An Additional Supplement to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, OR, Peaceable Considerations of Christ's peaceful Kingdom to come upon the Earth in the Thousand years, Rev. 20. lately published, 1665.  

The PREFACE.  
Christian Brethren,  
I Having in my late 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, pag. 2. declared my purpose, to make some parallels of part of the Prophecy of Daniel, with the things contained in the book of Revelations of Jesus Christ, which is plainly a Divine Mystical Comment upon the particulars of the 4th and 5th Monarchies contained in daniel's Prophesy: that is, of what was more fully to be performed under the Roman and Christ's Monarchy, both before the Stone cut out of the Mountain without hands had so strucken the Image on the feet and toes thereof, that it was wholly destroyed; and also afterwards, when the Stone was become a Mountain, and filled the whole earth: But by the hand of God upon me then, showing me my mistake in respect of the manner of Christ's coming, and of Christ's Kingdom, that it was not Mystical (but personal) as before I apprehended, until I found that coming was the beginning of the day of Judgement; and likewise upon occasion of those other parallels of the three Babel's, which I at first thought not of, until by God's guidance led unto them; I was so far thereby taken off from my former purpose, That only in the 5th Chapter concerning those three Babel's, I did but briefly touch upon that intended parallel of the Books of Daniel and the Revelations. But since (through God's merciful goodness) having further discovery of the usefulness of such an endeavour, I have accordingly (by his grace) set upon that business in this ensuing order.  
First, to set down a brief and plain Abridgement of the sum of the Prophetical Visions in Daniel contained: First in Nebuchadnezars dream of the great ●mage, Chap. 2, and daniel's Vision of the same matter, namely, of four Earthly Monarchies under four Beasts, to pass before Christ's glorious Kingdom, take place, Chap. 7. wherein is showed to Daniel a Jew, the beginning of the Judgement at the destruction of the fourth Beast, which was not showed to Nabuchadnezzar a Gentile (as Mr. Mede observe,) though he saw the Kingdom of the Stone. A Second Prophetical Vision was given unto Dan. c. 8. of the subduing of the second Monarchy, [for the ruin f the first, to wit, of Babylon, had been showed before to Daniel, chap. 7.4.] namely, of the Kingdom of the Medes and Persians, by Alexander the Great, the founder of the Grecian Monarchy, with the dividing thereof to his four Captains, jointly succeeding him towards the four winds (as the Text speaketh) where the Spirit of God passing by the Greek affairs for a long time, unto that one King of fierce countenance, Antiochus Epiphanes, at last rising out of one of them, whose wicked actings against the Church of the Jews, is showed should be short, and his death terrible towards the end of that 8. chap.  
In chap. 9 Daniel had a third Vision of the 70 weeks of years, till Christ had finished his work of Redemption, and confirmed the Covenant with many, both Jews and Gentiles, for that time.  
But his fourth and last Vision, chap. 10.11.12. sets forth before him again the Persian, the Greek, and the Roman Kingdoms, with the beginning of Christ's Monarchy; yet chief in the 11 chap. he speaks of the intestine wars, and thereby the decaying of the Kingdom of Grecia under two principal heads of Egypt and Syria, called the Kings of the South and North, mutually battering down each other, and yet both of them sadly oppressing ●he poor Jews that lay between them, from v. 4, to 21. and from thence to 36. is set down a more full description of that vile and wicked Antiochus Epiphanes, before the Roman Kingdom took place, who at last was said to come out of one of the four heads, chap. 8.9. being that wicked little horn, [that probably may well be reckoned as a type of the great Antichrist] in whose ruin the Grecian Kingdom, and Javans rage together ended.  
Now after the brief consideration of these Visions, I shall endeavour in such a said Parallel, respecting the 4th and 5th Monarchy in Daniel, according as our blessed Saviour by his divine wisdom hath been pleased to open and set them down for the use of his Christian Church in his very useful book of Revelations, for these last times, and leaving particular observations and applications to Christians in their private Meditations, aiming herein at brevity and clearness, I shall satisfy myself only  
Thirdly, To set down somewhat in general to those purposes (if God will) in the last place. N w in considering of these, I have to the said purposes or brevity and clearness, profestedly avoided all those perplexing controversies whereby some have unhappily obscured both the scope and meaning of the Visions, as likewise, some commonly mistaken expressions, as, That the Thrones were cast down, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●onec throni e●ati sunt as A●●● Mo●●nus, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sept  for the Thrones were set, Chap. 7.9. having endeavoured (as God hath enabled me) to seek out the most genuine sense, and the most clear and evident drift of these Visions in the main of them, with divers natural explications from the matter and subject of them (which by the assistance of God's spirit, (together with the Rule of his Word) I either have, or shall observe to be most consonant unto truth.  
Yet in the intended Parallel between the Fourth, or Roman, and Christ's Kingdom held out in Daniel and the Revelation, ye may with me take notice of what Mr. Mede sets down of their different handling thereof, namely, that it is done in Daniel more darkly, summatim & in genere, summarily, and in general only; but in the Revelation, Particulatim & in specie, more particularly and specially: Or, saith he in another place, Daniel speaks of the Roman ●mpire in imaginè confusa: But Christ's Revelation contains the series rerum gerendarum, the order of things to be done, according to the divers fates and states of the Church; in which respect many things in Daniel were said to be sealed up, and shut up till the time of the end, as Ch. 12.9. till Christ Jesus the true and faithful Witness, had so Divinely made them known for his Churches great advantage by his Servant John.  
This further (beloved Brethren) I would advertise you of, that besides Daniel's Visions, we shall (beyond former intentions) endeavour to represent somewhat of Ezekiel's Visions, and especially from Chap. 37. to the end of that Book; who b●ing a Prophet of the same time of the Captivity, though not in the same place with Daniel, yet by the same Spirit was guided into the same truth, than made known to God's people for their comfort, yet one explaining the other in some things.  
Therefore after Ezekiel (chap. 37.) had the Vision of the Jews last and great Restauration, when both they and the rest of the twelve Tribes of Israel should be united into one stick; that it might not be doubted how it should be done, chap. 38, 39 he shown how the Gog and Magog of the preceding times (then) namely, the Pope and the Turk, should be destroyed; and that the happy consequents of this might be known (then) to the faithful Jews, he hath another Vision of the New-Jerusalem suited much unto the Jewish state, but very excellent, and in this especially, that the Name thereof should be [Jehovah Shamma] the Lord is there, chap. 40. to the end of the Book, which our Saviour in a manner, more suitable to the Christian Churches excellency, sets forth, as coming out of Heaven from God, Rev. 21. which he shown to Saint John, was to succeed upon the destruction of Antichrist and his Complices in the Armageddon Battle, chap. 19.11. to the end, when so great joy had been, v. 6, 7, for that Brides making ready of Jews and Gentiles, so largely celebrated in the beginning of that Chapter. The like I may briefly hint of Christ's Spouse, in that Song of Songs which (as Mr. Cotton judiciously observes) all along to be Prophetical to the calling of the Jews, with the Gentiles more abundant coming in at their rising, (as the Prophet's phrase is) Es. 60.3, 4, 5, 6, etc. and whose fullness shall be the greatest riches of the Gentiles, Rom. 11.12. which Spouse will then in the New-Jerusalem, Rev. 21. be the Lamb's Wife, in that holy City where she and Christ will be made perfect in one, and one member with another, who since the Apostles, believed through their Word, till all these should so be perfect, (as our Saviour prayed) John 17.20, 21, 23. that then in the time of the New-Jerusalem, the whole world might both believe and know that God had sent him into the world, when his glory in his Kingdom on Earth should be so eminently set up there; which Kingdom at his death he willed to them (as a Legacy) or birthright, with his Father's Consent and Grant (the Apostles being Witnesses thereto) as v. 24. of the same Chapter, that they might all have their part with him there, and that (as our blessed Saviour further teacheth) for a thousand years, Rev. 20.4. to which purpose tends likewise the 45 Psalm.  
Thus having briefly given you an Account of this my poor endeavour for the benefit of faithful Christians, and for the greater evidence and clearness of these (amongst many) so little believed mysteries of such Christ's coming to begin the Judgement, and such manner of his raising up the Saints in the time of his said visible glorious Kingdom on Earth in the thousand years: I shall endeavour by the further assistance of his Grace and Spirit, and by the evidence of his Sacred Word of Truth, and in the further explication whereof, Christ Jesus himself hath (above what was afforded Daniel in this Book) as the true and faithful witness so unsealed and opened to his Church in that Divine Book which was so gloriously given unto him in that Vision which St. John saw, Rev. 5. concerning things to come; and hereupon in reference to such a future Parallel, we have premised this ensuing short Abridgement of the whole, that the particular branches thereof might the better be made use of to their several due intendments, by such as are rightly conversant in them; and the greater light of truth might so be made evident to all serious and impartial seekers thereof, by the blessing of God thereupon, as God may order their Meditations for their own and others edifying.  
Now as that short comprisal in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on the fifth Chapter of the Revelation, pag. 27. as likewise in the Letter May 20. 1664. in the Forerunner, are (as it were) an A. B. C. for some Christians to learn to spell out the meaning of the substance of things contained in that Book of the Revelations, which were to come. So may the following short Abridgement of the Visions of Daniel be for this Book, when they come to be a little acquainted with it; and by the help of both which together, I hope by God's blessing both great clearness of the truth, and of the necessity of the substance of the Doctrine of Christ's Kingdom upon earth, may unto many sorts of men in due time be undeniably made evident, to be such Divine Truth as is both profitable and necessary, appearing so infallibly and strongly grounded upon both those Divine and blessed Books of holy Scripture, which being once rightly understood, will manifest them to be (as indeed they are) the sure key for the right opening of many other Prophetical Scriptures in the Old Testament, and sundry other pertinent Texts in the New, which otherwise are little rightly understood by most sorts of men.  
But after all such outward means to boused, with humble and faithful prayer, meditation and conference of them, must then be likewise inwardly done by him who is said to open the understanding of his Disciples together, after his resurrection, Luk. 24.35. to make them understand the Scriptures: To whose most gracious guidance and teaching, I commend both you, and all truly Christian and teachable Spirits, seeking for a blessing to you, and all such in my prayers upon this my poor and weak endeavours, with all other good means to any like purpose. Amen.  
An. Dom. 1665. Therein remaining yours, and their faithful Servant in him our great Lord, in what I may be useful. MUNUS.   

An Endeavour of a short and plain Abridgement of the Prophetical Visions in daniel's Prophesy, in reference to a Parallel of what is foretold of the 4th or Roman Monarchy, and of Christ's Kingdom on earth, further explained by Christ in the book of Revelations, for the use of the Christian Church.  
IN the second Chapter, 
Nebuchadnezars dreamexpounded.  Nabuchadnezzar a Gentile (as Mr. Mede observes) had in a dream represented unto him a great Image, shadowing forth t●e four worldly Monarchies; the first of which was his own Caldean Kingdom, whereof he was the head of gold, to contirue after him in Evilmerodack his Son, and Beishazzar his grandchild, unto which was then to succeed the breast and arms of silver, beg●n by Darius, and soon after by Cyrus in the Monarchy of the Medes and Persians; to which succeeded the third of brass, as Daniel expounded, namely, the Grecian empire, begun in Alexander the Great; and the fourth after that, of Iron, stronger than all the former, breaking all the other to pieces, namely, the Roman, of long continuance under many forms of Government, but especially long in the feet and toes thereof, all the Pope's time, with the ten crowned horns, as appeared more to Daniel a Jew, Chap. 7. unto which the Kingdom which the God of heaven would set up in the Stone cut out of the mountain without hands, should succeed, which should never be destroyed, but should break in pieces and contume the four former Kingdoms, and then become a great mountain filling the whole earth itself; and should stand for ever, though the stone was long in beating them in pieces before it became such a mountain filling the whole earth.  
But in Chap. 7. Daniel a Jew in the first year of Belshazzar, hath an other dream, 
daniel's first Prophetical Vision.  further setting forth all the said Monarchies, in a Vision of four Beasts rising out of the Sea, upon the striving of the four winds of heaven, again setting forth the four said Kingdoms: the first like a Lion, having Eagles wings, to wit, the high soaring Babylonian, which was brought down in Belshazzar, Chap. 7.4. But the second like to a devouring Bear, with three ribs in the mouth, conceived to be Media, Persia and Babylon; which last was taken by Darius and Cyrus, in whom the Median and Tersian Kingdom began.  
The third was like a Leopard, having on the back four wings, having also four heads, and Dominion was given to it; whereby is deciphered the Grecian Monarchy begun by Alexander the great, who like a Leopard was swift in catching the prey, of whom also it may be said, Vini, Vidi, Vici. I came, I saw, I overcame; whose four Heads or Captains cruelly with their successors, chief devoured the Jews: which four heads appeared to be four Command●rs, entering upon Alexander's Dominion when he died, viz. Cassander head of Macedonia, Antigonus of Asia, Seleuchus of Syria, and Ptolemy of Egypt. But the fourth Beast namely, the Roman Monarchy, Daniel saw in the night, Visions exceeding dreadful, terrible and strong, with iron teeth (their Commanders) and nails of brass (their Senate) that devoured and broke in pieces and stamped the residue with the feet of it, and was divers from all the beasts that were before it, and had ten horns: And while Daniel considered the horn, there came up among them a little horn in appearance at first, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots; and behold in this horn were eyes, like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things: those ten horns, one that stood by expounded, v. 16. to Dan. v. 24. to be ten Kings, that should arise out of that fourth Kingdom, and that other, to wit, the little horn that should arise after them, or behind them (for the ten Kings were to arise at one hour with the beast, Rev. 17.) who being divers from the ten, should subdue three Kingdoms, which according to Mr. Mide, were the Lumbards', the Franks and the Greeks, subdued by the Pope, who during his time, times and the dividing of a time, that is for the space of 1260 days of years, should wear out the Saints of the most high, and think to change times and laws, the Saints being so long given into his hands, v. 25. But then the ancient of days executed his fiery and severe judgement upon that little horn that spoke great things, with his ten and ten times ten thousand, by the fiery streams that came from before him, till the beast was slain, and his body was destroyed and given to the burning flame, verse 9.10.11. the same expounded again, verse 20.21, 22.  
But verse 13. Daniel saw one like the Son of man come in the clouds of heaven who came to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him (which probably) will be done by the faithful prayers of the Saints) whereupon was given him Dominion, and glory, and a Kingdom, that all People, Nations and Languages should serve him; and his Dominion is an everlasting Dominion, which shall not pass away, and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, as the little Horns or Beasts was, v. 21, 22. who made war with the Saints, and prevailed against them, as Rev. 13. but yet only until the ancient of days came, that Judgement was given to the Saints, and that they possessed the Kingdom, which was the Kingdom of the Most High, whose Kingdom should be an everlasting Kingdom, and all Dominions or Rulers should serve and obey him, v 27. and that (as there is said) All Kingdoms under the whole Heaven.  
Again, 
daniel's second Prophetical Vision.  chap. 8. in the third year of Belshazzar, Daniel had another Vision concerning the second and third Oppressors of the Jews, after the times of the Chaldeans were out, namely, of the Ram of Persia, and the He-Goat of Grecia successively, until the list period of the Grecian Persecution, called the time of the end, and the last end of the indignation, by the Angel Gabriel, v. 17, 19 & 20, 21. now the Rams, or Persian Kings two Horns, were the Kingdoms of Media and Persia, against whom the He-Goat of Grecia came so swiftly, that he is said not to touch the ground, or none in the earth touched him; but in his chollar came close to the Ram, and cast him down, and stamped upon him; and that notable Horn between his eyes, appears to be Alexander the Great, whom Stories report not to have been willing to take any offers of Peace, or terms of Agreement, or tenders of Marriage with the Persian King's Daughter, but with indignation rejected all, saying, The World could not endure two Sovereigns, or chief Kings; but when he was strong, he was broken; and after six years, his Four said Commanders, called four notable Horns, v. 8, came in his room, and out of one of them, namely, Seleuchus Nicanor, by descent came that little Horn which waxed exceeding great towards the South, and towards the East, and towards the pleasant Land; which little Horn was Antiochus Epiphanes, who grew great towards Egypt, and towards the East, where the Persian Ram arose; and towards the pleasant Land, where his rage was greatly manifest, v. 10, 11, 12. against the Jews, who by reason of increase of transgressions, had power given him to afflict them greatly, and do many heinous things against their Laws and Worship, magnifying himself against the Prince of the Host, so that by his means the daily Sacrifice was taken away, and the place of God's Sanctuary was cast down, for the space of Two thousand three hundred Mornings and Evenings, or One thousand one hundred and fifty natural days; or, as some take them, for the whole number of days, which make up Six years, three months, and twenty days, which is conceived to begin when Menclaus revolted to Gentilism, and many wicked Apostates with him; as first of Machab. 1.12. whereupon God's Temple and Worship was contemned and neglected, and people revolted, as 2 Mach. 4.12, to 18. which Apostasy began in 142 year of the Greek Empire, and continued to the 148th year thereof, and the 11th of Antiochus, 1 Mac. 4.52. though the extremity in Antiochus own Reign, was but half the time, which seemeth more consonant to daniel's Prophecy, Evenings and Mornings signifying natural days, as in the Creation; and though his wickedness prospered for a time, ver. 26. yet after that short time he was broken without hands, being stricken with a loathsome disease, died miserably thereof, as seems very probable from 2 Mac. 9.5, 28, though besides this, a further mystery seems to be intended in this Scripture, namely, the Jews last Restauration at the end of the 2300 years, from the beginning of Nabuchadnezzar in the Persian Monarchy, and all the time of the Grecian and Roman, to Christ's appearance, as afterward; we shall endeavout to show.  
Again, chap. 9 in the first year of Darius the Mede, Daniel understanding by Books, viz. from the Prophecy of Jeremiah of the Seventy years of the Captivity of the Jews in Babylon, as is recorded Jer. 25.12. and 29.10. which then drew towards an end; he set himself by prayers, supplications, and fastings with sackcloth and ashes, to seek God's face for himself and his people, v. 4.20. whereupon at the time of the Evening-Oblation, the Angel Gabriel came again swiftly flying, and touched him, and made known unto Daniel what should be done by God's determinate counsel, after seventy Weeks of years, that is 490 years, upon his people, and the holy City Jerusalem, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal the Vision and Prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy, v. 21, 24. so that the seventy years suffering in bondage, should not only be recompensed with the building of the City, which should remain seven times seventy years, but should have those glorious Mercies of Mercies to be accomplished in the Messiah, which made the beauty of that second House much more glorious than the first built by King Solomon.  
