophet; a lake of fire burning with Brimstone, Rev. 19 20. Now howsoever this be not Hell, properly so called, yet it is some temporal Judgement more than ordinary; I will not say directly what it is, nor declare at present my own thoughts: yet this I shall say, (it being a truth I think) when this Horn shall reign, whosoever shall be the Inventors and setters up of his Power and Government, they will not die the death of all men: not be slain or dismembered as the former were: but some extraordinary punishment will be inflicted upon them. If these men die the common death of all men: or if they be visued after the visitation of all men, than the Lord hath not sent me, Numb. 16. 29. And so much the word signifies.  
And they shall take away his dominion] As the former respecteth persons, so this doth things: that is, the State and Government itself. The meaning I conceive to be thus. After the Army is destroyed, and many put to death by a Judicatory: for justifying the Horn, in his unlawful actions, and himself and his MAKERS, given to the burning flame: Such a stink will that HORN leave behind him, as some speedy course shall be taken to have the very remembrance of him blotted out under the whole heaven.  
It remains now to show how, and in what manner it shall be done? To take the Scripture for our light. It seems thus: When the three years and half are fully expired, the wise shall understand▪ that he is the Little Horn foretold in Daniel, and to be destroyed: and this light shall spread itself among the Saints of the Most High: yea, so clear and certain will the thing be (they having the word of God and his spirit for it, providence likewise leading the way) that they shall publicly declare, what they intent to do, The work begins with an Earthquake, Rev. 11. 13. And it shall be such an Earthquake, as will shake the Horn to purpose, in his Council, Guards, Army, and relations every where: Insomuch as he will be miserably forsaken and left by most people. Few abiding with him, unless desperate men, and such who are so deeply engaged with him, as have no hope to save themselves, (from bodily punishment) by Repentance.  
The Saints knowing the set Time is come, that the Lord will have mercy upon Zion; and being called out of the Temple, to pour out the Vial upon the Earth-Apostacy (being ready) go forth in the Name and strength of the Lord. And though they may have some opposition at first, yet I think they will be Conquerors at last without much loss, I say fight for the Lamb; For so wonderful will the presence of God be with them, and so dreadful to the enemy, that this war will be short, and none of them after once broken to pieces, will durst lift up their hands any more in the Horns behalf.  
Thus I have ended with the Little Horn. And in the close, this I can truly say, what I have written, is (my Conscience bearing me Witness) no otherwise than I understand the Prophecy: neither have I said any thing, but what I conceive to be the Truth in Jesus. And further, I have all along with Sighs and Groans, besought the father of Light, That I might be lead by his Spirit into the way of Truth.  
The meek will he guide in Judgement; and the meek will he teach his way, Psal. 25. 9 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not, Jer. 33. 3.  
Job 20. v. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9  
Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth. That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the Joy of the Hypocrite but for a moment? though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds. Yet he shall perish for ever, like his own dung: they that have seen him, shall say, where is he? He shall flee away like a dream, and shall not be found, yea, he shall be chased away; as a vision of the night. The eye also which saw him, shall see him no more, neither shall his place any more be hold him.   

THE CHARACTERS OF THE Beast, Slaying the Witnesses, OPENED.  
THAT General Head which remains, is, The Beast slaying the Witnesses. In the opening and handling whereof, we shall propound four things.  
1. What this Beast is?  
2. Who are the Witnesses, and how they are slain by the Beast?  
3. How it doth appear, the Witnesses (slain by the Beast) lying three days and an half unburied, are the three years and an half contemporizing with the latter Apostasy and little horn?  
4. Whether the Prophecy of the Beast, slaying the Witnesses, be fulfilled in our Time?  
First, I would have the Reader take notice, Howsoever I handle these things distinctly, and a part; yet I understand the Ap stacie and the little Horn, and the Beast that slays the witnesses, to make up but one Government, or State. The Apostasy part, is the Body & rely out of which comes the other Two. The Beast is that Pert, by whom the witnesses are killed▪ and it hath the Name of a Horn; for its Sovereignty and kingliness. So that (as I said in the beginning) it cannot be the three years and half, unless there be all three to make the l●st Dominion.  
And when they shall have finished their Testimony, Rev. 11. 7.]  
That is, Near or about the time of finishing their Testimony. And so the words are rendered by many Interpreters. It is true, some think, the three years and a half, are not to be reckoned with the 1260 years, but apart from that account. But (methinks) this cannot be: For the 42 months being expired, the Saints take the Kingdom; And so I understand Rev. 10. 6. There shall be time no longer. But when is that? When the 1260 years are ended, the mystery of God is finished, as to the reign of the little Horn, and Tyranny of the Beast▪ not to scatter the Saints, and kill the Witnesses any longer. But the Woman comes out of the Wilderness, and the Witnesses ascend up into Heaven, and fire comes forth from the Lord to devour the Adversary. But whether we take the three years and an half, in the number of the 1260 days, or a part, it is all one to the matter here. Howsoever I think it periods the first account.  
The Beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless Pit] rather depth or gulf, for pit is not in the Text, nor in Cham 17 8. but Chap. 9 1. it is.  
It is to be observed, the Beast here, cannot be that Beast, Rev. 13. 1. which is said to rise up out of the Sea; for he is to continue 43 months, that is, 1260 years, v. 5. But this riseth not till that term be near expired▪ only three years and half remaining. And so much the Text plainly holds forth. When they shall have finished their Testimony, a Beast ascendeth out of the depth, etc. Not the Beast which was risen before, but a Beast now comes forth. Intimating, that purposely and for no other end (as it were) he ascendeth out of the gulf, then to slay the Witnesses when they have finished their Testimony. Hence I think this may be asserred for a Truth, Whosoever this Beast is, it cannot be the Dominion of the Papal Beast, nor can the Germane Empire be meant, nor any of the ten Horns or Kings; for these were risen long before the Witnesses had finished their Testimony. The matter here is of weight, and being well considered, will give us some light to know who this Beast is, and where the Witnesses shall be slain: The Pope's Jurisdiction it cannot be, nor the Emperors, Spaniard, French, etc. these rose before the three years and an half, and have stood many hundred years.  
It is a common received opinion; In the Lords bringing Israel out of Egypt, was shadowed out the deliverance of his Church and people, from all Tyranny and oppression in the last days. Now of Pharaoh (a Type of this Beast, and commanding all the male to be cast into the River a figure of killing the witnesses) it is said. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up; for to show in thee my power, and that my name may be declared through out all the earth, Exod. 9 16. As Pharaoh at that time was raised up, that is ascended out of the bottomless pit, that in him the Lord might fulfil his Council and purpose, concerning the enlargement of his people, and thereby glorify himself, in showing his great Power▪ wisdom, faithfulness: So this Beast (as another Pharaoh) is brought up out of the depth for the three years and an half, that in him, and by him, the Lord might accomplish what in his eternal council he had determined, contained in this Prophecy.  
Secondly, There may be something in the phrase (ascendeth) To signify.  
1. How suddenly and unexpectedly this Beast will appear; altogether unlooked for; yea and to strange the thing will be, (especially among Saints) as they would never have believed it, though thousands had told them so much before, had they not seen it with their own eyes.  
2. Whereas it is said, the Beast ascendeth, it is to show, that he comes up of himself, not sent for, nor desired by the people; but it is his own plotting and designings that he takes power and Rule to himself. And this I take to be an essential character of this Beast (Ascendeth) he will be a meat Intruder, and will slay the witnesses by a power which he hath assumed, and usurped, and not otherwise. Compare with this Dun. 7. 8. The little Horn comes up, that is, of itself; he arose not by Election nor by Inheritance, Right, or such kind of Succession, but by his own craft and strength. So the later Apostasy is said to rise or ascend, 2 Tim. 3. 1. Not raised up by the Lord.  
