A VOICE From the Temple TO THE Higher Powers.  
Wherein is showed, that it is the work and duty of Saints, to search the Prophecies and Visions of holy Scripture, which concern the Later Times: And that Jesus Christ will reveal the understanding of them, near the end of their accomplishment. And so much, is here clearly proved, and the Objections to the contrary answered.  
ALSO Several Prophecies are here opened, concerning the Time of the End; As what is the present work of the Lord in the world: And wherein the Saints (whether the Higher Powers or others) are now to move and follow him. Likewise what will be the work of the Lord forward, and all along from year to year, till the Mystery of God be finished, both among the Christian Gentiles, and Jews.  
By John Can.  
2 Pet. 3.3, 4. There shall come in the last day's mockers, saying, where is the promise of his coming.  
Job 21.3. Suffer me that I may speak, and after that I have spoken, mock on.  
Dan. 22.10. But the wicked shall do wickedly & none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.  
LONDON, Printed by Matthew Simmons, next door to the gilded Lion in Aldersgate street, 1653.   

TO His Excellency the Lord General CROMWELL.  
My Lord,  
IT was most unhappily done of Caesar, to put the letter into his bosom, which he should have read before he went unto the Consul. I shall humbly desire your Excellency (in the midst of your great Affairs) to read over this short Treatise, which was intended in publishing, specially for you, as being thereunto encouraged by your Honour. Had those, whose Crowns are now fallen, and their places have cast them out, not laid aside Daniel, and other Prophecies of the later Times, but day and night meditated therein, and so known the signs of the Son of man, their glory would not so soon have departed from them. But trusting to lying vanities, they forsook their own mercies.  
As for other Books of humane wisdom and State-policies, they are almost now like an old Almanac, out of date, most improper and useless to the great work of this age. And therefore such as desire to stand, and not to be lost in the night of Error and shame, must search the great Book of God's Counsel: for there they shall know (and no where else) what the work is of their own generation. It is not enough that a man means well, and resolves to do honest and just things, but he is to consider whether the thing which he proposeth next to do, be his work, and proper to the time in which he lives.  
It was in David's heart to build God an house, and the work seemed to Nathan to be so pious and good, as he gave him encouragement to go forward with it. Nevertheless David here was mistaken, and the Prophet too: For David was not the man, but Solomon, appointed for that business. As God's thoughts are not our thoughts, nor his ways our ways, so it ofttimes falls out: what our thoughts are busied most about, and stick fastest too, that is not the thing which the Lord intends we shall do, but he hath some other employment and service for us.  
My Lord, it is for this end, I writ thus to you, howsoever I hope you intent a great deal of good to the Nation, and think of nothing but what is honest, just, pure, and of good report: yet one thing is needful, namely, that you search the Prophecies of the later times, to find out what is your work, as now proper to you: That so you may do that good, that acceptable, and perfect will of God in your generation. Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh, shall find SO DOING: Not only doing, but doing so and so.  
That it was your work (and appointed to you of God) to be a happy instrument for the dissolving the last Parliament. It is not only clear to me, but something is here said in the justification of it.  
But now (my Lord) the great Question is, what is next? I have purposely published this Book, to answer this great Question, to wit, that your Excellency and others in place, may see what my opinion is, (and how grounded upon the word) concerning the Lords works, and working at this time, and wherein you and others are to move, and follow the Lamb. I shall not speak any thing concerning the chose of the new Governors which lies before you: Only this; by knowing what is the Lords work which he is now doing amongst us, and carrying forth in the world, it may be somewhat useful to your Excellency in your choice, as to call out such men, as are best principled and qualified for THAT.  
My Lord, Those great Statesmen who are laid aside, & lie in dust, under the guilt and shame of their actions, wanted not deep policy, strong reason, worldly wisdom, politic Counsellors, and large advantages of the time: but this they wanted (which was their ruin) they were not like the children of Issachar, men that had the understanding of the Times, to know what Israel ought to do.  
Hence it is, that not only myself, but many more who love you truly and dear, earnestly desire (and beg it daily of God for you) that those Prophecies which speak out the work of God to be done now in the world, may be searched by you, and clearly opened to you. Methinks I should find you in that voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her my people: and to be one of the Angels pouring out the fifth Vial. About the time of Christ's Incarnation, there was a great expectation amongst the Jews of the coming of the Messiah: For they knew by former Prophecies that he was then to come.  
This voice from Heaven, and the fifth Angel is already come: but there is now an expectation to have that Prophesy perfected. And if the Lord shall be pleased to perfect by you, the good work which he hath made you instrumental in, that is, to be his, and our General still, for the execution of the last vengeance upon the two persecuting powers of the world, viz. Kingly and Antichristian, it will be such an honour as few of the sons of men ever had.  
My Lord, I shall close with this; there is no work for you in the grave, it must be done on this side: It might have been a Motto set upon David's Sepulchre; After he had served his own Generation by the will of God, he fell asleep; he fell not asleep till he had served his Generation. This shall be my prayer, that in life and death it may be so with you. Even do the work of him that sent you whilst it is today; and when you are gathered to your Fathers, that the memory of your name may be precious among the Saints, as david's was in Israel. And thus prays he who is  
Your Excellencies most humble Servant, John Can.   

TO The Right Honourable, Colonel Robert Overton, Governor of Hull, and his Religious Lady, with all my other dear Christian friends in, and about Hull.  
Dear Friends,  
IT hath been the great desire of some of you, that I would publish to the world My Notes upon Daniel. I had no intent when I preached them, that they should have been further known, or more common then amongst you. These Changes and Revolutions in our Nation, have changed my Resolution, and something I have begun: As not being ashamed to bear witness before the world, to what more privately I delivered to you: For the several Censures of men otherwise minded, I can well bear them; for I did sit down first, and count the cost; Besides for men to speak evil of those things which they know not, it is usual. But wisdom is justified of her children.  
Sirs, I cannot without much thankfulness to God, and comfort to myself but remember you, specially your most earnest and constant seeking of God, to have the Book opened, and the Seals loosed, that you might see your work, and know how to Act for Christ in your Generation. I make mention of this, that your zeal may provoke others, and stir them up to ask wisdom of God, and for Zions' sake not to hold their peace, and for Jerusalem's sake not to give him rest, till he establish and make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. For my part, I can speak it to God's glory, I have found all along in opening the Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation to you, the answer of your prayers, and the fruit of your faith abundantly upon my soul.  
I know these things when they were delivered, offended the Priests in that Country, and in likelihood, being made now more public, will increase their rage and blasphemy against the God of Heaven, because of their pains and sores. It is not destruction I wish them, but that the Lord will give them Repentance from dead works, and that they would forsake their unsanctified places and stand, and not deceive the people any longer, by their lies and beastly vanities, I say before the fierce anger of the Lord, and the wrath of the Lamb come upon them.  
I hope there will be shortly some effectual means used, to remove from the people the heaviest burden, and sorest plague that lies upon them, which is a generation of Priests, that fatten the people for the day of slaughter: For my part, what Interest I have either with God or men, I shall endeavour to improve it to the utmost, That the Foxes, both the old and the young Cubs, which spoil the Vines and the tender Grapes, may be taken. I know people generally, though they complain of other Oppressions and burdens, and would willingly be eased of them: yet here they have no feeling, and therefore they are the more to be pitied, and the sooner helped, in not apprehending what is the greatest misery they lie under. Those who have lately showed so much good affection to have the Gospel advanced in New-England, I hope they will be fare more enlarged in their bowels, for the conversion of poor Heathens in our own Land, that the people which sit here in darkness, may see a great light, and to them which sit in the region and shadow of death, light may spring up.  
Dear friends, I shall not write much, though I could say much in your behalf, as being lights among a crooked and froward generation, walking in the life and power of Religion, where others are mere Formalists. Besides, you have not been ashamed to own the truths of God, when they have been rendered in Pulpits, scandalous, blasphemous, heretical, etc. Sirs, it is your prayers that I still desire with me, and for me. I know no people under heaven that have more encouragement than you, to go boldly to the Throne of grace, considering what real & full answers you have had of former seeking the Lord. Now the Lord more and more pour the spirit of grace and of supplication into your hearts, and fill you with wisdom and spiritual understanding, and keep you sincere, and without offence till the day of Christ; and thus prays he who is  
Your Christian Brother to serve you in the Gospel JOHN CAN.   

A Voice from the Temple, to the higher POWERS; Wherein is showed, that it is, the Work and Duty of Saints, to search the Prophecies and Visions of holy Scriptures, which concern the latter times: And that Jesus Christ will reveal the knowledge of them, near the end of their accomplishment. And so much is here clearly proved, and the Objections to the contrary answered.  
THings must be removed, and taken off, from the place where they are, before they can be laid, and settled else where: That I may win others to the same opinion I am of, in the subject or matter I here plead for; I shall first begin to answer such Objections, which I conceive are most considerable against it.  
Object. 1: When 
(a) Acts 1.6.7.  they were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom of Israel; And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. If not for the Apostles to know, than not for others, who in gifts, place, and parts, are fare short and inferior to them.  
Answer 1. Because it was neither convenient nor necessary for the Disciples, (no, nor for any in that age) to know the Times; yet it doth not follow, that it was inexpedient or unnecessary for others in ages after; Christ doth not say, It is not for any, or, it is not for others, but it is not for you to know; he means no way useful, or fit for them, as tending either to God's glory, or the Churches good.  
2. In saying, which the father hath put in his own power; he plainly intimates, that it should be revealed and made known in due time; and unto such as he thought good. It was Goliah's lot, to have his head cut off with his own sword: this very scripture, if rightly weighed, is a most effectual proof, to confute the very thing they bring it for.  
3 As Christ told them, It was not for them to know the times: so he might have given them a reason for it; for the knowledge of the Time, concerning the restauration of the Kingdom to Israel, was then shut up, and sealed, according to 
(b) Dan. 12.4.  Daniel, and not to be revealed, till towards or near the accomplishment.  
