THE FALLING STARS, OR THE DRAGONS Bringing down, and trampling upon, HEAVENLY GLORY.  
BY JOHN ESTON, sometime Fellow of Oriel Coll. Oxon.  1 Joh. 2.19. 
They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us.  
LONDON, Printed by Francis Leach, 1653.   

To all that love the Lord Jesus Christ, in Martin's Vintry.  
THis little Piece was never intended for public view, only to discharge my duty at the late erected Exercise at Thomas Apostles, where I not long since, by the providence of God, in the desires of my fellow laborers in the Vineyard, was called to work. I did not in my preparatory meditations consult with flesh and blood, what might gain me esteem with that Auditory; what doctrine might probably be most taking, and suit best with the dispositions of the people: but laying aside all by-respects, which to the praise of grace be it spoken, I was resolved to deliver what my own spirit was convinced of for a truth, and was most agreeable to this tottering and declining age. It pleased God to fix my unsettled thoughts amongst the varieties of Texts, upon that place of Scripture Rev. 1 2.4. I was not disobedient to this heavenly suggestion, however I was not then ignorant, how some, whose tempers I very well understand, would disgust and disrelish that matter, the words offered to be spoken to; yet this I can say, but one I ever heard of was dissatisfied in, and dissented from, what was laid down, either as contrary to the Analogy of Faith, or the true sense and meaning of Christ in the Vision I shall leave it to the spiritual man, who judgeth all things, to examine this little Treatise; I refuse to put myself upon the trial of those, who whilst they boult out their own opinions with such confidence, as Authentic all, they are guilty of that which themselves cry down, a Papal infallibility. To wave what I could say for myself, concerning the releasing of this poor Prisoner at the Bar, and giving him liberty to wander at large, (though I know the modesty of some, with the dissimulations and flatteries of others, have brought Apologies into fashion,) I shall address myself to you, with whom, according to the weak gifts in me, I have for a Twelve month laid open the unsearchable riches of Christ, and I must needs say, both my Person and Ministry hath been entertained with the love and respect of divers, more than could be expected by one coming in upon such disadvantage as myself; it will add much to my engagements, if you will but give shelter to this poor Pilgrim of mine, now upon travel; I cannot tell, but that by reason of storms it may be necessitated to house somewhere, I beseech you think never the worse of it, because it visits you in a homely dress, like that plain mind from whence it went out, void of all ornaments and accommodations which may set it out and commend it. My confidence is, however some in these curious times may censure and judge of me, yet you will accept of my Endeavours, as a standing pledge and token of that love and service I now do, and hope ever shall bear unto you in the Gospel. Out of inward bowels, I pray that may never happen to you, which did to these Stars (being indeed nothing but transitory impressions in the Air) For this Cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord jesus Christ, that your light may always shine before men, that no wiles of the Dragon may so far prevail as to cast you down from your good beginnings. I know not what better to wish you (which is my hearts desire) that you may be saved; and because holiness is the way to happiness, I pray God keep you pure and unspotted, that so when Christ, who is your life, shall appear, you may then appear with him in Glory. Now to him who is able to strengthen and establish you, I commend you, and rest,  
Yours, in the common Saviour, John Eston.   

THE FALLING STARS.  REVEL. 12. the former part of the 4th verse. 
And his tail drew down the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth.  