Which mystical setting them down, though profane persons neither understood nor regarded, yet God's faithful servants that would search into them, might find them suitable to their Jubilies and Prophetical days, and be comforted in them, as by God's Oracles, rather than if it had been plainly said, after 490 years, in v. 25. the former whole number of Seventy Weeks are distinguished first into seven Weeks, or 49 years from the Edict of Cyrus, in his first year, for their return from Captivity, wherein was re-edified Jerusalem, to the sixth of Darius Longimanus, second Son to Darius Histaspis, by Hester, in whose six years the Temple was built; which being begun in the third year of Cyrus, was forty six years in building, according to the Jews account, by some thus reckoned; Cyrus and Cambyses 9 Darius Histaspis 14. Xerxes' 20. Darius, or as some, Artaxerxes Longimanus 6. which seems agreeable to the Prophecy. 2dly, Of the 62 weeks, or 434 years following, wherein appears, chap. 8. and chap. 11. many remarkable things befell the Jews; which 62 Weeks brought in the Messiah, and lasted towards the end of his private life; and the one week of the last, finished the sacrifice of Christ, and gins both the calling of the Gentiles, and rejection of the Jews, as may be supplied from v. 27. But in v. 26. he further declares the destruction of the City and Temple by the Romans under Titus and Vespasian: and after in v. 27. speaks, how the Roman Emperor should make the Sacrifice and Oblation to cease, which was not all done suddenly, 
Of which saith Chris●st Se●m. contr● Judae●: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  and at once, but by ● three distinct degrees remarkably; though the beginning thereof, then done by Cesar, was in the end of that one last Week; for after that woeful distraction and captivity by Vespasian and Titus, they sought again in opposition to Christ, to set up their Typical Worship there. Again, their City was afterwards taken about 130 years after Christ's incarnation, and the Temple ruined by Adrian the Emperor. And when they had set up their said Worship again under, or by the Oak in Mamre, Constantine the Great drove them thence. And lastly, Most remarkably and wonderfully was their enterprise of building their Temple, disappointed, when that wicked Apostate the Emperor Julian, in opposition to Christ's Religion, did not only set up variety of wicked Heathenish Abominations, but encouraged the Jews to build their Temple at the public Charge, which with great endeavours and costs was set upon; but when the stones of the old Foundation were digged up, and they went about to lay a new Foundation, by Earthquakes, Fire, and terrible signs of God's indignation against them, many were destroyed which were employed about that work, and their very tools and Instruments melted and consumed by the fire, the stones laid for foundations, violently cast up, which occasioned Cyrill then Bishop of Jerusalem, to say, Now was fulfilled the prediction of our Saviour, That not one stone should be left upon another, that should not be thrown down. Which seems to be the true Epocha of those 1290 days of years, spoken of Ch. 12.11. which probably end before that 45 years preceding Christ's appearance, as by v. 12. and v. 1. of the same Chapter may appear. But of these in their due place.  
But it is further added in v. 27. the latter part of it: And for the overspreading of Abomination, he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate, that is, during the time of the Gentiles, to be fulfilled, as saith Christ, Luc. 21.24. which appears to contain all the time of Jerusalem's desolation, and the Jews dispersion ever since, until their calling about these times of ours, ●hen they are to begin their spiritual and civil resurrection, which shall end (as was hinted, and may further from Cap. 12. appear) in a glorious and blessed state, by the free and rich mercy of their God, and the God of their Fathers, in respect both of their souls and outward condition, according to the many great promises God hath given, and then to be fulfilled to them, their children, and their children's children for ever, through all the Reign of Christ the thousand years with his Saints on earth, and thenceforth perfect blesseduess to all Eternity.  
Lastly, Daniel in the third year of Gyrus King of Persia, Chap. 10, 
Danids' fourth Prophetical Vision.  11, 12. had another Vision, having mourned three full weeks, and saw a glorious person appearing to him by the River Hiddekel, when his Companions fled for fear (though they saw not the Vision) and Daniel had no strength nor comeliness left in him, till he was afterwards raised and strengthened, when the Angel made known to him the things that were to come to pass in the latter days: Whereupon Chap. 11. he had the three Earthly Kingdoms then to come, before Christ's appearing, set before him: But first briefly of the two former of Persia and Grecia, I say briefly in respect of what was showed him in chap. 8. but after more fully of the proceed of the Greek Kingdom divided into Two Branches, and most largely of the last wicked Tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes, until he was quelled by the Romans, Chap. 11. v. 30.  Ver. 2. And now will I show thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three Kings in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than they all; and by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the Realm of Grecia. 
Only in v. 2. is spoken of the Persian Kingdom, in which after Three Kings, to wit, Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius Histaspis, should a Fourth, namely, Xerxes, succeed, richer than them all, who by his strength should stir up all the Kingdom of Grecia.  V 3, 4. And a mighty King shall stand up, that shall rule with great Dominion, and do according to his will. And when he shall stand up, his Kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided towards the four winds of Heaven, and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled; for his Kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides those. 
But then v. 3, and 4. that great Alexander of Macedonia, whose Kingdom should be divided towards the four winds, to his Captains, as was showed, Cap. 8. not to his posterity, which after was parted into Two, the Kings of the Scuth, namely Egypt; and of the North, namely Syria; the Wars of Alexander with the Persi●● being showed to Daniel in Chap. 8. now here was showed to him those that followed in Egypt and Syria, who in those times afflicted th● Jews that lay between them, by the spoil and forage of their Armies.  Ver. 5. And the King of the South shall be strong, and one of his Princes, and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. 
The King of the South, v. 5. is conceived to be Ptolomeus Lagi of Egypt; and that one of his Princes there named, is conceived to be Seleuchus Nicanor, who had Babylon and Syria, with the Dominions which he added of Antigonus and and Lysimachus.  Ver. 6. And in the end of years they shall join themselves together, for the King's daughter of the south shall come to the King of the north to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the power of the arm, neither shall he stand, nor his arm; but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begather, and he that strengthened her in these times. 
And v. 6. The two Sons of Ptolomeus Lagi, Philadelphus and Megas, contended about the Title of Cyrene, when Antiochus Soter, Son to Seleuchus, aided Megas, to whom he had before married his Daughter, which was a bone of contention between Egypt and Syria; to appease which, Ptolemy Philadelphus married his daughter Berncie to Antiochus Theos, Son to Antiochus Soter: Which Marriage, with the ill success thereof, is the subject of ver. 6. For Theos had another Wife Laodice, by whom he had two Sons, Seleuchus Callinchus, and Antiochus Hierax, who took ill their Mother's Divorce, and causeless rejection; whereupon they took the first opportunity, to cut off Bernice and her young Son, with all her Train that came with her out of Egypt, and that in despite of what her Husband Theos, or Father Philadelphus could do for her rescue.  
This King of Egypt Ptolomeus Philadelphus so called, for marrying his own sister, was exceeding rich, and a great warrior; studious of learning, by whose procurement the Septuagint translation was composed, and his daughter Bernicee, for her great dowry was styled Phernophoras. But the King of the North here of Syria, was Antiochus Theos for taking Divine honour to be styled God, after Laodice seeing her husband Theos his inconstancy, poisoned him, and to promote her son Callinicus to the Kingdom.  Verse 7. But out of a branch of her root, shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the King of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: 
Then v. 7. The brother of Bernice before slain, namely, Ptolemy Evergetes called a bud of her root, in revenging of his sister's butchery, prevailed against Egypt, hazarding Callinicus his whole Kingdom, who succeeds his Father Theos.  Ver. 8. And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods with their Princes, and with their precious Vessels of Silver, and of Gold, and he shall continue more years than the King of the North. 
Ver. 8. Ptolemy hearing of Mutiny at home, left his Conquest of Syria, and returned with his great Booty of 2500 captivated Idols; but Callinicus died of a fall from his Horse, the refore said [not to continue long] and his Brother Hierax after Civil broils, was slain by a Troop of Robbers, So ended both those Murderers.  Ver. 9 So the King of the south shall come into his Kingdom, and shall return into his own Land. 
Ver. 9 Energetes upon his return home to Egypt, repressed the Commotions [and so returned] as is said, unto his Kingdom.  Ver. 10. But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces; and one shall certainly come and overflow, and pass thorough; then shall he return, and be stirred up even to his Fortress. 
Ver. 10. The two Sons of Callinicus, to wit, Seleuchus Serannus, and Antiochus Megas, could not endure that Ptolemy Philopator that killed his Father Energetes, should possess any part of Syria under their noses, mustered up what power they could; but Cerannus being poisoned, Antiochus warred with Ptolemy's Captains, who overcame Attalus, and drew Theodolus to resign Syria unto Antiochus, and to help him against his own Master, Ptolemy; so he overflowed Syria, and set upon Philopators strong holds of Egypt.  Ver. 11. And the King of the South shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the King of the North; and he shall set forth a great multitude, but the multitude shall be given into his hand. 
Ver. 11. But Antiochus besieged Raphia, was overcome by Philopator's Army, and his great multitudes partly slain, and partly captivated.  Ver. 12. And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be listed up, and he shall cost down many ten thousands, but he shall not be strengthened by it. 
Ver. 12. Ptolemy Philopator being purfed up, exercised great cruelty against the Jews, and would have gone into the Holy of Holies, whom the Highpriest resisted; whereupon he made cruel Edicts against them, and put many to cruel deaths, as 2 Mac. 3, & 4 chap. but was given up to unclean lusts, had a Male-Concubine, one Agathocles, killed his Wife and Sister, soon after struck with death, and left his young Son to the tuition of that vile Agathocles; whereupon divers parts under him rebelled; and than Antiochns' having made preparation more strongly, invades his Son's Dominions.  Ver. 13. For the King of the North shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come (after certain years) with a great army, and with much riches. 
Ver. 13. That Child of four years old, Ptolomeus Epiphanes, the Nobles stomached to be left under the lascivious Agathocles, encouraged Antiochus expedition [after certain years as is said] Butler the Romans having taken the tuition of that young King, gave him a rub by an Embassage, to forbear the Territories of Epiphanes, which notwithstanding, after certain years, he did invade Egypt.  Ver. 14. And in those times there shall many stand up against the King of the South; also the Robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the Vision, but they shall fall. 
Ver. 14. But the Jews finding then content under Antiochus, took part with him against the Emperor; but divers Jews having built a Temple in Egypt to set up their Worship there, were devoured by Antiochus his Army.  Ver. 15. So the King of the north shall come, and cast up a Mounts and take the most fenced Cities, and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. 
Ver. 15. Antiochus makes a second expedition against Egypt, with all Warlike preparation, and gave it a great overthrow, as he had had a great foil at Raphia before.  Ver. 16. But he that cometh against him, shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him; and he shall stand in the glorious Land, which by his hand shall be consumed. 
Ver. 16. Antiochus being helped before by the Jews, comes among them with his Soldiers, that he might have succour near him; but those Soldiers did so waste their Land without respect to friend or foe, that Antiochus his peace, proved to them little better than Epiphanes Hostility.  Verse 17. He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him: thus shall he do, and he shall give him the daughter of women corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side; neither be for him. 
Verse 17. Antiochus' thought of a third expedition into Egypt, to recover what he had lost, and though strongly prepared and begun with hopeful success, yet was stopped by the Roman Protectors of Epiphanes their pupil: But Antiochus pretended amity, and to give his daughter to Epiphanes, and thought to corrupt her, to destroy her husband, which beautiful Cleopatra the daughter of women would not do.  Verse 18. After this shall he turn his face unto the Isles, and shall take many; but a Prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him, to cease; without his own repreach he shall cause it to turn upon him. 
Verse 18. Antiochus ill bearing two affronts done him by the Romans in Egypt: now to show his Lordliness, invades Grecia, and spoils the countries of Hellespont Chersonesus Eubojea 
* Called Isles, as Gen. 10.45. , formerly belonging to the Roman title, wherein first succeeding, well he mocked at the Roman terror: but smarted by them afterward: whereupon [the Prince] (not yet being at the height of their Kingdom) that is the Roman State [for his own behalf] (not now as formerly, for Epiphanes, v. 12. returned his reproach upon him, being thrice vanquished by them by Sea and Land, they forced him to surrender what he had won by Wars in Grecia, and defray their Charges, and deliver to them his Ships and Elephants which they required, and to give twenty Hostages, to pay a huge sum of moneys for twelve years, and one of the Hostages to be his Son.  Ver. 19 Then he shall turn his face towards the fort of his own Land; but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found. 
Ver. 19 Antiochus returning to his strong-hold of Syria, being to pay 1500 Talents laid on him, attempted for supply to rob the Temple of Juppiter Belus in Persia; whereupon the Barbarous people tumultuosly slew him; so [he stumbled and fell, not being found.]  Ver. 20. Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of Taxes in the glory of the Kingdom; but within few dayos he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. 
Ver. 20. Then unto Antiochus the Great, succeeded Seleuchus Philopator, his Father's Darling, in his Kingdom of Syria, who to maintain his pomp, laid heavy Taxes on his Subjects, and attempted by his Captain Helioderus, to rob the Temple of Jerusalem; and shortly after was poisoned by the same Captain.  Ver. 21. And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the Horour of the Kingdom; but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the Kingdom by flatteries. 
Ver. 21. Then succeeded Antiochus Epiphanes, (or as some Epimanes the Vile) who was left an Hostage with the Romans, by his Father, and now Demetrius his Brother's Son, the Heir of the Kingdom, was to be Hostage in his room; but before his return, the Heir was poisoned (as was thought) by his means, by the aforesaid Heliodorus. This Antiochus was resisted in the life time of the Heir Demetrius; but he wound himself in by pleading the Heir was unable to wield so troublous a state, and so would undertake his Tuition, and so by flattering, gulled the Nobles.  Ver. 22. And with the arms of a Flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken: yea also the power of the Covenant. 
Ver. 22. Then by three main assaults, Antiochus Epiphanes attempted in the old quarrel with Egypt. First, he took occasion by the minority of Ptolemy Philomator, son to Ptolemy Epiphanes, son to Cleopatra, Antiochus Epiphanes his Sister, to invade Egypt with great Forces, where he overthrew Philomators two Captains with a storm or flood of discomfiture. The Prince of the Covenant seemed to be Tryphon, who upon the former Overthrow, was the principal Actor in a League between him and the King of Egypt, whereupon he having entrance into Egypt first, took away Tryphon the chief Witness of the League, the better to conceal his Treachery.  
Ver. 23, 24. And after the League made with him, he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.  
Ver. 24. He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the Province, and he shall do that which his Fathers have not done, nor his Father's Fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey and spoil, and riches; yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong Holds, even for a time.  
Ver. 23, 24 This Antiochus the Vile, regarded not the League he had made, but entering upon Egypt, scattering handfuls of money to win the Vulgar, which he had got amongst them, and practised devices against the Strong-holds of Memphis and Alexandria, the principal Cities, by sowing discord between Philometor the elder, and Phisochon the younger brother, whose the two said Cities were; but (as saith the Text) it was but for a while, the elder brother by the Mediation of a Sister to them both, prevented that device.  Ver. 25. And he shall stir up his Power and his Courage against the King of the south, with a great army, and the King of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for they shall forecast devices against him. 
Ver. 25. As the strength of Antiochus the Vile, at first was Policy and Devices; so in this his second Expedition, he stirred up all the strength of Syria to try by War.  Ver. 26. Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat, shall destroy him, and his army shall over flow, and many shall fall down slain. 
Ver. 26. Yet the Courtiers of Philometor secretly plot with this Antiochus the Vile, against all reason and engagements to the King, their Families, and all Interests.  Ver. 27. And both these King's hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one Table; but it shall not prosper; for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. 
Ver. 27. After the Battle fought, the two King's parley about a Truce wherein each strives to outreach the other; and Antiochus was Royally feasted by Philometor, which were but for a time dissembled, till God's time came.  Ver. 28. Then shall he return into his own Land with great riches, and his heart shall be against the holy Covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own Land. 
Ver. 28. Antiochus having gotten much Treasure upon the Truce, and robbing the Temple of Jerusalem, which paid him Tribute for two years' reprieve of the Jews, many of which he corrupted aforehand, 1 Mac. 1.21, to 24.  Ver. 29. At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. 
Ver. 29. So after the said two years, he invades Egypt the third time, besieging the Royal City Memphis, which he soon after took, and drove Philometor to fly for his life to Alexandria, which as he went to besiege, Popilius arrives on an Embassy from Rome, and discharges Antiochus from any further invasion on Philometors' Country, whose Tuition the Senate and people of Rome had undertaken. But while Antiochus was complementing of Popilius, and other Romans of his old Acquaintance, the Noble Roman makes a Circle in the Sand, and charges him to return Answer before he went out of it; whereunto he obeyed. [Now was the time of the end of the Wars with Syria and Egypt, mentioned v. 27.]  Ver. 30. For the Ships of Chittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved and return, and have indignation against the holy Covenant; so shall he do, he shall even return, and have Intelligence with them that forsake the holy Covenant. 
Ver. 30. The Romans (called the Ships of Chittim, for they never landed at Alexandria) came of Chittim one of the Sons of Javan, Gen. 10.4. from whom Grecia and all Italy was peopled; Latinus having transported the Citians from the Greekish Islands into Italy; and here the wonderful Numberer sets them forth by the Ships of Chittim, that so the Jews from baalam's Prophecy, Numb. 24.24. might hence know the rise and ruin of their last great Oppressor, the Roman Kingdom. And he had intelligence with such as forsake the Covenant; for many Rebellious Jews desirous to establish Gentilism, did privily pack with him against their City and people, 1 Mac. 1.14.  Ver. 31. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the Sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily Sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. 
Ver. 31. In his Attempts against Jerusalem, besides treacherous Jews, he had Foreign Captains, Philippius, Andronicus, and Apollonius, as 2 Mach. 5.22, 23, 24. men of insatiable cruelties to act for him, who having taken the Fort of Zion, committed miserable Massacres, without respect of Sex or Age, 1 Mac. 1.35. and polluted the Temple by blood of Infants, 1 Mac. 1.39. Secondly, By their going into the Temple, being strangers, as Act. 21.28. Thirdly, To meddle with holy things, v. 47. and v 54, and 57 setting up the Idol Juppiter Olympus, in the Temple, called the Abomination, as Jer. 32.34. and God hates Idolatry, Isa. 1.13. and it brings desolation, for which the Jews were so sadly and sorely plagued.  Ver. 32. And such as do wickedly against the Covenant, shall be corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God, shall be strong, and do exploits. 
Ver. 32. Divers Jews joined with Antiochus against their Brethren, as Menelaus was guide to Antiochus in his robbing the Temple; and were more outrageous against their Brethren, than the very Gentiles, 2 Mac. 5.15, 23. So Jasan Alcimus, who contrary to his Oath betrayed his Brethren, and aided Bacchides, 1 Mac. 7.5, 15, etc. And the faithful Assideans Godly zeal in resisting Gentilism, and cleaving to God's Worship, is recorded 1 Mac. 1.25. with their Noble Exploits of War, as follows v. 34.  Ver. 33. And they that understand among the people, shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity and by spoil many days. 
Ver. 33. The Saints than had sad Trials, 1. By the Sword, 2 Mac. 5.25. 2dly, Cast into the fire, or scalding, 2 Mac. 7.34. 3ly, Sold to Gentiles, 2 Mac. 5.24. spoiled by Robbers, 1 Mac. 1.37, etc.  Ver. 34. Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 
Ver. 34. The little help was by Mattathias and his Sons, Judas and his Brethren, who but an handful to Antiochus and his Army, yet God prospered their Attempts to be a refuge to their distressed Brethren, and a vexation to their Enemies, to whom they gave many foils, 1 Mac. 2.24, 28, 29, 47. yet were there many false Brethren, as Alcimus and others.  Ver. 35. And some of them of understanding shall fall to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end, because it is yet for a time appointed. 
Ver. 35. Thus were the Saints tried by sufferings from friends and fo●s, to their future honour, in evidence of their faith and constancy; and now was the appointed end of Javans rage; as in v. 1. was finished the Tyranny of Babel. And v. 2. contained Four Tyrants of Persia, and their rage finished in Xerxes famous overthrow. And the third gins Javans first Oppressor, till Antiochus the Vile, whose death was spoken of Chap. 8. v. 25. which seems to be meant by the time of the end in this place, by reason the Spirit of God seems to end that Kingdom, than called the appointed time for it, when the trials and temptations of the Saints by his means was finished in that appointed time.  Ver. 36. And the King shall do according to his will, and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every God, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper, till the indignation be accomplished; for that that is determined, shall be done. 
