Glad Tidings OF THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL, and Doctrine of ETERNAL LIFE. With many things profitable for edification to them that fear God; but chiefly Exhortations to all that thirst after the Waters of Life, to prepare and make ready to meet the Lord Jesus Christ, and wait for his coming in the clouds of Heaven with Power and great Glory, according to his Word. Let no one despise the day of small things, for the Lord hath hide from the wise and prudent, and revealed to babes and sucklings; he hath chosen the base and contemptible things of the world to confounded the things that are high and mighty, and calleth those things which are not, as though they were. Ye Saints of the most high God, lift up your heads, for the time of your Redemption is nigh, even come, for the sign of the Son of man hath already appeared in the clouds of heaven, which is an Infallible token of Sions deliverance.  
Published and declared( in love to them that mourn in Sion) by an unworthy servant of Jesus Christ, to whom it is revealed to be the least of all Saints, JOHN ERLAM.  
C●… down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babel, for thy sins are come up unto heaven, and the Lord doth remember thy iniquities, Let her Councellors now stand up to save 〈◇〉. Isa. 47.12.13.14.15.  
Th●●… agone, the beast and false prophet are nigh their end, the number of the beast is co●… ted by him that hath wisdom, and the time is come that all that worship the Image of 〈◇〉, or have the name of the beast in their right hands or in their foreheads, or the mark 〈…〉 beast, or the number of his name, shall have their part with the whore, the beast the d●… go●, and false prophet, in the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone.  
LONDON, Printed by J.T. for the Author, 1659.   

ERRORS.  
page. 1. line 8. red key of David, p. 5. l. 15. r. the Apostles p. 8. l. 27. r. And the moon gives not her light l. 33. r. and the six Angels have sounded the six trumpets p. 10. l. 22. r. that we p. 20. l. 39. r. an Elder receiveth not an accusation under l. 43. r. as the other: p. 25. l. 42. r. of the Lamb, p. 26. l. 23. r. spoken of by, p. 29. l. 40. r. inhabitance, p. 32. l. 22. r. from three quarters, p. 34. l. 1. r. grow as calves, l. 11. r. perish in the way, l. 14. r. of the Almighty, l. 25. r. oppressors, l. 26. r. persecutors, p. 31. l. 43. r. because they are, p. 37, l. 37. r. transgression, p, 39. l. 3. r. Curse, p. 41. l. 26. r. key of David, l. 32. r. key of David, p. 42. l. 14. r. I understand to be, l. 31. r. the Apostles, p. 44. l. 44. r. And certainly, l. 46. r. written in, p. 47. l, 35. r. this you, p. 48, l. 2●. r. this I, p, 53. l. 28. r. he as a, p. 60. l. 1. and 2: r. witnesses, p. 61. l. 47. r. worshipped, p. 65. l. 18. r. are in vain, p. 67. l, 24 r. and base contemptible, p. 70. l. 10. r. and this also I, p. 71. l. 6. r. and hath, p. 73. l. 5. r. 144000. l. 46. r. which is the salvation. p. 78. l. 47. r. by a woman, p, 75. l. 45. r. hath not done it, p. 77. l. 17. r. signifieth that the great, l. 31. r. are sore pained, p. 79. l. 11. r. by famine, l. 13. r. weight, p. 80. l. 14. r. that he is, l. 15. r. for in Edom, p. 81. l. 26. r. ye there was, l. 27. r. gives full witness, p. 82. l. 31. r. that with great, p. 86. l. 31. and 32. r. And his word at all times hath been fulfilled, l. 27. r. host, p. 88. l. 32. r. nor the thousand two hundred sixty, p. 89. l. 6. r. rich in mercy. l. 9. r. and in great, l. 15. r. they are blessed and holy, l. 46. r. for there is, p. 90. l. 5. r. which I understand to be, l. 10. r. in the Iles. p. 92. l. 27. r. promised by him, p. 93. l. 47. r. And before hath, p. 94. l. 11. r. according to a man, that is as men do account; so it is of a man, p. 95. l. 40. r. the Prophets, l. 44. r. the sum of the.   

TO THE faithful READER.  
MAny Large Books have been written,( since the coming forth of the Gospel) which are full of error, heresy, and Blasphemy, proceeding from wicked and ungodly men: whose minds have been corrupted, by the spirit of error: And though they have been Wise and Learned according to the flesh, yet unlearned in the way of truth; so have wrested and perverted the Scriptures to their own destruction; being ungodly men, of old ordained unto Condemnation. Now this is my desire that all such books were burned and destroyed; But this understand also, that many faithful Saints have written for the defence of the Gospel; and many have contended valiantly for the Faith, to the sealing thereof with their own blood: who doubtless have received a great reward. Now this is my council unto thee Faithful Reader, that thou wouldst not much regard any Books that are written since the Apostles times, but give thyself wholly to the Faith of Jesus Christ, and to the Reading of the holy Scriptures,( which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation though Faith which is in Christ,) and to continual prayer, and to an holy conversation in Righteousness and Love, and Charity out of a good heart, which is the end of the Commandment; For this understand, that there hath been such darkness in the Church, that the most Faithful have been subject to many errors for want of knowledge; which is nothing but that which was spoken of by the holy Prophets should come to pass, the Sun( or glory of the Gospel) should be darkened, and the powers of Heaven shaken: for the Lord would not shake the earth onely, but Heaven also. Nevertheless, the faithful receive a Kingdom which cannot be shaken; but it hath pleased the Lord to purge Sion with Judgement, and to choose his Children in the furnace of Affliction, and purify the sons of Levi( or Children of the Everlasting Priesthood) as gold is purified.— and this understand that I find no other Books like unto the Scriptures, therefore have I given myself unto the Scriptures onely, in which there is matter enough for any that desires Salvation. And this understand also, that there is no other Book can led thee to the knowledge of them, it is onely the gift of God; therefore this I could wish, that most books written since the Apostles were burned, with Philosophers Fables and books of Curious Arts. Now these I could best allow: Church Histories, as the Books of Martyrs, and such like, which do give witness to the fulfilling of the Scriptures; But as for books of controversy and vain disputations, which are without number for multitude, I could wish also were without being; for they onely tend to perversion: but this I know that the Lord in his time will remove all things that offend, and all shall perish together. Till then vain is the help of man, for he alone must build the City, and sand forth the refreshing river; to which agrees the words of the wise man, in the Song which is Solomons: I charge you O Daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my Love until he please. Nevertheless, let us not rest until the Lord come suddenly unto his Temple, to build up his own City; then shall Heaven and Earth pass away, and their place be found no more.  
Now as for this little Book which I have written, I desire thee to consider it well; if thou find it according to the holy Scriptures, then mayest thou believe that I am a fellow heir with thee of the Kingdom; if not, believe neither it, nor me,( let all things be tried by the holy Scriptures) yet this I know perfectly, that I have found favour in the sight of God, and am made partaker of the like precious Faith the Apostles were. Nevertheless, if thou find it not sweetly agreeing with the truth in Scripture, regard it no more then the books I have counseled thee against; for what am I better then they who have obtained the Crown, and gotten the victory before me: but this I know, that I am armed also to fight the good fight( praised be my Captain and onely Master) to win the Crown reserved in Heaven for all Saints.  
For though they were subject to much error and many faults, yet have they overcome by the blood of the everlasting Covenant; having washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, and so are without fault before God, and serve him night and day in his Temple. Even so am I subject to many Infirmities, but I have boldness through the blood of Jesus Christ, which cleanseth me from all sin, not that I am without sin, for if I say so, I am a liar, and go about to make God a liar, who hath sent Jesus Christ to set me and all the Elect free from sin; therefore have I hope also towards God, to inherit with them who have gotten the victory before me, by the same way, even Jesus Christ.  
Friend, this thou mayest understand, that I could have filled the margin with Scripture proofs which either are written on the leaf, or agree thereto, but this charge I have committed to thee, if thou doubt any thing, search thyself in the Scriptures, yet I have added some few which I think necessary; I seek not for praise of men, neither vain glory, God who knoweth my heart is witness: I could wish that the Scriptures were as in old time without verse or Chapter, for as they are, wresters, perverters and vain disputers, have the more advantage, though they are not the less profitable to me: so desiring the Father of Spirits to make known to thee the riches of his Love, in the everlasting Gospel of his Son, and the Testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the Spirit of prophesy.  
farewell. JOHN ERLAM. Eleventh month 1658.   

JESUS CHRIST is the way to eternal life; no one goeth to the Father but by the son, he is the way, the truth, and the life; He is the door, by which if any man enter, he shall be saved; For there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved, but by Jesus Christ, into whose hands all things are committed, both in heaven and in earth, and under the earth. He hath the keys of Hell, and of Death: He hath the keys of David, and openeth and no man shut●eth, and shutteth and no man openeth. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every Creature, by him were all things created both in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether Thrones or Dominions, Principalities or powers, all things were created for him, and by him, who excelleth in glory, blessed for evermore. Happy and blessed are all they who have part in him, and in the everlasting covenant of Life.  
Now the testimony of Jesus Christ is wonderfully declared in the Scriptures of Truth, both in the Law and in the Prophets; But in the New Testament written by his faithful Apostles very plain; so that all who believe the Scriptures, cannot deny Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God, for all the Scriptures do give witness to him: And my purpose is to declare something of the testimony of Jesus in the holy Scriptures.  
First, he was ordained before the world began, unto the glory of them that believe; For he is the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world.  
Again, he was promised at the beginning immediately after the fall of man, That the seed of the woman should break the Serpents head, though he should bruise his heel. Now to Abraham was the promise made, that in his seed all the Nations of the earth should be blessed; and the promise was after this manner: When Abraham was old, and Sarah his wife past Child-bearing, it was said at such a time Sarah should have a son. Now Abraham being not weak in faith, doubted not in the promise of God, nor considered the deadness of his own body, neither the barrenness of Sarah's womb, but against hope believed in hope, so became the father of them that believe, as it is written, I have made thee a Father of many Nations: So Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God. And according to that which was spoken, his seed was like unto the stars for multitude without number; For Abraham begot Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the 12 Patriarch●, and the 12 patriarches moved with envy, sold Joseph into egypt, who sound favour with Pharaoh King of egypt, and was made Ruler over all the Land. Now when there was a great Famine both in egypt and Canaan, the Fathers wanted sustenance; and Jacob hearing there was corn in egypt, sent out the Fathers first into egypt, and at the second time was Joseph made known to his brethren, and Jacob who was called Israel, went down into egypt, and all his family, even threescore and fifteen souls, and had the best of the Land of egypt to dwell in. Now Jacob dyed in egypt, but was butted in Canaan, in Abrahams purchased burying place; And Joseph also when he dyed, made mention of the children of Israels departure, and gave commandement concerning his bones; for when the word of the Lord came unto Abraham when he was at Mesopotamia, saying, Get thee cut of thy country, and from amongst thy kindred, and from thy fathers house, unto a●… and that I will show thee, which was the land of Canaan; but after he promised to give it to his seed for a possession; but of their servitude in egypt he first spoken, how they should be evil entreated four hundred years; but after that, he would judge that Nation to whom they were in bondage. And when the time of promise grew near that the Lord would show his love to Israel, and his judgements upon egypt, there arose a King in egypt that would not know I●rael, but made them to serve with rigour, and caused their children to be slain, to the intent they might not increase, in which time Moses was born, and Pharaoh's daughter found him, he being a fair and comely child, she had compassion and pitty on him, taking him up, nourished him as her own son, and he was learned in all the wisdom of the egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds. At a certain time he went forth, and seeing an egyptian and an Israelite striving together, he smote the egyptian. No● the next day two of Israel were striving together, and he coming to them would have set them at one, saying they were bret●… en: But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away, saying, who made thee a Prince and a Judge? Wilt thou kill me as thou didst the egyptian yesterday? Then Moses perceived that what he had done was known, and being afraid he fled into another country, where he begot two children.  
Now at the end of forty yeares, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flamme of fire out of the midst of a bush; And he looked, and behold the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed; And Moses said, I will now turn aside to see this great fight why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses, and he said, here I am; And he said, draw not nigh hither, put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is ho●y ground, Exod. chap. 3. So the Lord spoken unto Moses, as you may red. Now this Moses whom they despised, saying, Who made thee a Prince and a Judge? The same did the Lord raise to be a Captain, and a deliverer, by the hand of the angel that spoken to him in the bush, and wrought great and mighty wonders in egypt, and in the read Sea, in making his power known on Pharaoh and on all his mighty Host, and also in preserving Israel in the wilderness, giving them Angels food for the space of forty years, ( though he destroyed those that sinned) he gave unto his people the land of Promise, slowing with milk and honey, and cast out seven Nations before them.  
Now Moses that great Prophet of the Lord, to whom he was pleased to speak mouth to mouth( but he would make himself known to other Prophets in dreams or in visions) This holy man of God prophesied to Israel, That the Lord their God would raise up a Prophet of their brethren like unto him, and him should they hear in all things: And it should come to pass, that whosoever would not hear him should be out off from amongst his brethren and people. This spoken he of Jesus that great Prophet, who in his time was revealed to Israel, as it was written of him in all the Prophets, he was of the feed of Abraham according to the flesh, reckoned by generation, and the Son of God proved by mighty signs and wonders which he did; when John before had preached the baptism of repentance and amendment of life, that they might receive remission of sins in the Name of Jesus Christ who came after him, but was preferred before him, for he was before him, whose shooe-latchet he confessed he was unworthy to unloose. John was he of whom it was spoken; The voice of one crying in the wilderness, saying, prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths streight. This was that Elias the spirit of prophesy spoken of should come before the great day of the Lord, To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. John confessed, and also taught, that Jesus was the Son of God, he had witness from him that sent him to baptize with water; for saith he, the same on whom thou shalt see the spirit descending and remaining on him, is he that shall baptize with the Holy Ghost; And I saw, and bear record saith John, that this is the Son of God. This was the Ministration of John, to preach repentance, and baptize unto amendment of life, and also bear record that Jesus was the Son of God; And when he had finished his course, he was beheaded at the commandement of Herod.  
Now the Lord choose 12 to be his Witnesses of all that he did and taught, which were his Apostles and Ministers of the kingdom, and others sent he out also according to the will of the Father, to publish the everlasting Gospel. A multitude of witnesses had Jesus that he was the Son of God, he had witness from the Wise men of the East, he had witness from the Firmament. The Wise men of the East saw the star of the King of the Jews, and came to worship him, and were lead to him by the star. He had witness from the Shepherds in the field: The Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said; fear not, beho●d I bring you glad tidings which shall be great joy to all people: For unto you this day is born in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord; and this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and good will towards men. And when the Shepherds came to Bethlehem, they found all things according to the vision, & rejoiced with exceeding great joy. His mighty works did bear record of him; he turned water into wine, he healed all manner of diseases; he caused the blind to see, the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear, the same to go: He commanded the evil spirits, and they obeied; he cast them our by his Word. They also confessed him to be the Son of God, but at his commandement they were silent. He knew the thoughts of mens hearts; he knew Judas the traitor from the beginning, as he himself said, Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? Yea, he knew him before the foundation of the world, and he was chosen to fulfil the Scripture; for the Lord knows his elect from the foundation of the world, and none of them shall perish; therefore Judas went to his own place, and 〈◇〉 other had his charge.  
Further, he declared himself to be the Son of God; he cursed the Fig-tree, and it withered; he commanded the roaring Sea, strong temp●st and wind, they were still, and obeied his word. He walked upon the Sea as on dry land. He fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, and twelve baskets of fragments were taken up.  
Again, he was tempted in the wilderness forty dayes without meat, being amongst the wild beasts, the devil having all advantage against him, having power given him to show him all the kingdoms of the World in a moment, willed him to fall down and worship him, promising him the glory and riches of them; but the Lord reproved him with the word of his mouth: And when the devil set him on a pinnacle of the Temple, he willed him to cast himself down, for it was written, He shall give his Angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways, they shall bear thee up in their hands lest thou dash thy foot against a ston. Now when the Lord had overcome him with the power of his Word, for it was not possible that the devil could prevail against him, Then the devil left him, and an angel ministered unto him; and for this cause was he tempted, that he might succour them who are tempted, for he himself was compassed about with infirmities, and was in all points like unto us, sin onely excepted. When he came into the world, he took not on him the nature of Angels, but the seed of Abraham, he was born of a Virgin, and nourished as another man: Forasmuch as children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part of flesh and blood, that in all things he might be like unto his brethren; wherefore he saith, I will declare thy Name amongst my brethren. Again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me: So that they who are sanctified, and he who sanctifies, are both of one; For as many as believes in him, he gives power to become the sons of God. If sons, then heires, joynt-heires with Christ of the immortal inheritance. O unspeakable tidings! blessed is every one that hears and believes, and abideth faithful to the end, the same are blessed indeed.  
Now as Jesus Christ came into the world, and took upon him our nature, so was called the Son of Man, because he was found in shape as a man, and also shewed himself to be the Son of the most high God by many infallible proofs, and finished the work he had to do, appointed by the Father; and this was the work he came to do, to destroy the works of the devil, and to give his body a sacr●fice for the sins of the world, That as many as believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, but they that believed not, should not see life, but the wrath of God abide upon them. Certainly the love of God is great to the world, that he sent his Son to lay down his life for the World: For as Moses lift up the brazen Serpent in the wilderness, so is the Son of man lifted up. For when the Congregation of Israel had sinned against the Lord, he sent fiery Serpents which destroyed many of them. Then they cried unto the Lord● and the Lord commanded Moses to make a brazen Serpent, and lift it up to the Congregation; And it came to pass, when any man was stung of the fiery Serpents, when he looked up to the brazen Serpent he was healed. Which brazen Serpent was a figure of Christ, for so was Christ lift up from the earth, and as many as believe in him are healed of all their sins; For this is the same gospel the Apostle preached, That Jesus Christ dyed for the sins of the world, and as many as believe in him should have their sins remitted and freely forgiven, and not onely so, but life everlasting; That as Christ rose from the dead the third day, according to the Scriptures, so should they who believe in him be raised up in the life immortal, by the power of God who raised up Jesus from the dead, and exalted him at his right hand, and given a name above every name, That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue confess Jesus to be the Lord. For as I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and all tongues shall confess to God. Now this is the sum of all, that we steadfastly believe in God that made heaven and earth, the sea and all things therein, and in Jesus Christ his onely son, and our Lord and Saviour, that he by his death hath purchased for us everlasting life. Through the free love of the Father in pleasing himself in the death of his Son; for saith he, This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. This is the testimony of the Father, that he was well pleased, as it is written in the Prophets, he will quiet himself in his love. Therefore let us now believe the glad tidings of the Gospel without wavering; for verily the truth of the Gospel is glad tidings. Is it not good tidings to believe that all our sins are forgiven us? and all our iniquities are blotted out? This is the blessedness David spoken of, when he said, Blessed are they whose sins are forgiven, and iniquities blotted out. Again, Blessed are they to whom the Lord will impute no sin. For this is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days saith the Lord, I will put my laws i● their hearts, and in their mindes will I writ them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. O excellent tidings! sins freely forgiven, and Iniquities never more to be remembered, and not onely so, but life for ever, with the Father and with the Son, in the immortal glory, even in the kingdom of heaven, which is prepared for all that believe in his Son Jesus Christ, for he hath promised that everlasting inheritance, that cannot lye. fear ye not my little flock, saith the Lord Jesus, it is my Fathers pleasure to give you the kingdom. Oh! excellent tidings is come with Jesus Christ, forgiveness of sins here in this world, and everlasting and unspeakable glory in the world to come. And verily if we be the children of God, he will be careful for us at all times; And if we suffer for his Name sake that calleth us, or we have peace in the world, all things will work together for good to them that love the Lord; for this understand, that nothing is without the Father, Therefore the very hairs of our head are numbered.  
Now concerning how we ought to walk and please God: John's Ministration as I said before, was to repentance and amendment of life, that men should turn from all their sins: For, the axe is laid to the root of the trees, and every three that brings not forth good fruit, is hewn down and cast into the fire. For every man that repenteth not, and turneth not from the evil of his way at the preaching of the gospel, is like unto the three that is hewn down, and cast into the fire: For the Lord hath the fancy in his hand, and will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather his wheat into his Garner, but will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. For whosoever cometh to me, saith Christ, & heareth my sayings, & doth them, I will show you to whom he is like; he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a Rock, and when the flood arose, the storm heat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded upon a Rock. But he that heareth, and doth not, is like a man that without a foundation bui●t an house upon the Earth, against which the storm did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.  
Therefore this I say, that such as believe the gospel, must live in obedience to the gospel, and walk in the Commandements of Christ; And this is the commandement of the gospel, That we love one another. Do to all men as we would they should do unto us. And not onely so, but love our enemies, yea such as hate us, pray for them that despitefully use us. And also flee all manner of sin, as covetousness, drunkenness, fornication, envy, pride, sloth, gluttony, back-biting, evil speaking, lying. Let us endeavour at all times to speak the truth, and walk as in the day-time in all holy conversation, endeavouring to excel in every good work, for this is a manifest sign that we are ordained unto eternal life, if we walk in good works; for so it is ordained, that they that believe unto eternal life, should walk in good works. Not that we are justified by our good works, but freely by his grace, through faith in his name; but such as say they have faith, though they want works, can their faith save them? I say faith without works is dead, like a body without a spirit: It is like, as though a man should say to one that is naked, could, and hungry, be thou clothed, warmed, and filled, Yet giveth him neither food nor raiment, nor suffereth him to come at his fire, but biddeth him depart in peace, but ministereth not to him the things he stands in need of, even so is faith without works, of no value. For as we are justified by his free grace, without our own righteousness and good works, so ought we to bring forth the fruits of righteousness in all holinesse, not onely by commandement, but in love; For is the Father h●th freely loved us, in putting away our sins by the blood of his Son, so let our love appear to our Father in doing his Will through unfeigned love, for we are not under the Law, but under grace, and where there is no law, there is no transgression. Wherefore we have peace with God the Father, through the death of his Son, who hath reconciled us unto God by his own blood, so that he is made of God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; for it hath pleased the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell: And this I say, of our good works, that we are not in the least justified by them; for when we have done all that we can, it is but our duty, and we ought to confess ourselves unprofitable servants. Notwithstanding good works are profitable unto salvation, for in this do we appear to be the Children of God, if we do his Commandements: For, the Lord will judge the world in righteousness, and the people with equity. And every man shall receive according to his deeds, whether they be good or evil. For the Lord will bring every secret thing to judgement, whether good or evil: for we shall all stand at the Judgement-seat of Christ, and shall receive according to our works done in the body, for there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust, and every one must give an account unto God. Therefore this I believe, that such as believe in Jesus Christ, & hope in God( who raised him up in glory) for eternal life, and yield obedience to the Commandements of God, do surely inherit the Crown of glory laid up for them in heaven; but such as hear the gospel, and regard it not, but walk after the flesh, in swearing, lying, pride, covetousness, which is idolatry, fornication, envy, and the like, are vessels fitted for destruction, for such shall not inherit the kingdom of God, and for these things sake cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Therefore they that are elect of God, are such as keep the mystery of Faith in a good conscience, and by righteousness do seek for honour and immortality; but they who are ordained of old unto condemnation, do walk after the flesh, and serve it in the lust thereof, being filled with all manner of evil, envy, strife, maliciousness, fornication, murder, theft, drunkenness, pride, covetousness, sorcery, witchcraft, and the like, for which things sake the wrath of God breaks upon them. And though the Lord bear long with the ungodly, yet he will bring them to judgement, and their sins shall be set in order before them, and they shall utterly perish branch and root, and their generation be found no more, when the smoke of their torment shall ascend up for ever more.  
Thus I have written( according to my weak understanding) of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of salvation by him( for he is the onely way of life) and of the witness he hath recorded in the holy Scriptures, that he indeed was the Christ, the onely Saviour of all men that are called according to the purpose of the Father: For all the Scriptures give excellent witness to him, both the Law and the Prophets, but especially his faithful Apostles of his birth, of his life, of his ways, of his mighty works, and great Miracles, of his Doctrine, of his Commandements, of his promise, He gave witness to them by the spirit of prophesy, that he was the Son of God, in telling them many things before, which they evidently saw to be true, and fulfilled before their eyes. He  told them before of his sufferings, and the manner also, and of his rising again from the dead the third day. He promised to sand them the Comforter, the spirit of truth to led them in the way of truth, and teach them all things according to his Doctrine; which things they saw fulfilled, and received the spirit of Truth which he promised them, and they were his witnesses in the world: And by the power of the holy Ghost, which was the spirit of Truth and Comforter, he promised them. They gave full witness of his Resurrection and Truth of the gospel; they preached in his Name, they spake the Tongues, they healed the Lame, they cast our Devils, they raised the dead, and healed all manner of diseases by the power of the spirit through faith in his Name, that his words might be fulfilled.  
Again, 
Mar 16.17,18.  how many have suffered great persecution and death for his Name sake, both of the Apostles and Saints in those dayes: And thousands since the Apostles times have been cruelly persecuted, and many have not counted their lives dear for his Names sake, who doubtless have obtained a most excellent Resurrection in the immortal glory for ever. And I am persuaded also, that there are some faithful ones yet( though Israel be mightily shaken) that would rather suffer valiantly, then deny the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ: And blessed are they who are faithful unto death, for they shall receive a crown o● life. For since the coming forth of the gospel there hath been great perplexity upon the earth; for Christ came not to set peace upon earth, but a sword: Nation should rise against Nation, and kingdom against kingdom: For the Lord would pled with the Heathen round about in the Valley of Jehosaphat. nevertheless in Mount-Sion and Jerusalem there hath been deliverance; yet as with Tribulation: The Sun is darkened, and gives not her light, and the Stars are fallen from Heaven, and the powers of Heaven are shaken: For now are the dayes of vengeance, that all things may be fulfilled which is written in the Prophets, for one jot or tittle thereof must not fail. And the book of prophesy against the rebellious Nations, and raging Heathen, is written within and without, Lamentation and mourning, and woe. The seven Angels have sounded the seven Trumpets, and fearful desolation is upon the Earth, because of the wrath of the Lamb, and plagues of God powred forth upon his Enemies. My prayer is, That the God of Heaven and Earth who hath power over all these plagues, would hasten to accomplish his Oath, that time may be no more; For yet I see not the mystery of the seven Angels Trumpets fulfilled; for in the dayes of the sound of the seventh Trumpet, the mystery of God shall be fulfilled, as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets, and then shall the sign of the Son of Man appear in the Clouds of Heaven, and he shall come with power and great glory, and every eye sh●ll see him, even they that pierced him through, and all Nations shall w●… l because of him. Amen.  
Now concerning the outward Ordinances of Christ in his Church, I understand there be two. baptism and his Supper, practised by hi● Apostles, and are to be till his coming, and the end of the world; For as many as believed were baptized in the Name of Jesus for remission of sins: But now there is a controversy, and hath been long amongst brethren, for I dare account them no other, and my brethren also about baptism, who ought to be baptized: And whether children of Believers have right to that Ordinance or no, to the which by the grace of God I will show my judgement; not as one that pretends to be wise in the mysteries of God, but rather desire to be faithful, according to the measure of Faith the Lord hath dealt to me, desiring unfeignedly from my heart, that the God of Heaven would put to an end, not this controversy only, but all other amongst all brethren that believe the holy Scriptures, and profess the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and walk in obedience to his Commandements, according to the measure of faith, and proportion of knowledge; but such as profess the Lord Jesus with their words, but deny him in their works, I judge them not, but God himself, who knoweth the secrets of all hearts, shall judge them; for judgement is in the house of God. And if the Righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinners appear?  
Now brethren, this I say of baptism( I beseech you bear with my plainness) that such as believe in Jesus Christ that he is the son of God, and in believing do turn from their wickedness, and become obedient to the gospel, should be baptized in his Name, in whom they believe for remission of all their sins: This was practised by the Apostles, and you both believe and agree to it; but now whether Children of Believers, while they are children, ought to be baptized or no, till they have understanding to give an account of their faith? I am fully persuaded that Children of believing Parents ought to be baptized.  