THis book was the last breath, wherewith the Penmen of holy Writ were inspired, and the last lovetoken of a kind Husband to his Spouse; Christ handed it to us by John the beloved Disciple, he was a special favourite, one that did lean upon Christ's breast; therefore he above the rest was honoured with special secrets, and bosom counsels; He was made one of heaven's privy-counsel, having the futurition of things presented to him; The matter here treated of is altogether prophetical, (viz.) concerning the Church, her persecutions by enemies. The mutations of the visible state thereof, defections of Apostates, & fearful cloudings and darken of the light of the Gospel: In brief, we have here a general view and project of all the conditions of God's people, until the second coming of Christ. Some have thought this Chapter to be the whole Apocalypse in a lesser volume. In it we have the preparations and skirmishes between the old Serpent and Michael, the two Generals of the Armies, and the mutual success of both Parties; this was brought to John in two Visions, both which he gives an exact account of; the first vision he describes, 1. From the quantity, it was a great wonder, 2. From the place, in heaven, 3. From the form, a Woman, (i. e.) the Church militant, because she is chased and put to flight, which cannot be said of the estate triumphant, than the Saints are at rest; She is called a woman because of self-impotency and insufficiency, not being able to do any thing without Christ, no more than the woman without her husband. This woman hath three Externall adjuncts, 1. Clothed with the Sun, that is Christ, so called in Scripture, Mal. 4.2. Secondly, the Moon under her feet, etc. that is, in her Affections, which are the feet to carry the soul, she tramples upon terrene things as inconstant as the Moon. Thirdly, a starry crown; and three Internal, ver. 2. She was with child she traveled in birth, and in pain to be delivered; not of Christ, as some think, for he is not the seed, but the father of the Church; but of some Magistrate or Ruler, who was to be instrumental for her preservation and deliverance. The second Vision is described, 1. From the place, in heaven, 2. From the quantity, great, 3. From the form, a Dragon, 4. From the colour, red, 5. From his monstrous shape and figure, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns on his heads, all which note the subtlety, cruelty, strength, and dominion of the Dragon, being the Prince of the power of the air, 6. From a double cruelty, the first in Execution, the words of my text, And his tail drew, etc. the second in Intention, he had purposes of further mischief, the Dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, etc. Here we have news from the Camp, how this weak combatant the Woman comes off at the first onset, with loss, she hath a seeming rout, we have here,  
1. The party prevailing, expressed in [his] shape before mentioned with seven heads and ten horns.  
2. Against whom he prevails, the Stars.  
3. How, with his Tayl.  
4. In what he prevails, to draw them from heaven, and cast them to the earth. The words thus divided, afford this observation.  
Obs. The Dragon's tail causeth the downfall of many heavenly lights, Or thus, A multitude of the Stars of heaven are by the Dragon's tail drawn to the Earth.  
I shall clear the Proposition, by answering the following Queries.  

Q. What we are to understand by the Stars of heaven.  
A. First neg: not the lapsed Angels, as some fond imagine: of whom Judas speaks, that they kept not their estate, that glorious condition in which they were first made, but did of themselves revolt from God and the truth. The reasons which move me against this opinion, are these.  
1. Because this book is not a History rerum gerundarun, of things done, it relates not passages which were then accomplished, but it is a draught and representation of things to be acted, and hereafter to be performed, as John himself tells us Rev. 1.1. the Visions contained in this book were given him by God, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass, now the Angels fell some thousands of years before John writ.  
2. These Stars here spoken of fell upon the Dragon's encounter with the Woman, they were the spoil he took from her: but the wicked spirits apostatised from the beginning, before ever God had a Church or people in being, the time his decree should bring forth was not yet come.  
Secondly, not the promiscuous number of those who consent and join together in Apostolical doctrine, setting it up as a guide and rule of faith and manners; or the company of those who make an outward profession (i.e.) visible Saints, be they Pastors or People, not having reference at all to any orders constituted and appointed by Christ in the Church, for though the Godly, if we may speak at large, those that are really or seemingly so, taking a view of them in the lump, are Stars of Heaven, every one in their several orbs and stations shining in the rays of Gospel's glory, yet these are not the Stars here spoken of, but some who in gifts and place were more eminent and advanced.  
Aff. By Stars therefore in this Prophetical naration, I conceive the Spirit chief intends, (yet not excluding others,) those who exercise ministerial office, the Pastors and Teachers of the Church of Christ. I take this to be the sense.  
1. Because the Stars in this verse are the same with them in the first, which the Woman is crowned with, notwitstanding there is a definite number expressed twelve; in this we have the consent of the best Expositors, that by them are meant the doctrine by the Apostles themselves published, which they had from Christ's own mouth, yet not to be looked upon with a personal restriction or limitation to them, for then the Church ever since they were bydeath silenced, hath lost her ornament; wherefore it must necessarily be verified in all those who were their undoubted successors, preaching the same Christ with them, and administering the same Sacraments; in this number of universality and perfection, all that purely hold forth the rich grace of the Gospel are included and comprehended.  
2 Because in most, if not all, places of this mysterious book, ministers are called Stars, as Rev. 1.20. The mystery of the seven Stars which thou sawest in my right hand, the seven Stars are the Angels of the seven Churches, [are,] do signify, as the bread is Christ's body in the Sacrament.  
