Tropes and Figures
IX. So a wise and faithful Minister takes special care to give directions about the Door into God's House, that all whom Christ would have enter in, may not be at a loss about it, nor stumble as it were at the Threshold. 'It is absolutely necessary, that they are acquainted with, and able to show to others, what are those initiating Ordinances into the House or Church of God. And sad it is to see so many worthy Ministers among us at so great a Loss in this respect; as is demonstrated in a small Treatise, written by Mr. W. R. entitled, A sober Discourse of Right to Church-Communion. It hath always been asserted by Christians of all Persuasions, (till of late) that Baptism in Water, that holy Sacrament Christ ordained and left in his Church, is absolutely necessary to Church-Fellowship and Communion; though touching the Subject and Manner of the Administration of that Ordinance, there hath been much Controversy: but sure I am, the Word of God is very full and plain in this Case.
1. The Lord Jesus hath positively enjoined Repentance, Faith, and Baptism, to be taught as the first Principles of his sacred Doctrine, and as Fundamentals of Church-Communion and Fellowship. See Mat. 28.19, 20. Heb. 6.1, 2.
2. This also was the Door the holy Apostles (those wise Master-Builders) directed Persons to, and opened for entrance in the Primitive Time: Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, &c. Then they that gladly received the Word, were baptized; and the same Day there was added unto them about three thousand Souls. Acts 2.40, 41. Compare this with Acts 8.48. & 16.33. Gal. 3.27. And hence 'tis said; By one Spirit are we all baptized into one Body, or to be of one Body. Moreover, as it is in the above-cited Treatise proved, upon an Examination of the Records of the next Age after the Apostles, 'tis evident, the same Order was retained and kept up, as appears by Justin Martyr, in his Apology to Antoninus Pius, the Roman Emperor.
Divers Disparities are also here omitted, and left to be enlarged by the studious Reader.
Inferences.
THis may inform all that look upon themselves to be spiritual Builders, to take heed they do not refuse the chief Corner-Stone, as the Jewish Builders did: Remember the Foundation is laid, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.
II. It may caution them to take heed they build with fit Materials, not with Wood, Hay, and Stubble, but Gold, Silver, and precious Stones.
III. It may caution them to take heed they build according to the Rule. Let them not mistake the Rule, the Pope or Church of Rome is not the Rule, as we have shewn in the First Volume, Book 3. pag. 1, 2, 3. General Councils are not the Rule; the Light within is not the Rule; the Word of God is the only Rule, by which these Builders of God's House must do all their Work.
IV. It may caution them to take heed they do not make any other Doors into the Church, than what Jesus Christ hath made. The Door that let into the natural Church of the Jews, is shut up by him that hath the Keys of David; Birth-Privileges will not give a Right to Church-Membership under the Gospel. Think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our Father, &c.
V. It may caution them to take heed they do not leave out of the Building any principal Pillar, lest their Building prove defective, and stand not long. 'It is a fearful thing to alter, add to, or diminish from the Word of God. Rev. 2.2.
Ministers compared to Pillars.
Gal. 2.9. And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed Pillars, &c.
MInisters are like Pillars in the House of God.
Ministers compared to Shepherds.
Ezek. 34.9. O ye Shepherds, hear the Word of the Lord.
MInisters, in divers places of the holy Scriptures of the New Testament, are compared to Shepherds.
Inferences.
HEnce Ministers may be greatly encouraged to a faithful and careful Dis • harge of their Trust; for that they serve the Lord Jesus, whose the Sheep are they feed, who will reward them in due Time.
II. It may also caution them to be very careful, that they feed Christ's Flock with no other Food than what is of Christ's providing.
III. It may inform all the Flocks and Sheep of Christ, over whom the Holy-Ghost hath appointed Shepherds or Overseers, (1.) To prize their faithful Ministers, observe their Doctrine, and eye their holy and heavenly Conversation. (2.) To walk as Sheep. (3.) To keep close to their Fold.
Ministers compared to Ambassadors.
2 Cor. 5.20.
We are Ambassadors for Christ,
&c.
Eph. 6.20.
For which I am an Ambassador in Bonds,
&c.
THe Words, Ambassador, Legate, or Messenger, are synonimous Terms, properly such as are commissionated or deputed betwixt distant Parties, to transact Affairs of Moment. The Term is applied to the Ministers of the Gospel; and it sets forth, 1. The Dignity, 2. The Duty of Ministers.
Note. Faithful Ministers are Christ's Ambassadors, &c.
Inferences.
THis shows what great Dignity God hath conferred upon his faithful Ministers; and this Title should procure an honorable Esteem of them in the Hearts of all Persons to whom they are sent. And this is more necessary to the good Success of their Message, than is generally thought; though 'tis evident, what Ministers speak upon this Subject is misconstrued, as if they herein rather sought themselves, than to befriend the Gospel, or advance the Honor of their Master. Men are ready to interpret it as a Fruit of their Pride, and an Affectation they have of some outward Grandeur, and worldly Pomp, which they design to gain by such a magnificent Title. The Apostle himself was sensible of this, and yet would not desist to magnify his Office; and therefore saith he, Let Men so account of us, as Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God, and that they should judge nothing before the Time.
Object. But some may say, If God will use Ambassadors to treat with Sinners, why doth be not use Angels? &c.
Answ. 1. The Apostle answers this: We have this Treasure in earthen Vessels, that the Excellency of the Power may be of God, and not of us.
2. Ministers being Men, have the Advantage many ways above Angels for this Work. (1.) They are more concerned themselves in the Message they bring, than Angels are: What greater Argument for a Man's Care, than his own Interest! (2.) They have a more deep Sense arising in their Hearts, upon the account of the Temptations they are subject to, &c. (3.) The Sufferings which Ministers meet with for the Gospel's sake, are of great advantage to their Brethren; had Angels been the Ambassadors, they could not have sealed to the Truth of their Doctrine with their Blood, they cannot die, &c. (4.) Besides, the Presence of Angels might terrify and afrighten us, their Glory is so great, &c.
II. This shows, that Ministers have a special Commission: How shall they preach, except they are sent? They must have a lawful Call to this Office, as Ambassadors have.
III. Let poor Sinners from hence be persuaded to hearken to them, and carefully receive the Message Ministers bring from the great God, and accept of Terms of Peace, and close in with Jesus Christ.
IV. It shows the wonderful Love of God, and the great Care he hath of Men's Souls.
V. It shows what an intolerable Affront is offered to the Majesty of Heaven, by those that abuse or deride the Ministers of the Gospel; and much greater, by them that persecute and imprison them for delivering their Message. Paul was an Ambassador in Bonds, &c.
VI. It shows the Weight and Importance of the Preachers Message; it is not a slight or sleeveless Errand they come about: I set before you this day Life and Death. — Hear, and your Souls shall live. He that believeth not, the Wrath of God abideth on him. Go into all the World, and preach the Gospel to every Creature. He that believeth; and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned.
Ministers compared to Rulers.
Heb. 13.7. Remember them which have the Rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God, &c.
MInisters of the Gospel are Rulers or Governors, &c.
Inferences.