Object. 2. But 
(c) Mat. 24.37, 38, 39  as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be, for as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not, until the flood came and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  
Answer, I shall answer this scripture two ways.  
1 For the wicked and ungodly sinners, the knowledge of the time was hid from them: and indeed, this is the thing which Christ in that place chief intends, in comparing the time of Noah with the latter times: for howsoever the profane wretches then, neither knew, nor foresaw the coming of the flood; yet Noah 
(e) Gen. 6, 7. and 7.4.  did: he (I say) both foresaw and foretold the time of the old world's destruction. It was indeed concealed from the wicked, because it was to come upon them as a snare in the night, but revealed unto Noah for 
(f) Heb. 11.7.  his own, and the Church's preservation. Even thus (saith 
(g) Luk. 17 30.  Christ) shall it be in the day when the Son of man shall be revealed: that is, some shall know nothing of the times, but go on in their ignorance, and unbelief, as become 
(h) 2 Pet. 3.34.  scoffers, and walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming? and so perish in the coming destruction; others on the other hand, by faith (like Noah) shall prepare an Ark, to the saving of their own souls.  
2 As concerning the Saints, Christ doth not simply and absolutely deny unto them the knowledge of the time, for he knew that the time was to be revealed unto them, 
(i) Dan. 12.4, 9, 10  near the end; but he denyeth it, only to the Saints present, and far distant from the end, to whom it was not to be 
(j) Dan. 12.4.10.  made known, as being unseasonable and not expedient, and would have occasioned rather hurt then good, Christ saith, in a certain 
(l) John 7, 6, 10.  place, My time is not yet come; nevertheless within a little while after he goes up to the feast: so concerning the godly (whether we respect the days of Daniel or Christ) the time than was not come that the prophecies of the End should be opened to them; yet they shall be opened and made known to Saints near the finishing, and before their accomplishment.  
Object. 3. 
(m) Mark 13.32.  But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son but the Father.  
I know there are several answers given; some, not as mere man: Others, though not the day and hour, yet the year might be known, both to Christ, angels and men. But to let these things pass, my answer is, Christ as the Son of man, knew it not, till he was ascended and glorified; hence it is, that he is acknowledged 
n Rev. 4, 5, 9  worthy to take the book, and to open the Seals thereof; mark the reason, For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood: so then as 
(o) Rev. 1.1  God gave unto Jesus Christ the Revelation, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass: so this is as a fruit of his sufferings, rising again, and fitting at the right hand of his father.  
And this is a point of marvellous consequence (though little minded) for it is matter of encouragement to ask wisdom of God, that we may understand Daniel, and the book of the Revelation, what is meant by 
(p) Dan. 7.25.  Time, times, and dividing of time, what by the 
(q) Rev. 11.2.  42 Months, the 1260 days, what by the 
(r) Rev. 13.18.  number of the Beast, which is 666. and 
(s) Dan. 6.12, 6.  how long it shall be to the end of these wonders. Because Christ by his death became worthy to open the Seals, that is, (with other things) purchased by his blood for us this great privilege, to know the time and seasons, and to make them known unto his Church and people. If it be a thing which a man owns, and hath a lawful interest and right in it, he can ask it with the more boldness and confidence, and doubts not but to have it. So here, etc.  
Object. 4. Many learned and godly men, diving and searching into these mysteries and hidden things, have been greatly mistaken, and by their extravagances have lost themselves, which makes others wary and cautious how to meddle with them.  
Answ. 1. By the same reason, other Scriptures are not to be searched, for learned men have most corruptly and falsely interpreted them.  
2 Though it be asserted by us, that it is possible, needful, yea, required to search out the accommodation of the years, yet we do not say, every man (howbeit learned and godly) shall understand: for the Lord may do what he will with his own.  
3 That many formerly have been mistaken, it is not strange, because the time was uncertain in which they lived: the Revelation being reserved (as I said before) for the Saints of the last age. Besides, that many, (I do not speak of all) even in these our days, miss the mark, no marvel.  
For 1. Some of them 
(t) Prov. 3.5, 6.  lean unto their own wisdom, humane learning, arts, sciences, authority of men: and seek not the Lord by faith and prayer, to have direction, light and counsel from him; and hence, (and justly too) is that verified on them, 
u Rom. 1.2.  professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.  
2 It is an usual thing with Scholars to follow one another right or wrong. The old Fathers (as they are called) applied many things to their times, which as then had no relation, others coming after, say the very same, and look no further, and so one leads another out of the way:  
3 Another cause of many men's mistake in the accommodation of years, is confounding one thing with another, and disorderly setting down that first which should be last, and last first: thus they appply promiscuously to Jews and Gentiles, what should be distinguished, as proper but to one. Again, distinguish not between the Ecclesiastical and Civil State, as to the rise and fall of both: cry up a present glorious condition of the Church, far before her warfare is accomplished.  
Lastly, for such as are wary and cautious, how to meddle with the times. I shall say no more but thus. If a man towards the beginning of Harvest, should travel through the Country, from London to York, possibly than he would see very few Harvest labourers in the fields but let him pass the same way a few weeks after, he shall see people every where at work, and every one his hands full. At present we are but at the beginning of the Harvest, but I believe (and note it well) before one year is expired, the Lord will send forth such a multitude of labourers into his Harvest, as not a man that is come out of Babylon, and hath separated himself from all the abominations thereof: but will make it his special work to search Daniel, and the Revelation, and diligently seek after the knowledge of the Times.  
Objection 5. This pretending to Inspirations, Revelations, and the spirit of prophecy, is no other than what John of Leiden, Herman, Rotman and Chipperdoling did, and so the Munster business, whereby multitudes were betrayed, and driven to Rebellion, and great mischief and misery followed.  
Answer 1. This is no other aspersion and scandalons reproach, then hath been cast by the enemies of the truth, upon all good men ever since, who have been zealously earnest for reformation.  
But 2. Such as are godly, wise, or able to put a difference between lying prophecies, and foolish visions, and a grace given unto Saints, to understand the mind of Jesus Christ in holy Scriptures, 
2 John 2.20.  John saith, Ye have an unction from the holy one, and ye shall know all things. To you (saith 
(y) Mat. 11.  Christ) it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom: 
(a) Psal. 25 14.  The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. Again, 
(b) Prov. 3.32.  His secret is with the righteous. Are not these Gospel promises, and Saints Privileges, and attainable by the exercise and acts of faith. 
(c) Pet. 2.6.  He that believeth on him, shall not be confounded. Because the Spider turns many things into poison, is the honey, wormwood and gall, which the Bee makes?  
3 I could show in several particulars, how contrary (as light is to darkness) the carriages and practices of the Munster Impostors, (first and last) were, to what is either said or done by the godly of this age, who are of my opinion, namely, that the prophecies of the last times shall be revealed unto Saints near the end. Let Sleidan (or any other) who hath written the History of Munster, be perused by any impartial Reader, and he shall not find any ground to frame a parallel, neither in reference to matter, manner, men. I have some thoughts, (seeing there is such a noise of Munster) shortly to discover the absurdity, ignorance and malice of such people, who seek to disgrace good men, and through their sides to pierce the glorious work of God now begun amongst us, by raking into the business of Munster.  
4. It is worth the observing, how suitably Satan hath carried on his Design to keep men in ignorance, supestition, and bondage, and to hinder them from embracing the things belonging to their peace. Though he could never certainly and perfectly reach the knowledge of prophecies, as to the very time of their accomplishment: yet knowing that such and such things should come to pass, and having some conjecture near the time, his manner hath been beforehand, to corrupt the minds of the people (some way or other) with a prejudice against them, that so, when the thing itself should come to pass, men might neither believe nor receive the same.  
Thus he raised up many false Christ's, and why? that the true Christ might not be received when he came. So for this Munster Business. The Devil knew in the latter days, Tyrants and oppressors would be throw down, the Antichristian kingdom destroyed; good men and good things advanced: Now mark the craft of this wicked one; when the appointed time should come, in which these things were to be fulfilled, to the end that men might not then believe: He stirred up before hand a company of Seducers to beguile the ignorant and simple people: merely, (I say) upon this account, that when the time should come, that Tyranny and Oppression should be suppressed, Babylon cast down, righteousness exalted; this work might not find acceptation among the people, he having (as I said) poisoned before hand the minds of the people, 
Note.  by suggesting Munster and the effects of that business: So then in short, the sum is this, The Devil in causing that work at Munster, intended that it should be a snare to the people of this Age.  
Having spoken to the Objections; I come now to Arguments, to prove that the knowledge of the times is needful, possible, yea required and ought to be searched; And so to justify God's people, (ministers and others) who (by Faith, Prayer, Conference, meditation, reading) are now upon the work.  
1. Because this is a part of the written word of God. Dan. 7.25. and 9.25, 26. and 12.7.11.12. Rev. 11.2, 3. and 12.6.14. and 13.18. Now 
(d) John 5.39.  Christ commandeth us to search the scriptures, the whole, and all, and not some part as we think good to pick and choose: 
(e) Rom. 15.4.  Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our ledrning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 
(f) Dan. 29 29  Those things which are revealed, belong unto us and to our children for ever. A servant being commanded to do several things, if he do only a part of them, what he thinks fit and best, (as easiest) and not the rest; the master will not be pleased: so here,  
2. Because the knowledge of the Times, is part of that Prophecy, and those good things to come, which the 
(g) Rev. 1.1  father gave unto his son, to send and show unto his servants. Christ did not send the letter without the sense: But intended, that it should be known and understood; therefore the sense and understanding is to be searched.  