Ver. 36. The King here spoken of, is the Roman State, who was to prosper unto the end of the indignation of God against the Jews, as chap. 9.27. he speaks of this King without distinction of North or South, as before (v. 18.) the Romans were but the Prince, (v. 30.) he calls them the Ships of Chittim. But here the King having the chief power, to whom many Kings submitted and crouched, as the two Antiochusses, Father and Son, Syria's stoutest Warriors. Perseus' King of Macodonia, brought with Wife and Children to trudg after Emilius triumphing Chariot. Hannibal flying several ways, was sent for by the Romans, and could not be freed from them, but poisoned himself. Geutius' King of the Illyrians felt their terror. So Prusias King of Bythinia; Eumenes King of Pergamus; Ariarathes King of Cappadocia; Deiotarus King of Galatia; Mithridates King of Pontus, etc. all which felt the Roman yoke, or broke their hearts or Kingdoms by resisting; and their insolency hath been as much over the Jews, and above any others; for they made Judea a Province, and billetted their Soldiers in every City, and took away all Capital Government by Laws, Offices and Penalties, as Florus observes, and others; and after Jerusalem was made equal to the Earth by Vespasian.  
But their insolency over earthly Gods, as Psal. 82.6. hath been seen in the Roman Antichrist, for History relates at least 20 famous Emperors and Kings trampled under foot by him miserably &c. besides, such as sp●nt themselves in his device of the holy wars, and to act for him in other countries, etc. Again the Church and State of Rome have been manifest by blasphemies, when Ptolemy and Cleopatra told the Senate, they were more beholding to them, then to the immortal Gods, they took it so: When Cicero uttered blasphemies against God's Religion, as barbarous superstition, and against God himself, as unworthy to be owned by the Romans, since his people the Jews, who professed dependence on him, were overcome; which Blasphemies were entertained and applauded.  
The Emperor Tiberius was desirous to Authorise Christ amongst the number of the Roman gods; but was resisted by the Senate, pretending it belonged unto them to make or unmake Deities as they pleased.  
But this Blasphemy is more palpable on the Roman Antichrist, who challengeth to be styled God, and that by the Emperor himself; and his Disciples style him, Our Lord God the Pope, a certain Deity on Earth, and the greatest Deity on Earth, and by open allowance.  
And though this Fourth Tyrant over the Jews was to continue long in the several Heads of that State, and the Pope is the 8th or of the 7th, and also that Turkish State over the Jews; yet when God's people shall be raised from the dust of dispersion and bondage, both Pope and Turk will at once be destroyed, and cast into the streams of Fire and Brimstone, issuing from the Ancient of Days.  
Yet it seemeth to me the 36 Verse is rather to be restrained to the former times of the Roman Kingdom, under the Senate, Kings, Emperors, and other Governors before the Pope's time, and suiteth well thereunto; and it is remarkable, That the Spirit of Christ teacheth the Prophet usually to set down his Prophecies and Visions, according to the order of accomplishment, except in occasional explications, as Chap. 7, 8. and 12. in some things; yet Idolatry, Blasphemy and Tyranny, are such spirits as have run in the blood, through the whole Body of the Roman Monster.  
And that general note of the long continuance thereof, the Roman Kingdom shall prosper, till the indignation shall be accomplished, etc. that is, to the end of the Jews dispersion and bondage, and coming of Christ, Cap. 12.  
Ver. 37, 38, 39 Neither shall he regard the God of his Fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any God; for he shall magnify himself above all.  
Ver. 38. But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces, and a God whom his Fathers knew not, shall he honour with gold and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.  
Ver. 39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the Land for gain.  
But Ver. 37, 38, 39 seems evidently to belong to the Pope's time in a special manner, his not regarding the God of his Fathers, sets forth the Antichristian Hypocrisy, sub nomine Christi militant, contra Christum, they pretend for God and Christ, but intent all for themselves; not as the Apostles and first Roman Christians, that so regarded their God, that with heart and hand not only in well-doing, but in self-denial and sufferings, to the loss of Estate, Life, Liberty and all, they steadfastly clavae unto him. But now all the honour of Christ's Prophetical, Priestly and Kingly Offices are taken (in effect) from him, and ascribed to the Pope, and especially in respect of their Breaden God's Idolatry, as might be showed, and particularly follows in the next verse; and how much the Papists disallow lawful Marriage, and reproach it, [here called the desire of Women] is too manifest both by their Doctrines and Practices; and as for Atheistical Blasphemies, their Writings are abominably fraught and filled therewith.  
And how his new-coined Breaden God, and what devised honour is given to him, what Riches and Ornaments bestowed upon him, how set up in Cities, Kingdoms and Countries, what promotions go with him, both Ecclesiastical and Civil, what Prohibitions of Traffic, Oppressions and Persecusions, to the Opposers of his Worship, is too large here to be set down.  Ver. 40. And at the time of the end shall the King of the south push at him, and the King of the North come against him like a whirlwind with Charets, and with Horsemen, and with many Ships, and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow a●d pass over. 
Ver. 40. But that he might not in the time of the end be so terrible in Might in the World, as he was grown notorious in wickedness in the world, God had appointed to send him gradually such a Checkmate thenceforward, to act another part upon the World's Stage, that should both restrain his Power, and curb his Pride; which was the Mahumitan Antichrist, arising out of the bottomless pit, as well as the Pope, which to carry on the Perdition of that wicked Iron Roman Monarchy, in two Wo-Trumpets, was to blow out the Wrath and Judgement upon the Eastern Empire especially, and to restrain the Man of Sin, which otherwise might have seemed too much like a God on Earth indeed: First, Raising the Saracens about An. Dom. 600. or not long after, to push at the Eastern Roman Empire, by many assaults and incursions, in which both Saracens and Romanized Christians were both, or at least by course, the Jews oppressors, in the times of those supposed Holy Wars, but more especially, since the Turk came against him with his Multitudes, about the year of our Lord 1300, with Chariots and Horsemen, and many Ships; for his hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, as Rev. 9.15. that is, 396 years he should continue to overflow with his Multitudes, and pass over, is not yet fully complete.  Ver. 41. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many Countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom and Moab, nnd the chief of the children of Ammon. 
Ver. 41. The Turk should possess Judea, and many other countries' should be subdued by him; yet Edom, Moab, and the chief of the Children of Ammon, should escape his hands, where multitudes of the Jews have been shattered, wherein (as Mr. Mede observes) the Providence of God hath been in that respect remarkable, That the Turk hath made composition with them, that they might not pray upon the Borders of his Dominions.  
Ver. 42, 43. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries', and the Land of Egypt shall not escape.  
Ver. 43. But he shall have power over the Treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.  
Ver. 42, 43. Though Egypt held out long against the Turks by the help of the Mamalucks, yet about An. Dom. 1517. they were subdued; when as is set forth in this Text, the Turk having taken Tonumbeias (their King) captive, before he put him to death, he set him on the Rack, to wring out of him where his Treasure lay, as he did with others of the Royal Race, and Royal City Memphis, to get their hid Treasures, as the Text speaks; the Libyans and Blackmoors aiding the Turk, and supplying him with necessaries in this War.  Ver. 44. But tidings out of the East, and out of the North shall trouble him; therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. 
Ver. 44. Those tidings out of the East appear to be of the Jews, that gather together about 1290 days of years, after the ceasing of their public Sacrificing in Julian the Apostates time, and his so public setting up Heathenish Abominations, making desolate, who before, or then were East from Judea, or to the Turks; whose gathering together will be to get their own Land, given to their Fathers and their Seed for a possession for ever, which they must enjoy to the World's end. [And out of the North] appears to be the ten Tribes of Israel carried captive into Assyria, North from Judea, who probably at the same time join with their Brethren the Jews upon the like design; against whom the Turk in ruinous rage, will gather force to cut them off utterly.  Ver. 45. And he shall plant the Tabernacles of his Palace between the Seas, in the glorious Holy Mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. 
Ver. 45. He will go into Judea, (here again called the holy Mountain) to secure himself, and maintain his part, but shall not thereby escape his determined ruin at the end of the 6th Trumpet, or sounding of the 7th whereupon comes Christ's appearance, as Chap. 12.1. when both Turk and Pope will be destroyed, making up the body of the great Mystical Antichrist; and all God's people freed from that Spirittual Egyptian Bondage.  
So that Chap. 12.1. sets out the time when, and the person by whom the Jews deliverance from their dispersion and bondage should be begun, with the terror to come upon the World of wicked men, than up, and in great opposition of his Church and People, both in East and West, the Turk being then in the height of his rage against the converted Jews, as before; and the Pope about to perfect the Armageddon Battle at the end of the sixth Viol, when Christ with his Armies comes to destroy him and them, as Rev. 19 from v. 11, to the end; and Rev. 14. towards the latter end; and as in this Chapter it is showed it shall be at the end of his time, times, and half a time, when he shall have accomplished or finished to scatter the power of the holy people; when as his time, saith the same Angel of the Covenant, Rev. 10. by a solemn Oath, his time shall be no longer; all which time Christ revealed before, Rev. 12. his Church should be in a Wilderness condition; for so the wore here (scattered) seems to imply; being only hid here and there by God's Providence, and his accomplishing of that scattering of them, denotes, That then they shall come out of that condition; and whereas their power till then was scattered, that then they should have a power to unite themselves, and their enemies not to have any longer power to hold them under, etc. though as the Jews will first have a beginning of their Resurrection, both Spiritual, by Conversion; and Civil, from their bondage and dispersion at the end of the 1290 days of years, v. 11. probably from Julian the Apostates time, about Ann. Dom. 366, the most probable Epocha of those days, which will not be perfected until the 1335 days, v. 12, that is, 45 years after, at the standing up of Michael their Prince at his appearing: So at the end of the 42 months, or his time, times, and half a time, when the last finishing Witnesses shall arise again, there will be a time for the gathering of the Pope, with his Antichristian Armies, to the Battle of the great God, Rev. 16. before he be wholly cast into the Lake of fire, together with the Turk (probably) but all the faithful Jews shall be delivered, whose names are found written in the Book of Life, when will be their great and most National Conversion, as Isa. 66.8. Zach. 3.9.  
Ver. 2, 3. Set forth the different condition of several sorts of Jews, from their first awakening at the end of 1290 days, to the accomplishment of their more general Call, as v. 11, 12. and what temporal, spiritual, or consequently eternal glory or disgrace will befall the several sorts amongst them, according to their faithfulness in cleaving to Christ in their troubles, or prevailing with their Brethren to adhere to Christ's Righteousness alone against all Jewish or Heathenish Seducements, wherewith probably they may be assaulted; or the contrary, as any shall be unfaithful or revolters, being seduced in the 45 years following, either by their false revolting Brethren, or by the Turkish Tyranny or flattery, and of such arising, Ezekiel is informed, Chap. 37. which is here peculiarly applied to daniel's people the Jews, and to many of them, not all, who are turned to righteousness of Justification, which God will accept, which they owned not before, with many other things considerable from the Text, as the natural scope of it will show.  
Ver. 4, and 9, is the sealing of this Vision from daniel's time, until the time of the end, as again Daniel was further informed, v. 9  
Ver. 4. the latter end, and v. 6, 7. there seems to be two distinct Notes and Characters given of the time of the end, under which was used that very same expression, Chap. 11.40. namely, of the Roman Emperors and Pope's days, which Daniel when he had heard, saith, v. 8. he understood them not; whereof two Reasons seem observable from the Text, First, That they did not directly concern daniel's people. Secondly, He is again in the next particularly told, They were then sealed till the said time of the end, Chap. 11.40. and Chap. 12.9.  
The first of these Notes or Characters seems to be of the Primative times from the Apostles, before Antichrists Forty two Months, or time, times and half a time began, namely, [That many should run to and fro, and knowledge should be increased] which appears to be a Mark of those times wherein either the Apostles and other faithful Ministers of the Gospel, by their travels, and preaching, and dispersions, and persecutions, and such like means (then) were successfully instrumental to cause the knowledge and profession of the Gospel of Christ to abound, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and by an Emphasis called Knowledge; being not only the principal, but the only necessary thing to be known by all men: Or else, that many that by such means took up the Profession of the Gospel, having only the light and the knowledge thereof, but not the Grace of the Gospel, might for a time hasten to take up that Profession; but by tentations and persecutions, be as hasty to run away from the owning of that Profession, according to the changes and turn of the Affairs of those Primative times.  
And the second Note or Character is more clear (which likewise gives further evidence to this) in that it is of the times succeeding those primative times, stamped with a very evident mark to discover them, namely, Antichrists time, times and half a time, or dividing of a time, as in Rev. 12.14. which v. 5, 6, 7. is set forth to Daniel in a Vision, and reserved, as follows, to be explained by Christ himself, v. 8, 9 in the time of the end, which he hath done accordingly, Rev 10.6, 7. to which purpose Daniel saw two persons on each side of the River, v. 5. and one inquires of the other for the end of those Wonders; whereupon the man clothed in white Linen (who probably is the same person, as Rev. 10.) utters in daniel's hearing, the Oath that follows to the like purpose, as we before noted.  
But v. 11, 12. he gives Daniel (that beloved Prophet) two other Marks of the times, more discernible to him, as having reference to his own people the Jews (though then particularly hid to him, since they were of things to come) namely, The continuance of the Jews dispersion and bondage, after the last most remarkable taking away of Sacrifice, and setting up the Abomination of Desolation, most probably (as we said before) in Julian the Apostate Emperor's time, about 366, from about which time the 1290 days of years are to be counted.  
And ver. 12. setteth forth the blessed condition of such faithful Jews or Israelites, as waited on God in doing their duty, and shall still remain so doing to the appearing of Christ at, or about 1335 days of years after their first awakening, or call from dispersion and bondage.  
And the said man clothed in white Linen, having laid down some general consolations for the faithful Sufferers all along those evil times, till the times of the end were passed (which he had before newly spoken of) v. 10 he than concludes with a particular consolation to Daniel concerning his part and lot he was to receive when his people should be delivered, and when Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were to receive the Lot of their Inheritance in the Land of Canaan, which God had sworn to give them; and yet his Word witnesseth (in the days of their Pilgrimage) they possessed not a foot of, even than Daniel is likewise informed from Christ, that he should then have his own Lot there with them, at the first Resurrection, Rev. 20. or, as our Saviour calls it, the Resurrection from the dead, Luk. 20.35. which here Daniel is taught by him as to his own Interest, will then be fulfilled in the end of the days, when the aforesaid evil times are past, of which it is said, Time should be no longer, Rev. 10.6.   

The Parallel between daniel's Visions and the Book of the Revelations of Jesus Christ, which is merely a Divine, Mystical Comment or Exposition of the two last Monarchies, viz. the Roman Monarchy and Christ's: from the time the Revelation took place: and first of the Parallel, of what concerns the Roman Monarchy in both Daniel and Revelation.  
IN order unto which said Parallel, we must take notice, that the greatest part of the Revelations of Jesus Christ from the beginning of the first chapter, setting forth the glorious person, whom then John saw, who (as he calls himself afterward, and) appears to be the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therein, in whose second coming the Prophecies respecting that Monarchy, are to be fulfilled and completed, being then to be utterly and for ever destroyed, and to go into perdition, as Rev. 17 is said; from which period he will set up his own Kingdom, as chapt. 20. and so forward, except what is spoken briefly from v. 14. of Chap. 11. of the Revelation, to the end of it: where is set down a short Abridgement of the state of the World, and the Church, after the seventh Trumpet gins to sound: only many encouragements are intermixed all along for all sorts of faithful, suffering Christians, from the promises and encouragements, referring to the thousand years, ensuing the sounding of the seventh Trumpet, which promises and encouragements are either contained in the first Vision, respecting the times then present, or past, to the end of the third chapter, concerning the seven Churches of Asia, then in being: or those that were to come in the following Visions from the 4th and 5th Chapters; which Visions are contained first in the Seal-Prophesie, chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 and in the 11th from v. 14 to the end of that Chapter: In the 6th chapter, are the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth Seals contained, which last sets forth the Dragons casting down from his heaven of Paganish worship, to the earth: whereupon after the sealing of the first 144000 in the Eastern parts, chap. 7. which were to arise there and be delivered from spiritual ruin (as chap. 9.4.) by Mahometan impostures under the two first woe-Trumpets, chap. 9 with the deciphering the innumerable companies of all nations to arise in the Church after the sounding of the 7th Trumpet, in those peaceable times, with palms in their hands. Then in the beginning of the 8th chapter, is the opening of the 7th seal, out of which all the seven Angels with their seven Trumpets, proceed: and after intercession made by the Angel of the Covenant for the faithful sufferers under the four first Trumpets which blew out wrath, for the most part upon the Western Empire, till he that letted the coming of Antichrist there, namely, the Western Emperor was taken out of the way, 1 Thes. 2.7. By the incursions of the Barbarous Nations, so making way for the man of sin, and so by degrees to end that Empire there: Then in the two first woe-Trumpets, (as we noted before) was brought on the like wrath, or rather much worse, in bringing in that woeful Mahometan imposture by the Saracens and Turks (in chap. 9) upon the Eastern Empire (as before upon the Western) both for their former cruel Persecutions of the Saints, and their Antichristian Idolatries and Wickedness, as in the two last verses of that ninth Chapter is expressly set down. That they that escaped those Plagues (saving the green grass and trees, v. 4. of chap. 9 before sealed, ch. 7.) repent not of the Works of their hands, that they should not worship Devils and Idols of Gold and Silver, etc. nor repent of their Murders, and Sorceries, and Fornications, and Thefts, but to be destroyed at the seventh Trumpet, as they had destroyed the Earth, Chap. 11.18.  
And after those Antichristian Abominations had been so long advanced in the West under the Man of Sin, and his Ten Crowned Horns, in the time of divers Trumpets, but especially the two first said Wo-Trumpets, under that twofold Beast, by new-coined Paganism and Idolatry, under a seeming Christian disguise; The Dragon after his former casting down to the Earth under the sixth Seal (having given his Power, and Seat, and great Authority to the said twofold Beast; there are seven Angels, having seven Golden Vials filled with the Wrath of Almighty God, prepared to pour them out to the said Beasts destruction, under the second Wo-Trumpet, and beginning of the 3 d Chap. 15, & 16. whereupon the Kingdoms of the World become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, Chap. 11.16. and Chap. 20.  
As may more fully appear in the forenamed Abridgement on Rev. 5. in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and in the Letter of May 20. 1664, in the Forerunner, to which the Reader may be referred; and in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, pag. 27, 28, 29, 30, etc.  
Now what we read to be recorded of the Roman Empire in daniel's Visions, is sometimes set down more generally, and sometimes more particularly, as seemed good to the Spirit of God to make them known to him for the benefit of his Church then, and for the better and more orderly application of what was there more darkly delivered to Daniel, to what our Lord Jesus Christ hath more fully (though mystically) revealed to St. John his beloved Disciple, for his Christian Church to the end of the said Empire, we shall (by God's gracious assistance) endeavour to proceed in the ensuing order.  

First, To set down what Daniel sets forth of the beginning and rise of that Empire.  
Secondly, Of the Time and Continuance of it.  
Thirdly, Of the general temper, quality or nature of it.  
Fourthly, Of the several States and Parts of it.  
Fifthly, Of the Extent and Largeness of it.  
Sixtly, Of the End, Ruin and Destruction of it.   
Referring thereunto the several parts of the Book of the Revelations, more fully explaining each particular accordingly; and so proceed to some general Observations and Improvements, as God's Spirit and Word shall direct.  