First, That children belong to the kingdom of God, the Lord Jesus Christ plainly taught, when he took little children in his arms, and blessed them: When the Disciples saw it, they were offended, and rebuked him; but he plainly reproved their ignorance, saying, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God  
Again, Verily whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall in no wise enter therein, How harmless and innocent are little Children?( O that I were as a little child!) Children praised him in the Temple, and so was fulfilled that which was written, Out of the mouth of babes thou hast perfected praise. Paul, that faithful and able Minister of Christ, believed and also taught, that the children of a believing Father, though the Mother believed not, were clean: and the children of a believing Mother, though the Father believed not, were clean, because the unbelieving Husband is sanctified by the believing Wife, and the unbelieving Wife is sanctified by the believing husband, else were their children unclean, but now are they holy. Now if such children be clean, how much rather shall not they be counted clean and holy that are born of believing Parents? Therefore my beloved Brethren consider well, if children belong to the kingdom, as he hath said, Of such is the kingdom of God: And he hath taught us also, that if we receive not the kingdom as a little child, we shall in no wife enter therein; for it is easy with him to open the mouth of Babes to show forth his praise. Therefore this I say, If children of believers belong to the kingdom of God, how much more then to the Church? And if both to the kingdom and to the Church, may I not say with Peter, who can forbid water that these may not be baptized? But it may be you will answer, that there is neither command nor example in the Scripture, for Children to be baptized: To which I say, I am persuaded that there is example from the Apostles that baptized whole Families, in which it is like there were Children; but I dare not say there was, yet I believe there was. So I suppose you dare not say there was not, neither am I persuaded to believe there was not; but if there was, as very likely, then example and command is sore: But who art thou that believest in the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and hopes in God the Father for eternal life which he hath promised, that cannot lie to them that believe and obey the Gospel? Now if thou and thy Wife also have this hope towards God, what hopest thou of thine own Children, that they are fellow-heirs with thee of the Kingdom? and if thou judgest so of thine own children, allow the same to thy brethren, seeing children belong to the kingdom, For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Therefore I think it good, brethren, that are become as little Children, innocent as Doves, wise as Serpents, that we may be fit for the kingdom of God.  
Now concerning the Supper of the Lord, this was given in remembrance of Christs death till he come: For the Lord Jesus the same night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given unto you, this do in remembrance of me. And likewise he took the Cup after Supper, saying, This Cup is the new Testament in my blood which is  shed for you: And as often as they did eat that bread, and drink that cup, they did show forth the Lords death till he come. For as bread is meat indeed, and wine is drink indeed, much more is the body of Christ meat indeed, and blood drink indeed, and far excelleth temporal food: For he that eateth bread shall hunger again, and he that drinketh wine shall thirst again; but he that eats the flesh of the Son of man, shall never hunger, and he that drinks his blood shall never thirst, but in him shall spring up a well unto life everlasting: and this is onely by saith in him.  
Now this I say, as our bodies are strengthened and fed with temporal bread and drink, so certainly are we quickened unto the immortal life, through the body of Christ which is broken for us, and his blood which is  shed for us, even the blood of the New Covenant. Therefore it doth evidently appear, that we have life by him alone. Now this I suppose meet, when the Saints are met together at convenient times, that they take bread with thankfulness, and eat thereof in remembrance of Christs body that was sacrificed for their sins; and also drink of the Cup in remembrance of his blood, even the blood of the Lamb by which we are cleansed: For as in the Law almost all things were cleansed by blood, and without blood there was no remission: Even so are all that believe the Gospel with obedience, cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, according as the Apostle saith, with one gift he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Now if we do thus eat and thus drink in remembrance of Christ, we do show forth his death till he come: And blessed are they that eat and drink worthily, for they that do otherwise are condemned, because they through faith discern not the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore let us be steadfast in the ●aith, that we be not condemned in the World with the wicked and unfaithful generation; For such as once are called to the acknowledging of the way of truth, so as to escape the pollutions of the World, through the knowledge of the Lord, and yet turn again after the lusts of wickedness, the latter end of such is worse then their beginning.  
nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having the seal, the Lord knows who are his from the beginning, even the Lord, with whom nothing is impossible, fore-saw from the beginning his elect: And whom he fore-saw he predestinated, to be conformable to the image of his son, that he might be the first born amongst many brethren.  
And also whom he predestinated, he called, and whom he called, them he justified, and whom he justified, them he glorified. O excellent Gospel! What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who shall be against us? If God who changeth not, have sealed us unto eternal glory, who can hinder us thereof? If God who cannot lie, have promised, what power can alter his purpose? for he in whom we believe, hath all power in heaven and in earth, and under the earth, by whom all things were created both in heaven and in earth, the Sea and all things therein: So that the things which are seen, are not made of the things that do appear, but by the Word of God: O unspeakable power of the Almighty God! who can find out all his works? His judgements are deep, and his ways past finding out. For who hath been his councillor at any time, or who hath given unto him that he may be rewarded? For by him, and from him are all things.  
Seeing then we have such a Father dwelling in Heaven, let us not fear, but go on diligently in the way of the Lord, looking for the crown of glory which we shall receive, for we are the Children of God through the faith of Christ. If children, then heirs with him of the kingdom, fellow-heirs, sapphire with the Son: And as Jesus our eldest brother was raised up by the glory of the Father, so shall we by the same Almighty power be raised up, and be made partakers of the same glory with the Father and with the Son. And this is a great and exceeding promise, that we shall be made partakers of the Divine nature. Therefore my beloved brethren, how ever you are called, or under what name soever you be, if you hope to be made partakers of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, then strive to walk as he did for an example, and learn of him to be meek in spirit, and lowly in heart; for in his humility he was exal●ed▪ Therefore let us strive to be humble, that with him we may be exalted; For he that humbleth himself shall be exalted, but he that exalteth himself shall be abased. The Lord gives grace to the humble, but the proud he beholds afar off. Therefore let every one esteem himself no better then his brother, and walk in love one towards another, as Children of one Father, and fellow heirs of the same inheritance. If we had love one towards another, we should love one another, and not speak evil one of another; for love covereth a multitude of faults. Love is precious and excellent, it is even the bond of perfection, it is the fulfilling of the Law; For the end of the Commandement is charity, out of a pure heart. Love is the chief Commandement of the Gospel, saith the Lord Jesus Christ, In this shall it be known that ye are my Disciples, if ye love one another. If ye keep my Commandements, ye shall abide in my love( saith he) and his Commandement was, that we should love one another. The sum of the Gospel doth stand in these thr●e, Faith, Hope, and Charity, And thus I believe, through the rich mercy of God which appeared to me, when I was as dead, because I had drunken deeply of the waters that were made bitter, by that star that is called Worm-wood; but praised be the name of my God, who hath healed me with the Water of the River coming from his Temple. I believe that Jesus Christ hath offered up himself unto the Father an acceptable sacrifice for the sins of the whole World, That as many as believe in him should not perish, but have life everlasting: And because he hath given me to believe, I have hope also of etereal life. To speak as plainly as I can, this I say, I believe that all my sins are forgiven by the death of his Son Jesus Christ, and free mercy of God: Therefore I fear not the Wrath to come, as though the Lord had sent his Angel unto me, saying, All thy sins are forgiven thee, I will have mercy on thee, thou shalt live for ever. Even so do I believe the Gospel, which was not declared by Angels, but by his own Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, who by inheritance hath obtained a more excellent Name then they: For unto which of the Angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? Again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a son: So that the Angels must worship him who are his ministering spirits, sent forth into the World for their sakes who are heirs of Salvation.  
Now in him I believe for remission of sins, to whom the Angels and heavenly answers are subject, who is exalted at the right hand of God for ever. This is my saith to believe in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of all my sins: And this is my hope in God for eternal life, and this is my charity to have love towards God and man, and to have a conscience voided of offence towards both. nevertheless I find my flesh weak and full of infirmities, lusting against the Spirit, and much contrary, so that I cannot do the things that I would; but when I would do good, evil is present with me; for my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak: and I see many temptations follow our nature, For I myself have had great trial in Temptation almost every way, but praised be my God, even the God of Heaven, who hath delivered me out of all Temptations, and still doth deliver me, and I hope will do to the end, that I may for ever rejoice with the Saints in Light; for he is faithful, and well able, who will not suffer his to be tempted above what they are able, but in the Temptation will make way whereby they shall escape. Now this is a most excellent thing, that we are not under the Law, but under grace: That we are not justified by the works of the Law, but freely by his grace: Therefore we need not fear Transgression, because we are not under the Law, but dead to the Law by the body of Christ. And touching our Justification in the sight of God without fault, because he is the end of the Law for righteousness sake to every one that believes. Therefore let us not fear the weakness of our nature, and infirmities of our flesh, because God will not impute our trespasses to us; For this is the word of Reconciliation, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, in not imputing their trespasses to them.  
Now this I say and believe of them that are elect according to the foreknowledge of God, that walk after the spirit, and not after the flesh, as is appointed for them; As they are not justified by their own righteousness and good works, but by the righteousness of Christ, so are they not condemned by their manifold infirmities and trespasses, because they are no● imputed to them. Therefore being thus reconciled unto God by the Gospel of his Son, let us not fear, but war valiantly to obtain the immortal Crown. Although I see with my flesh I serve the Law of sin, yet with the spirit I serve the Law of God; for the spirit seeks after the things that are spiritual, but the flesh after the things that are fleshly, and these two are contrary. The one seeks to fulfil the Law of God, the other seeks to transgress. Now if we walk after the spirit wee shall live, but if we walk after the flesh we shall die: Therefore let us by the spirit mortify the deeds of the body; for if we walk after the spirit, we shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh: Resist the devil, and he will flee. Let us not think it strange to be tempted, for the trial of our faith is much more precious then gold; and happy are they that can endure temptations, for they shall inherit the promise.  
Now I do exhort my brethren, that we do add unto our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity; For if these things be in us, and abound, they will make us that we shall never be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord; but an entrance shall be ministered unto us of the everlasting kingdom. Therefore let us cast off every thing that may hinder us in the way of the Lord, and take unto ourselves the whole armor of God, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith, and for a helmet the hope of savation, having our loins gird with the girdle of love, and our feet shod with the preparation of the everlasting Gospel of peace. Being thus armed, let us fight valiantly against all our enemies, the world, the flesh, and the Devil, yea all the powers of darkness cannot prevail against us, While we keep in the armor of God, and pray continually to him that is able to help us, but use not vain repetition in prayer, let your words be few, and faith strong; for this understand that the Lord knows what we stand in need of before we ask of him, better then we ourselves; therefore let us ask in faith without wavering, that we may receive our petitions, let us pray one for another, and for the whole Church of God.  
Now my beloved brethren, I exhort against two things, first in making long prayers, and using many words; second, in praying for remission of sins: the first, the Lord forbids vain repetition in prayer, for saith he, they think to bee heard for their much babbling: He used few words in prayer, and so did the Apostles; the second, if thou believe in Christ that all thy sins are remitted, why prayest thou to God for remission of them? I understand it to be a fruit of doubting and not of faith. Now this I think meet when thou prayest to God, to use but few words, and pray to him as though he stood by thee as a man, and also believe that he knows every thought and intent of thy heart, then thou mayest aclowledge thyself according as thou findest thyself, and ask of him the things thou stands in need of, speak plainly unto him, regard not set forms to have praise of men,( as hypocrites do who have their reward) for I am persuaded, that it is far better to pray ten words with faith and zeal; then ten thousand words in a set form. But thou wilt say, that the Prophets prayed for remission of sins, and Christ taught to pray for remission of sins, when he taught his Disciples to pray, but that I understand to be as much Doctrine as prayer, in which is excellent things to be understood. First, that God which is in heaven is our Father, and that we ought to praise and hallow his Name, and that from him we receive our daily bread, for the earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof. Now understand how he taught us to pray for forgiveness of sins, even upon condition, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; for, saith he, if you forgive them that trespass against you, then will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses.  
Now this I say, before Christ died for his people, they did well to cry earn●stly unto the Lord for the remission of their sins; but since Christ was made an offering for sin, there remains no more sacrifice for sin to them that believe, but only praise, even the calves of our lips, nevertheless this understand, that if we forgive not them that trespass against us, neither shall we be forgiven; therefore as God hath forgiven us through the death of his Son, we ought to forgive one another, and all that trespass against us, else how dare thou pray to be forgiven as thou forgivest, and yet forgivest not, but seekest revenge; herein thou utterest thy own condemnation, in praying for thy destruction; therefore consider how thou prayest, let wisdom be thy councillor, lest thou become wicked, and thy prayer abominable. This is my counsel to thee, that thou pray often, but beware of the Scribes and Pharisees example, which Christ forbid, but rather obey the excellent counsel of Christ, when thou prayest enter into thy Closet, and pray to thy Heavenly Father in secret, who shall reward thee openly. 
Luke 18.  And that it is good to pray often, remember the words of Christ; and the Apostle exhorts to pray without ceasing, for such a one is he in whom we believe, even able to help us at all times, and give us any thing we want; he suffereth us to be tempted, that we may be tried and found s●ithful, and so inherit the Promise; therefore when we are tempted, let us pray unto him for deliverance, and when we are not tempted, let us pray to him that he will not led us into temptation, or suffer us to be tempted, but deliver us from all evil, that so we may be preserved unto his Heavenly kingdom. And my Brethren, let u● all with one heart and mind, pray for the coming of the day of Jesus Christ, and the kingdom of God, that his Will may be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.  
Now concerning Church Traditions, the Saints are not bound to daies and times, as the Jews were under the Law, which things were but shadows, but the substance of them all was Christ; therefore the substance being come, the shadows are done away, else were we still in bondage unto the Law, but now are we freed and set at liberty by the Body of Christ, that we should not be as servants under the Law, but the children of God, walking in love and righteousness: for if we were bound to observe daies and times, we were still under the Law; therefore saith Paul, Let no one judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the New Moons, or of the Sabbath daies, which things were shadows of things to come, but the body is of Christ. Now if we be come to the substance, which is the body of Christ, we ought not to turn back to shadows, to observe daies and times. Therefore Brethren, you tha● are zealous for Sabbath daies, you err therein from the truth of the Gospel; for the Sabbath commanded to the Children of Israel under the Law, was but a shadow, and with the rest to end, when the substance came, and this was it a shadow of, even the Eternal Rest and everlasting Sabbath, as that faithful Minister to the Hebrews writeth, when he proveth by the Scriptures a rest for the people of God; Heb. 4. & 4. speaking of the Rest, from the first to the eleventh verse, Christ himself in his answer to the Scribes and Pharisees, when they were offended at his Disciples for plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath day, plainly taught the end of the Sabbath. First, he reproves them for their strictness, that they would not allow the Works of necessity on the Sabbath day, with that of David, saying, Have ye not red what David did when he was an hungered, and they that were with him, how he entered into the house of God, and did eat showbread, which w●s not lawful for him to eat, neither they that were with him, but only for the Priest: Or have ye not red in the Law, that on the Sabbath daies the Priest in the Temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, that in this place is one greater then the Temple: but if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the Innocent; for the Son of man i● Lord ●ven of the Sabbath. In which Doctrine he hath plainly taught the end of the Sabbath in him, and be the Lord thereof. And thus I understand it, with that of David, he reproved the outward strictness of the Scribes and Pharisees, that they would not allow the works of necessity, which they ought to haue done.( And after at other times they were offended at him, for healing on the Sabbath day, but he reproved them) And in that he spoken of the Priest profaning the Temple on the Sabbath day, and are blameless, he plainly taught the the end of the Sabbath, for that Temple was but a shadow of the Temple of his Body: And this understand, that we, as many as believe in him, are as Priests in the Temple of his Body, and so are freed from the Sabbath, yea, though we profane the Sabbath, w● are blameless, for our Temple is greater then that outward Temple was, as he himself said, one greater then the Temple is here; yet more he teaches, if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless, which doth plainly hold forth the end of the Law, the end of Sacrifice, and only Mercy, which is the riches of his Love in the Gospel of his Son; so if they had known this Scripture, I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice, they would have known the Gospel, and understood that the Disciples had been guiltless, though they broken the Sabbath, so they would not have condemned them, because the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath day: seeing then that the Sabbath daies are put to an end in him, wherefore then are ye zealous for a Sabbath, and not the seventh day, which was commanded of the Lord to be kept in its time? but another day have ye chosen, which ye have no Commandment for in all the Scriptures, neither Christ nor his Apostles gave Commandment to keep a Sabbath day; therefore my Brethren consider of this thing, for it is no Commandment of the Lord, but a Tradition of men, contrary to the truth of the Gospel,( as I have shewed before) and came in with other error and idolatry, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.  
Now this your Sabbath, the first day of the Week, there is no Commandment for in all the Scriptures, to be a Sabbath kept holy unto the Lord. You may red of the Saints meeting together the first day of the Week, but what is that to a Sabbath? for I suppose it meet for the Church of God to meet together once a week at the least, to exhort one another in the Mysteries of the Gospel, and I know not but the first day of the week may be as convenient as another, or another as it, though in the Apostles time, the Saints met together on the first day of the week, therefore they knew well, how that they were not to observe the Sabbath, else would they have met together on the 7th day, and have kept the Sabbath. Now Brethren, this I say, if ye regard daies, whether the first daies, or other daies, regard them to the Lord, for some count one day better then another, but others every day alike: Let every one be fully persuaded in his own heart, and so let him walk: Nevertheless thou hast no Commandment in the Gospel to observe daies or times, but art at liberty in holiness: So if thy liberty be to keep a day holy, keep it holy unto the Lord, but beware of keeping a day to the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof: and let us not judge one another in these things; for what if thou keep a day holy unto the Lord to humble thyself in fasting and prayer, shall I judge thee therein? or if I keep a day holy unto the Lord, who shall judge me therein? therefore let us not judge one another, but rather pray one for another, for he that judgeth another, and oath the same thing, therein he judgeth himself, and ye that believe in a Sabbath, will be judging others that break the Sabbath, and yet ye yourselves keep it not holy; is not your iudgement against yourselves? As for me, I keep it not as a Sabbath commanded of the Lord, but that I may walk without offence, such liberty I have, that I seek to walk before all men without offence, though I see the world full of offences, and all manner of wickedness and not only in the world, but amongst the most faithful Brethren many offences and errors, the Lord hasten to shorten these daies, for I fear the Lord makes a short work upon the earth, and that few enter in at the straight gate that leads unto life everlasting. Now it is far from me to wound the conscience of any that is zealous for the Sabbath, or to lay a stumbling block of offence before them, for this I am persuaded, that many, who have in their times been zealous for the same thing, and also subject to many other errors, are now in heaven, and for ever cleansed from all pollution: for if Peter, that great and excellent Apostle, was to be blamed for error, in not going the right way to the truth of the Gospel, for which thing Paul reproved him openly; then no marvel if we who are so weak, be subject to error, therefore it is good and profitable to teach one another, and reprove in love, that we may be fellow-helpers one of another to the everlasting kingdom: but such is the times of darkness, almost all orders in the Churches are lost, and confusion and error instead thereof, because the glory of the Gospel hath been, and is very greatly darkened, according to what is spoken in the Scriptures: For in the beginning of the Gospel; in the Apostles times, when the C●urches were established in the Faith, they appointed Officers in the Churches, as Bishops, Elders, and Deacons, to keep in order the Doctrine of the Gospel, that no root of bitterness grew up to the defiling of many; for in the Apostles times, when the Churches enjoyed the glory of the Gospel, they had power to cast out, and receive in, which Christ called binding and losing, for, saith he, Whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Again, whosoever sins ye remit, they shall be remitted, and whosoever sins ye retain, they shall be retained. Therefore when the Churches were taught, and had with obedience received the word of the Gospel of their Salvation, then being the Body of Christ, and members one of another, every member had its own place to the edifying of itself in love, grew complete together, receiving increase from the head: so every one as he had received the gift from God. was to Minister therein, and not to go behind his gift. First, such as were full of Faith and the Holy Ghost the Apostles choose, by laying on of hands and prayer, when the multitude of believers were increased, their charge grew too great, both of the Ministration of the Gospel, and of the Saints charity, so that there was a neglect of the daily Ministration of the Saints charity, and the Apostles thought it not good to leave the Word of God, and serve Tables, therefore they desired their Brethren to look out seven men of honest report, full of wisdom, and of the Holy Ghost, that they might be set over that business, that they might give themselves continually to the Word of God, and prayer, so they had help from their fellow-brethren to the furtherance of the Gospel; and as the number of Disciples increased, so did helpers also. Now the office of a Bishop, I understand to be a Minister of Christ for the Church, to whom is committed the charge of the Doctrine of Salvation; therefore he m●st be one that understands the wholesome Doctrine of Faith, able to resist the gain-sayer, he must be blameless in all holy convers●tion, giving forth thereby an example to his fellow brethren, in meekness, in love, in charity, in patience, in temperance, in governing well his own family, yea, in all manner of holy Conversation an example to his Brethren, not only in word, but in dead; and such a one being sound able in Doctrine, and blameless in Conversation, may use the office of a Bishop or Elder, he must not be one that is covetous, and given to filthy lucre, or pride, or drunkenness, or envy, or an evil reporter of o hers, neglecting the well ruling of himself & own family, not one that loves to have the pre-eminence, and Lord over Gods Heritage, such as these ought not to use the office of a Bishop or Elder, but contrariwise, being found such, are by the consent of Bishops, Deacons, and holy Brethren, and by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be delivered unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that if it be possible their spirits may be saved in the day of the Lord: and also that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ be not blasphemed, and the holy Gospel evil spoken of Now the office of a Deacon I understand to be, a servant and Minister of Christ in the Church, and to have a great charge in the Church, especially in the Ministration of the Saints charity, to see that the needs of the poor be supplied, and that all things be done inlove orderly, according to the Gospel; therefore a Deacon must be one that is grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, but contrary, one that is sober, full of charity, hating covetousness, holding the Mystery of Faith in a pure conscience; if they be married, their wives must be grave, sober, not slanderers, faithful in all things, the Deacon must also rule well his own family, for if he cannot rule well his own house, how shall he rule in the Church of God? for they that do use the office of a Deacon well, do purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the Faith, which is in Christ Jesus.  
Now these are to be tried, and if they be found blameless, they may use the office of a Deacon; but this understand, that it is lawful for a Deacon to use the office of a Bishop or Elder, and for an Elder to use the office of a Deacon, for the Apostles, who were Elders, used the office of Deacons when they served Tables, and also some of the seven Deacons used the office of Elders, when they preached boldly the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also Paul used the office of a Deacon in the Ministration of the Saints charity, so that Deacons and Elders are fellow-helpers in love( rather then distinct Officers) for the persecting of the Saints, and keeping up the way of Righteousness, according to the Gospel.  
Now when the Churches were thus established in the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ; having these helps in government, they had power to bind and loose; for if any amongst them were disobedient in not submitting to the righteousness of the Gospel, and did rebel against the way of Truth, they were to note such; and if they would not repent with one consent, put them out from amongst them, that they may be ashamed, yet not count them as enemies, but as brethren, in exhorting them that if it be possible they may repent, and be received in again; but if they refuse to be reproved, and will not repent of their wickedness, but go on to destruction, such indeed are delivered unto satan, and it had been good for them if they had never been born.  
Christ taught his Disciples of this doctrine of Excommunication, when he spoken after this manner; If thou see thy brother offend, tell him of his fault between him and thee: If he hear thee, thou hast won thy brother; but if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more: And if he will not hear them, tell it to the Church; but if he will not hear the Church, count him as a heathen man: For whatsoever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven, and whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven. Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, that they should use this power against that fornicator: That when the Church was met together with the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, that they should deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord, and they were obedient to his Doctrine in putting him out from amongst them; but it pleased the Lord to give him repentance, to mourn and be afflicted for his sin; Therefore the Apostle exhorts them to have compassion on him, and minister their love unto him, and rather forgive him, then toothache him with sorrow. Paul also forgave him in the person of Christ, according to Christs words, Whosesoever sins ye remit, they shall be remitted; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they shall be retained. Now Paul wrote not unto them onely for his sake that did the wrong, nor for his sake that had the wrong, but that his care might appear to them in the Doctrine of Christ. And he exhorted the Brethren to note them that caused division, and that walked not orderly according to the gospel, such as were covetous, or drunkards, or fornicators, or railers, that they should not keep company with them, no not so much as to eat; but rather if they repent not, hold them accursed. Now this power of binding and losing belongs rather to the office of an Elder, then a Deacon, though it belongs not onely to them, but to the Deacons, and every member, even the whole Church; For an Elder or Bishop hath not power by virtue of his office( as wicked Usurpers suppose) but by the virtue of the gift of God in them, whereby they are made more excellent in the knowledge of the mystery of the Gospel, and able to discern between good and evil, in the things that differ, for the Church ought to do all things in wisdom and love, with one heart and mind.  
Now concerning the Church-charity, in the beginning of the Gospel it was such, that the brethren had all things common, for such as had land sold it, and cast down the price at the Apostles feet, and cont●ibution was made as every one had need This charge was committed t● the seven Deacons chosen of the Church, who were appointed over that business: And this is a most excellent thing to be observed in the Church, that there should be a kind of equality amongst them, according as it is written, He that gathereth much, hath nothing over, and he that gathereth little, had no lack; that is, the Saints relieving one another in charity one to another, not by commandment by the Law, but by the love of Christ  shed in their hearts, knowing by Faith they shall be hei●: together of heavenly riches, why then not heirs together of earthly riches? for as many as are worthy to be counted of the Church number, ought not to suffer want if there be an ability amongst the brethren, for the abundance of the rich ought to be a supply for the necessity of the poor; as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever. Thus the love of God, through the Gospel of his Son Jesus Christ, works in the hearts of his Saints: But this understand, that all things ought to be done in love and righteousness, in which all the Saints are called, not that some should be oppressed, and others eased; for if any that is poor learn to be idle, and not do the things that are convenient, let them be informed and reproved, and if they repent not, judged according to righteousness: And also if any that is rich be found following after covetousness, which is Idolatry, and will not minister to the poor Saints necessities, let such be reproved, and if they repent not, be judged according to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, seeing they refuse to make the poor Saints partakers of their earthly riches; let them also fall short of the poor Saints true riches, but as many as stand fast in the Faith, and abound in all goodness, let them walk in the rule of unfeigned love, and pure charity, which the Lord hath ordained for his Saints, that as we hope to be heirs together in heaven, let us walk as brethren together upon the earth.  
What advantage would it be to us to win the whole world, and lose our own souls? or what would we give in exchange for our souls? therefore blessed are they that believe the Gospel of eternal life, and are called therein, according to the purpose of the Father, such have cause to rejoice evermore. This understand also, that all sorts of people in the Church, are under the Church Government, which stands in righteousness, without respect of persons, both to Elders, Bishops, Deacons, Brethren, high and low, rich and poor; therefore as the Apostle saith, Reprove not an Elder without two or three witnesses, And this I say,( who am the least of all Saints, and a Child in the knowledge of heavenly things, and scarcely worthy to be called a Christian) if they be found guilty, let them be reproved, and judged as the others. Now as touching the Ministration of the Word, they all had liberty to teach, according to their ability in knowledge, and measure of Faith, to the edifying of one another in love, save only that women were not permitted to speak or teach in the Church, but to keep silent, and if they would know any thing, inquire privily of it, that they also may be instructed in the mysteries of God, as fellow-heirs with the men of the everlasting kingdom.  
Now the cause why women are not allowed to teach in the Church, I am persuaded is this: They are the weaker vessels, and more easy to be deceived and drawn aside into error; for Adam was first created, then Eve, but Adam was not first deceived; but the Woman being deceived was found in the transgression. nevertheless through faith and good works, she shall be saved with the man, for she is also made partaker of the same faith, and same spirit with the man, according as it i● written: 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 ●andmaids in those dayes will I pour out my spirit( saith the Lord:) So that the spirit of prophesy, which is the Testimony of Jesus Christ, was not onely given to the Man, but to the Woman also, both to sons and daughters. Philip had four daughters did prophesy. Now Paul understood by the Testimony of Jesus Christ, even the spirit of prophesy, That there should be a great departing from the faith, and that the man of Sin should be revealed, whose coming should be with all deceivableness of unrighteousness, after the power of Satan, in lying signs and wonders, to the deceiving of the simplo. For this cause therefore I am persuaded, he would not permit women to speak in the Church, lest they should the sooner bring in heresy to the perverting of many, being themselves deceived with the Serpent. Neither was it comely that the woman should usurp authority over the man, but rather be in subjection, as also saith the Law: For, the woman is not the head of the man, but the man of the woman: Neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man, nevertheless they are both one in the Lord: For the head of every man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God, and the man also is the head of the woman; therefore it is comely that women learn in subjection, but a shane for them to usurp authority over the man: So let them have honor as weaker Vessels, in wisdom and love, as fellow-heirs of the immortal life.  