ANd now to conclude with this Head, from the Whole we may infer these Particulars following:
1. That a true Minister of Christ, is one that is truly converted, a gracious, holy, and sincere Person, one that hath the experience of the real Work of God upon his own Heart.
2. A Member of a true constituted Church, i. e. a Community of godly Christians, that have given up themselves in a solemn Covenant, in the Fear of God, to walk in Fellowship and Communion together, according to the Rule of the Gospel; amongst whom the Word of God is truly preached, and the Ordinances duly and in a right manner administered.
3. That he ought to be chosen by the Church, according to the Direction left by the Apostle, 1 Tim. 3.1, to 6. Tit. 1.5, to 9.
4. That he ought to be a discreet Person, endued with considerable Gifts and Abilities by the Holy-Ghost.
5. If called to be a Pastor or Elder, he ought to be ordained by the laying on of hands of the Presbytery, or Eldership. 1 Tim. 4.14.
6. That he ought to be very laborious, and give himself wholly to the Work of the Ministry; making the Word of God in all things his Rule.
7. That he ought to have a comfortable Maintenance allowed him by the Church, to which he belongs, if they are able to do it: That this is their Due by Divine Right, though not a forced Maintenance, otherwise than Love to God, his Truth, and People, whose Duty forceth them to allow their Ministers a Competency.
Secondly; We may infer, That the Work of a Minister of Christ is no easy, but contrariwise a very hard and difficult Work: Who is sufficient for these things? So hard, that many of Christ's Servants of old undertook it with much trembling, which made them cry out, Send by whom thou wilt send, &c. So hard, that a Saint with all his natural Parts is not sufficient for it; nay, a Saint with all his acquired Parts is not sufficient for it; nay, I may say, a Saint with all his spiritual Gifts, Graces, and Endowments, without fresh Supplies of new Strength, is not sufficient for it.
Thirdly; It informs us wherein the Difficulty of the Ministers Work doth lie; and that,
1. In respect of themselves, who are employed in it. (1.) They are but Men: Son of Man, I have made thee a Watchman; and they commonly none of the wisest and most learned in the esteem of the World neither. (2.) Man at the best is a darksighted Creature: We know but in part. (3,) Man at best is attended with Weaknesses, and carries a Body of Sin and Death about with him. (4.) Man at best hath but small Skill, and short Experience. (5.) Man at best is subject to great Discouragements, and liable to Temptations.
2. In respect to the Work itself, a Minister's Employment is very hard and difficult. (1.) 'It is a mysterious Work; what Mysteries are greater than those a Minister is to study and dive into? Without Controversy, great is the Mystery of Godliness, &c. (2.) 'It is difficult, in that it calls for the greatest Care and Exactness imaginable: Add not to his Word, &c. (3.) In that it calls for the Strength of his whole Soul. (4.) In that it is a Work that consisteth in divers Parts; there are many Things in which a Minister ought to be well instructed, as appears by what hath been said. (5.) In that it is a Work which calls for much Diligence; a slothful or idle Person is not fit to be a Minister. 'It is a Work that must be followed continually: Preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, exhort, with all Long-suffering and Doctrine.
3. It is a difficult Work, in respect of the Opposition that is made against them, or from those grand Obstructions they meet with, 1. From their own Hearts; 2. From Sin; 3. From Satan; 4. From the World, (1.) By Reproaches and Contradictions of the Ungodly; (2.) By Heretics, and False-Teachers; (3.) From Persecutors, &c.
Fourthly; We may infer from what hath been said in opening these Metaphors, That Gospel-Ministration is of absolute Necessity.
1. Because God hath ordained Preaching as the ordinary Means for the Conversion of Sinners: Faith cometh by Hearing, and Hearing by the Word of God.
2. God hath gifted, and graciously endowed some Men, on purpose for this Work.
3. He hath given plain Directions to his People, how and whom to choose and ordain, &c.
4. The Necessity further appears, by considering the Nature of the Similes and Metaphors we have opened: Sinners are in Arms against God; and these are his Ambassadors, by whom he treats, and offers Terms of Peace to them. Christ designs to espouse Sinners to himself, and these are his Spokes-men, by whom he effects this glorious Enterprize.
Fifthly; It shows also, That the Ministers Function is a most noble and honorable Employment; and that all due Respect, Esteem, and Obedience ought to be given to them.
Sixthly; We may infer, That many who pretend themselves to be Christ's true Ministers, are none of his Ministers, but rather a Shame and Reproach to that venerable Name, Work, and Office.
Seventhly; Let us learn from hence to bless God, that we have so many able and worthy Ministers of Christ in our Land. O let us pray for them, and desire God to send more of these Laborers into his Harvest. Pray ye the Lord of the Harvest, &c.
Eighthly; It sharply reproves many Churches and Professors, for the great Neglect of their Duties towards their Ministers: What a Day do we live in! How is Christ's Interest, Ministers, and poor Saints, forgot, slighted, and neglected! O that God would raise up some to cry aloud, and spare not, but lift up their Voice like a Trumpet, to show God's People their Transgressions, and the House of Jacob their Sins!
Metaphors, Similes, AND Other borrowed Terms, &c. CONCERNING FALSE TEACHERS.
False Teachers compared to Wolves.
Acts 20.29. I know, that after my departure shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the Flock, &c.
A Wolf is in Hebrew Zeeb, Gen. 49. in Chaldee, Deeba, and Deba; the Arabians call him Zebab; the Greeks, Lycos, and Lagos, and Lycania; and Lycos, among some of the Arabian Writers, is borrowed from them, as Munster hath noted in his Lexicon of three Languages: The Italians call it Lupo; in French, Loup; in Spain, Lobo; in Germany, Valff; in English, Wolf.
The common Epithets of this Beast, amongst several Authors, are these, Sour, wild, fierce, bold, greedy, wary, swift, bloody, hard, degenerate, gluttonous, hungry, flesh-eater, famishing, harmful, cruel, furious, insatiable, treacherous, martial, ravenous, nightly, &c.
There are five sorts of Wolves: The first is called Toxenter, a swift Wolf; the second Kind are called Harpages; and these, saith my Author, are the greatest Raveners, to which (saith Topsall ) our Savior alludes, Mat. 7.15. The third Sort are called Lupus Aureus, a Golden Wolf, by reason of his Colour; the fourth, Acmone; the fifth, Ictinus. I know, that after my departure shall grievous Wolves, &c. Not Wolves only, but grievous Wolves, such as are called by some 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Snatchers, or ravening Wolves.
Note. Some False-Teachers may fitly be compared to Wolves, to ravening Wolves.
Inference.
LEt us learn from hence to take heed of False-Teachers, and inquire into their inward Parts; labor to search thoroughly into their Doctrine, and not be deceived with the outward Show of Holiness in their Lives: for they come (remember) in Sheeps Cloathing, but inwardly are ravening Wolves.
False-Teachers compared to Foxes.
Cant. 2.15. Take us the Foxes, the little Foxes, &c.
MOst Expositors understand, by these Foxes, these little Foxes, the Holy-Ghost means False-Teachers, who may be compared to Foxes in these respects following.
Parallels.