First then, to consider what Daniel sets down of the beginning and rise of that Roman Empire; and that is done remarkably, when he comes in Chap. 11. to set down how by degrees it began to arise upon the decay of the Greek Empire, when the two Heads of Egypt and Syria had long battered each other, than Rome had advantage first to show herself in another's Right, whom as her Pupil she had taken the defence of, namely, of Ptolomeus Epiphanes, the Son of Ptolemy Philopator, against Antiochus the Great, when his Father had left him, being a Child of four years old, as the Stories applied to the 13 and 17 verses in the Abridgement, makes to appear; and therefore afterwards the Romans in v. 18. are called the Prince, and act afterwards against Antiochus the Great, [on their own behalf;] and to take away those reproaches he had cast upon them, Vide Abridgement, v. 18. But in v. 30. the Ships of Chittim, that is, the Romans Navy, as was prophesied by Balaam, Numb 24.24. c●me against Antiochus the Vile, by the appearance whereof before Alexandria, he was forced away; which was the ancient mark for the Jews to know their last Oppressor was at hand, under the Title of the Ships of Chittim; so conquering that Adversary at present, vide Abridgement. But after Antiochus the Vile had perfected his outrageous wickedness against the Jews, by reason of transgressions, chap. 8.23. until Javans rage ended, as in the latter end of v. 35.  
At the 36 ver. the Spirit of God entitles the Romans, of whom he there speaks, and describes them by [the King;] Not now with limitation (as before) to North or South, or any other Quarter, but absolutely [The King] to whom belonged the said Ships of Chittim before, v. 30. Now having obtained the Sovereignty which was to continue until the indignation of God against the Jews was ended, ver. 36. Chap. 9.27. So that now he began to exalt himself above every god, as he did eminently till Christ was born; and then spoke marvellous things against the God of gods, by his Authority blaspheming, rejecting, killing the Son of God; the Stories whereof are contained in the Gospels, and that time those things were acted, and before the Revelation was given; yet the Spirit of God leads Daniel by steps to set forth in such manner the rise, and such proceed of the Roman Monarchy, till then, etc.  
Secondly, For the time of the enduring and continuance of the Roman Empire, Daniel shows, chap. 9 last; That the Ships of Chittim being (as was observed, chap. 11.30.) that last Oppressor of the Jews, (as Numb. 24.24.) that should afflict Ashur, and should afflict Eber, and that he also should perish for ever, so that no Oppressor of Eber should remain after him) sets forth his time in these words, holding out the continuance of the Desolation of Jerusalem, and the Jewish dispersion therewith, under the Roman Tyranny and Cruelty, [for the over spreading of abominations, he shall make it desolate,] (after he had spoken such marvellous things against the God of gods) when in the midst of the last week of years Christ dying, by his Authority should cause the Sacrifice and Oblation to cease [Jure & intentionaliter, by Right, and intentionally] in regard of God's institution thereof (though not efficaciter, effectually;) But than it follows, how long such desolation should continue, even after his efficatious causingof Sacrifice and Oblation to cease, (as in the Abridgement) even until the consummation (saith he) and that determined shall be poured upon the Desolate, by that last Oppressor, to perish for ever: Or by such as were to bring on his perdition in the Fifth and Sixth Trumpets, viz. The Saracens and Turks, Revel. 9 chap. namely, as Dan. 11.40, 41. The Saracens by pushing at his Borders about the times of the Holy Wars (so called) and the Turk after them over flowing a great part of his Dominions, by his multitudes help to bring him down, which is called by our Saviour the fulfilling of the times of the Gentiles, whilst (from Jerusalem's destruction) the Jews should fall by the edge of the Sword, and be led away captive into all Nations, and Jerusalem should be trodden down of the Gentiles, Luk. 21.24. that is, to the end of the days, wherein (saith Daniel likewise) Antichrists (the wicked little Horns) time, (as chap. 7.) wherein he shall have accomplished to have scattered the power of the holy people, at the end of his time, times, and the dividing of a time, being the Clayie feet of the Iron legs, chap. 12.6. and chap. 7.25. and till Michael stand up for the deliverance of daniel's people at that season, chap. 12 1. And again, when from God's eminent making of public Sacrifice and Oblation last, to cease openly (as is probable) was in Julian the Apostate Emperor's days, there should from thence be fulfilled 1290 days of years (even about these times) when the Civil ●nd Spiritual Resurrection of all Israel should begin, and to 1335 days of years or forty five years more, it should be perfected; and when Daniel should stand up in his Lot with the Fathers, chap. 12.11, 12, 13. which continuance contains the times of the Roman Monarchy, from the beginning of the opening of the first Seal, when the Gospel of Jesus Christ began to be published through the whole World, and so all along through the series of the Book of Revelations, wherein are all things contained, respecting the Civil State, and the Affairs of God's Church from thence, during the time of the Roman Monarchy, which should be accomplished (as was foreshowed) until the King of Kings with his Armies in white, Rev. 19.11, 12, 13, etc. should slaughter the Enemies, and (as Ezek. 38, & 39 chapters) delivering all his people, should set up his own, and his Saint's Kingdom, Rev. 20. But in the mean time, many by trials and sufferings under the Roman Tyrannous yoke, should be purified, and made white, chap. 12.10. having washed their Robes in the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 7.14. as also those undefiled Lamb-followers redeemed from among men, Rev. 14.4. which had his Fathers Name written on their foreheads, be redeemed also from the Earth, ver. 3, 4. So that the consummation, and that determined to be p ured upon the desolate, 
See Irenic. pag. 27, 28, etc.  Dan. 9.27. contained all the time of the six first Seals, after Jerusalem's destruction, Rev. 6. and the six first Trumpets proceeding out of the sixth Seal, Rev. 8.9. with the seven Vials under the sixth Trumpet; or, which is the same time, the Churches Ten Persecutions, till Co●stantine's time, with the Arrian Persecutions afterwards, until Antichrists forty two months were fulfilled, together with the Woman's Wilderness condition, a time, times, and half a time, Rev. 12. and the contemporary two Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth 1260 days, Rev. 11. and from thence through the seven Vials at the end of the Armageddon Battle, Rev. 19.11. even to the beginning of the thousand years, Rev. 20.  
Thirdly, For the general temper and quality of the Roman Monarchy, and the actings thereof suitable to its nature. First, the nature of it is described in the great Image, to be of Iron, strong and durable, to the feet and toes, wherewith a weakness of Miry Clay was mixed in the Pope's time, chap. 2. where (ver. 40.) the use of it is expressed, namely, that it should break and bruise all the other in pieces.  
Again, chap. 7. whereas the three preceding Kingdoms are set forth by several Beasts; first, the Caldean by its Lion-like strength, and by its proud high-soaring Eagles wings, before they were plucked, and it made to stand on the feet as a man, v. 4. 2dly, The Persian by a ravenous devouring Bear, with three ribs in the mouth, of Babylon, Media and Persia, ver. 5. 3dly, The Grecian by a Leopard, swift to snatch the prey; with four wings upon the back, and four heads, under which it should afterwards rule, v. 6. But the 4th, viz. the Roman Monarchy, Daniel saw in the night Visions, a Monstrous, Mysterious Beast, divers from all others; it was exceeding dreadful, terrible and strong, and it had great Iron teeth, and devoured, and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue in pieces with the feet; wherein is comprised the seven Heads of Government, Rev. 17. with the Nails of Brass (the Senate) destroyed by the Fourth Trumpet, Rev. 8. all of them before the 8th, which was also of the 7th, and adjoineth that to them, as the feet, wherewith it at last stamped, and that together with the ten Horns, as the toes of the feet, whereby the Body is enabled to walk upright, saying in the end of the 7th v. And it had ten Horns, wherewith to push and subdue, and wherein the strength and power of its so doing did consist; by which ten Ho●●s, seem not only to be understood the ten crowned Kings that gave their power to the beast, as Rev. 17. but all such ten wherein the Roman Power before consisted, as that Decem-virate, till the Twelve Tables of their Laws were composed, the Decuriones, or Commanders of Ten, ten of which were put under the Roman Centurions, consisting of Ten times ten, and so of all greater numbers of Ten; and the Ten Provinces, before they were crowned Horns, and all Roman Power under the number of Ten, as in their stories is observable; of which it might be said it had ten Horns. And it is observable, that Daniel ch. 2. 34, 41, 42, 43. describes it, that the feet and toes thereof were mixed with Miry Clay; which are the same with the ten Horns crowned in the Pope's time, which had much weakness in them, and could not mix themselves with the Seed of men; and they were so distinguished from such former strength of the Romans, in that they were the last and the lowest part in that Image to help (as was said) for a time to make that Beast stand, or go on the feet, as the ten toes thereof, though mixed with Miry Clay; and with these ten Horns or Toes, the little Horn which Daniel observed, came up amongst them, or behind them, at one hour with them, as is explained Rev. 17. before whom there were three of the first Horns plucked up by the Roots, viz. saith Mr. Mede, the Lumbards', Franks and Greeks; which Horn had eyes as a man, and a mouth speaking great things; and that, saith Dan. chap. 7.25. against the Most High [by blasphemies and wicked errors] and did think to change times and laws, and have the Saints given into his hands for a time, times, and the dividing of a time, or 42 months, Rev. 13. Dan. 12.6.  
Again in chap. 11. v. 36. Daniel describes the proud Usurpation, Blasphemy and Tyranny of the Roman Monarchy, before Antichrists time, and in his time, v. 37, 38, 39 he more especially speaks of his neglect of the true God, and his Institution of Marriage, with all his errors in both respects, with his Pride, Idolatry, and false Worship, his wicked Usurpations and Persecutions, to advance his Creatures to honour his Breaden God, and do all for the advancing of his Worldly designs, and outward glory.  
Now in all these descriptions of the nature and qualities of the Roman Monarchy, both from its rise under the first Heads of Government by Kings, Consuls, Tribunes, Decemvires, Dictator's, Coesars, five of which were passed in a few years; but even in them, and more in the two longest and last, have those qualities deciphered in general, been very observable in their strength, pride, blasphemy, tyranny, idolatry, persecution of Jews and Gentiles, and actings against the God of gods, as was hinted before in the Abridgement, but might largely out of the Stories of them, be set forth both from Heathen and Christian Writers, before and since the Revelation was given by Jesus Christ; but chief, since their do have been recorded by the Evangelists in the Gospels, and the Apostles in all the New-Testament; and above all, in Christ's infallible Prophecies concerning the Affairs of the Roman Monarchy in the greatest part of the Book of Revelations; for after the Romans were at their height under the Emperors, besides their Tyranny over the known parts of the world; what persecutions were raised by their Emperors against the primative Christians, executed in such Savage and inexpressible tortures all along in the primative times under most of the Seals, those ages that suffered under them, have had sad experience, which hath since under the Trumpets procured that wrath of God upon the Empire both East and West, that hath long since extinguished the Power and Authority of the Roman Emperors. And though since that Roman Antichrist the Pope, of the same fierce, tyrannous and wicked nature and qualities, by the Dragon's Assignment did wind himself subtly into their place, under a Christian Visor to set up his new form Idolatry; yet he hath showed himself their Successor in his kind, in their wicked and abominable proceed, as well as in place, as the large Comments witness, that have been made by his persecutions, as the Writers of them testify, according to what our Saviour foreshowed, Rev. 13, & 17. of the Pope's making War with the Saints, and the Whore's drunkenness with their blood, and making the World, and the Kings of the Earth drunk with the Cup of her spiritual Fornications, and bewitching them with her Sorceries in such an evident manner, as that the Mysteries of her iniquities are now in large Characters so legible to the whole Christian World, and have been many ages, that as the Prophet's Visions of old, who so runneth may read them; and that in the long continued series of many hundreds of years past, and which makes the horrid wickedness of these Antichristians so much the more abominable, that under the Name of Christ, they have all along fought against Christ, while such horrid wickednesses of all sorts have been varnished over with pretences of Christianity, Piety and Charity, whereby they are the more ripened for heavier Judgements than fell upon their Heathenish Predecessors, which could not be guilty of their hypocrisy and fight against God and Christ in his Saints, in so abundant clearness of light, against all conviction of Conscience; so that whether we consider the nature and quality of the Roman Monarchy in general, or their several Heads, passing in order to Antichrists (the Popes) forty two Months, and weigh their actings and proceed accordingly, (as in large Volumes might be made evident) the descriptions of them are so natural, which Daniel by the Spirit of Prophecy set down aforehand of them, as we say, [non ovum ovo similius] nothing is more like than what their do have proved them to be, as all the Orders of times under the former Heads of the Roman Monarchy, from the first Seals, to the end of the Armageddon Battle, Rev. 19.11. 
See Iren. p. 27, 28, etc.  both have for the time bypast, and will for what remains, according to God's Word, abundantly make evident through all those Ages.  
Fourthly, Pass we then to the Fourth Head considerable in the Roman Monarchy, and that is the several Stat●s and Parts of it: Many of these indeed are not so evident from Daniel, being (as Mr. Mede observes) set down by him but in imagine confusa, and not secundum series rerum gerendarum, as they are by Christ in the Revelation; yet the greatest things to be fulfilled after the Revelations took place, which did concern the Christian churches since, and present, under this consideration of the states and parts of the Roman Empire, are since the division thereof into the East and West, whereof we have these distinct informations, that the Pope arising with the ten Kings at one hour, Rev. 17. are particularly deciphered Dan. 7.8. where the wicked little Horn is observed by Daniel to arise among the other ten; before whom three of the first horns (as was showed) were plucked up by the roots; in which Horn were eyes like a man, and a mouth speaking great things; and v. 25. against the Most High; and shall wear out the Saints of the Most High, and shall think to change Times and Laws, and that the Saints should be given into his hand for a time, times, and the dividing of a time, by Christ plainly expounded, which the fulfilling of it hath plainly manifested to have been acted in the Western Empire many hundred years past, of which chap. 2. of the feet and toes of the Image, mixed with Miry clay, Daniel likewise speaketh, and of the Pope, and his scattering the Power of the holy people a time, times, and the dividing of a time, ch. 12.6. and what we observed to be spoken of him, chap. 11.37, 38, 39 the like we have of the other part and state of the Roman Empire in the East, when God raised those two Wo-Trumpets of Mahumetans, the Saracens and Turks, that by degrees first in the time of the holy War (so called) so pushed in the Eastern Empire; and since the second Woe Trumpet by the Turks, hath so utterly cast it down, that nothing remains of it to the last Head, now only confined to the West, and these Parts and States of it are manifestly explained in Rev. 9 and Rev. 13. and 17. chap. and many other places.  
Fifthly, It remains that we observe what Daniel informs us of the extent and largeness of the Roman Monarchy, which (as he observed) had the strength of Iron to beat in pieces all other Metals, chap. 2. and that of all the Beasts it was most dreadful, terrible and strange, chap. 7.7. and had teeth of Iron, and nails of Brass, to devour the whole earth, and tear it down, and break it in pieces; so it hath appeared in actions accordingly, as in part was showed in the Abridgement, and Stories may at large manifest, till it grew to its height in Augustus his time, when he Decreed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, That all the world should be taxed by his Authority, that is, so far as his power extended, and as far, in a manner, as we read the Apostles went their circuits in publishing the Gospel to Jews or Gentiles. And as the former Monarchies subduing those they succeeded, entered upon their Dominions, and joined them to their own, as the Persian Bear had the three Ribs of Babylon, Media and Persia, in his mouth; so the Grecian much of the Persian, together with its own; though many Limbs and Parts remained of them after their greatest break, as Daniel also speaketh, their Lives were prolonged for a time and season, chap. 17.12. So when the Roman, of all others the strongest, terriblest and fiercest, came upon the Stage to act its part, besides its own nature so rapacious and cruel, it had advantage after all, to make use of all the broken parts of the former Three, above any before it; and therefore so proudly and cruelly triumphed ever their ruinous states on all parts, on East, and South, and North, and after, and above all, extended its Dominions very far in the West likewise, even ad toto divisos Orbe Britannos, to these furthest known British Islands, and in those known parts of the World of Afia, Africa and Europe, was the spreading of the Gospel by the Apostles, in so many countries' mentioned in their Writings, whose boundary shown them to be the Roman Empire (in a manner) and the encouraging also afterward the profession thereof in East and West, by Constantine the Great, when he threw down Idolatry, and set up, and encouraged Christianity in all the Empire. And this also is further manifest by what hath been since taken away by the Saracens and Turks after his time, from those Roman Dominions; besides the considerations of those many Conquests the Romans obtained, till they came to the height, about our Saviour's life-time, (as in the Abridgement in part is set down) whence it is manifest upon all the said considerations, that the Roman Monarchy was of the largest ●●tent of all the other, and therefore by that Emperor's command, the whole World was said to be taxed. The Roman Empire for its largeness then containing (in some sort) the known habitable World, or which none could withstand; which daniel's former expressions do eminently foreshow, and even of the Pope, Rev. 13. it was said the World wondered after the Beast, and who is able to make war with him? But when the Dragon himself sat in that seat, with his seven Heads, and ten Horns of Paganish Persecutions, with such ample Dominions before the Pope's time. How much more might it have been said, The whole world wondered after the Dragon, and who was able to make war with him? had not Christ himself in the first Seal, undertaken that encounter, and set him his line, how far he should go, and his limits of time under the sixth Seal, when his term should end, by casting him from his Heaven of Paganish Worship, to the Earth, Rev. 6. later end.  