Now for men, it was permitted that every one, as they had received the gift, might Minister decently and in order; for when the Church was met together in one place, such as were filled with the knowledge of the mystery of Truth, did Minister in teaching one another, that all might learn and be edified. And thus was their order; when one was speaking, and another had revelation, till the first held his peace, the second spoken not, and so the other kept the same course, whether they had psalms, or Doctrine, or Revelation; And if any spake strange Tongues, it must be by Interpreters: So were all things done decently and in order, to the Churches comfort and profit, and to the edifying of itself in love, through the rich grace of God in Christ Jesus, the chief Captain and head of his Church.  
Now as touching their maintenance who were Ministers of the Word and Doctrine, giving themselves wholly up to that holy Calling, it is ordained that the Ministers of the Gospel should live of the Gospel; for if they sow in the Church spiritual things, it is but a small reward for them to reap their carnal things: But they must not seek to enrich themselves( l ke the false Prophets) but having food & raiment, learn therewith to be content; For an Elder or Minister of the gospel must not be covetous nor mind earthly things, but be an example in Doctrine and holy conversation to their Brethren. To this agrees the words of Paul, Ma ke them who walk, as you have us for an examp●e. And such are well ruling Elders, and worthy of much honour: Therefore this I say, if any be c●… lead that are rich in worldly goods to be a Minister of Christ, let such not onely Minister the gospel, but Minister also of his worldly riches to the Church necessities, that so he may lay up for himself true riches in heaven, which no Thief can steal from him; And if any that is poor be called to be a Minister of the gospel, let them that are taught in the Word fully supply his wants in ministering to him of their carnal things. And thus thorough the knowledge of the Lord, and bowels of compassion, is honest provision made for every one in the Church of GOD, the ground and pillar of Truth.  
Thus it was in the time of the clear light of the gospel, and thus it ought to be in the Church of God; but now it is not so, the light of the gospel is darkened, and the way of Truth trodden under foot. The beauty of Sion is spoyled, in Jerusalem is great desolation, the ancient of the people are given to idolatry, by covetous practices do worship the creature more then the Creator. Her Priests are full of wickedness, running swiftly in the way of Balaam for gifts and rewards, loving the wages of unrighteousness. Many grievous wolves are come forth, as lions greedy for the prey, to lay Sion waste, and to destroy Jerusalem, and great is the destruction thereof. Her Rulers regard not the Law of the Lord, but execute the way of the heathen. Her Elders wit● full consent do greedily devour the prey, Her young men are strong to choose the ways of wickedness, but the way of the Lord is not regarded amongst them, they all like women are overcome. Where is the well-ruling Elder? Where are the holy brethren? O Sion! where is thy beauty? O Jerusalem! where is thy comeliness? The Lord is wonderful rich in mercy, and admirable in love, that destroys us not altogether at once, for great is the wickedness of the whole earth; but blessed be his Name, who yet loveth Sion, and hath not forgotten Jerusalem; Though he doth afflict her a little for many faults, yet in great mercy will he receive her for ever. Now all these things are come to pass, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled, for the Word of the Lord never failed, neither shall it to the end, because it endures for ever; For when the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to his servant John( who was a faithful witness of Jesus Christ, and of those things he heard and saw) he declared to him the things which must shortly be fulfilled, after he had appeared to him in vision as pleased himself: red Rev. 1.13,14,15 16. Then was John afraid and became as dead at that great vision; but he was strengthened by the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave testimony of himself to John, saying unto him, fear not, I am the first and the last, I am he that liveth, and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore. Amen, and have the keys of hell and death. writ the things which thou ha●t s●ene, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. The mystery of the seven stars which th●u sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden Candlesticks. The seven stars are the seven Angels of the seven Churches, and the seven Candlesticks which thou sawest, are the seven Churches. Then the Lord declared to his servant J●hn the things he should writ unto the seven Churches, to warn them of his mighty power in whom they believed, and of his great judgements against them that disobeyed the Gospel of life, and also exhorted them as one that loved them with unfeigned love, showing them the evil that was amongst them, and warned them to repent, that they might live with him, and declared his power to reward and judge every one according to their works; as you may red, Revel. Chap. 1.3,4. Then was revealed to John the things that were to be fulfilled, red Rev. Chap. 4. He was in the spirit when he saw these things. Now the mystery of the four Beasts I believe is this, they did signify and declare the things that should come to pass, their form and likeness holding forth the same.  
The first Beast being like a lion, did signify and declare the mystery of the lion of the Tribe of Judah. The second Beast being like a calf, did declare and signify the mystery of Idolatry, that should follow the Revelation of the Gospel of the lion of the Tribe of Judah. The third Beast having a face as a man, did declare and signify that the Lord is mindful of his Covenant he made with Noah and his seed, and all creatures, to destroy the Earth no more for mans sake; but while the Earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, could and heat, summer and winter, night and day shall not cease.  
And the sign of the Covenant is his Bow in the Firmament, when a Cloud covereth the Earth, so that the Lord will not utterly destroy all at once from the Earth, but will judge the world with equity, and the people in righteousness. And the fourth Beast being like a flying Eagle, did declare and signify great destruction and desolation in the Earth; And the four Beasts had each of them six wings, which I believe did signify their swiftness to fulfil the Word of God. And they were full of eyes within, which did signify their quickness to finish their charge, and they rest not day and night, saying, holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come; which doth signify and declare that the Lord is holy, just, and true in all his ways, and his judgements according to righteousness.  
Now the mystery of those things which God gave unto his Son Jesus Christ to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; And he sent and signified by his angel unto his servant John, who bear record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all things that he saw: Blessed are they that red and understand. Now the revelation of those things I understand to be declared, and the mystery of God to be finished in the opening of the seven seals, in the sounding of the seven Trumpets, in the powring forth the vials of the last plagues of God by the seven Angels.  
Now my purpose is to declare according to my hypocondriac understanding, concerning the mystery of the seven Seals. Saith John, I saw at the right hand of him that sate upon the Throne a book written within, and on the back-side sealed with seven sea●s: And I saw a strong angel proclaiming wi h a loud vo●ce, who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof. And no man in heaven nor in earth, nor under the earth was able to open the book, neither to look thereon; And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to red the Book, neither to look thereon. And one of the Elders said unto me, weep not, behold the lion of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beholded, and he in the midst of the Throne and of the four Beasts, and in the midst of the Elders there stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, Rev. 5.( red to the end) Now thus I understand those things; The Book in the Lords hand written within, and the back side sealed with seven seals, did signify the mystery of mans salvati●n, which was lost by reason of transgression: So death reigned over all, and no man was able to restore himself; but being driven from the presence of God, lay under wrath and condemnation, but the Lord who is rich in mercy, did purpose in himself to save some. Now when John saw the mystery of mans salvation, sealed up with so many seals, and that no man in heaven nor in earth, neither under the earth was found worthy to open the Book, neither to look thereon, he had cause to weep, and all men with him, for the way of salvation being sealed up; but one of the Elders declared glad tidings, saying, Behold the lion of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David hath prevailed to open the book, and loose the seven seals thereof. And John saw Jesus Christ the Lamb of God, who was both able and worthy to open the Book, and loose the seven seals thereof: And the four Beasts and four and twenty Elders gave honour and praise to him, and many Angels praised him; yea, every creature in heaven and in earth, and under the earth praised him, for to him is committed all power in heaven and in earth, and under the earth.  
Now when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals of the Book, John heard as the voice of Thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see: And I saw, and beholded( saith he) a white horse, and he that sate upon him had a how, and a Crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquering, and to overcome; Which mystery I do understand doth signify the Son of Mans going forth with the everlasting Covenant of life, riding powerfully in righteousness to bring the elect children to the Kingdom, which is signified by the first beast that was like a lion. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second Beast say, Come and see, and there went out another horse that was read, and power was given to him that sate thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another, and there was given to him a great sword. This I believe doth signify the Wars, and rumours of Wars, which Christ foretold of should come to pass: And his people should be persecuted, and evil spoken of, and some of them suffer death for his Names sake, and they that killed them should think they did God good service, their mindes and understandings being so darkened through the mystery of idolatry, which is signified by the revealing of this mystery by the second Beast, which was like a calf: And when he had opened the third Seal; I heard the third beast say, Come and see: And I beholded, and lo a black horse, and he that sate on him had a pair of balance in his hand: And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, a measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny, and see thou hurt not the oil nor the wine. Which mystery doth siggifie, that in the midst of all these plagues there should be plenty of corn and oil; though the black Horse might peradventure signify famine and dearth, yet not of Bread, but of hearing the Word of God, as it is written in the Prophets, For the Lord doth remember his Covenant which he hath made with all flesh, not to destroy the earth any more for mans sake. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth Beast say, Come and see: And I looked, and behold a pale horse, and his name that sate thereon was Death, and He I followed with him, and power was given unto him over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword and with hanger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. This mystery doth signify a great and most fearful destruction in the earth, that many should die by the sword in the Nations, by the power of the first Beast which riseth out of the Sea, or the earthly power of the raging heathen, whose name is Death, and the Grave. And many in the Nations are fallen by his power, and perished in perdition, and fallen in the world without either faith or hope, or any knowledge of God, even like unto the beasts of the earth. And this is signified also by the 4th beast, who was like unto a flying Eagle, which is high, and of a devouring nature. And when he had opened the 3th Seal, I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the Testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth. And white robes were given to every one of them: And it was said unto them, they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren that should be killed, as they were, should be fulfilled. The mystery of this I understand to be the second Beast that John saw rise out of the earth, which had two horns like the Lamb, but spake as a Dragon; which doth exercise the power of the first beast, and hath made an Image to the first beast, and hath given power thereto, that the Image should speak; and cause as many as will not worship it, should be persecuted and killed. This second Beast is one with the first, and exerciseth the same power; but more deceivable, for he hath horns like the Lamb: he pretends to fight for the Lamb, and shows himself as though he stood for the Saints. So under the title of the Lambs, he maketh war against the Lamb; And in pretending friendship to the Saints, he slays them as wicked men, as many as the Lord permits him, and their blood cries night and day for revenge, and he will revenge his Saints that cries night and day. nevertheless they who have suffered death or persecution for Christs sake, and have been faithful to the end, have received a full reward of the immortal life; but what is that to the beast and earthly powers, they shall be revenged according to their works, and receive judgement from the Lord: And this is a great desolation that the Beast and the Dragon should not onely have power to deceive the world, but have power also in the Church to kill, persecute, and make war with them, their appointed time, even forty and two moneths, while the the holy City is trodden under foot; and this I understand to be the mystery of the fifth Seal, And I behe●d, and when he had opened the sixth seal, and lo there was a great Earthquake, and the Sun became black as suckcloath of hair, and the moon became as b●ood, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a Figtree casteth her untimely figs when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and iceland were moved out of their places: and the Kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free-man hide themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountaines, and said to the rocks and the mountaines fall on us, and hid us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?  
This mystery I understand to be a terrible Vision, and greatly fulfilled; for the earth is mightily shaken by the former judgments and plagues, and still it is shaken more and more: The sun being darkened, and the Moon turned into blood, and the Stars fallen from heaven, this is a great desolation spoken by the holy Prophets; the glorious shining of the gospel is darkened through the smoke of the bottomless pit: And many faithful Saints have been slain by the power of the Beast and false Prophets, which were the locusts that ascended out of the smoke of the bottonles pit: And the Sun and the air is darkened by reason of the smoke of the bottomless pit: And also many Stars are fallen from heaven. Many who outwardly have appeared some-what in the time of trial and hour of temptation have fallen to the earth, who have seemed like stars, and many Saints also who have been stars indeed, have been cast down to the earth, and trodden under foot: But the Lord will never forsake the least of his, but in due time will judge their cause: And though Sion be as a Fig-tree that is shaken of a mighty wind, yet the Lord is with her in the midst of all her poverty. And heaven departed as a scroll when when it is rolled together, and every Mountain and iceland were moved out of their place, the glory and beauty of the earth hath been much destroyed by the great plagues of God, and wrath of the Lamb. By the Sword, Plague, and Pestilence in all the Nations, which hath been powred forth upon the Kings of the Earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty men, and all sorts of people bond and free; For certainly if the Lord set up judgement in his own house, how shall the raging Nations escape his wrath? Therefore as he hath said he will judge the heathen round about in the valley of Jehosaphat, which is the valley of great slaughter. And because of this great desolation that the Lord makes in all the Earth, many have fled to hid themselves from the wrath of the Lamb, yea to escape if it were possible those plagues that have compassed them about; And many have desired rather to die then to live, because of their great plagues, have sought after death rather then life; for in the day of the Lambs wrath who is able to stand? Yet in Mount-Sion, and in Jerusalem there hath been deliverance in the midst of all those judgements; for the four winds must not blow upon the Earth, till the Angel came out of the East with the seal of the living God, and the servants of God were sealed in their fore-heads: And of every Tribe of the Children of Israel were sealed a certain number according to the foreknowledge of God: And also a great multitude which no man could number of all Nations, and Kindreds, and People, and Tongues stood before the Lamb clothed with white Robes, and palms in their hands, and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteh upon the Throne, and to the Lamb: And all the Angels stood round about the Throne, and about the Elders, and the four Beasts, and fell before the Throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen. Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might be unto our God for ever and ever, Amen.  
Now the Lord to make known his love to his people, declared to John, that in the time of great Tribulation many were saved, even all they that were sealed, whose names were written in the Lambs book of Life from the foundation of the World. I say, to reveal this mystery to John, that he might also make it known to the Churches; One of the Elders answered and said unto him, what are these that are arrayed in whi e Robes? and whence came they? And he said unto him, Sir, thou knowest: And he said unto John, These are they which came out of great Tribulation, and have washed their Robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night in his Temple: And he that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them, they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat; For the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall led them to living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Thus was declared to John the mystery of them that are saved through much Tribulation, because of the power of darkness in all the world. These are they who live and reign with Christ a thousand yeares, satan being bound and chained for deceiving them; but the rest of the dead, which are many in the Nations, lived not: and this is the first Resurrection. Blessed and holy are they that have part in the first Resurrection, for such shall not be hurt of the second death. These are they who are faithful unto Death, and so obtain a crown of Life, being freed from the second Death by the blood of the Lamb. These are they, who according to their measure of faith, and ability of knowledge walk in righteousness, bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, suffering persecution and reproaches patiently for righteousness sake.  
But this I am persuaded, that Satan is let loose out of his prison, and running swiftly in the Nations, to gather together great multitudes, even Gog and Magog to battle,( whose number is as the sand of the S●a) to compass the beloved City, and the Tents of the Saints, but the Lord in his own time will work a great deliverance, then shall Gog be utterly destroyed, and Magog shall not escape, Satan also that old Serpent, which is called the Devil, shall be taken, and with him all that destroy the ea●…, and be cast into destruction for ever; then shall the light and brigh●… of Sion shine in all the earth, and Jerusalem shall be built in the midst thereof, with precious stones, and the Holy City lieth four square, towards the East, towards the North, towards the South, toward the West, and at every side of the City three gates, at which the people of the Nations shall enter in, and the Holy City shall no more be trodden under foot, when the forty and two moneths are expired, neither any unclean person come therein, but all shall be holy unto the Lord, for the day of the Lord is at hand, when the heaven shall be dissolved, and earth burned up, and he will make a new heaven, and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness, and there shall be no more Sea, then will he dwell with his people according to his promise, and his Tabernacle will be with the sons of men, when all the mystery of his wrath is fulfilled in the Nations.  
And when he had opened the seven●h Seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour, and I saw( saith John) the seven Angels which stood before God, and to them were given seven Trumpets; and another Angel came and stood at the Altar, having a golden Censor, and there was given unto him much Incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all-Saints, upon the golden Altar which was before the Throne, and the smoke of the Incense which came with the prayer, of all Saints, ascended up before God, out of the Angels hand; and the Angel took the Censor, and filled it with the fire of the Altar, and cast it into the earth, and there was voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an Earthquake● and the seven Angels that had the seven Trumpets prepared themselves to sound. Now the mystery of these things I understand do signify; first, when the seventh Seal was opened, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour, doth show, while the seven Seals are opening, the seven Trumpets sounding, the seven last Plagues powring forth, there should be little silence and peace in the Church; for when the seventh Seal was opened, the seven Angels stood before God to receive seven Trumpets, that the Wrath of God, and of the Lamb, might more abundantly be revealed from heaven: and the mystery of the other Angel which came and stood at the Altar, having a golden Censor, and there was given to him much Incense, that he should offer with the prayers of all Saint; upon the golden Altar, which was before the Throne, doth signify, that the Lord is mindful of his Saints, in the time of darkness and great tribulation, though he hide himself from them, yet doth he hear their prayers, and their cries come up before him, being acceptable unto him, as an offering with much incense presented before him, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of all Saints, ascended up before God out of the Angels hand, and the Lord doth judge and avenge their cause upon their enemies, for he will avenge his Elect that cry night and day, though he bear long with them. This mystery is great comfort to all Saints, that th●ir prayers go up before God, and are as an offering of much incense unto him, and that he doth judge their cause against their enemies, and in the end will avenge them, though he bear long. And this do I understand the mystery of the opening of the seven Seal, in which is also signified the mystery of the seven Trumpets, and the seven last plagues, ministered by the seven Angels, wherein is finished the fierce wrath of the Almighty God, as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets, but these are great mysteries, and hard to be understood; for this I am persuaded, that there are few upon the earth that understand these mysteries, which in their time have been, and are now fulfilled in a great measure amongst us, I who am but a child in knowledge, who have not been acquainted with the way of Truth one year, do see and understand many mysteries fulfilled, and in fulfilling; and this I am persuaded, that one jot of Scripture shall not fail, but in its time be fulfilled, according as the Lord before hath purposed in himself, and that the time is at hand when many shall run too and fro, and knowledge shall be increased, then shall seven women take hold on one man, and desire to be called by his name, and ten m●n lay hold on one Jew, and desire to worship with him, for the desire of all Nations is at hand.  
Now my beloved Brethren, what I have written is according to the measure of Faith, and portion of knowledge I have received. And this also understand, that since I was converted to the knowledge of the Truth, I have not learned of any man, neither have I much regarded any mans Doctrine,( but the Doctrine of the holy Apostles, of the Lamb, and all the holy Scriptures which I find profitable unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ) not that I thought myself more wise then others,( the Lord is my Witness who knoweth all hearts) but I saw myself in great darkness, and much confusion amongst all; wherefore I understand us all to be in the Wilderness, and sore oppressed with the yoke of Babel, so that all is full of division, confusion, and great desolation, which my prayer is may cease in Sion, and that the Daughter of Sion may be made strong, having her horns of iron, and hoofs of brass, that she may beat in pieces many people. And this I exhort you my Brethren, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for they shall prosper that love it, let him have no rest, till the holy City, which is trodden under foot, be built again, then shall Babylon fall, that great City that reigns over all the earth, and be no more a City, but a desolate place, for great is the Lord that will judge her; then will there be joy in Sion, and great gladness in Jerusalem, for then shall be blessed the Inheritance of Jerusalem for evermore.  
If any one desire to know what manner of person I am, thus far I do acquaint them, that I am not wise and learned, according to the flesh, neither rich nor honourable, but am one that desires to be wise in this, to know the living and true God, and his Son Jesus Christ, which is life eternal. And my Brethren who are not wise and learned, I exhort you to get wisdom and learning; this understand, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and a good understanding have they that keep his Commandments. This is true wisdom, to fear the Lord, and this I would have thee to know, by Faith, Iesus Christ, believe that he died for thy sins, and that thou hast all thy sins pardonned by his Death, and hope also that thou shalt live for ever; for this is the promise of the Father to them that believe in his Son, therefore this is good tidings to thee: First, that all thy sins are pardonned and freely forgiven thee, and then when thou departest this life, enter into heaven, and there live for ever in glory unspeakable with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, and with all his holy Angels. Now if thou believe in Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and hope in God( that made heaven and earth, and all things therein) for eternal life, who is well able to give it thee, thou shalt be saved; but this thou must also do, walk in his Commandments, and the chief Commandment is Love, Love all men, do to all men as thou would they should do unto thee, this is the Law and the Prophets: This is easy and plain doctrine to be understood.  
And if thou desire to do the Commandments, keep with thee this principle, to do unto all men, as thou would they should do unto thee; and if thou can believe in Jesus Christ, and hope in God, and endeavour to have a good conscience voided of offence, both towards God and man, doing all things as in the presence of God, thou needs not doubt in the least the salvation of thy soul, because he hath promised that cannot lye. Now this is excellent wisdom, to believe the Gospel, and pure learning to yield obedience to the same, for this is better then fleshy wisdom, and far more excellent then carnal learning, For he hath confounded the wisdom of the wise, and brought to nought the und●rstanding of the prudent, he hath hide from the wise and prudent, and revealed to babes and sucklings, that no flesh might glory in his presence; but as it is written, Let him that will glory, glory in the Lord: Where is then the wise? where is the Scribes? where is the Disputer of this world? for behold God hath made foolishness the wisdom thereof, so that the world by wisdom knows not God; therefore hath it pleased the Lord by the foolishness of preaching to save some. Now if any who is wise according to the flesh, and desires to be wise and learned according to the Spirit, let such a one become a fool, that he may be wise in denying himself, his own wisdom and righteousness, and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and live in obedience to his Commandments, praying servently to the Lord for the things he stands in need of, and henceforth consult no more with flesh and blood, but with all meekness receive by Faith the living Word, which is able to save his soul; this is my counsel to thee that art wise and learned, if thou desire to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the Truth of the Gospel of Life, and to know the holy Scriptures, which are profitable unto salvation, even able to make wise unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ; Seek not by reading many books, seek not by thy own wisdom, study, and industry, as thousands have done and fallen short, abhor philosophers Fables, and books of curious Arts, if thou have them, burn them: as the holy Brethren did in the Apostles time, when they came to the knowledge of the Truth, for philosophy is very unprofitable to the children of God, therefore the holy man of God exhorts against it, saying, Take heed lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, which is after the Traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after God; for such are foolish indeed, and horribly drunk with madness, that leave the Lord, with whom is hide the treasures of wisdom, and seek wisdom at man, who is voided of understanding: for as the understanding Potter is more wise then the pot, so is the Lord far more excellent in wisdom then man; who then is wise that seeks wisdom and counsel at man? cursed are they that a●k counsel, and not of the Lord; if any lack wisdom, let them ask of God who giveth liberally. Therefore this I say, seek the Lord by faith, repentance, and new obedience, turn from all thy sins, and bring forth fruit meet unto repentance, believe steadfastly in Jesus Christ for remission of all thy sins, hope in God for the promise which he hath made to them that believe, which is eternal life. Now if thou thus believe the Gospel with obedience, thou art blessed indeed, and art come to principles of excellent wisdom, thou art come to be a child of God, an heir of eternal glory, thou art come to believe in him who made heaven and earth, the Sea, and all things in them, who is the All-sufficient and Almighty God, with whom nothing is impossible, who hath light dwelling in the immortality, which no mortal man can approach unto; he searches the heart, and trieth the reins, and knows every secret thing, all things are open and naked before him, now walk as in the presence of such a God, endeavouring at all times to do his will, in yielding obedience to his Commandments: Instead of reading books of controversy, and unprofitable disputations of men of corrupt minds, red the holy Scriptures, in which thou may find both much comfort and profit, if thou believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And when thou readest mysteries which thou understands not, be not thou troubled, but wait patiently upon the Lord, and pray to him, even the God of heaven, who is the Revealer of all secrets, and be thou sure to keep in the Faith of the Son of God, and hope of Eternal Life, having love towards God and man; be careful to have thy conversation excellent in all manner of holiness, for it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. And in this also shall it be known that thou art a child of God, if thou delight in righteousness and holiness. This understand also, that the holy Scriptures came not by the will and wisdom of man, but the holy men of God spoken them forth as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, therefore no man understands them, but they to whom they are revealed, and made known by the same spirit that spoken them forth; Therefore seek not to know them by thy own wisdom, or heathenish learning, but pray thou unto the Lord to give thee of his Spirit, that thou may discern the things that are spiritual, For the natural man know not the things of God, neither indeed can he, because all they are spiritually discerned: But the spirit searcheth all things, even the deep things of God. Blessed is every one that receiveth the spirit of God as an earnest of the inheritance, by which they are sealed up unto the day of redemption. And thus have I given my advice( both to the wise and unwise, learned and unlearned) who am 〈◇〉 young in the knowledge of heavenly mysteries, desiring the pray●… ●… ithfull brethren that I may abound more and more in the knowledge o● God, and his Son Jesus Christ, and be a profitable servant to him who hath called me to glory and virtue.  
Now concerning false Prophets and Seducers, there are many in the world who outwardly have on sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves, even as the Lord Jesus Christ hath said should come. And also have not many false Christs come in his Name saying, they have been Christ: And many have said, lo here, and lo there is Christ, and many have been deceived. If it please not the Lord to shorten these dayes, I fear few will be saved( but the Lord knows his own, and none of them shall perish) For now is a time of great desolation, I desire not to be found bringing railing Accusations against any; for this I understand, that the Scriptures must be fulfilled: For false Prophets and Deceivers are Ministers of the wrath of God, and do receive in themselves the recompense of all their error: For this understand, that if any Prophet be deceived, the Lord hath deceived that Prophet, by putting a lying spirit in his mouth 
Ezek. 14.9. 1 King. 22,23.  Therefore this my great desire, that the Lord would hasten to rebuk Satan & all his Ministers, who bear his image in all manner of unrighteousness, for the marks of false Prophets are all manner of ungodliness, their wisdom is from below, earthly, sensual, and devilish. They follow covetous practices, in looking for their gain for their Quarters; They love to feed themselves with the fat, and cloath themselves with the Fleece: They cry peace, peace to them that put into their mouths, but such as refuse, they prepare war against. They say, Come bring wine, let us fill ourselves with strong drink, for to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant: They are such as serve their own bellies, and not the Lord Jesus Christ, caring more for filthy lucre and ungodly gain, then the good of Christs Flock. They are like silly women, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, having eyes full of adultery that cannot cease to sin. Now if any one that reads these things find himself guilty, being condemned in his own heart, let him also know that God is greater then his heart, and knoweth all things. It is not I that judge him, yet let him know that he shall come to judgement, and receive according to his works, whether good or evil.  
Now this is my counsel to thee, who believes thou art a Minister of Christ.  
First, consider whether thou be acquainted with the truth of the Gospel thyself.  
Secondly, consider whether thou walk orderly according to the gospel; for this understand, that such as teach the gospel to others, should first know it themselves.  