I. THe Fox is subtle and crafty; so (you have heard) are False-Teachers.
II. The Fox is not only crafty, but cruel to harmless Creatures: So are False-Teachers to the Souls of Men.
III. Foxes invade in the Night-Time, like Wolves, &c. So do Deceivers, whilst Ministers sleep, or are secure, or neglect their Watch.
IV. Foxes are great Spoilers of Vineyards: So False-Teachers do great hurt to the Church of God.
V. Foxes never go strait forward, but by crooked Windings, &c. So False-Teachers never keep to the plain Letter, and express Meaning of the Word of God, but have their Shifts and Evasions, and unnatural Inferences, whereby they seek to defend their evil Doctrine, &c.
VI. Foxes are often taken by Traps that are laid for them, &c. So are False-Teachers often found out and discovered by the true Ministers of Christ: But these, as natural brute Beasts, were made to be taken and destroyed. 2 Pet. 2.12.
[ See more of Foxes under the Head of Metaphors concerning Wicked Men, and Persecutors.]
False-Teachers compared to Wells without Water.
2 Pet. 2.17. These are Wells without Water, &c.
FAlse Teachers are in this place compared to Wells without Water.
Parallels.
A Well is a fit Receptacle for Water, and 'tis expected Water should be therein; but if it be empty, it greatly deceives and disappoints them that come to draw Water out of it: So Ministers should be stored with much Grace and heavenly Doctrine, &c. But those who come to a False-Teacher, to receive Instruction and Comfort for their Souls, are grievously deceived.
II. A Well that hath no good Water in it, may notwithstanding have much Dirt and Filth, and some foul and stinking Water: So False-Teachers, though they are empty and barren of good Doctrine, yet it may be they have much corrupt, detestable, and abominable Filth of false Doctrine, Error, and Heresy in them, which foolish Ones are greedy of, draw out, and take down, to the poisoning and utter ruin of their Souls.
False-Teachers compared to Clouds without Rain.
2 Pet. 2.17.
These are Wells without Water, Clouds that are carried with a Tempest, to whom the Mist of Darkness is reserved forever.
Jude 12.
Clouds they are without Rain, carried about of Winds,
&c.
AS False-Teachers are compared to Wells without Water, so likewise they are to Clouds without Rain, carried with a Tempest, &c.
Parallels.
SOme Clouds seem as if they had much Water or Rain in them, though empty: So some false Teachers do seem very like the true and faithful Servants and Ministers of Christ; they in outward Show appear devout, and talk like Saints, pretending to much Humility and Godliness, as if they were the very Men that God had appointed to dispense his Word, and heavenly Truth: But alas! they are but mere empty Clouds, being only filled with airy and unprofitable Notions. Some Clouds (as Pliny observes) are nothing else but mere empty Vapours, and these are often carried very swiftly with the Wind: So False-Teachers are carried away as empty Vapors, with the Wind of Delusion, or false Doctrine.
II. Clouds prevent or hinder Mortals from beholding the glorious shining of the Sun, and tend greatly to darken the Heavens: So False-Teachers obstruct (in a great measure) the glorious Gospel in its Light and Splendor, from shining upon the Souls of Men, and tend to darken the blessed Light of Divine Truths, in a Nation where they abound, and are countenanced.
False-Teachers compared to Deceivers.
2 John 1.7. For many Deceivers are entered into the World, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the Flesh; this is a Deceiver, and an Antichrist.
DEceiver, or one that causeth to err, is by the Greeks called, a Despiser; by the Chaldee, a Mocker, Mat. 27.63. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a notable Cozener, Impostor. Ainsworth. See Liegh 's Crit. Sacr. seduced, and seducing others: Such our Savior and his Apostles were reputed, but falsely; others are truly so called, who deal fraudulently and false-heartedly with God, Men, and their own Hearts.
THE Church of ROME, Mystery Babylon. The GREAT CITY, and GREAT WHORE, Revel. 17. Proved to be the ROMISH CHURCH: WITH THE Grand Objections of the Papists Answered.
REV. 14.8.
And there followed another Angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that Great City, because she made all Nations drink of the Wine of the Wrath of her Fornication.
REV. 16.19.
And great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the Cup of the Wine of the Fierceness of his Wrath.
REV. 17.5.
And upon her Forehead was a Name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS (or Fornications) AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
REV. 18.1, 2.
And after these things, I saw another Angel come down from Heaven, — And he cried mightily with a strong Voice, saying, Babylon the Great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the Habitation of Devils, and the Hold of every unclean Spirit, and a Cage of every unclean and hateful Bird, &c.
IN the handling of this great Subject, it seems needful to give an Account of the various Opinions, that have (more or less) pr • scented themselves to the World about it, which may be reduced to these four following Heads.
I. That it is Jerusalem; and that for two Reasons:
1. Because the Man of Sin, or last Beast, that is to head this Babylon, is set forth by St. Paul, to sit in the Temple of God, showing himself to be a God.
2. Because this City where the Beast reigns, and shall slay the Witnesses, is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where our Lord was crucified.
II. That it is the Turkish Empire, or Power of the Saracens; which Mr. Mede somewhat touches, and in a brief way most learnedly argues against, in his third Book, pag. 644, 645.
III. That it is indeed Rome, the Seat of the fourth or last Empire, but Rome in its Heathen State, under the idolatrous and persecuting Emperors: So the Rhemists would have it, if there be a Necessity to fix upon Rome to be this Apocalyptical, or Mystery Babylon. For this Opinion the present Romanists have no better Advocate than Dr. Hammond, who hath done very worthily at other Turns. See his Annotations upon the 17th Chapter of the Apocalypse.
IV. That it is the present Power and Church of Rome, who under pretence of the most high and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, doth influence and govern the Secular Power and State of Kingdoms. Of this last Opinion were the ancient Waldenses, who felt the bloody Power of Rome, venting itself in most horrid and barbarous Cruelties against them, and that for a long Series of Time, as appears by our most Authentic, Ancient, and Modern Writers, who give a very ample Account of the great Persecution of Christians, for many hundred Years last past, in all Parts of the Christian World, where they have had Power. To which Opinion of the Waldenses most of our modern Protestant Divines agree, of which we shall mention only Cartwright, Fulk, the worthily admired, and Learned Mede, not forgetting famous Du Moulin of France; as may be seen in their Works at large.
But because we will not take Things upon Trust, nor refer the Reader to many Quotations, which he may want Books and Time to satisfy himself about; it appears needful, that we remove the Objections with as much Brevity as possible, before we state the Metaphor, and run the Parallel.
Now that Babylon in all these New-Testament Texts cannot be fairly applied to Jerusalem, the Turks and Saracens, nor terminate in the Heathenish State of Rome, we offer these following Considerations or Arguments:
I. It cannot be meant the City Jerusalem:
1. Because Jerusalem did not reign over the Kings of the Earth in St. John 's time, when he saw this Vision, and wrote the Revelation, which this City Babylon is expressly said to do: And the Woman which thou sawest, is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth. Jerusalem having been not only under Captivity divers times before, but were then entirely under the Power of the Roman Yoke, as the whole History of the Gospel doth confirm, and themselves did most plainly confess: We have no King but Caesar.