Sixthly, And so we proceed to the last step, or period of our Parallel of daniel's Prophecy, and the Book of Revelations, as respecting what they say jointly of the end, ruin and destruction of the Roman Monarchy; and first for the ruin of the Beast, chap. 7.9. the Ancient of Days is said to have the Judgement set, and that with a fiery Throne, with Wheels of burning fire; and to that end a stream of fire issued and came forth from before him, and for the execution of the Judgement those thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; and the Books were opened, and the first part of the execution, and the special occasions thereof, seems to be upon the provocation of the Beast, ver. 11. because of the great words which the Horn spoke; which execution is done first upon the Beast, to slay him, and destroy his body with the burning flame; and so again ver. 26. the end of the Judgement is declared to be, to take away the Dominion of the Beast, to consume and destroy it unto the end. And Daniel then further saw, ver. 13. one coming in the clouds of Heaven like the Son of man, the same which Rev. 1.7. is said to come with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also that pierced him; with [Even so, Am●●] added; showing then, that promised Mercy is then to be fulfilled to the Jews, Zac. 12.10. That they shall then mourn with penitent contrition, though many others with woeful lamentation at that time; and unto this was the glorious description of the Alpha and Omega; the said Son of Man set before him, who at the finishing of the things of this Book, saith, he comes quickly; and of this coming of Christ, speaks the Apostle Paul, 2 Thess. 1.7. When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when on the other hand, he shall be admired of his Saints, and glorified in all them that believe: And in the next Chapter, ver. 3, 4. he describes the man of sin, against whose wickedness, the Apostle shows (with Daniel) he will ●●●ially be revealed; whom (saith he) ver. 5. the Lord shall destr●● 〈…〉 the appearance of his coming; and in like manner when that King of Kings, with his Armies in the Armageddon Battle, Rev. 19.11. cometh against the Beast and his Armies; and then takes the Beast and the false Prophet, they are both said to be cast alive into a Lake of fire and brimstone, thereby describing the Hellish destruction that then will fall upon that Roman Monarchy for ever. Now as the Roman Monarchy, the strongest and fiercest, and of much the longest continuance, hath been the most wicked, having attempted by abominable Idolatries, Blasphemies, and unheard of cruelties in their persecutions, so highly against Christ and his Saints, in those ten most barbarous Persecutions, notwith●anding all the light tendered in their Dominions by the Preaching of Christ himself, and his Apostles, whom they likewise had rejected, pe●ecuted and killed, for the most part; and so all along the primitive times bu●ed their power, to extinguish the Christian Religion, until God raised up Constantine the Great, to put a period to their Paganish proceed, in that dreadful manner that the wrath of the Lamb, as it is said, was executed upon them, that is, for the terribleness of it resembled to the day of Judgement, as is largely set down under the sixth Seal, Rev. 6. latter end: But when upon the taking away of the Successions of those Heathenish Persecutors, the afterwards Apostatical Church of Rome did become Antichristian, though the extent of their power hath been lessened, yet their wickedness, so far as they then could reach, hath been many ways greater, and more notorious, and that for a longer time after their former owning of the Truth, and again revolting from it, and even perverting it to their own and others ruin in such a mysterious, contrived Hellish Apostasy, by such Artifice of bloody cruelty and wickedness, so monstrously executed above their Paganish Predecessors, so many hundred years together, by their long holding out the Cup of Spiritual Abominations by Mystery Babylon the great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth, who by how much more she hath taken pleasure in her wickedness, so much ●he more torment shall be given her, Rev. 18.7. But besides the last fiery destruction of the whole Monarchy, by the fiery streams, Dan. 7. there is a further dreadful description of that Wrath and Judgement, Dan. 12.1. at the time when Michael shall stand up for daniel's people, and when his people shall be delivered, which shall be such a time of trouble as never was since there was a Nation; whereof Babylon must have her portion; for both Gog and Magog, that is, Turk and Pope, whose destruction was revealed to Ezekiel, chap. 38, 39 to precede the said deliverance promised, chap. 37. and building of the New Jerusalem, chap. 40. to the end of the Book; whose Name is Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there, appears to be the same with that Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven from God, Rev. 21. when the Tabernacle of God will be with men, when the Lamb will be the light of that City, ver. 23. after the Armageddon battle was ended, Rev. 19.11, to the end; and that the Turk and Pope are meant in Ezek. 38, 39 may appear by many passages, some whereof we may point out by the way, as chap. 38.8. it is said of Gog, That he shall come into the Land that is brought back from the Sword, and gathered out of many people, against the Mountains of Israel, which have been always waste for so very long a time; and yet (he saith) being brought out of the Nations, they shall dwell, safely all of them. Again it is sald, He shall come out, and many people with him, out of the North parts, and that in the latter days, ver. 16. with many other notes deciphering the Turk, as Daniel also did, chap. 11.44, 45. And for Magog the Pope, (saith he also) chap. 39.6. I will send a fire on Magog, and amongst them that dwell carelessly in the Isles, (as the Jews reckoned such remote parts under the Name of the Isles) and then he adds, They shall know that I am the Lord; namely, to their cost at the Beasts destruction, more fully set forth in the New-testament, as was showed before; and then in the next Chapter the Prophet adjoins the glorious City, whose Name should be Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there; and to this likewise agrees that Prophecy of Joel, chap. 3.12. when God will bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, and as follows, with all Israel; when he will so dreadfully visit the World, as Joel 2.30, 31, 32. Joel 3.1, 2, etc. as in a great part of that chapter setting forth the gathering to the Armageddon Battle; and God's Judgements on them there, may be evident, as Rev. 16, 18, & 19 chapters; whereupon the happy estate of the Jewish Church (with others) is described, when the Lord shall dwell among them. Consider these particulars in the last of Joel, and as they are explained in the Revelation of Jesus Christ; so also Rev. 11.15, 16, 17. Now that the time of the accomplishment of that terrible last destruction of the Roman Monarchy doth near approach, besides many former conjectures of many Learned Authors, as Mr. Brightmen, Dr. Alsteds, Mr. Medes, Mr. Parkers, and other accounts, which upon sundry grounds they drew to some nearness to what we shall briefly set down, as Dr. Homes in his Dawning of the Daystar, Lib. 7. judiciously explaineth them, and as daily more and more by God's Mercy towards his people, is like to be discovered of the clearness of such mysteries concerning these last days. We shall, I say, only add four concurring computations of Scripture, of the time which may bring the last destruction of Antichrist, at the appearing of Christ's coming, (as 2 Thes. 2.8.) to be nearer than their former accounts rise unto.  
Not here to insist upon some late Author's computations, who have brought the accounts of the last things nearer than the former, viz. Concerning the Appearance of Christ to be at, or about Ann. Dom. 1700; whose grounds, because I know not what they are, I shall here say no more of them. But I find four computations of holy Scriptures tending to such purposes: First, two of the Old-Testament, respecting the end of the Jews Bondage, Dan. 8. and Dan. 12. ch. Secondly, two in the New-Testament, for the use of the Gentile Christians, holding out first the ruin both general and complete, of the great Mystical Oppressor of the two Sackcloth Prophesiers, and the contemporary Saints with them, till then, namely, of the Pope, Rev. 11. and 13, & 16. The other the ruin of the Great Tyrant over the Jews, and Antichristians too, Rev. 9 namely, the Turk, though not over them alone, but over the outward man of the 444000 sealed ones, Rev. 7. in the East, who after his day, hour, month and year, or 396 years, to destroy the third part of men, must come to his end, when none shall help him, as Rev. 11.45. (very probably) at, or about the same time. Which two Ends, namely, the ruin of Christ's Enemies, and the deliverance of his people, Dan. 12.1. 
See plain Discov. after the Parallels.  are the joint work of such Christ's personal Appearance (then) as afterward by the goodness of God may more fully appear.  
And though the concurrence of the said four Periods, seemed strange at my first apprehensions of them; yet upon serious consideration since, I have found them exceeding probably to point out unto us the meaning of God's Spirit therein, (in a latitude at least;) and let all serious Christians beware of slighting of them. It had been a very remarkable thing, if four such Numbers had so concurred only at one period, had the holy Ghost done no more; since it was his own Divine Work so to set them down, and especially, having such distinct Epochaes, or beginnings, many hundred of years distant; but when he hath expressly, and remarkably too, caused the Context to speak much to the like purpose, we are to take notice more groundedly of such hints of Gods own giving, or rather Divine Foundations of such kind of Truth's respecting his own times and seasons; which as they are always both for discovery and execution too, in his own power; yet in what degrees he pleases, he useth to make them known unto his servants in several ages, as in his wise counsel is best and most seasonable (many times) to stir up his servants to Christian watchfulness and obedience. I shall therefore endeavour as briefly and clearly as God shall enable me, to set them down for the use of faithful Christians, and so leave them, only adding my prayers for them, first to beware of that slight overlooking of such God's Warnings, as I find too many too apt to do. 
See plain Discov. after the Patal. in 9 use of such Doctrines once for all in writing, to be enlarged in Discourses, etc. for the benefit of all sorts.  Secondly, That they may really endeavour to make their due improvements of them; to which purposes we may (if God will) afford some brief hints at least, by reason of many present restraints from enlarging, as judicious persons will easily apprehend.  
First then, to speak something more particularly concerning the 2300 days, Dan. 8. in the Original Evening-mornings', which may as well, yea, better appear, (as I doubt not after is manifest) to be intended for so many natural days, whereby we are prophetically to understand so many days of years (as is usual in this kind) allowing an Evening and Morning to every day, rather than to put them (as some seem to do) for half the time: And they evidently appear from divers passages in the Context, to have a further intention, than to be limited to the wicked Tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes, or about his time, (which before in the Abridgement we made mention of) which evil time (happily) might be typical of the long dispersion, and miserable bondage of both Jews and Israclites through all their whole captivity, [that is, from the time that the captivity of both took place] to wit, from Nebuchadnezars beginning of the seventy years of his Kingdom's Tyranny over that captivated people, Anno Mundi 3398. and through a great part of the Persian Monarchy, to the beginning of daniel's Weeks, Anno Mundi 3549. which was 80 years more; which with the former 70 of the Babylonian captivity, amount to 150 years thus reckoned; Cambyses with the Magis, 8 years; Darius Histaspis 34, Xerxes 20, Artaxerxes Longimanus, current 20, not complete; which with some other deductings of one year, makes in Chronology 80 years, from Cyrus his taking of Babylon, Ann. Mundi. 3469, to the beginning of daniel's Wecks, An. 3549. when the Decree to build Jerusalem, not the Temple, (that being built before that time) was set forth, as Neh. 9.25. in the 20th year of Artaxerxes Longimanus, as Neh. 1.2, 4. and 2.1, 2, 3, etc. unto which, if we add the 490 in daniel's Weeks, extending 34 years after Christ's Birth [besides the last half Week after his death] in both which, namely 150, and 490, are contained 640 years, where by the way, take those 34 years from Christ's ascension, and add them to this present Anno Dom. 1666. (and according to what is observable from our four Scriptural Numbers, respecting both Jews and Gentiles) they reach just to 1700, and so there will be 1666 years from Christ's ascending, to his descending the second time of his coming, when will be the final ruin of the Beast, (by the said numbers, and as far as we can guests by the Series of Daniel and Revelation) (which seems remarkable in the wonderful Numberers Accounts, etc.) according as the Angel told the Disciples when he was taken by the Clouds out of their sight. Acts 1.11, 12. that he should so come again, and not only in the clouds of Heaven, Rev. 1.7. but probably then also his feet may stand again on Mount Olivet to fulfil that Prophecy Zach. 14.4. when the great things there spoken of largely, may be fulfilled, and the Nation of the Jews born in a day, Es. 66.8. Zac. 3.9.  
Now that the whole time from the beginning of the complete captivity of all the twelve Tribes, at the carrying of the two last Tribes to Babylon, was the time thenceforward to be measured out by the 2300 years, Dan. 8.14. may appear evident from the context, thus, as is further explained in ver. 17, and 19 and considered with the former; and that both (first) for the matter or things held out in the Vision. Secondly, For the time of it, and that in two respects; 1. For continuance thereof 2300 years. 2dly, Of the determination of the period thereof, at the last end of the indignation the end shall be; and for the matter of the Vision, that is set forth, ver. 14. upon a question of one Saint to another, How long? concerning the daily Sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, or making desolate, (as the Hebrew word denotes) to give both the Sanctuary and the Host to be trodden under foot. And further, in respect of the time both for the continuance and period thereof (as was observed) there is further added, What shall then be done? ver. 14. Then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed, (Hebr. justified;) as if it was said, The purpose of all before set forth formerly in the Sanctuary, will then be made evident, when the mystery of God will be finished. And afterwards one in the appearance of a man (which it seems was Christ) spoke unto the Angel Gabriel to make Daniel understand the Vision, as Rev. 10.7. to wit, when the period thereof should be; which first he saith, ver. 17. it shall be at the time of the end; and ver. 19 he saith further, it shall be at the last end of the indignation, which is again spoken of, and further explained, chap. 11.36. and also comparing v. 40. of that 11th chap. with chap. 12.4, 9 and with these three last Verses, compare the last ver. of ch. 12. when Daniel shall stand up in his lot. And although the two Tribes, to fulfil God's promise, were sent back in part from Babylon after seventy years; yet never were those two of Judah, or the ten Tribes of Israel, in any great measure comparatively to the whole, either any long time freed from their bondage and oppressions, or had free Governors, not tributary or subordinate unto others; and what multitudes of them remained in the 127 Provinces of the Persian Dominions, not much above 70 years afterwards, in the time of Ahasuerus (who is probably conceived to be Artaxerxes Longimanus) from whom the Decree came to build Jerusalem (as we shown from Dan. 9.25.) Besides, they wanted the Ark where God formerly manifested his presence with them, and his pleasure to them, with many excellencies they formerly had; yet God was pleased to uphold that unworthy people in their low condition divers hundreds of years, until the Tyranny of three great Oppressors, viz. the Persians, Greeks and Romans, till his time of Shiloh his coming, when that blessed promised Seed of the Woman, that Seed of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, in whom all Nations should be blessed; that offspring of David according to the flesh, should take our narure upon him from a pure Virgin, being conceived by the Holy Ghost, and in all other particulars foretold and promised to be the Great Messiah, at that appointed time to come and take upon him so wonderfully and holily the humane nature, that he might therein fulfil all righteousness, make atonement for iniquity; and bring in everlasting righteousness, etc. Dan. 9.24. And because neither Mercies nor Punishments wrought in any suitable measure upon those that were reduced; but rather they grew for the most part worse and worse, and did but more fill up the measure of their wickedness, by abusing of such wonderful mercies from first to last, even so that they, with their Rulers, against all light and conviction, would join in killing that Lord of Life that so wonderfully came into, and lived in the World to save their souls; and therefore they have seemed almost ever since to have had so much a worse Captivity and scattering throughout the World, and so much the more heavy wrath lying upon them, than before; and seem more like to be given up to a reprobate sense, till the end of the Indignation, (as it is several times called, Dan. 8.19. and Dan. 11.36.) so that a more evident manifestation of the drift of this Vision to reach to the last end of the indignation, (as will also be manifest in all the following Mystical Numbers) and when the end shall be, and in the end, as Chap. 8. v. 19 last words. I say, a greater manifestation thereof than this, I know not how, where, or upon what ground we can in reason expect to find.  
The Second is, from the years revealed to Daniel for the benefit of his own people the Jews, namely, The 1290 days of years, the Epocha whereof should be from the time the public daily Sacrifice was last and most effectually taken away, and the Abomination of Desolation set up, after our Saviour (Jure, by his death had put an end to it, being the Anti-type of all such Sacrifice) it was again done providentially by many steps afterwards; and that not only at the great Desolation by Titus and Vespasian, but as we shown in the Abridgement on Dan. 9.27. at several times afterwards, as by Adrian the Emperor, about 130 years after Christ's birth. Again, by Constantine the Great, when he drove the Jews from Mamre, and set up a Temple for Christians there: But most remarkable in Julian the Apostates time, when the wonderful hand of God about 366, or as learned Dr. Usher, 363. shown itself in causing the Jewish public Sacrifice, especially at the Temple at Jerusalem, efficaciously to cease, even until there be an awakening of the Jews or Israelites to their Civil and Spiritual resurrection, foreshowed Ezek. 37. unto which said Epocha, if we add the 1290 years, they will reach to 1656. about which time, or sooner, relations were made by Travellers, of their private actings, by a secret character, sending to their Brethren in many parts, upon some supposed design, probably conceived to be that in Dan. 11.44, of their rising to seek their Land, etc. the effect whereof we have had many times confirmed this year, 1665. So that from their beginning to look towards Zion, in harkening after the tenders of Christ's Grace (as by late information there seems to be hopes of in some measure) whereunto, if we add again the blessed time of Christ's perfecting such a work about the 13 35th year after, which is 45 years more, Dan. 12.11, 12. when Dan. 12.1. Michael their Prince should stand up for their full deliverance at the ruin of the Turk, in the end of chap. 11. So these and the late Author's computations agree together about An. Dom. 1700.  
Thirdly, We may add another concurrent Account of the Turks time, in Rev. 9 who is reckoned the second Woe Trumpet upon the Roman Empire, whose hour, day, month and year, Mr. Mede sums up to be 396 years, beginning soon after 1300, as Chronologers compute his beginning; so by that reckoning about 35 years from this 1665th year, his time will be out at, or about 1700.  
Fourthly, The like reckoning may probably be made from the Pope's rise and ruin, and from the probable proceeding of the pouring out the Viols, and the kill and rising of the Witnesses.  
First, From the Popes rise at one hour, with the ten crowned Horns, Rev. 17. about 406, as [Excidium Antichristi] makes to appear very probable; and accordidgly his ruin likely eminently to begin about 1666. To which purpose further take notice, That Pope I nocent the first, at 406, or sooner, (as some conceive) did not only challenge Appeals to be made to him from all Churches, Secundum Patrum illorum inflituta, etc. upon a pretence of a Decree in the Council of Nice, which afterwards proved but a falsification, as divers Author's witness; but being Pope, saith Helvic. An. Dom. 402, also exalted himself above all that is called God, manifest by his Excommunicating the Emperor Arcadius in the East: See Dan. Pareus in Medulla Historiae Ecclesiae Universal, and the Eastern Churches with him. See Rosse History of the World, lib. 3. ch. 3.  
He also is storied to have obtained of Honnorius Emperor of the West, an Exemption of the Clergy from the Civil Jurisdiction, making them a distinct Body with the Pope their Head, as the two Horned Beast, Rev. 13. as in respect of the ten crowned Horns that arose with him, he was the ten Horned Beast also; besides many other badges to discover him both before, and about 406, and before in many things, as Idolatry in worshipping Images, Saints and their Relics, etc. See Wolfius, Cent. 4. forbidding Marriage, Simson Hist. Lib. 4. Cent. 4. in ●d Council of Carthage. An. (saith Helvic.) 396. Siricius (saith Melanct. on Carion. Lib. 3.) forbade the married Clergy to company with their Wives, else to be deprived of their Offices; abusively citing St. Paul's words, They that are in the flesh, cannot please God: About 398. With sundry other Superstitions and Traditions, which Histories record then to be received and promoted by the Popes in those times; showing the Beast to be risen at that time, whereof many Authors give large Evidence.  
Secondly, From the pouring out of the Viols; the third whereof Mr. Mede conceived to be the Laws against the Pope's Emissaries in Qu. Elizabeth's days, with other like actings elsewhere; since which begun that 3d, 4th and 5th; are conceived to have passed in almost 100 years; and the 6th to be begun, both by drying up the Pope's Euphrates of the Germane Emperor's Dominions by the Turk lately; and thereby so preparing the way for the Kings of the East, the Israelites and Jews, as is now more than probable; and so to the Pope's utter ruin, remains the time for gathering to the Battle of the great God, to be at the end of the 6th Viol, Rev. 16. which may probably be about the said time, between 30 or 40 years.  
Lastly, The rising of the Witnesses will precede the falling of the tenth part of the Dition of the great City, wherein will be slain 7000 Names of men, at the Pope's eminent beginning to fall.  
Now with the Date of the Beasts 42 Months, or the Woman's time, times, and half a time in her wilderness condition, or the witnesses 1260 years, will probably be those great changes about 1666. which the Holy Ghost seems to make the ending term or number of the Beast, Rev. 13. the last ver. as Belshazzar's Kingdom was said to be numbered when it ended, Dan. 5. when Antichrist will have probably accomplished to have scattered the power of the holy people the Saints; but than Christian Churches both of Jews and Gentiles, will be able to stand up and maintain their open conflicts with both their great Adversaries the Turk and Pope, the Mystical Antichrist, until Christ's appearing, not improbable to be about the same time aforesaid, (for some few years difference there is in the Computations of years in Authors) concerning the last causing of Sacrifice to cease in Julian's time (as was observed) and of the time of the fixth Viol., the end whereof may happily be sooner felt of many, then known or believed, when the 7th Viol will be poured out to fulfil that terrible destruction, which both Old and New-Testament (as was showed) give witness unto. But all circumstances considered, it may seem very probable upon all these said accounts so concurring in a joint period, That the Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord, to the wicked World, approaches nigh, before which an Elias was to be sent to his ancient people of Israel, Mal. 4.5. happily already come to the Israelites we now hear of, etc. Upon all which considerations it behoves all sorts of men wisely to weigh in the balance of the Sanctuary both these and such like Scriptural Advertisements, and all other providential signs of the times; otherwise our manifold Warnings both from the Word and Providence, will make our Judgement the more heavy, and our neglect thereof will make us the more inexcusable; and woe be unto us if we unfaithfully go about to put off the evil day far from us, when God is about to bring it suddenly upon us: His Judgements begin now to appear terrible in the World, and he seems to begin his great Earthquake to come, when the Beasts eminent fall is to begin. Therefore let all the Inhabitants of the World learn righteousness, both righteousness of Justification, by the right knowledge and application of the Doctrine of Faith in Jesus Christ alone, as Dan. 12.3. and righteousness of new obedience, being led by the Spirit of Sanctification, by the Rule of the Word, in the paths of Holiness, Righteousness and Sobriety in their whole life and conversation, which are those Garments most needful at such times to be kept close to us, Rev. 16.15. against these times wherein the storms of God's wrath begin to arise upon the wicked world in these last of days.  