3. It is said of the whole Prophecy, and consequently of the Times therein contained: 
(h) Rev. 1.3.  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy; I think no man takes it of an ignorant and fruitless reading and hearing, without understanding: for surely, such a hearing or reading 
i Acts 8.30.  makes no man happy. Besides it is such a reading and hearing, as may be the rule and ground of practice: Hence it is added, and keep those things which are written therein: Consequently then, it must be a reading with understanding and knowledge. Observe hence the rashness of some Teachers, who seek to discourage Saints, from that work, unto which alone, is pronounced the promise of blessedness. They will allow men to read the years and times in the text, but they must not seek for the understanding. Just for all the world, as to bid a man to catch at the shadow, but with all charge him not to touched or take the fruit.  
4. Let Christ's words be well observed, When 
(k) Mat. 29 15  ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the Prophet, stand in the holy place; who so readeth, let him understand: he hath reference, no doubt to Dan. 9.27. and 11.31. and 12, 11. where the times of the end are declared and Characterised: Christ here calls upon us, not for reading, but for understanding daniel's weeks, days, times. Now doth Christ bid us understand Daniel; yea, in his numbers, how dares any mortal creature, reproach any for searching his Prophecies. 
(l) Acts 4.2  Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you, more than unto God, judge ye? A servant in not doing his duty, cannot be excused, but yet is more in excusable, when with all he shall smite his fellow servants for doing their duties. I leave the application to the Reader.  
5. It must be granted, that the holy scripture, either holds forth a certain, and set time, and period of years; in respect of the breaking of the fourth Monarchy, the destruction of the Antichristian kingdom, the end of the Turkish Empire, the slaying of the Witnesses, Christ taking the possession of the kingdom, and reigning, etc. or not: If there be no time set, and appointed time; for what use then are these Texts, Dan. 7.25. and 9.25, 26, 27. and 12.11, 12. Hab. 2.3. Revel. 11.2, 3. and 12.6.14. If there be a time certain and fixed, than I would know; if nothing of the time is to be known, till after the accomplishment; how these and such other scriptures, can be said to be written for our learning and comfort? or, what benefit the Church and People of God have by having them written! Caesar's letter though he carried it with him in his bosom into the Council, yet not knowing the contents, it profited him nothing. In the knowledge of the times, there lies our comfort and safety; to have the words in our book, and no more, that helps not, though we have them with us still in our bosom.  
6. Daniel being commanded, to 
(m) Dan. 12.4.  shut up the words, and seal the Book, even to the time of the end; afterwards, sees 
(n) v. 5  two, the one standing on this side of the bank, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. These two, I take to be Types, the one a Type of the Christian Gentiles, the other of the jews; unto whom jesus Christ (the man clothed in linen) will open the mysteries of the times, a little before the end.  
Three reasons I have for this,  
1. They both make enquiry, How ᵒ long shall it be to the end of these wonders? Our Bible's reed, and one said to the man clothed. But the word (one) is not in the text; nor is there to be understood, for they spoke both.  
2. The man clothed in linen (which was Christ) 
(p) v. 7.  holds up his right hand, and his left hand to heaven; wherefore both, and not one hand alone? 
(q) 10.5.  Because here are two, one on his right hand, another on his left, and both to be informed  
3. They are both answered, as to their question, concerning the times. The Gentile type, hath his answer, v. 7. It shall be for a time, times, and an half: And the Jew type hath his answer, v. 11. From the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up; there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. From this I gather, some little time before the end, the Lord will unseal the prophecies of Daniel, and reveal the times included, to some, both jews and Gentiles. Those great mysteries of the times, which have been hid, and looked up from former ages, shall be clearly opened to them, and they shall know how long it will be before the Fourth Monarch be destroyed, the witnesses slain, Euphrates dried up, and Michael stand up for his people. And this they shall speak out to the world, and not one jot of their words shall fail. You will ask it may be, what will men say to this? It will be with these men, as it was with Hezekiah's messengers, some laughed them to scorn, 
2 Chron. 30.11.  and mocked them: Nevertheless divers of Asher, and Manasseh, and of Zebulun, humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.  
7. As the time of the end is nearer at hand, so the Prophecies, and consequently the times included, are to be unsealed, 
Dan. 12.9. Rev. 22.10. and 1.3.  opened, revealed. In Daniel 12.7. when a time, times, and an half, was proposed, and the Prophet professing he understood it not, v. 8. an answer was given v. 9 that the words were sealed up till the end; that is, until the last time immediately before the end; as the phrase is used, Revelat. 11.7. Therefore in the time immediately before the accomplishment, these words are to be unsealed; that is, the meaning of them shall be known to Saints. Again this is further manifested by v. 10. Many shall be purified and made white and tried; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. So ver. 11. what they should understand at the time of the end, in particular, is there more fully expressed. And from the time (saith the Angel) that the daily sacrifices shall be taken away; and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be 1290. days.  
Quest. But wherefore hath the Lord denied the knowledge of the times to his people in former ages; and will reveal it to Saints near unto the end.  
I might here say, 
Mat. 11.26.  in the words of our Lord, Even so father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight: But I Answer,  
1. God's administrations in the later Times, concerning a nation and Kingdom, 
Note.  to pluck up, and pull down, and to destroy it, will be such as the instruments of the work, probably shall want former examples, and ordinary rules to walk by. Men at Sea having not the marks and directions, which travellers have on Land, need some other help to steer and order their course by: God's way near the end will be in the Sea, 
Psal. 77.19  and his path in the great waters: So that as the actions of some men shall be rare, unexemplary without precedent; so God will give them clear light in away suitable, that is, make them understand the times, and that it is now their proper work to act, so and so: in order to the fulfilling of the will and commandment of God, though the same (as the world judgeth) seem irrational, illegal, absurd, destructive to Religion, Law, Liberty, etc.  
2. These latter times will be accompanied, with such great distractions, confusions, divisions, as people will be at a loss, and so in darkness, that they will not know what to do, which way to take, nor how to dispose of themselves. Reader, note it; Gods marvellous work now in the world, will move so contrary to men's expectations and self interest; as multitudes shall fall off daily; 
Isa. 60.2.  yea, some good men shall be offended, and left behind; Darkness shall, cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: Nevertheless, for the comfort and encouragement of the wise, the Lord shall arise upon them, and his glory shall be seen upon them; and by the understanding of the times, which they shall have, God will make them instrumental, for the perfecting of the good work which he hath begun. Thus not by might, 
Zech. 4.6.  nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.  
3. As the knowledge of the end, hath been concealed from former Ages, to prevent security, and to stir men up unto watchfulness; 
Mat. 24.42. Mar. 13.35 Luk. 12.40  as our Saviour expressly shows; so it is to be revealed to this last Age, to move men to repentance and amendment of life; that they should forsake all unrighteousness, guile, dissimulation, selfseeking; Do justice, love mercy, lose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke. If a man fall into a pit, or snare, whereof he was before told and warned, he vexeth and grieves the more. When corrupt and deceitful men shall see the very thing come to pass upon them, which before in the word of the Lord, was told them: namely within such a time, if they turn not from their evil ways, and make their ways and their do good, the Lord will pluck them out of their dwelling places, lay them aside, break their power to pieces: Lord, what a torment and vexation this will be to them: that notwithstanding warned and admonished as from God, they should yet harden and hearten themselves to their own destruction. 
Prov. 5.12.  How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof? and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me.  
4 For this cause likewise will the Lord have the book now opened, viz. to advance the honour and holiness of his blessed word: we are in an age wherein most things are questioned: not only water-baptism, and whether there be a true Church: but whether there be a true God, a true Christ, a true Word, etc. Now as this is atime, wherein Satan appears against the holy Scriptures, and the truths therein contained, more violently and blasphemously then ever heretofore: so I confidently affirm, and will abide by it, that the Lord will now arise and appear for the vindication of the holy Scriptures, more gloriously and eminently then ever: And wherein can the excellency of them be more advanced? the truths in them more manifested? the contemners of them more ashamed and silenced, then that the wise should understand. For what Atheist will not blush, and be confounded, when he shall most evidently see such things come to pass this year and the next, and so forward, till the year, 1770. as was foretold: And that in order to the fulfilling of prophecies and visions, recorded, some fifteen hundred years, others, two thousand years before, and more:  
Having proved by several Arguments, that the knowledge of the times, is possible, and aught to be searched, and wherefore the same (though concealed from former ages) is to be revealed to the last age. I come now to the Prophecies themselves. In Daniel I find five special prophecies, in reference to the time of the end, Chap. 7.25. Chap. 9.24, 25, 26, 27. Chap. 12.7, 11, 12.  
The three first concern the Christian Gentiles, the two latter the Jews; and in them are comprehended all the works of both: that is, when those years are expired, than their whole warfare shall be accomplished, and they shall be no more two, but one; and one shepherd shall be set over them. Howsoever I intent to set forth these things, more at large in another Treatise; yet something I will speak now, as to the times, both of the Gentiles, and of the Jews. And first to that place in Daniel, 
Dan. 7.25.  Until a time, and times, and dividing of times.  
In Scripture we find time, to be taken for days, as Dan 4. comparing v. 16. with 34. By days, years are to be understood. Your children shall wander in the wilderness forty days, 
Numb. 14.33, 34. Ezek. 4.6  each day for a year. Again, Thou shalt bear their iniquity forty days, and I have appointed thee each day for a year. In prophetical use, a day, that is, a year, containeth 360 days, or years. This Daniel calls a time. The word times, signifies so much more, that is, 720 years. The dividing of time is, 180 days, or years, the whole put together, makes 1260 years: and so much, the spirit of God expressly declares in Rev 12. where a thousand two hundred and threescore days, v. 6. is said to be, a time, and times, and half a time v. 14.  