3. By the word, may be signified, the horrible pride of the Beast, for though his descent be from the Depth, that is, a most base beginning, yet ascendeth, viz. In Titles, Pomp, State, Court, etc. As if he had not been illegitimate, but lawfully begotten. That which the Lord by the Prophet speaks against the King of Babylon, I think is in part meant of this Beast. For thou hast said in thy heart I will ascend into Heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God, I will sit also upon the Mount of the Congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the height of the Clouds. I will be like the most high▪ Isa. 14. 13, 14. Is not this the boastine of a mighty man? Not only will he be above the Stars, and ●it upon the Mount of the Congregation; scatter the holy people, weary out the Saints, and kill the witnesses. But like the most high, take to himself the Attributes of God, Isa. 13. 3. That this Beast ascendeth out of the depth, inmay be for these Reasons.  
1. Because of the great secrecy, and closeness which is used in the forming of him. All things here must be done in the deep, and under ground; None (except a few, six or eight persons perhaps, which model the Beast) must know any thing of it, until he come forth, to the public view of the world; Doing herein like those against whom the woe is pronounced in the Prophet, That seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say who seeth us, and who knoweth us? Isa. 29. 18.  
2. Of the deep policy used in the framing of him. All Civil Beasts before him, rose either out of the Earth or Sea; but this out of the depth: signifying, that there was not half that craft and subtlety about them, as about this Beast: For there shall be so much art and workmanship bestowed about him, that when he comes forth, To war against the witnesses, and to overcome them, and slay them, very few will perceive any such thing; Not one (I say) of many will take him for all this, to be the Beast. And why so? He ascendeth out of the depth, from the depths of Satan; as being transformed (and no marvel, for at this time he will be Satan's chief Minister) into an Angel of light. So that by the place may be signified, He will not be taken for the Beast, but a great Saint.  
3. Whereas the last Apostasy is here called the depth, it shows that there is no way to carry on a bad design (for closeness and craft) like to Apostasy and hypocrisy in Religion. And by how much men rise high in a show and form of Godliness (though hypocrites) the more they shall advantage themselves by it. It is true, other Beasts before him, carried on their own Interest, partly by Religion, but they were ignorant and unskilled of the great mystery which this Beast hath learned. For before him (note it Reader) no Civil State ascended out of this depth of Satan, that is, from Apostasy in Religion; And therefore before him there was never a Government in the world raised up by hypocrisy in Religion, in that manner, as this will be. Hence Justin Martyr, calls the little Horn, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, The Man of Apostasy. In Dial. cum Trypl. pag. 336.  
4. Whereas the 
* a sine & byss●● quod est genus lini c●n●idissimi: & sic Abiss●● d●ci●ur quas● sine clarita●e, Alex. de Alice.  word signifieth without light; it may be to denote, what shall be the practice and doing of this Beast, (notwithstanding his secrecy, policy, hypocrisy) when he is ascended. It is said of the first Beast, His kingdom was full of darknesses, Rev. 16. 10. So the kingdom of this Beast (the head of the latter Apostasy, as the other was of the first) his kingdom will be full of darkness; For he will destroy and put out the light of the Law, and leave nothing to the people but Abissus, his Own blind will, for them to walk by.  
From what hath been said, we may gather in short, A true description of the Beast, according to the Scripture, (for I desire to follow that perfect word, without adding avy thing of mine own to it.) Thus then by the Scripture, I take the Beast to be.  
A State or Government, set up by a few Apostates, three years and an half before the end of the 1260 years (neither sooner nor later) and done with so much secrecy, policy, and craft; as no such Beast or Government shall be expected, or thought of, till it be brought forth. And howsoever it hath a mean and low beginning, yet it will rise to a monstrous height of Pride, against God and man. This State or Kingdom of the Beast will be full of darkness; great oppression exercised by reason the people have their power, Laws and liberties, taken from them. And howsoever this be so (yea, and withal, the blessed Cause of Christ destroyed in his Witnesses, by an usurped power) yet this Beast or Government, shall have with it, such a glorious outside of Religion and Form of Godliness, as among Gods own people, many of them shall not know this State or Government to be the Beast which slays the Witnesses, till the three years and half are expired.  
And thus much for the Beast, who he is, and what is signified by him.  
We come now to the Witnesses, and how they are killed.  
1. By the Witnesses, I understand not persons, but the Truth or Testimony itself, which is held forth and asserted by them. I say, it is not the person, which the Beast is said to kill; but the holy Cause and Interest of Christ, witnessed too, and for, by the Saints of the most High. So that the person may live, though he be slain in his Testimony.  
2. For the Testimony or Witness, it comprehends not all Truth; For the Beast shall allow much Truth, and countenance men in the practice of it. Therefore the Testimony which he shall slay, is to be taken restrictively; that is, some particular Truth, which he will not endure, as proper to that Generation and Time. In all the days of the Papal Beast, the Sackcloth Witnesses might safely and without danger, assert many Gospel-truths'; That which they suffered for, was for asserting such Truths, and speaking against such Errors, and lies, as that Time would not bear, it being to the disadvantage of the Beasts Kingdom, that such abominable filthiness should be discovered. So this Beast will not make war against every Truth, but seeks only to destroy that Testimony, which he thinks (if not killed) will be his utter ruin.  
Quest. What is that Truth, or Testimony, here slain by the Beast.  
Answ. It is the last witness which Saints shall hold forth, for, and in the behalf of Jesus Christ, against the Enemies of God's people. And being the last of their Testimony, it can be no other than bearing witness to Christ's blessed and visible Kingdom. That he (as heir of all things) will take all power, rule & dominion into his own hands, and that all the present Powers and Governments of the world, shall be broken to pieces. And more particularly, they shall now bear witness against this Beast, as to be that Power and State, by whom the witnesses are to be s●ain, and after three years and an half, his Dominion shall be taken from him.  
The observing of this, will lead us to the knowledge both of the Beast and Time: for it cannot be this Beast; unless he slay such a Testimony in the Saints as is here set down; that is, A testimony for Christ against all present powers, and particularly against the Government of this Beast, as declaring openly who he is, where his seat is▪ and that the Lord after three years and an half will utterly consume him. And here (I think) lies the difference, between the Testimony of the Sackcloth witnesses, before the Beast ascended out of the bottomless pit, and afterwards. Their Testimony before, was mainly against the Idolatry of the whorish Church; bearing witness, to the Prophetical and Priestly office of Christ; and suffered upon that account: But afterward (when the three years and half begin) their Testimony is (as I said before) for his Reign and Kingdom; And this witness will the Beast seek to murder; allowing that Testimony which was born before to his Prophetical and Priestly office: by which means the slaughter and murder he commits, will not easily be observed.  
3. That the witnesses are said to be two. I conceive it is for this reason. Because their Testimony consists of two parts, viz. 1. That Jesus Christ ought to have his right, his honour, glory, service, dominion. 2. That his enemies in not giving the same to him; But instead of exalting him, exalt themselves, and their own interest▪ shall extreamlysuffer for it; Or two, as witnessing for righteous things, and against unrighteous things.  
Now for the manner of their Slaying. He shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them,  
First, though the witnesses in their Testimony are slain, upon the rise of the Beast, and there we are to begin the three days and an half, yet doth he continue his persecution till the whole term be ended.  
Secondly, There may be something in the words (make war, overcome, and kill▪) more than hitherto hath been minded. In Chap. 12. 14. The woman● to shun the face of the Serpent slyes into the wilderness, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. The slaying of the witnesses, and that slight of the woman is at one time. And I think the occasion of that flight, is this war of the Beast. So that he slays not the whole Testimony or witness, but the Lord preserves a remnant (as he did the 7000 in Israel) up and down the Nation, which keep the Commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus, all the time that the witnessesly slain.  
Thirdly, He shall make war▪ against them, and shall overcome them. These words are taken from Dan. 7. ●2 and have been opened before. It is true in Daniel there is no mention of killing; The reason may be, because he hath respect to what the Horn or Beast show▪ d do, against the persons of the witnesses, but speaks nothing of killing, because the Lord will not suffer him to proceed unto blood. John names killing in regard he should slay the Truth and Testimony in many persons, though not the person for the truth's sake. This likewise is worth the Observing to know the Beast by.  
Quest. But how doth he slay the Testimony of Jesus?  
I answer, many ways.  