2. Jerusalem was never in so high esteem with the Beast, as to be capable to ride as Queen-Regent upon him, (as this Woman, Whore, or City is said to do): And the Angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the Mystery of the Woman, and the Beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven Heads, and ten Horns. Rev. 17.7. compared with Vers. 3. So he carried me away in the Spirit into the Wilderness, and I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast, full of Names of Blasphemy, having seven Heads, and ten Horns, — For by the Woman sitting, and Beast carrying, is undoubtedly signified, Influence, Power, and Dominion, which Jerusalem was far remote from, not only under the Roman Monarchy, but also under the three Kingdoms that went before it, viz. the Babylonian, Grecian, and Persian; as might be largely illustrated both out of Sacred and Human History.
3. Jerusalem did not sit upon many Waters, which is interpreted to be People, Nations, and Tongues; that is, had not Command or Dominion over them, as this Woman, Whore, or City is said to have: And he saith, The Waters which thou sawest, where the Whore sitteth, are Peoples, and Multitudes, and Nations, and Tongues: The whole Land of Judea being under Tribute to the Roman Government at that time: And it came to pass in those Days, that there went out a Decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the World should be taxed; and particularly, Galilee, Nazareth, Judea, and the City of David, called Bethlehem.
4. Jerusalem was not capable to enchant and bewitch all the Nations round about her, either by her Religion and Doctrine, or by great Gifts and Rewards.
(1.) Because the Roman Power kept her under, and much in awe, on the one hand, not owning nor subscribing to her Religion.
(2.) The Christian Doctrine and Religion block'd up her Way, on the other hand, that she could not extend her Influence to either neighbouring, or remote Nations, as this Woman, Whore, or City is said to do: For thy Merchants were the great Men of the Earth; for by thy Sorceries were all Nations deceived.
5. Jerusalem, though she were guilty of much Blood, from the beginning of her Excellency and Glory, in Solomon 's Time, killing Prophets, even all that were sent unto her, murdered John the Baptist, and our Lord and Savior, as also the blessed Martyr, St. Stephen; yet in her could not be found that great Mass of Blood that was shed, and Myriads of Christian Saints that have been barbarously murdered, by Massacre, and public Martyrdom, since they were ruined and destroyed by Titus Vespasian, which we find positively charged upon this City Babylon: And I saw the Woman drunk with the Blood of Saints, and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, and I wondered with great Admiration; as indeed well he might, (as shall be shewn. ) And in her was found the Blood of Prophets, and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the Earth; that is, since the Destruction of Jerusalem.
6. And lastly; Not to multiply more upon this Head, though Jerusalem was fearfully destroyed, as the History of Josephus shows; yet shall she rise again, be built upon her own Heap, be replenished with her own Children, which this City Babylon under Consideration shall never be, after this Catastrophe which John saw visionally coming upon it: And a mighty Angel took up a Stone, like a great Mill-stone, and cast it into the Sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
II. It cannot be the Turks and Saracens, for two Reasons offered by the Learned Mead, lib. 3. p. 643.
1. Because though they did arise to great Power in the World, yet they had not their Seat in that great City, which in St. John 's Time reigned over the Kings of the Earth, which this Babylon is expressly said to have.
2. That they did not rise by Apostasy from the Christian Religion, which this Babylon (with her Head, the Man of Sin) did; for, as this worthy Author saith, the Turk (whatever he be) could be no Apostate, because he was of a Nation that never was Christian.
To which we shall add something for the clearing of this Head, that we may discharge that Debt we owe to God, to the Church, and the World.
3. It cannot be the Turks, because they are not strangely and wonderfully mysterious, which this Babylon is said to be: And upon her Forehead was a Name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And the Angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the Mystery of the Woman, and the Beast which carrieth her, which hath the seven Heads, and ten Horns.
What special Mystery hath shown itself to the World from the Turks and Saracens, more than from other common Empires or Kingdoms, that is matter of Admiration to the wisest of Men? Is it matter of Wonder, that the Turks do own but one true, and most high God? Is it matter of Wonder, that they do own Jesus Christ to be a Prophet, and a good Man? Is it matter of highest Wonder, that they prefer Mahomet above Jesus? Is it matter of Wonder, that they appear true to their Contracts, in Matters of Civil Commerce? Is it matter of highest Wonder, for them to endeavor to keep what Dominion they have, and to enlarge it, to make Slaves and Prizes of those professed Enemies they take Prisoners? We say, in none of these things is there any high Mystery, or matter of greatest Wonder, being Things common to all Places and Kingdoms invested with Power: For,
(1.) Did not the great King of Literal Babylon own the only true God, yet still held the Church in Captivity?
(2.) Did not Israel own the same, and yet kept their Idols, after their Revolt from Judah?
(3.) Did not Judah prefer Moses above and before Christ, and at that time when Christ was personally amongst them, working most stupendous Miracles, which did evince his Divine Mission? Nay, did they not prefer a common and notorious Villain before the blessed Lord of Glory, when they desired a Murderer to be freed, and pressed hard to have the good and blessed Jesus, the Savior of the World, killed? And did not this wise Apostle know this to be true in Fact, and to equal, nay, out-do anything that the Turks or Saracens ever did, or can be accused of? And if St. John was transported with astonishing Wonder, at Matters much less than he had seen before, doth it not give good reason to suspect him of Weakness and Defect, that he should suffer himself to be surprised with the greatest Wonder, at far less Things than he had seen and known before? Certainly therefore we must conclude, there was something more of Mystery in John 's Vision, than what hath been shown to the World by the Great Turk, or any other Power; and indeed, undoubtedly, the greatest Mystery that ever the World was acquainted with: For the Characters of Babylon must either be singular, that is, such as none have besides; or else they must be transcendent, to go far beyond what others had in a lesser degree. Otherwise John might have kept the Description of Babylon to himself, there being no clear Distinctions, to render the wisest and most discerning Men able to make a Judgment upon her. The Mystery then that is written upon this Woman Babylon, seems clearly to lie in these Particulars following.
First; That she doth transact the most horrid Wickednesses that ever the World was, or is like to be, acquainted with.
Secondly; That under this monstrous Guilt, she is prodigiously confident, and without all regret, or show of Shame, and most impudently boasts of the highest Sanctity and Holiness in the World, viz. That she is totally pure, infallibly certain, and cannot err, &c. That this indeed is a Mystery to be wondered at, let it be considered,
(1.) That a Shepherd should be a Wolf, and devour that Flock which he pretends to be an Overseer or Pastor of.
(2.) That a professed Servant of Jesus Christ, and the meanest of Saints, should exalt himself above his Master, and not above his Master only, but above the God of his Master, and all other deputed God's, that are Vicegerents to the King of Heaven, by slighting and trampling upon the Holy Scriptures, and Laws both of God and Princes, dispensing with the Breach of them, indulging the highest Violation thereof, and setting up his own Inventions, Traditions, and Decrees above them; insomuch that there is a thousand times less danger (in their esteem) in respect of Excommunications, and Corporal Punishments in this World, or of Damnation in the World to come, in breaking and violating the Laws of God and Princes, than there is in the Violation or Breach of the Inventions, Traditions, and Decrees of Mystery Babylon, and her Head.