By Angels in this Epistle, we are not to understand incorporeal substances with Origen, but Ministers, and the reason is obvious, because God in his ordinary dispensation doth not teach the Church by Angels, but by men; the Scripture elsewhere gives Ministers this honourable appellation, Hag. 1.13. and Malachy speaking of the Priests, Chap. 2.7. For he is the Angel of the Lord of hosts. They are called Angels, First, Propter vocationem & missionem, They are ministering spirits sent forth, Heb. 1.14. They act by divine Commission and Authority, so all Gospel Ministers can show the broad seal of heaven. They are employed by the great God to carry on his design of gathering the Elect; I look not upon him as a lawful Pastor that hath not a lawful call, or is not sent. Rom. 10.15. of such God complains, as who run without any mission, Jer. 14.13. Secondly, Propter munus & officium quo funguntur, as the Angels are messengers to publish the mind of God, so are also Ministers, as the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 4.1. To them are committed choice treasure for the enriching of souls. Thirdly, Propter eximiam scientiam quâ excellunt. They whose lips are to preserve knowledge must have more than an ordinary competency.   

2. Q Wherein doth the resemblance hold, between Stars and Ministers?  
1 Stars are the clearest and brightest part of Heaven: such are Pastors in the firmament of the Church, they should outshine others in their knowledge of divine mysteries, and have a clearer insight in the hidden things of the Gospel; they should have a double portion of the Spirit, as was upon Elijah: and as they are to be more eminent in spiritual endowments and inward qualifications, so also in a close walking with God, and a Gospel conversation, they are to benefit others, both by soundness of doctrine, and integrity of life; it is their duty to teach, both by precept, and example.  
2. Stars shine not in their own, but a mutatitious light, all their justre and resplendency is borrowed from the Sun: so what ever gifts of wisdom and discerning, of utterance and opening the mind of Christ, are in dispensors of the word, it flows from jesus Christ, all the beauty, glory, and shining of Christ's Ambassadors is from him. In the 5 Mat. ver. 14. we read, that the Disciples are the lights of the world, but it is to be understood by way of participation, not originally, for Christ is called the true light, Joh. 1.8.9. he only properly deserves the name of light, being so by nature, not by dimanation from another, as the creatures have it; Christ is that eternal uncreated ray, which darts upon every one that is born, both natural and heavenly light; he is the Sun of righteousness, the great fountain of light, who sends forth and displays his beams for the illumination of all the elect; it is not the studying of Arts & Sciences, it is not skill in tongues and original languages of Scripture, which can bring us to the knowledge of God; if Christ and his Spirit be abstracted and separated, our apprehensions will be but historical, and notional such as the Devil may have; when they are sanctified, and jesus Christ hath shined in, they prove good helps and furtherances; therefore Ministers must look to Christ, from whose fullness all is imparted and communicated, not their own parts and industry, without Christ and the Spirit they can do nothing see 1 Cor. 3.5, 6. what Gospel preachers declare is nothing else but that which Christ brought from the bosom of the Father, 1 joh. 1.3.  
3. Stars are wonderfully communicative they affect these inferior bodies with influence, motion, and light, they keep not their light to themselves, but carry and transmit it to the world: so Ministers convey spiritual light to men on Earth, living in the dark night of ignorance, error and superstition; how should they pity poor souls, who sit in the very shadow of death, whose eyes are so fast close, that they never saw Sun, Moon, or Stars, who never had any light risen upon them, as is upon us in the Preaching of the word? We are blessed that hear the joyful sound, the Gospel's trumpet blowing, proclaiming liberty to the Captives, etc. But it is sad to think, the lights of divers places in this Nation are very darkness, many thousands of People are under a dark ministry, who are communicative of nothing but their corrupt opinions, and misunderstandings of the grace of God to sinners, of a lose Gospel unbecoming life. Blessed be God, the Churches hereabouts are better provided, having Ministers like fixed stars, who by the sweet distillation of their lips teach, by the orderly & regular motion of their lives confirm, and by both enlighten many, with such orient heavenly pearls, the Churches, in some places, like a bright sky in a clear evening, sparkle, and are bespangled.   

3. Q. What Pastors are these here signified by the Stars of Heaven, who are plucked from their orbs and stations, and drawn to the Earth?  