First, In some he slays their Testimony, by preferment, and bestowing great Offices and places upon them▪ Here I may say (changing a few words) what is said, Rev. 12. Woe to the Inhabiters of heaven▪ Churches, and Church-Officers, and Professors of Religion, for the Devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that the hath but a short time. This Beast scorns to be served for nought, specially if they are religious, and men searing God; these rather than others, shall be preferred in his Council, Army, Navy, Universities, Parish-Tithes, so they will fall down and worship HIM and his Image. And in this design he hath a double advantage. 1. He is sure to slay in them, the last Testimony of Jesus; for, Noman can serve two Masters, He that acknowledgeth the Government and Power of the Beast to be Lawful, cannot bear a faithful Testimony to the present Cause and Interest of Christ. For to have now the Testimony of Jesus, is to bear a witness against the Beast. 2. That he slays the Testimony of Jesus, by preferment, in many great Professors, such as formerly asserted what they now either deny or are silent in; By this means, the common people (ignorant of the mystery of iniquity, working in the last days) following the others example, have their Testimony killed likewise, Gal. 2. 13.  
Secondly, Another way is by his hypocrisy and dissimulation in religion. As David said of Goliahs' sword, there is none to that, give it me. So I think there is no weapon or crafty course which this Beast will use, like to his hypocrisy in the things of God; as his fasting, weeping, praying, honouring Ministers, Sermons, &c, The report and noise of this will ring far and near, and by the simple (who believe every thing) so believed, and he taken for such a Saint, that now he may do what he will. For though he have all the Characters of the little Horn, and do whatsoever is foretold of the Beast, yet his hypocrisy will cover all, and hence slaves the Generation Testimony.  
Thirdly, When Christ was put to death by the Jews, though they could prove nothing against him, neither indeed had any thing to lay justly to his charge, yet they pretended great matters, and would have men believe what they did in the kill of him, they had cause and reason enough for it. So will this Beast slay Jesus Christ in his Testimony. (Hence it is said, Where our Lord also was crucified.) Howsoever he hath nothing against the present Generation Truth, born Witness to: For what can he have? Seeing nothing is Asserted by them, but what the Scriptures plainly declare; nor is he able to resist the Wisdom and the Spirit by which they speak, yet will he pretend high things against them. As Nero when his Mastiffs would not destroy the Christians, clad them in Bear-skins. So will this Beast do, that his Dogs may rend and tear the Testimony of Jesus; He will clothe it, with reproachful names, as Blasphemy, Error, Madness, Faction, Treason, Sedition, etc. And by this trick the sooner effect his purpose. So that howsoever it be the Testimony of Jesus that he kills, yet he will kill it, under pretence, that it is the doctrine of Devils, blasphemy, the delusion of Satan, etc.  
Fourthly, This Testimony is to be slain by War. He shall make war against them. Howsoever I have showed my opinion already, yet the matter being considerable; I would have the Reader observe.  
1. This Beast (whosoever he be) shall trust in the arm of flesh; by this he will seek to strengthen his Government and Greatness, and to reach his ends and designs every way.  
2. His Army will be so corrupt, that whatsoever he shall bid them do, against the Testimony of Jesus, they will do it, right or wrong; For they will be men not having principles of honesty or conscience. And by this means likewise, he will prevail very far over the Witnesses, viz. by his Soldiers: For those men (if he command them) will banish and imprison any of the Lords faithful Servants, that they may not Witness for Christ, against the Beast.  
Fifthly, No sooner is this Beast ascended out of the bottomless pit, but doubtless he will enact some Law against the Testimony of Jesus. As for Example, That it shall be Treason for men to speak or act any thing against his Person; promise to live quietly under his Government, not call him the little Horn and Beast. And what is the meaning of all this? But to require all men upon pain of death, to deny Christ before men: For if it be the Government of the little Horn and Beast, in the three years and half; Not to Witness then against it (much more to promise not to Act any thing against it) is no other than to deny Christ, so far as concerns a Generation-Testimonie. But howsoever this be so, yet the dread and terror of such an Edict▪ will so seize upon people of low and poor spirits, as they will choose rather to have the Witness of Christ killed in them, then be persecuted by the Beast for bearing any public Witness against him.  
Thus I have showed, Who the Beast is, and the Witnesses, and how they are killed.  
Our Third Point is, How it doth appear, their lying three days and an half unburied, contemporizes with the last Apostasy and the little Horn.  And after three days and an half.] 
I shall speak the less of these three days and an half, because it is not questioned scarce by any one (neither indeed rationally can it) But here is meant either the last three years and an half, which close the number 1260. Or so much time following immediately upon it.  
Indeed there are some few, whose opinion is; the term here, is the same with the 1260 years. But,  
1. This is plainly against the Text. For the Witnesses are not slain, till about the finishing of their Testimony; that is, when the 1260 years are almost expired.  
2. To take days for years, and then again to reckon so many years by days, I see no ground for this in Scripture, to cast up Prophetical numbers. This Point needs no further enlargement.  
3. The Apostasy is to be in the last days; Now if we consider Times and seasons by their appointments and periods. No Days can be said to be last, but the distinct time closing the 1260 years; in which Time is the little Horn and Beast. And therefore necessarily they must contemporize.  
But there are some other things which need Explanation.  
First, What the Street is, in which lie the dead bodies of the Witnesses?  
Answ. Where they were slain, there doubtless they lie. The Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it is well observed by many (signifying a broad and spacious place) cannot be taken for any street within the walls of the great City. For,  
1. Our Lord was slain in no street of Rome or Jerusalem, but without the gate in Golgotha.  
2. Men seldom make war within the City walls, but in open fields.  
3. In Cities are many Streets, but this is expressed in the singular number, neither is the word properly a street.  
4. That their dead bodies lie visible and obvious to all Nations, kindreds, peoples, etc. it must be without the City, and not within the walls.  
By the great City, I understand here (and so always in this Book) the Dominion and Jurisdiction of the Papal Beast, not only the Ecclesiastical kingdom, but all Civil States and Governments under the Sea of Rome, acknowledging the Pope head of the Church. This is the Great City often mentioned in the Revelation; It is said, And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the City fell, v. 13. Here it is not the great City, but City; which I take to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the place without the walls of the great City, where the slain Witnesses lie; that is, the power and Government of the Beast, by which they were killed.  
But to open the matter more fully. The place where the Witnesses lie dead, is not any Kingdom, Commonwealth, Province, or Country, under the Authority and Jurisdiction of the Pope. Neither are they slain (in their Testimony) by any State or Government, that holds the Great Antichrist of Rome head of the Church: For all this is within the wall, and part of the great City. So that the Witnesses are not to be slain under the power of the German▪ Emperor, nor the Kings of France, Spain, Poland, or any Catholic King, Prince, Duke, etc. so called. But by a power, and State that is off from subjection and Obedience to the Romish Beast.  
There are two things (one I hinted before) which will give us much light to understand where the Witnesses lie, and by whom they are slain.  
1. By a Beast that shall not ascend out of the Bottomless Pit, till the 1260 years are near expired. Neither, shall his power and dominion (being risen) continue above three years and an half. Hence than none of the present States, and Governments of the world which have stood many three years shall kill them.  
2. Their dead bodies lie not in any Popish Country: Nor are they slain in their Witness, by any State subject to the Sea of Rome. So that whosoever the Beast is, it cannot be the Emperor, nor the Duke of Savoy, or such like, nor in any such Countries; For it is but one State or Government that slays them, neither shall they lie dead under more States than one. And this one not under the obedience of the Church of Rome. Reader, Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.  
Object. Though 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be without the walls, yet it is of the great City.  
Answ. It is so indeed, and the thing is very much to be heeded. For howsoever the State and Government, by which the witnesses are slain, is not under the Jurisdiction of the Roman Beast; yet it is FOR IT. That is, it doth more strengthen and support Babylon at this time, than any State or Government properly the Beasts. For observe who are slain, the last Witnesses; that is, the Testimony of Jesus never till now so high, eminent, and full of light, and life against the Antichristian Kingdom. The Witnesses before plucked off but leaves and branches, these laid the axe to the Root, and would have the very Foundation of Babylon razed down. And now ascendeth the Beast out of the bottomless pit, and slays such A WITNESS as the like was never before held forth against the Great Whore. So that in doing such a thing, he hath done more in the behalf of the Great City, than any State under the Beasts dominion ever did before. For in this regard, he would not suffer, her abominations to be ripped up, her basterdly Brats to be dashed against the stones▪ nor the blood of the martyrs found in her to be revenged: But sought to cure her deadly wound. And therefore not without cause doth the holy Ghost tell us, though the place be without the great City, yet FOR IT; a friend and brother to it, and one that doth her more service, than any formal member and part of it.  