(3.) That one sitting in the Temple of God, pretending himself as a poor Apostle, Vicar, and Successor of Christ, nay, as the Successor of a poor Fisherman, should wear the highest Ensigns of Imperial Dignity!
(4.) That he should be so lordly, and prodigiously insolent, (who was commanded to the greatest Humility and Abasement) as to tread upon the Necks of Emperors, kick off the Crowns of great Princes, and make Kings his Foot-Pages.
(5.) That he should pretend highly, yea, most highly, to God, Christ, Religion, and Holiness, and yet espouse to himself, as the Darlings of his Bosom, not only the chiefest Sons of Belial, but all that will decline Sanctity and Religion, and embody themselves with those First-born Sons of Wickedness, that are of the highest Magnitude, and engage themselves in such monstrous and butcherly Practices, that human Nature, as such, could never act in the butchering of brute Beasts.
(6.) That the Spouse of this prodigious Monster should in Profession own God, Jesus Christ, and the Things of Religion, of which Justice and Charity, Holiness and Compassion are not the least Part; and yet under this Vizard, and in the very time of these Pretensions, perpetrate the greatest and most unparalleled Villanies in the World: 1. In being the Top of Pride. 2. In committing palpable Idolatry. 3. Fill themselves with Excess and Drunkenness. 4. To curse, swear, and blaspheme the very Name they profess to be sacred. 5. To cast down the Truth, burn the Bible, deface the holy Books and Laws of God. 6. To assume not only a Power to dispense with Violations of the highest Nature, but to pardon and forgive them at pleasure. 7. To commit Adultery, and account it a venial Crime. 8. To break Covenants, drive a Trade in Perjury, forswear everything they are justly charged with, and is fully proved against them. 9. To foment Wars and Broils in every Kingdom and Country where they have Power; contrive the Ruin of Towns and Places, Cities, Countries, and Kingdoms, by Fire, Sword, and most cruel Devastations. 10. To slaughter, kill, and barbarously murder, both Men, Women, and Children, even all that dare make a show of Conscience and Religion, so far as to abhor and dissent from these Villanies.
This is such a Scheme of Religion, and System of Divinity, to come from an Apostle, a Shepherd, a Vicar and Successor of Christ, from a Church, Sheep, Saints, and the pretended Followers of the meek, peaceable, and innocent Jesus, who taught altogether otherwise by his Doctrine and Example, that it might well be wondered at, and is the strangest Mystery that ever appeared, of which we challenge the whole World to show the like in the Turks and Saracens. For Men to swear, lie, and forswear themselves, and yet be true Men: to contrive Rebellion, Murder, and Treason; and yet be as innocent as the Child unborn: to be elevated to the highest Pinacle of Pride, even above Emperors and Kings, above Jesus Christ, and God his Father; and yet be humble and lowly: To commit gross Idolatry; and yet be the Servants of the Living God: To be filled with, and make a Trade of Excess and Drunkenness; and yet be the Paterns and Standards of Sobriety and Temperance: To cast down the Truth to the Ground, deface the Laws of God, and burn the Scriptures; and yet be the true Witnesses to it: To forgive Sins, and yet be the greatest of Sinners themselves: To commit Fornication and Adultery; and yet be spotless and pure in Heart; To foment Wars and Broils in every Kingdom and Country where they have Power; to contrive the Ruin of Towns and Places, Cities, Countries, and Kingdoms, by Fire, Sword, and cruel Devastations; and yet be as harmless as Doves to all Mankind, the only Sons of Peace and Quietness: To slaughter, kill, and barbarously murder Men, Women, and Children, that dare not be so wicked as themselves; and yet to be full of Mercy, tender Pity, and Compassion; an Apostle, Shepherd, Vicar, and Successor of the meek and Lamb-like Savior. And for the dear Consort of this impious Head, or Man of Sin, to be not only confederate with him, but a Principal in all these unparalleled Villanies, and most butcherly and rapacious Murthers; and yet be the Holy Catholic Church of God, the pure and spotless Spouse of Jesus Christ, the true Sheep, the harmless Lambs, the best of Saints, and close Followers of the Lord Jesus, who always taught the contrary by his holy Doctrine, and meek Example. We say, these Things not being found by secret Search, but are written in Capital Letters upon her Forehead, appear in open view, to be read by everyone that is not willfully blind: Let any one show us a greater Mystery in the World than this, and we will subscribe to it.
4. It cannot be the Turks, because they are not the Mother of Harlots, and Abominations of the Earth, which this Babylon is said to be, Rev. 17.5. And upon her Forehead was a Name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And here we demand, in excuse to the Turks, this one Thing:
From whence did proceed the Murthers, Massacres, and Martyrdoms of all the Religious Professors of Christianity, that have died by violence in the Christian World, for the space of twelve hundred Years last past? And from what People did proceed those horrid Oaths, Blasphemies, and Execrations, that the World hath woefully been acquainted with, most horrid and strangely astonishing to repeat?
Came these unparalleled Degrees of Impiety from the Turks? from the Waldensians, Lutherans, Calvinists, or any Non-conforming Protestants? No, no. Why, whose Language then is it? Whose! Why, 'tis the Language of the Beast of the bottomless Pit, and bloody Whore, who bare these blasphemous Sons of her own Body, daily nourishes them at her Breast, and strengthens them in their sinful Courses, by accounting them the Sons, the precious Sons of Zion, the true Sons of the Catholic Church, the Darlings of Heaven, the beloved Ones of the Virgin Mary, and giving them Pardons for these bold and Heaven-daring Sins, as often as they do commit them, and come to ask Pardon for them; so that Sin and Pardon is as constant and common with them, as Breathing and Eating. And these Things are done to seal and confirm Lies, which is the more heavy, heinous, and prodigious: For if Men may lie by allowance; may kill, and shed innocent Blood, without Controul of Conscience, and Church-Censures; may swear and blaspheme, and challenge God himself to damn them; may burn Men for Religion, consume Cities to Ashes, conspire the Death of Kings, the Ruin and Overthrow of Kingdoms, whore, and murder Infants; and yet be accounted a Church, the Members and Parts of it, called Saints, holy Children, and Sons of the Most High God: Then may we claim a Patent, and take a License to change the Name of all Things, and alter all the Idea's of the Minds of Men; call and account Beelzebub a good God, and all his black Tribe, the pure Saints of the Most High; call the lower Regions of Blackness and Darkness, to which he is confined, the Heaven of Glory and eternal Light. Of which Things we ought in Justice to clear the Turks, until Witnesses of undoubted Credit shall come forth, and evidence, that the Turkish State is the Mother of as great Abominations as these are.
5. And lastly; The Turks cannot be Mystery Babylon, because they never were made drunk with the Blood of the Saints, and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, which this Woman, Mystery Babylon, is expressly said to be, Rev. 17.6. And I saw the Woman drunk with the Blood of the Saints, and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus; and I wondered with great admiration. Now let any Man show such Bloodshed, Saints Bloodshed, by Massacres and Martyrdom, for the professing of Christianity, (which must be, if the Text be answered in that Clause, Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, ) by the Turks, either within their Dominions, or without, as hath been shed by a Generation nearer home, and we shall become like the Man without a Wedding-Garment, wholly speechless, and say not a Word more about Babylon.