And so we have done with the sixth and last Consideration, to wit, of the utter ruin and perdition of the Roman Kingdom, and all the broken Limbs of the other with it; whereunto the Monarchy of Christ is solely to succeed, in the next place to be considered.  
Here only let me add the Consideration of the proportioned Degrees of God's proceed against three sorts of men in three great revolutions of times, wherein partly he hath manifested, and partly he will manifest most eminently his wonderful Grace, since the old Worlds drowning by water, and Sodom and Gomorrahs' destruction by fire, set forth for examples to all succeeding ages; and yet, for aught we find, they had not the like tenders of Grace that those since their destruction have had, and yet will have; First, Against the Jews at their last desolation and captivity. Secondly, Against Antichrist at his utter perdition. Thirdly, What his word declares shall be against that last Gog and Magog, at the world's last destruction; (for these terms of Gog and Magog, are taken for the great, resolved and implacable Enemies of God's Church:) First, The Nation of the Jews were brought near to God after all the twelve Tribes deliverance out of Egypt, and settling in Canaaan, enjoying above their Brethren, a peculiar nearness to God, more than any other people, a long time; having his Oracles, and Ordinances, and Messengers amongst them, and many tokens of his gracious presence with them, great things revealed to them, great things done for them, and long patience exercised towards them; but when they continued not only unreformed, but obstinate, that they set themselves against God and his Messengers, in such a notorious, rebellious manner, that there was no remedy, they were led Captive to Babylon; but yet with a gracious promise of returning again after 70 years. But afterwards, when neither Mercy nor Judgements did them good, but after all their wickedness and transgressions, they killed the Lord of Life, and persecuted his Messengers that sought to save their fouls; such an horrible desolation befell them, as in all the world the like had not been heard. But 2dly, Since the Romans have rejected greater tenders of Grace, wherein both Christ's and his Apostles both Preach and Miracles, were performed, and whereby the Jews Desolation was accomplished for resisting of Christ and his Gospel, which after the wicked Example of the Jews, they have so rejected, despised, yea opposed and persecuted both the Gospel, and all that owned it, in such bloody, cruel and savage manner, that the just wrath and vengeance of Almighty God, hath almost all along pursued them; but especially it will appear in the utter ruin of the Roman Kingdom, at Antichrists destruction, who hath of all others abused the greatest, clearest and most glorious light of Gospel-Grace, after his forefather's owning of it, and taking up a profession thereof; yet after by his abominable Apostasy, so wickedly to pervert such precious Truth, and so many hundred years to proceed in such abominable, hellish practices of Atheism, Blasphemy, Idolatry, with all varieties of Wickedness, Persecution and Bloodshed of the Saints, his last utter ruin will (according to the Word) be so much the more terrible, by an immediate hand of Christ, by Fire and Sword, and otherways to make it so dreadful to all succeeding Generations, as is said Dan. 12.1. and Ezek. 38, 39 in reference both to him and the Turk, who hath likewise got so great a share in the Empire, (where the false Prophet Mahomet is also set up) that it will be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a Nation; more fully again explained of the Pope, and (happily) that false Prophet too, Rev. 19, 11, to the end.  
But 3dly, When the Hypocrisy of the last Gog and Magog, so long restrained by the wonderful Glory, and powerful Grace of Christmanifest, both before in the destruction of Antichrist, and all along the thousand years, not only to all the Generations of the faithful, for the inward and outward man; but to the raised Saints, in so blessed and holy an Estate, continued that time on Earth all under that Universal Dominion of Christ and his Saints; yet notwithstanding all reasons and motives to the contrary, when at last by Satan's seducement upon the advantage of the numerousness of those hypocritical slaves (formerly) to the Church, they shall so Atheistically, after all dare to break out into open Enmity and Hostility (probably to free themselves from Christ's and his Churches outward yoke) to think and attempt to compass the Camp of Saints from all the Quarters of the Earth, by the Conduct of the Devil, and even to besiege (as it were) Heaven itself upon Earth, the beloved City, it will be an Attempt so far beyond all parallel in the height of wickedness both of Men and Devils in the world, that the Vengeance of God will no longer suffer it to continue, nor them to have longer time further to attempt any other Evil in it; but both at once, or near together, shall be destroyed from the face of it, and sent thence to their own place of torments, and thereupon the dissolution of the world to ensue: Such Wisdom, Power, Holiness, and Goodness of such Gods great Proceed in the world, the Sacred Scriptures seem clearly to hold out to be observed and improved by all men.   

The Parallel of the Fifth Monarchy in Daniel, further Expounded in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. To which purpose we shall set down, First, Some Observations tending thereunto more indirectly and remotely. Secondly, We shall summarily and briefly adjoin the particular Branches most considerable in the Parallel between Daniel and the Revelation. Thirdly, We shall add some Explications and Illustrations of some most material things further to be considered therein, as God shall assist.  
WHere (First) observe, That as the Antichristian Church is set forth by Forty two Months, according to the course of the Moon that rules in the dark night; So Daniel saith, chap. 2.7. He saw the fourth Beast in the Night-Visions, wherein much mystery of iniquity was to be observed.  
Secondly, Again observe, as Christ (Rev. 16.15.) warns all men, That he will come as a Thief in the night: So Daniel (c. 7.13.) saw in the Night-Visions, The Son of Man come in the Clouds of Heaven.  
Thirdly, As the time of the Two Sackcloth Prophets is described by 1260 days of years, Rev. 11. the day being the time of light and comfort; so the Saints (the Children of Light) are they to whom the Son of Righteousness, the true Light, gives the Kingdom to possess it for ever and ever, ver. 18. when the Beast and his Worshippers shall be cast into utter darkness.  
Fourthly, As Christ makes known to his Saints, That the Beast shall make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them temporally, Rev. 13. So Daniel shows, that the time would ensue, that the Beast should be slain, and his Body destroyed, and given to the burning flame, Dan. 7.11. Rev. 14.  
Fifthly, As the Lamb's Followers (Rev. 14.) are described to be such as loved not their lives unto death: So the Kingdom that belongs to them, Daniel saith, shall not be destroyed, v. 14. but they shall possess it for ever and ever, v. 18.  
Sixthly, As the Woman (the true Church) is nourished in the Wilderness a time, times, and half a time, Rev. 12.14. that the Beasts tyranny and persecution might not destroy her, while her limited time of suffering lasted; so the Beast speaking great words against the Most High, and wearing out the Saints, is also limited by the said time, times, and dividing of a time, chap. 7.25. his great Power and abused Authority cannot lengthen his days.  
Seventhly, As in Dan. ch. 2. many chief matters are set down of the times, nature, order or states, founder or setter up, continuance and prevalence of Christ's glorious Kingdom on Earth, with the unlimited extent of it; so besides these, in chap. 7. is more remarkably described the manner of raising it, both remote, and more near, the Donation of the Founder thereof, with the Owner of it, namely, the Son of Man his Doputation of it to the Saints, together with power to judge and rule for him over the whole world; and in chap. 12. the particular time in order is described, of the second estate of it, which are all that Daniel speaks directly of it; only indirectly, are the continuance of the first estate of it, employed chap. 9.24, 26, 27. describing what shall be done towards the end of the seventy Weeks, when Christ should by his own Sacrifice of himself, cause the other (jure) to cease, and how he should confirm the Covenant with many; and after the people of the Prince, to wit, the Romans, should destroy the City about forty two years after: And then in general, sets down the time of its desolation, which our Saviour calls the fulfilling of the times of the Gentiles, Luc. 21.24. which contains the first Estate of Christ's Kingdom. Also it is again indirectly spoken of under the Pope's wicked actings against it, in the said first state of it, by the Roman Monarchy, Dan. 11.36, 37, 38, 39 So in the Revelation, what directly belongs to Christ's glorious Kingdom upon Earth, is Rev. 11.15. to the end, and chap. 19, 20, 21, 22. But indirectly, there are many things revealed, and seen, and promised, which refer to the New- Jerusalem that comes down from God out of Heaven for encouragements to the faithful sufferers in their successive times, all along set forth in that Book besides: Of which more afterwards. Vide Paper of Dec. 7.1664. in the Forerunner, p. 36, 37, 38, 39  
Secondly, As to the second head briefly to be adjoined, we may both from Daniel and the Book of Revelations, jointly observe these particular branches most considerable.  
First, The order and different states of that Kingdom distinguished by the Kingdom of Patience, and Kingdom of Power, called aptly by Mr. Meds', The Kingdom of the Stone, and the Kingdom of the Mountain, grounded upon Dan. 2.34, 35. The first is deciphered under Christ's riding conquering and to conquer, Rev. 6. through all the Seals and Trumpets, to the sounding of the seventh Trumpet, which contains the time of the first state; the Kingdom of Patience, or the Kingdom of the Stone set forth directly in all the Book of the Revelation, saving those last named chap. 11. and chap. 19, 20, 21, 22. wherein (as was showed) is contained the second state of Christ's Kingdom of Visible Power, or the Kingdom of the Mountain filling the whole Earth. Both these states Daniel sets down more largely: First, the first state (though indirectly) under the actings of the Roman Empire against the God of gods, and disregard of his Father's God in the Emperors and Pope's time, Dan. 11.36, 37, 38, 39 and so of the actings of the Fourth Beast, with his wicked Horn, chap. 7. and a great part of the Iron Kingdom, with feet and toes of Iron and Clay, so long as they have been the Persecutors and Oppressors of Gods true Church; and the other state of it Daniel expresseth, when the Kingdom was given by the Ancient of Days to the Son of Man, chap. 7.13, 14, to the end of that Chapter.  
2dly, Again, for the beginning of the States of the said Kingdom; The beginning of the first was under the first Seal, Rev. 6. which was when Christ having all power given him in Heaven and in Earth, than gave Commission, Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. to his Disciples and succeeding Ministers to preach the Gospel to all, promising to be with them to the end of the World, when he saith, Rev. 10. Time (namely, of the Beast and wicked Dominion) should be no more; which will be finished when the Beast shall be destroyed; which Kingdom will be perfected upon the beginning of the following state, namely, of the Kingdom of Power, or the Kingdom of the Mountain, then to succeed, as Rev. 20. and Rev. 11. which, as that of the Stone, was many hundred years in passing to this last state: So this shall never pass away, or be destroyed while the World continues, but shall at last be perfected in the Kingdom of Glory in Heaven for evermore, as that of Patience was perfected in the Kingdom of Power before. Now of the time of the beginning of the first, saith Daniel, chap. 2.44. In the days of those Kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom, etc. and of the beginning of the Second, (chap. 7.) saith he again, v. 13, 14. I saw the Son of man coming with the Clouds of Heaven, and unto him was given Dominion, and Glory, and a Kingdom, that all People, Nations and Languages should serve him, etc. Of which more (by God's assistance) afterwards.  
3dly, We must especially observe how the first Session of the day of Judgement gins the said last state of Christ's Kingdom, where the Judgement is said to be se, and the Books opened, at the destruction of the Beast; and upon that account, Dan. 7.12. because of the great words which the Horn spoke, ver. 9, 10, 11. will be executed by Christ at the Armageddon Battle, Rev. 19.11. to the end, spoken of Rev. 16. And likewise another like Session of Judgement after the thousand years, we may again observe will (according as God hath appointed, and our Saviour declared) Rev. 20.11, 13, etc. perfect the said Kingdom of the Mountain in glory, after the last Gog and Magog shall be destroyed, after the thousand years shall be ended; when also the Judgement will again be set, and the Books opened, which is proper only to the Judgement of the great Day (as St. Judas calls it;) and why should it seem strange that Christ should have such a great Day to judge and rule in over all creatures, as he is Mediator, whilst the Kingdom which the Ancient of Days gave him, shall remain in his hand, when Antichrist had his Day of before? And not to speak of the days of Captivities of the Jews, or of 1260 years their forty years in the Wilderness, Heb. 4. St. Peter reckons Eternity under the name of a day, 1 Pet. 3. last; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (as in the Original:) So that upon many considerations, Mr. Mede might well reckon all that time from Christ's coming with clouds, Dan. 7.13. of which Rev. 1.7. and Rev. 19.11, etc. to the last Session's end, under the title of the Day of Judgement; wherein first, at the destruction of Antichrist, when he destroys the quick with visible, temporal judgement, and rewards his Servants the Prophets, and his Saints, and all that fear his Name both small and great, in their order, Rev. 11.18. and Rev. 20.4, 5. when likewise Daniel showeth, the Saints shall take the Kingdom (being then given to them) and possess it for ever (to the World's end) as Christ then will receive it of his Father, to give it to them, ver. 13. yet they shall rule for him, ver. 27. all that time, in all Nations under the whole Heaven.  
4thly, In the next place the God of Heaven is said to be first the Founder of Christ's Kingdom in the whole of it, under both states of the Stone and Mountain, of Patience and Power, chap. 2.44. In the days of those Kings the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom that shall never be destroyed, etc. And also he is said to be the Donor or Giver of it to Christ his Son, chap. 7.9, 13, 14. So likewise Rev. 5. Christ hath not only the Revelation given to him from God the Father, to open and make known the same to his Church; but the Lamb hath Riches, and Honour, and Power, and Wisdom, and Strength, etc. to execute and fulfil all things contained therein, ver. 12, 13. which he himself declared before his ascension, Matt. 28.18, 19, 20. his Commission from the Father enables him to fulfil the contents of that Book in both states of that Kingdom, in order from the beginning of the first Seal, chap. 6. when he sent out his Apostles, as before, Matt. 28. to, and in his 1000 years' reign on Earth, Rev. 20.4. Rev. 5.10.  
5thly, So likewise for the extent of his Kingdom under both States: In the first state it is large without restraint, unto Jews or Gentiles, Greeks or Barbarians, in respect of the tender of it, Go preach the Gospel to every creature, Mar. 16.15. Go preach the Gospel to all Nations, Matt. 28.19. As Augustus Caesar would have all the World taxed; so Christ's riding on the white Horse hath the same bounds, Rev. 5. No doubt their sound went into all the world, and their words to the end of the earth, saith the Apostle, Rom. 10.18. So Dan. 2.24. It shall never be destroyed, but shall break in pieces all those Kingdoms, and extend sometimes very largely in the Empire, and at one time or other all over the known World.  
But the other state of the Kingdom of the Mountain, is not only unlimited in the tender of it, but also boundless in the extent of it over all the whole Earth, as an huge Mountain it fills the whole Earth, Dan. 2.35. and ch. 7.13, 14. To the Son of Man was given Dominion, and Glory, and a Kingdom, that all People, Nations and Languages should serve him; and his Deputies, the Saints, take the Kingdom, ver. 18. and that which was the greatness of the Kingdom, under the whole Heaven, v. 27. and then all Dominions shall serve and obey him. So Rev. 20.4. the Saints reigned with Christ a thousand years, and the representative Church exult assuredly, That they shall reign upon Earth, Rev. 5.10. and Rev. 11.15. The Kingdoms of the World are become the Kingdoms of our God and of his Christ, etc.  
6thly, Again, for the nature of this Kingdom, although the first state of it, being mostly invisible, and therefore in the outward aspect for the most part despised, neglected, yea opposed by the men of the World of all sorts, for the most part of the time of the Kingdom of Patience, in which state, though the Devil and the wicked World have endeavoured earnestly to destroy it, yet it could never be destroyed, Dan. 2.44. And though the Beast make war with the Saints, and think to wear them out, yet his time is limited to a time, times, and dividing of a time; but then the Judgement shall sit and destroy him, Dan. 7.25, 26. even when he shall have accomplished to scatter the Power of the holy people, Dan. 12.7. for he shall never utterly destroy their Power, Rev. 12.6. So Rev. 13. Rev. 11.2.  
But in the second state it will not only be an inwardly invisible, true Church, but also an outwardly visible and glorious Kingdom likewise, when Jews and Gentiles shall be so largely and unlimitedly brought into it, Rom. 11.12, etc. Dan. 7.14. Even such a glory as becomes the Son of God, to have Dominion and Glory, as was said; and which he willed before his death the Vision of to his Saints, John 17.24. that they should be where he was [to behold his own glory] not which he had with the Father, but that which the Father had given him, as Mediator, at the Beasts destruction, Dan. 7.12, 14. and accordingly Rev. 1. there is a glorious description of his coming at his Kingdom; and likewise Rev. 19.11, 12, 13, etc. At his First coming there was no form nor comeliness seen by most in the World, either in his person, or outward condition, when the Son of Man had not where to lay his head, Es. 53.2. He was called a King in scorn at his death, and arrayed like a King in mockery, a crucified King, in contempt; and such was his Kingdom outwardly in most men's eyes, in regard of his Subjects, of his Officers, of his Laws, of his Ordinances in the World, most of the many hundred years of the first state thereof, by the varieties of Persecutors both Paganish and Popish, etc.  
7thly, As Christ's Kingdom in the first State of Patience, is outwardly weak and oppressed, therefore resembled by a Woman in a Wilderness condition 1260 years, or a time, times, and the dividing of a time, in wearing out, Dan. 7.25. and having her power scattered, ch. 12.7. yet inwardly, even then, it is spiritual and strong, to consume and break in pieces, and subdue, as Dan. 2.34. it smites and breaks in pieces the feet and toes of the Iron and Clay; and v. 44. it shall consume and break in pieces all those Kingdoms; and c. 7.23. it shall devour the whole Earth, and tread it down, and break it in pieces: [Observe the expressions] For that which is spiritual, is prevalent and strong, above that which is outward and temporal. Hence Zac. 4.6. when the Candlestick had its Lamps supplied with Oil from the two Olive Trees: Christ there declares, his Church should overcome, not by Power, nor by Might, but by his Spirit Hence also he saith, That he will give Power to his Two Witnesses; that is, prevalency to prophecy, though in sackcloth, 1260 days of years, to consume the Beast, and bring him low, Rev. 11. the Saints also overcome, having washed their Robes in the blood of the Lamb, by a spiritual, powerful Victory; hence the faithful are styled Overcomers, having spiritual Power from God derived unto them against all Spiritual and Worldly Adversaries; therefore saith our Saviour, He that overcometh, shall inherit all things, Rev. 21.7. Rev. 2.7, 11. Rev. 12.13. Rev. 15.2.  
But the second state of that Kingdom is not only spiritually prevalent, but also outwardly powerful, to subdue and destroy; and therefore as it had spiritually smitten the Iron Kingdom in the feet and toes, before, Dan. 2.34. So by it, and for it shall the Beast be slain, and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame, Dan. 7.11. Rev. 19.11, to the end. Rev. 14. latter end, and 16. at the end; and after that there is given to Christ Dominion, and Glory, and a Kingdom, that all People, Nations and Languages should serve him, Dan. 7.13, 14. which is the same with Christ's Reign with his Saints a thousand years, Rev. 20.4. and spoken of the same time in the same order of Affairs to be accomplished by Christ for himself and his Church; and likewife Rev. 11.15. relates to the same time of the sounding of the seventh Trumpet, when the Kingdoms of the World will be the Kingdoms of our God and of his Christ, as there he is praised for by it the twenty four Elders. And then Judgement (that is, judicandi potestas, power of Judging) will likewise be given to the Saints of the Most High, as it is said, Dan. 7.22. and the Kingdom, and the Dominion, and the Greatness of the Kingdom shall be given to the People of the Saints of the Most High, Dan. 7.26, 27. Answerable whereunto is that Promise of our Saviour in reference to that state and time, as Mr. Brightman in his Observations noted, Rev. 3.21. That to him that overcometh, he will grant to sit with him on his Throne, even as he before had overcome, and was set with his Father on his Throne.   