One thing further may be meant here; Whereas the Spirit of God, tells us, that the place where the Witnesses lie slain, is without the great City, yet of it. The hypocrisy of the Beast (the GREAT CHARACTER of him) is here again notably laid open. As if he should make war with one part of Babylon, (For Example, The Spaniard) pretending therein to be without the great City, and against the Whore; and yet at the at the same time to be of it, and for it, in making Leagues and Covenants, Offensive and Defensive, with others of the same Antichristian kingdom (suppose Portugal and France) and as Idolatrous, and as great Enemies to Jesus Christ, as that part of Babylon against whom he Wars.  
Secondly, That the slain Testimony of Christ, is set forth under dead bodies. This may be to signify.  
1. As a thing dead is soon forgotten, yea men will endeavour to put away the remembrance and thoughts of it; So Apostates having forsaken the Truth. It is no other now then Dead, and that their consciences may not smite them for it. They fall upon new matters, not intending to bear witness any more to the good old cause, IT'S DEAD.  
2. Persons dead loose their beauty; No fairness, or comeliness appears in them. Though living sweet and lovely to behold: So the Principles of Justice, honesty, Conscience, etc. When once slain, what excellency can the Beast see in them: Hypocrisy, deceit, pride, oppression, look better in his eye a thousand fold.  
3. To show the cruel design of the Beast, that nothing would satisfy his turn but the HEART BLOOD OF GOD'S CAUSE, the utter extirpation of it, that the name of Israel might be no more.  
4. Dead men are not feared: Neither doth the Beast now fear, the Testimony of these men; for he hath by craft and cruelty taken such a course: As he thinks himself, very secure, and the dead Interest of the holy Child Jesus will never▪ rise to trouble him more.  
5. When they put Christ to death, some mocked at him, Let him come down from the Cross, and we will believe him. As if he could not be the Son of God, because they slew him. So here is meant, How the Enemies of our Lord, passing by the dead bodies, will scoff, wagging their heads, Had it been (say they) the Testimony of Jesus, it would have saved itself and not been killed; but it appears now, it was only their own Testimony, when they were so hot against Tithes, Tryers, Priests, Lawyers. Ha, ha! And this is one Reason, why the wrath of God will be so terrible upon the Beast, and the Apostates of his Time; because none before them, caused the holy name of God and his Truth to be so much blasphemed: For in the whole Time of his Reign, men will not cease to curse and revile the Testimony of Jesus; yea, the very Apostates themselves, will turn Scoffers. Specially, near the Time of the Witnesses Rising: Then Apostate-Professours, will begin to jeer and taunt indeed; when they see Christ in his Testimony, not only nailed on the Cross, but (to their thinking) gives up the Ghost. Now harken, Where is your fist Kingdom (say they?) The little Horn! Your three years and a half? Neither will they spare the slain Testimony, in their Pulpits; But there they will break their Jests against it, to have the people laugh.  
But, Thirdly; It is worth enquiring, Why not only the great City is named, which should be preserved and defended by the Beast slaying the Witnesses? But added, which spiritually, is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified?  
Answ. There is great Reason for it.  
1. To discover the gross hypocrisy of the Beast, pretending to be against Babylon in all her lies and beastly vanities.  
2. To aggravate his wickedness the more. There is little said of the Beast, as to the Characterizing of Him; besides slaying the Witnesses. The Reason may be, because this was done before in the little Horn and last Apostasy.  
That which the Holy Ghost seems here chiefly to intend, is to unmask HIM, and to set HIM forth to the life.  
For Example. Should he be asked (being ascended out of the bottomless Pit) What he comes for? What he means to do, having taken so arbitrary a power to himself? His answer will be, He is for Christ (I really) against Antichrist: For Zion against Babylon; as one of the seven Angel, I am come out (saith he) of the (Temple note it, not the Bottomless Pit) to pour out a Vial full of wrath upon the great Whore: and as one called, chosen and faithful, to be with the Lamb against the ten Kings, to overcome them. And ask (saith he) my Chaplains, and new made Doctors, if this be not so?  
But what saith the Spirit of God? O thou dissembling H● pocrite! Does thou War against my Witnesses, overcome them and slay them, and yet pretend Ex parte altissimi letzad, On the part of the Almighty. For me, and against the great Whore; What an impudent face hast thou? what a Whore's forehead! Thou thoughtest I was altogether such a one as thyself: but I will reprove thee. Thy falsehood shall not serve the turn. For I have a way to make thee known what an hypocrite thou art, in spite of all thy enchantments; and the wise shall understand, though the Prophets will not▪ viz. In slaying so glorious a Testimony, to rouse up thyself out of the bottomless pit, In this the Saints of the most high shall clearly see, that thou art of the great City (not in words but actions) a main supporter and prop of it: Nay more, thou hast kept her up, as she is Sodom and Egypt, in the vilest of her filthinesses, and abominations, and the greatest of her cruelties, and oppressions: yea and more, as she hath murdered me (I say myself) in my truth, and servants: thus thou hast wrapped thyself in all the guilt and blood that hath been shed there, and which shall be found in her; the blood of the Prophets, and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.  
Thus the place gives us more light to know the Beast by; The Government and state by which the witnesses shall be slain, is without the great City, not under the authority of the Church of Rome, in profession and words an enemy to Babylon. But in practice and works not only a bare defender, but a supporter of her, in the worst and greatest of her sins, as in her whoredoms, oppressions, blood of martyrs, etc. Namely, by slaying the highest Testimony that ever was upon earth against the whole dominion of the Beast.  
I have done with the Beast and Winesses as to the killing-part.  
It remains that something be spoken of the effects of it.  
And they of the people, and kindreds, and Tongues and Nations, shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.  
Here we will consider.  
1. Who these People are?  
2. What is meant by putting in graves?  
3. Why they will not suffer the dead bodies to be put in graves?  
4. How they keep them out?  
First, It is said that Satan showed Christ (being upon an exceeding high mountain) all the Kingdoms of the World, Mat. 4. 8. I do not take it imaginary, as deceiving the sense: but a real sight: Not that he saw all Kingdoms absolutely, but whatsoever were discernible in respect of the place where he stood: that is, all the adjacent Countries. So here by people, Kindred's, tongues, and Nations: all are not meant under the whole Heaven; but such as are within the sight of the dead bodies, and have knowledge of their slaying.  
Again, Neither do all the people and kindreds, etc. which see the dead bodies, oppose their burial, but a part of them; They of the people and kindreds, etc. That is, among the people and kindreds, etc. there are some will not suffer, etc. Now howsoever we are to understand the place, no further then of such as know what the Beast hath done, (for so much is clearly in the Text, They shall see their dead bodies) yet the Holy Ghost mentions Peoples, kindreds, tongues and nations; Because this party which will not suffer the dead bodies to be put in graves, are not all one People. As for Example, Some may be English, others Welch, some Scots, others French, or Dutch, etc. So likewise of divers Provinces, Countries, Shires, etc.  
As for this Party, I take it not to be cruelty done in despite and disgrace by Enemies, to deny them Burial; But courtesy of Friends and Favourers, to provide for their rising again. And my opinion is, here are meant.  
1. The Woman who was occasioned by the war of this Beast, to fly into the Wilderness.  
2. The Remnant of her seed.  
3. Those whom we named before, Commonwealth's men: For howsoever these do not fully close with the Witnesses in the Principles of the fifth Kingdom, yet they are clearly convinced, that the Power and Government of this Beast is unlawful, and that they suffer unjustly under him. And this Party I take to be The earth which helped the Woman, by opening her mouth, and swallowing up the flood, which the Dragon cast out of his mouth, Rev. 12. 16. For howsoever that thing they contend for, be but an earthly Intererest; as Laws, Liberties, Power of the People, Privileges of Parliament, etc. yet in standing for such things, they give the Beast such a Check, as Maugre all his venom and wrath, he cannot devour the woman standing for the dead witnesses.  