A. Neg. Not fixed Stars. The Dragon cannot move any one faithful Minister of jesus Christ, he may as soon bring Heaven and Earth together, and turn all things into a confusion, as pluck them from Christ in whom they are embodied; the reason is, because Christ holds all those who aim at the glory and advancement of himself, in the nothingness of themselves, in his right hand, Rev. 2.1. Christ holds them, First, ratione operationis & efficaciae, in regard of efficacy and operation, it is he that works effectually by the outward administration of ordinances upon the hearts of men, which are naturally shut & barricaded against God and Christ, Act. 16.14. & 1 Cor. 2.5. Secondly, ratione protectionis & custodiae, in regard of keeping and defence. The right hand in Scripture signifies the virtue and power of God, this streched-out arm is engaged in maintaining the Ministers of his Church; he is indeed a powerful keeper, and a faithful upholder of all the Saints, yet sometimes he doth make his glory more evidently appear and shine forth in protecting the Ministers. This may bear up the spirits of them that are industrious in their callings, let them meet with never so many discouragements and reproaches; what though you are scorned by the headlong multitude? what though discountenanced by rulers, men in place and Authority? what though the great ones of the world frown upon you? yet let not your hearts fail, only be of a good courage, you are in the right hand of jesus Christ, and what honour is this to poor Creatures, that he should have such a care of them and love to them? Princes either cannot, or will not vindicate those they employ, from injuries and affronts, but the Lord Christ keeps his safe, and is a revenger of the wrongs of those he entrusts, he rebukes even Kings for their sakes, saying, Touch not mine anointed, nor do my Prophets no harm.  
A. Aff. Those Stars which consist of earthly matter, called up by the heat of the Sun, and enlightened by the same, (which are more properly called Meteors, than Stars,) they may, and do fall: so those Pastors and Teachers, which are earthly and sensual, flourished or glided over only with the light of an outward profession, being exhaled or drawn up by common illuminations, tastes of the good word of God, and powers of the world to come, may be cast down, and drawn from all that lustre and glory, with which they did shine in the Churches of Christ. Now we are not to understand these Stars any otherwise than in appearance & opinions of men, which may be discerned by their shooting from Earth to Heaven, and going out in obscurity and darkness when that matter which should feed them is spent, or when shaken with the boisterous winds of temptations and persecutions, as the Comets do, which by no means can be said of the heavenly bodies, therefore to be drawn from Heaven to Earth is not to be understood literally, but mystically; it is to fall from a heavenly hope and comfort, from an imaginary enjoyment of, and living in God, to carnal and earthly practices, to hugging and tasting worldly pleasures, it is of inhabitants of Heaven to become inhabitants of the Earth, Rev. 13.6.8. we find the distinction of these 2 sorts of men; such are all those Pastors who forsake God & the Gospel, & busy themselves only about secular employments.   

4. Q. How may Ministers be said to fall?  
An. They, with all visible Saints may fall, First in their own judgements, when the fire of heavenly truth, which did seemingly shine & burn in them, is quite extinguished, and covered over with the Ashes and Embers of Errors, Lies men's Fancies, Licentious Doctrines, which they hold forth as enjoined by God, fathering their fond and gross conceits upon him; such men are never constant and settled, but like wand'ring stars, as Judas speaks, ver. 13. moving from one opinion to another; like blazing exhalations, however they may carry it out gloriously for a time, yet they soon vanish & falter in their motions, whereby the People come to have false directions: such men are, in their doctrine, as unstable as reeds, because they follow the guidance of carnal and degenerated reason, which hurrieth them into destructive paths, and are not led by the Spirit into the ways of truth. Secondly, in their affections and practices, when the seeming ravish in the Spirit, and Soule-extasies are metamorphosed, and turned into a worldly greediness, when leaving the desires of God's countenance, they gape only after such dignities, advancements and preferments, as the creatures store-house will afford; when the getting of riches, and applause to themselves, is preferred before gaining of Souls to jesus Christ; instead of having their conversation in Heaven, by meditations and earnest long, and breathe of heart, they altogether mind Earthly things, they set the Moon in the wrong place, above their heads, when it should be under their feet, so, as I may speak, glorying in their shame; such men are far from Moses temper and disposition, elevated and lifted up above the quintessence of Creature-glories, he undervalved and slighted the best of the world, in comparison of Christ, Heb. 11.24. by faith he refused to be called the Son of Pharaohs Daughter; he was adopted a King's Son, he lived in all the delights & pomps of the Court, exempted from all trouble, he might have some hope in time to sway the Sceptre, & succeed Pharaoh in the throne; yet despising all this dignity, he went to visit his brethren, & chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God; he set more by the reproach of Christ, than the treasures of Egypt.   