Now having set down those previous Observations in general; and 2dly, those Several Considerable Particularities contained in Daniel, and all expounded in the Book of Revelations, respecting Christ's Kingdom on Earth, we shall further by God's assistance endeavour to proceed, and to explain and illustrate the most material things that we have but hitherto briefly touched upon.  
Wherein we may (first) observe how Daniel describes the first State or Kingdom of the Stone, which is the Kingdom of Patience, wherein the Saints by Faith and Patience overcome and inherit the Promises, as the Apostle speaks, and shall inherit all things, as our Saviour further promiseth; and here we shall endeavour to show how this Kingdom of the Stone hath in, and from the time of Christ's life and death been carried on accordingly both before the Beasts time under the persecuting Heathenish Dragon, and since the Beasts forty two Months began; and to show how the Saints have spiritually and powerfully prevailed for above 1600 years past, by the word of Christ's Testimony, which in several respects, in several times, they have been enabled by his Spirit to give witness and testimony unto; and to this purpose Daniel shows, chap. 2. when he had set a summary of Nebuchadnezars dream before him, in v. 33. he proceeds to the Fourth Metal, figuring the Fourth or Roman Monarchy, wherein were the legs of Iron, and feet and toes part of Iron, and part of Clay; and in the two next ver. he minds him of the confusion of all those Kingdoms set forth by the four several Metals (though it was a long time to come) and therefore he tells him, Thou sawest (until) the Stone was cut out of the Mountain without hands, which time (until) he more particularly explains, v. 44. saying, In the days of those Kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed; that is, saith Mr. Mede, In the days of one of those Kings, and while the broken parts of the other Kingdoms remained; so that they had some life left to them, though their Dominion was taken from them, as it hath been since the time of the Roman Kingdom, which hath had great Contests by the broken parts of some of the former, as Persians, Armenians, Grecians, as Stories witness of their wars, and even sometimes been foiled by them too, etc. (as might be showed;) but the former Text respecting the time of the beginning of this Kingdom, which the God of Heaven would set up, is more fully explained in v. 12. and chap. 7. which hath reference to that last Text named, and other places of Dan. 2. where he shows, That the Stone should at last, after it had long before smitten the feet and toes of Iron and Clay in the Image, that were the lowest and last parts of it, it should (I say) make those (together with the Silver, and the Gold, and the Brass, and the Iron) at once become as the chaff of the Summer Threshing-floor: namely, in regard of what was said in chap. 7.12. to wit, though the Dominions of all the former Kingdoms were taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a time and season, till the last great and utter destruction of the Fourth Beast should be accomplished, when the first Great Judgement was set, and the Books opened, Dan. 7.9, 10, 11. and when Christ came with Clouds to receive the Kingdom which his Father, the Ancient of Days, gave him over all the world, ver. 13, 14. which should never pass away nor be destroyed, as he there fully shows.  
Now how this First State of the Kingdom of the Stone began to be set up, as it is styled ver. 23. (until the Kingdom of the Mountain took place, as verse the 34.) by the God of Heaven, and hath all along been upheld powerfully and graciously by him, (as Daniel foreshowed) is to be observed from the History of the all along the times of the Roman Empire being Contemporaries with it, 
Vide Irenicon, on Rev. 5.27 28.  in respect both of the affairs of the State under both Seals and Trumpets, now near to the end of the sixth Trumpet, or second Woe, when the Turk must be destroyed, Dan. 11. ult. & 12.1. And also in respect of the affairs of the Church, both true and false, till Antichrist, the Pope (with the former half of him, the Turk) be likewise destroyed (as is probable) at the same time, or near together. To which purpose observe how this spiritual Kingdom of the Stone was set up in that manner as Christ-shewed to Zachary in a Vision, Chap. 4. how the Oil was supplied to the Candlestick and its seven Lamps, and seven Pipes thereof, from the two Olive-Trees standing by it; the use whereof he explains vers. 6. Not by power, nor by might, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts; which is applied to the two Witnesses, Rev. 11. and in this manner the Spirit of the Lord was (originally as in the Fountain) upon Christ himself, being anointed above his fellows to preach the Gospel, as Isa. 61.1. This anointing was derived from him unto, and fell upon the Apostles in an abundant measure, and likewise in their measure upon all succeeding Messengers of Christ in the primitive Times, and so forward in the times succeeding till this day; and also on all faithful Christians in their degree all along unto the Antichristian Apostasy, and from thence during the Pope's forty two months, wherein those anointed Ones, or as the original word signifies, those Sons of Oil, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  the two Witnesses prophesying in Sackcloth 1260 days of years, Rev. 11. have fed the Woman, the true Church, in her wilderness condition, her time, times and half a time, now probably almost expired: all which time this Oil hath been divinely conveyed and supplied to preserve that light of Divine Truth and Grace by their Ministry in the Candlestick, the true Church. And as it appears this Kingdom of the Stone was at first set up so divinely by the God of Heaven, and so spiritually and powerfully upheld by him, that no wicked opposition could either destroy it, or hinder it, but even his spiritual Power and Grace made the opposition of men and Devils to promote it in the faithful Christians inward man: So it may further appear to be his work both to set it up and preserve it by the unlikeliness of the means whereby he hath and still doth the same; not (as was said) by power and might of the World, for that not only hath usually been deficient to help in that work, but hath (with Satan's help) made strong and violent opposition against it, both in the Dragon's heathenish and Antichrists apostatising times; which hath abundantly been evident both in the time of Christ's own Ministry, and in the Ministry of the Apostles, who were his (Legati a latere, or) Ambassadors immediately sent from him on the Message of the Gospel, with all other mediate Messengers and Ministers sent by him from their times, and also in all real and true subjects of the Kingdom of the Stone, ever since to this very day.  
To instance a little in each respect: 1. Of their own outward meanness: 2. Of the World's failing to help them: and 3. Of both the Devils and the wicked Worlds both malicious and violent opposition for the most part made against them.  
First, As Christ himself at his coming in our flesh was that foundation-Stone elect and precious, which God sets such an [Ecce] Behold unto it, that his People should take notice thereof, when he should lay it in Zion, Isa. 28.16. and witnessed unto it by other Prophets long before his coming; yet when he came into the World every way wonderful, in Conception, Birth, Life, Doctrine, Miracles; yea, before, in, and after his death; yet was he not by the Great Ones, or the most, or wisest, or learnedest of men either owned or received: But even then, though he was very divinely and spiritually wonderful; yet in regard his outward aspect and garb appeared to the World's Eye mean and contemptible, the very Builders themselves rejected that elect and precious cornerstone, though to faithful men's eyes and Angels discovery, very conspicuous and glorious: So that our Saviour toward his Death applies the Prophecy of David, Psal. 118.22. unto the then Rulers, which respected both him and them, Matth. 21.42. saying, The Stone which the Builders rejected, is become the Head of the Corner, which was the Lords own doing, and was marvellous in the Eyes of men. And so it hath been with the Kingdom of the Stone all along that Kingdom of Patience, as we may, by God's assistance, set down afterwards.  
Now how this Stone itself, in respect of his humane Nature, may be observed eminently to be cut out of the Mountain by the God of Heaven, without hands, was declared also as a wonder before he came, by the Evangelical Prophet Isaiah; Behold (saith he) a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and his Name shall be Immanuel, God with us, Isa. 7.14. So he was conceived by the holy Ghost, and born of his Mother a Virgin, without any real natural Father of his Flesh, (though he had a reputed one) appointed by God himself to be a very useful help to the Virgin Mother of the Son of God; yet how mean and low were (then) their outward conditions? what attempts were made to destroy that spiritual King, as soon as he came into the World? How was he driven about, to endanger him in his tender infant age, soon after he came into the World? How was he exposed and driven about whilst a child? neglected and despised by the most of men; and that amongst his own People and Kindred, in the time of his private life; where it was so much the more hard to do good among them, by how much men usually disregard a Prophet in his own Country: as he shown that Proverb to be fulfilled by them in regard of himself; with many other considerations to this purpose, manifested in the Gospel. But after he shown himself in public, in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, declaring how that Kingdom of God was come unto them, namely, the Kingdom of the Stone, is easily there observable.  
Quest. But why, may some say, was the spiritual Kingdom of Grace called the Kingdom of the Stone?  
Answ. First, because Christ had been promised and prophesied of long before, under the Name, (as was in part shown before, and might by many places of Scripture be made further evident.) Secondly, Some Stones, as the Adamant, are harder than the four Metals, to be bruised by it: hence our Saviour saith of himself, Mat. 21.44. Whosoever should fall on that Stone, should be broken; but on whomsoever it should fall, it would grind him to powder. And though the Doctrine of the said Kingdom was so powerfully preached by him (as was acknowledged by the very Auditors themselves to be with authority, and not as the Scribes; although he did such and so many Miracles as never man did; and though his life was so perfectly exemplary, who did all things well, (as was also acknowledged of him) and no evil nor guile was found in his mouth, as God's Spirit witnessed of him; and that he went about doing good, though suffering evil for it: yet it was his meat and drink so to do his heavenly Father's will, and to finish his work: and even to suffer so as no man ever did, nor all men ever could to that end; yea, how was he straightened until he had fulfilled it? and all that was but to lay that Foundation of that Kingdom of the Stone, which began to appear when he was declared by his Resurrection from the dead, to be the Son of God, with power, Rom. 1.14. whereupon he was so owned of his Father, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee, Psal. 2.7. applied Act. 13.33. & Heb. 1.5. and thereupon all power being given to him (as he declared soon after to his Disciples) when he gave them Commission to preach the Gospel, and wherein his Divine Power should chief be manifested in the World, Matth. 28. viz. in preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, saying, (upon that account of his Divine Power, vers. 18, 19, 20.) Go preach the Gospel to all Nations, etc. which Commission in succeeding Ministers was to reach to the end of the World, that was to be accomplished at his coming again: When God shall bring his Son (again) into the World, Heb. 1.6. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (as the Original shows) when all the Angels of God shall worship him, and every knee bow to him, Phil. 2. and the fame World is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Heb. 2.5. the World to come; and by our Saviour, that World at the Resurrection, Luk. 21.35. in which interim it was to be preached to all that should believe through their word, for which our Saviour prayed before his death, John 17. until that great period was come, when all the World should both believe and know that God the Father had sent him (as he there speaketh) yet after all the Divine Glory showed in Christ's Birth, Doctrine, Miracles, Life, Death and Resurrection, so neglected, opposed, gainsaid, persecuted, in all Christ was, did, and suffered, so accomplished and published in the World, the Rulers believed not on him, but hindered others that would: and though many Prophecies had been fulfilled all that time in and by Christ, and he had foretold many others to be fulfilled by the World's wicked actings and proceed against him, and to be fulfilled upon them for their so doing, in the ruin of that People, their City and Nation; yet by their infidelity and wickedness, they brought on the accomplishment thereof upon themselves: and though his Doctrine was acknowledged to be such as never was taught, and his Miracles such as never were wrought by any other, and nothing was found in his Life or Death that justly could be proved against him; yet all was disregarded and rejected by the most of men living in his time. If it was acknowledged at one time, he did all things well; another time he was judged a drunken and a gluttonous man, a friend of Publicans and Sinners: if one time his Doctrine seemed Divine and Powerful, another time he was esteemed as one that deceived the People: if at one time he be acknowledged to have done many wonderful and powerful Miracles, he is again traduced that he cast out Devils through Beelzebub the Prince of Devils: if by some he be styled the Son of David, he is by others called the Carpenter's Son, the Son of Joseph and Mary, whose Brethren were with them: if at one time he is thought to be a great Prophet, or the Messiah, he is again another time called Jesus of Galilee: if the People one while (by an overruling hand of God) entitle him King of the Jews that was to come to the Daughter of Zion, and sing Hallelujahs to him in the highest, and Hosannas to the Son of David; yet not long after they cried, Crucify him, crucify him; and fulfilled those horrid evils that brought their Judgements (declared by him before) upon them, in the most dreadful ruin of that People, with their City and Country unto this very day, and which must continue whilst the time of the Gentiles (as our Saviour witnessed) be fulfilled, Luk. 21.23.  
And after the foundation of the Kingdom of the Stone was ●o said by the God of Heaven, and after his Resurrection all Power was given to him in Heaven and Earth, and he had given Commission to his Apostles to preach the Doctrine of the Kingdom, and to others succeeding under the first Seal, Rev. 6. First, the Apostles went out without any worldly power; and though they were endued with Power ●●om on high, when the holy Ghost sat on them, Act. 2. like cloven tongues of fire on each of them; whereupon they were enabled to speak with strange languages, who not long before were poor ignorant unlearned Fishermen of low condition, yet were then suddenly enabled both to speak miracles and work miracles; and Divine Power was manifest to go along with their Preaching of the Gospel, to the conversion of many thousands at one Sermon; yet the powers of the world even then stood up against them, whilst they that were unlearned before spoke miracles of strange languages; and which was more miraculous, they heard them when there was so many (as the Text witnesseth) of strange Nations which heard them, every one speak in their own language the wonderful works of God, yet even then they say blasphemously of this wonderful work of God, [These men are full of new Wine:] They hear of their miracles, but they seek to suppress them; for we (say the Rulers) prevail nothing, these men do many miracles: And they not only do not own their Doctrine, and not help to promote it, but lay hold upon them and imprison them for preaching of it: and this did not only befall them amongst the Jews at Jerusalem, but in all places were they were sent, as the Story of the Acts of the Apostles, and other Writers of the Primitive times manifest.  
Again; The succeeding Primitive Christians, both Teachers and Professors of the Gospel of Christ, were not only not owned and encouraged by the Potentates and great men of the world: But the great Red Dragon had gotten such strong possession of the highest seat of worldly Authority in the Roman Empire at the height of it, having so mightily engaged them for all sorts of Heathenish Idolatry, and to decline their embracing of Christianity after such abundant conviction of the Divine Excellency of Christ Jesus the Son of God, that in most places under that (than most sovereign earthly Authority) the Officers and Magistrates were engaged or encouraged to root out Christianity (if it might be) out of the world; and how for the most part they acted to that purpose, was so evident, that (as an Ancient records) it was then observed that there was no day in the year whereupon five thousand Martyrs had not suffered, save one in the Calends of February: and what large Volumes have been written of the cruel and merciless deaths and martyrdoms of those primitive Christians, wherein they were forced to undergo those strange devised tortures and torments (besides all lesser sufferings) may abundantly appear to those that are observantly conversant in them; and even then, by a Divine Power going along with this persecuted Gospel in the Preachers and Professors thereof, as with the Israelites under Pharoah's Taskmasters, the more they oppressed them the more they multiplied; so those showe●● of blood of the Saints made the Gospel to grow more fertily: and as was observed by the Ancients, [Sanguis Martyrum, Semen Ecclesiae] the Blood of the Martyrs was the Seed of the Church. And this continued all along the Primitive times, in the ten much noted Persecutions, besides less noted ones (which were like not to be a few) wherein, as by so many grievous and sore pangs and throws of the Woman (the Church) then with child (through mercy) by the faith and prayers of God's People, till she brought forth that Manchild, Constantine the Great, under the fixth Seal, Rev. 6. who threw down the Dragon (with his heathenish Idolatry) from the Throne, with his Sun, Moon and Stars about him, of his worldly powers, that had so long persecuted the Saints in their successions before: And this was done by the Divine Power of God's Spirit, converting that famous Emperor, encouraging him against the Heathenish Opposers, and prospering his proceed to a wonderful subversion of those powers of darkness, which, for the terribleness of their downfall, the Spirit of God deciphers much like a day of Judgement, in regard of the execution thereof, Rev. 6. latter end: which though it was said to be from the Wrath of the Lamb, yet there is no sitting of Judgement, nor opening of Books, which will be at Antichrist's ruin, when the day of Judgement will begin; and as will be at the last ruin of Gog and Magog, Rev. 20. when the last accomplishment of the Judgement follows upon it at the end of the world.  
Yet this seems to be the great undertaking of Christ to conquer his Enemies in the first Seal: whose right hand should (then) teuch him terrible things, Psal. 45.4, 5. whilst (as is there expressed) he rides on in his Majesty prosperously, because of the Word of Truth, Meekness and Righteousness, for the first three hundred years, till Constantine's Reign, by whom the Empire of Heathenish became Christian, having cast off the Dragon's Worship and Religion, and owned and received Christ's Religion.  
And this appears to be one eminent purpose of God the Father's giving of the Book to the Lamb, (that as it had been slain, Rev. 5.6. but was alive again) to open the Seals thereof; and under the sixth Seal was 〈…〉 Comm●●●on contained, to execute this terrible Wrath upon those Paganish Powers, which was the Stones eminent smiting of the feet and toes of the Imrge at that time, as Dan. 2.34. and elsewhere to like purpose, as was showed. And from thenceforward Christ the said Lamb, as it had been slain, had further in Commission, both by reason of the wicked Apostasy of Church and State in suc●●eding times, and to revenge the cruel bloodshed and persecutions of the Saints, with blasphemies and other wickedness of that Roman Empire before when Paganish, and after likewise when it would be poisoned with Heresy, and again apostatised by Popery; so that suitably thereunto he should bring down again the power of Satan and wicked men in their several orders and places, as appears by the 7th Seal, opened by him Rev. 8. wherein he was accordingly to reveal and execute God's further Wrath, by his seven Angels with their seven Trumpets; in the four first of them blowing out chief that Wrath and Judgement upon the Western Empire for the most part, to take away him that letted there the revealing of the Man of Sin in the Western Empire, as 2 Thess. 2.7. (that Antichrist might appear) And the two following Wo-Trumpets to reveal and execute like Judgements upon the Eastern Empire, Rev. 9 which since hath almost been fulfilled upon it by the Saracens and Turks to this very day: And afterwards by the sounding of the seventh Trumpet, to destroy on the sudden all the wicked powers of Men and Devils from off the face of the Earth, at the Son of Man's coming in the clouds, and receiving his visible Kingdom on Earth from his Father, over all Nations, People and Languages, Dan. 7.14. And the Kingdom, and the Dominion and greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heavens, v. 27. And then at once breaking in pieces the Iron and the Clay, and therewith the Silver and the Gold, and Brass, and making the whole Image of the four Monarchies, that is, the broken parts of the three former, with all that remained of the last Roman Monarchy, viz. the last and lowest parts thereof, the feet and toes, partly of Iron and partly of Clay, to become as the chaff of the Summer-threshing-floor, Dan. 2.35. when the wind of that last wrath from that third Wo-Trumpet of the 7th Ange will carry them all away, as was showed before from Dan. 2. Dan. 7. Dan. 12. and as may be observed from those parallel places, Rev. 16. toward the end; Rev. 19.11. to the end; Rev. 11.18. which agree with the Son of man's coming in the clouds, and when Michael shall stand up for daniel's People, and when Antichrist shall have finished his time times and a half, to scatter the power of the holy People, than all these things shall be finished, Dan. 12.7. though it is made evident to Daniel that his People should have 〈…〉 troubles before all would be finished, at the last said sudden and terrible ruin of the Roman Monarchy by the destruction of Antichrist.  