Now this is a thing worthy to be considered in these dayes, and also admired, how the Apostles, when they had received Commandement, went from Nation to Nation preaching the Gospel, and such as were ordained unto life believed the gospel, and were established in the Faith, and received immediately both what to believe, and how to walk, that they might be saved. The Apostles preached not the Gospel with wisdom of words that mans wisdom, teaches, but in plainness of speech, and power of the spirit: They stayed not long in a place, but passed( as I may so say) swiftly in the Nations, yet made known the excellent wisdom of God to them that believed; and such as believed became able to teach one another in the same Doctrine they had learned of the Apostles: Therefore thou that desirest to be a Minister of Christ, consider whether thou be able to divide the Word of God aright, to preach the same gospel the Apostles preached, the same Christ, the same faith, the same hope, the same Commandements; for he that preaches any other gospel( saith Paul) let him be accursed. Now if thou be able to preach the same Gospel, and divide the word-aright, then see also that, thou wa●ke as they did for an example, that thou mayst be an example to oth●rs in all manner of holy conversation, that thou mayest save thyself, and them that hear thee: But as for them that go contrary to this rule, that preach the divination of their own Brain, being ignorant of the true Gospel, walking after the flesh, in fulfilling the lusts thereof, their damnati●n slumbereth not. And to you that desire to learn, and be taught in the Word, consider how you are taught, that you may be established in the Truth, having received how to believe, hope, and walk, that you be not hearers of the Word, but doers also, that so the Name of Christ may not be blasphemed, nor the Gospel evil spoken of: And that you being established in the Truth, may be able to reach one another, as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold grace of God, that so you may grow and increase in the knowledge of the Lord to the everlasting salvation of your souls: But now I demand with great cause of sorrow, where are the faithful Ministers of Christ, who are established in the Truth, and able to divide the word of the Gospel aright, who walk as the Apostles did for an example, and are examples to their fellow-brethren in all manner of righteousness? Where are the holy Brethren that are taught in the Word, that are able also to teach one another in the mysteries of God, as they have received and learned, walking orderly according to the Truth of the Gospel? Ah! great desolation which is revealed by the sixth angel; The water of Euphrates is dried up, that the way of the Kings of the East might be prepared. The Lord hasten his work, and let his kingdom come, that his will may be done on Earth, even as it is in Heaven; for he hath not created the earth in vain, but to be inhabited. The Saints shall take the kingdom: When the kingdoms of this world are become the Lords and his Christs, they that spoyled Sion, a●d laid waste Jerusalem, shall no more be found; for he in his times shall show who is the onely Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and God over all the Earth: Therefore all ye Saints come to Sion with songs, and to Jerusalem with great joy. Then shall there be one shepherd, and one sheep, and the hireling shall be no more, neither wolves or Lions, or wild beasts shall devour any more: But the flock of the Lord shall feed quietly on all the mountaines of Israel, and have a goodly pasture, full of pleasant springs: They shall lie down safely, and go as Calves in the stall, and none shall make afraid. For Israel shall be as an Army strong and valiant, and have power over all Nations, and shall rule them with a rod of iron, and as a potters vessel shall they be broken to shivers before them: This honour have all the Saints, for great is their King. Let the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two edged sword in their hands, to execute vengeance upon the Heathen, and judgements upon the people: To bind their Kings with Chains, and their Lords with fetters of Iron: To execute upon them the judgements written: O therefore be wise ye Kings, and be instructed ye Judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him with trembling. kiss the son lest he angry, and ye perish in the right way, when his wrath is kindled but a little, blessed are they that put their trust in him. For his coming is at hand, whose goings forth hath been of old, even he that treadeth the winepress of the wrath of Almighty God, and before him the Nati●ns shall be subdued. It is easy for him to do his pleasure. Then the Nations shall learn war no more, they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and spears into pruning-hooks; The bow and all the weapons of war shall fall out of the hands of the mighty, then the King of Saints shall dwell in Sion, & the holy one in Jerusalem. His Temple shall be a sumptuous building,( in which he will place his Name for ever) it shall not be defiled with any unclean thing, but all the Vessels thereof shall be holy unto the Lord. There shall no more be found the Heathen in Jerusalem, nor the Canaanite in the house of the Lord; When the fullness of the Gentiles is fulfilled, the Jews shall come in, then shall all Israel be saved; The deliverer shall come out of Sion, and turn the ungodliness from Jacob. When the Lord doth this thing, Israel shall rejoice, and Jacob shall be glad. The coming of the Lord is at hand, when all shall be performed; for when the Fig-tree and other trees shoot forth, we know that Summer is nigh; Even so by the signs of the Times may we know that the day of the Lord is at hand; but the day and hour knoweth no man, neither the Angels. But this understand, That he will come as a thief in the night, at an hour when he is not looked for. Therefore let us as many as look for salvation, watch; for happy and blessed shall we be, if we be found good servants doing his will, but the slothful and wicked servants shall have their reward and portion.  
Then shall all the Tribes of Israel have their inheritance by Lor● Samaria and Judah shall be one people, and be no more divided. Ephraim shall no more envy Judah, nor Judah Ephraim, but the shane and reproach of Israel shall utterly be removed. Who will say then unto Sion, where is thy King? or to Jerusalem, where is thy Prince? Then may Sion say, and Jerusalem answer, the God of Israel is my King, and the Lamb is my Prince; therefore am I exalted for ever. Kings shall worship at my feet, and Princes shall bow before me. I was trodden under foot by mine enemies, they cast me down to the grave; but now am I exalted and raised from the grave, and have power over all my enemies: My horns are of iron, and hoofs of brass. Where are all my enemies? There is none to rise up against me, because they could not stand before my great Prince and chief Captain: They were as the morning due, and shadow that passed away as stubble and chaff, burnt with unquenchable fire, as grass that withered, as dust of the summer floor before a fierce wind. There is none of them able to stand before my Redeemer, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and God over all the earth, blessed for evermore.  
Thus have I written largely according to my understanding, of the things that were, and of the things that are, and the things that I believe shall shortly come: But I would not that any should take me as wise, or as a Prophet, but rather as a child in the knowledge of heavenly mysteries, and as a Brother labouring for the kingdom of God, and looking for the coming of Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven, according to his word: Though I have spoken prophesy, let no man despise me, but this understand, that the Lord hath not spoken to me by words in vision, as he did to his holy Prophets, neither hath he powred forth the Holy Ghost upon me, as upon the holy Apostles of the Lamb, and many in those daies,( therefore let no one think of me above what I am or seem to be) but this he hath done to me, praised be his Name, he hath given me the same Spirit of Faith with them( as it is written) I have believed, and therefore do I speak. And this I say my Brethren( who am but a child, for I am with you, and the Lord also with us, though we know him not, yet are we known of him, for his promise was to be with his people to the end of the world) to the Law, and to the Testimony: And if I, or any other, speak not according to it, it is because there is no light i● us. Again, if I, or any other● declare any other Gospel then that which the Apostles preached, hold us accursed. Again, He that comes unto you, and not with this Doctrine of Salvation, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God-speed, lest you be partakers of his wickedness: Therefore my Brethren I exhort you to search the Scriptures, whether those things I have written be so or not, for if they be according to the Scripture, they are true, and if not, I have erred for want of knowledge. I am far from accounting myself infallible, but rather a liar, in comparison of the Truth as it is in Jesus Christ: And marvel not if I count myself a liar, when Paul that great and faithful Apostle accounted himself a liar, in comparison of the Truth of God, when he said, If the Truth of God hath more abounded through my lye unto his glory, why yet am I also judged as a sinner? The Apostles were not Gods, as some Heathens did imagine, but men subject to the like passions and infirmities that we are; and though they preached an infallible Gospel, yet were they not infallible, but had that Treasure in earthen vessels; but the Gospel is infallible still, though the knowledge thereof be small.  
Now some may say unto me, Where is the Church of God? and who are the people of God?  
To which I answer, The Church is in the Wilderness, in Mystery Babylon, full of confusion, division and error;( for the Man of Sin sits in the Temple of God, showing himself to be God) nevertheless she is preserved by the power of God, and fed in this Wilderness by his holy Angels, ( which are his ministering Spirits) all her appointed time,( forty and two moneths while the Beast hath Power) for a time, times, and half a time, which is known to the Lord, and not to man, and the people of God are the elect Congregation in all the Churches. I believe 〈◇〉 as some, that all( that are called) Papists are Saints, and the people of God, neither all( that are called) Protestants are Saints, neither all( that are called) Anabaptists are S●… nts, neither all( that are called) Independents are Saints, and the people of God, neither all( that are called) Qu●kers are Sain●s. And other names are given to many, because there is diffe ences in opinions, for want of knowledge. I do not believe that all the people of God and Saints, are under any one name, but the Lord hath an elect Congregation under many; for he knoweth his own people and Flock, though they be scattered on all the Mountains of Israel, and none of them shall perish.  
Art thou( called) a Papist? and dost thou believe in God, and in his Son Jesus Christ, and hopest for Eternal Life? wilt thou judge and hate thy Brother, who is( called) a Protestant, that believes in Jesus Christ, and hopeth for Eternal Life? Is he not thy Brother, though you diff●r in opinions, for want of knowledge, which is a terrible Judgement of G●d in his own house? for Brother is against Brother, and hate one anot●…, and children betray their own parents, Father-in-law against Son-in-law, and Son-in-law against Father-in-law, and a mans enemies are they of his own house. Now this I say, as many as believe in Jesus Christ, are brethren under what name soever, though they cannot believe it. therefore do they judge one another, and speak evil one of another. O that we were as forward to judge ourselves, and looking at our own faults, then should we bear one with another. Now Brethren let us not fear, th ugh we be in the Wilderness, the Lord is mindful of us in the midst of all our afflictions, and though we have little Faith and knowledge, and are very weak in Christ, The bruised reed he shall not break, nor the smoking flax he shall not quench, till he bring forth Judgement into Victory, And this understand also, that since J●hn, and the coming forth of the Gospel, the kingdom of heaven hath suffered vi●lence, and the violent taketh it by fo●…; for such as have been called to the Faith of the Gospel, have had great trial in temptation, some have suffered death, some persecution and reproaches for his Names sake, but all temptation; but the Lord who i● faithful gives the kingdom to all his, though they have entered a● by force and tribulation; therefore my Brethren fear ye not, for the Lo●… ●s with you, and great shall be the reward of all that are faithful, acco●d●… g to their measures; for if you be faithful in a little, you shall obtain much. Remember the parable of the Widdows mite, and also the parable of the Labourers hired into the Vineyard, so it shall be with us, for we shall inherit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with Moses, and all the holy Prophets and Apostles, and faithful Saints, yea, and with the Father, and with the Son, and with all the glorious and holy Angels, and ever blessed Cherubims, among whom the Lord will for ever dwell in his immortal and unutterable glory; though we be weak in Christ, let us not fear, for the first shall be last and last first: Therefore let all that believe, though they have not seen him, rejoice with unspeakable joy, for great is their reward.  
Now my Brethren I exhort you to repent, and turn from all your sins, pr●y earnestly to the Lord to strengthen your Faith, and make known to you the Truth of his Gospel: Ask of him Spiritual riches, cloath the naked, feed the h●ngry, be merciful, as you hope for mercy, forgive, as y●u hope to be forgiven. You that are rich, be rich in alms and good works; you that are poor, seek to live honestly, love one another, have love towards all men, Awake out of your sleep, stand you up and watch, for the 〈◇〉 of Redemption is nigh, and the end of all things at hand.  
And to the ungodly Generation I say, ye swearers turn from your swearing, and let your yea be yea, and nay, nay, for what is more, cometh of evil: Ye liars, turn from your lying, else your part will not be in the holy City, but in the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone: Ye drunkards, turn from your drunkenness, else you shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Ye covetous, turn from your covetousness, which is Idola●… y, and worship the God of heaven, and his Son Jesus Christ and cover after spiritual riches, for all the gods of the earth must be famished, and Idols and idolaters be destroyed: Ye proud, turn from your pride, and learn to be humble, that the Lord may teach you in his way, for the pr●ud he beholds afar off: The children of Pride, with their King the great Leviathan, shall utterly perish; 
Isa. 27.1.  therefore woe to the Crown of pr●de; Ye Thieves, repent and steal no more, but make restoration according to the Law, if you be able, and ask forgiveness of them whom you have wronged, and henceforth labour with your hands, and learn to l●… e honestly; be not ashamed to confess your sins, and to desire the c●unsel and prayers of the godly: Ye Envious and Murderers, repent and turn from your sins, for ye have no Eternal Life abiding in you, but if you repent and turn from all your sins, the Lord is wonderful rich in Mercy to forgive all that truly repent. For this I say, if a wicked man turn from his wickedness, and believe the Gospel with obedience, he shall be saved, for his sins shall not be imputed to him in the day of his deliverance. And also if a righteous man turn from his righteousness, and make shipwreck of Faith and a good conscience, he shall die in his iniquity, and his righteousness shall not be remembered in the day of his Transfiguration; therefore I say to the wicked, Repent, for great is the reward of the righteous, and to the righteous stand fast, for fearful is the end of the ungodly. Art thou a Swearer, a Liar, a Drunkard, a Fornicator? thou wilt say thou cannot repent; Then know certainly if thou cannot repent, that thou art of old ordained unto condemnation, being a vessel of dishonour fitted for destruction, by filling up the measure of thy sins, and treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath, that thou may receive the recompense of thy error which is meet; and by this may thou know whether thou be for life, or for death; for if thou can repent, and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, thou shalt be saved, but if thou believe not, and abide in thy sins, thou shalt be damned. And thus is the knowledge of the way of Life given forth in the world, nevertheless the Lord knoweth his from the beginning, and none of them shall perish, for the gifts and callings of God are without repentance: Therefore my beloved Brethren, as many as believe in Jesus Christ with obedience, account yourselves Elect of God, and by increase of love towards God and man, make your Election sure, for the promises of God are yea and Amen to all that endure to the end. And this I say to all that hopes for Redemption, and looks for the coming of Jesus Christ with all his glorious Saints, and mighty Angels; Let us stand upon our watch, for though our Lord have tarried long, he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry; then blessed shall we be if we be found good servants at our Masters coming, having on our wedding garments, and oil in our Lamps, that we may be prepared at the voice of the Bridegroom. For this know of a certain, that the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is nigh, even at the doors, for I am persuaded that I shall not taste of death, till I see the kingdom of God come with power. But it is not for me, nor any of the Saints, to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power; but this I believe, through the Mystery of Faith, that the dead in Christ shall rise first, and them will God bring with him, as it was prophesied near the beginning, by Enoch the seventh from Adam, saying, Behold the Lord cometh with thousands of his Saints, to give judgement against all men, and to rebuk all the ungodly among them, of all their wicked deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their cruel speakings which wicked sinners have spoken against him: And this will be when the Lord shall be revealed from heaven, with the mighty Angels in flames of fire, rendering vengeance on all that disobey the Gospel of Jesus Christ; then shall we o● they which are alive, and remain in the Faith of Gods Elect, at the coming of the Lord, be changed to the same glory, and translated into the Image of the Lord, and so be caught up with them in the Clouds of Heaven, to meet the Lord in the air, and then will he be marvelous in all his Saints, and admirable in them that believe. For now Brethren wee who are Elect, are the children of God; but yet it doth not appear what we shall be; but this I believe when he doth appear, we shall see him as he is, and be like him in glory, and be Kings and Priests, and reign upon the earth; then shall be fulfilled the word of the Lord, 
Rev. 5.10. Hosea 13.14.  O death, I will be thy death, O grave, I will be thy destruction, repentance is hide from mine eyes: Then shall be the end, when the Son hath delivered up the kingdom to God the Father, when he hath put down all Rule, and all Authority and Power, for the Son must reign, and sit at the right hand of God the Father, till all his enemies be put under his feet; the lust Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death, then the Son himself shall be subject to him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Then shall be fulfilled also these words, 
Rev. 21.4.  And God shall wipe away a l tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the first things are passed: Therefore let us all that believe and hope for Salvation, pray earnestly for the coming of the day of our God, that his will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, that we may with the great multitude of heavenly Host praise our God, & sing Hallelujah in glory for evermore, because of the holy City, new Jerusalem, that shall come down from God out of heaven, and there shall be no more cursing, but the Throne of God, and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him, and they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads, and there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the Sun, for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever; these things are faithful and true, for the Lord God of the Holy Prophets hath sent his Angels, and shewed them to his servants the things which must shortly be done; he that testifieth these things, saith, I come quickly, Amen, Even so, come Lord Jesus.  
The mystery of Jesus Christ, as he declared himself in vision and words to his servant John, he holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walketh in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks, he was the fi●st and the last, which was dead and is alive; he hath the sharp sword with two edges; he is the Son of God, which hath his eyes like unto a flamme of fire, and his feet like fine brass; he hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; he is holy and true, and openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth; he is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creatures of God. Thus he declared himself in vision and words to his servant John, that he might writ the same to the seven Churches which were in Asia, unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamus, and unto Thiatyra, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Leodicea. Now I understand this Doctrine which came from the Son of God, was to all Churches in the whole world, and all of it belonged to every Church, though the Lord appeared in Vision to every Church, as he saw the Mystery of Iniquity begun in them, to warn them to repent, and be faithful; and also of his Mighty Powers to render vengeance on all their enemies, and on all that disobey the Gospel: he also declared his Mighty Power to reward them that were faithful, and overcame. And thus I understand the Mystery of the Vision and Doctrine of Jesus Christ.  
First, in that he held the Seven Stars in his right hand, and walked in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks, doth signify, that it is he alone that holds the faithful in his right hand, and also walketh in the midst of the Churches, for the mystery of the seven stars are the seven Angels of the seven Churches, which doth signify the most faithful in the Churches, and the Churches are counted they who profess the Name of Jesus Christ, though there be many hypocrites amongst them; according to the parables of Jesus Christ, The Tares must grow amongst the Wheat; till the harvest, which is the end of the world: And also the kingdom of heaven he compared to a Net that caught both good fish and bad; and also remember the parable of the sour, For many have been called, but few chosen. Was there not a traitor amongst the Twelve? and many false Brethren and Antichrist in the Apostles time, which transformed themselves like the Apostles of Christ? seeing it was so in the time of the pure light of the Gospel, marvel not if it abound much more in the times of darkness and antichrists reign, but the Lord holds the faithful in his right hand, and walks in the midst of them all, and knows their works, labour and patience, and perfectly sees them who say they a●e Apostles, and are not, but are liars, who shall have their part in the La●e; But to them that overcome he will give the three of Life, which is in the mi●d●st of the Paradise of God.  
2 He was the first and the l●st, which was dead and is alive, and liveth for evermore, which doth signify that Jesus Christ was no other but God manifest in the ●l●sh, the holy One of Israel, veiled in an earthly Tabernacle, a●d had power to lay down his life, and take it up again, for it was not possible for him to be held by the power of Death: Therefore he in whom we believe is able to give riches to them that have poverty and tribulation for his Names sake; for it was permitted to the Devil to cast some of them into Prison, and they should have Tribulation many d●ys that they might be tried: And such as have been faithful unto death, have obtained a crown of life, and no hurt of the second death.  
3 He had a sharp sword with two edges, which doth signify the ruling the Nations with a rod of Iron; for it is no other but the sword of th● Lord that hath slain so many in the Nations; for as much as it went out of his mouth, he commanded a sword by his Word, and it is fulfilled: And many are the slain of the Lord, and great hath been the Supper of our God; For the fowls of the air, the flesh of Kings, and the flesh of Captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all free-men and bond-men, and of small and great. 
Jer. 25.33. Rev. 19.18.  nevertheless the Heathen think not that it is the wrath of God amongst them, but every one of them think by their own power they are valiant, and have victory in war; but it is no other but the Lord Jesus Christ that treadeth the winepress of the wrath of the Almighty God. 
Isa: 63.  He hath also stained his raiment in Edom, and dipped his vesture in blood; for he hath set up judgement in his own house, and given the sword power to slay the righteous with the wicked; but the righteous have their souls delivered, but the wicked do perish for ever. And this I understand was prophesied of before, that when the LORD commanded a sword to go through the land, though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they should deliver neither sons nor daughters by their righteousness, but their own souls. 
Ezek. 14.  How much more then shall he not bring a sword upon them that sacrifice to Idols, and commit fornication, and lay stumbling blocks before his people; but to them that o ●rcome he hath promised the hidden Manna, and a ston wherein a new Name is written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it.  
4 He is the Son of God, and hath his eyes like a flamme of fire, and his ●… eat like unto fine brass, as they burned in a furnace. This mystery I do und●rstand, that the Son is one with the Father: And his eyes being like a flamme of fire, doth signify his consuming power against his enemies; for our God is a consuming fire: And his feet being like fine brass, as they burned in a furnace. Seeing it pleased the Father to perfect the Cap●… ine of our Salvation through suffering, it pleased him also that many should be partakers of his Sons affliction( and be made partakers with the Son in his glory) being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, and purified in the furnace of affliction, as it is written by the Prophet Daniel, Many shall be purified, made white, and tried, but the wicked shall do wickedly. In th● Mystery is declared, that our Redeemer is a consuming fire to the wicked, and in the end will destroy them for ever, Jezebel that false prophetess, and all that commit fornication with her; But to us that overcome, he will give power ov●r the Nations, as he hath received of the Father, and they shall be broken to shivers before us like a potters vessel, and we shall have the bright Morning-star.  
5 He hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars, which doth signify that to him is committed all power in heaven and in earth. Seeing he hath the seven spirits of God, which are sent forth into all the earth, and also are before his Throne, for the heavenly powers are subject to him: And he hath the seven Stars, how shall he then not know them? Though hypocrites may be hide from men, yet it is not possible for them to be hide from our Redeemer, the living Word of God, which is quick and powerful, and sharper then any two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his sight, with whom we have to do: And he will come as a Thief to them that do not watch; but to them that watch, and defile not their garments, they shall walk with Christ, and be counted worthy, and be arrayed in white, and not have their Names blotted out of the Book of Life, and also their names confessed before the Father and the holy Angels.  
6 He is holy and true, and hath the keys of David, and openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth; Which signifieth that Jesus Christ who came of the seed of David according to the flesh, is the onely way to life. He is the door of the sheep-fold by which all the elect must enter. No man goeth to the Father but by the Son; for they which believe must not perish, but have everlasting life: And this is the open door which no man is able to shut. And in that he hath the keys of David, doth signify that he is the King of Saints, and the onely Prince of Israel. His Throne is for ever and ever, a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of his kingdom; Therefore in his Times he shall show who is the only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords: He promised to them who had a little strength, and kept his word, and denied not his Name, to keep them in the hour of Temptation which should come upon all the world, to ●… y them that dwell upon the earth, and also to make them pillars in the Temple of his God; and they should go no more out, but he would writ the name of his God upon them, and the name of the city of his God, which is New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, and also his own new Name; but to such as said they were Jews, but were not, he would make the synagogue of Satan: and worship at their feet, and know that he loved them who kept the word of his patience.  
7 He is the Amen, the faithful and true, the beginning of the creatures of God. Seeing he is faithful, he requireth that his servants should be faithful and true, and not luke-warm, Neither hot nor could, lest he spew them out of his mouth: For he is the Amen, and faithful witness, the beginning of the Creatures of God, and hath power to do the same: Yet his love is such, not willing that any should perish, but rather come to life, as it is written, Why will ye die O house of Israel? Therefore he gives them counsel to buy of him gold tried in the fire, that they may be rich; And white raiment that they may be clothed, and nakedness and shane may not appear: And to anoint their eyes with the eye-pleasing, that they may see; For as many as I love( saith he) I rebuk, be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. The mystery of gold tried in the fire, to be faithful in Tribulation even unto death, and so obtain true riches: And white raiment, to be steadfast in the faith, that they may be clothed with the righteousness of God through Christ. And eye-pleasing, to be sanctification through the spirit; and in that he saith, whom he loves he rebukes, it was given to the faithful not onely to believe, but suffer for his Names sake, and through much Tribulation to enter the kingdom of Heaven: Yea, all that would live godly in Christ Jesus must undergo persecution, and happy are they who have patience in the day of Tribulation: And in that he stands at the door and knocks, that if any man hear his voice, and open the door, he will come in to him. The word of saith is after this manner: Say not in thyself, who shall ascend into heaven to bring Christ down from above, Or who shall descend into the deep, to bring Christ again from the dead: But the word is nigh thee, even in thy heart, and in thy mouth: For if thou believe in thy heart the Lord Jesus Christ, and confess him with thy mouth, thou shalt be saved; for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, for whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved. This is the word of Faith the Apostle preached: And this I say, if thou can get the door of thy heart open, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of all thy sins, and walk in obedience to his Commandements, the Lord will come unto thee according to his promise, and sup with thee, and thou with him.  
Now in that he was like unto the Son of Man, doth signify that he was the same Jesus who was manifest in the flesh. And he was clad with a garment down to the feet, doth signify his righteousness: And was gird about the Paps with a golden girdle, his excellent holinesse: And his head and hairs white like wool, as white as snow, his antiquity or ancientnesse of dayes. 
Dan. 7.9.  For his goings forth hath been of old. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last and his voice was as the sound ●f many waters, doth signify his power in the Nations, among many people and great multitudes. And his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength, doth signify his glory in his kingdom, which was also shewed in his Transfiguration to Peter, James and John, Mar. 11.  
Thus I have shewed my opinion concerning the Mystery of the Vision of Jesus Christ that John saw, the which I had thought not to have done as yet. It may be if the Lord permit and increase my knowledge; that I may hereafter writ of the Mystery of the seven Trumpets, and the seven Vials of the last plagues of God, ministered or powred forth by the seven holy Angels, by which is fulfilled all the wrath of God, if the day overtake me not which I long to see; but for the present state, this is my care, that I may by all means obtain the resurrection of the Just. And by the g●ace of God I will endeavour myself to comprehend that, for which I am comprehended of, Christ Jesus; for verily I could wish to be dissolved, and to be with my Redeemer, rather then to abide in the flesh; Not that I could wish to be unclothed, but rather to be more excellently clothed with that immortality; for so am I persuaded of the Crown of glory which we shall receive that believe in the gospel, that it is far better to be with the Lord then to abide in the flesh. I speak not these things because of any trouble that I have in the Flesh, for I have peace both within and without, peace of conscience, and peace in the world. I praise the God of heaven and earth who is my Teacher, and hath made known to me the great mystery of eternal life. No earthly man hath taught me the things that I have learned, neither am I under any mans ministry; yet do I not account myself sufficient, or worthy to be a Minister of the Gospel, but pray the Lord to sand worthy Labourers into his harvest; for great is the Harvest, and few are the Labourers. And thus I make bold to do, to writ concerning the way of Truth, as I have learned, that I also may be fruitful, according to the measure of the gift of God in me: For it is lawful for me( who am but base and contemptible, and the least of all Saints) so to do, if I go not behind the gift of God: And if I have therein exceeded, let the spiritual judge; but the Lord is my record whom I fear, that out of godly sincerity I have written these things according to the measure of my faith: And my great desire is now to grow in faith, and be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, that I may be counted worthy to enjoy the hope that is laid up in Heaven for all the Elect: For such is the reward of them that fear the Lord, that no affliction here can be worthy the glory that shall follow hereafter. Christ knew of this glory, which made him to embrace the cross, and despise the shane for the glory which was set before him, which was much to be desired; Therefore saith he after this manner,( speaking of his departure into his glory) I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straightened till it be fulfilled.  
Again, he prayed the Father to glorify him with the same glory he had with him before the world began; therefore having such strong consolation, I fear not but the reward is great and unspeakable glorious: And as for persecution I have no cause to fear, for I understand the Image spoken of, to stand in this Nation on its feet, 
Dan. 2.33.  which are part iron, and part day, partly strong, and partly weak, which mystery I understand doth signify the many divisions; and though the Beast that killed the Saints( and persecuted the holy people) have his strength, yet because his kingdom is divided, he is become weak, for the great City is divided into three parts, therefore he wants his former power. I understand also, that the ston cut without hands, is ready to smite the feet; then let all that have the testimony of Jesus Christ, red what shall become of the glorious Image, the Iron, the day, the Brass, the Silver, and the Gold.  