Secondly, For the second Point. By putting in graves; I understand an extirpation of the Testimony of Jesus. That is, Christ's visible Kingdom, to be no more asserted: the corrupt powers of the world left alone, so the Apostates and hypocrites in the last days, not so much as named: briefly for the little Horn and Beast, no more to be spoken against, But all for conscience sake be subject to his Lust and Will. Thus indeed the Beast would have the Witnesses buried, but he is not suffered: They remain above ground in spite of him; that is, kept up for a glorious resurrection.  
Thirdly, Knowing the Parties, we may the more easily guess at the Causes.  
1. As the Woman and her seed are deeply concerned in the Testimony, so they endeavour what they can to maintain it; And the rather, because they know whatsoever design the Enemy hath against it, to bury it, he shall not, let him do his worst. As when Michael the Archangel, contending with the Devil about the body of Moses, the Angel prevailed. So in this Controversy about the dead Witnesses, the Woman and her seed will certainly overcome; which is comfort and encouragement enough.  
2. They will not suffer it, because of their zeal and affection to the Testimony of Jesus. Though David a long time was numbered among the Dead, by reason of Saul's bloody persecution, yet alway; he had some friend▪ which stu●k fast to his Interest. It is true, there may seem to be a death upon the Cause of Christ during the Beasts reign, but it shall not want friends to keep it from the Grave; The love of God will constrain them.  
3. The Beast in slaying the Witnesses, will show so much hypocrisy, falsehood, lying, Tyranny, etc. As will occasion People, and Tongues, and Nations, etc. continually (sometimes in one place, otherwhile in another) to appear against him, and plead the Cause of the poor and needy; In so much, as he will not know what to do. Nor how to proceed any further; to wit, (having slain them) to put them in Graves.  
4. The Testimony of Jesus being slain; that is, comparatively now dead, to what spirit and life it had. (For it stood upon its feet before, and had Power and Authority with it, till the Beast came up.) Notwithstanding all this, (I say) though Dead, in respect of Spirit, Life, Power, Authority; yet shall not the Beast be suffered to extinguish it altogether, in the Nation, where he hath slain it.  
1. Because if he should so far prevail, it would not only strengthen the present Atheists, but open a gap of Athiesm to many others: For as the Beast in slaying the last Witness makes many Hypocrites, so should he bury it, he would make as many Atheists.  
2. Should he be suffered, he would do more wickedly than he doth; For in that he cannot bury Christ's Testimony, he is restrained from acting the mischiefs, which otherwise he would.  
3. He is not suffered. Because this Witness (though comparatively dead to what life it had) shall be his ruin, when the three years and half are expired.  
Fourthly, For the last point, How they keep them out? To open this it must be remembered; It is the Witness of Christ I take to be slain. Not suffered to be put in Graves; because some shall plead for it, defend it, and hold it forth, all the time of the Beasts rage and Tyranny. So that in one respect it is killed, in another alive; For some shall still appear for that Testimony, which in others the Beast hath slain. In the days of Elias, when they had thrown down the Lords Altars, and slain his Prophets with the sword, yea and the Prophet himself forced to fly for his life: here it might well be said, that the Lords witness was slain, yet not put in grave. For at the same time. The Lord had 7000 which had not bowed the knee unto Baal.  
And this I take to be the meaning here. The prevailing power of the Beast shall be such▪ as he will slay the visible Testimony of Jesus, held forth in some public manner before his rising; yet he shall not be suffered to put it in grave: For God will have some thousands still, which shall not bow the knee to the Beast; but own and honour the truth n urdered by him, all his Reign.  
And thus much for the first Party. The other sort follows.  
And they that dwell upon the Earth▪: shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send jousts one to another, because these two Prophets tormented them that dwelled on the Earth.  
To these is given a special Character, Dwell on the Earth. The subject of the first Vial is Earth, Rev. 16. 2. and the same mentioned here▪ the latter Apostasy, whose description we had before from 2 Tim. 3. The Cause of their joy, is the great advantage which they have by the death of the Testimony. For no sort of men shall outwardly thrive and prosper under the Beast, like Apostates; It being a Government or State erected by them, and for their own Interest alone.  
Another good Note to know the reign of the Beast by, viz. WHEN APOSTATES FLOURISH. It cannot be his time, if it be not Apostates time; if carnal Professors do not hold up their heads, look big, and domineer: and he that will like Judas, get the bag, must get himself into some Church. For as in Christ's time buying and selling was in the Temple, and there were the Money changers. So under this Beast, places, offices, and preferment, will be crept into the Church: In so much as no considerable preferment will be gotten, unless the person be a Church-member, or can procure some Churchman's hand for it. Thus we see who they are, that will rejoice at this time, and make merry, and send gifts one to another. None like Apostates, who are fallen from Heaven to dwell upon the Earth. As for others who are faithful and constant to the Interest and Cause of Christ, they sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done under the Beast.  
It is said, Because the two Prophets tormented them. But wherein? Because they spoke against all unrighteousness of men; Pressed men to keep their Promises and Engagements: Declared openly against dissembling, lying, and hypocrisy; would have Babylon down, with all her will-worship and inventions; People to have their power, freedom, and liberty, according to Reason and Conscience, and none to have any Arbitrary Government forced upon them. But such a Testimony as this could not be borne, it was worse than an Egyptian boil; Insomuch, as they had no peace, or rest, till they had slain that which so tormented them.  
This place puts me in mind of what happened upon the Dissolution of the little Parliament: The Joy then among the Priests and formal Professors, was much like that of the Philistines, when they had Samson in their hands. Then the Lords of the Philistims gathered them together, for to Offer a great Sacrifice unto Dagon their God, and to rejoice; for they said, Our God hath delivered Samson our Enemy, into our hand. And when the People saw him, they praised their God; for they said, Our God hath delivered into our hands, our Enemy, and the destroyer of our Country, which slew many of us. And it came to pass when their hearts were merry, that they said, call for Samson, that he may make us sport, Judg. 16. 23, 24, 25.  
Some of them, more Religious (seemingly at least) were for Sacrifice. Hence Days were kept of Thanksgiving (as they call it.) And now the Trumpets sound aloud, Oh what the Lord hath done for the Sons of Levi, the holy Ministry, and Maintenance; The Enemy and Destroyer of their Country, had likely to have put out all the lights of the Tabernacle. One of them I remember told the people, The National Clergy, was like good Isaac, bound and ready to have been Sacrificed. And that God by a wonderful deliverance had preserved them, when the Parliament-Knife was at the throat of their sacred Calling, Tithes, and the like.  
For the other sort, what they did, I need not mention: But when their hearts were merry, Then Samson is called for. And what is now the Subject of all their scurrilous Talk and Jests, but the short lived Parliament: Oh this cruel Samson▪ that had it in his heart, not only to have brought their Craft in danger to be set at nought, but the Temple of the great Goddess Diana. And to say the truth, the Priests were not much mistaken in it: For probable it is, had not that glorious Testimony of Jesus been killed, They would have se●t the Tail of the Beast, after the Head; Swept away that other part of Popish dung and trash, which the former Parliament had left in the Nation. Now if the Holy Ghost meant not these men, and their making merry; yet I am sure, it was fulfilled in them, according to the letter of the Text.  
One part of the Prophecy yet remains, and it is the better part; Namely, The rising of the Witnesses. And here we have the Time, the Means, and the Manner, with the Enemy's amazement at it, and the like.  
And after three days and an half, the spirit of life from God, ●ntred into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear sell upon them that saw them. And they heard a great voice from Heaves, saying unto them, come up hither. And they ascended up to Heaven in a cloud. And their Enemy's bsheld them.  
First, Of the Time I have spoken: Assoon as the Beast ascendeth out of the bottomless pit, he kills the Witnesses; Three years and an half they lie unburied: The which time being expired, they immediately Rise, and then begins the ruin and fall of the Beast. So that I conceive, it is not the Lords meaning that any should go forth to take his Dominion from him, until it evidently appear, that the Witnesses are Risen, the Spirit poured forth, the Beast certainly known; and the Lord appearing in some visible providence, making the way plain for the Angel of the first ●i●ll.  