5. Q. How doth the Dragon obtain such a victory over these glorious lights, which once sparkled in the eradiations of sound doctrine and holy conversation?  
Ans. By his tail; that was the means he used to give the defeat by, which we are to understand,  
1. By his strength and tyrannical opposition. Writers say, that the Dragon's main power lieth in his tail: we may credit it because the Scripture saith as much, Rev. 9.19. Their power is in their tails, for they were like unto Serpents, a Dragon is a grown Serpent. Thus by persecution, slaughters, and all the cruelties which wicked men could act or invent, as who are the Dragon's Agents, and carry on his designs, many Pastors and Teachers wanting that boldness and Courage which becomes the Soldiers of Christ, have fell from their brightness of doctrine, and exemplary walking, to lose tenets, and corrupt lives; for fear of fire and sword, they have fashioned their conversations according to their lusts in their ignorance, according to the Prince of the power of the Ayr.  
Secondly, By daubing insinuations. Some creatures fawn with their tails, so doth the Dragon; Yet intends nevertheless mischief. Thus he comes with the promises of outward peace and quietness, with the enticing baits of pomp and greatness, and so in all ages he hath met with, and prevailed upon the ambitious and covetous humours of divers, who, like Judas, to fill the Bag, have turned against their Master, or Esau, to satisfy their hungry appetites, have chosen the Pottage before the blessing.  
Thirdly, By venom and poison. The Dragon's tail is full of infection, and with it he destroys and kills the souls of multitudes, I mean by false doctrines, and intoxicating opinions; to broach and vent these, he daily stirs up persons whom he furnisheth with the subtle guiles and sophistry of hell; by this means in all ages he hath corrupted and tainted divers, who have fallen from sound Principles, turned their backs, and stopped their ears to the charm of heavenly truth, and wholly given themselves up to wicked tenets, contrary to Scripture: He is now gone out as a lying spirit in the mouths of some, and hath prevailed; that which Christ predicted before his death, that many false Christ's, and false Prophets should arise and deceive many, we see fulfilld in our days; We have many who take upon them a form of Godliness, and in their words and deportment are transformed into Angels of light, whereby they gain and win much upon men, who are led by these flourishings and varnishings to follow their pernicious ways.   

6. Q. What was there in the Stars, which hastened their fall, or furthered the Dragon in casting them down?  
Ans. It's a truth, that Mans own corruption is his advantage: was it not for that enemy which every one harbours within himself, the enemies without him could have but little encouragement to make an Attempt; the best of us have Traitors in our bosom, which if God give us not grace to watch over, they will betray us into the hands of our Adversaries; such had these Stars, which did them more mischief than the Dragon: Three things especially did bring them down from the top and pinnacle of their glory.  