Verily I cannot but prophesy, that the coming of the Lord is nigh, even at the doors; not that I have any new Revelation, but the same which is written in the holy Scriptures by the Prophets and Apostles, and made known to me through the mystery of Faith; therefore do I writ to make known the same to others, that if it be possible I may stir them up to wait for the same things. And though it were so, that the day of the Lord were not now at hand, I know it is profitable for us all to be zealous in the Lord, and walk as children of Light; for without all controversy, great is the mystery of godliness; which is to say, God manifest in the flesh, seen of Angels, preached in the world, believed by many, both Jews and Gentiles, received up into glory, and the heavens must contain him till the restoration of all things, spoken of by the Prophets; for the same Jesus, which all the Scriptures give witness to, shall surely come, and so come in like manner as he was seen go into heaven; for as a Cloud received him out of their sight, so shall he come in the Clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and every eye shall see him, even they that pierced him thorough. But this understand, that his second coming shall not be like his first, when he came in the form of a servant in the flesh, veiled in the earthly Tabernacle, and laid down his life for the world; but his second coming will be in the glory of the Father, as a King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and we shall see him as he is in his own kingdom, and heavenly Tabernacle, and he will reign, and we with him for evermore, and all his enemies shall utterly be destroyed, then shall that old Serpent, which is called the devil, and the Whore of Babylon, and the Beast, and the false Prophet, and Gog and Magog, and all the great multitude of the ungodly go into perdition and the smoke of their torment shall ascend up for ever, but the glory of the Lord will be marvelous in the Land of the Living: For as the Lightning cometh out of the East, and shineth to the West, so shall the coming of the Son of man be, for the world shall be full of his glory, and when he comes, the Saints he will bring with him in his kingdom, and they shall appear with him in his glory, which he plainly shewed in his transfiguration; for before he had said, That there was some standing there that should not taste of death, till they had seen the kingdom of God come with power: Then six daies after he took with him Peter, James, and John, and was transfigured before them, his face did shine as the Sun, and his Raiment became exceeding white, and there appeared with him in his kingdom in glory two Saints, which were Moses and Elias; without all doubt Christ will be unspeakable glorious in his kingdom: For if the face of Moses did shine, who received the Ministration of death written, and in Tables of ston, so that the children of Israel could not behold, because of the glory of his countenance: How much rather shall not Christ be glorious who hath the Ministration of Eternal Life, not written in Tables of ston, but in his own power, to give whom he will, for Christ is worthy of more glory then Moses, as much as the builder of the house is worthy more honour then the house; for Moses was faithful as a servant in the house of God, but the Son is the heir and builder of the house( which house we are that believe, and so far excelleth in glory; And this understand also, that the excellent Tabernacle of witness which the Lord commanded Moses to make, and shewed him the pattern, and bad him make all things according to the fashion thereof, which Tabernacle was a witness, and also a figure or shadow of the true and heavenly; and though it was excellent and beautiful to the eyes of men, I am persuaded it had little excellency in comparison of the heavenly, which the Saints do enjoy. And also the outward Temple was a most sumptuous building, very precious, rich and beautiful, which was a shadow of the Temple of Christs Body, which is his Church, and far more excellent, for the Saints are partakers with the Son of the same glory, therefore the true and heavenly do far exceed all earthly types and figures. And also the rich and excellent garments of Aaron, did signify the unspeakable beauty of Christ, who is a great High-priest over the house of God; so the excellency of the Tabernacle and Temple, and all things belonging thereto, were but figures and shadows of the heavenly, which shall appear at Christs coming in his kingdom. And also King Davids victory over his enemies, doth signify the victory of Jesus Christ over all his emies, as he himself said, Bring those my enemies, that will not that I should reign over them, and stay them before me. Again, it shall come to pass, that they who will not have him to rule over them, shall be cut off from amongst his people, and he shall sit on the Throne of David for ever, therefore is he called David their King, and the wisdom and glory of Solomon, and the riches of Jerusalem in those daies, was also a sign of the unspeakable wisdom and glory of Christ, and excellent riches and beauty of the new Jerusalem, made without hands, which is in heaven but shall come down according to his promise.  
Now my beloved Brethren, seeing the Scriptures of Truth are so full of excellent Prophesies, which shall be fulfilled at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us all who are of his little Flock, watch to day, as though we knew he should come tomorrow, for who knows but the Sign of the Son of man hath appeared in the Clouds of heaven already. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.   

SOME ANIMADVERSIONS on some part of the REVELATIONS OF JOHN.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year, 1658.   

To the Brethren( in this Nation) elect according to the soreknowledge of God, grace from him, and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ be multiplied towards you.  
SInce I wrote the first book, I have now accomplished the work I spoken of in it; For my desire was earnest to writ concerning the Mysteries of the seven Trumpets, and seven last Plagues ministered by the seven holy Angells, and ministering Spirits of God; The which Mysteries I understand are declared by signification, being full of excellent wisdom, far above my understanding: Yet according to the measure of faith and knowledge I have received, I have she●ed their signification, answering with the other plain Scripture; for I understand there to be nothing spoken and declared in them, but excellently agreeing with the rest of the Scriptures, though it be hard to be understood: For this I perceive that they are spoken by signification, and the other more plainly, and they do sign●fie the things that are written in the other. And the sum of my labour is, to show what these great Mysteries do signify according to plain Scripture: So I ha●e according to my measure of faith shewed their signification to agree with the other plain Scriptures, for the spirit of Truth in no ways speaketh contrary things, for 〈◇〉 cannot lie: So that if I have erred, the error is from myself, and not from the Lord; But if I have declared the Truth, I may boldly say it is from the Lord, and I have not to glory save in him onely: For what I have received that is good, is from the Lord, therefore I have no cause to boast as though I had not received, but to praise his Name who hath given unto me.  
Now my beloved Brethren, all that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that come to red these things which I have written, I suppose you may plainly understand that I have not written after the manner of any that before hath written of these things: For many that have written of these things have pointed at certain person after the manner of men, and at certain times, and certain numbers, which is not lawful for me to do, neither could I, for I am not so learned in Church History written since the Apostles. Yet this I am persuaded, that such as have knowledge of the Times( by reading of Books) since the Apostles, may also understand that the things I have written are true: And that the Mysteries declared in the Revelations, do signify all the things which have been fulfilled, and also do signify the things that shall be fulfilled. And seeing they have signified the things that ●re past, without all contradiction they do signify the things that shall be fulfill●d in their appointed time. Thus you may understand also, that I have not written so largely with many words of these things, as others have done before me, neither is my gift so to do; for this I understand, that the best wisdom stands not in the most words. And it is better to displease men in not using many words, then to displease the Lord in darkening wisdom through the multitude of words: And also this I understand, that the mystery of these great things have been hide and sealed up from the faithful( in these times of darkness) and were not to be revealed until the latter end. Therefore my Brethren, it cannot be, but the end is at hand when the Vision shall speak, other ways, I am persuaded such knowledge would not have been given unto me: For I see not myself more righteous and holy then others, neither that I have deserved to know these things before others, because I am full of infirmities like unto others: And more that I see into the excellent Mysteries, the more I behold my own vileness. And were it not that I have boldness, by the blood of Jesus Christ, I might say, Woe is me, I am undone, because I am a man of polluted and unclean lips; but I have boldness by the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, because I look for Justification before God by him onely, and not in the least to be found in my own righteousness, but in the righteousness of God, which is by the faith of Jesus Christ. Therefore let no one think of me more then I am, but rather admire the wisdom, power and goodness of God, which is ready to be revealed in the world. And prepare to be ready to stand before him at his coming, for certainly it is near at hand.  
Reader, this I would have thee to understand, that I have written in this latter Book of the Revelation, from the 7th verse in the 8. Chap. to the end of the book, and have written of every Mystery( according to my knowledge) that seems to be dark; but the words which are plain, it was necessary for me to say little of, but let them have their place. And for the other part of the Revelations, from the first Chap. to the eighth Chap. and 7th. verse. I have written in the first book of the chief Things, and hardest Mysteries. Therefore my desire is, that such as red the one, would also consider the other; for in this Book I have spoken little of the plain gospel, which is profitable to the ignorant, as I have largely done in the other, But have as the matter is agreeable, spoken of high mysteries which belong to the glorious gospel: so that this Book is not so profitable for the ignorant as the other, though it answereth to the very same things. And thus I say, if I have spoken any thing in this book, or the other, contrary to the holy Scriptures, believe me not; for they that wrote the Scriptures were great Prophets and Apostles, who heard the words of God, and wrote as they were taught by the holy Ghost; but I am one that is very weak in Jesus Christ, and full of infirmities, and what I know is through the mystery of Faith, and am like unto the Saints now in the world, subject to many infirmities. Yet I thought it not meet to keep these things to myself, but rather to make them known. So desiring the blessing from God, farewell.  
12th. month, 1658:   

SOME ANIMADVERSIONS on some part of the REVELATIONS OF JOHN.  
REVEL. 8.6,7. 
6. And the seven Angels which had the seven Trumpets, prepared themselves to sound.  
7. The first Angel sounded, and there followed hail, and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth, and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.  
THis Mystery I understand doth signify the Elect Childrens sharp fiery Trial, for so it pleased the Lord to purge Sion with the Spirit of Judgement, and to choose the children of the kingdom in the Furnace of affliction, according as the Lord Jesus Christ said, Every man shall be salted with fire, & every Sacrifice shall be salted with salt: And the Apostles taught the Brethren, that through much tribulation they must enter the kingdom, the which tribulation Peter called the Fiery Trial; and this we may well understand, that many thousands since the coming forth of the Gospel, have suffered cruel death, and great persecution, for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Lord Jesus Christ fore-seeing these times of great affliction, taught to his Church that whosoever would loose his life for his sake, and the Gospels, should find it; but whosoever would save his life for his sake, the same should loose it. Now all those whose names are written in the Lambs book of Life, from the foundation of the world, were faithful unto death, and so have obtained a Crown of Life; and these are on the Lambs side, being called, and chosen, and faithful, called according to the purpose of the Father, chosen from the beginning of the world, faithful in all tribulation, even unto death, but they who are called, and not chosen, cannot stand in the hour of temptation, and time of tribulation, but do fall away: And these are they Christ speaks of in the parable of the sour, being like the unfruitful ground, and the seed that is sown thereon, brings not forth fruit: for some hearing the Word of the kingdom, and not understanding it, are deceived by the wicked one, and so they have no profit by that which they have heard; and some hearing, but after are overcome with the world, the riches and pleasures thereof; for he that will be a lover of the world, must be an enemy unto God, for no man can serve God and Mammon, and it is a hard thing for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Again, some when they hear the Word, with joy receive it, but when temptation and tribulation ariseth for the words sake they fall away, but the children of the Kingdom are they, who hear the word, and with honest and good hearts do keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. These are they who endure the sharp fiery Trial, eve● unto blood, which is signifi●d by the first Trumpet: But the third part of the trees( which are unfruitful) are burned up, and all green grass, that is, all who are not established: These are also the stars of heaven, which the Dragon draweth with his Tail, and casteth to the earth; for many are called, but few are chosen.  
8. And the second Angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire, was cast into the Sea, and the third part of the Sea became blood.  
9. And the third part of the creatures which were in the Sea, and had life, died, and the Third part of the Ships were destroyed.  
The Mountain burning with fire, I understand doth signify, the consuming power of the Lord, and the Sea to be the great multitudes of the raging Heathen; and the third part of the Sea became blood, doth signify the great wars and shedding of blood in the Nations, and this was spoken of by the holy Prophets, as it is written by the Prophet Joe●, J●… l 9.10,11,12,13,14.  
10. And the third Angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a Lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters.  
11. And the name of the Star is called Wormwood, and the third part of the waters became wormwood, and many men died of the waters, because the● were made bitter.  
This mystery I understand doth signify, the mystery of Iniquity, which the Spirit of prophesy in the holy Scriptures had before spoken of, the mystery of the great Star that fell from heaven, was Antichrist, or the false Prophet, and its burning like a Torch, and falling into the third part of the rivers and Fountains of waters, did signify his power to destroy among many people and Nations, and the name of the Star being called Wormwood, doth signify his corruptible and seducing power; therefore the third part of the waters became wormwood, and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter, doth signify, that he should prevail much in the world, and many should be corrupted and deceived by his bitter damnable doctrine, and die, and perish in perdition.  
12. And the fourth Angel sounded, and the third part of the Sun was smitten, and the third part of the Moon, and the third part of the Stars, so as the third part of them was darkened: and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.  
This mystery I understand doth signify, great desolation in all the Churches. The third part of the Sun being smitten, and the third part of the Moon, and the third part of the Stars, and the third part of the day, and also of the night, doth signify, that the excellent glory and brightness of the Gospel should be darkened, and this Christ foretold, when he said after this manner to the Disciples, The time shall come when ye shall desire to see one of the daies of the Son of man, and shall not see it. And also he spoken of those times, saying, The children of the Bride-chamber shall fast, when the Bride is taken from them; and now also is this time of darkness, and great sedition, for who would not be glad to see one of the daies of the Son of man, but cannot obtain, till the end of all things be, then shall they who have waited for him, see him even as he is.  
13. And I beholded, and heard an Angel flying thorough the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Wo, wo, wo to the inhabiters of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the Trumpet of the three Angels which are yet to sound.  
This I understand was to give warning of many woes( of the other T●umpets) which must be fulfilled on the earth, and in that he was heard flying in the midst of heaven, I believe did signify, that those woes were to be fulfilled in the Church, as Christ also taught( when he was demanded where those desolations should be) saying, Where the Ca●kass is, there the Eagles will be gathered together: and by the carcase, I believe he meant the Church, and by th● Eagles, her enemies.  
Chap. 9. Verse 1. And the fift Angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth; and to him was given the key of the bottonles pit.  
2. And he opened the bottonles pit, and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace, and the Sun and the air were darkened, by reason of the smoke of the pit.  
3. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth, and unto them was given power as the Scorpions of the earth have power.  
4. And it was commanded them, that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any three: but only those men which h●ve not the seal of God in their foreheads.  
5. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five moneths, and their torment was as the torment of a Scorpion, when he striketh a man.  
6. And in those daies shall men seek death, and shall not find it, and shall desire to die, and death shal● flee from them.  
7. And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle, and on their heads were as it were Crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.  
8. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.  
9. And they had breast-plates, as it were breast-plates of iron, and the sound of their wings was as the sound of Charets of many horses running to battle.  
10. And they had tails like unto Scorpions, and there were stings in their tails, and their power was to hurt men five moneths.  
11. And they had a King over them, which is the Angel of the bottonles pit, whose name in the Hebrew Tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek Tongue hath his name Apollyon.  
12. One wo is past, and behold, there come two woes more hereafter.  
The Star which was fallen from heaven, I understand to be the same before spoken of, but towards the latter end he should wax greater, and his kingdom be enlarged; he received more power, having the Key of the bottonles Pit given unto him: The mystery of the bottonles Pit, I understand to be philosophy, devilish and earthly wisdom, and the mystery of the Key was his power to bring in such heathenish wisdom and learning, by which many were deceived; For when he had opened the bottonles pit, the smoke arose as the smoke of a great Furnace, by which the Sun and the air were darkened, which doth signify, when the mystery of iniquity begun to work, and the false Prophet had brought up philosophy and heathenish wisdom into the Church, the pure light and doctrine of the Gospel was darkened, by reason of the earthly wisdom which began to be set up, for the exalting of the Man of Sin, that so, as it was written, he might be exalted above all that is called God.  
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth, which were the false Prophets; and in that they came out of the smoke of the pit, doth signify, that they were learned in philosophy, heathenish wisdom, and learning; and to them was given power, as the Scorpions of the earth have power, which doth signify their great power to hurt men, and in that they were commanded not to hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, doth signify, that they were not natural locusts, which hurt the fruits of the earth, but spiritually so called, and were to hurt only those men who have not the Seal of God in their foreh●ads; for it is not possible for them to deceive the Elect. And it was comma●ded that they should not kill them, but that they should be vexed five moneths, which doth signify, that they were not to kill and destroy men by the sword, or any other plague, to take away their natural lives, but to sting them by their damnable doctrine, and wound their consciences with their devilish seditions; as it is written, a wounded spirit who can bear? Therefore have many because of this great Judgement, desired rather to die then to live, because of their wounded spirits, and troubled consciences, have sought after death, but it hath fled from them.  
And the shape of the Locusts was like unto horses prepared to battle; which doth signify their mighty strength and valour, to devour and destroy: And on their heads were Crowns like gold, doth signify their fleshly glory and honour in the world; for they being of the world, the world hears them, and speaks well of them. And their faces were as the faces of men, doth signify their sheeps clothing, and outward show of holiness, having mens persons in admiration, because of advantage; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. And they had hair as the hair of women, which doth signify their foolishness, being deceived with the Serpent, as was Eve; they are silly women, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. And their teeth were as the teeth of Lions, doth signify, that they had not only on sheeps clothing, but inwardly they were ravening Wolves; as it was written of them, They cry peace, peace, to them that put into their mouths; but such as refuse, they prepare war against. And they had breast-plates, as it were breast-plates of iron, which doth signify their strong preparation, for their corrupt disputations and vain jangling, which only hath tended to sedition, to the subverting of many. And the sound of their wings were as the sound of many Chariots running to battle, doth signify, their outward power to hold them up, for the great men, and the rich and honourable men of the earth, are on their side, and are as wings to bear them up, and so are their wings of great power, and their sound as the sound of many Chariots running to battle. And they had tails like unto Scorpions, which doth signify their damnable doctrine,( as Paul saith, their word doth eat as doth a canker.) And their power was to hurt men five moneths, which I understand to be their appointed time. And they had a King over them, which is the Angel of the bottonles pit. He is also the God of the world, and Prince of darkness, that worketh in the children of disobedience, whose name in the Hebrew Tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek Tongue hath his name Apollyon; for he is a roaring Lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour. Thus is the mystery of one wo declared, but more follow, because the end draws nearer.  
13. And the sixth Angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden Altar which is before God,  
14. Saying to the sixth Angel which had the Trumpet, loose the four Angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.  
15. And the four Angels were loosed which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.  
16. And the number of the Army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand, and I heard the number of them.  
17. And thus I saw the horses in the Vision, and them that sat on them, having breast-plate of fire, and of jacinct and brimstone, and the heads of the horses were as the heads of Lions, and out of their mouths issued fire, and smoke, and brimstone.  
18. By these three was the third part of men killed by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.  
19. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails, for their tails were like unto Serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.  
20. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues, yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and Idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and ston, and of wood, which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.  
21. Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornications, nor of their thefts.  
The mystery of the sixth Angels Trumpet I understand thus; In that the voice was heard ● om the four horns of the golden Altar, which is before God, doth signify that all those plagues are the wrath of God, and of the Lamb, ministered upon the earth. The four horns of the golden Altar doth as I believe signifi● the Almighty power of God in the four winds, towards the East and West, towards the North and South.  
And the Angel must loose the four Angels; which I believe doth signify the many destroying powers of God; And in that they were bound in the great River Euphrates, doth signify that they were ordained of old to make great desolation in the way of Truth, and excellent Doctrine of life, which I do believe the River Euphrate doth signify. And the four Angels were loosed which were prepared at an hour, at a day at a month, and at a year, which doth signify that the Lord hath before ordained all things that should come to pass; for he hath before assigned the times and the bounds of their limitation. Known of God are all his works from the foundation of the world; therefore every thing in its time shall be fulfilled as the Lord hath afore ordained: So that this great destroying Army of the Lord in these latter dayes, near the end of the world, were to accomplish their work at their appointed time, known of the Lord at an hour, at a day, at a month, and at a year, to destroy the third part of men, that is, to destroy many people, even such as were of old ordained unto condemnation. And the number of horsemen were twenty times ten thousand, for I heard the number of them; which I believe doth signify, though there should be great multitudes of false Prophets and Seducers in these latter dayes, their very number the Lord fore-knew, and sealed them up to be the Ministers of his wrath upon the ungodly and rebellious generation. And I John saw the horses in a vision, and they that sate on them: Which doth declare the fore-knowledge of God. The Horses I believe doth signify their great strength and terrible courage in these latter dayes, even nigh the end: And the mystery of them that late on them were false Prophets, who having fiery Habergions of Jacinct and of Brimstone. Their Habergions being fiery, doth signify ready prepared to consume and destroy all those whom they are permitted, even as though they should destroy them with fire, and being also Jacinct, I believe doth signify, their outward holinesse( for Jacinct is a pearl of the holy City) and pretending to build up the City which is trodden under foot; but their purpose is in vain, for the Lord alone must build it, but vain is the help of man: And their Habergions were also of Brimstone, which doth signify their damnable Doctrine and heresy: And the heads of the horses were as the heads of Lions, doth signify their great strength, and the power of their strength to be fierce; and out of their mouths went forth fire, and smoke and brimstone, of these three were the third part of men killed; that is of the fire, and of the smoke, and of the brimstone: by the fire is signified their consuming power, and by the smoke is signified their fleshly and earthly wisdom, in which all heresy and damnable doctrine is held; and the brimstone signifieth destruction, not onely here, but eternally hereafter; And their power was in their mouths, and in their tails, Which doth signify their power to hurt in their doctrine which comes from their mouths; And also with their tails, which signifieth devilish and sensual wisdom, and damnable doctrine; for their tails were like unto serpents, that is to say devilish; and they had heads whereby they do hurt; that is to say, power to h●rt; And the remnant of the men that were not killed by these plague, repented not of the works of their hands, which doth signify, for all the seditions and heresies which are in the world, by which an innumerable multitude are destroyed, and go into perdition, yet the ungodly repent not, and turn not from their wickedness, but worship devils, and idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of ston, and of wood, which neither can see, neither hear, nor go, which I believe doth signify, the spiritual worshipping of devils through the mystery of iniquity: And also their idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of wood, and of ston, doth signify their spiritual mystical idolatry, in coveting after gold and silver, and corruptible treasure, so worship the Creature more then the Creator. And they repented not of their forcery, neither of their fornication, nor of their theft, which doth signify, that wickedness should not be abated, for all these great and terrible judgements of the Lord, but rather increase: And this is also a great desolation, and fearful wo.  
Chap. 10. Ver. 1. And I saw another mighty Angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, and a rain-bow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the Sun, and his feet as pillars of fire.  
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,  
3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.  
4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to writ: and I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and writ them not.  
5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea, and upon the earth, lifted up his hand to heaven,  
6 And swore by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:  
7 But in the dayes of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets.  
8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spoken unto me again, and said, Go, and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea, and upon the earth.  
9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the litt●… 〈◇〉 And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy 〈◇〉 bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.  
10 And I took the little book out of the angels hand, and ate it up, and 〈◇〉 was in my mouth sweet as honey and asso●n as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.  
11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nation, and tongues, and Kings.  
And I saw a mighty Angel come down from heaven, and was clothed with a cloud; Which I believe doth signify the Son of mans coming in the clouds of heaven, nigh the time of the sixth Trumpets mystery: And the Rain bow upon his head; Which doth signify his Covenant he made with Abraham, isaac, and Jacob, And his face was as the Sun, did signify his glory in his Kingdom; and his feet were as a pillar of fire, doth signify his powerful coming to consume his enemies. And in his hand was a little book open; Which did signify great destruction to the raging Heathen and rebellious people; And he put his right foot upon the Sea, and his left foot upon the earth, which doth signify his mighty power in the world, amongst all Nations and People; And c●ied with a loud voice as when a lion roareth; Which doth signify the mighty power of the Lion of the Tribe of Juda; And when he cried, seven thunders uttered their voices; Which doth signify by the roaring and mighty power of the lion of the Tribe of Juda, the seven seals were opened, the seven Trumpets sound, the seven Vials of wrath are poured forth; Saith John, I was about to writ, but I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, seal up those things which the seven thunders have spoken, and writ them not; Which I believe doth signify. That the mystery of these things have been sealed up from the most faithful, Therefore it is that many who have written of these mysteries have erred for want of knowledge; yea, I am persuaded, that there is not two Interpreters, who have written of these things that agree together; and marvel not at this, When Daniel that wise Prophet heard these thing out understood them not, for it was said unto him, go thy way Daniel, the words are closed up, and sealed till the end of the time; Therefore my brethren, if I understand these things the time of the end is nigh even come, and the vision is ready to speak; And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lift up his hand to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for evermore, which created the heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things that therein are, that time should be no more, but in the daies of the voice of the seventh Angel, when he should begin to blow the Trumpet, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets, which mystery doth signify, w●en the mystery of the seven Trumpets are fulfilled, the Lo●d Jesus Christ will come in the Clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, with his mighty Angels and glorious Saints, then the kingdoms of this World shall become the Lords, and his Christ, and the Saints with him shall reign in his kingdom for evermore, when he hath destroyed all his enemies from the face of the earth, and taken all things out of the kingdom that offend; and this is an excellent mystery, that the Lord( who is the Almighty God, whose word is sure and steadfast) hath sworn by himself, more then once, to fulfil at his appointed time, for it must tarry till a time, two times, and a half; and this excellent mystery he hath spoken of to his servants the Prophets.  
And I went unto the Angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book; and he said unto me, take it, and eat it up, and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth as sweet as honey; which I believe doth signify, the bitter destruction of the wicked and disobedient, whose end shall be bitterness for ever; and it being sweet in his mouth, I believe doth signify, that the woes and desolations in the world should be pleasant to many in this world, in walking after the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts thereof, in living in all manner of pleasures on the earth; so was the book of desolation in their mouth sweet, that is, pleasant here in this world, but it shall be bitterness to them in the world to come; for it is a book of prophesy written within and without, Lamentation, and Mourning, and Woe; therefore must John prophesy again among many People, and Nations, and Tongues, and to many Kings, which doth signify, that many People, and Nations, and Tongues, were under this fearful desolation in the earth, Lamentation, and Mourning, and Woe.  
Chap. 11. Ver. 1. And there was given me a reed like unto a rod, and the Angel stood, saying, Rise and measure the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worship therein.  
2 But the Court which is without the Temple, leave out, and measure it not, for it is given unto the Gentiles, and the holy City shall they tread under foot forty and two moneths.  
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore ●aies clothed in sack-cloth.  
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks, standing before the God of the earth.  
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies, and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.  
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the daies of their prophesy, and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues as often as they will.  
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottonles pit, shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.  
8 And their dead bodies shall lye in the street of the great City, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.  
9 And they of the people, and kindreds, and tongues, and nations shall see their dead bodies three daies and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.  
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall sand gifts one to another, because these two Prophets tormented them that dwelled on the earth.  
11 And after three daies and an half the Spirit of Life from God entred into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fe l upon them which saw them.  
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven, saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies beholded them.  
13 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 ga●e glory to the God of heaven.  
14 The second wo is past, and behold, the third wo cometh quickly.  
15 And the seventh Angel sounded and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.  
16 And the four and twenty Elders which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,  
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord, God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.  
18 And the Nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy servants the Prophets, and to the Saints, and them that fear thy Name, small and great, and shouldst destroy them which destroy the earth.  
19 And the Temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his Temple the Ark of his Testament, and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.  