III. Now that Babylon in the Apocalypse, is Great Rome, that in former Times reigned, and in future Times shall be destroyed, is owned by some of the Papists themselves, and is asserted by all Protestants; the Difference betwixt them is brought to this narrow Point. The one wholly confines Babylon to Rome Heathen, and there totally to terminate; the other brings Babylon down lower, to Rome Antichristian, or Papal Rome. Now that this Work may be to Edification, and more full Satisfaction in this great Case, we shall advance to the last and chief Secret that is to be opened and considered, namely, Whether all Things in John 's Vision or Prophecy, that are applied to Mystery Babylon, did completely terminate in Rome Heathen, and come no further?
In Answer to this great Enquiry, we do, with the Body of Protestants, in opposition to the Papists, conclude the Negative, viz. That all Things in the Apocalypse applied to Mystery Babylon, did not terminate in Rome Heathen. The Reasons of which Negative are as followeth.
1. Because the Beast that Mystery Babylon rides on, is the eighth Head, or last Ruling-Power of that City that is seated upon seven Hills, which must be Rome Papal, because the whole Race of Rome Heathen was gone off, before the eighth Head came up. — The sixth Head was in John 's Time; the seventh was to come, and continue but a short Space, The Beast that carrier the Woman, viz. Babylon, is of the seventh, but is the eighth, and shall be the last; for he goeth into Perdition. This being so evident from the Letter of the Text, needs nothing more to confirm it. Now that Rome Heathen was not the last Part of the Romish Power, is not only the full and joint Consent of all Writers upon this Subject, but is so evident to all the Christian World, that it would be Vanity itself to make a Show of Proof. The Conclusion then is this: If the very last Part of the Roman Power carries the Woman Babylon, and that the Heathen State of Rome went off before, and was not the last; then Babylon could not terminate in Rome Heathen, but must come down to Rome Papal. See Rev. 17.3, 7, 9, 11.
2. If Babylon be totally terminated in Rome Heathen, then the Book of the Apocalypse is of little use to the latter Ages of the Christian World: For if the whole Transactions relating to the Persecution of the Church, and the Slaughter and Destruction of God's Enemies, did end in Rome Heathen, then it served only to give a characteristical Account of a Beast and Whore that was grown old, and ready to go off the Stage; but hath wholly left us in the dark, and given us no notice at all of that horrible Confusion, and bloody Persecutions, which have reigned in the Christian World for more than a thousand Years last past; which for Length of Time, Numbers of Murthers, and Manner of Cruelties, hath out-done all the Wickedness of Rome in its Heathen State. Which is not at all likely, that a Vision should be given, and a Revelation made, and called so, about a State that was almost expired, and the most great and principal Part wholly left out, and said nothing to. Who can imagine, that a careful Savior should be so full in his Discoveries to the Jewish Church, concerning their Sufferings, and the Time under Egypt, and Babylon Literal; and be so short and lean to his Gospel-Church, to leave them altogether without any written Profpect, or extraordinary Prophet, to inform them what should come to pass in the World, from the going off of the Power of Rome Heathen, to the end of all the Churches Troubles, which have already lasted above a thousand Years? The Conceit of which is fit but for two Ranks of Men to receive, viz. the Roman-Catholics, and such Protestants as look for Antichrist to come at the end of the World, after the Restauration of the Jews to their own Land, and building a material Temple at Jerusalem, where Antichrist shall sit three Days and an half, or Years, to kill two Men called the two Witnesses.
3. If this last Babylon was wholly to terminate in Rome Heathen, then there was no Cause of Wonderment and great Admiration for a wise Man, to see in a Vision an Heathenish State, under a Diabolical Influence, to perform Actions suitable to their State, and not contrary to their Professions: For what matter of Wonderment can it be to feel the Wind blow, to see the Sea foam, and hear the Waves rage and roar, when the Winds oppose its Effluxion? And what Cause of great Wonderment and Admiration for a wise Man, to see wicked Heathens oppose and persecute Christianity, when it is so suitable to their Spirit, and agreeable to their Profession so to do, we cannot yet understand, and we will diligently listen to them who will undertake to inform us: For the thing is true, that a wise Man did wonder at the Sight he saw with great Admiration, Rev. 17.6. I saw the Woman drunk with the Blood of the Martyrs of Jesus, and I wondered with great admiration. Wonder'd! O strange! At what? To see that which was common to all Ages, the Seed of the Serpent, that professed Heathenism, the Wicked, even the worst of the Wicked, by Principle and Profession, to plot against the Righteous, and to gnash upon him with their Teeth; Idolaters, professed Idolaters, to persecute the Servants and Worshippers of the true God; those that were born after the Flesh, and lived after the Flesh, to persecute them that were born of the Spirit, and lived after the Spirit. Surely, if our Adversaries Opinion was true in this Case, that Babylon is only Rome Heathen, St. John had forgot that Cain killed Abel, and Ishmael persecuted Isaac; and took not so much notice of the Course of the World, common to every Age, as Paul did, who said, But as he that was born after the Flesh, persecuted him that was born after the Spirit; as it was then, so it is now: And what strange Wonder is in all this?
4. Rome Heathen never was espoused, married, or united to the Lord Jesus, in a spiritual way, visibly owning his Laws, and submitting to his Government, as a Wife submits to, and obeys her Husband, and afterwards casts him off, and chooses another Head and Husband; and therefore cannot be Mystical Babylon, or the great Whore: For though these Heathens were great Idolaters, yet were they never charged with spiritual Adultery, nor could they, unless they had once, by visible Profession, made a Covenant with, or espoused themselves to the Lord Jesus, which Rome Papal before its Apostasy did: Therefore Rome Heathen could not be the great Whore, or Mystical Babylon.
5. Rome Heathen cannot be the Babylon set forth by St. John, unless she be guilty of all the Christian Blood shed upon the Earth since the Destruction o • Jerusalem: For as the Guilt of all the Blood shed from righteous Abel, to the Death of Zacharias, is by our Savior fixed upon Jerusalem, and cannot be removed to another People; so the Blood of all the Martyrs and Followers of Jesus, is by this Revelation •• x'd upon the last Babylon, R • v. 17.6. And I saw the Woman drunk with the Blood of the Saints, and of the Martyrs of Jesus. Chap. 18. v. 24. And in her was found the Blood of the Prophets, and of Saints, and of ALL that were slain upon the Earth. But Rome Heathen was not guilty of all the Christian Blood that was shed upon Earth, by Murthers, Massacres, and Martyrdom, since the Destruction of Jerusalem: For to look back but for six hundred Years last past, in which Time we shall find Hundreds of Thousands of professed Christians most butcherly and barbarously put to Death, for their Zeal and Love to the Christian Religion, in the respective Nations of Europe, before which the Heathenish State of Rome was gone off about the space of six hundred Years. So that if we will regard the full satisfying of this Prediction about My •• ery Babylon, we must of necessity bring her down lower than the Heathenish State of Rome.
6. Rome Heathen cannot be this Babylon under Consideration, because the Discoveries of other Prophecies, relating to the same State, no way agrees to the Power of Rome Heathen.