1. Lingering desires after Creature-vanities, they choke and stifle the most refined if common gifts of the Spirit; however men may seem to burn with zeal for God's glory, and to be set on fire with ardent desires of fellowship with him, yet if they halt between two opinions, having their hearts distracted and divided, they will never be able to hold out, when profits and preferments are offered; the World is a subtle Enemy, most pleasing to the dispositions of all, and by reason of her vicinity and neighbourhood easily and unawares steals upon us, and hinders us from the seeking and pressing after better and more enduring Comfort, and contentments; how many of those that call themselves Ministers of Jesus Christ, who like Stars of the first magnitude had high places in the Churches, and affections of God's People, preferring the sweetness of outward pomp and greatness, before the true honour of being Christ's Ambassadors, have with the Serpent crept upon their bellies, and eaten dust, given themselves wholly to heap up wealth, applause among men, and not to exhortation, instruction, exemplary walking? Christ saw cause to warn his Disciples, and in them all Christians of the cares of this life, Take heed lest your hearts be overcharged, etc. God and the World cannot dwell together, they are as contrary as light and darkness, which expel one another from the same subject. God will have have all the room in our souls to himself, he must be loved with all the heart, and all the strength: Earthly things must have none o● our affections; for where they are entertained, they shut out God and Christ. Intus existens ●rohibet alienum, is true in nature, When a Vessel is filled with one solid body, it cannot receive another; so also here. Well doth John caution believers, Love not the world, for if any love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. And David a Prophet prays, Incline mine heart to thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. The Dragon did not leave Christ himself unassailed, when he shown him all the Excellencies of terrene things, he knew it a most prevailing argument, and when this would not do, he fleeeth away, as despairing of Victory. The want of sobriety in pursuit and use of outward blessings, stains and spots the glory of those who take upon them the Office of Stars, to shine in the darkness of the world. The Apostle Paul very well compares them to weights, Heb. 12.1. Earthly things keep men down from aspiring Heaven-ward, and God-ward, from heaving their souls upward, and pluck from heaven when the feet of their souls carry them thither. Men may get as it were into heaven by contemplations and long, and obtain a place amongst the Stars in the view of others, yet, if they do not sit lose from the World, and are not gathered up above the Moon, they will soon descend, like a heavy body, which so soon as the violence forcing it ceaseth, afterwards of its own accord tends to the Centre. Ministers, above all, should have their hearts weaned, as david's was, Psal. 13.1, 3. Hannah had devoted Samuel to God, to spend all his days in and about the Tabernacle in Shilo, however she brings him not thither as soon as he was born, but first Weans him, 1 Sam. 1.22.24. he could not have abode in the Tabernacle, had he not been Weaned; though a man be drawn up to Heaven, and numbered among the Celestial bodies, yet if he be not Weaned from the Earth, he will not long continue there, he will be hankering after the world's breasts, he will speedily come down to suck that Milk.  
Secondly, Not placing their chief happiness in things above; they did not make heavenly things their treasures, they hoarded not up there, how can they be in Heaven and stay there, when their affections are not there? and the only way to get their hearts into Heaven, is to get their treasures into Heaven. So saith Christ, Mat. 6.20, 21. The heart and the treasure are indivisible, not to be separated; where the Carcase is, there will the Eagles be gathered together: Christ's Eagles mount aloft, and sit with him in heavenly places. Christ among other beauties of the Church takes notice of this, as a special one, Cant. 7.4. her Nose is like the Tower of Lebanon, one would have looked upon this, as a deformity and discommendation, but by it, is set forth, that spiritual sagacity and quickness of smell, whereby the Saints resent and savour things above, being carried after Christ, the true Carcase, with unspeakable pleasure and delight: but some have their Senses and Noses in the earth, with the Swine, as themselves are of the earth; pofessions, inheritances, are the things alone sweet to them, therefore they cannot be long absent. Would we therefore like true Stars be  & unshaken, let us make Christ our treasure, let our cry be, None but Christ, none but Christ, let him be precious to us as to all believers, the well-beloved of our Souls, the pearl of great price, let all things else be counted as lose and dung in comparison of him. The Sun extracts vapours, so doth the Son of righteousness the affections of his people. When Christ is lifted up in the desires and esteem of men, he draws to and keeps them with him. Where the loadstone is, that way it draws Iron, if beneath it brings it down, if above it brings it up: many descend, because their loadstone is in the Earth, but those that pitch their loadstone in heaven, make Christ their loadstone, need not fear their continuance in Heaven.  
3dly, The want of an intrinsical principle of grace. I grant they had an extrinsical flourish, but they were far from inward dispositions, else the Dragon's tail had never prevailed. Hence is it that they could not make any long stay above. Stars which fall & go out are taken up by an outward agent as the Sun: so those Pastors which appear to converse and live in Heaven, and afterwards are precipitated to the earth, were never drawn up by their own proper inclinations, which did proceed from something within themselves, but by the outward workings of the Spirit. Heavy things we know go downward, because natural propensity inclines them to descend; so light things go aloft, because they have an in not principle carrying them that way: so those teachers which continue in their orbs, & the Dragon's tail cannot hurt●, have such a frame of spirit, that is still lifting their hearts on high, such are in a sure and safe condition, the gates of hell cannot prevail against them. I deny not, but the best may have some diversions and clogs upon them, which may hinder and take them off for a time, from God and Christ, and heavenly things; however, they will never be at rest, until they are set that way again. The needle of the Compass if once touched with the Loadstone, may by some violent motion be shaken from its rest, yet if it be let alone, it will not cease till it comes to the North point: so when a man's spirit is touched with Christ, he may notwithstanding be acquainted with distractions and worldy encumbrances, yet his heart will never give over working and moving till it is again centred in him. There is a fire coming down from God of an active aspiring nature, that falls upon all faithful Pastors of Christ, and burns and consumes all Earthliness and carnality, and causes them to ascend to God, it makes heavenly thoughts go up like pillars of smoke; Fire doth not more naturally arise, than grace in a sanctified heart causes that soul to make ascensions into heaven.   