Before we come to the accommodation of these years, we are to speak of the ten horns, and the little horn: first of their rise, than their fall; that is, their beginning and ending: For their rise or beginning, it is to be understood, either as hid and secret or more plain and open. These ten horns, I understand to be the Roman Empire, dissolved into ten parts or Kingdoms. In the enumeration of them, some produce them thus. Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Africa, Asia, Graecia, Syria, and Egypt. I shall set down what to me, is most probable. 1. The kingdom of the Britain's, 2 of the Saxons both in Britain, 3 of the kingdom of the Franks, 4 of the Burgundians, both in France, 5 The kingdom of the West Goths, in the Southern part of France, and part of Spain, 6. the Sueves and Alanes in part of Spain, 7 the Kingdom of the Vandals in Africa, a little before in Spain, 8. The almains in Rhaetia, and Noricum, Provinces of Germany. 9 the Kingdom of the East Goths in Ponnonia, a little before in Italy, Lastly the Kingdom of the Greeks, in the remnant of the Empire. Though this Decharchicall division doth not continue, yet that it was so at first, is apparent by History.  
For their Rise, which was obscure and dark, 
Dan. 7.8.  which gave Daniel occasion to consider the horns, (as being so low and short that he could scarce perceive them) this was about the year of our Lord, 388. It is true, the fall of the Empire was by degrees, and it was 40 years after, or more, before the same was effectually dissolved. Nevertheless about this time, to wit the year 388. those horns did appear, though obscure, and little, (as I said before) in Rev. 17.12. The horns which thou sawest, are ten Kings, which have received no Kingdom as yet, but receive power at Kings one hour with the Beast, that is, they had not at first a Sovereignty, Majesty, Power, Privileges, which afterwards they possessed, and were confirmed in. Now add unto 388. (which was the time of the rise of the ten horns, and the Roman Empire its beginning to dissolve) daniel's number, namely, 1260. and it extendeth to the year of Christ, 1648.  
This year, to wit the year 1648. do I affirm with much assurance, was the time, when the Thrones were set, and the ancient of days did sit, as is expressed in Dan. 7.9, 10. Here began the Lord God Almighty, to call Kings and Kingdoms to an account, to cast down the mighty from their seats, to cut off the spirit of Princes, and to be terrible unto the Kings of the earth. And this work goes forward still, and shall prevail and prosper, to the utter breaking and destroying of the fourth Monarch, or Roman Empire, dissolved into ten Kingdoms: And the little horn, that is, the Antichristian State, and Kingdom likewise.  
I know it will be expected, that I give some reasons for what is here asserted, especially, it being delivered with so much confidence: This I shall willingly do.  
1 Howsoever our Chronicles give the Roman Empire some kind of interest and title to the Britain's, till the year 440. yet it was rather in name then in thing; For after the year 388. the Romans never exercised that power here which they did before, only now and then (and that upon earnest entreaty) they sent hither some relief against the Scots and Picts, & having) done their work, immediately returned back again, leaving the Britons to themselves. Thus their Histories serve to give some light unto daniel's visions concerning the Times. Howsoever their thoughts were not at all carried out on such a thing.  
2. Who ever was the last, certain it is, that England was the first of the ten horns, and therefore here first were the throns set up, and judgement given upon the King and Kingdom. True and righteous are his judgements. 
Rev. 19.2.   
3. The high Court of Justice, which was erected in the Year 1648. before which, the last of our kings had his trial and sentence, was no other, than that throne of God, mentioned in Dan. 7.9, 10. I do not confine the thrones in Daniel, and the sitting of the ancient of days, unto England. For I know the Lord will have his thrones speedily set up in other kingdoms; as France, Spain, Denmark, etc. and as he proceeded here, so he will do there, JUDICATORY against Kings and Kingdoms. But to the point in hand, What was done by the Parliament and High court of Justice, in taking away the king, and changing (in part) the form of Government, was no other than a fulfilling of that prophecy in Daniel. Not that our Statesmen thought so, or so intended; but God did put it in their hearts to fulfil his will, that it should be so. And whereas this thing, not being before heard of, possibly will be slighted; therefore for prevention, I shall let the Reader know my reasons for it.  
1. It was given by the Angel unto Daniel, that the continuance of the ten horns or kingdoms, after their rise and appearing, should be only 1260 years, until the thrones were set. In the year 1648. that term expired, for against the English horn, the Ancient of days came, and gave judgement. So that it must necessary follow, in the year 388. the Britons became one of the horns. We need not be beholding to humane histories, where the Scripture is clear, notwithstanding in this point, our Chronocles (as I said even now) agree with Daniel, as to the rise of the British horn.  
2. From accommodating the years, let us consider the work and thrones: For the work first, It is true, in all ages before this, Kings have been deposed, imprisoned, put to death; but it was rather man's sitting on the throne, than the Ancient of days; for what they did, was only cutting off one horn or Tyrant, and setting another up: whereas root and branch was here taken away. And this is the proper work of Thrones, to change the times & seasons: dissolve foundations, and remove former Pillars, I say absolutely, and utterly to break in pieces and consume the ten horns or kingdoms; their places must not be found any more upon earth: But a new form of government, is to be constituted and set up.  
3. That the Ancient of days hath set up his throne in England, I am further confirmed, by the happy dissolution of the late Parliament; really, I have wondered, that the Lord should suffer such men, so long to profane his throne; 
Psal. 89.14.  Justice and judgement are the habitation of thy throne: 
Psal. 9.4.  Thou sattest in the throne doing right, saith David, Psal. 9.4.  
I know many are in darkness concerning this great change, & not able to apprehend the true ground and cause thereof, they run, some into mistakes, some into discontents, some into rage and fury. For the satisfying therefore of such people, who desire to eye God, and his hand which is lifted up; I shall show what is the true cause, that the Parliament was dissolved.  
The Ancient of days, having set up his throne amongst us (from which he will speak to, and plead with the Nations round about) was pleased to honour those men formerly in place, as to admit them, to sit upon his Throne: And because (like Jehu) they did well in executing that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, and did unto the house of Charles Stuart, all that was in his heart; the Lord suffered them many years to sit on the throne of England: but taking no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel, but flying upon the spoil, and giving countenance and encouragement to the sins of Jeroboam: God at last rejected them, as he did Saul. And for this cause, raised up the General; I say, for the Thrones sake, that they might be no longer polluted and profaned by such a generation of corrupt men. And had not the General done what he did, to have the Thrones purged from that dross and filth, which cleaved thereto. I know not how he could have answered God, for that power, and trust which he hath put into his hands.  
And here (by the way) let me speak a word unto such as shall sit next upon this Throne; I would have men consider well beforehand what they do. Its Gods own throne, and to speak comparatively, it is the only Civil Throne, he hath now in the world; By it he will do mighty and terrible things: And therefore such as are not for Christ, and for the carrying on of his design in the world, he will lay them aside, one after another. And set such up, as shall pour out the last Vials quickly upon Monarches, and the Antichristian Kingdom.  
One thing more, I shall add, in Rev. 16.10. It is said, And the fift Angel poured out his vial upon the throne of the Beast (so the Greek hath it, throne, not seat) and his kingdom was full of darkness: By the throne of the Beast, I understand the ten horns, that is, the States and Kingdoms of the World, which gave authority and power to the Beast. By darkness, I do not understand, (at least not chief) that which is spiritual, as in reference to their Errors, Superstitions, Idolatries, etc. for so that kingdom was full of darkness before: but it is meant of amazement and distraction: not knowing what to do, nor seeing any way how to come out. For application to the thing in hand; after the death of the late king, his throne and kingdom perishing under the fifth Vial: how were people then generally at their wit's end? in such darkness, as they fell one upon another. So upon the dissolving of this Parliament (which was so degenerate, as it looked more like the throne of the beast, than God's throne) what a thick darkness is now gone over men, as if an Angel had smitten them with blindness, as were the Sodomites. And this you must expect still along, that as Thrones, States, Powers, are broken to pieces: so confusion, distraction, and darkness will ever follow; especially among hypocrites, time-servers, and the Antichristians. None of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand, Dan. 10.12.  
And therefore, for the General, and such with him, whom the Lord used as seasonable and good instruments to dissolve the late Parliament; here may they see a divine stamp and character upon their work, even Gods owning both it and them; namely by this darkness, which is fallen upon the children of this world. Had the Antichristians approved it: had those which have enriched themselves (Ministers and others) under the late Parliament, appeared in it, and for it, had our Judges and Lawyers cried it up, Law, Law; had the Clergy given thanks for it. In a word, had the people through the whole Nation sent in their approbation and consent to it, a man might very well have questioned the work, whether it were of God, or no. But considering upon the breaking of this Throne, what darkness followed in Priest, in People: It is most evident and clear, that it was not God's Throne, but man's rather, and for this end thrown down, that the ancient of days may have his throne set up, and he sit again most gloriously amongst us.  
From the ten horns, I come now to the Little horn, who is said to wear out the Saints of the most high, and think to change times and laws. I know it is the common received opinion, that Antiochus Epiphanes is here meant. Why I take it otherwise, not Antiochus, but Antichrist, or the Antichristian Kingdom to be here understood, my Reasons are these.  
1. Such as affirm Antiochus to be the little horn, 
Dan 7.8.20.  do reckon him as one of the ten: But it is expressly said, that he came up after them, and is besides them, and another.  
2. In Dan. 8.9. 'tis said, that this little horn waxed great, grew statelier than the rest, and overtopped the former Beasts and horns: Now all know, that know any thing of the History of Antiochus Epiphanes, that this is neither so, nor so; for Antiochus Magnus was greater, and more powerful by fare than he.  
3. 
Dan. 7.8.  For the three horns which the little horn is said to pluck up by the roots: as Writers cannot agree who they were, so it is apparent that this Antiochus never did the things which they do ascribe unto him.  
4. For the words, Until a time, times, and dividing of time, they cannot be applied to the rage of Antiochus against the Saints, nor with his actions and proceed against the jews, as is most apparent, by comparing the phrase, with other Texts, Rev. 11.2. and 12.6.14.  