Secondly, By the Spirit of life from God, etc. I understand and the sending of the Comforter, that great promise of the Father to be endued with power from on high, Lak 24. 49. As herbs, flowers, and grass, seem dead and hang the head, by reason of drought; but rise again flourish, and grow green, when rain falls thereon. So the Testimony of Jesus, which seemed withered, and scorched, hath now from the Lord life and Spirit put into it, and so that Death is taken off which lay formerly on it.  
And this I take to be the Time in which Saints may expect the return of their prayers, concerning the pouring out of the Spirit, and the fullfilling of such Promises. In the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert, Isa. 35. 6. I will pour waters upon him that is thirsty, and ●louds upon the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine Offspring: And they shall spring up as among the gross, as willows by the watercourses, Isa. 44. 3, 4. I will put my Spirit in you and ye shall live Eze. 37. 14. After two days he will revive us, in the third day, he will raise us up and we shall live in his sight, Hosea 6. 2. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your Sons and your daughters shall Prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants, and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my Spirit, Joel 2. 28, 29.  
Howsoever before the rising of the witnesses, there will be some sprinkling of the Spirit, here and there. For the understanding of the Time: As a man knows by the dawning that the night is past: yet I think till the witnesses are risen: the Saints shall not be endued with power from on high, neither Generally, nor largely. For now is The Tabernacle of the Testimony of heaven opened, and not till now, Rev. 15. 6. I mean in respect of a beginning.  
Thirdly, No sooner doth a Spirit of life from God enter into them. But they stand upon their feet: By which manner of speaking (according to the Scripture) is signified.  
1. An open confession and publishing, of the Lords wonderful mercy, remembering his truth and Testimony in its low estate, 1 Chron. 28. 1. Acts 3. 7, 8. and 14, 14. As the Sons of Zion are to have a two-edged-sword in their hands, so the high praises of God in their mouth. It is true, they are to execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people. To bind their Kings with chains, and their Nobles with fetters of Iron. But what goes before. Allelujah sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the Congregation of Saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him, let the Children of Zion be glad in their King, etc. Psal. 14. 9 So then by this standing upon their feet, is meant that New s●●●Rev. 14 3. An high exalting and ●●ung up the holy Name of God every where among the faithful Remnant; For that life and Spirit which is now given them. The Testimony of Jesus it was before flame, and born down by the Enemy. But now it goes forth conquering and to conquer, prevails and gets victory in every place over them. And the Ransomed of the Lord, shall come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall be no more. Isa. 35. 10. compare Rev. 15. 3, 4.  
2. The standing upon their feet, signifies, not only The Testimony raised up to greater boldness against the Beast, speaking more freely and plainly against his hypocrisy, Apostasy, Blasphemy, Tyranny, etc. then before, Ezek. 2. 1, 2, and 3, 24. But likewise the hundred forty and four thousand, are preparing to stand with the Lamb on mount Zion, Rev, 14. 1. Now I think open war begins to be proclaimed against the Beast, and Babylon, according to the Prophets, Isa. 13. 2. Je●. 50. 2.  
Again, It shows with what assurance of victory the war is undertaken. For by faith they see all ready: their feet upon the necks of their Enemies, and that they shall take the Beasts dominion from him, and give his body to the burning flame, Josh. 10. 24. Zech. 14. 4.  
Some understand this, and their ascending up to heaven, of the witnesses not only restored to their places, but promoted to more eminent preferment, howsoever I take the witnesses (as hath been said) for the Truth witnessed by them: yet no doubt such as suffer under the Beast for their Testimony (continuing faithful) the Lord will greatly honour. For out of Prison he cometh to Reign, Eccles. 4. 14.  
Fourthly, For the persons upon whom this great fear fell. I take to be they that dwell upon the earth, the Apostates and followers of the Beast: It seems to allude to the State and time of God's people coming out of Egypt, when the Lord sent before them a dread and fear of them among their Enemies. It is said, their hearts melted, neither was their spirit in them any more, because of the children of Jsrael, Josh. 5. 1. This was upon the expiring of the 430 years: So the three years and an half being out, The presence of God will be such among his faithful ones, in raising them up to such high Resolutions, and filling them with so much Spirit, life, and power from on high, as it will strike a terror and amazement every where among Revolters, None of the men of might have found their hands, the stout hearted are spoiled. The King of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble, anguish took hold of him, and pangs as a woman in travel, Jer. 50. 43. It will be their case now, as if a man should appear, who was thought to be dead and rotten many years before. He needs not fight, his Enemies they will fly fast enough before him. My opinion is, God will send such a faintness into the hearts of his Enemies, and strike them with such a horror and dread, that the sound of a leaf shall chase them▪ they shall fly and none pursue them. And as they are Apostates, and so have sinned against knowledge and conscience, by so much their fear and terror will be the more. Now will that Text be fulfilled; The sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the Hypocrites; who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting burning?  
Fifthly, Whereas it it is said, They heard a great voice. This voice I take to be Christ's; the same which afterwards speaks out of the Temple to the seven Angels, Go your ways, and pour out your Vials, Rev. 16. 1. Isa. 66. 6. Joel 3. 16. Amos 1. 2. It is said to be great.  
1. Because it is the voice of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (roaring out of Zion against his Enemies) which is powerful and full of Majesty, Joel 3. 16. Amos 1. 2.  
2. The matter spoken of, is of great concernment.  
3. It must be heard by all the faithful risen Witnesses, every where.  
4. To signify that it is operative and prevalent, see Psal. 29. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9  
Sixthly, That the voice is said to be from Heaven. This Denotes,  
1. Notwithstanding the great Apostasy at this time in Churches (especially 
* In Rev. 11. 16. the 24 Elders are mentioned, but not the 4 living cretures. To denote, That near or about the time when Christ is to take his great power to him, and to reign: there will be few Ministers of Churches to praise him: But these have in the three years and half, like Demas, forsaken him; having loved this present world.  the Officers) the Lord will have a remnant still abiding in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, which shall keep themselves pure and unspotted from the world.  
2. The fall of the Beast will be by a power from Heaven. There broke he the arrows of the bow, the shield and the sword, and the battle, Psal. 76. 3. O God thou art terrible, out of thy holy places, Ps. 68 35. Zech. 4. 6.  
Seventhly, Come up hither. These words I think have this meaning. Christ himself speaks now for Union and one-nes amongst Brethren, and will heal all the breaches and divisions which have long been unhappily between them. Come up hither. As if he should say, Howsoever you have born forth a good Testimony for me against the last Apostasy, the little Horn and Beast; yet▪ ye could not agree among yourselves, but did bite and devour one another. But this enmity shall cease and be no more. Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. For I will have you now all here with me in heaven together: not divided and separated as ye have been. And as there is but one Lord, and his name one, Z●ch. 14. 9, So ye shall serve him with one consent Z●ph. 3. 9 Thus is the primitive Spirit, restored and given again to the Saints, viz. to be of one accord, and of one mind, Act. 1. 14. & 2. 1, 46. & 15. 25.  
Eightly, It follows; And they ascended up to Heaven in a Cloud. Alluding to Christ's ascension, Act. 1. 9 The Saints of the most High, being 〈◊〉 together, and having the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace, are now form, the Armies of Heaven, to fight the Battles of the Lord of Hosts, to destroy the little Horn, the Image, Babylon, etc. that Christ alone may Rule in the midst of his Enemies. Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, clear as the Sun, and terrible as an Army with banners, Song. 6. 10.  
The noise of a multitude in the Mountain like as of a great people, a tumultuous noise of the Kingdoms of Nations gathered together. The Lord of Hosts mustereth the Host of the battle. They come from a far Country, from the end of Heaven, even the Lord and the weapons of his Indi▪ nation to destroy tha whole Land, Isa. 13. 4. 5.  