And here again, observe how God all along the Beasts forty two months, gave his Spiritual Power unto his two Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth, those Sons of Oil, (as they are called, Zech. 4.) to prophecy against Antichrist, to consume him with the Spirit of Christ's mouth, 〈◊〉 bring on the said Destruction gradually, accomplished by the seve● Angels with their seven last Plagues poured out upon him, Rev. 15 & 16 chapters, till that Destruction be accomplished at the seventh Trumpet and last Vial of the seventh Angel, poured-out upon him about the said time fore-spoken of when Christ comes in the clouds of Heaven, Dan. 7.13, 14. to receive his Monarchy upon Earth, spoken of likewise Rev. 1.7. when the Jews shall generally be brought home unto him, as Isa. 66.8. and when the iniquity of that Land shall be removed in one day, Zech. 3.9. And then will the four living Wights, with the twenty four Elders, have that honour given to them, which they were assured of to their so great exultation aforehand, 
See Iren. pag. 32.  Rev. 5.10. and whereupon all Angels and all Creatures render to Christ the glory due to him, which they acknowledge there to be his deservedly, saying, Thou art worthy to receive Riches, and Power, and Wisdom, and Strength, and Glory, and Blessing, etc. And then the Kingdom of the Stone will become a Mountain filling the whole Earth; when there will be given to him, the Son of man, by his Father the Ancient of days, Dominion and Glory and a Kingdom, that all People and Nations and Languages shall serve him, and that for ever; whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion, that shall not pass away (as the four former Kingdoms did) and his Kingdom such as shall not be destroyed (as the four former were, Dan. 7.14.) with many other Texts in daniel's Visions (as we shown;) which manifest it evidently to be to the utmost extent of Dominion, both of place Over the whole Earth, and under the whole Heaven, as was said chap. 7.15, 27. and of continuance and duration for ever while the World remained, and for ever and ever to eternity, v. 18. when that Kingdom of the Mountain shall be perfected in the Kingdom of Glory in the highest Heavens.  
In that visible Kingdom of Power, Christ having received that Kingdom of his Father, he will then give it to his Saints, who shall then take it, as Dan. 7.18. and manage it for him, as ver. 27. having the Judgement (that is, the authority of judging) then given to them, to reign with Christ a thousand years, Rev. 20.4. And that it is the same Kingdom, given at the same time, as the series and order of the Prophecy of Daniel and of the Revelation both manifest, and the same Authority of Judging in the like expressions of Ruling and Governing, is in both places assigned to the Saints, as followeth: For first, 
Judicandi potestas illis facta.  
Rev. 20.4. It is said, I saw Thrones, and they sat upon them.  
Dan. 7.9. So I beheld till the Thrones were pitched down, and the Judgement, that is, the Judges, were set.  
Rev. 20. And Judgement was given to them.  
Dan. 7.22. And Judgement was given to the Saints of the most High.  
Rev. 20. And the Saints lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  
Dan. 7. And the Saints possessed the Kingdom, with Christ the Son of Man, that came in the Clouds of Heaven.   
But after the finishing of the said thousand years' Reign of Christ with his Saints on Earth, we are to observe what Christ in Rev. 20.7, 8, 9, 10. further explains shall be fulfilled concerning the last wicked attempt of Satan after he shall be loosed for a little season, vers. 3. from his thousand years' imprisonment in the bottomless pit; all which time he was bound, that he could not seduce the Nations until the said thousand years were ended; namely, that after that time was finished, that he shall then seduce the last Gog and Magog, the wicked Hypocrites then in the World, who shall then become very numerous in the four quarters of the Earth, from whence he shall tempt them to come with a joint consent; who being a wicked generation that had been forced in the thousand years, unwillingly yet-outwardly did conform to the holy and good Government of the Saints successively, unto whom before time they were necessitated to be subject for the said thousand years' space, though against their own heart, yet shall think then upon Satan's seducement and conduct, to free themselves from their yoke by attempting to compass with their multitudes the Camp of the Saints, and even attempt to besiege the beloved City too, the New Jerusalem that came down from God out of Heaven, even Heaven itself upon Earth; where the blessed and holy raised Saints had all the thousand years before happily beheld Christ's glorious Presence, shining bright with light and comfort upon them, the Lamb being in each respect the light of that City, Rev. 21.23. Isa. 60.1. expecting by such means to free themselves from that (by them supposed) heavy yoke of the Saints good Government, that so the Kingdoms of the World might again become the Kingdoms of Satan, and of themselves his Vassals: Upon which abominable attempt of Satan, and those by him seduced hypocrites, the Vengeance of God by fire (as formerly upon the Beast and false Prophet) shall again fall from God out of Heaven upon them and devour them, and thereupon the Devil that deceived them be cast into the lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the said Beast and false Prophet were cast above a thousand years before, to be perpetually there tormented with them: unto which will succeed the end of the World, and the general judgement, when again the Judge will sit, and the Books will be opened, and another Book will be opened, which is the Book of Life; and the Dead shall be judged out of those things that shall be written in the Books, according to their Works: as follows, Rev. 20.11, 12, etc. whereunto succeeds Eternity of Blessedness or Misery to every Man and Woman, accordingly as they stand or fall in that general Judgement.  
And thus briefly of the main things of Christ's Kingdom in its several states, of the Stone, and of the Mountain filling the whole earth, with what respects the beginning and ending of the latter state of the Mountain, namely, that it gins upon the destruction of the first Gog and Magog, to wit, of the Turk and Pope, Ezek. 38. & 39 before the New Jerusalem, Ezek. 40. to the end of the Book, which shall be called Jehova Shamma, the Lord is there: and at the end of the 1000 years' reign of Christ and his Saints, will succeed the attempt and defeat and ruin of the last Gog and Magog, of wicked hypocrites against the Camp of the Saints, and the beloved City, as was showed; upon which will ensue the end of the World, and the general Judgement. Now in the second state of it, we have considered the Founder of this Kingdom of the Mountain, the God of Heaven; and the Donor of it, the Ancient of Days; the Receiver and Owner of it, (Luk. 19.12.) the Son of Man, Dan. 7.15. also the time of the setting up the first state of it, viz. the Kingdom of the Stone, namely, In the days of one of those Kings, in the height of the Roman Monarchy, in Augustus and Tiberius days: the manner how it was set up in the first state, Not by power, nor by might, but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts, Zech. 4.6. Also the spiritual force and prevalency of it, to beat down, and break in pieces, and smite the Image in the Feet and Toes of it, etc. likewise of the largeness of the tender of the Grace of the first state, to every Creature capable, to all sorts of People successively, till at the time of the end it shall be perfected in the Kingdom of the Mountain, filling the whole Earth; which outwardly, visibly and gloriously, as well as inwardly and spiritually, God, the Ancient of days, will give to his Son, the Son of Man, upon the destruction of the Beast and false Prophet; when Christ, the said Son of Man, shall come in the Clouds of Heaven to receive it, who shall retain it to the end, deputing its Rule and Judgement to his eminent raised Saints and Martyrs, who shall execute the same for him, over all People, Nations and Languages under the whole Heaven, for the thousand years, which afterward Christ will deliver to God the Father, 1 Cor. 15.24. for ever after the World's end. In which Kingdom the Body of the Jewish converted Nation, with faithful Israelites, Ezek. 37. and the abundance of the Gentiles coming in at their rising, Isa. 60.3, 4, etc. shall continue conjoined in their successions in one throughout the said Period, to the end of the World.  
Now the most evident Forerunners of this Kingdom of the Mountain, are these:  
First, The awakening (Dan. 12.2.) of the Israelites and Jews from their bondage and dispersion, to seek for their promised Land by such an Elias as God will send to them before the great and terrible day of the Lord come, as Malachy speaks, Chap. 4, 5.  
Secondly, The eminent fall of Antichrist, the Pope, at the rising and ascending of the Witnesses, Rev. 11.  
The first is founded upon two Scriptural Computations: 1. Of the 1290 days of years, Dan. 12.11. from the most probable Epocha of julian's time, about 366. or as learned Usher, 363. ending about 1656. or sooner, which is computed, vers. 12.45 years before the standing up of Michael the Prince of Daniel's People, Dan. 12.1, 12. about the year 1700. 2. Of the Turks date to slay the third part of men, being the sixth Trumpet, Rev. 9 for doing of which his time is set down by an hour, a day, a month, and a year; which date of his Mr. Mede reckons to be 396 years, which began not long after 1300. as Chronologers compute them, and to end about the same time: both which together may serve as a Key to open the mystery of that largest number of 2300 years, Dan. 8. fore-spoken of in the fifth head of the Roman Monarchy. 
Pag. 34   
Again, 2dly. That Antichrists eminent fall is near in the tenth part of the City, Rev. 11. seems probable, 1. From the beginning of his rise at one hour with the ten Kings, or his crowned Horns, that should give their power to the Beast, Rev. 17. which seems to be manifest about 406. by the Author of [Excidium Antichristi] lately published, and so his date reacheth to about 1666.  
Secondly, By the pouring out of the Vials, 1. Upon the Pope's Earth, in discovering him to be Antichrist. 2. Upon his Seas, when many Nations, Tongues, and People fell off from him. 3. Upon his Rivers and Fountains, which Mr. Mede seems firly to apply to the Pope's Emissaries, Priests, Jesuits, and other seducers, who were resirained by a Law made by Q. Eliz. whereby they had blood to drink, etc. Rev. 16.6. with like things then done elsewhere, etc. since which time in about 100 years that third Vial & two others are conceived to have passed, and now the sixth to be begun; so that (probably) about the like proportion the seventh Vial may be poured out to the Pope's utter ruin, when the seventh Trumpet gins to sound; (probably) about the foresaid period.   

Some Observations from the whole.  
IT remains now in the last place, that we lay down some general Observations, to be left to be enlarged, and particularly improved by all judicious and discerning Christians, as God's Spirit may guide them therein.  
First, As the summary of all Religion shows that the eternal Counsel of God is always exactly & perfectly in fulfilling, so Gods more especial revealing to the greatly beloved Prophet Daniel, the orders, the times, the state, the nature, the rise and the ruin of the four great Monarchies of the World, that should successively oppress the Jews; to inform the faithful in all ages following, that God orders according to his most wise counsel, all the sufferings and trials of his People, men cannot add in the least to their measure or continuance, above what God hath in his most wise counsel appointed. Therefore trust in the Lord at all times and in all conditions; for as he order all things in the greatest Monarchies, so all for the good of his poor and faithful servants yet in wonderful varieties of his most wise dispensations ever to be adored. Therefore, if ye see injustice or oppression in a City, marvel not at it: as Solomon saith.  
Secondly, As God revealed to Daniel all the Jews oppressors in order with the times of them, both how many, and how long they should be so held under by them: So thereby take notice how gracious God is to his faithful People in the worst times, to let them have ground of comfort, that his People's Sufferings are here limited by himself, and that they might not be without ground of Faith and Hope of good in the issue of them.  
Thirdly, As Daniel saw in Vision the rise of all, so the ruin of them; to teach the Faithful in their successions to look through the dark Clouds and Storms of Persecution, to the bright Sunshine that will follow, and in the dark night of afflictions to the rising of the Sun of Righteousness with healing in his wings; and that the triumph of enemies in wickedness doth but foreshow their dectruction.  
Fourthly, As the Jews at the height of their provocations were captivated by the Babylontans; and the Israelites before them by the Assyrians; so therein the impartial justice of God is to be acknowledged, who is so far from sparing a People, upon whom his Name is called, if they sin against him, that the nearer he hath brought them to himself, he doth the more severely punish them when they greatly rebel against him.  
Fifthly, As Judah had a deliverance after seventy years from the captivity of Babylon, by Cyrus' King of Persia, but not the Tribes of Israel from Assyria: So those that God brings most near unto him, and have most interest in him, he is propense to show them more mercy, than others that have been more estranged from him.  
Sixthly, As there was a remarkable degree of mercy vouchsafed unto the Jews after their return from Babylon, even till Christ came in the flesh; thence take notice, That God's ancient Promises to the faithful forefathers will certainly take effect, though their Posterity may for a long time be unworthy thereof, for the generality of them.  
Seventhly, As Judah after their reducement from captivity, were much in an oppressed and troubled estate, by the three last Oppressors of them; so God suits the condition of a sinful People, though near unto him, answerable to their unworthy walking towards him.  
Eighthly, As Israel and Judah have had so long time of captivity and bondage under so many Oppressors successively: So thence may be observed the greatness of their provocation, that moved God so heavily, and so long time, by such sad calamities successively to scourge them.  
Ninthly, As God had made great and large promises of wonderful mercy to his People after all the times of their sufferings were over: So he would by the Visions of Daniel let all his faithful People know thathe was mindful to perform them all, though it was very long before their deserved sufferings would be accomplished.  
Tenthly, As the wonderful excellency and grace of Christ's Kingdom on earth hath been anciently recorded, and excellently described by the Spirit of Christ in his Prophets, in all times of the Old Testament successively: So the wonderful blessedness which the faithful shall enjoy in that state, will prove worth patiented waiting for, when it shall be enjoyed by them.  
Eleventhly, As the Gentile Christians were surrogated in the room of the rebellious Jews, when they were cast off; So observe, That long enjoyment of God's mercy, if it be abused, is far from entailing it upon any People; and, that no People have been so estranged from God (as were the Gentiles a very long time) but God may have mercy and grace in store for them in his good time.  
Twelfthly, As the times of the Gentiles have been eminently more gracious since the Jews long rejection and cutting off; So the heinous abuse of such clear and precious grace will make their judgement the more heavy, as will be manifest in the Pope's destruction, especially who hath most wickedly turned the glorious Revelation of the mystery of the Gospel into a pernicious mystery of iniquity.  
Thirteenthly, And as the last Gog and Magog, after the thousand years of Christ's reign upon earth, will sin most heinously against all former examples of judgements, and against the most glorious grace set before them in the Kingdom of Christ the said thousand years; So when they shall against all means and warnings, and from an inward hatred of goodness follow Satan's last seducement, to attempt to compass, with their multitudes, the Camp of the Saints about, and the beloved City: Then God will thereby be so highly provoked to wrath both against them and the Devil together, that his just vengeance will fall from heaven upon them, and utterly abandon both Satan and all wicked men from the face of the earth, so putting an end unto the world.  
Fourteen, As the fierceness of God's wrath declared from his Word will be shortly executed upon Antichrist and his followers in these last and worst days of Satan's wicked Dominion; So let the consideration thereof be a strong enforcement to all sorts of men now especially to flee far from Babylon and Popist seducements, lest they partake of those Plagues and heavy Judgements hastening to fall on her and them.  
Fifteenthly, As God hath in his Word recorded several remarkable computations of times, respecting both Jews and Gentiles in these latter days: So both should thence be awakened to behold and consider such marks and signs of these times, that they may especially in these last days prepare for the glorious coming and appearance of Christ, now near approaching: For (saith he himself) of these very times; Behold I come as a thief, blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame, Rev. 16.15.  
For now the Adversary watcheth so much the more diligently and maliciously, endeavouring to destroy, and that as a ramping and roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour, by how much he knoweth that his time in the world is short. And that day also will come as a snare upon all them that dwell upon the face of the whole earth, as our Saviour himself shown, Luke 21.35. after he had particularly declared many signs of these last times, now for the most part accomplished: And thereupon in the next verse, enforceth this duty of watching with prayer, to this end, that they might escape those terrible things that then at Christ's appearing shall come to pass, and also stand before the Son of man; which they cannot do without keeping their garments, to wit, those spiritual garments of Justification by Faith in Christ Jesus, and of inward Sanctification by Divine Grace in their hearts and souls, showing their living in the Spirit, by their walking in the Spirit, Rom. 8. Both which garments must be adorned with a Godly and Christian conversation in the sight of men, that they seeing their good works, may glorify their Father which is in heaven: Otherwise their shame, as our Saviour forewarns, will be manifest before himself, the great Judge (then) and Angels and men. And they will be found naked, and lie open (then) to the fierceness of that great and dreadful storm of the wrath of the Lamb; when will be such a time of trouble, as never was since there was a Nation, Dan. 12.1. And so great an earthquake as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great, Rev. 16.18. So that well might our Saviour at such a time pronounce them blessed that so duly watch and pray and keep their garments; which he of his infinite mercy teach and enable all his faithful People rightly to perform; who by his own most powerful grace worketh all their works for them, in the use of his own good means, and according to the good pleasure of his most holy will, to the eternal praise of divine Gospel-grace in him the Beloved. Amen.   

To the Christian Reader.  
Reader,  
THE Penman of the preceding parcels, aiming therein next to the glory of Divine Grace and Truth, at this double benefit to all sorts of persons in the Church of God in these days, to prevent their evil, and promote their good, whether they be Independent, Prelatical, or Presbyterian, as to Discipline, provided they be truly Christian, as to Principles of Doctrine. Yea, and yet further, 
Though Seas bear the names of their distinct Coasts, it is all the same kind of Water.  even aiming at the true good of so many invisible members of Christ's Church, as yet remain to be called out of great Mystical Babylon itself, that they may not partake of any of her Plagues, Rev. 18. And this for all such the rather, however differing in the Modes, Forms, and Ways of seeking, serving, and worshipping of the great God in Spirit and Truth, and so being real members of Christ's mystical Body do love him in sincerity; and consequently must love one another as such (though the selfish persons of all those said ways love themselves only in reality, and all or any others only for self-respects) But let sound Christians of all sorts know, 
Though Rivers fall fiercely into the Seas, yet suddenly become one with it: there is one Faith, one Hope, to God's People: one God and Father of all: who by such graces in Christ makes his all one in Spirit and soul: We must therefore beware of Disunion, etc.  that herein is Satan's Masterpiece in these divided, and sadly still dividing times, to work what dis-union he can amongst those which he knows (though few yet believe it) shall shortly be one, or made perfect in one, as our Saviour prajed, John 17. Therefore to prevent Satan's design, all such have great need to pray and labour earnestly for Unity; and this cannot be without putting on the Apostles bond of perfection, true Christian charity, so excellently deciphered 1 Cor. 13.4, 5, 6, 7. whose Office is not so much to find what fault she can, as to hid what faults she may in others; and is not so sollicirous about the cutting off or ordering the hair of Christ's Spouse, or paring her nails (which nature will teach) as to preserve her body and person safe and sound; and yet this Charity will not be without her inseparable companion also Purity, but she must keep close to her three necessary attendants, Holiness, Righteousness, and Sobriety, according to God's pure Word, Psal. 12. and 19 for without these, all pretences of Purity, Piety, or any thing respecting Religion, how specious outwardly, or otherwise soever they may appear, are but mere vanity at the best, lut also lesides that, may have many abominations in them, etc. That one Rule for edification, 1 Cor. 14.26. would regulate all such things amiss: for what respects Order and Decency, vers. 4. would so in their natural course fall in of themselves.  
The said Penman apprehending these Doctrines of Christ's Kingdom, very pertinent to improve and increase these needful Graces, gives thee, Christian Reader, this direction, to use this his prefent help to those ends. First, That thou mayest find the Key of such Doctrines by some light of the Book of the Revelations of Jesus Christ: use that short cornprisal in the Forerunner, dated May 20. 1664. pag. 22, 23, 24, etc. And that Summary of the said Book, given to the Lamb, Rev. 5. In the Irenicon, pag. 26, 27, 28, 29, etc. which, together with the Paper of December 7. 1664. In the Forerunner, pag. 26, 27, 28, 29, etc. Which may serve for many persons as an A. B. C. to spell the meaning, in some useful measure, of that divine Book; and reckon likewise the Abridgement on daniel's Visions, a like A. B. C. to spell out some things of that Book also: and by the help of both those A. B. C's. thou art like to make a more profitable use of the ensuing Parallel, which contains again, a Summary of the main matters of both those Books; jointly witnessing unto the same divine Truth (though the Revelation is the sure Key to unlock Daniel's (before shut up) Visions in great part) by which means, with Prayer, etc. thou mayest by God's blessing find much light come into thy soul, respecting many other portions of holy Scriptures, etc. I suppose thy reason will ldirect thee to turn to pertinent quotations: First, Of Scriptures, only pointed out for brevity. And Secondly, Of any other of these parcels referred unto for thy advantage; and these latter parts after the Irenicon, being attentively so perused, will much enable thee to get a discovery of the substance of all matters contained in the whole work.   
FINIS.   

Pag. 19 line 22. read sheltered, not shattered.