5. If Antiochus had been the little horn, then after his death should the kingdom of the Seleucidae immediately have been given up to the Jews. For it is as clear as the sun at noonday, upon the destruction of the little horn, 
Dan 7.21, 22.  the Saints immediately possess his Kingdom. But it is well known, that the jews by the destruction of Antiochus, had no restauration, but continued still after that in bondage, and subject to the Roman power.  
To apply this (as many do) to the coming of Christ in the flesh, and so of a spiritual Kingdom, and liberty, is most absurd and groundless. For not only was Christ born two or three hundred years after, but it is quite beside the scope and purpose of the place, as follows.  
6. In vers. 27. it is said, And the kingdom, and dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the most high. Observe here, whatsoever Kingdom, Dominion, Greatness, etc. the Beast and the little horn had, upon their destruction, the Saints shall have the same. Now this cannot be understood of a spiritual Kingdom: For, 1. the Saints had ever that, and Christ spiritually always reigned over them.  
2. 
Note.  The Beast and the little horn never had a spiritual Kingdom, which should be given up to the Saints after their destruction: And therefore the Kingdom, and dominion, and greatness, possessed first by the Beast and little horn, and after their ruin to be given to the Saints, must needs be civil and temporal.  
Why I take the little horn to be Antichrist, my reason for it is this: It is generally held, that the holy Scripture is best interpreted by comparing pararall Texts. Now this is clear, whatsoever in Daniel is spoken of the little horn, the same in other Scripture is applied to Antichrist. For example,  
1. As the little horn is conjoined with the ten horns, Dan. 7.7, 8.20.24. so is Antichrist with the ten horns, Revel. 17.12, 13.  
2. Such practices and proceed, as in Daniel are attributed to the little horn, the very same are applied to Antichrist, in other Texts.  
1. That he shall speak great swelling words against God, Dan. 7.25. The same is said of Antichrist, Rev. 13.5, 6.  
2. That he shall advance himself against the Civil Magistrate, Dan. 7.20. & 8.25. So Antichrist, 2 Thes. 2.4.  
3. It is said of the little horn, that he shall change times and laws, Dan. 7.25. So Antichrist is called the lawless one, 2 Thes. 2.8.  
4. The little horn is said to make war against the Saints, Dan. 7.21.25. So Antichrist, Revel. 13.7.  
Again, for the time allotted to the little horn, and the space of his tyranny, Dan. 7.25. it is the same expressly with Antichrist, Rev. 12.6.14 & 13.5.  
Lastly, for the end and destruction of them both, compare Dan. 7.9, 10.11. with Rev. 19.21. and Dan. 7.13, 14. with 2 Thes. 2.8.  
Thus having proved the little horn to be Antichrist, I come now to some particulars concerning his rise and fall. 
Dan. 7.20.  According to Daniel, he seems to be after the ten horns: 
Re● ●●.  Yet John saith, the ten horns receive power as Kings one hour with the beast. The places are easily reconciled, as thus: Their rise was together, no difference or distance in point of Time: but Antichrist is said to be after the ten horns, as receiving from them his power, dominion, jurisdiction.  
Again, for the Readers better understanding, as to the rise and fall of the little horn, there are two things I would have him observe.  
1. The little horn is to be considered as the Kingdom of the Beast, and as the members, or worshippers of the Beast: By the Kingdom of the Beast, I understand him, as changing times and laws: By the members, as making war against the Saints.  
2. 〈…〉 speak of the little horn, or Antichrist, I do not mean 〈…〉 of the Pope, or any succession that way, but I mean 〈…〉, or Kingdom. It is true, the Pope is a member of that body, but he is not the body.  
Again, I do not here intent alone the Church, Ministry, worship, and government of Rome. But I include all false Churches, Ministries, Forms, Ordinances, Institutions, brought in by men: whatsoever in the worship of God is besides, or contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All this, whether in England, or Scotland, make up this Antichristian Kingdom, as that in Rome.  
Now for the rise or beginning of this Antichristian Kingdom; First, as it was obscure and dark, so it had its beginning in the year of our Lord, 400. to this add 1260. and it goes to the year 1660. And here is the time of the end, concerning the whole Antichristian kingdom; for further, and beyond this time, I believe it shall not extend. I do not say, that the Antichristians, or members of the Beast, shall perish now, or before; for I hold the contrary, that after their Kingdom is destroyed, many of them shall remain, and attempt most horrible and cruel actions: 
Rev. 18.21. Rev. 17.1.  but for the State itself, that shall be found no more at all after the year 1660. This the Angel calls the Judgement of the great whore. Why Judgement? because Thrones shall be set, and the ancient of days shall sit: And look, as by a law, Kings and Kingly power shall be cast out from the Nations, so will the Lord raise up men zealous of his glory, who shall publicly give Judgement agaist Babylon, that it remain for ever in the dust.  
Before I come to show my reasons for the time which I have asserted, I shall commend these three things to the Reader.  
1. How I understand that place, Rev. 10.2. where the mighty Angel, sets his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the earth. As by the Angel Christ is meant, so as he stands, it is upon the two persecuting powers in the world, the spiritual and the temporal: His right foot is upon the 
* Note how they call it the Sea of Rome, the Bishop's Sea, etc.  sea; you know the spiritual power went ever before the temporal: Hence they used to say, the Lords spiritual, and the Lords temporal. And his left foot on the earth; that is, on the Kings and Kingdoms of the earth. So then my opinion is, that these 〈…〉 ●owers Christ will crush under his feet together, an● 〈…〉 time. There was a truth in that saying, no Bishop, no Kin●●●●e event made it true: and welfare a good token. So now, as the relics of Monarchy which remain yet with us shall bemoved, so will the remainers of the Antichristian Kingdom be removed with them. As Monarchy falls, so falls Antichristime: When no footsteps of Monarchy remain, nothing then will stand of the Antichristian kingdom, which came in with it, and hath ever since been upheld and supported by it.  
And for this cause a long time, I never expected any good from the late Parliament: For I plainly saw, they had no desire to glorify God (in the fulfilling of his will) to the rooting up of the remnants either of Monarchy or Antichistime: but rather sought to oppress the bodies and souls of the people under the heavy burdens of them both.  
2. Thou art to take notice (Reader) that as the the thrones were first set up in England to arreign Monarchy, and to pluck up by the root that tyrannical power which stood in opposition to Jesus Christ, and to avenge the blood of his Saints upon it: Even so (as suitable to it) here with us will begin his great work (by the Thorns) against the kingdom of Antichrist, for the total extirpation thereof. For howsoever I said before, that the Antichristian State (as Church, Ministry, Worship, Government) shall be wholly destroyed before the year 1660. Yet I am of opinion, in respect of England, Scotland, and Ireland, before one half of that time is expired, the Supreme Authority of this Nation will effectually finish that work. 
Zech. 8.6.  If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days: should it be marvellous in my eyes, saith the Lord of Hosts?  
What progress in this work they will make, who shall come next in place, I cannot tell: but this I must tell them; the great business which the Lord hath for the higher Powers of this Commonwealth now to do, it is in order to the fulfilling of those Prophecies which relate to the present time: and if they do not look now after this, and honour God in a conscientious and faithful discharge thereof; the Lord will not look after them, nor honour them, but lay them aside, and let their names rot, as others before: And therefore if my counsel may be acceptable unto them; when any shall make addresses to them for Peace with Babylon, let them make answer in his words, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of Jezabel and her witchcrafts are so many? What Peace, so long as the 4th Monarch is not broken to pieces, and consumed? I would willingly know how men can enter into a league, as to sit still, and suffer such things to stand, against which the Lord calls them forth to war, and to destroy from the face of the earth. I have commanded my sanctified one's; 
Isa. 13.2.  I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.  
3. As Christ will crush both powers at once, and thus by the Thrones: so there will be a special opening of his mind unto ●om●, whereby to know both their work and time. As men formerly have observed Providence, so in the later age, 
jer. 50.2.  they shall understand Prophecies, and act in order to them, and to the accomplishment of them. Declare ye among the Nations, and publish and set up a standard, publish and conceal not, say Babylon is taken. The knowledge of the time of the end will be so clear and certain to some men now shortly in power and place, as they will publicly declare upon what account they act, namely as being chosen and called of God to execute the vengeance of the Lord upon Babylon. Moreover the difference shall not be (as heretofore) about meum and tuum; for honour, greatness, enlargement of Dominion, and such worldly respects, but better bottomed: it shall be for Christ, his Crown and dignity, and that righteousness and truth may be exalted in the earth.  
For the Reasons now, why I say the Antichristian Kingdom (as it is the little horn) had its rise about the year 400.  
1. About this time they began to open a passage to their pretended Supremacy, as giving to the Church of Rome the title of the Firmament of all Bishops, and top of all Churches, and that without the privacy of the Sea Apostolic, that is, of the Primate, none might presume to ordain a Bishop, and that the Censures of Bishops in all causes of moment, was to be referred to the audience of the Bishop of Rome.  
2. About this time the little horn began to give check to Emperors and Kings, and to exalt himself above the Civil Magistrate, in several particulars.  
3. About this time they brought in many beastly lies, and superstitious vanities, confirming them by Counsels, whereby Gods commandments were made of none effect.  
4. It is clear to me by other Scriptures (which I have not now time to open) that the time allotted to the Antichristian Kingdom shall not pass the year 1660. Now being to continue from first to last, 1260. years, it must needs be, that his beginning was in the year 400. as I said before.  
Here I must again put the Reader in mind, that howsoever the vile person mentioned, Dan. 11.21. be the same here with the little horn, that is, the Antichristian Kingdom. Yet they are to be differenced in point of time, as not having their beginning and rise together.  
In this place the Antichristian Kingdom is the little horn, but not the vile person, because the baseness and abominable iniquity of that State, was not so high and full as afterwards it was, and appeared to the world: and therefore then rightly called the vile person, and not the little horn.  