So then the witnesses being ascended up to Heaven. Now is fullsild that vision which John saw; A sign in Heaven great and marvellous, seven Angels, having the seven last plagues, for in them is filled up the wrath of God, Rev. 15. 1. This is the stone cut out without hands which must smite the Image upon his feet, Dan. 2. 34. To this time of the witnesses in heaven belongs, that in the Prophet. Behold I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the Mountains and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chasse: Thou sh●lt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: And thou shall rejoice in the Lord and glory in the holy one of Israel, Isa. 44 15, Again, The Lord shall send the Rod of his strength out of Zion▪ Psal. 110. 2, see also Jer. 51. 19 20, 21, ●2, 2●, 24.  
Ninthly, But what follows? And their Enemies beheld them. They saw them before when they stood upon their feet, and were astonished at it. But much more now, being ascended, and gotten above them, to pour out a vial full of the wrath of God upon their heads. There is nothing said what the Enemies of the Witnesses do, more than Behold them, that is, saw them as Balaam did Israel abiding in his Tents, according to their Tribes. The Lord his God is with him, and the shalt of a King is among them. Behold the People shall rise up as a great Lion, and lift up himself as a young Lion, he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain. God brought him out of Egypt; he hath as it n ere, the strength of a Unicorn, he shall eat up the Nations his Enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows, Num. 23. 21, 24. & 24. 8. In this manner and no otherwise, shall the Enemy now behold them. Neither do I find any thing that they shall do, or be able to do for their own safety. Is it not said, All hands shall be faint, and every man's heart shall melt, and they shall be afraid, pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them, they shall be in pain, as a Woman that traveleth, and they shall be amazed one at another, their faces shall be as flames, Isa. 13. 7, 8. But when shall this be? At this time, I say now, the Lord having called his Mighty ones, and his sanctified ones, and mustered the host of the battle agaixst Babylon, v. 1, 2, 3, 4. And this is one Reason why I do conceive, For material weapons the Saints have no need to make much provision before hand. Though Joshua took All the People of war with him, and all the mighty men of valour; Yet there died more with hailstones, than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword, Josh. 107, 11. So at this time, howsoever there shall be the Sword of the Lord, and the Sword of Gideon: yet Gideon but a thousand, and David his ten thousand.  
And here I desire the discreet Reader to observe the Method and order which the Lord (as it seems to me) will follow in making Christ's enemies his footstool. When the three years and an half are expired (for till then the appointed time will not come for him to arise and have mercy upon Zion) there will be a pouring out of the Spirit in abundance, whereby the hearts of the faithful every where will be raised up to high and great resolutions against the later Apostasy, the little Horn and Beast: Even publicly to declare the war of the Lamb against that Government and State, and the whole dominion of Antichrist. This will strike a dreadful terror through the hearts of the Enemies (especially HYPOCRITES AND SINNERS IN ZION) They will be driven to their wit's end, not knowing what to do, seeing judgement must begin at them. And that the Lords work may the more effectually go forward and prosper, now the Lamb himself will speak to the hearts of his sincere ones, touching the great Commandment of love, and for peace and union. By whose Spirit (working effectually in them) his Commandment shall be obeyed: ●o that all breaches and differences will be speedily and perfectly done away, and they all of one accord and of one mind: And what then? As the Armies of Heaven, and Angels of the last plagues, go out of the Temple to pour out the Vials of the wrath of God upon the Earth. And as the Saints are thus raised up in faith, life, light, love, wisdom, courage, etc. So on the contrary the Enemies now fall and are cast down under unbelief, death, darkness, division, folly, fear, etc.  
Reader, I pray thee mark it. The three years and half being expired, This will follow. As the followers of the Lamb, shall have faith, love, light, courage, and understanding▪ rise and increase among them: So among the followers of the Horn and Beast, quite otherwise, viz. Fear, unbelief, contention, blindness, and confusion, will break out and abound. And by this many will be convinced and satisfied, that the set time is come.  
That which is next is Action; And it follows in the Text.  
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the City fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand; And the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven.  
Here I think the Vials begin: this shaking Earth, is the Earth Rev. 16. 2. the subject of the first Vial. That State-Apostacy (of which we have spoken) out of Entitled which, as the Bottomless Pit,  
Truth ascended the Beast, headed with with Time. a little Horn. But of this I have elsewhere written, and shall refer the Reader to it.  
I come now to our last point, and so will Conclude.  
Whether the Prophecy of slaying the Witnesses be fulfilled in our time, or no?  
Answ. By what hath been said let the READER Judge.  
I shall add nothing of mine own. But draw up some particular Heads, from the the Prophesy opened. If it be fulfilled in whole or part; These things must be, as I soberly think.  
I. A Government, or State, set up by Apostates.  
II. No sooner is it erected, but there will be a glorious Testimony of Jesus, formerly held forth, immediately killed.  
III. If it be this Beast, his dominion and Government must suddenly and strangely come forth, neither expected nor desired of the people, nor hath it their consent. Yet,  
IV. For craft and policy there will be more used about raising this Beast, then hath been known before.  
V. Hypocrisy in religion will be the great thing, whereby the Beast being ascended out of the bottomless pit shall seek to establish his Government.  
VI They are not Persons he shall slay; but the Truth witnessed by them: yet not all truth: But that Testimony which is now held forth for the Reign and Kingdom of Christ against worldly powers.  
VII. This Testimony he will kill in many great Professors: by corrupting them with preferment, Job 34▪ 30. Again he himself will pretend much piety: persuading people it is not the Testimony of Jesus he kills, but error and falsehood. Besides if he be the Beast he will have such Soldiers about him, as will act any wickedness he bids them. Lastly, he will make Laws against the witnesses.  
VIII. This Beast shall not be under the authority of the Church of Rome, neither shall the place or Country where the witnesses are slain (in their Testimony) belong to the Jurisdiction of the Papal Beast.  
IX. Nevertheless this Beast shall be a main pillar and supporter of Babylon in her greatest Idolatry, and Tyranny.  
X. Though this Beast shall endeavour to destroy utterly the present Generation Testimony; yet he shall not be able: For the Lord will have a Remnant in whom the witness shall live; Though he have killed it in others.  
XI. Where this is, their hypoctites do reign, It will be a time in which Apostates shall flourish.  
XII. Now the Carnal and corrupt professor will rejoice and make merry. And Priests say (as Agag) surely the bitterness of death is past▪ call for Samson that he may make us sport.  
Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Frudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall▪ walk in them: But the transgressors shall fall therein, Hos 14. 9  
FINIS.   

A POSTSCRIPT.  
Ye Precious Ones, and Saints of the most High. It is not much that I shall add; But it is to give YOU an Account of the Occasion of this Work.  
UPON my Banishment from Hull (for what Cause I know not, there being nothing to this day made known to me.) I went a part (as Elias did) into the Wilderness. And as I lay under hedges, & in holes, my Soul in bitterness breathed forth many sad complaints before the lord It is enough O Lord take away my life, for I am not better than my Fathers. Often and sore wrestle I had with my God, to know His Meaning and Teaching, under this Dispensation; And what further work (whether Doing or Suffering) he had for me, his Poor old Sevant, being now again Banished, after 17 years' Banishment before.  
Being brought thus at the feet of God; and there waiting and Harkening What the Lord would speak. I had the Former Things (for the Substance of them) given in unto me. And I can speak it in Truth: I understood them not till now; But thought The Time of the End, was to be found out and known some other way.  
Now howsoever I could not but think, there was Something of God in This; As to an Answer of Prayer. (Especially having these Things upon my heart as I was pouring out my soul at the Throne of grace.) Nevertheless, Considering, the weightiness and difficulty of the Matter. How differing it was, to what Others Held; And how deeply Some (and myself also) have suffered for our Mistakes, in meddling with such High Things: But chiefly, what a poor worthless and empty Thing I was, More brutish than any man, and had not the Understand of a man; And how subtly Satan worketh at this Time in Some, by a spirit of delusion, in pretending to high things, and that it is God that speaketh in them. Upon these and such like Considerations, my Soul was sore distressed, and I besought the Lord with Tears Day and Night, that he would take Pity on Me, and not leave me to a Deceived Heart.  