And there was given unto me a reed like unto a rod, which I believe doth signify, that the Church was like unto a reed, very weak in Christ; but it is written, the bruised reed he shall not break, nor the smoking sla● he shall not quench, till he sand forth judgement into victory: And it being like unto a rod, did signify, that the faithful were chastised with a rod; and the Angel stood saying, Me●t the Temple of God, and the Altar, and them that worship therein, which did signify, that the Angel of his presence was with his Church; and in that he said, meet the Temple of God, signifieth, that the Lord hath a chosen people in the greatest times of darkness; as the Lord Jesus Christ said, Lo I am with you always to the end of the world. Again, when the Son of man comes, shall he find Faith upon the earth? And in that he said, the Altar, and them that worship therein, doth signify, those that are sacrificed for his Names sake, so are as offerings on the Altar well pleasing to the Father, for precious is the death of the Saints in the sight of the Lord; but the Court which is without, leave out, and meet not, which doth signify all the hypocrites, and vain worshippers, which are as tares amongst the wheat; for it is given to the Gentiles, which doth signify, it was permitted them of the Lord so to do; and the holy City shall they tread under foot two and forty moneths, which doth signify, that the way of truth should be evil spoken of, and trodden under foot by them two and forty moneths, that is the appointed time, And I will give power unto my two witnesses, which doth signify his several faithful ones; and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore daies, clothed in sackcloth, which I believe doth signify, that the faithful should prophesy in darkness, their appointed time known with the Lord, even 1260 dayes, which I understand to be one with the forty and two moneths, and time, and ●imess, and half a time, while the holy City is trodden under foot, and the glorious light of the Gospel darkened, therefore they have prophesied in sack-cloth, that is, in darkness, they have had but little faith, and been very weak in Christ, and little knowledge in the spirit of prophecy, nevertheless they were precious unto the Lord: These are the two olive trees, which doth signify, that they are precious, chosen, and Elect of God; and the two Candlesticks standing before the God of the earth, doth signify, that they were the Churches of God, and were able to stand before the Prince of darkness, the God of the world, and of the earth,( because he had power given him for a short time) And Christ Jesus said, thou art Peter and on this Rock will I build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, which did signify, that he would build his Church on men, and amongst men, and the powers of hell should not destroy it; and if any man hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouths, and devoureth their enemies, which I believe doth signify, that it was permitted them to help themselves with the sword, to defend themselves against their enemies, though it was not so in the Apostles times, and pure light of the Gospel, they suffered patiently the contrad●ction of sinners, and would not avenge themselves on their enemies, but rather prayed for them; but it was permitted to the Churches in darkness to avenge themselves on their enemies, and this was signified by the words of Christ, when he said, Let him that hath a coat sell it, and buy a sword; for if any man hurt them, thus must he be killed, which doth signify, that they had power to fight against their enemies, and to defend themselves; these have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the da●es of their prophesying, which I believe doth signify, that they should not spread the Gospel much in the Nations, but that they should be but a little ●… ck belonging to Christ, among many People, Nations, and Tongues; for a short work will the Lord make upon the earth, for he will make his account, and gather it in a short sum; and have power to turn wa●ers into blood, which doth signify, that they had power to war against many people who were their enemies, and to slay with the swords and  shed blood, and to smite the earth with all manner of plagues 〈◇〉 ●ften as they will, which doth signify, their power to plague and afflict their enemies, according to their will; but when they have finished their t●stimony, the beast that cometh out of the bottonles pit, shall make war against them, and kill them. First, the finishing of their testimony, d●th signifie● their giving witness to the truth, according to their measure of faith and knowledge; and the beast that cometh out of the bottonles pit is Antichrist, and the false Prophet, who brings in damnable doctrine, contrary to the doctrine and testimony of the faithful witness; and therefore do they make war with the faithful, because they will not believe and obey their damnable heresy; & it is permitted to them to overcome them, and kill them, and their corps shall lye in the streets of the great City, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified, which doth signify, though many faithful witnesses be overcome and slain by the power of the beast, yet their corps, which is the Church, shall be in the world upon the earth, and in the streets of the City, which spiritually is called Sodom( for the sin of Sodom abounds therein, pride, idleness, and fullness of bread) and Egypt( for the sin of Egypt abounds there in cruel bondage to Israel) and in this City was our Lord also crucified by this ungodly generation, and this is a great desolation, that the Church should be in, in the world in these last daies like unto dead corps; and they of the people, and Tongues, and Gentiles, shall see their corps three daies and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves, which doth signify, that the wicked and ungodly generation shall behold the Church all the time of darkness, and Antichrists reign, which is known with the Lord, being three daies and a half, which agrees with the time, times, and half a time; the half time I understand doth signify, the shortening of time, as the Lord Jesus Christ said, for the Elects sake, those daies shall be shortened; the time and times I believe do signify, the time appointed of the Lord, and unknown to man; and shall not suffer their carcases to be put in graves, doth signify, although it be permitted for the Beast and false Prophet to slay and put to death many faithful Saints, yet they shall never destroy the Church from the earth, nor the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and they that dwell on the earth shall rejoice and be glad, which doth signify, that the perverse and wicked generation shall rejoice at the tribulation and death of the Saints, and shall sand gifts one to another, which doth signify, that they who are full of envy and hatred, shall join hand in hand to persecute and kill the righteous, and so be friends one with another, and present one another with gifts, which doth signify their joy, for the two Prophets vexed them that dwelled upon the earth, which doth signify, that their prophesy was against their damnable ways; therefore are they vexed by their testimony; for the Ministe●s of the Gospel are not only the savour of life unto life in them that believe, but also the savour of death unto death in them that believe not; so are they vexed with the savour of their testimony, which is to the●… condemnation; and therefore do they rejoice at their destruction, an● agree with one consent to persecute and kill them; for Herod and Pila●… were made friends when Christ must be crucified; and where the Church is, there her enemies will be gathered against her, as the Eagles to the dead carcase; but after three daies and an half, the Spirit of Life coming from God shall enter into them, and they shall stand on their feet, which doth signify, when the appointed time is accomplished, and the abomination of desolation is fulfilled, then the Church which now lies like dead corps upon the earth, shall stand upon their feet: And thi● is signified also by the dry bones spoken of by Ezekiel the Prophet, which were quickened by the spirit of prophesy, and became an exceeding great Army, then shall the remnant of the house of Jacob be among the Gentiles, and among many people, as the lion amongst the beasts of the forest, and as the lions Whelps amongst the sheep, who when he goeth through, treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver; And then shall great fear come on them that saw them, and they shall hear a great voice from heaven, saying, come up hither, which doth signify the same thing Paul speaks of, saying, we which are alive, and remain at the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are a sleep, but we shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, and so be ever with the Lord; which Mystery I believe doth signify, that when the Lord Jesus Christ comes in the Clouds of heaven with power and great glory, all the house of Israel which is his Church, and now lies as dry bones, and dead corps upon the earth, shall be quickened by the power of his coming, and be translated into the same glory, as was Enoch, and be caught up to heaven like Elias, for nothing is impossible with God, and then it is easy to be understood, that great fear will be upon their enemies, even them that law them as dead carcases, and shall see them ascend into heaven; and the same hour there shall be a great Earth quake, which doth signify the dectruction of the Sons of the first Adam; and revealing the Sons of God, and children of the second Adam; and the tenth part of the City shall fall, which I believe doth signify the destruction of the beauty and glory of the ●ations; and in the Fall shall be slain in number seven thousand, which doth signify the destruction of the Lamb, & his flocks Enemies, which are known in number to the Lord, but the remnant that do Escape, do give glory to the God of heaven, which doth signify that there should none escape, but they who shall give glory to the God of heaven; the second woe is past, and the third woe cometh quickly, which I believe doth signify, when the mystery of the sixth Trumpet is fulfilled, the seventh Trumpet tarrieth not long, but hasteth fast, and is joined with 〈◇〉 sixth; and the seventh Angel blew the Trumpet, & there were voices ●n heaven, saying the kingdoms of this world are our Lords, and his Christs, and he shal reign forevermore, at the end of three daies and a half, which is the appointed time, and also a short time with the Lord the wrath of God shall be fulfilled in all the earth, then the Lord will reign forevermore with all his Saints upon the earth, and there shall no more be found sin in Israel, neither transgression in Juda, The four and twenty Elders which do signify the twelve Tribes of Israel, and the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb, by which is signified all the Elect congregation both of the Jews and Gentiles which sat before God on their seats, which doth signify that they are in the presence of God, and do continually behold his glory, As Christ Jesus also taught, that they who were counted worthy, to attain to the resurrection of the ●ast, were as the Angels of God, which do always behold the face of the Father, and so worshipping God, saying, we give thee thanks Lord God Almighty: which doth signify the Saints worship in heaven, his onely praise, for they are come to the eternal Sabbath, and everlasting rest, and so rest from their labours as God did from his, which was, which is, & which is to come, for thou hast received thy great power, and might, and hast obtained thy kingdom, which doth signify that he is from everlas●… ng to everlasting, without beginning, and ending, and that he will re●gne on the earth, and subdue all things under him for he is the Almighty one, and well able to s●bdue all things unto himself; and this also we may understand, that since the beginning of the Wo●ld is but a short time with the Lord; for one day with the Lord is as a Thousand years, and a Thousand years as one day, many years makes him not old, neither doth few yeares make him young, he is not like unto the Creature, but the same he was, he is, and shall be for ever, therefore blessed are they that reign with him in his kingdom, and unspeakable glory; and the Gentiles were angry, and thy wrath is come, which doth signify in the time of the Lords wrath upon the Earth, the Gentiles, and the heathen rage and Imagined vain things, and the great men, and the Rulers of the Earth, gather themselves against the Lord and against his chosen; and the time of dead that they should be judged, the ungodly generation shall go into perdition, as Christ Jesus taught, that the sheep( which were hi● people) should inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world; but the Goats( which are the wicked) should go into perdition and be Tormented with the Devil and his Angels, and that thou shouldst give a reward, unto thy servants the Prophets, and the Saints, and to them that fear thy name, to small and great; and shall destroy them that destroy the earth, which doth signify that the Lord will give a great reward unto all his chosen, for they shall ●ot inherit the Heavens onely but the Earth also, for this world shall be given unto the Saints of the most High God, and they shall have the kingdom for ever and ever, and be Priests unto God and reign upon Earth, and all that destroyed the Earth shall utterly be destroyed, and the Temple of God was open in Heaven, and there was seen in his Temple the ark of the Covenant, which I believe doth signify that the Lord i● mind●ul of his holy covenant, which he before had ordained, therefore he hasteneth to fulfil his wrath, which is signified by the Lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and much Hail.  
Chap. 12. Vers. 1. And there appeared a great wonder in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.  
2 And she being with child, cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.  
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven, and behold a great read dragon having seven heads, and ten horns and seven crowns upon his heads.  
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth; and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.  
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.  
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred, and three score dayes.  
7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels,  
8 And prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven.  
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that the old serpent, called the devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him,  
1● And I heard a loud voice, saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ. for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death.  
12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them; Wo to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea: for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.  
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the manchild.  
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle that she might flee into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.  
15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman: that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.  
16 And the earth h●lped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.  
17 And the dragon was wrath with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.  
And there appeared a great wonder in Heaven, which doth signify, that the Church was wonderful excellent in the beginning of the Gospel, a woman clothed with the Sun, and the Moon was under her feet, which I ●… lief did signify the Glory and the beauty of the Bride, while she en●… yed her bridegroom, which was the light and glory of the Gospel; and upon her head a crown of twelve stars, which I do believe doth signify, her excellent beauty and brightness, while she abode in the pure and uncorruptable doctrine of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb; and she was with child, which doth signify that she was full of truth, which was the holy Ghost, and cried traveling in birth and pained ready to be delivered, which did signify her great tribulation, for which cause she desired to be delivered, being sore pained by her trouble, & there appeared an●… her great wonder, in heaven which did signify the wonderful power of the Prince of darkness, For behold a great read dragon, which did signify his power to  shed blood, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven Crowns upon his heads, did signify his power in the Nations to raise up many on his side, to fight with the Lamb, and with his chosen; his heads and his horns, and his Crowns upon his heads, doth signify that he should prevail to have many Kings, and Princes, Governors and Rulers, and rich and honourable Men of the world to be on his side; and his Tail drew the third part of the Stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth, which are all the unfruitful trees that are not able to stand in the hour of temptation and time of tribulation; and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, which doth signify the devils rage against the Lamb, and against his chosen, who had the spirit of the Lamb in them to devour her child when she had brought it forth, which doth signify the Devil sought not onely to destroy the Church, but the Lamb of God also; but it was not possible for him to prevail; so she brought forth a man child, which doth signify the taking of the holy Ghost from the Church, which was a great desolation spoken of by the Prophets; immediately after the Tribulation of those dayes, the Sun shall be darkened, and the Moon shall not give her light, and the Stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be shaken, and the woman fled into the wilderness, which doth signify the Church going into darkness, and captivity in Mystery Babylon, where she hath a place prepared her of God, which doth signfie the Lord before had ordained it to be so, and prepared her a place, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore dayes, which doth signify that the faithful are preserved, how ever scattered and dispersed, for the Angels of his presence are with them, and are the Lords Ministering spirits sent forth to Minister for their sakes who are heirs of salvation; and she is to be fed by them 1260. dayes, which is her appointed time of darkness, while the Beast hath power even forty and two Moneths, and she brought forth a child which should rule all Nations with a rod of Iron, which doth signify that the holy Ghost which was the spirit of Truth, which was given to the Apostles and Saints in those dayes, was no other but the Spirit of the living God, and of Jesus Christ, by which all Nations must be ruled with a rod of Iron; and the child was taken up to God and to his Throne, which doth signify that the same holy Ghost was one with the Father, and with the Son, and is exalted on the glorious Throne; and there was a battle in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his Angels fought, which doth signify the spiritual War of the Elect children, who fight through the faith of the Gospel, against the De●il and all his seducing spirits, but the Devil and his angels prevailed not, neither was there place found in heaven, which doth signify that the Devil and his angels cannot prevail against the least of the Elect children, and the great dragon that old serpent called the Devil and Satan was cast out, which doth signify that the Devil who is the Prince of darkness, hath no part amongst the children of the Kingdom, neither is he able to hinder them of glory, which the Father hath prepared for them that love him; so is Satan as an enemy that is cast out and overcome, which deceiveth all the world, which doth declare that all the world are deceived by him, but the children of the Kingdom he cannot prevail against, he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him, which doth declare that his power was onely in the earth and the world, and I heard a voice in heaven, saying, now i● s●lvation in heaven; and strength and the Kingdom of our God and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast out which accuseth them before our God night and day, which doth signify the song of salvation of the Elect, because Satan that great enemy prevaileth not to do them any further hurt, but to kill their bodies, but they overcame him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony. And they loved not their lives unto death, which excellent mystery signifieth that all that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, being faithful unto death, do obtain a Crown of l●fe; being cleansed by the blood of Jesus from all their sins, and being freely justified by his grace, and not by their one righteousness, so Satans accusations are vain, because their sins are not imputed to them, but are all freely forgiven them by the death of Jesus Christ, so they wash their robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb, so are without fault before God, therefore is it said rejoice ye heavens and ye tha● dwell in them; wo unto the inhabitants of the earth, and of the Sea, for the Devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, knowing he hath but a short time, which doth signify his great power in the world, amongst the raging heathen and earthly minded people, and th●… the more because the Lord hasteth with his judgements, to accomplish all to the end; and I am persuaded also that the devil hath knowledge that his time is but short; and when the dragon saw that he was cast out, he persecuted the Woman which had brought forth the man child, which doth signify when the Devil saw that he could not prevail to destroy the souls of the Elect, he ceased not, but still persecuted the Woman( which were the Saints) with all his rage upon the earth, but to the Woman was given two wings of a great Eagle, which doth signify that the Church was succoured by some great earthly Rulers, and Noble men of the world, by which the rage of the dragon was stayed, that she might flee into the wilderness into her place, which doth signify the Churches dwelling in darkness in Mystery Babylon, where she is nourished for a time, and time; and half a time from the presence of the Serpent; which doth signify she being in darkness, was more pleasing to the people and Nations, Kings and Rulers of the earth, and it was also put into their hearts to help the Woman against her enemies, and it was also given to the Church to help themselves with the sword against their enemies, and so it hath pleased the Lord to help his people; and the Dragon cast out of his mouth waters as a flood after the Woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood, this I believe doth signify, that he stirred up the raging heathen & rebellious people to make war against the Woman( which was the Church) but the earth helped the Woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the flood which the Dragon had cast out of his mouth, which doth signify that the Lord raised up earthly powers to withstand the Churches enemies, and to stay the rage of the rebellious, whom Satan had stirred up; then the Dragon was wrath with the Woman, and went and made War with the remnant of her seed, which doth signify when the Church had rest from her enemies, the raging heathen, then they who feignedly cleave unto h●r, became her greatest enemies, yea they of her own house were her greatest enemies; and I stood on the sea sand, saith John, which doth signify an innumerable multitude.  
Chap. 13. Vers. 1. And I stood upon the sand of the Sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the Sea, having seven heads, and ten horns, and upon his horns ten Crowns, and upon his heads the nam● f blasphemy.  
2 And the beast which I saw, was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a Lion: and the dragon gave him his power and his seat, and great authority.  
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.  
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?  
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things, and blasphemies, and power was given unto him to continue forty and two moneths.  
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his Name and his tabernac●e, and them that dwell in heaven.  
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the Saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and Nations.  
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are n●… written in the book of life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.  
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.  
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: He that killeth with the sword, must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints.  
11 And I beholded another beast coming out of the earth, and he had two horns like a Lamb, and he spake as a Dragon.  
12 And he exreciseth al● the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein, to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.  
13 And he doth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.  
14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth, by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword and did live.  
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast, should be kil●ed.  
16 And he causeth all both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:  
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.  
18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six.  
And I saw a Beast rise out of the Sea, the beast I understand to signify heathenish power and government, and the Sea to signify the raging heathens and multitudes of the ungodly having seven heads, and ten horns; the myestry of the seven heads, I understand to be the Kings and great Rulers of the heathen Gentiles, and the ten horns I believe do signify the rebellious children of Israel, who have stumbled at the word and Doctrine of the Gospel, and yet abide in unbelief; and upon his horns ten Crowns, I believe doth signify that they were the Noble and great, rich and Honourable men of the world that took part with the beast, as it was said, Have any of the Rulers believed in him, but these people tha● know not the Law are cursed, for it pleased the Lord to hid from the w●… e and prudent, and to reveal to babes and sucklings, and to confounded the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nought the understanding of the prudent, and to choose the weak and least contemptible things of the world, to confounded the things that are high and mighty; for not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many N●ble were called, but rather the poor and contemptible in the world were chosen to be rich and Honourable in Christ; and upon his heads the names of blasphemy, which doth signify the cruel speeches and blasphemy of the heathen, according to the words of Christ, if they have called the master of the house beelzeebub, how much more they of his household? and if they who seemed to be the servants of God, did so blaspheme, how much more should they who deny him openly, and do sacrifice to Devils? And the Beast that I saw was like unto a Leopard, which doth signify a dangerous and deadly form, and his feet were as the feet of a Bear, which doth signify his goings was to destroy, and his mouth was as the mouth of a lion, which doth signify his fierce power to devour and overcome, and the Dragon gave him his power, which doth signify that the Dragon which is the Devil, did act and make War by him, for the Devil did not appear in his own image to fight in the world against the Church, but having power, permitted him to raise up his servants,( the unbelieving and wicked generation) to persecute the righteous, and this may be understood also by the Dragons appearing with the same power like the Beast with seven heads and ten horns; and his seat and great Authority, which doth signify that the Beast did altogether act for the Dragon, even as a servant doth for a Master, and also he had all the power the Dragon could give him, which was great Authority.  
And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, which I believe did signify the great prevailing power of the Gospel in the Nations at its first coming forth; for the Gospel was published in the world to the utmost parts of the Earth, and was fruitful among all that believed, and were ordained unto life, for the Gospel was preached not onely to Jews, but also to the Gentiles, who before were aliens to Israel, and strangers to the Covenant of life, and so were under the power of the Dragon, and of his kingdom; for I understand them to be signified by the seven heads; And when the goodness of God appeared in his Son Christ Jesus toward the world, not onely to the Je●s, but to the Gentiles also, for he choose a people unto himself, amongst the Gentiles, and so was the kingdom of the Dragon shaken, and one of his heads as it were wounded to death, that is to say, some of his kingdom destroyed, and his deadly wound was healed, which I believe did signify the casting off the Jews that believed not,( and also his great power in the World) according to the words of Christ. They shall come from the East, and from the West, and sit down with Abraham, isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, and the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out into utter darkness, where shall be weeping and gnashing of Teeth, so that I believe that though there was a breach in the Dragon or Beasts kingdom, by the calling of the Gentiles, yet it was made up by the casting off the Jews, and thus I believe his deadly wound was healed; And all the World wondered after the beast, which doth sign●fie his great power in the World, and also that all both Jews and Gentiles( but they onely who were the Elect Children of the kingdom) ●… d join with the beast and did admire him, and wonder after him because of his great power, excellency and wisdom, and they worshipped the Dragon which gave power unto the beast, which doth signify that all the ungodly and unbelieving generation, are servants to the devil, being taken captive by him at his pleasure, and they worshipped the beast, saying who is like unto the beast, which doth signify that he is excellent, and honourable in the world, and no other to be compared with him, who is able to make War with the beast? which doth signify his great prevailing power to rule in the World, and also to overcome and kill the Saints and scatter, and persecute the holy people, and there was given to him a mouth speaking great things, and blasphemies, which doth signify that he had not power of himself to speak those great things and blasphemies, but it was given him from above, for he is the servant of God, being a minister of his wrath, for he is full of the wrath of God, and so doth Minister as he is permitted, and his reward shall be according to his work the wrath of God abiding on him, for ever, & power was given unto him to continue forty & two months, which doth signify as he hath power given him from above, so is his time appointed by the Lord, which is 42, moneths, a time onely known with the Lord, which time I understand agreeth with the 1260 daies spoken of, & also with the time & time●, & half time, and the three daies and a half, in which time the holy City is trodden under foot, and the faithful people slain, persecuted and scattered, which time I do believe doth continue till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; and he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his Name, and his Tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven, which doth signify horrible wickedness, that he should not be a fraid to speak blasphemy against God, and against the heavenly Host, because he feareth not God, neither believeth in him; and all that dwelled upon the Earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Lambs book of life, from the foundation of the word, this is plain doctrine, that all the whole World( but the Elect onely) do worship him, both high and low; rich and poor, and it was given to him to make war with the Saints, and overcome them, which doth signify that it was permitted to him to overcome the Saints, and to make havoc in the Church, in killing, persecuting, and scattering the Elect and chosen, for the Apostles taught the Church, that through much Tribulation they should enter into the kingdom of heaven, and it was not given for them onely to believe, but suffer for his name sake, and this was a great token of their Election, when they suffered for his Name sake, and it was a token of perdition to them by whom they suffered, it being a righteous thing with God, to recompense Tribulation to them that troubled them; and power was given him over all kindreds and Tongues, and Nations, which doth signify his power over all the World, both in his own kingdom, and also among the Elect children of the kingdom as was permitted him, if any man have an ear let him hear: he that leads into captivity, shall go into captivity, he that kills with the sword, must be killed with the sword; here is the faith and patience of the Saints, this I believe doth signify the wrath of God in the Nations, that they should right one with an other, and destroy and spoil one another, that the words of Christ might be fulfilled, Nation should rise against Nation, and kingdom against kingdom, so they that led into captivity should go into captivity, and they that killed with the sword, were with the sword to be killed, and this was not onely among the wicked generation, but( I believe) the faith and patience of the Saints was also to led into captivity, and kill with the sword, so they( as others) were lead into captivity, and killed with the sword, and the false prophets also might be killed under the name of Saints, as though they suffered for Christs sake, when it is but the wrath of God to recompense vengeance upon them and I beholded an other beast coming out of the Earth, which I believe doth signify, that this beast is one with the first, but is more deceivable( his rising was out of the Earth, and out of the bottomless pit) and he had two horns like a Lamb, which I believe doth signify that he had several answers like unto the Lamb Christ Jesus, and also came in Christs Name, and pretended to stand for him, but was very anti-christ, and altogether, against him; and he spake as the Dragon, which doth signify his devilish doctrine, and he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, which doth declare that he is one with the first beast, and caused the Earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed, which doth signify that he was for the Dragon, and for the first beast, and one with them, to bear rule and to deceive the world; and he doth great wonders, so that he maketh fire to come down out of heaven on the Earth in the sight of men which I believe doth signify his pretending to stand for the Lord, and to fight for Christ, that under the name of wicked men and heretics he might slay the Saints, and consume them with a pretended heavenly power, and also prevails against them, and this I understand to be the fire he make● to come down out of heaven on the earth in the fight of men, and this is all I am persuaded, that many have killed the Saints, and have thought that they have done God good service, their understandings have been so darkened, that they have thought them to be heretics, and deceivers, when they themselves have been such; and deceived them that dwelled upon the Earth by the means of those Miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, which doth signify that he was the false prophet, and had power to work Miracles; for this I am persuaded, that many false Prophets have cast out devils, and done many Miracles and wonders( when the Saints have not had that power) for they will say unto Christ at that day, we have prophesied and done great wonders, and cast out devils in thy name, but he will say unto them, depart from me ye workers of iniquity, I know you not, by which I understand that it was permitted to the false Prophets, to cast out Devils and to do wonders in the name of Christ, by which Miracles many have been deceived, but the Saints have wanted such power, as Christ also taught, this kind cometh out onely by fasting and praying, and this I understand that the Saints in these times of darkness have no other power but by fasting and prayer, because of their weak faith; saying to them that dwell upon the earth, that he should make an Image to the beast which had a wound with a sword, and did live, this I believe doth signify the outward forms, laws and Traditions, of the false Prophets, which he hath no Testimony for, from the holy Scriptures, b●t from ●hilosophy and vain deceit, which is the smoke of the bottomless pit, and therefore is this Image made to the beast and to the Dragon; and he had power to give life to the Image of the beast, that the Image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the Image of the beast, should be killed, which I believe doth signify that the false Prophet and prophets had not onely power to set up such damnable laws, Traditions and damnable doctrines, but also had power to persecute and kill them who would not obey their damnable doctrine and errors, much contrary to the way of salvation; and the speaking of the Image I understnd doth signify that they would compel people to worship it, not for their sakes that made it, but for its own excellency, as though it were the onely way to salvation.  
And he caused all both small and great, rich and poor, bond and free to receive a mark in their right hand, and in their foreheads, which I believe doth signify, the false prophets great care for the beast, and for the Dragon, that all people should give their right hand of fellowship in that way of condemnation, or else have the very name of wickedness and mark of iniquity in their foreheads, & no man might buy or sel save them that had the mark of the beast, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name, which doth signify, that they who did refuse to consent to the damnable forms and doctrines of the false prophets, they would persecute and not alow them to live and Trade quietly amongst them, no, not so much as to buy and sell, this thing is true and have many witnesses; now the mark of the beast I understand to be heresy and blasphemy, the name of the beast to be sin and wickedness and the number of the beast to be the filling up the number and measure of sins.  
Here is wisdom, let him that hath wit count the number of the beast, which doth signify that it belongs onely to wise understandings in the spirit to count the number of the beast, which is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six, which I believe,( who am very weak in the spirit, and have small understanding) doth signify that as a wicked man, when he hath filled up the measure of his sins, death and goeth into perdition, so shall the beast( which is the generation of the ungodly men) when he hath filled up the very number and measure of his sins, shall die as a man, and go into everlasting perdition, and though his number and time be longer then a man, f●r as no man liveth 666. years so the number of the beast exceedeth a man, yet at the very appointed time he shall come to his end, when six hundred threescore and six is fulfilled, which is the appointed time known to the Lord, but a secret hide from men.  
Chap. 14. vers. 1. And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood upon the mount Sion, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, having his Fathers name written in their foreheads.  
2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great Thunder, I heard the voice of harpers, harping with their harps.  
3 And they sung as is were a new song before the Throne, and before the four beasts, and the Elders, and no man could learn that song, but the hundred, and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.  
4 And these were they which were not defiled with women: for they are virgines: these are they which followeth the Lamb whithersoever he goeth: These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God, and to the Lamb.  
5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the Throne of God.  
6 And I saw an other angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every Nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.  
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgement is come, and worship him that made heaven and earth, and the Sea and the fountains of waters.  
8 And there followed another angel, saying Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great City, because shee made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.  
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice; if any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,  
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured ou● without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.  
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever. And they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever received the mark of his name.  
12 Here is the patience of the Saints: here are they that keep the commandements of God, and the faith of Jesus.  
13 And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, writ, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works to follow them.  
14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  
15 And an other Angel came out of the Temple, crying with a loud voice to him that set on the cloud: Thrust in thy sickle and reap, for the time is come for thee to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  
16 And he that sat upon the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.  
17 And an other angel came out of the Temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.  
18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire, and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, thust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are full ripe.  
19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great wine press of the wrath of God.  