But to proceed, from the State-plague, I come to what is personal. After the Ecclesiastical Kingdom shall be destroyed; Every plant which the heavenly father hath not planted, 
Mat. 1. ●. 13.  rooted up, the Antichristians, and worshippers of the Beast will remain, and in as much blindness, and hardness of heart as before. And so much appears, Revel. 18.9.11, 12, etc. where the Kings of the Earth and the Merchants are brought in weeping and wailing, when they see the smoke of the burning. Now to find out the time of the end, concerning these men's destruction, we must inquire after the first war which the worshiprers of the Beast made against the Saints.  
Twice the woman is said to fly into the wilderness: 
Rev. 12.6.14.  And two wars the Antichristians made against her: the former, when that State was the little horn: the later, when it was the vile person. Of the first now I intent only to speak: Although the later, which was against the Waldenses, be more memorable, both for the cruelty and continuance of it, and will give much light to the matter I have in hand: and therefore I purpuse (by the good hand of God assisting me) shortly to set it forth.  
The first war (I find) made against the people of God by the Antichristians, was in the year 406. About that time we read of a people called Donatists, who by the Antichristian Clergy and others, were held Schismatics, Heretics, Blasphemers, etc. and no otherwise proceeded against, and persecuted, then if they had been indeed most wicked people. Others after them (specially the Priests) even to this day (as Carriers horses) follow the steps of their forefathers, not taking notice who were their accusers, nor the particulars whereof they were accused.  
These Donatists (by what doth appear in the writings of their adversaries) were honest men, sound in the faith, and suffered very much for the Truth sake. Concerning their opinions, howsoever we have them not, but as reported, and set down by their Enemies (who no doubt made things as bad as they could) yet we shall take them as from them.  
1. They denied the public Assemblies; that is, the Parish Churches of the Papists, as not being the Churches of Christ rightly constituted, and separated from them, because of the leaven and abominations therein.  
2. They refused to submit to that power and form of Government, which the little horn had devised and set up.  
3. They held that the Sacraments were not otherwise holy, then as they were given and taken by holy men.  
4. It was their opinion that the Magistrate should not compel men's consciences, not force unto acts of Religion.  
5. They are accused, as being Millenaries, that is, did believe and teach that Jesus Christ in his humane nature, should personally reign upon Earth.  
I know other things are laid to their charge, but so improbable; yea impossible (if such particulars as these were their Tenets) as their Enemies might have been ashamed to put them gether; and others since more ashamed of their ignorance and simplicity, as not to see how ridiculous, absurd, and contradictory the old Popish Fathers are (Augustine himself) in the Story which they have left behind them, concerning the Donat ●sts. But to proceed.  
Against these good men (in whom began the witnesses that should prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, 
Note.  clothed in sackcloth) warred the little horn (in his worshippers) by Canons, 
Rev. 11.3.  Counsels, Imperial Edicts, etc. to the shedding of much innocent and precious blood: And this was (as I said before) in the year 406. to which 1260. years being added, it comes to the year 1666. and to the number of the Beast 666. So then in brief, my opinion is this: As the Antichristian State shall be destroyed before or by the year 1660. and all that fulfilled which is set down, Rev. 18. so, not beyond the year 1666. shall the Antichristians themselves, and worshippers of the Beast, escape the vengeance of the Lord, and of his Temple. But either by repentance from dead works, come in, and put themselves under the glorious Sceptre of Jesus Christ; or cast into the great Winepress of the wrath of God, and so that fulfilled, Rev. 19 And here the Lord will put an end, and period to all the troubles of the Gentile Churches, not to go beyond, or further than the year 1666. After that time they shall be called to the marriage supper of the Lamb, and sing Allelujah, salvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord God: Allelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  
I have done for this time with the first Prophecy. For the second which concerns the 70. weeks, I know 'tis generally applied to the coming of Christ in the flesh, and to his death and sufferings: but I understand it otherwise, as being one of the choicest and clearest Prophecies in all the Scripture, concerning the later times, chief the two Witnesses; a matter at this time much spoken of, and about which godly men are diversely minded.  
I am not willing to enter upon it now, but promise the Reader, he shall suddenly have it in an entire Tract, for it lies ready by me for the Press. From the Gentiles therefore, I come to the time of the end belonging to the Jews, set down in Dan. 12.11, 12. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate, set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.  
It is most certain, that Jesus Christ by his death, did put away all Jewish sacrifices; he did (I say) jure, and in right destroy them virtually by his own sacrifice, the fullness and end of all their shadows: Notwithstanding facto, and actually after his death many years, and by divers steps and degrees. For after the taking and sacking of Jerusalem by Titus, the City not destroyed, the Jews still there inhabited, and continued their vain worship with more ignorant zeal then before.  
For 1. In the Reign of Adrian the Roman Emperor, who built and dedicated a Temple in Jerusalem to Jupiter Olympius, at which the Jews being offended, rebelled and made head, and in the end were overcome and dispersed, and the City named Aelia, and given into the possession of the Gentiles; whereas before until that time, they had not ceased there, from sacrifice.  
2. Being expelled the City, yet they continued their superstitions in the Country, and built an Altar under the Oak Mamre (where the Angels appeared to Abraham) and forced the Merchants which came to the Fairs to sacrifice thereon, otherwise they should not traffic. Constantine the Great demolished the Altar, and built there a Church for the Christians.  
3. In the days of Julian the Apostate, and professed Enemy of Christians, in despite of the Christian faith, he recalled the Jews which were dispersed to and fro, to return into their own land, gave them licence to build the Temple, and to re-establish the levitical service, and furnished them with workmen, money, materials, and other necessaries out of the public stock. The Jews embracing so large a grant, attempted the building of the Temple, laid the foundation not wholly razed down before, wherein they were met by a special hand of God: For a fearful Earthquake, with thunder, lightning, and fire-balls from Heaven, in one night destroyed all their work and tools, and totally overthrew the foundation of the Temple: so that they were constrained to forbear their work, and all further proceeding; and after that time the Jewish sacrifices did for ever cease.  
It is also memorable, how Cyril then Bishop of Jerusalem, told the Jews of this Prophecy; and seeing no admonition or persuasion would prevail, he openly professed, that now the time was come of which Christ spoke unto his Disciples, 
Mat. 24.2.  concerning the Temple, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. This total desolation of the Temple, under the reign of Julian (in which the jewish sacrifices were wholly taken away) fell out in the year 365. to which 1290. being added, do make up 1655. The time designed for the rising and beginning of the Jews, after their long dispersion.  
And here for the Readers better understanding, three things I shall propound to him.  
1. I do not understand (though many do) any general conversion of the jews at this time unto the faith, by the preaching of the Gospel, but only arising amongst them, upon a civil account, to recover their own Country.  
About this time (namely the year 1655.) if not before; my opinion is (and grounded I conceive on the holy word) that the Turk with great Forces will come into Italy. 
Dan. 11.40.  At the time of the end shall the King of the South push at him; that is, come out against the Pope, yet so, as he shall effect little or nothing, but suddenly departed: For tidings out of the East, 
Dan 11.44.  and out of the North shall trouble him; that is, news shall be brought unto him of an insurrection of the jews through all parts of his Empire, making head, forming themselves into a Body, and entering into the land of judea. The first-shall say to Zion, behold, 
Isa. 41.27.  behold them, and I will give to jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings. It seems to hold forth the Messengers of the Jews, which shall pass from place, to place with tidings of their design, and to bring others in, for the sooner and better effecting of it.  
Hereupon the Grand Signior is said to be troubled: and no marvel: For  
1. He knows well, that the jews are a great people, and for wealth, and warlike abilities, able to cope with the greatest Monarch in the world.  
2. They are domestic Enemies, besetting him before and behind, eating out the bowels and revenues of his State.  
3. Their rising is sudden, from all parts of Arabia, and Syria, and their faction grows exceeding strong before he hears of it: So that the suddenness of it did presage some evil event; as is ever observed amongst Politicians, 2 Sam. 20.2.6.  
4. He is the more troubled, as being with his Forces at such a distance from them.  
And lastly, who knows, but he shall be troubled now, in remembering an old tradition which the Turks have; that at last they shall be subdued and destroyed by the children of Isaak.  
Here by the way, take notice, that the Turk having brought his Forces out of Asia & Africa into Italy, against the Christians, 
Revel. 15.12. Isa. 11.25. & 51.10, 11.  or rather Antichristians: This I take to be the drying up of the river Eupbrates, & the waters thereof, that the way of the Kings of the East might be prepared. The meaning seems to be thus; the power and strength of the Turks being in Christendom, the Jews (improving the advantage and opportunity of the time) will rise, and repair to their own land, and by a strong hand re-enter and take the possession of it. And this they shall do (as I said before) only upon a 
* Hence it is said they shall take the Kingdom, Dan. 7.18. and after the Kingdom shall be given them, vers. 27. Dan. 11.44. Dan. 12.1. Dan. 11.45. Ezek 38.8, 9, 10, 11.  Civil account, taking example from other Nations, to shake off the yoke of Tyrants, and to be a free people.  
2. The Jews being entered into their own Country: The Turk shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And here gins the time of trouble, such as never was since there was a Nation, even to that same time. Most cruel and bloody wars between the Jews and Turks. This conflict shall be (for the most part) in Judea: And he shall plant the tabernacles of his Palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain: that is, the borders, or continent betwixt Euphrates, and the Mediterranean. Of this war, and place speaketh Ezekiel. In the later days thou shalt come into the land that is brought bacl from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: But it is brought forth of the Nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. Thou shalt ascend, and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, 
Zech. 14.2, 3.  thou and all thy hands with thee, etc. So Zechariah, I will gather all Nations against Jerusalem, and the City shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished, and half of the City shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the City. Then shall the Lord go forth and fight against those Nations, etc.  