But as often as I set my face unto the Lord, by prayer and supplication, I found myself more Encouraged, and had more of the Prophecies opened unto me. Yea (and the Lord knows I lie not) whensoever my heart hath been most melted and broken before him, and my soul swallowed up with the greatest Love and Longing after his Glory; AT SUCH TIMES I have been most confirmed, and strengthened, to believe, that it was the Spirit of truth which revealed these things to me, a Worm.  
Nevertheless, being yet unsatisfied in myself (as Fearful lest I should go aside from the Teachings of God.) I acquainted some of some of my Christian Friends with the Thing, and how the Case stood with me; and desired that the same might be Spread before the Lord: The which was done several Times; And very earnestly was the Lord sought unto, for Counsel and Direction, that there might be no miscarriage on either Hand. Much I could say concerning this Particular; But I shall say no more than this, I found the Fruit of their Prayers, A Greater Confirmation.  
After all this (for I was not quiet yet) having put things into some Order, I communicated my Thoughts unto other Friends: Some of these (whose Works praise them in the Gate) I found to be of my Opinion; For which I thanked God and took courage. As did Paul when the Brethren met him, Acts 28. 15. But Others (and Precious Ones too) were (as I apprehended) otherwise minded. And here began, as the last, so my sorest and sharpest Conflict.  
For so much was I discouraged now, as I had Jeremiahs' Complaint often up. O Lord thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived; Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed, Jer. 20. 7. I must confess the Considerations before named (especially being conscious to my own Emptiness and Poverty) hath so much affected me. That I have been more ready (except in Prayer) to fall in with any outward Discouragements, and to improve them, whensoever they came; Then to close with inward Ecouragements, even the Stirring and Motions (I think I may say) the Visions of God, which I have powerfully felt upon my soul, when I have been nearest the Mercy Seat. But Hallelujah, praised be the Lord, who hath taken from Me (a worm still) these Discouragements and Fears, by working up my heart into joy of Believing.  
It may be in Reading of this, you would willingly know my Intention? It is Thus: I have not Published this Treatise, as I have done things heretofore; For in Humility, & an awful fear of my God, Here I can say and that truly, THIS IS A WORK OF FAITH AND PRAYER, Not of my own Labour and study (comparitively) as former Things have been; For here I have been more out of the Body, and with the Lord on the Mount. But oh I would be humble in such Exprestions, that THE LORD ALONE MIGHT BE EXALTED. And I a remain still a Worm in my hole, and numbered among the dead.  
Neither have I rested in the Experiences of Gods inward Workings upon my soul, that is, To his giving forth of the Spirit alone. But the Holy Scriptures have been The Men of my Counsel, Psal. 119. 24. Insomuch as I have not harkened any further, to the Persuasions and Operations of the Holy Spirit, Though received as the Finger of God. Then what I might do (yea and aught) by the Covenant-Promise, I say by Faith Grounded upon the blessed Word.  
Such Scriptures, through the Free Grace of a divine Blessing, by a humble Application in the Interest of them, have sweetly supported me. Jer. 31. 9 & 33. 3. Hos. 12. 4. Dan. 9 20, 21. & 2. 18, 19, 23. Luke 11. 12, 13. Jam. 1. 5. Isa. 66. 2. Psal. 10. 17. & 25 9 2 Chron. 20. 13, 14. Acts 13. 2. Rev. 5. 4, 5. Psal. 32. 8, 9 1 John 5. 14, 15. Hence I saw clearly, that with Supplications the Lord hath led his people. And whilst they have been Mourning, and by the Spirit making Intercession▪ for them, with Groan which cannot be uttered; For the Unction from the holy One, and to be guided▪ into all Truth. The Lord hath mercifully appeared to them. Neither have such humble and broken hearted Babes, met with the Portion of Proud pharisees, viz. Disappointment.  
All flesh is grass, etc. But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever, 1 Pet. 1. 24, 25. It is a sure word, 2 Pet. 1. 19 Believe in the Lord, so shall ye be established: Believe his Prophets, so shall ye prosper, 2 Chron. 20. 20.  
But howsoever in the Publishing of these things, I seem to declare a Humble Boldness in my God, as to the truth of them. Yet this I desire the Kingdome-Saints every where to mind; That as the three years and a half (of which we have spoken) are to have their Period: So must all things following (in order to the destruction of the little Horn) be likewise accomplished. It is true, the latter Apostasy, the little Horn, and the Beast that slays the Witnesses, have but three years and an half: Yet it must not be understood, as if at the End of that time, they should presently be destroyed. But when that Time is expired, than the Judgement shall sit. The Witness rise; And so all the rest of the Prophecies (concerning them) be fulfilled, in due Order and Time.  
This I thought good to mention again, to prevent mistakes: For suppose the aforesaid Time should End about June 57 That which next follows will be no more (as I take it) But the pouring out of the Spirit in the rising of the Witnesses; Whereby the Saints of the most High, shall be raised up, in Faith, Light, Love, Zeal, One-ness, etc. and so made meet for the Master's use. But among the Apostates, Dread, Fear, Darkness, Divisions, Disappointment, etc. Only the Lords Work (the appointed time being come) will go forward, rise, and always Prosper: Until Jehovah have fulfilled his whole Counsel upon the latter Apostasy, the little Horn, and Beast which ascendeth out of the Depth.  
I thank thee O Father, Lord of Heav●n and Earth: Because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto Babes. Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight, Mat. 11. 25, 26.   

This should have been Inserted Page 121.  
He shall make War.  
AS by the Witnesses I understand not Persons, but a Generation Testimony: So here, No Civil War, as raising of Armies, and making use of Material Weapons; But WAR against the Truth, and Killing it. As a man blows out the Light, yet breaks not the Candlestiks: So this Beast shall principally endeavour to put out the Light of the Testimony: Not that there shall be much suffering as to the persons of men.  
Hence it is (through the mistake of this) that strange conceits have been taken up, to wit, that in these Three years and an half, great Battles would be fought infinite blood shed, a general persecution of the Saints, by banishment, imprisonment, burning, hanging, drowning, etc. And horrible commotions, and hurliburlies the world over. Whereas to me (humbly be it spoken) I see no such thing intended by the Holy Ghost; No Civil War, nor Civil kill intimated. But as the Thing slain, is Spiritual; namely, The Testimomony of Jesus. So this War and killing is to be taken, Not Civilly, but in a Spiritual sense. I say, it is the Truth that suffers, rather than persons for it. And in this regard the Beast will slay the Witness without any great Noise or Notice.  
This also may serve to remove another stone out of some men's way; Occasioned, through our straightening Things to a particular Country or Isle. As if the last Apostasy, the Little Horn, and the Beast which slays the Witnesses, should be applied more General and Large, than we do.  
Answ. 1. The kingdom of God will not come with Observation. I wish that this might be Remembered. As the day breaks first but in one part of the sky; though the Light from thence, swiftly spreads itself all over. So will the work of the Lord, after the Three years and half are expired, begin (not every where) but in one Country, and from them proceed, from one place to another, until all Christ's Enemies be made his foot stool.  
2. I am groundedly convinced that the work shall begin upon the last Apostasy the little Horn and Beast. But by these not the German Emperor the Duke of Savoy, nor any Popish Power or dominion can be meant. For my part I do not apprehend, that there is any probable ground so to apply it: And therefore if these men would but soberly, and impartially weigh things themselves (laying aside what others have held) they would see the Apostasy, the little Horn, and the Beast slaying the witnesses in one Country, and that ONE not within the walls of Babylon, But without, at least I think so.   

ERRATA.  

PAge 36. line 13. see, read see's.  
P. 57 l. 13. this, r. his.  
P. 59 l. 6. Lastly, r. Lofty.  
P. 70. l. 24. Charitates, r. Charitatis.  
P. 76. l. 4. indulgente, r. indulgent.  
P. 77. l. 10. withes, r. whither.  
P. 81. l. 23. principitatum, r. principatum.  
Ibid. marg. Tyrannides, r. Tyrannide.  
P. 95. l. 27. man. r. men.  
P. 144. l. 13. understand, r. understanding.  
P. 236. l. 9 Angel, r. Angels.  
P. 237. l. 2. the, r. thy.  
Ibid. l. 4. rouse, r. raise.   
FINIS.