20 And the winepress was trodden without the City, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.  
And I looked and lo a Lamb on mount Sion, which doth signify Jesus Christ in his kingdom, and with him a hundred forty and four thousand, which doth signify the redeemed of the children of Israel, of every Tribe twelve thousand, which I understand to be a certain number sealed by the Lord, but unknown to men, having his fathers name written in their foreheads, which doth signify that they were made partak●rs of the Fathers glory, and were clothed with shining garments of righteousness; And I heard a voice from heaven as the voice of many waters, which doth signify the multitude of the redeemed out of every tongue and Nation, and as the voice of a great Thunder, which I believe doth signify the redeemed's mighty power; and I heard the voice of harpers, harping with their harps, which doth signify their unspeakable joy, and they sang as it were a new song before the Throne & before the four beasts & the Elders, which I believe doth signify their excellent change, being as it were made new, being translated from the image of the earthy, into the image of the heavenly & so did sing the new song of glory; & none could learn the song, but the 14400 which were redeemed from the earth, which doth signify that none were changed to that excellent glory, but they only who were sealed of the Lord, & elect children of the kingdom, not of the Jews onely, but of the Gentiles also, for this understand that the hundred forty & four thousand hath not an earthly signification as men do number, but doth signify a number only known of the Lord, who knoweth all his works from the foundation of the world, by which we may understand that the Lord knows the number of his elect both Jews and Gentiles in all the world, therefore I understand that none can learn this song of Eternal glory, but the hundred forty and four thousand which are redeemed from the earth, both of the Jews and Gentiles, these are they that are not defiled with women, which doth signify that they were such as overcame the world, by the faith of Jesus Christ, for they are virgins, which doth signify that being translated into glory, they are as pure virgines, these are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, which doth signify that they are ever with the Lord, these were redeemed from amongst men, being the first fruits unto God, and to the Lamb, which doth signify, being redeemed by the death of Jesus Christ, they are( as the Apostle Paul saith) a kind of first fruits of his creatures unto God, and in their mouths was found no guile, for they ●… e without fault before the Throne of God, which doth signify, that all the Elect that believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ are without guile in their mouths, and without fault in the presence of God, because they are cleansed from all sin by the blood of Jesus Christ, so are accepted in the beloved, being freely Justified by his grace, are without fault before the Throne of God, verse 6. which doth signify when the number of the Elect is fulfilled, then shall the everlasting Gospel be preached in all the World to every Nation, Tongue, and people, verse 7. which doth signify that then the Lord alone is to be feared, the time of his judgement being come, that he will render to every man according to his works, he being the Almighty God and creator of all things, verse 8. which doth signify that when the everlasting Gospel is published in the World, then Babylon that great city( which is all the abominable and abominations of the Earth) shall be utterly cast down, verse 9, 10, 11. which doth signify, that then, the beast shall have fulfilled his number, and come to his end, and with him all that have his mark, and are on his side, are to be tormented in fire and brimstone for evermore verse 12. 13. which doth signify the blessed estate of the Saints, who have the saith of Jesus Christ, and walk in the commandements of God, and with patience work out their own salvation in the world, when they die they are blessed henceforth, for they rest from their labour in the world, and receive their reward, which is their everlasting salvation of their souls, so their works do follow them; and I looked and behold a white cloud which I believe doth signify excellent righteousness, and one sate upon the cloud like to the Son of man, which doth signify the Lord Jesus Christ, having on his head a golden Crown, which doth signify his excellent glory, and in his hand a sharp sickle, which doth signify that he is the reaper of the earth; and another Angel came out of the Temple crying with a loud voice to him that sate upon the cloud which I believe doth signify that the Son of man doth all things at the command and consent of the Father though he be one with the Father; thrust in thy sickle and reap, for the time is come for thee to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe, Which I believe doth signify that the sins of the earth are great, therefore must he reap and make destruction; And he that sate upon the cloud thrust in his sickle and the earth was reaped, which doth signify that it is the Lord Jesus Christ that Judgeth in the earth amongst the ungodly and pours forth his wrath upon them according to righteousness, vers. 17.18.19.  
Which doth signify that the Angels are his Ministering spirits to do the will of the Father in the earth, to destroy the ungodly at his commandment, and the winepress was trodden without the City, which I believe doth signify they were not of the holy City, but of the world and were also plagued in the world, and blood came out of the winepress, which I believe doth signify the great Wars in the Nations, and the sword of the Lord by which many are slain, even to the horse bridles by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs, which I believe doth plainly signify great destruction by Wars, and the stream of blood in the Nations to be great, yet the very measure of the stream to be known to the Lord which is signified by the thousand and six hundred furlongs.  
Chap. 15. Vers. 1. And I saw another sign in heaven great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them is filled up the wrath of God.  
2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass, mingled with fire, and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on, the sea of glass, having the harps of God.  
3 And they sung the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, just and true are thy ways, thou king of Saints.  
4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy Name? for thou onely art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are made manifest.  
5 And after that I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:  
6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven p ●gues, ●e●hed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.  
7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vi●ls full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.  
8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power, and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.  
And I saw another sign in heaven great and marvelous, seven Angels having the seven last plagues of God, for in them is fulfilled the wrath of God, which doth signify that the last plagues of God should be marvelous great, and that all his wrath should be fulfilled in them; and I saw as it were a glass-sea mingled with fire, which I believe doth signify the multitude of the redeemed, it being glassy signifieth their excellent pureness and bright shining in glory, the Sea signifieth their great number, it being mingled with fire, signifieth their fiery trial, And great tribulation through which they have entred the Kingdom, and them that had got the victory over the Beast, and over the image, and over his Mark, and over the number of his Names, stand on the glassy-sea, having the haps of God; which doth signify that all that overcome the world by the faith of Jesus Christ, do shine as Stars, and pure like glass in the Kingdom of God, and do praise him in his glorious Temple, and sung the songs of Moses the servant of God, which was the song of deliverance, and the song of the Lamb, which was the song of Eternal victory, saying, great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, which doth signify, that then they were come to see the great and marvelous works of God, and to know him as he is the Almighty( as Paul also taught, then shall we know, even as we are known) therefore do they aclowledge his works to be marvelous, just are thy ways, King of Saints, which do●h signify that they that come to know him as he is, do aclowledge him to be just and true, and also the King of Saints; who shall not fear thee O Lord, and glorify thy Name? for thou onely art holy, which doth signify that they know perfectly, that he is worthy to be feared, and his Name onely to be praised, for he is good and holy; as Christ Jesus said there is none good but God, and all Nations shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are manifest, which I believe doth signify that the redeemed Saints in Glory do know perfectly, that the Lord will subdue all Nations under him, and will give the Kingdom, of this world, unto the Saints, when all his Judgements are made manifest and declared, then shall his will be done on earth as it is in heaven; and after that I looked and beholded the Temple of the Tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was open, which I believe doth signify that the Lord is mindful of his Covenant, and hasteth with his judgements to accomplish his wrath, that he may build up his holy City, and come into his everlasting Tabernacle; and the seven Angels came out of the Temple having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and bright Linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles, which doth signify that all these plagues upon the earth are from the Lord, and Ministered by his holy Angels, and all things are performed and fulfilled at the word of the Lord; can there be evil in a City and the Lord hath done it? And one of the four Beasts( which I believe was the first, that was like a lion which did signify the lion of the tribe of Juda) gave unto the Angels seven golden Vials full of the wrath of God that liveth for ever and ever, the golden Vials I believe doth signify the glorious righteousness of the Lord, they being full of the wrath of God doth signify it was because of the great wickedness of the earth; and therefore it was just with him to pour forth the Vials of his wrath upon them that provoke him to indignation; and the Temple was filled with the smoke from the Glory of God, and from his power, which I believe doth signify the Judgement of God in his own house and no man was able to enter into the Temple, till the seven Plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled, which I believe doth signify, that the Kingdom of God and glorious Temple should not appear upon the earth till the seven plagues were fulfilled.  
Chap. 16. Vers. 1. And I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying unto the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.  
Which doth signify as the holy Angels came out of the Temple, so had they commandment out of the Temple by a great voice, which doth signify strong commandment to finish their charges so that without all contradiction all these plagues upon the earth are from the great God of heaven and earth.  
2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth, and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.  
This I believe doth signify the just judgements of God upon them that killed and persecuted the Saints, plaguing them with sore and strange diseases, and many plagues, as Herod that great persecutor was smitten by the Angel of the Lord, and eaten with worms, and I am persuaded that many such persecutors since, have not escaped the great plagues of God.  
3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea, and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.  
Which I believe doth signify the eternal death of the raging heathen and rebellious multitude, for the sea became not onely blood,( which doth signify great multitudes slain by the sword) but as the blood of a dead man, and every living soul died, which doth signify their Eternal death, and the Eternal death of them who are not slain by the sword, of every living thing in the Sea, which are all the ungodly and unbelieving generation, how ever they die by the sword or on their beds, they die eternally, and this is a great plague of God.  
4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters, and they became blood.  
Which doth signify the sword of the Lord among many people and Nations, who persecuted and killed his Saints: And I heard the Angel of the waters say, thou art righteous O Lord, which art, and which wast and shall be, because thou hast Judged thus, for they have  shed the blood of the Saints, and Prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink, for they are worthy.  
7 And I heard another out of the altar say; Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy Judgements.  
Which doth signify the Lords righteousness in sending the sword in the Nations, to destroy and to be drunken in blood, to cut down the multitudes of the heathen, and people that have persecuted and slain his Saints, so he hath given them to slay one another.  
8 And the fourth angel poured out the vial upon the sun, and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.  
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not, to give him glory.  
Which I believe doth signify the great consuming judgements of the Lord in all the earth, the sword, the plague and pestilence by which many are consumed yet repented not of their wickedness, but blasphemed the God of heaven, which had power over those plagues, for he alone it was that sent them: and in that the Vial was poured forth in the Sun, that the great consuming judgements of the Lord, were in all the earth, and in that men were scorched with great heat, I believe doth signify that men were greatly consumed with the judgements of the Lord: yet repented not of their wickedness to give him glory, and worship him who had power over all those plagues.  
10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast, and his kingdom was full of darkness, and they gnawed their tongues for pain.  
11 And blasphemed the God of heaven, because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.  
Which I believe doth signify the great judgements of the Lord amongst the ungodly and wicked generation, that they were given over to great wickedness that they were very pained with the fullness of their sins being so full of darkness, envy wrath and all manner of ungodliness, the wrath of God lying heavy upon them, and their consciences being wounded with the sting of death, and many of them are so pained with very condemnation that compass them about, yet repent not of their works, their hearts being so hardened through the long custom of sin; in stead of their repenting they multiply their sins, and blaspheme the God of heaven, yea though their very tongues do gnaw for sorrow of the wrath of God, and condemnation of hell that lieth heavy upon them, yet they repent not, but blaspheme the God of heaven, and this fierce judgement of the Lord is on the throne of the Beast among the most excellent in his Kingdom, upon the great men of the earth, Kings and Princes and great Rulers, and in all his Kingdom is the wrath of God and great darkness, so that they all as it were with one mouth blaspheme the God of heaven, and shall receive the reward of blasphemers which is Eternal gnawing in hell fire for ever more.  
12 And the sixth angel poured out the vial upon the great river Euphrates, and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.  
Which doth signify a great desolation in the Church, for the great river Euphrates, I believe doth signify the waters of life, which are as dried up in these last dayes, for the Church lieth as dead corpes upon the earth, the wise virgins are a sleep with the foolish, the coming of the Kings of the East, I believe doth signify the coming of the glorious Saints, vers 13. Which doth signify that it is by the spirits of devils, that the false prophets work miracles by, and that all are deceived by, and that gather them together to fight and destroy one another, to fulfil the wrath of God; and so it is called the day of the Almighty God, and these wicked spirits have permission from the Lord by his holy Angels, to Minister his wrath upon the ungodly and sinful generation.  
Behold I come as a thief in the night which doth signify that Christ shall come in a time of great darkness, at an hour when he is not looked for, even as a thief in the night, blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and men see his shane, which doth signify that they are blessed that have ●aith at his coming; and they gathered them together in a place called in Hebrew Armagedon, which I believe answereth to Migiddo by the River Euphrates, where that goodly Prince Josiah was slain, for he would not harken to the words of Necho from the mouth of the Lord, but rebelled, and so was slain, and so many excellent men in these latter dayes have made War, when they had no commandment from the Lord( but ought rather to have suffered for his Names sake) and so have been slain at Armagedon, which signifieth Josiahs transgression, according to the word of the Lord, he that takes the sword shall perish with the sword.  
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air, and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.  
Which doth signify when the 7th vial is poured forth, the wrath of God shall be finished, and in that it was poured forth in the Air, doth signify that it should light upon all the earth, & in that there came a great voice out of the Temple, out of heaven, saying, it is done, doth signify with great power from heaven it should be done, and the end should be with mighty power from God out of heaven; and there were voices and thunderings and lightnings, which doth signify terrible judgements in the last time, and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great, which I believe is the utter destruction of earthly men; and the great City was divided into three parts, which I believe doth signify that in the dayes of the last Vial there should be many divisions in the world, which now is mightily fulfilled; And the Cities fell, and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath, and every iceland fled away; and the mountains were not found; The Cities of the Nations I understand belong to Babylon that great City, that Reigns over all the earth, and this great City is signified by a woman that sits on the Beast, that hath seven heads and ten horns, for as the Church and multitude of the faithful are signified by a Woman, so is Mystery Babylon and the great multitude of the unblieving and wicked generation signified a by Woman, and therefore is the name written upon her forehead, Mystery Babylon the great, the Mother of Harlots and abomination of the earth; now in the dayes of the last Vial, the Lord will give unto her the cup of his force wrath, and she shall utterly be destroyed for ever; the Islands fleeing away, and the Mountaines being found no more, doth signify that with her shall fall all earthly powers and authority, and shall pass away, and their place be found no more.  
21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every ston about the weight of a Talent, and men Blasphemed God because of the Plague of the hail: for the plague thereof was exceeding great.  
Which I believe doth signify the sharp judgements of the Lord, in the last time by the sword, by the Plague, & by the Famine, not of bread, but of the word of God, which judgements should be so great upon the Earth as though hail should fall from out of heaven, and every ston the wait of a talent, and because of these great Plagues men do blaspheme the Name of God, but repent not of their wickedness, therefore shall the Lord come upon them as a chief in the night, and sorrow shall take them as a Woman in travail, and they shall not escape, and though it please the Lord to give a time of peace, yet sudden destruction will come.  
Chap. 17 ve. 1. And there came one of the seven angels, which had the seven vials and talked with me, saying to me, come hither, I will show unto thee, the judgement of the great whore, that sitteth upon many waters:  
2 With whom the Kings of the Earth hath committed fornication, and the inhabiters of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.  
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heaps, and ten horns.  
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple, and scarlet colour, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.  
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.  
6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.  
7 And the angel said unto me, wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, of and the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads, and ten horns.  
8 The beast, that thou sawest, was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition; and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder( whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation the world) when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.  
9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountaines, on which the woman sitteth.  
10 And there are seven Kings, five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come, and when be cometh, he must continue a short space.  
11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eight, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.  
●2 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.  
Now concerning the mystery of Babylon, one of the seven Angels shewed to John, and also the damnation of the whore, as he said verse 1, 2▪ And he carried me away into the wilderness, which I believe doth signify, that shee was with the Church; And I saw a woman set upon a scarlet colou●ed beast full of names of blaphemy, having seven heads, and t●n horns, the woman( as I said before) doth signify the wicked and unbelieving generation, and the beast is the same before spoken of, that did arise out of the Sea and is one with the Dragon, and with the beast that came up out of the Earth, and out of the bottomless pit, and in this he is scarlet coloured, which is read, he answereth to Edom, which is Esau that hates and persecutes his brother Jacob before in Edom, the Lord Jesus hath stained his raiment:  
And the woman was arrayed in purple & scarlet colour, which I believe doth signify her lust to  shed blood, and girded with gold and precious stones, and pea●les, which doth signify her excellency and riches in the World; and she had a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication which doth signify her great deciveablenesse, and upon her head was a name written, mystery Babylon the great the Mother of Harlots and abominations of the Earth, verse. 6. for in h●r were all the saints slain upon the earth, & also Jesus Christ ver. 7 The beast which thou sawest was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, the which I understand that the first beast was then, but the second which is one with the first was not then come, or the first beast had not received his authority in the Churches, therefore was he said not to be, though he was in the World, yet he was not risen in the Churche●; But he should ascend out of the bottomless pit,( that is come out of the Earth, by Earthly wisdom, Philosophy and Heathenish craft) and go into perdition, and all they that dwell upon the earth shall wonder,( whose names are not written in the Lambs book of life, from the foundation of the World) when they behold the beast that was, and is not, yet is, which I do understand that all the World shall wonder after the beast, and Worship him, but the Elect onely, whom the Lord forekn●w from the beginning, and in that the Angel said, he was, and is not, and yet is, I understand as if he had said, he was in the World, but is not yet come into the Churches, yet he is in the world; here is the mind that hath wisdom, which I understand do signify a great Mystery, and belongs onely to an excellent understanding in the spirit,( yea much o● it is a secret hide from the Sons of men, and onely known with the Lord) yet as a fool, I will show my opinion who am but a child in th● knowledge of heavenly mysteries; The seven heads are seven mountaines, on which the Woman sitteth, they are also seven Kings, five are fallen, and one is, and another is not yet come, & when he cometh he must continue but a short time, this mystery I believe doth signify the Age, 〈◇〉 end of the World, as though the World had been given to seven Kings, and five of them had reigned, and the sixth did then reign, and the seventh was to come, and continue a short space( which also doth signify the hasting of time, as Christ said, for the Elects sake those daies shall be shortened) but it is not good for me, neiher any man to reckon by an earthly number, or cast by equal times, to know the end of the world, for it is a secret onely known of the Lord, but by this mystery may be understood that the end of the World is very nigh, even at the doors, for if the sixth age was then( which I suppose was about sixteen hundred years sinc●) and the seventh must reign but a short time, how should it be but the end is very nigh.  
And the beast that was, and is not, is even the eight and is one of the seven, which I do believe doth signify, that the beast which is Anti-Christ, and the man of sin should reign, and have dominion, as one of the Kings of the Earth, so is counted the eight, but his reign should not lengthen the time, but his time and reign should be with the seven Kings, especially with the sixth and seventh Kings, for he is one of the s●v●n and therefore I understand that he should not reign to lengthen the time, but rather to shorten it, in fulfilling the wrath of God the sooner in the world, and therefore because of great wickedness, he shall g●… into destruction, as it is written of him, verse 12. These horns I do understand do signify the house of Israel, which now is in bondage; and in that they were called Kings, I believe that they were many of th● ch●ife and honourable people of the Jews, that were blinded and their hearts hardened, that they could not believe the Gospel, & though they received no kingdom, to reign as Kings in the world, yet they had power as Kings with the beast: yet, there was none more mad against, the Church then they as the scripture brings full witness, therefore are they c●unted kings in helping the beast, but not in reign, for they had received no kingdom, but they would receive power as Kings one hour with the beast.  
13 These have no mind, and shall g●ve their power and strength unto the beast.  
14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, For he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, and they that are with him, are called, and chosen and faithful.  
15 And he said unto me, the wait s which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and Nations, and Tongues.  
Which doth declare, that they were given over to be one with the beast in the kingdom of darkness, so that they helped with all their power and authority the beast, verse ●4. which doth plainly show, that they should right against the Lord J●sus Christ, which they did, as the scriptures doth largely w tnesse, but the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, which doth signify his power to do his will; and they that are on his side are called and chosen and faithful, which doth signify that the elect who are on his side were called according to the purpose of the Father, chosen before the foundati●n of the world, and so were faithful in all tribulation, even unto death, verse 15. which doth signify, that the whore reigneth over all Nations  
16 And the ten horns which th●… s●west upon the beast these shall hate the whore and shall make her desolate, and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.  
Which I believe doth signify, that when the number of the beasts Name is fulfilled, at the end of the world, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall come, the Jews which now believe not, who are the house of Jacob, which is in bondage, shall depart from the beast, and from the whore and shall rise up against her as a strong enemy to destroy her, and to make her naked, and desolate, and utterly consume her.  
17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.  
18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great City, which reigneth over the Kings of the earth.  
Which doth signify, that they should give their kingdom to the beast, till the words of God were fulfilled, and also till the Lord Jesus Christ came, as he himself said; ye shall not have finished all the cities of Israel until the Son of man become, and these I understand to be the unfinished cities, but they shall be called, as it is written, the deliverer shall come out of Sion and turn ungodliness from Jacob, and then shall all I●rael be saved. verse 18. which I believe doth signify all the abominations, and deceivableness on the earth.  
Chap. 18. verse 1. And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power, and the earth was ●ightned with his glory  
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bide:  
3 For all Nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the Merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicates  
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sin, and that ye receive not of her plagues:  
Which doth signify that great power, and glory in the earth, babylon shall be destroyed, ver. 2. which doth signify that Babylon shall surely fall indeed, and though she is very beautiful in the world, she shall clearly be changed, verse 3. which doth signify that all Nations have been deceived by her, and that it is by her deceivableness, that the Merchants of the world are made rich and increased, verse 4. which doth signify that the Church and people of God are in her, even as the children of Israel were lead captive into Babylon, and there were commanded to serve Nebucbadnezer King of Babylon; even so is Israel now in mystery Babylon, and are to serve there till the Lord brings again their captivity, and build up his own Temple( which lieth down in the world) and then shall Israel come out of mystery Babylon. with songs & great joy; for now she is in a strange land, & cannot sing; as it is written, how shall we sing in a strange land for the children of Israels captivity and commit from Babylon, was a sign of our captivity, and coming out of mystery Babylon.  
5 For her sins have reached unto heaven & God hath remembered her iniquities  
6 Reward her as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled, fill to her double.  
7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a Queen and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.  
8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning and famine, And she shall be utterly burnt with fire; for strong is the Lord God, who judgeth her.  
9 And the Kings of the earth who have committed fornication, lived deli●iously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning.  
10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great City Babylon, that mighty City: for in one hour is thy judgement come.  
which doth signify that her sins are fulfilled, verse. 6. which doth signify the Saints power over her, to reward her double. verse 7. which doth signify as she hath lived in all manner of pleasures upon the earth, as though she should have had no end, neither seen sorrow, even so should her punishment be the greater( and the Saints should have power to reward her d●uble) which is also signified by the rich glutton who received his good things in this World, therefore he was tormented in Hell fire; but poor ●… garas received his evil things in this World, but great was his reward in Heaven; even so the Whore which is the great City( by which ●he wicked generation is signified) receiveth her pleasures here in this world, but eternal torment in perdition hereafter; and also the wo●… an which is the Church( by which the righteous generation is signified) receiveth her pain and evil things in this world, but in the World to come Eternal glory; verse 8. which doth signify that her plagues shall come● upon her suddenly. and in a moment, for he is able that doth it; and the Kings of the earth who have committed fornication with her, shall mourn for her in the time of her torment, because they shall be partakers of her misery, verse 9, 10. which I believe doth signify, not that they shall be far removed from her torment, but rather desire to stand a far from her, because of her torment, but shall not be able to escape her judgement, but shall know well, that her judgement is come in a moment, as at an hour.  
11 And the merchants of the earth shall trip and mourn over her, for no man buyeth their merchandise any more.  
12 The merchandise of gold and silver, and precious ston and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk and scarlet, and all thine wood, and all manner of vessels of Ivory, and all manner of vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble.  
13 And cynamom, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flower, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.  
14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty, and goodly, are departed from ther, and thou shalt find them no more at all.  
15 The merchants of these things which were made rich by her shall stand afar off, for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing.  
16 And saying alas, alas, that great City that mas clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls:  
17 For in one ho●r so great riches is come to nought. And every shi master and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, sto●d a far off,  
18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, what city ●s l ke unto this great city?  
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and nailing saying, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had stips in the sea by reason of her cest ynesse, for in one hour is she made desolat●.  
20 rejoice over her, thou beaten, and ye holy Apostles and Prophets, ●… r G●d hath avenged you on her.  
21 And a mighty angel took up a ston like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, thus with violence shall that great City Ba●y●… n be thrown down, and shall he found no more at all.  
22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers and Trumpeters shall be heard no more at all in thee. and no crafisman of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee: and the sound of the millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee.  
23 And the light of a candle shall shin no more at all in thee: and the voice of the bridegroom, and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy Merchants were the great men of the Earth: for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.  
24 And in her was found the blood of Prophets, and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the Earth.  
Which doth signify that all her merchants shal weep for her, and also with her; yea all that have increased riches by unrighreousnesse shall perish with her, and there shall be no more buying of her wears, for all unrighteousness shall be destroyed from the earth, verse 12, 13, 14. which doth signify that all manner of earthly things, are her wears and merchandise, but after her destruction there shall be no more buying and selling of these earthly things, and also there shall be no more souls left by her, neither any more bondage, for all death and bondage shall perish with her, verse 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 which doth signify that all who ●re made rich with her merchandise( which are earthly things) by deee●t and unrighteous gtin, shall mourn for her, and with her in the day of her frerce judgement, verse 20. which doth signify that they in heaven, the holy prophets and Apostles will rejoice at her destruction, for in her was their blood  shed, which shall be avenged also on her. verse 21. which doth signify that with great violence, she shall be cast down for ever, and never trouble the saints any more, neither be found in the earth any more. verse 22, which I believe doth signify that all harpers, Musicians. & Pipers, & Trumpeters shall cease from the Earth, & all crafts-men of what soever craft, they shall be found no more in this great city. Babylon, neither the sound of a millstone, or grinding be found any more in her verse 23, 24.  
Chap. 19. And after these things I heard a great voice, of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluja, salvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord our God.  
2 For true and righteous are his judgements, for hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.  
3 And again, they ●said, hallelujah. and her smoke rose up for ever and ever.  
4 And the four and twenty elders, and the four beasts fell down, and wersh●pped God that sate on the throne, saying, Amen, hallelujah.  
5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.  
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, hallelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb if come, and his wife hath made her self ready.  
8 And to her was granted, that sh● should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of Saints.  
9 And he saith unto me, writ, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage Supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.  
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him: and he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren, that have the testimony of Jesus, Worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophesy  
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he that sate upon him was called faithfu and true, and in rig●teousn ss he doth judge and make war.  
12 His eyes were as a flamme of fire, and on his head were many crowns, and he had a name written, that no man knew but he himself.  
13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, and his Name is called, The word of God.  
14 And the armies which were in heaven fallowed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of Iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  
16 And he hath on his vesture, and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.  
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the Supper of the great God.  
18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the fl●sh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that( it on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.  
19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to make war against him that sate on the horse, and against his army.  
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet, that wrought miracles before him, and which deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire and brimstone.  
21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sate upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.  
Which doth declare the unspakeable joy of all the great heavenly multitude at the fall of Babylon, and at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in his kingdom in the glory of the Father, as he hath purposed in himself before the foundation of the world, vers. 7. Let us be glad and rejoice, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made her self ready, which I do understand the Marriage of the Lamb is the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to his Church in the earth with power and great glory, and the glorious heavenly Saints shall come with him, and all shall be filled with the fullness of Jesus Christ and the glory of God the Father, and shall all be changed into the same glory, by the powerful spirit of the Lord, then shall the bride be ready for the Bridegroom, vers. 8. Which doth declare that they are blessed who are called to the Feast and Supper of the Lord; and in that he said these are the true sayings of God, doth signify that as God is true, so are these things, and surely to be fulfilled, vers. 9. Which doth signify, that the Angels and Saints are fellow-servants( for they that obtain the resurrection of the dead, are as the Angels of God) and therefore the Angel would not be worshipped, as he saith I am thy fellow-servant of thy brethren which have the Testimony of Jesus worship God, which I believe doth signify that the Angel knew those things but by prophesy, and gave them unto John as he received them from the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ whose servant he was, and the witness and testimony is the spirit of prophesy, which is a true testimony indeed: for the spirit of prophesy, hath since the beginning given witness to him, and to his word at all times which hath been fulfilled; now further to declare the power & excellent Mystery of the Lord Jesus Christ, John saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, which doth signify righteousness and strength; and he that sate upon him was called faithful and true, and in righteousness he fighteth and maketh War, his eyes were as a flamme of fire, which doth signify his consuming power, and on his head were many Crowns, which doth signify his rewards for the faithful, and he had a name written which no man knew but himself, which I believe doth signify his unspeakable image, for no man hath seen God at any time, and no man can see God and live, his unspeakable glorious image I believe is the name written that no man knoweth but himself, and he was clothed in 〈◇〉 vesture dipped in blood, which I believe doth signify his chosen matters, and his Name is called the word of God, which doth signify the power of God, and the Armies which were in heaven followed him on white horses clothed in fine linen, white and clean, which doth signify that the heavenly lost are partakers with him of his strength, righteousness, glory, and pure cleanness, and out of his mouth goeth a sharp two edged sword, that with it he should smite the heathen, which doth signify the power of his word, in commanding a sword in the Nations, and it obeyeth his word and prevaileth; and many are the slain of the Lord, and he shall rule them with a rod of Iron, and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of the Almighty God, which doth declare that by his power all things are fulfilled, vers. 16. which doth signify that he with his Saints is Kings of Kings, and Lord of Lords; for he will give unto them of his power, vers. 17.18. which doth signify the multitudes of the slain of the Lord, at his commandment, by his word, vers. 19.20. which doth signify that the Beast and the Kings of the earth do make War against the great God of heaven and earth, and holy heavenly host, but at the end the Beast, and the false Prophet, and they that do worship the Beast shall be taken and cast alive into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, ver. 21. which I believe doth signify that many of their Armies should be slain, and fall by the sword in War before the destruction of the Beasts kingdom.  
Cap. 20. And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottonles pit, and a great chain in his hand.  
2 And he laid hold on the dragon that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand yeers,  
3 And cast him into the bottonles pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.  
4 And I saw thrones, and they sate upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the sou●… of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their forehead, or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand yeers.  
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again unti● the thousand yeers were finished. This is the first resurrection.  
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God, and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.  
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,  
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.  
10 And the devil that deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.  
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sate on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away, and there was found no place for them.  
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened. and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it: and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged every man according to their works.  