Moreover as this War is expressed in holy Scripture, and the place, so the continuance of it, how long it shall be. Blessed is he that waiteth, 
Dan. 12.12.  and cometh to the thousand three hundred & five and thirty days. This later number is more than the former by 45. years. And so long shall this war continue between the Jews and the Turks, namely from the year 1655. to 1700. Sometimes the one getting the better, sometimes the other.  
3. These years being expired, about the year 1700. 
Dan. 12.7. Rev. 1.7.  Michael the great Prince will stand up for his people. Behold he cometh with the clouds, and every eye shall see him, etc. This is the SET TIME in which the Lord will arise and have mercy upon Zion. 
Psal. 102.13.  His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the East: and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the East, and toward the West, and there shall be a very great valley, and half of the mountain shall remove toward the North, and half of it toward the south. 
joel 3.2.  And he will plead with them there for his people, and for his heritage Israel. The Turk now totally and finally shall be destroyed. His army probably, beside the Sea of Gennezaret, 
Ezek. 39.11. Joel 3.2. Isa. 60.8. Am. 9.14, 15. Ezek. 37.21, 22. Isa. 60.18. Ezek. 34.31. Isa. 49.19, 20. Ezek. 37.22.24. Hos. 1.11. Rev. 21.24. Isa. 49.23. Zeph. 3.19, 20.  otherwise called the lake of Tiberias, and the Turk himself at, or near Jerusalem. Upon this shall follow a speedy and sudden conversion of the Jews: In one day, and at once, as the Prophet speaks. And after this, they shall dwell in their own Land in safety, inhabit all the parts of it as before; their Country shall be more fertile and populous then ever it was, a most flourishing State of Church and Commonwealth. There shall be, after this victory once obtained, no separation any more of the ten Tribes from the other two, but both shall make one entire Kingdom. All Nations shall come in to them, and honour them, and willingly, or perforce submit unto the Government of Jesus Christ.  
But to return to the year 1655. It is the opinion of many, (and I am of the same mind) that six thousand years from the Creation, do meet with the ending of this year 1655. which is near at hand, and great Revolutions are looked for at that time: For the particulars I find them not expressed, but to me, these fearful and terrible changes seem to be these five.  
1. The Turk, his coming against Italy with such multitudes, will fill all Europe with terror, and amazement; and howsoever his stay here shall be short (as was said before) yet it will be the occasion, and rise of marvellous changes to follow afterwards.  
2. In this year will the Lord most eminently appear, shaking the Earth, 
Hag 2.22.  and overthrowing the Thrones of Kingdoms every where in Europe: By this time (I verily think) the Thrones will be set, 
Isa. 26.11.  and the Ancient of days sitting thereon. The Prophet saith, Lord, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see, but they shall see, and be ashamed. Hitherto what God hath done in overturning, overturning, overturning (the Bishop's first, the King next, the Parliament last) it is not observed, as the righteous hand of God. 
2 Pet. 3.4.  All things continue (saith the Scoffer) as they were from the beginning of the Creation. But know this, in the year 1655. the Vial shall be so full, poured out so fast, and lie so close & hot upon the persecuting powers of the world, as they shall then see, and be ashamed, begin to take notice that it is the wrath of the Lamb which follows after them. It is reported of Moles, that a short time before they die, they see a little, but never before. So the blind Pope, and his creatures: and the Kings of the earth, as blind as he, a little before the final extirpation of their State, something they will see, as of God fight from Heaven against them, though they repent not to give him glory.  
3. At this time, great changes and revolutions will be, in respect both of persons and things: For howsoeve I am assured, that every change amongst us shall be for good unto the Nation, as this present Government, and what follows, a great deal better than the former; yet I question, whether the Lord will throughly purge his floor, in sweeping out all corrupt and selfish men, until that time: But some will still creep in unawares, not serving the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly. Nevertheless this I would have the Reader observe, that about the year 1655. 
Psal. 149.8.7.  the righteous alone shall flourish, and be exalted. A twoedged sword is in their hand, to execute vengeance upon the Heathen, and punishment upon the people: to bind their Kings with chains, and their Nobles with fetters of iron. To execute upon them the judgement written. And this Supreme Power shall abide with them four or five years without interruption, until they have broken in pieces the fourth Monarch.  
4. Another terrible and fearful change, in likelihood will fall out in the year 1655. or the year after, that is the 
* There are some Prophecies which mention the burning of Rome in the year 6000. from the Creation.  sacking and burning of the City of Rome. After which it shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelled in from generation to generation; but wild Beasts of the Desert shall lie there, and their houses shall be full of doleful Creatures. And Owls shall dwell there, and Satyrs shall dance there. 
Isa. 13.2.21, 22.  And the wild beasts of the Islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and Dragons in their pleasant palaces, and her time is near come, and her days shall not be prolonged. And this instrumentally shall be done by the Saints of the most high, whose hearts and hands the Lord will raise up for that work. It is possible that the Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, etc. may escape, as being reserved to perish afterward with the worshippers of the Beast; 
Num. 31.8.  as Balaam perished amongst the Midianites.  
5. The last is the rising of the Jews, of which I have spoken, and shall make no repetition.  
Having opened some Prophecies, and applied them, according to the grace received, I come now to the other particular, which is to show the time in which we are, and our present work: And this is a special Voice from the Temple unto the higher Powers.  
In the general I have expressed my opinion already: Christ hath his right foot on the Sea, and his left foot on the Earth. So then to follow the Lamb, it is to break in pieces those two Powers, Kingly, and Antichristian. Who is on my side (saith the Lord) Who? Throw her down. Come against her from the utmost border, 
jer. 50.26.  open her storehouses, cast her up as heaps, and destroy her utterly, let nothing of her be left. There is now a price put into your hands, a fair opportunity, and a door opened before you. He that letted is taken out of the way. If a Mariner should be asked in winter why he is at home, and not at Sea; to speak of the unseasonableness of the time, might be a reason sufficient: but if the Winter be past, and the season good, here he hath not the like excuse to make for himself. When Kingly power stood, and the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, which was worse, and the last Parliament little better; that some in Authority did little good, much might be said for their excuse: But now seeing all these things are removed, what will our next Governors have to say for themselves, if they do not appear and act earnestly for just and righteous things. If a man did certainly know the day of his death: what appetite or desire could he have to meat, an hour before he was to die? It may be those things which I here write, some will not receive: but howsoever I shall discharge mine own conscience: and therefore this I do declare with confidence to the world, that corrupt men, and selfe-seekers, their trade is coming down, and two years shall not be expired (mark it) but they shall vomit up what they have gotten by injustice, falsehood, bribery, etc. and God shall cast it out of their belly.  
But more particularly to the present work: Such as will act well hereafter, and serve their generation, they must in most things do otherwise, and contrary to what others have done before them. I shall only instance some particulars briefly.  
1. They must be active, and quickly dispatch the business which they take in hand; and not to tell people as others usually did, of the Thanks of the House, and that it was under Debate, referred to a Committee, etc. and here was all. But let Petitioners be speedily relieved in their just applications. I have seen at the foot of great houses, Images set out in such a posture, as if the building lay on their backs: Such pictures we had, as made show to have the Church and Commonwealth on their shoulders, whereas in truth (for most of them) neither the one, nor the other had any real help or supportance from them.  
2. They must not seek nor desire to grow rich and great in the world, by being in Authority, but advance the Public Interest, and not their own. A thing formerly not practised by many, but left the care of public concernment to enrich themselves.  
Hence it is, that many of them, who before the Parliament began, were not worth two or three hundred pounds a year, have now made it up, some to a thousand, some to fifteen hundred, some to two thousand pounds a year, and more. These must be served, as Aesop did his fellow-servant, he gave him warm water to drink, by which means he vomited up the stolen figs.  
3. It is a work now proper to the higher Powers, to be careful what men they appoint, as Justices and Magistrates in the Commonwealth; hitherto in Town and Country such have been in many places, as have most grossly abused the people, exercised even an arbritary power where they lived, and done what they list; as knowing if their insolences and exorbitances should be complained of, they had a 
* Of this thing, we had a memorable example in Hull, where one Master Shaw, a notable Turncoate, and  as lives, hath committed such scandalous actions as seldom are heard of, yet no Justice could pass against him, by reason of the corrupt Mayor. The things are so foul against them both, as honest men wonder they should be suffered: But so long as the last Parliament stood, Mr. Shaw was supported in all the mischief he plotted, either against the Town, or honest men. The last Speaker, Baron Thorp, and Sir Henry Vane, know who I mean, and who did help Shaw, to make three or four unworthy Aldermen at a clap, all Brothers, and to have what Mayor and Sheriffs, Shaw would, to carry on his Design, which was to disquiet the peace of the place, and affront the honest party. I hear he studieth to get favour amongst those who are now in place: But that no honest man may be deceived by him, this I testify publicly, and of knowledge, he is a most corrupt man, and hitherto countenanced by men, as corrupt and rotten as himself.  friend in the House, would bear them out in spite of all accusers.  
Hence a man every where, might have seen that in Solomon fulfilled: When the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.  
4. How many years hath it been under Debate in the House concerning the propagation of the Gospel. Now I desire every one that fears God, to observe, what progress they have made herein. This I affirm to be true, they have left standing in the Nation, a Clergy, or generation of Priests, more scandalous, profane, wicked, insufficient, etc. then was in the Bishop's time, and before they began to sit: Notwithstanding they would send their Acts, to these wretches, that they should pray and give Thanks for them. Whereas Hezekiah sent to Isaiah the Prophet, to lift up his prayer for the remnant.  
That these unworthy men, are to be removed from their unsanctified places and standing, the word of God is clear for it; but whether he will so far honour our next Governors, in putting them upon so glorious a work, a little time will show.  