Use. Let me tell you, who are glittering Lamps of heaven, moving in the sphere of Christ's right hand, that you are exposed to the rage of the Dragon, you are not freed from his tail, he will endeavour the casting of you down from your shining in the Church of Christ, he covets the Crown of Stars on the Woman's head, which makes her so glorious to beholders, he knows very well that God hath appointed you to rule the night, that by you he disperses and scatters the light of heavenly truth to the dark erroneous World, he understands how destructive and prejudicial your influences are to his designs and purposes, who holds men and women in subjection to himself by ignorance, blindness and superstition; he is not ignorant wherefore God set up your function, to batter and weaken his Kingdom, and to advance the Sceptre of his Son: We find therefore in all Ecclesiastical Histories he hath most set himself against, and opposed the faithful Ministers of jesus Christ, and by Clouds and tempests endeavoured the eclipsing of their glory, and depriving the Churches of the Stars lustre: so he dealt with those by whom the Gospel was first noised and founded abroad, Rev. 8.7. By Angels there I do not understand those, who are so ex naturâ, by nature, the immaterial beings, but ex officio, by office, an Angelical spirit in men concionally proclaiming the glad tidings of peace, by the trumpets, I conceive there is an illusion to those spoken of Numb. 10.1, 2. etc. which God appointed the Israelites to use for gathering of Assemblies, and which were blown at the year of jubilee, a type of a more joyful sound, which David calls them happy who hear, even that sung by the heavenly choir, On Earth peace, good will towards men, The meaning is, when the Apostles and Primitive Preachers first began to divulge the grace of God, the Dragon by slaughters, and massacres, did endeavour to hinder the Echo of it to the world, and by these storms the third part of the trees, a great many excellent lights, faithful messengers of Christ, compared here to Trees, for their fruitfulness and shadow, were consumed, and others professing Christ, by the heat of those flames were scorched and burnt to ashes, called grass for their imbecility, and subjection to casualties, and green, propter fidei & charitatis vigorem, this is an allusion to the 7th Egyptian Plague, Exod. 9.24. And I think it to be understood rather of the calamities that fell upon the godly, than the wicked, because they are compared to Trees in Scripture, Psal. 1.3. When the second Angel blew, [A great Mountain] Empire's, Kings, and Tyrants, who swell, and are big with pride and power, are so called, that expostulation we read of Zach. 4.7. Who art thou great Mountain? etc. is true in the Letter of the Persian Monarchy; by it therefore is meant some mighty Kingdom, whether Roman, or any other I shall not determine [burning with fire] that is, Anger and rage, against all those that had not the mark of the Beast; the fumes and vapours issuing out of it, were threaten and revenge [cast into the Sea] the gatherng together of the waters God called Sea: such, such are men being unstable and violent, therefore compared to the breaking in of a Flood; the Sea here is the universality and multitude of Nations, People and Languages: This Mountain with fury and madness rusheth into the world, what then? the third part of the Sea became blood. The horse on which Christ rides, his Church, which bears his name, changeth colour from white to red, being all besmeared with the blood of Martyrs, divers were crushed with the weight of this Mountain, the third part of creatures died, that is those did profess Christ, and the third part of ships were destroyed, the Churches whose Pastors are their Pilots. Now if ever it concerns you, look to yourselves, for the Dragon is come down in great wrath, though not in hail & blood mingled with fire, yet we may perceive the sad effects of his tail in the putting out of some, owned for great lights. The third Angel is now sounding, Rev. 8.10. And there fell a great Star from heaven. I shall not so far impair the large extent of this Prophecy, to think Pelagius the Star here spoken of, or any other Haeresiarch, as many do, who was a stout champion of Free will, and an opposer of Original sin; he fell from heaven by his defection, from the Church of Christ on earth, great in regard of learning, not without a show of religion, by which he deceived many; thus he burned like a lamp the name is called Wormwood, v. 11. he taught that which was contrary to the sweetness of the grace of Christ, (viz.) Man by pure naturals might convert and save himself, by this, and such like pestilent and bitter doctrines, Magnam partem Episcoporum