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire: this is the second death.  
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire.  
And I saw an Angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottonles pit, and a great chain in his hand; now the mystery of the key, I understand not to be the same key that was given to the S●ar tha● was fallen from heaven, to open the bottonles pit, which key I believe was no other but the spirit of error, that came with the Prince of darkness, but the Angel that came from heaven was, I believe the spirit of Truth: ●he C●u ch Teacher and preserver, and the mystery of the chain I understand to be the saith of the Gospel, and by the key Satan is shut up in the bottoml●ss pit and this is also the key of David, by which the way of life is opened, and none is able to shut it, and the way of Hell and death is shut and none is able to open, for the Son of man hath the keys of Hell and death, and the Angels are his ministering spirits, sent forth to Minister for their sakes who are heirs of salvation; therefore I understand the key of the Angel to be the key of the Son of God, by which Satan is shut up, and wi●h the chain of the Gospel he is bound a thousand years; now the number of yeers spoken of, which are a thousand yeers, I understand not as we count, after an earthly manner, for in the spirot it is not so, it onely signifieth a set time known with the Lord; for this understand, that the three days and a half, are not three days and a half, as we count, neither the forty and two moneths, not the two thousand sixty dayes, but onely ●o signify to us set times with the Lord, and this understand also, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as ●… e day, therefore no man atta●neth to the knowledge of heavenly Mysteri●. by carnal observations; and he cast him into the bottonles pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the people no more, which I believe doth signify that Satan is as sh t up, and bound as with a great chain, and also sealed that he cannot deceive the people, which are the Elect children of the Kingdom wh● are a so sealed up unto the day of Redemption, by the holy spi●… t of promis●… till the thousand yea●s be fu filled, after that he must be loos●d for a little seas n, which I believe doth singnifie that towards the the last time of in the end of ti●e, he should have great power to dec●ive man●, yea if it were possible the very Elect, and I am persuaded, that the Elect also have bee● and are( many in these dayes and times ●f great darkness.) dece●ved by him, but not so as to be overcome with him, for that is impossible; but I am persuaded that many of the Elect in these last dayes, have been much deceived, being lead into many errors, and this I can truly say, that I have been much deceived by him, yet I have strong consolation that I am Elect according to the foreknowledge of God, and am an heir of Eternal glory; praised be the Name of my God, who is wonderful rich in majesty, for this I believe steadfastly, that none of the Elect shall perish, though now in these dayes the Elect Congregation lies like dead corps upon the earth in the Streets of the great City Sodom and Egypt, and in the great trial and temptation, but yet by the Power of God are nourished in this barren wilderness.  
And I saw Thrones and they that sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them, and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus Christ, and for the word of God, which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years, by which I understand, that they who have suffered for the Name of Jesus Christ, are exalted on Thrones, and have judgement given unto them, as the Lord Jesus Christ said to his Apostles; ye shall sit on Twelve Thrones and judge the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and all that do overcome the beast, the false Prophet and Image of the beast, do live and reign with Christ a thousand years, being as the first fruits unto God. verse 5 which I believe doth signify that none but the Elect congregation in the Nations should live until the thousand years shall be fulfilled, and this is the first resurrection, & this I believe that the first resurrection abideth till the coming of Jesus Christ in his kingdom, and since his first coming to the second, I count the kingdom of Christ, & first resurrection, that is to say, after death, for them that believe to rise with him in glory, and also to live and reign with him a thousand years, the time of his kingdom, and first resurrection, and also till he hath put down all rule & all authority, then shal he have delivered up the kingdom to God the Father, and then shall there be no more dead, or death in the Nations, but all shall be alive for ever unto God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, but before then the wicked generation must be destroyed from the face of the Earth. verse 6. which doth plainly declare, that they are the seed, and holy indeed, that are faithful unto death, for they shall not be hurt of the second death, but shall have part in the first resurrection, and be Priests of God and shall reign with Christ a thousand years, which( I understand) doth agree with the three daies and a half, and the time, and times, and half a time, till the mystery of the seven Trumpets are fulfilled, then shall the kingdom of Christ become the Fathers, he will fill all things with his own glory, verse 7. which doth signify Satans looseness at the very end of time, to deceive the Nations & to exalt himself in his kingdom, but it shall be but for a little season; in that he was loosed when the thousand years were expired, I do understand, doth signify, that at his appointed time he received power, to go in●o the four quarters of the earth, to deceive the World, for there is no Place found for him in heaven among the elect children, for when Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon & his Angels the dragon( which is Satan) and his angels prevailed not, but were cast out into the earth, as Christ also said. the Prince of darkness comes, but he is cast out & hath no part in me; and shall go out to deceive the Nations, which are in the four quarters of the earth, which doth signify I understand to be the heathen that believe not the Gospel, and also all hypocrites and feigned Religions, Gog and Magog to gather them together to battle, the number of whom is as the sands of the Sea; I understand by Gog and Magog are signified the chief Princes and captains of the heathen Gentiles, and also of the wicked and careless generation, that dwell carelessly in the iceland and in the Nations, whom the Lord by his holy Prophets threatened a sword against, and that they should fall also( in the latter dayes) on the mountains of Israel, 
Ezek. 39.4.  and be given for meat for the ravenous birds of every sort; the falling I understand to be by War, on the mountains, I understandstand that there should be many of them in the believing Nations, who are very heathens, though they may have a name in the world to be Christians, yet are of the multitude of Gog and Magog, whose number is as the sand of the Sea, and they went upon the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the Saints about; Which I believe doth signify that the dwelling of the Saints should be amongst them, and they should as it were compass the Saints about, in being such an exceeding multitude more then they, and the beloved City, for they are the Gentiles to whom the utter Court is given, and also the holy City do they tread under-foot, which I understand to be the way of Truth, which shall he until the 42. Moneths be expired, then will fire come down out of heaven and devour them: for they shall all be destroyed by our God, who is a consuming fire, vers. 10. Which doth plainly declare the Judgement of the Devil, the beast and false prophet; and I saw a great white throne, and him that sate on it, which I believe doth signify the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming in his Kingdom exalted in righteousness on the Throne of judgement, from whose face the heaven and the earth fled away and there was found no more place for them: which I believe doth signify the destruction of the world of the ungodly, at the gloririous appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, when he shall come in the glory of the Father with his mighty Angels, then shall there be no more place found for them; and I saw the dead small and great stand before God, which doth declare that all shall give an account unto God; And the books were opened, which doth signify that every mans works are known unto God, as though they were written in a Book, & another Book was opened which was the Book of life, this is the Lambs Book of life, and all whose names are written therein, shall live for ever according to the promise of the Father, and they were judged of those things which were written in the Books according to their works, which doth declare the righteous judgement of God in rewarding every man according to his deeds; and the Sea gave up the dead which were in it, which I believe doth signify that all the great multitude of the raging heathen come to be judged before God; and death and Hell delivered up the dead which were in them, which doth signify that all profane blasphemers, and damned multitude,( which are signified by him that sate on the pale horse; whose name was death, and hell followed after him) have their judgement from God, and are Judged every man according to his works, vers. 14.15. Which doth declare their Eternal destruction.  
Chap. 21. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea.  
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  
3 And I saw a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.  
5 And he that sate upon the throne, said, Behold, I make all things new. And be said unto me, writ: for these words are true and faithful.  
6 And he said unto me, It is done, I am Alphe and Omega, the beginning, and the end, I will give unto him that is athirst, of the fountain of the water of life, freely.  
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and be shall be my son.  
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and scorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.  
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels, which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee-thee bride, the Lambs wife.  
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God.  
11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a ston most precious, even like a Jasper ston, clear as Crystal:  
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.  
13 On the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.  
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations; and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.  
15 And he that talked with me, had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the walls thereof.  
16 And the city lieth four square, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs: the length, and the breadth, and the height of it are equal.  
17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is of the angel.  
18 And the building of the wall of it was of Jasper, and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.  
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was Jasper, the second sapphire, the third a calcedonie, the fourth an emerald.  
20 The fifth sardonix, the sixth sardius, the seventh crysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth a topas, the tenth a crysoprasus, the eleventh a jacinct, the twelfth an amethyst.  
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, every several gate was of one pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.  
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty, and the Lam●, are the Temple of it.  
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb if the light thereof.  
24 And the nations of them which are saved, shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.  
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there  
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.  
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that desireth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lye; but they which are written in the Lambs book of life.  
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, which I believe doth signify when the world of the ungodly are destroyed, then shall all the Saints shine as stars in the Kingdom of God, for the glorious Saints shall come with Christ, and we also which are alive upon the earth shall be changed into the like glory, and so with them ever be with the Lord, and this I believe is the new heaven, and the new earth; and there was no more Sea, which doth signify there shall be no more the raging heathen and multitudes of the ungodly, vers. 2. Which I believe doth signify Christs coming from heaven in his glorious Kingdom with his glorious Saints, who are the holy City, and as a Bride adorned for her husband. vers. 3. Which doth signify that he will dwell upon the earth with his Saints and holy people; and his Tabernacle shall be with them. vers. 4. Which doth signify that his people shall die no more, neither have cause of mourning to bestow or cry, or have any pain, because the former things are passed away, mortality is swallovved up of life; and he that sate upon the Throne said; behold I make all things new, and he said unto me write, for these sayings are faithful and true, by which I understand( unspeakable tidings to all his people that believe) that we all at the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ shall be made new, and see him as he is, and be like him in glory, this I believe is the new creation of God, and worthy to be written( in letters of gold) being faithful and and promised, and by him that sate upon the throne, who is faithful and true and cannot lie. verse, 6. which doth signify that it is done by him who is able, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, and all that do thirst after life shall have freely. verse 7. which doth signify that they who overcome, shall be the children of God, and heirs of all things, both heaven and all things shall be theirs, and they shall be the Lords with whom he will delight & dwell for ever, v. 8. this is the portion of the ungodly. v. 9. and he carried me away in the spirit, which I believe doth signify, without being in the spirit John could not behold the vision of the glorious city, to a great & a high mountain, which I believe doth signify the saints glorious & high exaltation for their kingdom shal be higher then Agag, & shewed me that great city, holy Jerusalem defcending out of heaven from God, which doth signify the glorious saints coming in the kingdom. v. 11. which declare plainly that the saints are partakers of th● divine nature, & are glorified with the glory of God, so are one in God, 5. Jesus Christ prayed, that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; again, the glory which thou gavest me, I have given unto them, that they may be one, as we are one, I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and had a wall great and high, which I believe doth signify that there should be no going forth of that city, no departing from that glory; and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve Tribes of the children of Israel, which I believe doth signify the elect congregation of the children of Israel under the Law. verse 13. which I believe doth signify that this holy city, new Jerusalem, shall be built upon all the earth towards the four quarters, East, West, North, and South; And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, which I believe doth signify the Gospel of eternal life preached by the Apostles, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb, which I believe doth signify the elect congregation under the Gospel, and preaching of the kingdom both of Jews and Gentiles; And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates with all, and the walls thereof, the reed I understand to signify the Church, which is here compared to a reed, being so weak, and in that it was golden, signifieth her excellent glory in the kingdom, & in that it was to measure with, I believe doth signify that the Lord knoweth the number of his elect which were before prepared, to the making up of his City; the gates and also the walls, so the golden reed of his measure, are his elect saints glorified; and the city lieth four square, and the length is as large as the breadth, which I believe doth signify the largeness of it, for heaven and earth shall be filled with the glory thereof; and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs, in the length, & the breadth and hight of it are equal; the twelve thousand furlongs in length, I believe doth signify, the measure and the number of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the breadth and height of it being equal, signifies the elect by the doctrine of the Gospel, so that the Lord filleth up the measure of his number both under the Law and under the Gospel, and after hath ordained them all to the finishing of the City new Jerusalem, and he measured the wall thereof, as hundred forty & four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is of the angel, which I understand the hundred forty and four cubits, do signify the hundred forty and four thousand, which also signifies the whole congregation of the redeemed, which onely can sing the new song of praise in glory; and in that it was by the measure of a man, that is of the Angel, doth signify that as men dot count a number, to themselves, even so hath the Lord counted a certain number to himself which he alone knoweth, for itis a secret and spiritual mystery unrevealed and not for men to know, therefore as it is a certain number, according to a man( that is, as men do account) and as it is a secret mystery, it is of the angel, that is a secret onely known with the Lord.  
v. 19 20, 21. All these things doth signify the glory of the Saints in the kingdom of God v. 22. which doth signify that they shal have no outward temple but the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb, verse 24. which doth doth declare that all the redeemed of the Lord, shall have their glory and honour in it, as well high as low, rich as poor, the Kings and Princes, all shall be filled with the fullness of God, and the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day, which I believe doth signify, that there shall be no fear or danger at all, for there shall be no night there, which doth signify that there shall be no darkness no abating of light & glory, verse 26. which doth signify that it shall be the glory of the Nations.  
Chap. 22. verse 1. And he shewed me a pure River of water of; life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the Throne of God, and of the Lamb.  
2 In the midst of the street of it, and of either side of the River, was there the three of life, which bear twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruits every month: and the leaves of the three were for healing the Nations.  
3 And there shall be no more curse, but the Throne of God, and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him.  
4 And they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their fore-heads.  
5 And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the Sun: for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever.  
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.  
7 Behold I come quickly: Blessed is he that keeps the sayings of the prophec● of this book.  
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them: And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel, which shewed me these things.  
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keeps the sayings of this book: worship God.  
10 And he said unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophesy of this book: for the t●me is at hand.  
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he that it filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous stil: and he that is holy, let him be holy stil.  
12 And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  
14 Blessed are they that do his commandements, that they may have right to the three of life, and may enter in thorough the gates into the city.  
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murtherers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lye.  
16 I Jesus have sent my angel, to testify unto you these things in the Churches, I am the root and off-spring of David, and the bright and morning Star.  
17 And the spirit & the bride say, Come, & let him that heareth say, come, & let him that is a thirst, come, And whosoever willet him take the water of life freely.  
18 For I testify to every man that heareth the words of the prophesy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.  
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophesy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy City, and from the things which are written in this book.  
20 He which testifieth these things saith, surely I come quickly. Amen, even so, Come Lord Jesus.  
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.  
This water of life I understand to be the life of God in his saints, whereby they shall never die, but live for ever, with the Father and with the Son; and in the midst of the street of it, and of either side of it, was the three of life, which I believe doth signify the plentiousnesse, and fullness of life, which bear Twelve manner of fruits, which signifieth that by believing the Gospel preached by the Twelve Apostles, is this life obtained, and yeeldeth her fruits every month, which I believe doth signify the fruitfulness of this life once obtained, and the leaves of the three were for the healing of the Nations, which I believe doth sigsie, that by the doctrine of the Gospel, are the Nations that are saved, healed, verse 3.4: which signifies that all curses shall be removed, and they shall see him as he is, and have his Image stamped upon them; verse 5. which doth signify his excellent brightness in them, and their everlasting reign, and he said unto me these words are faithful and true, and the Lord God of the holy Prophets, sent his angel to show unto his servants things which shortly must be fulfilled, which doth signify that all things must be fulfilled as he hath declared to his servants his prophets; behold I come quickly, which doth signify that the Lord maketh hast to come; Blessed is he that keepeth the saying of the prophesy of this book, which I believe doth signify, that they are blessed that keep in the faith of Jesus Christ, and hope of eternal life, which is the sumel of the prophesy of this book, verse 10. which doth signify that the things spoken of must not be delayed or sealed up, but speedily be fulfilled in their time and times, verse 11.12, which doth signify that at his coming, every man shall receive a reward according to his works, both the filthy and unclean, and the righteous, and holy; for he is able to do it being the Alpha and Omga, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandements, that they may have right to the three of life, this I understand that they who believe in Jesus Christ, are they who are blessed, & enter through the gats into the City. verse 15. the filthy and unclean are without verse 16 it was no other but Jesus Christ( who was manifested in the flesh, and took upon him our nature, who was of the seed of Abraham; and generation of David according to the flesh) that sent his angel to show unto his servants all these things. verse 18. which I believe doth signify that if any one should alter the words of the book in adding to or in diminishing from the same, should be guilty of the curses, and this I am persuaded that the words of God are of such power, that no man durst add or diminish; therefore by the power and goodness of God, are the holy scriptures preserved and kept pure in the same words, or at least in the same sense they were spoken in, I do not believe that they who have erred in understanding the mysteries of this book, and so have added and diminished, have been under the curse, for if so it were, I am persuaded that few or none since the Apostles have been from under the curse; for the mystery of these things, have been sealed from the faithful and elect saints, and were not to be revealed until the end, till the vision should speak, verse 20, 21.  
THE END.   

Rev. 8.9. And the third part of the Creatures which were in the Sea, and had life, dyed, and the third part of the Ships were destroyed.  
THis mystery I understand doth signify great destruction of th● Heathen and unbelieving people, by the terrible judgements of God, by the sword, plague, and pestilence, and many fearful things. By the third part of the Creatures I understand, is signified, many people: And in that they were in the Sea, doth signify, many people amongst great multitudes: And in that they had life and dyed, doth signify, their lives being taken from the earth by the sword, or other judgements of the Lord: And the third part of the Ships being destroyed, I understand doth signify, the rising of Nations against Nations, and Kingdoms against Kingdoms, and great destruction of many people, both by Sea and Land.  
The words above written should have had place in page. 50, about the 32 line, but I passed over the 9th. Verse unawares, yet I thought good to writ the Exposition, though out of its place, desiring the careful Reader to take it in its place: for this I give you to understand, that I writ this latter Book in great hast; for when I had begun to writ, I was exceeding forward in my mind to accomplish all my desire, though when I writ, I did not know, whether it might be for the public view or no: but thought to do as it pleased the Lord to give me, in so great an undertaking, and seeing it hath pleased the Lord to led me( as I may so say) thorough so untrodden a path. I thought it not meet to conceal a matter of so high concernment, lest it be required at my hands; yea, if I should have concealed the things that I have written for the good of others, should I not have been more to be blamed, than the four leprous men of Israel? 2 Kings 7. who, when they were satisfied with the good things of Syria, then they said one to another, we do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace: If we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us; Now therefore come, that we may go and tell the Kings household.  
Even so I conclude, that the case standeth now with me; for as there was then a great famine in Samaria, insomuch that all were ready to perish, much more is the famine in Israel greater now; but not of Bread, but of hearing the word of God, which is the food of li●e, And this I can truly say, that I have been refreshed with the good things of the Lord; yea, this I witness before God, and lie not, that to me is revealed the way to eternal life, yea, the good old way by which all must enter, or never go to the Father; And this way is Jesus Christ, and the Gospel of life by him. And seeing it hath pleased the Almighty God, who is wonderful rich in mercy, to reve●l to me( who am vile and unworthy) such glad tidings of life, let all that fear God judge, whether I should do well not to make them known? And though I be but young in years, and also a Babe in knowledge, God excepts no mans person; and it pleaseth him sometimes to do great and marvelous things with small Instruments, or seemingly by weak means, by which his Almighty power more abundantly appeareth; therefore let no one despise the day of small things, for who knoweth the secret c●unsel of God? for I am fully persuaded, that great and marvelous things are at hand: And I believe also, that it is my duty to give warning of them, thought I have had no commandement by words in vision from the Lord so to do, but only revelation through the mystery of Faith, and instruction from the holy Scriptures: for I am not one that pretends to new Revelations contrary to the precious Scriptures, but by the go dness of God do rejoice in the hope and comfort of the Scriptures. And it hath pleased the Almighty God to make known to me in part the excellent mystery of the Book of prophesy, which was revealed to John, the faithful Servant and beloved Apostle of Jesus Christ; by which I understand, that the end of all things is at hand, for the great wrath of God in all the earth is almost fulfilled, in opening the seven Seals, in the sounding of the seven Trumpets, and in powring forth the seven golden vials of wrath, by the seven holy Angels.  
Now by the seven Seals, in that they were called Seals, I understand is signified, that, that which was revealed at the opening of them, was of old ordained and sealed up, to be revealed, unseal●d or opened at the appointed time known with the Lord: And in tha● they were opened by the Lamb, doth evidently declare, that it was by the power of God, for the Lamb is no other but Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, and one with the Father.  
And by the seven Angels, in that they were called seven, I understand doth signify a great multitude, and not to be seven as we account, but rather to signify many seven thousands, more then any man can number, yet known in number to the Lord, as the number seven is to us: And the mystery of the seven Trumpets which they had received, I understand doth signify, their preparation to finish their charge and work they were to accomplish on the earth, at the commandement of the Father: for as by the sounding of the Trumpets Souldiers prepare for battle, even so in the Spirit is signified by the sounding of Trumpets, the holy Armies of the Lord, preparing to fight the battels of the Lord, and do his pleasure in all the earth.  
And by the seven golden vials, I understand is signified, the excellent instruments of the Lord, which doth also signify his glorious righteousness in plaguing the Inhabiters of the earth. And thus do I understand the mystery of the seven Seals, in that they were called Seals, and the number of the seven Angels, and the mystery of the 7 Trumpets, and 7 golden Vials, which I have not before declared. Now some may say that my expositions are very dark, and short, and therefore unprofitable: to which I say, what I have written is according to the gift and measure of knowledge I have received, & if my gift were to expound more plain, I should gladly do it: but this I understand, that the great and high mysteries declared and signified in the Revelations cannot be expounded according to truth so plain, that they may be understood by any, but such as do rightly understand the Doctrine of the Gospel written by the holy Apostles: for before any can come to know these mysteries, they must be well acquainted with the pure and uncorruptable Doctrine of the Gospel. For this I can truly say, that it pleased the Lord to make known to me the pure Gospel and Doctrine of life, and mightily to enlighten my dark understanding, in the writings of the holy Prophets and Apostles, but especially in the writings of the holy Apostles,( which are unspeakable profitable) in so much as I understood much of the Apostles, that the Apostles writ to the Brethren, according to my desire, as though I had written them myself;( let no one mistake me, I speak not thus to compare myself with the holy Apostles, but only for edification) yea, I understood them after so plain a manner, which before I never expected, for which I have cause to praise the God of Heaven, the Revealer of the secrets,( And other things than these I should speak of, but for the present I shall forbore, least any one should think of me more than I am, or at the least seem to be,) And though such knowledge of the Gospel and pure Doctrine of the holy Apostles was revealed to me, when I was minded to writ of the great Mysteries in the Revelations, I found my s●lf young, yea but a Babe in the knowledge of those great heavenly mysteries, as I have confessed, not feinedly, but truly from my heart: yet by the wonderful help of God, I do verily believe, that I have erred very little; the greatest error as I understand is in the first book in page. 8. and about the 32 line, where I have said the seven Angels have founded the seven Trumpets, in which I was mistaken in my understanding, and also convinced of it: but before it was to me revealed. I had sent up the Copy to London to be printed, and so could not convenientlie amend it, but only in the correction amongst o●her faults, which I desire the diligent Reader to correct, or cause to be corrected, before he red the Book, otherwise it will seem more imperfect than it is. Now this I would have you to understand, that though I was deceived in understanding the mystery of the seventh Trumpet( for I thought it had been in fulfilling with the other) yet I was spiritually in the same mind that I am now, concerning the end of the World, and Christs coming to judgement, though then I understood it not in such distinct order: for now I understand, that the seventh Trumpet shall not sound till the very end of time; for in the dayes when the seventh Angel shall begin to sound, the mystery of God shall be fulfilled, as he hath declared to his Servants the Prophets: wherefore I understand, that the mystery of the seventh Trumpet shall be great, but quickly fulfilled; for I understand, that the mystery of Iniquity shall be fulfilled in all the earth, in the dayes of the six Trumpets sounding; in which time the Beast shall have fulfilled his number, which once was counted 666, but I am persuaded now the time is very nigh, that his number may be written thus 000●… th n shall the seventh Trumpet sound, and that which is written in the Scriptures of Truth be fulfilled.  
Now this I say for thy good, wh● desires to attain to the knowledge of these great Mysteries: Although I understood other Scriptures which were more plain, yet these mysteries which are only declared by signification seemed heard to me; And to me it is revealed, that they signify the same things which are written in the other Scriptures, but after a wonderful order of wisdom: therefore I am far more ready with silence to admire the wisdom of the Spirit of prophesy( which is the testimony of Jesus) then able to expound the things that are hard to be understood; And this is all that is given me to do, in that which I understand in these great mysteries to expound them, and the exposition either to be other plain Scripture, or else to agree with the other Scriptures: Wherefore such as do not understand the Apostles Doctrine, which is the pure Doctrine of the Gospel, cannot understand the meaning or exposition of the Revelations, though it be rightly given: therefore my counsel is this, to you that desire to come to the knowledge of these things, by all means endeavour to get knowledge in the Gospel of Jesus Christ; for through the Faith of the Gospel is the way to all Understanding. And this I say, without the knowledge of the Gospel you cannot be saved, but this I believe, that many thousands of thousands have been saved who have not understood the mysteries of the Revelations; therefore I account the knowledge of the Gospel more excellent than the knowledge of these Mysteries, for without the knowledge of the Gospel we cannot be saved, but without the knowledge of these Mysteries we may: and this know also, that you must first learn the knowledge of the Gospel, before you can come to the knowledge of these Mysteries; for it is expedient every way to get into the Faith of Jesus Christ, and hope of eternal life, otherways you can never attain to the knowledge of the Scriptures, neither the salvation of your Souls.  
Brethren, this I think good to acquaint you, that I have sometimes in my writings said, as the Apostle saith, or as Christ saith, when it may be that I have not written the very same word; that Christ said, or that the Apostle or Apostles said, which it may be some will dislike, or be offended at; but this I say, to satisfy in this thing, that, according to my memory, I have written the same words, and sometimes I writ the very same words as I find them in Scripture; but often, according to my understanding as I did remember them, which I knew to be either as it was written, or according to it. And this I knew when I wrote the words that Christ spoken, or the Apostles spoken, I writ the Truth: and also when I wrote words to the same purpose, I kept in the Truth; for when I say, as the Apostle saith, though I writ not the very same words which he saith, but words agreeing thereto; I go not a stray from the Truth: such liberty I have in the Spirit, for I do not only mean, as the Apostle saith, but according to what he saith, or agreeing to that which he saith, though willingly I go not astray from Christs words, and the Apostles words, because I value them far more than mine own; for their words I choose as only directions to eternal life, by the power and goodness of God, and so do esteem their words to be the words of eternal life.  
Now ye beloved of the Lord( however ye are called) all that have any Faith in Jesus Christ, and hope in the promise of God, which is eternal life to all that believe in his Son. I acquaint you with a great and excellent mystery, such a Mystery as I believe no other hath done before me, which is unspeakable tidings to all that fear God, but a fearful and terrible thing to the wicked and unbelieving generation: but I speak to the Wise, therefore judge what I say. Behold the sign of the Son of Man hath appeared in the clouds of Heaven already, of which I am an Eye-witness, which makes me writ so boldly of his speedy coming to judgement, with power and great glory according to the Scriptures.  
Therfore may I not say, arise, arise ye wise Virgins, and trim your Lamps, for the Bridegroom is ready to come, O Daughters of Jerusalem make hast, how long will you stay in your Mothers Chamber of Mourning? O Daughters of Sion, put off your vile apparel, and mourning Garments, your beloved is nigh at hand, and hath prepared for you of old rich glistering Vestures, shining more than the Sun, yea precious Ornaments, and Jewels of unspeakable worth: Kings shall stand in your presence, and Princes shall be filled with your Love, the Queens shall admire you greatly, and the elect Ladies shall rejoice in your beauty, and wonder at your rich attire, yea all that are worthy to behold you, shall marvel at your glory, and also be filled with your brightness: therefore blessed are they, who are counted worthy to dwell in Sion, and to inhabit Jerusalem. And certainly the coming of the Lord is nigh, even at the Doors, when all shall be performed, more than can be expressed with words; yea, this I am persuaded, that the great white Lion of the Tribe of Juda is ready to roar, and be revealed as a burning flamme, and then shall the Daughter of Sion( who is now in the vile raiment and mourning apparel) sing praises to the Lamb, and rejoice in his glorious cross, and her voice shall be as the voice of a well sounding ten-stringed Instrument, to pronounce the praise of a multitude. Therefore to all you that mourn in Sion I say, lift up your heads for your redemption is very nigh, and your everlasting deliverance meet at hand.  
THE END.