5. Be sure that ye be real, and faithful to such men, whom you know, to be real and faithful to that Cause, and Work you are upon. Of late, Turn coats, Time-servers, Apostates, and such like, have been most favoured, soon heard, and preferred: The which was one special cause of their ruin, and will destroy others if they do the like. As fire taken off from the hearth, and put to the Thatch, will burn down the house; Even so, if men in place, withdraw their affection from honest and good men, to act for unworthy ones, they cannot stand. Let them associate themselves, and they shall be broken, take counsel together, and it shall come to nought.  
6. 
Psal. 4.3. Ps. 101.6.  As the Lord will set apart him that is godly: And David saith mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land: So in choosing men to public employment, carnal relations must be laid aside, and men fearing God pitched upon. It would be worth the while to consider, how many are in place, who hate to be reformed, count it their grace that they are graceless: yea, despite the spirit of grace in Saints. If a man should sow Tares in his Field, or plant thorns and thistles in his Garden, would it be a wonder afterward, to see fruit according to the kind he hath sown and planted? Those that do set and plant in the Commonwealth, crafty men, covetous and deceitful fellows, I mean as to have places of great trust, and concernment, if they deceive the State; no marvel, Who will expect grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  
7. There is another abuse which honest men desire speedily to have reformed, namely a multitude of unnecessary and useless Officers, publicly employed in civil affairs, whereby the Revenues of the Commonwealth are extremely wasted: which men, if removed, not only many thousand pounds a year would be saved, but the work speedier, and much better done. Besides, it is well known, that some of the late Parliament, have devised new Offices where there was none before, 
Note.  and whereof there is no use in the world, purposely to set in some of their own kindred for salary.  
8. Whereas many have gotten great estates, by falsehood, deceit, unfaithfulness, done many unjust actions, and do fraudulently detain much of the public treasure in their hands, and some are ready to manifest and prove so much. It is desired, not only that some men may be appointed, to hear and receive the Informations, and Charges, which shall be brought forth against such Delinquents: but special care be taken about the choice of them, as that they be able men, 
Exod. 18.21.  such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.  
As those last men in power were for the most part men most corrupt, so ordinarily they set none in places under them, but men corrupt and rotten as themselves: And therefore no marvel though some much desired to have their old Masters in again, for they knew, they were NONE SUCH to serve their turn. The glass-window lets in light, but keeps out wind and rain: I hope to see such in place, as will hear and receive the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and keep back partiality, respect of persons, relations, private Interests.  
9 For the Regulating of the Laws, and other corruptions amongst us, here it is expected, that things be now done speedily and effectually. The turning of the Law into English, no way eased or lessened the grievances of the people: Cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently. Remember the TWO PLAGUES of this Nation, PRIESTS and LAWYERS. Because thou hast let go out of thy hand, 
1 Kin. 20.42.  a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.  
10. Take heed of making Parties, and running into factions, as the former ever did, to carry on, particular and private designs.  
The work before you is public, and general, and therefore be not divided in Schisms and Factions, but unanimously accord together in the present work of the Lord. In raising up a material house, when the workmen sweetly agree together, the building goes forward apace: so here. How fare the Lord will carry on his work instrumentally by such as shall be next in power, as to consider of these, and other things I know not, neither what the Lord intends to do by them, concerning the breaking in pieces the fourth Monarch, and Antichristian Kingdom: But this I know, if these come not up to the work, others shortly will: For it shall not be left undone beyond the year 1655. A people then shall be created, to fulfil the will of God (and he will put it into their hearts) in order to the Prophecies of the later time: 
Hab. 23.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time: but in the end it shall speak, and not lie.   

A Postscript.  
Reader,  
I Have considered that there are two things, wherein thou mayst be much unsatisfied concerning this subject.  
1. How to destroy the little horn, or Antichristian Kingdom, can stand with Toleration of Religion, and liberty of Conscience, allowed by the present Government, and upon just and good grounds.  
2. To break the fourth Monarchy, tends not to make this Commonwealth happy and flourishing, which the higher Powers are to seek after: but to preserve Peace, and so Trade with other Nations, is much better for our prosperity, welfare, and happiness. I shall answer both.  
1. The Antichristian Kingdom, is a State guilty of blood, and accordingly to be arraigned and executed. In Rev. 18. after Babylon is said to be destroyed, the reason of it is showed in the last verse. In her was found the blood of the Prophets, and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth: So that hence it doth appear, that no wilful murderer, more justly can be put to death, than the power of the Beast destroyed, for shedding innocent blood.  
2. As the times may be, some acts of Justice may be forborn, which afterward ought, and must be done. David complains, 
2 Sam. 3.29.  that the sons of Zerviah were too hard for him: yet Solomon following (being in a better capacity) put one of them to death, and justly too. For a more clear illustration: Though murder be discovered, and the person known, yet no execution can be done upon him, till he fall into the hands of Justice. Indeed then, if the Magistrate neglect his duty, and suffer him to escape, he wraps himself in the blood and guilt of the Malefactor. That blood-guiltiness, lies on the Antichristian Kingdom, this hath been known to Saints in former ages, but the sons of Zerviah were always too hard for them: but now, when the power shall be in their hands, not to execute judgement upon the murderer, is (as I conceive) to be no otherwise then accessary to the blood of the Prophets, and of the Saints, in the great City Babylon.  
3. To give liberty & toleration I am clearly for; yet so, as the known will of God be fulfilled concerning the work of this present time: And therefore we must distinguish between persons and things. Persons are to be tolerated, though diversely minded in point of Religion; but where the vengeance of the Lord, and the vengeance of his Temple, 
Rev. 18.6.  is expressly called for, and to be executed thus, and thus: What toleration is to be granted here in such a case, I desire those to consider of, who are specially concerned in it.  
Lastly, seeing I have mentioned so often the Antichristian Kingdom, to be destroyed by the Ancient of days, sitting upon his Throne, etc. It will not be amiss, that I give the Reader my meaning more fully.  
This Antichristian Kingdom, or State, was first erected against Jesus Christ, that is, to corrupt his word, and worship, and to destroy his people, under a pretence of blasphemy, heresy, schism, etc. The which in Popery, Prelacy, and Presbytery, hath been both professed and prosecuted; whereby much innocent blood hath been shed, and would be still, if the Magistrate would give his power to them. Besides, by this Antichristian State, against the Lord Jesus Christ, a Church, Ministry, Worship, & Government hath been devised, and set up: All which the Saints near the end, will call to an account; and finding the same to be guilty of innocent blood, and a main let to the present exaltation of Christ's Kingdom, will judicially give sentence, that it be thrown down, and be no more at all.  
Reward her, even as she hath rewarded you: 
Rev. 18.6.  and double unto her double according to her works: In the cup which she hath filled, fill her double. As if he should say; whereas this bloody Kingdom, most falsely judged you in the Saints which were before, to be Heretics, Blasphemers, Schismatics, and persecuted you by imprisonment, banishment, confiscation of goods, yea death itself: And would not suffer you to walk in the faith and order of the Gospel, Reward her, even as she rewarded you; that is, as God hath put the power of Nations into your hand, and the day and judgement of Babylon being now come. Wheresoever the Lord carries you forth, execute the vengeance of the Lord, and of his temple upon the Antichristian Kingdom. Here still I speak of things, and not of persons.  
To the other Objection I answer thus.  
1. The glory of God in fulfilling his word, is to be preferred before all outward prosperity. A Heathen could say, Let Justice be done, and the world perish: Shall Saints then, hold back their hands, from executing the righteous Judgements of the Lord, only through a base fear of worldly inconveniences.  
2. 
Prov. 21.30.  There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord. If he be breaking now (as certainly he is) the fourth Monarch, we and they may take counsel together, but it shall come to nought. What man, seeing his neighbour's house on fire, would willingly set his own by it, for so they would both burn and fall together. The Lord's fire is already kindled in Thrones and Kingdoms: And therefore the further off we keep, from associating ourselves with them, from coming near them in Leagues and Covenants, the more likely it is, that our Commonwealth will be happy, and flourish.  
But 3. I would not have the people of this Nation to imagine, that these Change and Turn in the world, are in order to their better trading; God intends it otherwise: It's for trading indeed, but for his own: To break the Kings, Merchants, and great men of the Earth, that the Kingdoms of this world may be his, and his Christ's. Worldly men have had their time for Trade, and they have had a long time of it. The Lord now is putting an end to that, and setting up a better.  
I writ this for my Countrymen's sake, to let them know, howsoever I hope, Those which shall be next in place, will do just and good things, take off what burdens they can, and make the Nation as happy and prosperous as they are able: Yet I have no hope, that the Times will be any better for civil Trade, but more troublesome, and wars daily increase: And therefore they should now begin to look up to God, and after his work, and the Great Trade which he is carrying on: and withdraw their minds from this old world, which is perishing, and going out, and prepare for the world to come whereof we speak, wherein dwelleth righteousness, 
Heb. 2.5.  and which will be much better for them, if they be of that number, who look for the blessed hope, 
Tit. 2.13.  and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  
For Conclusion, there is one word more from the Temple to the higher Powers, and so I have done. And it concerns a main thing, in order to our late great victory at Sea, which the Lord gave us over the Dutch. It was some trouble unto many, when they heard that the Holland Merchant Ships were returned safely home, and not met with by our Fleet: It is true, the Lord could have given them into our hands, but he would not. And why not the one, as well as the other? The reason is (as the Lord hath put it strongly on my heart to have it known) In this he tells us, what our proper work is, namely not to look after Merchants, as to grow great and rich by the wealth of other Nations, but to break their power & strength in pieces. The Lord gave their men of War into our hands, not their Merchant Ships. Speaking here I say, as it were from heaven, that it is not prizes, or the Enemy's goods, our hearts or hands should desirously be upon: But to destroy Babylon, slain the glory of Kings and Kingdoms, and lay low the high and great mountains of the earth.  Rev. 22.10. Seal not the say of the Prophecy of this Book, for the time is at hand. Hos. 14.9. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them; but the transgressors shall fall therein. 
FINIS.