amaricavit & perdidit, however this is a truth, though not with respect to the person of any, yet to the succession, and things themselves, our age bears sufficient witness, not only a Star, but Stars are fallen from heaven, called Wormwood, that is, some Pastors are fallen from purity of doctrine, which formerly they did maintain, and have taken up the bitter morsels of humane inventions, errors, ambition, covetousness, and this is cast into the rivers and fountains of water, that is, the same infection hath tainted & imbittered others, even a third part of those who pretend to be Ministers of Christ, by whom, as by fountains, the wholesome and sweet streams of sound and incorrupted doctrine should have flowed, for the refreshing of the People of God. However these floods of errors and false doctrines rush in and threaten an inundation and overwhelming, yet the faithful Ministers of the Gospel need not fear, for it shall not reach them: let the waters roar and make a noise, they are kept safe, as Noah in the Ark, from perishing, let times and places be never so bad in which they live these considerations may comfort and support them.  
1. Com. con. God will not suffer the Dragon to break asunder his order, whereby he hath appointed to teach and call men, the Ministry is God's Ordinance, of his own establishing, and being of God it will stand, a number will be left, though the gates of Hell oppose, sufficient to serve his providence in the conversion of souls. Do but meditate a little on the stability of God's decrees, the Council of the Lord shall stand. We vary in our opinions and apprehensions, not the same yesterday as to day, but Christ is the same, yesterday, and to day, and the same for ever; Nothing can subject him to a mutation; no power or policy can prevent his purposes, he hath committed the word of reconciliation to men: Therefore there must be a succession of men, to hold forth this word in several ages to the world's end. It's confessed, the Lord, with whom is wisdom and strength can without and against means, immediately by himself save his people, but for his own greater glory he will rather do it by weak instruments, carried on, and assisted with his own outstretched arm, which all the Dragons cannot prevail against.  
2. Com. con. The blessing of the Church belongs to jesus Christ, who hath undertaken to furnish it with Pastors, till his appearing in glory, Eph. 4.11. Christ after his ascension and complete inauguration, as the Father's Plenipotentiary, or as it is the manner of Kings at their Coronations, gave gifts to men, some for Apostles, & some Teachers, for the edifying of his own body: the manifestation of the Spirit, is not bestowed for self-admiration, or to get esteem with men, but for the benefit & profit of Christ's members. The office of the high Priest under the Law, did notably represent and typify the Office of Christ in the Gospel, he had the care of the lights of the Sanctuary, and was to keep them from going out, therefore he did see to the supplying of them with oil; the Dragon may strive to blow out all the lights God hath set up in the Church, but Christ who wakes in the midst of the seven golden Candlesticks, hath an eye always over them, & takes care that they never want the unction of the Spirit.  
3. Com. con. Christ is always present with the Prophets of the New Testament; when he sent out his Disciples and charged them to teach all Nations, it is like their carnal hearts, which did dote much upon Christ's fleshly presence, scrupled the success of their preaching; what we poor Fishermen set upon the world, and preach a Christ, every where spoken against, and hated? It's expedient indeed, saith Christ, that I go away, and take this body from the Earth, yet you shall be no losers, I will be with you by my Spirit and gracious assistance to the end of the World. Sometime indeed Christ may seem to absent himself, and retire from his conflicting servants, he may pour out upon them hail, and fire minggled with hail, and smite them; he may cast down fiery mountains and bruise them, yet Christ is in the fire, and in the hail, although his people cannot see him; however the Dragon may so far prevail, as to overcome some in respect of their Person, yet he cannot in respect of their Faith; by this they overcome the world and hell.  
4. Com. con. The remuneration or reward which through the merits of Christ shall be given those, whom God honours with gaining of People to Christ, and makes instrumental in opening their eyes, he will crown with an exceeding weight of glory, such, as they are now hosts of heaven or Saints of high-places, so hereafter they shall shine like the Sun in the Firmament, or Stars for evermore.   
FINIS.