(1.) This State of Babylon is called the Mystery of Iniquity. This no way agrees to Rome Heathen, but fully agrees to Rome Papal. Compare 2 Thess. 2.7. with Rev. 17.7. viz. For the Mystery of Iniquity doth already work. — The Angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the Mystery of the Woman, and of the Beast that carrieth her.
2. The Head of this State of Mystery Babylon is called the Man of Sin, by way of Eminency, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , not only beyond the common Rank of Men, but beyond the highest Sons of Wickedness that went before him. And there is a great Truth in this; for if we consider the Pope in respect of Pride, Hypocrisy, Idolatry, and Blood, he is the most unparalleled Man of Sin.
(3.) This State, or Mystery of Iniquity began to work in the Apostle's Days, which is no ways applicable to the Power of Rome Heathen; for that did not then begin, it being at that time in the very Meridian of its Greatness, and universal Sovereignty: Luke 2.1. And it came to pass in those Days, that there came out a Decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the World should be taxed.
(4.) This Man of Sin, Mystery of Iniquity, or Head of this Babylonish State, is say to be let or hindered in his Designs: He that now letteth, will let, until he be taken out of the Way. 2 Thess. 2.7. But now Rome Heathen had no Lett or Hindrance, either from the Word of God, for that declared it (as it was a Civil Magistracy) to be God's Ordinance; nor from any opposite Power, either Civil or Military, they giving Laws to the greatest Part of the World, and enjoying the Supreme Government of the best Kingdoms in the Universe, none being able to cope with them at that Time.
(5.) This Head of the Babylonish State is said to sit in the Temple of God, which the Power of Rome Heathen did not do, neither in the Temple of Jerusalem, nor in the Church, wh • ch is more properly the Temple of God: For the Jews kept the Possession of the Literal Temple, till it was destroyed; and for the Church of God, the Heathen Emperors never loved it so well, at to make their Residence in it. But the Bishop of Rome, before he shown himself to be that wicked One, viz. the Man of Sin, d • d evidently sit in the Church or Temple of God, and so fulfilled this Prophecy in the very Letter of it.
(6.) He (that is, the Man of Sin, or Head of this Babylonish State) was to rise by Apostasy, or falling away from the Christian Religion: 2 Thess. 2.3. There shall come a falling away first; exactly agreeing with another Prophecy to the same purpose, 1 Tim. 4.1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter Times some shall depart from the Faith, &c. But Rome Heathen did not rise by Apostasy from the Christian Religion, or a departing from the Faith, which they never professed, as is evident to the whole World: Ergo Rome Heathen cannot be this Babylonish State.
(7.) This Man of Sin, or Head of Mystery Babylon, lay hid in the Apostle's Time, and was not revealed: but the Power of Rome Heathen did not then lie hid, or wanted to be revealed; for it stood visible and high, upon a Hill, even upon seven Hills, according to the Roman Poet, Ovid, (who lived about the very Time of Christ's being on Earth) in Lib. de Tristibus.
That is,
Ergo, Rome Heathen cannot be this Babylonish State.
(8.) This Mystery of Iniquity is said to oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, 2 Thess. 2.4. But this the Power of Rome in its Heathen State did not do; for they worshipped, offered Sacrifices, and bore a Reverence to their God's, which by Nature indeed were no God's; and 'tis only the Head of Rome P • pal, that runs down all God's but those of his own making; Ergo, Rome Papal, and not Rome Heathen, must of necessity be this Mystery of Iniquity.
(9.) The Rise or Coming of this Mystery of Iniquity, is after the working of Satan, 2 Thess. 2.9. But the Rise of the Romish Greatness and Power, when Heathen, was not after the working of Satan, but was said by Daniel, to be produced by the Providence of God, or the four Winds of Heaven; and by the Apostle, to be Powers ordained of God. Rom. 13.1. Therefore Rome Heathen cannot be the Mystery of Iniquity, &c. here meant.
(10.) This Mystery of Iniquity is not only said to come after the working of Satan, 2 Thess. 2.9. but also with All Power, &c. But the Rise of Rome Heathen was not after that manner: Ergo, &c. To illustrate the first Proposition, note, That the Term [All Power] marks out the Romish Pope so notoriously, that whosoever runs may read it; for if we do but impartially consider his impudent Usurpations upon Crowned Heads, and his Pretences of Supremacy over the whole Christian World; his proud imperious Decrees, Bulls, &c. his Disposal of the Kingdoms of Princes, and the Inheritances, yea, the very Lives of private Persons, of any Rank, that dare disobey him; his Pretences to shut and open Heaven, Hell, and his feigned Purgatory; his carrying a Symbol of that vast and God-like Power, viz. a Brace of Keys hanging at his Girdle: All these will appear as clear Demonstrations, that the Head of Rome Papal is the Head of Babylon, and the Grand Impostor, or the Capital Manager of this Mystery of Iniquity, he having (most sacrilegiously) assumed to himself all Heavenly Power of damning or saving, and all Earthly Power, both Temporal or Civil, and Ecclesiastical or Sacred.
(11.) This wicked Babylonish State comes forth with a great Pretence of Miracles, which are but false Signs, and lying Wonders, to deceive and cheat the People; and by this means they conquer Nations, and carry away their Kings to their wicked Interest. This Rome Heathen did not do. For though the Heathenish Power of Rome did conquer Nations and Countries, with their Kings, yet it was by State-Policy, and Force of Arms, not by pretended Miracles, false Signs, and lying Wonders: Therefore Rome Heathen cannot be this Mystery of Iniquity, or Babylonish State.
(12.) This wicked State, under consideration, is declared not only to depart from the Faith by a palpable Apostasy, but to forbid Marriage, and command a long Lent, and many other Fast-Days, whereon some Sorts of Meats are prohibited to be eaten; which doth so fully agree to the Papal State of Rome, that nothing can be more plain, unless the Spirit had expressly told us, This will be fulfilled by Rome Papal. For these two things we have their Canons upon Record, the which if none can show the like of the Heathen State of Rome, then Rome Papal shall carry the Title of this Mystery of Iniquity, and Babylonish State.
7. If the Babylon, under consideration, be only confined to the Power of Heathen Rome, then there is a more evident and apparent Mystery upon the State or Power of Rome Heathen, than upon any Power or State that went before it, or should come after it; for so the Text imports, Rev. 17.5. And upon her Forehead was a Name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, &c. But there did no such Mystery appear upon the Power or State of Rome Heathen, therefore this Babylon cannot terminate there. What great Mystery appeared upon the Power and State of Rome Heathen, more than appeared upon the Power and State of the three foregoing Monarchies?
8. This Babylon cannot be confined to the Power of Rome only in its Heathen State, because Babylon is to continue till the good People shall (with the Horns that did support her, which is the last Part of the wicked and persecuting Power, answerable to the ten Toes in Daniel 's great Image) reward and destroy her, for the Injury that she did unto them, according to these three Texts of Scripture, Rev. 18.4. Dan. 7.22, 26, 27. Rev. 17.16. And I heard another Voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, my People, that ye be not Partak • rs of her Sins, &c. Verse 6. Reward her even as she hath rewarded you, and deal unto her double according to her Works: In the Cup that she hath filled, fill to her double: How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much Torment and Sorrow give her. And the ten Horns which thou sawest upon the Beast, these shall hate the Whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her Flesh, and burn her with Fire: Which the Power of Rome in its Heathen State felt not, but ended its Course, without being destroyed by good People, and the ten Horns, which is the last Part of the Image-Government. And in the Days of these Kings, (viz. ten Toes, ten Horns, ten Kings) shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed: And the Kingdom shall not be left to another People, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Which could not be fulfilled in what Constantine did in the Time of Maxentius, as Dr. Hammond would have us believe, for these three Reasons.
(1.) Because the ten Horns, that afterwards the Roman Power fell into, were not come up, and so could not destroy the Power of Rome in its Heathen State.
(2.) Because Babylon 's Persecution, Misery, and Confusion, did not utterly cease, which it must have done, so as to rise no more forever, if the Power of Rome Heathen destroyed by Constantine, had been this Mystery Babylon.
(3.) Because though there might be a Body of good People with Constantine, when he overthrew Maxentius, yet the Power of the Kingdom was not so established in the hand of good People, as not afterward to be left to others, as the Text affirms; And the Kingdom shall not be left to another People: For (as we shall anon show) the Kingdom or Power that ceased to be in the hands of Heathens, and by a mighty and divine Providence came to be in the hands of a worthy and renowned Christian Emperor, came afterwards into the hands of very Devils incarnate, who acted all the Violence of the Heathen Power over again, and indeed out-did them.
9. Those that are for confining this Babylon to the Power of Rome in its Heathen State, are not well aware what they do; for if they do demand it, their Opposites, who hold it to be Rome Papal, may grant it for Argument's sake: But then the Remedy is worse than the Disease; for they slip into such a Precipice, as neither Baronius, Bellarmine, Dr. Hammond, or the Rhemists, can save or deliver them from. The true State of the Case is this:
Rome Heathen is Mystery Babylon; this say the Papists: And the more willing they are to say so, because it is a good Argument to prove that Peter was at Rome, he subscribing his first Epistle from Babylon, 1 Pet. 5.13. The Church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you, &c. But this being allowed, the worst is to come. This Babylon is destroyed, when the Power of Rome Heathen is taken away, so as to be no more forever; but then what Condition doth the State of Babylon fall into? Doth it become the Throne of the Lamb, the City of the Living God, the Habitation of Holiness, and Dwelling-place of Zion, the true Church, the Place of the holy Ones, and Saints of the Most High? O no! What then? Hearken, and an Angel from Heaven shall tell you, Rev. 18.1, 2. And after these Things (of the Horns hating the Whore, making of her naked, and burning her Flesh with Fire) I saw another Angel come down from Heaven, having great Power, and the Earth was lightened with his Glory; and he cried mightily, with a strong Voice, saying, Babylon the Great is fallen, is fallen; and is become the Habitation of Devils, and the Hold of every foul Spirit, and a Cage of every unclean and hateful Bird. Now, you Papists, if you will needs have Babylon to be Rome Heathen, take it, and much Good do you with it; but then make Rome Papal better than an Habitation of Devils, if you can.
If it be not Rome Heathen, then adieu to Dr. Hammond, and the Rhemists, we have what we desire: If it be, then Rome Papal is a far worse Place than Rome Heathen or Babylon ever was; — And then what a fine Church do the People make themselves?
10. If the Place, Seat, and City of Rome was not utterly ruined, (so as to be no more forever as a Place of Commerce, Trade, and Human Society,) when the Heathen Power ceased, — then Rome Heathen cannot be this Babylon, because at the Ending and Downfall of this Babylon, the Place, Seat, and City is utterly ruined, so as to be no more a Place of Trade, Commerce, or human Society: And the ten Horns which thou sawest upon the Beast, these shall hate the Whore, and shall make her desolate, and shall eat her Flesh, and burn her with Fire. Verse 18. And the Woman which thou sawest is that great City which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth — for her Sins which God hath remembered, which have reached unto Heaven, therefore shall her Plagues come in one Day, Death, and Mourning, and Famine, and she shall be utterly burnt with Fire: For strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. Ver. 11, 12, 13. All Sorts of Merchandize, Traffick, Trade, and Commerce with human Society, shall cease, so as to be no more in her at all; and the good Things which she in Fulness enjoyed before, even all Things that were dainty and goodly, are now departed from her, and she shall find them no more at all, verse. 14. for in one Hour is she made desolate. And a mighty Angel took up a Stone, like a great Mill-stone, and cast it into the Sea, saying, Thus with Violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. Verse 21. And the Voice of Harpers, and Musicians, and of Pipers, and Trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no Craftsman, of whatsoever Craft he be, shall be found anymore in thee; and the Sound of a Mill-stone shall be heard no more at all in thee. Verse 22. And the Light of the Candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the Voice of the Bridegroom, and of the Bride, shall be heard no more at all in thee. Verse 23.
But the Place, Seat, and City of Rome was not so utterly ruined as to be no more forever a Place of Trade, Traffick, Merchandize, and human Society, when the Heathen Power of Rome ended.
Ergo, Rome Heathen cannot be the Whore of Babylon, under present Consideration, whose Seat or City hath since had a powerful Government, reigning in Pride and Pomp, for some hundreds of Years.
11. If Rome Papal be Mystery Babylon, the City of Pride and Confusion, that is set forth by St. Jobn in the Apocalypse; then neither the City of Jerusalem, the Seat of the Turks and Saracens, nor Rome Heathen, is or can be the same: But Rome Papal is the Mystery Babylon set forth by St. John in the Apocalypse — Ergo neither the City of Jerusalem, the Seat of the Turks and Saracens, nor Rome Heathen, can be the same.
The last Proposition is thus proved:
If all the Marks and Characters left us upon Divine Record, to prove Mystery Babylon by, do more aptly and fitly agree to Rome Papal, than to the City of Jerusalem, the Seat of the Turks, or Rome Heathen: Then Rome Papal; and not any one of them, is Mystery Babylon.
But the Marks and Characters left upon Divine Record, to distinguish and know Mystery Babylon by, do more aptly and fitly agree to Rome Papal:
Ergo, Rome Papal, and not the other, is Mystery Babylon.
For the clearing up of this Argument, we shall distinctly state the Character of Mystery Babylon, and run the Parallel betwixt her and Rome Papal, in this Method following.
1. Babylon is a Woman, which imports either a single Person, ranked in the Feminine Gender; or a Body of People related to some Head, Husband, or public Person, to whom she is joined in Wedlock, by Covenant, or Matrimonial Contract, as Eve was related to Adam, and therefore called Woman; or as Judah and Israel, who were joined in Covenant with God, and therefore called a Woman; or as the true Church now is married or joined to Christ, and therefore called a Woman. A single Person, as Eve was, she cannot be, because the Character given of her in respect of her State and Actions, doth no way comport with it: She must therefore be a Body of People, related to some Head, Husband, or public Person, as Judah and Israel of old was, who are often called by the Title of Woman; and in like manner Babylon, before her Degeneracy, were a People joined in Matrimonial Contract, by a Gospel-Covenant and Profession, to the Son of God.